August 31, 2005
CHARITY SELLING FAKES?
Susan shares the following: "In 2002 or 2003 I purchased a Beanie from Ribbons of Hope signed by Tiger Woods (ha ha).  At the time I didn't have anything to compare it to, but about 6 months later I purchased something that was signed by Tiger and came with a picture of him signing it.  It was from the golf tournament that he sponsors and that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation.  This is 100% legit and has all the papers with it.  When I compared it to the Beanie from Ribbons of Hope I couldn't even find 1 letter that was similar....even the slant of the signature was completely different.

I emailed Ribbons of Hope and was told that they send them out to celebrities and when they come back they can only assume that it was signed by the celebrity, although it could be anyone associated with that celebrity that handles their mail and requests.  The certificate that comes from them is only signed by them, not the celebrity.  At lease the one that I received is 2002 was that way.

They currently have 2 auctions listed that have signatures on them that I am familiar with.  I own something that was signed by 1 of the people, in front of someone that I know.  The only thing I can say is that I would want them authenticated by someone other than Ribbons of Hope if I were to bid on them."

AWARE INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/AwareIntro

LITTLE STAR INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/LittleStarIntro

SEPTEMBER INTRODUCTIONS http://www.ty.com/September05_intro

Beanies: Blitz, Ghoul, Ghoulianne, Happy Birthday, Hocus, Moonlight, SpongeBob Frankenstein, Spongebob Pumpkinmask (Did you notice that HOCUS doesn't have a poem? Instead there is a description: Medium brown bear holding a pumpkin, with a black spider on his head 8" http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=10271 - Thanks to Sue for letting me know this was quickly corrected and now the poem is posted!)

Buddies: Hocus, Ratzo

Classics: Alacazam, Carvington

Pluffies: Gourdy, Merlin, Plumpkin

Punkies: Screamers, Shriekers

Halloweenie Beanies: Ghosters, Hocus, Merlin, Pocus

August 30, 2005
Paul McCartney donates item for Sayre Theatre fundraiser
"Paul McCartney does not give his signature away easily. We are very lucky," reported Deborah Bonn-Brown of the Ribbons of Hope Foundation. She was reporting to the committee that is organizing the "Gala of the Stars Day" at the Sayre Theatre.
Not only did Paul McCartney respond to the Ribbons of Hope Foundation request, but Barbara Streisand, Tiger Woods and John Glenn sent signed Beanie Babies for the Celebrity Auction part of the Gala. It is anticipated that by Sept. 24, there will be almost 150 celebrity items for sale. Letters of authenticity will be provided for each item.

The Saturday, Sept. 24, "Gala of the Stars Day," an all-day event, will offer food, entertainment, authors signing books and numerous opportunities to purchase items contributed by national celebrities. Starting at 10 a.m., the outdoor event will end at 4 p.m. With Elmer Avenue closed, people will wander between entertainment and an auction in Guthrie Square and authors, sports figures and attractions under a tent in the lot next to the Sayre Theatre. Food will be provided by numerous restaurants and caterers from the Valley area.

Recently the committee was thrilled to hear that James Earl Jones will be attending the gala courtesy of Verizon. Not only a famous actor and the voice of Darth Vader, Jones will read, sign books and speak at the indoor event, starting at 6:30 p.m. Sayre Theatre Manager Margie Ross commented, "It seems like every week we hear of new excitement or response from celebrities. Last week, James Earl Jones agreeing to attend, this week a signed beanie baby from Paul McCartney!"  VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

KATRINA PHOTO
Yesterday was a hard day for many, weather-wise. The affects of Hurricane Katrina could be felt over a LARGE area of the eastern United States. When the outer bands of Katrina started to come through my area, I went outside and took this picture to capture the enormity of this storm. The photo was taken at 4:40pm on Monday afternoon and just moments after I took the photo, a friend from down the road called to tell me we were under a tornado warning. After the one warning ended, we had another immediately following. As far as I know.. there wasn't any damage in my area but I do know that other areas weren't so lucky. I want to send well wishes to everyone that is or has been in the path of this very powerful storm. If you have any photos to share, please email them to Lisa@planetbeans.com. Although they aren't "Beanie" related, I'm sure others are interested in seeing the photos as well. < Notice the clearing to the left then the ominous swirl of the outer bands moving in. > http://www.planetbeans.com/HurricaneKatrinaPhotos.htm

ORDERING SMASH FROM USOPEN.ORG
LaRue writes: "Checked on the US Open beanie a few minutes ago and seems you have to become a member before you can order. Membership is $35 for 19-years-old and over. Guess I will have to let this exclusive pass by the wayside." 

<NOTE: There is some speculation that this Beanie may be sold out since it's not easily found on the website. If you view the main website at usopenshop.org under collectibles you won't find Smash. The link below takes you directly to the ordering page for Smash. If you are able to order from this link please let me know so I can pass along the information to others.>

Detailed Description < http://www.usopenshop.org/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4434 >
Show the cuddly side of your US Open spirit with this Official Ty "Beanie Baby" This adorable bear has the 2005 US Open Logo embroidered on the front.

- Made of surface-washable polyester fiber
- Stuffed with polyethylene pellets
- Measures 9 inches tall
- A great US Open collectible, good for all ages
- Manufactured by Ty, The Original Beanie Baby Company
- This Official Beanie Baby has the Ty hang-tag in addition to the Ty brand logo sewn into seam at bottom.
- See detail shot for writing on inside of tag - click on link under large shot for detail shot.
- Photograph shown is actual shot of exactly what you will receive.
- Official Licensed US Open Product

~~ Dotti writes: "I just went to the US Open website and when you try to buy Smash, it tells you: "You are unable to add this product to your cart. Please contact the store on purchasing information." Now, yesterday I had e-mailed the website and was told that they were out of stock and that they were expecting more and that I should try on-line after 5 p.m. Obviously, that is not working. Perhaps I will try e-mailing again and let you know what I'm told. Dotti"

~~ Gayla writes: "I had gone to the site you furnished yesterday and it did take me directly to the page with the US Open beanie, but when you try to order it, a pop up box came up saying you are not able to order this at this time, please contact the store. Perhaps this was because I am not a member? The beanies were listed at$8.00 and under availability, it had "N" ....does that mean it is sold out or just temporarily unavailable???? I did not see a way to contact the store. Thanks for all your wonderful information and help."

SMASH - SOLD OUT ON USOPEN.ORG
There is a new message posted in place of the Smash graphic. It reads as follows: 

We are sorry that this
item is now sold out

Please check back on this web page
September 6 for any further availability.

We cannot accept any backorders.
Please do not phone, email or fax.

August 29, 2005
SMASH DIFFERENCES
Suzi writes: "I saw this on Ty Talk and went and looked it up myself.  Not sure if I should attatch or insert the pictures, so I did both. TY TALK MESSAGE

There is 2 of these bears. On the US Open Store webiste there is a Smash that is different from the one on the Ty site. U.S. OPEN WEBSITE

THE TWO VERSIONS

From the US Open store

From the TY site

SEATTLE SHOW REPORT
SEATTLE-New Fund Raiser Beanie "LITTLE STAR"
Chatters   (Aug 28, 2005, 09:53 PM)
Message Id: 1026508
Chatters writes: Just got back home from Seattle Gift Show and was able to purchase the new "LITTLE STAR" Beanie. I didn't see a picture of it but it will be white with a star on its chest. It is going to be a fund raiser bear for one of the Pediatric charities...forgot what my rep told me. One of the famous female tennis stars is going to be on tv Monday starting to promote it. I also ordered the new Rhodedendron Beanie...a beautiful lime green bear...the flower doesn't really look like a rhody though but still a great bear! Also, last but not least..."Aware" the new Bre_st Cancer charity bear...a nice fuchsia colored bear with the ribbon it is chest. My favorite of the new Halloween items was the big gray Ratso Buddy holding a piece of candy corn..and oh...the SpongeBob Frankenstein is adorable! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

NEW UK EXCLUSIVE PICTURE
Bean Watcher has posted a picture of the "soon-to-be-released" UK exclusive. VIEW HERE

NEW BEANIES WEIGH LESS
Bean Watcher has posted pictures from Orion, webmaster of Beanie Tenjishitsu. VIEW INFO & PICTURES HERE

INTRODUCING SMASH (U.S. Open Exclusive)
http://www.ty.com/Smash_intro

ORDERING EXCLUSIVE VERSION OF SMASH
I've received several emails by collectors trying to find this exclusive bear on the usopen.org website. Here is the direct link to order the exclusive version of Smash. http://www.usopenshop.org/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4434

Reservist relates tales from Iraq to Bankruptcy Bar
If you were to ask the average American to name a word they associated with Iraq, most would probably say war or car bomb or Saddam.

“Beanie Babies,” however, would be the answer if you were to ask local bankruptcy attorney Ed Merrigan.

When preparing for a day’s patrol around Baghdad, Merrigan said Humvees were packed with more than just ammunition and grenades. They were also carrying boxes filled with Beanie Baby stuffed animals and hard candy.

“Wherever we would go, if we knew there were going to be kids there, we would pass out Beanie Babies,” he said.

His troops also passed out more than 600 pairs of new shoes for the Iraqi children. Though he is proud of the infrastructure work his battalion was able to perform, Merrigan said his fondest memories of his deployment involved his daily interaction with Iraq’s children. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 28, 2005
'Bueller ...? Bueller ...?'
EDUCATION: Schools stepping up efforts to maintain, improve attendance rates
Five years ago, Boone Grove High School had an attendance policy that Suzi Peterson, now an assistant principal, called "exceedingly liberal."

Each student was entitled to miss nine days a semester for any reason, along with five days for family vacation and a day of job shadowing each year. Juniors and seniors could take off two days for college visits. Doctor's appointment absences were unlimited.Added incentives

In the lower grades, attendance incentives can be helpful -- and not just end-of-the-year, perfect attendance awards.

At Solon Robinson Elementary in Crown Point, they have weekly attendance awards. Every student with perfect attendance for the week is entered into a drawing for a Ty Beanie Baby, Principal Barb Merrill said. Two stuffed animals are awarded each week, one for grades K-3 and another for 4-6.

"I love to watch the kids," Merrill said. "They strive for that goal." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

BASE: Backpack gifts
Military families enjoy a hot day, 'cool' treats.
LOS ALAMITOS After receiving backpacks for himself and his siblings Saturday at the Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, Rudy Ortiz, 14, proclaimed, "They're cool.'

He wasn't talking about the weather.

The heat wave didn't stop more than 600 children from getting backpacks stuffed with school supplies Saturday during "Military Kids Day' at the base. The event was spurred by volunteers from Newport Beach's Pack For The Future, a group established in December by volunteer Cynthia Briggeman that looks for ways to help military families on fixed incomes.

"(Backpacks) would be one less thing they'd have to buy,' she said.

Children also jumped around on inflatable "bouncers,' and kept cool on an inflated water slide donated by Mariners Church in Irvine. Arts and crafts tables were set up, and Hawaiian dancers entertained.

Briggeman and her volunteers raised about $20,000 to buy 2,000 red backpacks packed with school supplies and a Beanie Baby. Some of the most enthusiastic donors were Leisure World Seal Beach residents, many of whom are also on fixed incomes. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

100 volunteers play Santa, stuffing stockings for soldiers
Connie Codilla couldn’t resist adding one more thing — a kiss — to Christmas stockings stuffed with goodies for shipment to troops in Iraq.

As more than 100 volunteers at the Sugar Creek Optimist Club stuffed such items as toothbrushes, snacks and hand warmers into bright red Santa socks, Connie, 15, said a prayer and planted a smooch on each Beanie Baby bunny she stuffed into a stocking.

“I hope my dad gets one of those bunnies,” she said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

MONTREAL, QUEBEC GIFT SHOW BEGINS TODAY...
... and runs through Tuesday, August 31st. If you are in attendance and would like to share your show report please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com.

QUEBEC IRIS VERSICOLOR THE BEAR
As expected.. the silent introduction. http://www.ty.com/images/products/10097_lg.gif

August 27, 2005
ASK TY
Q: What is your favorite candy? (submitted by mooseybean)
A: I'm not a big candy fan . . . . but I have been known to sneak a Peanut M&M once in a while ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

DENVER MERCHANDISE MART & SEATTLE GIFT SHOWS BEGIN TODAY
Expect the silent introductions of Colorado Columbine the bear and Washington Rhododendron the bear.

COLORADO COLUMBINE THE BEAR
http://www.ty.com/BeanieBabies_home 

WASHINGTON RHODODENDRON THE BEAR
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=10096

August 26, 2005
AUGUST RETIREMENTS
BEANIES: Benjamin, John, Thomas, Books (all versions), Holy Father http://www.ty.com/aug05_ret 
BUDDIES: Twitch 

TY'S HALLOWEEN 2005 BEANIES
Cindy's Beans has the new releases pictured on their website. Even SpongeBob gets in the Halloween spirit: http://www.cindysbeans.com

ONTARIO WHITE TRILLIUM RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/aug05_BB3_ret

Rock of ages
Rolling Stones concert raises old question about geriatric rockers
Who's too old to rock and roll?

It's a long-lingering question being revived once again this week as the Rolling Stones head into town to play Comerica Park. Old jokes about old rockers are everywhere. Does Mick wear Depends? Is Charlie on Lipitor? Has Keith had a blood transfusion?

OK, the last one isn't really about being a senior citizen. Keith Richards was probably ripe for blood transfusions at the age of 26. Still, you get the drift.

And what about the audience? Will there be backups in the aisles because of people with walkers? Will prune juice be the hot item at the concession stand?

The people who used to drive to concerts in VW vans or their parents' Chevy Bel Airs will now drive up in SUVs better suited to service in Iraq, in BMWs that cost more than their first homes or in the same sort of limos that Mick and Keith will be arriving in (sans the blood transfusion equipment, assumedly).

Let's face it: Rock isn't exactly a young thing anymore. Even if it was born on the enthusiasm of young things, rock has gone gray; it's gone bald; it's on its fourth liposuction treatment, and it's just about ready to apply for Social Security.

Pete Townshend of The Who, the guy who wrote "Hope I die before I get old," is now 60. He obviously didn't get his wish. The guy who sang "I'm Eighteen," Detroit's own Alice Cooper, is 57. Crikey, the average age of the original Ramones, a band that didn't even emerge until the mid-'70s, is 53, and three of them are dead.

As For Mick Jagger of the Stones, he's 62. Keith Richards is 61. Charlie Watts, 64. Are they too old for rock and roll?

Their new album, "A Bigger Bang," comes out Sept. 5. It's the band's 29th studio album! The Rolling Stones have outlasted the Vietnam War, the Soviet Union, punk rock, grunge rock, disco, Beanie Babies and three of the four Beatles.

Shouldn't there be some statute of limitations for rockers? Or at least a physical exam that performers have to pass before they're allowed to go on tour? Some universally agreed-upon contract that says no one older than the age of 60 can wear leopard-skin pants, no one who's had triple-bypass surgery can sing about hoochie koo, and if you have to use a wheelchair, you can't go onstage? VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTOS HERE

August 25, 2005
Bean Bag Animal Crafts
While searching for room Mom ideas for my son's 1st grade class I found a website with 12 craft ideas for Beanie Babies. Kids and adults alike will enjoy these crafts. VIEW IDEAS HERE

For Iraqi Children-American Soldiers Make A Plea For Shoe Donations
Newtown resident Christine Herwig is assisting her brother, Major Jeff Camp, and other American soldiers stationed in Iraq by trying to provide the poverty-stricken Iraqi children with new or gently used shoes. It is a collaborative effort on the part of Ms Herwig, her family, and family friend, Cathy Roche, to reach their goal of collecting and shipping 10,000 pairs of shoes, to be sent to Iraq by the end of October.

Ms Herwig corresponds with her brother regularly by email and agreed to gather support from the Newtown community to help the soldiers reach their goal. To date Ms Herwig and her family have collected and boxed up approximately 180 pairs of children's shoes. Ms Herwig's daughter Kaity, who will be a senior at Newtown High School, was so touched by her uncle's emails and the photos of the Iraqi children he sent that she decided to enclose in each of the boxes of shoes some Beanie Babies, as an extra treat for the Iraqi children. Kaity noticed that she had close to 300 Beanie Babies collected through the years that were left unnoticed in the family's basement; she thought that the Iraqi children would enjoy having a new toy as well as a new pair of shoes. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Noe sent Taft a Beanie Baby
COLUMBUS — Thomas W. Noe — likely Ohio’s most famous coin and Beanie Baby dealer — gave a praying Beanie Baby bear named “Hope” to Gov. Bob Taft.

The gift was among several small items that Taft received from Noe, according to public records from the governor’s office obtained by The Dispatch.

The name of the plush bear matches that of first lady Hope Taft.

The gift list also shows that Noe gave Taft a picture valued at $15 on Dec. 16, 2004. The list shows the picture’s status as “in gov’s (office).” Taft spokesman Mark Rickel could not say whether the gift was a photograph or artwork, or whether it is in Taft’s office.

Noe dealt in Beanie Babies, but there has been no evidence that money from the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation was used to buy the collectibles. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

<< my comments: The question that comes to mind here is... What ever happened to Beanies being created as an affordable stuffed animal for children? Realistically... how many children do you know that look forward to going to their local hardware store in the first place let alone to shop for Beanies?! Have you found Beanies being sold at other odd retail stores? Lisa@planetbeans.com >>

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

August 24, 2005
ALPHA BEANIE KIT?
Michael shares the following: "Hi Lisa I just was making my vote on for next month's info beanie when I noticed a beanie's name that I don't remember on the current list. It is listed as Alpha Beanie Kit. Below is a link to the voting polls and i have copied and pasted the beanie I voted for. Could this be the new BBOC exclusive? I guess only tyme will tell. Michael" http://www.ty.com/myvote

We are sure that Alpha Beanie Kit would be so excited to see your vote, but we are keeping all ballots a secret until the first of next month. So far, Alberta Wild Rose is in the lead.

If you want updates on who is winning the election, please check the Info Beanie Poll Updates.

UPDATE: ALPHA BEANIE KIT REMOVED FROM LIST
Michael writes: "I was just looking to see if the Alpha beanie kit was still on the info beanie kit but to my surprise it has vanished from the list as well as my post about the Alpha beanie kit on the Daily Tymes. I wonder why it vanished as well as my Daily Tymes post. I guess only tyme will tell whether the Alpha beanie kit is or if it will become a reality. Michael"

TWO NEW TY TRADEMARKS
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: On August 15, 2005 Ty Inc applied to register Trademarks on both Valenteenie Beanies and Valenteenies Ty listed Plush toys/soft sculpture plush toys for the goods and services for both.

Kids’ meal toys are marketing genius
We all have a list of people we’d like to meet someday. I’d like to meet the guy (or gal) who came up with the idea of the McDonald’s Happy Meal — or more specifically, the idea of giving away a toy with each meal.

As a mom, I’d like to meet the guy so I can smack him upside the head. If I had a nickel for every kids’ meal toy from Mickie D’s and other restaurants now residing in my home (and a dime for every time I’ve stepped on one), I might actually be able to buy a home large enough to house them all.

On the other hand, though, after I smacked him, I’d want to shake his hand. He was a marketing genius.

How many times have your kids feigned starvation just to get their hands on that gotta-have-it toy? How many adults ate Happy Meals by the dozen so they could snatch up those Beanie Babies a few years ago?

When McD’s actually tried to give freebies to adults, though, it didn’t seem to go over as well. Remember the pedometers that came with the salad meals? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

To the end of bringing some solace to the children orphaned by the war, the Boca Raton-based American Health Association's Orphans of War Campaign has collected and shipped 40,000 teddy bears to the country.

"It's Mad Max country in Iraq," said J. Robert Gordon, executive director of the American Health Association, referring to the insurgency that flared after the U.S. occupation and caused the departure of many foreign humanitarian workers.

He spoke at a news conference at Heritage Park West along with Lt. Col. Stephen Stewart, a civil-affairs officer with the Army Reserve involved in several humanitarian initiatives out of Baghdad.

"Its children are deprived of health care, education and life. It is a nation in turmoil," Gordon said, showing reporters rooms stacked with boxes of teddy bears, Beanie Babies and toys. The organization is seeking donations to cover the costs of shipping the toys to Iraq, which can run as high as $700 a box, Gordon said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 23, 2005
INTERESTING POST
how much interset is there still in TY?
laus11   (Aug 23, 2005, 08:15 AM)
Message Id: 1023947
laus11 writes:  I was a huge collector of TY a few years ago, when the craze was at its height and i have to say that i havent realy heard much about the company since just after they said they were going to cease trading.it there still a strong market for TY's?Are there still a lot of collectors out there? VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

BBOC NEWS
http://www.beaniebabiesofficialclub.com/bboc04_home 

This link was posted on Ty.com. So far, all of the links aren't clickable, however.

August 22, 2005
INTERESTING & AMUSING POSTS
I. did a bean,transplant !
9164   (Aug 21, 2005, 09:55 AM)
Message Id: 1022958
9164 writes: Hi All. Juggles, is resting after his transplant. Rocket, was more than happy to give up some of his beans. Didnt make a peep about it. LoL. I, took some beans, through a small hole in Rockets tummy. Than transfered them into Juggles. He looks much better. Might do some more. I, just couldnt stand it that Juggles, was beanless. Now he is like all the other beanies. Didnt want him, having a complex. Lol bearprints**** Just call me Dr. bearprints now. Lol. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

I think I figured out a way to replace the beans in the newer beanies!
beezbee   (Aug 20, 2005, 10:23 PM)
Message Id: 1022833
beezbee writes: I think I might remove some of the beans from some more common beanies and add them to the beanies I really like like Juggles, Books, #1 Teacher, etc. to give them that hefty feeling again. LOL. What do you think? :) Diane VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

August 21, 2005
Balm for the thrifty traveler in the Big Apple
NEW YORK — When I walked into Suite 5101 of the famous Four Seasons New York, I wasn't immediately impressed. In fact, the first thing I noticed was the red cover of a paperback Webster's Dictionary, which set askew on a bookshelf in front of me. One would have expected leather-bound books, perfectly aligned. Especially in a suite that goes for $15,000 a night.

And that's what drew me to check it out. Sure, Four Season hotels around the world mean first class. And New York's is no different. The style begins in the lobby where my feet met marble floors and my eyes, a spectacular flower arrangement — on the floor and rising taller than my head — that included 23 clear, glass vases (I counted and that should read vauze not vase) with greenery or a single flower in all of them. The whole thing was illuminated by 10 floating candles in 10 small glass containers on the floor interspersed between. I mean literally from floor to ceiling, the place is five star. But is a stay there worth $15,000 a night?

The suites used to go for $6,000 a night when they were the Ambassador and Governor suites owned by a Japanese company. But Ty Warner of Beanie Baby fame bought the Four Seasons in 1999 and brought architect I.M. Pei, the Four Season's original designer, out of retirement to complete Pei's vision for the 51st floor of the hotel. Now dubbed the Presidential Suites, 5101 and 5102 are 1,500 square feet each — more than twice the size of my loft apartment.

The interior designer for both suites was Peter Marino, who normally does homes of the ultra rich and sometimes famous. And that ends up being the point.

The suites are decorated in the type of one-of-a-kind, high-priced items that generally only the rich can afford to furnish their homes with — from a LaLanne designed chair that's more for art than sitting to the Toto toilets that are for sitting. Though the famous (TV and movie stars) will not be using these suites (studios generally top out at $2,500 a night when sending celebrities on tour, said Lefkowitz), the Four Seasons hopes heads of international companies and royal families as well as other heads of state will find them to be a comfortable replacement for home. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

TY - BOTTLED WATER
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: On July 28, 2005 Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts applied for a new trademark on Kona Pure. Bottle drinking water is listed as the goods and services for this trademark.

CURLS SIX PIECE TEST SET
Sal from Sal's Attic shares the following with Ms. Janie
2004 Memorial Day Weekend, Ty quietly test marketed a six piece gift set at a Ty retailer outlet located in Illinois.  At first glance, the plush piece show cased was reminiscent of past Attic Treasures.  The hang and tush tags made no indication of what type of Ty product it was, or the name of the individual pieces other than the occasion it was marking.  It was not until eight months later that the adorable Curls, the Beanie Baby, made his debut without the artistic trimmings.   Almost 15 months later, Ty, for whatever reasons, still has not chosen to market this creative set and that is unfortunate for Ty collectors.  Below are the six pieces in the set and the links that describe each piece in detail. http://salsattic.com/Curls/Curls/curlsset.htm

August 20, 2005
ASK TY
Q: What's your motto? (submitted by 8933774)
A: My motto is . . . what else but, "Expect the unexpected" ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

COLUMBUS GIFT MART BEGINS...
today and runs through Monday, August 22nd. Expect the silent introduction of Ohio Scarlet Carnation the Bear today.
http://www.planetbeans.com/Ty2005SummerSchedule.htm

OHIO SCARLET CARNATION THE BEAR
As expected.. Ohio Scarlet Carnation the Bear has been silently introduced. http://www.ty.com/images/products/9927_lg.gif

More items, names being added to Sept. 24 fund-raiser
SAYRE - More items and famous names are being added to the Sept. 24 "Gala of the Stars Day" fund-raiser event that will be held at the Sayre Theatre, said Theater Manager Marjorie Ross.

Among the most recent items that the theater has received for the event's auction is a ticket to the Ronald Reagan Library that bears the signature of Nancy Reagan, Ross said.

"We also have a book that is signed by Nancy Reagan," Ross said.

Ross noted she also received word recently that the parents of local resident Melanie Caplan - who currently live in Scotland - are sending two scarves and a hat that are made from the Tartan material that was used for the movie "Braveheart."

"It was from the same bolt of material that was used to make the materials for the movie," she said.

The items will come with a letter of authenticity, Ross said.

"We have some Beanie Babies," she said. "We got back some really rare Beanie Babies this week (that) are called 'retired' (Beanie Babies) that are really hard to get. One is signed by Muhammad Ali. Another one is (signed by) Lauren Bacall. We have ones (signed by) Lisa Marie and Priscilla Presley."

In addition, a Beanie Baby signed by former President George H.W. Bush will be auctioned off, Ross said.

"In fact, another really unique item is a picture of Woody from the movie 'Toy Story' and it is signed by Tom Hanks," Ross said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 19, 2005
Toys for troops
Sutherlin man collecting Beanie Babies to send to U.S. troops in Iraq
SUTHERLIN -- Stuffed toys might seem insignificant in a war-torn country like Iraq, but to Sutherlin resident Russ Bartholomew, a plush teddy bear could prove the key to peace.

With a collection of about 3,000 Ty Beanie Baby toys, Bartholomew is working to help U.S. soldiers overseas create bonds with the local children.

"The way to get these people to value our side is through the children," Bartholomew said while sitting in his RV at the Timber Valley SKP park in Sutherlin, where he's summered for the past 15 years with his wife, Jeannine. They spend winters in Arizona.

Having heard stories from around America about people shipping toys for soldiers to give to children in Iraq and Afghanistan, Bartholomew felt the urge to act. He's collected Beanie Babies for the past few years, originally for his granddaughter, but later as a hobby. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

August 18, 2005
Soldiers hope helping Iraqis will bear fruit on battleground
JORFA AL-MELLEB, Iraq — Sara Hussein looked at Capt. Alan Hicks with her left eye. The right is clouded by toffee-brown scar tissue the size of a marble.

Three years ago, Sara injured the cornea while playing ball with her brother. Now, because of the scar tissue that developed, when she looks through that right eye it is as if she is looking through a bowl of milk.

Hicks, an Army reservist from Birmingham, had visited the 12-year-old girl before and promised medical treatment for the bad eye.

"I thought maybe you forgot," said Saleema Majad, Sara's mother.

"We would never forget you," said Hicks, who works at the Alabama Organ Center at home. He told Majad to get her daughter's medical records so that Sara could be taken about 20 miles south to Baghdad to see ophthalmologists.

Majad agreed. When Hicks turned to leave, she shouted: "Don't forget us! I trust my God."

The promise, said Hicks, is crucial. He is intent on making good on it.

Graffiti outside Camp Taji on the main highway refers to improvised explosive devices, one of the biggest killers of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. "IEDs-R-us," it reads.

As Hicks' convoy headed toward Jorfa al-Melleb, news crackled over the Humvee radio about another roadside bomb attack.

Hicks forged ahead with the task at hand. At every stop, Iraqi children swarmed the incoming Humvees. They surrounded the Georgia soldiers who stood guard, asking them for candy, toys or even the watches off their wrists and the pens in their pockets.

Thompson and his buddies handed out dolls and Beanie Babies. The wanting among children with dry, dirty faces and shoeless feet was incessant.

"The way I look at it, these kids are the ones who have to deal with my kids one day," Thompson said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 17, 2005
Hallmark's end of days alters couple's future
Bill and Mary Jackson's decision in April to close the downtown Hallmark Golden Crown Gifts store they've run for three decades is a mystical voyage through the rest of their lives as well as a hard-nosed financial decision.

On Sunday, the Jacksons hung the garish and terminal orange-and-yellow "Blowout Sale" signs on the store's windows and started preparing to say goodbye to their lifestyle and their customers.

"You know how you stop and reflect on your life and figure out what you need to do that you haven't?" Bill Jackson said. "I'm not going to be a doctor or an orderly, but I want to work in the medical field even if it's voluntary."

"It's just time to do something different," he said. "I've been around Hallmark since 1969. These times are different than the '70s or '80s or even the '90s."

The store reflects the personal touch of owners who sell what they like. Half the merchandise is Hallmark cards and gifts. The rest includes such items as Made in Montana belt buckles, hand-painted mountain scenes on whiskey flasks, Golden Suncatchers, Austrian crystal and wilderness calendars.

Christmas ornaments are displayed year-round.

Ty Beanie Babies and Beanie Kids remain top sellers, and the Jacksons say they think theirs is the largest collection in Montana.

"It's not a frenzy like it used to be, but it's a good line," Mary Jackson said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

WHERE THE BEANS ARE
Gwyn writes: "Hi Lisa! I noticed a letter from Kathy, who complained, correctly, that there are fewer beans per Beanie these days. She noticed this in Books and Holy Father; I've noticed it in Curls, Scampy, and Tunnels. At least SOME of the beans are going into Punkies! I got a Flair (pink poodle with sparkle nose) recently, and her midsection and tush have more beans in them than I have ever felt in any other Punkie. So my theory is that the beans are sneaking into the butts of Punkies to make them sit better. Best, Gwyn"

August 16, 2005
READER COMMENTS
Kathy writes: "Hi Lisa: Here in the Wilmington, New Castle, and Newark, Delaware area there is a Happy Harry's Drug Store Chain that has Books the bear in them.  These chains are located throughout the region and there are plenty of Books in each color to go around.  Last week the stores had all Beanies selling at a discount price of $4 each.  (See, you put less beans in them and they don't sell well.)  

Also, thank you for replying to and including in your newsletter, my Daily Times Ty News regarding "Where Are The Beans?"  I can't tell you how disappointing it is to find there are less beans in the Beanies.  I noticed it with Holy Father but figured it was a one-time only situation.  Boy, was I wrong.  Guess it's truly time to quit collecting. Kathy"

<< read Kathy's posting below >>
Where Are The Beans?
lamikins   (Aug 14, 2005, 08:26 AM)
Message Id: 1019359
lamikins writes: Anyone notice where the beans are in the Beanies lately? The bears' arms & legs are only half stuffed these days. The rest of the arms & legs are filled with stuffing. The remaining critters are only filled with half as many beans as well.

VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1019359-0-1,00.html

I'd like to know your thoughts on this issue and please be sure to leave your comments in reply to Kathy's posting on the Cyberboard so hopefully Ty will see how you feel! Please send comments to Lisa@planetbeans.com

AVAILABILITY OF BOOKS THE BEAR
Have you been able to locate this elusive bear? If you have been able to find Books please email me to let me know the store name, city, and state so that I may pass along the info to my readers. Lisa@planetbeans.com

http://www.planetbeans.com/WhereBeaniesAre.htm

Several of my readers have also purchased Books from my two advertisers, Beanies4You (http://www.beanies4you.com) and Cindy's Beans (http://www.cindysbeans.com).

August 15, 2005
Where Are The Beans?
lamikins   (Aug 14, 2005, 08:26 AM)
Message Id: 1019359
lamikins writes: Anyone notice where the beans are in the Beanies lately? The bears' arms & legs are only half stuffed these days. The rest of the arms & legs are filled with stuffing. The remaining critters are only filled with half as many beans as well.

VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1019359-0-1,00.html

<< my comments which are posted >>
Re:Where Are The Beans?
friend4life   (Aug 14, 2005, 10:51 AM)
Message Id: 1019436
friend4life writes: That may be true. As I see it.. if the collectors are unhappy with the lack of beans in the Beanies and if this continues there will be less collectors. Is it worth paying a little less for shipping?! I think not and hopefully Ty is reading these boards and will address the questions and do something about this situation before he loses more collectors. :o) Lisa

I'd like to know your thoughts on this issue. Please send comments to Lisa@planetbeans.com

INTERESTING POSTS ON THE CYBERBOARD
beanies going up in price-6.50to 7.99
07121956   (Aug 11, 2005, 05:27 PM)
Message Id: 1018014
07121956 writes: at one od=f the stores i get then from. owner said that her newest invoice reflected a new price increase because the cost price went up VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE  

<< NOTE: If you are a retailer and can shed any light on this situation please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com. >>

OK. I was an art and English major because I was counting impaired..............
mz magoo   (Aug 14, 2005, 02:56 PM)
Message Id: 1019565
mz magoo writes: after the number ten. LOL! So. Please 'splain it to me in simple terms. Price of beanies is going up because of gas (don't beans make their own gas?)and they are also increasing in price because fiber fill (used in increasing frequency) is less expensive than pellets (which are decreasing rapidly in number.) It reminds me of my waste management company which decreased the size of containers allowed but increased the cost of service. It's been a long time since I've been in school and maybe I catch on slowly, but is this the New Math in practice everyone once talked about? How about someone giving me a clue? Any ideas? :o) VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

INTRODUCING GRAMPS & GRAMS (Ty Store)
http://www.ty.com/GramsGramps_intro

INTRODUCING M.C. BEANIE V
http://www.ty.com/BB-MC-V_Intro

August 14, 2005
Tycoon threatens haven of the rich and famous
EVER since Charlie Chaplin declared it “the last bulwark against nosy parkers in America” 70 years ago, the tiny Californian township of Montecito has revelled in its reputation as a discreet haven for Hollywood stars.

While Malibu and Beverly Hills are overrun by bus tours of fans peering over A-list actors’ leylandii, few have heard of the seaside town 80 miles west of Los Angeles. That is how Oprah Winfrey, Bo Derek, John Cleese and many other celebrities with homes there have enjoyed it. Until now.

An unwelcome spotlight has been cast on the Mediterranean-style town, where modest three-bedroom homes sell for £2m, by a battle between its well-heeled residents and an interloper, Ty Warner, inventor of the once-fashionable Beanie Babies.

The 60-year-old bachelor entrepreneur, who started divesting his £3 billion fortune into luxury hotels before the craze for his stuffed toys peaked five years ago, has created a furore by seeking to throw open to outsiders the private club at the heart of the community. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ATTACK ON CORAL CASINO
Opponents of the Coral Casino renovation filed a lawsuit in Santa Barbara Superior Court on Monday, challenging the county’s approval of the project and asserting that Ty Warner’s plans to remodel the private beach club will cause adverse impacts to the structure’s historic architecture. Greg Rice, representative of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, responded that a small group of people had abused the permitting process by challenging an approval gained after 102 meetings, 16 public hearings, and two years of environmental review. Every local public agency approved the project, Rice said, adding that the lawsuit would only waste county tax dollars. On August 10, the California Coastal Commission was expected to reject an appeal of the county approval filed by project critics; the final decision was released after press deadline. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SILENT INTRODUCTION OF ALBERTA WILD ROSE THE BEAR
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=9652

SILENT INTRODUCTION OF NEW YORK ROSE THE BEAR
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=9651

August 13, 2005
TRADE SHOWS...
~~ Minneapolis Gift Mart begins today and runs through Tuesday, August 16. The silent introduction of Minnesota Lady's Slipper the Bear is listed on Ty.com.
~~ New York International Gift Fair begins tomorrow and runs through Thursday, August 18. Expect the silent introduction of New York Rose the Bear.
~~ Alberta Gift Show begins tomorrow and runs through Wednesday, August 17. Expect the silent introduction of Alberta Wild Rose the Alberta Bear.

If you are in attendance of any of the above shows and would like to share your show report with Planet Beans readers please send your report to Lisa@planetbeans.com.

You can view the entire Summer Trade/Gift show schedule with links to the trade show websites along with the Beanies that will be introduced at each show here: http://www.planetbeans.com/Ty2005SummerSchedule.htm

MINNESOTA LADY'S SLIPPER THE BEAR
has been silently introduced as expected on Ty.com. http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=9650

August 12, 2005
ASK TY
Q: Do any of your friends collect Beanie Babies? (submitted by spicepunk94)
A: Many of my friends collect Beanies . . . . and most of them ask me for dark blue Peanut ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Military Salute--Beanie Baby Goodwill Program
We think of the United States Army--the Third Infantry in particular--as arguably the most advanced, well-equipped military in the world. But some helpful people from Hinesville are providing a unique tool to the men and women of the Marne Division in the hope that a toy could help win the war on terror.

From ducks to dogs and every imaginable animal in between, Beanie Babies are colorful, cute and cuddly, and probably the last thing you would expect to see in the battle-torn streets of Iraq. But PJ Schneider and others from Hinesville's Military Affairs Committee have put thousands of the stuffed critters in the hands of Third Infantry troops.

"These Beanie Babies, these goodwill weapons of choice if you will, are helping our forces gather information to identify and locate insurgents, the places they store materials for bombs or weapons," said Schneider.

That could help saves the lives of our troops as well as Iraqi citizens and help in other ways. VIEW NEWS FOOTAGE VIDEO & FULL ARTICLE HERE

Street-smart variety the spice of 'Mice'
A new breed of rodent is multiplying in the streets and everyone wants to catch 'em, thanks to Kamhi World.

According to Family Circle magazine, the street-smart mice, known as Spice Mice, are an "irresistible bunch of singing and rapping rodents."

Jay Kamhi is the genius behind the product. His objective is to make people laugh and feel good.

A veteran New York street vendor-turned-entrepreneur, Kamhi was at a loss for a product to hawk after Beanie Babies fizzled out. When the opportunity arose to meet Ty Warner, the creator of Beanie Babies, Kamhi approached Warner to sell him on an idea for a new plush toy. Warner's response was "submit the information on my Web site."

"I was disappointed, but not defeated," said Kamhi. He decided to create his own line of plush animals, and Spice Mice were born. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

M.C. BEANIE IV RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/MCbeanieIV_ret

August 11, 2005
Leukemia, treatment, boys, shopping. . . A friendship made to last.
They may seem like two ordinary girls with a really strong friendship, but it runs much deeper than that. Kelly Grubb of Cut Bank and Sarah Larson of Gig Harbor, Wash., have formed a friendship, which has endured every type of test imaginable. The two girls met at the Ronald McDonald House in 1999 where they were both undergoing treatment for leukemia.

"I had AML and she ALL," stated Larson, who will be a freshman in high school this fall.

Together they explained this translates into Acute Myelogenous Leukemia and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia as they slapped hands for being able to decipher all the medical jargon.

The fact they were around the same age and experiencing many of the same symptoms and troubles helped them form an instant bond.

"When I first moved there, I didn't really know anybody or talk to anyone. Sarah was the first one to come up to me. She gave me a lamb beanie baby," said Grubb. The beanie baby created an instant connection between the two avid collectors. "Sarah has the most, over 200," added Grubb. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

August 10, 2005
Eau Claire soldier ready for war in Iraq
CAMP SHELBY, MISS. -- He won't bring an iPod. Or a laptop. Or a PlayStation.

All of which makes Pfc. Donald Taylor, of Eau Claire, kind of a lone wolf among his fellow soldiers in the 32nd Engineer Company of Onalaska, Wis.

''I'm pretty old school, I guess,'' Taylor, 42, said Monday as he stuffed 50 pounds of gear into a green duffel bag.

Like his fellow soldiers, Taylor will fly to Iraq next week, toting two Army-issued duffel bags and a personal bag. The Army supplies them a detailed list of required items to pack in the duffels - ''4 Underwear (Optional), 2 Pair White Socks, 4 Combat Boot Socks'' - but they're on their own to fill the personal bag.

As Taylor said, most of the younger soldiers' packs come stuffed with electronics gadgets and gizmos, both for entertainment and to kill time.

''They'll take up three hours of your day, minimum,'' said Spc. Jason Putzier, 24, of Winona, Minn.

The one electronic item not packed: cell phones.

''I hear there's crazy roaming charges in Kuwait,'' cracked Pfc. Dan Streicher, 19, of Onalaska.

As the younger ones glued their eyes to DVD screens or bobbed their heads to tunes streaming from their iPods, Taylor showed a visitor his wedding ring. Its gold polish has gone dull. It's nicked and scratched, like an old baseball. It's shaped more like an egg than an orange.

''It's been beat up pretty hard here at Camp Shelby,'' he said. ''I was going to leave it behind before I went to Iraq, but I just couldn't do it.''

Instead, he'll have it reshaped and polished up when he returns home on leave Thursday for a final visit with his wife, Renae Taylor, and his three kids, Olivia, Erica and Elias.

He'll also pack up the final additions to his bag: about 200 Beanie Babies collected by his children.

''They don't really understand what's going on,'' he said, ''but they know I'm going to be in Iraq, and they want me to have something to give kids I encounter over there.''

Taylor's ring and Beanie Babies provide perhaps the lightest but often most essential part of a soldier's equipment: reminders of home. And it's not just the older guys who recognize their importance. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Prices, blame surge
Regional workers and professionals gave their thoughts on why oil prices are so high.

But recently, drivers have spent their time at the pump in frustration, watching as more of their income flows into their vehicles.

Tuesday, York County hit a record as the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $2.286, according to the AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Report.

“I don’t notice any (oil) shortage. It’s not costing anybody any more money to bring oil out of the oil field . . . but somebody’s getting rich,” said Testa, director of aviation at Harrisburg International Airport. “There’s sheiks in the Middle East that are putting solid gold in their bathrooms. And I’m not blaming them alone, but they’re part of it. It’s the middle-level speculator driving the price up based upon fear and assumptions.”

“It’s the greed of the oil industry,” he said. “Capitalism feeds off greed.”

“We are selling our supplies to other people,” Fitzpatrick said. “Then our government turns around and buys more from overseas. I know that we are not using our own.”

Gas prices would decrease if the United States used its own fuel reserves, Fitzpatrick said.

“They are gouging us, man,” he said. “They are just gouging us. It’s either you buy gas or buy a horse.”

“This country has a bad relationship with other nations,” he said. “Everyone hates us.”

“Our willingness to send industries offshore and now people have to understand the true cost of that,” he said. “We’re buying our Beanie Babies from China, and they’re buying up our natural resources. If we as a country think that’s a good deal, I don’t.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

WWF and Coinstar, Inc. Announce New Promotion to Save Big Cats: Beanie Baby® with $15 Donation

WASHINGTON - World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Coinstar, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSTR) today announced a two-month promotion to help save the world's big cats. Through September 30, individuals who donate $15 or more in coins through a participating Coinstar® Center will have the opportunity to receive Sundar^TM, a limited edition snow leopard Beanie Baby®. Sundar is one in a series of Beanie Babies® developed by Ty Inc. to benefit WWF.

The new promotion supports WWF's Pennies for the Planet, a program to get young people involved in conservation by educating them about the importance of biodiversity, encouraging them to learn more and teach others, and providing them an opportunity to take action to protect endangered animals and places.

This year, kids are learning about three highly endangered big cat species-snow leopards, Amur leopards, and Sumatran tigers-and their pennies are going directly to on-the-ground conservation efforts to protect them. Many adults are also regular Pennies for the Planet contributors. Since the launch of WWF's partnership with Coinstar, more than $100,000 has been contributed to Pennies through Coinstar Centers.

What can $15 do for Snow Leopards? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 9, 2005
The eBay way
Isle residents turn trash into cash
-- and make a living from it --
via online auctions
Within the great, expansive universe that is eBay, "Platinum Powerseller" Tiffany Tanaka pegs her customers as either C-1 or C-2. A seller or a buyer.

Whether they're walk-ins to her Wesellthings4u storefront in Kakaako, or users of its Web site, Tanaka's C-1s and 2s are among millions who use the virtual marketplace to auction off their "trash" for extra bucks.

This year being the 10th anniversary of eBay, Tanaka and four of her staff, as well as Kevin and Sasisopin Kobayashi of Mililani, decided to get some inspiration and selling tips by attending their first eBay conference, held in late June.

The tag phrase "The Power of All of Us" was displayed throughout the San Jose McEnery Convention Center during the eBay Live! 2005 Conference.

At seminars and discussions, conferees were able to have a direct and personal "interface" with company staffers and sponsor representatives eager to help with their concerns. It was all about keeping the interests of eBay users juiced and their spirits up, up, up.

That was evident as the approximately 12,000 attendees filed into the final day's party at the nearby Santa Clara Convention Center.

It all began as a simple online system where people could trade goods such as Pez candy dispensers and Beanie Babies. As eBay's success grew, it hired Meg Whitman away from the Hasbro toy company to become president and CEO in 1998.

Whitman knows eBay is driven by its users. "We make a small number of rules and get the heck out of the way, because the entrepreneurial talents of our users will solve a lot of the problems," she said in a June 11 article in the British news weekly the Economist marking eBay's 10th anniversary.

EBay survived after the 2001 dot-com bust because it no longer operates solely as an auctioneer, as commodities have gained importance over collectibles. Customers on eBay are now trading in expensive clothing, cosmetics, cars, even medical machinery. Whitman said a half-million Americans "now make all or part of their living from trading on its site." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 8, 2005
County fair merchants banking on event’s lure
Matt Rowlett has been going to the Larimer County Fair for 33 years.

Rowlett owns and operates The Chocolate Spoon, one of the longest-running stands at the fair.

Rowlett, a contractor who lives in Missouri outside of fair season, travels with his wife, a teacher, and his son Adam, 17, to a half-dozen events a year during the summer.

He said his business grows like any other business — with word of mouth.

“I’m selling to people who I sold to when they were kids. Now they are bringing their kids,” he said.

Adam Rowlett said last year’s sales were down slightly, possibly because of the fair’s new location, The Ranch.

But the older Rowlett said he expects this year to be better.

“People from Windsor, Loveland, Greeley and Fort Collins have been driving by this place for a year and half now,” he said.

“When it was over at the other end of Loveland, you didn’t see many Fort Collins people.”

This is Andy Johnson’s first time at the fair. Johnson traveled from Chicago with his merchandise — 30,000 Beanie Babies in all shapes and sizes. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

August 7, 2005
NO NEWS TO SPEAK OF
I've done my usual searches for news and have come up empty-handed! Perhaps something will come up later today. I will not be sending a newsletter unless I have something to report. Enjoy your day! :o) If you have something to share please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com.

August 6, 2005
KANSAS SUNFLOWER THE BEAR INTRODUCTION
As expected, Kansas Sunflower the Bear has been silently introduced today.
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=9311

Rancor Washes Up on Montecito Shore
Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner's proposal to doll up an exclusive beach club by adding a restaurant has divided the affluent community.
MONTECITO, Calif. — By all accounts, folks at the Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club used to get along famously.

For decades, they held charity galas and debutante balls. On lounge chairs arrayed around a super-size swimming pool, members tranquilly took the sun as young people posed atop an impossibly high diving platform.

But now — well, what could be more appropriate for a beach club than a line in the sand?

On one side are supporters of the club's owner, Ty Warner, who turned the achingly cute stuffed animals called Beanie Babies into what Forbes magazine estimates as the world's 94th biggest fortune. Warner, who has bought six local resort properties since 1999 and will have spent $700 million before they're all remodeled, would like to add a glass-encased rooftop restaurant to the club as part of its planned renovation. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

The Other Side of the Fence
The scene was not an unusual one. I was sitting on my bed, pecking away at the computer, and my youngest, Sam, was perched on the loveseat at the foot of my bed watching "Star Trek."

I thought I heard a noise. I cocked my head to one side, listening carefully, but it had stopped. So I went back to pecking away.

Then I heard the noise again. A "Shhhshhhshhhh. Shhh. Shhhh. Shhhshhshhshhh." sound. Again I cocked my head to listen. It stopped.

As it turned out, Sam had a plastic tub full of Star Trek ships next to him, and was re-enacting the Dominion War at the foot of my bed. I was hearing the sound effects.

Once I realized what I was hearing, I began to listen more closely. A giant galactic battle was being waged, ships exploding in space, crashing into one another. But, of course, Starfleet was outmaneuvering all comers.

An on-line writer's group to which I belong began discussing the things they did as children. One fellow, Sutton, told of using his pens and pencils as aircraft and having mock battles. I'm certain his teachers were thrilled with his creativity and attentiveness.

Sutton then began to describe making entire villages with his MatchBox cars. Not at all an unusual play scenario. However, we must remember that these are writers to whom I refer. Certainly he made cities of MatchBox cars, but he also then turned on the garden hose to pretend a great disaster had befallen the town. The townsfolk then had to deal with the flood.

Sutton also told us of putting superhero capes on his stuffed animals, which reminded me of my own son, Steven. He and his cousin Zach climbed to the top bunk to balance Beanie Babies on the ceiling fan blades, then turned on the fan so that they could watch the beanies "fly." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Silent Ty Classics Retirements on Aug 5, 2005- Godzilla and King Ghidorah.
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus   (Aug 05, 2005, 06:03 PM)
Message Id: 1015377
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus writes: Godzilla and King Ghidorah Ty Classics have silently been moved to the ritred list on Aug 5, 2005. Have an excellent weekend all. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

<< Thank you to Michael for also pointing out this post on Ty's Cyberboard >>

August 5, 2005
Riot Of Color
Thomas Prokop, 6, of Rockwood Road in Florham Park, wears a straw hat he decorated with a Sponge Bob character and colorful streamers and bows for "Crazy Hat Day" on Wednesday, July 20, at the Florham Park Recreation Department's summer day camp at the Community Center in the Florham Park municipal complex.

Hat-full Of Toys
Corinee Giannetti, 7, of Roosevelt Boulevard in Florham Park, shows off her hat decorated with two Beanie Babies, a Willie Wonka character, a furry die, a balloon, and other toys she and her sister, Christine, decorated for "Crazy Hat Day" at the recreation department's summer day camp at the municipal complex off Ridgedale Avenue. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

Wauseon bookstore bows out; cites competition, age
By fall, Books, Brass, & Candles, the only general bookstore in Fulton and Henry counties, is to close, a victim of stiff competition from Wal-Mart and Internet booksellers and owners who have reached retirement age.

The book and gift store, operated since 1989 by former Wauseon mayor Jerry Matheny and his wife, Sandy, is expected to close in September or November.

Everything, including 3,700 books in stock, has been reduced 15 to 50 percent since the couple posted going out of business signs last week.

"Business hasn't been what it should be," Mr. Matheny said. "We've been discouraged that way."

Book sales, which typically have made up about 50 percent of the store's sales, have been nearly halved in recent years. That's pushed Books, Brass, & Candles annual sales to the lower end of its typical range of $100,000 to $150,000.

"We have Wal-Mart that sells books for less than I pay for them," Mr. Matheny said.

The best years for Books, Brass, & Candles were in the mid 1990s when Beanie Babies were big. People lined up outside the store for hours, sometimes waiting through the night on the sidewalk, and would spend $100 in the shop without hesitation, Mrs. Matheny said.

"But that only happens once in your lifetime," she said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL GIFT FAIR BEGINS....
today and runs through Monday, August 8th. Expect Ontario White Trillium the Bear to be introduced silently today.

KANSAS CITY, PITTSBURGH, & SAN FRANCISCO GIFT FAIRS BEGIN...
tomorrow. The gift fairs in Kansas City and Pittsburgh run through Tuesday, August 9th. The San Francisco gift fair runs through Wednesday, August 10th! Expect Kansas Sunflower the Bear to be silently introduced tomorrow as well as the reintroduction of Pennsylvania Mountain Laurel the Bear and California Poppy the Bear.

ATTENDING A GIFT FAIR?
If you are in attendance at any of this summer's gift fairs and would like to share your show report with me and my readers please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com.

VIEW THE FULL LINE-UP OF SUMMER GIFT FAIRS...
http://www.planetbeans.com/Ty2005SummerSchedule.htm

ASK TY
Q: What's your favorite kind of day . . . that just leaves your heart smiling? (submitted by caper2)
A: Whether it's sunny, windy, cloudy or rainy, everyday is a gift. I can't think of a day I don't enjoy ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

BOOKS - ALL 3 VERSIONS ARE SOLD OUT
http://www.ty.com/books_soldout

ONTARIO WHITE TRILLIUM THE BEAR
As expected.. the silent introduction...
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=9009

August 4, 2005
NO NEWS TO SPEAK OF
I've done my usual searches for news and have come up empty-handed! Perhaps something will come up later today. I will not be sending a newsletter unless I have something to report. Enjoy your day! :o)

August 3, 2005
NO NEWS TO SPEAK OF
I've done my usual searches for news and have come up empty-handed! Perhaps something will come up later today. I will not be sending a newsletter unless I have something to report. Enjoy your day! :o)

August 2, 2005
YOUR COMMENTS
Margie writes: "Hi Lisa!  Love your newsletter!  I think I really like the newer styles because they are starting to have the look like the attic treasures; with their costumes, and I thought those were just amazing.  So hope Ty keeps it up, my interest will be peaked more!  Margie"

August 2005 Sold Out/Out Of Stock
Reuben50   (Aug 01, 2005, 12:44 PM)
Message Id: 1013111
Reuben50 writes: Remember... the products/items that are sold out usually retire at the end of the month. Looks like Ty has some nice retirements for the month on the way.

Sold Out:
Las Vegas, Patrick Star (Beanie Babies); Bonsai (Beanie Buddies); Orchid, Pinky Poo -- Beanie Baby version, Rosa (Pinkys); Slumbers (Pluffies); Foofie, Hightops, Hutch (Ty Classics).

Out of Stock:
Carnation (Beanie Buddies); Dangles, Purrz (Pluffies). VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

INTRODUCING M.C. ANNIVERSARY 4th EDITION
http://www.ty.com/MC4BenaieAnnIntro

INTRODUCING PUNGO - WWF
http://www.ty.com/Pungo_intro

August 1, 2005
AUGUST 2005 BOTM
Meet Ramble: http://www.ty.com/Ramble

AUGUST 2005 WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Aug05Wallpaper

M.C. ANNIVERSARY 3rd EDITION BEANIE RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/MC3BeanieAnnRet

KRYSTAL'S BROOKFIELD ZOO "BEANIE DAYS"
Krystal shares photos of Jumpshot and his special hangtag from Brookfield Zoo's "Beanie Days" 2005 promotion.
http://www.planetbeans.com/KrystalsBZBD2005.htm

America Supports You: Teen Continues Beanie Baby Drive for Iraqis
WASHINGTON, July 31, 2005 – What started out as a simple family project for an Arizona teenager has blossomed - make that snowballed - into a huge operation that's about to send the 50,000th Beanie Baby doll to troops in Iraq to distribute to local children.

Fourteen-year-old Alison Goulder is still at it, continuing a project to collect the stuffed critters for U.S. troops.

The soon-to-be-ninth-grader got the idea when she read in a magazine about Operation Grateful, an effort by law firm Greenberg Traurig to send care packages to troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and Germany. The magazine quoted Joe Reeder, former undersecretary of the Army and now a partner with the law firm, as saying Beanie Babies were the top item on the troops' wish list.

Goulder, who started collecting Beanie Babies when she was 7 years old, took the article as a call to action. She and her sister Jenna and brother Greg began scouring through their closets. They came up with 80 Beanie Babies.

But that was soon to become the just tip of the iceberg. Alison's family members, friends and schoolmates started collecting the Beanie Babies, too.

Alison's original goal was to collect 1,000 of the critters. But by last December, she'd already gathered 28,000, earning her a visit to the Pentagon to be thanked personally by then-Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz and Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff.

She also visited Greenberg Traurig's Washington law office, where she found one room so jam-packed with Beanie Babies she'd collected that "you could hardly walk into it," she told the American Forces Press Service. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

PICTURE OF PRUNELLA
Cindy of Cindy's Beans has posted a picture of Prunella on her website. You can view the picture at http://www.cindysbeans.com/

SILENT TY STORE RETIREMENT
Smarty the Ty Store Graduation Owl has silently retired:
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore