CBS4 Newspaper by CBS4 News Magazine & Newspaper

CBS4 Investigates:

Gangs Move From

newspaper June 15, 2012

Drugs To IDÂ Theft

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Hotspotting

MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Technology

Aiding South Florida Police In Crime Fighting

Reporting Jorge Estevez

There is a new way authorities are reducing crime across South Florida. It is called hot spotting, and it’s the latest way police identify a problem and then use what they’ve learned to solve it. “I’m able

to filter it by the type of crime. When I click on one of these locations, I can see actual robberies,” said Lieutenant John Carpenter, of Miami Police’s Problem Solving Team. They use old fashioned police work with the help of new technology with software called Crime View. “It is definitely a great tool in identifying hot spots and target areas. It helps us to go out and find the crimes so we can stop them,” said Sergeant Carpenter The system stores police calls and then sorts them anyway they need. CBS4 went along with police as they searched the north end of Miami looking for a burglar who has been targeting the area for weeks. They narrowed down the search with reports of burglaries and descriptions of the potential burglar. “When it comes down to it, you have to see where people are,” said Sgt. Carpenter. First, CBS4’s Jorge Estevez and officers found a driver, late at night, sitting in a car in the industrial section of the north end of Miami. It is considered a suspicious activity in an area where there have been a rash of burglaries. “We don’t want him here if there is no valid reason for him to be here,” said Officer Milligan who spent hours with officers patrolling the streets. Together, they stopped suspicious people including a homeless

woman who fit the description of the kind of person breaking into homes. But after a thorough search of her belongings, nothing appeared to be stolen. These kinds of efforts are what residents living in the area appreciate. “We have taken a hit with burglaries in homes and some burglaries with occupied dwellings where we they have gone in there with people in there,” said Frank Rollason who lives inside an area with increased crime. “It is great because they concentrate on a particular problem that area is having.” A few days after the police operation, they had a break through. The technology led them to find Shepard Campbell in a warehouse district. As police approached him, he attempted to conceal something, which turned out to be burglary tools. Police confiscated red bolt cutters and booked him – something that may have taken longer if it had not been for the hot spotting software. Sgt. Carpenter is grateful to have an added tool to help his team do their jobs with the hopes of making the streets real safe. “If you handed me every single robbery that happened in the city of Miami in a month, you’d have a stack this tall and for me to be able to actually sort through and get them. It would take hours,” said Sgt. Carpenter.

cbs4 newspaper For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

CBS4 Investigates:

Gangs Move

From

Drugs To ID Theft Reporting Jim DeFede

On the same night the Miami Dade Gang Task Force was out chasing gang members for the types of crimes what you would normally expect — dealing drugs, stealing cars, and carrying guns. Another operation was taking place. In a parking lot for Miami Dade College’s North Campus, an 18-year-old arrived with a stack of corporate and tax refund checks not realizing his night was about to come to a surprising end.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 Working with the U.S. Secret Ser vice, the gang task force arrested the teenage gang member as he tried to sell the checks to an undercover informant. “The treasur y checks are real, they’re not fake checks,” Miami Dade Police Sgt. Joel Bello explained, flipping through a stack of the newly confiscated checks. “They had it pretty well organized where they initialed the checks and they put the face value right outside [on the envelope].” Total value of the checks: $54,000. For street gangs, identity theft and tax fraud are the new crack cocaine. “Fact of the matter is there is a lot more money to be gained than slinging crack at the corner,” explained Lt. Luis Almaguer, head of Miami Dade’s gang unit. “We’re dealing with people who used to make a hundred here or there selling crack on the corner and now they are making thousands of dollars.” In essence, as CBS4 investigator Jim DeFede discovered, the street gangs are diversifying into the highly profitable world of white collar crime. “We are seeing the street gangs use the tax refund scams to fund their drug trafficking [and] to fund their ability to buy guns,” said Willy Ferrer, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida. “Why? It’s lucrative, it’s less dangerous and it is something they can do easily.” The key is having a supply of social security numbers. So how do you get them? Some gangs start small, using their members to break into cars and houses to steal wallets and purses – anything that might posses a social security number. Doctor’s offices as well as insurance and mortgage companies are frequent burglar y targets. “As soon as they have your ids you’re done,” Almaguer noted. They then file a tax return in that person’s name electronically, directing the IRS to send the refund check to an address the gang controls. “You can call it ingenious but it’s a thug tr ying to get over on somebody else,” Almaguer said. “We have a case now where we are alleging that a postal carrier was murdered for his master key because the fraudster was waiting for the tax refund checks,” said Ferrer, who added the killer was a known gang member. The real challenge for the gangs is then finding a way to cash those checks. This brought us to the evening’s sting operation. “Tonight he thought he was meeting with somebody who would actually cash these checks for him,” Bello said. Bello described the gang member arrested as a “mule” – a low-level player willing to take risks. “So what the guy on top, the guy who is actually doing the fraud or obtaining the checks, does is he gives these guys a percentage of the face value of the checks,” Bello said. “That way he’s insulated. He won’t get caught because he’s not walking into a bank or a financial institution to do this transaction. So he’ll cut a deal with these younger guys – either 70-30 percent, or 60-

40, which was the case in this instance, and he’ll give these guys 40 percent.” In tonight’s operation, the teen thought he was selling the checks to a crooked employee from a nearby check cashing store. “Sometimes we are able to get somebody higher up with the checks, somebody doing the fraud,” Bello said. “But what we’ve found is proving the fraud is ver y difficult.” This is another reason the gangs have moved into this territor y. Even if cases are made, the sentences are light compared to the types of sentences they risk if they are convicted of selling crack. Another tactic the gangs use is to have the IRS electronically transfer the bogus tax refund onto a debit card — frequently called Green Dot cards. “People describe it as cocaine on a card,” said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. The Florida Democrat recently held hearings in Washington on the sudden entr y of street gangs into the world of tax fraud and identity theft “They don’t have to use a crowbar or a gun or a knife,” Nelson said, “and the thief is nearly impossible to track down.” Another issue Nelson uncovered in his hearings is that the IRS is reluctant to share information about possible fraud with local police agencies. Because of strict federal privacy provisions surrounding people’s tax returns, the IRS more often than not ends up protecting the criminals. Nelson and others complain. One law enforcement source claimed that local police have to document at least $100,000 in fraud before the IRS will even show interest in the case. Others say the figure is much higher. In March, CBS4 News was allowed to attend a briefing in which a dozen law enforcement agencies around the county shared their intelligence on gang activities. Tax fraud was the most common complaint. “Tax refunds and green dot cards, it’s the man think right now,” said one detective. Added another: “Ever ybody seems to be into the tax return fraud.” One local police agency didn’t want to discuss the issue on camera because their officers had recently received threats from gang members angered that the police were interfering in their tax fraud business. “We were taking some guys to the jail and they even made mention of it,” one detective recalled. “`Oh yeah they are coming for you because you are taking down all their [stuff].’” And although the gangs are less likely to feud over street corners, the violence has not let up in other areas. “What we’ve seen is an increase in violence because of the amount of money involved,” Bello said, adding that gangs now rip each other off for cash. “And the drugs aren’t going away because now you can go out and purchase drugs with the proceeds of your fraud and the profit is 100 percent profit.”

“As soon as they have your ids you’re done”

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Federal Task Force Cracks Down On

Financial Fraud Reporting Al Sunshine

South Florida has moved up to the number two spot behind New York City when it comes to financial fraud.

On Monday, officials with the U.S. Justice Department announced the arrest of 15 people in a dozen local cases of alleged Ponzi scams, stock manipulation and securities fraud. The arrests are the result of a special federal task force formed 18 months ago to focus on the growing problem of financial fraud. Your hard-earned money. And what you deserve, and what we are here to say, is the shared goals of all of us to protect and restore the integrity of the market,” said Wilfredo Ferrer, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District. “When you invest, you know you are investing in a market that’s free of fraud and corruption.” Nearly 90 people have been arrested in connection with several major local financial fraud cases. In one commodity scam, prosecutors were able to get more than $7 million dollars back for local victims. They urge potential investors to fully check out a company’s background before giving them any money. Always ask for copies of any financial statement or federal reports they are required to file and ask if the seller personally profits, or gets any commissions, from their sales. Consumers can check out both the FBI’s website at www.fbi.gov and the U-S Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov for more information on avoiding financial fraud. Locally, the FBI can be reached at 305-944-9101 and the SEC can be reached at 305-982-6300 to file complaints if you think you’ve been targeted for financial fraud.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBSMiami) –

2012

Hurricane Season Officially Underway Here we go again. Check your battery, water and canned food supplies because the 2012 Atlantic Hurricane season is officially underway. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano wants to make sure Americans are prepared for the start of hurricane season.

“Lets all lean forward and we will be prepared for this hurricane season,” Secretary Napolitano said. She joined Federal Emergency Management Agency head Craig Fugate, as well as Florida Gov. Rick Scott to urge those likely to be affected by storms to prepare beforehand. Officials started their public service campaign Friday at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Fugate said Florida is at the top of his concerns as hurricane season starts. “Florida is the sore thumb in the Hurricane Belt,” Fugate said. “It is the most vulnerable, most frequently impacted part of the country.” The season has already seen two named storms. Tropical Storm Alberto formed off the coast of South Carolina on May 19 and dissipated a few days later. And on Memorial Day, Tropical Storm Beryl came ashore near Jacksonville and dumped 10 inches of rain in some areas of north Florida. The next name on the list is Chris. The NOAA Atlantic Hurricane Season forecast calls for 9 to 15 named storms, 4 to 8 hurricanes, and 1 to 3 major hurricanes. The busiest part of hurricane season is typically in August and September and ends on November 30th. Since South Florida hasn’t seen a devastating storm since Hurricane Wilma hit in 2005, emergency managers worry that many people won’t take the time to stock supplies and have a plan in place just in case we are threatened with a storm.

“Don’t wait until the last minute. You run out of time,” said Fugate. “Don’t wait for the next forecast and hope it gets better. You’ll run out of time. Don’t think because you’ve lived here all your life it can’t be worse than you ever imagined.” Fugate continued, “People have lost their lives, have lost their homes, have lost everything because they waited too late.” The National Hurricane Center and the National Weather Service recommends that families not only make and discuss their emergency plans, but also know their home’s vulnerability to wind, flooding and storm surge. Now is the time to locate the safest place in the home, away from windows, or find the closest shelter. It’s also not a bad idea to have an out of state friend as a single family contact in case members get separated. Now is also the time to check your homeowner’s insurance coverage and flood insurance. Also make sure you have a plan on what to do with pets since there only a few pet friendly shelters in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties. This August also marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Andrew. “One of the many things we have learned from Andrew and other disasters is government cannot do it alone,” Miami-Dade Emergency Operations Center Director Curtis Sommerhoff. At Miami-Dade’s EOC, officials hoped they wouldn’t have to return there until November. “God willing this is the last time you see us here to the end of hurricane season, sometime in November,” said Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Joe Martinez.

“Florida is the sore thumb in the Hurricane Belt”

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

For Information Call: 305.477.1699 MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

New Cellulaze Procedure

Becoming A “Cellu-Craze” Reporting Cynthia Demos

Those looking to zap away fatty, dimply skin are flocking to a permanent cellulite treatment called Cellulaze, and it’s becoming a ‘cellu-craze.’ Most women know the drawbacks of serious cellulite on the buttocks and thighs. It inhibits what and how you wear your clothes and in typically steaming hot South Florida with plenty of beach time that can be a major problem. It’s been a serious issue for Joanna Castillo, 38, pretty much her entire life. She bared all for Cynthia Demos and the CBS4 cameras in hopes of helping others with the same problem. “I buy all these Spanx and other garments and I wear them all the time,” said Castillo. She said once she found out about Cellulaze she knew couldn’t refuse the innovative treatment. “I can’t see myself without it. I think I’m going to run to the beach and put a bathing suit on,” Castillo said. Before she hits the beach, Dr. Jason Pozner at Sanctuary Medical Center in Boca Raton starts the process with pictures and a lot of pen markings. The bulges get marked in green, anything dimpled gets marked in red and a grid and drawn on Castillo in blue. “The band pulling the dimple in is literally cut and when you cut it the skin just pops up and you can actually hear it pop,” Dr. Pozner said. Once under anesthesia the surgery can begin. The laser used during the surgery is pulled in and out and looks much like a liposuction surgery to the untrained eye. Each grid takes two minutes. With 80 grids that’s a 2 1/2 hour procedure for Castillo. Before and after results are astonishing even to doctors. What’s so amazing is that the device, although it hasn’t been around long enough to know for sure, is thought to fix the cellulite problem on a permanent basis. For Casillo this is just the beginning. CBS4 will meet up with her in 2 to 3 month to see the final results.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Poll: Floridians Warming To

Same-Sex Marriage

Reporting Tim Kephart

MIAMI (CBSMiami.COM)

Florida is one of more than 30 states that has passed constitutional amendments banning samesex marriage in the state. But, those opinions may slowly be starting to change in the Sunshine State. According to the latest Quinnipiac University polling, a plurality of Floridians now believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry. The Q-poll found 36 percent of Floridians supported allowing same-sex couples to marry while 34 percent supported the concept of civil unions, but not marriage. The poll found that just 23 percent supported giving same-sex couples no legal recognition of a marriage or a civil union. The poll’s findings were the first time since the question was first asked in August 2007 that the largest group supported allowing same-sex couples to marry. Quinnipiac found support for allowing same-sex couples to marry was higher in women, Democrats, African-Americans, and Hispanic voters. White voters were split evenly on either allowing same-sex couples to marry or form civil unions.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Working Less May Be More Productive Reporting Lisa Petrillo

We’re tethered to work through our technology, working around the clock constantly checking those emails even when we’re at the office. Sound familiar? But what if it didn’t have to be that way?

“My daughter joked, you don’t know where my school is. I know where her school is. But to have a daughter joke that… just the whole implication is about how much I’m traveling not around,” said Deborah Lovetch. Lovetch was working harder and working longer to get ahead, treating her smartphone like a member of the family. Which meant missing out on time with her actual family. But then her company, the Boston Consulting Group agreed to take part in an intriguing experiment. What would happen if it’s workers… conditioned to work 24/7… suddenly took one night off? The idea was the brain child of Harvard Professor Leslie Perlow, the author of the book “Sleeping with your Smartphone.” said she believes people are basically doing that very thing… sleeping with their Smartphones. “So I think that the downfall is that it’s unnecessary and we convince ourselves that it’s a requirement of the job,” explained Perlow. A small team of employees at BCG were the test subjects. They would cover each other, making sure that every member of the team got one night a week to completely turn off. The surprise of this experiment wasn’t that shutting the Smartphone off made for a better personal life, that was sort of expected. The surprise was that unplugging actually made the work better. “Productivity absolutely went up,” reported one of the bosses at BCG. ” You can work less, but you actually work better.” How much better? A survey of BCG workers who took part in the experiment found the work to be more collaborative, more efficient, and effective. Job satisfaction also started to soar. “And the amazing result here is pay attention to people’s personal lives and you’ll get these tremendous work benefits,” explained Perlow. Empowering the employees to let the company know when they needed the time off was a key to the new-found freedom. “I’m not thinking in the back of my head, what are the things that are hitting my inbox now that I should be worried about? I feel pretty safe,” said one BCG employee. “And you really learn to take time off and not worry,” explained Lovetch. Now there’s an experience where being the guinea pig feels pretty good.

cbs4 newspaper For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Secrets to a

Mindful Meditation Revealed

Reporting MicheleÂ Gillen

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

From corporate boardrooms to NBA locker room, many are testing an emerging antidote to stress and it’s silently sweeping the nation. At the heart of the matter- is the human mind — and the mantra to unlock it may be just a breath away.

“We are all running so fast and so hard,” said Valerie York-Zimmerman, a mindful meditation instructor. “It’s very difficult to slow down.” A growing wave of scientists say the answer and antidote is closer than you think. “This is cutting edge science,” said Dr. Amishi Jha, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami. Science that is rooted in a centuries-old movement – it’s called “mindful meditation,” a technique to live mindfully and its essence is to pay attention to the present moment. “Yes, yes. Absolutely. It can be life transforming. It’s been for me and has for many people,” York-Zimmerman said. In the golden light of sunset, meeting with students in a South Florida sanctuary — Valerie York- Zimmerman has been on the cutting edge of teaching mindfulness meditation. “It’s about bringing this mindful awareness into our moment to moment experience throughout the day,” York-Zimmerman said. It may sound simple, but it’s not. It’s a unique practice of meditation and a radical approach to life that’s blossomed since growing numbers of doctors found it dramatically helped patients living with chronic pain – for which no medicine or medication offered relief. “In all instances what they found was that their approach to living with chronic pain, their quality of life, their ability to thrive in spite of it changed, because their relationship to pain changed,” York-Zimmerman said. And, incredibly, that’s not all that may have changed. Studies reviewing the MRI’s of the brain of mediators are showing remarkable clues that the brain can be trained, and ultimately, even mimic and potentially look like the brain of a healthier, younger, person. “The happy news is that we can actually track the impact of this type of training on the brain functioning. As well as the brain structure,” Jha said. “You look at their brains relative to people who haven’t been practicing

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

mindfulness and there is a very specific set of regions that look healthier in the people that have been practicing.” Dr. Jha says the reason the research is so exciting is that those same regions of brain, right behind the forehead are the ones that most deteriorate and degrade during aging. The puzzle researchers are trying to unravel? How is it possible that calming the mind by being still and silent can affect the health of the brain and body? “What our minds typically do is mental time travel,” Dr. Jha said. “So we’re usually thinking about the past and reliving experiences that have already occurred or we’re in sort of a future focused frenzy about what we’re going to do next. And so a lot of that space of being in the past or the future is tied to our experience of stress.” And stress is increasingly linked to disease. Those who practice – stop the time travel, by focusing on their breath. “It’s the easiest way perhaps to connect yourself to the moment. The breath is the bridge,” York-Zimmerman said. Added Dr. Jha: “The thing that surprised me the most is how short the time commitment is to be able to see brain changes. You can actually see structural changes in the brain in as short as eight weeks for doing something as simple as focusing on your breath for 30 minutes. And the benefits you see are very specific.” One student of mindful meditation describes her experience this way: “It has this interesting effect of connecting you with others in a different way. Giving you compassion and making you feel connected to the world.” Many students professionals in high stress jobs say they are attracted to the practice because they suspected there was a richer way to live life. Taking the time, to stop time, pays off, for those who normally live by the clock. Alexander Alembert is a long time meditation student, teacher and practitioner. A South Florida firefighter and interior designer, he sees mindful meditation as a survival tool that allows one to connect to their true essence, and live a richer life. He stops throughout his day, to pay “mindful attention” to his breath which connects him the moment. “Breath is the first act we take the moment we are born and the last act. Breath is the fuel of life,” says Alembert “People report feeling less stressed, they report feeling like they can focus more at will,” Dr. Jha said.

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

For Information Call: 305.477.1699 WASHINGTON (CBSMiami) –

Florida Banks Doing Better, Feds Say

Florida’s federally insured banks and savings institutions posted a combined net income of $174 million for the period ending March 31, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said. The first quarter figures were up 26.1 percent from $138 million post-

ed for the fourth quarter of 2011 and compared to a $3 million net income loss in the first quarter of 2011. The number of FDIC insured banks and savings and loans dropped from 243 last year to 222 during the most recently reported quarter. Nationally, FDIC insured commercial banks and savings institutions reported aggregates profit of $35.3 billion in the first quarter of 2012, a $6.6 billion improvement from the $28.8 billion in net income the industry reported in the first quarter of 2011. “The condition of the industry continues to gradually improve. Insured institutions have made steady progress in shedding bad loans, bolstering net worth, and increasing profitability.” FDIC Acting Chairman Martin J. Gruenberg said in a statement.

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBSMiami.com)

Have A “Splashtastic” Good Time At Zoo Miami’s

New Playground This summer kids can run wild as they swing and swim at Zoo Miami’s new adventure play areas. Early this month, Zoo Miami opened Jungle Journey and Ocean Voyage.

Sitting on 1.5 acres, the areas offer plenty of space to play and picnic. While kids 12 enjoy the spacious playgrounds, parents can supervise from comfy sheltered seating. In the Jungle Journey playground, children have 11 play features to help them create their own adventures. They can dangle from the jungle gym then shimmy their way across the wobbly bridge. After crawling through a dark hollow log, kids can pretend to tame life-size gorilla and hippo figures. Their imaginations will take them on extreme journeys, but they will remain safe as they run on the playground’s spongy floors. A jungle adventure can cause the kiddies to work up a sweat, but cooling off won’t be a problem in the underwater themed Ocean Voyage play area. Splashing through spouting blow holes and buckets of water is just the beginning of the experience which has 28 play features. Children can dodge shooting water cannons, get drenched under a whale tail water fall and splash each other using touch-activated rods which spray water. “This $1 million state-of-the-art playground has been a highly anticipated addition to Zoo Miami,” said Zoo Miami Director Eric Stephens. “We are so excited to open it and offer our guests a top-notch play experience.” General zoo admission is $15.95 per adult and $11.95 per child (3-12), plus tax. For more information visit www.zoomiami.org or call (305) 251-0400.

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

Florida Ports Lead In Cruises, Cargo Growing

Florida’s seaports are booming, especially when it comes to taking Cruise Chip passengers to paradise.

The Florida Ports Council released a five-year mission plan showing Florida continues to lead the nation in cruise operations while waterborne cargo, the true moneymaker of port operations, increased 18.2 percent to $82.7 billion in 2011. Florida’s ports moved 100 million tons and three million 20-foot equivalent containers of cargo last year. The 15 seaports contributed to Florida’s record year for international trade — $149 billion. Florida’s $6.3 billion annual cruise industry, led by Port Miami, Port Everglades and Port Canaveral handled 13.5 million passengers in 2011, accounting for 60 percent of all U.S. embarkations on just 3 ports. Other Florida seaports are in Pensacola, Panama City, Port St. Joe, Fernandina Beach, Jacksonville, Citrus County, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Manatee County, Fort Pierce, Palm Beach County and KeyWest.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBS4) –

Student Entrepreneurs Hope For

“Pop Up” Success As school winds down in South Florida, some high school students plan to use their summer vacation to focus on their plans for the future and life even beyond college. “You always have to think big no matter what the idea is,” Anthony Stewart said. Stewart was one of 18 local students participating in a “pop-up” entrepreneurship event in Midtown Miami Sunday. “Pop-up stores are what’s happening now,” event organizer Marcia Anderson said. The young entrepreneurs from three local high schools worked for six weeks on a course called “Pop-Up Exposure: Links to Leadership, Excellence and Entrepreneurship Program.” The results of their hard work were eight different products they hoped to one day see on store shelves. One group created a shoe that goes from a flat to a stiletto. “It’s brilliant,” Anderson said. “It could go worldwide. It’s called the Click Heel.” Another team made up of two sophomores and a junior developed an app that seems like it’s straight from the future. “It’s an iPhone app that lets you communicate with a distant relative or loved one in a hologram form using the 5 senses,” co-creator Dallas Smith explained. “This is just a great opportunity for us to get our ideas out in the public in the market,” Christy Sharnel said as she presented her idea to voters. The students created idea boards, produced videos and delivered live product pitches to those strolling by their displays. “These kids are with it, they’re bright,” Anderson said. “They’re entrepreneurs anyway and so we just brought them a new concept which is a pop up business.” The creators of “Hologram Me” were the big winners. They walked away with iPads and a plan to pitch their product to Apple.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Eyelash Extension Experts Warn:

Look Before You Apply

Reporting Michele Gillen

If the eyes are the windows to the soul then there’s a whole lot of window dressing going on and, in some cases, stories that don’t always end with a fairytale. Eyelash extensions – they’re the latest beauty trend that’s costing some women more than money. “These eyelashes are amazing, you put them on and you are Cinderella,” one beauty insider who asked not to be identified told CBS4 Chief Investigator Michele Gillen. In the blink of an eye, eyelash extensions have become the latest must-have. While the promise of extending lashes by a couple of millimeters is luring women to salons, some report paying too high a price for the procedure. During a recent trip to a nail salon, Olga Horn saw another woman having her eyelashes extended and asked for the same beauty treatment. “I went up to the lady and I basically said I want them! I have to have them!” Horn said. Horn asked if there were any risks. “What’s going to happen when I take these off? And she said, ‘Oh no, it won’t do a thing to your eyelashes.’ ‘’ Horn said. But weeks later she had regrets. “When I started taking them off I had no eyelashes, so I was very upset,” Horn said. Horn is not alone. Women are lining up and willing to pay from $10 to $1,000 for a set of these eye-popping extensions. “Eyelash extensions are the latest addiction. I’ve seen many women that have lost their eyelashes and once they stop using them, they have less eyelashes and I don’t see them coming back,” the beauty insider said. “The reality is that a lot of the people that are doing the applications are not thoroughly knowledged.” Dr. Wendy Lee, eye surgeon for the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, said some of her patients have reported problems. “The most common complaint I hear is that women end up with shorter stubbier lashes, or either no lashes when they take these off,” Lee said. “It becomes a vicious cycle because they don’t want to stop the lashes, the lash extensions in order to grow the lashes back.” Patients being treated by Dr. Lee describe being in shock when they realize

they lost their own lashes after adding the fake ones. The harm is not just cosmetic, according to Lee. “The lashes play such an important part in the beauty of the eyes. So if you don’t have any left, number 1, it’s going to alter the way the eyes look. But number 2, the eyelashes are there for a function as well. We have eyelashes and hair around our eyes to catch dust and to protect the eyes.” One of Lee’s patients who asked to be identified only as ‘Q’ said she cannot stop wearing the fake eyelashes after eyelash extensions left her eyes bare. “I loved the look. But when I went to remove the lashes it ripped off my original eyelashes, so that forced me to have to wear the artificial eyelashes,” she said. Like many patients, Lee said ‘Q’ did not want to be seen without eyelashes because growing them back can take months. “Q is one of my patients who cannot come off of the false lashes because she refuses to walk around with basically no lashes for at least 2 months,” Lee said. Lee also offered a warning against eyelash extensions made of animal fur, specifically mink fur. “We have no idea how they are cleaning it number one. We have no idea what diseases these minks could be carrying that are communicable to the human eye,” Lee said. “There are a lot of red flags, a lot of health concerns there as well.” Horn said she hopes others will learn from her mistake. “I should have been a little bit more careful about it,” Horn said. “I should have asked a lot more questions. Yes, it was a lesson to be learned.” So far, the Florida state agency that regulates hairdressers says it has no program to check up on how these procedures are being done. Only the state of Texas has passed legislation requiring technicians to be specifically trained to apply eyelash extensions. The push to do that came from two major companies in the industry concerned that inexperienced applicators could pose a risk to clients.

cbs4 newspaper

June 15, 2012

Best Athletic Wear Stores InÂ Miami

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Athletic wear and gear that provides the utmost comfort and support is some of the best motivation for physical activities, such as sports and exercise. And let’s face it while comfort and support might be a big part of it, it’s also fun to find any excuse to pick out a new outfit or pair of shoes. Whether you need new sneakers for those daily gym visits or gear for a specific type of sport, the following shops in Miami have you covered.

Foot Works

Bluefish Sport

South Miami, FL 33143 (305) 667-9322 www.footworksmiami.com

Miami, FL 33126 (305) 267-9494 www.bluefishsport.com

Foot Works in Miami, now with a shiny new location in South Beach, offers gear from some of the best athletic brands out there for men, women and kids. Some of the brands offered include New Balance, Nike, and Oakley. More than just footwear, the shop also offers apparel for any type of exercise or sport. At Foot Works, shoppers can also take advantage of yearlong programs and training events to promote exercise and fitness. There’s just no excuse to not be motivated after visiting this store.

Catering to active women and men who don’t want to sacrifice fashion and style for comfort, Bluefish Sport in Miami sells swimwear and other athletic wear for an array of different activities. Looking for a great deal? Become a fan on Facebook to save 15 percent, or take advantage of one of their many programs. There’s even a refer-a-friend program or the opportunity to earn Chi Dollars.

Cycle World Miami, FL 33155 (305) 221.2123 www.cycleworldmiami.com

Love to cycle or just getting into the sport? Then Cycle World is the place for you. Not only does the store offer all the parts and services you need for cycling, but it also sells all the proper clothing and gear that you need. Cyclists will find everything from trendy cycling shoes to stylish helmets. Members of the military can receive 10 percent off all accessories and 5 percent off all bicycles.

Sole Fly Sneaker Boutique Miami, FL 33143 (305) 661-3423 www.solefly.com

Sole Fly Sneaker Boutique in Miami sells an array of footwear and gear for men and women, including apparel for fans and supporters of the Miami Hurricanes. In addition to the Miami location, Sole Fly Sneaker Boutique also offers convenient online ordering. They also offer the option to order by telephone, so this place is perfect for Miami transplants that may have moved away but remain fans of the local teams. Think you have the best kicks around? Email a photo of your new shoes to Sole Fly to be featured on their website.

Sole Runners Miami, FL 33176 (305) 595-7867 www.solerunners.com

Ask any runner, and they’ll tell you—while everything you wear for running is important and must be considered carefully, the most vital part of the ensemble is the shoes. The proper running shoes, whether you’re a beginner or training for a marathon, make all the difference in the world. At Sole Runners, a combination of technology, equipment and staff expertise is used to help find customers their ideal running shoe. The store’s stride analysis guarantees a perfect fit.

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012

Fighting Food Inflation At The Grocery Store

Suzanne Wheeler is the mother of three hungry boys and it shows on her grocery bill. “I typically spend $300 a week,” explained Wheeler. Recently, she’s noticed that some of her favorite foods are eating away at her budget. “Cookies, in the cookie aisle, crackers, those can be pricey. Cereal is also very expensive,” said Wheeler. Those creeping prices are thanks to inflation. Ricky Volpe, a research economist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said you can expect your grocery basket to cost 2.5% to 3.5% more over the course of this year. And while that inflation rate is considered normal… “The reason why consumers are experiencing sticker shock is mostly because food prices are already high. We know that they rose a lot in 2011, and we’re not expecting them to come down,” said Volpe. Inflation is especially hard to swallow for meat and fish. Volpe says prices are up across the board, particularly for beef and veal. “The inventory of cattle and hogs in the U.S. was reduced quite a bit, and now we have strong and growing demand for these foods, and that’s a recipe for high prices. And there’s no end in sight,” was Volpe’s assessment. But there are ways to fight back. Jessica Patel with Bankrate.com suggests trying a less expensive cut of beef, or substitution poultry. Also, said Volpe, “You can get canned chicken now and canned fish and things like that, and even frozen fish and frozen meats, that can wind up saving you more.” Other categories hit hard by inflation include fats and oils, cereal, bakery products and packaged foods. To save dough, skip pre-portioned goodies and bag your own snacks. Also, look beyond what’s at eye level. “A lot of times if you’re in a rush you’ll just grab it and go. You can look above or below that eye level and a lot of times find bargains and deals,” said Volpe. The silver lining is dairy, eggs and fresh fruits and vegetables, where Volpe expects to see smaller increases over 2012, as well as compared to this time last year. “Vegetables across the board are down.” Volpe pointed out. “Lettuce is down about 21%. Tomatoes are down about 29%.” Boost your bottom line even more by grabbing what’s in season. Finally, don’t knock tried and true savings strategies. “Buying in bulk, buying when things are on sale, looking at the local circulars, clipping coupons; they all really help to add up,” reminded Wheeler. Buying meat in bulk and eating leftovers has paid off for Suzanne. “I just try to make sure that we finish off what is in the refrigerator.” Another tip: swing by the bakery on your way to the checkout line. You could find “day-old” rolls, muffins and breads at a discount.

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 MIAMI (CBSMiami) –

Miami-Dade County Honors Director With

“Michael Bay Day”

Reporting Lisa Cilli

World renowned film director, producer, and South Florida resident Michael Bay was honored Tuesday by the Miami-Dade County Commission.

Photo credit: Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

The Michael Bay Day proclamation was presented as a way to celebrate and recognize his contributions and the positive economic impact his films have had on Miami-Dade County. Michael Bay’s first feature-length film, “Bad Boys” which starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence, was shot in Miami in 1994 and grossed over $141 million at the box office. “Bad Boys II” was also shot on location in Miami and has grossed $273 million worldwide. Bad Boys I and II together expended approximately $60 million into the local economy. As the director of such films as “The Rock”, “Armageddon”, “Pearl Harbor”, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre”, and “Transformers” to his credit, Michael Bay’s worldwide box office totals make him one of the highest grossing directors of all time. The recipient of numerous film awards, he has won nearly every award bestowed by the advertising industry as well. Mr. Bay is currently shooting “Pain and Gain” throughout different locations in Miami-Dade. It stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as a pair of bungling bodybuilders who get caught up in an extortion ring and a kidnapping scheme that goes terribly wrong. The project is expected to infuse approximately $25 million into the local economy between March and May 2012. Mr. Bay, who also owns a home in Miami Beach, is committed to the success of the industry here in South Florida. “The film and entertainment industry brings millions of dollars into our economy each year, creates thousands of jobs, and supports local businesses. Public recognition is a great way to show our appreciation and support for Michael Bay who has contributed so much to the growth and success of the film industry here in Miami-Dade County,” said Commissioner Sally Heyman who sponsored the special proclamation.

“The film and entertainment industry brings millions of dollars into our economy each year, creates thousands of jobs, and supports local businesses...”

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012 MIAMI (CBS4miami.com)

Young Bodies With

Old Knees Reporting Cynthia Demos

Karen Farriera is all about being active. But not so long ago, she was anything but.

“I was wearing a brace all day, living on pain killers and I could barely walk my dogs around the block,” explained Farriera of her knee predicament. Her doctor tried physical therapy and cortisone shots. But ultimately, she needed a new knee. “I thought he was pretty much crazy. I was 46 at the time. It just didn’t seem possible,” said Farriera. But it was. The number of knee surgeries has doubled in the last decade and more women than men are ending up in the operating room. Currently, four-and-a-half million Americans live with one knee replacement. It’s the fact that the people getting them are younger and younger, decades younger, that is so baffling. Dr. Maury Harwood explained that the reason for this trend is threefold: 1. Baby Boomers are more physically active. 2. Today’s ”NEED IT NOW” mentality.

3. And improved technology. “The main advancement in knee replacement technology is we’re moving toward custom implants. Nowadays, what we ‘re doing is we’re using MRI and CT scans and we’re actually building three-dimensional models of people’s knees and making implants that fit them specifically,” Dr. Harwood explained. Karen Farriera had a partial knee replacement. “I’m back to walking my five, six miles. I ride my bike. I can do all the activities I love.” The custom fit makes it easier than ever to get back to normal. Right now, Karen has only one regret. “I should never have waited as long as I did,” she said. There are concerns. Studies show if you are very, very active after the surgery, you could loosen the replacement causing you to need surgery and another knee replacement again. Experts say avoiding certain pounding exercises could help the replacement, as well as your real knees, last longer.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

MIAMI (CBS4)

First Mini

Department Store In U.S. Opens At MIA Reporting Lisa Petrillo The halls of Concourse D at Miami International Airport now resemble a modern shopping mall with the opening of The Shoppes At Ocean Drive, the country’s first mini department store inside an airport. Named after the iconic magazine “Ocean Drive,” the 10,000 square foot store features eight concepts which sell anything from sunglasses to gourmet food. “It’s as if we took pages from the magazine and really tried to bring to life in all the design aspects,” said Raymond Kayal , CEO of NEWSLINK, a partner of Ocean Drive. “With respect to the merchandise you see here is reflective of what you’ll see on Ocean Drive in the better boutiques.” “You see all the Ocean Drive branding reminding passengers and locals when they are passing through the airport what they are taking home with them: the sex and sizzle of Miami,” said Lana Bernstein of Ocean Drive. The Shoppes at Ocean Drive are duty paid, meaning anyone with a ticket can shop here. “For example, if you’re traveling in the summer and you’re going to somebody’s house and staying with them, you can get a wonderful house warming gift here. You don’t have to worry about going to the store and scrambling. You can bring tea, gifts for kids… anything” Bernstein said. The Shoppes at Ocean Drive is open seven days a week.

June 15, 2012

cbs4 newspaper For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Best Hospitals In South Florida For Giving Birth You’ll make plenty of decisions during pregnancy and choosing where to give birth, whether in a hospital or in a birth center setting, is one of the most important.

has private birthing suites where birth, labor, delivery and recovery all take place in one beautiful room. The staff is exceptional, professional and caring. The Birth-Day Place, both here and at South Miami Hospital, offers a variety of services and programs and the Birth-Day School provides a full range of childbirth classesto help expectant moms understand pregnancy, the birth process and parenting.

Mercy Hospital South Miami Hospital www.baptisthealth.net

Many women fear that a hospital setting will be cold and clinical, but that’s definitely not true of South Miami Hospital. Their special birthing suites are designed to accommodate the needs and preferences of new parents. Families can experience the entire birth – labor, delivery and recovery – in a single room. Each private room provides a warm, home-like atmosphere.

Baptist Hospital www.baptisthealth.net

Baptist Hospital is a full-service maternity center. It

www.mercymiami.com

Mercy Hospital is one of only 15 hospitals in the nation to receive HealthGrades’ Women’s Health and Maternity Care Excellence Awards. More than 1,400 babies are born each year at Mercy Hospital. The specially designed birthing suites offer the latest technology in a comfortable, safe and welcoming environment for mother and child. The suites allow new moms to labor, deliver and recover in the same room.

Plantation Hospital www.plantationgeneral.com

Plantation Hospital also offers private Labor-DeliveryRecovery rooms which provide comfort and luxury along with the latest medical technology and a highly skilled medical team. The recently renovated rooms are described as “home away from home”.

West Boca Medical Center www.westbocamedctr.com

Maternity Care at West Boca Medical Center is among the top 5% in the nation, according to the independent ratings organization HealthGrades. Among other things, the hospital offers private birthing suites, sleeper chairs, flexible hours, and comprehensive childbirth and parenting classes.

cbs4 Newspaper

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Good 4 You:

Foundation Established To

Help Children Battling Cancer Reporting Jorge Estevez

MIAMI (CBS4) – A South Florida woman began a foundation to honor her 6 year old little girl who stole many hearts during the last months of her life. Gildiana Sosa was full of life she had a familiar face to some of you who have followed her story. The last months of her life played out on the news because of her therapies and surgeries to try and treat her brain cancer. At the young age of 6, Gildiana Sosa said goodbye.

“She was always happy so I want happiness to all the kids in the world,” said Diana Hislop, Gildiana’s mother. But her memory lives on in the Gildiana Sosa Foundation. A new office may just be four walls now, but the space in an office building in Hialeah is the new home of the Gildiana Sosa Foundation headed Hislop. “She would be so happy and so proud,” said Hislop who knows too well the kind of support families need as they watch their children battle cancer. “I want to help them out with mortgage with rent with phone bills with medical expenses. Sometimes they lose their jobs. They don’t have a helping hand. We want to be there for them whatever they need.” That way they can be there when their children need them the most. “The most important thing is for the parents to be with their kids. They are the best moments. They are the best moments ever that they will never forget. I will never forget,” said Hislop. To donate, log on to www.gildiana.org

cbs4 Newspaper June 15, 2012 SUNRISE (CBS4) –

Sunrise Man Severely Injured By Synthetic Marijuana Warns Of Dangers Reporting Carey Codd

A Sunrise man survived what he and his doctors are calling a near death experience from a dangerous new drug called synthetic marijuana.

Sean Beard’s doctor says the 26-year-old suffered kidney failure after smoking Spice — also known as synthetic marijuana — and was in the intensive care unit at Broward Health Medical Center for a week, fighting to survive. Beard and his mother are using the experience as an opportunity to warn others about the drug. “It’s definitely something that shouldn’t be on the market,” Beard told CBS 4′s Carey Codd. Beard looks beat up — he has bloodshot eyes and bruises under his eyes. His can barely speak above a whisper. But he says one look at him should convince people to stay far away from synthetic marijuana. “Here I am now,” Beard said from his hospital bed. “Look at me. If you want to look like me, go for it. Go to the store, go buy this (stuff).” Beard, who was able to return home on Wednesday evening, says he bought the drug at a Sunrise gas station and admits he used it for months after battling a drug addiction. Beard says he thought it was fine to use the product since it was sold in stores. After her son’s brush with death Gail Beard wants to warn other parents about this drug. “It’s horrible,” she said. “I think it needs to be taken off the market completely never to be seen again.” Gail Beard said after her son’s incident she purchased a packet of the product herself. She said she was surprised at the colorful, fun-looking packaging. “It looks like it’s something for kids,” she said. “It’s like a bubble gum wrapper.” State legislators, federal drug investigators and law enforcement officers agree with the Beard’s. There have been laws in Florida passed banning some of the substances in fake pot. However, experts like toxicologist Chip Walls say the manufacturers have been able to stay ahead of the authorities by slightly altering the ingredients to keep the drug legal. “Trouble is they’re changing (the ingredients) as fast as the government is putting them on a controlled substance list,” Walls said in an earlier interview. Poison control experts add that they’ve seen a drastic increase in the amount of people becoming sick on the drug both in Florida and nationwide. Another way the product stays on store shelves, authorities say, is that the packages contain a warning on the package that it’s not for human consumption. But medical experts say young people are using it and in some cases are becoming psychotic, violently ill and suicidal. “This is deadly,” said Doctor Parham Eftekhari, Beard’s kidney specialist. “Studies need to be done on this. I think this needs to be closely investigated because (Beard) is not the only patient in the hospital suffering some kind of damage.” A couple of South Florida cities — including Sunrise — have banned the sale of fake pot. State legislators also toughened the laws on possessing the drug by banning many of the substances used to make it. However, experts say they are keeping a close eye on the drug to see if new variations of the drug warrant additional bans.

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

cbs4 Newspaper

Brain Researcher:

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

June 15, 2012

Cannibal Was

“Scariest Drug-Induced State I’ve Ever Seen” Reporting Michele Gillen

It is an image that’s stunned the world: surveillance cameras captured a naked man ripping the clothes off a homeless man, slamming him into a cement sidewalk and then chewing off his face.

While the grotesque scene is chilling to even veteran law enforcement, to the scientist who perhaps knows more about the human brain on drugs than anyone else in the country, the news is even worse than you think. “This is the scariest, drug induced state that I have ever seen in my academic career,” said Dr. Deborah Mash, founder and director of the UM Brain Endowment Bank. When Dr. Mash first learned of the case she was stunned. “I’m frightened. Can you imagine that this is the next epidemic that could be happening in the streets of America?” Cautioned Dr. Mash when she sat down CBS4 Chief Investigative Reporter Michele Gillen at the world-renowned Miller School of Medicine Brain Endowment Bank. “Absolutely bizarre, if not demonic, behavior,” said Dr. Mash. “This is taking the worst type of psychiatric condition and magnifying it 10 times when you hear about someone chewing off the face of another human being,” For three decades she has studied the effects on the human brain of drugs including cocaine, LSD, marijuana, and more recently, designer drugs like bath salts. “These designer drugs that are now flooding the streets of America and are causing an abnormal behaviors state,” said Dr. Mash. ”A psychiatric syndrome unlike anything we have ever witnessed before.” Dr. Mash said that while many may want to believe the horror on the MacArthur Causeway is a first of its kind exception, evidence shows otherwise. “We are starting to hear a pattern of this,” said Dr. Mash. “Like the woman in North Florida, who under the state of bath salts, almost beheaded her 70 year old mother.” On the cusp of this nightmare, Dr. Mash, for the first time ever, allowed cameras into the refrigerated room that may hold the secret to what she believes is an emerging new drug threat. Lining shelves are clear containers holding brains being studied for their signature imprint of a human mind destroyed by drugs. “They have a scrambled neurochemistry. There’s an actual dysfunction in the way that the brain processes the neurotransmitter dopamine. And what happens is we believe that with continued use you have an individual who is vulnerable to a condition of excited delirium,” explained Dr. Mash. “But because they are exposed to a toxicant, in this case cocaine, they ratchet up the neurochemical continuum to the point that there is a break. And in that case, they become agitated, paranoid, actually look psychotic, they may grunt or growl. Sometimes they disrobe. They take their clothes off.” Dr. Mash and her team conducted pioneering research on excited delirium syndrome, where drug users exhibit violent behavior and where – as in the case of the so called cannibal attacker -begin shedding their clothes. “Because they are getting hot. Because the thermostat, the brains thermostat is getting readjusted. And so they ratchet up on their body temperature, agitated, They are fighting . They are struggling. And then there is a failure of the feedback mechanisms that will readjust your core body temperatures. So in essence, you are cooking your brain,” explained Dr. Mash. Where are these new concoctions of drugs coming from? Dr. Mash told Gillen that clues suggest India, Pakistan and labs in China. “This is a very bad science fiction novel. This is that novel where somebody cooks up a series of compounds and then just decides to release it on the United States,” she offered. Dr. Mash issued a warning to anyone, particularly young people, considering experimenting with any synthetic drug today. It’s an alarm she hopes will be heeded. “This is taking the worst nightmare,” warned Dr. Mash. “That horror dream and making it a waking reality,”

cbs4 newspaper June 15, 2012

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

PRINTED IN THE USA, COPYRIGHT ÂŠ 2012 BY MARCO G, INC. All rights reserved. The CBS4 Newspaper, 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 CBS4. Requests for permission should be directed to 305-477-1699. CBS4 and its logo (s) are protected through trademark registration. The use of logos, content and/or artwork in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For more information please contact 305-477-1699.