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newspaper February 2013

February 2013

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Protect Yourself

From Tax Refund

Identity Theft Reporting Al Sunshine

Ah, it’s that time of year. Super Bowl speculation is in the air and tax forms from employers and banks are in the mail. This year’s tax season has started off with an important warning from federal authorities. Tax refund identity theft is expected to be even worse this year compared to last year. However, there are several things you can do to keep your identity, and your refund safe.

Lauri King is one of an estimated 650,000 taxpayers who had their refund stolen by somebody else last year. “They’re more you than you are yourself when they have your information. I filed my taxes on March 17th of 2012,” said King. She’s still waiting for her refund and hasn’t heard anything back from the Internal Revenue Service about her complaint. The agency has said it would try to get taxpayers who had their identities stolen, like King, their refunds back within six months. King, who works as a waitress, said despite repeatedly complaining to them, she hasn’t heard anything back. “I haven’t had a piece of mail, I haven’t had any notification. I sent my affidavit of identity theft which I was told to fill out twice and I haven’t heard anything, nothing,” said King. Federal officials urge all taxpayers to take their warning about tax refund identity theft seriously.

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“The IRS itself, the Inspector General for the IRS predicted that in the next five years, IRS could be paying $21 billion dollars in stolen identity refund fraud schemes” “It’s going to get worse before it gets better. This is spreading like a virus. We’re talking billions. The IRS itself, the Inspector General for the IRS predicted that in the next five years, IRS could be paying $21 billion dollars in stolen identity refund fraud schemes,” said U-S Attorney for South Florida Wifredo Ferre. Tax assistance signs for this year’s season are starting to pop-up all over South Florida, offering thousands of dollars in potential refunds. But they don’t identify any company names or where they’re even located. Paula Reid, who is in charge of the Miami field office of the U.S. Secret Service, said they’re anticipating that identity thieves will be very aggressive this year. “I think it’s getting worse. I would never give my personal identifying information to someone I barely know, someone I just met or someone I don’t know whose intentions are,” said Reid. To avoid becoming a tax refund victim, never give out your financial information to any tax preparers without completely checking them out. Never give out your date of birth or social security number to anyone unless you know how it will be used and protected. Consider filing early so if your tax identity has been stolen, you can alert the IRS as soon as possible. The agency declined repeated requests to appear on camera about why it’s taking so long for so many taxpayers like King to get their legitimate refunds back. But King thinks she knows. “I think they’re overwhelmed. I don’t think they want to admit they’re overwhelmed. I think it’s insane. This is crazy, it’s ridiculous. I mean we’re going on 2013 I haven’t even settled up on 2011 yet, it’s ridiculous,” said King. The IRS’ Commissioner resigned last fall. There’s no word out of Washington when a full-time replacement will be nominated. Justice department prosecutors expect South Florida will remain the worst place in the country for identity theft. This year King, like hundreds of thousands of other victims, are worrying if their next tax refund will be stolen again.

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New Scam Targets

Hispanic FPL Customers MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

A new scam involving con artists claiming to be from Florida Power and Light is targeting the utility’s Hispanic customers in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. FPL’s Christie Dubois said a release that they’ve received a number of calls from their customers who said they were contacted by people claiming to be FPL employees. During the call they were told that accounts were past due and they must pay with a prepaid Money Pak card to avoid being disconnected. While some of the calls appeared on the customer’s caller ID as a FPL number in Miami, they actually came from an internet phone service outside of the U.S. Dubois added that FPL does not accept the Money Pak card as payment. FPL phone representatives will not ask for personal information unless the customer initiates the contact. Other utilities outside of Florida have reported a similar scam. FPL customers who believe they have been scammed should contact the police immediately. They should also notify FPL and report the incident to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) at (800) 435-7352).

“While some of the calls appeared on the customer’s caller ID as a FPL number in Miami, they actually came from an internet phone service outside of the U.S.”

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February 2013

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February 2013

52week

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

The

savings goal Is Catching On Reporting Al Sunshine

A simple plan to save money is gaining followers and growing bank accounts. An Oakland woman is changing her life and thousands of others’ after a Facebook post on a simple 52-week savings plan. Cassondra Moreland was looking for a new goal this year. “I was getting ready for work, and I just asked God, ‘I can’t do 2013 like I did for 2012. What do you have for me to do?’ ” Moreland said. This question led her to something so much bigger, and it all started with social media. “[I] signed on my Facebook, and there was this chart, and I said ‘I’m gonna save.’ I’ve never been a saver, let’s save,” said Moreland. The chart was a 52-week savings challenge posted to her wall. Right away she shared it with her family and friends. “I promise to motivate you every week to make deposits. I promise at the end of year to make sure we keep each other accountable, because I need you to hold me accountable,” Moreland said. In the first week, you make a $1 contribution. During the second week, you make a $2 contribution. By the end of the year, that last week’s $52 contribution into your savings will bring you to a total of $1,378 saved. Since Moreland’s post, 3,000 people have jumped onboard. “The next thing I know, I got someone on there from France saying. ‘I’m doing deposits in Euros,’” she said. Moreland’s new friends on Facebook, many who she doesn’t even know, have big plans for their savings. “People want to go on vacations. People want to have money at Christmas without having to use credit cards,” she said.

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“I promise to motivate you every week to make deposits. I promise at the end of year to make sure we keep each other accountable, because I need you to hold me accountable,” Others are banding together for churches and other organizations. A church in Louisiana has invited 25,000 people to the challenge. “So that’s $25,000+ they will have at the end of the year, and they are going to buy a church bus,” said Moreland. It’s a chance for non-savers to save and reap the benefits at the end of the year. “I’m not saying I’m giving you financial freedom, because $1,378 doesn’t give you financial freedom, but it does allow you financial breathing room,” Moreland said. An alternative idea is to reverse the plan. So, the bulk of the savings will come sooner, instead of at the end of the year around the holidays.

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February 2013

“It’s not fair to judge everyone because of one. Marlins is history and Dolphins is another chapter and a different one.”

Anthony Correia / Shutterstock.com

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Is Sun Life Stadium’s Renovation

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Reporting David Sutta

A Marlins-Style

Boondoggle? Marlins Park may go down in Miami-Dade County history as one of the biggest fleecing of taxpayers ever. But if you ask most Miami-Dade Commissioners about the proposal to modernize Sun Life Stadium, they’ll tell you this is not history repeating itself. “This is not a Marlins deal,” Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz told CBS4’s David Sutta. Chairwoman Rebeca Sosa reiterated that saying, “Not at all. Not even close.” The two commissioners are in agreement, even though Diaz voted for a resolution supporting the Dolphins plan and Sosa against. Sosa, who voted for the Marlins deal years ago, said she has learned a lot from the experience. She said she will encourage more public involvement this time, perhaps even considering a ballot initiative where people could vote by mail on the issue. She said despite voting against the plan, she is still open to negotiating a deal. “It’s not fair to judge everyone because of one,” Commissioner Sosa said. “Marlins is history and Dolphins is another chapter and a different one.” So what is so different? Commissioner Esteban Bovo, Jr. was not sure. “The problem here at the end of the day is we don’t know. We don’t know what the deal is,” Bovo said. Here is what we do know. The Miami Marlins ballpark cost $634 million dollars. Marlins owner Jeffery Loria contributed $125 million, roughly 19% of the bill. The rest of the $500 million and change was publicly funded and mortgaged for decades to come. “$2.4 billion is the price tag for our end of the Marlins deal. We get no revenue whatsoever from the stadium. They keep everything. And by the

mid-point of the season last year the stadium was empty,” Bovo said. The Miami Dolphins modernization plan has a price estimate of $400 million. Owner Stephen Ross said he’ll cover $201 million of it, roughly 51%. In return, for $199 million the Dolphins are pledging economic benefits of Super Bowls and major national events. Also, the construction will bring about some 4,000 construction jobs. “What people have to understand is the more these become part of our county and become part of structure and become bigger and better the more jobs they will provide for our community,” Diaz said. Funding for the two stadiums is quite similar, using taxes tourists pay at hotels. “That funding can only be used for that,” Sosa pointed out. The Dolphins are also trying to secure an annual $3 million dollar sales tax rebate for life. All of it is a long shot since Florida legislators would have to approve. Legislators frown on raising taxes, albeit on tourists, to fund billionaire enterprises. Bovo, a former legislator himself in Tallahassee, explained, “They are trying to fund things that have been cut.” The biggest difference between Marlins and the Dolphins plans may simply be what is to come. As Diaz explained “They are willing to open their books and they are willing to do things that in the past did not occur. So you can compare one with the other.” The Dolphins will have a lot of work ahead of them to beat back all the negative sentiment from the Marlins deal. They are taking steps to do that by offering up to open their books, even considering radical changes like moving their training camp. It’s highly likely the current deal will be very different months from now.

February 2013

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Beat The Holiday Bill Paying Blues

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Tips To

Reporting Al Sunshine

Retailers have said this past holiday shopping season was better than the previous year thanks to an improvement in the economy. But that means those after-holiday bills may be a lot worse than years’ past too. The main question for a lot of consumers now is how can you pay them off as painlessly as possible? “A few years ago a lot of people stopped using their credit cards. This season, boy, they spent like banshees,” said Howard Dworkin of Consolidated Credit. Holiday spending was up about 10% from the past year to the tune of about $28 billion dollars, according to the national retail federation. And unless you paid cash, all those credit card bills are coming due. “Unfortunately, now it’s time to pay the piper,” said Dworkin. Vivian Elesppe of Doral is already trying to figure out how to pay off her growing holiday bills. Making it even harder? Like everyone else, her take home pay is less than last year because of higher payroll taxes. “I have to re-adjust, pay a little less, find a way to budget better, cut costs somewhere,” said Elesppe. So how do you cut costs and pay off the credit cards?

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Coral Gables financial planner Lane Jones of Evensky & Katz said it may make sense to temporarily reduce savings plans and use the extra take-home pay to accelerate paying off high credit card debt. “You can always evaluate what you’re deducting into your 401k. I always hate to tell people to cut back their savings but that’s one way to do it,” said Jones. Need some more ideas? Go through your bills and cut back on all unneeded expenses like dining out or all those premium cable channels you may never watch. Check your credit cards and pay off the highest interest rates first. Try to use cash rather than credit as much as possible. Also, don’t get trapped into thinking you can just make the minimum payments. “If you want to be in debt the rest of your life, just pay the recommended payments. If you do, you’ll never get out of debt. It could take you 10 to 15 to 20 years to get out of debt,” said Dworkin. Home mortgages are near all-time low rates. If you can re-finance and save money on your monthly payments the extra cash can go towards paying off holiday bills. Need one last idea? Now’s a great time to start a so-called Christmas Club Savings account for this year’s holiday season.

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“If you want to be in debt the rest of your life, just pay the recommended payments. If you do, you’ll never get out of debt. It could take you 10 to 15 to 20 years to get out of debt”

February 2013

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Eco-Friendly

Light Bulbs May Put

Health At Risk Reporting Al Sunshine

Every time you turn on the lights, you may be putting yourself at risk, according to a disturbing new study. Energy efficient bulbs are eco-friendly and can save you big bucks, but experts say that they could also have a dark side. “When there is something in your house, you don’t perceive any danger, you wouldn’t get that close to an x-ray in a doctor’s office,” explained Miriam Rafailovich, Professor of Materials Science at Stony Brook University in New York. Money saving, compact fluorescent light bulbs emit high levels of ultra violet radiation, according to a new study. Research at Long Island’s Stony Brook found that the bulbs emit rays so strong that they can actually burn skin and skin cells. “The results were that you could actually initiate cell death,” said Marcia Simon, a Professor of Dermatology. Exposure to the bulbs could lead to premature aging and skin cancer, according to doctors. “It can also cause skin cancer in the deadliest form, and that’s melanoma,” said Dr. Rebecca Tung. In every bulb that researchers tested they found that the protective coating around the light creating ‘phosphor’ was cracked, allowing dangerous ultraviolet rays to escape. Homeowners expressed concern over the effect that the bulbs could have on children. “That’s very unfortunate because the kids are getting exposed to so many different things at a younger age,” said Vicky Cobb. As the federal government phases out the old incandescent bulbs in favor of compact fluorescents, customers will no longer have a choice over which bulb they use. “Now that you’re telling me there’s a health risk, I really don’t think it’s fair that they would not sell the other kind of light bulbs,” said Cobb. The compact fluorescent industry claims that the bulbs are safe, but admitted that they emit ultraviolet rays. The industry released a statement that said “the levels of UV radiation emitted are acceptably low,” and that they are safe under normal use. Stony Brook researches advised that customers exercise caution and stay two feet away from the bulbs at all times, while storing them in an overhead fixture or lamp.

February 2013

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S. FLORIDA (CBSMIAMI.COM)

South Florida Doctors

Pushing Flu Shot To Stem Epidemic

Reporting David Sutta

It’s the question every doctor at Community Health of South Florida has been asking this week: “Have you gotten your flu shot?” The doctors are trying to put the brakes on a flu epidemic sweeping the nation. “A week ago we were seeing one or two. Now we are seeing, oh, each physician a dozen or ten a day,” Dr. Arnold Oper told CBS4’s David Sutta. In Miami-Dade, emergency rooms have seen flu cases shoot up six percent this week. Jessica Torres isn’t taking any chances: she brought in her two children Friday. “The most important for me is for her,” Torres explained. Not everyone is signing up for flu shots, however. As a senior citizen, Azeez Udin is exactly the person health officials are worried about; seniors and children are most susceptible to the virus. “Well you have to protect yourself and I do. I eat my vegetables,” Udin explained. This flu season, 20 people have died nationwide, and the flu season doesn’t end until March. Dr. Lillian Rivera with the Miami-Dade Health Department said her organization is monitoring the virus as it spreads across the nation and the state. “We do not have deaths in Miami. We do have two in the state of Florida,” Dr. Rivera said. Community Health estimates about 85 percent of its patients are now taking flu shots, which is far more than the 35 percent that were just a few weeks ago. “They object because so-and-so took it and they got sick on it, etc. The flu is a dead vaccine. It’s not alive so you can’t get the flu from the vaccine.” Dr. Oper said. The shot takes up to 14 days before it’s effective. Even then, however, it only works 60% of the time. An added defense is to wash your hands often. Unlike in years’ past, you won’t have to wait in line for a vaccine. “The good thing is it’s readily available,” Rivera said. The other good thing: getting the shot is less intimidating than it was even five years ago: instead of a huge shot that goes into the muscle of your arm, it’s now just a tiny little prick.

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February 2013

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Miami Project Performs

First Schwann

Cell Transplant The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis has taken their first step in a clinical trial involving the transfer of stem cells to assist in the healing of a spinal cord injury. Led by Miami Project Scientific Director Dr. Dalton Dietrich, the Schwann cell clinical trial team performed the first ever FDA approved Schwann cell transplantation in an individual with a new spinal cord injury. “This historic clinical trial represents a giant step forward in a field of medicine where each tangible step has tremendous value. The trial and these first patients in this trial specifically, are extremely important to our mission of curing paralysis,” said Dr. Barth Green, neurosurgeon and Co-Founder and Chairman of The Miami Project. The transplantation procedure was conducted by Drs. Allan Levi and Jim Guest at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center. The participant received the transplant approximately four weeks after their injury. So far there have been no adverse events and the team is moving forward with the trial. The Phase 1 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of transplanting the patient’s own Schwann cells. The Miami Project clinical trial will enroll a total of eight participants with acute thoracic spinal cord injuries. “This trial, when completed successfully, will lay the critical foundation for future cell-based therapies to target spinal cord injuries,” said Dr. Dietrich. The Miami Project plans to use this Phase I trial as the foundation to develop future cell transplant trials targeting different types of injuries, times post-injury, and therapeutic combinations.

“The trial and these first patients in this trial specifically, are extremely important to our mission of curing paralysis”

February 2013

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CORAL GABLES (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Strength

Is The New

Fitness Trend For Women

For many women, diet pills and treadmills are the tools to achieve their ideal body but some women are now using barbells and push-ups to get the body of their dreams. Janelle Benito may only be 5’3” but she is 127 pounds of intimidating strength. She can throw 100 pounds over her head and lift a loaded barbell off the ground. “A lot of girls are doing Olympic lifting, and they are gaining more muscle,” said Benito. Two years ago, Benito weighed in at 95 pounds. She was petite and certainly skinny but then she fell in love with Crossfit, a boot camp style workout that incorporates Olympic lifting. “I tried it out one day and it progressed and now I can’t stop. I can’t go to a regular gym anymore,” she explained. Two years of dedication to Crossfit and Janelle has transformed her body into pure muscle. “I like the new look. I like the new me,” she said. Now, Janelle is pretty much exemplifying the new trend in fitness that strong is the new skinny. “You don’t lose your femininity when you gain strength and you have an athletic build,” said Dr. Sarah Messiah from the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine. Dr. Messiah is an advocate for the new push for stronger women. “It’s so not healthy to think that way. There is nothing healthy about being skinny,” said Dr. Messiah. More women are looking for help on getting fit and not skinny.

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According to the National Directory of Magazines, the number of health & fitness magazines has grown 62-percent from 2004 to 2010. Dozens of them are geared specifically toward women. Since 2004 one of the most popular magazines, Women’s Health, has increased its sales by 375-percent with a circulation of more than 1.5 million. “I think if you ask the opposite sex what they prefer in terms of attractiveness, most men would tell you they prefer a strong, athletic build, well proportioned build, over a skinny woman,” said Dr. Messiah. With over 5,000 Crossfit gyms throughout the country thousands of women are living a new lifestyle of lifting and loving what it’s doing to their bodies despite any criticism. “They really felt that it increased their confidence and I think their self-esteem,” said Dr. Messiah. Benito agreed. “I feel strong but it’s still beautiful, it’s still womanly, it’s still feminine,” said Benito.

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“I think if you ask the opposite sex what they prefer in terms of attractiveness, most men would tell you they prefer a strong, athletic build, well proportioned build, over a skinny woman”

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February 2013 MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

No Pain Necessary

With Needle-Free Dental Injector The biggest fear for most people at the dentist is the dreaded needle but there is a way to get a shot of anesthesia without a needle.

It’s a great relief to Hannah Shapiro who was dreading a recent visit to the dentist. “Nobody likes people poking around in their mouth to my knowledge,” said Hannah. The new needle free injector device is a welcome change for Hannah after she’s had 15 cavities filled in her lifetime. “I think it’s fabulous,” she said. The device is called Injex. It doesn’t use a needle; instead it just uses pressure to get the anesthesia inside your gums. “It actually goes through the tissue,” explained Dr. Abraham Jaskeil. Dr. Jaskeil is one of the only dentists in South Florida to use the new device. “Anyone who has a phobia of a needle is having a great response to it,” he said.

“Anyone who has a phobia of a needle is having a great response to it”

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“I think it’s really incredible how it didn’t hurt at all” Right now the shot is not covered on insurance. Dr. Jaskeil said he’s not charging his patients extra right now but in the future there may be a nominal fee. For patients like Hannah, it’s worth a little extra to not have to endure that dreaded needle. “I think it’s really incredible how it didn’t hurt at all,” she said. Dr. Jaskiel said the device is good for pretty much any procedure except some involving the lower jaw because the bone is so dense and procedures that are very, very, long.

February 2013

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Eating

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

The Right Foods Could Protect You

Against Getting Sick Flu season has arrived with a vengeance. There have been dozens of flu-related deaths and 29 states, including Florida are reporting a higher number of influenza cases than has been seen in years.

Chances are you know someone who is suffering but did you know certain foods might offer you some protection from the flu bug? Carline Brooks has been battling a bug, and she’s got plenty of company. “It’s just severe,” Brooks said. ”My body was really aching. I couldn’t get up.” All around, people are coughing, sneezing and just feeling miserable everywhere. Dr. Sorana Segal-Maurer said cold and flu season is going to get worse before it gets better. “The trajectory is almost on a vertical upshot. The prediction, the thought is it could be a moderate to severe season,” Segal-Maurer said. But dietitian Mary Grace Webb said you can eat your way to better health. Some pantry basics can boost immunity and help fight colds and the flu. “When we’re fighting disease of any nature, food gives substances to keep us strong and healthy, and that’s what immunity is really all about,” Webb said. “It’s about being the strongest that we can.”

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Foods high in Vitamin C are a good choice. Even vegetable-rich salsa can give you a boost. “Vitamin C is definitely something that can help prevent colds and flu,” Webb said. “It’s good for immunity,” added Segal-Maurer “It’s good for a lot of things for our body, so deficiency — low levels — is terrible. Mega-doses, unclear if it prevents anything.” Research also suggests that onions, garlic, ginger and honey can have anti-microbial effects. Some yogurts contain good bacteria that can battle bad bugs naturally – when it comes to the risk for bacterial infections. Colds and the flu, of course, are viral infections. “It’s also a rich source of calcium and protein, and this can help keep yourself very, very strong when you’re not feeling so well,” Webb said. Mushrooms produce cells that can fight infection, and foods rich in selenium, such as nuts, can build the immune system. Webb said drinking hot chocolate made with pure cocoa powder can be beneficial, too. Having a little chicken soup couldn’t hurt. “There’s also chemicals some people have looked at in chicken soup that have some benefit, but again no big studies done,” Segal-Maurer said. “People have not been able to say, ‘Ah, there’s one particular ingredient in it.’ But it tastes good.” Doctors advise balance, so don’t overeat any food thinking you’ll get extra benefits.

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“Some yogurts contain good bacteria that can battle bad bugs naturally – when it comes to the risk for bacterial infections. Colds and the flu, of course, are viral infections”

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CocoWalk Welcomes the Pan Am Exhibit Famed MarketPlace Becomes Latest Official Visitor Center Coconut Grove, FL - CocoWalk, the Grove’s preeminent open-air shopping and dining destination, is soaring into 2013 and bringing exciting news. Tourists and locals are now welcome to visit the CocoWalk Visitor Center, as recently proclaimed by the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The modern ‘high heel’ brochure stand offers info on hundreds of things to do in Miami and the Grove,

1-DEC-1930

and the digital touch screen is a fun interactive tour of the best that these amazing areas have to offer. The Center is conveniently located near the rear fountain, and offers restrooms, water access, and seating. First Flight Out is the premiere Pan Am exhibit and retail emporium in the U.S. Located on the second floor in Cocowalk, Pan Am & First Flight Out is an air-travel inspired retail store ideally located in Coconut Grove, one of the original Pan American World Airways bases where, beginning in 1927, Flying Clippers flew to and from the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Florida State Archives

1930 - The First Flight Out of Pan American Airways Sikorsky S-40 NC-80V “American Clipper” from Dinner Key, Coconut Grove Courtesy DonBoyd.net

First Flight Out is the brainchild of Steve Licata, owner of Palm Produce, and Gailen David, founder of The Sky Steward. The exhibit contains original Pan Am equipment, including first class lounges where you can watch a Pan Am documentary, window panels, complete galleys, and even cowlings from jet engines. A variety of fun memorabilia, such as rare stewardess dolls, playing cards, authentic uniforms, postcards, menus, photos, and more are tastefully displayed throughout

the huge store. First Flight Out will host a fabulous grand opening on Sunday, Feb. 17, with uniformed hosts and hostesses, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and more. Stravaganze, a high-end women’s dress and shoe store, opened in January and offers cocktail dresses and leather shoes from Milano, Italy. Self, a mid-price women’s clothing store, recently opened and both are located on CocoWalk’s second floor. Shop Miami Month takes place in February and with every $500 purchase at participating malls and marketplaces, the GMCVB is offering a $20 Visa gift card and a chance to win a variety of grand prizes. Shop at CocoWalk and receive an additional $50 Cheesecake Factory gift card! Visit ShopMiamiMonth.com for more details.

Sponsored by CocoWalk

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February 2013

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Florida Doctor Helps Dieters

Shed

Pounds

Reporting Vanessa Borge

With Drastic Method Some dieters who want to lose weight are taking their slim downs to a whole new level. Chris Grinda is aware of what years of overeating and not exercising has done to his body.

“What I’m going to end up doing, is I’m going to be in a wheelchair if I stay this way,” Grinda said. He has been overweight for 15 years and topping the scales at over 300 pounds. He said he’s tried it all to lose the pounds. “I’ve tried dieting on my own, I’ve tried exercising, but it is a very, very long process.” Chris is now making, what some say, is a drastic choice to finally get rid of the weight. He’s joining the feeding tube diet craze, also known as the K-E diet. A feeding tube is inserted into the patient’s nose and down to their stomach. It is the same procedure to keep someone in a coma alive. A patient gets 800 calories a day and they can’t ingest anything else except water, coffee, or tea. The K-E diet puts the body into a state of ketosis, where it is burning fat instead of carbohydrate. The diet gained popularity when Florida physician Oliver Di Pietro started offering to hook-up women to feeding tubes in his clinic. He’s the only doctor in the United States that offers the procedure. “It helps you get over the initial hump. Once you start losing weight it motivates you to continue that lifestyle,” Dr. Di Pietro explained. He’s helped hundreds of patients shrink their waistlines.

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“I’ve tried dieting on my own, I’ve tried exercising, but it is a very, very long process” But there’s a catch, for 24 hours a day, ten days straight, you have to stay connected to the feeding tube and carry around your feeding bag where ever you go. Despite the inconvenience, the diet worked for Chris. He has lost 23 pounds. He said he will be undergoing the procedure a few more times until he’s comfortable with his weight. The Feeding Tube diet sets you back $1,500 dollars and though Chris agreed it is costly, he said adding more years to his life is priceless.

February 2013

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BEST OF MIAMI

Best Places For

Soup

Salad In Miami

Soups and salads are staple foods that almost everyone loves. They are a welcomed alternative to the everyday fast-food grind. Luckily, Miami restaurants have conjured up some of the best available pairings for this beloved duo. One taste and you’ll be planning your next trip back.

Bon Fromage

Croissant D’Or

Lemoni Cafe

www.bonfromage.net The Bon Fromage has only been open for one year but it has made quite an impression on the Brickell community. It looks like a quaint and classy gourmet wine and cheese shop, but the soups and salads are worthy of an upscale restaurant. Each is decorated with the finest cheeses like parmigiano reggiano, making the food melt in your mouth. Salads run the gamut with options like the Blue Cheese Pear, Walnut Cranberry Goat Cheese or Strawberry and Feta salad. Substitute the sandwich to get a soup and salad combo. Call ahead for the soup of the day. This is the only soup offered on the menu but always proves to be delicious.

www.croissantdor.net Croissant D’Or is mostly known for its delectable and unforgettable croissants but it also has quite a soup and salad selection. Choose from standard favorites like the Chef’s Salad to specialty creations like the Ludwig Salad, a grilled chicken salad with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and mandarin oranges. All soups are homemade and you have to call ahead for the daily selection. Order one of the acclaimed croissants for dipping in your warm cup. If looking for a larger meal, then try the soup, salad and sandwich combos.

www.mylemonicafe.com Price: $27 for adults for Island Queen The Lemoni Cafe is located in the heart of the design district. It has an extensive salad menu consisting of some standard favorites like Caesar, Garden and Caprese salads to some more unique like the Smoked Salmon & Goat Cheese served with greens, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, olives, cucumbers, carrots and chives. All salads are tossed with the house vinaigrette so don’t go looking for ranch at this spot. The soup is constantly changing but every day should feature a new, inventive flavor. Order a medium Garden Salad and bowl of soup for only $7.

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February 2013

Rigatti’s Cafe www.rigattis.wordpress.com

Rigatti’s Cafe is an Italian restaurant that has a great soup and salad selection. The best bet for summertime is the Grilled Vegetable Salad that comes with an assortment of grilled squash, zucchini, eggplant and roasted red peppers atop mixed greens with a scoop of goat cheese. The warm vegetables melt the goat cheese just a little to create the perfect, creamy texture. As far as soup goes, Rigatti’s is always serving its house Lentil Soup and an additional soup of the day. The Creamy Vegetable and Creamy Tomato soup are usually served on Thursday and Friday. Call ahead for the soup of the day.

Capriccio www.facebook.com/Capriccio Capriccio is another Italian hotspot located in Doral, known largely for its original and incredibly large salads with colorful names. You can choose from the Volcano – a mixed greens, chicken, pineapple and mandarin concoction – or go with the Campanola – arugula and mixed greens with Roma tomatoes, dried cranberries, roasted balsamic pears, honey almonds, ham and manchego cheese dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette. The soups change daily but one you will hopefully find is the Cream of Tomato & Tortellini. It’s exceptional. Call ahead for the soup of the day.

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February 2013

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Miami Girl Fighting Cancer

Reporting Lisa Petrillo

Rocks The Runway It’s not every day a 10 year old girl gets to walk in a high fashion runway show in front of thousands of people. But, Briana Vega is no ordinary 10 year old. Briana is fighting leukemia, a diagnosis she received just after her 10th birthday. She’s being treated at Miami Children’s Hospital and is now their Ambassador. In October 2012, Briana was speaking at another event, and that’s when designer René Ruiz heard her story. “When I saw her speak and felt her love and her energy, I couldn’t just help but think I could do something to help her. I wanted to give her something special,” said Ruiz. So Ruiz offered to create a custom designed couture dress for Briana with her help. “It was really good because I got to design my own dress and add straps. It was fun,” said Briana. Ruiz made Briana “Supermodel of the Day” at The Multiple Sclerosis Society’s 30th Anniversary luncheon held recently in Miami. Briana rocked the runway in a turquoise knee length show stopper along with models wearing his spring 2013 line. For Briana’s Dad, watching his baby girl strut her stuff was the quite

the moment. “I’m so proud of her!” said Humberto Vega. “As a parent it’s the best you can hope for your daughter.” One of this year’s honorees is Alie Rothman, who created “Alie’s Fund” after she was diagnosed with MS at age 14 and underwent open-heart surgery. Alie’s Fund allocates funds to children based on their specific needs The two young women are reaching out beyond their own issues to give a name and face to causes that need all the help they can get. “The important thing is to keep our heads up,” said Rothman. “There will be a cure in our lifetime.” “Even though something bad happens to you it’s doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world,” said Briana.

“It was really good because I got to design my own dress and add straps. It was fun.”

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February 2013

SOUTH FLORIDA i love you, you’re perfect, now change February 13 to 16, 2013

From first dates, to pre-marital jitters, post-marital complaints, honeymoons, parenthood and divorces, the agony and ecstasy of relationships are celebrated with a simplicity and truthfulness that will leave you rolling in the aisles with laughter and privately wiping the tears from your eyes. Broward Center For The Performing arts

954-462-0222

calendar

TOUR DE CURE February 10, 2013

Tour de Cure is more than just a cycling event. It's a life-changing event. A day full of fun and excitement where riders of all levels join forces in the fight to Stop Diabetes® and raise critical funds for diabetes research, education and advocacy in support of the American Diabetes Association. The Tour is a ride, not a race. Whether you are an occasional rider or an experienced cyclist, there is a route just for you.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW & STRICTLY SAIL February 14 to 18, 2013

This event features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors from all over the globe. Preview what’s new in boating and experience fun and education on the water. From the latest in powerboats, sailboats and engines to cutting-edge marine electronics and accessories to the best in nautical gifts, services and apparel, it’s the ideal shopping destination for every boater and offers entertainment for all ages. It takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center, as well as Miamarina at Bayside and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center. Miami Beach Convention Center 954/441-3220

www.miamiboatshow.com

Historic Virginia Key Beach Park

www.diabetes.org/stepoutmiami

new shanghai circus February 13 to 16, 2013

Shanghai’s acrobats, jugglers and contortionists defy gravity and delight children of all ages with spectacular flair and limitless imagination as a talented troupe of fearless performers with boundless energy bring to life more than two thousand years of Chinese circus traditions. Astonishing athletes in dazzling costumes, awe-inspiring sets and incredible choreography execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in the spellbinding New Shanghai Circus. 954-462-0222

COCONUT GROVE ARTS FESTIVAL February 16 to 18, 2013

The 50th annual Coconut Grove Arts Festival will host more than 380 international artists exhibiting their finest work. This year's entertainment will include live musical performances and worldfamous chefs. 10 a.m-6 p.m.

FOOD NETWORK SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL February 21 to 24, 2013

Along McFarlane Road and South Bayshore Drive

Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine is a national, star-studded, four-day destination event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs and culinary personalities. The festival benefits Florida International University's (FIU) School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.

305/447-0401 - www.cgaf.com

877/762-3933 - www.sobefest.com

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muse February 22, 2013

Muse are an English rock band from Teignmouth, Devon. They were also nominated for three Grammy Awards of which they won Best Rock Album, for their fifth studio album The Resistance. Muse have sold over 15 million albums worldwide. bb&t center

800-745-3000

florida grand opera: the magic flute February 21 to 23, 2013

Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, reveals some of opera’s most beloved characters as they play out the timeless drama of good versus evil: the vengeful Queen of the Night, her conflicted daughter Pamina, the charming bird catcher Papageno, and the handsome prince Tamino. It is the enlightened Sarastro, though, who thwarts the Queen of the Night’s attack and breaks her power forever. broward center for the performing arts

954-610-9100

CARNAVAL ON THE MILE March 02 to 03, 2013

Annual music festival features a fusion of jazz and funk combined with art, wine pavilions, gourmet foods and children's activities. One mile of free entertainment with non-stop performances on several musical stages. Along Miracle Mile in downtown Coral Gables 305/644-8888

www.carnavalmiami.com

KITE DAY AT HAULOVER PARK February 17, 2013

The sky over Miami Beach displays a marvelous array of colors and figures from hundreds of kites in the air during this festival, which features paper-kite-building classes, demonstrations from longtime kite enthusiasts, and kiteflying competitions for both children and adults. Noon-5 p.m. Haulover Park - 305/893-0906

www.skywardkites.com

WINTER PARTY FESTIVAL March 06 to 11, 2013

This world-famous celebration brings 10,000 people from around the globe together for six unforgettable days and nights in Miami Beach. All culminating with the sexiest beach party on the planet. 305/571-1924 - www.winterparty.com/

MOONLIGHT & MUSIC VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT February 14, 2013

This concert offers couples the opportunity to celebrate their love at a romantic, outdoor concert under the stars, on the edge of Biscayne Bay. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets. Limited refreshments and food are available for an additional fee. 7 p.m. (main gate opens at 6 p.m.) Deering Estate at Cutler 305/235-1668

VALENTINE’S DAY CONCERT February 14, 2013

Bring your blankets and picnic baskets and enjoy Fairchild’s most romantic event of the year, with a special concert by jazz singer Nicole Henry. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; concert begins at 7 p.m. Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 305/667-1651

www.fairchildgarden.org

305-883-1218

WWW.POWERPARTYEVENTS.COM

February 2013

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MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Benefits Of A

Gluten Free Diet

Reporting Cynthia Demos

Gluten-free has become the latest trend in diets with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Lady Gaga trying it. Now, a lot of people are wondering if they should try a glutenfree diet and if it will help them lose weight, be healthier or feel better. In some cases, it does. Just ask Colleen Tracy and her 4-year-old daughter Julia. Both love pizza hot out of the oven but can only eat gluten free pizza because Julia has severe allergies and Colleen is gluten sensitive.

She figured that out after not feeling like herself. “I just didn’t always feel I had great energy. I had some digestive problems, rashes, things like that, sluggish, and I had brain fog. I couldn’t think, I couldn’t concentrate as easily as I used to,” Colleen said. She tried going gluten free and immediately felt better. “Taking out these foods for good has made me feel great all the time,” Colleen said. So what is gluten? It’s a group of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley, which give bread its spongy texture. Dr. Will Clower, a neuroscientist, said the symptoms for gluten sensitivity can be all over the map. “You can have bloating, you can have gastrointestinal ugliness, diarrhea, constipation,” Dr. Clower said. “It can induce headaches, it can induce dizziness, it can induce brain fog where you’re just not thinking clearly.” The diagnosis could fall along a spectrum of gluten problems. The extreme is celiac disease — an autoimmune disorder that causes the

cbs4 Newspaper February 2013 body to fight gluten and can damage the organs – which affects about one in 133 people. There’s also wheat allergy, which is more common in children and is not specific to gluten. There is also gluten sensitivity, where gluten causes inflammation along the bowel. Some research shows six percent of the population is gluten sensitive. It can develop later in life, like it did for Colleen and Dr. Clower’s wife, who figured out she’s gluten sensitive two months ago. So, why is it that we’re hearing so much about gluten now? Are there more people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, or are we just more aware? Dr. Clower said both are valid reasons. First, our wheat is different than it used to be. “In the 1950s, was aggressive program of hybridization and cross hybridization and on and on and on to get certain strains of wheat that are shorter, more durable and has more gluten in it,” Dr. Clower said. Plus, the bread is baked faster now, which leaves more gluten in it. However, we’re also more aware. The best-selling book “Wheat Belly” advocates a wheat-free diet.

“If you give up all that snack food, suddenly you’re losing all that sugar, suddenly that sugar’s not making you tired and hungry and you feel better,” However, there’s one other important thing to mention. If it’s weight loss you’re looking for going gluten free is not necessarily the answer. “Don’t look at it as a magic bullet for weight loss because it’s just not,” Dr. Clower said. Dr. Clower said some people have lost weight on the diet, but gluten has nothing to do with it. It’s because they’re eating more vegetables and fruit and cutting out junk foods that have gluten like cookies, donuts and chips. “If you give up all that snack food, suddenly you’re losing all that sugar, suddenly that sugar’s not making you tired and hungry and you feel better,” Dr. Clower said. In fact, if you buy gluten-free replacements for food like pretzels and cookies, they’re usually higher in calories and fat than conventional food. Colleen said she has lost weight on a gluten-free and sugar-free diet, but that’s not why she’s doing it. “I have to feel good. I don’t want to be hungry. I want to be healthy and it’s expensive and a lot of work,” Colleen said. “If I could eat gluten and not worry about it, and have healthy body and not worry about it, I would do it, but it doesn’t work for me.” Dr.. Clower said if you have some of these symptoms, it’s pretty easy to try going gluten free and you’ll probably know within two weeks if that was your problem. However, to really know if you have gluten sensitivity, you have to take a blood test and you must do that before going gluten-free or the test won’t work, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.

For Information Call: 786.565.4556

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Granny Doesn’t Always

February 2013

Know Best MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Families with two working parents are becoming the rule rather than the exception. With that trend, a rising number of grandparents have taken over caring for the kids. However, a new study suggests grandparents may not always know best. When Betty Boyko began baby-sitting her grandchildren she quickly discovered how the rules have changed. “For instance they said the baby goes on her back. She doesn’t sleep on her stomach. My children slept on their stomach,” said Boyko. A recent survey found many grandparents weren’t aware of all kinds of new safety guidelines. Dr. Kyran Quinlan, with the American Academy of Pediatrics, caregivers need to be up to speed on the latest information. “There is new knowledge about what is safest for young kids and grandparents who regularly care for kids will need to learn about these things to do the best job,” he said. The survey found a third of grandparents thought it was okay to put a baby to sleep on their stomach. But research shows that can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. About half of grandparents didn’t know that blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals also increase the SIDS risk. About a quarter of the grandparents were not aware of the current recommendations for car seats. “Grandparents felt it was okay for a 9-month-old to be in a forward facing car seat, and this is also the opposite of what is true,” Dr. Quinlan said. Experts also warn parents to avoid the urge to pull out their old baby gear from the attic. Safety standards have changed so many times in recent years that older gear is likely to be unsafe. “One of the first things a grandparent might do when they learn they’re about to become a grandparent is think that now’s the time to bring down the crib that their child slept in, toys they may have in the attic and we would certainly urge grandparents to stop before they do that. Older model cribs are simply not going to be safe,” said Nancy Cowles, executive director of Kids in Danger. Another helpful tip for grandparents taking care of young children is to be aware of recall lists. That’s where they can find the latest on updates on dangerous product and important safety information. Experts agree that communication between parents and grandparents is key to keeping children safe.

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February 2013

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2013 Vacation

MIAMI (CBSMIAMI.COM)

Travel Trends

The economy is doing a bit better these days and it’s reflected in the travel industry. Not only are travelers spending more, so are hotels, air lines and cruise lines looking to capitalize on your wanderlust. Martha Riordan loves to travel, especially to see her college daughter compete for her diving team. On one visit to campus, she decided to mix up her plans, skipping the hotel and opting for an RV instead. “It just came up in conversation. We’d never done it. We thought it might be fun,” explained Riordan. She joined what travel experts predict will be one of the hottest trends of 2013. Travel and Leisure’s Kathryn O’Shea-Evans stressed modern RV’S aren’t your daddy’s campers. Expect RV’s to be totally tricked out these days. “Super-design, super-mod, comes with HDTVs and Wi-Fi, and is gorgeous inside and out,” said O’Shea-Evans. Another hot travel trend predicted for the new year is theme cruises. “Yoga themed cruises, jazz themed cruises, golf cruises, so that golfers can get on board and then go to different islands and enjoy teeing off in different locations,” said O’Shea-Evans

“One thing I’m seeing in a lot of airports is these hologram attendants where you can go up and ask about your gate or where the bathroom is”

cbs4 Newspaper February 2013

Also, get ready for pop up hotels. O’Shea-Evans said they’re getting bigger and more influential. “I think hotel brands have been seeing certain locations are only good certain times of the year so they’re putting dollars behind these month long hotel operations where they just pop up and you go and enjoy it and then they take it all down and it’s, it’s gone.” Green travel will stay red hot in 2013. “Hybrid taxis are popping up in cities around the globe. New York has hybrid taxis, um Paris,” said O’Shea-Evans. Also hot in 2013, sustainable travel with airlines and airports using special fuel and lighting. And brace yourself for futuristic high tech help Ticketed passengers with boarding passes, please proceed straight ahead for all gates. “One thing I’m seeing in a lot of airports is these hologram attendants where you can go up and ask about your gate or where the restroom is,” said O’Shea-Evans. Martha Riordan has several flights planned for 2013. She’s not sure if she’ll be rolling with the RV again anytime soon, though she doesn’t rule it out. “It was fun. We had a good time. It was sort of an adventure,” said Riordan. Something on the way out is reliance on anonymous travel reviews. More and more travelers are looking for a name to go with reviews they read online.

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“Something on the way out is reliance on anonymous travel reviews. More and more travelers are looking for a name to go with reviews they read online”

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