Insurance/contractor nightmares ( I need some balls )

Last year I had the opportunity to access a program to help low income home owners address issues in their homes which may cause them to have to move out. Don't get me wrong they don't come in and "renovate" your home, it's very specific and only the major issues under a certain budget get addressed and over 10 years you have a loan and lien on your house.  I live in a small village of 1000 where most of the houses are older ( mine was built in 1880) and every spring the rows upon rows of sump pump hoses line the streets as homeowners deal with the inevitable. My home is no different, so when I accessed this program I spoke to the contractor I had chosen about making sure the new furnace I was getting was elevated, maybe suspended from the rafters, to keep it safe from water issues. At first he said it couldn't be done as my basement is not full height and I asked for it to be raised at least as high as my previous furnace.  I was on a waiting list from the fall 2016 into mid January 2017.  They lent us a heater to help with the cold while we waited. Once the job was completed the furnace had been placed on maybe 2 inch slabs! I said that I was concerned but the job was done. Then comes April downpours and my basement floods like everyone's did and my beautiful new furnace sinks under the cold icy water and my house fills up with propane! I've never heated with propane and it terrified me...I waded around in the basement and hooked up a fan to try to blow it out all the while expecting to be blown up! I realize this event was not typical weather but what is typical weather these days? So my concerns born out I contact the insurance company and begin the task of quotes.  I contacted my original contractor who then told me the furnace could probably by hung from the rafters but it wouldn't be covered by the insurance company because it would represent a change from the original set up and would increase the cost by $700.00! Sooooo I could have had it raised in the first place but I think my contractor ( who seems to be a nice enough guy) was more afraid of losing the bid than my concerns over possible flooding!!! We're still in the process of finalizing this endeavour and even though I'm a woman I'm intending to pursue it to the bitter end even though I will most likely lose out.  It sucks being a woman in these scenarios because if you're not a bitch in the first place you're a sucker in the end.  I have often said that one day I will buy myself a penis just to carry with me in case I need more balls...maybe that time is now!

Oscar Mayer will be turning in his grave...

What used to be a simple summer staple for lunches, barbecue's and picnics, has now become tainted by another over zealous and endowed congressman who felt it was necessary to "share" his "lunch" with lots of friends!  This "dirty dog" was so lax in his shenanigans as to be outed by a Blogger, much to the shame and embarrassment of all those who know him, and especially those who love him, which is presumably his wife...or maybe now his mother (if she is alive). Although I feel sorry for her, and for his friends, I wouldn't imagine that  this man has too many friends, since his narcissism is glaringly apparent.  The next news break will be that he's gay! Oh well...who needs him! His wife would be far far far better off without him...Thank goodness they don't have children!  Not enough room in that ego for a child.
Now that I've said my little piece, I also would like to thank (heavy sarcasm) Wolf Blitzer of CNN for leaving me with that vulgar image which will now pervade my summers every time we have HOT DOGS for lunch.  Thanks Wolf!

Whale Hunt suspended...

So it seems that all over the world people are going to extremes to have their causes  recognized.  The newsletter is a thing of the past...makin noise is the quiet protestor....the ones who are energized, and maybe a bit crazy.  This is good news for the whales....maybe the dolphins can get some help too....and maybe the couyntry needs to change up their diet a bit. Is there no Micky D's in Japan?  Maybe I should google that!!!!!!

Education in Death; The killing of Phoebe Prince

"South Hadley High School- Our Working Mission:

We pledge to create a challenging and supportive academic community in which each student will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pursue post-secondary options of their choice and act as a responsible citizen in a diverse and global society.."

This mission statement has a great set of words, unfortunately it is just words!  We need not centre out Hadley High for all our scorn, although it's tempting to revenge the death of Phoebe Prince, she is one of many victims who have fallen because nobody would take this systematic abuse for it's criminal nature.  Harassment has long been a recognized "crime", but for some reason because the victims are not of legal age, we seem to consider "bullying" an acceptable right of passage. 

"Nine Massachusetts teens were indicted Monday for driving a pretty 15-year-old "new girl" from Ireland to suicide in a case that has become a symbol of high school bullying.The sweeping charges - which come after months of complaints that the bullies weren't being punished - include statutory rape, violation of civil rights with bodily injury, criminal harassment and stalking. Phoebe Prince, a new arrival at South Hadley High School from a tiny seaside hamlet in County Clare, was mercilessly tormented by a cadre of classmates later dubbed the "Mean Girls" by Massachusetts newspapers."The investigation revealed relentless activity directed toward Phoebe designed to humiliate her and to make it impossible for her to remain at school," District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel said. "The bullying, for her, became intolerable."
"Students said Phoebe was called "Irish slut" and "whore" on Twitter, Craigslist, Facebook and Formspring. Her books were routinely knocked out of her hands, items were flung at her, her face was scribbled out of photographs on the school walls, and threatening text messages were sent to her cell phone."

It's simply amazing to me how a "youth culture" so thoroughly entrenched in the acceptance of the "unique and shocking" are they themselves SO SAVAGELY INTOLERANT!

I was bullied, I imagine because I was English and had an accent. My sister was also relentlessly bullied, my oldest son suffered harassment all through his High School years, probably because he is smart, hardworking, and not a redneck!  I did the unthinkable for many years, although I wanted to go to the school, Paul insisted that things would get worse if I did that. So I did nothing. Then one day he dropped his books and pummeled a kid who had made the mistake of tripping on Paul's last nerve!!  Things seemed to improve after that, and as a result I learned from Paul, not to insist on "non violent" intervention.  I know it goes against everything Christlike that I know of, but I want Matthew to feel that he has some control over what is happening to him.  I don't want him to feel that I'm sending him out there, where there are mean kids who want to break his spirit, with his hands tied behind his back.  I have shared my feelings with his teachers and although they may not be overjoyed, most admit they would advise their kids the same!  Do mean students come from mean parents? Probably, so expecting support from parents is usually not effective...but neither is letting it go, and worse yet is when your child gets labelled because he has stood up for himself against the bullies!!! I once got so enraged by the bullies where we lived grabbed the hair of a boy who had been holding my son's hair while kicking repeatedly...that's not such a good thing to do, especially when the kid (who is now wetting his pants) screams and his mother shows up!!! But there again, I wonder if somewhere in his little head he remembered the crazy lady, and thought twice before yanking and kicking some other child, whose mother wasn't quite so crazy!

So, the death of this young girl, just 15 years old, who emigrated from Ireland just last fall, is now the "poster girl" for changing the management of school bullies. Well, I hope to see it happen.
Other wise, Lady Liberties inscription will have to be changed to read....
"With silent lips.Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"...THAT IS UNTIL YOU START SCHOOL AND THEN YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!

Anne Coulter and Ezra Levant...how about an all expenses paid one way trip to Baghdad?

New York News and Features reports...

"Who would have guessed that a letter from the University of Ottawa warning Anne Coulter not to be overly hateful when she speaks there would spawn a larger controversy? The answer is everyone, and everyone was correct. But before Coulter's event at the University of Ottawa yesterday, she first spoke at the University of Western Ontario on Monday. It was there that Coulter told a 17-year-old Muslim girl to "take a camel" if she didn't own a flying carpet — a reference to an old Coulter remark about what Muslims should do after being banned from flying on planes. It's "satire," Coulter later told Canadian television. "

Where do these hate filled people come from?
Are they born this way or is there something in their water supply?
What has happened to Anne Coulter and Ezra "whatshis" name? (whose claim to fame is the Canadian Allah Cartoon Controversy) Who I assume, with the name Ezra, may be Jewish, and so should certainly know better if that is the case?
If they are both so darned passionate about Muslim Terrorists, and want so much attention directed to their cause, why don't they both just hop on a plane to the Middle East, where I'm sure one or two of our dedicated soldiers could take their leave, and they could get their little "hopped up" selves out to Taliban Territory where the real action is, instead of insulting Canadian teenagers with racial slurs and trying to start more conflict at home! Step up or Shut up!
Since when did "FREE SPEECH" ever be set out to mean that you have the legal right to spew hatred and incite violence without consequence?
WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT?????
I'VE READ THE CHARTER AND I DON'T SEE THAT EZRA????
You're makin me CRAZY!

Free Speech is very costly...

The problem with free speech is that if you advocate for it for yourself, then you must hold it true for others as well, and some times that can raise emotions in us that aren't pretty!  For instance, the email that I spoke of a few days ago, that attempts to ellicit hatred towards Muslims...I myself founf it to be quite offensive, and have written back to the "sender" my feelings on the subject.  At one time I may have not done this...I may have instead had a drink, bit my nails and kicked the cat! (of course not!!!) however someone might find that offensive too, as I do! So this person, and all her other recipients might possibly react negatively to what I have to say, and that will be okay too...That's free speech!
It's when free speech starts to cost lives, that it becomes too expensive for me to tolerate.  When families, and villages, and countries are ravaged with the notion being that somehow those peoples thoughts,  faiths and values need to be extinguished we called it "colonization" but I thought we had learned from all that tragedy. 
The reality may just be that "He who shouts the loudest wins", so we musn't be quiet in the face of injustice, even if we are Christians...Jesus shouted! Below is a refresher of the Charter.

CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

Being Part I of the Constitution Act, 1982

[Enacted by the Canada Act 1982 [U.K.] c.11; proclaimed in force April 17, 1982. Amended by the Constitution Amendment Proclamation, 1983, SI/84-102, effective June 21, 1984. Amended by the Constitution Amendment, 1993 [New Brunswick], SI/93-54, Can. Gaz. Part II, April 7, 1993, effective March 12, 1993.]



Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law:
Guarantee of Rights and Freedoms

RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS IN CANADA.

1. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society.
Fundamental Freedoms

FUNDAMENTAL FREEDOMS.

2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:
(a) freedom of conscience and religion;

(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and

(d) freedom of association.

Democratic Rights

DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS OF CITIZENS.

3. Every citizen of Canada has the right to vote in an election of members of the House of Commons or of a legislative assembly and to be qualified for membership therein.

Complete Canadian Charter of Rights

Jihad emails another form of inciting hatred ...PLEASE READ!

So I got this email today forwarded, supposedly, from someone's father who wrote this article for "The Canadian Press"(?)but no clearer reference. First let me say that I believe in Jesus Christ, I am Methodist, and I was raised Catholic. Every 2 weeks I'm visited by a small group of Jehovah's Witnesses and we discuss the Bible and our different faiths...I want to understand our similarities, and our differences. Having FAITH is one thing, and having DOCTRINES is another. Each religion has it's doctrines, and each religion also has it's extremist splinter groups, that use fear and hate mongering to promote themselves. The internet is the perfect place to go "viral" with your messages and fuel the fires that are already smoldering because of the actions of these extremist groups.
We need to be vigilant in ensuring that messages we are forwarding are based on truth, particularly when we know the impact of spreading this "information" is to strike us with fear, and vengeance.

I know this is long but read the email, and then the wiki quote...research the link...and then make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate in this kind of "Jihad"!

"The following article is an extract from The Canadian Press..
The Muslim religion is the fastest growing religion per capita in Canada, especially in the minority races!
Last month I attended my annual training session that's required for maintaining my federal prison security clearance.
During the training session there was a presentation by three speakers representing the Roman Catholic, Protestant and Muslim faiths, who explained each of their beliefs..
I was particularly interested in what the Islamic Imam had to say. The Imam gave a great presentation of the basics of Islam, complete with a video.
After the presentations, time was provided for questions and answers.
When it was my turn, I directed my question to the Imam and asked: 'Please, correct me if I'm wrong, but I understand that most Imams and clerics of Islam have declared a holy jihad [Holy war] against the infidels of
the world and, that by killing an infidel, (which is a command to all Muslims) they are assured of a place in heaven. If that's the case, can you give me the definition of an infidel?'
There was no disagreement with my statements and, without hesitation, he replied, 'Non-believers!'
I responded, 'So, let me make sure I have this straight. All followers of Allah have been commanded to kill everyone who is not of your faith so they can have a place in heaven. Is that correct?'
The expression on his face changed from one of authority and command to that of a little boy who had just been caughtwith his hand in the cookie jar.'
He sheepishly replied, 'Yes.'
I then stated, 'Well, sir, I have a real problem trying to imagine Pope John Paul commanding all Catholics to kill those of your faith or Dr. Stanley ordering all Protestants to do the same in order to guarantee them a place in heaven!'

The Imam was speechless!

I continued, 'I also have a problem with being your friend when you and your brother clerics are telling your followers to kill me!

Let me ask you a question: Would you rather have your Allah, who tells you to kill me in order for you to go to heaven, or my Jesus who tells me to love you because I am going to heaven and He wants you to be there with me?'

You could have heard a pin drop as the Imam hung his head in shame. Needless to say, the organizers and/or promoters of the Diversification training seminar were not happy with my way of dealing with the Islamic Imam, and exposing the truth about the Muslims' beliefs.

In twenty years there will be enough Muslim voters in Canada to elect the Prime Minister!

I think everyone in Canada should be required to read this.

There is no way this will be widely publicized, unless each of us send it on!

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination. If you have a pulse you have a purpose.

This is your chance to make a difference.

FOR GODS' SAKE! SEND THIS ON

For God's sake DON'T send this on!
from Wikipedia...

Jihad
Main articles: Jihad and Islamic military jurisprudence
Jihad means "to strive or struggle" (in the way of God) and is considered the "Sixth Pillar of Islam" by a minority of Sunni Muslim authorities.[67] Jihad, in its broadest sense, is classically defined as "exerting one's utmost power, efforts, endeavors, or ability in contending with an object of disapprobation." Depending on the object being a visible enemy, the devil, and aspects of one's own self, different categories of Jihad are defined.[68] Jihad, when used without any qualifier, is understood in its military aspect.[69][70] Jihad also refers to one's striving to attain religious and moral perfection.[71] Some Muslim authorities, especially among the Shi'a and Sufis, distinguish between the "greater jihad", which pertains to spiritual self-perfection, and the "lesser jihad", defined as warfare.[72]

Within Islamic jurisprudence, jihad is usually taken to mean military exertion against non-Muslim combatants in the defense or expansion of the Ummah. The ultimate purpose of military jihad is debated, both within the Islamic community and without, with some claiming that it only serves to protect he Ummah, with no aspiration of offensive conflict, whereas others have argued that the goal of Jihad is global conquest. Jihad is the only form of warfare permissible in Islamic law and may be declared against apostates, rebels, highway robbers, violent groups, and leaders or states, Islamic or otherwise, who oppress Muslims or hamper proselytizing efforts.[73][74] Most Muslims today interpret Jihad as only a defensive form of warfare: the external Jihad includes a struggle to make the Islamic societies conform to the Islamic norms of justice.[75]

Under most circumstances and for most Muslims, jihad is a collective duty (fard kifaya): its performance by some individuals exempts the others. Only for those vested with authority, especially the sovereign (imam), does jihad become an individual duty. For the rest of the populace, this happens only in the case of a general mobilization.[74] For most Shias, offensive jihad can only be declared by a divinely appointed leader of the Muslim community, and as such is suspended since Muhammad al-Mahdi's[76] occultation in 868 AD.[77]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam#Articles_of_faith

What is wrong with these pictures?

Dr. Murray skips his appointment

The infamous "dr. murray", who accidentally killed Michael Jackson with an anesthetic, is "negotiating" his arrest...I didn't know that we all had that right!!! Do we? Because if that is the case, I would assume there would be a whole lotta people who would "opt out" just as this man seems to be doing!!!

Image is everything I guess, and there appears to be some dispute about how the thing will go down...the staging!! We want handcuffs....well we don't want handcuffs....we want a profile shot...well we would prefer not! I can't get over this!! Talk about ridiculous. In fact, he is going to hold a press conference to advise the media as to his intentions!!!

ARREST THE MAN AND GET IT OVER WITH.