April 30, 2005
PROTECT YOURSELF
When making purchases on auctions or on websites make sure you are well informed about what you are buying and the shipping charges. If purchasing on a website be sure to check the policies. In many instances, the policies will help answer your questions. If you have questions or concerns after reading such policies.. ASK QUESTIONS! How many times have you made a purchase only to find out that your item was fake or that there were extra charges that you weren't expecting? These issues can easily be avoided if you are in the know. If you are unsure about an item you are bidding on or something seems too good to be true.. ask around. I'd be happy to answer questions or direct you to someone or a website that has your answer. 

In Business Q and A
Andre Agassi, founder of the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation
Q. Last year your Grand Slam for Children's benefit raised $6.1 million for your charities and the foundation, which was down slightly from 2003. Are those charitable giving patterns likely to continue?

A. In 2003 we raised $12.6 million because we raised $6.3 million and we had Ty Warner match the whole thing. You're talking about a generous person who steps up and says I'll double whatever you make. We definitely don't count on that every year but certainly appreciate it. We've been very successful with our event so much so that we are now being more concerned about the evening representing everything we want it to be for everybody so that year after year we can do this, which means cutting down the auction a little bit so that it's more efficient and more of an overall enjoyable evening, which is going to cost a few dollars but we'll make that up in the long run. VIEW FULL INTERVIEW HERE

April 29, 2005
Scheme preys on people who mistype 'Google.com'
Thanks to Donna for sharing this info…
Security researchers have discovered an attack aimed at would-be visitors to Google.com, one that attempts to download malicious programs onto the computers of people who simply mistype the search giant's Web address.

According to security specialist F-Secure, unsuspecting Web surfers may be bombarded with various types of Trojan horse threats, spyware and backdoors when they go to "Googkle.com." The scheme is meant to take advantage of sloppy or hurried typists, given that on most keyboards the letter "k" key sits next to the "l" needed to type "Google."

Google representatives said the company had no comment on the matter for the time being. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

News Briefs
BEANIE BABY ARMY: A crowd of some 50 agitated Montecitans - frustrated that they couldn't speak their piece in support of Ty Warner's plans to remodel the Coral Casino at last week's Montecito Planning Commission hearing - jammed into the supervisors' reception area demanding to see 1st District Supervisor Salud Carbajal. Led by Warner's agent Greg Rice, the Warner faithful demanded the planning commission hearing be extended past the 5 p.m. hour so they could testify. The afternoon meeting time had been consumed by lengthy presentations from Warner's architects and county planners. Rather than allow only some members of the public to speak, the commission had opted to continue the hearing until another day. Carbajal, who had been in a different meeting at the time, relayed the crowd's frustration to Assistant County Administrator Ron Cortez, who in turn relayed it to the commissioners, who in turn extended the meeting time by one hour. Even so, there was still not enough time for Warner's supporters to speak. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

These Beanie Babies could save soldiers' lives
WALLINGFORD — Thomas Hennessey couldn't rest after reading a story last month about an Iraqi child who helped alert U.S. soldiers to a bomb in the road after she had received a Beanie Baby from one of them several days earlier.

"I became very emotional," said Hennessey, a Vietnam veteran and member of the Board of Education. "In essence, the Beanie Baby saved those Marines who would've been killed or wounded — all that for such a small item."

Hennessey, whose son, Mark Hennessey, is on his second tour of duty in Iraq, told the story to Parker Farms Principal Patricia Crowley, and recommended that she start a toy drive for Iraqi children.

Three weeks later, the 371 students at the school have collected nearly 700 Beanie Babies and other small stuffed animals, most of them donated used by the students.

"We told them not to buy new ones but to donate their old ones," said Nick Bartek, 10, one of the students helping coordinate the drive. "We hope kids will still donate more." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Company donates 'beary' special gifts to hospital
HAGERSTOWN - Thanks to the generosity of local Bon-Ton customers, the company donated 75 plush bears through its Bears That Care program to Washington County Hospital. The Herald Bears, an exclusive bear made by Ty Inc., maker of Beanie Babies, have soft white fur with white glittered wings.

During the 2004 holiday season, Bon-Ton sold an exclusive Beanie Baby named Star. The proceeds went to Bears That Care, an ongoing program that supports distribution of bears to pediatric patients and children in need. 

The Herald Bears were presented to Sandy Pollack, executive director, and Danni Lyles, donor relations, of Antietam Healthcare Foundation, a subsidiary of Washington County Health System Inc. The bears will be given to children at the Teddy Bear Clinic on the last day of the Festival of Trees in December.

Pollack said the Teddy Bear Clinic offers children in the community an opportunity to learn about health-related issues - such as dental care, hygiene, how not to spread germs and childhood obesity - through their teddy bears. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

More Beanie Babies headed as peace envoys to Iraq
A story indicating that a Beanie Baby may have saved the lives of members of a convoy of U.S. Marines in Iraq has encouraged a Roscommon merchant to continue her campaign to send the toys to deployed U.S. servicemen.

Mary Lou Bryce of Sandbar Designs said she planned to send two boxes of Beanie Babies to Iraq Wednesday. She already had shipped seven boxes since last fall [Editor’s note: Bryce’s earlier shipments were covered in a Dec. 9, 2004 story in the Resorter titled “Beanie Babies from Rosco on peace mission to Iraq.”]. Among the dolls in this week’s shipment is the entire Beanie collection of 16-year-old Roscommon resident Sara Brigham. Bryce said Brigham and other recent donors were inspired by a story reported by CNN last month.

The story quoted Marty Horn, co-founder of AnySoldier.com, who said a marine convoy encountered a four or five-year-old girl standing in the middle of the road, clutching a Beanie Baby the marines had given her a few days earlier. When the convoy stopped to see why the girl was standing in the road, the child pointed to a landmine the convoy would have tripped if it had proceeded. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: What was your favorite toy when you were a kid? (submitted by KitteeCat7790)
A: I had two favorites - my Lincoln Logs and my magnifying glass. I loved to build and tear down and build again with those logs. And my magnifying glass made exploring the back yard a real adventure ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

MAY INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/may05_intro
BEANIES: American Blessing, Benjamin, Cheesly, Cool Cat, Dad, Free, John, Opie, Thomas, Villager (Canadian Exclusive)
BUDDIES: Sam (red, white, blue), Twitch, Yapper
PINKYS: Sparkles

NOTE: My son suggest that Benjamin, John, and Thomas are named after Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson. 

DID YOU NOTICE
When adding the new RETAIL version of Opie to the website I noticed the eye color was different. The Sea Center Exclusive version has red eyes and the retail version has blue eyes.

April 28, 2005
THOUGHTS ABOUT SMARTY
I made a comment yesterday about Smarty and not understanding why there is now a Ty Store version. I realize there is a slight difference in the two. One wears red and the other wears black. Their poems are different. The coloring of the "fur" is a little lighter on the Ty Store version. That's about it. They both symbolize the SAME thing however and have the SAME name. I'm curious what your thoughts are on this one. Will you be buying BOTH? 

Donna writes: "lisa, i was wondering the same thing about smarty, why he would put it on the ty store. i was in our grocery store this afternoon and they sell beanies and smarty was there. its not even a very cute beanie in my opinion. doesn`t make much sense to me. baby girl and baby boy were there and they are really cute, they are the best boy and girl so far.the bride and groom are the best  so far too. didn`t buy them though. just my thoughts on these beanies. donna"

Debbie writes: "Hi Lisa, Do you know what is different from the "Smarty" the owl, sold in retail stores back in March and the one that was just introduced today in the Ty Store? Thanks for helping! Debbie"

APRIL RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/april05_ret
BEANIES: Always, Colorado, Peeps, Poet
BUDDIES: Baby Boy, Baby Girl

April 27, 2005
WHERE'S THE NEWS?!
I've done my usual searches and haven't found anything worthy of sharing. If you have something you'd like to share please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

April 26, 2005
The Prudent Press Agency The Buzz Poem
The key to any successful PR campaign revolves around creating interest in your company - both with your customers and with the media. In this article, we reveal tips for putting your business in the spotlight.

Buzz needs an igniter--a circumstance, a surprise, a shortage, an inside scoop, a juicy tidbit, the right timing, a giveaway, even some ambiguity. Prudent Press Agency PR Division is a celebrated igniter of buzz, as thousands of businesses can attest. If your buzz is truly buzz, you can bet other media organizations will jump on your buzz. Where do they get their gossip? Press Releases commonly known as News Releases! That's right! The buzz starts to flow when just one media organization runs your story. You can be sure each of these media outlets is certainly watching over the other. If one picks up your story, chances are others will follow. It's this repetitive story telling through a number of media outlets that will initially create your Buzz.

Celebrity Buzz When celebrities appear in a company's product advertisements, it can create a very loud buzz. Art Siegel, publisher of Florida-based SalesDoctors magazine, says this happens for two reasons: "We are unconsciously drawn to the familiar. So, right off the bat, the presence of a celebrity gives many customers an extra reason to stop and pay attention to the ad. Second is the widespread belief that a celebrity appearance in an ad represents a true endorsement - that the celebrity uses the product and believes it to be better than its competitors." Siegel adds that celebrity endorsements can carry the same weight for customers as a recommendation from a friend.

Giveaways There's another commonsense principle at work here. If you give stuff away as fast as you can, you whip up interest, which is the down payment buzz requires. It always surprises me how businesspeople devote so much time to building barriers to entry when they'd be so much smarter to let it rip!

Creating Demand Ty (makers of the infamous Beanie Baby toys) has an ingenious custom of "retiring" a number of its plushy critters every year. That's smart marketing--is it ever!--but it's also basic psychology. People go nutso for what they cannot have: Brownies. Butter. Beanie Babies VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Room for Two in the Tidal Pool
Two girls make their way through the tidal pool simulator as they look at starfish at the grand opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center on Saturday afternoon. The new Sea Center, located on Stearns Wharf, offers visitors a hands-on experience with marine life. VIEW PICTURE HERE

April 25, 2005
OPIE SOLD OUT
Thank you to Laura for pointing this out.
Hi Lisa I was just at the site to try to order Opie and this is what is posted:

The Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ is sold out for online and phone orders.

Limited supply is available in person at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center.

I am bummed out---Laura
https://www.sbnature.org/seacenter/opie_buy.php

MORE THOUGHTS ON OPIE
Linda writes: “Hi Lisa, When I saw in your newsletter that Opie was available online I went right to the site and ordered one. Took about a minute! I agree he's on the ugly side but EXCLUSIVELY ugly!! Tyme will tell if he grows on me. Shipping was $7.45. Linda”

Dotti writes: “Hi, Lisa! I actually wound up getting two Opies -- one from EBay and one this morning on-line from the Sea Center. I never did get a phone call back, but I'm happy to have been able to get them. Thanks for your wishes. Dotti”

OPIE RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/opie_retirement

Added note: I noticed that Opie's retirement states the following: "Ty Warner Sea Center Edition". This may mean there will be a regular retail version.

April 24, 2005
ORDERING OPIE
La Rue writes: "Lisa, was able to order Opie, the Octopus Beanie Baby online around 9 o'clock CDT this morning without any difficulties what-so-ever. Did have to pay $8.55 for the shipping charge for a total of $14.50. The shipping charges apparently are different according to your location. It was stated on the invoice that SB Museum of Natural History this shipping fee did not necessarily represent UPS published rates and may include handling charges levied by the Museum. Am very curious what fabric Opie will be constructed of. Also noticed on the Santa Barbara site "eight" was spelt eght but on the Ty site it is correct according the the tag. My Order #2147 and wonder if this is the number that had been ordered at this time. Can't hardly wait to see Opie! La Rue"

Dotti writes: "I was out today until just now and tried ordering Opie on line and there is now a message that, due to technical difficulties, Opie cannot be ordered on line, only by phone. And, of course, all you get is a busy signal. This is not an 800 number. Do you get charged for busy signals? UPDATE: Hi, Lisa! I just got through by phone, but all I got was a message center asking me to leave a message and that someone would get back to me. I hope this is the case. This is crazy! Dotti"

Tina writes: "Opie is uuuuuuuuuugggggggggllllllllyyyyyyyyyyyy. ew!"

PICTURES FROM OPENING OF THE SEA CENTER
"A faithfull reader" shares her pictures with Ms. Janie: http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/Opie_Museum.html

HOT OPIE NEWS from the SEA CENTER....
dinofan   (Apr 24, 2005, 06:47 AM)
Message Id: 967879
dinofan writes: Today I went to the Grand Opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara, CA. Here is some HOT NEWS from the Sea Center:

There will be 2 Hang Tag Versions of Opie. The one being sold now has the Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center info written inside the Hang Tag. Once these are gone....I was told that they are almost sold out already....another version will be available that doesn't have the Ty Warner Sea Center info written inside of the Hang Tag.

You should be very proud of the Sea Center Mr. Warner! I had a Very Nice visit today! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

INTERESTING POSTING
Opie, much excitement over very little methinks
scorrie   (Apr 23, 2005, 04:42 PM)
Message Id: 967657
scorrie writes: Let's face it, if this guy was a regular release sitting in your local retailers, he would not get a second glance. He would probably already be less than $2 on Meta. Throw in the word exclusive and then limited to one per person and suddenly he is the hottest ticket in town.

This is the secret of Ty's success, the fear factor of missing out on something one probably did not intend on buying. Way to go Ty, that old magic is still there, even if diluted these days. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

ORDERING OPIE ONLINE AGAIN
Opie is now being sold online again. https://www.sbnature.org/seacenter/opie_buy.php

NEW UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

April 23, 2005
TY ANNOUNCES THE NEWEST EDITION TO BEANIE BABIES
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Ty Inc. announce the "birth" of a special octopus Opie(TM), the newest limited edition to the Ty Beanie Babies(TM) collection to commemorate the grand opening of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center. The Ty Warner Sea Center Opie(TM) is extra special as all proceeds goes to support the Ty Warner Sea Center and its mission to inspire a passion for the natural world. (PRNewsFoto) VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

Ty Beanie Babies(R) Support Sea Center for Ocean Stewardship
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center and 'Limited Edition' Opie(TM) Are 'Born' on April 23, 2005 SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and Ty Inc. are proud to announce the "birth" of a special octopus Opie(TM) -- the newest limited edition to the Ty Beanie Babies(TM) collection -- to commemorate the grand opening of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center at noon on April 23, 2005. The Ty Warner Sea Center Opie(TM) is extra special as all proceeds goes to support the Ty Warner Sea Center and its mission to inspire a passion for the natural world. 

"This is just so exciting!" stated Executive Director Karl Hutterer. "We are just about to celebrate the grand opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center and to top it all off, Mr. Warner has once again demonstrated his dedication and generosity by especially creating Opie(TM) the octopus to continue his support of the Museum and Sea Center."

In April 2004, Beanie Babies® creator Ty Warner, donated $1.5 million towards the Sea Center revitalization project. In recognition of Mr. Warner's philanthropy the center was named the "Ty Warner Sea Center."

"I, too, am so excited for the opening of the Sea Center," said Ty Warner, CEO/chairman of Ty Inc. and of Ty Hotels and Resorts. "It is inspiring to support a world-class learning program and facility that goes beyond teaching, and strives to empower children and adults to be stewards of the Santa Barbara Channel, the oceans beyond and our entire world."

The Ty Warner Sea Center limited edition Opie(TM) will be exclusively sold at the Sea Center starting Saturday, April 23 for $5.95 each. However, members of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History had the exclusive opportunity to purchase Opie(TM) in advance at the Members-Only Preview of the new Sea Center on Sunday, April 17. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

INTRODUCING OPIE
http://www.ty.com/opie_intro

AUCTION UPDATE & MORE FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Sea Center Opens on Stearns Wharf
Stearns Wharf will swell with visitors tomorrow at noon, as the Ty Warner Sea Center — a project six years in the making — celebrates its grand opening.

The 7,000 square foot square foot aquarium, located at 211 Stearns Wharf, has over 30 exhibits offering information on marine life in the Pacific Ocean. In contrast with the old 2,700 square foot sea center located on Stearns Wharf, the Ty Warner Sea Center will feature a theater, classroom, outdoor program space and store. Sea Center director Jenny Theodorou said the sea center will be open everyday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for teens, students and seniors, and $4 for children.

The 4,000 square feet of the new aquarium reserved for exhibit space will house features such as a display focusing on the Channel Islands and an exhibit dedicated to sea mammals. Theodorou said her favorite exhibit is the tide pool, where visitors are able to see waves from under water through a clear, walk-through tunnel. She said these exhibits are designed to offer visitors a hands-on educational and research experience, similar to what one may find in a marine science lab. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ORDERING OPIE
Be forewarned.. it may take a while for you to get through on this link. It took me a long while and I believe it's because the website is being accessed by MANY people at once. Just keep trying and you'll get through eventually.

http://www.sbnature.org/seacenter/opie.php
The purchase of the Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ is limited to one Opie™ per online and phone order.  We apologize for any confusion and inconvenience.

Online and phone sales of Opie™ begin Saturday, April 23, 2005. To place your order online, please click here.

To place your phone order, please call
(805) 682-4711 ext.123.  Phone lines open at 10:00 AM (PST) on Saturday, April 23. 

The Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ sells for $5.95 (plus shipping & handling). Opie™ will be shipped in the continental United States by UPS.

April 22, 2005
ASK TY
Q: Will you be attending the opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara? (submitted by americanmaid)
A: I was lucky enough to get a tour of the Sea Center several months ago. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this Saturday's grand opening event . . . . but I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in Santa Barbara ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

SHIPPING CHARGES FOR OPIE
Denny shares with Ms. Janie
Here is the latest on ordering Opie! Their shipping cost looks to be a tad high! Beanie Grins! Denny The purchase of the Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ is limited to one Opie™ per online and phone order. We apologize for any confusion and inconvenience. Online and phone sales of Opie™ begin Saturday, April 23, 2005. To place your order online, please visit www.sbnature.org and click on the Opie™ banner link . To place your phone order, please call (805) 682-4711 ext.123. Phone lines open at 10:00 AM (PDT) on Saturday April 23. The Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ sells for $5.95 (plus shipping & handling). Opie™ will be shipped in the continental United States by UPS (average S&H is about $7.00).

Biting Back
Nick Welsh (a k a the Angry Poodle) has always felt that life was a series of conspiracies. His latest conspiracy theory last week sought to link the opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center with the Coral Casino historic restoration project ["Angry Poodle Barbecue," Apr. 14]. As an old federal prosecutor, I recall that you need factual evidence to prove a conspiracy. In this case, there are no facts to support the conspiracy.

When I approached Ty Warner for financial support for the Sea Center, it was because we (the Sea Center Campaign Committee) believed this was a unique opportunity to create a marine research lab facility for the community (especially schoolkids) and we needed financial support to complete the campaign. Mr. Warner has a special interest in the ocean environment, and he appreciated the quality and uniqueness of the exhibits we had designed at the Sea Center. His question was, "What will it take to finish this project?"

At no time during our discussions did he ever mention the Coral Casino or any other projects. His interest was in the exhibits and the marine science education opportunities for children of all ages. An agreement was reached, the funding was paid, and Ty Warner continues to support the new Ty Warner Sea Center. He has ideas for our logo and signage, and is providing a special new Beanie Baby "Opie" octopus for sale at the new Sea Center; all proceeds go toward operations of the facility. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 21, 2005
LIMITING OPIE
Denny shares the following with Ms. Janie: 
Due to the overwhelming requests and the limited supply of our special edition Opie the Beanie Babie, we will be limiting online and phone orders to one per person.

You may order online at http://www.sbnature.org or call 805-682-4711 x123 on Saturday, April 23.

Thank you very much,
Amy Carpenter
Director of Visitor Services
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-682-4711 x123

acarpenter@sbnature2.org
www.sbnature.org

April 20, 2005
San Ysidro Ranch Announces New Culinary Director
Montecito, Calif.  – Former James Beard Foundation winner George Mahaffey has been named as the new Culinary Director of the famed San Ysidro Ranch, announced Duncan Graham, Managing Director. 

About San Ysidro Ranch

Nestled in the exclusive enclave of Montecito on over 500 acres in the foothills of the Santa Ynez Mountains, San Ysidro Ranch is a tranquil hideaway providing the finest in hotel luxury. The property features 40 luxurious accommodations, most with private patios and fireplaces. A full array of in-room spa treatments, 17 miles of lush hiking and walking trails, two award-winning restaurants, an organic, working chef’s garden, tennis courts, a heated pool, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands, create an atmosphere of relaxation, serenity and luxury. For reservations, call 800.368.6788 or visit www.sanysidroranch.com.

About Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts

Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC was founded and is solely owned by Ty Warner, creator of the extremely popular plush toy, Beanie Babies®.  The Company currently owns the Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara, Four Seasons Hotel New York and Kona Village Resort in Kona, Hawaii as well as the Montecito Country Club, San Ysidro Ranch and the Sandpiper Golf Course in Santa Barbara, California. Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts recently completed the purchase of the acclaimed Las Ventanas al Paraíso in Los Cabos, Mexico.  Mr. Warner, a dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, formed Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts for the purpose of acquiring one-of-a-kind, irreplaceable luxury hotels and resorts throughout the world.  Mr. Warner is not interested in merely owning such properties, but in evolving them into luxury icons by creating a dynamic vision for rejuvenation and enhancement.  Mr. Warner is a hands-on owner who is intimately involved in each and every aspect of his hotels and resorts, and he has a passion for creating an unrivaled standard of excellence in the luxury hospitality marketplace. Mr. Warner is committed to investing the creative, management and financial resources necessary to ensure that each property realizes its ultimate potential, both qualitatively and financially. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

OPIE ON eBAY
I've done a search for OPIE and have found 37 auctions so far. One seller has 8 in-hand already! How does someone have this item in their possession when it's not yet been released? Do they work for Ty? I do have a suggestion for all of you collectors that will want to add OPIE to your collections... BE PATIENT! Why do collectors feel they need to be the FIRST to own a certain Beanie?! ;o) It's not necessary to place high bids on this Beanie when it will be available to order online on Saturday. At least wait and see how much this Beanie will be selling for. My guess is it will be $5.99! 

INTRODUCING HOLY FATHER
In memory of His Holiness Pope John Paul II - http://www.ty.com/Holy_Father

April 19, 2005
UNUSUAL FIND
Michael needs your help with finding out info on his latest find: http://www.planetbeans.com/MichaelsFinds.htm

April 18, 2005
MORE ON OPIE
Michael writes: "On the site of the Ty warner aquarium it has a picture and poem of Opie the octopus and said check back soon to purchase on their website. Below is a link to the info on Opie. Also the homepage of the www.sbnature.org site has a countdown to the opening of the Ty Warner Aquarium museum. VIEW OPIE w/STATS HERE

Releasing secrets of tag-sale success
“How to Make a Fortune with Other People’s Junk” by G.G. Carbone; McGraw-Hill; paper; 232 pages; $16.95.
You could wait a year and buy this book for a quarter. But if you want to get a jump on this season of yard sales popping up like daffodils, shuck out $16.95 - you can afford it - for “How to Make a Fortune with Other People’s Junk” by G.G. (Gwen) Carbone of Francestown, auctioneer, eBay PowerSeller, antiques dealer and “garage sale junkie.” Oh yes, she knows her stuff, as well as her bargains, reproductions, future antiques and overlooked treasures.

Raised on yard sales (driving 10 miles on a Saturday morning in the high season could take all day), a lot of the how-to-buy-low-and-sell-high information Carbone dishes out I’m proud to say I already knew.

Well, I knew nothing about the secrets of eBay. And I’ve never Dumpster-dove, or is it dived? But I’ve picked my share of dumps, when we had dumps, instead of transfer stations. I remember when recycling meant repairing the rocking chair, picture frame or falling-apart bureau the neighbor abandoned in the burn pile. Then we’d paint it white or strip it down, and sell it to another neighbor - or the same one - six months later.

Still, I read this book cover to cover in one evening. I even stayed up past my bedtime to finish the inspiring chapter of “Success Stories.”

n A large wooden “cigar box” purchased for $3 at a yard sale turned out to be an early seaman’s sewing box, with whalebone and ivory adornment. A dealer spotted it on eBay and bid $1,500. (No doubt he turned around and sold it to a collector for twice that. No doubt the collector was darned happy to get it.)

n A musician named Connie Caswell bought three fiddles at a thrift store for $125. One turned out to be worth - roughly - $10,000 to $15,000. She couldn’t part with it, though. Decided to play it instead. (Note: Why I can’t be in the business - I can’t part with anything.)

n Loys Gubernick bought a painted wooden shorebird at an antique store in Connecticut for $15. Turned out to be the work of artist, Elmer Crowell. Loys was able to part with her treasure, for $12,800 at auction. She took her family on a cruise. Lucky Loys.

Carbone, who writes with a no-nonsense, breezy style, emphasizes efficiency and common sense when it comes to buying and selling. In the dog-eat-dog world of yard-saling, preparation is paramount.

Of course, you need to study the listings from at least two local papers for appealing key words (such as “moving sale,” “some antiques” or “multifamily”). You find the most fruitful geographic area. You map your route, rise early, hit the first sale by 7 a.m., even if the ad warns “Early Birds will be eaten by pythons,” because you know they don’t really mean that, and if they do, it’s still worth a try for first pickings. You’ve got your comfy running shoes, old jeans and shirt (because yard-saling is dirty work and you don’t want to look too affluent), tote bag for squirreling purchases away from the competition, hat to keep sun or rain off your head, and sunglasses so you can be incognito. Bring plenty of cash preferably in change and small bills, so you can cut the line, pay the exact amount and vamoose before anyone can say, “Who was that frugal whirlwind?” or “Hey, I was going to buy that iron peel.” The deluxe yard-sale kit includes a magnifying glass, tape measure, flashlight, magnet, pen and notepad, pocket calculator, and labels for sticking the word “sold” on large items to keep others at bay.

So grab your coffee and breakfast bar, throw your gear in your fast, but spacious vehicle - and you’re off! Move, move, move. Only the early bird finds the Steiff among the Beanie Babies or the authentic Coca-Cola sign among the repros. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 17, 2005
Baby Safe Plush Toys Designed from Doodles
Ex-Broadway Actress, 83, launches line of stuffed animals via internet.

(PRWEB) April 17, 2005 -- Squinkles, LLC is pleased to announce its wonderfully whacky line of plush collectables – dozens of squeezable stuffed animals born in the bygone era of Broadway in the 1940s—can be ordered via the web at Squinkles.net.

“We hope people will warm to them like Beanie Babies and the Cabbage Patch Kids,” said Helen Alexander, president of Atlanta, Ga.-based Squinkles, whose so called “cabbage patch” was the theater world of New York City where she grew up, worked as an actress…and dreamed up the animals. “To me, they’re magic, like the golden age of Broadway. I like to say they’re ‘stuffed with attitude.’”

Attitude took Alexander from acting on Broadway to Hollywood to the Deep South…to her new career as an “elder-preneur” who started her toy business just shy of turning 80. “You’re never too old to have fun, and make a little money,” says the part-time real estate agent.

She kicked off her toy business by accident, 62 years after she drew her first creature. “One of my sons found the drawings in the attic, and my husband, Cecil, said, why not make them into stuffed animals?”

So, she found a rep, and a dozen animals are available now out of some 80 creatures Helen designed. Beyond select stores, they’re on sale on line for about $13 each. ”I got excited when I heard a family from New Jersey had ordered the whole set the other day!” she says. “I hope people will want to collect them. Each animal has a story behind it.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURES HERE

Garage Sale Economics
As I wander about the shopping malls and grocery stores of America, I'm struck by the irony that in these centers of commerce there are few people who really understand economics. Most people look to the media for information on what constitutes good economic conditions, and they usually rely on the Brookings Institute for soundbites and guidance. This is like getting acting lessons from the understudy to Anson "Potsie" Williams.

Most people think economics is too complex to devote too much time to understanding. After all, we have to follow the twists and turns on "Survivor" while trying to keep straight who's having sex with who on "Desperate Housewives." You know, the important stuff. But in reality, economics is relatively basic. Sure, there are some highbrow concepts that only people like Alan Greenspan, Milton Friedman, and Jessica Simpson (yeah, it shocked me, too) understand. But to understand how an economy works, you only need to do one thing.

Go to a garage sale.

Amid the beer steins commemorating Pete Rose's gambling problem and velvet paintings of dogs playing poker at the Last Supper with Elvis, you have the essence of the economy. There are only a few concepts you really need to understand.

First, you need something to sell. And what do people have to sell at garage sales? Stuff they don't want anymore! You're halfway to understanding the law of supply and demand because you have the supply end covered. For a capitalist economy such as ours to work, you have to have something to sell, whether it be a product or a service, like painting velvet paintings of dogs playing poker at the Last Supper with Elvis.

But having a product or service doesn't guarantee someone is willing to pay for it. (Case in point, Air America.) There has to be someone who wants or needs what you have to offer, or at the very least can be convinced that they want or need what you have to offer. This is what is known as creating a market. And once you know what your market is, you can start promoting what you have to offer. At the garage sale level, this can be accomplished by putting advertisements in newspapers or putting up signs telling people of the sale.

And to paraphrase "Field of Dreams," if you offer Beanie Babies, they will come.

Provided, of course, the weather holds up and the advertisements and signs have the right day and time. These conditions will impact your ability to sell what you have to offer. To economists and business owners, these conditions are known as "market forces." To Donald Trump, they're called divorces and bankruptcies. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 16, 2005
Always a job waiting for M.O.M.
It was a cold, rainy day on the mean streets of Aromas when he walked into my life.

He threw open my office door -- the one that said "Private Investigator" on the front -- and strolled in like he owned the place.

"Can I help you?" I said, giving him the once-over. He was a short character with a boyish grin and touseled hair, obviously somebody's favorite son.

"Yeah, I'm looking for Martha Mayhem, private eye," he said, taking the chair in front of my desk.

"That's me, Martha Opal Mayhem," I shot back at him. "Or you can call me M.O.M. for short."

"OK, M.O.M.," he sneered. "I've got a problem. I'm counting on you to be discreet."

"That I can do," I replied, wondering what this jokester was up to.

"It's about a bird -- a black bird."

"A bird?"

"Yes, a very valuable bird."

I leaned back in my chair and took a large swig of my extra-hot, nonfat, no-whip latte.

"Tell me more about this bird."

"His name is Chuckles. He's a Beanie Baby."

I sighed. This sounded like an open-and-shut case.

"Did you look behind the couch?" VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

OPIE ON AUCTION
As mentioned in yesterday's article titled "Beanie dog" there was mention of a special Beanie Baby named Opie that was to be released on April 23, 2005. This is a snip from yesterday's article: "Warner, we are told, will also be manufacturing a new octopus-shaped Beanie Baby named Opie, who will be sold exclusively at the Sea Center where the proceeds will help fund such interactive exhibits as the whale karaoke, where people can mimic the sounds of whales, porpoises, and sea lions into a microphone." VIEW AUCTION HERE

April 15, 2005
Beanie dog
ICK FACTOR: I've got nothing personal against Beanie Baby mogul Ty Warner. Really, I don't. How could I? I've never met the man and probably never will. Lord knows I've tried. I distinctly remember calling Warner's local PR and political consultant, John Davies - who has so morphed beyond the confines of his craft that he now practices something exotically known as "imagineering" - to see if Ty would be willing to sit down for a little tête-a `-tête. The ensuing silence was deafening. That, I suspect, is the problem right there. I need to stress that my attitude about Warner has nothing to do with his vast wealth, which by recent news accounts, hovers in the neighborhood of $7 billion. Well, maybe a little. Six of those billion were sucked out of the pockets of unwilling parents - like me - by yowling children who insisted life was not worth living without one of Ty's unique and expertly marketed bean-bag beings, which come replete with name, birthday, and special poem. Naturally, I'd love to hammer Warner for turning the youth of America into frenzied consumer zombies and, even worse - collectors - though he's hardly the only one working that racket.

Rather than do the customary meet and greet, Warner would prefer to buy Santa Barbara outright. And he's doing it well. Just a month ago, he announced he'd purchase Montecito's Miramar Hotel, long languishing in disarray since celebrity hotelier Ian Schrager ran out of dough. The announcement was timed to perfection, coming just a few weeks before county decision-makers began to review his plans for the Coral Casino. Now we have the imminent grand opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center on Stearns Wharf, knocked out of commission for four years by a fire. Actually, it's the Museum of Natural History's, but Warner got naming rights because he kicked in the last $1.5 million for the $10 million effort. That's a steal. Again the timing is suspicious. The Sea Center hosted an open house celebration for the media just one day after the county's Historic Landmark Advisory Committee reviewed Warner's plans for the Casino and shortly before it goes to the Montecito Planning Commission. Given how notoriously reticent Warner's been about giving to local charities, this was a very big deal. It took David Anderson, a very big wheel in town and a trustee on the museum board, to get Warner to open his wallet. And at Monday's hearing before the Landmarks Committee, Anderson was singing in the Warner choir. Warner, we are told, will also be manufacturing a new octopus-shaped Beanie Baby named Opie, who will be sold exclusively at the Sea Center where the proceeds will help fund such interactive exhibits as the whale karaoke, where people can mimic the sounds of whales, porpoises, and sea lions into a microphone. Other Beanie Baby models will be sold at the Sea Center, too - another first. Obviously, the times are changing. The Santa Barbara Courthouse is sorely in need of very expensive repairs. Maybe we could give Ty naming rights and he could manufacture a new model in honor of all the men and women who serve on juries. And if the Mission finds itself in a jam, what with all those pedophile-priest lawsuits pending, maybe we could sell Beanie Babies at the "Ty Warner Mission," appropriately named either "Juni" after its founding father Junípero Sera, or perhaps "Popi" after the recently deceased Pontiff. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Historic Rehab, or Mutilation?
Panel Reviews Ty Warner's Coral Casino Plans
After a lengthy and at-times charged meeting pitting Beanie Baby mogul Ty Warner's well-organized supporters against his outnumbered detractors, the county's Historic Landmarks Advisory Committee decided Monday that Warner's controversial plans to add a second-story restaurant to the Coral Casino could be done without damaging the historic integrity of the famous beach club. Warner's plans to build a third-story sun deck, however, were strongly opposed by the nine-person committee, which felt the final environmental impact report (EIR) adequately described the impacts of Warner's proposed remodel. The EIR found the proposed removal of several cabanas and a concrete bench from the club - world famous for its swimming pool - would constitute a "Class I" negative impact to the historic character of the casino, located across from Warner's Biltmore Hotel. With this designation in place, county policymakers can only approve Warner's plans by making "findings of overriding consideration." Warner's architect David Van Hoy argued that the remodel and rehabilitation would restore the club to its original architectural luster by removing many of the hodge-podge changes made to the facility since 1958.

Historical preservationists - lead by a handful of Coral Casino members - have countered that creating a 2,900 square-foot, second-story restaurant violates the spirit and letter of federal historic landmark law. They have offered an alternative restoration plan without the second-floor restaurant, which was described in the environmental report as "an environmentally superior alternative" to what Warner is now proposing. The split among Coral Casino members over the fate of their club has been emotional and angry. This was evident at Monday's meeting, when Warner's supporters effectively used parliamentary process to limit the amount of time the preservationists could speak. The matter is scheduled to go before the Montecito Planning Commission on April 20. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 14, 2005
UP-TO-DATE BEANIE INFO PAGES
Thank you to Carolyn for helping me out with some missing retirement dates. If, at any time, you see some incorrect info throughout my Beanie Info Pages please email me so I can make the corrections. It takes a lot of time and brain power to keep these pages as up-to-date as possible. Occasionally I may miss adding an item to the COMPLETE checklists or the Beanie Info Pages so it's appreciated when one of my readers is so kind as to point out a problem when one arises. :o) As always.. criticism and comments are always welcome and encouraged! :o) http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm  

UPDATE FROM SUE OWEN
Sue has received her MOM-e 2005 Beanies and has already knitted one of her most gorgeous Boglin’s Knitwear sweaters for MOM-e to wear. View pictures and update at: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

NOT A HAPPY GRANDMA - RE: MBNA POINTS
Grandma Judy writes: "I ORDERED A BLAST JACKET FOR 4500 POINTS. FIRST IT IS BLACK NOT BLUE LIKE I THOUGHT IT LOOKED LIKE., AND IT DOES NOT ZIP ALL THE WAY DOWN. THE ZIPPER IS JUST ABOUT 10 INCHES OR SO. THEN THERE IS A ZIPPERED POCKET ACROSS THE CHEST AREA. THEN POCKETS ON THE SIDE.NO, I GUESS I AM NOT TO HAPPY WITH IT. I CAN'T BELIEVE I SPENT $ 4500.00 TO GET POINTS FOR IT. THE ONLY GREAT THING ABOUT IT WAS THE TY EMBLEM ON IT.HA HA .PLUS IT ONLY COMES IN X LARGE, WHICH IS PRETTY LARGE. SO ANYONE UNDER 14-16 I WOULDN'T ORDER IT. YOU CAN PASS THIS ON IF YOU LIKE. GRANDMA JUDY"

NOTE FROM JUDY: "LISA, IF ANYONE HAS ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TY JACKET YOU CAN GIVE THEM MY EMAIL ADDRESS IF YOU WANT TO. JUST HAVE THEM PUT MBNA POINTS OR JACKET IN THE SUB. AREA. THANKS, JUDY"

ASK TY
Q: If you could take only one Beanie with you on vacation, which Beanie would it be? (submitted by 9178947)
A: I think Hobo would like to tag along. Which Beanie would you take on vacation ? http://www.ty.com/askty_home

April 13, 2005
UP-TO-DATE BEANIE INFO PAGES
Just a reminder that the Planet Beans COMPLETE checklists, Beanie Information Pages, and the Beanie Calendar are kept up-to-date. I work VERY hard to keep these pages updated for YOU the collectors. As always.. criticism and comments are always welcome! :o) http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm  

Sea center opening soon
In less than two weeks, a brand-new, multi-million dollar attraction will open its doors on Santa Barbara's Stearns Wharf.

Dozens of interactive and educational research activities showcasing the underwater environment of the Santa Barbara Channel will soon be on display at the Ty Warner Sea Center. 

"That was our aim from the very beginning that we would make this a highly interactive facility, because we have learned not only kids, but even adults ultimately, we learn the best with our hands, what we truly experience is the stuff that sticks," executive director Karl Hutterer.

The sea center facility was named after Ty Warner, the Beanie Babies billionaire and Santa Barbara resident who donated $1.5 million for its construction.  In addition to all the exhibits, the sea center has several high-tech features, and is located on one of Santa Barbara's most popular tourist attraction-- Stearns Wharf.

"As a marine science education facilities go, you cannot think of a better location," says Hutterer.

The Ty Warner Sea Center will officially open on April 23; 120,000 people are expected to visit the sea center this year. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

April 12, 2005
PICTURES OF ANGELINE
BeanWatcher has posted pictures of Angeline products. http://beanwatcher.com/

Civil Affairs Sergeant Organizes Donations
i-Newswire, 2005-04-12 - Brownridge, with the Gardez provincial reconstruction team’s Civil Affairs Team Alpha, is in charge of sorting all of the boxes of humanitarian aid sent to the PRT. “I saw all the boxes just kind of sitting around and that was kind of it,” she said. “I rolled up my sleeves and got busy.”

Surrounded by mountains of shoes, clothing and toys, Brownridge methodically works her way through the piles, sorting items by size, color and even season.

“It’s amazing some of the stuff we get. A lot of it is brand new or close to it,” she said, smiling as she held a tiny red corduroy jumper at eye level. “A lot of the children here don’t get toys. They’re like little adults. It’s hard for them to be children when they’re already out working, supporting their families. Even if it’s just a Beanie Baby or a box of crayons, I think it gives them a piece of their childhood back.”

After sorting and re-boxing the items, Brownridge and her team take them to area villages. “We don’t just go out and drop off boxes. We physically go out and give it to the people ourselves because we want to make sure that it actually gets to them,” she said. “We also want to put a human face on our presence here. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NEWSLETTER ISSUES
If your email account is with the following you may be having problems receiving your newsletters: Bellsouth.net, AOL, attbi.com. If you are using an AOL account for newsletters you may consider changing to a FREE email service such as Yahoo!, PlanetBeans, Hotmail, etc. These free accounts seem to work well with Topica. Just this morning.. 38 subscribers have been removed from the list due to numerous bounces (undeliverable). If you are having problems please contact me at Lisa@planetbeans.com so I can try and help you resolve these issues.

April 11, 2005
UPDATE FROM KAREN
http://www.planetbeans.com/KarenBritUpdate.htm

SIMPLE BOOKEEPING ON eBAY
Maida writes: “Hi Would you mind letting your readers know that there is a special for Simple Bookkeeping for Beanbag Collectors on ebay right now. I've discounted the shipping by $2.00. Also the data is current as of April 1, 2005.” http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7148613524

April 10, 2005
TY BEANIES TRACKER UPDATES AVAILABLE
If you purchased the Ty Beanies Tracker you may want to read the following: http://www.planetbeans.com/KarenBritUpdate.htm

Hugs Project sends cooling ties to troops
LONGMONT — Members of the Hugs Project have a message for U.S. troops serving in the Middle East.

“We appreciate you for your service to your country, and so we want you to have this ‘Hug’ from home. When you place it around your neck, please remember there is someone who made this by hand just for you and who wishes they could actually give you a real hug.”

The project’s heart is a group of people who sew and send evaporative cooling ties to military personnel serving in the hot Middle Eastern desert.

On Friday, members of the local organization assembled at the Church of Christ on Collyer Street in Longmont to make more hugs.

“Your family has to love you, but a stranger does not,” said project founder Karen Stark, who drove in from Oklahoma to help the Longmont effort. “When one of our servicemen or women receives this hug from a stranger, they will know that they are loved — not just by their family, but by us all.”

Stark got the idea for the Hugs Project while going through junk e-mail one day. She had marked off all the e-mails that were to be deleted when she got an urge to open up one labeled “Make your own cooling tie.”

“I was just about to delete all the spam when I opened this one e-mail,” she said. “Inside were directions for making cooling ties, (and) suddenly I got goose bumps. I had the feeling I was supposed to do this.”

Stark posted information about the project on the Internet at foodTV.com, military.com and various message boards.

“People started to write back to me; they were very interested in giving our soldiers a hug,” Stark said as tears rolled in her eyes. “Some of the boys and girls out there in the ‘sandbox’ think that we don’t love them and what they’re doing out there. We just want them to know they’re loved.”

Today, close to a year after she started the project, Stark and her volunteers have made more than 66,000 ties and have representation in most states and six foreign countries. And the project continues to grow.

But Stark and her Longmont Hugs Project partner, Cheryl Leverett, could use some help.

“There are a million ways people can help,” Leverett said. “Hotels and motels can donate sheets, which we use as fabric for the ties; people can put together care packages, games, books, letters; donate their time to making the ties, anything that shares a little piece of home.”

Leverett and Stark feel that people are misinformed as to what soldiers are doing in the Middle East.

“It’s not all fighting,” Leverett said. “We’re not going to change things with guns; we’re going to change things with our hearts and minds.”

Stark spoke of a group of soldiers with whom she has been in touch who were on a routine drive down a road in Iraq one day when they came across a little girl standing in the middle of the road with a Beanie Baby doll in hand.

The soldiers stopped and asked the girl why she was standing in the middle of the road. The girl turned from the soldiers and pointed to a land mine.

“She saved their lives,” Stark said as she held back tears. “That Beanie Baby came from an American handout that those troops had conducted just weeks before. That girl was touched by love, and she saved those soldiers’ lives. The Hugs Project is trying to share this love.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 9, 2005
Myriad sites offer GIs vast web of support
As soldiers from Fort Carson headed back to Iraq recently, with updated uniforms and newly armored Humvees, former Army Capt. Michael Sullivan sat at the deployment ceremony, wondering if anything was missing.

Among all the heavy metal, as it turned out, the soldiers had no room for the soft stuff.

"At lunch with (Fort Carson commander) Col. (H. R.) McMaster, he suggested, 'Hey, you guys want to help out? Here's what my soldiers are asking for: pillows.' Pillows take up too much room," said Sullivan, a West Point graduate now a developer in Denver.

"Providing a pillow seems a very small way to help out those guys," Sullivan said. "You ever go camping and forget your pillow? It sucks, doesn't it? Now imagine going through that for a whole year."

Last month, Sullivan - along with another West Point graduate and two other former military officers - formed the nonprofit Operation Pillow Inc. (at operationpillow.com), which already has begun sending pillows to service members overseas.

The group joins dozens of grass-roots organizations that have formed throughout the country to support troops with letters and care packages, sending items ranging from air conditioners to hair conditioner.

With names such as "operationcarepackages.org" and "operationmilitarysupport.com" - there's even an "operation beef jerky" - people throughout the country have taken it upon themselves to fill in the gaps of military bureaucracy with care packages and personal letters of support.

"You would not believe where these people decided to do these things - they're in schools, garages, they could be in a homeless shelter," said Alesha Jones, spokeswoman for americasupportsyou.mil, a Web site recently launched by the Department of Defense as a clearinghouse for the burgeoning crop of Web sites.

"They're sending cards, toiletries, pictures - the only thing they have in common is that all these people are doing this from the heart," Jones said.

Earlier this year, Denver radio talk-show host Bob Newman collected an estimated 40,000 Beanie Babies to send to troops overseas; by handing out the toys, troops hope to foster goodwill among the youngest generation. Other groups around the country have raised money to buy toys, candy and soccer balls for Iraqi and Afghan youth. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 8, 2005
ASK TY
Q: Will there be any more Ty Store surprises coming? (submitted by cmb77)
A: I would certainly hope so! Here's a hint . . . think pink. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Supervisors dismiss appeal over Miramar (Santa Barbara News-Press, Calif.)
Apr. 6--The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday dealt a swift and severe blow to a one-man campaign that could derail the sale and planned renovation of the Miramar Hotel.

In a 5-0 vote, the supervisors dismissed an appeal brought by Carpinteria resident Stephan Tompkins. The documentary filmmaker, 77, seeks to overturn a unanimous March 16 Montecito Planning Commission decision that gave Beanie Babies creator Ty Warner a one-year extension on permits and building rights for the seaside property that he wants to buy from hospitality tycoon Ian Schrager.

Without that crucial extension, the purchase becomes much less attractive because construction entitlements otherwise expire on May 3. Mr. Warner hopes to close escrow before then, reportedly at the end of April.

If the appeal process begun last week takes longer -- and Mr. Tompkins said immediately after the supervisors' action that his next stop is the state Coastal Commission -- it could threaten the transaction.

"It appears I am being rushed in and rushed out," Mr. Tompkins told the supervisors shortly after county staff members recommended they throw out the appeal without a full hearing. The time crunch hanging over the sale of the Miramar never entered into the public dialogue Tuesday. Supervisors focused on the merits of the appeal, although they were doubtless aware of its larger implications.

A source close to the deal told the News-Press that Mr. Warner has pledged to pay $45 million up front -- and could spend another $70 million on renovations -- for the 17-acre Miramar spread near San Ysidro Road and Highway 101.

Although Mr. Tompkins has said publicly that Mr. Warner and Mr. Schrager should be held liable for bed taxes lost since the Miramar closed in 2000, the appeal he filed with the county on March 28 came without explanation. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Police troop collects toys for children
Before he was killed in Iraq last month, Army paratrooper Cpl. Stephen McGowan of Newark would hand out beanie babies to children in Iraqi villages.

It was his way of giving the children some happiness in the midst of war and chaos.

On Thursday, 11-year-old Kristin Spencer of Newark wanted to help continue that legacy. Kristin and her mother, Gerri Spencer, dropped off a box full of Beanie Babies to the Delaware State Police Troop 2 in Bear.

For Kristin, donating the toys meant sorting through her entire collection of 300 Beanie Babies and picking out the ones she wanted to give away.

"We went through all the totes I had," she said.

The Spencers' donation of fluffy animals was about more than helping Iraqi children. For Gerri Spencer, giving the toys was a way of honoring her son, Jason Cutillo, 20, a Marine corporal who went to Iraq last month.

Spencer said Cutillo loves children and would be proud of his family's donation.

"Those kids over there don't have a lot," she said. "It's not their fault that the country is in the shape it's in."

State police Cpl. Michelle Foraker, who is coordinating the collection efforts at the troop, said the Beanie Babies and the larger stuffed animals, Beanie Buddies, are comforting to both soldiers and the children they are helping.

"[The Beanie Babies] allow kids to be kids," Foraker said. "For the soldiers, it gives them a little piece of home."

State police are continuing to collect Beanie Babies in conjunction with the RGW Foundation, which began the project last month with McGowan's family as a tribute to the soldier. Foraker said state police have collected 58 boxes with 75 Beanie Babies each. She said they plan to distribute the boxes to Iraqi orphanages and soldiers stationed there. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Montecito Mayhem
Beanie Baby Showdown, Butterfly Booze Ban, Coral Casino Snag
In an improbable Tuesday afternoon showdown between have and have-not, the county supervisors emphatically cast their lot with Beanie Baby billionaire and real estate goliath Ty Warner, dismissing out of hand a last-minute appeal over the long-closed Miramar Hotel. Playing the role of David in this showdown was Stephan Tompkins, an outspoken 77-year-old African-American community activist who recently served five years in state prison for shooting a Santa Barbara man. Tompkins objected to the county Planning Commission's March 16 decision to grant an extension on the necessary permits to remodel the Miramar Hotel.

Tompkins said he filed his appeal to shake $10 million out of Warner's pockets on behalf of the county's community of nonprofit agencies. County attorneys argued Tompkins' appeal was technically deficient because he failed to state his reasons in his initial paperwork, nor did he include the attachment outlining his reasons as promised. Tompkins did provide a brief note on Tuesday, but even so, county officials said his reasons failed to adress the legally required standards and show that the time extension was an abuse of discretion or violated county zoning standards. Tompkins said he needed more time to perfect his arguments; the supervisors voted unanimously not to give it to him.  

Warner recently announced plans to purchase the historic Miramar from its current owner, hotelier Ian Schrager - whose remodel permits expire May 3. Warner, who  also owns the Biltmore, the San Ysidro Ranch, the Montecito Country Club, and the Sandpiper Golf Course, indicated the deal could fall through if the permit extensions weren't granted. Many in Montecito are furious Schrager never made good his much touted promise to rebuild the Miramar and have expressed a mixture of jubilation, relief, and gratitude over the prospect of Warner's purchase. Among Warner's supporters are many Montecito women, who have been vocally outraged at Tompkins' appeal. Tompkins gleefully refers to these women as "Ty Warner's Laker girls," and took exception to "Montecito millionaires and billionaires using the Santa Barbara community for their own purposes." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SNIPS & CLUBBY VI BUDDY ARE STILL AVAILABLE
Michael writes: "I know that  the Beanie baby Snips the BBOC bear is retired along with Clubby 6 beanie buddy... But with that being said i logged onto the BBOC store and you can still order the Snips Kit and the Clubby 6 Beanie buddy....talk about weird...but they are not on the current list anymore...So those that have yet to get Snips beanie kit and Clubby 6 Buddy better order them PDQ. Michael"

CONTEST AT COLLECTIBLEZSPOT
Ryan writes: “Hi guys! I'd really appreciate it, If you could share with your readers about CollectiblezSpot's new contest. :) Hoppy Spring, our latest promotion begins today! Three great prize packages to be won, along with surprise bonus winners! Check out the complete details at http://www.collectiblezspot.net/promo/spring  Good luck! Thanks, Ryan”

April 7, 2005
SILENT RETIREMENTS
4/6: Bonnet Beanie, Bonnet Buddy, Masque Beanie from the Ty Store. Snips the Bear is also listed as retired. Also noted as announced on the Cyberboard by Reuben50 - Clubby VI Beanie Buddy is FINALLY retired!!

SIGNED VS. UNSIGNED
BUYING VINTAGE JEWELRY, ART AND OTHER ITEMS BUYING VINTAGE JEWELRY, ART AND OTHER ITEMS
There is always a large debate between the “real” collectors, and your basic lover of beautiful items...should you buy items that are signed by well known and highly sought after designers and artists, or should you just buy what you love and what appeals to you, whether signed or not?

The answer usually lies in how fat your wallet is, and the reason you are buying in the first place. Highly sought after designers, especially in jewelry and art, are both usually very highly over-priced, as well as you often run the risk of getting a “knock-off” either at the ignorance of the seller, or the actual attempt to lead you astray of your hard-earned money. While I am on this subject, it amazes me that people will pass up a signed piece, if priced reasonably or even a real steal, to go on and pay a higher price for the same identical item, just because it feels more “authentic” if you paid the higher price! Either these people know something that I don’t, (which is entirely possible, I don’t claim to be an expert) or they have much more money to throw around than I do! I have a suspicion that it is mostly the fact that they can tell others what a sacrifice they made to own the item. In my books, why not save $30.00 or $40.00 on an identical item, if it is truly identical and authentic, if you have the opportunity? I have watched this happen repeatedly, especially in the jewelry department, and it still amazes me!

If you are buying an item because it appeals to you, whether signed or not, and is something that you feel you will enjoy looking at, wearing, or even admit owning, for at least the next 5 years, I say-”Go ahead and buy it.”
The reasoning behind that is, whether signed or not, you will be buying for the exact reason the item was created in the first place-for your enjoyment! Plus, who knows what will happen in the future? The very item or category of items you decided to purchase may just become the next “hot item” and suddenly that little pair of earrings you paid $15.00 for are suddenly worth three times that amount in the collectible market! In the event that doesn’t happen, you will still have an item that you don’t feel you paid too much for, you still enjoy it, and it appeals to your aesthetic senses. Also, beware of “fad collectibles”! Remember the Beanie Baby craze, the Cabbage Patch kids that people were fighting over, and the myriad of other “collectibles” that have come and gone? If you got caught up in one of those, and now you can’t even give those items away, much less get what you paid for them; don’t you feel a little silly? I know that I do, I have a few “Beanies” laying around the house that still get under my skin. Luckily I mostly bought them because my children wanted them, so it wasn’t for the possible profit I might make in the future, and I wasn’t an avid collector, ready to pay several hundred dollars for a stuffed animal that was mass produced! VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

10-minute Family Workouts
KID-FRIENDLY STRETCHES AND YOGA

Children are just as likely to suffer from aches and pains as adults. While they play they turn their bodies in so many different ways, carry heavy backpacks to school, sit at a desk for hours and need constant reminders about good posture (as we all do!). Before trying any back and stomach exercises, be sure to consult your physician.

Practicing yoga strengthens muscles while adding flexibility. Breathing techniques used in yoga offer physical and psychological benefits. A yoga session calms and energizes the body and mind. In yoga, breath and movement are coordinated. Positions are held for brief intervals, while the mind is in tune with what the body is feeling. To make yoga fun for kids, incorporate their favorite stuffed animal. Challenge them to see if they can keep a Beanie Baby on their head while they do yoga poses. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

HAPPY WINNER
Anita was the lucky winner of the RARE Ty Leather Jacket contest at Beanies4You.
Anita writes: "This was a complete surprise to me that I won this great jacket....and to think I only bought I ticket from Beanies 4You. Mark and his wife are wonderful, I have never had a problem with anything I order.... Keep up the good work........Anita  [in Ohio]

my comments: Congratulations Anita! To those of you that are in doubt of these contests.. I was a lucky winner before and Mark and Michelle take good care of their customers. Remember.. It takes only one ticket to win!

Here's what you can win this week: 
AUTHENTICATED BILLIONAIRE #6 SIGNED by TY
AUTHENTICATED NECTAR BEANIE
AUTHENTICATED PRINCESS with NO ROSE EMBLEM ODDITY
http://www.beanies4you.com/html/drawing.html

April 6, 2005
TY BEANIES TRACKER INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/TyBeanieTracker

TY DISPLAY CASES ARE BACK AT THE TY STORE
Michael writes: "According to a post on the Ty Talk Cyberboard the Ty display cases which recently vanished from the tystore not to long ago are now back and available to order. Below is a link to the post and to the tystore where once again Ty collectors have a place to get their beanie cases. Michael" http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-959821-0-1,00.html
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

Teen gathers 'Huggable friends'
Like many people around the world, April Harman spent the days after Christmas watching television coverage of the Asian tsunami. The 15-year-old Woodstock girl was especially touched by the plight of children who had lost one or both parents. Just days after the disaster occurred, she came up with a plan to bring a touch of comfort to those little ones. She wanted each to have a stuffed animal.

"I got my idea from watching the news and seeing pictures of a little girl holding on to a dirty Barbie doll," April said. "And there was another picture of a stuffed animal squished in the mud. I wanted to send the children something they could hold on to. Lots of kids aren't opening up. I thought a stuffed animal could help. I thought they could talk to it." April's concept grew into Operation Huggable Friends, a drive to collect new or nearly new stuffed animals for the children of the hardest-hit areas.

April began by talking to her parents, Janet and Harry Harman. She said her mother loved the idea immediately, but it took her father a little while to jump on board. "Dad thought it would be a really big undertaking," she said. "And he was right."

A deluge of donated animals

In early January, the Harmans designed and distributed a flyer explaining the project. They placed collection boxes in libraries and city halls around the county and waited for them to fill as the word spread. April said, "I thought at first we might get 1,000 or 2,000 stuffed animals. Dad said to set the goal at 5,000. It started slow, but then we started getting a couple hundred a week. Once we got 1,000 in one week."

Classes in local schools adopted the project, as did Scouting groups. Then a Web site started by the Harmans took their cause to a wider public. More than 5,000 animals arrived from Iowa, with others coming from as far away as West Virginia.

April said at last count, they had collected 12,320 usable stuffed animals, with more waiting to be sorted and counted.

Problems with distribution

The Harmans stressed that the collection phase of the proj