June 2002 News Archives

ASK TY
Q: Why do you retire Beanies? Why can't you just keep them all current? (submitted by Elektra King)
A: I think retiring Beanie Babies makes them even more special. Besides . . . . How else would I make room for all the new Beanies ? http://www.tytrade.com/askty_home

WORLD CUP CHAMPION BRAZIL RETIRES
http://retirement.ty.com/Brazil_retired

More plush, stuffed and bean bag toys are bought as gifts
From: Bean eWonderland
The plush market has been reeling since Ty announced the official retirement of the Beanie Babies product line, only to retract that decision shortly after the announcement. The latest consumer research for this year's plush report shows clearly where the new opportunity in the plush business is and that is gifts," says Pam Danziger, president of Unity Marketing and author of the new book Why People Buy Things They Don't Need (Ithaca, NY: Paramount Market Publishing, 2002). "Nearly 80% of consumers buy plush to give as a gift. Retailers and manufacturers should be targeting the plush gift market as the best way to overcome the current stagnation in plush sales. Full Story:

BEAN SCENE CONTEST
Suzi shares the following:
The Bean Scene, A popular Australian beanie site is having a contest, and the prize is a copy of Simple Bookkeeping for Beanbag Collectors computer software. It is a Beanbag tracking program on CD. The contest starts July 1, 2002. So stop by The Bean Scene and check it out.

-=June 28, 2002=-
SPECIAL NOTE: I will be out of town from noon Friday, June 28th - ???. We are going to a family reunion at my Dad's house. I am excited as I will see people I've not seen since I was a little girl. :o) I hope you will continue to use the information pages while I am away. I recommend you get your updated Ty news from: Ms. Janie, Bean eWonderland, Doodle's Page, and Beanieholics.

STATELY BEARS ARRIVE
La Rue shares the following:
"Four of the thirteen newly released Stately Bears (Myrtle, the Alabama Bear; Nature, the Arkansas Bear; Goldy, the California Bear and Arabetta, the Iowa Bear) have arrived and can place orders for them. The others will be announced upon arrival. La Rue at Kansas Brass & Pewter http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/sb.html"

Robin writes:
"Lisa - I have a question for you regarding the new Ty Trade Beanie kids.

Last week I bought the two outfits that these new kids are wearing. I believe they fit on Beanie Boppers the outfits, don't they? They look EXACTLY like the beanie kids pictured. What's the point in buying these if you already have the outfits and you can just put them on your own beanie kids and or boppers? What am I missing here? Hope to hear back from you in time to order if I need to. This is all very confusing to me!!!"

My comments to Robin: "I haven't a clue. They appear to be the same as what's being sold already and the Beanie Kids are the same too. LOL"

Robin writes: "oh thank you so much for validating that for me!!!!
It's Blondie I think or one other kid with reddish hair I think.

I was at a hospital gift shop a few weeks ago and they had a couple Beanie BOPPERS dressed in these same outfits. You could buy them like that - I believe for $13.00 or you could buy the Ty Gear separate (which I did) because when I added up the price of the Ty Gear (Uncle Sam and the girls gear) with the BOPPERS separately they were less expensive than if I bought the BOPPER already dressed. Now these might be smaller clothes because they are on the KIDS instead of the BOPPERS - but I'm not gonna buy what I can already get in the store even if it is tinier. I'm sure the Ty Gear can be put on the kids. In fact isn't that what the Ty Gear was originally made for - the Beanie Kids?

I'm quite sure that at the hospital gift shop the outfits were on the BOPPERS because I remember that one of them was Lovely Lili. I wonder if the ones on Ty Trade are just a bit smaller than ones at the store.

Lisa - you know - if you buy them at a store separately, you get their original clothes and the outfits so that is probably a better deal than Ty Trade. I imagine the Ty Gear outfits must be a different size than the ones that come on Ty Trade. Who knows. But I think I'm passing on this selection on Ty Trade? What are u going to do? Go out of town and forget the whole thing? Ha ha ha. Robin"

GEORGE the UK EXCLUSIVE CHUBBLEY BEAR CONTEST WINNER ANNOUNCED ~
Planet Beans Contest Page

-=June 27, 2002=-
BEANIES ON MTV CRIBS
Jen writes:
"Why I was watching it I do not know, but tonight while watching an episode of Cribs on Mtv I saw Beanies in the room of Kelly, Ozzy Osbourns daughter. She said she likes to collect things like beanie babies. I saw Wrinkles, Hope beanie and Hope Buddy. There were a few others but I did not catch them! It is amazing where you will see the little bean filled guys!"

Message From Underground Bean
From: Bean eWonderland
Hi everyone, as you know, Mr. UGB and I are on vacation and will be for another 3 days but we found out, only by accident that our server has taken a dive while we have been gone and there is no way to fix it from here. So, until we return back to UGB HQ, we are dead in the water. But don't worry, as soon as we return we will get it back up and running and it will look like we haven't missed a beat, until then, take a break from beanie life and get your bearings a bit and get ready for a good time when we return ... we have lots of news to share. Thanks to the folks at Bean E Wonderland for allowing us to post a small message to you guys, our loyal eaders so that you know we didn't go on vacation and forget to come back. Mr & Mrs UGB The Underground Bean

Extra Fare for Fat Folk Are Flighty
From: Bean eWonderland
The following article likens airline seats to being built for Beanie Babies on diets when tackling the issue of extra charges being made for larger individuals wishing to fly with Southwest Airlines, View Here:

TEDDY BEAR ANNIVERSARY COIN
Andree shares the following with Ms. Janie
From auctions on eBay, I see that there was a gold coin given to people ordering at the Dallas show celebrating the Teddy Bear Anniversary. The picture is awful, but maybe you can get the word out and we can have a clear picture of both the front and the back. Would be a nice piece to go with the Classic and Beanie! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1744442391

THANK YOU ED GREEN
Thanks to Ed I was able to update the Style Numbers page. I may still be missing some style numbers which I will update when I can. There are lots of blanks in the Beanie section but I'm unsure if there are any Beanie names to be filled in those spaces.

-=June 26, 2002=-
NEW STYLE NUMBERS PAGE: http://www.planetbeans.com/StyleNumbers.htm
I could use some help with the style numbers that I'm missing for Beanies. I haven't totally updated the Buddies yet but will get to it soon. I will need your help with the newest Buddies.

KICKS™ & Wynton - the ultimate soccer duo
From: Ms. Janie
Soccer fans and Beanie Babies® collectors around the world now have the opportunity to own one of the world's hottest collector's items - KICKS™ - a Beanie Baby® autographed by Oceania Player of the Century, Wynton Rufer.
http://www.msjanie.com/temp/Wynton.html

HARRY & AUGUST
RINGGGO shares the following with Ms. Janie
I just found out from a retailer who went to the Dallas Show that both HARRY & new AUGUST are the old style Ty bear like Glory, Celebrate, Mum, etc.
August is a solid green similar to the last year's August head color, has a Birthday hat with colorful streamers coming out of it & a present on his chest with AUGUST on it. Anniversary TEDDY Beanie & Classic have a very collectible medallion around his neck. One side says 1902- 2002 with Teddy Roosevelt's picture & the other side has a picture of a Teddy Bear. They are definitely only available to order at the summer shows. HARRY is also the old style bear & is a brown or gray color, he couldn't quite remember. Could he be named for Harry Truman? Besides the bears, he was most impressed with Gizmo & the Teenie Boppers. Overall he just loved the new Beanies & all the new Ty items!

BEANIES ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA
Dee shares the following with Ms. Janie
On Good Morning America today-6-25- on the "conjoined twins" segment.. There were Ty beanies-beak, and Hol. Teddy 2000 and another that I couldn't see well. The Dr. picked up Beak several times and put it down by the baby(ies), with a good camera close-up. Very exciting! Dee

CHUBBLEY NEWS
Introducing PAWS ~ http://www.chubbleybears.co.uk/chubbley_new_releases.html
An image has also been placed of Sovereign and Half Sovereign

-=June 25, 2002=-
JUNE RETIREMENTS ~ http://retirement.ty.com/JuneRetirements
BEANIE BABIES: Frolic, Giganto, Mum, and Tracks
BEANIE BUDDIES: Cinders
ATTIC TREASURES: Dad
BEANIE KIDS: Precious

PLANET BEANS PRICE GUIDES
I've removed the prices from the Ty2001 and Ty2002 pages. Meta Exchange has changed therefore the price tags didn't show up so what's the purpose of having them up there?! LOL I've also removed the Issy Price Guide, Champion Beanie & Buddy Price Guides from the Beanie Info pages. Do you want me to keep up with the Ty2002 Beanie & Buddy pages which will show you the release dates on one page?! If you don't need me to keep those pages update, it will be one last thing I have to do. ;o)

Planet Beans Comments: I've received a handful of requests to keep the Ty2002 pages updated so I will do so. I've updated them to include all of the releases for this year. Now I need to work on the Style Numbers page. ;o)

-=June 24, 2002=-
EXCITING CHUBBLEY CORNERS NEWS
Kathie shares the following:
"Well all myself, Jen and Nicole along with help from alot of people are ready to tell you all of the exciting Chubbley Corners News! With all the problems msn is giving us lately and members not being able to log on or get into chat , we have decided to make Chubbley Corners a domain site. We will still be keeping msn CC for a while but we would like to welcome you to www.chubbleycorners.com please come check out the new site . There are many new pages added and many fun chubbley things to do. We may have a few glitches to work out in the first few weeks but I am sure you will all find this much better. Please post your views on our new message board. Just click on the drop down menu on the welcome page to visit all the corners of the site. We will be running up coming contests and following the travels of George."

Devotees are sold on eBay
From: Bean eWonderland
Though eBay is admired for its innovative service, it's this kind of passion that many consider the company's secret weapon. The site is a national flea market, where 50 million people exchanged everything from buttons to Beanie Babies to bloomers - to the tune of $9.3 billion - last year alone. Yet, for many of its members, eBay is more than commerce, it's a club. Those separated by geography are united by interest. "There is such a feeling of community," Bazley says.

Though these devotees are the envy of many retailers, they have left eBay in a delicate position. More "PowerSellers" now use the service as a full-time business, and some critics fear that the community will be leveled for a strip mall. Like ardent fans of an indie rock band that just made "TRL," they accuse eBay of selling out. Full Story

Fake Beanies
From: Beanieholics
So you take your kids to a dollar store and they find Ty Beanie Babies. That takes you by surprise so naturally, you check them out. Upon closer inspection you realize these are not Ty items after all. They just look like they are. This happened to one of our readers and they share pictures of the imposter Beanie Babies they found. Click Here For More

Thanks for the info, Sandra. I looked through quite a few of the Major League Baseball sites the other day, but somehow missed that one. It looks like there may be one, sponsored by Jiffy Lube. The Houston Astros site (under promotions) reads:

-=June 22, 2002=-
Ask Ty
Q. Will you give us a hint what the next MasterCard Beanie Baby will be? (submitted by CHERI52)
A. O.K. Here's your hint . . . . .
For purchases both ___ ___ ____
From on the web or ___ ___ ____
Ty's MasterCard is ___ ___ ____
To buy the things ___ ___ ____
And . . . how about TySilk ?
http://www.tytrade.com/askty_home

Wake Up Call
From: Bean eWonderland
The following email was received today from a parent who has asked that I pass it on to the people responsible for making beanie babies and to share with other readers:

Hi Just thought I'd drop a note of thanks to you for the fire retardent nature of your products. I know its government regulations - but this morning we got a stark reminder as to why and so we consider ourselves fortunate to still be here.

Unbeknown to my wife and I, my eight year old daughter, Laura's flouresent night light failed last night and so she decided to switch on her normal 60 Watt bedside light instead. The trouble was it was too bright so "Rafaella", who sleeps with her in bed, gets put on top the light shade.

We've just been awoken by Laura cradling Rafaella with a very black and charred backside and a broken leg where the plastic tie between leg and body had melted. Thanks to your design it just charred and didn't ignite. If it had caught fire, because of its closeness to Laura I'm sure she would have been injured even if our smoke detector had eventually gone off. So this morning was definately a "wake up call" and my thanks and regards to your design team. Colin Christopher.

MARILYN'S SOAR BEANIES
I was "wearing" my daughter's cockatiel who is staying for the weekend when I opened the box of Soar beanies....I saw 8 golden feet sticking up at me & pulled one out at random & heard a little cockatiel voice say, "Pretty Bird!" I admit he says this often, but I'll take an appropriate comment when I get it. The other box I opened from non-label end & sure enough....four little heads sticking up on top. Perhaps a better way to open the box. I wondered if perhaps the wings might be switched as a variation, but mine, at least are all starred or striped on the same side. The split tail is different. So here is my first Soar! Marilyn http://www.msjanie.com/temp/marilyn_soar.html

MS. JANIE HAS THE REPORT
Diane shares her report with Ms. Janie
"Punkies have long hair about 2" and each hair seems to be spaced far apart. Very different, cute! I LIKE THEM AND THINK THEY WILL SELL WELL."
http://www.msjanie.com/temp/dallas_show_report_2002.html

-=June 20, 2002=-
SERVER PROBLEMS
I'm sorry for all of the problems Planet Beans has been having these past few days with the server. I have been in contact with the host company a number of times during these few days. One of the servers is going bad and they had to transfer all of the info from that server to another. When transferring Planet Beans they found it stopped at June 14th for some reason. They had to go back to the old server and put all of the info that was missing onto another server then put it back together with the other info. In the process I lost the new Style Numbers page I was working so back to the drawing board for that one. ;o) I also had to redo the Linda's Designs page. All pages should be operational and I will work on a new Style Numbers page soon.

Trade Show
From: Bean eWonderland
The Dallas trade show starts this Saturday (22nd June), most people are expecting a host of new releases and new product lines. Two we can expect to see would be the 2 "limited edition" teddy bears. Teddy, the Beanie Baby and Teddybearsary, the Classic (see rd June archive).

LINDA'S DESIGNS Linda creates one-of-a-kind personalizes Beanies. Check out what she has to offer to Planet Beans readers.

SOAR IS SHIPPING
Sandy shares the following:
Dear SANDY xxxxxxxxx, thank you for your order from the Ty Store!

This is to confirm shipment of the following order.

Order - xxxxxx
Ship date - 6/17/02

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

BEAR ONLY CHECKLIST
I've had requests for a bear ONLY checklist so I finally got around to making one. I hope you will find this useful. I know many of you collect only the Beanie bears. :o) http://www.planetbeans.com/BearChecklist.htm

Stately Bears announced their Spring Releases have been received and are being shipped to retailers. There is a release of thirteen bears: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Kansas Brass & Pewter will receive four of the above and others will be following. Stately Bears has completed 37 states plus Washington, DC. Thirteen states remain and will keep you updated on their status. http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/sb.html

Visit Kansas Brass and Pewter <http://www.kansaspewter.com> for the newly to arrive Spring Stately Bear releases! Kansas Brass & Pewter has been striving to keep the latest news on the Beanie World with images and comments daily and through its All Around News. <http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/aan.html> How you know you're living in the year 2002 also will be running for the next 24 days (now through July 10th). Would love to have you visit us!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR BEANIES / BUDDIES
Contact Rachel at: rwshine@yahoo.com for a complete list along with prices. There are some great ones on the list but don't wait because they will be gone quickly I'm sure. Rachel is a friend of mine and I know she is trustworthy so buy with confidence.

RARE CHAMPION COMMENT
Wanda writes:
"Lisa, I am thinking that the pin on the RARE CHAMPION that was in today's newsletter -- round pin with the heart shaped flag inside the pin -- may be coming out on some new beanies that may be released soon. <><>Wanda<><>"

NEED HELP...
I don't have the new releases and I need to add their birthdays to the birthday calendar and Beanie Info pages. If you have some of the newest releases chances are I don't yet have their birthdates. If you would.. please scroll down the Beanie Info pages and see if you have a birthdate for a Beanie I've missed one for. Please send birthdates to me at pbeans@bellsouth.net. :o)

ChubbleyCollectors.com is a new website for Chubbley Collectors across the world to gather. Though the site still needs some final touches it already has tons to offer. The website features News, Message Forums, Chat, Graphics, and there is much more to come! So stop by ChubbleyCollectors.com today! http://www.chubbleycollectors.com

CHUBBLEY RETAILER
Are you looking for a place to purchase Chubbley Bears in the United States? Well look no further. Emily Mae's General Store is an Authorized Chubbley Bear Retailer! You may contact Connie from Emily Mae's at emgs3983@aol.com or by phone at 1-330-688-5581. Be sure to tell Connie you saw her ad at Planet Beans.

-=June 16, 2002=-
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

BEANNUTMOM's FIFA WORLD CUP INFO PAGE
Lisa - I have created a temporary page for FIFA World Cup Info. I would love for you to mention it in your newsletter. It is: www.beannutmom.com/worldcupinfo.html

Rare Champion
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I am sending these pictures to peggy to see if she can help me with the following question. I found this Champion at a Hallmark store but the pin is wrong, it has a USA flag shaped like a TY hearth look for yourself. I hope that Peggy could send the pictures or take them to TY to see how this is possible. Thanks Adrian. View Here: http://www.beaniewonderland.com/news/extra3.htm

-=June 15, 2002=-
ANOTHER TY TRADEMARK
Sly shares the following with Ms. Janie
Hi Ms. Janie!
Here we go again!-LOL I found another new trademark that Ty Inc has applied to register! On May 10, 2002 Ty applied to register a trademark on the word "Pinata" and listed "Plush Toys" as The goods and services. As we all Know a Pinata is a Mexican Party favorite That is made of Paper mache and filed with candy and toys. Party goers are blind-folded and given a Big stick and then attempt to hit the Pinata to break it open. Of course this Makes me wonder what Ty is up too here? Maybe it's just a name of a new beanie baby or another Ty product?

Celebration Error?
From: Bean eWonderland
There are reports that the description on the inside of the Celebration beanie have been changed, the tag should read "Queen Elizabeth II" not Queen Elizabeth. If anyone has the new Queen Elizabeth II tag then I would like to hear from you.

USA TEAM LOSES BUT STILL IN THE GAME
Helen shares the following:
"Lisa, USA lost to Poland 3-1 this morning. We have 2nd place in Group D and will go on to the finals. We will play Mexico on Monday at 2:25 am EST. Have a great day!! ;-) Okla Hugzz Helen"

USA Retires But Team Qualifies
From: Bean eWonderland
We are really starting to get into not only reporting World Cup Soccer action but also catching some of the games on TV. Again, leave it to Ty to come up with a way to get us interested in a sport we never followed before. Four more games today: In the first one it was Belgium over Russia by a score of 3-2. The second game saw Japan beat Tunisia 2-0. (Both Russia and Tunisia Champion Beanies were retired previously.) The other two games saw South Korea beat Portugal 1-0 and the United States lose 3-1 to Poland. The U.S.A. needed just a tie to guarantee a place in the second round, but due to the fact that Portugal failed to collect any points from their game results in the U.S.A. team advancing along with South Korea. (The U.S.A. Champion Beanie is now retired. The Portugal Champion was previously retired.)
Click Here For U.S.A. Champion

ASK TY
Q: Why does your company change the hang/tush tags now and then, ex. "Beanie Baby" around the foil star to "Beanie Babies" around the foil star. (submitted by Blurby)
A: Most of the tag changes mark the beginning of a new year. Check your Beanies from 2 years ago, their hang tags have "2000" written across a large holographic star - or it could have the word "Zodiac" across the top. Here's a question for you . . . Have you ever looked close at the tush tag holograms ? http://www.tytrade.com/askty_home

Ty Wins Court Case
From: Bean eWonderland
On May 30th this year Ty Inc won a decision regarding copyright and trademark infringement against Publications International, Ltd. (PIL), publisher of a series of books, with titles such as For the Love of Beanie Babies and Beanie Babies Collector's Guide, that contain photographs of Beanie Babies. On Ty's motion for summary judgment, the district court rejected the defence, granted the motion, and issued a permanent injunction against PIL's selling any of its Beanie Babies books. It also awarded Ty PIL's profits from the sale of those books, $1.36 million, plus more than $200,000 in prejudgment interest. For the case in full please visit the following link and type in case number: year: 01 and number: 3304 http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/op3.fwx

INTERNET ANGELS ..
Heartwarming story about Internet Angels coming together during a time of need. Beanie people are amazing to say the least!! Beanies & Children page. http://www.planetbeans.com/Beanies&Children.htm

USA CHAMPION RETIRES ~ http://www.ty.com

SOAR RETIRES ~ http://www.tytrade.com/store_6_retired
I expected SOAR to retire soon. Unfortunately I was awaiting hubby's payday tomorrow to make the purchase and now I missed out. :o(

"They say you should never take a teddy bear away from a child, even if you think they're too old for it," Eichman said. Losing a teddy bear is like losing a friend, said Eichman, who talks to her 'hug', the official name for a pack of stuffed bears. There are several stories explaining how these cuddly companions with button eyes became the early 20th Century equivalent of the Beanie Baby or Cabbage Patch Doll. Eichman prefers the most commonly held American version. Full Story:

ARE YOU UP TO A CHALLENGE?
MS. JANIE SAYS .... "****ALLOW ME TO CHALLENGE YOU****
Are you up for a fun challenge? If so I encourage you to visit the following link and play along!! It's your chance to come clean and share your thoughts!" http://www.msjanie.com/articles/ty_questions_2002.html

Retailers, consumers give plush 'buy' rating
Sly shares the following with Ms. Janie
It is safe to say that the economy was a little soft last year; ditto for consumer confidence and spending in general. But when it came to plush, retailers tell PLAYTHINGS that the only softness was in the cuddle factor. And given the tragedies of last September, sales of plush are on a continuing upward curve, they add. Good thing we asked; industry numbers are not quite as comforting. According to the year-end report prepared for the Toy Industry Association by consultant NPD Group, plush sales dropped 13 percent last year compared with the year prior. The drop, however, might actually reflect a softening in sales of a 'phenomenon'—like Beanie Babies. While PLAYTHINGS own Ready Response surveys suggest that Beanies are still popular—they ranked as the number three top seller in March—specialty toy members of the team note that they really aren't the market-driving phenomenon of the past. For some retailers, big and small, Ty's line of small creatures remains popular—although not as big as at one time. "Ty Beanie Babies are still selling for us," admits Carolyn Meyer, owner of Blue Turtle Toys in Dayton, Ohio. "People aren't knocking the door down anymore to get them, but they are still a great $5 pick up item." For other retailers, the craze is completely over, and they're happy to see it go. Sharon Carlson, owner and buyer at Geppetto's Toys, a Woodbury, Conn., specialty store, says that sales have continued to increase for plush over the last two years as customers are going back to buying teddy bears and other lovable critters. "Beanie Babies really affected the plush market; I couldn't sell traditional plush when Beanies were hot." View HERE

-=June 12, 2002=-
Kallan "doing better" after scary burn accident
From: Bean eWonderland
“I’m doing better,” said a smiling three-year-old Kallan Mercier at her home in Glenwood on Tuesday. “And kitty is okay.” The kitty Kallan is referring to is a Beanie Baby-type kitty that was with Kallen the day she sustained severe burns and ended up in the hospital for more than two weeks. Full Story:

COURAGE & RESCUE BUDDIES
Marilyn shares the following with Ms. Janie:
Monday I got shipment confirmation from Ty for my order of Rescue & Courage buddies. It said to allow 3 - 4 weeks for delivery. How about ONE DAY! Here are the two....nicely packed side by side altho the box sides were bent. What Ty printed on the inside of the tags that needs to be pictured. We don't need reminders of 9 - 11 but this is a special tribute & reminder of what the words, "courage" and "rescue" meant in the loss of heroes doing their jobs. bye, Marilyn http://www.msjanie.com/authentic_beanies/Marilyn_rescue_courage.html

PLANET BEANS READERS ARE THE BEST
I really appreciate the kindness of my readers. I have received numerous emails with people offering to send me a Serenity if I couldn't find one. I am happy to write that I called Hallmark just after sending out the retirement announcement and luckily they had just gotten a shipment in. My timing isn't usually very good but in this instance it was fantastic. LOL I was fortunate to be able to pick one up for me and they even made an exception to allowing only one per person and let me purchase a second one for my daughter. She will be 13th on Friday and she really wanted this Beanie. It will be a personal gift from Mother to Daughter on this big birthday. :o)

A week of Blaine memories
From: Bean eWonderland
The countdown to the last day of school took on extra significance at Blaine and Pattison elementary schools this week. Both buildings officially closed Friday. Pattison has been a school since 1919, and Blaine opened in 1951. There were lots to do during the last week which included a 'Campout day'. This was the kids' reward for reading 5,000 minutes. The kids managed to read a total of 30,000 minutes this year, which netted them a beanie baby party, a food tasting contest and a game of "Captain May I," among other events. http://www.superior-wi.com/placed/index.php?sect_rank=1&story_id=111953&refer_url=

Champion Bears
From: Bean eWonderland
Joy writes: The Card Warehouse a TY retailer here in E. Yorks is selling the Champion Beanies "Buy one - Get one free". This is the first time I have seen this with beanies. As these Champion beanies have become shelf shitters in this area, my guess is they don't want to get stuck with them after the World Cup has finished.

Planet Beans Comments: I have never been able to catch a sale on Beanies like this either. It would be nice if retailers would discount the Jingle Beanies they have left over that have been shelf sitters since before Christmas. LOL

Rare 'Dad-e' Beanie Baby
From: Bean eWonderland
Steve writes: Hi, You are always one of the first sites I check everyday and wanted to let you and your readers know about an auction I have on Ebay. It is a DAD-e beanie bear with "LOVE" on BOTH of his feet. I believe he is probably a one of a kind. The Item # is 1740142131. Thanks and keep up the great job!!! Steve http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommand=ViewItem&item=1740142131

-=June 10, 2002=-
More Ty Talk Hints
Charlene shares the following:
See YOU at the TY STORE!
VON GOLD (10:00 pm. Jun 09, 2002 )
Message Id: 1075258

VON GOLD writes:

Bright eyed and bushy tails..
I hope you'll all be there..
It's going to be a party..
And don't forget to share..
Quanities will be limited..
In very short supply..
And when it's time to close the store..
They all will say goodbye.
See YOU there..
V. GOLD!

ANOTHER INTERESTING POST FROM THEY CYBERBOARD
OPEN HOUSE
Mr. Ty Store (08:41 pm. Jun 09, 2002 )
Message Id: 1075210
Mr. Ty Store writes:
I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT MONDAY IS NEAR
I WONDER WHICH BEANIES WILL REAPPEAR
WILL IT BE THAT ANCIENT MOUSE
AVAILABLE AT TY’S OPEN HOUSE

MAYBE IT WILL BE THAT BUTTERFLY
BUT THERE’S ONE FOR SURE YOU’LL WANT TO BUY
HE IS KNOWN FOR HIS FAMOUS HUE
AND IS ONLY OWNED BY A SPECIAL FEW

AND DON’T FORGET THAT GROUP OF BEARS
THE SIX OF THEM THAT HAVE NO CARES
AND SINCE FLAG DAY IS JUST IN SIGHT
THAT FAMOUS BEAR WITH A LEFT AND A RIGHT

MAYBE THEY’LL BE SOME COLORFUL FISH
AND A SPEICAL DUCK IF YOU MAKE A WISH
SOME MEAN LOOKING BEANIES WILL REAPPEAR
A SPIDER, SNAKE AND BEE, BUT DON’T FEAR

BUT IF YOU OWN THESE SPECIALS BEANS
WE HAVE SOME NEW ONES YOU HAVEN’T SEEN
SOME COLORFUL FRIENDS FOR OUR TRADEE
AND EVEN SOMETHING FOR MOM-E AND DAD-E

WE’LL EVEN HAVE BUDDIES FOR RED, WHITE AND BLUE
TOMORROW AT TY STORE THEY’LL BE SOMETHING FOR YOU
SO STEP INTO THE NEW AND IMPROVED STORE
AND SOON YOUR BEANIES WILL BE AT YOUR DOOR http://www.ty.com/cyberboard/news/msg1075210.html

ONE TO SHARE
From: Ms. Janie
A special thanks to Chris for sharing these adorable photos of a puppy and a beanie. It is a little uncanny....but it is real! The puppy is a Bichon Havenese born on 9 May this year and at 2 weeks was a DOUBLE for the Beanie. Hope you enjoy these!!! Chris Lowe Ashburn Virginia http://www.msjanie.com/temp/chris_puppies.html

"The artwork can be a focal point of sorts," said Margaret LeMay, art program director with Marshall Erdman, a Madison company that regularly works with the Marshfield Clinic. "It gives them a chance to focus on something while they're nervous." Full Story:

QUOTE AT TY.COM
I especially liked this quote today and wanted to share it. I can relate to it very much as I've made so many wonderful life-long friends through Beanies. :o)

" Beanies are the foundation for building friendships for life ! "

Mary Kukla rode her bike to Naper Settlement Friday morning with her teddy bear, Velvet, in her backpack.

The Naperville girl, who will enter high school in the fall, purchased Velvet with her allowance money on the one-year anniversary of the day she got braces. She's had it since she was in sixth grade and still totes it around when the mood strikes.

....More recent bears also are featured, including Winnie the Pooh, Teddy Ruxpin, Paddington Bear, Smokey Bear and Beanie Baby bears. There's a teddy bear on exhibit from each time period over the past century, Thompson said. Read the rest of the article here: http://www.dailyherald.com/main_story.asp?intid=374164

ASK TY
Q: Are we going to have another People's Beanie voting contest this year? (submitted by SnowLady)
A: Yes, your vote will be counted and only one Beanie will win. Speaking of votes . . . who would like to see a TyStore customer appreciation open house on Monday?
http://www.tytrade.com/askty_home

ITALY CHAMPION RETIRES: http://www.ty.com
UPDATED CHAMPION CHECKLIST: Complete Champion Beanie & Buddy Checklist

NEW TY TRADEMARK
Sly sends the following to Ms. Janie:
Ty has applied to register a trademark on a Word that makes me think, "what the heck is it?"-LOL On May 5,2002 Ty applied to register a trademark on the word "PLUFFIES" and listed plush toys as the goods and services. What is Pluffies? Maybe a New product line from Ty?

Fake or Reality Update
From: Bean eWonderland
The user Von Gold on the Ty Cyber Boards has held his hands up and told the world, he is NOT Ty Warner posting View Here: However, the 'Butler' made a claim that Celebration would be arriving in Canadian stores, several hours after this announcement Celebration was listed on the Ty web site as UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada Exclusive! Lucky guess or Ty in disguise? View Here:

DO YOU LIVE IN AUSTRALIA?
From: Ms. Janie
Hi Janie while surfing the net I came across some interesting information to share with your Australian friends. Sure wish I lived in Australia because I see several I would be more than qualified for! LOL! Sue/QB View HERE: the link was quite long to post on here.

-=June 6, 2002=-
Cryptic Post
From: Bean eWonderland
A cryptic message left on the Ty Cyber Boards is causing quite a stir, we have heard a very strong rumour that Ty himself has been leaving messages under various names and guises. The latest one has been very cleverly constructed and would lead you to believe that we could be seeing the return of the original 12 beanie babies? View Here: (Please remember this could be a hoax & thank you to Pamela)

New Beanies and Buddies
From: Bean eWonderland
Marilyn sends us some more great images and style numbers of her latest finds, Booties - 4536, Addison - 9454, Frisbee - 9455, Cheery - 9456. I will upload all the pictures later but for now here is a group shot of the 6 new June Beanies and 3 Buddies View Here: To view a great close-up of the Dad-e bear Click Here:

Celebration Beanie
From: Bean eWonderland
Ty retailers in the UK are able to order 72 Celebration Beanies for this month only. Is Ty clearing the wareouse for a retirement?

GOOD NEWS FOR CANADA AND NEW ZEALAND
Celeste shares the following at the Planet Beans Yahoo! Group
"Celebration is listed at www.ty.com as a Canadian release too, right along with New Zealand and Australia. Way To Go Canada!!! :O) Celeste"

=June 5, 2002=-
STATELY BEARS AT KANSAS BRASS & PEWTER
Kansas Brass & Pewter http://www.kansaspewter.com latest update on Stately Bears received 6/4/02: Thirteen Spring 2002 releases will be arriving at the warehouse approximately 21st of June with shipment to dealers arriving at the end of June. Four of the thirteen will be available at Kansas Brass & Pewter http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/sb1.html by online ordering or email. The first four will be: Myrtle, the Alabama Bear; Nature, Arkansas; Goldy, California and Arabella, Iowa. The other nine will follow shortly. It is planned to have all fifty produced by the end of 2002.

CONTEST AT ITZMEAGAIN
I am giving away a custom dyed neon rainbow halo beanie. For your chance to win, visit http://www.itzmeagain.com While your there, pop over to the graphics contest & place your vote for your favorite graphics.

New Release Update
From: Bean eWonderland
Well we can expect some fun and games trying to keep up with Ty this summer, 50 new designs sounds a lot and two new categories!! Before the release of these, I would expect to see the retirement of at least 30-35 products not inluding the retirement of the Champion Beanies. Expect all the current Country exclusives to retire over the next few weeks and maybe a replacement in the Buddy version would account for several of the 50 new products. Now that the Jubilee celebrations have drawn to a close expect also a retirement for the Celebration beanie. Tom kindly enhanced our pictures for us, they now give an even greater look at the colour and detail. They are still in place for everyone to view by Clicking Here:

It Looks Like Ty Still Has What It Takes To Get The Job DONE!
From: Ms. Janie
According to the latest issue of Giftbeat Ty commands the #1 rating for "Register Area Sales" across the country. It's been a while since they held this spot across the board. Way to go Ty! Ty is still holding their own in reorders as well holding the #2 position. And who said Beanies were dead? Not according to these numbers, if anything they appear to be picking up momentum. Ty obviously has been paying attention and reacting to a lot of request. Don't stop now Ty, you have our full attention now WOW us! http://www.msjanie.com/temp/giftbeat_may_2002.html

LETTER FROM TY
From: UGB
James sends this in:
"HEY EVERYONE!!!
I few years ago my kids and I wrote to Ty telling him hw much we LOVVEEED beanies, it took about 5 months after we wrote that my kids got a response, but they did, it was a letter, written and signed by "ERIN" the st pattys bear. I have never read of any other letters like that and I know lots of people who wrote to Ty but never got a response. I really dont know a value for this, although I would imagine it to be quite rare and collectible. I also have the original envelope that it was sent in, it is also hand printed... I have been told that the name "erin" was signed by TY himself, (then of corse photocopied...), but who knows...... If anyone knows the value, please send me an email, oreofrappe@yahoo.com thanks! ---james"

-=June 4, 2002=-
WHICH CHUBBLEY BEAR DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
Only 48 people voted and it was quite close. Thank you for voting. George will be the next contest prize for the Chubbley Bear Contest. :o) George - 25 votes ... Sterling - 23 votes

GOOD POINT
Sheldon writes:
"Can you imagine, how many sad kids in Chicago had a greedy parent snatch this Beanie Bopper out of their hands ? Check ... ebay.com for starters !!!"

Beanie Baby wants his MTV !!!
Marc shares the following:
On the June 3 episode of DisMissed on MTV, one of the two male contestants presented the female “picker” with flowers & a Beanie Baby bear. Unfortunately, the camera didn’t stay on the bear long enough to see which bear it was (or the chest emblem), but the Ty heart tag was shown. The bear looked to be either silver or bluish/purplish in color, which made me think it was possibly Issy, Periwinkle, or Clubby II or IV. I didn’t see a barcode on back of the hangtag (believe me, I tried...LOL) so that might have been the eBeanies logo which was found on some of the Periwinkle Beanie Babies.

MBNA/more info. on Ty MasterCard
Marc shares the following:
I called MBNA’s customer service regarding my Ty MasterCard on June 3. Although some of the applications we’ve been receiving recently for the card say that M.C. Beanie MAY be retiring soon, MBNA has no idea what Ty Inc. is going to do or when they are going to do it. Many times, I wonder if even Ty Warner himself knows what he’s doing, or if he just chooses retirements with a dart board. LOL. ;7) If I remember correctly, the original offer at Ty.com (and the original applications sent with TyStore / BBOC orders) said to apply & use the card by the end of January or February 2002 (?) to get M.C. Beanie. Then the offer was extended through August 2002 (?). I’m not sure of the exact dates, so if someone has either of the apps. handy, please check this for me. Who’s to say that the offer won’t be extended again? And who knows for how long?

I also asked about the “bonus” Beanie Baby (Are we to assume it will be a Beanie Baby? Maybe an M.C. Buddy?) for $5000 of purchases. Again, they have no clue as to what the product will be, but since it’s supposed to be for your anniversary date of the card, it will be something different than M.C. Beanie. Here’s the explanation I got.

It doesn’t matter if you spent the $5000 in ONE DAY or ONE YEAR. No matter when you reach the limit, you MUST wait 10 to 12 weeks from the “anniversary date” of your card. This date is defined as the month MBNA started counting your points. For example, although I first used my card in Sept. 2001, they didn’t start counting my points until the following month, Oct. 2001. So my one year anniversary date will be mid-October 2002 (depending on the statement closing date that month) and THEN I have to wait 10 to 12 weeks FROM THAT DATE to receive my anniversary “bonus” Ty product. Which means I won’t see it until Jan. 2003 at the earliest, more likely Feb. 2003...unless they’re back-ordered, then it will be even longer. From all the years I’ve been dealing with various promotions (rebates, premiums from credit cards, and more), I’ve rarely ever received anything in the time stated. Most times, it takes longer and when I’ve called to ask about it, I hear the same “excuse” over & over, that there’s an “overwhelming response” and / or the items are on “back-order.” My advice to everyone is to keep calling and “push” until you receive what you’re owed. ;7)

-=June 3, 2002=-
WHICH CHUBBLEY BEAR DO YOU WANT TO WIN?
Danita of Porcase Distributing has offered to sponsor a contest at Planet Beans. I will be starting a new contest to win either STERLING or GEORGE both are UK Exclusive Chubbley Bears. Please submit which your choice is to contests@planetbeans.com and please put your choice in the subject line. If you want me to open up your email put a note in the subject line with please read. I would like to start the contest in the next day or so. :o) To meet the Chubbleys visit here: http://www.chubbleybears.co.uk/

Unique emergency supplies arrive in McDowell County
From: Bean eWonderland
Because the deadly flood waters also impacted children, relief workers distributed approximately 8,000 Beanie Babies in the weeks following the May 2 flood. "The Beanie Babies were primarily distributed by our mental health function, and our mental health function also distributed the shovels and flashlights." As disaster relief workers with the American Red Cross continue their work in McDowell County. http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=4312996&BRD=2088&PAG=461&dept_id=346229&rfi=6

MORE CHAMPION RETIREMENTS
Croatia, Turkey, and Ecuador have retired. http://www.ty.com

RETIREMENTS FROM THE TY RETAILER SITE
From: Bean eWonderland
The following items are no longer available for ordering:
Bride (Ty Gear)
Jenkins
Snugglefrog
Trotter

Teddybearsary and Teddy the Beanie Baby unveiled by Ty!
Sly shares the following with Ms. Janie:
Today Ty Retailers are starting to receive postcards from Ty listing the summer gift shows Ty will be attending and announcing and showing a picture of Teddybearsary The New Ty Classic and The NEW Teddy the beanie baby!!! Both are a goldish, brown color with a button on their chest and both are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear!! AND both can only be ordered at the summer gift shows!!!!! Hopefully a Ty retailer will send Ms Janie a scan of the postcard and pictures cause my Ty retailer would not part with hers!-LOL They are beautiful!!!! Sly The Beanie Guy http://pub31.ezboard.com/fmsjanieandfriendsfrm1.showMessage?topicID=2027.topic

-=June 2, 2002=-
CHILDREN'S ROUND OF PICK-A-NUMBER
LaRue is holding a Children's Round of PAN. Details can be found here: http://www.angelfire.com/ks2/kansaspewter/1cr.html
Start time is 2pm EST ~ 1pm CST today

NEWS PAGE IS READY FOR JUNE
I hope you like the colors I've chosen and the Beanies that will grace the page for this month. A Father's Day and Summer theme. :o)

Beanie Babies' parent loses case Chicago ---
From: Bean eWonderland
Ty Inc., the maker of Beanie Babies, lost a bid to shut down a publication for collectors of the plush toys when an appeals court said the use of photos of the toys may be considered a ''fair use'' of Ty's copyright. The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago overturned a lower court ruling that ceased Publications International Ltd. sale of guides to Beanie Babies. Ty had sued claiming that books like ''Beanie Babies Collector's Guide'' infringed its copyright by using photographs of Ty's plush toys without a license. http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/epaper/editions/today/business_c38f6601e4e022c200c5.html

Collectible Beanbag Birds Bring America's Favorite Hobby Indoors
From: Bean eWonderland
Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing hobbies in the Unites States. In fact, birding, as it is known amongst enthusiasts, has become such a popular outdoor activity that Americans have started collecting bird-oriented paraphernalia to bring their beloved friends indoors. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020523/NYFNSP14 ) Americans are fascinated with birds. More than 65 million Americans spend over $30 billion annually on goods for watching and studying birds says John Trenta, director of marketing at Wild Republic, makers of Audubon birds, plush beanbag birds with authentic birdcalls. (Available for $6 and $7 each. Visit www.wildrepublic.com for store locations.) "With birdwatching ranking high on their list of favorite things to do, we saw an immediate need for a complete line of plush birds for enthusiasts to collect and teamed up with the National Audubon Society," says Trenta. Each bird's lifelike design and impeccable detailing is the result of input from Audubon. In addition to partnering with Audubon to develop the toys, Wild Republic enlisted the help of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Cornell provided the birdcalls for all of the Audubon birds. Their recordists work for weeks, months, even years to collect sounds from a variety of bird species in their natural habitat. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020523/nyfnsp14_2.html

SOUTH-WEST AUTHENTICATOR NEEDED
Mike writes:
I am curious if there are any Beanie Authenticators in the SouthWest that I can travel to and contact in person with my Bear. He has alot of sentimental value, and I refuse to send him anywhere through the mail. I thought maybe in Los Angeles or San Francisco there might be someone who could help me out. Thanks for any info, feedback, ideas, etc... Mike

COUNTERFEIT ALERT ~ ROYAL BLUE PEANUT
From: Bean eWonderland
Would you please alert your readers that the RARE authentic Ty Royal Blue Peanut Beanie Baby must have a 1st generation tush tag with the copyright year of 1995. There is a counterfeit royal blue Peanut version that has the 1st generation tush tag copyright year 1993. (This is only one counterfeit version.) There are several other versions but we have been receiving many of this particular counterfeit version! We have also extended our free retired Ty product to random authentication submissions the month of June! You may be one of the lucky random winners! Send in your Beanie/s to be authenticated the month of June and have a chance to win a surprise retired Ty product! Thank you Sincerely Peggy Gallagher

NEW ADVERTISER ~ BANNER IS AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE.
Are you a U.S. Retailer interested in carrying the Chubbley Bear Line? If so please check out the Porcase Distributing Website today for more information! http://www.porcasedistributing.com

Porcase Distributing is the United States Distributor for Chubbley Bears. Chubbley Bears are the newest and hottest collectible to hit the U.S recently so don't delay become a Retailer today! You may also contact Porcase Distributing directly at (330) 281-3011 or dporcase@yahoo.com