The jerks militarized the Santa Tracker. The mountains even look like chocolate frosting. This is the most disgusting actions NORAD and Microsoft could have done.
Santa's getting some new digital digs. (click here)
Santa's getting some new digital digs. (click here)
In 1955, after a Sears ad mistakenly listed its number as Santa's, the Northern American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) began receiving calls from children asking about the whereabouts of Mr. Claus. Ever since, the agency has continued to provide the status and location of Santa on Dec. 25, and this year, it will do so with the help of Microsoft and a flashy new website.
Visit http://www.noradsanta.org/ today and you will be brought to a brand new site that not only counts down the days until Santa will begin delivering presents but lets you visit the digital North Pole and play various games. Every day, NORAD will release a new game on the site; currently you can help Santa shoot hoops or help light the tree by solving a maze.
On Christmas day, the site will monitor Santa and the reindeers' whereabouts on a map and keep a running tally of the number of gifts delivered.....
Children don't need a militarized Santa. It adds fear to their lives and for some children it could be traumatic at a time when losses of a parent are felt more deeply during the holidays. I can't believe NORDA and Microsoft are this stupid. This is stupid.
Children don't need a militarized Santa. It adds fear to their lives and for some children it could be traumatic at a time when losses of a parent are felt more deeply during the holidays. I can't believe NORDA and Microsoft are this stupid. This is stupid.
Children and Fear of War and Terrorism (click here)
Tips for Parents and Teachers
National Association of School Psychologists
Terrorist attacks in our country and threats or realities of war are frightening experiences for all Americans. Children may be especially fearful that threatened or actual military action overseas will result in more personal loss and violence here at home. Because repeated scenes of destruction of lives and property are featured in the news media, they understand that “enemies of the United States” can cause harm in this country....
...Emotional Responses
Emotional responses vary in nature and severity from child to child. Nonetheless, there are some similarities in how children (and adults) feel when their lives are impacted by war or the threat of war:
- Fear:
- Loss of control:
- Anger:
- Loss of stability:
- Isolation:
- Confusion: This can occur on two levels. First, children may feel confused about terrorist attacks and war, what further dangers might arise, and when the violence will stop. Second, children may have trouble understanding the difference between violence as entertainment and the real events taking place on the news. Today's children live in the world of Armageddon, Independence Day, Air Force One, and cartoon Super Heroes. Some of the modern media violence is unnervingly real. Youngsters may have difficulty separating reality from fantasy, cartoon heroes and villains from the government soldiers and real terrorists. Separating the realities of war from media fantasy may require adult help.
This is just what parents and family need on Christmas Eve, fear and worry over Santa arriving at all. Who came up with this one, Hayden?
What Can Parents and Teachers Do?
Help children to feel personally safe:
- Try to maintain normal routines and schedules to provide a sense of stability and security.
I can hear it now:
Child: "Why does Santa need a jet?"
Parent: "Ahhhh, I guess there is a lot of traffic tonight."
Child: "Is Santa going to be, okay?"
Parent: "Of course he will, NORAD is giving him an escort."
Child: "NORAD didn't prevent 911."
Parent: "How did you know that?"
Child: "Everyone knows that."
Parent: "You know something, this is just a cartoon. The government really doesn't know Santa has better radar than they do and doesn't need anyone but Rudolph in bad weather. Let's have some cookies and milk."
Child: "Why does Santa need a jet?"
Parent: "Ahhhh, I guess there is a lot of traffic tonight."
Child: "Is Santa going to be, okay?"
Parent: "Of course he will, NORAD is giving him an escort."
Child: "NORAD didn't prevent 911."
Parent: "How did you know that?"
Child: "Everyone knows that."
Parent: "You know something, this is just a cartoon. The government really doesn't know Santa has better radar than they do and doesn't need anyone but Rudolph in bad weather. Let's have some cookies and milk."
