March 2003 News

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Monday - March 31

... Ty Newsflash - Retirements
We mentioned last Tuesday that there had been 18 Beanie Babies to retire so far in 2003 (if our count was correct). We wondered why certain Beanie Babies were still current, such as Sakura II (Japan), Wattlie (Australia), and December 2002 Birthday Bear. Looks like all three are retired now ... the two country Exclusive Beanies retired today.
Click here to view the announcement

... Ty April Wallpaper
Ty has posted the April calendar wallpaper today. It's an Easter theme you might want to check out.
Click here to view and download Ty's Easter wallpaper

... Ty Newsflash
The new April releases have been officially introduced by Ty today.
Click here to view the announcement

... A Few Reminders ...
12:05 am EST ... As I have quite a busy schedule today, here are a few 'reminders' for you in the meantime. (I'll update with any news as soon as possible!)

- New BBOTM for June
Watch Ty Store soon for the new JUNE 'Beanie Baby of the Month'. You will still be able to order the Beanie of the Month if you are not a member. However, effective April 2, 2003 Ty will no longer accept new memberships for the Beanie Baby of the Month program.

- The Shadow at Ty Store is ....
And just what is hiding behind that shadow in the window at Ty Store? ... a new Beanie Baby or Buddy??

- New Releases
Remember to keep an eye on Ty's website. Perhaps an official introduction today of the new April products?

- 'Yours Truly' Contest at Beanieholics
If you'd like a chance to win a 'Yours Truly' Hallmark Exclusive Beanie, as well as a Hallmark 'Yours Truly' promotion display, be sure to check at the Contest currently at Beanieholics. For all the details, click on the link below.
Click here for Contest information

- Jodi's 'Thank You Bear' Raffle
If you haven't done so, you may want to check out Jodi's 'Thank You Bear' raffle on Planet Beans website. Jodi is trying to raise money for needed items at the Vet's Office that she volunteers at. She is parting with her most treasured Beanie, the Thank You Bear, for the first winner's name drawn, as well as a number of other items. Click here for details on Lisa's site.

... 'Yours Truly' Oddity
A reader of Beanieholics reports of finding a 'Yours Truly' oddity ... one without the Hallmark crown emblem on its chest. To view this bear, click here.

... Fire Destroys Beanie Collection
Firefighters from Shepherd Tri-Township, Homer and Lee Fire Departments battled a blaze at the home of William and Pat Jeffries. The fire, which started in the garage, quickly swept through and destroyed the house along with the 300 to 400 Beanie Babies Pat had collected.
Click here to read the story

Doodle's Note: This story was reported earlier today by Beanieholics. Leah has contacted us with the following:
dear doodle
on beanieholics news page today there was an article taken from the Midland Daily News about a set of great-grandparents in Michigan who lost their home and everything in it including a collection of over 300 beanie babies yesterday. i can't even begin to imagine the sadness of losing everything you love. i am putting together a large box of beanies to send to these people. i was hoping you could put a message on your site or on the news page that anyone who would like to add to the box, please let me know and give my email address.
thank you.
leah

(That's a wonderful idea, Leah. If you wish to help out, you can contact Leah at leahland@att.net)

... Picture of 'Duck-e'
Beanieholics has posted a nice close-up picture of 'Duck-e', the newest Ty Store Beanie being offered. You can also check out it's hang tag information.
Click here to view

... Ty Contributions - 'Mom-e 2003' ... and 'Duck-e' on eBay
12:45 am EST ... Several readers have pointed out an eBay auction showing the new April releases we posted yesterday. Click here to view the auction. (Yes, we noticed ... looks like 'Mom-e 2003' is shown among the group.) The auction states: "This is an item from the Parent Talk Radio Show's Online Store through eBay at radioforparents.com. A big thank you to TY for contributing this product. ... Proceeds support the Parent Talk Radio Show and various children's charities."

One of our readers (thanks, Will) also pointed out another auction by the same seller ... looks like a 'Duck-e' is in this group. The auction is listed as 'An amazing collection of 11 RETIRED Beanies'. (What's interesting is that 'Duck-e' was just introduced at Ty Store on Monday, March 24th and is still listed as 'current'.)
Click here to view the eBay auction

... Ty Warner - Not On the List?
After reading 'Ask Ty' yesterday, looks like Ty Warner did visit a Hallmark store today. But we almost fell out of our chair today, laughing at his post on the Ty Cyberboard. Ty posted the following response:
I really did stop by a Hallmark Gold Crown store today for Yours Truly. I stepped up to the counter and asked the friendly store assistant where I might purchase Yours Truly. She asked for my name, I answered Ty. She pulled out a note book, scanned some pages and replied, "I'm sorry Mr. Ty but your name isn't on my list". Maybe tomorrow I'll have better luck!
Click here to view the Cyberboard post

... 'Yours Truly' Contest at Beanieholics
If you'd like a chance to win a 'Yours Truly' Hallmark Exclusive Beanie, as well as a Hallmark 'Yours Truly' promotion display, you should check at the Contest currently at Beanieholics. To find out all the details, click on the link below.
Click here for Contest information

... Ty Newsflash
Ty has officially announced the new Hallmark Exclusive Beanie Baby today. To view the 'Yours Truly' announcement on Ty's site, click here.

... April Releases
12:35 am EST ... You may already know about the much 'rumored' talk of new April releases soon to be announced by Ty. It would appear that these previous reports may pan out very soon. One of our readers, 'SK', from Korea writes:

Hello, I am a everyday reader of your site. .... Today I happened to get new pictures for April beanies so I thought it good idea to send you this. I hope you like 'these' pictures. Bye, SK

... Thanks for sharing, SK. Hopefully Ty will release these shortly. I especially love 'Wish', the starfish!

... 'We Make Bears 4 U' - Patriotic Bears
We have received the following email from 'We Make Bears 4 U':
Help a U.S. Marine and his or her family by showing your patriotism. This hot new set of bears is being offered for a very limited time. While the world seems to be engulfed with "Shock and Awe", We Make Bears 4 U wants to try and soften the effect. With every "Shock and Awe" set sold, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Fund. We Make Bears 4 U is owned and operated by two retired United States Marines with a combined 42 years of proud service. With your help and this small gesture we can help take care of those who have taken care of us for 228 years! Semper Fidelis -- which translates to: Always Faithful
Check out the SHOCK and AWE Bears here

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted today on Ty's website..
Q: How do we get the Hallmark Crown Ty Bear? (submitted by MyraLynnette)
A: I plan on stopping by my favorite Hallmark Gold Crown store tomorrow. Maybe I'll see you there !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

(Doodle's note: My favorite Hallmark Gold Crown store retailer is going to call me tomorrow if Ty shows up! Somehow, I just don't think we share the same favorite store though ! But I do plan on stopping by there, as tomorrow is the 28th, when they plan to have this Bear for sale.)

... Ty Newsflash
Well, as we mentioned a couple of days ago, guess some retirements were expected. Although no Buddies have retired today, Ty has announced the following Beanie Baby retirements:
December Birthday Bear
Glider
Hodge-Podge
Twitterbug
Click here to view the announcement

... White 'Decade' Beanie Baby
'Rumors' have been circulating for some time of another color 'Decade' Beanie that would be forthcoming. The initial color of blue, first introduced at the American Toy Fair in New York, has been showing up at retailers. Now, some collectors are finding a 'white' version of this Bear, sporting a red ribbon. Will a 'red' Decade be next? We shall see. (You can visit Ms. Janie's website for a photo of this new 'white' version.)
Click here to view the photo

Update: 9:00 pm EST ... Well, it didn't take Ty long to post the white 'Decade'. Ms. Janie informs us that this version is now listed on Ty's 'current' Beanie list, along with the blue Decade.
Click here to view Ty's listing

... Retirements?
There have been 18 Beanie Babies and 4 Beanie Buddies to retire so far in 2003 (if our count is correct). Many of us sometimes wonder why certain Beanie Babies are still current, such as Sakura II, Wattlie, and December 2002 Birthday Bear ... And what about lg and x-lg Schweetheart, and Sneaky Buddies? (introduced at the Dallas Gift Show in June 2000 and still 'current'), just to name a few. Only Ty, of course, knows the answer to that. As we approach the end of the month, should we anticipate more retirements soon? 'Tyme' will tell! (There's that word again!)

... Ty Newsflash - 'Duck-e' Announcement
'Duck-e', the new Ty Store Exclusive which recently appeared in Ty's Beanies & More' magazine, has been announced by Ty today.

Our dear friend, Jodi ... and Lisa of Planet Beans, have informed us of a 'Thank You Bear' raffle you may want to check out. Jodi is trying to raise money for needed items at the Vet's Office that she volunteers at. She is parting with her most treasured Beanie, the Thank You Bear, for the first winner's name drawn. Other items include a Special Olympics Halo Beanie Baby, a Special Olympics Beginning Buddy, It's A Girl and It's A Boy Beanies, Canadian Jinglepup, Logan the Canadian Exclusive Attic Treasure, and a pink-nosed Smitten Beanie Baby. Click here for details on Lisa's site.

Knowing Jodi, this doesn't surprise me at all. She's an angel, with a golden heart and a shining halo. I highly recommend that you check out the raffle. It's for a very worthy cause. For further information on how you can participate, please click on the link below. Keep us posted, Jodi ... with our best wishes!

Added note: 10:45 pm ... Another prize has been added to the list ... a 'Yours Truly' Hallmark Exclusive Beanie Baby.

... New Boppers - Charity Auction
Below is additional information on the charity auction of the new Beanie Boppers, shared by a reader of Beanieholics:
"I have been digging around and found the information behind the Boppers depicted in the UK newspaper report scanned on Ms Janie's site. They are one-off editions to be auctioned by Sotheby's in aid of two charities (Norwood, an organization for disadvantaged and learning disabled children of all ages and Demelza House, a children's hospice in Kent) on Tuesday 25th March at Planet Hollywood in London. ...."
Click here for additional auction information
Click here to view the donated Beanie Boppers

... 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 April 5th 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 - Nipponia Beanie Baby.
3 number prize - Sakura Beanie Buddy.
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

... New Beanie Boppers - Update
Apparently the new Boppers posted yesterday by Ms. Janie are all 'one-off's' created by Ty Europe for a charity auction in London next week. The article has been updated with additional information. This should clarify some questions that collectors may have.
Click here to view the article

... New Beanie Boppers?
Who are Britney, Posh, Geri and Kylie? A reader of Ms. Janie has sent her an article from a national newspaper, entitled 'Beanie Babes - Tiny pop queens will have you in stitches". Are these soon-to-be-announced Boppers? Only tyme will tell.
Click here to view the article, with photos

... Another Counterfeit Sakura
Peggy Gallagher reports of the discovery of another counterfeit Sakura (1) serial number. The counterfeit number is 444A6G7D. (The other Counterfeit Sakura 1™ Serial Numbers are: 4B8G99DP8,Â 49F8GDZB, 49P8GDZE, 4FWEZTKT, 4FROEAQZ, 47P8B6GD, 4E6GBA8Z, 48GEZ07P, 4UP0ERG9, 40GEA78G, LP0U887U, 4BZAFDRP and 4G9R6WB7, 4TP0GFR3.)
Click here to visit Peggy's website

... 'Operation Teddy Bear'
Celebrity Bears has announced 'Operation Teddy Bear.' This is open to any child under the age of 18 that has an immediate family member (father, mother, brother, sister) involved in the fight against Iraq or the war against Terrorism. Celebrity Bears will send their loved one an Army bear with their name on it or a USA Bear at no charge. Celebrity Bears will also ship it directly from here. The child must email Celebrity Bears with their name, and their loved one's name and the address where they are receiving mail overseas. They may also include a note with the bear.
Click here for more information
... Source: Beanieholics

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted today:
Q: Mr TY, what happens to all the prototypes that never make it to being made into a Beanie? (submitted by yellow bear)
A: I have a special place at Corporate Headquarters for all the prototypes. Sometimes, a past prototype may get lucky . . . and with a few tweaks . . . still become a Beanie Baby!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Did You Notice?
Ty has placed an image on the main page of the Ty website of the newly announced 'Peace Bear'. The image shows this Beanie in front of the USA flag - and states 'Coming Very Soon'.

... Ty Newsflash - New 'Peace Bear'
Today Ty has announced the release of a new Beanie, the 'Peace Bear'. "Coming soon" will be this blue bear with a 'peace' symbol on it's chest.
Click here to view the announcement

Date of birth: November 17, 2002
Let's say a prayer
That Peace will come
For you, for me
For everyone !

Ty Warner has posted on the Ty Talk Cyberboard about this Bear's birthday:
Ty Warner writes:
I'm glad to see your supportive posts regarding this very special Beanie. The birthdate is significant - November 17th is World Peace Day.
Click here to view the Cyberboard posting

... 'Yours Truly'
The photo of 'Yours Truly', shared yesterday by Beanieholics, shows a purple Bear. Remember the link shared by Ms. Janie several weeks ago? View here ... Ah, are we in for a variety of colors again?

(Note: I doubt there will be a color variation with this Bear ... it looks as if 'purple' is the true color of this Beanie. Computer color in graphics can have a different view depending on your settings.)

You may want to keep an eye on the Ty website. Perhaps Ty will officially introduce this Bear in the next day or two. It should be showing up in Hallmark stores soon!

... 'Luck-e' Retires
Today Ty Store has retired Luck-e, the St. Patrick's Day Bear. (I really thought he would retire tomorrow, once St. Patrick's Day was over.)

Did you also notice ... 'Spring is in the air' at Ty Store as well. The St. Patrick's Day graphics have been replaced with a Spring theme. Also, the shadow of the Bunny behind the shade is gone ... a new 'Bear' graphic is now displayed..
Click here to visit Ty Store

... 'Yours Truly'
Although the Hallmark Exclusive Beanie Baby, 'Yours Truly' is not supposed to be available yet, one of Beanieholics' readers was at the right place at the right time. They have shared a photo of this Bear, as well as it's hang tag information. Now, that's a nice Bear!
Click here to view a photo of 'Yours Truly'
Click here to view the hang tag

... Keep Watch
As today is St. Patrick's Day, you may want to make sure you have placed your order for the 'Luck-e' Beanie Baby at Ty Store. As we anticipate the retirement of this Beanie (my guess would be tomorrow), we may soon perhaps see what that little 'rabbit' is behind the window shade at Ty Store. (I'm still envisioning 'Duck-e', all decked out as a cute little bunny :)

... Beanies Turn 10
Beacon Journal Business Writer
by Mary Ethridge
"They're no longer selling at breakneck speed, but they're still darn cute."
Click here to read the article

... New Trademark
Sly the Beanie Guy has shared news with Ms. Janie regarding a new registered trademark - 'Peace Bear'. Ty applied for this trademark registration on February 24th. For more information, click here.

... Ty Newsflash - 'Decade's' Introduction
Although first introduced at the New York Toy Fair in February, and already in retail stores, Ty has made an official announcement of the 10th Anniversary Beanie Baby - 'Decade'.

... Ty Newsflash - Ty Canada - Question Resolved
Looks like Ty has answered the question many of us were wondering.

... Ty Canada?
12:30 am EST ... There are lots of 'rumors' afloat of no more Beanies in Canada. To our knowledge, there has been no official announcement. Perhaps there is simply no room at the moment for new stock in the warehouse? Below is an email we received from one of our readers:

I'm not sure if you are aware of this little bit of news i just found out from a few of my local dealers (vancouver) , you might be aware of it already but it sure woke me up this morning , TY CANADA is now PERMANENTLY CLOSED. i was asking my good friend ... she replied to me that she has not even gotten her order form yet. .. i guess as you always say tyme will tell. thanks for reading Andre

Ms. Janie reports:
"Could it be possible? Lots of rumors of NO more Beanies for Canada. I have received two notes today from retailers who claim that Ty will no longer be manufacturing Beanies for Canada. One message claims Ty Canada is out of business."

Beanieholics reports:
"Ty Canada a no-show at the Vancouver Gift Show? Reportedly Ty Canada pulled out after deciding not to participate in the show."

... New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted today on Ty's website..
Q: What one thing that happened in your life mainly contributed to your idea to make Beanie Babies? (submitted by ciicii)
A: I can't think of just ONE thing that happened. I can tell you that my wish was to create a cute, fun, and affordable plush toy for children . . . and looking back over the past 10 years, with your help, I think my wish came true!
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Ty Newsflash - 'Beanies & More' Magazine
Ty has posted a Newsflash today in regards to the magazine 'Beanies & More'. It looks like a name change with this next issue'. The newsflash states:
America's #1 Beanie magazine just got better! You won't believe your eyes when you see the May/June issue of Beanies & More.

Also, check out the cover ... along with the new 'Mother' Beanie Baby ... is that a 'Father' Beanie Baby?

... Join Ty's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
The following email was sent to us yesterday:

----- Original Message -----
From: Your Friends at Ty
Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Subject: Join Ty's 10 Year Anniversary Celebration

Let me introduce to you the new M.C. Beanie II - the Beanie Baby created exclusively for the Ty MasterCard^® credit card.⁺

He's soft, he's orange, he's one of the Collectors favorites and the only way to get him is through the Ty MasterCard credit card program.⁺

The Ty MasterCard credit card features a card with pictures of some of the favorite Beanie Babies, AND as a "thank you" for using your card you will receive the brand new M.C. Beanie II, one of the most sought after Beanie Babies by collectors.⁺

Every purchase you make using your Ty MasterCard credit card will earn you points redeemable for Ty Rewards.+ Redeem your points for additional M.C. Beanie IIs or other Ty logo merchandise including coffee mugs, baseball hats, denim shirts, windbreakers, and more. Every year when you make $5,000 in net retail purchases, you'll earn ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE BEANIE BABY NOT AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

TO APPLY, YOU MUST BE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OF AGE AND RESIDE IN THE UNITED STATES.

+For rate, fees, features, and benefits associated with the use of the card; or to apply, click here and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit card application.

... 'Ask Ty' (Archives)
On June 26, 2001, along with Ty Store and the BBOT, 'Ask Ty' made it's debut. What was the first question and answer? If you're interested in past 'Ask Ty' questions, we have now sectioned off this information by year. You can check it out at the following links (also accessible from the main page):

... McDonald's^® is Back in the Game - 'Winning Time^™'
Although 'non-Ty' related, I wish to share an interesting Press Release by McDonald's that you might want to take note of.

OAK BROOK, Ill. (March 6, 2003) – McDonald's Corporation today announced that it has completed a thorough review of its promotional game security procedures and, in conjunction with a blue ribbon panel of advisors, has developed new game security protocols to protect and ensure the integrity of its promotional games.

McDonald's newest promotional game, called “Winning Time^™,” begins March 25 at participating restaurants nationwide. In a world where people are constantly on the go, Winning Time will help customers savor their time by giving them the chance to win a variety of outstanding prizes including cash, personal services, luxury cars and special times with celebrities. All prizes can be won by obtaining a winning game piece rather than obtaining a winning collection of game pieces. Game pieces are bilingual and will be attached to Big Mac^® sandwich, Quarter Pounder^® with Cheese sandwich, medium, large or Super Size^® French Fries, hash browns or 32 or 42 ounce drink packaging.

... 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 22nd 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 - Nipponia Beanie Baby.
3 number prize - Ted-e 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

... Our Website Anniversary
We are now into our 8th year of running this website. Without our friends and fans, we wouldn't be here, and hope you continue to enjoy the site. Thanks to all of you!

Hmmm - Maybe an "Anniversary Celebration Contest' soon? We'll keep you posted.

... A Bit of Touch-Ups
The Ty website shows a bit of touch-ups (should we say eliminations) today on the main page. There are no heart links at the top of the page for - Attic Treasures, Baby Ty, or Beanie Kids. However, you can still find ALL Ty products accessible in the 'drop-down menu' on the other links.

... A Message from Mary Beth and Karen Gomes
We have received the following email from Karen Gomes:

Over the past weeks we have received hundreds of e-mails and notes of concern regarding rumors that are circulating throughout the Beanie community. We feel the time is now appropriate to publicly confirm that we are no longer in any way affiliated with Mary Beth's Beanies and More magazine. Recently we declined the offer to renew our freelance agreements for various reasons, including the proposed changes slated to take effect with the May/June 2003 issue.

Our sincerest thanks to collectors, loyal readers, Web masters and friends who have supported us since 1997. We thoroughly enjoyed buying, researching and writing about our palm-sized pellet filled critters, but the collections we treasure most are the experiences and friendships that have blessed our lives along the way.

Doodle's note: So what ARE the changes "slated to take effect"? Looks like for the time being, you'll have to build your own speculations.

... And It Is? ...
So what could be the name of the Ty Store Exclusive? ... you know, the one behind the window shade. After yesterday's note, we have received a number of emails with potential names, some of them rather cute, I must say. How about 'Bunn-e', 'Hopp-e', 'Hare-e', Egg-e (with a basketful of eggs), or 'Fudg-e' (sounds like a cute 'chocolate' bunny). You all have great ideas; thanks for sharing. Guess we shall wait and see.

... Next 'Ask Ty' Q & A
The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's site.
Q: How do you decide what the next Beanie Baby to be made is going to be? (submitted by kelseyb)
A: I design many different Beanie Baby styles throughout the year and have prototypes made. Many times I will sit with my newly designed friends and pick the one that will be our next Beanie Baby.
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

... Another Ty Store Shadow
So what's behind 'Window #1' ? The shadow of a bunny, holding a basket, can be seen in Ty Store now. Any ideas of a possible name? :)

Did you also notice the picture of Cappuccino that now appears on the BBOTM window?

... 'Countin' Sheep
Remember a new hot collectible in the UK that we mentioned a couple of weeks ago ... 'Countin' Sheep? Sue Owen has informed us that the company that makes these cute lil' sheep has donated some for her to use in a Cancer Research UK fundraiser. How can you find out more? Just click on one of the links below.
Click here to visit the 'Countin' Sheep website
Click here for auction details

... Decade
I have received quite a few emails, asking my thoughts regarding 'Decade' ... the possibility of different colors, the ordering status by Retailers, etc. As of this writing, only the light blue Decade has been shipped, that we are aware of. I personally feel that different colors will be eventually released, and I doubt a rarity ... it's a special Bear celebrating 10 years of Beanie Babies. As is typical, simple a 'wait and see'. Isn't that part of the fun of collecting? :)

... Ty's May 'BBOTM'
Ty's May 'Beanie Baby of the Month' has been announced - 'Cappuccino', a cat. You can still sign up for the program and receive a new Beanie Baby each month, if you haven't done so. However, after April 2nd, Ty will no longer accept new BBOM memberships.

... Upcoming Releases
Randy at Beanieholics has posted pictures shared by Marilyn, from the March/April issue of 'Beanies & More' magazine. Looks like there's an upcoming release at Ty Store - 'Duck-e'. And remember 'Yours Truly' - the name our source mentioned a few weeks ago - as the new Hallmark Exclusive Bear? Well, if you're interested in taking a peek at these, click on the link below.
Click here for more information, with pictures