A Tribute to Tiger

 

Tiger

He was just a handful of orange fluff when I brought him home, but it was no time at all until he asserted himself as the alpha dog over our aging, laid back Golden Retriever, Baron.  Ever patient, Baron tolerated the little tiger who alternately pulled his ears or slept between his paws.

Somewhere along in his fifth year, Tiger developed Black Skin Disease (known as BSD), which seems to be seen often in Pomeranians.  His pretty pink skin turned black and he lost most of his hair, except  for that on his head and feet.  While not contagious, it did cause second glances from people he encountered.  But his adorable face always outweighed his not-so-adorable body and of course he was oblivious to how he looked.  His vet recommended a regimen of a drug called soloxine, along with melatonin and low and behold, he re-grew about fifty percent of his hair!

Tiger spent the next several  years being a consummate  lap dog.  During the warmer months he would spend hours sitting in the yard either surveying the neighborhood or watching the birds flying overhead.

The addition of other dogs to our family over the span of Tiger’s life never  bothered  him – he seemed to always know that he was special and the others were simply to be tolerated.

After a brief but severe  illness, Tiger crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on June 13, 2011.  He is now back with Baron – and hopefully not pulling his ears.

Happy Memorial Day from Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

Image via Wikipedia

With Memorial Day just around the corner, we look forward to annual town parades, that first cookout of the season, and
gathering together with family and friends. The following information gives a brief history of the holiday, courtesy of Google.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011).
Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. soldiers who died while in the military service. It was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, but has since expanded; it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day also often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, as ordinary people visited the graves of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. It also became a long weekend increasingly devoted to shopping, family get-togethers, fireworks, trips to the beach, and national media events such as the Indianapolis 500 auto race, held since 1911 on Memorial Day.

So while we enjoy that extra day off, attending the parades and cookouts, we should also time to take a few moments of thanks for all those who have given their lives for their country, as well as all the men and women who are serving in the military in foreign countries, away from families and loved ones, to assure our safety.

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Summer Recipe: Nutella Mousse

 

Courtesy of Thewickednoodle.com

Nutella Mousse is easy to make & there are many experimental possibilities.  Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon instant coffee granules
• ½ cup Nutella
• Whipped cream & chocolate shavings – optional

 

Directions:

1. Combine heavy cream & coffee granules in medium bowl.
2. Stir until dissolved, about 5 minutes.
3. Add in Nutella.
4. Mix on medium, scraping sides and bottom of bowl until stiff peaks form.

(Will also firm up when chilled.)

1. Divide into 4 serving dishes and chill for at least 4 hours.
2. Top with whipped cream just before serving.  Can also top with chocolate shavings.

Enjoy!

Susan Bird
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

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An Avocado Dip that Eats like a Salad

Image via Wikipedia

This Dip is sure to be a big hit all summer long.  It is very hearty and there is no mayonnaise in it that goes bad in the heat!  It is simple to make and can be embellished with more or less of what you like best.  A colorful addition to any table.

• 1 Can of Black Beans – or 1 Can of Black Olives, chopped
• 1 Can of Shoepeg White Corn
• 2 Avocados – diced
• Onion – chopped (more or less as desired)
• 1 or 2 Tomatoes – chopped
• Add Lemon Juice
• Mix and serve with crackers, scoopable chips, or bread

 

Sue Renfrew
A. G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

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Summer Recipe: Orange Glazed Salmon

Courtesy of Foodnetwork.com

There appears to be a new social happening spreading across the country for people who like to cook.  “Dinner clubs” are sprouting everywhere for those of us who like to get together, try new recipes, and enjoy a meal with friends.  Whether you gather and actually cook the entire meal, each person brings a dish and recipe, or members take turns hosting the full dinner event; the rules and customs of the dinner clubs are informal and are created by the members.

If this is something that interests you, memberships can grow through mutual friends, church groups, posting notices in gourmet grocery stores, cookware stores, or the cookbook section of bookstores.

A recipe to enjoy yourself or perhaps to be tried at your first “dinner club” meeting is below:

Orange-Glazed Salmon:

• 3 Tbsp. Cajun seasoning (salt free)
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
•  boneless, skinless salmon fillets (6 oz. each)
• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• ¼ cup Seville orange marmalade
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• Lime wedges

1. Combine Cajun seasoning, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.  Rub over all surfaces of fillets.
2. Saute fillets in oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes.  Turn and sauté an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Blend marmalade and lime juice; swirl in skillet until melted.  Carefully turn fish to glaze on all sides.  The salmon is done when it begins to flake when tested with a fork.
4. Serve with lime wedges.

Enjoy!

Donna Bellavance
A. G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

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Universal Cell Phone Chargers No Longer a Pipe Dream

Image via Wikipedia

By 2012, it is anticipated that most cell phones in the United States will use the same kind of connector to charge their batteries. This technology has already been adopted in Europe. LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson, among others, have agreed to use the Micro-USB technology as the common universal charging interface. This single standard will not only make life easier for the more than 3 billion mobile phone users in the world today, but it will lower cost, and help the environment.

While a relatively simple agreement, this represents a huge leap in ease of use for cellphones. If the trend continues and more companies agree to this consensus, every phone charger will become interchangeable between phones. Only 1 or 2 cellphone chargers will be necessary per houseold, rather than the current average of 4-5, reducing the effective cost of owning a cellphone.

Furthermore, cell phone manufacturers are developing chargers that will consume about 50 percent less power. Eliminating the need for people to replace lost chargers will significantly reduce greenhouse gases emitted in the manufacturing and transporting of these extra chargers. It will also mean less waste in landfills because people won’t simply throw away chargers when they stop using their old phones. It is estimated that 700,000 pounds of old cell phone chargers are added to our landfills in the United States annually.

Saving energy and saving our planet is huge. Huge savings for auto, home, business and life insurance are just a call away at A. Gordon Insurance!

Bill Cordaro
Commercial Accounts
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management

How is the Cost of my Car Insurance Policy Determined?

Courtesy of Google Images

Have you ever wondered how your car insurance rates are calculated?  What affects that number on the bottom of the page? Here’s the answer:

1. What type of car you drive- some cars cost more to insure than others do. Your rate can be affected by how likely your car is to be stolen, its age, the cost of any future repairs, and how safe it is (or isn’t).
2. Your driving record- your driving record largely determines how well you drive (at least in the eyes of your insurance provider). The fewer incidents you’ve been involved in, the lower your premium will be. If you have a slew of accidents and driving violations on your road resume, expect to pay significantly more than if you have a clean record.
3. Where you live- Outside of your own driving ability, some areas are simply safer to drive in than others, both in terms of crime and accident statistics. Your rate can vary depending upon where you garage your car as well.
4. The number of miles you drive each year- Statistics says by the law of large numbers that the probability of an accident increases with the amount that you drive. Therefore expect a higher rate if you put hefty mileage onto your vehicle each year.
5. Your age- Young drivers (especially males) will have to pay augmented rates. Generally insurance providers divide the “steps” into drivers who have been on the road for under three years, three to six years, and more than six years.
6. Your credit- for many insurance providers, your credit score can have an impact on your insurance rates.
7. Coverage- like any other insurance rate, the price is partially determined by the coverage you already have. Make sure you shop around and get the best possible price for the coverage you need.

The good news: There are a variety of auto insurance discounts available to insureds. Here’s a video made by our agency that explains the various discounts you may be eligible for:

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon Insurance

Bicycle Theft Prevention

Image via Wikipedia

Now that the weather (in MA anyway) is growing ever so slightly more amenable to outdoor activities, you may find yourself on a bike. Unfortunately, bicycles are favorites for thieves, especially on college campuses. An unlocked, ungaurded bike is one of the easiest things to steal; don’t forget, thieves are enjoying the warmer weather too.

The National Bike Registry is a pretty cool service; by registering with them, if your bike is stolen, police have a way to identify it as yours if found. Otherwise, it will end up in police auction. As the name suggests, this is a national database that covers all 50 states. It’s definitely worth the time to register with them, especially if you have a nice bike.

According to the III:

• Bicycles are generally covered under homeowners or renters insurance. However, there is usually a $250 – $500 deductible. Your homeowners or renters policy also provides liability coverage in the event of a collision that results in injury to another person. There are no deductibles for liability claims.
• Once you purchase a bicycle, keep the receipt for it and any accessories you add. Also, take photographs of the bike. Store these documents off-premises and alert your insurance professional to your new purchase. If you own an expensive bike, consider purchasing a floater. This will provide more coverage than a homeowners or renters policy. For instance, in the event of an accident, a floater covers the cost of bike repairs. A floater costs approximately $9 for every $100 of the bike’s value and there are no deductibles.

The best way to prevent bicycle theft is simply to lock your bike up. Cable locks are generally able to be cut, so invest in a sturdy U-Lock. In addition, make sure your bicycle is locked up correctly:

 

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

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MA Insurance: Pool Safety

Courtesy of sxc.hu

As a swimmer and a lifeguard, I’ve spent an inordinate amount of time in and around pools. While a great source of summer fun, deep water fun demands the respect of those who participate. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 7.4 million swimming pools and 5 million hot tubs used for recreation in America. Unfortunately, there are generally over 3,400 related drownings  each year, with 20% of the victims under 14 years of age. Here are some steps you can take to keep your family safe around pools.

ABC Pool Safety is a great resource for simple steps you can take to avoid pool accidents. Here’s what they say, in a nutshell:

Pool accidents can be prevented with three steps:

1. A – Adult supervision:
   • Adult supervision is the single most important aspect of safe pool use. Make sure there is a supervising adult at ALL TIMES. This means removing kids from a pool in the event of a telephone call or use of the restroom. Furthermore, in a large party or group, always have one adult designated to watching kids in the pool. Drowning often happens without sound or commotion, and if no adult is actively watching, it can go unnoticed.
2. B – Barriers:
   • Barriers that keep children away from the pool when not in use are essential (especially for small children). There are a variety of affordable products available for this function. Make sure that any furniture or structures that children could use to climb over the barriers are kept INSIDE the fence.
3. C – Classes:
• This step refers to CPR classes for parents should a crisis arise, and swimming lessons for children so that they are comfortable and able to swim in the pool. Never assume that floaties or inflatable toys are adequate substitutes for life-vests or similar safety devices. 

 For the full article, click here.

Further more, the Insurance Information Institute recommends the following:

1. Contacting town or municipality officials- every town or area has a specific set of guidelines as to what constitutes a ‘pool’ or ‘spa’. Contact the appropriate officials to make sure that your pool or spa meets the safety guidelines. If an accident does occur, this will help when dealing with your insurance provider.
2. Alert your insurance agent- If you purchase a pool, give your insurance agent a call. Pools increase your liability risk, and most providers have minimum standards of coverage required for pools and water recreation. Make sure everything is copacetic isurance-wise before taking the plunge.
3. Keep small children away from filters or pool cleaners; the suction from these devices are much more dangerous to small children than to an adult.
4. Never keep electronic devices such as radios near pools or on pool surfaces. DON’T BE THESE GUYS!
5. Limit alcohol use/consumption aroud pools. According to the CDC, a large portion of adolescent and adult poolside accidents occur as a result of alcohol.

Be safe, and have fun! Look to Gordon Insurance for your MA insurance needs and please use us as an informational resource; our business is your safety and peace of mind.

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G. Gordon, Inc.

MA Insurance: Grilling Safety

Image via Wikipedia

 Summer for most Americans means “busting out the grill” and hosting some barbeques in the warm weather, whether it be with friends, family, or both. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Americans enjoy more than three billion barbeques each year. By my calculations that’s enough chicken and steak to reach around the circumference of the Earth four times! (I just made that up, but still, there’s a lot of grilling going on). As you prepare a succulent host of BBQ food this year, remember to keep grilling safety in mind!

Some things to remember:

1. Wear a protective fire-resistant apron or similar garb, and mitts that reach up to your forearms to avoid burns.
2. Keep you grill’s gas cylinder AWAY from your house or flammable structures.
3. Check for leaks often by sprinkling soapy water around the gas valve; if there’s a leak, bubbles will form. Never check for a gas leak by using a match. This can happen.
4. Make sure the gas is off whenever the grill is not in use.
5. If using a charcoal grill, only use lighter fluid specified for charcoal grills. NEVER USE GASOLINE. Also never add more lighter fluid once a fire has already started; if needed, add small sticks or other tinder to augment the flame.
6. When finished, douse coals with water before disposing of them in the trash.
7. Our specialized outdoor flame/fire consultant advises you to take extra caution when grilling in the woods. Only you can prevent forest fires.
8. Check grill hoses for cracks or leaks; make sure the hose doesn’t kink.
9. Keep additional open flames away from the grill.
10. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Never attempt to repair a grill yourself.
12. Remember that grills can remain hot long after the fire is out.
13. Be safe and have fun!

 

Corbin Foucart
Andrew G Gordon, Inc.
Insurance & Risk Management