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CAT Tracks for December 24, 2004
FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT |
For your reading pleasure during this holiday season . . .
MERRY CHRISTMAS (In Legalese):
Please accept without obligation, express or implied, these best wishes for
an environmentally safe, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive,
and gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday as practiced
within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your
choice (but with respect for the religious or secular persuasions and/or
traditions of others, or for their choice not to practice religious or
secular traditions at all) and further for a fiscally successful,
personally fulfilling, and medically uncomplicated onset of the generally
accepted calendar year (including, but not limited to, the Christian
calendar, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other
cultures). The preceding wishes are extended without regard to the race,
creed, age, physical ability, religious faith or lack thereof, choice of
computer platform, or sexual preference of the wishee(s).
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS:
Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a
certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general
lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a
mouse.
A variety of foot apparel, e.g., stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by
and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St.
Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus (hereinafter "Claus") would
arrive at sometime thereafter. The minor residents, i.e. the children, of
the aforementioned House were located in their individual beds and were
engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of
confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or
sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.
Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as
("I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the party of
the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a
sustained period of sleep. At such time, the parties were clad in various
forms of headgear, e.g., kerchief and cap.
Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the
unimproved real property adjacent and appurtenant to said House, i.e., the
lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance.
The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House
to investigate the cause of such disturbance.
At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of
wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter "the Vehicle")
being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately
eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact
was, the previously referenced Claus.
Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to
the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal
co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid,
Donner and Blitzen (hereinafter "the Deer"). (Upon information and belief,
it is further asserted that an additional co- conspirator named "Rudolph"
may have been involved.)
The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer
intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences
located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the
Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown
origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either
express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered
said House via the chimney.
Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with
residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion
of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items.
He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant
violation of local ordinances and health regulations.
Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the
minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other
small gifts. (Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor
pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.)
Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew,
rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the
Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately
departed for an unknown destination.
However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said
House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim:
"Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" Or words to that effect.