CBS4 Newspaper

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newspaper December 2014

BROWARD

Facebook

Exposed!

Bicyclists DRIVERS

A darker side of Facebook could put you at risk!

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Contents

B R O WAR D

War on our streets: bicyclists vs. drivers. Which side are you on?

12 08

hacked.

17

Facebook Exposed!

For the past few months CBS4 has been working with Hack Miami to reveal a side of hacking rarely seen. They showed us for less than $200 how they could hack practically any phone or laptop. What was most alarming though was you wouldn’t be aware they were doing it.

While Facebook can be fun, it also has a darker side that could put users at risk of losing money, their reputation and even friendships. “Facebook allows users to restrict who can and cannot have access to their page but many don’t choose settings that offer enough protection.”

In 2012, more than 700 bicyclists were killed by drivers in the United States. Each year, we report on many South Florida bicyclists being hit some with fatal results.

But in these accidents, is it all the driver’s fault? And what is being done to keep bicyclists and drivers safe on our streets?

15

The New Face Of Customer Service

18

More Baby Boomer Couples calling it quits!

With long lines and little to no results on an automated voice call, there is a new face emerging when it comes to customer service: video chat.

For the first time in the U.S., more people are married than single. However, more and more Americans over 50 are calling it quits after decades of marriage. CBS4’s Rhiannon Ally took a look at what’s behind this silver divorce trend and the challenges baby boomers face starting over.

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24 | Health

Section Sponsored by:

Chikungunya Fever Rampant In Puerto Rico Which Mosquito Repellents Actually Work?

Young Women Losing Hair Over Stress Tattoo Nightmares

Gluten-Free Alternative May Cause Allergic Reactions First-Time Parents Have Rare Naturally Conceived Quadruplets

34 | Marketplace Section Sponsored by:

‘Tollmageddon’ On The Dolphin Expressway Mobile Apps Can Help Manage Personal Finances More Efficiently Ever visit your favorite outdoor cafe and notice how close your table is to traffic?

Wearable Tech Devices For Kids

42 | Real Estate

Section Sponsored by:

Who Should You Rent From?

Recently Sold Properties in Broward

Recently Sold Luxury Properties in Broward Can Shopping Around for a Mortgage Keep You from Getting One?

52 | Home Improvement

Section Sponsored by:

Buying Guide Replacement Windows Find The Right Thermostat Buying Guide Dishwashers

Test Your Central Air’s Cooling Ability Buying Guide: Storm Doors Landscape Makeover: Front Entryway

66 | Automotive

Section Sponsored by:

The All-New for 2015 New Chrysler 200 The Completely Redesigned 2016 Volvo XC90

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c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

You’ve Been

Hacked.

David Sutta and Hack Miami team up to reveal a side of hacking rarely seen.

by David Sutta

F

or the past few months CBS4 has been working with Hack Miami to reveal a side of hacking rarely seen. They showed us for less than $200 how they could hack practically any phone or laptop. What was most alarming though was you wouldn’t be aware they were doing it.

To prove that, Florida International University agreed to do an experiment with Hack Miami and CBS4. We let our hackers work their magic on campus… and the results were eye opening. It may have you re-thinking how you use Wi-Fi.

“The main issue is you have your phone or your computer to automatically join a Wi-Fi. If we set up a similar Wi-Fi that you have joined before it will automatically join.”

cbsmiami.com

“People are not really looking at what’s going on with their phone. their phone might be on their belt, yet it has the wifi enabled and would actually join the rogue wifi.”

The Test It’s a Tuesday morning on the campus of FIU. 20,000 students rush between classes. Inside the student union, Rod Soto with HackMiami is setting up our test. “We’re almost done,” he says.

Suddenly an alert on his screen goes off. Soto is surprised.

“Somebody already connected already.” He’s not even fully up with his system but he’s already connecting to random devices in the union. We have challenged him to see how many phones, tablets, and computers he can connect to in seconds. As his program begins to run he leans over and asks “The thing is how aggressive do you want to be? I can go and attack them and de-authenticate them and

bring them to me.” By de-authenticate Soto is suggesting to kick everyone in the building off the university’s Wi-Fi and have them log onto to a Wi-Fi network he just setup.

Soto fits in like the rest of the students. He’s sitting near a hallway working on a laptop. Using a free program and an antenna, he is beaming a Wi-Fi signal out. The signal can be seen throughout the building he’s in. He’s named the Wi-Fi network “FIU wifi” similar to what FIU uses. As the minutes roll by students are signing on to his Wi-Fi network. They would have no idea it’s not really FIU if not for a page he setup announcing we are doing a test. The page informs users they have connected to our test and that they could have exposed themselves to being hacked by doing so. Soto is not giving anyone access to the internet or hacking their device. He’s simply counting the number of devices that are connecting to his network. On his computer lines of code run by with a series of numbers. The numbers represent someone’s phone or computer. As classes let out the number of connections skyrocket.

While Soto connects we asked students what they thought. Most are not all that concerned. FIU student Camille Gayle thinks free Wi-Fi is a necessity. “I looked at it as a helpful thing. That it was helping me out,” she says. Luis Levias, another student explains “If you are in need you really have to use it you know. If it’s emergency and you don’t have internet access you have to use it.”

What Hackers can do over Wi-Fi If you think using free Wi-Fi isn’t a big deal… we gave Soto free rein to hack a CBS4 employee’s phone using only free Wi-Fi. In a pizza shop he connected. On his laptop he pulled up her data. “Pictures.

Contacts. I can do the same thing with videos as well. I can do the history of calls. I can download the content of the SMS. The text messages she sent and whatever is stored in the SD card,”

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c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014 Soto explained as he pulled it all over the Wi-Fi network. Essentially nothing is off limits. Soto explains he can even see what you are surfing and pull everything you write. “If you were to log into your bank, then I can go back into log into your bank.” In other words he’s grabbing usernames and passwords. Back at FIU… it’s not one phone that’s connecting to him… it’s dozens of devices. This Wi-Fi network has opened the front door for him to come in and do whatever he wants. Soto agrees. “Absolutely. There is a reason why people must be conscious when joining free Wi-Fi.” Cloning Starbucks Wi-Fi We decide to change the name of the WiFi network to the one Starbucks uses. What happened next we were not ready for. The number of connections goes haywire. “I didn’t think it was going to be so overwhelming for the setup, that I ran out of IP’s. That’s actually quite an impressive situation,” Soto says. He’s now connected to more than a 100 devices. Most people have no idea.

He explains how it works “The main issue is you have your phone or your computer to automatically join a Wi-Fi. If we set up a similar Wi-Fi that you have joined before it will automatically join,” he says. “Since your phone has been connected to Starbucks before it will now automatically join.” And what Soto is doing is simply pretending to be the Starbucks Wi-Fi. And guess what? A lot of people have been connecting at Starbucks. “People are not really looking at what’s going on with your phone. Your phone might be on your belt, yet it has the wifi enabled and would actually join the rogue wifi,” Soto says.

Beaming the Hack We step outside to a real Starbucks on campus. The Hack Miami team steps it up one more time, this time bringing out out a microwave dish. James Ball, a member of the Hack Miami team explains any dish will do. “A DirecTV satellite dish will do the trick, or any satellite dish will do the trick,” Ball says. As Ball positions the dish, Soto tells us what they are doing. “What the antenna does is amplifies the range that we can reach with our attack. So basically they don’t have to see me. Just sit here, place my antenna there.”

He’s now beaming his Wi-Fi across campus. They point the dish at a group sitting around a table. They are probably a football field away.

“As we have a lot of people over there, they start popping up here,” Soto says. We look down at the computer and sure enough dozens of devices start connecting. Sure the dish is large. It’s obvious. You would probably be suspicious if you saw it. But would you notice it

from a 100 yards away? Soto laughs. “You could have it over a mile, almost 2 miles. Some others even farther than that. 7-8 [miles],” he says. Meaning you would never see it coming.

The results Two hours into our test it’s time for the results. Just how many devices did Soto connect to? “It’s about 850,” Soto says. 850 phones, tablets and computers that logged onto his network in just a couple of hours. A majority of the devices he connected to had the potential to be hacked… just like the CBS4 employee’s phone.

We share the results with FIU’s Chief Information Officer Robert Grillo. “That is alarming. It causes us to rethink how we educate our students,” he said. Grillo believes it is important for his students, everyone, to learn from this test. Grillo explains “For us it was an educational opportunity to show everyone what you can do and what you shouldn’t do when you actually access the internet.”

Even with our experiment students were split if they would continue using free Wi-Fi. Luis Levias was shocked about what was possible.

“That would actually change my mind a lot about using open wifi,” He said. But Stephanie Barrios, another FIU student wasn’t all that concerned. “It’s gotta happen to us first before we take it seriously,” Barrios said. Soto says it may have already happened… and you’ll never know.

How to protect yourself According to Soto these types of hacks are happening in South Florida. “Absolutely. It doesn’t take that much to make them happen,” Soto says. He explained criminals will use his exact setup on hotels, airports, train stations… anywhere you find open WiFi networks. So how do you protect yourself? “You can disable your Wi-Fi in your phone. I usually do it,” Soto said. Secure Wi-Fi networks offer another level of protection too. However they are not invincible to be hacked.

Interesting enough FIU has implemented some excellent technology to try to protect students. When Hack Miami tried to clone FIU’s Wi-Fi network exactly, FIU’s systems managed to kick Hack Miami out. It was impressive technology that more and more businesses may want to consider to better protect their customers.

At the end of the day though criminals are often moving faster than most companies are. For now, the best protection for your data is stay off of Wi-Fi networks.

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Bicyclists DRIVERS In 2012, more than 700 bicyclists were killed by drivers in the United States. Each year, we report on many South Florida bicyclists being hit some with fatal results. But in these accidents, is it all the driver’s fault? And what is being done to keep bicyclists and drivers safe on our streets?

cbsmiami.com

T

here’s a war being waged on our South Florida streets between bicyclists and drivers. Which side are you on?

“They all cut in front of you and you constantly have to be on guard. Yes it’s very frustrating,” said one Key Biscayne resident.

Bicyclists consume the road sometimes in both directions. They even take red lights but sometimes, drivers aren’t any better.

“Every time I go out on the road, I am almost hit,” said Maria Luisa De Jesus, an avid bicyclist.

Drivers get too close to bicyclists, speed by them, and sometimes even hit them. That’s what happened to Maria Luisa. She was hit by a driver a few years ago. “Thank God there were no ruptures or broken bones but I motivated.”

That motivation led her to create a yearly bike ride called “The Ride of Silence” in honor of bicyclists injured or killed by drivers and in South Florida there are a lot of them.

Between 2003 and 2012, 1,539 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed.

So it’s not much of a surprise that South Florida has been ranked the fourth most dangerous metro area for pedestrians and bicyclists in a new study by Smart America Growth.

But who is at fault for these accidents? According to Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose Pepe Diaz, who is also an avid bicyclist, it’s not always the drivers to blame.

“You have many cyclists that obey the law and do things right and do things safe but there are groups that don’t.”

CBS4’s Vanessa Borge witnessed it firsthand. She rode alongside a group of bicyclists which started in South Miami and went all the way into Key Biscayne. Bicyclists took red lights, which is illegal and also took over three lanes on the Rickenbacker Causeway, which is also illegal.

“That is disobeying the law. You can’t do that. The law states you can be in the lane that is immediate to the right. There are 3 lanes

there. It’s not for them to take up all three lanes,” said Commissioner Diaz.

But that is just one group of bicyclists giving a bad name to the rest who do abide by the rules of the road. One south Florida organization is trying to educate new riders. The Everglades Bike Club meets at Miami City Hall in Coconut Grove every Saturday morning. They teach rookie bicyclists the proper signs and rules of the road.

More education for amateur riders is imperative to keep both bicyclists and drivers safe.

The County is also making changes to ensure drivers slowdown in bike zones as well. There are reduced speed limits posted on flashing electronic signs and they’ve added more police officers to patrol the Rickenbacker Causeway.

“Do I sit easy? No. Is it costly? Yes. Is it worth it? Yes, because our citizens need that safety so they can also participate health wise and doing the things they like to do to know without the fear of getting ran over,” said Commissioner Diaz.

Commissioner Diaz is also proposing a resolution called “complete streets” in Wednesday’s county commission meeting.

It will potentially help create safer roadways for drivers and bicyclists to share.

By law, bicycles are considered a slow moving vehicle, meaning, drivers, they are allowed to be there.

But bicyclists you have to abide by the laws to keep you and South Florida drivers safe as well.

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cbsmiami.com

The New Face Of Customer Service With long lines and little to no results on an automated voice call, there is a new face emerging when it comes to customer service: video chat.

V

ideo chat customer service is what sold Ariel Rubinstein on ordering his glasses online.

He selected frames from the eye wear store’s website. When they arrived, he logged on to video chat with the shop’s optometrist who could see Rubinstein wearing his new glasses.

“It was definitely cool and a big feature. If I had any concerns, that was very comforting to me,” said Rubinstein.

Mason Eyewear, which sells prescription glasses online, said its new high tech video chat feature, which lets them see “eye to eye” with customers, is quite popular.

“Being able to explain or demonstrate certain features or frame design or shapes or things like that definitely gives us a much greater opportunity,” said Miami optometrist Dr. Matthew Chrycy.

According to the Loyalty Marketer’s Association, video chat customer service is growing across the country.

“They’re valuing the customer so they’re realizing spending a little more to make customers happy is less expensive than acquiring a new customer,” said Mark Johnson of Loyalty Marketer’s Association.

American Express recently launched a video chat pilot program.

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A real person is right on the tablet, waiting to help. Amex said it’s gotten tremendous, positive feedback.

“We’ve had customers who have taken the iPad and introduced our customer care professional to their family members. We want to be able to provide service in a way customers are living and they’re living digitally,” said Johnson.

“Hertz” is also providing digital services.

Customers can walk into any car rental location in the United States, pick up a phone on one of these terminals, and they can video chat with a real rep.

“The face to face interaction benefits the customer by creating a personalized experience and minimizing the wait time,” said Johnson.

But video chat may not be for everyone.

“There’s some concerns of it being kind of creepy and privacy issues,” said Johnson.

If video chat seems creepy, experts tell customers to ask the company for options where you can see the customer service rep, but the rep can’t see you.

For those who have concerns about your privacy and security, they can ask the company how it safeguards any information they share during the video chat.

Experts said customers may also want to ask the company if their video chat session is being recorded, and if so, ask how the recording will be used?

Rubinstein said he has no privacy concerns and is psyched about the high tech help.

“I never have to leave home to get a new pair of glasses or try on a new pair of glasses, I can do it all from my computer,” said Rubinstein.

Experts said if your video chat is with a health care or financial services provider, companies are required under federal law to keep customer information secure and private.

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Facebook Exposed!

While Facebook can be fun, it also has a darker side that could put users at risk of losing money, their reputation and even friendships.

By Brian Andrews

He alerted the real Giacalone who was shocked by what he found.

“When I clicked on it, I saw my face. I saw my cover page. It was me for all intents and purposes. It was me,” said Giacalone.

He contacted Facebook and they deleted the phony profile.

With 1.5 billion accounts worldwide, there’s no shortage of potential targets.

“I never thought it would happen on Facebook,” said Giacalone.

It happened to Zona Koopman too.

She thought she was communicating with a friend, but it turned out to be somebody pretending to be her friend.

“We chit chatted back and forth for several opycats are pretending to be “Facebook allows messages,” said Koopman. users in what is now called Facebook users to restrict But then she said the copycat tried to scam her. cloning. who can and cannot “I said on the message, ‘well, I know you’re a “It’s kind of creepy,” said Joe have access to their fraud and I’m going to report you,’” said Koopman.

Giacalone who said someone stole his Facebook page. page but many don’t Facebook allows users to restrict who can and He said they made an exact copy of it and posed as choose settings cannot have access to their page but many don’t him. Giacalone had no idea. that offer enough choose settings that offer enough protection.

“It’s not a good feeling when you think that you’ve protection.”

Experts said that’s a mistake. Now Giacalone is been had,” said Giacalone. limiting access and he’s relieved it’s before it’s too He only found out when the imposter tried to scam late. one of his Facebook friends by asking him for money.

“Nobody had their reputation ruined. Nobody had any money taken “It was embarrassing,” said Giacalone. from them so this is an opportunity where I can start changing my online And he is not the only victim. behavior,” said Giacalone.

With just a few clicks of a mouse, cyber criminals create a duplicate While many love to post, there are some things that should remain user. They have access to users Facebook friends and then can do private like your complete birthday, if you’re home alone, and pictures of anything pretending to be that person unless a friend catches on. your kids with their names tagged. “ I knew this was not Joe Giacalone,” said his friend Joe Wolf.

If privacy is important then remember, whatever you put out there, It was Wolf who questioned whether it was really his friend who isn’t private anymore. contacted him.

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“That immediately set off bells,” said Wolf. c b s m i a m i . c o m / To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

More Baby Boomer Couples

Calling It

F

Quits!

or 52-year old Jorge Rodriguez it’s all pretty new. He’s got a new dog, a new house and a new lease on life.

“This is the beginning of a new life,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said his divorce was unexpected to say the least. After 22 years of marriage, and two daughters, he and his wife decided to split.

“I thought to myself I was never going to get divorced. I was very devoted to my family,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said while he and his wife were raising their family, they lost sight of each other. He wasn’t alone.

According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University, the divorce rate for baby boomers, people over 50 years old, has doubled in the last two decades.

Professor Zanita Fenton at the University of Miami School of Law says baby boomers are non-conformists in many ways, but also hold traditional values in others. She says many issues get ignored while boomers raise

For the first time in the U.S., more people are married than single.

However, more and more Americans over 50 are calling it quits after decades of marriage. CBS4’s Rhiannon Ally took a look at what’s behind this silver divorce trend and the challenges baby boomers face starting over.

their kids. But once the kids get older and leave the house, the problems are exposed and the yearning for a new life is born.

“Once they leave the nest, they get to fly.

I did my job, now I can dance. I get to have some fun, be with someone who makes me happy,” said Fenton.

After two decades of marriage, Deborah Lazaga wasn’t happy. She filed for divorced once her two daughters were out of high

school. Lazaga said she realized something about her marriage.

“You lose touch with your partner and don’t make as much of an effort to maintain a relationship with your partner and you go into parenting and start saving for 401k. The person next to you can grow together or grow apart,” said Lazaga.

A new life means new challenges and often new problems along the way.

c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

Professor Zanita Fenton at the University of Miami School of Law says baby boomers are non-conformists in many ways, but also hold traditional values in others.

Carlos Blanco was married 24 years before he divorced.

“It’s like you get on this roller coaster, they press a button and all of a sudden the ride is going,” Blanco.

Like many people, Blanco strapped in for the ride of his new life, not anticipating the twists and turns that lay ahead. He wanted to help other people in similar situations, so he started a company “Matters of Divorce” to help people like Rodriguez and Lazaga navigate the messy and often nasty journey.

“The biggest mistake I hear is people call and say I want the biggest, baddest divorce attorney because I’m going to get her or get him,” said Blanco.

Blanco said people who are considering a divorce should be prepared. There are steps he recommends to make sure the process is as smooth as possible.

“This is the biggest negotiation of your life. Especially as you look at these long-term marriages come to an end,” said Blanco.

First, know your options.

Blanco said you don’t necessarily need to call an attorney immediately. There are other options.

Many people can come to terms through a mediation, or agreeing to terms, and then having an attorney draw up paperwork. This can save both sides time and money.

Blanco said it’s a good idea to keep check your emotions at the door and think about what’s best for everyone involved, including your ex.

“Take a step back. Think about what’s best for me, my ex-spouse and the kids together as a family. It’s a different type of family than it was before,” said Blanco.

That’s the realization Lazaga came too. “Love your children more than you hate your spouse” is the advice she has for other people going through it.

And according to a poll of American divorce lawyers, nearly a quarter of the baby boomer break-ups are initiated by women.

Professor Fenton attributes that, in part, to boomers being the first generation of highly educated women who are more financially independent than in the past.

Kids Taught To Prevent & Handle Emergencies In New App A new Red Cross app is aiming to teach children about emergency preparedness while making it fun.

C

hildren between the ages of 7 and 11 can learn how to prevent or act in emergency situations by playing games on the Monster Guard: Prepare for Emergencies app.

The user can role-play as a monster recruit who trains to prepare for disasters and practice what to do if one happens.

They go through the initiation and engage in interactive training episodes for hazards such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

“Monster Guard is emergency preparedness disguised as fun,” said Carlos Castillo, Regional Disaster Officer for the South Florida Region Red Cross. “Children direct the monsters to identify fire hazards, locate a safe room in a house, select items for an emergency supplies kit and more.”

If the child completes all the episodes he or she will graduate and become a member of the ‘Monster Guard.’

For those interested in downloading the app, it is available for iPhone and Android phones.

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c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

Operation Elf

TOY AND GIFT CARD DRIVE This year over 468 families have been submitted to the Neighbors 4 Neighbors Adopt A Family 4 the Holidays Program. Every year we reach out to our non-profit partners to carefully identify the neediest members of our South Florida community. These families from throughout Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, all have various situations that make them perfect candidates for your kindness this holiday season

O

ur Adopt A Family 4 The Holidays Program, sponsored by Everglades Holiday Park and Baptist Health Primary Care is our largest campaign each year. Offering our adopters the personal experience of being able to meet and get to know the families they help, keeps many companies and individuals returning year after year. Ask anyone of them why and they will tell you how wonderful the experience makes them feel. Having one on one interaction with the families allows them to see the joy on the faces of the families first hand. Many times, they see that these families are very much like them, and that their lives are not very different.

For the families who are adopted, the situation can be life changing. Seeing that someone cares and being able to give their children something to look forward to during the holidays raises their spirits. There is a great pressure that forms for all of us, during this time of year that this program can dissipate. Giving to others, who without your help would have nothing, is incredibly rewarding. It’s really what the holidays are all about.

However, there are additional families for which one on one adoption is not possible. The good news is, that these families will not go without this holiday season. That’s where Operation Elf, our Toy and Gift Card Drive sponsored by FPL, comes in. With the help of the many drives hosted by organizations, businesses, schools and even individuals we are able to serve these vulnerable families, making their holidays the brightest yet. The new unwrapped toys and generous gift cards are given to these families allowing them to fulfil their holiday wishes.

Of course, you can always make a donation on our website. With that, we are able to purchase additional gift cards and serve even more families.

To become an adopter, host a gift card or toy drive, or make a donation by logging on to our website at www.aaf.neighbors4neighbors. org or call us directly at 305-597-4404.

To see some of the smiling faces first hand, set your reminders to watch our Neighbors 4 Neighbors Holiday Special on December 21st at 11:30am on My33 – WBFS. We’ll highlight many those who helped to unwrap hope this holiday season.

Sponsored by

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24

h e a lt h

Heading to the Caribbean or Latin America on vacation? The CDC says the Chikungunya outbreak in the region shows no sign of slowing down, and if you are not careful, you could come home with symptoms.

By Brian Andrews

Chikungunya Fever Rampant In Puerto Rico

W

hile it is highly unlikely Chikunguya will kill you, it can sideline you for at least a week with fever, rash, and debilitating joint pain.

The mosquito-borne disease is rampant now in parts of the Caribbean in Latin America with large numbers of cases reported in Puerto Rico.

Dr. Nabil El Sanadi, the medical director at Broward Health Hospital System said travelers must be extra careful not to get bitten by mosquitoes.

“We’ve seen patients from Puerto Rico, the Cayman Islands, and from Haiti. It’s endemic and a big problem right now,” Dr. Sanadi said.

Puerto Rico’s Health Department released figures from last month showing 401 confirmed cases of Chikungunya and 2006 suspected cases on the island.

For the year, Puerto Rico reports 3,242 confirmed cases. “It’s something to be aware of, especially for those who are traveling to the island,” said Dr. El Sanadi.

If you get bitten while away and infected, there’s a chance you could return home to South Florida sick.

So far in 2014, the CDC says more than 1600 travelers have. “If you get bitten by a mosquito, pay attention to the symptoms and seek treatment if you develop symptoms,” said Dr. El Sanadi.

Chikungunya symptoms include fever, headaches, and severe joint pain.

Health Officials say the pain from Chikungunya in your joints can sideline you for up to a week. Right now, the CDC said there is no vaccine or specific treatment for it.

In South Florida, there have been less than a half dozen cases in the last year, nothing like what’s being seen in Puerto Rico.

If you do contract Chikungunya, there is good news. You will probably never get it again.

Doctors said it’s thought one unpleasant experience with it is enough to provide lifelong immunity.

Click here to view map of Chikungunya in the Americas.

Before taking a trip, travelers can check the latest CDC recommendations at www.cdc.gov/travel (under travel notices) and learn about ongoing chikungunya activity at www.cdc.gov/chikungunya.

c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

cbsmiami.com

Which Mosquito Repellents Actually Work?

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osquitoes are blamed for South Florida’s first case of Dengue fever this year. The pesky critters can also cause malaria, yellow fever, encephalitis and they are also the cause of the Chikungunya virus coming into this country and South Florida from the Caribbean islands.

So when you reach for a repellant, how do you know which one works the best?

Most of us head for bug sprays which contain DEET. “DEET is a product that confuses the mosquito sensory system,” said researcher Dr. Gabriel Hamer. “They are smelling C02 and everything that comes out of your skin they are focused on you and when they get down close to the skin to bite they get this mixed signal from the DEET that something’s not right here, don’t land.”

Dr. Hamer and his research team stuck their arms into cages of hungry mosquitoes to help us put four products to the test.

First was the popular spray Off!, which contains 15-percent DEET. The researchers also tested an all-natural DEET alternative called BioUD.

There are plenty of sprays, candles, and other treatments out there to keep the mosquitoes away, but which ones actually work?

There also a Citronella-covered band that is worn as a bracelet, and Skin So Soft, the Avon lotion long touted as a mosquito repellant.

After applying each product to filter in a simulation of how the products would be applied to human skin, researchers placed the paper into containers full of hungry mosquitoes.

“What I can do now is let them get all disturbed by blowing in there and then let them resettle all by themselves,” a researcher explained.

The researchers then counted the number of mosquitoes that flew to the opposite side of the container to avoid the products.

They did each test three times and compared the numbers to controls.

So which repelled the most mosquitoes?

“I would say the DEET and BioUD had very similar levels of efficacy,” said Dr. Hamer.

Researchers found BioUD actually scored better than Off!, but the DEET spray was a very tight second.

“Both of these products, when applied to the filter paper, no mosquitoes landed on that paper and they even stayed quite a ways away from that filter paper,” Hamer said.

As for the Citronella and the Skin So Soft, both products also repelled the mosquitoes – although not as effectively as the others.

Avon’s brand public relations senior manager sent a statement, saying, “The Skin So Soft moisturizing lotion used in this report is not intended to repel mosquitoes, is not sold for that purpose, and is not approved by the EPA as a repellent. Avon does offer several insect repellents, including Avon’s Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus line of products. These products are approved by the EPA for use as insect repellents, and they contain active ingredients that are effective deterrents against mosquitoes.”

Whatever you apply, the experts say it should last 6 to 8 hours and when applying it, aim low because mosquitoes will bite your feet. If you have sandals and bare feet, they like people’s feet a lot.

While DEET works best, a recent study out of North Dakota says those citronella candles are a waste of time.

“Any repellant aroma that comes out of this would be wafted away by moving air.”

A better bet would be some of those yard treatments or fogs.

“Fog it into the vegetation and it contacts the mosquitoes and they drop down. But it has no residual, there’s nothing that will stay there that will keep mosquitoes about coming back.”

Also, keep in mind that mosquitoes can bite you through your clothes so don’t just spray your skin to keep the bugs away.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Young Women

Losing Hair Over Stress

By Rhiannon Ally

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n increasing number of younger women facing stress in their daily lives are coming to grips with a new and devastating problem – stress related hair loss.

“There’s a lot of days that are just go go go, never-ending,” Jenna Milazzo said.

Milazzo is only 25, but her relentless schedule has taken a noticeable toll on her.

“I’ve noticed that in the past six months, just some thinning of my hair up here, around the face a little bit. It’s a little troublesome for me to say the least,” she said.

Milazzo was so worried about her hair loss, she went to a doctor who specializes in hair restoration.

“I would say about 15 or 20 percent of mostly females complaining of hair loss are probably due to stress,” Dr. Robert Dorin said.

“I just never had that much hair come out in the shower, in my brush,” Milazzo said.

“It was so out of the ordinary, I could tell something was wrong.”

Dr. Dorin concluded that Milazzo is suffering the consequences of a busy lifestyle.

“What we’re talking about is stress hair loss, stress causing hair loss,” Dr. Dorin said.

In a seemingly vicious cycle for Milazzo

and other women, the stress they experience because of losing their hair can sometimes make things even worse.

“A woman coming in with luscious, thick hair and now all of a sudden it has less volume or they see it thinning and to watch it fall before their eyes is quite anxietybuilding,” Dr. Dorin said.

But for the growing number of women suffering from the devastation of stressrelated hair loss, there is hope.

Reducing stress is a vital first step, along with improving your diet and getting more sleep.

In addition, Rogaine has been effective and there are even FDA-approved laser treatments that can help stimulate dormant hair follicles.

“I think it will be okay as long as I get help and I stop before it gets too bad. I would be panicking if I waited too long and I saw a really thick part of actual bald spots,” Milazzo said. “I don’t see that yet but I definitely want To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

to stop it before it gets too bad.”

By making important lifestyle changes and effectively reducing stress, experts say

“I think it will be okay as long as I get help and I stop before it gets too bad. I would be panicking if I waited too long and I saw a really thick part of actual bald spots,” Milazzo said. “I don’t see that yet but I definitely want to stop it before it gets too bad.” you can expect hair to be fully restored to normal fullness in about a year.

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cbsmiami.com

Tattoo Nightmares Permanent cosmetics Can Lead To Cosmetic horrors

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By Rhiannon Ally

colors and use the same colors on everybody,” Makish attoo nightmares. They’re permanent and if you later regret it, it’s explained. “The problem is there’s no regulation. Anyone a lengthy and expensive process to get them fixed. Now imagine that with a tattoo license can do it. It’s very easy to start mistake on your face. It happened to Cathy Ahern who had to endure tattooing.” a long and expensive journey to fix a botched eyebrow job.

CBS4 News did some checking online and there are A quick online search reveals plenty of horror stories of permanent make-up a few requirements for getting a tattoo gone wrong. license. You have to fill out a form and pay Diane Makish has been doing a fee. There are also education courses permanent makeup for more than 10 you have to complete online. After you get years and she sees clients come in with a tattoo license, anyone can start cosmetic big problems. tattooing.

“It’s got kind of a bad stigma attached Makish recommended going to to it,” Makish explained. someone with at least 5 years of Permanent cosmetics or cosmetic experience. Also, she said go to someone tattoos are colors tattooed into the skin, in a doctor’s office and ask to see examples filling in your eyebrows, lips, or around of the artist’s work. It’s a lesson Ahern had your eyes, like eyeliner. to learn the hard way.

“The whole point in doing permanent She needed three laser removal make-up is that it enhances facial sessions to lighten the old tattoos before features, it doesn’t take away from them,” Makish could fix them. She needed 5 Makish said. But she added that fixing weeks between each session to heal. So, the mistakes of others is becoming more after 3 months, Diane could tattoo new common. “I’ve been seeing a lot more. eyebrows on her face.

One or two correction cases a week.”

Ahern needed 3 more weeks to heal.

Cathy Ahern came to Makish, That’s when we caught up with Cathy to desperate for a fix after what she called see how she looked. a botched eyebrow job. “The mother did She said she can finally feel like herself this eyebrow and the daughter did this again. “I feel very happy now about how I one. The daughter said ‘I like this one look.” Ahern said. better.’ I said ‘Oh no’.” Ahern recalled.

Makish said not Makish said the person who did all botched jobs can Cathy’s eyebrows tattooed them too close “The whole point in doing permanent make-up be fixed, but she’s together, one is a little higher than the is that it enhances facial features, it doesn’t hoping Ahern’s story other and the color is too dark. She said if take away from them, but I’ve been seeing a lot is a warning to others the artist uses black, it can turn purple or more.

One or two correction cases a week.” about the potential blue. “You have people that buy a couple risks.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Gluten-Free Alternative May Cause

Allergic Reactions

We all know about gluten allergies. But did you know manufacturers could be substituting one allergen for another?

By Vanessa Borge

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ifteen-year-old Orion has had a peanut allergy all his life. His mother, Kelley Lindberg, says that she first gave her son a peanut butter sandwich when he was just about a year-and-a-half old.

“He immediately began to break out in kind of a hive around his face,” she said.

Later, Kelley found out that her son was also allergic to lupin, an ingredient that is often substituted for peanuts. Lupin is a flour alternative used in glutenfree foods. What many people “With the growth don’t know is that lupin is of the gluten a legume that comes from free market, the same plant family as the we’re going to see peanut. more products “There are case reports of with lupin in them people having severe lifecoming to this threatening anaphylactic reactions to lupin, both people country.” who have a history of preexisting peanut allergy and others who are eating peanuts just fine,” said allergist Dr. David Stukus.

Recently, the FDA released a statement on its website regarding this issue, and they are currently monitoring complaints.

“With the growth of the gluten free market, we’re going to see more products with lupin in them coming to this country,” Stefano Luccioli of the FDA said.

Lupin is required to be listed on food products as a potential allergen in Europe. As of right now, the FDA only requires that Lupin be listed as an ingredient.

c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

cbsmiami.com

First-Time Parents Have Rare Naturally Conceived Quadruplets A South Florida couple got the surprise of a lifetime when they learned their new bundle of joy would be times four.

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vanna Cardenas Gutierrez, 27, and her husband David Gutierrez learned they were expecting in February, but an ultrasound revealed more than they expected.

“The doctor said we were having twins – and I was shocked,” Gutierrez said in a press release by Jackson Health System. “Then he said there were three babies. Two minutes later, he said there was a fourth. I was speechless.”

What makes the quadruplets so rare, is they were conceived naturally, an occurrence that happens in just 1 in 700,000 pregnancies.

The health system reported approximately 90 percent of quadruplets are conceived with the assistance of medical technology.

Dr. Salih Yasin, who specializes in high-risk pregnancies and the delivery of multiples was designated to care for Ivanna during the pregnancy.

On August 18, at a 27-week check-up, tests revealed one of the babies was in distress and in danger of dying. The doctor decided to deliver all four babies that day – well ahead of the November 15 due date.

The babies names are Julian, Sebastian, Gabriel and Francesca.

Julian was the largest at 2 pounds, 3 ounces.

Gabriel was smallest at 1 pound, 3 ounces.

The babies continue to grow and get stronger at the Schatzi Kassal Project: New Born Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Holtz Children’s Hospital.

Francesca, the only girl, will be released within the next week.

“There have been a lot of ups and downs, but we have gotten through it,” Ivanna said in the press release. “We know how blessed we are.”

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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cbsmiami.com

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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‘Tollmageddon’ On The Dolphin Expressway

By David Sutta

The free ride is over on the Dolphin expressway (836).

More than a dozen Sunpass toll points have been installed up and down the expressway. It means anyone driving on the 836 is going to pay, and for some they’ll be paying double. This CBS4 investigation looks into the tolls, who will be impacted and where all that money, nearly a billion dollars is going.

Businesses Plan For You to Pay Kent Cook has been in business in MiamiDade for nearly 30 years. “Service and repair is what we are all about. From panels to landscape lights to hanging fixtures, flat screens on the way,” Cook said.

Every morning his fleet of nearly a dozen trucks hit the highway, moving from job to job.

“We are on the road all the time. I looked into it. For the last four months we spent over a $1000 a month just on tolls. Just to keep the truck on the road,”he said.

When Cook recently learned tolls on the 836 were going up he finally said enough is enough.

“Somebody has to pay for it. And I’m in

business, believe it or not, to make a profit so if things like this happen I have to in-turn turn it around and charged the customer a little bit more for these tolls,” said Cook.

By his estimate Cook will be paying 50% more in tolls as of Saturday. That’s when a network of 17 toll points goes live. Critics call it “Tollmageddon.” Carlos Garcia, who operates Rollbacktolls.com chuckles at the name, but he’s dead serious.

“Tollmaggedon. People are going to get off this highway and people are going to be outraged,” Garcia said. c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

Last year Rollbacktoll.com rallied to try to stop the toll increase. But Miami-Dade Expressway’s board, narrowly passed it.

Critical votes came from board members appointed by Miami-Dade commissioners.

Garcia explained, “This is the truth. The reality is big tolls are coming to the 836.

MDX is a government agency. This is big government tolling.” .30 cents for less than a mile A map, enhanced and featured prominently on rollbacktolls.com’s website is the sobering reality of what is about to happen. Essentially you won’t be able to drive on the 836 in any direction without paying a toll. Even drivers driving less than a mile will be hit for 30 cents. It may not seem like much but it adds up. The drive from

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the Turnpike to Downtown Miami AND back is currently is $2.50. Next week it will be $4.20. For the daily commuter that’s extra $34 dollars a month… A tank of gas for a sedan. Annually it’s over $400 dollars… A car payment.

MDX Response We requested to interview Miami Dade Expressway Authority’s Chairwoman Maritza Gutiérrez about it. Instead MDX gave us their public information officer Mario Diaz.

We asked him why.

“Our board is all a voluntary board. They all have full-time jobs and they weren’t available to come out,” Diaz said.

Diaz did explain their plan. Up until now 45 percent of drivers on the 836 were getting a free ride. Now everyone pays.

“Some will pay more. Some will pay where they’ve never paid before and some will pay less than what they currently pay.

But by everyone paying for the portion that they use we are now able to move forward with critical improvements to the expressway,” said Diaz.

The tolls will raise nearly a billion dollars for new road construction. It includes additional lanes, a new fly-over for the always backed up I-95 exit, and streamlined exits along the way.

Diaz explained, “If we don’t do anything, with the increase in the population that we are expecting within the next 30 years, traffic will continue to get worse and worse and worse.”

Garcia believes it will get worse… and you’ll pay more for it. “I hope Miami is ready to be stuck in traffic and pay 50% more in tolls.” Garcia said.

The Tree Mistake Garcia sees it differently.

“A lot of people say it’s a backdoor tax,”he said.

There certainly are some trust issues MDX is still dealing with.

“Well I would say after four years there is some skepticism,” Garcia said. MDX has made some questionable decisions over the years.

The most visible is on the 874, also known as the Don Shula Expressway. It got a makeover a few years ago with some lush landscaping. According to MDX the expense was required by law. But many don’t see why we needed dozens of exotic palm trees trucked in from Arizona for $8,000 dollars each “When we end up seeing is $8,000 palm trees everywhere as far as the eye can see and we have extravagant, unnecessary in my opinion, landscaping. We need it to look nice

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

but we don’t need it to look Las Vegas, the Bellagio. It’s a highway. I need it to get to work,” Garcia said.

Cook agrees.

“With all this money that is being spent, that the traffic would be getting better? But it’s not. It’s getting worse.”

As the tolls go up Cook said so will his invoices for customers. He expects his fellow contractors to follow suit.

“It’s not just me. It’s contractors, electricians, plumbers. It’s anybody where it’s their business getting in-between people’s homes.” he said. If you don’t want to pay the toll there really is only one alternative. Get off the expressway. That might be difficult as thousands of likeminded drivers may be thinking the same thing when the tolls go live next week.

MDX said they are trying to relieve the pressure on drivers who use the roadway the heaviest. They have setup a rebate program that will give them back up to $120 dollars a year. They are also offering coupons for pizzas and oil changes.

For more information on the program go here: http://mdxway.com/clubmembers/ dashboard To learn more about Rollbacktolls go to www.rollbacktolls.com

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manage your money Mobile Apps Can Help Manage Personal Finances More Efficiently

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eeping a budget can be a time-consuming chore that many people struggle to handle. But there are personal financial apps that can help make paying bills and balancing accounts as easy as texting your friends.

Ashley Bona found herself in a boatload of financial trouble when she graduated from college with $70,000 in student loans and no clue how to manage her debt.

She said she didn’t have a full grasp on the amount of debt she was in until after she graduated from college.

But not too long ago, Bona found a high-tech solution to her problem. She uses a couple of different mobile apps that break down her spending habits into categories and alert her to overspending.

“I set a budget, whether it be monthly or weekly, of how much I want to spend on each category,” Bona said. “It will send me weekly alerts if I’m going over, if I have room to spare in my budget and it helps me keep track of where I am with each of the things and really shows me where my money is going.”

Personal financial management apps, such as the ones Bona uses, pull data daily from personal bank accounts, credit cards and even 401ks. Some of the apps feature

a snapshot of the user’s financial standing with graphs and charts, highlighting what bills need to be paid, where money is being spent and how a savings plan is coming along.

Julie Conroy, research director for Aite Group Financial Services, said the financial apps can make it easier for users to handle their money.

“It takes a lot of the headache out of the issue for consumers and gives you that good picture of what your money looks like without the tedious effort associated with balancing your checkbook and comparing all of your statements from all of your different online applications,” she said.

Some apps can help you avoid overdraft and late fees. Others may alert you of opportunities to pay down a balance quicker.

“There are a lot of different things that you can get out of this,” said Mark Schwanhausser, a director of financial services at Javelin Strategy and Research. “The question is, what is it that you want? What are your greatest needs? And then just go out there and find the app for it.”

No matter what app you choose, checking your accounts regularly will not only keep you updated on your cash flow but alert you to any fraudulent behavior that you can immediately report to the financial institution.

Bona said she wishes she had found the financial apps sooner so that she could have managed her money better while she was still in college.

One tip for downloading a financial management app is to download it directly from the website rather than the app store. Sometimes fake apps are posted and your financial information can be taken.

‘Personal financial management apps, such as the ones Bona uses, pull data daily from personal bank accounts, credit cards and even 401ks.’

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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CBSMIAMI.COM

Ever visit your favorite outdoor cafe and notice how close your table is to traffic?

Local Laws Lack Specifics When It Comes To Outdoor Dining Regulations.

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ave you wondered if there are any laws or ordinances to protect diners like you from getting hurt by an out of control car or a freak accident?

CBS4’s Brian Andrews reviewed the laws and ordinances in four South Florida cities in the wake of the October accident in Miami that injured ten people dining al fresco.

In Fort Lauderdale, the city simply requires outdoor dining permit holders to make sure there is adequate space for pedestrians to pass by tables.

There is nothing specific in Ft. Lauderdale’s code about how far a table must be from the curb or roadside.

Fort Lauderdale’s code says outdoor dining permits will be issued in areas where there is curbside parking, assuming those parked cars will be a buffer if anyone loses control.

During CBS4’s recent visit to Las Olas to shoot video for the story, our crew notices yellow tables and chairs outside

By Brian Andrews a restaurant called Cheese Culture. Later, a check of city records revealed Cheese Culture did not have a permit for outdoor dining.

When the City sent inspectors by, the outdoor tables and chairs were gone.

Our crew returned to the scene of the accident in Miami’s Upper Eastside where the crash happened weeks ago. There were no outdoor tables at the Limoni Cafe and Pizza on NE 2nd Avenue and 46th Street.

Our review of Miami regulations show no specific requirement for how far a table must be from a curb. The only specific rule was that there must be at least 5 feet of available walkway for pedestrians.

Miami does require a minimum of 5 feet distance for tables, chairs, and furniture from cross walks, bus benches, and electrical boxes. When our crew visited Green Street Cafe in the Grove, we found one sofa along Main Highway that was closer to the cross walk than required by city regulations.

On Miami Beach, our review of the city’s sidewalk dining ordinances also found no specifics on how far tables must be from the curb. CBS4’s Brian Andrews found some restaurants on Washington Avenue near 13th Street with tables less than six inches from the curb.

The beach does have rules for distances that outdoor tables must be from crosswalks and bus benches. It also has rules about the quality of the tables, chairs, and umbrellas that are used for outdoor dining.

However, there is nothing in specific in the Miami Beach sidewalk dining ordinance that addresses the safety of diners from an out of control car.

Espanola Way restaurant owner Al Rojas told CBS4’s Brian Andrews he’s installed some planters to act as a buffer, but he believes the city needs to update its laws.

“I think it will be better for the safety of the tourists who come down here,” he said.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Wearable Tech Devices For Kids

Wearable tech devices, it seems that every time you turn around they’re getting smaller, and now many new devices are meant for kids. Like the grown-up gadgets, some are designed to turn fitness into fun but others are more focused on safety.

by Rhiannon Ally

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ix-year-old Marc Cohen entertains himself with his dad’s smartwatch all the time, so when his father Adam saw the Kidizoom, a child-sized version of the gadget, he got one for Marc. “It’s just modeled after an adult smartwatch, but made for kids with kids apps and games. And it’s pretty new, pretty fun,” said Marc.

Wearable tech for kids goes beyond entertainment. Some options on the market like the Leapband and Sqord are designed to encourage activity. “Doing the stuff that Fitbit and other activity trackers like the Nike FuelBand were doing for adults. But also having them work in larger school settings to try to

“A lot of kids really have trouble comprehending what a reasonable amount of exercise is. Having a device like this could help them meet those goals.” He adds, “To be able to have a monitoring device so that you can make sure that they’re safe, that’s a great use for something like this.”

create some sort of group initiative,” says CNET’s Scott Stein.

Others devices on the market and in development, including Filip, Kizon, and Tinitell are aimed at safety and include GPS technology to locate little ones. According to Stein, “Some of them make calls. Some of them send more S.O.S. messages. Some of them are more about simply GPS tracking.”

So how can focusing on every footstep and following every movement be beneficial? Louis Kraus is a Child Psychiatrist. He says, “A lot of kids really have trouble comprehending what a reasonable amount of exercise is. Having a device like this could help them meet those goals.”

He adds, “To be able to have a monitoring device so that you can make sure that they’re safe, c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

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location, and Wi-Fi hotspot triangulation.

FiLIP has been designed with an Intelligent Emergency procedure. When activated, the emergency button triggers an automatic location beacon, ambient sound recording, and calls each of the five contacts until one is reached.

KIZON www.lgnewsroom.com/newsroom/ contents/64572

that’s a great use for something like this.”

While it’s hard to track the popularity of these devices right now since they’re so new, in fact some are just hitting the market, you can find out more information on the products visiting the links below: KIDIZOOM from Vtech

The KizON is not yet available in the US. It is expected to be released in the US in the third quarter of 2014. Utilizing GPS and Wi-Fi, KizON provides real-time location information allowing parents to track their children’s whereabouts on a smartphone or tablet.

TINITELL

www.vtechkids.com/brands/brand_view/smartwatch

www.tinitell.com/

LEAPBAND www.leapfrog.com/en-us/products/leapband

The LeapBand tracks activity and provides physical challenges.

SQORD

Tinitell is a wearable mobile phone for children with a built-in GPS. The device makes calls at the push of one button, or when a user says the name of the contact.

www.sqord.com

The Sqord connect you to a social platform that inspires, tracks, and rewards your everyday physical activity in your own local, family, and online communities. When you sync your PowerPod and log in, you’ll get points for your activity, your level will go up, you’ll get Sqoins to spend on cool virtual items, and you’ll enjoy bragging rights in the visual, interactive social network built.

FILIP www.myfilip.com/

FiLIP is a smart locator and phone. FiLIP is a cell phone reimagined for kids as a wearable device. FiLIP can locate your kids wherever they are. To ensure complete accuracy FiLIP uses more than just GPS – it utilizes a blend of assisted GPS, GSM cell tower To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

“Wearable tech for kids goes beyond entertainment. Some options on the market like the Leapband and Sqord are designed to encourage activity.”

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Who Should You Rent From?

Review the positives and negatives of management structures prior to searching for a rental property.

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ental property types may differ significantly depending on ownership, and management tactics tend to follow suit. Should you opt for a single-family residence owned by a devoted, single investor? How about renting an apartment from a well-established, trustworthy property management (PM) company?

To help narrow the scope, we’ve asked finance bloggers to discuss the pros and cons associated with renting from PM companies and private homeowners.

1. What are some benefits of renting from multi-family property management companies?

Property management companies tend to be very organized.

They have a process for viewing apartments, submitting applications, selecting tenants, signing the lease and dealing with issues and maintenance requests. — Catherine Gacad One benefit is that you are working with people who do this for

SPONSORED BY

a living, rather than with someone who may have no experience in property management at all. You’re also more likely to get the help you need in regards to maintenance and repairs, as the process is more established and there are people on hand to take care of those things. — Ben Luthi 2. What are potential benefits of renting from private owners?

When you rent from a private owner there is more opportunity for a personal relationship with your landlord. Having a personal relationship with your landlord opens up the potential for flexibility within the lease (e.g. month-to-month or shorter-term).

c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

C o n t e n t p r o v i d e d b y Z I L L O W. C O M

‘Having a personal relationship with your landlord opens up the potential for flexibility within the lease (e.g. month-tomonth or shorter-term).’

Additionally, a private owner might expedite the move in process as they may need their unit rented as soon as possible. — Harry Campbell The obvious benefits are costs. Private owners may be able to charge less since they are managing the property themselves.

However, it can be very challenging for them to do it all themselves and your requests may not get immediate attention. — Connie Mei 3. Do renters communicate differently when dealing with large companies versus single investors?

In my opinion, renters are far more likely to behave and be civil when communicating with large companies than compared to dealing with individuals. A lack of respect for management will often degenerate a good tenant into a bad one over a period of time. — Mike Goodman Communicating with a PM company can be a bit like calling the cable company — you may feel like a commodity or the next number in line. You’ll get personal service with an individual landlord, but they may lack the experience or resources to come across as responsive and professional. — Dustin Riechmann Private owners can be less professional. Renting out the property may be a secondary income or not the main focus so you may feel that. — AJ Smith

inconvenience; they are a high-paying customer. — No Nonsense Landlord A private owner could pick up on some ideas for amenities and events that are usually available at property management companies. These things increase a tenant’s happiness and could allow you to have better retention. — Brent 5. Any tips for choosing a landlord?

Talk to the current tenants and see if they are happy working with that company. Look around the building that you’re interested in renting a unit in. Is it clean? Are the units well-maintained? Are the lights on? Is the trash picked up? When you call the company to ask questions how do they answer the phone? — Michelle Jackson Ask potential property managers for at least three references with properties similar to your own. Inquire about their process for handling difficult situations, like evicting a tenant or collecting past due rent. — Mr. 4HWD

4. What are some ways property management companies can learn from private owners and vice versa?

A private owner needs to know the renter is their customer, not their adversary. They need to know how to screen tenants, and how to interpret the results. A well-screened tenant is not an To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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c b s 4 n e w s pa p e r / December 2014

Content provided by AGM Title Services

Real Estate Buyer: BEWARE! As the real estate market continues to skyrocket so do the number of properties sold with undetectable liens. Are you protected?

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losing, which is the actual transfer of the deed from the buyer to the seller, can be a stressful time in your real estate deal if you haven’t taken the necessary steps to prepare yourself. There are horror stories of buyers purchasing a new home only to find out a few months later the seller wrongfully obtained it, causing pain and anguish for both parties.

“Our firm was recently retained by a client in Coral Gables who had been evicted from a home, appraised for over $650,000, because the title company was negligent and missed a lien imposed 4 years earlier” said Alfredo Garcia-Menocal, ESQ. of AGM Title Services.

How can you avoid scenarios like this? The most important step to ensure a thorough and fluid closing process is to hire a reputable title company - preferably an attorney based firm.

An attorney based title company will research the deed, looking for proof of ownership each time the title was bought and sold, thereby ensuring that the property is the seller’s rightful property. In addition, an experienced firm can provide legal guidance as to any existing or potential pitfalls with respect to your property.

“Blindly trusting the recommendation of third parties is the biggest mistake buyers make” says Garcia-Menocal.

Unfortunate examples of what can happen with mistakes in deed transfers have been in the news recently, involving cases of wrongful foreclosure procedures initiated by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac due to a variety of reasons including negligence and irresponsible business operations.

The problem now is that the former owners rightfully still own these foreclosed homes that were bought by innocent buyers. This puts the buyers in an unfair situation, and can force them to return the property back to the previous owners. Hiring a reputable title

company can help you to avoid being caught in a situation like this.

You may be wondering how much more is an attorney based Title Company going to cost me? Not as much as you think.

“Not only do we offer a thorough and complete service at a reasonable rate, many times our rates are more affordable than a non attorney based firm.” Garcia-Menocal adds.

The last thing to remember with title companies is to make sure you provide adequate time for them to complete their work. You don’t want to rush everything at the last minute, because that is when mistakes happen. If you find yourself in a rushed situation, you may have to reschedule the closing. Although that will irritate some, it is better than overlooking important information. Research good title companies and give them enough time to do their job, and you should be safe and secure in closing.

For more information and a complimentary telephone consultation contact the offices of AGM Title Services at (305) 553-3464... an attorney based title company.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Properties Sold in Broward County

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811 SW 28th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 2 Beds / 1 Bath | 1,104 sq. ft. | 7,145 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1953 Sold: 10/29/2014 | $198,500

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849 Heritage Dr, Weston, FL 33326 4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 2,334 sq. ft. | 0.27 acre Lot | Built in: 1995 Sold: 10/28/2014 | $493,000

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8305 S Lake Forest Dr, Davie, FL 33328 4 Beds / 4 Bath | 3,277 sq. ft. | 0.28 acre Lot | Built in: 2003 Sold: 11/6/2014 | $745,000

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3946 NW 1st Dr, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 3 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,674 sq. ft. | 7,000 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1981 Sold: 10/28/2014 | $273,000

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421 NE 23rd St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 n/a Beds / 2.5 Bath | 2,500 sq. ft. | 4,514 sq ft Lot | Built in: 2005 Sold: 11/3/2014 | $512,000

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2416 NE 27th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 4 Beds / 2.5 Bath | 2,901 sq. ft. | 10,239 sq ft Lot | Built in: 2005 Sold: 10/28/2014 | $875,000

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6554 NW 43rd Ct, Coral Springs, FL 33067 4 Beds / 2 Bath | 2,759 sq. ft. | 0.27 acre Lot | Built in: 1989 Sold: 11/19/2014 | $384,000

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2634 SE 11th St, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 2 Beds / 2 Bath | 1,982 sq. ft. | 9,583 sq ft Lot | Built in: 1972 Sold: 11/4/2014 | $600,000

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6916 NW 66th Ave, Parkland, FL 33067 5 Beds / 5 Bath | 6,056 sq. ft. | 1.09 acre Lot | Built in: 1999 Sold: 11/4/2014 | $965,000

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Luxury Properties Sold in Broward County

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1637 E Lake Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 5 Beds / 5.5 Bath | 6,368 sq. ft. | 0.51 acre Lot | Built in: 1997 Sold: 11/3/2014 | $5,000,000

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5271 SW 136th Ave, Southwest Ranches, FL 33330 8 Beds / 9 Bath | 12,435 sq. ft. | 2 acre Lot | Built in: 2012 Sold: 11/6/2014 | $2,950,000

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1659 SE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 4 Beds / 5 Bath | 4,659 sq. ft. | 10,045 sq ft Lot | Built in: 2000 Sold: 11/4/2014 | $1,990,000

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616 Solar Isle Dr, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 5 Beds / 7 Bath | 5,351 sq. ft. | 9,375 sq ft Lot | Built in: 2014 Sold: 11/9/2014 | $3,775,000

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1140 Harbor Ct, Hollywood, FL 33019 4 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 4,408 sq. ft. | 0.35 acre Lot | Built in: 2000 Sold: 11/3/2014 | $2,300,000

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3062 Lake Ridge Ln, Weston, FL 33332 5 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 5,991 sq. ft. | 1 acre Lot | Built in: 2007 Sold: 10/27/2014 | $1,280,000

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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1764 SE 9th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 6 Beds / 6.5 Bath | 8,700 sq. ft. | 0.29 acre Lot | Built in: 2001 Sold: 11/3/2014 | $3,500,000

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2931 NE 23rd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 5 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 5,429 sq. ft. | 9,600 sq ft Lot | Built in: 2012 Sold: 10/29/2014 | $2,275,000

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6130 SW 180th Ter, Southwest Ranches, FL 33331 5 Beds / 4.5 Bath | 5,890 sq. ft. | 2.17 acre Lot | Built in: 2002 Sold: 11/13/2014 | $1,250,000

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C o n t e n t p r o v i d e d b y Z I L L O W. C O M

Can Shopping Around for a Mortgage Keep You from Getting One?

A

lmost all home buyers know that

higher credit scores mean lower mortgage rates, so it’s no surprise that one of the top questions home buyers ask is: will shopping for mortgage rates lower my credit scores?

The short answer is “No.” But only if you manage your mortgage shopping process correctly. Here’s how to preserve your credit score while shopping for the best rates.

Is it safe to have multiple lenders run my credit?

Three bureaus generate your credit scores: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Lenders report your monthly activities on student loans, credit cards, auto loans and mortgages to these bureaus, who then score you on an ongoing basis. Your credit scores change constantly each month based on factors like: Credit card balances relative to limits Number of open accounts and length of time accounts have been open, on-time versus late payments and Number of inquiries.

When it comes to that last factor, credit card inquiries hit your score harder than car and

mortgage inquiries. Each inquiry would lower your score by up to five points, or more if you have just a few accounts and/or a short credit history. The inquiries would stay on your credit report for 24 months, and your score wouldn’t recover for about 12 months — until you demonstrated strong payment history and balance-tolimit control on those new cards.

Car and mortgage inquiries make less of an impact because the bureaus know consumers shop for these big-ticket items. The bureaus’ scoring models are coded to “de-duplicate” multiple mortgage inquiries, since the end result of those inquiries would be one mortgage.

How long can I shop for mortgages without damaging my credit?

Equifax, TransUnion and Experian are constantly changing scoring models.

The newer the model, the longer a consumer can shop for mortgages with multiple lenders and have all inquiries scored as one. There’s no law requiring lenders to upgrade to the latest model, and it’s impossible to know which model is being used by which lender at any given time.

The oldest scoring models still being used by lenders de-duplicate multiple mortgage inquiries posted on your credit report in the past 14 days. The newest models de-duplicate multiple mortgage inquiries posted on your credit report in the past 45 days.

Obviously, the newer models allow for more shopping time, but since you won’t know which credit scoring model your various lenders are using, it’s safest to get your mortgage shopping done (including having lenders run your credit) within 14 days.

Will lenders take a credit report I ran myself?

You’re reminded constantly by the media and advertisements that you should check your credit regularly, but before you do anything, you must understand the following critical points: Federal law requires mortgage lenders to check your credit history and scores when approving your loan. So even if you have your own report, the lender can’t accept it. If they’re going to lend to you, they must run their own credit report on you. They will run scores from all three bureaus, and typically use the middle of the three scores to finalize your rate and make loan approval decisions. However, some lenders might provide initial rate quotes if you can provide a reliable and recent credit score estimate.

Federal law also states consumers must be able to obtain a free credit report every 12 months. The only government-sanctioned place to do this is AnnualCreditReport.com. This service provides a stripped down report that doesn’t give you a credit score.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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CBSMIAMI.COM

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Home improvement

Buying Guide

Replacement Windows Windows are a key element of home dÊcor, often taken for granted. They affect light, ventilation and temperature as well as the comfort of the home’s occupants.

Windows also contribute to architectural identity, conveying period and style.

When you’re choosing new windows, be sure the styles you select suit your home both practically and aesthetically.

Do I Need New or Replacement Windows?

What's the difference between a replacement window and a "new" window?

Aren't they both new? Yes, but there is a difference. Normally used in new construction, "new" windows have a nailing flange used to attach them to the rough opening in the wall. They're attached with nails driven into the exterior casing or brick mould on the outside and through the jambs on the inside.

A replacement window has no nailing flange and fits into an existing window frame. Replacements are easier to install and preferred unless the existing frame is damaged and needs replacing.

Window Styles Windows come in many shapes, sizes

and types and are made from a variety of materials. So how do you select the right ones? There are several things to consider: your budget, your home's style and how you want the window to perform. Think about the relative importance of ventilation and security and how easy it should be to maintain. And decide whether you want to emphasize the window as a focal point or have it serve a more practical purpose.

Windows are either fixed or operable. Fixed windows are stationary units mounted within a frame. They're great for letting in light and exposing views but provide no ventilation.

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Among the more visually interesting choices are octagonal, half-circle or ellipse windows. There are several different types of operable windows. All operable windows come equipped with hardware for opening and closing the sash, latching and locking.

Sliding Windows These work well at sealing in energy.

They may have one or more fixed panels and one or more panels that slide in horizontal tracks. Only half of the total window may be opened for ventilation at one time.

Double-Hung Windows Classic in style, double-hung windows have an upper, outside sash that slides down and a lower, inside sash that slides up. Hidden springs, weights or friction devices help lift, lower and position the

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sash. With certain types, the sash can be removed, rotated or tilted for cleaning. If only one sash slides, the window is called vertical sliding or single-hung.

Casement Windows

Hung singly or in pairs, a casement window is operated by cranks that swing the sash outward or inward. It opens fully for easy cleaning and offers excellent ventilation because it can scoop in breezes.

Casement windows are used primarily in new construction.

An awning window is like a horizontal, top-hinged casement window that tilts out at the bottom, offering partial ventilation, an unobstructed view and reasonably good security. A top-opening style, typically placed low on a wall, is called a hopper window. Awning windows are used primarily in new construction.

Accent or Picture Windows Style and variety are the key features of this group. Choose a unique shape such as round or octagonal or perhaps a traditional rectangular, bay or bow window.

Glass Block Windows The thick break-resistant glass enhances home security, allowing privacy but still letting light into your home.

Skylights Skylights and tubular skylights provide a lot of natural light with a minimum of space.

Many look just like an overhead light fixture – only no electricity. Some kits Tubular skylights are pre-assembled to various degrees to make installation easy. Due to their relatively small size they work with any roof support type without cutting and reinforcing joists.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

Window Materials Windows are made from a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, steel, vinyl and fiberglass-or from a combination of these materials. In general, those that offer better weather protection cost more, but they pay off in low maintenance and energy savings.

• Wood — Wood tends to be the most popular window material, particularly for the parts of a window that are seen from indoors. Wood doesn’t conduct cold or allow for condensation as much as other materials. Wood windows typically come unfinished unless you order them otherwise. If you intend to paint them, save work by purchasing them already primed on the exterior or interior surfaces of the frame and sash.

You can eliminate painting altogether by buying them pre-painted in some standard colors.

• Clad-Wood — You’ll find that many of today’s windows are wood inside and clad on the outside with a tough, attractive exterior jacket of extruded aluminum or vinyl. The cladding, available in a few stock colors, covers both sash and frame; it’ll keep windows virtually maintenance-free for years.

With vinyl, the color permeates the material so scratches don’t show.

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•

Aluminum may scratch, but it’s tougher, available in a wider variety of colors and easier to paint. (Vinyl and aluminum shouldn’t require painting.) Neither type will rust or rot.

Aluminum — Aluminum windows are more durable than bare wood, thinner, lighter and easier to handle. They’re insulated with a thermal break of extruded vinyl and sometimes also foam, which reduces heat loss and condensation.

Vinyl — Vinyl windows are made from rigid, impact-resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC), with hollow spaces inside to make them resistant to heat loss and condensation. Inexpensive vinyl windows may become harder to operate over time and allowing for air leakage.

the better the insulating properties of the glazing. The U-factor measures overall energy-efficiency. It tells you the rate at which heat flows through the entire window, door and frame. The lower the U-factor, the more energy-efficient the window or door.

Insulating glazing typically has two, or sometimes three, panes of glass sealed together with either air or argon gas trapped between them to act as an insulator. Some units have a plastic film suspended between two glass panes. If the unit is properly sealed, condensation shouldn’t occur between the panes; sometimes a drying agent (called a desiccant) is used in the spacer (the strip inside the panes, which helps keep them apart) as added insurance against condensation.

Window Orientation and Size The view out the window is as important as how much light and ventilation the window provides. Windows connect us to the outdoors and enhance the sense of interior space. For this reason, the placement and size of your windows — and what you’ll see from them — is no small consideration.

Window Glass Options You’ll discover that there are also a number of glass products available for special uses, including safety glass and stained glass.

Here’s a closer look at both high-performance and specialty glazing: • Low-Emissive (or low-E) Glass — Low-E glazing has a film applied to one of the glass surfaces or suspended between the panes. This coating or film allows light in, but it prevents some solar rays from being transmitted through the glass. A Low-E coating can help keep your home cool on a hot day by blocking longer-wave radiant heat from entering. On a cold day it can prevent the radiant interior heat from escaping through the glass. Tinted Glass — Usually given either a bronze or gray cast, tinted glass reduces glare and limits the amount of light and heat from the sun (solar gain) in your home.

• Safety Glass — Safety glass is a good choice if there’s any risk of a person walking through a window. Tempered glass is heat-treated during the manufacturing process and crumbles if broken rather than shattering. Laminated glass has a film of plastic that holds the glass together if broken.

•

•

Where your windows are placed, how large they are and what type they have a significant effect on the amount of light and ventilation they provide.

A south-facing window lets in the most light and is desirable in all but the hottest climates. A north-facing window provides soft, diffused light. Because of the low angle of the sun in the morning and late afternoon, light from east- and west-facing windows may be intense.

Unfortunately, glass isn’t nearly as good at conserving energy as an insulated wall, so glazed doors and windows can be responsible for a major part of a home’s energy loss if they’re not well-chosen.

Storm windows and doors and window coverings help retard heat movement, but the surest and most effective way to save energy is to utilize high-performance glazing.

Check two important ratings when buying windows and glazed doors: the R-value and the overall U-factor. An R-value measures a material’s resistance to heat transfer; the higher the R-value,

Storm Windows Storm windows are an economical way to increase the energy efficiency of single-pane windows. Storm windows reduce the flow of outside air into the home. The space between the storm window and the existing window acts as added insulation. Storm windows are usually mounted to the outside of your home’s primary windows.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Find The Right Thermostat A thermostat can help keep your home comfortable and help you control energy usage.

Your choice of a thermostat will depend on the type of heating and cooling system you have in your home, how you want to use your thermostat and the features you want to have available.

Identifying the Heating and Cooling System Type Before choosing a thermostat, you’ll need to make sure it’s compatible with your heating and cooling system.

The most common system types are central heat or central heat and air, which can be 24V, gas, oil or electric. Other system types include heat pump, electric baseboard, fireplace, and floor / wall furnace.

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

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

Remote Energy Management A remote energy management thermostat allows you to set, program and monitor your heating and cooling system from a computer,

over

A system by let the

smartphone or tablet. The thermostat connects through a hub (sold separately) to your home broadband network, allowing you to access it Wi-Fi from anywhere.

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

Digital Non-Programmable A non-programmable thermostat with a digital

read-out is the best choice for people who prefer manually-controlled settings with the convenience of an easy-to-read LCD display.

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

Choose Your Options 7-Day These thermostats allow you to program a unique setting for each day, offering the ultimate in flexibility. You can set up to four periods per day, every day of the week.

This option is great for people with busy schedules.

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

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

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

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Buying Guide

Dishwashers Save water and energy with the hardest-working appliance in your kitchen, the dishwasher. On average, homeowners keep their dishwasher between 14-15 years.

So, our dishwasher buying guide helps eliminate the guesswork for easy shopping, almost guaranteeing happiness for the life of your appliance.

Understanding Dishwasher Features Sensors Today’s dishwashers are equipped with sensors to ensure quality cleaning and energy savings.

• Soil level sensors adjust wash cycle times.

• Temperature sensors ensure proper water temperature.

• Water sensors maintain the proper amount of water in the machine for cleaning.

• Detergent sensors release the proper amount of dishwashing liquid into the wash cycle.

• Cycles Dishwasher cycles allow for a customized wash on all types of dishes, from pots and pans to fine china.

• Delayed Wash: Set the start time to begin when you want it to. You can set it anywhere from one hour up to 24 hours ahead, depending on your model.

• Rinse and Hold: Rinses away food to eliminate bacteria and smell without using detergent while accumulating a full load.

• Wash Programs: Varied wash cycles provide custom settings for everything from fragile dishes and stemware to pots and oven racks.

• Quick-Wash: The quick-wash cycle can finish a load of lightly-soiled dishes in

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•

less time.

Sanitize: A sanitizing rinse option kills 99.9% of bacteria. This is great for cutting boards and baby bottles.

Flexibility Removable racks and adjustable shelves make it easy to customize tub space to accommodate oversized dishes, pots and pans. Also look for fold-down tines, cup shelves, stemware holders and extra capacity silverware baskets.

No Pre-rinsing Pre-rinsing is a thing of the past! Today’s dishwasher is equipped with filtration wash systems and hard food disposers. These features act like miniature, built-in food processors, meaning your dishwasher grinds up food particles and flushes them out with the wastewater so dirty particles aren’t re-deposited onto dishes.

Noise Level If noise level is a concern for you, check the decibel level (the higher the decibel level, the more disruptive the noise). A rating of 45 or under will be virtually silent. Decibel levels between 45 and 50 sound similar to a rainfall. Ratings of 50 or above will be equivalent to the level of a normal conversation. The amount of insulation around the dishwasher tub impacts the noise level, so check the thickness of the insulation for quiet operation.

Tub Material Interior tubs come in different finishes. Stainless steel resists stains and odors; it also transfers heat better for faster drying.

Gray or slate-colored tubs resist rust and minimize the appearance of stains. Plastic tubs, which are often found on more affordable dishwashers, are also very durable.

Energy Savings

Regulated by the federal government, with ratings established by the Environmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR® qualified dishwashers use 41% less energy than other models. You may be eligible for local rebates when buying qualified ENERGY STAR appliances.

Understanding Dishwasher Types A built-in dishwasher is a traditional 24-inch model that installs below the kitchen counter. A typical built-in can accommodate up to 12 five-piece place settings.

Compact dishwashers measure roughly 18 inches and can accommodate up to eight five-piece place settings. Compact models are great for small spaces or bonus areas, like a wet bar, media room or secondary kitchen.

Drawer dishwashers are available in single- and double-drawer configurations and install in the same space as a 24-inch traditional built-in. Double-drawer models offer the flexibility of single- or double-drawer washing for efficient accommodation of small and large loads. Drawer dishwashers are also easier to load since the drawers slide out at work level for minimal bending.

Portable dishwashers are ideal for those who have no room for a built-in or renters whose homes do not have a built-in. Special installation is not required and the dishwasher can be stored easily when not in use. Portable dishwashers can also be taken with you when your lease is up.

Tall Tub dishwashers also fit into the traditional 24-inch space of a built-in, but have extra room on the inside. Tall tub dishwashers can accommodate up to 14 five-piece place settings, making them the perfect choice for large families and those who love to entertain.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Test Your Central Air’s

Cooling Ability Sure, your fan motor pushes air out the vents, but it takes more than that to cool a house.

Here’s how to tell if your AC stands for “actually cooling.”

Know Before You Shop for Supplies to Test Your Air Conditioner Test your air-conditioning system after you’ve changed the furnace filter to rule that out as a potential problem.

You may not need the pry bar if your cooling vents fit loosely enough to lift free.

You can test the system yourself. However, when it comes to taking apart the indoor or outdoor portions of your central air conditioner, you should call a professional who has the parts,

equipment, and experience to do service work.

To determine which duct is the return, place a tissue over the ducts in your home. A tissue placed over the air conditioner duct will blow away from the duct when the system is working. A tissue placed over the return air duct will be drawn into the cover.

Test Your Air Conditioner Step 1 Turn on the air conditioner while the outdoor temperature is above 80 degrees. Set the thermostat well below the room temperature to keep the system running long enough for a test.

Identify an air duct that’s closest to your air conditioner’s inside unit (usually attached to the furnace) and a return air duct. These may be in separate rooms. Remove the grilles from both.

Step 2 We used a refrigerator thermometer for this test, and we taped it just inside the air duct. Allow the system to run for about 10 minutes, and then read the temperature at the air conditioning duct.

Step 3 While the system is still running, move the thermometer to the return air duct and leave it there until the temperature reading remains steady. Subtract the return air duct temperature from the incoming duct air temperature.

Understanding the Results of Your Air Conditioner Test You should see a temperature difference of 14 to 20 degrees between the air duct and the return air. If the difference is less

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than 14 degrees, your air conditioner may be low on refrigerant. A service technician can recharge the coolant, but you’ll want to make sure your pro first tracks down any leaks. That’ll cost more up front, but it will save you the price of additional service calls and wasted utility dollars.

A minor temperature difference may also be caused by a dusty evaporator coil. The coil is a grid within the air conditioner’s inside unit attached to the furnace, and it’s best serviced by a professional. When a clean coil works as it should, air passing over it cools before it flows to the rest of the house. On coils that haven’t been cleaned for several years, a coating of dust and dirt clings to the moist surfaces, insulating them and partially blocking air flow. There also could be a problem with the compressor or fan, but that’s best left to a professional to diagnose.

A temperature difference greater than 20 degrees doesn’t necessarily mean all that cold air is staying in your rooms. If the filter is new — you already changed it, right? — this temperature difference could be a sign of a problem with restricted airflow in the ductwork. Again, you’ll need a pro with the right diagnostic tools to track down these problems.

Change Your System's Filter Frequently So you’re probably thinking, “Can’t I do any other service work besides changing the filter?” Don’t underestimate the importance of that. A dirty filter acts like a wall in your air duct. So write a reminder on your calendar to check the filter each month, and then change it every one to three months, depending on the brand of filter and how many shedding pets and smokers live in your house.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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Buying Guide: Storm Doors

A storm door protects your exterior door from bad weather and also provides ventilation.

Most door manufacturers sell prehung doors in kits so installation is easy.

The kits include all the hardware you need to install the door, such as hinges, pneumatic closers and latches. Choose a door based on your specific needs and the size and style of your house.

Storm Door Basics Storm doors come with varying combinations of screen and glass panels. Many have removable panels that can be changed depending on the season. Along the bottom, most doors have a sweep — one or more flexible strips designed to keep moisture, dirt and outside air from entering your home.

If security is a concern, look for a model with protective grilles and deadbolt locks. Certain brands of storm doors have more security features than others. Additional safety features to look for are laminated security glass and a multipoint locking system.

Before you buy a storm door, check its components in the store. Open and close the door to make sure the hinges and latches operate smoothly. For long life, the components should be of the highest quality you can afford.

door size. Measure the space between the exterior brick mold trim pieces, not the inner door jamb.

If your opening is too big for a standard door, you can install a Z-bar extender — a device that fills in the extra space between the door and frame. Some homeowners find the look unappealing and prefer to order custom doors, which can be made to fit any size.

Fitting a Storm Door Most storm door units can be adjusted slightly to fit into a door frame. The parameters for this adjustment vary by manufacturer, so ask a millwork associate at your local Lowe’s for help determining the best size door for you.

Measure the height and width of your door frame carefully before you visit the store so you’ll have the information to find the correct

Before installing the door, inspect the wood jamb and trim around your door opening to make sure it’s secure and will support the weight of your storm door. Use a level to make sure the door frame is square. If it isn’t, use shims — pieces of wood or aluminum — to ensure a correct fit. A Z-bar extender can also be used to square an opening.

Storm Door Screens and Panels If your storm door is exposed to direct sun, change over to screens early in the spring. Wait until the end of fall before putting the glass panels back on. The panels can act like a greenhouse,

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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heating up the space between the two doors and causing weather stripping to deteriorate quickly. In extreme cases, the heat could warp metal house doors.

When choosing metal replacement screens, check with your dealer about the compatibility of the metal screens you want to buy with the metal of your door. In some cases, different metals in contact with each other will hasten corrosion.

Screens made of galvanized steel are the least expensive and are highly resistant to holes and tears. But galvanized coating can wear off. A spray of household lubricant once a year helps prevent rust.

Aluminum screens resist corrosion, except in seaside areas, but aren’t as strong as galvanized steel. In areas with a lot of smog, aluminum tends to darken. Aluminum screens can be protected with commercial spray products.

Bronze screens are the most durable, but also the most expensive. Use a thin coat of varnish to protect the screen against corrosion. Renew the coating every few years by painting or spraying with thinned varnish.

Fiberglass screens resist corrosion and are easy to install, making them a practical replacement screen if a metal screen deteriorates.

Storm Door Closers and Door Stops Most storm doors come with either a door closer or a door stop — both devices control how far your door will open. A door stop, also called a snubber, uses a chain attached to a spring to control the door. It’s easy to install and adjust.

A pneumatic closer prevents a door from opening too fast or too far, and also closes the door slowly and firmly. A sliding washer can hold the door open — a handy feature when you’re carrying packages. Most doors have one pneumatic closer, but some have two for extra protection against high winds. You can add a second closer if necessary.

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Landscape Makeover:

Front Entryway

Make the entrance to your home a friendlier and more welcoming place -- for your guests as well as your family!

The front entryway should complement a house, add to its curb appeal, and connect it visually to the overall landscape. It’s the first thing people see when they come to your house. So why not make it bright, attractive, and welcoming?

Many new-home landscapes sport little more than a few buttonshape shrubs along the foundation and a spindly tree out front that’s waiting to grow up and furnish some shade. The result is an uninspired landscape that does nothing for the house.

With a little creativity, you can reap much greater rewards. It starts with an organically shaped bed. The bed’s soft contours offset the boxy shape of a house much better than a rectangle bed.

Anchor the bed with woody plants for year-round structure.

In this case, a small tree and large shrub pruned into the shape of a tree mask the corners of the house. The crabapple tree offers spring flowers, fall fruit, and winter architecture while the panicle hydrangea provides a splashy focal point when blooming in summer.

Large swatches of color give this landscape visual punch. A small Tickled Pink hydrangea along the foundation echoes the dazzling display of white blooms of its larger cousin, PeeGee hydrangea. The white flowers eventually mature to a soft pink, complementing the bright red Knock Out roses surrounding the hydrangea. Knock Out roses go full tilt from late spring till late fall.

Like the shrub roses, chives are another low-care plant oozing with color. Although they bloom in late summer, the grasslike foliage looks attractive with or without blooms -- especially against variegated euonymus (shown here).

Terra-cotta pots, painted Valspar Midnight Blue (#249-6), punctuate the entryway and offer a convenient stage for plants.

The arrangements are simple -- just cordyline, dusty miller, and asparagus fern -- to keep the landscape from looking fussy with an overabundance of plants. And plants are repeated in each container because it makes the landscape feel more connected.

You can also repeat colors. That’s what we did here with light-and dark-colored plants. Silver and gray are prominent in catmint, dusty miller, and licorice plant (shown here). Sun-loving licorice plants spread easily because the hydrangea is trimmed high enough to allow in sunlight.

Hues of burgundy and purple are repeated with Red Sensation cordyline, Midnight Marvel hibiscus, ninebark, and coralbells (shown here). Because the dark colors can easily get lost in a landscape, we provided contrast not only with silver and gray companion plants but also with lightly colored mulch.

Bright annuals in hues of yellow, orange, blue, pink, and white keep this front entryway looking colorful throughout the summer.

Boxwood, barberry, and dwarf mugo pine please the visual senses even longer. The result is a landscape that’s equally adept at bidding a warm welcome or a fond farewell.

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YOUR DEALERSHIP WANTS

YOUR CAR BACK Consumer demand is strong for used cars, but supplies are limited. As a result, auto dealers badly need trade-ins and are willing to pay top dollar. Often the notice comes as a flier in the mail, but you might get a friendly phone call from the salesman who sold you a new car a few years ago. The dealership is paying top dollar for trade-ins, you're told, and now is the perfect time for you to sell your vehicle. In sum, your new-car dealer really wants your used car.

2008 and 2012, but only about half as much on a percentage basis.

Car sales have recovered somewhat since 2012. Bill McKinney, Director of South Florida's Buy Back Program, project that 2014 new-car sales are likely to come in around 12.9 million units, and, according to program statistics, just under 37 million used cars swapped hands last year.

"The used-car market has always dwarfed the new-car market in unit sales, and many, if not most, dealers make more money on their used-car sales than they do on new cars. But when new-car sales are down, dealers have fewer used-car trade-ins to sell" says McKinney.

So with 2009 new-vehicle sales representing about 60% of what they were in 2008, up to 40% fewer used cars were being traded in.

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here are about 260 million cars on America's roads. Why is your 3-, 4or 5-year-old machine so special?

It's because, for the car business, these are unusual times.

The changing car market According to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 10.6 million new vehicles were sold or leased in the United States in 2012 (the latest year for which the bureau has reports), while 35.5 million used vehicles swapped hands.

That 10.6 million new-car market was a big down year for the industry -- down from 13.5 million units in 2011, 16.5 million in 2010 and more than 17 million in both 2009 and 2008. Used-car sales also dropped between

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Those declines have meant there are a lot fewer of the prime, low-mileage, late-model used cars around to sell in dealer lots. In particular, with gasoline prices higher this year, there aren't a lot of late-model small used cars such as the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Ford Focus around, and demand for them is up.

"Strong consumer demand for small used cars is driving prices up," Jonathan Banks, a senior analyst with the National Automobile Dealers Association Used Car Guide, said in a news release. "The NADA Guide increase in trade-in values for June should come as no surprise because it reflects a shortage of both new and used cars entering the market.”

In May, NADA projected trade-in values for small cars to rise 18% during the first half of 2014, compared with the first half of 2013. The differences in value can be startling. Even in one month, values for used small cars have skyrocketed.

For instance, the NADA Used Car Guide had the trade-in value of a 2009 Kia Rio at $6,400 in May and by June had raised that to $7,500. That’s a 17% rise in just one month. “You’re not getting that kind of return on your savings account. Even the value of something as old as the 2005 Subaru Impreza RS is rising, up from $6,650 in May to $7,575 in June” McKinney tells us.

Values are up so sharply for some cars that it’s tempting to trade in a car that’s only about a year

“A lot of lessees and buyers will find they’re on the right side of their leases or loans,” Banks told MSN Money. “If they trade in their cars, they’ll find they have some money for a down payment.” old. For instance, a new 2010 Honda Civic DX coupe carried a $15,455 sticker price (plus taxes, license and delivery). Today that same car has a NADA trade-in value of $14,075. That’s a drop of only $1,380 over a year.

“A lot of lessees and buyers will find they’re on the right side of their leases or loans,” Banks told MSN Money. “If they trade in their cars, they’ll find they have some money for a down payment.”

It’s all about supply and demand. Dealers want your car, and are willing to pay more than its worth, because they have buyers for solid late-model used cars lined up, and there simply aren’t enough cars for them out there. And they may as well try to get your car now, before it’s worth even more next month.

But selling, or even trading-in, your car is not about just walking into any dealer and handing over the keys. For more information on selling/trading your vehicle contact South Florida’s Buy-Back Program headquarters at 888-542-5153.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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All-new 2015

Chrysler 200 Delivers Highway Fuel Economy of up to 36 Miles Per Gallon, an Extraordinary Driving Experience and Cool Features With a Starting U.S. MSRP of Just $21,700

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ll-new 2015 Chrysler 200 highway fuel economy

improves five miles per gallon compared with the outgoing model, achieving 36 miles per gallon highway with the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir®2 I-4 engine 2015 Chrysler 200 models equipped with the available awardwinning 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine delivers an EPA highway fuel economy rating of 32 miles per gallon, a three-mile-per-gallon improvement versus the outgoing model 2015 Chrysler 200 is the industry’s first mid-size sedan with a standard nine-speed automatic transmission, a key enabler for the improved fuel economy rating, along with state-of-the-art electronic shifting with rotary dial Choice of two world-class engines are available: the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine produces a best-in-class 295 horsepower and 262 lb.-ft. of torque, or the standard 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 engine produces 184 horsepower and 173 lb.-ft. of torque The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 has a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,700 (excluding $995 destination) March 27, 2014 , Auburn Hills, Mich. - Simple elegance, an

exhilarating driving experience, state-of-the-art and easy-to-use technology and fuel economy of up to 36 miles per gallon (mpg), the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is a car that makes the commute more enjoyable at a value customers appreciate.

“With fuel economy ratings of up to 36 miles per gallon and features typically found on more expensive luxury vehicles, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers the premium features customers want at a price they can afford,” said Al Gardner, President and CEO — Chrysler Brand, Chrysler Group LLC. “With a standard nine-speed transmission, state-of-the art available all-wheel drive, a choice of two powertrains and interior that will wow drivers and passengers alike, the new Chrysler 200 is raising the bar for what customers should expect from a mid-size sedan.”

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 sedan leapfrogs expectations in the mid-size sedan segment for comfort, ride and handling. Engineered to provide premium driving dynamics, highway fuel economy of up to 36 mpg highway, a quiet cabin and an enthusiastic driving experience, the all-new Chrysler 200 delivers exceptional ride and handling characteristics for all roads and weather conditions.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 with the standard 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir®2 I-4 engine is rated by the Environmental Protection

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The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is where exquisite style meets exceptional performance. The Chrysler 200 raises the bar for a mid-size car with an elegant exterior design, a thoughtful, beautifully crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler’s Compact U.S.-wide chassis

Agency (EPA) at 23 mpg city, 36 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined, a five mile per gallon improvement in the highway rating versus the outgoing model.

2015 Chrysler 200 models equipped with the available best-inclass 295 horsepower Pentastar V-6 engine are rated at 19 mpg city, 32 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined. The highway rating is a three mile per gallon improvement versus the outgoing model with the V-6 engine.

All-new 2015 Chrysler 200 mid-size sedans equipped with the Pentastar V-6 engine and the state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system are rated at 18 mpg city, 29 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.

The improved fuel economy ratings are achieved through a number of technologies: A segment-first standard nine-speed automatic transmission and world-class engines, including the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine with a best-in-class 295 horsepower, add up to an enjoyable, spirited driving experience in the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 An available, innovative, state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive system which features a segment-first fully disconnecting rear axle that improves fuel economy by operating in front-wheel drive when allwheel drive is not needed The all-wheel-drive system features a one-speed power transfer unit (PTU) and uniquely disconnects and reconnects the rear axle – automatically and seamlessly – as needed and at any speed The disconnecting rear axle disconnects at both the PTU and rear drive module, which improves fuel economy by reducing parasitic loss when all-wheel drive is not needed.

To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is the world’s first mid-size sedan to feature a nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes standard. The benefits of the advanced-technology transmission are numerous, including highway fuel economy of 36 mpg when powered by the 2.4-liter MultiAir®2 Tigershark I-4 engine The addition of more gear ratios optimizes both fuel economy and performance by precisely matching the gear state to the most efficient engine operating condition. This benefits fuel economy and the driving experience

and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The quiet cabin is another positive factor in the superior driving experience The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is where exquisite style meets exceptional performance. The Chrysler 200 raises the bar for a midsize car with an elegant exterior design, a thoughtful, beautifully crafted interior and an exceptional driving experience complements of a segment-first nine-speed automatic transmission and Chrysler’s Compact U.S.-wide chassis. With highway fuel economy of up to 36 miles per gallon; the most available safety and security features in the segment with 60; an available, best-in-class all-wheel drive system; easy-to-use, state-of-the-art technology and a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $21,700, the all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 is engineered to exceed customer expectations in every category.

The 2015 Chrysler 200 is designed, engineered and built with pride in Michigan.

About Chrysler Brand The Chrysler brand has delighted customers with distinctive designs, craftsmanship, intuitive innovation and technology all at an extraordinary value since the company was founded in 1926.

Whether it is the groundbreaking, bold design of the Chrysler 300, the simple elegance and extraordinary driving experience of the all-new

‘The high-tech transmission dispenses power smoothly for elevated refinement. Such performance is made possible because the ratio steps between its gears are smaller than those of other transmissions.’

2015 Chrysler 200 or the family-room-on-wheels functionality of the Chrysler Town & Country, Chrysler brand vehicles reward the passion, creativity and sense of accomplishment of its owners.

Beyond just exceptionally designed vehicles, the Chrysler brand has incorporated thoughtful features into all of its products, such as the innovative center console with pass through storage and sliding cup holders in the 2015 Chrysler 200, the industry-exclusive Stow ‘n Go®

The all-new 2015 Chrysler 200 delivers exceptional aerodynamics with a 0.27 Cd which aids improved fuel economy, on-road dynamics,

seating and storage system on the Chrysler Town & Country and the fuel-saving Fuel Saver Technology in the Chrysler 300.

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To Advertise Call: 305.477.1699

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