America Auction Skyrockets
From: Beanieholics
The auction for the America Beanie Baby signed by Ty Warner on eBay has reached $11,099.00 with 62 bids as of early Sunday morning. This one has the chance to become the highest auction ever for a Ty Beanie Baby. Bidding started Friday at $500 and there are still 5 days left to go in this auction. All money raised goes to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Click Here To View Auction

Ivy Leaguer Bopper
From: Beanieholics
It is fan appreciation weekend at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Chicago Cubs will be giving away an exclusive Beanie Bopper this afternoon in their game against the Houston Astros. The Boppers' name is "Ivy Leaguer" and will be sporting a Cubs home uniform. Ivy Leaguer will be given out to the 1st 10,000 children attending the game.

RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This weeks winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the lottery page. Just the 3 and 4 number prizes in last weeks draw were won, next weeks winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize is the 'Billionaire #1 Bear'.
5 + Bonus number prize is the 'New York Issy with Card'.
5 number prize is the 'Buckingham Beanie and Buddy Duo'.
4 number prize is the 'Pierre Beanie Baby'.
3 number prize is the 'Sewn On Patch Britannia Beanie Baby'.

The weekly lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily, you just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID. www.ryebypost.com

WIN A BRITANNIA BUDDY... (last day!!)
http://www.planetbeans.com/BritanniaBuddyContest.htm
Entries need to be in by midnight tonight or they will be discarded. Winner should be announced tomorrow.

Ty introduces Ivy Leaguer Beanie Bopper
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ivyleaguer.html

==September 29, 2001==
Ty Warner #42 by Forbes
From: Doodle's Page
Forbes Magazine has listed the top 400 wealthiest people in America ... Ty Warner is listed as #42, with a net worth of $4 billion. Last year, Ty Warner was rated at #53, with a net worth of $4.5 billion. (Bill Gates is still #1 at $54 billion.) Click here to view the list

==September 28, 2001==
AMERICA ON CNN
From email:
"Just a note to let you know that CNN, today, had on the ticker/crawler, Ty, Inc. was creating a new Beanie Baby and donating the profits to the Red Cross...(something that we've known for almost 2 weeks) Hope he makes enough! Can't wait to get mine!"

An avid Beanie Baby-er
j loeckel

THE BUSHMASTERS - Signed Certificate 
OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH 
From: Ms. Janie
John sends a personal note saying that this framed certificate is a small token of appreciation for posting the Red Cross information on my website. He also thanks me for raising awareness of the Military Forces in Saudi Arabia. http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/msjanie_military_honor.html 

I will treasure this certificate forever and appreciate the generosity of The Bushmasters for sending it. Ms. Janie

A MUST SEE PICTURE (too cute!!)
From: Ms. Janie
Hello Ms. Janie. I just wanted to share this picture with you and other Beanie Lovers. This is my 8 month old Granddaughter, Desiree'. I have started her out collecting a little early. But she seems to really like them. :) LOL I thought about sending this to Mr. Ty Warner, but don't have his Email address. I think she is a real patriotic cutie! Linda J. Check out this cutie at the following link - http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/desi.html

ASK TY ~ AMERICA WILL BE PLENTIFUL
Q: "Will you make enough of the Beanie Baby America so that everyone who wants one can get one?" (submitted by graycebug)

A: "I introduced America the Beanie Baby with the idea that everyone would have the opportunity to contribute and to know that they helped in this time of need. I will produce as many America Beanie Babies as you are willing to purchase. Together, I believe we can truly make a difference in the lives of many." Visit Ask Ty:

==September 27, 2001==
New Beanie Baby Will Help Victims
From: Ms. Janie
Profits From New Beanie Baby Will Go to American Red Cross Beanie Babies will soon be doing their part to help the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Ty Inc. said it is introducing the ``America'' Beanie Baby, with all the profits going to the American Red Cross. Ty has pledged at least $1 million from the sale of the blue bear with the American flag on its chest, but the company expects the donation will be far larger. Following Princess Diana's death, the company introduced a Beanie Baby Princess, which raised $21 million for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The company said the ``America'' Beanie Baby will be sold around the world and would start appearing in stores as early as this week. http://biz.yahoo.com/apf/010926/attacks_beanie_babies_1.html

CUTE PICTURE
Hi Ms. Janie, my fiancée Ben is a complete beanie nut. He has emailed you before with articles before etc and I thought this would be funny. He took this silly picture (enclosed) of himself with his old beanies the other night pretending to be Peggy Gallagher(you know the pose I mean!). He checks your page everyday for the latest news and think it would be amusing if he checked the page and saw himself! He will find it very funny and he is at work at the moment so he doesn't know I have sent this!! He has sent the pic to a lot of his American friends (we are in the UK), so he has no shame!! LOL!! Thanks, Debbie (Can't wait to see his face!!). http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/ben_posing_as_peggy.html

Collectors donate to WTC relief; profiteers quashed 
From: Ms. Janie
(Reuters Securities) The art and collectibles markets are buzzing again. But the focus is on giving, not making profits, two weeks after the shock of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. For the full story, go to: http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/010926/n26329232_1.html

New Beanie Baby to aid victims
From: Bean eWonderland
A new Beanie Baby--a bright blue bear named "America" with the U.S. flag stitched on its chest--is being hurried into stores this week to raise funds for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, Inc Full Article:

==September 26, 2001==
AMERICA TRADEMARK
From: Ms. Janie
Thanks to Sly for sharing the following: 
Hi Ms. Janie! This is amazing! On September 12, 2001 Ty applied to register a Trademark on "America" and listed "Plush Toys" as the goods and services. I find this amazing because this is only 1 day after the tragic events that took place in this country. Ty Inc. and Mr. Warner sure did react extraordinarily fast and didn't take much time to think about how they could help those affected by the tragic events of 2 weeks ago. This means That Ty conceived and thought about producing a beanie baby to help those in need the same day the tragic attacks took place. Then the next day Ty Inc filed for the trademark on America the Beanie baby! That is truly amazing!!! Way to Go TY!! Your Buddy, Sly The Beanie Guy

Athletes, Fans in Web Auction to Aid Attack Victims 
From: Ms. Janie
A special thanks to Sly for sharing the following article: 
Sports stars such as Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi and Venus Williams (news - web sites) and fans like New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani (news - web sites) are helping raise millions of dollars for victims of the recent attacks on the U.S. through ``Auction for America.'' The Internet auction site E-bay set up ``Auction for America'' with a stated goal of raising $100 million in 100 days with all the proceeds going to disaster relief charities like the September 11th Fund and Twin Towers Fund. Ordinary citizens, corporations and organizations from all industries were encouraged to participate and the sports world, its fans and memorabilia collectors were answering the call, beginning with Giuliani, the self-proclaimed number one New York Yankees fan. The New York City Mayor helped kick off the drive by promising to provide a baseball autographed by Hall of Famer Yogi Berra that was given to Giuliani at Yankee Stadium on ''Yogi Berra Day'' in 1999. ``Sports memorabilia items have been incredibly hot over the last few years,'' said Kevin Pursglove, senior director of communications for E-bay. ``We expect it will play a significant role in our efforts to raise the $100 million.'' http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010925/wr/attack_auction_dc_1.html

PHOTOS OF AMERICA
From: Ms. Janie
Thanks to Sarah C for sharing the following scans of America's tag and bear! I got it! I went into Frankfort Collectors Corner in Frankfort Illinois today and they had AMERICA!!! Instead of selling it to me, they were giving them away if you wrote a donation check to the Red Cross. So I happily wrote my check and as you can see, I got my America bear! Its beautiful and sad at the same time. I'm going to keep this one in a very special place. Sarah C http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/america1.html

America Shipping
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I wanted to let you know that I am from IL and I called a few stores today and found 2 stores that had received a shipment of the American Bear.  They said they only got 12.  Both stores are not putting them out for their customers, rather they are raffling them off.  One store is charging $2 for a raffle ticket and the other is charging $10 for a ticket.  I thought the bear was made for customers to buy and the profits going to the red cross and not the stores.  I was a bit upset to hear this.

==September 25, 2001==
ANOTHER FLOWERS BY LEE SATISFIED CUSTOMER
Hi Lisa, I purchased my first beanies and buddies from Judy at Lee's Flowers.  They arrived today in perfect condition.  What a great client!!!!!  Thanks. Faith 

@ Are you a satisfied Flowers by Lee customer too? Send your comments and I'll share them with the readers. @

GREAT SELECTION OF $2.50 BEANIES (plenty left to choose from)
One of my advertisers, Flowers by Lee is having a sale. Check out their $2.50 Beanies. Great selection so there's plenty to choose from to fill spots in your collections. http://www.flowersbylee.com  If you order from them.. tell them Planet Beans sent you.

Nimda worm keeps going and going
From: Vikki of Caranois Limited
An antivirus company reports a spike in the number of new infections of the lethal Nimda worm detected. North America suffers five times more hits than any other region.

"Nimda--which is "admin," the shortened form of "system administrator," spelled backwards--started spreading early Tuesday morning and quickly infected PCs and servers across the Internet. Also known as readme.exe and W32.Nimda, the worm is the first to use four different methods to infect not only PCs running Windows 95, 98, Me and 2000, but also servers running Windows 2000 (news - web sites). The worm spreads by e-mailing itself out as an attachment, scanning for--and then infecting--vulnerable Web servers running Microsoft's Internet Information Server software, copying itself to shared disk drives on business intranets and appending java-script to Web pages that will download the worm to a surfer's PC when they view the page. While the worm does not delete data, Nimda does overwrite a number of files and spreads to shared computer hard disks, allowing it to wreak havoc on home computers and networks. Read the rest of the story

Email:
The worm spreads via email by sending a copy of itself within a mail that exploits the security vulnerability discussed in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-020. As the bulletin describes, the vulnerability lies in Internet Explorer, but can be exploited via email. Simply opening the email itself would be sufficient to infect the machine – it would not be necessary to open an attachment.

Anti-virus vendors are currently developing updated scanning tools that will detect and disarm mails sent by the virus. But even in the absence of these tools, patches and updated versions of IE have been available for some time to eliminate the vulnerability. Customers who have installed any of the following updates would be at no risk of infection by email:

• The patch provided in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-020.
• The patch provided in Microsoft Security Bulletin MS01-027.
• Internet Explorer 5.01 Service Pack 2.
• Internet Explorer 5.5 Service Pack 2.
• Internet Explorer 6. (If you are installing IE 6 as an upgrade on a Windows 95, 98, 98SE or ME system, be sure to select Full Install as the installation type).

DON'T FORGET THE CONTEST - http://www.caranois.com/contest/contest.html

Photo of Ty's BBOC Newsletter 
From: Ms. Janie
Here is a scan of the part of the newsletter that tells about the different button colors and autographs. Sue http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/bboc_club_kit.html

UK Gripe II
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I was the one that started the UK gripe last time, so I thought I would try to take a back seat this time, but since others have started I couldn't shut up!  I have also sent strongly worded e-mails to TY's BBOC - not that that will achieve anything!
 
What really annoys me this time is that we can't even READ the newsletter or SEE the offers to which we, as members, are supposed to be entitled as we don't have a zip code - never mind BUY anything.  TY has gone one step too far this time, in my opinion.  Its almost as if non US customers don't exist - you wouldn't mind so much if there was an apology or explanation, or some kind of alternative offered.  

I am one FED UP collector (so are my 2 daughters, Mum, Mum-in law and sister-in-law) - I have been collecting TY beanies, attics, buddies, kids cards etc. for over 3 years now and am almost at the end of my tether.  We in the UK never were able to order Classy on-line (as you said we would) were we TY?  I know we will be able to get these things somewhere somehow eventually, but that is not the point.  I cannot stand being treated as some kind of alien. All the best Tracey

Bean eWonderlands comment - I agree it is annoying that the rest of the world are constantly forgotten about when it comes to online ordering at Ty. I also remember a statement from Ty Warner himself on the Cyber boards that the rest of the world would be able to order Classy online. Why it is so difficult for Ty to implement a system which would enable non US residents the chance to order is beyond me. As I have said time and time again, others can do it so why can't Ty Inc. All the other leading toy and collectible manufacturers offer a service outside of the USA !!

==September 24, 2001==
SPECIAL OLYMPIC HALO ~ SPECIAL CAUSE ~ GREAT PRICE
Pam shares the following:
"Hello Lisa,
A very nice lady sent me this link to purchase Special Olympic Halo!  The money goes directly to the charity and you are able to order as many as 10.  Wasn't sure if anyone would be interested but it is a nice addition to a collection.  Here is the link-- http://shopx.canoe.ca/shops/BeanieBabies/product.cfm?ProductID=2

Please let your readers know that this is the place to get these and not trade all of their collections to own one and the money goes to the rightful people!!  Thank you so much!!" Pam

If you are having problems ordering online call (416)920-0041 ext.221 - Lauren is the contact person.

BBOC TO OPEN TODAY
http://www.beaniebabiesofficialclub.com
Give them a call starting Monday (7:00am CST) at 1-877-797-8218. I'll keep you posted on when it officially opens.

SHERRY ORDERED FROM THE BBOC
"Hello everyone, I ordered my BBOC items through the phone this morning (the Web site wasn't up yet) -- astonishly enough, I had no problems! I was able to order the Clubby 4 Buddy, Cuddly Crystal Bopper and the Clubby Jingle Beanies. The Clubby 4 Beanie Baby can't be ordered because it is going to be available through the new membership kit that will be available in retail stores next month. Good luck to you!" :-)Sherry

Most Wanted
From: Bean eWonderland
Haunt, Fraidy and Creepers have been knocked off the number one spot for the Most Wanted section at Ty. Not surprising that it is the MC Bear that replaces them. Creepers has in fact dropped to number 13.

Students Honor Victims With Memorials
From: Beanieholics
Students from Nipher Middle School in Kirkwood have donated more than 700 Beanie Babies to send to children affected by the violence in New York. They also have written messages on a memorial wall covered with a 10-foot-by-17-foot paper flag outside the principal's office. The wall will be sent to New York in a few weeks. "They wanted to do something that mattered," Beth Wehling, a seventh-grade teacher and adviser to the Student Council said. Click Here For More

HELP PEACIE
I would like to write about collectors' collections and why or what they collect. I think this would be something fun to do. You can see the Questions I have asked on my News page. http://www.peacie.com

GREAT SELECTION OF $2.50 BEANIES (plenty left to choose from)
One of my advertisers, Flowers by Lee is having a sale. Check out their $2.50 Beanies. Great selection so there's plenty to choose from to fill spots in your collections. http://www.flowersbylee.com  If you order from them.. tell them Planet Beans sent you.

==September 23, 2001==
NEW BBOC INTRO TOMORROW
From: Ms. Janie
Thanks to KitKat for sharing the following: Hi Ms. Janie I thought I'd show you the e-mail I just received about the new BBOC that is to be unvaled Monday. Looks like new products & a new Clubby. I haven't clicked on the link yet to see if I could see any of the products yet. Just wanted to pass on the news! Hope you have a great day! Best Wishes, KitKat

Subject: Important Message from the BBOC Reply to: noreply@mail.com (Clubby_IV) Dear BBOC Member: I wanted you to be the first to know that Monday morning (that's tomorrow) we will launch our brand new Beanie Baby Official Club website. Your new membership number and password are: Membership Number : XXXXXXXX Password : XXXXX Click here to go to the new BBOC website http://www.beaniebabiesofficialclub.com I'm so excited ! Please make sure you check out the new site and be one of the first to order the exclusive product available only to our members. We have also included an on-line version of the BBOC newsletter and you can preview the new BBOC Membership Kit coming very soon to a Ty Authorized Retailer near you. I can't wait to hear from you and to introduce you to all my new BBOC friends. Love, Clubby IV P.S. If you would like to place an order over the telephone I have lots of BBOC representatives that would love to talk to you. Give them a call starting Monday (7:00am CST) at 1-877-797-8218.

RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This weeks winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the lottery page. Just the 3 and 4 number prizes in last weeks draw were won, next weeks winning lottery prizes are:
6 number prize - 'Billionaire #1 Bear'
5 + Bonus number prize - 'New York Issy with Card'
5 number prize - 'Buckingham Beanie and Buddy Duo'.
4 number prize - 'Celebrate Beanie and Buddy Duo'
3 number prize - 'Valentino Beanie and Buddy Duo'

The weekly lottery is totally free to play and you can enter daily. You just need to register/join at RyeByPost to receive your very own Unique Member ID.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

==September 22, 2001==
Ms. Janie is having server problems. She asks for your patience and will have the site working as soon as possible.

Ty will reintroduce Baby Curly with the Americana sweater
From: Ms. Janie
The following note was shared from a Ty retailer who is so proud to be an American and a Ty account holder. 

Ms. Janie, Ty has realized that many American's are having difficulties finding USA flags and patriotic symbols. I have recently been told that Ty will reintroduce Baby Curly with the Americana sweater. As we all know Ty changed the sweater on this bear sometime ago and has now decided to change back so that American's can proudly own an American patriotic symbol. Baby Curly has always been one of my favorites and always sold well. I expect this bear to fly off the shelves. I would venture to say many parents would be purchasing it for their children as a part of history. I have also been told that there will be a price reduction from Ty on this bear. This means that Baby Curly will be released again at a lower price. Just Ty's way of saying God Bless America Sincerely, One happy Ty retailer

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IN SEPTEMBER (good idea!!)
Mayor Giuliani makes my day! 
From: Ms. Janie
Giuliani is a poised individual whose strength has been tested many times over! His leadership has been remarkable and his candor appreciated by many. 

As I sat and watched CNN yesterday morning Giuliani offered a humorous side which has not been seen in over a week. He basically scolds New Yorkers for not shopping. He reminds them that they complain and complain every year that the holiday seasons are too crowded in New York. He encourages them to shop early and for them NOT to forget that he still expects his gifts and they better not be chinsing on them! 

His words made me laugh because I was not expecting them nor do I believe anyone at the press conference was either. I had to applaud him for his humor and words of wisdom. 

Part of the Mayor's press conference; There is a way that everybody can help us, New Yorkers and everybody all over the country. Come here and spend money, just spend a little money. Like go to a store, do your Christmas or holiday shopping now, this weekend. Think of it this way, usually New Yorkers are complaining and complaining and complaining that it's so crowded when they go shopping, right? Well, it's not crowded now. The stores are half empty. Go, buy the stuff you are going to need for Christmas, buy the stuff you're going to need for Hanneka, buy the stuff you're going to need for Thanksgiving, buy your birthday gifts for the next three or for months and you'll be ahead of everybody else. And the reality is that there's nothing that you should be concerned about that isn't being taken care of and thought of. So get out there -- I know the reason why you are staying home. It is not because you are afraid, I'm talking to New Yorkers now. The reason you are staying home is you're mourning and involved in this and you're a little confused. And go shopping, we're the best shoppers in the world. And I hope the stores are giving some bargains because going shopping at a time like this you're not going to want to pay full price. 

GIULIANI: But the reality is, I expect to get all my Christmas presents this year. I don't expect anybody to be chinsing on Christmas presents. So you better go out and buy them now. 

Read the whole transcript at the following link - http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0109/21/se.20.html

SALLY WINEY ONLINE BEAR MAKING CLASS
From: Ms. Janie
Sally Winey is going to be teaching an online class at the Teddy Bear and Friends web site. Celebrate the teddy bear's 100th birthday by making Sally's 12-inch, fully jointed Centennial Bear for yourself or for a special gift. Inspired by the Smithsonian's 1903 teddy bear from the Ideal Toy Co. and by the teddy bear's centennial in 2002, Sally has created her representation of this famous bear as a way to say, "Happy Birthday, Ted." 

Don't miss out! Class begins October 15 and will remain on a password-protected area of our Web site through November 15. The cost is only $50. During this time period, you can take this class day or night, at your convenience, and at your own pace. Sally will be there, via e-mail, to answer all your questions along the way. Not only will you have ample time to get your questions answered and your bear made, but you can complete this class even if your car's in the shop, your child has the flu, and you're out of clean clothes. 

For additional information please visit the following link http://teddybearandfriends.com/sally.html

A GREAT IDEA!!
From: Ms. Janie
I just took a spare Spangle and sewed med. sized suction cups to his feet and stuck him in the back window of my car. Only took a few minutes and the suction cups can be found at any craft store. Just remove the little hook that comes with the cups, wind and secure thread around the base of the cup, then take a few stitches into the paws. LOOKS GREAT. God Bless America Katya

==September 21, 2001==
COUNTERFEIT BUCKINGHAM
From: Ms. Janie
A special thanks to Nancy for sharing the following Hi Ms. Janie- First of all thank you for returning my email so quickly. I purchased a Buckingham from ebay and knew as soon as I received it something was not right. I compared it to the questionable on on ppbags.com and it had the same things wrong. I then found out about some other things to look for and they are all there. Fortunately my cousin has an authentic Buckingham and I was able to do a comparison. The hole in the hang tag on the fake was larger as well as the red tag holder ( the plastic piece was longer and thinner than authentic). The material was a different shade of burgundy and well as rougher in feel and appearance. There is no " beanie babies " in the hologram star on the tush of the fake and the ink is a different color. Here is the tush tag number 4TFDSAER. I have yet to find out this IS a fake beanie number but after comparing the two beanies there is no question in my mind. The nose on the fake is sticks out farther than authentic beanies, the crown a little larger and the gold ribbon not the same color. I am told I will get a refund because the seller states he did not know. I will never believe that. Thanks for your time. Nancy PS - I forgot to tell you also the hang tag failed the heat test!

Build-A-Bear Workshop to Donate At Least 5,000 Bears 
From: Ms. Janie
Build-A-Bear Workshop announced this week that employees across the country are making bears to send with their personal notes of hope and love to the victims and families of this week's tragic events. Build-A-Bear Workshop is working with local area community blood banks to donate the Bears and messages that will be transported by the National Guard to areas of need. Build-A-Bear Workshop will make and donate at least 5000 bears in the next week. 

In a statement Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and Chief Executive Bear, Maxine Clark, said, "The tragic events of this past week led many of our associates to want to help especially in our stores in the Northeast where so many people have relatives that are still missing. We wanted to respond and to share what we know best...hugs. As Americans look for comfort and tangible ways to express their sadness and their concern, each of our Associates across the country will take a few moments this week to make a bear and share their thoughts with the survivors and the families affected by this terrible tragedy. This is our way of sending hope and to remember the strength of our great country and the freedoms we hold so dear."

LIPS & PRINCE BUDDIES RETIRE
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ret_0921_prince.html

==September 20, 2001==
GOOD NEWS
My dear friend Deb ( Forever Collectible ) has gotten some WONDERFUL news. Lauren's JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) is in remission!! She can now take her off the meds completely. Lauren is only 6 years old and she has been through soooo much in her short life. This is just wonderful news!! You may remember Deb from the THANK YOU BEAR RAFFLE 

One to Share
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I know this isn't beanie related, but I recently had a trip to NYC on Saturday. I visit your site often and I thought it would be be nice to send this to you. It's an autobiographical essay I wrote on the recent tragedy. It contains pictures as well. View Here:

Planet Beans Comments: A good friend of mine told me about this letter. She heard part of it on the radio. It's hard to believe this well thought out letter is written by such a young man. The pictures accompanying the letter are quite amazing. 

AMERICA BEAR ON TV
From: Ms. Janie
Janie, My local news just had a 15 second spot about the America bear. It showed the actual bear being held by a man in a business suit, but we only saw his (the man's) arms. Perhaps they belonged to the CEO because the voice over said that the CEO of Ty announced the bear and that profits were going to the American Red Cross. The newsperson said that the bear will go on sale next week. I drove the 2 miles from my home to the Ty corporate building in Westmont this afternoon, taking along my digital camera. I hoped to get a photo of the large American flag that one of your readers reported was hanging from the building, but unfortunately it was no longer there. Nancy

2 NEW COUNTERFEITS FOUND
From: Ms. Janie
Hello Beanie Friends: There are 2 new counterfeit Sakura and Buckingham found today! Sakura serial # 4E6GBA8Z Buckingham serial # 4HBNGFRD Both of these Beanies had a larger nose and too dull. The nose must be shinny and smaller. The 2 holes on the ty heart tag that the plastic tag attacher goes through are too large. Thank you Sincerely, Peggy Gallagher http://www.peggyg.com

CONTEST UPDATE AT CARANOIS
Vikki writes:
We currently have 72 new members who have subscribed to Caranois' Newsletter.
They ALL have met the qualifications to WIN $50.00 worth of Prizes on SEPT 30TH.

Up until now... there were only two requirements to enter the contest.

Rob LeClair (of Holy Bears) shared with his dealers that he has had The God Bless New York prototype bear sitting on his desk for several months... he also mentioned that the bear was to be a Spring 2002 release. There have been many many requests, so many, that Rob has put this special bear into production. LeClair says that all profits will be donated to the families of the victims. The God Bless New York bear will be available in approximately 30 days.

So, to sweeten the pot and to help our fellow Americans, we are adding another part II to our Contest. Read the rest HERE

Neon and Pinchers Buddies Retired
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ret_0920_pinchers.html

==September 19, 2001==
NEW BEANIE BIRTHDAY CALENDAR
I got tired of the old one and it needed updating. I've spent a bit of time yesterday to bring you a more appealing and faster loading calendar. http://www.planetbeans.com/BeanieCalendar.htm

Charity Auction For New York Rescue Services
From: Bean eWonderland
We have all been horrified by the events in New York and Washington over the past week and have all felt helpless as we watch the human devastation.  The world of collecting is very much aTrans-Atlantic one and so the UK collecting community has pulled together to hold a Charity Auction in aid of the families of firefighters and rescuers who lost their lives and those who have survived with physical or psychological injuries. For full details visit Bean eWonderland HERE

Fourth Quarter 
From: Ms. Janie
Make Or Break Time For Smaller Retailers Read this article and HELP! http://www.msjanie.com/articles/fourth_quarter.html

Cub Scouts reach out to youngest victims 
From: Ms. Janie
(Akron Beacon Journal) JACKSON TWP.: The Webelos and Cub Scouts of Pack 935, Den No. 1, earned their citizenship badges yesterday by collecting Beanie Babies, tying friendship bracelets and drawing pictures -- all for children who may have lost their parents last Tuesday in New York. For the full story, go HERE

From: Ms. Janie
A special thanks to Scott for sharing this very moving photo! 
No words can describe what you are about to view. The photo says it all! http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/tradegy.html

Thank You
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I wanted to share this with you and thank the world for caring about us.  I would have never guessed that so many around the world would feel our loss. Thank you from the USA. View Here:

God Bless America Bear
From: Beanieholics
From Christine Rigby of Celebrity Bears:

"United Flight #93 has touched all Americans by the heroism displayed by the passengers. This flight passed right over top of our small town. In some small we want to give back and since JC Bears, makes Teddy Bears we felt that was our way to help."

Celebrity Bears is re-releasing Celebrity Bear #14, a white bear that has the American flag draped around his neck and wears red boxing gloves. The proceeds from the sale of this bear will be sent to the families of the victims of Flight #93.
Click Here For Picture And More

==September 18, 2001==
Your opinion counts
From: Bean eWonderland
We have been informed (not confirmed) that eBay are in the process of pulling all pre sales for America beanie baby. I have conducted a quick search and it does seem that this is indeed the case with just a handful listed. A few more hate mails from sellers who are blaming us for this, all I can say is GOOD I am glad that if it was partly down to us and the recent polls I am glad.

==September 17, 2001==
JINGLE BEANIES NEWSFLASH
http://www.ty.com/announcements/intro_jinglebeanies.html

America Poll
From: Bean eWonderland
Late last night our America Beanie poll was sabotaged so we have removed it. Before this happened, as stated in yesterdays news the vote was overwhelming towards secondary dealers leaving this bear alone and for eBay to remove all pre-sales. I suspect one of the same people who have been sending us many hate mails and threats through aol accounts that not surprisingly close down shortly afterwards. Maybe the same person who boasted they will fetch $50.00 for this bear. I feel the point has now been proven by the collectors who took the time to vote 88% of you want secondary dealers to leave this bear alone even if you do claim profits will go to charity.

Billionaire IV retail version?
From: Bean eWonderland
Steven writes: Reading the poem for Billionaire 4 it says "This Worldwide bear makes it's debut" Does this mean like Issy and Addison there is to be a retail version, unsigned of course? I reckon this would be a nice idea.

eBay Trader
From: Bean eWonderland
From the email: I am a secondary dealer on eBay, and I voted on your poll to NOT sell the America Bear. I think it is terrible that people are trying to profit from such a wonderful gesture that Ty made. It is very hard to say if the money they make in profit would actually go to a Charity at all. I also think Ty should sell the America Bear to Retailers for $5 so the whole purchase amount would go to the Red Cross. I will buy several of these bears for gifts for friends and family but I will not sell any on eBay.  Just thought you would like the opinion of an eBay seller who will not sell this special Bear for profit. Bean eWonderlands comment - I have found one auction regarding the America Beanie Baby which I agree with View Here:

STATEMENT FROM MS. JANIE
The following statement has been issued by myself regarding Ty news and Ty photos http://www.msjanie.com/personal_statement.html 

The Ty Press Release announced on Saturday has been updated to include additional information http://www.msjanie.com/ty_press_release.html

JINGLE BEANIES INFO FROM MS. JANIE
I have been able to obtain the following information on Ty's latest release of Jingle Beanies, which includes a photo. http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/jingle_beanies.html 

This is a 4th quarter product. 

There are 24 pieces, each of 9 designs Ordering begins today and they should retail between $3.00 to $3.50 each

eBay Will Try To Raise 100 Million In 100 Days For America

AUCTION FOR AMERICA
$100 Million in 100 Days

Introducing Auction for America
At the request of the State of New York, Governor George Pataki and New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, eBay is pleased to announce Auction for America.

Auction for America is a joint effort between eBay, the eBay community and eBay partners. eBay will waive all listing and final value fees, by crediting the seller for all Auction for America listings. Billpoint - with the support of Visa®, MasterCard® and the Discover Card® - will waive all fees including standard seller credit card processing fees.

To help ensure the success of this effort, eBay and its partners are donating their services for free and will receive absolutely no profit from Auction for America listings.

"We believe that people are basically good"
"We believe that everyone has something to contribute"
- eBay Community Values

Since the day eBay was founded under these values, millions of people have come together to form a powerful global trading community. The combination of this community and the eBay platform presents an extraordinary opportunity to provide relief in the wake of September 11th.

Our Community has a unique strength. With your help, together we can raise $100 million in 100 days for the individuals and communities impacted.

For all the information on this wonderful program follow this link:  eBay Supports America

Dear Lisa,
e-bay has just started a great new feature. It lets you sell items just like always, but all proceeds of the auctions will go to the September 11th Fund.

I have already added 3 auctions (Unity, Tradee and Classy) and hope lots more people will also add their auctions.

Please help spread the word, so we can all help out the victims of this horrible day. Nicole Moran

Billionaire 4 Bear Contest
Rye By Post is having a contest for a Billionaire 4 Bear! It will run until January 31, 2002 and is open to everybody. You can enter once a day ... the more you enter, the more chances you have to win!
Click here to enter the Contest

==September 16, 2001==
America Poll at Bean eWonderland
Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in our America Beanie Poll. If you are a secondary dealer who is thinking of stocking up on this one you might like to view what our readers feel first. At least 88% of them feel you should LEAVE this bear alone and only 23% feel it is ok to sell it if you claim that profits will be donated, 98% are going to wait for a retailer to stock it. This poll is still open to everyone and I feel that the figures would be even more in favour of 'leave it alone' if votes from secondary dealers themselves were not in the equation. View Here:

Beanie Candlelight Vigil
From: Beanieholics
B & J send a picture of showing some of their Ty Beanies, Buddies and Attics holding a candlelight vigil. Click Here For Picture

BILLIONAIRE 4
BeanyBabys.com can now provide a full article about the latest Ty Employee Beanie Baby - Billionaire Bear Four! We have photos of the bear, party information and also hang tag and tush tag details Visit http://www.beanybabys.com/promo/billionairebear4/  to find out about this very rare bear! Also, we have a limited number of Authentic Billionaire Bear Fours available. Please visit our news page (http://www.beanybabys.com/news) for full information

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN
What awesome students we have at McConnell. It is inspiring to see the waves of red, white, and blue as you walk the halls of McConnell.  The most moving time today here at McConnell was in the cafeteria moments after the moment of silence. A group of 8th grade students began singing the chorus from Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The USA." Everyone joined in singing and then cheers rang through the cafeteria at the end of the song.  What patriotism and unity our kids are showing during this time.  Our 8th graders demonstrated great leadership.

==September 14, 2001==
Hotel Beanie Baby
From: Bean eWonderland
As a toy merchant, Beanie Babies mogul Ty Warner is a genius. As a hotel operator, he's got a lot to learn.  in his new career as a luxury hotelier, Warner, 57, is learning that it pays to get out and press the flesh. Using some of the wealth acquired from peddling pellet-stuffed knickknacks like Diddley the Fantasy Dog, Warner has spent $472 million in the past two years to acquire trophy properties that include the Four Seasons Hotel in New York, the Four Seasons Resort in Montecito near Santa Barbara and the San Ysidro Ranch south of Santa Barbara, where Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy honeymooned. 

Along with the acquisitions come headaches: Lost business due to Warner's renovations on the Santa Barbara and New York hotels was blamed for a quarter of the 2.3% drop in U.S. operating profit margin for the management company that runs Four Seasons hotels. And now--perhaps worse than losing money--Warner has to lift his veil of secrecy to appease his wealthy neighbors in Montecito who are upset over his expansion plans. Full Story: (To view the whole story you may need to take the 'Free Membership' option, but it is an in depth two page article worth a read).

3 Minute Silence
From: Bean eWonderland
Please remember and tell your work colleagues that there is going to be a 3 minute silence at 11.00 am this morning throughout the UK in remembrance of those whose lives have been affected by this weeks events.

Bean eWonderlands comment - I agree and every little helps so please consider making an online donation by Clicking Here: My order number was redcross-wtc-19897 I am assuming that the 19897 represents how many online donations have been made so far, lets all help in pushing this figure up, it is not many considering how the Internet allows the world to unite.

Is that a Tear?
From: Doodle's Page
12:15 am EDT ... Teresa writes:
"We were just looking at the picture on Ty's site of the "America" bear. My daughter noticed that it looks like the bear is crying, with a tear falling from the right eye. I feel it's probably just a 'shadow' but sure makes you speechless when you read the poem and think of all that this bear represents."

Doodle's comment: It's definitely worth taking a look at again, if case you haven't noticed it. Click here to view 'America'

Planet Beans comment: It looks like the crease in the fabric to me. I'll leave you all to your own conclusions. :o)

QUIET RETIREMENT
The following is currently posted on the Official Ty Retailers website:
No Longer Available!
The following items are no longer available for ordering: Beach Boy, Groom, Rouge, & Romeo. Thank you. 09/13/01
Source - http://www.collectiblez.net

RYEBYPOST TO MAKE DONATION
Via email:
All our hearts go out to everyone who has been touched by this terrible cowardly act.
At Rye By Post Ltd, we would like to contribute towards the aid fund. We are selling this bear on a pre-order basis for £6.95. We believe that no moneys should be made out of this bear and obviously for us a seconday market dealer, £6.95 is going to be tight! If however this does prove to make us any profit, we will donate the lot to the Red Cross Fund.

No staff costs or overheads will be added at all, if it costs us £3 to buy these bears we will donate £3.95 to the charity.

Pre-orders are available and NO ONE will be charged until we send out this bear.

We hope this meets with everyones approval and our thoughts are with you all.

Sam & Vic, and all team at Rye By Post Ltd.

Ty introduces America the Bear 100% of Ty's profit from the original purchase of this America Beanie Baby will be donated to the Disaster Relief Fund of the American Red Cross. WONDERFUL!! I would like to applaud TY for doing this. Thank you!! God Bless America. Click on the picture to the left to view FULL size at Ty.com.

AMAZING TO ME
Out of curiosity I have just checked to see how many people are doing pre-sells for AMERICA the Beanie Bear. It's amazing how many people are actually trying to make HUGE profits from this bear. I would bet they will be kicking themselves when they see how easy America will be to obtain in the stores. Ty Warner has promised that America will be available WORLD-WIDE. This is a "charity" bear so you know it won't retire quickly. If you are smart, and I know many of you are, wait and get this bear for retail and not from all of those individuals trying to make profits off of America's tragedy. Some are spending over $30. If you purchase 4 or 5 of these Bears in the retail stores.. more money will go to the American Red Cross and to the people at their time of need. Come on people.. use your brain!! :o)

Rose has informed me that some of the auctions are from people trying to help different causes such as the Firefighters and the American Red Cross. To those sellers I commend you to the rest.. well I think you know how I feel. 

AUGUST BEAR RETIRES
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ret_0914_august.html

Exclusive Footie Cup
From: Ms. Janie
A Ty UK retailer contacts me and shares the following photo and information on UK's Exclusive Footie Cup -http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/footie_cup.html

==September 13, 2001==
ONE TO SHARE
BEV SENDS THIS TO ME VIA EMAIL
This is today's editorial column from one of my favorite columnists, Leonard Pitts, who writes for the Miami Herald.  He usually offers cogent thoughts on race relations from the perspective of black Americans.  I thought this column was worth sending to you all as we pray for our country and its leadership.  Ray

Published Wednesday, September 12, 2001
We'll go forward from this moment. It's my job to have something to say. They pay me to provide words that help make sense of that which troubles the American soul. But in this moment of airless shock when hot tears sting disbelieving eyes, the thing I can find to say, the only words that seem to fit, must be addressed to the unknown author of this suffering.

You monster. You beast. You unspeakable bastard. What lesson did you hope to teach us by your coward's attack on our World Trade Center, our Pentagon, us? What was it you hoped we would learn? Whatever it was, please know that you failed.

Did you want us to respect your cause? You just damned your cause.
Did you want to make us fear? You just steeled our resolve. 
Did you want to tear us apart? You just brought us together.

 Let me tell you about my people. We are a vast and quarrelsome family, a family rent by racial, social, political and class division, but a family nonetheless. We're frivolous, yes, capable of expending tremendous emotional energy on pop cultural minutiae -- a singer's revealing dress, a ball team's misfortune, a cartoon mouse. We're wealthy, too, spoiled by the ready availability of trinkets and material goods, and maybe because of that, we walk through life with a certain sense of blithe entitlement. We are fundamentally decent, though -- peace-loving and compassionate. We struggle to know the right thing and to do it. And we are, the overwhelming majority of us, people of faith, believers in a just and loving God.

Some people -- you, perhaps -- think that any or all of this makes us weak. You're mistaken. We are not weak. Indeed, are strong in ways that cannot be measured by arsenals.
 
IN PAIN
Yes, we're in pain now. We are in mourning and we are in shock. We're still grappling with the unreality of the awful thing you did, still working to make ourselves understand that this isn't a special effect from some Hollywood blockbuster, isn't the plot development from a Tom Clancy novel. Both in terms of the awful scope of their ambition and the probable final death toll, your attacks are likely to go down as the worst acts of terrorism in the history of the United States and,  probably, the history of the world. You've bloodied  us as we have never been bloodied before.

But there's a gulf of difference between making us bloodied and making us fall. This is the lesson Japan was taught to its bitter sorrow the last time anyone hit us this hard, the last time anyone brought us such abrupt and monumental pain. When roused, we are righteous in our outrage, terrible in our force. When provoked b this level of barbarism, we will bear any suffering, pay any cost, go to any length, in the pursuit of justice.

I tell you this without fear of contradiction. I know my people, as you, I think, do not. What I know reassures me. It also causes me to tremble with dread of the future.

In the days to come, there will be recrimination and accusation, fingers pointing to determine whose failure allowed this to happen and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. There will be heightened security, misguided talk of revoking basic freedoms. We'll go forward from this moment sobered, chastened, sad. But determined, too. Unimaginably determined.

THE STEEL IN US
You see, the steel in us is not always readily apparent. That aspect of our character is seldom understood by people who don't know us well. On this day, the family's bickering is put on hold.  As Americans we will weep, as Americans we will mourn, and as Americans, we will rise in defense of all that we cherish.

So I ask again: What was it you hoped to teach us?
It occurs to me that maybe you just wanted us to know the depths of your hatred. If that's the case, consider the message received. An take this message in exchange: You don't know my people. You don't know what we're capable of. You don't know what you just started.
 
But you're about to learn.

RUFUS & MOOCH BUDDIES RETIRE
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ret_0913_moochroofus.html

ODDITY ATTIC
HJ shares the following:
"Hello there--
I thought you may be interested in taking a peek at a really cool oddity 
I found this week.  It's the new "Carver" the Attic Treasure.  The face of
the jack-o-lantern on his pumpkin suit is UPSIDE-DOWN!!  I have put him 
up for auction on eBay (#1637649594).  I have also attached a jpg pic of him
for you to check out.  Thanks for listening and have a great day!" HJ  :-)
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1637649594

BILLIONAIRE 4 PHOTOS
Heather of The Daily Bean has shared her new page with photos of this bear.
http://www.dailybean.net/articles/bill4.htm

==September 12, 2001==
BJ SENDS IN THE FOLLOWING:
"Hi everyone, I know everyone is still probably in shock at waht happened yesterday, here is something for all of especially americans to view http://www.planet-ty.net "

THE TY PARTY
From: Ms. Janie
A must read about an enjoyable evening!
I have received the following note from someone who was lucky enough to attend the event of the year! This event was held in the Grand BallRoom at Navy Pier , which is where the Billionaire bear was announced by CFO Michael Kanzler My appreciation goes out to Ty Warner, and all the representatives involved in making this a most memorable evening for me. I had to pinch myself as a reminder it was not some fantastic dream. http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/navy_peir_event.html

TY SIGNED MC BEAR
From: Ms. Janie
Dear Ms. Janie: I am so excited-I received my MasterCard Beanie today, and put the tag protector on, as I was watching the news events of the day..which kinda took my mind off the beanie. A little while later, as I was putting the box away-there was a letter in the box. It was addressed to me, in an envelope. It said: View the following link to read about this exciting news about a signed MC Bear from Ty. Could you be next??? http://www.msjanie.com/typhotos/signed_mcbear.html

BILLIONAIRE 4
From: Ms. Janie
Sly shares the following link which clearly shows a great photo of the Billionaire Signed Bear by Ty http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1637489207

Pierre
From: Bean eWonderland
We have heard that many Canadian retailers have not and are not going to be receiving Pierre this month. Retailers in Montreal are being notified by Ty Canada that their order will be sent but that Pierre will not be part of this order. It is not clear if Ty Canada are holding back or if supplies are short.

==September 11, 2001==
MINI CONTEST: Win a Zodiac Beanie at The Daily Bean! 
I want everyone to put on their "thinking caps" & write a horoscope! You can choose any of the chinese zodiac animals & write a horoscope for it. You can do more than one horoscope too! You will get 1 entry per horoscope you send in. This "mini-contest" will end on Sunday, September 16. I will have my *husband* David draw the winner from all the entries received. Don't forget - you can enter as many times as you like! Just see below for the requirements... 
Each entry must be sent separetly. 
In each entry you must provide the following information: 
First Name - example: Heather 
Location - example: NY, NY 
Zodiac - example: Rabbit 
A horoscope written by yourself 
Each entry must be emailed to horoscope@heatherlea.com 
Remember to have FUN! :) This is a contest meant to get you involved with the site! All entries will be used in horoscope section of The Daily Bean in the months to come... This means that all people will be recognized eventually for their creativiness! http://www.heatherlea.com