February 28, 2006
Google service a threat to eBay?
Online payments move company into retail domain
Google Inc. has expanded its online payment service so that users can buy and sell everything from bicycle brakes to Beanie Babies through its Web site, posing an immediate challenge to eBay Inc.

"In our view, this is a clear shot across PayPal's bow," Ben Schachter, an analyst for UBS Securities, wrote in a research note Monday. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Lower than low
Dear Editor:

I thought the days of people stealing flowers and other items from gravesites was over. However, I was very wrong.

I would just like to “thank” the thief that stole the bear flower holder that was sitting at my sister’s grave in Alderbrook Cemetary sometime during the last two or three weeks. My sister collected bears during her lifetime and when we found that bear at Wal-Mart we just had to buy it to hold flowers for the different seasons. At least they left the McDonald’s TY beanie baby bear and the flowers that were attached to the bigger bear. I pray that there is no way you can remove the writing on the bottom of the bear which reads, “To Carol, We Love You and Miss You, Love, Mom, Dad, Sis, Shawna & Trisha”, without totally destroying the bear and consequently destroying any enjoyment you would try to derive from owning it. It takes a “special” (and I don’t mean that in a kind way) kind of person to steal from the dead. That is called grave robbing and it is illegal. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

MARCH INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/March06Intro
BEANIES: Love U Mom, Bluebonnet, Charm, Manes, Stripers, Spotter, Tundra, Dora
BUDDIES: SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star
PINKYS: Fanciful, Paradise
PLUFFIES: Basketball, Football, Soccer
TY CLASSIC: Cradles

NEW INTRODUCTIONS
Welcome to Dear One and Dear Heart (Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives)
http://www.ty.com/DearOne_DearHeart_Intro

OBSERVATIONS
I'm in the process of updating the Beanie Info pages and have noticed that there are TWO SpongeBob SquarePants Buddies and TWO Patrick Star Buddies listed. Each has a different tagline. 

SpongeBob SquarePants
SpongeBob likes dancing to loading zone announcements ! 
http://www.ty.com/4_detail?id=16842

SpongeBob is ambidextrous ! 
http://www.ty.com/images/products/16838_lg.gif

Patrick Star
Patrick once entered a rock in a race ! 
http://www.ty.com/4_detail?id=16839

Patrick went to Community College !
http://www.ty.com/images/products/16841_lg.gif

SPORTS BALLS?!
Planet Beans (Feb 28, 2006, 10:19 AM)
Message Id: 1087247 
Planet Beans writes: What are your thoughts on these? I love the Pluffies but these sports balls look just like others on the market. One of the reasons, IMHO, to love Ty products is that they stand out from the others and are noticeable as Ty items even if we don't see the famous Ty heart. -Lisa

I posted my thoughts on the subject.. why not add yours as well?
http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1087247-0-1,00.html

February 27, 2006
NO NEWS
I've done my usual searches and haven't found anything worthy of sharing.

February 26, 2006
Bernie Jackson to retire as NJHS principal
For the second time, Neosho Junior High School Principal Bernie Jackson is retiring from public education.

“There are things that I wanted to do, but working full time, I couldn't do. I also want to spend time with my family,” said Jackson. “This is my second time retiring from the public school setting.”

Jackson came to Neosho nine years ago after retiring from the Ponca City, Okla., school district. He retired first in December 1995 and ran for Oklahoma state rep.

“I had been retired for a little more than a year and Dr. Gary Quinn (who was superintendent of Neosho Schools) invited me to come here and apply for the junior high school principal's position,” Jackson said. “So I did and I was hired on as the principal.”

And retirement will not be all relaxation.

“I have 1,000 of ‘honey-do' jobs around the house that my wife wants me to do,” said Jackson, with a smile. “I also have things that I will be doing.”

Jackson enjoys reading, golfing, gardening and is an avid hunter and fisherman.

“For the last 19 years, I travel to Canada with some friends of mine to fish. We catch northern pike and small mouth bass,” Jackson said. “As far as golfing, I started taking that up about two years ago. I golf with some of the administration, including Chuck Blaney (Neosho High School principal). Golfing is relaxing.”

As students walk into his office, they see Jackson's collection of Beanie Babies.

“I bought a Beanie Baby nine years ago, and my daughter and my wife told me that it was a collector's item,” Jackson said. “I would say that I have more than 2,000 of them (Beanie Babies).”

He even has about a dozen signed by Beanie Babies inventor Ty Warner.

“I would say that I'm an ‘avid collector' of them,” elated Jackson. “I collect the older ones and my favorite one is one that is called Schweetheart.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

MASTERCARD BUDDY
Ian writes: "Hi, I have bean watching the ebay auctions between the Mastercard Buddies Brown Nose and Black Nose and it would seem by these auctions that the Brown Nose version is indeed the rarer of the 2.

There have bean about 5 or 6 Brown Nose versions and all the rest have  the Black nose.

So it would seem that TY has gone along the same lines as when the Mastercard Babies were first introduced a small amount of the Brown and the majority being Black.

INTERESTING POST
Ty is sure making it easy for me to cut back on beanies!
beezbee   (Feb 25, 2006, 12:33 PM)
Message Id: 1086644
beezbee writes: Seems like every new one that is introduced is nothing that I want. But then again maybe I am just getting tired of this collection and thats not a bad thing in my opinion. :) Diane VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

DEATH OF A POLICE HORSE
This isn't Beanie related but worthy of a read - http://www.planetbeans.com/PoliceHorse.htm

February 24, 2006
MORE DISAPPEARING POSTS
Still shaking my head. Sometimes I wonder why I even bother posting on the Cyberboard. Why do the mods find it necessary to allow postings only to remove them minutes later? It's very noticeable that they play favorites with certain posters and websites! The last post of mine that was removed was in reply to thoughts on Punchline. I just said that I wasn't impressed with this design since it looks so much like Tiny and reminds me of that annoying Taco Bell dog from years ago. This was a harmless post so why was it removed?! LOL There's a decent size thread under "Grins & Gripes" where people are stating they aren't impressed with this new Beanie. hmmmm

FEBRUARY RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/feb06_retirements
BEANIES: Happy Birthday, Happy Valentine's Day, I Love You, Punxsutawney Phil 2006 (red tie), Punxsutawney Phil 2006 (purple tie), Snookums, Spongebob SquarePants

VALENTEENIES: Be Mine, Kiss Me, You're a Cutie

INTRODUCING LOVE U MUM
Europe, Australia, and New Zealand Exclusive
http://www.ty.com/LoveyouMUM

PLANETBEANS.COM EMAIL
If you have one of the FREE email accounts with PlanetBeans.com you may wish to view the great new updates to this service. For those of you that don't yet have a PlanetBeans.com email account, view the following page to see why 1,020 people are signed up for this FREE email. http://www.planetbeans.com/email.htm

Today's Silent Retirements
karvopwp   (Feb 24, 2006, 02:02 PM)
Message Id: 1086486
karvopwp writes: 
Punkies: Big Kiss, Bitty Kiss, Great Big Kiss, Itty Bitty Kiss

Classics: 
Alfalfa the Rabbit
Truly Yours the Bear Duo

I'm sure more are to come. VIEW POSTING HERE

ASK TY
Q: If you could be any animal for one day which animal would you be? (submitted by smartey)
A: This one really made me think. I do enjoy flying so I think for just one day I would like to be . . . . an eagle ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

February 23, 2006
JUDY'S M.C. BUDDIES
Judy writes: "HI LISA, THESE ARE NOT THE BEST PICTURES OF THE MC BUDDIES NOSE. THE ONE ON THE LEFT IS BLACK AND THE RIGHT IS THE BROWN. NO 3 IS BLACK AND NO 4 IS BROWN.  YOU CAN SHARE THESE IF YOU THINK THEY ARE GOOD ENOUGH.

I DO ENJOY YOUR NEWS LETTER A LOT. JUDY" http://www.planetbeans.com/JudysMCBuddies.htm

NAME CORRECTION - FUN & LAUGHTER
Fun & Smiley or Fun & Laughter?????
nutty4beanies   (Feb 22, 2006, 08:13 AM)
Message Id: 1085949
nutty4beanies writes: I know everyone is saying that the names are Fun and Smiley, but I saw a retailers order and it says on their order (on their Ty retailer account) that the names are Fun & Laughter. Guess we'll see when they actually come out!! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

Real Men Collect Beanies!
beantalker   (Feb 23, 2006, 08:13 AM)
Message Id: 1086140
beantalker writes: Hi, Heard recently that one of the biggest collector of beanie babies is MEN! One guy told me that him and his son own every beanie baby out there. When mentioning to him that Ty might have a contest to find the ultimate beanie collector, he said that he could not join because him and his son keep them in safety deposit boxes at their bank and that his wife does not know they collect them!

So women, check your hubby's safety deposit boxes. There might be a stash of Ty beanie babies in there! LOL VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?!
Barbara writes: "Hi Lisa, Just reading your newsletter about Real Men Collect Beanies...LOL, that thread has been removed. I can't understand the mods on the Ty site..they allow posts to be posted and poof the posts are gone. LOL..yesterday there was a thread posted by a child from England, she was asking questions but ROFLOL..her spelling was terrible and poof the thread is gone...I think that this child thought it is cute to spell incorrectly. I would have tried to help her but LOL..I couldn't understand what she was asking.

Thanks for your newsletters and for your wonderful website. Barbara"

<< my comments: I've often wondered why some posts are allowed and why some are posted only to be quickly removed. I was looking forward to reading some fun responses to the "Real men collect Beanies" posting. It's a shame to see it removed. At least you get to read the original post on the news page or the previous newsletter. I have replied to many posts in the past and only a handful are allowed. I'm not sure why they aren't all allowed. Is there a criteria that's good for one person and not the other? Are there "favorite" posters or websites to mention among the mods? One of those things that makes you go hmmmm >>

PUNCHLINE INTRODUCED @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/Punchline_intro

February 22, 2006
M.C. BUDDY
Laura writes: "Hi Lisa, I just received my MC buddies-did anyone mention the noses? I recieved both a brown nose and a black nose-I know with the beanies the brown nose was rare! I know I was lucky enough to get a brown nose beanie signed by Ty-but none of these are signed!... Here are the pics-Laura" http://www.planetbeans.com/LaurasMCBuddy.htm

February 21, 2006
ILLINOIS STYLE: Where do Happy Meals toys come from?
OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill. - This room holds secrets. Hundreds of black-and-white sketches of animated figures pad the walls. A conference table holds a smattering of tiny toys to hold, to squeeze, to scrutinize.

How the sketches on the walls become the toys on the table that then drop into millions of McDonald's Happy Meals boxes is a convoluted tale. The process can take up to a year and involves hundreds of designers, safety experts and manufacturers worldwide.

And it's been going on for more than 25 years.

"We think of this as our creative think tank. Everything is created in here first," said Zlatko Tasevski, senior safety engineer at Creata Promotions Inc. in Oakbrook Terrace.

Creata is one of two design firms involved in the creative and manufacturing process for Happy Meal toys, which have become a global industry. Each step incorporates meticulous safety measures, from concept to design to finished toy, company and contractors said.

That laborious journey doesn't come without a price. McDonald's spends more than $10 million annually on safety research and toy development, said Pete Schaefer, corporate vice president of McDonald's Safety and Security in Oak Brook.

"Wherever we go with these Happy Meal toys, were comfortable they'll be safe," Schaefer said.

The Happy Meal toy marked its 25th anniversary in 2004, but its roots go deeper. Some toys were first provided at select restaurants as early as the 1970s. As their popularity spread, McDonald's organized a division focused entirely on Happy Meal toy safety in the 1980s, Schaefer said.

Today, nearly every country that has a McDonald's also offers Happy Meals with toys designed for that specific market and culture.

The right toy can be a boon to sales. When restaurants offered Teanie Beanie Baby toys at the height of the Beanie Baby craze, people lined up at McDonald's to get them. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SLY FINDS ANOTHER NEW TY TRADEMARK
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: On February 10, 2006 Ty applied to register a trademark on "Love Birds" Ty lists Plush toys, soft sculpture plush toys, stuffed toy animals as the Goods and Services.

February 20, 2006
Blanket project aims to comfort children
On cold winter nights, a blanket can give a child both emotional and physical comfort, West Chester resident Kathleen Miller says. That's why she organized a Cincinnati Chapter of Project Linus, a national network that provides free blankets to children.

Since starting the effort in late 2001, she's delivered more than 16,000 blankets to area hospitals, shelters other social service agencies. The group has also started collecting stuffed Beanie Babies toys.

"When a child has suffered some sort of trauma, they get a blanket for comfort and warmth and a toy for distraction," she said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Where's Rovie?
Life hasn’t been the same for Jessica Frank since she lost Rovie.
He disappeared the last weekend in January, somewhere between the Regal Downingtown Cinema and the Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. He’s a red dog, about a foot long, and his most distinguishing characteristics are black stitches on his tail and ear.

Rovie is a creation of Ty, the company that makes the popular Beanie Baby toys. He was Jessica’s first toy, the one she slept with every night since she was born six years ago.

And now he’s gone.

"We have a backup Rovie, but it’s not the same Rovie," said Jessica’s mother, Joanne Frank, during a phone call from her home in East Fallowfield. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

February 19, 2006
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

February 18, 2006
NEW YORK TOY FAIR EXCLUSIVE KEY CLIPS ON AUCTION
Would you like the opportunity to own the Fun & Smiley key clips given out at the New York show? I did a search on eBay and found 24 auctions. These key clips are adorable. VIEW AUCTIONS HERE

February 17, 2006
ASK TY
Q: Do you know of any Beanies who have traveled clear around the world? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: I'm quite certain that we have two world travelers . . . HERO and Peace Bear ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

February 16, 2006
TOO FUNNY
Jodie in Phoenix writes: "I have spent 8 years teaching my dog never to even think about going near any  of my Beanies or other Ty plush....  Now Ty comes out with a toy....... my dog would laugh at me if I tried to get  him to play with it....... LOL"

DORA THE EXPLORER Leah shares this picture of the new Dora the Explorer Beanie Baby, which is expected to be officially introduced on the Ty.com website very soon.

February 15, 2006
SHOW REPORT ON TY'S CYBERBOARD
Talk about falling in love....
I aphrodite I   (Feb 14, 2006, 03:47 PM)
Message Id: 1084409
I aphrodite I writes: I'm back from the Toy Show and I must say that the best of all the items introduced are the Ty Classics: Smokey, Angel and Peaches. Now I fully understand why they were a big hit when first introduced and people just fell in love.

For what I went through getting to the Toy Show, traffic and all, the puddles and mushy snow everywhere (2 hours and 10 minutes), were all wiped away when I saw these Ty Classics.

Everything about these stuffed animals is just right - very detailed, from the pinkish hue in the inner ear (which no one would probably notice unless you're a detail oriented person yourself), to the color the eyes, to the texture, feel and color of the fur. I think Ty already had it down to a science. What more, they were prototypes I was holding in my hands. My favorite of the three is Smokey. Continued... VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

Love at the Toy Fair (continuation)
I aphrodite I   (Feb 14, 2006, 03:59 PM)
Message Id: 1084413
I aphrodite I writes: The jungle cat beanies are made out of fine quality material. It's a different type of fur that makes them look like closer to "real." The style also makes them really look like the "cubs" they're protraying. My favorite is Stripers. They are all adorable!

The Bow Wow beanies, to my surprise, almost look like regular beanies. There are 2 sizes, the bigger one, (which would retail for $2.50) is slightly bigger than beanies, and the smaller size (retail $2.00) is slightly smaller than beanies. As you've read from the report from Planet Beans, the Bow Wow beanies don't have beans but a squeaky toy built inside. I find the price amazing - very affordable for pet lovers. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

CHhugs CLOSES
Bean Watcher shares the following which he received in email:
It's with a mixed sense of sadness and pride that I am getting in touch to tell you that after approximately 7 years CHhugs will be finishing. 
Sadness because I feel that there was a whole lot more to achieve, but pride when I look back at what we have done.
I have not taken this decision lightly, but I can no longer run this totally on my own. Many people do not appreciate what it takes, and I have always tried to refer to CHhugs as 'We' when in fact it has been 99% me. I do not seek the glory and not many people know just how much I actually do. For 10 weeks running up to Christmas I spend up to 4 full days a week on the auctions. All year, I write all the letters, and send out the beanies. I organise all the donations both of money and beanies to all the hospices we support. When a request comes in it is me who tries to get it filled. And only a handful of people know that it is actually me, and not some mysterious old lady, who decorates and dresses all the themed beanies we have auctioned. Add to this recent verbal abuse from certain buyers who blame me personally for the slow delivery of the USPS, and it takes the fun out of it.
I have never publicised the amount I do because I have never done CHhugs for the glory.
Please do not think I don't appreciate the wonderful support so many of you have given to CHhugs over the years. Some of you have been great, responding to news, like the $1,500 donation we received last year. Some have donated beanies, some have donated beanies they have decorated or had signed. That support has been most gratefully received. That support has allowed us to donate about £21,500 with another £8000 or so available for the final round of donations. That's just short of £30,000 no mean feat for a few beanies. We've also donated well over 1000 beanies for the children and a around a further 150 signed items for the hospices to use for fundraising. Pretty amazing for a small idea and a few bean bags!
To close up CHhugs the following will happen.
All CHhugs beanies, both signed and unsigned will be distributed to the hospices we support all over the UK.
After all postage and packing costs have been paid, the remaining money of around £8000 will be split and sent to the hospices we support.
Beanies and money held in the US will be sent to a hospice of Barbara's choice, in CHhugs name.
I will continue to fundraise and have a couple of ideas to pursue. One will be Quiddenham children's hospice. It is my local children's hospice and because the lottery grant it received has now finished, it has just had to lay off 12 workers and cut the time available to respite children drastically. I am also considering the Norfolk Air Ambulance, and the international charity Wateraid.
I hope some of you will keep in touch. I've made a lot of friends along the way, and I thank you all.
More than that, a lot of children around the country thank you all for everything, no matter how small, that you have done for CHhugs.
Best wishes
Shelley

February 14, 2006
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY
Share the love with your friends and family on this special day. :o) In case you haven't heard the news.. chocolate is actually good for you. Just don't eat the whole box. LOL

Gifts from the heart often a loving but last-minute effort
Valentine’s Day is for lovers — and procrastinators. According to Hallmark, nearly 60 percent of Valentine cards are bought within six days of the holiday. That’s more lead time than most Winona merchants see.

Jim Anderson, owner of Morgan’s Jewelers, estimates that 90 percent of his Valentine’s business would come Monday and today.

Anderson said he has seen a steady rise in Valentine’s Day business over the years.

“Guys wait till, like, the day before — for every holiday,” said Kyrah Larson, a salesperson at Holtan’s Jewelry.

Greg Ratajczyk, owner of Gregory’s Gifts and Greetings, said he was surprised by business Friday — and even extended his closing time by an hour and a half.

Ratajczyk said he is selling more small gifts this year. Popular gifts include $5.99 Beanie Baby stuffed animals, heart-shaped suckers and four-packs of chocolate truffles, as well as charm bracelets and “naughty fortune cookies.”

“They want to get more bang for their buck,” Ratajczyk said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

February 13, 2006
NEW YORK SHOW REPORT
Bow Wow Beanies, Beanie Greetings, jungle cat cubs, SpongeBob & Patrick Star buddies, Dora the Explorer, Ty Classic cats (from the names I'm thinking they may be recreations of the beginnings of Ty with the plush cats Ty Warner started with), new 20th anniversary hang tag (very nice), Fun & Smiley for the 20th anniversary celebration. View the entire report and photos here: http://www.planetbeans.com/NewYorkShowReport2006.htm

February 10, 2006
ASK TY
Q: When you open a box of candy, do you go for the dark or milk chocolate? (submitted by jasminekittykat)
A: Well, personally, my favorite type of chocolate is . . . Chocolate the moose !

But milk chocolate would be my second choice. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

<< my comments: It's interesting that when checking the ASK TY question several hours ago the question about cheese was leading by a good bit. As you can see it wasn't the one picked. I think that this one was handpicked out of all last weeks questions. Perhaps Ty figured we didn't care if he liked cheese. Do you think Ty is the one that answers these questions? I've had my doubts. The answers, most often, are short and leave you wanting more info. Unlike this kind of question of course. >>

February 9, 2006
YOUR COMMENTS
Rose writes: "Lisa, This one should be called Patty O’Yucky!  This one and the twin are both very ugly Beanies. I like to get the Irish ones because I’m Irish but I couldn’t make myself buy these! ~Rose"

Weiser staying connected to Iraq's kids
A Weiser soldier whose time in Iraq is done will nonetheless continue to play a positive role in that country with the help of his wife, her sorority, and the larger local community.

Brad Attebery, a staff sergeant in the Idaho National Guard and member of the 116th Brigade Combat Team that served in Iraq and was demobilized late last year, holds fond memories of his many interactions with Iraqi children. It seems they always appreciated the gift of a small toy received from Attebery or from some other member of his unit.

“The kids just light up like you’ve given them a hundred-dollar bill,” Attebery recalls.

During Attebery’s deployment, his wife, Bev, together with her Xi Nu sorority sisters in Weiser, collected scores of small stuffed animals (mainly Beanie Babies) and sent them to Brad in Kirkuk.

Although Brad is now home, the Weiserites’ efforts to spread a little cheer among Kirkuk’s youngest citizens apparently has not ended. Brad and Bev recently received an e-mail from a man named Ram, a Kurdish Muslim who had served as an interpreter for Brad’s unit and had been involved in U.S. soldiers’ goodwill campaign with the kids. It wasn’t just about giving toys; He was also interested in some of the challenges besetting a children’s hospital near Kirkuk.

Ram wrote, in part: “I was wondering are u still wanting to send toys to the poor kids? Are u able to get soy formula hospital can use?” A second e-mail concludes optimistically: “[I] hope one day i will invite u & ur family to my house.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

February 8, 2006
PATTY O'LUCKY INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=16247

<< Another twin! How about that. I'm not too surprised, are you? ;o) This should make many of you unhappy. The number one complaint I hear from collectors is all the "repeats".. those Beanies that are basically the same but different coloring. It's great for those people that are either Irish or love to collect all of the variations. >>

Toys for Tots has a big year
This letter is a thank you note to the citizens of Helena, Lewis and Clark County and the great state of Montana. The 2005 Toys for Tots Campaign has drawn to a successful conclusion. The volunteers wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of their love to our less fortunate families and children of our community.

This year we were able to give the children more than four gifts, hoping to make this Christmas the best ever for our fellow citizens. As I read over the notes and figures on the year's operation and volunteers' hours donated to our community, it deeply humbles me. This year we have taken care of 2,279 children in the Helena area and 6,766 children in the outlying areas of our state. We collected 15,256 toys from our barrels/boxes, which were placed at local businesses. Some of the businesses held special parties in which the employees brought a toy for the Toys for Tots program - this type of cooperation came as a pleasant surprise. We purchased 955 (mostly bicycles for the young children) toys locally and received over 202,082 toys/books/ DVDs/videos and 33,772 Beanie Babies from the Toys for Tots Foundation and corporations from out of state. Without the outside assistance, we would not have been able to assist others in need. Scholastic Books, Tasco, Big Lots, Jakks to name but a few, are the out-of-state businesses that assisted your Toys for Tots Program. With all the donations, we were able to help distribute the gifts to local nonprofit organizations as well as outlying nonprofit service organizations; this included six Indian reservations. We now have a carryover of 15,256 toys and books for the 2006 campaign. It must also be noted that we assist the local families that have been burned out of their homes and those families that are in need of toys/books throughout the year due to grievous emergency. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

February 7, 2006
MELBOURNE ARRIVES
http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

BEATRIX POTTER BEANIE DELAY
John (the Phoenix) from the UK writes: "Anyway, another little bit of news re the forthcoming Beatrix Potter beanies mentioned by Beanzaddiction - I've just heard from another usually reliable source this morning that the projected release of this set of 6 is now May...so lots of time to save up! It's also being suggested that they might be released at 2 per month, but I can't confirm that yet."

PUNXSUTAWN-e PHIL 2006 RETIRES
Thank you to Scott from Scott's Collection for sharing this news. http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

February 6, 2006
INTERESTING AUCTION
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I was just looking on ebay to see if anyone had pre-sale pictures of the new Beatrix Potter Ty UK beanies. Anyway so as a search I typed in Potter Ty... Anyway someone on ebay is trying to sell off Legend the Dragon Beanie Baby as a Ty Legend the Harry Potter Beanie Baby.... I didnt think this was made for Harry Potter LOL!! What people will do to sell off extras of old beanies. Michael" VIEW AUCTION HERE

CARTOON BEANIES
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I just was reading on the Ty Talk Cyberboard and noticed someone posted that they heard from a reliable source that Dora the explorerer and friends are going to be be made into the Next Franchised Cartoon Beanie Babies. If Ty is really going to pursue this route of Beanie Babies he should finsh with the First Cartoon beanies such as come out with the other 2 missing Backyardigans since there are 5 main characters in the show Backyardigans which the remaining two Tasha the Hippo and Austin the Kangaroo. Also below is some info on the 2 missing Backyardigans that I hope Ty makes just so people that are intersted in that series can complete the Backyardigans Set. Also below is a link to learn more about the show Dora the Explorer. Michael" http://www.nelvana.com/shows/shows_template.asp?sid=125

SPRING FAIR 2006
Hayley reports from the Spring fair in Birmingham. She has described the new Beatrix Potter Beanies in detail. http://beanzaddiction.com/beanz05/springfair06.htm

YOUR COMMENTS
Nadine writes: "LISA..... ONE QUESTION I HAVE ASKED MANY TIMES IS WHY HE CAME OUT WITH THE  RETAIL BOOK THAT WE PAID $10.00 FOR ON THE TY STORE - THINKING HE WOULD BE ADDING THE RETAIL PAGES AS IT WENT ALONG.  HOWEVER NO PAGES WERE EVER BROUGHT OUT.  I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE MY RETAIL STORE GIVE THEM TO ME IN ORDER TO KEEP MY BOOK UP TO DATE.  I HAVE YET TO SEE HIS RESPONSE TO THIS QUESTION. I AGREE WITH YOU SOME OF THE QUESTIONS PEOPLE ASK ARE PLAIN STUPID AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ASKED OR ANSWERED. NADINE"

Rose writes: "Hi Lisa, Ty lines that I think could go are the Pinkys first off, not only are they too much like Beanies but in case Ty hasn’t heard, PINK is no longer the hot color.

I also think the Baby Ty and the Pluffies could be combined into one line. I’ve also wondering how Ty has gotten away with the Angeline doll in the first place. Don’t you think they look a heck of a lot like Precious Moments dolls?

~Rose (in Ohio)

February 5, 2006
POLL TIME
If you had some say in which Ty product line(s) you would like eliminated, which would you choose?

Susan writes: "Good Afternoon from Maine, Lisa!!! I am responding back to your Poll Time Question that you had posted on your website TODAY.  

That question was: "If you had some say in which Ty product line(s) you would like eliminated, which would you choose?"

The Ty Product Lines I would appreciated being eliminated by Ty would be:  Angeline & Pinkys. The reason for these two particular product lines are as follows:

Angeline:  I think this a very homley looking doll.  I don't think it is very cute at all & I believe it has been a major shelf-sitter for many Ty Retailers that have purchased.  I know that in my area of Maine where I live, I haven't seen very many Ty Retailers carry this particular Ty Product.

Pinkys:  I think this Ty Product looks too much like their cousins--Beanies.  I think that Ty JUST got on a "pink kick" one day & thought this would be an easy way to empty out his warehouses of extras beanies & dye them pink.  Yes, I will say that some of them are cute & I have purchased some, but this was a line that NEVER needed to be started.

I hope this is the type of Feedback you were looking for in this poll.  I will be anxious to learn what other fellow Ty Collectors answer this particular question.  Take care & have a very pleasant rest of your weekend!!! Susan from Maine"

<< my comments... Thank you to Susan for taking the time to write in with her thoughts. I was surprised that she was the only one that had an opinion on this subject. >>

BEATRIX POTTER BEANIES EXPECTED
.. to be announced today at the Birmingham NEC Spring Fair today. Look for an official announcement on Ty.com today or tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.

ASK TY
In July 2002 I asked for you, the collectors, to send in your own "ASK TY" questions. While many were silly in nature there were actually some really good questions asked. Why don't we see some of the more serious and interesting questions up for vote on the weekly "Ask Ty" segments?! It's hard to believe that people actually waste their time voting for the silly ones that are often listed. I've often found myself shaking my head at the Ask Ty and at the daily quotes. PLEASE people.. let's show the world that Ty collectors are intelligent folks. ;o)  http://www.planetbeans.com/AskTy.htm

February 4, 2006
JOIN IN ON THE 'ASK TY' FUN
Ms. Janie has started a thread on her discussion board. Take a peek and join in on the fun. VIEW THREAD HERE

"NEW Ideas for Ask Ty

I struggle weekly with posting the NEW ASK TY question and answer because of the questions being asked. Lisa from Planet Beans made a comment in her newsletter about this topic and I had to laugh, she said exactly what I was thinking.

I am sorry and I do not mean to pick on anyone BUT these Ask Ty Questions are getting out of hand!
Some of them make no sense at all and do not offer any substance.

I think we should start our own Ask Ty Post. I will put a link into it on the website and newsletter and see what happens.

If you have a question that you would like to Ask Ty please post it to this thread. If nothing else, I am sure John and Sly could answer them in a humorous way! We may even get lucky and Randy might stop by and offer his insight as well.

RULES
Keep it clean!
Ask questions of substance!
NO, what is your favorite color, what do you eat, what is your favorite Beanie! LOL
Last but not least - HAVE FUN

Now is the time to be heard! Step up to the plate and ASK TY

Ms. Janie"

February 3, 2006
TY TRADE SHOWS
There is only one more trade show on the schedule. The New York Toy Fair will take place February 12-15 at the Jacob Javits Center. According to the newest ASK TY, I would expect some new products to be launched. If you plan on attending and could provide me with any news from the show to share with my readers, that would be greatly appreciated. 

CHERISH NEWS
Sue has put together another wonderful fundraising item for CHERISH: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Counterfeit Love
Pushing through the door at Arby’s last night, a hastily written sign taped on the door caught my eye. Too hungry to stop and read, I moved straight to the counter to place my order. There, prominently taped to each cash register, were more of the handmade paper signs: We will no longer accept $50 or $100 bills.

Of course, I had to ask. “Why not?”

“We were getting too many counterfeit bills,” she told me.

Who hasn’t wondered at one time or another how easy it would be to make money? It’s a lot harder than we would think.

In the first stages of the process, highly skilled engravers cut intricate designs into soft steel, known as the master-die. Separate portions of the design…the portrait, the vignette, the ornamentation, and the lettering…are hand-cut. In all, this begins a process of production that includes over 65 separate and distinct steps.

This is advice that works for much more than paper money. An intimate knowledge of the real deal can keep you from being defrauded with counterfeit coins, checks, stamps and Beanie Babies. That’s right.

Again, another website, and more advice about separating the real from the fake…shoppers are coached. “Get to know the real deal.” Go to Beanie Baby shows, touch them, feel them, check out the edge of the tags, the points on the stars, the shine of the gold thread…in all…there are 17 ways to determine if you have a counterfeit “Baby.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Groundhog makes winter forecast
Phil sees shadow as city celebrates holiday, tradition
PUNXSUTAWNEY - In the movie "Groundhog Day," Bill Murray plays a television news reporter who wakes up to find it's Groundhog Day over and over and over.

Kind of like the real thing.

Each year, people swarm to this small town about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. In the hours before Punxsutawney Phil is roused from his burrow, "Phil's Dancers" groove to pop songs, revelers are treated to fireworks, organizers toss out T-shirts and groundhog Beanie Babies, and people hoot and cheer.

It all happened again this year, when Phil again saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of "mild winter." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Ahead of the count
Cubs' marketing man shares thoughts, ideas with hometown crowd
Talk about a dream job.

John McDonough's daily regimen starts before 5 a.m., reading four newspapers, working out at the local Pavilion fitness center and then heading out from his Elk Grove Village home to fight the downtown-bound traffic on the Kennedy Expressway.

But every minute of bumper-to-bumper driving is worth it when he approaches his final destination.

"I drive down Addison and I see this marquee and I feel I am truly privileged," McDonough said, still a little awestruck after 23 years of arriving at the gates of Wrigley Field. "I am doing exactly what I want to do.

"I have the greatest job in the world."

As senior vice president for marketing and broadcasting for the Chicago Cubs, McDonough is not bragging. After all, he's in charge of promoting the "megabrand" Cubs, arguably the most well-known -- and beloved -- sports team in the world.

Theoretically, McDonough could rest on his laurels and the stands would still fill with fans from not just the North Side but all parts of the country. That's even during a losing season -- and there have been plenty of those in the club's history.

But McDonough takes his responsibilities seriously, staying ahead of national fads and turning them into sports marketing campaigns that are emulated throughout the league.

Cubs Convention.

Beanie Baby Day.

Guest conductors during the seventh-inning stretch.

They all started with McDonough.

Recently he's turned his genius on his hometown, shedding his low-profile image in the northwest suburbs to help launch two initiatives he hopes will strengthen his community.

It's not completely out of the norm, friends say.

"John is passionate about our community. He is one of my harshest critics and my greatest praisers, but it's because he cares so much for Elk Grove," said Mayor Craig Johnson, a longtime friend.

In 1997, while helping daughter Colleen clean up a basement full of toys, he came across a Beanie Baby named Cubbie. It sparked an idea. Even though it took some coaxing of the Ty Inc. toy distributors, the results were the first Beanie Baby giveaway day at the park. Other teams quickly followed suit. In all, the Cubs had 14 Beanie Baby events and all were complete sellouts.

He's had similar success with the Cubs Convention, the first-ever fan festival that invites the public to mingle with players. Other teams latched on to the idea, but in Chicago, it's huge. The last 19 out of 21 festivals have been sold out. Since 1986, Cubs Convention has raised more than $5 million for the team's charity, Cubs Care. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Corporate Sponsors Cheer Punxsutawney Phil's Shadow
NEW YORK - Ancient pagan holidays were assimilated into Christmas--which in turn became a huge retail driver.

The National Football League's Super Bowl has become a yearly bacchanalia even for non-gridiron fans--and has become a huge marketing driver (see: "Ads May Surprise When Iger's Disney Airs Super Bowl").

It all comes full circle with Groundhog Day.

Before "Punxsutawney" became a household word, the archaic German tradition was a merry moment on the U.S. calendar. Sighing human-interest reporters were dispatched to a sleepy corner of Pennsylvania to await a certain terrestrial critter's augury.

Phil doesn't always spy his umbra. But the town saw an angle.

Naturally, there is a cornucopia of Phil souvenirs to be had, including ceramic figures, glow-in-the-dark Frisbees and T-shirts. The little guy is incarnated in several plushy dolls, including one made by Ty, the privately held Beanie Babies firm that made H. Ty Warner a billionaire. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

INFO ON ORDERING SCRUM
If you are wanting to order Scrum be sure to check out new information shared by John from the UK: http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

February 2, 2006
Punxsutawney Prepares for Groundhog Day
When throngs of people descend upon Punxsutawney to celebrate Groundhog Day on Thursday, businesses and other groups will try to ride the coattails of the cute and cuddly Punxsutawney Phil to gain publicity.

The National Environmental Trust, for example, was planning to send someone in a groundhog suit to Gobbler's Knob, where Phil is roused from his burrow, who "will ignore his shadow and will instead rely on global warming evidence to forecast an early spring.''

The American Physiological Society is offering experts to discuss "What Punxsutawney Phil can teach us about surviving massive blood loss, preventing muscle atrophy, and more.''

The Pennsylvania Lottery even has Gus, "the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania,'' who implores lottery players to "keep on scratchin'.''

None of those things are really what Groundhog Day is about, said Mike Johnston, a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club's Inner Circle -- the top-hat- and tuxedo-wearing businessmen responsible for carrying on the annual tradition, which takes place Thursday.

"People tend to mistake Groundhog Day,'' Johnston said Tuesday. "It's not important. It's just important fun.''

Each Feb. 2, thousands of people descend on Punxsutawney, a town of about 6,100 people located about 65 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, for a little midwinter revelry, celebrating what had essentially been a German superstition.

The Germans believed that if a hibernating animal casts a shadow Feb. 2 -- the Christian holiday of Candlemas -- winter will last another six weeks. If no shadow is seen, legend says spring will come early.

"We are fortunately or unfortunately able to close our eyes to the important issues facing us'' for a day anyway, Johnston said, noting that Phil is nonpolitical and can't speak anyway.

Even so, the club does authorize some commercial use of the copyrighted Punxsutawney Phil. For a number of years, it's partnered with Ty Inc., the makers of Beanie Babies, to release collectible stuffed groundhogs. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Strike Brigade brings security and smiles
In a country where having a toy is a rarity, Soldiers passing out beanie babies to Iraqi children can become very popular.

"The children’s faces just light up when they see you," said Sgt. 1st Class Alan Certain, Company C, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion. "It’s amazing to see what an effect a simple toy can have on a kid."

The civil affairs Soldiers pass out the small toys during their missions in central Iraq. To date more than 150,000 of the miniature stuffed animals have been distributed throughout the war torn nation with the help of Beanies for Baghdad, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the rebuilding effort.

What started as an attempt to get one child to smile has turned into a project that is helping Soldiers build positive bonds with the Iraqi people.

"This is forming the beginning of friendships between the children and the Soldiers," said Donna Ward, Beanies for Baghdad project manager. "The hope for a better tomorrow is found in the children of Iraq."

"We are hoping to see an entire new generation of Iraqis who trust that we are their friends and that we’re here to help them." said Capt. Darrell Retheford, C-490th CA Batt.

<photo caption> Sara, a child living in Baghdad, shows her Beanie Baby "Courage". The toy was a gift from Army Maj Jim Barker, whose letter back home telling his family how much the child loved the toy resulted in the non-profit organization Beanies for Baghdad being founded in May 2003. To date, more than 150,000 of the stuffed toys have been passed out by.(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karl Johnson, 363rd MPAD) VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

FEBRUARY 2006 BOTM LISTED
While there was no official announcement, Zoomer (an adorable monkey) is now listed on the currents list: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=16047

ASK TY
Q: What exciting things have you planned for your 20th Anniversary? (submitted by mooseybean)
A: What would an anniversary be without a party? Who knows . . . maybe we'll kick it off at Toy Fair ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

<< my comments: Can someone PLEASE ask some interesting questions?! LOL >>

February 1, 2006
HARRODS EXCLUSIVE VALENTINE'S DAY BEAR
Cindy's Beans has a picture of a NEW Harrods Exclusive Valentine's bear. http://www.cindysbeans.com

<< Does anyone have info about this bear? When will it be released? >>

NEW TY TRADEMARKS
Sly shares 2 new trademarks with Ms. Janie:
On January 24,2006 Ty inc applied to register trademarks on the following 2 phrases

"A Special Bone for a Special Dog"
and
"Every Doggie Needs a Beanie"

Ty listed the following as the Goods and Services: Dog toys; Pet toys; Plush toys; Soft sculpture plush toys

INTERESTING POST
NEW INTRODUCTIONS ARE LISTED...
Planet Beans   (Jan 31, 2006, 08:12 AM)
Message Id: 1081079
Planet Beans writes: Many will be saving some money this month. :o) -Lisa 
VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

<< Yes, this was my post and it triggered some rather interesting replies. >>

BEANIE CALENDAR & CHECKLISTS UPDATED
I've managed to find time to update the checklists and Beanie calendar for the new releases. I will update the complete info pages when I'm able. http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

In 1999, however, prices began to collapse. Today, the auction Web site eBay is offering more than 17,000 Beanie Babies -- including the scarcer, presumably more valuable, "retired" versions. Many are being offered at minimum bids of $1 to $5, and some are being sold in collections of 30 or 40, with opening bids of less than $10.

As toys, Beanies were great. As investments, not so much.

The lesson of the Beanie Babies is that collectibles are not an easy way to get rich. And the history of investing includes many similar cautionary tales, dating back at least to the tulip craze in Holland in the 1630s.

These speculative frenzies depend on the idea that even if it's dumb to pay $50 for a Princess Beanie Baby, there's a greater fool out there who will pay more. But sooner or later, the music stops, and you may be stuck with your overpriced "prize." (The Princess, created in honor of Princess Diana, is now available for $5 or less on eBay.) VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

IN-HAND SCRUM PICTURES
John from the UK shares his great photos: http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

HARRODS EXCLUSIVE
John shares the direct link to the new Harrods Exclusive Valentine's bear. This is NOT a Ty product. VIEW BEAR & ORDERING INFO HERE