may00news

... Springy says "good bye" as Info Beanie
Springy Info Beanie bids a "Good night and good bye" on his last diary input. (Wonder if he will retire soon ... you know how those bunnies can be!)

... June could be a busy month - many rumors are abound, speculating new Beanies soon to be introduced (perhaps even in the next day or two) ... and TBB's should start appearing on the 13th. What else is in store? We'll be sure to keep you posted 'as it happens'.

... Hospitalized Children at UCLA to Receive New Collectible Toy From Ty, Inc.
(All Profits of Ty From Its Sale Will be Donated To Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation)
What: Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and Ty, Inc. to "unveil new collectible toy at Mattel Children's hospital, UCLA." The new toy will be given away to all children currently admitted in the hospital.
When: Thursday, June 1, 2000 10:30 a.m. (PST) http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000531/ca_elizabe.html

... Thank you, Ms Janie, for passing this along

... June Info Beanie
At 12:02 pm - Springy announced the new June Info Beanie, Sneaky. As I said earlier, I wonder if he will be 'sneaky' with his information.

... Info Beanie Voting Polls Close Today
Today is your last chance to vote for June's Info Beanie; the voting ends at Noon. Sneaky is still in the lead and appears to be the probable pick. To view the current standings, click here.

... Mystery Teenie Beanies
Bean Bag World has named the Mystery Teenie Beanie Babies, labeled earlier as #17 and #18 in the McDonald promo. If you are interested in taking a peek at these 'mysteries' before their release, go to the BBW picture display by clicking here.

... Spangle Buddy and Commemorative Card
Upon searching through various auctions, I noticed there are already several auctions up for bid on eBay for the special promo Spangle Beanie Buddy given away at the New York Yankees game yesterday. We expected that, didn't we? (Remember my prediction last Saturday morning? It was just a hunch, but many of you seem to agree. .... That would only leave Maple, Peace and Halo prior to the 2000 releases. Ssshhhh I'm not finished shopping yet! :)

... Current Beanie Prices
Below are current Meta Exchange prices for the top selling International Beanie Babies:

... Commentary Time! and ... Just a quick addional note
As this HOPEFULLY has been resolved now, and the fraudulence has passed, I have moved this information to the Commentaries page.

... Spangle Buddy Give Away
A Spangle Beanie Buddy (with commemorative card) will be given away today at the New York Yankee vs Oakland game, to kids 14 and under. This is the second Beanie Buddy giveaway by Ty. (Like I said a couple of days ago, I do expect the Spangle Buddy to retire shortly! Guess we'll wait and see!)

... Beanie Kids - news from Germany
"A very special thanks to Beate D'Amato for sending the following information along with wonderful pictures."
http://www.msjanie.com/pix/german_kids.html

... Thanks to Ms Janie for sharing this with us!

... Info Beanie Poll
The Info Beanie poll will be closing soon. (Boy, Sakura wasn't up there very long!) Looks like Sneaky will probably be the winner for the June Info Beanie ... currently it's Sneaky - 28.1% and Swoop - 23.1%. Wonder if Sneaky will be 'sneaky'?

Note: If you haven't voted for the Info Beanie yet, place your vote on the Ty site here.

... Swampy Spine Variations
Randy and Theresa of Beanieholics report that here are two different versions of Swampy showing up in stores. One has a light colored spine and the other spine is very dark.
Click here to view the picture

... Page Updates
All the Beanie Buddy pages are updated now, reflecting the recent retirements. You may wish to read the Beanie Buddy History page sometime, a page I started when Buddies were first introduced. It's fun to 'go back in time' :)

I have also compiled a list of all the Teenie Beanie Babies introduced, from 1997 - 2000. You can access it from the scroll-down list or go to Teenie Beanies.

... Beanie Buddies
I mentioned the other day that there were only 6 Buddies left to retire, with the exception of the releases in 2000. Since the retirement of Slither and Britannia Buddies this week, that only leaves 4 now! ... (Spangle, Maple, Peace, and Halo)

... My prediction? (for what it's worth!) - Spangle will retire soon, after the New York Yankees / Spangle Buddy Promo on Monday, May 29th).

... 2000 McDonald "Superstars"
A reader has sent in a link to an eBay auction .. the 2000 TBB 'Superstars'. The package contains 'The Dinosaur Trio' (Rex, Steg, and Bronty); 'The International Bears' (Osito, Germania, and Spangle); and 'The Legends' (Peanut, Chilly, and Humphrey); and The End Bear. Click here to view the eBay auction with picture.

... 2000 TBB Promo Items
I have received the following from Angie of mydollscollectibles.com:

"Hi, I am taking Orders (once again) for the 2000 Teenie Beanie Babies promotional items including the Lapel Pins, Crew Pin, Baseball Hat, T-Shirt and Keychain. I have placed all the info and pictures on my website and would appreciate if you would put this information on your website. Here's the URL that goes directly to this page on my website: http://www.mydollscollectibles.com/tbb.htm
Thanks for your help,
AngieC"

... Ty Newsflash - Retirement!
Ty has retired Slither and Weenie Beanie Buddies today. To view, go to
http://www.ty.com/announcements/slither_ret_weenie_526.html

... Some Ty products "Quietly" Retire
When visiting a local retailer yesterday, I was informed that Yappy, Corky and Sparkles 'Ty Classics' are no longer available to order, as well as Monkeybaby 'Baby Ty'. After checking the Ty website this morning, I noticed they are definitely all on the retirement list now. So it's a 'good-bye' to the first Baby Ty to be retired!

... Complete Collection of Beanie Babies Auctioned
The complete collection of Beanies won in the Millennium Collection grand prize (Bean Bag World competition) is on auction on eBay. The set includes every Beanie Baby ever made available for retail until the end of 1999 (no Employee bears, Clubby II, Manny, Maple, Nana and Tank with shell). To view, go to the eBay auction.

... TBB Listings!
OK ... it appears that the word is finally out. BeanieMom has posted the display banner which will be part of the 2000 Promo (click here). The promotion begins June 13th and includes:

Another grouping of TBB's ... the "Superstar Collection" consists of the following:

... Source: Beanie Mom
... (A special thanks to Ms Janie)

... Ty "Announcement" ... Beanie Kids in Germany
9:30 am ... The following 'announcement' was made on the Ty website this morning:

On Friday, June 2nd and Saturday, June 3rd, Beanie Kids will be available in Germany for the 1st time at the following locations: -

Schönfelder Sophienhof, Sophienblatt 21 24143 Kiel	Der Weißblaue Bärenladen Am Bahnhofplatz 5 82319 Starnber	Molo Beanies Burgstr. 4 48565 Steinfurt	Lollypop Einkaufszentrum Weichserweg 6 93059 Regensburg
Rabbatz Koetnerstr. 80-82 42651 Solingen	M. Rilk - Lubeanies Sanderstraße 27 97070 Würzburg	Dies + Das Walinski Bingerstr. 60 C 55218 Ingelheim	Spielvogel Uhlandstr. 137 10717 Berlin
Gotthold Markstr. 5A - 7 67655 Kaiserslautern	Megaservice Center Barnstorferweg 33 18057 Rostock	Spiel + Freizeit Kurtz Marktplatz 10 70173 Stuttgart	International Bear Port Mauerstraße 1 33332 Gütersloh

... Beanie Kids Graduate!
It's graduation time for a lot of students, including the Beanie Kids! Ms. Janie has put together a special page, with pictures and the speech given by Tumbles, the Senior Class President of his class. Click here to read it all! :)

... More on Ty Warner's Purchase of the Four Seasons Hotel
As you may recall, Ty Warner acquired the Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA, earlier this month. The LA Times reports that the 217-room waterfront resort likely sold for more than $100 million (actual figures not disclosed). Click here to read the article.

... Newsource: Beanieholics

... Ty Newsflash!!!
11:55 am - Ty has announced the retirement of Sakura Beanie Baby and Britannia Buddy! (Does that mean Sakura now has no chance at being Info Beanie next month???)

... TBB Update
Bean Bag World has obtained TBB Neon, the seahorse. (A picture is posted on the BBW site. Although neither McDonald's or Ty Inc. have announced the official starting date of the TBB Promo, Neon's tag notes that Teenies will go on sale June 13th. BBW also received a Teenie bookmark saying a special TBB will be offered on June 13th (the first day of the promo - "McHappy Day") - perhaps a TBB Millennium Bear!

... It's already gone
Ty's Newsflash, posted yesterday, retiring 31 Attic Treasures has now been removed; all the retireds have now moved to the Retirement List on Ty's site. To view them, go to Ty Attic Treasures. (There are only 12 Attics left as 'current' now!)

... What's left?
As I mentioned earlier, there are only 6 Beanie Buddies left, which were released prior to this year ... Britannia, Halo, Maple, Peace, Slither, and Spangle. With the retirement of 31 Attic Treasures yesterday, there are now only 12 Attic Treasures left ... Berkley, Beverly, Blarney, Blush, Carson, Cromwell, Darlene, Fairchild, Harper, Hayes, Mackenzie and Rosalyne. (I'm surprised Blarney hasn't retired, being a St. Patricks' Day bear!)

Just makes you wonder ... are more releases of Ty products around the corner soon? No matter what, the shelves should start clearing up soon. When visiting a local retailer recently, there were LOTS of Attics waiting for a new home!

... Name Change
BeanieNation.com has changed their name to BeanBagNation.com. (This has taken place due to a lawsuit Ty filed against BeanieNation.com for trademark infringement). Also, CollectingNation recently became part of WantAds.com, a general-base auction site. For the full story, click here

... Ty Attic Treasures Retire
6:00 pm ... Ty has retired 31 Attic Treasures this afternoon. WOW! They are:
Pouncer, Purrcy, Cody, Brisbane, Katrina, Azure, Salty, Breezy, Fairbanks, Rafaella, Susannah, Rosalie, Piccadilly, Radcliffe, Cawley, Eve, Georgette, Ramsey, Georgia, Cheri, Waddlesworth, Bearkheart, Beargundy, Orion, Gwyndolyn, Samuel, Tyrone, Isabella, Heartley, Malcolm, and William

... Beanie Kids Variations
Beanie Mom points to a link which shows the 3 different Beanie Kid variations since they were first introduced. Click here to view.

... What's Happening in Japan
Ms Janie has posted an updated note from Tanya (in Japan), where readers can be updated on the availability of Sakura. It is also interesting to note that Beanie Kids have now shown up in Japan. To read more, click here.

... Too cute!
A reader has sent in a cute 'duo' of Bushy Beanie Baby and The Oz Celebrity Bear ... gotta love those lions! :)

... TBB Promo
As you probably know, there are many rumors out as to what TBB's will be available in McDonald's Promotion this year. It is interesting to note, from various sites and from information readers have sent me, that all of them mention an International Bear set, the dino trio, and an 'election' set. One of my personal 'rumored' faves is the 'Legends' set ... RB Peanut, Chilly, and Humphrey. So get ready ... as the promo should start in about 3 weeks!

Note: McD TBB Promos usually start on a Friday, but Beanieholics has noticed (after a visit to the McDonald's website) that the 'Dinosaur' promotion runs through June 12th ... that would put TBB IV starting June 13th.

... Update on the Info Beanie Poll
Sneaky is still slightly ahead of Swoop for the June Info Beanie on Ty's website (22.8% vs 21.5%). 2000 Signature Bear retired on Tuesday and has now been removed from the Poll ranks. Sakura and Wisest were not added until last Monday, May 15th ... Sakura has moved to 7th place (after being in 8th place on Thursday). For the latest voting results, click here.

... Counterfeits
Brent of BeaNGO informs us that there are currently 7 auctions on eBay for Billionaire bears that are counterfeit. He has posted an interesting article on this that you may want to check out.
Click here to read "Real vs. Fake"

... Celebrity "Oz' Bears ... Contest
This is the 100 year anniversary of the book release "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz". (I LOVE the Wizard of Oz and just can't avoid purchasing some of the cute collectibles out there!) In celebration of the anniversary, Randy and Theresa at Beanieholics are offering a chance to win one of the five Oz bean bag toys that Celebrity Bears makes. For all the details, visit Beanieholics here.

... Additional info on the Chicago Beanie Scam
Steven Cross, 36, of Chicago (who was indicted by federal grand jury on 12 counts of fraud) had allegedly deceived 500 people through a fictitious International Beanie Baby Club, which he advertised in Chicago-area newspapers, Soap Opera Digest and in Mary Beth's magazine. Cross's ads claimed that club customers would receive a free Beanie Baby every four months for a payment of $20, claim authorities. For more on the story, click here.

... Source: Beanieholics

... FYI
Just an interesting note ... There are only six 'older' Beanie Buddies left to retire, excluding the newest ones introduced on 1/4/00 (and Rex on 5/1/00). The six Buddies are Britannia, Halo, Maple, Peace, Slither, and Spangle.

... Ty Newsflash - Buddy Retirements!
Ty retired Amber and Silver Beanie Buddies today.
http://www.ty.com/announcements/amber_silver_ret.html

Pokemon / Beanies Babies 'Discounter' Charged
On Thursday, A Chicago man was indicted by a federal grand jury ... for offering discounts on Pokemon and Beanie Babies and scamming collectors out of $275,000. Click here to read the article.

... Source: Beanieholics

... Rumor?
New Beanies soon! We hope so :) ... Also, I have received several emails regarding possible Beanies to be introduced in mid-August, shortly before the election. (We all know how easy a rumor can start!) (But wouldn't Righty, Lefty, and Libearty Buddies be nice?) It's obvious only one person knows the answer ... we'll wait (patiently)!

... Update from the Ty site
I noticed that when you log in on the Ty website (through your Folio), your name now appears under the "Welcome" sign at the top left corner of the screen. (The problem appears to have been corrected now.)

Sneaky is still leading in the Info Beanie Poll for June, with 24.5% of the votes ... followed by Swoop at 20.8%. (Sakura is currently in 8th place and Wisest is in 13th.)

... New Puffkins
Five new Puffkins will be released in June ...
..Callie (Calico Cat)
..Candy (Pink Frog)
..Chalupa (Chihuahua)
..Lottie (Loon)
..Owen (Snowy Owl)

The Puffkin website has also posted four Halloween releases for September (which I love!):
Count (Vampire)
Esmeralda (Witch)
Screech (Ghost)
Wolfgang (Werewolf)

Click here to view

...
As you probably know, the "Newsflash" on the Ty website was first placed as a stationary 'button' when the new look was launched. When the retirement of the 2000 Signature Bear was announced yesterday, it 'swirled'. Now the Newsflash is totally gone, and there is a blank space. Many rumors are floating around there Ty is preparing to announce new Beanies VERY soon. It is about time for more Ty 2000 Beanie Babies, don't you think? Guess we shall wait and see!

... Ty-Dyed Digger Buddy
With all the talk about the finding of a ty-dyed Digger Beanie Buddy, it makes one wonder: Is it a mistake, an 'intentional' error, a new product introduction, etc? It has been noted that the fabric of this Digger is almost identical to that of the newly introduced Rex Buddy. 'Smart Collecting' has written an article with info on this latest discovery and a photo comparison. Click here to read the Special Report.

... Celebrity Bears, Autographed
On May 14th, I posted a photo of a reader's Pokey Bear, signed by the owners of JC Bears (who make the Celebrity Bears), June Schlosser and Christine Rigby. Also in the picture are two Show Exclusives (standard and Chase version). (See Below). I have now posted an enlarged pic as well, for those of you who showed interest. Go here to view the picture.

... Ty Retirement!
5:50 pm - Ty retired the 2000 Signature Bear Beanie Baby today. You can view it at the following link:
http://www.ty.com/announcements/051600ret.html

... Congratulations!
The winner of the Clubby II Beanie Buddy Contest is Laurie Rose of Whitewater, MO. Congratulations, Laurie! ... Thanks to everyone who 'participated' ... and to those who continue to vote and support this site. :) Look for Part II of the Contest to follow shortly. :)

... Germania Beanie and Buddy
If you are interested in more information on Germania (Beanie or Buddy), Smart Collecting has written a "special report" to perhaps clarify some of your questions.
Click here to read the article.

... Have you voted? Have you noticed?
Since the polls opened earlier today, have you noticed? ... Ty has now added Wisest and Sakura as June Info Beanie Candidates this evening !
Visit the Ty Website here!

... TBB Promo ... Please Note!
Last Tuesday, May 9th, Angie (from the MyDollsCollectibles website) sent me an email regarding the promo sale of various TBB items. She has just asked that the following info be relayed to you:

"Due to a "ceast & desist" letter I received today from the company making
the 2000 Teenie Beanie Promo items, I have agreed to remove the order page
and pictures from my website and to not accept anymore orders for these
items until June 1st. .... AngieC - http://www.MyDollsCollectibles.com"

... InfoBeanie Update - The Poll is open now!
I figured yesterday the InfoBeanie Poll would open today ... that seems to be "the norm". It is now open, with 18 Beanies listed ... all the new 2000 Beanies, minus The Beginning and Springy (of course). I did note that Wisest isn't listed though! (Sneaky is leading, Halo II is coming in second - so far ... of course, it did just open!)
Vote here for the InfoBeanie

... The Market Value of Beanie Oddities
"Beanie Oddities" (when a Beanie suffers from a manufacturing mistake ... missing or upside down emblems, etc.) attract a whole new group of collectors that may be willing to pay a premium. Find out what type of oddities are popular with collectors and real auction prices paid for 18 different "Beanie Bloopers". Click here to read the article.

... Source: Smart Collecting

... InfoBeanie
Get Ready! It's almost time to get your vote in for the next InfoBeanie on the Ty website!

...
Beaniemom reports: "In early May the leading McDonald Franchise Owners in the country gathered for a special meeting in Orlando. A TY Company officer gave some of the leading store owners a special ROARY - BEANIE BABY. What makes this unique is the TAG. The pictures show that the tag looks like a Teenie Beanie Tag (No Bright Gold Foil). Inside was a special message from TY. According to someone who attended less then 150 are believed to exist ! The only other beanie to ever get this tag treatment was HARRY CAREY DAISY. This is believed to be rarer then both BILLIONAIRE BEARS, #1 BEAR and ROYAL BLUE PEANUT. In fact early indications are this may become the most valuable beanie to date."

You can view a picture of the hang tag on the Beaniemom website.

... Just a reminder! (Non-Beanie) :)
Did you vote for your favorite cat today? :) (Don't forget to check out Scratchy and Saffy ... they're too cute !!! :) ... http://www.catcam.net/weeklycat5.htm

... Contest
Don't forget to enter today ... for your last chance to win the Clubby II Buddy. (Another contest will follow ... so keep watching!)

And ... if you a little bored, with the lack of "Beanie" news lately... how about checking out http://www.catcam.net/weeklycat5.htm. You can vote for your favorite cat!!! ..... (By the way, aren't Scratchy and Saffy just too cute!!! :)

...
No new announcement on the Ty website today ... yet!
More news to follow .... Just wanted to wish all Moms a Happy Mother's Day! :)

... Celebrity Bears
I have received an email and piccy from a friend that I wish to pass along, a photo of the Pokey Celebrity Bear, autographed :)

"Dear Doodle,I thought you would like to see a photo of my Pokey Bear which was signed by the owners of JC Bears ( who make the Celebrity Bears ), June Schlosser and Christine Rigby. I met them whilst at the MBBBW show in London last year. June and Christine were really friendly and down to earth, could you imagine another bean bag maker taking the time to sign their toys ? Also in the photo are the two Show Exclusives – Based on the comedy show Only Fools and Horses – one being the standard and the other the Chase version. Thanks Bubba."

... Next?
Wonder what Ty has up his sleeve now? The newly changed site allows for easy navigation ... and I personally think - preparedness for a big announcement SOON! Keep watching!

... Fake Beanie Hang Tags!
Not only are counterfeit Beanie Babies a problem an ongoing problem, now there is a bigger threat to the Beanie Baby collector and the Beanie Baby market, real Beanie Babies with reproduced hang tags. Ms. Janie mentions an interesting article written by Becky Phillips. by Becky Phillips.
Click here to read the article

... Halo II Contest
Want a chance to win a Halo II Beanie Baby? Check out Beanieholics for all the details ... it's free and simple! (The winner will be announced May 20th!)

... A note from Me :)
As you know, tomorrow is Mother's Day! I have many sweet and everlasting memories of such joyous times shared together with family and look forward to many more. :) My daughter moved yesterday (but only 4 hours away). It was an emotional sweet/sad/happy day ... the flashbacks of mother/daughter things we did in the past have not stopped. The time comes when we have to 'let go', but noone said it was ever easy. (I do still have a 10 year old son here :) I wish to share two things with you --- one that was sent to me from a dear friend - http://www.debsfunpages.com/mom2p.htm (it really touches the heart!) and a 'Precious' page by Ms Janie - http://www.msjanie.com/mothersday/mothersday.html (too cute!). Don't forget to wish a special Mom in your life a happy day Sunday!

... A note from Me :)
As you know, Sunday is Mother's Day! I have many sweet and everlasting memories of such joyous times shared together and look forward to many more. :) My daughter moved yesterday (but only 4 hours away). It was an emotional sweet/sad/happy day ... the flashbacks of mother/daughter things we did in the past have not stopped. The time comes when we have to 'let go', but noone said it was ever easy. (I do still have a 10 year old son here :) I wish to share two things with you --- one that was sent to me from a dear friend - http://www.debsfunpages.com/mom2p.htm (it really touches the heart!) and a 'Precious' page by Ms Janie - http://www.msjanie.com/mothersday/mothersday.html (too cute!). Don't forget to wish a special Mom in your life a happy day Sunday!

... Rex and Wisest Added, The Beginning Bear Taken Away
As you may know, The Beginning Bear has been moved to the retirement list on Ty's website. The Rex Buddy and Wisest Beanie have now been added to the currents lists respectively. (Interesting that Wisest has been reported as already showing up in certain areas, but hasn't been 'born' yet :) The info for Wisest reads:

Poem:
I always try to do my best
And study hard for all my tests
Now it's time to celebrate
Because at last I graduate!

Click here to view Wisest
Click here To view Rex

... Rex Buddy
A reader has sent in a pic of the most recently introduced Beanie Buddy, Rex! The colors are shown nicely .... and interesting to note that it was stated as being 'smaller' than expected. *My son is a 'dino' guy .... another venture to find that one!

... Springy
Bryan from Bryan's Beanie Den sent in the following info:
"I found a Springy on Tuesday night and when comparing it to a Springy I had bought about a week ago, it is considerably darker in color and there is much more brown in the fabric!"

... Beanie Hunting at Tag Sales
Smart Collecting reports that now is a great time to go Beanie Hunting ... pick up your local newspaper and start hitting tag sales in your area. There have been some interesting 'finds'. There is also information and pics posted on how to tell if you did find a 'treasure'.
Click here to read the article.

... Ty Warner Buys Four Seasons Biltmore And Coral Casino
Beanieholics has posted a link to a story about the exclusive Four Seasons Biltmore and Coral Casino at Butterfly Beach recently sold to Ty Warner. The sale price has not been made public.
Click here to read the article

... Ty Website Changes!
7:00 pm .... Have you noticed? The Ty website has a new look! And coming in June 2000 - Tytrade.com and Beanie Greetings. I must admit, it's nicer! Hurry and take a look at Ty - The Official Home of the Beanie Babies.

... Ty-Dyed Digger Buddy
Lisa from Planet Beans sent in the following information:
"I was in my local Hallmark store yesterday asking if they had received the Ty-Dyed Digger Buddy. I was told they did have some last weekend. I live in a fairly small town and for this buddy to make it's way here seems quite odd. I am having a hard time believing ONLY 6 boxes of this buddy made it out of the warehouse. This may be another play in Ty's game to get collectors scrambling for a buddy that will be readily available on the shelves of every authorized Ty store very soon. I think those people that are willing to pay hundreds for this buddy will be sadly disappointed when it does make it's appearance. I still think this buddy looks like Claude. I guess we'll have to wait and see what Ty decides to do with this one."

... The Beginning Bear - Current Price Status
The price seems to be fluctuating since the retirement of The Beginning Bear yesterday. Before it retired, it was selling for around $10. I'm sure the price will go up as time goes by. Listed is the current price at MetaExchange.

... Sakura Bear - Current Price Status
It still appears that Sakura is the "most wanted" Beanie Baby right now. There are currently over 1,000 of this Bear on MetaExchange, but only approximately 200 for sale. Listed is the current price on MetaExchange.

...
2:15 am ... The Beginning Bear hasn't been listed as retired on the Beanie Baby list (on Ty's website), but Wisest hasn't even made it to the list yet. And Rex Buddy is still not listed. Maybe an update soon! I have received many mixed emotions on the retirement of The Beginning ... maybe you will have a chance to win one :):)

... Just a reminder!
Just a personal reminder (non-Beanie related) ... don't forget a special 'Mom' in your life this Sunday. Perhaps you can serve her breakfast in bed, take her to lunch, call her on the phone, or make her a special card. Whatever you do, I'm sure she'll love it ... because it came from you. :)

... Ty Beanie Baby Retirement!
6:15 pm ... Ty retired The Beginning Bear today!
http://www.ty.com/announcements/beginning_ret_510.html

... Contest Time!
As you may have noticed, a brief 5 day contest is in effect. (See above.) It is exactly like the voting contest previously conducted. The BIG contest will start shortly afterwards. (I have reframed from starting it immediately, pending upcoming possible surgery). But it will start SOON! Thank you and Good Luck! :)

...
2:20 pm ... The Ty Newsflash posted yesterday morning, announcing the retirement of Lizzy and Speedy Buddies, has been removed from the Ty website now. More to come???

... Beanie Buddy Rex
A reader has written in, stating that the hang tag for the Rex Buddy reads - "Rex the BEANIE BABY was one of the dino trio. His poem and birthdate are yet to be discovered." (Of course, the dino trio Beanie Babies it refers to are Rex the tyrannosaurus, Bronty the brontosaurus and Steg the stegosaurus.) The Bronty Buddy was introduced on 1/4/00 and retired 4/6/00, Rex Buddy may not be around too long, and Steg Buddy? Maybe next!

... TBB's!!!
1:00 pm .... McHappy Day 2000! Promo Date: June 13, 2000! 16 TBB's
Angie from MyDolls Collectibles sent me some interesting information on the upcoming Ty/McDonald's TBB Promo that I wish to pass along. (She is currently taking orders for the 2000 TBB Promo Items, including Lapel Pins, Crew Pin, Baseball Hat, T-shirts, and Keychain.) Information and pictures are listed on her website. If you want to take a look around, her site URL is: http://www.mydollscollectibles.com/promo.htm

Note: IMPORTANT UPDATE ... Due to a Cease and Desist Letter received by her, the promo items cannot be ordered at this time. (See May 15th news!)

... Counterfeit Sakura Beanie Babies
As you know, Sakura is currently the rarest of the newest Beanie Babies introduced by Ty this year. Unfortunately, not only is it hard to find, but counterfeits are now showing up as well. To tell if your Sakura is a fake, check for the irridescent star on the hang tag, a looped hologram tush tag (the hologram will show a star and a Ty heart logo). The tush tag should also bear a serial number inside of it. (These are all characteristics of the other Ty 2000 Beanie Babies!) Sakura should also sport a black nose and a ribbon around the neck.

Know your seller ... check their references ... Be Careful!!! ... before you deal!!!

... Source: Smart Collecting

... Ty Newflash!
9:30 am ... Ty has retired Speedy and Lizzy Buddies today!
http://www.ty.com/announcements/5_speedy_09_lizzy_00.html

... Tropicana Billboard
Beanie Mom has posted a billboard picture referencing the recent story involving a lawsuit between Ty Inc and the Tropicana Hotel/Casino. The Las Vegas billboard states "Win Beanie Babies on our new slots! Exclusively at the Tropicana!". There are pictures of various Beanie Babies and the Ty logo. At the bottom of the sign, the disclaimer reads "Ty and Beanie Babies are trademarks of Ty Inc."

... Ty-Dyed Digger Buddy
The saga continues on this recent 'find'. Smart Collecting reports: "The latest information available on this ultra rare buddy tells us that perhaps only a dozen Ty Dyed Diggers escaped Ty quality control and now maybe your only chance to bring him home." A seller of this Buddy has put his ty-dyed Digger Buddy up for auction on eBay. The reserve has not been met yet, and is currently over $500. The auction ends in 4 days!
Click here to check out the auction

... A Tribute to Ty Beanie Kids
Ms Janie is such an ingenious lady! You may have subscribed to her daily newsletter, but don't forget to check out her site as well. Otherwise, you will miss out on the adorable graphics she occasionally has posted. She has a tribute to Ty's Beanie Kids, enjoyable for all ages (including a "Beanie Kids clock"). Nice job, Ms. Janie!

... Confused!
OK .... now that total confusion has set in ... what do you think??? ... a 'ty-dyed Digger'? I know of a red Digger, an orange Digger, and a ty-dyed Claude. BeaNGO reported yesterday of an eBay auction ... (the auction is closed now). Guess we'll wait and see on this one.

... Wisest and Rex
The newest Beanie Baby, Wisest ... and Buddy, Rex still do not show up on Ty's current listings. A reader recently mentioned that they are not added in the personal Ty Folio as well ! ... You can view a nice Ty image below:
Wisest Beanie Baby
Rex Beanie Buddy

Perhaps they'll be added soon ... maybe when more Beanies/Buddies are announced? :) We're still waiting, patiently! :)

... News Update
I'm baaack! I am currently updating "what's happening" and will post it shortly, along with upcoming contest info, etc. (I visited relatives yesterday, and decided to stay overnight! It WAS nice to get away!) .... Saw and heard some interesting "Beanie" information, which I will post shortly as well! :)

... Tropicana Casino Sued Over Beanie Babies Slot Promotion
Article by David Strow - "Las Vegas Sun"
"Ty Inc. is adamant -- "Jake the Mallard Duck," "Hissy the Snake" and "Chip the Cat" have no place in the Las Vegas Strip's Tropicana hotel-casino.

Ty, the Westmont, Ill.-based manufacturer and distributor of "Beanie Babies," hit Tropicana operator Aztar Corp. with a copyright infringement lawsuit in Las Vegas federal court. At issue -- "Beanie Babies Giveaway Slots," a Tropicana slot promotion that gives away the wildly popular plush toys in exchange for slot play.

Mixing its product with slots, Ty claims, "has tarnished or is likely to tarnish (Ty's) famous trademarks." It claims the promotion is ongoing."

To read the entire article, go to http://www.lvsun.com/sunbin/stories/business/2000/may/05/510220541.html

... Source: BeaNGO

...
Osito Beanie - Osito Buddy; Maple Beanie - Maple Buddy; Britannia Beanie - Britannia Buddy; Sakura Beanie - Sakura Buddy??? Wonder if that will be next? Just an interesting thought! <sigh>

... Next?
9:45 pm ... OK - the Ty Newsflash was removed this afternoon... and no update in the Info Beanie diary since 8:01 am this morning. What's next? Can we 'expect' something tomorrow? Most think "yes"!!!

UPDATE: Well, shortly before midnight (EDT), and the Info Beanie has posted the 3:42 and 9:08 pm diary entries now. Will tomorrow bring another Newsflash?!

... Fake Beanies
It appears that fake Beanies are still as abundant as ever. Fake 1998 Holiday Teddies are now showing up on auction sites as well ... Ms. Janie has shared some information here.

... Bean Bag Magazines
I remember when there were quite a few Bean Bag and collectible magazines on the shelf ... having to ponder which ones to buy! Beanieholics reports that another one has now become 'extinct' (retired?) ... "Beans! & Bears" magazine! (The current issue on the stands is the last one). :(

... Tyriffic Moved!
Several sites had previously reported that the Tyriffic store at the Pittsburgh airport appeared to be shut down ... one minute there, the next minute gone! It appears that it is not closed, just a move to another location.
Click Here For More

... Source: Beanieholics

... Germania Buddy
Ty has not officially announced the Germania Beanie Buddy on the site, but there are plenty of auctions currently on eBay for this exclusive. After viewing pics on a couple of the auctions, Germania looks like a 'recycled' Fuzz but perhaps with a 'napped' material like the Germania Beanie. Is it Tylon?

... Ty Info Beanie Diary
As you know, sometimes the Info Beanie talks in circles; others time it's a hint of something about to happen. Springy writes tonight:
Wednesday May 3, 2000 9:07 p.m. ".....This sure has been an unbelievable week and it's only Wednesday! I wonder what other surprises are in store for the rest of the week?....."
http://web1-3.ty.com/infobeanie/lastpage/

... Two Ty Attic Treasures Retire Today
Ty has announced the retirement of Lawrence (the camel) and Checkers (the panda) today. To view the official Ty retirement, go to http://www.ty.com/announcements/checkers_may_lawrence_2.html

... "Beanie"?
Who really owns the name "beanie"? ... Ty? the town of Lima? the person who named a cap 'beanie'? Apparently, when you list a "bean bag" toy on eBay - ie "Bammer Beanie" - your auction is automatically ended. You can read some interesting responses at the "eBay soap box" .. some will make you think, some will make you giggle! (Just remember, use the word "bean bag" if it is NOT a Ty product!)
Click here for the eBay Soapbox messages.

... Source: Cajun Connection

... Swampy Pics!
Looks like Swampy HAS emerged from the swamplands! Perhaps more 'baby' Swampys are to follow. Let's keep our fingers crossed! Want to take a quick peek? Click here for pictures of Swampy.

... Planet Beans May Contest!
Lisa has sent us the following ... Check it out!!!!
"This is a BIG contest in which 25 prizes will be won. Some of the prizes in this contest are: Germania, Morrie, Glow, Trumpet, Scurry, Bushy, Rufus, Sarge, Fleecie, Osito Buddy, Groovy Buddy, Valentino Buddy, Hope Buddy, Bongo Buddy, Spangle Buddy, Peter the Pumkin Bear, Blarney, other newbies and attic treasures, and a few retired beanie babies. Now do you want to play?! Visit the Contest page at Planet Beans http://www.planetbeans.com for details."

... Ty Website Update
12:00 pm ... The Newsflash from yesterday, announcing Wisest Beanie Baby and Rex Buddy has been removed. But neither has been added to the currents' list yet. Can we anticipate another announcement today? Perhaps!

... Ty Retailer Order Limits
Retailers were able to order the following for May:

- 2000 Beanie Babies - 36 per style (including Wisest)
- Beanie Buddies - 6 per style (including Rex)
- Extra Large Beanie Buddies - 1 per style.
- Jumbo Beanie Buddies - 1 per style.
- Large Beanie Buddies - 2 per style.
- Attic Treasures - 24 per style.
- Baby Ty - 4 per style.
- Ty Classic - 12 per style.
- Beanie Kids - 6 per style

(Beanie Kids are supposedly still on a once-every-three-months (seasonal) ordering schedule.) ..... There is only ONE Jumbo Buddy (so far) - Peace!

...
Ms Janie has been able to confirm that retailers can now order the NEW Beanie Baby (Wisest) and Buddy (Rex).

... Beanie Kid Tag Change
Ms Janie informed us of a minor change in the Beanie Kids hang tag. The font on the more recently released tag is slightly larger; the first tags are a paler colored font. To view, click here.

... Chicago Cubs Beanie Buddy Giveaway
As you know, the first Beanie Buddy giveaway was over the weekend, at the Chicago Cubs vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks game. (The Cubs lost 6-0.) Free Peace Buddies were handed out to the first 12,000 kids (age 13 and under). And each Buddy came with a special commemorative card. Beanie Mom has a scan of the card, which can be viewed here.

... May Info Beanie
As you probably know, the Info Beanie for May is Springy. The main page on the Ty site still reads "The Beginning", and the Info Beanie Diary still shows The Beginning Bear. It should change shortly, I'm sure! You can read Springy's first entry here: http://web4.ty.com/infobeanie/lastpage/

Update: 2:30 pm ... Springy finally sports his face on the Diary page, and the main page has changed to his name as well! :)

... Ty Newsflash - New Beanie Baby, New Beanie Buddy!
Ty announced Wisest, the Owl (Beanie Baby); and Rex, the Tyrannosaurus (Beanie Buddy) today. To view, go to

Sakura
Germania
Maple
Britannia