Glenda and I exchanged a living room suite for Christmas this year. We’re hitting the post-holiday sales, so there was no chesterfield or chair under the tree. However, assorted other family members got me one of these, one of these and one of these
Merry Christmas
The Google Earth team has received a pretty interesting business development inquiry that we thought we'd share with you:
To: "Google Support"
From: claus@gmail.com
Subject: Naughty or Nice Layer
I love Google Earth and have been planning a big trip with it. Now I'm wondering if you've ever thought about licensing data layers for "nice" and "naughty." If interested, I've got a really good list -- I've checked it twice. Rooftop accurate data!
Let me know,
S. Claus
While we didn't work a deal for Naughty or Nice data layers, we did negotiate the rights to track this user on his big trip. If you've already got Google Earth, you can too.
This is the 50th Anniversary that NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD) have tracked Santa. The tradition began after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. store advertisement for children to call Santa on a special "hotline" included an inadvertently misprinted telephone number. Instead of Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline." The Director of Operations, Colonel Harry Shoup, received the first "Santa" call on Christmas Eve 1955. Realizing what had happened, Colonel Shoup had his staff check radar data to see if there was any indication of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Indeed there were signs of Santa and children who called were given an update on Santa's position. Thus, the tradition was born. In 1958, the governments of Canada and the United States decided to create a bi-national air defense command for the North American continent called the North American Air Defense Command. Canada and the U.S. believed they could better defend North America together as a team instead of separately.
Postal workers tend to get the short end of the stereotype stick, portrayed as violent, thieves or just plain Cliff Clavens. Here’s a positive postal story from innovation.net, though I’ve got to wonder at the acumen of Venture2. Who the heck sends cash through the mail???
There IS a Santa -- And he works at the Post Office
This story will renew your faith in mankind. Well, maybe a little overstated, but it's a personal tale that let me feel pretty good about the fact that there are still people out there honoring the spirit of the season with honesty and integrity. It's also an accidental experiment of sorts.
Jones Soda has put its food flavoured sodas into Limited Edition holiday packs. Cheers!
National Pack Flavours:
In the Regional Pack Flavours:
While “A Christmas Carol” might be the best known of Charles Dickens’ Christmas stories, it was only one among many. Some Christmas tales, as the Clarks remind us, were part of his larger works and others were stand-alone novellas and short stories. Here are links to on-line versions of some of Dickens’ short Christmas stories:
Technorati Tags: Charles+Dickens, Christmas+Stories, A+Christmas+Carol, Writing, English+Literature
Technorati Tags: Holidays, Advent, Fun, Christmas+Carols, Karaoke, e-cards, C.S.+Lewis, NarniaChristmas on rejesus
- Welcome to Narnia —NEW: With the release of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie, we look at the story of Narnia and the life of CS Lewis.
- Hero or Zero? —A Christmas ad campaign shows Jesus as an infant revolutionary, and invites people to vote by text on what they think.
- The Nativity —Three short meditations and prayer exercises on Mary, Joseph and Jesus, as seen in an Eastern icon of Christmas.
- Bethlehem Room —As a seasonal addition to the four rooms module – visit this fifth room and listen to the story of the day God became a human being.
- Karaoke Carols —Enjoy our 10 online carols, including all the old faves. We provide the music and words, you provide the voice.
- St. Nick’s Makeover —We trace the unlikely career of St Nicholas, who started out as a regular saint, but ended up shouting "ho! ho! ho!" in a red outfit.
- Nativity Puzzle —Been to a nativity play or carol service? Remember the order of events in the Christmas story? Put the 10 scenes into the right order.
- Christmas e-cards —
Beat the Christmas post with a few clicks by sending some seasonal e-cards to family and friends. Add your own message!
as written by a lawyer (Author unknown)
Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus")would arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as ("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.
At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.
Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator named "Rudolph" may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.
Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Canadian Income Tax code.)
Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.
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I Adore You: as a worship leader, you've probably realized by now the lack of contemporary praise songs for the Christmas season. I Adore You meets this need - it's a simple, singable song that you can add to your praise sets during December.
A Light Has Dawned is a new, upbeat Christmas praise song you can use to kick off your praise set.
Peace On the Earth is a new tune to the traditional carol "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear." Use it as a solo or ensemble piece for a Christmas Eve service.
WorshipIdeas.com: Free music and ideas for contemporary worship (free registration required)
A picture gallery of Gingerbread Houses on display at City Centre in Seattle
Jeff Barr’s Blog » Gingerbread Houses at City Centre in Seattle.
Technorati Tags: Pictures, Gingerbread+houses, Holiday+decorations, BakingThe galleries below each feature dozens of free Christmas-related clipart images. Feel free to use these images to jazz up your personal Christmas cards, invitations and websites.
CHRISTMAS-GRAPHICS.COM - Xmas Clipart, Backgrounds, Dividers, Animated GIFs and more! (pop-up alert!)
Technorati Tags: Graphics, Holidays, Clip art, Backgrounds, Animated GIFsTechnorati Tags: Holidays, Planning, Preparation, Simplicity, LifestyleElaine M. Gibson’s thoughts on keeping Christmas simple:
1. Everyone makes a list of possible activities.
Have each family member list the holiday activities that mean the most to that person. Include favorite traditions and foods. Each person must rank the activities by importance.
2. Discuss everyone's expectations.
In a family meeting, plan events so that every person gets to include at least one favorite activity during the season. Cross out items that are not possible. Explain "why" to children. Negotiate and compromise until the family is happy with the results.
3. Decide who will help with each activity. If only one person does it, consider getting rid of that activity.
The family must share the work of the holidays to appreciate the closeness of the season. Getting ready for Christmas is the best part. It is not a time to work alone on anything, except secret gifts. Children need the experience of being part of the celebration, not just the recipients or by-standers.
4. Simplify all original plans.
Leave enough breathing space for rest and relaxation. December should not be a marathon. With too much rush and worry, it is easy to lose sight of precious still moments for expressing the love of the season.
5. Don't over-do the togetherness thing.
Adults need time together without children. Children need time without adults. Everyone needs time to be alone at times, even during the holidays.
6. Think about what you are doing.
Ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?" If you like the answer, keep doing it. If not, stop before resentment and anger take over.
7. Do less and enjoy more. Do the things that are most important and let other things go.
Lower standards for housework if necessary. Ask yourself, "What will happen if I don't get this done?" If the answer is nothing, don't do it. If you can live with the results of not doing it, put it off for awhile. With housework, you'll always get another chance.
8. Enjoy.
A stressed parent creates stress in the home. A happy, relaxed parent creates a much better atmosphere for children. Joy is contagious.
The Times has chosen to support The Salvation Army for this year's Christmas appeal. As part of the coverage of the support, the Times have asked Captain Gordon Cotterill to blog about the Christmas activities in his ministry. Gordon’s blog, URBANarmy, has been a regular read from the day I discovered it. I’m looking forward to his posts over Christmas.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and charity and the largest provider of social welfare after the UK Government. More than a quarter of a million people access its services each week which include support for homeless people, the elderly, families in need and people with addictions.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,
Who orderest all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
And teach us in her ways to go.
Refrain
O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.
Refrain
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Refrain
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Refrain
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
Who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height
In ancient times once gave the law
In cloud and majesty and awe.
Refrain
O come, Thou Root of Jesse’s tree,
An ensign of Thy people be;
Before Thee rulers silent fall;
All peoples on Thy mercy call.
Refrain
O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Refrain
(even though it may be too late)
by Dylan Thomas
One Christmas was so much like another, in those years around the sea-town corner now and out of all sound except the distant speaking of the voices I sometimes hear a moment before sleep, that I can never remember whether it snowed for six days and six nights when I was twelve or whether it snowed for twelve days and twelve nights when I was six.
Advent Calendar Blog» Cartoons by Dave Walker
Technorati Tags: Advent, Advent+Calendar
There are lots of Advent calendar resources on-line.
On-line Advent Calendars:
You can even make Your Own:
Do you need a little help for the holidays? Use these idea and planning resources to stay organized!
Christmas Planning at About.com
Related posts: Christmas PlanningTechnorati Tags: Christmas, Music, Christmas+Songs, Lyrics, Guitar+Chords
Related posts:
From The Cartoon Blog by Dave Walker
A lot of people are beginning to think about buying Christmas cards, and who knows, one or two people have probably already bought them. But why not make your own? Here are one million ideas to get you started - 10 ideas for materials, 10 for tools to use, 10 for subjects, 10 for colours, 10 for sizes and shapes and 10 for messages, making a total of one million combinations in all.
Technorati Tags: Advent
This week, Glenda & I and others participated in the first two official Salvation Army functions of Christmas 2005. The next four weeks will see us participating in a number of extra, seasonal events. A hectic schedule to be sure, but one that is generally rewarding, a traditional park of our Christmas.
Toys for Tots Kick-off
Here’s a group of us aboard the Santa Maria replica at West Edmonton Mall. The 2005 goal is to have 25,000 new toys donated, by December 23rd, to “sink” the boat.
Christmas Kettle Kick-off
Today at noon, a group of us played Christmas music for about 45 minutes at the CBC Centre Stage. Edmonton’s deputy mayor and Edmonton Eskimos alumni (active players are in Vancouver preparing for the Grey Cup) were on hand to kick off this year’s Christmas Kettle campaign.
Technorati Tags: Edmonton+Alberta, Christmas+Kettle+Campaign, Toys+for+Tots, Salvation+Army+BandsA couple of weeks ago I linked to World Vision Canada’s gift catalogue and to Mike Todd’s suggestions for making a difference this Christmas. Yesterday I received the 05/06 Salvationist Publishing and Supplies Ltd. catalogue from England. In it are a range of gifts you can send that will benefit individuals and communities in countries where the need is great. Gifts range from something as simple as a fruit tree for as little as £1.50 (about $3.00 CAD) through to a water well for a whole community at £800.00 (about $1,616 CAD).
Unfortunately, you can’t yet order these gifts on-line and it is likely too late for folk outside of the U.K. to get a catalogue in time to place an order before Christmas. (I know these gifts would be welcomed any time of the year!) I have attached the catalogue pages as a pdf download —The Salvation Army International Development Catalogue (873 KB) and you can make contact with TSA International Development via email at mail_order@sp-s.co.uk.
While The Salvation Army in Canada does not have a similar program, there is child sponsorship opportunities available, costing about $25.00 per month. Click here for information and application.
From The Salvation Army International Development web-site:
Technorati Tags: Child+Sponsorship, Christmas+GiftsGIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING
Have you ever given or received a present you know is not really wanted or needed? The embroidered handkerchief with your initials, the book they’ll never read, the kitchen appliance that’s too big for the cupboard. Why not ask for, or give a gift that keeps on giving and makes a real difference to people’s lives.
In a colourful catalogue, we have outlined for you a whole range of great gift ideas, that you can buy for friends and family, that are guaranteed to show you care. These presents will create livelihoods, better living conditions, education and work opportunities, and in some situations, freedom, for our neighbours in some of the neediest parts of our world.
You can choose from a range of 40 diverse gifts that cover innovative ways of giving in themed areas including Agriculture, Livestock, Water, Kids and People Needs.
The catalogue is ideal for Christmas, weddings, birthdays or any special occasions. For your free copy, CONTACT US . Alternatively you can download an e-advert or excerpt from our catalogue from the downloads section at the bottom of this page.
We regret we can’t offer online purchasing just yet but will be offering this service in the near future. We do accept all major credit cards and cheques which can be made out to “The Salvation Army”.
A bit about us:
We are committed to being good stewards in the sharing of resources for the work of the international Salvation Army in the developing world, within countries that look to us for support. We do this by raising awareness through advocacy, channelling resources to enable development, building bridges and redressing inequality in practical and financial ways.
Where the money goes:
The cost of your gift will almost always include some "extras" which means that it has an even more positive effect on the lives of the people it is given to. The cost of a water well for example, will usually include allowance for use of local labour, transport of supplies, training for maintenance of the well in addition to the supplies and installation costs of building the well. A small amount of the cost is sometimes used to help make people in developed countries aware of the needs of our neighbours in poorer countries.
How your money works to make a difference:
Every community is different and so occasionally, gifts may be substituted for other appropriate gifts that are needed in a particular context. For example, chickens may be substituted for pigs in some communities where that is a more viable means of livelihood. In these situations, we will endeavour to allocate your money to the same themed area as the gift you have chosen.
In the drive to make a better life, we find that people don't want a 'hand-out' but a 'hand-up'. Because we are a community-based organisation, we work alongside communities which means that communities can identify their needs to us and decide for themselves what the solutions are. In this way we work together to break the cycle of poverty by building local capacity and empowering people to make a difference to their own lives.
French Trad.
G C Am D G C Dsus4 D G
Ding dong! Merrily on high, the Christmas bells are ringing.
G C Am D G C Dsus4 D G
Ding dong! And up in the sky, the angel choir is singing.
D|G|Am|D|Bm|Em|Am|D|G|C|D
Gloria,
G C D G
Ho-sanna in ex-celsis!
D|G|Am|D|Bm|Em|Am|D|G|C|D
Gloria,
G C D G
D|G|Am|D|Bm|Em|Am|D|G|C|D
Gloria,
G C D G
Ho-sanna in ex-celsis!
For today we celebrate, the wondrous birth of Jesus.
Born to show us all the way that leads to peace and justice.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Ding dong! Merrily on high, the Christmas bells are ringing.
Ding dong! On the earth below, we fill the night with singing.
Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis! Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!
Technorati Tags: Christmas, Music, Christmas+Songs, Lyrics, Guitar+Chords
