February 1-28, 2003
www.doodlespage.com

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Friday - February 28

... Ty Newsflash - March Wallpaper
Ty has posted the desktop calendar wallpaper for March. It features a St. Patrick's Day theme ... Click here to download.


... Ty Newsflash - Introduction of New Products for March
Ty has introduced the March releases today. These include Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Ty Classics, Pluffies, and Ty Gear. To view the individual product release pictures, click here.

Thursday - February 27

... Ty Warner - #44 on Billionaire List
Who are the top 100 to live in "Billionaireland"? Forbes ranks H Ty Warner as #44 on the 'World's Richest People' list, estimating his net worth at $6 billion. In 2002, he was listed as #87.
Click here to view Ty Warner's ranking
Click here to read more about Ty Warner

... Thanks to Sandra for sharing the links


... 'Ask Ty' Q & A
The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: In the section "Most Wanted" what determines which is the most wanted? (submitted by smc25)
A: You determine the Beanies that are "Most Wanted" by adding them to your "Wish List". I'm guessing that Decade may stay at the top of the list for quite some time.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'


... Decade - And It's Many Colors
So, you've heard of different colors of the 'Decade' Beanie Baby to be released? 10 colors? ... maybe a different color for each of the 10 years of Ty Beanie Babies?

Ms. Janie has posted a photo of a 'Purple Decade Beanie Baby' sent by a reader. Who knows if this will be the next color ... I guess time will tell.
Click here to view the photo


... Chicago Cubs Game Giveaways
Several weeks back, we mentioned in the news of a Beanie Baby named 'Dusty' (named after Dusty Baker), to be given away at an upcoming Chicago Cubs game. One of our readers, 'Susan', writes:

Hi Deb ... Was just wondering if you were aware of two "Ty giveaways" at the Chicago Cubs games this year. Isn't that a little unusual to have two? ..... Susan

Thank you, Susan ... Although a little 'non-standard', after checking the Chicago Cubs website, the information currently states the following:

- Sunday, May 4. 2003 - (Chicago Cubs vs. Colorado - 1:20 p.m). - Wrigley Field Exclusive "Dusty" the Bear Beanie Baby® - Wrigley Field Exclusive "Dusty" the Bear Beanie Baby® with Cubs logo (Commemorative card included - 1st 10,000 fans, 13 & younger)

- Saturday, August 30, 2003 - (Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee - 3:05 p.m.) - Wrigley Field Exclusive Teenie Beanie Boppers® (Commemorative card included - 1st 5,000 fans, 13 & younger)

Click here to view the Chicago Cubs promotional giveaways

Wednesday - February 26

... Ty Store
A few days ago, we mentioned perhaps some new images at Ty Store soon. (The Valentine images were still up.) There have now been some minor changes, mainly that the 'Valentine theme' has been removed. Maybe something new will be offered soon as well ... we shall see.

Tuesday - February 25

... BBOTM Program - New Membership Notice
7:45 pm EST ... One of our readers, Susan,  points us to the following message on Ty's website regarding  the BBOTM program:

Effective April 2, 2003 we will no longer accept new memberships for the Beanie Baby of the Month program. All orders placed prior to this date will be shipped on a monthly basis according to the terms of the program. To update your Beanie Baby of the Month membership information or to check the Beanie Baby of the Month terms and conditions, please use the links at the bottom of the TyStore home page. For order status information, use the "ORDER STATUS" button found at the top of the TyStore home page.

To join the Beanie Baby of the Month program CLICK HERE.

Thank you for your support !
http://www.tytrade.com/bom_notice 


... Counterfeit Alert
Reported by Peggy Gallagher:

Dear Friends,
Just wanted you to alert your readers to a "new counterfeit strategy". Beanie collectors should not buy any Nipponia with the tush tags missing. It appears that the counterfeit sellers are now removing the counterfeit 9th generation tush tags with the publicized counterfeit alpha numeric serial numbers and selling the tush tagless counterfeit Nipponia!

The counterfeit alpha numeric Nipponia serial numbers discovered are:  4RPAGDX3, 4LDHGRAE, and 4RDAE9P044
http://www.peggyg.com

... News Source:  Ms. Janie

Monday - February 24

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has announced the retirements of four Beanie Babies and a Beanie Buddy today.
Beanie Babies ... Bandito, Rusty, Tooter, and Woody
Beanie Buddy ... Romance
Click here to view the announcement

Weekend News - February 22-23

... 'Pompey' Beanie Baby - and More
The 'Pompey World' website not only has the 'Pompey' Beanie back for purchase, but also gives you a chance to purchase 'Hotshot' and 'Captain' Beanie Boppers (maximum of 10 each). (There is a minimum charge for shipping, so perhaps you can join in with some Beanie friends and purchase several.)
Click here to view the Pompey Sport Merchandise - Catalog

... Thanks to a reader of Ms. Janie's for pointing this out. 'Hotshot' and 'Captain' are actually Teenie Beanie Boppers ... I imagine the Pompey site will make the description change soon.)


... Rye By Post 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 this weekend's draw were won. The next drawing will be held on Saturday March 8th and the lottery prizes will be:

6 number prize - Peanut 'Royal Blue' Elephant.
5 + Bonus number prize - Lord Of The Rings Two Towers Triple Film Cell.
5 number prize - Harry Potter - Chamber Of Secrets Mini Montage Film Cell.
4 number prize - MasterCard 2 Beanie Baby.
3 number prize - Pompey Beanie Baby.

The 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

Friday - February 21

... Ty Store
Perhaps some new images at Ty Store soon? I guess you've noticed the Valentine images still up. Personally, with the extreme winter weather we've had this season, I'd like to see Spring popping up soon. Or maybe Ty will add some St. Patrick's Day images for us next. We shall see.


... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's site today. This 'tyme', it's about the 10th Anniversary Bear:
Q: Do you think it would be possible to make a Special 10th Anniversary Beanie? (submitted by joeswife)
A: Your wish is granted! Last Sunday I introduced Decade, the 10 Year Anniversary Beanie Baby, at the New York Toy Fair. This very special Beanie kicks off some very special surprises . . . Stay tuned!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

Thursday - February 20

... Ty 2003 Product Catalog is SOLD OUT
On February 10th, a new item was posted at Ty Store ... a Ty '2003 Product  Catalog' (special consumer version).  Today, Ty Store lists this item as 'SOLD OUT'.


... The Disappearing Leprechaun
The hidden Leprechaun, shadowed behind the window shade at Ty Store, has once again disappeared. Is there magic dust involved here? Or was it intended for 'Luck-e' to simply take his place? (We shall wait and see ... St. Patrick's Day is March 17th, less than a month away.)


... 'Decade' Update
Seems that 'Decade' is a Bear that many can't wait to get their hands on. The email notes we have received show much anticipation for the arrival of this Bear. Retailers were able to order the Bear who attended the NY Toy Fair last Sunday ... look for it to be appearing soon. And color variations to follow. Ten years of Beanies so far ... excitement is in the air!

Also, information from a Ty Retailer to Ms. Janie states:
"I AM A TY RETAILER AND I JUST GOT DONE TALKING TO MY REP ABOUT THE DECADE BEAR. ON MONDAY THEY WILL BE STARTING TO TAKE ORDERS FOR DECADE BUT TO GET DECADE YOU DO HAVE TO ORDER A TOTAL OF 500.00 WORTH OF TY MERCHANDISE. THEY ARE PUTTING ALL OF TY PRODUCTS UNDER ONE CATAGORIE TO DO THIS. ...."

Wednesday - February 19

... March Issue - 'Bean Bag & Collectables' Magazine
The March issue of 'Bean Bag Magazine' is out now. There has been a name change to the magazine, now called 'Bean Bag & Collectables' Magazine. Covered in the issue are counterfeit Beanies, the latest on Chubbley Bears, a price guide, and lots more. We have just received a copy of this issue - it's definitely one you may want to check out.

Tuesday - February 18

... Retailers May Order 'Decade' Early
Randy from Beanieholics reports that retailers that did not attend Toy Fair in New York will be given the opportunity to order 'Decade' this month.  It is also hinted that those who order the bear this month will get the same bear shown at Toy Fair but a different color version of 'Decade' will ship in March ... if retailers wait until then.  There are also pictures of Teenie Beanie Bopper Bags.
Click here for pictures and more information


... Can You Help?
Are you a member of the BBOTM program ... and have not yet received 'Sparkles'? One of our readers, Jerry L., has a question perhaps you can help answer. He signed up and received confirmation on November 8th that he was a member of the BBOTM program and would receive 'Sparkles' in January. He still has not received this Beanie, but did receive 'Holmes' last week. After several attempts at customerservice@ty.com, he still has not received an answer. (He did receive the email below, which is being sent to BBOTM members. But doesn't answer his question.) If you have experienced a similar situation, please email us with your thoughts and/or ideas. Thank you!

Subject:  Beanie Baby of the Month -  Important Information 
Dear Beanie Baby of the Month Member,

Recently, we received a number of inquiries regarding the Beanie Baby of the Month program. In this e-mail, we will attempt to answer some of these questions to provide you with a clear understanding of how the Beanie Baby of the Month Program works.

Once a Beanie Baby of The Month enrollment is purchased, we will ship a new and exclusive Beanie Baby® plush toy each and every month during the twelve (12) month term of the enrollment. Some, but not all, of the Beanie Babies will be bears.

Your credit card will be billed only for the specific Beanie Baby that ships each month. For example, if you purchase one enrollment, your credit card will be billed $5.00 plus shipping and handling charges (and, if applicable, tax) for the first Beanie Baby that is shipped under the membership. The same charge will be applied to your credit card for the following consecutive 11 months. The total annual charge to your credit card will be $60.00, plus the cost for any display cases or tag protectors ordered, plus shipping and handling charges and, if
appropriate, sales tax. The same procedure will apply to international shipments; the monthly charge will be 1/12 of the annual cost, plus shipping & handling and appropriate taxes.

Please understand that several attempts will be made to obtain credit card authorization for Beanie Baby of the Month orders. Our system is designed to notify you if these attempts are unsuccessful. During this process, an e-mail will be sent to you, allowing you the opportunity to review and update the credit card information on the TyStore website. If the final attempt to obtain credit card authorization is unsuccessful, the specific order for that month will be removed from our system. Once an order is removed, it is canceled and the Beanie Baby for that month becomes unavailable for re-ordering. It is very important that any changes in the credit card information used for your Beanie Baby of the Month enrollment be updated to ensure your orders are not interrupted.

Beanie Babies in the program ship on a monthly basis. For example, the February Beanie Baby (Holmes, the Dog) will ship in February while the March and April Beanie Babies (Dreamer and Buttercream) will ship during the months of March and April respectively. We will make every effort to ship within the first two weeks of every month, but we cannot guarantee that shipments will not occur in the later half of the month. Once merchandise has left our fulfillment center, an e-mail confirmation will be sent to notify you. All orders are shipped via the Postal Service. While some orders may be delivered sooner than others, we ask that you allow 21 days from the date of shipment for your order to be delivered via the Postal Service.

We hope that this information was informative and helped address some of the questions you may have had regarding the Beanie Baby of The Month program.

Thank you for your time and support.

Monday - February 17

... Ty Newflash
11:40 am EST ... Ty has announced 'Luck-e', a St. Patrick's Day Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby.  (The Leprechaun shadow still remains behind a window shade ...  perhaps another St. Patrick's Day announcement to follow soon?  How about a St. Patrick's Day Beanie Bopper? :)
Click here to view the announcement

... Thanks to Helen and Linda for passing along this news.

Sunday - February 16

... Photo(s) of Ty Warner ... AND 'Decade'
Photo(s) of Ty
Ty Warner, Beanie Baby creator and chief executive of Ty Inc., arrives at the Toy Fair to sign 'Decade,' the10th anniversary baby bear, Sunday, Feb.16, 2003, in New York. Hundreds of people waited for several hours for the signing which is expected to add several thousand dollars to the toy's value. (AP Photo/Louis Lanzano) (Yahoo news)

Click here to read the article and view Ty Warner's photo

... Thanks to Sly the Beanie Guy, Ms. Janie and Beanieholics for sharing the link

Want to take another peek at Ty? We also came across another article/photo you may want to check out. (You can click through a 'slideshow' of other products at the Show.)

Click here for Ty photo and Toy Fair SlideShow

Photo of 'Decade'
So, you're anxious to see what 'Decade' looks like? Ms. Janie has posted a GREAT photo, with additional information.
Click here for 'Decade' Photo, etc


... News from the New York Toy Fair (With Update)
"Will" kindly reported news on the Toy Fair, which began today:
Upon entering, each retailer was given a Ty Bag (available for ordering) and a pin set similar to the BBOC one. Retired and Current Styles of Every Product Line were on display. You thought security was tight before- think again! Lots of reps and Fair Security. New Issue of Beanies and More was available for order.

(Doodle's Note: A list of Ty Products was included ... see note below.)

Thanks for sharing with us, "Will". Ms. Janie has reported similar information ... a link is provided below. After a quick trip out of town, we have just returned to 'the land of snow and ice' ... thus the delay in posting. More news will be posted as it becomes available!
Click here to read Ms. Janie's Show Report (with updates)

5:15 pm EST ... Update: Additional information on 'Decade', it's description, poem, and exactly how many Ty Warner signed can be found at the link above. (Our special thanks to Ms. Janie (and "Mike") for keeping us all posted, as it became available!)


... "Toy Selling Growing Beyond Usual Stores"
I found this article interesting, and wish to share ... what will the next 'hot toy' be???

Toy selling growing beyond usual stores
http://www.suntimes.com/output/business/cst-fin-toy16.html
"NEW YORK--These days, it's hard to predict where the next hot toy will turn up. ... The shift in toy retailing is expected to be one of the concerns of manufacturers and store owners at the 100th American International Toy Fair, the toy industry product expo that officially began this weekend. ....."

Saturday - February 15

... New York Toy Fair
The Toy Fair in New York starts tomorrow. Although we anticipate inclement weather (sleet, ice, and snow) on the East Coast this weekend, we will try to keep you updated with the latest news "as it happens".

Friday - February 14

... A Decade of Beanies
An email from 'Your Friends At Ty' sent to collectors reads:

"WILDLY POPULAR BEANIE BABIES TO CELEBRATE THEIR 10th ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR"
And have we got some news for you! In honor of this occasion, Ty has created something incredibly special for Beanie Babies fans around the world! Decade celebrates the 10th year Anniversary of Beanie Babies.

We know you won't want to miss out on this limited 10th Year anniversary edition! Call or stop by your favorite authorized Ty Retailer soon!

(Thanks to Will for sharing this information.)
('Decade' should made its official debut at the New York Toy Fair, which begins Sunday.)


... Ty Newflash - Retirement
Guess it is no big surprise :) ... Ty has retired 'Kiss-e' Beanie Baby today. (Maybe something behind that Leprechaun shadow in the window soon?)
Click here to view the announcement


... Retirement Today?
Will 'Kiss-e' Beanie retire today at Ty Store?  Perhaps a retirement soon also of other Ty  'Valentine-related' products ... we shall see.

Thursday - February 13

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted ... why a heart for the Ty 'logo'?
Q: Why did you pick a heart for the hang tag/logo of the Ty products? (submitted by song bird)
A: The idea for the Heart Hang Tag came during the development of my original line of plush cats. I envisioned someone giving a gift from the heart. As a matter of fact, some of my original hang tags had the words "With Love" printed inside.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'


... Ty 2003 Consumer Product Catalog
Following the recent 'introduction' of the Ty 2003 Product Catalog by Ty, many are curious as to exactly what it entails. Although it is unclear if there is a difference is the 'consumer' catalog versus the 'retail' version, Sal's Attic has received an email response from Ty Store that may answer some of your questions.

Thank you for contacting the Ty Store.

Recently you sent us an inquiry regarding the new 2003 Consumer Catalog.

Each catalog comes in a specially sealed box bearing the Ty logo.  This special Consumer Version of our 2003 Product Catalog is a custom printed 3 ring binder that contains full color pages of all products available as of January 1st, 2003.

The product pages are separated by special Category tabs. Included inside the catalog is a special letter from Ty that contains a gold foil Seal of Authenticity.

Thank you,
Customer Service

Wednesday - February 12

... 150 'Decade' Beanie Babies - To be Signed by Ty
"Billionaire Ty Warner, the founder/chairman of Oak Brook-based Ty -- creater of the Beanie Babies phenomenon -- puts in a rare appearance next week in New York City at the American International Toy Fair. Warner's company is celebrating its 10th anniversary. In commemoration, he will personally sign 150 of the new "Decade Bears" at the Toy Fair."
News Article - Sun Times
... News Source: Ms. Janie

Tuesday - February 11

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has (finally) announced the retirement of the Ty Store Exclusive Beanie, 'Punxsutawn-e Phil'.  (Punxsutawney Phil, the retailer version, is also listed as retired - in Ty's Beanie Baby section.
Click here to view the announcement


... 'Decade' - Ty's 10th Anniversary Bear
Sal's Attic reports on a Ty Press Release ... Ty's new 10th Anniversary Beanie Baby called 'Decade'.  (Ty Warner will be attending the Toy Fair in New York City to autograph 'Decade' Beanies.  The Show starts Sunday, February 16th.)
Click here for more info

Wildly Popular Beanie Baby® Line to Celebrate Its 10th Anniversary
This Year Ty to Introduce Decade™ The Anniversary Beanie Baby® at the New York Toy Fair to Commemorate Milestone OAK BROOK, Ill., Feb. 11 / PR Newswire
"The wildly popular Beanie Baby® line will celebrate its 10 anniversary this year.  To commemorate this milestone, Ty is introducing Decade™, the 10th Anniversary Beanie Baby® bear."
Click here to read the Newswire article

Monday - February 10

... Ty Newsflash - 'Ty Store Surprise'
A new item has been posted at Ty Store today ... a Ty '2003 Product Catalog' (special consumer version). Although the announcement reads "Beanie Babies 10 year Anniversary Limited Edition", there not much of an explanation as to what it exactly consists of. You can purchase a copy at Ty Store for $10 each.
Click here to view the announcement

(Guess you noticed the lil' Leprechaun's shadow behind the shade again at Ty Store?)

Sunday - February 9

... Ty Shopping Bags
Ty will be offering Ty shopping bags to retailers.  Ms. Janie has a photo posted on her site.
Click here to view Ty Shopping Bag


... 'Holmes' - BOTM Now Shipping
Be on the lookout if you ordered 'Holmes'.  Ty's February Beanie of the Month is shipping now.  Sandra writes:
Hi Deb ... What a too-cute dog!  I just received my 'Holmes' Beanie of the Month.  Didn't expect it so soon!  Although he has a rather "sad" look, he definitely puts a smile on your face and just makes you say 'awww'!  Love his ears, too.  If I can borrow a digital camera from my friend, I'll send a photo of him to you.  Thanks for helping us stay alert of this latest Ty news.  TTY soon, Sandra

Saturday - February 8

... Ty Donates Beanies To Medical Center
Toymaker Ty Inc. donated 400 new Beanie Babies to Hurley Medical Center on Friday for children patients. Some of the Beanie Babies will be given to children who visit the emergency department, while most will be distributed to children who are admitted to the hospital. "When a child is hospitalized, they need more than just medical care -- they need emotional support and comfort," said Kathleen Moore, a registered nurse and pediatric case manager at Hurley. "Thanks to Ty, we will be able to offer a child a small gift to help divert attention away from the anxiety they feel about things like shots." Mindi Duffy, a regional sales manager of Ty Inc., said "We know Hurley will put them to good use."
Ann Arbor News
... NewsSource:  Beanieholics


... Rye By Post 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.  The next winning lottery prizes are:

6 number prize - Peanut 'Royal Blue' Elephant.
5 + Bonus number prize - Lord Of The Rings Two Towers Triple Film Cell.
5 number prize - Harry Potter - Chamber Of Secrets Mini Montage Film Cell.
4 number prize - Maple Beanie Baby.
3 number prize - Britannia 'Sewn-On Patch' Beanie Baby.

Remember to play the Rye By Post Lottery.  You just need your very own Unique Member ID number and your email address.  Next Draw is Saturday 22nd February 2003
Click here to visit RyeByPost

Friday - February 7

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
2:50 pm EST ... Ty has posted a new 'Ask Ty' question and answer ...
Q: Would you someday walk us through how a Beanie is made on the Discovery Channel? (submitted by mom4two)
A: I would certainly consider it, but there are some things that I must keep secret. . .like the special ingredient that goes into each Beanie that makes people smile!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'


... Ty 10th Anniversary Bear
Ms. Janie writes:
Rumor has it that Ty will be signing the 10th Anniversary Bear at Toy Fair.  It is also my understanding Ty retailers can order the bear in March.

Thursday - February 6

... Ty Newsflash - Color Me Bunny / Gallary
Ty has posted a newsflash today concerning the 'Color Me Bunny' Beanie Baby, along with a link to the 'Color Me Bunny' picture gallery. You can now submit your own picture of your artwork with this Beanie on Ty' site.
Click here to view the announcement
Click here to visit Ty's Color Me Bunny Picture Gallery


... New York Toy Fair
Sunday, February 16th, marks the beginning of the New York Toy Fair. Ms. Janie reports that a 'VERY reliable source' has reported that Ty Warner will be signing a new bear at this Show. Should be an exciting 'tyme' ... And this 'new bear' will be ???

Ms. Janie has also posted a press release on the Fair, along with new dates of this 100th Anniversary Show event. The new dates and hours ... Sunday, February 16 through Tuesday, February 18 (9 am - 6 pm); and Wednesday, February 19 (9 am - 4 pm).

Wednesday - February 5

... "Yours Truly" (and More)?
Is "Yours Truly" the name of the Hallmark Exclusive Beanie coming next month? Guess 'tyme' will eventually tell. "Will" writes:
Hi Deb ... Nothing much going on here. Basket Beanies hit the area - they Jingle like the Jingle Beanies - very cute! Saw that Kanata retired - this was overdue! Got the Basket Beanies at Hallmark and they had more info on their bear- looks like the name will be Yours Truly and that those of us who have “Preferred Membership” will get something extra (not sure)…thought this was interesting! Gotta Scoot! Will

Added note: Thanks for sharing, Will. Either 'Yours Truly' or 'Truly Yours' sounds quite unique, actually. It will not be much longer before this new Exclusive Beanie debuts. Collectors may want to check for a Gold Crown Hallmark near them soon, if you don't know one already!


... A Little Dip Here, A Little Dip There
Well, I guess it will be interesting to see ... just how many different 'Dippy' variations Ty will come up with. Three versions can be viewed on Ms. Janie's site (click here). With the variations combinations, I can easily see several potentials ... check out the faces, arms, feet, etc. Looks like this Beanie definitely had fun with the egg dye! :)


... New on the Horizon
Looks like Ms. Janie has some additional plans on the horizon for 2003. You can check out what she has in mind by clicking here.


... Countin' Sheep
Daphne from 'Beans and Bears' (UK) writes:
Hi ... I’d urge you to check out www.countinsheep.co.uk if you’re interested in learning more about one of the hottest new plush collectables to come out of the UK. They’re heading across the pond soon and I’ve heard that they have some special surprises up their sleeves – or up their fleeces!

Only twelve sheep have been released so far, in a limited edition, with another dozen of the cuddly bleaters being revealed at the Spring Fair, Birmingham, UK on 2 February
Regards ... Daphne

Tuesday - February 4

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has retired the Canadian Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Kanata' today. (There were 13 different 'versions' of the Beanie - one for each of the 10 provinces and 3 territories in Canada. Click here for a 'Kanata' checklist)
Click here to view the announcement


... EllyBeans Contest
Ellena writes:
Hi, we are giving away Buckingham Beanie and Buddy in our quiz this month. They were purchased from authorised Ty retailrs when they were current, so they're guaranteed authentic. It's free to enter, you just have to answer 10 Beanie questions. We'd be grateful if you could give it a mention. Thanx, Ellena :-) www.ellybeans.com

Monday - February 3

... Valentine Theme at Ty Store
Have you noticed the changes today at Ty Store? There's a new Valentine's Day theme displayed. (The shadow of the Leprechaun behind the shades has disappeared. Maybe a St. Patrick's Day introduction when 'Phil' retires?)


... Ty Newflash - Wallpaper
Ty has posted the February desktop wallpaper ... it can be viewed / downloaded by clicking here.

Sunday - February 2
Happy Groundhog Day

... Nuremberg Toy Fair in Germany - Update
John has sent photos to Ms. Janie from the Nuremberg Toy Fair. You can view the photos at the following link. (He did a wonderful job of capturing many products - a couple of them may surprise you!)
Click here for Nuremberg Toy Fair photos


... April 'Beanie of the Month'
Ty has announced the April 'Beanie of the Month' at Ty Store ... a yellow bunny named 'Buttercream'. The deadline for ordering 'Buttercream' is March 1st. (If you signed up for the Beanie of the Month program, it will be sent to you automatically.) Otherwise, you can visit Ty Store to order it now.
Click here for Beanie Of The Month Program

... Birmingham UK Spring Fair Report
Daphne is attending the Birmingham UK Spring Fair today. Updates of 'happenings' at the Show will be posted on the 'Bears and Beans' website throughout the day. (Ty Warner is in attendance at this Show.) You can check out what she has to say, after visiting the Ty booth, at the link below ... There's info of a new Beanie Baby / Beanie Bopper / Punkie carrier, and large Boppers ... hmmm. (Other 'bean bag' news is posted as well.)
Click here to visit the Beans and Beans website

Daphne also reports the following Beanie Baby style numbers and birthdays:
Color Me Beanie Bunny - #4988 - Birthday July 24, 2002
Dippy - #4582 - Birthday April 24, 2002
Eggs III - #4581 - Birthday April 2, 2002
March Birthday - #4554
Nibblies - #4584 - Birthday March 26, 2002
Lullaby - #4583 - Birthday May 17, 2002


... Ty Makes $75,000 Donation ... and 'Phil's' Weather Prediction
Scott Wehrs, Director of Marketing at Ty, Inc., spoke at the Groundhog Banquet held in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as reported by the Punxsutawney Phil website ... and presented a $75,000 donation to the Jefferson County American Red Cross. Click on the website link to read more.

(Added note: 'Phil' has predicted six more weeks of winter! Read all about it here.)

Saturday - February 1

... Ms. Janie's Valentines Contest
Ms. Janie's Valentines Contest starts today. You can read all the details on her site. (There are some nice groupings of prizes you may want to check out!)
Click here for Contest Details


... Nuremberg Toy Fair Report
John from Germay has shared a report with Ms. Janie, from the Nuremberg Toy Fair.
Click here to read his report


... Groundhog Day (Almost)
As you are probably aware, tomorrow is Groundhog Day. I'm sure all preparations are in line for the groundhog's weather 'prediction'. Will he see his shadow ... that would mean six more weeks of winter. (We've had our share of winter weather in this area, that's for sure!) Will 'Punxsutawn-e Phil' Beanie (Ty Store and retail version) retire shortly after the groundhog debut? (Guess it's a pretty obvious guess that he will.)