Introducing The ClausNET Gazette!

By Michael Rielly

Greetings and welcome to the inaugural edition of the ClausNET Gazette - the official newsletter of ClausNET.com!

If you are reading this, then you likely had a hand in naming our newsletter! Earlier this month we ran a poll on what to name the monthly ClausNET newsletter. We have a lot of creative folks on ClausNET and I received over a hundred suggestions! Overwhelmingly though, we chose The ClausNET Gazette.

Each month we will provide the latest news and useful information. We'll update you on what's happening on ClausNET, discuss upcoming events, and feature fellow ClausNET members.

I hope you enjoy this monthly publication and encourage you to participate. If you have a story you would like to share with your fellow members or a product that you would like to feature, please feel free to contact us!

Cheers!

M

back to top

In The News

Disney stokes publicity engine with 'Christmas Carol' train

A Christmas Carol, Disney's high-tech, 3-D version of Charles Dickens' classic yuletide tale, isn't due in theaters till Nov. 6. But the holidays will arrive early across the USA as the studio embarks on one of its most elaborate publicity stunts in decades, maybe ever.

At a time when it's harder than ever to cut though the cultural clutter, the studio has orchestrated a six-month whistle-stop train tour that will hit 40 cities with a multi-car exhibit showcasing different aspects of the production.

The film — which stars Jim Carrey as not only Scrooge but also all three ghosts — is from director Robert Zemeckis and employs an improved version of the performance-capture technology he used in 2004's The Polar Express. The train tour, Zemeckis says, is like a rolling Disneyland exhibit — only it's free. Read More »

back to top

Press Release

'World's Tallest Water Ride' Opens May 2

Santa Claus, IN -- April 29, 2009 -- When Holiday World opens for the 63rd season on May 2, all attention will be on the record-breaking new ride, Pilgrims Plunge. Competing with The Voyage roller coaster as the tallest ride in the park, Pilgrims Plunge sets a new world record for Tallest Water Ride with its 131-foot drop.

Pilgrims Plunge, a classic "shoot the chute" ride, utilizes an open elevator to swiftly lift boats filled with riders 135 feet in the air. The boats pause briefly and then rapidly descend a world-record 131 feet at a 45-degree angle, creating a big splash.

"We've dreamed about adding a shoot-the-chute ride for years," says Will Koch, the president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari. "When we saw the opportunity to break the world's record and to use an open-air elevator in the design, we couldn't resist! This is a high-capacity, classic family ride with a modern twist."

Pilgrims Plunge's maximum speed tops 50 miles per hour. The water ride will be accessible from both the Thanksgiving section in Holiday World and via a pathway from Splashin' Safari, with riders allowed to board in their swimsuits if they prefer. Read More »

back to top

Featured Member - May 2009

I am happy to announce our ClausNET Featured Member of the Month for May 2009 is our very own Santa Dutch!

Dutch and I have never met, although we have spoken on the phone a few times. Dutch and I have a few things in common too. We are both generational Santas. Dutch's Dad is Santa Dutch Sr, and a member of ClausNET.

Many of you met Santa Dutch at Celebrate Santa last in March. Dutch and I were supposed to work together behind the scenes at Celebrate Santa. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend at the last minute. Fortunately for Celebrate Santa, Dutch was kind enough to step in for me at a moments notice.

I caught up with Dutch a few days ago. Here’s what he had to say. Read More »

Visit our Featured Members of the Month section for past members!

back to top

One Mother's Day

By Cindylu

So, here we are, Mothers Day officially, May 10, 2009. Time for a bit of reflection from this one mother. I am but one amongst millions and millions of ladies who have been blessed to have children.

Being a Mom is perhaps one of the most difficult, exasperating, joyful, wonderful, never ending, thankless, grand opportunities a woman will ever face. Yes, it's all those things because you see, a Mom faces new challenges every single day from the day she becomes a Mom and there's no expiration date on Motherhood.

Even in death, she remains somebody's Mom. It's a forever thing, so that's why one must never take the role lightly. Read More »

back to top

Product Review

Fresh Again for Uniforms and Costumes

This tip comes to us from Eileen...

"Some of you may have heard of this product, if you have kids in a marching band for instance, most of you I'm sure have not."

"It is called Fresh Again for Uniforms and Costumes. It is a spray that you lightly spray onto your suit inside, and then then let air dry."

"I learned about this product about 10 years ago or so because my daughter Irish Danced (up until just 2 years ago). It is a product that I truly believe made her dresses stay nice and fresh looking and smelling - like a Santa suit, you just don't chuck these into the wash after every use." Read More »

back to top

Santa Voices of the Past

Each month we feature a quote from a famous Santa Claus of the past. This month's quote comes to us from Charles W. Howard.

"To say there is no Santa Claus is the most erroneous statement in the world. Santa Claus is a thought that is passed from generation to generation. After time this thought takes on a human form. Maybe if all children and adults understand the symbolism of this thought we can actually attain Peace on Earth and good will to men everywhere."

Charles W. Howard
June 15, 1896 - May 1, 1966

Want to learn more? Check out the following:

• Charles W. Howard Website
• CWH Santa Claus School
• Santa Claus Hall of Fame

back to top