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November 19, 2010

I Team:

INSPECTOR GENERAL

BLASTS HOSPITAL FOUNDATION More than $7 million of taxpayer money is given each year to a Jackson foundation with little or no control over how that money was being spent.

ALSO INSIDE I-Team: Researchers Reveal Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s In The Sand Fla. Newspaper Finds Lead In Reusable Grocery Bags Home Value Depreciation Accelerating Across S. Fla Transforming Your Body In 21 Days Magazine: Miami Has Cute People, Lousy Burgers Marlins Stadium Nearly 50 Percent Built

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November 19, 2010

I Team: Inspector Gen. Blasts Hospital Foundation Reporting Jim DeFede MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ L a s t December, the CBS4 I-Team revealed serious c o n c e r n s regarding J a c k s o n Memorial Hospital’s effort to recruit international patients.

were making money and where they weren’t making money,” she said last year. “[or] Which countries were generating the most patients and which ones weren’t. Which specialties were the best ones to market and which ones weren’t.” As Valenzuela told CBS4 News last year, just as troubling to her was the way in which Foundation Health Services squandered taxpayer money. “A lot of wasteful spending,” she said.

More than $7 million of taxpayer money is given each year to a Jackson foundation with little or no control over how that money was being spent. Following our report, the county’s Inspector General launched his own investigation - and the results were startling. As Inspector General Chris Mazella recently told county commissioners that auditors found more than $100 thousand in “questionable” credit card purchases, including more than $37 thousand spent on local meals, $7 thousand for flowers, gifts and birthday cakes; $12 thousand on limousine services; and more than $6 thousand on a 5-day Caribbean cruise for Foundation executives. Mazella’s investigators found so many problems with the hospital’s international program that he told commissioners he was planning on producing a series of reports in the coming months. “We will be reporting on consulting contracts and travel and entertainment expenses,” Mazella said. “Then we plan to continue our audit series and issue a third report on performance.”

At the time, the head of Jackson Memorial Foundation and Foundation Health Services, Rolando Rodriguez, called Valenzuela’s claims absurd. “Foundation Health Services is very, very successful,” he said, although he also showed a stunning lack of knowledge regarding how the business operated. At one point in our 2009 interview, Rodriguez suggested the Foundation had generated $30 million in profit for the hospital. But, as we pointed out, he forgot to include the actual cost of treating the foreign patients, including things such as the cost of doctors, nurses, and medication. We decided to go back to Rodriguez and see what he has to say today, given the findings by the Inspector General. We were particularly interested in hearing him explain the taxpayer financed cruise he enjoyed. We asked him if he could explain how a five-day Caribbean cruise for him and his staff benefited the hospital.

Mazella’s findings support allegations made last year by a former Foundation executive, Nancy Valenzuela, who was fired after she tried to question the way Jackson International operated.

“At the time it was a retreat planned by the manager that was there at the time,” Rodriguez said. “It did benefit the hospital, because it did have a strategic retreat, they did meet, there are minutes.”

Valenzuela told the CBS4 I-Team last year that she was shocked to realize neither hospital officials nor those with the hospital’s foundation, Foundation Health Services, knew for sure whether the international program they were spending millions to promote was turning a profit.

The Inspector General also discovered the Foundation had purchased a $53 thousand phone system that was not compatible with the hospital’s phone system. It’s now sitting in a closet unused.

“There was no way to see where they

In his overall response to the Inspector General report, Rodriguez consistently sought to diminish his own role in the

organization and to lay blame on others. “I was asked to simply supervise from afar, report back to the board any concerns that I had and help in any way that I could, but I was not running the company,” Rodriguez told the CBS4 ITeam. But the Inspector General found that excuse “unpalatable” and said Rodriguez is the person “most accountable” for the problems they found. The Inspector General report states that between running Jackson Memorial Foundation and Foundation Health Services, Rodriguez was paid more than $330 thousand last year. It would seem that since he was paid such a large amount of money, he should have a better understanding of what was taking place. But Rodriguez said he did not want to discuss his salary and he refused to say how much he was making. “I would prefer not to comment,” he said. The Inspector General’s report also notes something rather odd. The American Express cards being used by the foundation are in Rolando Rodriguez’s name. Since 2006, more than $1.1 million in charges have been charges to those cards - which are paid for with taxpayer money. Naturally this raised another question: What happens to all the reward points generated on those credit cards. More than a $1 million in purchases would be worth thousands, and possibly tens of thousands of dollars. Once again Rodriguez refused to answer the question directly. “Well, I think those are internal management issues,” he said. “I can only tell you one thing, that AMEX card that is used is my AMEX card that I have allowed the organization to use.” When I tried to push Rodriguez for an answer, we were suddenly interrupted by Alan Diamond, chairman of Foundation Health Services board of directors. “Rolando we have to go,” Diamond said sharply.

“I’m sorry he has to be somewhere,” Rodriguez said walking away. The CBS4 I-Team recently obtained a copy of Rodriguez’s employment agreement, including an addendum, signed last month by Diamond, guaranteeing that even if the hospital decides to end its work with Foundation Health Services, Rodriguez would receive a $52 thousand golden parachute at taxpayer expense. On Tuesday, the County Commission will review both the Inspector General’s report and the hospital’s international program. In the meantime, the hospital’s chief financial officer will begin reviewing any purchase Rodriguez or his staff makes for more than $25. And as for Nancy Valenzuela, her attorney told me she recently settled her case against the Foundation. As part of the agreement, she is no longer able to tell what she knows about how the foundation operated. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

I-Team: Veteran’s Silver Star Snub Reporting Stephen Stock MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ On Veterans Day, 2010, the CBS4 I-Team investigates the case of a local man who played a heroic role in World War II. Today, he owns one of the rarest historical artifacts from that time, while he waits on one of the rarest military commendations that eludes him.

said there’s the jewel,” said Atwood. Atwood is a Kauffman Fellow in History at Florida International University and a Friend of the Miami Military Museum. “It (the diary) is unique,” said Atwood. “It’s unique. It belongs in the library of congress and a copy of which should be in the museum here.”

Brecher won several medals including a purple heart and the bronze star. In fact, Brecher received the bronze star only after submitting paperwork of his actions to the Pentagon 53 years after his time in the service. Brecher still shows off all the medals proudly.

The 94-year-old Brecher now lives in north Miami-Dade County with his beloved wife, Margy, whom he wrote to and wrote about in that diary so long ago.

“This is presidential medal, the purple heart, the bronze star,” said Brecher as he took the medals out of a display case at his home.

I-Team investigator Stephen Stock has his story.

Brecher’s memory about those times remains sharp.

But that’s the other twist in this story.

“Still don’t know where I’m going,” reads Nicholas “Mickey” Brecher as he scans his own handwriting.

“Well the Germans spotted us first,” he said of his role in the invasion of Sicily. “They opened up on us.”

Seven decades later Nicholas “Mickey” Brecher still clutches his daily diary.

“They” were German troops defending ground in Sicily as Brecher’s Allied troops invaded near the port of Messina.

“Margy my wife a reminder every time everyday,” reads Brecher. It may seem mundane but Brecher’s is no ordinary diary. “Waiting...waiting… waiting,” Brecher read. The diary chronicles the tedium and horror of World War II from the front lines. “Resting after three days of K-P,” said Brecher. The diary charts Brecher’s survival of five different allied battle campaigns: from French Morocco, to Tunisia, Algeria to Italy. “Finally they told us where we’re going French Morocco to open the second front,” reads the diary. Historians say this infantryman’s first hand perspective, so well preserved today, contains one of the most unique historical records of the day to day grind of a World War II grunt on the ground.

“We got hammered really hard. Two dead, two wounded,” said Brecher. Brecher rushed to aid one of the wounded soldiers. He said he dug a hole in the cemetery where they were pinned down by gun fire. “I shoveled a hole. And he was able to get into this place enough to protect himself at the time and then we left,” said Brecher. Soon after leaving, Brecher insisted on returning for the wounded man. But in doing so, Brecher said he drew even more German fire as he drove a truck back into the cemetery to rescue the soldier left in the graveyard hole. “Everybody said I was crazy for doing it,” said Brecher. “But we weren’t crazy because that’s our responsibility...my responsibility” “To save his life?” asked I-Team investigator Stephen Stock.

There’s a medal Brecher and his supporters say is missing: a Silver Star. It’s a Silver Star that Brecher believes he should have been awarded by the Army for his heroics in the battle on the shores of Sicily. It’s a Silver Star he believes he’s being denied because he’s Jewish. “They (the Pentagon) jipped me. All right?” said Brecher. I-Team investigator Stock asked: “You believe didn’t get what you deserved?” “I didn’t , definitely,” said Brecher. “All right? That’s exactly what I said (back then.) They stole my Silver Star.” I-Team investigator put the same question to historian Anthony Atwood. “Do you think discrimination played a role (in Brecher not getting a Silver Star)?” asked Stock. “Yea, I think it might have,” said Atwood. In fact, Congress did find that discrimination played a role during the 1960’s, ‘70’s, ‘80’s and even ‘90’s in the awarding of military medals. That prompted a new law introduced by then West Palm Beach Congressman Robert Wexler called the Leonard Kravitz Jewish War Veteran’s Act of 2001.

“To save his life,” said Brecher. One of those historians is Anthony Atwood. “To me when I first saw it (the diary), I

For that and for other heroics during the time he served in North Africa and the Italy and Sicily campaigns, Mickey

That law, passed by Congress, requires the Pentagon to review past military records to try to reverse cases of discrimination.

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November 19, 2010

I-Team: Researchers Reveal What’s In The Sand Reporting Michele Gillen

that the data was shown for our beaches in Florida,” says Dr. Esiobu.

M I A M I BEACH (CBS4) Ñ Sand. Many children are mesmerized by it, often playing with it and in it for hours.

Just as surprising is the fact her EPA funded studies reveal that when there is dangerous bacteria in the water not only does it show up in greater quantities in the sand but it lives much longer.

“She just loves to sit in there and play with it,” a mom visiting Miami Beach tells Chief I-Team Investigator Michele Gillen as her daughter sprinkles handfuls of it over her as if playing with magic dust.

Most beach goers who get sick assume it’s from the water. That’s what snowbird June Smith thought. She tells Gillen that in recent years, following visits to this popular Fort Lauderdale beach, “I get nauseous, I get queasy I get itchy, I get red rashes.” Those are common symptoms that can be the result of exposure to contamination in the sand that can accumulate from sea water, birds and man.

They are seemingly harmless granules for little ones and beach goers alike. But while you’re luxuriating on your South Florida blanket of sand you had better pay attention to a unique research team, headed by one of the world’s most famous sand detectives, who found, that on some beaches “It is more dangerous to be in sand than to be in water.” That’s the word from Florida Atlantic University’s Dr. Nwadiuto Esiobu who is an environmental microbiologist whose obsession is sand and your health. I-team cameras are exclusively following her team and their testing. “We conducted some of the first studies on this beach,” she tells Gillen as they walk the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Dr. Esiobu was shocked to find - in great numbers - groups of viruses and bacteria, including e-coli and staph. “This organism causes wounds, abscesses, boils,” Esiobou said. Adds one of her student researchers mapping out the beach, “so far the levels of the bacteria in the sand is actually much higher concentrations than in the water. Most people don’t think that.” Research shows that, incredibly, the potentially deadly, drug resistant strain of the staph virus - MRSA can be transmitted from one person’s skin directly to the sand where it can live and contaminate other people’s skin. “Were you shocked to discover that the sand actually picks up staph from a human being and can keep it there alive?” Gillen asked. “We had to run the experiment five times my colleagues and I. It was the first time

“We couldn’t believe it. We thought the organisms would die,” Dr. Esiobu said.

“We found, for the first time a correlation between the time people spend on the wet sand and the gastrointestinal illness.” In other words, people end up with stomach aches, diarrhea, dehydration.

of the healthy beaches program and we only test the water quality of the beaches but not the sand.” But that’s not uncommon. In fact the ITeam has learned sand is not routinely tested anywhere in the state nor across the country. Even after the parasite - hookworm- has apparently infected at least seven Miami Beach goers. Testing has focused on cat droppings west of the sand dunes. America’s lack of testing leaves Dr. Esiobu walking the beaches, gathering data and hoping it prompts a call for action. “I think we are in the right direction. There is no regulation or policy right now for sand,” Dr. Esiobu. Expert tips for a safer visit to the beach: If the beach is closed due to contaminated water, stay off the sand. Keep in mind the “swell area” where crashing waves meet the beach can potentially carry the highest risk exposure. Always use a towel. Rigorously wash your

“Would you ever think about that there could be things like e- coli, viruses and bacteria in the sand?” Gillen asked Osvaldo Cabrera as he sunbathed on Miami Beach. Resting his head on a flip flop but resting his body directly on the sand. “Never, never that is why I am here without a towel,” Cabrera tells Gillen. Whether you’re a native or a tourist, we love our beaches but with emerging science claiming what’s in the sand what’s making some people sick it’s ever more urgent to find out what we can do about it. Keep in mind, the most populated beaches can carry the greatest risk. “Precisely, use your towel,” says Dr. Esiobu. “That is scary.I kind of feel a little uncomfortable now,” responds Dr. Esiobu. As part of our investigation, the I-Team went to Dr. Samir Elmir of Miami Dade’s Department of Public Heath. “Do you regularly monitor and test the sand?” Gillen asked him. “No we don’t.” Says Samir. “It’s not part

hands and the hands of your children before eating. Report any illness following a visit to the beach to your local department of health. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

Pedro Pan “Kids” Reunite In Miami Reporting Gary Nelson Children Came Alone From Cuba 50 Years Ago MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Two big tour busses pulled up in Indian Hammocks Park in West Miami-Dade Friday and out poured more than a hundred, largely gray-haired Pedro Pan kids. The “kids” are in their 50’s and 60’s, a half century after their parents sent them - alone - to Miami from Castro’s Cuba. The reunion of the Pedro Pan kids comes 50 years after they began traveling by themselves to Miami in an airlift that brought 14,000 of them to America, dispatched here by parents who worried for their futures under Castro. “Operation Pedro Pan,” which began in 1960, continued for two years. “I’m from Illinois,” called out one woman

as she got off the bus. “Chattanooga, Tennessee,” shouted another. “Palm Beach, California!” another Pedro Pan kid declared. The bus tour took the reunion Friday to sites where the children were housed in make-shift barracks near the everglades that were lined with row after row of cots. Many of the children would wait months before being relocated to foster homes around the country. Some would eventually be reunited with their parents from Cuba. Some would not. “We were here for about six months, and we got relocated to the state of Washington,” said Jose Kou, who stills lives on the west coast. “It was very courageous of my parents to send me here, for freedom,” said Benny Pratz, who came alone from Cuba when he was seven, and later met his wife, Martha. “I’m not a Pedro Pan, but I’m a little emotional,” Martha Pratz said, her voice choking. “It was hard for my husband to

come by himself, to come without his parents.” Benny Pratz’s parents would not come from Cuba for another five years. He managed to do well despite the challenges, becoming - literally - a rocket scientist who works for NASA. “We are building the Mars Rover that is scheduled to be launched in 2011,” Pratz said, beaming. Other members of the reunion group went on to become bankers, professors, doctors, lawyers, developers, business owners, to mention a few success stories. “I am grateful to the Americans,” said one woman from Illinois. “I am married to an American. My name is Alicia Cruz Riley an Irishman!,” she said, laughing. “We just love this country for what it did for us.” Reunion members cried and hugged, and shared photographs of themselves from their time as orphaned children in Miami. Some also proudly showed photos of their

children - and grandchildren. When the Pedro Pan kids slept in encampments in west and south MiamiDade - the Kendall Camp, the Florida City Camp, Camp Matecumbe - they were in the middle of nowhere. There were no subdivisions, no shopping malls, and a dirth of people who spoke Spanish in what was then a very Anglo Miami. “It was hard times, not being with our parents,” said Ileana Arriola. “But the unity of all of us, we took care of each other, we supported each other.” In addition to today’s emotional tour of the encampments, the reunion also visited the Pedro Pan monument in Little Havana. Saturday night they will have a reunion dinner and celebration. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

State Seeks Doctors To Monitor Pain Clinics or standards of care in clinics. Smith said no doctors had been hired as of late Wednesday, and the Florida Medical Association said it had not heard whether its members are interested in taking part in the teams. “If it will help to put illicit pill mills out of business, we would certainly be in favor,” said Jeff Scott, general counsel for the state’s largest physician association. TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) Ñ Florida’s new program to inspect painmanagement clinics has hung a helpwanted sign: It will pay doctors $100 an hour to go into clinics and help review patient records. Health News Florida reported Friday that the Department of Health sent a memo to doctors this week seeking applicants for inspection teams, which are an outgrowth of a recently passed law aimed at cracking down on pill mills. Department spokeswoman Eulinda Smith said in an e-mail that inspections started this month, though the president of a pain-clinic industry group said he was unaware of them beginning. Under the law, clinics will face annual inspections. Doctors on the inspection teams will fill out a “check sheet” about whether required material is in patient records, according to the memo. They will not provide opinions about the quality of care

But Paul Sloan, a southwest Florida clinic operator and president of the Florida Society of Pain Management Providers, questioned whether doctors on the inspection teams could be biased against pain clinics. Sloan said a “turf war” exists between doctors who are board-certified in interventional pain management and other physicians who work in pain clinics. He said he is concerned that doctors on the inspection teams will be those who are critical of clinics. “It’s going to be very hard to find neutral, independent physicians,” Sloan said. The help-wanted memo comes amid a flurry of activity as the Department of Health and medical boards try to carry out pain-clinic laws passed in 2009 and 2010. At the same time, local governments and law enforcement are grappling with notorious clinics that are

blamed for supplying highly addictive painkillers to drug abusers. A critical part of the effort, creating a statewide prescription-drug database, will miss a Dec. 1 deadline for starting to operate. The database is intended to prevent addicts from being able to go from doctor to doctor to get prescriptions. But it has become tangled in legal fights about bidding for a private contractor. The Department of Health held a hearing this week about rules that will spell out how the database will work -- a process being closely watched by groups such as pharmacies and doctors. It will hold another meeting on the rules Dec. 3. Donna Erlich, senior assistant general counsel for the department, said after this week’s hearing that it remains unclear when the database will start operating. Sloan, who has closely followed efforts to carry out the 2009 and 2010 laws, said he thinks it might take until June for the database to fully work. Meanwhile, a lawsuit is pending in federal court in Tallahassee that seeks an injunction against the pain-clinic law that the Legislature passed this spring. The case, filed in September, is wide-ranging and charges that the law “provides draconian measures that arbitrarily restrict patient access to health care as well as the lawful practice of medicine.”

dismiss the case, arguing that the law could not be challenged in federal court. A judge has not ruled on the motion. Pain clinics have become a major issue in Florida during the past two years, with addicts coming from as far away as Kentucky and Ohio to get supplies of drugs such as oxycodone. The problems were initially centered in South Florida but have spread to other areas such as Jacksonville. Some details of the laws have drawn criticism from Sloan and others who say they operate legitimate pain-management businesses. Also expressing concerns are groups such as the Florida Society of Neurology, which says this year’s law is too broad and “lumps neurologists with the pain-management clinics.” Dr. Daniel Kantor, president of the society, said many neurologists will be subject to the inspections and restrictions on such things as advertising of painmanagement services. Kantor said he also is concerned about part of the law that, at least in some circumstances, allows seizure of patient records without subpoenas or patient authorization. (© 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.) news powered by

The state last week filed a motion to

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November 19, 2010

I-Team: The Silent Invasion Of The Lionfish Reporting David Sutta Florida Keys (CBS4) ÑIf the view above the water in the Florida Keys is majestic, below the surface is nothing short of breathtaking. Home to the third largest barrier reef system in the world marine life is everywhere. Surrounded by its beauty you could easily miss the trouble brewing right in front of you. A fish with extravagant fins camouflaged in the coral. It is called a lionfish and it’s a long way from its home in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This was the first time CBS4 News has captured underwater video of the lionfish on South Florida’s shoreline. A year ago divers spotted just one of these non-native fish on a reef. Today there are thousands. THE INVASION “The invasion is in full force right now.” Lad Akins told CBS4’s David Sutta. You read that right. A fish invasion. Akins organization, REEF (Reef Environmental Education Foundation) has been tracking the lionfish since it appeared, with grave concern. “Lionfish are gluttonous predators,” explained Akins. “They’ll eat anything that fits in their mouth. Up to half their own body size. Our work has shown over 50 different species or prey, fish, in lionfish stomachs. They are like vacuum cleaners.” So what’s the big deal? Nothing in South Florida eats the lionfish. In fact there is video of divers feeding the fish to sharks. They just spit the lionfish out. MYSTERIOUS APPEARANCE No one knows how the lionfish got here. There are a number of theories ranging to an aquarium that exploded during a hurricane to a luxurious aquatic themed hotel that incidentally leaked lionfish eggs into the Caribbean. Scientists have documented sightings going back decades but never like this. A United States Geological Survey map dating back to 2000 shows the lionfish beginning to appear along the Eastern seaboard. Starting in 2009 something dramatic

happened. The entire Caribbean and Florida Keys became saturated. It appeared to happen almost overnight and scientists can’t explain it. “It really is an unprecedented invasion. We have never seen a marine fish invade and become so numerous like this before,” said Dr. Pam Schofield of the USGS.

Back on the surface, the catch looked a lot smaller. It was maybe three months old. Full grown, it can be two feet long, plus all those spines. As the lionfish gets bigger they eat bigger fish. The marine community is at a loss of how to stop it. There are indications that their predation could have profound effects on the ecosystem.

KING OF THE OCEAN CBS4 News decided to take a closer look at the lionfish in the Keys by diving 40 feet below. Using a full face mask provided by Diver’s Direct, Akins was able to talk to reporter David Sutta and his photographer underwater. On their very first dive they came across the lionfish. “We are under Tea Table Bridge in the Florida Keys. And this is a lionfish,” Akins said as he pointed the fish out. The first thing noticeable in the presence of a lionfish is it is not afraid of you. There is good reason for that. The spines seen above the fish and ones hidden below are venomous. Just a brush with them will send you into extreme pain. Akins began handling the fish with a special glove. The glove had special protections against the spines going straight into him and inserting the venom.

Kevin Senecal owns the Divers Direct chain based in South Florida. He is extremely interested in the lionfish. “I’m not the scientist so I don’t know what an invasion of lionfish can do to the reef. But I certainly do know that if what the scientists say is even a little bit true any major amounts of damage to the environment or the reefs is bad for the Florida economy,” said Senecal. Like many in the scuba industry he has grown concerned the lionfish could bite into tourism and recreational diving. It prompted Senecal to take an unusual step bankrolling an effort to roundup lionfish. “We are looking at this and saying number one from a business perspective the health of the reef is important to our business.” said Senecal. So how do you roundup the new king of the jungle? A good ole fashion war party. THE WAR ON LIONFISH

While the venom is not deadly the only way to stop the pain is with hot water. It’s something you could easily go get but not so easy for a predatory fish. This makes the lionfish king of more than just the jungle and its flourishing because of it. ONE FISH - MILLIONS OF BABIES “Lionfish reproduce very quickly. As often as every four days,” explained Akins. “They produce 20,000 and 30,000 eggs every spawning event.” That’s 30,000 eggs every four days. While not every egg will take, even a small percentage is significant. It was clearly evident the lionfish was doing well during Sutta’s dive. In 10 minutes, he saw three. Remember just a year ago there was just one of these seen in the entire Keys. Akins showed Sutta how to remove the lionfish using a pair of aquarium nets. Unlike chasing a butterfly, Akins explained you have to “move very slowly trying not to scare the fish until I can get it into one of the nets.”

As the sun rises in Marathon a group of guys from Melbourne Florida hit the water competing with other divers to catch as many lionfish as possible. It’s called a lionfish derby and these guys have a secret weapon, their own custom spear, called the Lion Hunter. Robbie Piluis explained how it works. “We get right up on them, shooting them with the spear, stick them in the ground, cut the spikes off, stick them in the bag, and continue on.” Unlike most fish the lionfish doesn’t fear anything including a spear. Divers literally swim up to them and shoot them without them moving. The group set out to dive around a bridge. Lionfish tend to congregate around bridges but with strong tides it is nearly impossible. For hours the group could not find a single lionfish. But when the slack tide rolled in for 20 minutes the group went into a spearing frenzy. Piluis had never seen anything like it. “The lionfish stared right at my mask and was like ‘how’s it going?’ They totally do not look like a dangerous creature underwater.”

At the end of the day the hunters returned with their catch and war stories. “God bless America. That’s the one that got me,” one of them yelled out as he pointed at the biggest lionfish they caught. While clearing the cooler Mike got to experience the piercing sting of the fish. He didn’t complain though. The group received first, second, and third place in the tournament. They earn $1,500 dollars catching fish the size of a hand. WHAT TO EAT The US Geological Survey looked over the catch, documented where these fish are being found and what they are eating. “We also want to see how that changes as the invasion progresses,” explained Schofield. Meanwhile Akins made dinner. “It tastes a lot like hogfish, hog snapper. Very light. Very delicate. It’s not very strongly flavored so you can season it many different ways.” The lionfish is actually good eating. Akins figures if he can get people to taste the fish, restaurants may take up his cause. The lionfish cookbook is due out later this year. It may not be the end all to the silent invasion but it’s a start in this fragile piece of paradise that could become very messy, very quickly. “There are many impacts to marine systems that we are concerned about. With coral bleaching and disease. With global climate change. Overfishing and I think lionfish is sneaking in the backdoor as potentially one of the most devastating impacts we can see,” said Akins. So far more than 500 lionfish have been collected in the derbies. Another one is planned for November 13th. A special thanks to scubanation.com for their assistance with underwater video, Diver’s Direct for providing ocean reef communication systems, Michael Steidley for safety instruction and dive assistance, Key’s Dives for water transportation, and Lad Akins with reef.org for expert advice. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

Researchers Question Balance Bracelet’s Power Reporting Gio Benitez MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Athletes like Shaquille O’Neal rave about the Power Balance wristband, which the company says will improve your balance, flexibility and strength. But two University of Wisconsin-La Crosse professors led an independent study to find out if the wristbands work. After two trials, they say the wristbands had nothing to do with enhancing performance. So CBS4 News took the Power Balance

wristband to Julie Wiesman, a fitness instructor at Exhale Mind Body Spa at the Epic Hotel. “I personally have never worn one of these because I don’t believe in it. I don’t believe in it at all,” said Wiesman. She teaches a class called Core Fusion, which is all about enhancing the body’s core. “This band is supposed to improve your balance. I believe that the best way to improve your balance is through core conditioning,” said Wiesman.

you better balance and give you strength, I do not agree with that,” said Wiesman. But Melissa Fornabia has used wristbands like these for about three or four months, and she says, they work. “Definitely, I have an increase in flexibility, for sure. I can do the poses, I can finish the poses, I can do the tree-stand, I can finish it. I don’t really even need to do it once or twice. I can just go right into the pose,” said Fornabia.

The company says the wristbands work with your body’s energy field.

Either way, both women tell CBS4 News that there’s no magic to staying fit. They say exercise and diet are key no matter what’s on your wrist.

“I teach Yoga too so I understand about energy levels. However, if it claims to give

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November 19, 2010

Fla. Newspaper Finds Lead In Reusable Grocery Bags they could be considered hazardous waste if residents disposed of them in household trash. The lead appears to be in a form that’s not easily extracted or “leached” out, so there is less concern the lead would easily rub off on food when the bags are new, the paper found. But over time, lab experts note, the bags wear down and paint can flake off, and eventually reusable bags could accumulate in landfills, presenting another ecological issue. TAMPA (CBS4) Ñ The Publix supermaket chain is asking suppliers to find ways to make reusable grocery bags with less lead after a newspaper investigation found elevated levels in some Florida bags. The Tampa Tribune tested more than a dozen bags from major grocers and found certain bags sold in Winn-Dixie and Publix stores had lead levels that concerned health officials. In a preview of a Sunday article, the newspaper’s website reported that some bags had enough lead

Publix officials stress their bags comply with current federal laws regarding lead content. The newspaper reported Thursday that Publix is asking suppliers to find ways to make bags with less lead. In an e-mail to the Associated Press on Thursday, Winn Dixie said that it is confident that the reusable bags are safe to use and reuse as intended. “Recent information suggests there is an opportunity to improve this solution as it

pertains to the disposal of these bags,” wrote spokeswoman Robin Miller. “We will continue to work closely with our suppliers to make certain that we are in compliance with industry standards.” Miller added that any Winn Dixie customer who has a concern about a bag is welcome to bring it back to the store for a full refund. Similar concerns prompted northern grocer Wegmans to voluntarily exchange thousands of its bags. Lead is considered a toxin and can cause learning disabilities in children and fertility problems in adults. Publix has more than 1,000 stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee; its website says it is the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the nation. WinnDixie, which recently reorganized and emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, operates hundreds of stores in Florida,

Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi.

Louisiana

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The Check’s In The Mail For Some Miami Seniors Reporting Jorge Estevez MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Senior citizens living in Miami-Dade County will start to receive letters in the mail promising them a hundred dollars. The purpose of the money is to help off-set higher county fees put into effect because of the tough economy. CBS4’s Jorge Estevez spoke to Miguel Betancourt, a senior citizen who received the letter in the mail. It wasn’t exactly a

check in the mail, what Miguel received was a letter that promised a check of a hundred dollars. “I do not spend on nothing, [I] only pay bills,” said Betancourt whose finances keep him up at night. “Sometimes I am sleeping. I think I need send this one thousand dollars to this guy or five hundred to that guy,” said Betancourt. Miami Dade County Commissioner for District 5, Bruno Barreiro, sponsored the Save Our Seniors Relief Fund where Residents ages 65 and older who have applied for and received Florida’s Homestead exemption for seniors as of

September 23, 2010 will receive a check in the mail for $100 per household.

“To pay bills. Pay bills. Pay bills. Pay bills,” said Betancourt.

The goal is to off-set rising expenses among them an increase in certain taxes.

CBS 4 News tried repeatedly to contact Commissioner Barreiro and only received a press release where it said the money is coming from a general fund revenue. Critics have suggested this may be a calculated effort to persuade seniors to not sign a petition currently going around with the goal to have the Miami Dade County commissioners recalled and removed from office.

“If they send me 50 dollars, it is all right too,” said Betancourt. In the letter Barreiro stated: “Although, this check will not completely resolve your economic situation, I hope it will alleviate the cost you may incur as a result of the approved budget.” With a broken AC, the money may come in handy, but the main focus of Betancourt’s hundred dollars will be for his finances.

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November 19, 2010

Holiday Airfare Rising Across The Nation While the economy is still struggling, passenger air tickets are skyrocketing in price and much of it is a result of the countless fees tacked on to the price of a ticket. Passengers are saying, “it’s discouraging,” and “it really makes me not want to fly.” Looking at the prices across the country, it’s easy to see why passengers are fed up.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ If you’re looking for a cheap flight to get out of town over the upcoming holiday season; get ready for some sticker shock.

As Thanksgiving approaches, flights from New York to Miami have seen prices rise 44 percent, while flights from Philadelphia to Orlando have skyrocketed 59 percent, according to a study from USA Today. The higher fares are helped in large part by the fees for everything to checked

baggage to early boarding. Those increases are helping airliners turn nearrecord profits while Americans struggle to make ends meet.

said Erik Torkells of tripadvisor.com. “And they will look for anything they can monetize; whether it is blankets, or seat selections or, using the lavatory.”

“Those fees have made a big difference in the turnaround; without them, the industry likely would not have been profitable,” said Doug Parker of U.S. Airways.

Experts say if you can travel mid-week and stay over at least one weekend night, there are still some deals to be found. However, you have to look at lot harder to find them than last year, and make sure you ask about all the extra fees and try to avoid them.

Despite rising fares, holiday travel is still expected to be much better than last year when the entire country was in the grips of the Great Recession. Just don’t expect ticket prices to drop anytime soon, despite the corporate profits. “Airlines will always need more money,”

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November 19, 2010

Popular Kids’ Bracelets Concern Parents rarely panics but knew something was wrong then. Her two-and-a-half year old son Huck Corwin slept with about 20 of the shaped rubber bands wrapped around his wrist. Corwin said when he woke up his once-tiny hand was swollen and blue. She quickly peeled the bands off his arm, finding some of the tightest were embedded in his wrist. “It looked like he’d cut his wrist with a knife and he was bleeding,” Corwin said. “It was pretty bad.”

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Many children are banding together to see and be seen with the latest shape wrapped around their wrist. Specially-shaped bracelets are gaining prominence in American elementary schools. They’re shaped like animals, objects, numbers and more, and are often traded and showed off among children and their friends. However, this trend has taken some parents by surprise. “It had been cutting off his circulation,” said mother Gina Corwin,” He couldn’t tell me what was wrong, but he was saying, ‘off, off, off’.” Corwin, a mother of ten children, said she

Dr. Linley McAnalley, a family friend, saw Huck’s hand and said he was lucky his mother pulled the bands off. “The bands, if they’re worn too tight for too long, can create a tourniquet type effect and can interfere with the blood flow into and out of the hand,” McAnalley said. “The blood gets stagnant in the hand; blood clots can form.” This is a scare 8-year-old Chris Palmier knows all too well. Chris also slept in too many tight bands. His mother, Donnita Palmier, said she was taking him to school when she looked down at his hand. “It was monstrous! It was huge,” she said. “It was like, from a freak show! It was five

times bigger than the other hand.” A doctor told the family to watch the hand for three days and come in if the swelling remained. On the fourth day, the blood flow returned. “At some point, there is going to be a horrible story about a child that wasn’t discovered soon enough,” Palmier said. Palmier is one of seven nationwide who has filed complaints with the Consumer Product Safety Commission reporting similar problems involving the tight rubber bands. “It’s something parents need to be aware of,” said Dr. Craig Huang, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas Southwestern. “Best case scenario would be there is temporary discomfort, swelling, and you keep the part elevated. Worst case scenario, you get a lack of blood flow, lack of oxygen to tissues and you lose a finger or a hand.” An online search shows many blog entries and forum posts from parents expressing concern about the shaped bands. YouTube videos show disc jockeys seeing how many they can put on their arm before their circulation is cut off.

In a statement, the president of Sillybandz, the first company to make the products, defended his business, saying that many “knockoffs” are what cause circulation issues. “Sillybandz have been out for almost three years now, and to date we have never received a complaint about the quality or safety of our product, however we have heard of many complaints revolving around the knockoffs,” wrote Robert Croak in a statement. “Unfortunately, the knockoffs do not make any effort to use real silicone or even size the bands correctly.” The website’s blog reads, “If you wrap anything too tight around your arm it will cut off circulation.” The post says that Silly Bandz are meant to “wear very big like a bracelet.” “Who is going to go online and look this up,” Palmier asked. “I just want people to know and check. You have to know things can go wrong with them.” (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Study: Drowsy Driving Proves Deadly Reporting Carey Codd

and you get very close calls and freak out,” Bay, a South Florida dermatologist, said. He is not alone. AAA says 25 percent of drivers surveyed said that within the past month they drove despite being so tired they had trouble keeping their eyes open.

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) Ñ Disturbing new information from AAA reveals a dangerous trend -- driving while drowsy appears to be on the rise. A survey from AAA shows that two out of every five drivers on the road admit they’ve fallen asleep while behind the wheel. Shino Bay is a smart guy -- he’s a doctor. But he admits that during his residency he occasionally drove when he was too tired. “Sometimes you don’t even know when it happens all of a sudden you’ve nodded

AAA even installed dashboard cameras to study teen drivers and caught some of the nodding off. It is a problem that can be fatal. AAA says 6,000 roadway deaths each year are caused by people being too tired to drive. “It’s very dangerous and most people think they can control it,” said Karen White, AAA Spokesperson. “Research shows that most people fall asleep within an hour of their trip.” Experts say drowsing driving is every bit as dangerous as distracted driving -driving while texting or on the phone.

Shino Bay said that when he would drive tired, he tried all the tricks -- turning up the music, rolling down the windows, slapping his face. But only one thing worked every time. “The best thing to do is just pull over and take a nap,” he said, “or don’t continue driving.” Which is good advice because we all know driving in South Florida is dangerous enough without falling asleep behind the wheel. AAA suggests if you’re taking a long trip try to get at least 6 hours of sleep the night before and try to take a break every 100 miles or so. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Home Value Depreciation Accelerating Across S. Fla recession is quickly approaching the Depression-era housing collapse from 1928-1933. Nationally, home values are 25 percent below their peak after 51 months of declines. The worst long-term home price appreciation was from the end of 1928 to the end of 1933, or 60 months.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ The housing market across the nation, including here in South Florida, is seeing home value depreciation accelerate. The latest numbers from Zillow.com show that the current housing

In South Florida, the Zillow Home Value Index stood at $143,311 with a monthover-month change of -1.3 percent. The Zillow Home Value Index for South Florida also showed a year-over-year decline of 15.2 percent for the third quarter. According to the South Florid Sun-

Sentinel, 45 percent of homes sold in South Florida in September were sold at a loss and 42 percent of single-family homeowners with a mortgage owe more than the homes are worth. In addition, home values across South Florida have dropped 53 percent since they reached their zenith in the summer of 2006. But, while South Florida numbers are bad, they aren’t even near the level of Las Vegas. Sin City leads the country with 80 percent of the single-family mortgages underwater. Zillow now said that the bottom in home prices that was forecasted for the third

quarter of 2010 will now not happen until the first half of 2011, but South Florida’s bottom will not happen until some time after that. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

Foreclosure Attorney Practices Coming Under Fire Reporting Joan Murray

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) Ñ In foreclosure and frustrated trying to modify his loan, Brett Bernstein decided to take his lender to court. He hired foreclosure attorney Peter Ticktin in Deerfield Beach and signed a unique agreement.

According to the terms of the agreement, if he won in court and the lender Countrywide agreed to dismiss his $200,000 debt, Bernstein would pay the firm forty percent of what he saved. In this case that would amount to $80,000. “The whole loan modification process is built for failure,” says Bernstein. He doesn’t mind the fee saying, “It affords the homeowner the ability to fight the bank without putting the burden on the borrower.” But the idea of what some call “taking a second mortgage” to pay foreclosure fees is raising eyebrows in the legal community. Ticktin dismisses the criticism saying,

“We’re proud of what we’ve done. This is a good answer to a tough problem. How do you incentivize a lawyer to fight hard?” “I find it a troubling practice,” says Jose Gabilondo an associate professor of law at Florida International University. “Potentially it’s an inappropriate relationship that creates the appearance of impropriety. From a client’s point of view, he should ask himself is he just substituting a lawyer creditor for a bank creditor. Is it better or worse?” Ticktin, who’s had his law license suspended twice, is now being investigated by the Florida Bar.

He says the rule of law is on his side. “What we’re allowed to do is have a mortgage or lien to secure the fees. I think when they look at it they won’t see a problem whatsoever.” Although he’s in a position to foreclose on someone who doesn’t pay later, Ticktin vows he never will. At the very least families in foreclosure are buying time to stay in their homes while their cases grind through the courts. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Healthcare Help: Tips For 2010 Open Enrollment Reporting Al Sunshine MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Millions of workers are facing so-called O p e n Enrollments to choose their health insurance plans for next year. And this year, it may be even more confusing than ever. There will always be the same old questions: Can I see the same doctor, How Much will it cost, What’s covered / What’s Not and finally Can I really afford all the coverage I might need? Almost every financial analyst agrees health insurance costs are going up next year. Charles Sachs of Coral Gable’s Evensky & Katz says “Probably the one thing that’s certain is we’ll be seeing prices up across the board”. So what’s new in 2011? Under the first phase of National Health Insurance reforms, policies must provide cost-free preventive care, allow dependent coverage through the age of 26, allow for a primary care doctor and allow the closest emergency room visits without any penalties.

And these changes are not only effecting prices, they’re effecting coverage options too. So you have to make sure to read all the fine print to figure out all your options. Here’s a quick Checklist you need to remember when it comes time to pick out Health Insurance Plans: Check out the overall cost of each plan, including out-of-pocket expenses, deductibles, prescription benefits and whether a flexible spending account may be right for you. And with the new Health Savings Accounts, you don’t lose any of your money if you don’t spend it by the end of the year. Flexible Spending Accounts usually expire at the end of the year so if you don’t use it, you lose it. Most of the changes in the new national health insurance laws are still several years away. So choosing your health coverage may be a little tricky for the next few years. In the meantime, check with your health insurance provider or personnel department to help figure out what’s the best and most affordable coverage for you. For More Information: www.healthcare.gov INSURERS CAN’T:

• Deny coverage to kids with pre-existing conditions • Put lifetime limits on benefits • Cancel your policy without proving fraud • Deny claims without a chance for appeal CONSUMERS CAN: • Receive cost-free preventive services • Keep young adults on a parent’s plan until age 26 • Choose a primary care doctor, OB/GYN and pediatrician • Use the nearest emergency room without penalty (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

Transforming Your Body In 21 Days Reporting Cynthia Demos M I A M I B E A C H (CBS4) Ñ Psychologists have figured out it takes 21 days to change a habit. Using that concept, a local trainer to the stars has come up with a program designed to help people transform their lives and more specifically their health. J.P. Garcia, 28, of Miami Lakes, admits he’s a chronic dieter.

his 21-day plan.

are from the earth.”

“I came across his book, I read his stuff, I liked his ideas about dieting,” stated Garcia.

Tip #2: Set yourself up for success. Plan what you’ll eat ahead of time. Choose nuts and vegetables and vegan soy bars for energy.

Borges, a Miami Beach exercise physiologist and author of “Power Moves”, believes he has the steps to help people transform their lives. First, he says, realize why it is important to stop the habit. “It’s important to realize what it is you want to change. Most people want to change their physical appearance,” said Borges.

“My whole life I’ve always struggled with 20 pounds here and there. 30 pounds on and off I’ll lose it real quick but I gain it right back,” explained Garcia.

To stop the habit of eating poorly, Borges says people must stop consuming processed foods and sugary drinks.

Recently when he started looking for a new way to lose weight he came across local celebrity trainer Marcos Borges and

“It’s going to give you a really quick rush and then you’re going to dive,” according to Borges. “I always say stick to foods that

“Everyone wakes up with all the great intentions. It’s what happens from breakfast to dinner that really does us in,” explained Borges. “They’re planning to fail by not planning.” Tip #3: Set realistic short term goals such as 21-days to change your habit. “So I thought if we take this concept that psychologists have already discovered and we replace bad habits with good habits it allows people to do something great for themselves in a very short period of time,” said Borges. Tip #4: Eliminate the phrase “I’ll be happy when.”

“There’s always another excuse. Don’t wait, don’t wait that’s the biggest message if I can give anyone is don’t ever wait,” stressed Borges. Garcia took Borges plan to heart twice. He started an exercise routine in August, ate a vegan energy bar for breakfast and dinner and a healthy meal for lunch. He lost 15 pounds in 21 days. So he tried it again. “I lost 15 more so in total I lost 30 pounds in the two cycles I was a size 36 in my waist now I’m down to a 29.” Borges’ final step; commit to some exercise because every little bit helps. He believes following these steps will lead not only to physical change but mental change and ultimately success reaching all your goals. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Ultrasound Being Used To Heal Bones had a c-section, and this pain was worse than having three babies.” Doctors put her leg back together with a plate and several screws, but after a year on crutches, the bone wasn’t healing properly. Then doctors decided to try a new ultrasound device. The device gives off ultrasound waves, and studies show the pulses of sound can significantly speed up the healing of broken bones. NEW YORK (CBS4) Ñ As we get older, broken bones don’t always heal on their own. Some patients are left on crutches for months, even years. But, doctors are finding a simple device that uses sound can help the body heal faster.

Doctor Elton Strauss uses ultrasound on patients whose fractures won’t heal. He says the sound waves stimulate cells causing them to regenerate.

Kathleen Lunz-Gewirtz is one the success cases with the new treatment. She broke her leg in two places last year after slipping on some ice.

“We have found that 20 minutes a day will stimulate the bone cell just enough that it will heal even the most difficult fracture,” Dr. Strauss said. “The statistics showed that we healed our fracture considerably faster than the patients that didn’t have the ultrasound.”

“The pain was excruciating,” LunzGewirtz said. “I’ve had three children, I’ve

“I feel that my legs healing faster,” said Kathleen, who’s been using ultrasound treatment at home for 5 months and she sees a big improvement. She’s not 100 percent yet, but she’s back at work and doctors think she’ll be able to avoid another surgery. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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November 19, 2010

Superfoods: What Every Woman Should Know Reporting Cynthia Demos MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ How would you like to fight heart disease or lower your risk of cancer? The key to doing so might be on your dinner plate. But for women who lead hectic lives, there isn’t always much time for healthy eating. That’s why nutrition experts are advising that there are six incredible ‘superfoods’ that every woman should know about. Yes, it can be a challenge for women to eat healthy when they are always on the go. But even when there is time, doctors say you don’t need to do much to reap the health benefits if you choose ‘super foods’. “Superfoods are foods that, in addition to their rich vitamin and mineral content, they’re also important in fighting a number of diseases and preventing diseases as

well,” said CBS Medical Expert Dr. Holly Phillips. The first superfood on the list is low fat yogurt. It’s high in calcium and protein, and may decrease the risk of getting breast cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive track disorders. Just stick to low or non-fat unsweetened yogurts.

“Beans are actually a great meat substitute,” said Phillips. “They’re rich in protein and rich in fiber. They also may fight a number of diseases, including breast cancer and heart disease.” Bright red tomatoes and fruits like watermelon are also considered a superfood.

“It also has probiotics, the healthy bacteria which is important to keep a healthy gut,” said nutritionist Keri Glassman. “A healthy gut is important for many reasons, including boosting our immune system.”

“Tomatoes are a great source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has actually been shown in recent research to be important in fighting breast cancer.” said Phillips.

Fatty fish is the second superfood. This nutritional powerhouse is loaded with omega 3 fatty acids that may help prevent cardiovascular disease. Look for fish like salmon or canned fish, like sardines, which have DHA and EPA fatty acids listed on the label.

Colorful berries are superfood #5. They make the grade because they’re high in antioxidants. Blueberries are especially powerful for keeping our skin and brains young.

Superfood #3: Beans. They may lower cholesterol and even stabilize female hormones.

The last superfood on the list is food fortified with vitamin D, like low fat milk. And it’s not just for bone health. “It’s also been shown to be protective

against tumors, multiple sclerosis and diabetes,” said Glassman. If you don’t like dairy, you can still get health benefits of vitamin D – just choose fortified orange juice. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Food Allergies On The Rise, Experts Say Reporting Cynthia Demos

Benenati suggests the best way to treat them is to identify them through testing.

MIAMI (CBS4) ÑFood allergies in the United States are on the rise.

She said most kids will grow out of their allergies, but others like Leandro will have to learn to live with them.

In fact, from 1997 to 2002 the number of incidents of peanut allergies doubled. Not enough is known about what causes these allergies, so more education is needed. As an example, Leandro De Arma looks like your typical 8-year-old. But what’s different about this second grader is he’s allergic to a long list of things. “Peanuts, tree nuts, coconut, dust mites and all warm blooded animals,” he told CBS4. Ralph Fernandez de Castro also has a son with severe food allergies. He remembers the day his son had his first reaction. “About five years ago he was 3 years old,” Fernandez de Castro said. “We were at a party and he had eaten some chicken, some barbecue chicken, that apparently had some peanut base to it. His lips really started swelling up immediately.” Peanuts are one of 8 foods that make up 90 percent of food allergies in the country. The others are milk, eggs, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. Food allergy specialist Dr. Susan Benenati said signs of allergies can vary. “They can be anywhere from gut symptoms like nausea, vomiting, belly pain, diarrhea. You may have a rash; typically hives. You may have respiratory symptoms like stuffy nose, runny nose, asthma,” Benenati said. Since there is no cure for food allergies,

“I stay away from the food. I read labels. I have my chef’s card for when I go to restaurants and I carry my epy (epinephren) pen at all times,” Leandro said. He is the ambassador for the local food allergy walk. Leandro and others like Fernandez de Castro hope to raise awareness in order to promote safety. “My perspective is that the more people in this community that know about food allergies and understand it, the safer that community is for my child,” Fernandez de Castro said. The 2-mile walk starts at 10 Saturday November 6th at Merrick Park in Coral Gables. Registration is at 9 and it’s a family friendly event. To find out more www.foodallergywalk.org

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Link Between Salon Nail Dryers And Cancer? Reporting Cynthia Demos (CBS4) For a lot of women, the most irritating part of getting a manicure is waiting for the polish to dry. That’s why many salons have special dryers that use UV light to quickly cure the polish into a smudge-proof, shiny finish. That may sound convenient, but some dermatologists believe the very thing that makes them effective, may also make them dangerous. UV stands for ultraviolet, which is the same light that comes from the sun and also used in tanning beds. It is also the reason we use sun block. UV rays are known to cause premature aging, but that is not what worries doctors. “There is this very theoretical risk that this mini UV tanning bed used by nail salons can contribute to skin cancer,” explained dermatologist Dr. Jean Tang.

A 2009 article in the Archives of Dermatology was first to suggest a possible link between the nail dryers and cancer. The report cited two otherwise healthy middle-aged women who developed skin cancer on the backs of their hands. Both had long histories of drying their manicures under these UV lights. “If you get your nails treated and dried with these UV lamps many, many times a year for several years, I think that probably could increase your risk for skin cancer,” Dr. Tang said. There are some special manicures where the lights are needed to cure the specially designed coating. For most manicures, however, they simply help speed up the drying process so you don’t smudge your nails on the way out of the salon. Dermatologists say you can protect your skin by applying sunscreen before you use the dryer. Many salons also provide mini-

fans to help dry your polish naturally. The skin cancers in the report were not melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, but UV light is considered a major risk factor for the disease. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

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Magazine: Miami Has Cute People, Lousy Burgers Reporting Dave Game MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ It’s always nice to know where you stand, and for that South Florida can turn to the latest issue of Travel and Leisure magazine. The magazine has released an article claiming to list the best, and worst, of 35 major cities across the nation, and while Miami ranks high for style, the magazine thinks our micro-brewed beer stinks. And, for the city that gave birth to Burger King, the dead last ranking for burgers has gotta sting. It’s an eclectic list published by a magazine many consider to be a bit, well, snooty, but for what it’s worth, here’s what readers thought, including rankings from visitors and residents.

According to visitors, there’s no really great time to visit Miami, with spring break ranked 10th out of 35 cities. Local;s ranked New Years Eve a 6. Nobody liked fall, for some reason, with both groups picking it 33rd out of 35. Miami was at the bottom of the list for culture, according to both residents and visitors, a dismal outlook. Things picked up a bit when it comes to food, with visitors ranking us 9th for big name restaurants, but at the bottom of the list for neighborhood joints and cafes. Affordable hotels? near the bottom of all cities according to townies and visitors, but we ranked near the top in all in one resorts. Want a bed and breakfast? If you believe the list, don’t come here. We ranked at the bottom again. Miami is known for it’s Cuban food, but as for other local specialities, we didn’t get much love from visitors, and guess what: The locals were harder on us than

the visitors were, trashing our burgers, coffee, barbecue, and even saying our pizza is poor. The singles scene ranked high, as did a lot about our people; near the top in style, attractiveness, and diversity. But when it comes to friendliness and intelligence, visitors ranked us near the bottom, and locals? Dead last. Ouch. If you believe the list, the not much here worth living for. Only weather and people watching were in the top 10, but at the bottom, cleanliness, transit, and safety. If you’re thinking about visiting us, even after all of this, the magazine’s readers even ranked the best kind of trip to take. Miami was number 3 for taking a wild weekend, something to which most people here would attest. We did Ok with romantic getaway, too, ranking in the top 20. But Affordable? Near the bottom, Family fun? same thing. And, a cultural

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Micro Sculptor Makes Big Splash In Miami Reporting Lisa Petrillo MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Living with undiagnosed dyslexia at a young age, Willard Wigan struggled with n e a r l y everything. That is, until he discovered sculpting. Wigan’s microscopic sculptures are a huge success, and dozens are on display at The Midtown Gallery in Miami.

Wigan says he was driven to the unusual profession after a school teacher in his native England made him feel so small, saying he would never amount to much.

In order to create his masterpieces, sometimes as small as 0.005 mm, Willard works with high powered microscopes and steady hands.

“I’ve even inhaled some of my work one time my cell phone rang,” said Wigan. “I breathed in.. and it was gone. Learned my lesson. Know to hold my breath”

His mother gave him some life changing advice: keep thinking small and you will be big.

His approach to every sculpture is unorthodox, but keeps him coming back for more.

Wigan’s pieces range from $20,000 to $125,000, which includes the microscope.

That is when he began micro sculpting, making figurines that are an art that needs and incredible amount of patience and skill.

“I don’t enjoy doing it,” said Wigan. “I enjoy finishing it, because I must admit, it makes you insane (the work), but the pleasure is when I finish it.”

“The tools I use are microscopic made from acupuncture needles. There are diamonds smashed together to make things it’s all microscopic to create this work.” says Wigan .

Wigan admits that the microscopic tools that make the amazing creations are also the source of many of his frustrations.

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Marlins Stadium Nearly 50 Percent Built as it marks its 16th month of construction. Construction officials said construction is 47 percent complete with the stadium framework in place. Two elevators, the baseball field and dugouts are already in place. The retractable roof is mostly complete, officials told CBS4’s Marybel Rodriguez during a recent hard-hat press tour.

MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ Construction of the Miami Marlins stadium is on schedule and is poised to open by the April, 2012 deadline. On Tuesday, CBS4 News toured the facility

“People are working 150-feet off the ground and they’re working on 18-inches wide I-beam walking back and forth. There’s an extensive safety systems up, but it’s an extremely dangerous job,” said Sid Perkins with the construction firm Hunt Moss. “I have high expectations, but the project is doing really well.”

The ballpark will be located on the parcel of land bordered by NW 6th Street to the north, NW 4th Street to the south, NW 16th Avenue to the west and NW 14th Avenue to the east. With a capacity of approximately 37,000 spectators, the retractable roof, airconditioned ballpark will contain 928,000 square feet on the former Orange Bowl site. The team said a retractable-roof facility will help draw more fans during South Florida’s hot and rainy summers. The team, which won World Series titles in 1997 and 2003, will be renamed the Miami Marlins when the new stadium opens in April 2012. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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The Adtimes Newspaper November 19, 2010 Edition

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November 19, 2010

Construction Crews To Give I-195 A Makeover Reporting Tiffani Helberg MIAMI (CBS4) Ñ One of the two main highways to Miami Beach is undergoing a multi-million dollar makeover courtesy of the Florida Department of Transportation. On Monday construction began on I-195 from Northwest 10th Avenue east to Biscayne Bay. The $19.9 million project, which includes a number of upgrades and some new lanes, is scheduled to be completed by May 2012. In addition to replacing the guardrail and curb along with median with a concrete barrier, crews will also widen the bridges, upgrade bridge railings and build a barrier wall along the highway.

New eastbound and west bound auxiliary lanes will be built connecting I-95 to North Miami Avenue to ease merging; the North Miami Avenue exit ramp will also be rebuilt. Finally, new signs and traffic signals will be installed and the landscaping will be spruced up. FDOT officials said they will try to limit lane closures to nights and weekends during the construction period. Regardless some neighbors who live along the highway like Marcos Gomez are upset. “How can you live with all this going on?” asked Gomez as he looked out at the construction. Over at the busy Midtown shops, drivers were also concerned as the Miami Avenue exit to that area will be closed for six months starting in July. “I work on the beach. So yeah I will have

to take another route,” said Jo Murray, a driver. “I guess some things are unavoidable so we’ll just have to make do.” But the problem is compounded for many who frequent Miami Beach. Now both the Julia Tuttle Causeway and the MacArthur Causeway are both under construction. The I-395 is part of the billion dollar port of Miami tunnel project that is underway. “That’s gonna be hard to get to the beach then,” said Corey Lafferty, a driver. “I would imagine it’s gonna cause a lot of problems especially with Biscayne backed up all the way as it is. Yeah, I guess its gonna be a challenge for us.” The Department of Transportation admits drivers are going to need some extra patience to navigate the construction zones. But spokeswoman Monica Diaz said the department will work hard to do the bulk of the lane closures during off peak hours or overnight.

“We coordinate and we make sure that no two causeways are closed at the same time or we coordinate the closures to minimize those impacts as best as we can,” said Diaz. (© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.) news powered by

The Adtimes Newspaper November 19, 2010 Edition

The Adtimes Newspaper

November 19, 2010

Horoscopes provided by www.starlightastrology.com

Leo

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Aries (Mar. 21-Apr. 20)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You could be drawn to events that concern children. Do your own thing. Bring work home if it will help you get caught up. A series of misunderstandings may be at fault. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

Younger relatives may seek your advice. You can benefit financially if you put money or maintenance into your living quarters. Knowledge can be acquired if you listen. Get rich quick schemes will not be successful. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Sagitarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Gemini (May 22-June 21)

Accommodate others but not before you do your own thing. Do the proper safety checks before you go out. Your partner may push buttons that infuriate you. Be sure that you have all the facts before you take action. Past partners may try to come back into your life. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Don’t be too quick to judge your position or surroundings at work. Family outings or a quiet stroll through the park will lead to stimulating conversation and a closer bond. Travel for business will be advantageous. Unpredictable events will disrupt your routine. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

Take time to do something nice for yourself. Be cautious when dealing with foreigners. Be cautious not to get involved in office chatter that will cause problems for others. You can make progress professionally. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Taurus (Apr. 21-May 21)

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 18)

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 20)

Try not to overspend on luxury items. Travel will be on your mind, but you should be sure that you’ve got all your work up-todate. If you can get away for a vacation, do so. Try not to skirt issues if you think you’ll hurt some one’s feelings. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.

This will not be the best day for communication or travel. Be prepared to overcome frustrations and obstacles at work. You will be in the mood for competition, and your ability to lead a group will bring you popularity. Keep your mind on your work and stay away from situations that could ruin your reputation. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

Real estate investments will be profit able. Don’t jump too quickly if someone tries to make you join in on their crusade. Go out shopping this month. You will do best to entertain those you wish to close deals with. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Wednesday.

Pisces (Feb. 19-Mar. 20)

Virgo (Aug. 24-Sept. 22)

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

Tempers could boil if someone you work with has not been pulling their weight. Delve into worthwhile causes that will show results if you put in the effort. Talk to an older, established individual about your present situation. You will have a little more energy than usual. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Monday.

Restrictions may be difficult for you to live with. You may have difficulties while traveling or problems dealing with close friends or relatives. Equilibrium in your romantic life is likely if you treat your partner well. It’s a good time for long awaited relationships to begin. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Thursday.

You can learn a great deal more if you listen rather than rant and rave. Do your job and then spend some time with family; you’ll be glad you did. Your fun loving approach will be admired and appreciated by others. Someone you work with could have a personal interest in you. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Tuesday.

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

November 5th Solution

3 4 9 6 7 1 2 8 5

2 1 6 5 4 8 7 3 9

5 8 7 2 9 3 1 6 4

9 6 5 7 8 4 3 2 1

4 2 8 3 1 6 5 9 7

1 7 3 9 2 5 6 4 8

7 3 4 1 6 9 8 5 2

6 9 2 8 5 7 4 1 3

8 5 1 4 3 2 9 7 6

5 3 3 2 5 8

6 3 7 4 8

4 6 3 8

9 1 5

Look For Our Next Edition: DECEMBER 3, 2010

1 9 4 2

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THE ADTIMES

(July 23-Aug. 23) A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. You may be frustrated by the way situations are being handled in your personal life. You will be confused about the intentions of someone you work with. Realize that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Your luckiest events this month will occur on a Saturday.