Where Was The Norad Santa Tracker, and Santa Claus, When I Needed Them?

Growing up Jewish, I didn’t have Christmas envy, but I had unmistakable Santa envy. My sister and I were always well taken care of come Hanukkah, so it wasn’t as if I was lacking in the gift department that time of year or any other. But I always felt like I was missing out on the fun of having a large stranger break into my house in the dead of night, eat my food and leave me a token of appreciation for allowing his herd of animals to rest for a moment on my roof. The only animals we ever saw on our street were a few stray cats and the occasional peacock. Reindeer on the roof would have been big news.
On Christmas Eve we used to schlep out to Long Island to my great aunt and uncle’s house. Uncle Buddy celebrated Christmas, so they always had a big party. I used to think because we were at their house, and they celebrated Christmas, that I might catch a glimpse of Santa Claus, that it would be my only chance. They didn’t have a big, live tree, but they had a little ceramic one that they parked on top of the TV or on the bar. It was delicate and pretty and I used to imagine the tiny presents that Santa would have to custom-make just to fit underneath it.
We ate Christmas cookies, played hide and seek with our cousins and ate more Christmas cookies. And every chance I got, I’d break away and retreat to the kitchen where I’d press my nose up against the window and decide that the sparkling stars in the cold night air were signs that Santa was at or nearing the eastern end of New York.
Even though my parents would have me change into my pajamas and brush my teeth before we got in the car to go home, assuming I’d fall asleep, I’d hold my eyes open on the drive home so I could stare into the sky. I thought the magic of Santa from being in Uncle Buddy’s house would stay with us until we got home, so it was always my last chance to see the big guy that year.
With the technology available today, namely tracking Santa so closely on NORAD’s website — now with Google Earth! — I imagine the difference that would have made if I had access to it when I was a kid. Then I could have known exactly when he was in my neighborhood. I didn’t need or want any gifts from him — seeing him and his crew would have been a present in and of itself.
I would have raced outside when the radars indicated he was on my street, given him and the reindeer a handful of treats, cautioned them that my neighbors’ German shepherd had a tendency to bite, and then let them know that the family across the street celebrated Christmas, but were really Jewish, too. And then I’d have given Santa and Co. a wink and a wave and let them go on their way.
Who knows, maybe I’ll keep my slippers handy and take a quick glance at the computer tonight. You know, just in case I’m awake at the right time. I can sneak outside and give him the scoop on a few people who’ve been more naughty and nice.

Dude Looks We Love: Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses have been around for nearly 100 years, making appearances in everything from “Top Gun” to Lindsay Lohan’s coffee runs. They’re a great look on both sexes, but there’s something so hot and mysterious about a guy in dark aviator sunglasses. Here are five reasons we love a man in aviators ...

The style is flattering on all face shapes, so it’s no exaggeration to say this is a great look for any guy.
While the vast majority of people who wear aviator sunglasses are not, in fact, aviators, some of them surely are. And there’s nothing sexier than chatting with a dude who may or may not pick you up for a first date in a fighter jet.
Since the style originated in the military, throwing on a pair of aviators creates a bit of the “man in uniform” effect, minus the jumpsuit.
Usually, when I see a picture of Zac Efron, I’m like, “Oh, that’s nice.” When I saw the above picture of Zac Efron wearing ray ban 2010 aviators I was like, “SWEET MOTHER OF GOD.”
Like the slouchy beanie (another Dude Look We Love), this manly accessory also looks great on women and is easily steal-able. So encourage your man to buy a pair, and then snag ‘em for yourself.

Woman who boasted smallest waist in the world wins 'America's Next Top Model'

The woman who won this season of “America’s Next Top Model” is the same contestant whose waist is so small that a male judge was able to wrap his hands around it.
Tyra Banks, the creator and host of the show, came under fire last summer when promos for the new season showed her gushing over the woman who boasted “the tiniest waist in the world.”
After Banks was seen praising the teen’s figure, she was forced to issue a statement explaining the promo.
‘In an effort to create a fun and entertaining sneak peek of the upcoming cycle, America’s Next Top Model released a trailer that was edited in a way that misconstrued our overarching message,’ Banks told People magazine.
But after all that, contestant Ann Ward, thomas sabo outlet a 6’2’’ woman with an ultra-thin figure, took home the title.
The 19-year-old Dallas native said she was once made fun of for her appearance.
“'All those comments about being tall and just not normal,” Ward said. “They're going to look back and feel "I should have been so nice to that girl."'
Banks has long been an advocate for size acceptance, featuring several plus size models on the popular show. She has been criticized for her own weight fluctuations, to which she told her critics in 2007, “kiss my fat a**”