http://www.630wpro.com/blog.asp?id=18886 Update your blog here. Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:33:32 GMT Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:33:32 GMT MediaSpan Online Site Administrator en-us Areg CM http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/xml/library/x-rss20/ SUPER  GAMEI was more than happy my prediction of 38-24 Colts was wrong. There's nothing I like more than seeing Payton Manning (or ANY New York team) choke. Dree Brews had an amazing game from the 2nd quarter forward and should be getting all the props this morning but more folks seem to be focused on Manning coughing up that interception-TD. Manning certainly has the stats to waltz into the NFL Hall of Fame as soon as he's eligible but should he be mentioned in the same breath with Joe Montana? Manning is 9-9, .500, in the playoffsRANDY  MOSS   MOMENTIndy wide receiver Reggie Wayne seemed to give up when Manning's pass intended for him was picked off by Tracy Porter  who returned it 74-yards for the crushing TD with 3:12 to play. Wayne made a halfhearted swipe at Porter and Manning, the only guy who had a chance to stop Porter, seemed to just give upTHE  COMMERCIALSMost folks I spoke with today (the proverbial water cooler conversation) think this year's crop sucked. CBS promos were extremely creative with the big winner a :15 second promo for the Late Night With David Letterman featuring Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey watching the game. The best commercial was for Snickers featuring Betty White and Abe Vigoda getting tackled in the mud in a pick up football gameTHE   ENTERTAINMENTOh, good god, where to start. The earliest act I caught was Steve Winwood who had been banished to the parking lot butchering "Higher Love". I thought Queen Latifah did a nice job with "America the Beautiful" despite clearly having problems with her earpiece. Carrie underwood had a few dogs howling with several notes of the National Anthem but cut anyone performing that torturous tune some slack. It's glottal be one of the most difficult pieces of music to sing. Now, the WHO. It's dog track time. People shouldn't be doing the windmill when they're pushing 70. The question is, what rock icons are left? The Stones, McCartney, Prince, U-2, Petty, Sting and Springsteen have all performed in years past. Look at it this way, have a peek at some halftimes of past Superbowls.... http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1690729&spid=18886 Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:33:32 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1690729&spid=18886 SCARY  NUMBERSA  WPRI-Ch 12 poll  released yesterday says there's a real throw the incumbents out attitude growing in RI. Among the delegation, Jim Langevin has the lowest negative at 40%. Jack Reed's negative stands at 41% which is extremely high for him. If Seldom Righthouse were up for re-election he'd be sweating like Mike Tyson at a spelling bee with an overall negative of 57%, 42% among Democrats. Now we come to Patrick Kennedy, who IS up for re-election in November. Kennedy's overall negative is a whopping 62% including 56% among his district's voters and 72% among independants. Camelot ain't cracking, it's crumbling. Kennedy's gonna have to hand out alot of donuts at the hi-rises to counter those numbers. Kennedy's idiotic move of taking on the Roman Catholic church certainly contributed to these hideous poll numbers and alot of the nanas in those high rises say their rosaries every nite. Today Kennedy called Scott Brown's campaign "a joke". We'll see who is laughing on a certain Wednesday morning in November. He's dead, JimBLOOD  IN  THE  WATERWoonsocket Rep Jon Brien (our in studio guest Tuesday at 11) is thinking seriously of taking on Kennedy in a Democratic primary. Yesterday Republican John Loughlin (our noon guest today/or catch a podcast later on 630wpro.com) formally announced his candidacy vowing to raise a million bucks to run against Patrick (he'll need every penny of that and more). A Democratic primary is interesting because turn out is traditionally low and anything can happen. Factor in Kennedy's 56% negative among his district's voters to a low turnout and things get mighty interesting. Brien's biggest uphill battle is a 61% approval Kennedy has with voting Democrats. Brien would have to concentrate hardest on those disgruntled Independants as Scott Brown did. 50% of RI's registered voters are Independant, same as MassachusettsDANCING  FOOLI have begun lessons for my participation in the DANCING  WITH  THE  STARS  OF MENTORING, the largest annual fundraiser for RI  MENTORING  PARTNERSHIP. The event's April 29th at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet and I'll be doing the quickstep. You can help me generate $ for a great cause by logging on to www.firstgiving.com/ronzo. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1687965&spid=18886 Fri, 05 Feb 2010 13:54:43 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1687965&spid=18886 ALFRED  E  NEWMAN  MOMENTPatrick Kennedy says Scott Brown's victory in Massachusetts is "way overblown." Kennedy blames it all on Martha (at least he got her name right this time) Coakley being a crappy candidate. Kennedy suggested Brown's 4-point margin of victory should have been wider. What me worry? Republican John Loughlin formally announces his challenge to Kennedy's seat todayBARRINGTON  BRATRyan Greenberg, the Barrington teen whose reckless boating led to his friend's death, is asking the court to reduce his sentence by crediting him for time served on home confinement before admitting to his role in the death. Greenberg was driving the boat that hit and killed his buddy in July of 2007 during a day spent with friends drinking ( underage). Greenberg was sentenced to 10-years in prison, with 2 1/2 to serve in minimum security and 2 1/2 home confinement. 2 1/2 years for getting cocked and taking a human life....and he wants a break? He already skated WHEN  IT  RAINS  IT  POURSAnother bomb was dropped on Toyota as questions are being raised about braking problems on the Prius hybrid. Add that to the fact  millions of 8-of the automaker's top selling models are being recalled because of accelerator problemsA  CUT  FOR  KATIE?The NY Post says Katie Couric could be looking at a massive pay cut when her contract to anchor the CBS Evening News comes to an end in a year. CBS laid off 150-workers last week which included, for the first time, staffer at 60-Minutes. The network pays Couric 15-million annually. I believe we can all call the network's decision to succeed Dan Rather with Couric is a legitimate Led Zeppelin. 15-million annually for a distant 3rd place finish wasn't exactly what the Big Eye intended. CBS grand fromage Les Moonvees isn't confirming a salary cut for Couric...nor is he confirming she'll even be around when her deal ends. NBC's Jay Leno at 10 decision was a disaster but CBS' decision to put a lightweight like Couric in the anchor chair was worseFIRST  TO  WORSTYesterday I blogged that Sandra Bullock could win an Oscar for Best Actress and a Razzie for worst actress. Today, it's George Clooney whose Oscar nod joy is knocked down a peg. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1686180&spid=18886 Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:08:30 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1686180&spid=18886 FIGHTING  WORDSGovernor Carcieri unveiled his budget proposal yesterday and, as expected, it's loaded with cuts in aid to cities and towns. Also as expected, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were critical.Remember, it's an election year for these 113-lawmakers and the last thing they want to see if city and state aid drying up while they're trying to drum up votes. House Finance Chairman Steven Constantino ripped the Governor for lack of creativity and was dismissive of his presentation. The Governor called Constanino's criticism a "hissy fit." CAPRIO  TO  THE  GOP?The former campaign manager for Steve Laffey, John Dodenhoff told WPRO'S Dan Yorke that gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio is considering switching parties and running as a Republican. Fellow Democratic candidate for Gov, Patrick Lynch jumped all over it. Is there anything behind Dodenhoff's claim? All I can say is Caprio's silence on Dodenhoff's claims speak volumes. How's the sound as a possibility....Caprio runs as a Republican, avoids a bloody and costly primary against Lynch and gets the Laffey folks behind him while Laffey pursues Caprio's old gig as General Treasurer...hmmmmmONE  GUN  SALUTENew York Jets head coach Rex Ryan was fined 50-grand by the team for chucking the bird at Dolphins fans while attending a mixed martial arts event last weekend in Florida. He'll likely get whacked by the league too. Let's see, in the NFL it's ok to kill dogs but you can't flip the bone to Dolphin fans. Is that about it?GLASS  HALF  FULLSandra  Bullock  has a chance to be named best AND worst actress of the year. She's nominated for an Oscar for her role in "The Blind Side" and for a worst actress Razzie for "All About Steve"ROLL  THOSE  BONESWhat's Prez Obama got against Las Vegas? Obama's catching more heat from Nevada lawmakers and biz leaders over his comments criticizing trips to Sin City. It was the second time he threw Vegas under the bus in a year. Speaking in NH Tuesday, he discussed the need to curb spending in tough times saying "You don't blow a bunch of cash in Vegas when you're trying to save for college. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1684643&spid=18886 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:15:58 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1684643&spid=18886 PAMPHLET  PILING  ONThe Journal ran an editorial (they never tell us who writes those things) ripping Buddy the C big time this morning. "Buddy Redux" was clearly inspired by rumors Buddy is considering a run against  Congressman Patrick Kennedy or, more to the Journal's concern, against David Cicillini. The Journal's a great protector of the Chichi Administration (in fact, they're trying to sell the city of Providence their building) and would love to put a little gum on Buddy's guccis in the event Hiz Honah's serious about a run for officeGOVERNOR'S  BUDGETComes out at 3pm today and he's trying to cut spending big time including efforts to cut public-employee pensions costs and propose scores of cuts both big and small in aide to cities and towns. There's no money, honey. The Governor joins us Wednesday mornings at 11:35SUPER  SELL  OUTCBS  says the Super Bowl is a sell out with ads averaging 3-million dollars per :30 which is slightly up from last year. Yesterday CBS rejected a commercial for "Dante's Inferno", an electronic arts game, because the term "go to hell" is used. Dante's Inferno agreed to changed the copy to read "hell awaits". MadnessOSCAR  NODSThis year's best picture field has grown to 10-in total. Among them, James Cameron's box office bonanza Avatar. History shows the Academy is drawn to the more artsy-fartsy fare but occasionally will give in  and vote for the fan favorite  http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1683158&spid=18886 Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:23:08 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1683158&spid=18886 GALLOPING   AWAYThe latest Gallup poll, taken after the President's State of the Union address, shows Prez Obama's Job Approval at 48% thumbs up, 46% thumbs down. That's flat, folks. Whatever Obama's message was (I'm still trying to figure THAT out) it certainly didn't give him any bump in the poll. It did, however, give SNL excellent grist for its opening sketch this weekend during which Fred Amison, as the President, threw Martha Coakley under the bus. The show used b-roll video from the actual address and one shot showed Sheldon Whitehouse taking in the speechSUPERBOWL  FRITATTACBS rejected an ad from a gay dating website looking to advertise in this weekend's SuperBowl but the network is still taking heat for accepting a pro-life as featuring Florida quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. The commercial tells the story of  Tebow's risky  birth 22-years ago....an ad that critics suggest could lead to anti-abortion violence. Consider the fact those critical of the ad haven't even seen it. Talk about a rush to judgement. Is this the best way for Focus on the Family, which is bankrolling the 3-million dollar slot, to get its message out jammed between frogs drinking beer and horses breaking wind? Who knows....I just know they're getting a TON of attention and the spot hasn't aired once, so maybe, mission accomplishedYOU  DIDN'T  ASK  FOR IT, BUT  YOU GOT  ITToyota released its fix today for sticking gas pedals on millions of re-called cars. Toyota CEO Jim Lentz announced the replacement part, a precision cut steel reinforcement bar, is being shipped to dealers who will contact car owners by mail to arrange installation. A steel bar? Who came up with this one Gomer and Goober at Wally's Filling Station? What a nitemare for Toyota. Lentz was on morning network TV looking like a guy watching his stock options turn to vaporI  CRINGEDWhen I saw Eric Clapton doing a T-Mobil tv ad. I guess nothing's sacred anymorePETA  NOT  HIGH  ON  THE  HOGAnimal rites group Peta wants organizers of tomorrow's Groundhog Day Festival to replace Punxsutawney Phil with a robotic stand in. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1681443&spid=18886 Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:48:37 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1681443&spid=18886 HIGHEST  COURT'S  OWED  AN  APOLOGYPresident Barak Obama dressing down the Supreme Court for relaxing campaign contribution laws during his State of the Union speech was demeaning. Even worse, Obama wasn't correct when he suggested "foreign interests" can infuse $ into Presidential and Congressional election campaigns. The members of the Supreme Court were within arms distance of the President and had to sit there while Obama's sycophants such as Charlie Schumer and TImothy Geitner stood and cheered hanging over the humilated  judges and breathing down their necks. The digust on Judge Alito's face and the fact he shook his head and mouthed "not true" said it all. I'm sure Alito's fellow Supreme Court Justices were equally as offended by Obama's ignorance but held their tongues and body English out of respect for the office of the President. Obama, by the way, taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago. What a lightweight. One and done's looking a likely betMODERATE   PARTY  AND  THE  BIG  MORI' s Moderate Party seemed to loose steam when Party Chief  Ken Block got into a minor jackpot over a campaign contribution violation. Although it wasn't a full fledged fritatta, it was enough to slap a little "gum on their shoe" which slowed down their momentum. Today, however, Exec Director Chris Hunsinger joined us to say the party will announce it's candidate for Governor and another general office February 21st at 2pm at  Everyman Bistro in Providence. Let's go to the tote board: Caprio, Lynch, Roitaille, Chafee, Mystery Moderate Meat, and possibly Steve Laffey. It's gonna be a crowded fieldTHOUGHTS  ON   LAFFEYLaffey's not helping himself by letting too much time go by before making a finite decision about running for Governor. Is the door firmly closed on not? Buddy thinks he's indecisive and is too polarizing to get his agenda accomplished. I don't think Laffey's indecisive, I think he's calculating and very smart. Is he polarizing? He certainly can be. I like Laffey's power point presentation on how to cure the state's financial woes but to execute it requires lots and lots of negotiating. Can he do that unless the General Assembly is completely overhauled? http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1679025&spid=18886 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 15:02:55 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1679025&spid=18886 TEPID  STATE  OF  THE  UNIONPresident Obama's State of the Union address last nite wasn't exactly a Knute Rockne moment. No memorable phrases, no signature proposals, do deadlines. Sarah Palin commented on Fox News it was more of a lecture than an address. Hard for me to admit, but I agree with the Klondike Cutie on this one. The country needs FDR type leadership at this point and that may be too much to ask of Obama a week after Massachusetts voters landed a haymaker on his agenda. I think Obama had to use last nite to hit the re-set button with the American people in hopes of convincing them that he can fulfill his campaign promises. LECTURING  THE  SUPREME  COURTCue up Steve Kass' hit tune you made a boo-boo for the President. When he accused the Supreme Court of opening the floodgates "for special interests including foreign corporations to spend without limits on elections" he was dead wrong. Agree or disagree with the Supreme Court's decision that will release a torrent of corporate and union cash to funnel into Presidential and Congressional elections, the court was extremely careful to keep foreign corporations OUT. Judge Alito wasn't too pleased and shook his head mouthing "you're wrong" at ObamaSEATING  ARRANGEMENTSCan we change the seating plan at this gig? Watching Nancy Pelosi and Joe Biden bounce up and down behind the President is down right annoyingPAGING  DORIAN  GRAYYou get a real understanding of the stress Presidents experience by comparing photos of when they first took the oath of office to when they exited office. Perhaps one of the most haggard looking after just 4-years was Jimmy Carter. Check out Obama after just one yearPILING  ONNow GOP A-G candidate Erik Walin's calling for the appointment of a special prosecutor or for the U-S Attorney to investigate alleged corruption in the office of CF Mayor Charles Moreau which was 1st reported on WPRO's Hummel Report. Yesterday the RI GOP filed an ethics complaint against Moreau and ripped AG Patrick Lynch, who is a friend and supporter of Moreau, for not spearheading an investigation into the reported corruptionD-I-V-O-R-C-EHere's a shocker.....John and Elizaberth have filed for divorce. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1677450&spid=18886 Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:41:08 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1677450&spid=18886 STATE  OF  THE  STATE Governor Carcieri gave his 8th and final state of the state address last nite before a crowd that sat on its hands thru most of it. I'm a big Don Carceiri fan. I think he's a good man who really cares about this state and its people BUT his speech was 37-minutes of familiar themes with few specifics. I guess the specifics come next week when he releases his budget. It's tough to be optimistic and present a fired up speech in such dire timesSTATE  OF  THE UNION  TONITE9pm on WPRO and 99-7FM and President Obama's gotta feel as though the sky is falling. Scott Brown's historic win in Massachusetts set Obama's agenda to square one and Obama's approval numbers are in free fall. Real Clear Politics Polling Average (of Wall Street/NBC, Gallup, Rasmussen, CNN and CBS News) shows his approval ratings at 48.8 with a disapproval rating of 46.2. Not good. Obama's not the Lone Ranger in terms of Presidents facing similar economic hurdles in their first terms. President Regan in 1982 and President Clinton in 1994 aimed to ease the nation's worries about tough economic times. Obama's expected to appeal to centrist voters concerned about government spending (you know, the ones he ignored until the Massachusetts wake up call). He's got to make the American people know he feels their pain. Presidential historian Douglas Brinkly says Obama must use "Reaganesque language about smashing al Qaeda." I'm sure Obama will respond as he usually does to emergencies: with a speech. Question is, will the newly doubtful masses buy in?SIGN  OF  THE  TIMES A public policy  polling  nationwide survey show Fox News is the most trusted television news network in the country. Think the numbers for the "George W" news network would have been this strong a year ago? Not likely. There's definite a wave of disappointment and mistrust now with all things Obama and that includes the Obama network, MSNBCMY   REGARDS  TO  HOP  SINGPernell Roberts rode to the Ponderosa in the sky at age 81. Roberts played Ben Cartwright's oldest son, Adam, and reportedly hated every second of his 6-seasons on the show (he left in 1965 over a contract dispute) Bonanza ran on NBC from 1959-1973. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1675980&spid=18886 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:36:49 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1675980&spid=18886 OUT  OF  SIGHT.....OUT OF MINDWord is the U-S government's moving to deport Luis Mendonca, the victim of "alleged" Providence police brutality caught on video and widely broadcast on local TV. ICE had filed an immigration detainer with the state to ensure Mendonca would be held in custody, at least temporarily, while it challenges his residency status. Mendonca has been living in the U-S legally but the government has been actively deporting foreign nationals who have committed crimes. Mendoza's been nailed twice for shoplifting and was convicted on simple assault on RISD police officers in connection with the incident triggering the brutality investigations be feds and state officials. I thought Providence was a sanctuary city? Oh, I guess that only applies to individuals Providence cops DON'T beat the snot out of ON VIDEO. If this guy's sent packing it's Christmas comes early for Dean EssermanHIS  CUP  OF  TEAThe RI Tea Party holds a gathering at the Quonset O Club tomorrow nite and the keynote speaker will be former Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey. The same Steve Laffey who says he's not running for Governor but sent out a powerpoint presentation on how to fix the state's financial problems. I've said from day one Laffey's not really out of the race and is leaving the door open. Perhaps Scott Brown's win opened that door a bit widerSTATE  OF  THE  STATE  TONITEThe Governor makes his 8th and final State of the State address tonite at 7pm on WPRO and 99-7 FM. The State of the state is........flatline? Matt Allen's the Governor's warm up doing his show from the State House at 6LAYING  THE  EXIT  GROUNDWORK?President Obama told ABC's Dianne Sawyer "I'd rather be a really good one term president than a mediocre two term president." It's always good to set goals. I wonder how he feels about being a really bad one term President because right now he's in Jimmy Carter territoryBE  AFRAID, BE VERY  AFRAIDYou don't have to be George Gallup to see a harbinger of things to come in Massachusetts voters' choice of a Republican to fill Ted Kennedy's seat. If Obama's next three years in office are the same as his first, he's one and done. Which Republican's has the head of steam? It's the Klondike cutie, Sarah Palin. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1674182&spid=18886 Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:32:57 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1674182&spid=18886 THE  STATE  OF  THE  STATE  IS......BLANKGene Rayburn would get no yuks with this one. Governor Don Carcieri will make his 8th and final State of the State address tomorrow nite (7pm on WPRO and 99-7FM) and I've gotta wonder what the hell  he's gonna say to offer a glimmer of hope. The state of the state is dismal? ...dire?....hopeless?  Unemployment's close to 10%and we're  spending a million dollars a day more than we bring in. Iceberg, dead ahead and we've got a deck chair viewTHE  STATE  OF   THE  UNION  AIN'T  MUCH  BETTER The hits just keep coming Wednesday nite as President Obama delivers his State of the Union address (9pm on WPRO and 99-7FM). Last week was a bad one...a really bad one.....for the Obama Administration after Scott Brown's big win in Massachusetts. White House advisors are promising a sharper focus on jobs and the economy. Today's Gallup poll has Obama's job approval rating at 48% with a 47% disapproval. White House spokesperson Robert Gibbs and top advisor David Axelrod both say there is no big White House shake up planned. Too bad. Obama would be well served to rid himself of some of those Chicago straphangersCONAN'S  ADIOUSI watched Conan O'Brien's final Tonight Show Friday. Ratings were reportedly extremely strong. His opening monologue was funny but guests Tom Hanks and Wil Farrel disappointed big time. FOX  has openly expressed interest in O'Brien who has to stay on the beach for 9-months as part of his severance dealCROWN  THE  COLTSPayton Manning picked the NY Jets secondary to pieces yesterday and expect him to do the same to New Orleans  a week from Sunday. The Jets secondary is much better than the Saints' and Manning made them look  foolish. WHAT ' CHU  TALKING ABOUT?Mini mite Gary Coleman was arrested in Utah on one count of misdemeanor domestic assault. The assault victim hasn't been identified (look for someone with bruised knees). Coleman's being held on $1,725 bail. Coleman's  next film project is something called "Midgets Vs. Mascots". Sound like Oscar material to me  http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1672771&spid=18886 Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:09:18 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1672771&spid=18886 EDWARDS   FRITATTADirtbag John Edwards is now the subject of a federal investigation into campaign fund usage. Edwards political action committee paid more than $100-grand for video production to the firm of the woman with whom Edwards had an affair and fathered a love child. Edwards says "I am confident that no funds from my campaign were used improperly." He also told us, while running for President, he wasn't the daddy of little Quinn. Yesterday, on the day he finally  admitted  he fathered the kid (only because a tell all book's on the way) Edwards was in Haiti with 25-30 people including doctors to bring supplies and medicine to earthquake victims. I guess that makes him feel goodDID  LYNCH  SLEEP THRU  TUESDAY  NITE?Thursday, the same day a non-partisan fundraiser to help the victims of the earthquake in Haiti was being held at the Roger Williams Park Casino, Patrick Lynch's campaign for Gov sent out a blistering press release highly critical of Frank Caprio. At issue is a meeting General Treasurer Caprio attended Wednesday organized by the state's largest taxpayer advocacy group, the RI Statewide Coalition. Caprio briefly stood and addressed the group during a Q&A session and committed to making a personal donation to their cause. Lynch campaign manager and mouthpiece, Mike Mikus, jumped ugly in the release calling RISC a right wing group that's active in the Tea Party movement responsible for ugly protests around the county featuring racist rhetoric and signage over the past year and suggested Caprio's a Republican not a Democrat. Why in the world would you diss the group that swept Scott Brown into office Tuesday? Umday, in any langaugeNUMBERS  DON'T  LIETo show how p-o'd the masses are regarding Barak Obama's policies, particularly health care reform, FOX  NEWS viewing audience during Tuesday nite's special election coverage 8-11pm outnumbered MSNBC (the Obama Network) by 5-million viewers. Keith Olberman looked as though someone backed over his dogTHE  SISYPHUS  STATEThat's what our lisense plate should read. RI's jobless rate jumped from 12.7% in November to 12. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1670271&spid=18886 Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:10:51 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1670271&spid=18886 SNAKE'S  BELLYJohn Edwards photo should be featured next to the definition of scumbag. The former presidential contender, senator and ambulance chaser now admit he didn't tell the truth (while running for president) about fathering a love child. Don't give Edwards any credit for finally having the guts to come clean. The only reason he came forward is because a former aide, Andrew Young, is writing a tell all book. Young claims Edwards wanted him to arrange for a fake paternity test and get a doctor to fake the DNA results. Young says Edwards actually asked him to steal one of the baby's diapers so he could secretly do a DNA test to find out if it was indeed his kid. DiapergateRI  GOP  BUOYEDOcean State Republicans embraced Scott Brown's win in bluer than blue Massachusetts as a "game changer", a fundamental shift sure to influence November re-election contests for Democrats who dominate RI's legislature and congressional delegation. I suggest the RI GOP heed the advice Pulp Fiction's  Winston "The Wolf" Wolfe gave Vincent and Jules about getting overly excited. Minority Whip John Loughlin's close to signing up some of Brown's key staffers as he readies to take on Patrick Kennedy. Loughlin says he's raised  $230,000 so far and he could use the Kennedy fame to stir conservative anger and tap into the stream of national fundraising bucks as Brown did. He's gonna need it. There are alot of Nanas is those high rises who still have visions of Camelot in their nogginsUNSPINABLEPresident Obama told ABC's George Stephanopolis "the same thing that swept Scott Brown into office swept me into office. People are angry and frustrated, not only over what's happened the past year but for the past 8-years." Sorry, Mr President, do not pass go, do not collect your 200-dollars. NO, what swept Scott Brown into office is the fact YOU haven't fulfilled any of the promises you made to get elected. Don't be glomming this on W.  It's all about YOU and your unpopular policies galvanized by that hideous health care reformKINDA  CREEPYIt made me a tad uneasy when Scott Brown tried to pimp out his two daughters in his victory speech Tuesday nite. "I wanna thank Ayla and Arianna for their help as well. in case anybody who's watching throughout the country... http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1668662&spid=18886 Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:46:33 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1668662&spid=18886 LOUD  AND  CLEARThe voters in Massachusetts didn't vote for Scott Brown nor did they vote against Martha "don't call me Marcia" Coakley Tuesday. They voted against the arrogance of the Democrats. They said NO to health care reform. They said NO MAS to lack of transparency in government and back door dealing for votes. Don't think Democratic incumbents didn't get the message. Brown's hand hadn't even been raised in victory before Senator Jim Webb of Virginia issued a release saying it would be fair and prudent to suspend further votes until Senator-elect Brown is seated. Indiana's Evan Bayh and Mass Representative Barney Frank soon followed suit. No word yet from our delegation although Jack Reed did say Monday it'll be full speed ahead for health reform. We'll see if he sticks with that mantra after last nite's resultsA  TEMPLATE  FOR  THE  FUTURE?Was Scott Brown's campaign a strategic formula for those looking to unseat big name incumbents? RI Minority Whip John Loughlin seems to think so. Loughlin, who is seeking to boot Patrick Kennedy, is seriously thinking of hiring several key Brown campaign staffers. If Patrick continues to be invisible (which was much of Coakley's undoing) to his constituents and Loughlin can get out in front of this thing and generate some $, he could catch a wave on the perfect storm tooOUTTA  SYNCRepublicans score one of the biggest political upsets in history just over our border and what do the RI Republicans do? They hold a meeting to protest the leadership of Gio Ciccione. Timing's everything. They couldn't just postpone it for a nite?HAPPY  ANNIVERSARYToday marks one year since Barak Obama took the oath of office. So, how's that hope and change working out for you? What an anniversary present he got last niteFEELIN'  BLUEA 42-year old Taiwanese man died of a stroke after watching Avatar. The man, who had a history of hi-blood pressure, was likely over excited from watching the blockbuster. Two thumbs down MARVELOUS  INDEEDMarvelous Marvin, a black lab that raised thousands of dollars for other animals thru the Marvin Fund, has died at age 10. Marvin's owner, Dr. E. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1667101&spid=18886 Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:23:36 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1667101&spid=18886 MASS   MELTDOWNOn September 12th, a Suffolk University Poll gave Martha don't call me "Marcia" Coakley a 30-point lead over Scott Brown in the race for the late Ted Kennedy's senate seat. Today a Politico poll has Brown up by 9%. That's a staggering free fall by the Democrat in a state that's held that senate seat for 47-years. Darell West of the Brookings Institute, formerly Brown University, a staunch Democrat supporter told us this morning Brown's gonna win. Consider these numbers....Democrats outnumber registered Republicans in Massachusetts 3-1 but 50% of the voters in the Bay State are independents and the same Politico poll says Brown is taking 68% of the independents AND Democrats are crossing party lines to support Brown. Unless Coakley can miraculously turn the tide, Brown could be looking at a double digit winMARCIA, MARCIA, MARCIAI wonder what impact (if any) a Brown defeat will have on Patrick Kennedy's re-election run. The Kennedy mystique would certainly suffer a blow losing the senate seat in Massachusetts to a Republican. Patrick has been more visible in Massachusetts the last two weeks that he has in the state he represents over the last year. Kennedy's opponent in the upcoming election, John Loughlin, should be all over thisSAD  STATE  OF THINGSGovernor Carcieri's final "state of the state" address is on the 26th. President Obama's "state of the union" address is the next day.Two fun filled days of bright newsLATE  NITE  DRAMALast nite Jay Leno addressed the NBC Late Nite debacle in a non-joke manner for the first time saying he's not to blame for the mess NBC has created. Leno said it's a business decision because neither he or Conan O'Brien were pulling in ratings. he called O'Brien a gentleman. Shed no tears for O'Brien who is rumored to be leaving with a 32.5 million dollar severance package keeping him on the beach for a mere 8-monthsDROP  THE  CHALUPA....PERMENANTLYTaco Bell founder Glen W Bell has gone to the Grande casa in the sky at age 86. Bell started a fast food drive thru in 1948 eventually launching  the Taco Bell chain in 1962. In 1978, Bell sold his 868-Taco Bell restaurants in 1978 for 125-million bucks to PepsiCo. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1665703&spid=18886 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:13 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1665703&spid=18886 MASS  MADNESSWhat we're watching in the special Massachusetts Senate race in nothing more than indictment of the Obama administration. Sure Coakley a stiff as a candidate, was virtually invisible at the early stages of her campaign and thought she'd simply be ordained Ted Kennedy's successor but there's much more to this than that. The native's are restless. One poll this morning gives Scott Brown a 10 point lead another a 5 point lead. No poll has Brown at under 50%. An ABC-Washington Post Poll says 62% of those polled think the country's heading in the wrong direction while 53% don't feel Obama will make the right decisions for the country's futureBIG  STAKESVoter disenchantment in liberal Massachusetts with Obama's policies has turned this race into a nail biter that could imperil healthcare reform. A Scott Brown victory means the Democrats  lose that magical 60th vote giving the Senate majority allowing them to ramrod their health care reform down our throats. Brown's has vowed to vote against the bill if he's elected. Congressman Jack Reed  told reporters this morning no matter what the results are tomorrow, health care reform will move forward. God forbid you listen to what the people want. Lipstick on a pigGOLDEN  GLOBESA few thoughts on last nite's awards.....Ricky Gervias is a very funny man, Cher's face can't move anymore she's had so much botox injected into it...and I'm anxious to see Jeff Bridges performance in Crazy Heart, he's alway been a fave NAME  GAMEWhile stumping for Martha Coakley yesterday following the President's 25-minute speech, Patrick Kennedy repeatedly referred to Coakley as "Marcia". Yea, Patrick has such a clear understanding of what she's all about. he doesn't even know her name DUMB   DECISIONRoyal Caribbean Cruise lines decided to leave the beaches of  Labadee as a port of call. The Florida cruise line leases a picturesque wooded peninsula and its five pristine beaches just 60-miles from Haiti's devastated earthquake zone. It just seems wrong to me to have tourists enjoying jet ski rides, parasailing and rum cocktails delivered to their hammocks while people are starving to death and thousands are buried in rubbleNFL   PLAYOFFSYikes. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1664011&spid=18886 Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:05:51 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1664011&spid=18886 HELL  ON  EARTHIn the best of times, Haiti is a hell hole with 2.5 doctors for every 10-thousand people. Disaster and rescue experts say the 72-hours following an earthquake are the most critical to any rescue efforts. With the clock ticking in Haiti, it's becoming obvious a fresh tragedy will soon descend upon those poor earthquake victims. We spoke with ABC reporter Aaron Katursky (who has RI roots) live from Haiti this morning and he said there's nobody in charge of anything right now. The fear, of course, is things will become incredibly violent very soon and those yielding a machete will ruleMASS  UNRESTYou're not gonna be able to watch 10-minutes of TV this weekend without being subjected to a Scott Brown or Martha Coakley campaign ad. Tuesday's special Senate race in Massachusetts is a dead heat with 2-polls this week giving Tea Party/Republican Brown a small lead over the once heavily favored Coakley. Bill Clinton's gonna stump for Coakley in Boston and Worcester (I guess he feels the folks in Haiti are making great progress without him serving his role as special envoy) and Rudy Guliani's shaking hands for Brown. If Brown wins in a state that's bluer than blue, is it unspinable for the Democrats? Today Congressman Barney Frank said Coakley should have campaigned harder....hmmmmmmm? Starting the spin already?CONAN'S  LAST  GASP?Despite reports that January 22nd will be Conan O'Brien's last nite hosting the Tonight Show, the network may pull the plug on him as early as next week. One hi ranking NBC exec (who would admit to that?) was so upset with O'Brien's network monologue  zingers,  he threatened to keep O'Brien off NBC for 3-years GOOD  NEWSThe Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists has moved the minute hand of its Doomsday Clock back one minute further away from midnite-which is meant to stand for the end of civilization-citing a more hopeful state of world affairs on nuclear weapons and climate change. Excellent. That gives enough time to cannonball one more Natty Lite before I'm incinerated  http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1661637&spid=18886 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:28:04 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1661637&spid=18886 NO  APOLOGY  COMINGRI residents still steaming over Senator Sheldon Whitehouse's late December remarks about opposition to national health care reform had the chance to get face to face with the Jr Senator last nite at a gathering of the RI Young democrats at a downtown restaurant last nite. After briefly addressing the 60-folks (the place's capacity) in attendance, Whitehouse mingled with the crowd. While he mingled, pissed off activists tried to mangle. Active Tea Party member Doreen Costa confronted Shecky looking for an apology and Whitehouse explained his comments (calling those who opposed health care reform as "racist" and members of "right wing militia and Aryan support groups")were about the tenor of debate in the senate as a vote on health care neared not a reflection of RI opposition. What a back peddlePANIC  IN  MASSACHUSETTSTea Party/GOP hopeful Scott Brown is so close on the heels of  Democrat Martha Coakly (one poll has him 1% ahead) the Democrats are rolling out the guns Navarone as Tuesday's vote draws near. Patrick Kennedy, virtually invisible to the RIers he represents, has time to stump for Coakley to fill his dad's vacant seat. Hundreds of thousands of $ are being pumped into TV advertising for Coakly whose campaign agaisnt Brown has turned negative (always a sign you're slipping and your opponent's gaining) and word is Bill Clinton's being brought in this weekend as a closerDIRTY  DEEDSMassachusetts Secretary of State William Glavin says it could take weeks to certify the results of Tuesday's election. If that's the case, the delay could let President Obama preserve a key 60th vote for his health care reform even if  Brown beats the favored but rapidly faltering  Coakley. Conspiracy? That's what a Washnton Times reporter asked Barney Frank who went quasi ballistic over the suggestion saying "that's the stupidest thing I've been asked in a long time. That is conspiracy theory at its most contemptible".....in other words, it's trueDOG  TRACK  TIMEEvangelical Broadcaster Pat Robertson, no stranger to the taste of a shiney Florsheim, has done it again. This time the frightening schmuck said Haiti has been cursed because of its "pact with the devil" alluding to voodoo.... http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1659719&spid=18886 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 13:46:53 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1659719&spid=18886 BRUCE'S  90thA few high powered pals put together a birthday party for former Governor Bruce Sundlun at P-Pac last nite. The Pamphlet describes Sundlun as "bigger than life" in this morning's review. When asked if he had any regrets, Sundlun responded "not really, that I can think of " then added "I don't have any enemies that I know of. And it wouldn't trouble me if I did." Typical Sundlun arrogance. I was a part time studio cameraman at Ch 10 during the Blizzard of '78 (at the tender age of 23) while Sundlun was the President and CEO of the Outlet Company. His nickname was "ready, fire, aim"RI  GOP  SLOBBERKNOCKERSome hi profile Rhody Republicans (how many can there be?) want GOP Chairman Gio Cicione to walk the plank. Cicione's been the party head for 3-years and is the center of a dispute over whether to have all future Republican primaries be open only to registered Republicans. Cicione doesn't support the idea and has refused to call a special meeting of the state central committee this month to consider the move. The head of the Lincoln Republican Town Committee, Michael Napolitano, says Cicione's "casting a one person vote to block the will of the party." The RI GOP could screw up a 2-car funeralPATRICK'S  PRECIOUS  TIMEAs the person who books the guests for the Buddy the C  Show, I'm contemplating putting Congressman Patrick Kennedy's face on a milk carton. So you can imagine my frustration when I saw Patrick stumping for  Attorney General Martha Coakley yesterday. Democrats are worried as the race for the Mass Senate seat vacated by the death of Ted Kennedy tightens so Patrick offered his personal endorsement. Tea Party Republican Scott Brown, who is in a dead heat with Coakly, had the line of the day when he said the vacant seat is not Ted Kennedy's, it's the people's seat. Patrick's got time to stump in the Bay State but not 2-minutes to return a phone call to usPANTS  ON  FIREThe more I think about Mark McGwire's admitting to using steroids while setting all those home run records, the more I steam. McGwire claims the roids didn't help hit dingers, they helped him heal from injuries more quickly (Letterman said McGwire simply liked their "minty taste"). http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1658130&spid=18886 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:25:34 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1658130&spid=18886 NO  OFFENSE, BUT  WAS  HARRY  REID  RIGHT?Senate Majority leader Harry Reid's still taking heat over his peculiar choice of words describing the presidential potential of then-Senator Barack Obama a couple of years back. In the event you've been in a cave, Reid described Obama as "light skinned" and added Obama had "no Negro dialect unless he wanted to have one". As I blogged yesterday, Reid's take is dead on. His choice of the word "Negro" shows what an out of touch fossil he is. An ABC News report noted yesterday that many studies show that lighter-skinned blacks (not "Negroes", Harry) are more likely to be elected to public office or hired for jobs. As far as a candidate deciding to use a dialect, go back and listen to Bill Clinton when he was first on the Presidential campaign trail and hear him crank up the Southern drawl when he was stumping in Dixie. Why can't Americans just move past this race thing?RHODE  ISLAND'S  GOPGets its first announced candidate for Governor today as John Robitaille, who has been serving as Gov Carcieri's communication director, makes it official (actually, he's the 2nd but businessman Rory Smith announced then backed out). Robitaille certainly has an uphill battle ahead. He has little to no name recognition, no dough, and is connected to a Governor whose approval rating is floundering at 36% who is presiding over a state in one of the worst economic stretches in history. IS  LAFFEY  REALLY  OUT?After reading former Cranston Mayor Steve Laffey's 19-page power point presentation "How to Fix RI's Economy" I still think he's gonna get in the race despite the fact he says he's not seeking the seat. I don't think he's closed the door for good because he's suggesting he has the answers to right the ship. Why go on the record if he's not running?PAIN  AT  THE  PUMPNotice the price of gas is climbing? The national average price of a gallon of regular  rose 8.6 cents to 2.75 a gallon last week, the highest in 15-months. The all time high is 4.11 reached in July of 2008. Why the increase? The same reason a dog licks his goodies....it can. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1656487&spid=18886 Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:30:26 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1656487&spid=18886 OUT  OF  DATE  AND  DUMBDemocrat  Harry  Reid, the Senate Majority leader, is caught in a crap storm over the words he used to describe Barak Obama in 2008 (all reported in the book "Game Change"). Reid said Obama could become the next President because he was "light skinned" and had "no Negro dialect unless he wanted to have one." Reid's take on strategy is accurate but his choice of words spotlites what a true fossil he is. The term "Negro" has been offensive to African Americans since the 60's civil rites movement. Negro wasn't offensive before then. In fact the term "black" was THE most offensive term you could have used in the 50's and 60's, now it has flip flopped with the term Negro. Harry Reid should be sensitive to this when he opens his extremely quotable mouth. The true outrage should be over the fact he's getting a pass because he's a Democrat. Talk about a double standardDOOR  STILL  OPEN?Steve Laffey sent out a press release this morning saying he hasn't changed his mind about running for Governor (he said he wasn't running back in February). The release included a power point presentation on his ideas to right the sinking USS Rhode Island. Laffey reiterated his position he wasn't running because Rhode Islanders aren't ready to support his ideas on how to fix the smallest of the 50 so he hasn't changed his position about running. Is that a definitive "no"? I don't think it is. My guess is Laffey's keeping the door open at least a crack. Laffey is clever enough (and flamboyant enough) to plant the seed for an aggressive "draft Laffey" campaign, a campaign that could cross party lines CHAFEE'S  SMILINGIf  Laffey's really out, the big winner could be Linc Chafee. The Republicans could be looking at little known John Robataille as their candidate, the Moderate Party's scrambling for someone, and Patrick Lynch and Frank Caprio are headed for a bloody and expensive primary. Wouldn't it be ironic is Chafee benefited from the dynamic that cost him the Senate race? Lynch and Caprio engaged in a similar battle Chafee experienced with Steve Laffey, one that left him exhausted physically, mentally and financially allowing Sheldon Whitehouse to slip past himTHE  WINDS  OF  CHANGEAre swirling around Foxboro. http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1655117&spid=18886 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:04:38 GMT http://www.630wpro.com/article.asp?id=1655117&spid=18886