Lindy Blogs of the Week Mar. 17: Old Inlet Breach Petition, Superstorm Expo

What are your neighbors thinking about? Is a national-news story piquing the interest of the neighborhood or is someone simply sharing their insight on every day life?

No worries if you missed the past week, since we've collected the top blog posts across our local Patch sites in one convienent place.

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Increased Use of Smartphones among Teens: What’s A Parent to Do?
Dr. Meryl Ain wrote in her weekly education blog about the rise of smartphone use among our nation's teenagers, from the minute they wake up to the point they fall asleep - their iPhones are in their hands.

Dr. Ain noted the challenges facing today's parents, especially as cell phone use has evolved in such a short time.

"Previous generations of teenagers used the landline to connect with their peers. Teens may have tied up the family phone for hours, but parents were well aware of their activities," she wrote. "The privacy and portability afforded kids by cell phones makes it increasingly difficult for parents to monitor their teens’ behavior. Texting, sexting, taking and sending inappropriate pictures, and cyberbullying are all serious concerns, as is the potential of smartphone addiction."

Petition about the Old Inlet Breach
There's been much talk among residents and politicians online and offline about what should be done about the breach caused by Hurricane Sandy at Old Inlet on Fire Island, and whether or not it's been contributing to increased flooding in and nearby Lindenhurst.

Some want it closed, others want it to stay open.

Blogger Justin Flagg wrote about a petition asking our elected officials not to waste millions of dollars closing the New Inlet.

"Please sign it and pass it on - http://www.change.org/petitions/do-not-close-the-breach-at-old-inlet," Flagg wrote, adding the text of the petition is in his blog post here.

Tech-Savvy Spring Break
Local blogger Ellen Webner wrote in about having a technology-filled Spring Break, including the latest gear, apps and preparations everyone from the college freshman to the parent should know when they go traveling with their cell phones.

"Get the right packages. Different rates apply for calling, texting and data usage. Get a package for each just to be safe," she wrote. "The data package you choose will depend on what you plan on doing while abroad. It’s important to remember that e-mail and many apps use data in the background even if you aren't surfing the Web."

IRS Tips for Claiming the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit can help offset some of the costs you pay for the care of your child, a dependent or a spouse, according to IRS blogger Dianne Besunder.

She listed "10 facts the IRS wants you to know about the tax credit for child and dependent care expenses."

Among them, Besunder wrote, was: "If you paid someone to care for your child, dependent or spouse last year, then you may qualify for the child and dependent care credit. You claim the credit when you file your federal income tax return."

Four Reasons Why Women Lose Their Hair
Dr. Michael Polcino discussed an issue that's not seen on commercials in the middle of the day - hair loss for women and its causes. He talked about the several disorders on what causes female fair loss and how each can be treated.

For one, "traction Alopecia is hair loss from excessive pulling at the hair roots over a prolonged period of time," he wrote. "The loss occurs where the hair is pulled in one direction, for example, by a ponytail or a cornrow pattern of braids."

Who Ya Gonna Call?
The Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) offered help to homeowners seeking a building professional.

"Opening your home to a contractor whether you are repairing, rebuilding or preparing, can be a daunting task," said the LIBI. "When you're looking for a real professional, Long Island Builders Institute (LIBI) will help you find one.  Whether you're remodeling, renovating, looking for financing, etc."

The LIBI also noted its Superstorm Resource Expo is set for .

"If you'd like more information regarding why you should always choose a LIBI approved professional first, then join LIBI at the Superstorm Resource Expo presented by Long Island Builders Institute, on Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency Long Island in Hauppauge. For more information regarding the show, visit http://www.libi.org or Superstorm Resource Expo at Facebook.com.," the LIBI wrote.

Related Coverage:

• After Sandy - Long Island Recovers
• Hurricane Sandy Long Island
• The Latest Sandy Updates
• Watch: Rich Schaffer on Recent Flooding
• Bellone: 'We Want That Breach to Be Closed Now'
• Post-Storm Flooding Plagues S. Lindenhurst (Photos)
• Sandy Storm Cleanup Begins on Fire Island
• Photos: A Look at Fire Island's Breach at Old Inlet
• How to Blog on Patch: It's Easy
• Lindenhurst Patch Seeking New Bloggers
• Blogging on Lindenhurst Patch

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