At 3:00 today I got flowers from my husband.
Isn't he great? He must really love me.
Thursday, September 30, 2004
Don't Forget to Watch the Debates!
• The structure of debates
Debates use a variety of formats. Primary debates, featuring candidates from the same party, and local debates traditionally are more freewheeling and incorporate a wide range of formats because of multiple candidates. Since 1992, the general election presidential debates have also featured multiple formats including a town hall meeting with citizen questioners.
Most debates impose time limits on answers to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunity to respond. Topics may focus on a wide range of issues or may be on a particular theme such as education or the economy. General election presidential debates usually divide the time between foreign and domestic topics.
Candidates may have an opening statement, or a moderator may introduce each candidate and begin questioning immediately. In most debates candidates have closing statements.
Questions guide the content of debates. There are three types of questions: initial; follow-up; and cross-examination. Initial questions get the debate started by asking candidates to explain or defend a position or compare it to an opponent's. Many initial questions are hypotheticals in the form of, "What would you do ifs?" Follow-up questions are directed at a candidate after an answer is given. Their purpose is to probe the original response by asking for elaboration or clarification. Some follow-up questions are on an unrelated topic. Follow-up questions may be asked immediately after an initial response is given or after all candidates have answered the initial question. Cross-examination questions are questions that one candidate addresses to another. A separate time can be set aside for cross-examination questions or they may be included as follow-ups.
Questions may be posed to candidates from a variety of sources. In primary and local debates, experts on the topic debated may serve as panelists. A single moderator, usually from the media, or a panel of media representatives or subject experts are the most common questioners. Many debates, especially at the local level, allow for questions from the audience at some point in the debate. The Richmond town hall meeting in 1992 was the first general election presidential debate to involve citizen questioners.
•How to get the most out of a debate
Focus your attention on a few key points. Know what it is you want in an office holder, then watch and listen to see which candidate best fits your ideal. The following suggestions will help you focus:
Set aside your partisan views. Use the debates to learn as much as possible about all candidates and their positions.
Pay close attention to the candidates when they talk about how to solve problems. Listen carefully for comparisons candidates make between or among their programs and their opponents'.
Identify the candidate's debate strategy. Does the candidate speak directly to the issues, provide specifics, and present new policies or information? Or does the candidate evasively interpret questions to suit his/her agenda?
Identify the images which candidates try to create for themselves. Most candidates try to portray themselves as leaders and identify themselves with cherished American values while suggesting that their opponents lack these qualities. What in the responses supports their claims?
Be aware of the technical limitations of televised debates. Television works by showing action. To create action and minimize monotony, directors sometimes include "reaction shots" to show one candidate's response to an opponent's statement. This can distract your attention from what is being said. It is wise to remember the role of action shots when watching the debates.
Consider the questions asked by the panelists. The essence of debate is comparison and contrast. Did the panelist's or moderator's questions encourage alternative viewpoints? Observe and evaluate the questions asked and determine if you are genuinely adding to the content of the debates.
Don't watch a debate to determine a winner or loser. All candidates have goals for a debate; as a result, all could claim victory if winning is defined as achieving goals set by campaigns or the media. Focus on the question, "Who would make a better president, senator, governor, legislator, county clerk?"
Debates use a variety of formats. Primary debates, featuring candidates from the same party, and local debates traditionally are more freewheeling and incorporate a wide range of formats because of multiple candidates. Since 1992, the general election presidential debates have also featured multiple formats including a town hall meeting with citizen questioners.
Most debates impose time limits on answers to ensure that all candidates have equal opportunity to respond. Topics may focus on a wide range of issues or may be on a particular theme such as education or the economy. General election presidential debates usually divide the time between foreign and domestic topics.
Candidates may have an opening statement, or a moderator may introduce each candidate and begin questioning immediately. In most debates candidates have closing statements.
Questions guide the content of debates. There are three types of questions: initial; follow-up; and cross-examination. Initial questions get the debate started by asking candidates to explain or defend a position or compare it to an opponent's. Many initial questions are hypotheticals in the form of, "What would you do ifs?" Follow-up questions are directed at a candidate after an answer is given. Their purpose is to probe the original response by asking for elaboration or clarification. Some follow-up questions are on an unrelated topic. Follow-up questions may be asked immediately after an initial response is given or after all candidates have answered the initial question. Cross-examination questions are questions that one candidate addresses to another. A separate time can be set aside for cross-examination questions or they may be included as follow-ups.
Questions may be posed to candidates from a variety of sources. In primary and local debates, experts on the topic debated may serve as panelists. A single moderator, usually from the media, or a panel of media representatives or subject experts are the most common questioners. Many debates, especially at the local level, allow for questions from the audience at some point in the debate. The Richmond town hall meeting in 1992 was the first general election presidential debate to involve citizen questioners.
•How to get the most out of a debate
Focus your attention on a few key points. Know what it is you want in an office holder, then watch and listen to see which candidate best fits your ideal. The following suggestions will help you focus:
Set aside your partisan views. Use the debates to learn as much as possible about all candidates and their positions.
Pay close attention to the candidates when they talk about how to solve problems. Listen carefully for comparisons candidates make between or among their programs and their opponents'.
Identify the candidate's debate strategy. Does the candidate speak directly to the issues, provide specifics, and present new policies or information? Or does the candidate evasively interpret questions to suit his/her agenda?
Identify the images which candidates try to create for themselves. Most candidates try to portray themselves as leaders and identify themselves with cherished American values while suggesting that their opponents lack these qualities. What in the responses supports their claims?
Be aware of the technical limitations of televised debates. Television works by showing action. To create action and minimize monotony, directors sometimes include "reaction shots" to show one candidate's response to an opponent's statement. This can distract your attention from what is being said. It is wise to remember the role of action shots when watching the debates.
Consider the questions asked by the panelists. The essence of debate is comparison and contrast. Did the panelist's or moderator's questions encourage alternative viewpoints? Observe and evaluate the questions asked and determine if you are genuinely adding to the content of the debates.
Don't watch a debate to determine a winner or loser. All candidates have goals for a debate; as a result, all could claim victory if winning is defined as achieving goals set by campaigns or the media. Focus on the question, "Who would make a better president, senator, governor, legislator, county clerk?"
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
JG and JJ
Last night I had the most fabulous dream I could ever have!
I dreamt that I won a meet and greet with Jeff Gordon. He showed up at my house with Jimmy Johnson, and they were both so into me, and my knowledge of their carreers. (They didn't find it creepy at all. ;o) So I was showing Jimmy around my house and telling him about how much I love his racing style, and that I knew he was going to be good his rookie year, and have been a fan ever since when he picks me up and gives me this huge hug and says, "I won last week!" I'm like, "I know". Your so fabulous. And then I don't know if he tried to make out with me or not because by this time I was starting to wake up. But I'd like to think he, Jeff and I had a threesome. ha! No really. I don't know what happened next. But it was so great to wake up thinking about it. Weeeee. I love good dreams.
I dreamt that I won a meet and greet with Jeff Gordon. He showed up at my house with Jimmy Johnson, and they were both so into me, and my knowledge of their carreers. (They didn't find it creepy at all. ;o) So I was showing Jimmy around my house and telling him about how much I love his racing style, and that I knew he was going to be good his rookie year, and have been a fan ever since when he picks me up and gives me this huge hug and says, "I won last week!" I'm like, "I know". Your so fabulous. And then I don't know if he tried to make out with me or not because by this time I was starting to wake up. But I'd like to think he, Jeff and I had a threesome. ha! No really. I don't know what happened next. But it was so great to wake up thinking about it. Weeeee. I love good dreams.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
The Haps of the Weekend
Darin came up this weekend and we went to Como Park. It's this big park in the middle of St Paul. It's really pretty, plus there is a free zoo there. We donated a dollar each and walked around inside it. It was fun. (Except for the masterbating monkeys). Why is there always one of those in the bunch? OK... The masterbating monkeys were fun too. I laughed so hard when we got away from the kids that were around. How the heck do you explain that to your kid? "It's a second Tail honey." ha ha ha! I decided when I have kids I'm not taking them to the primate exibits. There is always at LEAST one with his willy hanging out. Perverts.
Problem Solving.
Well, I'm working though some news that I was given this weekend and trying to get over it.
I think this in part because I balanced my budget for the next two weeks and seem to have mis managed $300. So I will be $300 in the hole. I've got to come up with a better budgeting plan. It seems lately that even though I budget, I still don't have enough money when I need it. Which is weird because I'm so anal retentive. Plus, I haven't been doing anything. Which really pisses me off. If I'm not doing anything why the hell am I so broke!!!
I have no friends to hang out with, so I go home and clean or hang out with Jax. I've decided my fat ass has gotten fat enough and am going to really start working out after work though. So maybe that will help me to feel like I'm doing something.
Darin brought up my sewing table this past weekend, so I've got some projects in the works. I am in desperate need of new cloths. So maybe I'll whip up some new creations. Who knows.
(This reminds me. I haven't gotten my W or Vogue magazines since I've moved. I better look into why I'm not getting them at my new address.)
I need to figure out what kind of second job can I have that will pay me good money. I thought about working at the local P1, but that will only give me $50 a week more. Not much. Woah is me. Why couldn't I have married someone filthy stinking rich? In my next marriage, I'm marrying for money instead of love.
I think this in part because I balanced my budget for the next two weeks and seem to have mis managed $300. So I will be $300 in the hole. I've got to come up with a better budgeting plan. It seems lately that even though I budget, I still don't have enough money when I need it. Which is weird because I'm so anal retentive. Plus, I haven't been doing anything. Which really pisses me off. If I'm not doing anything why the hell am I so broke!!!
I have no friends to hang out with, so I go home and clean or hang out with Jax. I've decided my fat ass has gotten fat enough and am going to really start working out after work though. So maybe that will help me to feel like I'm doing something.
Darin brought up my sewing table this past weekend, so I've got some projects in the works. I am in desperate need of new cloths. So maybe I'll whip up some new creations. Who knows.
(This reminds me. I haven't gotten my W or Vogue magazines since I've moved. I better look into why I'm not getting them at my new address.)
I need to figure out what kind of second job can I have that will pay me good money. I thought about working at the local P1, but that will only give me $50 a week more. Not much. Woah is me. Why couldn't I have married someone filthy stinking rich? In my next marriage, I'm marrying for money instead of love.
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
Changed My Blog
Changed up my Blog. I was sick of the old one. So now.
Welcome! Everyone! To my Club!
Welcome! Everyone! To my Club!
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Getting a Kick Out of This
This is funny. My boss, has asked me for the past two days, how to do some stuff. Isn't that funny? I have only been here what? 2 1/2 months, and I'm showing her how to do stuff? I must say though. I think the learning curve here isn't so bad. I think I will soon know pretty much all there is to know about these systems, and will then be able to concentrate on how to make my departments better sellers. I am hoping anyway. If we make plan we get bonus money. If we exceed plan we get more bonus money. So I want to exceed so I can make up for some of the bills I've got. I've been fantasizing. If I only got $1000 I could pay off two dept store credit cards, or 1/3 of one of my visa cards. That would rock!
I've got a date tomorrow. With my friend Gretchen. This will be the first time that I hang out with a "friend" since moving out here on July 6th. We are going to walk her dog, then go get food, then go to Pier 1 to see what is out. We also are going to try to talk to the manager and see if we can weesle our way in to working Mon-Thursday nights. That way we can still feel like we work for the greatest company on earth. Yes you heard me right. With all the things that everyone thinks suck about P1. We have decided that it has spoiled us, because the grasss is not greener on the other side. It's not even the same shade. It's a lot paler.
I've got a date tomorrow. With my friend Gretchen. This will be the first time that I hang out with a "friend" since moving out here on July 6th. We are going to walk her dog, then go get food, then go to Pier 1 to see what is out. We also are going to try to talk to the manager and see if we can weesle our way in to working Mon-Thursday nights. That way we can still feel like we work for the greatest company on earth. Yes you heard me right. With all the things that everyone thinks suck about P1. We have decided that it has spoiled us, because the grasss is not greener on the other side. It's not even the same shade. It's a lot paler.
Monday, September 20, 2004
This Weekend
Well, if anyone actually still reads my blog, here's an update on my weekend.
The weather was supposed to be fabulous. In the high 80's to low 90's. So Darin and I decided to go to the lake for one last horrah. Well, it was windy. Not really windy enough to be a pain, but windy enough to make white caps on the lake, so we couldn't exactly put the boat in and have fun. So we went to the other side of the lake. (I guess I should explain that there is a north side and a south side. They are seperated by a road, and usually if one is choppy the other is not. However, to get to the South side one in a boat you have to put the boat in on the north side, and then go under a really tiny bridge.) So Darin and I decided to go paddle boating on the south side. We paddleboated for about an hour, with the current into the lake. Then realized, once the wind picked up more, and it was starting to get dark, that we had a long road ahead of us to paddle against the current to get home. Actually, it wasn't so bad getting back, but let me tell you my ass and thighs hurt from paddling.
Then I grilled steak. It was so awesome. The best steak I've ever grilled. I loved it! I love being a meat eater. It's so much better than those vegetable eaters. Vegetables aren't 1/2 as much fun!
Then, on Sunday, it was 95 degrees, but still windy. So Darin and I went up to the North lake with the intentions of seeing if we should just swim on the shore. The water was butt-ass cold! Not as cold as the people who froze on the Titanic cold. But still pretty cold. So we waded in, and after about 15 minutes of standing there, "I said screw it! I'm going in!" So I took off my cloths (No I wasn't nude. I had my bathing suit on...pervert) and dove in. Man was it cold. But it was also invigorating. Sure, my body probably went into shock at first, but when I pulled my head back out of the water and felt the warmth on my face, I felt alive and fabulous! All the stress I had been feeling from work, and lonelyness melted away. Shortly after Darin joined me and realized the same thing. We decided we should try to join a polarbear club this winter- you know, those crazy people that swim in feezing cold lakes in the dead of winter. Not that that really will happen. But it seemed like a good plan at the time. We swam for a good amount of time before we finally got out. The waves were so big it was like body surfing at times. We had so much fun. It felt sooooo good. When we got out because it was so warm and windy, we dried off pretty quickly without towels. Then we walked around the lake for a bit, watching the wild life, and the fishermen. It was a great day!
The weather was supposed to be fabulous. In the high 80's to low 90's. So Darin and I decided to go to the lake for one last horrah. Well, it was windy. Not really windy enough to be a pain, but windy enough to make white caps on the lake, so we couldn't exactly put the boat in and have fun. So we went to the other side of the lake. (I guess I should explain that there is a north side and a south side. They are seperated by a road, and usually if one is choppy the other is not. However, to get to the South side one in a boat you have to put the boat in on the north side, and then go under a really tiny bridge.) So Darin and I decided to go paddle boating on the south side. We paddleboated for about an hour, with the current into the lake. Then realized, once the wind picked up more, and it was starting to get dark, that we had a long road ahead of us to paddle against the current to get home. Actually, it wasn't so bad getting back, but let me tell you my ass and thighs hurt from paddling.
Then I grilled steak. It was so awesome. The best steak I've ever grilled. I loved it! I love being a meat eater. It's so much better than those vegetable eaters. Vegetables aren't 1/2 as much fun!
Then, on Sunday, it was 95 degrees, but still windy. So Darin and I went up to the North lake with the intentions of seeing if we should just swim on the shore. The water was butt-ass cold! Not as cold as the people who froze on the Titanic cold. But still pretty cold. So we waded in, and after about 15 minutes of standing there, "I said screw it! I'm going in!" So I took off my cloths (No I wasn't nude. I had my bathing suit on...pervert) and dove in. Man was it cold. But it was also invigorating. Sure, my body probably went into shock at first, but when I pulled my head back out of the water and felt the warmth on my face, I felt alive and fabulous! All the stress I had been feeling from work, and lonelyness melted away. Shortly after Darin joined me and realized the same thing. We decided we should try to join a polarbear club this winter- you know, those crazy people that swim in feezing cold lakes in the dead of winter. Not that that really will happen. But it seemed like a good plan at the time. We swam for a good amount of time before we finally got out. The waves were so big it was like body surfing at times. We had so much fun. It felt sooooo good. When we got out because it was so warm and windy, we dried off pretty quickly without towels. Then we walked around the lake for a bit, watching the wild life, and the fishermen. It was a great day!
Friday, September 10, 2004
I Wonder if Something is Wrong with Me?
So... for the past three days I have noticed that my heart starts beating faster for a couple seconds several times throughout the day. It's weird. I'm not sure if that is what a heart palpitation is or whatever it's called, or what?! It's like how I feel when I get nervous. Except I haven't been nervous lately. At least not that I know of. It's a little weird. I guess I'll try to pay attention this weekend and see if I notice it. Maybe it is work stress. Even though I don't really let work stress me out much. So I don't know why it'd be causing my heart to speed up like that.
Either way. It is freaky.
Either way. It is freaky.
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Kitty Update
He's dead.
It's a long, horrible story. I cry everytime I think of it, much less try to tell it, so spare me the pain of having to write about it. :o( Just pray I get him out of my head so I can stop replaying him lying there dying.
It's a long, horrible story. I cry everytime I think of it, much less try to tell it, so spare me the pain of having to write about it. :o( Just pray I get him out of my head so I can stop replaying him lying there dying.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
As My Good Friend Dave Would Say, "I Have a Cat"
That's an inside joke...
Well, Friday Darin and I went to his parent's farm to get the speed boat. While we were fuelling up the gas tanks, these three tiny little kittys come running out to greet me. Darin had found them last week sometime. They were so cute. One dark grey with stripes, the other light grey with stripes, and a little bit of orange, the other grey and white blotches. So while Darin messed with the boats I messed with the kitties. They were so cute. Especially the grey and white blotches one. So Darin then tells me he thought that one was cute too, and if he were to keep a cat, it'd be that one. So then he got me thinking...."Maybe I should take him when he's ready..."
But I'm not sure of this, and decide to think about it more. First of all, cats are high maintenance. At least higher than my rabbit. They meow, they have to have a little box, and that means I have to clean the thing! Where would I put a litter box anyway?
So we go to the lake for the weekend. Leaving the kitties behind.
We returned to the farm on Sunday, around 3:00. Darin once again had to tinker with stuff, so I went off to find my kitties. The grey and white blotchy one was sitting outside of it's little makeshift home waiting to great me. The others were nowhere to be found. So I play with the one little guy, thinking the others will hear and come out. They didn't. So now reality is setting in. They are probably dead under there somewhere.
So I go get a flash light to look. By this time, I've gathered a following. My "monkey cat" from last year that likes to climb on everything, and can find a way to get somewhere no matter what. A new kitten from last week that just showed up that is really friendly, another friendly cat, and this grey and white kitten. When I look under the gas tank. I see the other two kitties, but they aren't moving. I go to the other side to see their faces, and sure enough. They are dead. Which makes me feel horrible because on Friday we were all playing happily. We don't know if they starved to death, or if a male cat got in there and killed them. Which happens somewhat often because aparently boy cats are the devil. Jerk cats. >:o
So, now we have this one little guy, who is most likely abandoned by his mama, and most likely spend the raining weekend cuddled up to his dead brother and sister to keep warm, with no food. So I took it into the house to find some condensed milk, or milk replacer to feed this poor guy.
To make a long story short, I wound up bringing him home with me. So now, I've got this cat. I don't even think I want to keep him because I have Jax and don't need another creature. I don't want to have to pour money I don't have into feeding and taking care of this guy. So I don't know. Most likely I will nurse it all week and return it to the farm. I'm thinking I shoudl convince Darin he needs a cat at the house. That way I don't have it, and he will have a buddy. Then I can have a cuddler on the weekends when I come home.
I don't even know if I should name him or not. I'm so confused!
Well, Friday Darin and I went to his parent's farm to get the speed boat. While we were fuelling up the gas tanks, these three tiny little kittys come running out to greet me. Darin had found them last week sometime. They were so cute. One dark grey with stripes, the other light grey with stripes, and a little bit of orange, the other grey and white blotches. So while Darin messed with the boats I messed with the kitties. They were so cute. Especially the grey and white blotches one. So Darin then tells me he thought that one was cute too, and if he were to keep a cat, it'd be that one. So then he got me thinking...."Maybe I should take him when he's ready..."
But I'm not sure of this, and decide to think about it more. First of all, cats are high maintenance. At least higher than my rabbit. They meow, they have to have a little box, and that means I have to clean the thing! Where would I put a litter box anyway?
So we go to the lake for the weekend. Leaving the kitties behind.
We returned to the farm on Sunday, around 3:00. Darin once again had to tinker with stuff, so I went off to find my kitties. The grey and white blotchy one was sitting outside of it's little makeshift home waiting to great me. The others were nowhere to be found. So I play with the one little guy, thinking the others will hear and come out. They didn't. So now reality is setting in. They are probably dead under there somewhere.
So I go get a flash light to look. By this time, I've gathered a following. My "monkey cat" from last year that likes to climb on everything, and can find a way to get somewhere no matter what. A new kitten from last week that just showed up that is really friendly, another friendly cat, and this grey and white kitten. When I look under the gas tank. I see the other two kitties, but they aren't moving. I go to the other side to see their faces, and sure enough. They are dead. Which makes me feel horrible because on Friday we were all playing happily. We don't know if they starved to death, or if a male cat got in there and killed them. Which happens somewhat often because aparently boy cats are the devil. Jerk cats. >:o
So, now we have this one little guy, who is most likely abandoned by his mama, and most likely spend the raining weekend cuddled up to his dead brother and sister to keep warm, with no food. So I took it into the house to find some condensed milk, or milk replacer to feed this poor guy.
To make a long story short, I wound up bringing him home with me. So now, I've got this cat. I don't even think I want to keep him because I have Jax and don't need another creature. I don't want to have to pour money I don't have into feeding and taking care of this guy. So I don't know. Most likely I will nurse it all week and return it to the farm. I'm thinking I shoudl convince Darin he needs a cat at the house. That way I don't have it, and he will have a buddy. Then I can have a cuddler on the weekends when I come home.
I don't even know if I should name him or not. I'm so confused!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)