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Quick update: computer is ready, camera works, tests work, so I'm definitely good to go tomorrow. I knew it would come together, but when I still didn't have a computer at 4:30pm, I was getting nervous!
Talk to you tomorrow from NYC!
Mindy
I'm leaving tomorrow morning! I've got my "war plan" ready: a notebook full of schedules, names, and notes. I've got business clothes and pinchy shoes--and boots, because it's supposed to snow. And I've got a juicy novel for the train ride. 
I'm a little nervous because my laptop is in the shop and I haven't heard from my magic computer guy about getting it back today...but Kellie Love, my ad manager and partner in crime, is packing hers, just in case, so we're covered either way.
I'll be visiting the Doll & Toy Museum's show tomorrow, then start Toy Fair appointments and rounds on Sunday morning. Kellie and I have planned lots to see and do, and we'll try to share it all with you.
Two special highlights: On Sunday night, we'll be at the Broadway Bears auction, where we hope to do some celebrity spotting between auction lots. (Last year, the cast of "The Producers" did the opening number!) Scott Stevens of BC/EFA has already given me permission to photograph and given me some insider tips on when to have the camera ready.
On Tuesday, Kellie and I are going to the Steiff event at FAO Schwarz, where a member of the Steiff family will be signing bears. We'll get shots of the event and the store, for those who haven't made it to NYC.
More tomorrow, "live" from New York!
Mindy
You and me, both. Not only do I want to see it--the description is darling and I love the sentiment--but I feel more than silly not being able to see it!
:redface: Mindy
I swear, I only see a picture of Aleta's bear: no candy wrapper, no glitter, no words...
It's a lovely picture, but doesn't seem complicated enough to match Aleta's description--hence my confusion.
Mindy
Thanks for all your warm words, everyone! I'm excited to be doing the reporting. It's something different for me, too. I've got lots of appointments with manufacturers ranging from collectibles to plush toys. so there should be plenty to share.
Mindy
I love the idea of ATCs. If I make a cool card, can I trade too? (Mine would have a plea for photos and digital specs on the back...)
Seriously, though, I would be happy to feature them. It's a neat extension of the art. My only warning: collectors will want your cards. If I put them in the magazine, that's some 30,000 of your closest friends asking for your cards. So that bears thinking about (no pun intended). What do you say when a collector asks to trade? Is it an artists-only deal? In that case, you might want to keep it 'underground' rather than publicizing it. If not, how can collectors participate? Are they allowed to make cards for trade, or do they have to beg, borrow, or steal an artist card to get started?
Keep me in the loop. In the meantime, I'll be using paper scraps, ribbon, and dictionary pages to craft a card. Please pass the glue dots!
Mindy
Congratulations to everyone who received Golden Teddy nominations! Well done! :clap:
As for the Industry's Choice Winners, the judges are coming next week. I've got a great panel--all new from last year--who I know will really study the entries and cast thoughtful votes. The winners in the manufacturers' categories will be announced on Feb 12, and the artists will be announced Feb 17.
We've got fantastic entries this year--I would love to be able to share all of them with you. I'm thrilled by the artistry, creativity, and craftsmanship the artists put into their contest entries. I've got outstanding work by known artists and eye-popping stuff from people I've never heard of. Just wait--you're gonna love it!
Mindy
Just to clarify... I'm going to be reporting on teddies, not toys. I certainly could tell you about the latest remote control gizmos, but I think this crowd might prefer a sneak peek at Steiff's North American exclusives for '06. I usually visit with Steiff, Teddy Hermann, Deb Canham, Dean's, North American Bear, and Merrythought, to name just a few.
Mindy
The New York Toy Fair is the annual show where manufacturers introduce their new products and retailers order them so that, later in the year, we can buy them. I try to cover the new product intros in Teddy Bear and Friends each year (see the March/April issue, coming soon), but we never have enough time or space to get everything in. Sooo... I proposed that I report via Teddy Talk and share pictures of new creations directly from the show!
I leave for New York on Saturday, Feb 11. I'm planning to attend the Doll & Toy Museum's show on Saturday, then head off to Toy Fair Sunday through Wednesday. My plan is to snap pix at the show during the day, then upload them to you each evening. Of course I'll have to get permission to share the images with you, but since it's free publicity to a very interested audience, I'm hoping that won't be a problem.
Sound fun? Sound interesting? Hope so! Let me know if you have any favorites you want me to scope out for you.
Cheers!
Mindy Kinsey
Editor
Teddy Bear and Friends
mkinsey@madavor.com
