What’s Bethlehem like today?
A feature story in the December issue of National Geographic reveals the state of modern-day Bethlehem, where a recently erected, three-story wall now keeps the city’s radical Palestinian residents (including presumed suicide bombers) away from nearby Jerusalem. According to the magazine, “the birthplace of Jesus is today one of the most contentious places on Earth.” 7) How do mall Santas get their jobs? “We work with a company called Cherry Hill Photo out of New Jersey,” says Asheville Mall Marketing Director Robyn Bacon. The thought of an outsourced Santa was rather depressing. But a scan of Cherry Hill’s Web site restored holiday cheer. If the company’s PR spiel is to be believed, then Asheville Mall-goers can be assured of one high-class Claus: “Last year alone we placed more than 300 naturally bearded Santas in malls and department stores throughout the country,” reads a passage on the home page. Naturally bearded! 8) Can you catch a buzz from wassailing? Why, yes! Wassail isn’t s
