Ty News June 2005

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: What's your favorite store to shop at? (submitted by sarahmom)
A: I really don't have one favorite store. I like to shop! And when I go shopping I take my Ty MasterCard . . . . I wouldn't leave home without it (I couldn't resist!).
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... Ty Newsflash - July 2005 Releases
Ty has posted the new releases for July, including a new 'line' - Alphabet Beanies:

5 Beanie Babies ... Oriel, Shortstop, Tux, Weaver, and Books
2 Beanie Buddies ... Sport and Avalon
1 Pinky ... Radiance, and 3 Pinky key chains - Ratzo, Pinky Poo, and Dazzler
26 Alphabet Beanies ... A - Z
11 Classics ... Jazzy, Rocker, Roller, Bluesy, Lexie, Destiny, Cassidy, Dodges, Rabble, Whistles, and Bristol
Baby Ty ... Pretty Puppy, Funky Monkey, Kitty Cat, and Little Piggy

Click here to view the individual releases

... Thanks to Terry and Robin for sharing this news with us

.... A Warm Welcome ... 'Long Live Ty Uk'
Sue Owen writes:
It's official - Ty Europe is dead; long live Ty UK!
As of yesterday this new company has been formed - and the news is that the May/June stock (including the UK exclusive trio) is now in the warehouse and orders are being taken, to be sent out in around a week's time. The UK trio will be a one-time shipment.
Best wishes, Sue Owen

.... Ty Newsflash - 'Thinking of You'
Ty introduces a new Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby today ... 'You're Special'. Click on the link below to view this introduction.
... Thanks to Donna for sending along this news

Poem:
As I was sitting quietly
A special thought occurred to me
Here's a gift for all you do
Because the special thought was you !

.... New Ty Products for July
New Ty products were reportedly exhibited at the recent Dallas Gift Show, which began on June 24th. The following information has been shared with various Beanie news sites by Cindysbeans. (It should be noted that this info has NOT been verified.) With the end of another month upon us, you may want to keep an eye on the Ty website for retirements and announcements soon!

Beanies
Tux - Penquin
Oriel- Angel Fish
Weaver - Monkey
Short Stop - Bear
Books the bear ( Red, Yellow, Green) 2 per bag of 6

Pinky- Beanie
Radiance the bear

Pinky Key Chains

Alphabet 26 different letters miniature Beanies

Blue Bonnet - Light brown bear with Blue flower

Buddies
Sport
Avalon

Classics smaller size
Jazzy - Blue Mouse
Rocker - Grey Mouse
Bluesy - Pink Cat
Roller - Purple Cat

Med size
Lexy - Cat
Destiny Cat
Cassidy Cat
Dodges dog
Rabble Dog

Baby Ty
Kitty Kat
Pretty Puppy
Funky Monkey
Little Piggie

Hi, I just wanted to let you know about the forthcoming sale of the 2005 CHERISH Race for Life Bear, next Sunday 3rd July. I will be taking part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life event at Reading on 6th July. This is my 4th year of taking part in the event, which is a 5km run or walk for women only. You can read more about the event at http://www.raceforlife.org/

In 2004 a similar bear was sold, in a different colourway, through Bean Bag and Collectables Magazine in the UK. This was a very popular offer and sold out very quickly. This year the bears are being offered for sale solely from the CHERISH website at www.cherishonline.co.uk.

The edition is limited to 50, with another 10 bears with extra accessories being later offered for sale by auction on eBay (seller ID sue_owen)

Each bear is numbered in an appropriate way – they are wearing a running number pinned onto their back with a tiny pink safety pin! Just as each participant in Race for Life receives a medal at the end of the event, so each bear of this edition has its own medal. These medals have been designed and made especially for CHERISH so cannot be obtained anywhere else. The medals come in an ‘antique gold’ finish and have a centre with the words ‘CHERISH Race for Life 2005 as well as a tiny picture of a triumphant Sherbet.

The CHERISH 2005 Race for Life Beanie comes with a 'headband', which is actually an exclusive wristband made for a local Cancer Research UK fundraising group. Each bear will be beautifully presented in a cellophane bag inside lilac tissue paper with a very special glossy card and matching magnet, which you can display with the Beanie.

The CHERISH 2005 Race for Life Beanie comes with a 'headband', which is actually an exclusive wristband made for a local Cancer Research UK fundraising group. Each bear will be beautifully presented in a cellophane bag inside lilac tissue paper with a very special glossy card and matching magnet, which you can display with the Beanie.

The cost is £15 for each bear, plus P&P.
There is no extra charge for payment by PayPal.
Ordering will begin on Sunday 3rd July at 8am British Summer Time.
As usual, you are asked to order ONE Bear per person only so that 50 different people can support this event.

Many thanks for all your support for the recent fundraising for research into Men's Cancers. Just a reminder that the final auctions close in a few hours so don't forget to place that final bid! I look forward to publishing the final total raised.

Best wishes,
Sue

.... Back Again
Our apologies for the slight delay in posting the recent 'Ty news'. Due to a severe electrical storm, we lost several appliances ... our oven, dishwasher, internet modem. etc. The internet is back up and running now, after a long week. As we catch up on more recent news, we'll post it accordingly. Thank you for your understanding!

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: A lot of people have never been to the Ty Warner Park. Can you tell us a bit about it? (submitted by 9143929)
A: Where do I start? Tennis Courts, Ball Fields, Fountains, Lakes, Playgrounds, Walking Paths, Trees, Flowers, Pavilions, a Monument and Water Park, Fun ! You really should visit the park on the 4th of July . . . we're giving away Beanies !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... Ty Store Retirements
As mentioned on Monday, we thought it may be tyme for the retirement of a couple of Ty Store Exclusives. Today Ty has retired 'Mom-e' and 'Dad'. (Both have been removed from Ty Store now, and are listed in Ty's Beanie Baby retirement section. )

.... MC IV
Collectors are receiving an email reminder that time is running out for the MC IV Beanie Baby, Susan writes:

Hi Deb, I received an email from 'Your Friends at Ty' that time is running out for MCIV Beanie Baby, with the following information. Looks like a retirement for this Bear soon. Have a great weekend! Susan

.... Next?
Although news is a little slow, we can sit back and anticipate what is just around the corner. The Dallas Gift Show begins Friday, June 24th ... 'Angeline' will probably make another appearance at that Show. (Incidentally, her official announcement disappeared from Ty's main page today ... information is available though the light blue heart on the upper left corner on the Ty website.) Perhaps this means she will soon appear at retailers! 'Dad' and 'Mom-e' will probably retire soon in Ty Store, with additional retirements of other Ty products as well. We anticipate some busy days ahead, and will report any 'new news' as it happens.

Tomorrow is officially the first day of summer. With the hot days we have had the last couple of weeks, one would think summer was already here. Enjoy your summer days !!!

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Is there any animal, bear, or creature in the Beanie Baby line you've wanted to create, but haven't as of yet? (submitted by Phister)
A: There certainly is . . . but that information is top secret !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... Summer Trade Show Exclusives?
In addition to the appearance of 'Angeline' at the Summer Trade Shows, the Show listing states an "exciting new product and unique show exclusives" at the Ty booth this year. The Dallas Gift Show begins next Friday, June 24th. Perhaps the introduction of 'The Snoozers Collection' ??? ... a trademark application registration in March 2004. (Other trademark apps have also yet to materialize.) And just what is/are the new Exclusive(s)? Isn't that part of the fun in collecting, the sheer anticipation as to what may be next? Guess we shall soon see! (We'd love to hear your ideas, if you wish to share :)

.... Special Olympics 'I Love Canada' Beanie Babies
Sharon writes:
Hi Doodle, I was visiting Cindy's Beans website today and noticed there are four Special Olympics Bears, all decked out in four different colored jerseys. Do you know anything about these Beanies?? Thanks for keeping us up to date with the latest news. And after finding your exclusive Beanie lists, I've really enjoyed checking out all the special Beanies Ty has offered. Have a great week. ~~Sharon

... Thanks for sharing your news, Sharon. I have checked around, and there are several sites that mention and / or sell (presell) this special foursome set. Supposedly (but unconfirmed) there are also sets signed by the President of the Special Olympics Canada. Just do a search on a search engine (ie google.com) and you will see additional photos and more information on this set. Click here to visit Cindy's Beans (If anyone has any further information they wish to share, we'd love to hear from you.)

.... CHERISH Auctions - Update
Sue Owen shares the following:
Hi,
What a wonderful end to the week's auctions, with a total of £750 (before fees) for the golf-themed items and the 'Global Priority Male' Jingle Beanie Package, the latter raising sponsorship for the Cancer Research UK Bike Ride that I am proud to say I completed today. It was 15 miles with a few steep hills thrown in - and I finished in 2 hours - not exactly whizzing along but not bad for an 'oldie' who hasn't been on a bike for a year!
There is another package on eBay this week to raise some more to add to that sponsorship. This comprises I Love Denver Beanie and Denver postcards (donated by Lisa aka Giraffedolly) with a Boglin's Knitwear sweater and a lovely Ty tote bag to coordinate, crocheted by Jennifer aka Pattibuddy. There's also a LIVESTRONG wristband donated by Southern Collectables. If you are wondering what the cycling connection is, you will read to read the auction description!
The rest of this week's auctions are football-themed (soccer!) and there are some truly wonderful items for sale, including some lovely mementos of Portsmouth Football Club while still under the sponsorship of Ty Europe. Their sponsorship finished last month so such items will never be made again. There are also items signed by football players including 2 legends from the 1966 England World Cup winning team - Geoff Hurst (who scored a hat trick) and goalkeeper Gordon Banks. Finally, there are 2 super Japanese football promotional Beanies, thanks to an anonymous donor.
It is really heartwarming to see so many people bidding on these auctions and I am so grateful to everyone for their interest and support.
Best wishes, Sue
www.cherishonline.co.uk

.... "Simple Bookkeeping for Beanbag Collectors"
Maida writes:
Hi, I wanted to let you know that I have put our software program on ebay for 10 days with free shipping. There are 10 of them. They are at a fixed price so no bidding just buying. Click here to view the auction
Enjoy, Maida

.... 'Free' vs 'Free'
Several days ago, Marilyn shared her photos of 'Free' Beanie Baby, the Ty Store Exclusive eagle announced on June 2nd. We thought you may be interested in seeing a photo of this Beanie vs. the retailer version (which was introduced on April 29th.) Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shares a comparison photo with these two eagles side-by-side. Note the poem and birthdates are different.
(... Thanks for sharing, Sakurako)

'Free' (retail - left); 'Free' (Ty Store - right)	'Free' (retail - left); 'Free' (Ty Store - right)
'Free' - retail version hang tag	'Free' - Ty Store version hang tag

.... 2005 Summer Trade Shows
A schedule of all the Summer Trade Shows has been made available to retailers. A link listing all the Shows, with their locations and dates. is now posted at the top of this page (thanks to Ms. Janie). The Dallas Gift Show is at the top of the list, and runs June 24 - 27.

.... Ty Europe Ltd in Administration
Many collectors are quite concerned with the recent news of Ty Europe going into administration. Justin mentions a recent article in the UK concerning the appointment of Administrators of Ty Europe Ltd., due to recent financial and trading difficulties. He writes:
Hi doodle
In the national papers here in uk there was an article that has said TY EUROPE has gone in to administration (gone bust). Will the uk ever get the latest beanies ??? Will the new exclusives be that exclusive nobody gets them ?? Have u heard any news about this? Justin

... Thanks for sharing the news, Justin. I would imagine that a PR will be issued by Ty at the appropriate time, when more information evolves. An article published on creditman.biz/uk that Justin refers to states the following:

TY Europe Limited - in administration
Colin Haig and Karen Dukes of PricewaterhouseCoopers were appointed Joint Administrators of Ty Europe Limited on 8 June 2005. Ty Europe, based in Gosport, Hampshire, imports and distributes Beenie Babies soft toys and employs approximately 50 people across Spain, Germany and the UK, with approximately 35 based in Gosport. The directors requested the appointment of the Administrators following recent trading and financial difficulties. Colin Haig, Joint Administrator, said: “We are currently assessing the company’s financial position and trading prospects with a view to continuing to trade the company whilst discussions are held with interested parties in an attempt to preserve as many jobs and as much of the business as possible. The company has a very loyal core customer base and a widely-regarded product.”
Click here to read the article

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: When you were a child, what was your favorite stuffed animal? (submitted by RANDALL)
A: I remember a very well-loved teddy . . . that I think had been restuffed a time a two !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... 'Free' is Arriving
If you are one who has recently ordered the Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Baby 'Free', you should expect this beautiful Eagle in your mailbox soon. This Ty Store version was introduced on June 2nd; a retail version was introduced on April 29th. Marilyn is one of the lucky ones who has received hers, and shares photos at the link below:
(... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn ... definitely a Beanie welcome to anyone's collection!

.... CHERISH Auctions - Updates
Sue Owen shares the following:
I just wanted to share with you photos of the two auctions started yesterday (they will close on the same day as the others already running).

One is the final package to be listed of Lee Westwood signed items - and what a fabulous package! Along with a signed Jack Beanie there is a signed (worn) pair of Lee's golf shoes, a signed hat and more extras - this would really make a superb gift or addition to a collection - or indeed both!

The other item is a gift-boxed Peace Jingle Beanie tribute to Lance Armstrong, the cyclist who has done so much to raise awareness of testicular cancer and to help sufferers. I've dressed Peace Jingle in a yellow jersey and cycle shorts, made him a little cap and given him a bike! He comes with a special background for display and some lovely extras from the Tour de France, a LIVESTRONG wristband and more. Peace is raising sponsorship for for the charity when my husband and I take part in the Cancer Research UK Bike Ride. The auction is titled 'Global Priority Male' - I'll leave you to work that one out for yourself!
Next week will be mostly football themed auctions.
Best wishes,
Sue
http://www.cherishonline.co.uk/

.... Trident Arriving
'Beanie Baby of the Month' members can expect to soon find 'Trident', June's BBOTM, in their mailbox (if not received already). Marilyn shares photos of her new seahorse ... just click on the link below.
... A special thanks to Marilyn for sharing the pictures ... a NICE Beanie!

.... Photos and Info on New Ty Products
Marilyn shares lots of photos, including hang tag information and style numbers:
... Thanks for sharing, Marilyn. As usual, they are wonderful pictures. Congrats on your finds :)

Style #	Ty Product	Photo
90033	Li Mei the Buddy	Click here
40207	Glitters the Pinky	Click here
40211	Ratzo the Pinky	Click here
40224	Happy Birthday the Beanie Baby	Click here
40225	Smudges the Beanie Baby	Click here
40229	Muff the Beanie Baby	Click here
40244	Snoops the Beanie Baby	Click here
40245	Captain the Beanie Baby	Click here

.... Ty Warner Hires Renowned Course Designer
Yahoo Finance - Press Release
Jack Nicklaus to Redesign Montecito Country Club Golf Course
Monday June 6, 1:43 pm ET

Ty Warner Hires Renowned Course Designer to Enhance Golf Experience for Club Members

According to Greg Rice, representative for Ty Warner Hotels and Resorts, Jack Nicklaus was chosen in large part based on his understanding of Ty Warner's vision to make the Montecito Country Club one of the most prestigious courses on the West Coast, while maintaining the charm and the casual familiarity that club members and guests enjoy today.

Click here to read the article

.... CHERISH Auctions - Updates
Sue Owen shares the following:
Hi,
Many thanks to everyone who helped to publicise the first week of CHERISH sports-themed auctions. These just closed at a magnificent total of over £400 before fees! I am over-awed at the generosity of bidders and so grateful to them for helping to add such a great sum to the money already raised by the recent sale of the CHERISH Champion special edition. Many thanks too, to the anonymous Japanese donor of many of the Japanese special edition Beanies. Look out for more soon!
I was lucky enough to collect some more sports autographs this week when I called in at the Redgrave and Pinsent Classic Charity Golf Event to present a donation to the children's charity SPARKS to thank them for allowing me to ask for autographs at last year's event. Rowing Champions Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent were more than happy to sign the special CHERISH Kicking Out at Men's Cancers tags, as was snooker Champion Peter Ebdon.
The sports theme will continue for a few more weeks and currently on auction are 8 wonderful golf packages - one of them is simply beautiful. Created by the webmasters of Beanie Tenjishitsu, a Japanese Beanie news website, it comprises ChariTee Beanie all dressed in a golfing outfit complete with club, tees, trolley, flask of drink and even a little green with hole and flag to pose the beanie on!
The other auctions are for Beanies and other items signed by several PGA golfers from all over the world - UK, USA, Korea. Thanks to the help of some special people, there are some items included that would not usually be available for sale. The British golfer, Lee Westwood has been more than generous with his time and help - so please look out for one more VERY special auction starting later in the week.
Finally, look out for a different auction that will also start later in the week - this time on a cycling theme. It will be listed to raise sponsorship for my family in the Cancer Research UK 'Get on your bike 2005' event. We took part in this event last year and had a great day out. It gave me just enough time to rediscover how to walk without looking like John Wayne by the time I took part in Race for Life, which I will also be participating in this July (for the 4th year running, or should I say walking!)
Please keep checking www.cherishonline.co.uk for news!
Thanks for all the support!
Best wishes, Sue

.... New Beanie (and Pinky) Photos
Our friend Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shares 'comparison photos' with us ... 'Delights' Pinky (Beanie Baby vs Pinky hang tags) and 'Dominion' (Ty Store Exclusive) vs 'Villager' (Canada Exclusive) Beanie Babies.
(... More photos can be viewed on her site. Thanks for sharing, Sakurako)

.... "Looking Back: Toys"
Roanoke.com
Graduation is a time for seniors to reflect on so many things: the lessons we've learned, the laughs we've shared, the things that made us cry and, of course, the toys we once loved.

Whether it was doodling with an Etch-a-Sketch, stretching out the Silly Putty (or Stretch Armstrong), lighting up the night with Lite-Brites, being frightened by the buzzer on Operation or simply enjoying nap time with a favorite stuffed animal, toys molded our early years and made every day worth waking up for. It wasn't too long ago that the latest doll or action figure consumed our every thought. So, take a few moments and look back at some of the biggest toys of our generation.

1992 ... Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figures, Barney & Friends merchandise, Super Nintendo and Sega Genesis.
1993 ... Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers, the birth of the Beanie Babies.
1994 ... Barbie dolls and Power Ranger figures remained popular. Magic Eye books were big, and all kinds of "make-it-yourself" toys, such as the Easy Bake Oven.
1995 ... "Toy Story" figurers, POGs.
1996 ... Tickle Me Elmo.
1997 ... Tamagotchis, Giga Pets and Nanos. "Star Wars" merchandise
1998 ... Tamagotchis and Beanie Babies remain popular.
1999 ... Furby. The best-selling game of the year was SimCity 3000.
2000 ... Hot Wheels Basic Cars, Pokemon toys, Poo-Chi.
2001 ... Bop It, Uno Attack, Pogo sticks experienced a resurgence. Bob the Builder toys.
2002 ... Bratz Dolls gave Barbie some competition. The "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" board game raked in millions.

Click here to read the article

.... Exclusive Beanie List
Our list of Exclusive Beanie Babies is now updated with the latest release, 'Free' the Eagle. Feel free to let us know if you have any missing information or see something that perhaps needs changing.
Click here to view our Exclusive Beanie Babies list

.... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Do you think you'll ever make a computer game that involves Beanie Babies? (submitted by 4760177)
A: If I did develop computer games for Beanies, it would be an educational series. It's great to see how schools and libraries have used them to teach reading and writing !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

.... Ty Newsflash
Ty has introduced a Ty Store Exclusive today. Welcome - 'Free' - a red, white and blue Eagle. (A retail version of this Beanie was introduced on April 29, 2005.)
... Thanks to Donna for sharing this news with us

Click here to view the announcement

Poem:
Looking across the ocean blue
To find a friend that's pure and true
Way deep beneath the briny sea
That's where you're sure to find me !