March 1 - 31, 2008

www.doodlespage.com

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Monday, March 31

 ...   New Beanie Babies
As you probably know, it's time for the (quarterly) introduction of new Beanie Babies by Ty.  (They will probably be posted on Ty's website tomorrow.)  If you care to wait, hold on to your patience - it won't be long.  If you can't elude taking a peek, the you can visit Cindys Beans website.

I personally feel there could be a bit more "imagination" with this group; they seem a little redundant.  Maybe some Exclusives / Ty Store excitement will soon be coming our way?  We shall see.  But for those playing online, you will probably be led to new ventures as you tour the island with these new products.  Let us know what you think!

New Beanie Babies:
Pops - 2008 Father's Day monkey (gorilla)
Saddle - Brown Horse
Scholars - Graduation 2008 Bear
Sledder - Husky
Topper - Giraffe
Vines - Brown Monkey
Chill - Penguin
Fletch - Golden Retriever
KD 134 - Kentucky Derby (blue)
KD 134 - Kentucky Derby (pink)

 ...   Desktop Wallpaper/Calendar
As you know, Ty has subsided the monthly desktop wallpaper / calendar.  Brendan (Sloth It Up) shares the following:

Hi Doodle, since Ty hasn't been making monthly wallpapers anymore, I decided that I would make my own !   I've made two for April, one is April Fools themed and the other is rain themed.   Here is the link for the full sized versions: http://slothitup.webs.com/wallpapersandbanners.htm

Thanks !
Brendan aka Sloth It Up
 

 ...   Watch for New Products Soon
As April approaches, there is anticipation of new (quarterly) Beanie Babies.  We can probably see these announced on Ty's website on Monday/Tuesday.  And maybe even some new Exclusives?  Will there be a Father's Day Beanie, a graduation Beanie? ... We shall see.

Don't forget ... April 1st is Tuesday - don't let someone play a trick on you!  :)

 

 ...   NY Yankees Buddy Day - Update
On March 17th, we posted exclusive news of the upcoming NY Yankees Buddy give-away, scheduled for Sunday, September 14th.  (See news below for additional information and previous promo Bears.)  Today, the website has posted a photo of this Exclusive Buddy. 

Click here to view on the NY Yankees website

 

 ...   Ideas Worth Billions of Dollars
According to Edison, to create a good invention you need imagination and a pile of junk.  Click on the link below for a few simple ideas worth billions (which by the way, includes Beanie Babies).
Click here to read the article

 ...   Next?
As we mentioned a couple of days ago, it's almost tyme for retirements, and new (quarterly) introductions by Ty.  So what are you hoping will be in the next group?  What do you think Ty will introduce?  ... perhaps Father's Day Beanies (Fatherly / or Love to Dad :)?  We shall soon see!
 

 ...   New Walgreens Exclusive Ty Classic
A reader shares news with Ms. Janie of a new Ty Classic, with the tag reading "Created Exclusively for Walgreens".  This Classic's name is 'Tenderly', a white bear with a shear pink ribbon around it's neck.  To view a photo, as well as the hang tag, click on the link below.
Click here to view 'Tenderly' Ty Classic Exclusive

 

 ...   'Pink' AND 'Blue' "DK134" Kentucky Derby Beanie Babies
Posted Sun. 3/23 ...

Cindys Beans shares a note with Ms. Janie of two Kentucky Derby Beanie  Babies (regular not BB2.0).  You can view photos of them on Cindy's  Beans website.

Added note:  You can also view (and order) them on the Kentucky Derby Store website.  Click here to visit the Kentucky Derby Store.
... Thanks to Sandra for sharing this info.

 ...   "Peeps" at Easter
Posted Sat. 3/22 ...

Susan writes:
After reading Ty's answer yesterday in Ask Ty, as well as your comment - it made me smile and brought back memories.  Now that my children are grown, I haven't purchased Peeps in several years.  So off I headed to the store today, and was quite surprised.  There are several different styles and colors, much more choices than what I remember.  You can check them all out, according to the holiday (which includes Easter, Valentines, Halloween, and Christmas) at the following link:   http://www.marshmallowpeeps.com/   Check out the history of Peeps; I didn't realize they're over 50 years old.  Pretty cool and now one of my favorites (again).   Have a Happy Easter! ~ Susan
 

 ...   New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
So how do YOU like your 'Peeps'?  With Easter weekend here, and lots of Easter candy in the stores, one of the favorites is those lil' 'Peeps'.  After they're open, and a day or two goes by, they get that slight 'crunchy' outside coating.  The next 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted.  And what does Ty say? ....
Q: Do you like Peeps? If you do, what color is your favorite?  (submitted by cold water)
A: I do like Peeps, but the question should be do you like them fresh or a little stale ?
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty'

 ...  What's Next?
It's hard to believe Spring is here!   And with April just around the corner, we can probably see some Ty retirements soon, and perhaps some new (quarterly?) introductions.  We'll keep you posted when news happens!

In the meantime, enjoy your Easter holiday weekend with family and/or friends!  Have fun, and be safe!

 

 ...   NY Yankees - Ty Beanie Buddy Day!
The NY Yankees have finally posted their promotional items for the 2008 season!   On Sunday, September 14, 2008, the NY Yankees play the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium, with a Limited Edition Ty Beanie Buddy promo give-away to the first 18,000 fans 14 and younger.  This will be the 7th NY Yankees Beanie Buddy give-away.  To view the promo listings on the NY Yankees website, click on the link below.
NY Yankees 2008 Promotional Schedule 
 

Note:  The first NY Yankees Buddy giveaway was 'Centennial' on September 14, 2003.  On October 12, 2006, our friend Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) shared photos (including the hang tags) of each of the Exclusive Buddies ... Centennial, World Class (w/ Ty logo), World Class (w/ NY Yankees logo - In-Stadium Excl), Tradition (In-Stadium Excl), and Yankees Pride (In-Stadium Excl).  You can visit this page by clicking on the link below.

 'Legend', the "N.Y. Yankees" Exclusive Beanie Buddy, was given away last year (on September 1, 2007) at the NY Yankees vs Tampa Bay Blue Devil Rays.   This Buddy can be viewed at the link listed below.
 

Click here for more photos and information

Click here to view 'Legend' Beanie Buddy

           ... Thanks to John (the phoenix) for sharing this photo

 ...   Boston Store's Easter Sale
Thanks to Marilyn for sharing the following.  She writes:
A flyer I got today for Boston Store's Easter sale, shows beanies on sale on page 11.  Marilyn_in_Wisconsin

 ...  Dora the Explorer Magazine - Issues 3 & 4 (and more)
Our thanks to Marilyn, who shares photos of the 3rd and 4th issues of the Dora Dress-Up & Go! Magazine, as well as photos of the Beanie Baby 'Boots'.
Click here to view "Dora Dress-Up & Go!" (Issues 3 and 4) (including 'Boots' Beanie Baby) (posted March 12th)

Click here to view "Dora Dress-Up & Go!" (Issues 1 and 2) (posted February 18th)
 

 ...  Mother's Day Beanie Babies - Photos
Our special thanks to Marilyn for sharing her photos of 'Love to Mom' and 'Motherly' (Hallmark Exclusive) Beanie Babies.  Included also is a close-up of Motherly's feet.
Click here to view the photos

 ...  Ty Beanies Tracker Book
KarenBrit informs us of her new 'logo', which can be viewed on her website (see yesterday's news), as well as displayed on the main page of this site.  As a gift, her sister had the personalized logo designed .... Happy Birthday, Karen !

 ...  New Ty Trademark
Today Sly discovers a new Ty trademark application:
On March 4, 2008, Ty applied for a new trademark on the word "Tempest".
Ty, Inc. list the following as goods and services: Plush toys; soft sculpture plush toys; stuffed and plush toys; teddy bears; stuffed toy animals; stuffed toy bears.
... Thanks to Ms. Janie for sharing

Doodle's note: This involves some thinking / imagination as to what may be in the near future.  Could it be relating to one definition of tempest - a violent windstorm? ... one of Shakespeare's play (as suggested by Ms. Janie); or relating to Bethoven's "Tempest Sonata"?  Hmmm   Maybe we shall see soon.

 ...  Ty Beanies Tracker Book - Update Pages
I have just received the updated pages of the Ty Beanies Tracker from KarenBrit, Editor of the book.  My book is now totally up-to-date, including the most recent retirements (through February 28th).  See the main page of this site, also news below (see March 4th), if you would like additional information on how your book can be updated.  Don't have a book yet?  Just check out the website at www.karenbrit.com. 
... Thanks Karen, for all your hard work and dedication - a great job indeed.

 ...  Thank You!
Thanks to all of you who wrote such kind emails (on our website anniversary).  The notes were much more than expected; hopefully, you have received a personal response from me now.  As I said, YOU are the reason I'm here!  Best wishes to you all ... and Happy Collecting!

 ...  My Website Anniversary
Today I celebrate 12 years of running this website. As you know, my nickname is 'Doodle' ... I love art / creativity, and was always 'doodling' in school.  When Beanie Babies were first introduced (1993-1994), I considered running a Beanie Baby website. (Incidentally, 'Doodle' Beanie Baby's birthday is March 8, 1996.)  The combination of these factors began on that date.  Of course, the biggest reward is the friends and fans I've gotten to 'know' over the years; I wouldn't be here without YOU.  I hope you continue to enjoy the site.  Thanks to everyone !!!
 

 ...  (Silent) Retirement  - J.J. Yelley (Update)
As a follow up to our earlier post (see Thursday's news), the confirmed official retirement date of J.J. Yelley #18 NASCAR Beanie Baby is February 21, 2008.  This information has been added to our NASCAR Beanie Baby page.
... Note:  This silent retirement slipped by without notice.  We asked KarenBrit for verification; the date was confirmed by Ty
 

 ...  (Silent) Retirement
One of our readers has asked when J.J. Yelley #18 NASCAR Beanie Baby retired.  This bear has apparently just (silently) retired, as noted on Ty's website.  As soon as a confirmed date is known, we will let you know.
... Thanks to Michelle for bringing this to our attention

Note:  She also inquired about the retirement dates of several other Beanies.  (This same question had been asked by several readers in the past - see January's news.)  The dates are as follows:

• Quiet (Northwestern Mutual) - retired (silent) 7/27/07

• Monarch (San Francisco Zoo Exclusive) - retired (silent) 8/4/07

• Maliha / Jade (Saint Louis Zoo Exclusive) Click here to view on the Saint Louis Zoo website since 5/20/07 - Still available to order  (Not listed on Ty's website)

 ...  Beanie Babies 2.0 Checklist
The new BB2.0 Beanies are listed on the current Beanie Baby checklist (see yesterday's news), as well as on the Exclusive Beanie Babies Checklist.  Several readers have asked if it would be possible to also create a separate Beanie Babies 2.0 checklist.  So, consider it now done.  This new list of ALL BB2.0 can be viewed at the link listed below:
Beanie Babies 2.0 Checklist
 

 ...  'Ty Beanies Tracker' - Website
Do you have the new 'Ty Beanies Tracker' 3rd Edition book?  Need updated pages since the book was published?  KarenBrit has now created a website (www.karenbrit.com)  where you can obtain all the information you need to either order the new 3rd edition - or obtain update pages.  You can bring your book up-to-date (to February 28, 2008) with the newly added pages, and continue to enjoy the convenience of quick resourcing at your fingertips.  The link to the new website is also noted on the main page of this website.
... Thanks for sharing this news, Karen ... and congrats on a job well done!


 

 ...  Beanie Babies Current List - Updated
The current checklist of ALL Beanie Babies (including the BB2.0) has now been updated on this site.  Click on the link below to view.
Click here for a Current Beanie Babies checklist
 

 ...  Animax-Built Beanie Babies 2.0 Virtual World

LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire - March 3, 2008)
Animax Entertainment, a Broadband Emmy laureate and online entertainment studio focused on building virtual worlds and casual massively multiplayer games (MMOGs), announced today their key role in the development of Ty Inc.'s Beanie Babies 2.0 virtual world, http://www.beaniebabies20.com.

Animax architected and built the user-friendly virtual world that includes multiplayer gaming and social networking components. Users unlock the browser-based, download-free, virtual world by entering a secret scratch off code found on each plush Beanie Babies 2.0.

Built in Adobe Flash, AS3, with a backend developed by Tokenzone, the virtual world allows users to play games, care for their animated Beanie avatars, and chat safely with other kids.

"Our goal is to first focus on creating an entertaining and safe interactive playground," states Michael Bellavia, CEO of Animax.

"Animax has constructed a compelling virtual world unique to other toy-based virtual worlds on the market," said Chris Johnston, Chief Technology Officer for Ty Inc. "Beanie Babies 2.0 includes a unique story-driven approach akin to MMOGs that engage kids of all ages through a fun, interactive narrative that becomes more engrossing with continued play."

Animax also created and maintains another award-winning tween-focused virtual world for Ty Inc., Ty Girlz http://www.tygirlz.com, which was the first-ever virtual world for girls, beating both Barbie Girls and Bratz to market.

Click here to read the entire article
 

 ...  "Mothering Sunday"
Posted Sunday 3/2 ...
Today is "Mothering Sunday" (or "Mother's Day") in the UK.  Equivalent to Mother's Day in the U.S., which is celebrated on May 11th this year, "Mothering Sunday" is a time to celebrate special remembrances with flowers, a special dinner, a greeting card, or anything special - just from the heart - for that special 'Mum'.  To read more about it, you can click on the link below.
Click here for more

 ...  Navigating the BB2.0 Website
Posted Saturday 3/1 ...
Need help navigating around the BB2.0 website?  Interested in learning a few tips?  You can find a compilation of notes that may help you in your adventures by visiting the link shared by Ms. Janie.
Tips and Info for BB2.0 Website Adventures