Norm's World

WHATSUP

2008-10-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Haven't blogged in while so I decided to post something.

Well work is work, no better no worse, but hey I have a job.

My walk with GOD? I don't know. I decided to take a little time away from church and the sad part is I don't miss it. I'm to a point where I really don't know what GOD wants. I prayed about it but to date no response from GOD. I talked with a couple of folks I feel are good christens and they say pray about it.. I CAN'T PRAY ANYMORE ABOUT IT..GOD WHERE ARE YOU..I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU.. OH I'm sick of people who have absolutely no anwsers so all they can say is pray about it. I'm also starting to see a crack in their shell and guess what is appearing...TADA.. The typicail hyprocrite!!!! The very thing that turned me away from chuch many years ago.

I see the US Government is on the brink of total failure. I guess the good ole boys will soon be getting theirs and I think it is way past time. I really don't know what is going to happen but all of these years of mismanagement and greed is coming home to roost. All the welfare (both coporate and social) have brought this country to its knees. All I can say bush is "LET ROLLS".

Got to go, later

GOOD QUOTE FOR LIFE

2008-08-06T15:50:00.000-07:00

Timothy Leary

"Turn on, Tune in, Drop out"

I need a vacation

PETMED

2008-07-21T17:52:00.000-07:00

A website to sell pet medication to the public to medicate their pets. Why can't there be a web site that sells medication directly to the public without going to the doctor? I like the idea of self medication:)

LIFE IS GOOD

2008-07-21T15:53:00.000-07:00

For no particular reason I seem to be enjoying life these days. I have no money to do anything with other than paying my bills. I would have liked to have gone to Chimney Rock this past weekend but I could not afford it. In the past this would have upset me but not this time.

I was talking to the girls a couple of weekends ago and told them I wish we could go do something. Danielle said she has enjoyed this summer more not always going when their over here. That was a really cool thing to say plus I think they enjoy the new home as much as me.

Back to work tomorrow!!!!

THIS HAD TO HURT

2008-07-17T15:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnD6Xpja_LE

Talk about a crappy day at work!

BEER AND BURRITOS

2008-07-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

It sucks to be single.

The neighbor bought a new lawn mower and was mowing his lawn. Still had the documentation attached to the handle. He was just a mowing when WHAP he ran over something and must have really screwed it up. His wife was just standing there watching and he started cussing her in some language I never heard. TOO FUNNY..

CAROWINDS THURSDAY WITH THE YOUTH GROUP

2008-07-12T06:47:00.000-07:00

Went to Carowinds with the youth group Thursday with the COR Youth Group. We had a great time and I really liked the new wave pool. One of the young ladies in my group went for the first time. She was a little nervous at first but rode all the big rides.

Looks like my sod made it through the storms and has taken roots. This yard has been a challenge but it is coming on now.

I have the girls until Sunday and then they go home. After three weeks I don't know how I'm going to handle the peace and quite but I'll try :)

To Playdough's Closet and then to Frankies today. I think the girls and I will go to Applebees for lunch since I have a gift card I need to use. Nothing better than eating for free. Church tomorrow.

Everybody have a great weekend!!

SO MUCH FOR THAT $4500 WORTH OF SOD

2008-07-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

I guess we will redo it again because mine is floating down the street.

NEVER BEEN ANY REASON

2008-07-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

HEAD EAST

Kick ASS song. Heard it the other day for the first time in a while. All I could do was smile and enjoy the rush of old memories. Is it just me or was things better in the 70s and 80s?

Holiday Weekend

2008-07-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

3 whole days off, what a wonderful gift. I have no plans, no where I have to be, and no time I have to be there. I'm just going to lay around and enjoy life.

They laid new sod in my yard Monday and Tuesday with the exception of one small area that is now bare. I was hoping to get it finished today but they did not come. It still looks one hundred percent better that it did. All i need now is rain.

Looks like we made it through the layoffs at work. I really hope they new contracts are signed soon and I can have a NEW line instead of the red headed step child I inherited. I guess I should be thankful to have a job in these times. But I'll be happy when overtime comes back and get some more of the new house bills paid off.

Current US and South Carolina Tax Brackets

2008-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

US TAX BRACKET

For 2008, the Federal tax brackets for a single (unmarried) person are:[1]

10%: from $0 to $8,025

15%: from $8,026 to $32,550

25%: from $32,551 to $78,850

28%: from $78,851 to $164,550

33%: from $164,551 to $357,700

35%: $357,701 and above

This applies only to amounts above $8,950 (standard deduction of $5,450 plus the one personal exemption of $3,500) for an individual. For example, a single individual would actually pay:

0% of the first $8,950 of income,

10% of the income between $8,951 and $16,975,

15% of the income between $16,976 and $41,500,

25% of the income between $41,501 and $87,800,

28% of the income between $87,801 and $173,500,

33% of the income between $173,501 and $366,650,

35% of the income exceeding $366,650.

SOUTH CAROLINA TAX BRACKET

If your income range is between $0 and $2,460, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 2.5%
If your income range is between $2,461 and $4,920, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 3%.
If your income range is between $4,921 and $7,380, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 4%.
If your income range is between $7,381 and $9,840, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 5%.
If your income range is between $9,841 and $12,300, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 6%.
If your income range is $12,301 and over, your tax rate on every dollar of income earned is 7%.

Quixtar/Amway

2008-06-23T16:28:00.000-07:00

I could not believe what I was seeing. A Quixtar/Amway commercial on TV! I knew the economy is and has been getting bad but this is crazy. The Amway motto as I see it is "BUY YOUR WAY TO WEALTH", that's like borrowing your way out of debt. ALL, please be careful in the store, park, bars, wherever you go. I can see these vultures coming out in full force. Watch for strangers starting casual conversations and progress to what you do for a living. Next they will be telling you they are a business owner looking for partners in this area, or some bullshit like that. If they try to get your number or ask to meet for lunch just kick them in the nuts and walk away.

OH NO!!! AMWAY/QUIXTAR

I DON'T GET IT

2008-06-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Not feeling it
Some people need to shut up
WHY?
Lakeland!
Marie needs a ride to the shower (Marie needs a car)
WHY?
Big Time interruption - talking about the Taliban - not Jesus - Won't Work.
I'm tried
Fasting
WHY?
Pick up your Bible and follow me I'm in the Prophet Infantry.
Some people need to shut up!
Am I a Prophet?
Praise the Lord!!!!!!
Pray for a quick prayer
Marie farted
KEEP WITNESSING - go for the brass ring
AM I A PROPHET????
Still not feeling it!!!
LAKELAND - NOT A FRAUD!!!!!!!!!
I gotta get out of here.

Good night I'm going to bed.

MIDGET FIGHT

2008-06-17T16:06:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4Wm4DXkcj0&feature=related

We need JOE for our sheriff!!!!!

2008-06-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

SHERIFF JOE IS AT IT AGAIN!
Oh, there's MUCH more to know about Sheriff Joe!
Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay.
The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who'd like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows.
The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78 The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.

I have long wondered when the rest of the country would take a look at the way he runs the jail system, and copy some of his ideas. He has a huge farm, donated to the county years ago, where inmates can work, and they grow most of their own fresh vegetables and food, doing all the work and harvesting by hand. He has a pretty good sized hog farm, which provides meat, and fertilizer. It fertilizes the Christmas tree nursery, where prisoners work, and you can buy a living Christmas tree for $6 - $8 for the Holidays, and plant it later. We have six trees in our yard from the Prison.

Yup, he was reelected last year with 83% of the vote. Now he's in trouble with the ACLU again. He painted all his buses and vehicles with a mural, that has a special hotline phone number painted on it, where you can call and report suspected illegal aliens. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement wasn't doing enough in his eyes, so he had 40 deputies trained specifically for enforcing immigration laws, started up his hotline, and bought 4 new buses just for hauling folks back to the border. He's kind of a 'Git-R Dun' kind of Sheriff.
TO THOSE OF YOU NOT FAMILIAR WITH JOE ARPAIO

HE IS THE MARICOPA ARIZONA COUNTY SHERIFF

AND HE KEEPS GETTING ELECTED OVER AND OVER THIS IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY:
Sheriff Joe Arpaio (In Arizona ) who created the ' Tent City Jail': He has jail meals down to 40 cents a serving and charges the inmates for them

He stopped smoking and porno magazines in the jails. Took away their weights Cut off all but 'G' movies.

He started chain gangs so the inmates could do free work on county and city projects.

Then He Started Chain Gangs For Women So He Wouldn't Get Sued For Discrimination.

He took away cable TV Until he found out there was A Federal Court Order that Required Cable TV For Jails So He Hooked Up The Cable TV Again Only Let In The Disney Channel And The Weather Channel.

When asked why the weather channel He Replied, So They Will Know How Hot It's Gonna Be While They Are Working ON My Chain Gangs.

He Cut Off Coffee Since It Has Zero Nutritional Value.

When the inmates complained, he told them, 'This Isn't The Ritz/Carlton....If You Don't Like It, Don't Come Back.'

He bought Newt Gingrich's lecture series on videotape that he pipes into the jails.

When asked by a reporter if he had any lecture series by a Democrat, he replied that a democratic lecture series might explain why a lot of the inmates were in his jails in the first place.

More On The Arizona Sheriff:

With Temperatures Being Even Hotter Than Usual In Phoenix (116 Degrees Just Set A New Record), the Associated Press Reports: About 2,000 Inmates Living In A Barbed-Wire-Surrounded Tent Encampment At The Maricopa County Jail Have Been Given Permission To Strip Down To Their Government-Issued Pink Boxer Shorts.

On Wednesday, hundreds of men wearing boxers were either curled up on their bunk beds or chatted in the tents, which reached 138 Degrees Inside The Week Before.

Many Were Also Swathed In Wet, Pink Towels As Sweat Collected On Their Chests And Dripped Down To Their PINK SOCKS.

'It Feels Like We Are In A Furnace,' Said James Zanzot, An Inmate Who Has Lived In T he TENTS for 1 year. 'It's Inhumane.'

Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic. He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates: 'It's 120 Degrees In Iraq And Our Soldiers Are Living In Tents Too, And They Have To Wear Full Battle Gear, But They Didn't Commit Any Crimes,So Shut Your Mouths!'

Way To Go, Sheriff!

Maybe if all prisons were like this one there would be a lot less crime and/or repeat offenders. Criminals should be punished for their crimes - not live in luxury until it's time for their parole, only to go out and commit another crime so they can get back in to live on taxpayers money and enjoy things taxpayers can't afford to have for themselves.

If you agree, pass this on. If not, just delete it.

Sheriff Joe was just re-elected Sheriff in Maricopa County , Arizona

FAT PEOPLE ON MOPEDS

2008-06-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

Heres why:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu2HMo63nyU

WHY AIN'T THERE A LAW AGAINST FAT PEOPLE ON MOPEDS

2008-06-02T14:44:00.000-07:00

The only thing worse that a fat person on a Moped is two fat people on a Moped. I am planning to start a coalition to ban fat people on Mopeds. The way I have it figured is to start an organization called ACAFPOM (Average Citizens Against Fat People On Mopeds). If you would like to be a part of this just bump the back of a Moped with a fat person on it.

Thanks,
ACAFPOM Pres.

INTERESTING - IS THIS OUR FUTURE

2008-05-25T04:51:00.000-07:00

Energy fears looming, new survivalists prepare
By SAMANTHA GROSS, Associated Press Writer Posted Sat May 24, 2008 11:12am PDT

Peter Laskowski stacks firewood at his remote home in Waitsfield, Vt., Friday, April 11, 2008. Convinced that the planet's oil supply is dwindling and the world's economies are heading for a crash, people around the country are moving onto homesteads, learning to live off their land, conserving fuel and, in some cases, stocking up on guns they expect to use to defend themselves and their supplies from desperate crowds of people who didn't prepare. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot)
BUSKIRK, N.Y. - A few years ago, Kathleen Breault was just another suburban grandma, driving countless hours every week, stopping for lunch at McDonald's, buying clothes at the mall, watching TV in the evenings.
That was before Breault heard an author talk about the bleak future of the world's oil supply. Now, she's preparing for the world as we know it to disappear.
Breault cut her driving time in half. She switched to a diet of locally grown foods near her upstate New York home and lost 70 pounds. She sliced up her credit cards, banished her television and swore off plane travel. She began relying on a wood-burning stove.
"I was panic-stricken," the 50-year-old recalled, her voice shaking. "Devastated. Depressed. Afraid. Vulnerable. Weak. Alone. Just terrible."
Convinced the planet's oil supply is dwindling and the world's economies are heading for a crash, some people around the country are moving onto homesteads, learning to live off their land, conserving fuel and, in some cases, stocking up on guns they expect to use to defend themselves and their supplies from desperate crowds of people who didn't prepare.
The exact number of people taking such steps is impossible to determine, but anecdotal evidence suggests that the movement has been gaining momentum in the last few years.
These energy survivalists are not leading some sort of green revolution meant to save the planet. Many of them believe it is too late for that, seeing signs in soaring fuel and food prices and a faltering U.S. economy, and are largely focused on saving themselves.
Some are doing it quietly, giving few details of their preparations — afraid that revealing such information as the location of their supplies will endanger themselves and their loved ones. They envision a future in which the nation's cities will be filled with hungry, desperate refugees forced to go looking for food, shelter and water.
"There's going to be things that happen when people can't get things that they need for themselves and their families," said Lynn-Marie, who believes cities could see a rise in violence as early as 2012.
Lynn-Marie asked to be identified by her first name to protect her homestead in rural western Idaho. Many of these survivalists declined to speak to The Associated Press for similar reasons.
These survivalists believe in "peak oil," the idea that world oil production is set to hit a high point and then decline. Scientists who support idea say the amount of oil produced in the world each year has already or will soon begin a downward slide, even amid increased demand. But many scientists say such a scenario will be avoided as other sources of energy come in to fill the void.
On the PeakOil.com Web site, where upward of 800 people gathered on recent evenings, believers engage in a debate about what kind of world awaits.
Some members argue there will be no financial crash, but a slow slide into harder times. Some believe the federal government will respond to the loss of energy security with a clampdown on personal freedoms. Others simply don't trust that the government can maintain basic services in the face of an energy crisis.
The powers that be, they've determined, will be largely powerless to stop what is to come.
Determined to guard themselves from potentially harsh times ahead, Lynn-Marie and her husband have already planted an orchard of about 40 trees and built a greenhouse on their 7 1/2 acres. They have built their own irrigation system. They've begun to raise chickens and pigs, and they've learned to slaughter them.
The couple have gotten rid of their TV and instead have been reading dusty old books published in their grandparents' era, books that explain the simpler lifestyle they are trying to revive. Lynn-Marie has been teaching herself how to make soap. Her husband, concerned about one day being unable to get medications, has been training to become an herbalist.
By 2012, they expect to power their property with solar panels, and produce their own meat, milk and vegetables. When things start to fall apart, they expect their children and grandchildren will come back home and help them work the land. She envisions a day when the family may have to decide whether to turn needy people away from their door.
"People will be unprepared," she said. "And we can imagine marauding hordes."
So can Peter Laskowski. Living in a woodsy area outside of Montpelier, Vt., the 57-year-old retiree has become the local constable and a deputy sheriff for his county, as well as an emergency medical technician.
"I decided there was nothing like getting the training myself to deal with insurrections, if that's a possibility," said the former executive recruiter.
Laskowski is taking steps similar to environmentalists: conserving fuel, consuming less, studying global warming, and relying on local produce and craftsmen. Laskowski is powering his home with solar panels and is raising fish, geese, ducks and sheep. He has planted apple and pear trees and is growing lettuce, spinach and corn.
Whenever possible, he uses his bicycle to get into town.
"I remember the oil crisis in '73; I remember waiting in line for gas," Laskowski said. "If there is a disruption in the oil supply it will be very quickly elevated into a disaster."
Breault said she hopes to someday band together with her neighbors to form a self-sufficient community. Women will always be having babies, she notes, and she imagines her skills as a midwife will always be in demand.
For now, she is readying for the more immediate work ahead: There's a root cellar to dig, fruit trees and vegetable plots to plant. She has put a bicycle on layaway, and soon she'll be able to bike to visit her grandkids even if there is no oil at the pump.
Whatever the shape of things yet to come, she said, she's done what she can to prepare.
___
On the Net:
Peak Oil: http://www.PeakOil.com

TWO DAYS OFF THAT WAS NEEDED

2008-05-22T13:41:00.001-07:00

WOW, Taking the two days off was just what the doctor ordered. I got my new home as my primary residence and the taxes paid on the Mystery Machine. I purchased new furniture for the house. When it is delivered and setup I'll be well on my way to making this a home. Now, like Todd and Dan, I need to work all the OT for the next couple of months to get my finances back right. That shouldn't be a problem with all the activity going on at the plant. I'm actually looking forward to going back to work. Oh well it was a good couple of days off, looking forward to WFJ Saturday night.

What is the government going to do with all that Analog Bandwidth?

2008-05-19T14:16:00.000-07:00

In 2009 all broadcasting will be in digital so my questions is "what is going to happen to all the Analog bandwidth"? At first I figured it was to contact aliens and start some cross breeding program but that's to simple. My next thought was to send mind altering waves out to control people's thoughts but the government wants people killing each other and on welfare. After careful analyzes on my part I concluded that the government wants the bandwidth to explore URANUS. Since the discovery of foreign matter around URANUS the hunt is on as to what it could be. Some say it is what was left of Todd Matrix after T-Money got finished with him. Others say it just plain ole shit left over after the release of matter and gases. I'm not sure what it is but if you got any biscuits in there for sale I'll take one (with mustard).

Good day at Church

2008-05-18T17:59:00.000-07:00

Ready for another week of fun and games. I really had a great day at Church and the Holly Spirit was moving. Although I did not make it to Sunday school the service was wonderful. I fellow shipped with some folks I haven't really talked to in a while. We had a great service this evening while wrapping up the AWANA program for the year. It started with a simple service (but I was working in the kitchen), we presented all the kids with their certificate, had some good food (corndogs, baked beans, and chips), and finished up playing games with the kids. I took the boys and played football. I know 42 isn't old but they ran me to death. I remember like it was yesterday playing ball in high school. Running wind sprints like they were nothing, hitting and getting hit, that would kill me now. I hope everyone had a wonderful day and has a great week.

It will be nice to unwind

2008-05-15T19:09:00.000-07:00

Work is going, its just going. Closing down one line and waiting to setup another is nerve racking. I'll be happy to get the new line up and running until then I'll be doing little jobs that needs to be completed but time consuming. I do enjoy my job and I know it will all work out in the end.
The new house is coming together. I bought a new washer/dryer today and a patio suit. About all I need to still buy is my bedroom suit and a living room suit. I'm really enjoying the house even though it is work getting everything going. Its pretty expensive too:) The feeling that I made a mistake buying it is slowly leaving.