Santa Claus cleared for entry to US: official

WASHINGTON - Santa Claus was officially cleared for entry into the United States on Monday as federal agriculture officials waived stringent livestock checks on his nine reindeer.

The US Department of Agriculture announced in a light-hearted statement that a "Mr. S.Claus" of the North Pole was free to enter the United States with his reindeer from December 24 to December 25.

"During this season of giving, USDA wants to do everything in its power to help Santa," said John R. Clifford, USDA's Chief Veterinary Officer.

"We agreed to waive the normal application fees and entry inspection/overtime costs, provided he winks his eye and wishes port personnel a Merry Christmas at the time of crossing."

Authorities also waived the normal health checks for Santa's reindeer -- provided they met certain alternative conditions.

"As a condition of entry, the reindeer must be certified by Santa Claus as never having been fed anything other than hay, sugar plums and gingerbread," the statement said.

"The reindeer must also be individually identified with microchips or official eartag identification, and must respond to the names 'Dasher', 'Dancer', 'Prancer', 'Vixen', 'Comet', 'Cupid', 'Donner,' 'Blitzen' and 'Rudolph' when interacting with port personnel.

"No more than one reindeer in the group may be visibly affected by 'Rednose Syndrome', and upon entry, port personnel will visually inspect the reindeer to ensure they are healthy and fit for continued travel."

The reindeer would also be required to be "pulling a wooden sleigh that has jingling bells attached and is filled with brightly-wrapped gifts."

"Port personnel will clean and disinfect the runners and underside of the sleigh at the time of entry," the statement said.

The USDA's festive statement was in keeping with agencies who acknowledge the existence of Santa Claus, albeit with tongue firmly in cheek.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which polices the skies above Canada and the United States, regularly tracks the progress of Santa Claus and his reindeer in real time on its NORAD Santa Tracker (www.noradsanta.org).

source: interaksyon.com

Gaudy Christmas sweaters make a comeback

Retailers including boutique chain Kitson, based in Los Angeles, said ugly Christmas sweaters have made a comeback as ironic duds for younger generations.

Fraser Ross, owner of Kitson, said ugly Christmas sweater parties are filling the holiday void once occupied by tree trimming parties, as people in their 20s and 30s embrace the garishly decorated garments as humorous ways to celebrate the season, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

"It's the new theme for hostesses who are trying to bring the mostest to holiday parties," he said. "It's like having a Halloween party during Christmas."

Evan Mendelsohn, co-founder of San Diego clothing brand Tipsy Elves, said ugly Christmas sweaters -- including playful depictions of conga-dancing reindeer, and Santa spelling "Merry Christmas" in the snow with his urine -- are proving to be holiday bestsellers.

"The majority of people buying are in their 20s or 30s who are sort of making light of what can be a serious holiday. It gives them an excuse to wear something funny," Mendelsohn said. "It's not going to die like a normal fashion trend."

Carin Agiman, owner of Berkeley, Calif., clothing label GeltFiend, said he launched a line of Hanukkah equivalents for the ugly Christmas sweaters to let Jewish revelers get in on the fun.

His brand includes a sweater picturing Hasidic snowmen and a dreidel cardigan.

"I have a lot of non-Jewish friends, so I get invited to a lot of ugly Christmas sweater parties," Agiman said. "There's been a lot of pent-up Jewish angst over not having some equivalent ugliness."

source: upi.com

Confirmed: Jessica Simpson Expecting Second Child

It’s official: the stork is once again headed to Jessica Simpson‘s house!

Just seven months after the singer and actress delivered daughter Maxwell Drew, Simpson and fiancé Eric Johnson are expecting their second child, the couple announced via Twitter Christmas Day.

Amid growing pregnancy speculation online, the Fashion Star mentor, 32, shared a photo of her baby girl wearing holiday pajamas and smiling in the sand atop the words, “BIG SIS.”

“Merry Christmas from my family to yours!” Simpson writes.

Recently, Simpson has been spotted around Los Angeles in loose-fitting clothing. She also appeared, in a figure-hugging black dress, at best friend Cacee Cobb‘s recent wedding to Donald Faison, where she served as maid of honor.

Simpson also had been touting her recent post-pregnancy weight loss of 60 lbs. after starring in commercials for Weight Watchers and working out with celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak.

– Andrea Billups and Sarah Michaud

source: people.com