July 2003 News Archives

-=July 31, 2003=-
UK Bears, Beans and Collectables Show
Daphne writes: "Hello I thought you may like to hear that I have lost any traces of sanity and have been working on the Bears, Beans and Collectables Show to run on Sunday 17 August at The Race Course in Chester ... that's England, not one of the USA Chesters, sorry!

As well as sellers of all sorts of ursine collectables, we're really pleased to have the support of key manufacturers:

Is there no honor at country concerts?
People today have no respect for others. I'm not sure exactly what caused this lack of human decency. But somewhere along the line our society has fallen over the brink from one that would give the shirt off its back to a cold stranger, to a society that would rip the shirt off the back of its own mother -- as long as it was emblazoned with a cool logo.

With two hours until the show, we grabbed a bite to eat and hurried over to the stage. It was free admission, and the seating area was first come, first served. Haven't they learned anything from the great Beanie Baby stampedes in the late '90s, where hundreds of desperate soccer moms trampled everything in sight just to collect a stuffed purple teddy bear? VIEW FULL STORY HERE

AUGUST INTRODUCTIONS ~ http://www.ty.com/AugustIntro_2003
BEANIES: Bonzer, Orion, Quivers, Tricky
BUDDY: Herald
BOPPER: Boppin' Bobbi, Elegant Ellie, Paisley Payton, Punky Penny, Star-Spangled Suzy (USA Exclusive)

ASK TY
Q: How long does it take to put one Beanie Baby together at the factory? (submitted by beachbumb)
A: The process is much longer than you might imagine. There is no automation used in the production of Beanies - every one is handmade !
http://www.ty.com/askty_home

-=July 30, 2003=-
McDonald's Income Dips; U.S. Sales Up
CHICAGO (AP)--New salads helped McDonald's Corp. serve up significantly stronger U.S. sales in the second quarter, but profits announced Tuesday fell 5 percent on spotty results from its restaurants in Europe and Asia.

Despite the biggest quarterly jump since 1998 in sales from established U.S. McDonald's-brand restaurants, the disappointing results overseas kept talk of a long-sought turnaround on hold.

But the company said the positive reception for its entree-sized salads and McGriddles breakfast sandwiches helped U.S. same-store sales rise 4.9 percent from the previous year, the highest increase since a Teeny Beanie Babies promotion five years ago. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Hooked: Knitting craze exploding in Twin Cities
It's the second Wednesday of the month, and five women carrying bags of yarn, knitting needles and projects arrive at Betsy's Back Porch coffee shop at the intersection of Diamond Lake Rd. and Nicollet Av. S. in Minneapolis. They gather here each month to knit, chat, compare progress and exchange tips.

That's led to unusual fall-out: The Twin Cities area is experiencing a knitting-needle shortage; suppliers are taking months to fill orders they used to fill in a week. And knitters, even in typically restrained atmospheres such as Ingebretsen Scandinavian Gifts in Minneapolis, line up with a fervor usually associated with Beanie Baby collectors to buy novelty yarns even before they can be placed on shelves. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Portage pantry changes get fire
Changes at the Portage Township Food Pantry, including the discontinuation of a senior delivery service, have put the acting director in the line of fire.

The service at the pantry, which is restructuring a constitution and bylaws that have been in place since 1984, will need to be revamped to avoid putting the pantry at risk for liability, says acting director Linda Lundewall, who also serves as president of the not-for-profit board.

“She was upset because I gave food to Lake Station, which was starting a food pantry,” she says. “But I have churches from Lake Station that give donations. ... She says I spent money on T-shirts for Relay for Life, but that wasn’t pantry money. My sister sold Beanie Babies so we could buy them.” VIEW FULL STORY HERE

THE PAN WINNERS
To those of you that participated I hope you enjoyed the PAN contest the last 2 evenings. You can view the winners on the PAN page here: http://www.planetbeans.com/PANJuly03.htm

GLENDA'S DISPLAY
Glenda writes: "Lisa: Attached is a photo of my Beanie Baby bears. There are 24 bears on each shelf of the book cases. I have many more beanies but have had to move them to other locations and even some packed away as I am running out of room. My display is nothing spectacular but wanted to share anyway. Glenda" VIEW PICTURE HERE

-=July 29, 2003=-
JULY RETIREMENTS ~ http://www.ty.com/JulyRet_2003
BEANIES: April, Color Me Beanie, May, Mother, Nibblies, Pappa, Smartest
BUDDIES: Starlett, Mum
BASKET BEANIES: Eggs II, Eggs III, Chickie, Hippie

THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE UPDATE
Another prize has been added to Julia's Thank You Bear Raffle. A gorgeous decorated "Watermelon Delight" Halo Beanie Baby which was donated and will be shipped directly to the winner from "someone who cares in Michigan". The end date has been extended to August 15th since there are more donations on the way to Julia from Germany. I will add those great donations to the raffle page after she receives them. Also.. please make sure your payment arrives to Julia by August 15th if you are mailing. http://www.planetbeans.com/JuliasThankYouBearRaffle.htm

-=July 28, 2003=-
PICTURE FROM BROOKFIELD ZOO'S BEANIE DAY
Krystal writes: "Lisa, I attended the Ty Beanie Baby give-away at the Brookfield Zoo today, July 26. Today and tomorrow only, the first 4000 kids will receive a Snocap the Arctic fox Beanie Baby with commemorative card.
The card has a picture of an Arctic fox on the front with:
Brookfield Zoo
Commemorative Card 2003

On the back:
(Ty logo) and (Brookfield Zoo logo)
present
"Snocap the Arctic Fox"
Beanie Baby®
from the original
Beanie Babies Collection
Saturday, July 26, 2003
Sunday, July 27, 2003
Brookfield Zoo

In addition to the children receiving their free Beanie Baby, there were also games and fun. There was Beanie Baby Bingo, with special bingo cards with Beanie Babies instead of letters and numbers. Beanies were pulled from a box, and kids would put a chip on that space. The child (or in some cases children) who were the first to get a bingo would receive a Teenie Beanie Bopper. One of my kids won one round, and received a "Chillin Charlie" Teenie Beanie Bopper.

There was also a contest sorted by age group to draw or write about the care of Beanie Babies. There would be 3 winners from each of the 3 age categories, and they would receive special Ty prizes. They would be contacted by phone.

Kids could also have their faces painted for $1 with the Ty logo.

Beanie Babies, Buddies, Classics, Pluffies, Punkies, Boppers, Teenie Boppers, Basket Beanies, tag protectors, cases, Ty shopping bags and Ty Gear could also be purchased. Of note: All of the Beanies were current, except for a good supply of Princess and Erin. No trade show or Ty Store exclusives were available. However, there were the pin sets from the last BBOC offer.

In addition, special commemorative items could be purchased. There were t-shirts, patches, pennants, pencils and suckers with the Ty and Brookfield Zoo logos.

In the early afternoon, a teddy bear mascot was seen, with a Ty tag in his ear, and a Brookfield Zoo t-shirt. He was posing with kids for pictures.

Proceeds from the event went to the Brookfield Zoo.

I have some pictures from the event, if you would like them. I have attached one of the mascot.

Krystal Keck
Iowa City, IA" VIEW MASCOT PICTURE HERE

<< additional note: Krystal has other pictures to share so I am creating a page in which to share them on. I will give you the URL once I have all the pictures and information. >>

GIFT SHOW REPORTS
Bean Watcher has a report from the Chicago and Washington DC gift shows. VIEW REPORT HERE

THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE UPDATE
Another prize has been added to Julia's Thank You Bear Raffle. A gorgeous decorated "Watermelon Delight" Halo Beanie Baby which was donated and will be shipped directly to the winner from "someone who cares in Michigan". The end date has been extended to August 15th since there are more donations on the way to Julia from Germany. I will add those great donations to the raffle page after she receives them. Also.. please make sure your payment arrives to Julia by August 15th if you are mailing.

-=July 26, 2003=-
OFF TO SIX FLAGS
I will be back Sunday evening. We decided to take the kids for the weekend and enjoy two days at Six Flags Over Georgia. I will update as necessary when I return although I don't expect anything overly exciting to happen between now and Monday morning. :oD Since I will not be home on Sunday morning to change the contest graphic I have posted Sunday's graphic on the contest page. However.. do NOT send in that answer until Sunday! ;o)

Welcome to 'short-attention-span theatre'
VANCOUVER — It's time to shop for an air purifier, or maybe a garden gnome. So you log onto eBay, the world's largest on-line auction site, and start surfing. Before you get to whichever shopping category you're headed to, you notice a featured item on the home page that gives you pause.

The winds of fortune have not, however, managed to carry eBay into the rarified world of high culture. In an attempt to broaden its appeal beyond bobble heads and Beanie Babies, eBay purchased the venerable Butterfield & Butterfield Auctioneers Corp. in 1999. Two years later, the company opened eBay Premier, a site for high-priced art, antiques and collectibles. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Brookfield Zoo Beanie Day
Patrick shares with Beanieholics:
I live in the Chicago suburbs and in my local paper (Lake Villa Review) there was a small article about the "Beanie Baby Days" It states:

Brookfield Zoo, in conjunction with Ty Inc., is presenting Beanie Baby Days on Saturday and Sunday July 26 and 27. The first 4,000 children 11 and under, to enter the zoo will receive a free Snocap the Arctic Fox Beanie Baby along with a commemorative card, courtesy of Ty Inc.

The two-day event also features a 3,200-square-foot Beanie Baby Tent filled with shopping opportunities and fun activities. To celebrate this first-time event the shop will also carry exclusive merchandise co-branded with Brookfield Zoo and Ty Heart Logos. Items include adult and youth T-shirts, a commemorative patch and pennant.

BEANIE CHASE GAME
Chrissy writes: "Hi Lisa! I recently listed a few of my beanie baby items on eBay and I was wondering if you wouldn't mind posting the link to my auctions in your newsletter. I recently had a huge car repair and I need to sell a few of my beanie items to get back on track. I will be adding more items constantly but I have listed my Beanie Chase Game which I thought may be of interest to your readers so I was hoping you could mention my auction. I would really appreciate it! Here is the link to my eBay auctions, including the auction for the Beanie Chase Game." VIEW AUCTIONS HERE

ASK TY
Q: What Beanie are you most proud of? (submitted by Joellybeans2)
A: I have thought long and hard on this question but can't come up with just one Beanie. When I think back of the original nine, the patriotic themed, the international exclusives and all the charity pieces . . . . I'm proud of them all ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Giving back: Young cancer survivor wants to help others
When Michelle Palmer sat in a Seattle hospital's waiting room for children, none of the other kids had hair and she wondered what she was doing there.

Three days later, just before her 12th birthday, Palmer was diagnosed with leukemia. She would undergo months of chemotherapy and its side effects of nausea and weakness, as well as bone marrow transplants that made her throat painfully sore.

Helping others isn't new to Palmer. Shortly after returning to Juneau from her cancer treatments in Seattle, she organized a raffle of Beanie Babies to buy a TV, VCR and Nintendo for Bartlett Regional Hospital to entertain young patients, said her mother, Glenda Palmer. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Bargain hunters seize summer for saling
It's not recognized as an Erie sport, yet it's played on weekends and features thousands of enthusiastic participants of all ages and nationalities. In fact, some might argue it's actually become Erie's summer pastime.

Baseball? Nope. Golf? Wrong again.

Try "saling," as in garage-sale season, which typically lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day without any pesky playoffs.

"Last Sunday we had a triple birthday party with three grandchildren," said Helen Burns, as granddaughters Christina, 9, and Elizabeth, 8, clutched their finds — Beanie Babies for $3. "I happened to find a 25-foot Slip 'n Slide for $1, and the kids had six hours of fun out of that dollar. It was just incredible." VIEW FULL STORY & PIC HERE

Timeline: Reconstruction Progress in Iraq
July 6: -- The Combined Joint Task Force-Seven Beanies for Baghdad Program delivers more than 7,000 Beanie Babies and more than 1,000 school supply items to local neighborhoods, hospitals children’s ward, dental care units, communities rebuilding projects and community children centers. VIEW FULL LIST HERE

A market to suit everyone's tastes
What is offered nine times each week, attracts from one to 100 vendors and features products from across Iowa and as far away as a Peruvian rain forest?

The answer is a Des Moines-area farmers market. Although there are similarities in the markets' goals - to bring produce, handmade goods and gift items to Iowans - patrons will find that no two are the same.

In other areas, variety is the key to drawing vendors and shoppers. Merchandise includes golf putters, Avon products and Beanie Babies. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Reading between the enemy lines
How can Iraqi reporters balance their articles when the way to getting 'the other side of the story' is blocked by a tank?. Rohan Jayasekera comments from Baghdad.

Imagine. You're a tyro reporter on the streets and you pick up a juicy tale of alleged police brutality at a petrol station on the other side of town. You head down there and catch the alleged victim. He's certainly been beaten up by someone and he has lots to say through a mouthful of broken teeth.

She deals the same way with the flow of basically irrelevant press releases from the PAOs - news of public spirited efforts by US forces, many genuinely sincere folk working while off-duty - covering the re-roofing of orphanages, the laying of soccer pitches and the international collection of Beanie Babies for street children. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=July 23, 2003=-
UPDATE TO JULIA'S THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE
UPDATE 7/22/03: Julia has purchased one bracelet from 'Bracelets By Lisa'. The winner of this prize will have their choice of bracelet from the following styles: Cats Eye Bead bracelet, Miyuki Japanese bracelet, Swarovski Pearls bracelet, Simple & Elegant bracelet, or a Sparkling Pastels bracelet. http://www.planetbeans.com/BraceletsByLisa.htm <NOTE: the winner will have their choice of colors and I will take care of shipping to the winner.>

ALSO: "Anonymous" has donated and will ship directly to the winner the Sting Beanie Baby pictured on the raffle page. The list of raffle participants is constantly updated so check to see if your name is listed. The raffle has raised $490 to date! http://www.planetbeans.com/JuliasThankYouBearRaffle.htm

PRESIDENT BUSH REPLIES TO BARBARA
Barbara writes: "Good Afternoon Lisa, I'm so excited I wanted to share my news with you. A few weeks ago I took the liberty of sending a letter and some beanies to President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush. The reason for my letter was to Thank both of them for all they do for our Country and other countries also for all their efforts for equal quality education for all children. Anyway I included some beanies as a token of my appreciation, for Mrs. Bush I sent the Mother's Day Bear 2003 and for President Bush I included USA Hero, UK Hero and Aussie Hero, I thought maybe he would like these since the proceeds go to the USO. I even mentioned that when a Poland Hero is released I would send him that one so that he can have a complete set of Hero's that have sent troops to Iraq. I am very much aware of the fact that the President and Mrs. Bush must receive many expensive gifts from very important people, but I felt that they might like something frivolous sometimes from a registered voter. Anyway today I received an email from the White House, Thanking me for my letter and beanies gifts which they appreciated very much. It was signed by the President. OMG I was so surprised because I really didn't think that I would get a response. Thanks for letting me share my news! Barbara"

GROWING PAINS
The golden rule of successful threat-making is to not, on any account, issue threats in the heat of the moment. It will almost certainly result in idiotic things such as announcing your intention to chainsaw the heads off all the beanie babies, cancel Christmas, or chuck the telly on next door's skip. Only make threats you're sure you can carry out. Failure to do so results in lack of respect, total mistrust and confusion; your child will come to regard you as a weak, lying buffoon incapable of setting boundaries. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=July 22, 2003=-
ANY SUGGESTIONS?
Lois writes: "Good Morning Lisa: I still have not been able to get to the Ty Store to order anything. It blocks me every time. I go as far has my name, address, etc. Then when I click continue which is the next step when they ask your credit card information the page comes up. "THE PAGE CANNOT BE DISPLAYED". Could you do me a big favor and ask any of your readers that have AOL as an internet provider if they have had any problems. Aol says it is Ty and Ty said it is my provider. I want to get this straight before I miss out on a Store Exclusive or the new BBOC. I certainly appreciate all your help. Thank you very much. Lois, California"

Ouida writes: "I too am on AOL, but have had absolutely NO problem ordering from the TY store. The only suggestion I have for Lois is to maybe sign on to a friend's computer as a guest and then go to the TY website. It just may be her computer blocking the page for one reason or another or it may be that certain memory is required and her computer will not support it. I don't really have a concrete answer for her except to try and go to another computer and sign on as a guest and try the TY store then. It has to be something within her computer that is blocking this since I have no problem with AOL or with TY. Sorry I can't be of more help. Ouida"

LIMITING RONNIE?
Sandy writes: "Lisa, the one hallmark got ronnie in today & they are limiting them. they also said this is the only shipment they are getting after he is gone there wont be any more.. hope your readers get theirs.. Sandy"

Beanie Baby con man adds Harry Potter to scam
The Beanie Baby con artist is back, this time with a Harry Potter twist.

Steven Cross wasted little time setting up a new scheme in Chicago once he walked away from a federal prison medical facility in Lexington, Ky., on April 7 and failed to show up voluntarily, as required, two days later at a South Dakota prison.

Officials from the Federal Bureau of Prisons trusted Cross to appear on his own, after receiving medical care, and continue serving his 10-year sentence for ripping off everyone from little kids to small-business owners through a Beanie Babies club.

The only thing Cross delivered through his club was excuses, stealing at least $275,000 from victims, authorities said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Collectibles market changed by Internet, poor economy
Amid a foundering national economy, a legion of diehards continues to keep the collectibles market afloat.

Online auction sites led by eBay have radically changed the collectibles market, often devaluing items simply by way of better availability.

Yesterday’s fads can soon become today’s flops. For instance, Beanie Babies, which once brought exorbitant prices, now sell on eBay for a few dollars a piece. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Needle in haystack within eBay’s grasp
Find it on eBay.
The "world’s online marketplace" claims to have it all. And sure enough, eBay sells everything from azaleas to zoom lenses.

But what about other stuff really hard to find? — the kind of lost and missing stuff that drives you bonkers looking for it? The kind of stuff, you feel empty without it?

Just fill in the blank that asks, "What are you looking for?" and push the "Find it" button. Here’s what you can find at long, long last: Saddam Hussein. The missing Iraqi leader can’t hide from eBay, which finds him 245 times on such things as bank notes and playing cards. Weapons of Mass Destruction. eBay comes through again, finding two books on what to do when you’re feeling blooey. Jimmy Hoffa. The vanished Teamsters leader turns up 15 times. Judge Crater. Still missing, but ... Judge Reinhold. Whatever became of him after Beverly Hills Cop? eBay knows: 45 returns. Lonely Street. Where’s that place called?... eBay tells 11 ways to get there. Sesame Street. Can you tell me how to get to?... certainly, Kermit. Turn left 4,031 times. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

NO UPDATES ON PREMIER
Jim writes: "Lisa update received today, so still no news on Premier."
Currently the new Premier bear is not available to buy in the UK and we do not have a delivery date for him to arrive here. Details of how to order the new bear will be published on our website at www.pompeyfc.co.uk when they are available.
Kind regards
Pompey Sport

-=July 21, 2003=-
Stuffed critters pay off
The stuffed bears, horses and javelinas are bursting out of their boxes at RGU Group's Tempe warehouse.

With sales consistently growing more than 30 percent the past three years, it's a good thing the company is moving soon to a 24,000-square-foot office and warehouse. The building at Southern Avenue and Roosevelt in Tempe, which will be ready in September, is about four times larger than RGU's present spot.

The stuffed animals were the concept that helped the company break out. Symbolz helped the company grow.

"Why anybody would buy my bear when Ty Beanie Babies were being requested, I don't know," he said. But he saw potential. "There wasn't a state bear concept in the marketplace." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

For the kids, by a kid
11-year-old Alesia Knott’s carnival will help needy children
Like many kids, Alesia Knott always dreamed of hosting a carnival in her back yard — inviting friends over to play games, watch jugglers, and stuff themselves full of cotton candy, french fries and other fun treats.

Unlike a lot of kids, Alesia and her best friends spend hours of their playtime constructing miniature golf courses out of toilet paper tubes and tissue boxes, or planning how they would set up such an event.

Members of her church donated 2-liter bottles of soda, bulk candy, and prizes that include everything from sidewalk chalk and Beanie Babies to art kits and games. Someone else from church told her the Christian School of York often lends its carnival games, so she contacted the school to arrange to borrow them. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

TOAST ADDED TO CURRENT LIST
I've updated the Beanie Information pages to reflect this newest addition.

-=July 20, 2003=-
It's a tangled WEB out there
What parents can do to keep their kids from being victimized in cyberspace
Kate Suel still remembers the evening she decided she needed to learn more about protecting her kids from graphic sexual images they might encounter on the Internet. Her husband, Jay, spotted a small icon on the bottom right corner of their computer screen, next to the clock. They didn't know what it was, but guessed it was a link to their online bill-paying program.

"He clicks on it and there's a man and a woman and a horse doing weird things," Kate Suel recalled.

School talk
Brian Smith, a special assistant to Washington Attorney General Christine Gregoire, traveled the state the past school year with Gregoire showing kids just how real the dangers can be.

Most kids say they're smart enough to know not to meet a stranger they met online, Smith said. But they don't know they could be innocently providing enough details to lead creepy people right to their door.

Smith's presentation, which included a stop at Fairhaven Middle School, showed kids how predators can use a chat room screen name to call up an online profile that, with even innocent personal tidbits like hobbies and favorite sports, can provide a map for predators.

Collect Beanie Babies? Predators can use that information to find that the child is selling the toys online, Smith said. By using a reverse directory, the kid's phone number listed with the online ad is as good as an address.

"People think they're anonymous when they're on the Internet," Smith said. "No one's really anonymous out there. They're always leaving a trail of electronic footprints that can be traced back." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Warner rolls out to reopen bike path
From: Beanieholics
Beanie Babies billionaire Ty Warner, who makes lots of money but few public appearances, showed up briefly Friday to inaugurate a public bike path he spent $500,000 to rebuild near his Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel in Montecito.

"Let's test it out and see how it works," he declared with a smile as he hopped aboard a fat-tired cruiser bike provided by his aides. He then awkwardly donned a blue helmet -- admitting "I haven't worn these as much as I should" -- and pedaled off into the midday sun, cheered on by dozens of people at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Before his hasty departure, he urged them to "enjoy this beautiful vista of the Montecito shoreline" from the blufftop path that skirts an estate near Channel Drive where he is building an Italian villa-style mansion. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=July 19, 2003=-
UNABLE TO SEND NEWSLETTER
As you can see by the graphic below this is what I'm finding when trying to get into Topica to mail the newsletter today. I will send one out as soon as I'm able. There is not much news to speak of other than 'Bracelets By Lisa' news which is exciting to me but may not interest you and possible new Buddies coming, and CHERISH news. LOL

INTERESTING AUCTION
A reader shares with Ms. Janie
E-Bay auction reads as follows
My overseas contacts have just informed me that there is definitely going to be an ASIA PACIFIC set of Buddies to match the last set of those GORGEOUS BEANIES. They will be released either in August or September...... Be the first to get them. I have already paid for my dozen of these. Yipppeee, the timing couldn't be better for this one! THIS IS FOR THE FOLLOWING BUDDIES: Ai Japanese bear, Aussiebear the Australian bear, Singabear the Singapore bear, Kiwiana the New Zealand bear, Coreana the Korea bear and Wirabear the Malaysia bear. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=1628&item=3139436223

CHERISH WINNER
Sue writes: "Hi! I just wanted to let you know that we have a winner! If you click here you can see the special Decade Race for Life... ...even if you didn't take part you might enjoy the photos! Best wishes, Sue Owen"

-=July 18, 2003=-
REMINDER: CHUBBLEY SUMMER REDUCTION SALE
Kansas Brass & Pewter is having a Summer Reduction Sale on all remaining Retired Chubbleys. Check to see if you have some of these missing from your collection. http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/cb.html

REMINDER: JULIA'S THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE
This is a reminder that this raffle will last until the end of July. I've updated some additional names so make sure you are listed if you've paid for raffle tickets. http://www.planetbeans.com/JuliasThankYouBearRaffle.htm

Peace through strength
The nation's 40th president continues to stand watch on the West Coast and couldn't be on deck, but his first lady and an army of comrades came from near and far for Saturday's commissioning in Norfolk of the super aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Mr. Reagan's closest ally across the pond, couldn't be on hand, but Frederick J. Ryan Jr., chairman of the board of trustees of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Foundation, made it a personal point to present the newest Beanie Baby, "Ronnie the Bear," to her representative.

She'll no doubt be amused by the Ronnie doll, which is dressed in naval uniform, bears the name and hull number of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), shares Mr. Reagan's birthday of Feb. 6 and contains a poem that reads in part, "As you sail out on your way, in our hearts you'll always stay."

Among the hundreds of other VIPs on deck was actress Bo Derek, who served on the ship's national commissioning committee along with former President George Bush and former Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger, among others. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

INFORMATION PAGE UPDATES
I've updated the following Beanie information pages:
Beanie Birthday Calendar - Beanie Checklist - Buddy Checklist - Bopper Checklist - Beanie Info - Buddy Info - Bopper Info
The style numbers page still needs some work so when I have the time I will update that also. As always.. if you find any errors on any of my information pages please let me know. I strive to have the most complete information pages you can find. :oD

ASK TY
Q: You've done a few Beanie Babies for charity over the years, and it seems like you do more of them all the time. Will you do any more this year (2003)? (submitted by 4760177)
A: There is a very good chance that another Beanie Baby for charity will be introduced before the end of this year. In the meantime, please help support the crew of the USS Ronald Reagan . . . . . look for Ronnie at your local Ty retailer today ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

-=July 16, 2003=-
HELP NEEDED
Lisa, I have purchased "hopscotch" the frog for my 3-year-old class I will be teaching this year. Do you know where I can find accessories for beanie babies? I'm looking for clothes and maybe a sleeping bag for him. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Michele

<<my comments: If you can help Michele with this .. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com with BEANIE CLOTHING in the subject line. Thanks! >>

PROBLEMS ORDERING AMIGO?
Lois writes: "Good Evening Lisa: Has anyone reported to you that they are having a hard time ordering Amigo from the Ty Store? I have tried all day and it will not go through. Thank you. Lois"

IT'S MANGO MANIA
It's mango mania. Mangoes are everywhere: On the trees, the ground, in the refrigerator, the freezer, the blender, the office.

When it's mango season, everybody's in on it. Mango recipes are as hotly traded as Beanie Babies were in their prime. What to do with them all? We asked our mango fanatics out there to send us their favorite recipes for the tropical fruit. They came from as far away as Australia, where a restaurant there lost one to our reader. Other readers tapped recipes based in Mexico, India and the U.S.A. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

CHERISH MESSAGE FROM SUE
Sue writes: "It isn't often that I actually get to meet the celebrities who sign collectables for CHERISH. When it does happen it gives me a real thrill and this evening was no exception when Simon Weston OBE, the Falklands war veteran and co-founder of the charity 'Weston Spirit' agreed to sign some Beanies for me. Unfortunately I could not attend the function last Friday where Roger Black signed bears for CHERISH - but thanks to a colleague the signing took place. Click here to read more: http://www.boglin.net/new_celebrity_signatures.htm

Tomorrow (Wednesday) spare a thought for the Strike Spinners as they take part in their particular leg of the Tour de France, the world-famous cycle race. The weather in Europe is VERY hot and beating records! The guys are raising money for Cancer Research UK. One of the team is a cancer surviver and all of them are RAF Regiment, which means that they do not fit into the traditional 'lean' mould of the racing cyclist. You can read more about them here: http://www.boglin.net/strike_spinners.htm

We will be taking a family holiday in France until 4th August so there will be no updates from the end of this week until our return. To all of you also going on holiday, have a good and safe time! If you are in UK and able to get to Chester on 17th August CHERISH will be organising some fundraising fun at the show organised by Daphne Roberts of www.bearandbeans.com and Bean Bag and Collectables Magazine. We'd love to see you there! Chubbley Ltd plan to be there with us to launch a new fundraising initiative...more details to follow!

4-H program gives lease ... on livestock
Usually in exchange for chores, young suburbanites get to care for animals while getting a feel for farms.

For Danielle Spahn, it's all about cows.

While other 19-year-olds are doing the things 19-year-olds do, this willowy woman from Burlington County is milking the herd or mucking out a barn, and happily so. Her bedroom is bovine - cow knickknacks, cow Beanie Babies, cow art. A former county Dairy Princess, the 4-Her has accumulated ribbons at local and state fairs. Over the years, Spahn has had six cows, including the late Miss Lou. She gets misty thinking about her. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=July 13, 2003=-

Memphis Woman Busted for Beanie Baby Internet Scam
Thanks to Stephen for sharing this story
Memphis Police made one of the largest Internet fraud busts in Shelby County history Thursday. This scam surfaced through the web site "Angie's Beanie Barn". Angie Moore's victims say instead of sending beanie babies, she claimed she couldn't because she had either brain cancer, a leg tumor or a bite from a poisonous spider.

Investigators say Moore swindled thousands of dollars from dozens of customers, by offering beanie babies over the Internet. The case got so intense that even the U.S. Postal Service became involved. "We have tons and tons of victims who mailed in checks through the U.S. Mail and they have not received their beanie babies," says U.S. Postal Inspector Katrina Chalmers. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Mascots are funny, but hitting them isn't
Last week's infamous swing by Pittsburgh's Randall Simon that felled not one, but two oversized meat products in Milwaukee, really hit home with Robert Jarvis.

He called his character Oliver Wendell Wolf, Esq., and brought Yankees beanie babies for the conference attendees.

"At the end of the speech, I was throwing the beanie babies into the crowd -- you know, like they do at Mardi Gras -- there were 50 to 100 people in the room, and they started to surge toward me," Jarvis said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Child's rare illness leaves parents struggling to find answers
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. — In December 2000, Jenny and John Birmingham learned their 8-month-old daughter, Molly, had a rare genetic disorder called Hurler Syndrome. She would be dead by the age of 10, maybe sooner, the doctors said.

There were two treatments, both dangerous. Either one might just as easily kill her as save her. And even if one of the treatments worked, the Birminghams had no assurance their daughter would live anything approaching a normal life.

Kurtzberg, a mother of two, was wearing overalls when she met the Birminghams at her office. The doctor got on her knees to look at Molly and handed her a book and a Beanie Baby toy. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

USS Reagan commissioned
NORFOLK — It was one for the Gipper.
Thousands of cheering onlookers yesterday witnessed the commissioning of the Navy's ninth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier named in honor of Ronald W. Reagan, the 40th president of the United States.

The Navy's newest nuclear-powered carrier, adorned with red, white and blue bunting and a huge U.S. flag, became activated for duty during an invitation-only ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, the largest naval base in the world.

On Monday, the Santa Barbara Council of the Navy League of the United States, which adopted the Reagan in 2000, introduced Ronnie the Bear, the carrier's unofficial mascot.

The bear, a Beanie Baby from Ty, sports a naval collar and white sailor hat and comes with logos of the Navy League and the Reagan.

The bear, starting at about $5, will be available in stores nationwide this week. The profits will be used to buy books, televisions, computers and videos for the ship's crew. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

-=July 12, 2003=-
JULIA'S THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE
This is a reminder that this raffle will last until the end of July. I've updated some additional names so make sure you are listed if you've paid for raffle tickets. http://www.planetbeans.com/JuliasThankYouBearRaffle.htm

Sign thieves plague local streets
Usually, the metal sign marking April Myers' road only lasts a week. But for some reason, the green rectangular plate currently resting atop the signpost on Love Road has lasted nearly two weeks--a record in Myers' book.

Sometimes Love Road residents will wait for more than a month for workers to put up a new sign. After a while, someone will secure a handwritten cardboard sign onto the signpost.

Love Road, Irish Drive and Crystal Drive are the top three entries on the list of the Fairbanks area's most stolen road signs, according to Jay Bottoms, the district manager for maintenance and operations with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Each of these signs is stolen at least four times a year.

"There's a litany of factors there," Farmer said. "I don't know why a person would want a street sign in their garage, but then I don't know why people collect Beanie Babies." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

BUBBLY & FIZZ ADDED TO TY.COM
Although there hasn't been an OFFICIAL announcement made... Ty now has Bubbly and Fizz in the "currents" section of Ty.com: http://www.ty.com/BeanieBabies_home

-=July 11, 2003=-
IMAH Hosts Silent Auction
The IMAH Thrift Store continues to receive collectibles. Many people wonder what happens to these items. They are saved for IMAH's Silent Auctions.

IMAH's Third Silent Auction will be held Friday evening, July 25 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The Silent Auctions continue to build success. Everyone's been waiting for this auction because people know that a lot of collectibles have been donated to the Thrift Store. In fact, now that the community knows about IMAH's auction, they are donating more and better items.

IMAH's Silent Auction has several unique music boxes, a spoon collection, a mahjong box, many different types and sizes of dolls, an animated Goofy phone, many types of records including 78's, crystal, pewter, and silver. IMAH also has a set of four numbered airplane prints signed by the artist. There are several musical instruments and wooden train sets. And then there are the beanie babies and a beautiful 24-inch clown. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: How do you display YOUR Beanies? (submitted by song bird)
A: Some are in cases, some are on shelves, some are in my office, and a couple are even in my kitchen. I have breakfast with Bessie and Squealer almost every morning !

Atlanta Trade Show Opens
From: Beanieholics
The Atlanta Trade Show opens today and will run through Tuesday, July 15th. There is the possibility that Ty will unveil one of the other two Trade Show exclusives that it has planned, either Bubbly or Toast. Both are pictured in the latest issue of Ty's Beanie's & More Magazine. If Ty does introduce one of these bears we doubt that retailers there will get to order Fizz, the Trade Show exclusive from the Dallas Show. Anyone attending the Atlanta show that would like to send us a report, we'd love to hear from you.

-=July 10, 2003=-
WHITE IS SHIPPING
Sandy writes: "Lisa just wanted to let you know that Ty is shipping white. i got my shipping confirmation this morning..
Thank you for your order from the Ty Store.

This is to confirm shipment of the following order:

Order - xxxxxxxxx
Ship date - 7/9/2003

Item Detail:
Qty Description
4 WHITE - bear

Ship To Address:
xxxxxxx, SANDY
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxx PA xxxxxx
US

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

BEANIE FETCHING KITTIES
Dear Gary: I read with amusement the Sunday account of the fetching kitties.

I, too, own a Burmese named Molly who has fetched wadded paper from Day 1. Imagine my surprise when my second Burmese, Makena, came home as a kitten and started fetching small Beanie Babies. Not only does she fetch them, but she "feeds" them by placing them next to her food bowl -- face first!

I have even caught her tucking them into bed. Our home is filled with much laughter from these ingenious creatures! VIEW FULL COLUMN HERE

SUE DID IT!! CONGRATULATIONS
Sue writes: "Hi! I am delighted to report that tonight I succesfully completed the race for Life in Prospect Park, Reading, along with around 3000 other women and girls.

The atmosphere was wonderful and despite the muggy heat and crowds on the course we really enjoyed the event.
On my back I wore the names of special people who survived cancer and those who did not - some of them my own friends and family and some of them nominated by friends such as yourself.

I now have £278 in sponsorship. If you still wish to donate that would be wonderful - I will close my sponsorship at the end of next week and draw the winner of the specially dressed Decade Beanie selected as this year's mascot because of it also being the 10th Anniversary of Race for Life. You will be pleased to hear that Decade was also presented with a medal at the finishing line!

The Canada Day/USA Draw/Quiz finishes at the end of this week Click here for details of how to enter.

A CONVERSATION WITH A HERO OR TWO
Charlene shares a picture of her little sweetie sitting with his HEROES. He looks as if he's trying to tell us all about how great these bears are doesn't he? :oD

More Rumors About the Canadian Exclusives
Marilyn shares with Bean Watcher: Rumors about three more Canadian exclusive Beanie Babies won't fade away. Marilyn from Wisconsin shares the following information that she received from a seller's advertisement: A few days ago Ty introduced True The Bear — Canada Exclusive. This morning we have confirmed the upcoming of 3 additional Canada Exclusive Bears — Strong, North and Free. All 4 bears bear names taken from the Canadian Anthem. I also received a similar advertisement, from a well-respected retailer, notifying me of presales for these three Canadian bears. It will be interesting to see when and how these country exclusives, if the rumors are true, will be officially announced.

Bean Watcher note: if you are interested in seeing or hearing the official lyrics to the Canadian national anthem, O Canada!, click here.

Update on New York Yankees Exclusive Beanie Buddy
Bean Watcher has an update posted on his site: http://beanwatcher.com/

-=July 9, 2003=-
CHERISH UPDATE
Sue writes: "Tomorrow is the day that I do the Race For Life!

I now have £250 in sponsorship and those sponsors will be entered into a thank you draw to win the Blue Decade who has a special Race For Life sweater and who will be coming along to cheer me on tomorrow

When sponsoring me, if you would like to nominate the name of a friend or relative who you would like to celebrate having survived cancer or whose memory you would like honoured by having their name on one of the two cards on my tee shirt please let me know by tomorrow - send me an email with 'In celebration of' or 'In memory of' in the subject heading and I will be honoured to include that person's name on the list that I wear in tomorrow's event

REMINDER
You have until Friday to enter the charity prize draw for the USA/Canadian exclusive prize packages.

Thanks to those people who have paid £5 to enter the draw - some have increased their chances by going on to answer the quiz questions as well - you do not have to do this if time does not permit - you can simply enter the draw if you wish Click here

Having Your Say Response
Krystal writes: "I have a different view on the monthly addition of new styles. In the hey day of beanie collecting, it was almost impossible to collect all of the newbies the first month they were released. You had to visit store after store, and new releases flew off of the shelves. I can't tell you how often I heard, "We had them yesterday". If I was lucky enough to find more than one newbie at a store, I was in heaven! People would call me to let me know which store had the newbies. It might be two or three months before all of the styles could be located. Therefore, searching for one batch of newbies could last a collector for months!

Now, I can go out and get all of the newbies in one day. I might have to visit a couple of stores, but it only takes one day. If the newbies didn't come out every month, I wouldn't have anything to hunt for the next month! There has to be something for the collector to look forward to each month. Since beanie babies are easier to find, by releasing more newbies, Ty has found another way to keep the collectors interested.

But I agree that more styles need to be retired. There should be approximately as many retirements as there are newbies. Krystal -Iowa City, IA"

MORE CANADIAN EXCLUSIVES TO COME?
Dianne shares with Ms. Janie: "Saw your note about True, North, Free and Strong. We know True's been announced which I ordered last week from my dealer in Toronto. She just called that she has rec'd notification of North, Free, and Strong . So I have just preordered these from her. They definitely are words from the National Anthem. My office is just 1/2 mile from the border into Canada.

I've visited this dealer when I was up in Toronto for a play last fall. I'm glad I kept her business card. I believe Ty is trying to recoup his clientel in Canada. The Duty Free stores have had pretty slim pickings these last couple of months. Dianne"

CHUBBLEY NEWS
Lenetta shares with Ms. Janie: "Hi Ms. Janie, For those who collect Chubbleys I have the following info from a friend of mine in the UK. I posted it on your discussion board as well. She said I might let others know the synopsis of the letter but to keep the letter itself confidential, so here it is in short below:

She was surprised to get a pack of complementary chubbley's with the letter. The letter was saying they were happy to be back, and to be able to announce that reports of their demise were greatly exaggerated. They have new Chubbleys to be announced, and sent an order form as well with the chubbleys and letter. Retailers can now order ANY quantity on their order, and also on subsequent orders. The retail price of the Chubbley
bear will be reduced as well until further notice. They said the order form was valid until August 31st 2003. They also will be exhibiting at the Autumn Fair, NEC, in Hall 5 stand H70, where there will be some surprises! Hope that this info helps some of the Chubbley collectors out there! Take Care! Lenetta"

-=July 8, 2003=-
HAVING YOUR SAY RESPONSE...
Cathy writes: "Hi Lisa: I started collecting beanies in January 1997 and have collected every one. I do it because I like them ... they're like "comfort" food. I don't sell them and am not looking to make a profit from them. Personally, I read Jack B's comments and I think he hit the nail right on the head. I couldn't agree more that it's time for a mass retirement and the need for some refreshing ideas to what is becoming a stale hobby. He is also right about the "predictable" releases every month. I say, "Thanks Jack" for so eloquently saying what most of us true collectors feel. Cathy"

Ronnie bear sales to help outfit ship
Former President Ronald Reagan's name has been attached to numerous projects since he left office in 1989.

A 153,000 square-foot library in Simi Valley, Calif., bears his name. This weekend, a 97,000-ton Nimitz-class aircraft carrier named after the 40th president will be officially commissioned here in Hampton Roads.

The president credited by many with winning the Cold War has achieved another level of immortality with the production of Ronnie the bear, a Beanie Baby decked out in a sailor suit.

In addition to the regular Ronnie bears, three signature bears signed by Nancy Reagan will be sold by silent auction on the Santa Barbara Navy League Web site through the month of August.

This isn't the first time that Beanie Babies have been enlisted to help charitable organizations. Over the past decade Ty, the company that produces Beanie Babies, made "America the bear" which generated more than $2.5 million for the American Red Cross, and "Princess the bear" which made more than $15 million for the Diana, Princess of Wales Foundation.

"My husband and I are thrilled to be a part of the Ronnie the bear Beanie Baby project that will benefit the men and women who serve aboard the USS Ronald Reagan," said Former first lady Nancy Reagan in a statement.

"I hope it finds its way into the hearts and homes of thousands across the country." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

WHITE
Do you think Ty produced more of this bear or they aren't selling as fast as RED & BLUE did? I figured WHITE would sell out before now and I'm sure many of you quickly ordered on the first day. :oD

-=July 7, 2003=-
Home From Operation Enduring Freedom
The family of a soldier from Afghanistan is celebrating his homecoming this holiday weekend. They haven't seen their brother for about a year.

Major Andy Meverden, a U.S. Army chaplain, was called up for Operation Enduring Freedom in September, 2002.

"My experience was, everyone I met I can say was happy, was grateful for the presence of the U.S. in Afghanistan."

He did come into the line of fire, but he spent most of his time doing humanitarian work. Meverden says the CARE packages Americans sent for the Afghans were vital to his work.

"The chalk and the pencils and the erasers and the Beanie Babies and the Matchbox toys and the little ball and things that were sent did more to win the hearts and minds of the Afghan people than probably anything else that we did." VIEW FULL STORY HERE

HAVING YOUR SAY RESPONSE...
Jack writes: "Hi Lisa! I'm glad to see you posted my email to the beanwatcher on your site! I know I should expect views opposite of mine, and I promised myself I wouldn't let them bother me, but I can't help it! The response posted in today's column was very disheartening to me. I am certainly not a speculator, and do not expect a "profit" as they accused me of. I collect the monetarily worthless shelf-sitters (from Bones and Bruno to Filly and Lumberjack) along with the rarest ones I can find like Libearty, Righty, Nectar, and Thank You. Why? because I like them all and appreciate them for their uniqueness, their personality, and the value they possess beyond money. But a "true" collection has its easy finds and its hard finds; its twists and turns; and its surprises and shocks. Otherwise, I find it hard to get REALLY excited about finally getting my hands on a certain beanie unless Its one I REALLY REALLY like. I wrote that column (I felt) from a very unbiased perspective. A family member of mine used to be a big secondary dealer of beanies, and I learned a lot about what makes a truly exciting market, but even before he got into the market, I was a collector of beanies, before I even knew there were ones out there like Nana, and Peanut, and the Dino Trio. So, contrary to your other readers beliefs, I have not lost perspective of anything, merely making observations that have been made PLENTY of times before. This is not the first time Ty has been given constructive criticism about the staleness of the market. All those times before, he's listened to people like me, and made changes for the better! I feel he can do it again.

Well, now that I feel I've defended myself thoroughly, that's it for now.

Jack B.

PS: I looked around your site yesterday when the Beanwatcher told me you posted my email, and I was impressed! Looks like I've made another addition to my daily visit list!"

Finder’s keepers Collectors save objects worthy and worthless
WILDWOOD - Minimal is not in the collector's vocabulary. Unless, of course, he is a collector of dictionaries.

Just ask Bonnie Jarkawski.

"I wish I didn't have so much. I need a bigger house," Jarkawski said, smiling as she browsed at the annual Wildwood Sports Card, Comic Book & Toy Expo on Sunday.

And while some sellers are not collectors, Sherry Goold happily takes her work home with her.

Goold, of Huntingdon Valley, Pa., has more than 400 Beanie Babies and Beanie Buddies at home. And that doesn't include her stock she brings to the shows.

"What surprises me is not only that people collect so much, but that many have more than one collection. They might have two or three things they collect," Goold said.

And while some deem dolls, comics and other popular collectibles as destined for the garage sale, true collectors like Goold find satisfaction in the finding and keeping.

"It's a pleasant diversion. With Beanie Babies, it's not too expensive and they're cute and fun," she said.

And knowing that something is rare or hard to find adds to the appeal.

"Some people don't have the interest, but for me, I enjoy it," Goold said. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

'Operation Sidewinder' Draws to a Close; Humanitarian Aid Continues
U.S. forces in Iraq concluded Operation Sidewinder on Saturday, netting a host of weapons and hostile individuals.

Central Command reports that during the seven days of Operation Sidewinder, conducted by the 4th Infantry Division, 282 individuals were detained and a variety of weapons were seized. These included 96 AK-47 rifles, 3 heavy machine guns, 217 rocket-propelled grenades, 33 grenades, 200 60mm-mortar rounds, and other military equipment, documents, weapons and ammunition. In addition, $5000.00 U.S. cash and approximately 11 million Iraqi Dinar, or about 6,000 U.S. dollars, were seized.

Meanwhile, on the humanitarian front, CENTCOM reports that the Combined Joint Task Force-Seven Beanies for Baghdad Program delivered more than 7,000 Beanie Babies and more than 1,000 school supply items to local neighborhoods, hospitals children's ward, dental care units, communities rebuilding projects, and community children centers in efforts to "help bring smiles to children who have endured pain and suffering" under the rule of Saddam Hussein. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Not only a ship, but a Beanie Baby® for Reagan
OAK BROOK -- Today, Oak Brook-based Ty, Inc. is announcing the release next week of "Ronnie the bear," a Beanie Baby® created by Ty to commemorate the July 12, 2003 commissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan. 100% of the new toy's proceeds will go to benefit the Navy League.

“We are proud to join the people of Santa Barbara and the United States in celebrating the commissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan,” said Ty Warner, CEO/Chairman of Ty Inc. and Beanie Baby creator. “It is important that the men and women who serve on this great ship, as well as all who serve our country in the armed forces, know that we appreciate their dedication.”

Warner recently visited with former first lady Nancy Reagan to present her with "Ronnie" the Beanie Baby, a gray bear with a white sailor hat and collar and the Navy League logo and "USS RONALD REAGAN(CVN 76)" embroidered on its chest.

-=July 6, 2003=-
New York Yankees' 100th Anniversary Exclusive Beanie Buddy
From: Bean Watcher
I previously reported that the New York Yankees would be introducing and giving away a 100th Anniversary Beanie Buddy to the first 18,000 fans, 14 years of age and under, on September 14, 2003 at a game with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. A picture of this exclusive buddy appears in a popup window when clicking on the link for this promotion on the New York Yankee's site. The promotional buddy is a navy blue, pot-bellied bear with a special 100 year anniversary pin (depicting the Yankees' logo) attached to its chest. To view the new exclusive bear online click here.

PHOTOS OF NEW RELEASES
Bean Watcher has some photos of new releases and information. http://beanwatcher.com/

Having Your Say About Current Styles: Part II
Jack shares with Bean Watcher
Jack from Georgia sent me his views about the need for a mass Beanie Baby retirement. This is Part II of two parts to his email. Part I appeared in yesterday's column. Jack writes: .... I think Ty has become (I hate to say it) predictable. The quick retirement of internet exclusives has become a norm. Every release is the same, consisting of a couple of bears and 3-6 "common" styles almost always including one cat and one dog and a "repeat" animal like Nutty, Bandito, Lumberjack, Colosso, Zeus, or Charmer. Every retirement is the same, consisting of 2-4 seemingly random beanies. It seems the only interest Ty seems to be sparking right now is on the international scene with beanies like Pompey and the rumored Premier and the Asia-Pacific Flag Series, both of which are sold into a very small market compared to Ty's overall size. Yes, we have all been speculating on Blue and White, but, didn't Blue do JUST what most people expected, and doesn't it seem White will do the same? I'm not sure what Ty needs to do, but it is time for a change, I think. He's made changes before, and I bet he can make changes again.

HAVING YOUR SAY...
S writes: "I think people like Jack have lost their perspective about what they are collecting. It's a stuffed animal not an antique grandfather clock or a gold watch. People who collect and expect a profit are speculators not collectors !!! It's supposed to be fun ..." << This is a comment made about PART I in yesterdays news. >>

CHUBBLEYS ARE BACK
Haley of Beanzaddiction shares the following on the Chubbley Corners message board:
"Hi Everyone, I just heard from my retailer who had a visit from Chubbley UK yesterday! The new Chubbleys will be in UK retailers in about a week, and at a new price! The Chubbleys will be £4.99 (compared to £5.99), Cubs will be £2.49 (compared to £2.99) and Chunkys will remain the same!"

-=July 5, 2003=-
Having Your Say About Current Styles
Jack shares with Bean Watcher
Jack from Georgia sent me his views about the need for a mass Beanie Baby retirement. This is Part I of two parts to his email. Part II will appear in tomorrow's column. Jack writes: For the past several months, Ty has been releasing between 6 and 8 beanies every month and retiring between 2 and 4. As a result, Ty has amassed a HUGE list of current styles... Personally, I hope Ty does a huge retirement soon, maybe on the fourth of July. It has been quite awhile since Ty has announced a massive retirement... I think he is, however, doing the right thing by having things happening each month, and I think he is in the right range for number of new styles per month, but his retirements are often disappointing and anti-climactic. While small retirements are perfectly fine, you need to have large retirements spaced in between to get rid of all the "shelf-sitters" as well as maybe one or two brand new releases (look at Nectar) or other rare beanies to give them some value. But there are some beanies that have been current for too long, like Zoom, Booties, Carnation, Fridge, Seadog, and Snocap, as well as seasonal beanies like Mother, Pappa, Nibblies, and Lullabye. Also, I think its time for some new marriage bears (or maybe buddies) to replace Bride and Groom and new Baby Babies (yes, that bad pun was intentional) to replace Baby Boy and Baby Girl. Then, SURPRISE us with a quick retirement of Frosty, or 2003 Signature, but send just enough out to put it at the level of a beanie like Nectar.

<< my comments: I think Jack said what most of us feel. If you have any comments about the need for a retirement or anything else.. I'd love to hear from you: Lisa@planetbeans.com >>

ADDITIONAL INFO ON WILLIAM
Bean Watcher has more info on this mysterious bear: http://beanwatcher.com/

CHERISH NEWS FROM SUE
The American quiz questions are now added to the draw/quiz page. Click here to go straight to that page

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!
I hope this is a happy and safe holiday for all of you. :oD

CHUBBLEY CORNERS CONTEST
A contest is running currently and ends at midnight on July 6th. Stop by and visit some old friends and make some new ones. Lots of friendly folks on this board. :oD Oh and I bet you want to know the prizes you can win for this contest. How about Great Bear, Little Bear and George Chubbley Bears? http://www.chubbleycorners.com/MessageBoard/ChubbleyCorners.cgi

Film star, president, . . . Beanie
Lenetta shares with Ms. Janie
Former president honored with ship, bear
A president who symbolized peace through strength will soon be associated with a toy best described as a little softie.

On Monday, Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner is expected to unveil a new bear that pays homage to President Ronald Reagan -- it's part of a fund-raising effort by the Santa Barbara Navy League on behalf of America's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, set to be commissioned July 12. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

ASK TY
Q: Do you have people to choose the names of the Beanies or do you? (submitted by emmaph1)
A: One of the most enjoyable parts of my job is naming Beanies. In creating names and poems, I get to give each piece its own personality. Would you let someone else name your baby ?

-=July 3, 2003=-
HOT PINK DECADE ARRIVES
Sandy writes: "Lisa, I got my pink decade today.. I didn't even get a shipping confirmation from Ty. instead of the bbotm badge it has the 10 year anniversary badge on its check and it has a new tush tag. the new tush tag has a red heart with ty in the middle in white then has decade underneath the tag. This is a very pretty beanie. hope all your reader get theirs soon. have a happy 4th of July. Sandy" VIEW PICTURE HERE

POMPEY WINNER
Carol writes: "Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Lisa, Boy was I surprised when I saw my name. I tried so hard not to miss any answers. I really wanted Pompey. Thank you very much for the contest. Stephen, Thank you very much for donating Pompey for Lisa's contest. I'm so glad you did. Carol Desilets"

GET RID OF ANTS
Carol shares a recipe for getting rid of ants that has worked for her for many years.
"Mix in a glass jar the following ingredients: 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon boric acid, 1 cup water. Mix together and soak some cotton balls with this mixture then place the cotton balls in little covers such as soda caps or what ever you have. Ants will leave. It always works for me."

THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE REMINDER
Don't forget you have until Midnight CST TONIGHT to purchase raffle tickets. Grand Prize (Thank You Bear), 2nd Prize (Mom-e 2003 & Dad-e 2003), 3rd Prize (MC Beanie II).

AMERICAN PRIDE CONTEST
Another prize added courtesy of Brenda who also donated the 6th prize: The 7th prize is: Lacey the Ty Classic with the USA flag sweater. If you'd like to donate a prize to be added to the 7th prize.. contact me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.
http://www.planetbeans.com/AmericanPrideContest.htm

-=July 2, 2003=-
THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE REMINDER
Don't forget you have until Midnight CST on Thursday, July 3rd to purchase raffle tickets. Grand Prize (Thank You Bear), 2nd Prize (Mom-e 2003 & Dad-e 2003), 3rd Prize (MC Beanie II). THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE!

CHERISH: Canada Day and American Independence Day Grand Prize Draw and Quiz

To celebrate these two special days in one week CHERISH is holding a themed fundraising event.
As usual all proceeds go to Cancer Research UK.

We have broken through the £4000 barrier between January and June 2003 so please help us to achieve a £5000 total this summer!

A £5 entry fee secures you 10 entries to win one of 3 prize packages.
Having entered the draw you can increase your chances of winning by taking part in the quiz.

All of the entry details as well as pictures of the other prize packages are on the CHERISH website at www.boglin.net

I do hope that you will enter, whether or not you have the time to take part in the quiz as well. I am so grateful to the donors of the prizes as well as the friends who provided me with the quiz questions.

HOT PINK DECADE SHIPS!
Diana shares the following:
Thank you for your order from the Ty Store.

This is to confirm shipment of the following order:

Order - **********
Ship date - 6/30/2003

Item Detail:
Qty Description
* DECADE - bear

Ship To Address:
RALEIGH NC
US

Item(s) cost - *****
Shipping & Handling - *****
Sales Tax - *****
Duty - *****
Grand Total - *****

Please note, all prices are quoted in US dollars. Your order is being
shipped through the Postal Service.

Thank you for ordering from the Ty Store.

Regards,

Ty Store

ADDED NOTE: "Just wanted to add that I just manually checked my Order Status at the Ty site and Hot Pink Decade is listed as "Sparkles"?????"

PROBLEMS ORDERING WHITE?
SHeL writes: "I don't know why I bother with Ty Inc ? I have been trying to order for an hour and the second screen keeps repeating. I can't get to the third screen when I press continue. I sent this same message to CustomerService@Ty.com !!! 8+(" << UPDATE: "LOL ... Never mind ... After an hour and 20 minutes I successfully ordered this Bear !!! ... I'm still not happy with Ty Inc" >>

Toy store has a twist
Dealing Beanie Babies out of his garage sparked the end of Alex Reece's career as an accountant and the start of something much more colorful and profitable.

The former Ernst & Young CPA now owns Toyopia, a funky toy and candy store scheduled to unveil its new prototype at Sarasota Square Mall today.

The store is decorated like a child's water-themed fantasyland, with floating cloud cutouts overhead, blue water and tan sand painted on the ground, a 12-foot aquarium at the entrance and a wooden pirate ship engulfing the cash register, but the business strategies behind it are all very adult. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

AMERICAN PRIDE CONTEST
NEW PRIZE ADDED: Brenda has donated a HERO (USA version w/flag on chest) and a Peace Symbol Bear (USA version). There will now be 6 WINNERS! http://www.planetbeans.com/AmericanPrideContest.htm

-=July 1, 2003=-
TY CANADA IS HISTORY
Ed writes: "Hi Lisa, As you reported yesterday, My dealer also received a phone call from Ty. Ty Canada is dead, dealers will be dealing with Ty US and must set up new accounts with Ty US. As reported, my dealer will be receiving all back issues of Ty product, even if the item has retired. Some items will be limited in quantities. With approval of the account, new items could be here in approx. 2 to 3 weeks. So finally Ty has done something about it's product in the Canadian market. I know a good number of Ty dealers and collectors have packed it in because of the no product to sell or collect. So now we must wait and see how things play out. Thanks Ed - Alberta, Canada"

ALL CHECKLISTS & INFO PAGES UPDATED: http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm (the style numbers page needs work but I've not taken the time yet to sit down and gather what I'm missing. If you'd like to help.. that would be great! :oD)