Chimney Inspections Due

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Elves of Sector 4 – hola!

North Pole Flight Command has instructed me to begin collection of Chimney Inspection Reports within our sector. We are hoping to have these completed and turned in by November 19th.

If you are not a North Pole Elf, please use the freelance elf report form found at this link. Don’t forget to put your elf name on it! If you are an elf, use THIS REPORT.

Just as a reminder, chimney inspections are done FROM THE GROUND. Please do not get on a roof or climb a ladder for this assignment. Photos of the chimney help, but are entirely optional.

Please remember that the purpose of a chimney inspection is to report on whether or not you think the chimney will be safe for Santa to use. You can usually tell that from the ground. If the chimney is cracked, missing bricks or is otherwise in disrepair you will want to report that. Santa generally will not use a chimney if there is any sign of damage.

For some in our sector a chimney is NOT a standard feature of a dwelling. That’s okay. If there are no chimneys in your area, just report that.

Santa is quite comfortable and able coming into a home via a window or a door.

If you have people who ask you questions as an elf it is okay to tell them how Santa gets inside. Most people tend to think it works like some movies show – that somehow Santa squeezes into a pipe or portal that turns into a fireplaces as he descends into a house.

This is false, of course.

Santa conforms to all physical laws and does not change in size or shape in any way. If he cannot fit down a chimney he does not use it.

As an elf you can answer questions. In fact, we encourage you to do spread the truth about Santa and to help people with their questions as much as you can. Help is just what elves do.

Thank you for your service and please let me know if you have any questions.

Questions from Students and Teachers

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Santa Trackers Podcast
Santa Tracker Podcast
Questions from Students and Teachers
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Questions from students and teachers are featured in the newest episode of the Santa Trackers Podcast. I have been talking with school teachers from around the world for several months and answering their questions – well, most of their questions.

This episode features questions Elf Crash Murphy answers – and that’s because he follows Santa on Christmas Eve to report news of Santa’s flight on Kringle Radio. As expected, Crash’s experience proves very useful in answering some very tough questions.

I have more questions – but we’re saving those for an episode that will be appearing soon as part of the North Pole Podcast at SantaUpdate.com.

Do you have questions? Don’t be afraid to message them to me here on SantaTrackers.net or in the comments below. Your question might get featured on a podcast!

Elf Trixie

Elf Moe Makes an Announcement

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Elf Chat on Sunday, October 2nd, featured Elf Moe, who’s usual role is that of standards enforcement here on SantaTrackers.net. He also has served as a backup to Elf Max on administrative duties. In this important chat Elf Moe discusses with Elf Ernest the current situation with Elf Max, who has been ill these past several months.

Elf Max is on medical leave at this time, meaning other elves will be here on SantaTrackers.net to help out for a while. Here is the recap of the chat:

Elf MoeMoe here!  Reporting for duty
Elf ErnestHello, Moe. Sparse crowd today!
Elf UlanHello, Elf Moe!
Elf ErnestDidn’t you tell anyone there was a chat today?
Elf MoeHi Ulan!
Elf ErnestMoe…
Elf MoeOk, Ernest…ready
Elf ErnestWe’re going to be recording today’s chat folks
Elf ErnestWe have something of an announcement to make
Elf UlanOkay
Elf ErnestDo you want to do this, Moe?
Elf MoeYes, I got it.
Elf MoeSome of you have sent me messages in recent weeks regard the notable absence of Elf Max.
Elf MoeWe will address this as carefully as we can, to protect his privacy and to secure his standing.
Elf MoeSeveral months ago Elf Max got very ill. He spent some time in the hospital. He visited with his doctors and received some tough news about his condition and treatment options.
Elf MoeHe felt it best to submit his resignation and Santa rejected it. But, as is necessary, Elf Max has been unable to attend to his elf duties.
Elf UlanI’m sorry to hear that. I worried him
Elf MoeI want to make clear that Max is doing well. He’s had some serious treatment and still has more to go.
Elf MoeHe stops in now and then when he can.
Elf MoeBut he has not been able to do all that he wants to do.
Elf MoeIn recent weeks, several of us have been receiving training to help cover for Max while he is out.
Elf MoeIt is anticipated that Elf Max will be only working now and then between now and next summer. Santa has approved his leave and he will be back when his health permits in his usual position.
Elf MoeWe owe Max a great deal.
Elf MoeWhile he is out, I will be working as the primary contact here at SantaTrackers.net
Elf MoeOthers will also be stepping up to help out, notably, Elves Harold Starr, Frank Myrrh, and Crash Murphy. Elf Ernest will also be around more to lend a hand.
Elf MoeWe are no substitute for Elf Max and we all still have our own usual duties to perform.
Elf MoeWe just want all tracker elves to understand.
Elf MoeThe focus in the coming 12 weeks should be on your elf supervisor anyway. The rest of us will be handling site support and the posting of news as required. We will, of course, try to answer your questions if you would please direct them to one of us instead of Max.
Elf ErnestThanks, Moe. Great job.
Elf ErnestIs there news to share today for SantaTrackers?
Elf MoeThat’s really about it. The hard news will be handled by Elf Harold and Elf Trixie, mostly. I’ll handle site updates. We are working on a chat schedule with various elves for the next few months.
Elf ErnestOk, very good then. Are there any questions for Elf Moe today?
Elf MoeLooks like a short and sweet chat today, Ernest
Elf ErnestWell, hold on a sec, I have a few questions sent to me
Elf MoeReally? Ok, fire away
Elf UlanThank you, Elf Moe. Does Elf Max need a surgery?
Elf ErnestRegarding the moderation of new elves, how is that affecting things for tracking Santa this year?
Elf MoeElf Ulan, I’m not aware entirely of Elf Max’s medical situation. I just have heard it is serious. I understand he is on a treatment plan, which I think means medications. He has very regular doctors appointments. But I haven’t heard of any surgeries, no.
Elf MoeErnest, the new plan put in place to have new elf applicants work as freelance elves for 90 days means there will be NO new elves joining the elf community before Santa launches this year
Elf MoeThat is good news for the community
Elf ErnestYes, it seems rather peaceful
Elf MoeYes, we are getting many new signups but reporting from freelance elves seems challenged.
Elf ErnestWhen do you anticipate new elves in the community?
Elf MoeNot until next year. We have many freelancers working towards their qualifications. I think that means our new elves here will be strong once they qualify
Elf UlanOkay, I hope he will be going to feel better soon
Elf ErnestHow do you think the reporting is going this year so far?
Elf MoeThat is more of a question from Elf Roger. However, I can tell you that I was in a meeting this week where that was discussed and they seem to be happy with it so far
Elf ErnestSo that number of reports is not LOW?
Elf MoeNo, in fact, they are thrilled with it. And the quality of reports are MUCH MUCH better
Elf ErnestWow, that’s really good news.
Elf MoeYes, I think if Elf Max would have been here that news would have been shared earlier and better. I promise I’ll get better at sharing that kind of information.
Elf ErnestThank you, Elf Ulan, for thinking of Elf Max. I’m hoping he might feel well enough soon to join us for a chat some time
Elf MoeYes, we all pray for Elf Max.
Elf ErnestMoe, a question has been sent in regarding what elf supervisors will be asking of elves this year. Can you speak to that?
Elf MoeYes, I can. I attended that meeting too.
Elf MoeThe Elf Supervisors right now are not asking for a lot. But come November the requests will pick up a little. They are wanting information as it is needed, not dumped all at one time.
Elf ErnestWhat will Christmas Eve look like for tracker elves?
Elf UlanYes, I pray for him. And he can get anytime our community update too.
Elf MoeSanta and Roger actually met with the Elf Supervisors to discuss that. It will be a little different on December 22nd, 23rd and 24th…but it will still be busy for all tracker elves out there
Elf MoeElf Ulan – Elf Max does check in via his iPad all the time. Santa has got him on work restriction so he isn’t supposed to do things but he still allows him access to see what people are doing and saying. Sometimes Max gets bored and he calls me to do stuff
Elf ErnestSo trackers should still anticipate being needed on December 22nd, 23rd and 24th?
Elf MoeYes, most definitely.
Elf ErnestWill there be a tracker elf conference this year to talk about that?
Elf MoeYes, there will be. But we aren’t ready to announce it. Santa has some ideas about the right date.
Elf UlanOh, that’s good. I feel relieved that he can check it^^
Elf ErnestOk, we will wait for that news.
Elf MoeYes, for Elf Max it’s a tough time. But he WILL be tracking Santa like the rest of us on December 22nd-24th.
Elf ErnestOk, Moe. That’s great. And it’s all I have for now. Any last questions for Moe?
Elf MoeSorry, I’m not the best chatter. Looking back this chat seems a little depressing.
Elf ErnestOh no! You’re fine Moe
Elf ErnestThis wasn’t easy to talk about. Please don’t feel bad. You did a great job.
Elf MoeWell, thanks.
Elf UlanWill you often come to our community in the future?
Elf MoeI promise we’ll get Elf Crash or someone in here to chat real soon.
Elf MoeYes, Elf Ulan. I will be around as much as I can
Elf ErnestI look forward to it, Moe. Thanks again!
Elf MoeThanks everyone!

Test Flights Fail in Hurricane

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North Pole Flight Command just posted a stunning update: the test flights of Santa’s sleigh have failed during purposeful test flights into Hurricane Ian. Evidently Flight Command saw the catastrophic storm as an unusual opportunity and sent the test flights right into the path of the hurricane.

It didn’t go well.

Another version of the sleigh – Version 5 now, I think it is – had already been ordered and will be sent to somewhere in the southeast of the United States tomorrow. I’m told that this new version will test further over the next couple of days to “take advantage of the unsettled weather” before it will transition to Sector 2, where it will basically begin the flight testing routine over.

I have been reminded that this kind of thing is normal and nothing to worry about with more than 85 days remaining until Santa’s launch.

How have the reports been flowing from Sector 5 during this test run of the sleigh? Elf Pinky says the reports have been VERY strong and they have some real possibilities of actual photos of the sleigh in flight. She needs to confirm them before sharing but I’m convinced that one of our tracker elves actually did capture it. (Although Pinky did get LOTS and LOTS of photos of Jupiter this week, which was prominent in the night skies, that some thought was a sleigh).

What can trackers in Sector 2 anticipate as the test flights shift to their area?

I’m told night flights are the first order of business. That means sleigh visibility will be better.

Will the flights shift to further big weather events like new hurricanes? North Pole Flight Command says to bet on it. This is one of the more serious efforts in testing the sleigh and there could be a lot of storm chasing over the next two months. That is part of the reason why your weather reports are so important.

Some are writing in expressing great concern about Santa’s sleigh.

Many are concerned at the North Pole, too.

But I would just emphasize, once again, that Santa and the lead elves who head up the test flight project are not worried about Santa’s sleigh. There is plenty of time to work out the issues and some of what you’re reading here in the news is “normal” – it just doesn’t get shared much on a site like SantaUpdate.com. As elves, you should be able to handle tough news. So we share it here and hope that you will keep it “between us”, as other elves, rather than taking your concerns to the world on social media.

Elves don’t panic, okay?

Outage Affects News Operations

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All of the North Pole has struggled to maintain contact with the outside world since late last Wednesday night. A fierce and prolonged winter blizzard laid waste to new fiber optic cables being installed to upgrade North Pole infrastructure. The surprise storm also disrupted all outdoor activities and ground traffic as well as delayed flight operations at the sleigh port. Any Internet-connect device or system suffered significant downtime, a first for the North Pole.

As explained earlier today via North Pole Flight Command the storm hit while critical upgrades were being made. Normally, such intense weather is not seen during this time of the year at the North Pole. Elves in the Weather Tracking Department are examining what went wrong with their forecasts and why crews working the upgrades were not given more notice in advance of the storm.

“For all of our modern technology we still are not 100 percent accurate in predicting North Pole weather,” said Elf Seymour Snow, head meteorologist for the North Pole Weather Tracking Department. “This storm was aided by a cold front usually seen during the months of January and February – very cold, very swift and super fierce. It was the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane. That’s not unusual for the North Pole but it is unusual for this time of the year. We can handle it usually. But I think with the upgrades they were working on it made us a little vulnerable and the weather took complete advantage.”

Santa has had plenty to say to several departments about this storm. The Weather Tracking and Utilities Departments were not the only ones affected. Almost all departments were affected.

Elf Ernest tells me that he has checked in with all department heads and that the overall state of readiness for Operation Merry Christmas remains on track, although most departments fell “a little short” of their production goals for last week.

Elf Ernest also says some events were cancelled, shipments were missed and that the check-in of arriving reindeer was suspended during the course of the storm.

As of today it appears all operations at the North Pole are returning to normal since Internet connection has been restored.

North America Elves Go on Alert

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For the next two weeks Sector 5 will be home to the test flights of Santa’s sleigh. The time frame begins as the test flight pilots and reindeer shift to Mexico later this week to accept delivery of Version 4 of this year’s design.

From Mexico the flights will travel north to the United States and Canada, where days of testing are planned during fall weather in North America.

I am told these flights will be in our sector until at least October 1st.

I am also told the possibility of sleigh sightings is very high during the next few weeks.

Santa’s sleigh has not had an easy test flight experience this year. In fact, it is expected that Version 5 of the sleigh will be released likely next week, based on results from this week’s flights.

What is the problem?

Flight analysts and engineers are refusing to discuss it at this time. With about 100 days to go until Santa’s launch there appears to be plenty of time to get the issues resolved.

For our tracker elves in Sector 5 I would remind you that this test flight period is an opportunity for us to test some reporting functions. We already have a couple of report requests out, which are the real deal. You should be ready over the next two weeks to respond to some new requests.

Also, October marks the beginning of the fourth quarter of the year – the most important time of the year. The reports you send in and how you respond to requests – whether you are a freelance elf or a North Pole Elf – are vital to your annual review as an elf. You would be wise to remain on your toes.

That is all for today, elves.

Thank you for all your great work!

Freelance Elves Falling Behind

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A few months ago I made a recommendation that all freelance elves be given a 90-day probationary period before being allowed to join the Elf Community. Since that time we have halted all registrations so that Elf Supervisors can evaluate the effectiveness of freelance elves.

So far this initiative is failing.

After conferring with all Elf Supervisors from every sector it appears, since about 90 days have passed since we started this, that ZERO freelance elves are eligible at the time to become permanent North Pole Elves.

I would also note that we are quickly approaching the deadline for any new freelancers to qualify before Santa takes flight this year.

I’m not sure how Santa feels about this.

Elf Supervisors say that we are getting MORE reports from Freelance Elves than we are from North Pole Elves. However, those reports are lacking in detail and substance.

We believe it will get better. There is a large pool of freelance elves who have worked as freelancers for years. They want to keep it that way. I do not believe this pool of elves has actually shown up yet. I believe we will endure a long period of wanna-be elves who are entirely new to tracking Santa for Santa before we see those experienced freelancers show up.

I would remind you that our goal this year is not a number of elves. It is reports. Good reports. Useful reports. Timely reports.

You – our North Pole Elves of the SantaTrackers.net elf community – are doing an EXCEPTIONAL job. The Elf Supervisors are over the top about the good quality, frequency and substance of your report. In fact, I am hearing that some elf supervisors are not only planning on good reviews for most of you, but also plenty of promotions.

Keep up that good work. It’s getting noticed.

For our freelance elf friends – thank you for your efforts. Please go to Elf University. Learn. Reach out to your elf supervisor. They are there to help. If you really want to be a North Pole Elf and join the great elf community here then do your homework. It’s not hard work. But it is direct, and it is serious, and it is important.

Santa chooses his elves carefully.

I know he would love to see some freelance elves this year rise to the level needed of a real elf.

New Podcast Discusses the Great Sleigh Debate

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Santa Trackers Podcast
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New Podcast Discusses the Great Sleigh Debate
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Elf Trixie told us about it a week ago: all kinds of debate is raging about Santa’s Sleigh.

In an all new podcast episode Elves Frank Myrrh and Crash Murphy discusses the great sleigh debate and why it is not really that big of a deal. In fact, Elf Crash says it is hardly news.

This episode comes on the heels of another announcement just made about a change in the sleigh’s design. The next version of the sleigh will begin test flights this next week in Sector 1.

Where is this whole thing going? What does it mean for Santa and Christmas?

And, more importantly, what does it mean for tracker elves?

Give a listen to Frank and Crash to find out.

New Sleigh to Test Over Sector 1

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Santa’s sleigh has been working over the skies of Sector 3, and in recent days, over Sector 2. The test flights in these areas have been productive.

As a result of those flights we can now inform you that yet another new prototype sleigh has been produced and we will transition the sleigh yet again over the next several days.

Version 3, which is what we call the new sleigh prototype, features design tweaks meant to stabilize the sleigh at high speeds. Previous designs revealed stability issues under heavy cargo conditions, a frequent reality in Claus flight on Christmas Eve. We will dispatch test pilots and reindeer to Sector 1 for testing of this new version later this next week.

In addition, under the direction of the North Pole Navy and North Pole Flight Command, the SS Frosty will temporarily reposition to the Tasman Sea to support flight operations while in Sector 1.

We can also report that the operational condition of both the test pilot teams and the reindeer teams is exceptional.

We continue to enjoy the support of tracker elves around the world while the test flight program continues. The coming weeks will see each sector perform reporting in advance of Santa’s flight that are necessary for the success of the mission. We hope all tracker elves worldwide are engaged at this critical time.

Sector 2 Expecting Sleighs in the Skies

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Sector 2 trackers can have their first real chance at seeing sleighs in the skies over the coming few days. I’ve been told by Flight Command that some test flights will be over parts of our sector soon.

This is not expected to be a comprehensive time for us, unlike in recent days in Sector 3. I’m told it will only be three or four days. I have also been told that the flight path will be over “northern areas”, whatever that means.

The weather is supposed to be pretty good for these flights, day and night. The chances for seeing sleighs I’m told are pretty good given that the anticipated altitude will be fairly low.

Please report any sleigh sightings immediately.

Sector 5 Local Christmas Report

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Howdy, Elves!

I have to tell you, I was really disappointed by the two days of sleigh flybys we had. They just ran right through us.

I got a lot of reports of possible sleigh sightings but I got more questions than anything. The test flights have yet to come to our area and stay here for a little while.

I complained about that a little bit to Flight Command. After all, how are you guys supposed to get trained if we don’t get sleighs in the skies here?

Well, I guess they heard me. I got a call from Santa himself.

He said, “Pinky, send your elves out as soon as they can get out to do a Local Christmas Report.”

I love that report. Here’s what you need to know that Santa needs to know:

This is a report about the Christmas Spirit in your area. There are lots of signs that show up before Christmas that the Christmas Spirit is building. You can see it by noticing:

  • Christmas products in advertisements and on store shelves
  • Christmas trees being decorated or even cut down in some places
  • Christmas music on the radio
  • Christmas movies on TV
  • People talking about Christmas
  • Groups rehearsing Christmas plays or concerts

You know all the signs. Is it happening where you live? Maybe or maybe not. After all, we’re four months away still.

Either way, Santa wants to know what you see and what your think.

Let’s give him a good report before September 15th. He’ll probably want this report a time or two more before Christmas.

 

Chimney Inspections Needed

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Yes, it might seem a little early. But that is part of the point this year in our new reporting standards.

I am asking all elves in Sector 2 to begin chimney inspections now. Please visit this link to file your report.

Why now?

Well, first of all, most chimneys are not going to change much between now and when Santa gets there on Christmas Eve. Plus, the weather is good in most areas right now and doing an inspection should be easier. Without snow or other obstructions you should be able to easily see everything you need to see.

DO NOT get on the roof or on a ladder to do a chimney inspection. Doing so may void your contract as an elf. Santa forbids it.

You must do your inspection from the ground. If you have concerns please take pictures and send in a photo report.

Another good thing about doing chimney inspections now is that it give us time. If a close-up picture or inspection of a chimney is needed then we have time to send an elf team down from the North Pole for a closer look.

We need all elves in Sector 2 to inspect as many chimneys in their neighborhoods as they can BEFORE October 15th.

We realize that not every home has a chimney, especially in southern areas of our sector. That doesn’t matter. Don’t report on a home without a chimney. Just look for all the chimneys close to you that you can find and report on them.

Questions? Feel free to ask them in the comment area below.