December 31, 2004
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Please have a safe and enjoyable end to 2004!

MORE TY RETIREMENTS
Loretta and Michael share this list with Ms. Janie.
All Boppers

ASK TY
Q: Where do you plan to spend your New Year's Eve? (submitted by bird lover)
A: I will be at quite an exclusive party . . . . right here on the Ty Talk Cyberboard !
http://www.ty.com/askty_home

December 30, 2004
ALL CHECKLISTS & INFO PAGES ARE UPDATED
Boy it took a while but I finally got it done. LOL http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

CLUBBY VI BUDDY AVAILABLE AGAIN
http://www.beaniebabiesofficialclub.com/bboc04_store

TINY TIM REMOVED FROM THE TY STORE
Tiny Tim is now missing from the lineup at the Ty Store so he's been silently retired.
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4908

JANUARY INTRODUCTIONS
BEANIES: Badges, Bali, Binksy, Chuckles, Croaks, Curls, Delilah, Eggs 2005, Fairytale, Fumbles, Happy Birthday, Harrison, Marshmallow, McWooly, Minksy, Peeps, Pretzels, Punxsutawney Phil 2005, Speedster, Spuds, Stubby, Tender, Twirls, Winksy http://www.ty.com/BB_Jan05Intro
BUDDIES: Diggs, Diggs (large), McWooly http://www.ty.com/BBD_Jan05Intro
BASKET BEANIES: Baashful, Baskets, Candies, Duckling http://www.ty.com/BSKT_Jan05Intro
BABY TY: Baby Blooms, Baby Blossoms, Baby Petals, Cuddle Bunny Blue, Cuddle Bunny Pink http://www.ty.com/BT_Jan05Intro
TY CLASSIC: Cooper, Fresco, Hareston, Lilypad, Presto, Serena, Shantou, Sugarcane, Tugger http://www.ty.com/TC_Jan05Intro

INTRODUCING IRELAND
http://www.ty.com/Ireland_Intro

Election ‘04 dominated county news-But it wasn’t politics as usual
WAR
The war in Iraq came a close second to politics in headlines nationwide, and its effects were felt in Roscommon County.

U.S. Army Specialist Charles Johnston Jr., Houghton Lake, was injured in an explosion in Iraq May 7.

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Dennis Parks, a 1999 graduate of Houghton Lake High School, was awarded the Bronze Star in April for courageous action in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Roscommon businesswoman Mary Lou Bryce, with help from area organizations, shipped some 400 Beanie Babies to U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Tom Felton of Houghton Lake in December. Felton was to distribute the dolls to children in Iraq, where he is stationed. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Everyone prepared for the new year? Check.
I hope that all of you had a merry (and safe) Christmas, and will remember to celebrate the new year safely - can you believe that it will be the sixth year of the 2000 numbering?

On Christmas Day we were about two dozen in all at Beth Kirkpatrick’s (son-in-law Marty’s brother’s widow) next door. The group included eight children, mostly under the age of six. As is the custom, a very complete brunch was served about 10 a.m., with Christmas dinner about 5 p.m. Cousin Margaret (Romine) Rhea and daughter, Loren, joined us for dinner. When I left, none of the children had found the pickle ornament which Beth hides on the tree. The finder is rewarded with a beanie baby stuffed animal. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

December 29, 2004
CLUBBY VI BUDDY SOLD OUT
If you've not already ordered the B.B.O.C. Clubby VI Beanie Buddy you are too late. It's now listed as SOLD OUT! http://www.beaniebabiesofficialclub.com/bboc04_store

RETIREMENTS
BEANIES: 2004 Signature Bear, Arlene, Avalon, Durango, Gift (Peace) Gift (Love), Gift (Joy), Huntley, Kringle, Luca, Moosletoe, Nermal, Odie, Ooh-La_La, Old Timer, Secret, Sleighbelle (green), Sleighbelle (silver), Stockings, Yapper,  http://www.ty.com/Dec04_BB2_Ret

BUDDIES: #1 Bear, 2003 Holiday Teddy, Darling, Frisco, Herder, Sherbet (lavender), Sherbet (pink) http://www.ty.com/Dec04_BBD_Ret2

REGISTER FOR 2005 BOTM
The Beanie of the Month program is now open for registration.
Sign up for the Beanie of the Month program by January 31, 2005 and you will receive your first Beanie Baby in May 2005. http://www.tytrade.com/bom_order_page

December 28, 2004
MORE SPONGEBOB BEANIES TO COME?
Michael writes: "I think that if there will be more Spongebob Beanie Babies, it will happen sometime between late february to early march because i just read that the spongebob movie already has a release date for dvd and video on March 1st. Michael. You can preorder the movie HERE Possible ideas for spongebob characters: Sandy Cheeks, Mr. Krabbs, Gary, Plankton"

Small shops weather big box rivals
Downtown stores may be small in comparison to the "big box" chains that seem to spring up with more regularity, but some of these small stores heard their fair share of cash registers a ring-ching-chinging this holiday season.

And Christmas time, for them, is a time to giddy-up and go as far as trying to turn out positive profits.

Overall, things seemed at least as good or better than in years past.

Joe Bores, owner of Jan's Hallmark, said his profits were up just $29 over last year, with the final week of Christmas sales yet to be tabulated.

"It's going to continue," Bores said of the tough times some stores are having. "We don't know (for how long), but these little downtowns are in trouble."

Bores said another hot-ticket item would be a great help to his Christmas business. There hasn't been one that's been in great demand to speak of this year.

"I wish there was," Bores said. "I'd like to see another Beanie Baby again. I don't know if we'll ever see that again."

Bores remembers selling more than 900 of the small plush toys in one afternoon a few years ago. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

December 27, 2004
Rolling Thunder Delivers
Santa’s Special Helpers Bring Holiday Cheer to WMC
At dawn Christmas morning, 10-year-old Zachary Nelson’s wide, brown eyes were not roving over a field of presents beneath a glittering tree. All he saw was medical equipment and bare hospital walls.

Someone stopped by his room and asked if Santa Claus had found him the night before.

No, he hadn’t, said Zachary’s mom, Joann Nelson.

“I told him [the presents] are probably at home,” she said, teary-eyed, as she sat on a couch near her son’s bed.

But Joann didn’t realize that jolly old elf is pretty sharp. He not only knows if you’ve been bad or good, but if you’ve been sick as well.

For those children in the pediatric unit of Winchester Medical Center, Santa loaded up a few extra presents and paid them a visit Christmas morning.

He also enlisted some special helpers for the last-minute deliveries — namely, the leather-clad, motorcycle-riding members of Rolling Thunder.

When the members of Winchester’s Chapter 1 arrived at around 9:30 a.m., Zachary’s eyes lit up like, well, a kid on Christmas.

“Santa did find you,” said Tom La Plante, Chapter 1’s president. “Santa sent me down on a Harley, and it was cold this morning!” VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

MARGIE’S FABULOUS HOLIDAY DISPLAYS
http://www.planetbeans.com/MargiesDisplay.htm

NOTE: I’m sorry for the delay in sharing these pictures that Margie sent to me on the 23^rd of December. My Mom was in town so we were busy running all over the place doing last minute Christmas things and getting prepared to have Christmas dinner with Mark’s family at our house. I hope you will enjoy these gorgeous pictures as much as I did. Beware of the drool factor. LOL

The Insider: New 'Apprentice' to include 2 contestants from Seattle area
CALLING THE DONALD: The third season of the NBC reality show, "The Apprentice" with Donald Trump, won't hit the airwaves until Jan. 20. But the Thomason family in Brewster is already bracing for some serious public attention.

Alex Thomason, a 29-year-old prosecutor who grew up on an apple farm there, is one of two Apprentice candidates from Seattle for this upcoming season in which contestants demonstrate their brashness, intellect and acumen to win a job with the august real estate tycoon.

This upcoming season pits two teams against each other -- one whose members have impressive academic credentials ("Book Smarts") against a team made of those who graduated only from high school and yet have succeeded in business ("Street Smarts").

A GOOD CAUSE: Naming a new business after an endangered species might not be the smartest choice. After all, with just one misstep, a startup company -- just like an animal -- can be extinct.

But that didn't stop Blue Frog Mobile, a Seattle startup that delivers ring tones to mobile phones, from choosing a moniker based on the blue poison dart frog.

The species, which can be found in Central and South American rain forests, is dying out as its natural habitat disappears.

In addition to distributing Blink 182 and 'N Sync ring tones, Blue Frog Mobile is doing something about the frogs.

The company pledges a portion of its revenue to the Amphibian Conservation Alliance, which is attempting to protect the species.

"It would be a shame to let these species disappear forever," according to a statement on Blue Frog Mobile's Web site.

It adds that the poison from the frog could have medicinal purposes as a painkiller.

Last week, a representative from the company dropped off a Beanie Baby blue frog to promote the company and its philanthropic cause. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

DECEMBER 2004 RETIREMENT
Premier Beanie & Nipponia Buddy retired. http://www.ty.com/Dec04_Ret1

NEW RELEASES TO COME
Thanks to BEANIEFAN2 for sharing the list of soon-to-be-released Beanies. There are to be 26 Beanies released. An auction which contains pictures of all of those listed below can be found HERE.

BADGES THE DOG
BALI THE LIZARD
BINKSY THE RABBIT
CHUCKLES THE PORCUPINE
CROAKS THE FROG
CURLS THE BEAR
DELILAH THE CAT
DUNDEA THE DOG
EGGS 2005 THE BEAR
FAIRYTALE THE HORSE
FUMBLES THE MONKEY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAR
HARRISON THE RABBIT
MARSHALLOW THE RABBIT
MCWOOLY THE BEAR
MINKSY THE RABBIT
PEEPS THE CHICK
PRETZELS THE DOG
PUNXSATAWNEY PHIL 2005
SPEEDSTER THE TURTLE
SPUDS THE DOG
STUBBY THE PIG
TENDER THE LAMB
TWIRLS THE BEAR
WILLOUGHBY THE KANGROO
WINKSY THE RABBIT

December 26, 2004
HOPE YOUR HOLIDAY WAS GREAT
I hope everyone had a happy and safe holiday. Now it's time to get back to normal, maybe! LOL

Memories of Christmas past and present
Display has been delighting families for generations
The garage at 1621 11th Ave. in Port Huron has been home to soldiers, penguins, singing chipmunks, Smurfs, clowns, Miss Piggy, Peter Pan and Santa.

Many of them have returned this year for Virginia Meyers' 52nd-annual Christmas display. This year's theme, Henry's Christmas Train, uses a variety of dolls used during the past five decades -- a "greatest hits" collection.

"Henry" refers to Meyers' late husband, who was the force behind the animated displays at their former Port Huron home until his death in 1991.

"He loved Christmas," Meyers said. "As far as I'm concerned, he's Mr. Christmas."

The Werners of Port Huron spent about five minutes looking in the window, recalling the dolls of Christmases past.

"Oh, look, that's Peter Pan in the corner," Werner said.

"There's Dumbo, and the Muppets," Scott, 14, said.

Scott said his favorite display was the one with Beanie Babies a few years ago.

"They had like 1,000 Beanie Babies in there," he said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Ty's BUTTERFLY aid:
Beanie Baby mogul Ty Warner continued his charitable concern for the Montecito waterfront last week by giving $100,000 to the State Lands Commission to clean up remnants of a pier on Butterfly Beach, a long-planned project that the state could not afford. Butterfly Beach - located in front of Warner's Biltmore Hotel and the Channel Drive bike path he paid $500,000 to upgrade - was one of 21 beaches identified by the state as needing cleanup back in 1986. Because of budget cuts, only one beach was actually repaired. Warner's contribution will allow the state's contractor DIVECON to begin the two-week removal in January, making the beach safer for swimmers and walkers. Warner is also considering funding a ramp to the beach for disabled people. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY (I forgot to post this on Friday)
Q: Do you decorate your tree or the corporate christmas tree with Beanies and Jingle Beanies? (submitted by labonte18)
A: The trees at our office are decorated more traditional with ribbon, glass ornaments and lights. My house is decorated with Holiday Beanies from as far back as Snowball and the 1997 Holiday Teddy. The Christmas Trees at the Santa Barbara and New York Four Seasons cheerfully display . . . Jingle Beanies ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

December 24, 2004
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
I hope you are enjoying this time with friends and family. Be safe and thoughtful and may you all be totally spoiled. ;o)

December 23, 2004
SLOW NEWS DAY
In fact there isn’t anything of interest to share with you. Please share pictures of your holiday displays and any news that you have to share. Lisa@planetbeans.com

December 22, 2004
REMINDER: FINAL CHERISH AUCTION OF 2004
Sue writes: "One final reminder for 2004 that the auction for Holiday Teddy 2004 (now retired) with his snowman sweater will close later today on eBay.

news from my hometown
Toys donated to Gwinnett police
LAWRENCEVILLE — An officer is dispatched to a troubled home where two parents have been fighting. The atmosphere is hectic, and the children are upset.

In these all-too-common scenarios, it helps to have an ice breaker. That’s where veterans from the American Legion Post 251 come in.

The Duluth American Legion Post’s 1,100 members on Tuesday donated 576 Ty Beanie Babies to the Gwinnett County Police Department, which will then be distributed by officers to kids who need a little cheer. Some of the toys also will be given to the battered women’s shelter, according to Cpl. Dan Huggins, spokesman for Gwinnett Police. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Soldier works to create better ties with Iraqis
For Patrick Jordan, a description of his daughter Meaghan's work as an Air Force lieutenant in Iraq is difficult at best.

"I don't feel as sad since I can talk to her by e-mail," said Jordan. "With my son, it was just letters every once in awhile."

"They're doing a great job over there," said Kathy Jordan. "(Meaghan) doesn't say a lot about the city itself. But she does say the soldiers there believe in what they're doing. They have made a big difference with the Iraqi people."

Colleen Murphy, a marketing director with the engineering firm Sei Co. in Boston, said she was able to talk her company into donating more than 800 Beanie Babies for the children in Baghdad, part of an effort aimed at promoting good will between the American troops and local citizens.

"(Meaghan) said 'Oh, my God. What am I going to do with these Beanie Babies?,'" said Murphy. "She said the children were excited. But they don't know what Christmas is all about. But she said the Beanie Babies would brighten their days. It would make the children trust the U.S. troops." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

December 21, 2004
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM TY
http://www.ty.com/happy_holidays2004

SAD NEWS ABOUT JOJO
Marie writes: “Hi Lisa, I just found out a few minutes ago that Jojo could not hold out for the surgery and has passed away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for posting this message and for those of you who helped out or asked about him. If anyone has contributed anything and would like a credit back on their account please email me: Marie at mar_710@yahoo.com or the money that has already been contributed can also help pay the hospital bills as well. Let me know what you all what to do. Thank you! ~Marie”

This Retail Chain Gives Kids A Big Bearhug
If you're buying gifts for kids this holiday season, chances are your list includes video games, radio-controlled cars and interactive learning toys.

It probably doesn't include teddy bears — unless one of your kids has happened upon a store owned by Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Build-A-Bear is not your typical teddy bear factory. Customers get to select, stuff, stitch and outfit teddy bears and other stuffed animals.

Basic bears start at $10. High-tech versions with recordable sound devices, clothes and shoes can cost up to $50.

And since bear fashions are as trendy and fickle as their human counterparts, the company estimates customers come back for updates up to seven times a year.

"Our interactive shopping experience, and the fact that we offer each guest a chance to personalize their stuffed animal, is the core difference between Build-A-Bear Workshop and toy stores," said Chief Executive Maxine Clark. "Every product we sell is, in essence, one of a kind."

She says the idea for Build-A-Bear started with a trip to the mall with a 10-year-old girl named Katie.

It was during the height of the Beanie Babies craze. Katie was frustrated at not being able to find the Beanie Babies she wanted. So she suggested making one of her own.

"She meant go down to my basement and start a craft project," Clark said. "But I heard something else." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SILENT RETIREMENTS
Drumstick, Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria retired silently yesterday. All checklists and info pages have been updated. http://www.ty.com/theitems/1,1625,3_RETIRED_1,00.html

December 20, 2004
A time of joy for Power Sellers
The holiday sales season can be frantic but the star performers on Ebay prove they are up to the challenge
For those who have turned selling wares on Ebay.ca into a full-time job, the holidays can degenerate into a frenzy of packing chips and cardboard boxes.

"This is the best Christmas we've had ever," said Merilee of Hamilton, Ont., an Ebay Canada 'Power Seller' who auctions toys and baby clothes through the Web site under the screen name Placid. "We are drowning in orders. It's very busy."

In November and early December, the mother of three, who did not want her last name published, sells three to four times as much merchandise through her home-based Ebay business than she does during the rest of the year. "I expect sales to double [compared with] last year," she said.

That's the case this holiday season for many power sellers, the chosen ones of the Ebay universe who have cannily transformed hobby selling into full-fledged retail enterprises.

Ebay invites members to become power sellers when they have attained at least US$1,000 in monthly sales for more than three months and have a customer satisfaction ranking of at least 98%. That earns Bronze status, but Ebay sellers are ranked all the way to Platinum (more than US$25,000 a month in sales) and Titanium (US$150,000 a month).

Many of them say power selling is a viable alternative to running a discrete shopping Web site, an undertaking most business people wouldn't entertain without a retail storefront and a big startup budget.

Running a home-based business cuts out many overhead expenses and the high marketing and upkeep costs for a unique Web site.

For Merilee, a Bronze seller who began trading Beanie Babies on the site in 1996, selling on Ebay works well with her lifestyle, because a chronic illness keeps her from working regular hours. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Bears, beanies give comfort to accident victims
COLUMBIANA - Christmas is the time for giving.

The EMS department has been keeping stuffed animals on hand for the past several years to help calm children after accidents in town. Paramedics say handing out Teddy bears to suffering children is just another small gesture they do without much notice.

"This is a phenomenal place," said EMS billing employee Cheri Sadler, who is known as a "jack of all trades" at the department. "We do a lot around here that people don't realize."

A massive supply of Teddy bears and Beanie Babies are kept at the station, as well as in each of Columbiana's two ambulances.

Paramedic Laurel Levanduski said the animals can come in extremely handy when children are involved with an accident.

"Say you have a car accident at 7&14," she explained. "You go out, kids are scared to death, mommy's crying and they're already frightened. We're going to be touching them, taking them away from their parents. They're petrified. (The stuffed animals) are a way to communicate with the children."

"It's something they can hold on to, they can squeeze," Sadler added. "It's kind of like a mom or dad they can hug. It's truly amazing how these kids react to it." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Bears, beanies give comfort to accident victims
COLUMBIANA - Christmas is the time for giving.

But, for the Columbiana Emergency Medical Services, the giving season is year round.

The EMS department has been keeping stuffed animals on hand for the past several years to help calm children after accidents in town. Paramedics say handing out Teddy bears to suffering children is just another small gesture they do without much notice.

"This is a phenomenal place," said EMS billing employee Cheri Sadler, who is known as a "jack of all trades" at the department. "We do a lot around here that people don't realize."

A massive supply of Teddy bears and Beanie Babies are kept at the station, as well as in each of Columbiana's two ambulances.

Paramedic Laurel Levanduski said the animals can come in extremely handy when children are involved with an accident.

"Say you have a car accident at 7&14," she explained. "You go out, kids are scared to death, mommy's crying and they're already frightened. We're going to be touching them, taking them away from their parents. They're petrified. (The stuffed animals) are a way to communicate with the children."

"It's something they can hold on to, they can squeeze," Sadler added. "It's kind of like a mom or dad they can hug. It's truly amazing how these kids react to it." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

December 19, 2004
Fun and humor can increase workplace productivity
Many Fairbanks firms know that fun and humor increases joy and workplace productivity. Here are some strategies we all might consider implementing:

10. We have a beanie baby that accompanies employees on travel. It keeps a journal, takes pictures and sends post cards. It also brings back a magnet that goes on the office fridge to immortalize the travel adventure. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

HELP NEEDED
Marie writes: "Hi Lisa, Could you help me out and pass along a message for a friend please? I know your newsletter reaches a lot of people and I would be grateful if you would pass along this message :) I will also attach a picture as well (Jojo before his accident). 

Operation Jojo: My friend Jenny's 2 year old Chihuahua, Jojo, got ran over by a car and we are trying to raise funds for him to get lifesaving surgery. So far we have raised $3100 of the $5000 he needs for the surgery. The vets say that his prognosis will be very good if he gets this surgery. If he doesn't get it, then there is a likely chance that he'll get put to sleep. I know that it is so close to the holidays, but anything anyone can contribute to help him out would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who has a pet knows the impact that a great pet has on the lives on their owners.

Any monetary donations can be sent via PayPal to Joycetan80@hotmail.com (she is a friend who is handing the funds for Jojo). ANYTHING would be greatly appreciated. If people can help spread the message about Jojo or has any suggestions that would be greatly appreciated as well. Please help spread the message about Jojo so he can get better.

Any questions may be directed to Marie aka mar_710@yahoo.com. Some of you may already know me from the beanie baby community for a few years now. Thank you and have a great holiday! ~Marie"

December 18, 2004
SLOW NEWS DAY
In fact there isn’t anything of interest to share with you. I wanted to wish everyone a fantastic weekend. Please share pictures of your holiday displays and any news that you have to share. Lisa@planetbeans.com

December 17, 2004
Ty Inc. Announces Its Support Of Toys For Tots
WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty Inc. (Ty), manufacturer of the world famous Beanie Babies®, today announced their commitment to helping needy children experience the joy of the holidays. Ty will be donating over 110,000 plush toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program this holiday season.

"As a company dedicated to creating fun and affordable toys for children, everyone at Ty is proud to play a small part in helping children in need have a happy holiday," said Ty Warner, Chairman and Creator of Beanie Babies. "We are proud to be associated with Toys for Tots and congratulate our Marines for a job well done."

Simple life boosts family intimacy
Changes for one Eastmoreland clan make for a realization that life isn't about "stuff"
Two major events led to the simplification of the Damaschino-Mellies family life.

First, after living in Germany for three years, Ellen Damaschino and her husband, Jay Mellies, returned to discover that they had forgotten 90 percent of everything they had put in storage. "We paid all that money to store everything, and we couldn't even remember it," says Damaschino, adding that they ended up dumping many of the books, dishware and furniture they had stored. "We realized it was so easy to pick up and be a family without all that stuff."

Second, in 2002, Mellies had a brain hemorrhage. Although he made a full recovery, doctors had initially given him only a few months to live. (Mellies today is a microbiology professor at Reed College). "I became a different person, Damaschino says. "My husband became a different person. What became important was family time."

Damaschino isn't above a little coercion. Annika and Aidan have 24 hours to put away their clean laundry. Otherwise mom threatens to donate one of their Beanie Babies, a high priority object in a household that takes a minimalist approach to toys. "I only had to do it once," Damaschino adds quickly. A sense of humor is also a must. When she asks her son to complete a chore "or else," he says: " 'I know, the closet under the stairs.' Of course, we don't have a closet under the stairs." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Daniel Webster College students run gift drive for needy families
NASHUA Daniel Webster College students Michael Stomsnes of Milford, a social science major, and Matthew DesRoche of Derry, a computer science major, found an imaginative way to spread the joy of the holiday season.

They took on the unusual task of soliciting members of the college community for Beanie Babies, which were among the items inserted into gift bags for adult women who frequent the Nashua Soup Kitchen and Shelter.

With significant donations made by Daniel Webster's Glenna Rosenstein and faculty member Rita DiTrolio who have a long history of supporting fund-raising efforts the students met their goal of 100 Christmas-treat bags, 100 Beanie Babies and 20 Christmas gift bags. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: What is the most fun you have with your website? Is it seeing the responses to your new releases? Or excitement generated by your contests? Or do you have fun with the "rumors" posted? (submitted by peacebears4me)
A: I have fun with the entire site. I love reading the boards. I enjoy responding to your questions. Your Beanie designs and contest entries are great. I like to watch the activity on the BBOT. And of course, I really enjoy our time together on New Year's Eve ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

DOLLAR STORE FINDS
http://www.planetbeans.com/FabulousFinds.htm  

December 16, 2004
Have beanies, will travel: Local woman wants to help troops in Iraq
Mary Gauthier's five boxes of lonely Beanie Babies have taken the first steps in a long journey.

"They were just sitting there, so I thought, 'Why not give them to the kids?'" she said. "It seemed like a wonderful thing to do."

Gauthier's beanies will now be sent to American soldiers in war-torn countries such as Iraq, where they will be given to native children.

The program was spurred on by the request of First Lt. Anthony Doan, who is serving in the Army in Iraq and wrote his mother asking her to spend his tax return on a box of Beanies. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

25,000 Beanie Babies arrive
Beanie Babies have taken over the main headquarters of the Boys and Girls Club of Saginaw County at 907 E. Remington, attached to Saginaw's Longfellow Elementary School.

A supply of nearly 25,000 arrived this week, part of 1.5 million going to clubs nationally through an initiative of NBC's "Today Show," which airs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. weekdays on Channel 25, WEYI.

"I spent (Monday) morning unloading Beanie Babies," laughed Robert E. O'Hara, Boys and Girls Club president and chief executive. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Brain Region Identified That Controls Collecting Behavior
Perhaps the Beanie Baby craze wasn't so weird after all.
Most people have a collection of some kind at some point in their lives. Indeed, historical studies show that acquiring and retaining objects, even when they are not necessary for survival, is not only nearly universal, but also has been part of human behavior since the earliest human societies. Yet despite the ubiquitous nature of this trait, very little is known about what drives humans to collect.

By studying patients who developed abnormal hoarding behavior following brain injury, neurology researchers in the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine have identified an area in the prefrontal cortex that appears to control collecting behavior. The findings suggest that damage to the right mesial prefrontal cortex causes abnormal hoarding behavior by releasing the primitive hoarding urge from its normal restraints. The study was published online in the Nov. 17 Advance Access issue of the journal Brain.

Hoarding behavior is common among animals; around 70 species hoard and mostly they hoard food, which makes sense from a survival standpoint. Studies of hoarding behavior in rodents have shown that collecting is driven by certain primitive structures deep in the brain and most mammals, including humans, share these subcortical regions. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Hospital Patients To Receive Visits From Firemen, Clowns
For the 16th year in a row, the Des Plaines Fire Department will bring some holiday cheer into local hospitals.

A fully outfitted firefighter and professional clowns will personally visit patients on Christmas Eve, presenting him or her with flowers, a "Beanie Baby" and best wishes. Also visiting patients this year will be Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia.

The gifts for the patients have been donated by GiGi's Blossoms and Baskets, Ty, Inc. and the city of Des Plaines.

"The fire department extends a special thanks to Jeannine LaCerba of GiGi's Blossoms and Baskets for the beautiful flowers, Trish Pearson from Ty, Inc. for the Beanie Babies, the Des Plaines Fireman's Association for its long-time sponsorship and our clowns - Kiwi, JoJo and Games - for their generosity and giving spirit at this magical time of the year," said Des Plaines Fire Chief John Heavey through a press release.

The Des Plaines Fireman's Association has operated the event since 1989. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

December 15, 2004
TY SWEATSHIRT PROBLEMS
Margie shares the following: "Hello i received this message a few min ago thought i would pass it on to all who are wondering about the sweatshirts . Thanks Margie"

Dear Ty Store Customer,

We know you have been looking forward to receiving your Ty Store order # ---------- for our Ty Sweatshirt.  Although your order was taken with our intention of being able to ship the sweatshirt to you in 3-4 weeks, a production delay has prevented us from doing so.

We want nothing more than to get your order out as soon as possible.  At this time, we expect the orders to ship by the end of this month.  We hope that you will understand this situation and are willing to wait.  We know you will love the sweatshirt when you receive it.

If you want to make any adjustments to your order, please e-mail us at mailto:customerservice@ty.com.  If we hear from you before your order begins the fulfillment process, we will make the change.  Thank you for your patience.

Over the break I will be updating the website at www.cherishonline.co.uk to show the total donated to Cancer Research UK during 2004.

Thank you so much for your support during the year. Happy Holidays! Sue"

ANSI Staff Celebrates the “Season of Giving” with Charitable Contributions
ANSI staff is celebrating the joy and generosity of the holidays with their annual “season of giving.” Members of the ANSI team in both the New York and Washington, DC, offices are participating in food, clothing and toy drives during this holiday period.

The ANSI Headquarters team will contribute approximately two large boxes of food products to the Capital Area Food Bank, the largest public, non-profit food and nutrition education resource in the Metro Area. Through its network of more than 750 member-feeding programs, each year the organizations distributes millions of pounds of food to the community and educate thousands of local residents on hunger, poverty and nutrition issues.

ANSI’s New York City Operations office organized their 9th annual food drive along with the 7th annual Beanie Baby drive for Santa Beanie. This year, a contribution of more than 65 pounds of canned goods and dry food items was donated to City Harvest, the world’s oldest and New York’s only food rescue program. City Harvest has distributed more than 100 million pounds of food to a network of more than 800 emergency food programs throughout New York City. The organization now delivers an average of 53,000 pounds of food daily.

Santa Beanie is a loving network of “elves” that team together each year to collect and deliver beanie babies to children in hospitals, homes, shelters and clinics. The Santa Beanie network delivered more than 3,000 beanie toys to children in need last year; this year, ANSI staff donated 50 more beanie toys to the effort, helping to make this holiday season special for that many less fortunate children. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Beanie babies need homes
Boys & Girls Clubs have toys for kids

Thousands of Beanie Babies have been donated to Boys and Girls Clubs in mid-Michigan.

Some are being donated to the Toys for Tots program.

But there are still lots to be given to deserving children.

Any Mid-Michigan organization that can place the Beanie Babies in the hands of needy children should call local Boys and Girls Clubs.

Flint: (810) 249-3413, Saginaw (989) 399-4681 or Bay City (989) 892-0281 VIEW ARTICLE HERE

USPS OFFERS NEW PRIORITY MAIL FLAT RATE BOXES
Laura shares the following: 
"Hi Lisa A link to the USPS.com shows a new way us beanie traders (or sellers) can use the PO for a great price. LOOK weight up to 70 pounds but of course the boxes are not that big but one price of $7.70 to any US city! Take care, Laura"

• The Priority Mail Flat Rate Box is $7.70 for any U.S. destination and any weight up to a 70 lb. maximum.
• The inside dimensions for the two boxes available are 11" x 8.5" x 5.5" and 13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375".
• The contents of the flat rate box must be neatly contained inside of the box with adhesive packaging tape.
• The box must close securely and retain its shape when taped with adhesive.
• The shape of the box may not be changed or enlarged to fit its contents.

Extra services such as Delivery Confirmation™, Signature Confirmation®, and Insurance are available to use with Priority Mail Flat-Rate Envelopes and Boxes. http://www.usps.com/shipping/flatrate.htm?from=priority&page=flatrate

BBOC ITEMS SHIPPING
Michael writes: “MY ORDER FORM THE BBOC JUST SHIPPED!! Also according to another post on the ty cyberboard several others did too. :) Below is the link to the post. Michael” http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-895127-0-1,00.html

COOKIE RECIPES
WOW! What a great site. Thank you to Laura for sharing. :o)
Laura writes: “Hi Lisa This is a great site for receipes (cookies)- Take Care-love your site, Laura” http://www.northpole.com/Kitchen/Cookbook/cat0001.html

CHS student showing that they care
CARTERVILLE -- Once again this year the students and staff at Carterville High School have proven that CHS does indeed care, by raising nearly $1,000 and over 750 toys, personal items, and other gifts for the annual CHS Cares campaign.

The students met their goal of raising more money than last year for the program, but say that really the goal is to help as many people as possible.

"You never really know how much need is out there and realize how fortunate you are until you get involved in something like this," said junior Laura Hilliard.

If there's one person who does know it's teacher and student council sponsor Debbie Johnson who has been in charge of the program for the last several years."

Up until about three years ago it was just a canned food drive,' said Johnson. "Then we started get the kids involved in the class competition and the program has really grown."

Classes compete in two different categories items and money. Items such as toys are given to the Toys for Tots program or sent to soldiers in Iraq.

"The soldiers have really asked for beanie babies so they can give them to Iraqi children," said Johnson.

This year Johnson challenged the students to raise more in the second category, by bringing in as much change as they could. The CHS Cares program took responsibility for buying the gifts for a family with three children through the Department of Children and Family Services Share Your Blessings program as well as one senior citizen and one child from the Salvation Army's Angel Tree. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Beanie Baby Boom, Bust, Bubble, Ballyhoo
Can fads be good predictors of the future?
Numerous fads have come and gone over the years. Most were obviously fads from their outset. They had a gimmicky quality and made you wonder, "Hmm, why didn't I think of that!" The classic in this genre is the Pet Rock, introduced in San Francisco at the Gift Show in August 1975. Within months, it was the hottest gift promotion in the world. It was a one-Christmas super-fad. This sort of event is entertaining, but did not do what the Beanie Baby fad did—parallel an actual tech-stock boom and bust.

The Beanie Baby was introduced by Ty Toy of Illinois in 1993, the same year that the Mosaic browser started to appear. The history of the Beanie Baby then almost exactly followed the path of the great dot-com bubble. The difference is that the Beanie Baby fad was ahead of the curve. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Soldiers, families enjoy Christmas party
Members of the 1-152nd and their families attended a Christmas party Sunday, sponsored by the Family Readiness Group.

This is the third Christmas party sponsored by the group; however, it's the first party with the soldiers home from Iraq.

Santa Claus made an appearance and handed out gifts to the children. There were 21 children with ages ranging from one month to 15 years old, and with the help of DC Marshall in Sullivan, Blessed Hope Baptist School in Jasonville and the Ty Company, each child was provided with toys.

Blessed Hope Baptist School held a toy drive to collect toys for the children. The school alone collected enough toys for all 21 children to have three toys.

"My hope and prayer had been that each child get at least two toys," Myers said.

The Ty Company donated 25 Beanie Babies for every child. The bears were red, white and blue. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CHERISH AUCTION REMINDER
Ending tomorrow: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5542281063

December 14, 2004
OLD TY BEAR - INFO NEEDED
Julie writes: “Dear Lisa, Recently we acquired a brown  teddy bear about 15 inches tall with a red ribbon around its neck, and it's eyes are set farther apart than regular beanie bears. It's not in perfect shape, but still loveable. We see that it does have a Ty tag and the year is 1990. However thru all the Ty sites and many others, I dont find any information on stuffed animals earlier than 1993.  Could you shed any light on earlier teddy bears and websites for information on history of Tys? Thank you! Julie”

December 13, 2004
CHERISH CHRISTMAS CREATIONS
Sue writes: “Hi, Well, the bidding closed at midnight on the wonderful Christmas Creations that you so kindly contributed towards. There are going to be some delighted - and disappointed - bidders out there today!

The high bids totalled £329.30, which is a fantastic total! I am so grateful to you for your time and support in particiapting in this event. Thank you! It has been a lot of fun and there have been many appreciative comments about the creations.

With best wishes for a peaceful and happy Christmas and a wonderful 2005, Sue” http://www.cherishonline.co.uk/

COMPLETE JINGLES CHECKLIST
http://www.planetbeans.com/ALLJinglesChecklist.htm
Per the request of Nikki I’ve made this checklist. It includes Jingle Beanies, Halloweenie Beanies, and Basket Beanies.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY LINKS
This webpage was complied with links and fun holiday items for you to enjoy. Please feel free to send in any links you’d like to share so I can put it on the list. http://www.planetbeans.com/FavoriteHolidayLinks.htm

Susan Thomas, a teacher at Conley Elementary School in Chandler, said that about a third of the ornaments on her tree this year came from students - some from as far back as her first year in the classroom, 13 years ago.

"Another gift that was special was an angel Beanie Baby," she said. "It was a collector's item and it came in a case.

"The mother of one of my third-grade students gave it to me. She said that I was her son's angel for everything I had done for him." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

December 12, 2004
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

ABC BEANIES
Michael writes: "You might want to check out the following site. It's a about a school a few years ago doing their own Alphabet Beanie Book. Michael" VIEW INFO AND BOOKLET HERE