April
1 - 30, 2005
www.doodlespage.com
*************************************************************************
| Saturday, April 30 |
....
As we said yesterday, weekend news (as is sometimes
typical) may be 'quiet as a mouse', but we're surely share any news with
you as it happens! Have a safe and happy weekend!
| Friday, April 29 |
.... Company Donates 'Beary'
Special Gifts to Hospital
Posted by the Herald-Mail Online 4/28/05
HAGERSTOWN - Thanks to the
generosity of local Bon-Ton customers, the company donated 75 plush
bears through its Bears That Care program to Washington County Hospital.
The Herald Bears, an exclusive bear made by Ty Inc., maker of Beanie
Babies, have soft white fur with white glittered wings. During the
2004 holiday season, Bon-Ton sold an exclusive Beanie Baby named Star.
The proceeds went to Bears That Care, an ongoing program that supports
distribution of bears to pediatric patients and children in need.
Click
here to read the story
.... Ty Newsflash - May Releases
Ty has introduced the product releases for May:
Beanie Babies ...
Thomas
(red bear withU.S. flag), Benjamin
(white bear with patriotic hat); John
(with U.S. flag) Click
here to view
Free (eagle
with blue cape), American Blessing
(bear with God Bless America on arms), Cool
Cat (Garfield with sunglasses) Click
here to view
Dad, Cheesly
Click
here to view
Opie
(octopus) Click
here to view
Villager
(moose - Canadian Exclusive) Click
here to view
Beanie Buddies ...
Sam (3
versions - red, white, and blue) Click
here to view
Yapper, Twitch
Click
here to view
Pinkys ...
Sparkles
Click
here to view
Note: Weekend news (as is sometimes
typical) may be 'quiet as a mouse', but we're surely share any news with
you as it happens! Have a safe and happy weekend!
| Thursday, April 28 |
.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: What
was your favorite toy when you were a kid? (submitted
by KitteeCat7790)
A: I had two favorites - my Lincoln Logs and my magnifying glass. I
loved to build and tear down and build again with those logs. And my
magnifying glass made exploring the back yard a real adventure !
Click
here to visit 'Ask Ty'
.... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Today Ty retires four Beanie Babies and two Beanie Buddies:
Beanie Babies - Poet, Always, Peeps,
and (I Love) Colorado
Beanie Buddies - Baby Girl and Baby Boy
Click
here to view the announcement
| Wednesday, April 27 |
.... Ty Newsflash
Earlier this morning, we sniffed something brewing at Ty
Store. Looks like we were right. Ty has introduced 'Smarty'
today ... a Ty Store Exclusive. Many are a bit confused as a
'Smarty' Beanie Baby was introduced by Ty on March 31st. There IS
a slight difference in these two graduation owls. However, we're
wondering ... why not 'Smart-e'???
Click
here to view the announcement
|
|
|
|
Introduced 3/31/05 |
Introduced 4/27/05 |
.... Another Month Goes By, and Then ...
It's hard to believe another month is almost over. Tyme has a
way of slipping by too quickly sometimes. (You gotta love
Springtime!) With this being the last week in April, many
anticipate a few retirements, as well as new releases for May. Of
course, the new May 2005 BBOTM announcement is almost upon us as
well. Do we sniff something around the corner at Ty Store?
:) You may want to keep an eye on the Ty website over the next few
days.
| Tuesday, April 26 |
.... 'Hobo' Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who kindly shares photos of the
Beanie Baby 'Hobo'. She writes:
Hobo the dog with his red
Kerchief finally wandered my way with barely anything left of April.
Made to sit, he does so very well & looks quite dashing.
Style number 40231
Marilyn
| Monday, April 25 |
.... Come and Gone
Collectors anxiously awaited for April 23rd to arrive ... 'Opie'
would be made available for ordering (by phone or on the Sea Center
website). Although a few minor ordering problems surfaced at the
start, they were resolved and some lucky collectors managed to get
through with their order. Today Ty has announced the retirement of
this 'limited edition' Beanie Baby ... the "Ty Warner Sea Center edition" just
announced two days ago. (Rumors have been surfacing of perhaps
another 'version' of this Beanie ... without the Ty Warner Sea Center
inscription in the hang tag? We shall see.)
Rosanne wrote earlier today:
Hi Deb,
I went to the site (www.sbnature.org) Sunday
night around 2 am in the morning. There is a note there stating that you
can no longer order online or by phone. They are sold out. You can only
purchase them now at the Sea Centre. Thought you might be interested.
Here's the note from the site: Rosanne
The
Ty Warner Sea Center Limited Edition Opie™ is sold out for online and
phone orders.
Limited
supply is available in person at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural
History Ty Warner Sea Center.
Click
here to view the retirement announcement
.... Pinky 'Ratzo' Photos
Our special thanks to Cathie, who shares photos of her recently
acquired Pinky 'Ratzo' Beanie received from a friend in the UK.
Guess tyme will tell if and when this Beanie may show up in other
countries. As of yet, it hasn't shown up in the U.S.
| Sunday, April 24 |
.... Serenade Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who shares the following:
For some reason I couldn't send
this yesterday....
In the midst of trying to get thru on the phone to order Opie today, I
received Serenade, the April beanie baby of the month. Worth
waiting for....this wonderful little bird.
Style number 48411
Marilyn
.... More 'Opie' Updates
Following the Grand Opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center yesterday,
and the attempts of many to order 'Opie' through the Center, readers
continue to send along their news in succeeding to order this new Beanie
Baby.
Jeff writes:
Hi Deb!
It sounds like I must have been one of the more luckier ones. I
ordered my Opie at 630 AM CDT through their web site and had absolutely
no problems. My order number was in the 1800s, so others must have
had the same idea (order before much of the country is fully awake) as
me.
Jeff
Mary writes:
Good Morning,
Yesterday I was 1 one the unfortunate ones that couldn't get though to
the opie ordering site or the phone lines. BUT after I checked
your site to see what (was) the latest news, I thought I might try
one more time and to my surprise I was able to complete an on line order
with no problems. So it seems there is hope for others.
I must tell you how I do appreciate all the dedication you and your
staff put into this web site. it seem that I can find out the latest
news and updates here first. Keep up the great work.
Mary P.
Doodle's Note: ... Thanks to
everyone for sharing your experiences with us. Ms. Janie has also
posted some recent photographs of the Sea Center, as well as close-ups
of 'Opie'. You can check them out by clicking
here.
| Saturday, April 23 |
.... Ty Newsflash
Ty officially introduces the "Limited Edition" Beanie Baby
'Opie' the octopus today.
Click
here to view the announcement
To learn more about the Ty Warner Sea Center, click
here
Notes received from readers on ordering Opie:
Several readers have written with their 'luck' with ordering this Beanie
today. (Looks like it was a busy day at the 'order desk'.)
Rosanne writes:
Hi Deb, Just thought I would
let you know that you can't order Opie on line due to technical
difficulties. It's not hard to get through on the phone lines right now
though. They will only let you order one. I was told they would be
shipping them out this coming week. Rosanne
Tammy writes:
Hi Deb, Just wondering if
I am the only one unable to get into the online site to purchase Opie.
An "internal error" message keeps popping up and you can't get
through to them on the phone.............typical for trying to get these
exclusive beanies--very annoying! PLMK Thanks,
Tammy
Update: Hi Deb, Well I finally got through on the phone via
constant redial and lots and lots of patience since I got through one
time and they disconnected me :( Their website crashed due to the
overwhelming response. So the only way to get it right now is on
the phone. Wouldn't you think Ty would have anticipated this??
Oh well just another day in the beanie collecting world. Talk
soon, Tammy
.... CHERISH Auction Updates
Sue Owen writes:
Amid the excitement of trying to order Opie, in England we have been celebrating St George's Day today as well as Shakespeare's birthday (23rd April). CHERISH is offering a St George's Day package on eBay, comprising various England-themed items and of course England Beanie with sweater decorated with an English Rose on one side and the England flag on the other.
Not forgetting the upcoming special day for mothers in most countries except England, I have made another Mothers Day themed sweater, this time for the hard-to-find UK Mum 2005 Beanie. She is wearing a pretty sweater in colours that complement her fur and letters.
If you would like to see more pictures and details of these then please visit www.cherishonline.co.uk and http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZsueQ5fowen
More special items with 'girl appeal' coming on May Day - you will LOVE these pretty packages that will be on offer in aid of research into women's cancers.
After that we
will be offering items in aid of research into men's cancers - looking
ahead to Father's Day there is sure to be something to please Dad in
the line-up!
Thanks as always for your support!
Sue Owen
| Friday, April 22 |
.... Mom-e Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who writes:
I've been waiting
for a little beanie excitement & MOM-e arrived.
Style number 44048
Lovely tissue paper. This time I'm going to fold & put it in a
gallon ziplock bag & label which beanie it came with.
Just got my shipping confirmation for Serenade. A little later
this month than usual.
Marilyn
.... Press Release ('Opie' Update)
Sunday, April 17th, was reportedly a 'members-only preview' of the
new Ty Warner Sea Center, and a chance for members to purchase 'Opie'
the octopus. A Press Release posted today states:
Ty Beanie
Babies(R) Support Sea Center for Ocean Stewardship
Friday April 22, 1:10 pm ET
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural
History Ty Warner Sea Center and 'Limited Edition' Opie(TM) Are 'Born'
on April 23, 2005
The Ty Warner Sea Center limited edition Opie(TM) will be
exclusively sold at the Sea Center starting Saturday, April 23 for $5.95
each. However, members of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
had the exclusive opportunity to purchase Opie(TM) in advance at the
Members-Only Preview of the new Sea Center on Sunday, April 17.
Click
here to read the entire Press Release
| Thursday, April 21 |
.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Will you
be attending the opening of the Ty Warner Sea Center in Santa Barbara?
(submitted by americanmaid)
A: I was lucky enough to get a tour of the Sea Center several months
ago. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend this Saturday's grand
opening event . . . . but I'll be sure to visit next time I'm in Santa
Barbara !
Click
here to visit 'Ask Ty'
| Wednesday, April 20 |
.... 'Opie' Update
It seems that the new and much discussed Ty Warner Sea Center Beanie
Baby 'Opie' is expected to be quite popular. The following
updated ordering information was received by 'Denny' and reported to Ms.
Janie:
Due to the overwhelming
requests and the limited supply of our special edition Opie the Beanie
Babie, we will be limiting online and phone orders to one per person.
You may order online
at www.sbnature.org
or call 805-682-4711
x123 on Saturday,
April 23.
Thank you very much,
Amy Carpenter
Director of Visitor Services
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta del Sol Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-682-4711 x123
acarpenter@sbnature2.org
www.sbnature.org
.... Ty Newsflash - New Beanie Baby
Ty has announced a new Beanie Baby today ... 'Holy Father', in
memory of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. Coming to a Ty retailer
near you soon, this Beanie has a gold hang tag, a gold ribbon, and a gold
dove on his chest. Click
here to view the announcement
 |
|
.... Pinky 'Ratzo'
A special thanks to Cathie, who shares the following:
Hi
Ms.Janie, Deb, Cindy and Anthony...I just received a pinky Ratzo
today...from the UK. This little pink fellow is exactly the same size as
the little purple one! My daughter is on vacation and has my digital
camera...so sadly I can't send you a picture...hope to do so by the
weekend. Haven't heard anything about this little pink guy over
here...but...he does exist and is a cutie! Thought you'd like to know.
Hugs, Cathie;)
| Monday, April 18 |
.... More on 'Opie'
As a follow-up to the news posted on Friday regarding 'Opie' the
octopus, Susan writes:
Hi Deb,
I've been checking the site that you, and others, have posted on the Ty
Warner Sea Center. I had a sneaky feeling, as several others
probably did as well, that this new octopus Beanie would appear on that
site address. Today, the Santa Barbara Museum of History's main
page leads you to a photo of 'Opie'. Just click on the Ty Warner
Sea Center banner at the top of the page. It will take you to the
Sea Center's page and voila! (The video is also interesting - I'd
sure like to visit the Center!) I'll definitely be ordering this
Beanie online on the 23rd. Enjoy, and thanks for all you do for us
collectors. <smile> Susan
 |
The site, which you can
view by clicking
here, states:
Opie's Stats Poem: |
| Sat/Sunday, April 16-17 |
.... Baby Safe Plush Toys Designed from Doodles
I thought this Press Release was
quite interesting! :)
Ex-Broadway Actress, 83,
launches line of stuffed animals via internet
(PRWEB) April 17, 2005
Squinkles, LLC is pleased to announce its wonderfully whacky line of plush
collectables – dozens of squeezable stuffed animals born in the bygone era of
Broadway in the 1940s—can be ordered via the web at Squinkles.net.
“We hope people will warm to them like Beanie Babies and the Cabbage Patch
Kids,” said Helen Alexander, president of Atlanta, Ga.-based Squinkles, whose
so called “cabbage patch” was the theater world of New York City where she
grew up, worked as an actress…and dreamed up the animals. “To me, they’re
magic, like the golden age of Broadway. I like to say they’re ‘stuffed with
attitude.’”
Attitude took Alexander from acting on Broadway to Hollywood to the Deep
South…to her new career as an “elder-preneur” who started her toy business
just shy of turning 80. “You’re never too old to have fun, and make a little
money,” says the part-time real estate agent.
She kicked off her toy business by accident, 62 years after she drew her first
creature. “One of my sons found the drawings in the attic, and my husband,
Cecil, said, why not make them into stuffed animals?”
So, she found a rep, and a dozen animals are available now out of some 80
creatures Helen designed. Beyond select stores, they’re on sale on line for
about $13 each. ”I got excited when I heard a family from New Jersey had
ordered the whole set the other day!” she says. “I hope people will want to
collect them. Each animal has a story behind it.”
Click
here to read the entire article and view photos
| Friday, April 15 |
.... 'Opie' the Octopus
Earlier this morning, Sly posted a note on the Ty Cyberboard of an
Exclusive Beanie Baby named 'Opie'. Reference was made that this
Beanie would be sold at the Ty Warner Sea Center. (See
Wednesday's news below regarding the official opening of the
Center.) The Cyberboard posting reads:
| Thursday, April 14 |
.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
.... Mom-E Photos - CHERISH Update
| Wednesday, April 13 |
.... Ty Warner Sea Center - Opening Soon
Reported by ksby.com 4/13/05
... The sea center facility was named after Ty Warner, the Beanie Babies billionaire and Santa Barbara resident who donated $1.5 million for its construction. In addition to all the exhibits, the sea center has several high-tech features, and is located on one of Santa Barbara's most popular tourist attraction-- Stearns Wharf.
... The Ty Warner Sea Center will officially open on April 23; 120,000 people are expected to visit the sea center this year.
Click
here to read the article
| Tuesday, April 12 |
.... Sing a 'Serenade'
This robin redbreast (what it looks like to us anyway) is an
adorable bird. The
April 2005 Beanie Baby of the Month should be showing up in your mailbox
soon, if you're a BBOTM member. If you're not singing a serenade,
you'll probably surely try when your eyes catch a glance at this
Beanie. Our special thanks to Sakurako of Japan (Bottega
Beanies) who shares a photo
with us of this new addition to her collection.
| Sat/Sunday, April 9-10 |
.... 'Pinky Poo' x 3
Sakurako of Japan (Bottega
Beanies) shares photos of the
three different 'versions' of the Pinky ... 'Pinky Poo'. Included
is the smaller Exclusive version given to retailers who attended the NY
Toy Fair. They are great photos showing a comparison of the
different sizes. The hang tags for each are also shown. (You
can visit her website for more photos.) Thanks for sharing,
Sakurako!
Pinky Poo (larger
size)
Pinky Poo (Beanie size)
Pinky Poo (NY Toy Fair)
.... 'Ty Beanies Tracker' Book - Get Updated, Stay
Updated
Many collectors who have already purchased the 'Ty Beanies Tracker'
book have shown interest in monthly update sheets. Karen (aka
KarenBrit) has announced some news you may be interested in checking
out, including a link for the new ordering form. Click on the link
below for all the details.
| Friday, April 8 |
.... Photos of New Beanies
Our special thanks to Marilyn, who kindly shared photos of her most
recent Beanie excursion ... looks like a very lucky
"Beanie-day" for her! She writes:
We
Do Beanie Babies
Bandage
Beanie Baby
Baby
Girl - Baby Boy Beanie Babies
Smarty
Beanie Baby
Happy
Birthday Beanie Baby (new smaller size)
Top
Dog Buddy
| Thursday, April 7 |
.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website ...
Perhaps a "Pinky" in Ty Store soon?
.... Garfield and Friends
.... Contest Time at Collectiblezspot| Wednesday, April 6 |
.... Resistance Overcome
Most collectors know ... when the moment of seeing THAT certain
Beanie arrives, the resistance level lowers. It's often the
"I HAVE TO HAVE" that follows once the eyes spot it.
Marilyn writes:
Click
here to view Marilyn's photos (Pinky 'Frilly' and Buddy 'Mom')
.... Retired?
Susan writes:
Hi Deb, I have an interesting question, I think LOL I noticed
on Ty's site that the BBOC Bear SNIPS is listed as retired. I've
searched all over the internet at different Beanie websites and don't
see where anyone has listed SNIPS as retired. I think this
is perhaps a mistake in the listing by Ty???? This is the Beanie
that came with the Memory Box, and it appears that BBOC members can
still order it. I'm just confused. Can you help? Have
a GREAT day!!!!!!!! Luv, Susan
... Thanks for writing,
Susan. Unless I totally missed an announcement, I don't have any
news of this Beanie retiring. It seems to be a bit early for a
BBOC retirement? Snips was introduced on December 1. 2004.
Perhaps someone can offer additional information to help clear up the
confusion.
.... (Silent) Retirements
Ty Store has been a bit busy lately. Today three silent
retirements (no official newsflash) are noted in
Ty Store. Now retired
are Beanie Buddy 'Bonnet', Beanie Baby 'Bonnet', and Beanie Baby
'Masque'.
.... Bay Star Bruth Teenie Beanie Bopper
A special thanks to Sakurako of Japan (Bottega
Beanies) who shares
photos of the new Teenie Beanie Bopper 'Bay Star Bruth'. This
Teenie Bopper was officially introduced on Ty's website on March 10,
2005. This Bopper was recently available at the Opening Game of
the Bay Star Bruths at Yokohama Stadium. The birthday and hometown
have been added to our Beanie
Boppers page.
(Additional photos can be viewed on Sakurako's website.)
.... Ratzo Duo
Our friend Rosanne, from Canada, shares a photo of her recently
acquired 'Ratzo' Pinky, along with the Ratzo Beanie Baby.
... Thanks for sharing,
Rosanne. They're a precious duo! Too cute!
| Tuesday, April 5 |
.... Ty Newsflash - Ty Store Exclusive
Ty introduces a Mother's Day Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby today
... 'MOM-e'. (While visiting Ty Store, notice Ty is again offering
the Beanie Baby cases!)
Click
here to view the announcement
.... Ty Newsflash - 'Ty Beanies Tracker' Book
Ty introduces and makes available, through Ty Store, the much talked
about new book ... 'Ty Beanies Tracker'. I have purchased this
book, through 'KarenBrit', and can personally tell you ... it is
definitely a must-have for keeping track of your collection. I
love it !
Click
here to view the announcement
.... Ty Newsflash - (I Love) Beanies Intro
After silently placing three new (I Love) Beanie Babies in the
'current list' on the Ty site on Friday, April 1st, Ty has officially
announced these new Bears in a Newsflash today. Welcome ... (I
Love) Tennessee, (I Love) Las Vegas, and (I Love) New Jersey.
Click
here to view the announcement
.... FTD and Ty
FTD and Ty have teamed up again in presenting a special Mother's Day
offer ... One dozen mixed roses, along with 'Mom 2005' Beanie
Baby. The following details are noted on the FTD website:
Brighten up Mother's Day
with this combination of mixed medium stem roses and this adorable
collectible TY® Beanie Baby® Mom 2005™ bear. This one dozen rainbow
bouquet of roses is the perfect way to celebrate this special occasion.
Your roses will arrive wrapped and ready for the recipient to arrange in
their own special way. To ensure the freshest bouquet, your flowers will
be delivered by FedEx® next day service. FTD.com has selected the best
growers who take great pride in demanding only the finest flowers for
you. Your purchase includes a FREE personalized gift message.
Click
here to visit the FTD website
... Thanks to Ms
Janie for sharing this news
| Monday, April 4 |
.... 'Dad' Beanie Baby
Thanks to Robin, who shares the following:
Deb, Don't know if you know it, but
Cindy's Beans website has a picture posted of a Dad 2005 Beanie
Baby. Guess Ty will be introducing this one soon, in time for
Fathers' Day in June. I must admit, this Bear looks adorable and
should make an awesome couple when paired with Mom 2005. They look
very similar in style. Hope you have a great week. Thanks
for all you do for us collectors!! Luv, Robin
... Thanks for sharing,
Robin. You can visit the website by clicking on the link below.
| Sat/Sunday, April 2-3 |
.... Simple Bookkeeping Software
Maida from 'Simple Bookkeeping shares the following:
| Friday, April 1 |
.... Silent Introductions - (I Love) Bears
Our special thanks to Sandra, who writes:
Hi Deb, I noticed this afternoon that
Ty has posted (in the current Beanie section) three NEW "I
Love" Bears. Two of them are state bears (New Jersey and
Tennessee) and one is a city bear (Las Vegas). They are
adorable! Can't wait til Ty makes a South Carolina one :D
Thanks for keeping us collectors informed through your website.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend - don't let anyone play a April Fools'
joke on you today!!! Luv, Sandra
... Thanks for
sharing, Sandra. We hadn't noticed these new
additions! Eventually, Ty will (presumably) introduce ALL 50
U.S. states. Perhaps your state will be SOON!
|
|
|
|
|
(I
Love) New Jersey |
(I Love)
Tennessee |
(I Love) Las
Vegas |
.... April BBOTM 2005
Today Ty introduces the April Beanie Baby of the Month 2005 ...
'Serenade'. Members of the BBOTM should expect to find this
adorable bird in their mailbox soon.
Poem:
I hope the neighbors don't
complain
When I'm outside your windowpane
I'll sing and play a song or two
A serenade that's just for you !
Click
here to view the announcement
.... April Desktop Wallpaper
Ty has posted the desktop wallpaper / calendar for April.
Click
here to view and download on Ty's website
