June 2004 News Archives

June 30, 2004
JULY RELEASES
LOVE TO BABY: http://www.ty.com/July04_BT1 What a cute new lineup:
PJ BEAR - sm. Green, PJ BEAR med. Green, PJ BEAR lg. Green, PJ BEAR sm. pink, PJ BEAR med. pink, PJ BEAR lg. Pink, PJ BEAR sm. yellow, PJ BEAR med. yellow, PJ BEAR lg. yellow, PJ BEAR sm. blue, PJ BEAR med. blue, PJ BEAR lg. Blue
PUPPY BLANKET - yellow, PUPPY BLANKET - green, TEDDY BLANKET - blue, TEDDY BLANKET - pink

BEANIE BABIES: http://www.ty.com/BB_July04_intro1
BEARS: Grizzwald, Whittle, Huntley, Chili, Deutschland (black nose)
CATS: Aria, Fussy, Heiress, Gypsy
DOGS: Ooh-la-la, Banjo, Scrappy, Juneau, Scampy, Fitz, Yapper
OTHER: Swinger the Monkey, Ratzo the Rat, Twitch the Guinea Pig, Avalon the Horse, Durango the Horse

June 24, 2004
JUNE RETIREMENT
BEANIES (http://www.ty.com/BB_ret_june04): Colosso, Fancy, Filly, Frisco, Goddess, Lumberjack, Mandy, Orion, Pappa 2004, Rhumba, Sherbet (3 are pictured), Sidekick, Springfield, Star (gold star)

BUDDIES (http://www.ty.com/BBD_ret_june04): Dad-e, Mother, Schnitzel

For returning soldiers, Atlanta is on the way home
The Associated Press - ATLANTA
For thousands of soldiers stationed in the Middle East, the route home includes a stop in Atlanta as they make their way to friends and family
for a quick reunion.

The stop over isn't a homecoming for most of the soldiers who have been coming through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport since
last week, but that hasn't stopped Atlanta from giving them a hero's welcome.

One flight a day brings about 275 soldiers to the Atlanta airport _ a schedule that will continue indefinitely, said Army spokesman Gary
Jones. The only way flights would be curtailed is if the mission's scope changes, he said.

Hartsfield spokeswoman Lanii Thomas said the extra flights haven't prompted any changes at one of the world's busiest airports except that
some passengers are more willing to give up their seats when a soldier needs to make a connecting flight.

Recently, that crowd, which spanned the fronts of several car-rental agencies, shouted hoorays for each soldier.

The USO quickly hands out phone cards and knickknacks, including USO key chains and camouflaged "Hero Bear" Beanie Babies.

In the USO's airport office, soldiers gather to take advantage of the snacks, phones, Internet, a big-screen TV, baths in a bag and,
especially, the couches where they can rest before boarding another plane home. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

June 18, 2004
VACATION TIME…
I will be leaving in the morning to head to Florida for 2 weeks. I will return on July 4^th. I will be checking in on most days to see if there are any newsflashes or important news info. I will send newsletters as needed but I will not be updating the website until I return. Enjoy these next two weeks and I’ll be in touch again soon!

For those of you that are interested.. I will be taking my bracelet materials with me so that I can keep up with orders. (NOTE: for those of you that have ordered from me in the past and plan on ordering while I’m away.. The email address has changed for orders so I’ll be able to access away from home.) I’d love something to do on the nine hour drive to Florida. Preferably I’d like to be making bracelets. LOL The kids will be playing the PS2 or their GameBoys so I'll pretty much be bored. <grins> Reading makes me tired! LOL

ADDITIONAL INFO ON TRADE SHOW BEARS
Bean Watcher shares info on the availability of these new "State/Show" bears. VIEW INFO HERE

June 17, 2004
STATE BEARS
One of Ms. Janie's readers shares a scan with her of Ty's Summer show schedule and pictures of "State Bears". VIEW HERE

ASK TY
Q: If you weren't making Beanies, what do you think you would be doing? (submitted by oXOrlandoIsMineXo)
A: Much of my life has been devoted in one way or another to plush toys. I really can't imagine my world without these adorable creatures . . . . especially Beanie Babies ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Sixth-graders make charity their business
Program teaches entrepreneurship
Westborough businesses donated $8,800 to the Jimmy Fund this week, but it wasn't closing sales on suits that made it happen.
Rather, about 300 11- and-12-year-olds at the Mill Pond School brainstormed the ideas, drew up the business plans, and raised start-up capital.

"It's just phenomenal when you walk up, and you see all these kids running businesses -- and it's literally on their own," said Stephanie Garrett, the sixth-grade teacher who started the program. Garrett said that this year's Biz Kid efforts earned $9,227, of which $8,800 went to charity. "They weren't learning about the real world -- they were in the real world," Garrett said. "The risks were real, and that's what made it exciting for them."

Nicole Atkinson washed her parents' cars to raise money and also networked with her father, a merchandising vice president at BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. in Natick.

"I think it's just fabulous," Michael Atkinson said. "My daughter never realized how much work went into doing this -- from raising seed money and just the organization and putting together a website. It was quite an experience for my daughter. Now she'll ask me questions when she goes into BJ's."

Atkinson and her partners formed a group called Mix Up and adopted the slogan, "Where normal is out of style." Their 530 products included Beanie Babies, decorated cups, pens, and pencils. They also raffled a boom box and two "Sponge Bob" CD players. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

June 16, 2004
Div. 2 EMass baseball final notebook: Tarca steals the show
BRAINTREE -- At this point of the season -- and for Hopkinton, there's never been a this-point-of-the-season -- underclassmen are no longer thought of as inexperienced.

Every good championship run needs a good luck charm, and the Hillers have theirs. At the beginning of the playoffs, assistant coach Scotty Mackin brought a green beanie baby to practice.

It has perched in Hopkinton's dugout through the team's five-game postseason run, and it's a safe bet it will have the best seat in the house again on Saturday when Hopkinton plays David Prouty in the state finals at Bentley College.

"He better be bringing that on Saturday," said Ostrander. "That's all I got to say." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Students donate Beanie Babies to YNH
PORTLAND -- Last month, the 8th-grade students at the Portland Middle School sold products they had manufactured in a special business preparation class. Monday, they put a portion of the proceeds from that sale to an especially good use.

The book marks, decorated eyeglass cases, the painted vases and pails, the pillow cases, and the bird houses the students produced yielded money that was divided into thirds: one-third of the proceeds was plowed back into next year’s program to buy materials; a second third was used to defray the cost of a special celebratory breakfast that was held Monday in the school cafeteria.

And the final third, some $500, was used to buy Beanie Babies -- lots and lots of Beanie Babies, some 14-dozen in all -- that the students voted to donate to the pediatric intensive-care unit at Yale new Haven Hospital. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

June 14, 2004
CHERISH AUCTION REMINDER
Currently, Sue has 2 auctions listed for CHERISH. VIEW AUCTIONS HERE

One is for the very rare Cody Banks 2 Destination London promotional Hero Beanie that was produced as an official Ty item for the movie world premiere.

The other auction is for Dade 2004 Ty Beanie Baby with sweater made in matching green, bronze and gold yarns. Included in the auction is a lovely rocking chair donated by Shaskana's Beanies, a Dutch website, which can be found at this link: http://www.beanies.nl

Marketing in Marne
Rain can't stop community tradition
The tradition continued Saturday in Marne, although morning rains played havoc with the annual yard sales throughout the tiny community just east of Newark.

For about 15 years, the first or second Saturday in June has been designated as the day residents sell clothing, toys, tools, collectibles, furniture and a host of other items from their front yards.

Heavy rains discouraged some shoppers and a few sellers, but business picked up in the afternoon, with parked cars lining both sides of Marne Road.

Tasha McKee, a Marne resident for 30 years, had a yard sale again for the first time in about five years. She sold 46 Beanie Babies to one person.

McKee said the reason she decided to sell again was, "We couldn't move around in the basement anymore." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

June 13, 2004
NO NEWS...
I have searched all over and haven't found anything worth reporting. If you have news to share.. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

June 12, 2004
Students collect 4,000 pennies
In September 2003, students in Jan Taylor’s second-grade class at Pleasant Street Elementary began collecting pennies. The idea was to save pennies all year and donate half of the funds to a charity, and use the other half for an ice cream party. In June, the students decided to give all the money to a charity and forego the ice cream party.

The class collected 4,096 pennies in all. Math skills such as tallying, counting, money equivalents and dealing with large numbers came into play as the counting began. The final figure reached by the students was $40.96. With donations by a few other people and a generous discount from Kids’ Shelf, the class was able to purchase 18 Beanie™ babies. The pupils chose to donate them to the Knox Community Hospital emergency room “to help the children who go there be less scared.”

Taylor, who is retiring this year, determined the children’s generosity should not go unrewarded. She surprised them with the ice cream party they had sacrificed to benefit less fortunate children. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY (sorry I missed this one yesterday)
Q: Which is your favorite Beanie Baby, and why? (submitted by 3861084)
A: This is a really tough question ! I tried to come up with one favorite but . . . each of my Beanies have special meanings and memories for me. I can't pick just one. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

June 11, 2004
Reagan items flood Internet
Looking for a pair of Ronald Reagan house slippers? Or tickets from his 1981 presidential inaugural ball?

You might want to start on EBay.

As of yesterday, there were more than 10,000 Reagan-related items for sale on the Internet auction site — up from 6,000 on Tuesday.

A number of online entrepreneurs are engaging in something President Reagan trumpeted throughout his political career: capitalism.

When Craig Oscarson heard of Mr. Reagan's death Saturday, he immediately went to EBay.com.

An experienced EBay seller, he knew the site would instantly be flooded with items memorializing the former president. And he knew there was an opportunity for him to make some supplemental income.

"I got online, bought some Reagan stuff already on sale and I turned around and resold it," Mr. Oscarson said. "Americans are impulse buyers. [The rush to buy] doesn't last very long."

The signed, handwritten copy of the letter received two bids and sold for $2,551.01.

The site lists more than a dozen pairs of vibrant red, white and blue house slippers with caricature heads of the former president and first lady Nancy Reagan. Ty's "Ronnie" beanie babies and more than 20 Reagan bobblehead dolls also fill the site. A frosted glass Air Force One jelly bean jar features the presidential seal and Mr. Reagan's stamped signature. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Blood-thirst & Beanie Babies
After the second win of the season, the Odessa Roughnecks have a taste for victory and a desire to even up their record to 3-3. The slaughter of the El Paso Rumble on the road last Saturday has given Odessa a good chance to really stretch their legs. As Head Coach Chris Williams put it, “a 60-36 win is a thrill, the guys are fired up and have been going the extra mile in practice since.” Although the El Paso Head Coach George LeFrance was himself an AFL (Arena Football League) MVP several times, his Rumble team has proven to be no match for the Roughnecks increased skill and talent.

This third match-up between the two teams may be an outright fight. Especially for Roughnecks players Jermaine Blakely (96) and Leon Scott (78) who were both removed from the June 5th game and fined. “These players are hungry to send a message to a few Rumble players after the poor behavior last game with tempers flaring and even a few fists swinging,” stated Coach Williams.

Just as bloodthirsty, the fans are going to scarf up the free beanie babies being given away at this Saturday's game. The beanie babies are miniature versions of Digger the team’s mascot. With the wild Billy Idol hair, Cellular One jersey, and lovable personality, these cute guys are going to go fast. “We hope each fan will enjoy the chance to take home the one huggable aspect of our organization. Besides the cheerleaders, a sweaty football player beanie was considered, and some female fans approved, however the team’s mascot has an ego and insisted on being the star.

The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive one of theses beautiful beanies compliments of Cellular One. Great tickets are still available and may be purchased by calling the team’s offices at (432) 332-PASS (7277). Log onto the website at www.OdessaIFL.com for more information. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

Bushes join mourners
Many thousands brave high heat to pay respects
WASHINGTON -- Braving tropical temperatures and a blistering sun, thousands of people, from infants to senior citizens, waited for hours in line through the day and night yesterday to pay their final respects to former President Ronald Reagan.

The line snaked along the edge of the National Mall and onto the grounds of the Capitol. Officials estimate that more than 200,000 people will have filed by Reagan's flag-draped casket in the Rotunda by the time the viewing area is closed today and the former president's remains are brought to the Washington National Cathedral for a special funeral service.

As he came out of the Capitol after viewing Reagan's casket, 10-year-old Will Simone clutched a Beanie Baby bear attired in a "USS Ronald Reagan" sailor suit. "I got it for Christmas from my mom," said Will, who did a report this year on a biography of Reagan.

Official Day of Mourning
In observance of the funeral today for former President Ronald Reagan, federal courts and offices will be closed. But city, county and state offices, common pleas courts, liquor stores and banks will be open. Regular mail will not be delivered, but will be collected. Express mail will be delivered. Gov. Ed Rendell has called for a moment of silence and reflection at 11:30 a.m., just as funeral services begin at the National Cathedral in Washington. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

June 10, 2004
CHUBBLEY NEWS
La Rue shares the following:
To Chubbley Collectors: The Chubbley Club is now for international collectors with enrollment made through PayPal (15.75 GBP or $29.82 USD for a year's subscription). All that is required to subscribe is your payment. Then you are notified by email to submit your date of birth (month and day only, no photo or other personal information required) in separate email after enrollment. Details can to obtained at: www.chubbleyclub.com

BEANIES FEATURED ANOTHER MAGAZINE ARTICLE
Darlene of Beanie Motion shares another scan of an article she found in the June 14th edition of “Maclean's” which features Beanie Babies. The title of the article is ‘GET IN LINE NOW Oh, too late: some hot stuff you may have already missed out on’ http://www.planetbeans.com/DarlenesArticle.htm

The bizarre success of eBay
IT HAS become the trading phenomenon of the 21st century and the fourth-largest market in the world, with a turnover greater than many Third World countries. And it has all developed because a Frenchman advertised on the internet for plastic sweet dispensers that his girlfriend collected.

This week it was reported that even Cherie Blair was using it - to buy first a 99p second-hand Winnie the Pooh alarm clock for her son Leo and then a £15 pair of pink strappy sandals.

So what is the attraction of eBay? Here we examine how it has captivated millions of people across the globe.

CHERIE BLAIR is just the latest high-profile eBay convert, joining more than 95m people who regularly log on to what has become the world's most successful auction 'house'.

Founded less than 10 years ago, eBay has already grown to a value of £30bn. So what is the secret of eBay's appeal? Why do so many millions of people feel that compulsion to log on and bid?

• Christina Aguilera's used bathwater and thong fetched £810 in an eBay auction.

• A 6ft by 7ft portrait of 'Scary' Spice Mel B and her ex-husband Jimmy Gulzar received no bids the first time it appeared on the site. It was later re-entered and after a measly 12 bids, sold for £1,225.

• The 1998 craze for Beanie Babies helped to cement eBay's reputation as it emerged as the place to buy and sell the coveted children's soft toys.

• 10,000 people in the US gave up their jobs in 2001 to become full-time eBay traders. Three years later, the number has soared to 150,000. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE (quite the interesting article)

June 9, 2004
BEANIES FEATURED IN ARTICLE
Darlene of Beanie Motion shares a scan of an article she found in the June 1st edition of "Woman's World Magazine" which features Beanie Babies. The title of the article is 'The collectibles clue to What you value most!' http://www.planetbeans.com/DarlenesArticle.htm

John Derhak, director of The History Buff on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, said, The "eBay scammers are in full bore."

"People are selling anything and everything they can get their hands on that was associated with him," said Derhak, who says he has an authentic, signed copy of the former president's 1994 letter announcing that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

In Derhak's store, the letter, one of a number Reagan signed as an Alzheimer's fund-raiser, goes for $5,000.

"I have seen copies... for $500, fake photocopies. It makes me sick to my stomach," Derhak said.

Reagan, who was president from 1981 to 1989, died Saturday at 93. A state funeral will be held Friday.

Listings on eBay and other Internet auction sites of Reagan-related things -- even a USS Ronald Reagan CVN76 Navy League Beanie Baby for $15.50 -- have been growing since Saturday. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CHERISH AUCTION REMINDER
Currently, Sue has 24 auctions listed for CHERISH. Lots of autographs and a chance to help out a very worthy cause. VIEW SUE'S AUCTIONS HERE

June 8, 2004
LIBERT-e TY STORE EXCLUSIVE
(Thanks to Mary for letting me know) - http://www.ty.com/LIBERTe_Intro

LACK OF NEWS...
I have searched all over and haven't found anything worth reporting. If you have news to share.. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

BEANIES FOR SALE
Diana writes: "Lisa, I've decided to go through my beanies and sell a few I can part with at this time. Could you be so kind as to post a message or two in your upcoming newsletter(s) that I'd like to sell some of them? I'm sending you a list of the NON-bear beanies I'd like to sell (you can post it or someone can just contact me for the list). No luck selling the seven Chubbley bears I have, but oh well, it's worth a shot!

Also, please have them e-mail me at dianacurtis@portbridge.com as I don't receive any SPAM at this address since I don't use it much! Thanks a bunch! Diana"

June 7, 2004
LACK OF NEWS...
I have searched all over and haven't found anything worth reporting. If you have news to share.. please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com.

June 6, 2004
CHERISH AUCTION UPDATE
Sue writes: “Today (6th June) sees the 60th Anniversary of the D Day Landings. Operation Overlord, which took took four years to prepare, was the name for the Allied invasion of Normandy on 6 June 1944.
This marked the beginning of the end of World War II and the eventual liberation of Europe.

Following on from last week's auction (which ends today, Sunday, at 8 pm British Summer Time) to observe Memorial Day in the USA, I have dressed some more Beanies on the theme of D Day and Heroes: UK Hero, dressed in Army kit, Ronnie, in Naval uniform and Bearon, in RAF sweater. The uniforms are not intended to be accurate but to represent the Allied Armed Forces and their contribution to this significant and highly complex military endeavour. Harry, seen in the photograph as a French patriot, is not included in the auctions - he belongs to my son Matthew, who made the tiny medals for the Beanies and created the backdrop for the photograph!

I also have other D Day related items going on auction this evening, to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. In addition I have included items of interest for our personal 'heroes', our fathers, whose special day is approaching on June 20th. Many of these items are Beanies that have been signed by legends in the sporting world, as well as some other fields of achievement that could be of interest to fathers. There are some signed books as well - notably the very latest autobiography of the great rugby All Black legend Jonah Lomu (see photograph of Jonah with me at the book signing) and that of the fascinating and courageous polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

The signed Beanies offer a rare chance to give Dad that special gift that you may have been looking for. Included are some exclusive bears, such as flag nose Jack signed by rowing Gold Medallists Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent. I also managed to get the signatures of two rugby legends - Zinzan Brooke and Jonah Lomu - on Silver Beanie. Soccer legend Peter Shilton has signed England Champion...and the list goes on! If your father is not the sporting type then how about Toots Chubbley signed by Bill Wyman (ex of the Rollling Stones)? Or, of course, you might wish to bid on one of the two Pappa 2004 Beanies sporting Fair Isle knitwear or some cute Boyds Bears.

All of these auctions will begin this evening from 7 pm onwards, in staggered start times, under seller ID sue_owen. They can be mailed anywhere in the world and I am very happy to make your gift (to Dad or yourself) extra-special with gift-wrapping and a card if required - just ask!

Some of the proceeds from the auctions will be donated to 'SPARKS', in addition to Cancer Research UK, in appreciation of the help of the charity fundraisers in obtaining some of the celebritys' signatures. SPARKS’ aim is to help all children to be born healthy and stay healthy.

Please visit my website at http://www.boglin.net for further information or view my auctions at this link: VIEW HERE Best wishes, Sue Owen”

Former President Ronald Reagan Dies at 93
LOS ANGELES - Ronald Reagan, the cheerful crusader who devoted his presidency to winning the Cold War, trying to scale back government and making people believe it was "morning again in America," died Saturday after a long twilight struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

"My family and I would like the world to know that President Ronald Reagan has passed away after 10 years of Alzheimer's disease at 93 years of age. We appreciate everyone's prayers," Nancy Reagan said in a statement. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NOTE: I've updated all of the info pages with the information that Marilyn provided. Thanks Marilyn! :o)

Kid collectors opt for art, antiques
Picasso's "Boy With a Pipe (The Young Apprentice)" sold at Sotheby's last month for $104.1 million, setting a record for a painting purchased at auction. But another notable development came with the first lot of the sale, when a 13-year-old boy waged a spirited bidding war for a Degas horse drawing.

The teenager, whose parents asked that his name not be used, eventually lost -- the drawing sold to another bidder for $300,000 -- but his participation nonetheless demonstrates his precocious grasp of the market. He is so familiar with the art market, in fact, that his parents (who are also his backers) found it unnecessary to attend: They were at the ballet that night, leaving him in the care of a Sotheby's employee. "He might as well have been an adult next to me," said Peggy Race, Sotheby's director of protocol. "He didn't need my guidance."

If your children do not have the collecting gene, there's not much you can do about it, as Dr. Lawrence Cutler discovered when he tried to tempt his daughters, Jackie, 15, and Elizabeth, 13, with everything from coins and stamps to Beanie Babies.

"When it wasn't cool, they wanted no part of it," he said. "The day the Beanie Baby craze was over it was like a light switch. I was heartbroken. It took me a long time to get over it." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

June 4, 2004
SIESTA RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

ASK TY
Q: We are always asking you questions. Would you like to ask us a question? (submitted by oneducky)
A: Yes I would. Of all the Beanies I introduced this year, which 10 do you like the best? This is fun . . . let's try this again sometime ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Amazing Kids! Announces Second Annual Plush Toy Design Contest; Grand Prize Winner to Receive $1,000 Scholarship from Ty Inc. and Toy Designer Mentor
LOS ANGELES --(Business Wire)-- June 3, 2004 -- Amazing Kids!(R) has kicked off its Second Annual Plush Toy Design Contest for kids and teens. The contest is once again being sponsored by Ty Inc., (www.ty.com), creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies(R) and the leader in plush toys.

Budding young toy designers, ages 6-17, must create an original plush toy design and submit one to two drawings of the toy, a written description and a name for the toy to Amazing Kids! at: 1158 26th Street, PMB 485, Santa Monica, California 90403. Complete contest rules are on the Amazing Kids! website at: www.amazing-kids.org/toycontest04.htm#top1. Contest deadline is October 22, 2004.

The grand prize winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship and a chance to work with a professional toy designer as their mentor for a year. Other winners will receive a box of Beanie toys from Ty. The winning designs will be featured on the Amazing Kids! website in mid-November, 2004.

Founded in 1986 by Ty Warner, creator of the wildly popular Beanie Babies(R), Ty (www.ty.com) is the leader in plush toys. In addition to Punkies(TM), Pluffies(TM), Teenie Beanie Boppers(TM) and Beanie Babies(R), the company's product line includes: Beanie Kids(TM), Beanie Buddies(TM), Attic Treasures(TM), Classic(TM), Baby Ty(TM) and Beanie Boppers(TM). The red Ty heart logo(R), recognized around the world, can be found on all Ty products available at finer specialty gift retailers. You can visit Ty on the Internet at http://www.ty.com. VIEW FULL DETAILS HERE

What a difference 4 years can make in school
GENERATIONS: My how things change.
The end of the year brings a shift in the dynamic of any high school. The seniors depart to the real world, and a new batch of freshmen take their place in the social strata. In our rapidly changing world, seniors and freshmen, although only four years apart, can seem to be part of completely different generations. This list offers some of the most striking differences between the classes of 2004 and 2008.

Johnny Depp made his debut in "Pirates of the Caribbean." What's "Edward Scissorhands"?

McDonald's has always had two sayings: "I'm lovin' it" and "We love to see you smile." Do I believe in magic?

June 3, 2004
COUNTESS SHIPS
Brenda writes: "Lisa, Just received an email message from the Ty Store. COUNTESS has been shipped...was shipped the day announced (06/01/2004)."

Fab five: What can you buy when you go shopping with Mr. Lincoln?
Remember when we used to ask what a buck would buy?

Five times gone. Now, in days of gasoline pushing $2.50 and a gallon of milk $4 or more, we have to ask how much $5 will buy us.

A lot of people are asking themselves that lately. The rapid rise in gas prices has us all freaked, even though calmer voices have noted that, in inflation-adjusted dollars, gas is actually cheaper now than it was in the 1980s.

"Milk, for instance, has gone up faster than gasoline in the last year," he adds. "In fact, the price of most everything has gone up faster than gas in the last 20 years. It's just that gas prices fluctuate, so they get people's attention."

But the most accurate answer to the question "Aren't prices going up at a frightening rate?" is: No, not really.

Still, sticker shock at the gas pump is real, and milk has gone up from an average price of $2.81 a gallon a year ago to $3.49 this year. (Organic varieties top the $5 mark.) Warehouse grocery stores such as Costco sell two gallons of milk for just under $5.

So, don't toss those five-dollar bills in the spare-change drawer just yet. You still can buy a few things, such as ...

* About six pounds of beef, but only if it's still alive; cattle are going for about 80 cents a pound right now.

* And five gallons of drinking water. We remember when that was free.
VIEW FULL LIST HERE (long list but worth the read for a few giggles)

Chip shots
COLLECT CALL: So how did Naree Song break the news to her family? "I called my dad and told him I won, but I don't think he believed me," said the 18-year-old, who had the check to prove that she had indeed captured last week's Futures Tour event in Merrillville, Ind. Though less heralded than her twin, Aree, who is a rookie on the LPGA Tour, Naree beat her sister into the winner's circle of a professional tournament. The victory was worth $9,800 and moved her to No. 3 on the money list in just six events. Last fall, Naree left the University of Florida to join Aree in the world of professional golf.

A TRUE COLLECTIBLE: His name is ChariTee, and he's the newest member of the famous Beanie Baby collection. A brown bear adorned with a tartan plaid driving cap (Hoganesque, of course), ChariTee is the result of a partnership between the PGA Tour and Ty Inc., with the intent to bring attention to the charitable initiatives undertaken by the PGA Tour. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the ChariTee Beanie Babies will benefit charities.
Compiled by Jim McCabe VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE