Maria_Stephanos's Blog

So, today during our Fox 25 news at 5:00 Live Chat, Legend Killer called me out for not blogging.  WHich of course my bosses love :)  So here it is, and as requested it will be of a "light" nature.  I will ask you all the ridiculous questions, I ask my children incessantly.  I ask them because I've always asked too many questions and I also believes it gives me a nice little window into their beautiful minds.

Pizza or french fries? Mountains or the ocean? Breakfast for dinner or dinner for breakfast?  Day or night?  Swimming or running?  Sunrise or sunset?  Would you rather be a President or an athlete?  Baseball or basketball?  Ice cream or apple pie?  Talking or silence? 

Ok, there are a million more, but that should get you all going. Love to hear your answers or more suggestions for questions!

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I know it's a personal question. But there's only one reason why I'm asking it. We're working on a story about those teeth whitening kiosks at the mall. Have you ever been to one? Was it successful? We're curious to know about your experience. If you have or know somebody who has, just email us planning@myfoxboston.com. We'd love to hear from you!

And don't worry, I'll be blogging about meatier issues soon enough.

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Before you jump all over me, I will say up front, it was John Edwards taking down John Edwards.  He just had a little help from the National Enquirer.  Where to begin with this sordid story.  Take your pick:  The National Enquirer breaking a story that ends up on the front page of the New York Times.  The Networks/news stations refusing to cover the story using the National Enquirer as a source.  John Edwards cheating on his wife who was in remission from cancer.  John Edwards emphatically saying he did nothing of the sort.  John Edwards saying he'll take a paternity test to prove he is NOT the baby's father or the woman in the case who's saying she'll never let her baby take a paternity test. 

And should we even care. He's not a senator anymore.  He's not running for president.  He's a private citizen.  However, he is a big player (excuse the pun) in the Democratic Party, he did run for president, was on a vice presidential ticket and was very public with his wife's fight against cancer, not to mention the fact he was going to be front and center at the convention.  So I think given that, it's a story.  You say what?

BTW, check out fenwaydav's blog on this too…

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It's happening in Ohio. And I don't like it. I don't smoke, I hate smelling it, tasting it, but this is just wrong. A Children's Hospital has decided that starting in November the hospital won't hire anyone who tests positive for nicotine. This hospital banned smoking there two years ago. And now they are refusing to hire smokers. Listen, these people aren't smoking in the hospital. So, what's the problem? They can smoke in their private life. As long as they don't smoke on the job, I don't see the problem. A children's hospital spokesperson said the smoking ban promotes healthy living. If I have a nurse or a doctor who comes into my hospital room and can save my life, I don't CARE if they smoke in the privacy of theirs. Just don't do it in front of me. And you say what?

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Peeling it off in New York City and twisting and turning and stretching. What a visual. Yup, people are getting naked and doing Yoga. One woman said it was transformative. I bet. Just make sure you don't stand in the back of the room. I've got to tell you, standing in a room filled with naked people, bending over and stretching doesn't exactly sound relaxing, and isn't that what Yoga is supposed to be? So, what do you think, will this fly in Boston?

I have covered this story for almost 20 years now. If I had a dime for every time I did a story on the Big Dig, how much it will cost, how much it's going to put the screws to the taxpayers, I would be a very wealthy woman.

And now this. There are reports that interest payments on the price tag of the Big Dig will drive the final cost up. The state will pay $7 billion in interest over the next 30 years to bring the final price tag of this PIG to a whopping $22 million -- a far cry from just over $2 million in the early 80's. It makes me CRAZY! How did this happen?

And here's what gets me the most. State officials are considering raising the gas tax to help pay for the cost. No, do not punish us for the incompetence of this project. Enough is enough. And the pathetic part is, the big pig covered up the view of the city I loved to see. Now, we drive through dark, dirty, leaky tunnels. We can't even see the city! And now we have to pay for that? No, thank you.

Now, you tell me. Do you just gloss over this story now, are you immune to it or does it get your blood boiling like it does mine?

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Well, the internet will get you every time like an open microphone. Meet Boston firefighter Albert Arroyo.  If you don't know him, all you have to do, is Google his name and you'll see images of him competing a body building contest.  Here's the problem.  He's supposed to be out of work on disability, not pumping iron.

 

The 46 year old said he was suffering from a back injury after he fell on the job.  His doctor wrote him a note saying he should be granted accidental disability retirement because he is totally and permanently disabled.  I don't know about you, but I don't see much disability here.  And who is this doctor?  Maybe he did hurt his back, but DON'T get yourself photographed posing and posturing and looking extremely healthy when you claim, you're in such tough shape you can't even work.  Looks like your workouts are just fine.  Mr. Arroyo, put down the dumbbells and get back to work.  Or pick them up, and come clean.

Btw… missed yapping with you guys on the blogs.  I was on vacation and things got so busy but I'm back and would love to hear from you about this!

What a great time in Boston sports.  I am simply in awe of how many championships our teams keep bringing to the table.  It was a great night last night.  We stayed on the air until around 2 am bringing you the celebration.  But I will admit, when my head finally hit the pillow and I thought about the day, and the amazing win, I kept seeing the face of that little 6 month old baby who was shot.  Both stories had such a huge  impact on me.  The celebration and exhiliration of the win, and pure painful reality that a  6 month old was shot.  So while we celebrate and trust me I am!!! I also want to take a moment and pause and think about that little innocent little baby.  Just thought I would share.  
Maria

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I'm getting old. This confirms it. There's a new line of high-heeled shoes designed specifically for babies. For BABIES!  They're called Heelarious. Not funny. Trust me, I'm no prude. But this is crazy. The company says, "The shoes are obviously not for walking. The heel will collapse with weight. Heelarious stilettos are supposed to be worn in the crib."  Um. no. Baby, you wait until your old enough. How does 18 sound?  Why are we pushing our kids to grow up, starting in the crib? Let babies be babies.  And leave the high heel wearing to the adults. And if you could make them Stuart Weitzman's, that would be great!

 

Am I overreacting?

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It's hot. No, I'm not a meteorologist. I don't even play one on TV, but I can tell you that it's not too hot for kids to be out of school.  I'm sorry. I hate all this humidity and heat and I don't want anybody in danger, but there is no reason to shut down schools, even if those schools are not air conditioned.  I grew up without air conditioning, both in my school and in my house.  Trust me, I remember how awful it could be.  But please. Our kids won't melt. They'll be just fine.

I know there are plenty of you who don't agree with me... bring it on!

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What has happened to this world?  How could somebody hit this 78 year old elderly man in Ct.  and just keep on driving?  Never mind that. How could the people just stand there...simply stand there and do NOTHING?

Here's the video: http://www.myfoxboston.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?c
ontentId=6704056

In this business, we see a lot of horrible things, but this one really stands out.  The Chief of Police was quoted as saying we have no moral compass.  I don't agree.  I'll never agree with that, I've seen too much good.   But on that busy city street, the people who just stood there, have no soul, no compass and NO excuse.  Run to the man!!! Ask him if he needs help.  Call 911! Do something!!!! What is wrong with those people. I hate to judge. Make a habit of not doing it, but I'm judging today. 

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So I'm sitting here, pulling my hair out, trying to write a commencement speech for the graduating class at Pentucket Regional High School 2008.  Why me?  Because I ran across that stage back in 1984 and they were kind enough to have me speak. 

Here's the problem.  I usually wing it.  I'm a big winger and I have some good lines, but here's where you guys come in.  Tell me a line you remember from your graduation or a line that has lingered with you all these years.  And full disclosure:  I'm going use it during my speech.  Oh, I'll give you the credit, but I'm trying to beef this thing up, and I think you can all help. 

Thanks in advance,

Maria

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For so many years, she has sat in the interview chair, grilling Presidents, Heads of state, Movie stars. And Thursday, it was Barbara Walters turn to be interviewed. That's what happens when you write a book. Her book: Audition "my memoir". It was controversial when it first came out, detailing her affairs, especially with a former senator from Massachusetts, Edward Brooke. Her "people" told us she didn't want to talk about that, but I went there. I knew that Barbara would have done the same thing! Here are some of my impressions: She was elegant and very petite. She was incredibly gracious, shaking hands with my photographers and my producer, Jack, and signed his book. After reading her book, I wondered why she got so personal. I liked her answer. Let me know what you think!

Maria

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I would like to share some very private writings with you. After I had the opportunity to sit down with Senator Kennedy in his Hyannisport home, I came back and started writing my personal thoughts and reaction to interviewing the Senator. Yes, I have interviewed President's, Movie stars, and Athletes, but this was a Kennedy inside the Kennedy compound. Of course, I grew up here and my family had very strong opinions about the Kennedy's. Both good and bad. I embraced the opportunity to go inside that compound, steeped in history and memories of this powerful family. I will only share a a portion now, let me know what you think:

"Finally drove past the signs.. that say stay out.. we pulled around.. and it took my breath away... the water was so blue.. the house was so white.. and there was Vicki standing on the porch... just chatting.. and mike Barnicle.. I walked in... and was hit with a musty smell... and I was instantly overtaken... by the history that surrounded me... Everything in there.. meant something. eveyrthing in there was history. Pcitures of his family.. jack joe dad rose... caroline kennedy with her daughter so beautiful...

"He is flawed. We all are... but he's also the person who has picked up the phone... and personally called... every victim of September 11th. He looked at pictures of Jack and Joe his brothers.. and tears filled his eyes... that has impact. I tried to imagine.. the family there.. talking politics.. talking issues... incredible... he told me about the painting that hangs in the dining room.. and was frustrated with the way a house came out... so he painted over it with trees!!! He was very proud of his paintings.. but told me his legacy will be his family.. not the 44 years in Senate.. but his family. his children. his grandchildren."

I wish you well, Senator, and am thinking of you on this day.

Maria

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Word on this sunny Saturday that Senator Ted Kennedy has suffered two seizures and is at Mass General Hospital right now. I have had the opportunity to interview Senator Kennedy many many times and was invited to speak with him at the family compound in Hyannisport (click here to watch).

A few reflections on my interview with the Senator in the compound. I saw a side of him, rarely seen. A man who wanted to talk about his brothers, the power and the charisma of his mother and someone who loved to paint. He showed me his favorite paintings and admitted his brother Jack was always the better painter. He talked about the football games that the Kennedy family would play out on the lawn and the battles they would have talking politics at dinner.

It is no secret that the Senator has his share of ardent supporters and fierce critics. And he knows it, yet he continues to work tirelessly for the people of Massachusetts. I certainly don't always agree with his policies, but on this day, he is in my thoughts and prayers.