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Help the Fight Against Cyber-Bullying!

Help the Fight Against Cyber-Bullying!

facebookAttention parents and guardians everywhere. As of you may know, the 21st Century has taken a turn into a technological era within the past 10 years. Beginning with Instant Messaging and MySpace, to now the most current sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Snap chat and Instagram.

This generation of children and young adults frequently use these sites for communication with friends as well as posting pictures, liking, commenting etc. It is important that as a parent you are monitoring your children’s use on these sites. Although your child may be using the sites appropriately, others may not.
It is a sad, cruel reality that these sites are being used for cyber bullying.

Cyber-bullying is the act of threatening and bullying others through the use of a social media site. Although, it may only be words, and not physical, it is the mind that is being manipulated.
In addition to Cyber bullying through these networks, many students are using these sites to pose threats of harm toward schools and other classmates. Do not be fooled though, these acts of crime are not being ignored. Police are able to track the user on these sites and go forth with charges on the acts of the crime. yik yak

In a popular new social media application called “Yik Yak” users are able to write an anonymous post, which can be read by anyone in that geographic area up to a 1.5 mile radius. These are the applications in which it makes cyber bullying and threats much easier to access due to the simple fact that it is a anonymous user.

cyber bullyingAs a parent/ guardian it is essential to keep track of your child’s use of social media networks. Making sure that they are using them appropriately and thinking smart when it comes to threats and cyber bullying. It is important to let your children know that it is “OK” to come to you, if something is upsetting or bothering them.

Ensure your child’s safety and fight against cyber bullying!

Written by: Amanda Haase

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Many of us have most likely heard of the new film that recently came into theaters; The Fault In Our Stars; Originally a book written by John Green. The story line is about Hazel Grace, a girl battling cancer, who comes across Augustus Waters, a cancer survivor, at their weekly Cancer Support Group. In addition to both of them dealing with a life of Cancer, they share something else, they’re in love!the fault in our stars

I’m usually not a big bookworm; it is not often that I find a book with a story line that interests me. But when I saw this book in a Barnes & Noble , I supposed, let me give it a shot. One chapter in and I could not set the book down. The novel was such an easy read and the story kept you wondering, what will happen next?

A Fault In Our StarsI will confess however, of course, the story line was gloomy at some points but also hilarious. There were points in the book where I couldn’t stop laughing.
I have not yet seen the movie. When I first acquired the book, I made a promise to myself that I would finish the book and then see the film. I had the old motto that “the book is always better than the movie” stuck in my head.

I can honestly say, coming from a girl who is not fond of reading, that the book was unquestionably amazing and a must read! Nevertheless, I do recommend reading the novel prior to seeing the film.

The book stands at spot number 9 on USA Today Best Selling Book. If you are looking for the book, you can order it on Amazon.com or pick it up at a book store near you for a reasonable price.

Written by: Amanda Haase

 

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

seasame 1969It`s time for America`s most loved puppets to celebrate their 45th anniversary on TV. Sesame Street premiered on public broadcasting television stations on November 10, 1969 and has produced over 4,300 episodes.  From the first premier until now, this educational children`s program has won 159 Emmys, several Grammys and, as of 2009, as many as 77 million adult seasame 1979Americans had watched the show as children. There is much more behind this show besides the countless lessons and celebrity appearances.

Here are the top 5 secrets behind Sesame Street. The first secret is the Count’s love of numbers isn’t exactly just a play on his name. Vampires are supposed to have arithmomania which is a strong need to count surrounding objects. The second secret is that the original idea of the show was to focus on Bert and Ernie. This failed testing led to the creation of the characters Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and Snuffleupagus.seasame 1989

The third seasame 1999secret is  the trashcan dweller, Oscar The Grouch actually fell in
love. It might seem that he only loves grumpy weather but in a now banned
episode, Oscar fell in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. This episode was banned due to the content being deemed too scary for children. The fourth secret is that Elmo was originally used as just a character in the background and did not debut till season 12.

Not only did he become one of the most famous puppets he ended up becoming the only puppet or non-human to testify before Congress in 2002, advocating for increased funding for music programs. The last secret is “Sesame Street” is named after the “Arabian Nights” phrase “Open, Sesame!”

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

C.H. Edwards, Inc. recognizes September as Life Insurance Awareness Month! Of the 317 million individuals living in America, 95 million American adults remain without life insurance coverage.family_history

Life insurance is one of the most important insurance policies one can acquire. Life Insurance allows your loved ones to continue living a comfortable lifestyle after you pass. Is there anyone who depends on you financially and would be unable to continue their current lifestyle if you were to unexpectedly pass? Would your children be able to attend the college of their dreams if you were to be in a catastrophic accident? Life insurance provides individuals a level of guaranteed security.

Most Americans claim that life insurance is too expensive, and that is why they do not have it. Term life insurance policies allow individuals to obtain life insurance protection with a less expensive premium. This less expensive form of life insurance provides an individual with protection for an allotted period of time. That means you can choose to have a 10, 20 or 30 year life insurance policy so that your children can still go to their dream college if something tragic were to happen to you. In contrast, whole life insurance policies provide individuals with guarantee security for the duration of their life. These premiums are typically higher because they accumulate cash value as well.

If you do not have life insurance, there is no better time than now to get it! Where do you begin? Start by researching what type of plan would best suit the needs of your family. Our experienced agents at C.H. Edwards, Inc. are available to answer any questions you may have regarding life insurance.

Contact C.H. Edwards, Inc. for all of your insurance needs. You can rest assured knowing that your family is in the right hands as we have been providing our clients with unparalleled insurance services since 1925. Call us today at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Good News for Coffee Lovers!

Good News for Coffee Lovers!

Here`s some good news for all you coffee lovers out there! As coffee may seem like a necessity to a person`s daily routine, it is actually proven that there are many more benefits then to just give you energy. Here are 5 reasons why a person should drink coffee everyday. The first reason is that coffee is a popular way of how most Americans get their antioxidants, according to a study in 2005. While fruits and vegetables also have tons of antioxidants, the human body seems to absorb the most from coffee. The second reason is that just coffee for blogsmelling coffee can make you less stressed if you suffer from sleep deprivation. This was proven by a study conducted by the researchers at the Seoul National University. The third reason is that coffee can lessen the chances of a person developing Parkinson`s disease. ScienceDaily reported in 2012 that drinking coffee may help people with Parkinson’s disease control their movement. Ronald Postuma, MD, the study author, said, “Studies have shown that people who use caffeine are less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, but this is one of the first studies in humans to show that caffeine can help with movement symptoms for people who already have the disease.” The fourth reason is coffee can make you more intelligent. CNN reports that coffee actually makes your brain work in a more efficient way. Time Reporter, Michael Lemonick says, “When you’re
sleep-deprived and you take caffeine, pretty much anything you measure will improve: reaction time, vigilance, attention, logical reasoning — most of the complex functions you associate with intelligence.” And the last reason is that coffee can increase your athletic performance. This is a good tip for any athlete. The New York Times reports that “Scientists and many athletes have known for years, of course, that a cup of coffee before a workout jolts athletic performance, especially in endurance sports like distance running and cycling.” The reasoning behind this is that caffeine increases the number of fatty acids in the bloodstream. This increase allows athletes` muscles to absorb and burn those fats for fuel, therefore saving the body’s small reserves of carbohydrates for later on in the exercise. So next time you are about to enjoy a cup of coffee just remember there are many more benefits to a cup of coffee besides the energy boost.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Taking Control of Your Fall Season Allergies!

Taking Control of Your Fall Season Allergies!

Isn’t incredible how the weather can change in the blink of eye? As we approach the fall, many of us may be suffering from allergies. Allergens are the substances that cause you to experience allergy symptoms. You may be asking, “What can I do about them?” or “How can I control them?”

Whether its indoor allergies or outdoor allergies that have you down, know how to control them!

When suffering with Indoor Allergies:

  • Filter your Air with air conditioning systems and vacuums to trap small allergens.
  • Minimize dust mites by washing your sheets in hot water at least once a week and using hypoallergenic bedding.
  • Control pets by keeping them off the furniture and out of bedrooms.
  • Keep your household dry to avoid mold.

When suffering with Outdoor Allergies:

  • Know your comfort zone and how much pollen exposure you can handle.
  • Keeps doors and windows closed to keep allergens out!
  • Avoid contact with grass and weeds when enjoying fall outdoor activities.
  • Use masks when cutting the lawn or being involved in yard work. Wearing jeans and long sleeved shirts to protect your skin.

So now you have it! Better your fall season by controlling your allergies. Make time to enjoy all those wonderful fall activities and most of all, be in control of your own body!

 

 

The Inside Scoop of New York’s Fashion Week!

The Inside Scoop of New York’s Fashion Week!

ny fashion weejIt is currently an adult Disney world for the fashion gurus of the world on the streets of Manhattan. From the elaborate fashion shows to the A-list parties, New York is the place to be. New York Fashion Week is held twice-annually in September and February and consists of 7-9 days. These crucial 7-9 days will set the fashion trends for the following season. New York is one of five major fashion weeks, the other cities include Paris, London, Berlin and Milan.

Everyone from Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell can be seen strutting down the runway. These and many more high fashion models, walked the runway for top designers such as Michael Kors, Oscar De La Renta and BCBGMAXAZRIA. Besides celebrities being seen on the runway, there are also tons of stars who attend these glamourous events. So if you are in New York, make sure to keep an eye open because you never know who you will see.

If you are looking to update your wardrobe and keep up with the latest trends for this upcoming fall, then here are some tips straight from the runways of New York Fashion Week. The first fashion tip is that florals are back! From pastel florals to black and white floral, this fun pattern is definitely a fall must have. The second tip is bold colors are in style and will make you stand out in any crowd. The last fashion tip is that cartoonish prints can be worn on anything. The theme of this fashion season is to just go with it. These new styles mix both fun and sophistication all in one wardrobe.

This fashion adventure doesn`t have to end when it leaves New York, you can follow this fashion journey via live stream. This can be viewed on NewYorkFashionWeekLive.com. Next stop is London.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

Remembering and Reflecting on the events of 9/11

Remembering and Reflecting on the events of 9/11

Sept 11 flagOn this day, September 11, 2014 many of us are reflecting on the events of September 11, 2001. 13 years later we are still filled with much of the emotion felt on that very day. As we send our students off to school, we try to prepare them for what they may hear today, or the moments of silence they may be asked to observe. Many of them were too young to understand that day, but today understand how the events of that day changed the way we live our lives.

We continue to feel the loss of that day. First responders continue to deal with illness as a result of their selfless heroics that day. Their families still continue to feel the loss as many of them are losing their battle with cancer. Young families faced with continuing on without their heroes. Many more families still deal with the outcome of this sudden tragedy. Today and everyday, we continue to feel their loss and the loss of a freedom we may have taken for granted. That day changed us forever.

Today’s blog is written in collaboration with our contributor Ben Kimmel. Ben completed the seven day gratefulness challenge today. In his final post on the subject, Ben clearly expresses his personal loss on September 11, 2001 and his feelings about living in this country. Although this is a personal story, it conveys the feeling and emotion shared by so many of us.

This is my final day of my gratefulness challenge and it falls on the anniversary of a terrible time. However, to be grateful in spite of threat is a victory.

1) Though I may not stand in a large crowd; I am grateful for the colors in our Flag and what it represents in my heart. I still believe in and love my country. I will not surrender and I will always remember because united we stand, but divided we fall.

2) I am fortunate that in this life, I knew Father Mychal Judge (Casualty#0001 9/11/01.) The loving kindness he showed has never left my memory. And though he died tragically; he died as I assume he would have wanted it to be. Father Mike died while issuing a man’s last rites.

He died while delivering one of the seven sacraments; while anointing the sick, he led the way for more than 3,000 souls lost on that September morning. I knew Father Mike well. And for this, I will always be grateful.

3) Since this is my final commitment to this challenge, I will be open and admit to the truth of my emotion. As I record my post today, September 11 2014, my eyes water with tears because I am a New Yorker and I was there. I remember. I sometimes forget emotion is truly a gift.

To feel, to live; to smile or weep means that I have ability in my heart. And though there are days when I wish I could turn cold or emotionless, I continue to feel, because this is who I am. And who I am above all is something to be grateful for.

I have learned the importance of friendship and I have also learned over the years that there are no friends like old friends.
Thank you for reading this very special blog today. We hope that it will share sorrow, bring comfort and serve as a reminder that this life changing event has made each of us stronger.

Written by Denise Visco and Ben Kimmel, The Written Addiction www.thewrittenaddiction.com

 

Celebrating the Hit TV Series “Friends” 20th Anniversary!

Celebrating the Hit TV Series “Friends” 20th Anniversary!

The anticipation is over and it`s official that there will be a celebration to honor the 20th anniversary of the legendary television series Friends. This is a huge step from when Courtney Cox boldly stated that there will be no such things as a reunion and that it is close to impossible to get the cast together for dinner. This statement quickly changed when the cast surprisingly got together for dinner this past month. During this dinner, their creative minds went to work and any loyal fan of Friends, will be more than impressed with the outcome.The conclusion of these ideas is a Central Perk pop-up coffee shop that will come to New York`s Soho area (199 Lafayette Street).

cperk14a (2)

This pop up cafe will be fully functioning and will be an exact replica of the set. Besides just being able to grab some coffee and admiring the set, there will also be many surprises. Some of these surprises include appearances by James Michael Tyler who guest starred on the show as the infamous barista, “Gunther”. This pop up cafe also includes photo ops, weekly in-store performances to improvised songs such as “Smelly Cat”, Friends themed merchandise and many contests and giveaways sponsored by Eight O’Clock Coffee brand.

The cafe will open its doors on Wednesday, September 17 and close on Saturday, October 18. The business hours for this pop up cafe will be, Monday-Fridays, 8:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m. and Saturdays- Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 .p.m. So now is your chance to relive a part of television history while enjoying a cup of coffee.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

School’s Open-Please Drive Carefully!

School’s Open-Please Drive Carefully!

Summer is over and the kids are back at school. We are sharing the roads with school buses again. These buses carry our students to and from school in a safe and timely fashion. Let’s do our part by making an effort to share the road safely.school bus

Keep some simple safety tips in mind.
• When a school bus stops and the red lights are flashing, traffic in both directions must stop. This rule even applies on a divided highway or school parking lot.

• Students should always cross the street in front of the bus. Pay careful attention for this. Bus drivers will as well.

• Lights will continue to flash until the student has reached the other side of the road or if staying on the same side, is 15 feet from the bus.
This is not just a courtesy, it’s the law. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1174) states that an illegal passing penalty for first time offenders carries a fine of between $250-$400, plus 5 points on your license and even the possibility of jail time. Points on your license can make it difficult to obtain new automobile insurance coverage or may increase the rate on your current policy.
We often drive to and from in a hurry to get to our destination. Make some extra time to practice safety.

Some areas of Long Island have installed School Zone Speed Cameras. These cameras were tested over the summer and warnings were issued. These cameras became activated on the first day of school and the violation now carries an $80 fine. Observe and Obey the speed limits in school zones.

Now you have the facts. Make this a safe and happy school year from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc. We offer all the insurance your family needs. Give us a call!

Written by: Denise Visco