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The CBS4 Magazine is printed and distributed targeting South Florida’s most affluent residents in the region. The CBS4 Magazine delivers award winning journalism you won’t find anywhere else! Our content focuses on local business and community news which include: Health, Real Estate, Consumer News, Automotive and Entertainment. REAL. LOCAL. NEWS. DELIVERED!
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2 Jan-Feb 2016 | cbsmiami.com
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TRAFFIC Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com WEB JOURNALISTS Lisa Cilli lcilli@wfor.cbs.com David Dwork ddwork@cbs.com John jmaclauchlan@cbs.com CutlerMacLauchlan Bay Giovanna Maselli gmaselli1@cbs.com magazine production general information Victoria Zayas | Director of Client Relations victoria@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4556 ADVERTISING sales Tony Gambirazio | Director of Sales tonyg@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4506 Creative Tammy Kukic Art Director tammy@cbs4newsmagazine.com Newsroom direct number 305-639-4500 Website Please visit www.cbsmiami.com for more information PRINTED IN THE USA, COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY MARCO G, INC. All rights reserved. The CBS4 News Magazine, a free publication, published bimonthly by MARCO G, Inc. Material in this publication must not be stored or reproduced in any form without permission from Marco G. Inc. or WFOR CBS4. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@ cbs4newsmagazine.com. CBS4 and/or Marco G. Inc do not assume any liability for products and/or services claimed in advertisements herein. CBS4 and its logo (s) are protected through trademark registration. The use of logos, content and/or artwork in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For more information please contact 305.477.1699.
Contents Jan-Feb 2016
FEATURE
pg.06
08 Selfie Time 10 Hit to the Head 14 Cash for Clothes Health
pg.22
22 The Estrogen Effect 32 Breast Cancer
life
pg.42
42 Buckle Up in Back Seat, It Could Save A Life 46 Bubble Trouble? real estate
pg.60
60 5 Common Misconceptions About Real Estate 66 Hyper-Gentrification Comes to Miami Home
pg. 74
82 How to Paint a Room 110 What is Home Automation? Auto
pg.130
141 A Car Shopper’s Guide to Auto Shows
24 Carcinogen Consumption WHO: Processed Meats, Red Meat Can Cause Cancer
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Study: Long Commutes Far More Stressful For Women Than Men
by Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com
ccording to a national study, Miami is among the cities with the worst traffic congestion in the country. Even though we are all stuck in the gridlock, studies suggest it is women that are most affected by long commutes. It takes South Florida mom Jennifer Aleman an hour and 45 minutes to drive to and from work every day. But before she starts the arduous trip, she has to drop off her oldest son at the bus stop at 5:30 a.m. and then make sure her youngest son, Matthew, is fed, homework is done and is ready for school. He walks to the bus stop after Aleman leaves. Aleman’s commute begins at 6:15 a.m. when it’s still dark out. When it rains, Aleman’s trip can take as long as two hours and 30 minutes from her home in Homestead to her office at the University of Miami’s medical campus in the city of Miami. A number of studies over the last decade put Aleman’s plight in a larger context – commuting stresses out women more compared to men. “Sometimes I’ll be in my car and I just want to go home. I want to turn around and say forget it. I can’t do this today,” said Aleman. A study out of the U.K. titled “It’s Driving Her Mad” found that women feel the psychological impact of commuting four times as strongly as men. Dr. Jeff Newport is a psychiatry professor at UM’s Miller School of Medicine. “It’s more of an issue between mothers and fathers than women versus men,” said Dr. Newport. He believes the discrepancy began half
a century ago. Following WWII, women entered the work force but never reduced the amount of household responsibilities. “Because of our culture, and the way it has evolved over the years, it does place a disproportional share of the burden upon women,” he said. Commuting, for women, gets added to an already heavy workload that often includes children and the day-to-day household tasks that come with being a mother. Aleman said, “I get home and 7 or 7:15 [p.m.] and it’s okay you need to run out and get something for dinner or you need to run out to get something for school for a project for the kids.” For many women, commuting is not just a matter of getting through rush hour – it’s also running through the list of things that have to get done when they get home. The study found that even though men still leave earlier, work later and have longer trip times it’s women that are overwhelmed by the bumper to bumper drive. “When you take the burden of that long drive and place it on the mountain of responsibility that are already being encountered you hit a tipping point,” said Dr. Newport. He added that tipping point could result in severe anxiety, heart disease and even depression if not checked. For Aleman, it’s lead to weight gain. “You’re stuck in a car all day and then you get home and you’re frustrated and maybe you shouldn’t have had that piece of chocolate cake but you just sat in traffic for two hours so you want that piece of chocolate cake or glass of wine or both!” said Aleman. To avoid the health issues, Newport says to ask for help. “When responsibilities become unreasonable then your options are basically to delegate those things,” he said. Pass out the responsibilities to your kids, spouse and family members.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 7
Selfie time
App To Make Picture Perfect Selfies Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com
ith thousands of apps ready to download, it’s hard to swipe your way to one you’d use. That’s why CBS4 has added a new segment to their news casts called “There’s an app for that!” to help you find the best apps for your lifestyle. The first app showcased is all about the perfect picture. Maybe you have a blemish or dark bags under your eyes. Well now “there’s an app” to zap your problem areas away. Kim Kardashian is undoubtedly the queen of the ‘selfie’. It’s rumored her secret weapon to achieving the perfect photo is this app – Perfect 365. The app is dubbed the world’s easiest-to-use virtual makeup app. It’s a one-stop shop for digital makeovers. Perfect 365 will keep you looking flawless all year long. You can create smoother your skin, add eyeliner, lipstick, even create higher cheek bones. If you’re interested in using Perfect 365, check out your app store and download it for free. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 9
CBS4 Exclusive: Ex-Dolphin At Center Of NFL Concussion Settlement Speaks Out by Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com
“Y
ou start having that fear yourself. One day am I going to wake up and not know who my kid is? Not knowing who my wife is. Not know who I am? Am I going to think I am 20-something years old again and I am 55, 60 years old?” At 41 years old, they are questions former Miami Dolphin Shawn Wooden asks himself over and over again. A married father of three, and a successful financial planner based in Miramar, he still revels in memories of the game and the team he loved. His Miami Dolphins’ helmet sits atop a bookshelf in his office. FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 11
“You would feel honored to come out of that tunnel and have those 72,000 fans just cheering for you,” remembering back to the day. But just a decade after taking off that uniform, his days and nights are often focused on the possibility of paying a price for repeated head trauma – and the concussions he and fellow footballers, like Kevin Turner who played or the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, suffered on the field. Wooden and Turner are lead players in a settlement accepted in a class action lawsuit filed against the NFL. Wooden believes the settlement addresses the needs of retired players who have or may get dementia, Alzheimer’s, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which Turner suffers from, and other severe illnesses – all allegedly linked to repeated head trauma. Meeting with CBS4 Chief Investigative Reporter Michele Gillen she asked Wooden if he now suffers from headaches. “Yes.” he replied. And sleepless nights too. Wooden represents members of the class action who are healthy today but who might be at higher risk. The reason? He says he remembers suffering concussions on the field. “I remember getting dinged. I remember losing some time. Watching film on that next Monday and saying when did that play happen?” Experiences he would just have no memory of. “Literally could not remember it. I remember one point in time being hit so hard, they brought out the smelling salts out to me to try to get my senses. And put them in my mouth thinking that it was a pill. And throwing up instantly. Those are the things that I do remember,” he said. Gillen asked, “When you say the word Ding. Ding sounds so innocent?” “Yes, that’s what we used to call it” Wooden responded.
“The science wasn’t there. That concussions, getting your bell rung, could have a long term effect,” he added. Potential damaging effects are now known. And that’s why the settlement could include a billion dollars or more for some retirees afflicted with certain illnesses and provide dollars for testing. “I want to be tested. I want to do the baseline testing. I believe all 18,000 guys should get tested as soon as possible,” said Wooden Wooden says he is haunted by afflicted players – like Kevin Turner for whom early testing is too late. He has spent time with Turner and is awed by his determination and courage. “You see a trapped soul. It is sad to see these strong men… everybody says gladiators….trapped in their own a body that’s a haunting feeling,” stresses Wooden. But not all players or their families are in favor. A handful continue to raise objections. In fact, lawyers filed appeals this week, trying to overturn it. “I would say that our appeal is about fundamental fairness. This settlement is a landmark settlement in many ways. It is a statement about the NFL’s culpability for traumatic head injuries for the players who played the game,” says Jared Beck who represents the family of former player ‘Cookie’ Gilcrest. He long suffered from CTE – Cerebral Traumatic Encephalopathy. A severe injury to the brain usually following a violent jolt. Beck, for starters, argues the settlement is too restrictive – that potentially many players with CTE will be excluded from benefits even though scientific research indicates the condition is directly linked to head trauma. “It is clear to us that the trial court did not exercise its responsibility to weigh all the scientific opinions and evidence. It did not look in a serious way at the science.” says Beck. Gilcrest was at stage 4 CTE when he
I would say that our appeal is about fundamental fairness. This settlement is a landmark settlement in many ways. It is a statement about the NFL’s culpability for traumatic head injuries for the players who played the game. Jared Beck
passed away at age 71. CTE is diagnosed after death when the brain is studied. Beck says only families of players who die before the settlement is signed will get benefits. As to when the NFL first became aware of the dangers of concussions, the incidence of risk, an insider’s view may never emerge. “There was not a shred of discovery taken. Not a single deposition taken we think in our view that is an absolute travesty of justice,” argues Beck. Wooden, who has two young boys who love the football field, believes change is trickling down. More emphasis on monitoring at all levels of the game. Gillen asked, “Do you ever take pause about saying that I don’t want my two boys to play football?”
“It’s a conversation that we had as a family. It’s a decision we made in the family. There was some hesitation about them playing…making sure they play the right way….. I go to all my kids’ games. So it comes down to monitoring your kid,” says Wooden. And now, anxiously monitoring his own health. “It is a very haunting feeling. A very nervous feeling as an individual being only 41 years old knowing that that could be a possibility,” he said. CBS4 News reached out for comment from legal representatives of the NFL and awaits their response. For more information on these debilitating brain injuries in athletes and how you can support the cause, you can visit The Kevin Turner Foundation website.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 13
cash for clothes
Tips On Turning Your Overcrowded Closet Into Cash
I
Vanessa Borge • vborge@cbs.com
s your closet overcrowded with clothes, shoes and accessories you haven’t worn in years? Instead of just hanging in your closet, your wardrobe could be making you money. A consignment seller can help you sell your used items and put some cash in your pocket. “Consignment is the solution to a fashionista’s overcrowded, not fully enjoyed, closet,” said consignment seller Robin Harvin. To clear the clutter and collect some cash, Robin says first, separate your things in to three piles. “Yes, I want to sell it, no question. Maybe, I’m not sure. And no.” After you created your “yes” pile, there are tips to getting the most money out of it.
Number 1: Detachment Make sure you have no doubt you want to sell the item.
Number 2: Condition Make sure you treat your things with respect. “People will pay more for something that is in better condition a lot more,” Harvin said.
Number 3: Expectation Remember, you won’t make your money back.
“You have to look at it as a bonus. It’s extra money. It’s not to replace what you paid for the item,” Harvin said. When it comes to consignment, handbags are the fastest off the shelf. Shoes are next. When selling those always think height, height, height! The world is Robin’s marketplace. She sells all her items on her website, evesher.com. Robin warns to be careful trying to sell items yourself. Go with an expert in the industry. “The reason to reach out to someone like me who knows the industry? People will pay more to buy from someone they trust,” she said. For example, Robin sells through eBay. She has a 100 percent rating and 5 stars from other clients. But if you don’t have luxury or antique items to sell, Robin suggests looking up consignment stores near you. They can give you back some money for your clothes too. “Go online. There’s local places. There’s a market in South Florida that specialize in more contemporary stuff,” Harvin said. And for those of you hesitant to get rid of clutter in your closet, think of this: “When you’re focused on just what you’re enjoying, it feels so good. It feels like you had more than you ever had,” Harvin said.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 15
New Government Numbers Show More Children Struggling With Autism
autism awareness
ome new government figures just issued on the prevalence of autism in children across the country are stirring up controversy. The estimate showed more children may be struggling with the condition than previously thought. Angela Blanchet knew when her son Ben was 15 months old, he was developing differently. “All of a sudden he became quieter,� said Blanchet.
At two years old, Ben was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. “[He was] playing with shadows, watching things spin,” she explained. Ben is now ten and part of a growing number of children reported as autistic. New data from the Centers For Disease Control finds as many as 1 in 45 children may be on the spectrum. Another, still current, government survey puts the estimate at 1 in 68. “The most important takeaway message here is that autism is more prevalent than we currently believe,” said Michael Rosanoff with Autism Speaks. Rosanoff believes the numbers jumped because the latest questionnaire present-
ed to parents which changed the order and content of some questions. “This is purely a methodological issue,” he explained. “So these numbers didn’t surprise you a lot because you’ve been surrounded by this,” said CBS4’S Kenneth Craig to Blanchet. “Right, yeah, my neighborhood has a high incidence of autism,” she replied. “Used to be I’d say Ben has autism and they’d be taken aback. But now it’s my son has it, my grandson, etc.” Blanchet said because Ben was diagnosed early he is getting the help and therapy he needs.
The most important takeaway message here is that autism is more prevalent than we currently believe.” Michael Rosanoff
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 19
The New Year is a perfect time to volunteer!
N
eighbors 4 Neighbors understands firsthand that Helping Feels Good. That’s why we developed a website of the same name, www.Helpingfeelsgood.org. Over the years, many of our nonprofit partners came to us with opportunities where they needed help. We were also being contacted by individuals in the community who had talents to share. From there idea was born. We developed a website, where people in need could share what they were looking for, and in the same place those that could help could share their time and talents. While there are other sites like this, none were dedicated to helping just the South Florida Community and we quickly began making connections. Now, in its fourth year, our Helping Feels Good Site is filled with opportunities from our local non-profit partners who work each day to help the community in which we work and live. Additionally, there are hundreds of volunteers registered to help. The concept is simple, when you sign up as a volunteer, you share with us your interests and strengths. The
system automatically matches you with an opportunity near you that best fits your skills and desire to help. After that you’ll receive an email informing you of any new postings. If you are interested, then you click on the post and sign up to help. Last year, we expanded this site to assist the homeless. We teamed up with organizations that have been working for many years in South Florida, assisting people in our community unknown to many as, homeless. These people include children and families, who are in unstable housing, often going to school or work each day and no one around them is a aware of the struggles they are facing. In 2016, we are extending our efforts to assist homeless Veterans. These honored members of our armed forces face special struggles and there are many agencies working to assist them each day. Join our proud partners at Everglades Holiday Park and share your talents by registering today at www.helpingfeelsgood.org, and find out for yourself how good it feels to volunteer. For more information, please log on to our website or call our office at 305-597-4404.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 21
health
“The prevalence of anxiety disorders is twice as high in women as it is in men.�
Dr. Mohammed Milad
the estrogen effect
T
Study Looks At How Women Deal With Stress
here is no question that women are juggling more than ever these days and that burden can lead to a lot of stress. Rosy Gil knows that first-hand. The 36-yearold was diagnosed with panic attacks in her early 20s. “Your heart racing, thinking you’re really ill and having trouble sleeping,” recalls Gil. “The prevalence of anxiety disorders is twice as high in women as it is in men,” said Dr. Mohammed Milad, a neuroscientist who is studying how women regulate stress differently than men. “You don’t need a neuroscientist to tell you that we process fear differently.” That’s largely due to estrogen, which Milad says plays an important role in how the brain regulates fear. Some areas tell us when to be afraid, while others tell us to calm down. “The area that regulates fear tends to lose in anxiety disorders,” he said. “Estrogen tends to restore that function, (and) restore that balance.” So can giving estrogen to women change how
the brain responds to fear? To study that, young female volunteers are placed in an MRI machine and shown a picture of a lamp. When the lamp turns yellow, nothing happens. When it turns blue, she gets an electrical shock to her finger, teaching her to fear the blue light. Later, she is given an estrogen pill to see if she has the same fear response in her brain when faced again with the dreaded blue light. The goal is to find out if estrogen can enhance how women with certain anxiety disorders like PTSD, social phobias, and panic disorder respond to therapy. Milad says giving estrogen to women for a short period of time might help. “If we come up with a way that four-to-five pills of estrogen over six weeks can make your exposure therapy efficient, not just for PTSD but across the anxiety disorders, that’s great,” he said. Milad said that when women are in a high-estrogen state, they regulate fear much the same as men. Women in a low estrogen state tend to worry excessively. Milad’s research may have broader implications and could help explain post-partum depression and the higher risk of anxiety in women as they age.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 23
WHO: Processed Meats, Red Meat Can Cause Cancer
by Giovanna Maselli • gmaselli1@cbs.com
“For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed.” Dr. Kurt Straif
rocessed meats are now considered carcinogenic to humans, according to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO). The agency evaluated processed and red meat to find out the carcinogenicity of the food and how it affects our bodies. Through that they classified processed meat as “carcinogenic to humans” based on what they said was “sufficient evidence.” Experts say that each 50 gram portion of processed meat eaten daily increases the risk of getting colorectal cancer by 18 percent. “For an individual, the risk of developing colorectal cancer because of their consumption of processed meat remains small, but this risk increases with the amount of meat consumed,” says Dr. Kurt Straif, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer agency of the WHO. “In view of the large number of people who consume processed meat, the global impact on cancer incidence is of public health importance.” To clarify, the organization said processed meat is that which has been “transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, smoking, or other processes to enhance flavor or improve preservation.” Most processed meats are pork, beef, other red meats, poultry, offal or meat by-products such as blood, according to WHO. This includes bacon, sausage and hot dogs . Based on the results of their evaluation, the agency is warning the public to avoid processed meats when possible. The agency also took a look at the individual effect of red meat and concluded it to be “probably carcinogenic to humans” based on “limited evidence.” Consumption of it could cause colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. The report comes after the agency says they considered more than 800 studies that investigated associations of more than a dozen types of cancer in relation to red meat and processed meat consumption- something of interest to public health. “These findings further support current public health recommendations to limit intake of meat,” says Dr. Christopher Wild, Director of IARC. But they say it’s not about swearing off red meat all together. “At the same time, red meat has nutritional value. Therefore, these results are important in enabling governments and international regulatory agencies to conduct risk assessments, in order to balance the risks and benefits of eating red meat and processed meat and to provide the best possible dietary recommendations,” said Wild. The North American Meat Institute is calling the report “dramatic and alarmist” – and argues that cancer is a complex disease “not caused by single foods.”
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 25
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reducing
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by Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com
very year more than one million men have a prostate biopsy, an invasive procedure that involves needles. It turns out a majority of those biopsies reveal if a patient has no prostate cancer or low risk for cancer. In an effort to reduce the number of invasive biopsies, UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center is introducing a new method in cancer screening. It’s a new tool called “4Kscore.” Dr. Dipen Parekh, Chair of Department of Urology at University of Miami, is the lead author of the first U.S. clinical trial of the 4Kscore. The screening requires
Doctors recommend that men over
get regular prostate exams
3 out of 4 men are unnecessarily subjected to the invasive procedure every year
only a blood test. Dr. Parekh says three-out-offour men are unnecessarily subjected to the invasive procedure every year. With this new blood test revealing an individual’s 4Kscore, in combination with some other clinical parameters, patients can get their individualized percentage risk for high risk prostate cancer. “We found that [the 4KScore] has 80 percent chance of accurately predicting high grade prostate cancer,” said Dr. Parekh. “And, if you use several cut offs of the 4KScore, you can almost lead to reduction of 50-60 percent of unnecessary biopsies.” It is not an easy subject to talk about, but it is a necessary and in some cases life-saving one. Victor Franks works in the healthcare industry and understand the need for more conversation. “Women will talk about breast
biopsies cancer all day long, but men aren’t going to talk about prostate cancer,” said Franks. “It’s a specter that hangs over men as much as breast cancer with women.” Doctors recommend that men over 40 get regular prostate exams. That’s a digital rectal examination performed by a doctor. If something suspicious is found, a prostate biopsy is ordered – during which a needle is inserted in the rectum. “You have it done once. You really don’t want to do it again,” said Norwood Davis who has undergone a prostate biopsy before. “It was one of the most unpleasant experiences I’ve ever had.” Davis’ biopsy turned out nothing, but at 75 years old he was scheduled for a second one. This time he was introduced to UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the 4Kscore. He said he was ordered to give blood and his tests revealed he had
New Test Reducing The Number Of Invasive Prostate Biopsies
no reason for another biopsy. “It’s close to a miracle for guys,” said Davis. Dr. Parekh said as a doctor his goal is to preserve the quality of his patent’s lives. He added there is a sense of relief and reassurance both for the patient as well as the treating physician. “What we are doing in our practice now is that as soon as a man is referred to us for a biopsy with an elevated PSA, we are using the 4Kscore to determine whether or not that individual needs biopsy or not. It’s not a knee jerk automatic reaction,” said Dr. Parekh. The reduction in the number of biopsies performed could potentially add up to $1 billion in savings for the U.S. health care system. While the 4Kscore is not FDAapproved, it is used under FDA guidelines. The good news is that the 4Kscore is covered by some insurance providers.
4KScore has an 80% chance of accurately predicting high grade prostate cancer
$1 billion
Potential savings for the U.S. health care system HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 29
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Screening Recommendations Updated or the first time in 12 years, the American Cancer Society has updated its guidelines for when women should get mammograms. Shari Forrest had her first mammogram at the age of 35 after she felt a lump in her breast. Luckily it was a false alarm. The American Cancer Society is now recommending women at average risk have yearly mammograms starting at age 45, not 40. Study author Doctor Kevin Oeffinger says the benefits far outweigh the harm starting at 45. “Between 40 and 44 breast cancer is less common. There’s still the risk for a false positive, so we thought that needs to be an informed, shared decision
between the woman and her health care provider,” said Oeffinger. Starting at 55, the American Cancer Society recommends screenings every two years. That’s closer to the U-S Preventive Task force guidelines which recommends mammograms every two years starting at age 50. Some doctors say the guidelines are confusing and only take into account breast cancer deaths and not quality of life for survivors. They maintain all women should start yearly mammograms at age 40. “We know that women who develop breast cancer in their 40s develop a very aggressive breast cancer and it spreads rapidly,” said Dr. Kristin Byrne. Forrest said she had a few false positives in her early mammograms. “It’s scary when youre waiting to find out the results,” said Forrest. But, she added, she’d rather have the screenings than cancer.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 33
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Inject EpiPen here
ALLERGY PREVENTION medicine COST RISES Price Of Life Saving EpiPens Jumps Drastically or someone with an allergy, an EpiPen, an injectable form of epinephrine to theat anaphylaxis, can mean the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, the autoinjectors have become increasingly expensive, even for people with insurance. Dylan Frazier, 9, has severe food allergies. Every bite he takes needs to be watched closely. “If we didn’t have an EpiPen with us, and he has a reaction, it could be deathly for him,” said mom Kristen Frazier. She makes sure an EpiPen is always near Dylan: in his backpack, his classroom and the cafeteria. “I carry one. My husband carries one. We have one in our sports bag,” Frazier said. EpiPens can quickly reverse an allergic reaction. They are an absolute must for allergy patients. But the costs of EpiPens have soared drastically. A twin pack has jumped from around $60 to more than $400 over the past 10 years. “It’s a bigger issue across most medications in general now,” said Todd Brown, who teaches at the School of Pharmacy at Northeastern University. “Pharmaceutical companies have really changed the way they price medications. It used to be related to the impact of the medication,” Brown said. “Now, it’s really changed
to essentially how much they can get for a medication.” But the high prices of Epipen are only in the United States. Those same EpiPens, which cost about $400 in America, cost $85 in France. Congressman Michael Capuano said there is no federal regulation on how high drug prices can go. “We have prohibited the government from negotiating prices with drug producers, by law, which is a crazy thing to have done,” said Capuano. Dr. Mark Dematteo is concerned some families may be forced to cut back. “These events can progress at a very rapid pace, sometimes as quickly as 20 minutes. Under those circumstances, having an EpiPen will be absolutely lifesaving,” Dematteo said. Frazier knows she is lucky her insurance covers a majority of her son’s EpiPens. But still, her co-pays are not low. In a statement, the manufacturer of EpiPens said they offer financial help to families who qualify and have provided free devices to more than 60,000 schools. “It’s important to note that Mylan does not set the final retail cost of its products charged to patients as this is determined by the insurance coverage of the patient. One would have to look across the many parties that constitute the distribution channel as they all play a role in the ultimate access and price of prescription drugs in the marketplace,” according to Mylan, maker of EpiPen.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 37
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Cooling Therapy Could Help Babies At Risk
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mother’s instincts tell her to keep her baby warm. But doctors have found some newborns need to cool down. They’re using a technique called cooling therapy and it could save a child’s life. “The day you’re born might be the riskiest day of your life,” said neonatologist Dr. Michael Prendergast. “For most babies, thankfully this is a wonderful and healthy event but for some babies this is complicated by a period of reduced blood supply to the brain.” In an attempt to protect brain injury, doctors are now doing something that might sound strange. Within hours of birth, they’re wrapped in cooling blankets to lower their body temperature about four degrees below normal. It’s called therapeutic hypothermia or cooling therapy. “This therapy can reduce the risk of major injury that
could otherwise lead to death or significant disability in the form of cerebral palsy by 35 percent,” explains Dr. Prendergast. “When she was born she wasn’t breathing,” said Heidi Boucher as she recalled some scary moments around the birth of her daughter, Annie. “Because I had a normal pregnancy you don’t think about things going wrong.” But things did go wrong and there were concerns that Annie might be having seizures. Doctors told Heidi and her husband, Matt, that cooling therapy might help. “We were just really scared but we knew the medical experts were recommending all of this,” says Heidi. “We said we may as well go with their advice. We’re so glad we did.” That’s because 16 months later, Annie is hitting all her developmental milestones. “She is on the early end,” says Heidi, “She walked before her first birthday.” Welcome news to the doctors who cooled her down in those first few days of life. “This therapy is a therapy that lasts a lifetime,” says Dr. Prendergast.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | Jan-Feb 2016 39
A
By Yordanka Cordon
pursuing a fitness
dream
nllela Sagra, a 22-year-old Colombian-born top fitness model, has been hard at work to achieve her ulti-
mate goal. Sagra is enthusiastic about life and the opportunities that have brought her to where she is today. However, this journey did come at some cost. Sagra arrived in the United States with nothing more than a dream and a suitcase packed for a one-week stay. “I believe that this is where I am meant to be,” said Sagra. “I was scared
and still am, but my desire to achieve my ultimate goal is my driving force.” According to Sagra, leaving her entire family behind has been one of the greatest sacrifices she has had to make. While pursuing a degree in fashion design, she began to upload videos and pictures of herself while working out. It was these photos and videos that propelled her forward in the world that is social media. Having modeled since the age of 16 and loving fitness so much, she decided to enter a fitness competition three days prior to the event.
Anllela Sagra, fitness model and 1UP Nutrition sports athlete
“Imagine, I had never done anything like that. I did it out of impulse just to see what would happen, and it worked out,” said Sagra. “ I came in third place, and from that moment onward I had multiple nutritional supplements and clothing brands contacting me. So I made a bold move and decided to stop pursuing my fashion design career and focus on what I have always loved, which is modeling and fitness.” Sagra works hard and with a passion that’s not easily unwavered. She dedicates a minimum of three hours a day, seven days a week to perfecting her
body and promoting 1UP Nutrition. According to Sagra she would not have been able to accomplish all that she has in the short amount of time without the help of Tomas Echavarria, owner of TFit 360, and 1UP Nutrition sports athlete. Echavarria became Sagra’s mentor and friend, and essentially helped her gain additional recognition and continues to help and support her in all that she does. “I met Thomas through social media, and his help has been immeasurable to me,” said Sagra. In her continued efforts to pursue her
dreams, Sagra has been hard at work developing her athletic clothing line. In addition, she offers training and diet plans to anyone who might be interested in adopting a healthy life style. Sagra hopes to one day move to Los Angeles and pursue a career in acting. But for the moment she is staying put. “I love what I do, so I don’t feel it as a job, this is something I love and would do it even if I wasn’t getting paid for it,” said Sagra. “There is no better plan than the one life has destined for you.” Contact TFIT360 at 786-985-0825. business spotlight | Jan-Feb 2016 41
Life
Buckle Up In Back Seat, It Could Save A Life
W
ith an estimated 47 million people expected to hit the road over the Thanksgiving holiday, traffic safety experts have a word of advice for passengers in the back seat – buckle up. New research from the Governors Highway Safety Association found 883 rear seat passengers who weren’t wearing seat belts died in crashes in 2013. About half of them would like have survived if they were buckled up. So why don’t some people put on their seat belts when they ride in the rear passenger seat? Highway safety consultant Dr. Jim Hedlund said there are several factors. “First you have heard for years you are safer in the back seat. Second, you don’t think about it as much when you get into the back seat, especially something like a taxi. And third, half the states don’t have laws requiring belt use in the back seat,” said Hedlund. Hedlund, who wrote the reports, said of particular concern are passengers in cabs and ride sharing services like Uber. Overall, more than 1 in 5 back seat passengers don’t buckle up compared to 87-percent of front seat passengers who do. According to government data, passengers riding in the back seat are three times more likely to die in an accident when not wearing a seat belt. Hedlund’s report recommends all states require all passengers to wear seat belts.
LIFE | Jan-Feb 2016 43
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bubble trouble?
Carbonated Water May Not Always Be Healthy Alternative
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arbonated water is now a one and a half billion dollar business according to the latest industry research. It is a popular option for many consumers looking for a healthier option than soda and other sugary beverages. But is all that carbonated water good for you? Sales of carbonated water in the U.S. have doubled over the past five years. “The taste is a little bit different, a little bit sparkly I guess,” Derek Thomas said. “I have a family of diabetics who still drink them because I can’t convince them that they should just drink water,” Terry Cogan said. But not all fizzy water is the same. Despina Hyde is a registered dietician. She says it’s important to read the labels. “The best bet is to choose something without any sweeteners at all,” she said. Hyde says sweeteners are often found in tonic and flavored sparkling waters. Some have added sugar and even the ones with artificial sweeteners can lead to cavities and weight gain. “While they still don’t have calories or sugar, they may not have a neutral effect, so they may be affecting our taste buds, our satiety or hunger later in the day,” Hyde said. Then there are drinks like seltzer and club soda, which are essentially bubbly water. Hyde says carbonated waters do pose a slight risk to people with irritable bowel syndrome because they can cause bloating and club soda contains sodium. But overall, Hyde says both are healthier choices than sugary sodas. “We’re drinking too many calories and so finding these alternatives is great,” Hyde said. For the healthiest alternative, Hyde says infuse regular water with your favorite fruit. Some people also think carbonated water prevents the body from absorbing calcium which increases the risk of osteoporosis, but experts say there is no evidence that carbonated water affects bone density. LIFE | Jan-Feb 2016 47
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Should You Buy Or Lease Your Next Smart Phone?
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Walter Makaula • wmakaula@cbs.com
opular smart phones like the Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy are pretty pricey. They can run at least $600 for a new one. And trying to keep up with the newest models being introduced almost every year can definitely break the bank. CBS4 Anchor Walter Makaula took a look at the new trend of leasing versus buying, and the pros and cons of both. “The interesting thing is that while we want the latest and greatest, only 10 percent of consumers right now will give up their phone within a year,” said Delia Passi. Passi is a consumer advocate and administrative marketing manager for the Women’s Choice Award. She says if having the latest tech gadget in your pocket is important to you, your final decision is usually based on price and your budget. “While the opportunity is great to upgrade, you have to look at the pricing structure to make sure it works for you,” Passi said. “For example, let’s take AT&T. They have the ‘Next’ program. That’s not a lease program, that’s an installment program.” The biggest benefit with a lease program is you have the option of upgrading to a newer phone model, usually after just a year. You don’t get that option when you buy. But with a lease program, although it may be cheaper, you have to return the phone at the end of the agreement or when you upgrade – meaning you can’t pass it off to your child or sell it. So rather than leasing, buying may be a better option. And if you can’t make that big payment up front to purchase the smart phone, ask about an install-
ment plan. Most companies offer them now. “So you get these payments, but you end up owning the phone at the end,” Passi said. And that’s a good thing because when you get a new phone you can sell the old one and recoup some of your investment , sometimes for as much as $400. But Passi warns before you sign on the dotted line, you need to ask yourself a few more questions. “Am I paying for that phone month after month and then, when I go to upgrade, is there maybe a small charge? If I try to change carriers, a huge fee at the end? Or when I want to purchase the phone at the end, there’s another upcharge?” she said. And be aware of deals that sound too good to be true. She says before you walk in the store you need to do your homework. “The first thing is, don’t make your decision at the store. Spend the time before you walk into a store, because at the store you’re going to be faced with a sales person, who’s going to be aggressive about talking to you about all these plans. They could be overwhelming for most people,” Passi said. “Once you tie in to that contract, that’s it. You’re stuck and you could be stuck for years.” Overall, remember a few key things. If you decide to lease, you may get a slightly better monthly payment up front and be allowed to upgrade much more easily. But, buying versus leasing ends up with nearly the same out of pocket investment if you sell the old phone to recoup some of your expenses. So it may just come down to how often you want to upgrade. If you like keeping up with the Joneses, leasing may be a better choice.
LIFE | Jan-Feb 2016 51
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taste of the town
Mina’s Mediterraneo By Lisa Petrillo • lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com Photos provided by Mina’s Mediterraneo
Street in Miami. Owner Yasmine Kotb, a native of Cairo, Egypt, grew up in Texas where she gained an appreciation for familystyle eating using her Mediterranean background as inspiration for her creations. “It’s a regional restaurant. It’s not just Middle Eastern or Italian or Greek or French. The idea was to span the entire region,” said Kotb. Kotb who took a liking to baking at a young age, makes all of the homemade pitas on the premises. It’s smash, roll and bake to pure puff perfection. My first taste was a mélange of Mediterranean style dip, a fava bean puree. I’m a dipper. I can dip all day and I can have fun with these dips. The space, formerly a dry cleaning facility, is now colorful, charming and inviting. Walls are filled with deco era photos of cities in the Mediterranean. In the two years since it opened, loyal customers flock to Mina’s from surrounding neighborhoods with pride. “They almost always brag to me
about how they tell everyone about it. They feel like it’s theirs. They tell everyone about it. It’s kind of become a community restaurant,” said Kotb. Also on the tasting menu is a lamb burger on fresh home-made pita sliders. There is so much flavor in this lamb, it’s seasoned to perfection. It’s so tender and the little soft, puffy bread she just made is delicious and, for me, the perfect size. The pizzas represent every region; from Morocco to Egypt. I tried out the Greek pizza. It’s delicate with the right amount of cheese. It has feta and mozzarella and olives and tomato. It doesn’t taste Italian. It tastes Greek with a wonderful Mediterranean flavor. The Branzino, which is served whole, is a top seller. It’s the best Branzino I’ve ever had. It’s melt in your mouth, super fresh and I love the lemon flavor. It’s a beautiful fish and it tastes so good. The meal ended on a sweet note with a gluten free chocolate tart. Mina’s Mediterraneo is a neighborhood gem that takes you a world away. It’s opened Tuesday through Sunday dinner only. They are also serving brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Mina’s Mediterraneo is located at 749 NE 79th Street, Miami.
Photo by cbs4
M
ina’s Mediterraneo is an upscale but approachable neighborhood eatery off 79th
“Face Fitness” Trend Growing In Popularity
I
n today’s fitness-conscious society there seems to be a workout regimen or class for every muscle in the body. Now, face fitness is gaining popularity, promising to tone the under-eye area, lift the forehead, and soften lines, all without botox or other injections. “I believe in facial exercises, as part of my ritual as far as body and brain exercise,” said Gillian Horsham. Facial fitness is gaining popularity, as people continue to fight the aging process. The exercises can range from specialized massages you can do at home, to procedures involving gadgets designed to manipulate the face. Horsham goes to her local spa to “work it out.” “The tapping or thumping really helps to build the muscles,” she said. Jane Goldberg is a licensed psychologist and the owner of a spa and wellness center. She says it is important to tone your total body. “Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it is an ideal organ actually for the absorption of nutrients, as well as the release of toxins,” said Goldberg. She uses various devices to enhance the facial exercise experience, including a magnetic treatment. “You just can’t get exercise with your hands that’s as vigorous as this machine can get,” Goldberg said. “In terms of looking at the elasticity– it’s promoting a healthier feeling in the skin.” But are these exercises really effective? Marie Jhin is a board certified dermatologist and member of the American Academy of Dermatology. “There’s no scientific data proving that these exercises work, but I don’t see anything wrong with doing them, as long as you’re using the right muscles. If you obviously frown as part of your exercise that may create wrinkles you don’t want,” she pointed out. Doctor Jhin adds people should always do their research when choosing a spa. “It’s super important you get someone who’s done this many times, and who’s been properly trained,” she said. Horsham said she will continue doing facial exercises. “What I love about this, it’s helping to enhance, not trying to change me,” she said. Doctor Jhin says your diet also has a significant impact on skin health. Some of the best foods to eat are strawberries, sardines, tomatoes, and olive oil.
LIFE | Jan-Feb 2016 57
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real estate
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Common Misconceptions About Real Estate Content provided by zillow.com by BRENDON DESIMONE
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When it comes to buying and selling homes, conventional wisdom has its flaws.
opular misconceptions about real estate make many people hesitant to get into the home-buying or -selling game. And that’s a shame. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, don’t let the following conventional wisdom stop you. There’s not as much truth to it as you think.
Misconception: You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home now that all the information is online Today it’s more important than ever to have a great local real estate agent on your team. And there’s no cost to you, so why not get an experienced pro on your side? It’s no longer about agents having access to the proprietary data — it’s all out there. But since buying a home is such an infrequent transaction in your life, you need someone along on your journey who knows and studies the market, understands the process and can act as an adviser to help you interpret the data. And buying a home is not just a financial transaction. It’s incredibly emotional, and you’ll want a teammate to help diffuse the feelings, navigate the ups and downs, and steer you in the right direction. Misconception: You need 20 percent down to buy a home This is the biggest misconception for millennials, who are often burdened with huge student loans but still want to be homeowners. After the credit and housing crisis, it became very difficult to get a mortgage. Lenders were strict, and financing killed deal after deal. Today, however, it is possible to get a loan with as little as three percent down. Yes, that’s true. But while lending standards have loosened, it’s no slam dunk today. You must have great credit, verifiable income and assets to back you up. But you don’t necessarily need a 20-percent down payment.
Misconception: My home’s value is whatever the appraiser says it is The market value of a home is determined by what willing and able buyers and sellers agree on in an open market and arm’s length transaction. Other than that, a homeowner or would-be seller can only rely on a recent appraisal for a bank refinance. It’s helpful to understand that a home’s appraised value typically comes in below the market value. Factors such as views, finishes, fixtures or neighborhood specifications can affect your home’s appraisal. Misconception: Spring is the best time to sell a home Traditionally, many buyers come to the market in the spring to secure a new home before the start of the following school year in September. This decades-long trend has made people think spring is the best time to list a home for sale. But not all buyers today are families with kids. Buyers are single women, downsizers, baby boomers and people who don’t know — nor care — about the school calendar. The best time to sell your home is when inventory is low, and that’s the dead of winter. Later in the year is better because buyers are still home shopping through the holiday season. Misconception: You don’t need to have open houses to sell homes Many people believe that, with the advent of online listings, open houses are unnecessary. It’s not true. Open houses are in the DNA of real estate, and the more you make your home available to potential buyers, the better chance you have of selling it. When you host an open house, you are literally opening the door to let buyers come through and fall in love with your home. Without an open house, they might never set foot in the door.
REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 61
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
8345 SW 143rd St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33158 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1968 Sold: 12/8/2015 for
$462,000
F
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
2,005 3
baths
2
all in LOVE! Updated quiet N. Palmetto Bay ranch w/paradise backyard! Newer roof, windows, floors, washer/dryer, appliances, kitchen & baths. New AC & insulation. Eat-in kitchen w/wood cabinets & granite counters, SS appliances. Half-wall to dining room. Stacked bedroom plan. Beautiful patio w/pavers overlooks pool/spa & waterfall. Salt system & heated pool. Lushly landscaped back with fencing. Peace and quiet on a large lot. Great home for entertaining. Paver driveway. Top schools. Great location!
1500 Genoa St, Coral Gables, FL 33134 CONDO | Built in: 1956 Sold: 12/9/2015 for
$536,682
C
Size (sq. ft.)
1,668
beds
baths
2 2
harming home, located on the corner of two beautiful, peaceful, tree-lined streets in Coral Gables. Bright & cheery open spaces flooded with natural light thru the impact windows & doors; wonderfully updated eat-in kitchen w double ovens & plenty of cabinet storage; spacious bedrooms each w large closet. Enjoy the outdoors on the charming back patio looking toward manicured lawn w automatic sprinkler system. Wood floors, laundry room & a one-car garage complete this delightful home.
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
16640 SW 84th Ct, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1994 Sold: 12/4/2015 for
$795,000
S
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
4,204 5
baths
4
pacious 5 bdrm/ 4 bath home, built in 1994, in gated community of Flamingo Gardens. Grand formal living & dining rms. Chef’s kitchen w/ granite countertops, subzero refrigerator, island w/ cook top, 3 wall ovens. Tile in living areas, carpet in bdrms. Indoor laundry. Surround sound stereo. Gorgeous grounds include swimming pool w/ multi level patio. Accordian shutters. Circular driveway. 2 car garage.
507 Sevilla Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1941 Sold: 12/6/2015 for
$886,980
A
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
2,351 4
baths
3
rare opportunity in the heart of Coral Gables! This home will surprise you! Totally remodeled with permitted additions such as an extra large family room and a 2nd master suite upstairs! Wood and marble floors throughout, fireplace, S.Steel appliances & granite counters, Impact glass french doors & shutters throughout,(2)central A/C, City Water/Sewer, well & sprinkler, heated pool & Jacuzzi, Extra large lot 50” x 127”, termite warranty.
REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 63
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
10650 SW 76th Ave, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1987 Sold: 11/16/2015 for
$1,050,000
P
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
4,093 5
baths
5
inecrest executive home on quiet cul de sac street. Porte cochere entry. New sleek & modern kitchen. Beautiful stone floors, impact windows. French Doors open to large and private backyard with inviting pool - perfect for entertaining! Great floor plan with additional office. Large master suite with luxurious bath, large walk ins. 5BD/5BA, 2 car gar. with over 4000SF of comfortable family living. Excellent Pinecrest schools. Terrific and convenient location and much more.
1700 Ferdinand St, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1950 Sold: 11/19/2015 for
$1,180,000
L
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
2,483 3 2.5
avish Coral Gables home on oversized lot with over $300k in upgrades! Includes 3/2 + cabana bath, bonus room as den or office, modern kitchen with granite counter top and wood cabinets. Original blonde oak wood floors. Tiled and updated bathrooms. Wireless controlled heated swimming pool and jacuzzi with vacuum system. Lots of natural light. Hurricane impact windows and hurricane code garage door with new motors. ADT Radio Alarm System. Architecturally designed landscaping and security lighting.
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
9555 SW 69th Ct, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2007 Sold: 12/1/2015 for
Size (sq. ft.)
$2,050,000 5,602
N
beds
baths
6 5.5
ORTH PINECREST BEAUTY. Gated 2-Story custom built by Giorgio Balli. Magnificent appointments throughout. Formal Dining Room & Inviting Living Room with fireplace. Grand Kitchen/Family Room Combo with top-of-the-line everything. Cherry wood and marble floors. Exquisite finishes with impact windows and doors. Spacious covered patio and pool area. Full home generator.
10101 Lakeside Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2015 Sold: 11/12/2015 for
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
$8,000,000 10,076 6
A
baths
7.5
rchitectural sophistication & innovation in exclusive Snapper Creek under construction by legendary Hollub Homes.Modern,yet warm aesthetic with undeniable luxury and fluid living spaces that seamlessly complement the natural landscape.Set on over 55,000 sqft,this smart home features 6 bed,7.5 baths,gourmet kitchen,family rm,study,club room with bar and custom theater and 3 car garage. All main rooms are oriented toward the pool with large expanses of glass,stacked stone and sculptural dramatic staircase.
REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 65
Content provided by zillow.com BY MELISSA ALLISON
T
here’s a swanky swath of Miami called Brickell that’s bursting at its seams. Luxury condos — belonging largely to high earners and overseas investors — are packed in so tight that some balconies have front-row seats on the highway. Something has to give, and it’s becoming clear that the breach lies in nearby neighborhoods where working-class blacks and Latinos live, and which Zillow visited on the Miami stop of its Housing Roadmap tour. People in those areas have mixed feelings about what appears to be coming — a sort of hyper-gentrification, in which areas rocket from low-income to high, skipping the usual middle-class phase known simply as gentrification. Some people own homes and are thrilled at the prospect of rising land values. Others worry about their future and how upscale development could change the character of their neighborhoods.
Luxury comes to Overtown Bishop James Adams is braced for the worst. He’s a community leader and senior pastor at St. John’s Baptist Church in the mostly black neighborhood of Overtown, where developers plan a nearly 30-acre retail, residential and hospitality extravaganza called Miami Worldcenter. It’s bringing the restaurants, shops and entertainment that draw people to Miami. Rather than having to slog miles for those amenities, with Miami Worldcenter, people will be able to visit Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s just down the street from their Brickell condos — or they can buy a luxury residence at the Worldcenter. “I’m not anti-development,” said Adams, who is leading a $23 million project called St. John Plaza across the street from the church that will include housing, a community center and an early childhood development center. Worldcenter “has the potential to do some good in providing jobs and bringing economic development to the neighborhood,” he said. But political deals struck over the development could be more beneficial to the community.
For example, Adams said, the project’s 1,800-room hotel could agree to pay more than Florida’s $8.05-an-hour minimum wage. “To quote an Overtown resident, ‘that’s a dying wage,’” Adams said. “Most of the employees are going to be women, many of them single mothers and many of them minorities. Those individuals won’t be able to live nearby if they aren’t able to make a living wage.” Overtown has been a haven for black residents going back decades, to a time when segregation made it one of the only neighborhoods where they were welcome. Muhammad Ali lived there when he was still Cassius Clay, training to beat Sonny Liston for the heavyweight title. Black performers who played clubs in Miami Beach in the 1940s, ’50s and into the ’60s would come to Overtown for late-night gigs and to stay over at one of its hotels. The endless stream of entertainers included Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis Jr., Sam Cooke, Nat “King” Cole and Josephine Baker. In recent decades, the area has been down on its luck, its thriving businesses shuttered and some of its streets and empty lots given over to homeless people.
Adams understands why there are tax incentives to eliminate slums and blight, he said. “But they should not be able to eliminate a community.” Little Havana listed as endangered For homeowners, the view is different. Brice and Milagro Ciener bought a 1,500-square-foot bungalow in the Little Havana neighborhood last year and have already seen the value increase nearly 50 percent. “Little Havana is the next up-and-coming area. It’s going to be West Brickell,” Milagro said. She’s not the only one who thinks so. Developers are already eyeing Little Havana, one of Miami’s most beloved neighborhoods, which makes the backdrop of Brickell high-rises in the distance appear to be looming. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, concerned about upzoning and a lack of protections for historic buildings, included the area on its 2015 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places. Unlike Overtown, Little Havana remains economically vibrant, its streets lined with locally
owned bars, shops and salons and populated by people of all ages and many nationalities. Fresh investments abound, including last year’s reopening of the Ball & Chain restaurant and club across Calle Ocho (Eighth Street) from iconic Domino Park. The club closed in the 1950s after Count Basie sued for payment. Owner Bill Fuller said he loves Little Havana, calls it “the real deal,” and is thrilled to be attracting tourists by day and locals in droves at night, especially on weekends. “We’re stewards of a great old brand,” he said. Half a mile away, the Cieners hope they and their children will benefit from new development in Little Havana. “It helps us, because we’re property owners, so our lot is going to be worth more money,” Brice said. He also hopes rising values and rents will push out some of their less savory neighbors, people they suspect are stealing and otherwise causing trouble. Others will be driven out as well — people like Ebenezer Reyes, who’s lived in Little Havana for 32 years, 15 of them in his current apartment. “When they come to give my landlord an
offer for his building, he won’t care how many years I’ve lived there,” Reyes said. “He’s going to sell, because it’s good for him.” Reyes knows the buildings on the horizon intimately. He labored for decades as an ironworker and put up the steel framework for many of Brickell’s high-rises. Vision for a different future Development does not have to mean lost opportunities and being pushed out, Adams said. “This very well could be a time when conscientious developers could be a catalyst to say, you know what, this neighborhood is worthwhile,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking to think such a great neighborhood that has a lot of character — all it really needs is a breath of fresh air to reignite it economically and socially.” His St. John Plaza development will pay workers $13 to $15 an hour in hopes of sparking a different future for Overtown — one that looks more like its past. “Overtown used to be self-sufficient,” Adams said. “We didn’t have to pull up our bootstraps, because we bought our own boots.” REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 67
Go Bigger or Go to a New Home? You’ve got two options when it comes to a home you’ve outgrown: add on or trade up. Which is right for you?
M
Content provided by zillow.com by BRENDON DESIMONE
any homeowners today face a serious housing dilemma. They love their home, its location, and even their neighbors. But they’ve outgrown the space. Do they trade up to a bigger or better house, thus entering a busy real estate market, or stay put and renovate? Most homeowners have never sold and bought at the same time, nor have they lived through a renovation. Both experiences are incredibly stressful, and many people don’t know what to expect. Here are some tips for making an informed decision. Know what you’re getting into It’s helpful to know that it is cheaper to stay in your current home and renovate than it is to sell your home
and buy a bigger one. And renovating isn’t as big a deal as one may think. If you go into it with an open mind and full awareness, it’s not so bad. However, some people are just not cut out for living with dust, disruption, and a little bit of chaos. Living through a renovation means a constant stress is hanging over you. If you can’t take that in your life, don’t fool yourself. Check your finances The most important thing you need to do is understand your home financial situation. Do you have equity in your home? If so, how much, and would you need those funds to either renovate or purchase the new home?
Is a home equity line of credit available to you? Using that money provides the mortgage tax benefit for the interest, which makes an equity line a no-brainer. What would you need to spend on a new home in your desired location? Just like when you first got pre-approved to purchase the original home, you need to get pre-approved and run the numbers. You may find that the house you can get isn’t much bigger than where you are, or that you have to change areas to get more space. Define your renovation requirements What exactly is it that you need? An extra bedroom or bath, more family or community space, a larger kitchen or a master bath? Put it all out there and prioritize. Can these changes be made within the envelope of your current home, or would you have to expand outside your walls? Renovating inside might mean that you need to leave the home for some time, while an expansion might allow you to stay in the home during the renovation. Research zoning and building codes Learn how building and zoning laws will affect your plan to renovate. Find out if expansion is even a possibility. Many people think that finishing the basement is as easy as putting up some walls and carpet and moving the TV downstairs. But did you know that you likely need two forms of egress or certain height and insulation to make a finished basement meet code? A few hours of an architect’s time can help get you the information you need. If you want to add on, make sure that your lot is big enough. Town zoning laws only allow a certain percentage of the lot to be covered. If you’re at your max, you’re out of luck. Set-back laws might mean that you can only expand in the front or on one side of the property. You may find out immediately that what you want to do simply isn’t possible, and the decision is made for you.
Don’t over-improve for the neighborhood You need a master bathroom and family room or some extra square footage, but will the neighborhood support it? You don’t want to be the biggest or best house on the block when you go to sell. A big master suite or designer kitchen may be just what you want, but will future buyers pay for it? Do some research, talk to a real estate agent and attend open houses in your neighborhood. If you don’t know, ask. But do not embark on a large renovation project if you can’t get your money back when it’s time to sell. Get ready for a different kind of stress if you move Purchasing a new home and selling your existing one simultaneously means instant stress that is intense and compacted in a short period. The stress may come in the form of carrying two mortgages, getting a bridge loan or waiting for your home to get an offer. Remember how you felt when you purchased your first home? Now double or even triple that. Expect the expenses When you sell your home, you need to pay the real estate commission and transfer tax on the sale, and you may be taxed on any gain. When you get a mortgage for the new home, expect more loan and title fees upfront. While many closing costs and transfer fees are tax deductible, you don’t realize anything from these expenses. The $10,000 in fees might be better spent toward a new bathroom. Before you decide to explore this path, gather some information about costs. Deciding whether to trade up or sell and buy is incredibly personal. The most obvious thing to do is to check your finances, and see what is out there on the purchase market. Learn what’s happening and understand how you would fare. And even if it’s intimidating, seriously consider renovating. It is incredibly rewarding to be able to make your home even more custom to you.
Deciding whether to trade up or sell and buy is incredibly personal. The most obvious thing to do is to check your finances, and see what is out there on the purchase market. REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 69
4 The
Most Important Mortgage Documents You’ll Sign When it comes to buying a home, knowing your way around the paperwork will help you feel more confident on closing day Content provided by zillow.com
L
aws effected in October 2015 require home buyers to sign new documents during the mortgage process. Here’s a look at what has changed, and what you’ll be signing if you buy a home now. Mortgage disclosure law changes in 2015 Consumers financing homes in the U.S. are protected from fee abuses by two main regulations: the Truth In Lending Act (TILA) and the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA). Respectively, TILA and RESPA protect you from closing cost abuses and prevent housing service providers (like lenders, real estate agents and title companies) from giving each
other referral fees for your business. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) enforces TILA and RESPA, and on October 3, 2015, the CFPB combined all previously required mortgage rate and fee disclosures into two simple forms to make it easier for consumers to understand their mortgages. This initiative is called the TILARESPA Integrated Disclosure Rule (TRID). The Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure The two forms TRID created are called the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure. The Loan Estimate must be provided to you within three days of applying with a lender, and it replaced the Good Faith Esti-
mate and Truth In Lending disclosures home buyers used to get prior to October 3, 2015. It details loan terms, projected payments over the life of your mortgage, and line item closing costs. The Closing Disclosure must be provided to you at least three business days before closing on your mortgage, and it replaced the final settlement statement, which was also known as the HUD or HUD-1. It looks almost exactly like the Loan Estimate, but adds a breakdown of costs paid by buyer versus seller versus third parties. This means you’re reviewing final terms in the same format you saw in the Loan Estimate initially, and you’ve got three days to digest it before you close. Make sure you read and understand the
specific timing rules lenders (and you) must follow with these disclosures when closing a home purchase or refinance, because they could affect how long it takes to complete the mortgage process. If you agree to go forward with closing after the Closing Disclosure’s three-day waiting period, you’ll also need to sign a full set of loan documents. Among those, the following two are most important. The promissory note (aka “the note”) The note is your loan contract, and contains the terms of your loan (such as 30-year fixed or 5-year ARM); specifies the rate, payment intervals and payment changes along the way; and states whether you’ll incur a
prepayment penalty if you pay off the loan early. In the note, you agree that your home is security for the loan, so your lender will have a claim to your property if you don’t repay according to the note’s terms. This note provision will refer to a separate document that’s the “security instrument,” called a mortgage or a deed of trust. The security instrument (aka “the mortgage” or “the deed of trust”) Both a mortgage and a deed of trust pledge the property as security for the note. Fannie Mae provides a list that specifies which states require mortgages vs. deeds of trust so you know which one you’ll sign along
with your note based on where you live. Depending on the loan you choose, you’ll need to comply with one of these three occupancy provisions contained in all mortgages and deeds of trust: • Owner-occupied. You must move into the property within 60 days of closing and live there as your primary residence for at least one year. Then you’re allowed to use it as a rental or a second home. • Second home. You can only use the property as a second home and aren’t allowed to rent the home. • Non-owner-occupied. You’re paying a higher rate for this loan, so you’re free to convert occupancy to owner-occupied or second home if and when you see fit. REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 71
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Short on Cash, More Buyers Turning to Family for Down Payment Help
High rents, tight credit availability and student debt leading to reliance on social networks for down payment funds.
Content provided by zillow.com by JORDYN LEE
The percentage of home buyers relying on friends and family to give them money for a down payment tripled during the recession and is still higher than before the housing crisis, according to a Zillow analysis of federal data. During the recession in 2009, 21 percent of homes were bought using a loan or gift as the down payment. That number fell to 13 percent in 2014. But in 2007, pre-recession, just 8 percent of home purchases utilized help from friends and family. The data highlights a little-discussed barrier to homeownership: a lack of savings. In most markets, people would spend less of their income on a house payment than on a monthly rent payment, but in order to buy, first-time buyers need cash to put down — and that can be difficult. That’s why, especially in the worst years of the recession, a growing number of home buyers turned to friends and family for help. Among households that bought a home in 2014, 25 percent of middle-income earners used family or friends for help with down payments. Only 15 percent of low-income and 16 percent of high-income earners got help for a down payment. “Securing a down payment has always been one of the main hurdles younger buyers need to clear when transitioning to homeownership, and it’s gotten harder in recent years thanks in part to rising rents, high student debt and weak income growth,” said Zillow Chief Econ-
of middle-income earners used family or friends for help with down payments
omist Svenja Gudell. “But younger Americans are finding ways to clear that hurdle by going to family and friends for help. What’s worrisome are the implications of growing inequality: the social networks supporting low-income buyers may not be able to provide adequate help, while higher-income buyers may not need help in the first place.” First-time home buyers are most likely to rely on family and friends for down payment assistance. Rents are high, credit availability is tight, and many have huge amounts of student debt, making that first home purchase especially difficult because cash isn’t available from a previous home sale. Home values have increased as well, causing the down payment amount to rise along with it. The “Bank of Mom and Dad” will continue to be an option for those struggling to save the 20 percent down that’s commonly needed for a home purchase, but there likely won’t be the same level of dependence as during the worst years of the recession.
REAL ESTATE | Jan-Feb 2016 73
home
Content provided by lowes.com
1. Tool Cabinets and Chests • Large-capacity steel cabinets and chests are suited for garages and workshops and larger tool collections. • Deep drawers hold bulky tools and accessories. • Shallow trays and drawers let you lay out smaller items such as wrenches for easy access. • Some models include liners to help protect the drawers as well as your tools. You can also purchase liners separately. • Many cabinets and chests offer heavy duty, lockable casters. • Keyed locks help keep your tool collection secure. • Look for convenience features such as surge protectors, lights and even built-in electronics such as radios and CD players. • For even more storage space, look for stationary chests you can stack on matching wheeled cabinets. 2. Tool Boxes • Look for lightweight plastic or durable steel construction. • Cantilever trays or bins spread outward when open, giving you a clear view and easy access to the contents. • Drawers on larger boxes let you organize your tools for easy access. • Some boxes include trays and organizers you can remove and take with you when you don’t need the entire box. • Wheeled boxes with telescoping handles make it easier to get heavy tool collections to your worksite. • Lockable lids are available on some models. Good to Know: Some tool boxes and tool chest drawer liners are made with a built-in corrosion inhibitor to protect your tools. 3. Tool Bags • Padded handles and adjustable shoulder straps improve comfort. • Backpack designs give you hands-free portability. • Larger main compartments offer space for tools such as drills, saws or hammers. • Smaller internal and external pockets, loops and trays keep tools and other items organized and easy to find. • Zipper closures help protect tools from the ele-
ments and keep them contained. • Open-mouth designs provide easy access and visibility. • Bags with wheels and telescoping handles make transporting your tools even easier. Good to Know: Some tool organizers fit over a five-gallon bucket, turning the bucket into a tool tote. 4. Truck Tool Boxes • Steel construction provides durability. • Aluminum models offer durability and won’t rust. • You can find models that span the width of the truck bed and models designed to run along the sides of the bed. Combine them for maximum storage. • Self-lifting shocks make it easy to open the box, even if your hands are full. • Lockable lids provide security. • Lids with seals help keep moisture and dirt out. Good to Know: Truck tool boxes are available in a variety of sizes and styles — make sure you find a model that fits your vehicle. 5. Hooks and Wall Hangers • The wall-mounted design keeps your tools within easy reach in a garage or workshop without crowding work surfaces. • Easily reconfigure and rearrange them as needed. • Look for kits that include hooks, hangers and pegboard to get you started or individual items to expand your storage as your tool collection grows. Other Tool Storage and Organization Ideas Work benches: In addition to providing a stable surface for your projects, some work benches include storage drawers and trays as well as built-in pegboards for hooks and hangers. Garage cabinets: These storage units offer deep drawers and adjustable shelves suited for keeping larger tools and accessories organized and out of your way until you need them. Tool belts: A good choice for keeping your most-needed tools close at hand, tool belts range from simple buckle-on pockets to beltand-suspender models that improve the weight distribution of your tools.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 75
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Fire safety and child safety are top concerns for most of us. We all want to keep ourselves and our children out of harm’s way. Use these tips and suggestions to make your bedrooms safer for you and your family.
Smoke Detectors Protective and Safety Equipment Smoke detectors should be placed in or near every sleeping area. Install them according to manufacturer’s instructions - usually on the ceiling or on a wall 6” to 12” below the ceiling. Be careful to avoid vents, registers and areas of dead air or heavy airflow. • Keep the smoke detector units clean and free of dust, test the batteries monthly, and put in new batteries twice a year. Make battery replacement easy to remember by doing it on the days you adjust the clock for Daylight Savings Time. Some models can be tested with a flashlight, so you do not have to use a step-stool to reach the test button, and others include a silence button to cut off false alarms easily. • When shopping for a smoke detector, look for a unit that senses both smoldering and flaming fires. A built-in escape light will help you find your way out of the house, and a strobe light that flashes when the alarm sounds will alert the hearing-impaired. • To make sure your detector is always ready, choose a model that is hard-wired into your house’s electrical system. You can connect them so an alarm at one detector will make all of them ring. Make sure hard-wired detectors have back-up batteries in case the power in your house goes out. Some models feature long-life power cells that last up to 10 years without a battery change. • For maximum safety, look for a smoke detector / carbon monoxide detector combination unit.
Fire Escape Ladders If you can’t easily reach the ground outside your window, keep an escape ladder handy in case a fire blocks your regular exit path from the house. Rope ladders do not take up much storage space and can be put into use quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), you should have an alternate exit out of every room. So it’s a good idea to place a ladder in every occupied room on floors above the main level. Also, make sure that all windows and doors can be opened and shut. Fix any windows that have been painted or nailed shut, doors that stick and locks difficult to operate. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices that allow you to open them in an emergency.
Closet Safety Improperly storing or stacking items in your closet can lead to falling objects and injuries. Make sure closet shelving is sturdy and organized, and that no items are in danger of falling when the closet doors are opened. Store heavy things lowest to the ground and reserve higher shelves for lighter items. If you have a walk-in closet, make sure toys, shoes and other items are organized and kept out of the walking path to prevent tripping. Stay out of harm’s way with storage solutions like shoe storage racks. Window Treatments and Child Safety Nothing is more important than the safety of our kids. If you have small children, consider safer options for window coverings. Replace window treatments with long dangling cords to reduce the risk of strangulation. Choose a custom window covering with a cordless or a motorization option.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 79
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How to Paint a Room Ready for a new look in your home? A quality paint job is one of the least expensive ways to transform your home. Find essential information on painting tools, paint preparation and how to paint walls and ceilings.
Tools 5-in1 Tool Buckets Small Paint Bucket for Trim Drop Cloths—plastic and canvas Glass Jars or Metal Containers for Clean-up Ladder Paint Brushes Rags Roller Covers and Frame Roller Extension Pole Safety Glasses Sandpaper Screwdrivers Shop Vacuum Sponges Wire or Nylon Brush Work Gloves
Materials Hand Cleaner Mineral Spirits, Paint Thinner, or Lacquer Thinner (used with oilbased paint) Paint Hand Soap Preparing to Paint The first step—and the key step—is prep. You’ll need to do this to get great results. Buying Paint One gallon will cover about 400 square feet. Multiply the length times height to get the square footage for each wall and add them up. For the trim, multiply the length (in feet) by .5 for the width. When using more than one gallon of paint, mix them in a 5-gallon bucket to ensure color consistency.
Planning
Cutting In
Painting an entire room might take a couple of days to complete. Plan ahead and make sure you have plenty of ventilation while working. Also, plan on working from the top down. Paint the ceiling first, then the walls, and finish with the trim.
Step 1: To paint the edges, or cut in, dip a brush about a third of the way into the paint and don’t scrape it against the sides. Good to Know: Use a small paint bucket when you’re cutting in. A small bucket will be much lighter and easier to handle when you’re going up and down the ladder. Step 2: Holding the brush as you would a pencil, paint with
Rolling On Ceiling/Walls Step 1: If you’re using a 5-gallon bucket, insert a roller grid. For pans, use a liner for easy cleanup. Step 2: Load the roller with paint. To help the paint load, first dampen the roller cover with a wet rag. Dip just a little ways into the paint and roll onto the grid or liner a few times to even it out. Resist the urge to submerge the roller - it’ll make a mess. Step 3: Starting a few inches away from the edge, roll the paint on the
smooth strokes, feathering out the edges to prevent runs. Getting a little bit of paint on the trim won’t matter since you’re painting that later, but try not to be super messy. Step 3: On the ceiling, cut in first along the ceiling line. Then switch to the roller. For the walls, cut in one wall at time then switch to the roller. Painting can be a lot easier with two people. One person can cut while the other uses the roller.
Painting the Trim Step 1: After the walls are completely dry, apply painter’s tape along the wall-trim edge. Press it down with a plastic putty knife. Step 2: Paint the trim with a brush. Step 3: Carefully remove the tape shortly after painting. Don’t wait for the paint to dry completely. This will prevent peeling. A knife can help cut along spots where the tape is stuck. Some tapes have specific removal time recommendations so check the package.
ceiling/wall in a zig-zag pattern. Overlap your lines and go slow to avoid paint spatter. Don’t press and squeeze the roller against the wall to get more paint out of it—just reload. Work in 4-foot sections. For walls, work at the top, then the bottom.
the ceiling down to the floor. Apply very
Step 4: Once you get some paint on the walls you can go back along the edges. Turn the roller sideways to get really close to the ceiling and baseboards.
pans with plastic wrap. Also use plastic
Step 5: To remove buildup and runs, lightly roll over the painted area from
them in the fridge. Don’t store in the
little pressure. Step 6: Paint one wall at a time. Apply two coats. Step 7: If you need to take a break, cover your bucket with a lid and cover or aluminum foil to cover your brushes and rollers. If you’re not going to paint for a while, wrap the tools and store freezer. Continued on page 85 HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 83
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Cleanup Latex-based Paints Step 1: Use your brush to scrape paint from the pan back into the original paint can. Firmly press the lid back onto the can. Step 2: Run the brush under warm water and use a comb or nylon cleaning brush to help remove the paint from the bristles. Step 3: Rub some hand cleaner into the bristles and rinse again. Step 4: Reshape the brush and hang to dry. Step 5: For roller covers, use a 5-in-1 tool to remove the paint under running water. Step 6: Allow the roller to dry in an upright position, then store in a paper bag or cardboard box. Oil-based Paints Step 1: Cleaning oil-based paints can be a challenge. Sometimes it’s best to let your tools dry and throw them away. However, if you plan on saving your tools you’ll need mineral spirits, paint thinner or lacquer thinner, a cleaning comb or brush and two metal containers or glass jars with lids. One container will be for clean solvent and the other for dirty solvent. Step 2: Pour a little solvent into one of the containers, just enough to dip the brush about halfway. Step 3: Dip the brush into the solvent and work out the excess paint/stain. As the cleaning solution gets dirty, change it out for fresh solvent. You’ll need to do this several times. When all of the excess paint or stain is out of the brush, clean it one more time. Check with your local recycling center for solvent disposal instructions. Step 4: After cleaning a synthetic brush with a solvent, use soap and water for one last cleaning. Reshape the brush and hang to dry. Skip this step if using a natural bristle brush. After cleaning with a solvent, reform the brush and hang it to dry.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 85
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YOUR ELECTRIC BILL COULD LOOK LIKE THIS Your electric statement
Account number:
For: Jun 02 2014 to Jul 01 2014 (29 days) Customer name: RAUL VERGARA Service address: 8301 SW 184TH LN
Statement date: Jul 02 2014 Next meter reading: Aug 01 2014
Amount of your last bill
Payments (-)
Additional activity (+ or -)
Balance before new charges (=)
New charges (+ )
Total amount you owe (=)
341.11 CR
0.00
0.00
341.11 CR
8.67
$332.44 CR
Meter reading - Meter ACD088N
100% LESS ENERGY USED FROM PREVIOUS YEAR
Current reading Previous reading kWh used Energy usage kWh this month Service days kWh per day
12557 -11658 0 Last Year
This Year
2421 28 86
0 29 0
**The electric service amount includes the following charges: Customer charge $7.57 Fuel $4.18 (First 1000 kWh at $0.029470) (Over 1000 kWh at $0.039470)
Non-fuel:
(First 1000 kWh at $0.060770) (Over 1000 kWh at $0.071590)
$8.64
New charges due by
Amount of your last bill Balance before new charges
341.11CR $341.11CR
New charges (Rate: RS-1 RESIDENTIAL SERVICE) Electric service amount Gross receipts tax Franchise charge Utility tax
7.57** 0.19 0.12 0.79
Total new charges
$8.57
Total amount you owe
$332.44CR
- Payments received after November 24, 2014 are considered late; a late payment charge, the greater of $5.00 or 1.5% of your past due balance will apply. Your account may also be billed a deposit adjustment. - 650 kWh were sent to the grid this period. 650 kWh were applied to reduce your bill. Your kWh reserve increased by 0. The kWh in your reserve is 0
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Need a quick update to increase your curb appeal? Spruce up your faded front door with a fresh coat of paint Content provided by lowes.com
Tools Flathead Screwdriver Hammer 2 Sawhorses Phillips-Head Screwdriver Sandpaper Dust Mask Safety Goggles Putty Knife Wide Paintbrush Small Paint Roller
Materials Caulk Tack Cloth Exterior Paint
How to Paint a
Project Steps Step 1: Remove the door and all of the hardware. Wedge a chisel or flathead screwdriver in the joints between the hinges and the top of the hinge pins, then lightly tap the screwdriver handle with a hammer until the hinge pins come loose. Pull out all the pins, and then have someone help you carry the door outside to a pair of sawhorses. Use a Phillipshead screwdriver to remove the rest of the hardware, being careful not to strip the screw holes. Door paint can take some time to dry, so make sure that you have a temporary replacement to protect your house. You can use an existing storm door or even a large piece of plywood, which will help keep out insects. Step 2: Old wooden doors need sanding and priming. If you brush a new coat over an old paint job, it will result in a sloppy-looking finish. To get a smooth working surface, scrape off any peeling pieces and sand down the old paint until the surface of the door feels even all over. Start with a medium 120-grit piece of sandpaper, and then work your way up to 220 grit. If the door still feels rough to the touch, finish with a fine-grade 320-grit paper. Always wear a dust mask and safety goggles when sanding. If the door has cracks, repair them by dabbing small amounts of caulk onto the cracks and working the caulk in with a putty knife. Let the caulk dry, then sand the repaired spots until they’re smooth. Get rid of any dust from sanding before priming.
Vacuum away extra dust, and wipe the door with a tack cloth. Dampen the cloth with mineral spirits to remove stubborn dust. Step 3: Apply paint and primer in a dust-free area so that no particles ruin the door surface. Brush on a single coat of primer with a wide paintbrush, covering the front and all side edges of the door. Primer prevents the door from absorbing moisture and helps smooth out its texture. Once the primer has dried on the front of the door, flip the door over to prime the back. If the primer drips or goes on chunky, lightly sand the surface to smooth it out. Step 4: Once the primer has dried completely, stir your paint. Paint the door from the top down, using a wide brush for corners or crevices and a small roller for flat panels. Make long strokes with the brush, and clean any visible lines on the front door with a dry cloth. Just as with the primer, let each side of the door dry before turning it over to work on the other side. Add at least two coats of paint to the door, using three or more if you want to increase color saturation. Step 5: Let your front door dry before reinstallation. Once the paint no longer feels tacky to the touch, replace all hardware and have someone help you reattach the door to its frame with the hinge pins. Align the hinges together while replacing the pins.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 91
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Grilling is the natural cooking choice for those who believe that things just taste better outdoors. Whether you’re considering a gas, charcoal or electric grill, use our guide to determine the best one for your needs.
Content provided by lowes.com
Charcoal Grills Charcoal grills use charcoal briquettes, wood or a combination of both. • Cooking on a charcoal grill produces a more intense, smoked flavor. • Cooking over charcoal requires time. Depending on grill size and the number and type of briquettes, you should be ready to cook 15 to 30 minutes after lighting. • Sizes range from small models great for tailgating or camping to large grill/smoker combinations. • Higher-end grills have air vents or dampers to control cooking temperatures and igniters to eliminate the need for lighter fluid. • Most charcoal grills are metal, but ceramic is a newer option. Advantages of ceramic grills include greater temperature control and moisture retention, which produces tender and juicy food. Good to Know: Don’t want to assemble your new grill? No worries, Lowe’s can do it for you. Caution: When using a charcoal grill, make sure to dispose of ashes regularly. The best way to do this is by letting the ash cool for 48 hours. Pour water over them to speed up the cooling process. Then place the ashes in foil and dispose of them in a noncombustible trash bin.
• A standard propane tank holds 20 pounds of fuel. Depending on the cooking temperature and number of burners working, a full tank usually lasts nine hours. • If there’s natural gas available, consider a direct hookup. With no tanks to replace, you don’t have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of cooking.
Electric Grills Electric grills must plug into an electrical outlet. • If you live in an apartment or an area that can’t accommodate charcoal or gas, you can still cook out with an electric grill. • You can produce some excellent cookout cuisine using ceramic briquettes and a good marinade. • If an extension cord is needed, select the right type. Gas Grills Gas grills use liquid propane (LP) or natural gas. • Gas burns cleaner and is less expensive per use than charcoal. • They ignite quickly with a push-button, rotary or electronic lighter that’s integrated into the grill. After a few minutes of preheating, you’ll be ready to cook. • They have greater temperature control so you can cook food quicker and more evenly. • Side burners on gas grills allow you to prepare an accompanying dish without running back and forth to the kitchen.
Outdoor Stoves Still another option for the outdoor cooking aficionado is an outdoor stove. They typically work with propane tanks, but some can be converted to natural gas. • One- to four-burner units are great for stews or seafood boils • Freestanding and tabletop versions are available • Some have rotating pizza stones, which provide brick oven-style results • They’re portable and can be used for tailgating or camping
Infrared Grilling Some gas grills are equipped with infrared burners as an additional cooking feature. Infrared heat is from a radiant heat source, rather than hot rising air (convection) used in conventional grilling. Infrared elements heat up faster and therefore cook faster. If you’re new to infrared grilling, experiment, follow directions carefully and keep an eye on your food until you master the technique. Good to Know: What’s a BTU? A gas grill’s heat output is rated in British thermal units (BTU). Because this measurement is related to the size of the burner, it can be difficult to compare BTU ratings of different grills. A large grill with a high BTU rating cooks at a similar temperature as a smaller grill with a lower BTU. The ability of a grill to reach and sustain cooking temperature is more critical than how hot it can get. To ensure the best cooking performance, look for infrared burners that help to seal in juices.
Smokers Smokers are available in charcoal, electric and gas models. • You can cook up to 50 pounds of food at a time • Available cooking area ranges from 376 square inches to over 750 square inches • Some models offer dual-use design for smoking or grilling • Adding wood chips to your smoker enhances the flavor Continued on page 99 HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 97
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Other Considerations Now that you’ve determined the type of grill that you want, consider a few other options to determine the best grill for your needs.
properly cared for. • Cast-iron: They require curing to prevent rust, but they wear well, cook well and distribute heat more evenly than other grids.
Size • Serving size: Is this grill for one person or a family? Do you entertain a lot? If so, for how many people? Consider the entire cooking area. Manufacturer specifications often include the warming rack or side burner on gas grills. • Food type: Steaks, chicken breasts and vegetables need a small space. If you plan on cooking larger cuts of meat or for a big group, you’ll need a large grill or smoker. • Outdoor space: Measure your grill location before shopping to decide if you can have a small grill or a larger one with multiple burners. • Number of burners: Most grills are available with two individually controlled burners. Higher-end grills have at least three burners and may have up to six for even more cooking volume. Look for stainless-steel or porcelaincoated burners for rust resistance.
Accessories • With all of the accessories on the market, grilling is no longer limited to burgers and steaks. Aside from the usual utensils and skewers, you can purchase cooking baskets to grill fish or add a rotisserie to prepare the juiciest turkey or chicken. Add wood chips to enhance food’s flavor. A good meat thermometer and a grilling light will ensure food is cooked at the perfect temperature. Finish off with a lined cover to extend the life of your grill. • The familiar flavor produced by charcoal grilling comes from the juices of food dripping onto hot coals. If you’re in the market for a gas grill, consider purchasing lava rock, pumice stone, ceramic briquettes or heat plates to produce the same effect.
Cooking Grids • Porcelain-coated, cast-iron: They’re the most desirable for heat retention and ease of cleaning. They wear extremely well, are rust-resistant and last longer than other grids. • Stainless-steel: They’re rust-resistant, but may allow food to stick. • Porcelain-coated: They’re the best bet for nonstick cooking. However, the porcelain glaze can chip and rust if not
Caution Fire: When grilling, use caution and keep an eye on children. A gas grill can generate over 800°F of heat. When lighting charcoal grills, use only pretreated briquettes or charcoal grill starter fluid. And be mindful of grill placement. The heat can damage your home’s exterior -- especially vinyl siding. Bacteria: Keep food chilled and covered when it’s outside. Even better, leave it inside until it’s time to cook. Don’t rush the cooking process, and use a meat thermometer. Always keep your utensils and cutting board clean. HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 99
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Excess moisture in your home can lead to damage and encourage harmful mold and mildew growth. Learn how to reduce moisture and prevent the problems it causes
Content provided by lowes.com
Indoor Moisture and Humidity Moisture condenses into water droplets when warm, humid air contacts a cool surface. Activities such as cooking, bathing, clothes drying and dish washing add moisture to the air. Some heating appliances, such as unvented natural gas or kerosene models, also increase the moisture inside your home. During the winter, windows, walls and doors that lack proper insulation are common cool surfaces. Uninsulated cold-water pipes are examples of cool surfaces in the summer. Droplets can accumulate on these surfaces and run down into the walls, windows and structural components, causing rot and peeling paint, and providing a good environment for mold and mildew growth. Controlling Indoor Moisture When you see moisture accumulating, dry it promptly and deal with the source of the problem. Two basic elements of controlling moisture buildup are minimizing cool surfaces and reducing humidity. Storm doors and windows minimize cool surfaces in the winter by separating the interior from cold, outside air. Double- and triplepane windows also insulate interior glass from the cold. In addition to reducing moisture, adding these improvements will make your home more energy-efficient yearround. Pay attention to window treatments as well. Opening drapes and blinds in the winter allows warmth to reach the interior glass. Some condensation may occur, but the improved circulation makes it less likely to accumulate. Insulating cold-water pipes eliminates a common cool surface in warm weather. Straight and angled sleeves let you fit insulation to your pipes — just
slide on the sleeves and seal the slits and joints with duct tape. Your heating and cooling systems can also help control moisture in the home. Gas and electric furnaces reduce humidity with dry heat. Air conditioning lowers the moisture level in the air as it cools. Keep registers open and unblocked to allow good air flow, and have the systems inspected and serviced regularly to make sure they are functioning properly. Caulking and weatherstripping improve energy efficiency and prevent humid air from entering a home, but they also reduce the air exchange that allows moisture to move out of the house. Bathroom exhaust fans, dryer exhaust and ducted kitchen exhaust hoods that vent to the outside remove moisture that activities such as showering, bathing, clothes drying, dish washing and cooking create. Keep the devices free of dust, lint, grease or anything that could keep them from working efficiently. Other simple ways to reduce air moisture include: • Covering pots while cooking, when possible • Leaving room doors open to allow good air circulation • Storing firewood outside • Covering aquariums If high humidity is a problem you can’t overcome by other methods, remove moisture from the air with a dehumidifier. They’re effective in laundry rooms, basements, bathrooms and any room that isn’t air-conditioned or has poor air circulation. Look for ENERGY STAR® qualified models, which consume less energy than conventional dehumidifiers. Good to Know: Humid air leads to condensation problems, but air that’s too dry can be uncomfortable or unhealthy and can lead to static shocks. Keep the relative
humidity in your home between 30 and 50 percent. You can purchase a weather station that measures indoor humidity levels. Other Moisture Considerations Moisture in the home is not always as obvious as water beading on a window. Knowing other places it can accumulate can help you prevent problems. Poor ventilation in an attic can result in condensation, promoting mold growth in the framing elements of the house. This can affect your home’s structural integrity. Keep eave vents clear of insulation and make sure you have adequate air flow. See Ventilate Your Home for ideas to improve air circulation in your house. A sealed, unused fireplace creates an opportunity for moisture problems. If air doesn’t circulate in the fireplace, condensation can accumulate on the walls and soak into the masonry. Make sure some air can flow through the fireplace, but rain cannot enter it. If you have a crawlspace, moisture from the soil can enter your home, increasing the level of humidity. A vapor barrier over the bare soil blocks the moisture, keeping it out of your living space. Rain that seeps into your home’s foundation can lead to moisture problems. Make sure your gutters work properly and direct water away from your home’s foundation. Read Gutter Cleaning and Repair for instructions on maintaining your gutters. Caution: Some moisture problems require more complex solutions, and sources of moisture may be hidden. Consult a professional if you have serious condensation or mold problems or if you suspect you may not have adequate ventilation.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 105
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Home Automation? Understand home automation and the different types of systems that are available in the connected home arena, such as security, safety, energy and care monitoring Content provided by lowes.com
Understanding Home Automation Home automation marries devices, utilities and home features with your smart phone or tablet - sometimes through a central hub with an internet connection, sometimes through an app. This connectivity allows you to use your phone to communicate with your home. Forget to turn off the curling iron? Switch off the outlet remotely. Want to water the lawn? The irrigation timer will do it for you. Want to adjust the temperature before coming home? Done. Some home automation packages allow homeowners to create custom programs so the home automatically knows what to do in response to work and school schedules. This means the lights and temperature will adjust when you’re home and away.
Why Would I Want Home Automation? Security: Automated anti-theft systems allow you to protect your family and property with window and door sensors, cameras, motion sensors, smart locks, panic buttons and anti-theft devices that attach to valuables. Each piece creates an alert so you can take appropriate action. Safety: A smart home makes safety monitoring easy - link smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout your home to create a united front against household dangers. As an added benefit, fire protection in an automated home means you can shut off a false alarm from your phone – instead of frantically waving a kitchen towel because of burnt bacon. Energy Savings: Manage your energy costs and consumption with home automation. Programmable lights and thermostats mean you can reduce energy usage when you’re not home. Smart bulbs can also be controlled remotely to help you reduce wasteful use. Care monitoring: An automated home lets you look in on your loved ones. Cameras, wearable fobs, keypads, automated timers, smart pet doors and associated alerts help you create a cradle of care for both people and pets.
How Do the Pieces Communicate? When you decide to create a home network, you’ll need to decide if you want a system that connects through a hub or a system that works through an app on your phone or tablet. App-based products have individual control icon(s) on your smart device to allow communication with various home features. Hub-based products connect through a central source (the hub) in the home. The hub connects to a power source and the internet and is responsible for communicating to the other home automation devices, such as thermostats, lighting and other appliances. It’s essential to know how your hub communicates and to buy only devices that “talk” on the same wavelength. Look for labels like Z-Wave or ZigBee on the packaging of such devices. Also check for notifications such as “Compatible with Iris,” ”Compatible with Nest,” or “Compatible with Apple Home.” Buying devices in the same family ensures device communication and home automation success. The world of Z-Wave, ZigBee and other protocols can be confusing or intimidating. At its most basic, these are names for different wavelengths that allow your home automation devices to communicate without interruption. One advantage to Z-Wave systems is that the network becomes tighter and more secure the more devices you have connected. Home automation can seem a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The beauty of these networks is that you can start with as much or little as you like – and add products at any time. A smart home lets you build your network your way.
HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 111
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A beautiful garden needs light, soil--and water. With 5 easy tips you’ll water more effectively--so you can save water resources, time, and money.
Water Your Garden
Content provided by lowes.com
Watering Tip 1: Choose drought-tolerant plants. Cut down on watering chores by choosing plants that don’t need a lot of water, such as lantana, sedums, and ornamental grasses. Watering Tip 2: Choose the best watering tool for the job • Watering can: The perfect solution for small watering jobs, a watering can is portable so you can haul water to where your plants are. • Water wand: Just attach this magic wand to the end of a hose and you can provide a gentle spray of water to beds, borders and containers without reaching. You can turn the water off at the wand base to save water while walking from pot to pot or bed to bed. • Sprinklers: Also attachable to a hose, a sprinkler system allows you to irrigate a large area with ease. Just position the sprinkler, turn on the water and pour yourself an iced tea. The sprinkler does all the watering work. • Drip system: Plants do best when watered at the soil level. A drip system is a series of plastic hoses with emitters that allow water to slowly drip into the soil. Timers allow you to water on a specific schedule. • Soaker hoses: Similar to a drip system, a soaker hose also waters at the ground level. Instead of water-dripping emitters, the whole hose “sweats” water to hydrate the plants near it. Watering Tip 3: Add water-holding amendments to your soil. Good soil with lots of organic matter is less thirsty than poor soil. The organic matter in soil helps hold moisture. For example, peat moss works as tiny sponges—holding water in the soil to help hydrate the roots of your plants. Compost also helps soil retain moisture. Watering Tip 4: Mulch your beds, borders—and even containers. Spread several inches of mulch on top of the soil to help keep the moisture from evaporating. It’s sort of like putting a lid on a jar. You can add mulch to the top of pots, too. It makes them look attractive and will cut down on your watering chores. Watering Tip 5: Collect your own water. There’s no need to pay for water if Mother Nature provides it for free. Install a rain barrel in your garden or underneath the eaves of your house so you can collect water from your gutters. It’s a given: to have a lush garden, you need to water it. But with these smart tips you can use less water, less time, and less money! HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 117
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Gutter Cleaning &Repair Cleaning roof gutters is a small task that can prevent big problems. Follow these simple steps for cleaning your home’s gutters and making simple gutter repairs. Content provided by lowes.com
Tools Drill and Drill Bits Ladder Trowel Garden Hose with Nozzle 2 Buckets Wire Hooks Work Gloves Safety Glasses
Materials Gutter Sealant Touch-Up Paint
Preparing to Work on Your Gutters Thoroughly cleaning your home’s gutters every spring and fall will keep them working like they should. Leaves can build up and clog the downspouts, which can cause water damage to your roof and fascia (the board behind the gutter). Water pouring over the gutters or from leaks can end up next to your home’s foundation, in the basement or crawlspace. Good to Know: Check the weather forecast before cleaning gutters. Cleaning will be easier if you allow debris in gutters to dry out. Gutter Safety Cleaning or attempting to repair your gutters from on top of the roof is not recommended. Clean your gutters while standing firmly on a ladder. Avoid standing on the top three rungs and don’t reach past the side rail – no farther than your belt buckle. When working from a ladder, use one bucket for gutter debris and another for carrying tools. Use wire hooks to attach the buckets to the ladder. Make sure the area below the gutter is clear. Cleaning Gutters A hose-end attachment specially designed for gutters may make this project a lot easier. If you need to clean from a ladder, follow these steps. Step 1: Begin cleaning the gutter near a downspout. Step 2: Remove the large debris (leaves, twigs, etc.) with a trowel and dump it in a bucket. Step 3: To clean out finer materials, flush the gutter lengths with a hose starting at the end opposite the downspout. Alternatively, you can use a guttercleaning attachment on a hose. If the water doesn’t drain, recheck the downspout strainer and clean as necessary. If gutter water still doesn’t drain, the downspout may be clogged. 1. Check the drain end. If the downspout runs underground, remove it from the pipe as needed. 2. Install a small nozzle on the hose, and lock it at full pressure. Turn on the water and feed the hose up from the bottom of the spout. If this doesn’t clear the downspout or the nozzle is too big, use a plumber’s snake tool to clear the blockage. 3. Reattach the downspout. 4. Flush the entire gutter again. 5. Be sure to clean the downspout strainers. Continued on page 125 HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 123
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Gutter Maintenance and Repair Step 1: If there’s still standing water after the gutter has been flushed, the gutter may not be sloped correctly and will require adjustment. The length of the system should decline at least ¼ inch every 10 feet toward the downspout. If the gutter doesn’t slope enough, detach the hangers and adjust the gutter enough to drain properly, then reattach. It may be easier to work on small sections at a time to prevent the entire gutter system from falling. Step 2: Inspect the gutter sections and downspouts for obvious damage and missing parts. Support hangers should be spaced every 2 feet along the gutter. To replace or add hangers: • Install screw and ferrule hangers by marking their position on the gutter, drilling the holes in the gutter lip and fascia, then driving the screw with a drill through the ferrule. • Install screw-in or hidden hangers following the manufacturer’s directions. Most are attached through the rear of the gutter and into the fascia board, then clipped to the inside-front of
the gutter. • If no fascia board exists, use roof hangers with straps, following the package instructions. Typical installation involves attaching a hanger across the gutter channel, clipping a strap to the hanger, then attaching the hanger under the shingles. Step 3: Repair any leaks in the gutter. • To repair leaks at the seams, make sure the gutter lengths are tight against each other, and run a bead of gutter sealant on both sides of all joints. • To repair leaks at the end caps, add sealant along the inside of the joint. • To repair holes in the gutter material, ask a Lowe’s associate for products designed to repair aluminum or fiberglass gutters. Step 4: Apply gutter touch-up paint to cover any blemishes as desired. If necessary, repaint some or all of the gutters. Good to Know: Identify gutter leaks by filling the gutter with water, but make sure the gutters have dried before repairing. HOME | Jan-Feb 2016 125
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Auto
All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience
T
content provided by media.chrysler.com
he all-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider nearly 50 years after its introduction, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic Italian design. “There’s no better way to celebrate 50 years of the Fiat 124 Spider than to bring back this iconic roadster, pairing its Italian styling of the past with all of the modern performance and technology of today,” said Olivier François, Head of FIAT Brand, FCA – Global. “The 124 Spider expands the FIAT family, bringing to market yet another head-turning, fun-to-drive vehicle for our customers.” Engaging driving dynamics through thoughtful engineering In North America, the Fiat 124 Spider is available with the proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder engine, the engine’s first application in a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.ft. of torque, and is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. The 124 Spider’s suspension uses a doublewishbone layout in front and a multi-link in the rear, specifically tuned for greater stability while braking and turning. Steering is light and responsive with the use of an electric power assist (dual pinion) system. The steering and suspension setup, lightweight frame, balanced weight distribution and turbocharged engine combine for a
dynamic driving experience. Noise vibration and harshness (NVH) enhancements, including an acoustic front windshield and insulation treatments, also help to deliver a refined, quiet ride. For an open-air driving experience, the Fiat 124 Spider’s soft convertible top is easy to operate and requires minimal force, much like the original Spider’s top. Loaded with safety, security and technology features The all-new roadster is available with an array of safety and security features, including adaptive front headlamps, Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection and ParkView rear backup camera. A highstrength body helps to dissipate energy while optimizing occupant protection. The Fiat 124 Spider is also available with technology features for added comfort and convenience, including the FIAT Connect 7.0 system with 7-inch touchscreen display, multimedia control, Bluetooth connectivity, heated seats and Keyless Enter ‘n Go. A Bose premium sound system with nine speakers, including dual headrest speakers, is also available for superior sound quality even with the top down. Design pays homage to past with modern interpretation of styling cues The all-new Fiat 124 Spider, designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, borrows cues from the original Spider – widely considered one of Fiat’s most beautiful cars of all time – and reinterprets them for today. The 2017 124 Spider has a timeless low-slung presence, with a classically beautiful bodyside, well-balanced proportions and a sporty cabin-to-hood ratio.
Features like the hexagonal upper grille and grille pattern, “power domes” on the front hood and sharp horizontal rear lamps call to mind details of the historic Spider. The interior is crafted and designed to focus on the occupants, with premium softtouch materials throughout. Ergonomics were applied to emphasize the driving experience and ensure easy operation of the steering wheel, pedals and shifter while driving. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is available in two trim levels: Classica and Lusso. Each model is available in six exterior paint colors, including Rosso Passione (Red Clear Coat), Bianco Gelato (White Clear Coat), Nero Cinema (Jet Black Metallic), Grigio Argento (Gray Metallic), Grigio Moda (Dark Gray Metallic) and Bronzo Magnetico (Bronze Metallic). The Lusso (“Luxury”) model is also available in tri-coat Bianco Perla (Crystal White Pearl). Special edition gives enthusiasts the chance to own one of the first 2017 Fiat 124 Spiders To celebrate the return of the classic nameplate, the first 124 vehicles will be offered as a limited-edition Prima Edizione Lusso, as shown at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show. Each will be individually numbered with a commemorative badge and available in exclusive Azzurro Italia (Blue) exterior paint with premium leather seats in Saddle. Owners who purchase a Prima Edizione will also receive limited-edition items, including wearables and a poster. For more information about ordering a Fiat 124 Spider Prima Edizione, interested customers can sign up for updates at http://www.fiatusa.com. The all-new Fiat 124 Spider will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in summer 2016.
AUTO | Jan-Feb 2016 131
Al Hendrickson Toyota NEW YEAR WINTER
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NEW 2016 TOYOTA COROLLA L
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35 MPG HWY
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, 13997 , 17987 0 89/MO. zeRO 109/MO.
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NEW 2015 TOYOTA RAV4 LE 31 MPG HWY
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AUTO, Power Windows, Power Locks, Front Wheel Drive, Electronic Power Steering, A/C, AM/FM/ CD MP3 Player, USB Port, Hands Free & Phonebook AccessVia Bluetooth, 6 Way Adjustable Driver’s Seat, 4 Way Adjustable Passenger Seat, Steering Wheel with Audio & Phone Controls, Color Keyed Power Outside Mirrors, Intermittent Windshield Wipers, Rear Window Defogger With Timer. Stock #S5314, Model #4430, *Lease numbers based on model #4440 with MSRP of $26,574. Lease for $149 per mo. for 36 mos. based on Tier 1 credit approval through SETF. Plus tax, tag, title & dealer fees. $5,000 due at signing. No sec. dep. req. See dealer for details. Expires 2/29/16.
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ALL ADVERTISED VEHICLES EXCLUDE TAX, TAG, REGISTRATION, TITLE, AND INCLUDES DEALER FEES. ALL OFFERS NOT IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. UP TO 10,000 OFF MSRP ON NEW TOYOTA. 2014 TOYOTA SEQUOIA STOCK# R1175. NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. VEHICLE ART FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. AD SPECIALS EXPIRE 2-29-16. OFFERS ARE UNIQUE AND CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFER, ALL OFFERS INCLUDE ALL FACTORY REBATES AND INCENTIVES RETAINED VC BY DEALER. 0% APR ON SELECT MODELS. COLLEGE GRAD AND MILITARY REBATES ARE NOT INCLUDED. OFFERS GOOD DAY OF PUBLICATION ONLY. NO DEALERS, EXPORTS, FLEETS OR AGENTS. VEHICLES SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE. FINANCE OFFERS MAY NOT BE COMBINED ON ANY SINGLE VEHICLE. ZERO DOWN, ZERO PAYMENTS AND 0% APR OFFERS ALL REQUIRE APPROVED CREDIT ON SELECT VEHICLES. SALES HRS: 9AM TO 9:30PM
Al Hendrickson Toyota 25 MPG HWY
31 MPG HWY
NEW 2015 TOYOTA
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SIENNA L
AVALON XLE
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$
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AUTOMATIC trans, A/C with Dual Zone Climate Control, Audio Controls on Steering Wheel, Cruise Control, Multi Function Remote, Power Steering Tilt & Telescopic Steering Wheel, Clock & External Temp. Display, Power Windows, Bluetooth, Video Monitor, Tinted Glass, Heated Drivers & Pass. Seat, Bucket Leather Sts, 4-Wheel ABS Brakes, Head Curtain, 1st & 2nd Row Knee Airbags, Daytime Running Lights, Stability Control, FWD, Tire Pressure Monitoring Sys.,Stock #S5175, Model #3544
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AUTOMATIC trans, Power Steering, Power Windows, 5.7L V8, RWD, Daytime Running Lights, 4 Wheel ABS Brakes, Electrochromatic Rearview Mirror, Homelink Universal Transceiver, Compass, Anti-Theft Immobilizer W/Alarm, Urethane Tilt/Telescopic 4-Spoke Steering Wheel, Front Bucket Seats, Daytime Running Lights, Keyless Entry, Stock #S2704 Model 8241.
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Rain
Tips for Driving Safely in the
Heed Your Speed, Keep Your Distance and Know What Features Help
I
Content provided by edmunds.com
t’s perhaps surprising, but true: Driving on a rainy day is more dangerous than driving on a snowy one. When the rain starts to fall and pavement is wet, your likelihood of a crash is higher than during wintry conditions like snow, sleet and ice, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). After averaging 10 years of statistics, NHTSA
researchers found that 46 percent of weather-related crashes happened during rainfall, but just 17 percent while it was snow-
ing or sleeting. Those statistics are partially explained, of course, by the fact that many drivers have the good sense to stay home during a bad snowstorm, says Debbie Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council, which offers defensive driving courses. But the statistics also reflect a sobering truth, she says: Drivers often do not respect the rain, and fail to adjust their driving habits to hazardous conditions. Here is how to reduce the chances of being a rainy day statistic, according to safety experts. Get Your Car Rain-Ready: Tire tread is key, says Bill Van Tassel, Ph.D., manager of driver training programs for the AAA national office in Orlando, Florida. Dig out a quarter (forget the
old advice about Lincoln’s head on a penny, as some researchers have found the quarter test more accurate). Insert it upside down into your tire tread. “If part of Washington’s head is always covered by the tread, your tires have more than 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If the top of Washington’s head is exposed at any point, you should replace the tires.” According to NHTSA, tires with 2/32 of an inch of tread are unsafe. However, you may want to replace tires before they get this worn, depending on driving conditions. • Tire pressure is important, too, he says. You should check the pressure once a month, using a tire gauge. NHTSA offers many other tire safety facts. • Check your windshield wipers to be sure they’re up to the task. If they need replacing and you’re doing it yourself, you can check online guides to be sure you’re doing it correctly. • Check headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals to be sure all are working properly. When you’re driving, turn on your headlights to boost your visibility. Some states require the use of headlights when windshield wipers are in use.
Slow down: Driving too fast for conditions is especially dangerous on wet pavement because your tires lose traction with the precipitation, Van Tassel says. “When roadways are wet, the friction is reduced between the tire and the road,’’ Hersman adds. No friction is a bad thing. Tires are meant to grip the roads, not slide on them. How much does traction decline in wet weather? “You might lose about one-third of your traction,” Van Tassel says. And that figure is why this recommendation makes sense: Reduce your speed by about a third when it’s wet or rainy. If the speed limit is 55 mph, aim for under 40 mph. “That is not a hard statistic but a rule of thumb,” he says. Back off: Forget the old rule about keeping a certain number of car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, Van Tassel says. Focus on staying 3-4 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you in dry conditions. Watch the vehicle in front of you as it passes a fixed marker, such as a street light, he says. Then count 3 seconds. Add more time if it’s raining, staying about 5 seconds behind. ► AUTO | Jan-Feb 2016 135
For each additional driving challenge, add another second, Van Tassel says. If it’s raining and you are driving at night, you should aim to be 6 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. If possible — and in heavy traffic, it might not always be — try to keep from being boxed in by cars in the lanes on either side of you, Van Tassel says. If you have space on either side of your car, you have an easy out in case the vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly. Know when to lean on technology, and when not to: “While some technologies are not advisable for use during bad weather, others can help,” Hersman says. Do not depend on cruise control, adaptive cruise control or forward collision warning systems during the rain, she says. Wet weather may affect the systems’ sensors and reduce their reliability, she says. Even adaptive cruise control, which is an advanced version of cruise control and maintains a set speed and a safe following distance, is not recommended during rainy weather, Van Tassel says. Here’s why: When you’re driving without cruise control and you see a hazard, you lift your foot off the gas pedal as you prepare to brake. As you come off the gas, the nose of the car starts to dip a bit, transferring some weight to the front. This provides more traction on the front tires. But if you have cruise control on, your speed remains constant after you lift off the gas. There is no dip. You lose that helpful early weight transfer.
On the other hand, a traction-control feature is tailor-made for rainy days. “It prevents the wheels from slipping on wet pavement and helps the driver maintain control when stopping or accelerating in the rain,” Hersman says. Antilock braking systems (ABS) are meant to prevent the loss of steering control during hard braking, particularly on wet and slippery roads. ABS is a component of electronic stability control (ESC), which has been required on new cars beginning with the 2012 model year. Electronic stability control, which helps stabilize your vehicle when it starts to veer off the intended path, can be valuable in wet weather as well, Hersman says. Van Tassel sees anti-skid control and lanekeeping assist features as being potentially useful in the rain. “Anti-skid control is a bit more advanced than traction control,” he says. “Traction control helps prevent the drive wheels from spinning when you apply the gas (as when trying to get a car moving from a stop in snow or ice). Anti-skid control actually helps prevent front-wheel or rear-wheel skids when you are driving through a turn (regardless of whether the surface is dry or slick).” However, like other technology features, these should be viewed as a backup, he says. The best advice for a rainy day when it comes to advanced vehicle technologies is to “just pretend they are not there,” he says. When You Hydroplane Suppose your car hydroplanes, which can be a terrifying experience. Hydroplaning happens when the tires are riding on the top
of a layer of water and have completely lost contact with the pavement. It can happen when your speed is as little as 35 mph. You will know when it happens. “Steering will get light in your hands,” Van Tassel says. “Gently ease your foot off the gas,” he advises. “This may transfer enough weight forward so that your front tires regain contact with the road.” If not, he says, gently squeeze your brakes to slow the vehicle down and transfer weight to the front tires. Steering will not really be possible, since the tires are riding on a film of water. “We don’t recommend turning the wheel in a hydroplaning situation,” he says. “If you have some steering ‘dialed in’ when the front tires finally do regain traction, you might immediately steer right off the road. Obviously, that’s not a good thing.” If you do start to skid, don’t turn into the skid, regardless of what you’ve heard. “Continue to look and steer where you want to go,” Van Tassel says. This strategy works for both front and rear skids. Getting Comfortable With Scary Situations Some wet-weather driving emergencies can be handled by an application of common sense. Others require something more, such as practicing driving techniques that can save your life. Consider taking an advanced driving training class. But whatever else you do, begin with the simplest life-saver of all: Slow down when the rain starts to fall. AUTO | Jan-Feb 2016 137
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A Car Shopper’s Guide to
Auto Shows Find Expertise, Information and Even a Test-Drive
T
Content provided by edmunds.com here’s plenty to love about auto shows. Some people get a kick out of seeing new models before they are available to the public. Others like to get a closer look at the rare and exotic cars that they hope to own one day. But aside from being an enthusiast’s playground, an auto show can be a valuable tool if you’re in the market to buy a new car. The Los Angeles auto show kicks off the season in November. Next up in January is the North American International auto show in Detroit. The Chicago auto show follows in February, and the New York International auto show closes out the U.S. season in April. In addition to these four major U.S. shows, there are also a number of smaller auto shows in cities throughout the country. You’ll need to have a game plan to transition from a casual auto show attendee to a sharpeyed shopper and researcher, however. Here are some pointers. You can approach an auto show from two shopper perspectives. If you’re just getting started and have no idea what car is right for you, use the show to see what’s new and which models grab your attention. If you already have an idea of the car you want, use the show to get a closer look at a vehicle and check out its competition.
Plan a Course of Action, Via Your Smartphone Most of the major auto shows have smartphone apps that feature a map of the show floor, exhibit hours and a list of the vehicles on display. Pay attention to the car brand you want to see and note what other makers are nearby. You also should stop by the booths of a few other carmakers you hadn’t considered. This will help you plan the most efficient route along the show floors, which are often quite large and can be spread out among convention center halls. We also recommend that you download the Edmunds app, available for both Apple and Android smartphones. It’s an invaluable tool, whether you need to read an expert review on a car or you want to compare its manufacturer’s suggested retail price with its actual average selling price in your area (assuming the car is already in dealer showrooms). You can even enter figures in a calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
Avoid the Crowds The opening weekend of any auto show draws the biggest crowds. If you show up then, you’ll be squeezing your way through masses of people just to get a glimpse of a car. And if you manage to sit inside a car you’re interested in, you’ll probably be joined by other people who also are folding the seats up and down and pushing every button there is — not the most relaxed way to assess a car. If possible, try to go to the show on a weekday, preferably as soon as the doors open. But if you can only go on one of the busier days, make sure to show up as early as possible.
This can be a tremendous help to you. The auto show reps have to be well schooled in the cars on display and since some of the new vehicles haven’t yet hit the dealer showrooms, they may be more up to date on car features. Don’t hesitate to ask them any questions you may have about the cars you’re seeing. Car technology is moving at such a rapid pace that it can be tough to keep up with how it works and what it does. The carmaker representatives at the show can give you tutorials on anything from pairing your phone via Bluetooth to inputting an address on the navigation system.
Don’t Rush Once you’re on the show floor, give yourself a minimum of two hours to see everything, says Brendan Flynn, vice president of marketing and communications for the L.A. auto show. That way, you can proceed at your own pace and ask the carmakers’ representatives as many questions as you need to.
Interact and Participate Some automakers will offer small prizes, such as gift cards, to visitors who participate in the tutorials and trivia contests or are willing to share their contact information, Flynn says. The activities are fun ways to learn about the car and potentially go home with a reward. Many carmakers’ booths are set up with interactive elements such as iPads or computer kiosks. These can provide more in-depth information, allow you to configure the vehicle with options or show you what the car looks like in another color.
Compare Vehicles An auto show allows you to compare the greatest number of cars in the shortest amount of time and distance. It is a much better use of your time than crisscrossing town to visit various dealerships. Don’t just look at the car that interests you most. Be sure to check out its competitors, too. If you don’t know the competitors, ask the representatives at the show. You should also take a look at our model reviews and road tests ahead of time. We always list a vehicle’s competitors in our reviews. If you’re short on time, the Edmunds app will come in handy: The model reviews are formatted for on-the-go reading. Don’t hesitate to put the car through its (stationary) paces. Sit in the front and backseats. Which vehicle is the most comfortable? Which is a good fit for the size of your family? Take a look at the buttons and dials on the instrument panel. Are they well-designed and intuitive? Pop the trunk and picture whether it could haul your average amount of cargo. These questions and their answers will help you determine if the car you’re considering fits your needs. Talk to the Reps One of the best things about an auto show is the lack of sales pressure. Most of the people staffing the manufacturers’ exhibits are not salespeople. “They’re trained to be experts on the vehicles,” Flynn says.
Take a Test-Drive Some auto shows have “ride and drive” events. These are a great opportunity to test-drive the cars you’re considering without having to go to multiple dealerships. Not every auto show offers test-drives, nor will the drives include every vehicle on display. But there is no better research than taking a car for a spin yourself. Even if you only go for a ride-along, you can still get a feel for ride comfort, road noise and engine purr (or roar). Steps To Take After the Show By the end of your visit, you should have a better idea of which car you might want to buy. Jot down a few notes while the impressions are still fresh in your mind. Make a list of pros and cons for each vehicle to help you decide. For more detailed pricing information, take a look at our new car section. If you want to start looking for your vehicle on dealer lots, our new car inventory tool can help. Finally, if you are a first-time new car buyer, we’ve also got you covered with a guide that walks you through the process. Good luck, and happy hunting. AUTO | Jan-Feb 2016 141
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ACRs,
1 of 1s, Hellcats, Scat Packs, R/Ts, GTs, Blacktop Packages and Super Track Paks fill the Dodge and SRT lineups for 2016. Now, fully consolidated with its SRT high-performance brand, Dodge is charging into its next 100 years focused squarely on performance. The consolidated Dodge and SRT brands offer a complete lineup of performance vehicles that stand out within their own segments. Dodge is the “mainstream performance” brand within the FCA US LLC showroom. SRT is positioned as the “ultimate performance” halo of the Dodge brand, together creating a complete and balanced performance brand with one vision and one voice. And the message is being received. “Dodge strives to turn everyday vehicles into personal statements. Our vehicles are modern, performance cars that deliver that visceral feel that reminds buyers why they fell in love with driving in the first place,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and CEO — Dodge and SRT brands, FCA US LLC. “At an average age of 44 years old, the Dodge brand customer is now the youngest in the entire industry, and we can tell by the continuous drop in the average age of our customers that our message is resonating in the marketplace.” The Dodge brand has a drive to innovate
Years and Counting: Dodge Charges into its Next 100 Years Consolidated with SRT; Focused on its Performance Roots and a passion to engineer vehicles that are faster, better or smarter and deliver an attitude that was built into the brand by the Dodge brothers themselves a century ago. With 100 years of history to build on, as well as the innovative spirit of its founders, Dodge is taking the best of its innumerable successes over the years – the technological advancements of the ‘30s and ‘40s, design evolution of the ‘50s, the racing heritage of the ‘60s, the horsepower of the ‘70s, the efficiency of the ‘80s and unbelievable styling of the ‘90s – as it paves the road to its future. From muscle cars to compact cars, mini-
vans, crossovers and full-size SUVs, the Dodge brand’s full lineup of 2016 models deliver best-in-class horsepower, class-exclusive technology, unmatched capability and a slew of cool features, such as LED headlamps, Dodge signature racetrack tail lamps, dual exhaust, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment centers and 7-inch thin-film transistor (TFT) customizable gauge clusters, to name a few. For the 2016 model year, Dodge is back with its ultimate performance halo car in the form of a new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR, the fastest street-legal Viper track car ever. It joins the recently repositioned Viper, which can now be customized in more than 50 million ways through the new Viper 1 of 1 customization program. The new 2016 Dodge Viper ACR joins the 2016 Charger and Challenger, including the wildly successful Hellcat models, Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan and Journey, including the popular Crossroad and new Crossroad Plus model. The Dodge brand’s passionate fan base is huge and growing. Dodge has a total of more than 4 million Facebook followers; the Challenger alone has more than 1.5 million fans, which is more than many entire brands. Dodge fans and owners can get involved with the brand by going to www.dodge.com, Facebook at www.facebook.com/dodge and to the Dodge brand’s blog at www.redlinedodge.com.
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