November 30, 2004
DECEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/Dec04_Prod_Intro
BEANIES: Always the Bear, Honey-Bun the Dog, Poet the Monkey, Sugar-Pie the Dog, Truly the Bear
BUDDIES: Heartford the Bear
PLUFFIES: Lovesly the Dog , Winks the Elephant (larger size)
PUNKIES: Hugz (larger size), Lil' Hugz (pink), Lil' Hugz (white), Big Hugz (extra large), Great Big Hugz (jumbo)
CLASSICS: Bangles the Cat, Opal the Unicorn

November 29, 2004
FINALLY HAVE MY ADSL CONNECTION AGAIN
What a relief! LOL

20,000 Beanie Babies set for deployment to Iraq
When two Morris County residents started collecting Beanie Babies last month to send to Iraq, they expected a good response.

But not this good.

Mary Lonergan, a Chatham mother, and Scott Shepherd, a Morris Township retiree, have collected about 20,000 of the small, plush toys.

And the calls just keep coming.

"I've got people in at least a half dozen states that have heard about what we're doing and want to send more Beanie Babies," Shepherd said. "Everyone wants to get in on the act."

The idea was sparked by an article Lonergan read in U.S. News and World Report that said the top two items requested by soldiers in Iraq are toilet paper and, surprisingly, Beanie Babies.

The soldiers give the toys to Iraqi children as an expression of friendship.

Lonergan, who collected supplies for the troops last year, saw it as an easy way for local residents to help.

"It's better to get Beanie Babies off the shelf where they collect dust," she said, "and get them into the hands of a child who will appreciate them."

She contacted Shepherd, who not only heads up Operation Red Shield, a Salvation Army program to support the troops, but also serves on the National Guard of New Jersey's Family Readiness Council. He eagerly agreed to help get the Beanie Babies to Iraq.

In October, Lonergan had a collection drive at the Chatham borough gazebo. In three hours, roughly 200 people dropped off close to 15,000 stuffed toys -- three times the number she expected.

The toys didn't have to bear the Beanie Babies label; they just had to be soft and clean and small enough to stuff in a soldier's backpack. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Half-Pint Peeps
Last Wednesday was a red-letter day for the grade school set in Santa Barbara. The Ty Warner Sea Center and the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History got together to stage a major coup in Paseo Nuevo—screening The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie two days before it hit theaters nationwide. And it was a hot ticket: the advance screening sold out in two days. How could I pass it up? A movie premiere is a movie premiere, and the sea-dwelling SpongeBob is apparently the coolest thing to happen to kids’ cartoons since…umm, Ren and Stimpy? The Smurfs? Well anyway, this much is certain: SquarePants is the Man.

The kids were giddy, sporting their SpongeBob best, and riding the sugar rush from the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cones that were free to everyone with a SpongeBob ticket. Festivities started a couple of hours before the film and included all kinds of fun hands-on exhibits and underwater-themed arts and crafts, giving kids a sneak peek of what to expect from the Sea Center. I wandered around, chit-chatting and snapping pictures, but, to be honest, I really just wanted to play. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 28, 2004
COMPUTER CONNECTION DOWN
Sorry for the delay in getting the news out. My ADSL has been out since yesterday morning. I'm not on a dial-up connection for a short time in order to catch up on news and email. Boy is this SLOW!! LOL 

AUCTIONS ENDING SHORTLY: CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

MUSEUM EDUCATES GROWING BASE
Connie Black didn't spend much time shopping on Friday.

But then again, she's only 4 years old.

She had more important matters to tend to, like face painting.

"I've been waiting all day for this," she said.

Wilson was one of about 200 visitors to attend the Children's Museum of South Carolina's fourth annual Fall Family Day on Friday.

The museum attracts thousands of locals and tourists, such as Connie from Charlotte, N.C., each year. The number of visitors to the museum has steadily grown since its opening in 1994, and that has museum officials scrambling to find more space.

As part of Fall Family Day, the museum also played host to North Myrtle Beach Christian Retreat's Noah's Ark food drive. About 50 children had donated canned food for the needy in exchange for Beanie Babies, said volunteer Len Williams. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 27, 2004
Beanies to help burnish image of U.S. forces
Stacy Bunker found a way to free up some closet space and she hopes change the world's view of United States troops.

The Camas High School senior is gathering Beanie Babies stuffed animals for children in Iraq. She'll send them to Southwest Washington troops serving in Baghdad.

"I thought it would be awesome if they went to the kids in Iraq so the troops could hand them out," Bunker said. "It shows they're not bad guys."

Sweets win a child's favor for a few minutes, Bunker said, but children can take beanbag toys home so parents appreciate the gesture. "This is something nice they can keep for a long time," she said.

The idea would make a perfect senior project, but for one piece: Bunker needed to hitch her goods to a plane bound for Iraq. "I thought, if troops are already going over there, there's probably enough room for just one box."

Bunker surprised Sgt. Todd Stone, a recruiter for the Army National Guard, during his lunchroom rounds. "She said, 'Is there a way I can get Beanie Babies to Iraq without it being illegal?'" Stone said.

"He just jumped right in," Bunker said. "He already had an idea of who he could contact to be able to deliver the toys."

Deliveries ship to Iraq once a month, Stone said. If Bunker boxed the Beanies, he would take care of the rest.

Bunker took to the halls of Camas High School. She made posters, recorded a video bulletin, and appealed to fellow students on the morning announcements. She even spoke in school assemblies twice.

Bunker found her classmates more than willing to surrender the once-coveted collectibles. At last count, she had received 669 of them.

That total includes three girls who donated more than 100 each, Bunker said. "It amazes me that they would put so much money and time and love into a collection like that and not even think twice about donating every single one."

That's one sign the Beanie Babies craze is dead. Another comes from Kentucky, where a newspaper reported that high school engineering students use the toys as ammo for homemade catapults.

Sandi McQueen, owner of Haley's Flowers on Fourth Avenue in Camas, said Beanie Babies or similar toys still sell every day. "There's probably some kids that still like to collect them," McQueen said, "but it's not like it was.

"It's never going to be like it was."

Despite her role as Pied Piper, Bunker said she herself had a Beanie infestation. She rounded up 50 of the critters from her household.

Everything that made the toys a fad made them the perfect re-gift when the Beanie Baby bubble burst, Bunker said. Most were bought frantically and handled little to preserve their value. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 26, 2004
INTRODUCING ICEBOX, LIL' ICEBOX, & TINY TIM
http://www.ty.com/Xmas_Intro

PICTURES OF DECEMBER RELEASES
Several sites have posted pictures of the new December releases. VIEW HERE

BEANIES: Always, Honeybun (red), Honeybun (white), Poet, Sugar-pie, Truly
BUDDIES: Heartford
PLUFFIES: Lovesy
PUNKIES: Lil' Hugz (pink), Lil' Hugz (white), Large Hugz, Big Hugz (26"), Jumbo Hugz (52")
TY CLASSIC: Bangles, Bashful, Blushing (re-introduction), Opal (new version), Truly Yours (re-introduction)

NOTE: What are your thoughts on the new releases. I'm not wild about them myself. It's too early to be thinking about Valentine's Day! LOL If you'd like to share your comments, please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

ASK TY
Q: What do you have planned special for the Beanie Baby Official Club this year? (submitted by gotcha)
A: I would love to be able to answer this question but you know how I am with secrets. Let me just say I look forward to your visit on Wednesday . . . and have a very happy Thanksgiving ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

NEW TY TRADEMARK
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: On November 16, 2004 Ty Inc applied to register a trademark on ALPHABET BEANIES and listed Plush Toys as the Goods and services.

November 25, 2004
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
I hope each and every one of you have a wonderful day with family and friends.

The Next Furby
So, which toy is likely to be the next Furby?
One of the hot sellers on etoys.com, Pokémons, are likely to remain very strong through the holidays. However this line of popular toys and video games is only represented on the T.O.Y. Awards by the Pokémon Trading Card game. The pocket monsters, like Furby, are the current favorites with grade schoolers. Speaking of Furby, the little critter will be available in a special limited holiday edition and Furby babies will likely be a popular stocking stuffer.

There are lots of classic toys that remain very popular with kids and have endured year after year that you should keep in stock. Don't overlook popular presents like games, bikes, skates, dolls and teddy bears. The retiring line of Beanie Babies from Ty continue to be popular collectibles.

Are toys held back to increase demand? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NH soldiers come to the rescue
BEANIE BABIES — Capt. Craig Lapiana of Merrimack, commander of the 210th Engineer Detachment, in Afghanistan, said the unit is relying on folks at home to collect Beanie Babies for the troops to give to children in Afghanistan. Lapiana said Beanie Babies that have already been distributed are delighting the Afghan youngsters who receive them. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Students find lots of ways to give to others, say thanks
Thanksgiving is a day for counting your blessings and expressing gratitude for the good things in life — family, friends, food and shelter.

It is also a time to think of others and give to those in need, said Kristen Lenters, a counselor at Chicago Christian High School in Palos Heights.

To celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, more than 500 students at Chicago Christian participated in the school's Restoration Day last week by performing various acts of kindness to give back to the community.

"Thanksgiving is a time to think of family and friend, to talk and eat and share each others' company," said Kate Daudell, 15, of Orland Park. "Everyone should have a feast for Thanksgiving."

Some of the volunteer acts last week included baking cookies for a downtown Chicago soup kitchen, buying and shipping Beanie Babies to soldiers overseas, collecting and distributing food for the Worth food pantry, bowling to raise money for area shelters, making and sending greeting cards for military personnel and making food baskets with a complete Thanksgiving meal for area families. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Soundings: Let's talk turkey: Hosting Thanksgiving with guests
Perhaps I've mentioned this before, but cooking is not one of my defining talents. In fact, I'd rate cooking as perhaps my 3,500th best talent, ranking it just slightly above tightrope walking, brain surgery, and playing the French horn (most of which, you'll be pleased to know, I hardly ever attempt).

Consequently, a holiday like Thanksgiving, with its central focus on cooking and eating, can occasion a certain amount of anxiety.

In holidays past, my children would keep a small paper bag by the stove as I cooked. When they noticed my eyes beginning to dart furtively around the kitchen — an indication that I was plotting my escape route — they would hold the bag to my face and encourage me to breath deeply.

Recently, however, I've become less anxious about holiday cooking after experiencing some modest success with Thanksgiving dinner. For example, in the last three years alone, I have avoided dropping the turkey, sent no one to the hospital, and set the tablecloth on fire only once.

A smart person might just stop there and count her blessings; but no, this year I had to up the ante and venture into new, uncharted territory: hosting guests.

I invited an unsuspecting family to join us for Thanksgiving.

Now, we traditionally host my in-laws for Thanksgiving, but they hardly count as guests. My mother-in-law is so graciously accepting of everything I do — or, at least, so used to it after 23 years — that she wouldn't blink if I served Fluffernutters with a side of Pringles.

But inviting real guests has raised a lot of tricky questions. Just consider the many things I've had to ask myself in the days leading up to the big event:

Saturday: Do I have enough silverware for 10 people? And, if not, who will get the little fork and spoon with the red "A B C" on the handle?

Sunday: Do the four pots of dead mums on the front porch convey the kind of welcoming message I'm striving for?

Monday: Do I have a tablecloth long enough to cover both my table and the little card table that we are going to claim is just a slightly lower part of the table?

Tuesday: If not, do I own two tablecloths in the same color that I might pretend are one tablecloth, by covering the edge where they meet with a festive garland?

Wednesday: What is a festive garland anyway?

Thursday: Which are preferable for Thanksgiving: the blue paper napkins with soccer balls (because they match my dishes) or the black ones that say "40 — Better Than Ever" (because I really need to get rid of them before I turn 50)?

Friday: Do I own even one tablecloth that doesn't have stains the size of Rhode Island? Alternatively ... do I have any sheets that, in dim lighting, might resemble a tablecloth?

Saturday: Can a Beanie Baby turkey be considered an acceptable centerpiece? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 24, 2004
SUNDAR INTRODUCTION
http://www.ty.com/Sundar_Intro

RETIREMENTS
Buddies: Siam, Red, Peace Bear (blue), Poofie, White, Blue http://www.ty.com/Nov04_BD_Ret
NOTE: There is glitch on the retired Beanie Baby link.
Beanies: 2004 Holiday Teddy, Shivers, Louis, Whittle, Righty 2004, Chili, New York State, Redford, Lex, Jumpshot. http://www.ty.com/Nov04_BB_Ret

ALL INFO PAGES UPDATED: http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm

NEXT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND BEANIE
Bean Watcher & Ms. Janie have shared info about the new World Wildlife Fund Beanie to be released soon. It’s been announced to those receiving the WWF newsletter. Meet SUNDAR the the Snow Leopard HERE

Toys for tots in Iraq
NEW CASTLE - Firefighters are putting a new twist this year on the department’s annual holiday fund.

In addition to the department’s usual donations to local organizations, care packages will be sent to U.S. Marines stationed in Iraq who plan to give away the toys to Iraqi children.

The idea of sending toys to Iraq came from a letter that firefighter Peter Rice received from former resident Tarren Windham, who is stationed in Fallujah with the First Marine Division.

In April, Rice and some local children, Canty Smith, Molly Horgan and Guy Horgan, had organized care packages to send to a Marine engineering brigade stationed in Iraq. It wasn’t long before residents began dropping off boxes of toiletries, candy and nonperishable foods for the Marines.

Soon, along with toothbrushes, razors, shaving cream and other practical supplies, Rice and the children began collecting toys to include in the care packages. Recently, resident Jean Sawtelle, whose daughter owns a gift shop in York, Maine, dropped off a station wagon full of Beanie Babies.

"You wouldn’t believe how this thing has just snowballed," said Rice, whose garage - renamed the shipping department - is now filled with Beanie Babies and other supplies. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

Students send shoe boxes to soldiers
Dear Soldier,

Thank you for fighting for our country.

I hope you come home very soon.

Love, Emiliano"

It's a simple, heartfelt message scribbled on the bars of a paper American flag taped to the lid of a shoe box.

It's enough to make a soldier far from home smile.

Filled with writing paper, envelopes, pens and pencils, pre-sweetened powdered drinks, hard candy and gum, knee-high hose and deodorant, that box and about 50 more like it are headed to Iraq, courtesy of Brooklyn Springs Elementary School's emotionally disabled class.

Once the items were collected, Poore's class, with the assistance of Lynette Garris and Gregory Thompson, began to sort and package the goodies. The also included a Beanie Baby or two in each box. Some students bought them, but others, like Crispin Bivens, brought their own Beanie Babies from home to send to the soldiers.

"When they're out there fighting, they can reach into their pocket, touch it, and know there's a kid back home that's thinking about them," Crispin told Poore. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 23, 2004
Retirements
Loretta shares with Ms. Janie: There are some retirements (not sold out) on the TY retailer’s website as follows:
11/19 – Windchill Pluffie
11/22 – TBBoppers: Footie, Snazzy Sabrina, Glitzy Gabby, Sassy Star, American Millie

Dozens lend their teddy bears to Historical Museum exhibit
When people loan dolls to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, they bring them to Jane Richards in boxes.

When people loan teddy bears to the museum, they bring them in their arms.

This month, more than 100 toy bears arrived at the museum snuggled with their owners, eager to join Richards' newest exhibit, "Mrs. Teddy Bear's Holiday Tea."

"Not one of them, though, arrived in a box," Richards said. "People don't collect teddy bears to get rid of them. They collect them to love."

In fact, several bears in the exhibit have been loved so well they're missing eyes or fur or their nose.

One pair of bears is actually slippers. Three are collectible Beanie Babies. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

From yo-yo to go-go for smart entrepreneur
When Jason Smith was in sixth grade he bought bags of Jolly Rancher candies, resold individual pieces to classmates and made $10 profit per bag.

That was his introduction to entrepreneurship, and he hasn't stopped since.

Now 24, Smith owns GoSMG.com (which stands for Specialty Marketing Group), a Brea, Calif.-based company that helps schools and nonprofit organizations nationwide maximize their fund-raising efforts.

Age is perhaps the least important element of small-business success. Young entrepreneurs like Smith have discovered that, as long as they provide value, service and success to their customers, no one checks their ID card.

Smith has learned six vital lessons that have built GoSMG.com into a nationwide company with six-figure revenue.

1. Test the waters.
Jolly Ranchers just whetted Smith's entrepreneurial appetite. By high school he was experimenting with eBay, selling Beanie Babies and other items.

"From an early age, I became fascinated with buying and selling and the concept of profit," he said. "My parents were very supportive." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 22, 2004
IMAGES FROM THE TODAY SHOW DONATION
http://www.planetbeans.com/Today.htm

CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

TY SIGNED OLE BEANIE ON AUCTION
Ending in 8 days the current high bid is at £890.00. Reserve hasn't been met.
Partial auction description: A gift from Ty Europe Ltd to the BBC Children in Need Appeal 2004. A brand new Signed Ole the bull beanie baby. What makes this so special for collectors is that it is signed by TY Warner himself and there are only two Ole's with his signature in the world. ( Another Ty beanie baby signed by Mr Warner is estimated to be worth 17000 dollars!!). All proceeds from sale go to BBC Children in Need Appeal 2004. VIEW AUCTION HERE 

November 21, 2004
Community garage sale in Pines pleases sellers, buyers
PEMBROKE PINES · At age 9, Karina Forler already knows how to find a bargain.

She purchased three Taco Bell dogs for $1.50 and a porcelain doll for $1 at a recent garage sale. Her mother, Linda Forler, estimated that the doll originally sold for about $50.
Her sister, Sara Forler, was selling Beanie Babies for 50 cents.

"I need to get rid of these Beanie Babies," she said. "They attract dust in my room and it affects my sinuses."

Linda remembered when Sara really wanted the Beanie Babies.

"They were so expensive when we bought them, but we are selling them cheap," Sara's mom said. "This is a nice event and the kids really love it. I know Karina is excited about all the new toys she has bought at such low prices." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 20, 2004
NO NEWS
I've been searching for something worth reporting and unfortunately have come up empty handed! If you have something to share please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

November 19, 2004
ASK TY
Q: What was your first job and how old were you? (submitted by caper2)
A: I'm not sure that you would call it a real job, but when I was 9 years old I helped a friend deliver newspapers. I'll never forget being chased by Mrs. Schmidt's St. Bernard . . . Bernie !

Small Town Ty!
What Is The Beanie Buzz   (Nov 18, 2004, 04:02 PM)
Message Id: 879536
What Is The Beanie Buzz writes: It doesn't matter if you live in the city or in the country--Beanies are everywhere! But "Beanies & More" magazine knows that it's often easier for city-folk to get their Ty. We want to hear from collectors in small towns to find out where you get your Beanies ... and how far you have to travel! Do you have a favorite small town store where you purchase your Beanies? Or do you have to make a long trip to the big city to get the latest Beanie releases? Write to us at beaniesandmore@imaginepub.com and tell us about your small-town Ty experiences. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

April Fool's! Beanie Style
What Is The Beanie Buzz   (Nov 18, 2004, 04:02 PM)
Message Id: 879533
What Is The Beanie Buzz writes: April 1 is April Fool's Day and "Beanies & More" magazine wants to know how you and your collector friends have used Beanies to play tricks on one another! Have you fooled your fellow collectors with an outrageous Beanie rumor? Have you played a practical Beanie joke on your friends? Have you used Ty as a centerpiece in your trickery? Write to us at beaniesandmore@imaginepub.com. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

INFO BEANIE HINTS OF SOMETHING TO COME ON THANKSGIVING?
Thursday November 18,2004 08:02 p.m.
Oops, it looks like I let the cat out of the bag. Yes, we are having company for Thanksgiving. We are going to make an extra special Thanksgiving Day feast, don't worry I'll make sure we take all of your suggestions into consideration!

Thursday November 18,2004 04:31 p.m.
Can you believe it's been raining all day long? This weather is so yucky; I wish it would stop raining. On another note since it was raining we spent the entire day sprucing up the nursery. After all next week is Thanksgiving and the nursery has to be squeaky clean for Thanksgiving dinner guests!

November 18, 2004
NO NEWS
I've been searching for something worth reporting and unfortunately have come up empty handed! If you have something to share please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

November 17, 2004
Holiday collection pours in
Be careful what you wish for: holiday drive for soldiers was so successful, the sponsor needs help with the shipping
Help needed to ship stuff to troops

People contributed so much stuff to a holiday collection drive for soldiers, sponsored by Shanna Walker, that she'll have to take out a loan to cover the shipping charges.

Well, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but Walker certainly was amazed by the volume of items donated for the troops.

"I wasn't expecting this much stuff," she said this week.

They collected 140 tubes of toothpaste. Students also wrote greetings on 100 holiday memos and donated 41 Beanie babies in the name of good will, said teacher Katrina Fogelson. Soldiers regularly give out the stuffed animals to Iraqi children as they patrol the streets. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

Sly shares with Ms. Janie:
Today Show and Ty kickoff the 2004 Holiday Toy Drive
‘Today’s’ 11th annual gift drive
Learn how we're helping needy children this holiday season, and how you can too

Today" is pleased to announce the 11th annual Holiday Toy Drive will kick off Monday, November 29 and run through Friday, December 24. The “Today” show toy drive is a project of the Today Show Charitable Foundation, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the extent the law allows.

Last holiday season, “Today” viewers, Web site visitors and corporate contributors teamed up to make the holidays brighter for 750,000 children in child and family service organizations all over the United States. Fifteen million dollars worth of toys, books, clothing, electronics, music CDs, toiletry essentials and cash were donated from our generous partners in our annual effort.

The unique drive, which provides gifts for children and teenagers across the country, who might not otherwise receive any, will be featured every day on both “Today” and “Weekend Today.”

... Major donations from corporations will begin to appear on the show beginning November 22. The folks at Rockefeller Plaza are also encouraged to bring a gift for a child up to age 18 and donate it live, on camera, during the celebrity collection at 8:30 a.m. ET beginning November 29 and every day after that until Christmas Eve morning.

The recipients
Gifts go to more than 220 children's service organizations serving more than 750,000 children nationwide, from Florida to Alaska. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 16, 2004
SpongeBob SquarePants Coming to Surface
LOS ANGELES - America's favorite deep-sea sponge is coming to the surface.

SpongeBob SquarePants, a goofy sink utensil who wears a little brown suit and lives in a pineapple at the bottom of the ocean, has spent the past five years on the Nickelodeon TV channel. Now a new film out Friday sends him to a "real world" both simple and surreal.

Here are 10 little-known facts about "The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie" and the origin of a cartoon cult icon:

1. THE BIRTH OF SPONGEBOB: The movie's director and "SpongeBob" creator Stephen Hillenburg was a former marine science teacher who wanted to do a sea cartoon. "I really wanted to do something about one character, based on an innocent who is surrounded by more cynical beings ... A sort of awkward, nerdy, goofball, oddball," he said.

Fish seemed too ordinary, so he started thinking about a sponge. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & LIST HERE

Students work to help poor Iraqis
PORT CLINTON -- Students at Portage Elementary school were shocked when they learned about the poverty Iraqi children face every day.

So they decided to send some of their good fortune overseas to share with children living in the war-torn country.

Last week, students at the school collected more than 1,000 stuffed animals, pencils, paper, bookbags and other school supplies to send to soldiers from the area to give to Iraqi children, said Bob Hathaway, guidance counselor at Portage and Catawba elementaries.

"A lot of the students here who have donated, they don't have a lot either," Hathaway said. "So it's kind of neat to see that." VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PICTURE HERE

ANOTHER TY/FTD OFFERING...
StillNotGeoff   (Nov 16, 2004, 08:05 AM)
Message Id: 877859
StillNotGeoff writes:

The FTD website is currently offering the "Ty Happy Holiday Tin" which is similar to the "Ty Haunted Halloween Tin" which they offered in October.

This item consists of a metal tin filled with Christmas-themed candies and treats and a Kringle Beanie Baby. (Kringle has no additional tag, and is the same as those found at retail.)

This can be considered an official Ty promotion, since Ty and FTD established a marketing partnership in 2003. This is the fourth tyme that theFTD website has had a holiday themed offering that includes a Ty product or products. The first was the "Beary Happy Valentine Beanie Baby Chocolate Box" offered in January and February of this year, followed by a Mother's Day offering of a bouquet of gerbera daisies with a Mother 2004 Beanie, and then the Halloween tin. VIEW CYBERBOARD POSTING HERE

From FTD: Ty Happy Holiday Tin
Just in time for the holidays! Kringle™ the bear Beanie Baby® from Ty® is here to bring treats to all the good girls and boys. Santa tin contains Kringle™, foil-wrapped Santa chocolates, PEZ dispenser and PEZ candies, a bag of buttered popcorn, a bag of HERSHEY® Kisses, assorted candies, and more. VIEW FTD WEBSITE TO ORDER HERE

November 15, 2004
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Dive in! Fund-raising Greek salad is huge
Stretched out across several tabletops, the 169-gallon inflatable wading pool was filled with mounds of salad, its pungent dressing beckoning the dozens of patrons who filled the Temple Beth El dining room in Bloomfield Hills on Sunday afternoon.

Each person paid $5 for a bowl of what was billed as Detroit's largest Greek salad -- with additional charges for grilled chicken and cookies -- to raise money for the Children's Hospital of Michigan's IV team, which gives patients Beanie Babies to ease the pain of being pricked. The brainchild of 12-year-old Abby Bice, the feta fiesta is expected to finance six to 12 months' worth of stuffed animals.

"I love Leo's Coney Island -- it's my favorite restaurant -- so I thought, 'Why don't we do something with them,' " Abby explained.

Leo Stassinopoulos, owner of the eatery, 6527 Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, donated the ingredients -- 168 heads of lettuce, 60 pounds of cheese, 4 gallons of pepperoncini, 3 gallons of olives, two cases of chickpeas, two cases of beets, four cases of tomatoes, two cases of cucumbers and 9 gallons of dressing. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

UPDATED: FABULOUS FINDS: 
Michael, Andy, and Laura share their great finds!! http://www.planetbeans.com/FabulousFinds.htm

November 14, 2004
Woman collects toys for Iraqi children
HOLLAND -- Call it Operation Beanie Babies.

Holland resident Mary Green hopes to do her part to spread good will by providing U.S. soldiers with Beanie Babies to give out to Iraqi children.

"We want to let the Iraqi people know what our children are doing for their children," Green said. "We want people to think positively about us."

So far, she has been able to deploy 3,000 Beanie Babies to Iraq. And more are on the way.

Whatever she collects, she sends to Army Capt. Stacy Trethewey Nelsen, who is stationed in Iraq, working as a social worker.

In a recent e-mail to Green, Nelsen told her how much the Beanie Babies are appreciated.

"The soldiers and medics at the station get so excited when (I get) more Beanie Baby boxes," Nelsen wrote, adding that they will be distributed to children in hospitals, schools and health clinics. VIEW FULL STORY HERE

November 13, 2004
Students launch Beanie Babies by using homemade catapults
HOPKINSVILLE -- Placing the Beanie Baby toy in a tarp sling, a Christian County High School sophomore wound the string to pull a heavy rock down and prepared to launch the furry bear across the classroom.

After the Beanie Baby reached great heights, but landed short of a spot marked on the floor, the teacher talked to Ray Stephens about what he could do to increase the distance of the Beanie Baby's flight. VIEW FULL STORY & PIC HERE

PICTURES OF SPONGEBOB TRIO
Bean Watcher has some great pictures of the Beanies and their displays. http://beanwatcher.com/

"D" shares some great pictures with Ms. Janie: http://www.msjanie.com/2004_photos/D_Spongebob.html

November 12, 2004
This household has too many collectibles
Phil and Marcia Bach feel like they've hit a fork in the road.

"We have so many collectibles that we don't know where to start," said Phil Bach, of Phoenix. "We're at a stage in our lives where we don't know what to do with all the collectibles" they have.

"It's getting to a point where we just have to stop, take stock, and maybe sell off some of those wonderful things we have collected over the years," he added.

When I asked him for an example, the first thing off the bat was: "We have over 1,550 Beanie Babies."

Of course, the Beanie Baby craze swept the world a few years ago.

Beanie Babies were the brainchild of Ty Warner, a marketing genius from Oak Brook, Ill., who previously worked for a plush toy manufacturer. Warner went out on his own and launched a line called "Annual Collectible Bears."

Seven years later, Ty Inc. released his first Beanie Baby creations, called Brown and Punchie, in 1993. During the second half of the year Warner released the Original Nine beanies: Legs the Frog, Squealer the Pig, Cubbie the Bear, Flash the Dolphin, Splash the Whale, Patti the Platypus, Chocolate the Moose, Spot the Dog and Pinchers the Lobster. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Dad left behind as mom serves in Iraq
He's an Army recruiter by day and Mr. Mom by night.

Since Steve Dykes and his wife married 13 years ago, their roles have somewhat reversed.

"I recruited her," Dykes said Veterans Day afternoon, speaking of his wife, Wilhelmina, a member of the Army National Guard, who now is serving in Iraq.

Since his wife was deployed to Kuwait Dec. 2, Dykes has been playing the role of both father and mother to the couple's two daughters -- first-grader Larissa and third-grader Kaylee, both students at Rusch Elementary School.

Liz Masterson and Pam Weiss, both mothers of children in Larissa's class, came up with the idea to send items to Wilhelmina. "This was a positive way for the kids to feel like they're doing something," Masterson said.

Masterson's daughter, first-grader Kate, was all smiles as she stood next to the pile of supplies.

"Some of them are mine," she said as she pointed to the Beanie Babies. Masterson said the soldiers carry the little stuffed animals in their pockets and hand them out to the children of Iraq. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CHERISH UPDATES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

More Beanies donated
IRONWOOD -- The investment representative for Grand View Health System, Jon Murray, partner in Pension Trend Investment Advisers LLC, lives in the Lansing area. He read the article regarding the Beanie Baby Donation Project in the Lansing State Journal a few days before he was scheduled to visit Ironwood.

He shared the story with his two kids and they volunteered to donate 70 of their "friends" from their collection. He brought them to Ironwood to donate to the Beanie Baby Project, along with a monetary donation to assist with mailing costs.

To date, 4,000 of the dolls have been received and will be delivered and distributed with the assistance of the American Red Cross. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

Toys aren't just fun and games
Nothing puts the "ho ho ho" in the holidays like a hot toy, but for retailers the toy business hasn't been too much fun lately.

U.S. toy sales, after falling 3 percent to $20.7 billion in 2003, were down about 4 percent through the first nine months of this year, according to Tony Gikas, a senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray & Co. in Minneapolis.

Onetime industry leader Toys "R" Us, still the second-largest player in the sector, has been evaluating its toy business and is expected to close several hundred stores in 2005. Both FAO Schwarz and KB Toys filed for bankruptcy in the past year, and the latter already has closed more than 425 stores.

Industry observers lament the absence of any "must-have" dolls or games to entice shoppers this holiday season.

As a result, the nation's largest toy retailers are turning to some tried-and-true favorites and exclusive offerings in an attempt to generate customer excitement even in the weeks before Thanksgiving.

With the apt holiday slogan "Get Ready," Target delivered an early salvo in the annual toy tussle last week. Its 48-page kids' catalog launched on Halloween, featuring exclusive items and coupons for popular characters such as Barbie, Bratz and G.I. Joe.

Meanwhile, toy retailing leader Wal-Mart already is selling some of its top toys of the season at or below cost. Toys "R" Us has unveiled its yearly Big Toy Book, which also highlights exclusive products.

Minneapolis-based Target is well aware that toys -- along with departments such as apparel, consumer electronics and home decor -- build the foundation for any successful holiday campaign. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ASK TY
Q: What is your daily routine when working at Ty Inc? What is your favourite part of your day? (submitted by ty-dye-beanie) 
A: I really don't have a daily routine. There are always so many things going on you never know what to expect from one day to the next. My favorite part of day, that's easy . . . reading the Cyberboards and seeing what's new on Ms. Janie's ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

November 11, 2004
TORONTO RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/Toronto_ret

Plush toys are sought for Iraqi children
Fire departments in Henrico and Chesterfield counties will accept donations of plush animals to send to Iraqi children.

Last week, The Times-Dispatch reported that Pam Brady of Short Pump donated thousands of the small, bean-filled toys - mainly the once-popular Ty Inc. Beanie Babies - to soldiers at Fort Lee, who will in turn give the plush toys to children throughout war-torn Iraq.

Pam Brady said the program - dubbed "Operation Compassionate Heart" after the heart-shaped paper tags attached to Beanie Babies - has just begun, and she wants church groups, Scout troops and regional schools to help. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

I LOVE BEARS CHECKLISTS
Complete checklist for ALL "I LOVE" bears: http://www.planetbeans.com/ILoveBearsChecklist.htm
Complete checklist with info for ALL "I LOVE" bears: http://www.planetbeans.com/ILoveBears.htm

Complete checklist with info for STATE exclusives: http://www.planetbeans.com/StateExclusives.htm
Complete checklist for STATE exclusives: http://www.planetbeans.com/StateExclusiveChecklist.htm

November 10, 2004
NEW INTRODUCTIONS
Introducing P.F.C. a Portsmouth Football Club Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/pfcIntro
Introducing Cornbread & Herschel Jingle Beanies: http://www.ty.com/Hersch_CnBread-Intro

NEWS FROM HAYLEY
Hayley writes: “Hi there, Recently I held a competition on www.Beanzaddiction.com to win the new UK trio, to lead up to the launch of my new Online store, featuring my greeting cards and gifts. Well, the Orly Store is now up and running! It's very exciting for me, and Orly the cat too! I would appreciate it if you could let your visitors know the link: www.thatsjustpeachy.com, maybe someday I could be competing with Ty lol! :-D Thanks, Hayley”

Shill bidding on eBay gets penalised
Eight traders have been ordered to pay almost $90,000 for artificially inflating the prices of artwork, sports memorabilia and cars that they were selling on eBay, the New York Attorney General announced yesterday.

"The use of shill bids in on-line auctions illegally drives up prices and defrauds consumers," said Eliot Spitzer, the State Attorney General. "These cases and continuing efforts to monitor transactions should help maintain the integrity of on-line auctions."

Shill bidding, or as eBay describes it, “the deliberate placing of bids to artificially raise the price of an item,” is strictly forbidden by the auction forum and may result in suspension from the site. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 9, 2004
1. Carly Fiorina, 2. Margaret C. Whitman, 3. Andrea Jung, 4. Michelle Peluso, 5. Anne Mulcahy
MARGARET C. WHITMAN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, EBAY

Many professional managers brought in to run Internet companies didn't last far beyond the dot-com bust of four years ago. Margaret C. Whitman, eBay Inc.'s chief executive, is a clear exception.

Ms. Whitman, 48 years old, joined eBay in 1998 when the Internet auction site had 30 employees and was known as a funky bazaar for collectors of Beanie Babies, baseball cards and other bric-a-brac. Now, eBay has more than 7,600 employees and owns online marketplaces around the world through which $24 billion of merchandise was sold last year. Collecting tolls on all those transactions has made eBay one of the most consistently profitable businesses on the Internet. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

A taste for green bean casserole--but in a bottle?
Jones Soda Co., which brought you Turkey & Gravy Soda last year, returns with more flavors
SEATTLE -- Jones Soda Co. takes the idea of a liquid diet to a new low. How does Green Bean Casserole Soda strike you? And how about an aggressively buttery-smelling Mashed Potato Soda?

Even the creators of the fizzy concoctions at this small Seattle soda company can hardly stomach the stuff. But last year's unexpected success of the Turkey & Gravy Soda means another round of bizarre food-flavored soft drinks. As an added bonus, they're calorie-free.

This week Jones Soda Co. launches a full meal deal of five Thanksgiving soda flavors, from the bile-colored Green Bean Casserole to the sweet--but slightly sickly--Fruitcake Soda. Last year's Turkey & Gravy is also back on the menu.

If you think it sounds less than appetizing, you're not alone.

"Oh, man, I can't drink that!" cries out company Chief Executive Peter van Stolk, after pouring himself a drink of mashed potatoes.

To banish the buttery aftertaste, he recommends a chaser of Cranberry Soda, the only one of the holiday bunch that doesn't make you want to pick up a toothbrush.

Drinking last year's savory Turkey & Gravy was no picnic, either, but that didn't stop people from clamoring for it, pushing bidding on auction Web site eBay up to $63 for a two-bottle set.

This year Jones plans to produce up to 15,000 five-packs of the 12-ounce bottles, which come complete with utensils (a straw and a toothpick). The sodas may not be as satisfying as a real holiday meal, but they can boast being both calorie- and carb-free, not to mention vegan and kosher.

Beginning Thursday, they'll be on sale at some Target Corp. stores throughout the country and at other retailers, for between $14.95 and $16.95, with proceeds benefiting Toys for Tots. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 8, 2004
ORDERING STARLIGHT
Rose writes: “Hi Lisa, Rose here from Canada, Well I did it again, but this time, I got in the my girlfriend to call Harrods in the UK because her mom lives in the UK & we ordered 2 black & 2 white Starlights having them shipped to her moms & then sent on to us, will be a lot cheaper for postage as Harrods charges over $20.00 So as soon as I get them will try to send you a picture of them OH I can't wait to see them I heard that the white 1 is going to be very hard to get, also asked about I love London, sold out in an hour. Classic not out yet. sorry about the long note I get really talkative when it comes to my beanies. Rose”

ADDITIONAL INFO ON STARLIGHT AND LONDON
Bean Watcher reports the following: “Starlight, the Harrods Store-exclusive Beanie Baby has been
introduced. It comes in two colors - one is white, the other is black. The white version is rare, while
the black version is common. Most reports indicate that collectors could purchase only one white Starlight for every 10 black Starlight bears.

Furthermore, 500 of each version (white and black) came with a serially numbered First Day of Issue certificate signed by Ty Europe LTD President Pat Roche. These special beanies with certificates, especailly the white version, should be very popular with collectors (remember Stardust with the
certificate)?

Finally, I Love London -- Harrods has sold out of these bears and initial reports are that they will not be receiving additional quantities. Early reports indicate that these bears will be hard-to-find, just like I Love Wales.”

November 7, 2004
City of Lights and the Natchitoches Festival of Lights
The small town of Natchitoches hosts its seventy-eighth Festival of Lights

The Natchitoches Festival of Lights has had tremendous growth since it humble beginnings. This year’s festival is slated to draw over one hundred thousand visitors from all over the world. Adding in the mini-events the total estimated number of visitors to the town of Natchitoches and Cane River areas during Christmas season, tops over five hundred thousand.

The festival is the beginning of the Christmas season. It starts two days before Thanksgiving and ends New Years Day.

Do you hate the hustle and bustle of shopping, trying to find the right present, rushing to the store to find out that they are out and the sales clerks either don’t care or are just down rite rude. Well you won’t find this at the riverside vendors and shops. The shopping is totaling different here. You will actually finders shopkeepers that are glad to see you and will do their best to help you make selections that will please the recipient. And they do it will a smile. Their wares are not necessarily what you find at the mall. While they do have some of the usual items you find in big shopping malls, many are different, and unique. I will tell you a secret. Several years ago I was late getting my shopping done. I had been working far too much and worried how I was going to get everything done. Then I discovered Natchitoches quite by accident. I had been here before but never thought of it as a shopping mecca. I just pulled in to eat a quick lunch. But………..There was a sign in one of the windows advertising Ty beanie babies. I found the hard to find ones that my daughter wanted and they had not jacked the price up. While I went to eat they wrapped them up for me and I then found the other shops. Several hours latter I had finished all my Christmas Shopping and left feeling very refreshed. I had had one of the best shopping experiences of my life and the family and friends on my list got gifts that no one wanted to return. Since then I do all of my shopping in small town shops. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ANOTHER CHERISH AUCTION UPDATE FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

November 6, 2004
INTRODUCING STARLIGHT
Starlight is a Beanie Baby available exclusively at Harrods Toy Kingdom in London, England. (VERY NICE!! Now to figure out how to get one. LOL) http://www.ty.com/starlight

CHERISH AUCTION UPDATE FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

November 5, 2004
ASK TY
Q: I remember reading that you are an accomplished pianist. Do you ever play for your employees at work? (submitted by pocketswoof)
A: I'm not sure how accomplished I am, but I do enjoy playing. And yes, I did play for a holiday party many years ago . . . . I'm an ace at Winter Wonderland; it's one of my favorites ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

HELP STILL NEEDED
Still needing the newer version of Toffee. Kind reader, Lisa, who lost her husband in 2002 in Afghanistan when the war first started, offered to mail Vic the version she has but unfortunately it’s not the same that he’s looking for. She has generously offered her older version. This is the version Vic is searching for: http://www.ty.com/6_detail?id=521 If you can help PLEASE get in touch with me. Lisa@planetbeans.com

Lynne writes: “I have Vic's mailing address in Iraq if anyone would like to send something to the guys for the holidays. It's a shame they have to be there. Vic is in a medical unit over there, and they can use anything and everything to raise morale. Here's his address:

c/o HM1 VICTOR ALONZO
MWSS 373 HQ MEDICAL
UIC 41116
FPO-AP 96426-1116

EDUCATION BRIEFS
Whittier makes difference for troops overseas
Whittier Elementary School students observed national Make A Difference Day on Oct. 11, by drawing pictures, writing letters and donating necessities for U.S. troops stationed overseas. A total of 16 boxes weighing approximately 310 pounds and $600 in monetary donations were sent to Operation Gratitude, a California-based organization that specializes in sending care packages to U.S. troops. Among the donations were:

835 Beanie Babies (for the troops to give to local children)
nearly 4,000 minutes on AT&T calling cards
1228 servings of candy
323 servings of trail mix
586 cups of powdered drink mix
671 individually wrapped moist towelettes
104 individual Boy Scout microwave popcorn packets
15 boxes of Girl Scout cookies
184 sheets of stationery
66 lip balms
VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CRACKER BARREL JINGLE BEANIES
http://www.msjanie.com/2004_photos/Denny_CrackerJingles.html

November 4, 2004
HELP NEEDED
Lynne writes: “Hi Lisa, I have been auctioning off my retired Ty classics on ebay. I had an email from one of our servicemen (Marines) in Iraq, who saw my listing for Ty Old Toffee/New Toffee, and wants to get the newer version (also retired) for his child as a gift. I do what I can to help the servicemen and their families, and if he'd emailed me sooner, I would gladly have sent him Toffee free of charge. But my auction has five bids on it, and doesn't end until friday. So I started searching sites for retired Ty plush dogs, and came up with one Toffee, but they want $65 for it! You have so many connections with Ty, can you help me track down a Ty Classic Toffee the dog? I want to buy it and sent it to him. Any help or suggestions you can give me will be very much appreciated. Thanks very much! Lynne”

HELP NEEDED: FOLLOWUP
Lynne writes: “Hi Lisa, Thanks for printing my letter in your newsletter. I hope it gets some attention. I just wanted to let you know that I had another email from the Marine, who's name is Vic. He was so stunned that I wanted to help him because I appreciate what he's doing over there, that he shared my email with his buddies. He says that all they hear over there is negative press about the war, and were thrilled to hear from someone who cares. This is TERRIBLE! He really broke my heart, and I intend to track that dog down somehow. We need to let these guys and gals know that we do care! Thanks again, Lynne”

Nevada County soundly backs President Bush
As they have in every presidential election since 1968, Nevada County voters backed the Republican Party ticket Tuesday.

The war on terrorism was the defining issue for voters interviewed as they left their polling places, and the majority of them believed that President George W. Bush will provide better leadership than Sen. John Kerry.

With 102 of 138 precincts reporting in the county, Bush had 18,588 votes (54 percent) to 15,528 (44 percent) for Kerry.

Voters who backed Kerry cited their opposition to Bush more than their support of the Democratic nominee.

Jackie McComb of Grass Valley said she was a lifelong Republican until she recently switched parties because she "detests" Bush.

"I'm so upset about the war, I'd vote for a Beanie Baby before I'd vote for Bush," she said.

"I think it's arrogant of us (to invade Iraq)," she added. "If you look at history, you can't impose western values on an Eastern culture. I don't think Bush believes the American people are very smart." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 3, 2004
LEFTY 2004 RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/novRet2

REDFORD THE CARDINAL - SOLD OUT!
http://www.ty.com/redford_soldout

Millie's celebrates silver anniversaryart
For Millie and Hank Wynberg, opening a small Hallmark store 25 years ago was a way to forestall some of the pitfalls of retirement.

The couple, both in their 60s back then, had decided the greeting card business would be an easy way to stay active and supplement their retirement income. They made their decision after a bit of research and talks with friends. Both hoped to open a store before relocating from Chicago to the Southwest.

"We were not ready for the rocking chair, and we were not ready to play golf all day either," Hank said.

However, Ahwatukee Foothills in 1979, with a population of about 5,000 people, seemed like a risky place to set up shop ­ especially to Hallmark officials.

"They wondered about the location being out in the middle of nowhere," Millie said.

Linda, who has managed the business for about 20 years, has guided the store through a 5,000-square-foot expansion and a post-Sept. 11, 2001, economy.

She notes she also survived the Beanie Baby craze of the '90s, even though she once had to call for help to calm some impatient customers. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

HELP NEEDED
Lynne writes: “Hi Lisa, I have been auctioning off my retired Ty classics on ebay. I had an email from one of our servicemen (Marines) in Iraq, who saw my listing for Ty Old Toffee/New Toffee, and wants to get the newer version (also retired) for his child as a gift. I do what I can to help the servicemen and their families, and if he'd emailed me sooner, I would gladly have sent him Toffee free of charge. But my auction has five bids on it, and doesn't end until friday. So I started searching sites for retired Ty plush dogs, and came up with one Toffee, but they want $65 for it! You have so many connections with Ty, can you help me track down a Ty Classic Toffee the dog? I want to buy it and sent it to him. Any help or suggestions you can give me will be very much appreciated. Thanks very much! Lynne”

November 2, 2004
TY STORE RETIREMENTS
Jinxy Beanie, Quivers Buddy, Spookers Punkie have retired
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

COLLECTORS SOLICIT
From coins to beanie babies, people like to collect things. That is why NBC Newschannel 6 Today is looking for the biggest and best collections in Eastern Idaho.

If you think you have the biggest collection of Hollywood autographs or the most expensive collection of Department 56, then let us know.

Send your name, phone number and a little bit about what you collect to:

Collections
c/o NBC Newschannel 6 Today
902 East Sherman
Pocatello, ID 82301.
VIEW HERE

At 106, Gund is bearing up well
EDISON -- Do you know Snuffles, Schlepp, Tinkle Crinkle, Dreyfus, Muttsy, Timber and Dawson?

If you do, and you know they're not related to the Seven Dwarfs, then you're hip to the Gund brand.

After 106 years, the well-known maker of stuffed (or plush) animals remains a force to be reckoned with in its industry.

The company continues to prosper at its 170,000-square-foot U.S. headquarters here, which was expanded by an additional 45,000 square feet last year, according to Gund Inc. President Jim Madonna.

The privately-held company also has been expanding the variety of stuffed animals it makes and has broadened its plush merchandise with Cozies (a plush rug for children), the Gotta Getta Girl and Baby Gund lines, a purse collection, and small gift animals with mugs.

Madonna took the reins in June after consulting for the company for nine years. Previously, he spent 21 years in sales and marketing at Oakland-based rival Russ Berrie Co., having quit in 1993 after it became a publicly traded company.

In 1995, Madonna got a call from Gund's owners, the Raiffe family. They were looking to hire Madonna on a contract basis to help rescue the slumping company. Today, Gund employs 270 people nationwide, of which 150 are sales associates.

"We tripled the business in the last eight years, which is a pretty formidable feat, and that continues," he said.

Gund's loyal following over the years is credited to its high quality soft and plush products that generate a strong "huggability" factor, Madonna noted.

"I know my grandfather would be pleased to see how much Gund has grown and how (the company's) commitment to quality remains unwavering," said Bruce Raiffe, the fourth generation of his family to be company president (he is now chairman and CEO) "It's always been comforting to know that quality is the one thing that's sewn into every Gund item."

Gund's plush products are sold at high-end department stores like Nordstrom and Macy's and at hospitals, florists and other independent retailers.

And they don't come cheap.

Retail prices go as high as $150, with about 80 percent of Gund's plush toys ranging between $10 to $25, Madonna said.

"We're at the top in terms of price and quality," he said. "Russ (Berrie) is maybe a notch or two behind us. I'm sure their opinion would be different than that, but their opinion would not be to tell you they're a higher quality than us."

The Gund brand also isn't affected by its other competitors, Madonna said, such as Vermont Teddy Bears, Build-A-Bear, and Ty, famous for Beanie Babies.

"(Ty) had their 15 minutes of fame," Madonna said. "I would be insulted if Ty thinks they're a competitor to us." Still, he did admit the brand has value within the industry. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CRACKER BARREL JINGLES QUESTION
Nikki writes: "Hi I received the new Beanie magazine and it shows Herschel and Cornbread jingles.  Do you know anything about these?  Thanks! Nikki" If you can help answer Nikki's question please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com

November 1, 2004
NOVEMBER WALLPAPER AT TY.COM
http://www.ty.com/Nov04_Wallpaper

INTRODUCING LONDON (London Exclusive)
http://www.ty.com/London_Intro

INTRODUCING DRUMSTICK (Ty Store Exclusive)
http://www.ty.com/Drumstick_Intro

HALLOWEENIE BEANIE WINNER
Groom as Donald Trump was the winner with 22.75% of the votes. Little Feather as Willie Nelson Live came in second with 20.94% of the votes. VIEW ALL RESULTS HERE

CONGRATS TO ALL THE WINNERS
Congrats to all 85 of the lucky winners of Ty's Halloween contest! http://www.ty.com/halloween_result

TWO NEW ‘ONE-OF-A-KIND’ BRACELETS
http://www.planetbeans.com/SpecialtyBracelets.htm

NEW NAME BRACELET
http://www.planetbeans.com/NameBracelets.htm