The Paradiso Insurance Blog

Today is February 29th, marking a leap year in our calendars! If you’re asking why we have leap years once every four years, look to the stars! In order to keep the calendar year in correct synchronization with the astronomical year, we insert an extra day every four years to keep us on the right track.  There’s a lot of science involved with leap years, but for now we’ll just leave it at that.

But what about those folks who were born on February 29th? On other years, called ‘common years,’ do they celebrate their birthdays on February 28th, or March 1st? It’s really up to them I guess, however today they are able to truly celebrate their birthday! The funny part is, their real birthday doesn’t reflect their age, meaning that someone turning 56 today, the 29th of February, is actually celebrating only their 14th birthday…pretty cool eh?

Some ‘leapers,’ as they’re called, have issues though with legal and business records. Some companies do not recognize February 29th, so for contracts or policies, people must either put their birthday at February 28th, or March 1st. Luckily for you Connecticut leapers out there, the CT insurance pros at Paradiso Insurance recognize your special day, and want to say one thing… Happy Birthday!

Connecticut is a great state.  We have the beautiful four seasons of New England.  We have a wonderful shoreline that provides endless good times for all you beach bums out there.  Our suburbs are some of the nicest and safest in the nation, and our history is deeply connected to that of our nation.  But how do we Connecticut folk rank on the happiness scale compared to other states?

Well a new Gallup poll has revealed the happiness indexes of all fifty states.  Residents were asked a multitude of questions in an attempt to gauge the overall satisfaction of each state’s citizens. The criteria included emotional health, behavior, job satisfaction, and an overall evaluation of their lives.

So who came in at the top of the list? Surprise, surprise, those that live in the paradise state of Hawaii ranked first overall. If you’ve ever been to Hawaii, trust me, you’d be happy to live there too.  Surprisingly, second went to North Dakota, and third to Minnesota (clearly this survey was taken in the summer months, because no one is happy in those states in mid-January when the temperature never breaks zero). So where did the state where your Connecticut insurance provider resides in?  The Nutmeg state came in at number 19, right behind Washington, and in front of Oregon. And who came in last you may ask? Those in West Virginia. Poor Mountaineers.

So let’s try to get our great state up in the rankings the next time a poll comes around…we can do better than 19!

In case anyone is wondering, here’s the full list, with there ‘well-being’ score next to each, based off of 100 points:

So we know that many teens today have no idea what career path they want to choose once their schooling is complete.  And even the ones that head off to college with something in mind usually change their major throughout the course of their collegiate years.  But parents have no fear! This is normal for your teens to be unaware of the lives that they want to live, however a new article from Allison Cheston, a career adviser who works with young adults, gives parents some tips that can put their kids on the right path.

1. See what they’re interested in- You may think their video game habit may be worthless, but video game production and design is a huge business and your son or daughter could become a success in creating a new big game!

2. Find a mentor- help your teen find a mentor in a field that they find interesting.  If this doesn’t work, have them look to their teachers or advisors.

3. Internships- They are not just for college students anymore.  Yes, you may run the risk of not be paid for your time, but the experience is key to your career path.  This will also give you the opportunity to see whether your teen enjoys the field they are interning in, or not.

4. Networking! This is the top way to find jobs and careers in America.  Make sure your teens are always connecting with new and interesting people, as well as through social media (hence why it is so important to have a ‘clean’ facebook profile page.)

We all know that summer is the normal time for family vacations, but what about planning something during the winter months? I know, you’ll probably have to take the kids out of school, but there are worst things in life.  In case you want to visit some interesting winter destinations this year (or next) here’s some great options that you could look into further…

Lake Placid, NY: Bobsledding, ice-skating, ski jumping- what more could you ask for?  The bobsled ride is probably one of the coolest things you can ever do (trust me, I’ve done it, it’s AWESOME).  The Olympic Sports Center has activities for everyone to enjoy!

Go see the Northern Lights, Fairbanks, Alaska: You’re pretty much the furthest away from any U.S. or Canadian city, so the lack of ambient light is the perfect setting to witness one of nature’s most awe-inspiring occurrences.  This should definitely be on anyone’s bucket list.

A skier’s paradise- Park City, Utah: This was were the 2002 winter games took place, so you know it’s going to be family friendly and a great time.  Their “powder cats” can take you and your family on the outdoor skiing adventure of a lifetime!

Sleigh Riding- Jackson Hole, Wyoming:  You can hitch a ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through National Elk Refuge from mid-December through early April.  Guides will take you to see plenty of wildlife- a definite plus for the kids!

So don’t wait another second! Pack up the car, get the family together, look over your CT auto insurance, and head out for a great winter vacation!

If many of you have elementary, middle or high school age kids, then they’re probably relaxing at this moment (or still sleeping) because of their February Vacation.  Well, instead of having your kids be couch potatoes for the rest of the break, get them up, pack the car, and head out on a road trip that they’ll never forget.  Always make sure to be up-to-date on your CT auto insurance as well before you pull out of the drive way!

So what should you go see while out on the road?? Well here’s some interesting and quirky spots that may turn some heads, but hey, just say ‘why not?’:

SPAM Museum: Austin, Minnesota: yes a museum dedicated to SPAM, featuring more than 16,000 feet of SPAM artifacts and history.

Silvio’s Italian American Historical Artisitic Museum: Redford, Michigan: This Silvio has erected sculptures and statues all over his property commemorating his Italian heritage.

Enchanted Highway: Regent, North Dakota: A local artist’s doing, here you can find a massive flock of metal geese, not just a tin man but a whole family of them, and a 40 foot tall grasshopper.

Cadillac Ranch, Route 66 Amarillo, Texas: a group of artists did this a while back, and encourage people to spray paint the cars permanently embedded within the ground.

So you’re a proud new owner of your first home…Congratulations! This is a monumental step in anyone’s life, and it is probably one of the biggest investments that you and your family will make.  In order to keep your family and home properly protected, you’re going to need a great CT homeowners insurance policy.  But since you have never gone shopping for a policy, how are you suppose to know what to look for and what to ask?

Well, here’s some common questions that you should be asking when searching for the right CT homeowners insurance policy.

If our home was totally lost, how much would it cost to completely rebuild it in the same location?

Your policy should cover the building costs of a new home from the ground up. The experts at Paradiso Insurance will calculate this all for you.

How much is personal property worth if a total loss were to occur?

Again, your policy should cover any replacement costs of all personal belongings like clothes, appliances and furniture. Usually insurance companies provide coverage equal to that of 50 to 70 percent of the insurance policy for your entire structure.

Liability? Do I need it and how much?

This is essential in covering costs involved with lawsuits for injury or property damage. This includes the cost of defending you in court, as well as any awards that the court may grant during the suit.

Should I invest in flood or earthquake insurance?

Since these natural occurrences and the damage caused by them are not covered on a standard CT homeowners insurance policy, many people go without this coverage. However with the recent hurricane that came through New England, it would probably be a smart choice to look into a policy.

No one enjoys waiting around a restaurant for a table on a Friday or Saturday night. So what do you do? The logical response would be to get a reservation, however what do you do when you can’t even get your name on the books?

At most places around here, you should have no issue getting a table, unless you show up last minute on either Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.  But there’s some restaurants out there that you’ll probably have better luck meeting the President than getting a seat at their kitchen.

Here’s some of the toughest U.S. Restaurants to get a table at, unfortunately though, none are in the Hartford business insurance area:

French Laundry, Napa California: Over 500 people a day beg for a table at wine country’s hottest eatery, where the menu changes every night, and if you think you’re going to get away with a bill under $100 for two people, think again.

Travail Kitchen, Robbinsdale Minnesota: The talk of the town in Minneapolis, it’s been said that some have to wait close to four hours to get a table. And don’t even think about trying to reserve a table… no reservations allowed. So bundle up, and wait outside like the rest of the folk, because in the dead of winter, it gets mighty cold out there.

LudoBites, Los Angeles California: This place is very unique in that it travels. Yes, every six or seven weeks, this hot spot moves to different locations around the city, and it has quite the loyal following. Don’t even bother with attempting to make a reservation… one 6 week location was fully booked in 60 seconds, and on average receives about 10,000 requests per day!

Komi, Washington D.C. – Well they served the President and the First Lady recently, but if you want table and aren’t doing business from the Oval Office, you’ll have to call ahead one month beforehand, and only if you have parties of four or more. With a ten course tasting menu that surpasses $135, bring your high limit credit card for this night out.

So if you’re in any of these areas and want to experience some of the best food around, you’d better call early, show up even earlier, and if all else fails, pray.

Today America celebrates Presidents Day! Its a day where we take the time to celebrate our commander-in-chief, past and present.  If many of you are wondering, like myself, where the idea for Presidents day comes from, well here’s your history listen for today!

Presidents Day is celebrated every third Monday in February to commemorate the birthday of our first President, George Washington. It is a federal holiday across the country, and was first implemented by Congress in 1879 for the government offices in the nation’s capital of Washington D.C.  In 1885, the holiday was extended to all federal offices across the country. In fact, this was the first national holiday implemented to honor an American citizen, and was at first on February 22, the actual day of Washington’s birth, however was moved to the third Monday in February.

The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day occurred in 1951 when the purpose of the holiday moved to celebrate all Presidents, and the office of the Presidency.  Schools and federal offices are closed today, but if you’re busy at work, take a moment to reflect and think about the duty of the President. Regardless of his political views or your opinion, the President of the United States is our Commander-in-chief, and we should celebrate the men who have held the office this day.

Don’t you hate realizing that your home has a termite or other pest issue?  They can be a terrible thing for your home’s infrastructure, as one minute you could be walking to the refrigerator, the next minute you find yourself in the basement, fallen through the termite-eaten floor.

Now I know that none of you want to find yourself in that situation, so if you find ants or any other insects around your home, stop them dead in their tracks.  Give Harry Wagner over at Protek Pest a call and his team of exterminators will eliminate any pest problems from happening now, and in the future.

You certainly don’t want to have to file a CT homeowners insurance claim because of structural damage to your home, so give Protek Pest a shout today before any more damage happens!

If you are like me and claim to live in the “quiet corner” of Connecticut, then you know about the little shops, restaurants, and mom & pop stores that make our little section of Connecticut special.  Well, if you’re in the Windham area and looking for a quick bite to eat, and a very unique place, then head over to Aero Diner on Boston Post Road!

Owned by our good friends Mike and Amity Smith, Aero diner is open seven days a week and serves a variety of wholesome meals that everyone car enjoy. Located right next to the Windham Airport, you can eat your lunch and watch the planes come in and take off too! What more could you want!

So head on down to Aero Diner, and tell them that Hartford Business Insurance provider Paradiso Insurance sent you!

How exciting are auctions? Seriously, who doesn’t love an auction? The thrill of a bidding war, the lightning fast calls from the auctioneer, and the great deal you just got on that antique armoire! The auction is a great place to go for either buyers or sellers, and there’s no better place to go to than Patrick Soucy’s Golden Gavel over in East Windsor, CT!

Whether you’re looking to move to a different home, need to sell items from an estate, or simply looking to get a great deal on someone else’s goods, the auction at Golden Gavel is the place to go! Why go to Golden Gavel though? Here’s some reasons:

Golden Gavel Auctions is one of the few full-time, licensed, bonded and insured auction houses in Connecticut
Member, The National Auctioneer Association
Member, Certified Appraiser Guild of America
Member, Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) certified appraisers

Need we say anymore? So whatever your needs may be, head on into Golden Gavel and they will help you to not only sell your items, but help you with the clearing out and transfer process as well! Be Golden, and choose Golden Gavel today! Paradiso Insurance sure does! And so should you!

What would America be without its diners? They have been an integral part of American pop culture from their early beginnings in the 20th century. Made popular along the United States’ roads, especially Route 66, diners are a great way for travelers to stop in for a quick bite to eat and head back out onto the open road. What’s more American than hamburgers, fries, and Route 66?!

Well if you’re in the Stafford area and heading down Route 190, stop into to Chelle’s 50′s Car Hop Diner for great food and fun, while stepping back into the 1950′s culture of rock ‘n’ roll, flashy cars, and roller skating waitresses! Owned by Paradiso Insurance friend Lee Palardy, Chelle’s Diner has been a staple in Stafford for almost ten years now, and shows no sign of stopping!

So if you’re traveling through the Stafford area any time soon, head on into Chelle’s 50′s Car Hop Diner for the best burgers, fries and shakes that our little town has to offer!

What does every sports team, promotional event, office party and company need? T-Shirts of course! Everyone wants to show off there respective team or company that they work for, or show that they are the reigning Connecticut chili cook-off master…and how can they do this on a daily basis? T-Shirts! These are great and inexpensive products that can boost team and company moral, or even just for fun- at a extremely low cost.

So what’s your celebration? Family reunion? Company picnic? College dorm “mixer?”  Whatever the event calls for, if you’re thinking about making T-Shirts to commemorate the occasion, give Marco Venditti a call at Tees & More, located right in the capital city of Hartford, CT.  Paradiso Insurance is a proud partner and friend of Marco and his team at Tees & More, and we want to see his company succeed like every other Hartford Business! If Tees are what you, your team or office need, get in contact with Marco today!

The days of simple birthday parties are over. Cake, candles and ice cream are great, don’t get me wrong, but birthday parties, especially those in the summer, need to be full of fun activities that both the kids and adults can enjoy.

We all know what I’m referencing- those awesome inflatable bounce houses, water slides and castles that the kids, and adults, can play in hours on end.  They’re the perfect feature to have at any party, so now you don’t have to rely just on the clown and his magic tricks.

So where then does one get these bouncy fun houses? Mad Tents of course! They have the largest variety of inflatables, tents, and any other party supplies you’d ever need. Our good friends Matt Dipasquale and Sean Laverty will hook you up with anything your next party will need!

If you’re a business owner in Connecticut, then you know how important investing in Hartford Business Insurance is. It could be the difference between a successful business, and out-of-business.

For the next week, we at Paradiso Insurance want to focus on some of our partners within the Stafford Community.  Their successful business practices have allowed for growth and prosperity, and can serve as a lesson for any business, small or large.

Take for instance, our friends Rich Dusza and Bob Polmatier over at Stafford Mechanical, who work to serve the community with any heating and cooling needs that your home or office is in need of. Here’s a testimonial from their website that is sure to convince you that the next time you need the heat for the winter, Stafford Mechanical are the ones to turn to!

“Bob and company recently replaced my aging furnace and solved an ongoing issue with my earlier radiant heating system.  In all my interactions, I have found Bob and his employees to be courteous, honest, helpful and reliable.   They say what they will do and do what the have said, without fail.  Without reservation, I recommend working with Bob and Stafford Mechanical.”
Ken – Stafford Springs, CT

“I would like to extend to you my appreciation of your company’s professionalism and quality of workmanship. We feel comfortable working with you on all matters from basic hot air heating and cooling and hydro-air heating and cooling, to the most recent geothermal heating and cooling systems. When most companies would walk away, you have more than proven your commitment to your work and to our company.” 
Francis and Gille – Spring Hill Properties, Storrs, CT