Talking with Ted

What a tragic death, when three Coral Springs teens, ages 15 and 16 died after their car plunged into a canal.  Investigators say the three had been at a party, it was homecoming weekend.  According to investigators, they got into a minor fender-bender, then for some reason, the driver threw it in reverse, ran over a sign, drove up onto a guard rail and flipped into a canal.  One boy survived, three were trapped inside.

Here's what warms my heart...Students are Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have really shown their true colors are compassion and responsibility.  Their goal is to help pay for the burial of the boys who died.  We know of at least one parent who needs help.  As tragic as this all is, the reaction and action by fellow students is refreshing.  They are holding daily car washes to raise money, they're selling t-shirts and those small plastic bracelets.  They are proving that by working together you can make a difference. 

I can not comprehend the pain a parent would feel losing a child, but it has to at least help, knowing that classmates, friends and strangers care enough to do what they can to help.  So many times we hear abou how irresponsible and "bone-headed" teens can be, I'd like to send out a hearty 'THANK YOU" to the kids at Marjory Stoneman Douglas for making me and many other stand back and admire your wonderful spirit.  Here's hoping more can learn from you.

fundraising info:  http://cbs4.com/local/coral.springs.sean.2.1318399.html

the story: (after about 6:30pm) http://cbs4.com/video/?cid=46

 

This is crazy!!  Can you believe we have another case of a teen attacking a teen, this time, the victim and suspect were brothers.

Here are the basics.  15 year old William Gorzynski is accused of fatally stabbing his 14 year old brother Matthew.  Investigators say the two were arguing over the volume of the computer speakers. 

What's going on?  In court it was so sad to watch the father and older brother.  The two sat there, at times they had stunned looks on their faces, other times they were on the verge of tears and other times they just had blank stares.  I can't even imagine what they're feeling.  That father is dealing with the murder of one son allegedly at the hands of another.

The attorney tells us this is very out of character for William.  William is a student at Taravella High School in Coral Springs, he's never been in trouble and is described as the stable one in the family.  He's the guy everyone went to for problem solving.  We're told he wanted to be a chef, and cooked and cleaned at home.  It was just he, his two brothers and his father at home.  His mother lives out of town.  

His attorney also told us that William and Matthew would fight like normal brothers, throw a few punches, but nothing too violent. "This is so much more emtional and difficult," said attorney Glenn Roderman.  "You're dealing with two brothers, one of which killed the other brother, who've lived together their whole lives and were best friends."

Thoughts anyone?

 

 

Wow!! I mean, where do you begin with this one?  Here are the basics.  Five teens are charged.  Investigators say 15 year old Michael Brewer owed a friend $40 for a video game.  He apparently did not pay, so the guy who gave him the money, according to BSO, tried to steal a bike from Brewer's family.  Brewer caught him and called police.  Now, Sheriff's Deputies say the teen who didn't get his money wanted revenge.  He and 4 friends ran in to Brewer.  That was moments after they found a jug of rubbing alcohol.  Investigators say while one teen egged everyone on, another doused Brewer with rubbing alcohol and another pulled out a lighter and torched him..  The two others there did nothing, cops say, just watching as the 15 year old burned, screamed in pain, ripped off his shirt and went wildly running to the pool, where he jumped in to put out the flames.  Right now, Brewer's condition is touch and go.  He's burned over 80% of his body.

I spoke to the mother of two of the kids, a 13 year old and the 15 year old who's accused of dousing him with rubbing alcohol.  She said, "They're good kids.  All I can say is they got involved in soemthing that tehy didn't think was going to go th at far.  I'm horribly sorry."

The sheriff said something interesting too.  He was wondering how we got to this point?  When did kids go from, say, a swift punch, to setting someone on fire?

We're just seeing so many weird things going on.  Think about it.  Last November, a child shot and killed at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale, last month a student stabbed to death at Coral Gables Senior High, a teen 8 months pregnant stabbed to death in Miramar, the father is charged with it.  He happens to be an honors student in high school.  These are just a few things that come to mind right now.

What are your thoughts?  I wonder if kids have a good grasp on "actions and consequences."  I always knew what the consequences would be if I talked back to my parents or teacher.  That way, if I chose to speak back, I knew what was coming.

One suggestion -- maybe as a community, we have to raise the bar.  I think it's up to each of us to let children what behavior is acceptable.

I'd love to hear your ideas...

 

 

 

This is really a gross one!  A 78 year old woman was found nude and covered in human feces.  She lives in Wilton Manors with her 40 year old son. Cops made the discovery after a smoke bomb blew in her back yard.  When police got their, the son took off, that's when the mother ran out with no clothes on covered in waste.

This appears to be a case of hoarding.  Police say inside, there's so much junk, that you have to follow paths that are only 7 to 8 inches wide.  You have to squeeze your way through.  Investigators also told me there is no access to the bathroom.  It's completely blocked by garbage and newspapers.  What they said is that human feces were found inside the house and in the back yard in garbage bags.

The mother is being checked out and the son is in jail.  He will likely undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

Here's something disturbing.  Neighbors say they've called code enforcement and the elderly abuse hotline.  They told me investigators did come out and some of the junk in the backyard was cleaned up.  The question they have is how did it end up like this?  Why wasn't action taken earlier, after investigators were called.  An investigator for adult protective services was at the scene today.  She told us she could not speak. 

I definately want to find out more about this one and get the answer to 'how could this have happened after investigators were out there?"

 

6 months ago, Craig Cohen was vicously beaten while walking on Oakland Park Blvd.  He had just eaten and was walking a few blocks home on a nice April evening.  Wednesday he died after months in a coma.  Another guy was beaten that night too, he survived.

I'm just going to share a few thoughts...I have to hand it to Craig's friends.  They were by his bedside all the time, even bringing his beloved dog Eddie to his hospice room. They had hoped Eddie would maybe stimulate or spur him to regain consciouness.    That never happened.  They spoke to him all the time, his friend Art even sang to him.  Craig's friends held out hope, yet knew the chances of Craig pulling through were slim to none.  Craig's family does not live in South Florida.  But he was never alone.  That's because his friends were there to hold his hand and reassure Craig's out of town family.  As sad as it is to know someone died in such an awful way, there's something comforting in knowing that his friends were so dedicated, so true, that they did not allow him to died alone.  They made sure that if there was any possible chance that Craig understood what was going on, he knew that he was surrounded by people who loved him. 

I know all of this because Craig's friends trusted me enough to share those moments with me.  I am so grateful for that.  Although I never met Craig before, he's touched my life too, because of his friends.  It's heartwarming to know that such dedicated, caring people are out there.  They remind me that even in tragedy there's beauty.  They also make me so grateful for the family and friends in my life.

OK, I'm turning into a cornball here! I'll stop now.

By the way, those same friends plan to make sure that the people responsible pay!  Two guys are being held right now, they will likely be charged with murder next week.  The friends vow to pack the courtroom each time they go before the judge.

If you'd like to meet Craig's friends, there will be a candle light vigil in his honor on Thursday Oct. 15 in Wilton Manors at 6:30. You should meet in the parking lot of Georgie's Alibi at NE6th Ave and Wilton Drive.   Craig was also a huge animal lover.  His friends have started The Craig Cohen Animal Advocacy Project (CCAAP), as a part of The Pet Project for Pets.   It helps victims of violent crime keep their animals while they recover from assault.

See today's story (after 6pm) http://cbs4.com/video/?cid=46

to read more on the case: http://cbs4.com/local/Oakland.Park.Robbery.2.1235510.html

 

What a heart breaking story.  A 4 year old boy in Coral Springs died.  According to police reports, the toddler's mother admitted giving him "an underterminted" amount of Lunesta.  (that's a sleeping pill)  The prescription is for the child's 51 year old father.  The police report also says 15 minutes after she gave the child the Lunesta, she found him on the floor of the bedroom, surrounded by open pill bottles.  She didn't know if he took any, but put him to bed.  The next morning, his father found him blue and not breathing. He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

We're still waiting to hear from the medical examiner's office as to the cause of death.  If it turns out to be the Lunesta, police tell me the mother could be charged with manslaughter.

Something that hit me...in the police report, the mother said she gave him the sleeping pill because he would not go to bed the two previous nights. Could you become that frustrated that you would give a toddler an adult sleep aid?  I'm just wondering outloud here. I know in cases of "shaken baby syndrome" that's normally brought on by extreme frustration.  The recommendation from experts for that is to make sure the child is safe, leave the room for a couple seconds, take some deep breaths and pull yourself together.

Doctors say in a case like this -- if your child is really having difficulty sleeping, it could be a symptom of something larger and you need to talk to the doctor. 

Tragic story -- police say they do NOT believe the death was intentional.  As awful as it is that the child died, I can only imagine his parents are beside themselves too.   Thoughts anyone??

 

Less than 24 hours after the planes hit the towers I was pulling into New York.  I remember the heavy smoke still rising.  It was almost too much to process. Aside from the devastation and the sheer horror of it all, I have some memories that have changed me...that will stay with me forever.

Outside St. Vincent's Hospital in the Village, pictures were plastered all over light poles, on buildings, and on large boards.  People were also walking around, carrying pictures asking, "Have you seen my husband?"  "Have you seen my wife?"  They were the pictures of people missing.  I was on the verge of tears constantly.  Then people would tell their stories, "I was speaking to my sister.  She was on the top floor restauarnt.  She told me everyone was on their knees praying.  Then she said "Oh my God, the building is shaking.' Then the phone went dead."   It was heartbreaking.  You just wanted to tell people with those stories, "I'm sorry, I don't think she made it."  But they held out hope. 

I also remember grabbing a bite to eat in the Village.  The server sat us, but said, "At 7pm, I will stop serving for an hour." She handed us each a candle and said, "If you'd like, you can join us outside."  At 7pm, my photographer and I grab our candles and went outside.  The street was lined with people as far as the eye could see, but there was complete silence except for the military jets criss crossing above us.  Suddenly a few blocks away, you could hear cheering.  It was like a wave moving closer toward us.  It was people cheering on the brave fire fighters as they left ground zero during a shift change.  At that moment, I felt one with the world. 

Another memory -- no car horns.  Can you imagine being in NYC with out hearing car horns?  It demonstrated the mood.  It was a moment in time when everyone was in harmony.  Strangers were helping strangers, giving shoes, clothes, food, anything anyone needed. Everyone had been through such a horrific event that it bonded them.  So many times we hear of how people are only out for themselves.  This showed our real colors, how we, as Americans, will reach out to help one another in our darkest moment.

Across the Hudson, in Jersey City, I stood at a parking lot filled with cars, it was just across from where the towers once stood.  "How strange," I thought.  "Why is this lot full when no one is working?"  Then it hit me..."These are the cars of people who will never come home."  Those cars belonged to the people who parked their cars and  took the ferry to Manhattan.  It was so eerie to see all those cars and know so many families lives would be changed forever.

There were so many awful things that happened on 9/11/01.  There were so many heartbreaking stories.  But what I chose to remember most is how Americans pulled together to look after one another.  I think we all felt such awful pain.  But we shared that pain with family, friends and strangers.  We spoke to the grocery store cashier, the dry cleaner, the gas station attendent.  And with each person we spoke to, we heard their take on it.  We bonded with people we never would have bonded with. We cared what the other person had to say and how they felt. We depended on each other to begin healing our pain.  That is part of the beauty that came from such an awful, dark day.

And a final thought...Until my last breath, I will always get misty when I hear the National Anthem or God Bless America.  Whether I'm covering a story or watching TV, when I hear those songs, my eyes start to well up.  I think of the men and women who died on 9/11 and I think of those who did not.  I think of how we, as a country, pulled together that day and turned to each other for comfort and support.  That is legacy I take from that day.  I refuse to be afraid, feel depressed or let the bad guys win.  That day made us stronger and reminded us that we are Americans and we can overcome anything.  I am also proud that I teary-eyed when I hear the National Anthem and I hope I always do!  GOD BLESS AMERICA!

From Gregg Laskoski and AAA

RETAIL GASOLINE PRICES EDGE LOWER

 

TAMPA, Fla. (Sept. 6, 2009) –   Crude oil declined by $5 per barrel at week’s end and retail gasoline prices declined slightly while approaching Labor Day weekend.  Travel for the weekend both nationwide and in the southeast was projected to be significantly lower than last year and rain forecast in many parts of the country may have curbed last minute travel plans.

The national average price per gallon of unleaded regular gasoline is $2.58, down 2 cents in the past week.  Florida’s average today at $2.54, Georgia’s at $2.40 and Tennessee’s average price also at $2.40 per gallon are all down by 4 cents, 5 cents and 4 cents per gallon respectively in the past week.

 “Oil and gasoline industry fundamentals are favorable for consumers now as the peak summer driving season comes to an end,” said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South.  “Barring any impact upon the nation’s oil infrastructure from hurricanes or some other unexpected event, fuel prices should gradually move lower and that’s customary at this time of year,” he added.

 

Crude oil on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) closed Friday at $68.02 per barrel.

 

 

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

 

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago

National:                     $2.584             $2.609             $2.628             $3.670

Florida:                       $2.549             $2.588             $2.591             $3.692

Georgia:                     $2.401             $2.452             $2.471             $3.614

Tennessee:                 $2.402             $2.441             $2.461             $3.562

 

AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report (fuelgaugereport.com) is updated each day and is the most comprehensive; reflecting actual prices from credit card transactions within the past 24 hours at two-thirds (100,000 stations) of the gasoline stations in the U.S.  Its accuracy is unparalleled.

 

How much are you paying for gasoline taxes in Florida/Georgia/Tennessee?  Use this link: http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/gas_taxes.asp to find out.

 

Next Fuel Price Brief:  Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009

 

 

OK, this is hilarious!  Most people watch too many tv cop shows and believe criminals are smart people who plan every move. NOT TRUE!  For the most part, these are a cracked out losers who don't even have tomorrow planned, let alone a crime.

Case in point....These four guys were burlgarizing a laundromat in Fort Lauderdale -- first mistake -- When they got there, they pried open a big metal door, charged in, pounded their way though a cinder block wall, only to find out they were in a 5x5 utility room that was added to the side of the building.  You know what was on the other side of that wall they pounded through?  The parking lot of the neighbor's business.  After all that time and effort, they ended up snipping the lock on the front door and walking in.

Here's the second  mistake -- they spent ONE HOUR inside, caught by about 10 cameras.  It was so funny, at one point, one of the burlgars must have had an epifany.  He looked up at the camera, realized he was being recorded, then tried to cover it with a cloth.  Uh, TOO LATE!!!! And what's even more funny is when he tried to cover the camera, we got the best shot of him.

Third mistake -- the victim, a retired cop, tells us these guys were so greedy, that they tried to sell the laundry soap they stole out of the vending machines inside the laundromat.  Hmmmm, let's see....do you think someone in the neighborhood might remember the day someone tried to sell them laundry soap on the street?  Do you think they might remember that person?

Fourth mistake--a fashion disaster.  Call the fashion police!! One of the burglars was wearing the most God awful purple horizontally striped shirt with vertically striped shorts.  Hello??!!  Even I know that doesn't match!  He also had a blue ball cap on.  There again, do you think someone will recognize that terrible shirt.  I mean it's really memorable.  In the movies the bad guys are dressed in black -- that way, no one will recognize the clothes.

In conclusion, if you tought criminals were smart, hopefully this will make you think again!

To see the piece click here: (after 6:30pm) http://cbs4.com/video/?cid=46

 

 

From Gregg Laskoski and AAA

CRUDE OIL AGAIN CLOSES HIGH

 AS U.S. DOLLAR WEAKENS,

BUT RETAIL GASOLINE PRICES STILL MOVE LOWER

 

 

TAMPA, Fla. (Aug. 30, 2009) –   Crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX) closed the week Friday at $73.02 per barrel, just $0.87 less than the previous week which posted the highest closing price of the year.

 

Oil analysts say that when the U.S. dollar declines that essentially makes crude oil cheaper because the dollar is the prime currency with which oil is traded internationally. Since March, the U.S. Dollar has fallen by 12% versus a basket of currencies that includes the Euro, the Yen, the British Pound and the Swiss Franc.  Additionally, investors often move toward crude oil as a hedge against a weak dollar. 

 

And yet, even as crude oil ended the past week near a peak level for this year, the national average retail gasoline price slipped by 2 cents per gallon in the past week.  Florida, Georgia and Tennessee prices are down by 2 cents, 1 cent, and 2 cents respectively.

 

Department of Energy data shows gasoline demand last week averaged just 9.1 million

barrels per day, down  0.1% from the week before and down 3.2%, from one year ago.

 

“The U.S. has thousands of barrels of unused crude oil in storage;  refineries are trying to cut production and OPEC members are reducing imports to support the current price when we’re fast approaching the end of the summer driving season,” said Gregg Laskoski, managing director of public relations, AAA Auto Club South.  

 

“With the current supply and demand it looks now as though retail gasoline prices are edging lower and consumers should expect to see nominal decreases in the next week or two,” Laskoski added.

 

 

CURRENT AND PAST PRICE AVERAGES

Regular Unleaded Gasoline

 

                                    Current           Week Ago      Month Ago     Year Ago

National:                     $2.609             $2.627             $2.517             $3.682

Florida:                       $2.588             $2.606             $2.509             $3.684

Georgia:                     $2.452             $2.464             $2.384             $3.599

Tennessee:                 $2.441             $2.464             $2.360             $3.547

 

AAA’s Daily Fuel Gauge Report (fuelgaugereport.com) is updated each day and is the most comprehensive; reflecting actual prices from credit card transactions within the past 24 hours at two-thirds (100,000 stations) of the gasoline stations in the U.S.  Its accuracy is unparalleled.

 

How much are you paying for gasoline taxes in Florida/Georgia/Tennessee?  Use this link: http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/gas_taxes.asp to find out.

 

Next Fuel Price Brief:  Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009