For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:1-18 NIV

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Good morning and Merry Christmas. I know it’s not even 7am yet, but I want to get a jump on things and get my Christmas shopping started early, so I’m about to head out. I’ll be updating this post with Christmas wishes from the blogosphere, but I’ll start out with a couple of links you need to check.

NORAD Tracks Santa – This is a “new” tradition, but one that is as old as I am, and it started with a mistake.

NORAD Tracks Santa, the official name of the exercise, began in 1955 when a Colorado Springs newspaper ad invited kids to talk to Santa on a hotline. The phone number had a typo, and dozens of kids wound up dialing the Continental Aerospace Defense Command in Colorado Springs, the predecessor to NORAD.

The officers on duty played along and began passing along reports on Santa’s progress. It’s now a cherished ritual at NORAD, a joint U.S.-Canada command that monitors the North American skies and seas from a control center at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs.

More later. . .I’ve gotta run!

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 KJV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. Luke 2:1-18 NIV

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Santa Claus has always been on the cutting edge and it’s no different in the age of the internet. Gone are the days of mailing letters and schlepping to the mall. Amy-Mae Elliott has posted 5 Ways to Connect With Santa on the Web at Mashable.

Today’s kids have a wealth of online options for hooking up with the Claus.

We’ve scoured the ‘Net for the five best ways to connect with Father Christmas, from the iPhone version of a letter to Santa, to some sleigh-tracking GPS tools.

If you have kids (or are just a big kid yourself), we think you’ll enjoy sharing these holiday web treats.

My favorite is the NORAD Santa tracker, although the email from Santa was a big hit.

Have a great Christmas Eve.

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Here is a Christmas wish from the Rubio family. Enjoy

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Join me for a very special one hour, non-political, Christmas Eve Eve edition of bRight@Night.

No talk of politics tonight, there will be plenty of time for that in 2010. Tonight will be all about Christmas — in particular, Christmas memories. I’m lining up some guests to share their favorite memories of Christmases past, and your invited to share, too. The call in number is (718) 664-9725. I encourage you to go to the show page and set a reminder. See you tonight!

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We’re getting close to Christmas and close to 24 Season 8. With those things in mind, this is genius.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6yUCbqAGrg&feature=player_embedded

This also gives me the opportunity to test the new automatic embed feature of 2.9 and pimp the best 24 site in the universe — Blogs.4Bauer.com

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This post originally appeared on Christmas Eve 2005. It is one of the most fun (and most read) posts I’ve done so, for those who may have missed it in past years, here is the story once again. Enjoy.

Part of the story behind the story in the interception of communications going outside the United States is the changes in technology to both make and monitor those communications. With the sharp rises in cell phone and internet use over the past decades, the entire face of these exchanges has been altered. The administration is within the law, in my opinion, to use the means at hand to keep us all safer. However there is one program that is being allowed to continue that truly disturbs me.

This program has several elements that are extremely bothersome. In a move to skirt existing law the entire operation is conducted from outside the United States, even though a significant number of the targets are US citizens. Although not limited to those inside the country by any means, it is quite shocking to realize the scope of this operation. This is not a case of watching for certain patterns, but instead focuses on individual actions and behaviors. The wide net of this investigation and the funds to conduct it must be staggering, but the actual costs are some how kept out of the budget.

In a manner that is reminiscent of the J. Edger Hoover days of the FBI, my research indicates that this surveillance predates even those dossiers and watch lists. Analysts then take the information gathered and make judgment calls regarding the targets being monitored. Without any oversight whatsoever, individuals who should be protected by the Constitution and the laws of our country are classified as to their character. Although some consideration is given to the actual actions of those being observed, the resulting characterization of individuals as either naughty or nice could have far reaching psychological implications. In fairness, I must note that the program has had an uncanny track record of accuracy and does seem to be forgiving of minor infractions that could effect classification. Also, it appears as if some positive actions on the part of the individuals can cause a shift in how they are viewed.

However, the most disturbing aspect of this highly questionable and probably illegal program is that the targets are not adults, but the most vulnerable among us — our children. One would naturally assume that targeting these young people could only be for the purpose of making value judgments and decisions later in their lives. The evidence, however, points to more immediate consequences. For some reason, as yet undiscovered but surely nefarious, the entire surveillance appears to be tied to some sort of reward program. I can only imagine that the undisclosed intention is to create some sort of Pavlovian response of supposed goodness.

In order to be fair, I must disclose that the lists are checked twice. Still, that hardly seems as if it is adequate protection against abuse. Where is the oversight? What checks and balances are in place? While this agency has nearly unlimited staffing, it has been reported that the entire responsibility for making these judgment calls has been tasked to the project’s head man. Can one man, however good at his job, really perform at an acceptable level of competence to assure that the system isn’t gamed? I am amazed that Congress hasn’t held an investigation and hearings to get to the bottom of this mess. Why are the people we send to represent us not doing their job to get to the meat of this story. Even the press gives this program a pass! I have to assume that it is a payoff for rewards they have all received in the past.

There is one further element that should bring pause, but for some reason does not. Without any kind of court document, yet also without any sort of restraint, the head of this agency is allowed (and in many instance encouraged?!) to enter private residences and distribute what can only be described as bribes. Workers for the agency, with no known union representation, aid and abet this charade by constructing items, often in clear violation of patent, trade mark, and copyright laws. Given the amount of time that this has been taking place it is shocking that, to date, no charges have been brought. I won’t even go into the revelation of possible animal abuse that takes place when reindeer are pressed into service for the grueling round the world excursion.

How long are we going to allow this to go on? Where is the outrage? Far from taking the serious look that this deserves, some people actually play the enablers roll. Instead of denouncing this activity many actually encourage it by providing a reward to the chief perpetrator. It has been widely reported that the head of the agency is partial to dairy products and baked goods. Still, to be perfectly honest, I have to admit that I have permitted this in my own home and have said nothing. I am ashamed to admit that I too have fallen victim to the trappings that seem so good on the surface, but surely must mask some sinister purpose.

I guess there is the hope that the program is really above board. Years of empirical data seem to indicate the program has had some positive results. There are cases where wars have been paused for a time. People have modified their behavior for the better. The qualities of goodness, kindness, and “good will toward men” have been exhibited by many, even those who are not wont to show those things at other times. Families, instead of being disturbed by these things, seem to pull together and embrace them. What I described earlier as bribes could be, I guess, true generosity. It does seem that the positive actions of this agency, department, what ever it is, tend to get passed on to others.

On reflection, I guess that no investigation is really called for. All indications are that the program is having universally positive results. So with a glass of milk, chocolate chip cookies, and the hope that I made the nice list, I will gladly participate and wish for each of you a Very Merry Christmas!

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Just a couple of random questions/musings this Christmas Eve morning.

Is the Featured Post really featured? — I was thinking that perhaps the featured post sometimes gets lost from conscious view by readers who automatically scroll down thinking there’s nothing new there. Your thoughts?

What prompts readers to comment? — I have just over 7000 comments on just under 3500 posts, or an average of about 2 comments per post. What factors draw comments? Is it having regular readers? Controversial content? The overall tone of the blog? Asking questions in the post? How much I comment on other blogs?

How do you read this and other blogs? — Are you more likely to read posts in a feed reader, or “in person”?

What are your plans for today? — I’m heading in to work early so I can get home earlier. I know that some businesses close early today. What’s going on in your world on Christmas Eve?

What are your more unusual Christmas traditions? — Everyone shares many of the traditions of Christmas from trees and decorations to reading the Christmas story and opening presents. What I want to know is what things do you do that have become traditions in your house that are not quite as traditional. One thing that I’ve carried with me from my long-ago younger days is having Polish Kielbasa for Christmas breakfast. We would have it sliced into half-dollar sized pieces and fried in the skillet. Later at my grandmothers we would have some more cut longer and served on a hot dog bun or slice of bread. Mmmmm Kielbasa! How about you?

Until later, have a great Christmas Eve day.

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This post originally appeared on Christmas Eve 2005. It is one of the most fun (and most read) posts I’ve done, so I’ve decided to send it your way again this year. I have made some changes to the opening paragraph for timeliness. Enjoy.

Part of the story behind the story in the interception of communications going outside the United States is the changes in technology to both make and monitor those communications. With the sharp rises in cell phone and internet use over the past decades, the entire face of these exchanges has been altered. The administration is within the law, in my opinion, to use the means at hand to keep us all safer. However there is one program that is being allowed to continue that truly disturbs me.

This program has several elements that are extremely bothersome. In a move to skirt existing law the entire operation is conducted from outside the United States, even though a significant number of the targets are US citizens. Although not limited to those inside the country by any means, it is quite shocking to realize the scope of this operation. This is not a case of watching for certain patterns, but instead focuses on individual actions and behaviors. The wide net of this investigation and the funds to conduct it must be staggering, but the actual costs are some how kept out of the budget.

In a manner that is reminiscent of the J. Edger Hoover days of the FBI, my research indicates that this surveillance predates even those dossiers and watch lists. Analysts then take the information gathered and make judgment calls regarding the targets being monitored. Without any oversight whatsoever, individuals who should be protected by the Constitution and the laws of our country are classified as to their character. Although some consideration is given to the actual actions of those being observed, the resulting characterization of individuals as either naughty or nice could have far reaching psychological implications. In fairness, I must note that the program has had an uncanny track record of accuracy and does seem to be forgiving of minor infractions that could effect classification. Also, it appears as if some positive actions on the part of the individuals can cause a shift in how they are viewed.

However, the most disturbing aspect of this highly questionable and probably illegal program is that the targets are not adults, but the most vulnerable among us — our children. One would naturally assume that targeting these young people could only be for the purpose of making value judgments and decisions later in their lives. The evidence, however, points to more immediate consequences. For some reason, as yet undiscovered but surely nefarious, the entire surveillance appears to be tied to some sort of reward program. I can only imagine that the undisclosed intention is to create some sort of Pavlovian response of supposed goodness.

In order to be fair, I must disclose that the lists are checked twice. Still, that hardly seems as if it is adequate protection against abuse. Where is the oversight? What checks and balances are in place? While this agency has nearly unlimited staffing, it has been reported that the entire responsibility for making these judgment calls has been tasked to the project’s head man. Can one man, however good at his job, really perform at an acceptable level of competence to assure that the system isn’t gamed? I am amazed that Congress hasn’t held an investigation and hearings to get to the bottom of this mess. Why are the people we send to represent us not doing their job to get to the meat of this story. Even the press gives this program a pass! I have to assume that it is a payoff for rewards they have all received in the past.

There is one further element that should bring pause, but for some reason does not. Without any kind of court document, yet also without any sort of restraint, the head of this agency is allowed (and in many instance encouraged?!) to enter private residences and distribute what can only be described as bribes. Workers for the agency, with no known union representation, aid and abet this charade by constructing items, often in clear violation of patent, trade mark, and copyright laws. Given the amount of time that this has been taking place it is shocking that, to date, no charges have been brought. I won’t even go into the revelation of possible animal abuse that takes place when reindeer are pressed into service for the grueling round the world excursion.

How long are we going to allow this to go on? Where is the outrage? Far from taking the serious look that this deserves, some people actually play the enablers roll. Instead of denouncing this activity many actually encourage it by providing a reward to the chief perpetrator. It has been widely reported that the head of the agency is partial to dairy products and baked goods. Still, to be perfectly honest, I have to admit that I have permitted this in my own home and have said nothing. I am ashamed to admit that I too have fallen victim to the trappings that seem so good on the surface, but surely must mask some sinister purpose.

I guess there is the hope that the program is really above board. Years of empirical data seem to indicate the program has had some positive results. There are cases where wars have been paused for a time. People have modified their behavior for the better. The qualities of goodness, kindness, and “good will toward men” have been exhibited by many, even those who are not wont to show those things at other times. Families, instead of being disturbed by these things, seem to pull together and embrace them. What I described earlier as bribes could be, I guess, true generosity. It does seem that the positive actions of this agency, department, what ever it is, tend to get passed on to others.

On reflection, I guess that no investigation is really called for. All indications are that the program is having universally positive results. So with a glass of milk, chocolate chip cookies, and the hope that I made the nice list, I will gladly participate and wish for each of you a Very Merry Christmas!

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