August 31, 2004
READER QUESTION
Glenda writes: “Lisa: Perhaps you can shed some light on this situation. I received my Mastercard Anniversary beanie today and instead of receiving the 3rd edition which I should have gotten I got another Anniversary 2 Edition. I called MBNA and the fellow I talked to really didn't seem to know what to do. He said he had requested an Anniversary 3 Edition and I should be receiving it in about 6 to 8 weeks. Has anybody else had this problem. If so how was it resolved? I worked hard to spend that 5,000.00 so I could receive the 3rd edition and I sure want it. Please help. Glenda”

NOTE: If you can help please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

STATE EXCLUSIVES
I've created a page to list all of the State Exclusives on. I will update with new Beanies as they are introduced: http://www.planetbeans.com/StateExclusives.htm

Two lucky El Pasoans win Happy Meal prizes
In all her years of collecting Happy Meal toys, 43-year-old Elizabeth "Lisa" Compean has never completed a set.

"It's always been a little frustrating," said Compean, whose favorite collection is the Madame Alexander dolls.

But now Compean is pretty excited. She is one of two winners of the El Paso Times giveaway of a complete set of 12 Ty Teenie Beanie Babies.

"I'm so glad I put my long-distance call on hold. You just made my day," Compean said when told of the news.

In honor of McDonald's celebration of the Happy Meal's 25th birthday, the El Paso Times had a drawing for two winners, an adult and a child, for the collectible Beanies --part of the recent promotion for McDonald's.

Although she's a parent, Compean has no plans to share her bounty with her children, ages 10 and 14.

"These are mine," she said. "And I'm keeping them in the plastic bag." VIEW FULL STORY AND PICTURES HERE

Beanie Babies frenzy, fun yielded to greed, crime
Perhaps inevitably, the fun of collecting and trading Beanie Babies gave way to greed, sharp dealing and crime.

Counterfeiting became a big enough business to attract the attention of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and result in several federal indictments. And there was at least one killing connected to the craze.

Police said that White, who later confessed to the crime, blamed Simmons for getting him fired from his job at the lumberyard. But the two also had a dispute over $150 and several hundred dollars' worth of Beanie Babies that Simmons lent White, purportedly to start a trading business.

Violence was rare during the craze, but tempers often flared.

David Marks, a Connecticut toy retailer, was early to spot Beanies' appeal and able to get large shipments when the fad reached its manic phase. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

August 30, 2004
SAKURA II BUDDY RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/SakuraII_ret

BEANIE INFO PAGES UPDATED
All the new "state" bears have been added to the info pages and checklists. Ty hasn't put the September releases up yet so I'll get those updated on the info pages as soon as I'm able. http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm 

SEPTEMBER RELEASES
http://www.ty.com/BB_Sep04_intro - Halloweenie Beanies/Beanie Babies: Count, Little Feather, Shivers, Twilight
http://www.ty.com/TC_Sep04_intro - Ty Classic: Gourdin
http://www.ty.com/PLF_Sep04_intro - Pluffies: Plumpkin
http://www.ty.com/BBD_Sep04_intro - Beanie Buddies: BAT-e

STATE EXCLUSIVE BEANIE BABIES
California, Kansas, New York State, Washington: http://www.ty.com/state_bear_1
Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Ohio: http://www.ty.com/state_bear_2
Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Pennsylvania: http://www.ty.com/state_bear_3

COLLECTIBLEZSPOT RETURNS
Ryan writes: "The all-new CollectiblezSpot.net has finally landed! To visit the website, visit: http://www.collectiblezspot.net
To view our welcome message and feature details: http://www.collectiblezspot.net/launch.asp

Promotions (Each BEGINS NOW):
Raffle 4 Charity – http://www.collectiblezspot.net/raffles/asianbears
Launching With Victory – http://www.collectiblezspot.net/promo/gold
Moonbeam 3rio – http://www.collectiblezspot.net/promo/moonbeam  

Check out the new site and let us know what you think via Quick Submit, Comments or The Hangout! It feels so good to be back! CollectiblezSpot Staff"  

August 29, 2004
ECKERD BEANIES
Linda writes: "Hi Lisa, I had a prescription to pick up at Eckerd Drugs this morning and on the way out my eye caught a display of various brands of beanbag animals. Right on the top was a gorgeous pink "Fizz". They also had Eggs II, Tuffy and get this, a tag protected Squealer! I didn't check the price but kept on my way. (can't believe I did!) Just thought you'd like to know. Linda"

DENVER IS NOW LISTED
Denver is now listed under the currents list. It's a Peace bear with the "I LOVE" Denver on it. I'm sure many Peace collectors will want to add this bear to their collection. http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4710

UPDATES
The Ty Summer Show Schedule has been updated with Denver: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm
The Beanie Info pages have been updated. The COMPLETE checklists are once again complete: http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

HINT: When printing the checklists make sure your screen resolution is set on 800x600 pixels or 1024x768 pixels. If you have your screen set at 640x480 the checklists won't print correctly. If you aren't sure what your screen resolution is right click on on your desktop, click on properties, then settings. 

NEW TY TRADEMARK
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: "Hey Ms. Janie!! I found another New Ty Trademark this morning!! :) On August 19, 2004 Ty applied to register a trademark on Thumb Buddies and listed Plush toys as the goods and services. Sounds like a possible New Ty Product line to me! As always....... Tyme will tell!!! Have a Great weekend! Sly The Beanie Guy"

DID YOU ATTEND THE MONTREAL TRADE SHOW?
Ty has yet to announce the Beanie that was released at the Montreal trade show. If you have information please share with me so I can share with my readers. Lisa@planetbeans.com

Burstin' Beanies' bubble
It was just an online classified ad, under Collectibles for Sale, but it sounded like a cry from the heart: "I'm tired of these things now. Please save me from them."

Kelly Cabral, of Tracy, Calif., placed the ad recently after coming across a box in her garage crammed with dozens and dozens of Beanie Babies, the floppy little stuffed animals that sparked an international trading frenzy in the late 1990s.

Years earlier, there were days when Kelly and her husband, Dan, would join the early-morning crowds laying siege to gift shops that were expecting shipments of Beanies.

Now, she says, "My husband's like, 'Where did we get all these?' Then you realize you spent way too much time on this insanity."

Whether a Beanies collection now resides in a cut-glass display case or the back of a closet may depend on the owner's level of embarrassment. Some former collectors cringe when they think of the plush critters, just as certain investors do when they recall Internet crash-and-burns such as Webvan or Pets.com.

In many ways, in fact, Beanie Babies mania was the dot-com stock bubble writ small. 

Both were creatures of a frothy, peacetime economy with low unemployment and towering consumer confidence. Both were abetted by the advent of online trading and the explosive growth of the Internet. Both gave rise to celebrity oracles who seemed able to decode the mysteries of the market. Both spawned fraud and even episodes of violence. And, finally, both flouted all classical notions of investment value. Until they didn't.

Forbes magazine ranks Warner as the 65th richest person on Earth, worth an estimated $6 billion, ahead of Los Angeles insurance and real estate tycoon Eli Broad, Staples Center owner Philip Anschutz and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.

Warner's fortune was built on Beanie Babies, helping fund his purchases in recent years of New York's Four Seasons hotel, as well as California properties -- San Ysidro Ranch, Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel and Sandpiper Golf Club in Santa Barbara. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 28, 2004
DENVER SHOW BEGINS TODAY
Look for the Denver Bear to be listed soon. The birthdate for this bear is already posted on the calendar at Ty.com. November 7, 2003!

BEANIE BIRTHDAY CALENDAR UPDATED
http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieCalendar.htm

BEANIE BILLIONS
Here's a riddle? What can you make with a few little pellets and some swatches of plush fabric? If you're Beanie Babies inventor Ty Warner, you can make billions.

The famously reclusive Beanie billionaire poked out of his undisclosed residence near Chicago to come to Dallas this month to meet with hotelier Atef Mankarios. Ty has used some of his plush-toy cash to buy the Four Seasons in New York, the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, Calif., and San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, Calif.

Atef's Dallas company works with Ty in the operation of all three properties.

The hotelier and the billionaire dined at the very intimate Aurora on Oak Lawn, where former Mansion on Turtle Creek chef Avner Samuel runs the kitchen. VIEW STORY HERE

INFO ON NEW RELEASES
Hey! What's in the new magazine??? You won't believe it!
byte2   (Aug 27, 2004, 08:53 PM)
Message Id: 817862
byte2 writes: Now you'll have to get the magazine to see them all! I can't do pictures, LOL.
:)

I Love bears:
Denver a Ty-dyed bear like Peace! Oh wow! I love Ty-dyed bears like the old Peace!
Boston - green!

New State BEARS!
Illinois - Brown
Georgia - Lavendar
California - Orange
Pennsylvania - Hot Pink
Ohio - Gold
Massachusetts - Blue
Minnesota - looks like Bubby blue white dots
Colorado - light green
Washington - Dark Blue
Kansas - Yellow
New York State - White with an apple on its chest! VIEW MESSAGE AND REPLIES HERE

2nd part of What's in the magazine post, lol!
byte2   (Aug 27, 2004, 08:56 PM)
Message Id: 817864
byte2 writes: In the Ty store will be a cute little bear called 
Sweetest! This almost looks like a Buddy, maybe it is?
It has an I 'heart' u logo on it's chest!
Bat-e - darling black bat that matches the Halloweenie teenie!
There is also a Quivers Halloweenie teenie.
Ty Store:
Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria. Bet you know what these 3 bears are for? Columbus day, hurray!
All blue with their names and a boat logo on their chests!

Little Feather has on a cute little headdress and a feather! She's pooh style and brown/gold

Alps a St Bernard puppy for BBOM!

Nami - a Black Rhino for the WWWF! Ty Store. Very different and very cool looking! :) VIEW MESSAGE AND REPLIES HERE

August 27, 2004
BEANIES & MORE NEWSFLASH
http://www.ty.com/MagazineCover

CAN ANYONE CONFIRM THE FTD CONVENTION BEANIE
I just wanted to verify that the FTD Convention show Beanie was indeed a specially tagged Shasta Beanie. Brenda points out to me that there was an FTD Shasta Beanie earlier in the year. If you were at the show or know of someone that was.. Please email at Lisa@planetbeans.com for confirmation so I’ll know that the 2004 Ty schedule/checklist is correct. http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

AUCTIONS OF INTEREST
--- COMPLETED: Wiggly signed by John Kerry and John Edwards. Ended at $40! VIEW AUCTION HERE

August 26, 2004
ASK TY
Q: Can you tell us a secret? (submitted by thunderroadrider) 
A: You know I don't normally tell secrets but this time I'll make an exception. Here you go . . .
I am introducing a very special collection of Beanies on August 30th ! Remember, this is a secret - mum's the word. http://www.ty.com/askty_home You know I don't normally tell secrets but this time I'll make an exception. Here you go . . .
http://www.ty.com/askty_home

AUGUST RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/Aug_04_ret
Bijoux, Chicago, Kansas City, L.A., Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Twitch

Another '90s Bad Dream 
Beanie Baby mania paralleled the dot-com craze: sky-high prices and then a bursting of the bubble. Ex-devotees cringe at the memory. 

It was just an online classified ad, under Collectibles for Sale, but it sounded like a cry from the heart: "I'm tired of these things now. Please save me from them."

Kelly Cabral of Tracy, Calif., placed the ad recently after coming across a box in her garage crammed with dozens and dozens of Beanie Babies, the floppy little stuffed animals that sparked an international trading frenzy in the late 1990s.

Years earlier, there were days when Kelly and her husband, Dan, would join the early-morning crowds laying siege to gift shops that were expecting shipments of Beanies. This is a subscription only service so the entire article and pictures can be found at the following link: http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieArticle8-26.htm

YOUR THOUGHTS…
Ryan from CollectiblezSpot writes: “Hi Lisa! Being from Seattle myself, I can’t express enough how disappointed I was to discover that the I (Love) Seattle bear was Red! What was Ty thinking? Why is the Seattle bear not Green for our “ Emerald City ,” or even brown for our love of “Coffee” or … Blue for the rain? Obviously he is not making a connection between color and city. If he is, I feel sorry for the folks in Columbus . Ryan”

Tina writes: “In regards to "I Love Seattle" bear! I just figured it out!! He's rust color. Because people in Seattle don't tan, they "rust"!! [rain, rust..] LOL Tina Formerly of Washington”

Do you have comments to share? Lisa@planetbeans.com

August 25, 2004
YOUR THOUGHTS…
Nancy writes: “I laughed when I read Tina's remark in the newsletter this morning about the I Love Seattle bear. I live about 300 miles from Seattle and my son works in Seattle so I was really looking forward to this bear. I kept wondering what color it would be and had convinced myself that it would be green also....since Washington is known as the Evergreen State. I had read a rumor last month that it would be coffee brown colored (since Seattle is the original home of Starbuck's). I myself was kind of surprised that it was red...but I still want one and hope I will be able to find one. Have a great day from Nancy in the cool, rainy Pacific NW.”

Donna writes: “My thoughts are pretty much the same as the others. Poor Columbus, what was he thinking??!! But Seattle is definitely closer to my heart...I live in Central Washington. If Seattle is Red when it is the Emerald City, can you imagine if we were to have a Washington State bear....we are the EVERGREEN state!”

Nadine writes: “LISA....I AGREE, I AM FROM OHIO AND I HATE THE OHIO BEAR, OUR BIRD IS THE CARDINAL AND OUR BEAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RED OR WHITE WITH RED TRIM NOT THE HIDEOUS COLORS OF POLKA DOTS. BUT I DO WILL NOT BREAK UP MY SET. AND I ALSO AGREE EMERALD IS GREEN NOT "RED" NADINE”

Do you have comments to share? Lisa@planetbeans.com

UPDATED...
I've updated the Ty Summer Show Schedule with the latest Beanies issued: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

August 24, 2004
YOUR THOUGHTS…
D writes: “I DO Love Seattle - as a beautiful bear (I would love to go there one day). However, did Ty lose his mind when thinking of a color scheme for Columbus? He is ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS! Hope he looks better "in the fur" should I be able to find him - I'd hate to break the set by not buying him if I do see him, but... Too bad he doesn't go with the rest of the set. What's so special about him that he deserves to have polka dots? D in NC”

Tina writes: “Aloha Lisa, Now, why isn't Seattle "green"..Emerald City..red?...green...hhhmmm I really was hoping Seattle would be green..any green. I'm originally from Seattle, so WAS looking forward to this bear coming out. geez Anywho, have a great day!! Tina”

Do you have comments to share? Lisa@planetbeans.com

AUCTIONS OF INTEREST
---TY SIGNED DECADE #51/100 Ends at $1,045! VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Wiggly signed by M. Night Shymalan. Ends at $10.50! VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Wiggly signed by John Kerry and John Edwards. First bid is at $35.00! Ends Aug-27-04 03:45:00 PDT VIEW AUCTION HERE

August 23, 2004
COLUMBUS SOLD OUT
http://www.ty.com/Columbus_soldout

COLUMBUS & SEATTLE INTRODUCED
COLUMBUS: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4708
SEATTLE: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4709

Gayle shares the following story from her local paper. 
Beanie gone Bust
Wanna make Andrea Alam cringe? Mention that some people have been selling off their old Beanie Babies at garage sales for a fraction of their original cost. 

"Who could do that?!" Alam wailed, clutching one of the hundreds of Beanies in her collection. "I just think they're so stinkin' cute."

What could be more stinkin' cute than a six-inch teddy bear with velvet-soft, pastel fur stuffed with just enough tiny pellets that it is always in slack-limbed, totally nonthreatening repose? Maybe an equally cuddly, bright red monkey? Or a sparkly, rainbow-hued elephant? This is a subscription only service so the entire article can be found at the following link: http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieArticle8-22.htm

August 22, 2004
I LOVE COLUMBUS
Gayle writes: "Since Jerry and I now have a vendors license, we went to the Columbus trade show today, I got to see the I Love Columbus Beanie...lavender with pink flecks....We Ohioans were hoping for a red beanie as Ohio State is Red and Gray, our State bird is the Cardinal...But we have lavender. gayle"

DRUGSTORE BEANIES?
Nancy writes: “Lisa, How are you? FYI, wanted to tell you that I was looking in my Sunday Ad Papers and under the Eckerd Drug Store paper they had Beanie Babies for $5.99 each. That was a big surprise, doesn't TY frown on any store but a gift type store can carry Beanies? Nancy”

TRADE SHOWS
Two trade shows opened yesterday Columbus, Ohio and Seattle, Washington. One opens today in Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Complete show schedule: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

PHOTOS OF NEW RELEASES
Cindy's Beans has photos of the upcoming Ty products: http://www.cindysbeans.com/

Seven Tips for Running an eBay Consignment Business
6) Set Consignor Expectations
The most important thing you must do in a consignment auction is to set consignor expectations. Be objective so you may work through the obstacles of what they paid for an item, what they think it is worth, what someone told them they could get for it and whatever sentimental value is attached to an item.

Grandma's crystal vase is probably worth more sentimentally than financially. "Collector" Barbie Dolls and Beanie Babies are very common and you will be lucky to get face value. Explain it isn't what they paid for an item that determines the sales price, it's what is someone willing to pay for it.

Research current and closed auctions to see what similar items have sold for. What was the final selling price? Was it in a similar condition? Were all the parts there? Provide, in written form, to your consignor so they may see themselves. This allows them the opportunity to change their mind before listing the item. The last thing you need is an unhappy consignor who "...was told by my friend I could get $800 for that doll." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Kisses for Bertie notches first win for sire Maghnatis
Making her fifth career start, Kisses for Bertie, one of two starters by freshman sire Maghnatis, bounced back from a bobbled start, split foes four wide in the lane, and drew away to a 7 1/2-length victory in the seventh race on Saturday at Ellis Park, to become the first winner for Oklahoma-based sire Maghnatis.

In five seasons of racing, Maghnatis recorded six wins from 31 starts and earned $140,000. The Kentucky-bred ten-year-old son of Storm Cat stands for $1,500 at Morning Line Farm near Vian, Oklahoma. He is a half brother to stakes-placed winner I Am a Beanie Baby, and is one of five winners from eight starters out of the Grade 1-placed winning Majestic Light mare Our Little Margie.

Kisses for Bertie completed the 6 1/2-furlong maiden claiming race in 1:19.49 over a fast track to earn the victory. Bred in Kentucky by her co-owner Bertram Klein, Kisses for Bertie is one of five foals of racing age by Maghnatis, who also has five yearlings. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

NOTE: I've shared the above story because there is a horse actually named I AM A BEANIE BABY! LOL

August 21, 2004
TRADE SHOWS
There are two trade shows opening today and one tomorrow.
Today - Columbus, Ohio and Seattle, Washington. 
Tomorrow - Montreal, Quebec Canada.

Complete show schedule: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

EXCITING NEWS FROM SUE OWEN
Read the newest happenings with CHERISH: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Happy Meals Kill Grimace!
If you didn't know it yet, McDonald's is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its popular Happy Meals. In terms of centuries, I guess you can call this a Quarter Pounder, as the introduction of the kid-friendly packaging really helped put Mickey D's on the map as a family destination.

McDonald's will be commemorating the event over the next few weeks by loading up its Happy Meals with cool toy premiums by the likes of Mattel and recommendation Hasbro.

Looking back, one has to wonder how the fast-food industry could live without its kid meals. With finicky-eating children driving many dining decisions, how could they refuse going to an economical eating establishment that set them up with the Cracker Jack gimmick of a free toy inside?

Those petty toys can be huge motivators from time to time. Anyone remember the Teenie Beanie Babies craze at McDonald's a couple of years ago or the Toy Story toys at Burger King? In fact, some companies such as Equity Marketing have carved out a cozy living in producing those promotional playthings.

Casual dining restaurants may have responded with crayons and coloring book menus, but it's the fast-food chains that mastered the concept of making kids feel important in the mealtime process. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 20, 2004
DISCOVER - NOW LISTED AS CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE (Beanie Info pages have been updated!)
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4683

SOLD OUT - BIG APPLE (posted last night on Ty.com)
http://www.ty.com/big_apple_soldout

ASK TY
Q: What is your favorite kind of Beanie Baby to make, for example bears, dogs, cats? (submitted by auroraluver13)
A: Bears, dogs, and cats can be fun to design, but I think my favorites are the ones that are truly unique . . . such as Ratzo ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

CONTEST AT BEANIEMOTION
Darlene writes: “Hi Lisa, Beaniemotion has started a new contest today with a chance to win "Grandmother and Grandfather" beanies from the Ty Store. The link is www.beaniemotion.com Can you please let all your readers know? Thank You, Darlene”

TY BABY BLANKETS
Has anyone found these blankets in stores yet?

August 19, 2004
Listed on About Collectibles newsletter on 8/18
Victory
Claim Victory even before some of the games begin! A new, exclusive beanie baby is available from the Ty store for $5. Victory is a golden bear with a laurel wreath on his head and an embroidered Olympic torch on his chest. This is one that will go fast! (http://collectibles.about.com/b/a/105291.htm)

IN HAND PICS OF POOKY
Marilyn shares pictures with Ms. Janie: http://www.msjanie.com/2004_photos/Marilyn_Pooky.html
Pooky sitting next to Garfield for size comparison: http://www.msjanie.com/2004_photos/Marilyn_Garfield_Pooky.html

INFO ON HALLOWEEN RELEASES
Bean Watcher has details on the upcoming new Halloween styles soon to be released. VIEW HERE

August 18, 2004
Beanie Goldmine
It all started with a pink flamingo - Pinky the Beanie Baby flamingo, to be exact.

"We have a sister who doesn't like flamingos," Jane Bronson said," "so when we saw Pinky we had to buy him for her. We emailed her and said something scary was coming."

"She didn't know if she should tear down the mailbox or shoot the mailman!"

That was in 1997.

Jane and her sister, Mavis Lentz, were recently featured in a national collectors' magazine, "Ty Beanies and More."

"Between us we've got 3,000 Beanies, Teeny Beanies and everything in between," Mavis said. "We just went berserk."

Shopping for Beanies became the sisters' time to spend together. Mavis and her husband live in Renville; Jane resides in Redwood Falls. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Home on leave
What would you do if you were a member of the Albert Lea National Guard home on leave? Would you sleep in, spend time with loved ones, go out with friends, catch up on all of those not-so-recently released movies you've missed over the last couple of months?

Mike Nelson, 26, of National Guard Unit 2-135 out of Albert Lea has been doing just that and more during his 15-day leave.

"I've just been at home relaxing, visiting family and friends," said Nelson.

"We are there to win over the hearts and minds of those people, and it is progressing really well," he said. "They want us there, especially in Herat, everyone is pretty friendly and you don't feel uncomfortable or anything."

The friendly relationship that Nelson hinted at is enhanced by the kind of work they are doing. While there they serve as force protection for civil affairs, providing security at area hospitals, bridges, schools and construction sites.

"For one mission my mom sent me a bunch of Beanie Babies, and we were just swamped by kids," said Nelson. "They kind of attacked me."

While the city of Herat is well off, the towns surrounding it are not as lucky, said Nelson. In outlying communities, running water is considered a luxury no one can afford and buildings are made of mud.

"Whenever we go out on missions we try to bring things to the children," said Nelson. "If you only see 10 kids at first and then leave to go get the packages, 50 more will show up. They come out of the woodwork. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Collectors of all kinds of everything sought
BETHLEHEM -- Historic Bethlehem Partnership is seeking child collectors to display and talk about their collections for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts from noon to 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the museum, 427 N. New St., according to a news release from the partnership.

Whether they collect rocks, coins, shells, Barbies, Beanie Babies or other items, young collectors are invited to share their interest and knowledge with visitors. The objects to be displayed should not be very large or of great value, although the collection may be extensive. To enter a collection, call 610-868-6868. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

Olympics: Phelps powers U.S. to two more golds
ATHENS, Greece — Seven gold medals? $1 million dollars.

Beating Australia in their strongest relay race? Priceless.

A day after his quest to win a $1 million bonus by matching the record seven gold medals won by Mark Spitz in the 1972 Munich Olympics evaporated, Michael Phelps swam two stirring races and won gold medals in the 200-meter butterfly and the 4 x 200-meter relay within an hour Tuesday night at the Olympic Aquatic Center.

But in an Olympics already punctuated by stunning upsets, perhaps it wasn't surprising to see Phelps say "Let's do this" to Australian Grant Hackett then rocket off to a huge lead after the first 200. But it was surprising to see Phelps catch a bulldog Beanie Baby doll from his sister, Hillary, during his team's gold-medal victory lap.

In between his first lap and his new toy (a stand-in for the English Bulldog puppy he will get after the Olympics), he cheered, screamed, and cajoled his teammates to hold his lead. They all did, even anchorman Klete Keller, who held off Thorpe by just .13, setting off a whirlwind of fist pumps, screams and hugs among the American team.

"I just wanted to do my best for these guys and for the country," said Keller. "It hurt like hell, but it worked and we won." VIEW FULL STORY AND PICTURES HERE

How to Get a Gig As a Mystery Shopper
When Kim Keenum, 39, walks through the parking lot of a supermarket in Carol Stream, Ill., other customers may be searching for their lists, but she's counting abandoned carts and looking for trash. "See that crushed beverage cup?" she says. "There's no liquid next to it, so it's been there for a while."

Mrs. Keenum is a mystery shopper, paid to act like a regular customer of banks, retail stores, restaurants, or even government offices, but is really there to report on cleanliness, food quality and customer service. There are about 200,000 "active" shoppers in the U.S., according to the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, a Dallas-based trade group that trains and certifies prospective shoppers. Although the pay for mystery shopping is low -- usually just a few dollars plus a voucher for free food or merchandise -- the field is competitive and applications deluge the country's 750 mystery-shopping companies, hired by client firms to recruit mystery shoppers, much like a temp service.

The store visit takes 17 minutes and 39 seconds, plus a couple more minutes in the car to write down information she'll download into a five-page online form that evening, a process that can take anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour. For the entire "shop," Mrs. Keenum will be paid $10 and reimbursed $2 for groceries. Since she spends $12.85, for items she and her 11-year-old daughter need, plus a Beanie Baby dog for her nine-year-old son, this shop is a net loss. But she'll hit another supermarket that afternoon, a couple of fast-food restaurants the next day and, by the end of the month, earn about $1,000 in her spare time, having done 75 shops. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

August 17, 2004
AVAILABILITY OF DISCOVER
Rose writes: “Hi Lisa, Just got an e-mail from my daughter in Alberta. She found out for me that Discover will be available in all our stores. Thank goodness. will let you know when I get it. Rose”

BEANIE INFO PAGES UPDATED ONCE AGAIN…
http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

When updating the Beanie Calendar I noticed the following:
To date there is only ONE date not represented with a Ty product: August 26
There are 3 dates not represented with Beanies but with a Beanie Kid instead:
9/22: Sugar Beanie Kid, 11/24: Buzz Beanie Kid, 12/26: Cutie Beanie Kid
http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieCalendar.htm

"Oh, yeah. When my son Ryan was younger, we hit every McDonald's we could think of, looking for the white Power Ranger," said Alford, who has three Happy Meal-loving children -- Tyler, 16; Ryan, 12; and Madison, 9.

Even her husband has gotten caught up in the Happy Meal toy craze.

"He's gotten toys that the kids have forgotten about. So, he has his own stash of Happy Meal toys that are still in plastic bags," she said.

For parents like Alford, it might be hard to believe, but a whole generation of children has grown up with the Happy Meal, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.

To commemorate the occasion, the chain is giving away a special Ty Teenie Beanie Baby collection through Thursday.

The bears are dressed up as well-known McDonald's icons and McDonaldland characters, including Ronald McDonald and the Hamburglar. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

August 16, 2004
POOKY INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/Pooky_Intro

BEANIE NEWS FROM GRACE
Grace writes: "Good morning Lisa, I had a very interesting conversation yesterday with a lady at the CardAmerica, aka Carlton Cards, aka American Greetings.

Apparently there was a very important sales meeting between AG and Ty reps because AG has now become the top Ty retailer!  AG is striving to provide more current beanies and I can attest that this is indeed true because I was able to get most, if not all, of the I Love bears that have come out (except Minneapolis, Pittsburgh and KC, but they are due in anytime!).  So, if anyone has an American Greetings, Carlton Cards or CardAmerical store near you (usually located at the mall), you will fare much better in getting the most current beanies available.

Now, to give Hallmark it’s due, I was able to find the “sold out” Bijoux in abundance there.  However, they did not have Happy Birthday bear at all, nor have I been able to find him anywhere else yet (and believe me, I’ve checked many sources, to no avail yet).

Hope this helps fellow beanies in their search for the little darlings. Happy beanie hunting!! Grace"

M.C. BEANIE IV INTRODUCED
Thank you to the readers that let me know of this introduction. I've been napping! LOL
http://www.ty.com/BB-MC-IV_Intro

DISCOVER NOW LISTED
As expected, Discover was added to the currents list at Ty.com. One note of interest.. this Beanie is NOT yet listed as a Canadian Exclusive. http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4683 

SUMMER SHOW SCHEDULE UPDATED
Discover and Big Apple have been added: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

CHERISH AUCTION ENDING SOON!
Sue writes: "Hi, Just a reminder that the auction for a set of 2004 McDonalds Teenie Beanies plus extra Canadian 'Happy Meal' Teenie Beanie, Happy Meal Box and Activity Booklet - and of course the bonus Ronald McDonald themed sweater - closes later today at 21:31:24 BST.

I know that several people are tracking the auction's progress so please don't forget to place that all-important bid! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5914333629#description Good luck to all bidders!"

BEANZADDICTION CONTEST
Hayley writes: “Hi Everyone, The new competition is up and running with your chance to win a cute prize. This month's prize is one from the newest range to hit the shelves from the makers of Tatty Teddy. His name is Bobble and he is the cutest little owl. The prize is a plush Bobble (which is absolutely gorgeous - he is half beanie and half stuffing and he is the squishiest little owl ever!) plus a story sheet with the story of his friendship with Tree and how he turned from a bouncy ball, to a Christmas bauble, to a real owl. All you have to do is help Bobble to count! There will be a square image on the competition page, with several Bobbles against a blue background. It's your job to count the number of Bobbles on the image and report back to Bobble. The competition will run from today (Monday 16th) until Saturday 28th August. The image will change daily, so enter each day for the best chance of winning. Good luck - hope you all enjoy this competition! Also, if any of you have trouble entering the competition through the form (which I know some people have in the past) you can also email your answer in to me, and I will count it in the draw.” http://www.beanzaddiction.com

August 15, 2004
BIG APPLE IS NOW LISTED... Discover sure to soon follow: 
Big Apple the bear 
CURRENT 
As the city's lights shine bright
New York City is such a sight
The apple of our nation's eye
Once you're there you won't ask why !
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4681

Discover the bear 
CURRENT
Canada, so proud and true
I pledge my loyalty to you
Land of the north, so brave and free
There's no place that I'd rather be !
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4683

LARGER PICTURE OF DISCOVER
Great job to everyone that voted for Discover putting him in the top ranks! ;o) VIEW LARGER PICTURE HERE

Thank you to Brenda for sharing...
BIG APPLE IS NOW PICTURED - http://www.ty.com/viewranks
In the event that you missed BIG APPLE when it was pictured as #6 VIEW LARGER PICTURE HERE

More NEW BEANIES - Go to the Info Beanie list.
Ratzo 2007 (Aug 15, 2004, 09:39 AM)
Message Id: 806120 
Ratzo 2007 writes: They're not announced yet or in the Ty current checklist, but you can see names like Big Apple (for the New York gift show today), Discover (for the Discover card), and others I might be missing. VIEW CYBERBOARD POSTING HERE

Holy night fliers! Austin becomes Bat Central
Critters lure thousands to Texas capital
Austin, Texas -- Steve Huey is a man with a caricature of a bat on his business card. He has specially designed Beanie Baby bats to sell, and he offers a big bat deal: Stay overnight in his hotel, and a portion of the room rate goes to bat conservation, earning the guest an official bat adoption certificate.

Around here, no one thinks that's weird.

Austin is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America, and most locals -- along with hordes of tourists -- love the tiny, furry critters, all 1.5 million that roost under a downtown bridge and fly out nightly between April and October to forage for insects. They do it in front of an audience of hundreds.

"It's like a rite of passage: If you're in Austin, you have to see the bats," said Huey, sales director for Radisson Hotel and Suites at the foot of the Congress Avenue Bridge, which is home to the bats. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

August 14, 2004
SPONGE BOB BEANIE BABIES? 
(I really hope this is true. My kids are excited about this possibility too!)
Ms. Janie shares the following from one of her readers
The following information has been privately shared. SpongeBob SquarePants! That’s right, at least one resident of Bikini Bottom will be immortalized by none other than Ty, supposedly in September. Although, if there isn’t a Mr. Krabs, I’ll be very disappointed! Here’s the rest of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme song- 

Absorbent and yellow and porous is he. 
SpongeBob SquarePants! 
If nautical nonsense be somethin' ya wish. 
SpongeBob SquarePants! 
Then drop on the deck and flop like a fish. 
SpongeBob SquarePants! 

Ready? 
SpongeBob SquarePants, 
SpongeBob SquarePants, 
SpongeBob SquarePants, 
SpongeBooob SquarePaaants!

Howdy Ms. Janie: 
More on SpongeBob SquarePants. There will be 5 characters! My guess is- 
SpongeBob SquarePants 
Patrick 
Squidwerd 
Sandy Cheeks 
& (Hope Hope Hope...) Mr. Krabs!!! Here’re links to the SB SP The Movie sites- http://www.apple.com/trailers/paramount/spongebobsquarepantsmovie/
http://www.nick.com/all_nick/movies/spongebob/ 

I also learned an official Ty corporate term today- “Chase Item” That’s an item that was purposely limited in its’ production to stimulate the “chase” for it. It was used to describe the August “Happy Birthday” bear.

PLAZA SALE POSTS RECORD AT $840,000 PER ROOM
August 14, 2004 -- The $675 million sale of the landmark Plaza Hotel announced yesterday is a landmark deal, too: It's the highest price ever paid on a per-room basis in New York City hotel history, and more than twice what Donald Trump sold it for in 1995.

Lodging Investment Advisors hotel analyst Sean Hennessey said the roughly $840,000 Elad Properties is paying for each of the Plaza's 808 rooms tops the $743,000 per room Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner paid for the Four Seasons on East 57th Street in 1999. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NEW "GARFIELD" BEANIE?
CONFIRMED... New Garfield Beanie coming. Pooky the teddy bear.
Ratzo 2007   (Aug 13, 2004, 05:22 PM)
Message Id: 804789
Ratzo 2007 writes: I have seen it on the new order forms that were sent out today. Garfield is back in stock and there is a 7th one now, Pooky the teddy bear. It is a nice looking Beanie. This is not a rumor, this is fact. You heard it here first. VIEW CYBERBOARD POST HERE

MORE INFO ON "POOKY"
Re: More information about Pooky.
Ratzo 2007   (Aug 14, 2004, 07:21 AM)
Message Id: 805086
Ratzo 2007 writes: It is slightly larger than Louis but nowhere near bigger than Garfield or the others. It will cost $2.00 for the retailers to order, so expect to find them for about $4.00-$5.00 retail. It can be ordered with all other Ty products and product lines with the exception of the July and August Beanies. It will be available for ordering on Monday, so expect a newsflash for it at the beginning of next week. The style number is 49155 (I think).

If you don't know Pooky looks like, well, unlike all of these other bears Ty has been making (except for TED-e, Teddy, and others of that nature), this is the true definition of a teddy bear. Look up a picture. I also have a feeling that M.C. Beanie IV will be introduced on Monday. VIEW CYBERBOARD POST HERE

August 13, 2004
INTRODUCING VICTORY (Ty Store Exclusive)
http://www.ty.com/Victory_Intro 

News briefs from California's Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Beanie Babies magnate Ty Warner has purchased the venerable Montecito Country Club from a Japanese firm.

Warner paid about $40 million for the 105-acre country club, which includes a golf course and historic clubhouse with sweeping views of the Santa Barbara and Montecito coast, said Greg Rice, president of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts.

Rice said the deal was finalized Wednesday with Tsukamoto Sogyo Co. of Tokyo, which had owned it since 1973. In recent years, Warner has purchased the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, San Ysidro Ranch, the Sandpiper Golf Course in Goleta and several Montecito homes.

Warner offered to buy the country club in 2000 but was turned down.

"We talked with the owners off and on for probably four years," Rice said.

The latest purchase "reflects Mr. Warner's deep affection for the Santa Barbara area, and devotion to investing in landmarks that define the community," read a statement released by Ty Inc., which manufactures the popular beanbag toys.

"I want to ensure that the next era for the Montecito Country Club is as successful, honored and celebrated as its past and present eras," Warner said in a statement. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

TWO SHOWS STARTING THIS SUNDAY
We should have 2 more "I LOVE" bears to try and obtain soon. There are two shows starting this Sunday. One in New York and the other in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm 

August 12, 2004
ASK TY
Q: How many Gold Medals do you think the U.S. teams will win at the Olympics? (submitted by dietpop)
A: The last U.S. Olympic team won 10 Gold Medals. This year I predict 12, and let me tell you where I think we have the best chances. Michael Phelps is an extraordinary swimmer, so I think he may win 3 to 4 medals all by himself. The women's softball, gymnastics, and basketball teams all can do very well in this year's Olympics. How many Gold do you think the U.S. team will bring home ?  http://www.ty.com/askty_home

AUGUST RETIREMENTS  
Sneaky Buddy http://www.ty.com/Sneaky_Ret
M.C. Beanie III http://www.ty.com/MCBeanieIII_Ret

MORE ON ATLANTA’S RIBBON
Diana writes: “Hi Lisa and Ms. Janie! How weird is this? I sent you the question regarding Atlanta's purple ribbon courtesy of the Ty site that both of you posted. Well, I had tried to add Atlanta to my collection list on Saturday when I found him and there were no buttons to add him (at least not by going through Beanie Babies and then clicking on Atlanta). So I just added him now that he's retired and guess what, his picture now has a peach ribbon!!!!! Now I'm REALLY interested in knowing if there are any "purple ribbons" out there! Diana again”

Diana writes: “This is just another observation: 
The "postcard" pic you posted had Chicago with a white ribbon and L.A. with a purple ribbon, as well as Atlanta with a purple ribbon. I do not have Chicago, but L.A. has a yellow ribbon, just like the Ty site and Chicago has a blue ribbon on the Ty site. I REALLY hope there are NOT variations on these as there are already enough to buy! Diana once again!”

Ty Warner buys historic country club
Owned in decades past by an Olympic committee president and then by a Japanese company, the venerable Montecito County Club now belongs to Beanie Babies magnate Ty Warner. VIEW FULL STORY HERE (NOTE: This website is by subscription only. If you have a subscription and would like to share the entire story please email me.)

OCCASIONALLY…
I would like to share funny jokes and such with my readers. I received a funny email this morning that I wanted to share with my readers. If you have something that you think other people would enjoy please feel free to email it to me at Lisa@planetbeans.com. :o) http://www.planetbeans.com/JOKE.htm

ADDITIONAL: CHERISH AUCTION NEWS
Sue has created the Ronald McDonald sweater. View pictures of this gorgeous sweater and a note from Sue here: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

August 11, 2004
ATLANTA & RONNIE RETIRE
http://www.ty.com/081104_Retirements

“I LOVE” COMMENTS (Email me with comments - Lisa@planetbeans.com)
Grace writes: “Hi Lisa, In researching Carlton Cards and American Greetings, I found out that they are one and the same company. I called the one nearest me and they are holding 5 DC bears for me!! I went to DC last weekend (for a convention) and couldn't find them anywhere! I am going to call the other stores in my area to see what they have on hand. I must say, if I hadn't read your newsletter I never would have known to check with those two stores. Hallmark stores in the area don't seem to care about Ty beanies anymore and are slowly getting rid of or reducing the display areas for them. It is very disappointing, but I guess it's the sign of the times. Take care! Grace”

AUCTIONS OF INTEREST
---ANOTHER CHARITEE SIGNED BY TY WARNER
This is another autographed ChariTee Beanie auction by pgatour-official auctions.
Partial auction description: Tremendous value is added to this bear as he has been signed by Beanie Baby creator Ty Warner. Ty has signed the inside of the heart-shaped Ty tag in black ink. This is a unique memorabilia piece to add to your collection.

This item will come with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the PGA TOUR.

Net proceeds from the sale of this item will be donated to The First Tee. The First Tee was established to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities primarily to serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. VIEW CURRENT AUCTION HERE

---The last auction ended with 11 bids on August 2^nd for $1,227.56! VIEW HERE
NOTE: I wonder how many Ty Warner signed ChariTee Beanies this person has.

---Currently there are still no bids on the Lee Trevino signed ChariTee. VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Wiggly Beanie signed by George W. Bush & Dick Chenney. VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Ants Beanie signed by Bill Clinton. VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Wiggly signed by John Kerry & John Edwards. VIEW AUCTION HERE
---Strut or Doodle (can’t tell by the picture) signed by Johnny Bench. VIEW AUCTION HERE

ADDITIONAL: CHERISH AUCTION NEWS
Sue is creating a gorgeous sweater fit for a Beanie to be included with the auction that was reported on yesterday. For a sketch of this sweater and Sue's comments take a peek here: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm 

August 10, 2004
KANSAS CITY, MINNEAPOLIS, TWITCH - SOLD OUT!
http://www.ty.com/Bijoux_soldout

SNOW ANGEL TY CLASSIC IS INTRODUCED (how cute!)
MITSUKOSHI 100 YEARS - http://www.ty.com/Snow_Angel_Intro 
Available exclusively at MITSUKOSHI Department Store, Japan
On sale September 7th

“I LOVE” BEAR COMMENTS (Email me with comments - Lisa@planetbeans.com)
Charity writes: “Hi Lisa, I am in VA and I have gotten all my I love bears at a Carlton Cards. I have LA, DC, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Texas. My mom was able to get me Chicago in IL where she lives. I believe it was at a Hallmark. A friend of mine, got me Atlanta from someone she knew in GA, I am not sure what kind of store it was from. Here is the site for Carlton Cards, I read that some of your readers did not know where to find American Greetings type of stores. This link takes you to the store locator, maybe it can help some of them out. Charity in VA.”

Bonnie writes: “Hi Lisa. I thought the I LOVE Bears were show only bears and assumed that I would not find them locally, so I haven't gone looking. I purchased I LOVE LA on Ebay. I'm not really interested in the others, except for Boston. Gotta have that one!! LOL Have a good day Bonnie”

It is better to give than to buy mothballs
My invitation to a long-time friend’s “Going Away to College” party came in the mail yesterday. The party is scheduled for the end of August, two weeks before he heads back east to start his freshman year at Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. Sometimes the reality of college is overwhelming, especially when a friend I have known since kindergarten at Baywood Elementary School is headed to school 3,000 miles away.

Charities like Samaritan House and Salvation Army are extremely appreciative of clothing donations. They will also take your old furniture or anything else you don’t have room for in the 12-by-12-foot dorm room cubicle you’ll be calling home for the next year. Even if you don’t have a vehicle to transport large, heavy or bulky items, arrangements can be made by the charitable organization to pick these items up directly from your house. So, no excuses.

If you can’t bring yourself to give without receiving, second-hand stores will buy your used clothes. Although your return may only be a small percentage of what you paid for them, you’ll still be getting something. Plus, $10 in your hand is better than two shirts in the closet you haven’t worn since Beanie Babies were cool. Keep in mind though that the stores are not obligated to take all your clothes. They have experienced “buyers” who decide whether they think your clothes will sell in their store or not. Whatever they don’t buy from you is yours to take back home again. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

'Minnie Miracles' lift parents' spirits
"Minnie Miracle" is back.

"Minnie Miracle" is what Lisa Burford calls her service for parents of "preemies" – babies born prematurely. She uses contributed funds for care packages. Then she delivers those packages, put together in the form of baskets, to the precious bundles put together in the form of preemies.

Special delivery

Here's the way it works:

Lisa asks the public to donate funds, with which she puts together baskets typically containing blankets, a journal for mom to keep about the baby, a preemie outfit, a Beanie Baby and a congratulatory card.

The Ronald McDonald House in Fargo has played "a tremendous role," she says, through the donating of most of the Beanie Babies and helping with the cards. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

'Treasures' are appraised in Jasonville
They came with a variety of items in hand -- flower vases, decorative bowls, paintings, tiny figurines, porcelain-headed dolls, water pitchers, cups, old magazines, a planter, a sewing machine, musical instruments and furniture.

Some came with high hopes and anticipation that they were carrying treasures worth much more money than they paid for the items or with family heirlooms that possessed more than just personal or sentimental value.

Saturday morning, a good gathering of individuals from throughout the Greene, Clay and Sullivan county area came to Jasonville to hear Bloomington antique appraiser William "Bill" Lawrence carefully examine each item, ask questions about its origin and then they listened as he gave his opinion of what each item was worth.

The appraisal -- set up on the format very similar to the popular PBS television series Antique Road Show -- was sponsored by the Shakamak Area Chamber of Commerce. Carol Riddinger organized the event after she had attended a similar event held by Lawrence in Bloomfield.

Lawrence cautioned against getting caught up in what he called the "promotion" collectibles -- Beanie Babies, Amish-crafted items or collector's plates. As an example, he pointed to the Beanie Baby craze of just a few years back when people paid more than $500 for some selected hard-to-get dolls that today are worth only a few dollars.

"These markets are like a bubble, they eventually go pop," he said. "Be very careful with collectibles. You should probably run as far away as you can from them." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Bringing troops a piece of home
With a son serving in Iraq, Carol Calandra has become a catalyst for shipments of goodies, toys and food to the troops and the country's citizens
Carol Calandra has been keeping very late hours. Her frequent appearances on-line at 2 a.m. have led her son Jack to call her his "night stalker" as they exchange e-mails between her Redlands home in the middle of the night and his military base in Iraq, near Fallujah, where it's only morning.

The mobilized Marine reserve colonel and his mother write about friends, family and what life is like on their respective sides of the world. There is also a continuous dialogue about the status of certain shipments.

About every two weeks Calandra sends out boxes filled with nuts, dried fruit, hard candy and anything else that will survive both international shipping and Iraq's desert heat. These are "goodies" for Jack and his troops, who, as a result of increased attacks in the area, have been seeing fewer and fewer of the comforts of home from military supply trucks.

Mixed in with the snacks and phone cards are frisbees, inflatable beach balls, dolls, toy cars and even Beanie Babies.

A friend of Calandra's who owned a toy store donated 130 Beanie Babies when she heard Calandra was including items especially for the children living where her son and his troops are serving.

"I just gave the first of your Beanie Baby gift to some Iraqis," Jack wrote, "Two Iraqi electricians working on the building I live in, about 35 and 25. The older one spoke a little English. When I asked if he had children he replied that he had two girls and a boy, all 5 and under. The younger man has one 3-year-old. When I gave them four Beanies, they were almost crying. Incredibly grateful." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 9, 2004
READER QUESTION
Diana writes: “Ms. Janie and Lisa, I found Atlanta at two different stores over the weekend. Both have peach ribbons around their necks. Ty shows a purple ribbon (which would have been a little prettier in my opinion). Has anyone found one with a purple ribbon? Please excuse me if this question has been posted before. Thanks! Diana”

“I LOVE” BEAR COMMENTS - Email me with comments - Lisa@planetbeans.com
---Nadine writes: “HI LISA..... I WOULD ALSO LOVE TO KNOW WHERE TO PICK UP THE ILOVE BEARS.....I AM IN CINCINNATI, OH I CALLED CRACKER BARREL THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEM. I DID FIND CARLTON CARDS ABOUT 30 MILES FROM ME THEY WILL BE HANDLING THEM. BUT AS SOON AS THEY COME IN THEY ARE GONE. WHERE, DOES ANYONE KNOW, ARE AMERICAN GREETING STORES, I WENT ON THE INTERNET COULD NOT FIND ANY LISTINGS. I HAVE CHECKED HALLMARK, NOTHING. ANY HELP OUT THERE. I HAVE BEEN BUYING THEM FROM E BAY AND THEY ARE GETTING EXPENSIVE ESPECIALLY SINCE AS YOU SAY THERE WILL BE 20 OF THEM, WOW. NADINE BURKE”

---Krystal writes: “Lisa, I was lucky enough to find some I Love bears at a retailer, not American Greetings. They had 2 kinds on the shelf, and when I was checking out, I asked if they were expecting to get more. They had some others that they were just going to put out, but hadn't yet. The beanies were still in the box and in the sleeves. The box contained 4 different cities, were packed in sleeves of 6 beanies, and only 2 sleeves (12) of each city. I was lucky enough to get to pick them right out of the sleeves! But it also led me to believe that they weren't getting very many (12 of each?), and that these could be in shorter supply than we think. And that is why I'm not going to mention the retailer, being the selfish person that I am, as I want to get the bears! LOL! :-) Krystal”

---Roe writes: “I am finding them at my local IL Hallmark Store. I have Atlanta, Chicago, LA, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and DC. And Texas. My daughter found hers at a Carlton Cards store in VA. Roe”

---Donna writes: “lisa, we don`t even have any american greetings stores thart i know of unless they go by another name. will keep a look out for an atlanta one in my travels. :O) donna”

WORLD CLASS AUCTIONS
It's no surprise to see auctions popping up for this elusive game day Beanie Buddy. I've found 17 auctions so far and expect many more. Only two sellers, at this time, have in-hand pictures of this bear. This one seller has 5 Buddies up on auction with in-hand pictures. VIEW AUCTION HERE

August 8, 2004
WORLD CLASS INTRODUCED 
NEW YORK YANKEES EXCLUSIVE
http://www.ty.com/world_class

WORLD CLASS RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/world_class_ret

“I LOVE” BEARS
I picked up 4 of the “I LOVE” bears yesterday at a local American Greetings store. I was told by the manager that they did go to the show so they are supposed to have all but 8 of the “I LOVE” bears. I’m not sure which 8 they won’t have and not really sure why I purchased the 4 that I did knowing that I don‘t intend on purchasing all 20 bears. She also told me that there was this one lady going to all the stores and buying up ALL of the “I LOVE” bears. They have since caught on and only put out a few at a time. The Atlanta bears have come and gone and I can’t even get a one and I live here. LOL I picked up Washington D.C., San Francisco, LA, and Philadelphia. I wonder why American Greetings stores are the only ones that we’ve heard of to get these “I LOVE” Beanies in. Are you finding them in other stores? Email me with comments - Lisa@planetbeans.com

TY SHOW SCHEDULE PAGE UPDATED…
Still wondering where the FTD Convention Beanie from Las Vegas is. Does anyone have any information about this Beanie? http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

They collect dust, not cash
Internet puts big dent in the collectibles market
Forgotten, But NOT GONE
Where are the Beanies?

Barbara Kingston said goodbye recently to Claude, a tie-dyed crab, and a retired shark named Crunch. She sold the Ty Beanie Babies for $1.75 each, less than one-third of their regular retail price.

They were among the last nine remaining beanbag toys on the shelves at the Paper Mill in Fort Myers, Fla. — a store that in its Beanie Baby heyday sold the squishy little critters by the thousand for $5.95 a pop.

 Beanie Babies were that rare thing: an affordable collectible that practically everyone could relate to because they were characters with names and birthdates.

Paper Mill owner Kerry Waterman remembers how customers would be lined up outside waiting for her to open when a new shipment arrived. People believed that some were rare and therefore valuable, and Beanies developed a worldwide cult following.

So, six or seven years later, where are the Beanies?

Many are collecting dust in people's attics and basements, almost forgotten. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 7, 2004
MIKE WEIR SIGNED CHARITEE ON AUCTION
This is another autographed ChariTee Beanie auction by pgatour-official auctions. 

Partial auction description: Tremendous value is added to this bear as he has been signed by golf fan favorite, Mike Weir. Mike has signed the outside of the heart-shaped Ty tag in black Sharpie.

This item will come with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the PGA TOUR.

Net proceeds from the sale of this item will be split between the Mike Weir Foundation and The First Tee. The First Tee was established to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities primarily