I've never been a big fan of awards shows. To me, Oscar is still a grouch and my Grammy is knitting in her rocking chair. That said, I actually did sit down and watch the Grammys last week. I'm not sure if there just wasn't anything else on, or if the 60 Minutes special I watched on Adele beforehand motivated me to tune in, or (more probably) the death of Whitney Houston had me feeling nostalgic and wanting to be connected. Whatever the reason, watch I did... for several hours.

As predicted - and much to my delight - Adele swept the Grammys and walked off with every award she was nominated for, including record of the year (21) and song of the year ("Rolling in the Deep"). In addition to getting all the gold, Adele performed live on the show and let me tell you (in case, like my former self, you have snubbed the Grammys)... she brought the HOUSE down! See for yourself...

Adele - Grammy Awards 2012

My facebook status from that night pretty much sums up how I feel about Adele. "Lesson of the evening: You don't need fancy dance moves, trashy apparel or a perfect body to rock the Grammys. True talent needs no bells or whistles. Just a mic, pls. LOVE Adele."

I love that she isn't your typical pop star... that she just doesn't fit the mold. Although she's pretty, there's nothing spectacular about her appearance, and nothing gimmicky about her at all (unlike "lady" Gaga). She didn't create a spectacle with some intricate light show, or jump around the stage like a maniac. She simply stood there and did what she does best - sing her bloody heart out. And it was AAAH-mazing!

There are a lot of other insurance agencies out there, some with a much bigger "presence." There are plenty of catchy slogans, gimmicks, and theatrics to go around. Here at Mason & Mason, you won't find a lot of pomp and circumstance. What you WILL find is a group of committed insurance professionals, doing what they do best - providing comprehensive coverage at a price point that you can afford. We live and work in the same community you do, and we trust that our commitment to our clients will speak for itself, without needing extra ceremony. Instead, we'll invest in you.

You're all winners in our book!

Heather Clement

Mason & Mason Insurance 

Burglar alarm systems have evolved into total security systems in recent years. In the past, these systems were limited to providing protection for a homeowner's property against carbon monoxide, fire or intruders. However, they offer an entire new form of technology and increased security today. Some of the latest products from the most popular companies have the ability to oversee every function of the home environment. One of the most important parts of this new wave of home security is Z-Wave technology.

 

Understanding Z-Wave Technology. Z-Wave Technology is considered a mesh networking technology. It was developed in 1999 for the purpose of creating a standard for communication of home devices via wireless radio frequency. This new technology has a major advantage over older home security systems. Since it is constructed...

 

  

MORE...

Although many homeowners assume otherwise, their insurance policies do not cover a sewer backup. However, there is separate coverage available. In comparison with the cost of dealing with the aftermath of a sewer backup, coverage is a true bargain. Homeowners are responsible for repairing and maintaining the portion of pipeline that connects their home with their city's sanitary sewer main. Since this pipeline is actually owned by the homeowner, any parts of it that extend into the public right of way or street are also included. Working on these pipes is a costly chore, so it is important for all homeowners to know how sewer backups are caused. The following three types of blockages are the most common causes of backups.

 

Tree Roots Blocking Pipelines. Trees thrive on water, so their roots often gravitate toward cracks in sewer lines. Although the growth starts with a few tiny roots penetrating the pipe, they eventually get thicker and expand. They often enter pipelines near the joints, which results in major blockages. Unfortunately, tree roots eventually can span the entire length of the pipe and cause a complete clog. If trees owned by the city are suspected of causing problems, contact their cleanup department immediately. They will often sample the roots to determine who is responsible for cleanup. In some situations...

  

MORE...