July 31, 2004
Twins, March of Dimes recognize local super fan
For 30 years, Mike Dombrovski has gone from business to business and door to door, usually by foot or bicycle, seeking donations for the March of Dimes Walk America.

At an average of about $12 a pledge, the 52-year-old St. Cloud man has raised more than $70,000 to aid in the fight against birth defects.

For his service, Dombrovski is being honored by the organization and the Minnesota Twins on Sunday at the Metrodome.

Dombrovski, a Twins fanatic, is throwing the ceremonial first pitch before the Twins' 1:10 p.m. game with the Boston Red Sox.

His biggest donation was from the Country Mill, which donated Beanie Babies five years ago. They sold for a $30 donation apiece, bringing in about $3,000. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Orphaned, ill wildlife find a haven
The tiny baby raccoon pushes at Karen Hughes' hand as its mouth tugs hungrily at a bottle of specially concocted formula she holds. The baby is one of several raccoon kits, or babies, that Hughes, a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator, is raising for eventual release back into the wild. It's also why a big chunk of her day is spent making formula.

Hughes and her husband, Arthur, take in all manner of orphaned, injured and ill animals at the nonprofit Doe Valley Nature Center on their 20-acre spread north of Fowlerville. She is qualified to take in and rehabilitate any wild mammal or bird except for bats and skunks. And she is the only licensed rehabilitator in the county who will accept raccoons.

"I got into helping wild animals nearly 20 years ago, when my husband brought a rabbit home that had been hit by a car," Hughes says. "I took it to the Howell Nature Center and ended up taking their training to be a wildlife rehabilitator. I worked there for 10 years before we started here."

When someone brings in a new baby raccoon, she isolates it for a time to be sure it doesn't have any contagious illnesses. Hughes vaccinates the raccoons she raises against some diseases, including distemper, but she is forbidden by the state Department of Natural Resources to vaccinate against rabies.

"Distemper is just raging in this area," she said. "It has been for a couple of years, so (the raccoons) have to be vaccinated."

Hughes also places Beanie Babies in the cages of her isolated baby raccoons to serve as a surrogate litter-mates until they can be caged with other healthy babies. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Wendy's downgraded by UBS analyst
NEW YORK (AFX) -- Wendy's is entering a challenging business period, with tougher earnings targets and more vigorous rivals, a UBS analyst said Friday. The analyst, David Palmer, lowered his rating of the restaurant franchise to "neutral" from "buy." Palmer also set his price target to $40 and cut his 2005 earnings estimates to $2.58 per share from $2.61. Wendy's traded down 81 cents, or 2.2 percent, to $35.69 in morning action. The Dublin, Ohio-based restaurant franchise operator faces a "scary calendar," Palmer wrote in a note to clients, given the tough price comparisons and earnings targets over the next six months. Part of the problem, according to the analyst, is that competitors McDonald's and Burger King have rolled out "unusually strong marketing calendars." "McDonald's and BK are generating more promotion noise -- something we see continuing into 2005," said Palmer. McDonald's is introducing Chicken Selects, a product that has done very well at Wendy's. The product will be introduced by what Palmer called a "potent Happy Meal promotion, Ty Beanie Babies, to drive early trial of the new product." Not only is McDonald's taking on Wendy's menu, but there's a McDonald's within one mile of 71 percent of Wendy's locations. Moreover, though Wendy's eateries have the highest consumer satisfaction scores among the large hamburger franchises, Burger King and McDonald's have been making most of the improvements lately. Changes in customer satisfaction often foreshadow changes in stock value, according to Palmer. "Since 2002," he said, "consumer perception shifts have arguably been more dramatic than usual as a result of a 'wellness menu revolution' at the big chains that began with Wendy's Garden Sensation salads." Competitors have also copied Wendy's late-night drive-through service -- which has fueled the company's same-store sales growth over the past two years -- and have begun offering a diverse menu priced near $1. Palmer, however, sees Wendy's as a "long-term winner" and he is "optimistic" about the company's prospects. "[We] believe the company may set itself up for a good second half of 2005 with a potent wave of innovation and menu price increases," he said. "The company has superior unit growth and higher same-store sales than its peers." This story was supplied by CBSMarketWatch. For further information see www.cbsmarketwatch.com. VIEW HERE

VOTES NEEDED
Nancy writes: "Hi Lisa, I'm doing a contest and I need at least some votes. I'm doing so bad in this time of contest.  :( I was wondering if you could post this. I'm doing a "Strike a Pose Contest" at Miss Yvonne's Enterprises, Ltd. Its a Boyds contest. I would appreciate if you could vote for my entry. All the pictures all great. So I know I have no chance at all. Win or lose I would appreciate your vote. http://store.yahoo.net/myent417/anothercontest.html 
Entry #3 Milton R. Penworthy (kitty in plane) Thanks, Nancy/beenee36"

July 30, 2004
NEW ASK TY
Q: I absolutely LOVE your new ideas! Where do you get you inspiration? (submitted by crazzybaboon)
A: Honestly, I am most inspired by two things - all of you and the children. Your thoughts and posts on the boards, your expressions when holding my product, and the smiles and giggles from a child playing with a piece of Ty plush truly motivate me. http://www.ty.com/askty_home 

INTRODUCING HAPPY BIRTHDAY & BIJOUX BEANIE BABIES
http://www.ty.com/BB_Aug04_intro

TY WARNER SIGNED CHARITEE
This is another autographed ChariTee Beanie auction by pgatour-official auctions. They had a Jack Nicklaus signed ChariTee Beanie on auction recently which ended with a winning bid of $455.

Partial auction description: Tremendous value is added to this bear as he has been signed by Beanie Baby creator Ty Warner. Ty has signed the inside of the heart-shaped Ty tag in black ink. This is a unique memorabilia piece to add to your collection.

This item will come with a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the PGA TOUR.

Net proceeds from the sale of this item will be donated to The First Tee. The First Tee was established to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities primarily to serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values. VIEW AUCTION HERE

Oak Brook fall festival donations questioned
Oak Brook officials this week dismissed a resident's concerns that the village is giving the "wrong appearance" by accepting money from businesses to help pay for an upcoming festival.

Bill Lindeman told the Village Board on Tuesday that it ought to return $8,000 from four local businesses even if it meant trimming the budget for Autumn Fest, scheduled for Sept. 26. Oak Brook received contributions of $5,000 from McDonald's Corp., which is based in the village, and $1,000 each from the Private Bank, the Clubhouse restaurant and the Renaissance Hotel.

Lindeman said he does not question the board's integrity, but that by accepting the money "it may be more difficult to represent the best interests of the village" when one of the businesses depends on the board for a decision.

He questioned whether the village might be in a compromised position if one of the donors faced a liquor-license violation. He said the McDonald's contribution comes at a time when it is requesting a zoning variance to allow a drive-through and outdoor dining area for a restaurant envisioned for the northeast corner of Spring Road and 22nd Street.

Board members emphasized that they do not give preferential treatment.

"They have often been on the leading edge of setting the standards, and they have been known to be an excellent community partner, historically, and hopefully will continue to be so in the future," said Quinlan, whose father, Mike, was CEO of McDonald's Corp. for 11 years.

Kevin Quinlan has actively sought corporate support in the past.

Last year, he solicited a donation from Westmont-based Ty Inc., maker of Beanie Babies. Owner Ty Warner agreed to spend more than $75,000 to sponsor the 4th of July celebration. The multibillionaire is an Oak Brook resident. Shortly after the donation, the Village Board approved a variance allowing Warner to erect a gate leading to his property.

At the time, Quinlan said there was no connection between Warner's donation and the board's subsequent action. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Petersen's keeps the frozen fun rolling
Any excuse to eat ice cream is a great excuse. The month of July provided the required celebration (and most logical excuse) of National Ice Cream Month.

But with summer not yet half over, another excuse may be necessary. Go ahead and indulge -- it is the 100th anniversary of the ice cream cone and the 85th anniversary of the Oak Park classic, Petersen's Restaurant, Ice Cream Parlour and Sweet Shoppe.

The second annual Beanie Baby Days at the Brookfield Zoo are Saturday and Sunday. The first 4,000 children age 11 and under to enter the zoo each day will receive a ticket that can be redeemed for a free Fridge, the polar bear Beanie Baby. The celebration also will include games, activities and some rides. The Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways. Call (708) 485-0263 or visit www.brookfieldzoo.org. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Morris' National Night Out
MORRIS TWP. -- The Morris County Park Commission and Morris County Crime Stoppers will host the second annual countywide National Night Out program at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Mennen Sports Arena, featuring free ice skating, live music and gifts, in addition to the traditional police-related events.

"Many towns have a Night Out," said Park Police Lt. Gloria Sullivan, the main organizer. "But many don't, so we decided to have a countywide event."

A child identification booth will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. for parents who want to create ID kits for their children. Officers will photograph children and place pictures in a package, along with fingerprints and other pertinent information, Puccetti said.

If children sign up for an ID kit, they also will receive Ty Beanie Babies and Mattel Matchbox cars, Sullivan said.

Last year, 350 of the gift bags were ordered, but organizers ran out by the end of the night, Sullivan said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURES HERE

shared by La Rue
Schwarzenegger Postage Stamp Goes on Sale
VIENNA, Austria (AP) - Who says the Terminator can't be licked? A new postage stamp featuring a likeness of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger went on sale Friday - his 57th birthday - in his native Austria and the postal service said it was bracing for heavy demand for the 600,000 stamps.

E-mail requests for the euro1 (US$1.20) stamp have flooded the nation's postal headquarters in Vienna, spokesman Johannes Angerer said. Austrians showed up early Friday to buy the stamps, but there were no long lines.

``Now you can 'stick' Arnie!'' Austrian state television exulted in a report on the stamp's release. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

LOOK-A-LIKES Hi, Lisa! Am attaching 2 pictures; for your viewing, which, I think, shows two (2) Ty Beanie Babies.....which look a lot alike, to me. What do you think? Take away the leaves; that "BONZER" is holding, lightening the fur color just a bit. Then; add the flag, to the right side of "BONZER". You have "KOOWEE"; the newest creation, that Ty Warner just announced. Bren

NOTE FROM La RUE
Have you found your Summer Releases of Chubbleys yet? Still have complete sets of these lovable cuties left. http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/cb.html
Also have a few left of the Armadillo and Dinosaur Loose-Neck left. There is a wide selections of Turtles and Turkeys remaining. http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/turtles.html Have a great upcoming weekend!

<my comments: These new Loose-Necks are quite unusual and very entertaining. The new Chubbleys are well made and adorable. I will be putting the Flossie Chubbley to good use. This is the adorable Tooth Fair bear. She is a beautiful shade of purple and has a Tooth Fairy on her foot pad and carries a metallic "tooth" bag. Once Brandon starts losing his teeth he will place the tooth in Flossie's bag for the Tooth Fairy to come. I think this is a neat way to get the children excited about the Tooth Fairy and losing teeth. It can be traumatic for a child when they think about the pain of losing a tooth so this will make it more fun.>

July 29, 2004
DNC Meets Hollywood With Glamorous Gift Bags
BOSTON - Expensive gift bags are a veritable Hollywood entitlement at Oscar parties, but on Wednesday night celebrities and politicians were treated to glamorous goodie bags at the Democratic National Convention.

Gift bags estimated to contain thousands of dollars worth of treats were divvied out to the crème de la crème of Democratic politicos and celebrity hobnobbers during a party at the Museum of Fine Arts honoring Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada and Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland.

Party attendees - Stephen Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, James Taylor, Ed Norton, Neil Young and Jon Bon Jovi were among those on the guest list - and others received the plentiful booty at the midweek party hosted by Fabiani & Co., a Washington lobbying firm.

Unlike the typical plastic bags filled with candy one might find at a 5-year-old's birthday party, the bags at Reid and Hoyer's party were elegantly designed shopping bags created just for the event. Inside, recipients found Brighton champagne flutes - which organizers hope will be used to toast the new president, John F. Kerry - Phyto hair care products and confections produced by businesses in Robbins, N.C., Sen. John Edwards' hometown.

Ty Inc. donated a customized Beanie Baby to replicate the party symbol.

"It is so cute," said Sandy Reed, a bag organizer and chief financial officer of Gigi Bags, the Encino company responsible for compiling the goodies.

"They included a little white donkey with red and blue stars, its mane is red, white and blue. His name is Lefty. It's just perfect." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

July 28, 2004
JULY RETIREMENTS http://www.ty.com/BB_ret_july04
Blessed, Bride, Giraffiti, Groom, Jimbo, Kookie, Mystique, Shasta, Slick, Vegas

INTRODUCING KOOWEE (a VERY cute Koala)
http://www.ty.com/Koo_Wee_Intro - Australia/New Zealand Exclusive

SOLD OUT (Thanks to Brenda for informing me!)
Washington D.C., Chicago, and San Francisco have sold out!
http://www.ty.com/csw_soldout

July 27, 2004
READER QUESTION
Rosalie writes: "Can you tell me where I can find information on the new Asia Pacific beanies. I know that Silver is New Zealand but I do not know what islands the rest of the beanies belong to. There was information on the first set of what each name reflected but I have found nothing on this set. I would appreciate any help you can give me. Many thanks. Rosalie"

Bean Watcher writes: " Hi Lisa!  I visited your great site, and noticed the reader question.  FYI, I have a link with plenty of information about the 2004 Asia Pacific bears.  The link can be found on the Bean Watcher site under 2004 AP Bears Info on the left side column of my site.  I hope this will help your reader. Bean Watcher" http://2004asiapacificbears.beanwatcher.com/

UPDATED: MORE TEENIE COMMENTS
Lots of comments. I’ve created a page to display the comments you are sharing: http://www.planetbeans.com/2004TeenieComments.htm

TEENIES ANNOUNCED ON TY.COM
http://www.ty.com/TBB_page

The Toy Bank is a joint effort of the Toy Industry Foundation, the philanthropic organization representing the North American toy industry, and Gifts In Kind International, the world's leading charity in product philanthropy.

"Every child in this country and around the world deserves the right to imagine, dream, invent and have fun through toys," said Neil Friedman, chairman of the Toy Industry Foundation and president of Fisher Price Brands. "Through The Toy Bank, we are making certain that no child is denied the magic of play."

The toy industry's overwhelming and ongoing response is paramount in achieving a major goal of The Toy Bank program - to fulfill the wishes of homeless, disadvantaged and at-risk girls and boys by providing them with their very own new toy. Leading the charge is Ty Inc., creator of the popular Beanie Babies(R) line, with a donation of three million toys set for delivery to boys and girls throughout North America this summer season. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

July 26, 2004
STARDUST CLASSIC RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/Stardust_retirement

MATCHING GAME WITH NEW TEENIES
I was looking through the McDonald’s website and ran across a “match” game using the new Teenie Beanies: http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/ronald/happy/Fun.html

COMPLETE TEENIE CHECKLIST UPDATED
I’ve added the new 2004 Teenies: http://www.planetbeans.com/teeniechecklist.htm

NEEDING INDIVIDUAL TEENIE PICTURES..
I would like to update the TEENIES page with the 2004 bears but I’m not going to be getting allof the Teenies therefore I won’t be able to take pictures to post. Can anyone help? Some of the other pictures posted are pretty poor quality so if you can help with any of those too it would be much appreciated. http://www.planetbeans.com/teenies.htm

A BEANIE FOR ALL SEASONS
Beanie Baby billionaire hotelier Ty Warner may want to stuff some of his pet playthings with dollars: he's looking to refinance the two jewels in his growing hotel collection: the Four Seasons New York and the Four Seasons Santa Barbara Biltmore. Industry sources say he's hired Eastdil, known more for shopping properties than marketing debt, to find an estimated $500 million in fresh cash for the two high-power properties.

Warner paid the highest price per key in each year that he acquired the two properties, buying the $150 million in 2000 for the 229-room Biltmore ($691,000/key) and the 363-room New York property for $271 million ($746,000/key) in 1998. That was a bargain for the hotel, which was completed in 1992 and took a decade and $360 million to build. He's plowed significant dollars into both since then, including building out a hugely luxurious bay-windowed penthouse for the Four Seasons New York to essentially complete architects I. M. Pei and Frank Williams vision of the high-rise on East 57th Street. The Santa Barbara comes with the acclaimed Sandpiper golf course. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURES HERE

July 25, 2004
WASHINGTON DC NOW LISTED
http://www.ty.com/images/products/4563_lg.gif

Next, on the show schedule, FTD 2004 Convention in Las Vegas. July 26-28. 
View the summer schedule here: http://www.planetbeans.com/TYSHOWSHEDULE.htm

Forgotten treasures
Cute little critters, once a phenomenon, now sit on the dusty shelves of history
Barbara Kingston said goodbye one day last week to Claude, a tie-dyed crab, and a retired shark named Crunch. She sold the Ty Beanie Babies for $1.75 each, less than a third of their regular retail price.

They were among the last nine remaining beanbag toys on the shelves at The Paper Mill in Fort Myers — a store that in its Beanie Baby heyday sold the squishy little critters by the thousand for $5.95 a pop.

Store owner Kerry Waterman remembers how customers would be lined up outside waiting for her to open when a new shipment arrived.

People believed that some were rare and therefore valuable, and Beanies developed a worldwide cult following that pulled in moms and grandmothers as well as children.

Not since the Cabbage Patch Kids mania had retailers seen anything quite like it.

Untold millions were sold. So, six or seven years later, where are they now?

Many are collecting dust in people’s attics and basements, almost forgotten.

Almost everyone bought at least one, or received one. It was a national phenomenon.

Even though the fad has passed, an estimated $750 million worth of Beanie Babies sold in 2002, according to Hoovers Online. Details about the privately owned company headed by H. Ty Warner and based in Oakbrook, Ill., are scarce. They’re still traded on the Internet and on eBay, but not at the sky-high prices they once commanded.

For retailers, the Beanie Baby craze was the best of times — and the worst of times. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Children still pleased with Happy Meals
We've grown up together.

April 1997: Ty Teenie Beanie Babies, the most popular Happy Meal toys ever, are introduced. McDonald's is bringing these toys back through Aug. 19 as part of the birthday celebration. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & TIMELINE HERE

July 24, 2004
SAN FRANCISCO NOW LISTED
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4564

MORE ON TEENIES
McDonald's now has a page showing names and pictures of the Teenies

McDonald's Happy Meal Featuring
TY Teenie Beanie Babies

July 23 - August 19, 2004

In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Happy Meal, McDonald's is celebrating something big, with something teenie - TY Teenie Beanie Babies!
This Happy Meal features twelve unique bears designed exclusively for McDonalds. Each bear comes in a different color/design featuring a McDonald's icon.

Toys offered in sequence while supplies last at a participating McDonald's. http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/ronald/happy.html

Here is the order they have listed in flash:
#1 Happy Meal 25th Bear
#2 Burger the Bear
#3 Birdie the Bear
#4 Golden Arches the Bear
#5 McNuggets the Bear
#6 Ronald McDonald the Bear
#7 Happy Meal the Bear
#8 Shake the Bear
#9 Hamburglar the Bear
#10 Big Red Shoe the Bear
#11 Fries the Bear
#12 Grimace the Bear

Eric Eislund, a San Francisco father, says, "I'm all for them, as long as there's no one-upsmanship."

All parents agree: The "goody bag" is required at their kids' birthday parties. But have these 21st century party favors gotten out of control?

"The bottom line is -- you can't not have something. That would be a serious violation of party protocol," says Linda Fitzgerald, an Oakland mother of two who bought 16 Beanie Babies for the guests at her son Evan's ninth birthday party.

Some parents view the goody bag as a present that should match the value of the birthday gift their child brings to the party. In upscale communities such as Dublin and Lafayette, consumers have been known to spend as much as $40 per child. Perhaps the extravagance coincides with a trend toward super-parenting, the notion that parents must immediately attend to their children's every need -- or even whim.

Kids, of course, are happy participants in the cycle of materialism that goody bags exemplify.

Fitzgerald says her son, Evan, enjoyed picking out the Beanie Babies that went into the bags at his party. At the same time, she wasn't thrilled by the uproar they caused.

"I was practically mobbed at the beginning of the party," she says, adding that she doled out the bags rather than allow the kids to individually rummage through them.

While third-grader Iris admits that she might be slightly disappointed to get a small bag, she doesn't go to a party for the bag. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

I ought to be ashamed, but instead, I’m celebrating. This month marks the 25th anniversary of the Happy Meal – that wunderbox of hamburger, fries, bug juice and free toy that started it all.

I know I’m supposed to feel terrible about the nutritional quality of fast-food meals, but I like the free toy. I really, really like it. Sometimes that Matchbox car or plastic Pumba or Lego set brought me seven minutes of patience from an antsy preschooler. Totally worth it.

I do have one problem. What do I do with the toys now? While I can toss old trophies and stained T-shirts, I just can’t get rid of a Happy Meal toy.

I’m no collector. I’m more of an accidental accumulator. I don’t think these toys are valuable. I know my Happy Meal toys will never make the collector’s cut. Our toys have been used and abused.

One particular Belle figurine from “Beauty and the Beast” spent three years being moved from purple Jasmine purse to dinky diaper bag to sudsy bathtub. A certain miniature Barbie doll with hair like a shiny shoestring took up with a whole platoon of full-size GI Joes. She appears to be very happy. In 1997, I even let my kids open the bags of their Beanie Babies and play with them.

“I’m actually saving these toys for my grandchildren,” I told my girlfriend. “Look at them. They are a brilliant collection of Americana!” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Couple shows support for troops
Dave Pingelski and his wife, Carol, of Halfmoon Evergreen, are supporting the troops from their fruit and vegetable stand.

Along with corn, cucumbers and tomatoes, they are also stocking yellow ribbons and Beanie Babies. Carol Pingelski said people really want them, they just don't know where to find them.

"Somebody just pulled me off the road and asked for 15 of them. Fifteen support our troops," she said.

Dave Pingelski added, "My wife and I thought this was gonna be a really good idea and we've done well this week. This is our second shipment that we're getting now." 

The money is donated to Project Yellow Ribbon to help support the troops. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

Beanies are back in Happy Meals
McDonald's unveiled their "secret" 25th Anniversary Happy Meal toy this week, and it could cause some serious flashbacks.

The secret item -- a collection of Teenie Beanie Babies -- has been among the hottest giveaways to ever grace Happy Meals boxes.

McDonalds first capitalized on the Beanie craze in April 1997. Back then, grown men and women stood in line to buy the kiddie meals by the boxload, and many dumped the food once they grabbed the coveted toy

Since the Beanie Baby market crashed, later promotions using the floppy toys haven't envoked the same hysteria. Still Bill Poe, one of the country's top Happy Meal toy collectors, expects the 25th Anniverary items to be popular.

"Doing the McDonald's characters as Beanie Babies was really smart," said Poe, who has more than 15,000 Happy Meal toys. "The Beanie collectors will want them, and the McDonald's collectors will want them. And kids love the Beanies, too."

The new toys, available now, are 12 bears that come in McDonald's themes. For example, the Ronald McDonald bear is dressed in the iconic clown's outfit. Other bears wear special patches.

As with any promotion, anniversary Beanies won't be around forever. The 5-inch bears will snuggle next to the burger and fries until Aug. 19 or while supplies last. VIEW ARTICLE & PICTURES HERE

July 23, 2004
BOTH VERSIONS OF NY RETIRED
Brenda points out that both versions of New York were retired yesterday. I updated the info pages right after the retirement of the retail version was listed and both versions were still listed on the currents list at that time. I have made the corrections on the info pages to list BOTH as retired.

READY, SET, GO GET THOSE TEENIES!
Get your running shoes on and head to McDonald's for lunch. I hope everyone can get the Teenies they wish to collect without going broke or gaining 1,000 pounds. LOL I don't believe I'll be collecting all 12 of the Teenies for myself and my 3 kids. :o) We have our favorites so we'll try and get those. Would you like to share your experiences of obtaining Teenie Beanies? Send comments to Lisa@planetbeans.com with TEENIES in the subject line.

The press release shared yesterday which was posted on a number of news site was also posted on McDonalds.com under NEWS and it includes a picture of the 12 bears: http://www.mcdonalds.com/usa/news/current/conpr_07222004.html

TEENIE COMMENTS
Nancy writes: “Lisa, I am sending this to Janie Daniels and Lisa from Planet Beans. You both are so good to keep us informed with all the latest Beanie news. I went to McDonald's today about 11:00 a.m.. I asked how much would the Beanie Babies be a piece, without buying the Happy Meal. The employee said $1.49 without tax. I asked if I could get both of the Beanies they had, that was no problem. The 2 Beanies are the 25th Anniversary and Birdie Bear. Each bear has a number on the top right hand side of the package; 25th Anniversary is #1, Birdie is #3. I asked about #2 and they told me the #2 has not come in yet. I wonder why the numbers do not correspond in the right order? What are others experiences?”

<my comments: Well I gave in and decided to take the kids up to McDonald’s today. LOL Everyone wanted the #1 25^th anniversary bear so the 4 of us ended up with that one. At first they gave 3 of us the . This McDonald’s had only #1 and #2 Burger the Bear. I’m thinking the schedule provided back on July 3^rd was incorrect. If you work for McDonald’s or know someone who does.. Please provide me with a correct schedule so I can pass it on to my readers. :o) They were also selling the Teenies for $1.49 each with any food purchase. Please share your comments Lisa@planetbeans.com.>

M writes: “Hi: I picked up the first three teenie beanies at the local McDonald's here in Virginia Beach today also. #1 is Happy Meal 25th Bear, #2 is Burger the bear and #3 is Birdie the bear, the numbers are on the plastic bag they come in. Burger is #2, not #8 ;o). They were selling for $2.17 each. You could purchase them without buying the meal. They said the next three would come in next Thursday. Have a great day and thank you for all the info you provide. M”

PHILADELPHIA IS SOLD OUT
http://www.ty.com/Philadelphia_Bear_soldout

ASK TY 
Q: How often do you pop into a local Beanie retail store, just to see what is on their shelves? (submitted by ty-dye-beanie) 
A: I visit a store at least once a week. I enjoy talking Beanies with store owners, customers and especially children ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

July 22, 2004
CHICAGO ADDED
Chicago is now listed on the CURRENTS section at Ty.com: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4561

BEANIE CALENDAR UPDATED
I've just finished updating the Beanie Birthday Calendar: http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieCalendar.htm 

RETIREMENTS
True & I Love New York (retail version) have retired: http://www.ty.com/072204_Retirements

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
Dotti writes: “Hi, Lisa! What is the story on Union the bear with a black nose? Were they shipped with the flag nose beanies or are they a new release. Do you know? I have yet to see any black nose ones in my area of New Jersey. I was able to get Grizzwald from an area retailer, but have gotten Ratzo from EBay. I have noticed that each of my area retailers gets a different variety of beanies in their shipments. Each retailer has different beanies from the others. Very interesting. Has anyone seen Texas yet? Thanks, Dotti”

<my comments: Union with flag nose is a USA Exclusive and the black-nosed Union is available all over. Union with flag nose was officially introduced on May 28th for the June releases. On the May 31^st news I posted a picture of the black-nosed version from Mark in Singapore. I would assume that both versions were out at the same time. :o)

I'm glad you were able to get Ratzo and Grizzwald. These have proven to be a challenge for many to obtain. I'm not sure about Texas yet. Perhaps one of my readers can help you with this question.

PHILADELPHIA LISTED
Philadelphia is now listed under the CURRENTS section at Ty.com: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=4541

McDonald's(R) Celebrates 25 Years of Happy Meals With the Return of Ty Teenie Beanie Babies(R)
Popular Happy Meal(R) Toys Return to Commemorate 25 Years of Happiness Through McDonald's Happy Meals
OAK BROOK, Ill., July 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- McDonald's® Happy Meals have changed the way families enjoy dinner out together and to celebrate this quarter century of fun, McDonald's is offering Ty Teenie Beanie Babies in Happy Meals beginning July 23 through August 19. The Happy Birthday Happy Meal® will signal the return of the hugely popular Ty Teenie Beanie Babies, this time dressed up as beloved McDonald's icons and McDonaldland® characters past and present. McDonald's patrons will receive one of 12 new Ty Teenie Beanie Babies in special birthday Happy Meals at participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide, while supplies last.

This collection of Ty Teenie Beanie Babies will be a new incarnation of long-time McDonaldland character favorites such as Ronald McDonald® the Bear, Birdie® the Bear, Hamburglar® the Bear and Grimace® the Bear. Other TY Teenie Beanie Babies showcase tasty favorites like Burger the Bear, McNuggets® the Bear, Shake the Bear and Fries the Bear. Familiar McDonald's icons are represented with Golden Arches the Bear, Happy Meal® the Bear and Big Red Shoe the Bear. And finally, a special Happy Meal 25th Bear will be emblazoned with the 25th Anniversary Happy Meal logo to commemorate this milestone. VIEW FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

Conquering Crouzon Syndrome
Whitefish 7-year-old battles rare congenital defect

Troops repay workers' kindness
Hospital staff sent packages to Iraq
POMONA - The switchboard operators at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center have reached out across several time zones, sending care packages to a group of soldiers in Iraq.

Recently, those soldiers sent the women a special care package of their own.

Operator Sharon Keegan was on duty in the telecommunications department the day a package arrived for "the Switchboard Ladies," as the 17 servicemen refer to the women. Inside was an American flag, but it was no ordinary flag. The soldiers enclosed a certificate stating it had been flown over Iraq while on board a reconnaissance helicopter of the Army's 1st Battalion, Alpha Company on May 20, 2004. 

Also included in the package were more than 50 Beanie Babies Escobar purchased at the hospital gift shop for distribution to Iraqi children.

In early June, the troops sent back a compact disc loaded with pictures of themselves, giving the women a chance to see the faces of the young soldiers.

Next, the women sent sunblock. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

COLLECTION FOR SALE
From time to time when someone is in need financially I try and help out by listing bits in the newsletter. Here is one such bit from someone that I’ve had dealings with in the past so I know she can be trusted.. This is why I’m letting you, my readers, know.

Betty writes: “Hi, I am going thru some though times now and I am getting out of beanie collecting. I have thought about it and realize that I need the money more than I need the beanies.

If anyone is interested in seeing my list, please email me at lovabledes@aol.com please put BEANIES FOR SALE in subject line. I will send you a list of what I have. Thanks, Betty/Desi”

July 21, 2004
CONFIRMATION OF QUARTERLY RELEASES
Brenda writes: "I talked to one of my TY Retailers, was told that TY 'has changed' his releases.  They will be 'quarterly', like he used to release them....with surprises, etc. being released during the months in between.  I'm thinking at TY's Ty Store, probably.  Or; they will appear, mysteriously, in the TY Retailer's Stores/Shops to 'surprise' the collectors with un-announced beanies.  LOL 

There will, also, be quicker retirements, too. TY is trying to make his beanies 'more valuable' for collectors, besides to himself, much like things used to be before he tried retiring from making beanies.

There will be more WWF beanies to be announced/released, yet to come. Boy; I'm sure not going to buy all the releases, that TY plans to release.  I'd have to be rich, to do that! Rich, I'm not! LOL"

ALSO: This was posted on June 30th news
TY LETTER SENT TO RETAILERS - “D” shares with Ms. Janie: http://www.msjanie.com/2004_photos/D_Ty_June_2004_Letter.html

SHeL writes: "Hi Lisa In regard to Brenda' message: Mr Warner is about to learn the lesson, "You cannot go back" Leave the barn door open and cows, horses and chickens will run out. Even the bears !!! Hugs, SHeL"
 
RATZO rumors - supposedly, there were... 
sonora2 (Jul 20, 2004, 04:10 PM) 
Message Id: 781776 
sonora2 writes: major manufacturing problems in the production of this rat. Some were produced and shipped, but then they decided they were too much trouble so they became "sold out" and then retired. That may have been part of the reason for early retirement, but I'm wondering if they didn't have second thoughts on that pom pom nose. I'm lucky enough to own one, and it looks to me like it would be very easy for a toddler to chew off that nose and choke. You never know what a baby's going to do, and maybe TY decided better safe than sorry. VIEW MESSAGE HERE

Hallmark Exclusives for Christmas
blacknwhite (Jul 20, 2004, 03:08 PM) 
Message Id: 781711 
blacknwhite writes: According to news on SmartCollecting there will be 3 new beanie bears only at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores for Christmas. "Peace"-red with gold wings,"Joy"-green with gold wings and "Love"-white with gold wings. They sound beautiful so lets hope this is true! VIEW MESSAGE HERE

McDonald's Happy Meals(R) Change With Time, Over 25 Years of Commitment to Children
Take a Look at McDonald's Happy Meals Now and Then
NEW YORK, July 21 /PRNewswire/ -- From Barbie® to Buzz Lightyear® -- to burgers and Chicken McNuggets® -- and now Apple Dippers® and milk, McDonald's Happy Meals® have been evolving with time and answering to children's entertainment and menu choice needs for 25 years. The McDonald's Happy Meal, the most successful children's menu item in restaurant history, celebrates its 25th anniversary this month and new additions to its menu. The 25th anniversary Happy Meal will be available in the New York Tri-State Area beginning July 23.

Remember when you were a kid in the back seat of your mom's station wagon begging, "Mom, puhleaaase can we stop at McDonald's for a Happy Meal? I have to have the new Grimace Squid & Scuba Diver toy and a cheeseburger." These days it might be more like Tony Hawk's Boom Boom Huck Jam, but the desire for the hottest new toy is the same, and The Happy Meal phenomenon has become undoubtedly a kids' culture icon.

To commemorate the 25th anniversary of McDonald's® Happy Meals, McDonald's is offering Ty Teenie Beanie Babies in Happy Meals beginning July 23 through August 19. The Happy Birthday Happy Meal® will signal the return of the hugely popular Ty Teenie Beanie Babies, this time dressed up as beloved McDonald's icons and McDonaldland® characters past and present. An instant success with kids and collectors, the first Ty Teenie Beanie Babies were offered in April 1997. As a result of the overwhelming demand, McDonald's continued the tradition of offering Ty Teenie Beanie Babies annually through the year 2000.

McDonald's patrons will receive one of 12 new Ty Teenie Beanie Babies in special birthday Happy Meals at participating McDonald's restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. This collection of Ty Teenie Beanie Babies will be a new incarnation of long-time McDonaldland character favorites such as Ronald McDonald® the Bear, Birdie® the Bear, Hamburglar® the Bear and Grimace® the Bear. A special Happy Meal 25th Bear will be emblazoned with the 25th Anniversary Happy Meal logo to commemorate this milestone.

WHAT YOU'LL GET: 
* Highlights from the 25th Anniversary of McDonald's Happy Meals celebration 
* Footage of the new Happy Birthday Happy Meals(R) with Ty Teenie Beanie Babies dressed up as beloved McDonald's icons and McDonaldland(R) characters past and present. 
* Historical footage of popular Happy Meal promotions (1979-present). VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

2,000 different races, one finish line
Some, like Dan Nowowiejski of Broomfield, rode for the challenge. Others, like 11-year-old Andy Richardson of Boulder, rode for fun.

Some, like Mary Curto of Aurora, rode by themselves. Others, like Doreen Rogers of Centennial, rode with their spouse, while still others peddled along with friends or siblings or their grandparents.

Some wore matching team outfits. Others wore small beanie babies atop their helmets or fake plastic butt cheeks over their spandex shorts. There were even some like Ted Hibbs of Westminster, who, after peddling on unforgiving pavement in the mountains for three days, sang his way across the finish line.

Everyone rode for the cause. 

At the 15th annual Courage Classic Saturday, Sunday and Monday, approximately 2,000 moms, dads, husbands, wives, sons, daughters, grandmothers, granddads, friends, acquaintances and teammates pushed their peddles for a number of reasons, but none more important than raising money for Children's Hospital. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CONTEST AT BEANIEMOTION
Darlene writes: “Hi Lisa, Beaniemotion is having a contest at: www.beaniemotion.com

I am always losing my Himmie named "Sadie" somewhere in the house so this "Find Sadie" contest is about finding her on the web site. Please tell your reader's to check it out. Thank You, Darlene”

July 20, 2004
NEW CHUBBLEYS ARRIVE (these will sell out QUICKLY!)
Message from La Rue: The Summer 2004 Chubbleys have arrived at Kansas Brass & Pewter. I have added comments on the new arrivals and was thrilled to see that each Chubbley was individually wrapped in plastic bags. http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/cb.html

We will be gone from Wednesday through the weekend and will answer comments or questions when we get back.

NEW LOOSE-NECK ANIMALS ARRIVE (TOO CUTE!)
Do check out the new LOOSE-NECKS turtles, turkeys and animals and new shipment of CARE BEARS. It has been a busy time at Kansas Brass & Pewter. LOOSE-NECKS: http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/turtles.html

NEW CARE BEARS ARRIVE
CARE BEARS: http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/carebears.html

CAN ANYONE CONFIRM...
I was talking to a lady that does the ordering of Ty products at the local Hallmark about the quick retirements of Ratzo and Grizzwald. She stated that she didn't even order these two Beanies partly due to the changes in ordering parameters put forth by Ty, Inc. and she also said that to her, Grizzwald looked too much like other bears so she didn't think they should order him. Apparently she was told by her Ty rep that Beanies are only going to be released once a quarter now. According to this lady there won't be any monthly releases like we've been having for a long while. Perhaps this is why there were so many released at one time on June 30th! Can anyone confirm with their stores or Ty reps if this is true?

A Speed Demon Called eBay Motors
"You get a good deal, and it's safer," says Simon Rothman, general manager of the auction giant's fastest-growing category

In April, 2000, when eBay (EBAY ) started selling used cars, skeptics thought the online auction giant had gone too far. Buying collectibles sight unseen was one thing, but purchasing an automobile on the Web? That would never work.

It turns out people are just as willing to bid for used cars as they are for Beanie Babies. In fact, last month, eBay Motors sold its 1 millionth car. And with 12 million auto shoppers daily, eBay is the most-trafficked site of its kind, beating out Yahoo Autos (YHOO ), AOL Autos (TWX ), Cars.com, and AutoTrader.com. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

July 19, 2004
PHILADELPHIA GIFT SHOW REPORT
Linda shares the following: "Hello! I attended the Philadelphia gift show today. Lots of walking and soooo much to see; toys, jewelry, lamps, books, clothing, purses, candles, china, art, ribbons, novelties etc. All your favorite gift shops in one place. Of course my first and most important stop was the Ty booth. The display was adorable as usual. I saw a "Philadelphia" display with many of the I love (heart) Philadelphia bears; similar color as Millennium, arranged with a miniature Liberty Bell, replica of the Declaration of Independence, a book about Benjamin Franklin and the like. All the Pluffies and Punkies were on the wood Ty shelves that you see in Hallmark stores. The remainder of the line were on circular disks attached to a center post. The shelving was in several pastel colors. The baby line is very cute-not necessarily for collectors but most assuredly for babies. Very soft and cuddly. I kept looking for Ratso as I haven't seen him anywhere. A Ty rep asked if he could help me and he took me to Ratso which was in a Ty plastic box. He picked it up and took the lid off and said to take it out which I gladly did. Ratso is a pretty lavender with a darker, almost purple pompon nose and has a soft cord tail. Displayed alongside him was Grizzwald, also in a plastic case. I inquired about the shipping of Ratso and was told stores received one or the other of the retired styles but they still may ship. He asked if I was a good Ty customer and of course I told him I am so he rewarded me with a Ty pin and a Ty pen. My second favorite thing was walking around and sampling the gourmet food items from soup to dips to desserts! I hope this helps. Linda"

July 18, 2004
I LOVE CANADA
Beaniefan writes: "Latest is that there will be a new I Love Canada bear shown at the Toronto Show!!"

Group raises $1 million for 'creature comforts'
Four years ago, Connie Los signed adoption papers and ever since she and an extended "family" numbering in the hundreds have been busy raising their baby – the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan.

Actually, they have been raising money – more than $1 million – for the flattop, which arrives at its San Diego home port Friday with a crew of 3,000 men and women.

Los and her group are members of the Navy League's Santa Barbara chapter, which has adopted the Navy's newest carrier and taken the responsibility of providing extra amenities for the ship's crew.

"It's for the quality of life – to make the Ronald Reagan a home away for home for the sailors," said Los, the chapter's president. "I've come to respect what these (Navy) families go through."

While Santa Barbara has no naval base and the carrier will be based in San Diego, adopting the Reagan was a natural, Los said.

Santa Barbara is between the former Reagan ranch and the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Plus, the community and California boasts many Reagan family friends and admirers.

To help the crew and their families, the 900-member chapter has garnered donations and bought hundreds of items for the ship, said Lynda Marino, who is in charge of fund raising.

"The government builds a warship with all the technical bells and whistles for warfare but there are certain creature comforts the Navy doesn't provide," she said.

"It's all about making time spent on the ship a little more comfortable," Marino said.

Thanks to the chapter, the Reagan already has received 29 computers, plasma televisions, dinner china for 750, two 15-passenger vans to transport sailors around a base or town, silver service for 72, exercise equipment, an antique brass ship's bell, playing cards, carpeting, stained glass windows and many other items.

The library has been turned into an Internet cafe for crew members to send and receive e-mails from home. A 50-seat theater has been created, centered around a 50-inch plasma-screen television – courtesy of the Santa Barbara chapter.

"They've been extremely generous," said Capt. Andres Brugal, the Reagan's executive officer. "It makes life on board the Ronald Reagan that much more special."

There's more to come.

Murals depicting Reagan's life as an actor, governor and president will be painted for dining areas. More TVs and computers are likely. Musical instruments, sound amplifiers and red carpets for ceremonies are on the list. And, Marino said, money is being set aside for achievement awards for sailors and officers and to support the families of fallen Reagan sailors.

All that doesn't come cheap.

Much of the $1 million raised so far has come from the sale of Beanie Babies.

Profits from the sale of a special-edition cuddly toy – a commemorative bear donning a sailor's Dixie-cup hat, a blue neckerchief and "USS Ronald Reagan" logo – go to the group from Ty Inc., whose chairman is a Santa Barbara resident.

Ty Warner, the toy's creator, already has handed over $600,000.

The chapter also has tapped foundations and prominent friends of the Reagan family for donations. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Assembly-Line Creativity
Build -a-Bear
Long ago, people used to make things. Now we buy things -- often things that are made on the other side of the planet by someone we will never meet, through a process we don't really understand. As a veteran retail executive, Maxine Clark has witnessed the reality of this system; she has, for instance, seen teddy bear factories in China. When she started her own company, in 1997, it occurred to her that it might be a good idea to reverse this trend and transport some part of the manufacturing process to a different location: the mall.

The teddy bear -- not some breakthrough gizmo or hip fashion item -- would be the centerpiece for her plan. Build-a-Bear Workshop now has 154 stores in malls all across the country and 2003 revenues of $213 million. It has sold more than 20 million stuffed animals, all through a process that converts manufacturing into hands-on entertainment for the kids. In May, the International Council of Shopping Centers gave the stores one of its ''Hot Retailers'' awards.

Clark, formerly the president of Payless Shoe Source, says two incidents inspired her. One was a 10-year-old girl of her acquaintance complaining of being unable to find a certain Beanie Baby at the height of that craze and declaring that, really, she could probably make one herself. This, in turn, reminded Clark of the excitement she'd witnessed among kids getting a tour of a bakery. And thus: access to the means of production becomes interactive retail entertainment. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Bad Dogs Do Good
SCARED SILLY: We've entered the summer doldrums, and the folks at City Hall must be really bored. Why else would they be talking about leasing radio personality and on-air scold Dr. Laura a second-story, ocean view, city-owned broom closet located on top of the candy store on Stearns Wharf, from which she can broadcast her daily diatribes. Someone's clearly looking to unleash the tempest in our teapot, and this will do it. I must admit, Dr. Laura is a taste I have yet to acquire. As near as I can tell, her show is designed to appeal to emotional flagellants afflicted with an insatiable appetite for public humiliation and to the voyeurs who like to watch, or in this case, listen. As such Dr. Laura plays the tongue-lashing, spike-heeled dominatrix in a sadomasochistic passion play that masquerades as a tribute to traditional values. Chief among Dr. L's targets for moral disapproval are gay and lesbian people. She calls their relationships "biological errors," their practices "deviant," and suggests gay men are unusually prone to pedophiliac predations. She has even objected to the term "gay," arguing that it white-washes the reality of homosexuality in the same way "ethnic cleansing" soft-soaps genocide. I don't know what you're reading this summer, but in my book that qualifies as "B Is for Bigot."

One stumbling block Dr. Laura will confront is a city policy stating that all city lessees shall conduct their business in a non-discriminatory manner with regard to race, creed, color, and sexual orientation. Whether Dr. Laura's homophobic nastiness meets the strict letter of this law, or merely the spirit, is something that lawyers can quibble about for decades. What's incontrovertible, however, is that Dr. Laura's deal violates the fundamental social covenant that's made Santa Barbara what it is today. I was shocked that Barney "Scoop" Brantingham did not see fit to mention this fact when he broke the story last week. Of all people, he should know. Santa Barbara has a binding pact with rich and famous people who move here that, in exchange for peace, quiet, and above all, privacy, they agree to lie low, shut up, give lots and lots of money, and laugh at all of Larry Crandell's jokes. A prime example is Beanie Baby Mogul Ty Warner. Okay, it's true he started the food fight at the Coral Casino, but he also spends millions on feel-good projects that benefit the whole community, not just a few rich folks. In exchange, we've all agreed to pretend we don't see Warner and to allow Warner to pretend he's not being seen. That's how it's done, Dr. Laura, so get a clue. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

JACK NICKLAUS SIGNED CHARITEE BEANIE ON AUCTION
There is a Jack Nicklaus ChariTee Beanie Baby on auction currently. One bid of $250 has been placed with just under 3 days remaining. 

Partial auction description: Net proceeds from the sale of this item will be split between Jack's selected charity and The First Tee. The First Tee was established to impact the lives of young people around the world by creating affordable and accessible golf facilities primarily to serve those who have not previously had exposure to the game and its positive values.

NOTE: I had hoped that something like this would come with a certificate of authenticity but that isn't included anywhere in the auction listing. I'm curious to see what this bear will sell for. VIEW AUCTION HERE

July 16, 2004
RETIREMENTS
Mukluk, Tangles, Chopstix, Pinata, Class of 2004, Color Me Beanies (4), Corsage, and Fins http://www.ty.com/071604_Retirements

COMMENTS ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY OF THE JULY RELEASES
Marc writes: "My local store received most but not all of the July Beanies this past week, including UGLY Ratzo :P which I passed on. I figured since I mainly get just the bears and with Teenies coming out next Friday, I didn't want to spend $$$ on ones I don't like or want (even if it was retired already). The only ones I wanted this time are the bears and only 2 of the 5 bears were sent(no Chili or Huntley). So I got Whittle & Deutschland. I called one Hallmark on Wed. & they didn't get ANY in yet. When I spoke to my retailer on Wed., he called both Ty Inc. & the Ty rep. and neither had any info. on if/when the others would be sent. Grizzwald is "back-ordered" which means it may or may not ship, being a retired product. Anyone actually find Grizzwald yet? Maybe some people like the faster retirements, but at least SHIP them first to give us a chance to get them. :P"

July 15, 2004
Any Soldier Inc. Shows Support for Deployed Troops
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2004 -- A family's show of support for their deployed son has evolved into a nationwide drive that a commander deployed to Afghanistan said "epitomizes all that is good in the American people."

Recognizing that their son, Army Sgt. Brian Horn, a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, was living under very harsh conditions after parachuting into Iraq last March, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Marty Horn and his wife, Sue, began sending him care packages as often as they could.

Horn requested additional packages for his fellow soldiers who weren't getting any, and soon his parents were asking their friends and neighbors in LaPlata, Md., to send packages to their son, too. Horn agreed to distribute them to soldiers who weren't getting mail.

The "overwhelming and nearly monumental" show of support "has provided the simple reminder that any one of us would proudly die for a grateful nation in our ongoing fight against terrorism," said Horn, who has redeployed from Iraq to his unit headquarters in Vicenza, Italy. There, he and his fellow soldiers are preparing for another deployment after the Christmas holidays — this time to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Any Soldier Inc.'s Web site lists supplies that deployed troops need, such as prepackaged food, T-shirts and even Beanie Babies that they can give to local children. The site provides specific information about how and where to send packages.

According to Lt. Col. Rick Mullen, commanding officer of a Marine Corps aviation unit in Afghanistan, these gifts have a "deeply humbling effect on the individual Marines in our squadron." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Happy Meal reaches milestone
In the summer of 1979, the McDonald's Corp. launched a new menu item aimed at making children and their parents happy, and cementing future generations of happy, fast-food eaters.

They called it the Happy Meal.

Back then, the marketing powers figured what would draw children to the meal was the box, so they shaped the first one like a circus train car. Inside was a hamburger and french fries. As an afterthought, they threw in a plastic toy.

Next Friday, a special commemorative birthday toy will be introduced. Officials with the company remain tight-lipped, saying the toy's identity is a closely guarded corporate secret.

"It's always been all about the toy," says Laura Dihel, a spokeswoman for McDonald's.

Perhaps never was that statement more true than in 1997. Even McDonald's was taken aback by the near fanatical response to its Happy Meal promotion that spring.

Actually, it was the doll tucked inside called a Teeny Beanie Baby that fueled the madness. The larger Beanie Baby plush toys already had stormed the market.

Across the country, patrons lined up in the predawn hours before McDonald's opened to snag as many Happy Meals as possible just for the "babies." Sometimes, the food, untouched, was ditched in the nearest trash can.

Before long, restaurants began posting limits of 10 Happy Meals per customer.

"I don't think anyone saw that one coming," Dihel says.

Even from the beginning, the Happy Meal toy seemed destined for American icon status.

Six months after the initial launch, McDonald's began tying its toys to hit kid movies and TV series, as well as popular games. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NOW LISTED AT TY STORE
Display cases are now listed for sale at $3 each. http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore 

ASK TY
Q: How often do you pop into a local Beanie retail store, just to see what is on their shelves? (submitted by ty-dye-beanie)
A: I visit a store at least once a week. I enjoy talking Beanies with store owners, customers and especially children ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home 

DAD-e RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

July 14, 2004
M.C. Beanie III to retire soon?
La Rue shares the following:
Time is running out! Don't miss your opportunity to receive our exclusive M.C. III™ Beanie Baby before it retires.

Dear Friend,

This may be your last chance to receive M.C. Beanie III™ , created exclusively for the Ty^® MasterCard^® Rewards Program just for applying and using your new Ty MasterCard credit card for the first time when you make a qualifying purchase. If you already have a Ty MasterCard credit card, just call MBNA^® to redeem 1,500 points for your very own M.C. Beanie III before it retires.

To apply now — just click here .

The Ty MasterCard credit card comes with a low introductory 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR)+ on cash advance checks and balance transfers.⁺

The Ty MasterCard Rewards Program is easy to use and even easier to enjoy:

• Receive M.C. Beanie III just for using your card the first time for a qualifying transaction
• We'll automatically send you a specially selected, exclusive Beanie Baby every anniversary year of your credit card account when you accumulate $5,000 in new net retail purchases⁺
• Every purchase you make using your Ty MasterCard credit card earns you points that are redeemable for specially selected Beanie Babies and other Ty-branded merchandise⁺
• This offer expires soon, so request your Ty MasterCard today.
• It's easy, online, and secure—just go to apply online right now! click here !

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Ty

P.S. Simply hit the "forward" button to send this offer to a friend you think might be interested. Thank you!

TO APPLY, YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE AND A CITIZEN OF THE UNITED STATES OR A LEGAL U.S. RESIDENT.

+ For rate, fee, and other cost information, and details about the Ty MasterCard Rewards Program associated with the use of the card; or to apply, click on http://www.applyonlinenow.com/us/HQ5S-A000001NEJ and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit card application.

If you have inquiries or comments, please write to us at MBNA America Bank, N.A., P.O. Box 15266, 1100 North King Street, Wilmington, DE 19850.

Copyright 2004 Ty Inc.

A revival takes shape at a corner in Beverly