Welcome to the latest issue of the Smurfy News(TM) - a FREE e-mail newsletter published by www.MushroomVillage.com! This issue was sent to 2,557 members on May 6, 2005. Welcome to our new subscribers! (Note: You get this newsletter because you requested it be sent to this e-mail address, and then confirmed the request from this e-mail account. We do not spam and we never distribute your e-mail address in any way, or use it for any reason other than to deliver the Smurfy News to you. To manage your subscription or forward the Smurfy News to a friend, please see the end of this newsletter.) The newsletter comes from "smurfynews@topica.email-publisher.com" - if your anti-spam filter puts this e-mail in your trash bin, please add the domain " topica.email-publisher.com" to your "white" or "friend" list. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= The new 2005 Smurfs have *finally* completed their journey across the ocean and all preorders have been shipped to MushroomVillage.com members! I wanted to publish a Smurfy News to announce this for the benefit of those waiting until they get here to order, but of course I crammed lots more into this issue for you! First we have many, many, many new listings! We continue to go through a huge backlog of stock to add many marking variations to the site. They are announced in "WHAT'S NEW?" Next we have the NEW SHROOM ROOM to announce! Read on for a discussion of the new 2005 Smurfs, an original article by Yours Truly on Smurf collecting tips, and another Smurfy mailbag! Then we have a reprint of a 1986 Wallace Berrie marketing slick, and another article from the Smurf Collectors Club Intl. archives; "Smurfabilia." And last but not least, we have the Smurfy News Give-a-Way! So let's Smurf on with the newsletter, shall we? -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-= CONTENTS =-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? 2) NEW SHROOM ROOM 3) NEW 2005 CLASSIC SMURFS SET IS HERE! 4) SMURF COLLECTING TIPS 5) SMURF MAILBAG 6) A LEGEND IN THEIR OWN TIME 7) MUSHROOM VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL 8) SMURFABILIA 9) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY 10) CLOSING =============================================== =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 1) WHAT'S NEW? =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here is our latest list of new additions to the site - we now have a total of 1,418 listings at the site, 618 of which are in stock and for sale (anything shown that is not in stock is shown for collector reference from our ID Guide.) You will notice a small change - all our listings now include the Condition of the piece! Right now, as always, *every* item offered for sale is in Mint condition, guaranteed. Eventually we plan to sell Near Mint pieces at reduced prices. We also too away the Smurf Shop Links along the left side of Smurf Shop listings - please see the new pull down menu in the site-wide header for the same links. This new format allows us to display the listing in a wider area. There is some great stuff here! Please look it over carefully, check the markings against those you need, and if you need something, do not delay, quantities are always limited, and we sell everything first-come, first-served: 20004 Shiver (red) Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot 20004 Shiver (yellow) Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot 20066 Cricket Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot 20070 Harp (no eyebrows) Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20071 Flying Markings: Bully, no paint dot 20073 Cook Markings: CE, West Germany, black paint dot 20077 Naughty Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20079 Jolly Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20081 Tyrolese Markings: Germany, red paint dot 20087 Woodcutter Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot 20102 Archer (3 piece mold) Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20108 Sauna (ochre brush) Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20110 Hairdresser Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot 20111 Cupid (yellow) Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot 20113 Baker Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot 20117 Cornucopia (music box) Markings: Germany 20118 Umbrella (orange) Markings: CE, China, no paint dot 20118 Umbrella (orange) Markings: Applause, CE, China, no paint dot 20118 Umbrella (red) Markings: Bully, West Germany, no paint dot 20120 Frogman Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20122 Cowboy (brown rope) Markings: Portugal, red paint dot 20122 Cowboy (brown rope) Markings: MiniModels, no paint dot 20131 French Fries (yellow) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20136 Pumpkin (no face) Markings: Portugal, Wallace Berrie, mustard paint dot 20153 Santa Smurfette (dark green package) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20153 Santa Smurfette (lighter green package) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20153 Santa Smurfette (lighter green package) Markings: Hong Kong, no paint dot 20155 Traffic (mint in package) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20156 Valentine Smurfette (26mm arrow) Markings: Portugal, no paint dot 20156 Valentine Smurfette (35mm arrow) Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot 20156 Valentine Smurfette (26mm arrow) Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot 20156 Valentine Smurfette (35mm arrow) Markings: West Germany, red paint dot 20160 Apple (light green) Markings: West Germany, mustard paint dot 20160 Apple (light green) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, not paint dot 20161 Clumsy Markings: CE hotstamp, West Germany, red paint dot 20161 Clumsy (ochre basket) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20161 Clumsy (ochre basket) Markings: CE, China, no paint dot 20162 Waiter (red glass) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20164 Papa with Lab Glass (red) Markings: West Germany, black paint dot 20164 Papa with Lab Glass (orange) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20164 Papa with Lab Glass (orange) Markings: Applause, CE, China, no paint dot 20167 Indian Smurfette (lighter brown pot) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20169 Hot Dog Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20171 Handy (black pencil) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20171 Handy (black pencil) Markings: CE, Germany, no paint dot 20173 Schoolgirl Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20173 Schoolgirl Markings: CE hotstamp, Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20182 Smurfette with comb & mirror Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot 20187 Handy Plumber (red brown box) Markings: Hong Kong, Wallace Berrie, no paint dot 20187 Handy Plumber (red brown box) Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot 20189 Smurf With Dustpan Markings: Portugal, mustard paint dot 20206 Baby with Ice Cream (ice cream purple/peach-pink) Markings: CE, China, no paint dot 20214 Baby with Blocks (white pj's, red/yellow/green blocks) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 20224 Baby with Bowl and Spoon Markings: CE, China, Germany, no paint dot 20439 Azrael Frightened Markings: CE, China, no paint dot 20454 World Cup Soccer Markings: CE, Germany, blue paint dot 20533 Classic Papa Smurf Condition: Mint 20534 Classic Smurfette Condition: Mint 20535 Classic Grouchy Smurf Condition: Mint 20536 Classic Brainy Smurf Condition: Mint 20537 Classic Vanity Smurf Condition: Mint 20538 Classic Jokey Smurf Condition: Mint 20539 Classic Harmony Smurf Condition: Mint 20540 Classic Baby Smurf Condition: Mint 40204 Skateboard (Old Box) Markings: Figure: Hong Kong, no paint dot; Skateboard: Hong Kong 40506 Pole Vaulter (Old Box) Markings: Figure: none, no paint dot; Stand: Germany And we have a few notable different items: Crazy Friends Dragon (Hoechst promo) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot 1982 Hardee's Grouchy Smurf Drinking Glass Markings: Wallace Berrie 1982 Hardee's Lazy Smurf Drinking Glass Markings: Wallace Berrie 1983 Hardee's Papa Smurf Partying Drinking Glass Markings: Wallace Berrie 1983 Hardee's Handy Smurf Partying Drinking Glass Markings: Wallace Berrie 50855 Baby With Teddy Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) 50856 Baby on the Moon Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) 50851 Smurfette Mermaid Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) 50854 Papa Waving Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) 50852 Disco Smurfette Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) 50853 Skateboard Smurf Keychain Markings: Peyo - 1995 Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels) Smurfling Sticker Grand Bazaar (Magic Smurf) Markings: IMPS, Brussels, no paint dot 20163 Soccer Smurfette (on base, Silan Promo) Markings: West Germany, no paint dot visible 40208 Sigh holder (Andalucia Smurf-a-Gram) Markings: Stand: West Germany Applause Roll-a-Long (Skateboard) Markings: Applause Applause Roll-a-Long (Car Driver) Markings: Applause To view and buy these items, please click this link: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new1104&bool=AND AOL Click here! To view and order the new 2005 Classic Smurfs set, click here: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&maxhits=20&keywords=new2005&bool=AND =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 2) NEW SHROOM ROOM =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= What else is new? My new Shroom Room forums! I took a poll and members of my old bulletin board voted it was time for a change! I upgraded to a modern forum (don't worry - I archived the old boards - we've documented lots of Smurfy info there over the years!) but it was members "PVCBlue" and "RareSmurf" who did a stand-up job of "Smurferizing" the forum! We all owe them our Smurfy Thanks for a job well done!! Here is a synopsis of the new forums you will find at the Shroom Room: Pete's Smurfy Corner Our main forum for Smurfy chat & questions. Smurf on in, the water's fine! Introsmurf Yourself! A forum for members to introduce themselves to the rest of the Smurf community. Show & Tell Share pics of custom Smurfs & repaints, dioramas, special pieces or links to Internet sites with Smurfy content. Come on up to the front of the room and show us what ya got! SmurFun! Share Smurfy factoids and trivia, play guessing games, hold contests, and more fun here! Preservation, Conservation, Restoration & Repair Can yellowing be reversed? Can stains be removed? Can warping be repaired? Yes, yes, and yes! Discuss these topics here... Fake/Repro Alert! Is that odd Smurf on eBay for real? Do you think an imposter has infiltrated your Smurf collection? Discuss fake and reproduction Smurfs here... New @ MushroomVillage.com This is where we will announce new additions to the site! Smurf Bazaar Lookin' for Smurfs? Post a wanted notice here! "Smurfs-for-sale/trade" ads should also go here. Want to promote your eBay auctions? This is the place to do it! (Non-Smurf-related ads are NOT allowed anywhere in the forums.) We also have a "HELP!" forum for users having trouble, and a links to the old boards for those wanting to look up an old topic or subject... Please visit your forums - they are there for your benefit and enjoyment! http://www.mushroomvillage.com/shroomroom/ AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 3) NEW 2005 CLASSIC SMURFS SET IS HERE! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- They're here! The new 2005 Classic Smurf Sets have arrived at MushroomVillage.com, and all preorders have been shipped along with our freebies - glossy informational display cards, Smurfs transfer sheets, packs of Smurf stickers and 2005 Schleich mini-catalogs! If you were waiting until the Smurfs arrived to place your order, the time is now!! Remember, we will ship a FREE glossy, informational display card with each *complete* set we sell! Every order includes free stickers and a 2005 Schleich minicatalog. Orders over $50 receive an additional Smurfy gift! The 2005 Smurfs have the following markings. "Schleich S Germany" (with the second "S" in a circle) is the name of the manufacturer in Germany. The "S" in a circle is the Schleich logo. (Many of you are familiar with the older "stickman" logo as well, found on older pieces.) The pieces are also marked "Made in Germany." This is not to be redundant. Although Schleich is located in Germany, they frequently make use of facilities located outside Germany to manufacture Smurfs. In past years, Smurfs have been made in Argentina, Brazil, China, Germany/West Germany, Hong Kong/China, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and now back again in Germany. As Germany is part of the European Union, the Smurfs are also marked "CE" as all new-production Smurfs have been since 1990. The figurines are dated 2004, as Smurfs are dated the year the mold is carved, usually the year before they actually debut. There is also a single digit mold #, which lets engineer's know which cavity has gone bad in the injection machine, should it start spitting out defective Smurfs. Schleich has told us that this year's Smurfs were painted in their Tunisia facility. (In recent years they have been painted in China.) The figurines do not have a paint dot, and they have a "bracelet" sticker on them with "Schleich S" on one side and "CE" with barcode and Schleich # on the other side. (Years ago, the Smurf Collectors Club Intl. reported that paint dots were a code used by Schleich to identify the Country in which the Smurfs were painted (The SCCI reported in the Summer 1988 newsletter that a green paint dot signified Tunisia, and in the Summer 1990 newsletter that the new 1990 figurines were painted with a black dot signifying Tunisia.). More recently, paint dots have been used to identify Smurfs made with different PVC formulations. Currently, Schleich has no such need to use a paint dot, so they do not have one on the new 2005 Smurfs.) To view and order the new 2005 Classic Smurfs, click here: http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=a-6296&category=instock&keywords=new2005 AOL CLICK HERE! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 4) SMURF COLLECTING TIPS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= We've reached a milestone members! Following is the 50th article to be added to the MushroomVillage.com archive! This collection of articles spans more than 25 years of the Smurf story, and I have much, much more material I will be adding as time goes by! Remember, if *you* have a copy of an old (or new!) article relating to the Smurfs, please share it with us so that we can archive it and share it with the rest of the Smurf collecting community. Now please read on for an original article by "Yours Truly!" "Smurf collecting is on the rise. All those kids who worked (or begged!) so hard to earn a Smurf or two are finally old enough to hold their own jobs and buy their own Smurfs. Every day a few more people are delighted to not only rediscover the Smurfs, but to learn that they never stopped making them! Some of us collected them all along. Here are some tips for collectors, old and new... To read this article, please visit our Article Archive by clicking here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article050.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 5) SMURF MAILBAG =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= "This is the best smurf newsletter I ever read! I was so happy to hear about the "Classic Smurfs" set. I have been one of those complaining about the corny "trendy" Smurfs for years. I am so happy with the new set, but I wish they included a Gargamel figure. I will order shortly. Also, can't wait to get this DVD of season 1! -Shawn Matthews (Seoul, South Korea)" PETE REPLIES: I have to agree with you – this is one of the nicer groups they have had in recent years. Newer is not always better! Gargamel would have been neat, but there is always next year! ------ "Smurfarootie Pete! My new cell phone's ringtone of the Smurf's theme song has earned me a new nickname at work: Smurfette! I Love it!  My cell phone is the Nextel i730, and my husband found the Smurf ringtone right on the downloads section of the phone. From the main menu, select "Net," then "Downloads and Services," then "Ringtones," and it's a simple search by category. I'm sorry, but I can't remember the category it was in. Hope this can help somebody! Smurfy Day! -Elizabeth Murphy, (Billerica, Massachusetts)" PETE REPLIES: How fun is that? Thanks so much for writing in to share this with us! I'll have to check my phone and see if it's available for my phone! ----- "From 1981 to 1986 I was the Creative Services Manager for the licensing division of Wallace Berrie & Co. located in Woodland Hills, California. (Wallace Berrie had acquired Applause and changed its name to Applause.)  In this capacity I had the unique position of overseeing approvals for all Smurf merchandise and promotional items that were not produced by Wallace Berrie (Applause). This included the Smurf theme Parks (actually Smurf themed rides and a restaurant) in the U.S. and Canada (Canada's Wonderland).  I also worked with Hanna Barbera and have some posters that announce Smurf shows that ran on NBC.  I was around when the Smurflings were developed and Baby Smurf as well. If I can answer any questions you might have, I will try and do so. - Penelope Newmark (California)" PETE REPLIES: Penelope, I am very pleased you have contacted us! People who played a part in the earlier years of the Smurf story are especially valued around here for the unique window they give us into the past. Of course I am familiar with Wallace Berrie and Applause, which produced and licensed many, many Smurf items in the US in the 80's. Why, I have a copy of Wallace Berrie's licensing approval process, and sure enough, it's signed by you! Thank you very much for your generous offer to help us with questions! I will be in touch with you, and readers, you can be sure I'll share what I learn with you! Stay tuned... ----- "I love the smurfs so much that I had Hefty Smurf tattooed on my left arm. -Carrie Christianson (Bend, Oregon)" PETE REPLIES: So many people have told me they have Smurf tattoos now that I have lost count! If you'd like to check out Rachel Webley's tattoo (Rachel is currently serving a stint as mod at our bulletin board, thanks again Rachel!) click here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-museum.html AOL Click Here! Thanks for writing Carrie! ----- "Pete! Great news! I have just been informed (by a gaming site) that Atari US will be releasing "Revenge of the Smurfs," a game for Game Boy Advance this coming spring! Atari released the game in 2002 in Europe. The game is not based on "The Revenge of the Smurfs" episode of the TV show, but a brand new game for Game Boy Advance. Also, my best friend works at both Kings Island and Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and he hinted that a New Smurfs 3D motion Ride is in the works for both Six Flags Parks and Paramount Parks he said if all goes well the 3D ride will be along the lines of Shrek 4D. Whatever that means. Just wanted you to know what I was told. P.S. Please use my user name SmurfyD to tell everyone! -"SmurfyD" (Columbus, Ohio)" PETE REPLIES: Thank you again SmurfyD, we appreciate the tips you send us, keep 'em coming! ----- "Hi Peter, I was “Smurfing” your website and would like to clarify a concern expressed by some collectors who have posted comments about plasticizers at the bulletin boards. There are more than forty chemical groups, types or families of plasticizers. Adding up all of the members of all of plasticizer types results in about 800 different plasticizer choices available to a vinyl formulator. Some of the chemical types are approved by FDA as acceptable for use in vinyl products that will come in contact with food. Some other types are considered to be toxic. The point is that all plasticizers (all 800 of them) have different chemical properties. One chemical type that has been singled out as being potentially toxic to people is the phthalate (pronounced thalate) ester group. Many members of this group are banned in many countries of the world. The bottom line is that plasticizers used in collectible figures do not pose a health risk for collectors. The comment concerning employees in vinyl producing factories needs to be clarified. Endocrine system damage for plant workers has been suggested by a Swedish study. The study suggests that endocrine system damage can occur after anywhere from eleven to thirty-four years of exposure (not 11 – 12) from all ingredients in a vinyl compound - not just plasticizer. Also, the study was specific to vinyl plastics and did not deal with the hundreds of other plastics used in commerce. The take home message is that after vinyl products are made they are essentially inert because the ingredients are fused together. Again, there is virtually no health risk to collectors of vinyl items. (PVC is a type of vinyl.) Please feel free to use any or all of this information for your website. If any of your customers have a question they can refer it to you and then from you to me for comment back to you. Best regards, Nicholas Hill (Scarborough, Maine)" PETE REPLIES: Thank you Nick! For those of you unfamiliar with Nick, you should know that he has been working with chemicals in many industries since 1956, and has been awarded 3 patents in plastics technology. He became involved in the collectible doll scene in 1994 (his wife is an avid doll collector) and went on to write a column for Doll Reader magazine, addressing many of the concerns relating to the preservation and restoration of dolls, and also authored "The Definitive Book on the Care and Preservation of Vinyl Dolls and Action Figures." He developed a line of products to take care of several major problems with collectible vinyl dolls and toys (including Smurf figurines.) His products "Formula 9-1-1," "Remove-Zit," and "D-stinker" are highly recommended and carried by MushroomVillage.com. When Nick speaks, we listen! Nick's products can eliminate dirt, soaked-in stains, yellowed PVC, and foul odors. To learn more, please see our article "Care & Conservation of Smurfs" which was written by me with a lot of help from Nick. It is stored in our Article Archive, check it out here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article042.html AOL CLick Here! Care and Conservation questions should also be posted to the MushroomVillage.com "Preservation, Conservation, Restoration & Repair" forum, located at: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/shroomroom/forumdisplay.php?f=25 AOL Click here! ----- "I was wondering if there is a complete production/marking list posted anywhere? BlueImps.com was not aware of one. I received a Bully that was also marked Hong Kong. -Jill Gadbaw (New London, Minnesota)" PETE REPLIES: That marking is not unusual. Although many Bully Smurfs bear no Country mark at all, Hong Kong is one of those that is found, as well as West Germany and Portugal. There is no such list, and it is something I have been researching for some time. My research has created as many questions as it has answered. As you might know, the year on a figurine does not identify the year the Smurfs was made, it identifies the year the mold was created that was used to produce that figurine. Usually, it is the year before the figure made its first appearance. A mold can be used for years, and the same year will appear each time. At first, I hoped to identify what marks were distributed during what years. But I soon realized that Schleich distributed more than one marking for each figurine at the same time. For example, I have received factory sealed multi-packs (Schleich distributes 5 identical figurines to a multi-pack) containing more than one marking! So then I hoped to identify what marks were produced (molded) during what years, and this had proved to be just as difficult to nail down. My research continues, and I am making progress with some broad findings and conclusions as to how markings can be used to date a Smurf, but it is taking much longer than I thought. I will report results when I can make some worthy conclusions, but I am afraid a list such as you hope for may never become a reality. ----- "Your newsletter is very informative, I can't wait for them to show up in my mailbox. The last one was extra cool because it informed me that The Smurfs are coming back to TV, and that is totally awesome! I used to watch them every Saturday morning while I ate my cereal. I was super upset when they took them away. If I can get to see them again, that will be awesome. Also, I didn't know that they were releasing a DVD! That is totally cool! I can't wait for that one either. I will keep my eyes open for that to hit the stores. Anyway, keep smurfing. Talk to you soon. -Cassandra Morris (Markdale, Ontario, Canada) PETE REPLIES: Ah! Saturday morning with a bowl of cereal and the cartoons on for hours! Those were the days, weren't they? I am very eagerly awaiting a DVD, as we all are! I will definitely try to get a supply for my members. Those who follow the bulletin boards may have seen the posts there about the Smurf movie...A Belgian newspaper ran an 8 page spread on Peyo and his works. In it, was an interview with Thierry Culliford, Peyo's son, and the artisitc head of today's Smurf Empire. He said "For the moment, we are discussing the making a new full length movie in the United States with modern animation." Thierry appeared on television shortly thereafter and spoke of the film again, saying it may be released in 2006. So there they go delaying it yet again, but at least this time we hear the news from Thierry himself! Surely this is no rumor! Wheels are turning, and we our patience will be rewarded! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- PLEASE VISIT OUR SITES! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- If you have appreciated the quality service you receive from www.MushroomVillage.com, please consider visiting my other sites: www.MegaGlass.com - Offers a complete line of decorative glass novelties for floral arrangements, aquariums, mosaics, landscaping, arts/crafts, design/decor. www.LandOfMarbles.com - Marbles make great gifts - nostalgic for Grandma & Grandpa, & kids love 'em too! We offer everyday playing marbles, high-end collectibles & contemporary art glass marbles. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 6) A LEGEND IN THEIR OWN TIME =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Hey, why stop at 50 articles? Here is another new item I have added to the Article Archive - a Marketing Slick produced by Wallace Berrie in 1986 to promote the Smurfs. It really illustrates just what a hot property the Smurfs were that year! Read on... "Premiering in 1981, the Smurf Show, an unqualified hit gathering audience shares of 44 and 45, was credited with single handedly propelling NBC out if third place in the Saturday morning programming sweepstakes. What is so special about the Smurfs? Besides being, cuddly, cute, and loveable, there is something very unusual about these blue characters. Cartoons are not typically known for their sensitivity to social issues and rarely do they bother to illustrate the consequences that result from a character's actions. But the Smurfs have proved that responsibility and education can be a winning combination when carefully developed with humor and kindness on a level children can understand... For the full text, please follow this link to our archive: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article051.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 7) MUSHROOM VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- We often refer to our "world-wide" member base, but I was recently surprised to learn just how world-wide we really are! Following is a list of all the Countries that accessed MushroomVillage in 2004. There were nearly 140 different Countries!! Here's the list, in the order of predominance: United States, Canada, Great Britain, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, France, Sweden, Singapore, New Zealand, Spain, Austria, Finland, Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Denmark, Mexico, Portugal, Brazil, South Africa, Israel, Uruguay, Malaysia, Chile, Argentina, Greece, Norway, Malta, Korea, Taiwan, China, Slovenia, Poland, Ireland, Romania, Russia, Philippines, Turkey, Iceland, Czech Republic, Yugoslavia, Thailand, India, United Arab Emirates, Columbia, Croatia, Saudi Arabia, Hungary, Peru, Indonesia, Kuwait, Viet Nam, Cyprus, Jamaica, Ecuador, Kyrgzstan, Venezuela, Macedonia, Egypt, Costa Rica, Jordan, Dominican Republic, Lebanon, Estonia, Bahamas, Nigeria, Iran, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Slovakia, Syrian Arab Republic, Bulgaria, Latvia, Honduras, Faroe Islands, Bahrain, Sri Lanka, Oman, Ukraine, Pakistan, El Salvador, Lithuania, Morocco, Netherlands Antilles, Algeria, Guatemala, Maldives, Luxembourg, Namibia, Nicaragua, Nepal, Georgia, Ghana, Guam. Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Brunei Darussalam, Aruba, Iraq, Monaco, Panama, Andorra, Tunisia, Ethiopia, Qatar, Cote D'Ivoire, Macau, Republic of Moldova, Belize, Kazakhstan, Senegal, Bosnia and Herzegowina, Yemen, Belarus, Mauritius, Mongolia, Mozambique, Bermuda, Bolivia, Kenya, People's Democratic Republic of Lao, Paraguay, San Marino, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Botswana, British Indian Ocean Territory, Burkina Faso, Mali, New Calendonia, Saint Vincent and the Grenedines, and Tajikistan! Whew, what a list! I could barely believe it when I saw it, but this is what my server reports for 2004! I've said it before and I'll say it again - Smurfs are a world-wide phenomenon!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 8) SMURFABILIA =-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Here is yet another reprint from our extensive archive, this one from the April 24, 1986 edition of "The Antique Trader Weekly." I want to let you know that we received this article, and many of the other articles that we feature in our archives, from the same Suzanne Lipschitz mentioned at the end of this article. As many of you know, Suzanne was a die-hard Smurf collecting advocate who did much to promote the hobby we enjoy. She passed away earlier last year, and I do miss her so. What a dear friend she was. It is my pleasure to continue in her footsteps. Please enjoy: "Whether they were meant to be human, humanoid or simply fairy tale creatures, it is impossible to mistake a smurf for any other toy. Created in 1957 by European cartoonist "Peyo" – Perri Culliford, a Belgian – these little creatures with big noses, blue skin and loppy white hats, first appeared in a comic strip "Spirou." The name, smurf, derives from French vernacular for whatsit, and these whatsits were an immediate success..." Please visit our Article Archives for the full text of this article by clicking here: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/smurfs-article052.html AOL Click Here! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 9) SMURFY NEWS GIVE-A-WAY =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thanks to all who wished me and my family Happy Holidays with your last contest entry. I hope all of the members of our Smurf family enjoyed the holidays too, and I hope you and your families have been enjoying a healthy New Year! Now for the winners! Congratulations Karma Salvato (Oak Park, California)! You were the first name drawn! You did not specify a preference, so you won the most requested prize, which was the 20936 Millennium Smurf! This is the special edition Smurf that was made several years ago to celebrate the new millennium. He is sitting on a big "2000" that rocks like a rocking horse! Congratulations to Tamara (Saskatoon, Sask. Canada)! You were the second name drawn! You also did not have any preference, so you won the second most requested prize, which was the pair of fake Smurfs; black market copies of 20018 Crying and 20081 Tyrolese. (Remember members, MushroomVillage.com does not generally deal in fakes. Unless specified otherwise, all our Smurfs are guaranteed to be Mint, original licensed pieces. But we do recognize that some people collect fakes, myself included. These are some extras I had from my collection...) Tamara wrote in with her entry: "Thanks for offering such a great newsletter for all our Smurfy collectors. I had smurfs as child 20 years ago and now still adore these great items. My collection is growing, but displaying all of them is a bit difficult. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! -Tamara from Saskatoon, Canada" Congratulations to John Byrne of Killingworth, Connecticut! You were the third name drawn! You also did not specify a preference, so you will receive the third most requested prize, which was the fake Smurf holding a spade. OK, time to describe the new prizes: #1 What, the heck - it's been a popular choice, and I do have a number of these I couldn't sell because of paint loss. So #1 is another Near Mint 20932 Milennium Smurf! Paint rub on back ear... #2 is a 40214 Hobby Horse Super Smurf in his original old-style box! HK mark, but only mint from one side - one pocket has a paint rub. #3 Let's pick a random Smurf from my rubbed box for the next prize - here we go! 20420 Scruple! Bracelet sticker says "Made in China." Small paint chip on thumb. Winners will receive a free Schleich mini-catalog, and free Smurf stickers along with their prize! Now post your entry! Please use our Super Secret Contest Entry Form - only Smurfy News subscribers are given this link! IMPORTANT! Be sure to tell me what your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd picks are! The first winner drawn gets their 1st choice. The second winner gets their choice of the remainder, and the third winner gets whatever is left! If a winner does not specify a preference, they will receive whichever prize remains that was most requested!! Here's the form: http://www.mushroomvillage.com/contestform.html AOL Click Here Please consider providing some feedback we can use in an upcoming newsletter! *Everyone* says "Keep up the good work," "I love the newsletter," "I love the site," etc. I appreciate these remarks, but they make for boring reading. If you can tell me a little bit about how you became involved with Smurfs, or how Smurfs touch your life, or share a funny story about your Smurf collecting - that is material I can really use for an upcoming newsletter. Please share a little something like this if you can! Winners will be announced in the next issue. =-=-=-=-=-= 10) CLOSING =-=-=-=-=-= Thanks to all my members for your continued support! Please contribute to your club by replying now and sharing info I can use to build upcoming issues. I can always use anecdotal stories about how you started to collect Smurfs, how Smurfs are a part of your life, your greatest Smurf "find," etc. If you hear Smurf news, please share it with me, so I can share it with the other members. Together, we can continue to make the hobby more enjoyable for all! If you have paper items such as articles, or an old ad or something else documenting a piece of Smurf history, we'd appreciate a copy for our archives. Donations to our archives should be sent to: MushroomVillage.com 3528 204th Street Bayside, NY 11361-1232 USA OK, this closes another great issue. We hope you enjoyed reading it, and until next time... Smurf On!! -Pete www.MushroomVillage.com =-=-=-=-=-=-=- 'SMALL PRINT' =-=-=-=-=-=-=- The "Smurfy News" is NOT free! To continue your subscription you must introduce another to the joys of Smurfs and Smurf collecting - kids make great targets! Remember, you're on your honor! The Smurfy News is never sent as spam. All recipients request, and then confirm their subscriptions. We never give, sell, share or distribute your subscription e-mail address in anyway, or use it for any reason other than to deliver the Smurfy News to you. www.MushroomVillage.com carries the full range of current production Smurf products by Schleich as well as much of their retired line and other "Smurfabilia." If you enjoy this newsletter, please help support us with a purchase - Smurfs make great gifts (especially for you!) SHARING IS CARING!! We collect and disseminate information the world over to keep Smurf collectors united and having a Smurfy good time! Please submit information, news, articles, stories and anything Smurf-related to www.MushroomVillage.com - just hit reply now, or use the "Contact Us" link at the site. The Smurf character is a registered trademark of Studio Peyo - License I.M.P.S. MushroomVillage.com is a collector resource and retail Smurf shop only; it is not affiliated with I.M.P.S. or Studio Peyo. For information on licensing the Smurfs name and/or character, contact I.M.P.S. at rue du Cerf 85, Genval 1332, Belgium The contents of this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of MushroomVillage.com. MushroomVillage.com makes no warranties, either expressed or implied, about the truth or accuracy of the contents or information provided by the sponsors or by the writers. Use info contained herein at your own risk. (C) 2005 MushroomVillage.com All rights reserved. Please do not reprint or host our materials on your website without our explicit written permission.