Election reform, bridge repairs top Miami-Dade Commission agenda

Miami-Dade commissioners are expected Wednesday to urge the state legislature to allow Election Day voters to drop off their absentee ballots at their local precincts, and ask the mayor to identify funding to repair and upgrade the county’s 203 bridges.

Returning absentee ballots to local precincts was one of 13 recommendations in a report by an Election Advisory Group that needs local and state approval to become law. Now, absentee ballots can only be returned to election headquarters in Doral.

The advisory group, created after the embarrassing November presidential election saw people waiting in lines for up to six hours, also wants to change the name of absentee ballots to “Vote by Mail.”

Other recommended voting changes include expanding early voting days from eight to 14, including the last Sunday before an election; expanding the number of permissible voting sites; limiting ballot language on constitutional amendments to 75 words; and expanding the number of days elections supervisors are allowed to total and check votes from 15 to 20.

Commissioners are also expected Wednesday to urge Mayor Carlos Gimenez to identify funding sources to repair the county’s bridges. The county estimates that over the next two decades it will need as much as $450 million for repairs. The issue came to light in early January when the county was forced to close down the west-bound half of Bear Cut Bridge leading to Key Biscayne, after structural flaws were found.

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Oscars Flashback: Jack Nicholson 1998

There are only a few men in Hollywood that are known mononymously. Somewhere amid his dozens of films and the many awards that followed, Jack Nicholson need not be identified by last name. In 1998, Jack further etched his name into film history by joining a prestigious group of actors in Academy Awards history.

Nicholson went into the 1998 Oscars with his eleventh nomination, which in itself made history, as he was the second-most nominated actor in the ceremony's history behind only Katharine Hepburn.

VIDEO: Oscars Flashback '83: 8-Year-Old Drew Barrymore

However, that list was the lesser of two that he was chasing that night (and would later be dominated by Meryl Streep, who was granted seven nominations in a 21-year span to make a total of 17).

Nominations are an honor to receive, but a tangible, glistening statuette is what every nominee strives for. Nicholson's eleventh Oscar nomination came for his lead role in the romantic comedy As Good as it Gets, in which he starred alongside Helen Hunt.

He went on to win the award that night and joined an exalted group of actors with three Oscars for their individual performance. Only three actors (Katharine Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Walter Brennan) had achieved the feat before, and Meryl Streep has been the only one to join the group since.

VIDEO: Oscars Flashback '97: Cuba's Euphoric Response

"I like a career that covers three decades. It's nice," he says in the press room after winning the award. "[I] won one in the seventies, one in the eighties, and this is the nineties. I'm happy."

As for the performance that won him the Oscar, the three-awards-in-three-decades actor sets his pride aside and sticks to charismatic humility.

"All comparisons are odious, as my mother told me," he says when asked to compare this performance to his previous ones. "I always have a good time working. ...I've always worked with good directors; I choose material well; and after that, I think I'm lucky."

Think You Can Predict This Year's Oscar Winners?

Not lucky, just good ol' Jack.

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Boeing 787 battery probe finds it was miswired

TOKYO — A probe into the overheating of a lithium ion battery in an All Nippon Airways Boeing 787 found it was improperly wired, Japan's Transport Ministry said Wednesday.

The Transport Safety Board said in a report that the battery of the aircraft's auxiliary power unit was incorrectly connected to the main battery that overheated, although a protective valve would have prevented power from the APU from doing damage.

Flickering of the plane's tail and wing lights after it landed and the fact the main battery was switched off led the investigators to conclude there was an abnormal current traveling from the APU due to miswiring.

AP

The damaged lithium ion battery of the All Nippon Airways' Boeing 787, which made an emergency landing in Takamatsu, western Japan

The agency said that more analysis was needed to determine what caused the main battery to overheat and emit the smoke that prompted the Jan. 16 emergency landing of the ANA domestic flight and the worldwide grounding of Boeing 787 jets. They said they are consulting Boeing about the issue.

The Federal Aviation Administration and aviation authorities in other countries grounded 787 fleets because of the ANA incident which followed a battery fire earlier in January in a 787 parked in Boston.

The 787, dubbed the Dreamliner by Boeing, is the first airliner to make extensive use of lithium ion batteries, which are lighter weight, charge faster and contain more energy than conventional batteries similar in size. However, the batteries also are more prone to overheating and catching fire.

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Remote employees require care to feel like part of the team

Working from home, hundreds of miles away from your boss, may sound like a perk, but that’s not always the case.

Ken Condren remembers the moment when he experienced the frustration his remote employees face. He was working from home, participating in a conference call and heard a side conversation going on, but had no idea what was being said. “I felt so out of the loop,” Condren recalls.

Today, businesses want the talent they want – and are more willing to hire or retain someone to fill a job even if they live or move thousands of miles away. Yet even with a great number of employees working remotely, nobody wants to be that guy who doesn’t get the inside joke during a conference call.

When the success of a team depends on the people, and all the people are scattered, it’s the manager who must make sure relationships stay vital and productivity high. Getting the most out of remote workers takes a manager who knows how to motivate and communicate from a distance. “Virtual workers still need a personal connection,” says strategic business futurist Joyce Goia, president of The Herman Group. “They want camaraderie and to feel like they are part of a team.”

More managers are using technologies such as videoconferencing, instant messenger and other collaborative software to help make remote workers feel like they are “there” in the office. Not being able to speak face-to-face can quickly be solved with Skype, Face Time or simple VoIP systems.

Condren, vice president of technology at C3/CustomerContactChan-

nels in Plantation, uses Microsoft Lync to connect virtually with a team spread across geographies and time zones. Employees see a green light on their screen when a colleague is available, signaling it’s a good time to video chat or instant message. Instead of meeting in physical conference rooms, team members get together in a virtual work room where they can hold side conversations during conference calls or meet in advance to prepare for the call. “You lose the visibility of waving hands during an in person meeting, but we can build that with virtual workspaces.”

Beyond that, Condren says he holds weekly video conference calls with his staff to help his remote workers become better team players. He also sets aside 45 minutes to an hour each week to check in with his remote workers. “It’s a little extra effort to make sure they are giving me the updates that happen casually in the office.”

Condren says adapting to a virtual workforce has allowed him to hire talent in any geographic market with the skill set he wants. And he has been able to hire them at competitive salaries.

In the current economy, such flexibility can be critical for a company looking to attract top talent. CareerBuilder’s Jennifer Grasz says the recession has created a less transient workforce, making it difficult for workers to sell their homes and relocate. “Employers are turning to remote work opportunities to navigate the skills deficit.”

Even from a distance, managers say there are ways to hone in on remote workers who are having problems. Billie Williamson managed virtual teams as a partner for Ernst & Young and would focus on the tone of someone’s voice during a group conference call. She would even listen for silences. “Silence can mean consent, or it can mean the person you’re not hearing disagrees or is disengaged.” If she sensed a team member was lacking engagement, she would follow up immediately.

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North Miami police investigating fatal hit-and-run

Police were investigating a fatal hit-and-run in North Miami Monday night that left an elderly man dead.

The accident occurred around 7 p.m. when the victim was apparently crossing at the intersection of North Miami Avenue and Northwest 123rd Street and was struck and killed, said police spokesman Maj. Neal Cuevas.

The driver failed to stop. Police said there appeared to be no witnesses to the accident.

The body of the black male was discovered in the middle of North Miami Avenue, Cuevas said.

Police said the fleeing driver only left behind a hubcap and pieces of shattered glass.

The victim’s name has not been released awaiting notification of next of kin.

Earlier Monday, the Florida Highway Patrol sponsored a Hit-and-Run Awareness event. They revealed that last year there were 20,000 hit-and-run accidents in Miami-Dade and Broward.

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'NCIS'Sneak Peek: Leon Vance Returns on 'Hereafter' Episode

The future of NCIS agency director "Leon Vance" (Rocky Carroll) was uncertain when his wife passed away and he took a leave of absence from the unit. In tonight's episode, the former director decides it's time to make his return, but not in the capacity he once held.

When Vance discovers a document that his wife had been hiding from him, he is set on path of confusion and anger that influences his decision to come back to the NCIS headquarters. However, he doesn't return to his prior position as director.

PICS: Stars Without Makeup!

"It's where he came from. He was a field agent, so getting back into that now and getting back into it in a more blue-collar manner has been a stretch for not only Rocky to play but also something different than he's been doing here," said Mark Harmon ("Leroy Gibbs"). "...Because it's different for him to play it, it becomes different for us to react against it."

As Vance's return seems inspired by his discovery of the document that he discovered that his wife been hiding from him, his motive to go back to work seems an impulsive decision, which questions his mental state.

VIDEO: Will Ziva & DiNozzo Form a Romance on 'NCIS'?

"There's also some concern from us as to whether or not he's in a mental place where he can be capable as an investigator with us," Sean Murray ("Timothy McGee") assessed.

While the rest of the NCIS team is glad to have him back at work, they have never worked with him in the field, which makes an interesting alteration of the dynamics of the work environment.

VIDEO: Meet the Actress Who'll Play Young Abby on 'NCIS'

"This is a totally different thing: from director to being on the field," noted Cote de Pablo ("Ziva David"). "It's actually an interesting episode because we've never seen him do that, first of all. We see him go through his own little battles as far as emotions go and what he's going through."

Check out the sneak peek of Vance's return in the video above, and watch the full episode of NCIS tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS.

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1 dead, 3 injured after fire rips through Queens home

A fire tore through a Queens apartment this morning - killing one and injuring three others, authorities said.

The blaze broke out around 5:10 a.m. in the building at 182-30 Wexford Terr. in Jamaica Estates, the FDNY said.

Firefighters found one man, in his 50’s or 60’s, dead inside the charred apartment and pulled out another victim who was in serious condition, the FDNY said.

The fire is believed to have started from someone smoking, a law enforcement source said.

The seriously injured victim was taken to New York Hospital of Queens.

There was also a third victim with minor injuries who refused medical attention, as well as a firefighter with minor injuries who was taken to Queens General Hospital, the FDNY said.

Firefighters placed the fire under control at 5:55 a.m., the FDNY said.

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Sign up for Feb. 21 Miami Herald Small Business Forum featuring Zumba’s CEO, 4 interactive panels

Prepare your best pitch for the Miami Herald’s Small Business Forum on Thursday, Feb. 21, at the south campus of our sponsor, Florida International University.

In addition to how-to panels and inspirational stories from successful entrepreneurs, our annual small business forum will include interactive opportunities with experts to learn about financing options and polish your personal and business brands.

During our finance panel, audience volunteers will be invited to explain their financing needs to the group. During our box-lunch session, they will be invited to pitch their business or personal brand to our coaches.

Those who prefer just to listen will be treated to a keynote address by Alberto Perlman, co-founder of the global fitness craze Zumba (see bio below). Panels include success stories from the local entrepreneurs who founded Sedano’s, Jennifer’s Homemade and ReStockIt.com; finance tips from experts in small business loans, venture capital, angel investments and traditional bank loans; and insiders in the burgeoning South Florida tech start-up scene. Scroll down to see the panelists’ bios

Plus, it’s a real bargain. $25 includes the half-day seminar, continental breakfast and a box lunch.

Register here.

Program

8 a.m.

Registration and continental breakfast, provided by Bill Hansen Catering

8:30 a.m. Welcome

Host: David Suarez, president and CEO, Interactive Training Solutions, LLC

•  Jerry Haar, PhD, associate dean & director, FIU Eugenio Pino and Family Global

Entrepreneurship Center

•  Alice Horn, executive director, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE South Florida)

•  Jane Wooldridge, Business editor, The Miami Herald

Miami Herald Business Plan Challenge Overview:

•  Nancy Dahlberg, Business Plan Challenge coordinator, The Miami Herald

8:45 a.m. Session I – Success Stories

Moderator: Jerry Haar, PhD, associate dean & director, FIU Eugenio Pino and Family Global

Entrepreneurship Center

Speakers:

•  Jennifer Behar, founder, Jennifer’s Homemade

•  Matt Kuttler, co-president of ReStockIt.com

•  Javier Herrán, chief marketing officer, Sedano’s Supermarkets

10 a.m. Session II – All about Tech

Moderator: Jane Wooldridge, Business editor, The Miami Herald

Speakers

•  Susan Amat, founder, Launch Pad Tech

•  Nancy Borkowski, executive director, Health Management Programs, Chapman Graduate School of

Business, Florida International University

•  Chris Fleck, vice president of mobility solutions at Citrix and a director of the South Florida Tech Alliance

•  Charles Irizarry, co-founder and director of product architecture, Rokk3r Labs

11:15 a.m. Keynote

Speaker: Alberto Perlman, CEO and co-founder of Zumba® Fitness

Introduction: Jane Wooldridge, business editor, The Miami Herald

11:45 a.m. Session III – Show me the money: Financing your small business

An interactive session featuring audience volunteers who will be invited to make a short investment pitch before a panel, including experts in microlending, SBA loans, traditional bank loans, venture capital and angel investing. Audience volunteers should come prepared with a two-minute presentation that includes details about current backing, how much money they are seeking and a brief synosis of ow that money would be used.

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The builders of the Sen. Marco Rubio brand

WASHINGTON --
Sen. Marco Rubio is on a breathless rise, a testament to his political skill and demographic appeal that last week saw him delivering the Republican State of the Union response and appearing on the cover of Time as “The Republican Savior.”

But behind the scenes is a relentless, methodical effort to build the Rubio brand, aided by a team of strategists and media handlers positioning the 41-year-old Floridian for an expected presidential run.

They include members of Rubio’s Senate staff and presidential campaign veterans who work for the political committee Rubio formed ostensibly to help elect other conservatives.

Instead the Reclaim America PAC has focused on consultants and building a national fundraising network. Last year, his PAC spent more than $1.7 million, with the vast majority going toward staff and fundraising, and about $110,000 going to other candidates, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

“It connotes a machine, someone who is grooming his image for a jump to higher position,” said the center’s executive director Sheila Krumholz.

Rubio’s team plots policy and publicity moves, including his recent foray into the immigration debate. He was among eight senators working on a proposal, but Rubio took them by surprise — and ensured he would be front and center — with a Wall Street Journal piece laying out the framework before the group announced it.

The Rubio machine cultivates the image of a new breed of Republican, youthful, and as at ease talking about Tupac and the Miami Dolphins as talking about budget deficits. At the same time, advisors dole out nuggets to the news media, they aggressively contest even the smallest points in articles.

The political fascination with Rubio has made it easier for his team to build helpful story lines. When he first took office in the U.S. Senate, it was Rubio the humble, political star keeping his head down. That followed with periodic “major” policy rollouts — foreign policy, job creation, the middle class. When Rubio gives a speech, it’s invariably a “major” address. A young assistant is always there to record it on video and take photographs.

“It’s almost like he’s the Backstreet Boy of American politics, a Hollywood creation of what a model political candidate should be,” said Chris Ingram, a Republican communications consultant from Tampa who has been critical of Rubio. “He has to deliver on the hype but from a P.R. perspective, it’s textbook.”

And constant. Last week, Rubio issued 17 press releases. By comparison, former vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, another potential 2016 candidate, released three.

Behind the scenes

Rubio’s political inner circle includes PAC employees Heath Thompson and Terry Sullivan, two operatives who made their names in South Carolina’s bare-knuckled political culture and are close with former Sen. Jim DeMint. The hyper-competitive Thompson is a college football fanatic more comfortable in a baseball cap than suit and tie.

For broad messaging strategy, there is the roguishly charming Todd Harris who knows practically everybody in the political media and is never shy about excoriating reporters.

The Senate staff includes Alberto Martinez, who goes back to Rubio’s days as speaker of the Florida House and can anticipate where critics might attack Rubio, and Alex Burgos, another Rubio campaign alum and true believer who pushes back at any hint of negativity in Rubio coverage.

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Prince Michael Jackson Conducts First-Ever Interview with 'Entertainment Tonight'

Prince Michael Jackson, the eldest son of the late Michael Jackson, has conducted his first-ever interview with Entertainment Tonight, sitting down with the cast of Oz the Great and Powerful in a segment that will air on Tuesday's show.

Under the tutelage of ET's Brooke Anderson, who gave him a few pointers before the interview, the 16-year-old Jackson interviewed Oz actors James Franco, Zach Braff, and director Sam Raimi.

PICS: Pics: Remembering Michael Jackson, King of Pop

In his interview, Jackson revealed his dreams to one day become a producer, director, screenwriter, and actor and seized the opportunity to ask the successful film stars for their advice in pursuing his dreams.

Franco, a filmmaker in addition to being an actor, advised: "I always tell people, 'Just go out and try and stop waiting around or dreaming it's going to happen. Just go and start doing some things on your own.'"

VIDEO: Legendary Mary Hart Moment: Backstage with Michael Jackson

Jackson, who was complimented for his composure in the interview, cited Oprah's effective casual style in a 2010 interview with him and two younger siblings as an inspiration for his demeanor during the interview.

Prince Michael's interview with the cast of Oz the Great and Powerful will air in its entirety on Tuesday evening's Entertainment Tonight. Check your local listings.

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