CBS4 News Magazine

Shark Migrations

FAU Professor Learning A Lot About Sharks In South Florida

Teens & E-Cigs E-Cig use by Florida teens has doubled

CORAL GABLES

Surviving the 2015

Hurricane Season

Coral Gables About CBS4 PRint publications The CBS4 Coral Gables News Magazine is a monthly magazine. Twelve complimentary editions per year are delivered to the homes and businesses in Coral Gables via the U.S. Post Office between the 1st and 10th of each month. CBS4 News Magazine is dedicated to providing professional, relevant and award-winning news to the residents in the City of Coral Gables. Our editorial focuses on local business and community news which includes health, sports, real estate, automotive and entertainment news.

REAL. LOCAL. NEWS. DELIVERED!

Editorial team NEWS DIRECTOR Liz Roldan lroldan@cbs.com ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR Nick Bourne nbourne@cbs.com Managing Editor Alissa Merlo amerlo@cbs.com Executive producer Miguel Fernandez mfernandez@wfor.cbs.com ANCHORS Rhiannon Ally rally@cbs.com Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com Rick Folbaum rfolbaum@cbs.com Walter Makaula wmakaula@cbs.com Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com Marybel Rodriguez marybel.rodriguez@wfor.cbs.com Irika Sargent isargent@cbs.com WEATHER NEWS John Gerard jgerard@cbs.com Lissette Gonzalez lgonzalez@wfor.cbs.com Craig Setzer csetzer@cbs.com Michael Smith msmith@cbs.com REPORTERS Carey Codd cdcodd@wfor.cbs.com Peter D’Oench peter.doench@cbs.com Gaby Fleischman gfleischman@cbs.com Joan Murray jmurray@wfor.cbs.com Gary Nelson gnelson@wfor.cbs.com Maggie Newland mnewland@cbs.com Lauren Pastrana lpastrana@cbs.com Ted Scouten tscouten@cbs.com Natalia Zea nzea@cbs.com LIFESTYLE / ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER Lisa Petrillo lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com executive producer, special projects & investigations Cari Hernandez chernandez@cbs.com CBS4 INVESTIGATES Jim DeFede jdefede@wfor.cbs.com Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com Jasmine Kripalani jkripalani@cbs.com David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com

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SPORTS Jim Berry jberry@wfor.cbs.com Mike Cugno mcugno@cbs.com TRAFFIC Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com WEB JOURNALISTS Lisa Cilli lcilli@wfor.cbs.com David Dwork ddwork@cbs.com John MacLauchlan jmaclauchlan@cbs.com Giovanna Maselli gmaselli1@cbs.com Marlena Rodriguez mrodriguez1@cbs.com magazine production general information Victoria Zayas | Director of Client Relations victoria@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4556 ADVERTISING sales Tony Gambirazio | Director of Sales tonyg@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4506 Creative Tammy Kukic Art Director tammy@cbs4newsmagazine.com Newsroom direct number 305-639-4500 Website Please visit www.cbsmiami.com for more information PRINTED IN THE USA, COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY MARCO G, INC. All rights reserved. The CBS4 News Magazine, a free publication, is published monthly by MARCO G, Inc. Material in this publication must not be stored or reproduced in any form without permission from Marco G. Inc. or WFOR CBS4.

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Contents June 2015

08 16 27 81

Surviving The 2015 HURRICANE SEASON

This year marks 10-years since a major storm struck South Florida. It’s an anniversary that is good news for our community but even more reason to make sure you and your family is prepared this hurricane season. We want to help you survive the season but to do that we have to first take you back to 2005.

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Health Section sponsored by

6 | June 2015

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Real estate

Section sponsored by

Shark Migrations Thousands of sharks lurking just off South Florida’s shoreline.

FAU Professor Stephen Kajiura is captivated by it all.

CDC: Teen E-Cig use has doubled

More and more high school students are getting their nicotine fix from e-cigs instead of traditional ‘cancer sticks’.

Kraft Mac & Cheese Mixing Up Classic Formula

Kraft is rolling out its new option for their classic macaroni and cheese without yellow food dye.

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Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Home marketplace automotive improvement

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Women to Watch:

Jessica Goldman Srebnick

Mia Nunez, Courtsey of Foldman Properties

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By Trend Tracker® Tara Gilani Tara.Gilani@TrendTracker.com

or this edition of “Women To Watch,” I tracked down a happily married, busy working mom of three boys who, in her spare time, runs a company dedicated to reinvigorating neighborhoods across the country and around the block.

Jessica Goldman Srebnick is CEO of Goldman Properties. Founded by her late father Tony Goldman, their specialty is hospitality & reviving communities. Beloved for his commitment to many cities, including Miami, Tony Goldman’s legacy is safe in his daughter’s capable hands.

“We are neighborhood revitalizers,” said Jessica. “We go into neighborhoods very early on like SoHo in the 1970’s, Miami Beach South Beach in the 1980’s, Philadelphia and Wall Street in the 90’s.

We came to the Wynwood section of Miami in 2006.

I like to say we curate neighborhoods and so it’s bringing in really like-minded, interesting tenants to help create a culture and a community like we have in Wynwood.”

Tony Goldman was a true visionary. He reinvented what it meant to be in hospitality and real estate. He was brilliant and nice. I met him in the 80’s in NYC. Hard as he worked, his true love was his family.

“My dad was an enormous influence on my life,” said Jessica. “He was the one to empower others and inspire others and be the example. I like to think I don’t follow in his footsteps but that I create my own footsteps along the path he created for me.”

For Jessica, life is about making contributions, making change, making progress.

“Our company’s philosophy is really about seeing the best in everyone and everything and creating hope where there is none and creating prosperity and incredible worldwide destinations.”

Art is a key ingredient in all Goldman recipes.

Especially in the Wynwood section of Miami.

“With Wynwood, it was all about the art,” said

Jessica. “We just took the art to a whole other level.

We invited the greatest street artists in the world to come and paint on our walls. For us it was the perfect canvas. They created what’s now the Wynwood Walls. This neighborhood has become one of the most important neighborhoods in the world for public art.”

Forget the “Midas touch,” Jessica has the “Goldman touch.”

She and her dad put Wynwood on the map.

During our interview at her restaurant, Wynwood Kitchen & Bar, I loved frolicking in front of the mural by Kenny Scharf. I love Wynwood Walls.

What’s not to love?

Jessica agrees: “It’s open to the public, it’s free of charge, it’s not intimidating. Who doesn’t want to be around an environment that is so inspiring and beautiful and thought provoking?”

CEO and neighborhood revitalizer by day, Mom of three boys by night. How does she do it?

“My husband, said Jessica. “I couldn’t do what I do without the love, support, amazing advice and wisdom from him. He’s my prince: Scott Srebnik.”

Jessica was a retail executive before she got into the family business, 17 years ago. No silver spoon here.

“I’m all about female empowerment and equal opportunity but I also think that it’s very important to just do your best and prove that you are you know – I’m the right person for this job, that I earned this job of CEO not because I was somebody’s daughter not because I was a woman, but because this is the job that I was really born to do,” explained Jessica.

And now for the Trend Tracker® lightening round: TT: I am?

JG: I am creative.

TT: I want?

JG: I want more time.

TT: I will?

JG: I will make a difference TT: I promise?

JG: I promise to do my best.

To keep up with Jessica Goldman, Like & Follow her here: FB: www.facebook.com/goldmanproperties Online: www.goldmanproperties.com Insta: @jessicawynwood

June 2015 | 9

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Surviving the 2015

Hurricane Season

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By Craig Setzer Chief Meteorologist csetzer@cbs.com

his year marks 10-years since a major storm struck South Florida. It’s an anniversary that is good news for our community but even more reason to make sure you and your family is prepared this hurricane season. We want to help you survive the season but to do that we have to first take you back to 2005.

The year 2005, was a record year of hurricane activity and South Florida was not spared. We had a total of 28 named storms. Six of them were major hurricanes. Two storms that year, Katrina and Wilma had a direct impact on this community.

Just one month into the season, the first week of July we were already on our fourth named storm – Dennis. It became a category four hurricane as it approached Cuba. In the end, Dennis just passed to our west. In mid-September, a tropical wave grew into Katrina as it headed toward South Florida. Katrina came ashore here as a hurricane, passing right over the National Hurricane Center where the wind went calm inside the eye. Six people died in South Florida and flooding was a big problem, especially in South MiamiDade. And the storms just kept coming, Rita passed just south of the Florida Keys and became another category five storm in the Gulf of Mexico. Then in October of 2005, Wilma hit the Caribbean as a category five with the lowest air pressure recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Wilma crawled toward the Yucatan Peninsula before coming our way. It crossed South Florida in just four hours but because of the large wind field, significant storm surge was felt from Naples through the Keys. The winds increased and the back side of the storm was stronger than the front. Wind gusts above 100 miles an hour damaged and ripped off roofs, blew down trees and caused power outages over much of South Florida. It was days for some, weeks for others before the lights came back on. Now fast forward to 2015.

And so far, no major storms have hit land in South Florida in a decade. It’s officially 10 years since Wilma. And that’s where the biggest risk lies, people have become very complacent. Experts worry that since we haven’t had a storm in so many year people will not adequately prepare and then there is an entire part of the population that has never experienced a strong storm. That includes young people

who have grown up here in South Florida and the hundreds of thousands who have migrated to this community.

In the meantime, weather experts remain committed to their work. One of the key questions that meteorologists have been trying to figure out is what causes hurricanes to intensify rapidly. Now doctors and researchers are doing just that at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School. At this facility, located on Key Biscayne, researchers hope to better understand some of the fundamentals of heat that help power a hurricane and the friction that slows them down right at the surface. At the school they have what’s called the Sustain Tank, which stands for Surge Structure Atmospheric Interaction Laboratory. This tank is said to be the largest of its kind in the world. It helps researchers study what happens at the air sea interface in extreme winds for hurricane intensity forecasting.

As you can imagine it can be very hard to measure hurricane conditions near the ocean surface, so researchers have brought hurricane conditions inside their lab. Doctor Haus explains it as “We can generate waves by blowing wind over the water and we have 1700 horse power fan that can generate winds to a category five strength in the facility.” He also says they have a 12 element wave maker that creates waves that the wind then pushes against it. “When we measure the drag of the ocean and the heat transfer of the ocean right at the sea interface, we can put that into mathematical models that are then used by the hurricane forecasters to understand intensity. So it’s a matter of improving these formulations that go into the models.”

According to Dr. Haus. The doctor goes on to explain that wave tanks will not only help us better understand storm surge but what it also means for South Florida. He claims there are two key ways we can help people living in South Florida. One is more long-term which involves developing better designs for buildings and communities to incorporate rising sea levels. He also emphasizes that since we continue to be vulnerable to tropical systems we need to do the best job of engineering and planning that we can. The second way is related to hurricane intensity forecasting. If we can provide a better idea of how quickly a storm is going to intensify or not then that will allow us to refine evacuation.

While this research continues on the ground, there’s an entirely other team that is ready and waiting. We are talking about the Hurricane Hunters. “They all have June 2015 | 11

feature www.cbsmiami.com

“So the killer in hurricanes is storm surge, not wind. Wind is only killing a small percent of people.”

Jaime Rhome

a little different personality you know. Some will knock your back teeth out and some are like a roller coaster or a ride like Disney’s Tower of Terror.” That is how Lt. Colonel Keith Gibson, Director of Operations for the Hurricane Hunters describes flying through storms. “I think probably one of the biggest things as a pilot as we’re flying one of these huge storms is the surreal nature of it. You know it can be pretty rough in the storm as we’re penetrating the eye, going through the different quadrants.” Gibson said. One of the primary missions of the Hurricane Hunter aircraft is to not only fly through the storm and sample the environment, but to see what’s going on all the way down to the ocean and to accomplish they use what is called a GPS Dropsonde. Typically, the device is dropped out of the plane, a parachute attached to it deploys and it floats all the way down to the surface. “They get it out of the airplane using a tube and when it’s ready to go the meteorologist yells, ‘drop it.” Gibson says what’s actually happening is that they are actually recording these storms so they can go back through training and look at how they penetrated the storm. They usually don’t fly through the most severe weather they actually try to go through it. That real time data the National Hurricane Center wants and needs to broadcast to millions of people is not something they can just access through satellite. They actually need Hurricane Hunters like Gibson to physically go and obtain it from the eye of the storm. The first Hurricane Hunters began flying back in the 1940s. There are now ten such aircrafts which

fly directly into the core of tropical cyclones.

And while weather experts study, research and prepare for the next big one. There is one important message they want to get across to the community but struggle with getting people to understand and that’s the impact of storm surge. Storm Surge, according to Jaime Rhome, storm surge specialist at the national hurricane center, in its simplest form is just the rise of sea-level that comes from the strong winds of a hurricane, so the strong winds are simply pushing the ocean on land. Rhome says it’s easy for people to visualize what strong winds can do because they see the wind blow every day, they see thunderstorms but what the average person doesn’t see is sea level rise 10 feet, 20 feet and see it move inland 20 miles. To simplify the message, storm surge will now be measured in feet above ground level. So imagine someone who is 5 feet 9 inches tall. If the storm surge is at 6 feet then that person would be underwater. “So the killer in hurricanes is storm surge, not wind. Wind is only killing a small percent of people. Storm Surge is the hazard that is killing people and we want the public to be aware,” according to Rhome. Part of simplifying that message will be a graphical display of who would be under a storm surge watch or warning if it were issued.

Right now, a prototype graphic illustrating storm surge is in the experimental phase. “It will convey critical information such as the area most likely to receive life-threatning flooding,” according to Rhome. You can count on that message being front and center this Hurricane Season.

June 2015 | 13

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South Florida Guide To Hurricane Terms

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When tropical weather starts to threaten, weather forecasts are filled with new terms and ideas that can be confusing especially to people new to South Florida and tropical weather. These terms should help de-mystify hurricane season, and help you to feel a bit more confident as we face the season of storms.

Tropical Depression

A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is 38 MPH (33 knots) or less. Sustained winds are defined as one-minute average wind measured at about 33 ft (10 meters) above the surface.

Tropical Storm

A tropical cyclone in which the maximum sustained surface wind speed is between 39 -73 MPH (34-63 knots).

Hurricane

An intense tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface wind speeds of 74 MPH (64 knots) or higher.

The term hurricane is used for Northern Hemisphere tropical cyclones east of the International Dateline to the Greenwich Meridian. The term typhoon is used for Pacific tropical cyclones north of the Equator west of the International Dateline.

Landfall

The intersection of the surface center of a tropical cyclone with a coastline. Because the strongest winds in a tropical cyclone are not located precisely at the center, it is possible for a cyclone’s strongest winds to be experienced over land even if landfall does not occur. Similarly, it is possible for a tropical cyclone to make landfall and have its strongest winds remain over the water.

Tropical Cyclone

Source: FEMA

A warm-core non-frontal synoptic-scale cyclone, originating over tropical or subtropical waters, with organized deep convection and a closed surface wind circulation about a well-defined center. Once formed, a tropical cyclone is maintained by the extraction of heat energy from the ocean at high temperature and heat export at the low temperatures of the upper troposphere. In this they differ from extratropical cyclones, which derive their energy from horizontal temperature contrasts in the atmosphere.

Storm Surge

An abnormal rise in sea level accompanying a hurricane or other intense storm, and whose height is the difference between the observed level of the sea surface and the level that would have occurred in the absence

of the cyclone. Storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide.

Storm Tide

The actual level of sea water resulting from the astronomic tide combined with the storm surge.

Tropical Storm Watch

An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within the specified area within 48 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or posttropical cyclone.

Tropical Storm Warning

An announcement that sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected somewhere within the specified area within 36 hours in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone.

Hurricane Watch

An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds.

Hurricane Warning

An announcement that sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area in association with a tropical, subtropical, or post-tropical cyclone. Because hurricane preparedness activities become difficult once winds reach tropical storm force, the warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

The warning can remain in effect when dangerously high water or a combination of dangerously high water and waves continue, even though winds may be less than hurricane force.

Short Term Watches and Warnings

These warnings provide detailed information about specific hurricane threats, such as flash floods and tornadoes.

June 2015 | 15

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Holocaust Survivors Celebrate 70 Years Of Marriage

BY Rhiannon Ally rally@cbs.com

Photos provided by Ruth & Siegmund Spiegel

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uth and Siegmund Spiegel were married 70 years ago, on April 13, 1945. The two left Nazi Germany during the Holocaust and later met in New York City.

CBS4’s Rhiannon Ally sat down with them in their Bal Harbour Home to reflect on family they lost and the love they found in each other.

Ruth Spiegel summed up their love story perfectly.

“It goes by so fast. It’s amazing.”

Reminiscing about their wedding day, brings smiles to their faces.

“I picked up the tab. $35 and some change. It was a lot of money at that time. $35,” said Siegmund.

But to understand the magnitude of their love story, you have to hear their history.

Everywhere you look, pieces of their past are evident in their home. Passports from Germany, where they were both born, show the mark of a country which no longer welcomed Jews. Hitler came to power in 1933.

Spiegel was the only Jewish student in his school and couldn’t understand at 14 years old the hate that was spreading. He recalled a call his father received from the school, saying he couldn’t return.

“I want my school to be free of Jews,” he

recalled the school official saying.

His hard-working parents soon lost their business. Friends became anything but.

“I became an outcast. Some of the people I associated with, studied with, pushed me off sidewalk or spit on me,” said Siegmund.

Ruth was only 12 in 1933, living in Hamburg.

“I was called a damn Jew,” she said.

In 1938, just months apart, both Ruth and Siegmund left Nazi Germany. Their parents helped them leave, but weren’t allowed to leave with them. Neither ever saw their parents again, learning years later they were killed, as millions of other Jews were during World War II. But, Ruth and Siegmund found each other in New York, shortly before Siegmund went to the War in 1941, volunteering to fight for the U.S. Four years later, Siegmund came home to New York, they married just

one week later.

Ruth and Siegmund created a beautiful life together, raising two daughters, Sandi and Deborah. Dedicating their lives to them, and each other. That’s been their secret to 70 beautiful years.

“Nothing is easy. Especially when the children are young and have differences,” said Ruth.

Also, Siegmund has spent years lecturing about the Holocaust and their experiences in Nazi Germany. He even wrote a book, “DDay Plus Seventy Year: A Wartime Odyssey”.

They’re candid about everything they went through. Ruth even admitting she underwent plastic surgery on her nose to try to fit in.

“Because I thought I looked very Jewish, which was a terrible thing to look like this in Germany during Hitler.”

Despite everything, they’ve never lived in the past, remembering it, yes. Their daughters and a grandson, Brandon, are now grown. Their family is what they are the most proud of after 70 years together.

“What do you feel when you see that young couple?” Rhiannon Ally asked them.

“How old we got! Not really. What the hell happened in the meantime. Where did the years go?” They both laughed.

They held a low-key dinner with their family over the weekend to celebrate 70 years.

June 2015 | 17

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Shark Migrations Photos by Stephen M Kajiura, Florida Atlantic University

FAU Professor Learning A Lot About Sharks In South Florida

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Photo by Stephen M Kajiura, Florida Atlantic University

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By David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com

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he photos are remarkable.

Snorkelers just feet away from more than a dozen sharks. Another group of sharks surfing off Fort Lauderdale Beach.

And there is the video – downright amazing. Thousands of sharks lurking just off South Florida’s shoreline.

Stephen Kajiura, a professor at Florida Atlantic University, is captivated by it all.

“It’s terrifying for some people. They say ‘Wow look at all those sharks that are there. I’m not going to get in the water’,” he said.

Kajiura has been capturing the images of the sharks for five years. His biweekly flights are part of study to track shark migrations.

“These sharks are snowbirds. They do exactly what our visitors do from the North,” Kajiura explained.

The videos confirm sharks arrive here starting in January. And by mid-April, they are on their way out.

What Kajiura discovered during the course of his study was the ability to predict exactly when they arrive and leave.

“Sharks are very attune to temperature,” he explained. “And they are only here in a narrow temperature band of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius.”

That’s 69 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

“You see them right off Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades,

all the way up through Palm Beach.

There are certain pockets, there are more sharks and areas where there are fewer,” Kajiura said.

The aerial surveys show sharks hangout mostly around inlets, especially Miami’s Government Cut, Haulover, Port Everglades and Jupiter Inlet.

They are hotbeds for shark activity because that is where lots of fish swim in and out every day.

“It’s like the sharks’ little grocery store,” he said. “They get to hang out and wait for the food to come to them.”

Kajiura’s research was supposed to be shut down last year. But when a secret donor read about it closing, that changed.

Kajiura not only received funding to keep flying, he got a whole lot closer to the sharks.

“The flying gives you the opportunity to look and see where the sharks are distributed. And once you know where they are you go and target your fishing.”

Early Sunday morning he boards a center console boat with a crew of FAU students. They lay out a series of hooks just feet offshore.

Using his aerial surveys he knows exactly where to go. Fisherman would say that’s cheating.

Kajiura’s response? “That’s taking advantage to the options available to me.”

Most people would be surprised to see him fishing so close to shore.

Kajiura agrees.

“It really is no more than one or two football fields off shore,” he said.

That’s because that’s just how close the sharks are. Within minutes they have their first catch.

The team jumps into action doing all kinds of measurements and recordings.

It’s one thing to count sharks, but Kajiura wanted to know more. By catching sharks he can find out what kinds of sharks are here, how big are they and are they boys or girls. The answer surprised everyone. Kajiura laughs.

“We’ve only caught males, 100 percent of the sharks we caught are males down here,” he said.

That of course raises a new question; where are the girls? They are hoping tiny transmitters inserted into the bellies of these sharks will give them the answers.

Up and down the Eastern seaboard there are receivers in the water. And every time one of these transmitters comes by, they pick it up. They are able to track these sharks as far as North Carolina and parts beyond.

If all this gives you the heebiejeebies, Kajiura has good news – shark season is over.

“These sharks are going to start appearing again in January. So about a year from now,” he says.

Kajiura plans to do his study for another two years then take a break.

Ideally he wants to revisit the flights in a decade to see what changes have taken place.

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Algonquin Taste of the town:

Club Offers Good Food, Conversation At Trendiest Eateries

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lgonquin Dinner Club members are filling up the spaces at South Florida’s trendiest eating spots.

The club is a group of young professionals from Miami who get together every Monday night to eat and socialize.

Two friends founded it almost nine years ago.

“We are coming up on our nine year anniversary of having weekly Monday night dinners all around Miami, bringing people together with great food, great experiences, great chemistry and lots of fun,” said Joanna Popper, co-founder of The Algonquin Dinner Club.

What started out as a group of six has now turned into 2,000 members.

Membership is free. Those interested connect on their Facebook site to see what restaurant is booked for each week.

“The typical dinner is a three

by Lisa Petrillo lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com

course sit-down. It’s no more than $40 per person and that includes tax and tip. It’s a better deal than Miami Spice actually,” said Popper.

The hippest, newest and most buzzed about places are chosen.

On the Monday, the chosen spot was Vintro Kitchen in Miami Beach and I was happy to join in. It’s a Mediterranean style restaurant with a vintage retro vibe serving farm to table food.

“We have everything on the menu from grilled octopus to orzo mac and cheese and all of our plates are light bites so it’s great for sharing,” said Sandi Visnov, Marketing Manager at Vintro Hotel and Kitchen.

The Algonquin Club booked 22 reservations for the Vintro dinner.

Lisa Concepcion joined in 2012.

“It’s kind of a secret society and then you’re done and you meet amazing people,” Concepcion said.

Members Linda Gross and Adam Way enjoy getting out on a weeknight.

“I can’t think of a better way to come out and socialize especially on

a Monday night. I mean everyone stays home on Monday night for the most part,” said Gross.

“It’s a great way to meet people.

You go to a bar and sit-down and then you meet fine people like you, Lisa” he, said flirting with me! “Oh wait, you’re married. Never mind,” he said laughing.

Appetizers like beet salad and croquettes with goat cheese filled the table.

“It’s warm and comforting with a pop of cheese. How can you go wrong with that?,” I asked , after tasting.

Next, Ceviche, then a filet of Mediterranean style whole fish and grilled chicken.

Food was abundant and so was the conversation.

The night wrapped with new friends made and old friends catching up, a delightful time had by all.

Vintro Hotel and Kitchen is open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

For more info www.facebook.com/ algonquin

“It’s kind of a secret society and then you’re done and you meet amazing people.”

Lisa Concepcion

June 2015 | 21

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Look Before You Lock: It Can Save Your Child’s Life

ummer is approaching and the temperatures are rising quick; some already feel the blistering heat, and it is only springtime!

However, as the warmness across South Florida continues to increase, it is of the upmost importance to understand the health effects our weather can have for children. Did you know that heat strokes are one of the leading causes among children?

Not to worry, though; these deaths are 100% preventable. Neighbors4Neighbors, along with the Children’s Services Council of Broward County, would like to remind you of a few simple tips on how to play a role in protecting your child.

Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle—even if the

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windows are partially open or the engine is running with the air conditioning on. Vehicles heat up quickly; if the outside temperature is in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes.

Always make a habit of looking in the vehicle—front and back—before locking the door and walking away.

Create reminders to ensure that no child is accidentally left behind in the vehicle. Place an item that is needed at your final destination in the back of the vehicle next to the child or place a stuffed animal in the driver’s view.

For more information on how to keep your child safe or learn more about the risks factors, please check our website at http://neighbors4neighbors.org/

Singing with the Stars

re you ready to get your karaoke on?

Come join us for the event of the summer at the Hard rock Café in Hollywood on June 19 at 8pm! Singing with the Stars is presented by Florida Advocates to benefit Neighbors 4 Neighbors, and we cannot wait for you to join us on this fun night to help raise money for those in need. This event will be hosted by Cynthia Demos, CBS4 Anchor. Among the talent confirmed to participate is Vanessa Borge, Rick Folbaum, John Gerard, Lisa Petrillio, Ted Scouten, Cynthia Demos and a few more surprise guests. Our audience will be able to bid on the star they choose to sing with, all while enjoying good food and great company!

Can’t make it to the event but still want to be a part of it? Not a problem! You can go online and vote for Rock Star of the Night in advance and that donation will be included with the ones raised for that night—it’s a winwin! When you support Neighbors 4 Neighbors, you’re helping kids go back to school with the tools they need as well as distribute gently worn Halloween costumes to kids in need, provide gifts, food and friendships to families in need over the holidays, and assist families, teens and veterans in finding a home. We appreciate each and every one of your contributions.

For more information on Singing with the Stars, please log on to at http://neighbors4neighbors.org/.

See you soon!

Neighbors 4 Neighbors is proudly supported by the Children’s Services Council of Broward County and Everglades Holiday Park.

June 2015 | 23

health www.cbsmiami.com

Could beards be bad for your health?

health www.cbsmiami.com

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by Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com

en sporting facial hair is a hot trend at the moment, but there could be a downside, according to some experts.

From athletes to actors, to the boy next door, beards are in—and many women give them the thumbs up.

But there are health concerns, experts warn, as beard bacteria can be transmitted to the mouth and can cause illness.

Dr. Daniel Yadager says the coarseness of beard hair can provide a ripe environment for bacteria.

“I think things get trapped in there so bacteria can be trapped and can grow as a result,” said Dr. Yadager.

Not only can the bacteria cause an illness to the man with facial hair, it can also be transmitted.

“Viruses can be passed from person to person through contact and a beard would be a point of contact for that,” said Dr. Yadager.

Having a beard can also lead to skin infections.

“You can end up with painful bumps on your face, sometimes they can drain, they can definitely be unsightly, sometimes they can scar,” said Dr. Marie Leger, with NYU Langone Medical Center.

It’s called folliculitis—a painful inflammation caused by ingrown beard hairs.

“It was kind of like torture because the right side of my face was hurting for a few days,” said Jeff Owens.

But experts say there’s no need to ditch the beard all together.

Men’s Health Magazine Editor Brian Boye said upkeep is the key to preventing problems.

“Wash it regularly. Keep it conditioned with hair conditioner or beard oil. Those are the two simplest things you can do,” he said.

Boye said some men think a beard is less work than shaving, but that’s not necessarily true. He added that if you’re not up for upkeep, clean-shaven is the way to go.

June 2015 | 27

health www.cbsmiami.com

CDC: E-Cig use by Florida teens has doubled

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ore and more high school students are getting their nicotine fix from e-cigs instead of traditional ‘cancer sticks’.

The number of Florida high school students who were current users of ecigarettes doubled in one year—from 5.4 percent in 2013 to 10.8 percent in 2014, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey. Nationwide, the number of teen e-cigarette users tripled in 2014 compared to just one year earlier, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Current use is described as using e-cigarettes at least once during the past 30 days.

Tobacco Free Florida says they are alarmed by the rapid increase in e-cigarette use among teens. They view e-cigarettes as a gateway to nicotine addiction which may lure teens into smoking actual cigarettes.

Florida has made notable progress in decreasing the number of young people who smoke conventional cigarettes. In 2014, Florida has one of the lowest high school smoking rates in the country at 7.5 percent – 9.2 percent was the national average.

June 2015 | 29

health www.cbsmiami.com

A versatile drug Cialis Used In Targeted Therapy Of Pre-Surgical Head/Neck Cancers

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by Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com

ew research, at a local cancer center, has found that a drug used for erectile dysfunction shows promise for patients with malignant throat tumors.

Having a good immune system is essential in fighting head and neck cancer. As it turns out, researchers and physicians at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at UHealthUniversity of Miami Health System found that Cialis, used to treat erectile dysfunction, helps the immune system that helps the cells necessary to combat head and neck cancers.

The drug shows promise for patients to promote tumor immunity against malignant throat tumors before removal.

At a press conference recently, doctors explained that Cialis helps the patient’s own cells and immune system position themselves in a way they can stop or slow down a tumor from growing.

Marc Giattini, who was at the press conference, was diagnosed with tongue cancer and put in the Cialis clinical trial. He was given Cialis for a few weeks straight before his surgery. Doctors said

the drug helped control the tumor before surgery.

Doctors Donald Weed, M.D., and Paolo Serafini, Ph.D., completed a clinical trial that showed moderate doses of Tadalafil, known as Cialis to consumers, given to patients with squamous cell cancers of the mouth and throat before surgery resulted in significant and potentially beneficial changes in the patients’ immune response to their cancer.

Serafini and researchers, by understanding the molecular nature of head and neck squamous cell cancer, determined that the type of cancer suppresses the body’s immune response to abnormal tumor cells. Scientists realized that a chemical found in Cialis could inhibit the cancer cells that stop patients’ immune response.

Weed and Serafini, after reviewing results of their trial, discovered that not only did Cialis overcome the cells that suppress the immune response, they also found that it increases CD8+T cells that boost immunity against squamous cells, which minimized tumor growth.

The trial began 15 years ago. A second trial begins in couple months which will couple Cialis with a vaccine.

June 2015 | 31

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

5 Things You Absolutely Must Do

Before Buying a Home Think you’re ready to start your homeownership journey?

Be sure to get all your ducks in a row first urchasing real estate can be a complex process, and it’s essential for people who want to make a smart wealth-building decision to buy the right property that suits their long-term needs. To prepare yourself for this life-changing event, be sure you take the following steps before starting the process.

Make sure you plan to stay a long time

Real estate purchases and sales have some of the highest transaction fees of any type of assets, so target a hold date of at least seven years — if not 10 or more.

Otherwise you’ll be losing equity on each transaction.

If you don’t think you’ll stay in the property for a long time, keep looking until you find a property that you can call

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home, or keep renting until you decide you’re ready for a commitment.

Get your financing in order

Meet with a lender and have them pull your credit report about six to 12 months before you start the purchasing process. This way if there are any derogatory marks on your credit, you can work toward clearing those issues.

Also, have the lender qualify you based on your income and credit so you know the price range you can afford. Check an affordability calculator first so you can go in with a general idea how much you can spend.

The lender can offer valuable advice, such as risky behaviors to avoid until you close escrow on your home. You’ll want to be sure you don’t make any large credit purchases, or transfer savings around between accounts. In addition, it’s essential to keep a consistent full-time work schedule, and make on-time payments for any loans, bills, or rent.

Find an agent

Ask friends and family, and do some online research to find a few real estate agents who know your area well and have good references. Interview at least three and discuss your plans with them.

The agent you choose should have at least five years experience in your local jurisdiction and be a full-time sales professional. It helps if they can show you that they’ve closed five

to seven deals each year for several years. Verify that their license is in good standing with the state agency that regulates real estate sales professionals.

Take your time

You should study the local areas and take your time purchasing property.

Buying real estate will most likely be the largest purchase of your life. Once you close escrow, there is no changing your mind. It’s all yours, and if you end up not liking the house and you sell within a few years, it could cost you significantly.

Be realistic

There are no “incredible deals” in real estate. There are only deals a buyer thinks is the deal of the century until they figure out (usually a few months after the purchase) why it isn’t the “incredible deal” they thought they bought.

Buying a home can be a great longterm wealth accumulation strategy, but it also can turn out to be a bad decision that will bring many regrets.

It is a much more complicated process than most people know, and also significantly more involved than it was just 10 to 20 years ago.

Educate yourself as much as possible and plan the process well so you end up with a home you love and will keep for a long time. Doing the proper research and homework, plus making smart, deliberate decisions, is key to your real estate ownership success.

Buying a home can be a great long-term wealth accumulation strategy, but it also can turn out to be a bad decision that will bring many regrets.

June 2015 | 35

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Recently Sold Coral Gables

so

ld

430 Alcazar Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1937 Sold: 4/24/2015 for

$825,000

F

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

2,335 3

baths

3

ully remodeled custom made home was incredibly analyzed by the developer, architect & their interior designers to maximize spaces. 3/3 with 2,335 sq ft of comfortable living space, hardwood floors, marble at bathrooms, frameless shower enclosures, impact resistant door & windows, Large Living Room w/ a fireplace facing the Dining Room, a new spacious kitchen w/ granite countertop & s/steel appliances, family/TV room, laundry room & 1covered parking garage.

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Recently Sold Coral Gables

so

ld

704 Madeira Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1945 Sold: 5/1/2015 for

$1,050,000

N

Size (sq. ft.)

3,137

beds

5

ewly renovated home in the heart of Coral Gables! New Roof, Kitchen, Electrical, Plumbing, Marble, Bathrooms, and Construction! This home boast an amazing 5 large bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms at a very comfortable 2,845 sqft. With an amazing pool and In-Law Suite that also has New Roof, Marble, Bathroom,and Kitchenette with it’s own private entrance!

baths

4

June 2015 | 37

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Recently Sold Coral Gables

so

ld

1020 Placetas Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1952 Sold: 5/4/2015 for

$1,429,000

F

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

baths

2,571 3 3

ully updated picture perfect home framed by manicured landscaping on 10,238 sf lot on coveted South Gables street. Covered porch entrance to foyer and large living room and dining room. Family room off open kitchen. Impact glass windows and doors in 2012, new granite/wood/stainless steel kitchen and new roof in 2004. Stone and hardwood floors. Marble pavers in driveway. Great built out closets including large master walk-in. Pool with retractable awning. Excludes Tvs and electronics.

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Recently Sold Coral Gables

so

ld

1010 Andora Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2015 Sold: 4/27/2015 for

$2,250,000

F

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

4,970 4

baths

4

INISHED in 2015,in one of the best location in SG.The finest specifications are showcased in this 4 bedroom 4 bath home nestled in a quiet tree-lined street.Open floor plan for large gatherings.Light-filled living spaces with 12ft high ceilings & vast high impact windows.Hardwood flooring. Calacatta marble in master & guest bathroom showers.Chef’s kitchen with Sub-Zero, Wolf, Bosch dishwasher & Viking cabinets. Chef ‘s pantry. Oversized corner lot with heated pool. Sqft per Plans. House is generator ready.

June 2015 | 39

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How to Rent Out Your Home as a Side Hustle Whether you have a spare bedroom, attic or a whole house — here’s how to make some extra money from your home.

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ver think that spare studio in the basement, filled with boxes and clutter, could generate income one day? Have you recently purchased a new home but can’t seem to sell the first due to a lack of demand in your city? It’s not as difficult as you may think to rent out some or all of your property, whether for extra cash or to subsidize a second mortgage.

Staying focused, following the law and implementing proper marketing tech-

niques can help you get that secondary income stream. Here are some steps to get started.

Select the right tenants

Most single-family homeowners are happy with their seclusion. Noise is much less of an issue in a detached house versus an apartment complex, and you can avoid awkward hallway encounters with unfamiliar neighbors. So, when you make the decision to rent out your home, living with tenants takes some getting used.

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“At first I thought it would be weird having a tenant upstairs, but we were very selective on whom we chose. [The] first tenants were two college gentlemen out on an internship for a semester. They were great and really kept quiet and were just all around good tenants,” says Christopher of This That and the MBA. If you’re eager to make additional income, don’t allow finances to cloud your judgment when it comes to accepting an applicant. Quick money is great, but you might end up with late rental payments, property damages and legal fees if you fail to complete landlord due diligence.

Always run a background check so you can assess credit history, accounts, late payments, and, if applicable, bankruptcies and foreclosures. Running credit checks costs money, but can be covered by charging the potential tenants an application fee — usually around $25.

Upgrade your interiors

Like any rental property, you have to stay competitive within the market, and dingy, dated interiors just won’t cut it these days.

“When we were living downstairs for four years we updated it so it was really move-in ready for the new people who moved in last August. I refinished those hardwood floors as well to protect them,” says Christopher.

Fortunately, you can make small changes that have a big impact. Applying fresh coats of paint to walls and trim, removing dirty carpeting and cleaning windows instantly creates bright interiors. Keep decor basic by sticking to a neutral color palette and eliminating any overly-unique artwork or furnishings.

For bathrooms and kitchens, simply changing out the hardware can have a big impact and doesn’t involve overspending.

If necessary, invest in new appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry units. After sprucing up the unit, make sure to take high-quality listing photos to best showcase your investments and attract more applicants.

Price it right

Do your research before you list your rental. These days, you don’t have to be an industry professional to know the local real estate trends.

First, search comparable apartments and rental listings in your city to help you determine the “sweet spot” — the best price range to help pay the mortgage, and potentially make a profit, without overpricing your unit. Keep in mind, even if you aren’t necessarily lining your wallet, your mortgage is being all or somewhat funded by the rental income — so it’s a financial win in the end.

Follow the law

Attempting to rent out your home without documentation is illegal. And, to protect your assets and finances, it’s best that you draw up a formal lease agreement for each tenant. “[By] working in finance and having an MBA I really knew what to look for in a contract and how to make it enforceable. It also doesn’t hurt to have a few attorneys as friends and relatives to look over our contracts. I think my wife and I have been pretty good judges of character, and the information that we ask on our rental application has really helped us narrow into a good tenant,” says Christopher.

If you’re not lucky enough to be friends with an attorney, consult with an accountant to determine the tax codes for your rental. It’s either an investment property (“No Personal Use of Dwelling”) or vacation home (“Personal Use of Dwelling”). Also spend time researching local, state and federal housing laws before drafting any agreements.

Don’t underestimate the real estate investments you already own. You can use them for positive cash flow without selling — especially in a competitive rental market where the potential for profit is high.

June 2015 | 43

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Bathroom Sink

Shopping for a new sink can cause much hand wringing. There are so many shapes, styles, and materials to choose from that you may be tempted to, well, throw up your hands.

Fortunately, by focusing on the most important factors to consider when buying a sink, you can find the one that’s best for your bath.

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Sink Installat ion Opt ions

The main distinction among bath sinks is how and where they’re mounted. Here are the top options: Countertop: This is the most common installation, with the sink sitting in or on a countertop, typically as part of a vanity unit with cabinetry. Countertop sinks generally offer good storage and elbow room, as there is usually a sizable surface around the basin and cabinetry. This category includes the following: • Top-Mount or Self-Rimming Sinks: These sinks have rolled edges that allow the sink to be dropped down into a countertop opening. Top-mount sinks are the easiest to install.

• Undermount Sinks: They are mounted below the countertop, exposing the edge of the countertop surface around the sink. With no rim to contend with, undermounts are easy to clean.

• Vessel Sink or Above-Counter-Sinks: These are basins that sit atop the counter and offer the most striking style.

• Integral Sinks: The countertop and sink are a one-piece unit made of the same material and sized to fit standard vanity widths. These sinks are also easy to clean.

Pedestal: A pedestal sink consists of a basin atop a tall, slender base. It’s often considered a vintage look, but there are contemporary versions, too. Pedestal sinks work well in powder rooms and small baths where counter space or storage isn’t a priority.

Wall-mount: Often found in commercial and institutional settings, wall-mount sinks work in home baths, too. They hang from the wall at a comfortable height and are open below -- the drainpipe and water supply lines are exposed. Wall-mount sinks are affordable, work well in small baths, and create a clean, open look. However, with the plumbing visible underneath, it calls for an attractive pipe finish, such as polished chrome.

Console: A popular variation of the wall-mount sink is the console sink, which resembles a traditional console table found in an entry or hallway. A console sink is basically a wall-mount sink with legs -- usually two but sometimes four. Some console sinks offer generous counter space and open shelving below.

Sink Size and Shape

There is no standard size for a bath sink.

Some petite basins are just big enough

for washing hands, while the largest sinks are big enough for washing hair or delicate clothing. However, most round sinks are 16-in to 20-in in diameter, while most rectangular sinks are 19-in to 24-in wide and 16-in to 23-in front to back. Typical basin depth is 5-in to 8-in.

Sink size and shape are generally matters of personal preference unless you are replacing an old fixture and wish to reuse the vanity and countertop. In that case, the new sink has to fit the existing opening in the countertop and mount the same way. If space is at a premium in a small bath, you may want a triangular sink designed to fit into a corner.

Faucet Compat ibility

Make sure the size or shape of the sink works with your faucet choice.

Most sinks are predrilled with one or three faucet holes to hold either a single-handle faucet or one with separate handles for hot and cold water. Generally, a single-handle faucet requires a single-hole sink, but some singlehandle faucets come with escutcheon plates that let them work with 3-hole sinks.

Centerset faucets pair with sinks that have holes spaced 4-in apart, while widespread faucets fit sinks with holes 8-in to 16-in apart. Some sinks don’t have any faucet holes. They’re designed for faucets that mount above the sink on the wall or behind the sink on the countertop. This is true of vessel sinks and some undermount models.

Sink Material

Perhaps the most intriguing differences among bath sinks are in the materials used to make them. Traditional ceramics such as porcelain, vitreous china, and fireclay are familiar choices, but they’re rivaled by the striking looks of glass, natural stone, solid-surfacing, and metals such as cast iron, stainless steel, copper, nickel, and brass.

Vitreous china and its ceramic cousins provide a sink surface that is smooth, glossy, stain-resistant, durable, and easy to clean -an attractive combination in the bath.

Glass sounds fragile but is surprisingly strong. A basin made of tempered glass is able to withstand normal bath use. You don’t want to drop heavy objects into it, however, and contact with sharp metal or glass items can cause scratches and chips. Glass can be a challenge to keep clean, too, especially if you have hard water.

Stone sinks made of marble, granite, travertine, or onyx offer luxurious looks full of natural color and veining, plus they allow undermount basin installation. However, because all stone is porous to some degree, it is prone to staining and requires routine sealing.

Solid-surfacing captures the look of natural stone in a composite material that’s easier to install and maintain than the real thing. A popular choice is a one-piece solidsurface countertop with an integral sink.

Metallic bath sinks range from the glossy enameled finish of a cast-iron model to the clean look of stainless steel and the earthiness of copper and nickel. Brushed and hammered finishes play up the texture of the metals

Cost

You can buy a basic white, oval, self-rimming drop-in bath sink for less than $50. Spending $100 to $200 opens up more options in shapes and materials, including many pedestal sinks and some entry-level vessel sinks made of stone and glass. The $200 to $400 range is popular, encompassing larger basins, a variety of colors and smaller console sinks. Designer basin shapes and the use of natural stone can push the price past $500, while some sculptural pedestal sinks and furniture-look console sinks sell for $1,000 or more.

June 2015 | 47

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Home improvement

Trash Compactor Buying Guide

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Make fewer trips to the trash can and help the environment by installing a trash compactor in your kitchen. You’ll reduce the volume of household waste by 75-80%. Using a trash compactor can lower transportation costs and reduce the amount of space used in landfills.

The Basics

Trash compactors work by using ram force to reduce trash volume by 75-80%. This means you’ll make fewer trips to the garbage can by installing a trash compactor in your kitchen. Models are available in black, white, stainless steel and wood panel to ensure a beautiful fit with your cabinetry and appliances.

Good to Know: Because your old trash compactor is mostly metal, it is recyclable. Contact your local waste management authority for instructions on recycling your old trash compactor.

Choosing a Trash Compactor

There are three basic types of trash compactors on the market today: freestanding, under-the-counter and convertible.

• Freestanding compactors have finished tops for use as additional counter space. Some companies manufacture cutting boards for the tops to create flexible work areas.

• Under-the-counter compactors do not have finished tops and install between cabinets. Trim kits are available for these units for a flush console look. Just be sure your measurements include the trim kit when you’re considering space.

• Convertible compactors are installed as freestanding or underthe-counter appliances, creating a best-of-both-worlds scenario for homeowners.

Measuring

Space requirements vary by trash compactor, so it’s essential to take accurate measurements of the space available in your home before you shop. Note that compactors range in width from 12 to 15 inches, in height from 34 1/8 to 35 inches and in depth from 24 to 24 ½ inches.

Knowing the space available to you will make shopping easier and the final results more aesthetically pleasing.

Features

Trash compactors have similar features but vary in size and compacting ratio. Some features to consider: • Capacity & compression force • Removable key-knob controls to prevent accidental operation.

• Anti-jam and tilt sensors • Toe bar opening systems • Built-in air freshener compartments or charcoal filters for odor absorption • Noise insulation • Hidden controls • Rear rollers for easy installation • Tilt away trash baskets for easier bag replacement • Reversible front panels to accommodate your kitchen’s decor Good to Know: Whether you choose a compacting ratio of 4:1, 5:1 or 6:1, keep in mind that compacted trash bags will be heavier than traditional trash bags. Therefore, your appliance selection may need to be altered or adjusted depending on the user.

Maintenance

Except for occasional cleaning, compactors are virtually maintenance free. Follow these steps to clean your trash compactor: • Wear thick, sturdy gloves when cleaning your compactor • Unplug the compactor • Remove the bag and caddy, or bin, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions • Vacuum the inside • Clean inside and outside of the compactor using warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry • Close the drawer and replace the caddy with a new bag • Periodically, check and replace the air freshener or charcoal filter

Going Green

Trash compactors dispose of general waste products and do not replace recycling or composting.

Remember that trash reduction through reducing, reusing and recycling is not the same as compacting. Compacting simply minimizes the number of trips you take to the trashcan. To upgrade your ecoefforts in trash compacting, use paper or biodegradable compactor bags in your trash compactor.

Good to Know: Use trash compactors to dispose of general waste products. Recycle when you can and remember that many kitchen scraps can be composted for your garden.

June 2015 | 51

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Push Mower Buying Guide

A push mower, or walk-behind mower, is effective on 1/2 acre or less, and the right one simplifies lawn care. Learn to find the best mower for your yard.

Sizing Your Landscape

The size of your lawn is a factor in choosing a push mower that’s right for you, but also consider slopes and obstacles, such as trees and flower beds. If your lawn is larger than 1/2 acre, you might want to consider a riding mower.

Gas Push Mowers

Gas mowers are a good choice for larger yards — up to 1/2 acre in size — and for hilly terrain. A gas mower provides more power than an electric mower and doesn’t have the restriction of a battery charge or power cord.

Most crank with a pull start, but some feature an electric starter that eliminates the need to use the pull cord.

Gas mowers need the right fuel — follow the manufacturer’s requirements.

Self-Propelled Mowers

While traditional push mowers can be a good choice for lawns up to 1/3 acre, if you have a larger yard, hilly terrain or want to mow with less effort, consider a self-propelled mower.

There are three types to choose from: • Front-wheel drive (FWD) mowers are good for level terrain. Since the drive wheels are in front, they allow you to tip up and turn the mower more easily than some other drive systems.

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) provides more traction at the center of the mower, helping you mow hilly terrain more easily. This drive system is also helpful if you bag clippings. As the bag fills, the front of a mower may rise slightly. With a RWD mower, you still have traction at the drive wheels.

Many models allow you to change speed and even disengage the drive systems, giving you the turning ability of a FWD model.

• All-wheel drive (AWD) models provide power to all four wheels, giving you benefits in both level and hilly yards.

Push Mower Features and Options

Once you’ve decided on the type of mower that best suits your lawn, look for features and options that make the work more efficient: • Voltage (V) on a cordless mower and amperage (amps) on a corded mower both indicate power output. Higher measurements mean more power.

• A dual-battery system on a cordless mower extends the cutting time.

• Engine torque measures — in foot-

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pounds (ft-lbs) — the force that keeps the mower blades • spinning. Higher torque offers a more even cut in tall or thick grass.

• Engine displacement describes the size of the cylinder in a gasoline engine. Manufacturers measure displacement in cubic centimeters (ccs). A higher cc measurement means a more powerful engine that can handle heavier cutting.

• A no-prime engine lets you start a gas mower more quickly and easily.

• Cut width indicates how wide a swath of grass you can mow in a single pass.

• A self-propelled mower is either singlespeed or variable-speed. A variable speed mower lets you set your own pace. You can control the speed of some mowers with either hand.

• A blade brake clutch stops the blade from spinning but allows the engine to keep running. • • This feature lets you empty the grass collection bag without restarting the mower.

• Dual- or single-lever height adjustment makes changing the height of the cut easier than adjusting a lever at each wheel.

• Large rear wheels make a mower more maneuverable.

• A deck wash port connects to a garden hose to help you clean the underside of the cutting deck.

Caution: Always follow the mower manufacturer’s operating, maintenance and safety instructions, including instructions on safety gear.

Mowing Attachments

As an alternative to a standard push mower, look for outdoor equipment that has flexibility to handle mowing and other jobs around the landscape and throughout the season. These systems reduce storage requirements by using one power base and multiple, optional attachments — a mower deck, a pressure washer, a leaf blower and a snow thrower.

Electric Push Mowers

Electric push mowers are effective for relatively flat lawns measuring 1/3 acre of less. They start with the flip of a switch and are quieter and run cleaner than gas push mowers.

Corded models don’t require recharging, offering unlimited runtime. However, the power cord restricts the operating area, making it a challenge to mow large lawns

or those with trees or other obstructions.

Corded mowers require a suitable extension cord. Follow the device manufacturer’s specifications for compatible extension cords.

Cordless models feature rechargeable batteries and give you more mobility than corded models. Lithium ion batteries with higher voltages — 40 or 80 volts — give you a longer runtime than lower-voltage models.

Charge times vary by battery and charger, ranging from 30 minutes for quick-charge batteries to 2 or 3 hours for longer-runtime batteries.

Good to Know: Some cordless mowers use batteries that can also power equipment such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, blowers and chainsaws. If you have several compatible devices, you can use one battery while others are charging.

Reel Mowers

If you have a small, flat yard and don’t want to rely on power cords, batteries or gasoline, a reel mower is an option. This type can be effective with lawns 1/3 acre or smaller, but a smaller cutting swath means more time and exertion. As the operator pushes the mower, a set of rotating knives — the reel — spins against a fixed blade.

The cutting action is similar to that of scissors. These mowers can give a cleaner cut than power mowers. They’re also emissionsfree and quiet. However, you may need to mow more often since these machines struggle in taller grass.

Handling Grass Clippings

The design of the cutting deck on a mower determines where grass clippings go as you cut.

• Side-discharge mowers direct the clippings back out onto the lawn — helpful if you have grass that is coarse or tall. If the clippings are thick, you need to rake them up and dispose of them.

to your mowing and you have to dispose of the clippings.

• Mulching mowers have decks designed to contain the clippings, allowing the blade to cut them to a smaller size. The clippings fall onto the lawn as mulch to add nutrients to the soil. Mulching works well if you mow regularly and the grass isn’t too tall.

Many mowers quickly convert between these configurations so you can choose the one that works best for your lawn or for the conditions each time you mow.

Some areas don’t allow yard waste in landfills. If you rake or bag clippings and your community doesn’t have a collection program, you can compost some of them.

If the clippings are free of weed seeds and you haven’t applied pesticide to the grass in the past month, you can use them as mulch around the yard.

Push Mower Maintenance Considerations

Cleaning and blade care are necessary for the best performance and longevity of any mower, but there are additional maintenance requirements based on mower type.

Reel mowers have a set of knives you need to sharpen by hand and that are not as easy to replace as blades on other mowers. Cordless mowers and some gas mowers require battery care. All gas mowers need regular oil, air filter and spark plug changes.

They have additional requirements for winter storage.

• Mowers with bagging systems collect clippings. This method keeps your lawn looking clean without raking and reduces the spread of weed seeds. In the fall it’s also useful for clearing leaves. Keep in mind that emptying the bag — especially for large or tall lawns — adds time June 2015 | 55

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Childproof Your

Pool

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Make your pool the safe, fun place it should be. Childproof your pool area to prevent slips and falls, sunburns and other more serious accidents, so you can keep your outdoor oasis a fun place for the whole family.

• Protect all entryways to the pool area to make sure children don’t enter the pool unattended. Put alarms on doors and windows, and make sure you have a secure fence around the entire pool area to protect other children in the neighborhood as well.

• Even if your entire yard is fenced in, fence the perimeter of the pool area. One of the best techniques for preventing drowning is to create multiple barriers to entry. Ideal fencing will be at least 4 feet high with gaps no wider than 3 inches.

• Consider purchasing a pool alarm. There are alarms available that activate when pool water is disturbed and alarms that toddlers can wear that alert you when they come near the pool edge.

• Clear toys, shoes and other trip hazards away from the edge of the pool or from areas where children might play. Teach children not to run near the pool to prevent falls on scratchy concrete.

• Remove toys from the pool area when you aren’t there. Getting rid of all items that might attract the attention of children will help keep curious kids from approaching the pool when adults aren’t looking.

• Provide shade with umbrellas, awnings or other tools to create safe areas for sun-sensitive skin. Encourage children to wear sunscreen and to take periodic breaks from direct exposure by providing snacks and drinks in the shade.

• Remove ladders to aboveground pools when you aren’t using them.

• Cover your pool when it isn’t in use. A rigid pool cover that conceals the pool’s entire surface is the safest option. Mechanical covers are available that you can operate with the touch of a button.

• Make sure you have rescue gear available. Keep life preservers, kickboards, rope and a pole handy.

• Enroll children in swimming lessons. While you can protect your children in your own home, the ultimate protection is having water-smart children who can swim and float. Even infants can learn to swim with proper training, and you’ll feel secure knowing your little ones are safe swimmers no matter where they are.

June 2015 | 59

Home Improvement content sponsored & provided by therma seal

561.775.9703 www.thermaseal.net

How Can Coral Gables residents live in the coolest, quietest and healthiest home in Miami with very low humidity?

1) Live in an igloo.

2) Live in a home insulated with the Icynene Spray foam System.

The correct answer is #2. Therma Seal provides a new or existing home with an air sealing protective barrier which provides a low humidity, highly energy efficient and healthy indoor air environment.

Save 50% for life The choice and solutions: Air naturally flows in and out of your house through cracks and gaps. Visit http://thermaseal. net/index.php/home-owner to see the difference. Icynene Spray Foam performs like a cooler or thermos. By expanding to seal all the nooks and crannies, Icynene acts as an air barrier to keep the conditioned air where it belongs, in your Coral Gables Miami home – not out into the environment.

Issues and Problems: Many homes today have a “vented attic” with conventional insulation on the ceiling of the living space. The concept is to allow excess heat and moisture to release through the vents and use Batt or Blown in Fiber insulation to slow down the built up attic heat from entering or affecting the homes conditional area.

Yes a higher R value equals a slower molecular transfer of heat and reduced air flow. The negative effect is these products do not stop the loss of cool air, they deteriorate over time, and occasionally over insulating can create hot attic syndrome, whereby the cold HVACS ducts sweat. Moisture and heat are the ingredients for other health issues that may occur like a mold or mildew.

Home improvement content sponsored & provided by therma seal

Why does Icynene work?

Unlike conventional insulation, Icynene is applied to the underside of the roof (see photo) to create the “unvented attic.” The cool air you produce; which in the past seeped through conventional insulation and dispersed out into the environment is now retained in the attic space. Your Miami home’s HVAC attic ducts are now inside this attic space at less than 86 degrees.

Seal the Deal Icynene spray foam insulation helps reduce the amount of energy you need to cool your home.

Single step air sealing and insulation Cuts cooling costs by up to 50%

Benefits: The result is a home which cools quickly and retains the temperature longer. By air sealing the Coral Gable home we minimize the volume of airborne irritants such as dust, humidity, and other outside pollutants. The drier indoor air leads to comfortable living.

Air leakage can account for 40% of a home or building’s energy loss.

Right-sized HVAC equipment for improved efficiency and performance

Feel the difference!

Is Icynene Safe?

Icynene should be applied by only a Certified Icynene Contractor. Don’t be fooled into believing all foam is Icynene or equal. The Classic Max is 100% water blown providing an ideal base for healthy indoor living. In that unlikely event of an attic fire, Classic Max has also been shown to provide a Fire Safe Attic with the ability to choke out the fire before it spreads to the remainder of the home.

Ride

What is the cost to apply Icynene?

Icynene Classic Max is a premium product that pays for itself in energy savings quickly. Each home has its own unique requirements surrounding the roof design and condition of existing insulation so a personal visit is typically required. Beginning the first day of installation Icynene will support driving down the HVAC costs near 50%.

Therma Seal in cooperation with YGrene offers financing programs which allow the yearly savings to exceed the payment requirements. (Ask your Therma Seal rep for support).

Beyond the savings and the better living environment, Icynene warranties its insulation applied by Therma Seal for the life of the home. If you plan to sell your home in the future, this warranty is transferrable from one owner to the next. Buyers will pay more for a home with lower energy costs.

the

clean Wave Go to www.thermaseal.net to arrange free consultation 561.775.9703 facebook.com/ thermasealfl

twitter.com/ thermaseal

youtube.com/ thermasealflorida

Save up to 50% on your monthly energy bills Call our energy experts anytime

Therma Seal offers other energy solutions to fight heat gain for the low pitch residential and commercial properties.

June 2015 | 61

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Freezer Buying Guide

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Buy in bulk. Cook ahead. Store leftovers. With the right freezer, you’ll make fewer trips to the store while saving time and money. Take a moment to consider your options and space constraints to find the freezer that’s a perfect fit for your life and lifestyle.

Types of Freezers

Upright Freezer • Doors open east to west for a familiar feel • Highly organized space • In-the-door storage • Adjustable shelving • Easy access to food Chest Freezer • Door mounts with a north-south orientation for a tighter seal • Holds more food per square foot • Less likely to cause freezer burn Good to Know: Before you buy, research power outage performance to know how long your frozen food stays safe if you lose power.

Freezer Capacity

Freezers come in four basic sizes: • Compact = 5 cubic feet • Small = 6-9 cubic feet • Medium = 12-18 cubic feet • Large = 18+ cubic feet Good to Know: Multiply the number of people in your family by 2.5 cubic feet to help determine your food storage needs.

Questions to Ask Yourself

freezer conditions.

What are my food shopping habits?

If you buy in bulk, a freezer is an excellent choice for you. Know that one cubic foot of freezer space accommodates approximately 35 pounds of food.

Freezer Locks limit access to your freezer, protecting children and other at-risk family members.

What are my food preparation habits? If you prepare and freeze foods when they’re fresh or in-season, you’ll benefit from a freezer. Farmers, gardeners and hunters all need freezer storage space.

Power-On Lights let you know the freezer is working without opening the door, increasing energy efficiency.

How much space is available in my home? Freezers should be located in a convenient space that is far from heat sources, including sunny windows, to maintain efficient operation. The space you have available, as well as the width of doorways, may impact the size freezer you are able to buy.

Good to Know: Don’t ignore the size of your doors when considering the size of the freezer you want to buy.

Interior Lights make it easy to see the food you need.

Soft-Freeze Sections make serving ice cream and other soft items easier.

Energy Savings

Frost-free freezers prevent freezer burn, automatically defrosting about once a day. During the defrost cycle the internal temperature doesn’t change more than 2-degrees, so frozen food is not affected.

Advances in insulation mean today’s freezers consume less energy than older models.

ENERGY STAR® reports that if you bought your freezer before 1993, you’re spending an extra $35 per year than if you owned a current ENERGY STAR qualified model. Bought it in the 1980’s? You’re spending an extra $70 each year.

Temperature Alarms monitor freezer temperatures around the clock and sound when temperatures rise above optimum

Good to Know: Any frozen food that reaches 40-degrees for more than 2-hours should be discarded.

Features

June 2015 | 65

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Garage Safety

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

The garage and basement are wonderful storage areas, but use caution and common sense with your hazardous chemicals, power tools and sharp objects to maintain a safe space for both people and pets.

Water, Gas and Electricity

Know where your shut-off valves and switches are for your home’s water, gas and electricity. Label them with brightly colored tags so they are easy for anyone in the household to locate in the event of an emergency.

Lighting

Maintain bright lighting in your garage or basement to reduce hazards and create a more enjoyable and functional workspace.

• Make sure light switches are conveniently located • Replace burned out bulbs immediately • Use lights bright enough to illuminate working and walking areas

Storage and Organization

Whether you’re storing sporting equipment, power tools or chemicals, it is imperative to install and maintain sturdy utility shelving.

Keep tools and sharp objects off the floor and consider the use of a tool chest or storage cabinet for easy accessibility.

Store dangerous chemicals in safe containers according to manufacturer’s instructions, preferably on high shelves or in cabinets with doors that lock. Lockable utility cabinets also make a good option for keeping dangerous substances away from kids and pets.

To store ladders or bicycles overhead, mount brackets to the ceiling joists or install a lift assembly. This creates usable floor space and helps eliminate falls.

Corner shelving is a great option for small item storage.

When storing and removing items from high shelves, use a step stool or utility ladder. Never stand on a chair or climb your shelving units.

Garage Door Openers

If you have an older home, chances are good that you have a garage door that lacks modern safety features. Invest in safety with a new door and opener that offers automatic reversal sensors and a photoelectric safety sensor eye to prevent crushing injuries or deaths. This feature is especially important in households with small children and pets.

Other Dangers Considerations

and

Test your basement or garage for the presence of radon, an invisible, odorless, naturally occurring carcinogen. Radon test kits provide instruction on capturing an air sample and submitting it for analysis.

Carbon monoxide is another invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly. Install a carbon monoxide detector and never run your car, grill or lawn mower inside the garage, even if you have the door open.

Always move fuel-burning machinery outdoors before running.

Because many flammable materials are stored in the garage, it’s a good idea to install a smoke detector. Monitor battery life as you would in your home for ongoing safety and peace of mind.

June 2015 | 69

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Laundry Closet Makeover Make a closet laundry space work harder and look better by surrounding the washer and dryer with smart solutions.

Raising the Bar

Decorative brackets pretty up a basic shelf and provide a spot to hang a small rod to hold odd socks or a lint roller. You can also use it to line-dry small items. When you’re pre-treating stains before washing or misting clothes while ironing, hang the spray bottles on a repurposed towel bar.

Add Work Spaces

To create folding and storage space, wrap the washer and dryer with a simple plywood frame. We finished the plywood countertop with polyurethane and edge banding. Follow the appliance manufacturer’s guidelines for clearance around the washer and dryer. On the floor, use a patterned

accent rug to complement driftwoodcolor laminate planks.

A Dash of Flash

A utility area doesn’t have to look utilitarian. Above a front-loading washer and dryer, add a striking backsplash of peel-and-stick metal tiles that require no mastic or grout.

Spill-Catching Saucers

Avoid bleach and detergent puddles by placing clear plastic plant saucers under jugs of laundry liquids.

Pendant and Clock

A big, bright pendant light makes it easier to read care labels and spot stains, while a fun neon wall clock helps you time loads.

Freestanding Shelves

Slide a three-tier shelf between the washer or dryer and the side wall for convenient storage that’s narrow yet deep.

Laundry Lazy Susan

Take this idea for a spin: Store detergent, washing sundries, and other often-used items on a lazy Susan for easy access.

Wall-Mount Ironing Board Mount a pair of sturdy robe hooks on one side wall to hang an ironing board.

It’s both handy and out of the way.

The brushed-nickel hooks look sharp against the clean, fresh wall color -Valspar Belle Grove Sorbet.

June 2015 | 73

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Benefits of a Pond The most obvious benefit of a pond in your yard is, of course, the beauty it brings to the landscape. The sights and sounds of a well-designed water feature stir the heart and relax the soul, and for many of us, that’s enough. However, there are many other benefits as well, both for you and for the landscape.

Outdoor Air Conditioning

When water evaporates, the process removes heat from the surroundings.

As pond owners in drier areas can attest, this evaporative cooling can be very pleasant, especially where temperatures are high and humidity is low, creating the effect of outdoor air conditioning. Waterfalls also create negative ions, which scrub the air of dust mites, pollen, germs, allergens and pollutants, leaving behind a feeling of relaxation and well-being.

Sound Masking

The ever-changing white noise of a fountain or waterfall can help mask the sounds of street traffic or a rambunctious playground. This zone of soothing, natural sound creates a more relaxing environment around the pond, even when there’s no noise to mask.

Aim the waterfall towards a deck, kitchen or bedroom window to focus the sound where you need it most. A planted backdrop behind the falls and rock walls on either side of the falls will reflect and focus the sound of the waters.

Environmental Benefits of a Pond

The greatest benefit of all may be how ponds enhance the environment.

Sources of open water accessible to

wildlife are scarce in suburbia. Insects, birds and animals may travel considerable distances to visit your pond, especially in times of drought or freezing weather. Many of these visitors will stick around if you design your pond as a wildlife refuge, providing food, shelter and a place to raise young.

You’ll find that many native and indigenous plants you can include around your pond will provide food for native wildlife. Check with your local cooperative extension, arboretum or botanical garden for guides to the local plants available in your area, or research them on the Internet.

All organisms need shelter for sleep and hibernation, for protection from weather and predators, for breeding and raising offspring. Unfortunately, our need for shelter competes directly with wildlife. As we build more and more housing for ourselves, there’s less for the wild vegetation and animals we share the planet with. Ponds are ideal habitats for lots of organisms like insects. As soon as a pond is in, water striders, water boatmen, dragonflies and damselflies somehow find it. All they need is the water and a plant stem to land on. Larger animals like the shelter of the pond too, especially amphibians. Frogs, toads, newts and salamanders literally absorb oxygen through moist skin, so they need a wet environment to survive,

reproduce and to breathe. Other species appreciate the pond area too, like the birds that bathe and nest around the pond; rabbits, chipmunks, shrews and mice that live in the vegetative cover; turtles, snakes and lizards as well as the occasional thirsty raccoon, opossum or even deer.

Ponds are tailor-made to provide water to native wildlife. Regardless of which ones need a wet environment, all of your wild neighbors will appreciate a nice, cool drink. Sources of clean water are actually very valuable to wildlife year-round and, even more important, during droughts, dry seasons or frozen winters.

Worried About Mosquitoes Around Your Pond?

Don’t worry about mosquitoes in your pond. There are usually fewer mosquitoes around a properly designed, well-planted pond than around a typical birdbath. The pond is the last place mosquitoes want to be. Their larvae can’t survive without warm, stagnant water. Adult mosquitoes attracted to the pond usually end up as a welcome snack for bats, birds, fish and dragonflies (still called mosquito hawks in many areas). Avoid extensive shallows that fish can’t swim into.

Keep the surface of your pond moving with proper circulation, and larvae won’t survive to adulthood.

June 2015 | 77

Marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Have a safe flight Local Aviation Expert Weighs In On Changes To Make Flights Safer

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Many airlines regularly psychologically test their pilots and co-pilots once a year.”

T

By Natalia Zea nzea@cbs.com

he horrific and deliberate crash of the Germanwings flight into the French Alps is on the minds of travelers as they get ready to board flights…including hundreds on Lufthansa Airlines, which owns the carrier of the doomed flight.

“It’s really terrible,” said German national Eva Deck.

Deck was disturbed to learn the co-pilot apparently crashed the plane on purpose, but in a way, they were relieved. ”The feeling when I go to the plane, it’s better that it was not a technical defect, but for the relatives but for the persons who was killed, it was terrible,” said Deck.

The incident does not make Peter Deck question his airline of choice.

“I feel good, I feel good when I fly with Lufthansa,” he told CBS4’s Natalia Zea. However, aviation security expert and attorney with Podhurst Orseck, P.A. Ray Rasco says the crash does reveal glaring differences in terms of government regulation. In this case, the United States’ rules are tougher regarding the cockpit. “ In the United States after 911, the co-pilot cannot be alone in the cockpit, at least a steward or stewardess has to be in there with him. And on this particular occasion, in Europe, Lufthansa specifically do not have that same requirement,” Rasco told Zea. Norwegian Airlines and Air Canada strengthened their cockpit policies as a

result of this disaster.

South Florida traveler, Fawad Shabbier is a safety investigator for Air Canada.

He’s tasked with ensuring the fleet has no defects…he says the same is not so easily done in terms of who controls the plane.

“As far as human beings go, you can’t look too deep into the psyche of a person and know what exactly is in their mind,” said Shabbier.

Rasco points out though, that Germanwings psychologically tests its pilots less than many other carriers.

“Many airlines regularly psychologically test their pilots and co-pilots once a year.”

Airline passenger Chuck Meyer knows well that security procedures vary between airlines.

“When you fly on enough different airlines you realize they all run different ways. And if you’re in different parts of the world, there are certain planes you think twice before getting on, and I don’t fly on those planes,” he said.

Traveling to 38 countries over his career has led to Meyer being choosy and doing his research well before stepping foot on the plane.

“So you read through enough, you start to formulate some opinions that are probably close to correct, and it is your life and now you decide which airplane you want to fly.”

Rasco suggests looking into the records of airlines.

“You can look at their safety record, you can look at their prior history of accidents, you can also look at the regulations they have, the screening regulations they have for the pilots. What kind of requirements they have to meet.”

June 2015 | 79

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

A

The Circle of life

Photo courtesy of Ron Magill, Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami Debuts Baby Giraffe While Mourning Loss Of Newborn Okapi

time of celebration paired with mourning as the circle of life plays out at Zoo

Miami.

Zoo Miami’s baby giraffe, named “Princess Buttercup” born April 8th, made her first appearance on exhibit with rest of the herd.

The baby’s mother is a 4 ½ year old named Sabra. The baby is Sabra’s first baby, and the zoo’s 47th.

Sabra arrived at Zoo Miami from the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa in November of 2013. The father’s name was “Fezzik,” born at the St. Louis Zoo and arrived at Zoo Miami in May of 1998 but died in November of last year due to age related crippling arthritis.

The newborn weighed 108 pounds, stood a little over 5 feet tall and was determined to be a female during its neonatal exam.

Giraffe have a pregnancy of approximately 15 months and the mother rarely, if ever, lies down while giving birth. The baby falls about 4-6 feet to the floor.

Zoo Miami also announced a loss for the zoo, the long awaited birth of an Okapi, a rare relative of the giraffe from the forests of Central Africa, resulted in the survival of the calf lasting only a few hours.

Zoo Miami said the loss was devastating as it would have been the first successful birth of the rare animal in the zoo’s history. The Okapi was born alive on April 10th, but the newborn was severely underweight and very weak. It had great difficulty trying to stand normally and sadly died only a few hours after birth.

Initial results from a necropsy did not show any obvious cause of death other than a very low birth weight and what may be some anomalies of the heart.

Further tests are pending.

June 2015 | 81

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Kraft Mac & Cheese Mixing Up Classic Formula

by Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com

raft is rolling out its new option for their classic macaroni and cheese – one without yellow food dye. But why?

The latest numbers show Kraft Mac & Cheese sales are down 3 percent and organic mac and cheese sales, like Annie’s, are up 3 percent.

Even with the slight shift, Kraft is still dominating. And to keep it that way they are focusing on the organic market.

The first step was working on preservatives and yellow dye number five.

“A lot of the research has linked it to hyperactivity in children,” said nutritionist Angelique Johnson.

Johnson says the concern for parents is that the new spices, meant primarily for color, would change the flavor.

“If it was too much different flavor I don’t think they would like it,” said mother Sarah Rivera.

So CBS4 put it to the test.

The standard Kraft Mac & Cheese elbow pasta is the same as it’s always been – yellow dye and all.

The new options, without the dye, have character shaped lines but with paprika and other spices.

How did the comparison go with the kids?

“Taste the same,” said Addie.

“They taste different,” said Hannah.

But what about the moms?

“You know I don’t see a massive

difference I prefer that one,” said Sally Kirkwood.

Sally Kirkwood prefers the new option without the dye and Sarah Rivera agrees. Rivera’s daughter, Emma, doesn’t seem to notice a difference, “I think it’s close enough I see her eating both bowls.”

If a product in Europe contains yellow dye number five a warning label needs to be on the box so Kraft has taken it out of all its macaroni and cheese. In the US, you get the option.

“I think they should do this. We all want a healthier option,” said Dacia Weigandt, a mother.

CBS4 reached out to Kraft but they had not responded by the time the story aired.

June 2015 | 83

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Subscription Boxes Offer Monthly Surprise Delivered To Your Doorstep

Surprise Delivery

E

by Marybel Rodriguez marybel.rodriguez@wfor.cbs.com

veryone knows the fruit of the month club; a box arrives filled with fruit, you just never know what kind.

Now imagine a surprise package delivered to your door every month filled with the latest fashions, exotic coffees and even treats for your pets.

Subscription boxes are a growing trend that has people asking: “What’s in the box?”

Customers pay anywhere from $10, to hundreds of dollars, for them each month, signing up for everything from beauty products to clothing or even underwear.

Subscribers, like Theodora Blanchfield, pick their category but what comes in the box is always a surprise.

She spends about $100 a month for a box from Stitch Fix, a fashion service.

“It’s super fun. Every month, you get this box and you have no idea what’s going to be in it,” Blanchfield said.

Professional stylists make selections based on subscriber preferences.

“Some stuff I open it and I’m like, ‘that’s exactly my style.’ Other stuff is like, ‘I would never have picked that for myself, that’s kind of cool,’” Blanchfield said.

“We definitely have the woman that doesn’t like to shop. We also do have the fashionista who loves shopping and this is another way for her to shop,” said

Katrina Lake, CEO of Stitch Fix. Lake said customers are happy to let others do their shopping for them.

“Simply keep what you want and send back what you don’t want,” she said.

Bombfell is a men’s fashion service.

“A lot of times what we’ll see is the wife or the girlfriend is actually signing up for the account,” said CEO Bernie Yoo. Yoo said no matter who picks their clothes, most men are happy to be surprised with fashion options.

“It’s basically been picked for your fit, for your taste,” he said.

Retail expert Tom Julian said customers love the surprise. But critics said letting other people make choices for you is not for everyone.

“I think we signed over some of our fashion choices and some of our shopping budget too,” Julian, of The Doneger Group, said.

But Emily Palan is hooked.

“I do the ones for makeup and beauty all the time,” she said.

And she spends $39 a month for surprise box from GetPetBox.com for her pup Gandy too.

“I was pretty excited to see what he was excited about,” she said.

Most of these services do not charge a fee to join, and will let you suspend the service anytime.

June 2015 | 85

automotive section sponsored by south miami fiat

automotive content provided by media.chrysler.com

The FIAT Brand Continues to Expand With the All-new Fiat 500X

T

he all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features.

“The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the FIAT brand in North America,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “The all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology. In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.”

With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.

In the United States, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with

a six-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on allwheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.

A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.

The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.

Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film

transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-color instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles.

The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more rugged look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver accents for a distinct, adventurous appearance.

Crafted in Italy at Fiat Automobiles’ Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it will go on sale in more than 100 countries worldwide.

June 2015 | 91

automotive content provided by media.chrysler.com

Dodge Launches Online Viper GTC Customizer; Enthusiasts Can Create a 1 of 1 Hand-built American Supercar • Dodge Viper lovers can now design their own custom Dodge Viper GTC at www.driveSRT.com/Viper • Viper GTC Customizer features a unique design experience to help create a personalized version of the ultimate performance supercar • More than 25 million unique build combinations are available for the Dodge Viper GTC • Options include 8,000 hand-painted exterior colors, 24,000 hand-painted custom stripes, 11 wheel options, 16 interior trims, seven aero packages, three brake packages, four suspension options, as well as a host of standalone options • Dodge will send a complimentary 1:18-scale Viper speed form replica to buyers to confirm their color selection • Each 1 of 1 Viper will feature a personalized instrument panel badge with the customer’s chosen name to commemorate their design • GTC Inspiration Gallery allows enthusiasts to post their design creations for others to appreciate For enthusiasts ready to buy and for those who just want to dream, the Dodge brand is launching its new Dodge Viper GTC Customizer, available at www.driveSRT.com/Viper. The Viper GTC Customizer offers Viper lovers of all stripes the chance to de-

sign their personalized version of the only hand-built performance supercar.

The Dodge Viper GTC Customizer lets enthusiasts create their own virtual-reality vision of the Dodge Viper through dynamic elements that deliver a unique online design experience.

Starting inside the Design Studio of the customizer, users have more than 25 million build combinations to create their one-of-a-kind Snake from the ground up. With 8,000 exterior color options, 24,000 custom stripe colors, 11 wheel options, 16 interior trims and seven aero packages, three brake packages and four suspension options there are more than 25 million ways for buyers to customize their one-of-a-kind Dodge Viper. Users can “sit” in the virtual cockpit and take an up-close tour of all 16 available trim options. To help buyers confirm their color choice, Dodge will provide a complimentary Viper speed form replica so they can confirm their color selections before their Viper is built.

Once the design of the perfect Viper is complete, users can place the vehicle in their own lifestyle environments to preview how their custom Viper GTC will look in the real world.

Users also can share their custom supercar designs with family and friends. Images may be downloaded in

various resolutions to share on social media or used as wallpaper on phones, tablets or computers. A PDF file of the image, complete with all technical information selected, can be downloaded — an especially useful tool for those ready to purchase. Designers can also share their custom Viper on the GTC Inspiration Gallery for other enthusiasts to appreciate and enjoy.

The 2015 Dodge Viper features a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $84,995.

For a starting U.S. MSRP of $94,995, the new 2015 custom Viper GTC model features all the content of the new GT model and adds the ability to customize a ‘1 of 1’ design from 25 million possible build combinations, a personalized instrument panel badge, Concierge Service and Viper Ambassador Owner’s Portal with exclusive sharable content to track the build of the car.

The new 1-of-1 customization program is available exclusively for customer orders (not for dealer stock). No two customers can order the same configuration, including color, in the same model year. Dealers started taking orders in February.

Production of the 1 of 1 Vipers started at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit in April.