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June 18, 2010

$100M Budget Hole Could Lead To Layoffs In Miami City Manager Carlos Migoya said the books could be balanced if Miami laid off one-third of its workforce, or 1,128 employees.

Page 17

The Dollars And Sense Of 2010 Politics

Tips To Help You Stick To Your Shopping Budget

Colorado Researcher Ups Ante For Hurricane Season

New Lease On Life For Failed Condo Conversions

Lymph Node Removal In Cancer Patients Studied

Enjoy Quidditch & Butterbeer At ‘Wizarding World’

Commentary: The New World Of College Football

Automakers Report Strong Sales In May

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June 18, 2010

5

I-Team: Piecing Together Officer’s Assault Reporting Jim DeFede MIAMI (CBS4 I-TEAM) Ñ Since his arrest five weeks ago in the brutal assault of Miami-Dade Police Officer Carlos Castillo, Michael Robertson Jr. has professed his innocence and said that someone else struck the officer with a slab of concrete before riding off in Castillo’s police car.

But sources tell CBS4 News that Robertson’s fingerprints and blood were discovered inside the unmarked Dodge Charger after it was recovered a short time later. “The only people who were inside that car were Officer Castillo and Michael Robertson,” said one law enforcement source familiar with the case.

The case has drawn attention for the sheer heinousness of the assault on Castillo.

Few details have been released since the April 23rd incident took place, but the CBS4 I-Team has pieced together a timeline of what occurred.

It all started around 9:30 pm when Robertson, his girlfriend, 25-year-old Monica Banks, and the couple’s two children – ages one and two – were traveling in an SUV along 71st Street in Liberty City.

The SUV pulled into the driveway of Robertson’s grandmother’s house on 71st Street just east of Northwest Third Avenue. Castillo, who is part of the county’s Robbery Intervention Detail, pulled in next to the SUV. A few moments later, police claim Robertson, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, took off running.

Castillo remained with the SUV, handcuffing Banks, who was almost six months pregnant at the time. Castillo allowed Banks to remain alongside the SUV so she could tend to her two children, while he went back to his unmarked police car to call for assistance.

As other officers arrived, they fanned out in their cars looking for Robertson.

But police believe Robertson, who grew up in the neighborhood and knew its alleys and side streets well, circled back around the block. They suspect that he climbed a set of stairs to a landing about ten feet above where Castillo was standing and dropped a large slab of concrete on the officer from above, fracturing his skull.

scene.

The theory that the concrete slab came from above the officer would explain one of the mysteries in the case – namely how someone could actually sneak up behind a police officer in the middle of a busy street.

Robertson is charged with attempted firstdegree murder. Banks, his girlfriend, is charged with accessory after the fact.

Banks said she didn’t see who assaulted Castillo or stole the officer’s car.

Around midnight, Robertson surrendered to police less than 50 yards from where the assault on Castillo originally took place. He was hiding in the backyard of the home at 300 NW 71st Street, right next door to the house that he was born in.

recovering. He is able to speak in a limited manner and his memory is slowly returning. He recently was able to recognize for the first time since the assault his two young daughters. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Once Castillo was struck in the head, he crumbled to the ground. His attacker then jumped down from the landing and began kicking him repeatedly in the head, according to police.

Investigators claim Robertson then escaped in Castillo’s Dodge Charger. The department rents cars for its RID detectives and attaches a police light to the car’s visor. Investigators suspect that Robertson could not figure out how to turn the flashing light off so he punched it, smashing the plastic case and possibly cutting his hand in the process.

Blood found inside the car was later matched to Robertson through a preliminary DNA test. Additional tests are being conducted.

Leaving his girlfriend behind and children behind, Robertson allegedly drove off in the Dodge Charger, driving it approximately ten block north before abandoning the car near the corner of 79th Street and Northwest Fifth Avenue.

Investigators believe Robertson then doubled back to his neighborhood.

Sources tell CBS4 News that police have obtained footage from surveillance cameras which allegedly show Robertson at various points between where the Dodge Charger was found and where Robertson was ultimately arrested.

In addition, witnesses who have been interviewed by police tell them that Robertson actually stood in the crowd and watched the police in the distance conduct their investigation of the crime

Police claim to have a witness that says Banks saw everything, but her attorney is expected to argue she was focused on her kids.

On Thursday, prosecutors will be court and are expected to release the first round of discovery material in the case.

In the meantime, as the case plays out in court, Castillo remains at Jackson Memorial Hospital where he is slowly

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June 18, 2010

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The Dollars And Sense Of 2010 Politics Reporting Tim Kephart MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ During the G r e a t Recession, most a v e r a g e TIM KEPHART Americans have been stretching every dollar they have as far as it can possibly be stretched. For four politicians running for public office around the country; they don’t have to worry about money. And the overwhelming amount of money they are spending on ads is beginning to pay off at the ballot boxes.

In Florida, two extremely wealthy candidates, Jeff Greene (D) and Rick Scott (R) are running for the nomination of their party’s for Senate and Governor respectively. Greene has turned on an advertising blitz in Florida that even feature his mother in some spots. Greene made his fortune by betting the housing market would collapse, which it did.

He is seeking to upset Democratic representative Kendrick Meek in the race for the Democratic Senate nomination. So far, despite the support of President Barack Obama and other Democratic leaders; Greene’s overwhelming money advantage has pushed him to a statistical dead heat with Meek in the latest Quinnipiac poll of the Florida elections.

At the same time Greene is surging, Republican Rick Scott has tapped the tea

party fervor and is courting the more conservative wings of the GOP in his bid for the gubernatorial nomination. Scott was head of HCA when it committed one of the biggest frauds in Medicare history.

The insurer ended up paying the Federal Government over one billion dollars in fines and penalties for the fraud. Scott resigned from the company shortly before the fines were paid to settle the claims.

Scott, like Greene, is a multi-millionaire many times over. Scott is not afraid of his baggage and said that his experience as a CEO will help him be a good governor.

Scott, like Greene, is pouring millions into the campaign, with some estimates showing he’s spent $11 million on the primary campaign.

So how is it working out for Scott? Well, it’s safe to say pretty well. According to Quinnipiac’s poll, Scott has pulled out in front of establishment Republican candidate Bill McCollum by a 44-31 percent margin. Scott was a virtual unknown just weeks ago and now has a commanding lead, simply by buying ads on television stations across the state.

But the phenomenon is not limited to Florida. The state that is showing the most similar circumstances to Florida is California.

In California, Republicans Meg Whitman and Carly Fiorina are pushing to become the governor and senator of California.

Whitman is the former CEO of EBay; while Fiorina was the former CEO of Hewlett Packard.

Fiorina, who won the Republican primary to take on Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer. Fiorina was forced to resign after she oversaw HP’s controversial takeover of Compaq computers. Fiorina was forced out after the company didn’t produce the returns or profits she promised. She received a golden parachute out of Hewlett-Packard worth $21 million, according to CNN. In addition, the stock price rose 6.9 percent the day her resignation was announced.

Whitman helped build eBay to the dominant force it became over the last decade, but then it slowly seemed to be falling in popularity and power as web 2.0 took hold in the last several years. She stepped down from eBay in 2008. In the last two years of Whitman’s time as head of eBay, the company lost about half its value.

Still, both candidates poured millions of dollars into their respective races and overwhelmed the airwaves in California and now, both are one step away from the Senate and governor’s mansions.

In the wake of the Supreme Court ruling opening the door for unlimited corporate financing in campaigns; the ability of candidates without a great deal of money to get in to major office is just about dead.

The new politics is not about policy, positions on issues, but it seems to be about who has the biggest bank account pushing them forward. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

9

Friend Says Medal Of Honor Eludes Deserving Vet Reporting Stephen Stock MIAMI (CBS4 I-TEAM) Ñ It’s a day to remember those who sacrificed so much for their country.

But have some of those who sacrificed been passed over for top recognition because of discrimination?

CBS4 I-Team Investigator Stephen Stock has one local man’s fight to get answers to just that question, and in the process get justice for his friend.

This is a love story.

But not the kind of love story you might first imagine.

For fifty-three and a half years Mitchel and Marilyn Libman have built a life and legacy together. Now retired in Hollywood, they still relish each other’s company.

“She keeps up with me, keeps me organized and keeps me alive,” Mitch Libman said.

From athletic awards on the streets of Brooklyn, to success in the classroom, to raising a family of accomplished athletes and entertainers, to meeting the President after single-handedly getting a law passed, Mitch and Marilyn Libman define success.

Success, that is, except for the one thing that has eluded Mitch Libman for all his life.

“It became an obsession to find information,” Mitch Libman told I-Team Investigator Stephen Stock.

That’s right; he’s talking about Leonard M. Kravitz, the namesake of THAT Lenny Kravitz, the rock star whom most people are familiar with.

Yes, rocker Lenny’s Kravitz’s uncle, Leonard M. Kravitz, was Mitch Libran’s wingman from the age of about 10 while growing up in Brooklyn in the 1940’s and 1950’s.

“He hung around with me, where I went he went,” Libman said of Kravitz.

But then Mitch went to college and Lenny went to war. Mitch to the University of Denver. Lenny to the Korean War. “I always felt guilty being away at college I could have talked him out of it (going in the military),” Libman said.

And that’s where this story turns.

Pentagon records show Lenny Kravitz and two platoons Companies L and M, 5th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division found themselves facing wave after wave of oncoming Chinese soldiers on Hill 122, near Yangpyoung, Korea, in March 1951.

You can read about these events in letters of recommendations for a Medal of Honor (page 2) and a letter to President George W. Bush by clicking here.

“They were out on a patrol,” Libman said.

“Two platoons.” Lenny was attached to Company M, a machine gun platoon.

Company L had been assigned to set up position on Hill 122.

Two times the enemy attacked “in hordes...” and “…seemingly unaware of tremendous losses...” Each time Lenny and his mates held their ground.

The third time the enemy overwhelmed the American line.

For 40 years Mitch Libman has researched, lobbied, fought and struggled, all due to the brotherly love he has for his close friend, Lenny Kravitz.

“Everybody started pulling back,” Mitch Libman said of those times. “And Lenny didn’t (pull back).”

“We, from the age of 10 on, we shared just about everything,” Mitch said describing his relationship with Kravitz. “We lived on same block in Brooklyn. Our parents were very close friends.”

Manning a machine gun whose gunner had been wounded almost immediately after the fighting started, Leonard Kravitz told everyone to retreat. Members of his platoon later testified they heard his

machine gun even as they pulled back to safety.

“They could hear his gunfire a long way off (as they fell back),” Mitch Libman said.

The records show Kravitz killed at least 15 advancing enemy soldiers, moving the machine gun to get a better view around the falling bodies, before being overwhelmed himself.

“The next morning they (the Americans) retook that area and when they did they found Lenny lying over his machine gun,” said Libman. “He had only six bullets left.”

Leonard Kravitz later was honored with the military’s Distinguished Service Cross, the DSC, the Pentagon’s second highest honor.

And that is what has bothered Mitch Libman all these last 40 years.

“There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that he deserves the Medal of Honor,” said Libman.

But even after four different pentagon reviews, two presidential reviews, countless congressional inquiries and 50 years later, Private First Class Leonard Kravitz still has yet to receive a Medal of Honor for his heroic actions.

“If you look at the facts it certainly would suggest that he is deserving of that type of honor,” said former US Congressman Robert Wexler.

And that’s the problem. After researching Lenny Kravitz’s case, Mitch Libman came across an interesting and troubling fact.

Libman discovered only 11 Jewish American soldiers out of more than one million who served in all America’s wars have ever received a medal of honor despite more than one hundred heroic selfless acts such as Lenny Kravitz’s.

A Hall of Heroes in with the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, DC, holds pictures of them all from the Civil War through every war Americans have fought in since.

“You can have all the theories you want but when you’re presented with numbers; zero

Jewish soldiers (awarded the Medal of Honor) during the Korean War, it suggests that maybe something was up at the Pentagon (at the time),” said Robert Wexler.

Wexler once represented West Palm Beach in Congress. He proposed and got a law passed to address this potential discrimination issue.

The something, Mitch Libman and others say, was discrimination against Jewish soldiers.

“It’s stronger than I feel. I’m sure. I’m as sure as I can be,” said Libman.

A research official with the National Museum of American Jewish Military History in Washington, D.C. even told a magazine writer with the University of Denver that she did believe that Jews had been discriminated against when it came time to awarding Medals of Honor.

But because the issue is now under review officials at that same museum would not talk about Lenny Kravitz’s case on camera with CBS4’s I-Team.

Whatever the reason, because the absence of Jewish Medal of Honor recipients, Lenny Kravitz did get a law named after him, “The Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veterans Act of 2001.”

The law mandates that the Pentagon review some 136 separate cases of Jewish veterans valor cases to see if they deserve the country’s highest honor, the Medal of Honor.

You can read a copy of that bill, HR 606, 2001, by clicking here.

“It is clear historically that there was an era of discrimination in this country at that time based on the social and moral views of the moment,” said the former West Palm Beach Congressman Wexler who introduced, co-sponsored and got the law passed in Congress. continued

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Friend Says Medal Of Honor Eludes Deserving Vet continued

Early in 2010 Wexler stepped down from his Congressional seat to serve as executive director of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation in Washington.

In the nine years since the law passed, two more Jewish soldiers, two, have received Medals of Honor.

That brings to 13 the number of faces on the National Museum of American Jewish Military History’s Wall of Heroes in Washington, DC. One of them is not Leonard Kravitz.

“Are you frustrated this hasn’t happened that this law hasn’t resulted in more medals of honor for Jewish veterans?” I-Team investigator Stephen Stock asked Wexler.

“It is frustrating,” said Wexler. “But I say that with degree of caution. Government moves slowly. The military moves slowly and deliberately as it should. Things need to be done correctly. They need to be done with a very sensitive eye. But at the same time there is an urgency of time.”

heroics acts need to be recognized,” said Wexler. “And I’m confident they will be.”

“I won’t give up until he gets the Medal of Honor,” said Mitch Libman.

Mitch Libman is confident too.

The Pentagon is reviewing Lenny Kravitz’s case, again, for a fifth time.

“The fact that he did it, the fact that he was at that machine gun and he refused to leave so that the others could get back somebody’s got to do something about that,” said Libman. “Somebody’s got to do something for him.”

The Pentagon has given no timetable for when it will announce its decisions on awarding or not awarding a Medal of Honor in Lenny Kravitz’s case or any of the other 135 cases it is reviewing.

To learn more about Jews in American Military, click here and here. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

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June 18, 2010

11

Organ Recipient Gives Back To Donor’s Family Reporting N i c o l e Maristany

Bira’s transplant not only gave him a new start, it also left him with the desire to help his donor’s family.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Few people get a second chance at life, but organ donor recipients live that reality

“My donor left two children and a wife and he was the bread winner. They don’t have life insurance like most people, they didn’t have means of support,” said Bira.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my donor,” explained Neal Bira, a heart attack survivor and heart transplant recipient.

After helping his donor family, Bira created a foundation that gave organ recipients a chance to give back to their donor’s families because organ donors are usually lost in an unexpected way and it can be a long road for the families that are left behind.

“I received a heart transplant. I’m so lucky, by the grace of God,” said Bira.

“Helping them, whether it’ll be getting psychological help, supporting their needs,

everyday.

paying a phone bill, keeping their electricity on, putting food on their table.

Our goal is, obviously, to grow and give scholarships, send them to school, to do anything we can,” explained Bira.

Bira also works with donor awareness groups because the need for donors is so great.

“Presently there are 88 hundred (people) waiting for an organ transplant every day, 18 people die, that’s a real number.

Eighteen people die because we cant find donors,” explained Rosetta Rolle-Hylton a nurse with Life Alliance Organ Recovery at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

The idea is to encourage others to give someone a second chance at life and also to give back to those who’ve made that decision to become a donor.

“Turn your tragedy into a miracle for another family,” said Rolle-Hylton.

To learn more about how you can help the families of organ donors through the Organ Donor Awareness Foundation, visit organdonorhero.org. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Gallery Shows Off Foster Kids In Need Of Families “People can come out and get to know these kids, maybe see some sparkle in their eye that makes them want to know these kids better, and hopefully adopt them,” Sandra Camacho, a representative of Children’s Trust Miami, told CBS4’s Christina Loren.

According to The Children’s Trust, there are over 150 foster children in need of permanent homes in Miami-Dade County.

They urge those who have considered adopting overseas to look locally first.

By Skye Anico MIAMI (CBS4) ÑWith art deco flair and museum-quality portraiture, a MiamiDade community outreach program for children and families holds their third annual exhibit featuring portraits of children currently in foster care in need of a home.

This year’s Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery was unveiled at HistoryMiami (formerly the Historical Museum of Southern Florida) located at 101C West Flagler Street in Miami.

This year’s gallery features 44 children, chosen from across the county, who were photographed by professional photographers. The photographs give the children well-deserved celebrity flair as The Children’s Trust searches to place them in loving, long-term homes.

“We are trying focus on those families who have thought about adopting, but just don’t realize it is not such a difficult process,” said Camacho. “It’s a much easier process here. These kids are from your own backyard and you might be able to identify with them better.”

Camacho has been helping children find safe and loving homes with the Miami Heart Gallery for the past three years, successfully turning single portraits into family portraits.

“A nearly fifty-percent adoption rate, which is huge,” said Sandra.

Robert McCammon, president and CEO of HistoryMiami said, “”We try to get a hundred percent, but that becomes unrealistic in a short period of time, but hopefully every one of these children will

be adopted.”

The exhibit will be on display here at HistoryMiami through July 2nd.

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June 18, 2010

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Cops: Cruise Worker Sent Crooks To Cruisers’ Homes Reporting Joan Murray WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) Ñ Imagine a little slice of paradise. Sitting on the deck of a cruise ship, margarita in hand, as you glide through the Caribbean.

Not a care in the world for a week, until you get home, and find while you were in paradise, burglars were in your home -sent there by someone working for the cruise line who knew exactly when you’d be gone. Now, your stuff is, too.

That’s what police in Palm Beach County say happened to at least 24 passengers of Miami based Royal Caribbean Cruise line.

It’s what they say two people -- one of them a cruise line employee -- did with a scheme to rip off cruisers while they were on the high seas.

Police say 38-year-old Bethsaida Sandoval, a vacation planner for Royal Caribbean with access to customer information, was arrested Thursday and charged with a host of burglary counts.

An arrest affidavit filed by investigators said Sandoval was seen on surveillance entering Royal Caribbean offices at about 1 a.m. several times in the past month, using her employee ID to get access to a computer where she would log in.

Police say they were told by Royal

Caribbean security that Sandoval had no reason to be in the building, or logged into a computer, at that time. A background check found what police called “a history of theft and forgery.”

When confronted by police, the arrest warrant states Sandoval admitted printing out the personal information of passengers who had worked with other vacation planners, which she took home and gave to her husband, who would go to the homes and burglarize them.

In some cases, she said, she used the Royal Caribbean computer system to organize lists of potential targets by geographical area and ship departure date.

Because Lopez and Sandoval knew when their victims would be in the middle of the ocean, it was a simple thing to strike when convenient.

“He would look to see if anyone was home, whether there were bars on the windows and suitable targets to come back to,” explained Detective Anthony Johnson of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office.

Maidel and Rayner Diaz are now putting the bars on their windows and installing security cameras. They hope one day they’ll be able to regain their sense of security after their home was burglarized while they were away cruising. “I mean they steal your peace of mind,” said Maidel Diaz. “In my case, I have a baby and a nine year-old. They took away basically her innocence because she has trouble sleeping at night she has to sleep with us.”

The Diaz family took a cruise with their relatives Victor and Yoandra Lopez. The Lopez family also found their home broken into and originally believed it was an insider with ties to the family. Now their surprised to find out the insider worked for Royal Caribbean.

“Thats why I’m shocked,” said Yoandra Lopez, who used to work for Royal Caribbean. “Because they have very good you know procedure. I mean that person had to have some kind of clearance.”

Sandoval said the burglaries had been taking place starting in November 2009.

Sandoval told police she served as the driver for many of the the burglaries, and was there as her husband loaded their vehicle with stolen TV’s, jewelry, and guns, which in many cases were taken back to Miami to be fenced.

According to the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office, Sandoval and her husband victimized 24 Royal Caribbean passengers in Palm Beach county. Sandoval and Lopez lived in Miami, and police say at least four people were burglarized in Miami-Dade and four in Broward county.

They believe all victims sailed from cruise ships leaving the Port of Miami or Port Everglades. Most were on the ships Majesty of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

John Lumsden of Boca Raton was one of those targets. CBS4 News spoke with him as he and his wife were about to set sail on a Royal Caribbean ship out of Miami

Friday. “I was unbelievably shocked. I think when I trust information to them, they should take better care of it. There should be systems in place that protect individuals against this sort of thing.”

Lumsden says he upgraded his security system, installed hurricane-proof windows and has made his home more burglar-proof.

Sandoval was booked into the Palm Beach jail Friday morning and ordered held on $70 thousand bond. Her boyfriend, Lopez, has been in the Broward County jail since June 1 on unrelated charges.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement Friday afternoon referring to Sandoval as a former employee, and said it had been working closely with police. They also say that they are re-examining their security policies.

“This is a situation involving a former employee who appears to have taken advantage of their position for personal gain,” the company said in it’s statement.

“We regret this incident occurred and hope it does not overshadow the excellent work our more than 40,000 Royal Caribbean employees do every day.”

CBS4’s Tiffani Helberg contributed to this report. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Gov. Crist: BP Spill Should Be A Wake Up Call Reporting J o h n MacLauchlan

Crist says he’s appreciative that President Obama will be back on the Gulf coast for the fourth time on Monday.

thousand feet of boom and has another 180 thousand feet of boom ready to go when it is needed.

SEAGROVE, Fla (CBS4) Ñ As President Barack Obama JOHN MACLAUCHLAN prepares to head back to the Gulf states on Monday to get a personal update what’s being done concerning the oil spill, Florida Governor Charlie Crist says state crews are doing everything they can to be ready for the worst.

“Whenever the President of the United States comes into an affected area, questions get answered more quickly, assets get deployed more rapidly and there is a greater focus and attention where it needs to be,” said Crist. “Right now that is the Gulf states. I think it is important that he continues to come down, that kind of focus only helps all of us.”

In addition to discussing readiness, Crist also said this spill should be a wake up call for America and its dependence on oil.

Speaking to Bob Schieffer on CBS’s “Face the Nation” for the shore of Seagrove on Sunday morning, Governor Charlie Crist said while the impact from the BP spill has been limited up to this point, he’s concerned about the future.

“I’m very concerned. Whenever you’re facing a situation like this, this is the largest single environmental catastrophe that’s faced our country,” said Crist.

“That’s why we’ve been working as hard as we can these past 55 days to do everything humanly possible to protect (our) beautiful beaches and the great people who live here and their businesses.”

The governor said as the spill continues to creep westward, they’ve deployed more than a thousands of yard of boom but will need more once they’ve determined where it will be most effective.

“We have a lot of boom but we’re going to need a lot more and skimmers as well. I just talked to (Coast Guard) Admiral Thad Allen yesterday evening requesting more skimmers for off the coast of Florida. We have some (oil) that is starting to encroach about three to four miles off Pensacola Beach, some of that thicker sludge if you will, and we’re very concerned about that. More skimmers will help us.”

Crist said the state already deployed 331

“We have to go to alternative energies like wind, solar, nuclear, other things that are more clean that don’t threaten our way of life and frankly here in Florida our economy,” said Crist. “In Florida, the environment and our economy are inextricably linked in this huge industry we call tourism.”

When asked about Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour’s call to end the current moratorium on offshore drilling because it was putting people out of work, Crist said he strongly disagreed with that position.

“We need this moratorium. If this spew in the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t tell us that we need to be more cautious and more careful about doing this in the future then I don’t know what else would. We don’t have these rigs off the Florida coast, we are suffering from the one off the Louisiana coast, and it troubles me greatly that’s occurring. That’s why I think this is the greatest wake up call ever that we

need to go to alternative fuel. We need to have cleaner fuel for our people. That will create greater independence and stop sending so much money to the Middle East.”

Gov. Crist also applauded the Obama administration’s demand that BP set up and pay into a special escrow fund, which would be administered by a third party, which would pay for damage claims.

“I think setting aside as much funds as possible in order to make sure that we can make our people as whole as possible is extremely important right now,” said Crist. “I’m not a scientist, my fellow governors aren’t, neither is the President so we don’t have the knowledge to plug the hole. But what we can do is focus on is making the people whole and their businesses throughout the Gulf states as much as we can. That really is mission one in addition to protecting our beaches with boom and skimmers.” (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Official Groundbreaking For Port Of Miami Tunnel Reporting Lisa Cilli MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ The Florida Department of Transportation held the official LISA CILLI groundbreaking Friday for one of the biggest road projects in South Florida: a $1 billion tunnel that will connect the Port of Miami to the MacArthur Causeway. The groundbreaking was held on Watson Island to mark the start of the tunnel project which officials want completed by 2014.

When completed, the tunnel will divert truck traffic off I-395 (MacArthur

Causeway) and into a tunnel heading to and from the Port of Miami in order to reduce traffic congestion in downtown Miami.

It’s going to take a boring machine 42-feet in diameter to dig the two tunnels under Biscayne Bay. Each of the twin tubes is to be 41-feet in diameter and about 3,900 feet long. They’ll also reach a depth of 120 feet below the water.

Governor Charlie Crist praised the start of construction of the Port of Miami Tunnel project. In a press release Crist said, “Construction of the Port of Miami Tunnel will help put Florida on the road to economic recovery by strengthening the Port as a long-term economic engine for the region. The Tunnel will help create jobs, ease congestion and improve safety

in the heart of Miami.”

As far as traffic impact, the project involves reconfiguring roads and widening the MacArthur Causeway, with a new lane planned for each direction.

In May, construction started on a frontage road parallel to the causeway and work began on the eastbound lanes to shift traffic there.

Around September, work is to begin in the median between the bridge’s eastbound and westbound lanes, which will serve as the main construction staging area.

Three lanes in each direction will remain open during peak traffic, but there will be some temporary lane closures during offpeak hours.

Project partners including the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), the Miami Access Tunnel (MAT) team, Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami attended Friday’s groundbreaking ceremony.

“The tunnel will become a reality thanks to all parties working together on this unique public-private partnership,” said FDOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos.

“After years of planning, the project will enhance port access and reduce congestion in downtown Miami caused by port traffic.” (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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NTSB Discourages Holding Kids In Lap On Planes With the summer travel season about to take off, the NTSB is urging parents to buckle up babies in their own seats on planes.

Hersman said, “The laws of physics don’t change for babies. They need to be restrained, too.”

NEW YORK (CBS4) Ñ If you’re planning a family trip on a plane, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a safety alert for you. They say you should make sure your baby has his or her own seat.

“Early Show” Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen explains that, under current rules, babies under the age of 2 can fly for free if they fit in their parents’ lap. But the NTSB says, that’s just not safe.

Koeppen said, “Board any plane and the rules are clear. All bags must be stowed for takeoff and landing. Seat belts must be buckled -- but not so when it comes to babies.”

Debbie Hersman, chairman of the NTSB, said, “Saying it’s OK to have lap-held child sends the wrong message to parents.

It’s not OK to have a lap-held child in an aircraft.”

The NTSB, along with the Association of Flight Attendants, has tried for years to convince the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines to require seats for all passengers including babies.

But many parents like the convenience of holding their children for free instead of buying a ticket.

Jan Brown, a former flight attendant, told CBS News, “It’s unconscionable that it’s allowed.”

Brown knows first-hand the deadly consequences of lap-held children. She was a member of the crew on United flight 232, which crashed during an emergency landing in Sioux City, Iowa.

More than 100 people died, including a 22-month-old lap baby. His mom, who was belted in, survived.

held children at risk. They can fly into the air and become projectiles.

Terra Converse was flying with her baby, Jake, on her lap, when she lost her grip during heavy turbulence.

is approved for use on an aircraft, and measure the width and make sure it is going to fit.”

Another option is a CARES harness.

Converse said, “That was so hard not being able to protect him.”

Koeppen said, “This goes around the seat and creates a five-point harness for kids who weigh 20 to 40 pounds.”

He flew out of her arms, and slammed into the overhead compartment.

But what about the airlines? Do they offer discounts for child seating?

Jake survived with minor injuries, but not all lap babies are so lucky.

Koeppen said airlines used to offer discounted fares for infants. However, it’s harder to find those discounts now. She suggested parents call the airline to see what they’re offering.

On its website, the FAA encourages parents to use child safety restraints, but says it’s not ready to make it a rule.

Debbie Hersman, chairman of the NTSB, said, “One thing we do know is that restraints save lives and that everyone needs to be restrained, especially our most vulnerable passengers and those are our children.”

The FAA says it fears if parents are required to buy tickets for their babies, they’ll opt to drive instead, which the FAA says is more dangerous than flying.

Brown said, “Not all the love in the world could hold a child under those conditions.

It’s like playing Russian roulette to put them on a lap.”

On “The Early Show,” Koeppen said there are options for parents who want to buckle up their kids on planes, such as a child safety seat.

Koeppen said safety experts also point to sudden turbulence, which also puts lap-

Koeppen said, “Make sure you check to see if it has a label on the side that says it

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$100M Budget Hole Could Lead To Layoffs In Miami next year’s budget. The budget is $100 million in the hole due to sinking property values and escalating union pensions.

City Manager Carlos Migoya said the books could be balanced if Miami laid off one-third of its workforce, or 1,128 employees. That proposal, one of many pitched Thursday, sparked intense debate among the five commissioners.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Every community in South Florida is facing enormous financial troubles and government officials have to start figuring out ways to make ends meet, especially in the City of Miami which is dealing with a massive $100 million budget shortfall which could mean serious layoffs.

City commissioners are considering changing laws and asking for the public’s help in a desperate attempt to balance

CBS4’s Michael Williams spoke to Commission Chairman Marc Sarnoff and Commissioner Francis Suarez on Friday and both stressed that Migoya’s proposal is only a “worst-case scenario” situation.

However, they’re expecting a long, tough summer because the real answer is going to have to be trying to get more concessions in terms of money and pension costs from the fire, police and municipal workers unions.

“They’re at the negotiating table now and

they’re going before a magistrate and they’re going to have to come up with numbers that equal $100 million dollars,” said Chairman Sarnoff. He said “all of the unions” are going to be affected and it’s not only going to mean pension reductions, “it’s probably going to require a new way of doing pensions.”

Last month, Migoya declared a state of “financial urgency’’ after getting nowhere in negotiations with the city’s powerful fire union. The city’s more than 600 firefighters are the highest paidemployees in Miami, making up most of the top 10 earners, with several making more than $300,000 a year in salary and benefits.

Those salaries have pushed the city’s pension payout to the brink. Though fire is one of four unions in Miami, it is the major player in what is expected to be a $101 million payout from the city’s general fund on Oct. 1. That means 20

cents of every dollar that comes from taxpayers goes directly to union pensions, and the declaration of “financial urgency’’ was aimed directly at the powerful fire union, according to CBS4 News partner The Miami Herald.

A special state magistrate will be appointed on June 28th and has three weeks to recommend concessions to rein in the salaries. If that fails, commissioners will make the final decision.

Commissioners must vote on a balanced budget by midnight Sept. 30.

CBS4’s Michael Williams contributed to this report. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Tips To Help You Stick To Your Shopping Budget Reporting Al Sunshine (CBS4) Ñ Whether it’s a trip to the mall or shopping online, most of us end up spending more than we originally planned.

It turns out that we might be our worst enemy when it comes to staying on a budget. There are common shopping pitfalls that we fall for, and we don’t even realize.

The mall can be filled with great sales, catchy displays, and irresistible promotions. One shopper said, “Before you come to the store you think, ‘This is what I want,’ and then you see something else and your whole budget gets out of control.”

Another shopper believes “The stores

draw you in, particularly if there is a sale, so you have a tendency to buy a lot of things that you really don’t need.”

The next pitfall is automatically defaulting to the middle priced version of a product.

So why does this happen so easily? It’s because some of your simplest shopping behaviors make you more likely to spend, and spend, and spend.

Take a coffee pot, for example. You might think the cheapest one will be too cheap, and that the top of the line is too much. The quick solution might be to pick the middle.

Babson College professor of Marketing Glenn Kelley says marketers are well of this, and get us to play into it.

One of the common pitfalls is known as the “Endowment Factor.”

Just picking up a blouse or trying on a pair of jeans can you lead you down this path. “There is clearly a psychology going on where if you go and try something on, or you’re in a store and you spend enough time with that product, you do start to feel entitled or a sense of ownership with that and you start to rationalize it pretty quickly,” explained Kelley.

Retailers, however, are wise to this. “A lot of times you will hear the lower priced product is just as good,” said Kelley. “Before you buy something, whether it’s an expensive item or not, ask, do some research.”

Another mistake is to fall for time sensitive deals.

Kelley said to be cautious around “The online sale that is only available for five hours, so you better get on this, you better buy it before it’s gone. I think that consumers should be leery of these tactics.”

Experts also say to be strategic with loyalty rewards.

Kelley admits you can get some deals, but says many times shoppers come out behind. “In many cases, these loyalty programs do in fact get people to spend more money, and they are buying more items.”

Finally, be aware of your mood when you shop.

It can definitely impact how you spend.

“There is a lot of research that when people are feeling down, or they are feeling blue, or a little depressed, shopping makes them feel better,” explained Kelley. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Gratigny Expressway Now Cash Free, SR-874 Is Next Reporting J o h n MacLauchlan N MIAMIDADE (CBS4) Ñ Drivers who use the JOHN MACLAUCHLAN G r a t i g n y Expressway better make sure their SunPasses are loaded.

On Monday State Road 924/Gratigny Expressway went “Open Road Tolling” meaning there are no longer any tollbooths that accept cash.

In addition to the toll booth change, there is also a change in the way drivers will be charged. According to the Miami-Dade Expressway Authority drivers will no longer have to pay the blanket $1 toll, instead they will be charged for the amount of highway they use. Drivers who use exit before the expressway ends will

now only pay 50 cents.

Demolition of the existing toll plazas is underway and will be completed within a few months. Drivers are urged to use the current SunPass only lanes located on the far left during the demolition process and proceed with caution through the toll plaza.

Drivers who don’t have a SunPass will receive a bill in the mail for the amount of tolls plus an additional processing fee.

early as next month.

Drivers on both expressways can anticipate a cashless commute by Saturday, July 17th. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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The Miami-Dade Expressway Authority is moving forward with plans to implement Open Road Tolling on all five expressways by 2013. (SR-836/ The Dolphin Expwy, SR-878/ The Snapper Creek Expwy, SR-874/ The Don Shula Expwy, SR-924/ The Gratigny Expwy, and SR-112/ The Airport Expwy.)

Overhead gantries will replace toll plazas on SR-878/ The Snapper Creek Expwy and SR-874/ The Don Shula Expwy as

Uncertainty Remains About State Of U.S. Economy Reporting Al Sunshine MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ If the e c o n o m i c numbers about the U.S. economy are getting to be more and more confusing, you’re not alone. Wall Street has erased most of the yearly gains; foreclosures are expected to increase; but at the same time, new home sales and construction is up.

Call it the summer slump for the economy.

Foreclosures are likely getting worse despite the Federal foreclosure prevention programs have had plenty of time to kickin. The problem is banks are still processing the paperwork and have not accelerated the pace of approvals.

On the other hand, new home sales and construction are picking up nationally. Just don’t tell that to anyone in South Florida.

There’s still a large inventory of unsold homes and condos in the area. However, prices around town for some prime properties are starting to firm up giving some hope to buyers and sellers.

One area that is generating a boom for South Florida is the tourism industry.

There are great deals for rooms from Fort Lauderdale to the Keys. However, if you are looking for cheap cruises, you may be out of luck. Cruise lines are firming up prices to improve their profitability.

For those of you looking to get out and about in the car, there’s more good news.

Gas prices are forecast to stabilize or even drop some more as crude oil is stabilized around $72 a barrel. Some gas stations around the area have prices around $2.50, except in the Keys and Miami Beach which have some of the highest prices in the state.

And despite the recent double-digit gains in auto sales, some local dealerships are going to be going out of business. Ford announced they were closing their

Mercury division later this year; meaning workers and sellers will be out of work and adding to the unstable unemployment picture across the country.

So there are still a lot of reasons why most of us may not be feeling much better about the overall recovery, and may still not be in the mood to spend much money on our Summer Vacations. But there are a few glimmers of light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully that light won’t turn into a freight train. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Oil Eating Microbes May Hold the Key To Cleanup Reporting Jim DeFede M A R AT H O N (CBS4) Ñ Jim Rhyne believes he has the answer to the oil spill in the Gulf: Microbes.

has been showing anyone who would watch a video produced by the state of Texas twenty years ago revealing how microbes can be used to fight oil spills.

The process, known as bioremediation, was used to help clean up a major tanker spill off the coast of Galveston in 1990. At the time Texas officials predicted this could revolutionize the way spills are cleaned up.

“Microbes have been around a long time and they’ve been used in situations like this before,” said Rhyne, a retired bond trader who moved to the Florida Keys in 1999.

“We’re on the verge of a major break through,” said Texas Land Commissioner Garry Mauro back in 1990.

Rhyne owns the Coconut Cay Resort in Marathon and for the past three years, he, along with a local scientist, have been cooking up their own special blend of microscopic organism.

But two decades later, Rhyne wonders why microbes aren’t being used more in the current Gulf disaster. He’s not alone. An article in the May 25th issue of Scientific American magazine notes that microbes -both natural and man made -- are what is needed to clean up the spill.

“We have microbes that are adept at eating sewage,” he said. “We have microbes that are adept at eating grease. and we have microbes that are adept at eating oil.”

Since the Deepwater Horizon spill, Rhyne

“We should have a couple of big boats out there, and a couple of bio reactors could be out there producing bugs -- and again they multiply every 20 minutes, so we can keep a steady stream of microbes going,” Rhyne

said. “As a plume of raw oil comes up to the surface we could just stand up there with a fire hose and just be shooting microbes into them. What have you done?

Well you’ve got supercharged microbes eating oil basically at the source. At that point all the oil coming up has microbes in it -- eating, eating, eating, eating.”

should be getting used right now up there in Louisiana,” he said, because the foam can be sprayed into the sensitive wetlands without trampling on them.

Any fears that the microbes could turn their attention to something other than oil is unfounded, Rhyne said. Once there is no more oil to eat, the microbes die.

“There is a lot of oil out there so we have to look at everything,” he said.

But now that the oil is making its way on shore, Rhyne has a plan to protect the coast line. He wants to set up a series of booms along up and down the keys to catch the oil.

“And any place that oil has ganged up against the boom we’d spray it with microbes, spray it with microbes,” he said.

He says special microbe foamers would be ideal for treating any oil that made its way into sensitive mangroves.

Monroe County Manager Roman Gastesi said he is open to any ideas at this point that would protect the Keys.

Rhyne admits that microbes do have their drawbacks. They only work on oil that reaches the surface of the Gulf. The cold water at deeper depths limits the effectiveness of the microbes.

“I would be a crazy man to say there is one solution to this problem,” he said. But he does think that microbes should be playing a larger role than they are today. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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“It is the product and the method that

BP Spill Worries Mount For Fishermen In The Keys Reporting M i c h a e l Williams MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ A rising tide of worry is affecting fishermen in the Florida Keys.

The catastrophic Gulf oil spill has not directly impacted their prime fishing grounds, but they feel it may only be a matter of time.

“Your blood starts to run cold,” said Inka Rodriguez, “and scared and has fear in it.”

She is part of a family-run fresh seafood restaurant near Key West, and she piloted around the harbor Wednesday with Adam Disson. He owns the commercial boat that supplies her fish catch.

Rodriguez said, “It is what feeds me, what takes me to the movies, what changes the tires on my car.”

As for Disson, he is spending thousands of

dollars on traps and boat repairs ahead of the commercial lobster season that begins August 1st. He worries fertile fishing grounds off the Dry Tortugas might be closed by the threat of spreading oil pollution, as briefly happened last week.

Disson told CBS4’s Michael Williams, “After we put all the investment in and spend the money, we (might not) recoup one dime and that will finish us off.”

More than 30 commercial fishermen huddled with lawyers near Key West Wednesday trying to navigate legal options. Longtime local attorney David Horan reminded them “there has been no oil in the Florida Keys.”

That is true, but perceptions are hurting the charter fishing business for skippers like Chip Veach. He said, “It is going to put people out of business. We get calls every week (asking) should we come? Are you going to be able to catch any fish?”

The answer, for now anyway, is yes, say charter captains. But it’s a message they must fight to have heard.

Fishermen are warned not to take any settlements that might be dangled in front of them by representatives for British Petroleum, if it means giving up the right to file future claims. Horan told his audience, “Before you sign anything and take one penny, get good legal advice.”

beneath the sea, at an oil spill for which the ultimate impact will not be realized for years -- indeed decades to come. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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A fishing community that has spent a lifetime looking for the next big catch now peers anxiously over the horizon, and

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Dipping Gas Prices May Increase With Crude Costs

JOHN MACLAUCHLAN

Miami-Dade Av e r a g i n g $2.73/Gallon Unleaded B r o w a r d Av e r a g i n g $2.69/Gallon Unleaded Reporting J o h

n

MacLauchlan ORLANDO (CBS4) Ñ Prices at the gas pump have been falling as we head into the early parts of Summer but that could soon change as the demand for crude increases.

In the last month, the price for regular unleaded in the state has fallen about a quarter to an average of $2.65 a gallon; that’s down from $2.88 a month ago, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report.

Last year at this time, the price for unleaded regular was averaging $2.65 a gallon.

In Miami-Dade drivers are paying a bit more than the state average. Unleaded regular is averaging $2.73 a gallon; down up about 20 cents from a month ago when prices averaged about $2.93 a gallon. A year ago, the price of unleaded regular was same at $2.73 a gallon.

In Ft. Lauderdale drivers are paying about $2.69 for a gallon of regular unleaded compared to about $2.91 a month ago; a year ago regular unleaded averaged $2.72 a gallon.

But those falling prices may not last too much longer as the price of crude worldwide edges up again based on a number of factors.

According to AAA, in the last week the price of crude rose after economic reports out of China showed exports grew more than expected in May. Japan and Australia also reported economic gains. Word that the European Central Bank is expected to give aid to Europe’s current financial crisis helped boost the value of the euro, increasing crude’s appeal as an

investment.

“The growth and strength, or lack thereof, in global economies is going to influence the price of crude significantly during the next few weeks as investors will look for any news the global recovery is still on track,” said Jessica Brady, manager, AAA Public Relations. “Consumers can expect to see average retail gasoline prices increase this week in response the $2.27 increase in the price of crude oil.”

The most expensive area in the state to fill up is West Palm Beach were regular unleaded is averaging $2.75 a gallon.

Tampa and Orlando gas stations have some of the cheapest prices in the state, unleaded regular is averaging $2.57 a gallon. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Florida City Families Get Home Energy Makeovers Reporting Lisa Cilli FLORIDA CITY (CBS4) Ñ Dozens of Florida City families will be LISA CILLI paying less for their power, just in time for the sweltering hot summer, thanks to home energy makeovers from Florida Power & Light.

On Wednesday FPL home energy makeover teams installed energy-efficient upgrades in the homes of 50 families which will help them save money and lessen their impact on the environment by reducing their energy usage.

“People hate to pay for power, it’s very expensive and this is a very easy way to give them more disposable income,” said Florida City’s Mayor Otis T. Wallace.

The objective of the home makeovers was to help the homeowners shave nearly 25 percent off their annual FPL bills through energy efficient products and some simple tips like turning up the thermostat before leaving the house.

“If nobody’s home we recommend you set it to 82 degrees. 78 degrees when you’re home, 82 degrees when you are not home,” said FPL’s Harrell Henton.

Another tip is to run a fan while the air conditioner is on.

“It actually brings the temperature down two degrees so that the air conditioner doesn’t need to work as hard,” said Carmel Parker.

“By working with FPL and other organizations, we’re helping provide the residents of our growing community with access to tools and information that can save them money and have a positive impact on their daily lives,” said Wallace who participated in several of the home energy makeovers as a member of one of the teams of volunteers.

Many of the homeowners who participated were senior citizens living on

fixed incomes who were pre-qualified through an application process.

The FPL energy experts repaired airconditioning ducts, installed new lifetime A/C filters, new insulation, compact fluorescent light bulbs, water-saving showerheads and faucets, weatherstripping and inserted refrigerator and freezer thermometers.

“Because of all of our programs like Energy Makeover, we have not had to build eleven new power plants,” said FPL’s Paula Henderson. “All you have to do is call FPL and schedule a home energy survey and we will be happy to come out and work with you. We will go over your bill and reasons why it might be high and it’s free.”

Customers who want to learn more about smarter, cleaner energy choices can visit FPL’s Energy Savings Toolkit section at www.FPL.com and take FPL’s free, online Home Energy Survey.

“FPL is proud to partner with local communities to help residents learn about how they can live more efficiently and environmentally friendly,” said Ramon Ferrer, FPL area manager for southern Miami-Dade County. “We’re committed to helping our customers, especially those on limited or fixed incomes, learn about energy efficiency. The upgrades installed by our talented volunteer teams today are just a few of the simple things that families can do to reduce both their carbon footprint and their monthly expenses.”

Since the program’s inception in 2006, FPL’s Home Energy Makeover initiative has helped educate communities in the counties of St. Lucie, Miami-Dade, Sarasota, Broward, Brevard, Flagler, Lee and Palm Beach about energy efficiency.

In total, the program has directly assisted more than 500 Florida families by upgrading approximately 50 homes at a time during each event, saving customers thousands of dollars on utility costs. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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State Launches Hotline Over Seafood Concerns TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) ÑIn an effort to separate fact from fiction when it comes which fish are safe to eat if they were caught in the Gulf of Mexico, the state has launched a new hotline with the scoop on Florida seafood.

The hotline (800) 357-4273 will not only provide the latest on Florida’s open and closed fishing areas but also the availability of seafood varieties and general pricing information.

“Because of the extensive news media coverage of the Gulf situation, many consumers are confused about whether Florida seafood is being harvested and if it is available in stores and restaurants,” Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson said in a written statement.

“We want consumers to know that Florida’s commercial fishermen continue to harvest wholesome seafood products from the waters that are unaffected by the oil spill. Florida seafood is safe and plentiful.”

Bronson added that it was important to

remember that in addition to the Gulf waters Florida’s fishermen also ply the Atlantic for their catch.

“The Florida peninsula has more than 1,300 miles of coastline, and our commercial fishermen continue to work hard to bring in their catch,” Bronson said.

“We want consumers to know that they can buy Florida seafood with confidence.”

If things change and the Gulf waters used by commercial fisherman show signs of oil contamination, Bronson said the state is ready to act.

“If and when the quality of Florida seafood is impacted by the spill, we will take immediate action to close the waters to commercial seafood harvesting,” Bronson said. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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• Tracking Map • Emergency Phone Numbers • Safety Information • Important Articles

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Colorado Researcher Ups Ante For in the potential development of Hurricane Season ingredient storms in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico.

Gray said storms that hit the Gulf could help or hurt efforts to keep oil away from the coast, depending on the course the storms take and how soon the flow of oil is stopped. If a storm develops to the west of the spill, the storm’s counterclockwise rotation could drive the oil to beaches to the north, Gray said. However, he added that if a storm were to develop to the east it could help drive oil away from the coast.

Fort Collins, CO (CBS4) Ñ Noted Colorado hurricane researcher William Gray and his forecasters at Colorado State University have increased their prediction for the number of storms we’ll this season.

CSU researchers are now calling for 18 named storms to develop in the Atlantic, ten of which will become hurricanes. Of the hurricanes, five are expected to be major and there’s an above-average probability of one of those major storm, with sustained winds of at least 111 mph, hitting land in the United States or Caribbean.

In April CSU researchers predicted 15 named storms, including eight hurricanes, because of much warmer tropical Atlantic surface temperatures and cooling Pacific conditions.

Storms could also churn up the water, causing the oil to sink below the surface and the spill to disperse, spreading its damage along a wider swath.

According to Gray and his colleagues, there’s a 51 percent chance of a major hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast, which is greater than the long-term average of 30 percent.

Gray said there have been some similarities between the lead-up to this hurricane season and other big hurricane years, including 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit. (© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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Last week NOAA released its outlook for the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season and forecast 14-23 named storms, 8-14 of which could become hurricanes. Of those storms which will become hurricanes, 3-7 could become major hurricanes.

NOAA’s Jane Lubchenco said there were multiple factors that led them to the extremely active forecast. First, the El Niño that protected the Atlantic coast last year is gone and a La Niña could be developing. This would make wind shear more favorable for the development of storms in the Atlantic.

Second, water temperatures in the Atlantic are up by as much as four degrees compared to the same period last year.

Warm water temperatures are a key

Here We Go Again, 2010 Hurricane Season Begins Reporting John MacLauchlan MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ It’s June 1st and that means it’s the official start of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season.

lets go back to the main point-- it only takes one storm,” said Florida’s Dept. of Emergency Management Director Dave Halstead.

Meteorologists have said that this season could be the busiest since 2005, when Katrina and Rita caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast.

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.

Last week the NOAA predicted that we could see 14-23 named storms, 8-14 of which could become hurricanes. Of those storms that become hurricanes, 3-7 could become major hurricanes. The first named storm of the 2010 season will be Alex. The busiest part of hurricane season is typically in August and September and ends on November 30th.

There were three hurricanes during the 2009 Atlantic season, none of which came ashore in the United States.

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.

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. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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“Andrew was one storm, one storm in a slow season, were being told its a very busy season,

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Politicos & Feds Meet On Hurricane Preps A t l a n t i c Hurricane Season Is June 1 - Nov. 30

This season could be the busiest since 2005, when Katrina and Rita caused massive destruction along the Gulf Coast and Wilma swept over South Florida.

Reporting J o h n MacLauchlan

“The demise of El Nino which has created unfavorable sheer for the development of hurricanes and the other reason is a very large area of warm sea surface temperatures,” said NOAA’s Dr Robert Atlas.

JOHN MACLAUCHLAN

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Putting politics aside a number of South Florida politicians gathered on the first day of the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane Season to stress the importance of being ready in case a hurricane strikes.

U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ted Deutch, Ron Klein, Kendrick Meek and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen joined Ed Rappaport (Deputy Director of the National Hurricane Center), Rear Admiral William Baumgartner (Commander of the 7th Coast Guard District) along with emergency management officials at the Coast Guard station in Miami to discuss the combined role that federal and local officials have before, during and after a hurricane.

Last week the NOAA predicted that we could see 14-23 named storms, 8-14 of which could become hurricanes. Of those storms that become hurricanes, 3-7 could become major hurricanes. The first named storm of the 2010 season will be Alex.

The group also discussed the lackadaisical attitude most South Floridians have when it comes to personal storm preparations since the southern part of the state has been threatened with any major storms in the last five years.

In addition to preparing a supply kit with enough food and water to last at a minimum of three days, now is also the

time to check your homeowner’s insurance coverage and flood insurance.

have taken time to plan and prepare, so should Florida families and businesses.

Now is also the time to locate the safest place in the home, away from windows if possible. If your area is prone to flooding or near the coast you may be forced to evacuate so it would be wise to locate the nearest shelter if you plan to stay in the area and ride out a storm.

“I urge every Floridian to put together a plan and a disaster kit with food, water and medications. Experts are forecasting an active season, and it is essential that the people of Florida take steps now to prepare, before a storm strikes. While we pray for a quiet hurricane season, there is always a very real possibility a storm will come our way, and preparation is the key to survival.”

“We as a county and all of our cities are unable, between the two counties, to support almost 4 million people with out the assistance of the public. That means to be prepared for 3 days, 72 hours, with food, water and supplies,” said Broward Emergency Management Director Chuck Lanza.

Gov. Charlie Crist’s office released a statement which echoed the gathering’s concerns.

“As we mark the beginning of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season today, Florida’s emergency managers and first responders are prepared to take action should a storm make its way to our shores. Just as they

During the gathering the Coast Guard also had on display its new state of the art HC144A Ocean Sentry aircraft which is capable of conducting pre-hurricane assessments of Florida’s coastline in advance of a storm and broadcasting emergency hurricane warnings to vessels at sea. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

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Miami Chinese Drywall Trial Underway evidence, when Banner Supply notified its Chinese supplier about the complaints, the supplier replaced the distributor’s inventory of Chinese-made drywall with American-made drywall. In return, Banner Supply allegedly signed a confidentiality agreement not say anything about it to the government or its customers.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Opening statements got underway Tuesday, June 8th in the Miami trial of a building supply company accused of knowingly selling hazardous Chinese drywall.

An attorney for Armin and Linda Seifart gave the first opening statement claiming Banner Supply knew about problems concerning the Chinese drywall but didn’t notify its customers, homeowners or the government.

According to documents entered into

The Chinese made drywall in question has been found by state and federal agencies to emit “volatile sulfur compounds.” Researchers also found traces of strontium sulfide, which can produce a rotten-egg odor, along with organic compounds not found in American-made drywall. Homeowners complain the fumes have corroded copper pipes, destroyed TVs and air conditioners, blackened jewelry and silverware.

Some homeowners believe it also has caused health problems, such as upper respiratory problems, irritated eyes and bloody noses. Health implications from the degradation are still being

investigated.

An analysis of shipping records found that more than 500 million pounds of Chinese gypsum board was imported between 2004 and 2008, enough to have built tens of thousands of homes.

(© MMX CBS Television Stations. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald contributed material for this report) NEWS POWERED BY

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received more than 33 hundred homeowner complaints from 32 states including Florida, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, in one of its largest consumer product investigations in U.S. history.

Last month, Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Joseph Farina approved class-action status for lawsuit involving as many as 152 families from three Homestead neighborhoods who had Chinese drywall installed in new homes and after hurricanes in 2004 and 2005.

The suit targets homebuilder South Kendall Construction Corp., Palm Isles Holdings, Keys Gate Realty and Banner Supply.

New Lease On Life For Failed Condo Conversions Reporting David Sutta M I A M I B E A C H (CBS4) Ñ It appears real estate investors have a new competitor in the condo market. The city of Miami Beach. The city is now purchasing entire buildings and turning them into affordable housing.

And wait to you hear how cheap they plan to rent the luxury units.

In real estate the say the most important thing is location. A block off of Lincoln Road the City of Miami Beach has found that. A few years ago the Neptune hotel was crumbling. The tenants were forced out by code enforcement. A developer refurbished the building and marketed the building starting at $199,000 a unit.

But the then the economy went bust.

Last week Miami Beach’s affordable housing arm, the Miami Beach Community Development Corporation, bought the building from the bank for $162,000 a unit.

“These are $250,000 dollar apartments five years from now... No question.” Peter Zalewski of Condo Vultures told CBS4’s David Sutta. Zalewski handles bulk deals often and says Miami Beach’s deal was not only a a steal and a first... A city outbidding the private sector in a bulk deal.

Zalewski told Sutta, “It’s a very shrewd entrepreneurial move from a municipality.

Most people complain about the municipality wasting money, not doing the right thing. This is a very very very shrewd move that caught everyone’s attention in the industry.”

Miami Beach is using federal and state dollars to buy up foreclosures. They believe they are spending the money

faster than any other city in Florida.

“We have a contract to buy another building in North Beach. And we hope that as long as the money is available that we can take advantage.” said Roberto Datorre, President of Miami Beach Community Development Corporation.

Datorre is excited with the deals he’s getting. “Here on the beach, please. Two years ago, they wouldn’t have dreamed us to be able to buy this building.”

Miami Beach’s plan for Neptune Beach Condos, and the other buildings is affordable housing. Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrara Bower told us they started this initiative 30 years ago and appear to have perfected it.

“For the city to be kept attractive we need all kinds of economic diversity,” Bower said. When asked if this is how you do that she responded, “It’s the simplest way.”

So just how affordable is it? Sutta asked Datrorre if you wanted to rent this right now who much would it cost? He told us “Right now in this area, probably $1200.”

And he’s renting it for? “We are renting it for $550-$650.” $550 for a condo a stone’s throw away from Lincoln Road. If you are interested in this the city plans to start accepting application in the next two weeks. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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New Affordable Housing For Miami Beach Elderly the City of Miami Beach who was instrumental in the development of the project. Chaykin died in an accident in 2008. Family members from across the county flew into South Florida to attend Monday’s groundbreaking.

The building was designed by local architect Roney J. Mateu, AIA to address the needs of elderly and disabled residents.

All of the units are ADA accessible and all are one-bedroom units.

MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) Ñ For the first time in more than three decades the Housing Authority of the City of Miami Beach will begin construction on an affordable housing project for seniors in need.

The Steven E. Chaykin Apartments, located at 321-327 Michigan Avenue in Miami Beach, will provide 30 units of affordable housing for elderly disabled persons.

The development is named after the Chairperson of the Housing Authority of

While this may be the first affordable housing project backed by the HACMB since 1979, it is not the only one for seniors.

In the last few years, the City of Miami Beach has funded and Miami Beach Community Development Corporation has developed hundreds of units of affordable housing in the city especially for seniors. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

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Managing Male Menopause With Testosterone Reporting Cynthia Demos C O R A L G A B L E S (CBS4) Ñ Men -- if you’re not feeling like yourself, you’re sluggish and gaining weight and ladies if you notice your man is depressed or has lost an interest in sex it might be the result of low testosterone. But there is a solution if you meet certain requirements.

Patrick Calvares, 60, is feeling better since he began testosterone replacement therapy.

His urologist Dr. Paul Perito with Coral Gables Hospital diagnosed him with hypogonadism or low testosterone.

“It’s extremely common once you’re over the age of 40,” explained Dr. Perito.

It’s common but often misdiagnosed. So knowing the symptoms can help men

determine if this therapy might be an option for them.

“The symptoms include depressed mood, decreased desire, decreased muscle mass, increased fat content. Probably the most misdiagnosed process is when they say that a male is depressed when really he has low T,” said Dr. Perito.

“You have better appetite, better digestion, your sleep is better. You want to do more activity. Your sex drive is fabulous this is an advantage of it the same as if you are 30 or 40,” explained Clavares.

According to Dr. Perito, over 40-percent of the male population could enjoy the same benefits.

Low testosterone can be improved by replacing the hormone through a number of modalities including injections and topical creams.

“If you’re not being treated with testosterone replacement therapy when it is applicable then you’re missing the boat,” Dr. Perito said.

But there are side effects that can’t be ignored such as worsening of male baldness, increase in sleep apnea and increase in red blood cell count which could lead to stroke.

Studies have shown low testosterone can also have a negative effect on cognition, muscle mass and bone health. Dr. Perito said a new long-term injection that will last up to 6 months will be coming out next year.

Men with uncontrolled hypertension and metastatic prostate cancer would not be a candidate for this therapy.

Since Patrick started taking it his lifestyle has improved. He’s feeling stronger and exercising regularly.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Experts Warn Of Surgical Fire Dangers breathing tube in her mouth.

There are about 600 surgical fires in operating rooms every year, and most are related to oxygen.

PHILADELPHIA (CBS4) Ñ Talk about a surgical crisis. Fire breaks out during an operation.

“I’m a burn victim,” said Connie Plumlee, a breast cancer patient who was burnt during breast reconstruction surgery.

“We all breathe oxygen every day, but we need to give more when people are anesthetized and sedated. As you increase the concentration of oxygen, the risk of fire goes up,” said Dr. Jeffrey Feldman, Chief of Anesthesiology at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He says surgical fires are rare, and CHOP has adopted several new measures to reduce the risk even more.

“The problem is you’re delivering 100 percent oxygen. It spills out onto the surgical field, gets under the drapes, increases the concentration of oxygen raises the risk of fire,” said Dr. Feldman.

“This whole side. Down this arm really severe burns. All underneath. All down the torso on right side,” said Connie.

Fire is ignited accidentally with heat from surgical instruments.

The fire spread to the surgical draping that was covering Connie, and even melted the

The ECRI Institute in Plymouth Meeting is world renowned for researching surgical

fires. Two years ago, they demonstrated what can happen for Eyewitness News.

Since our first report, there are new fire prevention guidelines from the Institute.

Many hospitals have adopted all to make sure that this never happens, including things like reducing oxygen concentrations and separating ignition sources. Plus fire warning signs posted in each operating room at CHOP. And before each operation, there’s a time out to review fire prevention measures.

The ECRI Institute and a CHOP team helped put together a teaching demo from the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation to help medical teams prevent and control surgical fires.

“Horrifying. I would not wish this on my worst enemy,” said Cathy Lake, whose mom was burned during a surgical fire, and died.

“She wanted people to know that this can happen and to try and help prevent it,” said Cathy.

Honoring one of her mom’s last requests, Cathy created a Web site to raise awareness about surgical fires.

Most of the injuries are to the head and neck, which is where the oxygen is administered. Most of these fires are caused by oxygen, but alcohol used during surgery can also start a fire. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Kids With Chronic Sinusitis Can Get Relief Six months ago, Perri had a balloon sinuplasty to get relief. A recent study finds it can be a safe and effective way to treat children.

Under general anesthesia, a small flexible catheter is inserted into the nose.

A balloon is inflated to open the sinus so it has an outlet to drain and keeps it that way permanantly.

(CBS4) ÑMillions of adults and children suffer from chronic sinus disease. Now new research finds that a minimally invasive surgery is a safe and effective way to treat kids who suffer.

“It does appear that the sinuses stayed open, and the children had a 90-percent improvement,” explained Dr. Lisa Liberatore.

Constant sinus infections would stop Perri Konecky in her tracks.

Twenty-million people suffer from chronic sinus disease that can get even worse during allergy season. But treating severe cases in children with surgery can be tough.

“I was having A runny nose and my throat was hurting me and I was getting a lot of pressure right in here and bad headaches,” said Perri Konecky.

“When we think of children, we’re particularly concerned because their facial bones are still growing,” said Dr. Liberatore.

Konecky, 18-years old, had chronic sinusitis. Getting relief was difficult.

A study of 32 children as young as 2 years old shows this minimally invasive procedure can help them breathe easier.

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Lymph Node Removal In Cancer Patients Studied “Arm swelling, numbness, tingling, inability to use their arm normally as they did before,” Dr. Thomas Julian, of Allegheny General Hospital, said.

A five-year study headquartered at Allegheny General Hospital looked at more than 5,000 breast cancer patients. Some of them had the traditional removal of all their nodes known as axillary dissection. Others had sentinel resection where only the sentinel or first few lymph nodes were removed.

When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, doctors aren’t just worried about the disease in her breast, but also whether the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes, which are located under the arm, CBS station KDKA-TV reports.

In the past, doctors have often removed them all, but there were side effects.

“The results are great,” Dr. Julian said. “It showed that women who had only the sentinel lymph nodes removed that was negative had the same overall survival and disease-free survival as women who had the sentinel lymph node removed along with an axillary dissection.”

Not only that, but doctors also found the

women who had only a few lymph nodes removed had a better quality of life after surgery while those with the traditional procedure had two or three times more arm problems.

They believe the less-invasive surgery will become the standard of care.

“It will mean that women can feel very secure in knowing that only a few lymph nodes need to be removed when they go to have their breast cancer operated on,” Dr. Julian explained.

This is the first long-term comparison of the two methods’ effect on breast cancer survival.

The Allegheny General researchers presented their results at the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

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Hula Hooping Comes Back Around For Fitness Buffs Reporting Cynthia Demos

“All your core muscles are engaged,” said Allen. “You’re bending your knees so you’re engaging your leg muscles, you’re moving your shoulders and arms, you’re engaging really your whole body.”

therefore moving longer. You get a better workout,” she explained.

Tomei credits hooping for getting her into great shape. She will soon release a series of “HoopBody” fitness DVDs, available online.

gym.

To get the workout you first need to find the right equipment. The hoops used in fitness classes are no child’s play. Adult hoops are heavier and larger in diameter than your standard plastic “Wham-o.”

The light plastic toy has come full circle, from fifties fad to fitness friend. Hoop fans say it shrinks your waist, melts away pounds, and gets your heart rate up.

Allen makes her hoops using black irrigation tubing wrapped in gaffer’s tape; The polyethlene tubing is heavier and the tape creates friction.

Jessica Allen teaches hoop. The 24-yearold says the gentle, low impact exercise is surprisingly effective.

“For all those reasons, it’s easier to keep the hoop going around your body so you’re able to hoop for longer and

(CBS4) ÑWhat comes around goes around and now, hula hoops are back in style, but this time in the

Even Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei is now in the loop.

Hoop experts claim you can burn as much as 600 calories an hour. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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New Hip Replacement Surgery Speeds Recovery Reporting Erika von Tiehl W E S T O N (CBS4) Ñ For thousands of Americans, years and years of wear will force them to look at having hip replacement surgery.

In the past, the procedure has been invasive and the recovery time has been lengthy, but local doctors are trying a new approach to get people up and walking again.

“I would say a good three years of intensive pain,” 62-year-old Antonio Bellon said of the pain caused by the pain in his left hip. Even simple tasks like sitting at his computer became uncomfortable and kept him from the things he loves.

“We used to go out boating once or twice a month and when the pain really got bad; we actually stopped boating for about a year,” Bellon said.

After exhausting all other options, Bellon

decided surgery was the best option. He turned to the Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Preetesh Patel.

“You can see that there’s minimal space between the ball and socket and that means the cartilage has degenerated and that’s what we call arthritis,” Patel said.

Patel decided to use a new procedure called direct anterior minimally invasive hip surgery. “In traditional hip surgery we either approach the hip from the side or from the back otherwise known as posterior hip surgery and both of those procedures require cutting of muscles or tendons,” Patel said.

By using this approach, Dr. Patel said there is no cutting of the muscle and tendons, which equates to patients experiencing less pain, using less medication, and having a quicker recovery time.

“Patients are in the hospital sometimes only one day typically two days they require a walker or cane for only 4 to 7 days and they can return to work as soon as 2 to 3 weeks post operatively,” Patel said.

And as an added bonus for patients, the new porcelain ball and socket prosthesis could last 20 years or longer. Combine all of that and you can see why Bellon highly recommends the procedure.

“If you qualify for the anterior approach, by all means do it,” Bellon said. “I’m doing things now that I thought I would never do again.”

arthritis. However, the procedure can’t be performed on patients who are overweight. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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Dr. Patel said the surgery takes a little longer and works on most anyone with

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June 18, 2010

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Enjoy Quidditch & Butterbeer At ‘Wizarding World’

Grand Opening Of Harry Potter Theme Park At Universal Studios Orlando Is June 18th ORLANDO (CBS) Ñ Wizards and witches young and old will soon be able to experience the The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Orlando beginning June 18th.

Until now, Harry Potter fans could merely imagine the sensation of quaffing a butterbeer, finding a magic wand at Ollivander’s or escaping the steam from a snarling dragon’s snout. But finally, 13 years after the first of seven books began chronicling the boy wizard’s adventures, imagination has become reality at Universal Orlando.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a mini-park inside Universal’s Islands of Adventure theme park, opens for general admission June 18, but The Associated Press got a sneak peek at what has become the most highly anticipated theme-park attraction in years.

Past a stone archway and the steambelching Hogwarts Express, the fictitious city of Hogsmeade unfolds amid snowcapped, dingy rooftops and storefronts packed like row houses with shops straight from the books and movies.

Zonko’s joke shop offers Sneakoscopes and extendable ears. The confectionary Honeydukes has chocolate frogs and Bertie Bott’s Every-Flavour Beans (literally ranging from pear to fish). At the Owl Post, guests can stamp mail with a genuine Hogsmeade postmark.

Towering over it all is Hogwarts, a perfect reproduction of the imposing, manyspired castle where Harry and his

magician friends are students.

coasters repurposed with Potter themes.

“Once we locked in and knew what we were doing - what we thought would be the most iconographic moments of the fiction to bring to life - it became a matter of executing at a level of authenticity and detail that was going to be unquestionable,” said Mark Woodbury, head of Universal Creative.

There’s no additional admission for Wizarding World once you pay to enter Islands of Adventure. But guests who come from long distances just to see it may be disappointed that there’s also not much to do beyond the three rides other than soaking up the scenery and going shopping - although long lines for the attractions could easily keep them in the mini-park for hours.

Park construction was overseen by the production manager from the Potter movies, and as Warner Bros. filmed the series’ sixth movie, “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” scenes were shot for the park’s crown jewel, a ride called Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.

The cutting-edge ride seamlessly combines the sensation of flight with tactile experiences like smoke and drops of water as it takes guests through a hodgepodge of encounters in Potter’s chaotic life, from the Quidditch field to the mouths of giant spiders and dragons.

The ride queue stars lifelike projections of film characters like Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore.

Potter author J.K. Rowling is a stickler for details, and Universal worked hard to get her OK. So many recipes were offered to find the perfect look, texture and taste for the heretofore fictitious butterbeer that Woodbury lost count.

“We had to package up all the ingredients and rent a hotel kitchen in Scotland so that we could put it all together,” he said.

The result? A tasty, thickheaded (and nonalcoholic) brew reminiscent of cream soda, which has proven wildly popular with the fans who bought special tickets to preview the Potter park ahead of the June 18 public opening.

Like Wizarding World employees, many of these avid Potterphiles dressed in robes and wizard hats, giving the place the slightly geeky feel of a “Star Wars” convention.

Besides the Forbidden Journey, The Wizarding World has just two other rides: Flight of the Hippogriff and Dragon Challenge, both of which are older roller

The shopping opportunities are so extensive - from broomsticks ($250 to $300) to magic wands ($28.95) and Gryffindor scarves ($34.95) - that it feels at times like the whole park is for sale.

The Wizarding World is an ambitious bet for Universal, which is co-owned by a division of NBC Universal and private equity firm Blackstone. Contract details buried in Securities and Exchange Commission filings reveal how badly Universal wanted a piece of the franchise, which it describes as the most financially successful in film history. The contract gives Universal the rights to operate the park for nine years, with two additional five-year options. But the rights can be pulled if Universal fails to maintain minimum quality standards, doesn’t invest enough capital or sells controlling interests.

Universal has poured cash into the park the past few years, sinking up to $380 million in the Potter park and two other attractions - a ride themed on The Simpsons and a roller coaster on which guests choose their own soundtrack. The Potter section of Islands of Adventure alone reportedly costing more than $250 million.

Twitter was filled this week with rave reviews of what was being referred to in tweets as “wwohp.” One fan who got access to the soft opening said it was the “best park experience” he’d had in a long time; another said Forbidden Journey was so good she cried. “Thumbs up” to butterbeer and pumpkin juice, tweeted another.

“It was truly amazing, they brought the books to life,” said Jacki Lenners of

Flagstaff, Ariz., who attended an early preview of the park last month. (© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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‘Spare Pear’ Flats Combine Style With Comfort Reporting Lisa Petrillo (CBS4) Ñ If you’re a true fashionista and don’t want to give up style for comfort, you may find your perfect pair of shoes in a new line of footwear.

Two best friends got sick of their stilettos but didn’t want to wear sneakers to the office. The trendy duo designed Spare Pear ballet flats, allowing women to be comfortable and stylish at the same time.

Spare Pear slippers are cute and comfy and designed to give your feet a break from stilettos or other uncomfortable footwear. They can be used during a

45

CBS’ Maggie Rodriguez Gives Birth To Second Child at 6:20 pm, weighing seven pounds, one ounce. He’s doing very well.

commute or long walk, running through the airport or anywhere you need to give your feet a rest.

“It was love at first sight! Daddy Mike, big sister Daniella and I feel blessed to have such a special addition to our family.”

Spare Pear slippers come in three colors, black, pink, and silver. Other colors will be available soon. The flats roll up into a cute tiny pouch and are portable enough for any purse or clutch.

Daniella is five.

Each pair costs $22.50.

For more information or to get a pair, visit www.sparepear.com.

She & Her Husband Have A 5-Year Old Daughter

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

NEW YORK (CBS4) Ñ South Florida’s Maggie Rodriguez, co-anchor of CBS’ “The Early Show” and former CBS4 anchor has given birth to her second child.

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June 18, 2010

In an e-mail, the proud mom said, “I wanted to tell you that Michael Tobin Rodriguez Jr. was born today (June 13)

It was only Friday when The Early Show” had a baby shower for Maggie on her last day before beginning maternity leave.

Rodriguez and other expectant mothers discussed pregnancy issues on numerous segments on “The Early Show” over the past few months. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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June 18, 2010

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Commentary: The New World Of College Football Reporting Jason Parker MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ You know, now I realized why I never JASON PARKER liked the N e b r a s k a Cornhuskers.

True, they were never a natural rival of my FSU Seminoles (since we beat them in a big bowl every time like they were muffin mix), but there was something about them that I could never stand. Now, I have a perfect reason: They have officially brought about the end of college football.

Now, it might be a tad harsh to solely put that on the shoulders of one program, but I think it’s pretty close. With the decision to move from the Big 12 conference to the Big 10 (or now…the new Big 12 maybe…) conference, the Cornhuskers and their Board of Regents have pulled the pin out of the realignment grenade that is going to take several conferences out, and possibly signal the end of the NCAA, the bowl system as we know it, and lead to an ego battle between the big conferences.

Don’t think it’s that big of a deal? Here is the way everything could possibly shake out; see if you can keep up.

The New Mega Conferences: Big 10 Conference Current Members: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan State, Michigan, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin New Members: Nebraska (Big XII) Why the moves: It may only add one school when it’s all said and done, but this one move is what brings everything else into motion. The history of Nebraska football joining this conference could make it the most tradition rich conference in all of college football Pac 10 Conference Current Members: Arizona, Arizona State, Cal, Oregon, Oregon State, USC, Stanford, UCLA, Washington, Washington State New Members: Colorado, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech (Big XII)

Why the moves: Larry Scott, the new commissioner of the conference, has done all he can to make this the cream of the crop. Expanding to Middle America and getting the Texas and Denver media markets is a great start. With rumors swirling of no conference championship game and the conference getting two bids to the BCS, Texas and Oklahoma all of a sudden find this a sexy destination.

Southeastern Conference Current Members: Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt New Members: Florida State, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Miami (ACC) Why the moves: The SEC, arguably the top conference in all college sports, will not be left out with only 12 schools if someone else has more. They would love to take Texas and Texas A&M, but they already made their move. Florida State and Miami are locks for their name and tradition, despite Florida’s objections.

Georgia Tech brings the Atlanta market that UGA can’t solely carry, and Maryland’s basketball tradition and the Washington D.C. and Baltimore markets.

So…what’s left for the rest of the conferences? Here we go…

Still relevant Conferences: Atlantic Coast Who’s left: Boston College, Clemson, Duke, North Carolina, NC State, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest Who Joins: Connecticut, South Florida, Syracuse, West Virginia (Big East) Why them: The conference loses arguably its two biggest names in football, so it turns its focus to basketball and geography, thus the additions of three basketball powers. South Florida is a must for the conference in order to keep its presence in the Sunshine State.

Big East Who’s Left: Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh, Rutgers Who Joins: Temple (MAC), UCF, East Carolina, Southern Miss, Tulane, Memphis, Marshall, UAB (Conference USA) Why them: The conference already has everything in line for other sports. In football, this will affirm their position as an afterthought. The reason for these

moves is simple: they have to save face as a double digit team conference to justify keeping a BCS berth. Temple, a former school in the conference, brings the Philadelphia market back, while Tulane brings New Orleans and Central Florida keeps them in our state.

Mountain West Who’s There: Air Force, BYU, Colorado State, New Mexico, San Diego State, TCU, UNLV, Utah, Wyoming Who Leaves: New Mexico, San Diego State Who Joins: Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Missouri, Baylor (Big XII) Why Them: Who would have thought the MWC, with its own network and several power house teams, survives while the Big XII crumbles. Dropping two schools to gain Kansas’s basketball tradition and Missouri’s media market draw is a no brainer for this conference.

The other conferences: Conference USA Who’s left: Houston, Rice, SMU, Tulsa, UTEP Who joins: FIU, Florida Atlantic, Troy, Middle Tennessee, LouisianaMonroe, Louisiana-Lafayette, North Texas (Sun Belt) Why them: Geographically, it’s the only thing that saves this conference. You still have 12 teams, which equals conference title game, and an actually television presence every Tuesday night.

Mid American Conference Who’s There: Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (OH), Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo, Western Michigan What happen: The conference loses Temple to the Big East.

They go back to a normal 12 team league, still allowing a profitable title game, and makes schedule a lot easier.

Western Athletic Conference Who’s There: Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, New Mexico State, San Jose State, Utah State Who Joins: New Mexico, San Diego State (Mountain West) Whey them: This conference dodged a bullet when Boise State did not leave for the Mountain West Conference. They don’t add sexiness, but they add two natural rivals that make the conference financially stable.

Independents:

Who’s There: Army, Navy, Notre Dame Who Joins: Arkansas State, Western Kentucky (Sun Belt) Why Them: Everyone thought the Irish were going to be the first ones to join a major conference, whether it be the Big XII or the Big East. The pull of a major network television contract as well as all the natural rivals will keep them an independent. The two former Sun Belt Conference schools become independents, and in turn, everyone’s homecoming game.

Conferences that die a sad death: Big XII Conference Sun Belt Conference And that’s the story of how the decision of one school can change the way the other 119 operate. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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World Cup Hysteria Taking Hold In South Florida Reporting David Sutta D O R A L (CBS4) Ñ In case you haven’t already heard, the 2010 Fifa World Cup kicked off Friday in South Africa. The game may not be popular in other parts of the United States, but in South Florida, World Cup fever has exploded.

From mariachi bands, to soccer goals, food, drink, and most of all, the fans were celebrating the start of the 2010 World Cup. “It’s the first game of the World Cup,” said fan Mark Piper. “If you are a soccer fan, you have got to be here to watch it.”

“It’s nice. It’s nice to have a place to

come with all my people,” said Team Mexico fan Andrea Breciado.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose “Pepe” Diaz helped kick off the party and hopes the celebration is a representation of what could be in South Florida if the area is selected to host the World Cup. “This is something that’s going to lead forward to our World Cup one day, which we hope will be 2018 or 2022 in MiamiDade County,” Diaz said. “And you know what, we couldn’t ask for better. This is a world event and hopefully it will be world history to have this come to Miami.”

CBS4’s David Sutta found fans Friday afternoon who explained that the World Cup is more than just a soccer tournament.

“It’s just a sports, but it represents a people,” said Mexico fan Enrique Quagila. “That’s a big thing. Carlos

Aguilar, another Mexican fan, echoed a similar sentiment. “I love the game,” Aguilar said. “To me, it’s part of my heritage.”

about which players to watch and keep you up to date on all the latest happening at the World Cup during group play and all the way to the finals.

For other fans, it’s just the excitement they needed at this point in the year.

“Because it’s summer and a bit calm and it’s going to be very busy,” French fan Sebation Montan said. “Work is going to be amazing, I love it.”

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

NEWS POWERED BY

There are other places where you can find World Cup parties in South Florida, you can also catch all the games on the ESPN family of networks. But, before you head out, you need to know as much as you can about the players and the action on and off the field.

That’s where CBS4.com/worldcup will help you be prepared. The website, designed by CBS4.com’s Tim Kephart and Kim Chapin will give you all the latest news and background information

New Marlins Ballpark To Feature 2 Giant Aquariums Reporting Lisa Cilli MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ The Florida Marlins have unveiled the LISA CILLI latest highlight of the New M a r l i n s Ballpark, two saltwater aquariums that will serve as the home plate backstop.

“Among the most unique features of the New Marlins Ballpark will be the twin Custom Saltwater Aquariums that will flank both sides of home plate,” the Marlins press release stated. “These oneof-kind aquarium exhibits will provide baseball fans with a firsthand glimpse of the fish and coral reef ecosystems that are synonymous with South Florida.”

“Our new ballpark will be the pride of Miami and will showcase many of our community’s great attributes,” said Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria. “From the distinctive local ballpark cuisine and

magnificent city views, to our unique home plate aquariums – nothing will better symbolize South Florida than our new ballpark. And as we quickly approach our 2012 opening, we look forward to unveiling new, exclusive features that will make our ballpark one of the greatest in the country.”

“The aquariums will be built on each side of home plate and will be been positioned to prevent any disruption to players on the field. The aquarium to the right of home plate (when looking from the pitcher’s mound) measures an impressive 34 feet long, 36 inches high and holds over 600 gallons of seawater, while the aquarium to the left, will be 24 feet in length, holding 450 gallons of water. Each aquarium will be constructed using a durable fiberglass structure; while crystal-clear acrylic panels 1.5 inches thick will be used for the impressive viewing windows that run the entire length of the aquariums.”

“To safeguard the exhibits from unexpected impacts, Lexan - the material used in bullet proof windows - will be

installed in front and in back of the acrylic panels to protect the aquarium from foul balls, errant pitches or any other unexpected contact.”

The 37,000 seat Marlins Ballpark is scheduled to open until April 2012.

Other features at the park include two Party Zones. La Playa is located in left field and features a swimming pool and bar with direct views of the field and the Marlins’ bullpen. The Bullpen Fiesta Zone in right field offers a direct view of the field and the visitors’ bullpen.

A half-acre retractable outfield window wall opens to a view of the Miami skyline. A 360-degree promenade level allows visitors to circumnavigate the park.

The Taste of Miami zone will highlight many of Miami’s diverse dishes. The Founders Level will be located directly above it and will house 14 Founder’s Suites.

The Legends Level, above the Founders level, will include 14 Legends Suites, 12 MVP Suites, the 1997 and 2003 Championship Suites, six Fiesta Party Suites and the Legends Platinum, Gold and Silver Seats.

Directly above will be the Media Level, which will have the working press box, broadcast booths and the control room for scoreboard operations.

The top level will be known as the Vista Level, which offers views of the downtown Miami skyline. This level will have a Skyline Box and a Vista Reserved Area.

The ballpark also will feature a special Home Run Porch in right field with close to 2,000 seats. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

NEWS POWERED BY

The Adtimes Newspaper June 18, 2010 Edition

For information call: 305-477-1699

The Adtimes Newspaper - AUTOMOTIVE

Automakers Report Strong Sales In May Ford reported their sales jumped by 22 percent from May of 2009. For Ford, it was the sixth straight month that sales have increased more than 20 percent over the previous year. Ford said the sales were boosted by demand for the F-Series pickup truck and the new Mustang. Ford’s Lincoln, Mercury, and Volvo brands saw sales fall.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ All of the major automakers reported large sales increases across the board. GM, Ford, Chrysler, and even Toyota showed better than anticipated sales.

General Motors said its May sales rose 17 percent from last May on new car sales and the company’s newest government fleet contract. GM says sales from its four brands, Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, rose 32 percent for the month.

GM is getting rid of the poorly selling Saab, Saturn, Pontiac, and Hummer brands.

Ford is shutting down the Mercury brand, which saw sales peak in the late 1970’s. It is also selling Volvo, but the sale won’t be complete until later this year.

Chrysler Group said its sales rose 33 percent in May. It was the first month it has sold more than 100,000 vehicles in more than two years. Chrysler said its Jeep Wrangler, pickup trucks and minivans helped drive the increase in sales. It was the second straight month that Chrysler posted sales gains over 2009 numbers.

And finally, Toyota Motor Corporation said its May sales rose 7 percent on demand for its Lexus luxury brand.

However, the jump was dwarfed by its American rivals. The Japanese automaker

said sales for Lexus’ drove the sales increase.

Toyota has been using heavy incentives to bring in new customers after embarrassing defects forced the company to recall millions of vehicles. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

NEWS POWERED BY

June 18, 2010

49

The Adtimes Newspaper June 18, 2010 Edition

The Adtimes Newspaper

June 18, 2010

51

Horoscopes provided by www.astrology-online.com

NEWSPAPER NEWS POWERED BY

PUBLISHER Tony Gambirazio

ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES Ines Collado Greg Patterson Cleo Saenz INSIDE SALES Ileana Patuto Jon Ragin Sarah White OFFICE MANAGER Montserrat Surroca

(June 22-July 22)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 23)

You might have a problem juggling your time. Do something special for them. You have more than enough on your plate already. You can accomplish a lot if you deal with other people’s money or possessions this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Do not make rash decisions about your personal life. Your honesty will not only win you points but also respect. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. Investments are best left alone this month. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Virgo

Libra

(Aug. 24-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

ART DIRECTOR Tammy Kukic DIRECTOR OF SALES Cesar Rodriguez

Cancer

(May 22-June 21)

Social evenings at your place will be highly successful. Abstain from getting involved with married individuals. Socializing will be more than just entertaining. You may be tom between two possibilities.This has left you in a confused and uncertain state. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

You can make money if you are careful not to let it trickle through your fingers.You are best to ask questions if you aren’t certain about issues that are confronting you. False information is likely if you listen to idle chatter or gossip. Social events will be rewarding. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Help elders in your family. Your partner may be reluctant to tell you how they feel. Make love, not war, and all will be fine. Don’t say things that could be damaging later on. Cut loose. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

You need to do something that will make you feel better about yourself. Go over your finances and figure out a solid budget.

Deal with in-laws this month. You will have the ability to capture the interest of others.

Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Sagittarius

Capricorn

Aquarius

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

(Jan. 21-Feb. 18)

Problems with your partner could be reaching a high level of concern. Try spending the day catching up on any responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Pamper yourself; the self esteem it brings you will be most gratifying. Get involved in jobs that require creative input.You can win points with both peers and superiors. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Travel will stimulate your need to experience exciting new things. Your goals will be in reach if you direct your energy wisely. Sudden good fortune will help you cover your debts. Put your efforts into making constructive improvements to your environment and to your state of mind. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Investments that deal with property will be lucrative; however, upsets with family members may be likely. Keep your thoughts to yourself for the time being. You can make excellent investments if you are in the right place at the right time. Too much too fast will be the attitude surrounding your home environment.Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

FRANCHISING Tony Gambirazio

Pisces

Aries

Taurus

(Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

(Mar. 21-Apr. 20)

(Apr. 21-May 21)

•

Romance may be better than you ever thought possible. You need to do more research before you make your final decision.

You will be emotional about money matters.

Take care of matters involving institutions or government agencies. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

DISTRIBUTION The AdTimes Newspaper powered by CBS4.COM is distributed in high foot traffic locations in the Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county areas such as Publix, Winn Dixie, Sedano’s, CVS, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Bally’s Fitness, Sears, Big Lots, K-Mart, Regal Cinemas & Sawgrass Mills Mall.

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GENERAL INFORMATION 7210 SW 57th Avenue Suite 206 Miami, FL 33143 305-477-1699 ©2009 Advertising Times Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written consent, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is strictly prohibited.

Complete the grid so each row, column and 3x3 box Iin black borders) contains every digit 1 to 9.

May 21st Solution

9 1 6 4 2 3 8 7 5

5 3 8 9 7 1 6 2 4

our mind will be on matters that deal with secret affairs. You will feel tired and rundown if you have allowed yourself to get into a financial mess. Limitations at work might set you back. Renovations or purchases made for your home will payoff. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Friday.

Be aggressive and colorful, and you will get your way. Give everyone in the house a physical chore that will help burn off some of the excess energy. Depression may result if you don’t get to do things your own way.

Look before you leap. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

7 2 4 6 8 5 3 1 9

8 6 9 1 4 7 2 5 3

2 5 7 3 9 6 1 4 8

3 4 1 2 5 8 9 6 7

1 9 5 7 3 2 4 8 6

6 8 3 5 1 4 7 9 2

4 7 2 8 6 9 5 3 1

6

2 8

5 3

5 7 5 9 4 3

9 7

1 8 9 7 1 6

9

2

Look For Our Next Edition: JULY 2, 2010

6 4

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THE ADTIMES

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