Even Santa Claus has lost his freedom

Politics has seeped even into the Santa Claus’ territory.

From Reuters (picture and quote):

A U.S. military website showing Santa Claus delivering his presents while guarded by warplanes has some children's advocates worried.

In a twist to its tradition of tracking an animated version of Santa Claus' sleigh and reindeer as he flies around the globe on December 24, the military is adding the animated fighter plane escort to give a realistic feel to the popular feature, said a spokesman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

"We wanted to let folks know that, hey, this is a NORAD video, and we're the military and this is our mission," said the spokesman, Navy Captain Jeff Davis.

The Aha moment:

A video on the NORAD website shows military personnel seemingly preparing for a test flight by Santa, who has the call sign "Big Red One."

"We all know that Santa travels faster than starlight," an officer says in the video, "but this is nothing that our technologies can't handle."

In the eyes of the US government, Santa Claus' actions needs to be regulated. Even Santa Claus has lost his freedom! 

Goes to show how politics has been corrupting on people’s morals.

Marketing Strategy: From Pickpockets To Putpockets

Putting some fun into the crisis, in London, as part of an advertising blitz, former pickpockets does a reverse- they put-pocket or put money into people's pockets in stealth. (hat tip: Mark Perry)

From Reuters, ``Visitors to London always have to be on the look out for pickpockets, but now there's another, more positive phenomenon on the loose -- putpockets.

``Aware that people are suffering in the economic crisis, 20 former pickpockets have turned over a new leaf and are now trawling London's tourist sites slipping money back into unsuspecting pockets.

``Anything from 5 pounds ($8) to 20 pound notes is being surreptitiously deposited in unguarded pockets or open handbags in Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and other busy spots.

``The initiative, which runs until the end of August in London before being rolled out countrywide, is being funded by a broadbrand provider, which says it wants to brighten up people's lives in unusual ways.

"It feels good to give something back for a change -- and Britons certainly need it in the current economic climate," said Chris Fitch, a former pickpocket who now heads TalkTalk's putpocketing initiative."

Maybe if governments catches on to such an idea, they might incorporate this as part of their stimulus programs.

Odd Article of the Day: Dogs Inherit Billions!

Leona Helmsley’s favorite dog Trouble gets $12 million, while an estate worth $5 to $8 billion will be bequeathed to the welfare of dogs! Read here for the complete article from the New York Times.

Darned lucky Dogs!