November 30, 2006
DECEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/Dec06Intro

(OH MY! --- I'm wondering what people think about this bunch. And now we also have regular retail versions of the Best Buy, SpongeBob bunch.)

INTRODUCING 2007 ZODIAC PIG
http://www.ty.com/Zodiac-Pig_intro

INTRODUCING LITTLE SQUEEZE & LITTLE KISS
Hallmark Gold Crown Exclusives - http://www.ty.com/Little_Kiss

November 29, 2006
Ty Warner Plans to Sell Miramar Hotel
Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner is giving up his fight over the Miramar Hotel in Montecito.
In a statement released Tuesday night, an executive for Warner says the billionaire has decided to sell the landmark following a bitter battle with the Montecito Association.
Warner purchased the hotel last year with the intentions of renovating it.
He also wanted to build a public access stairway at Butterfly Beach. http://www.keyt.com/news/local/4772411.html

Ty Versus The Association
The Inside Skinny on Ty Versus the Montecito Association

Montecito residents have been riveted by the newest game in town—this week’s Ty Warner vs. Montecito Association Grand Slam match, and both sides have lobbed strong, hostile volleys against each other.

If you talk to Team Ty (Ty Warner's bevy of consultants and business managers), Warner has been the object of “abuse of power” by the 60-year-old Montecito Association. From association volunteers (whose average age is 60!), you hear they are the brunt of an unwarranted attack by Warner’s slick PR team.

Things got exciting with the first slam last week (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving). The Montecito Journal got a hold of a letter that Greg Rice, executive VP of Warner Properties and Warner’s appointed voicebox, was about to send to the Montecito Association Board of Directors.  The letter blamed the association for driving Warner away from future development of the Miramar Hotel project. It confirmed that the locally treasured-but-waning hotel was on back on the market. With Warner dropping out, the story flashed around Montecito and Santa Barbara at the speed of an aced serve. (Indy columnist Barney Brantingham broke the news on Friday — but the full dish was reserved for my Montage!) http://www.independent.com/online_onlys/2006/11/ty_versus_the_association.html

Nigel’s such an appeal-ing little bear
BEALES and the Jigsaw Appeal are offering collectors a unique opportunity to own a little piece of history - and help raise £1 million to improve and extend the Royal Bournemouth Hospital's cancer and blood disorders unit.

The store, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary, has donated a commemorative Beanie Bear and boxed set of two vans for auction on the eBay website.

The bear is one of only 5,000 "Nigels" manufactured exclusively for Beales.

Named after non-executive director Nigel Beale, they have been on sale for £5.99 in the store's branches, with one customer snapping up 100.

But the bear in the Jigsaw auction has the added value of including a rare signature from Ty Warner, the reclusive US billionaire who made his fortune from the highly collectable Beanie Baby plush toys.

The Beales vans are also a limited edition, originally sold for £19.99 through the shops.

The set on sale includes a certificate signed by Nigel Beale, the only member of the Beale family still on the board.

Marcello Rossi, toy buyer for Beales, said: "The last time Beales had these vehicles produced was in the 1970s and they now sell for £700 to £800." http://www.thisisdorset.net/display.var.1047016.0.nigels_such_an_appealing_little_bear.php

ANOTHER HUGE DONATION ARRIVES
If you have mailed a package to me and I haven't yet acknowledged it's arrival please email me to let me know to be on the look out for it. You can view the items that have been sent in as well as know who I'm thanking: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

COLORED CELL PHONE STRAPS AVAILABLE
http://www.planetbeans.com/ETC.htm

INTRODUCING 2007 @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/2007_intro

BILLIONAIRE 9 NOW LISTED
http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=24728

November 28, 2006
Soldiers show commitment to Iraq with beanie babies
KIRKUK, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 27, 2006) - Four years ago a compassionate Soldier and a six dollar beanie baby named "Courage" brought an unforgettable smile to 4-year-old Sarah's face. Over a million beanie babies later, that Soldier's commitment to the future of Iraq and American generosity continue to impact Iraq's next generation - its children.

"Beanies for Baghdad," a civilian organization based in Evansville, Ind., donates thousands of the small stuffed animals weekly through Lt. Col. James Barker, squadron commander, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, for distribution to Iraqi children throughout the Kirkuk Province.

Barker, of Whitewood, S.D., was one of thousands of Soldiers in Baghdad when Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003. During that tour, Barker frequently interacted with the local population.

"During our 'walkabouts' in the community, I never saw any children with toys of their own," Barker said. "On one occasion, I threw a beanie baby named 'Courage' that my sister sent me into my bag. That day, we were at an elementary school. I saw a little girl about 4 years old named Sarah and I called her over," he recalled.

Barker gave Courage to Sarah, and her reaction to the gift compelled him to do more.

"When we got back from the mission that afternoon, I sent an e-mail with Sarah's photograph to a Web site for beanie baby enthusiasts. I asked them to send beanie babies to me so that we could hand them out to Iraqi children. They accepted my e-mail and published it."

Within five days, about 2,000 beanie babies were headed for Barker for distribution.

According to Barker, about one week later, two individuals back in the United States volunteered to stand up a Web site at their own expense. On May 4, 2003, "Beanies for Baghdad" was born.

Barker redeployed from Baghdad in June 2003, yet the generosity continued. Each successive Army unit designated a representative to receive the beanie baby donations. The program thrived. Then in 2006, Barker again deployed to Iraq, this time to the Kirkuk Province. Once again, he became the point of contact for beanie baby donations.

"We still receive three to 4,000 stuffed animals a week," said Barker. http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=8994

ADORABLE SNOWMEN & HOLIDAY ORDERING
I have more snowmen available. These snowmen cell phone straps are very popular so I expect these to go quickly. http://www.planetbeans.com/ETC.htm (bottom of the page)

This time of year is a busy one for all of us. If you are planning on placing an order with 'Bracelets by Lisa' and want to receive your in time for the holidays, please order as early as you can so I can make sure to have the needed supplies on hand. I've already fulfilled a number of Christmas orders. The deadline to order for delivery by Christmas is Monday, December 18th. http://www.planetbeans.com/BraceletsByLisa.htm

November 27, 2006
INTRODUCING FEDER-BEAR
http://www.ty.com/FederBear

'Beanies for Baghdad' A Hit With Iraqi Children
Four years ago a compassionate Soldier and a six dollar beanie baby named "Courage" brought an unforgettable smile to 4-year-old Sarah's face. And more than one million beanie babies later, that Soldier's generosity and commitment to Iraq's future continues to impact Iraq's next generation.

"Beanies for Baghdad," a civilian organization based in Evansville, Indiana, donates thousands of the small stuffed animals weekly to the United States Army through Lt. Col. James Barker, squadron commander, 2nd Squadron, 6th Cavalry Regiment, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, for distribution to Iraqi children throughout the Kirkuk Province.

It Began With a Kind Gesture

Barker, of Whitewood, South Dakota, was one of thousands of Soldiers in Baghdad when Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003. During that tour, Barker frequently interacted with the local population.

"During our 'walkabouts' in the community I never saw any children with toys of their own," said Barker. "On one occasion, I threw [a beanie baby named 'Courage' that my sister sent me] into my bag. That day, we were at an elementary school. I saw a little girl about 4-years old named Sarah, and I called her over," he recalled.

Barker gave Courage to Sarah, and her reaction to the gift compelled him to do more. http://newsblaze.com/story/20061127063226tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html

Good Question: Why Do We Have To Be First?
(WCCO) Either you were in line or you were looking at a line on TV thinking, 'Why do shoppers do this every year?'

Instead of sleeping in, they're out all night, poised to scramble into stores.

That brought a good question to mind: Why do we have to be first?

It seems the answer is more than just the bargains in store.

Social psychologist John Tauer said retailers have done a great job with ploys such as, "door busters at 6 a.m. in the morning."

"Immediately what they do is create in our minds this idea that I have to hurry," Tauer said. "They're creating this idea of scarcity, that if you don't buy it now, you won't get it."

When we pack on the parka for the Circuit City overnight, it could be about more than saving a few bucks.

"Our culture is inherently competitive," said Tauer, a professor at the University of St. Thomas. "In our culture people love to be first. People who win get attention and although it's sort of sick and twisted to think I won by getting a Beanie Baby, most of us fall prey to that at one time or another."

It's the same idea behind lining up overnight to get the new Xbox or to see the new Harry Potter movie. http://wcco.com/local/local_story_330123332.html

November 26, 2006
MARILYN'S PHOTOS OF SNOWDROP & EGGNOG (both are gorgeous!!)
http://www.planetbeans.com/MarilynsPhotos2.htm

Cindy Lange-Kubick: What I'm thankful not to have
On Thanksgiving morning, I wrote down everything I was thankful for on the white board in my hallway.

All of my family. All of my friends.

Books.

Sunshine in November.

The "Internets."

And then, late Thursday night after the company went home and after I sat down with a bowl of popcorn and after I watched my tape of “Grey’s Anatomy” — which, I might add, was really not very good — I realized I’d forgotten to write a few things on that board.

All of the things I was thankful for NOT having.

So without further ado, my new and revised list:

I am thankful to NOT have a popcorn hull any longer stuck under the gum of my back tooth that will not come out even with repeated passes with an industrial strand of dental floss.

I am thankful I did NOT feel the compulsion to get up at 4 o’clock Friday morning to stand in line at Wal-Mart for a clock radio/plasma television/scented candle.

I am thankful Nebraska did NOT fold like a cheap clothesline in the fourth quarter against Colorado on Senior Day. (Full disclosure: I am writing this before the aforementioned football game. If indeed Nebraska DID fold like a cheap clothesline in the fourth quarter I’m thankful I was NOT there to see it.)

I am thankful I am NOT the mother of small children who make giant Christmas lists filled with requests for cheaply made plastic toys.

I am thankful I am NOT a member of the Axis of Evil. I am also thankful I am NOT a member of the Media Elite, no matter what others might think when they see me driving my 1998 Dodge with 142,000 miles.

I am thankful I do NOT have too much money, too little money or too many Beanie Babies purchased in the frenzied days of Beanie Baby mania.

I am thankful that my children have NOT posted any old home movies of me yelling at them on U-Tube. http://www.journalstar.com/articles/2006/11/25/local/doc4568c573beb9b508360705.txt

Ty Warner Selling The Miramar
Ty Warner, concerned that he wouldn’t be able to get a fair shake when the Montecito Association considers his plans to rebuild the Miramar Hotel, says he’s selling the seaside resort property.

Warner, stung by renewed criticism from the key advisory body, will be immediately contacting suitors who in recent months have expressed interest in buying the Miramar, for which he paid $43 million several years ago, according to Greg Rice, Warner’s executive vice president.

Ironically, Warner had already prepared plans for a “family-oriented” hotel as opposed to the five-star “edgy” resort proposed a few years ago by hotelier Ian Schrager, Rice said.

“We went through a lot of effort, working out plans and were ready to file” for permits, Rice said. Warner personally went through plans for every room, the spa, restaurant, beach bar, landscaping, pool and other facilities, Rice said. He has even created model rooms.

“It was a painful decision for Ty,” Rice said, “but I don’t see how we could possibly get a fair shake” from the Montecito Association, based on its renewed attack, a four-page letter sent widely to Montecito residents. It is “alarming” when a body that will consider your project “attacks you,” Rice said. http://www.independent.com/opinion/2006/11/ty_warner_selling_the_miramar.html

MORE DONATIONS ARRIVE
I need to receive all packages by Wednesday. If you have mailed a package to me and I haven't yet acknowledged it's arrival please email me to let me know to be on the look out for it. You can view the items that have been sent in as well as know who I'm thanking: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

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

Feder-bear is ready to hit the tennis court!



Official launch of the ATP Exclusive Feder-bear Beanie Baby® will take place on Monday, November 27th, at 10:00AM Central Time, through Ty's Web site at http://www.tytrade.com/feder-bear.

Designed in honor of No. 1 ranked player, Roger Federer, this 8" Beanie Baby comes complete with his own tennis racquet, teal shirt with ATP logo, and white headband. $5.00 from the sale of each ATP Exclusive Feder-bear will go to support the UNICEF-ATP partnership, ACE (Assisting Children Everywhere).

November 17, 2006
A SINCERE THANK YOU
I delivered two big boxes of donations that have been sent in for the "Adopt a Soldier" project to school this morning. I received the following note from the person that is heading this project. 

"The items you sent in are awesome!  Thank you so much. Now we will be able to send more boxes than I originally planned. I really appreciate you doing this for us (and for our military)." http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

ASK TY
Q: Thanksgiving is coming up; what are your plans and what Beanie may be joining you? (submitted by 454699)
A: I love to visit with friends and family at Thanksgiving and the Beanie that will be joining me is . . . Stuffed ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

TESTIMONIALS...
Susan ordered 3 snowmen cell phone straps and a Millefiori heart cell phone strap and writes: "I received my cell phone straps this morning and they are sooooooo nice.  I put a snowman on my phone immediately and plan on giving the other snowmen as gifts.  I also purchased the red heart and all I can say is it's beautiful.

You will not be disappointed, unless you don't order a few. Susan Green" http://www.planetbeans.com/ETC.htm

November 16, 2006
INTRODUCING EGGNOG @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/Eggnog_intro

NEW BRACELETS 
ALEXANDRITE: http://www.planetbeans.com/BraceletsByLisa/alexandritesquaresbrightBIG.jpg 
(Details can be found on this page: http://www.planetbeans.com/SpecialtyBracelets.htm) This bracelet was quickly claimed by my 17 year old daughter. LOL Her birthday is in June and Alexadrite is one of the birthstones that represent this month. 

AIR FORCE SUPPORT: http://www.planetbeans.com/BraceletsByLisa/EmilyAirForceBIG.jpg 
(Details can be found on this page: http://www.planetbeans.com/NameBracelets.htm)

November 15, 2006
LOTS MORE DONATIONS ARRIVE
I'm overwhelmed with your generosity. Thank you for supporting this important project. You can view the items that have been sent in as well as know who I'm thanking: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

(NOTE: If you haven't viewed the above mentioned web page within the past several days you may not know that a nice incentive has been offered in hopes of getting more donations. And remember --- NO donation is too small!)

GARFIELD TY MINI PLUSH
Michael has found a Garfield mini plush made by Ty, Inc. http://www.planetbeans.com/GarfieldTyMiniPlush.htm

'Teddy Bear Princess' honored by nonprofit
Hayley Crowell and her dad, Charlie, recently packed 10 boxes of Beanie Babies to give to the Boca Raton-based American Health Association. It took Hayley, 11, about a year to collect 2,344 of the stuffed animals.

Those animals are now en route to Iraq and will be given to children during the holiday season.

To recognize her accomplishment, the American Health Association named her "Teddy Bear Princess" the same Saturday they were preparing to ship 10,000 stuffed animals to Iraq and Africa. J. Robert Gordon, president of the association, said they gave her a crown for the honor.

"Nationally, we have thousands that collect teddy bears for us," Gordon said. "She's collected more for her age than anyone."

Since its inception more than two years ago, Gordon said the American Health Association's Orphans of War program has sent 250,000 toys to Iraq. The organization started sending toys to children orphaned because of AIDS in Africa on Nov. 4, the same day they recognized Hayley. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/bocaraton/content/neighborhood/boca/epaper/2006/11/15/npo5_michelle_1115.html

Sgt. Teddy Bear campaign restarted during middle school assembly
KIRKSVILLE - When Master Sgt. Randy Glasscock had to leave for a 13-month tour of duty in Iraq in December 2005, he tried to explain why in the simplest of terms to his then 9-year-old daughter.

"I told her all the toys you have, they don't have toys. The little girls, like you, can't even go to school," Glasscock said. "I told her one of the biggest reasons I was going over there was to make those children's lives better."

The sergeant with the Army's 3rd Infantry division thought that conversation with his daughter was goodbye.

But when Glasscock left with two duffel bags draped over his shoulders at 4:30 a.m. the next day, Logan was waiting in the doorway.

He was even more surprised by what surrounded her.

"She was standing in the door with 40 beanie babies," he said. "I had to go in the garage and get another duffel bag."

It was at that moment the program Sgt. Teddy Bear began. Starting with those 40 beanie babies, Glasscock's tour of duty took on a second initiative: spreading good will with the Iraqi children, one stuffed animal at a time. http://www.kirksvilledailyexpress.com/articles/2006/11/14/news/news1.txt

(NOTE: I viewed the blog listed on this news article and they have some great photos of the kids picking out and receiving their Beanie Babies! http://sgtteddybear.blogspot.com/)

SOMETHING A BIT AMUSING
I was watching a news program and came across the following:
VHS OBIT
"After a long illness, the groundbreaking home-entertainment format VHS has died of natural causes in the United States. The format was 30 years old. No services are planned. The format had been expected to survive until January, but high-def formats and next-generation vidgame consoles hastened it's final decline." -Variety

The cause of death listed as "loneliness"
VHS is survived by it's offspring DVD and it's cousins TiVO & DirectTV.

November 14, 2006
ADOPT A SOLDIER DONATIONS ARRIVE
I'm overwhelmed with your generosity. Thank you for supporting this important project. You can view the items that have been sent in as well as know who I'm thanking: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

(NOTE: If you haven't viewed the above mentioned web page within the past several days you may not know that a nice incentive has been offered in hopes of getting more donations. And remember --- NO donation is too small!)

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MIS-TAGGED GUSSY
Marilyn writes: "A tidbit that doesn't need picture taking....when I picked up my beanies today, there were two Gussy's in the bag....turned out they'd kept the extra one for me because in their bag of Gussy's, there were two that had the Charles from Harrod's tag. So they saved me one of those thinking I might be interested....I was. Compares perfectly to a Charles tag except for the extra printed tag. And if it happened to two of them in one bag, perhaps there are others out there if anyone is interested. Marilyn"

Beanie Baby drive benefits adopted children
Adoption Connection, an Ankeny adoption agency, is sponsoring its annual drive for Beanie Babies for the fifth annual Adoption Saturday program at the Polk County Courthouse on Saturday.

Donations of new Beanie Babies can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. this week and throughout the year at Adoption Connection, 315 N. Ankeny Blvd.
The Beanie Babies will be given to children being adopted.

The Adoption Saturday event features an adoption information fair, an adoption celebration program with local dignitaries, and a time for families to finalize their adoptions in a family-friendly atmosphere.

This is a special day set aside for adoptions only at the courthouse. Adoption Saturday events are free and open to the public, except for private adoption hearings.

For information or pick-up of large donations, contact Adoption Connection at 965-8029. http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061113/NEWS/61113013/1025

Operation Gratitude' Prepares For Holiday Donations
A lot of organizations could use your help for the holidays but a California-based group is asking for a special gift of thanks for America's troops.

Operation Gratitude aims to ship at least 50,000 "care packages" to troops all over the world this holiday season, says founder Carolyn Blashek, containing:

"Non-perishable foods like beef jerky, sunflower seeds, trail-mix, energy bars, and then fun entertainment-type items, DVD's, CD's, flash drives, Beanie Babies, and then things like t-shirts and baseball-style caps."

Blashek says the point is not only the reminder that people back-home care, but the Beanie Babies can be traded with local kids, sometimes for life-saving information.

The shipping deadline is a month off. Everything has to first be sent to Operation Gratitude in Van Nuys, California, for repackaging and distribution.

The web site opgratitude.com has everything you need to know. http://www.kyw1060.com/pages/124868.php?contentType=4&contentId=240815

For $599.

$599! At Best Buy near Fenway Park, they’ll give out PlayStation 3 tickets at 11 p.m. Thursday. So if you get in line, say, at 9 a.m., maybe you’ll be lucky enough to get a ticket allowing you to go inside and spend $599, then come back out, cold and tired, hungry and broke, to get ripped off again exiting the biggest rip-off Best Buy parking lot in America.

Truly, there is something masochistic about this.

Yet sales clerks interviewed yesterday expect a madhouse Friday. When they introduced PlayStation 3 in Japanese stores last weekend, buyers camped out all night outside Tokyo outlets. On the Japanese equivalent of Amazon.com, it sold out in 18 minutes while at another shopping site, Tsutaya Online, it sold out in just six minutes. The chances of getting one Friday here? “My advice,” said game Web site Kotaku.com, “club those who have successfully pre-ordered the PS3 over the head, then devour their heart.” And steal their machines, of course.

Wendy Hanley of Sudbury is both shocked and appalled, though she insists she’d never shell out PlayStation-type dough. However, she admitted driving 35 miles to get a McDonald’s Happy Meal to complete her daughter’s Berenstain Bears collection. And she’s saved for years a Beanie Baby collection with the tags still on. “Once they were worth about $1,200,” she said, sadly. “Now about a nickel.” But none of that compares, of course, to $599 for PlayStation 3, or $300 for the iPod, $349 for the iPod Hi-Fi, $199 for the iVoice, $99 for the iStation and $300 for the Bose iDock. You’re up over $1,200. You’ve only got six gifts under the tree. http://news.bostonherald.com/columnists/view.bg?articleid=167215&srvc=home

Patriotism in plush
Some people show their support for the troops with bumper stickers or American flags. Others rely on Beanie Babies.
St. Paul, Minn. — Veterans Day brings parades and speeches and an official time to recognize those who have served in the country's military.

But, for many people, the act of honoring the troops isn't restricted to one date on the calendar.

Reporter Nikki Tundel met up with a shop owner who shows her support every day -- and in a less than typical way. http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2006/11/13/keyshop/?rsssource=1

November 13, 2006
SUGARBEARY IN WALGREENS SALES AD
http://www.planetbeans.com/Sugarbeary.htm

November 12, 2006
Thoughts from Dr. Joe: Operation Beanie Baby
I remember sweeping through villages of thatched roofs and smoky smells of cooked pork, rice and boiled greens. In the villages the Marines would methodically observe every movement trying desperately to counterbalance the effects of the intense Vietnam heat that stifled our senses. The stoic villagers would ignore our presence and fall into a self imposed trance as though we were not even there.

Because of this disconnect tensions would build and anxiety and mistrust would permeate our intentions and theirs. It was a powder keg waiting for the slightest provocation to ignite a rather short fuse.

It's called "Operation Beanie Baby."

Here's the tactical scheme of their mission. Under Nathan's leadership, Den 2 is collecting Beanie Babies throughout the community. The Beanie Babies will be shipped to our soldiers via "Operation Gratitude." The soldiers will carrying these small plush toys in their packs and while on patrol will intermittently distribute them to Afghan and Iraqi children.

I spoke to Nathan and I can indeed assure you that he has a realistic optimism in the success of this mission. "A leader is a leader in hope." (Napoleon)

Nathan's rationale is that the soldiers will somehow connect to the children as they pass on a Beanie Baby and maybe the hardened hearts of some of the locals will soften and provide the necessary intelligence that can potentially save life and limb. It's an old dance between soldier and child that has brought many of our boys and girls home and given them the chance to grow old and become Veterans of Foreign Wars. But this time, we have new leadership. Scout Nathan Spindle is commanding.

My dear reader, week after week I write "Thoughts from Dr. Joe" and all I ask from you is that you intellectualize the concepts that I bring forth. Well this time I'm asking that you ante up; 'walk the walk' so to speak. Simon and Garfunkel express my sentiments as they tell us "Don't talk of love, I've heard the words before, their sleeping in my memory." Now we have to do something, don't we? http://www.lacanadaonline.com/articles/2006/11/10/opinion/lco-puglia1109.txt

NEW DEVELOPMENTS
With his deadline clock loudly ticking away, developer Bill Levy has initiated preliminary construction efforts at the lower State Street site where his proposed Ritz-Carlton time-share condos may someday be built. If Levy fails to begin construction in earnest by December 12, his building permits are dead and the project for which he fought for decades is history. Thus far, city officials are noncommittal on whether or not the work Levy plans to do in the next few weeks – dewatering the ground underneath the building site – is sufficient to meet the deadline. Meanwhile, Levy is the subject of a foreclosure action by Mountain Funding, which has given Levy until November 29 to pay off the $30 million it says he owes. Mountain Funding hopes to sell Levy’s project to one of three qualified builders, but no deal is likely as long as Levy remains in the picture.

Biltmore Hotel owner Ty Warner appealed to the County Board of supervisors for permission to adorn a stairway to Butterfly Beach, as well as the sidewalk next to the seawall, with brick that matches the Biltmore. The Montecito Planning Commission (MPC) had rejected the matching architectural details, saying they would give the area a private look that might discourage the public from using the beach. However, the supervisors unanimously approved the Biltmore’s appeal before a boardroom full of Montecitans who had come to praise Warner and to accuse the MPC of overregulation. http://www.independent.com/news/2006/11/new_developments_3.html

GARY AT BEST BUY
Gary is now available: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8046018&st=beanie&type=product&id=1567136

JOHN'S PHOTOS
John shares a photo of Digby, Busby, & Mr. Tod. John notes: "I didn't realise that Digby, the limited edition Harrods Classic (2000 only), had a smaller beanie relative out in the retail world...until Busby arrived here!" Busby looks like a little Digby. VERY cute pair! http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

November 11, 2006
CHERISH UPDATES
Poppies for Peace: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

November 10, 2006
Best Day Ever Best Buy Spongebob
Michael writes: There is also another difference in the Hang tag from the retail Spongebob. There is also in addition to the Best Buy Logo there is a logo that says Spongebob's Best Day Ever. The Logo Spongebob's Best Day Ever is not found in even Mr. Krabs beanie. Since noticing that I Remembered that there is a promo where you can vote for an episode to be in the 24 hour Best of Spongebob Marathon, leading to an all new Spongebob Episode called "Spongebob's Best Day Ever". Below is a link to more info about this marathon and possibly the reason we are seeing these beanies at Best Buy now of all times. Also is a link to where you can vote for the Spongebob Episdode to be in the 24 hour marathon. The 24 hour marathon will begin on November 9th and will end on November 10th with the New Episode "Best Day Ever". Also instead of being named Spongebob Squarepants this version of Spongebob is simply named Spongebob.

http://www.prnewstoday.com/release.htm?cat=television&dat=20061031&rl=NYTU14231102006-1

http://www.nick.com/bestdayever/

Michael"

ADOPT A SOLDIER UPDATE
A nice prize has been offered as an incentive to send in your donations. Remember that NO donation is too small. http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm (NOTE: Donations will be arriving soon and I will post pictures and publicly thank each of you for your kindness.)

There is also a nice photo posted on the 'Adopt a Soldier' page which shows the prizes offered.. which has also been posted in honor of Veteran's Day, November 11th!

ASK TY
Q: 1.Are you a technological wiz or do you need to have electronic gadgets explained to you ? (submitted by pocketswoof)
2.When you were a kid, did you watch old Godzilla movies ? (submitted by zillazilla)
3.Now that it is autumn do you like hot chocolate or hot cider the best ? (submitted by Lorrie11)
A: 1. I'm not a techy but I can hold my own when it comes to using the internet. 
2. I did watch Godzilla movies but they weren't "old" when I saw them.
3. Hot Cider or Chocolate . . . Cider wins !  http://www.ty.com/askty_home

November 9, 2006
JUDI'S TY HALLOWEEN PRIZES
Judi writes: "Hi Lisa, Here is a picture of the Ty Halloween goodies that I won. Unfortunately, none were signed by Ty. Oh well, maybe someday! Judi/gs205"

INTRODUCING SNOWDROP @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/snowdrop_intro 
ADORABLE!

November 8, 2006
SPONGEBOB COMPARISONS
Rose writes: "Hi Lisa,

I have only read comments about the only difference between the original SpongeBob and the Best Buy one being the tag.

I noticed when I purchased mine yesterday that his arms are sewn on up high (more like the cartoon character’s are, I took a picture of the Movie DVD …you can probably find a better picture on-line).

Also his eyes are much larger than the original (also more accurate depiction of the original cartoon character).

My picture’s aren’t the greatest but feel free to share if you feel this is news worthy.

~Rose"

Halloween Contest Winner
rosy0017   (Nov 07, 2006, 08:06 AM)
Message Id: 1130908
rosy0017 writes: Good Morning Everyone,

I still can't believe it I won the Halloween Contest on the last day...and to my amazement I received the halloween beanies yesterday and in the bunch I received a TY SIGNED Trick R Treat.... http://www.ty.com/tytalk_Message_Display/1,1581,1_21-1130908-0-1,00.html

(NOTE: Is this the ONLY Ty-signed item for the contest? I haven't heard of any others being signed.)

November 7, 2006
JOHN'S PHOTOS
Thank you to John for sharing photos of New Year 2007, Signature 2006, and Johnny. http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm  

In default since its debt financing fell due Sept. 15, the Itasca-based producer of giftware and home and garden décor remains in the throes of a long struggle.

Declining sales, falling profit margins, loss of its New York Stock Exchange listing and a costly transition to a third-party distribution center are a few of its headaches.

The stock now trades at about 20 cents a share on the over-the-counter market, near the bottom of its 52-week range of 16 cents to $2.38 a share.

“If we fail to obtain new financing, our current cash and cash from operations would likely be insufficient to allow us to continue our current business operations,” the company stated in its earnings report for the second quarter ended June 30. Cash and cash equivalents as of the quarter’s end were $7.3 million compared with $12.9 million Dec. 31.

Enesco, which designs, manufactures and markets its products to retailers in the U.S., Europe and Canada, has seen steadily declining sales since 2004. The company has estimating this year’s revenue at $180 million compared with $211 million in 2005.

The collectibles industry underwent a harrowing change after the Ty Inc. Beanie Babies craze died in the late 1990s, said Pam Danziger, president of research group Unity Marketing Inc. “Implicit in the word ‘collect’ is that that product or that item is going to be worth something someday,” she said. “Now, people just look at collectibles as ‘dustables.” http://www.dailyherald.com/business/story.asp?id=247419

November 6, 2006
INTRODUCING ELFIS
Learning Express exclusive
http://www.ty.com/Elfis_intro

November 5, 2006
CHERISH AUCTIONS
Sue shares some great photos of new auctions starting later today which will comprise of Harrods items as well as items from the Ty UK Collectors Party: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

Sue also shares other photos and writes: "I have included a couple from the Ty UK Collectors Party - one of me with Mark Swallow with the wonderful Ty heart collage that my husband bought for me on the charity auction that evening - it is made from many different Ty hang tags forming a heart. I love it (and my husband!) Also there is a photo of the auctions in action (Jonathan Swallow to the side of the auctioneer Steve, from Ty UK)."

JOHN'S PHOTOS
Thank you to John for sharing his report and more great photos of some of the special auction items from the Ty UK Collectors Party. http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm  

UPDATE: John shares a photo of his auction win as well as memorabilia given to those in attendance at the Ty UK Collectors Party.

MORE GORGEOUS PHOTOS AND A DETAILED REPORT FROM JOHN
http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsTyUKPartyPhotos&Report.htm

Thank you John for taking so much time to share with all of us. Your efforts are very much appreciated! :o)

November 4, 2006
DIGBY TY CLASSIC, CHARLES & HENRY BEANIES
http://www.ty.com/hcd_intro

TWO VERSIONS OF COURAGEOUS, COURAGEOUSLY, COURAGEOUSNESS
When doing the updates on my Beanie Info pages yesterday there were only the Canadian Exclusive versions listed. Now listed are Special Olympics Canada Exclusive versions. http://www.ty.com/theitems/1,1625,3_CURRENT_1,00.html

Overcoming Disappointment
There once was a little girl who really liked Beanie Babies. In fact, one day when she and her parents were at the store, she saw the newest Beanie Baby and thought, “If only I could have that Beanie Baby, my life would be fulfilled forever.” So she made her desires known to her parents.

So, her parents bought her the Beanie Baby. And guess what? She found contentment.

She grew up to be fulfilled, grateful and joyful. But the rest of her life didn’t go so well. She married a lousy guy with whom she had three kids. Then he left her, and her kids didn’t stick around much to help her out. And when she got old, she went on Social Security and hardly had any money.

But she never whined or cried or complained. Instead, she would think, “I remember that Beanie Baby. What great contentment and joy I found in it.” And it would bring her lasting satisfaction.

Now, that’s a silly story, isn’t it? We all know that real contentment and lifelong fulfillment don’t come from buying the latest Beanie Baby. Yet, so often this is how we act. We move on from the latest toy to new clothes to new cars to new houses in a never-ending search for fulfillment and contentment.

It’s a human thing of discontentment. Our culture is absolutely brilliant about exploiting that tendency toward dissatisfaction in us and promising us fulfillment. http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2006/nov/03/overcoming_disappointment/

November 3, 2006
ADOPT A SOLDIER
My son Robert is collecting items for a special project for the Jr. Beta Club called "Adopt a Soldier". This has been a very successful project in past years and I'm going to do my part to help out this year. The items will be packed into boxes by Robert and the other Jr. Beta Club members on November 30th and will be sent to both men and women serving in Iraq. If you can help out with this project it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me at Lisa@planetbeans.com with any questions or if you need my address to send donations. As many of you know.. I've collected items for donations in the past and have been overwhelmed with your generosity. Now it's time to help out those individuals who are putting their lives on the line daily while serving our country.

As donations arrive, I will be posting photos and personally thanking each one of you for taking the time and effort to make a difference. VIEW LISTING HERE: http://www.planetbeans.com/AdoptASoldier.htm

Santa Clarita, Have You Seen Bean Doggy?

We know it's November, but one of our always-late spies in the front line just sent this to us. We are reprinting this note as it was sent to us. If you have any information on the whereabouts of said beloved Bean Doggy, please call Count Sauguslavsky at 259-1234, ext. 242. Here now, the letter:

My name is Amy Noland and I have an eight year old daughter named Emma. She has a Beanie Baby dog ("Fetch") that she named "Bean Doggy" or "Beanie" that she has had for years and is very attached to. We went to the mall last night, Friday Oct.20 from about 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. We believe Emma lost Bean Doggy there. However, our search of the mall today yielded nothing. We fear that someone picked up Bean Doggy and took her home with them. Maybe whoever did didn't realize how loved and important Bean Doggy is to Emma.

I realize this news is not important in the grand scheme of things, but it breaks my heart to see how broken-hearted my daughter is over the loss of her "beloved Bean Doggy." Is there any way a short story could be run with a picture of Bean Doggy to try and see if she could be recovered? We could even offer a small reward or the purchase of a replacement Beanie toy for whomever may have Bean Doggy. I am attaching a picture of our dog Fluffy with Beanie on her head. I have many pictures of Beanie over the years with Emma, on vacation with us, etc. I am also attaching another picture of Beanie after Emma gave her a bath and wrapped her in a towel.

Thank you. http://www.the-signal.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=33952&format=html

(NOTE: When I read this story I felt compelled to share it. Beanie people are the kindest and I am hoping someone owns a Fetch Beanie to send to this little girl. We don't have one in our house and I wish I did so I could pass it on. If you read this article and are able to help.. please let me know. Lisa@planetbeans.com)

TY WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Nov06Wallpaper

ASK TY
Q: What was the worst storm you've ever been in? (submitted by pocketswoof) 
A: Although I wasn't physically in the storm . . the one that most effected me and many of you was Katrina. http://www.ty.com/askty_home

November 2, 2006
Thank you to Rose for sharing photos of her Ty Halloween prize package.

NICKELODEON & CHARLOTTE'S WEB
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, Now I know some  people are probably thinking how did Ty Get the rights to make beanies for the Charlotte's Web Movie. Anyway the answer is quite simple. The movie company that is making this Update movie of Charlotte's Web is none other than the Ty Affiliate... Nickeldeon Movies. So that means Ty didn't work too hard on getting rights to make beanies out of this movie since they apparently already have a deal with Nickeldeon and Nick JR To make beanies. So it makes perfect sense. Michael"

OFFICIAL AUCTION LIST & PHOTOS FOR THE TY UK COLLECTOR'S PARTY
Special thank you to JOhn for taking the time to share this info. http://www.planetbeans.com/JohnsPictures.htm

JOHNNY UPATE
Kelly sends me an update on Johnny...

Hello Lisa –

We have very good news regarding Johnny the 4-H /John Deere Bear – He has just arrived in our warehouse and is now in stock and ready to ship!

There are still some Johnny bears available to order as I write this – those bears can be ordered by visiting www.4-hmall.org and clicking the Johnny banner on the home page.

As always, thanks for your help in keeping folks posted on the status of this and all of our other special Ty 4-H items.

www.4-hmall.org

November 1, 2006
POOKIE-NUT WINS!
http://www.ty.com/winner
Pookie-nut is so cute. Congratulations to all of the contest winners as well.

NOVEMBER BOTM
http://www.ty.com/Stuffed_intro

TY STORE RETIREMENTS
Spells Beanie & Frankenteddy Buddy have been silently retired: http://www.tytrade.com/tyshop_items