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CBS4 Investigates:
Donation By Intimidation? Are seniors expected to pay for “free” meals?
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C o r a l G a b l es
Contents
February 2015
CBS4 Investigates: Donation By Intimidation?
14 06
WORK PERKS CAN BECOME “GOLDEN HANDCUFFS”
10
A LONG JOURNEY: Billionaire Businessman Mike Fernandez “Humbled By The Journey”
It’s lunchtime at the Armando Badia Senior Center in Miami. If you’re over 60, provide your Medicare card, social security number and state ID, you qualify for a ‘free’ hot meal and snack box. So why are seniors dropping money in this box?
While there are some companies where perks cap out at free coffee, there are other places where workers are showered with luxuries including on-site massages, getaways and free food stipends.
Mike Fernandez likes to show off his home. Not his multi-million dollar waterfront mansion in Coral Gables. He’d rather talk about the small home where he grew up in Cuba. Fernandez has become a billionaire dealing in health care companies. But he still found time to write a book.
34 WOMEN TO WATCH: ISABEL TOLEDO For this stylish edition of Women To Watch, Trend Tracker® Tara Gilani tracked down uber talented and prolific fashion designer, Isabel Toledo. Michelle Obama’s 2009 Inauguration dress and coat cemented designer Isabel Toledo’s place in history.
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22 | Health
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• Bigger Biceps Without Hitting The Gym • Doctors Use 3D Printed Heart To Plan Surgery For 4-Year-Old • Pill That Works Like A Treadmill Closer To Reality • Happy Apps Claim To Improve Mood • Knowing Blood Type Could Predict, And Possibly Prevent, Future Health Problems • To Vaccinate Or Not Vaccinate
3 4 | Marketplace
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46 | Real Estate
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56 | Home Improvement
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76 | Automotive
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www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 7 ]
Work perks can become
Golden Handcuffs
A lot of the perks just surpass everything I could imagine: Friday lunches, weekly massages, a $50 stipend in the cafe downstairs. It’s really incredible.” India Cosper
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hile there are some companies where perks cap out at free coffee, there are other places where workers are showered with luxuries including on-site massages, getaways and free food stipends. India Cosper is employed by the latter and loves it. Cosper recently started working at Allied Wallet, an e-commerce services company ranked among Fortune Magazine’s “10 Great Workplaces For Millenials.” “A lot of the perks just surpass everything I could imagine: Friday lunches, weekly massages, a $50 stipend in the cafe downstairs. It’s really incredible,” Cosper said. Moe Diab, Allied Wallet’s COO, said there was a reason for offering employees these kinds of perks. “We wanted this place to be an escape for people, so when people come to work, they can just be happy,” said Diab. “We do work very hard, but we also have a lot of fun, too,” Cosper said. Google remains a popular destination among techworkers for their notable perks including unlimited gourmet food and beverages, on-site gyms and creative workspaces. Facebook and Apple recently announced they will now pay for egg freezing, a procedure for women who choose to delay childbearing.
www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 9 ]
“If you’re in an industry with an extremely tight labor supply, such as high tech, you could make an argument that they’re as important as the arms race to get more than your share of programmers,” said Gerry Ledford of University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business. Ledford has researched employee reward systems for 35 years. He cautions job seekers about the lure of enticing work perks, saying they are often “golden handcuffs” to longer hours. “What’s more important to employees is how much they’re paid, what kind of standard benefits they get, what kind of job that they do, what their relationships are like at work,” said Ledford. “Such things are going to far outweigh the value of a few fun perks.” He said job seekers should make sure the perks don’t mask other motives, such as lower salaries or reduction in benefits. So, if given the choice, would an employee rather have a higher salary or the perks? Prizes and benefits were not initially
We do work very hard, but we also have a lot of fun, too.” India Cosper
part of Cosper’s job-hunt criteria, she’s enjoying the extra benefits and says, at the end of the day, it’s not all about the paycheck. “I don’t think that the money outweighs the perks. Given the choice, I would happily keep my salary as-is and keep getting the perks, rather than working in a more boring office that doesn’t have those sort of fun additions with a higher salary,” she said. www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 11 ]
Billionaire Businessman Mike Fernandez “Humbled By The Journey” by Eliott Rodriguez
A Long
Journey Santiago de Compostela St-JeanPied-de-Port
ike Fernandez likes to show off his home. Not his multi-million dollar waterfront mansion in Coral Gables. He’d rather talk about the small home where he grew up in Cuba. “I remember taking a fishing line and a guy put bananas on it and I reeled it up,” Fernandez said as he looked at the painting of his childhood home. “It was fun but my dad probably smacked me in the head for doing it.” Fernandez has become a billionaire dealing in health care companies. But he still found time to write a book, “Humbled By the Journey”. The book details his 508-mile walk in Europe to raise money for Miami Children’s Hospital and the Miami-Dade Early Childhood Initiative Foundation. Fernandez trekked from the small French village of St. Jean Pied de Port to the Spanish town of Santiago de Compostela, a grueling pilgrimage dating back to the Middle Ages that took 32 days to complete. “Physically, it was very demanding,” Fernandez said. “I was walking an average of 58,000 steps a day. I was doing 18 miles per day.” The book is also about Fernandez’s journey from Cuba to the U.S. As an army veteran, who considers himself a hardliner on Cuba, he favors President Barak Obama’s opening to the island. “For fifty plus years we have followed a policy toward Cuba that has not generated results,” Fernandez said. “In business, you have to be pragmatic. In life you have to be pragmatic. So I think the position the U.S. has taken is long overdue.” Besides promoting his book, Fernandez is working on putting a giant American flag in downtown Miami. He’s trying to convince city commissioners to back his idea to put up the biggest flag in the country. “I’m not asking the city to give me one cent,” he said. “I’m not even asking for the land. I’m going to take five to ten million dollars and put up our beautiful and inspiring flag. It’s their land, their park, their flag. It’s my nickel.” So far, Fernandez has not gotten much traction with the city commission on the flag project. But one thing he learned on his 500-mile pilgrimage is to not give up and to take things one step at a time.
Physically, it was very demanding, I was walking an average of 58,000 steps a day. I was doing 18 miles per day.
www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 13 ]
critics:
Turkey Point sucking us dry
T
by Gary Nelson
he Turkey Point nuclear power plant was busy splitting atoms by Biscayne Bay recently, and just down the street a Nuclear Regulatory Commission appeals Board was hearing a challenge to the cooling system at Turkey point. Water to cool the nuclear reactors is hot, as hot as 104 degrees at times. The nuclear regulatory commission has granted FPL a waiver, allowing the water to be hotter then regulations would normally allow. Still, to keep the water even at the 104 degree limit, FPL has been allowed to pull as much as 100 million gallons of water a day from Everglades canals to cool the plant’s overheated cooling water. Opponents say FPL, already sucking water from the aquifer-and now canals-is threatening environmental ruin. “The water is going to get more saline, it’s going to get denser, and it’s going to sink, and it’s going to further displace freshwater,” said Mayor Phillip Stoddard of South Miami. “It will mess up the Everglades and threaten the drinking water supply for Florida Keys residents.”
Miami-Dade farmer Mike Hatcher is among those battling FPL’s increased thirst. “It’s the water that we drink, it’s the water that I and my fellow farmers use to grow the crops,” Hatcher said. “It’s the water that we use for recreation.” FPL argues it is drawing more from the well with the approval of the state and the feds, and the company says it is moving to fix it’s hot water problems. A key element: Cleaning up their 168 miles of cooling canals. “We’ve had muck and debris build up in the canals over the years,” said FPL spokesperson Bianca Cruz. “We are working to remove that debris.” The process, however, will take years. Barry White of the group Citizens Allied for Safe Energy, said citizens have reason to be worried. “Eventually, they’ll pay for it in higher water bills and in the quality of life here,” White said. “There is not enough water and land to support so much.” It is considered unlikely that the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s appeals panel will overturn the agencies earlier decision. In any event, opponents vow to fight on. A decision from the panel is expected soon.
www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 15 ]
CBS4 Investigates:
Donation By Intimidation? Seniors expected to pay for “free” meals.
By Eliott Rodriguez
I
t’s lunchtime at the Armando Badia Senior Center in Miami. If you’re over 60, provide your Medicare card, social security number and state ID, you qualify for a ‘free’ hot meal and snack box. So why are seniors dropping money in this box? “When I registered, I was told I needed to pay 50-cents in order to have lunch or $3 a week.” This senior was afraid to show her face on camera or be identified. “They call it a donation, but you are forced to pay that 50-cents. Not everybody can pay that 50-cents but they pay,” she said. “It may not be much to you and me or the average person, but these seniors that are below the poverty level, to a lot of them 50-cents, $1, $2 can mean whether they buy medication or not for the week,” insisted former State Representative Julio Robaina. He calls it donation by intimidation. “Give a weekly amount and charge every singe day! Does that sound like a donation to you? Absolutely not! They’re basically intimidated into donating,” he said. In fact, the day we sent two seniors undercover, they were told they had to pay. “Nobody is denied service because they don’t have the money. They’re not forced to donate,” said Cristina Penedo, Executive Director of Southwest Social Services. So, how is it that all the seniors gave the same amount? “They decide that themselves,” Penedo told us. “That’s like what you would call peer pressure.”
“This is ridiculous!” exclaimed State Senator Eleanor Sobel of Hollywood. She chairs the Senate Elder Affairs Committee. She insisted that no senior is required to donate. “Yes it is taxpayer-funded and it is supposed to be free for seniors,” said Sobel. In Senator Sobel’s district in Broward, we called a number of senior centers. At the Southwest Focal Point Center in Pembroke Pines, we were told they “ask for a donation of $2.00 a meal.” In Margate, at the Northwest Focal Point Senior Center we were told “there is a voluntary donation of $2.50 a meal.” And at the Sylvia Poitier and Theodora Williams Senior Center in Ft. Lauderdale, the person who answered the phone said “We expect a small donation.” The Broward Meals on Wheels program which runs the senior lunch program in that county, issued a statement that said in part: “As a very loose guideline, we suggest a $2.00 donation toward the cost of each $7.59 meal.” “I want to see where the money’s going and how much money they’re actually collecting,” said Sen. Sobel. According to Penedo, The Badia Center serves an average of 225 meals a day at 50-cents a day. That’s almost $30,000 a year. “It needs to stop. It’s wrong,” declared Senator Sobel. Some seniors we spoke with outside the Badia center said they were happy to give money to help the center. And according to the Older Americans Act of 1965, clients will be given an opportunity to voluntarily and confidentially contribute to the cost of the service. Senator Sobel said she’ll ask the state to investigate.
When I registered, I was told I needed to pay 50-cents in order to have lunch or $3 a week.” www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 17 ]
South Florida cameras become new form of policing
A
by Cynthia Demos
new virtual policing system is in place in Miami. It includes cameras catching your every move and it’s just the beginning. Miami is the first South Florida city to launch the program amid controversy. It’s funded with Homeland Security money. Police said it means better protection for everyone while others said it’s an invasion of privacy. Police can watch people in real time and in slow motion. They can even flag the system to search for a certain car or certain color. Twenty-five cameras are up and running in the city of Miami but 250
will be up in the near future. In all, the system can hold up to 25,000 cameras. “The future in policing is virtual,” said City of Miami Police Chief Manuel Orosa. “This is an invasion. They don’t need to monitor everyone’s every move,” said Baylor Johnson with the American Civil Liberties Union. Folks who live here have mixed feelings on the matter. “I think it’s great,” said one resident. “I don’t like it,” said another resident. Cameras are going to be in government buildings and high crime areas.
At the American Airlines Arena, there will be six cameras on Biscayne Boulevard. The cameras can actually shoot 25 miles out. They can also get boat registration numbers and read license tag numbers. If there’s a be on the lookout for a tag, it will get flagged and an alarm will go off. The system will eventually tie into the already existing red light cameras and other existing surveillance cameras in town The camera system in Time Square in 2010 flagged a guy with a car parked with explosives. The system has also taken off in London. Miami is the latest city with cameras seemingly everywhere . www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 19 ]
Teen Homelessness Neighbors 4 Neighbors
Fastest Growing Population in America
Y
oung adults are the fastest growing population of homeless people in the United States. In fact, according to the U. S Department of Education, there were nearly 1.3 million homeless children and teens enrolled in elementary, middle and high school during the 2012-13 year. But what exactly is a homeless teenager? Many of us believe that ‘homeless’ is a word used to describe men and women who live under bridges or hold cardboard signs pleading for money, but it is much broader than that perception. The term homeless is used to describe a living condition in which there is lack of a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. Most of these kids go to school, have friends and are part of their school’s sports team—but at night they have no place to call home. For some teens, this is a struggle shared with the family due to lack of income and other resources. For others, however, this is a choice that was made for them. San Francisco State University has conducted research that confirms that an estimated 40 percent of the homeless youth population is on the streets for coming out to their parents about their sexuality- that means that between 320,000 and 400,000 homeless people are homeless LGBT youths. This can be due to the fact that now more kids are coming out in their early to late teens instead of a post-college age. What’s more disheartening is that these are just a few of the many reasons why the homeless teen population is growing in size—but what can we do to help?
Helpingfeelsgoood.org, a Neighbors 4 Neighbors initiative, is starting a Faces of Homeless Campaign to bring awareness to the different variations of the homeless youth community. Many people are not conscious that this population comes from all sorts of backgrounds, cultures, and socio-economic conditions. Covenant House Florida, one of our many non-profit partners, is an organization that offers shelter and services to children and youth who are, or are at great risk of, becoming homeless. With their help, and the help of our community partner Wells Fargo, we are hoping to have a campaign that focuses on the youth and gives them resources to overcome their lack of a stable home. Being that the first 24 to 48 hours are significant hours to get a hold of them (after that time frame, they begin to consider prostitution, drugs, stealing or any other method to survive), it is imperative that we use your help to give them a healthier alternative. Helpingfeelsgood.org connects agencies and volunteers to find a match close to home where they are willing and able to provide their services. Our website will allow you to take part in our campaign and tackle this social issue before it becomes a social epidemic. For more information, please visit the website www.HelpingFeelsGood.org Be part of a solution because helping really does feel good. Neighbors 4 Neighbors is generously supported by, Children’s Services Council of Broward County, CBS4 & My33, and the Herbert Hoover Foundation.
www.cbsmiami.com / February 2015 [ 21 ]
Bigger Biceps Without Hitting The Gym by Brian Andrews
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ant to look buff without hitting the gym? There’s a new trend out there that claims to give men a more perfect body without working out. Some men are turning to muscle injections for bigger muscles. Tim Werne insists that he has not been to the gym in 30 years, but you’d never know it by looking at his biceps. A cosmetic filler has built up and re-shaped Werne’s muscles. “I was very excited to learn that I could have some enhancement,” Werne said. For men who don’t workout, big biceps were impossible—until a cosmetic filler became available. “Biceps, for many people, are the money shot,” Dr. Joseph Eviatar said, Surgical Director at Chelsea Eye and Cosmetic Surgery Associates.
Dr. Eviatar said using filler in the arms and even around the pecs is safe and gives the illusion of muscles with instant and long-lasting effects. “People want a little more definition, a little more pop. They maybe had it in their 20s and 30s,” Dr. Eviatar said. Doctors inject filler all around the muscle giving the patient a more substantial, even bulging look. “It’s about creating shape in someone who’s relatively fit, either on the thin side, or just a little bit sagging,” Dr. Eviatar said. “After being away from the gym so long, you go in and there’s all the muscle heads and people already in amazing shape, so it gave me the confidence to say, ‘Hey, I can go in with a tank top or short sleeve shirt,’” Wearne explained. Carter Etherington did it too. “I was like, ‘Wow, almost a half
inch on each arm,’ which for me was very noticeable,” he said. Etherington said yoga got him in shape, but he still wanted a more defined look in his arms, and he got it, courtesy of a cosmetic filler. “What I like about it especially, is that it feels very natural,” Etherington said. Both men say the new enhanced muscles have had a big impact. “You care enough to spend that kind of money on your arms then I think you’re more inclined to go to the gym,” Etherington said. “I think this summer, I won’t have any problem walking around with a tank top on and showing off my arms a little bit. That’s something I haven’t done in a long time,” Wearne added. Boosting biceps with a cosmetic filler can cost several thousand dollars for each arm. The filler lasts several years.
It’s about creating shape in someone who’s relatively fit, either on the thin side, or just a little bit sagging.” Dr. Joseph Eviatar
www.cbsmiami.com Health February 2015 [ 25 ]
Doctors Use 3D Printed Heart To Plan Surgery For 4-Year-Old
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By MaryAnn Martinez
4-year-old, born with a rare congenital heart disease, has a better chance at a normal life thanks to doctors, and a 3D model printed of her heart. Adaenelie Gonzalez was born with anomalous pulmonary venous connection, a rare form of congenital heart disease. Basically, her heart wasn’t getting the oxygen-filled blood from her lungs that it needed. The 4-year-old had already undergone two complicated openheart operations, and multiple cardiac catheterizations. The surgeries have only proven a temporary fix and the condition has continued to challenge Gonzalez’s life. The little girl was experiencing severe breathing problems and was in and out of the hospital. Doctors told the girls’ parents they were out of options. “I seriously, I kind of lost hope. I didn’t think there was anything that was going to be able to help her,” Gabriela Alonso, the girl’s mother said.
But, thanks to technology, Gonzalez has another chance at life. A team from Miami Children’s Hospital had a model of the girl’s heart printed, with 3D printing technology, so the surgeon could study the heart model, manipulating the vessels and exploring possible repairs. Doctors at MCH went to great lengths to map every nerve and artery of the little girl’s heart. “I said that’s beautiful, I can plan an operation with this. I think I can save her because I can see what her heart’s going to look like when I open her up,” said Dr. Redmond Burke. The lead heart surgeon at MCH said without the 3D heart, Gonzalez would have died. “The only thing that was keeping her alive was a small vein, that doesn’t even appear on this heart model,” said Dr. Burke. The third surgery Gonzalez needed had never been done before, and could have killed her. “I wasn’t going to operate on her based on the data that we already
had,” said Burke. Although surgeons had very good images of Gonzalez’s heart, Dr. Burke says it wasn’t enough. “It’d be like saying, ‘OK, I’m going to teach you how to throw a football by handing you a picture of a football. You can look at it all day long and until you have a football in your hand, you’re not going to be able to figure out how to throw it and how to throw a football,” said Dr. Burke. The surgery was a success, and, less than a week later, Gonzalez is already out of bed. Days before the surgery, Gonzalez could barely move. “To me, it’s amazing. I honestly didn’t think it was going to be possible. She’s been through so much,” said Alonso. Before the surgery, Gonzalez had weeks, maybe months left. After the surgery, Gonzalez is expected to live at least through her teenage years. The surgery using the 3-D technology was the first of its kind in South Florida, and so successful MCH says they plan to use it again the future. www.cbsmiami.com Health February 2015 [ 27 ]
Take your pick:
Pill That Works Like A Treadmill Closer To Reality itting the gym, day after day, with the goal of getting in shape may soon be a thing of the past as researchers say they have captured the weight loss benefits of a treadmill—in a pill. Associate Professor at Harvard and Mass General Hospital Biologist Chad Cowan and his team found a drug that can transform some of the “bad” fat into super-charged “good” fat—that simply burns itself like a day at the gym. “When you exercise you naturally do this to some of the fat cells in your body, so we’re going to make it like you’ve done some rigorous exercise a little bit every day,” said Cowen. Everyone has the so-called white fat and a limited
amount of brown fat. The breakthrough pill tricks the white fat cells into acting like those self-burning brown ones. “Rather than just sitting on the couch it gets up and burns off some of that energy in the form of heat,” said Cowen. The drug has proven successful in mice but is still years away from human clinical trials. The hope is that the discovery could be the fuel needed to battle the obesity epidemic. “It’s not that they forgot they were white fat cells, it’s just like Peter Parker who is Spiderman still remembers he is Peter Parker, it’s just now he’s also Spiderman,” Cowen explained. But the super-power has its limits. “I do want to emphasize that in no way would a pill like this ever replace physical activity or exercise,” Cowen said. Which is good news for fitness buffs who have no plans of ditching the gym for a drug. “It’s not going to replace the mental and the emotional aspect of working out that you get,” Cowen said. www.cbsmiami.com Health February 2015 [ 29 ]
Happy Apps Claim To Improve Mood By Brian Andrews
I
f you’re sad and you know it click your app. A host of hightech tools are aiming to help boost your mood and make you happy! But how does it work and can they really make a difference? For Preet Anand, waking up is his favorite part of the day. He’s greeted with a soft, pleasant chime right on his phone but that’s not all. “When I finally go and turn it off, it gives me just a really
inspiring quote that is kinda a great way to start my day,” said Anand. He said apps like ‘Rise’ help him get in the right frame of mind for his job as an emergency response specialist. It’s a a profession he said is super stressful. “My mornings would be sadder if I didn’t have this app,” said Anand. App designers said demand for “happy apps” is growing. There’s “Happstr” which allows users to press a button
whenever they are in a place that makes them happy and then it builds a ‘happiness map’ of sorts. The app “Success Wizard” creates self-improvement plans to help users regain their passion and purpose. The app “Happify” gives you tasks to perform each day to help get to your happy place and claims to be based on the science of positive psychology. The “iMood Journal” allows users to rate their moods and track them over time. “These apps exist because
you have more people who are seeking happiness that are finding some way, some tool, some technique to get themselves to a happier place,” said Clinical Psychologist Nekeshia Hammond. While making you smile is the simple goal of most, some apps do claim to help with depression, something Hammond is leery about. “It’s not meant to be a cure for any mood disorder but more of a pick-me-up, more of an inspirationjust working on yourself. And think of it as like a self-help book,” said Hammond. She stresses, the apps should never be a replacement for counseling. “If you’ve been recommended for medication or for therapy or something of that nature, it’s not really a substitute to use an app instead but more of a supplement. More of a tool in your toolbox,” said Hammond.
These apps exist because you have more people who are seeking happiness that are finding some way, some tool, some technique to get themselves to a happier place.” Nekeshia Hammond The “Moodpik” social sharing app allows you to track your mood by color and then share it with friends and loved ones. Co-creator Neal Smith said he worked with psychologists to design it. “Our particular app is looking to align ourselves with you know the doctors and the psychiatrists to be a tool for them to you know monitor their clients,” said Smith. Hammond said the apps can be a good way to learn about yourself. “For some people, they’re not
really sure like, ‘why is my mood fluctuating so much?’ And then you get to kind of see over a week and observe what is it that sort of triggered that mood for you,” said Hammond. Preet said the high-tech happy help definitely improves his mood and he’s excited to see what new apps are on the horizon. “I love the pick me up, I think we can always use little things that bring us smiles in our day,” said Anand.
www.cbsmiami.com Health February 2015 [ 31 ]
Knowing Blood Type Could Predict, And Possibly Prevent, Future Health Problems By Eliott Rodriguez
What’s your type?
K
nowing your blood type is more than just extra knowledge—it could actually help predict future health problems. A person’s blood type is more than just a letter, they could indicate a potential complex health issue. For example, people with Type “A” blood may be more likely to get heart disease. Type “B” perhaps has a higher risk of throat cancer. A new study finds that people with “A-B” blood, the rarest type, may be more likely to develop memory loss. “They found that, yes, people with AB and higher levels of the clotting factor probably had a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment,” said Doctor Ali Atri. Memory disorder specialist Doctor Atri said researchers are just starting to make potential connections between blood type and disease.
“There seems to be a bit of smoke there. I don’t think we’ve found the source of the fire. But there’s definitely something that elevates our risk with certain types of blood types,” the doctor said. Erin Millard is A-B positive and wasn’t exactly surprised by the news. “My mom and my grandma do tend to forget things and they’re both AB positive. It could be a possibility. Hopefully that doesn’t happen for me,” Millard said. Dr. Atri said if you have AB blood type, you’re not doomed to have memory loss. There are things one can do to lower the risk. Exercise, sleeping and eating well, are very important. Also, its vital to stay mentally active. “If you’re stuck in traffic, you know an area, you can take backroads and
you may get there slower, you’ll eventually get there. With mental exercises and social activities, you develop a lot of backroads so if one source is blocked because of damage or demenita, you can get there another way, and you can function longer,” said Dr. Atri. Even though Millard is only 23, she plans on following the doctor’s advice. “Right now I exercise but I think also doing some of those mental exercises and focusing on your mental health as well as your physical health is something I’ll do down the road,” Millard said. One day, doctors may use your blood type to make recommendations on how to stay healthy, much like checking your blood pressure or cholesterol. If you don’t know your blood type, one good way to find out is to donate blood.
to vaccinate or not vaccinate
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ith the potential to affect thousands, the recent outbreak of measles in the U.S. has placed a spotlight on a debate that’s raged for years. Recently, 26 cases of measles, a highly contagious and deadly respiratory viral disease that causes fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, sore throat and rashes, have been documented across four states, including California, Utah, Colorado and Washington. Each of those cases has been connected to recent trips to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. At least 15, or more than half, of the 26 children infected with the virus were unvaccinated, prompting some to question why not, especially after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said the growing outbreak of measles is linked to the decline in child vaccinations. Some parents and professionals in the medical community believe that children receive too many vaccinations in too short a window of time with the risks of vaccination outweighing the benefits at times for otherwise healthy children. In less common cases, severe allergic reactions have happened. While vaccinations have remained an effective way of preventing disease and illness, many believe that severe allergic reactions, asthma, attentiondeficit-hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities can occur.
Another perceived risk that has received major media attention is that of autism. After a controversial (and now retracted) article ran in the publication The Lancet in 1998 and actress Jenny McCarthy spoke out about how unsafe vaccines were in relation to her autistic son, the public took the anti-vaccine movement as real and legitimate. Since then, huge numbers of parents have made the decision not to vaccinate their children. In California, parents turned in 13,592 personal belief exemptions opting their children out of receiving the measles vaccine in 2014 compared to the 6,340 who opted out in 2004. However, this recent decline in vaccinations has the potential to spawn even more outbreaks across the country. For instance, measles infections in the U.S. rose exponentially in 2014, with 644 reported cases occurring in the U.S. according to the CDC. That’s the highest number since 2000 when the disease was once thought to have been eradicated. Parents making the decision not to vaccinate their children are helping the spread of the disease for what those on one side of the debate would say is a small benefit and an enormous risk. With studies reassuring the safety of the current vaccination schedule for children, parents may have to weigh the pros and cons for their own children when it comes time to vaccinate. www.cbsmiami.com Health February 2015 [ 33 ]
or this stylish edition of Women To Watch, Trend Tracker® Tara Gilani tracked down uber talented and prolific fashion designer, Isabel Toledo. Michelle Obama’s 2009 Inauguration dress and coat cemented designer Isabel Toledo’s place in history. She was not an overnight sensation. Toledo has been an innovative fashion force for over 30 years. From the historic outfit that Michelle Obama wore to the Inauguration, to her collection for Lane Bryant, Isabel Toledo knows how to dress a woman, all women. When it comes to the outfit seen around the world, Isabel says, “It opened doors. Here I am doing Lane Bryant. This is an amazing opportunity and it really was all due to the first lady. She believed in picking me to dress her which was amazing. She’s worn my clothes before that. She knew the work. I feel lucky and proud.” But What is Toledo’s secret to success and happiness? Changing things up. Her collection for Lane Bryant is living proof. It’s not your typical stretchy plus size designs. Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant is flawlessly cut and tastefully designed. “Tailoring is particular, so I really wanted to do that at Lane Bryant and they’ve given me that opportunity. I’m cutting into the fabrics and they’re making beautiful garments,” said Toledo. Fashion is Toledo’s first language. “It’s how I speak. As a sculptor would use their materials, for me fabric, women, dressing the form is
Tailoring is particular, so I really wanted to do that at Lane Bryant and they’ve given me that opportunity. I’m cutting into the fabrics and they’re making beautiful garments.”
something that I need to do constantly. I think in movements of cloth. I think constantly the space between a woman and a garment,” said Toledo. Her greatest influence is her husband, Ruben Toledo. “I watch his movements. I mimic the lines, his cunning. He’s a great inspiration to me. I’m married to an artist. I have a gift,” said Toledo. They have been partners in love, life and business for 30 years. What’s their secret? “Trusting each other and liking one another. Love is one thing but you better like each other,” said Toledo. Dashing Ruben Toledo jumped in saying, “I’m crazy madly in love with her. Even when I don’t like her and I want to strangle her, love trumps out. I’m a sucker for that. She melts me.” Isabel’s response? “What more can I ask for?” Brilliance and humility are a rare duet. “We love America,” said Toledo. “We’re good Cubans. We know what it’s given us. It’s a country of opportunities and that’s important.” In a lightening round of questions, typically asked to all women featured in Gilani’s Women to Watch, answered without hesitation; I am, “happy to be here.” I will, “listen to you,” I won’t, “take what I don’t want out of the listening,” I promise, “I don’t promise,” and I wish, “for peace.” “I love her clothes and her philosophy: Amuse and confuse,” said Gilani. “Indeed,” said Toledo. “Amuse and confuse.” “Done and done,” said Gilani.
www.cbsmiami.com Marketplace February 2015 [ 37 ]
C
By Mike Cugno Richard Cavalleri / Shutterstock.com
Renovations To Breathe Life Back Into Sun Life Stadium
onstruction is underway at Sun Life Stadium as the 27-year-old building stands to get a much needed face lift. Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross is footing the $350 million dollar renovation in hopes of attracting more Super Bowls, college football post season games and concerts. “The NFL – let’s face it – they want to come to Miami. They recognize that Miami is a great place to have a Super Bowl. We’re talking with them now about hopefully getting them on a regular basis,” said Ross. At a recent press conference at the stadium, Ross acknowledged that the team is working on a bid for the 2019 Super Bowl. He hopes to host between three to five of the big games in the next 20 years. Some of the additions to the stadium will include a canopy to protect fans from sun and rain, four video boards in each corner and closer seats to the field. Hall of Fame quarterback and Dolphins’ Special Advisor Dan Marino appreciates the upgrades, especially bringing the fans closer to the field. “Maybe crowd noise can help. I remember back in the Orange Bowl that was always an advantage for us,” said Marino. There will definitely be some noticeable changes come the Fins’ 2015 NFL season. However, the final product won’t be ready until September 2016. www.cbsmiami.com Marketplace February 2015 [ 39 ]
Protect Yourself At The Pump With The U-Glove
W
By David Sutta
ithout thinking, people insert their credit cards and reach for the handle to pump gas. Yet, millions of microbes expose these fillers to unimaginable microscopic horrors, including fecal matter. Walter Nunez was pumping his gas when CBS4’s David Sutta asked
him about it. “It’s not a top concern, priority. But it should be,” he said. His tune changed as soon as Sutta told him about the poop on the pump he just let go of. “That changes everything. I never thought about fecal. I just thought about little bacteria,” he said. A year ago, CBS4 did a series of
tests of everyday things like phones, ATM keypads and gas station pumps. CBS4 swabbed the surfaces and handed it over to Nova Southeastern University microbiology students to find out what they contained. As expected it all was covered in bacteria. But the most shocking find was the gas pumps were laced in fecal
www.cbsmiami.com Marketplace February 2015 [ 41 ]
matter. NSU Professor Dr. Julie Torruellas-Garcia explained, “Since there is a fecal matter there that means there could be other bacteria that are more dangerous, that could cause diarrhea.” Antonio Lyon, founder of a company called U-Glove, explained it’s very easy to be exposed. “Virus and bacteria can live on almost any surface between 24 and 48 hours. So you have someone coming in with the flu, they sneeze, grab the nozzle. That’s all it takes for you to get it if you come next,” said Lyon. Lyon, 28, came across the solution 6 years ago during a fill-up in Spain. His idea is disposable gloves next to the pump. “It’s as simple as pulling out one glove, putting it on and getting ready to fill up your tank,” Lyon demonstrated. The glove keeps the gas smell off people’s hands, plus bacteria and viruses can’t fit through the pores of the gloves. When the person is done they can just trash it. So why isn’t this a standard everywhere already? “To be honest with you (Sutta), here in the states it’s a question of who pays for this?” Lyon said. In order to circumvent this conundrum, Lyon said advertisements on the gloves could be the source of funding. This would keep the gloves free for users. “Consumers spend anywhere between three and five minutes at the pump, filling up their tanks. So for an advertiser we are talking about that much time of having a captive audience, wearing their message,” said Lyon. Two years ago Lyon took a leap of faith. He quit his day job and moved to America to make U-Gloves. He had no doubt he’s going to make it. “Absolutely! No doubt about it. No doubt about it. It’s a necessity. It’s free. There is no reason for somebody who’s filling up his or her tank not to where a glove,” he said.
Sutta took to the streets to ask a few drivers about their thoughts on the gloves. Steve Sweeny said it was an interesting idea, but he probably wouldn’t use it. “If I were to walk over to the station and pull the door handle it’s the same problem,” he said. “It’s okay. I appreciate the thought. But I think my solution with the hand wipes is going to work better.” Nunez on the other hand thought it was a great idea. “If it’s free and it’s sanitary, why not? I don’t see why it shouldn’t be a good public service,” said Nunez. Some people may have problems with all the waste from user tossing gloves into cans all day. But Lyon had an answer for that problem too. “Over 80 percent of the waste generated at the typical gas station consists of recyclable material. Recyclable plastic. Bottles and all these things. Our gloves are recyclable,” he said. He said they are considering introducing recycling programs for gas stations down the line. The U-Glove rolls out in 500 stores across South Florida by the end of the year. The company plans to launch nationally next year.
www.cbsmiami.com Marketplace February 2015 [ 43 ]
username ********* Password must contain 6 - 16 characters. Case sensitive. Include special characters (!@#.) for extra security. Avoid common words and names.
Protect Yourself From Cybercrime
S
By David Sutta
ome big hacks made headlines in 2014…so what’s in store for cybercrime this year? Experts warn that hackers are getting more sophisticated and predict they’ll go after even bigger targets in 2015. Many people trust the internet with personal, sensitive information. Ian is no exception—that was until he got hacked. “In my business I’m reliant on the internet, in just every facet of
personal life,” Ian said. So when he received a notice an online service he subscribed to was “hacked by an unauthorized party” he said it was unsettling and that he, at first, was “a little bit scared.” Ian said he changes his passwords regularly and is careful when it comes to online activity as hacking is still a worry for him. “They can do a lot of damage, and they can do it fairly quickly,” Ian said. But Ian’s fear of hacking, according to experts, is understandable.
“We expect cybercrime to escalate even more than it has in the past. It’s really exponential growth that we’re seeing, both in the number of attacks but also in their sophistication,” said Patrick Nielsen, a senior researcher with Kaspersky Lab. They predict that criminals will go after corporations directly looking for the big score, but that doesn’t mean it won’t affect consumers. “It’s really clear that an attack on one organization can compromise the privacy, security, confidentiality and intimacy of hundreds of thousands of people—if not millions,” Nielsen said. One potential target, they said, are financial institutions. “Targeting banks directly and targeting Automatic Teller Machines, is a couple of things we’ve seen recently and we expect to see much more of in the future,” Nielsen said. With the growing popularity of virtual payment networks, Nielsen expects those to be a new target. He also said it’s important for consumers to pay attention to security as best they can. “Some technologies will come out and be very secure from the beginning and may not suffer catastrophic attacks. Others will come out without having been tested very much,” he said. Experts also say hackers are now going after individual users in order to find ways into corporations. “So, for example they will send emails that look like they’re a message from my mailroom here, right? And say, we need to you verify this package is real, click this link. And once I
click the link, no matter what I do after that it’s downloaded this bad software that gets access to my computer, turns it into a zombie, whole network is infected,” Nielsen explained. Nielsen offers advice to those looking to protect against the ever-growing, ever-changing attacks. “It’s very simple things, right? The smart password, it’s about using a different password on every website, it’s about looking at the links before you click on them. The funny part is that we all sound like we’re broken records. There’s a reason: people aren’t listening, people still aren’t doing
it, and that’s where a lot of these hacks are originating.” As for Ian, he hasn’t suffered any negative consequences from the data breach but he remains vigilant. “What motivates me to take these precautions is, you know, the headaches that you can face if, you know, your information is stolen,” he said. Another tip experts recommend is to use two-factor authentication whenever possible. They say it’s much more unlikely a criminal will be able to get your password and also your phone which would receive a special pin in order to get into your account.
“Targeting banks directly and targeting Automatic Teller Machines, is a couple of things we’ve seen recently and we expect to see much more of in the future.” Patrick Nielsen
www.cbsmiami.com Marketplace February 2015 [ 45 ]
Real Estate Sponsored by
e t a t Es ou l a Re ons Y 5 1 20 dicti n O t Pre n Coun Ca
Looking to make your fortune in real estate this year? These proclamations offer wisdom to guide you. At the start of every year, real estate experts and financial analysts throw out their predictions for the next 12 months, and advise home buyers and investors on how to make money on real estate. The problem with this mindset is that real estate investments require much more than a one-year time horizon. The following observations will help you establish a more reasonable approach to your real estate future.
Real estate is a long-term asset The average value appreciation on real estate assets isn’t really all that high — typically 2 percent to 3 percent per year, which is nothing to brag about. In addition, transaction costs on investments of any type can significantly reduce one’s wealth. For real estate, transactional costs include purchase cost, renovations, holding period costs, repairs, and sales costs and commissions. These expenses could eat 20 percent to 40 percent of your invested equity. That’s money you won’t have when you retire. Due to these transaction costs and low appreciation in value, it’s highly unlikely that a person will earn much wealth on real estate if they don’t own their property for at least seven years. That timeframe is a minimum,
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however. Most people who earn net profit/ monies from their properties have owned them for 15 to 30 years or more. If you want to earn wealth from your real estate investment, buy something you can afford and hold on to it for the long term. You must do your homework Doing the proper due diligence when purchasing real estate is vital to your financial future and retirement. Unfortunately, most folks do an inadequate job of it. Here are some basic due diligence issues that many buyers fail to consider:
years, hovering in the 3.5 percent to 4.5 percent range for a 30-year amortizing mortgage. Rates had never been below 6.0 percent before 2009. It’s amazing that bondholders — like grandmas and grandpas (via mutual funds), foreign governments (such as Japan and China) and risk-averse investors — are willing to take such a low rate of return on their money for the risk they are taking. But don’t worry about the bondholders,
because they make their own decisions about where to place their money. Your best bet is to take advantage of their generosity by purchasing some real estate before they start to figure out that they should be requiring a much higher rate of return on their money. Pay no attention to predictions about how the real estate market will do in 2015, 2016 or 2017. Buy real estate when you personally are ready to buy so you can enjoy the long-term spoils of low housing costs and property equity in your retirement.
• Making sure buying property makes financial sense for you • Getting a proper home inspection • Reviewing HOA documents before you buy to avoid problem HOAs • Obtaining two financing bids and properly comparing your options • Reviewing the title abstract and the title insurance policy and exceptions • Keeping the proper type and amount of insurance in place on your property Make sure you take all these steps, and you’ll be an extraordinary, rather than average, buyer. If it sounds too good to be true… In real estate, if a property sounds too good to be true, you can bet that it is. “Great deals,” fix-and-flips, fixer uppers, rent-to-own, off-market deals — none of these arrangements ever seem to work out for the average real estate buyer. Avoid get-rich-quick schemes or any notion that real estate is going to help you attain wealth overnight. You’ll be better off if you maintain realistic expectations. Low interest rates work to your advantage One thing is for sure: Mortgage rates have been ridiculously low for the past few
Real Estate February 2015 [ 49 ]
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3605 Ponce De Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL 33134
55 Merrick Way, Apt 606, Coral Gables, FL 33134
1511 Saragossa Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
4 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,955 sq. ft. | 5,103 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1947 Sold: 1/6/2015 | $430,000
2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,250 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2008 Sold: 12/30/2014 | $485,000
3 Beds / 3 Bath | 1,854 sq. ft. | 5,821 Lot | Built in: 1968 Sold: 12/30/2014 | $632,500
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515 San Antonio Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 3,819 sq. ft. 0.34 acre Lot | Built in: 1990 Sold: 1/13/2015 | $1,259,000
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Miami-Dade County
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100 S Pointe Dr, Apt 2904, Miami Beach, FL 33139
9701 Collins Ave, Unit 1603S, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 2,985 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2002 Sold: 1/12/2015 | $9,600,000
3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 3,424 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2011 Sold: 1/7/2015 | $6,850,000
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7664 Fisher Island Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33109
10101 Collins Ave, Apt 15E, Bal Harbour, FL 33154
3 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 3,692 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2001 Sold: 1/7/2015 | $5,400,000
3 Beds / 5 Bath | 3,690 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1994 Sold: 12/31/2014 | $4,675,000
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100 S Pointe Dr, Apt 3101, Miami Beach, FL 33139
9275 N Bayshore Dr, Miami Shores, FL 33138
2 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 1,940 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2003 Sold: 1/9/2015 | $4,187,500
6 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 5,132 sq. ft. | 0.32 acre Lot | Built in: 1958 Sold: 1/5/2015 | $4,000,000
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Real Estate February 2015 [ 51 ]
5 No-Cost Home Staging Tips Follow these steps to boost your home’s visual appeal without breaking your moving budget. Staging a home for sale is simply preparing a house to be sold. There are many different aspects to staging, but there is a simple foundation to all of it. Hiring a professional stager is worth the investment because they address all aspects of staging. But what if you have no staging budget? There are several steps you can take to stage your home for sale — and many of them don’t cost a dime. Here are five free things you can do to prepare your home to sell.
Clean, clean, clean The number one thing people think about while in a home is whether or not they believe it is clean. A home that is absolutely pristine presents as well cared for. Clean all windows inside and out. Dust all door frames, light fixtures, ceiling fans and blinds. Don’t leave a single spot in your home untouched. Potential buyers look everywhere, so make sure the entire home is clean. Depersonalize the house Pack up almost all personal photos and
family keepsakes. If you have a great photo of your family enjoying a camping trip or other family activity, you can leave it out on display if your home is being marketed to families. This one family photo plants a seed of happiness in a buyer’s mind, making them think how happy their own family could be living in the home. All other photos, portraits and keepsakes must be packed away out of view — and ideally, stored outside the home. In general, family photos and keepsakes draw a buyer’s attention to your family and keep them from seeing your home
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Don’t leave a single spot in your home untouched. Potential buyers look everywhere, so make sure the entire home is clean. as their potential home. You’re not selling the family, you’re selling the house — so always let that be the center of attention. Pack — and pack some more You could probably live comfortably for a short time with about half the things you own, especially if you have lived in your home for more than a few years. We all tend to collect things. Whether we use them or not doesn’t matter, but what does matter is showcasing the space your home has to offer potential buyers. You cannot showcase rooms that are full of stuff — especially too much furniture.
driveway and fence. You will be amazed what a difference this will make in the look of your home. Lighten up When showing or photographing your home for potential buyers, open every blind and curtain in your home, and turn on every light. Even the lights over the stove and inside the oven should be on. (Remember, the appliances are pristine — they need to be shown off!)
Buyers are looking for “light and bright,” not “dark and dreary,” so give them light. Help them see how clean and well cared for your home is. Don’t be afraid to move a lamp to brighten up a space if you need to. Let there be light — and lots and lots of it. It can be a lot of work getting your house ready to sell. Even with no staging budget, you can still take the time to make a few changes that will have a profound impact on your home sale.
Pack up as much as you can live without, then store it offsite if possible. Store packed boxes and extra furniture neatly away from living spaces no matter what. If you have to store items in the garage, make certain you leave enough room for a car. Manicure outdoor spaces Outdoor living is now a part of everyday life for most of us. Potential buyers will absolutely consider the outdoor spaces as critically as they do indoor spaces. If you don’t have the budget to freshen the landscape with flowers and decorative items, you can still make sure the yard is perfectly manicured. Keep your yard watered, and cut grass to approximately 3 inches high. Any shorter takes away from the fresh green look, and any longer starts to look unkempt. Foliage should be very neat and properly shaped to match your neighborhood. Trim the trees so that a 6-foot-tall person can easily pass under them. This makes the trees appear taller, and gives the yard a clean, tidy look. Power wash the sidewalk, patio, deck,
Real Estate February 2015 [ 55 ]
master the remodel. Christopher Block
CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL MANAGER OF HABIFY a home improvement company
Content sponsored and provided by Habify
4 steps to ensure your home project goes as planned. You could begin your home remodeling by visiting a cabinet store, hiring an architect, or calling up a General Contractor, but very often the road to a remodel is riddled with potholes. Follow these steps to ensure your project goes smoothly.
Go with design-build. When the people who design your project also build it, it keeps them on the hook. Many times the builder will blame the designer or architect, the architect will blame the builder, and who gets caught in the middle and pays for the blame game? You do.
Avoid surprises. Budget and plan thoroughly. Ask your designer/ architect to rough out a plan of your space, materials, and appliances based on the quality level you desire. Not only should you have a well thought-out floor plan, you will need concrete details on the amount of materials needed establish an accurate estimate of the costs based on your preferred style. This way, you’ll have a true budget of your remodeling costs without having spent too much money and/or invested time in all of the final design and material decisions.
Don't go cheap. To get your business, companies often will select the least expensive materials and appliances to price your remodel. That’s why every time you make a suggestion your contractor will say, “That's going to be a lot more costly”. The cheapest bid is generally the lowest because they’ve assumed the lowest quality build-out. If you’re going to make improvements, it doesn’t normally make sense to use inferior materials when you’re looking to build comfort and value into your home.
Have full documentation. Once you have the plans, your final materials list and costs, make sure you keep it on hand so the company that is doing your remodeling stays true to the plan. Sometimes you get stuck in the grey areas trying to remember exactly what was specified, and your construction team takes short cuts. Having thorough back-up keeps your remodel running smoothly, avoids arguments, and achieves the beautiful addition you planned for your home.
KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • LANDSCAPES • DESIGN • HOME PERFORMANCE • CONSTRUCTION
Call habify at (305) 443-4900, visit online at habify.com
or in person at their showroom at 4940 SW 42nd Avenue Miami, FL 33146
Home Improvement February 2015 [ 59 ]
hang art Learn how to
Transform a blank wall into a distinctive art gallery with these quick hanging tips, decorating pointers, and a handy hardware guide. Use these tips and tricks in any room.
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Bye-bye, blank walls! This quick guide will get your favorite art on the walls -- tilt-free, aligned, and superbly arranged.
Get It Right the First Time • Decide the height and width of your art display and select what artwork, frames, and other objects you’ll display there. For a bold statement, define with painter’s tape the section you want to decorate. Then paint the section a color that contrasts with your existing wall color. The painted zone defines the space, and the bright background causes artwork to stand out. • Figure out how many hangers you’ll need and whether you have drywall or plaster walls. (Newer homes tend to be built with drywall.) • Trace outlines of your objects on sheets of brown paper, and mark where the hangers are located. Group and move the shapes around on the floor until your arrangement feels right. Then use painter’s tape to stick the papers on the wall. • Once you’re happy with the arrangement, screw or hammer the hangers right through the paper (if you have plaster walls, drill pilot holes through the plaster and lath before inserting anchors or nails).
accents. • Look for big, small, and in-between. Large objects anchor a collection; smaller objects fill out the space. • Think beyond framed art. You’ll get more interest from unusual objects - think plants, tools, or a special trophy. Arranging an assortment of random art can be tricky. Start with your largest piece or pieces and work out from there. Add a shelf to display items that you can’t hang. Hangers You Can Trust Two things affect what sort of picturehanging hardware you should choose: the weight and shape of the object you’re hanging and the type of wall you’re hanging it on. Be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the hanger will work with your walls.
For a Symmetrical Arrangement • Size matters. Hang similar-size art in pairs or small groupings. • Use a level to line everything up; use a ruler to make sure each piece is evenly spaced. • Think outside the frame. Small groupings of tiles, postcards, sconces, or whatever can still be arranged symmetrically. Hanging artwork in a grid creates a feeling of unity between the individual pieces. For an Asymmetrical Arrangement • Pick a color palette. Colors should include a few main shades and some bold
Home Improvement February 2015 [ 61 ]
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Extend the life of your refrigerator
Your refrigerator is the most important appliance in your kitchen and you want it to last a long time. Refrigerator models have improved greatly through the years, and most require a new standard of maintenance, too. Regular defrosting is no longer necessary, but there are other steps you can take to extend the life of your refrigerator and keep this major appliance working properly.
5 Tips to Extend Refrigerator Life 1. Protect the plastic. When you clean your plastic drawers and shelves, avoid using abrasives like scouring pads. Abrasives may scratch the plastic and chlorine bleach may cause cracking. Instead, use a mild detergent or baking soda. Add water to the solution for safe and easy cleaning. 2. Give your food some elbow room. Cramming your refrigerator with food keeps cold air from circulating freely. Cover or wrap all stored foods to prevent them from drying out and transferring odors. 3. Keep cold air in. Check the seals to make sure you’re not losing cold air and wasting electricity. Slide a piece of paper in the closed door of your refrigerator. If it falls out, it’s time to replace your seals. 4. Say goodbye to mildew and mold. Wipe the inside of your refrigerator with pure white vinegar to prevent the growth of bacteria. After applying the vinegar, wipe the surface clean and dry thoroughly. 5. Clean your coils. To keep your refrigerator running efficiently, clean the condenser coils by unplugging the fridge and gently removing dust. Check your owner’s manual to find the condenser coils.
Home Improvement February 2015 [ 63 ]
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Better living design in lighting Accessible Lighting Solutions It’s not necessary to completely redesign a home’s lighting scheme to increase and balance consistency of light throughout a room. Consistent light promotes: reduced glare, decreased shadows, flexibility, focus and security. The following ideas are ways to provide more consistent light: • Ambient lighting such as overhead lighting can help eliminate shadows and reduce glare. Floor lamps that aim light toward the ceiling such as torchiere lamps are an easy way to mimic overhead lighting. • Recessed lights are unobtrusive lights that can be installed where existing fixtures already are. Place recessed lights on a dimmer switch to adjust brightness as needed. • Track lights add focus and flexibility by allowing light to be aimed where it’s needed. You can also direct track light heads away from glass surfaces to reduce glare. • Under-cabinet lights are a very inconspicuous source of kitchen illumination for those with weakened eyesight. • Task lighting supplements overhead indirect lighting when additional light is needed for hobbies, reading, or other concentrated projects. Lamps are an easy way to add task lighting. Place them on one or both sides of As we get older the task. Reduce glare by our vision starts having the shade below eye level. to become a little
• Wall fixtures such as sconces help light stairways, hallways and entryways. Wall sconces on both sides of the bathroom mirror reduce shadows. • Security lighting provides safety and a sense of well being. Motion sensors outdoors and indoors such as automatic on/off night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways can increase safety. Outdoor lighting such as path lights, deck lights and stair lights help too. • Skylights and tubular lights provide natural light. Light Bulbs and Switches Studies indicate that as we age up to three times more light is required to see—but it’s not as simple as switching to a higher watt bulb. • Energy-efficient bulbs like CFLs and LEDs make it so you don’t have to change out light bulbs as often. CFLs save between 75% in energy costs and last up to 9 years and LEDs save up to 80% in energy costs and last up to 20+ years. Both are designed to fit standard light sockets and can be used practically anywhere in the home. • Rocker or toggle switches make it easier to switch lights on and off for those with limited hand strength or dexterity. • Dimmer switches with knob or touch sensitive controls allow adjustable light levels. Mount switches 36 inches to 44 inches from the floor for easy reach.
fuzzy. Review these simple tips to learn how to reduce glare and shadows, so you can see more clearly.
Home Improvement February 2015 [ 65 ]
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Flooring Ideas
Creative flooring adds personality to your living space, yet still makes guests feel right at home.
You’re an original – one-of-a-kind with a style all your own. So, why would your floor look like everyone else’s? With a little imagination and ingenuity, you can reflect your personal style in a way that makes everyone else feel right at home. Handscaped Handscraped, or vintage-look, flooring is available in hardwood, engineered, laminate, even tile. The look is warm, well-worn and completely at ease – perfect for an active household to naturally camouflage the look of scratches and scrapes. Exotic: Bamboo / Cork Exotic hardwoods such as bamboo and cork offer durability, a range of interesting colors and unique patterns that set it apart from traditional hardwood. And because they are natural insulators, exotic hardwoods are warmer on the feet. Colored Hardwood Inject a little color in your life with interesting stains. Black and gray are excellent shades to underscore your personal style. Consider that lighter colors reflect light and darker colors absorb it. Also keep in mind
that darker colors show scratches, dirt, pet hair and wear, while lighter colors may be more apt to hide dirt and stains. Patterned Floors Whether concrete, hardwood or plywood, painting the floor opens a world of color and design options. Stencils, painted “rugs” and other designs turn the floor into a clean canvas to please your inner Picasso. For the expert do-it-yourself artist, a unique patterned installation of tile and / or plank flooring adds panache to your place. Created Spaces Open floor plans make for a light and airy feeling, but where do you put the dining room table? Use flooring to designate living spaces. Mix materials and colors for a personal touch -- create a tile “rug” in the dining area or use lighter and darker shades of wood to distinguish activity areas. Home Improvement February 2015 [ 67 ]
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Slips, falls, burns, cuts, fire hazards . . . your kitchen is a likely area for accidents. Use these kitchen safety tips to keep your space safe and functional.
Kitchen Safety Fire Extinguishers A fire extinguisher is a must for every kitchen, but you’ll need to match the extinguisher to the type of fire for the best results. There are different extinguishers for different kinds of fire. Extinguishers labeled with the letters A, B or C denotes the type of fire they fight. • Class A extinguishers tackle fires involving paper, wood, textiles or plastics. The material inside smothers the fire, extinguishing it by cutting off oxygen. • Class B extinguishers ends fires involving flammable liquids, like grease, oil, gasoline and paint. They use two kinds of materials to eliminate the flames: one to smother the fire and one that creates a chemical reaction to stop the burning. • Class C extinguishers handle electrical fires, covering them with non-conductive
materials. Each extinguisher has a number rating, in addition to the class, indicating what size fire it can handle, so while some extinguishers may handle Classes A, B and C, they will have a larger size rating for one type than for another. Choose an extinguisher that is right for the types of fire that might break out in a particular area. Ground Fault Current Interrupter Outlets (GFCI) Outlets in in the kitchen, especially those near the sink and water lines, should be GFCI outlets. These outlets work by monitoring current flow to protect people from electrocution. Most local codes now require these outlets in new construction. But, older houses may need retrofitting. Use the “test” button
monthly to ensure proper function. Other Kitchen Safety Tips Keep a first aid kit in the kitchen to treat minor injuries. Post phone numbers for local emergency services, poison control and your doctor’s office in a place where family members, guests and babysitters can find them. Eliminate hazards that may cause you to trip or fall, including stray step stools and storage boxes. Ask that children and pets stay in a different room while you are working. These simple steps ensure no obstructions in your path for safe and easy movement in the kitchen. Clean spills promptly, including stray ice cubes that will leave a puddle when melted. Do not wear long necklaces or loose bracelets when cooking. They can loop pot Home Improvement February 2015 [ 69 ]
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handles and pull pots and pans off the cooktop. Also, keep all handles pointed to the inside or rear of the cooking surface so they can’t be knocked off with an accidental bump or pulled down by small children. Understand the use of your kitchen appliances and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Don’t let electric cords dangle from the counters; children or pets might pull the cord, causing the appliance to fall on top of them. Know your lifting limits, respect them and invest in alternate solutions. For example, if carrying a pot of boiling pasta to the stove is too much, invest in a pasta strainer, which lets you lift the noodles from the pot. Plus, the water can cool for safer transport before you attempt to move the pot to the sink. Respect your microwave’s power. Scalds and burns happen because people accidentally overheat foods in the microwave. Warn all users of the dangers and exercise caution when testing the temperature of microwaved food and beverages.
• Use hot pads to protect surfaces and prevent scorching and fire hazards. Practice Knife Safety • Cover knives stored in a drawer protect fingers from cuts. • If you store your knives on a magnetic strip, make sure the magnetic force is strong enough to hold them and that the strip is fastened tightly to the wall above a counter. Never mount your knives where they may fall on someone. • Always wear sturdy shoes when working in the kitchen. If you do drop a knife, your feet are protected.
Practice Fire Safety • Do not store cooking utensils or dishtowels too close to the range. • Do not wear loose or draped clothing or synthetic fabrics that could catch fire quickly. • Do not leave food cooking unattended. • Tie long hair back.
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Content sponsored and provided by Sundek
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Pest Control Tips for the Top 10 Insects Battling unwelcome insects in your living spaces can be a big headache. Use the following information to identify insect intruders and find recommended solutions. When possible, the following solutions first focus on natural or less-toxic ways of getting rid of pests. But chemicals are necessary to deal with some bugs. 1. Ants Ant Control Solution: Although there are more than 20 species of house ants in the United States, most can be eliminated by setting out traps or bait that contains boric acid, which is often listed as orthoboric acid on packaging. 2. Centipedes Centipede Control Solution: Dry out all damp areas in which these leggy critters typically thrive, including garages, porches and basements. Fix any plumbing leaks, seal foundation cracks, and consider purchasing a dehumidifier. 3. Cockroaches Cockroach Control Solution: You’ll need to break out a chemical control for these resilient bugs. Look in the Lowe’s Garden Center for bait or traps that contain boric acid or other chemical poisons. 4. Crickets Cricket Control Solution: Place a strip of duct tape, sticky side up, on the floor near where you hear crickets. The bugs will be attracted and get stuck. 5. Fleas Flea Control Solution: Although airborne and
hopping fleas are annoying, focus on killing flea eggs in carpets and fabrics. Launder all fabric items in hot water, especially pet bedding, rugs, pillow covers, and slip-covers. If laundering doesn’t fix the problem, move on to chemical solutions. Bathe pets with flea-killing shampoo and apply a flea-preventing treatment recommended by your veterinarian. 6. Houseflies Housefly Control Solutions: Rely on oldfashioned fly swatters and sticky strips. Avoid toxic chemical sprays if possible, but if you choose to use them, follow the directions to the letter. 7. Mosquitoes Mosquito Control Solution: Because mosquitoes breed rapidly in standing water, get rid of anything that can collect and hold rain water, and dry out pools of water inside and outside your home. Fill uneven patches of ground in your yard with well-draining top soil. 8. Moths Moth Control Solution: If you see white moths inside, larvae are probably living elsewhere in your home, eating fabrics and creating “moth holes.” Use pheromone traps to catch any flying moths and then kill larvae in fabrics with
extreme heat by washing in hot water and drying in a hot dryer, or use extreme cold by putting fabric in the freezer for at least four hours. Store garments alongside cedar accessories or mothballs to prevent future infestations. 9. Spiders Spider Control Solutions: Don’t kill spiders, if possible. Although some species, such as black widow and brown recluse, are venomous, the vast majority are beneficial, killing and consuming their weight in other insects daily. Instead: • Vacuum webs and egg sacs. Shake the vacuum canister outdoors and run water through any removable vacuum hoses. Or wrap the vacuum’s filter bag in a plastic garbage sack and discard. • Capture a spider under an inverted glass and slide a sheet of paper underneath. Carry the trapped spider outside and release it. 10. Termites Termite Control Solution: Termite infestations are typically in your home’s wood structures and deep in the ground that surrounds your home. Seek professional advice as soon as you see a termite or any sign termite damage, especially weak wood, shed wings and “termite tubes.”
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Content sponsored and provided by Intertech Security Systems
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The FIAT Brand Continues to Expand With
the All-new Fiat 500X
The all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features. “The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the FIAT brand in North America,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “The all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology. In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.” With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment. In the United States, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models. A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving
conditions. The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blindspot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags. Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel. The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-color instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles. The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more rugged look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver accents for a distinct, adventurous appearance. Crafted in Italy at Fiat Automobiles’ Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it will go on sale in more than 100 countries worldwide.
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Content sponsored and provided by Deel Volvo
THE COMPLETELY REDESIGNED
2016 VOLVO XC90 The stylish, tech-savvy 2016 Volvo XC90 will give families more of what they want in a spacious, three-row crossover wagon with fewer compromises than ever. The completely redesigned 2016 Volvo XC90 bears very little semblance to the boxy, utilitarian wagons the brand built a reputation for in the past. But if you take the previous XC90 one of the models that originally showed us rugged SUVs don’t have to be truck like - and mash it up with a new face, a radically different, decluttered interior, and the connectivity and advanced safety that’s part of Volvo’s ambitious Vision 2020 project, you get to this: the next generation of Volvo’s big family crossover - and, in Twin Engine form, what the automaker says will be the only seven-passenger plug-in hybrid on the market. Styling At first glance, the XC90 appears quite conservative—especially when you gauge it against the daring and well-received concepts the automaker has teased in the past year. Rest assured, there are plenty of details from the concept that did make it to production; and while they’re mostly in the level beltline, and inside the vehicle, the eyecatching, zig-zagging vertical tail lamps and classy upright grill in front, thankfully did make it to the production model. The proportions aren’t all that much different, but the hood is a little longer and more sculpted than before; and from the front, ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlamp array helps give nod to squared-off Volvos of the past—even if this one is more rounded. Inside, the focus remains on contrast, light, and space. The new, vertically oriented tablet-like touch-screen system is the centerpoint of the XC90’s control set, and Volvo has largely cleaned up the clutter of buttons that has plagued even its current and former models. Performance The XC90 model will include a 316-horsepower, turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Above that, there’s a top-of-the-range Twin Engine plug-in hybrid model, combining the top supercharged-andturbocharged engine with an electric motor system that, altogether, can deliver 400 horsepower. The system will offer three modes, including a ‘power’ setting that permits this model to get to 60 mph in less than 6.4 seconds; the plug-in can also go up to 40 miles (around 25 miles) on electricity alone. Comfort and Quality The front seats in the XC90 follow a completely new design, resculpted for better back support; meanwhile the second and third rows have been redesigned and reapportioned, with the second row adjustable many inches fore and aft and the third row now sized to fit
those up to 5’7” with taller passengers seated in the second row. Safety The 2016 XC90 has two world-first safety features: a system of features that optimizes safety when you run off the road, and a new version of the City Safety auto-brake system, adding intersection capability. In a so-called ‘run-off-road’ situation, the system tightens the front seat belts, then offers a special design that protects the spine from the strong vertical focus that can occur when the vehicle jumps a barrier or lands in the ditch. The second feature, an additional component to City Safety, makes the XC90 the first car in the world to automatically brake if the driver turns into an oncoming car. The model carries over the City Safety features already applying autobrake capability to situations with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Volvo sees these technologies as laying the framework for autonomous driving. The XC90 also has a new second-generation whiplashprotection system (WHIPS), and all outboard positions get headprotecting curtain bags. It will probably be many months before we see U.S. crash-test results for the new XC90, but given the newly engineered platform and Volvo’s reputation for safety, we’ll be very surprised if it doesn’t earn top results. Features All versions include an entirely new version of Volvo’s Sensus system, featuring a capacitive touch screen that’s laid out in a portrait orientation and responds to swipes, pinches, and other common tablet gestures. The system skips a conventional menu structure, instead laying out menu options for each core area on a home screen, in list form, allowing you to swipe sideways for more detail in each. This version of Sensus also offers fully integrated apps for streaming audio, like Pandora, and will have integrated concierge services. Other standouts from the feature list include an available 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, and Volvo boasts that this system has one of the first fresh-air-ventilated subwoofers in a vehicle; the subwoofer is actually integrated with the vehicle body and turns the entire space into a bass sounding chamber. Wheel sizes will range up to 22 inches, and Urban Luxury and Rugged Luxury packages will be available to add those larger wheels plus skid plates and a burlier look. Look for the 2016 Volvo XC90 to go on sale in April 2015, with Twin Engine plug-in hybrid models arriving by the end of the 2015 calendar year. Right now you can order your new 2015 Volvo XC90 at Deel Volvo at 3650 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33133 or visit www.deelvolvo.net. Automotive February 2015 [ 81 ]
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2015 Jeep Wrangler and 2015 Dodge Charger ®
Win Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Resale Value Awards
experience. Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed manual transmission – in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission.
Kelley Blue Book has named the 2015 Jeep® Wrangler and 2015 Dodge Charger winners of its 2015 Best Resale Value Awards. For the fourth consecutive year, Jeep Wrangler has been named Best Resale Value in its class and ranked on the Top 10 list for the fifth year in a row. The new for 2015 Dodge Charger also earned a Best Resale Value Award in the FullSize Car category. “The entire list of Top 10 Best Resale Value vehicles is dominated this year by trucks, SUVs and crossovers, which is a testament to the strength these categories will carry in the future,” said Eric Ibara, director of residual value consulting for Kelley Blue Book. Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book® Official Residual Value Guide and determined by a skilled staff of automotive analysts. These prestigious awards honor vehicles expected to maintain the greatest proportion of their original list price after five years of ownership. 2015 Jeep Wrangler The iconic Jeep Wrangler – the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world – moves into 2015 with new features, such as a standard eight-speaker audio system and an improved sound bar, and an optional Premium Alpine Audio Package that includes nine Alpine speakers, a new subwoofer and a 552-watt amplifier. The 2015 Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched offroad capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering
2015 Dodge Charger As the most successful four-door fastback-styled muscle car on the market, the new, more aggressively restyled 2015 Dodge Charger remains in a class of its own, delivering even more performance, technology and refinement thanks to its TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission now standard on every model – from the SE to the SXT, R/T, R/T Road & Track, R/T Scat Pack, SRT 392 and the SRT Hellcat. The 2015 Charger also offers a full range of fuel-efficient and powerful engine options, including the award-winning 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine, which delivers up to 31 miles per gallon (mpg) on SE and SXT models; the legendary 370-horsepower 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 on the R/T; the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8, which punches out a best-in-class, naturally aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque in the SRT 392 and R/T Scat Pack models and the new 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine. The Charger SRT Hellcat delivers ultimate performance with 707 horsepower, 650 lb.-ft. of torque, a top speed of 204 miles per hour, and a National Hot Rod Association (NHRA)certified, quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.0 seconds on street tires, making it the quickest, fastest and most powerful sedan in the world.
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