Apr 14, 2009 7:19 AM Posted by jrobinson  Source: Optimumperformancechiro.com Where's the Mojo? I'm lying in bed, with ice on my back and trying to rest. I was rear-ended Monday in Ft Lauderdale and I was a little banged up from the collision.
I wanted to share a few things with you about South Florida driving and some important things I've learned from my doctor when someone is involved in an incident like this.
It's important to tell you not to tailgate! I was hit because someone wasn't paying attention to how closely they were driving behind me and were going too fast, considering a red light was ahead. You may not think twice about driving a little too close until you find yourself waiting for a police officer to write a report while standing on the side of a busy road. Paperwork, phone calls, it's quite a lot to deal with during your already busy day.
I was working on a story about the new "First Dog - Bo Obama" but I had to see the doctor instead. This has really bummed me out.
When you're struck from behind, your body is thrusted backwards, your head slams against the head-rest and you feel fine afterwards, at first. It only took about an hour for the pain to start setting in for me. My doctor says, the issue is inflamed muscles, especially in the neck and back that begin to flare once the adrenalin goes away.
Most important he says, "Get checked out immediately". I had to have x-rays of my back, and underwent electro-therapy to relax my back which is an odd feeling, by the way.
Ice for 20 minutes on and 40 minutes off. Then take ibuprofen to take care of inflammation.
While I rest, please take my advice and drive safe, be aware of drivers around you and GET HELP if you are in a collision.
See you on TV. soon. I just need to get some rest. Email me your positive story ideas in Broward! jrobinson@cbs.com
Follow me on twitter: newsmojo
Mojo
Apr 12, 2009 4:18 PM Posted by jrobinson  Ernest Lester I only knew Ernest for about 3-years, but he left a long-lasting impression on me. Being new to CBS4, he made me feel comfortable with the operation and made sure I had everything I needed to make television.
“I got you”, he would tell me. From then on, I told him I will always return the favor to him through respect.
The photo that’s posted on CBS4.com and on this blog doesn’t even capture the smile and spirit that Ernest Lester shared with all of us. Now, it’s only in spirit that Ernest is with us. He has gone home and I pray he finds peace.
I remember just a few weeks back; I needed to feed a story for the News and met up with Ernest in a parking lot where he was already set up. We exchanged hellos, and I told him how nice it was to see him again. He talked about how much he was proud of his daughter. I said, “Well she’s got a great Daddy. He smiled.
Sadly, that was the last time I had the chance to talk to him face-to-face and now I already miss him.
You’ll hear a lot about Ernest, the professional, someone who was always on top of it for us in the field. A guy, who not only knew every inch of that Satellite truck, but how to make it all come together. You would never hear him complain about overtime and being at work a lot, especially during a storm.
What you should hear even more about is how big his heart really was. A family man, he always had something to tell us about his Wife, Mom or Daughter.
The drama, stress and overwhelming pressure that we sometimes faced was immediately relieved with a crack about something—making us all smile. That is the Ernest I remember and will forever miss.
We at CBS4, who knew and cared about Ernest, now must move forward with a void in our hearts, and a desire to see and work with him again.
Please pray for him and his family.
I just wish South Florida had a chance to know the Ernest Lester we knew at CBS4—the true worked behind the camera.
Bye Ernest.
Read his CBS4 Obituary here. Mar 27, 2009 7:36 AM Posted by jrobinson  CJ turns 10. Happy Birthday Buddy! In 2008, I introduced you to a little boy named, CJ. A boy who is overcoming cancer, and inspiring all of us in South Florida. I received this email from his Mom, and with her permission—I wanted to share it with you.
We are all doing well. CJ is getting reedy to complete his initial 6 months of chemo and enter into the long term maintenance phase of his chemo which will last 18 months. The interesting thing is it falls on his 10th birthday. Six months ago we did not even dare to think about his birthday for fear of never having one again. We are so thrilled that he completes the toughest leg of this journey and turns 10 at the same time!
We are throwing a large, open to ALL, picnic for him to celebrate. It is set for April 4th at 11am at the field behind North Palm Baptist Church.
All the details are on the blog at www.georgefamilyblog.com
We got word today from some friends that Outdoor World Bass Pro Shops heard about it and are planning to show up and surprise him with a package. We can't wait to see his face. I wanted to extend the invitation to you and your wife. We would love to have you as you were a significant person during CJ's treatment and he, nor we, will ever forget you.
Once again I hope all is well with you and yours.
Dawn George
CJ's mom
An amazing little boy and we’re all praying for him. Check out the George Family Blog for more updates. J Mar 27, 2009 7:26 AM Posted by jrobinson  Platinum Gold Entertainment donated the DJ and they raised $1400 in donations while dancing the morning away. Lisa Worley It’s an amazing thing to see how children understand the real and long lasting effects of giving back to their community. A perfect example comes from the Sagemont Lower School in Weston. Each year, students take on a project and this year they’ve chosen a community project called, ‘Kids Helping Kids”. The school-wide project is raising money for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at U.M. The goal was to raise $10,000. The money being used for pediatric research at Sylvester. This hits close to home for principal JoAnn Laskin. She lost her son at 17 to ostcogenic sarcoma in 2002. It’s why her mission turned to a close affiliation with Sylvester. The school kicked off a fundraiser with parents and the head of pediatric oncology, Dr. Julio Barredo. The doctor brought a 2nd year medical student, and a 2-time cancer survivor, who talked about cancer, and how someone could overcome the disease. At that meeting, they gave Dr. Barredo a chest full of toys for the pediatric oncology ward. Besides the toy drive, the Girl Scout troop sold extra boxes of cookies which they brought last week to donate to sick kids and their families. One girl used two Build-a-Bear certificates to create bears that she donated too, so the kids have really taken this project to heart. For children to take on a project of this magnitude really makes you stop and think just how important it is to teach our kids the more meaningful things in life. Not video games, or sitting mindlessly in front of the tube. But, to actually get out and take an active role to benefit someone else. Great job guys!! J Mar 20, 2009 7:18 AM Posted by jrobinson  Terrafugia.com I came across this amazing new invention from TerrafugiaIt's a hybrid of a different kind. A car with fold-able wings and can actually take-off when traffic becomes horrible, like we see in places like Miami and parts of Broward. The company is Terrafugia and they've announced, "The Transition". Here are a few specs taken from their website. They're accepting refundable $10,000 airfoil deposits, but the expected cost is $194,000.
Source: www.terrafugia.com
Performance
Cruise: 100 kts (115 mph)
Rotate: 70 kts (80 mph)
Stall: 45 kts (51 mph)
Range: 400nm (460 mi)
Takeoff over 50' obstacle: 1700' |
Fuel burn: 5 gph
Fuel tank: 20 gallons
Useful Load: 430 lbs
On road: 30 mpg, highway speeds
Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
|
Convenience
Front wheel drive on the ground
Automotive-style entry and exit
Two place, side by side
Automated electromechanical folding wing
No trailer or hangar needed
Cargo area holds skis, fishing poles or golf clubs
Safety
Drive in case of inclement weather
Proven 100 hp Rotax 912S engine
Full vehicle parachute available
Modern glass avionics
Automotive crash safety features
Dimensions
Folded:
6’ 9” tall
80” wide
18’ 9” long
|
Airplane:
6’ 3” tall
19’ 2” long
Wingspan:
27’ 6” |
Cockpit:
51” at the shoulder
|
Training
Become
a Sport Pilot in as little as 20 hours of flight time in a
Transition®-specific course. For existing pilots, get comfortable
quickly with the familiarization training included with every
Transition® delivery. Mar 16, 2009 9:13 PM Posted by jrobinson 
Northern Ireland and the simple things in life.
With Irish heritage in my blood, and sharing a last name with the first woman president of the Republic of Ireland, I'm always proud to talk about my love for the "Emerald Isle".
In July of 2008, I had the amazing opportunity to visit this majestic place and spend some time in Northern Ireland, or as it's pronounced there, "Norn-Iron". It's a place just like I imagined in my dreams as a boy--I of course was the only kid in town who was teased for my bright red hair. The "Emerald Isle" is a place of endless beauty and deep-rooted in tradition.
We flew into Dublin and once we picked up our rental car, we were on our way out of the Republic and into North Ireland, which is still part of the U.K. As we drove north on the left side of the road, through endless pastures with cows grazing--it was almost comical to see a McDonalds in the middle of all those rolling green fields. We were starving, so of course we had to stop, more of a novelty than anything.
Traveling with my friend Rachel, who grew up in Northern Ireland, we arrived in Balley Money at her childhood home. It was about 1AM, and we pulled up the dirt drive to the old farmhouse. We were greeted with her mom swiftly meeting us outside asking, "Cup of tea?". We laughed and were
brought inside for English tea and biscuits. There was a very sweet smelling smoke slowing rising from a stone chimney. Her family was burning peat--they harvest it themselves and burn it cheaper than wood. We felt so warm and comfortable on that cool night. It was the real Irish experience.
The next morning, I woke up and took a walk through fields of long, bright grass and watched as cows roamed freely munching the tall greens. Even the air is sweeter. There were so many flowers I've never seen, and I really tried to find a four-leaf clover. No luck though.
Jumping in the car, we headed even further North to check out "Giant's Causeway". On our way there, we stopped to take in the sights of the coast, which is pictured above. My wife Diane took this and many others. She's quite the photographer.
The rocky cliffs and green-blue water is almost like being in a dream, and almost too breath-taking to be real. It was a chilly day, the air was crisp and everyone we saw just smiled.
There's something to be said, about stopping to smell the roses in this life. I only hope tomorrow keeps coming, and I am given another day to enjoy the most simple things in life. A smile, air in my lungs, and hope for better days. Ireland gives me that.
Happy St Patrick's Day.
Mar 16, 2009 1:15 PM Posted by jrobinson  Spectacular launch of Shuttle DiscoveryHeaded North about three hours to watch the Discovery Shuttle launch the STS119 mission this past Sunday in Cape Canaveral. If you've never witnesses a launch in person, it's worth seeing once in your lifetime. But, you better do it fast, the future of the Space Program is still up in the air. (No pun intended.) Had the chance to be just 3.2 miles from the launchpad where it was an up-close look at the Shuttle leaving Earth. We saw the fire ball then saw the huge clouds rise above the tree line. About 4 seconds later, you can hear an immense rattle and feel the ground shake as it rises into the air. I took a still of the Shuttle just as it was leaving the pad. After about 7 hours of waiting for the big event, it was over just like that. After editing a little video for CBS4, I got back in the car with Diane and we started back towards Broward County. It's then we realized, every space fan in the State was on A1A with us, moving at the speed of smell. That's about 3MPH, in case your wondering. A trip well worth it though, for a chance to see a Shuttle being blasted into space. I just hope it wasn't my last. Here's high quality video from the launch.
Mar 9, 2009 9:30 PM Posted by jrobinson  Flea under microscope/Robinson
Called up Dr. Carl Ansara and Dr. Rachel Ansara who own Animal Hospital of University Drive in Plantation, for a quick review of these ugly little parasites. The Vets tell me it's coming up on the season and to please pass along to our CBS4 viewers that pet owners need to start think prevention.
First, make sure you check out your dog or cat. Here are a couple ways to see if your pet has fleas.
- Comb it's fur onto a wet paper towel. Look for dark specks that are actually dried blood droplets. If the towel turns red, guess what? Fleas!
- You can also wear white socks into a room you think fleas live, and the vibrations attract the blood-suckers to you. Take off the socks and look for little black spots. They're small, but somewhat visible.
Under the microscope, you can see the needle they use to feed off your beloved pet, and creepy legs that help it grasp onto a dog or cat's skin. Gross huh?
Over the counter treatments like collars don't work because most of those have old formulas of medicine. Treatments like Frontline or Advantage work the best as a prescribed treatment.
While we are watching our budget, it's a responsibility by all pet owners to do what ever is necessary to prevent your pet from getting sick.
Dr. Ansara said most Vets will work with you to help make treatment affordable. Right now your looking at about $12 a month. However, there are coupons out there.
Fleas carry other parasites like tapeworm, which can be transmitted to humans.
Here is a little more info
Mar 2, 2009 11:25 AM Posted by jrobinson  Early morning  Joselyn Taveras CBS4 Spring Intern  Dick Marshall Pilot  Pilot pushes aircraft out of hanger  Flying in Sebastian  Jim in aircraft as it prepares for flight  Dick Marshall warms up engine About 2-hours North of Fort Lauderdale, there's a tiny airport where a very fun sport is taking place. While many of us have seen these lightweight aircrafts before; in movies like "Fly Away Home". You might have even heard then saw one buzz by at the beach. They're called, "Powered Parachutes". There are only a few places that you can see, ride and even learn how to fly in Florida. I met Dick Marshall with Fly Sebastian in Indian River County. The 27-year veteran pilot has taught everyone from teenagers to senior citizens, how to fly like the birds do. He tells me, “It’s affordable, fun flying for everyone who wants to fly". At 2 a.m. Friday the 27th of February, I'm up and picking up CBS4 intern Joselyn Taveras for an early morning trip North. The both of us, carrying 3 cameras, meet up with Marshall at gate 8 at the Sebastian Municipal Airport. The sun is beautiful, as it comes up on the horizon, burning off the early morning clouds. The winds are still and all you can hear are the birds singing. We enter through the gate, and head straight to the hanger, where a half dozen of these 3-wheeled vehicles are parked. Marshall starts to pull his aircraft out, and it's the limousine of lightweight aircraft. A huge Rotax engine with a prop situated behind the cart. We start talking about fuel consumption and how much the vehicle costs (his was about $33,000). Most start at $8,000 and can fit into the back of a pickup truck. They use premium gas and not much of it. Marshall says he can fly all day and, “I’m burning maybe ten dollars in fuel a day". First, he "gargles" the oil back into the engine by spinning the prop. Of course I ask, "Aren't you worried about it taking your arm off?" and he laughs and says "no". Then, he starts the engine, makes sure the throttle is working and the engine is in working order. He comments, "Better to find it not working on the ground than in the air.” Five of his pilot buddies, most of which he taught to fly, are out with their vehicles as well. Intern Teveras wanted me to look at the Snoopy cartoon on one of the carts. Pretty funny, I must admit. The pilots then taxi off to the grassy runway. It's about a quarter mile away from the hanger. I catch a ride with Marshall. I grabbed the camera and shot a quick "Standup Tease" which is me on camera saying, "Come join me in Sebastian" that you see on TV before my story is aired. By the time we got over there, three of the powered parachutes were in the air and I was getting anxious. Marshall tells me how the parachute works with the cart. It's the same kind of 'chute' as a skydiver would use. This one is red, white and blue. How patriotic right? After he spreads out the 'chute', he shouts, "Clear" and starts the engine. A gust of wind kicks out from the prop and he adjusts the throttle. I run down about 50 yards and set the camera up for a low shot of him taking off. It came out great by the way. Then I jumped onto a handheld radio and started talking to him about what he saw and how fast he was going. A whopping 25mph.
Watch on-board video below
He continued to fly around so I could get my shots, then he takes me around for a few 'bunny hops’, which are short takeoffs and landings. Amazing to be in this craft, which I felt very safe in. We flew around for about 10 minutes, then I tried to do a few on-camera segments while flying but my wireless microphone kept cutting out. So, that's why in the end of my piece you just hear me say, "I'm Jim Robinson for CBS4 News." It really made me think about that curiosity we have as human beings. To be with the birds in free flight watching the World from above. If you want to experience the feeling, learn to fly or just watch. Visit Dick Marshall's website here. Marshall teaches, and sells these as well. Feb 24, 2009 5:32 PM Posted by jrobinson  Baby eagles in Pembroke Pines/Bennett Burbank  Pembroke Pines eagle/Bennett Burbank I received an email from Bennett Burbank who lives in Pembroke Pines. She tells me in an email that she is monitoring those baby eagles in the Pines.
Earlier this month, I told you about the construction going there on the intersection of Pines and 209th Ave.
That's near the new West Broward High School. Workers are putting a signal up to control traffic, but nothing can be done until the babies are fully grown.
Burbank took these photos using a telescope and digital camera. She adds that the baby eagles appear to be getting bigger and look healthy.
There is still a lot of interest for these majestic birds, as we rarely see them in South Florida.
If you have more photos like these you would like to share, I'll put them on the blog.
UPDATE:
Here is another email I received via email. With this viewer's permission, here is what they have to say about he eagles in Pembroke Pines.
Mr. Robinson,
Unfortunately, since
your Channel 4 report on the Eagle's nest on TV, the amount of people parking
along side Pines Boulevard to observe and take pictures has increased on a
daily basis. That's the power of news for you!
I hope no harm
comes from all this. I lived in Chapel Trail for 18 years and I have
always known of these hidden treasures in my neighborhood (The Eagle's Nest,
The Preserve and the Historic Site).
Hope you can help educate our
community to protect such valuable assets.
Dori
Boone
I plan to follow up this story in the near future, but it's great ot have a conversation about this very important topic. Jim
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