Kim_Carrigan's Blog

Have you heard about the legislation passing through the House and Senate on Beacon Hill? 

If passed, it would make all future bills "gender generic".  In other words, all references would be:  he/she or his/her.  

The bill came about after a woman legislator was reading a bill about  the nursing profession.  In the copy there was a reference to "he".  The lawmaker was shocked and outraged saying the nursing profession is made up primarily of women.

As a woman, I have to say, these kinds of things make me so angry.  I am a woman who has worked hard in the business world to be treated fair and equal to my male counterparts. 

 In the working world, I believe women should be treated like our male counterparts,  good or bad.  However, when women fight for things like "gender generic" language in copy, I think it makes the rest of us look bad. 

 A pronoun reference in a law, as long as it doesn't change the meaning of the law, does not take away from me as a woman or my worth as a citizen.  If women in power want to fight for something important, fight for equal pay.   Fight for equal hiring practices.  Fight for the things that mean something to all women and make a difference in our lives not these silly issues that make us all look like we are picking a fight.

  We're in the heart of vacation season.  Either you'e travelling and visiting family and friends or they are coming to visit you.  When it comes to staying in someoes home, what is proper ettiquette?  Should you ask for a special meal?  What if you are an early riser and your host likes to sleep in?  Send us your question.  Our ettiquette expert will be in studio Thursday to answer your questions.

 

 

 

I want to ask you a question: why do women feel they must stand by their man even when he is behaving badly?

Yesterday, State Senator Joseph Marzilli was in court.  He's accused of accosting four women in Lowell.   During court proceedings the women told of their alleged experiences.  One woman, a 60-year old, said the Senator asked her if she was wearing undergarments?  Are you kidding me?

Through all of this ordeal, Marzilli's wife, Susan Shaer, continues to hold his hand and be photographed with him.  She continues to stand by her man.    I understand if she loves him and believes he is ill and needs help, but does she really have to be seen at his side all the time.   I know this must be very hard for her.  Wouldn't it be easier if she stayed away from the media glare?  Couldn't she support him from a not-so-visible place...wouldn't that make it easier on her?  Afterall, she didn't bring this on to the family...he did.

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

There is a story up on the North Shore I can't get out of my head.  An 8-year old autistic boy with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.  He was diagnosed a few yeas ago...and after some treatment went into remission.  At the time, doctors gave the child an 85-to-90 percent chance of recovery...as long as he continued his treatment.

 According to police and DSS, "Continue treatment" must have been the portion of the doctors' orders that his mother didn't quite understand.  The little boy's cancer is back and worse than ever.  Doctors now say his mother neglected to have him treated properly.  Records show he missed several chemo treatments and that his mother was not givng him his medicine.  The child is now on the verge of death..with only a 10-percent chance of survival.

The mother in this case is charged with child endangerment. And the very sick little boy is now in the care of his father.  The parents are divorced. 

What in the world would ever keep a mother from getting her child the life saving treatment that he needs?   Apparenlty it isn't  a financial issue.  The child has insurance coverage.  It isn't the mother's lack of knowledge about her son's condition.  Lawyers say she is very involved in his medical treatment.  And judging by his father's  comments, it's not that there is a lack of love for the little guy.  

I'm baffled!!!!!  As a mother, I would do whatever it takes to make sure my kids received life saving medical treatment if they needed it.  I think I'm not alone in that mindset.  What could possible have kept this woman from making sure her son was taken care of?   We may never know.  This I do know, I feel very sad each time I think of the situation.  I'm sad for the child, sad for the people who love him and sad for the woman who doesn't know enough about love to take care of her kids.   

 

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

There's a Funeral Director in Lawrence facing some serious charges...and I'm happy about it. A grieving family comes in to make arrangements to burry their young son. The child was hit by a car while riding his bike. The Diaz Funeral Home quotes the family a price of 15-hundred dollars. Until they find out there is life insurance. Then the price becomes 11-thousand dollars. Mr. Diaz is now facing larceny and insurance fraud charges.

Why is it that Funeral Directors believe they are entitled to any and all insurance that exists? Just because a person has a life insurance policy doesn't mean they want all the money spent on a funeral.

A few years ago, my Grandpa died. When my Dad and I went to make the funeral arrangements, the first question we were asked was " Did Mr. Triplett have life insurance?" My Dad immediately said yes but that we didn't know the total amount. He told the person we were working with that we would be making our decisions based on need not the value of the policy. Might I suggest to everyone out there, never reveal the amount of a loved ones life insurance policy. You most likely will find the funeral you're planning will automatically cost the same as the policy's value.

I don't know about you, but I always look forward to one of my favorit summer holidays...".Tax Free Weekend".   For the last few years, the state has celebrated a tax free holiday, which allowed consumers to buy a certain amount of merchandise without paying state taxes.

This year, the powers that be on Beacon Hill are saying there will be no "Tax Free" holiday because the state can't afford it in these bad economic times.   What about the merchants?   Tough times are keeping shoppers away from the malls and big box stores.   The results are not good for retailers.  Why not go ahead with the "holiday" and spur on some spending?   Maybe the state will miss out on the revenue, but what about the benefit felt by the stores themselves?

Hello Fellow Bloggers

Do you have questions concerning wedding etiquette during this wedding season?

How much should you spend on a gift? What if the destination wedding is too expensive for you?

Send me your questions and our etiquette expert will answer them next Tuesday during our "Wedding Week" on the Fox 25 Morning News!

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

We finally got word today about Senator Kennedy's cancer treatment.   He will be undergoing surgery this morning (Monday) at Duke University.  After a week or so, he will begin radiation and chemo treatments at Mass. General Hospital. 

I know these must be very difficult times for the Senator and his family.  Like so many of you, I'm thinking about him and his family today and hoping the results are positive.    

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

Have you heard what is happening at Gloucester High School?  It's been reported that 17 girls are pregnant.  That's up from four in the average school year. 

Four in the average year???!!!!  Are you kidding me?  This is 2008, why are little girls getting pregnant?  We all know how it happens... and we all know that parents should be involved... but lets say they aren't.  Don't kids have enough education to know how to avoid getting pregnant?  Apparently not!

In Gloucester, school health officials had suggested confidentially giving out birth control pills.  That idea was met with resistance by the hospital that administers the money for this kind of thing.  Actually, I don't think that's the answer anyway.  I don't want someone giving my daughter a prescription without me knowing.

But how about some education for these kids and their parents.  How about mandatory sessions for all kids and parents to talk about sex and pregnancy.  Maybe this would force parents to talk to their kids.  Maybe this would force parents to take more responsiblity.

I know this is a tough subject for lots of people to deal with, but when your daughter comes home pregnant at 16... it's a lot tougher subject then.

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

Let me just begin by saying, like all of you, my thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family. I believe that he is a fighter and I know he will fight to overcome his health issues. I also want to add, that I'm writing this with all politics put aside.

During my 14 years in broadcasting here in Boston, I have had the great pleasure of working with Senator Kennedy on many occasions. Each time, he has been nothing but a gentlemen who is upbeat and always interested in others.

A few years ago, I was invited down to the Kennedy compound in Hyannis to spend the day and interview the Senator and his wife Vicki. Turned out, I had the first camera inside the house since the 1970's. The beautiful ocean front mansion was home to the Senators' mother, Rose Kennedy, therefore, cameras were not welcome for a long time.

My memories from that day are still vivid. I've been blessed with many amazing opportunities during the course of my career...this one is right on top.

I remember the Senator flying a kite with his grandchildren. We walked on the beach and chatted. We had lunch...and the Senator told me about the many historical aspects of the home and its content. I actually sat in a rocking chair that was once a favorite of President Kennedy.

I learned that day, that both the Senator and Vicki are gracious and kind. I also learned they are very much in love and seem to be best friends. Thank goodness for that, the Senator will need a best friend as he fights this disease.

After the piece aired the Senator sent me a personal, hand written note thanking me for the story. He included comments from his sisters who had watched it with him. It is something I will always treasure.

A short time later, I was in Washington D-C on another story. While there, the Senator invited me into his office. What a place. Full of US history and family memories. That office is a special place.

Charity events, news conferences and every on the campaign trail, the same Senator Kennedy always shows up. Friendly, welcoming and professional.

Good luck Senator!!!!!

Ever go out with a group of friends for dinner, and someone has to leave before the check arrives?  What do you do? Ask for money? Pick up the check?

Well next week a manners expert will be joining us on the FOX25 Morning News (Tuesday May 27) and we're going to have her answer your questions. So post your questions below and stay tuned.

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

Have you heard the story about the young, pregnant mother in Roxbury who ran out into the middle of a busy intersection to save her 2-year old daughter. The toddler got away from the woman and darted out into the street right into the path of an oncoming bus.

When the incident was over, both the mother and daughter were hit by the bus. Both in serious condition but expected to recover.

Eyewitnesses say the mother never hesitated when she realized the child was in danger.

As a mother of two, I have done many things for my kids I have never or would never do for someone else. But, thank goodness, I have never been in a situation like this poor mother was. I have always said, I would step in front of a train for one of my kids...and I believe I would. This brave, loving, dedicated mother did just that! She stepped in front of a bus to save that little girl!

I hope and pray that all three (the woman is pregnant) are safe and well. I also hope that someday that little girl realizes just how much her mommy loves her...She proved it this week!

Good Morning Fellow Bloggers,

Wow what a morning we had in West Roxbury. Lots of nice residents came out to see Gene, VB, Cindy and me. Boston EMS set up a table and chatted with folks all morning.

It was a lot of fun to see how many young people came out to visit. Apparently some of the teachers at the local schools told the kids they could be late if they had a note from one of us on the crew. Very cute!!!

The food was great!!! The shops were awesome!!!! But the fans and the community spirit was the best part.

Thanks West Roxbury for all the fun...Next week, we are off to Essex! See you there.

 

 

 

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

Have you been following the Sheila LaBarre case out of New Hampshire? This woman has admitted to killing two young men who were her lovers. She is also claiming insanity.

Today, the jury is taking a field trip to her farm where she killed the men. A couple of weeks ago, some toes were found on the property...they don't belong to either of the victims.

Let me ask you this...do we really need this big trial to prove she is crazy? The jurors will have to hear all the terrible details and the court will have to be jammed with this case for a few weeks. I'm all for due process, but in a case like this...can't a judge make the call? Can't we save everyone the trouble? What do you think?

Hello Fellow Bloggers,

According to pulished reports, the new Natick Collection is collecting dust!

The upscale mall is having some big problems. For those of you who aren't sure what I'm talking about, you remember the Natick Mall? Well a developer got the idea to remodel the mall..updating the existing facility and expanding into a new wing with all high-end stores. The anchor store being Nieman Marcus.

Full disclosure here, I have never been to the Natick Collection. But I live on the Northshore and I didn't shop at the Natick Mall. But, by all accounts, the new Collection sounds like it's great. Beautiful atmosphere. Great shops. A charge for parking....WHAT? Oh yeah, they charge for parking...in Natick.

In my estimation, that's just one of the issues facing this shopping center. I don't know about you, but I don't think of high-end shopping in a local mall. Call it what you will, the Natick Collection is still the Natick Mall to anyone who shops there on a regular basis.

If you do any high-end shopping...I believe you do it in Boston. Say you make one trip a year to Copley Place. If you're like me, you know you'll pay to park. You get a little more dressed up than when you run to the local mall. You spend the day and have lunch. And you come home with an idea of the newest trends..and maybe a few special finds.

Somehow, that's just not the kind of shopping day you expect or have when you head to the local mall.

I hope I'm wrong...I don't like to see big projects like the Natick Collection fall flat...but I'm predicting they make it through one holiday season and that's it. Then they can turn that side of the building into a discount center.