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inside: still endangered? | the versatile pill | Not made in the USA
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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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4 March-April 2016 | cbsmiami.com
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Contents March-April 2016
FEATURE
pg.08
08 Safe for Kids? 10 Trapped 14 Still Endangered? 20 Dietary Updates New Federal Dietary Guidelines Released
Health
pg.18
18 Zika Virus 25 The Versatile Pill life
pg.28
34 Not Made in the USA 42 Follow the Blue Dot real estate
pg.52
58 5 Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors Home
pg.64
74 Paint a Ceiling 80 Kitchen Spring Cleaning Checklist Auto
pg.116
122 How To Drive a Stick Shift
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Parents Urged To Steer Clear Of Protein Supplements For Kids
Safe for kids?
P
By Lauren Pastrana • lpastrana@cbs.com
rotein supplements are becoming wildly popular. Athletes use them all the time and now more kids are taking them. But do they really need them? Joe Orlando was a high school sophomore when he wanted to build muscle to improve his performance on the football field. He stepped up his workout routine, changed his diet and took protein supplements. “I wanted to make sure my body was healthy and could take all the impact that was going on throughout the season,” Orlando said. “When I started taking them, I did notice that I was getting muscle.” But it’s not just athletes adding protein supplements to their diet. Experts say they are seeing more kids taking them, too. But do children who are still developing need protein supplements? Michele Chiaramonte, a registered dietician, says “No”. Her first line of therapy is what she calls the good, old-fashioned way: through whole foods. “For the average healthy adolescent and teenager, their protein needs can be met through the diet,” Chiaramonte said. “Supplements are not really necessary.” Protein requirements largely depend on a child’s weight, age and activity level. According to the Institute of Medicine, on average, children nine to thirteen need about 34 grams of protein daily. That jumps to 52 grams for boys 14 to 18 and to 46 grams for girls those ages. More athletic children should consume slightly more. Experts agree you can easily fulfill those needs through protein-rich foods like these. “If the child was taking in the 50 grams of protein that they needed a day and then took a protein supplement on top of that it could give them more protein than they need,” Chiaramonte said.
“Kids always want to get all their protein from whole, regular and natural food. Great idea, great concept. Problem with it is it doesn’t match with reality. A lot of times without supplementing protein shakes, protein powders, etc., they’re going to have a very difficult time meeting the requirements.” Ed Reardon Too much protein can make your kidneys and liver work harder than they should, which, in turn, can create health risks. Ed Reardon, a certified nutritionist and trainer to athletes of all levels and ages, is a food-first fan too. But he thinks the busy lives many families live will impede even the best of plans. “Kids always want to get all their protein from whole, regular and natural food. Great idea, great concept. Problem with it is it doesn’t match with reality. A lot of times without supplementing protein shakes, protein powders, etc., they’re going to have a very difficult time meeting the requirements,” Reardon explained. As a parent, if you’re interested in protein supplements or discover your child is already taking them, experts encourage you to read labels, watch out for products loaded with sugar or additives and keep track of total protein intake. “What a parent can do is understand one thing – control what you can control. Control your home environment,” he said. Joe went on to play football in college, and feels the supplements were necessary for him. “I’m not sure I would’ve gotten the full amount of protein my body needed,” he said.
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 9
by Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com
ooking into a reflection of her own eyes, Kyla Massey sees a tormented soul. A spirit crushed under the weight of memories of the sex acts she was forced to perform. How many men did the 26-year-old have to service on just one typical day? “Thirty. Forty. Probably more than that,” Massey reflected, her eyes dejected and downcast. She’s a young woman whose arms are riddled with bruises and band-aids that hide a litany of horrors. As her fingers gently graze her skin, she traces a graveyard of violence and hurt. Her imprisonment, she says, included gang rapes, beatings and forced injections of heroin and cocaine. The faces of the men who injected her are a blur. “It was so many people, ” she shares in a whispered voice. Once trapped in the world she describes as human trafficking, Massey wonders if she can ever truly escape. But she is speaking out, showing her face and exposing all. Because, as she exclusively tells CBS4 News Chief Investigative Reporter Michele Gillen: “Even if nothing happens for me, I want to help somebody else.” This is the story of that young woman and an advocate, Ramona Miller, without whom Massey may have had no chance of survival. This past July, Miller reached out to Gillen. Based in Fort Meyers, Miller was frustrated with what she described as a lack of answers and help for Massey. She said she’d continuously run into dead ends at every turn across the state. When asked to describe a headline for Massey’s story, Miller responded simply. “Trapped. I’ll just use one word. Trapped.” Miller, who has become a lifeline for Massey, fell into the world of human trafficking by chance. Her life work has been aimed at preventing HIV exposure. She founded the non-profit A Voice in the Wilderness Empowerment Center and launched the “Stay Alive and Thrive” campaign. These efforts unexpectedly led her to a nexus of modern-day slavery in Florida. In reflecting on the entrapped women she has met, she could only describe them in the haunting manner in which the girls carry themselves. “I call them Zombies. Beautified zombies,” says Miller. Massey became ensnared, she says, in a Fort Myers ring over a period of weeks. For her, what felt like a lifetime — the real story behind the headlines of human trafficking — was a world filled with… “Sex, drugs and more drugs.” At the beginning, forced heroin injections rendered Massey nearly helpless and leaving her feeling “pretty much like a rag doll.” In one case, the
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 11
“I really just want to be mean and evil and hateful, you know? Like, I want to say mean things. But at the end of the day I feel like if I do that, I’m doing the same thing they did to me, you know? Kinder, but the same thing. And so I would just like to say, I forgive you.” Kyla Massey
injection was a combination of heroin and speed. “That’s what almost killed me,” Massey recalled. If she fought getting the drug injections, she says they would hit her. The needles used were reused on girl after girl. Shared needles followed by unprotected sex. “What did you feel like? Did you lose a sense of being a human being?” asked Gillen. “They got to pick and choose whether or not they wanted to use the condom,” says Massey, who adds, they very often did not want to use one. And she says, the more they were willing to pay for dangerous sex, the more vulnerable to HIV she became. “That was the worst. It’s terrible. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody, not even my worst enemy,” reflected Massey. Miller sees it this way, “You are playing with someone’s life. That person has become God. They have a decision: do I want to make you pregnant? Do I want to give you HIV?” Gillen asked if there was any way for the “Johns” to know if she had HIV. “No,” she responded. And was there any way for her to know if they had HIV? “No way to know or ask,” she told Gillen. Some of the “Johns” were married, professional men. They wore wedding bands. And in some cases, when she was sent out on a call, they were to expensive homes and hotels. But most days they were holed up in local Fort Myers motels, pointed out to Gillen as they drove by and walked up to one of the rooms where she has stayed. “We wouldn’t stay at the hotel for more than like 3 or 4 days. They would move us to a totally new, different hotel,” explained Massey. By midday, the traffickers cell phones would rarely stop ringing. “What would men pay to buy the services of the trafficked girls?” asked Gillen. “Just for 30 minutes, it would be like 300 dollars. For 30 minutes,” Massey remembers. According to Miller, the girls were treated
just like “Animals. Cattle. Put in a place, put in a vehicle, taken from place to place.” Always, Massey says, there was a guard keeping watch. Escape seemed fraught with other perils. “They threatened us. And I knew if I left, something was gonna happen to somebody that I love and that I cared about.” Who was that person? “First and foremost, my son,” Massey says smiling as she thinks about her 3-year-old son, who lives out-of-state. Massey credits her shot for a second chance at life to Miller. “I don’t think I would be alive without her,” she said, as Gillen met them in Massey’s home. But Miller sees a broken system, where victims are just recycled in search of help. “Victim. Abused. Trafficked then neglected by law enforcement and every other entity that was supposed to rescue her and give her help,” said Miller. And finding help for a victim of sex trafficking, who’s in her 20’s, was injected with drugs, and is at risk for HIV? Not easy. “People with beds said there weren’t any for her. That she was too old.” For months, the CBS4 News Investigative team tried to assist Massey in a search for help and answers that could lead to her attackers. Countless calls were made tracing the steps she took since her escape. Calls were made to shelters and law enforcement agencies. For months, CBS4 tried to trace Massey’s rape kit. Records show that a medical exam was performed on Massey just hours after her escape. The team recorded Massey making call after all, a year after the test was done. She asked… “I would like to know if my rape kit was sent to you?” “Was it ever analyzed?” It was a hunt for answers she hoped might lead to information about the men who trafficked and hurt her. But while Massey physically escaped the world of trafficking, she found there is a bill to be paid. It follows her wherever she goes.
She is now a heroin addict But while she’s in recovery, Massey fears what her next AIDS test might reveal. “I still think to this day I should have it and I think it’s going to pop up. I don’t know when,” she says. Asked if she could send a message to the people who held her captive, Massey paused before saying: “I really just want to be mean and evil and hateful, you know? Like, I want to say mean things. But at the end of the day I feel like if I do that, I’m doing the same thing they did to me, you know? Kinder, but the same thing. And so I would just like to say, I forgive you,” shares Massey. However, her forgiveness is not an emotion that does not replace her desire for justice. “If you and she don’t keep screaming about it do you think anything will happen?” Gillen asked Miller. “With you, I believe and I pray that you
will get this story out there. Not necessarily to get people in trouble but to save those girls who are crying,” says Miller. Gillen has repeatedly reached out to the Lee County Sherrif’s office about Massey’s case. According to a law enforcement spokesman, the department could not comment because the Massey case is “an open investigation.” But after continuing to press for answers, CBS4 news has confirmed from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that Massey’s rape kit was sent to them. When? As it turns out, just two weeks ago. And according to FDLE it is currently “being processed.” On October 29-30, the Statewide Council on Human Traffickinggathered at the University of South Florida’s Marshall Student Center in Tampa to discuss ways to eliminate the modern-day slavery trade.
“We wouldn’t stay at the hotel for more than like 3 or 4 days. They would move us to a totally new, different hotel.” Kyla Massey
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 13
still endangered? Officials Propose To Drop Manatees From Endangered Species List by Ted Scouten • tscouten@cbs.com
For years, manatees have been considered endangered. We’ve seen them killed by boaters and die from sickness and cold. But now, the beloved Florida sea cow could have a new status. “Today, we are announcing a proposal to reclassify the manatee from endangered status to a threatened status,” said Mike Oetker from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife officials believe the manatee is no longer in danger of extinction. “If you will,” said Jim Valade from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, “it’s like taking manatees out of inten-
sive care and putting them in a regular care facility.” Over the past 25 years, the Florida manatee population has increased 500 percent. In 1991, there were an estimated 1,267 manatees. Now wildlife officials believe 6,300 are swimming around our waterways. But not everyone agrees. “I think it’s premature,” says Patrick Rose from Save the Manatee Club. He thinks taking away the endangered status could mean people and governments will let their guards down. He says over the past few years more than 2,000 manatees have died.
“The greatest single risk over the long-term is watercraft injuries,” said Rose. “Virtually every manatee has been struck by a boat, bears the scars from it.” The manatee, Phoenix, at the Miami Seaquarium bares the permanent injury of a boat propeller. Wildlife officials tell us changing the status will not change protections — like those manatee zones in inland waters. “Reclassifying the manatee as threatened will not affect existing protections, speed restrictions in protected areas, and prohibitions on harassment,” said Oetker. What happens now is there will be a 90-day period where the public can give their input. After that, wildlife officials will look at all that information and decide whether or not to take the manatee off the endangered species list.
500% Percent increase of Florida manatee population over the past 25 years
FEATURE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 15
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FEATURE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 17
health
Broward Emergency, Health Officials Talk Zika Preps & Prevention
“The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis or red eyes. There also can be muscle ache, headache, pain behind the eyes and vomiting.” Dr. Paula Thaqi
roward Emergency Management and health officials held a meeting to talk about Zika prevention and preparedness. Broward took the lead in getting health and emergency leaders from other cities on the same page when it comes to the virus outbreak. They broke things down, explaining the virus, what it is, how it spreads, its symptoms and how to keep it from exploding in South Florida. At the special meeting, experts pointed out we actually have it pretty good in South Florida with mosquito control year-round. Experts said the key is spraying and clearing even the smallest pooling. “That’s by killing the larvae at the source. Number one keeping the water from allowing the larvae to hatch and the larvae to breed and putting briquettes in storm drains and standing water areas,” Broward County Public Works Director Anh Ton told CBS4’s Donna Rapado. Understanding the symptoms is also key. The virus remains incubated between two days and two weeks. Only 1 in 5 people infected with the virus show symptoms which are usually mild and rarely require the person to be hospitalized. “The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis or red eyes. There also can be muscle ache, headache, pain behind the eyes and vomiting,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi with the Florida Department of Health. The meeting comes as two cases have been reported in Broward County. In total, Florida, as of February 8th, had 16 cases of the Zika virus. All of the cases were not locally acquired – meaning those
who have it, got it while traveling. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have sent 1,425 Zika antibody tests to Florida at the request of Florida Governor Rick Scott. In February, Gov. Scott declared a health emergency in Miami-Dade, Lee, Hillsborough and Santa Rosa counties. As of February 9th, six cases had been reported in Miami-Dade, two in Lee County, three in Hillsborough and one in Santa Rosa. On a national scale, President Barack Obama is asking for more than $1.8 billion in emergency funding to battle the spread of the virus. So far, the virus has spread through parts of the Americas, Pacific Islands and Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the virus “a public health emergency of international concern” due to its possible links to a birth defect called microcephaly in which babies are born with small heads and the neurological disorder Guillain-Barré syndrome in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. WHO officials recommended stepped up research to determine a possible causal link between the two. The CDC issued a travel alert warning pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant to avoid traveling to affected countries. There is no vaccine for the virus but the CDC issued some tips to prevent its spread: • Use insect repellent that contains things like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthanediol products. • Treat clothing with permethrin. • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. • Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes out. • Reduce the amount of mosquitoes inside and outside your home or hotel by emptying standing water from containers.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 19
Dietary New Federal Dietary Guidelines Released he federal government released new dietary guidelines recently. The latest report, which is revised every five years, backs off previous recommendations about cholesterol but gets tougher on sugar. Anne Heausler cut back on sugar about six months ago. “I lost about 20 pounds without trying, not doing anything else,” she said. For the first time the guidelines limit added sugar to no more than 10 percent of daily calories. “We know that about half of the added sugars in people’s diets come from sweetened beverages, usually sodas,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Karen DeSalvo. The updated recommendations also remove the limit on dietary cholesterol. It had been no more than 300 milligrams a day, which are about two eggs. The panel made the change after studies showed there wasn’t a clear connection between eating foods high in cholesterol and the amount of bad cholesterol that ends up in the blood. “It’s an excellent source of protein. There’s about 70 calories in one egg and seven grams of protein,” explained Lisa Cimperman, a registered dietitian with the University Hospitals Case Medical Center. But the report says teenage boys and men eat too much protein and should cut back on eggs, meat and poultry. Instead they should eat more fruits and vegetables. “If I get a steak and my salad comes and my steaks comes, I’m gonna go to my steak,” joked 19-year-old Tom Finnegan. “Maybe tonight I’ll eat some more vegetables.” The report also recommends limiting saturated fats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories and limiting less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily. That’s the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt. And there is good news for coffee lovers! The guidelines say three to five small cups a day are healthy – as long as you don’t add the sugar, flavorings or toppings.
updates The updated recommendations also remove the limit on dietary cholesterol. It had been no more than 300 milligrams a day, which are about two eggs.
For the first time the guidelines limit added sugar to no more than 10 percent of daily calories.
10
%
limit saturated fats to no more than 10 percent of daily calories
2,300mg one should consume less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily. That’s the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 21
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Viagra Saves Sex Lives And Children’s Lives By Lauren Pastrana •lpastrana@cbs.com
illions of men credit Viagra for saving their sex lives. But nearly two decades after hitting the market, Viagra is now being credited for literally saving the lives of children. Doctors say Victoria Dooley will live to see her fourth birthday thanks in part to Viagra. “It’s been working wonders,” said Victoria’s dad, Shawn. Victoria was born with a rare condition causing one side of her heart to fail. “You can see it (was) pretty enlarged and not functioning normally,” said Dr. Anne Chun, an assistant professor of pediatrics and NYU Langone Medical Center. Victoria has had three surgeries so far, and Chun says she will likely need a heart transplant when she’s a teen. “Over time, her function will continue to decrease,” Dr. Chun said. But by taking a low dose of Viagra now, Victoria is able to function at a greater capacity, as well as increase her life expectancy. “It really helps to relax the blood vessels so that blood will flow normally from the body into the lungs and allow for nor-
mal oxygen levels,” Dr. Chun explained. More than 20 years ago, Viagra was first tested to lower blood pressure, when it was realized that it could raise something else. And while it’s still prescribed to adults with certain heart problems, when giving to children, it’s considered “off label use”. Still, several children’s hospitals across the country are reporting similar lifesaving results in kids with serious lung and cardiac problems. “When you first hear about it,” Shawn Dooley said, “you think about it more for the adult uses.” While this treatment was a little surprising, Victoria’s parents are grateful for how it’s allowing their daughter to live the life of any other four year old. “She’s in swimming now, going to dance, in pre-school,” her dad said. Small doses of Viagra are also given to premature babies to help them overcome a potentially lethal lung problem called pulmonary hypertension, which makes it hard for the hard to pump blood through the lungs and is the leading cause of death in preemies after their first month of life.
S c r e e n i n g s
H e a lt h A l e rt: Ta s k F o rc e Releases Breast Cancer Screening R e c o m m e n dat i o n s hen women should begin having mammograms has been a hot topic of conversation in recent years, mainly due to changing – and sometimes conflicting – guidelines. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released its final recommendations for breast cancer screening recently in an attempt to clear up some of the confusion. The group recommends that women at average risk for breast cancer should have a mammogram every other year beginning at age 50 up to the age of 74. Women in their 40s are advised to make an individual decision in partnership with their doctors, since the likelihood of benefitting from screening is lower for women in that age group. Though this is an update from the group’s 2009 recommendations, the guidelines remain largely unchanged and a draft was released earlier this year. The report, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, also concluded that there’s not enough evidence to determine if newer 3D mammography is a good option for routine screening, or if women with dense breasts need extra testing. The group’s 2009 report drew controversy for questioning the usefulness of mammograms for women in their 40s. But the task force says their words were widely misunderstood. “Our 2009 recommendation has been incorrectly interpreted as a recommendation against screening for women in their 40s,” Dr. Kristen Bibbins-Domingo, vice chair of the USPSTF, said in an accompanying video provided by the group. “Actually the 2009 recommenda-
tion and this updated scientific report found evidence that supports a wide range of screening choices.” The American Cancer Society had long recommended annual mammograms starting at age 40, but in new guidelines released in October 2015, the group bumped up the recommended age to begin screening to 45. Research has shown that starting breast cancer screening at a younger age and screening more frequently is associated with some harms. “In addition to false-positive tests and unnecessary biopsies, all women undergoing regular screening mammography are at risk for the diagnosis and treatment of noninvasive and invasive breast cancer that would otherwise not cause them harm during their lifetime,” Bibbins-Domingo said. The new guidelines emphasize that when a woman begins regular screening should be an individual one based on her values, preferences, and family history. Women with a close relative such as a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer, for example, are at a higher risk for the disease and may benefit more than average-risk women from beginning screening in their 40s. Experts say that the two organizations’ guidelines are now fairly similar. “The USPSTF guidelines… are in many ways aligned with those of the American Cancer Society. We all agree on many points,” said Dr. Connie Lehman, director of breast imaging in the department of radiology at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Early detection saves lives and screening mammography has stood the test of time.” Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, stressed the similarities between the
two organization’s guidelines and emphasized the importance of screening for women aged 50 to 75. “We often talk about women in their 40s, but rarely talk about the number of lives that everybody agrees could be saved for women in their 50s, 60s, and 70s who just don’t get the screening test,” Otis told CBS News. “A third of women 50 to 75 are not getting breast cancer screening. The number of lives that could be saved if we were to work on that one-third of women 50 to 75, get them screened and a good diagnosis.” The American Cancer Society recommends women age 45 to 54 get annual mammograms and those 55 and older switch to screening every two years, or have the choice to continue yearly screening. The USPSTF determined that more research is needed on whether women should continue screening passed the age of 74. The task force also said that for the almost 50 percent of women with dense breast tissue, there’s not enough evidence to tell if adding additional tests like 3D mammograms or ultrasound exams would improve their outcome. Dense breast tissue makes it more difficult for mammograms to spot cancer, and women with dense breasts have slightly higher risk of developing tumors. Twenty-two states have laws that require women be told if mammograms show they have dense breasts, and some suggest they consider extra testing. Finally, the task force was unable to make a recommendation on whether or not newer 3D mammograms should be used for regular breast cancer screening, as there is not enough evidence to show if they improve survival and quality of life or worsen over-diagnosis.
HEALTH cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 27
Life
happy Gift Carding! New Gift Card Options Make Them Safer And More Personal By Lauren Pastrana • lpastrana@cbs.com
he holiday shopping season may be over, but gift cards are a hot item year-round. And now, the popular cards are safer and more personalized than ever before. Michelle Livingston says she loves to give and receive them. “They are the perfect gift. They give you what you want,” she said. A recent Bankrate survey found 72% of gift cards have some sort of loss or theft protection. “They want to make sure that if they buy that card for a loved one that, that person’s actually (going to) benefit instead of it being taken away by, you know, some criminals,” said Claes Bell with Bankrate. And since one in four people lose their gift cards, many cards now let you register them, that way you can notify the issuer if they’re lost or stolen. With some, you may even be able to recover the value. There are also cards out there which allow you to create a secret personal identification number, or PIN. “The biggest thing that we’ve seen is that some cards, general purpose cards mostly, have added the ability to add a customized PIN to the card so that would prevent a thief from being able to use your card so they wouldn’t be able to make a debit purchase. You see that on Visa and MasterCard branded cards,” Bell explained. More retail companies are offering digital versions, according to GiftCards.com. Experts say those are harder for criminals to swipe. They’re delivered straight to your inbox and each purchase leaves a digital trail. “You’re going to see a huge jump in sales of digital gift cards,” said Shelley Hunter with GiftCards.com. But if you worry a gift card sent via email seems impersonal, more companies let you record audio and video messages to go along with them. “So even though you’re not there to deliver the gift in person you can send your personality with it,” Hunter added. You can even use apps to send gift cards right to the recipient’s phone. “We’re used to using our phones to pay for things and gift cards is a natural progression of that,” Hunter said. Whether by card, email, or phone, Michelle Livingston will take it. “I’m gonna like it,” she said. Bankrate found that only five percent of cards charge dormancy fees, but your best bet is to register a gift card the moment you get it and use it as soon as possible. If a retailer goes out of business, you could risk losing the value of the card.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 29
AntiBacterial Wipes: You’re Using Them Wrong
he every day household disinfecting wipes are easy to grab and easy to use. But, does wiping really disinfect? Researchers in the United Kingdom tested how well a single disinfecting wipe worked at killing three types of troublesome bacteria along three consecutive stainless steel surfaces. They wiped, then checked cultures. “The initial wipe will probably get rid of the most bacteria on that surface, but if you wipe someplace else, you’re actually spreading the bacteria from the one surface to the other,” said dermatologist Dr. Brian Horvath. In their experiment, to prevent this spread, they found one wipe should be used in one small area only. “One wipe can be used in a metersquared area, which is about the width of your arms when you put them out in front of yourself,” Dr. Horvath said. So, how does this compare to how wipes are actually used at home? “You probably have to use two, or maybe three even, wipes to clean something like the entire size of a kitchen island,” Dr. Horvath said. “If you had an uneven surface that had a lot of tile or grooving, you’d have to use even more wipes. I like it when they change the wipe.” St. Clair Hospital Infection Preventionist Laura Morris agreed. “If the area were heavily contaminated, that they might be spreading organisms over a large area like that,” Morris says. “We
want to use more than one wipe, and use a wipe so that you’re getting the surface wet, and we always want that to air dry.” At St. Clair Hospital, they use hospital grade wipes, and swabs with a special meter to detect an enzyme called ATP (adenosine triphosphate), found in living cells, such as bacteria, fungi and plants. “The ATP meter detects any organic matter that might be on the surface,” Morris said. “They’re looking for a level of lower than 250 on the meter.” To try to find a similar pattern as in the UK study, we gave the meter a try. First, we wiped a table down clean to an acceptable reading of 159. Then, raw chicken drippings were added and a single wipe was used along the entire table. At the starting end, there was a reading of a whopping 7,482. But, even along the middle, and at the far end, the readings were lower, but still high at 3,950. So, what can hospital practices teach about using wipes at home? “You wouldn’t want to use the same wipe on various items, where you’d be spreading the organisms,” said Morris. “If you use a wipe in a small area, then discard it immediately, you probably are helping to get rid of bacteria in that area and not spreading it,” says Dr. Horvath. When you use wipes at home, follow the recommendations on the packaging. One more thing to keep in mind, even if germs end up getting spread along a surface, that doesn’t necessarily mean people are getting sick from them. That is the more important outcome than any reading on a meter.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 31
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Unregulated Dental Products Pose Health Threat
hether it’s a crown, an implant, or a bridge, dental work usually stays with us for life. Today, more of these products are now being imported. There are no regulations or mandatory inspections before these items are put in a patient’s mouth. Dickerman Dental Prosthetics in Massachusetts has made quality a priority for three generations. They use top notch materials and many of the workers have been at their craft for more than 20 years. Company president Ira Dickerman is concerned patients might be getting devices that aren’t up his standards. Dickerman believes the products coming in from Mexico, Costa Rica, the Philippines and China are not as well made as those produced domestically. The National Association of Dental Laboratories estimates up to 40 percent of these products are now coming from overseas. Dr. David Samuels, chairman of the Board of Registration for dentistry in Massachusetts, explained there is no oversight of these products by the Food and Drug Administration. Dickerman believes the “There are certainly concerns that the metals could have lead in them. That is products coming in from not a substance you want in your body, Mexico, Costa Rica, the or other, even carcinogenic materials,” added Dr. Samuels. Philippines and China are It is not just imports that don’t get not as well made as those scrutinized. Ten states have enacted some type of consumer safeguards for produced domestically. dental labs. The National Association While Florida has some safeguards in of Dental Laboratories place requiring labs to register, disclose materials and point of origin, no out of estimates up to 40 percent state labs are required to register and of these products are now dentists are not required to use registered labs. coming from overseas. Brad Dalton, Deputy Press Secretary for the Florida Department of Health says ultimately, “the prescribing dentist is responsible for the final work product.” Steve Sheehan, a vice president at Straumann USA in Andover, said a state of the art dental manufacturer, said someone could literally open a dental lab in their basement if they wanted in Massachusetts. “You need to have a license to cut hair, but you don’t need to have a license to create a restoration that is going in a patient’s mouth,” added Sheehan. According to Sheehan, many reputable companies have industry certifications, but he still believes government should get involved. “There needs to be a certain amount of traceability to the products if something goes wrong,” he said. “There are issues of warranty when talk about product that fails.” Dr. Samuels said he would like to see the Board of Registration develop standards for labs. “I think the labs would benefit. I think the dentists would benefit. But most importantly, I think the consumer, the public, would benefit as patients,” he said. In the meantime, experts say it’s okay to ask a dentist if they know where their products are made, and if they use a lab certified by an industry trade association.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 35
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International Recruits Dolphins To Host Multiple International Cheerleader Auditions
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By David Dwork •ddwork@cbs.com
he Miami Dolphins are doing something that no other NFL franchise has done before. The Dolphins will host cheerleader auditions in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Bogota, Colombia and Mexico City, Mexico. It’s the first time that an NFL team has hosted multiple international cheerleader auditions. “Miami is the gateway to Latin America and the Miami Dolphins are a global brand. We are excited to combine the beauty we have in South Florida with the ladies we meet in Latin America in hopes of forming a truly international squad,” Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Entertainment & Brand Impact Dorie Grogan said. The ladies must be at least 18 years old by May 1st and graduates of high school by June 1st with a valid passport for travel. Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have traveled to more than 30 countries on five continents over the past decade. They are on the sidelines for all Dolphins home games while being very active in the community.
The dates for the auditions are as follows: March 3rd – JW Marriott Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil March 6th – Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel y Centro de Convenciones, Buenos Aires, Argentina March 12th – (location to be determined), Mexico City, Mexico. April 2nd – Four Points by Sheraton, Bogota, Colombia. April 23rd – Doctors Hospital Training Facility, Davie, Florida. A select group of ladies will be chosen to participate in the final auditions which will take place at Nova Southeastern University on May 1st.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 39
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“Blue Dot” App Feature Guides Travelers Through MIA
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By Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com
iami International Airport (MIA) is enormous and it can be confusing to navigate through it all. Now there’s an app to help you find everything you need. More than 40 million people fly in and out of MIA everyday. “These airports are big. They are confusing. So any way to ease that for the passengers is what we are focused on right now,” said Alexis Aran Coello with American Airlines. American Airlines updated their app in November and with it came a feature which makes navigating through MIA a first class experience. “The app is going to tell you where you are with a blue dot,” said Coello. Hence why the airline called it the Blue Dot feature. It tells you what level or floor you are on in the airport. The feature let’s you look up specific restaurants. CBS4’s Vaness Borge typed in bagels and it directed her to Einstein Brothers Bagels in the airport. Blue Dot uses Wi-Fi signals to find your location and gives you turn-by-turn directions which is helpful for connecting flights that could take you to gates far away from each other. The app also helps you find magazines, your favorite candy, the nearest bathroom or security checkpoint. The Blue Dot feature is also available at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and San Jose, California airports. As for Broward County, they have no plans to make it available for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
“These airports are big. They are confusing. So any way to ease that for the passengers is what we are focused on right now.” Alexis Aran Coello
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 43
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ata overages can lead to big phone bills. One family, however, was shocked when they got a bill for more than two thousand dollars. The big bill was because of a new feature on Apple iPhones that you may not be aware of. Like many teens, Ashton Feingold didn’t think much about the text message from AT&T which warned that he was nearing his data limit. “It just said maybe 65 percent of your data has been used,” said Feingold. Then the bill came.
“I thought my dad was going to kill me,” he said. “It’s usually $250 a month and this was $2,000!” said Ashton’s father Jeff. The difference? A new feature on Ashton’s iPhone called “WiFi Assist” which is standard with the new iOS 9.1 operating system. “I had no idea what that was,” said Jeff Feingold. It’s intended to make sure the user always has a good signal by automatically switching to cellular data when a WiFi signal is weak. In Ashton’s bedroom, he thought he was still connected to
WiFi while streaming and surfing the web. Instead, his phone was gobbling up data- more than 144-thousand megabytes. “That’s pretty high but I can see it happening,” said Mike Campbell with “Apple Insider.” He added that while some customers like what WiFi Assist does, many don’t know they have it. “It comes by default, it is switched on,” said Campbell. “That’s why there’s an uproar.” Apple had no comment. To turn off WiFi Assist, go to settings, then cellular, then down at the bottom users can switch off the feature.
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LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 47
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TASTE OF THE TOWN:
F OO D TRU C KIN G IN
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By Lisa Petrillo • lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com
f it’s a Monday night and you’re at the Arts Park at Hollywood Circle, you know it’s buzzing. That’s because it’s the weekly food truck event that has become “the spot” for locals, tourists, families and foodies alike. Dr. Alex Lanoue comes with his two daughters often. “It has a variety of foods. You get to eat great cuisine in one spot. It’s very community oriented. We get out and breathe the fresh air and get out in the community,” Dr. Lanoue said. More than 25 trucks descend on this scenic spot each Monday evening. CBS4’s Lisa Petrillo immediately did a power lap around, soaking up the scenery
to decide which truck to hit up first. She decided on “Wholesome Rollers”, where Jonna and Chuck moved down from Wisconsin last year to serve up their Midwestern specialties. “This great venue. It took a little while to get in. You see there’s a lot of trucks here. There’s a saturation in the market but these are really good trucks and really good trucks are here every week,” Jonna Clark explained. There are lots of choices on their Midwestern menu, but I went for the big one! Their Butter Burger! “Ours is a 1/3 of a pound, done medium, with cheddar from Wisconsin, a slab of bacon on a pretzel bun topped with butter,” Jonna said.
“This is pure burger decadence. It’s big, it’s juicy, it’s thick. It’s every taste you can imagine and then a pretzel on top,” I said, after biting in. I then kept looking around for more enticing trucks. To my right there stood the “Jersey Dawg” truck and the “Lobsta Guy.” “They are really good,” said one man walking with his lobster roll. The choices are essentially endless, but the minute I spied on “Poblanos Mexican Fusion” truck, my eyes got even bigger. Erez, Poblanos chef and owner, along with his business partner, have been serving up their fine food at the Hollywood location for three years. “First of all, it’s a family event. It’s great. People get to eat and enjoy their kids, walk around and try good food. It’s one of the city of Hollywood’s best events,” Erez said.
Inside the truck they prepared my Quesadilla Bonito with loco meat. “I’m somewhere in Mexico where it’s warm. The cheese is perfectly melted and the beef is so tasty and seasoned so perfectly. It’s a special quesadilla,” I said, after biting in. And finally dessert, we stopped at “Hip Pops” where founder Tony Fellows, who also happens to be a Hollywood native, never misses a Monday night to serve his homemade gelato pops with toppings you can only dream about. “Hip Pops is handcrafted gelato bars. It’s a new way to eat gelato and sorbet, rather than the traditional way in cup, we do it on a stick. It’s more fun and it’s portable,” Fellows explained. My tip? Try the Hot Tomale! The food trucks are at the Arts Park in Hollywood every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
LIFE cbsmiami.com | March-April 2016 51
real estate
Some Experts Think the Housing Bubble is Back It partly depends on how the term bubble is defined.
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Content provided by zillow.com BY MELISSA ALLISON
o one wants a return to the grim days of the housing crisis, when home values plunged until 31.4 percent of mortgage holders owed more on their homes than the dwellings were worth. In some parts of the country, such as Las Vegas, many people are still recovering from that spiral. It’s harrowing to imagine another housing bubble already, and the good news is that Zillow’s economists and most of the 66 experts who responded to questions about a bubble in the fourth quarter 2015 Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey, administered by Pulsenomics LLC, think no major U.S. markets face any significant risk of a bubble for the next five years. Floating definition The more sobering news is that some of those experts think certain markets — particularly New York and San Francisco — are already in a bubble. Ten or more experts think there’s a risk that Boston, Los Angeles or Miami will enter a bubble in the next three years. The reasons for these responses depends in part on how someone defines a bubble. “There is no standard, chiseled-in-stone definition of what a bubble is,” explains Grant Thrall, president emeritus of the American Real Estate Society and founder of an advisory firm called Business Geography Advisors. Some people evoke former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan’s term, “irrational exuberance,” and few experts think the entire U.S. economy is riding that wave again. However, if a housing bubble is a market in which home prices have reached unsustainable levels given the economics of their local markets, then Thrall joins the 22 experts who say San Francisco is currently in a bubble. He’s also among six who believe Seattle prices are that frothy. Will they stay or will they go? In Thrall’s case, he questions whether the international buyers and real estate investment trusts
that have driven up prices in those markets will hold onto the properties. “It remains to be seen if they can manage these single-family homes like an apartment complex. The cost might exceed whatever profit they can get out of it,” he said. An expert who agrees that San Francisco and Seattle are in a bubble, and adds New York and Houston to that list, is David Wyss, former chief economist at Standard & Poor’s and an adjunct professor at Brown University. “The question is not so much how overpriced they are, but why they’re overpriced,” Wyss said. He points to investment buyers as well, particularly people who spend more than they believe homes are worth because they think they can quickly turn a buck. “I worry that prices are getting above where the natural market would take them,” he said. Andrew Schaffler, director of listed real estate securities for Madison International Realty, doesn’t think any markets are truly experiencing “irrational exuberance” because lending has become mostly prudent, and the people buying homes can afford them. He thinks the lack of housing — a legitimate economic factor– might have driven prices higher than the market would otherwise bear in certain areas. San Francisco and Houston might already be in a bubble, he said, driven by increasing unmet demand from well-compensated tech and oil workers. Revenge of the nerds The phenomenon is well-known, with The Onion joshing in a headline last month that “Housing Prices Spike As Tech Employee Takes Stroll Through Neighborhood.” “It doesn’t mean it will unwind in as flashy a fashion as in the last cycle,” Schaffler said. The only expert among 66 respondents to Zillow’s bubble question who believes all 20 markets listed, from Atlanta to Chicago to St. Louis, are in a bubble is mortgage banking veteran and real estate analyst Mark Hanson. “Bubble 2.0 is being driven by the exact same thing that drove Housing Bubble 1.0 … unorthodox, unfundamental demand using unorthodox capital,” he wrote in a recent newsletter.
REAL ESTATE | March-April 2016 53
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baths
2 1
ight, Bright & Absolutely Spectacular 2/1 (1495 sf.) Old Spanish walking distance to Miracle Mile! Oversized Wood & Granite Kitchen w/Stainless Appliances. Large Updated Bathroom. Spacious Master Bedroom w/Walk-In Closet. Beautiful Crown Molding & Chair Rails Frame the Oversized Living & Dining Rooms. Wood Floors Throughout. Fireplace. Fresh Paint Inside/Out. New AC (2015). Resealed Flat Roof (2014). New Landscaping w/Sprinklers. Substantial Backyard/Patio-Perfect for Entertaining.
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
13051 SW 71st Ave, PINECREST, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1965 Sold: 12/28/2015 for
$750,000
C
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
3,294 4
3
omfortable canal-front home with metal roof located on a special street with low traffic and walking distance to all 3 Palmetto schools! Volume ceilings, marble and tile floors, lots of light, fireplace, spacious bedrooms, open family room kitchen area, screened patio opens to living room, family room and master bedroom, beautiful backyard setting with lush trees and room for a pool. This is currently the lowest price canal front home in Pinecrest! Accordion shutters on windows and patio.
6845 SW 144th St, Palmetto Bay, FL 33158 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1960 Sold: 11/16/2015 for
$917,000
E
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
3,300 3 2.5
xecutive acre home in prime area, east of Old Cutler. Pinecrest Schools. Completely reconfigured and renovated in 2014 - new impact windows and doors, new open style kitchen with massive 4 x 8 center island, new bathrooms with new plumbing, new porcelain tile floors, new roof, new a/c system, new electrical. Incredible backyard with beautiful terrace and pool and full court basketball (can be converted to tennis court).
REAL ESTATE | March-April 2016 55
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
7160 SW 124th St, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1959 Sold: 1/6/2016 for
$1,225,000
T
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
3,723 4
baths
3
his lovely 4 bedroom 3 baths home offers 3723 sqft. of resort like living. Large kitchen is a chef’s dream; two islands with topquality cabinetry, high end appliances and finishes. Huge Master bedroom with its own sitting room overlooking the sparkling blue pool. Jacuzzi and gazebo, impact windows and doors. Beautiful marble floors throughout and hardwood cabinetry in all bathrooms. Circular driveway and two-car garage surrounded by lush gardens in this very quiet neighborhood. Great Schools!
5925 SW 117th St, Coral Gables, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1950 Sold: 1/6/2016 for
$2,100,000
B
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
baths
4,591 5 4
eautiful & updated executive home in prestigious Pine Bay walled community with Gables security patrol. Open & airy.Elegant and gracious. Formal living & dining rooms with hardwood floors.New impact windows & doors.Fabulous family room with fireplace & wet bar. Gourmet cook’s kitchen. Cozy master suite. Gorgeous onyx guest baths. Spacious roofed/tiled patio with domed pool/spa. Large corner builder’s acre with room for NS tennis ct. Zoned “x” No flood zone. Truly special!
Recently Sold Content provided by zillow.com
6831 SW 106th St, Pinecrest, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2015 Sold: 12/10/2015 for
Size (sq. ft.)
$4,300,000 9,206
B
beds
6
baths
8
rand New construction on Pinecrest millionaire’s row!Sleek & clean-line modern architectural design. Dramatic & imposing entry. Brilliant use in walls of glass uniting indoor & outdoor living.Cutting edge & sumptuous finishes.Lavish master suite.Gourmet dream kitchen,library,media room,in addition to grand florida/play room. Sep ensuite guestquarter. Cabana/ summer-kitchen. Spectacular oversized pool/Jacuzzi. Marble floor.Elevator. Lush gated acre lot on beautiful & sought-after street.
5330 Banyan Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2008 Sold: 12/17/2015 for
Size (sq. ft.)
beds
$5,800,000 10,108 4
F
baths
7.5
acing Hammock Lake on over an acre, this Plantation-style 7 BR/7.5 BA, 9800 SF residence invites views & breezes w/wraparound porches, deep overhangs & expansive windows. Reminiscent of an age of gentility, but enhanced by the finest modern amenities, this home blends comfort & elegance. Exceptional chef’s kitchen, office, outdoor LR & kitchen, lap pool, high ceilings, impact windows & doors, fabulous wood & marble floors, custom built-in cabinetry, generator, includes 1 BR/1 BA guesthouse.
REAL ESTATE | March-April 2016 57
Ways to Get to Know Your Neighbors Whether you’re a social butterfly or a homebody, getting friendly with the folks next door will make your new house start to feel like home. Content provided by zillow.com
BY JESSICA ROURK
F
or many of us, leaving friends and neighbors behind can be the toughest part of moving to a new home. These five tips will help you make connections and settle into your new community in no time.
1. Knock, knock
For an extrovert, walking over to a neighbor’s home to say hello may feel like a no-brainer. But for more reserved personalities, this tried-andtrue method usually requires a bit of warmup. Start with a friendly wave as you drive by, then work your way up to a face-to-face introduction. Remember, timing is everything. You don’t want to disturb your neighbors in the middle of dinner or while they’re struggling to get a fussy toddler down for the night. Try to catch them when they’re already outside, or aim for a weekend afternoon when everyone is much more likely to be relaxed and open to a brief, friendly chat.
2. Snail mail
Can’t work up the nerve to knock on doors? In this age of electronic communication, a nice handwritten note can be a welcome surprise. Write a few lines for your closest neighbors
introducing yourself and inviting them over for a cup of coffee or cocktail at their convenience. Be sure to personalize each note by including a small conversation starter — the roses in front of your home are absolutely stunning; we’re poodle-lovers, too! — then drop your letters at your neighbors’ front doors or in their mailboxes.
3. Magic school bus
If you’ve got school-age children, accompany them to the bus stop for the first few days of class. You’re likely to run into at least one other parent who can fill you in on both neighborhood and school happenings — and people love to talk about their kids, so you won’t have to worry about awkward silences and finding common ground. Exchange contact info and invite the family over for some weekend fun.
4. Man’s best friend
Our pets often are the friendliest members of the family! Let your fourlegged companion break the ice for you. Dog parks are a natural spot for meeting new friends, both canine and human. You can also meet fellow pet lovers while walking your dog through your neighborhood — cleaning up any messes, of course. You can get recommendations for trails, vets and parks,
as well as ask about any pet-themed meetups in the area.
5. T urn the page
Don’t let the name fool you: Book clubs are as much about socializing as they are about reading. Check out your library or local bookstore for groups near you, or you can find one online. If possible, contact the host ahead of time to ask whether you should bring any refreshments (wine!) and come armed with a few key insights about the book and recommendations for the following go-round. Who knows? You could pick the next talk of the town.
Bonus: Life of the party
Once you’ve made a few connections, team up to host a neighborhood block party. Volunteer to handle snacks and other logistics, and ask your moreestablished neighbors to spread the word. Pick a seasonal theme — hot dogs and lemonade for summer, cookies and warm cider for fall — and spend an afternoon meeting new friends and getting the inside scoop on the best places to eat and play near your new home. Before you call it a day, pass the torch to another neighbor and make the block party a new tradition.
REAL ESTATE | March-April 2016 59
Despite a Short Breakeven Horizon, Millennials May Still Have Reason to Rent In some of the nation’s hottest job markets, it takes longer to break even on a home than young workers stay in the same job.
N
Content provided by zillow.com • BY LAUREN BRAUN
ationally, it takes less than two years for buying a home to be a better decision than renting it, according to Zillow’s Q4 2015 Breakeven Horizon. This is in part due to rents climbing quickly, while interest rates remain near historic lows. For potential home buyers in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, New York and Boston, though, it takes more than three years for it to be a better financial decision to buy a home instead of renting it. For young workers, who typically stay at one job for three years, it may make sense to rent in these markets, even if their monthly mortgage payments would be more affordable
than the rent. Because of condo association fees, it takes even longer to break even on a condo, which is a common choice for young home buyers. Among the 35 largest metros, it takes longest to break even in Washington, D.C., at 4.5 years. Dallas and Indianapolis can break even quickest, in just 1.3 years. In general, it will take longest along the West Coast and the Northeast Corridor, while the Midwest and Southwest can do so faster. Looking ahead, the Breakeven Horizon could lengthen, as rents are expected to flatten across the country, and home values are predicted to rise at a faster pace in 2016.
These are the metros where it will take the longest to break even on a home: 1. Washington, D.C. – 4.5 years 2. Los Angeles – 4.1 years 3. San Diego – 3.4 years 4. San Jose – 3.2 years 5. New York/Northern New Jersey and Boston – 3.1 years
REAL ESTATE | March-April 2016 61
home
Content provided by lowes.com
Why Own a
Generator?
Power Outages Power outages often last for hours, days or even weeks, and they can be costly if you’re not prepared. Hurricanes, tornadoes and ice storms can disrupt our vulnerable power supply system. But it’s not just inclement weather that can turn the lights out. Curious animals, automobile accidents, human error and utility failures also can trigger a blackout. Prepare now by adding a standby generator or portable generator that will help make power outages more manageable. Determining Your Generator Needs The most important step in finding the type of generator you need is to identify how you will likely use it. Consider these uses: Home • Power essential appliances and lights • Power occasional protection devices such as a sump pump • Power an entire home or most of a home • Provide backup power for short-term or occasional outages • Provide long-term backup power where weather systems can disrupt power for days or weeks, sometimes several times a year • Provide backup power for individuals who may have difficulty handling and operating a portable generator
Business • Power essential computers, networks and phones • Power an entire business • Provide temporary jobsite electricity for tools and lights • Provide backup power for short-term or occasional outages Recreation • Camping • Boating • Tailgating
Standby Generators A permanently installed automatic standby generator provides 24 / 7 backup power protection and peace of mind for your family or business during a power outage. A standby generator runs on liquid propane or natural gas, and just like your central air conditioner, works automatically when you need it and shuts off when you don’t. There’s no need to manually fuel or start a standby generator, and you can eliminate the need for extension cords that portable generators require. Sizes are available to back up essential circuits only or to provide complete coverage for large homes and businesses. Around the home, a standby generator can create enough power for nearly all of your needs — heating or cooling, lighting and cooking — at the same time. Portable Generators A portable generator is a great, mobile option for temporary power. But portable generators are intended only as a backup solution to provide power for some basic household needs on an emergency basis — or to provide power for recreation, camping and power tools where electricity isn’t available. Portable generators operate on gasoline or propane. They produce carbon monoxide gas and should never be run indoors or near windows and doors. Caution: Always follow the generator manufacturer’s operating, maintenance and safety instructions.
HOME | March-April 2016 65
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Buying Guide Content provided by lowes.com Measure Your Space Measure the length, width, and height of the space where your tub will go. If you’re replacing a tub, check to see if your old one has a drain located on the left, right or in the center. You’ll need to purchase a new tub that has the same drain location to ensure that it will properly align with the existing plumbing.
Are you renovating an existing bathroom or building a new home? A beautiful tub or whirlpool can define your space and provide a relaxing oasis. Before you purchase one, there are several considerations to keep in mind.
Then consider who’ll use the tub. • If you have children, consider a low model that’s easy for them to get in and out and for the parents to help them. • Older owners or those with disabilities can purchase walk-in tubs for easier accessibility. • If you’re tall, consider a longer tub. • If you like to lounge, purchase a tub with a high back. Determine Your Capacity Consider the capacity of your hot water heater. Check the owner’s manual or the Energy Guide tag on the side of it as to whether your unit can handle the amount of water your tub needs.
HOME | March-April 2016 69
Types of Tubs Alcove or Skirted Tubs: These tubs are fixed on three sides by bathroom walls. The front side is finished to conceal the subfloor and plumbing. It can be flat or have a design embedded in the material. Drop-in Tubs: These rimmed tubs are exposed on all sides and are dropped into a deck that’s usually covered in tile. They’re typically used in larger master bathrooms where the tub is separate from the shower stall. Walk-in Tubs: These tubs are designed to help people with mobility issues who need easy access. The tubs are made of either acrylic or fiberglass and are taller than a typical bathtub. Most walk-in tubs come with an integrated seat and some have whirlpool jets that can provide therapeutic relief. Freestanding Tubs: These tubs stand alone and can be used in modern or traditional bathrooms depending on the style that you select. They’re usually more expensive than other types of tubs and require more water to fill them, but they make up for it in style and can be dramatic statement pieces that define the look of a bathroom. Two other types of freestanding tubs include: Clawfoot: These tubs are often found in older or traditional-style homes. They’re usually white with feet that resemble an animal’s claw in polished or brushed nickel (see image). Clawfoot tubs can have higher backs, which are good for lounging. Pedestal: These tubs sit on a raised platform and are usually found in more modern bathrooms.
Cast Iron: This is one of the more expensive finishes on the market, but it’s also the most durable and less likely to dent or scratch. It is heavy, so a reinforced floor may be needed before you install one. Due to the heavy material, the water will also stay warmer longer. Fiberglass/Plastic Composite: This material is the least expensive and the most lightweight. Fiberglass tubs are some of the easiest to install. This is also the thinnest material and more prone to fading, scratches or cracking. Porcelain Enameled Steel: These tubs are another less expensive alternative to acrylic or cast iron. They’re easy to clean and are quite durable, but are heavier and can chip if struck with a hard object. There are also other more unusual tub materials that could make a big impact in your bathroom such as copper, solid surface or natural stone composite.
Tub Materials There are many types of tub materials to choose from.
Tub Shapes and Colors Shape: The most popular tub shapes are oval or rectangular. But there are other shapes to choose from including: • Corner • Hourglass • Hourglass in rectangle • Oval in rectangle • Round
Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are the most popular option and come in a variety of sizes, colors and shapes. Acrylic tubs can scratch or stain, but the higher grade acrylic tub you purchase, the less prone it is to damage.
Color: The most popular colors are white and off-white. But if you want a tub that stands out, there are many colors to choose from including:
Good to Know: If you’re unsure of which style would work in your bathroom, take a photo of your space and bring it to a Lowe’s associate for a free consultation.
• Gray • Black • Brown • Bronze • Chrome or Silver • Copper • Other solid colors such as red or blue Air Baths and Whirlpool Tubs Whirlpool and air baths both provide relaxing and therapeutic benefits. Most are composed of acrylic, are rectangular or oval and fit into a 60-, 66- or 72-inch opening. However, there are a few differences between the two types. Air Baths: These baths have injectors on the bottom of the tub that produce millions of heated air bubbles, providing a low-pressure massage. Air bath injectors are fixed and cannot be controlled like the jets on a whirlpool. However, if you like to use bath products, such as bath salts or gels, an air bath is a better choice because it won’t clog as easily as whirlpool tubs. Most air baths are acrylic, but there are some made of fiberglass. Whirlpool Tubs: These push water through jets, providing a high-pressure massage. They’re often used in physical therapy facilities where relief is needed for aches, pains and muscle sprains. They’ve also been known to help those suffering with arthritis. You can also control the jets in a way that you cannot with air baths. The majority of whirlpool tubs are made of acrylic, but cast iron is another option. Good to Know: Before you purchase a
whirlpool tub or air bath, ask a plumber and/or an electrician the following questions: • Will it fit in my existing space or will I need to reconfigure the bathroom? • Will it fit through the door? Keep in mind the tub goes into a deck, which takes up space beyond the tub. • Will my existing wiring support a whirlpool or air bath? • Will my floor need to be reinforced to ac-
Faucet Considerations You’ll also need to consider the type of faucet that you want with your new tub.
Floor-Mounted Faucet: If you like the look of exposed pipes, a floor-mounted faucet is a good option. Measure carefully because these faucets require more room around the bathtub. They’re used with freestanding tubs.
Deck-Mounted Faucet: If you have limited space around the tub, mount it on the actual tub. You’ll usually see these with a drop-in or whirlpool tub. It’s also the most economical choice.
Wall-Mounted Faucet: These faucets can produce a longer water arch and offer more surface space. Wall-mounted faucets are good to use when the tub and shower are together.
commodate the weight? This is especially important if it’s going on a second floor.
HOME | March-April 2016 71
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Paint a Ceiling
Painting a ceiling can make a room feel warmer, bigger or cozier depending on the color you use. We’ll tell you everything you need to know to paint the perfect ceiling. Content provided by lowes.com
Tools
Bucket Drop Cloths Duster Ladder Latex Gloves Paint Roller Covers Paint Roller Extension Pole Paint Roller Frames Paint Tray Paint Tray Liner Paintbrush Painter’s Tape Safety Glasses
Materials
Paint + Primer In One
Prep Work
Painting a ceiling isn’t much different from painting a wall. A good job takes preparation. Repair existing damage and protect your furniture, floors, fixtures and trim. Painting a ceiling isn’t much different from painting a wall. A good job takes preparation. To repair existing damage and protect your furniture, floors, fixtures and trim, Good to Know: Painting a ceiling can be a messy job. Put down plenty of drop cloths and wear a hat to avoid paint spatters in your hair. Good to Know: Popcorn ceilings can be painted, but you’ll need to use a roller with a deeper knap. More paint is needed to get into the grooves of a textured ceiling, but be careful not to saturate it too much.
Paint the Ceiling
Step 1: If you’re not going to paint the walls, apply painter’s tape around the edges for a crisp line. Then cut in using a 2- to 2-1/2-inch sash brush and a cut bucket, which is a smaller receptacle that you can easily carry up and down the ladder. Don’t load the brush too much, and start each stroke away from the edge and work the paint toward the tape. Make long strokes and always finish brushing back into the wet paint. Paint several inches onto the ceiling and feather the edge. If you’re going to paint the walls, skip the tape for now and paint a few inches down the wall. Then you’ll mask the ceiling before moving on to the walls. Step 2: When it’s time to roll, use a low nap roller for smooth ceilings, and a 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch nap for textured ceilings. An extension pole helps you reach the ceiling without a ladder. Step 3: First, moisten the roller with a wet towel to help the paint load. Roll into the paint and then roll it off to remove excess. Start in a corner and paint in straight overlapping rows in small 4 by 4 sections. Roll slowly so the paint won’t spatter. Once you’ve finished a couple sections go back and lightly go over the paint with an unloaded roller to smooth it out. Then just keep going. Once it’s dry, check to see if a second coat is needed or if you missed any areas. Step 4: Vaulted ceilings can pose some special challenges. First, use a long-handle duster to clean before painting. Then use a stepladder to cover light fixtures and ceiling fans. To get into corners, use a pole-mounted brush extender. Brush from the floor using long roller extensions. Start at the highest point and work your way down. Brush small areas in straight lines and after a couple sections lay off the paint to smooth it out. Caution: Safety first. If you have really high ceilings, leave them to the professionals.
HOME | March-April 2016 75
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ning spring clea checklist hen. From vote to your kitc ning project to de ea cl ng nefit all ri be sp ll ur yo the kitchen wi Take some time in eaning surfaces, cl to spring. es is ri th nt re pa er, loving ca nd te decluttering your me so om fr year
Content provided by lowes.com Tips for Spring-Cleaning Your Kitchen
• Start out by eliminating any clutter. Get rid of any items that don’t belong in your kitchen, and make sure your dishes are all clean and properly put away. • Dust the ceiling, corners, walls, cabinet and pantry doors and any other surface. Look out for particularly dirty spots from spills, and scrub those with extra care. If you have art, other items hanging on the walls or a ceiling fan, wipe them down as well. • Clean any window treatments, and wipe down the blinds. Clean the windows inside and out. • Apply oven cleaner to your oven, or use the self-cleaning mode to clear it out. • Clean out the inside of your refrigerator. Throw away any expired food or unused items. Wipe down shelves
with disinfectant and replace. Wipe down the outside of your refrigerator and vacuum the coils (unplug your refrigerator first). • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your stove. Remove burners and spill catchers, and clean them or soak them. • Wipe down small appliances like toasters, microwaves, etc. • Reline kitchen cabinets with fresh paper and reorganize. Get rid of any dishes or storage containers that you don’t use. • Run the dishwasher on empty, and clean out its food trap. • Wipe down all remaining surfaces, paying special attention to corners. • Clean the floor including the baseboards.
HOME | March-April 2016 81
We’ll Keep Your Marble Brilliant!
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Are You Ready for a
Ponds can add beauty and interest to your landscape. Consider the following tips before making the decision to build your pond. Content provided by lowes.com
Make Sure You Want a Pond Decide if you want a pond or a water feature. The distinction is simple, but important. Ponds are miniature ecosystems with plants, animals and microorganisms working in harmony to achieve balance. Ponds are alive and require different care; all need to be circulated in the summer and aerated in the winter. Some require filtration and feeding, but ponds reward the extra effort handsomely. The sights and sounds of a pond can enchant like no other landscape element. Water features showcase the water, not its inhabitants, and include fountains, lighted waterfalls and other artistic elements. Unlike ponds, water features can be turned on and off at will, drained for cleaning, even scrubbed
out with bleach. They’re typically lower maintenance than ponds since you never have to weed or feed them. Before You Begin Your Pond Check with your local building department or code enforcement to see if there are any codes governing your pond, and plan to meet those requirements. Local ordinances may restrict depth or access, mandate setbacks or fencing or require a permit or inspection. Have your gas, electric, cable and phone lines marked out, free of charge, by calling 811. You’ll know exactly where and where not to dig, saving you time, trouble and liability. And you’ll avoid dangerous contact with gas and electric lines.► HOME | March-April 2016 87
Types of Ponds Once you know what you’re allowed to build and where all the invisible hazards are, give some serious thought to the style of your water feature. Consider the following types of ponds: The Water Garden Are you an admirer of paintings of water lilies? Does your perfect pond feature contain masses of fragrant, multicolored blooms reflected in still water? Then you might want what’s often called a water garden, where lilies, lotus, irises and other gorgeous plants are the featured stars. Fish are just there to help balance the pond and control insects. The Koi Pond When envisioning your dream pond, do you picture the Japanese carp, commonly known as the Koi fish, swimming serenely? Koi can be affectionate, long-lived pets, but the many rewards come at a cost. They’ve been bred to be fed as domesticated animals. Koi eat a lot and grow quickly, so a regular feeding schedule and a good filtration system are necessary. They’ll often devour any plants they can reach, so it’s more challenging to use plants to help keep the water clear. With their messy habits and the demands of fulltime pets, this type of pond requires more attention than a water garden. The Garden Pond Combine the beautiful plantings of the water garden with clouds of shimmering goldfish darting to and fro, and you can have the best of both worlds. Goldfish easily feed themselves in a well-planted pond without destroying the water lilies. They learn to come to the surface for treats, but you’re not tied to a schedule. The plants in the pond absorb fish wastes and shade out algae, keeping water clear and algae blooms to a minimum. The garden pond makes it much easier to achieve a balance that rewards the pondkeeper with blooms and beautiful fish with a minimum of maintenance, so it’s the most popular choice. It’s also a great choice for a beginner. Check out the Web for photos and information about the type of pond you’d like. Contact local resources — such as your county cooperative extension, a regional koi club or nearby botanical garden — to help with advice on minimum depth, critters to watch out for, plants to use or avoid and all the other questions you may have after you build your pond. The more you know going in, the better your project will come out.
Pond Location Where you put your pond is the most important decision in the whole process, since you don’t want to move it later. Proper siting will reduce maintenance and safety concerns and enhance your enjoyment of the pond.
about where your hose bib and sprinkler lines are. Don’t site the pond where there could be unrestricted access by children or pets. Make sure you check local ordinances regarding fencing requirements before building.
Exposure: Site the pond where it will get four to six hours of sunlight, for a good balance of light to shade. Don’t site the pond in full sun, to avoid overheating and algae issues or full shade, where water lilies and other ornamental plants won’t bloom.
Grade: Set the pond lower in the landscape when possible rather than at the top of a rise. Don’t set the pond at the lowest spot in the yard, where runoff could wash in fertilizer or lawn chemicals, upsetting the ecosystem, causing algae blooms or killing plants and fish.
Access: Make sure you have access to electric service for a pump, an ultraviolet (UV) filter, ornamental lights and water. You’ll need a dedicated outlet that’s protected by a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) installed by a licensed electrician. You’ll also need access to water, so think
View: Place the pond where you can easily see and enjoy it, from a vantage point on a deck, patio or from a kitchen or living room window. Don’t create an attractive nuisance by siting it near a playground or other public space where kids or pets might be drawn to it.
Other Pond-Planning Tips In general, the best practice to create a balanced, easy-to -maintain pond with a minimum of effort is to work with Mother Nature instead of against her. The following tips will help you achieve this goal. Use aquatics, like water lilies and lotus, in the pond and marginal species, like irises and dwarf cattails in bogs, to help keep the pond sparkling clear and healthy. If you can either cover 60% of the surface of the water with plants or create bogs whose surface area adds up to about 30% of the pond’s surface area, your pond’s water will stay clear and clean on its own. You’ll still have to circulate it and pull out dead vegetation, but maintenance will be minimal as long as you don’t overfeed. Create bogs along the pond’s edge by excavating shallow shelves above water
level and lining them so that all the water you pump into them will flow back into the pond. Fill them with only 4 to 6 inches of clean, washed gravel, kept from washing in by some larger stones, and set the plants directly from their pots into the gravel. The soil they’re in will keep them alive until they can start to remove nitrates from the pond water. Install a tee on the main line, or put in a separate small pump to dump water from the pond into the planted gravel to create an active bog that will starve out algae and filter the water. Plan, and plant, the pond area as part of a surrounding landscape. Don’t just drop a hole in the lawn somewhere. A water source in nature will have aquatics in the water, marginal plants at the edges and various terrestrial species radiating out away from the water, which should tie in to the rest of the
plantings on the site. Keep the sides of the pond as vertical as possible down to a flat, level shelf about 18 inches deep all around the pond. This will allow you to get in and out of knee-deep water when necessary but discourage herons and raccoons from preying on your fish by denying them the beaches they love to wade in on. Avoid beaches to help eliminate string algae and mosquito issues, while the 18-inch-deep shelf is perfect for your water lilies to sit on. Don’t overfeed your fish. The most common mistake pondkeepers make is overfeeding. Those nutrients go into the water after they come out of the fish, and they’ll feed lots of plants. If you don’t have lots of plants, the nutrients will feed lots of algae. Finally, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. HOME | March-April 2016 89
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Keep repair and electricity bills low with a few simple maintenance tips to extend your dishwasher’s life and improve its efficiency. Content provided by lowes.com
Extend the Life of Your Dishwasher
Improve Your Dishwasher’s Efficiency
1. Load it correctly. Loading your dishwasher according to the manufacturer’s guidelines helps the machine run smoothly. Plus, your dishes come out cleaner.
1. Scrape to save. By scraping instead of pre-rinsing in the sink, you’ll save 55,000 gallons of water over the life of the appliance. If you’re not ready to run a cycle, use the rinse and hold feature.
2. A cycle a day keeps the repairperson away. Regularly using your dishwasher clears build-up from debris and helps ensure proper drainage. 3. Lose the food. Even though your dishwasher is equipped with a food disposer system, it’s best to scrape food debris from dishes prior to loading for thorough cleaning and damage prevention. 4. It’s the inside that counts. Remove build-up with a commercial dishwasher cleaner. Some home cleaning solutions include completing an empty wash cycle with white vinegar or lemon juice. 5. Check the arms. Use a brush or a toothpick to clear debris or blockages from the spinning arms for optimum water movement. 6. Flush out the garbage disposal. If your dishwasher drains to your garbage disposal, make sure to run it before starting a wash cycle to lessen the load on your dishwasher’s pump. This also helps keep the drain tube free of debris.
2. Capacity counts. When you load your dishwasher to capacity, you’ll get the most cleaning from the energy you’re using to run a load. 3. Let dishes air-dry. Opting out of your machine’s heated dry setting saves energy. If your dishwasher doesn’t have an air-dry feature, simply prop the door open once the cycle is complete. 4. Use a rinse-aid. Rinse-aids speed drying time in addition to removing spots on dishes, making the air-dry option perfectly suitable for a shiny finish. 5. Wash during off-peak hours. Some utility companies charge more for electricity during peak hours. Use your machine’s delay feature to schedule a wash for off-peak times to reduce your energy bill. 6. Keep your cool. By running your dishwasher at night in the summer, you’ll reduce daytime heat and the amount of time your air conditioner runs. HOME | March-April 2016 95
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Refresh your bathroom this spring with a vigorous cleaning. Use this checklist to make sure you cover all the crucial (and often forgotten) areas in your bathroom during your spring cleaning project. Content provided by lowes.com
Tips for Spring-Cleaning Your Bathroom Eliminate all clothing, towels, wash cloths and other linens from the bathroom. Put dirty clothes in hampers, and place clean clothes in a basket to put away later. Remove all trash from the bathroom. If your bathroom trash can could use a cleaning, spray it with disinfectant and scrub it out. Scrub the inside of the toilet with a toilet brush and toilet cleaner. Wipe down the outside of the toilet with a disinfectant wipe or washcloth. Don’t forget the handle, hidden crevices and the underside. Wipe down the mirror with glass cleaner
or vinegar. Collect any items that don’t belong in the bathroom, such as stray coffee cups or jewelry, and return them to their proper place. Wipe down the sink and vanity with a washcloth and disinfectant. Pay special attention to handles and other areas with small crevices. Wipe down the insides and outsides of medicine cabinets, toiletry cabinets or other storage areas. If linens are stored sloppily, take the time to refold and reorganize.
Wash or shake out bathroom rugs. Sweep and mop the bathroom floor. Wipe down any baseboards. Look up and clean the ceiling. Dust corners, vents, fans and other areas that you neglect in a general cleaning. Wash and replace any decorative linens or soaps. Scrub out the bath tub, paying attention to crevices, handles and faucets. Wash shower doors, or remove the shower curtain to wash it. It might be a good time to replace a shower curtain for an easy, affordable style update. HOME | March-April 2016 101
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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Q&A Solar Energy 101:
Solar energy is becoming an increasingly appealing alternative source of energy worldwide. So how you can tap into this costeffective, endless supply of energy to power your home? Solar panels are the most common way to harvest solar power. Content provided by lowes.com
How long has solar power been used? Solar power has been used since the beginning of time. The Greeks and the Chinese oriented buildings to the south, for light and warmth, in order to maximize passive solar energy. Active solar energy, using devices like photovoltaic panels and solar thermal collectors, became popular around 1860 when scientists first suspected that fossil fuels would soon become scarce. What is a solar panel? A solar panel consists of a collection of solar cells that use light energy from the sun to generate electricity. How does solar energy work? Solar panels should be installed on a sunny, south-facing roof, ground, or pole mount. The solar panels will convert sunlight to DC energy — the kind of energy
batteries use. DC energy will then convert to AC energy, the kind of energy home appliances use, through a large inverter box attached to the building near the electric meter. And then solar power will feed your home through your service panel. When you generate excess electricity, it will flow to the utility grid, making your electric meter run backwards.
What are the cost benefits of solar energy? Federal, state, and local incentives combine to reduce cost by as much as 50% in some locations. This includes a federal tax credit of 30% for those who choose to use green energy. Furthermore, the cost of solar power always remains the same, whereas electricity rates are subject to variable increases.
How can solar energy be used? Solar energy can be used to power home appliances, computers, televisions, and even heat and cool your home. Is solar energy right for me? Here are five questions to ask yourself in order to determine if solar energy is the right option for you. 1. Do you own your home? 2. If you are a member of a Home Owners Association, does it allow for solar panels to be installed? 3. Is your average electric bill (not including gas) over $100 a month? 4. Do you have 300 square feet of sunny, open, south-facing roof space? 5. Do you expect your roof to last for at least five years? If you answered “yes� to all of these questions, then solar energy is the right option for you.
HOME | March-April 2016 107
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oes an $8.00 electrical bill seem impossible? Well, it is certainly attainable. Renewable energy is not what it used to be a decade ago. Solarpowered homes were a rarity then, but with the increased climate change concerns along with the federal and local tax incentives, it is becoming more common than not. Ask Raul Vergara, owner of Cutler Bay Solar Solutions. Vergara is a mechanical engineer, who has applied his knowledge and 30 plus years of customer service experience into creating a local company that upholds a high level of professionalism with all its customers. It is precisely this high level quality of service that has earned it a great word of mouth reputation. Making it its biggest referral based business. “Technology has come so far in the past 10 years that it has become financially
feasible for homeowners to take this step,” said Vergara. “Having always been a fan of renewable energy, I knew the time was right. We can do something different. We can do better.” So what are the advantages of installing solar panels on your home? Besides lowering your monthly electrical bill significantly and reducing your carbon footprint on the planet, you will be increasing the value of your home and making it a more enticing place to live. Cutler Bay Solar Solutions has a system that will not only help with using renewable energy, but the company will also help make your home more efficient without altering your current lifestyle. Since no two homes are identical in its electrical consumption, the process in doing so, entails a comprehensive assessment of every aspect of the home, including the family needs. Once the assessment is completed, then a recommendation is made. And once all plans have been approved, the installation typically takes four days from
start to finish. However, lowering the monthly bill is not the only concern for Vergara. He believes in the long-term benefits that adding solar panels bring to the environment. The panels used by the company are from Solar World, which are American made, hurricane impact resistant up to 262 miles per hour winds and come with a 30 year guarantee that your electrical bill will not increase. The panels are installed using a three-rail system, which adds additional security without altering or compromising the existing roof. So whether you have or are considering renewable energy for your home just remember that you are already paying for it. “The technology has come forward to the point that is reliable. The price has come down to where it’s affordable and the improvement you can have on the environment is insurmountable,” said Vergara. Contact Cutler Bay Solar Solutions at (786) 457-5958 business spotlight | March-April 2016 115
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All-new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
Revives Legendary Nameplate with Iconic Italian Styling and Dynamic Driving Experience content provided by media.chrysler.com
T
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-todrive 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-wheeldrive vehicle. The engine delivers 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque, and is available with a sixspeed 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 high-strength 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, wellbalanced 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 soft-touch 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 limitededition 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 limitededition 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 | March-April 2016 117
Preproduction model shown.
How To Create Your Own Roadside Emergency Kit Essential Items To Carry in Your Car
I
Content provided by edmunds.com
t’s late at night and you’re driving on a dark, lonely country road. Suddenly, the steering wheel tugs in your hands and the car is hard to control. You ease the car to the side of the road and stop. Getting out, you see that the left rear tire is going flat and you don’t have a spare. If you have roadside assistance and a cell phone signal, you can call for help. If not, you’re either faced with having to hail a passing motorist or spending a night in the boonies. That is, unless you have a well-stocked emergency roadside kit in the trunk of your car. Then you can set out flares to alert other drivers while you inflate the tire with a can of sealant to get you to safety. If these steps fail, at least you’ll have food, water and a blanket to keep you comfortable until help arrives.
• Jumper cables. Or you can carry a small, portable, lithiumion battery with jumper cables. Usually, these batteries will also recharge computers and cell phones. Prices for these batteries range from $60-$120. If you go the battery route, though, make sure to keep it charged.
When it comes to commuting or traveling long distances, a roadside emergency kit can mean the difference between getting back on the road and being stranded for hours. It’s the one item every vehicle should have. And yet, most of us don’t carry the basic items to help us get back on the road quickly and safely. When assembling your emergency kit, keep in mind that it should be tailored to the age and condition of your vehicle, your driving patterns and the weather. If you live in an area with no snow or freezing rain, you can skip some of these items. Also, if something on this list is inexpensive and small, you might as well carry it. You never know what kind of situations you might have to deal with. A basic roadside emergency kit should include some of the following items:
• Flares or triangle reflectors. LED flares are also an option worth considering. • A quart or more of motor oil • A gallon of coolant • First-aid kit • Blanket or space blanket • Flashlight and extra batteries • Tool kit with screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, pocket knife
Once you have assembled your roadside emergency kit, find a good way to keep these items together in your trunk so they don’t roll around. Even a simple cardboard box works well. A backpack is another option. But make sure the kit is quickly accessible because you might need it in a hurry. You also can buy pre-assembled emergency roadside kits that come in handy storage bags to keep the items organized. A quick Internet or Amazon search will locate dozens of such kits ranging in price and size. This DIY kit requires more work, but covers more than just the basic items we’ve listed here. Before you actually use your kit in an emergency situation, take some time to familiarize yourself with the items you’ve collected and how to use them properly. Also remember that the most important thing is to exercise good judgment. If your car breaks down, make sure you stop on the shoulder, well out of the flow of
• A can of tire inflator and sealant such as Fix-a-Flat • Tire pressure gauge • Paper towels • Spray bottle with washer fluid • Ice scraper (if you live in an area with snow) • Pen and paper • Granola or energy bars • Bottled water
traffic. Turn on your emergency flashers and, if you have roadside assistance and a cell phone, stay in your vehicle until help arrives. If it’s a problem that needs quick response, or you are on that lonely country road, take out your emergency kit and proceed cautiously. AAA lists “car with a flat tire” as one of the most common calls its roadside service team gets. To be ready in the event of such a problem, familiarize yourself with how to change a tire. In some modern cars, there is no spare tire so you need to use a tire inflator. AAA also points out that its most common calls are related to drivers skipping basic maintenance on their cars, so be sure your vehicle is properly maintained, particularly before going on a trip and at the change of seasons. Unfortunately, there isn’t one tool for all roadside emergencies. But with a little planning and some organization, you’ll have a kit that could save the day. AUTO | March-April 2016 119
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How To Drive a Stick Shift The Manual Route to Fun Cars and Some Good Deals
by Chris Walton • Content provided by edmunds.com
T
he way we see it, there are two types of drivers: those who can drive a car equipped with a manual transmission and those who cannot. Some might think it’s a generational thing with the olde-timey folks and their “standard” transmission abilities on one side and the post-manual crowd on the other. And in fact, Edmunds data shows that 93 percent of cars bought in the U.S. to date in 2012 had automatic transmissions and just two pedals. There’s been a mini surge in stick-shift sales recently, however. It’s true that only 7 percent of the cars sold so far this year had manual transmissions, but that’s almost twice the 3.8 percent sold in 2011. Ford has seen stick-shift sales perk up. The carmaker expected that 4.5 percent of its 2012 Focus models would be purchased with a stick. It turned out to be 6.7 percent, and the company anticipates even greater interest with the advent of the Focus Titanium trim level’s five-speed manual option. Maybe those Focus buyers are on to something. It turns out that there are a number of very good reasons to be among the 7-percenters who know how to drive a three-pedal car.
Why Learn To Drive With a Stick Shift? It’s a good skill to have, kind of like speaking a second language. If you get stuck somewhere or with somebody who needs your
help or wants you to share driving duties on a long trip, you “Habla Manual.” Secondly, there are some really sexy, cool cars that are available only with a manual transmission like the 2012 Fiat Abarth or, assuming your wallet can handle it, the $180,000 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage. Maybe your tastes run to a hard-core sports cars like the 2012 Porsche Cayman R or the 2012 Ford Shelby GT500. These can only be had with manual transmissions. Besides new cars (and some trucks, of course), there are countless vintage or collectible cars that require DIY shifting. Meanwhile, budget-minded buyers will be happy to learn manual transmission cars can be less expensive in both the new- and usedcar markets. Because fewer people know how to drive cars with stick shifts, the sellers could have a tougher time moving them. So — depending on the car — you could swoop in for a good buy. Finally, with modern electronics providing distance-keeping cruise control, automatic emergency braking, active lane-keeping and automated parking, some new cars barely know we’re here. They can practically drive themselves. Rowing your own gears enhances driving pleasure because it connects you to a car in a way that an automatic can’t. A car with a manual transmission literally needs you in a way an automatic doesn’t. Like the bond that a horse and its rider form when things are in sync, you, too, will feel the
pleasure of the relationship that develops between you and your manual-transmission car. As with so many other things in life, reading instructions about the way to do something and learning by doing are two parts of a whole. The best way to get started is to have an empty parking lot, an hour to learn and a trusted, patient instructor sitting alongside you. Reading this primer beforehand simply will give you some knowledge and the confidence to best approach your time behind the wheel — and beside the shifter. Let’s get to work. Clutch Basics Just as you would with any car, you first should find a comfortable and effective
seating position so that your distance to the pedals and steering wheel facilitates ease of use. You might need to adjust your seat to accommodate this new third pedal so you can depress it to the floor. With the car not yet running — preferably on a level surface and with the parking brake engaged — first learn how the clutch feels. See how much effort it requires to move the pedal to the floor and how springy it is on return. Besides the fact that you’re using your neglected left leg to press it, the clutch pedal likely feels different from either the brake or throttle. Some clutch pedals have an action that feels light and uniform in both directions. Others might feel somewhat sticky — initially firm and then going soft as the pedal
nears the end of its travel. The clutch might also spring back forcefully. While you may always press the clutch pedal as quickly as you wish, letting it back up must be a smooth and steady affair, especially in 1st and 2nd gears. This is doubly true for getting the car rolling from a standstill in 1st gear. For now, before we turn the key and start the engine, practice letting the clutch pedal rise slowly. Get to the Gears Now it’s time to learn where all the gears are — including reverse — and to get the feel of how to come back to neutral. You’ll find neutral is the place where the lever will naturally return, more or less straight up, when no gear is selected. Push the lever
to either side and allow it to spring back to center. (Later, you’ll find the centering spring that makes this happen will also help you locate and shift gears.) Most levers have the shift pattern illustrated on top of the knob. Some require an extra step to engage reverse. It might be an extra collar ring just below the shift knob that needs to be lifted. More often, there’s an extra-firm detent — or catch-point — that requires exaggerated force to move the lever past it and into reverse. Repeat the shifter’s path to reverse several times so it won’t be a mystery when the time comes to back up. Now, move the lever from 1st to 2nd gear and use some slight pressure from your palm to the left to help keep the lever aligned into the gate for 2nd gear. Make note of how far AUTO | March-April 2016 123
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The biggest, most intimidating barrier to learning to drive a car with a stick shift is getting the car moving from a standstill. The good news is that once the car is in motion, shifting gears is a much easier, less finicky variation on that first, sometimes frustrating hurdle. the lever has to travel to be fully in gear. Some cars have “long throws” while others (like sports cars) have shorter ones. For the 2nd-to-3rd shift, again use only your open hand. With your palm, slowly push the knob forward. Notice that once out of 2nd gear, the centering spring pops the lever back to neutral — precisely in line for 3rd gear. Convenient, right? Continue straight forward with pressure from only your palm and you’ll naturally find 3rd without a need for your guidance to the left or right. It’s best to palm the shift knob because when we grab, squeeze or whiteknuckle the knob and forcibly attempt to aim or channel the shifter from one gear to the next, it will often miss. Let the centering spring do its job. Third-to-4th is a straight pull, so no sideto-side pressure is needed. Pushing ahead, 4th-to-5th will require some diagonal pressure to the right, but not much. Remember that you still don’t need to grip the knob as if it is some sort of antique agricultural machinery. Just use your palm and some deliberate pressure, plus movement. If your car has a 6th gear, it’s much like the 3rd-to-4th shift, but with a modicum of pressure to the right — perhaps even with your hand inverted with the thumb pointing at the floor. Finally, practice pressing the clutch pedal and moving the shifter at the same time in one synchronized action. This should not be a three-step operation, as in: press clutch, move shifter, release clutch. You will, of course, let the clutch pedal rise after each gear is selected. Now practice: Clutch/shift, then release the clutch, in two steps. Don’t worry about the gas pedal for now. It will come in later and it will be natural to you when it does. Now that we’ve got a feel for things, let’s get moving.
Getting to First The biggest, most intimidating barrier to learning to drive a car with a stick shift is getting the car moving from a standstill. The good news is that once the car is in motion, shifting gears is a much easier, less finicky variation on that first, sometimes frustrating hurdle. We know you’re worried that you’re going to forget to do something or you’re going to get the pedal efforts mixed up. In any case, you’re going to stall the car. Just accept that right now. You’re going to say “I’m sorry,” and if your teacher is a good one, you’ll be hearing “That’s OK.” This is why an empty parking lot is such a time-honored tradition in stick-shift initiation. You don’t have the added distractions of real-world traffic or the pressure of having impatient drivers around you. It’s finally time to start the car! Because the parking brake is still engaged, you don’t really need to press the brake pedal while twisting the key or pressing the ignition button, but it’s a good habit to maintain. You will, however, need to press the clutch pedal to the floor — regardless of the brakes or the shifter’s location. With both the brake and the clutch pedals depressed, select 1st gear and release the parking brake. Move your right foot off the brake and over the throttle. Assuming the car has a tachometer, use the throttle to rev the engine to about 1,500-2,000 revolutions-per-minute (rpm). Fewer revs than that and you’ll likely stall the car. More revs and you’re going to wear out the clutch prematurely. While hovering the revs around 1,500 rpm, slowly allow your left leg to rise. Notice when the clutch actually begins to “bite” or take hold of the spinning engine. If you stall the car, don’t panic. Simply engage the parking brake,
press the clutch and brake pedals to the floor and start the car again. If, on the other hand, all goes well, you’ll be rolling slowly with the clutch pedal completely up and ready to accelerate in 1st gear. But, instead of going to 2nd gear, press the clutch to the floor and gently press the brake and come to a stop in 1st gear. Do this a few times to practice coming to a stop and getting rolling again. You might even pick a spot in the parking lot where you can imagine a stop sign or two. After a number of stops and starts, proceed from 1st to 2nd gear. While accelerating in 1st gear and as the revs climb to about 3,000 rpm, do all three of the following at the same time: release the throttle, press the clutch pedal and move the shifter to 2nd gear. Then slowly let the clutch pedal up and when you feel the clutch biting, go back to the gas gently. Then fully release the clutch pedal. Voilà. If there’s enough room in the abandoned parking lot, pick up some speed and try 3rd gear. Remember, you can always come to a safe stop by depressing the clutch to the floor and pressing the brake pedal. Congratulations! You might have stalled a few times, but you’ve taken the first steps toward joining the elite ranks of drivers who know the rewards of driving with a stick shift. It’s fun, right? Now, go forth and seize the sports car you’ve always wanted to buy or make an offer on that economical hatchback that’s been off-limits because it doesn’t have an automatic transmission. Before you call up your pal and make an early Saturday morning appointment, watch the video to see how quick and fun it is to learn. Good luck and laugh a lot. That’s an order. AUTO | March-April 2016 125
Dodge Unleashes
Brass Monkey & Anodized Platinum Appearance Packages for 2016 Dodge Durango
T
content provided by media.chrysler.com
he 2016 Dodge Durango is getting some new bling in time for spring in the form of two new appearance packages: Brass Monkey and Anodized Platinum. Dealers will be able to start placing orders Feb. 11 and these new appearance packages will start arriving in dealerships in the second quarter of 2016. New for 2016, the Brass Monkey appearance package is available on the Durango Limited model. It features 20-inch Burnished Bronze aluminum wheels, a Gloss Black grille and exterior badge, and a monochromatic exterior. Durango further leverages the Brass Monkey name launched on 2015 model-year Charger and Challenger SRT models, which feature the available Burnished Bronze wheel finish. The Durango Limited’s Brass Monkey appearance package has a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $995. Also soon to arrive on dealer lots, the 2016 Dodge Durango Citadel model offers a new Anodized Platinum appearance package, which adds new 20-inch Satin Carbon aluminum wheels and Platinum grille, exterior mirror caps, fog lamp bezels, exterior badge, door handles and lower sills, giving the Durango Citadel an even more polished look, while building on its proven performance, utility and comfort. The Citadel’s Anod-
ized Platinum appearance package has a U.S. MSRP of $1,095. “The Dodge Durango is the Charger of the full-size SUV segment; there’s not another seven-passenger, rear-wheeldrive based SUV like it on the road,” said Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “We see a great response when we give our Dodge and SRT customers the opportunity to make their vehicles unique, so offering new custom exterior options is just one way we plan to continue to keep building on Durango’s success.” Dodge continues to deliver customization and features that its loyal Durango customers love. These two new looks are now available along with the segment-exclusive Radar Red Nappa leather seats and a BeatsAudio nine-speaker premium audio system that includes a subwoofer and a 506-watt amplifier. This BeatsAudio premium audio system offers studio quality sound in the customer’s vehicle, available on the Durango Limited, R/T and Citadel. The Dodge Durango boasts class-leading towing and driving range, confident driving dynamics, advanced technology, aggressive styling, and with the addition of the Brass Monkey and Anodized Platinum appearance packages, now offers even more ways customers can customize their ride.
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