November 30, 2005
NEW TY TRADEMARK
Sly shares with Ms. Janie: On November 21,2005 Ty Inc applied to register a trademark on... "Safari Beanies" as the "goods and services" Ty listed..... Plush toys; Soft sculpture plush toys; Soft sculpture toys; Stuffed toy animals; Stuffed toy bears; Stuffed toys; Toy animals and accessories

DECEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/DEC5_BB1
BEANIES: Arizona, Enchanting, Goodnight Garfield, Happy Valentine's Day, Hug-Hug, I (heart) U, Kiss-Kiss, New Year, Pablo (The Backyardigans),  Pup-in-love, Romeo & Juliet, South Carolina, Tyrone (The Backyardigans), Uniqua (The Backyardigans), Wisconsin

BUDDIES: 2006 Year of the Dog (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Always

TY CLASSIC: Caressa, Crush, Kissycat, Meows, Patter, Pitter

PUNKIES: Big Kiss, Bitty Kiss, Great Big Kiss, Itty Bitty Kiss

VALENTEENIES: Be Mine, Kiss Me, You're A Cutie

DIMPLES RETIRES
Silently: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

November 29, 2005
Wilma was a wimp compared to Black Friday
There were reports of angry exchanges. Even fistfights. But in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, no one was trampled.

South Floridians waited long hours for gasoline, water, ice and emergency food stamps. No one was trampled.

Dimly lit grocery stores, illuminated by emergency lights, sold hungry customers their remaining stock of nonperishable foods. Building supply stores offered up limited supplies of generators. No one was trampled.

Throughout the post-Wilma stress, we clung to a certain bottom-line code of civilized conduct. We refrained from Third World mob scenes. No one was trampled.

Then came Black Friday.

The restraint we showed waiting for food, water, gas and ice vanished at the prospect of $48.88 Shuffles or $398 laptops or $77 four-megapixel digital cameras. If someone stands between us and bargains for electronic paraphernalia, then we trample.

STARTED BY A DOLL

It began in 1983 with the low-tech Cabbage Patch doll. Then there was Barbie in her various incarnations. (Who could forget the run on Totally Hair Barbie in 1992?) Parents were in a frenzy for Tickle Me Elmo in 1996 (The Chicken Dance Elmo of 1998 never quite inspired the mob.) Beanie Babies hit in 97. Pokemon placated whimpering offspring in the Christmas siege of 1999.

But, in a clear sign that civilization has devolved in proportion to advances in technology, the craze in 2001 turned away from lovable toys to the nasty computer game violence of Grand Theft Auto 3.

With something like nostalgia, Lisa Radcliffe remembers her wait outside a toy store in 1998 to cop the elusive Furby. Shopping frenzies were not so dangerous in 1998. Nothing like what she and her mother, Josephine Hoffman, endured in the dawn madness Friday at BrandsMart. ''It was totally crazy. It was haywire.'' Her trampled mother is still nursing her aching bruises, Radcliffe said Monday.

After Hurricane Wilma, Radcliffe had endured long lines for gasoline and other supplies without braving a mob scene.

Then came Black Friday. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

“It’s going to be a wonderful Christmas,” I predicted as I turned out the lights on Thanksgiving night.

That was just the tryptophan talking.

By the next afternoon it began to come undone when I asked my teenage son what he wanted for Christmas.

“I wouldn’t mind getting just one gift,” he replied. “An Xbox 360.”

For those who have been watching the news, you know why. There are no 360s. After months of anticipation, these pricey video game systems sold out almost as soon as they went on sale.

Over the years I’ve watched with bemusement as deranged parents exhausted themselves in pursuit of the latest Christmas fad. Don’t ask me how, but we avoided the Tickle Me Elmo, Beanie Baby and Furby frenzies.

Suddenly, I felt myself getting sucked into the vortex of consumerism. Instead of relaxing in front of a fire, I’d spend my December nights in front of a flickering computer screen, outbidding other hysterical eBay parents for an Xbox 360.

All because another big corporation launched a limited supply of a brand-new item at the opening of the Christmas shopping season.

That company, of course, is Microsoft. And in the interest of full disclosure, I’m a microscopic stockholder, an invisible gnat on Bill Gates’ bottom line. I bought some shares a few years ago and have lost money on it ever since.

That fact doesn’t make me want to buy an Xbox 360, neither does it make me want to blame Mr. Gates for the madness.

I blame us. The mindless materialists and overly indulgent parents. We can’t hang what’s happened to the holidays on Hallmark, Hasbro or anyone else.

One day we’re gathering with friends and family to give thanks for our many blessings. The next day we’re elbowing them out of the way to buy some overpriced electronic device that will keep our kids amused for a few hours.

We need to get a grip. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

INTRODUCING 2006 @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/2006_intro

November 28, 2005
LACK OF NEWS
I've done my usual searches and have come up empty for Beanie news. Expect the official announcement of the new December releases early this week. I will update you on any news as it becomes available.

GIBLETS SILENTLY RETIRES
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

November 27, 2005
LACK OF NEWS
I've done my usual searches and have come up empty for Beanie news. Expect the official announcement of the new December releases early this week. I will update you on any news as it becomes available.

November 26, 2005
RUMORS OF NEW BEANIES
Happy New Year 2006
Kiss Kiss(themed Valentine)
Hug Hug (themed Valentine)
Romeo and Juliet (hugging monkeys-themed Valentine)
I Love You (connected bears)
Pup In Love (Valentine beanie)
Enchanting (a white horse)
Garfield-(themed Valentine)Beanie
Beanie characters-Backyardigans from Nick, Jr., Tyrone, Uniqua and Pablo!!

There are reports of BBOC's Original Nine Offer that there are different packages and varrations-like spot with no spot and spot with spot and 2 different colors of Patti, Brownie or Cubbie so packages are sent-not ordered this way, and the hang tags are different-they are retro of the older versions and say BBOC orginial 9!! Punchers and Pinchers also in the BBOC varrations!

DECEMBER RELEASES
Cindy from Cindy's Beans has posted pictures of the new December releases. http://www.cindysbeans.com

WTG Ty.. I loved the New Year 2006 Beanie and can't wait to see it in the fur. :o)

November 25, 2005
SUE'S CHERISH UPDATES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

ASK TY
Q: Do you give Beanies for presents? (submitted by beebacksoon)
A: Yes, I do. I especially enjoy the smiles when giving Beanies to children ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

November 24, 2005
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
To all of my American friends and families. Take time to be thankful. May your day be blessed with family, friends, and good eating. :o)

"Three Wishes" Grants Siouxland Girl's Wish
A Siouxland girl's wish comes true thanks to the NBC reality show, "Three Wishes."

9-year-old Alexandria Wohlert of Sioux City was hurt in a car crash she she was only two-years-old. Siouxland Paramedics gave her a teddy bear at the scene of the accident to make her feel better. Seven years later, she hasn't forgotten. She's given them a mountain of "beanie babies." 10,000 to be exact. "I'm very proud of her," says Alexandria's mother, Jennifer. "She's a very good little girl." 

Ty, the company that makes "beanie babies," volunteered to donate the stuffed animals once they heard Alexandria's story. Her story will be broadcast with a special "Three Wishes" Christmas episode, on december 2nd, on KTIV.
VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

November 23, 2005
NOVEMBER RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/nove05_ret
BEANIES: Badges, Ghoul, Ghoulianne, Hocus, Minksy, Moonlight, Shooting Star (Gray), Smarty, Spongebob Frankenstein, Spongebob Pumpkinmask

BUDDIES: Brigitte, Hocus, Ratzo

HALLOWEENIE BEANIES: Ghosters, Hocus, Merlin, Pocus

Geneva School Welcomes New Old Friends From Afar
This next story is about little kids...and tough men.

Very tough men.

It all began last February when students in Geneva sent valentines, candy and beanie babies overseas. Tuesday, two of the people who received those gifts dropped into the school to say thank you.

If you look closely, you see how tough the two men are. They wear jump boots. They have expert combat and weapons badges. They have a lot of what the military calls fruit salad on their chest. And yet, they're a lot like the kids at James Mulkey School.

Last February, the kids were looking for a project when student Lane Bess told everyone about his Uncle Niel.

Niel Johnson serves with the 44th Medical Command. It helps patch up wounded soldiers. And on Valentine's Day, the command got a big envelope of cards, candy and stuffed animals.

Sergeant First Class Milburn Matthews served with the 44th Medical Command in Iraq.

"When you get a little boost from home, it lifts your spirits and makes each day maybe that much easier," he said.

From that first gift, things took off like a desert storm. The kids sent another shipment. The soldiers sent emails and a flag from Baghdad. And so long lasting friendship commenced. It even had a practical nature. The Beanie Babies mimicked a story one teacher saw on CNN.

"An Iraqi child received (a Beanie Baby) and because of that she would not move from the center of the road one day and the soldiers had to get out and move her. When they did, she pointed ahead and it was a land mine. So the gift of that Beanie Babie saved those soldiers lives," said Brenda Jordan.

That's why two spit and polish soldiers spent today with Geneva's students. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

SILENT RETIREMENTS
PattiBuddy shares with Ms. Janie:
Ty Classic retirements 
Cameo
Chica
Crockett
Kodi
Paws (maple)
Saint
Tucker
Walnut

Pluffie retirements
Gourdy
Merlin
Plumpkin

Punkie retirements
Screamers
Shriekers

November 22, 2005
WHERE'S THE NEWS?
I've done my usual searches and haven't found anything worthy of sharing. If you have news to share, please send to Lisa@planetbeans.com.

November 21, 2005
BBOC FINALLY SHIPPING
Elaine shares the following: 
We are pleased to let you know that your BBOC Order #9047132 shipped
11/18/2005.

The shipment included:

Qty        Description                     
 1         BBOC Edition Original 9

TY WARNER SIGNED OLE THE BULL
Partial auction description: 
Ole is a gift from The Ty Company to The BBC Children in Need Appeal. He has his tag signed by Ty warner.

He has been verified, authenticated, boxed and sealed by Pbbags.  There is a letter accompanying Ole from the Ty company verifying the signature of Ty Warner. This letter is included in the sale, It is not displayed as a photograph for security. He has been verified as museum quality condition.

There is only two Ole in the world signed by Ty, this is one of them. VIEW AUCTION HERE

VACATION PHOTOS
http://www.planetbeans.com/FirstCruise.htm

November 20, 2005
NEWSLETTER
I wasn't able to send a newsletter yesterday. Some of Topica's databases weren't working.

BACK FROM VACATION...
Now I need a vacation from my vacation. I'm totally exhausted right now and I will do my best to have the website updated with all the happenings for the past week by the end of the day on Sunday or Monday. :o) I will share some pictures as soon as I find the time to get the pictures downloaded from my camera. I will also take the time to share my first cruise stories.

INTRODUCTIONS
On November 17th Ty introduced Happy Hanukkah and Muffler Beanie Babies at the Ty Store:  http://www.ty.com/HappyHanukkah_Muffler_intro

On November 14th Ty introduced Senna-kun the Dog (Japan Exclusive) exclusively for Motomachi Kitamura, Japan: http://www.ty.com/SennaKun_intro

ANGELINE INFO
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I was just reading a post on the Ty Talk Cyberboard it and it mentioned somthing about a current list for  Angeline dolls... Anyway and ITS TRUE. Collector's can now add the Angeline Products to their Collection and now has a current list for this adorable doll. Michael" VIEW POSTING HERE ~~~ FOR COMPLETE LISTING VIEW HERE

Unique Christmas items liven children’s hospital
Palmetto Health displays creations at annual festival, silent auction
Three girls huddled around the hot-pink-and-white Christmas tree, transfixed by its dangling feather boas, sparkly silk pillows and soft teddy bears.

“It’s my favorite,” breathed Megan Hrovat, 10. “It’s pink. And fuzzy. I like that pillow that says, ‘It’s all about me.’”

“Look at the teddy bear,” said her friend, 10-year-old Margo Deyling. Margo’s 9-year-old sister, Lauren, was silent with appreciation.

“The net proceeds last year were $102,000,” she said, “and we’re anticipating more this year because both individual and corporate sponsorships are up.”

A few of the most eye-catching items: a Lowcountry Christmas wreath complete with crabs, lobsters and sand dollars; a Gullah basket tree; a hot sauce tree by Palmetto Pepper Potions; and a Beanie Baby tree created by local young artist Alex Dingman. (Its retail value: $765).

“The Beanie Babies are my favorite — I don’t like all that pink,” said 9-year-old Mackenzie Bennett from Georgia, gesturing toward the Girls’ Night Out tree. Mackenzie was out with her grandparents while her parents, both USC graduates, attended the Carolina-Clemson game.

Mabel Rice was overwhelmed by the Beanie Babies tree. After walking away from it twice, she returned to place a $350 bid.

“I have grandchildren — 18-month-old triplets,” she said.

“And it’s for a good cause.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

STUFFED ANIMAL HELP
Crystal writes: "Hi Lisa, I am not sure if you will be able to help me. This is not a beanie baby question... I just found a stuffed rabbit by Ganz. It is part of the Cottage Collectibles. The artist is Lorraine Chien - from the tag I am assuming it is a 2000 creation. The foot also has the artists initials... I have been looking everywhere to see if I can put a name to this bunny. He is dressed in a santa-type costume - red coat with a couple of patches and two small bells making up the buttons. He is also wearing a green santa-type hat with a bell at the end and a small wreath... I don't know if there are any readers out there who might know this bunny's name... He is going straight into my curio cabinent - but, I would really like to know who he is... Thank you for your time and help (if you can). Thanks for your time. Crystal" VIEW PICTURE HERE

ASK TY (from Friday 11/18)
Q: Do you own every Beanie ever made? (submitted by tybeaniecollecter)
A: Honestly, I don't. And since you brought it up . . . does anyone happen to have an extra royal blue Peanut ? http://www.ty.com/askty_home

ORION'S PICTURES
Orion shares pictures of her Senna-kun the dog: http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

13: Plush Properties
TY WARNER’S SANTA BARBARA
Ty Warner built an empire out of Beanie Babies, and now he’s well on his way to building a golf empire along the bluffs and foothills of sunny Santa Barbara. It all begins with Warner’s San Ysidro Ranch, considered one of the best retreats anywhere, as it has been since the days Winston Churchill visited for three months in 1913. It was, perhaps, even more of a A-List getaway when President Kennedy and First Lady Jackie honeymooned there in 1953. And, if the rumors are true, it holds that same Old Hollywood panache even today, as marked by Oprah’s 50th birthday party — allegedly — on the grounds. Along with Nakoma Resort (#5), San Ysidro Ranch easily tops the list of the best rooms any Fairways & Greens staffer has ever snoozed in.

And it’s all the better when the stay is mixed with play at one of the Warner’s newly acquired golf properties. First he owned Sandpiper, a coastal gem where the No. 12 tee box is so close to the Pacific that you could snap a sunbathing beauty’s bikini top while waiting for the fairway to clear. Then Warner headed to the hills to purchase Rancho San Marcos, the Robert Trent Jones Jr. living museum built around preserved 18th century missionary and Indian dwellings. In between, he added the private Montecito Country Club to his growing collection. All of which means you can plan one heckuva personalized golf package the next time you visit. And we suggest you begin planning tomorrow. VIEW ARTICLE HERE

November 11, 2005
HURRICANE BEANIES SHIPPING
Elaine writes: "Just received an email that the Hurricane beanies from the TY store, were shipped yesterday, 11-10-2005. Seems it took awhile, but they are finally being sent...Elaine in Michigan."

SILENT RETIREMENT
You're Special has retired from the Ty Store: http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

November 10, 2005
Jury finds for Beanie Babies company in infringement case
CHICAGO - The toy company that makes Beanie Babies broke no trademark laws by selling a stuffed camel similar to one first created by another company, a federal court jury ruled Wednesday.

The verdict for Westmont-based Ty Inc. came seven years after a small Georgia toy company, Peaceable Planet, introduced a stuffed camel named "Niles." Ty started selling its Beanie Babies camel with the same name a year later.

The jury also found that Ty did not engage in false advertising.

Peaceable Planet had sought $20 million in damages from Ty, which has since retired its Niles.

Attorneys for Ty argued that Peaceable Planet didn't sell enough of its camels in the first year to establish trademark rights. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

“LIFT UP AMERICA” CAMPAIGN HITS TREASURE VALLEY
BOISE, Idaho—The Boise State University Department of Athletics in conjunction with numerous other Ada and Canyon County organizations will be joining a nation wide effort to bring the “Lift up America” campaign to the Treasure Valley. Organizations supporting Lift up America currently include seven NFL teams, five NBA teams, four NHL teams, and seven universities all working together to provide compassion for the less fortunate.

This two-part effort will begin on Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th with the “Gift of Sight” eyeglass collection drive at two Boise State athletic events that weekend. On Friday, Nov. 18, the collection will take place at Taco Bell Arena and the Boise State-Montana men’s basketball game (7:30 p.m. tip-off). The following day, a similar collection will happen at the Boise State-Idaho football game (1:00 p.m. kick-off). Volunteers from Boise State University and the Boise area Lenscrafters retailer will be on hand to collect used eyeglasses, sunglasses and reading glasses from fans as they enter the stadium. Through these donations, the “Gift of Sight” program will deliver free eye care and prescription glasses to people in need around the world. Fans are asked to bring the donated eyeglasses with them to the game and place in the collection containers as they enter the arena or stadium.

The Treasure Valley “Lift Up America” campaign will continue on Tuesday, December 6th when 35,000 pounds of Tyson Chicken product and 12,000 Ty Teddy Bears and Beanie Babies will be delivered to Bronco Stadium for distribution throughout the Treasure Valley. Through the coordinated effort of Boise State University, Idaho’s NewsChannel 7, Citadel Broadcasting, The Salvation Army, The Idaho Food Bank, Boise Rescue Mission, Boise Noon Optimists and Albertsons, the Tyson Chicken products and Ty Teddy Bears will be distributed to thousands of less fortunate families throughout the Treasure Valley during the holiday season. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

PLUFF THE CAT IS SOLD OUT
http://www.ty.com/PluffSoldOut

November 9, 2005
TY Top Gun Brings Professional Tennis Back to Chicago
WESTMONT, Ill., Nov. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The $15,000 Ty Top Gun Professional Tennis Tournament is now Chicago's biggest prize money tennis event and is attracting many top ATP tour professionals from around the country. This year's event will be held on November 18th & 19th, 2005 in Westmont, Illinois at the Oak Brook Racquet & Fitness Club. In 2004, Top Gun was a $10,000 event and attracted world class ATP professionals like Paul Goldstein, Brian Vahaly, Mateas Boeker, Eric Taino and Dusan Vemic -- all were ranked in the top 200 in the world.

During the week before Top Gun, twenty-four of Chicago's top talented club professionals, Futures players and top collegiate players will compete in qualifying rounds in attempt to play in the 16 player main draw tournament. Main draw first round matches will begin at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm on Friday, November 18th. On Saturday, November 19th, the Semifinals will be played at 6:00 pm followed by the Finals at 9:30 pm. This year's Ty Top Gun Champion will take home a check for $7,000. This year's prize money total makes the Ty Top Gun Chicago's biggest prize money tennis event.

Top Gun is sponsored by several area businesses including Ty (The Beanie Baby Company) which is based in Westmont, Illinois. During the first night of the tournament, Ty will be giving out a free Beanie Baby to the first 100 juniors that come through the door. In 2004, close to 1000 tennis fans came out to watch the action at Top Gun. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

PANDA HELP NEEDED
Tracy writes: "My daughter has a panda with 2001 tag on it, it looks like peking the panda but from the tip of this nose to end of his feet is between 20" and 21". We are looking for another one, but do not know where to find it. It is bigger than peking buddie, bigger than Xia classic.  Please help.  e-mail me at wolfordt@comcast.net  Thanks. Tracy"

FABULOUS FINDS
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I Bought a bag of Beanies for $20 and in it was a 7 spot Lucky the lady bug with a 1st generation hang tag and Kiwi the toucan but with no tag. Also I wanted to let you know that I have Pnuemonia and I wanted you to keep me in your thoughts. Michael"  <<NOTE: You can read about other fabulous finds here: http://www.planetbeans.com/FabulousFinds.htm >>

November 8, 2005
WHERE'S THE NEWS?!
I've done my usual searches and haven't found a thing worth sharing. Hopefully there will be something later this morning. As always, if YOU have something to share, please send to me at Lisa@planetbeans.com. 

November 7, 2005
N.C. 4-H'ers send 6,888 hygiene kits to storm zone
Three tractor-trailer loads of supplies are North Carolina 4-H members' way of joining Mississippi 4-H efforts to help the state's youngest residents struggling to rebuild their lives after Hurricane Katrina.

Inspired by a news clip showing a 4-H Beanie Baby pulled from the rubble in south Mississippi, 4-H members across North Carolina recently collected educational, recreational and personal hygiene supplies for Mississippi and Louisiana children living in temporary housing. Similar kits were developed in the first weeks after the storm by Mississippi clubs taking part in Operation 4-H Relief. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

CONTEST WINNER POSTED
I've posted the winner's name on the contest page. http://www.planetbeans.com/UKTrioContest.htm

November 6, 2005
UNHAPPY COLLECTORS
Rose writes: "Hi Lisa Rose from Canada here. I stayed up until 5AM, phoned harrods from 8:59Am  until I finally got through at 9:20 only to be told they had sold out of The Grey & the Classic All I could think of was after only being open for 20 minutes, well needless to say I was very upset. Good think I have a good phone rate. will be thinking very hard about collecting more beanies after this. Just blowing off steam Thanks Rose"

<< NOTE: Do you have an experience which you'd like to share? Lisa@planetbeans.com >>

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

November 5, 2005
GRAY SHOOTING STAR IS SOLD OUT
Stephen writes: "Hello Lisa....I am seriously upset today with Harrods. But i am sure you will understand what i mean when you see how many this seller as 24 of each for sale.. I got through to Harrods at 9am but they said their is a problem with the phones in the toy kingdom and they are down..After 90mins of me trying i did get through only to be told they only had the white shooting star left for sale... After talking to the sales lady she told me that when you get through on the phone if they still had them for sale you could buy as many as you wanted of all the styles....They only had 1,000 grey shooting stars for sale...They sold out straight away and she could not say how many of the classic's they had for sale...I am sure it would have been fairer if Harrods had put a limit on how many of the grey beanies you could buy like they did the last time with the black and the white beanies.... Last time i think their was a limit of 6 black and you could buy 1 white beanie...Well that is my rant over for the day... I hope your Saturday starts off better than mine did..Take care Stephen"

CONTEST WINNER TO BE ANNOUNCED...
http://www.planetbeans.com/UKTrioContest.htm

TY-SIGNED HALLOWEEN CONTEST GHOUL
There was a bid retraction so the reserve hasn't been met with a high bid of $75.98. This auction ends this afternoon. VIEW AUCTION HERE

GRAMS & GRAMPS SILENTLY RETIRE ON 11/4
http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore

November 4, 2005
ASK TY
Q: If you were a Beanie Baby, what would your poem say? (submitted by beaniecharge)
A: If I were a Beanie I think my poem would read:
To keep myself in your good graces
With great big smiles upon your faces
Giving the gift of love and laughter
This is my goal; it's what I'm after !
http://www.ty.com/askty_home

HARRODS EXCLUSIVES
http://www.ty.com/Harrods_intro
Moondust Ty Classic, Shooting Star Beanie (silvery gray), Shooting Star Beanie (white)

November 3, 2005
213 and counting . . .
bbbean   (Nov 02, 2005, 05:14 PM)
Message Id: 1053613
bbbean writes: Ty now has 213 current beanies. You've got to love it.

A partial breakdown could be:
Alphabeanies = 26
Christmas/Hannukah = 13
Halloween = 6
Thanksgiving = 3
I Love (city/country) = 27
State/Province Flower = 14
WWF = 6
BBOC = 14

plus a slew of country and store exclusives.

Ty should really be having quite a retirement party on New Years Eve when he traditionally retires bunches of them. I can hardly wait. VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

NEW UK EXCLUSIVE TO COME
http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/Leonard.html

November 2, 2005
Super kids!
   Brandon Tyler Schultz, 9, of Middletown
   We feel our son, Brandon Tyler, is a Super Kid for many reasons. He not only is an excellent student who has received good citizenship awards every year since kindergarten and an academic excellence award, he also is a dedicated baseball player. He played on the MVP team last season and has a love for baseball that is unexplainable. When he plays, he puts his heart and soul in every game.
   But what even amazes us all the more is the caring and generous heart that our son has, not only at home as a son and big brother but also for disadvantaged people, especially children.
   Every month he goes through his toys/books and finds at least one or two items to donate. He says, "Some child can have a toy or present that they may not get for their birthday or cannot afford to buy. We have so much, Mom."
   He is always the first one at the store or where we may see donations needed for any type of children's charity, putting half, if not all, of his few dollars he brings with him to buy a treat for himself. He donated his Little Tykes Kitchen Center when he was only 6 to his school care program when he found out there was a little girl in the family his class had adopted and would have no toys for Christmas.
   When he learned about Hurricane Katrina, he started to look in the paper to find out where we could give things to families who lost all of their possessions. He went into my storage room and began making boxes including canned foods, school supplies, books and began sorting through his collection of Beanie Babies, donating 30, if not more.
   I cannot possibly list all the kind- hearted deeds our son does. His compassion for others, his giving and the little things he does, like his politeness toward others or waiting to hold doors open for people every chance he gets, makes this world a better place. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Proceeds from the run go towards the Golden Apple Foundation, a Chicago based organization which recruits, mentors and rewards local teachers. Golden Apple projects include the Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program, which provides college scholarships to students who intend to teach in the state’s public school system after graduation, and the Golden Apple Awards, which honor 10 carefully selected Chicago area teachers each year.

Those who are unable to stick around for the after-parties will not leave the race empty handed. All participants will be entered in a raffle where they can win gift certificates from any one of 13 local merchants as well as Beanie Babies donated by Ty, Inc. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE 

IS SEASON'S GREETINGS A HALLMARK GC EXCLUSIVE?
Is this Beanie indeed an exclusive? It's not listed as such on TY.com whereas Happy Holidays is listed as a Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusive. Is this an error on the Ty site? 

Our records indicate your current enrollment, ********, in the Beanie Baby of the Month program will end after the JANUARY 2006 item is shipped.  In order to renew your membership for an additional 12 months, please access the link below:  *********

The last day to renew your membership is December 1st.  If you do not renew your membership by December 1st, you will not be eligible to receive the FEBRUARY 2006 Beanie Baby of the Month.  A late renewal will result in your membership continuing with the next item in the Beanie Baby of the Month series.  Remember, the Beanie Babies of the Month often sell out quickly. To make sure you do not miss a single Beanie Baby next year, renew your enrollment today!

For additional information regarding the Terms and Conditions for the Beanie Baby of the month program, please click here
http://www.tytrade.com/bom_terms

Customer Service

INTRODUCING ICEPACK (WWF - TY STORE)
Thank you to Calvin and Rita for letting me know..
http://www.ty.com/Icepack_intro

ANOTHER CLAIRE'S CLUB EXCLUSIVE
I stopped by the Claire's Club store in the mall earlier today and asked if they had a Claire's Club exclusive Beanie Baby. I was meaning to ask about Sofi which is a Ty Classic instead of Beanie but my error proved interesting. I was told there will be a Claire's Club exclusive Beanie Baby bear coming out sometime this month. If you know any more about this exclusive bear please email me Lisa@planetbeans.com. 

November 1, 2005
OCTOBER 31st TY HALLOWEEN WINNERS
Congrats to Aqueaky from NC, Trudy44 from OK, jwwmaw from TX, socks96 from PA, and spike60 from IL. Well that's it folks! Congrats to the winners this year. No luck for me again this year. Perhaps next year will bring some of us more luck. ;o)

Michael's Mystery Harrod's Bear
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, Attatched to this email are pictures  of the mystery Harrods bear i picked up at a good will store in Saint Louis MO. It is not a Ty product but came from the harrods store in England most probably since it says harrods on its foot and has a harrods Tush Tag. If you could share these pictures on your site to find out more info on this bear I would greatly appreciate it. Also I Hope you are having a Happy Halloween. Michael" VIEW PICTURES HERE: http://www.planetbeans.com/MichaelsPictures.htm

TY-SIGNED HALLOWEEN CONTEST PRIZE ON eBAY
Thank you to Michael for bringing this to my attention...
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, While surfing Ebay I came accross an auction that has an Autographed by Ty Ghoul the Ghost beanie baby. This beanie baby obviously was won in the recent Ty Halloween Contest. Below is link to this auction. I know if I had won an autographed beanie baby by Ty in the contest I would have kept it. Michael" VIEW AUCTION HERE

<< my comments: It was only a matter of time for this to occur. One would think that a Ty-signed item would be the highlight of ANY collection.. why sell it on eBay unless you have so many other Ty-signed items that you could do without this one? I know if I were a lucky winner of one of Ty's Halloween contests, that special signed Beanie would remain in my collection until the day I die. It will be interesting to see how much this person makes off of Ty's generosity!! >>

HALLOWEENIE BEANIE WINNER
Congrats to Dinky as Dinky in Da Nile who was the winner. Here are the percentages for the top 5.

Hotels Trot Out Perks From the Extravagant to the Restful
His name is Luke, and Mary Anne Stevenson likes him so much that every time she stays at the Loews Annapolis Hotel in Maryland, she makes it a point to see him.

Luke is the hotel's year-old Labrador retriever, and guests in need of some dog T.L.C. are welcome to take him out for a walk, a jog, or even on a sailing excursion at no charge.

"He's great, and I frequently book conferences and meetings at the hotel just because of him," said Ms. Stevenson, a meeting planner with Destination Paradise, also in Annapolis. "Many times, Luke is in the lobby greeting groups; he has a little doghouse there. He's a great addition and definitely a draw."

Missing your dog is just one peril of frequent business travel, and high-end hotels like Loews are taking notice. They realize that, by now, guests have become a bit jaded about all the extras that have been lavished on them in recent years, like free bottled water, wireless Internet service, flat-screen plasma television in rooms and ubiquitous health clubs and spas. To stand out, many of them are devising over-the-top perks to pamper guests and to make them want to come back for more.

The Hotel Gansevoort in Manhattan offers a free luxury sport utility vehicle, complete with TV, to shuttle its guests, available from 8:30 a.m. to noon. A Land Rover and a BMW are available first come first served at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York to drop off guests within 20 blocks.

But all that must seem a bit ho-hum to anyone who has stayed recently at the Four Seasons Hotel in Manhattan, where Ty Warner, the owner (and founder of Ty Inc., maker of Beanie Babies), has parked a $400,000 Maybach 62 and a $325,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom out front to ferry guests to their next power breakfast or soirée. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO OF THE MAYBACH 62 (WOW!!) HERE

Holy Touchdown!
Forget coaches. With God on their side, how could young athletes go wrong?
In a recent interview, Deion Sanders, the Billy Sunday of Jesus jocks, said that he doesn't see how he could have sports in his life without religion. "They go together like peanut butter and jelly."

No Aquinas, he!

If you find Deion's imagery a bit thin in theological clout, then the merchandise available at Catholic Supply of St. Louis might be a bit more to your liking. Here you will find an array of items mixing sport and religion in the most banal, yet somehow aggressively tasteless, fashion. It seems that when it comes to merchandising religious kitsch, there is no bottom.

Let us explore the abyss.

At the top of the line are the Jesus Sports Statues, 6-inch high figurines showing the Son of God in sports action with children. For $20 you can be the first at your church to own one of these inspirational collectibles. Currently available for six sports, each figurine is seemingly bent on outdoing the others in sheer wackiness.

For the golfer there is a series of items, far more than just medals. The "Golfer's Security Prayer Plaque" is only $9, while the "10 Commandments of Golfing Plaque" will set you back $14.95. Who passed on these commandments? Bobby Jones? Arnold Palmer? Or were they found in a bunker on a Scottish Links Course? Old Testament or New?

The gem in this section is the "Stay the Course Golf Cap," also available as a towel. The sales pitch says it all: "On the links, in the clubhouse or at home you can give your Christian witness and stay on course for the Lord." Bag of tees included.

You wouldn’t think it could get much better than this. But now, available for the first time, are "Sports Holy Bears." These white teddy bears represent 10 different sports and seem to be related to the "Cherished Teddies-Plush Sports Dolls." Each bear costs only $9.95 and comes with the appropriate sporting equipment sewn on its chest. Look out Beanie Babies! VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

NOVEMBER WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Nov05_Wallpaper

NOVEMBER 2005 BOTM
http://www.ty.com/Stuffings

RATZO - TY STORE RETIRES
The Ty Store version of Ratzo has silently retired. http://www.tytrade.com/TyStore