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newspaper November 2013

Dont Get

blacklisted Check Your Banking History Are You Ready To Start Using

smart credit cards?

They’re Making Their Way Into The U.S.

OBAMA CARE How Will It

Affect Healthcare? Medical Professionals Voice Their Concerns

Don’t Quit Your Job! Learn To Deal With A

horrible boss

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Contents

Newspaper November 2013

Featured Editorial

24 |

Obama Care: How Will It Affect Healthcare? With the start of the new year, having health insurance will be mandatory under the Affordable Care Act. Local professionals voice their concerns.

06 |

“Banking Blacklists” Cause Consumer Headaches You’ve heard of credit reporting agencies but did you know there are companies tracking your banking history and any money mistakes you make?

Special Sections

Real Estate

Properties Sold in your area

Sponsored By

Many stores are now tracking shoppers from the second they walk through the door. This is not about preventing shoplifting but about knowing a shopper’s habits. To get this information stores are tapping into your cell phone’s Wi-Fi.

PRINTED IN THE USA, COPYRIGHT © 2013 BY MARCO G, INC. All rights reserved. The CBS4 News Magazine, a free publication, is published monthly by MARCO G, Inc. Material in this publication must not be stored or reproduced in any form without permission from Marco G. Inc. or WFOR CBS4. Requests for permission should be directed to: info@cbs4newsmagazine.com. CBS4 and/or Marco G. Inc do not assume any liability for products and/or services claimed in advertisements herein. CBS4 and its logo (s) are protected through trademark registration. The use of logos, content and/or artwork in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. For more information please contact 305.477.1699.

November 2013

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Could You Be On The

Bank

? By Rhiannon Ally

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You’ve heard of credit reporting agencies but did you know there are companies tracking your banking history and any money mistakes you make? Most banks look at your consumer report before allowing you to open a checking or savings account. If your record is not good, you could end up literally “blacklisted by banks.”

atasha Carmon pays her bills by driving to individual businesses, then going inside and settling up with cash or a money order. “It’s definitely frustrating,” Carmon said. Frustrating because she would rather pay by check, but each time Natasha tried to open a checking account at several different banks she said she got the same surprising news. “They all denied me and they all said that it’s because you owe this bank ‘x amount’ of dollars,” Carmon said. She said four years ago she got hit with a bank fee and when she could not pay it the charges piled up and her account was closed. “The fees just got so extreme that I couldn’t keep that up,” she said. Unpaid fees and involuntary account closures are just some money mistakes banks and credit unions may report to two different tracking companies - Chex Systems and Early Warning. These consumer reporting agencies receive information about people who have had financial mishaps or even fraudulently bounced checks. Before they approve a new account many banks check your past records with these companies. “It’s a good indication of whether the person can manage the account and what risk they present of causing the bank to lose money,” said Nessa Feddis of the American Bankers Association. An FDIC survey reveals 65-percent of banks deny checking account applicants who have prior mismanagement in their consumer reports.

“Federal law says you can request a free banking history report each year, and dispute any incorrect information.”

November 2013

“A

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consumer who bounced a check once is not a deadbeat, a consumer who bounced a check once may not even have made a conscious mistake,” said Ed Mierzwinski of the National Association of State Public Interest Research Groups. Mierzwinski said potentially millions of Americans are “blacklisted from banks” and consumer advocates worry financial institutions could be shutting out some people whose records were dinged by accident. “There could have been an automatic payment that the consumer had canceled but the company by mistake continued to try to take out of their account, and that is happening more and more often today,” Mierzwinski said. Federal law says you can request a free banking history report each year, and dispute any incorrect information. Chex Systems said if consumers find errors it is ”committed to resolving all such disputes as quickly as possible.” Early Warning declined comment. As for Natasha, she said she is going to have to keep hitting the road to pay her bills, at least for now.

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

“I don’t like it but until I can find a bank who is willing to give me a checking account, then that’s the options that I have,” she said. The American Bankers Association says banks do not report you if you overdraw your account but take care of it. When you don’t pay the overdraft fee, though, that could cause you to have trouble getting accounts in the future. Some banks offer alternative “cash only pre-paid card” accounts for people who can’t get traditional accounts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regulates these reporting practices. You can find information on those regulations by visiting this website:

http://www.consumerfinance.gov/

Blacklisted.

November 2013

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DON’T FEAR THE SURGEON

NOW YOU CAN

PREVIEW YOUR PLASTIC SURGERY RESULTS With 3D Imaging By Cynthia Demos

Every year, millions of Americans go under the knife in an attempt to improve their looks. While many approve of the fix, others wind up regretting it. In an effort to prevent buyers’ remorse, some surgeons are using new 3D imaging to give potential patients a glimpse of what they will look like after the surgery.

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

my McGraw, 47, wanted liposuction, but was hesitant due to a previous experience with a cosmetic procedure. Several years ago McGraw, after a breast augmentation, was shocked with the results of her surgery. “He made me a [size] DD, and when I came back after recovery and everything, I was like they’re too big,” said McGraw. For her next procedure, Amy is leaving nothing to chance. She’s having liposuction done by a surgeon who uses the new 3D imaging device that can show her just what she’s getting into—no surprises. The imaging is called Vectra XT and it allows experts, like Dr. Phillip Craft, to demonstrate exactly what they’re aiming for—showing patients what to expect via 3D imaging on a video monitor. “Let me see if I can show you what it would look like if I would do a little flattening,” Dr. Craft told McGraw. The 3D image of McGraw’s body is incredibly detailed—and it’s the detail that gives McGraw piece of mind. When McGraw had her breast augmentation, all she had to look at prior to surgery were before and after photos of other patients. For her liposuction, with the 3D imaging, McGraw is able to go into surgery with a confidence that she will approve of the result. “Having the doctor just be able to draw the flaw right out and say ‘this is what you’re gonna look like afterwards,’ you don’t have to leave it to faith. It’s like science,” said McGraw. The mother of four is hoping that with the new technology, science and her surgeon, she can turn back the clock. “It’s cool to think that this is me and that I can have a flat tummy again. It’s been a long time,” said McGraw.

“Having the doctor just be able to draw the flaw right out and say ‘this is what you’re gonna look like afterwards,’ you don’t have to leave it to faith. It’s like science”

November 2013

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A True Inspiration By Michele Gillen

Michael Williams There was a time in life when 18-year-old Michael Williams did not want to look into his eyes, afraid of what he might see. That is no longer the case for this CBS4 Super Kid. Eyes shining with hope, wearing a broad a smile and braces, today he says he is proud to look into a mirror.

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“W

hen you look into your eyes, what do you see?” asked CBS4 Chief Investigator Michele Gillen. Williams didn’t hesitate to answer. “Greatness.” Williams answered. “Every day I wake up in the morning, I say ‘thank you God.’ And I say, ‘I don’t know why you saved me but I’m glad you did.’ Every morning. I look in my eyes and say ‘I don’t know why you saved me, cause I came to some near death experiences, but thank you’.” Walking the South Florida campus he adores and considers home, Williams is a freshman at Florida Memorial University. He is a student leader who is full of passion and promise. “When you see me, I lead by example. I service the need of the people. And I stay full of character I mean, I’m a character. Don’t get me wrong I do have fun,” he added with a wink and contagious laugh. In fact, Williams now finds joy living the adventure of a lifetime. He is a would be inventor, studying physics and fascinated by mechanical engineering. But the mission dearest to his heart is harnessing the ultimate potential of humankind, beginning with himself. “I came from one of the worst cities in Miami, Liberty City, I grew up in the Pork and Beans, I grew up in Opa Locka. I grew up in West Park; I grew up everywhere you can think of in Miami. Every neighborhood that has problems, I grew up in that area,” Williams told Gillen, pointing out those neighborhoods on a map he keeps posted behind his bed in his dorm room. The map is a reminder of the neighborhoods, he someday hopes to help make better. His fingers trace the dangerous streets on which he nearly got lost amid drugs, chaos and arrests. “At one point in time, when I got incarcerated there was no drugs. And I had to sit down and really think. And when you’re in a cell and you’re by yourself that’s all you can do is think,” he shared with Gillen who asked him if he thought it ultimately was a blessing that he got arrested. “Yes. Yes it was. I’ve had my run with the law many of times and on my last occasion, I’ve been arrested four times, and I don’t say that to brag about it because when I look at my record, the crimes I’ve been arrested for it’s like ‘come on Mike you’re better than this. Posession of marijuana? Come on Mike you’re better than that. Robbing and stealing? You’re better than that’,” and he’s learned he is better than

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“I came from one of the worst cities in Miami, Liberty City, I grew up in the Pork and Beans, I grew up in Opa Locka. I grew up in West Park; I grew up everywhere you can think of in Miami. Every neighborhood that has problems, I grew up in that area” that and more. Now, Williams is eloquent in his speech and elegant in his dress. One would never imagine that he “hit bottom” as he describes it, at 14-years-old. He said his footsteps into danger came precariously close to death. “I’ve seen my brother at gunpoint almost get killed in front of me, twice. Not once, twice. We were actually at gunpoint in fear of our lives and I said, ‘I’m going to die today.’ After all of the bad things that I’ve done it’s payback time. And hey, I made the bed hard and I have to sleep in it. But then, I said, ‘No this isn’t it for me, this isn’t it for me’. From that point on, I felt as though you’ve slipped through the grip of death so many times, let’s stop playing with our lives Michael and straighten up because I don’t know how many more chances God is gonna give you,” he humbly shared with Gillen. It was the embrace and opportunity offered by leaders of the Black Male College Explorers Program, based at Florida Memorial University that became his life raft, out of a sea of misery, onto a new horizon of hope. His conversations are infused with lessons of hope taught him by a man he considers his mentor, Director of the program, Kareem Coney. “They stuck with me and they made me see that I was better than what I could see I was. And even at that moment I couldn’t see how great I was, they saw the potential in me.

November 2013

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And after they sparked that furnace inside of me it inspired me to just be great. And I have a sign up in my room and it says ’Hello my name is greatness’ and that inspired me to just be great at everything you do,” he explained. It was at Florida Memorial University, amid the lush greenery and fertile environment of hope, he began a transformation, inside and out. His new wardrobe is from a thrift shop; $12 tie, $8 shirt, $22 pants. But it is priceless to him. He reflects on how he once dressed and how he did not care about what others thought he looked like. “I had gold teeth in my mouth, I had my pants sagging. I was just a poster child for, ‘oh, you look like that, you must be from the hood’,” he recalled. “And going nowhere?” Gillen asked. “And going nowhere, exactly. And I said ‘Well, maybe I ought to care about what other people think’. And from that point on I said you know what, Bill Gates is a billionaire. But I don’t see him wearing big chains and gold teeth in his mouth and I looked at some other people that I respected in the world and I said you know when they go to handle their business, they look professional cause they look the part. So every time I step out of my house, I step out of my

“I have a passion for this, I have a passion for doing amazing things with young people and showing their potential. It’s something that I truly live and breathe” dorm, I put on my uniform because I go to handle my business. Because even though I’m on the road to success I haven’t got there yet. So every day I have to dress for success because just like today, you never know who can come see you,” he explained. Now, he is a young man with a very big plan. He dreams of helping his old neighborhood and ultimately, the world, with inventions that can better everything from transportation to serving fast food. A far orbit for a the little boy who struggled early on. His young years were rocked he said, by divorce. He now boasts a smile through braces, a reminder to him of tough times.

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“Actually, as a child, when my mom and my dad divorced there were some nights where I didn’t eat. So the only thing that was in the refrigerator was ice. So when I said I’m hungry but there’s nothing to eat, well I guess I’ve got to crunch on ice tonight. And my teeth took shape and I had an ugly smile, so to speak. And I never liked to smile cause I was ashamed of how my teeth looked because of the fact that I had to chew on ice,” he shared with Gillen. Gillen asked, “Did your heart hurt?” “It did. It did,” he responded. “Honestly, I’m still in the healing process. But it started at Florida Memorial, and that’s why I consider this to be my home. Because through the Black Male’s College Explorers Program. I’m tearing up right now,” he shared. But while healing, he is on the road to realizing the dreams, the inventions he says thought up as a child. So Gillen wondered? “In that scheme of creating and inventing, if there was somebody in the world you’d like to meet who would it be?” “Barrington Irving. Most definitely,” Williams responded. Barrington Irving is the youngest person to pilot a plane around the world solo. A pioneering inventor and builder and a man with a very big heart. When contacted by Gillen and told about Williams story and his potential, Irving didn’t hesitate to join in on the path to help. And as CBS 4 cameras captured, sometimes moments are too big for words. A gasp of delight, would describe Williams reaction to seeing Barrington Irving at the inventors beloved home base, a special hanger at the Opa Locka airport that sports his inventions and dreams. Irving , an ever proud graduate of Florida Memorial University, was ready to help Michael’s dreams take flight. “How are you doing? I have heard so much about you, Michael,” exclaimed Barrington Irving as he embraced the young man who has admired him from afar for as many years as he can remember. Williams asked his hero what motivates him “I have a passion for this, I have a passion for doing amazing things with young people and showing their potential. It’s something that I truly live and breathe.” And continuing on that mission, Irving shares with Williams a surprise intended to help Williams with his dreams. “So we are going to give you the opportunity to fly to Wichita, Kansas and work directly with engineers from Beechcraft on this airplane. The airplane I am going to fly around the world. You are going to work with the best of the best engineers, doing hands on activities and we will make this happen for you.”

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

“Now I realize the opportunity that I have. Because it’s not about me anymore. It’s something greater than me”

Williams gratitude was etched in his smile. He whispered, “I’ve never been on an airplane before.” Irving shook his hand and underscored the ride of a lifetime soon to be experienced. “You are going to get to fly on an airplane now!” Thanks to an American hero, a young man who’s feet are now firmly planted on the ground is walking in the clouds his vision of tomorrow as clear as the hope that fuels his heart. Summing up this new chapter of his life, Williams, declared, “Now I realize the opportunity that I have. Because it’s not about me anymore. It’s something greater than me.”

November 2013

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Exclusive Look Inside

“The Vault”

By Brian Andrews

It’s a secret government bunker that’s home to millions of dollars of illegal guns, drugs, and other contraband seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

nside the sprawling facility is a concrete vault. It is where evidence considered “highest risk” is kept under lock, key, and armed guard. The volume of what’s inside the bunker speaks to South Florida continuing to be one of the top three international gateways for illegal goods. It’s not just “dope” in the vault, but weapons and even protected military technology. It sits on shelves with special numbers and tags, waiting for its day in court. “We’ve seen everything from electronics to masterpieces of art pass through here,” says Robert Del Toro, CBP’s Assistant Port Director who oversees the facility.

“You name it, we’ve had here,” he said. Shelves are filled with counterfeit designer glasses, purses, and bags. Other shelves are filled with computers and electronics. Others contain countless bags of counterfeit products like iPhones, iPads, even Rubik’s Cubes. The “Vault” is home to high risk items like narcotics and guns. “It’s hurricane proof and bomb proof,” said Del Toro. Take one step inside and you’re immediately hit with the strong odor or marijuana. “Some of this evidence has been stored here for weeks, even years,” said Del Toro. Locked away and sealed in plastic, CBP has confiscated

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military and police equipment, like helmets, riot shields, even gas masks. “All of it worth millions of dollars on the black market,” Del Toro told CBS4’s Brian Andrews. Del Toro has spent 25 years in Customs and sees it every day; a new piece of evidence arrives that’s enough to raise an eyebrow. “It always amazes me the type of items and the amount we see coming through here,” he said. The items are kept at this secret location until they are no longer need for trial purposes, then, they are destroyed.

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We’ve seen everything from electronics to masterpieces of art pass through here. You name it, we’ve had it here”

November 2013

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OBAMA CARE How Will It

Affect

Healthcare? Local Professionals Voice Their Concerns

By David Sutta

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Millions of uninsured Americans now have access to health insurance. With the start of the new year, having health insurance will be mandatory under the Affordable Care Act. CBS4’s David Sutta takes a look at the impact that the ACA will have on healthcare.

imply put the movement to insure all Americans is founded in money. Healthcare has gotten so expensive that without doing something it would (some would argue has) be unattainable. In 2012 the United States spent nearly 18% of our money on healthcare. That’s the most on the planet, twice what is spent in the United Kingdom and Japan. In fact Americans spend more on healthcare than food and housing combined. Why? There are number of reasons but including the fact we are living longer, technological innovations are costly and demand for services is increasing. At the same time some would argue statistically we do not necessarily have the best healthcare in the world. We’re 33rd in the world for life expectancy. Nearly 70% of Americans are overweight which is contributing to skyrocketing rates of diabetes and cancer. A study done in 2005 found the United States has the highest rate of medical mistakes in the world. The ACA is an attempt to rein in costs and hopefully improve healthcare. Many in the medical community are skeptical. Dr. Olveen Carrasquillo with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine told CBS4 “I think the major concern is you are going to have a lot more people being insured and whether we can meet that demand with the existing physicians supply.” Doctors are not only expecting a rush of new patients, but existing patients are expected to come in more often.

“There are some doctors that are very concerned how this will pay. Will our pay go down? That’s one concern. Other doctors are concerned that this means that the federal government is going to have more rules, more regulations” Co-pays for preventative checkups are being eliminated. Which brings us back to where we started – money. “There are some doctors that are very concerned how this will pay. Will our pay go down? That’s one concern. Other doctors are concerned that this means that the federal government is going to have more rules, more regulations,” Dr. Carrasquillo said.

November 2013

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

“Overall the medical community is concerned about the unknowns. Change is always difficult, especially when it affects your income.”

verall the medical community is concerned about the unknowns. Change is always difficult, especially when it affects your income. Dr. Carrasquillo believes whatever happens, they’ll likely adapt. “When Medicare got implemented in 1965 a lot of doctors were extremely concerned. It was a new change. It was big and many doctors were very opposed to it. Within two years they saw much more number of patients, increased revenue and they all were

extremely happy and they said ‘Why did we fight this? This has been very good for us’,” said Dr. Carrasquillo. Time will tell if this is history repeating itself. Already we know there are not enough nurses in the pipeline. For years we have had a shortage of nurses. This is expected to grow that problem. Who knows – maybe our insurance problems will help solve those job problems.

November 2013

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Real Estate Sponsored By

Listings in this section are based on properties sold in the month of july 2013 and retrieved from zillow.com. Not all properties sold are listed. Not responsible for typographical errors and/or omissions. Photographs are for illustration purposes only.

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What to Expect When

By VERA GIBBONS

REFINANCING The Mortgage Bankers Association is forecasting that mortgage rates will rise throughout 2013 — up to 4.4 percent by the fourth quarter, from a current rate of 3.4 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage. Should you rush to refinance now? Here are a few things to consider: What are you trying to accomplish? Before deciding whether to refinance, know what you’re trying to accomplish, taking into consideration timing and personal circumstances. Then, run the numbers, checking out

“consider skipping the refinance altogether and going with a more flexible option” various scenarios. Zillow’s refi calculators — and app — make that easy. You may find that trading in a 30-year fixed for a new 30-year fixed with lower payments isn’t the best option for you. Perhaps it makes better financial sense to trade it in for a 15-year with slightly higher payments? Or, maybe you should consider skipping the refinance altogether and going with a more flexible option, such as making extra payments as you see fit. It’s a personal choice.

Gather docs/find the right lender Beyond needing ample home equity (Think: 20 percent for the best rates), you’re going to need proof of income (two recent pay stubs), copies of your asset information, two years of tax returns and more. Once you’ve gathered up the necessary paperwork, research your loan options, shop around and get some quotes, keeping in mind that while rates and fees are important, if a lender can’t get you to closing, those rates and fees you were quoted become irrelevant! An easy way to find out if a lender provides good service is to read online reviews. As for your original lender, did you work well with him/her? Did your styles mesh? Then by all means, approach him/her, too. After all, this is someone you’re going to work closely with for at least a few months. And who knows? Maybe they’ll streamline the process and only have you jump through several hoops instead of many.

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Submit application Once you’ve decided who go with and you have a good sense of what’s ahead, you apply, and the lender pulls your credit score. Then the lender has three business days to give you a good faith estimate, which shows all the loan costs. These numbers should not surprise you, unless your credit score or home appraisal is lower than you expected. That could be more problematic than you think, resulting in your paying more, accepting a smaller loan, or worse: not qualifying for a refi.

Hurry up … and wait It could take 60 or even 90 days to close. Lenders are looking things over with a fine-tooth comb, and there’s lots of back and forth.

They may ask you where certain large bank deposits came from; they may ask you for additional clarification as it pertains to your job; they may ask you for recent divorce papers, even though you qualify for a loan without child support payments; they may ask you for more bank statements and pay stubs. Be patient!

Lock in rate & close When you lock your rate in, you get that rate — guaranteed. It might be for 30 days; it might be for 60 days. Regardless, you’re protected from rising rates (and committed if they fall!). Final step: closing. Before you sign off — out with the old and in with the new! — look everything over carefully, and if you have any questions whatsoever, ask.

This Article is Provided by Zillow.com

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November 2013

Real Estate

Sold Properties Miami Dade County

16919 N Bay Rd, Apt 711, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 894 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1979 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $194,000

15901 SW 84th Ct, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157 3 Beds / 2 Bath | 2,464 sq. ft. | 0.38 acre Lot | Built in: 1959 Sold: 10/3/2013 | $490,000

3790 Main Hwy, Miami, FL 33133 4 Beds / 4 Bath | 3,238 sq. ft. | 0.49 acre Lot | Built in: 1973 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $740,000

17972 NW 87th Ct, Hialeah, FL 33018 5 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 3,431 sq. ft. | 7,100 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 2005 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $297,000

10355 NW 46th Ter, Doral, FL 33178 4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 2,857 sq. ft. | 5,100 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1991 Sold: 9/23/2013 | $540,000

8425 SW 58th St, Miami, FL 33143 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 5,468 sq. ft. | 0.76 acre Lot | Built in: 1973 Sold: 9/23/2013 | $825,000

701 Oriole Ave, Miami Springs, FL 33166 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,417 sq. ft. | 0.32 acre Lot | Built in: 1956 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $391,500

8101 Biscayne Blvd, #R-705, Miami, FL 33138 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 2,100 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1968 Sold: 9/27/2013 | $675,000

26611 SW 167th Ave, Homestead, FL 33031 5 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 5,088 sq. ft. | 5 acre Lot | Built in: 1990 Sold: 10/3/2013 | $900,000

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All Listings provided by www.Zillow.com

Sold Properties Broward County

2211 Island Dr, Miramar, FL 33023 3 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,428 sq. ft. | 6,011 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1980 Sold: 10/4/2013 | $175,000

591 E Lake Dasha Dr, Plantation, FL 33324 4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 2,869 sq. ft. | 0.3 acre Lot | Built in: 1978 Sold: 10/3/2013 | $480,000

6920 NW 116th Ave, Parkland, FL 33076 6 Beds / 4 Bath | 3,740 sq. ft. | 0.3 acre Lot | Built in: 2002 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $780,000

6411 Osprey Ter, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 2,777 sq. ft. | 6,534 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1998 Sold: 9/30/2013 | $284,000

1891 NW 125th Ter, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028 5 Beds / 3 Bath | 3,361 sq. ft. | n/a Lot | Built in: 1997 Sold: 10/7/2013 | $544,000

1254 Madison St, Hollywood, FL 33019 4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 4,000 sq. ft. | 0.29 acre Lot | Built in: 1973 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $885,000

1051 Hillsboro Mile, Apt 408E, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,000 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 1969 Sold: 9/30/2013 | $399,000

1001 SE 6th Ct, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 2,136 sq. ft. | 7,571 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 1953 Sold: 10/2/2013 | $655,000

10903 Blackhawk St, Plantation, FL 33324 5 Beds / 3 Bath | 3,700 sq. ft. | 0.33 acre Lot | Built in: 1998 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $970,000

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November 2013

Real Estate

Lu x u ry P ropert i e s

3500 Saint Gaudens Ct, Miami, FL 33133 10 Beds / 9.5 Bath | 26,981 sq. ft. | 5 acre Lot | Built in: 1964 Sold: 9/26/2013 | $11,700,00

6010 N Bay Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33140 6 Beds / 7 Bath | 10,614 sq. ft. | 0.49 acre Lot | Built in: 1958 Sold: 10/1/2013 | $6,250,000

Miami Dade County

17885 Collins Ave, Apt 4501, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160 5 Beds / 6.5 Bath | 6,320 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2006 Sold: 9/17/2013 | $11,500,000

100 Golden Beach Dr, Golden Beach, FL 33160 6 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 6,417 sq. ft. | 0.59 acre Lot | Built in: 2004 Sold: 9/11/2013 | $5,282,500

4549 Pine Tree Dr, Miami Beach, FL 33140 8 Beds / 9 Bath | 14,453 sq. ft. | 1.54 acre Lot | Built in: 1929 Sold: 9/4/2013 | $10,200,000

700 Lake Rd, Miami, FL 33137 5 Beds / 5 Bath | 5,166 sq. ft. | 0.44 acre Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 9/23/2013 | $5,116,000

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

All Listings provided by www.Zillow.com

Lu x u ry P ropert i e s

963 Hillsboro Mile, Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062 5 Beds / 5 Bath | 3,527 sq. ft. | 0.52 acre Lot | Built in: 1955 Sold: 9/18/2013 | $4,400,000

3535 S Ocean Dr, Apt 1101, Hollywood, FL 33019 3 Beds / 3.5 Bath | 3,178 sq. ft. | Condo - Lot | Built in: 2007 Sold: 9/18/2013 | $2,300,000

Broward County

473 Holiday Dr, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 6 Beds / 6.5 Bath | 5,333 sq. ft. | 0.29 acre Lot | Built in: 2012 Sold: 10/9/2013 | $2,685,000

7277 Stonegate Blvd, Parkland, FL 33076 5 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 7,000 sq. ft. | 0.74 acre Lot | Built in: 2012 Sold: 10/14/2013 | $2,285,000

30 Bay Colony Ln, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 4 Beds / 3 Bath | 3,838 sq. ft. | 0.59 acre Lot | Built in: 1970 Sold: 9/20/2013 | $2,321,000

701 Cordova Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 6 Beds / 6 Bath | 5,816 sq. ft. | 9,626 sq. ft. Lot | Built in: 2003 Sold: 9/12/2013 | $2,200,000

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

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HARP

Can Be the Program for You In spite of recent improvements in the U.S. economy, a number of housing markets have not fully recovered from the national housing crisis. In these areas, the multi-year decline in home values continues to affect many homeowners, whose loan balances exceed the value of their homes, a situation often referred to as being “underwater” or having negative equity. To assist these homeowners, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the U.S. Department of the Treasury worked with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to establish the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). Originally launched in April 2009, the program was recently overhauled to extend the benefits of a refinance to more American households. HARP isn’t the only government program available to homeowners who are looking to refinance their mortgages, but it is uniquely designed for borrowers who are current on their monthly mortgage payments and who owe more than their homes are worth.

What can HARP do for you? If you bought your house a few years ago and are making your monthly mortgage payments but the value of your home has dropped, you may qualify for a refinance under HARP. Given today’s low interest rates, a refinance could enable you to reduce your monthly payments to free up some of your income to

meet other expenses; to shorten your loan term to pay down your mortgage faster and save you money over the life of your loan; or simply to switch from an adjustable to a fixed-rate mortgage for peace of mind that your rate won’t change in the future. More importantly, a number of program changes mean that more borrowers are eligible to take advantage of these benefits, so even if you’ve been turned down for a refinance before, now is definitely the time to review your options again.

Could you qualify? If you meet the following eligibility requirements you may qualify for a HARP refinance: Your loan must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, and have been sold to one of these companies on or before May 31, 2009. (Check their online lookup tools to see who owns your loan.) You must be current on your mortgage — that means no late payments in the past six months and no more than one late payment in the past 12 months.

Your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio must be greater than 80 percent. HARP isn’t limited to primary residences; second homes and investment properties can also be refinanced under HARP. In 2012, HARP was enhanced to make it easier to qualify for the program and help homeowners like you save money. Some of the most important changes include: Loan-to-value limits were removed, allowing homeowners above 125 percent to participate. Most homeowners will not have to get an appraisal or have their loans underwritten, making the refinance process smoother and faster. Certain fees were reduced and were removed altogether for borrowers choosing to refinance into a shorter-term loan. HARP was also recently extended through Dec. 31, 2015, and so far more than 2.8 million homeowners have taken advantage of the program.

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November 2013

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Say Goodbye to

HEARTBURN.

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At first, Hannah Grubow didn’t even know she had acid reflux. She had none of the classic symptoms like heartburn, belching and nausea. “It was extreme chronic coughing,” Grubow said. “After a meal, if I went out to eat, the walk to the car afterwards would be terrible, just coughing and gagging constantly.”

er regular doctor diagnosed her with allergies. “And then I went to an allergist because my mom thought I was allergic to food like cheese or milk and the allergist nixed that,” she said. Eventually she was diagnosed with acid reflux which affects 30 million Americans. Like most of them, she tried medicine things like proton pump inhibitors, Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium and Protonix. “All the different heartburn medicines out there to try and see if those would work and nothing really worked,” Grubow said. The problem with reflux is that food and acid from the stomach back up into the esophagus, or swallowing tube. This causes cell damage that over time that can lead to cancer. So when medicines don’t work, patients have often turned to surgery — traditionally wrapping the upper part of the stomach around the esophagus.

“The problem with reflux is that food and acid from the stomach back up into the esophagus, or swallowing tube. This causes cell damage that over time that can lead to cancer.”

November 2013

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“And what that operation is, is basically recreating the valve so that you have a trap door effect,” explained Dr. Blair Jobe. But it’s a complicated operation for many doctors, requiring a lot of time and experience to master. “You can’t do just 10 cases of it and be an expert at it,” Jobe said. “We’ve needed another approach to standardize the technique across the board.” Surgeons developed a new procedure using a device that was FDA approved last March. It’s a titanium necklace of magnets, so to speak. Through small incisions and with tiny scopes and instruments, it is surgically placed at the base of the esophagus, where it connects to the stomach. When the patient swallows, these beads come apart, and allow the food and fluid to get into the stomach, and then they snap shut. This keeps what’s in the stomach, in the stomach. “It doesn’t change your anatomy, which is what I really liked

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about it,” Grubow said. It’s been dramatically successful. In studies, 93 percent of patients who got the magnets no longer had to take medicine at all. Of course though, some patients with certain stomach conditions won’t qualify. You can’t have an MRI with the magnetic beads inside you, but they can be removed if necessary. After the procedure, some people have a feeling of food getting stuck, but this goes away eventually. As with any surgery, there is a risk of bleeding and infection. But the good news is insurance does cover it if your doctor thinks it might be right for you. Two weeks after undergoing the procedure, Grubow noticed a difference. “When I lay down to go to bed, I don’t have a coughing fit every night,” Grubow said. “And when I walked up the stairs, it’s not so much coughing and having to catch my breath and having to stop and cough a little bit.”

November 2013

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Price Tag

Secrets

That Can Save You Money A price tag obviously tells you how much an item costs, but it can actually disclose a whole lot more. By Brian Andrews

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“T

here is a secret code on many price tags and signs at various retailers. If you know some of those tips, you will save some extra money,” said Edgar Dworsky of consumerworld.org. A survey by two consumer groups found Target has a pricing strategy which can indicate if a clearance item is likely to be marked down more. If a clearance item price tag ends with an eight, that means it could be marked down again. A price ending with a four indicates the item has been fully marked down. Dworksy says that kind of information can be good for a shopper to know. “You’re learning the tricks of the trade basically. If you know some of these codes and know some of the color codes, you can probably save some money,” said Dworksy. The price survey found out at the magic number at the Gap and Old Navy ends with a seven which indicates a final markdown.

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At Sears, a price tag ending in 88 cents also means final markdown. When it ends in 97 cents that means the item is discontinued. Home Depot will end a price with six or use a green tag to indicate the lowest price. “They are secret for a reason. They are really meant for internal use,” added Dworsky. What a shopper does with this information really depends on their personality type. Dworsky says you almost have to be a gambling person to figure out when to make your purchase. “Do I take it at 50-percent because I really want that item and they don’t have too many, or do I wait until 70-percent?” Having the right information and the right strategy can really pay off for those looking for a great deal.

“You’re learning the tricks of the trade basically. If you know some of these codes you can probably save some money”

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November 2013

B E WA R E :

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By Summer Knowles

ADULT SLEEPWALKING On The Rise! A new study shows that as many as one-in-three adults recall sleepwalking at some point in their lives.

oel Schenck, a sleepwalking adult, said it began when she was 4 years-old. “I would go into the refrigerator and open the door,” said Schenck. While sleepwalking is most common in children between the ages of four and eight, a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine found that it is more prevalent in adults than previously thought. Sleep expert Dr. David Schulman described sleepwalking as somewhere between being awake and being asleep. “The brain is doing things that it would do in wakefulness but it would never recall them in the future,” said Dr. Schulman. People can perform a variety of activities while asleep, including sitting up, household chores, even driving a car, according to doctors. If woken up during this state they are often unaware of the events that have taken place. Experts say they are not sure what causes sleepwalking. “There are some genetic contributors. We know that if your parents were sleepwalkers, you’re more likely to be a sleepwalker,” said Dr. Schulman. Sleepwalking has been linked to sleep deprivation, illness, medications and alcohol. Identifying the trigger, according to doctors, is the best way to stop the behavior. “It’s probably best to try to redirect a sleepwalker back to bed, than to try to shake them awake and ask them what they were doing,” said Dr. Schulman. The study also showed that people who suffer from depression were three times more likely to sleepwalk than those who were not depressed.

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November 2013

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COULD YOUR FAVORITE

Store BE Spying On

YOU?

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November 2013

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“T

hey can tell how long you were in the store and which departments you were at,” explains Edgar Dworsky of ConsumerWorld.org. Stores say this type of Wi-Fi tracking is anonymous and it gives retailers important information that ultimately helps customers, like knowing when to put more cashiers at the register or sales associates on the floor. Nordstrom used the technology for nine months at 17 different stores. The experiment ended after complaints from customers. Family Dollar said they are testing it out in one store but they won’t say which one. Connect to Target’s free Wi-Fi and they’ll be watching your movements in the store and on your phone. “It’s something just about every retailer is taking a hard look at now-a-days,” says Jules Polonetsky the executive director of Future of Privacy. Future of Privacy is working with privacy advocates, retailers, and tech

companies on a set of guidelines for this type of in-store tracking. The rules would be enforceable by the federal government. One of those possible rules would be to let customers know when they are being tracked. Even though stores say the program benefits customers they are not always quick to let customers in on the secret. “It’s a challenge for retailers to make the case to consumers: look here’s what we are doing, here’s why we are doing this, here’s how we are trying to help, otherwise they’ll be concerned,” says Polonetsky. Shop online and those stores can easily collect a lot of information about you. Tracking a shopper’s cell phone inside a store could just level the playing field for brick-and-mortar retailers. Still not interested in being tracked? Then be sure to turn off your phone’s Wi-Fi and you can shop without big brother watching.

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November 2013

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my dog ate my...

smartphone?

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Everybody has heard the old “dog ate my homework” joke, but, these days there’s a chance that your pooch may be more interested in your smartphone more than your science project.

ore and more dogs and cats are treating electronics like play things. The habit is hard on your wallet and it could also pose a digital danger to your pets. “I think Oisin is a chewaholic. And for some reason he prefers crunchy things like kindles, digital cameras, and cellphones,” Ginger McDevitt said. Oisin isn’t the only pet with this problem. YouTube is filled with videos of pets treating electronics like chew toys. “Tablets, phones, laptops even are just, you know, always around the house. And, you know dogs, especially dogs like to grab stuff and chew them and throw them all over the place,” CNET cellphone reviews senior editor Brian Bennett explained. Pet experts agreed, saying it’s no surprise that dogs are attracted to tech products. “They vibrate and make noise just like a lot of squeak toys and other toys that they play with. So, a lot of animals confuse them between things that they’re supposed to play with,” veterinarian Duffy Jones explained. As smartphones and tablets have become more popular so have reports about pets damaging them. According to one survey pets damage about 8 million electronic devices every year.

“Tablets, phones, laptops even are just, you know, always around the house. And, you know dogs, especially dogs like to grab stuff and chew them and throw them all over the place”

November 2013

ven a small amount of pet slobber can destroy an electronic device. “Moisture can get into the screen and get into the little vents of little speaker grills. Anything like that is not covered by the manufacturer warranty,” Bennett said. There has also been an increase in cases of pets being injured by electronic devices, according to veterinarians. “They can not only get burns in their mouth but also burns in their stomach. Some of these burns can go on to be so bad that parts of the stomach will die and we’d actually have to do surgery to repair them,” Jones explained. Experts recommend keeping your devices out of reach of your pets and keeping your four-legged friend tired with plenty of exercise. “The more tired they are the less likely they are to get in trouble,” Jones explained. If your pet is a serial offender you can purchase an extended warranty that covers this type of damage. Experts also suggested backing up important information in case your pet does destroy a device.

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November 2013

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Alarming Trend:

Moms-To-Be Selling

Positive

Pregnancy Tests The cost of having a baby keeps going up, causing stress for many parents-to-be. But, the way some are choosing to make some extra cash is raising eye-brows and it could open them up to civil or criminal liabilities.

Reporting Rhiannon Ally

ome women are selling positive pregnancy tests online. CBS4 News searched and immediately found ads for the tests right here in South Florida. One in Delray Beach offered them for $25 each! The ad asked “Baby shower gag gift? Want to play a prank on a friend?” Another ad includes pictures of positive tests and asks, “Do you need a positive pregnancy test for a job, or whatever else?” It’s the “whatever else” that could land both the buyer and the seller in serious trouble. Former TV and Circuit Court Judge, David Young is issuing a warning for people who post and answer these ads. He said if the buyer uses it for fraud or blackmail, they could face civil or even criminal charges. “Really? Talking about bringing people into this world as a joke? I find it reprehensible,” said Judge Young. As for the seller, “If the seller knew that was the purpose, he or she is just as guilty as the person doing the crime,” said Judge Young. “Cons are no good and never result in anything positive. A con is a con.” CBS4’s Rhiannon Ally tried to get answers. She responded to several ads and got one response from someone claiming to be named “Amanda”. The response claimed it was not a scam. Rhiannon tried calling the number provided numerous times, but never received a response. Judge Young said it’s not likely anyone will face charges, but it’s not worth the possible civil or criminal liabilities to buy or sell your positive pregnancy tests online.

November 2013

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Getting Paid By Your Company

To Volunteer? It Happens!

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You’ve heard of 401K matching, paid vacation, and health benefits, but a new generation of job seekers is looking for a very different kind of work perk; the opportunity to volunteer in the community on company time and some big companies are taking notice. Jasmyne McDonald is an operations specialist but her salary covers more than the time she spends on the job. The pay clock continues to tick when she’s at a food pantry helping the needy.

“I

t was really important for me to work for a company that allowed their employees to have paid time off to volunteer,” explained Jasmyne. Jasmyne gets 8 hours of company time each year to ‘do good.’ It’s a perk that a growing number of workplaces now offer; some up to 40 hours a year. “Lots of young graduates are looking for places that they can give back that has not only a bottom line and, worried about the profit, but also that’s worried about, you know, ‘how are we making a difference and changing the lives of people in the world?’” In a recent study 20-percent of companies surveyed reported giving workers paid time to do charity work, that’s up from 15-percent just 4 years ago and the number is expected to keep growing. “There’s a war for talent and one of the things that good people, great talented people are always looking for is a company that aligns with their commitment to the community,” said Paul Sanford, Vice President at Cigna. Sanford says in addition to helping attract quality workers, he’s found that giving employees time to volunteer, improves performance in the office. “I’ve seen employees that volunteer actually become more productive. I’ve actually seen that build team camaraderie.”

Michael Stroik, with the committee encouraging corporate philanthropy, says that’s one reason employers are willing to pay big bucks. He says a program like this can cost a Fortune 500 company as much as 2 million dollars a year. “No matter how large the company is this is a significant line item in terms of the compensation costs.” The growing popularity of this benefit has a lot to do with social media and the new workforce. “We have this younger generation, these millennials, who are in a lot of senses holding these companies accountable. They’re sharing what they’re doing through their companies, and we believe that a lot of their friends and family members, they’re then going to their companies and wondering how they can get engaged in these types of programs,” said Stroik. Jasmyne says she loves being able to serve her community, as well as her company and can easily handle it all. “I just make sure my work gets done. I have no problem load balancing after work or whatever the case may be, or whatever is necessary to allow me to volunteer.” Michael Stroik says programs like these demonstrate that corporate philanthropy is moving beyond just cutting a check for charity. Most are administered by company human resources departments, and participation requires management approval.

November 2013

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More Women Becoming

Breadwinners

Of The Family

More women than ever are CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies and in every day households more women are bringing home bigger paychecks than their husbands. This lifestyle has been shown to work for some Miami couples but it can also have possible pitfalls.

ife is a constant juggling act for John Davidson. He is a stay-at-home dad by choice. His wife Karen brings home the paycheck and they’ve never been happier. “I think it’s been really great for our family and our relationship,” said Karen Davidson. The Davidson’s are part of a growing trend as are Bennie and Celeste Currie and Ivo Widlak and his wife Lale Zabreda. According to the Pew Research Center, women are now the main breadwinners in 40-percent of U.S. households, compared with just 11-percent back in 1960. “It’s a big deal and it’s changing the face of the, I think, the family,” said Dr. Reginald Richardson. “You gotta shop, you’re working on the garden, you’re taking care of the animals, not to mention cooking,” said Bennie Currie. And then there’s caring for children. “My job, if you will, of being home with my kids is what I would rather have define me than any job than I have on the outside,” said John Davidson. But it isn’t always wine and roses. A recent University of Chicago study found the divorce rate, in a five year period, was 50-percent higher for couples where the woman earned more than her partner. Dr. Reginald Richardson isn’t surprised by that. “If you haven’t really discussed those roles and come to some agreement, the expectations aren’t really articulated and so there, there’s conflict,” said Dr. Richardson. Flexibility, a weekly meeting and showing appreciation is something the Curries have worked on in their 28 year marriage . Without it, “You make a point of saying hey, did you not notice that I got your dry cleaning today?” said Celeste. “Just because we made that choice doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everybody,” said John Davidson. But it works for them. Proof? Just ask the Davidson’s son Charlie what he wants to do when he grows up. “Play baseball and take care of my kids,” said Charlie. “Just like daddy does.” A recent study found only 28-percent said it’s bad for a marriage when a woman makes more than her husband compared to 40-percent who said that in 1997.

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“If you haven’t really discussed those roles and come to some agreement, the expectations aren’t really articulated and so there, there’s conflict”

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November 2013

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2013 Bodybuilding.Com Npc National Bodybuilding Championships November 22, 2013 - November 23, 2013 broward center for the performing arts 201 SW 5 Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-462-0222 - Admission: $50-$125 This November will be sizzling in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, when 1000 contestants take the stage to compete for titles in the 2013 National Bodybuilding Championships. With various categories of competition, the nation's hottest bodies will prevail as they are judged in many divisions including 'Men's & Women's Bodybuilding,' 'Women's Bikini,' 'Women's Figure,' and 'Men's & Women's Physique.' Thousands of spectators are expected to attend the weekend long event taking place on November 22-23, to determine who will receive ultimate pro division status, qualifying them to compete in the Worldwide IFBB Pro Grand Prix circuit. The 2013 Bodybuilding.com NPC National Championships, which are presented by General Nutrition Centers, with feature sponsors including Optimum Nutrition, ABB, MET-Rx, Pure Protein, are officially sanctioned by the National Physique Committee of the USA (NPC). The NPC Nationals is the ultimate yearly qualifier for IFBB pro status.

Brazilian Festival Of Pompano Beach November 23, 2013 - 10am-10pm - pompano beach community park 1700 N.E. 8th Street, Pompano Beach, FL - 954-962-0920 - Admission: Free An Estimated Total Of 8,000 People Will Be Attending The Second Annual Brazilian Festival of Pompano Beach. Reggae, Samba, Pagode and lots of Axe music powered by 20 tons of sound and lights will transform 50,000 square feet of a jaw dropping green infrastructure, beautiful trees, and perfect landscaping, into a Brazilian paradisiac island. Brazil's love, passion, rhythm and excitement are coming together with 2 stages, local bands and attractions, kid's zone, Brazilian exhibitors, art, and cuisine. The festival will celebrate 30 years of AXE MUSIC with the Pioneer and Best Band of all times, BAMDAMEL.

Hunger Games Opening Weekend November 23, 2013 - November 24, 2013 - 12-4pm museum of discovery & science & autonation imax 401 SW 2 St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 - 954-713-0930 Museum visitors can celebrate the opening of Hunger Games: Catching Fire by seeing the film at the AutoNation IMAX Theater and participating in numerous weekend activities, like: â&#x20AC;˘ ID the Tree Learn to tell the sometimes subtle differences between poisonous and non-poisonous plants. â&#x20AC;˘ Construct your Hut Use different materials to make shelter and test which one is the best against different elements And More! Make sure to catch the opening of HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE at the AutoNation IMAX theater.

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Madeline's Christmas November 23, 30 - 2 p.m., Actors' Playhouse Musical Theatre for Young Audiences, 280 Miracle Mile This holiday favorite begins with the classic storybook line, "In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.” From there, the day begins like any other day for the girls and their caretaker Miss Clavel, but soon ends in disaster when everyone except Madeline gets the flu. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. Can Madeline save the day for everyone with the assistance of a mysterious Rug Merchant? Join Madeline and her friends live on stage at the Miracle Theatre find out how and discover a little holiday magic for yourself. To purchase tickets, visit www.actorsplayhouse.org.

Junior Orange Bowl Parade DECEMBER 1, 2013 Come to downtown Coral Gables for a day of fun and excitement that culminates with the Junior Orange Bowl Parade, now in its 65th year!! Floats, bands, horses and other spectacular units will make their way down Miracle Mile. Parade start time is 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to jrorangebowl.org or call (305) 662-1210.

Viva Verdi! Sunday, November, 10 7:00 p.m.

M I R A C L E

In honor of Giuseppe Verdi’s 200th birthday, Orchestra Miami presents an evening of opera rarities and popular favorites. Our special guests include the Delray String Quartet, performing Verdi’s only string quartet and young artists from the Florida Grand Opera performing a variety of songs and arias accompanied by Orchestra Miami Artistic Director Elaine Rinaldi. Reserved Seating.

November 2013

Face Your cbs4 newspaper

Fears

Join a Death Cafe

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There are all sorts of meet-ups for all kinds of things these days, but a growing trend in gatherings is gaining attention for the topic that many consider taboo: death. At death cafe events guests gather to sip coffee, eat cookies, and talk about death and dying.

“S

ome of them are in public cafes. Some of them are in people’s homes,” said Death Café host Jane Hughes Gignoux. The gatherings were started to explore different people’s perceptions about the end of life. People of all ages and backgrounds join the conversations in person and online. “Some people come with questions. Some people come with things that they want to share. Some people come with anxieties,” explained Gignoux who hosts death cafes each month. Participants describe them as informal gatherings of people who share a common interest. “I want to just open up my mind a little bit and become a little bit more comfortable talking about death,” Claire Kinnen said. Many want to discuss death but feel uncomfortable trying to bring the topic up around friends. “Some of these conversations are not things that I could have every day with any of my friends,” said Sam Tomasello. “I just really relish these opportunities to just get it all out there.” Dr. Phyllis Kosminsky, author of “Getting Back To Life When Grief Won’t Heal,” said the popularity of the cafes is a sign that people have a need for this type of conversation. “It’s a comfort to be able to share your concerns, your fears, your feelings about something that’s so much a part of all of our lives.” She said that the cafes give participants a chance to confront their fears and she called the trend healthy. “Talking about death is helpful and potentially life-enriching because it brings our attention to what we value in life,” she explained.

“Some people come with questions. Some people come with things that they want to share. Some people come with anxieties,”

November 2013

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For Information Call: 305.477.1699

The meetings are not designed for everyone and are not intended to take the place of counseling sessions or support groups, organizers said. “Somebody who is in deep grief who might just recently, very recently, suffered a loss of a loved one probably might find it difficult,” Gignoux said. The conversations appear to give people a healthy respect for different views on the end of life. “Very heartening to see that people are curious and want to explore areas that they’ve never explored before,” Gignoux explained. Death cafes are not advised for people who have mental health issues or suffer from depression.

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walk in the footsteps of legends Since 1923

Miami Springs Golf Club

650 Curtiss Parkway ~ Miami Springs, Fl 33166 305.805.5180 ~ www.MiamiSpringsGolfClub.com Minutes from Brickell & the Beaches

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November 2013

HOW TO DEAL WITH A

HORRIBLE

BOSS

By Brian Andrews

It is the number one reason people leave a job: they hate their boss.

rom being micro-managed, talked down to like a child or having a manager who drew conclusions before having all the facts, a lot of workers have “Boss from Hell” stories. One poll found 35 percent of workers would choose a pay raise to make them happier at work. Sixty-five percent said they’d take a better boss. The problem for a worker is the boss is the one who has the power. Elaine Varelas, a human resource consultant at Keystone Partners, said workers need to try hard to understand their superior’s pressure points, like stressed budgets or unrealistic corporate expectations. “The more you understand about where those pressure points are, the less inclined you will be to add to those specific points. So stay away from those, they’re live wires you don’t want to go near,” said Varelas. Conflict often emerges because of

different work styles. Varelas said the onus here is on the worker to adapt. “Your job as the employee is to learn to deal with different styles of managers,” said Varelas. Varelas added that a worker doesn’t have to love a boss, but should think about what they can learn from them. Going to human resources or a personnel department should be done only after some careful deliberation. “You don’t want to use those resources to complain about your manager, talk about your dislike for him or her, you really want to talk positively about building a relationship because ultimately once that information is out there, it is not going to go away,” advised Varelas.

“Your job as the employee is to learn to deal with different styles of managers”

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“35 percent of workers would choose a pay raise to make them happier at work. Sixty-five percent said they’d take a better boss”

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November 2013

For Information Call: 305.477.1699

Share The Joy!

Adopt A Family THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

“L

ike the saying says, ‘it’s better to give than to receive.’ The feeling you get when you do something like that which is really genuine, and you see you’ve changed somebody’s life at least for the moment, it was a tremendous experience.” President of Miami based health care management company, Provider Network Solutions, Dr. Jose Pelayo, lights up as he recalls the experience of adopting a family last year. “Getting us together to actually help another family was a very rewarding experience. I recommend everyone to do that. It doesn’t take a lot. It takes a little bit of effort but the rewards are incredible.” His office rallied together to bring cheer to a family of six. A mother and father struggling to provide for their four daughters, two of which have on-going health issues. And adopting this family gave the office staff a sense of purpose the holidays. They were able to team up for a different kind of office project. They shopped for the family together, wrapped presents together and invited the family to the office for a luncheon where the children were able to unwrap their gifts by the Christmas tree. The company’s vice president, Nancy Kanaplue, organized PNS’s Adopt-A-Family project and hopes other companies and businesses will join them in adopting more families this year.

“I would recommend it for anyone that has a heart. I would recommend it for anyone willing to help a family in need. I think the holidays are made for love and giving and supporting one another as a community.” Clearly moved by the Adopt-AFamily experience last year, Kanaplue shares they are very excited to adopt two families this year. Including a single mother whose family size suddenly doubled. “When I read up on the single mom who had three kids of her own and then brought upon herself her sister’s three kids, it just caught my heart, like wow, what a great heart for her to have. Being a single parent and taking on six children now, and they’re all little. So I said if she has that kind of a heart, how can we not help her?” Families and individuals in need are submitted to Adopt-AFamily 4 the Holidays through Neighbors4Neighbors partner agencies. The process is simple. Just go online to www.neighbors4neighbors. org to register and you can start reading through the profiles submitted. “Being able to be part of an organized system like Neighbors4Neighbors and having that organization really makes it easier for us to adopt a family and give something back to the community,” said Pelayo. “It such a nice, simple way of finding families,” said Kanaplue. “We only wish that we can adopt 10.”

Consider making room on your holiday shopping list for someone in need in our community through the Neighbors4 Neighbors Adopt-A-Family 4 the Holidays program: www.neighbors4neighbors.org

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November 2013

cbs4 newspaper

Is“Happily Ever After”

Just a thing of fairy tales? Study Shows: Many People Don’t End Up With Their True Love A new study shows many people have not ended up with the true love of their life. But can you learn to love the one you’re with, as the old Stephen Stills song advised, instead of being head-over-heels?

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“people settle for many reasons, from fear of being alone to wanting security and comfort with another person—anyone.”

ome people say they don’t have that problem. Nicci Schock and Rich Bean are among them. “We started out as friends, which I think was a good thing for us in the end,” said Schock. Schock said Bean is the love of her life, and he says the same is true for her. “I am definitely with the love of my life,” said Bean. But according to the new study, Schock and Bean are in the minority. The study conducted by Siemens Festival Nights found that as many as 73 percent of people surveyed say they are “making do” in their relationship because their true love got away. “The ‘making do’ part is sad, in the sense of, we’re not really tapped into, ‘Why are we in this, what are we looking for long term, and what do I really desire?’” said relationship expert Kavita Patel. Patel said people settle for many reasons, from fear of being alone to wanting security and comfort with another person—anyone. “Well, it’s better to be with somebody than nobody. I think that comes up for people,” said Patel. What’s worse, 17 percent of respondents said they met their soul mates when it was too late — after they were already paired-off or married. And 46 percent say they’d leave their spouse or partner to be with their true love. “I would hope that people would fight for their one true love,” said one woman. “The grass is always greener,” said another woman. “There are no guarantees. You know, that could be unrequited in the end, but I think it’s brave of them, and I think that they should. I’m for it,” said a man.

A clinical psychologist said the couples are focusing on what they have–not what might have been–might not be the best idea. “They consider the good reasons for staying and not necessarily the fact that you’re enduring and the things you thought that you were missing,” he said. And once you’ve made an investment, some say it might be better to stick it out. “There is always a way to make it better,” said Patel. Patel said communication is key, even if it’s talking about tough subjects such as feelings of unhappiness within the relationship. “It requires you letting them in on those deeper secrets, or deeper thoughts that are going on for you that you’re scared to reveal, that will allow you to connect further,” said Patel. Schock said she is glad she held out for happily ever after. “I’ve always kind of had it in my mind, though, that I wouldn’t settle,” said she. “We’re really fortunate to have found each other,” said Bean. The study, of 2,000 people in London, also found that 75 percent of adults say their definition of love changes as they get older.

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