...  Mankarios Partnership Appointed Resort Manager of Kona Village Resort & Asset Manager of Las Ventanas al Paraiso

    DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 28, 2004--The Mankarios Partnership, a leading and visionary provider of asset management, hotel and resort management and technical services for the world's finest independent hotels and resorts, has been engaged as the management company of the Kona Village Resort and as the Asset Manager of Las Ventanas al Paraiso by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts. The joint announcement was made by Ty Warner, Chairman and CEO of Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, and by Atef N. Mankarios, Managing Partner of the Mankarios Partnership.
    This most recent engagement represents a further expansion of the business relationship between Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts and the Mankarios Partnership, which is based in Dallas, Texas and was formed in January 2004 by the renowned luxury hospitality executive, Atef N. Mankarios. The Mankarios Partnership also serves as Manager for the historic San Ysidro Ranch, and provides asset management services for the Four Seasons New York as well as the Four Seasons Biltmore, Santa Barbara. Each of the aforementioned properties are owned by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts.
    Acquired by Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts in July 2004, the legendary Kona Village Resort was created around the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing village in 1965 by John M. "Johnno" Jackson as a retreat for his family and wealthy associates. Since then, the 82-acre oceanfront resort on Hawaii's Big Island has grown to encompass 125 traditional Hawaiian and Polynesian individual cottages. The Mankarios Partnership will provide management, marketing and operations services. The company will also direct and oversee the rejuvenation and enhancement of the luxury Hawaiian resort.
Click here to read the entire article  


  ...  Ty Newsflash - October Wallpaper/Calendar
Ty has posted the October Wallpaper for you to download.

  ...  Ty Newsflash - October BBOTM
Ty has announced the October 'Beanie Baby of the Month' ... "Fireplug".  This Beanie is available to current 'BBOTM' members only.

Click here to view the announcement 

  ...  Ty Newsflash - Cracker Barrel Exclusive
Ty has introduced 'Old Timer', a Cracker Barrel Exclusive Beanie Baby.

  ...  New 'World Class' Beanie Buddy
Thanks to Susan, who points out to us the appearance of a new 'World Class' Buddy in Ty's current list, noted as an 'In-Stadium Exclusive'.

World Class the bear (In Stadium Exclusive) CURRENT The New York Yankees played  their first game at Yankee  Stadium on April 18, 1923 !  Click here to view	World Class the bear RETIRED On March 30, 2004, the New York Yankees opened their regular season in Tokyo, Japan ! Click here to view

  ...  Ty Warner Purchases Esteemed Five-Diamond Los Cabos Resort
TY WARNER PURCHASES ESTEEMED FIVE-DIAMOND LOS CABOS RESORT; LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO BECOMES NEWEST ADDITION TO TY WARNER'S UNIQUE COLLECTION OF INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS

Ty Warner Hotels & Resorts, LLC announced today the purchase of the acclaimed Las Ventanas al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort, in Los Cabos, Mexico. Ty Warner purchased Las Ventanas from Dallas-based JTL Capital, LLC, with the seller being represented by Secured Capital and the buyer by Solid Rock Advisors.

The Las Ventanas al Paraiso joins Ty Warner's distinctive collection of individually unique and upscale destinations including the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, California and the Kona Village Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii.

According to Ty Warner, the goal as the new owner is to extend and enhance the incredible beauty and amenities that define Las Ventanas today.

Click here to read the story 


  ...  Forbes 400 Richest Americans
Yes, Ty Warner once again made the list ... at #34 this year.  (He was #30 last year.)  And his net worth - $5 billion!
Click here for Forbes 400 Richest Americans List
Click here for the write up on Ty Warner 

... Thanks to Sly and Ms. Janie for sharing the news

  ...  New 'Ask Ty' Q & A
A new 'Ask Ty' question and answer has been posted on Ty's website:
Q: Do you keep a journal, like the Info Beanie? (submitted by Skittlez)
A: I certainly do. In fact, I currently have 6 journals that I work from !
Click here to visit 'Ask Ty' 

  ...  Personalized Ty Pluffies
Randy writes:
The latest Abby Press catalog had something interesting in it...personalized Ty Pluffies. Shown are Pudder and Tinker with baby bibs that say 'Madison' and 'Bryce.'

Here is how the ad copy reads:

New! Ty Pluffies Baby Plush So soft to the touch, Baby will happily snuggle one of these darling friends. Each is designed of the most huggable plush, plumped with beans and comes with a hangtag offering a special verse. They wear personalized bibs; supply one name each, up to 11 letters/spaces. 10". Specify 2004 when ordering. *Pudder (pink)...............38617   $10.95 *Tinker (blue)................40474   $10.95

  ...  Donate Now!

Posted on Ty's website today ...
"Hurricane victims need your help NOW.  Click here to be a part of the relief efforts.  Donate now!


    ...  Sold Out
Ty has announced that the Canada Exclusive 'Discover' is "sold out".
Click here to view the announcement 


  ...   (I Love) Toronto
The Toronto Gift Show was held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada ... September 18 - 20.  Today Ty has (silently) added 'Toronto' to the current list of Beanie Babies. (Thanks to all who notified us.)

Toronto's poem reads:
Visit Toronto and you'll see
A city of diversity
So much variety to this place
A wonderful city I know you'll embrace
Click here to view Toronto on Ty's site 

  ...   A Tiger and a Elephant?
From our email, Lois writes:
HAS ANYONE NOTICED THE BACK COVER OF BEANIES & MORE.  A TIGER AND ELEPHANT ARE IN THE SHADOWS.  THOUGHT YOU WOULD LIKE TO KNOW.
I HAVE BEEN COLLECTING SINCE 95 AND HAVE MOST BEANIES.  WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A TEAL OLD FACE BEAR WITH OR WITHOUT A TAG.  ALSO TYRA  ATTIC TREASURES WITH POM POM . THAT WOULD MAKE ME  REAL HAPPY. 
ALSO, DO YOU THINK PIPPO WILL HAVE A BLACK NOSE?  I GUESS WE MUST WAIT.AND SEE.
LOIS CONNECTICUT

  ...   Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria
Cathie has really hit a jackpot with her Beanie purchases lately.  Just received yesterday, she has sent a photo of the new trio ...  'Nina', 'Pinta', and 'Santa Maria'.  These Beanies  were introduced by Ty last Friday, September 10th, in honor of Columbus Day (October 11th).

  ...   Twilight and Little Feather
Cathie also shares a photo of one of her recent purchases ... 'Twilight' and 'Little Feather'.  (Thanks for sharing, Cathie!)

  ...   City/State Beanies - Photo
Cathie shares a photo of more of the City/State Bears (Seattle, Columbus, and New York State) that she has added to her collection.  (Thanks, Cathie!)

Click here to view the announcement 

  ...   'Cherish' Auctions - Update
Sue Owen writes us with the following updates:
The auction for the Pippo Package closed this evening at a stupendous £120! I am thrilled that this has raised so much for Cancer Research UK and feel that it made the trip to Harrods and the eating of the Italian ice cream sundae all worth while!

I have listed several more auctions this evening. One 3 day auction are 4 Pippo Beanies with Harrods bag and Store Guide included, along with the CHERISH tag and certificate. Of course I could not resist designing a sweater for Pippo and have listed a 7 day auction for Pippo and sweater. Thanks to the generosity of Southern Collectables in donating one of the only six sets of the new UK Beanie Trio (I Love England, Scotland and Wales) to CHERISH I am able to offer that very desirable set on a 7 day auction. Finally, a pair of Oles with the 2 hang tags versions (misspelt and correct) are on a 7 day auction.

If you were looking for Pippo Beanie then why not place a bid on a CHERISH auction? All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and you could make a lovely collector's display with the bag, guide and certificate.

Many thanks for reading and to all those who have or will place bids!

Best Wishes, Sue
Click here for more Cherish news

  ...   Vancouver Gift Show
Tomorrow begins the Vancouver Gift Show (British Columbia, Canada) ... September 12 - 14).  If and when there is any news from the Show, we will surely share it with you.



  ...   M.C. IV ... and M.C. Anniversary 3rd Edition - Photos
Ms. Janie has posted a photo she has received of the Ty MasterCard 'M.C. IV' Beanie Baby.  Click here to view the photo.

She has also posted photos, with hang tag information, of the M.C. Anniversary 3rd Edition.  Click here to view the photo.


  ...   Boston (Silently) Introduced
Ty has silently introduced 'Boston', the Bear.  As noted yesterday, the Boston Gift Show began today (Sept. 11 - 14) in Boston, MA.  Click here to view 'Boston' in Ty's current Beanie Baby list.

  ...   Ty Warner's $35 Million Revamp
The following story appeared in the September 9th issue of the Santa Barbara News-Press:

Historic cabanas imperil remodel at Coral Casino
Ty Warner may drop plans if he can't remove buildings

The historic merit of 10 private cabanas at the Coral Casino is the latest snag in Ty Warner's $35 million revamp of the weathered Montecito swim club.

The removal of the second-story cabanas -- deemed historically significant in a recently released environmental impact report -- is necessary to carry out the heart of Mr. Warner's plans to raise the main restaurant to the second floor, which in turn restores ocean views from the pool deck below.

Click here to read the entire article   

... Thanks to Randy for sharing the news


  ...   Boston Gift Show
The Boston Gift Show begins tomorrow (Sept. 11 - 14) in Boston, MA.  You may want to watch Ty's website this weekend for a photo of (I Love) 'Boston' Bear (probably quietly listed in the current Beanie Baby section of the site.)
Click here for Ty's website 


  ...   Ty Newsflash
With Columbus Day just around the corner (October 11th), Ty has introduced three Beanie Babies today - Ty Store Exclusives 'Nina', 'Pinta', and 'Santa Maria'.

Click here to view the announcement 

  ...   Ty Newsflash - Retirements
Ty has retired seven Beanie Babies today ... Jaz, (Peace Symbol) Bear, Seattle, Columbus, Carnation, Jack (black nose), and Luau.

Click here to view the announcement 

  ...   September Releases in Japan and More
Sakurako of Bottega Beanies has posted various photos you may want to check out, including recent September releases in Japan.  Shown below is a nice group picture of Fraidy and Scared-e.

Fraidy - Beanie Buddy, Baby, and Halloweenie Beanie
Scared-e - Beanie Buddy, Baby, and Halloweenie Beanie

  ...   State Exclusive Bear Photo
A reader of Ms. Janie's site has sent a photo of the new 'New York State' Bear, one of twelve in the State Exclusive Beanie Babies released by Ty on August 30th.  Notice in the photo there is no "I ____", just the red apple and the word 'New York'.  The New York Bear released last year has this heart.
Click here to view the photo 
Click here to visit our City / State Bear page 


  ...   'Discover' Photo
Ms. Janie has posted a photo of the Canadian Beanie Baby 'Discover', which you can view by clicking here 

Ashton-Drake Galleries Announces Patent Application for Amazingly Realistic Doll Skin
NILES, Ill., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Ashton-Drake Galleries of Niles, Illinois has filed an application with the United States Patent Office for a patent for a process of manufacturing dolls with amazingly realistic skin. The process involves two plies of vinyl and silicone blended materials to create a doll skin that is soft and supple like a baby's real skin. The doll skin can also have the fresh smell of a baby after a bath. "This is a major breakthrough in dollmaking," says doll artist and Ashton-Drake product developer Kathy Anderson. "Our Baby Emily doll, the first ever to use this process, has been a resounding success, astounding collectors with the realism of the features of the doll and the touch of her skin."
Click here to read the Newswire  


  ...   Three Beanie Babies Retire
Three Ty Store Exclusive Beanie Babies have retired today ... 'Victory', 'Grandmother', and 'Grandfather'.  Victory was introduced on August 13th; Grandmother and Grandfather were introduced on August 3rd.
Click here to visit Ty Store 


  ...  Pippo Available
One of our readers, Mariann, writes:
One of our readers, Mariann, writes:
Just tried Harrods online shopping and found pippo has appeared and it now says you can purchase it now.  You just have to click on pippo and order!  Mariann
Click here to visit Harrods.com  
(Note:  Pippo is listed as 'TY Bear' £6.95)

  ...   Ty Newsflash - "Sold Out"
Ty announces today that 'Twilight' the owl is 'sold out'.  'Twilight' was introduced on August 30th, along with the September releases.
Click here to view the announcement 

Monday, September 6

  ...  Yokohama BayStars Beanie Babies Day
Our friend Sakurako of Japan (Bottega Beanies) has shared information and photos with us of Japan's Yokohama BayStars Beanie Babies Day.   This event is scheduled for September 19, 2004 at the Yokohama baseball team's stadium.  She has also shared photos of the recent promo, where 'Butch' and 'Fleece' were given away.  (This promo was August 10-11, 2004 at the Sapporo Dome in Hokkaido.)  The photos and info she has shared have been posted on another page on this site, which you can view by clicking here.

Saturday/Sunday, September 4-5

 

The news is being posted Sunday evening, as we have just returned from an out-of-town weekend visit with relatives.  It seems a bit has happened over the last couple of days!  (I also have quite a few emails to read and will reply to each one as quickly as I can.)  Thank you!

  ...   Ty Newsflash
Ty introduces three UK Exclusive Beanie Babies today (9/5) ... Scotland, England, and Wales.

Click here to view the announcement 

Note:  For additional information, photos, etc., you can visit various sites that have posted information on these new Beanies.
Click here to visit Ms. Janie's website
Click here to visit Bears and Beans website  
Click here to visit Beans Addiction website 

... Thanks to everyone for sharing the above information


 ...  Happy Birthday, Sly the Beanie Guy!
(9/5) ...  Our best wishes are sent to Sly on his special day!  We hope it's an enjoyable one, with many more to come!  (Thanks for sharing all your news with collectors! :)


  ...   Halloweenie Beanies

The 'Halloweenie Beanies' recently announced by Ty are now listed on Ty's website (under 'Beanie Babies') Click here to view the 'Halloweenie Beanies'

  ...   CHERISH Auction Update
Sue Owen shares the following

I just wanted to tell you about the Pippo Beanie that is now in hand and  on auction to raise money for Cancer Research UK. As usual, I have tried to think of a way to make the auction that little bit special (apart from being for a great cause!)

Included with Pippo are various extras, which would make a super display: a Harrods bag and Store Guide, a leaflet about the 'Taste of Italy' promotion, a special European Union Teddy Bear Passport that has been hand-stamped in Harrods and even a Harrods Italian Ice Cream swizzle stick (acquired by me during a rest-break from Beanie shopping!)

You can see more photos of the package and the hang tag by clicking on the link to the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5919199498

As you can see, Pippo comes with the extra hang tag that is currently found on European Beanie Babies and the Harrods price tag. His CHERISH neck tag matches in with his Italian colours very nicely!

If you would like to add this bear to your collection please bid generously for Pippo - it was a very hot day to travel into London on public transport and all you have to do to get this Pippo Package is to submit a bid on eBay! The starting price plus P&P to overseas is less than the cost of buying Pippo direct from Harrods and of course there is no expensive international phone call or travel expenses...and the passport is also included!
Best wishes,
Sue
http://www.boglin.net/

Click here to view 'Nami's' introduction 
Click here to visit Ty Store  

You can still order 'Li Mei' the panda, Ty's first Beanie introduction in support of the WWF.

You can join the fight to save endangered species - sign up for your free WWF newsletter by clicking here.


  ...   Photo of 'Pippo'
A reader shares a photo of 'Pippo' - an Italy Exclusive - with Ms. Janie.  This Beanie was introduced by Ty on September 1st. ('Pippo' is also available at Harrods Toy Kingdom - London, England).
Click here to view the photo  


  ...   Happy Birthday, Ty Warner !
Our best wishes for you on your special day!  As the Beanie Baby originator, we wish to thank you for giving collectors a wonderful hobby, with the chance to meet many people around the world.