Media Alert: On the Air with FOX 25 Morning News

Tomorrow morning I will once again be on the FOX 25 Morning News. At approximately 8:50AM I will be discussing with Political Personality ‘VB’ Goudie the recent U.S. District Court ruling made by Judge Mark Wolf in Kosilek v. Spencer mandating the Department of Corrections to provide gender-reassignment surgery to convicted killer Michelle Kosilek.

Please tune in tomorrow morning to watch our discussion.

Media Alert: Tonight’s Media Appearances

Earlier today I was interview by Channel 5 Reporter Amalia Barreda regarding a letter I sent today with 49 other legislators urging the Department of Corrections to file an appeal to the recent decision by the U.S. District Court in the case of Kosilek v. Spencer. In Tuesday’s decision U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf ruled in favor of Michelle Kosilek, a convicted murderer serving a life sentence without parole, mandating the Department of Corrections to provide gender-reassignment surgery to the convicted murderer.

To read the letter that was sent to Commissioner Spencer click here. Please tune in beginning tonight at 5:00PM to see today’s interview.

In addition to Channel 5’s appearance, I will also be discussing the same issue during FOX 25’s nightly news broadcast. To watch tonight’s interview please tune in at approximately 6:15PM.

Also airing throughout the evening on WBZ Radio 1030AM is a report that I am featured in by Suzanne Sausville regarding the court’s decision.

Get Out and Vote!

Today is Primary Day in Massachusetts, with several contested races taking place for seats in the Massachusetts Legislature, Congress, Governors Council and various county offices. Polls are open across the state until 8 p.m., so if you haven’t done so already, please be sure to exercise your Constitutional right to cast a ballot for the candidates of your choice. If you’re not sure where to vote, please click here to find your polling place, along with the names of the candidates appearing on the Democratic, Republican and Green-Rainbow ballots.

Media Alert: On the Air with UPN 38 and WBZ-TV

Look for me during tonight’s UPN 38’s newscast at 10:00pm and WBZ-TV’s newscast at 11:00pm, where I will be discussing my reaction to the U.S. District Court’s decision mandating a taxpayer funded gender reassignment surgery for convicted murderer Michelle Kosilek.

A Compelling Editorial

Today the Boston Herald highlighted in an editorial the need for stricter marijuana enforcement laws on our minors because of the inherent dangers of cannabis’ effects on a developing brain. The newspaper cited a recent study by New Zealand’s University of Otaga and Duke University faculty members that found that teens who smoke marijuana frequently suffer a long term drop in their IQ.

The study commenced in the early 1970’s and followed the births of 1,037 New Zealanders who were born in either 1972 or 1973. Researchers tested their intelligence periodically beginning at the age of 13, and concluded that on average the intelligence of users of marijuana decreased proportionally with the amount of marijuana consumed as a minor. The study was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The PNAS is a peer-reviewed association, and an abstract of the study can be viewed by clicking here.

A bill I filed this legislative session would address this very issue by utilizing a progressive punishment system that incorporates diversion programs and pretrial probation. Should a minor ultimately receive a conviction, the penalty would be a misdemeanor, and mimics that of minor possession of alcohol: a fine and loss of license. It is unlikely to pass before the end of this legislative session; however, I will be filing it again once the new session commences.

Please click here to read today’s editorial by the Boston Herald.

Media Alert: On the Air with NECN's 'Broadside' Tonight at 8 p.m.

I will be joining host Jim Braude as a guest on tonight's episode of "Broadside" on New England Cable News, which is broadcasting live from the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.  Please tune in to NECN tonight at 8 p.m. to watch our timely discussion of the 2012 Presidential election. 

Keeping Safe During the Mosquito Season

Late last week a positive test of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse was found in Georgetown, which prompted the town’s threat level to be raised to critical and nearby communities to be elevated to high (Boxford, Groveland, Newbury, Rowley, and West Newbury). It has been recommended by the Department of Public Health that outdoor events should conclude by dusk for the remainder of the mosquito season.

Due to the height of mosquito season being upon us, it is extremely important to take measures in protecting yourself and your family from mosquito borne illnesses like EEE and the West Nile Virus (WNV). Here are some measures you can take to lower your risk of being bit by an infected mosquito:

Avoid Mosquito Bites

• Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

• Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.

• Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

• Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.

• Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.

For more information concerning the positive results of WNV and EEE please click here. Posted below are two fact sheets on WNV and EEE, and a mosquito risk map provided by the Department of Public Health. Eastern Equine Encephalitis West Nile Virus Fact Sheet