Mrs. MM

Too Funny not to share

2010-04-05T11:19:00.001-07:00

If you are at least 30, or older (like most of us), you might think this> is hilarious!>> When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious> diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up; what> with walking twenty-five miles to school every morning.... Uphill...> Barefoot... BOTH ways… yadda, yadda, yadda...>> And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way in> hell I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on my kids about how> hard I had it and how easy they've got it!> But now that I'm over the ripe old age of at least thirty, I can't help> but look around and notice the youth of today. You've got it so easy! I> mean, compared to my childhood, you live in a damn Utopia! And I hate to> say it, but you kids today, you don't know how good you've got it!>> I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to> know something, we had to go to the damn library and look it up> ourselves, in the card catalog!!>> There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter - with a> pen! Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in> the mailbox, and it would take like a week to get there! Stamps were 10> cents!>> Child Protective Services didn't care if our parents beat us. As a> matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to> kick our ass! Nowhere was safe!>> There were no MP3's or Napster or iTunes! If you wanted to steal music,> you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself!>> Or you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and the DJ> would usually talk over the beginning and @#*% it all up! There were no> CD players! We had tape decks in our car.. We'd play our favorite tape> and "eject" it when finished, and then the tape would come undone> rendering it useless. Cause, hey, that's how we rolled, Baby! Dig?>> We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone> and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it!>> There weren't any freakin' cell phones either. If you left the house,> you just didn't make a damn call or receive one. You actually had to be> out of touch with your "friends". OH MY GOD!!! Think of the horror...> not being in touch with someone 24/7!!! And then there's TEXTING. Yeah,> right. Please! You kids have no idea how annoying you are.>> And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had> no idea who it was! It could be your school, your parents, your boss,> your bookie, your drug dealer, the collection agent... you just didn't> know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!>> We didn't have any fancy PlayStation or Xbox video games with> high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600! With games like> 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your screen guy was a little square!> You actually had to use your imagination!!! And there were no multiple> levels or screens, it was just one screen... Forever! And you could> never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and> faster until you died! Just like LIFE!>> You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on!> You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off> your ass and walk over to the TV to change the channel!!! NO REMOTES!!!> Oh, no, what's the world coming to?!?!>> There was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on> Saturday Morning. Do you hear what I'm saying? We had to wait ALL WEEK> for cartoons, you spoiled little rat-finks!>> And we didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something up, we had> to use the stove! Imagine that!>> And our parents told us to stay outside and play... all day long. Oh,> no, no electronics to soothe and comfort. And if you came back inside...> you were doing chores!> And car seats - oh, please! Mom threw you in the back seat and you hung> on. If you were lucky, you got the "safety arm" across the chest at the> last moment if she had to stop suddenly, and if your head hit the> dashboard, well that was your fault for calling "shot gun" in the first> place!>>> See! That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it> too easy. You're spoiled rotten! You guys wouldn't have lasted five> minutes back in 1980 or any time before!>> Regards,> The Over 30 Crowd> (Send this to someone you'd like to make smile)>

Don't know who wrote it but it is soooooo true!

Taggers

2010-04-01T07:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, that lovely art work you see all over the place, adorning train cars, street signs, freeway signs, houses and fences. Driving down Roseville road seeing the train go by or the train cars at the rail yard is a common occurrence. The house across the street from us is empty and constantly vandalized. Even when we were buying our house 2 1/2 years ago the for sale sign was tagged. Why do people tag? Boredom I suppose. One thing that has occurred to me is some of these people that do this are actually talented and should probably figure out how to use that talent in a more productive manner. They could possibly be fine artists. Until they get that message though we will continue to see the handy work pretty much anywhere we drive.

Pan Handlers

2010-03-29T09:18:00.000-07:00

They have always been around but as the economy has gotten worse they seem to be around even more. You can't seem to get gas, step out of your car at the store or drive by any corner anymore where there is not someone asking for money. I was approached twice in the last 3 days. I do not give these people money(maybe once or twice I have but no more). You don't know if they are scamming, if they are going to buy drugs and alcohol or what. If I have food on me I will give them food and have driven through the drive thru at Taco Bell and got someone a taco once.

I have a feeling though the numbers of these people are just going to increase. Just yesterday I had a woman approach me with a sign "3 kids no money" she was pushing a child in a stroller. This was at Costco and she was approaching everyone in the parking lot. I can honestly tell you I tell these people " I don't carry cash" and I don't that is the convenience now of ATM/Debit cards.

Best of Mrs MM.... Part 2

2010-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cows Can't Really Talk posted on June 2, 2005

Protesters...... give me a break. Yesterday, I was listening to the radio on my way home and heard about the protesters downtown again. This time it was P.E.T.A. "The CA dairy farmers are lying to you." "CA cows are not happy." O.K.! Did we really believe that they were? They were protesting the CA happy cow commercials. I swear people will protest about anything. OH NO the wind is blowing south instead of north like the weather man said. Let's protest! Hurry quick we got to get to the TV station. You think I am exaggerating. NO! Can you tell me how many of those protesters drink milk? Guess what, it comes from CA. I think it was Rick Stewart yesterday that said something really funny after that story and they had broke into traffic. "Wait till P.E.T.A. finds out cows can't really talk." That made me laugh so hard. I really enjoy the CA Cow commercials and what do you mean Cows can't talk? Really? Since when? The point is give it a rest people. If you really want to protest quit buying cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream made with milk and any other dairy product that you come across. If you are buying it in CA, there is a pretty good chance it is from CA. I love milk and beef so P.E.T.A, take that.

Best of Mrs MM

2010-03-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

For lack of something to say today(no wise cracks either Mr MM) let's visit post from July 26, 2005

Chocolate

Oh the allure of it! The enticing aroma and taste as it melts in your mouth. How can anyone not love it. I actually know people who do not like chocolate. That is just weird. Ok on to my comments for the day.I work in an office of about 175 people(and getting bigger), spread out over 3 suites and 2 buildings. I work in a suite of about 60 people. The funny thing is there are only a few people that come by my desk when they have a question about something. Those are the same few all the time. Alas, put chocolate on your desk and you have people coming in droves by your desk. People you don't see very much of, unless passing in the hall or passing by their desks, come to visit. You are all of the sudden very popular. They can not miss the tantalizing packaging of a little gold Snicker's mini, or the silver of the 3 Musketeers mini. The aroma of someone opening the foil of a Reese's Peanut Butter cup mini as it wafts through the suite and can not help but touch the nose of someone that rarely ventures by your desk. How about the sound that travels as someone is dropping M&M's into a bowl. That little tinkling sound as the plain ones call to you, "here I am come get me." So let it be known that if you are feeling a tad bit lonely and would like visitors, just put a bowl of chocolate on your desk. If you pour it they will come....

...and today, this still happens at my desk as I have candy on it now. I think it is funny the ones that walk up and ask "oh, can I have a piece" Duh people, that is what it is there for.

Will you live as Long as a FruitCake?

2010-03-24T08:00:00.001-07:00

Not likely.....
I like to watch this show on the History Channel called "Life After People" as the beginning disclaimer states this is not how we might disappear, but what happens to the world we leave behind. The first segment is "one day after people." I love this show, and on the last one I just watched it talked about the food and things we eat and about how they decompose. One thing they talked about was a Fruit Cake and why it has such a long shelf life. Example was a story of a 130 year old Fruitcake that some Grandma had made and right after it was made passed away. The family kept the fruitcake until some Great-Great grandson took a bite of it 130 years later and he said it tasted fine. I thought to myself, gross! Do you really want to eat something that lives longer than you? This brings me to my topic of discussion.

I came across this article and don't know if I really want to buy my son anymore McD's Happy Meals.

McDonald's food not only tastes like plastic, it lasts as long as plastic.

A Denver nutritionist kept a Happy Meal out for a whole year just to see what would happen, and was shocked when the popular fast-food item hardly changed at all. Instead of decomposing like normal leftovers, the Happy Meal aged like a Greek statue, said Joann Bruso on her Web site BabyBites.com.

"It sat on my shelf for a year as a silent witness to our fast-food industry," she wrote. "It NEVER smelled bad. The food did NOT decompose.

I am not sure if this will ever stop me from eating McD's, but I will always think about this article when I do.

Technology is not an Excuse

2010-03-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Someone sent me an email said it was a quote from Jay Leno. Who knows, who cares, but it did have some valid points in it. Basically in point to why we have fat and lazy kids in this generation. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of those from my generation. Can we blame technology? No, as I have always said and stood by; media, music, movies, and technology are not to blame.

When I was growing up in the 70's in Phoenix my brother and I were always outside, granted we did not have MTV(but the mid 70's did see video games, and we had them), we had bikes, skateboards, and a pool. We were always outside even in the 100+ heat days. We loved to be outside, today there are still kids out there that do, but a lot less and people want to blame kid obesity on technology. Bikes, skateboards and good old fashioned fresh air(yes it is still fresh is some places) still exist. I blame parents, kick your kid outside and get their butt off of the computer and away from TV. It is what parents do that influence a child. You say it's not safe, well it wasn't then either but you have to be smart about it. Fewer and fewer parents show interest in their child's lives and what they are doing, less communication. This is what is causing obesity, delinquency and just plan out and out rudeness and lack of respect. I am not saying all parents are like this.

How do I know this, from experience. I have a soon to be 21 year old and a 4 year old and made those mistakes with my oldest. I won't with my youngest. I make sure I pay every bit of attention and take an interest in everything my 4 year old does when he says "mama watch this," you bet I am. Sad to say I learned that lesson late. I definitely make sure I take interest in my oldest now. I can't change how she was raised though. I made it a point to learn from that mistake.

You can't blame technology and junk food, blame the parents for giving it to them. My daughter and my son don't struggle with their weight, my daughter always loved to be outside and so does my son now. I am lucky enough to own a house with a screened-in back porch and he is out there as much as he can be. As he says "go out there?" I will always encourage that and keep the communication going. Don't get me wrong my son loves french fries and he does get them, but not daily.

Seaweed now?

2010-03-22T12:16:00.000-07:00

As someone who has struggled with their weight for many years(didn't use to be that way) I have tried many diets and many ways to lose weight. The proverbial "they" are always coming up with new fangled diets and new fangled exercise equipment to pump us up and get us excited about dieting. Yeah, right, well I came across this article today about seaweed.

Seaweed could be the answer to the obesity epidemic, potentially reducing the body's fat retention by more than 75 percent.

A fibrous material in sea kelp called alginate was better at preventing fat
absorption than most over-the-counter slimming treatments, researchers at
Newcastle University in the U.K. found.

Check out the article here and make your own opinion, but personally I am not running for the nearest ocean for a kelp dive.

Note: Mrs MM is currently again on a diet and I am really liking this one. I will let you know how it works out.

Healthcare Reform

2010-03-21T19:17:00.000-07:00

What do you think this means for our country? No matter what side of the fence you are on it is one ugly debate and now it is upon us.
I Mrs MM being in the healthcare field and being in a self-funded and self-insured business knows that this is not a good thing for us. I have been with the same company for over 10 years and have seen many changes in our healthcare coverage. I am not a supporter of Obama and his 2 year old temper tantrums he throws because he doesn't get his way. I do believe there are fixes needed in our healthcare coverages and benefits but forcing a deal and laws down the peoples throat because you as the President have to throw your weight around is not the answer. I am sorry, but how do you people of this nation that voted for him, think that "hope and change" is working out for you? The taxes are coming and those of us that already owe taxes do not wish to pay more! Thank You Obama and libtard Pelosi

THE B-I-B-L-E

2009-07-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

One of Parker's favorite Sunday School songs is:

The B-I-B-L-E. Yes, that's the book for me. I stand alone on the Word of God. The B-I-B-L-E. And he is living up to the song. In his 3 months as a Royal Ranger at church, he has memorized the Scripture verse for each month.

1. "Jesus...went around doing good." Acts 10:38.

2. "Do not be afraid. God is with you." Joshua 1:9.

3. "Honor your father and your mother." Deuteronomy 5:16.

Not bad for a three year old, huh? Dad is pretty proud.

MY GOD IS SO BIG

2009-07-09T22:15:00.001-07:00

There is a well known Christian praise choruse that goes:

"My God is so big, so strong and so mighty.

There's nothing my God cannot do."

Before my son Parker was born, we learned he would have some health struggles, such as Cerebral Palsy and development delay. So while he was still in the womb, I began singing a different version of that song to him.

"My son is so big, so strong and so mighty.

There's nothing my son cannot do."

It was my way of preparing him for life and letting him know that whatever his challenges were, I believed in him.

Now at the age of 3, I still sing that song to him. But he always corrects me. He doesn't want me to sing the "My son is so big" version. He wants to hear the "My God is so big" version. He is a young boy who wants to honor God. That does my heart good.

PALIN TOP FIVE

2009-07-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

The top 5 best political moves by Gov. Sarah Palin. We love you Sarah.

1. Giving birth to Trig. -- Classy, godly. The right thing to do.
2. Her Republican convention speech. -- charisma oozed out of her. She had us eating out of her hands.
3. Her debate performance. -- "Can I call you Joe?"
4. Her opening speech of the campaign, on her first day with Sen. McCain. -- charming, funny, confident.
5. Her willingness to call out Obama for his "palling around with terrorists." Gutsy. And somebody needed to do it. Way to go Gov. Palin!

Chronicles Country

2009-07-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

We desperately need to be a 2 Chronicles 7:14 nation. Don't know how to make that happen. But that is my desire.

"If my people, who are called by my name will humble themselves, search for me, pray and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their country." 2 Chronicles 7:14

THOUGHTS ON PALIN

2009-07-04T15:27:00.000-07:00

So sorry to see Gov. Palin resign in Alaska. The demonic, mean-spirited attacks against her and her family would have driven me out of politics long ago. As best I can tell, she is a godly woman trying to stand up for what she believes in. And the Left must destroy that. My heart aches.

JAMMIN' WITH THE JO BROS.

2009-07-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

In honor of Kevin Jonas' announced engagement, let us celebrate with my top 5 favorite Jonas Brothers songs of all time.

1. Burnin' Up. Awesome video. Great song.

2. Year 3000. The first Jo Bros song I really liked. Super catchy. Fun video.

3. That's Just the Way We Roll. Great rock 'n roll fun.

4. Paranoid. Silly but catchy song. The rhyming scheme really works for me.

5. A Little Bit Longer. This is Nick Jonas' song about his diabetes and I love his reference to "kingdom come."

TALK RADIO'S BEST TALKERS

2009-06-30T21:51:00.001-07:00

As a conservative Christian, I avoid much of the main street media because of it's blatant liberal bias. So as a result I rely on conservative talk radio for much of my news and analysis. Here is a list of my 5 favorite conservative radio talk show hosts:

1. Hugh Hewitt. Listen to him daily. Met him last month in Sacramento. Appreciate his wisdom and his Christian faith.

2. Rush Limbaugh. Don't get to listen to him every day. But he is the master of the humorous political parody, and of succinctly telling it like it is.

3. Laura Ingraham. She is no longer on in the Sacramento market and I miss hearing her program.

4. Sean Hannity. I don't watch him much on the tube, but I do enjoy his high energy, fast-paced radio program. I really like tuning into his show when there is a scandal brewing.

5. Tie between Michael Medved and Dennis Prager. Hardly ever get to listen to their programs. But when I do, I am always impressed with their passionate defense of Judeo-Christian values in America.

DCOM TOP 5

2009-06-30T12:49:00.000-07:00

With a little one, we watch a lot of the Disney channel in our household. By rights, it makes sense then that we watch a lot of DCOMs (Disney Channel Original Movies). Here is my current list of my 5 favorite DCOMS.

1. High School Musical 2.

2. Hatching Pete.

3. Minute Men.

4. High School Musical.

5. Tie: Camp Rock and Princess Protection Plan

NOTE: High School Musical 3 would be on this list if it were eligible. But since it was released first in theaters, it is not technically at DCOM.

IPOD ITINERARY

2009-06-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Just for random fun, here are the next 5 songs on my MP3 player, while it is on Scramble. Let's see how eccentric my music tastes turn out to be.

1. Voices Carry by 'Til Tuesday.

2. Sure Enough by my all time fave, Amy Grant.

3. Shower the People by James Taylor.

4.Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree by Amy Grant.

5. Christmas Can't Be Very Far Away by Amy Grant.

Oh well, so much for variety -- 3 Amy Grant songs. And two of them are Christmas songs. But Christmas music is great all year long.

GALL MY CHILDREN

2009-06-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

I grew up watching "All My Children" (AMC) and other ABC soaps with my Grandma. As a teenager, I caught episodes during the summers. And in 2002, during a 9 month period of unemployment, I became reacquainted with AMC and the daily escapades of Susan Lucci's Erica Kane. It has been 7 years since I tuned in, but I can't say I am sorry that I am missing it. According to what I read in TV Guide, AMC, and practically every other daytime serial, is rushing into gay-themed storylines. Not only is Erica Kane's daughter Bianca a lesbian, but AMC even experimented with a separate transgender storyline. I don't understand the fascination with pushing the envelope and exploring gay romance. TV Guide's soap opera columnist Michael Logan seems to demand it! While the worldly may eat it up, it alienates a lot of viewers with traditional and conservative values. With the overall audiences for daytime dramas slipping, we may, unfortunately see more gay and lesbian characters in an effort to shore up a niche audience. In the long run, though, this is not a formula that God can bless.

HIGH SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

2009-06-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

I have been an active Facebook user for about 8 months now. I love it. It has allowed me to reconnect with so many former classmates, co-workers and relatives. I have a lot of fun on Facebook. And recently I have started looking at it as a ministry. I have had the chance to share aspects of my Christian faith with 3 friends from high school. That has been a privilege and I am praying for more opportunities in the future. But even with the fun and the ministry outlook, I still find those old insecurites from high school creeping in. Does this person even remember who I am? Will they want to confirm me as a friend? Will they understand my post and get my sense of humor? That person hasn't written to me in a while, are they upset with me? Did I do something wrong? I swear, all these insecurites are exhausting. It is just like being back in high school again.

CHRISTMAS IN JUNE

2009-06-22T04:46:00.001-07:00

Our 3 year old son Parker loves to sing. And lately all he has wanted to sing is Christmas carols. Maybe it is because his favorite toy is a stuffed animal reindeer with a red nose we call Rudolph. So of course we sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" along with "Winter Wonderland" and "Go Tell It On the Mountain." Obvioulsy "Go Tell It On the Mountain," made famous by Mahalia Jackson (see above) is considered a Christmas song because it is about the birth of Christ. But even more so than a holiday carol, it strikes me as a song about missions. The song says that we are to tell the message of Christ "on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere." Sounds a lot like the Scripture -- "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" (Mark 16:15). I've never heard the song sung in church outside of the Christmas season but it would be a perfect theme for a missions service or conference. And it is the perfect song to sing with Parker to celebrate Christmas, and teach him about missions, all year long.

RICH IS RIGHT

2009-06-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

I read this verse in my morning devotional today. Maybe this is why I am a Republican:

Ecclesiastes 10:2 - "The heart of the wise inclines to the right (emphasis mine), but the heart of the fool to the left."

AND IRAN SO FAR AWAY FROM SAYING ANYTHING

2009-06-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today will be a telling day in the history of Iran. And yet the current administration in the U.S. isn't telling anything of meaning to the protestors in Iran wanting greater freedom and democracy. President Obama has not done anything to stoke the fires of freedom and the end to that nation's oppressive regime. It's not polite to question what his religious ties are. And it is not appropriate to accuse him of lacking patriotism. Yet when lives are on the line, he does not have the courage or will to speak out against radical oppression and promote democracy. I think he is telling us more about himself than he wants us to know.

FLY IN OUR OINTMENT

2009-06-19T07:04:00.001-07:00

We abort a million babies a year in the U.S.A., to our great shame. Yet PETA is concerned about the fly President Obama killed during a recent on-camera interview. Our priorities are so screwed up.

It is interesting to note that the fly appeared while he was dissing FOX News. Thus far, FOX has been the only TV media outlet willing to criticize our President and hold him to account. The other networks are shameless shills for his administration.

May this blog be another annoying fly in his ointment.

DRIVE BY KISSES

2009-06-18T12:41:00.000-07:00

I spend a lot of time for my job in my car. At least once a week I find myself making a delivery or picking up a client in the neighborhood where my wife works. So I have developed a romantic little gesture that she loves. We call it the Drive By Kiss. Whenever I am in her neck of the woods, I call her and give her 5 minutes notice. Then I call again when I make it to the parking lot. She meets me out front of her office building, and the makeout session begins. OK, it's not quite that hot and heavy. But it is a nice way to add a little pizazz and romance to your day. And bring a smile to your wife's face. Husbands, if you have the ability to work drive by kisses into your routine, believe me, it pays dividends.

IRAN and IRAQ

2009-06-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

Would regime change and the freedom it might bring even be possible in Iran if not for the U.S. invasion of Iraq and that country's movement toward real democracy? I think not. Praise God for George W. Bush and the American military. May God bring peace and freedom to the oppressed people of Iran.

CALLING ALL SOLDIERS

2009-06-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Recently, a caller on the Sean Hannity Show said her son was leaving this week for basic training. She described his decision to join the military as a "calling", as if it was something he was born to do. She said she was very proud of her son and his decision, and indeed we all should be. For those like me who grew up in Christianity, we're familiar with the idea of a "calling." It seems it is most closely identified with religion, as if God has "called" you into the ministry, spoke to you directly and told you to become a pastor or a missionary. But I believe it can be applied to other fields as well, outside of religion. After all, this young man felt "called" to be a soldier. And in these dangerous times that we live in, we should all be thankful he did. I read an interesting book that talks about this drive in men and boys. "Wild at Heart" by John Eldredge talks about how God creates boys to be rambunctious, rowdy, to play with toy guns and pretend to be cowboys and Indians or cops and robbers. We need boys to play like this. Our society needs to let boys be boys. Sure, they need to follow the rules at school and obey the law, but don't try to feminize them and take away their toy guns or their rowdiness. Let them be and act like boys. After all, we may one day need them to harness that rowdiness, that energy to become soldiers. Thank God there are so many men who are willing to do just that.

PRANKS FOR NOTHING

2009-06-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

I work for a well-advertised business in Northern California. TV advertisements for the company run multiple times daily. In addition to the TV exposure, the business has a uniquely memorable phone number. So between the TV ads and the easy to remember phone number, we get a lot of business. And a lot of prank phone calls.Usually it is my job to check the voicemail for messages. We usually get about 10-15 prank calls a day. And on the weekends, when the office is closed, we get a ton of prank calls. (Real cowards!) I checked messages earlier and of 42 messages, only 5 were legitimate business calls. That means we got 37 PRANK PHONE CALLS in less than 24 hours. That is pathetic.

Now you might think that most of the pranksters are youngsters. And many of them are. Their cheesy calls for pizza orders and attempts at humor are annoying, but not the end of the world. More of the young people calling though with a hankering for a prank these days are using violent and sexually suggestive language in their pranks. This is disturbing. When an 11 year old voice leaves a message either in person or on the machine that is of a distinctly sexual nature, something has gone terribly wrong in this child's life. I know kids, especially teenagers, need a chance to rebel. And prank phone calls are probably one of the safest ways for kids to do that. I understand. But when the prank phone call is stuff that I, as a 41 year old male, wouldn't even say in public, then I think there's a problem.

You might also think that all of the pranksters are young. You'd be wrong. I am repeatedly shocked at how many adult voices leave nonsense and derogatory messages on our voicemail. Sure, I get a few heavy breathers. But the business also gets random death threats and extremely graphic descriptions of bedroom behavior. Don't these adults have better things to do with their lives then to leave anonymously nasty messages? I am embarrassed for them. Maybe they think they are being funny or clever. Trust me, when you leave a prank message as an adult, you are only being pathetic.

I wonder if anyone has ever done a scholarly study on the changing content of prank phone calls. I bet it would be a fascinating study. And I would guess that the content has become much more graphic over the years. It brings a whole new meaning to using the phone to reach out and touch someone.

TEACHABLE LESSONS AT "HOME"

2009-06-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

May I suggest that if you are a parent with (young) children still living at home, you encourage your family to make watching ABC's reality series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition a weekly assignment. Mrs. Media Matters and I enjoy this show. Every episode depicts an American family down on their luck, through circumstances of illness, injury, poverty or the like. The program, and it's charismatic carpentry staff, come on the scene and renovates the family's home. Through this gesture, the family is encouraged and enlivened and given a second chance. Home Makeover, I as I like to call it, is always fun, silly and moving. Mrs. Media Matters and I cry almost every episode as the individuals and families are touched by the generosity that has been bestowed upon them. It is dramatic and heartwarming TV at it's best. But even more than that, it can serve as an object lesson to American children and families who have never known poverty or severe trauma. Watch it with your kids and discuss the program and the family afterwards. Remind your children of all that they have to be grateful for and encourage them to take risks in helping those less fortunate, as Ty, Paige, Paul, Tracy and Michael do every week.

MM's meet Hugh Hewitt

2009-05-06T12:22:00.001-07:00

Wow, that was fun. We went to the William Jessup University last night for a forum featuring speakers Hugh Hewitt, Michael Medved and Dennis Prager. Let's just say Mr MM was more interested in this than I was and very excited to meet Hugh Hewitt. Mr MM has been a long time fan and listener of his show. I listen to Hugh too, but I do like Mike Gallagher in the mornings on KTKZ. All in all it was very interesting and they are smart guys to listen too. I did find in very informative and interesting. Here are some pics from the evening. Long time readers of this blog(I know there are very few of you) know I do share the conservative views.

Mr. MM should post more on this subject and how he felt about the whole evening. I can relate how excited he was to meet Hugh! Just look at his face.

THANK GOD

2009-04-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

I write a lot of thank you notes. And then one day recently it hit me. I should write a thank you note to God. I've been looking for ways to show Him my gratitude and grow closer to Him. I use nice stationary and write thank yous to everyone else. Why shouldn't I write one to Him. So lately I have been. I use my note cards to thank Him for different stuff every day. I have thanked Him for helping me get back into tithing, for reacquainting me with old friends via Facebook, for the joy I get hearing my son sing praise songs from church, simple stuff like that. It is popular in our culture, when something goes our way, to say "thank God." Well now I don't just say it, I get out a thank you card and write it down.

PERSONALIZING THE PRAYER OF JABEZ

2009-03-11T17:01:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed Dr. Bruce Wilkinson's small book, "The Prayer of Jabez." He encourages his readers to pray this Old Testament prayer, from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, as a part of their daily life. I believe it is an expression of a desire to increase your influence for God. I disagree with those who take a cynical view that it is a cry for monetary blessing. I have been trying to incorporate it into my prayer and journal time. If I personalize it with my name, this is what it reads like:

Rich prayed to the God of Israel saying, "Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil, that I might not cause pain." So God granted Rich what he requested.

Book Fairs

2009-03-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

As I was following a Scholastic Book Fair truck this morning it made me think of the days when I looked forward to those at school. Do you remember that book fair? I think most elementary schools had those. You would also get the order form so you could order. Well today as an adult I still look forward to the book fairs that are put on by Books Are Fun. They come to our office complex and set up. You can ask Mr. MM, I spend anywhere from $50.00 to $100.00 everytime. I do buy something for everyone though. Just ask Mr. MM he made a killing on the last one I went to for Christmas. Well it is almost spring time so I believe they should be coming soon. I do know that Books are Fun does have it's on website so you might want to check them out. I did just go to the webpage and looks like Books are Fun is in some sort of transistion at this time with another company. I hope that doesn't mean we won't get are next book fair.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS?

2009-03-09T07:00:00.000-07:00

What do you make of this?
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=91097

As best I know David Wilkerson is a credible man of God. On the one hand, with as much spiritual warfare as I have sensed lately, it wouldn't surprise me. On the other hand, I have no firsthand knowledge from God that what he says will come to pass. But, it got my attention. Just curious as to what you think.

WE'RE SCREWED

2009-03-08T07:34:00.000-07:00

I think Pres. Obama is a terrible leader. I thought he would be months before he was elected. I have never been impressed with him in any way. I think his policies are either socialistic or evil or both. And now there is this link. (Hat tip to Hot Air, one of my favorite sites.) Now we have reason to believe Obama may be in over his head. Whether it is the fact that he is evil, a socialist or just plain a buffoon, either way we're screwed.

FRIDAY FAMILY FILM

2009-03-07T12:10:00.000-08:00

Back in December I wrote that I took Parker to his first movie, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." He liked it, laughed at the silly dogs. But we didn't make it through the whole film. Parker got restless and we had to leave early. Well, the movie came out on DVD and we purchased it this week to add it to Mrs. MM's massive DVD collection. So last night we had our first Friday family film night. And daddy got to see the ending of the movie. It is a cute film. Critics who dis the flick are missing the point. It is a family film, intended to make kids laugh and smile. And it easily achieves that goal. It doesn't need to accomplish anything else. So lighten up, already. And if you need a good Friday family film, the MM family recommends "Beverly Hills Chihuahua."

MY FAVORITE DAYTIME TALK SHOW

2009-03-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

For years, decades even, my favorite talk show host was always Regis Philbin. But ever since Kathie Lee left, I realized that maybe I liked her more than I did him. And now I have moved on to a new favorite: the Bonnie Hunt Show. She is so likeable and funny and a great storyteller. Come to think of it, those are the same qualities I admire in Regis and Kathie Lee. I highly recommend you check out the Bonnie Hunt Show. It is wholesome, humorous fun.

DISNEY CHANNEL DATING

2009-03-03T23:32:00.000-08:00

Handy Manny, on the Disney Channel, is one of my 2 year old son's favorite shows. Mrs. MM really likes it, too. Here's my question: Handy Manny is single. So is the lady who owns the hardware shop where he buys his supplies, Kelly. Yes, even though it is only a cartoon, there is obvious attraction there. And they have so much in common. Why hasn't Manny asked her out on a date already? Come on, these two cartoon characters deserve to be happy!

ONE WORD ANSWERS

2009-03-01T16:08:00.000-08:00

One Word Answers, challenged to do by my friend Mary on Facebook. Facebook is my new social networking addiction. All of your answers had to be one word answers. Here is how I answered the following questions recently.

Monday, February 16, 2009 at 7:21pm

Where is your cell phone.....................entry
Your hair........................................scraggly
Your father.....................................AZ
Your favorite thing........................... laughter
Your dream last night.........................clueless
Your favorite drink........................... milk
Your dream/goal...............................Disneyworld
The room you are in.......................... family
Your fear....................................... widowing
Where do you want to be in 6 years.......alive
Muffins......................................... chocolate
One of your wish list items...................Europe
Where you grew up...........................Oregon
The last thing you did........................dinner
What are you wearing....................... sweats
Your TV..........................................off
Your pets........................................three
Your computer..................................using
Your life......................................... fatherhood
Your mood......................................sick
Missing someone...............................Hill
Your car.........................................Focus
Favorite store..................................WalMart
Your summer....................................100+
your favorite color............................. Purple
When is the last time you laughed...........today
Last time you cried............................ today
Three people who email me...................Wife, Nancy, Jared
Three of my favorite foods...................pizza, burritos, ice cream
Three places I would rather be right now...bed, pillow, mattress
Three people I think will respond...........probably no one

ANOTHER SILLY SONG FOR SEIBER

2009-02-28T07:06:00.000-08:00

It's time for another silly song I sing to Parker. It doesn't really have a tune, as much as it is a sing-song sort of chant. Here goes.

Daddy just wants to take care of you.

Daddy just wants to take you to the zoo.

Daddy even wants to change your poo.

'Cause Daddy just wants to take care of you.

PRO-LIFE PEP RALLY

2009-02-25T01:20:00.000-08:00

I went to a pro-life prayer vigil and church service on Sunday in Sacramento. It was very moving. We stood in front of a Planned Parenthood complex and prayed for an end to abortion for about 30 minutes. I felt the battle of good and evil as I stood there praying. I still feel it, to some extent, now 48 hours later. We prayed in the pouring down rain. Then we walked about 3 blocks to a small church and had a combination worship service and pep rally about how to end abortion. In spite of the weather, about 100 people showed up. That was encouraging. I thought the blustery conditions would keep people away. I ran into a friend at the rally that I hadn't seen in a while. It was good to reconnect over our shared mission. Abortion is evil. Let us all pray and act that it might end.

COMMENTARY MAGAZINE'S BEST COMMENTER

2009-02-15T12:57:00.000-08:00

Jennifer Rubin has become my new favorite blogger. Her postings on the Commentary magazine Web site are spot on. She can skewer Obama with the best of them. Check out her blogs and let me know what you think.

SONG OF STRESS

2009-02-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a singer. I mean I love to sing, but I sound mediocre. And I don't know how to write music. Nevertheless, today during a stressful moment, I wrote a ditty to help calm myself down and focus my thoughts on God. Be glad this is just a written post and you don't actually have to hear me sing it. Although I am sure God doesn't mind me singing it, to Him. It's a simple song, with simple lyrics.

(When) I'm angry and I'm stressed
I must remember I'm blessed
I'm blessed just to worship the Lord.

(When) I'm angry and I'm stressed
I must remember I'm blessed
I'm blessed just to worship the Lord.

The Lord for all He's done for me.
He's saved me for all eternity.

(When) I'm angry and I'm stressed
I must remember I'm blessed
I'm blessed just to worship the Lord.

25 Random Things About Mr. MM

2009-02-12T07:40:00.000-08:00

25 Things About Mr. MM, from a game traveling around Facebook. Facebook is my new addiction.
Here we go...
1. I was tagged to do this by Dave Maurer, a good friend from college. At least I think he tagged me. (Tagging means he did it and then challenged me to do likewise).
2. My mom's maiden name was Marilyn Monroe.
3. I love to read conservative political non fiction books.
4. I went to Japan when I was 13.
5. I really do think, overall, that George W. Bush was a good president and a godly man.
6. I was a TV travel reporter for PBS for 8 years.
7. My wife was born in Texas.
8. All of the birthdays in my immediate family have a "2" in them.
9. I love to make up silly songs and sing them to my son, Parker. He loves it, too.
10. I love Regis Philbin and miss Kathie Lee Gifford on that show.
11. My sister has recently overcome uterine cancer. God is good.
12. I love the low prices at Walmart.
13. I am not a tween, but I do like the Jonas Brothers music.
14. I once got kicked out of Disneyland for not wearing socks.
15. My family went to a Gov. Palin rally during the election and she twice acknowledged us during the speech.
16. I won $700 on a slot machine in Tahoe earlier this month. The entire amount went to my dentist.
17. My wife is a genius and solves all my computer problems.
18. We have a Sunday morning before church pancake tradition.
19. I was supposed to interview Regis Philbin on the day after 9/11/01, but of course all flights were cancelled and so we never got to meet.
20. I have worked as a DJ at multiple country music radio stations.
21. I am horribly inept at video and computer games.
22. I strongly support the war in Iraq and the global war on terror.
23. I hit an over the fence homerun in a little league playoff game.
24. I once sank two free throws at the end to win the game in Junior High basketball.
25. I got rid of my lifesize Amy Grant poster when I met my wife.

JOIN MY FACEBOOK GROUP

2009-02-10T12:45:00.001-08:00

Mrs. MM challenged me to start a group on Facebook. So after some polite nagging on her part, I did. I created the "I think George W. Bush was a great President" group. I created it just shortly before the end of his 2nd term. I am proud to say we now have 12 members. But we are wanting more. So if you are on Facebook, and I highly recommend it, by the way, please look for our group.

YOU KNOW YOU WANT SOME

2009-02-08T08:00:00.001-08:00

Do you have any family traditions? One of my favorite for our family is our Sunday morning ritual of chocolate chip pancakes before church. Mrs. MM makes the world's best pancakes. Even Parker thinks so. "Pancakes" is one of his favorite words. So my stomach is salivating for my Sunday supply of chocolate chip hotcakes. It is almost time. WooHoo!

WHEELY GOOD SONG

2009-02-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

As regular readers of this blog will know, I like to sing silly ditties to my son, Parker. The Wheel of Fortune is one of his favorite TV shows, so I made this song up in his honor. We used to sing it every night before Wheel came on. There are even hand motions. It is sung to the tune of "This Old Man."

LET'S WATCH WHEEL

AFTER MEAL.

SPIN IT, SPIN IT

WITH SOME ZEAL.

PICK AN A-B-C OR D.

CLAP ALONG WITH ME.

LET'S WATCH WHEEL

ON THE TV.

SLOTSA FUN!

2009-02-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

On a recent family/work retreat to Lake Tahoe, Mr. MM won $700 on a penny slot machine at Harrah's. WooHoo! I have never won that much money before on a slot machine, much less a penny machine. Usually it is Mrs. MM who has the lucky streak. But this time, it was me. Too bad all of the money went immediately to my dentist. At least I had it to spend though and didn't have to put the costs of the dental procedure on a credit card. When you get a taste of that kind of luck, it makes you want to try again. That can be dangerous. I am glad I walked away with the $700 and didn't keep playing.

SCREAMS OF THE FATHER

2009-01-20T21:39:00.000-08:00

I yelled at a man today. Screamed at him, actually. In a hotel lobby. And 12 hours later, I still haven't gotten over it. The anger still courses through me. I'm not sure why I got so angry. I even apologized to the guy for my outburst 5 minutes later. Still, I don't think my anger was unjustified. When it comes to my emotions, I feel very insecure, inexperienced. Maybe most men do. It all started when my family was trying to check out of our hotel room after a weekend retreat for work. Families were invited and the boss was paying for the room on the company credit card. Somehow the lady behind the front desk was unwilling to charge the room to the company credit card. So while we were trying to resolve the matter, my son Parker, who is every bit the toddler of 2.5 years old, got bored and frustrated. He started screaming. Parker is and has always been a screamer. It's hard to be the parent of a screamer. The dirty looks you get from others. The "why can't you control your child" glares. And the way it makes you think, why can't I control my child? To be honest, I don't completely know why my son screams. I know part of it is because he is in the "terrible twos." But he screamed at younger ages, too, so that is not the full answer. Another element is he is a strong willed child, and his boredom led him to react in a strong willed way. Part of it is also a result of his disability. His therapists tell us that his Cerebral Palsy has left him with sensory deprivation. Screaming is a way to jolt his system when he needs it. But of course, people unfamiliar with Parker don't know this. Including the man I yelled at today. He, too, was waiting in the lobby. After about three loud screams from Parker, he had had enough and yelled at him. I immediately blew my top. I screamed at him...LOUD...in front of a lot of people in the hotel lobby. "Don't yell at my son," I hollered. "He has Cerebral Palsy and he screams because he can't control himself. So DON'T YELL AT MY SON." The guy remained silent, I think shocked at my outburst. Believe me, screaming and yelling is not my modus operandi. It's very rare that I would raise my voice like that to a complete stranger. But something snapped. I had to walk outside for a few minutes to calm down. I still need to calm down from it. My wife was glad I yelled at him. She says I need to work at not bottling up my emotions, instead letting them out. Even in crowded hotel lobbies. So why am I still so worked up about it? Why did I feel the need to apologize? And why does my son have to scream? All ongoing questions for another day, I suppose.

BUBBA LOVES THE JO BROS

2009-01-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

My son's favorite band is the Jonas Brothers. He listens to them on the computer or the CD stereo or on Radio Disney almost nonstop. I have to admit, they have grown on me. Their songs are catchy and their lyrics are clean. Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas make a decided effort to promote abstinence until marriage through the wearing of, and public discussion of, their purity rings. Plus they openly talk about the importance of the Bible and their Christian faith in their lives. You gotta love and admire that. Their dad is a former pastor and he and his wife are raising these three talented young men right, even amidst all of the success and fame. More power to them. Never heard them? Here is a link to Parker's favorite song, "Burnin' up." The video is very clever, too.

UP, UP AND AWAY

2009-01-14T08:12:00.000-08:00

Gas prices in the Sacramento are now consistently over the $2 mark. I guess I knew it was coming. But I sure enjoyed the lower prices while they lasted. They were great for the MM family budget. I doubt we will get back under $2 any time soon, if ever. But as the price continues to rise, you can bet the national media won't blame the Obama administration for it.

Parker vs. Matterhorn

2009-01-11T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Media Matters family just returned from a trip to Disneyland. We had a blast. Parker loves to ride the rides. And since he is now 35" tall, he was tall enough to go on the Matterhorn. This bobsled ride roller coaster is a Disney tradition. So even though he is only 2.5 years old we decided to take Parker on it. And I think he would have been fine. Except for the fact that the ride starts off with the bobsled entering a cave and you ride in complete darkness for about 30 seconds. I don't think Parker ever really recovered from that. I was sitting with him the whole time. But I still think the darkness caught him off guard. So he whimpered his way through his first ride on the Matterhorn. Next year, we can prepare him in advance and I think he will do fine. Even though the Matterhorn ride wasn't a big hit, Parker loved the Dumbo, Teacups and Carousel rides. His favorite word at Disneyland was "again." He always wanted to go on the rides "again." Every ride that is except for the Matterhorn.

ANOTHER SILLY SONG

2009-01-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

This is the song I sing to Parker at bed time. Usually, he wants me to rock him to sleep. It's a simple tune, but I can't describe the music in words.

"Parker, oh Parker it's time to go nigh-nigh.

Parker, oh Parker I hope that you don't cry.

Parker, oh Parker it's time to take a nap.

Parker, oh Parker fall asleep in daddy's lap.

Parker, oh Parker time to go to sleep.

Parker, oh Parker now don't you make a peep.

Parker, oh Parker it's time to go to bed.

Parker, oh Parker lay down your sleepy head."

PARKER'S FOUR LETTER WORD

2009-01-02T12:34:00.000-08:00

Our son Parker has been in speech therapy for over a year now. And it has been tremendously helpful. Before therapy he wasn't talking at all, and now he has a vocablualry of more than 50 words. So we have been very pleased with, and blessed by, his progress. But there is one sound he is having trouble with. He can't say "TR" as in truck. Instead, the "TR" comes out like an "F." So when he tries to say "truck," it comes out as a 4-letter word. Parker likes to stand on our bed, look out the window and watch the vehicles go by on our busy street. He can tell you whether each car passing by is a "car" or a "f...." He isn't trying to say a nasty word so it is all very cute and harmless. Some people probably give us dirty looks when he says his version of "truck" in public, but who cares. We know what he is really saying. When I told his speech therapist about the "TR" sound coming out as an "F" she chuckled and said "we'll work on it." And they are. And I have no doubt Parker will be saying "truck," and "train" and even "transportation" before too long.

DENVER DUMPS COACH

2009-01-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

I don't blame the NFL's Denver Broncos owner for firing Coach Mike Shanahan. I know he is a good coach, with Super Bowl wins, but the last few years his teams have been consistently mediocre. And I think he put way too much faith in quarterback Jay Cutler, who in my opinion, doesn't have that winning instinct that makes him a great player or team leader. Sometimes when a team is under performing, you have to shake things up a bit. And firing Shanahan may do that. It's the same as when the NBA's Sacramento Kings fired Coach Rick Adelman. I supported that move, too, because they weren't performing up to potential. Mrs. MM thinks it was a bad move to fire Shanahan. I am supportive. We'll see in the new year who was right.

TV Top Ten

2008-12-31T12:24:00.001-08:00

The end of a calendar year, it seems, is a good time to make a list of some of one's favorite things. So here goes. My list of my top 10 favorite TV programs for 2008:

1. The Bill Engvall Show - smartly written, strong male lead and overall good cast. It consistently makes me and Mrs. MM laugh out loud.

2. Big Bang Theory - very funny, great cast. This would probably be number one if not for the fact that it is often not very family-friendly. Often the humor or storyline is overtly sexual in nature, and that doesn't appeal to me.

3. Little People, Big World -- my favorite reality show, though my schedule often causes me to miss it. This is a neat family with unique challenges. And I like how their faith is treated with respect.

4. America's Funniest Home Videos -- It makes my son laugh and that is the greatest feeling in the world. And I laugh, too.

5. House -- Probably the best drama on TV. Hugh Laurie is masterful as the cranky doctor you should hate, but somehow I keep watching him every week.

6. The Bonnie Hunt Show -- my favorite talk show. I am a new fan but Ilove her storytelling and her family-friendly sensibilities.

7. Wipeout -- another reality show that is a favorite in my household. The humor from the hosts is endearing. And the contestants falling off various objects is usually good for a laugh or two as well.

8. Wheel of Fortune -- the best gameshow on TV. Even my 2 year old loves it and can follow along. And I love the banter between Pat and Vanna at the close of the show. I know, I'm a geek.

9. Lost -- the show that always keeps me guessing. And why hasn't Evangeline Lilly won an Emmy? It has a complicated plot, but worth it, if you can keep up.

10. Fox News Sunday -- the best political show on TV. I miss the late Tony Snow as the host, but Chris Wallace is growing on me. The roundtable at the end is the best part of the program.

Gunshots fired in MM Family Yard

2008-12-30T01:16:00.000-08:00

There's a headline I never thought I'd see. But it happened. The sheriff's deputy just left our home. Thank God we are all safe. 5 gunshots woke us up. Parker slept through the whole thing. When I woke up I immediately looked out the window and saw 2 men running down the street, as if they were fleeing the gunshots. The sheriff's deputy said they believe someone was hit. Again, thank God, it was not someone in our household. Many sheriff cars are blocking off our street. The yellow caution tape was hanging from the tree in our yard. Very surreal. I am having a hard time winding down from it.

Parker's Patriotism

2008-12-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

We have a cemetery in our neighborhood. A large one, with a strong patriotic feel. Lots of flags flying, and military symbols abound. Whenever we drive by this cemetery, which we do daily, my son always screams from his car seat, "Good job!" My guess it is in response to the American flags that whip in the wind. He hears his mom and dad frequently talk about patriotism, love of country and support for the military. Dad is often writing cards to wounded soldiers. Mom is often moved to tears by stories of military heroism. And Parker absorbs all of that. And in his 2.5 year old mind, his patriotic response is "good job." I couldn't have said it better myself.

PARKER AT THE PICTURES

2008-12-27T16:45:00.000-08:00

I took Toddler MM to his first movie in the theaters yesterday. He did pretty well, lasting about 80 minutes before we had to bolt due to his restlessness and noisiness. So daddy didn't get to see how the film ended. But overall it was a fun experience. Bubba laughed at the silliness of the dogs. We even laughed at some of the same scenes. And he sat on dad's lap and enjoyed popcorn the whole time. It's funny. Parker, at age 2.5, unlike most children, has never been interested in animated movies or TV shows. Instead he likes live action programming like Wipeout and NBA basketball. That's why I chose "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" because I thought a live action film with pets in it would hold his attention. And for the most part, it did. He was so cute, yelling "again" after parts of the film that made him laugh. Unfortunately, dad didn't know how to explain to him that the magic of TIVO hasn't come to the movie theater yet. We will add this film to momma's DVD collection when it comes out in March so that we can own Bubba's first film experience, but also so daddy can figure out how the movie ends.

Parker's Presents

2008-12-26T10:21:00.000-08:00

Toddler MM, otherwise known as Parker, still doesn't seem to show much interest in the Christmas tradition of receiving gifts. He still has wrapped presents under the Christmas tree he hasn't opened yet. He likes playing with the toys once they are presented to him. But he hasn't yet grasped the concept of Santa or of unwrapping presents. Maybe next year, at age 3 1/2, he will look forward to Santa Claus bringing him presents.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T10:00:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the MM family: Mrs. MM, Mr. MM and Toddler MM.

NATIVITY SCENE SHOULD BE SEEN

2008-12-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

Does your home have one of these? It should. Thanks to Mrs. MM, our Nativity scene is prominently displayed in the living room so Parker can grow up seeing and playing with it. She's had the same set for 19 years, ever since her daughter was born. It's still in good shape. So get into the attic, or storage, and dust yours off and put it on display for all to see. Or if you don't have one, find one at a retail store or garage sale, and put the true meaning of Christmas on display in your home. I'd like to think you'll be glad you did.

PALIN CHURCH FIRE

2008-12-16T12:59:00.001-08:00

This story is so disturbing I don't even know where to begin. I will be donating some money to the church for the rebuilding fund. Simply because I am fond of Gov. Palin and her faith and her politics. It really would not surprise me at all to find out some loony liberal torched the church because Gov. Palin and her family attend services there. So crazy how the media tried to make us believe Gov. Palin was the one with the weird religious ties all the while Sen. Obama was best friends with whack job Rev. Wright. We are soon becoming a country where Christians are going to be persecuted in more aggressive, open ways. This fire may be just one example of that.

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

2008-12-14T12:03:00.001-08:00

The signs of Christmas are taking over the Media Matters family household:

1. Amy Grant Christmas music is playing on the stereo.

2. Wrapped packages have mysteriously appeared under the tree.

3. Christmas lights are up and on 24/7 through New Years Day.

4. The Pastor spoke about "Mary Had a Little Lamb."

5. We're waiting on Amazon.com to deliver Christmas orders.

6. Goodie baskets have cluttered the dining room table.

7. Christmas cards have invaded the computer table.

8. Santa and Frosty have set up camp on the front lawn.

9. Daddy is trying to fix the budget so we can buy more presents.

10. Airline tickets have been purchased for family visits for the holiday.

HUCKABOOK

2008-12-13T04:41:00.001-08:00

After I finish reading Karen Hughes' autobiography, I hope that the next book on my reading list is Gov. Mike Huckabee's "Do the Right Thing." I am not sure why I am intrigued by this book. I love Gov. Huckabee for his stand on the social issues. Like me, he is pro-life and against gay marriage. However, Gov. Huckabee is not my favorite Republican presidential contender. I don't consider him to be solid in efforts to lower my taxes. And his foreign policy comments make me fear he would not be aggressive enough in fighting the war on terror and Islamic jihad. That's why I voted for Romney in the 2008 Republican primary. However, I am still interested in his take on the most recent election process. And I have the book on my Christmas list. So we'll see. If I get it, I'll read it. And I'll let you know what I think.

HUGHES' HISTORY

2008-12-11T13:22:00.001-08:00

I am about 2/3s of the way through Karen Hughes' autobiography, "Ten Minutes from Normal." I am really enjoying it. As a former counselor to President George W. Bush, all the way back to his Texas days, even before he became Governor, she has great insight into his character and decision-making process. She is a spunky lady and a hard worker and it is nice to sense her loyalty to her boss. She's not writing a gossipy, tell-all. She is writing a view of history that is favorable to President Bush. I have always liked the President. I think he is a godly, courageous man. And this book is reminding me of what I've always liked about him. He comes across as friendly, humorous, smart, intuitive, fun-loving and loyal. These are great character traits. He may be unpopular now, but a decade from now the US will be so grateful W. was our President. And books like the one Hughes has written will help inform that transformation.

A Soldier's Silent Night

2008-12-10T10:08:00.001-08:00

I heard this on the radio yesterday; what I think was the first time and it made me cry. It is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard. I loved it so much I had to find out more.

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,and to see just who in this home did live.
I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,no tinsel, no presents, net even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,on the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.
With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,a sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.
The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,not how I pictured a United States Soldier.
Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,"Santa don't cry, this life is my choice;I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,my life is my God, my Country, My Corps.
"The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and stil land we both shivered from the cold night's chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night,this guardian of honor so willing to fight.The the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,whispered, "carry on Santa, it's Christmas day, all is secure."One look at my watch and I knew he was right.Merry Christmas my friend, and to all a good night.

Typing these words here and reading them as I make adjustments to the formating I cry. It is so wonderful. We owe these men and woman of the armed forces respect for their brave and unselfish service to our country.

The poem's author, James M. Schmidt, was a Lance Corporal stationed in Washington, D.C., when he wrote the poem back in 1986. In Corporal Schmidt's own words (December, 2002):
"The true story is that while a Lance Corporal serving as Battalion Counter Sniper at the Marine Barracks 8th & I, Washington, D.C., under Commandant P.X. Kelly and Battalion Commander D.J. Myers (in 1986), I wrote this poem to hang on the door of the gym in the BEQ. When Colonel Myers came upon it, he read it and immediately had copies sent to each department at the Barracks and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave. The poem was placed that day in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide and later submitted to Leatherneck Magazine."

It was read by and recorded

The Story Behind The Recording of
"A Soldier's Silent Night"
Father Ted Berndt was a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin, a proud Marine and a WWII Purple Heart recipient and my Dad.
We recorded "A Soldier's Silent Night" two years ago in one take, since Dad was a former radio guy in the '40's. Our project received a national A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) award from the March of Dimes and was played on radio stations across the United States. This year, radio listeners are hearing our project in Ohio, Chicago, West Palm Beach, Florida, Detroit, Dallas and the Fox Valley in Wisconsin; as well as in Milwaukee!

Please visit this site to actually hear the recording the spoken word by this Father is heart touching.

THE SEIBER FAMILY THANK ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT SERVE OUR COUNTRY NOW AND IN THE PAST.

MP3 MUSIC LIST

2008-12-09T02:37:00.001-08:00

Songs I still need on my MP3 player (which my lovely wife got me for Father's Day):

*Breathless by The Coors

*Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield

*One Step at a Time by Jordin Sparks

*It's Our Favorite Time of Year by Aly & AJ

*Break Away by Kelly Clarkson

These are all just catchy pop songs. One of these days I will get them added to my playlist. The soundtrack of my life, as they say.

RUN, RUN RUDOLPH

2008-12-07T02:58:00.001-08:00

I first wrote this in 2005. A little dated, but still fun.

It seems Rudolph is in a bit of trouble this Christmas season. Word has it, according to the Reindeer Enquirer, that the other 8 reindeer are jealous of the red-nosed wonder. They fear he gets all the attention (and all the female reindeer) because of one body part that just happens to glow. The situation has driven Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen and Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen to take extreme measures. They have complained incessantly to the reindeer media and have demanded that reindeer congressional hearings be held to besmirch his heroic efforts. According to my sources, they've hired the reindeer underworld (think Tony Soprano with horns)to burn out his bright light and stop him from stealing their thunder. Plans are in place to poison his supply of feed just prior to his famous Christmas Eve traditional trip. They have experience at this, with one of the key reindeer involved in a bizarre drowning experience at Reindeer Cod many, many Christmasses ago. The 8 lazier, less ingenious reindeer plan to blame Santa for the seasonal sabotage. With the reindeer reporters and professors on their side, they will repeat their mantra, "Santa lied so Rudolph could fly" in hopes that it will invade the minds of those who already have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. But we all know better. Santa is much too smart to let them succeed. And Rudolph's talents and his nose for hard work place him in the Right. And while he may have to endure the constant pettiness and bickering of the 8 reindeer who follow his leadership, eventually he and Santa will prevail and perform another Christmas miracle.

CHRISTMAS CARD TRADITION

2008-12-05T23:42:00.001-08:00

I love sending Christmas cards. Don't get too many in return. Email, cell phones and text messaging have replaced the old, handwritten holiday tradition. Actually, this year, my family is tweaking the holiday tradition a bit, too. Instead of actual cards, we're sending out Christmas letters. My wife designed the layout with lots of flair and color photos. I wrote the text. I think it looks classy. But I still like Christmas cards, too.

PALIN PREVAILS

2008-12-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won the vote in this election cycle. OK, not in the presidential race where she was John McCain's running mate. But in an all important Senate race, Palin's campaign appearances help put conservative Saxby Chambliss comfortably over the top of his Democrat opponent in a Georgia runoff election. Sen. Chambliss had glowing things to say about Gov. Palin and her impact on the campaign.

"Sarah Palin came in on the last day, did a fly-around and, man, she was dynamite. We packed the houses everywhere we went. And it really did allow us to peak and get our base fired up," Chambliss said.

"I mean, I can't overstate the impact she had down here," he continued. "When she walks in a room, folks just explode. And they really did pack the house everywhere we went. She's a dynamic lady, a great administrator, and I think she's got a great future in the Republican Party." (H/T Fox News)

I could not agree with Sen. Chambliss more. Thank God he won this important election. And thank God he knew to get Palin involved in his cause. I will be thrilled if she continues to be the face and the frontrunner for the Republican party.

SIT STILL FOR SESAME STREET?

2008-12-02T13:09:00.000-08:00

No time to blog today. We are taking Parker to see "Sesame Street Live." I think I am more excited than he is. He doesn't watch "Sesame Street" so the only character he knows is Elmo, from his talking Elmo toy. But it should still be fun, if we can get our Bubba to sit still and pay attention.

SILLY SONGS FOR PARKER

2008-11-30T20:23:00.000-08:00

This is the first song I made up for my son, Parker. I started to sing it to him while my wife was still carrying him around in her belly. It seemed an especially appropriate song of encouragement to him once we learned of his special needs. As soon as we found out we were having a boy I adapted the words to the church camp song, "My God is so big." My version for Parker, sung to the same tune, goes like this:

My son is so big

so strong

and so mighty.

There's nothing my son cannot do.

Parker Drew!

Christians, Conservatives and Candidates

2008-11-29T08:05:00.000-08:00

How do we convince conservative Christians that they have to do more than just vote, they have to get out and work for their candidates for elected office? This is a divided country and conservatives are not going to win many elections, especially for President, unless we get involved with blood, sweat and tears. We cannot just sit on the sidelines and then say, when we lose, that it was God's will. Baloney. It was our will. We were lazy. We didn't get involved. We didn't make it happen. Christian conservatives need to stop relying on the mainstream media for their news and information. We need to recruit strong conservative candidates and support them with our time and money and effort. That means donating money to conservative campaigns, attending political rallies, participating in polls when called, displaying and passing out yard signs, making phone calls and writing emails on behalf of our preferred candidates, praying about the election, and the list goes on.

THE CHICK FLICK GENE

2008-11-28T07:19:00.000-08:00

I am a guy. The husband of Mrs. MM, who lets me guest post here. But even though it has been established that I am a guy, I have the "chick flick" gene. I am not sure how. I just do. And I am willing to admit it. I like a good action flick or comedy, too. But movies where the main characters are female seem to appeal to me as well. I finally figured out why. Chick flicks are the best at examining the human condition. Though they usually leave God out of the equation, which is unfortunate, they nevertheless are the best at showing how relationships can help to heal our hurts and restore our lives. Take for example, the movie I watched last night, "The Holiday." Total chick flick. Kate Winslett and Cameron Diaz star as women who are losers in love and need to escape their scene for the Christmas season. So they swap houses and Winslett moves into Diaz' estate in LA while Diaz inhabits Winslett's cottage in England. I doubt this sort of plot point ever happens in real life, but somehow the movie made it believable. And through the course of the movie, Winslett meets some men who help her get some gumption. While Diaz meets a man and they grieve together over the love they have lost in their life. Of course, it's a love story so the two women fall in love with the men they meet. There's a lot of romance and tears and emotional baggage. Yet I felt connected to the healing these characters experienced. It moved me. It made me want to help other people, real people, find healing in their lives through relationships. Not that I necessarily know how to do that at this point, but maybe a few more chick movies and that will become more obvious as well.

CONSERVATIVES THANKFULNESS

2008-11-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving 2008, we conservatives don't have a lot to be thankful for. But I have compiled a list of a few things in the political realm that I can thank God for.

1. Gov. Sarah Palin - she reinvigorated the conservative movement and saved John McCain from being absolutely demolished in the presidential election. Palin is the only reason it was as close as it was.

2. Conservative blogs are a reliable source of daily news and commentary. My favorites include Powerline, Thirdwavedave and Michelle Malkin.

3. During the election season, I relied on talk radio to maintain my sanity. The best of the best in conservative talk include Rush, Hugh and Sean.

4. I have a small group of friends who not only get why I am so depressed about the outcome of the election they actually share my intense distrust of Sen. Obama. There are a few of us that didn't drink the Kool-Aid.

5. Sen. Mitch McConnell was re-elected in Kentucky and remains the minority leader for the Republicans in the US Senate. McConnell is a true conservative and a master tactician who may be the only thing that keeps the Democrats in line in 2009.

PARKER A POP STAR?

2008-11-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

My son LOVES to sing. Everything from the ABC song to "Jesus Loves Me". Actually, right now he enjoys singing along to CDs in the stereo. At this moment it is a Veggie Tales CD (see above) and the song is "This Little Light of Mine." But he also enjoys the Jonas Brothers and knows many of the words to their big hit "S.O.S." He knows the JoBros because he loves to listen to Radio Disney. Who knows, maybe he will be a future American Idol. That would mean mommy and daddy would have to start watching that show. I think right now we are the only two people in America who don't. Never have. But if Parker were on it, it would automatically become our favorite show. I wish I knew how to post audio and I would treat everyone to one of Parker's hits.

PARKER'S PRAYER WARRIORS

2008-11-24T12:55:00.000-08:00

Mr. MM would appreciate your prayers for Parker this week. He has his (semi) annual MRI on Wednesday the 26th.

This is always a difficult procedure simply because it is hard to get a toddler to cooperate with the anesthesia process.

The MRI is necessary to track the progress of the cyst on his brain. We are hoping and praying that the cyst is not growing, moving, leaking or communicating in any way with the brain.

The MRI isn't necessary in terms of Parker's Cerebral Palsy because that has already been diagnosed. Though it might be helpful for his doctors to get another look at the malformation in his brain. Mainly, though, it is to evaluate the status of his cyst.

We will get the results in December.

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS ARE A GAS, GAS, GAS

2008-11-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

The image above may say more about why the Republicans lost the presidential election than just about anything else. Falling gas prices during September and October took the urgency of the "drill, baby drill" message off the front page. One of the main reasons Sen. McCain chose Gov. Palin to be his running mate was because of her expertise on the energy issue. But she never got to shine in this capacity because as gas prices went down, Americans forgot about the need to drill for more oil in our own land and seas. So while the falling gas prices certainly helped our pocketbooks, for conservatives, it also ruined our presidential aspirations.

FACEBOOK FRIENDS

2008-11-22T06:59:00.001-08:00

I feel like such a young hipster. I now have a page on Facebook. And I already have 17 friends. It feels like high school again, when you are asking people to sign your yearbook. But so far it has been fun. I have been able to catch up with some people from high school via Facebook. And I can now count the very famous Michelle Malkin as one of my Facebook friends. How cool is that? Yoou're jealous, aren't you?

McCain isn't conservative enough

2008-11-20T12:40:00.000-08:00

While I am still depressed over the outcome of the last presidential election, I am now starting to realize, as my brother Tucker said, how bad a President McCain would be for the conservative movement. So I have compiled a list of reasons why John McCain bothers me.

1. He buys into that global warming nonsense.

2. He did not vigorously defend Gov. Sarah Palin from the post-election sniping.

3. The gang of 14 regarding President Bush's judicial nominees.

4. He always wants to suck up to Democrats and the media instead of taking a stand and fighting for conservative principles.

5. He won't support drilling in ANWR.

That's enough for now. I still wish we could have Palin in or near the White House, though.

ROLOFF REALITY

2008-11-19T02:19:00.001-08:00

In the MM household, we enjoy the TLC reality program, "Little People, Big World." It is good, wholesome programming about a godly family with challenges making the most of life and love. The dad in the family, Matt Roloff, reminds me of a good friend and I think that is part of the reason the show appeals to me so much. Matt recently took a courageous trip to Iraq, in cooperation with the generous US military, to help an Iraqi family with children who, like him, were diagnosed with dwarfism. The MM family took a trip to the Roloff family farm during the 2007 Halloween season. It was a colorful, rainy day in beautiful Oregon. I highly recommend the TV show, and a visit to the family farm.

ROVE IS RIGHT

2008-11-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

The "Architect" of President George W. Bush's election victories, Karl Rove, had this to say about our current blowhard Vice President-elect Joe Biden. His answer came in an interview published in the New York Times magazine.

Do you like Joe Biden?

"I think he has an odd combination of longevity and long-windedness that passes for wisdom in Washington. "

WE SPELL LAUGH AFV

2008-11-17T17:06:00.001-08:00

As a parent, one of the greatest joys in life is hearing your child laugh. We have just recently discovered that our son, Parker, loves America's Funniest Home Videos, now known as AFV. I have always enjoyed this show. It is so simple and so fun. Parker loves to laugh at the dog, cat and baby videos. His laugh is so cute, it is one of those laughs that makes you laugh because you are having so much fun listening to him laugh. It is adorable. Thanks, AFV, for making me laugh over the years, and even more importantly, for making my son laugh and bringing that much more fun to our home.

CHURCH SECURITY

2008-11-15T06:38:00.001-08:00

With the violence and protests that have accompanied the passage of Measure 8 in California, which amends the Constitution to ban gay marriage, conservatives, Christians and churches must understand that they may continue to be the target of such behavior in the future by militant gay activists. The persecution has only just begun. Every church and congregation in America needs to think seriously about providing security for its worshippers at every service and event at the church's building. This is the world we live in.

BRILLIANT BILL

2008-11-13T12:38:00.000-08:00

Recently ThirdwaveDave posted a comedy video featuring Bill Engvall. My wife and I love him, and his TBS sitcom. You can watch old episodes here. We watched two last night and lauged out loud, a lot! His humor is so smartly written, and true to family dynamics. He is very clever and his show is the best of its kind on TV. As a NASCAR loving, military respecting kind of guy, my guess is Engvall is a Republican. That's is an added bonus and another reason to like him.

ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION

2008-11-12T19:42:00.000-08:00

I really don't know how to process the last election. The amount of anger I feel is disheartening. I am discouraged to know that the nation I grew up in is so shallow and petty and unwise and immoral that they would elect a man like Obama to be President. The most liberal, and the most inexperienced person. So much damage can be done in four years.

My concern is that America really is no longer a center-right country. While McCain didn't seem to ignite the conservative base like Bush did, maybe times and culture have changed such that no conservative ever will be able to do that again. After years and years of attacks and dumbing down our culture, it just may be that there aren't enough conservatives left to win an election.

The economy has never been my main issue. I have never understood the Bush hating and the need for change. I just plainly don't get it. But the bad omen I feel is palpable.

I really have to figure out how to shake this off. I think a lot of people were praying. Yet for reasons only God understands, he allowed the public's will to take precedence.

The ongoing trashing of Gov. Palin is hurtful. When they attack people who believe what I believe I feel like they are attacking me. And they get away with it. It really feels like we have no recourse. We certainly can't defend ourselves in the media. Rich Seiber

MIGHTY GOOD FILM

2008-11-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Mrs. and I saw Evan Almighty recently. It was a cute film, full of chuckles if not so much belly laughs. What I liked most about it was the charming way it respected God and the people who listen to him. We need more movies with a message like that. It is appropriate for the whole family, wholesome and fun to the end.

CHURCH OF THE POISONED MIND

2008-11-04T03:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday my pastor really ticked me off. I left church early. He said it didn't matter how we voted. It didn't matter who was in the White House. He didn't care if Obama won. And I have heard from Christians that if Obama wins, it will be God's will. That is baloney. It may be our will and God allowing us to exercise that will. But I do not believe it is God's will to put a terrorist-loving, baby killing, tax hiking inexperienced person in charge.

I think the American church has been so hit by political correctness that we can no longer take a stand on a moral or political issue. We are afraid of being called racist or intolerant or of losing our nonprofit status. The service I go to has 3 black people who regularly attend. Maybe the pastor felt like he had to say things nice about Obama to encourage those three individuals. What a bunch of crap! It made me so angry.

Black churches get political all the time, and they get away with it. Why don't we fight back? Why don't we take a stand? Thank God the Catholic church has been brutal on Obama this election cycle. They are the only ones who have been.

I am so angry.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2008-10-31T12:39:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ALL!
THIS IS MY DESK AT WORK AND THERE IS MY HAND AND BACK OF MY HEAD, I THINK OUR WORKGROUP WILL WIN HANDS DOWN IN DECORATING YEAH US! WE HAD A GRAVEYARD THEME.

Our Local Heroes

2008-10-29T09:40:00.000-07:00

I want to change the subject a little today and get away from the Political maelstrom we are in right now.

If you live in the Sacramento area you might remember this guy:

Deputy Sheriff Jeffrey V. Mitchell

He was a Sacramento Sheriff Deputy that was shot and killed, on what was suppose to be routine traffic stop, 2 years ago on 10/27/2006. A co-worker of mine was wearing a t-shirt today with that memoriam on it for this officer. You see, she is the wife of one of CA's finest, a CHP officer. Her shirt reminded me of how brave these men and women are; just like our troops that fight over seas they fight on our local soil for freedoms and justices also. I told her today what a brave and courageous women she is to be a wife of police officer but that goes for the men also that are husbands of police officers. Every day you have to take that risk of your spouse not coming home but they deal with it and try not to dwell on it and go on with their daily lives.

Please visit this site, Officer Mitchell's case still remains unsolved and if you have any information on this case please contact your local law enforcement agency.

NOT FEELING FOX NEWS

2008-10-25T10:34:00.001-07:00

I am so disgusted and disappointed with the Fox News Channel this election. It is as if they have drunk the Obama Kool-aid and are so worried about the fact that he picks on them during his speeches. Brit Hume, Fred Barnes, Charles Krauthammer and Bill Kristol have all gone soft. I know it is not there job to cheerlead for my favorite candidates. Still, there negativity and condescension toward the Republican ticket is palpable. Brit is trying so hard not to offend anyone he has lost his bite and his ability to defend conservative principles. Barnes just wants everyone to know what a stand up guy Obama is, which is baloney. Krauthammer has hammered Palin from day one (although he did admittedly endorse McCain in a recent column). And Kristol, though an early fan of Palin, is just so doom and gloom that it is depressing. I really can't watch that show anymore. It makes me too angry.

Obviously there are some bright spots on Fox still. O'Reilly really went after Barney Frank. Megyn Kendall is superb when she challenges Obama spokespeople and media elite. And of course there is always Hannity who has given Palin some important exposure and delved into Obama's shady associations. But I still feel depressed. Fox News was the one TV outlet I could count on to not make fun of my views. And now they have lost me because they are trying so hard to downplay my views. Obama has scared everyone into fearing that they will be called racist if they don't bow down before him. The Messiah bit is very eerie.

The LADY!

2008-10-21T15:38:00.000-07:00

The MM family had the esteemed honor of being present at a Sarah Palin rally and it was exciting. The MM family traveled a little over 100 miles to Reno Nevada from our humble abode twice this weekend (which I made a 4 day one for myself). Friday night we stayed at Circus Circus so Mr MM could get the tickets for today's rally and then came home Saturday to return yesterday and stay at the Atlantis, which is right across the street from Reno/Sparks Convention Center where the Magnificent Sarah Palin was to speak. It was an incredible experience and well worth the trip, plus it helped that Mrs. MM won quite a good stash of money YAY ME!. It started off with a few Nevada politician speakers then Lee Greenwood singing. I was shaking so hard when he was singing I couldn't hold my video camera steady. One of the neat things I did was make a sign and she acknowlegded it twice. It was so great. She even signed it. WOW! Ok, on to the pictures.

OK here is the pic of the sign and I am putting this on here much to my dismay showing how fat I look because I am hunched over so she could get baby MM in the picture. Just look up in the right had corner of the sign and you can see her signature.

James 5:16

2008-10-05T21:15:00.000-07:00

..."The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective." JAMES 5:16

As the polls and the press and the momentum continue to go Sen. Obama's way, prayer may be the only tool we have left in this election. And the most important tool at that.

It's not that I think that Sen. McCain is a perfect man. In fact, he is not even my favorite Republican who ran for president this cycle. But he is the lesser of two evils. And Gov. Palin's faith seems authentic and I am impressed by her. I wish she were at the top of the ticket.

Nevertheless, Sen. Obama represents much that goes against my faith. And it breaks my heart to think that he may be given the opportunity to lead our nation. Here is a partial list of the moral reasons I cannot support the candidacies of Barack Obama and Joe Biden:

1) They openly support homosexuality and would most likely promote a culture that continues to move in the direction of legalizing gay marriage.

2) They seem naive about fighting Islamic jihadi terrorists and I think they lack the will to battle them at all.

3) Sen. Obama's campaign has shown a thuggish nature toward suppressing thought and opinion that is counter to his candidacy. They have threatened legal action against those who speak out in opposition to his policies. This is a scary threat to our free speech rights as Americans. And I believe it would only get worse if he gets elected.

4) Both Democratic candidates are more likely to raise our taxes, and consistently so. This takes more money away from families for their livelihood, and even their ability to give to charities.

5) Obama and Biden are hardcore pro-choicers who have no moral qualms with abortion. Sen. Obama even supported infanticide, the practice of letting babies who survive botched abortions die anyway by withholding medical attention. This is plainly murder and there is no other rational explanation for this abhorrent policy.

6) Barack Obama has a history of associating with shady, dare I say even evil individuals: domestic terrorist Bill Ayers, bizarre pastor Jeremiah Wright, convicted felon Tony Rezko, radical priest Father Pfleger, and the list goes on. If there is such a thing as guilt by association, Barack was condemned long ago.

7) Critics of Obama are often called racists, even if there objections to his policies have nothing to do with race. The press and his campaign seem to fall back on that as their default way of handling criticism and trying to intimidate people so they won't continue to speak out. My objections to Sen. Obama have nothing to do with race. But they have everything to do with faith.

PALIN'S PERFORMANCE

2008-10-03T03:58:00.000-07:00

I didn't get to watch the debate last night. I had to work until around 9 P.M. (pacific time)

But everything I've read says she did well. I am proud of her. My theory is she thrives on live audience feedback. She gets extra energy from the crowd in the chairs in front of her. That's why she knocked last night and her convention speech out of the park. Give her a live audience, as opposed to a taped interview, and she will always rise to the occasion.

I don't think her performance gets much media coverage beyond Thursday night, though. On Friday all of the MSM news outlets will switch to covering the House bailout vote and bury her performance. Normally the debate would dominate the next day's news cycle. But this time the media will want to change the subject and the House vote gives them an excuse to make that happen. Talk radio is the one exception -- the conservatives will talk her up all day long.

I still think polls matter. They help bring in cash for candidates. They help determine motivation and GOTV efforts. And they affect press coverage. So our side remains under the gun. Obama's lead is not insurmountable. But we need a couple more breaks to swing our way.

That's how I see it.

RURAL VS. CITY

2008-09-28T15:27:00.001-07:00

I conducted an experiment yesterday, but didn't realize it until after the fact. I wore my "McCain-Palin" campaign t-shirt all day, out and about. The first part of the day I stayed in the city. My wife and I live in a citified suburb of Sacramento. A Sacramento-area hospital recently estimated that 5 million people live in the Sacramento region. And our neighborhood is definitely included in that. While our home is in a residential enclave, we remain in the heart of the industrialized, lower-rent part of the urban area. During our morning errand runs to the grocery store, Walmart, etc. I received no comments about my campaign t-shirt. No one even seemed to notice it, much less make eye contact with me or comment on it. In the afternoon, my son and I traveled approximately 40 minutes outside of the city to a more rural area of a nearby county. We were attending the high school footbal contest of my nephew Chris. In the rural community, whether at the game or in the market for a soda, I received numerous compliments on my shirt. Both adults and teens pointed at my shirt and said "Nice shirt," or "Yes!!!," or "I love your shirt." How refreshing that was for me. It's nice to know that in the church-going, gun-using, bitter clinging heartland the more conservative ticket of Sen. McCain and Gov. Palin is well-received, and even cheered.

PRESIDENTIAL PRAYERS

2008-09-27T18:25:00.001-07:00

If you are a praying person, and I hope that you are, I encourage you to pray for the results of the presidential election. As I see it, the following swing states are the key to deciding who will win the electoral college. Conservatives need these states to swing into the McCain-Palin column to keep a Republican in the White House. Here are some prayer suggestions:

1) Colorado - pray that the all western-states ticket of McCain-Palin, and in particular the Governor's outdoorsy lifestyle, will appeal to the undecided voters in this adventurous outdoorsy state. And that Christian conservatives in the Colorado Springs area will be heavily motivated.

2) Pennsylvania - pray that the NRAs anti-Obama ads, coupled with Gov. Palin's strong track record as a hunter and gun owner will bring out the rural areas of Pennsylvania in large numbers for the Republican ticket. And that Joe Biden's "no coal plants in America" comment hurts the Democrats significantly amongst families in the steel industry.

3) Virginia - pray that this state stays in the red column and that rumors of Democrat-influenced voter fraud are stifled.

4) Minnesota - pray that the success of the Republican convention, and the economic boost it provided this state, lingers in the minds of all voters and that rural Minnesotans turn out in large numbers for the hockey mom.

5) New Hampshire - McCain's "Maverick" label seems to play well up there so pray this state rewards him for his independent streak when they pull the levers in their voting booths.

6) Pray that Florida remains a Red State and that Palin's large turnout of 60,000 people for a rally in the Orlando area will spark more interest in her and her running mate.

7) Ohio - Pray that conservative, pro-life Ohioans turn out in large numbers and that the Republicans have a superior Get Out the Vote effort.

These are just suggestions of how to pray about the election. I realize they don't guarantee victory. But a good, honest prayer never hurts.

PRAYERS FOR MY SISTER

2008-09-22T12:22:00.000-07:00

My older sister (and only sister), Robin, starts 8 weeks of radiation treatment today for uterine cancer. My son's favorite aunt, Robin is the favorite person of almost every child I know. Her name is also one of my son's favorite words to say. God has gifted her with a special love for children that oozes out of every pore of her body. She has already battled through 6 weeks of chemotherapy. Her spirits remain high and our prayers are with her.

Quote #3

2008-09-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

"People never say "Its only a game" when they're winning

OH so true!

courtesy of this page

NOBAMA'S NUMBERS

2008-09-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Sen. Obama is leading in most of the presidential election polls these days. As of Saturday (9/20/08) Rasmussen has him up by one over Sen. McCain, and as of Friday (9/19/08) Gallup has him up by 5. This is discouraging. However, while NoBama leads in the general election polls, McCain is making some headway in individual state polls. And ultimately, with the electoral college deciding our next president, these are the numbers that matter. Currently, McCain is competitive in a number of "blue" states such as Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. The race is also tight in Ohio, Virginia, Colorado and New Mexico. Depending on which polls you refer to, and there are so dang many of them, the McCain-Palin ticket is even leading in some of these states. McCain absolutely has to hold on to all of the states that President Bush won in 2004, and Ohio may once again prove to be the deciding factor. I am hopeful that adding Palin to the ticket, as an Alaskan, will help in western outdoorsy states like Colorado and New Mexico. And her love of guns and hunting may help in agrarian areas of states like Minnesota and Wisconsin that have large rural communities that thrive on guns and God. Let's hope these purple states bleed red in November.