August 1 - 31, 2004
www.doodlespage.com

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  ...  Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Bunga Raya, Ferny, Mugungwha, Sakura II, Vanda, and Wattlie were first introduced by Ty on September 17, 2002.  All the Buddies, excluding Sakura II, were retired on November 5, 2003.  Ty has finally retired the "Japan Exclusive" Sakura II today.
Click here to view the announcement 


  ...  Welcome Back, CollectiblezSpot
Ryan writes:
Hello Pals,
After many months of being offline, CollectiblezSpot is excited to be back online August 30th!
If things go smoothly, our new site will be available to view by 3:00 am PST, tomorrow (30th).
It will be great to be back “in” the collectibles community.  When available, two important links are:
http://www.collectiblezspot.net – link to website
http://www.collectiblezspot.net/launch.asp - link to welcome back message with new features
3 New contests will be available at launch as well.
Regards from a pal,
Ryan Johnson

  ...  (I Love) Denver Silently 'Introduced'

The (I Love) Denver Beanie is listed as current on Ty's website. The Mountains almost touch the sky That's why we call it "Mile High" There's more to do here than just ski Making Denver a great city ! The Denver Show runs August 28 - 31 in Denver, Colorado.

  ...  Another Ty Trademark Application
Thumb Buddies?  Could these be finger puppets?  Sly reports to Ms. Janie that on August 19, 2004, Ty applied for a trademark registration on 'Thumb Buddies' and listed 'plush toys' as the goods and services.


  ...  New "I Love (city/state) Bears ... and More!
Thanks to Cathie, who points out to us that Cindy's Beans has posted images of "presale" City/State Beanies not yet announced on Ty's site.  It has, however, been reported that these are in the latest issue of Ty's Beanies & More magazine.

The Beanies shown are:
Boston
California
Colorado
Denver
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Massachusetts
Minnesota
New York State
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Washington

(It is 'rumored' that there will eventually be a bear for EACH state!)

New Beanie Babies for Columbus Day?  Interested in what's soon to come from Ty?  We won't give it away, for those who enjoy the anticipation.  But if you wish to catch a hint, click here to read a Ty Cyberboard post.

Click here to view the announcement 
and locate a Ty retailer near you!

  ...  New "Special Collection of Beanies"
Ty has responded with an interesting answer to an 'Ask Ty' question today.
Q: Can you tell us a secret? (submitted by thunderroadrider)
A: You know I don't normally tell secrets but this time I'll make an exception. Here you go . . .  I am introducing a very special collection of Beanies on August 30th ! Remember, this is a secret - mum's the word.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 

Doodle's Note:  "Mum" is known to be a British / Canadian pronunciation.  Perhaps an exclusive line to one of these countries?  Was that a hint ?
OR ... the rumored SpongeBob and his friends? ... Squeekies? ... Your thoughts to his comment? ............ We'd love to hear from you!



  ...  Pooky Photo
Cathie shares her photos of Pooky, the recently introduced Beanie Baby 'member' of the 'Garfield family'.  Pooky was released by Ty on August 16th.  (Thanks for sharing, Cathie)

  ...  "Sold Out"
Ty has announced that 'Seattle' is "sold out".  Click here to view the announcement.  (Today is the last day of the Seattle Gift Show.)  Today is also the last day of the Montreal Show in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.  The Denver Show is next ... August 28 - 31 - in Denver, Colorado.



  ...  New Ty Trademark Application
Sly reports to Ms. Janie of a new Ty Trademark application.  On August 12, 2004, Ty applied to register a trademark on the word "Squeekies".  Now just what could THAT be?  ... a new product line? ... a new Beanie Baby?  We shall see with 'tyme'.

Tuesday, August 24

  ...  Lists Updated
Our City / State Bears and Beanie Baby of the Month lists have been updated.  (Links to all our other lists can be found on the main page.)  We welcome any input you may have in regards to additions and/or corrections.  It's a time consuming job and sometimes a bit difficult to keep them all updated.



  ...  'Chompers' Arrives
The August 'Beanie Baby of the Month' - Chompers - is now arriving.  If you are a BBOTM member, you should find this Beanie in your mailbox soon.  Thanks to Cathie for sharing her photos.

Chompers
August 2004
With an awesome smile like mine
You can see how my teeth shine
I brush each day and every night
So my toothy grin is bright !

Hi Deb
Daphne suggested I drop you a mail and ask if you could mention a competition CHhugs is running?  We have had some licences for Barty-VB Software donated and we are running a competition on the Bears and Beans Forum.  It is great because as well as being a bit of fun it is helping to raise awareness of CHhugs and spread the news to a few more people!  So, if you would consider a mention we would be really grateful.  It's ten simple questions and a tie breaker, and you can find the link at www.BearsAndBeans.com In the Forum, CHhugs section, Competition Topic.  If you need any more info please don't hesitate to ask!

Many thanks for your help!
Best Wishes
Shelley

... Thanks for sharing, Shelley.  For those who are interested in a little 'background history', we have a page from several years ago that will provide you with additional info on CHhugs.
Click here for CHhugs history 



  ...  Ole - "nombre" vs "nobre"
If you are the owner of 'Ole' Beanie Baby, you may want to check the hang tag.  Sue reports to Ms. Janie of two 'versions' of the hang tag ... 'nombre' being the correct spelling of the word.  You can check out both tags on her site by clicking here. 



  ...  New Beanies
It's hard to believe that Fall is just around the corner and the leaves will soon be changing color.  And it looks like Ty is preparing for Halloween.  Mentioned a few days ago, Halloweenie Beanies, and new Beanie Babies and Buddies, are on the horizon.  Ms. Janie points us to Cindys Beans ... who has posted some photos (if you wish to take a quick peek at what's coming soon!)

Friday, August 20

  ...  'Speckles' - Signed by Bill Gates

Sue Owen writes us after making a trip to the Microsoft Campus in Reading, UK.   'Speckles' (the first e-Beanie) has been signed by Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Softwear Architect of Microsoft Corporation.  For a full story and photos, we have posted the information on a separate page (which you can view by clicking here).



  ...  It's a 'Victory' Beanie!
Sakurako of Bottega Beanies also shares photos of 'Victory', the Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby introduced on Friday, August 13th.  Victory's birthday is July 9, 2004.

  ...  10th vs 25th Year Happy Meal Bear
Sakurako of Bottega Beanies has posted some great photos of this year's McDonalds' Teenie Beanie Babies.  Below are photos showing the comparison of the 10 Years Bear (Canada version) vs 25 Years Bear (USA version) Happy Meal Bear.  (Thanks for sharing these photos with us, Sakurako!) You may want to visit her site to check out more pictures.

Happy Meal 10 Years Bear Canada

Happy Meal 25 Years Bear USA

  ...  Photos of 'Pooky'
One of the new Beanie Babies introduced by Ty - 'Pooky' of the Garfield 'gang' - is now beginning to show up at retail stores.  Ms. Janie has several photos posted of this new Bear, along with a great comparison photo of 'Garfield' vs 'Pooky'.  You can definitely tell the difference in the size of these two Beanies.
Click here to view the photo 

  ...  Upcoming Shows
The next two Gift Shows begin on Saturday:
Columbus  Gift Show, Dublin, OH ... August 21 - 23
Seattle Gift Show, Seattle, WA ... August 21 - 25
Click here to visit our City / State Bear page (with Gift Show Schedule)



  ...  Ty / FTD Convention Beanie Baby
A reader shares a photo with Ms. Janie of the 'Shasta' Beanie Baby from the Ty / FTD Convention, which was held July 26 - 28 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Click here to view the photo 

  ...  Info on 'Snow Angel' Classic
Our friend Sakurako of Bottega Beanies (Japan) shares the following information regarding the new Classic Exclusive 'Snow Angel'.  (Shared with minor translation).

Dear Deb,
Hi,  Hope you are well.  I have a little news on the Mitsukoshi 100 years Exclusive Ty Classic 'Snow Angel'.  The birthday is December 20, 2004; the hang tag is with a Japanese poem.  It is with a plastic case with Ty heart logos ... I wonder if the cases were made for 'Snow Angel'?  'Snow Angel' will be sold on September 7th at the Mitsukoshi Department Stores for the celebration of it's 100 year Anniversary.  It will also be available on the Mitsukoshi website.  I'm glad Snow Angel has a Japanese poem in the hang tag.  Price is 2100 yen....including tax.  Regards from Sakurako

... Thanks for sharing your news, Sakurako.  Although further clarification is needed, it is my understanding that Snow Angel is available only to those in Japan.

Added Note:  Thanks to Sakurako for clarifying a question regarding the "plastic case".  She  states": It does not come with a plastic case but with a gift box with a small plastic window".  She also shares that you can view a picture of this bear on the Mitsukoshi Dept. Store website. 



  ...  More New Beanies?
New holiday Beanie Babies may be just around the corner.  Posted on the Ty Cyberboard are names of possible new releases.

Even more NEW BEANIES on the way.
Ratzo 2007   (Aug 17, 2004, 08:50 AM)
Message Id: 807984
I have been told that they are on recent order forms, and now I will try to check it out for myself. The Holiday Beanies and Buddies are technically not confirmed until someone has an order form with proof or until I see it for myself like I did with Pooky, but I was told that these are the releases for next month:

BEANIE BABIES:
Count the Dracula bear (wearing a cape and has fangs)
Gordon the pumpkin (may be spelled Gourdon, I don't know. I heard that it does not have legs and feet like Pumkin'. This one's a real fruit.)
Little Feathers the Thanksgiving bear (wearing an Indian headset and moccasins)
Shivers the ghost (a mix of orange and white, looks nothing like Sheets but might be like Spooky)
Possibly another new turkey, no name given

The following new Beanie Buddies are also mentioned:
Hoot
Lurkey
Nightmare (I heard it was a black dragon, never been a Beanie)
Frankenteddy
Sting
Click here to read the Ty Cyberboard post 



  ...  Beanie Goldmine
If you've been collecting Beanie Babies for several years, you'll probably relate to this story.  Ah, what memories!   ....

Beanie Goldmine
It all started with a pink flamingo - Pinky the Beanie Baby flamingo, to be exact.

"We have a sister who doesn't like flamingos," Jane Bronson said," "so when we saw Pinky we had to buy him for her. We emailed her and said something scary was coming."

"She didn't know if she should tear down the mailbox or shoot the mailman!"

That was in 1997.

Jane and her sister, Mavis Lentz, were recently featured in a national collectors' magazine, "Ty Beanies and More."

"Between us we've got 3,000 Beanies, Teeny Beanies and everything in between," Mavis said. "We just went berserk."

Shopping for Beanies became the sisters' time to spend together. Mavis and her husband live in Renville; Jane resides in Redwood Falls.

"We'd do five or six towns at one crack," Mavis said.

... "One winter, Ron's Hallmark had gotten Beanies and there was a line all the way down the block and around the corner," Jane said.

"We sat out there on lawn chairs and covered up with blankets for an hour-and-a- half," Mavis added..

Click here to read the entire article 

Monday, August 16

  ...  'Discover' in Current List
The new Beanie Baby 'Discover', mentioned in yesterday's news, silently appears in Ty's current Beanie Baby list today.



  ...  Ty Newsflash(es)

Ty officially introduces the Garfield Beanie Baby 'Pooky' today. Click here to view the announcement

Ty also introduces the M.C. Beanie IV, a Ty MasterCard Exclusive Beanie Baby. Click here to view the announcement

... Thanks to all who sent the news of these two introductions.

  ...  Beanie Babies Still Sell Well
Monday, August 16, 2004
Beanie Babies still sell well -- but at lower prices
Gannett News Service

Barbara Kingston said goodbye recently to Claude, a tie-dyed crab, and a retired shark named Crunch. She sold the Ty Beanie Babies for $1.75 each, less than one-third of their regular retail price.

They were among the last nine remaining beanbag toys on the shelves at the Paper Mill in Fort Myers, Fla. -- a store that in its Beanie Baby heyday sold the squishy little critters by the thousand for $5.95 a pop.

Beanie Babies were that rare thing: an affordable collectible that practically everyone could relate to because they were characters with names and birthdates.

... Even though the fad has passed, an estimated $750 million worth of Beanie Babies were sold in 2002, according to Hoovers Online. Details about the privately owned company headed by H. Ty Warner and based in Oakbrook, Ill., are scarce. They're still traded on the Internet and on eBay, but not at the sky-high prices they once commanded.

... Hoovers Online reports since 1993 Ty has produced more than 365 different Beanie Babies with colorful names such as Punxsutawney Phil (current) and Cheeks the baboon (retired).

Click here to read the article 

Sunday, August 15

  ...  New Beanies Coming
Looks like the introduction of a few new Beanies may be just around the corner.  A post of the Ty Cyberboard  mentions a few new names on the Info Beanie Candidate list ... 'Discover' and 'Big Apple' (presumably the new Beanie to debut at the NY Gift Show, which begins today).
Click here to view the Info Beanie List  

Update:  Shown in the Info Beanie Voting Poll  are "Big Apple" (shown with an apple and "New York" on its chest); and "Discover" (with Canadian flags).  "Big Apple" is also listed in Ty's Current List (click here for 'Big Apple'). (Click here for 'Discover')  
... Thanks to Randy, Susan, Ryan, and Robin for sending us this info!

Big Apple  As the city's lights shine bright New York City is such a sight The apple of our nation's eye Once you're there you won't ask why !

Discover Canada, so proud and true I pledge my loyalty to you Land of the north, so brave and free There's no place that I'd rather be !

  ...  Two Gift Shows Begin Today
Alberta Gift Show - Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (August 15 - 18)
NY Gift Show - New York, NY (August 15 - 19)

Saturday, August 14

  ...  Volunteer Center Distributing 15,000 Toys
Randy sends the following story from his local paper:

Nonprofit agency getting donated Beanie Boppers
Dan Douglas, executive director of Owensboro's Volunteer Center, doesn't look like Santa Claus. But he's playing the part this summer.

The Volunteer Center is distributing 15,552 Teenie Beanie Boppers -- a retail value of $77,760 -- to 25 area nonprofit agencies.

The agencies are places like MentorKids Kentucky -- which used to be Quest for Kids, and before that, Big Brothers/Big Sisters.

"It's wonderful," said Michelle Parker, administrative assistant for the agency. "We ordered two cartons -- 288 dolls. We'll be giving them to our kids as birthday presents. This should be a two-year supply for us."

Having the 12-inch soft-sculpted dolls to send as birthday greetings "is a great way to keep in touch with our clients without calling them," she said. "And it's something good we can do for them."

Douglas said the Volunteer Center is an affiliate of Gifts In Kind, an international agency that takes products from corporations and distributes them to nonprofit organizations.

Dan Douglas, executive director of the Volunteer Center, has several Teenie Beanie Boppers dolls covering him head to toe Friday morning at the Executive Inn Rivermont. Douglas said there are 15,552 Teenie Beanie Boppers the Volunteer Center will be distributing to 25 area nonprofit agencies. Their names include Hat-Trick Hunter, Pretty Penelope and Jazzy Jessie.

Click here to read the entire story 



  ...  Sponge Bob Square Pants Beanies?
Several weeks ago, rumors were that Ty is planning on introducing several Beanie Babies affiliated with 'Sponge Bob'.  True?  We'll wait and see.  However, a reader has shared some information with Ms. Janie ... possible new Beanies? -  Sponge Bob Square Pants, Patrick, Squidwerd, Sandy Cheeks, and Mr. Krabs.  For additional info, you can check it out on Ms. Janies' site. 



  ...  Comparison of NY Yankees Buddies
So what is the difference between the NY Yankees Game Exclusive Beanie Buddies ... 'Centennial'  (2003) and 'World Class' (2004)?  Our friend Sakurako has shared some great photos showing the comparisons of both Buddies.

NY Yankees Game Exclusive 'Centennial' Button

NY Yankees Game Exclusive 'World Class' Button

As you may also be aware, In addition to the variance in the buttons, 'World Class' also has the Ty logo and 'August 8, 2004; on the right foot.  For additional photos, you can visit Sakurako's site, Bottega Beanies. 



  ...  Happy Birthday to Ms. Janie !


Yes, it's Ms. Janie's birthday today, August 14th!

Ms. Janie - We all wish you a very special day!  We admire your dedication and treasure your friendship.

Click here to visit Ms. Janie's site  
While visiting, you may want to send her birthday wishes!!!



  ...  Whoa, Baby!
NY Post
August 14, 2004
The $675 million sale of the landmark Plaza Hotel announced yesterday is a landmark deal, too: It's the highest price ever paid on a per-room basis in New York City hotel history, and more than twice what Donald Trump sold it for in 1995.

Lodging Investment Advisors hotel analyst Sean Hennessey said the roughly $840,000 Elad Properties is paying for each of the Plaza's 808 rooms tops the $743,000 per room Beanie Babies founder Ty Warner paid for the Four Seasons on East 57th Street in 1999.

Click here to read the article 



  ...  Garfield Returning ... along with Pooky?
Posted on the Ty Cyberboard:
CONFIRMED... New Garfield Beanie coming. Pooky the teddy bear.
Ratzo 2007   (Aug 13, 2004, 05:22 PM)
Message Id: 804789
Ratzo 2007 writes:
I have seen it on the new order forms that were sent out today. Garfield is back in stock and there is a 7th one now, Pooky the teddy bear. It is a nice looking Beanie. This is not a rumor, this is fact. You heard it here first.
Click here to read the Ty Cyberboard post  

Friday, August 13

  ... Ty Newsflash - New Ty Store Exclusive
Along with the beginning of the Summer 2004 Olympics, Ty has introduced 'Victory', a Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby.

Always strive to do your best
And put your heart into the quest
With a drive you can't deny
You can reach the highest high !

Click here to view the announcement 

Thursday, August 12

  ... Happy Birthday, Daphne!
Daphne Roberts, editor of 'Bean Bag & Collectables' Magazine, celebrates a birthday today.  It's our wish for a special day for her.  Daphne, may your day be filled with joy and LOTS of chocolate! :)  Happy Birthday!



  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: How many Gold Medals do you think the U.S. teams will win at the Olympics? (submitted by dietpop)
A: The last U.S. Olympic team won 10 Gold Medals. This year I predict 12, and let me tell you where I think we have the best chances. Michael Phelps is an extraordinary swimmer, so I think he may win 3 to 4 medals all by himself. The women's softball, gymnastics, and basketball teams all can do very well in this year's Olympics. How many Gold do you think the U.S. team will bring home ?
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 



  ...  Ty Warner Purchases Montecito Country Club
Associated Press Wire ... 
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (AP) - Beanie Babies magnate Ty Warner has purchased the venerable Montecito Country Club from a Japanese firm.

Warner paid about $40 million for the 105-acre country club, which includes a golf course and historic clubhouse with sweeping views of the Santa Barbara and Montecito coast, said Greg Rice, president of Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts.

Rice said the deal was finalized Wednesday with Tsukamoto Sogyo Co. of Tokyo, which had owned it since 1973. In recent years, Warner has purchased the Four Seasons Biltmore Resort, San Ysidro Ranch, the Sandpiper Golf Course in Goleta and several Montecito homes.

Click here to read the entire article 



  ...  Ty Newsflash - August Retirements
Today, Ty has retired a Beanie Baby (M.C. Beanie III) and a Beanie Buddy (Sneaky).  (Sneaky is one of the "oldest" Buddies that had still remained 'current', being introduced on July 10, 2000.  Large and X-Large Schweetheart were also introduced on this date, and still remain 'current'.)
Click here to view the announcement  

Click here to visit our Beanie Buddy History 

Wednesday, August 11

 ...  Cherish Auction (Update)
Following yesterday's news of the latest Cherish eBay auction, Sue writes:

My knitting needles have been busy today, making the Ronald McDonald themed sweater as promised to add to the CHERISH auction for the set of Teenie Beanies plus extras: Click here to view the auction  I have attached photos of the front and back of the sweater...not having the good fortune to own the regular size Ronald McDonald myself I had to improvise with the model (who is not included in the auction). Any guesses as to which Beanie this is? Best wishes and thanks for your support, Sue

... Thanks for sharing, Sue!  What a fantastic job you've done on the sweater!



 ...  Ty Newsflash - Two Beanie Baby Retirements
Ty has announced the retirement of two Beanie Babies today ... 'Ronnie' and '(I Love) Atlanta'.
Click here to view the announcement 

Note:  The 'Atlanta' Bear was introduced at the Atlanta Gift Show (July 9-13) and is the first of the City/State Bears (excluding NY) to officially retire.  'Atlanta' was announced as 'sold out' on July 13th.
Click here to visit our City / State Bear page

Tuesday, August 10

 ...  "Sold Out"
Last Wednesday, August 4th, Ty announced that the black poodle Beanie Baby "Bijoux" was "sold out".  Added to that list today, Ty announces that 'Twitch', (I Love) Kansas City, and (I Love) Minneapolis are also sold out.
Click here to view the announcement  



 ...  Cherish Auction Update
Sue Owen (for 'Cherish'/Cancer Research in the UK) has a set of 2004 Teenie Beanie Babies on eBay (UK).  The auction is for a complete set of the Teenie Beanies (U.S. version), plus a 'Happy Meal Bear' Teenie Beanie (Canadian version), a Happy Meal box, and Activity box (U.S.)  The auction is open to UK bidding only.

Sue also adds: I am delighted to report that the CHERISH auction for the set of McDonalds Teenie Beanies and extras has received bids over £30! Therefore I have designed the bonus sweater as promised. It will fit a regular size Beanie and is now included with the rest of the goodies in the auction.  Once I have knitted the sweater in the next couple of days its photograph will be added to the auction description. In the meantime here is my sketch of the design. Click here to view the auction.

 ...  Ty Newsflash - New Classic
Ty has introduced 'Snow Angel' - "Available Exclusively at Mitsukoshi Department Store, Japan ... On sale September 7th".

 Click here to view the announcement  

Monday, August 9

 ...  Grandmother and Grandfather are Arriving
Last Tuesday, August 3rd, two new Ty Store Exclusives were introduced ... 'Grandmother' and 'Grandfather'.  You might want to check your mailbox soon if you ordered this cute pair of Beanies!   Below is a photo shared by Sakurako of Bottega Beanies (Japan); more photos can be viewed on her site.  (Thanks for sharing, Sakurako!)

Grandfather September 12, 2004 My grandfather is brave and strong He teaches me what's right and wrong I hope someday that I can be Just half as wonderful as he !

Grandmother September 12, 2004 When your grandmother hugs  you tight You know that everything's alright And for that sweet and loving touch Tell her you love her very much !

 ...  Punxsutawney Phil
Randy writes:
The Punxsutawney Phil souvenir website has been redesigned and the Punxsutawney Phil Beanie Baby is still listed available among the Official Groundhog Souvenirs. This is the Ty store version of the Beanie that was sent to the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce by Ty to sell when they ran out of the retail version.

Only six bucks plus $5.95 for shipping and handling.

Click here to visit the Punxsutawnet Phil website
 


 ...  Extra Bonuses For MasterCard International Cardholders
THE on-going Malaysian Mega Sale Carnival will feature extra bonuses for MasterCard International cardholders with beanie bears and plush hearts available as part of an instant reward redemption programme.

“All a customer has to do is to charge a minimum of RM300 to redeem a pair of Plush Hearts and RM600 for a pair of Beanie Bears,” said MasterCard International vice-president and senior country manager (Malaysia and Brunei) Jim Cheah.
Click here to read the article 



 ... Press Release
MARVEL & RUSS JOIN TO PRODUCE PLUSH LINE OF PRODUCTS
Marvel Enterprises, Inc., (NYSE: MVL) a global character-based entertainment licensing company, announced today that it is consolidating important sub-categories of its toy licensing business with industry leader Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (NYSE: RUS) for the plush and gift categories in the specialty markets. This new arrangement furthers Marvel's category management strategy, whereby Marvel seeks to enhance the potential market for its licensed products by selecting top-caliber partners who can expand the marketing and promotional support for Marvel-licensed product lines. The agreement was announced by Tim Rothwell, Marvel Enterprises' President Worldwide Consumer Media Group, and Andy Gatto, President and CEO, Russ Berrie and Company, Inc.

Pursuant to the agreement, Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (RUSS) will now produce and market under a global, multi-year license agreement plush items and gift category products for several premiere Marvel character franchises including Spider-Man, X-Men, Fantastic Four, Thor, Iron Man, the Incredible Hulk, Captain America, Daredevil, Silver-Surfer, Namor, and Marvel's pre-school line, Spider-Man and Friends.

RUSS' initial Marvel offering will include an assortment of Spider-Man plush items as well as other gift category products. Merchandise is expected to be available in retail outlets in time for the Holiday 2004 season.

Andy Gatto commented, "We are delighted to be working with Marvel Enterprises in this new business venture. By creating an extensive line of products based on Marvel's classic characters, RUSS has a wonderful opportunity to add another dimension to the enjoyment by fans of these Super Heroes. We look forward to creating unique merchandise that will please the legion of loyal Marvel fans and at the same time drive traffic into the stores of our many retailers around the world."

"RUSS is the premiere name in the plush toy and gift industries," said Tim Rothwell. "As Marvel further establishes itself as one of the entertainment industry's marquee licensors, we are establishing long-term relationships with category leaders who can garner the most significant retail space, provide the strongest sales and marketing support and produce the highest quality, exciting product mix. RUSS is that type of partner who will be instrumental in helping us greatly expand our worldwide presence in the gift and specialty market."

RUSS will develop unique lines of plush and gift products tailored to its various channels of distribution including gift, specialty, drug and grocery stores, department stores, duty free shops, flower shops and military post exchanges.

... Thanks to Randy for sharing the above news



 ...  Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has retired the Ty Europe Exclusive 'Pompey' Beanie Baby today.

Click here to view the announcement 

Sunday, August 8

 ...  NY Yankees Buddy Giveaway

As earlier reported, the 2004 NY Yankees / Ty Beanie Buddy giveaway is scheduled for today, August 8th.  The NY Yankees website posted a photo of this Buddy on July 22nd, followed by 'rumor' of the name 'World Class' on July 29th. Click here to view the NY Yankees promo page  Update:  'World Class', the NY Yankees Exclusive Beanie Buddy, has been introduced on Ty's website today ... "available Game Day only at Yankee Stadium, August 8, 2004".  The Ty logo, and the date August 8, 2004, are on the right foot of this Bear Buddy. Click here to view the announcement on Ty's website

Doodle's note:  This is the first Buddy to be introduced by Ty since June 30th, when Ty introduced Booties, Carnation, and Zeus.  Prior to that Hero and Valor were introduced on May 28th, the only two new releases in May.  (19 Beanie Buddies have been introduced by Ty so far this year.)

Update:  Ty has retired 'World Class' this afternoon. Click here to view the announcement

Saturday, August 7

 ...  Two New City/State Bears
Ty has listed two new (I Love) Bears on the site as 'current' ... (I Love) Kansas City and (I Love) Minneapolis.

I Love 'Kansas City'

I Love 'Minneapolis'

Click here to view Kansas City on Ty' site
Click here to view Minneapolis on Ty' site

Our apologies for a slight delay in posting the news.
A last minute decision and we headed to the coast for a couple of days.

Friday, August 6

 ...  Upcoming Shows
The next two Shows, Kansas City and Minneapolis, begin tomorrow.  The dates and locations are:
Kansas City Gift Show, Overland Park, KS -  August 7 - 10
Minneapolis Gift Show, Bloomington, MN   -  August 7 - 10

Look for (I Love) 'Kansas City' and (I Love) 'Minneapolis' Bears just around the corner?

Click here to view our City/State Bear page, with Gift Show schedules 



 ...  Tiny Toys, Big Smiles
Tiny toys, big smiles: You don't have to be a kid to appreciate 25 years of McDonald's Happy Meals
MetroWest Daily News
Friday, August 6, 2004

Sharon Wiest gently dumped a bag onto a tabletop at McDonald's and the contents immediately made whirrs of protest.

There were windup toys, a McNugget that did backflips, menu staples that transformed into dinosaurs, Barbie in a McDonald's uniform. A colorful Furby held court beside a Cabbage Patch kid, Spiderman and the latest edition to Wiest's collection, a pair of Teenie Beanie Bears representing the Hamburglar and Ronald McDonald.

Click here to read the article  

Thursday, August 5

 ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Did you go to a McDonald's to get a Teenie Beanie? (submitted by Skittlez)
A: I certainly did . . . and I received a boxed set from my friends at McDonald's.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 



 ...  M.C. Anniversary 3rd Edition Beanie
On Tuesday, August 3rd, Ty introduced the new Ty MasterCard M.C. Annniversary 3rd Edition Bear.   This new Bear is already being received by Ty MasterCard members who qualify to receive this Bear.  A photo of this new Beanie can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Click here to view the Ty MasterCard M.C. Anniv. 3rd Ed Bear 

... News shared by Ms. Janie 

Added note:  (8/6/05) Doodle's note:  The Bears pictured in the above link are actually the first and second M.C. Beanies.  The 3rd edition M.C. Bear will have the number '3' on it.  Thanks to Kathy for pointing this out to us!



 ...  FTD Shasta Beanie Baby
The FTD Convention was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, July 26 - 28.  At this convention, an 'FTD Shasta Beanie Baby' was displayed, with an additional heart-shaped hang tag reading "TY and FTD ... A SURE BET !"  A reader has sent a photo to Ms. Janie, which you can view by clicking here.



 ...  Japanese Promotion
Sakurako of Bottega Beanies shares news of one of the latest Japan Promotional Beanie Babies by a Japanese Ty Retailer, 'Splash and Sammy'.  The promotion was held on August 1st and "sold out quickly".  She shares photos of this store's 4th Anniversary Promotion Peace Bear ... the 3rd  Anniversary Splash and Sammy was last year at this same time.  (33 pieces were sold last year ... 44 were sold this year.)  Collectors were allowed to buy only one per person, at 5,000 yen (tax included).  This promotion Peace bear was only sold at 'Splash and Sammy' in Osaka, with accessories designed by "Devilrobots".  (Each Bear has an additional hang tag.)  (Thank you, Sakurako!)

Additional photos can be viewed by
clicking here 

Wednesday, August 4

 ...  'Pittsburgh' Sold Out

The Pittsburgh Gift Show was held August 1 - 4, 2004.  Today, Ty has announced the (I Love) Pittsburgh Beanie Baby has 'sold out'. Click here to view

 ...  Ty Newsflash - "Sold Out"

To the surprise of many, Ty has announced that 'Bijoux' has 'sold out'.  'Bijoux (the black poodle) was just introduced on Friday, July 30th (along with the 'Happy Birthday' Beanie Baby). Click here to view the announcement

 ...  "Libert-e" Retired
Ty has posted a "retired" banner on 'Libert-e' the Bear, a Ty Store Exclusive.  To visit Ty Store, click here.  ('Libert-e was introduced by Ty on June 4, 2004.)

Tuesday, August 3

 ...  Ty Newsflashes
 
New Ty Store Beanies
Ty has introduced two new Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Babies ... Grandfather ('Grandpa' is on the foot) and Grandmother ('Grandma' is on the foot).

Click here to view the announcement 

New MasterCard Bear
Ty also introduces the new Ty MasterCard M.C. Annniversary 3rd Edition Bear.   The Ty website states: "Customers with a Ty credit card account who celebrate an anniversary on or after 08/01/04, and spend $5,000 in new net retail purchases during 12 consecutive billing cycles prior to their account anniversary date" will receive this Bear..

 Click here to view the announcement  

(Thanks to Donna and Terry for sharing the above news)



 ...  Pittsburgh Show Report
After returning from the Pittsburgh Show, a reader has sent a detailed report to Ms. Janie.  Included is a photo of the (I Love) Pittsburgh Bears.
Click here to read the Report 

Monday, August 2

 ...  Ty Store Retirement
Ty has silently placed a 'retired' banner across 'Dominion', the Ty Store Exclusive.  'Dominion' was introduced on June 2, 2004, celebrating Canada Day.
Click here to visit Ty Store 



 ...  Ty Newsflash
Ty has retired the Ty MasterCard Exclusive, M.C. Anniversary 2nd Edition Beanie, today.

Click here to view the announcement 

Sunday, August 1

 ...  August Wallpaper / Calendar
Ty has posted the August wallpaper / calander.  To view and download, click on the link below.

Click here for August Wallpaper 

 ...  Pittsburgh Show
The Pittsburgh Show begins today (August 1-4) in Pittsburgh, PA.  Shall we see an (I Love) Pittsburgh "City/State" Bear?  Probably!  We'll keep you posted.

Update:  Ty has silently placed "Pittsburgh" in the current Beanie list on the site (view here).  (Thanks to Terry for letting us know!) This bear has now been added to our City / State Bear page.

 ...  And the August BBOTM is ?
You may want to keep an eye on the Ty website if you're anxious to see the August Beanie Baby of the Month.

Update:  Ty introduces 'Chompers', the August BBOTM, this morning.  If you're a BBOTM member, expect to see this Beanie in your mailbox soon! :)  (This Beanie has been added to our Beanie Baby of the Month page)

 Click here to view the announcement