Internet Advertising Surpasses $20 Billion in 1st Half Of 2013; Report measures top advertising vertical, released and  completed by the Interactive Advertising Bureau.

(Long Island, NY) Searchen Networks, Inc., an Internet advertising and search engine marketing company based here on Long Island, has announced the release of a report measuring the top advertising verticals conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Sponsored by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB).

Report highlights include:

• Mobile revenues soared to $3 billion in the first half of 2013, representing triple-digit growth at 145 percent, from $1.2 billion in the same period last year.
• Digital video, a component of display-related advertising, took in $1.3 billion in revenue during the first six months of 2013, an uptick of 24 percent over the first half of 2012 at $1.1 billion.
• Search revenues in the first half of 2013 totaled $8.7 billion, up 7 percent from $8.1 billion in the first half of 2012.
• Display-related advertising revenues in the first half of 2013 totaled $6.1 billion, accounting for 30 percent of revenues in the time period, up 9 percent from $5.6 billion in the first half of 2012

The top three advertising verticals accounted for 46 percent of advertising revenue, including Retail at 20 percent, Financial Services at 14 percent and Automotive at 12 percent.

For complete details on this release as well as the accompanying charts visits: http://www.iab.net/about_the_iab/recent_press_releases/press_release_archive/press_release/pr-100913

About SEARCHEN NETWORKS®

Searchen Networks ® is a pioneer in search engine marketing. The SEARCHEN® mission is, and has always been, to provide services poised at increasing a company’s overall visibility on the Internet. Providing customers around the world with Internet domain names (web addresses), web hosting, SSL certificates and more, Searchen Networks ® services its own network of media properties and provides expert Internet advertising consulting to a select group of clients throughout the United States.

For more information please visit: http://www.searchen.com

Leading environmental group protecting NY’s environmental community

(Long Island, NY) The following statement was released today by the office of Assemblyman Hennessey:

“The Environmental Advocates of New York have a long-standing tradition of fighting for New York’s environmental community. I’m proud to support them in their effort to protect our environment and the well-being of our families,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

(Brookhaven, NY) In response to Blue Ridge Community residents, Assemblyman Edward Hennessey and Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Connie Kepert joined forces to secure the installation of left-hand turn signals at the intersection of Granny Road and Route 112 in Medford.

The project, completed by the NYS Department of Transportation, required initial work with utilities to address conflicts, a detailed design and complete signal rebuild. Left turn arrows, which were installed in all four directions, were turned on officially September 25.

“The residents of the Blue Ridge Community worked tenaciously to address this traffic safety issue. They brought it to the attention of all their elected officials and then worked with great consistency to see that the project was carried out. I commend them for their effort, skill and professionalism,” said Assemblyman Hennessey.

“Through the advocacy of the Blue Ridge Community residents, who utilize the intersection of Granny Road and Route 112, turning signals have finally been installed at that intersection. It has been my pleasure to work with Assemblyman Hennessey to address the safety needs identified by the community,” said Councilwoman Kepert.

Hear testimony from parents, educators, advocates on Common Core Curriculum

(Huntington, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,WF,I-Huntington Station) yesterday joined Assemblymen Edward P. Ra (19th Assembly District), Al Graf (R,C,I-Holbrook), Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick), and fellow Long Island state legislators to host the New York State Assembly Minority’s Forum on Education. During the forum, which was held at Suffolk Community College’s Brentwood location, educators, local officials and parents spoke about implementation of the new curriculum based on Common Core standards.

Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci and colleagues look on during yesterday’s education forum

“As an educator, former school board member and the ranking member on the Assembly’s Higher Education Committee, providing our children with a quality education is my top priority,” said Lupinacci. “Unfortunately, the Common Core curriculum has left our parents, teachers and administrators anxious and our children caught in the middle. Today’s hearing provided me and my colleagues with valuable insight and perspectives from those on all sides of the issue. I look forward to working to address the concerns raised and build a better education system. Our children’s future depends on a quality education, and I remain committed to ensuring their future is bright.”

Some of the topics covered included reactions to the new education standards being promoted by the President and the National Governors Association, known as the Common Core. The effects of the new testing associated with Common Core on attitudes toward learning, instruction time, and the approach of classroom teachers were also discussed. The opinions, ideas and concerns expressed will now be used by Lupinacci and other Assembly members to strengthen education on Long Island.

(Long Island, NY) The following was released today by New York State Senator Ken LaValle:

New York State Senator Ken LaValle sent to leaders in Washington DC today calling for an end to the federal government shutdown. Senator LaValle is also urging his constituents to sign on to a petition on his website calling for the end to the government shutdown.

The petition can be found at: http://www.nysenate.gov/webform/join-senator-lavalle

An image of the letter in its final form is attached below.

(Long Island, NY) The Art League of Long Island invites the public to attend a free information seminar titled “Estate Planning & Art: Protecting the Legacy” presented by John J. Roe, III, Esq. and Christine R. Shiebler, Esq. of Roe Taroff Taitz & Portman, LLP. The seminar takes place Sunday, October 27 at 4pm in the Art League of Long Island’s Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery.

Unlike many other assets, art is intensely personal. Therefore, many artists and art collectors find it difficult to formulate an estate plan for art as well as similar personal possessions. After investing your time, effort and passion during your lifetime as a collector or artist, it is important to understand your options to protect the legacy of your art. Whether your plan is to sell, donate or bequeath to family and friends, knowledge of the laws involved is essential.

Come to the Art League and join in a discussion of important information you should know as you plan your legacy.

About the speakers:

John J. Roe, III, Esq. has been practicing law for about 50 years. He specializes in Estate Planning, Corporate Matters, and Real Estate. He is actively involved in the community and currently serves as Director of the Patchogue Business Improvement District, as Vice-President and attorney for the Suffolk County Council, Inc. Boy Scouts of America, as Chair of the Investment Board and member of the Church Council of the Congregational Church of Patchogue.

Christine R.Shiebler, Esq. is Counsel to the firm and concentrates her practice in the areas of wills, trusts and estates, elder law and real estate. She has been a member of the Suffolk County Senior Citizens Advisory Board since 2006. She is a frequent lecturer in the areas of wills, trusts and estates and elder law, and has been a lecturer for courses in the Gerontology Certificate Program at St. Joseph’s College, Patchogue.

Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Seating is limited, please RSVP at 631-462-5400 x 227 or x 222. The Art League of Long Island is located at 107 East Deer Park Road in Dix Hills.

Annual Howl-Ween Canine Costume Parade and “Howling Hound” Doggie Party and Sidewalk Sale Set For October 19th

(Long Island, NY) Cold Spring Harbor is going to the dogs. Once again the picturesque Village of Cold Spring Harbor is the place to be on Saturday, October 19th (rain date: October 20th) at 12 noon for the “7th Annual Howl-ween: Corky’s Canine Costume Parade Celebration and Paws for a Cause Event” which includes a wonderful “Howling Hound” Doggie Halloween Party and Sidewalk Sale following the parade.

This spectacular star-studded celebration, produced by Nightingale PR, features an exciting street sale, a luxury, classic car show, live music and the most elaborate parade of canines in costumes. The event honors the memory of Corky Nightingale, the adorable Westy who served as Parade Grand Marshal and mascot for years and was the inspiration for this very special celebration.

To register, www.howl-ween.com

Howl-ween: Corky’s Canine Costume Parade honors the memory of Corky Nightingale, the adorable Westie who served as Parade Grand Marshal and was the inspiration for this very special annual celebration.

Canines from all over the tri-state area are planning to participate in the chic canine costume parade considered a “Paws for A Cause” celebration. The parade will begin at 12 noon at the corner of Shore Rd and Main St (25A). Spectators will line the street and for a few minutes, Main Street will be transformed to a “cat walk” where canines will model their finest costumes as they march to the tune: “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

The Parade will end at Spring Street where the canine celebrities will be warmly greeted by “pupparazzi” and have a chance to enjoy the afternoon’s festivities including a canine costume contest, sidewalk sale and other fun-filled activities throughout the town. Rumors have it that some of the canines will be showing off some “hot” luxury, classic and vintage cars in the parade! In addition, Cold Spring Harbor Village will be declared “Corky’s Canine Friendly Town” for the day and canines and their owners will be welcomed with open paws to browse the shops and experience the beauty of this charming village. “This year’s event is going to be spectacular,” explains Maxie Nightingale, the German Shepherd Chief Canine Officer of the Parade. “I’m so excited about Howl-ween that I can’t stop my tail from wagging,” she added.

“Howl-Ween: Corky’s Canine Costume Parade” has received recognition throughout the world for its creativity. The Summit International Awards has honored Nightingale PR for the event with a 1st place Gold Recognition for Best Community Relations Program/PR in the prestigious Summit International Creative Awards. “Our goal is to help the local community and have fun by creating a program which would make a difference, support local business and increase the town’s visibility,” explained Alyssa Nightingale, creator of Howl-ween. Sponsors to date include Nightingale PR, the Cold Spring Harbor Main Street Association, Harbor Hounds and Nightingale & Partners.

Every canine who would like to join the parade to show off their costume is invited to join us. This year the canine parade entry is FREE so please sign up to be part of this star-studded event. We will also be collecting donations of pet food (drop off at Nightingale & Partners, 93 Main St) to support the Baxter’s Pet Pantry operated by Long Island Cares, Inc. – The Harry Chapin Food Bank. For information, call (631) 367-2565 or online www.howl-ween.com

Two-Time Felon Raja Ishtiaq Sentenced To Up To Six Years In Prison For Fraudulently Obtaining Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars In Commercial Policies And Dozens Of TLC Licenses; Schneiderman: Insurance Fraud Is A Serious Crime That Costs All New Yorkers, And Offenders Will Be Held Accountable

(NEW YORK)  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the jail sentence of two-time convicted fraudster Raja Ishtiaq for his role in a massive scheme to illegally obtain commercial car insurance policies and New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) licenses. Over an almost five-year period, the defendant and his co-conspirators obtained thousands of dollars in discounted insurance policies for livery cabs and dozens of fake TLC licenses by forging documents. The defendant committed his crimes while still on probation after a 2010 conviction stemming from similar conduct.

Queens Supreme Justice Joel Blumenfeld sentenced Ishtiaq, 53, of Huntington Station, L.I., as a second felony offender to a minimum of 2 ½ and a maximum of 6 years in prison. Ishtiaq’s prior felony conviction, for Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, was also obtained by the Attorney General’s Office. That 2007 case involved a similar rate-evasion scheme in which he used shell companies with fake addresses in Long Island and upstate New York to fraudulently obtain cheap insurance for livery cabs operating in the New York City area.

“To perpetrate this scheme, Mr. Ishtiaq defrauded multiple insurance companies, the TLC, and many city and state agencies. He put falsely registered cars on the road, and innocent passengers and the public at risk,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “Auto insurance fraud is a serious crime that costs all New Yorkers. Offenders will be held accountable.”

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission was among Ishtiaq’s victims. By submitting false and forged documents, he and his five co-defendants fraudulently obtained more than 40 TLC licenses.

“The TLC is pleased to have played a supporting role in this investigation,” TLC Commissioner David Yassky said. “TLC licenses exist to ensure the protection of the riding public, and when the process is abused, as it was in this case, swift and decisive action sends a crucial message that such actions are invariably found and stopped.”

After a five-week trial, a Queens jury found Ishtiaq guilty of 22 felonies, convicting him of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (a class E felony), Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class D felony) and multiple counts of Insurance Fraud in the Third Degree (a class D felony), Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a class D felony), Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (a class E felony) and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (a class E felony).

Evidence at the trial in June and July of this year showed that between 2007 and 2011, ringleader Ishtiaq and his co-defendants – several of whom have pleaded guilty – engaged in an elaborate scheme to obtain insurance for livery cars in the names of shell corporations by submitting forged documents and making false statements to insurance carriers and brokers. By falsely representing the ownership of the cars, the type of use of the cars and the locations where the cars were kept, they were able to obtain cheaper rates. The documents submitted as part of the scheme included a forged utility bill and a forged Macy’s bill designed to fool insurance carriers and government agencies into believing that these shell corporations were legitimate businesses that operated from certain addresses, when in fact the corporations were not legitimate and the vehicles did not operate from these addresses.

The defendants also misrepresented the use of the vehicles. For example, multiple cars were insured as airport limousines or as part of luxury limousine services operating on Long Island, when in fact they were livery cars operating in New York City. Other cars were falsely represented as being affiliated with fake taxi companies, when in fact they were independently owned and operated. Through their fraudulent scheme, the defendants obtained thousands of dollars in commercial car insurance policies from multiple insurance carriers.

The Attorney General’s investigation further revealed that, using these fraudulently obtained policies, the defendants secured licenses from the TLC and vehicle registrations from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). To obtain the TLC licenses, the defendants filed false and forged documents, including insurance documents, applicant affidavits, base affidavits, power of attorney forms and election of officer forms.

This conviction was the culmination of a long-term investigation conducted by Attorney General Schneiderman’s Automobile Insurance Fraud Unit, with the assistance of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), the TLC and DMV. The Attorney General thanks DFS Superintendent Benjamin M. Lawsky, DMV Commissioner Barbara J. Fiala and TLC Commissioner David Yassky, along with TLC Deputy Commissioner Gary Weiss and the TLC licensing staff for assisting in the investigation.

Attorney General Schneiderman also thanks the New York City Marshal’s Office, the New York State Department of State and the New York City Department of Finance for their assistance in this case, as well as Sterling National Bank and the following insurance carriers, brokers and investigators: Maya Assurance Company; Fiduciary Insurance Company of America; Kinloch Consulting Group; Transportation Insurance Brokers, and Thunderhorse Inspection Services.

The case was investigated by Investigators Michael Beshara and Merrie Gordon, Investigator-Trainee Wilsonia Jean-Phillipe, and former Investigators Vitaly Zubry and Jennifer Oddo-McInerney, under the supervision of Deputy Chief Leonard D’Alessandro and Chief Dominick Zarrella of the Investigations Bureau, with the assistance of Investigator Mark Sirkin of DFS, under the supervision of Director Frank Orlando of the Frauds Bureau and Executive Deputy Superintendent Joy Feigenbaum.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Irwin Weiss of the Auto Insurance Fraud Unit with the assistance of Analysts Mikael Awake, Yuriy Kurbatov and Paul Strocko, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Stephanie Swenton and Bureau Chief Gary Fishman of the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, and Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice Kelly Donovan.

(Mineola, NY) Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today released a new substance abuse prevention video entitled “Impact” – designed to specifically address preventing teenage substance abuse. The video was created in response to the prescription and illegal drug epidemic that has impacted not only Nassau County but the entire nation.

“Impact” utilizes the latest discoveries in neuroscience to help adolescents understand issues and the importance of making good verse poor decisions. This video reinforces County Executive Mangano’s proactive initiatives in combatting drug abuse and improving community safety.

“This video serves as a substance abuse prevention tool for teens, adolescents, and children to help influence their decision making process and prevent substance abuse,” said County Executive Mangano. “I am proud of this video and its innovative approach to open the minds of our adolescents to see the harmful and dangerous impact substance abuse can have on their lives.”

The video script, written with input from members of the Nassau County Heroin Prevention Task Force chaired by Nassau District Attorney Kathleen Rice’s office, includes numerous young residents who volunteered their time as cast members. Produced by Paul Jann Advertising and Craig Cooper Productions, the video is paid for by Asset Forfeiture Funds – not taxpayer funds.

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice added, “The nature of substance abuse is constantly evolving and this video takes an innovative approach to helping young people see the dangers in today’s threats including the latest ones, like prescription drugs.”

Copies of the video will be distributed to Nassau County schools for use as a substance abuse prevention tool. The film is expected to assist teachers in generating discussion, thoughts and ideas among students.

For more information or to obtain a copy of the Impact video, contact the Nassau County Police Department Community Affairs Office at (516) 573-7360.

(Long Island, NY) Today, the following release was made by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation:

“State Parks has legislative authority to manage a wide variety of activities within state parks to balance often conflicting uses of our patrons. We believe this authority extends to the regulation of outdoor smoking on playgrounds, swimming pools, beaches, and other locations where children and visitors congregate. We are considering an appeal of the court’s decision.”