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CORAL GABLES

Coral Gables About CBS4 PRint publications The CBS4 Coral Gables News Magazine is a monthly magazine. Twelve complimentary editions per year are delivered to the homes and businesses in Coral Gables via the U.S. Post Office between the 1st and 10th of each month. CBS4 News Magazine is dedicated to providing professional, relevant and award-winning news to the residents in the City of Coral Gables. Our editorial focuses on local business and community news which includes health, sports, real estate, automotive and entertainment news.

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Editorial team NEWS DIRECTOR Liz Roldan lroldan@cbs.com ASSISTANT NEWS DIRECTOR Nick Bourne nbourne@cbs.com Managing Editor Alissa Merlo amerlo@cbs.com Executive producer Miguel Fernandez mfernandez@wfor.cbs.com Jorge Gonzalez jgonzalez1@cbs.com Alex Hernandez ahernandez@wfor.cbs.com ANCHORS Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com Rick Folbaum rfolbaum@cbs.com Walter Makaula wmakaula@cbs.com Eliott Rodriguez erodriguez@cbs.com Marybel Rodriguez marybel.rodriguez@wfor.cbs.com Irika Sargent isargent@cbs.com Rudabeh Shahbazi rshahbazi@cbs.com WEATHER NEWS John Gerard jgerard@cbs.com Lissette Gonzalez lgonzalez@wfor.cbs.com Craig Setzer csetzer@wfor.cbs.com Michael Smith msmith@cbs.com REPORTERS Carey Codd cdcodd@wfor.cbs.com Peter D’Oench peter.doench@cbs.com Gaby Fleischman gfleischman@cbs.com Joan Murray jmurray@wfor.cbs.com Gary Nelson gnelson@wfor.cbs.com Lauren Pastrana lpastrana@cbs.com Ted Scouten tscouten@cbs.com Natalia Zea nzea@cbs.com LIFESTYLE / ENTERTAINMENT REPORTER Lisa Petrillo lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com executive producer, special projects & investigations Cari Hernandez chernandez@cbs.com CBS4 INVESTIGATES Jim DeFede jdefede@wfor.cbs.com Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com Jasmine Kripalani jkripalani@cbs.com David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com

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SPORTS Jim Berry jberry@wfor.cbs.com Mike Cugno mcugno@cbs.com Leo Gomez gomezl@wfor.cbs.com TRAFFIC Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com WEB JOURNALISTS Lisa Cilli lcilli@wfor.cbs.com David Dwork ddwork@cbs.com John MacLauchlan jmaclauchlan@cbs.com Giovanna Maselli gmaselli1@cbs.com magazine production general information Victoria Zayas | Director of Client Relations victoria@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4556 ADVERTISING sales Tony Gambirazio | Director of Sales tonyg@cbs4newsmagazine.com 786-565-4506 Creative Tammy Kukic Art Director tammy@cbs4newsmagazine.com Newsroom direct number 305-639-4500 Website Please visit www.cbsmiami.com for more information PRINTED IN THE USA, COPYRIGHT © 2015 BY MARCO G, INC. All rights reserved. The CBS4 News Magazine, a free publication, is published monthly by MARCO G, Inc. Material in this publication must not be stored or reproduced in any form without permission from Marco G. Inc. or WFOR CBS4.

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Contents September 2015

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BROWARD COUNTY TURNS 100

From its swamp beginnings to spring break days to becoming home to one of the most important economic ports in the country, Broward County has lived a full life turning 100 years old this year. For the nearly 2 million people who call this county home, they are the reason Broward county visionaries created and unveiled Broward 100, a yearlong program celebrating the past and the present.

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Health Section sponsored by

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Real estate

Section sponsored by

SHARK MEAL

Most people, when they see a shark in the water, they get out. CBS4, however, met a man who does the opposite - and he is trying to get closer than ever by hand-feeding them.

Don’t do the math

If you’re a parent, and words like division, fraction and multiplication give you anxiety, you may want to consider having someone else help your child when it comes to math homework.

News Apps TO Curb Your Excessive Smartphone Use

If you feel like you’re stuck to your smartphone and just can’t put it down, you’re not alone.

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Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Home marketplace automotive improvement

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Shark meal

Man Dives, Hand-Feeds Sharks Off The Coast Of Florida

by David Sutta • dsutta@cbs.com

ost people, when they see a shark in the water, they get out. CBS4, however, met a man who does the opposite—and he is trying to get closer than ever by hand-feeding them.

Feeding the sharks is illegal and this spring the State of Florida busted him for it—but that hasn’t stopped him. As CBS4’s David Sutta found out—Randy Jordan has upped his game.

Jordan may be the most controversial scuba diver in Florida. It’s not about where he’s going or who he’s going with—it’s what he’s doing 100-feet below.

“What do you tell people who think you are insane for doing this?” Sutta asked Jordan. “I kinda take it as a compliment,” Jordan answered.

CBS4 journeyed down below with him recently to see his operation in person. He carries a crate packed with fresh fish—fish he intends to feed, by hand, to the sharks.

Jordan carried a crate packed with fresh fish to feed to the sharks, and just like that sharks dart-in from all directions. These are sharks that could take a bite out of him if they wanted to.

“I’m just giving them a little bit of food,” Jordan explained, “Not too much. I don’t want to get them too excited, too much of a frenzy.”

There is no cage for Jordan, no escape plan and yes—there have been a few close calls.

“We had a tiger shark one time kinda take me by the arm and dragged me over to the food crate because I wasn’t paying her enough attention.

I wasn’t feeding her quick enough.

The thing that’s interesting is it didn’t break my arm or skin. It kind of surprised me,” he said.

Jordan’s reality is that there is no predictability, and he never knows what is going to happen on one of his adventures—which Sutta saw firsthand.

For $90, Jordan takes tourists on a series of dives off Jupiter. The rules alone would scare most away.

“Don’t stand up. Try not to get excited. Try not to scare sharks,” Jordan said the words he’s said over and over again. He adds, “What they have taught me is they just want the food so you really have to make sure that food is not on you or stuck to you or wrapped on you.”

Within seconds of jumping in the water they were surrounded by sharks. For the average person, swimming with sharks is crazy. But even for a diver, seeing bull sharks is a whole other ball game. Bull sharks are the most dangerous sharks on the planet. They have the most testosterone of any animal. Sutta lost count but said there for at least five, maybe

six swimming around them. Great Whites, made notorious by the movie Jaws, would be a more welcome sight.

Jordan, however, is not concerned.

“I know what they are only interested in, food opportunities.

That’s all they do. That’s what they are out there for. It’s not a social event,” Jordan said.

As Jordan speared a fish, the bull sharks go after it. When Sutta asked why the sharks are not biting Jordan he replied, “The sharks don’t bite us because we are simply not on the menu. It’s just not part of what they do. We are bigger and tougher.”

Operation Bite Me

Things would get even more intense as the dive wore on. Jordan’s operation has been good for business. People come from all over the world to dive with him. Last year, though, the State of Florida took notice. “It was a witch hunt really, so the people that don’t like what I’m doing petitioned the FWC to make the case and they made this huge operation called ‘Operation Bite Me.’ They spent a whole bunch of money.

There were seven agencies involved, they had Homeland Security, radar—it was insane,” Jordan said. The concern was over whether Jordan was putting divers at risk: if sharks associate divers with food it could be a deadly mix and a PR disaster for tourism. “They don’t associate the divers with food. They

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don’t say, ‘oh there is a diver, let’s rush up and see what he’s got.’ It just doesn’t happen that way,” Jordan said.

Florida feels different about it.

Since 2002 the law has banned the feeding of sharks, fish, anything while diving in state waters. In a sting operation, undercover officers recorded Jordan’s operation. Using GPS data, radar, a series of boats they determined was feeding the sharks 2.75 miles off shore. Jordan didn’t stand a chance at trial. “I was fined almost $3,000. I had to pay court costs and I’m on probation for a year,” Jordan said.

Back on the Water

The next day after his conviction, though, Jordan was back at it. “The sharks don’t really care if I’m a football fields’ length inside or outside. I just moved out,” Jordan said. He moved out of state waters and has discovered spots three to four miles offshore in federal waters where shark feeding is legal—and he’s upped his game. During the underwater dive, Sutta asked Jordan why he’s actually touching the sharks, rubbing their faces. “It tends to slow them down a little bit and relax,” Jordan said. As Jordan feeds and pets, these sharks swim inches from your face. Sutta, who has been around sharks before, had never seen anything like that before—the sharks coming in from all directions, Sutta described as exhilarating and almost like a circus act. Multiple shark experts declined to talk on camera about Jordan’s gig for multiple reasons. From a tourism aspect it’s big money. Any negative publicity on shark feeding could be bad for eco-tourism business. Stephen Kijuira, a professor at Florida Atlantic University explained there is cause for concern…maybe. “Sharks cannot only learn. But they can remember. So

not only can you train them to certain task but literally months later you can present them with that task and they’ll do it.” Kijuira said. However studies over the last decade have been split on whether shark feeding can lead shark bites. Essentially there are studies to support those for shark feeding, and those against.

Controversial or just fine?

Based on the studies though it’s highly likely the sharks Jordan is feeding are being conditioned to associate divers, or at least Jordan, with food.

It’s good because it gives people an opportunity to see nature up-close.

However the more this behavior is learned, the more divers could be put at risk. Kajiura explained, “You’ve got the potential for someone to get hurt. And that’s a risk they take. But it’s always bad when a person gets bitten by a shark because it’s often very much taken out of context.” What does Jordan say when asked that he is conditioning these animals to come to humans for food? “I think, I must say I disagree. The sharks are just here for the opportunity. When the feeding is over they go back to their routines.

Regular business. They migrate. They leave,” he said. In general, sharks

do migrate thousands of miles over a lifetime. Some, however, do adopt certain areas.

As the group headed to the surface, most of the sharks did move on—but one stuck around. Whether the shark was unsatisfied or just curious, either way the behavior was not normal as the feeding had stopped. The shark moved from diver to diver investigating—a shark’s natural behavior of fear seemed to have vanished and it wasn’t greed anymore either because the food was gone. *We should note shark feeding has been legal for decades in the Bahamas. That’s just 50 miles off our coastline and sharks are known to travel hundreds if not thousands of miles. For the most part the Bahamas shark feeding operations have been considered safe. However in recent years divers have been bitten during feedings. And some have been killed.

However some argue the divers were not killed by sharks initially. Jordan is undeterred though. He believes his operation is educating people about sharks. Opponents argue he’s likely not teaching anyone anything new.

The divers on his trips are usually more advanced divers who are already passionate about sharks.

What they have taught me is they just want the food so you really have to make sure that food is not on you or stuck to you or wrapped on you.” Randy Jordan September 2015 | 9

Photo provided by Broward County Libraries Archive

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Irika Sargent & Silva Harapetian isargent@cbs.com | sharapetian@cbs.com

rom its swamp beginnings to spring break days to becoming home to one of the most important economic ports in the country, Broward County has lived a full life turning 100 years old this year.

Tourists from the around the world come to visit Broward’s beautiful beaches, Venice like-waterways, and bars and restaurants.

In fact, last year 14.3 million people visited Broward County contributing 11.4 Billion dollars to the local economy. But for the nearly 2 million people who call this county home, they are the reason Broward county visionaries created and unveiled Broward 100, a yearlong program celebrating the past and the present.

Earl Bosworth, Director of Broward’s Cultural Division says, “We developed Broward 100 celebrating the art of community to pay tribute to our past and to show how important that is, but more importantly to look to the future. And again while we are doing that, to show the world what we have here, as far as our art, business, government and leaders.

In the beginning, Broward county’s original residents were Native American tribes, the Tequesta and Seminoles that used the river for trade. In the 1890’s, Frank Stranahan

Andrews Avenue c. 1940 • Broward County Libraries Archive

established a ferry to cross the river to the southern part of the state expanding trade which played a role in Florida becoming a leader in agriculture and transportation. He then built a house on the river which stands today as Broward’s oldest building.

In 1904 Governor Napoleon Bonaparte Broward launched a campaign to drain the Everglades and by 1915 Broward was founded and named after him. In the years that followed Broward became a top destination for national and international visitors eventually making Port Everglades what it is today, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

In 1938, the Elbo Room opened. It’s a bar that is still standing on the corner of A1A and Los Olas, the oldest bar in Broward with its past on the walls and the present sipping on a cold brew. Owner Michelle Penrod says she lives the history every day. “So many stories! So many people come here and say, I met my wife here and my parents met here.”

The Elbo Room became a favorite among a generation of spring breakers in the 1960s after the filming of “Where the Boys Are” on September 2015 | 11

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Fort Lauderdale beach. For decades to come the stretch of sun and sand was the nation’s hotspot for college kids from around the country.

In the next thirty years, the county, residents and investors began focusing more into the arts, culture and business.

Millions of dollars were spent building the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Museum of Art; developing Fort Lauderdale beach; renovating the Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and the completing Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

This year, Broward is 100 years old and it is celebrating its progress and its people.

In honor of the centennial celebrations, county visionaries created Broward 100 celebrating the arts of community. They developed bold, innovative art and performance projects that aim at bringing residents together using the art and diversity in the community. Broward 100 is framed by four distinct cornerstones of engagement: VisualEYES, Inside Out Broward, Calendar 100 and Duende.

Visual EYES is a series of new public artworks in the form of murals, performances and more. The first of 10 murals completed is at port everglades. Earl Bosworth, Director of Broward’s Cultural Division says, “The murals aren’t just great works of art. They are part of the community engagement models and programs that tried to get as much of that community where that mural is located involved.

And, to examine social issues and neighborhood issues and community issues and have the artwork reflect that.”

Inside Out is a black and white photography art project that gives a face

Napoleon Bonaparte Broward and family Broward County Libraries Archive

1st FEC Train to Miami 1896 • Broward County Libraries Archive

and a voice to communities all around the world. It now features photos of Broward county residents displayed on building around the county. Their photos and stories are also housed on a website dedicated to the project.

Calendar 100 is the official yearlong listing of Broward 100 sanctioned events.

There have been more than 2000 events and programs that have showcased the talent in Broward County Duende weekend is the grand finale celebration event showcasing Broward County’s diverse creative talent on 2nd and 3rd of October.

For everyone involved, organizers and residents alike, Broward 100 the centennial celebration is just the beginning of the next 100 years, they say, it’s a news birth.

To continue the celebration, Duende weekend is scheduled to be an annual event in the years to come.

If you are interested in learning more about Broward 100 visit www.Broward100.org.

September 2015 | 13

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“We’re not afraid of change, we’re not afraid of evolution, we’re not afraid of altering our approach in every different area. This is how one keeps current. As the world changes, one has to change.”

Martha Stewart

Photo by Fadil Berisha

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By Tara Gilani Tara.Gilani@TrendTracker.com

or this edition of “Women To Watch,” I tracked down the diva of all trades, Martha Stewart. We caught up at the SoHo House in South Beach. I’m ecstatic when I see her, whether in person at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival or on TV, killing it on a late night talk show.

Brilliant, funny and gorgeous, the Queen of lifestyle is also a prolific, bestselling author. “Clean Slate” is her 84th book.

“This one is important because we want to make sure we fulfill our obligation to create healthy, good food for as many people as possible,” said Martha.

Her 84th book. Huge feat. How does she do it? I hung on her every word: “We’re not afraid of change, we’re not afraid of evolution, we’re not afraid of altering our approach in every different area. This is how one keeps current. As the world changes, one has to change.”

I asked how she stays relevant.

“When you’re through changing, you’re through.” (If ever I were to get a tattoo, that would be it.) “We try to teach evergreen information that will never go out of date – recipes, food, decorating.

Things evolve and we want to always be in the forefront. At our company, we’re not trend followers, we’re trend setters.”

Martha Stewart pays attention to detail and to people. “You get feedback on social media, through correspondence with readers and viewers and internet users.

That’s how you know you’re relevant.”

She does a lot. All of it, well. I asked what she likes best. “I love gardening a tremendous amount and I enjoy changing my homes around. This year I got the decorating bug. I’m making an open

porch so I can have a new sun room and guess who it’s for? Not for me, for the dogs and the cats and the canaries.”

Speaking of pets, I told her about my beloved pup, Cujo, a rescue from the Humane Society of Miami. His favorite thing is a Martha Stewart squeaky toy, a cat dressed in an apron. So cute. She asked all about Cujo and we traded “how much we love our dog” stories. I love Martha!

Martha’s inspiration these days? Her two grandchildren. “That has actually helped changed my approach to many things. I’m putting in a basketball court!” I tell Martha: “I have this vision there’s some sort of amazing shrubbery involved.” Martha: “It already has a hornbeamed hedge.” (See what I mean?)

Think you know everything about Martha? “I bet people don’t know I am a serial TV series watcher. I might stay up an entire night and watch Olive Kitteridge, for example. Four hours of pretty depressing stuff. But extremely well acted.”

I asked: “When are you your absolute happiest?” She didn’t hesitate. “Taking the grandchildren to see something unusual and interesting. I recently took Jude and Truman, who are two and three, to the Metropolitan Museum. The two year old loves mummies. He had never seen the gigantic Sarcophaci at the Met.” And now for the Trend Tracker® lightening round: TT: I am?

MS: I am curious.

TT: I want?

MS: I want a happy, long life.

TT: I won’t?

MS: I won’t compromise.

TT: I promise?

MS: I promise to be a good grandma, always.

September 2015 | 15

Be Hurricane Smart! feature

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Test your hurricane preparedness by answering the questions below. Good Luck!

1) What’s the difference between a “watch” and a “warning”?

2) What do the numbers on the SaffirSimpson scalemean?

3) What is the storm surge and why is it dangerous?

4) How strong does a storm have to be to get a name?

5) Can a tropical storm do damage?

6) When does hurricane season begin and end?

7) Why are there evacuation zones?

8) Can you name different types of hurricane protection?

9) Is it possible to have flooding in a hurricane west of the turnpike?

10) What are some things you have to have in your hurricane kit?

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1. A watch means hurricane conditions are POSSIBLE within 36 to 48 hours. A warning means hurricane conditions are EXPECTED within 24 to 36 hours.

2. The Saffir-Simpson scale numbers refer to maximum sustained wind speeds (one-minute average).

They are: category 1 74 – 95 mph category 2 96 – 110 mph category 3 111 – 129 mph category 4 130 – 156 mph category 5 above 157 mph 3. Storm surge is a dome of water created by the winds and (to a lesser extent) by the drop in pressure in a hurricane. The power and weight of the moving water is capable of destroying buildings at the coast and killing people. (In 1900 at Galveston, Texas, at least 8000 people died as a result of hurricane storm surge.)

4. When a tropical system reaches 39 mph sustained winds, it’s termed a tropical storm and given a name.

5. Yes. Tropical storms can cause significant damage, especially due to inland flooding from heavy rainfall.

6. Hurricane season begins June 1 and ends November 30, but it IS possible to have hurricanes and tropical storms form at other times of the year.

7. Evacuation zones are designed to get people out of the way of dangerous storm surge.

8. The main types of hurricane protection are shutters

and impact resistant glass.

9. Yes, it’s possible to have flooding in inland areas due to heavy rainfall in either tropical storms or hurricanes. Because the land west of the turnpike tends to be lower in elevation than some other areas of South Florida, there could be MORE flooding there than in some other places.

10. Essential items for your hurricane kit include: at least 7 gallons of water per person (one gallon per day per person for a week), enough food that doesn’t require refrigeration to last your household a week, a manual can opener, one flashlight per person, a radio or TV that operates without electricity, prescription medication to last 2 weeks, and at least a week’s supply of cash (ATMs won’t work without electricity). These are some BASIC items.

Kids, ask your parents 1) Do we live in an evacuation zone?

2) Where will we stay in a hurricane?

3) Is our kit of hurricane supplies ready?

4) Do we have flashlights and radios with back-up batteries?

5) Where is all our hurricane food stored?

6) Do we need to re-supply our First Aid Kit? 7) How much water or how many water jugs do we have on hand?

8) Do we have shutters for all of the windows and doors?

9) Where is the safest part of the house?

10) What are we going to do with our pets?

September 2015 | 17

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Volunteering for Credit Is Just a Click Away▼

▲ Nothing is Sweeter than Donating a Costume for Halloween

For most children, they start thinking about what they want to be for the next Halloween from the day after the current Halloween. Thankfully, most of them will get exactly the costume they want. But, for some, a costume is a luxury that their families just can’t afford.

That’s where Neighbors 4 Neighbors steps in. For the past three years, we have collected and distributed more than 2500 costumes to wonderful children, right here in our community.

Working with our non-profit partners, we match them with businesses, schools, offices and individuals, who collected gently used and sometimes new costumes. These costumes are given to children who are in unstable living conditions, in homeless shelters, and at other agencies that assist them in getting the things that most of us often take for granted. The best part about this program, is how simple it is. Most of us have costumes our children no longer wear.

Any size will do, and costumes are needed for boys and girls, infants through teens.

This is a great program for schools, churches, businesses and more. If you would like to donate a costume or become a collection site, log on to www.neighbors4neighbors.org/candycorn for all the details.

The Neighbors for Neighbors volunteer site, Helping Feels Good.org, makes volunteering for credit simple.

We work with local non-profits who have all kinds of projects that will help fulfill students volunteering requirements.

With new projects being added all the time, it’s easy to find something that will fit your class schedule. There are even group projects that are great for clubs and community service organizations. Log on to HelpingFeelsGood.org today and search the projects, by area of interest or even find one near your school. You’ll also receive an email when a new project that meets your needs becomes available. And, when you are busy with school, what could be better than having a site that helps you all by itself? Join our partners at Everglades Holiday Park and find out how you can help the community with a little bit of your time and talent. Learn first-hand how good helping feels.

Calling All Divas! ►

It’s time once again for our annual fundraiser at Lip’s in Fort Lauderdale! This event is over the top with fun, fashion and we want you to bring your friends.

Save the Date for October 21st, the fun begins at 6pm with a VIP Reception.

Tickets are available on our website at www.neighbors4neighbors.org/lips.

With your support last year, our event committee headed

by Max Tucci, we raised over $20,000 for our Adopt a Family program. Make sure to vote for your favorite Dream Girl this year. Every vote means more help for the families in need. If you’ve been to this event, then you know it’s not to be missed. If you haven’t been, make this your year to join us. And no rubber chickens here, the food at Lip’s is divine.

Neighbors 4 Neighbors is generously supported by the Herbert Hoover Foundation and The Children’s Services Council of Broward County.

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By Lisa Petrillo • lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com

elcome to Sweet Dogs off 8th St. and 47th Avenue in Coral Gables, a hidden gem where world class wieners take on a whole new meaning.

Two years ago Victor Ruiz, a selfproclaimed hot-dog-loving-entrepreneur, opened his adventurous eatery and the rest, as they say, is history.

In 2015 alone, Sweet Dogs ranked number one on Yelp for best Miami Restaurant. Yes, it’s safe to say the restaurant is top dog.

“We’re ranked number one in Yelp in South Florida here in Miami. We are actually the number one restaurant in Miami. We’re ranked 12th in the nation. So they come in and you know they’re in love,” Ruiz told me .

In love with the Nathan brand dogs that are oversized and can be topped with just about anything you can imagine. But Ruiz is all about Miami as hometown sports teams are part of the decor and on the menu.

“For instance the Miami Marlins, it’s got fried eggs on it, sweet plantains OK, it’s very Miami alright, so we call that one out. It has chopped onions, banana peppers, barbecue guava sauce that we do in-house, and then

the papitas, with the shoe-string fries on top for the crunch,” Ruiz said.

“Well you’re not going to love me,” I said, “because you know what I like on my hot dog?” You guessed it- just mustard.

“I knew it.” Ruiz said.

But hey, I’m all about giving wild dogs a try, so my first one is the Miami Dolphin Dog. This oversized dog has bacon, ham, melted mozzarella, pineapple and papitas for crunch and don’t forget, Victor’s signature homesauce.

I couldn’t believe it. The pineapple was sweet and then I tasted the salt of hotdog and the extra cool factor was the crunch.

Next up, The Sweet Dog Classic, topped with bacon, onions, the garden, and again that sauce.

“The hot dog is meaty and deli-

cious. The sweet of the sauce is beyond and then the crunch at end. I can’t believe there’s bacon in it too!” I blurted out.

And finally, The Miami Heat Dog. It has homemade guacamole, homemade chili, cheddar cheese tomatoes and jalapenos. Here was my immediate response: “Cue the fire engines, there’s some kick in this, It’s got the Miami Heat all over it. I It’s a winner. It’s got some crunch, the guacamole has great flavors and it blends together and it works!”

Sweet Dogs…where dressing up a dog is all in good taste.

Sweet Dogs is opened 7 days a week, lunch and dinner. Friday and Saturday nights they stay open until 3am.

For more info: www.sweetdogs.net September 2015 | 19

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Don’t do the math Study: Parents With Math Anxiety Could Hinder Child’s Performance

f you’re a parent, and words like division, fraction and multiplication give you anxiety, you may want to consider having someone else help your child when it comes to math homework.

Children of math-anxious parents learned less math over the school year, according to new research published in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science (APS). Also, the research found that students of math-anxious parents were more likely to be anxious about the subject themselves— but only when the parents helped with math homework often.

A total of 438 first and second-grade students and their primary caregivers participated in the study. Researchers were assessed in math achievement and anxiety at the beginning, and then at the end of the school year.

According to the APS, previous research, from the lead study author Erin A. Maloney and others, found that students of teachers who are anxious about math learned less throughout the school year.

The findings, according to the journal, suggest that adults’ attitudes toward the subject can play a role in student’s mathematical success.

The study was conducted by a team of researchers led by University of Chicago psychological scientists Sian Beilock and Susan Levine.

“We often don’t think about how important parents’ own attitudes are in determining their children’s academic achievement. But our work suggests that if a parent is walking around saying ‘Oh, I don’t like math’ or ‘This stuff makes me nervous,’ kids pick up on this messaging and it affects their success,” explained Sian Beilock, a University of Chicago psychological scientist who led the study along with Levine, also a professor of psychology.

“Math-anxious parents may be less effective in explaining math concepts to children, and may not respond well when children make a mistake or solve a problem in a novel way,” added Levine.

As a control, the team also assessed reading achievement, which they found was not related to parents’ math anxiety.

While it’s “possible that there is a genetic component to math anxiety,” the researchers believe the link between parents’ math anxiety and the students’ performance stems more from the parents’ attitude, according to APS. September 2015 | 21

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New Year, New Lunch

MDCPS Test Kitchen Reveals New Healthy, Nutritious Lunches For Students

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by Vanessa Borge vborge@cbs.com

iami-Dade County Public Schools recently welcomed more than 340,000 students back to school. The Food and Nutrition Department has been working diligently planning healthy, nutritious menus for the school year ahead.

“With more than 50 million meals that will be served this school year, we have an opportunity to change the way they eat,” explained Superintendent Alberto Carvalho.

The school system is doing that by changing the menu every year.

This school year some new and nutritious items are coming to the menu.

Chobani Greek yogurt is high in protein and will keep the kids full.

A vegetarian wrap will be added to the menu as well as a healthy fajita.

They’ll serve whole wheat cheese sticks with reduced fat mozzarella.

The guavalito is new too. It’s a healthier version of a guava pastelito.

They’ll also eat meals on environmentally friendly trays.

“We are getting rid of Styrofoam,

it doesn’t compost. We are teaching kids to eat healthy and about healthy environments,” said Penny Parham from MDCPS. About 74-percent of Miami-Dade County students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. You can check if your child qualifies.

Miami-Dade County also provides every student with a free breakfast for a healthy start to their academic day. Parents just make sure they get there before the bell.

If you want to get a detailed look at the weekly lunch menus, download the Dade schools Mobile App. September 2015 | 25

C

health www.cbsmiami.com

new options to treat

T

female hair loss

hinning hair can be tough to handle, especially for women, who make up 40 percent of all hair loss sufferers.

Women haven’t always had as many treatment options as men but now there’s new hope on the horizon.

About ten months ago, Arlyn Stern lived with visible bald patches.

“It was incredibly devastating,” said Arlyn.

Now, she has a full head of hair.

Stern’s doctor recommended she try a new product made for women containing 5 percent minoxidil, a topical over-the-counter medication that can promote hair growth.

“Little by little, all of a sudden, follicles are really coming and it just began to really grow out,” said Stern.

Experts say the $30 bottle is just one of the latest options for women with hair loss, and the number of treatments is growing.

“This is an exciting time for research breakthroughs,” says dermatologist Dr. Shani Francis.

One of the newest therapies is called PRP or “platelet-rich plasma.”

Sharon Eckhart, who suffers from hair shedding, pays about $1,400 a session for the procedure every six months.

“It’s cumulative so each time I have it done the

results are better and better,” said Eckhart.

A centrifuge concentrates platelets from Sharon’s own blood. Then, under local anesthesia, it is injected back into her scalp. The goal is to turn on stem cells and regenerate blood vessels to the follicle.

“We see about 80 percent of the patients have a positive result. Within two months, we can reduce shedding to a normal level. It takes about a year for reversing the thinning,” says hair loss expert Dr. Joseph Greco.

High tech devices, experts say, are also making a difference when combined with other therapies.

Sharon gets laser treatments in conjunction with PRP in the doctor’s office.

And “use at home” low-level laser helmets and combs range from $300 to $700.

Doctors say just make sure any device you buy is FDA approved and you use only as directed.

“I have seen some really good results. It is a more of an investment, um, for someone to pay for this device but once they buy it they have it so I do think it’s a potential option,” said Dr. Francis.

Both Stern and Eckhart say they are grateful they found these new treatments and leaving those bald patches behind has been worth every penny.

80% of patients have a positive result

September 2015 | 29

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Staging Strategy:

Reasons Every Room Needs a Clear Purpose Help buyers begin to see your home as their own as soon as they walk in the door.

By Lori Livers

hen staging a house for sale, it’s crucial to consider every space with the buyer’s perspective in mind. Once you’ve accomplished the five basic staging steps, make sure every room in your house has one clear purpose.

Defining how to use a room is incredibly important for buyers because it helps them connect to a home. Here are the top 5 reasons every room needs a clear purpose:

1. Buyers subconsciously feel lost if they don’t know what to do with a room They will wander in and out of a room very quickly if they cannot easily tell what the room should be used for. The house will not feel comfortable, which will make it hard for them to imagine it as home.

2. Buyers don’t know how to place furniture in a room they can’t define a use for When buyers walk into a room they feel comfortable in, they’ll start to picture their belongings where

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yours are now. A big comfy bed signals “This is a bedroom,” so buyers will be able to imagine their own bed in the space. This is exactly what you want them to do.

But if buyers can’t tell the room’s purpose, they won’t know if they need new furniture to fill it, or if they have something perfect for it already.

3. Buyers assume they don’t need a room they can’t see the purpose of If a buyer can’t see what a room’s purpose is, they go one of two ways. They either assume they don’t need the space, or they decide your home doesn’t have a room that will serve a purpose they do need. Either way could cause them to pass on your house and go on to the next.

4. Buyers don’t have time or energy to figure it out for themselves There is so much competition for buyer dollars – even in a seller’s market. Buyers have no time, energy or need to “figure out” a house. They can simply go visit the next one or go visit the new home builder they’ve seen advertised. You can bet the builder will show them exactly what every space is for and tell them why they need it.

5. Buyers can’t emotionally connect to rooms they can’t see themselves using You want buyers to picture their sofa in your living room so they can start seeing themselves living in your house. This is when they truly connect with a house and decide they have to have it as their own home. This connection brings you the best offer possible.

Many homes today feature a “great room” that contains many spaces to be used as individual rooms. This is what the term “open concept living” refers to, and it is highly desired by modern buyers. Mixed purpose rooms can confuse buyers. They may think that if one room has to be used for multiple purposes, the home must be too small.

If your house fits this description, be sure to clearly define spaces within the great room to serve only one purpose. For instance, define a family room space and a dining space separately so that buyers know how they can use these areas.

Staging your house for sale is a lot of work. But as difficult as it can be, don’t skip it. The way you present your home makes a big difference in finding a buyer.

September 2015 | 31

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Recently Sold Coral Gables

60 Sevilla Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1965 Sold: 7/29/2015 for

$525,000

B

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

1,464 2

baths

1

est of both worlds: Urban city living and lush tropical oasis in the heart of the Gables. Walking distance to Miracle Mile’s restaurants and shops. Updated home in proposed Mediterranean Village area. Open great living/dininig area with working fireplace. Spacious open kitchen with a view to an inviting pool area with beautiful foliage. Impact windows, surveillance system, surround sound system, automatic sprinkler system, new portable generator and BBQ included. 1 Car garage.

925 Paradiso Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1948 Sold: 7/24/2015 for

$885,000

M

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

baths

2,309 4 3

agnificent 4 bedroom 3 bath 1 story home on a nice quiet street. This entire home was updated in 2008, formal living room with fire place, large family room, opening to a large inviting patio and barbecue area, formal dining room plus den. The house features hardwood oak floors and charming arched doorways and it is in perfect move in condition.

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Recently Sold Coral Gables

727 Jeronimo Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33146 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1952 Sold: 7/22/2015 for

$1,325,000

B

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

2,927 4

baths

3

eautifully renovated Coral Gables home on prestigious, tree-lined Jeronimo Dr. Living spaces are light & bright w hrdwd & marble flrs, crown molding & plantation shutters. Lrg eat-in ktchn has wood cabinetry, granite counters, stainless appliances & walk-in pantry. Split-bdrm flr plan features master ste w 2 walk-in closets, his/her sinks, Jacuzzi tub & sep shower on one side & 3 add’l bdrms w 2 baths on the opposite. Magical exterior w oversized pool, built-in BBQ, coral rock wall & wonderful privacy.

11005 Tanya St, Coral Gables, FL 33156 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2002 Sold: 7/23/2015 for

Size (sq. ft.)

$2,800,000 6,050

E

beds

baths

6 6.5

xquisite and elegant! Updated transitional style. High volume ceiling throughout, gleaming marble and hardwood floor.

Gracious formal living with fireplace, beautiful dining room, Gourmet chef’s kitchen. Lavish master with luxurious bath, all en-suite bedrooms with balconies. Stunning pool patio with gazebo. Impact windows, generator, private deed boat slip. Shows like a dream. A must see! Situated in guard gated Hammock Oaks exclusive community.

September 2015 | 33

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As wildfires ravage parts of the country, many homeowners wonder if they are adequately protected.

Insuring Your H o m e A g ai n s t Fire Damage

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

By Samantha Alexander

When it comes to threats to your home, there is little that’s quite as damaging as a fire. In a matter of minutes, a small flame can spread out of control, destroying the structure of your home, as well as everything inside it.

Unfortunately, house fires aren’t all that rare. In 2013, 387,000 residential fires occurred in the U.S., causing $7 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

The NFPA reports numerous causes for house fires, ranging from kitchen appliances being left on to lightning strikes. Since fires are not always preventable, it’s vital that homeowners protect their property investments with the right insurance coverage.

Fire insurance coverage

Depending on what type of property insurance you have, you may already be covered for fire damage. However, it doesn’t hurt to be sure.

Providers offer different coverage options, so you’ll want to review the details of your policy to see what kind of protection you have. Here’s why it’s important: The average fire claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute, exceeds $37,150.

Here are two of the most common ways to insure your home against fires: Standard home insurance If you own a home, your mortgage lender likely required you to purchase a home insurance policy. If so, your home probably is protected from fire damage.

Standard home insurance policies typically include coverage for a variety of perils such as fire.

A standard policy not only can protect the structure of your home but also the contents inside it – furniture, electronics and other personal possessions. Many policies also include loss of use coverage. This will kick in if your home is uninhabitable due to a covered claim, and can reimburse you for extra living expenses while the home is being rebuilt or repaired.

If you live in an apartment or rent a home, your landlord likely purchased coverage for the building itself. It’s up to you, however, to protect your belongings. Fortunately, standard renters policies are relatively inexpensive and can provide coverage for your personal property in the event of a fire.

Dwelling fire coverage Dwelling fire coverage is a bit different than the coverage in a standard home or renters insurance policy. The main difference is that dwelling fire coverage is generally less comprehensive. Like standard home insurance, dwelling fire coverage protects the building itself and other structures on the property, and offers

loss of use coverage.

Unlike standard home insurance, however, dwelling fire coverage often doesn’t include protection for your belongings, and offers no personal liability protection.

Dwelling fire coverage generally is best used to protect a vacation home or vacant home.

How to file a claim

No matter how much insurance you have or how careful you are, fires can happen. If your home is damaged by fire, you’ll need to file a claim.

First, take photos of the damage. Proper documentation can help the claims process go smoother. Then, you’ll need to contact your insurer to actually file the claim. Make sure you do this promptly. Afterwards, your insurer will likely send a claims adjuster to your property to assess the damage and put together an estimate.

Next come the repairs. The whole process can take anywhere from weeks to months, and it’s important to stay organized throughout. Keep all emails, invoices, estimates, and any other documents related to your fire damage claim.

To make the process smoother, it helps to have an upto-date home inventory. A home inventory is a detailed list of all the items in your home. If yours ends up being a pile of ash, a home inventory can help you remember everything that needs to be replaced.

To prevent the list from being burned up with the rest of your home’s contents, store an electronic copy somewhere. There are even home inventory apps that help you create and keep the list right on your smartphone.

Prevent fires before they start

Nobody wants to deal with fire damage to their home, which is why it’s important to arm yourself with fire safety knowledge and outfit your home with fire safety equipment.

Smoke alarms, sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers can all prevent a small fire from turning disastrous.

Some of these items can even help you save money on your home insurance premium. Many providers offer discounts to those who have smoke alarms and sprinkler systems in their homes.

In addition to installing fire safety equipment in your home, it’s also important to teach your family about fire safety in general. From creating an evacuation plan to simply being aware of potential fire causes, check out the NFPA’s fire safety information section for an arsenal of useful tips.

September 2015 | 35

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Move This, Not That:

10 Items to Get Rid of Before Your Next Move Packing lighter can make settling into your new home a lot easier

W

hen it comes to moving, deciding what to take with you — and what to leave behind — can be stressful. Spending a little time clearing out dead weight before the move will make settling into your new place much more freeing. Check these 10 areas of your home for items that aren’t worth the square footage in the moving van — or your new home.

1. Dine in

This may seem obvious, but food takes up a lot of space and often gets a bit lost in the moving shuffle. In the weeks before your move, eat anything that isn’t shelf-stable, brand-new or a specialty item. Don’t forget about the perishable foods in the fridge and freezer (steak for dinner, anyone?). Take a

break and throw a pantry dinner party with friends who are helping you move.

2. Pass on low-quality furniture

Low-quality furniture, typically made of particle board, is very susceptible to being ripped and chipped in a move. Ask family

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and friends if they can use any of these pieces or bring them to your local donation center. Upgrade or replace when you get to your new home.

3. Clean closets

Anything old, stained or that no longer fits should go straight into the donation bin. Moving crosscountry? Transitioning from a cold climate to Florida will allow you to shed even more weight as you let go of snowsuits and boots that won’t be of use in the Everglades. Donate to a local thrift store or have a garage sale to make extra cash.

4. Tame the bathroom cabinet

There is no sense moving 20 crusty nail polishes and every curling mousse you’ve ever tried and abandoned. Anything expired or unused lately should be tossed. Cull these and only keep your essentials, as anything else may spill in transit and many are flammable.

5. Make a pitcher of margaritas

While you’re throwing your pantry party, be sure to bring out the open bottles of alcohol. Chances are they’re in glass, making them a no-no for most moves, so you might as well enjoy them now.

weed or insect species to a new area. Outdoor furniture often has glass, which is easily shattered, and flimsy outdoor fabric, which is easily torn in a move. Try selling these pieces and using the cash for a new set.

10. Hobby supplies

Excessive amounts of craft or hobby supplies are often not worth the space. Use this as a time to freshen things up and pare down your supply stash. Bonus? An excuse to buy new supplies in the future.

Once you’ve tamed these 10 areas, you should be able to breathe a little easier and pack a little lighter. You’ll be left with high-quality furniture, sentimental pieces and daily-use items, all things that help make a house a home.When it comes to moving, deciding what to take with you — and what to leave behind — can be stressful. Spending a little time clearing out dead weight before the move will make settling into your new place much more freeing. Check these 10 areas of your home for items that aren’t worth the square footage in the moving van — or your new home.

6. Burn those candles

This may sound odd, but many moving companies won’t take candles. They’ll most likely melt and get misshapen anyway, so give these to friends or use them as décor at your clean-out party.

7. Donate excess kids’ toys

Toys take up a massive amount of space, even if they are lightweight. Anything that has been outgrown or unused should be donated or passed along to friends or family. Bigger items such as outdoor pools, sports equipment and bicycles should also be assessed.

8. Toss old linens

Sheets and towels are bulky to move, so anything that’s seen better days should be put in the donate pile. Choosing fresh sheets and towels after you’ve moved is a fun part of feeling settled in your new home.

9. Clear out garage clutter

This includes outdoor furniture, hoses, planters and trash cans. With garden items, it’s best to start new instead of moving a potentially invasive

September 2015 | 39

business spotlight content sponsored & provided by areda construction inc.

Areda Construction, Inc.

Moving Forward, Bigger and Better Areda Construction Inc

is a true representation of the American Dream. This particular dream began in 1994, when Founder and Principal Armando Alonso dared to hope for a better life and risked everything to escape from Cuba to America during the Cuban Rafters Crisis.

Approximately 35,000 Cubans are known to have attempted the perilous journey during this exodus, many aboard flimsy, homemade rafts. Untold numbers perished at sea. But Mr. Alonso was fortunate; his risk paid off, and after languishing for a year in an immigration detention center in Guantanamo Bay, he set foot on American soil, ready to forge a new path and realize the American dream.

An experienced civil and mechanical engineer in Cuba, Mr. Alonso sought out construction work immediately. Within ten days he had landed a job in the industry. The following year he launched his own

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company and by 1997, Areda Construction had landed its first client. “We started with just one job, just one client for one year,” Mr. Alonso recalls. “By 2002, we were running about 10 jobs at the same time. The company was on a very fast track.”

Soon, Areda was working with some of the biggest industry names in the South Florida market, such as ANF Group, Bovis Lend Lease, Plaza Construction, Balfour Beatty, Moss & Associates and Suffolk Construction, to name a few. By 2005, the team was running 16 jobs at a time, and the company was turning over tens of millions of dollars. The company has completed more than 300 projects since their inception. Mr. Alonso was living the ultimate American dream.

How did Mr. Alonso transform from penniless refugee to the owner of a multimillion dollar business in just a few short years? One obvious answer is hard work, and lots of it. “We are very dedicated. We spend a lot of time in the office – starting with me, the owner of the company. This is the type of company where the owner spends 12 hours every day making sure that everything is executed the right way.”

Careful planning also played an important role in the company’s rise. “We decided what the plan of the company [would be], and we started with the right client,” Mr. Alonso remembers. “Then we followed with the right project and the right location of that project.”

The team carefully considered those early projects – from location and value to industry sector – In order to steer the fledgling company in the right direction.

“We definitely tried to pick the right projects for the company.”

A key part of the company’s plan was to fill a gap that Mr. Alonso noticed in the South Florida market as soon as he started his first job there. “When I came to United States in 1995, I immediately realized the lack of professionals that were working on site.” As an en-

“We do our own engineering in-house.

This distinguishes us from many other companies. And we have very well-trained engineers that provide that service in-house.”

Annia Hernandez • Controller

IKEA next to Dolphin Mall

Peloro Condominium

gineer, Mr. Alonso knew that construction companies would benefit from having good professionals on- site.

And, he knew that there was plenty of underutilized talent in the South Florida market, due to the influx of Cuban and Latin American professionals like him.

“So the vision of the company was to bring those professionals – all those engineers and architects – to my organization and put them in the operation of the company. That was one of the principles at the company that I wanted to accomplish.”

Areda’s entire Home Office, Management and Field Superintendents are comprised of experts of the Construction Industry. Every Project’s Scheduled Team (Field Superintendents & Management) are all trained Professional Engineers and/or Architects with several years of experience and specialized in the Shell Construction Industry in South Florida.

Areda Construction’s experienced, professional team continues to differentiate the company to this day. “Today, in any department – preconstruction, engineering, management, supervision – and on any job, we are staffed with engineers and architects that know September 2015 | 41

business spotlight content sponsored & provided by areda construction inc.

about construction.” Clients can rely on the team’s expertise, and appreciate being able to count on Areda Construction for a full, cradle to completion, solution. “We do our own engineering in-house,” Controller Annia Hernandez points out.

“This distinguishes us from many other companies. And we have very well-trained engineers that provide that service in-house. Our customers like that very much. Due to time restraints on projects and the lack of resources and time from specialized engineering firms providing us timely submittal packages, we provide in-house shop drawings to our clients which eliminates the issues of having to wait for outside sources. This saves both parties time and money.”

Stacking the company with professionals also allows the team to utilize the latest, most advanced technology. Throughout a proj-

Crew at Ritz Carlton Residences

“One of the most successful aspects of the transition was the fact that the South Florida market remembers the name “Areda” and knows that we stand for quality work and total dedication to ensure the success of a project.”

Carlos F. Giron • Vice President of Business Development & Marketing

ect, from preconstruction to daily management and supervision, Areda Construction relies on 3D modeling and other complex software to ensure the best outcome. “Anytime we make presentations to our clients, they are very impressed with our preparation and very high attention to detail for the project,” Mr. Alonso reports.

The team continues to adopt new technology as soon as it is released.

“We are always looking for the most

advanced systems and equipment to incorporate in our operations. We are always looking [to improve] efficiency. That is appreciated by our clients and that is why Areda has been highly in demand by our clients.” In order to stay on top of the latest technological breakthroughs, the company has sent its engineers and architects to other countries to train with the software companies that are actually developing the new systems. “We are constantly updat-

business spotlight content sponsored & provided by areda construction inc.

MEI Condominium

ing the product knowledge of our employees with these new systems,” Mrs. Hernandez adds.

Areda Construction also works hard to maintain the company culture and values. “There is a very specific code of ethics and training that everybody has to go through,” says Mrs. Hernandez. “One of our most important principles and values is integrity. That is very important to the Owner and to all of us.” Employees must be able to uphold these foundational principles to be considered. “When we start looking at potential employees, that is definitely one of the most important factors that we look at,” Mrs. Hernandez explains.

Areda Construction’s strategies helped the company skyrocket to success, but could not make it immune to the recent recession and real estate slump in the mid to late 2000’s. “There was definitely a big crisis in South Florida,” Mr. Alonso remembers. The team took a pragmatic approach and looked beyond the local market to find greener pastures.

An ideal opportunity arose in the Dominican Republic and the company was able to ride out the crisis by constructing a high end development there. “That was a very good transition from South Florida,” Mr. Alonso says. By 2011, the South Florida market was picking back up

and after several requests to return from past clients, Areda Construction was back in the South Florida market, immediately securing a large commercial project in Sweetwater for IKEA. Shortly thereafter, the team secured another condominium project in Miami Beach.

This next project increased the visibility of Areda’s capabilities once again. They were then awarded a $22M project in Miami Beach called the Ritz-Carlton Residences, securing Areda Construction’s return to the South Florida market.

“One of the most successful aspects of the transition was the fact that the South Florida market remembers the name “Areda” and September 2015 | 43

business spotlight content sponsored & provided by areda construction inc.

knows that we stand for quality work and total dedication to ensure the success of a project. We are not a new company trying to establish ourselves in a new market. We are still the same company that other companies try to emulate. We know South Florida, we have an outstanding reputation and we are the best at what we do.” says Carlos F. Giron, Areda’s Vice President of Business Development and Marketing.

Many of the past employees, managers and field personnel approached Armando once they found out that Areda Construction was back in South Florida. That was important for Armando Alonso. He knew that he would have the right foundation of management coming back to work. These employees returned with not only their expertise and talent, but with their strong values as well, ensuring that Areda Construction had retained its family-like company culture and commitment to integrity.

Now, AREDA is one of the financially strongest Structural Contractors in the market today.

Their strong reserves allow them to run several projects at the same time, without any interruptions of their payment obligations with their employees, subcontractors, vendors, etc. This financial position combined with efficient company operations, have permitted Areda to maintain a high line of Bonding Capacity for any single contract and aggregate for multiple contracts since 1999. The current Performance and Payment Bonds Line is $25M for a single project and a total bonding capacity of $50M. This financial security provides peace of mind and protection for Areda’s many clients.

Areda Construction is taking a careful approach to ensure ongoing success, regardless of how the current construction boom plays out.

“There are a lot of projects breaking ground at the same time now, so labor has already become a real issue

Training session Areda Estimating team

in the industry,” Mr. Giron points out. “And I believe something that separates us from the competition is the fact that we are not going after every project out there but rather being very selective about who we work with and doing the extensive and detailed pre-qualification process to assure we choose the projects that cater to our strengths.

We are trying to grow responsibly.

We are trying to get quality work and not quantity. We want the Areda name to continue to be synonymous with top quality.”

With a solid plan in place, Areda Construction is prepared to stay on top, even after the current boom levels off. “One day this bubble is going to burst again, and we want to make sure we are on the short list for every General Contractor in the industry because of the quality of work that we have performed.

We want to be their preferred shell contractor now and always. Our goal is to create long-term business relationships.” says Mr. Giron.

Staying on that short list seems like a sure thing after all that the team has accomplished. From refugee to owner of a thriving construction business, Mr. Alonso has led the company from success to success – and captured the American dream in the process.

Areda Construction, Inc. specializes in turn-key structural shell construction on mid-rise, high-rise and large commercial projects, both public and private. Areda provides an early participation approach during the conceptual stage of the Project, which result in value engineering alternatives. They accomplish this by reducing execution time and budget without sacrificing the quality of the Structure.

September 2015 | 45

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Your washer and dryer are two of the hardest-working appliances in your home. Keep them in good working condition, and they’ll add loads of convenience to your life for years to come. Read this guide for easy ways to maintain your washer and dryer.

Maintain your

washer &dryer

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Problem #1: Your Washer Rattles and Walks During the Spin Cycle

Though most machines jiggle occasionally because of an unbalanced load, a machine that shakes, rattles or shuts off during the spin cycle may not be level.

How to Level a Washing Machine: Stop a walking washer, and end up with cleaner clothes in the process, by leveling the machine in five steps: 1. Use a carpenter’s level to check whether the machine is level side-to-side and front-to-back. Place the level along all four edges of the appliance to determine which leg or legs need to be adjusted.

2. Working with a partner, slide the washing machine about a foot away from the wall. Be careful not to strain any cords or hoses.

3. Tip the washer and place a block of wood under the corner for support. Use a wrench or pliers to adjust the foot. Typically, turning the foot counterclockwise lowers it, while turning it clockwise raises it.

4. As necessary, remove and reposition the block to other corners of the washer to adjust other feet.

5. After adjusting all feet, remove the block entirely and check to see if the washer is level. Run a test load of laundry. If the washer stays in place, the machine is now level. Once the load is finished and the washer has been leveled, slide the washer back into position.

Good to Know: Some washing machines are selfleveling and only need a tilt to the front and rear to automatically adjust the legs.

Problem #2: Your Washer’s Water Supply Hoses Are Old or Worn

The rubber hoses that supply hot and cold water to your washer can become brittle over time, potentially leading to flooding.

How to Prevent Supply Hose Disasters: Avoid coming home to find a flooded laundry room by following a few simple steps: 1. Check your hoses once a year for kinks, cracks, stiff-

ness or brittleness.

2. Replace old hoses with stainless steel-clad hoses, or for a less-expensive alternative, try hoses with meshwrapped ends.

3. Keep your washer at least four inches away from the wall so the supply and drain hoses don’t become kinked.

Problem #3: Your Dryer Takes Forever to Dry

If your clothes aren’t drying well or there’s excess moisture in your laundry room, you probably have a blocked dryer vent.

How to Clean a Dryer Vent: 1. Every three to six months, disconnect the exhaust pipe and remove any lint.

2. Run a flexible dryer vent brush or a vacuum hose through the pipe to remove as much lint as possible.

3. Make sure the outdoor area where the tube vent is free of obstructions.

Good to Know: Clean your lint filter after each use and regularly perform dryer maintenance. A buildup of lint poses a serious fire risk.

Tips to Increase the Life of Your Washer and Dryer

1. Don’t overload it. When washers and dryers are overloaded they perform inefficiently. Break big loads up into smaller piles to extend the life of the motor and use less energy.

2. Use it or lose it. If you’re not planning to use your washer for an extended period of time, turn off the water flow to the washer. Otherwise, constant water pressure may cause or exacerbate leaks.

3. Give it some air. Over time, small amounts of stagnant water can lead to mildew and odors. Leave the lid open between washings to allow the drum to dry.

4. Soap is for interiors, not exteriors. Clean spills quickly, as most appliances are painted with synthetic enamel that may be damaged by chlorine bleach, ammonia, solvents and other chemicals.

September 2015 | 47

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Refrigerator Buying Guide

Chances are you haven’t shopped for a refrigerator in a while, so you may be surprised by today’s features. Our buying guide helps you find the best fridge for your kitchen.

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Refrigerator Types

• Top-freezer / bottom-freezer: These traditional models have a freezer on top and refrigerator on the bottom or a refrigerator on top and a freezer on the bottom. Reversible doors swing left or right to accommodate tight spaces.

• Side-by-side: Similar-size refrigerator and freezer compartments run vertically from the top to the bottom of the unit. This is the best bet for a kitchen with limited space, like a galley kitchen, as it takes up the least room with the doors open.

• French door with bottom freezer: French door configurations open from the middle to reveal a top refrigerator compartment with a door or drawer to access the freezer, located on the bottom of the unit. Allows for easier accessibility to the fresh-food compartments and main refrigerator area.

• 4-door French door: French doors open from the middle of the top refrigerator compartment with a freezer located on the bottom of the unit. Between these two section is a fourth refrigerated door / drawer. It’s essentially the same configuration as the French door with bottom freezer but with an additional middle refrigerated pantry drawer.

• Door-in-door: French doors open to an upper refrigerator compartment to reveal a door inside the door. A doorin-door saves energy because you only open one panel to access frequently used items in an in-door bin.

• Counter-depth: A stylish option that sits flush with the cabinet fronts, providing a built-in look without a built-in price.

• Compact: A scaled-down version often used in dorm rooms, basements or family rooms. There’s usually little to no freezer.

Refrigerator Size and Capacity

Measure the height, width and depth of the space your new fridge will occupy. Make sure there’s extra space to allow proper airflow around your refrigerator once installed.

An easy tip to visualize size - a bag of groceries equals roughly one cubic foot.

Next, consider your food-buying habits. If you purchase more fresh foods than frozen, you’ll want easy access and storage space in the refrigerator. If you buy more frozen foods, you’ll need more freezer space.

Finally, make sure the refrigerator you choose will fit through your doorways for delivery.

Organizat ion Features

Have you ever wished the interior of your refrigerator could look like the advertisement? Smart compartments and organization aids make it easy to keep food fresh and neatly displayed. Look for: • Adjustable glass shelves: Shelves that slide in and out within the refrigerator cavity and shelves that flip vertically from hinges on the outside edges of the shelf create customized space.

• Pantry drawers: Refrigerator-width pantry drawers create a separate temperature zone for party trays and snack foods.

• Humidity-control drawers: These display fruits and veggies clearly while keeping them fresh with customized humidity settings.

• Oversize door bins: Gallon-size door bins efficiently store milk, juice and 2-liter bottles of soda, making them easier to grab while taking up zero shelf space.

Feat ures

Consider the needs of your kitchen to determine if the following features are nice-to-have or must-have: • Dual-cooling system: This system allows freezers to circulate cool air separately from the fridge to help keep your ice from tasting like garlic bread.

• Air filtration system: A built-in carbon filter keeps air in the refrigerator fresh.

• Programmable control pad: Set the temperature, lock the ice and water dispenser, check filter condition and pre-set the amount of water to dispense with the push of a button.

• In-door ice storage: These systems free up more freezer space by moving the ice bin from the freezer interior to the door. On some models, the ice bucket can tilt out or be removed with one hand for bulk dispensing.

• Dual ice makers: These create ice for the door and ice for the party in a separate bin, usually in the pullout freezer drawer.

• Energy-saving models: ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators use a minimum of 20% less energy than nonqualified models — saving you money on utility bills. You may also be eligible for rebates from your city when buying ENERGY STAR qualified models.

September 2015 | 51

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Selecting the Right Thermostat for Your Home A thermostat can help keep your home comfortable and help you control energy usage. Your choice of a thermostat will depend on the type of heating and cooling system you have in your home, how you want to use your thermostat and the features you want to have available.

Identifying the Heating and Cooling System Type

Before choosing a thermostat, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your heating and cooling system. The most common system types are central heat or central heat and air, which can be 24V, gas, oil or electric. Other system types include heat pump, electric baseboard, fireplace, and floor / wall furnace.

Choose the Thermostat Type Learning: Learning thermostats offer the benefit of being programmable, but don’t require you to actually program them. They learn as you use them and create a schedule based on your preferences. They can turn themselves down when you’re away, guide you to energyefficient settings and provide monthly

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energy reports. These thermostats connect to your home Wi-Fi network and can be monitored, set and managed remotely over Wi-Fi from a computer, smartphone or tablet.

Remote Energy Management: A remote energy management thermostat allows you to set, program and monitor your heating and cooling system from a computer, smartphone or tablet. The thermostat connects through a hub (sold separately) to your home broadband network, allowing you to access it over Wi-Fi from anywhere.

Programmable: A programmable thermostat makes the most efficient use of your system by automatically adjusting the set temperature through­out the day. You let the thermostat know your preferred temperature at different times of the day and night, then forget about it – the thermostat does the work.

Digital Non-Programmable: A nonprogrammable thermostat with a digital read-out is the best choice for people who prefer manually-controlled settings with the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD

display.

Mechanical / Manual: With a mechanical or manual thermostat, you control the temperature setting manually. These are best for people who are home often and prefer a fixed temperature.

Choose Your Options (Programmable Thermostats)

7-Day: These thermostats allow you to program a unique setting for each day, offering the ultimate in flexibility. You can set up to four periods per day, every day of the week. This option is great for people with busy schedules.

5-1-1 Day: This type of programmable thermostat will allow you to set one program for the weekdays and separate programs for Saturday and Sunday. This type of thermostat can be programmed for up to four periods per programmable session.

5-2 Day: This option allows up to four programmable sessions with separate settings for the weekdays and weekends.

1 Week: This option allows you to set one program for the entire week with up to four sessions.

September 2015 | 55

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Kitchen Faucet

Buying Guide Whether you’re replacing an old faucet or selecting something new in a remodeling plan, there are a few things to know before the water starts to flow.

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Faucet Type: Deck-Mount or Wall-Mount Faucets

Deck-mount faucets attach to the countertop or rest on the sink. Wall-mount faucets attach through the wall and hang over the sink.

If you choose a replacement deck-mount faucet, the number of holes on your sink is important.

One-piece faucets, with integrated handle and spout, need one hole for the handle / spout piece and another for the sprayer. Traditional faucets, with hot and cold taps, require three holes for taps and spout and a fourth for the sprayer. Additional options – soap dispensers or integrated sprayers – create a different set of requirements.

If you’re starting from scratch, choose your faucet before your sink so you can buy a sink with the appropriate number of holes for your selection. Or, holes may be drilled into the sink to accommodate your faucet.

Good to Know: Escutcheons, also called base plates or deck plates, are ornamental plates that cover additional holes and allow installation of a one-hole faucet on a three-hole sink.

Faucet Handles

Typically, kitchen faucets have either one handle rotating directionally to change water temperature or two handles for mixing hot and cold water. These will offer a sprayer that sits to the side or a pull-out or pull-down sprayer that offers spray and stream options.

Hands-free faucets add a new dimension to the kitchen. They can be touch- or motion-oriented and come with both temperature and volume control, making these faucets a safe choice for homes with children. Hands-free faucets work well with the universal design concept by making living spaces more accessible and accommodating for every level of physical ability.

Good to Know: If you choose a pull-out or pulldown sprayer, look for a faucet with a magnetic catch.

If you have room in your kitchen, you may consider installing a bar prep faucet in a side sink.

The double setup makes it easy to keep meats and vegetables separate during meal preparation.

Faucet Finishes

If you prefer a unified look in your kitchen, select a faucet with a finish matching your cabinet hardware. Bronze, chrome and nickel / stainless steel are available at every price point.

Faucet Features

In-faucet filters are great for filtering tap water.

Keep volume and maintenance in mind to decide if this is the right filtering option for your family.

Soap dispensers make it easy to keep kitchen counters clear of clutter.

Hot water dispensers are great for hot beverages and pot filling.

Faucet Installation and Operation

There are two types of faucet installations: top-mount and bottom-mount. Top-mount faucets attach with screws through the bottom of the faucet piece from underneath the counter. Bottommount faucets attach with screws through the top of the faucet piece.

There are four types of faucet mechanisms: ball valve, ceramic disc, compression valve and cartridge. The type won’t affect your day-to-day use, but will affect faucet repairs and maintenance down the road.

Caution: If you have cabinets above your sink, measure the height available from the deck plate to the bottom of the upper cabinet and keep this number in mind when shopping.

Sink use

Before you choose your faucet, think about the ways you use your sink. Do you wash a lot of bulky pots and pans? Are you bathing a baby? A high-arc faucet may make your tasks more comfortable.

September 2015 | 59

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Maintain Garden Tools Keeping garden tools clean, sharp and well-oiled makes gardening easier and prolongs the life of your tools.

Sharpening a Shovel or Spade Dull tools make digging a real chore. Sharpening a shovel or hoe only takes a few minutes. You’ll notice a big difference the next time you use the tool.

How often you need to sharpen a shovel depends on the consistency of your soil and the frequency of use. Sandy or rocky soil, for instance, is abrasive and rapidly pits and dulls most tools. If you use a tool often, sharpen it often.

Remove dirt after each use with a wire brush or a steel wool pad. You can also rub with a wadded piece of aluminum foil or spray with the garden hose, just be sure the tool is dry before storing. Make sure the handles are clean and

dry, too.

Here is a tip to prolong the life of your digging tools: 1. Fill a five-gallon bucket with sand.

2. Mix in one quart of motor oil. (Use the oil that you’ve drained after an oil change.)

3. After using your shovel or fork, stick the blade or tines into the sand a couple of times to remove dirt and oil the tool.

Good to Know: The slight angle on the edge of a cutting blade is the bevel. When sharpening a tool, try to keep that same angle on the new edge. Sharpen the beveled edge only.

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Step 1: Put on your safety glasses and gloves.

Step 2: Attach the shovel securely in a vise or clamp the tool to a workbench. The top cutting edge must be facing up.

Step 3: Clean dirt off with a wire brush. Use penetrating oil and steel wool to remove rust.

Step 4: Using a flat mill file, file away from you with long strokes, down and to the side. Remember to retain the same angle as the original bevel. Use both hands when filing. Lift the file off of the tool on the return stroke. The blade develops a slight shine as the edge is improved.

Step 5: When the top is finished, flip the shovel over in the vise.

Run the file (or use steel wool) over the bottom edge a couple of times to remove roughness. Apply light oil when finished. Leave the oil on if this is a post-season sharpening. If you’re going back out to dig some more, wipe the oil off.

Caution: Using a grinder, drill attachment, or roto-tool is okay, but remember they remove metal much more quickly than a file, so know when to stop. Over-sharpening a tool makes the edge easier to damage when you use it again. Overheating the metal can change the temper (and the strength) of the tool.

Sharpening Pruners, Loppers and Shears Pruners and shears are more difficult to sharpen. Often they need to be disassembled first. If sharpened improperly, they can be in worse condition than before. Use the same principle as with the shovel. Sharpen the cutting edge only and push the file away from you Remember to lubricate tools with moving parts, such as pruning

shears, periodically with light machine oil or penetrating oil. Doing so prevents rust and corrosion and maintains a smooth operating action. Do this before you put them away for the season.

Removing Old Tool Handles Wooden handles need an occasional sanding to remove rough spots. After sanding, rub with boiled linseed oil to preserve the wood. Severely damaged handles should be replaced. Replacing an old or damaged handle is a simple and inexpensive way to renew your trusted old shovel or hoe.

Step 1: File down the head of the rivet that holds the old handle in place.

Step 2: Remove the rivet with a hammer and punch.

Step 3: Remove the old handle.

Good to Know: Bring the old handle or tool head with you when shopping to make sure the new one matches.

Installing New Tool Handles Step 1: If the replacement handle isn’t a perfect fit in the ferrule, socket or shaft, shape it with sandpaper or a rasp.

Step 2: When the handle is set in its correct position (with no wobbling), tap the end of the handle on the floor to settle the tool head.

Step 3: Drill a hole through the ferrule and into the new handle.

Step 4: Drive in the new rivet.

Step 5: While on a sturdy surface, pound the rivet head with a metalworking hammer to secure the head and handle.

Step 6: If the head was originally attached by a bolt, re-use or replace it.

September 2015 | 63

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Accidentally dropping or shattering a mirror while removing it from the wall can lead to severe cuts from broken glass. Always wear gloves and eye protection and work with at least one helper when prying a mirror loose and carrying it to a safe location outside the bathroom.

Skill Level Intermediate Estimated Time 1 day Estimated Cost $$$$$ Tools Small pry bar Wooden shims Utility knife Putty knife 6-in drywall taping knife 120-grit sanding sponges Leather gloves Eye protection Materials

Packing tape DAP lightweight spackling compound Latex primer, quart

Pry Off the Old Mirror 1. Cover the mirror with heavyduty packing tape as a precaution against the glass cracking or shattering.

2. Insert wooden shims in any gaps between the mirror and the wall. Tap them snug, but avoid forcing them beneath the glass.

3. With another shim beneath your pry bar to protect the wall, gently begin working the bar behind the glass. Maintain a steady pressure and listen for the drywall paper tearing loose from the wall. Gently work along the top and sides of the mirror, releasing a little bit at a time.

4. As you near the bottom of the mirror, support it at the top to prevent the whole thing from popping free of the wall and falling.

5. Once loose, gently carry it away from the bathroom. If you plan to reuse the mirror, protect it from accidental damage.

Repair the Drywall 1. Scrape away any adhesive residue on the drywall using a putty knife. With a utility knife, score a circle only through the drywall paper around the damaged area and peel off loose drywall paper within the circle. This eliminates any leftover adhesive and paper that might have pulled loose from the gypsum underneath. Also, it helps the completed patch blend with the surrounding area.

2. Sand around the scored area.

Quickly brush on a light coat of primer over the damage, let dry, and sand smooth. (Avoid saturating the area over the exposed gypsum.)

3. Apply several thin layers of drywall patch with a 6-in drywall taping knife, allowing each layer to dry before adding the next. Sand the patched area smooth with the surrounding wall and apply a coat of primer to the patch. Now you’re ready to paint the patched area and the rest of the wall.

September 2015 | 65

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Amazon Offering a New Way to Shop

by David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com

ears ago buying things over the internet and your phone was unheard of. Now almost everyone does it. So what’s next?

Getting your purchase delivered within minutes.

Recently, online retailer Amazon launched this new way to shop in South Florida. CBS4’s David Sutta put the prices and service to the test.

It’s something many people dread, yet most do it every week; shopping.

Whether it’s toilet paper, or laundry de-

tergent, or groceries, the weekly trip to the neighborhood Publix is inevitable.

Now, online retailer Amazon is looking to make it easier.

Nina Akerley Lindsey, Amazon’s spokeswoman, explained “It’s a great opportunity for customers who need things super fast, who are looking for a convenient way to skip the store.”

For years, Amazon has been selling something called a Prime Membership that delivers you goods for free usually in two days.

This year the company began offering something in South Florida called Prime Now. They promise delivery in

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just one hour and it’s quite popular.

“For example I know my friends that have children. The kids are napping and you have errands that you need to do. Great way to get those items delivered to you without having to leave the house and without having to wake your child from their afternoon nap,” Akerley Lindsey said.

She spoke about the top items South Florida is buying.

“What seems to be the most popular right now are sort of those pantry and food items,” said Akerley Lindsey.

Is it convenient? Absolutely but are you overpaying? How much time are you really saving?

With a list of 10 everyday items, Sutta used Prime Now to order and CBS4 Special Projects Producer Howard Bernstein headed to Publix to pick up the exact same items.

Immediately, the ordering hit a roadblock.

Sutta couldn’t find Prime Now on the internet.

Prime Now is only on your phone via an app.

Once downloaded, he quickly added the products, entered his delivery address, and made a payment. If he wanted the stuff delivered within an hour, he had to pay an additional $8. Once the order was in, a nifty little map popped up showing Sutta where his purchase was in relation to where he was located.

Meanwhile, Howard had driven to Publix and filled up his cart. While he’s checking out, Sutta was working and getting stuff done. About 36 minutes into their test, Howard was on his way out and Sutta’s Prime Now order was already there! Howard arrived with his groceries a few minutes later.

So here is how it broke down. First – price: The Amazon bill came out to $52.18 includ-

ing tax. Then add a $7.99 delivery fee for delivery within an hour, plus a $5 dollar tip for the delivery guy. The total for the Prime Now order ended up at $65.17.

As for the Publix order, it came out to $54.62 in total including tax. That means there was a savings of $10.55 going to Publix. However, if Sutta had used Amazon’s free delivery, meaning he would get it in 2 to 4 hours, he wouldn’t have paid the $8 delivery fee. That means Sutta would have saved just $2.56 going to Publix.

The next test was time. Amazon took 36 minutes from order to delivery. Howard’s trip to Publix and back took 41 minutes.So, Amazon saved Sutta just five minutes. However, remember Sutta was working that entire time instead of shopping.

The bottom line is for the person who’s too busy to shop, Amazon Prime Now seems to be a good fit and it’s fairly priced.

There is a downside though. Those in a hurry will pay a bit more for delivery. You are also missing sales, like Publix’s weekly buy one get one sales. Also Prime Now does not offer produce, meat, dairy, beer or wine.

“We are expanding rapidly, so definitely stay tuned for more news on that,” Amazon said.

Either way you still gotta shop!

Also, Amazon got Sutta’s order wrong, in his favor. Instead of the one Cliff Bar he ordered, they gave them a case.

According to Amazon, Prime Now is most popular in West Kendall. If you would like to give it a try download the Prime Now app in the google and Apple app stores.

For $20 bucks off your first order, use the code Miaminew20. You can also find out if the service is available in your neighborhood.

The bottom line is for the person who’s too busy to shop, Amazon Prime Now seems to be a good fit and it’s fairly priced.

September 2015 | 69

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I

New Apps Designed To Curb Your Excessive Smartphone Use

f you feel like you’re stuck to your smartphone and just can’t put it down, you’re not alone.

But don’t panic, help is on the way in the form of apps and phone features designed to curb your craving to check your device.

Jason Bauman’s phone has a new setting that allows him to create a list of priority contacts. If someone who isn’t on that list calls, texts, or emails his phone doesn’t make a sound.

“My phone was just constantly going off, and it got to be too much, but if I muted my phone entirely I would miss the important messages and I didn’t like that,” he said.

In addition to the phone’s feature there are lots of apps to help you hang up your phone.

The “Moment” app tracks how much time you spend on your device, and allows you to set time limits.

“FLIPD” will send text message auto replies saying you are unable to respond and even allows you to block app use at during certain times.

It also asks you to take some time away from your phone each day, and tracks it to make sure you aren’t cheating.

“It’s a constant problem that I see with many people where it’s like almost an addiction. They just can’t put the thing down,” Nick Bonatsakis said.

Some wonder if it’s really possible to have an addiction to your phone.

“I don’t think you can be addicted to the phone. You might be addicted to a particular program or device that brings you something

that’s so pleasurable, so distracting that you’re willing, or need to turn your life over to do it,” said Robert Weiss, a psychologist.

Weiss said that if you think there’s a problem, the key is to identify what you crave, and then cut back to get your life in balance.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but using your phone to help you unplug from your phone can work, Weiss said.

“Using an app to calm yourself, distract yourself, sooth yourself is not the same as getting away from the tech, but boy it’s a great way to take a few moments out of your day and find some peace, calm, and distraction, and who doesn’t need that?”

Weiss said.

A recent study found that most smartphone users check their device 35 times a day for about 30 seconds each time.

September 2015 | 71

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Blade tenderized For your safety, USDA recommends cooking to a minimum temperature of 180 degrees

Tenderized Meat to be labeled in 2016

S

Michele Gillen mgillen@cbs.com

ome steaks and roasts on store shelves have been mechanically tenderized but until recently there were no rules in place to let consumers know if what they were buying had been tenderized, an important piece of information for consumers.

Teri Gault is a grocery savings expert. She stocks up on beef whenever it’s on sale.

“Because we eat it about once or twice a week,” said Gault.

While Gault knows all about how to save, one thing she didn’t know until recently is that some of the steaks and roasts on store shelves have been mechanically tenderized during processing.

“I had no idea. I don’t mind meat being tenderized but I need to know about it because it does bear on how I’m going to cook it,” said Gault.

Experts said Gault has the right idea.

When beef is mechanically tenderized, needles or blades are used to break down the connective tissuein the meat, allowing for a more tender product.

According to Alfred Almanza with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the potential issue is in the cooking process.

“Basically the process is such that if there are pathogens present, it will drive them

into the inner muscle, and you just can’t tell by looking at products whether they’re mechanically tenderized or not,” said Almanza.

“Consumers need to know that this product is mechanically tenderized so they know they have to cook it differently. A mechanically tenderized steak needs to be cooked more thoroughly for sure.”

Starting next year, the USDA will require labels similar to these on all beef that has been mechanically tenderized.

“It’ll have two things on the label: number one it will have the cooking instructions, along with the rest time and it will also have the process in which it had been mechanically tenderized,” said Almanza.

Cooking instructions like minimum internal temperature and the time the beef should sit before you cut into it. Some terms you may see: mechanically tenderized, blade tenderized, or needle tenderized.

“Mechanically tenderized is the broad scope of the process. Blade tenderized is a more narrow focused where you’re just using a blade. Needle tenderized is generally associated with a marinated product,” said Almanza.

Barry Carpenter of the North American Meat Institute said tenderization enhances the quality of the meat for consumers and he points out the industry has taken steps on its own to reduce the risk that tenderization will transfer pathogens to the interior of

the meat.

“The industry has done a number of things to improve the safety: more interventions to reduce the microbial load on product before it goes into the either blade tenderizing or the, the needle tenderizing process,” said Carpenter.

Consumer advocate Chris Waldrop believes the new labels are important but, he says if you see one, it doesn’t mean you should put the package down and buy something else.

“I don’t think consumers need to avoid this product,” said Waldrop. “I think they just need to cook it properly and the labeling and the instructions is going to help them do that.”

That’s what Gault plans to do and she’s going to be on the lookout for labels.

“I’m glad it’s coming soon. I’m not one to normally like a lot of labeling because it usually ups the price of the food but I think this is important enough,” said Gault.

The new labeling rule goes into effect May 2016. In the meantime, experts recommend cooking all steaks and roasts to the recommended 145 degree internal temperature with a three minute wait time before cutting into them.

If you think you’ve seen labels like this already, Costco has actually been voluntarily labeling the mechanically tenderized meat it sells for about two years.

September 2015 | 73

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FIAT Introduces New Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio

J

ust in time for the spring and summer top-down driving season, the FIAT brand today introduced the new Fiat 500 1957 Edition Cabrio.

The FIAT brand continues to celebrate the storied past of the historic Nuova 500 with the addition of a cabrio version of the popular Fiat 500 1957 Edition, which was introduced in 2014. The Fiat 500c 1957 Edition features a premium dual-layer power-operated cloth top – a contemporary solution to the famous canvas roof on the original Cinquecento – designed to deliver all-season driving pleasure with the top up or down.

“We continue to expand the FIAT lineup,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand for North America. “The Fiat 500 1957 Edition celebrates the spirit of the original 1957 Nuova 500, and with the arrival of a cabrio version, we are adding open-air fun to the iconic Italian-designed Fiat 500 1957 Edition.”

Pricing for the well-equipped limitedproduction model starts at $24,700 U.S. MSRP, just $1,900 more than a base Fiat 500c Lounge. The Fiat 500c 1957 Edition is available for orders now and will arrive at studios this spring.

With just the push of a button, the Fiat 500c 1957 Edition’s power-operated cloth top retracts up to the rear spoiler during speeds up to a best-in-class 60 mph (a midway point may be chosen by pressing the button anytime between). Press the roof button again, and the roof will neatly fold all the way open and tuck neatly behind the rear head restraints (up to 50 mph).

The power cloth top offers even more technology. When the liftgate is opened for trunk access, the power-operated cloth top automatically retracts back to the rear-spoiler position to avoid any obstruction.

Now available as either a hatchback or a cabrio, the 2015 Fiat 500 1957 Edition includes a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling, 16-inch forged aluminum wheels with a retro body-color design, throwback “FIAT” badging and a premium Marrone (brown) and Avorio (ivory) leather interior. The model is available in three classic exterior colors: Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) and exclusive Celeste (celestial blue).

About the Fiat 500 1957 Edition There’s a romance about Italian cars, brands, fashion and design that make goods from this artisan nation among the most coveted around the globe. Since 1957, the Fiat 500 has embodied all four, empowering the Cinquecento to become one of the most iconic automobiles of all time. Nearly 60 years later, and with sales in more than 100 countries, the Fiat 500 1957 Edition commemorates its roots in uniquely crafted detail.

Based on the Fiat 500 Lounge model, the 1957 Edition enhances its iconic silhouette with a vintage look, thanks to classic exterior colors for this limited-edition Cinquecento, including Bianco (white), Verde Chiaro (light green) or Celeste (celestial blue). Inspired by the 1957 Fiat “Nuova” Cinquecento, an exclusive 16-inch retro wheel design features a wide chromed lip, body-color accent and large center cap with historic “FIAT” emblem. For improved handling, a sport-tuned suspension and all-season performance tires are standard.

Completing the look are throwback “FIAT” badges on the front fascia and rear liftgate.

Continuing the 1957 Edition’s vintage look is an Avorio (ivory) interior environment contrasted by premium Marrone (brown) leather seats. Avorio accent stitching vertically crosses the seatbacks and seat cushions, while detailed stitching

at the perimeter adds to the Cinquecento’s craftsmanship. For added contrast, Grigio (grey) door panels feature a unique Avorio inner panel, while Marrone door armrests and shift boot (with manual transmission) are color-keyed to the leather seats for a harmonious look. An exclusive Avorio leather-wrapped steering wheel is hand-stitched with Marrone leather on the “inner ring,” and features a retro “FIAT” badge, illustrating how the FIAT brand takes craftsmanship to heart. Adding to the historic theme is a uniquely styled key fob with Marrone casing and Avorio-painted “1957” graphic. For driving enjoyment, the six-speaker and 276-watt FIAT premium audio system with SiriusXM Radio is also included.

The Fiat 500 1957 Edition features the innovative 1.4-liter MultiAir engine and C514 five-speed manual transmission, delivering an EPA estimated 31 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 40 mpg highway. With all FIAT products, engaging dynamics are essential, and the 1957 Edition includes a driverselectable “Sport” mode on the instrument panel to unleash a more aggressive throttle map. Additionally, an optional six-speed automatic transmission with driver-selectable gear changes is also available. In Sport mode, the automatic transmission offers a more aggressive shift schedule and throttle map for improved engine responsiveness.

September 2015 | 77

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Confessions of a Pa i n t l e s s D e n t Remover Skip the Body Shop and Save a Lot of Money

C

alling a paintless dent remover instead of taking your car to the body shop can save you significant amounts of time and money. But choose carefully — the job is far trickier than it looks. We managed to track down and speak with the Obi-Wan Kenobi of paintless dent removers, Los Angeles-based Sean McMullan of Crayford Coachworks, as he massaged a complex ding out of a Subaru Impreza. His keen and entertaining insights are below.

I tell people I’m the McDonald’s of the automotive world — I make everyone happy for a lot less money. To be specific, I can usually fix your dent for a third the cost of a body shop. Sometimes it’s even a tenth the cost, if you add in the car rental and down time. But you have to know what you’re doing, as you almost have to be an artist to know how to do this job. The dent on this Subaru Impreza — caused by a baby seat falling onto the car — looked like it was going to be borderline impossible to fix.

The number-one thing causing dents is people driving into trash cans. Number two is irate girlfriend/boyfriend incidents. When I show up, no one admits to causing it. He says, “She was drunk” or she says, “He was seeing some other chick.” I sometimes have to tell them to stop because it gets quite heated at times, and I’m there to fix the dent, not the relationship.

Decades of Experience I’ve been pushing metal for about 30 years, since I was 15 and started working in a body shop in Kent, in southeast England. I used to own my own body shop but now I’m strictly mobile — I come to you to fix your dent. I’ll try to find a place to park without too much traffic and one that has good light. I work out of the back of my Toyota

with light or the shadow that it generates over the panel. That’s why I use these boards that I suction onto the car. They help me work on the dent and let me see when I’ve got it worked out. I probably own a couple of hundred tools because every dent is going to require some shaping. In some cases I have to make my own tools and light boards.

The hard part is knowing when you’re done. You think it’s absolutely perfect, you go and have a sandwich, come back and say, “Shoot, I missed that.” So you must walk around it, change the light before you know if you’re done. You can get it good enough, or make it perfect.

Tacoma pickup, which holds my tools. Most dents take only about 15 minutes or so and I charge about $100-$125.

When people call me about a job I ask them to describe the dent. Is it the size of a quarter? A half-dollar? What is the color of the car? Because that makes a difference, too. I also want to know what caused the dent because I’ve seen so many of them.

If they are some distance away I may ask them to take a picture and e-mail it to me.

Part of being a good dent guy is knowing when to say no. I can’t fix dents in structural components like the side rails of the roof because there’s no way to get to them. If I can get to the dent, I can usually repair it, and I’ve special tools to gain access to nearly every part of the car. But if I can’t gain access, often it’s a no-go.

Hundreds of Tools Being able to fix a dent has a lot to do

Horrific Failure Rate A lot of people get into this business thinking it will be an easy way to make money. They last for maybe a year or so and then they drop out. It has a horrific failure rate and it’s much harder to do than people realize. Everyone asks if I’m going to screw it up when I fix the dent. Quite often I’ll decline the job if I can’t make it flawless. Or I’ll ask the owner if they would accept a tiny imperfection. Most people are all right with that.

Sometimes I get called in to fix a dent that someone else has already had a go at.

If it can be shaped back into a nice gentle salad bowl it’s easy to lift out. If they’ve pickled it, it’ll look like the Pyrenees Mountains.

We call it “chewing it up” or “pizza-ing it” because they hit all over the place instead of working out the dent.

Occupational Hazards This job is hard on your eyes because you’re always squinting at the dent in bright light. Also, your wrist takes a hiding. I have

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to get into some awkward positions, and if I go out in the morning on a tough job and it’s cold, I can throw my back out.

I go to the chiropractor once a week, and he can tell what kind of a week I’ve had. He keeps me up and running.

Hiring a Paintless Dent Remover If you have a dent you think could be handled by a paintless dent remover, it’s a good idea to go to a body shop first to get an estimate. Then, use the one-third rule to figure out what a paintless dent guy could do it for.

Call around and ask how long they’ve been doing it.

Make sure they have been doing it for at least 3 years. You want to find if they have automotive experience prior to dent repair. You’d be surprised that a lot of guys in our business can’t do things like remove a taillight to get to the backside of a dent. And just be a good judge of character — feel them out on the phone.

Job Satisfaction If I’ve done my job right, I can come back and look at it, even with my light board, and say, “Now even I don’t know where it was.” When I’m done, the dent could be perfect but something doesn’t look quite right. So I’ll take a tool and put back in that orange peel look.

I guess it’s like art — some people have the ability to draw and others just don’t. That’s what I love about my job. What I do seems impossible to most people. And that I can do it quickly is like instant gratification.

September 2015 | 81

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Dodge Debuts

Plum Crazy Heritage Hue for 2016 Challenger and Charger at Woodward Dream Cruise, Provides Collector-demanded Production Numbers for High-impact Paint Colors

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eyond its rich muscle car legacy, which is highlighted today by the Challenger and Charger SRT Hellcat models – the most powerful muscle cars ever, Dodge continues to produce some of the most recognizable high-impact and heritage hues that have ever hit the blacktop. And for this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise, Dodge will debut the next limitededition color from its archive: Plum Crazy.

“Powerful muscle cars painted in impactful colors make Woodward Dream Cruise the perfect setting for Dodge to debut the newest generation Challenger and Charger models in Plum Crazy,” said Tim Kuniskis, President and Chief Executive Officer – Dodge Brand and SRT Brand, FCA – North America. “And with our strongest musclecar arsenal ever, we knew it was time to reach into our Dodge paint code archive and offer our high-performance R/T Scat Pack and SRT Hellcat models in one of the most iconic exterior colors of all time.”

Plum Craziness: 46 years of Dodge brand’s iconic color Since 1970, Plum Crazy has been one of the most desired paint colors for the Dodge Challenger and Charger. Today, the enthusiast demand for this heritage hue is stronger than ever – as the signature paint color is directly associated with high collectability and the famed “Mopar-or-no-car” legacy.

Add in the widest performance range ever for the 2016 Challenger and Charger, and there hasn’t been a better time to paint the

Dodge brand’s iconic muscle car arsenal in the nostalgic color.

“From the aggressive and in-your-face styling of the SRT Hellcat models, the reverberating black stripes on our Shaker models, to the nostalgic dual A-line side stripes in satin black or gloss white on the R/T Classic model – Plum Crazy further builds on Dodge brand’s muscle-car roots and adds to Challenger and Charger’s vibrant legacy,” said Mark Trostle, Head of Dodge and SRT Design, FCA US LLC. Plum Power: up to 485 naturally aspirated, or 707 supercharged horsepower Dodge dealers will take orders in September for the 2016 Dodge Challenger or Charger in Plum Crazy, with production beginning this November. Models available with Plum Crazy include: 2016 Dodge Challenger models: Challenger SXT Plus • 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 305 horsepower, standard TorqueFlite eightspeed automatic transmission and 30 mpg on the highway Challenger R/T, R/T Plus, R/T Classic, R/T Shaker and R/T Plus Shaker • 5.7-liter HEMI® V-8 engine with up to 375 horsepower paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission, or available with the paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission Challenger R/T Scat Pack, 392 HEMI Scat Pack Shaker and SRT 392 • 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 485 best-

in-class naturally aspirated horsepower paired to a standard six-speed manual transmission, or available with the paddleshifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission Challenger SRT Hellcat • 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 engine with 707 horsepower – the most powerful power plant ever in a muscle car, mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, or available with the paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission 2016 Dodge Charger models Charger SXT (when equipped with 20inch wheels) • 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with 292 or 300 horsepower, paired to a standard TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission Charger R/T and R/T Road & Track • 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 370 horsepower and paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission Charger R/T Scat Pack and SRT 392 • 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine with 485 best-inclass naturally aspirated horsepower and paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission Charger SRT Hellcat • 6.2-liter Supercharged HEMI V-8 engine with 707 horsepower – the most powerful power plant in a muscle car ever – and paddle-shifting TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.