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ID THEFT OVERWHELMING FREE COPY
R E A L .
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IRS OFFICES Identity theft has become so prevalent in South Florida that local Internal Revenue Service offices have been forced to limit how many customers can enter their offices recently.
ALSO INSIDE Time To Refinance Home May Be Now Rubio & Obama Fight Over Contraceptives Sleep Labs Making House Calls For Apnea Sufferers Study: Social Media More Addictive Than Alcohol & Tobacco Dj Rony Seikaly Trades Swishes For Spinning
N E W S .
February 17, 2012
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ID Theft Overwhelming IRS Offices Reporting Al Sunshine asunshine@cbs.com
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Identity theft has become so prevalent in South Florida that local Internal Revenue Service offices have been forced to limit how many customers can enter their offices earlier this week. Sunrise resident Vanessa Dowe spent time off from work to go to the IRS’ Plantation customer service center after finding out her tax ID was ripped off and her tax refund was stolen. “I filed my taxes just yesterday actually and just got a notice somebody else had used my I-D and got my Tax Refund. I started crying,” Dowe explained. South Florida is considered one of the identity theft capitals of the country. So when tax season starts, it’s not unexpected to start hearing about tax refund scams. But it’s looking like this may be a banner year for the problem. Doral Police supervisor Fatima Nunez also found out her tax identity and refund were stolen. After spending hours at Miami’s IRS office, she thinks the agency just can’t handle the growing number of new cases. “Honestly, I don’t believe they have enough people,” the veteran investigator said. “It took me over 3 hours personally for waiting time at the downtown office
and there were 150 people there for the same problem, identity theft, and once you go there and get all the paperwork, it’s a 90-day investigation period.” Doral Police Chief Ricardo Gomez said he’s seen a big increase in tax-related identity theft complaints. He thinks the problem is much worse than last year. He said the identity thieves are operating in sophisticated groups and are not just kids stealing ID’s. Doral detectives are investigating a recent robbery where the suspects were found with a dozen local tax returns and think they may be part of a very well organized ring. “People need to be very careful about their tax forms, social security number and personal financial information to avoid becoming a victim in the first place,” Chief Gomez warned. The IRS said it has limited resources to investigate identity thefts and apologizes to victims for any long delays. “We can only handle so many people, we do not have unlimited resources,” said IRS spokesman Mike Dobzinski. “We’re doing the best we can. Some people have had to wait in line and we apologize for that.” Miami has been identified as one of the nine national hotspots for the federal government’s new inter-agency task force
on tax-related identity theft. Sixteen people were recently arrested statewide as part of a crackdown on tax refund fraud. The IRS said taxpayers who believe their
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refunds may have been stolen need to contact the agency as soon as possible. You can contact the IRS at 1-800-9084490 or at www.irs.gov.
CBS4 Newspaper February 17, 2012 Edition
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February 17, 2012
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Time To Refinance Home May Be Now go any lower than they were,” said homeowner Whit Clay. “I mean five percent is pretty low.” But, for the Clays, the lower rates were too good to pass up and now they have locked in an ultra-low rate on their mortgage of 4.25 percent. “The closing costs were wrapped into the mortgage,” Whit said. “So we had no closing costs and ultimately what we ended up having was simply an appraisal fee and the cost of applying for a mortgage.” Reporting Al Sunshine asunshine@cbs.com MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – If you’re one of the millions of Americans considering refinancing your home, time may be of the essence to take advantage of new programs being offered by the federal government. Currently, the average rate on a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 3.87 percent, which is one of the lowest rates in recent memory. It has some homeowners asking how low can they go. “I couldn’t believe that interest rates would
Still, the added costs can add up in a hurry. So it’s important to do the math and figure out how much you’ll save and whether the cost will be defeat the purpose of going through the entire process. “If the rate is at least 3/4 of a percent lower and they expect to be in their property for the long haul then it’s definitely a good idea,” said Melissa Cohn, president of the Manhattan Mortgage Company. Just don’t expect the low rates to be around forever.
In order to pay for the payroll tax cut, Congress ordered mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to increase their fees and turn over the extra money to the U.S. Treasury. The fees will be passed on to home buyers in the form of higher interest rates, some as much as one-tenth of a percent. On a traditional $200,000 mortgage, that translates to an extra $5,400 over the lifetime
of a 30-year-loan. And homeowners are becoming very cognizant of this fact. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, refinancing activity has climbed nearly 9.5 percent in the last week. So the window to take advantage of historically low rates is quickly closing and the time to act may be now.
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February 17, 2012
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App Allows Users To Get Paid Watching TV “You’re watching TV. You have your smart phone with you and Viggle and marry the two together,” they explained. Here’s how Viggle works. You download the free Viggle App. You hold up your smart phone or iPad and Viggle registers whatever program you’re watching. “Viggle is able to identify the show you’re watching and it logs you in and you get points for that.” Reporting Gio Benitez GBenitez@cbs.com
Viggles Jason Reindorp explained the rest.
MIAMI (CBS4) – It may look like Sean and his son Charlie are simply watching TV. But they’re also being paid.
“You have loyalty programs for flying on planes or renting cars, but think of all the time you spend watching TV. Why shouldn’t you get rewarded for that?” asked Reindorp.
“It’s cool to earn rewards for watching TV,” the duo agreed. You’ve heard of Pay-Per-View. Well, this is more like “get paid to view.”
The points then earn you gift cards to Starbucks, fast food restaurants, department stores, movie tickets or you
can elect to donate your points to a favorite charity.
“Do you worry about it being an invasion of privacy?” we asked.
Recently Viggle users earned points for watching the Super Bowl. Last night they accrued points for tuning into the Grammys.
“No, not until you asked me that question,” Reindorp said. “I guess they’ll have my preference if I want to buy a Starbucks gift card or a Target gift card. But I’m comfortable with that.”
The list of shows which reward you for your couch potato status seems endless. “What we are able to see, is patterns in the way people are checking into shows. All of this really helps advertisers target to specific individuals,” explained Reindorp. The obvious question, is the violation of viewers’ privacy. “We are super, super focused that no personal information is gathered in any way,” said Reindorph.
Charlie is hoping Viggle lets him wiggle into getting to watch more television. “What will you say when your 11-year old says, ‘Dad I want to watch TV and make some money’” we asked Sean “I’ll say, ‘why don’t you go shovel snow and make money instead,’” replied Sean. When you accrue enough points, you select which gift card you want, and Viggle sends it to you in the mail. Not bad for simply watching a little TV.
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More Than 7 Million Samsung TVs Plagued By Possible Power Defect Samsung capacitor problems.
- Samsung Electronics America
“The power boards are made with capacitors that don’t hold up,” Rosemary said.
Click Here To Read Preliminary List of Samsung Models
Capacitors are only a $3 to $6 part. So cheap, “Fix It Youself” videos are even on YouTube “It seemed to be a common problem and I was surprised to hear that,” said Heermance, who owns other Samsung products. Reporting Al Sunshine asunshine@cbs.com MIAMI (CBS4) – TV on! TV off! That’s what most of us expect a new TV to do. Phil Heermance certainly did when he bought his 40-inch Samsung LCD TV in 2009. “About a-year-and-a-half into owning the TV, it started acting up,” Heermance told CBS4? Chief Consumer Investigator Al Sunshine. He told Sunshine that it acted erratic… not always coming on… or taking long periods to power up. That was the same complaint thousands of Samsung owners described on the Internet. Their “nearly new” Samsung TV…” was taking 30-seconds, then 30minutes, or even longer to come on. “So you try to turn it on and what happened after a while?” asked Sunshine. “It would just not come on at all,” replied Heermance. Because his manufacturers warranty had expired, Heermance figured Samsung wouldn’t help… so he paid $150 to get it fixed on his own. TV repairman, Cliff Van Allen, showed CBS4 the tiny part causing so many Samsung TV power failures. It’s called a “capacitor.” Basically, it’s a power storage device. “It’s not because it’s an inferior product. It’s because the voltage (on the capacitor) is not enough to do the job, said Van Allen, who owns Video Cleaning Repair in Miami. Rosemary’s shop has also seen a wave of
Class Action Lawsuits have been filed in New Jersey, California and Oklahoma. Although Samsung wouldn’t tell us how many TVs are affected… CBS4 Investigates obtained an Oklahoma Court document from a hearing on February 1, 2012. It quotes Samsung’s attorney, Phillip G. Whaley, telling the court… “Well, I think there’ll be as many as sevenand-a-half million of them out there. So it could be a big class.” (class action lawsuit). A Samsung statement sent to CBS4 said… “A small percentage of certain models of Samsung televisions have experienced performance issues caused by a component called a capacitor. Since originally confirming this issue in early 2010, Samsung has voluntarily provided free repairs for U.S. customers with affected televisions. As the leading supplier of televisions in the United States, we remain committed to delivering superior technology and excellent service to our loyal customers. We encourage our customers to call 1-800SAMSUNG if they experience any problems with Samsung products. We have recently reached a preliminary settlement, subject to court approval, for a nationwide resolution of a related class action lawsuit in the District Court of Oklahoma County in the state of Oklahoma. Under the settlement, Samsung will continue to offer the free repairs that have already been extended to affected consumers. A second class action lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in late 2010, has been administratively terminated by that court.”
“Thank God there are people out there who say, ‘I’m not taking that!’ I paid my money. It should not die in 2-years,” said Van Allen. Rosemary added, “I don’t fault the sellers. I fault the manufacturers. The manufacturers have to know that they’re putting crap out there. I can tell you that it’s not only Samsung.” As our repair techs point out, no matter what brand of TV you buy, today’s TVs aren’t being made to last long. Remember your mom and dad’s TV that lasted 15, even 20-years? They were big, boxy and remarkably reliable. Well today’s TV is NOT your parents TV. Rosemary demonstrated using a 2009 big screen TV. As she knocked on the TV screen as if she were knocking on a door… she exclaimed, “Paper!” Then she knocked on the screen of a 1998 TV. “Tempered glass. You need a hammer to break that.” She also showed us a TV that recently came into her shop and can’t be repaired. It was bought on Black Friday just two months ago. According to Rosemary, while moving it, the owner used her shoulder to brace it. The indentation on the screen is the result of a tender-leaning shoulder and nothing more.
“You buy a 50-inch Plasma set, you probably paid $4,000 to $5,000, and you’re looking two to three years after, and you can’t fix it? Ridiculous!” Rosemary declared. In the TV graveyards that exist at both repair shops CBS4 visited, there were stacks of expensive TVs… abandoned for what can only be called “pre-mature failure,” according to our repair techs. “I don’t think a panel should be bad in 2 1/ 2 years! A panel shouldn’t be bad in 10years. But it is,” Van Allen told us as he showed us big screen TV. And Samsung’s not alone. Another TV was left by its owner at Cliff’s shop. Why? The repair would be more than the original cost of the TV. “This thing should be on the guy’s wall still,” Van Allen lamented. “In my opinion,” said Rosemary, “basically the TVs today are obsolete after two years because the parts are changed.” That’s right. According to our CBS4 investigation, only five states require manufacturers to make parts available longer than two to three years. Those states are California, Connecticut, Indiana, Rhode Island and New Hampshire… NOT Florida. But consumers aren’t blameless noted Van Allen. “You know, everyone wants the latest and greatest and they don’t think… will this last?” continued on page 13
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More Than 7 Million Samsung TVs Plagued By Possible Power Defect On February 1, 2012, preliminary approval was officially granted on the settlement of Russell, et al. v. Samsung Electronics America, Inc., in the District Court of Oklahoma County in the state of Oklahoma. A similar lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in late 2010, was administratively dismissed by the court.
It’s not just Samsung. Most television manufacturers have had all kinds of issues with Plasma TVs, DLP TVs, LCD TVs… and now repair shops tell CBS4 Investigates, they are bracing for customers buying the new LED TVs
The Oklahoma settlement reaffirms that Samsung’s efforts to voluntarily repair affected products for consumers since early 2010, have been appropriate for the situation. In addition, Samsung will compensate any consumers who have already made repairs at their own expense. A nationwide announcement will be made in the coming weeks explaining the steps consumers need to take if they believe they have an affected product. For your information and reference we have attached the summary notice of that decision, which has been on the public record since the settlement was reached.
Additional Statements Electronics America:
As the leading supplier of televisions in the United States we remain committed to
continued from page 11
from
Samsung
delivering superior technology and excellent service to our loyal customers. We encourage our customers to call 1-800-SAMSUNG if they experience any problems with Samsung products. “The problem does not affect current models so there is no need to contact retailers.” “Affected consumers will receive a notice as provided for in the settlement agreement, once approved by the court. Per Samsung’s
standard policy, in-home repairs are offered for all sizes above 32”. For 32” and smaller, products must be shipped to NJ, but Samsung will cover all costs (in both directions).” “Also, once the settlement is approved a process will be put into place to compensate consumers who have already paid for a repair.”
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Battle Brewing Over Proposed Boat Warehouse At Matheson Hammock Opponents, who include Bruce C. Matheson, grandson of the park’s namesake William Matheson and head of the family trust, say the project will increase noise pollution, cause traffic congestion on Old Cutler Road and damage the sensitive ecosystem.
CORAL GABLES (CBSMiami.com) – There’s a major battle brewing over Matheson Hammock Park in Coral Gables where developers want to build a controversial 5-story boat warehouse. According to Save Our Matheson Hammock Park, Miami-Dade County has awarded a private company the right to build the 62-thousand square foot warehouse.
A similar plan was rejected by the City of Coral Gables in 2009 but resurfaced when Marc Buoniconti and developer Aqua Marine Partners (AMP) presented warehouse designs to Coral Gables officials. The three chief backers of the development are Buoniconti, Coral Gables architect Richard Heisenbottle, and lobbyist Dusty Melton, according to the Miami New Times. Save Our Matheson Hammock says the boat warehouse can’t be built without the approval of the City of Coral Gables. The group has organized an online petition in an effort to fight the construction.
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Rubio & Obama Fight Over Contraceptives “I don’t think the government should be forcing any institution to pay for something that institution finds to violate their conscience,” Senator Rubio told CBS4’s Tiffani Helberg. “This is unprecedented because never before in the history of our country has the government tried to insinuate itself in the domain of one’s personal conscience,” said Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Florida Senator Marco Rubio has never backed down from a challenge, but his latest target is the President of the United States over an issue that could thrust Rubio further into the Republican spotlight. Earlier this year, President Barack Obama’s administration issued new rules for insurance providers that mandated birth control coverage without co-pays. The administration issued some exceptions for the mandate including churches. However, church-run schools and universities, hospitals, and charities were not exempted from the new rule. This has led to conservatives railing against the rule and saying President Obama’s administration is in a “war against religion.” Senator Rubio jumped into the fight last week when he filed a bill that would repeal this part of President Barack Obama’s healthcare law.
The bill, which may not have much of a chance of passing in the Democratically controlled Senate, pits Rubio against Obama as election season heats up. “Ultimately, the constitutional right of a religious organization not to be forced to violate their religious principals is of paramount importance in our country,” Rubio said. “It’s one of the founding principals of our nation.” The White House said it gave religious institutions an extra year to comply with the rule and said individual churches that only serve a narrow population with similar beliefs can also seek exemptions, according to CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald. “We are concerned that much of what is advertised as contraception is really chemical abortion,” Archbishop Wenski said. The White House also said 28 states already required insurers to cover the cost of contraceptives. For Rubio, it’s a tough political issue that could endear him even more to the most
socially conservative Republican Party.
wings
of
the
His office is portraying the fight as one over freedom of religion rather than over women’s health. The White House and Democrats are taking the exact opposite approach saying that there shouldn’t be discrimination between insurance companies that choose to cover drugs like Viagra with little to no co-pay, but then refuse to cover birth control. Women CBS4 spoke to Monday seemed to side with President Obama in the very public fight. “I think they should provide it and I mean, I’m Catholic myself, but I think that’s something wrong; it should be allowed by the Catholic Church,” said Lourdes Botioll. “I think everybody has the right to make their own decision on what they want to do with
their body and their reproductive organs,” said Daniela Montoya. Gaby Moreno took it a step further. “I think that it should be provided because men, for example, don’t have to deal with any of that and they don’t know what it’s like,” Moreno said. “It’s not fair that we have to pay all these things and always deal with these constant worries like birth control. We’re the ones that get pregnant and that’s kind of like a lot of men, unfortunately, are like, ‘Oh, it’s your issue.’” It sets up an election year fight with Rubio possibly riding a wave of publicity and popularity to the presidential ticket as a vicepresidential candidate. Rubio initially said he wasn’t interested but may be softening his stance, recently saying he wants to do whatever he can to help the ticket.
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10 Foods in Red for American Heart Month MIAMI (CBS4) – These tips are courtesy of Go Red For Women, the American Heart Association’s campaign to educate women about their No. 1 killer – heart disease, and empower them to take action to prevent it. More women die of heart disease than the next four causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. 1 in 3 American women die of heart disease, compared to 1 in 30 women that die of breast cancer. Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Eighty percent of cardiac events in women may be prevented if they make the right choices for their hearts, involving diet, exercise and abstinence from smoking. Throughout February, American Heart Month, make every part of your celebration “Red” by enjoying these red food and drink tips from the American Heart Association.
Frozen Watermelon Bites:
Stuffed Red Bell Peppers:
vinegar, 1 tbsp. olive oil and sea salt.
Alternate frozen cubes of watermelon and mint leaves on a skewer and serve cold.
Stuff 1 red bell pepper (cored) with 1/2 cup cooked brown rice, 1/4 diced red onion, 1/4 cup ground turkey (browned), 1 tbsp. parsley, salt and pepper. Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until pepper is heated through.
Red Bean Salsa:
Ravin’ Red Smoothie: Blend 1 cup low-fat yogurt, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen raspberries and 1 frozen banana. Red Pasta: Cook whole-wheat spaghetti and top with low-sodium marinara sauce, diced tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes. Baked Red Apple Dessert:
Red Berry Squares:
Fill 1 whole red apple (cored) with 1/4 cup chopped almonds, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 tsp. honey and 1 tsp. brown sugar. Bake for 15 minutes at 350° or until sugar bubbles. Perfect Polenta:
Make strawberry-flavored gelatin mixed with fresh strawberries and raspberries. Cut into squares before serving.
Cook polenta and mix with roasted cherry tomatoes, roasted red bell pepper and sundried tomato.
Roasted Red Cabbage Salad:
Combine 2 cups red beans, 1/2 cup diced red onions, 1 cup diced red tomato, 1/4 cup diced jalapeño (remove seeds), 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, combine 2 cups chopped red cabbage (roasted), 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced and sautéed), 1/4 cup red wine
For more heart-healthy recipes visit GoRedForWomen.org/betterU or visit ShopGoRed.org
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February 17, 2012
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Sleep Labs Making House Calls For Apnea Sufferers More and more women are being diagnosed with sleep apnea, meaning they can’t sleep through the night because they repeatedly stop breathing. Christy Hartsook is one of those women. “I would wake up between 4 and 5 times an hour that I was not aware of.” Hartsook of Palmetto Bay was not getting enough oxygen. She told CBS4? s Cynthia Demos that it wasn’t just a problem for her. Her interrupted sleep started disrupting her husband’s sleep as well. Reporting Cynthia Demos CDemos@cbs.com
“He would say, how did you sleep last night? Did you sleep good… cause I didn’t,” said Hartsook.
MIAMI (CBS4) – It’s a sleep lab that comes to you. It’s a device you wear at night to decode the mystery and find out if you have sleep apnea.
For Eduardo Borrego in Coral Gables, he had to get a sleep test before his gastric bypass surgery. He was tested for sleep apnea.
An increasing number of women are trying this device because doctors are learning that, unlike men, with snoring and abruptly gasping for air in the middle of the night… the signs for women may be being tired, have insomnia, morning headaches or a whole lot of moodiness.
“Now I know for sure that I have it,” said Borrego.
Apnea Risk Evaluation System. They put the ARES on, turn it on, sleep with it, turn it off in the morning and send it to the lab.
The two had very different doctors orders.
Jeffery Rosen is a family physician. “It’s much more convenient and less obstructive to the patient’s life.”
For Eduardo, the doctor prescribed this sleep machine. It pumps in oxygen as he sleeps. It’s called a C-PAP. That stands for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. It keeps your airway open while you’re sleeping.
Dr. Rosen says they read the results and come up with a new sleep plan for the patient.
“You feel better, more energized, like you actually slept.”
He says women are often misdiagnosed with depression when they really have apnea. If it goes untreated, it can lead to serious weight gain.
Eduardo hopes that after his gastric surgery, he will no longer have sleep apnea. His doctor said there’s a chance that could happen.
Rosen said the in home testing helps tremendously because 40% of the time that people are suppose to go to a sleep lab, they just don’t show up. And 20-million people have sleep apnea. But right now, less than 15% are diagnosed.
For Christy, she was told she just can’t sleep on her back anymore. She says as long as she sleeps on her side, she has a restful night and so does her husband.
Two people. Same problem. Same test. But in the end, different remedies.
Sleep apnea can have serious consequences. It is directly connected to diabetes, obesity, congestive heart failure, hypertension and stroke. It’s a sign that a bigger problem is likely around the corner.
First… the test… the In Home Sleep Lab. It’s called the Watermark ARES, which stands for
That’s why Christy and Eduardo were so glad to find out how they could stop the apnea.
“Yeah, I’m extremely happy I did this test,” Christy told Demos. Of the 81 sleep breathing disorders out there… 85% of the time, people are diagnosed with apnea… that is if they take the time to get tested. And yes… this device is covered by insurance.
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Dance Your Way To A Healthier Life three years ago and when the doctor told me he said ‘You must have a million questions’ and I said ‘No, just one, when can I get back to dancing’.” Armand is just one of many dance lovers who swing and sway for better physical and mental health. “I don’t like to exercise at the gym, so coming here is my workout, it has saved me,” said Armand.
Reporting Marybel Rodriguez marybel.rodriguez@wfor.cbs.com
Ballroom dancing can be a great cardiovascular exercise, according to June Rawls, the owner of the Bijoux Dance Studio.
MIAMI (CBS4) – Several times a week more than a dozen baby boomers hit the dance floor at The Bijoux Dance Center in South West Miami-Dade to tango, rumba and cha-cha-chá the stress of the their lives away.
“You get on a treadmill for one hour and Latin dancing for one hour, the benefits are the same. You burn calories and feel the endorphins going through your body,” said Rawls who has owned studio for the last couple of years.
“This is my life,” said Teresa Armand, a breast cancer survivor who has been dancing for six years. “I got diagnosed
Rawls told CBS4’s Marybel Rodriguez that not only is ballroom dancing
beneficial to your body physically; it’s also great for the mind. “You leave the stress outside, you are in another world once you step inside,” said Rawls. Rawls also points to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 which found dancing might reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other
forms of dementia. “You have to memorize steps and that keeps your mind working,” said Rawls. Rawls said for those interested, it’s never too late start. Every Tuesday at 8 p.m., she runs the baby boomer ballroom dance class at her studio at 4150 SW 70th Court. For more information call (305) 6675359.
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Study: Social Media More Addictive Than Alcohol & Tobacco According to a new study from the University of Chicago, text messaging and checking Facebook and Twitter are just behind sex and sleep on the list of urges that are basically impossible to resist. In the study, researchers gave BlackBerrys to more than 200 people and then sent the people back out into their normal daily lives.
Reporting Tim Kephart
The researchers would message them seven times over 14 hours asking if they wanted to look at Facebook, Twitter, etc.
MIAMI (CBSMiami.com) – Imagine a world without Facebook, Twitter, or text messages.
The researchers said out of 10,558 messages, 7,827 reported urges to check social media.
If it’s a nightmarish thought, you’re like most people aged 18-25 who are hopelessly addicted to something worse than alcohol or tobacco.
Researchers later discovered through interviews that many of the subjects were willing to forgo most other cravings except sex and sleep to check social media.
A separate study, according to pcmag.com, reported that people with low self-esteem could be at more risk if they use Facebook. The self-esteem study found that people with low self-esteem posted negative
items and that made them appear less likable to their friends. Connect with CBS Miami on our Facebook, Twitter, and Tout pages.
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Make Up Artist Remembers Her Time With Whitney Houston The Davie resident said Houston was anything but a diva and quickly put her at ease. “She greeted me with open arms the first day I met her,” said Carter-Narcisse. “She hugged and kissed me like I had known her for years.”
Reporting Tiffani Helberg thelberg@cbs.com DAVIE (CBS4) – Fresh off the set of the up and coming movie “Sparkle”, make up artist Marietta Carter-Narcisse fondly remembers the long days and nights she spent with Whitney Houston. “I was so nervous, not even star struck per say but just nervous because I was doing 1960? s makeup with like Whitney Houston,” said Carter-Narcisse.
Houston played a starring role in the movie which was slated for release this August. She was also the film’s executive producer. Despite being away from the movie industry for more than a decade, Carter-Narcisse said she never missed a beat. “You don’t expect to see that caliber when there’s been such a huge break, that caliber performance, and I’m telling you it was mind boggling. She sang in the church in one of the scenes,” said Carter-Narcisse. “Oh there was not a dry eye left in that church when we were finished filming.” It was difficult for Carter-Narcisse to keep a dry eye after hearing of Houston’s death.
“She wasn’t ready to go, God might have been ready for her but I dont think she was ready,” said Carter-Narcisse. “Knowing the person from a distance is one thing but when you actually touch them and work with them, you know, and so many hours of the day its just a whole different feeling it feels like a part of you is gone too. Carter-Narcisse added that when she heard Houston had been found dead in a bath tub
with prescription drugs in the room she could believe it. “Maybe she was just trying to relax because there were huge pressure nights. I mean, it don’t make sense, drugs in the sense of you know recreational drugs or anything like that. I don’t see that, not from the person that I met and saw.”
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Reality Star La La Launches Cosmetics Line cover,” said Ridinger. “I wanted to work with Loren and create beauty in every shape and make sure we’re not missing out on anyone, so we came up with this amazing collection,” said La La, who is married to New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony.
Reporting Lisa Petrillo lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com
The line features base powders, lipsticks, glosses, eye shadows, blushes, mascaras and more. It’s also affordable, ranging in price from $10-$40.
MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Reality TV star La La and internet retail mogul Loren Ridinger have teamed up to form a new makeup line that caters to African American and Latina women.
“We made sure our price points are always below the competition,” said Ridinger. “Below MAC, Bobbie Brown. We want high quality cosmetics at affordable prices. We really want to reach the masses.”
“Motives For La La” launched Thursday morning at the American Airlines Arena.
And speaking of masses, the companies sales crew was out in full force today with representatives from all over the world, and the two powerful creators have some high profile friends. Reality star Kim Kardashian was front and center today taking pictures and tweeting about the conference.
“Motives was a brand I created 2 years ago and La La has always loved the brand but said were missing a market we should
“I’m just happy to be partnering with someone who’s a friend and an amazing business woman” said La La. “I feel like in today’s society women need to be who they are and who were mean to be” said Loren. For more information and where to buy the line go to www.motivescosmetics.com
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DJ Rony Seikaly Trades Swishes For Spinning “I didn’t really want people to think I’m doing this for the wrong reason. I’m doing it for people to have fun… spread the love and play music, ” Seikaly told CBS4 Sports Director Jim Berry.
was the team’s head coach when Seikaly played.
“I didn’t know you could move like this,” Berry noted.
Seikaly’s pulsating beats might be a bit much for him. Rothstein flinched when Berry put the headset over his ears to listen to Rony’s music.
Seikaly has earned street cred even with the DJ linked to his old team. Reporting Jim Berry JBerry@wfor.cbs.com MIAMI (CBS4) – It’s Saturday night and the beautiful people at Club Liv are living it up with the pulsating sounds of a worldrenowned DJ named Rony Seikaly. He is the same Rony Seikaly who helped jump-start the Miami Heat twenty years ago. Now he is now an A-list DJ. Seikaly’s new life was born out of a long time passion for music. He went from DJing his own house parties, to producing his own brand of techno house music.
“Rony Seikaly’s 110%,” shouted DJ Irie. “He’s a true DJ. But I have to say some of the clubs may have to modify their ceilings. “ Rony Seikaly’s new love takes him around the world playing in exclusive clubs like Liv on Miami Beach. He commands a pretty penny everywhere he plays. At 45, he might be considered an old man in a young man’s game. But don’t tell him that. “I still feel exactly the same way as when I played for the Heat 20-years ago, physically, mentally, and I’m not growing up! I refuse to grow up. “ Ron Rothstein, now a Heat assistant coach,
“He almost seems a little more secure today in what he’s doing,” noted Rothstein.
“Ok that’s enough!” hollered Rothstein. But Rothstein and Seikaly’s old teammate Keith Askins are thrilled that Seikaly has found a joy which may even surpass what he felt in the NBA. “I’m happy for him. The last time I saw Seikaly he told me he don’t get old. He must party. You must party,” said Askins. Rony Seikaly is certainly following his own advice. Always a free spirit, the only voice he listens to is his own. “I’m doing something that I love doing and I’m going to be doing anything I want. I don’t need permission to do… whether you are young or too old to do.”
So, the crowds that once watched him play have been replaced by a new crowd that watches him play. It’s not your everyday story but this is not your everyday town. “Are you kinda shocked that a former NBA player can DJ?” ask Berry of one Club Liv goer? “No. It’s Miami. Nothing shocks me, ” was her reply.
CBS4 Newspaper February 17, 2012 Edition
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February 17, 2012
Horoscopes provided by www.starlightastrology.com
Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)
Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)
Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)
Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Read some books on self awareness. Go after your goals. Relatives may play an important role in your social activities. Don’t overspend to impress others. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Sunday.
Plan your social events carefully. You can open up to your mate and let them know what you expect out of this relationship. Expect to experience a sudden reversal of fortune. Pleasure trips will be favorable and bring about romance. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.
Tell it like it is. Get involved in the activities of children. You can make some favorable changes to your looks. Your depressed mood has been hard to shake. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
Investments are best left alone this month. Try to keep a low profile. Sudden changes could result in estrangement’s. Selfimprovement projects will payoff in more ways than one. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22)
Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 18)
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 20)
Friends and relatives may not understand your needs. Do your own thing. Feeling under the weather may be a result of overindulgence. Dinner, theater, or a comedy club may be just the place. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
Do a little extra work at home. If you can put some work into home improvements, you should. Your passionate nature may make you jealous if your mate has been too busy to take care of your needs. Do your own thing. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
Avoid purchasing expensive items. Keep your feelings to yourself if you want to avoid embarrassment. Problems with gas, oil, or water in your home may disrupt your routine. In-laws or relatives may oppose your personal intentions. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.
You need to clear up some important personal documents before the end of the year. Work hard on improving your living quarters. You need to get out if you want to meet potential partners. You can set your goals and make a beeline for your target. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
Sagitarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)
You will gain new friends if you get involved in environmental issues. This will be a good day for research and for sitting down with some good, informative reading material. Go with the flow and don’t let the unsettled atmosphere get on your nerves. Try to get every one involved; it will help bring you closer together. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.
Don’t take your frustrations out on loved ones. Use your inventiveness to find solutions. You can bet officials will be waiting for you when you do. You can enjoy your involvement in organizations that make charitable contributions. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
You can expect changes at your work place. You will have some wonderful ideas that should bring you extra money. Secret enemies will be eager to spread rumors about you. Misunderstandings could cause confusion and upset. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.
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3 2 9 1 5 6 8 4 7
6 4 5 2 7 8 1 9 3
8 1 7 3 9 4 6 5 2
SUDOKU
7 1 8 6
INSTRUCTIONS: Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.
9 3 2
8 9 7 8 1
5 3 3
8 4
1 2 6 9
9 6 7 8 5
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E W S P A P E R
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N E W S .
Sudoku provided by www.puzzles.about.com
2 8 6 5 4 3 9 7 1
February 3rd Solution
4 7 1 6 8 9 2 3 5
Someone you work with may be withholding valuable information. Travel will initiate new friendships or love connections. Be careful not to push your luck or take too much for granted when dealing on either a personal or professional level. Learn some new skills that will increase your in come. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.