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ClausNet Gazette: News from the Santa Claus Network

August 2010

Volume 2, Issue 8

Dog Days of Summer!

By Michael Rielly

Dog Days of Summer!It's August in New England and the outside temperature as I write this is around 96 degrees. Living by the ocean the humidity levels usually hover around 100% in the summer -- especially in August! The 'Dog Days of Summer'. Luckily for my two dogs they have air conditioning. They are both sitting beside me here in my office.

In this month's issue, we feature a very special Santa who served our country. We are honored to have him here as a member of ClausNet!

Later this month we will be kicking off our Third Annual Christmas Ornament Exchange! Look for details posted on ClausNet.com soon!

We hope you enjoy this month's edition of the ClausNet Gazette! As always, if you have a product or a story that you would like to share with your fellow members, please feel free to contact us!

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In The News

Breaking News on ClausNet

US Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Appeal of Candy Cane Case

DefendChristmas.com -- The U.S. Supreme Court today refused to hear an appeal from some Texas parents who wanted to stop their school district from regulating when students can pass out religious-themed material to classmates.

The court refused to hear an appeal from some parents from the Plano Independent School District.

The district in 2005 told elementary students that religious-themed material could only be passed out before and after school, at recess, at three school parties or at designated tables. Middle and secondary students could add in lunchtime or between classes.

Parents say the policy dilutes the free speech rights of their children.
Read More »

Christmas carols in July? Cool

Philadelphia Enquirer -- In the basement of Temple Sinai in Cinnaminson, Stephanie Brictson was in full form.

"Pummel that word!" she bellowed - then conceded, "Pummel is a word rarely used in barbershop."

On the risers in front of her, the all-female barbershop chorus laughed.

Then, despite the 94-degree heat, they launched into another rendition of "Let It Snow."

It's summer, and they're in a synagogue, but already members of the Jersey Sound are rehearsing Christmas carols.

On a Wednesday in late June, the group, which has been in existence for 48 years, launched its first-ever JingleBelle June program, inviting anyone interested to rehearse once a month until Christmastime to prepare for its holiday performances.
Read More »

Bring on the Clauses

PlayThings.com -- In Copenhagen, Christmas comes more than once a year.

Santas in all shapes in sizes are spending their summer holiday in Copenhagen again this year as they hold the 52nd annual World Santa Claus Congress at Bakken fun fair in Klampenborg.

The annual tradition was started in 1958 by entertainer Professor Tribini as a way to celebrate Christmas more than once a year.

The event is now attended by over 100 Julemænd (Denmark), Santas (US), Father Christmases (UK), Papá Noel (Spain), Shengdan Laoren (China), and their helpers from scores of countries. In addition to the official business of debating where Santa really comes from, discussing who has been naughty and nice so far this year, and setting the date for Christmas 2010, the Santas will also spread some Christmas cheer to disadvantaged children in the area.
Read More »

CBS Christmas Movie in Production

Christmas Newswire -- Production has begun in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the television movie 'November Christmas,'

CBS announced Monday. Starring Sarah Paulson, Sam Elliott, John Corbett, Karen Allen and Emily Alyn Lind, the holiday-themed drama is to air as a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation Nov. 28.

Set in a small Rhode Island community, it is about what happens when neighbors band together to create magical Halloween and Christmas moments ' several weeks early ' for a young girl named Vanessa, who is facing a serious illness, CBS said in a synopsis.
Read More »

Tomy to bring Tomica line to North America

PlayThings.com -- Global toy industry maker Tomy Corporation will introduce Japan's number one selling die-cast car and train set brand to North America this September.

Tomica has been the most popular and dependable toy car system line in Japan for the past 40 years, and is celebrating this grand milestone with a move to North America. "We chose the well-respected Tomica line to essentially re-awaken our North American toy presence," said Mark Shinohara, executive vice president and COO at Tomy Corporation. "It is important for us to carve a new niche in the North American market with a product that has truly left its mark in Japan.

The Tomica line has experienced massive mainstream success, and we're thrilled to bring such a widely loved property to a whole new audience."
Read More »

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Featured Member - August 2010

Santa PirateEach month, our Featured Member section profiles one ClausNet member. Members are chosen totally at random by myself and the staff. Once selected as Featured Member of the Month, we interview the candidate and post the interview here. This is a great way to get to know your fellow ClausNet members!

This month our featured ClausNet Member is Santa Pirate! Arrrghhh!

One of the things I love so much about running ClausNet is getting to do these interviews and this one is no exception!

I am honored to have Mike aka Santa Pirate here on ClausNet and as a fellow Santa.

ClausNET Featured Member of the Month

I spoke with Mike a few days ago. Here's what he had to say...
Read the entire interview »

Visit our Featured Members of the Month section to read past interviews!

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Santa America Needs You

Posted in 'Santa-America' blog by Santa Bob Elkin

Santa Bob ElkinSanta America is looking for a few extra good Santas, Ms Clauses and Elves!

Santa America wants to recruit the top 10% of the dedicated volunteer Santas and helpers to help lead Santa America into a new decade of providing Love, Hope and Joy.

Santa America is continuing to expand our charitable services to more and more children and families, through many varied programs.

Take a look at the various programs, if you interested in volunteering for one or all of our programs, the first step is up to YOU. Volunteer training is now available through your local hospital or your local hospice, but first the application.

If you would like to volunteer, and apply to become one of the 'Navy Seals' of the Santa World, go to our website, www.santa-america.org, download the volunteer application, fill out the application and put it in the mail!

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please send me an email or just give this old kringle a jingle!

Santa Bob Elkin
National Director Santa Relations
toyshoppe: 727-491-0533
sleigh: 813-230-9254 Read More »

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Waiting to be Santa Once Again

by Elf Without Jingles

I've often heard it said, among Santa's inner circle, That the toughest part of being Santa isn't when you're Kris Kringle. Usually, it's those months before you start to wear the suit, When you're waiting to be Santa once again.

There's just so much anticipation! It's such a thrill just wearing red! And you're having as much fun as are the children; You can't help but start to think: "How much longer will it take Till I stop waiting to be Santa once again?"

Well, it will only be a while before November; So every time I feel like this, I must remember,

Every Santa must learn Patience. It's the heart of Santa's magic; And there's always time to think about delivering your magic. So believe in all your good thoughts and then you'll finally see it: Suddenly, you're back as Santa once again!
Read More »

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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 Edmund Gwenn.

Edmund GwennBorn Edmund Kellaway in Wandsworth, London on September 26, 1877, Edmund Gwenn began his acting career in theatre in 1895. He took time off from acting to serve in the British Army during World War I.

After the war, he began appearing in films. Mr. Gwenn appeared in more than eighty films during his career, including the 1940 version of Pride and Prejudice, Cheers for Miss Bishop, Of Human Bondage, and The Keys of the Kingdom.

But he is best known for his role as Kris Kringle in the 1947 version of Miracle on 34th Street, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. When accepting his Oscar, he replied, 'Now I know there is a Santa Claus!'

Edmund Gwenn died in Woodland Hills, California on September 6, 1959 from pneumonia after suffering a stroke.

"Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind"

Edmund Gwenn
September 26, 1877 - September 6, 1959

Want to learn more Santa Claus history? Check out the following:

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