CBS4 News Magazine

Security scan

MIA travelers can pay to shorten lines with fingerprint & iris scans

KEY BISCAYNE

Key Biscayne About CBS4 PRint publications The CBS4 Key Biscayne News Magazine is a monthly magazine. Twelve complimentary editions per year are delivered to the homes and businesses in Key Biscayne 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 Village of Key Biscayne.

Our editorial focuses on local business and community news which includes health, sports, real estate, automotive and entertainment news.

REAL. LOCAL. NEWS. DELIVERED!

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 ANCHORS Rhiannon Ally rally@cbs.com 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 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 Maggie Newland mnewland@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

4 | August 2015

SPORTS Jim Berry jberry@wfor.cbs.com Mike Cugno mcugno@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 Marlena Rodriguez mrodriguez1@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. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@ cbs4newsmagazine.com. CBS4 and/or Marco G. Inc do not assume any liability for products and/or services claimed in advertisements herein. CBS4 and its logo (s) are protected through trademark registration. The use of logos, content and/ or artwork in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For more information please contact 305.477.1699.

Contents August 2015

08 12 19 46

RACE MATTERS: POLICING BY THE NUMBERS

As part of the station’s ongoing series, Race Matters: Policing by the Numbers, CBS4 News gathered and analyzed the details surrounding every misdemeanor marijuana arrest, made by every police agency in Miami Dade County, for the last five years. We reviewed nearly 60,000 cases, sorting them by race, outcome, and impact on the court system.

16

Health Section sponsored by

6 | August 2015

22

Real estate

Section sponsored by

Taste of the Town: too tight SKINNY Ironside Pizza JEANS

security scan

A little slice of Italy is drawing in the crowds in the courtyard of a hipster area called Ironside, which is just west and south of 79th Street in Miami.

We’ve all heard the cliché ‘beauty is pain,’ but one woman’s skinny jeans brought-on more pain than she probably bargained for.

It’s the stuff seen in Hollywood movies—iris scans and fingerprints to access secure areas and is about to become a reality at MIA, for those who want to pay the price.

28

46

52

Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Home marketplace automotive improvement

feature www.cbsmiami.com

women to watch:

Nancy G. Klimas

By Tara Gilani Tara.Gilani@TrendTracker.com

roundbreaker and role model, Dr. Nancy G. Klimas is Professor and Chair of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Director at Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine. Mouthful, yes. There’s more. She’s a mother and a grandmother, too. I caught up with Nancy at the elegant Ritz Carlton South Beach. We gazed upon the ocean and we languished in the lobby. Perfect setting. Perfectly divine respite.

Dr. Nancy Klimas is a renowned immunology and chronic fatigue expert, researcher and professor. This you would not immediately know from her lightness and easygoing vibe. She’s as funny and sweet as she is killer-brilliant. “The first 4-5 years I was practicing medicine and they called me “doctor,” I was like who, me? Is the doctor here? Oh, that’s me,” she quipped.

At Nova Southeastern University, a $4 million grant is helping Klimas re-shape the future. “We’re building this amazing research institute and clinical team to work together on really complicated problems. First problem we tackled is chronic fatigue syndrome, which is also called myalgicencephlomitis. Say that seven times fast,” she dared me. Of course I took up the challenge. Of course I failed. Miserably and happily.

Luckily for many, especially veterans, Nancy does not shy away from challenging scenarios. “I have patients

feature www.cbsmiami.com

with complicated medical illnesses, particularly chronic fatigue syndrome and patients with immune system disorders of various sorts so I also see patients at the Miami VA hospital with Gulf War illness. I run the Gulf War Illness research program there,” she proudly shared.

I asked the good doctor: “Do you think doctors discount females more than they do males?” Nancy’s answer was swift and sure: “Yes. I say this because I have spent the last 30 years taking care of women who had to go through dozens of doctors to get someone to take them seriously.”

I asked for her expert advice: “Do we try to find a woman doctor?” Said Nancy: “I think women doctors are more likely to believe you when you say something’s wrong. There are plenty of great male doctors the main point there is to believe yourself and if you think you walked away and didn’t get good care, you probably didn’t get good care.”

This loving M.D. is also a loving mother to three daughters and grandmother to a beautiful baby girl. She visibly melted when rhapsodizing about her family. “My family definitely trumps all else, I love my family.

I’m a new grandmother this past year. I am insanely besotted with this beautiful little one year old, Calliope” she gushed.

In her spare time, Nancy builds kayaks.

Yup, kayaks. I’ll let her explain: “It’s fun and so pretty when it comes together. Delayed gratification, I guess. I spent 35 years coming up with solutions to these horrible diseases.

When it comes to building a kayak, 100 work hours later and you have a kayak. I get to paddle it around. Fabulous. I just love it.”

We talked about the future and the next generation.

“Legacy comes in two flavors, like life,” said Nancy. Family and work. The family is set. And this institute that we built at NSU? Beyond fantastic. So this too will be a legacy.” She beamed with pride.

Nancy Klimas, from the heart: TG: I am?

NK: I am strong.

TG: I want?

NK: I want to complete my work.

TG: I will?

NK: I will find the answers that I’ve been seeking.

TG: I wish?

NK: I wish all young women starting their careers have the same great opportunities I’ve had.

I ended our chat with a hug and a toast: “For all you do for so many, thank you.

Cheers Dr. Nancy Klimas!”

Keep up with Dr. Klimas here: www.Nova.edu @NovaSE @NSUnews

I think women doctors are more likely to believe you when you say something’s wrong.”

Dr. Nancy G. Klimas

August 2015 | 9

feature www.cbsmiami.com

By Jim DeFede jdefede@wfor.cbs.com

feature www.cbsmiami.com

n a recent morning, County Court Judge Samuel Slom moved through his docket, calling one defendant after another with speed and efficiency.

“You are charged with the offense of possession of marijuana,” he told one young man.

Forty-one seconds later he called another defendant up to the bench, “You are charged with possession of marijuana.”

A minute later another: “You were charged with possession of marijuana. Let’s find out what the prosecutor’s offer is.”

Out of the 220 cases heard during the three and a half hour court session, half were for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. In his chambers afterwards, Judge Slom, who has been a Miami Dade judge since 1996, said it is typical for marijuana cases to dominate his calendar.

“If the taxpayers only knew the impact these cases had on their pocketbook, they would be, I think, surprised,” he said.

As part of the station’s ongoing series, Race Matters: Policing by the Numbers, CBS4 News gathered and analyzed the details surrounding every misdemeanor marijuana arrest, made by every police agency in Miami Dade County, for the last five years. We reviewed nearly 60,000 cases, sorting them by race, outcome, and impact on the court system.

Among our latest findings: • In the past five years, more than 44,000 people were arrested in Miami Dade on the sole charge of possessing a small amount of marijuana, often nothing more than part of a marijuana cigarette.

• Misdemeanor marijuana arrests accounted for ten percent of all the cases - misdemeanor and felony - filed in the court system between 2010 and 2014. In the last two years, it was at least one out of every nine people arrested.

• The Miami Dade Police Department is responsible for filling the court system with marijuana cases, account-

ing for 61 percent of the cases filed over the last five years.

• An examination of the 44,860 closed cases between 2010 and 2014 shows a sharp racial disparity. Although Miami Dade County is less than 20 percent black, 55 percent of the cases had black defendants.

CBS4 News also examined the outcome of the marijuana cases as they made their way through the court system. We found: • Just two percent of 44,860 marijuana cases closed between 2010 and 2014 resulted in a conviction.

• Forty-nine percent were either dismissed or dropped by prosecutors, often after forcing the defendant to attend a series of classes that cost $300.

• The remaining 49 percent were settled with what is known as a withhold of adjudication, which is an admission of guilt, but not a formal conviction. (A withhold of adjudication remains on a person’s record forever and can hurt their ability to find work and housing. It can keep a person from being able to enlist in the military, receive student loans, or become a citizen.)

•While blacks are disproportionately

arrested on the street for misdemeanor marijuana possession, they face an equally difficult challenge in the courtroom. Although blacks made up 55 percent of the defendants during that five year period - 74 percent of the people convicted for marijuana possession were black. And 65 percent of those who received a withhold of adjudication were black.

• At the same time, you were more likely to have your case dropped or dismissed if you were white than if you were black. Among those who had their cases dropped or dismissed 56 percent were white while only 44 percent were black.

Judge Slom and other judges recently supported a measure they hope will curtail the number of marijuana cases entering the criminal justice system. The measure, which passed the Miami Dade County Commission in June, provides police the option of issuing a $100 ticket rather than arresting someone for possessing a small amount of marijuana. (Broward County will consider a similar ordinance in September.)

“I don’t view marijuana possession as the most serious of offenses, but I August 2015 | 11

feature www.cbsmiami.com

look at the impact that it has not just on the defendants but on the taxpayers,” Judge Slom said. “When someone is arrested for a simple possession of marijuana case, the officer often transports them to jail, now you have taken the officer off their beat. Once they are booked into jail who do you think pays for their medical care, their dental care, if any is needed, their room and board? That also lands on the taxpayers shoulders.

“The officer is often subpoenaed for depositions, subpoenaed for trials, subpoenaed for motions,” Slom continues. “So if the officer is on duty it takes them off their beat; if the officer is off duty the taxpayers are now paying for that overtime salary. If a defendant chooses to go to trial, who pays for that? The taxpayers.”

Slom, however, was reluctant to criticize police for making the arrests.

“Well, I guess that is up to law enforcement and society to decide how best to use its resources,” he said.

“I can say, based on a judicial perspective, we do question the prudence of using this vast amount of resources for a simple case of marijuana possession.”

Others were more blunt in their assessment.

“What you have documented is that black people are arrested more, are put through the criminal justice system more, and are convicted more, for an offense which white people commit at the same rate that black people commit,” said Howard Simon, executive director for the ACLU of Florida.

“I think all of that - what the police policies are, what our money is being spent on, the race implications of that - all of that has got to go before our county commission. And we’ve got to figure out how to change the priorities of the Miami Dade Police Department.”

The Arrest of Tannie Burke CBS4’s interest in those priorities started with the arrest of Tannie Burke.

On August 27, 2014, a group of plainclothes Miami Dade police officers pulled onto a dead end street in South

What you have documented is that black people are arrested more, are put through the criminal justice system more, and are convicted more, for an offense which white people commit at the same rate that black people commit.”

Howard Simon, executive director for the ACLU

Dade and arrested three young black men after finding a single marijuana cigarette on the ground near where the trio was standing.

Two of the men were released on the spot after being given notices to appear in court. The third, Tannie Burke, was placed in handcuffs and loaded into one of the unmarked cars.

Why did the cops haul off 21-yearold Tannie Burke? According to Burke, the officers were angry because Burke’s stepfather, Marvin Armstrong, was videotaping the arrest as well as berating the officers and accusing them of racial profiling.

Burke claims instead of taking him to jail or to the South District police station, the officers took Burke for a ride, during which they repeatedly complained about his stepfather’s actions.

“They said, `Your step father got a lot of mouth, you know we don’t like that,’” Burke recalled.

After twenty minutes, Burke said they dropped him off on the edge of some darkened farmland, miles from his house.

“They put me off somewhere in Goulds,” Burke recounted. “There were no street lights and no houses. It was just dark.”

What makes Burke’s allegations alarming is the simple fact that Burke has been legally blind since birth.

It would take Tannie Burke the better part of an hour to find his way home with help from a stranger. The incident is now under investigation by Internal Affairs.

“These law enforcement ain’t got no compassion, no consideration, and definitely none toward a blind man,” said Burke’s stepfather, Marvin Armstrong. “They just do what they do because they think they can get away with it.”

CBS4 News began to hear other stories about abusive police procedures in the predominantly black neighborhoods of Miami Dade County.

“We’re talking about police procedures that really victimize communities of color,” said State Senator Dwight Bullard (D-South Dade). “I take serious offense and have a real problem with that.”

Police officials counter they are not deliberately targeting blacks, they are simply going into neighborhoods most affected by crime, and those happen to be the economically destitute areas where blacks live.

Bullard and others however argue that by focusing so much attention on petty, minor offenses, the police create a rift between themselves and the very communities they claim to be trying to help. Instead of becoming a liberating force that frees a neighborhood, the police can instead become an occupying army that treats everyone they encounter as a suspect.

“What we want to know is that the police are actually fighting real crime,” he said. “Going in and harassing folks, or harassing folks for petty crimes like smoking marijuana outside their home or outside their residence doesn’t seem like a good use of taxpayer dollars.”

feature www.cbsmiami.com

The way in which police conduct themselves while working in minority communities is a growing concern across the country. The tumult recently seen in places like Ferguson, Staten Island, and Baltimore can have their roots in a long list of social factors - poverty, unemployment, a lack of clean affordable housing, a breakdown of families - but they almost always become ignited through encounters with the police, especially in neighborhoods where they feel the police treat them with a lack of respect.

The fear is that when the police target neighborhoods like Goulds and Perrine, no matter their motivation, they treat the people who live there differently than they would if they were assigned to more affluent neighborhoods like Cutler Bay and Pinecrest.

“Stopped And Mistreated.”

Robert Brooks, the senior pastor for the St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church in West Perrine, says he believes that simply being a black man in Perrine automatically makes you guilty of something to the police.

“Personally, as I’m thinking about it, I can name at least four cases that stand out,” he said, recalling instances when he had been needlessly detained by the police.

“Stopped and mistreated, or by my standards mistreated,” he said.

“I wasn’t roughed up, not physically, but disrespected, spoken to as if I was already a suspect.”

He recalls one instance when a group of plainclothes officers jumped out at him as he was riding his bicycle, forced him to lie face down on the ground while they handcuffed him.

They then put him on his knees while they ran his driver’s license.

“I remember particularly while I was on my knees, with the cuffs behind my back, the bus rolled by, and I thought about how embarrassing it would be if members of my congregation saw me wondering if I had committed a crime,” he said.

He said he let them know he was a pastor but it made little difference to them.

“I didn’t tell them that for them to give me a break or anything,” he said.

“I was letting them know I didn’t fit their description and my behavior didn’t warrant the way I was being treated.”

Initially CBS4 News focused its attention on the officers that arrested Burke, a six-man unit known as a Crime Suppression Team. In May, CBS4 News reported the majority of their arrests involved young African Americans for relatively minor offenses, most notably pot possession.

At the time, Miami Dade Police Director JD Patterson was critical of the stories, noting CBS4 examined only 245 marijuana arrests made by the Crime Suppression Team. Patterson publicly told a group of county commissioners: “When you take five or six officers in the statistical report that was demonstrated and you put it out the way it was put out, you would get the impression that that’s a real serious race issue that’s going on in our community.”

In response, CBS4 widened its scope, pulling more than 60,000 records, in an effort to examine every marijuana arrest made in the last five years by every police agency in Miami Dade County.

During the five years between 2010 and 2014, the Miami Dade Police Department accounted for 61 percent (27,480) of the cases.

Miami Beach was second with nine percent (3,996), Miami was third with 8.4 percent (3,770), Miami Gardens was fourth with 4.5 percent (2,008), and Hialeah was fifth with 3.7 percent (1,670).

“When 61 percent of all the marijuana arrests in the county are by the county police, when the county police only polices 40 percent of the population in Miami Dade County, it indicates really screwed up priorities by the county police department,” said Simon, from the ACLU. In reviewing the 27,480 marijuana cases made by the Miami Dade Police Department, CBS4 News discovered the racial disparities first detected in the south end of the county with the Crime Suppression Team are in fact occurring throughout the department.

In the last five years, 58.4 percent of the defendants arrested by the Miami Dade Police Department for misdemeanor marijuana possession were black.

Donald Jones, a constitutional and civil rights law professor at the University of Miami, said the numbers show the police are treating the people who live in black neighborhoods different than they do individuals in other neighborhoods.

“It says to me that we’re profiling,” Jones said. “We’ve gotten to a point where we criminalize whole communities. We see certain communities as being communities of criminals and we police them that way.”

Jones said it can have a chilling effect on the relationship between the police and the community. “It creates an atmosphere as if this is a different America,” he said.

The issue of over-policing black neighborhoods is one of the reasons why blacks fair so poorly in court.

The prosecutor will often dictate the outcome of a case based on a defendants previous arrest record. If the defendant has been arrested before, they are not likely to receive the same options for having their case dismissed.

By repeatedly arresting people in the same neighborhood you ultimately guarantee a negative outcome in the courts, Jones said. “You end up catching the same fish in the same pool over and over again,” he said.

Ultimately it is a matter of priorities, Jones said. Are there better uses for these officers? Are there greater threats that they should be going after?

The analysis by CBS4 News found that in the last two years, Miami Dade Police made three times as many arrests for misdemeanor marijuana possession than they did for drunk driving.

In 2013, for example, Miami Dade police officers arrested 5,421 individuals on the sole charge of possessing marijuana. That same year they made 1,628 DUI arrests.

“We want the communities safer,” said Jones. “Taking marijuana out is not making the communities safer but taking those resources and focusing on the violent crimes would.”

August 2015 | 13

Taste of the Town:

Ironside Pizza

A

By Lisa Petrillo • lpetrillo@wfor.cbs.com

little slice of Italy is drawing in the crowds in the courtyard of a hipster area called Ironside, which is just west and south of 79th Street in Miami.

In the middle of a hodgepodge of art galleries, warehouse space and residences is Ironside Pizza. The same group that owns Toscana Divino, in Mary Brickell Village, heads the charming restaurant.

“It’s a fantastic place. There are about 40 tenants. It’s mostly galleries, furniture stores and architecture. It’s a very vibrant setting,” said co-owner Tommaso Morelato.

The restaurant provides the ultimate combination: a vibrant setting with truly authentic Italian food, at reasonable prices.

“Ironside wants to be a classic Italian pizzeria, Neapolitan style. It’s very simple, very cozy and a place where you can hang out with family and friends inside and out,” Tomaso said.

The secret, he says, to his perfect pizza is in the dough—it’s kneaded by hand and placed in a wood-burning oven for 60-90 seconds. Gluten-free pizzas are also an option.

“The dough rests 24 hours. It’s the classic Neapolitan recipe. It’s strictly cooked in the firewood oven which

makes the flavor completely different,” Tommaso explained.

But Ironside Pizza isn’t only about pizza, the salads are fresh and beautiful with many other options on the menu. “The soul of the place is the firewood oven. We can do parmigiana, meatballs, veggie lasagna but everything’s cooked in that oven,” he said.

My first taste was the Braseola, which is cured Italian beef salad made with arugula, cherry tomatoes and fresh parmesan.

Immediately I tasted the nuttiness of the arugula and then a nice salt flavor to the meat–and the lemon on top was delicious. This is a light and perfect summer salad.

Next, I tried “Involtini,” also known as pizza bites.

They can be vegetarian or not. Mine were filled with mini pockets filled with fresh ricotta cheese and thinly sliced salami, topped with truffle oil.

I decided I could pop these babies into my mouth all day long.

Finally, Ironside’s signature pizza: Pizza Regina, or The Queen’s Pizza. (Perfect title for me, No?) It’s made with fresh sliced Italian prosciutto, arugula and Parmesan cheese.

I found these little bites to be super light, airy, crunchy and really authentically Italian.

Ironside Pizza is opened 7 days a week lunch and dinner.

For more info: www.pizzaironside.com

feature www.cbsmiami.com

U

Uber SuspendS O p e r at i o n s I n B r o w a r d J u l y 31

by Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com

ber, the ride-sharing service, suspended operations in Broward County at the end of July.

The company, in a statement, said that Broward County officials made it, “impossible for us to continue providing the standard of service people have come to expect in Broward County.”

Operations were suspended as of July 31, according to the company.

Uber said Broward’s laws are oppressive to require each driver to obtain a county chauffer registration, a car permit and county-run background check plus carry state required commercial insurance.

Uber said it does its own car

inspections, its own driver background checks and objected to subjecting the drivers to the counties bureaucracy.

Commissioner Barbara Sharief said it’s an issue of safety.

“Broward County put in place legislation that protects our riders and tourists here in Broward,” she said. “So if someone gets in a, God forbid, really bad accident there’s no protection for them.”

Before the commission broke for summer several weeks ago, they voted 7-2 to up the fines on Uber drivers. If caught operating in Broward the first fine was $750 and $1000 after that.

Drivers had stopped picking up passengers from Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades hoping the gesture

would persuade county commissioners to back off, but it did not work.

Commissioner Chip LaMarca said everyone he knows who has tried Uber enjoyed it and the county is over regulating.

“They have insurance to comply with state law, that’s all we ask them to do,” he said. “They get background checks. Seven out of 10 drivers don’t make it as Uber drivers.”

Emails have flooded county commissioners over the past year from customers saying they enjoy Uber’s lower fares, cleaner cars and friendlier drivers.

“We hope the Board of County Commissioners will revisit the issue when they return from break and work with us to bring Uber back to Broward,” Uber said.

August 2015 | 15

feature www.cbsmiami.com

N

New Hope for Veterans Facing Homelessness

eighbors 4 Neighbors wants to bring awareness to the many Faces of Homelessness, such as our nation’s Veterans, and share with readers the efforts that are being implemented to help these heroes who are now tragically living on the street.

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from a count conducted in January 2014: • There are 49,933 homeless veterans in America.

• This is a decline of 33% (or 24,837 people) since 2010.

• There has been a 40% drop in the number of veterans sleeping on the street.

HOUSING FIRST The drop in homelessness among veterans is due in part to a new initiative called Housing First that helps to remove old obstacles that prevented military veterans from entering stable housing more quickly than in the past.

Once off the street, services to help these Vets can be more successful and the reoccurrence of homelessness is decreased considerably.

States like Utah have seen great progress in their communities and have become the model for the rest of the country, including South Florida.

In an article published by the Washington Post: • In 2005, Utah had nearly 1,932 chronically homeless • 2014, that number had dropped 72% to 539 Not only have they seen a decline of those on the street, but it has saved the state a great deal of money. Since the homeless become sick or injured more often, it costs the state a considerable amount of money each time a person is admitted to the hospital.

(Insert SIDEBAR with photo) “The solution is to get veterans back into housing which is not only more cost effective, but it helps remove the desperation that might lead someone from having to break the law just to survive.”

Sadly, some homeless must resort to theft or other petty crimes just to survive. If arrested, one person, can cost the state upwards of $20,000 or more per year. The solution is to veterans

back into housing which is not only more cost effective, but it helps remove the desperation that might lead someone from having to break the law just to survive. Additionally, being in a safer environment, many of their medical issues are eliminated. With this stability, these once thriving members of our community are able to get back on their feet and back to work. At this point, the support services available will work the way they are intended.

It’s not just about saving money, it’s about rebuilding lives. Lives of those who once risked so much for their country and often, by no fault of their own, ended up in the worst place possible, on the street.

Neighbors 4 Neighbors works each day to help connect those in need with those who can help. Log on to our website www.HelpingFeelsGood.org and along with our partners Wells Fargo and Everglades Holiday Park, you can volunteer to help in our community to end homelessness.

Also, don’t forget our students heading back to school, many of them live in unstable housing and in need of supplies for school. Your donation of $35 will supply one child with everything needed to start the school year off right. Log on to: www.neighbors4neighbors.org/back-to-school for all the details.

August 2015 | 17

AS SOUTH FLORIDA’S ONLY CANCER CENTER OF EXCELLENCE, NO ONE IS MORE PREPARED TO FIGHT YOUR CANCER. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center earns South Florida’s first and only Cancer Center of Excellence award.

At Sylvester, we are passionate about fighting cancer, all day, every day. The State of Florida’s Cancer Center of Excellence designation recognizes our more than 250 cancer specialists and the work they do hand in hand with researchers at the University of Miami to discover, develop and deliver the most effective ways to prevent, detect, treat and cure your cancer. The award – based on measured success in delivering quality cancer care to patients – lets everyone know that Sylvester is a destination for precision cancer care backed by innovative research. To learn more, visit sylvester.org.

MIAMI | CORAL SPRINGS | DEERFIELD BEACH | HOLLYWOOD | KENDALL | PLANTATION | CORAL GABLES COMING 2016

health content provided by sylvester.org

NATIONWIDE PRECISION MEDICINE TRIAL COMING TO SYLVESTER COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER

S

ylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at UHealth, the University of Miami Health System, will be one of the sites offering the landmark precision medicine trial, NCI-MATCH (Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice) – a trial that will open to patient enrollment in July. The announcement was made Monday, June 1, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, where several Sylvester physician-scientists were in attendance.

NCI-MATCH seeks to determine whether targeted therapies will be effective in patients whose tumors have specific genetic abnormalities, regardless of their cancer type. The study, co-developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), will incorporate more than 20 different study drugs or drug combinations, each targeting a specific gene mutation. Instead of prescribing a drug based on the tumor location, such as breast or lung, NCI-MATCH will determine each patient’s genetic abnormality and match that to the drug that will target

the mutation in their tumor.

“The NCI-MATCH trial is a big step toward bringing precision medicine to our patients,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., Director of Sylvester. “With more than 115 researchers and 130 physicians, Sylvester is uniquely positioned to be able to offer this breakthrough targeted approach to patients in South Florida and the region.”

Enrollment began in July with approximately 10 substudies, moving to 20 or more within months. Each patient will have their tumor biopsied and its DNA sequenced to determine if there is a genetic mutation that is driving their tumor growth, and whether it is one of the abnormalities that might be targeted by a wide range of drugs being studied. Investigators plan to screen about 3,000 patients nationwide, many with rare cancers.

“This has the potential to revolutionize cancer care,” said Nimer. “As we conduct this trial, Sylvester researchers will continue studies to further identify more genetic drivers and develop more targeted therapies which will lead to better outcomes.”

Cancer patients interested in the NCI-MATCH trial should email sylvesterclinicaltrials@miami.edu or call 305-243-1000.

This has the potential to revolutionize cancer care.”

Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., Director

August 2015 | 19

health www.cbsmiami.com

M inimally I nvasive B ea u ty T reatments G rowing I n P op u larity or those wanting to look a bit younger but want to avoid injections or going under the knife, there are a host of minimally invasive treatments meant to stop the skin’s aging process.

Julie uses fractional laser treatments to keep her skin looking young and improve texture.

“There’s very, very little downtime. And there’s not very much pain involved, and it’s an extremely natural result,” said Julie.

The natural look you get from that is what experts say more patients are opting for and a host of minimally invasive treatments are aimed at achieving it.

“We have so many new technologies, so many new procedures and there’s so much interest,” said Dermatologist Arielle Kauvar, MD. There has been increased interest in treatments like, focused ultrasound to tighten the skin, fractional lasers to treat scars, wrinkles, and improve texture or micro needling, which is

actually using small needles to create tiny injury to the skin.

What is the idea behind the treatments?

“We can create microscopic wounds to the skin and that stimulates the skin to produce new collagen. By essentially tricking the skin into going into this wound repair mechanism we can reverse some of the aspects of aging,” said Kauvar.

Some experts recommend starting treatment early at the first signs of aging in order to slow the process.

Dr. Scot Glasberg, President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, sees a trend toward minimally invasive procedures but feels some of these treatments may border on too little for some patients.

“There are times when surgery or more invasive procedures are the best options for patients. And that’s generally later in life, more extreme situations where patients have waited and not had any of the minimally invasives to start,” said Glasberg.

Kauvar points out sometimes a combination of treatments works best and said lasers can’t prevent wrinkles from returning in areas with a lot of muscle movement.

“So injectables such as neurotoxin and fillers accomplish one kind of change whereas lasers and ultrasound treatments accomplish another. And often to get the sort of total picture and the best rejuvenation we combine them,” said Kauvar.

If you do consider opting for a newer minimally invasive anti-aging treatment, Dr. Kauvar recommends seeing a physician who is well qualified and has a lot of experience with the treatment device.

“Although they are extremely safe when used properly, these are high energy devices and it is possible to create side effects when they’re not used properly,” Dr. Kauvar.

As for Julie, she is happy with the results she has seen.

“My skin is tighter. It’s smoother without looking blown up,” said Julie.

health

too tight

www.cbsmiami.com

Skinny Jeans Land Woman In Hospital For 4 Days

W

by Marlena Rodriguez • mrodriguez1@cbs.com

e’ve all heard the cliché ‘beauty is pain,’ but one woman’s skinny jeans brought-on more pain than she probably bargained for.

Skinny jeans is a vastly popular trend, especially for the fashionably-conscious women across South Florida.

One woman, from Australia, while helping a family member move, noticed her skinny jeans had felt increasingly tight and uncomfortable during the day, according to the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, & Psychiatry.

Later in the evening the 35-year-old woman was walking home and noticed foot numbness which caused her to trip and fall.

The woman reportedly spent

several hours on the ground before she was found.

The woman’s lower legs were worse on the right side and her jeans could not be removed and had to be cut off.

The woman suffered severe weakness of ankle and toe movements and nerve damage as a result of squatting in the skinny jeans, according to the journal.

Her feet were warm and swollen.

The patient was treated with an IV for hydration and the nerve function of her lower limbs improved significantly. She was released from the hospital four days later and was able to walk without help, according to the journal.

The journal reports that the woman’s case “represents a new neurological complication of wearing tight jeans.”

August 2015 | 21

health www.cbsmiami.com

e s i o N n Whe Is Mo

re T

An

e all get annoyed by noises at times.

Maybe it’s a song on the radio we can’t stand or a friend’s obnoxious laugh.

But what happens when the noise becomes more than an annoyance?

You may have a condition known as misophonia, where certain sounds drive you to the point of rage or disgust.

“Mouth noises like sneezing, coughing, chewing. Those are the types of things I can only hear for a few seconds before I react very strongly,” said Paul Dion.

Dion loves playing the keyboard in his spare time.

But he doesn’t just tickle the ivories for fun. It’s also an escape from the other noises he can’t stand.

He has misophonia.

Audiologist Gwen Kandula says misophonia is different than more common sound sensitivity or ringing in the ear.

“Misophonia is really thought of as a

An

hatred of sound, but it’s not just of any sound. It’s a very specific sound that we refer to as trigger sounds,” Kandula said.

A person’s reaction to trigger sounds can vary in severity from feeling anxious and tense, to full blown anger.

Kandula says research is lacking, and it’s not known exactly what causes the condition. The average age of onset is adolescence.

A person with misophonia has normal hearing. It’s their reaction to certain sounds that’s heightened.

“Some people we’ve even seen some physical traits that can happen–their jaw will tighten, they’ll tighten up when, when they have, when they have an experience, a trigger sound,” Kandula explained.

The most common trigger sounds for misophonia are bodily noises like chewing, finger tapping, even breathing.

Dr. Aage Moller, a professor of Neuroscience at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Behavioral and Brain

han

noy an

ce

Science, has been studying the brain for decades, and believes that a person with misophonia cannot help having a strong reaction to certain sounds.

“I do not think a person can change it, avoid it, or overcome it,” Dr. Moller said.

Unfortunately, there’s no real cure for misophonia, but exposure therapy has shown some promise for patients.

“Eventually they get to a point where even if those sounds may still bother them somewhat, they don’t have is an extreme a reaction as they did when it was in its full course,” Kandula said.

Paul isn’t getting any treatments at this time and says he has gotten to a point where he can basically manage his condition.

He just hopes awareness and research continue to increase.

“I wish people would have an understanding that misophonia is real, it affects people very strongly, and it can really affect their life negatively,” Dion said.

August 2015 | 23

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Maintenance Adds Surprise Costs to Homeownership Heating and cooling bills, regular maintenance tasks, and system updates can put a dent in your finances.

W

hen most people — particularly first-time home buyers — think about the costs associated with purchasing a home, they typically consider the costs related to closing on the deal. These closing costs include mortgage, title and insurance fees.

What many homeowners don’t plan for are the costs associated with actually owning the home. If you are buying a home that needs work, you would get estimates and build those expenses into the overall cost of owning the home. But there are more expenses, even for homes that are in move-in condition.

Many home buyers focus much of their attention on the purchase price or the interest rate of the loan. In reality, saving $10,000 on the overall purchase price or getting a 1/8-point lower on the loan won’t translate into cash in your pocket. But hidden expenses — those that come with the territory of homeownership — will certainly affect your finances.

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Relocating from one part of the country to another?

Someone moving from Northern California to the suburbs of Connecticut will be blown away to learn how expensive it is to own a home. If you live in an area where air conditioning isn’t necessary, and heat comes from gas-fired HVAC systems, your month utility bills and the regular costs associated with homeownership will be relatively low.

But to heat a home in the Northeast through the winter, you’ll need an oil truck to deliver 150 gallons of oil to your home every five weeks — to the tune of $800 per fill up. And don’t be surprised by an extra $100 per month on your electric bill from May to October if you are using air conditioners.

The average consumer, without knowledge of these day-to-day realities, will face severe sticker shock.

Similarly, if you move from the suburbs to the country, expect a septic system and well water. Each of these requires regular maintenance and expenses.

Ask for credits instead of a lower purchase price

To manage these maintenance costs, it’s smart to set some money aside, and one way to do that is to get a credit when you buy the home. Most lenders will allow buyers a credit back from the seller at the closing, up to 6 percent. A reduction structured as a credit back cuts your closing cost expenses and keeps money in your pocket to earmark for home improvement.

If you negotiate a $5,000 price reduction, that’s great. But it won’t help for cash flow purposes. That slight

reduction, amortized over the life of the loan, may translate into savings of less than $50 per month. Wouldn’t you rather have that money in your pocket at the closing?

Use your inspection to establish a home maintenance plan

Part of becoming a homeowner is performing regular maintenance. You can’t call your landlord to fix problems once you own a home.

As a part of your home buying due diligence, understand from the property inspector what is required to maintain the home. Most buyers think that the inspection is all about finding faults or issues with the property.

While poking holes in the home is certainly one aspect of inspecting, what’s just as important is having the opportunity to learn about the home and its systems.

Use the walkthrough with a licensed inspector and the written report to identify what home improvement issues you will face. Budget and plan for a two-, three- or five-year plan to address issues like a leaky water heater, energy-inefficient single pane windows or a boiler near the end of its usable life.

Know before you go

If you are moving to a new area — whether it is only five miles away or five thousand miles — find out at the beginning of the home-buying journey what to expect once you are a homeowner. Do your due diligence on home improvement and maintenance just as you would school districts or housing stock.

August 2015 | 25

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Recently Sold Key Biscayne

881 Ocean Dr APT 10C, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 CONDO | Built in: 1971 Sold: 6/23/2015 for

$1,240,000

R

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

1,875 2

emarkable views to the ocean blue! Floor through unit offers views to Biscayne Bay, island of Key Biscayne and the ocean. Hear the surf, walk the beach and enjoy the tropics. Well cared for property, Renovated marble baths. Light and bright. One neighboring apartment per floor.

Very private. Views, views, views! Kick back and relax.

baths

2

600 Grapetree Dr, Apt 4ES, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 CONDO | Built in: 1974 Sold: 7/6/2015 for

$1,240,000

U

Size (sq. ft.)

beds

2,281 4

baths

3

pdated unit with an abundance of natural light! Very Spacious 3 bedroom/ 3 baths plus den that can become 4th bedroom. All rooms are spacious and have ample closets! Corner unit with ocean views! Large and spacious master suite with his/hers large walk-in closets and separate shower & bath. Great kitchen with eat-in area and sliding glass doors for al fresco dining. Walk right down to the beach!Special assessment of $14,479 for remodeling of lobby, gym, party room and atrium.

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Recently Sold Key Biscayne

605 Glenridge Rd, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 2011 Sold: 6/30/2015 for

Size (sq. ft.)

$3,350,000 4,352

M

beds

baths

6 6.5

agnificent architectural beauty. New 6 br, 6.5 Bas residence on an oversized corner lot. Spacious living areas in this superior luxurious quality home featuring 4,250sf of air conditioned space & 5,665 sf including terraces & porch. Spectacular finished in this exceptional jewel with gorgeous landscaping and island views.

150 Island Dr, Key Biscayne, FL 33149 SINGLE FAMILY | Built in: 1962 Sold: 6/24/2015 for

Size (sq. ft.)

$3,900,000 2,965

F

beds

5

baths

4

abulous boaters paradise located on sought after quiet tree lined island drive. Sensational vaulted ceilings offer brilliant natural lighting and abundant living area for family and entertaining. Open kitchen, 5/4 split bedrooms, staff area - you have it all! Updated on 1991 and perfect for gracious living. Gorgeous pool/patio area for weekend gatherings. Yatchsmans dream with protective dockage.

August 2015 | 27

Real Estate

4

content provided by zillow.com

Tips for Getting Value From Your Home Inspection The inspection can be your chance to learn about your potential home and discover possible trouble spots.

Real Estate content provided by zillow.com

Many buyers assume that the home inspection is their opportunity to pick the home apart and find its flaws. While the inspection often results in a second round of negotiations, buyers should view the inspection as the introduction to their potential home. Here are four tips for getting the most from your home inspection.

1 2 3 4

Enlist a pro

It’s best to use a well-known, local inspector — preferably someone your agent refers. If your Uncle Bob is a contractor, it may seem like a good idea to bring him instead. But you need a licensed inspector who is familiar with the area, and different types of homes and systems.

An impartial third party, the inspector should be a voice or reason, not an alarmist or overly optimistic. They are liable for inspecting to the best of their ability.

Come prepared

Bring a list of your concerns and questions about the house. During the viewings, you probably had questions about some aspects of the construction. Write down your concerns.

If the seller provided property disclosures or you’ve received documents about the property from the local building department, bring them to the inspection. The inspector normally starts off with a discussion about what he seeks to accomplish, then asks what questions or concerns you have. Lay them out at the beginning so that the inspector can keep them in mind as he goes through the home.

Walk around with the inspector

Some inspectors prefer to work independently, but most will give you the opportunity to walk around with them. This is your chance to learn about your home. You want to know and see firsthand where your water heater and electrical panel are. It’s easier to understand if you are there, in front of the inspector when he points something out, than to hear about it at the end.

As a homeowner, you will need to know all about your systems because there won’t be a landlord to call when something goes awry.

Use the inspection to compile a maintenance plan

Parts of the home often break down or fall apart because nobody properly maintained them. Changing the filter on the HVAC system, replacing old plumbing valves or monitoring leaks will help keep things working. Nobody wants a broken boiler in the middle of January, or their water heater to break mid-week.

The inspection is a great way to learn about your home and what it will need going forward. If the boiler is near the end of its life, find out what you need to do next winter to make sure it lasts the season.

Make a financial plan to replace it in the future.

Home inspection is one of the biggest components of the real estate transaction. You should take it seriously, and come prepared to ask questions and learn about the home.

August 2015 | 29

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Air Purifier B u y i n g

G u i d e

Today’s energy-efficient homes tend to be air tight, staying warm during the winter and cool during the summer. Unfortunately, the house isn’t allowed to breathe and open windows are not always a good option. Air purifiers are designed to bring that touch of fresh air indoors.

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Air Pollutants and Allergens in the Home

Air pollution remains an environmental concern throughout the world. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution levels can be up to five times higher than pollution levels outdoors. An air purifier can help you deal with tobacco smoke, pollen, animal dander, mold, mildew and other irritants and pollutants. Asthma and allergy sufferers can benefit from cleaner air, and we can all benefit from fewer irritating airborne particles, smells and microorganisms.

Air Purifier Size

The most important thing to look for when you buy an air purifier is the correct size for your room. Air purifiers are portable and can be moved from one room to another, provided the rooms are similar in size.

To make the best choice, learn what CADR means. The Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) seal program was developed by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) to help consumers choose air purifiers. CADR is based on the cubic feet of air a purifier can filter per minute. The higher the CADR number the faster the unit cleans the room’s air.

Purifiers with the CADR seal remove tobacco smoke particles, animal dander, mold, mildew, dust and pollen particles. Use the following formula to decide which CADR is correct for your room: Square footage x .75 = CADR Example: If your room is 16 feet by 17 feet, which equals 272 square feet, you’ll need an air purifier that has a CADR of at least 204. 272 x .75 = 204 If an air purifier isn’t available with the exact CADR you calculate, round up. For instance, if your room size requires a CADR of 204, purchase one with a CADR of 220.

If you have a room with ceilings higher than 8 feet, move up to the next level CADR for a larger room. If you have an open floor plan, purchase two small units. The units can be moved to different areas in the room, cleaning the air more efficiently than one unit.

Air Purifier Features

Different brands of air purifiers have different features. Here are some additional features to look for: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters remove 99.97% of air pollutants .3 microns or larger from the air. HEPA filters also remove tobacco smoke, household dust, mold spores, animal dander and pollen.

UV-C sanitizer is an ultraviolet light that kills bacteria and eliminates household odors caused by pets, smoke and food preparation.

Frequency of filtering cycles (average every 10 minutes) can vary between models.

Check filter control is available on some models.

Speed controls for times when filtering needs vary.

Things to Remember

Shop for a unit with reduced noise level for use in living rooms and bedrooms.

Clean or replace filters regularly for maximum efficiency. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Refer to the owner’s manual for the proper placement in the room where the air purifier is used.

Help improve your indoor air by regular vacuuming and cleaning of textiles (such as draperies). Use a vacuum with an air filtration feature.

Reduce or eliminate possible irritants, such as smoke, candles, and scented fresheners and cleaners.

Change your household heating and cooling filters as directed.

• While using an air purifier does improve air quality, this alone is no guarantee to improve the health of asthma or allergy sufferers.

Always seek and follow professional medical advice.

August 2015 | 31

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

Install a Pedestal Sink Create a more open look for your bathroom by installing an affordable, stylish pedestal sink.

Tools & Materials Tools Basin Wrench Circular Saw Drill Tape Measure

Materials

Dimensional Lumber Drain Assembly Faucet Pedestal Sink

Basic Considerations for Your Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks come in two pieces -- the stand (pedestal) and the sink itself. The plumbing fits inside the pedestal, which is secured to the floor. The sink is mounted to the wall and also rests on the pedestal stand.

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Before you decide to purchase, here Step 3 are some things to think about: Installing one is a little more difficult than a regular drop-in or wall-mount lavatory.

Fitting the plumbing inside the pedestal can be close work. Also, matching the sink to the proper level on the wall and the exact height of the pedestal requires precise measurements.

Decide whether you can live without the storage space of a vanity cabinet. The counter top and cabinet are going away, but shelving or recessed medicine cabinets can compensate for some lost cabinet space.

If you are removing an old vanity, the floor and wall will probably require some attention. The water supply lines also may need to be relocated. To install, first turn off the water supply and remove the old fixtures.

Step 1

While you are updating your sink, it’s a good time to do a makeover on the walls and floor. The sink mounts to the wall directly or onto a bracket provided by the manufacturer. The alignment of the sink mounting holes may not be a perfect fit with the existing wall studs. Therefore, you will need to reinforce the wall to bear the weight of the sink. Measure up from the floor the height specified by the manufacturer (average heights range from 29-in to 33-in). Determine where the center of the sink will be on the wall.

If the water supply lines must be moved to accommodate the position of the pedestal, do so at this time. In some cases, you may not be able to conceal all of the supply lines inside of the pedestal. If they must show, think about selecting chrome or brass fittings to match your faucet.

Step 4

Place the pedestal in position on the floor and mark where it will be mounted. Some pedestals must be bolted into the floor, while others require only caulking. Carefully set the sink on top of the pedestal to confirm proper height and alignment. When everything is marked, set the sink and pedestal aside and drill the floor holes, if needed. The pedestal can now be secured to the floor.

Step 5

Your choices will be single-hole, 4-in centerset, or 8-in widespread. Hook up the faucet, drain assembly, and drain plug lift rod, to the sink before mounting on the pedestal.

Attach the sink to the wall with the bolts provided. Do not over-tighten or you could crack the porcelain.

Now attach the water supply lines and the drain assembly. Turn the water on and check for leaks.

Step 2

Locate the wall studs on both sides. Cut out a section of the wall between the studs to fit a support board. Be careful not to cut any pipes or wiring in the wall. Use a 2x6, 2x8, or 2x10, depending on the sink’s installation instructions. Attach the support board flush with the studs. Align the sink with the support board. Mark and drill into the new support. Temporarily mount the sink to ensure that it’s level. Afterwards, set the sink aside.

August 2015 | 33

Home Improvement content provided by lowes.com

get rid of

Rats and mice will quickly take advantage of any source of food or shelter.

These rodents will consume any food discarded by humans, and they can fit through the tiniest of openings to access your home. Learn how to eliminate these pests from your home, and prevent them from returning.

Habitats of Rats and Mice

The most common rodent pathways are sill ledges, fence rails, foundations, electrical wires, pipes, tree branches and conduits. Inspect your home,

outbuildings and landscape for these rodent signs: droppings, gnaw marks and burrows.

Good to Know: Rats can fit through a 1/2-inch opening or the diameter of a thumb. Mice can fit through a 1/4-inch open-

ing, or the diameter of a little finger.

Get Rid of Mice and Rats

The Three Lines of Defense Most baiting programs start

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

once an infestation is discovered.

By baiting along the three lines of defense, you’re working on preventing an infestation from occurring.

Perimeter of the Property Use tamper-resistant bait stations along the perimeter of property.

Use block bait as it can be secured inside bait stations on vertical or horizontal securing rods.

Choose the correct product to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning to non-target animals.

Exterior Baiting Rodents tend to gravitate to warm air currents or where food odors emerge. Tamper-resistant bait stations or traps should be placed every 30 to 50 feet, depending on the severity of the infestation.

Place bait or traps around every entry door.

Interior Baiting Rodent device placement depends on the type of infestation. For mice, space placements at 8- to 12-foot intervals depending on the severity of the infestation. For rats, space placements at 15- to 30-foot intervals, depending on the severity of the infestation.

There are six key principles to successful baiting: Caution: Whatever rodent treatment product you choose, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Do this to ensure your own safety and to maximize the efficiency of the product.

rats and mice will find it.

Step 3: Place enough bait to get rid of rodents. Keep a fresh supply of bait, and remove any spoiled or rancid bait.

Step 4: Read the rodenticide label before placing bait. The label instructions give useful information on bait placement.

Step 5: Use bait stations wherever safety is a concern. Tamperresistant stations keep bait away from children, pets and non-target species.

Step 6: Eliminate the rodent’s food, water and habitat wherever possible.

Reduce the population first before applying rodent-proof measures.

Disrupting the rodent’s environment may send them scurrying.

Keep Mice out of Your House

Rodent Proofing Identify areas in need of rodent proofing, but don’t proceed until you’ve eliminated the rodents.

Build Rodents Out • Close all holes in exterior and interior walls.

• Permit no openings over 1/4 of an inch, particularly around doors and windows Install self-closing devices on frequently used doors.

• Install vinyl or runner sweep seals under garage doors to eliminate any gaps.

• Tighten seals around pipes, drains and vents.

• Cap chimneys and make sure they’re in good condition.

Recommended Rodent-Proofing Materials • Steel Wool Hardware Cloth (19 gauge or better) • Perforated Metal (24-gauge thickness) • Sheet Metal (26-gauge thickness or heavier) • Cement Mortar (1:3 mixture or richer) Eliminate Pest-Friendly Conditions • It’s important to identify conditions that enable the rodent problem to exist, and then implement corrective measures.

Habitat Reduction • Eliminate the rodent’s food and water source.

• Identify habitat areas and eliminate them indoors and outdoors.

• Keep grass and vegetation cut short. Tall grass protects rodents from predators.

• Cut back overhanging trees.

Overhanging trees provide dark, shadowy areas where rodents feel safe and protected.

• Remove piles of debris from the exterior of the structure.

Garbage and clutter around the perimeter are habitat areas for rodents.

• Establish a 2-foot-wide barrier of cement or crushed rock around the structure.

• Improve sanitation practices in and around the house.

Step 1: Choose the right bait for the job. Your choice of rodenticide depends upon the environmental conditions and the severity of the infestation.

Step 2: Place the bait where rodents travel. Your inspection will identify the problem areas and the species involved. Place bait where

August 2015 | 39

Home Improvement

How to

content provided by lowes.com

Choose Flooring Add instant style and value to your home with new flooring.

Explore the options to find a floor that suits your look and lifestyle.

F

ew renovations can immediately change the look and feel of a room like new flooring. Flooring adds instant style and value. And, with so many flooring styles available at every price point, there are perfect options for every home.

Ask Questions

A number of flooring choices are available for every room, so it pays to ask the right questions.

• How long will you live in this

space?

• Do you rent or own?

• What is the look you want to achieve in the room: rustic, elegant, cozy, chic?

• Will this floor be installed on, above (second floor) or below grade (basement)?

• Do you have or plan to have children or pets?

• Are seniors or those with physical disabilities living in or regularly visiting your home? What sort of modifications will you need?

• Does anyone in your home have

allergies?

• Is this a floor you're willing to repair or replace?

• What type of routine cleaning is involved?

• What is the room’s function: catchall, first stop from outside, family night, entertaining?

• Have you factored trim and thresholds into your budget?

• Are you installing the new flooring yourself or having it installed professionally?

• Have you factored installation costs into your budget?

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Kitchen

The kitchen is the epicenter of your home. Choose flooring that's practical and durable enough for daily living, yet is stylistically aligned with the rest of your home. Kitchen flooring should be able to withstand moisture and staining.

Tile / Stone: Tile and stone have the strength to stand up to active households. They’re water-resistant and available in a variety of colors, finishes and textures – some even mimic the look of hardwoods.

Solid Hardwoods: Solid hardwood flooring can be prone to scratches and dents. It's also susceptible to moisture. However, it's easy to clean and adds warmth and value to the home.

Engineered Wood: Engineered hardwood is made of compressed layers of wood. Although it is actually more durable than solid hardwood, the floors can still scratch, dent and suffer water damage. Engineered wood flooring is available in locking or traditional tongue-and-groove applications in a variety of colors and finishes. Homeowners may install engineered hardwood on all grades.

Laminate: Laminate flooring isn't actually wood. The décor layer is a printed image that recreates the natural looks of any wood, tile or stone. High-quality laminate is scratch- and dent-resistant, making it an excellent and affordable choice for busy kitchens. Quality varies, so research the options that lend to the most realistic look, feel and sound.

Vinyl: Affordable vinyl is the go-to for kitchens and for good reason – it’s scratch- and dent-resistant and waterproof. Some vinyl flooring mimic's wood and stone in tiles, planks and sheets.

Living Room

Think about the life your living room sees. Is this where the kids crash for movies? A formal space for receiving guests? Or, a cozy space where friends and family members find refuge from the world?

Carpet: Soft and warm, carpet is a standard in U.S. living spaces. The cost varies by quality, with beautiful choices available at every price point. It’s easy to install and works well with all subfloors. However, carpet is not stain-resistant and requires routine vacuuming and regular steam cleaning.

Solid Hardwood: Hardwoods have a cozy, warm feel and have the highest resale value. It makes cleaning easy because you can wipe up spills without worry. Plus, you can personalize and re-energize your space often with area and throw rugs.

Engineered Wood: Because it is real wood, engineered hardwood offers the same variety and aesthetic in the home as solid hardwood. Since it consists of layers of hardwood bonded together, however it's actually stronger than solid hardwood. Engineered wood may be installed directly over concrete – a bonus for homes built on a slab or living rooms on the basement level.

Laminate: Laminate is an attractive choice for living spaces that see a lot of activity. It is scratch-and dent-resistant and comes in a variety of colors and finishes. Higher-price, premium-quality laminate looks, feels and sounds more like real wood than value options.

Bathroom

Moisture is the predominant concern regarding bathroom flooring. Your choice should be water-resistant, easy-to-clean and suited to your personal style. Thankfully, today’s manufacturers put all of these qualities within reach.

Vinyl: Budget-friendly vinyl is an outstanding option for the bathroom. It’s easy to clean, waterproof, stain-proof and available in myriad styles and colors to complement your interior. It’s available in sheets, planks and tiles and is easier to install than tile.

Tile: Tile delivers a clean and classic look to the bathroom. Durable, waterproof and stain-resistant, tile is an affordable flooring option that’s designed to last. If a cold touch is a concern, consider adding radiant heat to your floors.

August 2015 | 43

Home improvement content provided by lowes.com

Wrapping Crafting Station Hide a gift-wrapping and crafting center on the side wall of a typical closet Rack up Rolls

Pick the Bucket

Use a section of wire shelving and a pair of plastic end brackets to create a simple rack for rolls of wrapping paper.

Small metal buckets can corral a variety of wrapping and crafting tools -- such as brushes and pencils -- and their handles make them easy to hang and carry. Make your own labels for the buckets, if desired. One method is to mask off an area on the bucket using painter’s tape, apply a metal primer, and cover the space with two coats of chalkboard paint.

Hooked on Storage S-hooks are typically used in garages and workshops, but they have a softer side, too. Put a few to work along the wire shelf to hold items such as scissors and bows.

Vent Your Tag Storage Frustrations

Survey your ribbon choices quickly by storing them on a painted piece of round dowel that’s suspended between two pegboard hooks.

Turn an aluminum under-eave vent into a storage solution. Hold it in place on pegboard using twist ties or cable ties. Gift tags of all shapes and sizes fit nicely into the slots.

Shear Ingenuity

String Section

Ribbon Rack

Borrow another storage idea from the workshop by using pegboard hooks to store wrapping and crafting tools.

These multi-ring hooks designed for screwdrivers work just as well for scissors.

Cut and mount a piece of pegboard on the side wall of the closet using pegboard spacers. Then attach hooks to hold your most-used items, such as yarn or string. This works for jewelry and accessories, too.

August 2015 | 47

Marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

security scan MIA Travelers Can Pay To Shorten Lines With Fingerprint & Iris Scans

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Who doesn’t want to bypass those long security lines and use some cool technology at the same time.

- Charmaine Taylor

I

By David Sutta dsutta@cbs.com

t’s the stuff seen in Hollywood movies—iris scans and fingerprints to access secure areas—and is about to become a reality at Miami International Airport, for those who want to pay the price.

The program, called CLEAR, is in 12 airports in the United States and is expanding. Charmaine Taylor with CLEAR said she believes this is the future of travel.

“Who doesn’t want to bypass those long security lines and use some cool technology at the same time,” Taylor said.

Once registered, travelers can skip the TSA line with an iris or a fingerprint scan.

Greg Chin with MIA believes it’s all about convenience.

“I think you look at it like parking. You have valet parking.

You have self-service parking. People, our customers, who like valet parking and they like that kind of service. And that’s what you are getting here. You’re getting premium level front of the line service,” Chin said.

CLEAR, which has been vetted by the TSA, is guaranteeing the process is so fast that you’ll be through security in five minutes or less.

Several travelers at MIA, like Iva Charles, loved the idea. “That’s a great deal!” she said.

The new program will allow travelers at MIA to have three options : the free

lanes, which TSA estimates takes 2025 minutes, the TSA pre-check lanes, which averages about five minutes.

Travelers also get to keep your jacket, shoes and belt on too. But travelers will pay $85 for the convenience for five years. And finally, the new CLEAR lanes which costs $179 a year.

Some passengers may feel like CLEAR is just another gimmick to pay more for a flight, however CLEAR contends this is the opposite. In fact, their membership will help you skip lines outside the airport.

“I don’t think what CLEAR is trying to offer is a nickel and dime type of service. We are trying to bring more benefits, more value to that one membership. It’s almost the reverse. We started out in airports. We are expanding into stadiums, ballparks, other venues at no additional cost.”

Still, would you pay $179 a year for the convenience? Travelers were split on the concept.

Jackie Burns said that if she traveled a lot she definitely would pay. Alexandra Joseph said she thought the service wasn’t for sure because she is not a frequent flier. Diane Hess, who already pays for pre-check, said she might enroll in CLEAR. “I think it might be worth it.”

CLEAR is offering a free two-month trial. Enter the code, MIA2MTRY at checkout.

For information on CLEAR, go to CLEARME.com.

August 2015 | 49

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Real Ruby?

Unreal Deals: Be Weary of Lead-Glass Filled Gems

By Cynthia Demos cdemos@cbs.com

S

econd only to diamonds in the hierarchy of precious gems, rubies are the most valued of all the colored stones.

Mary Kay Elloian of Bedford was thrilled to find a pair of earrings deeply discounted at just $100.

“I was buying ruby, a pair of ruby earrings. That’s what I requested and that’s what I was buying,” Elloian said.

At least that’s what she says the salesperson at Macy’s in Burlington told her she was buying, but when she got the earrings home she noticed a partially-covered sticker with fine print.

“It actually said lead-filled. I felt like I was duped,” she said.

Trained at the Gemological Institute of America, Beth Doughty of Winchester explained that by improving color and clarity the lead glass transforms otherwise worthless stones into something pretty enough for jewelry.

“They are very, very low quality goods and they are trying to make them marketable and they have come up with this way to do it,” Doughty said.

Doughty examined another pair of earrings bought at Macy’s that are same model number as Elloian’s.

“GIA would describe this as a manufactured product in their report. Nowhere would the word ruby be,” said Doughty.

When you shop online at Macy’s the website says “almost all rubies are leadglass filled.”

In a statement Macy’s says there is signage in the stores about the glass filled rubies. However, Elloian didn’t see them.

CBS4’s Cynthia Demos went shopping for the sign herself – she visited three of the nine Macy’s in South Florida.

Of the six sales associates approached, only two knew what lead-glass filled meant.

Macy’s said, “We are training our store associates to bring this information to the attention of our customers.”

Two out of the three Macy’s did have

the sign up stating the rubies were leadglass filled.

Lord and Taylor’s lead-filled rubies had large stickers identifying them as such.

Zales, Kay Jewelers and Sears told us upfront that their rubies are lab created which contain no natural ruby at all, but those synthetic stones do last like real rubies do. Something you can’t say about glass filled stones.

“The lead glass that’s being used to do the filling is not very durable,” said Shane McClure of the Gemological Institute.

According to the Gemological Institute of America, these stones may not hold up to any kind of repair or remounting.

“Even some of the most basic solvents that you might find around the house like bleach for instance could potentially damage the filler in these stones and it’s not repairable once it’s been damaged,” said McClure.

Good deal or not, Elloian returned her earrings.

“People should know what they are buying,” she said.

August 2015 | 51

Marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Top Reasons Why

South Florida

is a great sports region

S

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

By David Dwork ddwork@cbs.com

outh Florida is one of the best places to live in the United States. It has great weather, beautiful beaches and plenty of options for things to do. As a sports region however, it tends to get a lot of negative attention. Perhaps the biggest knock on South Florida sports is that its fans are often referred to as ‘fair weather’ because of lagging attendance when a team is struggling.

While that is a fair distinction, it isn’t the only thing that should be considered when looking at what kind of sports region South Florida is. There are several factors that should be measured in order to truly analyze how good or bad a sports town may be. Here are the top reasons why South Florida is a great sports region.

Lots Of Teams

South Florida is one of the lucky places in North America for sports fans. It has a team in each of the major sports and several top-level college teams as well. Professionally there’s the Miami Marlins for MLB, the Miami Dolphins for NFL, Miami Heat for NBA, Florida Panthers for NHL and (hopefully) soon we’ll get official word about a Major League Soccer team as well. At the collegiate level the University of Miami has always been the top dog in town but schools like Florida International University and Florida Atlantic University are emerging as additional college teams that are playing at a high level.

Great Sports Weather One of the reasons that people from around the globe flock to South Florida is that the weather is gorgeous. Sure, it gets hot and there is the occasional hurricane, but overall it’s a great place to be weatherwise. That especially applies for sports games. While the heat can bother some people, it’s been a clear advantage for teams like the Dolphins and Hurricanes when opponents come into town and can’t handle the warmth and humidity. As for the arena teams, it’s rare when fans have to deal with rain as they make their way from the parking lot to their seats. Compare that to almost every other sports town where fans have to deal with snow, freezing temperatures and tons of clothing during the non-summer leagues.

Awesome Venues This is an area that South Florida fans have been a bit spoiled, especially now. The Heat’s downtown arena is amazingly modern and fan-friendly. The Marlins have a brand new stadium with a retractable roof that is considered one of the best in baseball. Up in Sunrise, the Panthers arena is truly one of the better places to watch a hockey game in the NHL. It’s spacious, easy to get to and has all the modern amenities of buildings that are just a year or two old (it opened in 1999, FYI). The blemish on this list would be the stadium that the Dolphins call home, but that’s in the process of changing. Over the next year and a half there is a $400 million renovation that’s going into Sun Life Stadium, changing everything from the seats to the scoreboards and even an overhead shelter to shield fans from the sun and rain while leaving the field out in the open.

Knowledgeable Fans Something that can’t be argued is that sports fans in South Florida know their stuff. Regardless of the sport, fans know their teams inside and out. They follow each roster move and analyze every trade and draft pick. These fans have been following their sports teams for most of their lives and that has trickled down generation after generation. Are the fans spoiled? Are they of the ‘fair weather’ variety? Well, based on the attendance figures over the years it’s hard to argue otherwise. South Florida isn’t the only place that happens though.

Far from it, actually. But for whatever reason, this region gets the more attention for that aspect than any other.

August 2015 | 53

automotive content provided by media.chrysler.com

T

The FIAT Brand Continues to Expand With the All-new Fiat 500X

he all-new 2016 Fiat 500X is the latest addition to the FIAT lineup in North America, combining the authentic Italian design and engaging driving dynamics synonymous with the FIAT brand, together with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, unmatched functionality, and a full array of safety, comfort and convenience features.

“The Fiat 500X will significantly expand the reach of the FIAT brand in North America,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “The all-new 500X delivers the Italian design and personality that we are known for, along with an unprecedented level of equipment and technology. In addition, it will be the first vehicle in our portfolio to offer an advanced all-wheel-drive system that will provide customers with peace of mind in all driving conditions.”

With comfortable seating for five, world-class craftsmanship, and superior ride and handling, the Fiat 500X delivers driving excitement, technology, safety and functionality to the rapidly growing small crossover segment.

In the United States, the all-new Fiat 500X is available with the fuel-efficient 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine paired with

a six-speed manual transmission, with an output of 160 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2 engine produces 180 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque, and is paired exclusively to a nine-speed automatic transmission on allwheel-drive and front-wheel-drive models.

A disconnecting rear axle allows for reduced parasitic loss when all-wheel-drive capability is not needed, improving fuel efficiency. The Dynamic Selector system allows the driver to choose from three modes (Auto, Sport and Traction +) for the most suitable vehicle configuration for different driving conditions.

The 2016 Fiat 500X offers up to 70 standard and available safety and security features, including Forward Collision Warning-Plus, LaneSense Departure Warning-Plus, Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection. Electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist and electronic roll mitigation is standard on all models, as are seven air bags.

Loaded with technology and convenience, the Fiat 500X is available with features like Uconnect 6.5 radio with a 6.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen and navigation, Bluetooth streaming audio, Uconnect Access Via Mobile, a 3.5-inch color thin-film

transistor (TFT) cluster display, Keyless Enter-N-Go, and heated front seats and steering wheel.

The all-new Fiat 500X was designed at Centro Stile in Turin, Italy, where designers leveraged the character and iconic features of the Fiat 500 into a larger and more mature package. On the exterior, design elements like double headlamps, a trapezoidal nose, the signature “whiskers and logo” face and the rounded clamshell hood pay homage to the original Cinquecento. The purposeful and distinct Italian design carries through to the interior with clever storage, body-color instrument panel, a circular cluster display and iconic door handles.

The 2016 Fiat 500X is available in five trim levels: Pop, Easy, Lounge, and for a more rugged look, Trekking and Trekking Plus. The Trekking and Trekking Plus models feature unique front and rear fascia designs, and satin silver accents for a distinct, adventurous appearance.

Crafted in Italy at Fiat Automobiles’ Melfi assembly plant, the all-new Fiat 500X will arrive in FIAT studios in North America in the first half of 2015. As a global vehicle, it will go on sale in more than 100 countries worldwide.

August 2015 | 55

automotive content provided by media.chrysler.com

For People Who Push Back:

F

Warren Truck Pushes Out First 2015 Ram 1500 Rebels

iat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC began production recently of the all-new 2015 Ram 1500 Rebel at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant (Mich.). The oneof-a-kind, full-size truck is assembled by more than 4,000 employees across 3.3 million square feet of the Company’s 75-year-old truck plant.

The Ram 1500 Rebel makes a statement with an all-new, blacked-out grille and distinctive billet silver “RAM” letter badge. Rebel is designed with increased ride height, standard 33-inch tires, skid plates, tow hooks, and a unique brawny interior starting at $42,790.

Operating on three crews, the Warren Truck Assembly Plant is home of the only consecutive winners of the prestigious Motor Trend Truck of the Year: the 2013 Ram 1500 and 2014 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.

Building more than 286,000 available combinations of the Ram 1500, the plant has produced more than 12.5 million trucks since its operations began in 1938.