***LINDA'S BEANIE LOVERS***

***NEWS AND RUMORS ARCHIVES 3***

OCTOBER 1, 1998-December 31, 1998

***TONIGHTS THE NIGHT!***

Scorch is the new Info Beanie for January.

Lastest entry from TY's site, "The party is a lot of fun but we still don't know what the surprise is. I'll let you know as soon as I know! We get to watch the big ball in New York drop! I'm not sure what that means but everyone says it's really cool! Are you going to watch it? I'm better get back to the party. I'll let you know what the surprise is as soon as I find out. TTFN!"

I guess the party started and we're not invited yet, I think we'll hear something a midnight!.

The following was posted tonight on TY's web site on the Info Beanie,"I think I might know what the surprise is! There has been an awful lot of noise coming from the nursery today! I wonder if that means no it couldn't be. Could it? Gee, I don't know, I only know about when I was released from the nursery. I would have thought that all of the other Beanies would have been told or something. I asked around but nobody seems to know for sure if that's what the surprise is. Maybe we'll find out during our New Years Party. The party will start very shortly. I hope whatever the surprise is our friends from Ty will tell us soon!"

12/31/98-More hints from TY's Info Beanie web page, "They are starting to act really strange. When I asked them why, they said they were just really excited about the surprise they have for us. They just seem more excited then even we are. I have never seen our friends at Ty this excited."

The last entry for the night from the Info Beanie,"Our friends at Ty were acting even stranger this evening then they did earlier today. I have no idea what's going on with them. I asked them if it had anything to do with the surprise tomorrow. All they said was that they couldn't tell me. I think it has a lot to do with the surprise or they would have told me it didn't, like before. What in the world could be so exciting to them? This is really a mind-boggling surprise! I hope I wake up tomorrow with an idea of what it could be. I'm getting sleepy so I'm going to bed now. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night!"

I have received some pictures of some new releases but I'm not going to pay someone to use them. I can tell you they are cute, one is "Salty the Seahorse" and "Tiny the Cinchilla". Less than 24 hours left and we'll all know what they are. I did receive another e-mail stating that "BERLIN" is a new female German Bear but it will not be released until Feb. or March.

(RUMOR)Here are some other rumors of new releases I have received in the last 24 hours. Artic the Polar Bear, Sarge the German Shepard, Love the Bear. and Beanie Buddies, Princess, Halo, and Jabber.

(RUMOR)Also hints of some more retirements, one a BIG SURPRIZE?

***TY HINTS A NEW YEARS PARTY***

12/30/98-TY's web site last night had a hint of what might be up tomorrow night. The 6:48 pm post says, "A lot of you asked what we were going to do for New Year's Eve. I really don't know yet. I think we're going to have a little party. It will also be a going away party for those of us who are officially retiring on January 1st. Our friends at Ty said that they would have some surprises for us. I wonder what they could be?" I'm having my own Beanie Party tomorrow night, I will post any news as soon as I get it. It will be easier to get on to my page than the TY site. If it is posted on TY's site the same time as last year it will be at 1 am EST.

One day left to enter the guess the Beanie contest! The Winner will be picked at noon tomorrow! An notifiied by e-mail.

There are 2 different version on the face stitching on Pumkin. The first version is a straight stitch around the eyes, nose, and mouth. The second version is a satin stitch.

(RUMOR)I just received an e-mail stating that a new TY bear will be released tomorrow night. His name is "BERLIN" he is an exclusive German Bear.

***GOING, GOING, GONE!!!!***

12/29/98-The first set of TY's Beanie Babie Trading Cards is completely sold out! The second set will be released sometime in March. Check out my Trading Card page!

TY is Sueing Wal-mart according to the Wichita Eagle. "A lawsuit filed Wednesday in Wichita's U.S. District Court accuses Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Sam's Club and Grossman Stamp Co., doing business as Hygrade Sports Card Co., of putting inferior plastic covers on the distinctive red heart-shaped Beanie tags and of repackaging the toys in boxes of 12 with unapproved markings and photographs. Both are a violation of Ty's copyright, the lawsuit alleges."

The ABC Evening News with Connie Chung had a report last night about internet fraud. One lady got just what she asked for Quackers without wings, she paid $1,000. for it. What she received was a Quackers with the wings cut off. Please ask questions before purchasing Beanies over the internet! Ask for references check them out. A good dealer will give you them without any question. Then know everything you can about the beanie, the generation of the swing tag and tush tag, birthdates,. Ask questions and if you don't get the right answers don't purchase. Ask if they will refund if it's not real. IF IT SOUNDS TO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY ISN'T!

Even I have been taken. I purchased a large amount of the Ty Beanie Babie Trading Cards from a local TY retailer.(I didn't look very close at the packages! Only after selling them was it brought to my attention that they had been opened and resealed! The store claims it wasn't done there and would not refund my money. I wrote to TY, sent them the packages. I have not heard from them. I have spoken to the police but they have advised me to drop it. So I am stuck with a large amount of these packages of cards. If anyone would like to purchase any of these packages they are $1.50 each. I do not know what is in them, and do not know if all of them have been opened. I have sold some of them and they do have Retired, Rookie, and Birthday cards in them. If you are interested e-mail me.

***TY LAYS DOWN THE LAW***

12/28/98-Ty has many law suits currently underway, many are for trademark restrictions. Many people have used the Beanie Babies name to produce other products without permission from TY to use their trademark and now TY is cracking down on them. White's Collecting Figure Magazine has a article about TY's many law suits.

TY has been using a new automated system for delivering it orders to the retailers. Many have said their orders have been delivered much faster and they have most of what they ordered. Some are not happy with the new system. I have received e-mails from some who claim they have some many Beanie Babies now they won't be able to sale them all. One retailer claims to have received so many backordered Beanies that she can not afforded to buy the new releases. She was told that after 60 days orders are CANCELLED but she has received many backordered Beanies and many are from Jan and May retirement. She as always been a good retailer and sold at the $5. requested amount. But she does not want to return them because she is afraid that 1. they won't take them back and 2. If they do she will not be top priority in the future with deliveries. She doesn't want to sell them to the secondary market either, but has so much money tied up in them she can't buy anything else.

On TY's Info Beanie they talking about another puzzle. Is this a clue for New Years Eve? Do you think maybe we'll have another puzzle to solve to find out more retirements or the new releases?

Chad Roberts I have been trying to e-mail you, please e-mail me with your new address.

***UPDATING WEB SITE***

12/27/98-I have been updating the web site today. I archived a lot of past news which should make it easier to load this page. All the past news is in Archives 3 on the home page.

Many of you know that Halo's birthdate is the date of Princess Diana death. But you may not know that just before her death she was involded with banning landmines. Just before her death she was involded with a Bristish minesweeping organization called the HALO Trust.

To my Canadian readers if you have purchased a BBOC kit the postal code in the kit is wrong is says "M15" it should be "m1s".

The #1 Reps bear just sold for $5,000. in an auction. This was one of the bear given to TY's Reps for their high sales.

For those of you who still have not received your Clubby you should call right away.(phone number on my BBOC Page) After the 15th of Feb. you will not be able to get Clubby. I have been told there are still thousands of unclaimed Clubbies. If you have lost your order form you can print one of of TY's BBOC Club Page. I have been told it really speeds up the process.

***LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW YEARS***

12/26/98-I had a wonderful time with my family it was nice to have the whole family together. I hope you all enjoyed the time spent with your family and friends.

With New Years just a few days away, we are all wondering what the new releases will be. It has been pretty quiet this time as far as the new releases go. I haven't heard very much about any of them. No pictures showing up this time either. I guess everyone is doing what TY requested or Ty has really got them locked up good this time. I am going to have a new release party New Years, we're going to wait up and find out what they are! I will post it as soon as I get the news so check out my site about 1 am EST (TY Releases them at midnight CST). It will be easier to get them from my site than trying to get on TY's site. Can't wait!

(RUMOR)I don't know this as fact but have been told that Princess will retire New Years, the reason for the delay was to keep the price down for Christmas. Ty shipped 48 each of Princess in Decemeber and in January so that everyone could get one before retirement. The Beanie Babie will be replaced with a Beanie Buddie with all profits going to the Memorial Fund.

Not much Beanie news the last few days. Only a few days left to enter this months contest.

***HOPE YOU ALL HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY***

12/25/98-I hope all of you enjoy your day today with your family and friends.

One week left to enter this months guess the Beanie Babie contest.

***TY STOPPING COUNTERFEIT SALES!***

12/24/98-TY is trying to stop the sale of counterfeit Beanie Babies over the internet. The following letter is being sent to the seller. Sellers who are posting counterfeit Beanies for sale on auctions sites have been recieving the following e-mail, followed by a certified letter. Bidders on these auctions have also been receiving letters from Ty warning them that they are bidding on illegal product.

Re: Counterfeit BEANIE BABIES products offered for sale on eBay.com

***NEW FLASH FROM TY***

12/23/98-Sorry for delay in getting news to you today. My brother and his family came in from Florida and I haven't seen them in about 8 years.

NEW FLASH FROM TY: I am the only one to report the retirement of Clubby to you months ago!

Beanie Babies Official Club Kit Retires!

Today, the First Edition B.B.O.C. Membership Kit has been retired. No more Gold Charter Membership Kits will be made. Look for the Second Edition B.B.O.C. Membership Kit coming in early 1999. It will be full of new surprises and exclusive offers.

I want to be a charter member, but what if I haven't purchased a First Edition Gold Charter Membership Kit yet? Can I still get one?

The only way to still become a Gold Charter Member of the B.B.O.C. is to find a First Edition kit at your local B.B.O.C. headquarters.

Can I get a Gold Charter Membership kit at one of the special "Clubby" events that are happening in my area?

Yes, many local retailers will be sponsoring "Instant Clubby Redemption Days" in the near future. During these special events, while supplies last, you will be able to purchase both the kits and Clubby.

What if I haven't ordered my Clubby yet?

All Gold Charter members have until February 15, 1999 to order their Clubby using the official B.B.O.C. order form. Orders must be postmarked no later than February 15, 1999 and should include a check or money order for the appropriate amount. Please take care to fill out the order form accurately.

If I am a Gold Charter Member of the B.B.O.C. am I special?

Yes! All Gold Charter Members (those of you who have purchased a First Edition Gold Charter Membership Kit) will receive any B.B.O.C. mailings plus any special "For Gold Charter Members Only" offers made in 1999.

How long do I have to find a B.B.O.C. Gold Charter Membership Kit?

Not long! There are a limited amount of kits left in the stores. Don't miss out on the opportunity to be a Gold Charter Member of the B.B.O.C.!

FROM THE TY BBOC CLUB SITE!:

Club members, what the non-members don’t know:

CLUB MEMBER PRIVILEGED INFORMATION:

1) The new membership kit will include a Second Edition Membership Card.

It won’t be gold. What will it be? Members are always the first to see!

2) Isn’t collecting fun! The kit will include at least two fun new ways to enjoy your favorite Beanie Babies.

3) Second Edition kit members will be eligible for any "Second Edition Kit Offers" made,

4) Gold Kit members will be eligible for any "Gold Kit-Only Offers" AND "Second Edition Kit Offers" made.

5) And members with BOTH membership kit cards will be eligible for any exclusive offer made "for members with both cards only".

I haven't even finished posting this information and I am already getting e-mails from people not happy with TY again for this new club kit. People were were told they would be life time members and now TY wants people to purchase another kit to get future offers. I will post comments on my Thoughts and Comments Page. Let me know what you think!

***PEACE CHANGES AGAIN***

12/22/98-Changes to the Peace Bear again. He is no longer a pastel bear, he is now more neon colors, there seems to be a lot more browns in this new version.

US Customs Inspectors will bulldoze the quarter of a million fake Beanies found in Port of Oakland, in California. The Beanies were made in China and found their way to the US via a Chinese freighter. TY ordered the fakes to be destroyed, US Customs said they will be dumped in a land fill and run over by a bulldozer untill they are destroyed. Another 25,000 fake Beanies were stopped before they left China. The number of fake beanies in the market have a lot to do with the drop in the value of Beanie Babies. When you are buying rare Beanies do your home work know how to tell counterfeits. If they can't sell them, they'll stop making them.

Only a little over a week left to this months contest!

(RUMOR)A new Pastel Beanie Bunny with a new design will be released.

(RUMOR)TY will recall some of the Beanie Buddies. The fur is falling out of TY's new Tylon.(I have one that small patches are falling out) But I don't think I'll exchange mine. The value has gone up on the first Peanut, Humphrey, Teddy, and Twigs.

I still have 98 Teddies $50. and Halo $50. I also have Pumkin $25, Santa $25. If interested e-mail me.

***SORRY***

12/21/98-Sorry for the lack of updates, I've not been feeling well the last couple of days.

A quater of a million fake Beanie Babies have been detained at the Port of Oakland. These will never make it anywhere to be sold all are being destroied.

Clubby has a new swing tag. On the back in big bold red letters it says BEANIES.

(RUMOR)Cyrk has annouced that the Clubby promotion will end after the first of the year. A new Bear and a new kit will be released.

(RUMOR)The Beanie Buddie line will increase by 10 on January 1st. And there will be 15 to 25 new releases.

***NEW RELEASE??***

12/19/98-Sorry for lack of news yesterday my internet server was down. Not a lot in the way of Beanie news the last couple of days.

(RUMOR)From a source that usally right I hear there will be a new Valentines Bear, it will be like Glory and 98 Teddy all white with red hearts.

***NEWFLASH***

12/17/98-TY's new flash states that TY does not sell direct to any large chain stores. And tells the buyer to beware if you purchase from these stores.

Ty Inc., does not sell to wholesalers, discount stores or mass merchants, including the following: Albertson's, Costco, Fred Meyer, Jewel/Osco, Kay Bee Toys, Kroger, and Long Drugs. In the best interest of our customers, Ty Inc. recommends that Beanie Babies plush toys only be purchased through our network of authorized Ty Dealers. Should a customer choose to purchase their Beanie Babies plush toys through an unauthorized outlet, such as those listed above, please be advised that Ty cannot and will not guarantee the authenticity or quality of the product. Our best advice to our customers considering purchases of Ty Inc. product from these stores is simple... buyer beware!

Ty also has a new 98 teddy cursor on there web site which you can download, it's cute! Instead of the same old arrow you have 98 teddy has your cursor. I guess their are different beanies cursor on the different pages of the web site.

FOR AS LONG AS THEY LAST! I have 98 Teddy and Halo for $50. each, Beak, Canyon, Loosy $10. each, Princess, Erin, Valentino for $20. and Fortune for $15., plus $3. postage. If you are interested e-mail me at lrochette1013@hotmail.com

***NEW MYSTIC***

12/16/98-The new Mystic is showing up everywhere now I am getting more and more e-mails saying he's out. From what I am hearing both the new Batty and Mystic have shown up in Canada first! I still haven't found a tie-dyed Batty yet for myself.

Ty has put the retired Beanies back on the current list on their web site. Thanks Michelle for the info.

(RUMOR)200 Light Blue Shiny Bears with the name Friend were donated to the Salvation Army from TY. It was a gift to raise money for Christmas presents for needy children.The tag read "The Salvation Army and Ty Present Friend The Bear On this day 12-14-98 To raise money For the salvation army To donate to families for christmas Love Ty On the other side it reads: Thank you for your donations, Happy Holidays". All 200 were signed by Ty Warner. The bear where given away to anyone who donated $200. or more, 4 went to each state.

A Jacksonville Fl. couple has stolen thousands of dollors from people wanting to buy Beanie Babies from them. They were selling over the internet, money was sent to them but no Beanies were sent out. Please be careful and check references before purchasing from anyone.

(UPDATE)- I received this info from someone who claimed to work for the Salvation Army. I received another e-mail from Roberta who called TY and was told that there is no such Bear?

(UPDATE)-On Brittannia for a short time it was printed with "Union Flag" on the poem. But make sure on the fonts and other things before purchasing. Thanks Geraldine.

***1ST SET OF CARDS GONE***

12/15/98-Cyrk maker and distributor of the TY Beanie Babies Trading Cards has informed TY accounts that the 1st set of cards is almost sold out. The few remaining cards will be shipped in the next 30 days. The 2nd series will not be availible until March.

TY had announced that the retirment would not be until December 31st. On TY's web site they are already listed on their retired page.

The BBOC Membership kits are now being made with the order form in the kit, you don't have to wait to receive the form in the mail. Also many store have received order forms so if your kit was purchased without one in it you can get one from a store that has them.

***TY REPS GET BEAR***

At a Chicago Trade Show TY Reps received a red Teddy bear numbered 1-243. All where hand signed by Ty Warner. They all had a poem:

In appreciation of selling over

several billion dollars during 1998

and achieving the industry ranking of

#1 if gift sales, #1 in collectible sales,

#1 in cash register area sales,

#1 in markup %,

I present to you

this signed and numbered bear

So do you think TY will give us the collectors a Bear for our contribution to his Billion Dallors in sales???

I have received a number of e-mails from people who are not happy about Beanie Babies showing up in Costco and other large chain stores. Ty's policy has been not to sell to these large stores. I have done some checking and from a friend who works for a Costco, I have been told that these Beanie Babies have been purchased from a secondary dealer, not directly from TY. If they're not from TY you might want to make sure what you are getting are real TY Beanie Babies!

I am hearing that the Beanie Buddies now have a new swing tag, which says "The Beanie Buddie Collection".

Just want to let you know to check your Beanies and know them good, I was looking for a Britannia and had a chance to purchase one. It was a fake, it was a VERY GOOD FAKE! The ribbon wasn't shiny on both sides, in the star on the swing tag it was in block letter(like the 4th gen tag)Brittannia only made with 5th gen swing tag with the comic sans font. Also in the poem it said "Union Flag" should say "Union Jack". I started looking around at different stores and private sales and I'm sorry to say EVERYONE ONE of the ones I have seen are FAKES! Be CAREFUL know your beanies.

***SO WHAT'S NEXT?***

12/13/98-Yesterday I left Freckles off of the retirement list, he's on there now. So I'm sitting here wondering if TY will have a new surprizes for us for the rest of the month. Will TY wait until New Years to make the new releases known?

Many complaints have been made about the BBOC to the Better Business Bureau, read report.

BBB REPORT ON BBOC

Pictures of the new Mystic, so far only seen in Canada, and are being purchased at TY retailers. Picture from Ctoys.com

***12 DAYS OF RETIRMENT DONE***

TY finished up the retirement by confirming Glory will retire.

This is it, the twelveth and final day.

We hope you enjoyed this bit of play.

All were surprises, some big, some small.

These Beanies will be missed one and all.

Now onto the true meaning of the season,

Sharing and giving are the real reasons.

All of us at Ty wish you peace & joy,

Love & happiness for every girl and boy.

26 Beanie Babies retired in this retirement. Fetch, Dotty, Santa, Doby, Wise, Nuts, Zero, Congo, Chocolate, Valentino, Glory, Pumkin, Stinger, Scoop, Fleece, Tuffy, Pinky, Bongo, 98 Teddy, Roary, Ants, Claude, Snip, Spike, Curly, Freckles.

(RUMOR)I am hearing there will be 26 new releases annouced New Years Eve!

***WHO'S NEXT***

12/11/98-TY confirms retirement of Chocolate, Roary and Ivy. Say good-bye to Glory, tomorrow?????? Will she be the last one in this retirement? So far 25 Beanie Babies have retired.

(RUMOR)I have received a lot of e-mails today about a new Mystic! He has a new mane, florescent pastel colors, more hair like than yard. Also rumor of a new yellow teddy bear named Sun.

I e-mailed Cryk about the Ty Beanie Babie Trading Cards, and the problem I am having with the direct retailer with the packages of opened cards. This is the response I have received from them.

Thank you for your support.

Write to TY at this address.

Ty Inc.

PO Box 5377

Oakbrook, IL. 60522

I have sent a letter off to TY. But I have sent letters in the past,and as with those, I most likely will not get any response from them. I have learned that others have also bought opened and resealed packages from this same store.

***ROARY GOING***

12/10/98-Ty confirms Twigs Beanie Buddie will retire. 3 more clues today Chocolate, (knew he would go)Roary, and Attic Treasure Ivy. I think Ty is doing the 12 days of retirement and will wrap up the retirement on Saturday.

After taking another look at today's puzzle I noticed that today it says that there will be 3 letters left! It also din't say to use the high lighted letters. So looking at the puzzle it could be Rocket, Halo and Ivy. Only a couple more hours to see what TY is up to this time.

The last few days the Info Beanie on TY's web site has been talking about wild animals. I don't know if any of these are hints as to what some of the new releases might be. Here are some of the animals that have been mentioned, Buzzard, Oppossum, Bunny.

NEW CONTEST for this month Guess the Beanie not many have enter so far. Check it out on my Contest Page.

Brad Gilchrist (current co-creator of the comic strip Nancy) is the coordinator of a special charity Christmas project called, Santa Beanie. Santa Beanie is trying to make deliveries to 14 States and many Children's Hospitals- BUT- The donations are not coming in. They need about 1,000 beanies delivered to their eight Collection sites by Dec. 15-19th. They have a goal to deliver these Beanie Babies tucked in a sleeping bag to children in hospitals and shelters this Christmas. They have lots of great prizes, contests on their site as well as a new Bulletin Board. THE SLEIGH CAN'T MOVE WITHOUT YOUR HELP! Please help Brad achieve his goal by donating any extra Beanies you may have. Brighten up some child's Christmas this year. Visit the Santa Beanie web site for more details on this worthy charity.

SANTA BEANIE

***BEANIE BUDDIE GONE***

12/9/98-Ty confirms Freckles, Bongo, and Rose will retire Dec 31st. And today's clue is Twigs Beanie Buddie. Sorry for the delay this morning my internet server was down again this morning.

Bailey Garnett the 5 year old from ND, whose Beanie Babie collection was stolen last week has learned "Not everybody's as bad as the person how stole them". Bailey has received 65 Beanie Babies through the mail. The family plans on donating the duplicates to charity.

(RUMOR)I have received an e-mail that there will be 26 new releases January 1st.

I want to apologize to those of you who have purchased packages of trading cards from me that may have been opened and resealed. I don't know how many were opened, I am trying to make it right with those who have purchased them. I still have some of the packages left, I am assuming they have been opened and resealed, I do not know what is in them. If you are interested in purcahsing them I will send Birthday / Rookie Cards and Retired Cards with them depending on how many packages are purchased. The cost is still a $1.50 a package.( I would just like to make back what I have lost)Thank You. Linda

***STILL MORE RETIREMENTS***

12/8/98-TY confirms my guess from yesterday Pinky, Spike, and Congo and Iris. I think todays clues are Freckles, Bongo, and Rose.

A new web site has just started it's called the Beanie Patrol! Finally a place to list those "GREEDY STORES". Also is a list of "FAIR STORES". with prices that are fair. These are listed state by state. You can also add to the list.

BEANIE PATROL

WARNING!

Check your packages of Trading cards before you leave the store. I have purchased a large number of packages that have been opened and resealed! When I asked the store owner about this I was told they came from the factory like that! The owner will not refund my money for the cards. I have sent a letter to TY but it will most likey fall on deaf ears! But I do plan to file a complaint against the store with the states attorney in NH.

***MORE RETIREMENTS***

12/7/98-TY confirms my guess from yesterday Snip, Fleece, Peter, and Jangle. I think todays clues are Congo, Spike, Iris, and Pinky.

***WAITING ON RETIREMENTS***

12/6/98-TY confirms Curly and todays new clues are Snip, Fleece, Peter, Jangle. We're waiting for tomorrows!

I have been told that there will be 13 more retired products from TY before they are all done. Not all Beanie Babies.

If your looking for TY Trading Cards I still have some for $1.50 a package plus postage.

I am sending a few Beanie Babies out to the little girl who's collection was stolen, I have also receieve e-mails asking were to sent them to. If you would like to do this too, e-mail me.

***WAITING ON NEWS***

12/5/98-Sorry for the delay in posting this, my internet server has been down all day! TY confirms Nuts, Doby, Tuffy, Dotty, and Ants. New clue shows CURLY will retire. We'll see tomorrow.

A 4 year old girl,from East Grand Forks, North Dakota, Bailey Garnett had her whole Beanie Babie collection stolen, just 2 days before her 5th birthday. The collection was valued at between 2 & 3 thousand dallors. Her mother left the house without locking the front door the theif came in a stole only the Beanie Babies.

***MORE RETIRE***

12/4/98-Ty comfirms Pumkin, Wise, Claude are retired. New clue for tomorrow I believe will be NUTS, DOBY, DOTTY, TUFFY, ANTS.(RUMOR) One of my sources say that 30-32 beanies will retire.

The Princess Beanie Buddie is a prototype that was sent to the Princess Diana Memorial Fund to be looked at and approved, it is not currently in production. This is an e-mail sent to me by Marie.Lets hope it it's not just a prototype!

***NEW BEANIE BUDDIE***

12/3/98-(RUMOR)I receieved an e-mail today stating Princess will retire and TY is making a new Princess Beanie Buddy.

November 1998: Ty presented their second cheque to THE DIANA, PRINCESS OF WALES MEMORIAL FUND .... ....this time, the donation is $8,039,513.22 which represents Ty’s worldwide profits from the 2nd and 3rd quarter sales of the Ty Beanie Baby Princess Bear. Naturally, we all applaud Ty Inc. who are clearly very proud of this donation. Ty is delighted to donate their profits to the Fund on an ongoing basis and hope to be able to donate a similar sum, if not MORE next quarter to the Fund! This brings the total of donations to The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund so far to be $10,044,363.22 (approximately £6,087,490.00)

TY's web site confirms Valentino retired and new clues, I believe PUMKIN, WISE, CLAUDE, and ESMERELDA are next.

***NEWS FLASH***

12/2/98-Ty confirms Fetch, Scoop, and Stinger will retire. Then adds a new one to the puzzle. I believe it is Valentino.I beleive Ty is going to do the puzzle retirement through out the month like last time. A few a day.

Many of you are not happy with TY announcing the newest releases that will retire. I have received so many e-mails let me know what you think. I will post them on my thoughts and comment page.

***NEWS FLASH***

12/1/98-RETIREMENT ~ Surprise! Guess What? We're letting you know, One month in advance, so your collection can grow. The countdown's begun so don't hesitate Get out to the store before you're too late. This is our promise, our guarantee Never again, in stores will they be. Our final good-bye to our retiree's, Will be December 31st, NEW YEAR'S EVE!

I think the other retired Beanie from the puzzle are Fetch, Scoop and Stringer, and Laurel.

My opinion is bad move now these already high priced Beanies will become even harder to get and higher price!

If you are still have problems getting your clubby, I have some new information on my BBOC Club Page. Also and answer to why Clubby now being sold in stores.

NEW CONTEST STARTED TODAY!

***NEW INFO BEANIE***

11/30/98-98 Teddy is the new INFO BEANIE on TY's web site.

Beanie Babies are the new hottest thing in Ireland. They can't seem to keep them on the shelf.

It seem that there may be a new 6th generation swing tag. I am hearing that the tags are a little bigger and the font inside is bolder than the 5th generation tag. These are on Beanies purchased from TY direct dealers.

Marsha has sent me some information on fake Beanies from the U.K., very important information. It is on my COMMENTS PAGE if you are going to be purchasing Brittannia you sure read this.

NEW CONTEST STARTS TOMORROW!

(New RUMOR)Santa is sueing TY for not getting permission to use his name, before making Santa Beanie! :)

I still have packages of TY's Beanie Babie Trading cards. E-mail me.

***NO SPECIAL BEAR!***

Well it's 2 days after these special bears were suppose to be out and I haven't seen or heard anymore about them. So I guess another rumor bites the dust! But we won't have to wait long for new rumors. The next retirement is next month and the rumors will be flying soon!

It will be fun to see what TY has in store for this retirement. Will they do it the same way they did in September or wait until New Years like they have in the past? Or will they surprize us with something new?

I saw in a bookstore the other day "The Complete Idiot’s Guide To Beanie Babies" by Holly Stowe and Carol A. Turkington. “The ultimate book for every Beanie Baby collector and fan, this title includes descriptions and values for active and retired Beanies and Teenie Beanies. Enthusiasts will also find a Beanie Baby birthday calendar, a handy Beanie Baby checklist, a collection of anecdotes, and tips on storing and displaying the collection. 32-page color gallery.” The book retails for $14.95 at Barnes and Noble.

I received this infomation from a reader from England, There are a lot of counterfeit Britannia being sold. Here is some helpful information.

Britannia No.1

Tush Tags Facts: Made in Indonesia with PE pellets. No pink oval stamp inside. Swing tag facts: No real outside or inside change apart from on the bottom line it reads: “And wear the Union Flag with pride” General details: Same material, the flag is ' 5/8' high and on this version it is 1-1/8" long/wide. The thread used for the red stitches is the same but the blues are different. This versions blue seems to be a truer blue. This beanie's ribbon is a nice, bright red the same color as the thread in the flag.

Britannia No.2

Tush Tags Facts: Made in China with PE pellets. The new pink oval stamp is inside. Swing tag facts: Again, no real outside or inside change apart from on the bottom line it reads: “And wear the Union Jack with pride” General details: Same material, although the flag is only 1" long/wide. The thread used for the red stitches is the same, but this blue has a purple tinge to it. First time these beanies were shipped they didn't have a red ribbon around their neck, but TY sent the retailers a packet of ribbons to attach. Later the Britannia's were sent to stores with the red ribbon but the changes above still apply.

***NEW BBOC COMPLAINT FORM***

11/27/98-TY's BBOC Web site has just added 2 new features. You can now print out a Clubby order form and sent it in, so you don't have to wait to receive the form anymore. But if you have already ordered a Clubby you can not order another one unless you purcahse another kit. Also They has added a order status form where you can check the status of your Clubby order. You should have your Membership number, check number, the date the check cleared the bank, all right there when you fill out the form.

I am receiving e-mails from people stating when they received their Clubbies there was a second bear with him, Billionaire the Bear. If you have receive these 2 bears together please let me know!

I have TY's Beanie Babies Trading Cards for $1.50 a pack plus postage. If your interested e-mail me. I also have single cards if your looking for a certain card, check out my Trading Card page.

Only a few days left to this months contest, you have until November 30th at noon to enter.

I hope everyone had a good day yesterday and enjoyed time spent with their families and friends.

***A TRAP?***

11/25/98-(RUMOR)I have heard that the special TY Bear promotion that is suppose to come out the day after Thanksgiving is a trap! Stores that have been reported to be selling out the back door and over pricing have been the ones who have gotten these speical packages. And some how the contents can be traced! I don't know if this is fact but thought I'd pass it on to you. I don't think there is a special promotion, it's been keep a sercet to long if this was the case with store selling out the back door we'd of seen this on E-bay already!

A News Flash on Ty's wet site about some other promotions.

NEWSFLASH

** BEWARE OF UNAUTHORIZED PROMOTION **

Please be advised that the following promotions are NOT AUTHORIZED and NOT ENDORSED by Ty, Inc. Product distributed at these events was not purchased directly from Ty and will not be authenticated by Ty.

November 26th Philadelphia Rage Gobbles the turkey

November 28th Portland Power TBD

Not a lot of news today in the Beanie world.

***THANK YOU***

11/24/98-Just want to say thank you to all of you who e-mailed me and for your concern about my health. So many of you asked so I wanted to share with you just what my condition is. I have had problems with migrain headaches and being in pain and just feeling fatigued all the time. I just found out I have a condition called Fibromyalgia. No onw knows what causes this condition, it is like having arthris all other your body. The medication is helping me to cope with this pain syndome. And my web site and Beanie hunting, and all of you help me to cope with this condition, so I just wanted to thank you for your concern.

Below is a letter from Anne Nickels TY spokesperson.

(RUMOR)-I have received this one from many people so I thought I'd pass it on. The new Santa Beanie is out of production due to the pom-pom on Santa's hat. The pom-pom is glued on and comes off very easy. I don't know if the rumor is true but you should be aware of this if you plan to give it to a small child.

The new BBOC Membership kits now have the order form right in the kit. If you purchase the kit you can send in your payment for Clubby right away, but still be perpared for a long wait.

***I"M BACK***

11/23/98-Sorry for the lack of news the last few days, I have been put on some medication and I haven't been feeling well over the weekend. But I feeling much better now.

I have been hearing rumors that Clubby has been for sale in stores. I received many e-mails about this, my reply has been can't be, it is a club member only! I was wrong! TY Reps have been selling Clubby in Florida, California, New Jersey and else where in stores. You had to purchase the kit for $10. then you could purchase your CLubby right then. No bent tags, no postage, no waitng, no hassle! I don't think a lot of people who still haven't received their Clubby are going to be real happy about this one. TY should keep to their own rules, I still haven't received my Clubby I've been waiting since March! I called them this morning only to be told they'd get back to me in 72 hours, still waitng from over a month ago when they told me the same thing!

Anne Nickles a TY spokesperson said in a interveiw with Wichita Online, "I can't tell you how many times it's been said, that Beanie are only a fad and on the way out. We're still here and doing fine." Nickels likened Beanies to Barie dolls, who at times has taken a beating on the retail market. But Nickels feels the Beanie Babies are here to stay, with no sigh of the craze going away.

6000 fake Beaine Babies were found in raids in England. Most of the fakes were Brittannia and Princess. It is unknown if how many of the fake have made it to the secondary market so please when buying them, buy from someone you know and trust!

A signed Valentino Card was found by a couple from Connecticut. The Beanie Babies Trading Cards are disappearing from the stores as fast as they get them.

***ROARY IS BACK***

Anne Nickels media relations for TY has stated the following about the law suit and Roary. The law suit was dropped, Ty did not lose the suit filed by The Imperial Toy Company. Roary has not retired, is currently being offered for sale, is being shipped, nothing about Roary has changed.

Today in the The Capital Times an article states that there is no dark clould hanging over the Beanie Craze. It claims the reports of dome by some can only be a lack of research. In interveiwing Store and Shop owners, they have seen no decline in their sales or a drop in enthuiasm. Beanie Babies are still as HOT if not HOTTER than they have been.

(RUMOR)I am receiving e-mail from store owners and employees who claim that shortly after they received their last order they have had a surprize visit from their TY Reps. They come in check out the store and prices before making them selves known has TY Reps. Some claim they have been warned they could loose their accounts due to their prices! I did have one e-mail that the Rep. claims to have said he would look the other way, and they could continue to receive their shipments for a small fee.

***TRADING CARDS***

11/17/98-For those of you collecting the new Beanie Babie Trading Cards, I have some of them for sale for #'s 50-149 they are priced according their availability,plus postage. I have most of them e-mail me and let me know which ones your looking for. I do not have any of 1-49 at this time.

Someone from Greenville, NC. has found one of the Ty Warner hand signed Trading Cards. "Early" it has a gold stamped number that says 1/1 on the bottom. The value on these cards is said to be in the thousands. Ty Warner has only signed one of each of the cards. Check out my Trading Card Page.(On my Home Page)

There is still 2 weeks left until the end of the month don't forget to enter this months contest! We did have a winner for the 25,000th hit to my site, the winner was Sue Tubbs from Illinois, she won "GLORY". The next winner will be for the 50,000th hit, check out the contest page.

Are you looking to insure your Beanie Collection? Here is a web site for a company that insures Collectibles.

This is a private insurance company and I am not affiliated with this company in any way. This is just one company that does insure collectibles. And if you are like me you have a lot of money invested in your collection.

***TY REP SPEAKS***

11/16/98-(RUMOR)Recieved an e-mail from a TY Rep. Remember TY Reps. info hasn't always been proven fact! This is what was stated. No ordered were cancelled or delayed due to a flood in Texas at a TY warehouse, there was no flood. Claims the next retirement is going to big, lots of currents, many of the Bears,Chocolate will not retire! January will have a lot of new releases which the TY Reps believes everyone will love. Says there is no special Bear coming out the end of November. Also says no new BBOC Bear in January.

***SURPRIZE BEANIE***

11/15/98-Ty has made it know to many web sites that "RAIN" was a fake. But they will not comment on if there is a surprize Bear. I have asked around many of the stores where I buy my Beanies. If they know they not saying. One store just said TY said no advanced notices. So your guess is as good as mine. A UPS Driver told me he did see a different bear being unpacked, he says it was blue darker than Clubby.

I have started collecting the new trading cards. They are just as addicting as the Beanies. Some are harder to get than others. I have purchased about 40 pageages and still have not completed a set.

***RUMOR***

11/14/98-Just a reminder that any of news of new releases from TY are just RUMORS until they are announced on TY's web site. Even though my sources have been right many times, others have not. Rumors are fun to hear and fun to wait and see if they come true.

It appears that Pastel Peace is no longer being made. This version was made only for a short time. I have purchase Peace recently and see that Peace is again being made in the brighter colored material.Which means the Pastel Peace will be highly collectable. I have also noticed that the new Rainbow is also being made in the brighter colored material again also. Let me know if any of you have found the same thing.

***RAIN IS A FAKE***

11/13/98-A TY source says Rain is a fake! Rain has been pulled from the E-bay auctions.

(RUMOR)A source also says that the Special Bear is called Elivis. This is a Dark Blue Bear with a guitar on his chest. Each store will only get 12 each for 5 months.

I have my Trading Card page up and running you can get to through my Home Page, it is right under the BBOC NEWS.

***I HAVE A WINNER!***

At 2:03 AM EST I had the 25,000 hit to my web site. I am verifing the winner and will post the winner as soon as it is verified. Check out the contest page I am now looking for the 50,000 hit!

***TRADING CARDS***

11/12/98-I am working on a page with all the info on the new Trading Cards. I am hoping to have it up and running tonight.

There is some new information on my BBOC page if you are still having Clubby problems.

(RUMOR)A TY REP has told one of my retailer sources that the the surprize Beanie is 12 more Princess. I don't think that this is a fact, I don't think TY would make such a big deal over 12 Princess Bears. Also each store was able to purchase 46 Princess this month already.

A retailer has e-mailed me and told me they have received this special package from TY(A LARGE BLACK BAG). They have opened it and it is not Princess. But would not tell what it is just that the people who are lucky enough to get one will be very happy! My own thoughts are that very few of these will make it to the shelves!

***NEW BEANIE***

11/11/98-Ty is sending retailers a letter which state they can purchase a Surprize for the month of November.

This is 0ne of your 5 shipments with this mysterious bag you may not open it until 12:00 pm the day after Thanksgiving and may distribute one per customer in this bag will be 12 special beanies per shipment I must say that they are not retired or not the new beanies this beanies is a limited release and will only be available during your next 5 shipments you may open your first bag on the date read above and that day only NO EARLIER you are only allowed to give one day of public notice (any day you wish) but may not allow any lines any raffles or presellings to occur. NO TELEPHONE ORDERS SHOULD BE EXCEPTED due to the fact that this is a limited release and only available during the next 5 shipments we hope you sell this for 5.00 and no more this is a first come first serve basis and only one per person. You ordered this as a surprise for your November order and as soon as you open this bag you will get what you asked for. This beanie is an original and please follow our distributing market deals. Please note a message from BBOC: in January you will receive your next beanie display so please take down your Clubby."

The next Beanie Display could be either "Rain or the Birthday Bear" we have been hearing rumors about.

I have found the calendars and the trading cards. I purchased the trading cards they are very nice. It is going to be hard to find all the different cards, Some are harder to get than others. The cards are very nicely done, and it is going to be hard to collect the whole set. The first nine are going to be the hardest and from what I am hearing there are 3 different verions of the first nine. The rookie and retired cards are the next hardest to find I now have 8 of these. Next are the birthday cards. As soon as I get some more facts I let you know how many of of these cards there are.I also bought the yearly calendar which is also nicely done. It came with stickers of the June releases and Clubby.

***REP CHECKING STORES***

11/9/98-Ty Reps are checking the stores with surprize visits. I received an e-mail from a gift shop owner in Vermont. It said the TY rep came in the store asking about Beanie Babie prices. Then was told that ALL Beanie Babies are to be put out for sale including the bears and new releases, at the same price. Also was told Ty will not keep accounts that are selling out the back door. They could not make you buy something else to purchase a bear or new release. Was also told spot checks would be done to make sure they were following TY new policies.

Some older retireds are showing up. Got a e-mail that someone found a Doodle at a Hallmark store. Picked it up and went home only to find out it was Doodle not Strut. Also e-mail stating a store received 12 Kiwi's.

(RUMOR)There is a special Elivis Bear coming out! It is a TY Bear it is reported to be darker blue than Clubby. Someone is claiming to have seen it in a Hallmark Store when it was delivered by UPS.

(UPDATE)The news on the Birthday Bear, the birthday that will appear on the bear you be your own birthdate. Everyone who orders one will receive a bear with their own birthdate on the bear.

***ANOTHER CONTEST***

I have two contest on my contest page, check it out you could win "GLORY"!!!!!!!!

***SORRY***

11/7/98-Sorry for the news delays but have been having problems with the server for my web site. I am also having problems with a hacker changing all my passwords which is making it very hard for me to get into my web site and other things on my computer. I am hoping the hacker problem as been solved. HINT NEVER DOWNLOAD ANYTHING!!! EVEN IF YOU KNOW THE PERSON!!

United States Post Office is out of the special commemorative envolpes featuring Glory that were made for the July All-Star Game, this was a per-paid envelope which sold for $6. only 45,000 were made.

Ty must be cleaning out the warehouses many of the May and some of the January retireds are showing up again. I am hearing that the accounts with "High Priority" are receiving 4 different styles of these older retires.

Beanie Babies still "HOT" they are on most of the most wanted things for christmas lists. I have seen many different lists from stores and other companies and Beanies Babies are in the top ten.

***NO TBB DEAL***

11/6/98-My source from McDonalds says they have not signed a contract with TY for the Spring Teenie Beanies for 1999.

"This is the latest news I have received this week. There was so much concern with TY that McD's didn't distribute their product in the correct manner and was not supportive of the new contract. That the latest is that no deal has been signed and no talks or agreements have been reached" C.R.

***NO BEANIE BUDDIES***

Ty posted this News Flash today.

NEWSFLASH BEANIE BUDDIES SOLD OUT WHY????

Beanie Buddies are officially sold out until January 1999. Why???? Blame Tylon®, the exclusive new fabric used to make Beanie Buddies!

Tylon is the softest, most luxurious man-made fabric in the world. Tylon was developed by Ty Warner over a 2 year period and combines the advanced technologies of Japan, Korea and China. The manufacturing process of Tylon is very complex, as it moves from one country to another before a single bolt is finished. Therefore, the very best is not very fast. . but Ty thinks it's definitely worth the wait!

The "original 9" Beanie Buddies introduced and ordered in October will be shipped in November and December throughout the USA, Canada and Europe.

Beanie Buddies are made with Tylon and retail for $10. Tylon is a registered trademark owned by Ty and exclusive to Ty. Retirements may be anticipated.

***TY CRACKING DOWN!***

11/4/98-The word is out that TY is doing what they promised they are sending out the "TY POLICE" the rumors are that TY SPIES are checking out the stores that where reported to TY. They are going into the stores checking out the prices on all the Beanies. The stores that are not going according to TY's new Policies are not receiving and more Beanies!

The new Batty has a few other changes as well as the material. His nose, ears, and feet are now dark brown. It is rumored that TY ran out of the tan material so they started using Claudes tie-dyed material. I don't beleive this is the case, because of the change to the nose & ears. This little guy is a very hot Beanie right now!

Rumors of 2 verions of Pumkin, the stitching around the face has 2 different types, one has straight stitching and the other has satin stitching. I have only seen th straight.

Rumors that Valentino has new material. I have received many e-mails that Valention's material is is softer and has a sheen too it. I checked my Valentino's and they do seem to be different.

(RUMOR)I have heard more about the Birthday Bear. You must be a BBOC Member you will be sent and order form on the month of your birthday you will be able to purchase the bear like Clubby.

**ENTER THIS MONTHS CONTEST!**

***ANOTHER TY SITE GONE***

11/2/98-From the Heart, a Web site that sold Beanie Babie over the interent for $ 6.99 was told to remove all TY products from their web site or loose their TY account. They have done as TY has asked!

A retailer who has had a spot check on her store is concerned she will not recieve any more of TY products. She was told to remove many other products from her store or lose her account. One of the items she was told to remove was the copies of Mary Beth's Beanie World Magazine. No reason was given why she had to remove it, but she assumes it is because Mary Beth promotes more than just Beanie Babies in her magazine now.

(RUMOR)A New bear is going to be released it is going to be tie-dyed dark colors, green, blue, yellow,red, purple and orange. It will have 2 balloons on it's chest. It's name will be "Birthday Bear."

**OCTOBERS NEWS HAVE BEEN ARCHIVED**

***REMEMBER NEW CONTEST STARTS TOMORROW***

***TY DOING SPOT CHECKS***

10/31/98-Received an e-mail from a store owner in Pembroke MA. Said she found out that TY had done a spot check of her store, Ty says she is a "High Priority Account" but not "Most Supportive". When the spot check was done Puffkins were found in the store, the owner was told if she did not order anymore Puffkins she would become a "Most Supportive Account". As of Friday she still has not received and over due shipment of Beanie Babies.

McDonalds has Lion King Teenie Beanies from October 30th- November 7th. there are 12 in the set.

Toys for Tots has another special Beanie Babie this year to raise money for needy children at Christmas time. Last years Valentino was a big hit. This years is a Curly Bear it will sell for $165. with a limited edition of 5500. www.toysfortots.com

Layfayette, CO. police are giving Beanie Babies to children to calm them in domestic volience and accident calls. The Beanie Babies calm the frightened children.

Ty's trading Cards are becoming a big hit, they are going to be very hard to find, stores can't keep them on the shelf, the store that have gotten them say they are gone very fast. I hear they cards are very nicely done.

Be careful of the claw machines with Beanie Babies in them. The Tallahassee Democrat states that a machine in a Wal-Mart had fake Beanie Babies in them. Many people were very disappointed to find out that the all the money spent to win these Beanies, was in vein the Beanies were fakes. Wal-mart tried to get in touch with the company who owned the machines but they were not returning the calls. Wal-mart has removed the machine from that store and notified TY about the fakes. Be careful spending money on Beanie Babies in claw machine you may not be getting what you think!

A retailer has told me that for the month of November they can order 36 of each of the current Beanie Babies. Attic Treasures 12 of each of the $5.00 style, 8 each of the $10 style. Beanie Buddies can not be ordered in November due to all the back orders.

Ty is involded with another law suit. This time with the Salvino's the makers of the Bamm Beano Bears. Ty wanted to enter into a partnership with the Salvino's and they declined. TY accused them of copy right infringement, Ty tried to get a restraining order, to stop them from making the bears, this was thrown out of court. Ty is now attempting to sue for monetary demages.

*** TY'S CONTEST WINNER***

10/30/98-Ty's Halloween contest winner was Valentino Zorro, Chocolate the Chocolate Kiss was second.

Mary Beth of Beanie World Magazine will be on the Home Shopping Network starting on the 1st.

***TY'S RESPONSE

10/29/98-NEWSFLASH: A Message from Ty We are proud of our commitment to consumers. As we make decisions regarding our company's policies and philosophies, we think first of what's best for the Ty consumer. Although people of all ages enjoy our products, Beanie Babies plush were designed for children and the child in all of us. Decisions that we feel are right for the consumer may not always be popular with our Ty direct retailers. Sometimes these decisions are difficult. . . . . . but we are convinced they are for the best. Our pricing philosophy states we would like all current Beanie Baby plush styles priced around $5.00. We feel this provides a fair profit for retailers and that this price makes our product affordable for children. We work very hard to provide product that is innovative in design,is affordable and represents the finest quality and value in the industry. We take pride in the fact that you, our consumer, can trust the Ty brand . To guard that trust, it is imperative that we protect our copyrights and trademarks. Therefore, we are extremely aggressive in our pursuit of infringers. We fully support the right of our retailers to carry competitive bean bag plush animals. Competition is fine... copying is not. It is our desire to have all styles of our product on the retailer's shelves available for consumers to purchase. For this reason, we discourage our Ty direct retailers from selling on the internet. We believe that the majority of our consumers still prefer to visit their neighborhood store to purchase Ty product. In addition, Beanie Babies plush that appear for sale on the internet are often purchased through secondary dealers whose sources are difficult, if not impossible, to verify. Although we trust that our Ty direct retailers would not knowingly sell counterfeit product, a consumer could incorrectly assume that product sold on the internet was supplied by Ty instead of by a secondary market dealer. Therefore, it is our policy that all of our Ty direct retailers do not sell product on the internet. Our new shipping policy states that we will ship accounts that support Ty's philosophies first. Once again, this was a decision made with the consumer in mind. Unfortunately, there are retailers in the marketplace who don't share our view of what's fair for the consumer. Obviously, every retailer makes choices that they feel are right for their business. We support their right to do that. However, because we cannot manufacture enough product to supply the demand from retailers and consumers, we choose to first supply the retailers who support our commitment to our consumers.

I have place some comments on my comments pages! What do you think about this response from Ty? Let me know what you think! E-mail me!

***TY'S NEW POLICY***

Ty's response to Teddy Bear Island:

TY Rep. Roger Eissinger, who CONFIRMS this is a NEW POLICY of the Ty Corporation that "NO TY STORES ARE ALLOWED TO SELL TY PRODUCTS ON THE INTERNET OR THEY WILL BE JEOPARDIZING THEIR ACCOUNTS." Also, Roger Eissinger confirmed that "TY WARNER does NOT want any other Beanie Products sold in any of the Ty Direct accounts." I asked Mr. Eissinger the complete name of the District manager that called yesterday and I was told his complete name is Neil Haimson. Also I was informed that use of the TY Logo or anything affiliated with TY Beanies on the internet is an infringment of their copyright. Mr. Eissinger also stated that "Ty Warner himself personally visited our web site and it was found that Teddy Bear Island was in fact complying with TY's Pricing philosophy". 12:15pm eastern time

I have just learned that in some of the packages of the Beanie Babie Colletors Cards there are some hand signed by TY Warner himself.

***TY IS PULLING ACCOUNTS!***

10/27/98-Ty is pulling accounts of any retailer selling on the internet. Bear Island who was selling Beanie Babies over the internet received a fax from TY telling them to remove TY products from the internet or lose their account. TY products are to be sold in the store where all customers have a chance to buy them! Bear Island has removed them from the internet.

Here is a copy of the Fax going out to TY retailers:

" THE TY CORPORATION DOES NOT WANT 'ANY' OF ITS DIRECT RETAILERS SELLING ANY OF ITS TY PRODUCTS ON THE INTERNET. TY PRODUCTS ARE 'ONLY' TO BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN OUR TY DIRECT STORES. TY IS ALSO LOOKING INTO ANY ACCOUNTS THAT ARE SUPPORTING COMPETITORS PRODUCT LINES SUCH AS BAMMBEANOES, MEANIES, GUND, RUSS BEANIES, etc."

Bear Island's response to TY's New Policy:

"I have gotten legal advice and I will be sending the Ty Corporation a certified letter tomorrow mandating confirmation of this new policy from TY that we are not allowed to list TY Products on the internet and we are not allowed to carry any other beanie products that are not TY. There is alot going on out here that Ty Retailers have to deal with.... its about time this all comes out in the open. If this is NOT a TY Policy... then maybe Ty should investigate its own sales force for shaking down the little retailers. This is still America..... or is it renamed TYLAND???? Last time I checked ... this was a free country. Free enterprise... hmmmmmmm... what happened?"

Ty has a costume contest on their web site you can vote on which costume you like the best. So far Chocolate the kiss is in the lead. Also there is a Happy Halloween picture you can print out and color. The kids will really like this!

So what do you think about TY's NEW POLICY? E-mail me and let me know!

***BB AND HOCKEY***

10/26/98-Tuffy was offered at the Meadowlands in NJ, but it was not a sell out crowd like the baseball. But Blackie the bear was given out at a Boston Bruins game October 12, it was a sell out crowd.

(RUMOR)I have received many e-mails from people claiming that retailers have told them that the new PUMKIN will retire on November 1st. I don't believe this to be true. Ty has never done that to a beanie before. It also doesn't make sense that before TY even get's them out on the market they would retire them. Store were only allowed to order 24 of them and will not be able to order them again for a month.

I have received more e-mails stating Batty is showing up tie-dyed!

***ENTER THE CONTEST***

Only one week left to enter my monthly contest! check it out on my contest page!

***TY WARNING UK!***

10/25/98-Retailers in the UK have now been warned by TY if they sell any Beanies to the USA, Canada, or any other part of Europe their accounts will be dropped!

The new BBOC callendars and Trading cards are now showing up in stores. The callendars have stickers of May releases and Clubby. The trading Cards are 9 to a pack. There are special cards,Birthday and Rookies cards are gold foil and their are in 1 out of every 2 packs. Oringinal and Autographed cards are in 1 out of 117 packs. Retired are in 1 out of 7 packs. there is one puzzle piece in each pack. I think these are going to be a big hit!

I have been receiving e-mail that some of you think the tie-dyed Batty is a fake? What do you think? I have received many e-mails today Batty is not a fake! Ty has changed Batty. People have been finding them all over the country.

***A NEW BATTY?***

10/24/98-I have just received and e-mail that there is a new Batty. He is tie-dyed looks like the material on Claude. I was send this picture.

(RUMOR)It appears that TY and the Imperial Toy Company have come to an out of court settlement. The case set for Monday the 26th was dropped from the docket. Ty has faxed all it's retailers that Roary can not be ordered until further notice. Roary is back on TY's current list on their web site. I beleive He will probably be renamed or retired in December.

***TY GOES BACK TO COURT***

10/23/98-Ty goes back to court on Monday the 26, on the trademark infringement on Roary the Lion. The hearing will be at 10 am in Judge Lindbergs court. In Chicago IL.

I got this information from Diane a Rep. for TY., she says all TY accounts will be place into one of 2 accounts. High and Low Priority. To be high priority the retailer must meet 4 standards! 1. Carry all Ty Lines, 2. They must be a Headquaters Store, 3. FOLLOW the pricing policy, 4. Shopping atmosphere(carry related products). A low priority account will be able to work with their Reps to change their status. High priority acounts will be serviced first. All accounts will be checked by their Rep periodically!

10/22/98-I have been banned from a local store that sales Beanie Babies because of my views on this web site. I have been polite to the ower of this store and told him that myself and others are aware that he is selling out the back door and over pricing. I did not want this store to loose his account, and today he told me because of my veiws on my web site He would no longer sell to me.

***TY'S NEW SHIPPING POLICY***

10/22/98-Ty has followed up their pricing update by and new shipping policy! Only those retailers who support Ty's policies will receive their shipments first, since demand currently exceeds their supply, those who do not support TY's poloicies will get any remaining product! So it appears Ty will ship to those who they haven't received complaints about first! E-mail me and let me know what you think of TY's new policy!

NEWSFLASH

BBOC KITS NOW IN CANADA-Our neighbors to the north can now become BBOC members I hear that the kits have been found in Hallmark stores.The suggested retail price is $17 canadian.

The Attic Tearsures now have the new swing tag, the red heart with TY on them like the ones on the pillow pals.

***3RD ROCK***

10/21/98-3rd Rock from the Sun will have a show about collecting Fuzzy little bean bags tonight.

I received an e-mail saying that the number on Clubby's tush is a control number. But I have talked to some other people in the know about Beanies and they don't think that is what the number is for. They feel Ty would have them on all the Beanies if that were the case.

I want to thank everyone for your comments on the retailers. And I have had a postive response to the idea to give the stores a copy of the letter. Let me know the response from the store if you get any. With all the comments I have been getting everyone is hoping TY will do something to these accounts, because most of you I have heard from don't feel the retailers will change until TY does something.

***RETAILER REACTION***

10/20/98-There is a campain to keep Halo as the only Beanie Babie never to retire. Please check it out.

Halo Forever

I am still looking for a Halo at a fair price for a very sick person with lung cancer. If you have one you want to sell at a fair price e-mail me. Remember people with serious illness have very high medical cost, and to spend even $25 for a beanie is high! Thank you, Linda

I have received some retailers reaction to the TY pricing policy.

1.If Ty would ship their product and not leave us with back orders all the time there would be no secondary market. And those money hunger secondary market dealers would be out of business.

2.I don't beleive it's fair that a customer can pay $5. for a Beanie and go sell it on the secondary market and make a profit, but I the retailer can't mark up the price and make the profit for my self.

3.Ty's statement says all currents, so all the retireds I receive I will charge book value!

4.I have to charge $7.95 per beanie to cover my $50,000. beanie bill. Ty ships me all the currents that sit on the self because no one wants them. I have had to make the policy you buy 5 currents at $7.95 each and you can buy a bear at $5.95. If I don't do this I can't pay for the Beanies.

5. My Beanie customers are "NUTS" they come in and buy 50 at a time, these are the ones complaining about the prices. I bet the IRS doesn't know they're selling them for a small fortune at the flea market!

E-mail me and tell me what you think! I have been hearing from retailers, what do you the customer think! I will post your comments on the comments page.

I THINK MY READERS SHOULD MAKE COPIES OF THE TY PRICING PHILOSOPHY UPDATE LETTER AND GIVE THEM OR MAIL THEM TO ALL THE STORES YOU KNOW ARE SELLING OUT THE BACK DOOR AND OVER PRICING! If we all do this some stores will realise that we know what their are doing some stores will get more than 1 letter and see the customers are not happy maybe this will wake up some of the stores! Asked that the letter go to the Manager or owner, be polite!

Maple is off Canadian order forms indefinately, Ty says they are trying to fill back orders for Maple, why is Maple different then any other Beanie? Maybe a retirement is coming on Maple?

(RUMOR)I received an e-mail that Susan an x-Ty employee is involded in a law suit with TY. She claims she is the one who designed the new face teddy. She claims if she wins the law suit TY will nolonger be able to make their new face teddies.

***TY'S PRICING POLICY!***

10/19/98-

NEWSFLASH

TY is in very strong clear words letting retailers know ALL BEANIE BABIES ARE TO BE SOLD FOR $5.00. But are the store owners listening? The ones I talked to this weekend aren't, they just smile and say TY has to prove they are selling out the back door. Retailers were unable to reach TY today all they got was a recording stating"Due to circumstances beyond our control, our business center is closed. Try again later." I really don't know why, and I haven't gotten any one else that knows what's up, only that it may have been a computer problem.

Fake Beanie are being sold on E-bay, and people are buying them. They have to sign a release stating they know they are fakes. But why would someone buy a FAKE BEANIE? Some say if you can't afford the real thing at least you can have one that close. But I beleive that most of them will be resold to people who don't know they are buying a Fake! Be careful when purchasing Beanies over the internet. If you haven't done business with them before get references before you buy, and ask ahead of time about their return policy!

For those of you who haven't heard Clubby has a number on his tush tag in the upper right corner by the TY heart. The first ones out had a #1, followed by a number #2, they are now showing up with the #4. Collectors are saying they believe the #1 will be the most collectible one.

***SOMETHING UP WITH TY?***

10/18/98-I see that the TY web page has already moved the new releases to the current page. I'm wondering if this has something to do with the surprize I heard that TY has for us soon?

The new Halo Bear's birthdate is August 31st, do you think this as anything to do with Princess Diana? This is the date she died on, maybe TY is remembering her in this way and will retire Princess?

***A NEW VALENTINO?***

10/17/98-I have been receiving e-mails that people are seeing a difference in Valentino's material. They say it is softer and has a shine to it. I have not seen one yet but will keep my eyes open for one.

Ty corrects their Beanie Lists, the new releases, currents, and all the retired Beanies are all on the right lists now.

(RUMOR)I was sent this peom for "Rain"

Rain is the BBOC second Bear,

He will In fact be very rare,

Rain loves to sing lots of songs,

But he'll only sing,, umtil he's gone!

***TY POLICE***

10/16/98-(RUMOR)Ty police are doing there job! From what I am hearing TY is looking for the stores that are selling out the back door and over charging. I just received this e-mail.

I want to add this bizarre rumor to your rumor list. According a shop manager in Los Angeles, Ty is deliberately sending the new beanies first to suspected back door dealers. According to her, their intent is to set them up for a possible cancellation of their accounts. I do not know how valid are her assertions are. What do you think? Vicki.

***BEANIES STILL HOT***

10/15/98-According to New York Rueters, October 14, 1998 article Beanie Babies are appreciting in value and the trend will continue. It says Beanie Market is better than the Stock Market. People are starting to reconginze the value of collectibles now and are looking at them more as an investment than in the past, the rate of return is phenomenal. I expect Beanie-Mania to continue "People who've spent $5000. on one (Beanie) can't afford to let it drop!" Many will say it's going the way of the "Cabbage Patch", but Beanie Babies collectors have no gender, or age. Everyone from a small child to grandmothers, even sport collectors. Beanie Babies are going no where fast!

(RUMOR)I just received an e-mail from a Ty Rep. who claims that Ty will no longer be retiring Beanie Babies on certain days of the year. They will retire when ever they feel like it. This e-mail also said they will be another retirement soon. I guess we'll have to keep a closer eye on Ty's web site.

I have received e-mails stating 2 more stores have lost their accounts with TY. One in Indiana, the TY police found that the store was selling out the back door to the secondary market, Ty found they had boxes of retired beanies they held to sell to the secondary market. Another store in Ohio, lost their account for selling "Hottest" Beanies for book value. If you know for a fact that a store is selling out the back door to the secondary market you can write to TY at: TY's Faud Dept., Attn: Diane, TY Inc., PO Box 5377, Oakbrook, IL. 60522. Seems TY is finely doing what they have promised. The dealers that are involded in over pricing and selling out the back door should seriously think about how important their accounts are to them, if they continue they may find they have no account!

According to a retailer they can no longer order Roary he has been remove from the order form. I have also heard that Doby is also no longer on the form? I have also heard again that TY is concerned about the negative comments and feedback they are receiving, and is concerned that collectors are upset with TY. The retailer told me that something is coming soon. I asked if it was a retirement or release and was told they couldn't say. I was told it was going to give a boost to the Beanie Market!

(RUMOR)I also received and e-mail today saying that April 1st there will be another BBOC Club Exclusive. It will be a bear named "RAIN" a light blue tie-dyed bear with rain drops on it.

I called Cyrk today about my missing Clubby. I was told that they did not get payment for the bear, I gave them the check # the date the check was sent, the date the check cleared the bank, they said they had an error and they would get back to me within 72 hours. I asked if the Express Shipping charges would be returned to those that paid it, I was told they were trying to deside what they were going to do but did not know yet.If it has been more than 6 weeks since you sent your payment and if you call about your delayed Clubby have this info ready when you call, it will save time.(the phone number is on my BBOC Page)

***I'M BACK***

10/14/98-I'm back and Paul and I had a great time. We went to Hampton Beach in NH. also stopped by and talked to Chris at Harbor Gifts in Rye Habor NH. Great place to buy Beanie Babies. Then went to Maine. Paul and I want to thank all of you that sent us Anniversary Wishes it meant a lot to us that you were thinking of us.

(RUMORS)I am hearing rumors that Ty is aware that people are getting upset with them over their lack of response to the problems with Clubby, and many other problems that TY seems to ignore. I hear that they are going to do something to gain back the people who are upset with them. I don't know what Ty is suppose to do, but what I have heard is it will perk up the market again.

I received e-mails that there are suppose to be 3 verions of BEAK. 1.Long Hair ~ 2. tie-dyed ~ 3. tan napped. I have seen Beak the one I saw and held was tie-dyed tan, grey, gold, brown in color, the material wasn't really napped like Tuffy or Curly it was long loops of threads. This could be why there are so many different descriptions of Beak but they are all right.

***TY LOOSES***

***NEW BBOC PRODUCTS

10/12/98-The new BBOC products are out on the shelves. There are 3 styles of calendars for $10. each, collector cards for $1.99 a pack, and a collector card binder for $10. each. They will be in stores soon. I am also hearing that the new Beanie Babies and Beanie Buddies are now showing up in the stores.

I will be away until the 15th. My husband Paul and I are celebrating our 24th Anniversary and are going away for 2 days. Will update all the beanie news as soon as I return.

Does anyone have the NEW HALO BEAR, that is willing to sell it at a fair price, a fellow beanie collector has just found out a friend has cancer and is going to have an operation soon and would really like her to take Halo to the hospital with her. E-mail me ASAP. Thanks!!!!!!!!

***TY ACCOUNTS DROPPED!***

10/11/98-I have talked to some Ty dealers locally,and also received some e-mails, Ty is dropping accounts without any explanation. The stores are receiveing a just form letter stating they are longer meeting TY criteria. The store owners that I have spoken to claim they have done nothing for Ty to pull their account. But I have bought Beanie Babies in these stores and they are not selling in the $5-$7 range that TY wants. I'm am trying to get a copy of one of the letters when I do I will post it.

***MORE ON ROARY***

10/10/98-US District Judge George W. Linberg, said that TY had to stop producing "ROARY THE LION", because the Imperial Toy Company had a tredemark on that name, and it would be confusing to consumers, if they bought one thinking it was from Imperial and was not the person would be disappointed to find out they had the wrong one. So TY was ordered to remove all mention of the name. Ty's lawyers did disagree with this finding but did remove "Roary's name from their Currents List" I beleive we'll see Roary with a new name.

I received a letter from a Ty rep. that claims that Ty allowed each Rep. to choose 2 stores to get a promotional set of both the Beanie Babies and the Beanie Buddie. That's why some stores had the new releases so soon this time.

According to Chocolate the info Beanie they are having a party to welcome the new Billionaire Bear they are going to call him "Billy". I don't know if the Ty web site will have a picture of the new bear.

***BEANIE NEWS***

10/9/98-I got the new Santa Beanie today, it is much so cute,the picture doesn't do it justice.

ROARY UPDATE: The picture of Roary is now back on the Current List on TY's web site but he has no name. From what I have been able to find out, the Imperial Toy Company took Ty to court back in December of last year because of the trademark and yesterday the Federal Judge agreed TY had to stop production of "ROARY THE LION". With the picture back on the site I think we will see Roary with a new name soon!

Below is a picture of the Billion Dallor Bear. I'm not sure if this is the employee exculsive Bear. This bear is up for sale on Ebay and the bid is at $5000. So what do you think?

(NEWS)According to the GGP retailer survey the hottest toys this holiday season are: Teleububbies ~ Antz ~ Beanie Babies ~ Classic Godzilla. (source: Excite News)

Beanie Bebies are being use to improve the attendance and grades of 5th graders. They win slips they can use to earn Beanies Babies and Pizza.(source: Philadelphia Iquirer)

***NAME CHANGE?***

10/8/98-I just noticed on the Beanie Collection on Ty's web site that Roary now appears as Lion. It had always been Roary on that page, I don't know if this means that Roary now has a new Name. Until we know you might want to hang onto Roary.

UPDATE: A Schaumburg, IL. newspaper says a federal judge stopped the sale of Roary. In a preliminary injuction, TY was ordered to stop disturbing and marketing Roary. It is supposedly the trademark Lion bean bag of Imperial Toy Company. Ty has removed both Roary, and Lion from it's Currents list!

***BILLION DALLOR BEAR***

10/7/98-There are rumors out there on the employee bear. Ebay has 2 of these bears up for auction, both claiming to have this one of a kind bear, which no one has seen yet. The problem is the description of these to bears is different. The first one claiming to have bear in hand is at $1000. this bear is brown with a green $ sign on the chest, with a hand signed TY Warner signature on a red & white swing tag. The other bear also in hand is violet with a green ribbon, with a heart tag with a thanks you signed by TY Warner, this is at $1625. CAUTION PEOPLE!!!!!!

I have received e-mails from around the country that the new Beanie Babies and Beanie Buddies are showing up in the stores. From the e-mails I am receiving most of the stores are not letting people buy all 10 styles they are only allowing 1 beanie person!

***EMPLOYEE BEAR***

10/6/98-(RUMOR)I have recieved many e-mails people believe that Merry the Bear is the Ty employee's speical Bear. Since there are no pictures yet we'll have to wait and see. I have also received many e-mails asking if it was in a retail store where I saw the 10 new Beanie Babies? Yes it was in a Hallmark Store in Leominster MA., they were raffling them off, if your name was picked you got to purchase 1 of them for $6.99. It was also limited to one name per person. But the box was full! So I don't think I had much of a chance. Yes also to the questions about the Beanie Buddies, they were in a Hallmark store in Fitchburg MA. From what I was told by store employees that they received them as a promotional test to see how they sold. They were gone in 10 minutes. So I guess they were a big hit.

Chocolate the info beanies said that Ty will show what the new employee Bear looks likes sometime this week. Chocolate said they should have another party!

***SPEICAL TY BEAR

10/5/98-The Ty company announced at a company picnic this weekend. Every employee will received a speical Bear hand signed on the swing tag by Ty Warner. Anyone want to guess the value on these? No mention was made of what the bear looks like.

More sports promotions ~ NFL ~ Tennesse Oilers, October 18th, Chocolate. ~ NHL ~ Boston Bruins, October 12, Blackie ~ Buffalo Sabers, October 23, Spunky, ~ New Jeresy Devils, October 24, Tuffy, ~ Pittsburgh Penguins, October 24, Waddles, ~ Chicago Blackhawks, October 24, Bones.

A record was set this past weekend for the most Beanie Babies in one place at one time,on Wachusett Mountain,in Princeton MA.. A Children Festival was held and the record is going into the Guinness Book of World Records! As soon as I get the number of Beanie Babies that were there on Sunday I will let you know.

I response to the poll last week about the Beanie Babie craze dying, I recieved many e-mails all saying they do not believe this is happening. All agree that Beanie Babies are alive and well, and enjoy collecting and plan on doing it for a long time to come! I received no e-mails saying they felt it was done. Don't forget this weeks poll!

***THEY'RE SO CUTE!!!***

10/4/98-I saw the new Beanie Babies today in a Hallmark store. They are so cute! The picture doesn't do justice to them. Santa is very nice, so is Zero, I love Canyon and Roam. Scorch is different his wings are a tie-dye material with hot pinks,reds,purples and he is tie-dye yellow, grey and brown, Beak has the same colors but a different texure to the material. Halo has wings like Magic's with a transparent pink bow around the neck. 98 Teddy is beautiful,The pumpkin is cuter than I thought. Keep your eyes open they're out there!

***NEW BEANIES ALREADY??

10/3/98-(RUMOR)I have been receiving e-mails that the new Beanies and Buddies are already showing up the the stores.I have received 2 e-mails from MA., and other places around the country.

I was able to purchase the Royal Blue Peanut Beanie Buddie today,he is beautiful, and is so soft and the colors are very bright. Putnam's Hallmark in Fitchburg, MA. had all of them today and they went very quickly. I have also heard that the new Beanie Babies are out on the market also, so start looking they're out there.

I have posted the birthdates and poems of the new Beanie on my New Releases Page.

(RUMOR)-A Ty Rep. e-mailed me today and said that the BBOC would be making a Official Ty Collectors Book with everything you ever wanted to know about TY and their products!

***BEANIE MARKET CRASHING?***

10/2/98-I thought it was time for me to put my 2 cent in on the thought of the Beanie Market crashing. I sell Beanie Babies, and what I see is the Beanie Market is a live and well, and new collectors starting every day. I beleive that the people that were in it to make the BIG MONEY have left, but those who really love collecting them are still doing so. Many point to the prices dropping as a sign that they are cooling off.I don't see this, what I see is none of the more resent releases still not on the shelves, and people looking for them. I do beleive that the craziness cooling off, I don't think they'll pay anything just to have that one Beanie anymore, I think people are thinking about their purchases more now. I think people just want to pay a fair price, and I believe if the retailers, that are continuing to over price Beanies and selling them out the back door are going to kill the market. If collectors wanted to pay the higher prices at the secondary market they would go there first. I am a secondary market, and I have no problem with selling them, but I also buy all my Beanies one at a time like everyone else, and they are getting harder to find due to retailers. And when you go into a store and a Beanie the store bought for $2.50 is priced at $25. or more is not right, and this is stopping people from continuing to collect. I have talked to many collectors and they have told me it's just not worth looking anymore! Let me know how you feel! Click on this artictle from "Beanie world Magazine"

IS THE BEANIE BABIE MARKET CRASHING?

***WILL TY HAVE ANY NEW SURPRIZES?***

10/1/98-Chocolate the Moose is the new Info Beanie will he have any new surprizes for us? Will just have to wait and see.I have posted the contest for the month of October on my contest page, please enter.

My Ty retailer has told me that the new Beanie Babies should be on the shelves in about 3 weeks, the new Beanie Buddies about the middle of November. They can order the Attic Treasures again this month including 8 each of the large and 12 each of the small new ones. No limits on the Pillow Pals

I did get a response to the e-mail to Cyrk about the excess express shipping charges on Clubby, if you wish to let Ty know your feelings the address is on my BBOC Page.

***TY ADDRESS***

Many of you have e-mailed me asking for Ty Address here it is:

TY INC. Complaint Dept.

PO Box 5377

Oakbrook, IL. 60522