ETD: 747 Santa Trackers; How'd he do that?; First Night

[E-Tailer's Digest]

  E-Tailer's Digest --- Everything for the  Retailer
  Issue #0747                     December 23, 2003
  George Matyjewicz, Moderator         mailto:georgem@gapent.com
  Published by:  GAP Enterprises, Ltd.  http://www.etailersdigest.com
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   CONTENTS

  [1]  Greetings
  [2]  Santa Trackers
  [3]  How'd he do that?
  [4]  First Night

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  [1]  Greetings.
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Hi All:

Getting close to that big day - when that jolly fat man comes down the 
chimney.  Thought I would give you some factoids - factual and humorous - 
for the season.

For those that celebrate, have a Merry Christmas.

Now, let's get to everything for the retailer.

Sincerely


George Matyjewicz, PhD
Chief Global Strategist, GAP Enterprises, Ltd.
mailto:georgem@gapent.com
http://www.etailersdigest.com

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  [2]  Santa Trackers
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In 1958, Sears had a piece (http://images.noradsanta.org/images/ad_big.gif) 
in the local  newspapers about calling Santa - a great publicity 
gimmick.  Unfortunately, the telephone number was off by one digit.  The 
commander of NORAD -  the binational military organization of Canada and 
the United States responsible for the aerospace defense of the two 
countries - received his first call from a child and told his staff that 
they were going to be in for a long night.

That error generated the best tracking system in the world - tracking Santa 
as he travels around the globe delivering toys to all the good boys and 
girls (see next story as to how he is able to do so).

Every year, Santa's travels are watched by the men and women of NORAD. This 
year will be no exception. Starting early in the morning of Dec 24, 2003, 
they will be tracking him. Based on careful record keeping from years past, 
and highly skilled radar and satellite technicians, they normally know 
exactly where Santa is throughout Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve they'll post a map of the world on their Web site 
http://www.noradsanta.org/ which will pinpoint a few of the thousands of 
places Santa visits. They'll update the map throughout Christmas Eve, 
showing you where Santa is every moment, where he's been and where he's 
going. Clicking on that map will display SantaCam videos of his 
journey.  And it's in six languages.

It's fun for kids of all ages.

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  [3]  How'd he do that?
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Ever wonder how Santa is able to make all his rounds in one night?  Sonovia 
Young sent me this.

REINDEER
Did you know... While both male and female reindeer grow antlers in 
the  summer each year, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and 
Game,   male reindeer drop their antlers at the beginning of winter, 
usually late  November to mid-December.

  Female reindeer retain their antlers until after they give birth in the 
spring.

  Therefore, according to every historical rendition depicting Santa's 
reindeer,  every single one of them, from Rudolph to Blitzen - had to be a 
girl.

Ladies should've known.

  Only a female would be able to drag a fat-butt man in a red velvet suit 
all around the world in one night and not get lost.

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  [4]  First Night
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The holiday season is also a dangerous time, with people attending parties 
and having a little too much to drink.  In 1976,  First Night was started 
by a group of artists in Boston who sought an alternative to traditional 
New Year's Eve revelry. The celebration has grown from a small arts event 
centered on the Boston Common to an arts organization that showcases work 
by Boston's cultural and artistic community. First Night has gone from 
attracting a little more than 25,000 people to drawing crowds over one 
million. The unique concept that originated in Boston 25 years ago now 
serves as a model for more than 200 similar celebrations worldwide.

Mission Statement: To reveal and celebrate the diversity of Boston through 
the First Night celebration and The Neighborhood Network, using art as a 
catalyst to unify the community through creativity, imagination and 
participation.
  First Night Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization that produces the 
landmark New Year's celebration, Summer Beat series and manages the 
Neighborhood Network, a community-based outreach program that serves the 
Greater Boston area.

I attended one such event, and will say it was quite nice.  Do you have 
them in your community?
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  Links to follow
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