Better Business Bureau Warns of Dangers on Santa Sites
The Better Business Bureau is advising parents to be on alert when it comes to “Dear Santa” sites this Christmas.
The BBB reports more than 60 domain names have been registered in the name of Santa Claus and not all have the same wholesome intent as the real Jolly St. Nick.
All of the sites offer children the opportunity to email Santa with their wish list but some could potentially share personal information.
Parents are encouraged to review the site before allowing their child access. They should be able to determine who is requesting the information, how it will be used and if it will be shared with third parties.
According to the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) all websites directed at children should display a privacy policy explaining the site’s information collection practices. The policy should also include the company’s name and complete contact information.
CARU offers the following tips when reviewing a “Dear Santa” site:
- Check to see what they want you to hand over. Websites directed to children should not ask a child to disclose more information than is reasonably necessary to participate in the activity – a first name and email address, for instance.
- Limit the personal information children share with Santa and omit physical addresses. In many cases, there really shouldn’t be a need to share this information. Especially since Santa already knows where all the children live.
- Check websites for unwelcome content. Some sites are geared toward adults and may contain language or advertising adults may not want children to see.
- Check the links. Since hyperlinks can allow children to move seamlessly from one site to another, investigate the hyperlinks to assure children don’t access inappropriate content.
Michael Buble Releases Track Listing for New Christmas CD
Michael Buble is getting his fans in the holiday spirit early this year with the October 24th release of his new album “Christmas.” His record label 143/Reprise Records confirmed today that the track listing for his highly anticipated new CD will include such classics as “White Christmas” with a guest appearance by fellow Canadian Shania Twain, “Jingle Bells” (with the Puppini Sisters), “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” and “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” In addition, Latin singing sensation Thalia joins Buble on “Feliz Navidad.” Also included in the CD is a new song “Cold December Night,” a Buble penned original written for the record.
Buble fans will also get to see Michael performing some of his favorite holiday tunes on his own upcoming NBC TV Special, which is scheduled to air in early December, along with a 60 Minutes profile, the NBC Christmas Tree Lighting (November 30th) and a return visit as musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” (December 17th).
“Christmas” was produced by David Foster, Bob Rock and Humberto Gatica and was recorded in LA and Vancouver and follows up his multi-platinum “Crazy Love” CD which sold over seven million copies.
MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS
TRACK LISTING: 1. “It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas” 2. “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” 3. “Jingle Bells” featuring The Puppini Sisters 4. “White Christmas” duet with Shania Twain 5. “All I Want for Christmas is You” 6. “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” 7. “Santa Buddy” 8. “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” 9. “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” 10. “Silent Night” 11. “Blue Christmas” 12. “Cold December Night” 13. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” 14. “Ava Maria” 15. “Mis Deseos/Feliz Navidad” duet with Thalia
A Christmas Story Bully Sues Over Use of His Image in Toys
The actor who played the red-haired bully Scut Farkus in the 1983 holiday movie classic “A Christmas Story” is suing Warner Bros. for profits from action figures and merchandise that he claims bare his likeness.
Reuters reported that Zack Ward filed a suit in California federal court last week, alleging that the studio did not seek his permission for use for consumer merchandise for the film.
In the lawsuit, Ward’s attorney Randall Newman claims that when the actor was cast, his role was minor — until the director decided to give him the lead bully’s lines due to his height. Despite the change with the role, Ward’s attorney claims the actor kept his original contract that did not include a standard provision that gives the production company rights to use the actor’s likeness for merchandise.
According to Reuters, Warner Bros. spokesperson said the studio did not receive a copy of the lawsuit yet and declined comment. But according to the legal papers, the studio denies that, while the costume worn by the action figure is similar to Ward’s wardrobe in the film, the face of the action figure is not Ward’s.
Ward is seeking to recover profits from the sales of the action figures, along with punitive damages.
The actor also is suing the company National Entertainment Collectibles Association over the alleged use of his image in board games related to “A Christmas Story.”
