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Free Money?

Apps that offer to pay may cost you your privacy

PINECREST

modifying mosquitoes Mixed feelings over gmo mosquitoes in the Keys

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Contents March 2015

RUN-AWAY BUS

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A Miami-Dade bus driver run over by her own bus exposes widespread safety problems. While the driver appears to have made an error in not engaging her brake and allowing the bus to take off, it is sadly not an uncommon one. The county even has a name for it. They refer to them as ‘Runaway Buses.’

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Health Section sponsored by

6 | March 2015

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Real estate

Section sponsored by

IS FREEDOM DANGEROUS?

NOAA: Lolita now covered under endangered specis act, but will she be set free?

THE TRUTH ABOUT POWDERS

Move over tablets and capsules, in the world of supplements, green superfood powders are all the rage.

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66

Section sponsored by

Section sponsored by

Home marketplace improvement

a clean print

You’ve likely seen crime scene investigators working their magic. New study shows accuracy of fingerprint analysis.

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automotive Section sponsored by

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Free money?

Apps that offer to pay may cost you your privacy

A

By Walter Makaula

pps that offer to pay you for doing tasks may be a great way to earn extra bucks but users may be risking much more than they think for the fast cash.

From uploading pictures of her grocery receipts for cash to watching videos on her phone to earn gift cards, work at home mom Nicole McDonald said she makes about a thousand bucks a year using

money-making apps.

“I like using apps that pay me cash and rewards because it’s a super easy way to get some extra income,” said McDonald.

There are hundreds of apps that let you cash in!

Receipt Hog is the one McDonald uses to upload sales slips but the app also pays you to take short surveys.

The ShopKick app rewards you with gift cards when you visit recommended stores,

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scan items and buy products.

With Clashot, users can just upload photos and if they’re “liked” by another user you can earn money.

Some apps, like cash pirate, pay you to play games.

“We are definitely seeing more and more apps that at least say they’ll make you money if you use them,” said cyber security expert Gary Miliefsky, Miliefsky said if you do “use them” apps could be cashing in your privacy.

He reviewed some of the top money-making applications and found buried deep in the fine print some admit they find your precise GPS location, prevent a device from sleeping, send sms messages, modify or delete contents of your USB storage, download files without notification, take pictures and video, and even record audio.

“I think that the behavior in most of these rewards apps is creepy and inappropriate.

Yes, they need to monetize you and ensure that you’re located where you say that you are but they’re collecting way too much information,” said Miliefsky.

He found some moneymaking apps don’t even post required privacy policies and

others operate outside the United States.

“If you feel like you’ve been ripped off and the app manufacturer is located in China or the UK or Canada you may have to go to those countries, their regulating agency to get your money and an agency may not help you if you haven’t had many thousands of dollars in losses,” said Miliefsky.

Experts said if you’re going to use a money-making app: review its privacy policy and what information the app accesses, see where the app company is located, read the reviews and don’t download any app that pops up as a link in a text message.

“For the most part these apps are fairly safe if you download them from the iTunes store or Google Playstore. You have a few more built-in security measures,” said Miliefsky.

McDonald said she’s never had a problem with any of her money-making apps and she’s fine trading some of her privacy for a little extra cash.

“I don’t think you could make a living off the apps but I think it supplements your income very well,” said McDonald.

I think that the behavior in most of these rewards apps is creepy and inappropriate.

Yes, they need to monetize you and ensure that you’re located where you say that you are but they’re collecting way too much information.”Gary Miliefsky March 2015 | 9

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confessions of a

Black Hat Hacker

By David Sutta

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$15

Price for a stolen credit card number

H

ave you ever had your identity stolen or had your computer hacked? The answer is probably yes.

CBS4’s David Sutta got a look into a side of hacking never seen before from an insider; a guy who hacked computers and websites and who bought and sold information online. He says he’s changed his ways but perhaps he’s just found the next big thing in hacking.

Greg Hanis has a confident smile and he can’t stop smiling as he punches keys on his laptop.

CBS4 tasked him with showing how to buy stolen credit cards. He starts with Google, enters some key words, and a few clicks later, he’s there. He points to a screen filled with numbers and expiration dates.

“There are some gift cards. Here are people dumping free cards because they don’t know what to do with them,” he explained. If you ever wondered how much a stolen credit card number is worth, wonder no more. “For Visa Classic, they’ll buy the information for $15,” he said.

Hanis showed CBS4 a side of the internet we knew existed but have never seen. He chose an online forum, out of dozens, where he can buy and sell credit card numbers for cheap. He clicks over to a credit card section.

He explained, “It depends on what kind of card it is. If it’s a gold or a Platinum card you can get $28.” The price is higher because the card has a higher credit limit. He detailed how the whole transaction, financed using online currency called Bitcoin, is essentially anonymous.

“I don’t know where this guy is. He could be in Florida. He could be right down the road. All I know is that’s his email. Mary Snow. And he has a bunch of credit cards.”

Oddly enough, credit cards are not where the money is on the black market. It’s your

$5K-10K Price for an identity

identity. Hanis said $5,000 to $10,000 gets you one. “For a good one,” he added. Identity is worth more than the numbers because with a good one you can essentially be someone else to commit your crimes.

There are two types of hackers.

Black Hat Hackers, the bad guys who are looking to steal and inflict “cyber pain”.

Then there are white hat hackers, the good guys using hacking skill for good.

Hanis has played both sides.

CBS4’s David Sutta asked him “What’s easier? Catching a fish or stealing someone’s identity?” Hanis sat back for a second and replied, “Stealing someone’s identity. Because to get a fish you got to get a fishing pole and bait the hook. You’ve already spent like five minutes doing that right and going down to the water. By then I would have already had your identity and signed up a whole EBay account under your name.” He followed the statement with a confident smile.

He started hacking when he was a kid and it quickly escalated.

“I just wanted to know more, more, more.

It was like an addiction. I was on drugs every time I was on the computer. I would go days without sleep or eating and just be on the computer,” Hanis recalled. He became very good until one day the line between what was legal and what wasn’t didn’t really exist. He likens it to drugs. “It leads down that rabbit hole. It’s just like drugs and you abuse it. It just leads down. I want more and more stuff. I want more and more powerful computers.”

Problem is, there is no Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholic Anonymous for computer geeks caught up in hacking.

Hanis would go to prison. According to him, he was attempting to correct his cell phone bill. He says he hacked AT&T’s website and in the process he took AT&T’s network out for two days. “I just didn’t know what I was do March 2015 | 11

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ing. I was unguided. It was just me,” he reasoned.

Attorney Rene Palomino isn’t surprised by the story. “Eventually it can and will catch up with you,” Palomino said. Palomino has represented a host of cybercrime defendants, including one of South Florida most notorious black hat hackers. South Miami High grad Albert Gonzalez was hacking NASA at age 13. He went on to pull the largest department stores hack in history before it was trendy. The TJ Maxx hack led to the compromise of more than 94 million credit card numbers.

Palomino finds those numbers still shocking. “Albert had 11 million credit cards on his laptop alone when he was arrested here in Miami. 11 million!”

Today, Albert is serving a 20 year sentence. Palomino says he had an opportunity to switch sides, hacking for the US government. But he got caught playing both sides. Palomino explained, “They are too smart for their own good and nowadays a good hacker can make a ton of money legally. A good hacker is in great demand for a security firm right now. A good hacker can easily make six-seven figures just on his knowledge of hacking alone.”

Hanis says he’s playing for the ‘good guys’ as a white hat hacker now and spending his days going after black hat hackers. “For every one of us there is probably a thousand plus of them, no, even more than that. 10,000 of them,” he said. Hanis has a standard now for how and who he targets. “I don’t really care about the ones that are doing it for their fame or kicks and giggles or political reasons, unless it’s directly affecting me. But the ones that are out their stealing stuff, because that could be my grandma, I would go out there and track those guys down and release their docs which is all their personal information, phone numbers, their address, their parents numbers, their car.

Whatever I can find out about them.”

Essentially he’s about exposing them.

There is plenty of work for a white hat hacker.

“More fraud, stolen transactions, money is being crossed right now than

people play in online poker or robbing banks,” Hanis said.

The biggest threat out there, according to Hanis, is the internet.

Everything you send and receive is at risk. During the interview with David Sutta, and unknown to the CBS4 staff, he was recording everything being sent from their phones and computers over Wi-Fi. “I’m just collecting it because it’s in the air. There is no law against stuff that’s in the air. It’s passing through my body right now. So it’s mine. I consider it my property.”

Sutta asked him, “What kind of stuff are you grabbing?” Hanis shrugged,”Anything. Cell phone transmissions, pagers, everything travels.

You’re internet because he’s connected to the Wi-Fi.” “And there is nothing illegal about this?” Sutta asked.

Hanis fired back, “I don’t think so.”

Sutta was surprised to hear he may be right.

Attorney Rene Palomino backed Hanis up. “Generally speaking, he is right. Generally speaking just by the information being out there and you having access to it, where anybody from the general public has access to

it, it’s what you do with it that counts.”

CBS4 couldn’t get anyone at the State Attorney’s office to show us a law, in Florida, proving him right or wrong. In other words, technology is moving so fast the line between black and white hat hacking, that it is sort of gray.

Knowing that, Hanis does have advice to better protect yourself.

First stay off those free Wi-Fi networks. The most basic hacker can hack you over them. “It’s general knowledge. It’s like our ABC’s. You got to know how to break into Wi-Fi’s,” he explained.

Secondly, he said, change your password for social media. “You use a different password for that compared to all your other accounts.”

His final tip is only use secure websites when entering in personal information.

Palomino, the lawyer who represents a lot of cybercrime defendants, has advice too. “I rarely, rarely, use a credit card. I pay cash.” Sometimes that’s easier said than done. He also stays off Facebook. He says all you are doing is exposing more information than you realize for hackers.

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O

By Jim DeFede

n December 5, at approximately 4:30 pm, MiamiDade County Transit driver Laquito Alvin steered her bus into the Northside Depot on 79th Street and Northwest 32nd Avenue. It was the end of her route, which had taken her from the Northside Depot to Mercy Hospital and back, and she would have just a few minutes to go to the bathroom before starting the circuit all over again.

A dozen or so passengers stood up, with several trying to get out the back door, before discovering the door was broken and they would have to go out the front.

When the last passenger stepped off the bus, Alvin, a part-time employee who had been with the county for about six months, left the motor running, gathered her belongings and went out the front door. She then walked around the front of the bus to the driver’s side window, where she reached through the opening and pulled a silver lever to close the doors and secure the bus while she stepped away.

As soon as she did, the 40,000 pound bus began to move.

Initial indications are that Alvin forgot to set the parking brake and once the doors closed the bus was free to roll.

Alvin desperately tried to stop her bus but was unable to. As the bus picked up speed, it jumped the curb, while Alvin held on to the steering wheel. The bus then veered to the left and sideswiped another county bus that was parked. Alvin, the 36-year-old single mother of three, was caught between them and run over by her own bus. She died on the scene.

While Alvin appears to have made an error in not engaging her brake and allowing the bus to take off, it is sadly not an uncommon one. The county even has a name for it. They refer to them as ‘Runaway Buses.’

In the twelve months prior to Alvin’s death, CBS4 News has learned there were ten other incidents of runaway buses. Those incidents never made the news because they only resulted in property damage.

But the potential for more serious injuries is evident. In 2013, for instance, a bus driver in Washington

D.C. was killed by a runaway bus.

Since 2003, the county has issued dozens of memos to its drivers, warning them to be sure to set the parking brake before leaving the bus. They even post stickers on the windows. But the accidents continue to happen.

Approximately seven years ago, the county began installing a warning system in their buses. Commonly referred to as a “seat alarm,” it’s designed to prevent a driver from leaving their bus without first engaging the parking brake. If a driver gets out of their seat without the brake in place, the bus’s horn repeatedly goes off.

When investigators boarded Alvin’s bus after the accident, they found the cable for the seat alarm tied in a knot and left unconnected and dangling behind her seat.

Melvin Gonzalez, chief union shop steward in the maintenance division of Miami-Dade Transit, said when he stepped onto the bus after the accident to determine what had went wrong, he said he was heartbroken to see those wires dangling.

“I said, look at that,” Gonzalez, who has been a county mechanic for more than 20 years. “The first

Commonly referred to as a “seat alarm,” it’s designed to prevent a driver from leaving their bus without first engaging the parking brake.

March 2015 | 15

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Jorg Hackemann / Shutterstock.com

thing that came to my mind was what a shame, what a shame.”

He said if that seat alarm had been working he has no doubt she would be alive today.

“I don’t think anybody can tell you no,” he said. “Because there is no way you are going to get up out of your seat. As soon as you get out of the seat the horn just starts blowing and the lights start flashing.”

Transit officials knew right away they had a serious problem. Memos obtained by CBS4 News show that on December 9, four days after Alvin’s accident, an urgent notice went out to all bus garages instructing supervisors to immediately check to see if the seat alarms on the other buses were working.

The results were staggering.

Out of the 456 buses with seat alarms, supervisors found the

Cables on seat alarm are disabled on a Miami-Dade County bus. Photo by CBS4

warning systems broken on 421 of them. Gonzalez said he is not surprised that more than 92 percent of the alarms weren’t working. He

said budget cuts and staffing shortages have left maintenance crews concentrate on fixing problems that keep the buses from running.

“The shops, the supervisors have to pick and choose what they can repair in order to get the bus in the revenue service,” he said, “because the name of the game is getting the bus out in the revenue service.”

In an interview with CBS4’s Jim DeFede, Gonzalez said the county’s priorities are clear.

“We have an aging fleet and it’s like everything else the older it gets – you fix one thing over here and another thing breaks over there,” he explained. “And with deferred maintenance stuff just keeps piling up, so what they focus on is the stuff that keeps the bus rolling.

That’s why they look so ugly sometimes going down the road.”

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Gonzalez said he worries every day he’s putting buses that are unsafe on the road.

“Oh for sure,” he said. “Yes, obviously if we’re putting a bus out there with no seat alarm, that’s a problem.”

Miami-Dade’s Deputy Transit Director Hugh Chen said he was reluctant to discuss the circumstances of Alvin’s accident while police are in the midst of its investigation, but he made it clear that anytime there is an instance of a runaway bus it is the driver’s fault.

“There is an extensive amount of training that we provide,” he said.

Drivers are taught to engage their parking brakes, are repeatedly reminded to do so with memos, and are warned that if they allow their buses to runaway they can face severe penalties up to and including termination.

Clarence Washington, the president of the Transportation Workers Union, said he believes the reason Alvin didn’t just jump clear of the bus and instead held on and tried to stop it, is because she was afraid she would lose her job.

“She was thinking of one thing and one thing only, I need this job and they’ve already told me if I get a runaway bus they’re going to fire me,” he said.

Chen said he was aware that a seat alarm survey of the buses was ordered after the accident. But when CBS4 spoke to him more than seven weeks after the survey had been completed he said he didn’t know the results. CBS4 News had to provide them to him.

His reaction to 92 percent of the buses not having working seat alarms: “Certainly it points to a multitude of things.”

He again blamed the drivers for not reporting the broken alarm system and also placed the blame on mechanics for not catching it. He said drivers perform daily

Cost for the seat alarm:

$280 $490 For a new sensor pad

For an alarm module

pre-trip inspections on their buses.

CBS4 News obtained a copy of the inspection form, detailing nearly 60 items the driver is required to check. But the list does not include the seat alarm.

Gonzalez said at the time of Alvin’s accident the maintenance department had 47 open mechanic positions and his crews can barely keep the buses on the road.

County memos also reveal another possible reason why transit officials let the seat alarms fall into disrepair:

The cost. One memo notes how “pricey” the parts for the seat alarm cost. A new sensor pad costs $280.

The alarm module is $490.

Chen said the county is not required to provide or maintain the seat alarms and they are merely a warning device.

Asked if he believed Alvin would be alive today if the seat alarm on her bus was working, he said: “I can’t answer that, I don’t know what’s going through her mind.”

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Crispy Soloperto Women To Watch:

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By Tara gilani

n this month’s edition of “Women To Watch,” Trend Tracker® Tara Gilani tracked down a popular and renowned South Beach concierge renowned for her sense of style, sense of humor and innate sense of how to treat guests like family. The two funny ladies met up at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach.

Longtime curator of good times and guru of guest experiences, bartender to the stars, and all around hip chick, Crispy Soloperto is old school cool. As chief concierge at uber swell The Standard Spa Miami Beach, she is afforded all access. She earned it.

“It’s not scripted. My day can go any way,” said Crispy. “I never know what I’m going to be faced with. Marriage proposal arrangements, booking helicopter rides, getting the morning after pill for someone…it’s always a surprise and that makes it exciting and fun.”

The girl has great style from her dreads to her Cons. Crispy is not your STANDARD (pun intended) concierge. South Beach royalty herself, Crispy is the host with the most and the ultimate secret keeper. Mum’s the word is her middle name.

“It’s about creating a trustful relationship with your guests so they come back,” said Crispy.

Crisps’ a hoot and a half.

“Yeah, I’ve certainly had all sorts of wacky things happen and maybe one day I’ll write a book but the names will be changed to protect the innocent and to protect myself,”said Crispy.

The Standard Spa, Miami Beach is sister to the Chateau Marmont in Hollywood. Owner Andre Balazs knows his stuff.

He knows Crispy will make it

look effortless.

Sitting on the deck of the divine Standard, she said this: “I totally love my job. I mean look at this – this is my office.”

Gilani asked Crispy what she loves about her job.

“The people. Creating an experience for guests, helping them experience our beautiful city, having them say ‘I was in Miami Beach. I stayed at The Standard Spa, Miami Beach and I absolutely loved it.’”

Crispy is the insiders’ insider.

She stays relevant by staying on top of things. Every thing.

“Keeping on top of things, going out, keeping an eye on the pulse of things, that’s how I do it,” said Crispy. “I know a little bit about everything.”

What about Crispy’s advice?

She said people should help and inspire others.

“I had people help me. I like to pay it forward. We’re all in this together. It’s not about cutting anyone’s throat or getting a lot of likes. It’s about working together to create a sense of community,” said Crispy.

As for the love of her life, it’s her rescue pup Frankie Sinatra Jones Soloperto who she feels rescued her.

Crispy is one of a kind.

When it comes to what she wants to be remembered for she said, “I had a luxurious head of hair, a wicked sense of humor, and made a mean martini.”

Wispy Crispy, from the heart, answered the Trend Tracker®’s round of questions: She is, “happy I’m not shoveling snow.”

She wishes, “to be on an island one day with just my dog.” She will, “make it to that island one day with just my dog.” She promises, “to always leave you laughing.”

Done and done.

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Noaa: Lolita now covered under endangered species act, but will she be set free?

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By Gary Nelson

roups who want to free Lolita, the Miami Seaquarium’s lone killer whale, are claiming a victory after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Fisheries Services decided to include her under the Endangered Species Act. This means she will now be considered endangered like her wild counterparts, but NOAA said this does not change Lolita’s care in captivity.

“This is not a decision to free Lolita,” said a NOAA official during a recent conference call.

“She’s not prepared to be released,” Miami Seaquarium curator Robert Rose , said “She’d die, without question.”

The Miami Seaquarium released a statement following the decision saying Lolita will remain at the park.

“Lolita has been part of the Miami

Seaquarium family for 44 years. Just because she was listed as part of the Endangered Species Act does not mean that she is going anywhere,” said Andrew Hertz, General Manager at Miami Seaquarium.“Lolita is healthy and thriving in her home where she shares her habitat with Pacific white-sided dolphins. There is no scientific evidence that the 49 year-old post-reproductive Lolita could survive in a sea pen or the open waters of the Pacific Northwest and we are not willing to treat her life as an experiment.”

NOAA said, releasing a whale which has spent most of its life in captivity raises many concerns that would need to be “carefully addressed.” Some of their concerns include, “disease transmission, the ability of released animals to adequately find food, difficulty in social integration, and that behavioral patterns developed in captivity could impact wild animals.”

A distinct population group of Southern Resident killer whales was listed as

endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on November 18, 2005. According to rule, the protection did not include Southern Resident killer whales in captivity prior to the listing.

Lolita, the only Southern Resident killer whale in captivity, was reportedly taken from the Southern Resident killer whale population in the northern Pacific in 1970.

On January 25, 2013, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), the Orca Network and others petitioned the government to revise the endangered listing of Southern Resident killer whales to remove the exclusion of captive whales from the description and include Lolita as protected under the ESA. They claimed that DNA and the area where Lolita was captured indicated that she was at one time a member of the Southern Resident killer whale population.

The NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science

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Center, which studies the Southern Resident whale population, found the evidence presented supported the groups’ claim that Lolita was from the Southern Resident killer whale group that received protection in 2005.

PETA claims that by adding Lolita to the Endangered Species Act it opens the door to further action. The group claims that in addition to her tank at the Miami Seaquarium being smaller than federal requirements, “she has been without a companion of her own species for the past 35 years, and without shelter from the blazing sun—violates the ESA’s prohibition on harming and harassing protected animals,” according a statement from PETA. Animal rights activist Susan Hargreaves of the group “Animal Hero Kids” has been participating in “Free Lolita” protests for nearly 30 years.

“It is an absolute crime that she is in the smallest tank in the United States, and the loneliest orca in the world,” Hargreaves said.

NOAA said Lolita’s pool size is not under their jurisdiction so they cannot comment on it. They add that there is ongoing litigation concerning Lolita’s captive care.

Jared Goodman, an attorney for PETA told CBS4’s Gary Nelson that the recent NOAA order is “momentous.”

“This gives Lolita a shot at freedom,” Goodman said. “We believe that her current conditions are a clear violation of the Endangered Species Act.” Goodman sad that PETA and other groups would use rules that prohibit “harming or harassing” endangered species to convince the government that Lolita should be relocated to a large, enclosed sanctuary off the Pacific coast, where she can interact with other whales.

Others argue moving her from the tank she’s called home for nearly half a century would cause potentially deadly consequences.

“Any kind of change in her environment in this stage is going to be a risk to her health, whether it’s 50 miles or 5000 miles,” said Mark Simmons, a marine mammal behavioral scientist.

Simmons was part of the team organized to return Keiko, the whale on which the film Free Willy is based, back into the wild.

Unlike in the movie, Keiko did not survive.

Simmons fears Lolita would meet a similar fate if she were to be transferred to another location.

“What they’re contemplating is premediated animal cruelty in my opinion,” Simmons told CBS4’s Lauren Pastrana.

Currently, the Miami Seaquarium is not proposing to move Lolita. While issues concerning release into the wild are not related to this Endangered Species Act listing decision, any future plan to move or release Lolita would require a permit from NOAA Fisheries and would undergo rigorous scientific review.

PETA said they plan to continue to push for Lolita to be retired from performing and transferred to a seaside sanctuary that’s waiting for her in her home waters off Washington’s San Juan Islands. If possible, Lolita may even be released back into her family pod, according to the group.

NOAA notes that so far no studies have been authorized to see what impact Lolita would have on the wild population if she was released.

Lolita’s endangered species status will take effect 90 days from the date of the ruling.

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homelessness is closer than you think PLEASE HELP US NOW

No one ever thinks they will become homeless. What if a family member became ill, and you had to care for them? And eventually taking time off from work caused you to lose your job. Then the medical bills began to pile up and the mortgage got further and further behind. You had some reserves, but those were going fast, and the refrigerator had less and less. How long before you might end up staying with family or friends, or even in your car?

Imagine your kids getting ready for school in a fast food restaurant bathroom. This can happen!

Neighbors 4 Neighbors “Faces of Homelessness Initiative” is helping families and teens rebuild their lives after being homeless. Your donation will help families with children move from shelter to a home of their own.

Here are some of the Faces from our community who need your help.

Gary Gary’s wife died, leaving him with 2 young children, a business in trouble and debt from medical bills. They fell into homelessness as he fell into depression, and eventually lost all of their possessions. After a short period in a homeless shelter, resources were provided for a permanent home that included cooking utensils, cleaning supplies, linens and household items. Sometimes it is the little things that make a house a home.

Can you help us to help them go from homeless to Home? Every donation counts. Donate now at www.

Neighbors4Neighbors.org

Neielle Neielle is a 20 year old mom who became homeless when her roommate left without notice, sticking her with past due rent and an unaffordable apartment. She ultimately ended up in shelter with her children, but is determined to find work and make a life for her family. She needs clothes for job hunting, and to build her confidence when interviewing. Your donations help women like Neielle move forward. Donate now www.Neighbors4Neighbors.org

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please join Neighbors 4 Neighbors as we deliver resources to those who are going through a rough time. Your donation will help children and families who just need help to get back on their feet. We can help them!

Donate now at www.Neighbors4Neighbors.org or via mail to: Neighbors 4 Neighbors 8900 NW 18 Terrace, Doral, FL 33172.

March 2015 | 25

health www.cbsmiami.com

Superfood powders may not be so super for you

the truth about

powders

health www.cbsmiami.com

It’s not a 100% guaranteed that everything that was in the food is now in the powder. It could be that the phytochemicals got lost in the processing, or even some of the vitamins”. Joan Salge Blake Move over tablets and capsules, in the world of supplements, green superfood powders are all the rage.

Vegan blogger Jordan McMullen said she has her morning smoothie down to a science.

“It has spirulina in it. It has a blend of different grasses,” said McMullen.

McMullen is hoping to pack in the power of more than ten different superfoods using just four scoops of her special powders.

“I blend everything together, along with whatever vegetables I have in my fridge,” said McMullen.

Nutrition industry experts call the powders, nutrient-dense superfood which has been boiled down or freeze dried into powdered form, the new multi-vitamin.

Also known as ‘green powders’, these dietary supplements claim to do everything from detoxify and energize to promote weight loss. Dr. Daniel Fabricant, with the Natural Products Association, said people are spiking their beverages in search of a healthier 2015.

“They’re looking for a way to have some sort of nutritional insurance. And it’s also something where they feel like they are managing their well-being on a day in, day out basis, which is very powerful,” said Fabricant.

While some powders are created from a single ingredient, others are a blend of produce, greens and grasses.

Registered dietician Joan Salge Blake said that while research shows dietary supplements may help some people, like those with a vitamin deficiency, there’s very little scientific evidence when it comes to these powders.

“It’s not a 100% guaranteed that everything that was in the food is now in the powder. It could be that the phytochemicals got lost in the processing, or even some of the vitamins,” said Blake.

Some brands also contain added sweeteners and little fiber which means they won’t fill you up like whole fruits and veggies.

“When it comes to really using a diet to reduce the risk of the leading causes of death of Americans, and that’s heart disease, certain cancers, stroke and type two diabetes, nothing is going to beat real food,” said Blake. “Ideally, people are going to eat a well balanced diet across the board, but not many people do that, so the whole point is really to supplement the diet.”

It should be noted that superfood powders have not been approved by the FDA for safety or effectiveness. Experts said it’s important to read their labels thoroughly, research ingredients and call the manufacturer if there are any questions.

March 2015 | 27

health www.cbsmiami.com

Local Sleep Center Helps People Catch Some Z’s

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nstead of taking over-the-counter sleeping pills, which some doctors say could make sleep problems worse, how about checking into a better sleep center–conveniently located in South Florida.

It has the feel, with fluffy sheets and a view of Miami’s skyline, of a fancy hotel suite but in reality, it’s a hospital room at the new UHealth sleep medicine program.

Galea Tevar, 21, arrived at the sleep center to get to the bottom of what is keeping her awake at night.

Tevar, who “really want(s) to sleep,” is undergoing an overnight sleep study that involves attaching wires to her head.

Dr. Alexandre Abreu runs the sleep medicine program.

“We address all the reasons why you may have insomnia. We try to fix your sleep hygiene and create a schedule,” said Dr. Abreu.

Over medicating, the doctor said, can actually make sleeping problems worse.

“If the over-the-counter doesn’t work, we double the over-the-counter and all of a sudden, we go to our primary care physician and say I tried this, that and another medication,” said the Doctor.

“The drugs are short term that can address the problem, the long term is finding the un-

derlying reason and working with your doctor to try to solve the problem,” he said.

Dr. Sharin Shafazand said a simple snoring problem could be a bigger problem.

“As the tip of the iceberg, it could be an indication of other things like sleep apnea which is definitely a serious medical condition that needs treatment,” said Dr. Shafazand.

Tevar is learning that getting your body on a consistent sleep schedule is key.

“We need to create a regularity where our body is used to a particular time, that’s my time to go to bed, that’s my time to relax.”

Windsom Thompson, who says she tosses and turns for hours and often wakes up in the middle of the night, is another patient at the center.

Thompson says letting go of stress and getting on sleep schedule changed her life.

“I’m in bed by 11, turn off the light, and within 10 minutes maximum I’m asleep.”

As for Tevar, she’s trusting the treatment will work.

“My goal is to sleep, just going to bed and dream,” she said. “I had this sleep problem from when I was a child so, something I thought I’d have to live with, I don’t have to live with anymore and that’s priceless.”

March 2015 | 29

health www.cbsmiami.com

Mixed feelings over gmo mosquitoes in the keys

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illions of genetically modified mosquitoes could be released in the Florida Keys if the Food and Drug Administration approves it Meantime, a petition on change.org has more than 130 thousand signatures against it but scientists say, they just need a better understanding of what would happen.

Now mosquito control is looking at genetically modifying one of the 45 species of mosquitoes in the Florida Keys. The species that could spread dengue and Chikungunya.

“If it’s not a problem why fix it,” said concerned citizen Karl Hertzog.

At Alabama Jacks, a well-known spot in the Florida Keys, the talk of genetically modified (GMO) mosquitoes was all the buzz.

“The amount of dengue and Chikungunya has been increasing every year,” said Michael Doyle, the executive director of Florida Keys Mosquito Control.

Doyle said they are running out of options that can kill aedes aegypti . The female aedes aegypti bite people and can spread the diseases.

Chikengunya packed hospitals and

modifying mosquitoes harmed economies across the Caribbean.

The climate change makes the Florida Keys a vulnerable location.

Only a group of genetically modified males would be released. The males don’t bite only the females do. When the genetically modified males impregnate the females, their larvae would die and it would eventually eradicate the species.

“It’s more like a birth control type of thing,” said Doyle.

The idea is getting mixed reviews.

“Try to fix one problem and you start another,” said Hertzog.

“Anything modified kind of scares me,” said concerned citizen Patrick Frink.

Doyle said while this is the first time the modified mosquitoes would be set loose in a residential U.S. neighborhood, they have

been released before.

The company, Oxitec, out of the U.K., has released its mosquitoes in other countries and had no reports of problems.

“The female bite you and you end up with the flu or something like that,” said concerned citizen Dave Swearing.

Doyle said the female is not being modified so that should not be a factor. But there is still a gray area that when she is impregnated, if anything with her would change or if a female inadvertently would get modified.

However, worms and insects have been modified in this capacity in years past. Some think that this would be a great idea to control a potential problem that could affect the Florida Keys’ primary industry of tourism.

“I think it’s a great idea. It’s exactly what needs to be done,” said concerned citizen Charlie Jones.

Doyle adds there is no impact when it comes to other animals in the environment.

“It only bites people. It does not have a relationship with the natural environment,” said Doyle.

An estimated 10 to 20 percent of those surveyed over past five years in the Florida Keys are against the move.

March 2015 | 31

Real Estate Section sponsored by AGM Title Services

Is your home ready to sell this spring?

S

elling a home doesn’t happen overnight. To maximize your sale price, stand out from the competition and sell quickly, your home needs to go on the market in tip-top condition.

Prepping the home rarely happens in one weekend. It takes time and thoughtful planning. If you intend to sell your home this spring, here are a few steps you need to take now.

Have your home inspected

It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a property inspection, but you need to know about your home’s condition. If there are issues — big or small — you need to address, it is better to know

Put these four tasks on your to-do list for a quick and painless sale.

Real Estate Content provided by zillow.com

about them early so you can either remedy them prior to going to market or account for them with a lower listing price.

The last thing you want is for the buyer to uncover flaws once they are under contract. You will get stuck paying more under those circumstances than it would cost you to address the issues now.

Stash your stuff

As you prepare to sell, think of your home as an investment and start to see it through the eyes of potential buyers and the market.

When you’re trying to sell your home, the less-is-more approach applies.

Put away big furniture and personal items. Store or put away all the things you won’t be using until you move into your new home. In the kitchen, make space in the cabinets for items you will need to use daily, but will want to put away for showings.

Paint, clean and make small improvements

It’s common for sellers to make cosmetic improvements before they list. Kitchens and bathrooms sell your home. Plan to have the bathroom grout cleaned and have some parts of the house painted to give it a fresh look.

Consider cleaning rugs, refin-

ishing hardwood floors or painting kitchen cabinets. If you plan to list in the spring, you likely have a good local real estate agent on your side by now. Get their advice and ask for referrals to do the work. There are lots of inexpensive contractors who can help spruce up your home quickly.

Research like a buyer

Today’s buyers have research in their DNA and will investigate all they can. Check with your local building department and ensure there are no outstanding issues with your home.

Verify that property records reflect your home accurately, and prepare to remedy any discrepancy. Make sure your title report is clean, and talk about potential disclosure items with your agent. Banks won’t lend if there are outstanding issues, and you don’t want to jump through hoops at the eleventh hour. Researching now will keep you one step ahead of the buyers.

The sale of your home is likely one of your biggest financial transactions. Get a real estate agent on your team early, and make a list of all the tasks you need to complete before listing this spring. Now is the time to have those discussions. Smart planning and a good strategy will ensure a quick, painless and profitable home sale.

March 2015 | 35

Real Estate Content provided by zillow.com

Recently Sold Pinecrest and Coral Gables

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1205 Mariposa Ave, Apt 201, Coral Gables, FL 33146

1150 Sorolla Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

7402 SW 102nd St, Pinecrest, FL 33156

2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,191 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1970 Sold: 2/12/2015 | $242,000

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,977 sq. ft. | 9,840 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1957 Sold: 1/29/2015 | $622,500

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 1,863 sq. ft. | 1.11 acre Lot | Built in: 1949 Sold: 1/27/2015 | $900,000

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427 Catalonia Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134 3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 2,745 sq. ft.

10,000 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1950 Sold: 1/28/2015 | $950,000

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Luxury Properties Miami-Dade County

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701 94th St, Surfside, FL 33154

7318 Monaco St, Coral Gables, FL 33143

5 Beds / 6 Bath | 3,857 sq. ft. | 0.44 acre Lot | Built in: 1940 Sold: 1/27/2015 | $2,800,000

5 Beds / 5 Bath | 6,138 sq. ft. | 0.46 acre Lot | Built in: 1988 Sold: 1/29/2015 | $2,600,000

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400 Alton Rd, Apt 1106, Miami Beach, FL 33139

3782 Matheson Ave, Coconut Grove, FL 33133

2 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,024 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2003 Sold: 1/26/2015 | $2,500,000

4 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 4,270 sq. ft. | 0.31 acre Lot | Built in: 1919 Sold: 1/29/2015 | $2,265,000

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900 Biscayne Blvd, Apt 6309, Miami, FL 33132

17555 Collins Ave, Apt 2903, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160

3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 2,577 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2008 Sold: 1/26/2015 | $1,920,000

3 Beds / 3 Bath | 1,840 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1998 Sold: 1/28/2015 | $1,600,000

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March 2015 | 37

Real Estate Content provided by zillow.com

How to Rent Your First Home Before you start touring apartments, learn the six steps that will make being a first-time renter easy and painless.

Whether you are a recent college graduate, former homeowner or are just striking out on your own, renting your first home can be intimidating. Do your homework, and follow these steps to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Determine how much rent you can afford

The rule of thumb is 30 to 40 percent of your take-home pay, but the best way to approach this question is to determine how little you can spend on rent and housing expenses and still have an acceptable living

situation.

There are many ways to save on rent. You could double up with friends, rent a less fancy place, live in a less trendy or central area, or try to convince Mom and Dad to let you live at home just one more year — and offer that you’ll even start paying them rent.

These stingy ideas may not sound appealing, but the less you spend on rent, the more you can save for future goals such as retirement and a down payment on a home.

Define your preferences

Consider the distance to work and where

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you spend time socializing, because long commutes take time, cost money and cause stress. Also determine if you want to live in an urban area where you can walk to stores and restaurants, or if you’d prefer to be away from the noise and traffic out in the suburbs.

Additionally, think through what kind of property you want. Can you live in an older building, or do you want all the modern amenities? Would you be happiest in a single family home, town home, or multiunit building?

Once you think through those issues, you can start shopping and find an appropriate residence.

Research the extra costs

As you evaluate your options, realize that rent is not the only housing cost you’ll need to account for. You need to consider utility costs, keeping in mind that gas appliances are typically much less expensive than electric. Also, houses with insulation and newer windows have lower utility bills.

Determine any costs for water, trash collection, parking, and cable or Internet service. If the rental you’re considering is a single-family home, find out if lawn service is included, and who pays for the water for the grounds.

Put your best foot forward

they want you as a tenant.

Fill out the application accurately, truthfully and legibly, and submit any required documents as soon as possible.

Making it official

You may be able to negotiate rent terms and fees with a landlord. Your success will depend on the demand for the unit in your particular area. Be careful if there are lots of people vying for the apartment, as the landlord can take someone else if you are too difficult to work with.

Once you’ve agreed to the rental conditions, make sure you completely read the lease and all documents before you sign them. If you are not comfortable with language or need a clarification, discuss this early in the process so you can walk away if you don’t like what you read.

Moving in

When you move in, document via pictures and descriptions any issues with the property, such as stained carpets, broken tile, poorly painted areas, or appliances that don’t work. Submit these issues to the owner or property manager to protect yourself when it’s time to move out — and keep records and pictures for yourself, too.

A little preparation and education can go a long way toward making your first renting experience a good one.

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Many times landlords have a bevy of potential renters. If you want to secure your top choice residence, show up in your best attire, and politely let the landlord or property manager know about your great credit, stable job and all the other reasons

-towels -bedding -pillows

March 2015 | 39

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Home Improvement Section sponsored & provided by Habify

master the remodel.

Christopher Block

CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL MANAGER OF HABIFY a home improvement company

Home improvement Section sponsored & provided by Habify

4 steps to ensure your home project goes as planned.

You could begin your home remodeling by visiting a cabinet store, hiring an architect, or calling up a General Contractor, but very often the road to a remodel is riddled with potholes.

Follow these steps to ensure your project goes smoothly.

Go with design-build.

When the people who design your project also build it, it keeps them on the hook. Many times the builder will blame the designer or architect, the architect will blame the builder, and who gets caught in the middle and pays for the blame game? You do.

Avoid surprises.

Budget and plan thoroughly. Ask your designer/ architect to rough out a plan of your space, materials, and appliances based on the quality level you desire. Not only should you have a well thought-out floor plan, you will need concrete details on the amount of materials needed establish an accurate estimate of the costs based on your preferred style. This way, you’ll have a true budget of your remodeling costs without having spent too much money and/or invested time in all of the final design and material decisions.

Don't go cheap.

To get your business, companies often will select the least expensive materials and appliances to price your remodel. That’s why every time you make a suggestion your contractor will say, “That's going to be a lot more costly”. The cheapest bid is generally the lowest because they’ve assumed the lowest quality build-out. If you’re going to make improvements, it doesn’t normally make sense to use inferior materials when you’re looking to build comfort and value into your home.

Have full documentation.

Once you have the plans, your final materials list and costs, make sure you keep it on hand so the company that is doing your remodeling stays true to the plan. Sometimes you get stuck in the grey areas trying to remember exactly what was specified, and your construction team takes short cuts.

Having thorough back-up keeps your remodel running smoothly, avoids arguments, and achieves the beautiful addition you planned for your home.

KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • LANDSCAPES • DESIGN • HOME PERFORMANCE • CONSTRUCTION

Call habify at (305) 443-4900, visit online at habify.com

or in person at their showroom at 4940 SW 42nd Avenue Miami, FL 33146

March 2015 | 43

Home Improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Color is one of the most important decorating decisions, and paint plays a big part of this.

These affordable ideas can transform your space in just one weekend.

10 Easy Paint Projects that will make a big impact

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

1. Cabinet Makers So you have a bookcase or a medicine cabinet that looks a bit boring. Grab a brush and paint the inside back a bright color. If you prefer a pattern, use a stencil or add wallpaper. Take it one step further to make a statement in your kitchen. Remove a couple of kitchen cabinet doors and paint the backs and sides of the cabinets to make your dishes or glasses stand out. If you prefer not to use open cabinetry, ask a glasscutter to replace the middle of the cabinet door with glass.

2. Door Decor Do you have $10 and an hour to spare? An easy way to add color and personality to your space is to paint the inside of your front door a bright color.

It’s unexpected and looks great in neutral spaces.

Choose a color from an area rug, pillow or favorite artwork to tie the color into the space.

3. The Stair Down Staircases can be painted to inject a bit of liveliness. Go for a classic look with white risers and black treads and banisters. If you feel a bit braver, consider using an ombré treatment on the risers.

Start with a bold color at the bottom and then transition to a lighter version of the same color as you go to the top. The result is a showstopper. Another option is to use stencils to add design.

4. Antique Update Has your grandmother’s armoire been sitting in the attic for the last five years because it just isn’t your style?

Consider painting or staining it. Furniture can be completely transformed with a bit of paint and new hardware.

5. Window Treatment If you have mullions on your windows, switch from classic white. Glossy black looks elegant and can accentuate a great view. Bright yellow mullions are a cheerful addition to a white kitchen. Use mint green or robin’s egg blue for a clean and inviting look. Even painting them a more neutral color like beige or gray will make a statement against white walls.

6. Just a Trace Wallpaper can make a big impact, but it often comes with a big price tag. A popular and more affordable option is to use stencils. There are endless styles to choose from. For small spaces, such as powder rooms, you can do the whole space. For large areas, stencil one focal wall. Pair with your favorite paint palette and create a space your neighbors will envy.

7. The Writing on the Wall Are your kids drawing on the walls? Or are you always forgetting what you need to pick up from the store? Consider a chalkboard or whiteboard wall.

Give kids a designated wall in their bedroom or playroom to create their masterpieces, and add a chalkboard wall in your kitchen or mudroom to use as a message center.

8. Earn Your Stripes From hallways and living spaces to bedroom and nurseries, stripes are a classic design and relatively easy to create. With some measuring, painter’s tape and a bit of patience, you can paint your own. If you want a subtle look, stick to thin stripes. Feeling bold? Try larger stripes.

9. Nifty Knobs Do you have a bureau or chest of drawers that could use a little love? Remove the knobs and paint them a different color. The easiest way to do this is with spray paint. Is this piece going in a child’s room? Liven it up by painting the knobs with stripes, polka dots, butterflies, bugs, or flowers.

10. Floor Them Painting wood floors can add drama and flair.

Paint them white to create a clean and open space, or create a border around a room for a stylish impression. Creating a border around a room can frame a space and make a stylish impression.

Or you can be really daring and paint the entire floor a design such as chevron, Greek key, or a Moroccan motif.

March 2015 | 45

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

10 Tips for Organizing Your Child’s Room Whether it’s the playroom or the bedroom, the spaces in your home set aside for your kids can get crowded with toys, clothes and clutter. Use these 10 tips to help your minis get the maximum enjoyment out of their play areas.

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March 2015 | 47

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Clear out anything that isn’t in current use. Store out-ofseason playthings, such as beach balls in the winter, with your outof-season clothing.

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Home improvement

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Box up items that aren’t today’s favorites and store them somewhere out of sight for a month or two. Then pull out the box of toys and switch them out with whatever playthings your child is currently ignoring. You’ll keep extra toys off the floor and your children will be excited to get new things.

Use this decluttering project as an opportunity to teach your children the value of sharing. Toys that are no longer favorites and clothes that no longer fit can become treasures for less fortunate children. Involving your kids in the process is a great way to teach this lesson.

Resist the urge to tackle the kids’ room on your own.

While it might be easier to clean without the help of your children, involving them will help them learn to keep their rooms clean long-term.

Make room-cleaning into a game to keep it exciting for your kids. Encourage them to find toys that they haven’t seen for a while. If the process is pleasure instead of punishment, telling your kids to clean their rooms won’t be such a pain.

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Place books near reading spots. Add an adjustable shelving unit along the wall next to a beanbag chair. Store favorite paperbacks on a lower, more accessible shelf. Keep a few favorite books in a basket or put them in a colorful plastic bin next to the bed, making them handy for bedtime stories. As your child grows, adjust the shelves upward and replace the beanbag with a comfortable chair.

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Divide toys into several categories, such as outside, upstairs and downstairs. Keep similar items together (ex. art supplies, toy soldiers, Legos, etc.) Label storage bins with the corresponding word and a picture label so the contents can be identified easily.

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Move sporting equipment out of the child’s room whenever possible. Buy an organizing rack for the garage to store long, short, and round toys.

These specially designed racks have hooks and shelves to hold everything from tennis rackets to soccer balls and in-line skates.

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Keep a toy bin in the family room. If you use a toy chest with a lid, make sure it has safety hinges so that the lid won’t fall on small hands or trap little explorers inside.

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Store computers and video game consoles in appropriate desks or entertainment centers. Find one with shelves and drawers for stashing game cartridges, accessories, CDs and DVDs. Convert a full-sized entertainment center to game central if you also need space to store a large TV along with shelves for a DVD player or game console.

March 2015 | 49

Home Improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Decorative lighting tips The type of lighting you choose for a room directly affects the atmosphere and the mood. Learn creative ways to light your home and get both flattering and useful results.

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

To simplify your decorating decisions, there are lighting collections available with the same finish and style. Using fixtures from the same collection within a single room creates a unified look.

depending on the time of day, weather, season and location of the room: - A north-facing room receives less direct sunlight than a south-facing room.

- A west-facing room receives strong, warm light in the evening, casting an orange tint.

- An east-facing room receives strong, bright light in the morning, casting a white glow.

If your current lighting scheme employs only ambient lighting, you’re missing a tremendous opportunity to add interest and vitality to your décor. Add task and accent lighting to change your ordinary room into one of distinction.

Brighten dark spaces

Color temperature

Set the mood

When deciding on lighting, ask yourself these questions: What activities take place in the room?

What’s the layout? What decorative elements do you want to accentuate? In general, to create an inviting atmosphere, use three to five light sources in every room.

Coordinate your look

Because dark colors absorb light, you’ll need to use more lighting in rooms decorated with dark colors than rooms with light colors. Something as simple as a table lamp or a floor lamp can illuminate a dark space.

If your lighting design is complete, but the ambiance is a little off try changing the color temperature of your light bulbs. Look for a warm white color temperature for living rooms and bedrooms, bright white for kitchens and workspaces, and daylight for reading nooks and studies.

Show your style

Lighting fixtures don’t have to blend into the background. More than ever before, they have become fashion pieces. Try pairing a textured lampshade with a neutral finish base. A new shade can change the whole look of a lighting fixture – and a room.

Control the intensity

Add dimmer switches or use three-way bulbs in lamps to adjust brightness. To make rooms interesting, vary the height of the light sources in the room. The differing heights add depth and interest by creating separate areas of light and shade.

Lighting basics

Attractive, well-lit rooms most often combine four types of lighting: • Ambient or general lighting provides a safe and comfortable level of light. Such as wall sconces, flushmounts, pendants and chandeliers.

• Task lighting supplies the intense directed light needed for detailed work. Such as desk lamps, work lights and under cabinet lighting.

• Accent lighting spotlights interesting features in your home’s décor. Such as track lighting, recessed lighting and wall sconces.

• Natural lighting includes sunlight, candlelight and firelight. The quality of natural light changes

March 2015 | 53

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Kitchen Cabinet Buying Guide Remodeling a kitchen is one of the biggest and most exciting home improvement projects. The choices and decisions may seem endless, but the possibilities and payoff are immense. Kitchen remodeling offers one of the highest return-on-investments of any home improvement project. Learn the basics with this helpful kitchen cabinet buying guide.

Kitchen Cabinets The starting point for every kitchen is cabinetry. Kitchen cabinet designs are customizable to meet specific needs, whether you’re a wine collector, a pastry chef or a family of nine.

Specialty cabinets and accessories are available to match your style and organizational needs.

Kitchen cabinets are available in three levels of design and price: Stock cabinets come in standard sizes and shapes and are

usually available to take home from the store the same day or just a few days later. Sizes and styles are limited with stock cabinetry, but the price is right for remodeling on a budget.

Semi-custom cabinets are built after you order them, so you can choose from certain sizes and styles. That flexibility makes it easier to design a kitchen that fits your particular requirements. Semi-custom cabinetry usually requires a longer lead time for delivery than stock

and are a little more expensive.

Custom cabinets are made by hand to fit almost any standard you require. An odd-sized or irregular-shaped space in your kitchen might not accommodate a stock or semi-custom piece, but a custom cabinetmaker starting from scratch can build nearly anything you need. Custom cabinets are usually the most expensive of the three types; the exact price varies widely because of size, materials and options. The time it takes to receive a custom-

March 2015 | 55

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

cabinet order depends on the cabinetmaker’s schedule.

Cabinet Hardware The knobs and pulls you select for your new cabinets provide an opportunity to dress up the look of your kitchen. Today’s hardware is stylish and functional, plus it’s easy to find designs to match your esthetic. You can choose everything from the finish of the hardware to the style that suits you best.

Some cabinet hardware works specifically with the principles of universal design, which aims to make living and working spaces more accessible to people with limited physical abilities.

Accessible Kitchen Cabinetry Accessible kitchen cabinetry is a customized solution based on the user’s unique physical needs.

Some things to consider: Pull-out tables slide in and out

of existing cabinetry at the height that’s right for you to create a more comfortable and safe workspace.

Adjustable height countertops accommodate every user at a level that’s right for them.

Elevated toe kicks leave room for wheelchairs and other mobility devices at the base of the cabinets for a more comfortable fit.

Lowered cabinetry for wall ovens and microwaves puts hot food at a more manageable level, reducing the risk of burns and spills.

Raised dishwasher cabinetry brings everyday chores to a more comfortable level if you have difficulty bending.

Pull-down shelves and drawer organizers mean dishes, glassware, pots and pans are at a comfortable level for easy reach.

Countertops Once you make all the cabinetry decisions, select a countertop to complete the look of your kitchen.

Countertops are available in various materials and price ranges, and the best configuration for your kitchen may involve more than one type of countertop material.

Cabinet Display Accessories Add style with glass doors, with or without mullions. Finish the interior to match the exterior, or shake things up with a bright or contrasting hue.

Store plates with panache. Plate holders face front or to the side for an interesting view of dinnerware.

Valance bridges balance form and function above the sink.

Down-lit glass display shelves put the spotlight on your decorative collections.

Faux furniture legs and feet for cabinets give the illusion of freestanding pieces.

Spacers, plinth blocks and rosettes add a decorative touch to your cabinetry.

March 2015 | 57

Home improvement Section sponsored & provided by Sundek

March 2015 | 59

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Silhouette Wall Art Dress up your walls with this super-simple project using paint and plywood.

Skill Level Beginner Estimated Time 1 day Estimated Cost $$$$$ Tools Circular saw or jigsaw Straightedge Paintbrush Materials 15/32”x2’x2’ sanded pine plywood Half-pint interior/exterior gloss black brushing enamel

Instructions Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Cut plywood to desired size (one piece can be cut into four 12”x12” squares).

Cut out the silhouette, tape it to the plywood, and trace around it with a pencil.

Take a photo of your model’s profile against a lightly colored background and print in the size you would like.

Paint carefully around the outline on the outside of the profile. We used high-gloss black paint.

March 2015 | 61

Home Improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Storage for

small kitchens Increase storage in a small kitchen by installing cabinets, open shelves, hooks and pegs in places that often get overlooked.

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

Dishware Storage Tips • Store dishware, glassware and utensils near the dishwasher or sink for ease in setting the table and washing.

• Use open racks to store plates vertically or glass-door cabinets for an eye-catching look.

• Show off dishes with wall-mounted plate hooks to create decorative displays as well as storage space.

• Turn glassware upside down, and hang from a rack under existing cabinets to keep clean while freeing up space.

• Fit drawers with adjustable dividers to organize and store flatware.

• Store cooking utensils near food-preparation areas, such a divided drawers or hooks, for easy access.

• Utilize over-the-door space by hanging a shelf and displaying dishes or china.

Pots and Pans Storage Tips • Store oversized pots and pans in deep drawers with roomy storage.

• House lids in shallow drawers where they

can easily be found.

• Suspend a hanging rack from the ceiling to display and store pots and pans. Make sure the rack is high enough above the stove to prevent grease from coating them.

• Inset a lazy Susan or pullout shelves in bottom cabinets to safely store bakeware and ceramic dishes.

• Store trays and baking sheets upright with dividers to make better use of narrow spaces.

• Create extra storage space for pans and cutting boards by installing a drawer in the toekick space between the cabinet and the floor.

• Place rows of tension curtain rods inside a cabinet to keep baking sheets and serving trays well organized.

Small Appliance Storage Tips • Keep items you use every day at hand on the counter or above it.

• Store items used less frequently in base cabinets with a lazy Susan for easy removal.

• Attach items, like microwaves, coffee makers

and can openers, under a cabinet if possible.

• Build a minigarage for appliances by framing the area between the bottom of the cabinet and the countertop, and fit it with a bifold door or tambour door.

Cookbook Storage Tips • Store cookbooks and recipe cards in a food prep area for convenience.

• Keep cookbooks on open shelves or in builtin storage areas of your island.

• Install a hanging cookbook rack under a cabinet to prevent stains from spills.

• Organize individual recipe cards into plastic sleeves that can be bound in a notebook and stored with other cookbooks.

• Bring a bookcase into your kitchen, and top with a stone surface, such as granite, for cookbook storage as well as additional counter space.

Table Linen Storage Tips • Store linens in an armoire or chest.

• Allow air to circulate freely.

March 2015 | 63

Home improvement Content provided by lowes.com

• Keep tablecloths and napkins in the dinning room to make more room in the kitchen.

Food Storage Tips • Organize your pantry with slide-out shelves.

• Provide enough space for smaller items, like spices and oils, so they don’t get lost.

• Store canned food in a cool, dry place. Discard it if it hasn’t been used within two years.

• Store staples, like flour and sugar, in airtight canisters with labels.

• Divide your panty into zones for different items to keep organized.

• Add adjustable shelves to customize your pantry.

• Install roll-out shelves in deep or narrow spaces.

• Attach a tiered door rack on the back of the panty door to increase capacity.

• Free up counter space by using drawer bins or baskets to store larger items.

Cleaning Supply Storage Tips • Install slide-out utility baskets so that items don’t get lost in the back of deep cabinets.

• Insert an undersink storage shelf that fits around plumbing.

• Keep sponges and scrubbing brushes in convenient tip-out trays at the front of your sink.

• Drape dishtowels and rags on hooks on the inside of cabinet doors.

• Mount paper towels under a cabinet near the sink.

• Mount hangers designed to hold brooms and mops in a narrow cabinet or closet.

• Fit a cabinet with a rolling shelf to allow easy and discreet access to a trashcan.

March 2015 | 65

Marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

Smartphones to replace keys & wallet by david sutta

ore and more, smart phones are becoming one of the most important things carried. Not only does it connect family and friends, but one can bank, buy, and find just about anything in seconds.

CBS4’s David Sutta decided to do some investigating—is it possible to streamline and have smart phones replace keys and wallet— apparently so but at what cost?

Keys—they are the one thing many can’t do without. They open homes, cars, and just about anything we hold valuable.

But times are changing. Maria Guadamuz with AAA Locksmith showed Sutta firsthand just how high-tech phones have become. In

her demonstration she pulls up an app, hits a button, and the lock on a model door unlocks.

She also showed us an app which was flashing a green circle.

“It’s telling us that the door is open. It’s in green,” Guadamuz said. She then hit the green dot again and the door locked. Sutta asked Guadamuz if this is the key of the future. “This is the key now. Your iPhone or your android, or your cell phone.”

The lock is made by a company called August and it essentially allows you, and anyone you register, to open your door with an app.

Your friends, family, or even the plumber can download the app. You can even have the code expire, meaning they’ll only be able to open the

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

We are going to no longer have keys and everything is going to be done just through your phone.” Maria Guadamuz door for a limited time. Sutta asked Guadamuz if a key-less world will soon be a reality “That is exactly where we are going. We are going to no longer have keys and everything is going to be done just through your phone,” Guadamuz said.

CBS4 asked security specialist Silka Gonzalez if she would open her door with her phone. She said “no.” Her company Enterprise Risk Management probably wouldn’t recommend it either for their clients. For as cool as the technology is, Gonzalez is concerned for several reasons.

First, mobile phones are hackable. Second, if you are hacked, you just invited the whole world into your home. “The population on the planet cannot get into your wallet or your pocket. Electronically from China or some other place. When you put stuff in any computer device that is connected to the internet than you are talking about entire world can potentially access that thing.” Gonzalez said. In other words, high-tech crooks might now have the key to your door before they even arrive.

“It’s not a chance I want to take personally.

Other people might and they might add controls and feel OK, but me personally no.”

Meanwhile Guadamuz said she would install the lock on her home. “I would. Definitely,” she confirms. She likens it to credit cards where the benefits outweigh the risks.

“What’s stopping us from using our credit cards…at the end of the day we continue to use it for the same reason that it’s so much

easier to have a credit card than to carry the cash. I think that’s the same perspective that we are looking at,” Guadamuz said.

A lot of people are seeing it that way as you already don’t need a wallet to buy things. Really all you need to carry is a driver’s license.

And both Iowa and Delaware are creating digital drivers licenses to do away with that.

Gonzalez agrees these are exciting times… but does advise to proceed with caution.

“There’s advantages to using this technology but you also have to think when using this technology you have some risk. You have to think about what are the measures that I can take to minimize the risk.”

She said you do that by using things like thumbprints and passwords to protect your phone. Even then she said you have to be prepared for the inevitable… losing your phone.

“We need to think carefully how we use this technology when it’s going to impact our life on a personal level,” Gonzalez said.

So what happens if you lose your phone?

You can buy a new phone and re-download your app to unlock your door.

But if that phone was your wallet too how do you buy a new phone? Clearly a key-less and wallet-less life has some work still to be done. The August lock will run you about $250, AAA Miami Locksmith charges another $250 to install it.

March 2015 | 69

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

a clean print

New study shows accuracy of fingerprint analysis

By Natalia Zea

ou’ve likely seen crime scene investigators working their magic, dusting charcoal carbon powder and lifting fingerprints to use in criminal investigations.

Once the crime scene techs wrap up, a team of fingerprint examiners go to work identifying the only person in the world who matches that print.

In the Miami-Dade Police crime lab, examiner Brian Cerchiai eyeballs fingerprint cards, but he and his team also match prints with the help of computer programs, that magnify the print helping them look at the details of the ridges.

They utilize a $20,000 specialized laser to help otherwise invisible prints fluoresce on guns and household

items like magazines.

To pull out clear prints from tape, examiners apply an inky gunk and wash it off to expose a print underneath. That is submitted into evidence and preserved.

Even in this high-tech DNA age, fingerprints are still heavily used to prove suspects were at crime scenes or touched weapons.

Detectives told CBS4’s Natalia Zea one of the key benefits to having fingerprints as evidence is the turnaround time. It can take investigators just a couple of hours to pull a print and make an identification, but when it comes to DNA, that can take months, if not years.

To test the accuracy and validity of fingerprint analysis, Brian helped conduct the Miami-Dade Police Depart-

ment’s four-year national study of 109 fingerprint examiners.

“The error rate was zero for this study,” said Cerchiai.

The fingerprint examiners correctly matched every single print in the tests, with only 3 percent of the inaccurate matches caught by a second examiner, which is part of normal protocol at crime labs across the country.

Brian believes the study will be used in courts, as further proof fingerprint identifications can be used to convict.

During the thousands of print matches he’s made, Cerchiai said he’s always remained focused on the science.

“Though we do work for the police department, we really need to keep that open mind. We’re objective when we do our work,” said Cerchiai.

March 2015 | 71

marketplace www.cbsmiami.com

chool s e d a D Miami- iency s k n a r Stud y or effic f 1 # m e syst

By Marybel Rodriguez

Miami-Dade Public Schools has a lot to be proud of.

Recently Superintendent Alberto Carvalho announced that a new survey ranked the Miami-Dade public school system number one for education spending efficiency.

The study, by Wallet Hub, found that Miami had the highest rate of return on educational investment among the 90 largest cities in the United Stated Miami-Dade Public Schools’ education spending showed higher efficiency than large cities across the U.S. including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

“When you take into account household income, the percentage of English language learners and poverty level. It is amazing coming out of the recession, after dramatic cuts and spending across the country including Florida Miami-Dade soars on top” said Carvalho.

“It is Wallet Hub’s distinct pleasure to

congratulate Miami on being named the U.S. city with the most efficient education spending,” the group said in a statement.

“Miami rose to the top of this list of the country’s 90 most populated cities due to its combination of high average test scores and low education expenditures per capita.”

The way the study was conducted was based on each city’s aggregated standardized test scores in reading and math for grades 4 and 8 were divided by its total education spending per capita. The data was then normalized by four key socioeconomic factors: poverty, rated and median household income, single parent families and the percentage of households that do not speak English.

Miami is the largest municipality in Miami-Dade County home to M-DCPS, the nation’s fourth largest school district, with 350,000 K-12 students.

March 2015 | 73

automotive Content provided by media.chrysler.com

FIAT Brand Announces Kick-Off of 2015 Abarth Track Experience

T

he 2015 Abarth Track Experience begins this month, giving Fiat 500 Abarth owners the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a one-day performance adventure.

Participants will pilot cars from a fleet of Abarths provided and put their skills to the test through four driving modules: autocross, head-to-head challenge, driving dynamics and performance drive. They will end their day by riding shotgun as professional drivers push the track-tuned Abarth vehicles to the limit.

“The Abarth Track Experience allows owners to take the fun-to-drive factor of the ‘small but wicked’ Fiat 500 Abarth to new limits,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America. “With the success of the Abarth Track Experience last year and the popularity of the newly introduced specially tuned automatic transmission option, we’ve added stops this year to ensure more Abarth owners have the opportunity to develop their driving skills in a safe track environment.”

The 2015 Abarth Track Experience begins February 16 at Laguna Seca in Salinas,

Calif., with stops throughout the year in Ft. Worth, Texas; Fontana, Calif.; Angleton, Texas; Daytona Beach, Fla.; Englishtown, N.J.; Brooklyn, Mich.; and Joliet, Ill. The Fiat 500 Abarth’s optional six-speed automatic transmission, new for the 2015 model year, will be available to drivers at Abarth Track Experience dates this year.

To ensure the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio remain true to their highperformance and track-ready heritage, the six-speed automatic transmission has been reinforced with more clutch plates and a more robust heat treatment to allow for higher torque capability. The transmission is mated to the track-proven 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine to deliver up to 183 ft.-lb. of torque and 157 horsepower. The exclusive, Abarth-calibrated Sport mode allows for an even more engaged driving experience with special features such as fuel-cut upshifts, rev-matching downshifts, brake-assist downshifts, corner gear hold and fast-off gear hold, as well as a more aggressive pedal map.

The Track Experience registration fee is included in the cost of each Fiat 500 Abarth or Abarth Cabrio. For more information,

please visit www.abarthexperience.com.

About the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio Faithful to the “small but wicked” saying coined for Karl Abarth’s cars in the 1960s, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio embody the racing traditions that have made it a success on European roadways and racetracks — world-class performance and precision, purposeful and aggressive styling, high power-to-weight ratio and limited-production volume.

Building on the excitement of the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento), the Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio are designed for track-day enthusiasts and driving purists who want the ultimate high-performance small car with the pedigree of an exclusive Italian exotic.

With its 1.4-liter MultiAir® Turbo engine, Abarth-tuned suspension and brake systems, race-inspired design, and technology features not traditionally included on a small car, the 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth and Abarth Cabrio unleash legendary Italian performance heritage to American streets.

March 2015 | 77

automotive Content provided by edmunds.com

Recycle Your Used Motor Oil New outlets for old oil make recycling easy One of the hardest parts of changing your own oil is disposing of that pan of hot black goop. But in recent years, this chore has gotten a lot easier, thanks to motor oil recycling programs sponsored by cities, auto parts stores and designated collection sites.

Some cities, such as Long Beach, California, offer curbside pickup for used motor oil and old oil filters. Residents call first to request a pick-up. Then city workers take away the old oil.

They also leave replacement containers and plastic bags for filters. In other communities, such as Berkeley, California, recycling centers will pay 16 cents per gallon for oil.

More than 30 percent of motorists change their own oil, generating between 43 and 62 million gallons of used oil annually, according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) survey. The EPA says recycling protects public health by keeping used oil, which contains heavy metals and toxins, out of groundwater supplies. It also saves energy. One gallon of re-refined motor oil produces 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil. It takes 42 gallons of crude oil to produce the same amount of new oil, the EPA says.

Most major auto-parts stores have recognized the importance of being the places where doit-yourselfers can recycle their old oil after a change. Both Pep Boys and AutoZone, two of the nation’s biggest auto parts franchises, accept used motor oil.

AutoZone recycled 9.5 million gallons of oil in 2010, according

to its Web site.

Despite the increase in recycling locations, getting used oil from here to there can still be a messy affair, particularly if you’re unprepared or lack the right materials. Here are some tips to make recycling your oil quick and easy: Before beginning an oil change, check your community’s Web site to see if it offers curbside oil pick-up. If not, check your local auto parts store or the Web site 1.800. recycling.com, which will help you find recycling centers.

Choose an oil drain pan that can be tightly sealed for easily transporting the used oil to a recycling center. The center will dump the oil into a large bin and return the drain pan to you for future use.

Wear plastic gloves while you’re doing the oil change and transferring the old oil into

containers. Keep plenty of rags handy for wiping up spills.

Make sure the oil containers do not have other liquids inside, such as antifreeze, that could contaminate the oil and make it unfit for recycling.

Put a drop cloth or newspapers under the drain pan while you’re changing your oil.

Transfer the oil to containers on this surface.

Consider using an oil extractor. An extractor minimizes

the chances of dripping oil and makes it easier to transfer the old oil to recycling containers.

Cover your car’s floor mats or trunk with a plastic bag and old newspapers before loading your oil container. Newspapers will absorb small spills and the plastic bag will prevent the oil from soaking into your floor mats.

If you spill oil during recycling, use cat litter or an oil absorbent to soak it up. Sawdust will also work to soak up small spills.

March 2015 | 79

automotive Section sponsored & provided by Deel Volvo

Volvo Cars reveals the all-new 2016 Volvo XC90 R-Design

V

olvo Cars has released the first images of the R-Design version of the all new XC90, aimed at buyers looking for a headturner that radiates a truly sporty and dynamic look.

“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design. Every single R-Design detail is designed to contribute to the individualistic and refined expression these customers desire.”

The visual promise of a dynamic ride is confirmed by the driver-centric interior featuring R-Design sports seats in Nubuck textile and perforated leather. A choice of Drive-E powertrains offering up to 400 hp and the completely new XC90 chassis ensure an agile driving experience.

The release of the R-Design follows Volvo’s release of 1,927 individually numbered black First Edition XC90’s which were offered for sale exclusively online

and sold out in 47 hours.

Distinctive R-Design detailing The R-Design exterior includes a number of distinguishing details, such as grille, front spoiler, silk metal window trim, integrated dual tailpipes, bright roof rails and mirror covers in matte silver.

20-inch or optional 22-inch R-Design alloy wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look.

Inside, the sports seats and perforated leather steering wheel are accompanied by special R-Design details, such as gearshift knob, pedals, floor mats and illuminated tread plates. The driver also gets an exclusive R-Design leather key remote control.

Tablet-like touch screen The tablet-like touch screen in the centre and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display are of course included in the RDesign. The driver display also features a unique R-Design theme. The heart of the all-new in-car control is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access

a range of Internet and cloud based products and services.

New trim level strategy R-Design is one of four choices in Volvo Cars’ reinvented trim level strategy, which resembles a tree with two branches.

Kinetic is the base, followed by the very competitive Momentum level.

Inscription and R-Design form the two branches on the tree. The Inscription package is designed for customers that want an elegant look and a luxurious experience, while R-Design has a sporty and dynamic aura.

“In principle, we have replaced the previous top level with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasise each of their distinctive individual personalities,” said Alain Visser.

Look for the 2016 Volvo XC90 to go on sale in April 2015, with Twin Engine plugin hybrid models arriving by the end of the 2015 calendar year. Right now you can order your new 2015 Volvo XC90 at Deel Volvo at 3650 Bird Rd, Miami, FL 33133 or visit www.deelvolvo.net.

March 2015 | 81

automotive Content provided by media.chrysler.com

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US Wins Four IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards FCA US LLC kicked off 2015 by winning four IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards.

The Chrysler Town & Country received its 14th consecutive Loyalty Award in the NonLuxury Mid-size Van category, extending its own record of consecutive wins. The Jeep® Grand Cherokee nabbed its sixth award in the Non-Luxury Mid-size SUV category and the Dodge Challenger was honored in its category for the third time. Jeep Wrangler won the Non-Luxury Compact SUV award for the second consecutive year.

“FCA continues to demonstrate superior performance in owner Loyalty across their vehicle segments,” said Michael Gingell, vice president, global market analysis solutions and corporate development at IHS Automotive. “The fact that they have won loyalty awards for consecutive years with a number of their products shows that they give consumers a reason to remain with their brands.”

The IHS Automotive Loyalty Awards recognize manufacturers for superior ownerloyalty performance, which is determined when a household that owns a particular vehicle returns to market to purchase or lease another new vehicle of the same model or make. The 2014 awards are based on an analysis of personal new vehicle registrations during the 2014 model year, which ran from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014.

Chrysler Town & Country The Chrysler Town & Country provides customers with comfort, safety and innovative features at any budget. Chrysler Town & Country offers the most innovative seating and storage system with standard Stow ‘n Go Seats, while its award-winning powertrain delivers best-in-class horsepower without sacrificing fuel efficiency. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine is a three-time “Ward’s 10 Best Engine” winner and produces 283 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. Chrysler Town & Country achieves an EPA estimated 17 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Jeep Grand Cherokee — the most awarded SUV ever and the vehicle that has long defined what a premium SUV should be

— delivers an unprecedented combination of best-in-class fuel economy and driving range, available clean-diesel technology, legendary benchmark capability, worldclass craftsmanship, and a host of advanced user-friendly technology and safety features.

Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers best-in-class 30 miles per gallon (mpg) highway courtesy of an available 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine and standard eight-speed transmission. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 boasts an unmatched driving range of more than 730 miles. Legendary Jeep capability comes courtesy of three available 4x4 systems, Jeep’s QuadraLift air suspension system and class-leading Selec-Terrain traction management system.

Grand Cherokee boasts best-in-class towing of 7,400 pounds, and a crawl ratio of 44.1:1.

Jeep Wrangler The iconic Jeep Wrangler — the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world — is equipped with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and up to 21 miles per gallon. Jeep Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road capability with legendary four-wheel drive and is produced with more than seven decades of 4x4 engineering experience.

Wrangler continues to offer a body-on-frame design, front and rear five-link suspension system, live axles, electronic lockers, and is one of the few mid-size SUVs that offers a six-speed manual transmission — in addition to its five-speed automatic transmission.

Dodge Challenger With record sales since the reintroduction

of the Challenger in 2008, the Dodge brand’s performance icon continues to deliver exactly what muscle car enthusiasts want – a powerful and efficient engine lineup, iconic muscle-car design with numerous personalization packages. And now for 2015, every Dodge Challenger model offers more performance and technology than ever before.

With its award-winning 305 horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine now mated to a state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission for improved performance and an impressive 30 mpg highway (11 percent improvement from 2014), the Dodge Challenger SXT is the most powerful, refined and technologically advanced entry-level Challenger ever.

New 2015 Dodge Challenger R/T models are led by the all-new R/T Scat Pack, with track-proven hardware and SRT-designed 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine delivering best-in-class naturally-aspirated 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque, this hardcore muscle car turns out mid 4-second 0-60 mph times and low 12-second quarter mile times. And when optioned with the segment-exclusive TorqueFlite eight-speed transmission, the new Challenger R/T Scat Pack delivers up to a 9 percent improvement in fuel economy and up to 25 mpg on the highway – worthy of gas guzzler tax exemption.

The 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT 392 is powered by the same 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine as the R/T Scat Pack and adds SRTtuned adaptive damping system (ADS), SRT Performance Pages, the largest SRT front-brake package ever offered 390-mm (15.4-inch) by Brembo, SRT Drive Modes to tailor the driving experience and standard 20-by-9.5-inch aluminum wheels.

The all-new 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat is the most powerful muscle car ever with its 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI Hellcat V-8 engine producing an unrivaled 707 horsepower, 650 ft.-lb. of torque and up to 22 mpg on the highway. Add in the aggressive and functional exterior styling, race-inspired interior, and the all-new Challenger SRT Hellcat takes the muscle car segment to a level once unthinkable.