April 30, 2006
Exciting News About Kernow and Jurgen
BeanWatcher   (Apr 30, 2006, 09:25 AM)
Message Id: 1099146
BeanWatcher writes: Hello Collectors!

I thought I'd share some exciting news about two of Ty Europe's latest exclusives. Some of this information has already been posted on this site.

1. A reliable sourcs has informed me that Ty Europe has sold out of the bear called Kernow. And the bear is not only a UK exclusive, but it is also a Cornwall exclusive. Of course, this will not prevent others from buying a few in Padstow, Cornwall and selling them outside of the area.

2. Those who will be visiting Padstow, Cornwall on May 1st will be able to find not only Kernow, but George (football bear) and the May releases. What a great way to start the month!

3. Jurgen (football bear) is not only a European exclusive, but also a German exclusive. UK retailers, as of this writing, will not be receiving shipments of Jurgen.

4. Ty Europe has a lot more planned for the rest of the year. Just be prepared to Expect the Unexpected!

Happy Collecting! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

April 29, 2006
TY - 20 YEARS BILLBOARD
http://www.planetbeans.com/TyBillboard.htm

CHERISH UPDATES
Sue has in-hand photos of a special Majestic which is currently up for auction: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Happy Birthday Bear 4/21/06 Retirement picture. . .
bubbleboy   (Apr 28, 2006, 01:19 PM)
Message Id: 1098844
bubbleboy writes: has changed.

Or am I seeing things?

It originally showed a picture of the small sized keychain brown beanie Happy Birthday bear (holding a Happy Birthday package).

The picture shown now is the regular sized yellow Happy Birthday Beanie bear (the one with the jester hat). VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

(NOTE: I've corrected this in the Beanie Info Pages! I'm also in the process of adding in all of the new releases. The Beanie checklists are updated with the May releases.)

He's developed a reputation for playing hard ball and not settling for second best. Only the top price will do for Chris and he doesn't give two hoots who he upsets in the process.

"Beanie Babies were very popular because they came out in special series or limited editions. Sought after specials still fetch as much as £80 on eBay. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 28, 2006
KERNOW ANNOUNCED
http://www.ty.com/Kernow_intro

MAY INTRODUCTIONS http://www.ty.com/May06_intro
BEANIES http://www.ty.com/May06_bb1: Alana the Bear, Basilico the Bear (European Exclusive), Fun the Bear, George the Bear (European Exclusive), Homeland the Rooster, Independence the Bears (red, white, blue), Jurgen the Bear (European Exclusive), Laughter the Bear, Mascotte the Bear (European Exclusive), Rowdy the Dog, Ruby the Bear, Soar the Eagle (keyclip), Spangle the Bear (keyclip), USA the Bear (keyclip)

BEANIES - THE BEANIE GREETINGS COLLECTION http://www.ty.com/May06_bb2?page=5: Forever Friends, Happy Birthday, Love And Kisses, Thanks A Bunch, To Brighten Your Day, You Did It!

BUDDIES http://www.ty.com/May06_bbd1: Benjamin the Bear, John the Bear, Thomas the Bear, True the Bear (Canadian Exclusive)

TY CLASSIC http://www.ty.com/May06_tc1: Angel, Flags, Peaches, Smokey

ASK TY
Q: Which Beanie would you pick to be the first Beanie on Mars? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: Hmmm . . . maybe Astra or Shooting-star or Moonlight the cat ? I know ! How about Rocket ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

April 27, 2006
DERBY 132 RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/derby132

COMMENTS
Barbara writes: "Hi Lisa, In yesterday's newsletter you mentioned the new beanies for school. I wonder why they are being released in July since school will be out. My Daughter is a Teacher and she would have liked to have these before the end of the school year to give out to her students. She really likes  Allstar kid! but she doesn't like recess rulz because of the spelling, she teaches the children to spell correctly and doesn't like to give them stuff with errors, even if they are cute and meant only for amusement. These would have been nice end of year gifts.

I also notice the Lovebirds, they are cute but Hallmark already has another company that made those. I purchased a set, can't remember who made them but they look almost the same. I gave the set I purchased in a Wedding Gift Basket and the Bride and Groom loved them LOL even if they weren't Ty products. Barbara"

(NOTE: I have to agree with Barbara! It would have been better for the new 'School Rocks' Beanies to be released in time for the end of the school year. I'm sure there are some teachers that would like to award some of these special Beanies to their students. They won't have the opportunity to do so since they are coming out AFTER most schools are on summer break.)

April 26, 2006
It’s tough being a consumer
I've bought a lot of crap over the years — used furniture that I planned on painting but never did, a crate of potpourri tarts for a potpourri burner that I never bought, a large collection of rubber insects, and many, many storage containers that now only house each other like nesting dolls.

I remember 10 years ago when Beanie Babies were the heroin of the toy market. McDonald's released a series of mini-Beanies that incited riots, causing lines to flow out the door and parents to push each other to the front of the line when it was announced that there were only several toys remaining.

One man was so tired of the Beanie Baby display case taunting him that after his offer to pay $50 went unanswered, he knocked over the stand and began to snatch up Beanies like a starved hawk.

And where are these beloved Beanies now? In people's attics. I can't do anything with them, I can't make dinner out of them, and their insidiously longing eyes make it impossible to throw them away. Too bad they can't be used as car fuel.

I wouldn't call the McDonald's man's actions completely out of line. It's human nature to get excited about things, to want to feel on top of the pack, to want to make your kids happy. In fact, Beanies are quite trivial in comparison to going into debt over a huge house or sports car. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NEW BEANIE PHOTOS POSTED
If you would like to see a picture of 4 Hallmark Exclusive Beanies, 3 'School Rocks', and 'Love Birds', you can view them now on Cindy's Beans: http://www.cindysbeans.com/  Remember that these Beanies aren't due out until July. The 'School Rocks' Beanies resemble the 'Cool Teacher' Beanie so I assume they are the smaller size as well. Something I found interesting and questionable... the wording on the 'School Rocks' Beanies are as follows: Allstar kid!, 2 cool 4 school!, and recess rulz!. If 'School Rocks'.. how would a child be "2 cool for school"? LOL I think I'll have to purchase a few of the Allstar kids! ;o) What do you think about the 'Love Birds'? hmmmm

BROOKFIELD ZOO BEANIE DAYS
Barbara writes: "Hi Lisa, Just thought I'd share this with you and your readers.

Beanie Baby Days
August 12-13 (Saturday-Sunday)
The first 4,000 children 11 and under who visit Brookfield Zoo August 12 and 13 will receive a free Beanie Baby compliments of Ty. Kids can also play fun games or browse through hundreds of Beanie Babies and Ty products on sale. For further information, call 708-485-0263.

If anyone is planning on going, it would be best to get their real early to at least find a parking spot. Sometimes on weekends they have to turn people back because the parking lots are full and the Zoo is overcrowded.

Best Wishes, Barbara

p.s. the Zoo has tons of Ty products for sale all the time. New releases in addition to lots and lots of retired ones. While on a recent visit I noticed that had a lot of the Hurricane Relief Beanies for Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama."

April 25, 2006
Ty Warner
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Harold Ty Warner (born September 3, 1944) is a wealthy American toy manufacturer and businessman. He is Chairman, CEO, sole owner and founder of Ty Inc., which manufactures and distributes Beanie Babies. In 2005 Forbes estimated his net worth at approximately $4.4 billion - down from a peak of $6 billion - still making him one of the wealthiest people in the world.

He attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan but dropped out after a year and moved to Hollywood to commence a career in acting. He enjoyed little success as an actor and returned to Chicago.

In Chicago, he started working for a plush toy maker Daikin where he became an accomplished salesman, employing clever tactics to influence the decisions of "buyers" in large stores. After nearly two decades at Daikin and a long sabbatical in Italy, Warner returned again to Chicago. He mortgaged his home and invested his life savings into founding Ty Inc. in 1986.

Using his extensive contacts in toy retail, Warner was quickly able to realize what would sell and how to sell it. At one Atlanta Toy Fair, he obtained orders for 30,000 toys in one hour. In 1993, Ty Inc. launched Beanie Babies. By 1996, they had become a cult phenomenon delivering Warner tremendous wealth. Beanie sales reputedly eased after 2000, although the company is believed to continue to be strongly profitable. At the peak of the Beanie craze, the privately owned Ty Inc. is believed to have earned over $700 million in profits in a year. 

Warner's business strategy was novel. He did not spend money on advertising. He selectively limited production of certain Beanie Babies to encourage collectors. He did not distribute Beanies at large department stores to encourage the perception that Beanies were an elite offering. As a result of these strategies, collectors would enthusiastically await and buy up new products with a secondary market emerging where some Beanies sell for $1000 or more. At their peak of popularity, some Beanies reached a price of $5000, despite selling for as little as $5 in stores. There have been books published on collecting Beanies and hundreds of websites about Beanies were formed on the internet. VIEW ALL INFO HERE

(NOTE: While much of the above information is common knowledge, there were some tidbits I found that may not be known about Ty Warner. There are listings for 'Investments in Hotels and Resorts', 'Personal', 'Philanthropy', and 'Privacy'. Notice also that his name is referred to Harold Ty Warner instead of H Ty Warner.) 

KERNOW ARTICLE
Arthur shares a photo of a newspaper article announcing Kernow: http://www.planetbeans.com/KernowArticle.htm

TRADERLIST WARNING
Barbara shares the following: "Hi Lisa, I thought I'd share this with you and your readers. 

Beware of a bad scammer on eBay. Here is the link to the bad trader page.   http://www.traderlist.com/MichaelJudd.html    

This person has a new eBay id..patedgertonsucks...notice that he has private feedback and also bidder ID is private and take a look at the item location, TraderlistVendetta..what a creep!! Buyers Beware!! Stay away from anyone that has Private Feedback, they are hiding something and also stay away from auctions that have Private bidder because you don't know if they are shilling. 

Here is a link to his auction. VIEW AUCTION HERE   Here is some additional info and a link to the new truebluebeans forum. You have to be a registered member to view all the boards. You have to be logged in to view them.  http://truebluebeans.forumup.org/index.php?mforum=truebluebeans    

Hope this info is of some help to those that buy beanies on eBay or any of the other beanie buy/sell/trade boards. Buyer Beware, always check Traderlist before making a final decision. In addition Traderlist is not just for beanies but all types of internet transactions that have gone bad.   Best Wishes, Barbara"

April 24, 2006
Kids still love beanies.
elephanny   (Apr 24, 2006, 08:10 AM)
Message Id: 1098074
elephanny writes: I gave a talk at our local library this weekend on beanies. I took different ones (mostly elephants) - punkies, pluffies, pillow, calssic, etc. The kids brought their favorite beanie to share.

I had some of the newer ones. The kids recognized Dora, SpongeBob and friends, Blue and friends, etc. A great time was had by all. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

April 22, 2006
Today's Silent Retirements
karvopwp   (Apr 21, 2006, 06:03 PM)
Message Id: 1097621
karvopwp writes: 
Ty Classic:
Apricot the Cat

Pluffies:
Shearly the Lamb
VIEW POSTING HERE

Majestic! Not again...
Elektrobahn   (Apr 21, 2006, 02:28 PM)
Message Id: 1097514
Elektrobahn writes: Four years ago Ty released Celebrations to mark the fiftieth year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign, and made it available in Australia, New Zealand and the UK only. As I recall, an outcry from Canadian collectors prompted Ty to make Celebrations available in the True North as well. After all, we're a member of the British Commonwealth, and she's our Queen too. So now Majestic has been released, marking our Queen's eightieth birthday, and you guessed it - only available in the UK, Aussie and NZ. C'mon Canadian collectors - time to raise your voices! We want Majestic in Canada too!

= David aka Gotthardbahn = VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

(This is what it's all about!!)
Thanks Ty!!!
Robyn87   (Apr 19, 2006, 02:03 PM)
Message Id: 1097236
Robyn87 writes: I buy my Ty's from boot sales and market stalls because I can't find anywhere that sells them in a shop. Anyhow, I bought a pumkin (mwmt) and my little brother adores it! I know it has de-valued it, but I have taken the hang tag off.. (I'm in love with Ty's because they are gorgeous, not because they are worth a lot of money).. and he sleeps with it in his bed every night!

Thanks SO much Ty for making such wonderful toys/collectors items.. I have ofer 1500 now, and still collecting (about 175 of them are doubles). VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

NOTE FROM SUE OWEN
Sue writes: "May I draw your readers' attention to my son's second World Challenge Bear, which he is launching for general sale next Saturday from his website www.theowens.co.uk 
Matthew has to raise £2800 by himself as part of this venture, which will pay for his travel, accomodation and food as well as materials for community projects when he goes to Honduras in the summer of 2007. So far Matthew has raised half the amount through selling Beanies, car boot sales and his own special neighbourhood 'lottery'. Now Matthew can reach Miami - but needs your help to travel all the way to Honduras!

'Halfway to Honduras' Bubbly Bear has been offered to people who bought the first bear in the series (Peace II) and only a few remain available for general sale next weekend. The cost of each package is £15 plus P&P and will include Bubbly wearing a  high quality layered tee shirt professionally printed with Matthew's 'American Bearlines Halfway to Honduras' design. Bubbly carries a backpack with Honduras pin badge containing the tems that he needs for his journey: his own passport (with Bubbly's photo and details), bear-size Honduran and US bear bank notes, a plane ticket and a route map. He also has a full size, glossy colour postcard with his message to Peace printed on the reverse. He asks Peace to send him enough money to take him all the way to Honduras. Bubbly also comes with a glossy commemorative magnet and serially numbered /50 ear tag.

If you would like to order this cute bear and help Matthew (and Bubbly!) achieve their target please visit www.theowens.co.uk for further details or email Matthew at worldchallenge@theowens.co.uk.

Many thanks for your help!
Best wishes,

Sue Owen"

Some fads don't fade away
Ten years and counting. When it comes to the fad-filled world of games and toys, Pokemon has had a nice little run. And you thought the world of tiny pocket monsters had faded away?

Look a bit closer. Pokemon remains very much alive through video games, books, toys and feature motion pictures. This weekend, St. Louis served as host to the Regional Pokemon Trading Card Game Championship, with winners in three age groups set to move on to the nationals in Columbus, Ohio. Although it burst on the scene as a faddish craze back in 1996, Pokemon has legs. Stumpy yellow legs like those of Pikachu, perhaps, but legs all the same.

BEANIE BABIES

Breakout year: 1996

The lowdown: Tiny stuffed animals with names and official birth dates.

Fad fact: During the 1998 baseball season, a Muncie, Ind., man drove the 300 miles to Busch Stadium with his daughter for a Beanie Baby giveaway. A collector, he also had tickets for future Beanie Baby nights in Chicago and Cincinnati.

Like the Cabbage Patch Kids before them, Beanie Babies inspired some rather spirited crowd scenes. Some collectors of the limited edition animals hoped to stock up, sit on their trove - and perhaps sell for a profit down the line. But after an early price escalation - hundreds of dollars for a toy that cost less than $5 or had been given away for free - the bottom eventually fell out of the Beanie Baby market. Looking to sell one on eBay? Well, who isn't? For those such as Billie and Bill Hester of O'Fallon, Mo., however, the collecting is about more than profit margins.

"It's a good hobby, something fun to do," says Billie Hester, who figures that she and her husband have hundreds of Beanie Babies stored away. Her favorite? A Canadian version that the couple drove up to Michigan to obtain. Asked if she would ever tire of the toys, she replied: "Oh, I don't know. I just like doing this." And with a hint of optimism, she offers a prediction. "I believe that they'll eventually come back," she says. "They'll come back and be like they were before." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE


April 21, 2006
UPCOMING HALLMARK RELEASES
Cindy's Beans shares descriptions of some upcoming releases:
Hallmark Gold Crown Ty Exclusives 

July 2006 Release - School Rocks 3 different bears 
All Star Kid 
2 Cool 4 School 
Recess rulz
__________________________

July 2006 Release
Love Birds
2 white birds sewn together ala we do
One has black top hat with back bow tie other has white veil on her head
__________________________

Sept 2006 Release
Yikes - for halloween
Black bear with Boo written all over it in orange with a orange ribbon & orange nose
__________________________

Oct 2006 Release
Snowbelles
Two bears
One is white with Red snowflakes all over it
other is Red with white snowflakes all over it
__________________________

Majestic
it is a burgundy pot belly bear with gold crown & Happy 80th birthday on it's chest

PHOTOS OF HOLIDAY 2006 BEANIES
Diana shares with Ms. Janie photos of two of the holiday 2006 Beanies: http://www.msjanie.com/2006_photos/Diana_2006Holiday.html

Stuffed animals for kids are donated to troopers
Sgt. Tom Burek drove back to the Illinois State Police station with the back seat of his cruiser full.

In fact, it was so full, he could barely see out his rear window.

But it wasn’t a thief, gang member, or drug dealer he was transporting. It was Strawberry Shortcake, Funshine Bear, and a Cabbage Patch doll atop a pile of plush dogs, teddy bears, and beanie babies.

Burek was helping Thursday transport the 936 stuffed animals collected by the 4H Teen Federation and donated to the Illinois State Police. Troopers carry stuffed animals with them to so the children immediately after the trauma of a car accident.

“It calms down the kids. And it makes them feel better,” said Cassie Catlett, who has been involved with 4H for six years. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Just a sign of the TYMES, read and relate...
Bigsky   (Apr 20, 2006, 04:08 PM)
Message Id: 1097398
Bigsky writes: When Beans were hot we made many trips to close cities hoping to find new pieces at retail. There were also numerous mall shows featuring other toys & collectibles. The fact we spent more on gas & hotels then if we had gone to Ebay didn't matter. We also made numerous trips to Canada hoping to find Maple, and instead found with the exception of Maple, many pieces of our US collection were available shelve sitting in large numbers. The only problem was customs, so we mailed them home. We did find Maple for $150 which was half Ebay's price so you got it, we bought two and sold one to cover the cost. Since 2000 when collecting of almost everything in general has dropped off we have not made a trip anywhere to buy anything. How do you think that has affected the economy as I am sure we were not alone in our quest... VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

INTRODUCING MAJESTIC
http://www.ty.com/Majestic_intro

ASK TY
Q: Have you ever attended a running of the Kentucky Derby? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: I have watched the Derby many times on T.V. but have never seen it in person. Did you know that the very first Kentucky Derby was run on May 17, 1875 making this years race the 132nd running of this famed event !  http://www.ty.com/askty_home

April 20, 2006
GOTTA HAVE IT
April 19, 2006

What: Tour Teddy Beanie Baby.

Where: www.tytrade.com/pgatour.

Why: Move over, Rally Monkey. Tour Teddy is here, and he's on a mission. The white bear is the second collectible Beanie Baby (remember ChariTee back in 2004?) to be adorned with the PGA Tour's "Giving Back" logo. Some of the proceeds from the sale of Tour Teddy will be donated to PGA Tour charities. Tour Teddy comes dressed in an argyle sweater vest and matching Scottish tam. He also comes with this poem: "Being part of the Tour is fun/We love to golf out in the sun/But the best thing, we all agree/Is the work we do for charity!"

How much: $5. http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060419/SPORTS15/604190334/1063

COOL TEACHER NEWS
Jennie shares the following: "HELLO LISA, THOUGHT YOU MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW THAT COOL TEACHER IS BEING SHIPPED NOW , THEY ARE ABOUT ½ THE SIZE OF REGULAR BEANIES.

THEY ARE VERY CUTE AND GREAT FOR PUTTING ON THE TEACHER GIFTS AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.

I WAS SURPRISED AT THERE SIZE AS THE LAST TEACHER BEANIE (#1 TEACHER) WAS A REGULAR BEANIE SIZE. THEY SOLD VERY WELL IN THE TY STORE. I AM SURE THIS ONE WILL TOO.

HAVE A GREAT DAY

JENNIE
JOJO"

April 19, 2006
PGA TOUR: TOUR Teddy collectible now available
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR and Ty Inc. recently introduced the newest member of the Beanie Baby® collection to wear the TOUR’s “Giving Back” logo and support the TOUR’s charitable initiatives through each sale.

TOUR Teddy, a white bear dressed in an argyle sweater vest and matching Scottish tam, is the second collectible to be adorned with the TOUR’s Giving Back logo. As with all Beanie Babies, TOUR Teddy will wear Ty’s signature heart-shaped hang tag explaining that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to PGA TOUR Charities and poem that reads:

Being part of the TOUR is fun
We love to golf out in the sun
But the best thing, we all agree
Is the work we do for charity!

The first Beanie Baby® to wear the TOUR’s Giving Back logo, ChariTee™, was released in June 2004 and has been popular among people of all ages, with nearly half a million sold to date. Proceeds from the sale of ChariTee contributed to the efforts of the TOUR and its tournaments to successfully reach the $1 billion milestone in all-time charitable donations in late 2005.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with Ty Inc.,” said Leo McCullagh, vice president of Retail Licensing and Consumer Marketing for the PGA TOUR. “We think Beanie Babies are the perfect product for TOUR charity themed offerings, especially given Ty’s history of extensive charitable support and the high regard consumers have for Beanie Babies.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

GIVING BACK - THE PGA CHARITIES
Barbara shares the link for more info on these charities and who benefits from your generosity.
TOUR Charities

The number of charities that receive benefits from PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour events is estimated at over 2,000 -- which in turn, touches millions of lives. By serving the needs of the community, our tournaments support an array of organizations, including: VIEW INFO HERE

HALLMARK STORES
Barbara shares the following: "Hi Lisa, A few days ago I was reading Grins & Gripes and read a message titled "Hallmark Stores Going Out of Business?" and the message said...

My best friend recently talked with a Hallmark store manager here in WV. The manager told her that all Hallmark stores would be closing nationwide. This came from the store owner also. It seems that Hallmark is getting out of the gift type stores, but will be continuing to sell Hallmark cards, be it online or by other means. Can this all be true? If so, there goes another source to buy beanies.

I just wanted to mention that I called my favorite Hallmark manager (she has 5 stores) and asked her if she had any info regarding the stores closing nationwide and she said that this rumor is Not True.

I emailed the Hallmark headquarters and asked if this rumor was true and I received this reply from them.

Response (Support Agent) - 04/19/2006 07:08 AM
Thank you for contacting Hallmark.

We apologize for the incorrect information that you were given.  Hallmark Gold Crown Card stores are not closing nationwide. 

We appreciate your interest in Hallmark and hope we were able to help you.

Thanks,

Hallmark Consumer Care

Last night I tried to reply to this thread on Grins & Gripes but my reply was denied as "Off Topic". I don't post often on the Ty site anymore because it's so slow and sometimes replies are posted the following day. I don't know if the Talk Boards have changed the hours of service recently because last week I replied to a post on Tuesday around 6:00 p.m. and my reply didn't show up till Wednesday at 8:42 a.m.

I thought I'd share this with you so that your readers will not get upset about the rumor..Hallmark is not closing nationwide.

Best Wishes, Barbara"

No Difference in Tour Teddy tag info
americanmaid   (Apr 19, 2006, 02:25 PM)
Message Id: 1097241
americanmaid writes: There has been a bit of speculation here, so I wrote to customer service to find out if the tags on the Ty Store Tour Teddy are different from the retail tag and this is what I got back.

Thank you for your e-mail regarding Tour the Beanie Baby.

Please note that there is no difference between the Tour Beanie sold at retail locations and the item being sold on-line through the Ty Store.

The listing of Tour on the Ty website is intended to raise awareness and support for the PGA Tour Charities. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this item at retail locations and our website go directly to support the PGA Tour Charities which have help raise over $1 billion dollars to date!

We appreciate your interest and support.
Customer Service
VIEW POSTING HERE

April 18, 2006
Y Ddraig Goich
Wayne writes: "HI Just thought I'd drop you a line to tell you that my local Ty Rep says that TY are producing more (about 3000) of the Welsh red dragon Y Ddraig Goich, and that they will only be sent to the Welsh retailers. This seems to have been the one of the set of 3 that was always harder to get hold of 1st time around, so this maybe your chance to get one now if you didn't get it last time!" (NOTE: This Beanie is still listed as current. I didn't realize it was so hard to get.)

TOUR TEDDY...
Planet Beans   (Apr 18, 2006, 08:11 AM)
Message Id: 1096926
Planet Beans writes: While updating I realized that there is still only ONE TOUR teddy listed on the website. There is now apparently two identical versions but maybe a slight difference in the hang tag. I don't own this bear so perhaps someone can clarify if there are differences in the tag posted on the newsflash. One thing came to mind... since these two bears seem to be identical is Ty donating anything from the retail version or do people have to purchase the Ty Store version to help out the PGA TOUR CHARITIES? I wouldn't think too many people would be willing to purchase an identical bear from the Ty Store if they can find one locally at their Ty retailers. -Lisa VIEW POSTING HERE

(NOTE: Do you have an answer to my question or comments you'd like to share? Lisa@planetbeans.com)

=====Jennie writes: "GOOD DAY TO YOU LISA,

I THINK YOUR RIGHT THAT THE PGA AND THE TY STORE VERSION IS THE SAME BEAR. TY NEEDS TO RAISE MORE MONEY THIS TIME SO HE PUT OUT THE TY VERSION.

I ALSO THINK THAT THE TY STORE VERSION WILL SELL WELL AS THE TAG IS REALLY WHAT (I BELEAVE) WHAT THE BUYERS WANT.

THE CHERITEE PGA SOLD VERY WELL AND I THINK THERE ARE MANY GOLFERS OUT THERE THAT WILL WANT BOTH BEARS, NO TO MENTION THE BEAR COLLECTORS AS MY SELF.

HAVE A GREAT DAY

JENNIE (JOJO)"

(NOTE: Please forgive my absentmindedness in forgetting that the retail version was also raising money for the PGA TOUR CHARITIES.)

=====Donna writes: "you probably have heard from someone by now, it was just at the store and they sell beanies and tour was there and i looked at the tag and it did say some of the money was going to the charity. i also bought all star dad. his body is a heavy fabric and he had beans in the legs, arms and part of his body. they also had fairydust, whatever was ty thinking, that is one of the ugliest beanies i have ever seen. they had some of the other new beanies and pluffies also. :O) i also forgot to say that all the new beanies and pluffies have an extra hang tag on it. it is just a blank white heart.:O) donna"

=====Barbara writes: "Hi Lisa, Just a note to let you know that I have seen the retail version of Tour Teddy at my local grocery store in Illinois. The Tag is identical to the one in the Ty store, but since it's available at the Ty store I will assume that the back of the tag will indicate Ty store exclusive.

Just a little info regarding the charity portion..on the tag it says.. a portion of the proceeds from the original sale of this item will be donated to PGA TOUR CHARITIES...please note "a portion from the original sale"..the original sale is the portion that retailers pay for the beanie not what consumers pay..so if retailers pay 2.50 for a beanie then a portion of 2.50 is what gets donated to PGA Tour Charities. I hope that I've explained the charity portion.

Have a nice day... Barbara"

Some Exciting News
BeanWatcher   (Apr 17, 2006, 08:10 AM)
Message Id: 1096763
BeanWatcher writes: To all beanie collectors --

There are some exciting future Hallmark releases coming our way! I've seen pictures of some upcoming introductions -- Lovebirds (bride and groom doves), Yikes (Halloween bear), and Snowbelles (red and white Christmas Teddy bears). These beanies, like most Hallmark releases, are quite desirable.

Also, I have heard, but have not confirmed, that Majestic will be released in Australia and possibly New Zealand, although shipments won't appear until after the UK receives its share.

Ty has much to reveal in the months ahead. So hang in there and enjoy the ride! Hope your Easter was a pleaant one. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

MOM 2006 RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

April 17, 2006
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

TY STORE INTRODUCTION
TOUR Teddy: http://www.ty.com/TOURTeddy_intro
(A portion of the proceeds from the original sale of this item will be donated to PGA TOUR CHARITIES. www.pgatour.com)

APRIL RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/APR06_RET_BB1 (NOTE: The retirement date on the graphics is listed as April 15th, although it wasn't posted until today, April 17th. I will use the date of 4/15 on the Beanie Info Pages.) ASIA-PACIFIC EXCLUSIVE: Australia, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore

Kris Kringle Haus closing after 15 years
GENEVA — Posters in a store that read "All Sales Final" and "All Fixtures for Sale" are never good signs.

And the Kris Kringle Haus on Third Street in Geneva is no exception.

After more than 15 years of bringing year-round Christmas cheer to the western suburbs, the store is closing its doors.

"The decision was strictly business," explained Jim Gierucki, who owns the store with his wife, Cleo. "The business has been declining for a while. In 2004, we bounced back a little and were hopeful, but then last year, it was down again."

So the Gieruckis have decided to close the business. The closing sales began last week and are expected to end during Swedish Days in June.

In the Christmas off-season, the Gieruckis showcased the store's ample stock of premium collectibles such as Precious Moments, Limoges, Swarovski, Hummel, Armani, and authentic German beer steins. But, according to Jim, even the collectible market isn't what it used to be.

"I don't really know why that is," he said. "Maybe it has something to do with the collapse of the whole Beanie Baby thing."

The store made a name for itself by stocking those high-end collectibles that the Gieruckis brought back from annual two-week buying trips to Europe. And now that the prices on those collectibles are reduced in preparation for the closing, the store is filled with people looking for bargains on things that don't usually go on sale. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

That’s right; an oil company has replaced Wal-Mart as the top American business. What a shock! We may continue to buy useless crap in bulk but we still need oil to maneuver our Hummers sideways into two or three parking spots at Wal-Mart.

Last year Exxon Mobil earned one billion dollars a day and amassed 36 billion dollars in profits, a 42.6 percent increase from 2004. This was due largely to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which annihilated much of the Gulf Coast. I guess there’s nothing better than American tragedies to pique the interest of American greed and corruption.

In the wake of the hurricanes the country was left with the worst inflation of oil prices since the 1973 oil crisis. Back then the rise was due to a religious conflict in the Middle East; today it’s due to corporate malfeasance.

You may think I’m completely off because companies were only following the code of ethics upon which they had suckled since their inception as Standard Oil in the early 20th century. Surely I can’t complain about a practice as American as apple pie and baseball! It’s well-known that free market capitalism advocates a hands-off approach to business, especially when those hands belong to the government. No CEO should sit by idly while Congressmen sift through their financial records, right? And if a company is earning its profits legally then what is there to complain about? I think I’ll complain about profits in that free market society.

I was certainly not surprised when prices skyrocket after two devastating hurricanes, but I don’t understand how this could give record profits to oil companies. Under normal conditions if I sell my product for two dollars per gallon and natural catastrophes cause my prices to rise, they should rise only in relation to the profits I was making before the disastrous events.

To earn a 42.6 percent increase in profits, a company would need to gouge consumers desperate for a necessary product. The only problem is when this logic is factored into our unregulated business economy. Logic and compassion are crushed under the weight of American corporate greed and excess, especially when a business’ stockholders are sitting in Congressional seats. It doesn’t help matters when those same Congressional members are allowed to partake in the illegal practice of insider trading.

The queen of crafts, Martha Stewart, is a registered felon because she received information about the decline of a stock she held before she proceeded to sell her shares, but Capitol Hill’s motley members are allowed to dictate the status of their portfolios with a little help from their friends, and nobody seems to care. So, it’s really no surprise that when the price of a barrel of oil reaches Beanie Baby levels nobody says a word, except to raise their hands and surrender their wallets to the gods of the gas tank. But we do need to fill our SUVs for the big trip to Wal-Mart, right? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

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

April 16, 2006
HAPPY EASTER!
I hope each of you enjoys a beautiful day with family and friends. If you are having Easter egg hunts I hope the weather is clear.

BUDDY DISPLAY BOXES
Ian would like to know where to get the buddy display boxes. If you can help, please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

April 15, 2006
If you have a dog, PLEASE read....
tybeanielady05   (Apr 15, 2006, 09:22 AM)
Message Id: 1096479
tybeanielady05 writes: Just a reminder for those with pets this Easter...PLEASE remember that chocolate is extremely poisonous to dogs, so please don't share ! ( I learned this the hard way, I almost lost my 125 pound dog to 2 little hershey kisses. I still have him, luckily, but I also have a 300.00 vet bill) If you want to share with your four legged friend, please, buy him/her one of the new Ty doggie toys ! You will both be so much happier ! VIEW POSTING HERE

Some Royal News.......
Secret Bean   (Apr 15, 2006, 09:22 AM)
Message Id: 1096484
Secret Bean writes: For thise that couldn't wotk out the clue on the previous thread

Our Majestic friend is the color of a PRINCE precipitation song......

All will be revealed soon.... ;o) VIEW POSTING HERE

HAPPY EASTER FROM JOHN
John shares a beautiful Easter photo: http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

April 14, 2006
ASK TY
Q: If you could put 3 Beanies in a giant Easter egg, what ones would they be? (submitted by zebragurl)
A: I'm pretty sure that I'd put all my "Eggs" in one basket ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

TY WARNER SEA CENTER 1st ANNIVERSARY
Many of you may realize the 1 year anniversary for the Ty Warner Sea Center. Some have wondered if there will be a special commemorative Beanie released for this celebration. Thank you to Jennie (JoJo) for sharing the following to answer this question: "Good day to you Lisa,

I spoke to the ty warner center yesterday. As I am a member, they told me that there are NO new beanies in store for us and they are out of the TY WARNER OPE, That they had when they opened.

They just have the retail version of OPE to give away to everyone who attends.

HAPPY EASTER TO YOU

Jennie

JoJo"

DERBY 132 COMMENTS
Becky writes: ""Hi Lisa , I just received the 2 derby horses I ordered from the Kentucky Derby Store . I registered to become a member before I ordered  (free) and saved 1 dollar off the price of each horse Shipping was fast and the horses were well packaged I've noticed that each horse has a different number on the holograph tag . I'm enclosing a not-so-great pic   LOL but at least you can barely see the numbers . To my knowledge , the horse is not in our local retail stores as yet  (Owensboro , KY ) . I love the extra Derby tag Love the horse too  :-) MANY thanks to your readers and to you for the heads-up that I could order from the derby store . I am also thrilled that TY did this I always wanted the TY derby pin from a long past derby , and could never get one . I finally have a TY keepsake of a special event in my state . Becky"

**APRIL BEANIES HAVE EXTRA BLANK TAG FOR PRICE STICKERS**
DCP85   (Apr 14, 2006, 08:04 AM)
Message Id: 1096217
DCP85 writes: DID ANYONE NOTICE THAT TY NOW HAS AN EXTRA BLANK HEART TAG ON HIS PRODUCTS SO RETALERS CAN PUT PRICE TAG STCKERS ON THEM NOW. I JUST PICKED UP DADDY THAT HAS THEM ON. SMART THINKING TY! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

<NOTE: Many have commented on this extra blank tag. WTG Ty! It's so nice to see that he has once again, listened to his collectors.>

Boca father upset daughter can’t collect beanie babies for Iraqi children
A Boca Raton father is upset that his 11-year-old daughter was denied the request to collect beanie babies for Iraqi children at her school.

Charlie Crowell said his daughter Hayley brought a proposal for a project she called "From Boca to Baghdad" to Addison Mizner Elementary School, where she attends fifth-grade, and was rejected the request because the PTA said it was "too controversial."

"I got a call from the PTA and they said they decided not to do it because it was too controversial with the war," Crowell said.

Crowell disagrees.

"That part annoyed me the most. It's not controversial. It's supporting our troops or helping people in the war zone. It was extremely unpatriotic," he said. "Collecting toys for children in such a shattered land is not a political statement but rather a humanitarian effort. It would also be a chance for students in Boca Raton to help other kids a half a world away."

His daughter Hayley was also upset.

"I thought that was really mean," she said. "Saying giving kids in Iraq toys to play with is controversial makes no sense."

The idea of the project was to collect beanie babies from students and ship them to Iraq. There, U.S. troops would distribute the beanie babies to children at hospitals, schools or during encounters on the streets.

Crowell said his daughter and himself came up with the idea after seeing the website for the Beanies For Baghdad program, which is a non-profit group that has distributed over 150,000 toys and school supplies to Iraqi kids.

When Hayley first submitted her proposal to her school PTA, Crowell said, the organization gave it the go ahead. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE  (NOTE: This article appears to be a follow-up on the one I posted on April 6th)

Bonding with Beanies
Although millions of dollars are being spent on the war against terrorism in Iraq, tiny dolls helped Oregon soldiers win the hearts of youngsters there.

For several years, the Lebanon Altrusa Club has refurbished and donated dolls to area groups, including law enforcement, fire departments, CARDV and others. They are given to children in a time of crisis. Last year, the club’s efforts went international.

“When Scott Simpson told me his neighbor Tim Fox was serving in Iraq, I thought it would be nice to send over some dolls,” explained Lillian Griffith, who headed up the project. She never thought 150 Beanie Babies would be such a big hit.

“The dolls helped us immensely,” Fox told club members Tuesday. “When we first arrived in Kuwait and then Iraq, people ran from us. They hid from us. But when we began giving the children candy and then the Beanie Babies, we started to form a bond with them. When the women saw we were not there to harm their children, but to help them, that made all the difference.”

Griffith said the toy refurbishing project began when her friend Ron Eveland started buying up dolls left over at garage sales. Soon, Griffith’s husband, Leo, was drafted to help and the trio, along with other club members, have since washed and repaired nearly 1,500 dolls. Some of the local groups to benefit from their efforts include the Lebanon Police Department, 40 dolls; ABC House, 119 dolls; CARDV, 326 dolls; Tree Day, 208 dolls; the Lebanon Fire Department, 208 dolls; and the Elkettes, 221 dolls.

Many dolls donated locally are fairly large, but the small Beanie Babies were the perfect size for soldiers to carry, Fox said. They were already carrying several weapons and wearing protective armor in what at times was 130 degree heat. “With our gear on, it was like adding 15 degrees,” Fox said. It was a constant battle to keep the soldiers hydrated. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Operation Beanie Babies
Fort Polk Soldiers bring joy to the faces of Iraqi children

SGT Patricia Tso/HHC, 101ST Sustainment Brigade

FORT POLK-Soldiers of the 142nd Corps Support Battalion disrupted classes to bring smiles to hundreds of school children during a civil affairs mission on March 15 in Zahko, Iraq.

Over an eight-month period, Soldiers began collecting stuffed animals, or Beanie Babies. What began as a small collection grew as the mail continued to flow. The stuffed animals were collected and stored in a container.

“The supplies were donated to us by corporations and accumulated over time,” said Capt. John Smith II, battalion chaplain, Missouri native.

The morning of the mission, nearly 60 Soldiers from the 142nd CSB climbed into armored vehicles as they eagerly waited for things to kick off.

“Our Soldiers do not get a chance to do this,” said Smith of the group of Soldiers who volunteered for the mission. “We wanted to do something productive.”

The Soldiers from the 142nd CSB conduct combat logistical patrols, or CLPs, after dusk and do not get the opportunity to interact with the community.

According to Smith, the most the Soldiers get to see during the CLPs are pedestrians alongside the roadways and debris and trash that clutter the streets.

“This mission will be memorable, and it will stay in the hearts of the Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Green, battalion commander.

Once the vehicles halted at the first destination, Soldiers gathered around the container outside the local kindergarten school while students inside peeked up and down the halls trying to get a glimpse of their visitors.

Without hesitation, the metal doors of the container swung open. Each Soldier grabbed a clear plastic bag containing multiple stuffed animals and headed for the entrance of the school building. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

April 12, 2006
Kernow & Beatrix Potter
Secret Bean   (Apr 11, 2006, 07:56 AM)
Message Id: 1095644
Secret Bean writes: Hi folks, Secret Bean here!

KERNOW
Despite many rumours, this gorgeous exclusive will ONLY be shipped to TY retailers in CORNWALL. No other retailers will receive this bear.
Obby Oss Day will be your 1st chance to see `Kernow' in person.....
Catch it while you can, they won't be around long.

BEATRIX POTTER
This is a UK Exclusive range which will be launched in the near future. Peter, Tom, Jemima, Piglin, Jeremy & Mr.Todd are looking forward to seeing you, although maybe not all at once...

See you soon,
Secret Bean
VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

EBay chief stays cozy in cubicle
When Meg Whitman joined eBay in 1998 as its president and chief executive officer, she promptly moved into a cozy . . . cubicle.

That's right, the head of the giant online marketplace is a cube dweller, just like everyone else at the company.

"My secretary's cube is the same size as mine," Whitman said Tuesday after being named executive of the year by Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business Dean's Council of 100.

Toys go to the Dogs
MALIBU, Calif.—Playthings are going to the dogs—literally. JAKKS Pacific recently signed a worldwide licensing agreement to develop and market pet products based on the iconic rap artist and music mogul, Snoop Dogg. The agreement covers products marketed under Jakks’ JPI pet division.

The new Snoop Dogg-branded line of pet products will cover toys, beds, leashes, apparel, treats and more for dogs and will begin shipping in 2006 to retail locations nationwide.

"We think Snoop Dogg will be a perfect complement to our new pet line, and our team is really excited to develop and market what we expect will be an urban and edgy line,” said Jennifer Richmond, senior vice president of licensing and media, JAKKS Pacific. “Initially, we'll look to sell the Snoop Dogg line into mass retailers and pet superstores. However, we hope to reach even wider distribution to music, novelty and other specialty outlets with a strong, irreverent line."

And Jakks isn’t the only toy manufacturer going after the pet market.

Beanie Babies creators, Ty, Oak Brook, Ill., will enter the segment this year with Bow Wow Beanies, a collection of plush toys designed exclusively for pets, designed in Beanie Babies styles and as fashionable plush dog bones.

"Over the years, some of our products have become quite popular as pet toys," said Ty Warner, chairman and CEO. "It's a natural fit." VIEW ARTICLE HERE

"Beanie Baby' motion denied in kitten tossing trial
BRADENTON - Judge Marc Gilner denied a defense motion this morning to introduce results of a Beanie Baby experiment into the animal cruelty trial of Gerald Schmitt.

Schmitt is accused of throwing five kittens from his moving car along Whitfield Avenue on May 20, 2005. Two of the kittens were later discovered dead. Three others disappeared and were never found.

Defense attorney Brett McIntosh said that he and a defense investigator used Beanie Babies to simulate what happens to a kitten falling from a moving car.

But Gilner ruled the experiement was not scientific and not relevant to the case.

Testimony in the case started at 10:30 this morning.

A jury of three men and three women was seated on Monday. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

His first birthday
LINCOLN (AP) - Doctors didn't expect Trey Keifer to survive. Born 16 weeks premature, he weighed just more than a can of Coke and was shorter than a foot-long hot dog. But then he squealed. Since then he's been dubbed "a miracle baby" - the smallest baby to survive at Saint Elizabeth Regional Medical Center.
Recently Trey turned 1. He celebrated his birthday with a surprise trip from his North Platte home to the hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
His mother, Jessica Keifer, wanted to show his former nurses how much he had grown; how far he had come since those early days when his tiny body was hooked up to tubes and machines.
When he wore a cotton ball for a diaper. When the blue Beanie baby bear in his isolette rivaled him in size.
No more.
Today Trey bounces as if his legs are springs, and is visibly anxious to walk on his own.
"He weighs almost 14 pounds," said his 21-year-old mother.
"That's a long way from 13 ounces (his birth weight)," said Kris Schwarzkopf, Trey's primary care nurse during his four months in Saint Elizabeth's neonatal unit.
"His Beanie baby wears his preemie clothes," said grandmother Lori Keifer.
Trey smiled, giggled and drooled as his former nurses cooed and passed him around. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 10, 2006
Reality of fast food dished out to kids
Gross.

Another response might be to think twice before downing that next meal from McDonald's, KFC, or Burger King.

Chew on This: Everything You Don't Want to Know About Fast Food is the newest assault from Eric Schlosser. He's the award-winning American journalist whose 2001 book, Fast Food Nation, bruised the reputation of fast-food giants and turned some consumers into activists. This effort, which he co-authors with Charles Wilson, is aimed at informing one of the industry's prime demographics: kids.

The authors of Chew on This "share with kids the fascinating and sometimes frightening truth about what lurks between those sesame seed buns, what a chicken `nugget' really is, and how the fast food industry has been feeding off children for generations," says a promotional page, accompanying a review copy.

It won't be on the stands until May 10 but the book has already hit the radar of McDonald's in the United States. The influential magazine Advertising Age devotes two full pages of coverage to Chew on This and to a feature film, based on Fast Food Nation, scheduled for release later this year. It says top McDonald's marketing executives have convened a "war council" to deflect upcoming criticism.

The book outlines the history of this transformation and the role marketing to young people has played in our changing eating habits. It shows how mascots, cross-promotions, "playlands" and massive ad campaigns start targeting toddlers, in the hope of creating cradle-to-grave brand loyalty. "(McDonald's) sells or gives away more than 1.5 billion toys every year," says the book. "Almost one out of every three new toys given to American kids each year comes from McDonald's or another fast-food chain."

Why are those toys given away or sold at low prices? For starters, they're pretty cheap to make — usually in factories in China, but Schlosser and Wilson argue the real answer is that they help sell more food. In one 1997 McDonald's promotion, giving away Ty Teenie Beanie Baby toys over a 10-day period boosted sales of Happy Meals from 10 million to 100 million. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

BEATRIX POTTER BEANIES
Barbara writes: "Good Afternoon Lisa,

I was reading the Ty site and noticed a post reading Beatrix Potter Beanies. I checked the Beatrix Potter website and sure enough they have a scrolling message that reads...We are lloking forward to new Peter Rabbit stock this year, especially the spring launch of the new Ty Beatrix Potter Beanies....

Here is a link to the site for your convenience... http://www.heroes-shop.com/index.htm

If you click on Soft toys, you will see a selection of beanies but I'm not sure if these are the Ty beanies since no mention of Ty is indicated on them and they don't have Ty hang Tags.

Just thought I'd share this with you and your readers.

Sincerely, 
Barbara in Illinois"

UPDATE - BEATRIX POTTER BEANIES
Barbara writes: "Update to what I found out. Last night I emailed the Beatrix Potter site and this morning I received a reply from them and this is what they said.... 

Thank you for your enquiry. We are going to stock them as soon as they have been produced at the moment there has been a delay but as soon as we get them they will go straight onto our website so please keep checking. Any other queries please don't hesitate to contact us further.

Barbara in Illinois"

Jennie writes: "HI LISA, I JUST GOT MY E-MAIL BACK FROM THE HEROS-SHOP ON THE BEATRIX POTTER TY BEANIES

IT SAID THEY CAN’T ORDER THEM YET, BUT THEY WILL SELL THEM AS SOON AS TY LETS THEM ORDER.

THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW

JENNIE (JOJO)"

Sue writes: "Hi Lisa, That message has been on the Beatrix Potter website for months now! The soft toys shown in the photos are existing 'beanies' by other manufacturers and are not the new Ty beanies. Hope this helps - it would be a shame if people bought them (lovely though they are!) believing them to be the new Ty ones!

Best wishes, Sue"

April 8, 2006
SKIPS RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

The stands erupt with cheers and cries
Thoroughbred's most prestigious prize
Run for the Roses; win, place or show
At the starting gate . . . and off they go!

While we're on the topic, I'd like to officially announce my intention to enter my own Trichotillomania Pony in the Kentucky Oaks, the all-girl horse race that takes place the day before Derby. I would like to present this poem that I penned in her honor:

The finest of mares all have highest hopes
To capture first place in the pre-Derby Oaks
Trichie will win with her fast, hot pink flair
And after the race, we can pull out her hair!
VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

April 7, 2006
ASK TY
Q: When you were a kid, what's the best place you went to on spring break? (submitted by dietpop)
A: Honestly, I can't remember any memorable spring break vacations. I was probably busy with my paper route and playing baseball with my friends ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

CHARITY FOR WWF TY BEANIES
Thank you to Jennie for sharing the following: "HELLO LISA,

I JUST BID O N S OME GREAT ITEMS AND THOUGHT YOUR VEIWERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS ACTION https://www.charityfolks.com/charity_home.asp

have fun for a great cause

THANKS

JENNIE (JOJO)"

Here is a great opportunity to help a great cause and in doing so, win a bid for a Ty signed Beanie.

Help save endangered species by winning bids for the auctions listed below and many others. Mr. Ty Warner, founder and CEO of Ty Inc., has signed the hangtag of each of the first five in the series and generously donated them for this WWF benefit auction. 

Take Home Bahati™, a Limited Edition African Elephant Beanie Babies®, personally signed by Mr. Ty Warner, Founder & CEO of Beanie Babies VIEW BAHATI AUCTION HERE

Take Home Li Mei™, a Limited Edition Panda Beanie Babies®, personally signed by Mr. Ty Warner, Founder & CEO of Beanie Babies VIEW LI MEI AUCTION HERE

Take Home Nami™, a Limited Edition African Elephant Beanie Babies®, personally signed by Mr. Ty Warner, Founder & CEO of Beanie Babies VIEW NAMI  AUCTION HERE

Take Home Sundar™, a Limited Edition Snow Leopard Beanie Babies®, personally signed by Mr. Ty Warner, Founder & CEO of Beanie Babies VIEW SUNDAR AUCTION HERE

Take Home Pungo™, a Limited Edition Red Wolf Beanie Babies®, personally signed by Mr. Ty Warner, Founder & CEO of Beanie Babies VIEW PUNGO AUCTION HERE

April 6, 2006
RIT prof interviewed on 'Daily Show'
    Robert Manning, an economist and Rochester Institute of Technology finance professor, is scheduled to be a guest on Comedy Central’s “Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on April 6.
    A national expert on credit and author of the book “Credit Card Nation,” Manning will be seen during a five-minute segment on marketing credit cards to college students on spring break.
    During the taping, Manning said, he told faux reporter Dan Bakkedahl that for credit-card companies, getting students to sign up is “like hunting in a baited field. The students get a free gift—something like a Beanie Baby with a (Master Card) nose—and think it’s adorable, so they sign up. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

LANce Provides Friendly Home Automation
Making their first foray into the home automation marketplace, LANce Systems Corporation has unveiled details of their upcoming LANce 3000 system. The LANce (Local Area Network controlled environment) 3000 allows for centralized homeowner control of systems such as lighting, security, fire, HVAC and many others.

Its remote control capability is easily the LANce 3000's most intriguing feature. From anywhere in the world, you can hop on an Internet-connected PC and remotely program, monitor or upgrade your LANce 3000. In addition to providing peace of mind, such a setup would seemingly reduce the number of potential service calls -- and that's always a good thing. Plus, I like the idea being able to monitor my security system while I'm on vacation. Just the thought of some intruder getting their mitts on my Beanie Baby collection gives me the willies.

If being able to monitor your home remotely doesn't arouse your interest, perhaps the potential energy savings will. With programmable control of things like heat, skylights, fans and draperies, the LANce 3000 should help you maximize your home's efficiency and possibly even reduce your annual utility costs. And don't forget: it can leave the light on for you. -- Greg Robinson VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

<Thanks to Vickie for sharing the following: "This was a local south Florida story that aired on TV last night. Smiles, Vickie">
GIRL'S PLANS TO COLLECT BEANIE BABIES MEETS RESISTANCE
11 year old Hayley Crowell began her beanie baby collection at age 3.

"Just something about them they're cute and cuddly everything they're adorable," says Crowell.

About a year ago she learned of a program that sends beanie babies to US troops who pass them out to children in war torn Iraq.

The 5th grader decided to send hers over.

"It would be so nice they have no toys there to play with or anything," said Crowell.
Hayley and her dad wanted to collect even more beanie babies at her school, Addison Mizner Elementary.

They planned to ask local businesses for help with shipping costs.

The dad and daughter team sent the school a proposal for a campaign called "From Boca to Baghdad."

"It was going to cost the school nothing I just can't find any negatives with this project but certainly somebody did," said dad Charlie Crowell.

He says PTA members were excited about the program at first but then he got bad news from the PTA president Tuesday.
"To paraphrase what she said or to get it as best I can remember she said with the war and everything it was just too controversial," said Crowell.

"It's upsetting because that's really mean," said Hayley. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

RECIEVED BBOM CANTERS TODAY! HERES THE DESCRIPTION!....
CHGO RICAN BOI   (Apr 06, 2006, 02:19 PM)
Message Id: 1094925
CHGO RICAN BOI writes: IT HAS A WHITE HANG TAG FASTENER INSTEAD OF THE USUAL RED ONE. ALSO, IT HAS VERYYYY LITTLE BEANS! ONLY IN THE HOVES OF THE LEGS. BUT IT A VERY NICE PINK BEANIE. STANDS UP WELL. WILL GO GOOD WITH DERBY 123, BUT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEAN A PINKY INSTEAD! LOL

ps: my ty store shipment that shipped on mar 23 with Skips, Patty o Lucky, Punchline and Raine is STILL not here or at the post office! i am getting worried it might be lost, but i will wait the 23 days until i contact ty !!!!!!!! i hope i get it soon! this is a LONG wait!!! VIEW POSTING HERE

April 5, 2006
Derby 132, Churchill info......
rhonab   (Apr 04, 2006, 06:59 PM)
Message Id: 1094621
rhonab writes: The Marketing manager called me back. He clearly stated there will not be a Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby exclusive. They are available to order at the online "Kentucky Derby Store" (we knew this) and will be available in the "On Track gift shop" April 29th. No mention of the Museums Gift shop.
So, the horse you can buy at Hallmark and Cracker Barrell is the same horse the online store and gift shops will have. My hopes of getting an exclusive at the Derby have just been dashed.
My humble opinion: The derby store swing tag doesn't make the horse an exclusive, it makes the tag an exclusive.
I'm glad thats cleared up. VIEW POSTING HERE

April 4, 2006
IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN
Thanks to Wendy for sharing the following: On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after
1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06. That won't ever happen again.

Sue notes: "Ah but it will in UK where we put the day after the month, lol...on the 4th May our date will read that way at that time!"

BOW WOW BEANIES CHECKLIST
http://www.planetbeans.com/BowWowBeanies.htm

ADDITIONAL INFO ADDED FOR DERBY 132
Jennie shares the following: "HELLO, I JUST RECEIVED MY SHIPPMENT FROM THE KENTUCKY STORE—

THE MANE ON THE HORSE IS SOFT AND THERE IS A EXTRA TAG ATTATCHED.

THIS TAG IS LARGE  GREEN TAG AND IT SAYS

123 KENTUCKY DERBY

RUN FOR THE ROSES

(PICTURE OF HORSE RUNNING WITH THE #8 O N S ATLE.

IT ALSO HAS A # ON THE TAG.

EACH OF THE HORSES HAVE A DIFFERENT #

THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW"

PHOTO OF DERBY 132 FROM DERBY STORE
Thank you to Jennie, who also provided information about the extra tag, has kindly shared a photo of her in-hand Derby 132: http://www.planetbeans.com/Derby132.htm

April 3, 2006
Is Blogging a Fad? Not According To Astrology: Pluto Transit Through Sagittarius
A reader asks:

This is kind of a general world question, not specific to me. A couple of years ago, blogs became a very big deal. Everyone and her brother was writing a blog. But the whole blogging phenomenon seems to have died down a lot recently. Is there anything astrological that could explain this fad?

This is out of my realm of expertise but I'll offer my thoughts, and if we're lucky, some other astrologers will offer their views in comments. First, I'm not sure I agree that blogging is a fad or is dying or has died down. I don't think it's a beanie baby thing. Now that was a fad.

For example, here in Denver, they gave out these beanie babies at a Broncos game, free with the price of a ticket, and people were scalping them outside the stadium that night for $1000 and up! And get this. Some people wouldn't sell, lol!

I think blogging has erupted like a volcano. And the lava flies, right? But when it hardens the way it does, the landscape is altered. Did beanie babies alter the landscape? No. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

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

April 2, 2006
BE PREPARED TO PAY MORE FOR DERBY 132
Cindy's Beans informs me that since Ty has to pay the residuals to the Kentucky Derby for Derby 132 there is a cost difference. Derby 132 will cost retailers $3.00 + 5.5% shipping. A standard Beanie normally costs retailers $2.50. You may have noticed that the Kentucky Derby online store is charging $8 for TSC (Twin Spires Club) members and $9 for non-members. It is not yet known if this Beanie will be different from that offered at retail. There appeared to be a slight difference in color but keep in mind the resolution at which the picture appears could be misleading on the coloring. I believe we could see a Kentucky Derby exclusive and a retail, US exclusive. I will keep you posted as I learn more information. 
VIEW DERBY 132 ON TY.COM  ---  VIEW DERBY 132 AT KENTUCKY DERBY STORE

April 1, 2006
CANTERS - APRIL 2006 BOTM
http://www.ty.com/Canters_intro

APRIL WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/ApriL06_Wallpaper

DERBY 132
I'm sure that some of you have wondered if there will be a Kentucky Derby exclusive Derby 132 Beanie Baby. Deb from Doodle's page has info posted as well as a photo comparison of the Derby 132 listed on the Ty website and the one listed at the Kentucky Derby store. http://www.doodlespage.com/news.html Notice below where it states "First Derby Beanie in a series"

250501 - KY Derby 132 TY Beanie Baby
Will ship mid-April! Prebook your order(s) orders now! Derby 132 the Beanie Baby is a 7" tall, 8" long thoroughbred horse with a brown coat and white star on its face. It is wearing a saddle and green blanket with the Kentucky Derby 132 logo embroidered on the blanket. First Derby Beanie in a series. Start your collection now! Available while supplies last.

<NOTE: Deb also has info about the 'Ty Beanie Buddy Day' - NY Yankees Giveaway!>