October 31, 2005
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
I hope today brings you more treats than tricks. ;o) The kids are really looking forward to going trick-or-treating tonight. Be safe and HAVE FUN!

OCTOBER 30th TY HALLOWEEN WINNERS 
Congrats to nammy from MD, Anne 66 from the U.K. DARJOHN from MI, 1cakelady from VA, and beanie collector 45 from ME. GOOD LUCK to everyone for today.. since this is the last day for the contest. :o) 

TY-SIGNED OPIE ENDS WITHOUT A WINNER
After 29 bids and a high bid of $530.01 there wasn't a winner. I'm surprised this one didn't go higher. Read auction details here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6007536625

NOVEMBER INTRODUCTIONS
http://www.ty.com/N05_bb1 
BEANIE BABIES: 2005 Signature Bear, Charming, Happy Holidays, Hoops, Icing, LOONG (Asia-Pacific Exclusive), Pluff, Prima, Titan 

PINKYS: Smooches (2 purses), Style 

TY CLASSIC: Caboodle

NEW KIDS FOR MEXICO PROMO
April writes: "Hi Lisa. We're back to school and my students are on the final leg before their trip to Mexico this Spring. They've put together another osito promo which goes on sale this morning. Osito is wearing a customized two sided t-shirt with a teddy bear on front and the Mexican flag on back. He comes with his own commemorative hang tag. He will also come with a Mexico silicone bracelet and a Mexican flag tie tack pin. He will be in his own cellophane bag tied with red and white ribbon. Osito is only $15 + buyer's choice of shipping. $2.00 1st class mail in the US $3.85 priority mail in the US $5.00 overseas global priority mail Insurance and/or delivery confirmation are also available for additional cost. Paypal is accepted at april133@hotmail.com . There are only 25 ositos available. The students are really hoping to raise the last of their money to cover their trips. I'd like to thank you so much for helping us in our task. And also many thanks to all your viewers who have bought or will buy promos from us to help support my students. I believe travel is important in a child's life to view cultures other than our own. It gives them a different understanding of the world we live in. Here's a link to our page with pictures and descriptions: http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=7382701&uid=171094 Thanks again for all your help and support. April"

October 30, 2005
OCTOBER 29th TY HALLOWEEN WINNERS
Congrats to LINDA from AL, bblvr3 from CA, Phister from PA, Big David from NY, and borntotravel112 from WA.

LOONG PHOTOS & INFO
Priscilla shares with Ms. Janie: http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/Priscilla_LOONG.html

October 29, 2005
KATRINA DONATIONS
I have received a huge clothing donation. http://www.planetbeans.com/KatrinaDonations.htm (NOTE: of course you can't view the site currently so be sure to check back if you are interested in seeing what was donated.

OCTOBER 28th TY HALLOWEEN WINNERS
Congrats to KATIE from IL, cmryan from NY, DANIELLE from VA, elephanny from TX, and lisanickyty4eva from RI.

ASK TY
Q: Are Beanies your favorite things in the world? (submitted by crazy4bbeanies)
A: Because I have seen Beanies bring smiles, laughter and comfort, they are without a doubt my favorite things ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

NEW ASIA EXCLUSIVE?
Cindy from Cindy's Beans writes: "Hi Lisa, We have posted a picture of the new asia exclusive on our website today coming out next month called Loong the dragon. Cindy" http://www.cindysbeans.com

October 28, 2005
WAL-MART TO CARRY BEANIES?!
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I was just reading a post on the Ty Talk Cyberboard that starting December 3, 2005, Wal-Mart will start to sell Beanie Babies for $3.49 a beanie... I pray this is not true and if it is..well then I would be right about Wal-mart ruling the world. Michael" VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE (there are a number of replies)

None of this "where Ty products are sold" business makes sense to...............
mz magoo   (Oct 28, 2005, 02:32 PM)
Message Id: 1051098
mz magoo writes: me. I wasn't worried about buying bears from QVC for $350.00 years ago and I won't be worried about buying from Wal-Mart for $3.50 now. In fact, finally saving some money is a welcome breather for me now that Ty, Inc. is flooding the market with new styles every few seconds (LOL or so it seems.) I've cut way back on the amount I buy anyway except for holiday issues. Times change, business opportunities/climates change and both Ty and I will do what it takes to keep ourselves fiscally and emotionally happy. I will not cut off my nose to spite my face (been there-done that) and I hope I've learned my lesson. JMHO :o) VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

NOVEMBER RELEASES LISTED
Cindy from Cindy's Beans has pictures posted of the November releases. I had a good laugh at Prima.. this is yet another ballerina bear. Perhaps to apease those people that didn't like the wide head of Piroette since this is a normal bear which I feel looks rather silly in the ballerina costume. Piroette was much nicer IMHO. LOL Be sure to take note of the much anticipated 2005 Signature Bear. This is too cute with a little baby bear to accompany the regular sized Beanie. The Smooches purses.. what was Ty thinking?!?!?! See for yourself what I'm talking about here: http://cindysbeans.com/ 

OCTOBER 27th TY CONTEST WINNERS 
Congrats to mfh72 from PA, AUNTEE from FL, Issygirl from Canada, Mr.Ernst from FL, and Princess243 from VA. 

Local teens send 'Hope In A Box' 
ESCANABA - Thank-yous are already forthcoming to the Delta/Schoolcraft ISD Child Care students from school teachers in Louisiana who received a "Hope-In-A-Box" kit assembled by the child care students. The kits, sent to New Iberia, La., were intended for use by the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 

"We just received a note from one of the teachers thanking us for the kits her students received," said Child Care Instructor Laurie Beggs. "It was good to know that the kits arrived and were distributed." 

The "Hope-In-A-Box" kit was designed to help children who have been impacted by disaster, Beggs explained. "This is not a toy - it is a gift that will make a true difference in addressing immediate hygiene and emotional needs of traumatized children."

The students collected the contents to assemble 100 kits. Each kit contained the following: a small Beanie Baby animal, a small soft ball, harmonica or other small musical instrument, Slinky, a yo-yo, 7-foot child's jump rope, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, box of 24-crayons, six new pencils, 12-inch ruler, a non-spiral bound pad of regular or construction paper, large eraser, pencil sharpener, and blunt child's scissors. All the items were placed in shoe-size plastic storage containers. 

Each kit was estimated to have a value of about $25. Beggs said the Beanie Babies were donated by Donald Sayklly, and Photo Offset donated the tablets. "They were 6x9-inch and were specially made because we had to find something to fit in the containers," said Beggs. Anthony & Company donated the rulers which were imprinted with animal pictures. "They ran a special batch for us," Beggs added. A number of local dentists donated the toothbrushes. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

October 27, 2005
MICHAEL SHARES PICTURES OF SOFI
http://www.planetbeans.com/MichaelsPictures.htm

OCTOBER 26th TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to JANET from WA, poohcr from FL, dejack1 from VA, MAGARET from VA, jwjohnson from KS.

October 26, 2005
OCTOBER 25th TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to SHARI from WA, daybear from Canada, koala44 from VA, scaredycat from MI, and sugarplums from CA.

Operation Christmas Child ready
Vulcan Advocate — Simple shoe boxes filled with small gifts have changed the way some children look at the world, according to Sean Campbell the Samaritan’s Purse Executive Director and one of the people responsible for handing out the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes.

In Croatia he saw a little boy smile for the first time since his parents were murdered after he received a small Beanie Babies toy in his gift box.

“There is no greater feeling than giving to someone,” said Campbell.

“It is powerful enough to change lives.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

AP9 Connections Takes an Early Look at Some Hot New Toys for the Holiday Season
Stamford, CN (PRWEB) October 26, 2005 -- It’s never too early to start your holiday shopping, reports AP9 Connections, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC, especially if you want to pick up the hottest toys before they start flying off the
shelves.

With every holiday season, it seems, comes the newest fad, the coolest gadget or the hottest toy, whether it’s pet rocks, Beanie Babies or iPods. Whether they want to stay on the cutting edge of the toy industry or go their own way, AP9 Connections members can save on practically all of their holiday shopping needs by logging on to DealPass. and buying gift cards at a significant discount for popular retailers across the country.

In the run-up to the holidays, word-of-mouth about certain items increases demand, which decreases supply, which increases demand, which tends to increase prices, and pretty soon you’re either shut out or priced out of buying that item. To help you get a jump on the early favorites for kids this year, AP9 Connections offers you a glimpse of a few of the treats coming soon to a store near you: VIEW LISTING HERE

October 25, 2005
OCTOBER 24th TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to ILENE from CA, bunko1 from TN, dhp722 from GA, julins from MS, and kirbycatmeow from PA.

ENCORE OF MICHAEL'S TONIGHT SHOW DEBUT
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I just thought I would let you know and would appreciate if you would share the news on your site so others can know as well. Anyway I just read on the Tonight Show website that on this friday the 28th of October that there will be an Encore presentation of my Tonight Show Debut. So just in case there are others that missed it they can see it on their Local NBC Channel this Friday, October 28th. I know this because on the guest schedule is the same exact guests that was on the day I was their performing my unusuall trick. Michael"

NOTE: If you missed out on the still shots I took from the TV screen from Michael's debut be sure to check them out here: http://www.planetbeans.com/MichaelsTonightShowDebut.htm

Men trade in pigskin for crepe paper at untraditional event
I know meteorologists have been talking about showers in this area for weeks, but none of the men who showed up at the Nashua Country Club yesterday in the room where pink balloons were tethered to adorable Beanie Babies seemed prepared for what was about to unfold. 

For decades, women have had to leave the coziness of their homes on a Sunday afternoon, dressed in uncomfortable clothes and sit on hard chairs while their pregnant friends sit on an even harder chair opening up package after package of onesies and receiving blankets.

Sunday, it was the men’s turn. In this case, however, the seats were comfortable and the baby was not in her mother’s stomach, but instead was there to open her presents in person. Grace had just arrived from China directly into the hearts of her adoptive parents as well as family and friends. And since Mom and Dad waited such a long time for a baby and since they both had worked at the same place at the same time for a long time, it seemed natural that men would be allowed entrance into the secret world of crepe paper and potty training secrets formerly entered only by women.

The guys did great at first, they really did. But that’s because first meant cocktail hour. They were pretty good at lunch, too. They pushed aside their ducky-shaped lollipop favors and downed their chicken and pasta primavera like pros.

Not bad.

But then gift time started, and 20 grown men actually looked like they were all struck by lightning at the same time. For those of you guys who don’t know what that means, it’s the time at a shower when the mom takes center stage while baby gift after baby gift is handed over to her. First she reads the card aloud. Then she carefully unwraps the gift and – this is the best part – she holds up the tiny tights and the adorable bibs for all her friends to admire. But that’s not all. Then someone takes a photo and her best friend carefully records which gift was given by whom so the proper thank you note can be sent. And then the whole thing is repeated again and again until there isn’t one Winnie the Pooh gift bag in sight. This can literally take hours and often does. 

You could almost see little cartoon balloons rising out of the heads of the men in attendance, containing expletives like “What am I supposed to do now?” “Why are all the women turning their chairs to the front of the room?” “Is it too late to slip out of here and into the bar?” “Why are people cheering for a diaper pail?” “Where in God’s name is the closest television set?” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

October 24, 2005
OCTOBER 23rd TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to jan717 from MD, highway from VA, i.m.r.u. from Canada, oneducky from MI, and cheetahprincess from ? US.

TY SIGNED OPIE BEANIE BABY NOW ON AUCTION
Partial description:
Autographed Limited Edition
Ty Warner Sea Center Opie™ Beanie Baby®
Signed by Ty Warner!

Ty Warner, Beanie Babies® creator and CEO/chairman of Ty Inc. and Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, continues his support of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History by donating an autographed Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center Opie™ to the Museum to use for fundraising to sustain education and conservation programs at the Sea Center.

In mint condition, this Ty Warner autographed Opie™ comes with a signed letter on Ty Inc. stationary authenticating its exclusivity. It has been stored in the Museum safe to maintain its pristine condition and is the only Ty Warner autographed Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center Opie™ that will be offered for sale to the general public.

The Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center Opie™ is an octopus with red eyes (instead of blue eyes as does the national retail Opie™) and was specially created to commemorate the grand opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center on April 23, 2005. Within weeks of the grand opening, the Limited Edition Opie™ sold out. VIEW AUCTION HERE

FLURRY: LEARNING EXPRESS EXCLUSIVE
I'm sharing this link with you again today in case you didn't see it yesterday. http://www.planetbeans.com/FLURRY.htm

INTRODUCING FLURRY
As expected. http://www.ty.com/Flurry_intro

October 23, 2005
OCTOBER 22nd TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to blaze from NE, a1beanie from CA, eiffel99 from TX, musicalbeans from TX, Greatgrand mother 3 from TX.

NEW EXCLUSIVE BEANIE FROM LEARNING EXPRESS
Crystal writes: "Hi Lisa, Just wondering if anyone has mentioned a new Learning Express exclusive? I hadn't heard about him - but, I just received my Learning Express catalog and there is a new exclusive beanie named Flurry - he is a white bear with a red, white and green scarf... If you haven't heard of him yet - I can scan you an image from the catalog for you to post. Thanks. Crystal" VIEW IMAGE HERE (VERY cute bear!)

Ex-Marine charged for reselling armor
Defense Dept. effort to stem auctions of military gear
John Rose has collected everything from full dress Army uniforms to cartons of Beanie Babies, baseball cards and Cracker Jack toys. But the San Mateo auto mechanic says he never imagined that his frequent buying and selling on eBay would ever land him a ticket to the federal pen.

CHERISH UPDATES
Last week of THINK PINK auctions: http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

October 22, 2005
OCTOBER 21st TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to glevei from TX, terrig from MA, yorkiy from OH, McDan16 from TN, and dlburris from TX.

Empty Boots, Ravished Hearts
The rows of plain black boots lining the floor of St. John the Divine Cathedral in Manhattan were dotted with flags and fake white flowers. Friends and passersby had stuck beanie babies and photos in the heels; one pair displayed a poster for a Good Charlotte and Sum 41 concert.

Thousands of these combat boots and other shoes were lined up to memorialize the lives of soldiers and Iraqi civilians lost in the Iraq War.

"It's incredible," said Sue Niederer, who lost her 24-year-old son in Iraq, describing the "Eyes Wide Open" exhibit, which is traveling all over the country this fall and next January. "If this won't open their eyes, nothing will. The first time I saw it, I can't even tell you the emotions I felt," she said, clutching a pair with an eight-by-eleven-inch photo of her smiling son attached. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

October 21, 2005
MORE CHERISH UPDATES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

OCTOBER 20th TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to d97 from MD, Quentan from AR, LAWRENCE from AE, jujy2000 from NY, and Alphabear from Japan.

OCTOBER RETIREMENTS
http://www.ty.com/oct_05_ret
BEANIES: Colorado Columbine, Cure, Free, Smash
BUDDIES: Top Dog

MORE ON SOFI
Michael writes: "Hi, Lisa, Shortly after I alerted you of the silent intro of Sofi, this mysterious Claire's Ty Classic exclusive, I emailed the customer service at the site of Claire's. Below is the response I got. So I hope this e-mail clears many things and questions about Sofi. Michael"

---------------------------------------------------

Hello!

Thank you for contacting us.  I am sorry, but Claire's Club is our line of children's jewelry and is not an actual "club".
We are in the process of shipping "Sofi" to many of our store locations as of right now. Please check with the store with in the next two weeks or so with whether they have received these little guys!

Best Regards,
Mia Roselli
Customer Service Representative

ASK TY
Q: Who has inspired you the most in your lifetime? (submitted by Oats=fun)
A: My mother . . . She always told me to treat others the way I would like to be treated, work hard and never give up ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

Signed Opie by Ty Warner
Ms. Janie shares the following info about a special Ty signed Beanie:
Ty Warner has been a huge supporter of the marine science center in Santa Barbara, Ca. So much so, that it was named after him – The Ty Warner Sea Center. He created a limited edition Opie beanie baby for the center and has now autographed one. All proceeds from the sale of the beanie will help support the education and conservation efforts. Opie which is autographed will be placed on e-bay this Sunday October 23, 2005 at 5 PM - PST and will run through Sunday October 30th. The starting bid for the autographed Limited Edition Opie will open at $100.00 

Opie will come with a signed letter on Ty Inc. stationary authenticating it. Opie will have red eyes, which is different from the retail version with blue eyes. http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/signed_Opie.html

October 20, 2005
CHERISH UPDATES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

OCTOBER 19th TY CONTEST WINNERS
Congrats to minkas from NH, Neshoba from CA, Grins2000 from NH, dakotasmom from IA, and parkingkarma from CA.

TY CLASSIC TYLER INTRODUCTION
Bon-Ton & Elder-Beerman Exclusive
http://www.ty.com/Tyler_intro

Interesting.. it seems that Ty is getting more into making Beanies for stores or businesses.

October 19, 2005
NEWSLETTER NOTE
Currently, there are a number of newsletters bouncing back to Topica. I've noticed that Adelphia.net has quite a few bounces. If you are having problems receiving your newsletters please let me know. Also.. if you have changed your email address you will also need to remove your old email address from the list. I can remove your old one from the list if you'd send me the old email address.

Sofi Ty Classic silently appears on Current List
Thank you to Michael for sharing this info:
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus   (Oct 18, 2005, 11:44 AM)
Message Id: 1046493
PattiBuddy, FerociousPlatypus writes: I was just checking the Ty Classics list and noticed not only that Fenwick now appears, but so does Sofi. It says she is a Claire's Club Exclusive (whatever that means haha). I didn't see any Intro for her. Did I miss it? I know there's an Intro posted for Fenwick now.

Just wanted to give the heads up. I'd love to hear any/all info about Sofi, if anyone knows anything more about her. She looks like a white sort of fluffy dog, with a Pinkys-esque bow on her head and a heart shaped neck charm that says "Claire's Club" (I think). Is she some sort of mascot maybe? VIEW POSTING & REPLIES HERE

SOFI TY CLASSIC
http://www.ty.com/6_detail?id=12047

I hate to burst your balloon, but there is no housing bubble
THE REAL Chicken Little was a conscientious citizen who inadvertently misinterpreted data and ended up warning the citizenry at large of a crisis that turned out to be overblown. He really did believe the sky was about to fall and he had a moral obligation to help warn people. He was encouraging them to take evasive action and avoid a looming catastrophe. Despite being a poor analyst, Chicken Little was a noble beast working for the betterment of his fellow chickens.

Sadly, the modern day successors to this well-meaning fowl serve no constructive purpose beyond noise making. Your modern alarmist runs around screaming “the sky is falling,” but with less evidence and a less noble purpose. In the merged universe of politics and public policy, analysis of an economic condition is crowded out by a new breed of chicken yelling “the sky is falling.” What’s worse, the noisy screaming prevents analysis of the components of the crisis.

Bubbles occur because of speculative trading. People keep trading a commodity back and forth basing the price on speculation, not economics. In the 1600s, the Dutch traded tulips until a single bulb could cost 10 times more than people made in a year. Then the bottom fell out. Prices based only on the idea that another trader might pay even more eventually collapsed, ruining speculators while tulip bulbs returned to reasonable prices. A minor example in our lifetime would be Beanie Babies — remember when people would pay $50 for some three-inch beanbag frog that’s now worth 50 cents? VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Teddy bear drive aids Katrina victims
WALES - When Pat M. Wheeler's teddy bear count crept over 3,000 and she couldn't fit any more in her house, she called it quits.

And she called her six-week collection drive to benefit children affected by Hurricane Katrina a success that exceeded her expectations.

Wheeler got the idea for a teddy bear drive when she was watching coverage of the devastating Hurricane Katrina that struck Louisiana and Mississippi in late August.

Amid the wreckage, "I saw this little yellow teddy bear face down in the water ... I said, I gotta do something, and I gotta do it for the kids," she recalled.

So she called the American Red Cross, began a media campaign, and enlisted about 20 businesses in Massachusetts in Connecticut to serve as teddy bear drop-off sites.

Her appeal for the plush toys reached as far away as Boston, where a group of Citizen Bank employees shipped 44 bears to her, at their personal expense.

She ended up with tiny Beanie Baby bears, huge teddy bears that don't fit into boxes, and Cabbage Patch dolls. Not to mention white bears, brown bears, blue bears, bears wearing pajamas and bears wearing suits. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

GIBLETS INTRODUCTION (Ty Store)
http://www.ty.com/Giblets_intro

October 18, 2005
CONGRATS TO THE 1st WINNERS
These are the first 5 winners of Ty's Halloween contest: KATHLEEN from IN, catslave from IL, rabbit42s from NY, scottszalay from IN, and Denise Curtis from OR. Here's what they have won: "One (1) of seventy five (75) Ty Halloween product assortments consisting of 1 Hocus and 1 Alacazam Beanie Buddy, 1 SpongeBob Frankenstein and 1 SpongeBob Pumpkinhead and 1 Ghoul and 1 Ghoulianne and 1 Hocus and 1 Moonlight Beanie Baby, and 1 Plumpkin Pluffie. (estimated retail value: $57.00 for each assortment)." 

Good luck to everyone participating and don't forget to vote for your favorite Halloweenie Beanie. There are some creative entries again this year. :o)

TODAY'S WINNERS ARE NOW POSTED
Congrats to dinola from VA, vernaloy from Canada, curlysue2 from NC, sgstewart from MO, and rdavis1999 from Canada

INTRODUCING FENWICK CLASSIC
Fenwick Exclusive (New Castle, York, Canterbury, Turnbridge Wells and Brent Cross, England
http://www.ty.com/Fenwick_intro

October 17, 2005
CHERISH UPDATES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

BEANWATCHER CONTEST
Contest to Win Fenwick Holiday Teddy: http://beanwatchercontest.beanwatcher.com/

HAPPY HALLOWEENIE BEANIE CONTEST TIME
Thank you to Michael for alerting me to this.
http://www.ty.com/Halloween_Home

October 16, 2005
FN ASIA PACIFIC BEARS SILENTLY INTRO
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I just was voting for the new TY info beanie for next month and noticed that there are 2 names of each of the Asia-Pacific set that was released in September AKA last month. So I went to look at the current list and sure enough the FN bears have been silently introduced!! :). In other news there was also 2 names of the Hurricane Bears on the Info beanie but not on the beanie list. And also Alpha Beanie Kit is listed again and so is Spongebob Kit A & Spongebob Kit B. Below is the silentl intro for each of the FN version of the Asia Pacific Bears. Michael"

Aotearoa FN New Zealand Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11894
Hikari FN Japan Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11895
Korea FN Korean Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11897
Maju FN Singapore Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11896
Negaraku FN Malaysia Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11899
Starry FN Austraila Exclusive: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11900

KIND THANK YOU
Rita writes: "I was kinda glad today that Topica was down and that you did the contest the way that you did. In the morning when I do your contest, I do it while I am taking my breathing treatment, and for a long time I have been telling myself that I had to take time and read all the stories in the " Tales for hope". Well since the contest took us there this morning, I finally did take the time and there are some wonderful stories there. I also hope that others take the time today to not only play the contest, but to gave them selves a boost in life and read the stories! They have sure started my day with a smile in my heart! Sincerely Rita"

<< my comments: Thank you Rita for reading the stories that were posted and for your kind words. If you haven't read these stories yet.. believe me they are well worth the read. :o) >>

October 15, 2005
TOPICA IS DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE
I will not be able to send a newsletter today.

PHOTOS OF HARROD'S "THINKING OF YOU" BEAR
As mentioned by Michael in Thursday's news. Thank you to Gemma for sharing her photos: http://www.planetbeans.com/GemmasHarrodsBear.htm

CONTEST HINT
You have to have HOPE...

October 14, 2005
ASK TY
Q: If you could be one Beanie for a day, which one would you be? (submitted by beaniecharge)
A: One of my favorite sports is baseball and what better time of the year than playoff season. I think for the entire month of October I would like to be . . . Shortstop ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

UNANNOUNCED TY CLASSIC?
Lisa shares with BeanWatcher pictures of Fenwick the Holiday Teddy Ty Classic. VIEW PICTURES HERE

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

October 13, 2005
NEW HARROD'S BEAR?
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I was just surfing the BBOT on the Ty site and found an add for a Thinking of You Bear...which I think the person who posted means You're Special the beanie baby. Except they said it has a Harrod's Tag. I bet it is just the same as Tystore beanie except for the harrod's hang tag and the inside of the tag just like they did earlier this year with Bonnet the Easter Bunny Bear. Michael" http://www.ty.com/BBOT_Message_Display/0,1190,1_18-1044095-0-1,00.html

BILLIONAIRE 8 RETIREMENT
It appears that Billionaire 8 was silently retired yesterday. http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11055

Nickelodeon Scares Up Kids' Favorite Characters for Halloween Costumes
LazyTown's Stephanie and Sportacus Added to Lineup that Includes Kids' Favorites Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob SquarePants
Halloween Candy Pails, Beanie Babies and Holiday-Themed DVDs Add to the Fun of the Day
NEW YORK, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Nickelodeon, the number one entertainment brand for kids, celebrates Halloween with the debut of costumes from the popular new Nick Jr. show, LazyTown. Kids will do back flips when they find out they can dress like their favorite characters -- Sportacus and Stephanie -- the acrobatic stars of LazyTown, one of the top five shows for preschoolers on all of commercial TV, which encourages kids to get up and move.

Sportacus and Stephanie join Nickelodeon's roster of popular character costumes from Disguise, including Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants and Blue from Blue's Clues available this Halloween.

Toys

SpongeBob SquarePants Frankenstein and Pumpkinhead Beanie Babies -- SpongeBob celebrates Halloween with his favorite costumes. This year, he's dressing as Frankenstein and as a pumpkin. Collectors of all ages will love to add these to their Beanie Baby collections. (Ty, $6.99) VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

October 12, 2005
CHERISH UPDATES FROM SUE
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

INTRODUCING DIMPLES @ TY STORE
http://www.ty.com/Dimples_intro

October 11, 2005
Lindsay Lohan Crash Yields Quick FEMA Response
(Los Angeles--CA) Lindsay Lohan, the popular teen star who has made a second career of crashing high performance cars, is the first example of what White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan at a press conference today dubbed "the new FEMA."

Last week, Lohan crashed her black Mercedes-Benz into a maroon Chevy Astro Van driven by Raymundo Ortega. Ortega only received minor bruises but was upset that Lohan did not ask after him. He told Access Hollywood that the Fully Loaded star plowed into him and then passed him by to run into a nearby antique store. In a phone interview, Lohan's publicist said "Lindsay would normally never turn her back on a fan she has run over if a Beanie Baby didn't happened to catch her eye in the window of the store. It was bad judgement, but you know young girls and Beanie Babies." VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

October 10, 2005
ORION'S MASTERCARD BEANIES
Orion shares a picture of her completed Mastercard Beanies set.. including the newest M.C. Beanie V. http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

October 9, 2005
For some kids, an early Christmas
She might not be one of Santa's elves, but a young girl from Canyon Country, Calif., is working to bring Christmas a bit early to South Mississippi.

Breanna Teller, 11, has collected 500 toys for kids whose lives have been altered by Katrina. She was watching the hurricane coverage on television when she got the urge to help.

"First she got her piggy bank and emptied it out to send to the Red Cross," said Breanna's mom, Melanie. Later that evening, they were talking about how hard it must be for kids who had nothing left after the storm but the clothes on their backs. Breanna wanted to do something more and she wanted it to be specific.

"I decided that they'd be happy to have a new toy," said Breanna.

The next day, she and her dad made up 200 fliers, which Breanna, her friend Lindsay, and their mothers distributed around town. Their goal was to collect 100 toys.

"My cell phone started ringing before we'd finished," said Melanie Teller.

Their first donation was from a man who'd gone out and bought 25 new toys. The Tellers put a big tin cauldron on their front porch, which began overflowing with donations. One woman dropped off her entire collection of Beanie Babies.

Breanna asked that all of the toys be new or like-new. The donations she's received include stuffed animals, sports equipment, school supplies and calculators for older kids. A local businessman has offered to ship the entire cache to Mississippi. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

Janice Braun Williams Releases the First in a Series of First Chapter Books for Children Ages 6-8
Delightful first chapter book for children ages 6-8. Colorful barnyard characters. Great dialogue. Vivid imagery. Humorous relationship between dog and chicken.

Livermore, CA (PRWEB) October 9, 2005 -- Janice Braun Williams releases the first in a series of first chapter books for children ages 6-8 in conjunction with Lulu (www.lulu.com), the world’s fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books.

"The Adventures of Rascal and Rainbow" is a delightful tale of two unlikely friends, a German Shepherd dog and a colorful barnyard chicken. You can’t help but smile while reading this entertaining story to your children, and once your children can read on their own, they will go back to "The Adventures of Rascal and Rainbow" again and again. This book is used by a teacher in Minnesota for her special needs kids. She gives it a thumbs up!

J. B. Williams is the author of short stories in compilation books such as Beanie Baby Stories from the Heart and God’s Way for Women. She has published two novels, Leap of Faith and Summer of Awakening for the Christian reader market. More importantly, the author creates wonderful characters with rich dialogue and entertaining story lines you can identify with. "The Adventures of Rascal and Rainbow" is available for purchase at www.lulu.com, in a marketplace filled with other unique and wonderful surprises.

<< my comments: Does anyone know about "Beanie Baby Stories from the Heart"? I've not heard about it so I'm curious. >>

COLLECTIBLEZSPOT RAFFLE 4 RELIEF
http://www.collectiblezspot.net/promo/relief/

October 8, 2005
BOYD'S & M&M'S
Laura shares the following: Here is the latest Boyd's Bears: Too Cute:   

Bear Hugs and a World of Colorful Chocolate Fun(R) come together as one as Boyds Bears(TM) meet the world's most popular chocolate candies! Each Boyds(TM) M&M'S® Plush Peeker features a 7-inch Boyds(TM) Bear inside of a peeker costume, complete with authentic colors and markings, inspired by five of the most popular M&M'S® Brand Characters

No...it's not your dream of an oversized M&M'S® candy come true...but it's almost as good! Just as M&M'S® hold a tasty chocolate surprise inside their colorful candy shells...Boyds(TM) M&M'S® Treasure Boxes feature their own surprises! Open them up to reveal a fun saying about chocolate and a tiny lil' Boyds(TM) friend with its own M&M'S® replica inside! Hand-decorated featuring authentic markings and colors of five of your favorite M&M'S® colors
VIEW M&M PLUSH HERE  ===  VIEW BOYD'S M&M RESIN & BOYD'S TREASURE BOXES HERE

<< my comments: I don't collect Boyd's Bears YET but when I saw these cuties I decided I may have to make a purchase. LOL >>

ASIA-PACIFIC COLLECTION COMPLETE
Orion, webmaster of BEANIE TENJISHITSU, shares the following news:
"Dear Lisa, I'm Orion of BEANIE TENJISHITSU. Thank you for your update news every day. Finally, I got Asia Pacific all flag bears completely. And will share to your readers their complete group picture. Thank you. Take care! Have the great weekend! Orion" http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

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

BEANIES AT LOCAL CARWASH
Bev writes: "I've seen it all now. I went to get my car washed at Mr. Car Wash in Humble today. They are a chain with 11 stores throughout the Houston area. They are selling Ty beanies and even have the Ty wooden display stand. When I spoke to their manager, she assured me that they are a legal representative and get new shipments directly from Ty, and yes, they have all the new beanies. Bev"

October 7, 2005
Ask Ty 
Q: Will there be another Halloween Contest this year? (submitted by pur/bear) 
A: You can expect some treats . . . . and maybe a trick or two ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

PINKY PACK
Orion writes: "Dear Lisa, I'm Orion. I received Pinkys Pack and will share pictures. Thank you. Take care! Have the great week! Orion" http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

PINK PATTI IS NOW LISTED
Thank you to Suzi for letting me know this new version is now listed under CURRENT Beanies: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11520

October 6, 2005
ORIGINAL 9 VARIATIONS LISTED
Michael writes: "Hi Lisa, I just read a post on the Ty Talk Cyberboard that Spot with and without a spot are now on the listed as Current. Even Cubbie and Brownie are now on the current list. Even now I noticed that Pinchers the Lobster and Punchers the Lobster are now listed as current...ay ay ay this is giving me a headache. And just when I thought it was over there are now 2 versions of Patti listed as Current. Michael

Cubbie: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11509
Brownie: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11510
Patti #1 http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11518
Patti #2 http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11522
Pinchers: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11514
Punchers: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11515
Spot W/O spot: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11508
Spot W/ spot: http://www.ty.com/3_detail?id=11507

<< my comments: More updates for me to make! ARGH!! LOL I'm not really laughing but what can I do?! I'll get the updated done when I'm able. ;o) >>

INTRODUCING CAIPORA (WWF)
http://www.ty.com/Caipora_intro

PINK PATTI
Thanks to Suzi for alerting me to the following: "If you keep refreshing Patti's picture you will see that there is 3 versions of Patti, but only 2 is listed at current."

Here's a direct link to the pink version of Patti.
http://www.beaniebabyofficialclub.com/images/bboc2005/BB-pattipnk_350.gif

October 5, 2005
TY PRODUCTS ON TV
Marc writes: "I recently spotted several more Ty products on TV. Red Beanie Buddy made an appearance on FOX's Reunion (the second episode, "1987") and Heartford Beanie Buddy was on VH1's My Fair Brady (I think it was the third show). I would have reported this sooner, but I had to catch up on the tapes first. ;) Both appearances were very brief, but there's no mistaking Ty products when you see them! Marc"

CHERISH UPDATE & SUE'S U.K. TEENIES
http://www.planetbeans.com/SuesCharityAuctions.htm

October 4, 2005
ORION'S HALLOWEEN PICTURE
Orion, webmaster of BEANIE TENJISHITSU, shares the following news:
"Dear Lisa, I'm Orion of BEANIE TENJISHITSU. This is Halloween display picture and I will share you. Thank you for your every Kindness once again. Take care! Have the great weekend! Orion"

http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

Sixth-grader spearheading drive
CANYON COUNTRY - It started with a hand-printed note, copied and passed through the neighborhood with the help of mom, dad and friend Lindsay Espinosa.

When Canyon Country sixth-grader Breana Teller saw the plight of young victims of Hurricane Katrina, she knew she could do something to take their minds off their situation - and replace some of the things they lost. So she asked her friends and neighbors to donate toys.

"In (an) effort to help the children affected by Hurricane Katrina, I would like to send as many toys as possible. I am asking for your help so that we can reach a goal of 100 toys," she wrote on the flier that found its way down to such places as Starbucks and Wells Fargo Bank.

Before she knew it, Teller was on the receiving end of a steady stream of toys and cash donations for the children. A large tin cauldron on the family's Canyon Country front porch would be emptied, only to be mysteriously filled the next time Breana looked out the front door.

"I knew one toy would make a difference," she said. "I thought it would be nice to help kids that don't have anything right now."

Donations included gifts for children of all ages, from basic preschool toys to radios and calculators for older children. A woman called Breana's mother and said her granddaughter wanted to donate all her stuffed animals.

"There's a box here full of Beanie Babies," Breana's mom, Melissa, said. "There are so many people who have been touched by this. This brings out the best in people."

Breana pulled a large teddy bear from one of 45 boxes packed full of items. Around its neck was a ribbon and a note: "We are from the Ledbetter family. Please take us to the Kids of Katrina."

Another note, dropped anonymously into the tin bucket, reads "Breana, you are a blessing in this world." VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

October 3, 2005
Fifth-grader organizes 'hugs' sent from Rockland to Gulf
BLAUVELT — Whenever disaster strikes, children often organize penny drives, write letters, send school supplies and clothing and donate food.

Most of what is done is spur of the moment as imaginations and empathy kick in. It's a compliment to the parents and teachers that Rockland's schools immediately respond with help and support when needed.

When 10-year-old Jenna Baitler first heard of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, she was on vacation at Montauk with her mother.

"I saw the news, and I saw what happened," the Cottage Lane Elementary School fifth-grader said. Outside where she was sitting, a vendor was selling stuffed animals, and Jenna watched people walk by with their purchases in black bags.

"I asked my mom if we could do a stuffed animal project," Jenna said. "I decided to call it 'sending a hug' — it's sending a stuffed animal, which you can hug."

With the executive ability of Jenna's mother, Susan, harnessed to the project, "Jenna's Hugs" became more than wishful thinking. Last Wednesday, the Baitlers sent their first load of new or gently used stuffed animals to Mississippi — more than 2,500 plush, stuffed and huggable animals and dolls being sent courtesy of the office store Staples.

Cottage Lane administrators agreed to spread the word when Jenna told them of her idea. The day after the first flier went up over the school drinking fountains and a letter about the project went home to parents, the school was inundated with bags of stuffed animals.

Since then, more and more stuffed animals have arrived at the Baitler home as people learn of the project. As of last week, more than 600 Beanie Babies have been sent, along with almost too many teddy bears to count. Jenna had suggested that people put their name, town and state on a piece of paper rubber-banded around their donation so the recipients know that someone is thinking of them. People have done more than that, sending good wishes and prayers along with their gifts. Donations also have come from schools in Englewood, N.J., and Rochester. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE 

BBOC OPEN FOR BUSINESS
http://www.beaniebabyofficialclub.com/bboc04_login_store?from=

October 2, 2005
The power of pink
U.S. companies finding value in forging partnerships with social causes
In October, the Earth becomes clothed in autumnal hues -- rusty reds, golden yellows, deep oranges.

But the retail landscape takes on shades of pink, ranging from blushing to shocking, in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Store shelves become laden with bubble gum-colored Ty Beanie Baby Aware bears, sparkling Power of Pink Brighton bracelet-watches, pink-sashed Lee Denim Day jeans, shimmering palettes of In The Pink Clinique makeup and a seemingly endless parade of other pink products. VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

ORION'S PICTURES
Orion, webmaster of BEANIE TENJISHITSU, shares the following news:
"Dear Lisa, I'm Orion I'll share both of Korea and Maju pictures. black nose version and flag nose version with national miniature flag. Thank you. Take care! Have the great weekend! Orion" http://www.planetbeans.com/OrionPics.htm

CHERISH AUCTIONS ENDING TODAY
There are 5 auctions up which are ending very soon. Be sure to check them out HERE

PHOTOS OF HALLMARK EXCLUSIVES
Cindy from Cindy's Beans (http://www.cindysbeans.com) has posted pictures of Happy Holidays and Season's Greetings Beanies as well as a picture of the trio of GIFT Jingle Beanies (Love, Peace, and Joy).

October 1, 2005
BEANIE INFO PAGES UPDATED
I will update the Beanie Calendar today. All other pages are updated. http://www.planetbeans.com/beanie_info.htm  If you find a mistake, please email me at Lisa@planetbeans.com. 

ASK TY
Q: With October just around the corner, do you have any plans this year for another Halloween webpage? (submitted by jasminekittykat)
A: You could say that I have "signed off" on some great surprises ! http://www.ty.com/askty_home

<< my comments: It sounds like we are in for another Trick or Treat contest like last years. There were a lot of familiar names on the winners list last year. I want to wish everyone the best of luck this year. I can't wait to see the costume designs they come up with this year. Any ideas of what we will see? ;o) Last year the Halloween contest began on October 15th at the following link: http://www.ty.com/Halloween_Home >>

DRY RECOURSE, TY: Beanie Baby mogul Ty Warner and his representatives were politely but firmly rebuffed by members of the Santa Ynez Valley Planning Advisory Committee in their quest to obtain permission to sell beer and wine at the Rancho San Marcos Golf Course, recently purchased by Warner. Members of the advisory committee were equally opposed to Warner’s request to build a golf course restaurant that would remain open until 10 p.m., long past golfing hours. The golf course, which already has a snack bar, was initially approved by the county supervisors only after previous owners agreed not to sell any alcohol on the premises due to concern about the safety of San Marcos Pass. The fate of Warner’s plans will rest largely in the hands of county supervisor and vintner Brooks Firestone, in whose district the golf course lies. Firestone—whose political campaign consultant John Davies also works for Ty Warner—was noncommittal when asked if he supported the changes sought by Warner, saying, “I am really not convinced one way or the other.” VIEW FULL ARTICLE HERE

BBOC NEWS
Jennifer shares with Ms. Janie a copy of her postcard from the BBOC. As suspected... they are bringing back the "original 9". The difference in these Beanies and the original "original 9" is the BBOC button found on each Beanie. You can only purchase these through the BBOC of course. http://www.msjanie.com/2005photos/Jennifer_BBOC.html

Pellet the good luck hamster
Camp Taji, Iraq — Pellet the hamster has seen more of war-ravaged Iraq than most fury varmints.

That’s because the brown and cream-colored Beanie Baby is zip-tied to the hood of a Humvee. He sits there on his rump with his arms outstretched and his tiny pink hands open, almost as if he is expecting to catch something.

With good reason.

In this month alone, a car bomber killed an Iraqi soldier at the entrance to this base and a U.S. civil affairs soldier was killed by a roadside bomb just north of here. Insurgents occasionally attack the camp with rockets and mortars.

Sgt. Russell Dinkins tied Pellet to the Humvee Thursday morning.

“It’s a good luck symbol I guess,” said Dinkins, 35, a father of three who lives in Darien and is a mechanic at Fort Stewart.

Dinkins brought Pellet’s twin brother to a briefing before his convoy rolled out on a mission. The hamster sat atop the butt of his rifle.

“He has to listen for safety’s sake,” joked Staff Sgt. Mark Burns, 38, a full-time Georgia National Guard soldier from Jesup.

Pellet held on the rest of the morning, traveling along country roads lined with date palm trees, across the Tigris River and through the rubbish-strewn streets of Husseiniya. VIEW FULL ARTICLE & PHOTO HERE

OCTOBER 2005 BOTM
http://www.ty.com/Pocus

OCTOBER WALLPAPER
http://www.ty.com/Oct05Wallpaper (HOW CUTE!)

CONTEST BEGINS
To find out how you can win the U.K. trio of Mystery, Pride, and Y Ddraig Goch visit here: http://www.planetbeans.com/UKTrioContest.htm  BE SURE TO READ THE RULES BEFORE ENTERING!