March 31, 2006
APRIL INTRODUCTIONS
BEANIES: http://www.ty.com/April2006_BB All-Star Dad, Catsby, Cool Teacher, Derby 132 Doggie, Fairydust, Honors, Pinkerton, Saffron, Violetta

TY CLASSIC: http://www.ty.com/April2006_TC Diploma

PINKYS: http://www.ty.com/April2006_PNK Poodle Caboodle

PLUFFIES: http://www.ty.com/April2006_PLF Clomps, Stomps, Tromps

INTRODUCING BOW WOW BEANIES (crinkle & squeaker inside)
BEANIES: http://www.ty.com/April2006_BWB?page=1 Nuts, Inky, Lizzy, Weenie, Stinky, Patti, Prickles, Quackers, Snort, Trap, Lil' Bones (for smaller doggies), Bones, Legs, Lil' Legs (for smaller doggies)

BONES: http://www.ty.com/April2006_BWB?page=6 Pink Stripe (for smaller doggies), Pink Stripe, Camouflage (for smaller doggies), Camouflage, Hearts, Paw Prints, Red, White and Blue Stars, Palm Trees

Ty to Make Its Mark in the Pet Toy Industry With the Introduction of Bow Wow Beanies(TM)
OAK BROOK, Ill., March 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Ty's newest creation, Bow Wow Beanies(TM), made its worldwide debut today, after a highly successful introduction at the American International Toy Fair this past February. This newest collection of plush toys designed exclusively for pets, has been created in both Beanie Babies® styles and as fashionable plush dog bones. Bow Wow Beanies will be available at Ty Retailers beginning in April and will be sold at a suggested retail price of about $5. VIEW FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

ALL BEANIE INFO PAGES UPDATED
The COMPLETE Beanie Info Pages are once again complete. All of the new releases, with the exception of Bow Wow Beanies, have been added to the website. http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

Panthers are hoping for one hot potato
In searching for the next bobblehead, some sports teams are turning to a potato head.

Mr. Potato Head.

On Saturday, the Panthers will give away 5,000 hockey-themed Mr. Potato Heads to kids 12 and under. The promotional item, sponsored by the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, is a five-inch model carrying a stick and wearing skates and a red Panthers jersey. He can don a helmet or blond mullet, and has a choice of three faces, including one with a black eye and another missing a tooth.

"Every team is looking for the next Beanie Baby or whatever the next big promotional item is, the next bobblehead," said Chris Hibbs, Panthers senior vice president of corporate partnerships and building operations. "We looked at what was along those lines that was unique that hadn't been done yet." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

PUNKIES REMOVED FROM MAIN HEADER OF TY.COM
Bow Wow Beanies has now taken the place of what used to be the Punkies header. Perhaps this means Punkies will no longer be produced. http://www.ty.com/

ASK TY
Q: Which Beanie have you owned the longest, not counting the original nine? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: Actually, the oldest piece I have isn't a Beanie at all, it's one of my creations that I've been reminiscing about lately, Angel the cat ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

March 30, 2006
Family counsel: Internet pornography
Innocent queries on many popular Internet search engines can lead children to sites with inappropriate or explicit sexual material. The trigger might be such common words as "toys," "boys," "Britney Spears," even "Beanie Babies." Sometimes click-throughs on "safe" Web sites end up at porn pages.

Since pornography has a new door to the home, school and library through the Internet, parents need to know how to protect their children — and what to do if protective measures fail.

Let technology be your friend: Become more computer literate; develop Internet savvy. Implement parental controls available through your online service, install protective software on your home computer or use a filtered ISP. Make a daily check of your computer's "history," or sites visited.

Set boundaries: Establish online rules. Have your child sign a contract about Internet use, at home or elsewhere. Visit www.protectkids.com/parentsafety/pledge.htm for a sample agreement. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

An Infantry Colonel’s Foxhole Report from Iraq
[Editor’s note: our contributor LTC Joseph Myers forwards this report from Iraq with the following introduction:

I received this ‘update’ from a friend, written by a great American and Infantry officer, it represents his view of things in Iraq…a personal foxhole snapshot from someone “over there” for ten months.  This is not an official report of the Army or the MNF-I, but I thought you might want to post it; it’s a very telling and inspiring story. But just between you and me and the reading audience, the American media is failing the American people—and terribly so. Is it just an accident or partisanship?  I suspect books will be written on the coverage of this war as much as its conduct.

Meanwhile the American Army and the rest of our armed forces in this fight is the only thing standing between us and tyranny.  One day the American people might understand this, no thanks to the American media of course.]

Hello All,

Sorry it has been five months since my last update, but then, we have been busy.  Let me give you the bottomline up front (BLUF), and then catch you up on things.  Feel free to forward this to whomever, since we still can’t seem to get the press to tell folks what is going on.  This is how the fight is going from my foxhole, and it is much more than the bombings, US casualties, and rumors of civil war the press seems to be focused on.

BLUF:  We are not, and have not been, on the verge of civil war.  We have had an increase in killings by militia groups in the past five weeks, and that is not helping get the new government seated, but we (the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Coalition Forces) are far from losing control.

As you probably noted, Al Qaida and the other insurgent groups were not able to mount a Tet like offensive this past fall.  Iraqi and US operations prevented them from organizing major attacks, and the ISF did a superb job of securing the polling sites.  Iraq ratified a constitution and conducted a credible election.  Although the Iraqis face some significant challenges forming the new government, the basics of democracy are present and taking root.

Troop morale continues to remain high.  The Soldiers can see the difference they are making, whether killing bad guys, training the Iraqi forces, or improving the living conditions for Iraqis.  They can no longer give beanie babies to the kids, because Al Qaida has taken to placing explosives in them, giving them to kids, blowing their arms off or killing them, and blaming the Americans. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

As war grows longer, troops' patience is shorter
MOSUL, Iraq — In a middle-class neighborhood on the Tigris River, members of Charlie Company's 4th Platoon dismount from their armored vehicles and bang on doors. They're talking to residents, looking for information on insurgents in this city of 1.8 million.

While the soldiers' reception varies, one Christian family welcomes them with smiles. But misunderstanding quickly ensues.

"Please don't take our weapon," the mother of four pleads in Arabic when Army Staff Sgt. Josh Clevenger comes across an AK-47. "We need it to defend ourselves. It is not safe. Anything can happen."

Clevenger has no intention of confiscating the rifle — nor any comprehension of the woman's plea. With his platoon's lone interpreter elsewhere, he effectively is rendered speechless.

"Your weapon is filled with blanks," says Clevenger, from Muncie, Ind., his voice unwittingly rising as he tries to help the woman. "These aren't real bullets — they won't protect you."

For U.S. soldiers who don't grasp Iraq's language or culture, a central part of their mission — generating good will and support — remains far more difficult than capturing insurgents. While officers remain largely on message and outwardly optimistic, many front-line men such as Clevenger, who patrol "outside the wire" twice daily, say their patience is wearing thin.

While frustrated at the often-tense relationship with Iraqis, soldiers take solace in the swarms of children that greet them wherever they go. Although the children often are after the Beanie Babies and candies that soldiers dole out, their response offers much-needed reassurance. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

World Wildlife Fund and Coinstar(r) Offer New Promotion To Support Conservation
WASHINGTON, March 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- World Wildlife Fund and Coinstar, Inc. will jumpstart Earth Day awareness with a special promotion to raise funds for WWF conservation programs. From April through June, a promotional screen on Coinstar(r) Center kiosks will inform patrons about the plight of endangered wildlife and encourage them to donate their loose change to WWF. People who donate $15 or more during these months will have the opportunity to receive a one-year WWF membership and Li Mei(tm), a limited-edition giant panda Ty Beanie Baby(r).

"This eye-catching and educational promotion not only spreads the word about global environmental threats, but encourages patrons to make a difference by supporting our work to combat these threats," said Terry Macko, vice president of membership at World Wildlife Fund. VIEW FULL PRESS RELEASE HERE

DID YOU NOTICE?
Barbara writes: "Hi Lisa, Did you notice on the new Mother's Day bear..on the Flowers is says Happy Mother's day..don't you think the D in day should be a capital D? Barbara" <my comments: I agree with Barbara. It would look much better with day also being capitalized.>

March 29, 2006
Strange Fashion And Fad Statements
Marc shares the following: "On our local NBC station Tuesday night, they had a segment on Strange Fashion And Fad Statements. The link below has a video on iPod underwear (!) and a poll which asks In recent times, what was the greatest stuffed fad toy? Beanie Babies are in 2nd place at the moment behind Cabbage Patch Kids. If the poll's still up on Wed., maybe we can get enough to votes to put Beanies ahead. ;) VIEW FULL ARTICLE & POLL HERE

On a related note, how many of the fads they have listed on the page (not just the poll) do we want to admit to collecting or taking part in at some point in our lives? Or some of us may still do / have those things! ;)

INTRODUCTING MOM 2006 (VERY CUTE!!)
Ty Store Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/MOM2006_intro

March 28, 2006
Students build devices to protect eggs from a 12-foot drop
MATTOON -- What do an empty plastic Lego box, 21 balloons, a Beanie Baby and a blanket all have in common?

They are the materials that Williams Elementary School fourth-graders Travis Kittell and Wyatt Krikie used Monday to build a safety crate for an egg.

The two fourth graders, along with other students, will keep their fingers crossed that their safety devices will protect their eggs from a harrowing 12-foot drop.

The entire Williams fourth grade is participating in the egg drop. The students were assigned to find the best materials to protect their eggs during the drop scheduled for today at 12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.

“I didn’t just want them to start building something,” said Jenny Shuff, fourth-grade teacher. “We talked about what was wrong with the eggs’ protective covering and why eggs wouldn’t survive a 12-foot drop. I wanted them to think about what materials they could use to protect the eggs.”

For their egg safety crate nicknamed “The Floating Basket,” Krikie and Kittell put a blanket in a large square empty Lego box and tied balloons to the box.

“We used 21 balloons so it will slow it down on the way down,” said Krikie.

A Beanie Baby, with a large incision from its chest to its stomach cavity, was also placed inside the basket.

“We are going to put the egg in there for extra protection,” said Kittell. “Stuffed animals have all those beans inside.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Getting Your Kicks
It’s a beautiful Saturday here in Manhattan; think we’ll take a walk down Delancey Street, and turn onto Eldridge and … what’s this? Dozens of young men camped out on the sidewalk? Sleeping bags and folding chairs … is there a fourth Star Wars prequel we didn’t know about? Another Harry Potter volume? That J.K. Rowling can sure churn them out. But no, that’s not it. These kids have been in line since Tuesday for shoes. They were in front of Nort, the Manhattan specialty shoe store which on Saturday broke out a small quantity of Nike’s latest limited edition sneaker, the Nike Stash Air Force One. The shoes were gobbled up within minutes on Saturday in a scene that was repeated in San Francisco’s North Beach the following day. Stash himself was on hand at both stores; he’s the grafitti artist who co-designed the shoe. Yes, we’re sort of amused by the last sentence ourselves.

In case you haven’t heard, or don’t wear shoes, the collectible athletic shoe market is all the rage right now. There are people running around called Shoeheads, who hoard athletic shoes like Star Wars fans collect Obi Wan action figures, only without quite the social stigma. There are even shoe message boards, where posters proudly trade pictures of their shoes. Nike is leading the way due to some very smart marketing, perhaps learned from the Beanie Baby folks: They limit the quantity of special editions, go easy on the hype and keep those Pakistani kids working day and night to roll out new versions. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE  --- I did a search on eBay for these shoes and was shocked at the prices some of these are going for. VIEW EBAY AUCTIONS HERE

GREAT POST
Does anyone collect just for the fun of collecting anymore?
RacersLover6   (Mar 28, 2006, 08:45 AM)
Message Id: 1092795
RacersLover6 writes: I see a lot of posts lately about people worried about value. It may be true that the monetary value of Beanies are falling, but what about the value of happiness you get when you find the Beanie you've been looking for? I've been collecting for 7 years strong and I still get excited when I go through my collection or when I add a new one. Thats what the important part of Beanies is - the joy. I hope everyone is reminded of that as well when they pick up a new Beanie. :) VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

March 27, 2006
MARCH RETIREMENT
http://www.ty.com/Mar06_Ret
BEANIES: Lucky O' Day, Erin (keyclip), Eggs 2006, Veggies, Sunbonnet, 4-H, Hobo, Patrick Star, Ireland, Opie, Sweetiekins, William (both versions), Starlight (both versions), P.F.C., London

BUDDIES: Carnation, Lullaby, Large Diggs

ANGELINE: Valentine's Angeline (large), Valentine's Angeline, Happy Valentine's Day

March Silent Retirements from Ty Retailer Site 
Will shares the following with Ms. Janie:
Punkies (it seems like this line is being phased out): HOPSCOTCH- frog TREETOP- giraffe 
Baby Ty: BABY BLOSSOMS- bear BABY BLOOMS- bear BABY PETALS- bear 
Ty Classics: BLUESY-cat CARESSA-bear JAZZY-mouse PATTER-mouse PITTER-mouse ROCKER-mouse ROLLER-cat

March 26, 2006
APRIL RELEASES
Michael shares the following: "Hi Lisa,  I was just looking at addies attic trading board and someone has listed that the list of Ty's April Releases. Below is the link  to the add and the text of the add itself. Michael"

Multiples available upon request. Beanie Babies, $6 each: All-Star Dad the Father's Day bear Catsby the cat (cartoonish) Cool Teacher the teacher bear (prototype picture from on www.beanies4you.com/) Derby 132 the race horse Doogie the dog (cartoonish) Fairydust the fairy bear Honors the graduation bear Pinkerton the pink cat Saffron the yellow cat Violetta the purple cat Bow Wow Beanies, $6 each (a few are must-haves) Bones the hound dog (in pink!) Camouflage the bone Camouflage the small bone Hearts the bone Inky the octopus Legs the frog Lil' Bones the hound dog (in pink!) - $5 Lil' Legs the frog - $5 Lizzy the lizard Nuts the squirrel Palm Trees the bones Patty the platypus Paw Print the bone Pink Stripe the bone Pink Stripe small the bone - $5 Prickles the hedgehog Quackers the duck Red, White and Blue Stars the bone Snort the bull (with Tabasco's foot color) Stinky the skunk Trap the mouse Weenie the dachshund Ty Classics/Beanie Buddies (not sure which one yet): Diploma the dog - $10 Pinkys: Poodle Caboodle the poodle purse - $8 Pluffies, $6 each: Clomps the parasaurolophus (multicolored dinosaur) Stomps the tyrannosaurus (green) Tromps the triceratops (blue) VIEW POSTING HERE

March 24, 2006
Schott's 'stuff' goes on auction block
CINCINNATI (AP) -- There are Reds uniforms and replica World Series trophies, autographed baseballs and leftover Beanie Babies, a Pete Rose jersey and thousands of packs of baseball cards.

There's an old Max Venable bat, resting on the table next to a Sal Butera model. Somehow, a Ray Fosse model got mixed into the lot, even though he never played for the Reds. There are old Christmas cards, as well as pictures and posters of Schottzie the dog.

Packs of 1990s-vintage Reds cards are stuffed in cardboard boxes, stacked several feet high. Nearby is a box full of videotapes, many of them unmarked.

That's only the beginning of this most unusual collection.

The baseball memorabilia -- perhaps "stuff" is a better description -- that Cincinnati owner Marge Schott accumulated through the years will be auctioned off March 31 to benefit her charitable foundation. Thousands of items -- some valuable, many merely fanciful -- randomly were stored at her estate in suburban Indian Hill and her business office when she died in 2004.

Now, they're all up for bid.

"Marge was not a baseball collector in the true sense that she wanted to assemble a representative collection of things from the Cincinnati Reds," said Wes Cowan, founder of Cowan's Auctions in Cincinnati. "I think she was more of an accumulator and she was an opportunist.

"She had the opportunity as the owner of the Reds for nearly 15 years to grab stuff, and that's what she did." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: Do you ever take time out to meet Beanie collectors? (submitted by MeandWaldo)
A: There isn't a week that goes by that I don't meet someone that collects Beanies ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

March 21, 2006
BEANIE UNIVERSE
Daniel writes in to let me know he has put up his new Beanie site. This is the first Beanie site to offer a daily video newscast along with contests, "Beanie News at 7". .  www.beanieuniverse.com

ORDERING KERNOW
Jenni shares the following with Ms. Janie: "Hi Ms Janie, The new Cornish/UK exclusive will be available on 1st May, Padstows Obby Oss day, I work at Abbey Bears in Padstow and we are pre-selling the black beauty for £6.99 + p+p. We can post anywhere, just give us a call Abbey, Padstow-01841 533618, Abbey, St. Ives-01736 798586 or e-mail us purewhitewave.jenni@virgin.net Just for the record, Obby Oss is an ancient fertility rite and there are celebrations ALL day long in Padstow with 2 'OSS' being teased around the town from very very early in the morning until very late in the evening. There are lots of entertainments all day and usually well over 10,000 visitors throughout the day!!!! There is loads more that goes on but its just best to come and see!!!"

March 20, 2006
Attaining success with bear market economics
Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive of Build-A-Bear Workshop, was born in Miami and graduated from Coral Gables High School. Clark says attending a large, diverse high school prepared her for the business world.

Clark came to the Build-A-Bear venture after a successful career in retail. She was president of Payless Shoes Stores for four years and spent more than 19 years in various divisions of The May Department Stores.

The idea for Build-A-Bear grew out of conversation Clark had with a young girl in the mid-1990s at the height of the Beanie Babies craze.

The girl told Clark that since she couldn't find a specific Beanie Baby at the store, that instead of buying it, she could probably make it herself. So Clark, with her years of retail experience, got to thinking: what if kids could make their own furry friends? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Beanie Babies headed to Iraq
Soldier’s mother, sister collect toys to be given to kids
The mom and sister of a soldier in Iraq have united to help make his job a little easier. Debbie and Ashley Seufert of Corvallis have started collecting small stuffed Beanie Babies for Sgt. Robert Gardner, Debbie’s son and Ashley’s brother.

Sgt. Gardner, a 2001 graduate of Corvallis High School, is with the 10th Mountain Division of the U.S. Army, and was promoted to sergeant in January. Gardner, 22, is serving his second tour in Iraq, and has made good relations with Iraqi civilians a priority.

“Part of his job is handing out Beanie Babies to (Iraqi) kids,” Debbie said.

The stuffed toys have become a good way to build trust and friendship with the young Iraqis the soldiers encounter, and Debbie and Ashley decided they’d do everything they could to help Robert with his work.

“He said a couple of days later, the kids still have the Beanie Babies in their hands,” Debbie said. “They don’t have much there, but they’ll have a lot of Beanie Babies.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

DIFFERENT COLORED LUCKY O'DAY NOSES
Josephine writes: "Hi Lisa, 

Happy "Spring" to you!

Recently I bought two "Lucky O'Day" beanies.  I noticed one had a black nose and the other had a green one.  Did anyone else experience this?

Josephine"

Has anyone else noticed this? Lisa@planetbeans.com

March 18, 2006
A PERSONAL ADDICTION
Although this isn't Beanie related, I wanted to share this with you. I have become TOTALLY addicted to this show on The Discovery Channel called ' Cash Cab'. Partial description found on the website: "Unassuming people enter the "Cash Cab" as simple passengers taking a normal taxi ride, only to be shocked when they discover that they’re instant contestants on Discovery Channel's innovative new game show!" It's soooo  much fun to watch and I hope that some of you have already enjoyed this game show. If you would like to know more about this show please VISIT THIS SITE. Every time I watch the show (6:00 and 6:30pm EST M-F) I find myself saying "I love this show!!" so I wanted to share it with you.

March 17, 2006
HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY FROM JOHN
A nice collection of St. Patty's day Beanies! http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

SAVING MONEY (always a good thing!)
Carlton Cards
catslave   (Mar 15, 2006, 04:19 PM)
Message Id: 1090249
catslave writes: On the Carlton Cards website, you can print out a coupon for the month of March for Buy 1 gift, get another gift for 1/2 price. This morning I used that coupon to buy the Spongebob Buddy and then I got the Patrick Star buffy for 1/2 price. Thought that was a good deal! VIEW POSTING HERE

INFO ON CORNWALL
I was curious to learn more about Cornwall so I did some looking around and found some info to share. Cornwall is absolutely gorgeous! Kernow is lucky to have such a nice place of residence. ;o) 

VISIT CORNWALL
Make sure to click on 'picture gallery' on the bottom of this page for a beautiful slide show. VIEW WEBSITE HERE

Celebration Of Spring (01 March 2006 - 31 May 2006)
A visit to Cornwall during the Spring Gardens Festival is an ideal time to experience the magnificent variety of the Cornish gardens where more plants can be found that anywhere else in the world. During the Festival there will be a wide range of special events and activities taking place throughout Cornwall. VISIT WEBSITE HERE

ASK TY
Q: If you caught a leprechaun, what wish would you ask it to grant? (submitted by dietpop)
A: I would wish for everyone to have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

March 16, 2006
SKIPS COMMENT
I just had to share this one because it was also my first impression of Skips.
Tina writes: "Is that Herschel wearing a bunny suit and slippers...??????????"

Pacifican Makayla Berndt battles devastating symptoms of Lyme disease
Community planning benefit fundraiser to help beleagured teen and her family
No one knows why Makayla Berndt insidiously fell ill in the fall of her freshman year of high school. The most likely explanation was a tick bite she never knew she had gotten sometime during the two weeks she spent in Maine that summer.

But it would take longer than a whole school year before she was finally diagnosed. By then, Makayla, 15, had developed chronic systemic neurological Lyme disease, known to be transmitted by ticks.

She began Terra Nova her freshman year in September 2004 full of smiles and hope for the future. Her only complaint was that of many of her peers - too much homework - but she was managing.

When she started taking long naps in the afternoon, her mother initially thought it was because she was getting used to the earlier morning high school schedule and the late evening hours Makayla spent on homework. If only it were that simple.

Before long, Makayla complained her hip "fell asleep" but the feeling would go away if she changed positions. By November, she had flu-like symptoms and complained of joint pain. She developed an upper respiratory infection and swollen lymph nodes in the groin. She rapidly deteriorated, developing left hip pain and walking with a limp. Within another week, she had low back pain, numbness and twitching.

She can't bathe or dress herself and she must sleep on a massage table, which she wants to do about 20 hours a day. Just recently she has spent a little more awake and a few minutes every day socializing with her parents, which is something new, her mom said. Because sitting hurts, she reclines on the couch to watch a little television.

She walks on crutches to reach her computer, her only activity, where she reclines on the thick sheepskin cover on a reclining chair. Through the pastor at her church, Bethel Christian in San Francisco, she learned about AIDS orphans in Kenya who need some love and attention. Makayla's illness and misery has not stopped her from pouring out her heart to these African children. She found a way to reach out to them, one Beanie Baby at a time. She has sent all 250 of her Beanie Babies to Africa for the children. She posted a request on Craig's List and received hundreds more Beanie Babies. In all, she has sent 1,000 of the little dolls to the children. The African children sent photos of them holding her Beanie Babies back to her. It's a source of great pride for her. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ICEPACK RETIRES
Ty Store shows another silent retirement: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

March 15, 2006
MARCH RETIREMENTS
BEANIES: Cinta, Hannah, Joaquim, Nara, Ocker, Silver, 
TEENIE BEANIE BOPPERS: Baystars Bruth

RAINE RETIRES
Thank you to Scott and Michael for alerting me to this retirement:
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

<< my comments: It's interesting how fast Raine has retired. I posted an interesting tidbit on March 3rd from 'A Curious Ty Collector' which mentioned there may be a problem with the name Raine since there is a collectible line of shoes designed by a company called Raine. I wonder if this is why we are seeing such a fast retirement on this Beanie. >>

PHOTO OF KERNOW
http://www.msjanie.com/2006_photos/John_ty_Bear.html

March 14, 2006
INTERESTING POSTS
New Exclusive to UK
rosebowl   (Mar 12, 2006, 09:15 AM)
Message Id: 1089474
rosebowl writes: Has anyone heard any rumours of a new Bear to England named Kernow? VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

_____________

Beanie Bopper Gift with Purchase at Local Hallmark
BklynGal   (Mar 13, 2006, 04:04 PM)
Message Id: 1089764
BklynGal writes: I just returned from my local Hallmark (south Jersey) with Dear Heart, Dear One, Charm and Bluebonnet..With a $15 purchase of beanies, I was given Beanie Bopper "Fun Phoebe" I'm curious as to the location of other Hallmark stores involved in this promotion..Please respond if you have received Phoebe..Needless to say, I was ecstatic!! VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

Out-of-space solution
Don't tell Pat Tompkins that the stuff in her self-storage unit is junk.

Her hundreds of Beanie Babies? They're collectibles that could be worth a pretty penny.

Her holiday decorations, packed in orderly rows and towers of color-coordinated containers? They festoon her Wai'anae home each year.

The 33-year-old Ethan Allen canopy bed that belonged to her oldest daughter? Tompkins is saving it for that cute cottage she'll own someday. Maybe.

"I have issues," Tompkins said, laughing. "I just like stuff."

Tompkins, 55, isn't the only one who depends on rentable storage units to provide a home away from home for her excess "stuff." Growing numbers of Island residents are turning to rental space to store excess possessions, and it's leading to a boom in the development of self-storage facilities. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTOS HERE

INTRODUCING SKIPS
@ Ty Store http://www.ty.com/Skips_intro

PUNCHLINE RETIRES
Thank you Susan for alerting me to this retirement. 
Susan writes: "Good Afternoon from Maine, Lisa!!!

I was JUST looking at the Ty Store Site around 3:30 p.m. (EST) & I found that Ty has NOW retired Punchline:  http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

I do hope I receive the order of 4 that I placed back on March 3, along with the orders for Raine.  I wrote customerservice@ty.com yesterday morning & was told the following from JZ (TY):

Susan,

Our records indicate order #XXXXXXXX for Raine and Punchline Beanie Babies are acknowledged in our system and have not shipped. You will receive an e-mail confirmation once the merchandise has left our fulfillment center.

Please note, although some Ty Stores orders ship within 7-10 business days, some orders may take longer to process. For additional information regarding shipping time frames, please see the Ty Store terms and conditions at: http://www.tytrade.com/Ty_terms_conditions

Keep up the great reporting on your Site of Ty News!!!

Have a nice day!!!

Susan"

March 11, 2006
'Full House' Expected at Children's Hunger Fund Benefit
News Advisory:
A mini-reunion of the cast of 90's comedy, "Full House" is expected to attend the first Children's Champion Awards Banquet presented by Children's Hunger Fund (CHF). The benefit honors world and business leaders for their help in serving children in need, held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library's Air Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley, Calif. on Sunday, March 12

Most of the cast from the wildly popular family comedy, Full House, will be there to support Children's Hunger Fund. Bob Saget, John Stamos, Lori Loughlin, and Candace Cameron Bure are all planning to attend.

"It's easy to support CHF," said Candace Cameron-Bure, "Full House" cast member, "because it's clear that our gift goes to where it's needed most, to hungry children." Val Bure, Candace's husband and L.A. Kings' Right Wing, added, "And these kids aren't just fed physically, CHF makes sure they are fed spiritually, giving them a hope for tomorrow."

Candace' brother Kirk Cameron will also be in attendance along with "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" star, Alfonso Ribeiro, LA Clipper Kerry Kittles, Comedian Fred Travalena, and tennis wildman Murphy Jensen.

2006 Children's Champion Award Recipients include:

-- Her Excellency Mrs. Megawati Sukarnoputri, former President of the Republic of Indonesia.

-- Ty Warner, Creator of the Ty Beanie Baby and Founder of Ty Inc. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

PATTY O'LUCKY RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

CHERISH REMINDER
Sue writes: "Hi, Just a reminder that Sunday 12th (tomorrow) is the day of the CHERISH Global Breakfast - in fact some of you may have already eaten your Sunday breakfast by now - however, do please join us at any time during the day for a virtual breakfast on the CHERISH website at www.cherishonline.co.uk

There are special Curly and Curls Beanies to buy direct from the website (available from 9am UK time) as well as several pages of breakfast facts and fun to browse and enjoy - a feast of information from bagel recipes to beanie photos; from coffee facts to challenging puzzles!

Later (hopefully on Sunday, time permitting!) there will begin some special Breakfast auctions on eBay under seller ID sue_owen. These will include some one-off Curly Beanies ready for breakfast, wearing crochet bathrobes; another Curly wearing a Full English Breakfast sweater with a plate of knitted breakfast to accompany him; crochet Ty tote bags with coffee, bagel and donuts cleverly incorporated into the design; breakfast beanie seats; various breakfast items signed by magician Paul Daniels and his wife and stage assistant Debbie McGee (who have been pictured on the CHERISH website with me, riding in a motorised bed!).

Even if you do not have the budget to buy anything, please visit the website and sign the Guest Book. Enjoy your time on the site as much as I have enjoyed finding all the information and putting the pages together for you; perhaps send me a breakfast Beanie photograph of your own (you might win a prize!)

Just as you might leave a tip to show appreciation in a real cafe, if you feel that you would like to make a donation to the total raised in aid of Cancer Research UK there is a Donation button on the Home Page for you to show your appreciation!

March 10, 2006
NEW CONTEST
Darlene writes: "Hi Lisa, I have won my battle with cancer and now back to work on Beaniemotion. I have started a new contest so could you let your readers know? My web site is www.beaniemotion.com Thank you Darlene"

WARNING FROM GRAMMAPAT
**Please be aware of unscrupulous sellers who are altering flag nose beanies...
GrammaPat   (Mar 09, 2006, 10:15 AM)
Message Id: 1089037
GrammaPat writes: If you are going to purchase a flag nose beanie on the Internet, please be sure to read Traderlist Caution List first, and be sure to inspect your item as soon as it is received to be sure a charm has not been glued onto a plain nose beanie. If you have a problem, please contact a mediator at Traderlist. Sincerely, Pat VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

Bill Gates Tops Forbes List of Billionaires for the 12th Year
March 9 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates's net worth has risen to $50 billion, making him the world's richest person and widening his lead over No. 2 Warren Buffett, according to Forbes magazine's annual survey.

Gates's fortune increased 7.5 percent from $46.6 billion last year, while Buffett, 75, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., lost 4.8 percent to $42 billion. Gates, 50, has been at the top of the Forbes list for the last 12 years.

The rest of the top five were all from outside the U.S.: Mexico's Carlos Slim Helu, 66, whose companies include mobile- telephone carrier America Movil SA, rose to third from fourth, at $30 billion. Sweden's Ingvar Kamprad, 79, founder of Ikea, the world's biggest home furnishings retailer, jumped to fourth from sixth, with $28 billion; and India's Lakshmi Mittal, 55, chairman of Mittal Steel Co., fell to fifth from third, at $23.5 billion.

The magazine counted 793 billionaires around the globe, with a total net worth of $2.6 trillion, up 18 percent from last year largely because of strong stock performance, Forbes said. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

The World's Billionaires
Making a billion just isn't what it used to be. In our inaugural ranking of the world’s richest people 20 years ago, we uncovered some 140 billionaires. Just three years ago we found 476. This year the list is a record 793. They’re worth a combined $2.6 trillion, up 18% since last March. Their average net worth: $3.3 VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

#140 H Ty Warner
Age: 62
Fortune: self made
Source: Beanie Babies

Net Worth: 4.4

Country Of Citizenship: United States
Residence: Chicago, Illinois, United States, North America
Industry: Manufacturing
Marital Status: single, no children

Kalamazoo College, Bachelor of Arts / Science

Plush-toy salesman's son dropped out of Kalamazoo College, started own line of toy animals 1986. Beanie Babies ruled the lunchbox set for years with understuffed, affordable toys. Created buying mania by limiting production runs, assigning names and birth dates. Sales (est. $500 million) down sharply as Beanie Babies' popularity wanes, but investments in real estate appreciating nicely. Owns Four Seasons Hotel in New York, Montecito Country Club in Santa Barbara, Calif. Also less glamorous office parks in Chicago. Recently completed construction on the Ty Warner Sea Center, also in Santa Barbara. VIEW TY'S PROFILE HERE  ====  VIEW FULL FORBES LISTING HERE

Ty's previous rankings: 1999 (133), 2000 (185), 2001 (?), 2002 (87 - $4b), 2003 (44 - $6b), 2004 (34 - $5b), 2005 (94 - $5b), 2006 (140 - $4.4b)

Top 10 Vehicles Owned by Billionaires
If your pockets were as deep as Bill Gates’ what would you drive? A new Porsche or a seven-year-old one? Each year, Forbes magazine compiles a list of the world’s wealthiest people. While awaiting the release of the 2006 list, which will be published in March, ForbesAutos.com wanted to give you a look at the vehicles driven by the billionaires at the top of the 2005 list. Check back in March when we update this list to reflect the Top 10 ranking for 2006. 

The cars and trucks driven by those in the Top 10 of the 2005 Forbes list was, in short, shocking. You won’t find a Bugatti, Ferrari or BMW driven by these billionaires. But you will find a Lincoln, a Mazda, even a Dodge and Ford. It seems that for the super-rich, a vehicle is seen not as a status symbol, but as a means to an end in which to get from point A to point B. Status is something that these billionaires need not prove to others. In many cases, the people on our list prefer to live inconspicuously, avoiding the limelight at all costs. This might explain why many of their vehicles cost less than your own daily driver. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: Knowing what you know now, if you were just starting out with your idea for Beanie Babies, what would you do different? (submitted by bigbadwolf31)
A: Looking back, the only thing I would have done differently is . . . . . introduce Zip the cat along with the original 9 ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home 

SHILOH RETIRES
Thanks to Michael for letting me know that Shiloh has silently retired from the Ty Store: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

March 9, 2006
LOVE YOU MUM PHOTOS
http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm (VERY pretty bear!)

BBOC BEANIES RETIRE
The BBOC Beanies are now listed on the retired list.

March 8, 2006
TAG PROTECTOR QUESTION
Susan writes: "Lisa, I'm trying to find the tag protectors that I've always used.  I'm down to my last 50 and can't seem to find any.

They are called Heart's View.  On the back of the label it says FarleysArt Inc. and says that they are packaged by the handicapped of Little City, Palatine, IL

There is also an email addy listed, but I haven't received a reply.

They are hard plastic and shaped like a double heart.  When they are on the hang tag you can see the entire outside and inside of the tag.

I would really appreciate help in finding these. Thanks, Susan Green"
<If you can help Susan please email me at  Lisa@planetbeans.com>

March 7, 2006
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

UPDATE ON THE POLICE HORSE
Although this wasn't Beanie related I wanted to share the update with those of you that read the story I posted from Andrea.

Andrea writes: "I just wanted to let you know that the Mounted Police horse, Brigadire, that was killed while on duty was buried yesterday.  Due to the outpouring of emails and calls from the public he was buried with full honors of a police officer.  I wanted to let you know so that you can include my thanks to everyone that read about it in your newsletter and wrote to the Mounted Police.  Thanks for including the original story and link.  Keep up the great work that you do!  Andrea Brook" http://www.planetbeans.com/PoliceHorse.htm

To Loiter, Perchance to Spend
An all-you-can eat chocolate bar on Friday and Saturday nights at the Peninsula Chicago. Chair massages and guided meditation at the Affinia Gardens in New York. Watercolors, etchings and ink drawings on display at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington.

Even as hotels post record occupancies, some are looking for other ways to make money. In many cases, they have turned to their public spaces, seeing them as more than simply passageways to somewhere else. Instead, the hotels have come up with ways to entice their guests to linger in those spaces, and perhaps, spend more money.

"If you add a chocolate bar, that's a space that was not revenue-producing, and now it creates revenue," said Reneta McCarthy, lecturer at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.

Even supposedly free amenities in the public spaces generate indirect earnings, she said. "Don't kid yourself — these things are all about getting a higher room rate," Ms. McCarthy said. "An art collection helps the customers feel like they're getting more value."

But when Le Cinq, the restaurant at the George V that Mr. Rochon redesigned, emerged as a three-star Michelin triumph, the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, owned by the Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner, enlisted Mr. Rochon to overhaul its lounge and dining areas. This spring, 5757, the former restaurant at the Four Seasons New York, will reopen as L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

March 6, 2006
TRADERLIST
**Please remember to always check TRADERLIST for the latest information...
GrammaPat   (Mar 06, 2006, 10:16 AM)
Message Id: 1088554
GrammaPat writes: about those people with whom caution is necessary before you deal on the internet. You can check by email address, or city and state or country. If you need help with a problem transaction, the mediators at Traderlist will be happy to help you..free! Pat http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_19-1088554-0-1,00.html

HUG-HUG & LOVES ME SILENTLY RETIRE
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

March 4, 2006
ASK TY
Q: If you are trying to get away from the cold weather, where would you go and why?
(submitted by Eazy1668)
A: Well, growing up in the Midwest, I actually don't mind the cold weather. But if I was trying to get away from the cold I would be on my way to . . . . Santa Barbara, California ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Alumni ship beanie toys off to Iraq
Classmate on duty sparks outpouring
When Robin Richardson heard that former Fort Myers High School classmate Robert Campbell was stationed in Iraq, she wanted to surprise him and do something special.

So, she spoke to some friends and other classmates about sending Campbell, a graduate of the class of 1980, care packages on a weekly basis.

Sometime during the past two months, though, that idea morphed into something else.

"Somebody told me the troops take Beanie Babies and give them to children as a kind of peace offering," said Richardson, a graduate of the class of 1982.

She said troops tuck the tiny stuffed animals inside their jackets and surprise the children when they meet. Richardson asked Campbell if she could send some Beanie Babies, and he told her it would be appreciated.

"Everyone here appreciates the care and concern," said Campbell, who is based in Texas, married and the father of three. "I know I do."

Kim Algaier, a graduate of the class of 1979, cleaned out her own personal collection of Beanie Babies to send to Campbell. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

March 3, 2006
INTERESTING OBSERVATION
A Curious Ty Collector writes: "Hi Lisa, I wonder if there will be a problem with the name of the new Ty Store exclusive Raine?

There is a collectible line of shoes designed by Raine.  Will be interesting to see what evolves.  I tried posting this question on Daily Tymes but I believe the moderators refused to post it.

A Curious Ty Collector"

So, in fairness to the other side, we're giving the honchos a chance to sound off. Who knows, employees may learn a thing or two about why they get the "hairy eyeball" from the boss when they think they're doing a superb job. The peeves are based on a CNN.com and careerbuilders.com poll.

Abuse of sick leave: According to John Putzier, author of "Weirdos in the Workplace: The New Normal--Thriving in the Age of the Individual," one out of three workers who calls in sick really isn't. That can make life havoc for the boss in terms of planning.

Poor hygiene: Fresh-smelling breath and a pleasant body scent can go a long way in maintaining good office relations. In the interest of full disclosure, this reporter once told her husband, who happens to work at the same establishment, that she didn't have time to shower one morning and not to blab it to our co-workers. His deadpan response: "Oh, I don't think I'll have to."

Out-of-control cubicles: It's dynamite to have a passion for Beanie Babies, but when the little darlings start spilling into other employees' workspace, it may be time to closet the little cuties. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Beanie Babies Now Serving in Iraq and Afghanistan
Thanks to the efforts of Spirit of America, a nonprofit, and BarrysBeanies, a retailer and wholesaler of Beanie Babies, Beanie Babies are helping to fight the war on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan.
/24-7PressRelease/ - REDMOND, WA, March 03, 2006 - Spirit of America http://www.spiritofamerica.net, a nonprofit, which is supported solely through private-sector contributions has a project that supplies Beanie Babies to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan so that they can distribute them to the children there.

The troops are handing out the Beanie Babies to the children in their daily patrols throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. This accomplishes two things.

First of all, Beanie Babies make the children happy. Which child wouldn't be happy to get one of these cute stuffed toys?

Secondly, handing out Beanie Babies gives the troops the opportunity to build goodwill with the Iraqi and Afghani children. The troops need all the friends they can make there and children can provide friendship, support and perhaps critical information that might just help to save the lives of our troops because friends look out for friends.

These children are the next generation in Iraq and Afghanistan, so it is important that we make a connection with them through our goodwill and the goodwill of our troops.

Spirit of America is a 501c3 nonprofit supported solely through private-sector contributions. They do not receive funding from the government or military.

Here's the Spirit of America's mission: VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

March 2, 2006
WELCOME RAINE
Ty Store Exclusive (VERY cute!)
http://www.ty.com/Raine_intro

March 1, 2006
RETIREMENT CORRECTION
Hi Lisa
I've just sent this to Ms. Janie, and checked your list and noticed you have  yellow retired, red current, so thought i'd forward the info to you.
Love; Karen

For those who keep records of retirements, it was confusing as to which Happy Birthday bear retired, as it showed the yellow New Face one, yet it was the red pot bellied bear that moved to the retired list.

I see it has been corrected now, and the yellow New Face's photo replaced with the red pot belly's photo.

So, yellow Happy Birthday is still current, and red pot bellied is retired.
Love: Karen

MARCH WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Mar06_Wallpaper

MARCH BOTM BILLINGHAM
http://www.ty.com/billingham_intro (YUCK!!)