July 2002 News

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
Ty has retired Mugungwha, the "Korea" Asia Pacific-Flower Exclusive Beanie Baby today.
Click here to view the announcement

... Where is Doodle? ...
2:25 am EDT ... As I mentioned a couple of days ago, I will be visiting with Ms. Janie for a few days. I'm really looking forward to the trip and spending some time with her and her family. (I think my family may be looking forward to the absence of a 'nagging mom' They sure seem excited about my leaving! ... Hopefully it's just the time they're looking forward to spending alone with 'Dad'! They have some special things in store for them while I'm away.)

I may or may not be able to update the site, but I'm sure she will keep you up to date on her site with the latest news. If you wish to get in touch with me, please feel free to contact me either at ms.janie@comcast.net (with 'Doodle' in the subject line) or doodlespage@yahoo.com.

... Chinook Buddy
In case you hadn't noticed, when looking at the August Buddy releases, Chinook is shown (as a Canadian Exclusive). I suppose that is Ty's introduction of this new Buddy. Congrats to Canadian collectors for a new exclusive! :)
Click here to view Ty's Beanie Buddy list

... Ty Newsflash
5:00 pm EDT ... Ty has introduced the new August releases. (The only picture I see of the Beanie 'Sherbet' is a yellow one ... reports from the Show mentioned three colors - aqua, yellow, and pink. (The picture of Sherbet on Ms. Janie's site (see below) is the pink one.) What's also interesting is that Sherbet is listed three times in the current Beanie Baby section on Ty's site, but all three are yellow.
Click here to view

... Photos of New August Releases
We heard the news of upcoming August releases ... then we read the descriptions from the Chicago Show (see below). Ms. Janie has now posted photos of the new August releases which she received a couple of days ago. I must admit, they are adorable. (Oh, and check out those Punkies!!)
Click here to view photos of the new August releases

... 'Sheraton 32 Day Beanie Plan' (Japan)
Kooler of 'Bean Book' has shared some information I thought rather interesting. During the World Cup event, the Yokohama Bay Sheraton Hotel conducted a 'Sheraton 32 Day Beanie Plan'. A 'Champion' Beanie was given to each visitor of the Hotel ... 32 days = 32 Beanies. Each day a 'Champion' bear of a participating country was waiting in the guest's room. Portugal was waiting for him on the day he stayed, complete with a mini-soccer ball, in a protective case. (Thanks for sharing, Kooler!)
Click here to view the photos

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement
9:10 am EDT ... Ty has retired Pierre Beanie Buddy, the Canadian Exclusive, this morning.
Click here to view the announcement

... The word is out!
I will be visiting with a very dear friend for a few days later this week ... known to most as "Ms. Janie". We have 'known' each other for about four years, and decided it was time to 'meet up'. She has cordially invited me to spend a few days with her and her family ... I can hardly wait! (I just wonder if her town is ready for the two of us together!) More to follow later!

... Chicago Trade Show
The Chicago Trade Show runs July 27 - 30. On July 22nd, we posted news of possible new August releases shared by our friend Martin. The following has been noted on the Ty Cyberboard:

Mags43 (Jul 27, 2002, 10:17 PM)
Message Id: 36110
Mags43 writes:
Newbies at the Chicago show! Thought you would have heard
by now but I don't see any posts. I was there and saw them. Pegasus, a blue horse with multi colored iridescent fabric wings like Magic. Blue about the color of blue America I'd say. Tooter a dinosaur. Looks like a baby one. Don't ask me what kind. Not a common one I'd know. It's molted beige fabric. Small horn on head and long tail. Zoom the turtle with multi colored checkerboard look shell. CUTE! August birthday bear. They had all 12 birthday bears and they are better then last years. The 3 Sherbet bears come in an assortment like Liberty and are aqua, yellow & pink. (they may spell it Sherbert, I don't remember) They are new faced with the slightly longer haired (?) fabric. Curly the buddy did not have the Curly beanie material and looks just like Almond buddy except for the color. Darling is the other new buddy & really cute. Plunkies are much cuter in person and Pluffies are soft and adorable. Ty booth was about the busiest booth I saw at the whole show. Am I the first to post this? Mags
Click here to view the Ty Cyberboard message

Note: Thanks to Martin, who reported to us on July 22nd the names and style numbers of some of the possible new August products. Looks like you were right again, Martin! Thanks for sharing! ... and thanks to Mags for a great description!

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A
The next 'Ask ty' question and "answer" has been posted (Friday pm - July 26).
Q: Would you, or have you ever considered introducing a Beanie that you had earlier decided not to? (submitted by HannaHs)
A: Yes, on more than one occasion. I wasn't really sure about Nectar and originally decided not to introduce this style. Looking back . . . . I guess you liked it.
Click here to visit Ask Ty

... Weekend Update
A wrap-up (summary) of the latest news comes a bit 'late', as I attended an out of town wedding over the weekend. Although it was VERY hot (an outdoor ceremony), it was very nice. All the best to my nephew and his new wife!

A special thanks to Scott for sharing the following from the Ty Retailer Page:

No Longer Available!
At this time, Smokey and Onyx, two of our Ty Classic friends, are no longer available for ordering.

... Next Contest at Doodle's?
So when is the next Contest? I do have two 'special' prizes in-hand to give away in the next Contest, generously donated by Martin. However, due to my recent surgery recuperation, as well as some upcoming personal commitments, I have decided to wait a few more weeks. This is also in consideration of the number of people who are on summer vacations and unable to participate. (Additional prizes will be offered as well ... a way for me to 'share' with you my past accumulation of 'extras'.)

We hope you're enjoying your summer ... time does seem to fly by quickly sometimes. Before you know it, fall will be here (ah, cooler weather!) ... In the meantime, perhaps a quick touch-up of Beanie trivia? :)

(Did you know? ... The InfoBeanie Diary on Ty's website was started March 22, 1997, with the diary of Quackers the duck)

... A Note From The B.B.O.C.
One of Beanieholics' readers decided to write a note to the B.B.O.C. regarding a Clubby V Club Kit. Surprisingly, the B.B.O.C. wrote back. Interested in what they had to say?
Click here to read the letter

Ms. Janie also received the same information, which can be read on her website by clicking here). (My interpretation ... there's a new definition for the word 'meeting'!)

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has retired the following this morning:
Beanies Babies:
May
Rescue
Courage
Beanie Buddies:
Cheeks
Rescue
Courage
USA (USA Exclusive)
Attic Treasures
Adelaide

Ty Store looks pretty empty now. There's only one item left. Perhaps something new around the corner? ... Maybe making room, for a new way to order Clubby V? Tyme will tell. ... (That's also the last of the Birthday bears from the first 'series'.)

... Anniversary 'Teddy' Arrives in the U.S.
From the Ty Cyberboard:
Anniversary Teddy arrived in NE Iowa today!
zooskoo (Jul 24, 2002, 02:43 PM)
Message Id: 29810
zooskoo writes:
Just picked up Teddy today at a local retailer. She said they just arrived today. They are finally shipping to US!
Click here to read the Cyberboard Message

... Celebrity-Signed Teenie Beanies
The Bean Watcher reports that thirteen celebrity-signed Teenie Beanie Babies are up for bid on eBay. The auctioned items benefits the Ribbons of Hope Foundation.
Click here to visit The Bean Watcher

(Created by Hilton Grand Vacations Staff Members to Support Orange County Fire Rescue)
Source: Business Wire (Orlando, FL)

"In an effort to innovatively support the efforts of the Orange County Fire Rescue Department, the staff members of Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC(R) (HGVC) have created the "Beanie Babies Helping Heroes" campaign."

Some interesting facts about the campaign:
- A goal of 911 Beanie Babies was established at the launch of the program ... 911 were donated.
- 'Rescue' was the first Beanie donated
- Over 200 different 'types of Beanies were donated
- All 911 Beanie Babies(TM) will be transported in style from Hilton Grand Vacations Company at 6355 MetroWest Boulevard to Orange County Station 54 at 6500 Central Florida Parkway via stretch limousine. Limousine services have been donated by: Aristocrat Transportation of Florida, based at the Orlando Executive Airport

(This is only a summary of the article.)
Click here to read the entire story

... BBOC
The 'Top Secret Meeting' at the BBOC has been 'in session' for almost a week (as of last Thursday afternoon). (Sure hope they have some cushioned chairs.) The site has been changing from 'temporarily unavailable', to the signage of the meeting, to the old Clubby IV intro. (Maybe they need a new 'Tyme' wrist watch to help keep track of the days!)

Thanks to everyone who has sent in their humorous stories of what may be going on ... you guys are too funny!
Click here to visit the B.B.O.C.

... Meta Exchange
Meta Exchange is now back up and running. You can visit the site by clicking here.

... 100th Anniversary Ty 'Teddy'
So, you've probably seen pictures of Ty's new Anniversary Beanie Baby - 'Teddy'! However, I wish to share pictures of this bear, taken by Kooler of "Bean Book" of Japan, along with close-up photos of the coin / madallion around it's neck. (Also on the same page is the Korean version of Champion.) He usually takes great pictures ... these are exceptional. To view the photos, click on the link below. (Thanks, Kooler!)
Bean Book's Photos of 'Teddy'

... Washington, DC - Gift Show
Ms. Janie attended the Gift Show in Washington, DC on Sunday, and has now written Part II of her story. There are some interesting descriptions of the new Ty line ... 'Punkies', as well as other collectible booths she visited. To read what she has to say, along with some pictures, click on the link below.
Washington Gift Show Report - Part II

... New Ty Releases for August
10:10 am EDT ... Martin sends us information of 'rumored' new products for August, supposed to be released by Ty.

Hi Deb, Got some HOT NEWS for you today. These are some of the new Aug releases:
4545 ... Zoom
4559 ... Tooter
4548 ... September
4560 ... Sherbet
4347 ... Teddy
4542 ... Pegasus
There is also a new Classic called Kitty, but I forgot the style #
Martin

Note: Please remember, this is to be considered 'unconfirmed information' as it has not been announced by Ty. It should be treated as rumor only until an official Ty release. Guess it's another 'wait and see'. (We're looking forward to seeing Teddy though!)

(Kitty Classic was previously released, but to my knowledge has not been spotted yet.)

... Washington, DC - Gift Show
Ms. Janie attended the Gift Show in Washington, DC on Sunday, and has written Part I of her story. There are some interesting descriptions of what she observed ... sounds like quite an adventuresome trip! To read what she has to say, click on the link below. (Part II will follow.)
Ms. Janie's Trip to the Washington Gift Show

... B.B.O.C.
Maybe the "Top Secret B.B.O.C. Meeting' will adjourn today. This meeting has been 'in session' since Thursday afternoon. Whew ... I think I'd be getting tired by now!
Click here to visit the B.B.O.C.

... Chubbley Invitation
Nicole writes to help spread the word of 'Chubbley Corners Open House' today. If you're a Chubbley collector, you may want to check it out! There's lots of Chubbley information there, too.
Click here to visit Chubbley Corners

... Zzzzzzz
Although news is rather slow, typical sometimes for a weekend, it's been a busy weekend otherwise. Yesterday, we drove to a Waverly outlet, about an hour away, only to find out they close early on Saturdays ... my 'luck'! (It's a GREAT place to buy finished window treatments, etc.) Of course, the stop by an awesome furniture store proved successfull, AND more costly, much to my hubby's "delight" LOL ... Unfortunately, by that time, I couldn't convince him to make any 'Beanie' stops on the return home. (I'll have to maneuver that later, by myself! Sshhhh).

Seems those new July Beanies are playing hide-and-seek with me ... fortunately, one of the local retailers attended the Atlanta Show last week. So there IS some anticipated hope of finding 'Teddy'. (As mentioned before, finally a Beanie with my birthday, after collecting for almost seven years!) ... A very dear friend has offered to send one from Singapore ... I'm just seeing how long I can wait for it to show up here first.

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A
1:15 pm EDT ... The next 'Ask ty' question and "answer" has been posted.

Q: Why do you retire some Beanies faster than others ? (submitted by sheenapuppy)
A: For most of the Beanie retirements there is actually a formula I try to follow. If you go back several years, you may be able to figure it out. On the other hand . . . . . . Sometimes I may just wake up in the morning and decide to retire one.

Click here to visit Ask Ty

... 'Meeting' Still in Progress
11:10 am EDT ... The "Top Secret B.B.O.C. meeting" is still in progress, since yesterday afternoon. (Sure hope they've been able to take a few breaks. That's a long meeting!)
Click here to visit the B.B.O.C.

5:55 pm EDT ... You may notice when visiting the BBOC site that, at times, it reads: "This portion of the Ty website is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience and ask that you please check back later. Thank you for your patience and support." (Ah, THAT must be when they take their break.)

... Happy Birthday, Randy!
You may want to drop by and wish Randy at Beanieholics a special day! (Hmmm - Wonder what it's like to be 'older than dirt'?)

... Watch the BBOC !

4:50 pm EDT ... Check out the BBOC on Ty's site ...
"Top Secret B.B.O.C. Meeting in Progress"
Click here to visit the B.B.O.C.

... Thanks to Will for bringing it to our attention

(Doodle's Note: From Ty's response in 'Ask Ty', we knew something was coming, now it's just a question of 'when' and 'what'?)

'Ask Ty' Question and Answer from July 3rd:
Q: What's happening with the BBOC? Will there be anything new soon? (submitted by pwidgeon)
A: I think you'll be hearing about something very soon. I can tell you . . . . this years BBOC program will be "one of a kind"

... Sherbet?
2:05 pm EDT ... Martin shares information from Singapore of a new Beanie Baby called 'Sherbet' on the horizon.

Note: Please remember, this is to be considered 'unconfirmed information' as it has not been announced by Ty. It should be treated as rumor only until an official Ty release. Guess it's another 'wait and see'. (But I must admit, visions of 'ice cream flavors' are now running through my mind ... lime, rainbow, vanilla, chocolate ... which actually sounds good on a steamy hot day!)

... M.C. Beanie to Retire Soon
An email received from "SpecialOffer@Ty.com" states "Hurry, M.C. Beanie is about to retire". Also included is information on how to apply for the Ty MasterCard. (This Bear was first introduced on Ty's site on August 14, 2001.)

... 100th Anniversary 'Teddy'
Kenrick (from Singapore) has shared pictures with Ms. Janie of the 100th Anniversary Beanie 'Teddy'. That is definitely a 'must have' Bear! Not only is it adorable, there's finally a Beanie with my birthday :)
Click here to view the picture

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has retired two Beanie Babies and one Beanie Bopper this morning:
Beanies ... Pops and Liberty (red, white and blue - USA Exclusive)
Bopper .... Dazzlin' Destiny
Click here to view the announcement

... Any Ideas? Suggestions?
As 'Beanie news' has been a bit slow lately, it's given me a chance to update all the various lists on the site, as well as do some minor 'clean up'. I have a couple of things I'm working on, including a new contest hopefully in the next few weeks. (Martin has already sent two prizes I think you'll like :D) I've actually even redesigned the main page of the site three times now LOL, but nothing has 'hit' me as being exactly the right one yet! In the meantime, if you would like to offer any suggestions, or something new you would like to see added, please feel free to email me. Any comments or suggestions are always welcome!

Oh, as a side note, Happy Birthday to my son, who turns 13 years old today! Ah, the memories of a teenager. (My daughter will be 21 soon ... one teenager gone, another one beginning!) But we have fun ...they DO grow too fast! And they do keep us young (I think!)

... Newest Beanie Boppers
1:20 am EDT ... Thanks to Norma, who informs us that the new Boppers are showing up at retailers now. She has also provided us with their birthdays (now noted on our Beanie Bopper Info page.)

(No other Ty product has a birthday on either of these dates, according to our birthday list. So if one is your birthday, you might want to make a note of it.)

... 'Teddy' 100th Anniversary Bear
2:10 pm EDT ... Martin informed us yesterday the 'Teddy' was arriving in Singapore and could hopefully send us pictures soon. A reader has also reported to Ms. Janie that this bear has arrived at retailers there. What's interesting is that retailers in the U.S. are being required to attend one of the summer Trade Shows to order it. For further information, including some eBay links, you can check out the news on Ms. Janie's website.

... "Ty Hair"
So as not to create any confusion, we wish to clarify an earlier comment regarding a new trademark "Ty Hair". On January 8th, we reported "There are specifically two new Buddies that are sporting the new "Shell 100% Tyhair" material ... Sizzle and Trotter". Ms Janie had posted a photo of the tush tag, showing this newer material on these Buddies. On Saturday, July 13th, Sly had posted a message regarding this subject, only to alert us that Ty had registered for the 'Tyhair' trademark and was pointing out the different 'goods and services' listed. As was stated, perhaps Ty just wants to protect their rights as much as possible on this new 'fabric'.

... Current Beanie Babies and Buddies
Although we don't sometimes understand why certain Beanies and Buddies retire quickly and some don't, it's interesting to note that there are a total of 42 Beanies and 36 Buddies listed as current. As Ty answered in an 'Ask Ty' question last August ... "The timing of what retires is very impromptu and spur of the moment. I don't know sometimes what I'm going to do - until I do it! I like to keep everyone guessing and anticipating and then do the unexpected." Let's just hope that perhaps one of those 'spur of the moments' will hit soon ... some of the Buddies have been around for over TWO years now!

... Ty Trademark
On Ms. Janie's Message Board, Sly writes:
Hi Everyone!!
I discovered another new Ty trademark application this morning. Actually 3 new ones but all for the same product. on June 4,2002 Ty applied to register 3 different trademarks on the word "Tyhair". There is 3 different Goods and services listed in each of the 3 trademark applications.
The goods and services listed are
1-Plush toys
2-Threads for textile use-namely fabrics
3-Synthetic Fabric for Textile use

Looks like Ty is covering all the bases on this new fabric/trademarks and looking to protect their rights to it as much as possible.
This is the 1st tyme Ty has gone to this far and applied 3 times to protect a new product and trademark.
Click here to read the message, and responses

... Hallmark's Keepsake Ornament Premiere
While on a quick run to the grocery yesterday evening, the car (once again) was magnetized to the Hallmark a few doors down. (Amazing how that happens so often ... wonder if that's why my husband wants to trade cars! LOL) Anyway, looks like I missed the newbie Ty products, as most were already gone. But hidden behind a huge piece of cloth were the Keepsake Ornaments, waiting for today's debut. Like a kid, I did have the urge to take a quick peek. But quickly restrained myself. Just remember, if you're interested, to dash over to your local Hallmark and check them out. (I do know a few of them disappeared quickly last year!)

... Ty Store Updated
11:20 am EDT ... Ty Store has (finally) removed the retired white 'America' Beanie Baby. Nothing new has been added ... just a shift of some of the images.
Click here to visit Ty Store

... Atlanta Trade Show Starts Today
Following the Dallas and Philadelphia Trade Shows, the Atlanta Show begins today. Show date: July 12-16. (A list of all the Summer Trade Shows can be found at the link above.)

... 'Bean Bag Monthly' Magazine
Daphne has sent a cover photo and highlights of the UK 'Bean Bag Monthly' August magazine issue.
Click here to view

... Contest at Itzmeagain
Nina writes:
Hi, Could you please help me spread the word, the July Mini Hunt begins this Saturday, we have some new sites participating & lots of great prizes.
Thank You - Nina
Click here for details

... 'Ask Ty' Q & A
The next 'Ask ty' question and "answer" has been posted.
Q: Have you ever made a Beanie Baby and then decided not to introduce it? If so, what was it? (submitted by BEANeNEWS)
A: I have to admit, there were some Beanies that never were introduced. Maybe Mary Beth will do a feature on some of these in an upcoming issue.
Click here to visit Ask Ty

Now let's see ... The question: "What was it?" ... The answer: Hmmm ... (Now were you really surprised?)

... Buddy Retirements?
Given some 'free' time to update the various lists on the site recently gave us some interesting observations that leave room for 'thought', if nothing else. At the Dallas Gift Show, June 24-27, 2000 (yes, two years ago!) Ty introduced 21 new Beanie Buddies. Of these, three still remain current ... Schweetheart (lg and x-lg) and Sneaky. Why? I suppose only Ty knows! He did say he likes to keep us 'guessing', but are we 'anticipating'? Hmmmm - (Remember an 'Ask Ty' response (last August 6th) ... "The timing of what retires is very impromptu and spur of the moment. I don't know sometimes what I'm going to do - until I do it? I like to keep everyone guessing and anticipating and then do the unexpected." My, my, the ages for the "retirement home" do vary, don't ya think?!

... 'Bears and Beans'
A new collector's forum has opened ... a fan site for bears and beanbag toys. There are two competitions up there now ... a chance to win a Chubbley Bears retailer pin and a Wales Beanie Baby. There's also a trading area - for members only; further pages are being developed.
Click here to visit the Bears And Beans Forum

... McDonald's® Celebrates July
12:05 am EDT ... McDonald's is celebrating July with three new offers (for kids and families). There is the launch of New Kids' Treats, Disney's 'The Country Bears', and a Happy Meal 'Blast-Off' additional prize. It all starts this Friday, July 12th.

Included in the 'New Kids' Treats', McDonald's will offer three popular kids treats - Dannon® Danimals® drinkable lowfat yogurt, General Mills Go-GURT® portable yogurt, and Fruit Roll-Ups® fruit snacks.

'The Country Bears' will be the stars of McDonald's Happy Meal - July 12-August 1 (or while supplies last). These plush bears (which also will be starring in the upcoming Disney film) include Beary Barrington, Big Al, Zeb Zoober, Henry, Tennessee O'Neal, Trixie St. Claire, Ted Bedderhead, and Fred Bedderheard. These eight bears are the largest plush toys that McDonald's has offered in a Happy Meal in North America ... measuring from 5" to over 6" tall.

... Just One of Those Days
News is a bit slow in 'Tyland' today. But we're here and we pass along any 'new' news if and when it happens. Rumors (as they sometimes do) are abound ... we'll just sit back and wait to see if they pan out. Seems many of the newest releases have hit retailers (excluding this area, which is not surprising). And still waiting for the Anniversary Bears - 'Teddy' Beanie and 'Teddybearsary' Classic - to begin shipping. Do we HAVE to have those? Yes, no, YES!!! (Finally a Beanie Baby with my birthday! ... so I've heard anyway.)

By Margaret Kane
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
July 8, 2002, 8:00 AM PT

Like many of its customers, auction giant eBay has decided to use PayPal as its electronic payment system. On Monday, eBay said it is acquiring online payments company PayPal in a deal valued at $1.5 billion. eBay will also phase out its own competing service, eBay Payments by Billpoint.
Click here to read the full story

... Ty Newsflash - 'Exclusives' Retire
11:20 am EDT ... Ty has retired two Exclusive Beanie Babies this morning ... 'Graf Von Rot' and 'England'.
Click here to view the newsflash

... New (vs Old) Birthday Bears
Looks like there has been a slight change in the hang tag information of the new Birthday Beanie Baby. Instead of the gemstone information, it reads "... sharing birthdays this month ..." and gives the names of several celebrities. Ms. Janie has a couple of scans posted on her site.
Click here to view

... Thank You
Just a quick note to thank everyone for the kind emails sent regarding the birthday list posted yesterday. Although I cannot post all the responses, your comments were greatly appreciated. I'm here to assist you in any way I can. Enjoy!

Note: As I've noted below, there are actually 64 days without a 'Ty birthday'.

Merenciana writes: I was wondering about your Birthday list. For December 31st you have the bear "The End" listed. I was not able to find a birthdate on my bear's tag. Is December 31st its Birthday or is there an error? P.S. I enjoy your website! Keep up the good work!
Always, Merenciana

Doodle's note: You are absolutely correct. I checked our Beanie ... "The End" Bear has no birthday noted in the hang tag (only ___-___-___). Thanks!

... Birthdays? ... Have You Wondered?
Have you ever wondered if a Ty product shares your birthday? We have had a separate birthday list of Beanie Boppers; and thanks to Norma, our Beanie Kids birthday list is now updated as well. But many readers were wondering if we could perhaps list all Beanie Babies, Boppers, and Kids into one list. It's all updated now, and can be found at the link listed below. (It's taken quite a bit of time to collect and combine all this information together - from a large variety of sources. There are too many to list individually ... we send our thanks to everyone!
Click here for Birthdays --- January - June
Click here for Birthdays --- July - December

So .... in summary: There are 63 days without a 'Ty birthday'. (Oops, see note below). There are four months (January, July, September, and November) ... each with 8 'unfilled' days! (February is the least, with only 2 days left.) ... Just a little 'tydbit' of information we wanted to share!

(As a side note ... I really don't have THAT much extra time on my hands, BUT I do tend to be a very curious person sometimes! LOL If you find something I have erroneously listed, please let me know and I'll check it out. :)

Added Note: There are actually 64 days without a 'Ty birthday'. "The End" Bear was erroneously listed - it has no birthday noted in the hang tag. (Thanks to Merenciana for pointing this out to us.)

... Ty Canada Trade Shows
Ryan at Collectiblezspot passes along the following information:
Good evening! I just thought I'd pass on the following!!
TY CANADA TRADE SHOWS
Be sure to catch Ty Canada that will be featured at the following trade shows this Summer!
. WINNIPEG - July 28-30 - Ramada Marlborough Hotel (Eighth Floor)
. TORONTO - August 11-15 - International Centre
. EDMONTON - August 18-21 - Sportex Building, Booth #5160
. SASKATOON - September 8-9 - Prairie Exhibition Centre
. REGINA - September 15-16 - Centre of the Arts
Smiles,
Ryan Connell

... DailyBean Website
After a month away, Heather writes to inform us she's back from vacation, and her website is sporting a whole new look. (We'd like to join others in welcoming her return!)
Click here to visit DailyBean

... BBOC Letter
Ms. Janie has posted a scan of the letter that the BBOC is sending to current members. The letter can be viewed at the link below.
Click here to view

... Ty Teenie Beanie Bopper Backpack
Ms. Janie has received a photo from a reader who recently won a promotion for a Ty backpack. Included in the backpack were six of the twelve Teenie Boppers ... Jazzy Jessie, Rugged Rusty, Paula Plappertasche, American Millie, Footie, and Sassy Star. You can view the photo at the link below.
Click here to view Teenie Bopper Backpack

... 'Poofie' and 'Diddley' Buddies
Thanks to Norma, who has sent us photos of two more new Buddies ... 'Poofie' and 'Diddley'.
Click here to view a larger image

... Beanieholics 'Older Than Dirt' Contest
Randy (who Ms. Janie says is 'older than dirt') has a birthday this month (July 18th). This year, he will not be the only one receiving presents; you could receive a 'birthday present' as well. The 'presents' are great; the rules are simple.
Click here for all the details

... Randy, I just have one question! You said "nevermind that 'Ms. Janie' is just one year younger than you, thus 'old as dirt'? For those of us who 'may' be older than you, what does that make us??? (Keep in mind, when my hubby when to the store the other day, upon his return, he said "here is your 'NEW dirt' for the flowers!")

... Pluffies
'Will' points us to an eBay auction for Pluffies, with pictures. If you're interested in viewing, you can check them out below.
Click here to view the auction

... Ty Retirement - White America - AND MORE?
1:30 am EDT ... Well, the links on Ty's main page moved around today, like trying to fit the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle together. Earlier Thursday night, the 'July Introductions' and the link to 'Ty Store' were the only two 'newsflashes' posted. The 'retirement' newsflash had been removed. (It never took you anywhere, only back to the main page.) It is now posted again (http://retirement.ty.com) ... which takes you to http://retirement.ty.com/americawhite) ... the retirement announcement of white America. The retirement date is July 4, 2002. We knew from the countdown that this Beanie was retiring. Guess the anticipated fireworks at Ty kinda fizzled out for the 4th! Perhaps more 'patriotic' Ty products will follow now? Do we dare guess on these? ... Liberty (trio), USA Buddy, the Beanie Kids on Ty Store? (see below) Nah, we'll just wait for some belated fireworks, perhaps!

DID YOU NOTICE? ...
Have you checked out Ty Store? Did you notice 'Uncle Sam' and 'Stars and Stripes' Beanie Kids disappeared when America retired ??? What, no announcement, no 'retired' banners across their pics, just where did they go?
Click here to visit Ty Store

... Have a Safe and Happy July 4th ... we'll be around over the holiday to keep you updated, if and when news happens. Rumors' are flying of anticipated retirements ... we shall see!

Update - 5:30 pm EDT: The 'retirement' newsflash (http://retirement.ty.com) has now been removed. At least we know (assume) something is brewing ... perhaps more than the expected 'white America' on Ty Store? I would suspect any 'patriotic' product retirements would come later in the day / tomorrow, if and when it does. We shall see.

Update - 1:15 pm EDT: A 'Retirement' Newsflash (is posted on Ty's site. But by clicking on it, you are taken back to the main page. We've been checking for a while now ... just what COULD the problem be??? Hello, Ty! Wake-up!!!

... MasterCard Promotion Extended
Beanieholics recently reported on the expiration of the Ty MasterCard MC Beanie program. (On the Ty site, it listed June 30, 2002, as the promotion's final day.) It has now been changed, as noted by one of their readers, to read "that the exclusive Beanie Baby is available for new accounts until December 31, 2002 ....."

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
11:45 am EDT ... Ty has posted a new 'Ask Ty' question and answer this morning.
Q: What's happening with the BBOC? Will there be anything new soon? (submitted by pwidgeon)
A: I think you'll be hearing about something very soon. I can tell you . . . . this years BBOC program will be "one of a kind" !
Click here to visit Ask Ty
(Thanks to Adam for passing along the info!)

... Ty Coin / Medallion
9:15 am EDT ... Brandon writes:
Hi I'm not sure if you are interested or not but i was surfing ebay this morning and found a really great picture of the Ty coin given out at the shows. here is the link.. Click here to view the eBay auction Have a great day!!! Brandon
(Thanks for sharing the link. We had seen a picture earlier, this does show a nice photo of it!)

... Ty 'Billionaire' Bears on eBay
On June 30, 2002, Ty gave away 'Billionaire' Bears to Ty Employees. (Reportedly there are only 769 of these bears.)
The swing tag reads:
Thank you for all your support
throughout this past year.
Please accept this bear as
a token of my appreciation.
The back side of the swing tag reads:
Ty Employee Party
Maryville City of Youth
June 30, 2002
Click here to view a picture on an eBay auction

...Source: Ms. Janie

... July Release Beanie Buddies
Beanieholics has posted pictures of a few of the new July Buddies that are starting to arrive at retailers. (This retailer had ordered them at the recent Dallas Show.)
Click here to view photos on Beanieholics site

... Gizmo Beanie Baby

I don't know about you, but the newly announced Beanie Baby "Gizmo" is a bit of a funny looking critter to us. (Sometimes that makes us want to buy them even more, though!) "Martin" writes:
... "it looks like Gizmo is going to be harder to get than all the others. Ty SNG, JP and Malaysia have all set a maximum of 24 pcs. per account!"

Doodle's comment: As we know, the rarity of a product, when it's first introduced, is of course unknown. And sometimes certain Beanies are more prevalent in some areas than others. One can make their own predictions all day long. Sometimes we're right, sometimes we aren't. For instance, look at the last batch of Birthday Bears. Who would have known that the 'June' Birthday Bear would retire so quickly. And others are sitting on the shelves. (Who knows, with the next batch of new Birthday Bears, they could retire at the end of each month.) (We NEVER received the Nectar Beanie in my area.) Like I said, though, there's something about that Beanie that just may be a 'must have'! ... Just a little food for thought. And thanks to Martin for sharing the info!

... 'White' America
There are now only 3 days left to order 'white' America Beanie Baby at Ty Store. (I have a suspicion that the Beanie Kids listed there will retire soon as well.)

... Checklists
I've been updating the checklists (and adding new ones) over the last several days. Links will be posted soon for the new ones. (Current links are accessible through the main page ... some are listed at the bottom of this page.) Otherwise, it's a quiet day - so far - in 'Tyland'.

... 'White America' ... Retiring Soon
1:30 pm EDT ... Flashing on 'White America' at Ty Store ... it now reads: "Only 4 days left to order America !". Looks like a July 4th retirement for this Beanie Baby! (Thanks to Brandon for bringing this to our attention.)

... Ty Newsflash
11:55 am EDT ... Ty has posted the July Desktop Wallpaper ... a picture of red, white and blue Liberty Beanies - with calendar.
Click here to view and install

... July Retailer Ordering Parameters
Ms. Janie shares the Ty Retailer ordering parameters for the month of July. Also noted are a couple of items 'no longer available' or 'currently out of stock'.
Click here to view July Ordering Parameters