PROLIFIC ARTIST MARY ENGELBREIT TEAMS UP WITH UNITED MEDIA
For more than 20 years, Mary Engelbreit's unmistakable illustration style, imbued with spirited wit and nostalgic warmth, has won her fans the world over. With more than 1 billion dollars in lifetime retail sales of licensed products that stretch from calendars and children's books to dinnerware and fabric, a successful e-commerce operation and a retail store in her hometown, an award-winning magazine, more than 150 book titles published and millions of greeting cards sold, the most apt description of artist Mary Engelbreit may be a line pulled from one of her well-known greeting card designs - she truly is "The Queen of Everything". Since partnering with Mary Engelbreit Studios in September, United Media has begun to extend and expand the existing licensing program in key areas including apparel, infant, home décor, gift, and offerings related to the extensive children's book publishing program. Representation includes the United States as well as key foreign countries such as Japan, Canada and the United Kingdom.
EL CHAVO LEAPS INTO HOT TOPIC
El Chavo, which currently airs on Galavision in the U.S., is one of the most popular Spanish-language sitcoms. With multi-generational, cross-cultural appeal, and 1300 episodes in existence, the show is extremely well-known within the Latino community. Understanding the show's retro appeal, Hot Topic has jumped on the chance to launch men's and junior's apparel nationwide this December. The kitchy and on-trend look of the line is sure to be a success with the retailer's Hispanic consumers who have been waiting for products to become available here in the U.S.
JAKERS! SIGNS MASTER TOY LICENSEE
Commonwealth Toys has signed on as Master Toy Licensee for Jakers! The Adventures of Piggley Winks™ , Entara's Emmy award-winning 3D, CGI-animated PBS KIDS series. Focusing initially on plush and beanies of the main characters, Commonwealth will also introduce wind-up toys, figurines, playsets, environments, key chains, and banks. Plans are underway for product to roll-out summer 2006. Partnering with Commonwealth is part of the larger consumer program for Jakers!, which recently began to air daily in a regular Monday to Friday morning time-slot. Simon & Schuster as master publisher will begin rolling out storybooks and Paramount Home Entertainment will release the first two titles on DVD and video starting summer 2006.
KOHL'S CARES FOR KIDS AND "A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS" TEAM UP
The Kohl's Cares for Kids holiday program recently launched with exclusive Peanuts plush, apparel and publishing titles that are available in stores nationwide through December. In honor of the 40th Anniversary of the television special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas", Kohl's selected the brand as the theme for its community program and will donate 100% of the net profits from the sales of these items to health and educational services for children. To help support the program, the Snoopy costume character will make select visits to Kohl's stores and children's hospitals throughout the country. Capitalizing on the demonstrated seasonal strength of Peanuts, United Media's licensing division has cultivated a list of top players who are also on board to celebrate the milestone anniversary including Fuji Film, Hostess, Carl's Jr./Hardees, Peak Records, and NASCAR. An array of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" merchandise can be found at hip retailer Urban Outfitters, as well as Hallmark, Joann's Fabrics, JCPenney, Wal-Mart and Kmart.
WEASELS, BLOGS, AND MORE …
As 2005 draws to an end, a fresh new crop of Weasels have sprouted and Dilbert creator Scott Adams has exposed these double-dealing hooligans in his latest unscientific and fourth-annual Weasel Poll. After weeks of careful deliberation, the votes are in. To see the complete list of Weasel winners, go to www.dilbert.com. Also new on Dilbert.com is Adams' highly anticipated Dilbert Blog, which fans can access at http://dilbertblog.typepad.com. Launched to enormous success, Adams has weighed in on all sorts of topics on his Blog including what he considers to be his nerdiest moment. And as always, Dilbert's latest reprint books are available from Andrews McMeel including "Thriving on Vague Objectives", currently in stores and the upcoming title, "What Would Wally Do?" which will hit shelves this spring.
ORIGINAL VIRTUAL PET IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE AND MULTI-MILLION UNIT SALES
Since its phenomenal release in August 2004, Tamagotchi™ , the original virtual pet, has experienced incredible success, selling more than ten million units worldwide to date. This June, Tamagotchi Connection™ Version two (V.2) launched exclusively at Toys R Us and later rolled out to retailers nationwide including the likes of Wal-Mart and Target. The latest version, which includes all new features, collectible designs and colors, fresh games, additional characters and more, now also allows users to earn "Gotchi" points to shop for special gifts and food. United Media is currently pursuing lifestyle licensing opportunities for the brand that is hot, but is here for the long haul. Version three (V.3) launches early 2006 along with several new product lines which include t-shirts (Changes) and shoes (Weisner).
90 YEARS OF HEARTFELT SUCCESS
Instantly recognizable, Raggedy Ann & Andy are timeless American classics that kicked off their 90th birthday this past September and will be celebrating this milestone going into 2006. Consolidating the gift and doll rights with new master licensee Russ Berrie & Co. provided an opportunity to create a unique line of dolls, such as the Raggedy Ann & Andy Craft Doll, and other products that capture the true spirit of the brand. Products are currently available at retailers such as Cracker Barrel and Kay Bee Toys. Simon & Schuster also recently released "Raggedy Ann & Andy: A Read Aloud Treasury", a new collection of Raggedy stories from the past 90 years. Next to launch is a line of adult intimate apparel and kid's sleepwear and daywear from Hypnotic Hats.
TAKE MOM OUT TO THE BALLGAME..
Precious Moments will take center field at a Mother's Day event at Wrigley Field in Chicago on May 14, 2006. The special event sponsored by PMI will include an exclusive Precious Moments figurine which will be given away to the first 11,500 moms at the game.
The 55th Anniversary of Peanuts was a momentous occasion worldwide. Here are some of the highlights from around the globe:
SNOOPY TAKES THE FASHION WORLD BY STORM IN EUROPE
Snoopy has had an event-filled fashion season. First up was the Snoopy Fashion Show at Circuit 12, which took place during Barcelona's Fashion Week with a cool collection for men and women by one of the hottest young designers, Cecilia Sörensen. Next, the über-stylish beagle was featured in the exclusive Charity Gala Dinner in Rome with "Snoopy in Fashion", which showcased more than 40 Snoopy dolls dressed in outfits created by some of the greatest fashion designers in the world including Armani, Gucci, Gianni Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier to name a few. The charity event was to benefit disabled individuals.
ANNIVERSARY FIGURINES
In China, Shenzhen Gallop recently launched a line of Classic Snoopy figurines in celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the brand. The launch will be followed with additional Snoopy figurine lines celebrating various cultural themes including Chinese martial arts and Chinese tea culture.
GOOD MORNING, SNOOPY!
United Media launched an advertising campaign in The Asahi, a major national daily newspaper in Japan with a circulation of 8.4 million. The campaign entitled "Good Morning SNOOPY!" ran in a highly visible TV Guide section in the morning edition and introduced unique and interesting facts about the Peanuts characters to the paper's readers.
PEANUTS DOWN UNDER
Vintage Peanuts, the hip vintage-inspired line, which launched in the U.S. last fall to incredible success, has made its way down under at Myers department stores in Australia and has been extremely popular with the Aussie ladies. It's no surprise that American beauties such as Lindsay Lohan, Mariska Hargitay, and Kristin Chenoweth are all clamoring for the hip designs. Finally, Sperling Enterprise will be launching Peanuts pet accessories in Kmart Australia.
KID'S DAY IN CHILE
Snoopy helped celebrate Kid's Day in Chile this August at one of the countries premier department stores, La Polar. Over 20 stores participated in the promotion which included a nationwide advertising campaign, in-store signage and a Peanuts product display area, Snoopy costume character appearances and even a contest to win beagle puppies.
For more than 20 years, 
El Chavo, which currently airs on Galavision in the U.S., is one of the most popular Spanish-language sitcoms. With multi-generational, cross-cultural appeal, and 1300 episodes in existence, the show is extremely well-known within the Latino community. Understanding the show's retro appeal, Hot Topic has jumped on the chance to launch men's and junior's apparel nationwide this December. The kitchy and on-trend look of the line is sure to be a success with the retailer's Hispanic consumers who have been waiting for products to become available here in the U.S.
The 
As 2005 draws to an end, a fresh new crop of Weasels have sprouted and Dilbert creator Scott Adams has exposed these double-dealing hooligans in his latest unscientific and fourth-annual Weasel Poll. After weeks of careful deliberation, the votes are in. To see the complete list of Weasel winners, go to 
Instantly recognizable, 
TAKE MOM OUT TO THE BALLGAME..
Snoopy has had an event-filled fashion season. First up was the Snoopy Fashion Show at 
In China, Shenzhen Gallop recently launched a line of Classic Snoopy figurines in celebration of the 55th Anniversary of the brand. The launch will be followed with additional Snoopy figurine lines celebrating various cultural themes including Chinese martial arts and Chinese tea culture.
KID'S DAY IN CHILE