August 2006 News Archives

BEANIES: Austion (Backyardigan), Awareness (In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Baby Boy, Baby Girl, Furston, Ghoulish, Mary (Vedes Exclusive), Patrick BarnackleBoy, Roger (Vedes Exclusive), Shudders, Slamdunk, SpongeBob MermaidMan, SpongeBob PinkPants (In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month), Superstition, Tasha (Backyardigan), Trick R. Treat, You're A Sweetie (Beanie greeting)

TY CLASSIC: Bag O' Treats Bag O' Tricks, Carver, Moonstruck, Yodel, Yodeler, Yodels

SILENT INTRODUCTION
Chocolate Chip the bear (Midwest Airlines Exclusive)
CURRENT

Smooth landings make for one happy bear
I'm friendly and I've got cookies to share
I fly with an airline that's unique and so rare
Its fans call it, "The best care in the air" !
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=22302

BEANIE UNIVERSE
Daniel writes: "Hi Lisa! Tomorrow, Wednesday August 30th, is the last Beanie News at 7 broadcast for about 3 months. I will return with a few special broadcasts when I return home for Thanksgiving break. Tomorrow's special broadcast will include a multi-prize giveaway and an inside look into how the Beanie News at 7 is made. If you can let your viewers know about tomorrow's show that would be great. Thanks! Daniel Beanie Universe"

August 29, 2006
Fit to be tried: Pumping plush
Matt Elder wants YOU to give him your Beanie Babies.

And then he wants you to drop and give him 50.

Pushups, jumping jacks, sit-ups and little stuffed beanbag animals -- it’s all part of the Framingham fitness trainer’s master plan to get people in shape while helping soldiers in Iraq pass on a snuggly piece of America to war-torn children.

The road to boot camp began when Elder was browsing the anysoldier.com Web site looking for ways to aid soldiers fighting the war in Iraq. He was intrigued when he saw a photograph of soldiers handing out Beanie Babies to children -- the small plush animals are easily tucked into pockets and carry an appeal that transcends the language barrier.

The idea clicked: Beanie Baby Boot Camp. Elder decided to hold a total of four boot camps, Sept. 19 and Sept. 21 at Reardon Park in Framingham. A donation of two Beanie Babies gives the donor admission to either the 7:15 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. session on each day. Registration is through www.beaniebabybootcamp.com. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

REMEMBERING KATRINA
Today marks the 1 year anniversary of this horrific act of nature. Please continue to show your support in any way you can. Our entire nation still shares in the pain and rebuilding.

August 28, 2006
TY BEANIE BABY GIVEAWAY
The final regular season homestand starts August 29
JOLIET, IL-The Joliet JackHammers begin their final regular season home stand with a three-game series against the Kansas City T-Bones Tuesday, August 29 at 6:05. The JackHammers conclude the home schedule with a three-game series against the Schaumburg Flyers Friday, September 1. Tickets are available for all six games.

The JackHammers are in a race for first place with the T-Bones in the Northern League East Division. The JackHammers are looking for their first playoff appearance since 2002 when they won the Northern League Central Southern Division second half crown in the club's first season in the Northern League.

The JackHammers also have plenty of fun activities planned through the final home stand. On Tuesday August 29 at 6:05 p.m. the featured promotion is the "Bark in the Park" Halloween celebration where fans are encouraged to bring their dogs to Silver Cross Field for an early celebration of Halloween. On Wednesday, August 30 at 7:05 p.m. First Midwest Bank presents Ty Beanie Baby Giveaway to the first 1,000 fans and Joliet Community Night. Fans can buy box seat tickets at First Midwest Bank for ten dollars with proceeds going to United Cerebral Palsy. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 27, 2006
M.C. BEANIE KEY-CLIP
Bean Watcher shares info about the M.C Beanie key-clip. This key-clip is available for 900 of your Ty reward points. http://www.ty.com/tyrewards6

August 26, 2006
INTRODUCING M.C. BEANIES
http://www.ty.com/MCintro_2006 - M.C. BEANIEA VI & M.C. ANNIVERSARY 5th EDITION

Another MASSIVE Release for September....
dinofan (Aug 26, 2006, 09:14 AM)
Message Id: 1118872
dinofan writes: I just received an email from a secondary seller regarding the new September Beanie releases....

Here we go again with ANOTHER TON of releases....

Enough is enough already. Five or Six new releases per month would be a much better idea. Sorry....had to vent. http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1118872-0-1,00.html

BEANIE CALENDAR
I've also updated the Beanie Calendar with all the latest releases. All on one page for easy viewing of all the months. http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieCalendar.htm

August 25, 2006
UPDATE...
I will be making all updates today. We ended up needing to buy a new computer so I'm currently in the process of updating my computer and loading necessary programs. I will send another newsletter later once I've been able to update everything. Have a great weekend! :o)

AUGUST RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/theaug06ret
BEANIES: Baby Boy, Baby Girl, Charming
BUDDIES: Benjamin, John, Meekins, Thomas

ASK TY
Q: What make and model of car do you drive? (submitted by searching)
A: I have several cars and it really depends on where I am. When I'm in Illinois at my Corporate office I drive my Jeep ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Silent Ty Classics Retirements
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus (Aug 25, 2006, 11:46 AM)
Message Id: 1118759
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus writes: From what I can tell, the following Ty Classics have silently retired:

Caesar
Calhoun
Macgilicuddy
Presto
Rescue

Have a great weekend all! http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1118759-0-1,00.html

MORE TY TRADEMARKS FOUND
Sly shares with Ms. Janie:
On August 18,2006 Ty inc applied to register trademarks on the following DEAR GRANDPA, DEAR GRANDMA, LITTLE SQUEEZE, LITTLE KISS, SCHOOL RULES, DEAR DAD, DEAR MOM, PETUNIA, PANSY

Ty Inc listed the following (or something similar) as the goods and services for all 9 new Trademarks.... Plush toys; Soft sculpture plush toys; Soft sculpture toys; Stuffed toy animals; Stuffed toy bears; Stuffed toys

This is the largest list of applications that I have seen for New Ty trademarks ever! When I started searching for new Ty trademarks back in 1999 Ty only had 73 new trademarks. As of today, Ty has 298. WOW! That's a lot of trademarks and lots of emails to you about new ones! I cannot even begin to speculate what all 9 of these trademarks are all about. Lots of guesses tho but as always......

ORDERING MC BEANIE VI
It was rumored that the new M.C. Beanie VI would be available to MBNA Ty MasterCard holders today.

Judy shares the following: "HI LISA, JFYI I TRIED TO ORDER #6 MC BEANIE TODAY. WELL, IT CAN NOT BE ORDERED TILL TOMORROW, SAT. #5 RETIRED TODAY ALSO. HOPE YOUR COMPUTER IS WORKING SOON. JUDY"

NANA & PAPA ARE SHIPPING
Marilyn shares the following: "The new grandparent beanies are already on their way.... Just received this email:

Item(s) cost - $20.00
Shipping & Handling - $4.50
Sales Tax - $0.00
Duty - $0.00
Grand Total - $24.50"

August 24, 2006
COMPUTER PROBLEMS CONTINUE
I'm sorry that I've not been able to update the website. My computer was infected with a serious Trojan virus. I had to restore my computer back to factory settings and start from scratch. Fortunately, I won't need a new computer, at least not yet! Both of the internal fans were not working and hubby got one to work. Well both worked for a few hours and the other one burnt out when I was trying to load programs on my computer. I can only stay online for a few minutes at a time so I will update when I can. I'll check in later to see what all I've missed! Thank you for your patience. Trust me.. I'm not having fun! LOL :o)

August 20, 2006
TY STORE FINN SOLD OUT
Thank you to Jennie for letting me know: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

August 19, 2006
SHADES OF JOHNNY
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, Is it just me or does the picture from the 4-H Mall website of Johnny and the Picture on the Ty Site differ in shade of green. Perhaps the one on the 4-H Mall is a prototype. I hope it looks more like the shade used on the Ty Site as that looks more the color of the John Deere Tractors. I also hope there is not a new variation of differ shades of the bear. I was told by my cousin-in-law said that her husband who is my 1st cousin said that he works on John Deere Equipment in Iraq while being in the Army Reserve. Michael"

PHOTOS OF SUMMERTIME FUN BEANIES
Thank you to Marilyn for sharing photos of Summertime Fun Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Los Angeles: http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos.htm

August 18, 2006
ASK TY
Q: August 18th is National Bad Poetry Day; have you ever had a hard time creating the perfect poem for a Beanie? (submitted by beaniecharge)
A: It can be difficult. I had a bit of a hard time with Houston, Outlaw, and Dooley. Because we've had so many dogs, I had to make sure the poems were unique ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

BEANIE ON UPCOMING BIG BROTHER EPISODE
Marc writes: "Hi Lisa!
On http://www.hamsterwatch.com/ for Aug. 17, there are screencaps for Big Brother 7 (which we haven't seen on the TV show yet) that show George's HOH (Head of Household) room includes a Beanie Baby sent by his wife. It's one of the Father's Day bears from 2006. Maybe it will make a brief appearance on Sunday night's show, depending how much or how little they have time for on-air. (The site may be updated by the time you read this with info./photos for Aug. 18, but the Beanie *is* there.)
I think this is (at least?) the 2nd time there's been a Beanie Baby on Big Brother. If I remember correctly, I think blue America may have been on a previous edition of the series? Anyone else remember back that far? Possibly would have been season 3? Season 2 was almost finished at the time of 9/11 and the show that would have aired that night never did. The America bears were released not long afterwards. so the earliest it would have been on-air was for Season 3. Unless it was a different Beanie altogether.

(NOTE: The photos have been updated. There is a photo of All-Star Dad. The caption reads: "They meet the BB1 cast - some for the first time (hey Eddie!).. they look over and dive into his snacks (don't gain all that weight back, George), and look over his new shorts, shirts and Beanie Baby from Teresa, the lovely Mrs. Chicken" VIEW PHOTO HERE)

JOHNNY THE 4-H JOHN DEERE BEAR TO COME
Thank you to Orion for sharing the link to this adorable bear: description: 4-H/John Deere Beanie Baby Collectible. 4-H has joined forces with our friends at John Deere to offer this amazing official Beanie Babies Collectible. Johnny(r) Features the JD logo as well as the 4-H Emblem on his cool cap. Shipping from our warehouse on or before October 30, 2006 yyxy7. VIEW PHOTO & INFO HERE

===UPDATE: I just got off the phone with The 4-H Mall (301) 961-2934. Here's some info to help in the ordering process.

If you try to order the new 4-H John Deere Beanie from the 4-H Mall website you will see the following message "Unfortunately we do not have enough of this item to fulfil your order". The reason this message appears is because the item isn't actually available yet. It will be available on the website starting at the end of October. If you are anxious to place an order you may do so by calling the phone number above and ask to be put on the "back order" list.

ORDERING JOHNNY
Judy writes: "HI LISA, I CALLED ABOUT JOHNNY THIS MORNING AFTER YOUR MESSAGE ABOUT BEING ON THE BACK ORDER LIST. SHE SAID I COULD GO AHEAD AND ORDER HIM NOW. SO OF COURSE I WAS EXCITED TO DO SO. SHE SAID THEY SHOULD BE SHIPPED THE END OF OCT AND WOULD NOT SHOW ON OUR CREDIT CARD TILL THEY DID SHIP. I ORDERED 3 AND THE COST WAS 17.85 + 6.45 S/H TOTAL 24.30 INFO FOR YOUR READERS. HAVE A GOOD DAY, JUDY"

Which way does the wind blow for hot collectibles?
Next time you're poking around Grandpa's barn for anti-ques, try looking on the roof instead. Antique weather vanes are some of the hottest collectibles on the market.

But you don't need a weather vane to know which way the wind is blowing in the collectibles market these days. Baseball bats, psychedelic posters and even Transformers toys are all hot items. Can't afford a Babe Ruth game bat? Consider stashing away a few items that are popular today, in hopes that they'll be hot in 2026. We have one (hyphenated) word for you: Spider-Man.

•Origin. You could sell a stuffed blowfish if Elvis kept it on his nightstand. It will certainly sell if Elvis signed it.

•Condition. Collectibles are worth more if they're in pristine condition. Toys, for example, should be in unopened boxes, preferably with shrink-wrap still on the boxes. Scratches, dents or ham-fisted repairs slash the value of antique furniture. And you should never clean an old coin or tape an old letter.

•Popularity. A few years ago, people could finance a trip to space by trading Beanie Babies. Though there's still a lively market in the stuffed toys, Beanie Baby prices are teenier now. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

The Zaky is the invention of Dr Yamile Jackson and was inspired by the nursing care given to her new-born son Zachary after a traumatic premature birth.

The bean-bag style pillow can be shaped to copy the individual posture used by the parent to give the baby a greater sense of security at bed time. The hand can even be scented with a familiar fragrance to allow the child to feel close to their doting parents.

Now the latest baby comfort toy has become a must-have for new mothers and is taking the US by storm.

Zachary was born after just 28 weeks in 2001 after his mother developed pre-eclamsia. He weighed just 1Ib 15oz and spent the first few weeks of his life surrounded by medical equipment in intensive care.

The difficulties were multiplied when the Texas Medical Centre where he was struggling for his life was flooded during the 2001 tropical storm and he had to be rescued.

But during the hospital stay and dramatic escape Dr Jackson noticed how the tiny Zachary gained comfort from the presence of a nurses hand - and also from the 'beanie baby' left in his incubator.

She said: "I was in the hospital every day, all day, and I started noticing how nurses would improvise items to give protection and comfort to Zachary.

"One day Zachary had a beanie baby on his back so I asked the nurse what was the toy dog doing on his back. She explained that babies get warmth, nutrition, and protection from the womb and the boundaries the dog gave him helped with his protection. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

Proud to show my collection to others!
KarenBrit (Aug 16, 2006, 11:59 AM)
Message Id: 1117277
KarenBrit writes: Hi All
Lately a lot of people have visited our house for the first time, including over 100 for my husband's birthday party. I didn't know what the response would be to the amount of beanies I have displayed! :-)

It was a lot of fun looking at the beanies through others' eyes. Everyone was amazed at how many beanies had been made and impressed with the quality. I showed the Japanese friends which came from Japan, and then other countries exclusives, and told of the many friends I've made online and have met in person.
Love: Karen http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1117277-0-1,00.html

Tired of "Fad" calling......
beanie boy 11 (Aug 15, 2006, 08:08 AM)
Message Id: 1117081
beanie boy 11 writes: I am tired of constantly seeing Beanie Babies referred to as a fading attraction. News articles always use beanies as an example for collectables that didn't make it.
In case the rest of the world is not aware, there are hundreds of thousands of authorized Ty retailers all over the globe, and on eBay at 11:08 PST there were 13,495 Ty products for auction, not to mention the thousands of sites devoted to selling and honoring our furry plush friends. The beanie craze may have died down, but after those participating for the quick cash in left, the true collectors were born.
Ty is approaching on its 20th anniversary and millions of collectors are still out there. Beanies did not go out with the 90's but are ever-present in today's constantly changing society.

~Beanie Boy 11~ http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1117081-0-1,00.html

August 15, 2006
TY KEY-CLIPS CHECKLIST
I've had several people write in to ask if I would make a Ty key-clips checklist. Now that the kids are in school I've found the time to get one made up. This link has also been added to the Beanie Info Page. Thank you for your positive feedback regarding my Ty key-clips checklist. I would have made it sooner but was too busy with getting ready for school! :o) I've listed the Fun & Laughter key-clips as being New York & Chicago show exclusives. Per the information shared with me, these two key-clips were only given out at these two shows. http://www.planetbeans.com/TyKeyClips.htm

August 14, 2006
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!
It's that time of year again! :o) It's no fun having to wake up at 5:10am! LOL I've had time to search for news and haven't found anything of interest to share. I'll check again in a bit. Have a great day! :o)

August 13, 2006
TWO GIFT SHOWS BEGIN TODAY
New York Gift Show: August 13-17
C.G.T.A. Toronto (Canada): August 13-16

Summertime Fun the bear (New York Show Exclusive)

CURRENT

20 years of summer fun
Good times have only just begun
In old New York, where to begin ?
So much to see, it makes me grin !

View this light blue bear here: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=21667

Summertime Fun the bear (Toronto Show Exclusive)

CURRENT

20 years of summer fun
Good times have only just begun
In Toronto we'll go play outisde
The beauty here can't be denied !

View this purple bear here: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=21668

Franchisee built an upscale empire
Ed Bailey ranks right up there with restaurant icon Norman Brinker when it comes to influencing how Dallas grabs a bite to eat. Yet you've probably never heard of him.

Over the past 22 years, Mr. Bailey has silently amassed a small empire of 61 McDonald's in our market to become one of the most successful franchisees in the world.

Every day, he serves more than 115,000 customers, which, by my calculations, amounts to about $135 million in annual sales.

He achieved these heights by going upscale in a no-frills fast-food world. His restaurants have such touches as Austrian crystal chandeliers, Ralph Lauren wallpaper, granite floors, mahogany booths and incandescent lighting. His play areas are kiddie fantasylands.

It was the most expensive McDonald's built in the United States that year, with a $650,000 tab. A company-owned unit less than three miles away was the cheapest, costing half as much. The regional vice president chastised Mr. Bailey severely for this perceived folly.

"Two and a half years later, I bought that store because McDonald's wasn't making any money," he says, stating fact more than bragging. "I was doing 40 percent more in sales in basically the same trade area."

He bought the aging McDonald's at Montfort and LBJ in 1999, leveled it and built his $1.8 million monument to the Happy Meal. It's a stone's throw away from Valley View, where his journey began, and it paid for itself in four years.

He currently has 61 McDonald's (all in North Texas) and plans to open at least two more by year's end. He says his sales and profits are higher than even during the phenomenal Teenie Beanie Babies promotion days.

The average McDonald's brings in just over $2 million a year, according to the company. His do "better than the average," Mr. Bailey says, but franchise rules prevent him from being more specific.

But Mr. Bailey didn't want to become complacent. Ready for a new adventure, he recently bought two Patrizio restaurants from Dallas restaurateur Jack Knox.

But in doing so, he's apparently going against the corporate grain again. McDonald's doesn't like franchisees doing other restaurant concepts and says it is "evaluating our franchisee's involvement in other business ventures to avoid any negative impact on our McDonald's business." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 11, 2006
ASK TY
Q: Beanies are made in different countries now. Have you learned to speak any other languages so you can communicate with your foreign executives? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: Good question! Most of our executives overseas speak English, however I have learned a little of several languages over the years. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

August 10, 2006
MORE ON PACKER
Bean Watcher has photos and additional info on the unannounced Packer Beanie: http://www.beanwatcher.com/

ORDERING DEUCE
The US Open store once again has Deuce in stock.
partial description: This version of Deuce is also available in retail stores. Please note this is NOT the tournament exclusive edition. http://www.usopenshop.org/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4763

August 9, 2006
ORDERING PACKER
Jenni is once again helping collectors worldwide in obtaining exclusives.

Jenni writes: "Hi All, Jenni here, just to let you know, I have just 5 minutes ago received a call from my Ty rep saying that we are able too order a few of the new 'PACKER' beanie, I know I have emailed a few of you this morning answering your queries on this bear and I said that we were not able to have him but I have only just received the call from my Ty rep so I do appologise for the incorrect info sent earlier.

He will work out at £5.99 sterling and then shipping on top of that depending on whether he is going outside of the UK or not. ( the shipping will be the same as all other bears previously mailed ). He will be available for as long as we have him in stock and will have to be on a first com first serve basis due to only one order being placed with Ty Uk.

We also have been able to buy some of the gold thread Beatrix Potter sets and these work out at £27.97 sterling for the set of 3 and the blue thread at £17.97 for the set of 3 excluding p+p OR we are able to do a set of each for £45 sterling excluding p+p.

Please just let me know if you would like any of the listed beanies, I will try to reply as soon as I can, but please be patient with my responses as I am currently working from 9am - 10/11pm and I do not get home until nearly midnight so this is sometimes just far too late for me to get onto the computer, I will answer as fast as I can I promise :-)

Introducing L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at Four Seasons Hotel New York
Visionary Hotel Owner Ty Warner Brings Legendary Chef to New York

NEW YORK, Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- "Even perfection has room for improvement," says Ty Warner, the multi-billionaire for whom making the best hotels, resorts and golf courses in the world even better is a personal mission. Therefore, when deciding to introduce a new restaurant that would best complement the I.M. Pei-designed iconic building, the choice had to be one that would immediately establish itself among the city's finest dining establishments. The result is unveiled this summer with the highly anticipated opening of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon at Four Seasons Hotel New York. For the first time in Master Chef Robuchon's illustrious career, his celebrated cuisine is now available in Manhattan in an accessible and informal style.

"The hotel called out for a dining experience that focused on pure, precious ingredients and graceful presentations," explains Mr. Warner.
"Chef Robuchon's highly refined methodology is perfectly aligned with my vision of creating modern elegance for the world's most sophisticated
clients," he adds. VIEW FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

August 8, 2006
Button bucks buy goodie bags for children in cancer ward
About a year ago, Alison Schneider came up with an idea while watching an episode of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." A girl around Alison's age appeared on the program and discussed dealing with cancer.

Alison, 10, is about to be a fifth-grader at Deer Crossing Elementary School in New Market.

The girl's story on TV moved and inspired Alison to do something to help. She came up with an idea to make and sell buttons, and she planned to use the money to buy toys for children receiving cancer treatments.

"She's always thinking like that -- she's just so caring and giving," said Janet Schneider, Alison's mother.

"There was a variety -- some with soccer balls, some with flowers or horses, some with the words 'caring' or 'love' -- she tried to find something for everything," Ms. Schneider said. "She wanted to hit a big audience."

For the less girlie crowd, Alison made some with frogs, so the boys would like them.

Alison priced her buttons at $1 apiece. She sold them around the neighborhood, to relatives and even set up a table at the annual Springfest held at her school.

During the event, Alison's mom told her she could take a break and go on the moonbounce if she wanted.

"I told her we could put up a sign that said 'back in 10 minutes,'" Ms. Schneider said.

Alison's response was, "But mommy, the kids in the hospital don't get to do any of that. I want to wait until I sell all my buttons."

The money she raised from selling the buttons along with some in the form of donations came to a total of $137. This amount enabled Alison to fill 20 goodie bags. She bought things like beanie babies, magic markers and any little toys that kids could play with in the hospital. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

US OPEN BEAR
Marilyn writes: "I just called customer service at the U.S. Open shop because I'd ordered & then canceled by email on Friday evening as the news changed. The lady who answered the phone was quite definite that the second offering of Deuce has the same tag as the retail one & not their special U.S. Open tag. So I cancelled my order. Of course, a little niggle is still wondering.... Marilyn"

GARFIELD 4-H INTRODUCTION
Thank you to Michael for alerting me to the silent introduction of Garfield 4-H: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=21567

August 6, 2006
Solar Cooler For Car? Cool, It's Not
It is 3 p.m. on a recent scorcher of a day, my car is parked in the sun with the windows up, and a thermometer I have placed in the back seat is reading an egg-frying 143.2 degrees.

What a perfect day this would be for the Auto Cool, the seen-on-TV product that clips to a car window and uses solar power to vent hot air.

Actually, let me rephrase that: What a perfect day this would be for the Auto Cool - if the Auto Cool actually worked.

I'm pretty sure it doesn't. Because just a few feet away from that mercury-popping thermometer is the Auto Cool I attached a day earlier to the window, where its insignificant little fan has been working since sunrise and having virtually no effect on the blistering sauna inside my car.

In several tests, the Auto Cool was a complete dud, its underpowered fan spinning away futilely while the thermometer climbed far into triple digits. All those warnings you hear about not leaving your pets in the car on hot days? Believe them.

What is doubly frustrating here is that the Auto Cool seems as if it ought to work, making it an especially easy sell to the legions of consumers out there who collect As Seen on TV products as if they're Beanie Babies. Truly, the concept is pure genius. A solar panel facing out the window powers a fan, which exhausts air outside the car through the hollow plastic lip that clips the unit onto the window.

Bravo. Great thinking. Great design.

But it's hard for me to believe that the manufacturers and marketers of the Auto Cool don't know that there's very little behind that clever concept; that the Auto Cool just doesn't work.

At first I tried it on a pre-roasted car, attaching it in midafternoon when the thermometer read 132.6 degrees. Within minutes, the temperature had fallen several degrees, although I couldn't tell whether that was the result of the Auto Cool or the fact that I had to open doors and windows to install the device. I got my answer when I checked the car 17 minutes later. The thermometer reading: 132.6 degrees. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Pet of the Week: Sweetheart Violet wants to be your favorite
Violet is a spayed, petite kitty, less than a year old. She's extremely pretty, with an unusual coat often described as tortie-tabby mix. Violet is active, gets along well with other cats and is exuberant in her play, with kittens in particular. When she takes time out from playing, she is extremely affectionate and loving — a great combination.

Violet is a favorite among the volunteers. She is looking for a permanent home — along with her pink flamingo Beanie Baby. You can meet Violet at the Watsonville shelter today.

Those interested can adopt Violet or another companion animal or find a lost pet at Santa Cruz County Animal Services, or see animals on our Web site at www.scanimalservices.us. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

(NOTE: I searched for Violet on the website and wasn't able to find her so hopefully Violet and Pinky have a new loving home.)

August 5, 2006
4-H GARFIELD
Thank you to Ed, Suzi, Daniel, and Mary for letting me know about this new Beanie: "Hi Lisa

4H has issued a new beanie - Garfield. See below the e-mail I received.

Have a great day........
Ed"

We proudly announce the arrival of our adorable 4-H Garfield Beanie Babies Collectible . This is the second offering in our line of 4-H Ty products and is sure to become as popular as our Clover Bear did last fall!

4-H Garfield is decked out in a 4-H Emblem imprinted t-shirt and offers up a lesson in healthy eating, offering a juicy apple in his outstretched paw. Garfield also includes an official Ty ear tag with an original poem inside.

The 4-H Garfield Beanie Babies collectible is a 4-H Supply Service Exclusive Item and will not be offered for sale in any retail store.

This limited edition Garfield collectible will never be reproduced again, so please place your orders now to avoid disappointment!

Visit www.4hmall.org

CLUCKY ARRIVES
Daniel writes: "I received Clucky, the August 2006 Beanie Baby of the Month in the mail today and attached pictures for you. He is very cute and Ty did a super job on making him. He definitely is one to get! Thanks Daniel Beanie Universe"

Kids could do worse than get into collecting
When Liz Hammen makes her weekly trip to Target on Madison's West Side, sons Brandon and Patrick are never far behind.

The boys don't have much interest in shopping. But they are intensely interested in Legos - and not just any Legos. They want the newfangled, collectible Harry Potter and Star Wars sets.

"They want this ship and that ship," Hammen said with a laugh. "They can build as little or much as they like. They can even build villages."

Hammen and her husband, Chris, who live in Madison, take the boys' collecting in stride.

Kovel said that as children get older, they're likely to gravitate toward inexpensive items that come in sets, like cards or stamps.

"Quantity is definitely more important than quality," she said. Hence the popularity of today's most popular collectibles: Lance Armstrong's Livestrong bracelets, movie figurines and card collections.

"I discovered Beanie Babies in the mid-1990s, at the same time they were becoming a hot collector's item," she said. Anderson likes to tell of when she sold some of her Beanies for what, at the time, seemed like an astronomical amount, but insists - only half-joking - "I wasn't in it for the financial gain. I just thought they were cute and I liked to draw animals, so Beanies seemed like the perfect fit."

For most collectors, the Beanie Baby craze, which caused rushes reminiscent of Cabbage Patch Kid fever in the 1980s, was as much about "the find" as it was about ownership.

"It was fun to see which ones your friends had and there was always a mad rush at Whoops & Co. the day a new style hit the shelves," Anderson said.

Sales of Beanie Babies hit their peak in 1996, when the company's founder, Ty Warner, retired 11 models just two years after Beanie Babies hit the shelves. In 1999, Warner announced that he would retire all models, and collectors' prices went through the roof. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Beanine treat for readers
TO celebrate Singapore's 41st birthday, McDonald's has introduced a collection of eight specially created Ty Teenie Beanie Babies, comprising Ronald McDonald, Red, Navy Blue, Lime Green, Blue, Magenta, Orange and Purple.

These will be available at midnight tonight at $3.80 each. Two designs will be available each week.

Be the first 41 at any of McDonald's 80 outlets that offer 24-hour dining and 24-hour weekend dining (Friday, Saturday and Sunday and eve of public holidays) between midnight and 5am, and you can get your set of eight at $33. (Not available at the Drive-Thru restaurants. Log on to www.mcdonalds.com.sg for details on where to go.)

But because you're a reader of The New Paper Super Weekend, you'll get a chance to win this collection.

Eight readers can win this set just by calling 1900-914 0801 (20 cents per call) and answering this question correctly:

This collection of Ty Teenie Beanie Babies is introduced in conjunction with Singapore's 41st birthday. True or False? The contest ends tomorrow at 11pm. Good luck and happy National Day! VIEW ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

MARILYN'S PHOTOS
View Marilyn's latest photos of Thunderbolt, MuscleMan Star, MuscleBob BuffPants, Groovey, Funky, Divalectable, Divalightful, and Deuce (retail). http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos.htm

August 4, 2006
Dog Destroys Elvis' Teddy Bear at Museum
Guard Dog Destroys Rare Teddy Bears, Including One Owned by Elvis, at London Children's Museum
LONDON Aug 2, 2006 (AP)— A guard dog has ripped apart a collection of rare teddy bears, including one once owned by Elvis Presley, during a rampage at a children's museum.

"He just went berserk," said Daniel Medley, general manager of the Wookey Hole Caves near Wells, England, where hundreds of bears were chewed up Tuesday night by the 6-year-old Doberman pinscher named Barney.

Barney ripped the head off a brown stuffed bear once owned by the young Presley during the attack, leaving fluffy stuffing and bits of bears' limbs and heads on the museum floor. The bear, named Mabel, was made in 1909 by the German manufacturer Steiff.

The collection, valued at more than $900,000, included a red bear made by Farnell in 1910 and a Bobby Bruin made by Merrythought in 1936.

The bear with Elvis connections was owned by English aristocrat Benjamin Slade, who bought it at an Elvis memorabilia auction in Memphis, Tenn., and had loaned it to the museum.

"I've spoken to the bear's owner and he is not very pleased at all," Medley said.

(NOTE: If you didn't get to see the video posted on Good Morning America you can VIEW VIDEO HERE.)

ASK TY
Q: When you need a lift, what music would you listen to? (submitted by riski)
A: I love all different types of music but when I need a lift . . . . it's the Rolling Stones ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

FINN
Daniel writes: "Hi! I know you probably have gotten pictures of the Sea Center Finn but these are the pictures of the Ty Store Finn. To confirm the rumors, it is the same as the Sea Center Finn and there is not a Ty Store Logo on the back of the hang tag. There is an extra white tag attached just like the retail one. It came with a nice solid blue tissue paper as well. Thanks! Daniel Beanie Universe" (NOTE: If you wish to view Daniel's photos of Finn you can do so here: http://www.beanieuniverse.com/Pictures.htm.)

August 3, 2006
FUNKY & GROOVEY PHOTOS
Thank you to John for sharing beautiful photos of Funky and Groovey. Very nice bears! I'm sure they will be quite popular. http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

Scottie, pals hit the road in Scott
When it comes to news of his latest adventure, don't expect Scott's well-traveled stowaway to spill the beans.

That is because Scottie, the traveler in question, is a 6-inch Ty collectible Beanie Baby made in the likeness of a tiny black Scottish terrier, and it's up to his host youngster to tattle about Scottie's adventures.

That is the premise of the popular Scottie's Travel Club, a geography-oriented program for children age 6 to 10 at the Scott Township Public Library. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

eBay mixed blessing for collectibles market
With the worldwide collectibles market booming, many entrepreneurs are finding success buying and selling collectors' items online, thanks to the electronic marketing phenomenon that is eBay.

But local businesspeople caution against giving up your day job to invest full-time in Beanie Babies and rookie sports cards.

"The market is constantly changing, and you can't count on something selling for a decent price," says Inma Services owner Petr Maly, one Ottawa entrepreneur who does make a decent living using eBay. "The biggest obstacle is figuring out what's coming in (in popularity)."

However, eBay has also led to a decline in value for rare fad items which were once in high demand – such as Beanie Babies or Cabbage Patch Dolls – since it's now so much easier to find rare models than before the advent of the site.

Investment strategist John Budden says, while the higher-end collectors' items are certainly viable, fad items are a risky investment because they are in fashion for such a short period of time, and thus quickly rise and fall in value.

"What happens is that people quote you values, they say that this Beanie Baby that cost $3.95 is now worth $3,000 on EBay," he says, "but the trick is really capturing that value, getting someone who will bid you that $3,000 for it." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

August 2, 2006
INFORMATION NEEDED
Loretta writes: "I have been given a collection of ty beanie babies and have been sorting through them. I have come across one that I can't find any information on. Actually from what information I have gathered it is pre-beanie babies. It is a 15" stuffed bear named Honey. It has the ty tag and the tush tag is dated 1990. So I am just looking for information or websites that might be able to give me any information on this little guy. Thank you for your time. Loretta Clarke" (NOTE: If you have any information for Loretta about her bear please send it to me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.)

CLUCKY IS A HIT
It seems that Clucky is one popular Beanie of the Month. The Cyberboard is loaded with positive notes about this little guy. Clucky is really adorable. I know I'll be searching for this one as well. WTG TY!!

August 1, 2006
Wealthy Ty Warner, inventor of Beanie Babies, wants privacy
You may not immediately recognize the name Ty Warner, but the people of Westmont, Ill., certainly appreciate his generosity.

I took my parents to an afternoon lunch matinee of "Do Black Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" last Thursday at Theatre at the Center in Munster, and was pleased we shared our table with a group of senior citizens who were part of a bus trip from Westmont.

Identical twins Doris and Dorothy Karl, 75, told me they live together in retirement condos just across the street from Ty Warner Park in Westmont.

They asked my parents if they knew who Ty Warner was (they thought they were saying Time-Warner?).

Warner is the man who invented Beanie Babies in 1993. He is the CEO and sole founder of Ty Inc. and his estimated wealth, according to "Forbes" magazine, is nearly $5 billion. He recently donated the 36-acre park, complete with elegant fountains, playgrounds and rose gardens, in Westmont that the Karl twins and so many others enjoy every day.

Warner, who lives just a few miles away in Oakbrook, Ill., will celebrate his 62nd birthday in September. He's never married, rarely, if ever grants interviews to the media and he's very reclusive, according to Dorothy. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Atlanta one of only two U.S. airports with USO
Group provides last farewell, first hello to troops
photo caption: USO volunteer Sara Calmes, right, directs Army Sgt. Paul Preszlowski, of Giford, Conn., where he needs to go as he and other troops made their way through Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on their way to Iraq, July 14 in Atlanta. The airport is only one of two in the nation which has a USO station on site to help the troops.

Anyone see the couple selling beanies at auction on Cash in the Attic tonight?
beezbee (Aug 01, 2006, 08:16 AM)
Message Id: 1115068
beezbee writes: I think they had about 250 Ty and wanted to sell stuff to fix up their basement. The whole lot of beanies went for $165. They had beanies Teenies and buddies. It was his collection and he was hoping they would go for at least $1.00 each. Kind of sad :( Diane http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1115111-0-1,00.html

*JENNIE'S BORDERS EXCLUSIVES*