SC governor seems to shut door on Colbert to Senate

COLUMBIA, SC — South Carolina's governor appears to have closed the door on appointing Stephen Colbert to the US Senate, all because the comedian didn't know the state drink was milk.

During "The Colbert Report" on Thursday, Colbert urged his fans to send Gov. Nikki Haley messages on Twitter with the hashtag "SenatorColbert" telling her why he would make a great senator from his home state. Haley is appointing a senator after Jim DeMint announced he is resigning at the end of the year.

Colbert, who plays a mock conservative pundit on his show, also gave Haley four reasons he was the perfect choice.

UPI

Stephen Colbert

"You want somebody young, somebody conservative, somebody from South Carolina, maybe somebody who had a super PAC," Colbert said, ticking off the choices by putting down a finger until the final one was left pointing at himself.

"Wait a second," Colbert said, as his crowd cheered.

Thousands of messages poured into the governor's official Twitter account. She responded on her favorite social media site, Facebook, writing on her page that she appreciated Colbert's interest and all the tweets.

"But you forget one thing, my friend. You didn't know our state drink. Big, big mistake," Haley wrote, adding a link to a video of her April appearance on Colbert's show where the host did not know milk was the official state beverage.

On that same show, however, Colbert stumped Haley with the state amphibian — the spotted salamander.

Colbert was born and raised in Charleston, and he still has family in the state. He gently mocks his home, and has made a couple of faux runs for president during the state's early primaries. He also put on a crown and declared himself governor of South Carolina in 2009 when then-Gov. Mark Sanford disappeared for several days while visiting his mistress in Argentina.

On his show Thursday, Colbert also gave one other qualification he had to be a U.S. Senator.

"When I look at the U.S. Senate, I say to myself, you know what they could use?" Colbert said. "Another white guy."

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Miami Beach Walgreens property sold for $30 million

Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services said Friday that it has arranged a $30 million sale of a 22,857-square foot Walgreens drugstore at 5th Street and Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The price, which equates to $1,312 per square foot, is the second highest paid for a drugstore in the United States this year, the real estate firm said.

Trans World Entertainment Corp. was the seller of the property, which was purchased by an unnamed international investor, who paid all cash, Marcus & Millichap said.

Walgreens will continue to lease the property, thorugh a 60-year triple-net lease that began in July 2008, with 25 years firm, the company said.

INA PAIVA CORDLE

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State lawmakers cautious about projected $437 million budget surplus

TALLAHASSEE --
Initial, positive indications about Florida’s budget for the coming fiscal year could be overtaken by events if the Florida Supreme Court strikes down changes to state employees or the nation plunges over the fiscal cliff, the state’s top economist warned Wednesday.

Speaking to the first meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Amy Baker — coordinator of the Legislature’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research — told lawmakers that the current projection of a $436.8 million budget surplus could still change.

"I think the message is that this is not a large cushion," Baker said. "It could evaporate on you if economic circumstances turn against us."

Lawmakers have long watched a decision in the case challenging a 2011 law that required employees to contribute 3 percent of their income to their retirement funds, along with other changes. It could cost the state around $2 billion if the Supreme Court strikes down the law.

A Leon County circuit court judge voided the changes for employees hired before July 1, 2011; justices seemed hesitant about upholding that ruling at oral arguments earlier this year.

But Baker said the so-called "fiscal cliff," a package of federal spending cuts and tax increases set to take effect on Jan. 1 unless Congress and President Barack Obama can reach agreement, also looms large.

If there is a long delay in reaching a deal — one that stretches past January and into March — it could cost the state as much as $375 million, Baker said, comparing it to the debt-ceiling fight in August 2011 that dragged down the state economy.

Even if there is an agreement, it is likely to include some measures that will reduce estimated state income by hundreds of millions of dollars, Baker said.

"There is no likelihood that Florida will escape from the final decision with no changes to our budget," Baker said.

The uncertainty has pushed lawmakers who are optimistic about the numbers to nonetheless urge caution. Senate Appropriations Chairman Joe Negron, R-Stuart, told the committee that he wanted to boost the budget stabilization fund, one of the state’s reserves, to $1.5 billion. That’s at least $500 million over where the fund is projected to be, Negron said.

After the meeting, Negron told reporters that might be as much as the Legislature can do.

"You can never have too much in a reserve, but realistically I think $1.5 billion is a reasonable target to shoot for," he said.

Sen. John Thrasher, R-St. Augustine, said the situation should send a message to advocates for various state agencies in the audience.

"They need to be on notice that there is a lot of uncertainty out there and that this budget if these two things come to fruition is going to be very, very difficult to put together," Thrasher said. "And I think either one of them could devastating to us."

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Camilla Luddington Interview Greys Anatomy

If variety is the spice of life, Camilla Luddington is living it to the fullest as she's played, over the last two years, a fairy, a princess, an opportunistic nanny and Jo, the newest intern at Seattle Grace.

Tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy focuses on the new crop of interns and reveals new complexities to Jo's relationship with Dr. Alex Karev. ETonline caught up with the rising star to find out what it was like to scrub in to one of her favorite shows, what fans can expect from Grey's next and how playing Kate Middleton in a TV movie has inextricably linked her emotions with the princess' pregnancy.

ETonline: You were a fan of Grey's Anatomy before joining the cast. What's it like to go from fan to co-star?

Camilla Luddington: It makes coming onto set more intimidating because you already feel so passionately about the characters and the world, so you don't want to be the one who comes on and screws up the show [laughs]. Although, that almost worked for my character because she's coming into an uncomfortable environment and needs to prove herself ... and I kind of did too. In the first episode, Jo is really nervous and I'm not sure I was really acting. Although Ellen [Pompeo] is no Medusa. She's so nice in real life; the whole cast makes it feel like you're being inducted into a family.

VIDEO - The Grey's Cast Takes The Ultimate Test

ETonline: Did that also help the actors playing the interns bond?

Luddington: We bonded a lot because of the intern episode. Up until now, we were kind of split up, working with the different doctors, but this episode really brings us together. We got kind of cheesy about it in-between takes; doing little huddles that ended with, "Go Interns!" [laughs]

ETonline: Our readers just watched a clip of Jo and Karev going toe-to-toe in tonight's episode. What can you say about their relationship?

Luddington: The past few episodes have teased that these two might be able to be friends; or that they see something in one another, but it all goes downhill in this episode. He calls her princess and that rubs her the wrong way.

ETonline: Do you think that teasing is like when a little boy pulls the pigtails of a girl he likes?

Luddington: I don't know. I think there's a natural playfulness with Karev's character anyway. We've seen him interact like that with other characters too, but I do see something else in the way he picks on Jo. When she talks back to Karev, she's trying to be playful back, which is the only way she's able to deal with the fact he's making it out like she was given everything, which is not true. Life wasn't easy for her. She's worked hard for everything she has and that's where things come to a head because there comes a point where she can't take the jokes anymore and she just tells him how it is.

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ETonline: Looking ahead, what are you excited for fans to see in the coming weeks?

Luddington: Jo gets to go to Bailey's wedding! That was actually my favorite episode to film because there's something about seeing everyone outside the hospital that opens up new dynamics. She sees Karev outside the hospital, and that makes for interesting drama.

ETonline: You went straight from playing a fairy on True Blood to an intern on Grey's -- safe to say those are the most diametrically opposed shows one could work on?

Luddington: Yeah, pretty much. Although, I would love for Jo to have a superpower because I think she would have killed Karev in the first episode. True Blood was another show I was a huge fan of before I started working on so that was crazy. I've been so lucky because everything I've done for the past few years has been so completely different. I feel really blessed that I'm not getting boxed into any type of role. Now, I live and breathe Seattle Grace.

ETonline: You also played Kate Middleton in the Lifetime movie, William & Kate. Are you now more invested in her life? Like, what was your reaction to her pregnancy?

Luddington: I'm very happy for her, although I feel like I should have been personally told before anyone else [laughs]. I should have gotten a telegram. In a weird way, it makes me feel more attached to her. Like, when she got married, it also felt like I was getting married so I was just crying the whole time [laughs]. It was a little tragic.

RELATED - Kate Middleton Released From Hospital

ETonline: You've mentioned that your last two jobs were on your favorite shows. So, if you were to star on your third favorite show, what would it be?

Luddington: American Horror Story. I am a huge horror fan, so that show, for me, is number one. I can't miss an episode. I would love to be on that show.

ETonline: Is your scream in good shape should that call come in?

Luddington: Oh yeah! I've been practicing that scream since I was 12! Like, I'm obsessed with horror movies, so if I don't have that scream down, I should be ashamed of myself.

Grey's Anatomy airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

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Village Voice apologizes for criticizing Post fotog

The dramatic photo of a subway train bearing down on a doomed passenger became a story in its own right — and brought about a flurry of criticism, including from the Village Voice.

On Wednesday, the Post published a first-hand account from freelance photographer R. Umar Abbasi where Abbasi detailed his ordeal on the platform.

Today, the Village Voice published an open apology to Abbasi, citing their original criticism of the photo and Abbasi's actions.

"The truth is, we don't know if there was anything Abbasi could have done that he didn't do -- it's easy to play Monday morning quarterback from the comfort of an office in the East Village, especially as the Post ran one of Abbasi's photos of the man just seconds before his death on its cover on Tuesday."

David McGlynn

R. Umar Abbasi

"Our apologies to Abbasi for our uninformed suggestions," the Voice said.

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Macy’s to open round the clock for last minute shopper

Last minute shoppers will have a marathon opportunity to finish their holiday purchases at Macy’s during any hour of the day or night.

The department store chain announced Thursday that the majority of its stores across the country -- including South Florida -- will be open round the clock for 65 hours straight starting at 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21 through midnight, Sunday, Dec. 23. Macy’s will be offering a special holiday One Day Sale for 48 hours running from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Sunday.

Macy’s began the tradition of keeping stores open 24 hours in 2006 in New York. Over the years it was offered in a couple dozen locations, but never at any stores in South Florida.

“Our customers love it,” said Melissa Goff, Macy’s southeast spokeswoman. “It’s a planned customer centric opportunity that we’re rolling out nationwide.”

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Get your decorated home into our Holiday Lights showcase

It’s that time of year to decorate your home and tell us how wonderful it looks!

We’re seeking all entries for our annual Holiday Lights showcase. Tell us about your home, your decorations and where you live. Send this information to Lidia at ltzdinkova@gmail.com. by Monday, Dec. 10 or to Joan Chrissos, Holiday Lights, Miami Herald, 1 Herald Plaza, Miami, Fl., 33132. Please include a daytime phone number.

We will feature the homes in Neigbors on Sunday, Dec. 16.

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Michael Douglas as Liberace Matt Damon Behind The Candelabra

Inside 'Behind'

Next year Michael Douglas will bring flamboyant music icon, Liberace, to life in a new HBO Movie titled Behind The Candelabra and a new HBO 2013 promo revealed a brand new look at the Oscar nominee as the sparkly singer!

VIDEO - Michael Talks Liberace Preparation

Directed by Steven Soderberg, Candelabra takes a look at Liberace's life and loves as recounted by his former lover, Scott Thorson.

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FDNY safety inspector gets 2 1/2 years for pocketing bribes in day-care scam

A corrupt FDNY safety inspector was sentenced today to 2-1/2 years in the slammer for pocketing $61,000 in bribes to help a ring of crooked day-care center operators run a massive scam on the city.

Carlos Montoya pleaded guilty earlier this year to falsifying records and overlooking violations at centers run by "the Congregation," a group of Russian immigrants who soaked taxpayers for more than $1 million by falsely claiming to care for needy kids.

Defense lawyer Robert Osuna argued in court that Montoya, 54, only kept $5,000 from the bribes he was paid and passed along the rest to an unidentified architect who allegedly assisted him in the scheme.

Chad Rachman/New York Post

Carlos Montoya in January

But Manhattan federal Judge Paul Gardephe said, "whether he kept the money or chose to give it to someone else is not relevant," noting the "long history" of city inspectors who have been convicted of taking bribes.

"It must be understood by city employees with inspection responsibilities, that if they betray the public trust, they will go to jail," Gardephe said.

Montoya, a 20-year FDNY veteran who resigned in disgrace after his guilty plea, admitted making "a bad judgment."

"I apologize to my colleagues in the Fire Department," he said.

"We are a brotherhood, and I brought shame to their office and the city of New York, which I served so faithfully for so many years."

City Department of Investigation Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn noted that Montoya was among six city employees convicted of taking payoffs from "the Congregation."

She said the case -- dubbed "Operation Paycare" -- "delivers the clear message that the city and its law-enforcement partners will uncover corruption and protect the safety of infants and children in city-administered day care.”

Mastermind and ringleader Liudmila Umarov is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty earlier this year to charges including mail fraud and bribery.

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Innovate MIA puts spotlight on startup community

If you think the next week is all about art, you may be surprised to learn there are also six entrepreneurship events vying for your time.

And that is all by design.

In much the way that Art Basel helped put Miami’s arts community on the international map, organizers of the first Innovate MIA hope their weeklong grouping of events will shine a light on the city’s growing tech startup community and its position as the gateway to Latin America.

Many of the events — ending with Florida International University’s Americas Venture Capital Conference — are after Art Basel. That’s also why the third annual AVCC was moved to Dec. 13-14 from its previous mid-November dates.

“Our message is come for Art Basel, and stay for AVCC,” said Juan Pablo Cappello, a lawyer, entrepreneur and investor who is on the steering committee of the venture capital conference and several other Innovate MIA events. And all week, there will be plenty of opportunities for Miami’s entrepreneurs, creatives and investors to mingle with their counterparts from all over the Americas and beyond.

In addition to the AVCC, there’s Incubate Miami’s DemoDay, where its class of startups present their companies, the martial arts-inspired TekFight and HackDay, which dangles a $50,000 cash prize. Endeavor, the global nonprofit that promotes high-impact entrepreneurship in emerging economies, is bringing its two-day International Selection Panel to Miami, and Wayra, an international accelerator, is holding a one-day event to showcase its promising startups from Latin America and Spain. It’s all part of Innovate MIA week: “I don’t think anything like it has ever been organized here in South Florida,” Cappello said.

The AVCC will be the big draw, with about 300 people expected to attend the two-day event at the JW Marriott Brickell. The conference, themed “Data, Design & Dollars,” will feature thought leaders from all over the world, particularly Latin America, and presentations by 29 selected companies. This year, the format has been overhauled and energized, with lots of short talks and more time for question-and-answer sessions and networking, said Jerry Haar, associate dean of FIU’s College of Business, director of the Pino Global Entrepreneurship Center and AVCC co-chair.

The AVCC’s 36 speakers include Martin Varsavsky, Argentine tech entrepreneur, investor and founder of Viatel, Ya.com, Jazztel and FON; Hernan J. Kazah, co-founder and managing partner at Kaszek Ventures and co-founder of Mercadolibre; and Jason L. Baptiste, CEO and co-founder of Onswipe. There’s also Michael Jackson, former COO of Skype and now a venture capitalist; Albert Santalo, founder and CEO of Miami-based CareCloud; and Bedy Yang of 500 Startups.

Chosen from more than 100 applicants, the 29 presenting companies hailing from all over the Americas will be giving either two-minute or five-minute pitches, fielding questions from a panel of judges and competing for prize packages valued at about $50,000. Eight of the startups are from South Florida: itMD, Kairos, Trapezoid Digital Security, Esenem, LiveNinja, OnTrade, Rokk3r Labs and Zavee.

The presenting companies have “proven innovation, proven management teams and the ability to scale well and be a pan-regional player,” said Faquiry Diaz Cala, president of Tres Mares Group and co-chair of AVCC. “The word is out this is a great place to come and pitch to great investors in addition to potentially being one of the prize winners.”

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