1997 has been filled with lots of excitement, collecting,
controversy and challenges. Ty has once again fulfilled every
child's wish by retiring and producing new Beanie Babies.
I must admit that I am somewhat troubled by many events which
have taken place over the past year.
I recently picked up a copy of Entertainment Weekly dated
December 26, l997 - January 2, l998 The cover is entitled - The
Best of l997. On the next to the last page in the magazine there
was a article called HOT Sheet - (What the country was talking
about this year) In this article there were fifteen different
topics. Beanie Babies were listed as number 8. BEANIE BABIES -
The collectible toys taught kids life lessons. Like how to be
greedy, calculating, and possessive. In my opinion, what a rotten
thing to say, but on the other hand, could it be TRUE?
(Here are some of my thoughts)
It troubles me deeply to wonder what type of examples are
being set for children in regards to Beanie Babies.
I scan newspapers across the country on a daily basis.
It concerns me when editors print stories about children rushing
home from school to get on their computers to sell Beanie Babies.
These children should be encouraged to exercise their bodies
and minds, there will be plenty of time in their lives to become
stock brokers or commodity traders.
Another issue that troubles me deeply is the way adults
carry on over a $5.00 toy. I'm sure children have witnessed the
shameful behavior I have seen. I can't help but wonder what is
going through their minds. How is adult behavior affecting them?
What are we showing them? It's OK to shove and push? It's OK
to grab a item out of someone else's hand? Is it right to threaten
others? Have Beanies clouded our judgment as parents so much
that we have thrown away our family values?
I'm also concerned about retailers. Many retailers still
remain honest, but I have witnessed many which have allowed themselves
to be bitten by the Beanie fever. These same retailers who once
condemned store owners for inflated prices now participate in
the same practice.
I'd like to offer a few suggestions which might help all of
us get through the l998 Beanie collecting year safely.
Encourage your local papers to print positive stories
about Beanies. Example - Many children are encouraged to read
the paper in school. If children read positive stories, it can
only support positive thinking. Beanies have been used to support
many charitable organizations. Why not drop your editor a line
about how Beanies are being used positively in your home town?
We, as adults, have to come to the realization that Beanie
Babies are a child's toy! I will admit I too have been drawn
in like a magnet when it comes to these cute adorable toys, but
it's time to start acting like adults and sharing this wonderful
experience with our children in a positive manner. Why not use
Beanies in an educational way? Many teachers across the country
use Beanies in the classroom as an educational tool. Ask yourself
this question: "When will there ever be a opportunity to
share something as special as Beanies with your children?"
There will probably never be another time in your life when you
and your child are feverishly collecting the same item.
I use Beanie Babies to draw me closer to my children.
My children and I have spent many evenings coming up with Beanie
games, poems, rhymes, and anything else that pops into our heads.
The idea is family unity!! Let's face it, we all have done our
share to help Uncle Sam and contribute to the National Debt by
using our credit cards to purchase Beanies. Let's start using
Beanies to teach a lesson in sharing, caring and responsibility
and don't forget family values. Why not share some of my favorite
Beanie web sites with your children?
These sites are listed in alphabetical order with
a brief description next to them.
Why not print out a copy to save for future reference.
BBBC - Beanie Baby Buddies Club - http://www.bbbclub.com/index.html
This site is the first Beanie club site on the Internet. The site
is geared towards children and collectors with many fun and interesting
items to navigate through. A Must for kids!!! They have it all.
Beanie Babies, Hansen, The White House and more.
BB World News and Information - http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/30981
This site formally known as Megans Beanie Babies is information
packed. Keep up with the latest and greatest breaking news and
enjoy postings regularly.
Beanie Mom - http://www.beaniemom.com
This site has become a regular household name. Beanie Moms has
been credited for her outstanding news reporting.
Beanie Philes - http://www.geocities.com/EnchantedForest/Dell/6954
The new up and coming site of the future! This site has it all.
News, rumors, pictures and lots more. Daily up to date postings
on anything and everything Beanie related.
Bears By The Sea - http://www.callamer.com/bears/tyguide.htm
This site is full of information for collectors. This site also
produces a monthly news letter to keep you well informed.
Lemon Lainey - http://www.lemonlaineydesign.com/
This site originates from the UK. The site is credited for it's
outstanding photography and Beanie news.
All site owners work very hard throughout the year to keep
you well informed. Their dedication and hard work is a tribute
to Ty and Beanie collectors. These web sites are not sponsored
or endorsed by Ty, Inc.
I am not sponsored or endorsed by Ty, Inc. I enjoy Beanie
Babies, writing, investigating and sharing my news with others.
LET'S NOT FORGET THE TY SITE.
http://www.ty.com - The number one official Beanie Baby web site.
This site has information, games, pictures, poems, diary and everything
imaginative when it comes to Beanies.
My book - The Beanie Invasion has a poem on the back cover
which was dedicated to Ty, children and Beanie collectors. The
poem is entitled My Beanie Hope. I hope you enjoy it as much as
I enjoyed writing it.
MY BEANIE HOPE!
My dream is always to have hope.
Hope that our education system doesn't fail our children.
Hope that our government will implement safer programs
within the school systems to protect our children.
Hope for a peaceful tomorrow.
Hope to unite families who have strayed apart.
Hope for better air quality.
Hope to put an end to all violence.
Hope that a child may never have to go to bed hungry,
Last but not least,
Hope that Ty will never stop producing Beanie Babies,
With names like Peace, Happy, Jolly, Magic
and Lucky, how can you not feel
HOPE?
Here's hoping we all can learn from and appreciate our children,
Beanies Babies and Ty in l998.
If you ever have anything that you believe to be newsworthy,
please feel free to submit it to Janie Daniels at j81459@erols.com
I will be glad to investigate it and possibly write a story about
it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR AND GOD BLESS.
MS. JANIE
