April 2002 News

... Ty Newsflash - New Releases
9:30 pm EDT ... Ty has posted pictures of all the newest releases this evening. All the new products are scattered among the current available products for May. Click on the following links to view the individual Beanie Babies, Buddies, Boppers, Attic Treasures, and Baby Ty.

... Celebration Beanie - RyeByPost Update
RyeByPost writes the following:
CELEBRATIONS DELIVERY UPDATE
We hope to fulfil 90 percent of all orders for Celebrations beanie by the end of May. Anybody that has not received their beanie by this date will be contacted personally to see if there order is still required. Unfortunately we cannot say whether specific shipments have gone out or estimate specific dates for delivery but all Celebrations are going out in date order as soon as possible.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

... Liberty - Different Versions?
Yesterday when we viewed a photo of the 'Liberty' Beanie Baby, I had instant visions of variations of this Bear (considering it seems to be a Ty 'thing' lately). Randy at Beanieholics has posted a note from a retailer friend that has an interesting comment worth noting and one we did not think about ... three different colored heads ... red, white, and blue! Check out their site to read the note.

Doodle's note: Hmmm, let's see. One shipment could be for May, one shipment for June, and one for July ... then retire. Perfect for the 4th of July! (Just a thought, but makes sense to me!)

... Ty Newsflash - Two 'USA Exclusives'
5:45 pm EDT ... Ty has introduced Beanie Baby 'Liberty' and Beanie Buddy 'USA' Bear this afternoon. From the latest May releases, perhaps only these two are shown, as a clarification that they are USA Exclusives.

... Photos of May Releases
5:05 pm EDT ... Ms. Janie has posted scans of the new May releases. (The Beanies are mixed in with other products already introduced.) The new releases include Beanie Babies - Bride and Groom (Bears), Side-Kick (dog), Pounds (elephant), Cheddar (mouse with cheese), and Liberty (Flag Bear).
Click here to view pictures on Ms. Janie's site

Doodle's note: Looks like 'Mr.' and 'Mrs.' got divorced, changed their appearance some, remarried, and are now 'Bride' and 'Groom'. Maybe they will have a new "Baby Boy" (blue perhaps?) and later a "Baby Girl" (pink maybe?) ... Then, they would need a "Doctor"? Oh goodness, I think I need a vacation!

... CHhugs Grand Draw 2002
Do you wish for the chance to own one of two autographed Ty Beanie Babies (Flitter or Buzzie) ... signed by World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali? You can read more information and how you may have the opportunity to own one by clicking on the link below.
Click here for info on CHhugs Grand Draw 2002

... Who is 'Baby Boy'? (Update)
The collector who has received a red 'America' Beanie Baby, with a 'Baby Boy' Beanie Baby hang tag, has now sent a scan of the tag. Ms. Janie has posted it on her site.
Click here to view 'Baby Boy' hang tag

... Mom-e Beanie Babies
A reader has shared her photo with Ms. Janie of four Mom-e Beanies she has received.
Click here to view Mom-e Beanies

... 'FrankenTeddy'?
Sly reports to Ms Janie:

I found Ty's newest Trademark this morning!
On April 12,2002 Ty applied to register a trademark on the word "FrankenTeddy"
and Ty lists "plush toys" as the goods and services for this Trademark.
I would have to venture a Guess that this will be a New Halloween bear!!?

As Always...Tyme will Tell!!
Have a Great Saturday everyone!!
Sly The Beanie Guy

Note: Good job, Sly! And I agree ... sounds like a potential Halloween bear in the works!

... Who is 'Baby Boy'?
Sandra sends us a note of an interesting post on the Ty Cyberboard. A collector has just received a red 'America' Beanie Baby and reports the following:

Red America with a hang tag that says Baby Boy????
cinchoc (08:21 pm. Apr 27, 2002 )
Message Id: 1051672

I received my Red Americas in the mail today but one of them has a hang tag that says "Baby Boy" birthdate is March 3, 2002

The poem says:
Ten little fingers ten little toes
A tuft of hair a button nose
This healthy bouncing baby boy
Will bring you love and lots of joy

Do you suppose there is going to be a new beanie Baby Boy out before to long? Also, don't quite know what to do with this. Whether it will be classified as an "oddity" or if I should try and send it back to TY for one that has an America tag on it? Any help on this one would be appreciated. Thanks

Added note: Apparently, she has attempted to send a scan to Ms Janie for us to view, but it was not in a readable file format. (Update: See above note)

... RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the Rye By Post lottery page. The 3 and 4 number prizes in last week's draw were won. Next week's winning lottery prizes are:
6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear.
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card.
5 number prize - Clubby IV Trio (Rainbow + Silver + Gold).
4 number prize - Hero Beanie and Buddy Duo.
3 number prize - Mum 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.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

... New Ty products for May?
Ms. Janie has posted 'rumors' of various new Ty products for May. Links are also noted on her site from Ty Cyberboard postings. Included in the list are:

Beanie Babies ... Bride and Groom, Side-Kick, Pounds, Cheddar, and Liberty
Beanie Buddies . Butch, Purr, and USA Bear

For a complete list of ALL the new Ty products, as well as descriptions, visit Ms. Janie's website here. Remember, these are UNCONFIRMED until officially announced by Ty.

... White America (Update)
11:30 am EDT ... Thinking they may receive the 'new' version of white 'America', some collectors ordered this Beanie Baby a second time from Ty Store (only to receive the 'old' version yet again). Several readers have now reported to Ms. Janie that they have received an email from Ty ... with the same white America order # but with an "a" after the number (and a charge of $0.00). Perhaps Ty is backtracking those that reordered, assuming they would get the reversed ear version?

2:45 pm EDT ... Update:
Peggy Gallagher writes:
"Good Morning Everyone! YES! I just received in the mail this morning direct from the Ty Store, www.ty.com, 2 different America Bears with the reversed Ears! ....."

A photo is posted on BeanieMom's site ... to view these white America Beanies, click here.

... 'Mom-e' is Shipping
Readers are now reporting that their 'Mom-e' orders from Ty Store are shipping, and have received a shipping confirmation from Ty. Be on the lookout if you ordered this Mothers' Day Beanie - yours may be coming soon.

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A ... Left Ear, Right Ear America's
12:30 pm EDT ... The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted, along with your chance to vote for the next question you would like Ty Warner to answer. (Looks like the white and red versions of 'America' will have reversed ears! Which one will YOU get?)

Q: Are there really 2 versions of white America? (submitted by busybuzzie)
A: This question has received a lot of attention this past week. How about a very simple answer to this very popular question . . . . . yes! P.S. Double check your Red.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

(Note: A summary of all Q & A's to date can be found on this site by clicking here)

... Ty Warner Autographed White 'America' (Auction Update)
The eBay auction for a white 'America' Beanie Baby, signed by Ty Warner is now at $4,050. The seller is the American Red Cross ... the auction ends May 2, 2002.
Click here to view the auction

... Red America ... Finally!
We received a few emails earlier today from collectors, stating that the status of their order of red America read 'shipped'. (Our order states the same as well.) In fact, Ms. Janie has a photo on her site from a reader who has just received her order. Now we just have to keep an eyeball on the mailbox ... apparently some are not receiving a shipping confirmation email from Ty. Finally, it's arriving!
Click here to view red America on Ms Janie's site

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
2:55 pm EDT ... Ty has retired two Beanie Babies, six Beanie Buddies, one Beanie Bopper, and twelve Attic Treasure this afternoon.

Beanie Babies
February (BD Bear)
Chickie

Beanie Buddies
Sunny
Periwinkle
Hopper
Hoppity
Eggbert
Eggs

Beanie Bopper
Pretty Patti

Attic Treasures
Baron
Mulligan
May
Suki
Caboose
April
Mei Li
Carlisle
Hutchins
Burrows
Fields
Fleecia

... Ty Warner Autographed White 'America' (and more)
4:40 pm EDT ... There is an eBay auction for an 'America' Beanie Baby, signed by Ty Warner ... this time the white version. The seller is the American Red Cross, and reads, in part:

Ty Warner Autographed *America* Beanie Baby!
Item generously donated by Ty Warner
Item Description ...
"Our first 'America' bear was such a success with customers, I knew they would want a second one," said Ty Warner, president of Ty. "The new 'America' bear is our way of saying thank you to Red Cross chapters that help people in communities every day. I hope both collectors and the public will join us in saying thank you for the great work of the Red Cross." Mr. Warner has autographed this white 'America' bear exclusively for the American Red Cross Virtual Auction and has signed on the tag.
Click here to view the autographed Ty Warner auction (White America)

... Thanks to Sly for pointing this out to Ms Janie

Update: Added Note
Ms Janie also informs us that other America Bears signed by various celebrities are also up for bid on eBay. (More auctions are expected to begin on April 29th.)

The Contest is similar to ones in the past ... if you know your Beanie Babies, it should be easy. Remember the 'Who am I" Beanies from past years? :) The prize in this contest ? ... a set of the Asia Pacific-Flower Beanies Babies (Sakura II, Bunga Raya, Ferny, Mugungwha, Vanda, and Wattlie). We wish to offer a special thanks to our friend Martin for his generous donation!!

... 'Spring Has Sprung' Contest
Our annual 'Spring has Sprung' Contest should start tomorrow. So get ready ... it should be fun! Watch for details to follow soon.

... RBP 'Celebrations' Pre-Order (Update)
RyeByPost informs us of the following:
Just to inform you that we have started to received deliveries of the Celebrations bears over the weekend. Yes, our warehouse staff have been working over the weekend to receive deliveries, stock them and process orders ready for dispatch on Monday.
Orders will be dispatched in the Date/Time order they were received, so the first to order will be the first to receive etc.

Further orders are expected in daily from now on so the delivery process should be quite quick/ We will endeavor to keep you updated.

Many Thanks,
The Team
Ryebypost Ltd
http://www.ryebypost.com/

... RyeByPost Beanie Lottery
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the RyeByPost lottery page. The 3 and 4 number prizes in last week's draw were won ... Next week's winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card
5 number prize - Clubby IV Trio (Rainbow + Silver + Gold
4 number prize - Eggs Beanie and Buddy Duo 3 number prize - Mum 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.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

... Yet Another 'Pops' Version
1:10 pm EDT ... The 'Pops' Beanie Baby first showed up in the U.S. (U.S. flag), followed by Canada (Canadian flag). A reader has reported to Ms. Janie that now it is appearing in the UK with the Union Jack flag).

If you collect Beanie Baby and Buddy "variations", with just Pops and Champion, looks like you may be busy for a while.

... Champion Buddy - Japan
11:15 am EDT ... Martin has shared several pictures with us of the Ty 'Champion' Japan Beanie Buddy. Click below to view the photos. (Thanks, Martin!)

Update: 1:00 pm EDT ... Ms. Janie has received photos of U.S., Turkey and England Buddies. Looks like the Champion Buddy tags will have the same info for each country as the Champion Beanies. (The 'poems' for these can be found on our site by clicking here.)

Click here to view Champion Buddy pics on Ms Janie's site

... 'Godzilla' Classic vs 'Toothy' Beanie Baby
Ever since the 'Toothy' Beanie Baby was released, have you been curious to see a comparison of Ty's 'Godzilla' Classic and 'Toothy' Beanie Baby? We have finally acquired both of them and took a quick photo we'd like to share.

... "Ask Ty" Question and Ty's Response
Remember the 'Ask Ty' question and answer yesterday? Did the phrase in Ty's response ring a bell with you? Just where did that quote come from? Many (especially in the U.S.) may know the answer. But if not, WWWebster has the story well explained on the 'Bean Bag Monthly' website.

"These immortal words are chiseled into the granite walls of the General Post Office that takes up an entire block at 8th Avenue and 33rd Street in midtown Manhattan and have become the callsign of the many different mail deliverers throughout the USA, but never declared an official motto ( it is also enscribed in the Washington DC Post Office)"

Click on the link above for more information, including the history behind these words from years ago.

... Celebrations 'In-Hand' Auction on eBay
Ellybeans has emailed us with a link to an "in-hand" eBay auction for four 'Celebrations' UK Exclusive Beanie Babies. This auction includes tag information as follows:

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth,
celebrates her Golden Jubilee this year
making her the fifth-longest reigning
Monarch.

Added Note: We have received an email from a UK reader, who adds" ... "It should really be " Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II"

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A ... Red America - Next Week!
4:45 pm EDT ... The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted, along with your chance to vote for the next question you would like Ty Warner to answer.
Q: When can I expect to receive my Red America Bear?
(submitted by Cheekymonkey)
A: Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds . . . . . next week !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Sniff ... Sniff
Do we smell something brewing? Perhaps it's just simmering on the back burner at the moment? The retirement newsflash has been removed on Ty's website; the announcement of 'Celebrations' still remains. So what's next?

I guess I'm a bit perplexed why Ty did not retire several of the other 'holiday themed' products on the last retirement ... ie Chickie and Clover Beanie Babies, and Buddies such as Eggs, Eggbert, Hoppity, Shamrock, etc.

And just where are the red America Beanie Babies? When will Mom-e begin shipping?

Part of the enjoyment of the 'hobby' of collecting, no matter what it is ... the anticipation of what may be next! I must admit, it sure keeps me wondering, guessing, and waiting. I'm sure many feel the same way. So keep sniffing ... it could be on your platter soon.

... 'Spring Has Sprung' Contest
Our annual 'Spring Has Sprung' Contest should begin Monday. Our host server and ISP have finally finished their updating ... both have been up and down for the last couple of weeks. So we put the Contest on the back burner. Martin has very generously donated the Grand Prize ... wait til you see what it is! All we will say right now is a big thanks, Martin ... and WOW! Watch for details to follow soon ... it will be fun!

... Pops - Canadian Version
Shortly after the release of the Pops Beanie Baby, a Canadian Retailer reported to Ms. Janie that there was a 'Canadian tie' version of the Beanie. A picture is now posted on her site of this Bear, sporting a tie with 'Canada' written across it, and the maple leaf. To check it out, click on the link below.
Click here to view Canadian Pops on Ms. Janie's site

... Champion Buddies are Shipping (in Japan)
12:30 pm EDT ... Martin had informed us last week that Champion Buddies would be shipping in Japan soon - at least the Japan and USA version anyway. Looks like he was correct. Kooler of Bean Book has just written us, stating the following:

Hi Deb ... ... The sales of Champion Buddies began in Japan. I have not purchased it yet. However, please check it because there is the site where 'the image is published'. Your Friend, Kooler

Note: I noticed a couple of 'points of interest' when viewing the images. The Japan and USA versions of the two Champion Buddies posted show close-ups of the button (showing a difference in the Beanie Buddy and Beanie Baby). A scan of the hang tag is also shown ... the Japan Buddy version is written in Japanese. (The Japanese version of the Japan Champion Beanie is also in Japanese. The USA version of Japan Champion Beanie is written in English.) Also the button on the Buddy states "Korea Japan". It will be interesting to see if a Japan Champion version shows up elsewhere, perhaps in English? If you purchase a Champion Buddy or wish to share additional info, please email us. At least, it's finally showing up! Now the question, why just two? :) Supposedly, only USA and Japan are showing up at Ty retail stores in Japan! Will 32 versions show up elsewhere?

... 'Celebrations' Beanie Baby (Special Offer at RBP)
As you know, yesterday Ty introduced a UK Exclusive Bear named 'Celebrations', the Golden Jubilee Bear, in honor of the Queens Golden Jubilee Year 2002. RyeByPost wishes to pass along a special presale offer on this Bear. It is available for pre-order in the Beanies/Current section of the site for £12.95 ($18.39), with Airmail shipping as low as $7.11 (or FedEx for $16.26 (insured delivery). The link below will take you straight to the page where you can order, if interested. (As with any Ryebypost pre-orders, payment is never charged until the goods are shipped.)
http://www.ryebypost.com/usorders.shtml

... Ty Newsflash - UK Exclusive Beanie Baby
3:45 pm EDT ... Ty has announced 'Celebrations' ... the Golden Jubilee Bear - UK Exclusive Beanie. (Thanks to Lorie for informing us.)
Click here to view the announcement

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
2:10 pm EDT ... Ty has retired 3 Beanie Babies and 3 Buddies this afternoon:
Beanie Babies:
Eggs II
Carrots
Spring
Beanie Buddies:
White Tiger
Bones
Ariel

... Ty Retirement
10:10 pm EDT ... Mom-e Beanie Baby, the Ty Store Exclusive just introduced on Friday, has retired this evening. Now THAT is what we call 'unexpected'! There is no Newsflash ... just a note on Ty Store of the retirement. That's another Beanie that has retired before even been 'born' ... Mom-e's birthday is May 12, 2002.
Click here to visit Ty Store

(Thanks to everyone who wrote to us of the retirement)

... "I Love Lucy" Lucy and Desi Bobbing Head Dolls
Collecticritters has sent us the following news release:

The FIRST ever "I Love Lucy" Lucy & Desi Bobbing Head Dolls sets have just been released! These premier sets are based on the animated stick figures that opened the TV show back in 1951. There were only 10,000 of these sets produced and each figure is numbered on the base. These are absolutely a must have for any "I Love Lucy" or bobbing head doll collector.

Brand New Episode #136 Replica Teddy Bear!
This adorable super soft bear is a 14 inch replica of the teddy bear that Lucy fell asleep with during that episode. The "Nursery School" episode featured Little Ricky getting sick at school and having to spend the night in the hospital. Lucy dressed up as a nurse and was caught "snoozing" on the bed holding this adorable Tedddy Bear. These come in a collectible box and are limited to only 5,000 bears.

For more info, you can visit their site at the above link ... or visit the 'Critter News Page' by clicking here.

... Baragon?
Of the Japan Classic Exclusives, there are Godzilla, King Ghidorah, and Mothra. But what is Baragon? A reader of Ms. Janie reports the following:

I received these from a collector friend stationed in Japan after he attended the movie. They were handed out to each ticket holder. I wish I read Japanese as not one word is in English, and there is an offer for some plastic statues in the middle bottom of the poster and a creature named "Baragon" that has not been made, expect the unexpected. Enjoy from Bigsky...

Click here to view the poster

... Contest at Planet Beans
Lisa writes to inform us of a Contest on her site ... click on the link below for details on a chance to win Mum and Pops.
Click here to visit PlanetBeans

... Celebrity Bears 100th Anniversary Teddy Bear
Celebrity Bears has posted a picture of the bear they will release this summer to celebrate the100th anniversary of the Teddy Bear. This 12" bear is jointed and will be limited to a production run of 1000. The bear has a special feature not seen on any Celebrity Bear release before, a string in the back that plays a lullaby when pulled.
Click here to view a picture
... Source: Beanieholics

... RyeByPost Beanie Lottery Update
This week's winning numbers, prizes and winners have been announced on the RyeByPost lottery page. The 3, 4 and 5 number prizes in last week's draw were won. Next week's winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card
5 number prize - Clubby IV Trio (Rainbow + Silver + Gold)
4 number prize - Champion 'France & Germany' Beanie Duo
3 number prize - Champion 'England' 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.
Click here to visit RyeByPost

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A
The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted, along with your chance to vote for the next question you would like Ty Warner to answer.
Q: What do you do with the prototypes... Are any of them in your own collection? (submitted by ddhhorne2)
A: Many of the prototypes are kept under lock and key at my Corporate Headquarters and some are on loan to Tyriffic stores throughout the country. Those special 9 that started this fantastic journey . . . . . they are very comfortable in my office.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Ty Newflash - New Release
1:50 pm EDT ... Ty has introduced another 'Ty Store Exclusive' - MOM-e™. Wonder if DAD-e will follow (closer to Father's Day)??? (Oh, and while you're visiting, check out the ears on white 'America' ... it has changed back to the 'old' version! Now why's that???)
Update - 11:30 ... Poor Bear! Boy ... should 'America' Bear be confused now! The ears have reversed again, back to the 'stripes and stars' new version.
Click here to visit Ty Store
Click here to view the announcement
MOM-e™
Date of Birth: May 12, 2002

Poem:
Mother, you will always be
The one who loves me just for me
I want to show how much I care
By giving you this special bear!

... Surprise Dip?
One of Beanieholics' readers wrote Ty Customer Service, to ask for clarification on which version of the white America she would receive. You can read Ty's Customer Service reply on their site. As Randy would say, definitely one of those things that make you say ... hmmmm.
Click here to visit Beanieholics

... (White) America
10:40 am EDT ... As you know, the ears of white America changed on Ty's site. (The main page shows America with 'stars and stripes' ... Ty Store shows America with 'stripes and stars'). Many are now ordering white America again, hoping to receive the new 'version'. Here's an interesting post I found on the Ty Cyberboard that reads:

WHITE AMERICA EARS DID CHANGE, HERE'S MY GUESS?(D/T PLEASE)
HI THERE FROM NY (09:29 am. Apr 11, 2002 )
Message Id: 1042650

HI THERE FROM NY writes:
AND YES I'M ORDERING SOME. MONEY WILL HELP MY LOCAL RED CROSS CHAPTER TOO! WHY NOT INVEST?
(1.) WHEN YOU CLICK ON THE TY WHITE AMERICA PICTURE AT TYSTORE SITE. THE LAST THREE WORDS WHEN YOU CLICK ON PROPERTIES(RIGHT SIDE OF YOUR MOUSE BUTTON) IS:(white-america-EARS.jpg)
(2.) TY HINTED TO CONSUMERS OF A CHANGE OR NEW BEANIE COMING SOON WITH STARS AND STRIPES!
(3.) EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED TO SHAKE UP BEANIE SALES!
(4.) PERSONALLY, NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT IT WHITE AMerICA BEAR IS THE BEST LOOKING OUT OF ALL THREE AMERICA'S. (OR Ty had a problem with the Chinese factory steamstress workers and they sewed the ears backwards, LOL!)
(5.) SO WhO AGREES WITH ME?
Click here to read the Ty Cyberboard message

... 'Bean Bag Monthly'
As you may know, 'Bean Bag World' magazine has been renamed 'Bean Bag Monthly'. The May issue is set to hit the newstands in the UK today. Daphne has sent a brief summary of this issue ... you can check it out, as well as a cover scan of the magazine, at the link below.
'Bean Bag Monthly' May Issue Summary

... Did you know?
8:20 am EST ... Did you know the Champion Japan Beanie Baby (Japanese version) is written in Japanese? For those hoping to find ALL 32 Bears, is that yet another version to collect now? :) After checking a couple of Japanese sites, I found Bottega Beanies has a scan of this version on their site! While you're visiting, you might want to check out all the Champion group shot!

10:10 am Added Note: Ms Janie has posted a scan of this Japanese version, which can be viewed at the following link:
Champion Japan Beanie - Japanese version

2:00 am ... Update (again): Ms. Janie has posted the pics of Sue's Champion Bear line-up that was mentioned in yesterday's news.
Click here to view the Champion 'teams' line-up'

... Champion Poem
5:45 pm EST ... Sue / QB has sent the last poem we needed ... and writes:
Hi Debbie. (I know) you needed the poem from Tunisia so here it is. I just completed my set of Champions and hope to have a picture of all 32 as soon as my last few arrive from trades. Sue/QB

The link for the complete list can be found at the top of this page or click at the link below. A special thanks to all of you that sent the poems in ... Sue, Rose, Kyle, Andrew, Bill H., and Helen J., as well as a few from readers that sent tag info to Ms Janie and Beanieholics.

We're anxious to see Sue's picture of ALL 32! Congratulations to Sue!
2002 'Champion' FIFA World Cup™ Ty® Bears' Poems

... WeMakeBears4U ... Press Release
We have received the following and wish to pass it along:

Here is our press release for our Mother's Bear and the new "I Love You" Bear. We sincerely appreciate your help in getting the word out in the past. Thank You, Harry and Jerry

===============================================================
(April 8, 2002) It's time to honor the most important woman in your life... Your Mother. Mother's Day is not far off and now is the time to think about a personalized bear for Mom.

In addition, we're introducing our newest bear, the "I Love You" Bear. Give your sweetheart this adorable bear as an outward expression of your love. What a wonderful reminder of your deepest feelings!

Check out the Mother's Bear and the new "I Love You" Bear by clicking on: www.wemakebears4u.com

... Champion Poem
Another Champion poem (Turkey) has been added, thanks to Andrew. He also notes the following:

From: Andrew Broughton To: news@doodlespage.com
Sent: Tuesday, April 09, 2002 5:13 AM Subject: Champion Poem
I have finally found Champion Turkey version today. So here is the poem. Turkey Turkey reaches their first ever UEFA European Championship in 1996 & made it to the quarter-final stage of the corresponding tournament in 2000. Turkey now seems set to make a mark on the world stage. Sorry. But the Poland poem has a mistake on. The part of "That's wierd isn't it?" shouldn't be there. I was just commenting that it was wierd. Sorry Deb!

Tunisia is the only poem needed now and the list will be complete. If you happen to run across this one, please share it with us. Thanks to all who have emailed us ... you guys are the best.

... Stars and Stripes ... Now Stripes and Stars?
Remember last Thursday's 'Ask Ty' response, when Ty responded ... "One last thing ..... what do you think of stripes and stars"? Now, could he have perhaps, just perhaps, meant a variation of the white America Beanie Baby? Interesting thought anyway, as Beanieholics has had a reader who noticed that Ty has changed the image of the white America Beanie Baby that is pictured on the Ty Store page. The ears have been reversed with the stripes now appearing on the left side (as you look at the Beanie) and the stars on the right. (The link off the Ty site to the page explaining America still shows the older version.) So don't you think .... first it was stars and stripes, now stripes and stars???
Click here to visit Ty Store

That's the first thing I thought of anyway, after reading Randy's note of the graphic change!

... Champion Bears' Poems
Since the Champion Bears were first introduced, I have been attempting to consolidate all the 'poems' of the individual countries. Thanks to many readers, (as well as a few from a reader that sent tag info to Ms Janie and Beanieholics), the list is almost complete now. Kyle and Andrew have sent the last tag information on a few more countries, which have been added to the list. Thanks to ALL of you who have helped me compile this info. It's quite interesting to read the individual 'stats' of each country. (The link can be found at the top of this page.)

Update 2: Helen J. has informed us of South Africa's poem now. Only two to go! :)
(Thanks, Helen)

Update 1: Thanks to Andrew and Rose, we now only need three countries ... South Africa, Tunisia, and Turkey ... and the list will be complete.

Speaking of the World Cup, John S. from Canada writes the following to us, which I found interesting and worth noting ... might be a nice T-shirt to pick up! Thanks for sharing, John:

Hi Deb!
Just thought I would share this interesting note with you....Today I was in a sports equipment store and I saw that they had Adidas World Cup soccer T-Shirts. I know this has nothing to do with Beanies, but when I looked at the tags, one of them was the same one that is attached to the Champion bears. The letters and numbers underneath it looked the same also. This must mean that anything officially representing the World Cup must have this extra tag. Kind of like an authenticity thing. I also think that if people are tying to figure out through these extra tags how rare one bears is, it won't tell anything. And I think this doesn't necessarily mean that these bears will be in any limited quantity. In any case, I thought this was quite interesting.
Take care!
John

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has retired Beanie Babies - Poopsie, Diddley, and Cottonball - today. Also on the retirement list are Beanie Buddies - Teddy (old face), Happy, Pouch, Hornsly, and Bushy.
Click here to view the announcement on Ty' site

... Chubbley Bears ... New Releases
Are you a Chubbley Bear collector? If so, you'll be interested to know there are new releases just announced. Daphne Roberts, editor of 'Bean Bag World' (renamed 'Bean Bag Monthly') magazine, reports:

Bean Bag World magazine, in conjunction with Chubbley Bears UK, announces the much awaited new introductions today!

The until-now-unnamed additions, on view to retailers at the Birmingham Show, now have names. All the card bears are to be known as Jack, although they carry different logos of the four suits; then there’s Sonny a sunshine bear; Great Bear, the second in the constellation series; Sleepy Head, the Wee Willie Winkie bedtime bear, complete with candle on his foot.

There’s also a mystery bear, too, but we can say no more at this stage – Chubbley Bears will reveal all in the next few days! Suffice to say that there are EIGHT new releases.

Chubbleys are the cover stars for the May issue of the re-named Bean Bag Monthly magazine on newsstands on Thursday and there’s a feature plus photos of all of them inside.

Daphne

... McDonald's Happy Meal Promo
Collectors seem to be VERY excited about the latest McDonalds' Happy Meal Promo (see Saturday's news for more info.) If you're interested in taking a peek at a few of the Madame Alexander Dolls, you can visit Ms. Janie's news page for some great photos sent in by readers.
Click here to visit Ms. Janie's site

... 'Spring Has Sprung' Contest
It's almost time for our annual 'Spring Has Sprung' Contest. Check back here soon ... or watch the Contest Page for details!

Note: I intended to start the Contest a couple of weeks ago, but am still awaiting the results of some medical tests before proceeding, as 'clues' will need to be changed daily. It WILL be fun!

... Daylight Savings Time
Did you remember to set your clocks ahead one hour? Don't you love the 'longer' days?!!!

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

6 number prize - Billionaire #1 Bear
5 + Bonus number prize - New York Issy with Card
5 number prize - Tyra Attic Treasure
4 number prize - Sakura Beanie Buddy
3 number prize - Sizzle 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

... My ISP seems to be sporatically taking "vacation hours" the last couple of days. All seems to be up and running smoothly now ... hopefully they're back in business as they should be! Geeze! Perhaps they're now better than ever ... at least that's what we hoping!

... Champion Bears
A special thanks to Ruth for sharing the poem of the Champion Bear representing 'Cameroon'. (Germany and USA were posted yesterday, but never got uploaded as our ISP took a half-day 'vacation'!)

... McDonalds' Happy Meals
If you are a Matchbox® and/or Madame Alexander® collector, you'll want to check your local McDonalds ... April 5 - 25! The Happy Meal will feature six U.S. Matchbox vehicles with a corresponding miniature state license plate. (The states are ... Texas, Ohio, Illinois, North Carolina, New York, and Washington.) Also featured are eight Madame Alexander Dolls, with open-and-close eyes. Both are shown on the McDonald's website, and available "at participating McDonalds, while supplies last"!
Click here to view the Madame Alexander dolls
Click here to vew the Matchbox vehicles

... Champion FIFA World Cup Bears
As noted below, thanks to Bill and Kyle, we have received two more poems on the Champion World Cup Bears. Also, if you have purchased a Champion Beanie Buddy, if possible we would like some additional information and perhaps a scan as well. Thanks for your assistance; this will hopefully clarify some info and help collectors when purchasing the new Bears! (You can email us here!)

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A ("What do you think of 'stripes and stars'?" Hmmm)
4:00 pm EST ... The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted, along with your chance to vote for the next question you would like Ty Warner to answer.
Q: I heard that the money raised from the internet Americas goes towards the local Red Cross of the person who orders, based on the zip code. Where is the money raised by overseas collectors going to? (submitted by KillerTreeFrogGirl)
A: Before I answer your question let me say Thank You for your overwhelming support of our "America" series. Together, we a raised over 1.5 Million Dollars for Red Cross services and programs. Now to answer your question, Our profits from overseas sales will be donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. One last thing . . . . . what do think of stripes and stars ?
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

(Note: A summary of all Q & A's to date can be found on this site by clicking here)

... New Releases on Ty's Website
2:50 pm EST ... The newest releases are now listed on Ty's site. The birthdays and poems for the Beanie Babies are listed as well.

New Beanie Baby's Birthdays:
Toothy - July 10, 2001
Smarter - June 12, 2001
Pops - June 16, 2001
Mattie - April 26, 2001
Herder - August 29, 2001
May BD Bear
June BD Bear

Dizzy - Poem:
Dizzy the BEANIE BABY
got his name because of the
ever-changing color of his spots!

Click here to view the Beanie Buddies on Ty's site

... New Lists Added !
I have created two new pages on the Ty 'Champion' World Cup Soccer Bears ... a checklist and a 'poem' page. (See links above). If you know of a poem not yet listed, please email me with the information. Thank You!

Added Note: 3/7 ... A reader has sent two more poems; Germany and USA have been added to the list. Thanks, Bill H.!

... New Ty Releases - Newsflash
Ty has posted a Newsflash ... introducing the Champion FIFA World Cup™ Soccer Bears, as well as the 12 other new products. "Visit your local Ty Authorized Retailer to see 12 more April introductions from Ty!" (Of course, we know from earlier postings, these include 7 Beanies, 2 Buddies, 2 Attic Treasures, and 1 Beanie Kid)

... Speckles Buddy - 'Sold Out'
10:30 am EST ... A week ago, Ty Store posted a countdown to the number of days left to order the Speckles Buddy. This Buddy is now marked as 'Sold Out'.
Click here to visit Ty Store

... Champion Beanie Pics
Ms. Janie has posted photos of six of the Champion World Cup Beanie Babies, with tag info, at the following link. (Included are Argentina, Brazil, England, Republic of Ireland, Italy, and Spain.)
Click here to view

... 'Champion' Checklist
To help collectors who may be hoping to find all 32 'Champion' World Cup Beanies Babies and/or Buddies ... we have put together a printable checklist for quick reference.
Click here for 'Champion' checklist

Note: If you are interested in a breakdown of how the bears will be shipped to retailers, you can check it out at Beanieholics.
Click here for Champion Shipment Breakdown

... 'Pops' Variations
A Canadian Retailer has written to Ms Janie, stating: "I am a Canadian Retailer. I just received a phone call from my rep who said she was holding Pops in her hand and on his tie was a Canadian flag. J.k."

Now that is very interesting! Looks like Ty is really going 'International' lately!!!

Norma has sent us a picture of Pops and Champion Beanie Babies that she picked up today. (Thanks for sharing, Norma!)

... Red America Beanie Baby ... Retired
On March 22nd, Ty offered the red version of 'America', available only through Ty Store. On March 30th, an email was sent from "Your Friends at Ty", informing us that "the latest edition (red) to our 'America Trio" is almost gone". This followed by an email on April 1st, stating "the red version of America is sold out". We pretty figured that meant 'retired'. This evening, April 3rd, Ty officially "retired" this Bear. At least there's no misunderstanding or questions now! (Thanks to all of you who emailed us with the retirement info!)
Click here to view the announcement

... Pop's Poem
From the Ty Cyberboard:

The New Babies have come home!!!!.....I was able to get 3 US Flag World Cup....
starzz80 (02:02 pm. Apr 03, 2002 )
Message Id: 1038670
starzz80 writes:
Bears and are they cute!!!! Pop's Bear is especially nice with the poem:

My Dad has such a great big heart
He's kind and fun and really smart
He always finds the time to play
I want to be like him someday

Hope you all find tons of the newbies!!!
Click here to view the Ty Cyberboard message

... New Products Shipping
Be on the lookout at your local Ty retail store. The new Beanies and Buddies are showing up, including the World Cup Bears.

Sheila writes: I found the World Cup Bears .... I can't believe it! There were plenty of U.S. ones. I also got Pops ... he's adorable!!! Did you know the new Buddies have round tags? Guess that means new tag protectors now, eh? (I'd send you pics but don't have a digital camera.) Just wanted to let you know. Keep up the great site! TTY soon ... Your Beanie Friend, Sheila

Note: As posted earlier, the pics posted on Ms Janie's site show a new round tag found on the Buddies. This may perhaps be the Asian version of these Buddies? (I am awaiting clarification from Sheila.) If you have picked up a World Cup Champion Buddy in the U.S., please send us a scan or let us know what the tag looks like.
Click here to view on Ms Janie's site

... More Pictures of Newbies
One of Ms Janie's readers from Singapore has sent in photos of some of the new Beanie Babies and Buddies. You can view nine different World Cup Bears, Buddies Dizzy and Hero, and Beanies Toothy and Herder. Just how many collectors will try to get all 32 of the Soccer Bears? :)
Click here to view the photos

... RyeByPost ... Update
Trying to contact RyeByPost? They inform us of the the following:
We're sorry if any of you are experiencing difficulties in trying to contact any of our office staff.

We are currently in the process of moving to our new office complex and are trying very hard to achieve this as fast, and in the smoothest possible way, although not an easy job.
We will be back to normal as soon as we possibly can.

New contents will start soon, winners from previous contests etc. will be drawn and/or contacted as soon as we are able to, please bear with us during this time.

Regards,
RyeByPost Support Team

... Photos of New Ty Products!
4:40 pm EST ... Thanks to a reader who has shared photos with Ms. Janie, we can now view a supplement flyer sent to retailers with pics of the new products. These should start showing up at retail stores soon, so keep your eyes peeled!

Click here to view World Cup Soccer Beanie Baby and Buddy
Click here to view Ty April Releases

... World Cup Soccer Bears
Martin writes:
"Hi Deb,
Ty Soccer Beanies will be launched in SNG 4th week of this month. (They) are: Argentina, Brazil, US, England, Italy, Senegal, Korea, Japan, and Germany."
Take care, Martin

Note: Now that would be interesting! So which countries are going to get which Bears? My suspicion ... probably quite limited no matter where they show up.

... Beanies Given to Heroic Sister
One of the most rewarding things about collecting Beanie Babies (as well as the joys of being a Beanie webmaster) is the close-knit Beanie 'family' that seems to evolve. I'm sure most collectors will admit they have developed special friendships along the way, which would not have occurred had it not been for these cute little critters. Continuous contacts are made with many, whether it's through message boards, emails, trades, etc. I have yet to find one person who does not agree. You guys are THE best!

I posted a story on March 7th, with a follow-up on March 19th, (See March news) of a young 14 year old girl, Angie Campbell, who had rescued her younger brother and sister during a house fire in Wasaga Beach, Canada. Her Beanie collection was destroyed, the house was gutted by the fire.

The feedback we received was overwhelming, with quite a few collectors inquiring as to how they could possibly help replenish Angie's Beanie collection or help in some way. (One person has informed us that they have sent almost 50 Beanies to her!) I wish to thank everyone, on behalf of Angie and her family, for your kindness and thoughtfulness!

Thursday, March 28, 2002
Beanies given to heroic sister
Girl saved siblings from fire

By Katie Chalmers, Winnipeg Sun
A retired Winnipeg woman has given 60 "special little critters" to a heroic teen she's never met. "They're cute little things and they kind of grab ya," Audrey Wheatland said with a chuckle. "People who collect Beanie Babies kind of feel the same way about them. I enjoyed them and felt like I wanted to pass them on." Wheatland's donation of 60 Beanie Babies is part of about 150 that will be sent from Winnipeg this week to Angie Campbell. Campbell lost her collection when her family's house was gutted by fire on March 3 in Wasaga Beach, Ont. The 14-year-old walked through flames to rescue her brother and sister -- Damon, 4, and sister Mistee, 6 -- who were trapped in the basement. Campbell was released from a Toronto hospital about three weeks ago after suffering second-degree burns to her forearms, hands and lips. Campbell's aunt, Winnipegger Bernadine Daignault, spearheaded a drive to collect Beanie Babies in the city and is overwhelmed by the response. One seven-year-old girl gave 37 Beanie Babies. Another woman gave $300. An anonymous donor gave nine bears.

Campbell, born in Winnipeg, received the Award of Merit from Toronto fire officials. It's only the second time someone other than a firefighter has received the award. She's almost fully recovered -- the bandages have been removed and there is no scarring on her face, yet her hands still ache.
Click here to read the entire article

... Zzzzzzzz
Many collectors are asking ... what are the new Ty releases for April, what do they look like? As you may recall (from an earlier post), new Ty products were on the retail order form. But nothing has been mentioned by Ty (yet) on the site. I have received a lot of speculations and possible reasons. A similar situation happened last month ... guess it's a 'wait and see'. (Personally, I prefer the 'face with a name' method myself!)

And ... Why is (red) America still shown on Ty's main page when it is sold out and can no longer be ordered? Zzzzzzz

... Ty April Wallpaper
Ty has posted the Wallpaper for April, available at the following link:
Click here to view and download April Ty Wallpaper

... (Red) 'America' SOLD OUT
Well, the red version of 'America' wasn't available very long. After a brief mention from an email from Ty a couple of days ago (stating "the latest edition (red) to our "America Trio" is almost gone"), Ty Store states it is now 'sold out'. (I have a feeling this is not an April Fools joke!)
Click here to visit Ty Store

Added Note: Sharon writes: Hi Deb ... I know that many collectors are wondering why (red) America 'sold out' so quickly on Ty Store, some were actually hoping it was an April Fools joke, and even some were wondering if maybe it would be available at Ty retailers since no longer available through Ty Store. A response on the Ty Cyberboard by Ty Store sets the facts straight, and reads:

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
10:35 am EST ... Ty has retired the Canadian Exclusive Beanie Baby Pierre this morning.
Click here to view the announcement