june00news

Congratulations to USA! He is the July 2000 Info Beanie! Woo hoo! I can't wait to tell him! He's going to be so excited! I'll talk to you later. Bye!

http://web3-3.ty.com/infobeanie/lastpage/

Note: As I mentioned yesterday, I guess July wouldn't be a retirement expectation for U.S.A. Bear then? ... just a thought!

... Today is "The End" Day
Although some McDonald's have reportedly already made The End TBB available, today is officially THE day. Working 8 to 5 makes it hard for me to get out, but plan to scoot out at lunch and see if any are still available. (Let me know your story - I'll post it on the "TBB Adventures" page.) ... Then - it will be time to get with your friends and perhaps do some trading! Happy Beanie Day!

... Speckles, the e-Beanie Bear
A reader wrote in with the following information:
"I was able to log into Ty Trade this morning. I was in the process of ordering Speckles, the e-Beanie; but got all the way to the end and it's not a secure site to order - there is no lock on the page! You might want to let everyone know. Thanks, Norma"

She also adds:
"You can order up to two bears...I would assume per person. It is $3 s/h for one and $4.50 for two. $14.50 for two bears. Not bad!"

Note: Maybe this will change soon, since Tytrade just opened it yesterday. Perhaps it's something that Ty is working on. Let's hope so!

... Just a thought
It's always interesting to hear what readers and collectors think. We love hearing from all of you! (I hope to shortly open up a page where you can express your thoughts / ideas.) But just ideas ... no rumors (anyone can start those). A "thought" I received this morning from 'Carolyn P' reads:

"I believe that TY might release (in the future) a Goldie, the Goldfish Buddy. Coral, Bubbles and Lips are now in Buddy size and Goldie is the only one that is not a Buddy."

Note: That's an interesting thought ... being the same color as the orange Digger!

... Tomorrow is 'The End'!
Tomorrow is June 30th ... the last day of McDonald's Ty Teenie Beanie Baby promotion. Be sure to get your 'The End' Bear early! It is expected that this one will sell out quickly!

... July Info Beanie
Tomorrow at noon, the July Info Beanie will be announced. Currently in the lead (and not surprising) is U.S.A. Bear (16.8%). Rufus sneaked into second place over Swoop, with 14.8%. Guess July wouldn't be a retirement expectation for U.S.A. Bear then? ... just a thought!

... Tytrade.com
Update: 2:15 pm ... Well, I've checked on and off throughout the day. The Tytrade site was there for a short while ... perhaps some minor 'bugs'. BUT, the following was noted (and should be available for everyone to view shortly):

Ty Trade has opened and is offering a world of exciting features!

Bid, trade, and eventually have your items authenticated all from Ty
Trade.

The following is being offered by Ty Trade!

Books/Movies/Music
Charitable Auctions
Clocks/Timepieces
Coins/Stamps
Comicbooks/Trading Cards
Dolls/Beanbag Toys/Plush
Electronics/Photography
Entertainment
Figurines/Ceramics
Jewelry
Sports/Hobbies/Recreation
Toys/Action Figures
Ty Collectibles
other categories...

Ty Trade is proud to introduce Speckles the e-Beanie Bear. Speckles is
the first exclusive Internet Beanie Baby ... and it's only available to
registered users of Ty Trade!
Price $5.00 - http://www.tytrade.com/special

... Thanks to Ms Janie, for also pointing this out to us!

1:15 pm ...When you click on the Tytrade image on Ty's main site, it takes you to a mirror image of the Ty.com site. Expect a launch very shortly!

... Special Chat Scheduled
Lisa from Planet Beans informed us of the following:

SPECIAL CHAT SCHEDULED
When: Sunday night, July 2nd at 9pm est.
Where: Planet Beans Club
Special Guest: Pam Knapp, Author of "Heartfelt Stories About Beanie Babies and Those Who Collect Them".
Prizes: There will be a contest or two during the chat for the people that are in the chat.

... BBOC Update
Yesterday, it was noticed that the BBOC website displays a graphic on Ty's website, which states "Under Construction - STAY TUNED". Smart Collecting has checked the "Who-Is" database at Network Solutions and reports that Ty Inc. is now the new owner of the BBOC website. The BBOC website was formerly owned by Cyrk, Inc., the Massachusetts promotional company that previously had the exclusive license to manufacture authorized Ty products, including the Beanie Babies Official Club Collector's Cards. (The change of ownership took place on June 13th.)
Go to "Who-Is" database at Network Solutions

... The BBOC!
BeaNGO reports - "Maybe there is hope for the Beanie Babies Official Club! The BBOC website now has a graphic which states: 'Under Construction - STAY TUNED!!!' Maybe something special could be in store for us club members."

Note: To view, go to http://www.beaniebabyofficialclub.com/ (also accessible from the Ty website)

... New Beanie Descriptions
Yesterday was the last day of the Dallas Gift Show. Beanieholics has posted some additional descriptions of the new Beanies, supplied by a reader who just returned home from the Show.
Click here to read the observations

... I suspect the new Beanies will be listed on Ty's site very soon!

... USA Bear - USA Exclusive
The Ty site originally listed the USA Bear as a "USA Exclusive" when it was first introduced. When it moved over to the current Beanie listing on Ty's site, the "Exclusive" listing was eliminated. It has since been changed and listed as a 'USA Exclusive' again!

...
Today is the last day of the Dallas Gift Show. Perhaps an official announcement of the new products will appear on the Ty website in the next couple of days!

... Two Secret 2000 TBB Happy Meal Toys
Although we have known what the two 'secret' Teenie Beanie Babies are in this year's promo, the McDonalds website has posted their picture today. If you want to take a peek, go to
McDonald's U.S.A - Ty® Teenie Beanie Babies™ 2000 Happy Meal

... Countdown!
The TBB Legends group (RB Peanut, Chilly, and Humphrey) are expected to be hot. Tomorrow is the 'official' day for their availability ... so don't forget to check by your local McDonalds! And The End Bear is scheduled for Friday, June 30th! ... Happy 'McBeanie' Day !

Also, announced on the Ty website ... "coming in June" ... is Tytrade and Beanie Greetings. There are only 4 days left for it's launch, so keep your eyes posted! (Perhaps after the final TBB day on the 30th?)
Beanie Greetings!
Tytrade.com

Guess we can also expect the new Ty products to be listed on Ty's website soon, perhaps shortly after the Show?

... Just some updating ... :) Check back - We'll let you know as soon as we do! :D

... Info Beanie
You only have 4 more days to vote for the July Info Beanie on Ty's site. Currently the polls read:
#1 - USA Bear (16.8%)
#2 - Swoop (14.2%)
#3 - Rufus (13.5%)

You can place your vote for the Info Beanie here.

... Dailybean.com
Joe Cooper, from the Dailybean.com website ... (currently being revamped and scheduled to launch soon by another webmaster) ... now has a new site to share with the younger viewers. The site is called BusyHandsOnline, and he has just started a kids contest. So if you are under 16, you love to color, and you want to win a FREE Beanie Kid, make sure to visit his site at
http://www.busyhandsonline.com/4kids

... New Ty Products Updated!
The Dallas Gift Show started two days ago! Now you can find a list, with ALL the products available for ordering, including the ones still current. Ty has "introduced" 11 Beanie Babies, 21 Beanie Buddies, 4 Beanie Kids, 12 Attic Treasures, 3 Baby Ty, and 4 Classics (which totals 55 new products, if my calculations are right !) The list can be viewed by clicking on the "New Ty Products" above, where you will also be directed to a scan of the entire list, with style numbers (kindly supplied by Beanie Mom).

Patience is a Virtue!
I know all Ty collectors, whether it be Beanies, Buddies, Kids, Attics, or Plush (or a combination), are anxious to find out what the new Ty products will be. The Dallas Gift Show runs from June 24th - 27th ... after which time I'm sure the official announcement (with pics) will be posted on Ty's website. I usually try to refraim from posting rumors or hearsay ... it creates anticipation and many times turns out to be inaccurate, thus causing disappointment. In due time, we will all know what's next. (Beanie Mom has a list posted, if you wish to take a glance, of what one reporter writes in as seeing at the Show. Also see below.)

As soon as an official list is made available, it will be posted immediately. If the new product line IS true, I envision a jumbo Schweetheart Buddy sitting in my son's room ... wishful thinking by him (and me) :) But 20 new Buddies? Perhaps a second job for me?

Stay tuned ... as news happens, you will be the first to know! That's what I'm here for. It IS exciting, isn't it !!!

... What's Up?
As you know, Ty Warner does NOT like cameras at the Shows when new products are displayed. Apparently, he did NOT want the Dallas Web Cam to allow live shots during the Dallas Trade Show as well. Underground Bean reports of receiving word that Ty "does not look happy", and "the vendors saw nothing". What's next? Will ANY more new products be unveiled? What a disappointment! (At last check, the live Cam was still up and running.)

MBBBW also reports, "...Due to a concern about the Web cam at the Denver Show, Ty has yet to reveal the new designs at the show. Some limited information about the new styles has been revealed, although Ty has yet to release information on all 50 new designs..."

Doodle's Note: Various reports as to the truth of the Web Cam 'delimma' have surfaced across the Net. Just be patient ... we'll know what we 'need' to know - when the 'tyme' is right!

... News From the Dallas Gift Show!!!
MBBBW is at the Dallas Show, and has reported the following on their website:

APPROXIMATELY 11 NEW BEANIES™
Squirmy, a green glow worm
Cinders, a black bear
Peek-a-boo, a turtle
Righty 2000 and Lefty 2000, red, white and blue striped versions of Righty and Lefty
Cashew, the dog
Cheeser, the mouse
There is also a new tiger and a new squirrel Beanie.

NEW BUDDIES INCLUDE:
Two new teddies. One is blue and features the old face design.
A purple-pink bear referred to as the "employee bear."
Steg Buddy
Pouch Buddy

ATTIC TREASURES INCLUDE:
Baron, a bear wearing a brown leather jacket
Pinkston, a lion
Fanny, a red, white and blue American bear
Mulligans, the golfer
Easton, a panda
Scarlet and Marigold, two bears who are red and yellow, respectively
There is also a new Attic jester bear.

4 NEW BEANIE KIDS
2 boys and 2 girls

2 NEW TY CLASSICS

3 NEW BABY TY
An elephant, cow and hippo.

http://www.beanbagworld.net/new/news/details/dallasshow.html

(Note: This is only a partial list.)

... Dallas Gift Show Update:
No news yet! But we will keep up updated throughout the day as soon as it becomes available! It shouldn't be long now!

... Ty Website Update

... Fall 2000 TBB Promo Update:
Coolbeanys has directed us to a copy of the licensing agreement between McDonalds and Ty. The licensing agreement refers to a second TBB promo this Fall!

... Dallas Trade Show
Today is opening day of the Dallas Gift Show, where Ty will unveil 50 new products ... Beanies, Buddies, Kids, Attic Treasures, Classics, something new? Keep checking back ... there will be updates throughout the day as the news is made available.

... Video Cam at Show
Smart Collecting reports that the Ty booth is located in the World Trade Center, 6853-6861 6948-6960/JK. To see the Dallas Show LIVE, go to http://www.dallasmarketcenter.com/index.htm. (Click on the panaramo photo to move the camera. You might not catch Ty, but worth a try!)

... Auctions!
It has been brought to my attention by several readers that there is an auction on eBay for a Sakura Buddy! No, Ty has not released a Sakura Buddy (as far as we know!) Many anticipate a release of not only a that, but a Libearty Buddy as well --- those being the only two International Bears without a Buddy counterpart. There's Osito Beanie/Buddy, Maple Beanie/Buddy, Britannia Beanie/Buddy, and Germania Beanie/Buddy (although the Germania Buddy has never been officially announced on Ty's site). Sakura would seem a logical Buddy as well, and perhaps follow in the footsteps of Germania. But my advice, as we all know, is 'buyer beware'.

If you wish to view a Sakura Buddy auction on eBay, click here
(Thanks to Sly The Beanie Guy)

... Tomorrow if the first day of the Dallas Gift Show ... keep checking back. I'll let you know as soon as any information is available :)

... Ty Newsflash!
Ty retired Peace Buddy this morning. (I suspect the large, x-large, and jumbo Peace Buddies may follow soon.)
http://www.ty.com/announcements/ret_peace_623.html

... The Dog Days of Summer!
Ty's Beanie Kids celebrate summer. Visit the following link to view and learn about their summer experiences, as well as some safety tips! Read and enjoy!
(Thank you, Ms Janie!)
http://www.msjanie.com/kids/summer_kids.html

... Win USA Bear
Planet Beans is having a Beanie Scramble. The winner will win the USA Bear. Details can be found on the contest page at http://www.planetbeans.com/contests.htm
-smiles from Lisa

... Ty Update
The retirement Newsflash of Rex and Digger has been removed. Shall we expect another announcement today? (as we patiently wait for the debut of new Ty products at the Dallas Gift Show tomorrow!)

... USA Bear - still in the lead for July Info Beanie. That's not a surprise!
USA - 16.5%
Swoop - 15.2%
Rufus - 13.4%

... TBB's Update:
As we all know, the secret TBB's are not too much of a secret anymore. (See the TBB Recap below, Top Secret - Springy and Bushy). But the McDonalds website says "Come back here Tuesday, June 27th, to see the two secret Teenie Beanie Babies!!" ... perhaps that's an availability date. Check your local McDonalds as dates may vary. (I've noticed a wide variety of differences in distribution in my city.)
Click here for the Link to the McDonalds website

If you're interested in more information on the game piece in specially marked TBB's packages, go to Ronald Scholars Game at McDonalds - Official Rules.

... Ty-Dyed Digger Buddy
As you know, both Digger Buddies (orange and ty-dyed) were retired by Ty yesterday. When the ty-dyed Digger first appeared, it sold for almost $200 in an auction, but dropped to around $25 as a few more showed up at retailers. It was a hard Buddy to find though, with a few showing up in the US, UK, and Canada. It is now currently selling for

on the Meta Exchange.

... USA Bear in 3D?
Beanieholics has received an email from a reader stating "If you look at the new USA Bear with 3-D glasses, he takes on a 3-D "appearance."

Now that's an interesting concept! If you're lucky enough to already have one, you might want to check it out.

... Ty Newsfash! Retirements!
12:30 pm .... Ty has just announced the retirement of Rex and Digger Beanie Buddies.(The picture noted is the orange Digger ... but both Diggers have now been placed on the 'retired' list of Beanie Buddies on the Ty site!)
To view the announcement by Ty, go to:
http://www.ty.com/announcements/6_rex_21_digger.html

To view the current/retired list of Buddies on Ty's site, go here.

... Beanie Kids™ - Which Version is it?
If you are interested in purchasing (or buying) a Beanie Kid, you might want to know which version it is. (The rarest is the first version.) You can read (and view pictures) of the different versions - how they differ in regards to facial features, clothing, hang tags, etc. - by going to Smart Collecting's Ty Beanie Kids Versions.

... Employee TBB
Ms Janie informs us of the following:
To view a photo submitted of the Employee Teenie Beanie given to McDonalds' employees for working this promotion, please visit the following link. The tag says it all!
http://www.msjanie.com/pix/mcdonalds_crew.html

... Info Beanie Poll Update
5:00 pm ... Update: USA Bear has just taken over the lead position -
USA Bear: 16.7%
Swoop: 16.6%
Halo II: 11.7%

11:40 am ... Looks like the USA Bear is quickly catching up now, for July Info Beanie. Yesterday, USA Bear was in 9th place, with 3.3% of the votes. Now the ratings are:

Swoop: 16.9%
USA Bear: 16.6%
Halo II: 11.8%

With the upcoming July 4th Holiday, guess this is no surprise!

... USA Bear
Have you noticed? Perhaps just an oversight? But the current Beanie Baby listings on the Ty Website does not list the USA Bear as a US "Exclusive".

... 2000 TBB Items
Lisa from Planet Beans informs us of the following TBB items, with pictures:
1 set of the Superstar Teenie Pins (view picture here)
2 sets of the 2000 Teenie Pins (view picture here)
1-XL T-shirt from the commerative 'Issue Date of Millennium'
(view shirt front here)
(view sleeve image here)
(view shirt front with sleeve here)

... New Beanies? Buddies? Ty products? What are they?
There are many rumors afloat as to what the new Ty products may be. We will all know by Saturday, the 24th, when the Dallas Gift Show starts! Whether it's rumor, theory, or fact ... we don't have too long to wait. So hold on to your patience and be prepared ... 50 new styles will be unveiled (see the Ty Newflash below).

Wouldn't the following be nice, though? ... something new for any collector, whether it's Beanies, Buddies, Kids, Attics, Baby Ty, or Classics.

From BeanGO
James sends us the following: "I just heard from a very reliable source that on the 24th Ty will announce the following items at the trade show... 18 Beanie Babies, 5 Beanie Kids, 9 Beanie Buddies, 10 Attics, 4 Ty Classics, and 4 Baby Ty. I also heard that a clothing line will be out for the beanie kids and attics, and even more exciting, that the BBOC will be brought out of its "retirement"!!! My source said that there will be NO counrty exclusives, but 6 new bears. He also stated that a new material will be on the beanies and also new, more realistic eyes and new tags .... I sure hope this is true, I can't wait!!!!"

...
Speaking of the BBOC, here's an interesting concept, and actually a great idea:
What Ty Trade could be all about! ... Submitted by Sly the Beanie Guy to Ms Janie:

"I heard an interesting theory today about what Ty is up too and what Tytrade.com is. I hear that Tytrade.com might be a collector's incentive program. A program that you build up points for every dollar you spend on Ty products at an authorized Ty retailer. Kind of like frequent flyer miles. You see for every dollar you spend On Ty products at a Ty retailer you get TY points and You build Those Ty points up to buy Exclusive Ty products from Tytrade.com. That would be the only way to get these exclusive Ty products-they would not be sold in stores. This would keep collectors from Buying current Ty products from The secondary market as Collectors would want to build up those points to be able to get those exclusive Ty products and could only get those points by buying Ty products from Ty retailers.
If this is true this actually might work and pump the market a bit.
Collectors would want those exclusive products for their collections and would want to build up the points to get them and possibly buy Ty products they wouldn't have just to get the points. And would have to buy them from Ty accounts-its a win-win situation for Ty and Ty retailers. You would have to be a BBOC member to acquire these Ty points and use them to buy the exclusive Ty products. Hello Clubby 3!! Don't know if this theory is true or just a rumor but it sure does sound like a good plan to me.
This actually might kill the secondary market on current Ty products a bit too, as collectors would want to build up those points and buy from Ty retailers.
Just wondering if you had heard anything like this at all?
Your Bud-Sly"

... Ty Newsflash! Just Posted!!!
1:50 pm - A big day is coming, just around the corner!!!

NEWSFLASH

Ty will introduce new designs at the Dallas Gift Show, June 24-27.
Over 50 new styles will be unveiled.
Will they be Beanie Babies? Beanie Kids? Beanie Buddies? Attic Treasures? Baby Ty? Classics? Or perhaps something new?

(Trade shows are open to retailers only.)

... July Info Beanie Poll Ratings
The July Info Beanie poll ratings currently stand at:
Swoop - 20.3%
Halo II - 13.6%
Rufus - 10.8%

USA Bear and Ariel weren't added to the voting list until last Thursday, June 15th --- and currently stand at:
USA Bear - 3.3% (9th place)
Ariel - 1.7% (15th place)

I personally anticipated the USA Bear to win, with the upcoming July 4th Holiday ... Guess we'll have to wait and see.

If you haven't voted, go to http://www.ty.com/infobeanie/vote.html

... Ty is flying high in Singapore
12:05 am ... Beanies have arrived in Singapore. Ms Janie has information and pictures to share!
http://www.msjanie.com/pix/singapore_beanies.html

... Employee T-Shirt, TBB 2000
A reader has sent in a scan of the TBB 2000 T-shirt, available to McDonald employees (in Canada). (A digi-cam was unavailable, but most of the shirt can still be seen.) Too cute!

... Beanie™ Collecting Pioneer and Authority Becky Estenssoro announces TRUE BLUE BEANS AUTHENTICATION SERVICE
Counterfeiting has become a continuous problem with Beanie collectors across the country. Becky is attempting to help eliminate the problem by offering another affordable and reliable authenticity service in the market.

Becky Estenssoro is a world-renowned authority on Beanies™. In addition to being the author/publisher of the Beanie Mania™ series of books, and the editor/publisher of the Bean Mania Magazine, both which were licensed by Ty Inc., she also co-authored the semi-monthly Bean Mania Bulletin newsletter. Becky has also been a guest speaker on many TV and radio talk shows and has been featured in numerous publications, including Time Magazine andThe Wall Street Journal.

You can visit the website at http://www.truebluebeans.com

... Thanks, Becky, for sharing this information with us!

... TBB Pics
Planet Beans offers readers a chance to see all the TBB's, with hang tag comparison scans. You can check it out at http://www.planetbeans.com.

... Thanks for sharing with us, Lisa! :)

... Cajun Connection Contest
Don't forget ... the next TBB Trivia Contest at Cajun Connection Beanies starts tomorrow. Lots of nice prizes are being offered!

... Ty Inc. Chief Keeps Tight Hug On Beanie Babies
He's elusive, reclusive, and most definitely the man behind the Beanie Baby phenomenon. Ty Warner, is an intensely private man considered an innovative marketing genius for driving up demand and doling out the supply of Beanies. With all the news about Teenie Beanies being in the spotlight, Kansas.com provides us a 1998 look at Ty Warner.
Click here to read the article on Ty

... Source: Beanieholics

... Fake Gray Happy Beanie Baby Information
Beanie Mom has posted an article on the differences between authentic and fake/counterfeit Grey Happy Beanie Babies. You can check it out by clicking here.

... USA Bear with Upside Down Emblem
A SmartCollecting member has sent in a picture of a USA Bear with an upside down emblem - Click here to view

... TBB Trivia Game Contest
Kris at Cajun Connection is having a Teenie Beanie Trivia Game, beginning Saturday, June 17th. Players will have a chance at winning the following TBB collectors items: A 1999 McDonald's Teenie Beanie Baseball Cap, two 1999 Germany McDonalds Teenie Beanie Pins with the German flag in the center, a 1999 McDonalds Teenie Beanie T-shirt (XL) with the four International Bears on the front, and a set of 10 lapel Teenie Beanie Pins from the 1999 McDonalds promo. You can check out all the details at http://www.premier.net/~dirkthib

... Info Beanie Poll Update!
11:00 pm ... USA Bear and Ariel are now on the candidate list for July Info Beanie .... just added tonight!
Click here to check it out and ... vote for the July Info Beanie

... Ty Newsflash
9:10 am ... Two Buddies retire this morning ... Spangle and Kicks!
http://www.ty.com/announcements/615_spangle_kicks_ret.html

... Info Beanie Voting Poll
10:30 am ... Update: The polls are now open ... you can place your vote for July's Info Beanie. (Ariel and USA are still not on the list).

1:30 am ... The voting polls open today for Info Beanie for July. It's interesting to note that Ariel and The USA Bear Beanies aren't yet listed as candidates ... maybe they'll be added by the time the polls officially open (probably around 12:00 noon).

Click here to vote for the July Info Beanie

... Beanie Kid Cutie ... TBB hunting!
Cutie has decided to take today off and go Teenie Beanie Hunting! They are the perfect size for her to play with and she wants to collect them all! The garden must wait, Ty surely will understand! Read all about it at
http://www.msjanie.com/kids/cutie_garden.html

... Ariel with No Emblem
An Ariel Beanie Baby™, with a missing emblem, is up for auction on eBay. Click here to view the auction

... News source: Ms Janie

... A Birthday Contest
In celebration of their recent Birthday, Beanieholics is giving away Beanie Babies (Arial and Wisest), Beanie Kids (Boomer and Curly), and Beanie Buddy (Rex).
Click here for the contest information and see how you can enter!

... 6/14/00 Jolisa's Beanie Speech
Soon-to-be 11 year old Jolisa gave a speech this past weekend as a part of the State Level 4-H Contest where she lives. She won Second Place …Junior Reserve Champion!. The topic of her speech? Beanie Babies!
Click here to read Jolisa's speech

... Source: Beanieholics

... McDonald's Employee Pin
Interested in taking a glance at the McDonald's Teenie Beanie 2000 Employee Crew Pin? If you haven't seen it, Beanieholics has a great scan ... a nice close up look!
Click here to view

... Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Bay Area
Announces Exclusive Auction Of the 2000 Special Collector Edition of McDonald's Ty(R) Teenie BeanieBabies. Proceeds to Benefit Ronald McDonald Houses in San Francisco, Palo Alto And Other Bay Area Children's Charities
SAN FRANCISCO, June 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Ronald McDonald House Charities of
the Bay Area announced today that, for the fourth consecutive year, it will
auction off sets of the 2000 special collectors edition of the popular
McDonald's Ty Teenie Beanie Baby in a special carrying case unavailable to
the public, all to benefit the charity dedicated to Bay Area children. The
auction will begin Tuesday, June 13, 2000 and will accept bids through
Thursday, June 22, 2000. The high bids will be notified on Friday, June 23.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000613/ca_ronald_.html

... Information shared .... courtesy of Ms Janie

... TBB Dino Trio ... Poems and Birthdays!
As you know, the Beanie Baby Dinos (Bronty, Rex, and Steg) were only produced with a 3rd generation hang tag ... no poems. However, the Dinosaur Trio TBB's have the following information:

Bronty
Date of Birth: November 22, 1994
Date Introduced: June 3, 1995

Bronty always wants to play
Not just sometimes - every day
It makes it hard to get things done
But surely is a lot more fun!

Rex
Date of Birth: August 1, 1994
Date Introduced: June 3, 1995

Rex, the friendly Tyrannosaurus
Wished that he could join a chorus.
He couldn't sing, but this fuzzy fellow
Found a group that lets him bellow!

Steg
Date of birth: November 1, 1994
Date Introduced: June 3, 1995

One day, Steg wanted something to eat.
Wanted it quickly and wanted it sweet.
Luckily for him he found something handy
A big pile of prehistoric rock candy!

... Three Buddies Retire Today!
12:05 pm ... Ty Newsflash! Ty has just announced the retirement of 3 Beanie Buddies: Dragon, Lucky, and Goochy! (A busy day in the Beanie world!) :)
http://www.ty.com/announcements/lucky_goochy_dragon_613.html

(That makes 26 Beanie Buddies retired so far this year!)
(There are 23 Buddies left as 'current')

... TBB Update / Reports
Many of you have written in, stating the surprise of not finding an overwhelming 'surge' of people at McDonalds this morning. Perhaps things are just off to a slow start and the momentum will pick up as the promotion progresses. My local McDonalds (at lunch) looked quite busy ... I didn't have the time to wait! Work calls! :(

Reports from across the country ....
... moved to a separate page - click here !

... Happy Birthday!
Today is Beanieholics second Birthday! Randy and Theresa have dedicated a huge amount of time to a wonderful website. Might want to stop by and wish them a Happy Birthday today! Thank you, guys! :)

... Today's the Day!
It's 12:05 am ... all is quiet at your local McDonalds. But not for long. In just a few hours, the place will be buzzing, with the beginning of the TBB Promo ... the fun, the excitement, the hunt begins. Set your clock, be prepared. This could be one of the busiest days, with the 'Millennium' Promo Bear today, and 28 more to follow. Millennium is 'one day only, while supplies last)

... Also, as I mentioned a couple of days ago, keep watching the Ty website at www.ty.com ... tytrade.com is expected to debut this month and perhaps no better time than now ... maybe a good possibility for exchanging / trading your TBB's among collectors.

... Just waiting!
We are all waiting for ...

...tomorrow ... the beginning of the TBB Promo launch
...the next Newsflash on the Ty website (new releases, retirements)
...our first chance at an Ariel or USA Bear Beanie
...the launch on Ty's site of Tytrade and Beanie Greetings
...more of the 'unexpected'

... McDonald's TBBs ... Is this the last Promo?
9:00 pm ... Derek points out - "In the Teenie Beanie Babies 2000 McDonald's Press Release, it is quoted - .....'The thrill of the hunt is back as McDonald's gives its customers one last chance to collect teenie versions of their favorite Beanie Babies....' Does this mean 2000 is the last year teenies are coming out? Just a thought. Thanks!"

Doodle's note: I would hate to see the end to TBB's. It has been mentioned/rumored in the past, that McDonald's has a 5-year TBB contract. But also, what would have happened if 1999 had been the end to Beanies. Another interesting side note: The End Bear TBB is the last one to be sold in this year's promo. Hmmmm ...... NOW are you ready for Tuesday? This could well be your last chance! Good Luck!

Read the McDonald's U.S.A - 6/7/2000 Press Release.

... Hang tags
Several readers have written in, stating that have found Ariel. (And yes, Ariel is showing up in Canada!) It appears some are finding the "2000" across the tag, others with the new "Beanies" across the tag. At this point, it is hard to stay which may be more "rare" ... either one is a nice addition to your collection. She's a beautiful Bear!

It will be interesting to see what will happen with The USA Bear tag. If USA Bear comes up next with "Beanies", perhaps the "2000" will be more valuable. Tyme will tell.

... Tytrade
As you know, Ty has announced that Tytrade will be launched in June. It should debut sometime within the next couple of weeks. Perhaps it will open shortly after the TBB Promo starts! Now THAT would be a good way to trade and exchange TBB's among collectors!

... Millennium - Special McDonald's TBB
Kansas.com reports on Millennium TBB - the special McHappy Day bear you can buy at McDonald's on Tuesday, the launch of the most popular Happy Meal promotion in McDonald's history.
Click here to read more

... Source: Beanieholics

... Tropicana Lawsuit - Update
Beanieholics reports of further developments in the Ty Vs Tropicana Casino lawsuit. Tropicana thinks that the lawsuit should be tossed out since the Beanie Baby slot promotion that the lawsuit is based on is no longer running.
Click here to read the updated story.

...
Yesterday's news? Not much was happening in the Beanie 'world'. (I exercised all day, preparing for McDonalds' trips this week ... is water/jet skiing exercise? :) Good! :)

... Teacher OK in Beanie Babies Case
ATLANTA (AP) - A high school economics teacher who was suspended for offering students extra credit if they gave her Teenie Beanie Babies has been exonerated by the Georgia Board of Education.
Click here to read the story.

... Source: Ms Janie

... Where are the flags?
Derek makes an interesting observation:
"Hello, I went to the McDonalds website and noticed a few possible mistakes on the Teenie Beanie Babies. I noticed that neither Germania or Osito TBB Bears have a flag on their chest."

(Probably just a picture 'error', but ... if you haven't noticed, go to McDonald's USA - 2000 Ty® teenie Beanie Babies™ Superstars

... TBB's on McDonalds Website Now!!!
2:30 pm EDT ... OK, folks! I just noticed! You can check out the official TBB announcement on McDonald's website now! It's all there for your viewing!!!
http://www.mcdonalds.com/countries/usa/whatsnew/tbb/index.html

... What's Next?
Ty has surprised collectors lately with "unexpected" releases and retirements ... 'Ariel' and 'The U.S.A. Bear' Beanies are announced on a Newsflash, and show up in retail stores within a matter of days, ... and Ty-Dyed Digger mysteriously appears in the current Beanie Buddy list, never having been officially announced by Ty. So collectors wait patiently to see what is "unexpectedly" going to happen next.

(Work on that appetite over the weekend! Tuesday is just around the corner!)

... Sshhhh :) ..... Spangle, Maple, and Peace Buddies are the ONLY ones left to retire prior to all of the 2000 Releases this year. {I've never seen the Brit or Maple Buddy}!

... Stay Tuned!
1:10 pm EDT ... The McDonalds website still states ... "Come Back June 9th for More News!" ---- Something should be posted later today, so keep watching!
http://www.mcdonalds.com/countries/usa/whatsnew/tbb/index.html

(picture removed)

U.S.A. the American Bear
Date of Birth: July 04, 2000

From this land of liberty
Comes this bear for you and me
Proud to wear red, white and blue
He'll be a special friend to you!

Another picture of the U.S.A. Bear ...
Click here to view a larger image on the Ty site

... New Ty Teenie Beanie Babies Coming soon ....
(Press Release)
4:30 ... Thursday June 8, 2:01 pm Eastern Time Company Press Release
New Ty Teenie Beanie Babies Coming Soon to a McDonald's Near You

Proceeds From a Special McHappy Day Teenie Beanie Baby To Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities

INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 8, 2000--A Teenie Beanie Babies ``beananza'' is headed to McDonald's Restaurants of Central Indiana, marking the return of the most popular Happy Meal promotion in McDonald's history.

Click here to read the Press Release

... Information shared .... courtesy of Ms Janie

... 4 Billion Visitors at Ty
The counter rolled over the 4 billion visitors mark this morning!
Link to Ty website

... Ty Buddies retire! Newsflash!
9:00 am ... Ty has retired Valentino and Halo Beanie Buddies this morning:
http://www.ty.com/announcements/halo_ret_val_0608.html

... We Knew THAT Answer! :)
"What letters are on the tags of the Beanie Babies?" If you had been in the "hot seat" last night on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire", that would have been your $4,000 question. <Did you say "TY"? :)> :)

... Ariel's Poem posted!
Ariel's poem is on the current Beanie Baby listing on the Ty site now!
Click here to read the poem.

... 'The Ty Story told by Clubby'
With the ingenious help of Ms Janie, Clubby has a story to tell the Beanie Kids. There's a LOT to learn, and perhaps a lesson as well ... I suggest you take a couple of minutes, relax, and read ... The Kids listen as Clubby Buddy reads some "Ty" Tales ...

... McHappy Day TBB to Debut on the Today Show
Tomorrow, June 8th, there will be a special sneak preview of the McHappy Day Teenie Beanie Baby on 'The Today Show' ... (check your local listing for the time).

... Source: Ms Janie

... Newsflash Removed
9:30 pm ... The Newflash placed yesterday, announcing "U.S.A. The American Bear", has been removed on the Ty website. "U.S.A." hasn't shown up on the current Beanie Baby list there yet, but should soon. Wonder what's next?

... The 4 billion mark on the counter is closely approaching.

... McDonald's TBB Video/Audio
To hear a recorded message from McDonalds about this years Teenie Beanie Promotion, visit Ms Janie's website and enjoy.

... Beanie Kids in a Box
Some retailers in Canada are getting a complete set of the Beanie Kids in a white cardboard carrying case. The box sports a large red heart with 'Ty Beanie Kids' on it. It was noted that this was a surprise shipment, not part of any retailer's order or raffle deal. It will be interesting to see if it shows up anywhere else now. To view a picture, go to Smart Collecting.

... Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Fundraiser
Several well-known celebrities attended the 11th Annual carnival and picnic in Brentwood, California, on Sunday. Underwritten by Ty Inc, the event raised more than $2 million. For more information, click here to read the article

... Source: Beanieholics

... Digger, the ty-dyed Crab!!!
9:20 pm ... Although never officially announced by Ty, it seems Digger, the ty-dyed crab has crawled his way into several retail stores, in the U.S. - Canada - and the UK. A photo is on the Ty site now - Click here to view. Interesting!!! Leave it to Ty ... "expect the unexpected".

The ty-dyed Digger, along with the orange Digger, has now been added to the Buddy list on the Ty site, which can be viewed here.

... Ariel is making her debut!
Ariel, the Beanie Baby, has shown her presence in several retail stores around the country. A reader, Norma, has shared her pics of this beautiful bear for us to view. She notes it is a light blue/green, with a mix of yellow ... which can be best seen in the tag scan picture. WOW! What a Bear! Click here to view the pics of Ariel.

... Ty Newsflash !!! U.S.A. - the American Bear announced
5:10 pm .... "U.S.A. - The American Bear" Beanie Baby (a USA exclusive) has been introduced by Ty today!
http://www.ty.com/announcements/prodlaunch_usabear.html

... Germania Facts
Germania was introduced on January 1, 1999. Ty Warner unveiled this German exclusive the first week in February, 1999, at a Trade Show in Nurnberg, Germany. The Beanie was in production for one year, before retiring during the mass retirement on December 23, 1999. Becky Philips of pbbags has posted some interesting facts on this Beanie - go to Germania - Beanie Spotlight.

... Sakura Giveaway
Michelle wishes to pass along the following information:
Cascade Collectibles is giving away Sakura and More in their race to 50,000.
Cascade Collectibles to giveaway Sakura and more! Cascade Collectibles is having another Site Visitor Contest. You can win SAKURA BEANIE BABY, a gift certificate or other bean bag collectibles. Keep your eyes peeled for those '00's and increase your chances to win!

Go to http://cascadecollectibles.safeshopper.com/16/cat16.htm?7271 to find out all of the rules.

... Millennium TBB
My Dolls Collectibles has a nice picture of the Millennium TBB Bear, which can be viewed by clicking here. This TBB will be given away one day only, on June 13th.

... New Beanie Hang Tags Confirmation!
9:00 am ... It is confirmed! The new Beanie hang tag, with 'Beanies' written across the star instead of '2000', does exist! So be on the lookout! A UK reader writes:

“Dear Doodle,I am sending you this image to confirm that Ty have changed the writing above the star from 2000 to Beanies as reported on various sites.This could be an indication of the intent to retire some of the Ty 2000 Beanies as it was noticeable that some of the new stock had the old tag and only 4 had the new tag.The ones spotted in the store with the new tag were Bushy, Niles, Rufus, and Sarge. Ones that I would say will be retired soon are Halo II and Swampy – these were definitely new stock in the store and had the old hang tags, the others could well have been “shelf sitters” which had not been put out on display at this point.I cannot see Ty running off a new run of tags for Beanies that are about to retire – so watch for a Halo II retirement shortly."

"The only difference in this tag is the word 'Beanies', there are no changes on the inside or elsewhere on the tag."
... "Bubba”

Additional note: Glow was also noted to sport the new tag, but none were available at the time.

... Doodle's Note: Thanks for passing this along; this should clarify any doubts about the new tag. It appears this is not an oddity and seems to be commonly available.

A reader has also sent in an interesting thought behind the change of the hang tags ... new tags to sell the beanies that don't sell as quickly. Swampy and Halo II will always sell - Halo since it's a bear and people are still looking for Swampy since he is harder to find.

... An interesting observation!
While visiting the Ty site, a reader points out ...
Go to Ty ... make a note of the counter; then go to the German site ... make a note of the counter – then back to Ty – they just do not go in sync – Germany is always a couple of thousand ahead !!!

... And just a note: the counter should cross the 4 billion mark over the next few days!

Another reader points out:
I went to the Ty site and also noticed the change, but thousands of people go into Ty in one second. This means by the time the page has loaded it thousands of people have came in. If you click the back button and then refresh once you get to the American website, the American website is ahead! It is all a game of time! -D

... Newsflash Removed
The Newsflash on the Ty site has now been removed, announcing the new Beanie Baby, Ariel. Perhaps something new to follow soon!

... Teenie Beanie Happy Meal Bag
Only 8 days until the McDonald's TBB Promo! Are you getting your appetite ready for June 13th? There is a first time ever Beanie Baby rating system noted on the 2000 TBB Happy Meal Bag ... "Rare!" - "Hot" - "To Ty-Dye For!" - and "New!".

Teenie ratings on the Happy Meal Bags:
Rare - Tusk, Slither, Flip and Bumble
Hot - Blizz, Spike, Lips, Flitter and Lucky
To Ty-Dye For - Coral, Sting, Goochy and Neon
New - Schweetheart, Dotty and Spinner

Smart Collecting has posted scans of the bag, which you might want to take a peek at!
Click here for link to Smart Collecting

... Fake Fleece!
Ms Janie has some information posted from a reader of a fake Fleece found recently, versus an authentic one. It's unusual to find a counterfeit on a more common Beanie.
Counterfeit vs Authentic Fleece

... Baby Ty / Pillows Pals combined
We know Baby Ty is a "Pillow Pal" collection! But obviously the retired Pillow Pals didn't have a 'spot' on the Ty website. *Kim" from Canada writes:

I just checked out the "retired" section of the Baby Ty page at ty.com and I noticed that not only is the oddly retired Monkey baby there but there's also the pillow pals."

Thanks for pointing that out, Kim. I hadn't noticed that!

... Kids in Attic Treasure Clothing
Attic Treasure clothing does fit the Beanie Kids! Beanieholics has received a picture proving it ... too cute. Click here to view the picture.

... TBB's
... It's been a slow few days with Beanie news ... are you working on your McD's appetite? The promo starts in 9 days! Reminder: The McDonald's website will be posting more news on Friday, June 9th!

A reader has sent in a scan showing some of them, with promo dates ... there are 29 total to collect during the entire promo. (photo has been removed)

... Beanie Kids In Germany
As you probably recall, on May 25th Ty posted a special announcement - Beanie Kids would be available in Germany for the first time (on June 2nd and 3rd) at special locations. If you are interested in the events regarding this unveiling, Ms Janie has posted some feedback from Germany. To read the story, click here.

... TBB's on Auction
I have found an eBay auction link (which shows several of the new "yet to be released" McDonald TBB's). Click here if you wish to view.

... McDonald's Website Mentions Teenie Beanies
Posted on the website:
"Your favorite toys are coming back to McDonald's for a limited time with all new designs and a special one-day event."

Coming to a McDonald's Near You
Tuesday, June 13th!!
16 Happy Meal Toys based on retired Beanie Babies®
2 Teenie Beanie Babies™ 2000 Happy Meal toys
10 teenie Superstars
1 very special one-day only Teenie Superstar with proceeds going to Ronald McDonald House Charities

Come Back June 9th for More News!"

Click here to go to the McDonald's website

... Ty-Dyed Digger Buddies
It appears that more ty-dyed Digger Buddies are showing up at various retailers, although still quite rare. This is the 3rd "unannounced" Beanie Buddy variation to make an appearance - first, Wingless Quackers, then the Light Blue Peanut, and now Ty-Dyed Digger. Might want to keep your eyes peeled for this one!

... Picture of Ariel !
I have come across a great picture of the Beanie Baby - Ariel, where you can see the emblem detail. If you are interested in viewing, click here.

... Daily Bean Website
Upon visiting the Daily Bean website, I learned that Joe Cooper (the webmaster) has resigned from the site. If you're interested in reading what he has to say, click here. (We wish Joe all the best in his new endeavors!)

... Retailers' Comments
Beanieholics has received two letters from different retailers that are quite interesting. The subjects include the announcement of only one Beanie release, June ordering, and the ordering of the Digger Beanie Buddy. Interested in what they have to say? ... then click here!

... Dress up your Beanie Kids!
Remember the cute photo of the Beanie Kids wedding photo I posted a few weeks ago? Well, you need to check these out ... Ms Janie has posted some cute pictures sent in by a reader that show just how much fun you can have dressing them up, too. They're adorable! ... with a great imagination!
Click here to view the pictures!

...
*** Doodle's note: I've had customer visits since yesterday morning ... a short work week? Seemed long a loooong week to me! Have a great weekend ... I know I'm ready for one. And check back for more news SOON! :)

... Want more information?
If you are interested in more information about the "Ariel" AIDS project, you can learn more by visiting The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.

Note: A reader (Ron) points out that Ariel™ is the same beautiful mint green color of Hippity™, whose birthday is today!

Beanie Kids - 12 of each style .. (orders not processed by June 6 will be cancelled, unless they were ordered at the New York Trade Show)
Beanie Babies - 36 of each style, including Ariel
Beanie Buddies - 6 each (1 Jumbo, 1 X-Lg, 2 Lg)
Attic Treasures - 24 of each design
Ty Classic - 12 of each style
Baby Ty - 4 of each style

... This afternoon, I noticed a change on the Ty website ... buttons have shifted around a bit; the 'Newsflash' has moved to the center of the page; and the "Log In" button now appears in the upper right corner! ... And remember, Ty Trade and Beanie Greetings should debut soon! So keep watching ... www.ty.com!

... Ty Newsflash - New Beanie Baby Bear Announced!
6:00 am ... Ty has released a beautiful mint green bear today - "Ariel"
"A drawing done by Ariel Glaser at age 5 inspired the logo on this Beanie. Ariel passed away on August 12, 1988 at age 7 of complications from AIDS. All profits from this Ty collectible will be donated to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatrics AIDS Foundation. www.pedaids.org."

http://www.ty.com/announcements/ariel_prodlaunch.html

... New Generation Hang Tag?
Is is real? Beanz has a scan of what appears to be a "new generation tag". Tyme will tell. You can view it at http://beaniesource.co.uk/newtags.gif

... Source: Ms Janie

PROMO BEAR - Millennium (6/13 only)

TBB's #1 - #18

Pet Pals - #1 Lips, #2 Slither, #3 Flip, #4 Dotty (6/13-16)
Garden Bunch - #5 Lucky, #6 Bumble, #7 Spinner, #8 Flitter (6/17-20)
At The Zoo - #9 Tusk, #10 Blizzard, #11 - Spike, #12 Schweetheart (6/21-24)
Under the Sea - #13 Neon, #14 Coral, #15 Sting, #16 Goochy (6/25-28)
Top Secret - #17 Springy, #18 Bushy (starts 6/29)

SUPERSTARS (expected to be HOT sellers):

Dino Trio - Rex, Steg, Bronty (starts 6/13)
International Bears - Osito, Germania, Spangle (starts 6/20)
Legends - RB Peanut, Chilly, Humphrey (starts 6/27)
The End - The End Bear (starts 6/30)