BEAN WATCHER
"Hi There --- I thought your readers would like to know that Ty has (once again) changed the date for new customers to receive a free Beanie Baby (M.C. Beanie Baby) -- by applying for a Ty, Inc. Master Card, receiving approval for it, and using it once.  The offer was to end today (February 28, 2002), but after checking the appropriate site, it clearly shows that the deadline has been extended to June 30, 2002.  A view of the change can be seen by checking out my column." View HERE.

Ty Collectors cards showcase known websites
From: Ms. Janie
Hi Janie! I read the post in your newsletter about the upcoming TY promotion in Australia and New Zealand and yes - it's true! I received one of the special Ty collector's cards yesterday - scans are attached. Purchase of 10 beanie babies entitles you to a free "exclusive" beanie baby. This promotion is being run by TY in Australia/New Zealand and not the retailers themselves. I personally have already applied for three of these lovelies in the mail a few days ago (you MUST attach your receipts/proof of purchase for this one) so I can give you more details when I receive something in the mail! I hope the scans help you out!
Schylaar
P.S. YOUR site features on the card too Ms Janie! Have a look! :) http://www.msjanie.com/temp/collectors_card.html

RUMORED NEW PRODUCTS
From: Ms. Janie
Rumored New Product supposed to be released by Ty soon. I guess tyme will tell!

BEANIES
# 391 April ??? White face and paws
#4517 MUM pink bear with tulips on chest
#4518 Hoofer - house Clydesdale
#4519 Frolick - black and white dog
#4520 Panama - Tree Frog

BUDDIES
#9436 Pounch the cat
#9440 Wrinkles - the Bull dog
#9443 Cinders the bear
#9445 Legs the green frog
#9448 Dearest the bear with rose

CLASSICS
#2046 Skippy - golden nose - ??? Maybe a dog

BABY TY
#3307 Cutsie Moose - light blue buddy with yellow horns???? 
#3308 Tyger Hugs - Tiger that this striped
#3309 Huggy Ducky - yellow duck

BOPPERS
#219 Darling Debbie - black hair
#220 Giggly Gracey  - Red hair
#221 Adorable Annie - blonde hair

New Products
From: BeaneWonderland
From the email: Just to let you know that Mum will be available for USA orders in March. We will also see Hoofer (clysdale beanie), Frolic (spaniel) and Panama (tree frog). New buddies will include Pounce, Cinders, Wrinkles, and Legs.  Looks like we also will see Debbie, Gracie, Annie released in Boppers.  New Baby Ty's -- a moose, duck, and tiger.  Also new classic dog named Skippy. Please do not list my name on your site, but wanted you to know what is presently on the retailers site.  No pictures as yet or quantities available for ordering.

Wales Beanie
From: BeaneWonderland
From the email: Where are all the Wales Beanie Babies, several are listed on eBay including one seller who has a dozen of them and will only accept Pay pal (retailer back door selling?) and very few if any are listed on the trade boards. The secondary dealers seem to have a chunk of them so it seems fair to say that us poor folks in Wales have more dishonest retailers than anyone else. Some people say we need a thriving secondary market to keep the hobby alive, the problem is it is the same people who are having their pockets lined time and time again.

'America' Helps Local Red Cross
From: Beanieholics
A mention of the new version of the America Beanie Baby was made in the Bay City News online newspaper.
The Red Cross' Santa Clara Valley Chapter says that all of the profits from the sale of the America bear will be donated directly to local Red Cross disaster relief efforts based on the buyers' zip codes. This second America bear Beanie Baby is a follow-up to the top-selling blue America bear, which to date has generated more than $1.1 million for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. South Bay Red Cross officials say they rely on donations like this. "All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, therefore we depend on the generous contributions of individuals and companies to help us with our relief efforts,'' said Janine Sauer, chief development officer for the Santa Clara Valley Chapter.

Clubby IV Warning! 
From: Ms. Janie
If you recall Peggy Gallagher warned us about these fake Ty signed bears not too long ago. http://www.peggyg.com 
Fraud unit nets Aurora teen in online Beanie Baby swindle 
Police here are warning entrepreneurial Internet surfers that going online is not the quick way to easy cash. An international Beanie Baby scam concocted by a 16-year-old Aurora boy is one of the most recent cases of "Buyer Beware" the Police Department's fraud unit has tackled. The teen tricked victims out of $3,000. On Jan. 18, the youth confessed that he duped three people into buying $7.95 Beanie bears with forged autographs for $1,000 a pop, said Sgt. Tim Genaro, who supervises the fraud unit. The buyers - women in California, Alaska and the United Kingdom - thought they were getting a deal on a coveted, Clubby IV bear, which features an autograph tag with the signature of Ty Warner, the founder of the company. Terri Houston, 38, from Wasilla, Alaska, said she was suspicious because the seller she found online had only two favorable "feedback" messages from past traders on his Beanie bulletin board. Still, she agreed to trade $700 worth of her most prized Beanies for the Clubby IV. View HERE 

==February 27, 2002==
More news from AUSTRALIA 
From: Ms. Janie
Hi Ms. Janie, Spoke to my retailer today and she told me about a new promotion coming up. Next time you buy a Beanie you will be given a card and each time you make a Ty purchase the card will be stamped and the receipt stapled to the card. When you have bought ten Beanies you can then send your card to Ty and they will send you some kind of special exclusive Bear. It sounds very exciting, but I wish I had some more information on it for you. Maybe another reader will know more. Looks like I am off to buy more Beanies!!!!!! Heather

One case launched by Ty is also frequently cited to show that simply adding an "e" in front of a well-known moniker - as in, e-beanies.com - doesn't mitigate any trademark infringement. 

But Edward Chiasson, a Canadian business lawyer appointed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to referee a new complaint from Ty, reminded the company in a decision released today that it faced the burden of proving that Mike Chan of Ottawa, Ontario, had no right to use a domain containing the word "Beanie" and that he had registered the address BeanieCanada.com in bad faith. 

At BeanieCanada.com, visitors will find what appears to have once been a busy trading center for Beanie Baby collectors. But the site appears to have been left fallow for at least a year, and Chan never even bothered to contest Ty's UDRP complaint. 

The lack of a response from current domain-name holders rarely bodes well for them in UDRP disputes, but Chiasson wrote that Ty's complaint was also lacking in detail. 

"When referring to (Chan)," Chiasson wrote, "(Ty) states: 'No evidence has been advanced to suggest any legitimate rights in the trademarks.' Unfortunately, this is true for both parties. The burden is on the complainants to establish that the respondent has no legitimate right or interest in the subject domain name." 

Chiasson said he had no way of knowing whether the products sold at BeanieCanada.com were "pirate copies of the complainants' products or items made available for resale. All that is known is that the respondent sells products, including those bearing (Ty's) marks. To do so, it uses the subject domain name. Per se, the activity is legitimate and the complainants have not established that the respondent does not have a legitimate interest in the subject domain name. 

"The fact that a respondent is using a domain name that is confusingly similar to a complainant's mark does not of itself establish that the domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith," Chiasson wrote. Full Story:

Bean eWonderlands comment - I must admit, I had a smile on my face after last years events when I had to change from Beanie Wonderland to Bean'e'. I for one am glad of this NEW ruling, in this instance the complaint made by Ty Inc. was dismissed the full text version of the case can be found by Clicking Here:

==February 26, 2002==
Party Bears Give Away
Costa Mesa, CA -- February 2002-Hear Ye, Hear Ye, calling all Hard Rock collectors. Each month, at all 8 locations in Japan, Monthly Party Bears "are causing quite a fuss," according to designer Chris Herrington of Herrington Teddy Bears.

Here is a sneak preview of the April and May designs. The little yellow April Bear wears bunny ears and a white T-shirt with an Easter egg Hard Rock logo. The aqua May Bear has a daisy Hard Rock logo.

"Because they are part of an ongoing a series and different style each month, these 4-inch bears seem to be quite popular among Japanese Hard Rock Collectors," said Herrington.

Party Bears cannot be purchased. They are given as a gift with purchase when you visit the Hard Rock Cafe locations in Japan.

To view the complete line of Hard Rock Cafe Teddy Bears designed by Herrington's Teddy Bear Club visit www.TeddyBearClub.com or call (800) 942-4498. Check out all Hard Rock Cafe collectibles at www.hardrock.com.

NEED NEWS...
As you can see, there isn't too much happening to report on. :o)

I will check back in an hour or so. My oldest son is "Citizen of the Month" at his school and they are presenting him with an award in just under 30 minutes so I must run. I will send out the newsletter and any news after I return.

==February 25, 2002==
New White America Confirmed
Richard of BeaneWonderland shares the following:
Ty Inc., makers of the Beanie Babies, has created a new America bear to be sold exclusively online at www.ty.com to benefit local chapters of the American Red Cross during March, Red Cross Month. The second America bear, white with red and blue ears featuring stars and stripes, immediately follows the top-selling blue America bear, which generated more than $1.1 million for the Disaster Relief Fund through Ty's donation of 100 percent of profits to the Red Cross. Beginning today, Ty will donate 100 percent of profits from the sale of the new America to local chapters. View full story HERE

Competition Time at BeaneWonderland
The free prize draw for the England, Wales and Scotland Beanie Baby trio starts today. Entry is free to learn more simply Click Here:

INTERNET EXCLUSIVE AMERICA AVAILABLE Order your special America bear at Ty Store now: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore/America/

==February 24, 2002==
Where is Beanieholics? 
From: Ms. Janie
Just a quick note to inform you that Randy and Theresa are having server problems. They are attempting to resolve their issues and will be back online soon. Please continue to check their page often. http://www.randyandtheresa.com

IF YOU PLAN ON ENTERING THE TY-SIGNED ZODIAC RAFFLE ~ PLEASE READ
There are only 5 days remaining to get your payment to Nicole. At this time, you will need to send online forms of payment only. It takes about a week for a money order to make it to Germany. We have 5 in transit now and they may not make it in time so we are keeping our fingers crossed.

DO YOU HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?
There sure isn't much to share with you today. If YOU have something to share with all of us.. please send it to me. :o)

==February 23, 2002==
NEEDED: CHUBBLEY BEAR RETAILS IN U.S. 
Kathie writes:
"I have been permitted by Soft Touch Toys UK to sell Chubbley's to U.S. retail stores." If you are interested in becoming a U.S. Chubbley Bear retailer, contact Kathie Currie at: (403) 342-0471 or curriescollectables@shaw.ca  

If you are in Canada and are interested in becoming a Chubbley retailer please contact Kathie Currie.

LOOKING FOR A TRADE PARTNER IN THE UK?
I have had the pleasure of dealing with someone that has proven to be honest, fair, and an absolute pleasure to deal with. Just remember.. not everyone that trades is out to get something for near nothing. :o) Email Stephen at: swmufc1@cwctv.net and tell him you were referred by Lisa of Planet Beans.

EXCLUSIVES HIT SINGAPORE
Shared by anonymous:
Hi Lisa

The exclusives have hit Singapore and the purchase conditions at some stores are simply obscene.  They range between a 2:1 and a 5:1 purchase (so far).

I was told that to order one dozen of each exclusives, retailers were forced to order 10 dozen regular beanies, hence the obscene conditions. 

BEANIE TOONS IMPROVED SITE
Stephanie shares the following:
"Hello webmasters:
This is the webmaster of Beanie Toons, just reminding you to check out our new and improved site. You can check it out at an easy to remember URL, www.BeanieToons.com! We are always updating, some come by and visit sometimes :o)" -Stephanie

==February 22, 2002==
FAIR TRADES? - I THINK NOT!!
Mona shares the following:
"Lisa, What a wonderful response from Anna concerning the appaling trading for beanies.  Has Warner forgotten about the USA?  We get "supposedly" exclusives here and they all end up overseas and we all trade fairly here but when an exclusive hits the UK, Asia, Japan, Scotland, and Wales they all seem to forget how we helped them to get our exclusives.  I almost had a trade for the England Bear.  All this person wants is:

MUM IN ENGLAND
Sam shares the following:
Mum bear has appeared in England, one of our readers - Alan, reports that he purchased one in Liverpool and that they were sold out within a day. There is still no mention of this beanie on the Ty website. 
Regards,
Sam Topley
New Media & Retail
0845 330 3310
http://www.ryebypost.com

==February 21, 2002==
APPALLED AT TRADING OF NEW EXCLUSIVES
Anna shares the following:
"Hi Lisa, I agree with Mona (-from yesterday-) about being appalled with the trading business!!!  Haven't been able to do a recent trade in weeks....lol.....between Chinook buddy and now all those other exclusives it's INSANE!!! But what REALLY riles me is that MR Warner seems to have forgotten about the USA????" Anna

IS COLLECTING FUN ANY MORE?
Barbara shares the following:
"I would like to say that I agree with the thoughts on the Exclusives and trading.  People are asking for the moon the sun and the stars and yet when you see pictures of openings in Australia you see the older beanies in the stores and yes they are showing up in grocery stores here as well as drug stores.  I like this hobby but it is getting too difficult to continue.  When I trade I trade to make friends and discuss beanies as well not to make the almighty dollar on something, I am not a business I am a friend of beanies who would like to own everyone and would help anyone get something that they needed if I could.  I doubt very much if somewhere down the line when our great great relatives have our beanies that they will be given thousand and thousands of dollars for these adorable little stuffed toys/collectibles.  These little guys just used to bring so much happiness to me and now they are just becoming work and annoyances.  If TY wants to make stipulations on how dealers get these Exclusives then they shouldn't buy them if he is stuck with them he will change his ways and if it is the dealers who are doing this well stay out of the store they will change somehow they get the message I have seen it happen here/  Economies are tough and it is great that there are people who have idea that can make them money but greed is something that gets out of control.  I remember when a Baseball player signed his contract with a famous team someone asked him why he settled for so little and he said how much money can you spend in a lifetime?  Notable I think the amount was $8 million but in contrast to other contracts that was small.  I just think that if we all were not so greedy everyone would get the beanies they want and people would be happy and companies would stay in business.  Remember that if we all stopped buying beanies all over the world there would be people out of work in other areas and maybe we would be able to maintain our lives.  I do think that we are happier with beanies but when they were fun not this challenge and seeing what we can make off them.  I have heard that a lot of people are quitting collecting and day by day it is sounding better to me.  This is becoming a hobby for elite rich people as I think most recently exemplified in the Coral Casino Beanie yes if you can afford to join this elite Casino you get a free bear sell it if you want but ask thousands for it.  Now with these exclusives if the stores want to stock them they must buy so many things that won't sell unless they in turn soak the consumer.  Remember Celebrate available only to retailers who went to the shows and now the German guy available only to retailers who went to the show in Neurenburgh a one time order.  I forgot to mention that there are a lot of Celebrates sitting on shelves .  Let us not Forget America over a month to get this bear out and he sits on shelves.   Yes then there is Issy get your set run around and try to collect all of them but then beside the NY Hotel there are ones that are scarce and end up costing upwards of $100 so you not knowing this have 53 Bears sitting in your house and well can't complete the set because Santa Barbara is almost 200 dollars then Dublin, Vancouver, and a few others but you figured originally that well without NY it would be cute and it helped CANCER  which in itself is a good thing but I submit again if you are rich you can finish this set.  I am not against being rich but let us have fun and say yeah they are cute and make us happy and say that you can get all of this if you are rich but here are others for you that are just as cute and loveable.  Well I just needed to vent so sorry to take up your time but most of my friends and I feel that there has to be a limit to what we can endure with this greed that seems to have taken over the Beanie Collectors world.

Oh yes I anxiously await March 1st when we will be able to buy White America on line to help support the Red Cross but then people will want to make money off of it as well.

I especially like the variations of first Addison the color of the knot in the ribbon then American red, white and blue, or blue white and red.  People they are the same ribbon just but in unside and now they have said that the same ribbon variation has been found on England and we buy into this as I think about things like this I get scared." Barbara

COUNTERFEIT BUCKINGHAM
From: Ms. Janie
Hello Please alert your readers that a new counterfeit Buckingham, serial # 4BGUOERA, has been discovered today! )O: Thank you Sincerely, Peggy Gallagher http://www.peggyg.com

==February 20, 2002==
SURPRISE BEANIE?
Nicole shares the following:
"Hi Lisa, just talked to my German retailer and Ty sent him a new surprise Beanie named Mum - pictures can be seen at http://www.bb-land.de/  He only got 12 of these and they sold out within minutes of him opening his store this morning. This retailer also told me that he only received 24 of Freiherr von Schwarz, and was told not to expect any more (one time shipment only!)." Nicole

Planet Beans Comments: Looks like this Beanie may have sneaked out of the warehouse a bit early. I'm sure we will see them in the next month or two. Beautiful Bear to give to Mom's for Mother's Day.

BEAN WATCHER
Bean Watcher shares the following:
"Hi There!
I've read a number of reports on different bean bag sites about the six Asia-Pacific Flower Exclusives bears and decided to consolidated the information on one page." View HERE
Enjoy!
Bean Watcher

APPAULED AT TRADING OF NEW EXCLUSIVES
Mona shares the following:
"Lisa, I am just appalled at the trading boards for the new Beanie Bears.  I have tried to do some trading and the traders all want so many items - Boppers, Old Beanies (20 commons and 10 new ones), Buddy sets.  A trader sent me an email and told me her asking price for the Asian Bears is $500.00 plus shipping.  I am so furious at TY for allowing anything like this to happen that I am just about ready to switch to collecting Boyd's Bears or anything else.  I just had to get this off of my chest, because this morning I am just disgusted." Thanks for listening, Mona

Beanie Babies tycoon may own damaged plane
From: BeaneWonderland
Palm Beach International Airport was buzzing Thursday after that $40 million Gulfstream V (as in five), popped its right landing gear. No one was hurt in the emergency landing. Fortunately, the plane is insured, but now that it's damaged goods, resale value will drop a few million. No doubt, the owner has a good idea what to do. That's because, sources report, he's Ty Warner, the marketing genius who gave the world Beanie Babies. (The link to the full story has been removed, I prepared this story late last night).

==February 19, 2002==
Asia Pacific & UK Exclusives
Anonymous shares the following:
Hi Lisa!

Just got an e-mail from my friend in Wales telling me that she's been put on a loooong waiting list to purchase the Welsh and Scotland bears.  All the bears were out of stock at the shops she visited in Cardiff and she was told that the new stock would only arrive in another TWO weeks! 

The good news is, though, that each store she visited had informed her that they would be selling the exclusives for £5.99 each!  *whew*

As for the Asia Pacific exclusives, I heard that all six are going to be available in Singapore.  The catch is, as usual, the retailers have to order large numbers of Boppers, Buddies and other Beanies just to get their share of the exclusives.

Apparently, a more substantial order condition was enforced for the purchase of Vanda.

. . . . .
((UNCONFIRMED RUMOUR))
There was also an order condition that retailers have to go for if they want the exclusives delivered to their shops earlier than others.
. . . . .

With all this in mind, goodness knows what kind of horrible purchase conditions will be imposed at all the beanie shops in Singapore! 

Are we the only ones in the world who have to constantly suffer this fate?  In the most extreme case so far, some retailers forced buyers to purchase as many as FIVE other OLD beanies before one could get ONE Celebrate Beanie. 

Sometimes, I think I'd rather pay a higher price than to end up with two new beanies and ten old ones that I already have!

CHUBBLEY RETAILER PIN w/ORDER
Kathie wanted me to let you know that anyone ordering all 17 Chubbley Bears, will also receive a FREE retailers pin. This special pin is only available to retailers - 1 per store, so it will be something extra to add to your collections. Details on ordering can be found below (on the NEWS page). Don't forget you also receive FIVE extra entries into the Chubbley Bears UK Retired "George" contest running through the end of February.

OTHER CHUBBLEY NEWS
The 7 new Chubbleys yet unnamed that were released at the Birmingham UK trade show will be available the first part of April.  The new release Doubloon has a misprint spelled Doobloon.  The typo is to be corrected for future orders and Kathie has the misprint Doobloon in stock and ready to sell. Get them while you can.

BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC FLOWER COLLECTION
Eugene from Singapore shares pictures of the new Asia-Pacific Flower Collection Beanies. ASIA-PACIFIC FLOWER COLLECTION PHOTOS

Beanietown-USA has just completed installing a new Shopping Cart ordering system which provides:
* Easier Online Ordering
* Order Total with Shipping Cost
* Real Time CC Processing
* Instant Printable Invoice
* Faster Download Time
* Simple Ordering Navigation
* Quicker Turnaround Time to Ship

To celebrate, they're offering some great deals:
Germania $7.95
Hippie $3.95
Fleece $1.95
Tracks $4.95
and . . . many SURPRISE price specials . . .

==February 18, 2002==
Scotland Bear
From: BeaneWonderland
From the email Mary writes: I was in Edinburgh at the weekend and I visited about 20 shops that sold Ty products. Only one of them had the Scotland bear in stock, but since they were selling it for £20.00, I refused to buy it, as I don't believe in paying over the odds. Most of the other shops said that they will also be charging £20.00 when they get it. They said that all the shops got together and came to a decision about what they are going to charge. Just because Edinburgh is an all year round tourist city I think they are using this status to rip off the public. Mary (Aberdeen).

Planet Beans Comments: I was always under the impression that Authorized Ty Retailers had to sell items for retail until they were retired. I wouldn't buy one at an inflated price either. I hope everyone in Scotland and surrounding countries can locate some honest stores that don't try to rip off it's customers.

BEAN WATCHER
Bean Watcher shares the following:
Hi There -- I thought I'd share with you that, in my column today, I've written about the charity Beanie Babies Courage, Rescue, and America.  First of all, another variation of Courage and Rescue has been found -- in Japan.  Second, celebrity-signed America the bear Beanie Babies will be auctioned on eBay to help raise funds for the Red Cross. Enjoy! Bean Watcher View HERE

GREAT Article and photos!
From: Ms. Janie
"Here is a feature and some pictures for your next newsletter regarding England the bear. Not only did I find 1 England bear but I fell across another with a variation. I have attached the pictures separately for you to put into the word document as you see fit, plus you may want to use the pictures in your authentic beanie section as I do feel this is one bear that may try to be counterfeited and the picture I have of the flag and ribbon has turned out well."
http://www.msjanie.com/temp/england_the_bear.html

Planet Beans has a JUMBiES section. If you are interested in viewing these pages: http://www.planetbeans.com/JUMBiES.htm

==February 17, 2002==
New feature
From: BeaneWonderland
You might have noticed the new links in the top menu bar, regulars will already know about the Alternative to Beanies section. What you will not have seen before is the 'Rare Ty' section. This new section will hopefully grow over time looking at Ty products that many (including myself) did not know existed. Our regular contributor 'Bob' suggested this category so thank you to him and to Jamie who has several of these very rare items for auction, including the Ty employee Jacket, to visit this auction Click Here:

Chubbley News
From: BeaneWonderland
From the email: You have featured Chubbley bears in the past on your website, so I thought I might as well share this with you. Today I went on a massive spending spree at my local Chubbley's retailer (where I also got an England beanie!), and I got talking to the guy who owns the shop. He told me about a new set of Chubbley's which are being released soon, and they're to do with playing cards. Each bear has a different card suit on it's paw, like for instance one has diamonds, the other clubs, etc. Unfortunately, he didn't say when they were being released, but keep your eyes peeled, I know I will be! Kat.

Planet Beans Comments: Don't forget you can purchase Chubbley Bears for only $7.25 USD each if you are member of Planet Beans mailing list or club. Some sites I've seen are selling Chubbley Bears for a few dollars more each. Save some money by purchasing via Planet Beans. Details can be found below.

NEW BEANIE SITE w/CONTEST
Nicole shares the following:
"Hi Lisa, 
Allan and I have started a new Beanie site (http://communities.msn.co.uk/BeanzUniverse), and to start it all off nice we are running a little contest. You can get a chance to win a 4th version Dizzy just for joining the site. Stop on by, and tell us what you think - your ideas and comments would be appreciated."  Nicole

Courage / Rescue Variation !!!
From: Doodle's Page
Right / Left ..... Right / Left!!! We had suspicions this may happen, didn't we? Kooler of Bean Book sends some interesting information, along with a photo, of a variation of Courage and Rescue Beanie Babies. Both Beanies have showed up (in Japan, so far) ... the US flag showing up on both the right and left leg now! Great find, Kooler! ... thanks for sharing. It will be interesting to see if it shows up this way in other countries. (Notice the Japanese tag.) <picture can be found at Doodle's Page>

==February 16, 2002==
Bopper Key Rings Exclusive
From: BeaneWonderland
From the email: When I spoke with the Ty Warner at the New York Toy Show, I told him I thought kids would like to see the Teenie Beanie Boppers made as keyrings (popular with today's kids in the USA).  Ty stated that they would be introducing Bopper keyrings only to the UK (or perhaps European) market and if they sell well, they could be introduced in the US.  I would not look for them to appear until April or May, after the Teenie Beanie Boppers are shipped.

Bean eWonderlands comment - The sender of this information has always proved reliable in the past, I have no reason to doubt them on this one. It will be interesting to see if these do materialise and what they sell like.

PayPal rises 60 percent in trading
From: BeaneWonderland
Shares of the online money transfer company PayPal Inc. went public on Friday and rallied more than 50 percent, ending a long drought for Internet initial public offerings and an even longer period of investor disinterest in money-losing dot-coms. Analysts said investors were excited by PayPal because it has been able to carve out a market-leading position among what was a crowded field of competitors in online payments. "They have found fertile ground in this market," said Jim Van Dyke, an analyst for Jupiter Media Metrix. "It is a lot less risky than sending a check to someone you don't know in Ohio and hoping that the beanie baby arrives in the mail." Full Story:

RyebyPost Extends "Successful" Freeserve Ad Campaign
From: Beanieholics
Freeserve is to run a year-long campaign for the postal delivery service Rye by Post which delivers soft toys such as Beanie Babies and Harry Potter. The new campaign, which will run through skyscraper and banner advertisements promoting the Beanie Baby collection on Freeserve's auction channel, comes after a successful link up between the two companies last year. Click Here For More

Even Teddy Bears Need To Take A Bath
From: Beanieholics
From Good Housekeeping:

Your child may think his stuffed toys can go everywhere, but there's one place many of them don't survive: the washing machine. The spin cycle could cost Boo Bear an arm or leg, and if you hand-wash it, the toy may end up with stiff fur. Enter Teddy Bear Cleaner by Siege, a new spray product that promises to wipe away dirt and keep your beloved plush toys cuddly.

But can it tackle the soil buildup from constant kid use? To find out, our home-care pros smeared 13 stain makers -- from green paint to glitter glue to grape juice -- on hand-washable bears. Even after letting the mess sit for a day, we found that Teddy Bear Cleaner removed most stains (a faint spot of hot-pink marker and a few specks of glitter remained) and left the fur soft. In contrast, bears hand-washed in dishwashing liquid still looked dirty and felt coarse. A 12-ounce bottle of Teddy Bear Cleaner costs $5.95 from Home Trends catalog; (800) 810-2340.

Caranois.com, the source for quality promotional gifts and collectibles, many unique, such as SoftBelly's® Computer Monitor Cleaners, our best selling product. We sell Plush with a difference, USA Patriotic, high quality bath & body products, silver and pewter items.

We are extremely proud of our site. A new shopping cart has been added for your convenience.  It includes a search facility so you can find our products more quickly. And if you like what you see at Caranois, why not use our new "Tell a Friend" option?

Please take advantage of our introductory special.
SoftBelly's special edition American Bald Eagle – Computer Monitor Cleaner. The National Emblem of “ENDURING FREEDOM” – makes a Patriotic Statement and is Collectible. Born on September 11, 2001 and named “Freedom” – a heartwarming remembrance. http://www.inspired-graphics.com/softbellys/special.html

If you are not already a member of our newsletter, consider joining.  You will be kept informed of our specials, new products, contests and much more.  You may subscribe on any of our web pages. The subscription form is found in the upper right corner of the site.

Last but not least, my sincerest appreciation for my new webmaster, Bert Doorn from Australia. (http://www.betterwebdesign.com.au/)

Vikki Martin
Caranois Limited
www.caranois.com/
AOL AIM = caranoiscom
617 Pear * Mt. Vernon, IL. 62864
1-618-242-8468 - Voice
1-618-242-8468 - Fax

Visit  Caranois at http://www.caranois.com/ and tell them you saw their ad at Planet Beans. Banner is located at the top of the news page.

==February 15, 2002==
ASK TY
Q: What is the Godzilla secret? (submitted by The Collecter) 
A: The more I thought about this the more I realized . . . . if I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret any longer. I can tell you to expect a big announcement within the next 10 days ! http://www.ty.com/askty/askty.cfm

More Minatures?
From: BeaneWonderland
I was at  a local Ty dealer's gift shop and who walked in but, a Ty representative.   She had a duffle bag full of all the latest Ty releases to show the shop owner.  We talked for a little while and she began showing me the new teeny basket babies.  She then told me that soon Ty would be working on releasing a teeny version of the Beanie Boppers and I think she said Kids also.  I saw the USA exclusive Attic Bear, it was real nice wearing it's denim jacket the stores should see them in about 2 weeks or so.  If they were ordered this week.  I just wanted to pass this on and hope it's of help to all the collectors out there.  Have a nice day.  Sandi

Oden ordered to repay funds 
From: Ms. Janie
Concluding what Superior Court Judge Charles Pengilly referred to as "one of the most puzzling cases I've ever seen," former Ester Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mike Oden was sentenced to two years in prison Wednesday after being convicted of embezzling more than $56,000 from the department. Oden, 50, was convicted of one count of first-degree theft after a two-week jury trial in September. The charges against him date from between March 1996 and June 2000, during which time he also worked as a senior safety management officer for UAF risk management services. Oden also was ordered to pay restitution for almost all of the amount stolen. "While those who wear the uniform might rush into burning buildings to save the lives of their neighbors, Mr. Oden would exit to buy Beanie Babies for his own amusement." The Beanie Babies in question were three collectible items Oden spent more than $350 on, an expense prosecutor Gene Gustafson said Oden billed to the department. "There's no question that it was clearly theft," he said. Gustafson ran down some of the more significant expenses at the hearing, including more than $6,800 in double-billed travel costs and almost $12,000 in expenses for hunting trips he charged to the department. Gustafson asked that Oden be sentenced to four years in prison with two of those suspended, as well as 10 years on probation and $55,591 in restitution. He also noted that Oden had never admitted to wrongdoing, showing "a complete lack of remorse, a complete lack of any responsibility." http://63.147.65.1/S-ASP-Bin/Ref/Index.asp?PUID=1316&Indx=1361928

==February 14, 2002==
-=HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!=-

BEAN WATCHER
Reading about a white America bear Beanie Baby immediately made me think that collectors could confuse this white version with the Libearty Beanie Baby.  However, when I compared photos of America and Libearty from the Ty.com site, there are two major differences between the two bears (other than hang and tush tags) that collectors can look for in order to make a distinction. You can check my column to see the differences. View HERE

The Park District does not have the money to tear down the existing building and create a proposed aquatic park. Park Board President Robert Bernas said it could be several years before the district raises the money needed to develop the property.

Spelling Success
From: BeaneWonderland
Kelsey Mills, 11, a sixth grade student at Princeton Middle School earned a trip to the regional competition as well by finishing runner-up in the a spelling competition. Kelsey clutched her Beanie Baby "bee" throughout the competition. Full Article:

Where is the Proof?
From: BeaneWonderland
Bob from the colonies sends us the following auction link for a Brown nosed MC Beanie. As Bob rightly points out, the sellers description leaves a lot to be desired in claiming that there are only 25 of the Brown nosed bears in existence. My advice would be that an MC Beanie is an MC Beanie, do you really care which colour nose it has? View Auction:

Planet Beans Comments: I don't own MC Beanie so I would happy with any color nose. :o)

Kissme & Romance Beanies Retire
http://retirement.ty.com/retired_product

==February 13, 2002==
WHITE AMERICA BEAR TO BE RELEASED
From: Ms. Janie
Ty once again shows their generosity by supporting the Red Cross. Read the following and learn about a new bear coming your way to support this great organization. View this exciting info HERE 

TOY FAIR NEWS
From: Ms. Janie
Hi Ms. Janie, I was at NY Toy Fair yesterday. I saw the new Teenie Boppers and I handled them. If I had to guess I would say they were six or seven inches tall, but I know it's been reported that they are eight inches tall, so I might be incorrect. I think the photo at your site makes them look larger than they really are. That photo is showing the top of the Teenie Bopper display rack inside the Ty Booth. The photo is taken at an odd angle, which could account for the distortion of size. I think they will have great appeal to young girls. I'm not sure that they will appeal to collectors. I like the Bopper line and the Teenie Boppers did not win me over. I thought the faces were not nearly as cute as the full size Boppers. The bodies and clothes were cute but I did not like the embroidered eyes. 

OTHER TOY FAIR NEWS: Sponge Bob Square Pants merchandise was everywhere! This relatively new cartoon character is being merchandised to the hilt. There were stuffed toys, stickers, key chains, PVC figures, stationery items, wind up toys and even SPONGES! In general, Toy Fair was fairly quiet yesterday. The most active booths were in the collectible doll section, especially Madame Alexander and Robert Tonner. Madame Alexander is doing a McDonald's promotion this spring. They had a display set up showing the dolls that will be given away in the Happy Meals. I would imagine they'll be a big hit, they were very cute. Caren

Magazines With a Message 
From: Ms. Janie
Mary Beth's Beanies & More, a bright bimonthly that quickly sold out its 100,000-copy premiere issue, costing $5, at Beanie Baby outlets last month. "We're expecting this magazine to be as collectible as the Beanies themselves. They're already going on eBay for $10,” said editor in chief Mary Beth Sobolewski, whose previous, noncustom publisher for a similar magazine went bankrupt last year, leaving "a void in the marketplace.” In stepped Beanie manufacturer Ty, which even allows occasional articles about rival products, she said. Jim Meyers, president of Chicago-based Imagination Publishing, which produces the glossy, thinks more custom magazines will be sold in the future, as they are now in Europe, and that readers are "willing to accept” commercial sponsorship -- which, he adds, isn't that different from the influence big advertisers wield at some regular consumer magazines. His company also publishes Pier1's Your Home, mailed to its best customers, and E*Trade, which lets the online brokerage's customers know about its other financial services, such as insurance. "The return on their investment has been incredible... over 100 times what they've spent on the magazine,” he said. There's talk now of expanding E*Trade to newsstands. View article HERE

eBay's Secret Ingredient 
From: BeaneWonderland
If your customers gladly held your inventory, shipped your products, and did all your marketing, you'd make money online too. Only question: Can eBay keep growing and not destroy the social capital that is its unique competitive advantage? eBay has gone well beyond collectible Elvis prints and Beanie Babies -- or glass eyeballs, for that matter. A motorcycle is sold on eBay every 18 minutes, a laptop every 30 seconds, and a book every 4 seconds. Full Story:

==February 12, 2002==
REMINDER ~ GRAPHICS NEEDED
BBChalkboard Clubhouse is in need of two graphics for club picture. Any of you that enjoy doing graphics, I am in need of your help for a club picture for St. Patrick's Day (February 15th to March 17th); and Easter (March 17th to March 30th. If several graphics are submitted, have one entry already, will have a voting contest to determine which of the graphics you like the best. A beginning webpage has been setup: <http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/clubpix.html> I wonder what beanie will be presented (St. Patrick's Day and Easter) to the winner and have their graphic plus banner, if they choose, to run during this time period? Put your "thinking caps" on!
La Rue/lash36 <http://www.kansaspewter.com>

Press Release from Herrington's Teddy Bear Club
Costa Mesa, California
Date: February 11, 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Order the Valentine Special!
Costa Mesa, CA -- February 2002-- Is there any better way to say, "I Love YOU?,"  than with a smile and a teddy bear? Herrington Teddy Bears of Costa Mesa, California is smitten with their 2002 Valentine Collection for Hard Rock Cafe. Order the Valentine Special at any Corporate HRC location during February 9-14, and for $59.00 you can get dinner for two and a special teddy.* 

This February foursome is undoubtedly designer Chris Herrington's best Valentine set ever. The 2002 USA Valentine's Teddy is city-specific and designed exclusively for all US locations. This 10-inch, fully jointed bear is fashioned of velvet soft white fur and  wears red corduroy bib overalls. The traditional HRC heart-shaped logo is embroidered on the bib of the overalls. This little heart stopper is a limited edition piece and retails for $19.99 each, or free with your $59.00 dinner for two. Edition quantity varies per location. 

"The fun thing about designing bears for 98% of the Hard Rocks around the world, is that we really get a chance to think up with several bears for each holiday. We like this one for one region, but that one for another region  - and instead of choosing just one, we can give each region individuality!" says Chris Herrington.

Finally for the month of February, Herrington has a 4-inch white teddy wearing a red hooded sweatshirt available at all HRC locations in Japan. This bear is part of an ongoing series of monthly "Mini Party Bears" introduced by HRC Japan in August 2001. This bear is a gift with purchase. 

High Resolution Images Available Upon Request

Contact Information:
Herrington Teddy Bears
150 McCormick Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Tel: (714) 540-6657
(800) 942-4498
Fax: (714) 540-0411
Email: chris@herringtonco.com
web: www.teddybearclub.com
Join our email group at: teddybearclub@egroups.com

UPDATE from the show in New York 
From: Ms. Janie
-NO AMERICA BUDDY 
-WE COULD ORDER 12 SETS OF BASKET BEANIES 
-TEENIE BOPPERS WILL ARRIVE IN APRIL 
- ALL DESCRIPTIONS ON SITE ARE TRUE 
-I KNOW NOTHING OF BOPPER JEWLERY 
-TY WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE TODAY (MONDAY) 
-THERE WERE TWO JUMBO BOPPERS NOT ABLE TO ORDER YET 
- DESCRIPTION ON SITE IS TRUE 
-RETAILERS THAT PLACED AN ORDER YESTERDAY FOR SMOOCH AND SIZZLE WILL RECEIVE THEM BUT ALL ORDERS RECEIVED TODAY WILL PROBABLY NOT 
-NOTHING ELSE WAS RELEASED AT THE SHOW -I SHOULD EXPECT EVERYTHING (except Teenie Boppers) WITHIN TWO WEEKS Tristan

England Wales Scotland Shipping
From the email: I managed to pick up an England Bear yesterday for £5.99, my sister who lives in Scotland found me the Scotland Bear also priced at £5.99. I found a report on another leading site which states Rye By Post have all three in stock so I thought I would pay them a visit and purchase a Wales bear to complete my collection. I was amazed to find they are charging a whopping £49.95 ($71.00) each, how are they allowed to do this, it is no wonder they can afford the $1000's paid for the Ty signed America Beanie. 

Bean eWonderlands comment - Rye Post are not an authorised Ty dealer, like all secondary stores they purchase their Ty products (probably from authorised dealers) and then charge any amount they feel is reasonable. Several auctions closed yesterday on eBay with buy it now for these at £30.00 ($42.00) so I am surprised the prices being asked are so high. For secondary dealers to have these bears in stock already confirms back door selling is still rife in the Beanie world.

ATTIC RETIREMENT
Flynn, Lancaster and Barrymore have retired.
http://retirement.ty.com/retired_product

ATTIC CHECKLIST UPDATED
http://www.planetbeans.com/AtticChecklist.htm

Ms. Janie has photos of Ty's Teenie Boppers shared by a Ty Rep. http://www.msjanie.com/temp/toy_fair_teenie_boppers.html

==February 11, 2002==
NOTE TO @HOME NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS
If you are subscribed with your @home email address you may want to choose another email to use. I've noticed an increased amount of people being bounced off of the list due to having @home.

Bean Watcher
From: BeaneWonderland
The Bean Watcher column today has three articles:  
a) the introduction of Ty's new product line -- Teenie Beanie Boppers.  What are the Bean Watcher's thoughts about the future market values of this new line?  
b) the Bean Watcher's thoughts on the introduction of "Olympic Beanies."  Will Ty introduce them in the near future?
c)  the arrival of Pierre the Bear Beanie Buddy -- what is his current value?  Should you buy him now from the secondary market?    To read the Bean Watcher's three articles, read his market analysis, and read about where he thinks secondary market values will go with Ty's Teenie Beanie Boppers. Click HERE

Valentines Card
From: BeaneWonderland
Yesterdays show reporter wishes to remain anonymous, the same person kindly sends us a scan of the Valentine's Day card that was used at the NY Toy Show in the Ty booth.  It measures 5 1/2" by 7 View Here:

Babies need to watch more Chuck Norris 
From: Ms. Janie
Babies in America are fat. This fact came out recently in a thoroughly researched report compiled by the Institute for Occasionally Fictional Knowledge, Beanie Babies and Other Manufactured Collectibles. It went on to say that babies in America are hopelessly obese mainly because they interact with food endorsed by Chuck E. Cheese and Charles Barkley. If babies were as smart as their parents think they are, they would, instead, rush to interact with exercise equipment endorsed by Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley. But it won’t ever happen. This is because babies in America are also lazy. This is my own observation. Ever see one, for example, carry a bag of groceries. Not on your life. They ride in a cart stocked full of food and beverages. If babies weren’t babies, they would probably be mistaken for weekend golfers. View article HERE

SIZZLE & SMOOCH BUDDIES RETIRE
http://retirements.ty.com/retired_products

==February 10, 2002==
RE-RETIREMENT?
I noticed that the Ty website has a retirement newsflash showing the 12/21/01 retirement of Mrs. Santabear, Santabear, and Chillings Attic Treasures. http://retirement.ty.com/retired_product

New York Show Report - More to come 
From: Ms. Janie
Teenie Beanie Boppers 12 of them 
Hat Trick Hunter 
Footie 
Plapperstache 
Rugged Rusty 
Sweet Sally 
Jassy Jessy 
Pretty Penenolopy 
Cool Cassidy 
Snazzy Sabrina 
Glitzy Gabby 
Sassy Star 
American Millie 

These will retail for 4 to 5 dollars and do come with a display. Anyone attending the show will receive them in April. All other retails will receive them in May. Bendable, posable has some beans in them and they all have sculptured faces. This report comes live from New York from a retailer.

New York Show Report
From: BeaneWonderland
We received the following report just a while ago: In attendance today at the New York Show, they kindly send us the following report: Ty Warner was in attendance today at the New York Toy Show Ty booth and was proudly debuting his newest product, "Teenie Beanie Boppers'. There are twelve in total including Hat Trick Hunter (#10), Footie and Plappertasche, all of which will be available in the USA. 

Among the twelve is a Teenie Beanie Bopper that was never made as a standard Bopper, her name is American Millie.  She sports an American flag on her shirt. The Teenie Boppers have bendable arms and legs, which allows them to be posed, used on backpacks, etc.  They also have an elastic loop attached so they can be hung from the interior car mirror or a knob.  The "wires" in the legs and arms are flexible cable, not thin wires which could break and poke through the material.  Simply adorable!! Read MUCH more HERE

UK BEAN BAG WORLD ~ MARCH ISSUE Daphne shares the following: The March issue of Bean Bag World is set to hit the newsstands on Thursday, Valentines Day … and we have an apt cover for you! In this issue, with its usual 140 pages, you can expect to find the following special features and regular items:

Collectors’  News: six pages of news, snippets and tidbits, including retirement and introduction updates and pics Announcing the new Bean Bag World Website: following on from a February feature, see how we practise what we preach with the launch of Bean Bag World’s Website: www.beanbagworld.info Four pages of letters and photos from readers Talkback with answers to readers’ questions and a heart-warming story of a 5 year old reunited with his beloved ‘Puppy’, a Classic who’s strayed from home before! We tell you how you can get your story in Bean Bag World magazine Four pages of Readers Gallery, with creativity shining through in these youngsters’ drawings Disney Dayz: our resident expert updates you on the latest Disney happenings Achtung (Beanie) Baby: an odd title, but welcome input from John in Germany who tells us of his experiences as an American abroad Chester’s Own Fragrant Oasis: featuring the delights of a beautiful gift shop in the heart of the historic city of Chester Who need the secondary market? We all do!  The Editor’s own personal views on the secondary market in Beanie collecting Something Old, Something New: Disney portrait gallery from Steff Wayne The Whole Tooth and nothing but: a chance for readers to win one of these magical Celebrity Bears Tooth Fairies … and guess who designed it? I Need a Hero: Randy and Theresa tell about the bears bringing history to life Amy tells the Ty tale: a Beanie invasion at Juniper Green Primary School in Edinburgh, as we hear of 10 year old Amy’s hobby talk And the Chart topper is … : news from Bean Bag World’s adopted charity, CHhugs, of the 2001 top ten auction earners for this children’s Beanie charity Trivia Time: relax with four brain teasing quizzes, testing your knowledge of Beanies and Chubbleys Give Peace a Chance: following on from a February news item, we meet Adam Fishman and his splendid website, Peace Bear World Celebrity spotting in the UK: Christian Bray, Webmaster of www.celebritybears.co.uk shares some background and his views on Celebrity Bears Buyers Guide: updated and including a brand new guide to Chubbley Bears, tags and all; new, pullout checklists for your to keep track of your Beanie collection; Disney guide Bean there, done that: a host of competition winners hear the good news; regular ‘lookie like’ spot    All this editorial, plus 20 pages of popular advertisements from UK dealers to help you track down your most needed Beanies, bean bags and supplies

==February 9, 2002==
GOING OUT OF TOWN
We are going out of town for a Cub Scout outing to Chattanooga today. I will not be here to update the news on Sunday. If anything happens during the course of today or tomorrow, I will update you when I return Sunday afternoon/evening. Enjoy a happy, healthy, and safe weekend.

This blind date has lasted 55 years
When Hazel Hall's friends offered to get her a blind date with Bert Neill, little did she know that it would last 55 years. Hazel has a hobby which Bert seems to enjoy almost as much as she does. She collects Beanie Babies and has a total of 104 of the little critters.

Granddaughter, Jennie, contributed many of them to grandmother's collection.

Bert has one Beanie Baby which he calls his own. It is an anteater and there's a story behind this acquisition. Read the rest of the article HERE

ITZMEAGAIN'S FEBRUARY MINI-HUNT
The February Mini-Hunt begins TODAY.  The first graphic should be posted by 4pm pacific / 7pm eastern.  Check out the contest page for complete details:  http://www.itzmeagain.com/02februaryminihunt.htm Nina / itzmeagain

"Doodle's Page Anniversary Celebration Contest" begins TODAY. Next month we will begin our 7th Year of running this website. We figured no better way to celebrate ... as without our friends and fans, we wouldn't be here!!! There are eight sets of prizes to be won ... eight winners. So keep watching ... it will be fun, free, and easy! Be sure to visit Deb over at Doodle's Page

ASK TY
QUESTION: How many America, Rescue and Courage Beanie Babies have been sold and what is the total contribution so far? (submitted by manstep) 
ANSWER: Thanks to you, America has raised over $1,000,000 for the American Red Cross and we have raised over $1,000,000 for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund with Rescue and Courage. Keep an eye on Ty.com for a special announcement that I think will help us raise even MORE money.

IS TY.COM PLANNING SOMETHING? Tami points out the following: When clicking the retirement link for today's retirement this message from Ty appears. My guess is something is planned for the Olympics so watch for something to be announced this weekend.

==February 8, 2002==
Wales Bear In Hand In USA?
From: BeaneWonderland
An eBay seller with feedback in excess of 7000 claiming to have a Wales Bear, England Bear and Scotland Bear in hand in the USA. How can this be, I have not heard of any Bears showing in the UK not alone in time to be shipped to the USA and the auction was listed on the 5th View HERE

No good deed goes unnoticed.
From: BeaneWonderland
Kelly Streb, 14, has discovered at a young age that no good deed goes unnoticed. Kelly recently donated more than 150 Beanie Babies to the pediatric unit at Bridgeport Hospital. The toy animals have been placed in a "treasure chest" from which children may take a toy to hold during medical procedures. "Kelly's generosity will touch the lives of pediatric patients at Bridgeport Hospital," Rell said. 

"Her personal collection of Beanie Babies will comfort the children when they most need it." "My friend gave me my first Beanie Baby when I was in the hospital being treated for dehydration," Kelly said. The gift made her feel less anxious during her stay, she said. Full Story:

Imagination Publishing Lists Ty
From: Beanieholics
Imagination Publishing now lists Ty Incorporated as one of their clients. This is in connection with their publishing the Beanies and More Magazine. Imagination Publishing states, "Ty Inc. is a leading producer of plush and bean bag toys. Ty products are sought by serious collectors from around the globe." Click Here For More

"Doodle's Page Anniversary Celebration Contest" begins tomorrow. Next month we will begin our 7th Year of running this website. We figured no better way to celebrate ... as without our friends and fans, we wouldn't be here!!! There are eight sets of prizes to be won ... eight winners. So keep watching ... it will be fun, free, and easy! Be sure to visit Deb over at Doodle's Page

SUGAR the BEANIE KID RETIRES
http://retirement.ty.com/retired_product

ASK TY
QUESTION: How many America, Rescue and Courage Beanie Babies have been sold and what is the total contribution so far? (submitted by manstep) 
ANSWER: Thanks to you, America has raised over $1,000,000 for the American Red Cross and we have raised over $1,000,000 for the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund with Rescue and Courage. Keep an eye on Ty.com for a special announcement that I think will help us raise even MORE money.

==February 7, 2002==
MORE OLD BEANIES AT HALLMARK
Stephanie shares the following:
"I read in the newsletter about someone finding a glory at a hallmark.  My friend and I had a similar experience were unpacking plastic bags full of old Beanie Bears like Princess, Glory and 2001 Signature Bear!  We couldn't believe our eyes- we already have these bears and none of them are worth much, but its weird to see "retired" bears in the stores for $6 (I really wish I would have seen any of the new "country exclusive" bears, yeah right :)" -Stephanie

Mary shares the following:
"Lisa, I had something like that happen back during the spring last year...I went to the hallmark here, and we were looking at their beanies...I saw one sitting on the shelf and said to my daughter "look there is a Peace" she went over and looked and said "mom, that isn't peace, it's Garcia"!  I grabbed that baby up and went to the counter and asked how much he was, the lady said $5.99!  I hugged him and said he is SOLD!  I don't think they knew who he was or he would have been a goner!!!!!!!"

CHICAGO CUBS BOPPER PROMO AD
From: Ms. Janie
Scott sent an e-mail yesterday about the Chicago Club BOPPER promotion. I sent Scott an e-mail asking for a scan of the newspaper article. Here is his reply. Hi Ms. Janie... I am in a different office today, and don't have the article with me... However, here is a link to the Cubs Website which lists the promotions. View scan HERE 

==February 6, 2002==
GLORY AMONGST NEW BEANIES
Mary shares the following at the Planet Beans Yahoo! Club
I went into Hallmark today to buy my dad some birthday cards, and you won't believe what they had. In amongst all the Kissme's and Sizzles were...2 Sunny's...and a Glory!!! What is up with that? Of course, I couldn't pass up on the Glory. I took it to the counter, and the woman at the register said, "Oh, how cute! This must be a new one." I told her that it was actually a very old one, and then she recognized it. She wasn't sure how it got in with the others. Anyone else experienced anything like this recently? Take care all and happy beanie hunting

Fund-raisers benefit critically ill 1-year-old
From: BeaneWonderland
About 100 people gathered at the Hope Grange Saturday evening to raise money for 1-year-old Winlock resident Samantha Jade Kelley. Samantha is in need of a very serious and costly intestinal transplant. The community and Shannon Lewis Heart Fund have come together to help raise the nearly $400,000 needed to save her life. 

The live auction began at 7 p.m. and was led by Allen's Auction House. Included in the main auction were Seattle SuperSonic baske