January 31, 2007
Joe Kusek: Family beware: Don't disturb 'Papa' Bear
I've got a problem. I love my family, I truly do. But the Chicago Bears are on television this Sunday.

I love my family and do like spending time with them, occasionally.

But the Bears are on.

For the Super Bowl.

Love my family ... Bears are on ... love my family ... Bears in Super Bowl.

See, my family - wife, two daughters - could care less about the Chicago Bears.

Beanie Babies bears are another matter. We'll scour every mall in America - during vacation no less - to find another Beanie Baby to gather dust.

When my wife and I got married umpteen years ago, the deal was she could have me for six days a week and most of Sunday. But if the Bears were on, don't even ask.

It took her seven years to learn that.

I grew up a lifelong Bears fan. http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/01/31/sports/local/30-kusek.txt

The builder of some of the region's toniest retail venues said Friday that he is buying Montecito's long-neglected Miramar Hotel.

Rick J. Caruso, builder of The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, The Promenade at Westlake, The Commons at Calabasas and a host of other upscale Southern California "lifestyle centers," said he is buying the storied beachfront property from Ty Warner, a Montecito multibillionaire.

Warner, a Beanie Baby magnate worth more than $6 billion according to Forbes magazine, bought the property in 2005, reportedly for about $45 million, according to the Santa Barbara News-Press.

Warner's company, Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, decided to sell in November after a protracted debate on redeveloping it with the Montecito Association, a homeowners group, the News-Press said.

The Miramar featured about 200 rooms before it closed, Middlebrook said, and Caruso Affiliated envisions having that many or fewer when it is rebuilt.

Tennis courts, a restaurant and pool are also being considered.

Caruso Affiliated will spend at least several months planning the renovation, Middlebrook said, with the hope of restoring some parts of the property, although much probably will have to be rebuilt. The company also plans to keep the Miramar name.

Any construction will require approvals from the California Coastal Commission, Montecito Area Planning Commission and possibly the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Warner, whose Ty Toys cashed in on the Beanie Babies craze of the 1990s, owns numerous other high-profile properties in the area, including the Four Seasons Biltmore, Coral Casino Beach Club, San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito Country Club and Sandpiper Golf Course. Caruso Affiliated wants to develop a project suited to the upscale area. http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/business/article/0,1375,VCS_128_5308759,00.html

INTRODUCING PETUNIA, PANSY, & POSY
Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives - http://www.ty.com/PetPosPans_Intro

FEBRUARY INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/Feb2007Intro

BEANIES: Baaabsy Baaag, Beary Bag, Coop, Daichi (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Down Under (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Eggs 2007, Floxy, Hoodwink, Hopson, Kia Ora (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Merlon (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), My Mum (UK/AUS Exclusive), Nibble, Panmunjom (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Secretariat (1973 Triple Crown Winner - US Exclusive), Shocks, Springston, Tanahairku (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Ticklish

BUDDIES: Coop, Floxy

TY CLASSIC: Billings, Carroty, Dipper, Harewood, Harewood (Large), Kit, Orchard, Pecos, Tandy, Tangy, Tart

PLUFFIES: Bashfully, Twitches, Waddles

BASKET BEANIES: Bobsy, Flipsy, Hobsy, Mipsy, Pipsy, Topsy

BOW WOW BEANIES: Springtime Bear

January 30, 2007
QUIET'S SILENT INTRODUCTION
Northwestern Mutual Exclusive - http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=26220

January 24, 2007
January Retirement
http://www.ty.com/Jan2007Ret

BEANIES: Charles (UK Exclusive), Fearless (UK Exclusive), Henry (UK Exclusive), Junglelove, Kissable, Love U Mom (US/CAN Exclusive), Love U Mum (UK/AUS/NZ Exclusive), Lovesick, Mary (Vedes Exclusive), Roger (Vedes Exclusive)

BUDDIES: Large Schweetheart, XL Schweetheart

Today's Silent Retirements
karvopwp   (Jan 24, 2007, 12:29 PM)
Message Id: 1142074
karvopwp writes:
Punkies
Lil Siren--Bear
Siren--Bear

Pluffies
Harts the Valentine¿s Day Monkey
Sweetly the Valentine¿s Day Dog

Bow Wow Beanies
Pumpkin

Ty Classic
Sugarcane the Bear
Sweeten the Valentine¿s Day Bear
http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1%2C1581%2C1_19-1142074-0-1%2C00.html

(NOTE: Pumpkin BowWow was previously retired on 12/21/06.)

January 23, 2007
TORQUAY TRADE FAIR
Special thanks to Jenni from Abbey Bears in Cornwall, England for sharing her report and photos. Also.. a clue for an upcoming exclusive? http://www.planetbeans.com/JennisPhotos&Info.htm

January 21, 2007
ADDITIONAL INFO ABOUT MARILYN'S PHOTOS
I've received several inquiries about the "Teenie Beanies" in the photos that Marilyn shared. These were apparently available at McDonald's in Malaysia. I'm not sure if they will come to the U.S. but I, along with many of you, sure hope they do. Marilyn says that these "Teenie Beanies" are larger than past Teenie Beanies and just a bit smaller than a regular Beanie Baby. Marilyn shared a picture of Beary Much beside one of the Malasia Teenie Beanies. http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos2.htm

January 19, 2007
WHO'S THAT GIRL
A reader of Ms. Janie has shared photos with her of a billboard posted in Atlanta. Ty Girlz appears to be the name of the dolls: http://www.msjanie.com/2007_News/that_girl.html

NEW TY HANGTAGS
Jenni from Abbey Bears in Cornwall shares photos of the newest hangtag: http://www.planetbeans.com/JennisPhotos&Info.htm

PUNXSUTAWN-e 2007 SOLD OUT
http://www.tytrade.com/tyshop_items

'Punxy Phil' Beanie Baby Proceeds Help Needy
LOGAN TOWNSHIP -- Punxsutawney Phil is being put to work to raise money for the local American Red Cross.

The $6 donation will go directly to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.

Barbara Taylor, executive director of the Red Cross, said the fund helps people in all types of situations.

"I think that people think that the Red Cross helps when they hear about huge disasters -- ice storms, snow storms. But people don't realize that we give back to the local community to help people begin rebuilding their lives," said Barbara Taylor, executive director of the Red Cross.

The Beanie Baby Phils are unique to this region and are in limited supply at the Logan Valley Mall in Altoona or at the Red Cross offices in Bedford and Blair Counties.

Groundhog Day is February 2. http://www.wpxi.com/news/10760304/detail.html

UPCOMING TEENIE BEANIES?
Marilyn shares photos of what appear to be unseen McDonald's Teenie Beanies. Very cute! I hope we will all see these bears in the VERY near future. http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos2.htm

JANUARY 17, 2007
This day was the start of my 7th year of running Planet Beans. I took over the reigns here on January 17, 2000. It's been a fun ride so far. Thank you for all of your wonderful emails and correspondences over these past 7 years. :o)

January 13, 2007
MARILYN'S PHOTOS
I've finally had the time to load some wonderful pictures that Marilyn has shared. Bravo key-clip, Chillton, Garfield (stuck on you), O'Fortune, Punxsutawney Phil 2007 (retail), Salute, new TY heart tag, Webley, Beary Much, and Punxsutawn-e Phil 2007 (Ty store). http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos2.htm

Bevy of Beanie Babies finds new life at school
Hundreds of Beanie Babies have new homes, thanks to Maxine Shippy.

The stuffed toys began their lives as part of a collection Maxine amassed over a two- or three-year span. In their later years, they languished in plastic bins at Maxine's Longview home.

Over Thanksgiving, an idea came to light.

Maria Beattie, who knows Maxine through her brother, was talking with her family about the importance of giving to others and being thankful.

"(This) led to a conversation about the students at my school," e-mailed Maria, who is an English as a second language teacher at Sunrise Elementary School in Albany, Ore. "Eighty-five percent receive free or reduced lunch."

The conversation continued during a Thanksgiving celebration at Maxine's home.

"(She) had already been thinking about what to do with her Beanie Baby collection, and she had the idea of giving them to the kids at my school," Maria wrote. The story Maxine heard about the children touched her heart.

"They (Maxine's daughter and son-in-law) told me about how wonderful the kids are, but how poor they are," Maxine said.

Maxine had farmed out a portion of her collection to her daughter in Bellingham and to her two granddaughters. They pooled their resources and gathered 450 of the stuffed creatures to take to the school.

"The kids were all very happy," Maria wrote. "There were 450 Beanie Babies, all in mint condition and every child received one as they left for vacation. It was wonderful." http://www.tdn.com/articles/2007/01/13/area_news/news01.txt

January 12, 2007
SOLD OUT @ TY STORE
Thankful & First Dog are now sold out in the Ty Store: http://www.tytrade.com/tyshop_items

January 11, 2007
I'M BACK...
At least for the moment. Work has been so hectic and I've had a deadline to deal with. We had 22 people in my house on Tuesday for a cooking thing for Brandon's Cub Scout troop.. so I was getting the house ready for that event around working. LOL I have some updates to make to the website and I plan to get those done soon.

ASK TY
Q: Do you have a favorite newspaper comic strip character? (submitted by riski)
A: Of course ! Who else but everyone's favorite fat cat, Garfield ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

25 years of memories
Ty Beanie Babies: For many, a collectible bear. For some, a cute bear to treasure. For Sue Davolt of Bolivar, one of many memories of her 25 years as a Hallmark store owner.

"People would literally follow the delivery truck, we'd open the cartons and people would take as many as we would let them," she said.

"We had five or six figurines in our store," she said. "Then we couldn't keep enough of them.

"We went through the height of the collectibles, and that's leveled out. Now it's more home decor and entertaining."

Davolt Hallmark was selected as a Gold Crown store at the inception of the program in 1994. The consumer-reward program gives customers an opportunity to save money on future purchases, and Hallmark also has Gold Crown store-exclusive merchandise.

Though the store now has a manager and assistant manager, Sue has known how to do everything in the store.

"As the owner of a small retail business, you learn to do everything," she said. "I've always been a real hands-on person. The girls say they feel like they work with me, not for me."

After 25 years in the Hallmark business, some habits will be hard to break, such as straightening cards in the racks and keeping tabs on other Hallmark stores.

"We never went anywhere without Mom having to check out the Hallmark store," Sue said. http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD=1815&dept_id=516614&newsid=17691886&PAG=461&rfi=9

January 10, 2007
Punxsutawney Phil
Thanks to Daniel for sharing the following: Ty silently introduces Punxsutawney Phil 2007 Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce Exclusive

January 9, 2007
Today's Silent Ty Classic Retirements
karvopwp (Jan 09, 2007, 03:29 PM) 
Message Id: 1140114 
karvopwp writes: Presents the Dog Mr. Flurries the Snowman http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1%2C1581%2C1_19-1140114-0-1%2C00.html

Punxsutawney Phil
Our exclusive version of the Ty 2007 Punxsutawney Phil Beanie Baby will go on sale at Punxsutawney Phil’s Souvenir Shop on Wednesday, January 10 at 9 a.m.   It features a red tie and scarf.  There is a limited quantity of this version and it is only available by calling Punxsutawney Phil’s  Souvenir Shop at 1-800-752-PHIL (7445).  It is not available through this web site.  No faxes will be accepted. Ty has produced two other versions of "Punxsutawney Phil."  The version being sold on the Ty web site features a silver bowtie and scarf.  The version that is being sold at Ty retailers nationwide features a black bowtie/scarf.  The 2007 Ty Punxsutawney Phil Beanie Baby will retail for $6.00 plus tax (for PA residents) and shipping.  There is a quantity limit of 6 Beanies per customer. http://www.groundhogstuff.com/

January 5, 2007
THANK YOU FROM OUR TROOPS
Some soldiers have sent in messages in response to the donations that you helped make possible. You can view them here as well as a scan of a Christmas card I received from the Jr. Beta Club: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

Holiday shopping was extra meaningful this year
We don't have a long list of people for whom we have to go out and buy presents. Well, we haven't in the past. This year, it suddenly grew by leaps and bounds.

I took myself seriously when I said this is a good season to re-examine our giving. Too often, we all struggle to find something for the names on our list that first, they don't already have, and second, they might like or need or even use.

I finally made the decision this year to take most of the money that I might spend on gifts for family and friends and instead send packages to our military troops in Iraq or Afghanistan. For awhile I have been involved in getting names for people who want to write to a soldier but for whatever reason don't have computer access. I have saved a few for myself.

I have noted that while letters mean a lot, when the soldier signs up for his/her name to be on the list of those looking for correspondents, almost all of them add that they could use deodorant, crackers, candy, instant chicken-soup-in-a-cup, individually wrapped cleansing cloths, games, toys…the list goes on. And there is a lot of similarity in the lists: most everyone needs the same things.

More than one soldier has asked for Beanie Babies, because they are small and soft, and can fit in a pocket. Then when they see Iraqi children, they give them to the kids who absolutely love them. "Don't send new ones, just gather up the old ones lying forgotten around the house," they have advised. I don't have any myself, so I am going on a hunt for them at Goodwill and garage sales! Individually wrapped candy is another thing they can carry easily and hand out to the kids. http://www.hometown-pages.com/main.asp?SectionID=14&SubSectionID=59&ArticleID=14544&TM=62016.82

January 4, 2007
INTRODUCING CYRANO
http://www.ty.com/cyranoIntro
Carlton Cards/American Greetings Exclusive

4-H OFFERS
Heinrich from the 4-H Mall informs me that they have some Wilbur Beanies available on their website. There are less than 100 left: http://www.4-hmall.org/detail.aspx?ID=19348

The 4-H t-shirt that Dakota Fanning wore in the movie Charlotte's Web is also available for sale: http://www.4-hmall.org/CW.aspx

ASK TY
Q: Have you ever made a snowman in the shape of a Beanie? (submitted by 9189405)
A: No, but I have made several Beanies in the shape of snowmen and women ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

January 2, 2007
THANK YOU
Rita writes: "I just had to stop in and tell you thank you for all that you have done for us this past year. I know that you put a lot of time and effort into this web page and  I really do appreciate it all! I hope that your holiday season was the best that you could have and I hope that this year is very good to you for you are a very special gal!

Again Lisa…….(((*THANK YOU*)))…FOR EVERYTHING"

(NOTE: Thank you to Rita and all the other people that have kept in touch with me during these past years. I have met some wonderful people in Beanie land and I hope I will continue to do so. Although I'm no longer a devout collector of Ty products, I still believe he has something special to offer collectors of all ages. Here's to another great year! Thank you Ty and Happy 2007!!)

PUNXSUTAWN-e PHIL 2007 @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/punxe07
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item will be donated to the Clearfield-Jefferson American Red Cross.

AN EXCELLENT POSTING
REFLECTING
peacebears4me   (Jan 01, 2007, 08:54 AM)
Message Id: 1138846
peacebears4me writes: As 2007 begins I once more ask myself should I continue collecting.
Then I reflect and remember all the reasons I collect. I first became hooked on the cuteness of Ty's wonderful beanies. Then the friendships I made because of them became even more valuable. I never would have met so many wonderful people if it weren't for beanies. I remember all the TY kitties I toook to Grandma in the nursing home and how her face would light up. I remember my niece going through chemo and how the beanies gave her and the other patients in hospital something to hold onto and make them smile. Just recently we went to 7 different stores looking for Kisses to no avail...like Brown Bearon, Nectar and so many before..this is what keeps me collecting..please share your stories. :) http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1138846-0-1,00.html

SILENT TY STORE RETIREMENTS
Thank you to Daniel for sharing the following: "Ty silently retired the 5 WWF Beanie Babies in the Ty Store: Caipora, Stony, Pungo, Sundar, and Bahati! It's about time!" http://beanieuniverse.com/

January 1, 2007
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
May each of you find many blessings to celebrate in 2007! Good health and warm wishes.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ORION & MANA
http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionsPhotos.htm

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JOHN
http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

The Legacy Of The 'Beanie Baby' Soldier
(CBS 3) The numbers that are reported every night on the news of the casualties in Iraq can be cold and impersonal because every number represents a hero, many from our area. And every number is a story that deserves to be told. CBS 3's Larry Mendte relates the story of Corporal Stephen McGowan - the Beanie Baby soldier.

There are people in this world who can create a ray of hope in our darkest hour of despair.

Stephen McGowan, 26, joined the army in the tsunami of emotion that flooded this country after 9/11.

"For him protecting the nation was an immediate response," said his mother Bobbie McGowan.

And when it was time for soldiers to go to Iraq, Stephen volunteered.

"His roommate had a 3-year-old and he felt it was his duty to go before men who had children," said Bobbie.

McGowan made children his mission in Iraq. Even though he was a medic in a scout group that saw action and atrocities almost everyday, he found beauty and hope in the faces of Iraqi children.

“He said don’t send me anything for Christmas this year just send me toys to give to the children," said Bobbie.

The easiest toys to carry on missions were Beanie Babies. Stephen started handing them out to the Iraqi Children and the story quickly spread of the Beanie Baby soldier.

"We were inundated with Beanie Babies," explained Bobbie.

The Beanie Baby soldier started getting letters from school children in the United States and he would send back a photo essay he put together to explain to children why our country is in Iraq. http://cbs3.com/topstories/local_story_362221217.html

NEW CLASSIC - CYRANO
Michael shares the following: " Hi Lisa, I just read the following on the Ty talk Cyberboard:
NEW CLASSIC called CYRANO
five bears   (Dec 31, 2006, 07:32 PM)
Message Id: 1138390
five bears writes: I found Cyrano at Carlton Cards last night. It says American Greetings exclusive. It is a white dog with red ears and a red spot behind one eye. http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1138390-0-1,00.html

Just thought I would point this out to you... It sounds like a new Valentine's Ty Classic Exclusive to Carlton Cards and American Greetings..
Michael"

Thank you for a great 2006
Ty Warner   (Jan 01, 2007, 08:53 AM)
Message Id: 1138830
Ty Warner writes: We had a great year. I sincerely appreciate all your support and enthusiasm. I wish you the best of the new year and leave you with two thoughts - Who is that Girl ? - and gentlemen, start your engines ! Remember . . . expect the unexpected ! HAPPY NEW YEAR ! http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1138830-0-1,00.html

JANUARY WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Jan2007_Wallpaper

JANUARY 2007 BOTM - CHILLTON
http://www.ty.com/Chillton

BEANIE UNIVERSE STORE
Daniel writes: "Lisa, The Beanie Universe Store will open on www.beanieuniverse.com tonight at midnight. Just when the ball drops in New York representing the New Year, the doors will open! If you could let your viewers know that the store will be opening at that time it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for accepting my emails and my web site this year. Have a great New Year! Daniel"