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CORPORATE CHICKENS

It's a shame that in a world full of so much need, corporations such as KFC mindlessly spend their money on stuff like this.

This advertising stunt is to help announce that the KFC logo is changing for only the fourth time in 50 years. New store designs will continue to use the famous "Finger Licking Good," and "11 Secret Herbs and Spices" as taglines. The Colonel, an icon known around the world, will appear in a red cook's apron, rather than the iconic white suite jacket, but will keep his bow tie, glasses and goatee. The logo will also replace the old one on another KFC icon, its chicken bucket. KFC will also roll out a new restaurant design, advertising, packaging, point-of-sale and uniforms.

Obviously KFC believes this is an important step. Corporations do this sort of thing all the time, and KFC will probably do it again in two years. But does it really help? i could care less what the Coloner is wearing. I'd like to believe logo revising does not make a big difference and that investing all of that money into the communities they reside in would be more beneficial to their bottom line. Maybe I'm wrong. Still, I doubt the Colonel knows best.

PLUMMER'S A BUMMER

Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan has decided to start rookie Quarterback Jay Cutler this weekend in their game against the Seahawks. Previous starting QB Jake Plummer has had a disappointing season, throwing more interceptions than touchdown passes. And with the Broncos on a 2-game losing streak, Shanahan decided he needed to shake things up a bit. I agree with his decision and hope it helps to invigorate the offense. Juvan Walker has been the only bright spot in a lackluster offensive season thus far. At 7-4 the Broncos will probably need to win all of their remaining games to secure a playoff spot. Go Denver!

HOLIDAY IN CHAINS

Well, we made it home from Oregon. Yeah! It snowed a lot over the pass on our way home yesterday. The Mrs. and I had to put chains on our tires for the first time ever. Not fun, don't want to do it again. But we survived. And little Parker was a trooper in his car seat during the whole time. Overall, it was a fun and worthwhile trip. I hope to be back to regular blogging from now on.

HOLIDAY HEFT

How much weight will I gain this holiday season? I'm guessing 5-10 pounds, but it could be more. My wife bought me my own pumpkin pie. Yum!

THANKSGIVING 2006

In advance of the holiday weekend, I want to share with the blogosphere what I am thankful for in 2006. And as important as saying what you're thankful for is acknowledging who deserves your thanks. So I am grateful to the God of Christianity for the following blessings:

1) My beautiful wife Mrs. Media Matters. For most of my adult life I never imagined I would marry. But the right woman came along and made me a lucky man when she said "yes."

2) Our child, Baby Media Matters. He brings such joy and smiles to my life. I am loving every minute of it, even the feedings and dirty diapers at 3 AM.

3) The Mrs. and I both have our health. Sure, there are a few concerns, but nothing that robs us of our ability to live our daily lives. And we have great health insurance through Stephanie's work, so that is a blessing as well and something we shouldn't take for granted.

4) The Denver Broncos. Even though they lost last weekend they are still having a winning season. Root for them on Thanksgiving day.

5) Our men and women in uniform. The US military is the finest in the world, both in power and in personality. I am thankful for their willingness to be in harm's way every day to protect me and my family and my freedoms. I wish a special Thanksgiving blessing on those serving in the Middle East.

6) My friends -- Nancy Hill, Mr. Howes, the Massagli family and the Kings -- have radically changed me. I am moved by their investment and involvement in my life. I love you guys.

7) The Mrs. and I are both gainfully employed in jobs that we enjoy. And in career fields that are stable. I am thankful for the financial foundation we already have.

8) Chocolate peanut butter ice cream, Reese's peanut butter cups, and any other combination of the two greatest flavors known to man. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?

9) The rise of the new media, with its conservative bent. Thank God for the Fox News Channel, talk radio and conservative blog sites. It is a true blessing to know that I no longer have to rely on the MSM for my information.

10) A new trend in TV programming that honors the human spirit and promotes hospitality, generosity, community, fellowship, and the list goes on. And the best of the best - Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Deal or No Deal.

OK, that is my list. What are you thankful for?

OFF TO OREGON

The Media Matters family is off to the beautiful state of Oregon for the Thanksgiving holiday. Specifically to my hometown, the small town of Sweet Home (yes, that is actually it's name). I know, it's hard to believe such a good conservative boy came from such a liberal state. Luckily, I made it out with my common sense intact. Posting may be light for the next few days as we travel to see relatives and show off baby Parker.

SWEE' PEA

Here is an adorable photo of my Sweet Pea getting his first taste of, you guessed it, sweet peas.

COMMERCIAL CUSSING

Last night I saw a TV commercial for the new Leonardo Dicaprio flick, Blood Diamond, and it really ticked me off. The commercial features a line of dialogue from the film where the actor uses a curse word. My son was in the room when this happened. We were watching the football game on TV. If a TV program uses language that is inappropriate for my family, I can choose not to view that show. But I have no control over when a commercial airs. There's no TV listings for advertisements. In my home, NFL games are family viewing. But swearing is not. And I am upset that the producers of the movie chose to include that line in the commercial. And I that NBC chose to air the commercial. My family desreves better.

TOUGH QUESTIONS

In church today I met a woman who had a relative serving his second tour of duty in Iraq. He and his family were making a great sacrifice for a noble cause. But sometimes I feel like I am the only person who still supports their mission.

I am disturbed by the common assumption that the war in Iraq seems to be going badly. Even the President has recently admitted as such. Of course, the media and the Democrats want the war to go badly, which is unfathomable to me. But even if the war is going poorly for the US, we must still ask ourselves some tough questions. They are not new questions, others have thought of them before me. Yet they ring true to me as the most important questions of our time.

1. Is the US not able to fight and win a war in the age of television?

2. After only three years, when many wars have lasted much longer and the President has repeatedly told us this would be a long struggle, why has the American public tired of supporting this war?

3. While 3,000 deaths is unfortunate, it is relatively small when compared to other wars in our nation's history. So why have the American public, press and the politicans turned so quickly against this war?

These are tough questions. And I fear I will not be pleased with how our nation answers them.

PROBLEMS FOR PRO-LIFERS (LIKE ME)

I am disturbed by this piece from US News & World Report's election guru Michael Barone. In it he offers:

The fact that an abortion ban could not pass muster with the voters of a state like South Dakota should convince clearsighted prolifers that, even if Roe v. Wade were overturned tomorrow, abortion is simply not going to be banned in the United States anytime soon. True, opposition to abortion is very high in a few jurisdictions (Louisiana, Utah, Guam). But it was almost as high in South Dakota, and the ban was overturned. American voters are ready to support many limitations on abortion. But it seems that very large majorities nationally are not willing to approve an outright ban.

I am disturbed because I fear he is right. Why is it that a ban on abortion couldn't pass in conservative South Dakota? Why is it that parental notification laws can't pass in California? A girl has to get permission to get her ears pierced at the mall, but she doesn't have to get permission to abort a baby? Absurd! And morally bankrupt!

The pro-life issues is one of the main reasons I originally became a Republican. But if it continues to disappear as a campaign issue because no one is willing to take a stand against it, where will that force a voter like me? The Republican party needs voters like me and I hope I do not begin to feel abandoned.

READING LIST

A co-worker of mine is approximately 4 months pregnant. For Christmas and her baby shower she is asking for children's books. She wants to develop a top-notch library of books to read to her little one. I think that's a great idea and it got me to thinking about what books I want to read to Parker. I try to read to him every day. Today we read the children's classic "The Little Engine That Could." I think I can, I think I can. Good stuff. Some other children's lit classics I would like to add to Parker's collection include "Green Eggs and Ham," "The Cat in the Hat," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and my all time favorite book from when I was a kid, "Tuck Everlasting." (If you saw the movie, from what I understand, it has little resemblance to the book it was based upon. The book is riveting.) These are just a few of my choices and I hope Parker likes to read even more than I do.

SIDE NOTE: What am I reading now? Hugh Hewitt's "If It's Not Close They Can't Cheat." I know, I am a presidential election behind, as the book was written about the 2004 campaign. But I have sooo many good conservative political books to read that I need to catch up.

OLBERMANN SHOULD BE OUSTED

Why is it that libtards consistently whine about the so-called vicious rhetoric that comes out of the mouth of Rush Limbaugh and the pen of Ann Coulter? And yet on their side of the aisle, Keith Olbermann is allowed to say false and vile stuff on a nightly basis and he never gets called on it. I am so sick of the double standard that exists -- Conservatives are harsh, racist people and liberals are just speaking their mind. That's baloney and we all know it.

IF ONLY I COULD MAKE A LIVING AT THIS

Here's another silly song for (Parker) Seiber. These loony lyrics just come to me. I really can't carry a tune, however, so you're lucky you only have to read it, not hear it being sung. Parker doesn't seem to mind though. He laughs and smiles when his daddy sings to him.

Parker, Oh Parker
You are my shining star.

Parker, Oh Parker
In life you will go far.

Parker, Oh Parker
You are my bestest friend.

Parker, Oh Parker
I love you to the end.

WAL-MART WHACKS EDWARDS

Kudos to Walmart for sticking it to Democratic Presidential hopeful John Edwards. (hat tip - The Corner) As the linked article indicates, his behavior is indeed hypocritical.And embarrassing. After months of bashing Walmart, which makes no sense to me, his office contacts them in hopes of finding a Play Station 3 for his children for Christmas. Walmart, via a clever press release, told him to wait in line like everyone else. Good for them. I love Walmart. I don't love John Edwards.

THIS POST IS NOT UNWRITTEN

I am a big fan of the song "Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield. I've heard the catchy song on both pop and Christian stations. From England, Bedingfield used to be a worship leader in her home church. The lyrics to her first big hit are very uplifting and encouraging. To me, the message of the song is live your life to the fullest and start today. You're the only person who can make that happen. It's a simple message, but a smart one.

WILL THE AUDIENCE GET LOST?

Last night one of my favorite TV programs, Lost, was not broadcast during the show's regularly scheduled time slot. Instead, it has been put on hiatus for many months to make room for a new Taye Diggs drama on ABC, Day Break. Now, I have no desire to view Day Break, as all I can tell from the promos is it is a vehicle for Mr. Diggs to take his shirt off as may times as possible. But I do miss Lost. From what I can gather, ABC's decision to shelve Lost for a long time is a two-fold approach. It is an expensive program to produce with a large cast and a difficult production schedule. So the hiatus ostensibly buys them more time to meet production deadlines and turn out a quality product.Secondly, it is partly an attempt to avoid showing repeats. Focus groups apparently hate repeats.As do I. Still, I think ABC is taking a big risk. While still popular, Lost has been steadily decreasing in viewership as one of the show's competitors, Criminal Minds on CBS is steadily gaining in the Nielsen ratings. Much of Lost's audience could continue to defect to CBS during the drama's absence. And by the time it comes back in the Spring, Lost may have been forgotten.

LUNGREN AS A LEADER?

Dean Barnett, guest poster on Hugh Hewitt's site wrote about a conference call with Republican leaders. He was impressed with Dan Lungren. As I posted in a comment on that blog, "Dan Lungren is my Congressman in Northern California. As a good conservative Republican, I voted for him. But I have never felt like he was that charismatic or strong in his leadership skills. I will be glad to be proven wrong, though. He ran for governor of California a few years back as well. I believe he lost to Gray Davis. Sad but true." So I will reserve my excitement for Lungren, at least for now.

SILLY SONGS FOR SEIBER

Neither me or my son can sleep this early morning. So I thought I would share with you another of the silly songs for Seiber. This one is sung to the tune of the classic Oscar Maier weiner commercial.

My son has a first name
It's P-A-R-K-E-R.

My son has a second name
It's S-E-I-B-E-R.

Oh I love to hold him every day
And if you ask me why I'll say

'Cause Parker Seiber has a way
Of looking handsome every day.

RNC: REAL NUTTY CHOICE

Let me jump on the bandwagon, with among others, two of my favorite bloggers -- Michelle Malkin and Mary Katherine Ham, and say that I think the choice of Senator Mel Martinez to be RNC Chair is uninspired. Sure, he is Hispanic and that may help bring in some more Hispanic voters. But Michael Steele is much more enthusiastic, well-spoken and charismatic than Martinez. Besides, doesn't Mel already have a job? Color me disappointed.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

I forgot to note that yesterday was my two-year blogging anniversary. WooHoo! Things have finally started picking up around this blog as I am posting more regularly. Please keep coming back to check up on things around here.

PRESIDENT SANTORUM?

I heard his potential candidacy floated today on the Hugh Hewitt show. I think it's a great idea and I hope Sen. Santorum goes for it. His is a campaign I could support 100%.

I'VE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BRONCOMANIA

My wife, the lovely Mrs. Media Matters, has been a longtime Denver Broncos fan. After three years of marriage, I can honestly admit she has converted me to Broncomania. I even listen to the games on the radio when they are not televised. It has been fun having a favorite team to root for again. It feels like a very American thing to do, not quite patriotic, but civic almost. I've never been to Denver, except for a brief layover in the city's airport. And I live in California and grew up in Oregon. So my only tie to Denver, or even Colorado for that matter, is the Broncos. Yet I feel they are my TEAM! The team didn't play all that well yesterday, but they still managed to beat their divisional rivals, the Oakland Raiders. And a win is a win, so I'll take it. Go Broncos!

MARKETING A MERRY CHRISTMAS

My beautiful bride, Mrs. Media Matters has an intriguing post on how some major retailers are making a change this holiday season. A change for the better. According to the article, Macy's, Kohl's and my personal favorite retailer, Wal-mart, all have plans to return to the use of the word Christmas. Bravo. It's about time. Most Americans celebrate Christmas and those who don't can be adult enough to not be offended by the phrase "Merry Christmas." I used to work retail after college and we were required to write a personal message of thanks on all receipts. I bucked the system in December and always wrote "Merry Christmas" instead of the PC preferred "Seasons Greetings" or "Happy Holidays." I am glad that these three retailers would be willing to do the same. It may be largely a symbolic gesture, but as a conservative Christian who proudly celebrates Christmas, it means a lot to me. I will plan to take my business to Macy's, Kohl's and Wal-mart this Christmas season and give a bah humbug to Best Buy.

REPUBLICANS RUN OUT OF GAS

Gas prices have shot back up in my area, up 15-20 cents from their earlier low of $2.15 a gallon. I wrote in this post that I thought falling gas prices would help the Republicans on November 7. My analysis was wrong. The Republicans could not overcome the unpopular war in Iraq, scandals and fecklessnes, and the doomsaying of the MSM. Good economic news, such as falling gas prices in the Fall, never had a chance to make an impact.

WHAT'S IN A (NICK) NAME?

My handsome Parker is six months old. In those six short months, I have come up with a variety of nicknames for him. I use them all intermittently. None has risen above the rest and become dominant. Here they are, in no particular order. Let me know which one you like best. I'm sure Parker will do the same when he is old enough.

1. Mancub - what the animals called Mowgli in "The Jungle Book."
2. Parker Doodles - I stole this one from his Aunt Robin.
3. Sweet Pea - his MRI technician called him that, too. So I know it's universal.
4. Sweetey Petey - a derivative of Sweet Pea.
5. Sweet Potato - a slight change from Sweet Pea, brought about by the recent introduction of this Gerber vegetable into Parker's diet.

THANK YOU

Veteran's Day 2006. Thank a Vet for their service.

I'd like to thank:

my dad
my blogging friend Dave
my best friend Andy and his brother Jeff
my cousin Mark
our three Soldier's Angels
my step-brother-in-law Aaron
and all of the men and women who have honorably served the US military. God bless you.

WATCH FOX NEWS WATCH

I think Fox News Watch is probably my favorite TV show. Even better than Lost or Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. I just really like the way the show analyzes the media. Being a panelist on that program would be my dream job. I would love to replace media writer Neal Gabler as he is far too liberal for my tastes.

HAM'ING IT UP

I've added one of my favorite new bloggers to my blogroll. I first learned of Mary Katherine Ham when she guest posted for months on Hugh Hewitt's blog. Now she has one of her own and it is worth checking out, multiple times a day. She is a good conservative gal, with a strong sense of humor as well. Enjoy.

ELECTILE DYSFUNCTION

I've been feeling a lot of anger about how badly the elections turned out on Tuesday. Somehow I need to process that anger. So this blog post is an attempt to do that. These are just some of the things I'm angry about.

1. Conservative media led us to believe the night wouldn't be as bad as it turned out to be. Maybe they cheerleaded (if that's a word) too much.

2. Some exit polling, if accurate, seems to indicate that a lot of Evangelical Christians either stayed home and didn't vote, or voted for the Democrats. I do not understand how that can be. God calls us to be in the world, not to ignore it.

3. The many experts who already think they know exactly what the problem was for the Republicans. I think it will take some time to reflect on what went wrong. And so far, no one I've heard has it all right. It wasn't just the war. It wasn't just illegal immigration. It was probably both of those things and more.

4. As much as I love George W. Bush, a part of me is angry, or maybe more disappointed, that he let Donald Rumsfield go. Maybe it was time for a change. I just don't think Rumsfield has gotten the credit he deserves for much that he did right.

5. Why, when it was helping us gain momentum, did the Republicans let John Kerry off the hook for his outrageous comment after only two days? The military is still mad and yet conservative politicians and media spokespeople appeared to let the issue die after Kerry's fake "apology."

6. Yes it does seem the Republicans are feckless much of the time when it comes to standing up to the obstructionist Democrats. Why didn't the Senate push more judges through? Why didn't we fight harder for Social Security reform?

I can feel the anger. So that is enough for now.

SPOKESPERSON STEELE

Now that RNC Chair Ken Mehlman has stepped down, I like Michelle Malkin's idea of replacing him with Michael Steele. Steele would be an attractive spokesperson for the party. I hope he is strongly considered for the position.

GET OUTTA MY DREAMS....

Get Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car by Billy Ocean has to be the best pop song of the 80s. It came out while I was in college and I loved it the first time I heard it. Now I hear it on the radio and I am instantaneously in a good mood. I crank up the stereo and start moving to the music. If I am in my car, I sing along at the top of my lungs. I am one of those strange people you see at stoplights who are totally spazzing out to the song. After a terribly depressing night of politics last night, I needed a Billy Ocean pick me up. And I got one tonight. The lyrics are so inane,

Get Outta My Dreams,
Get Into My Car.
Get Outta My Dreams,
Get In the Backseat Baby
Get Into My Car.

But you don't care because the song is so catchy and fun. I think we should all hear this song at least once a day. It always puts a smile on my face.

REPUBLICAN REASONS

Reasons why I am a Conservative Republican:

1. Aggressive pursuit of the war on terror.
2. Respect for the military.
3. Pro-life. We're the only party willing to at least consider putting some limitations on abortion.
4. Anti-gay marriage. Weddings are for one man and one woman.
5. Read my lips. No new taxes. And I mean it.

That pretty much sums it up. After a demoralizing night like last night, I need to remind myself what I believe and why.

ONE STOP SHOPPING

You gotta love craigslist. This guy is a genius. I've used this FREE service to do everything from shop for furniture, sell art work, and shop for home rentals. Long live craigslist.

SADNESS FOR SANTORUM

So sorry to see Rick Santorum lose in Pennsylvania. He is a godly man, the kind we need more of in the US Senate.

I'D LIKE TO BUY A VOWEL

If you live in Sacramento County, as me and my family do, Vote no on Q & R. They are hard consonants and stupid ballot measures. We do not need to raise our taxes to build the Sacramento Kings a new stadium. I love the Kings as much as the next guy. Heck, I even starred in a commercial for them. But there is nothing wrong with Arco Arena. The spoiled little Maloof brothers can whine all they want. But if they want a new arena, let them build it. They can afford it. Me and my family, we cannot.

SILLY SANTA

The Mrs. and I enjoyed another one of our Drive-In Dates this weekend. Only this time, the little one stayed awake for most of the movie. Oh well, he was very well behaved. And it was a rated G movie, so we're safe. We saw "Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause." We enjoyed it, as we have the first two. It was nice that they had all the same cast back again for the third version. The only downside, it is a very short film. Not even 80 minutes in length. It seems obvious they are catering to children with short attention spans and trying to increase the number of showings in your local multiplex. For a feature length film to be that short is a shame. So for that reason alone, I wouldn't recommend the movie. Wait for it to come out on DVD.

Rumor has it that the only Drive-In Theater in Sacramento is about to be decimated in favor of another multiplex. Please say it aint so. The Media Matters family needs its date nights.

GOP on the Rebound

I bet the liberal Sacramento Bee, my hometown newspaper, hated having to post this headline at the top of page one today. You betcha the GOP is on the rebound as Corker has a big lead over Ford in the US Senate race in Tennessee. And Senator Burns is gaining in Montana and it looks like Michael Steele will win in Maryland. WooHoo! Keep these guys on your political prayer list. We need the GOP to stay in control of both houses of Congress.

THE BRONCOS BEAT

In honor of Mrs. Media Matters' favorite NFL team, the Denver Broncos, here is another silly song I sing to Baby Media Matters.

Broncos, O Broncos,
You are my favorite team.

Broncos, O Broncos,
I watch you on the screen.

Broncos, O Broncos,
For you I'll always pull.

Broncos, O Broncos,
Please win the Super Bowl.

Broncos, O Broncos,
Don't lose two in a row.

Or Broncos, O Broncos,
My mom will lose control.

PRAYERS FOR PARKER

Our six month old son Parker has his second MRI on Monday. He will have to undergo anesthesia. The doctors will be re-examining his brain condition. Your prayers are appreciated.

PUNCH FOLEY FOR JOE

My mom lives in Mark Foley's congressional district, Florida's 16th. I contacted her this week to make sure she knew that by voting for Foley on her ballot, she would actually be casting a vote for conservative Joe Negron to replace him. She understood and agreed, and in fact had already gotten that message. Still, Hugh Hewitt would be so proud of me.

DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGN SLOGAN

We prefer killing babies in the womb, not terrorists.

KANYE CAN'T SHUT UP

I never liked this guy (Kanye West), especially after his stupid anti-Bush comments after Hurricane Katrina. Now I've found another reason to think he is a jerk, spoiled rotten liberal, add your own adjective riddled insult here.

POLITICAL PRAYERS

The upcoming Congressional elections have proven to be a big boost to my prayer life. I have found that the fear of having Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, or Harry Reid as Senate Majority Leader, has brought me to my knees before God. Seriously. The idea that the Democrats may take over in the middle of the war on terror frightens me. Fear is a big motivator. And I really don't know what to do about this fear, except to blog and to pray. So Senators Santorum, Burns, Talent and others have been in my daily prayers. As have Michael Steele, Mike Bouchard and Bob Corker. And my blogging has increased, too. Let's just hope (and pray) that it all pays off.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

"Thank you for your service." It's a simple sentence, but one we should say a lot more often. My wife and I got to say it to an appreciative Vietnam Vet last night. He sat at the table across from us at the restaurant, in his wheelchair. We used the sentence as a springboard to a conversation about our appreciation for the sacrifices of the US military. You can bet that when the subject of John Kerry came up, this Vietnam Vet was plenty mad about Kerry's recent comment that American military personnel are dumb. He was furious, as were my wife and I. Our restaurant Vet was a nice man. A hero, too.

HAPPY HALF BIRTHDAY

My son, Parker, is six months old today. My how time flies. He is so cute and adorable I wish I could keep him at this age. Alas, time marches on. Before I know it he will be asking me to borrow the car.

TV LUNCH

This is a first for me. I am enjoying some of the fall TV seasons new programs online. I watch them during my lunch hour at work. So far, my lunch time faves are NBC's 30 Rock and ABC's Ugly Betty. This is a cool way to catch up on some shows I would not otherwise have time to view. And there are fewer commercials, too!

LA LOSER

I don't believe Sen. Kerry that his comments about the troops was a "botched joke." I believe he knew what he was saying and he is only backpedaling from it now because of how badly it has been received. John Kerry is French for "loser."