Ron St. Pierre's Blog
November 19, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
TAINTED TRIAL?
Both Prez Obama and A-G Eric Holder continue to defend trial plans for 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed but will their overzealous arguments hurt the prosecution's cause? Obama on record as saying he's confident Mohammed will be convicted and executed. Obama added he's not prejudging the outcome but I've gotta think whomever winds up defending this maggot will think differently
FOR THE RECORD
I heard a talk show host today suggest former Chief Justice Frank Williams' appearances last week on radio and tv were pre-arranged by Mike Doyle of the PR firm RDW Group ( Williams had hired Doyle to be his spokesperson while the DosReis divorce was ongoing). The judge appeared on our show and with Tim White at ch 12. I can't speak for Tim (although knowing him, he got the interview on his own) but I can say no such arrangement was made for our show. Buddy got the first interview
OUT THERE HANGING AND LOVIN' IT
I can remember how great the laundry smelled when my mom used to hang it on the clothesline before we finally got a clothes dryer. An unlikely issue has become a topic of debate accross the country, as a growing number of people are fighting for the right to hang their laundry outside to dry , battling against an also increasing number of housing associations who ban it. Half of the housing associations in the U-S such as townhouse and cndo communities ban it saying it's an aesthetic issue. John Steinbeck and Norman Rockwell must have rolled all the to the cemetary gates
LEGGO MY EGGO
Bad news for those of you who like Kellogs Eggo frozen waffles. There will be a shortage of Eggos due to production interruptions at 2-of the 4-plants that make the waffles. Many stores are already Eggo free
BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU EST ARRIVEZ!
The Thursday prior to Thanksgiving Day is a great day for wine lovers as Beaujolais Noveau arrives. The wine is made from gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France and has a nice light, fruity taste. The wine's intended for immediate drinking (no problem here) and shouldn't be kept for more than a year. Wine snobs often call it "too simple and immature". That's ok, it leaves more for me
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:56am | link
November 18, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
BROWN BEHAVING BADLY
Years ago, URI was named one of the top "party schools" in the country (a title certainly earned) causing then Prez Robert Caruthers to clamp down on booze on campus. Those restrictions are now being loosened by the new Prez who feels the campus has reformed its image. Now, it's Brown University that's getting party-hearty. Providence Police Chief Dean "The Dream" Esserman says a Saturday nite sorority soiree that drew hundreds of thirsty kids to the Ivy League campus ended with fights, police pepper spray, injured campus officers and 4-arrests. Essy now takes the position his department is "against anything Brown wants to permit." Maybe it's time the Brown campus gets Dean Wormer's double secret probation treatment
SOCCER SUSPENSIONS
The coaches of the girls soccer teams at Tolman and Woonsocket and 9-students were suspended over that championship game rumble caught on tape by Ch 12. I'm wondering if all these penalties would have come down had that little rumble not been played on the tube over and over
DWTS
I love the show and haven't missed an episode since season one but I always seem to forget it's nothing more than a popularity contest as evidenced by last nite's boot of Joanna Krupa. When she was on, she was ON plus she and her partner Derrick had great chemistry. The finalists are Donny Osmond (an inferior dancer to Krupa) Mya (deserving) and Kelly Osbourne. Osbourne's gotten better and better every week and had three excellent dances Monday nite and has a large fan base. Mya is certainly the best dancer left but that means nothing
DWT SORT OF STARS
I will be "performing" in the RI Mentoring Partnership's 4th annual "Dancing With the Stars of Mentoring" at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet April 29th
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:42am | link
November 17, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
FAIRY TALES CAN COME TRUE
Sarah Palin's book "Going Rogue" is out today. Palin's on a full press media tour kicking it off spending an hour with Oprah. Palin says a run for Prez in 2012 is quote "not on my rada screen right now" (wonderful invention, radar) and that she wasnted to concentrate on the 2010 congressional elections (god knows why). When asked if she'd be getting her own talk show, Palin ducked the question, instead complimenting Oprah on her own long running show. Asked if she and John McCain would have won if they did something differently, Palin said no, saying they lost because the economy tanked under a GOP administration. The NY Times destroys the book calling it "Palin's payback" while ex-McCain strategist calls it "petty and pathetic". Oprah asked Palin about the infamous interview with Katie Couric on CBS in which the Klondike Cutie couldn't name newspapers and magazines she read regularly (gee, I wonder why?) explaining she was unhappy with the way the interviews were edited and the question itself from Couric, whom she called "the perky one". Palin's publisher printed 1.5 million copies of "Going Rogue" and I'll bet the sell everyone one and wind up printing more. PT Barnum's words ring true. Her base loves her but thankfully also doesn't think she'd make a good president. Sleep well, America
NEWSWEEK'S COVER THIS WEEK
Features Palin in a runner's outfit including tight fitting running shorts with a caption "Sarah Palin, bad news for the GOP...and for everyone else". Palin ripped Newsweek for using a photo she posed for to adorn the cover of "Runner's World" calling it sexist. While she sure doesn't look presidential, she sure looks hot and that's what she does best
AND DOWN AND DOWN IT GOES
Nora Jones' "Sinking Soon" should be the state song. The State predicts a $219-million dollar shortfall for the fiscal year, but wait THERE'S MORE! If the General Assembly doesn't go along with the Gov's cuts of 30-million plus in aid to Cities and Towns, add that to the tally.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:54am | link
November 13, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
HE SAID, HE SAID....WHERE'S SHE?
Yesterday we had former Chief Justice Frank Williams in studio to react (for the first time) to the DosReis divorce fritatta. This morning, Frank DosReis appeared on the WPRO Morning News. Williams told us he never urged DosReis to seek a divorce. He said he told DosReis he and his wife Pamela should have sought counseling. Frank DosReis said during court testimony Williams did indeed tell him to seek a divorce. Folks, someone here ain't coming completely clean (which doesn't exactly shock me). Frank DosReis says Williams poked his nose too deeply into family biz. Williams says he was asked for his opinion by DosReis. I still think this is a one time tight friendship gone sour and hubby's divorce landing firmly in the hands of Kevin McKenna, an attorney who has a bone to pick with Williams. To me, Frank DosReis came across as a thick tongued dolt which really makes me wonder what in the world he'd have in common with Judge Williams. Wanna start a lottery on when Pamela shows up on talk radio? I say put all parties together with the Balloon Boy Family. They seem to have alot in common. Maybe they can ALL go to Disneyworld together...and who the hell is Wolf?
THAT'LL TEACH 'EM!
The garbage collectors in Providence aren't picking up trash unless it's put out in recycling bins. Warning notices are being stuck on cans reminding residents why their trash isn't being picked up. Clearly more education is needed but you can't NOT PICK UP THE GARBAGE until people comply. Start another education campaign and eventually implement fines. The city streets are gonna be infested with rodents if this continues
POTENTIAL DC SNIPER ROOMMATE
The Fort Hood shooter has been charged with 13-counts of premeditated murder in the military's legal system which maked him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. It's been over 50-years since someone was put to death by the military but one can hope Maj Nidal Malik Hasan snaps that streak
HERE'S A HEAD SCRATCHER
Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer, who resigned last year after it was revealed he'd paid for high priced hookers, spoke at Harvard this week. The subject?
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:39am | link
November 12, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
CHIEFY'S APPEARANCE
Chief Justice Frank Williams made his first media appearance (on our show) since the DosReis divorce reached an accord. I came away still thinking he got way too close to the DosReis family and their 6-year old daughter, his goddaughter, but I certainly don't feel as uncomfortable about the story as I did before hearing his side of things. Lots of this is a story of a good friendship gone south. Williams says as he watched the DosReis' marriage start to unravel and encouraged them to seek counseling because it was having a negative impact on the child. Sounds to me like Frank DosReis' nose got out of joint because of this and everything turned sour after that. The judge says both Pamela and Frank DosReis asked for his advice. He claims all he suggested was counseling but never pushed divorce, something Frank DosReis testified he did in court. The judge also said you could have "knocked him over with a feather" when he heard Frank DosReis claim he was intimidated by Williams when asked why he never told the Judge to butt out. That's a claim I didn't buy from the start (sounds like a word DosReis' lawyer Kevin McKenna whispered in his client's ear).Judge Williams says he doesn't regret getting so close to someone who worked for him (I disagree with him on that one. I think that's always a mistake) The judge defended his hiring of Pamela DosReis mom as a court janitor (another decision I disagree with). This is all about a good friendship gone south and an attorney with a vendetta, Kevin McKenna, getting his hands on it and maximizing things for his clear agenda against Judge Williams. What a mess
AS LOW AS LOW CAN GO
A Providence mother is asking for the person who stole her 4-year old special needs son's wheelchair return it no questions asked. Latrarcia Bonds says each day she brings her son's 28-hundred dollar wheelchair to the curb for her son's ride to school and then brings the boy down to the chair.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 1:11pm | link
November 11, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
A CAPITAL IDEA
DC John Alan Muhammed thankfully took his last breath at approximately 9:11 pm EST Thursday nite then was off to meet his maker (oh so briefly) via lethal injection. When asked if he had any last words Muhammed remained mum (a parting gift to society) and went peacefully unlike his victims. As long as capital punishment's around, why not get a little creative with it? Me, I'd like to see those on death row be sentenced to the same type execution met by their victims. I would have liked to see Muhammed made to pump gas for motorists all the while in the scope of a keen marksman. Let him wonder when the fatal shot was coming...let's say 2 or three hours of letting the bastard sweat and then bye bye, pop pop.
PARDON ME, WHAT DID YOU SAY?
Do you have ANY idea what product the people manning the D&D drive thru are asking you to try out? I can't understand a word they're saying. Their either inquisitve about my desire to sample a pumpkin munchkin or are desperately seeking my opinion on health care reform. Why is it, however, I feel the need to still be polite and say "no thanks" before ordering my coffee? Mr and Mrs St Pierre taught me well
BIG TIME BUDDY LISTENING THURSDAY
Former Chief Justice Frank Williams is in studio Thursday to tell his side of that messy DosReis divorce fritatta he was stuck in the middle of. 10am. Be there, aloha
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 5:02pm | link
November 10, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
CAPRIO SPLASH
First term General Treasurer Frank Caprio announced his long anticipated candidacy for Governor yesterday. What wasn't anticipated, however, was him opening his war chest to buy 100-grand worth of tv advertsing to air this month. Caprio then announced he'll spend at least 100-large monthy on campaign advertising until election day. Folks, that's some serious scarole. Caprio's war chest dwarfs those of A-G Patrick Lynch and Linc Chafee (who knows how much of his own $ Rory Smith plans to spend). I wonder if Caprio would even consider running as an Indy to avoid what could be an ugly..and costly... primary vs Lynch. Remember, Steve Laffey's still in the weeds. Caprio joins us Wednesday afternoon at 12:35
DIOCESE HAYMAKER
Bishop Thomas Tobin's turning up the heat on Congressman Patrick Kennedy over his "rejection" of church teaching on abortion, calling on Kennedy to enter into a process of coversion and repentance. The Bishop takes issue with Kennedy's asserstion that his disagreement with the hierarchy "on some issues" including abortion didn't make him any less a Catholic. Is the Bishop "piling on"? I think so but Kennedy still comes out the loser here
DRAW ONE
New URI President David Dooley recently allowed alcholol to flow once again at specified areas during football tailgate parties. Now, Dooley wants to give URI's catering division the rite to sell booze at athletic, social and fundraising events. Former Prez Robert Carothers turned off the spigot on campus when URI was listed as one of the biggest party schools in America.
OBAMA'S L-B-J MOMENT?
Word is Prez Obama is close to committing more troops to Afghanistan to be deployed in January. The surge may not be as large as the 40-thousand wanted by General McCrystal (some are calling it "McCrystal Light") but it will be sizable. Question here is, is thin a "winable" situation? No argument with McCrystal's assessment more troops are needed to police areas once they're secure but how man and for how long?
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:56am | link
November 09, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
MORE MISSED SIGNALS
Everyone's an armchair psychiatrist regarding the Fort Hood shooter. ABC's Brian Ross reports Major Nidal Malik Hasan attended the same Virginia mosque in 2001 as two of the 9/11 hijackers at a time when a radical imam preached there. He also reports classmates of Hasan participating in a 2007-2008 master's program at a military college complained repeatedly to superiors about what they considered Hasan's anti- American views. Hasan also claimed Islamic law trumped the Constitution. Spree killer expert Professor Jack Levin of Northeastern University joined us today and said while her's not ruling out terrorism, he thinks it's more a guy who snaps in the workplace seeking revenge. Is Hasan a Muslim extremeist sleeper cell? That's still a possibility
TEXTING AT THE WHEEL
Will be against the law in RI as soon as the Governor puts pen to paper. It can't happen fast enough. Hammerheads caught texting at the wheel will face an $85 first offense, $100 second offense and $125 third offense. Not good enough for me. It should be a fine and loss of lisence for 6-months first offense. These people are dangerous
FIRE LANES
Will the cops in North Kingstown PLEASE do me a favor and cruise thru the Super Stop and Shop parking lot and ticket these lazy bastards who park in the fire lanes while a passenger runs in the market? I guess those "no parking" signs are meant for everyone else EXCEPT them
A SOCCER GAME BROKE OUT
So Ch 12 caught a fight between members of the Woonsocket and Tolman girls soccer teams during Sunday's championship game. So what? Soccer's an incredibly physical sports and tempers will flare. Let the Interscholastic League deal with it and don't make it an issue. Oops, it was just picked up nationally by Associated Press. Another black eye for RI (much like the shiner that Woonsocket soccer player's sporting)
A MAN, OR WOMAN, OF THE PEOPLE
The Center for Responsive Politics finds 237-members of Congress are millionaires. That's 44%.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 12:21pm | link
November 06, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
RED FLAGS EVERYWHERE
How could this nut-job Major Nidal Malik Hasan stay under the radar screen? The 39-year old Army psychiatrist gunned down 13-and injured 31 others at Fort Hood Army Base yesterday afternoon but check out the KNOWN behavior on this guy prior to the incident. Before transferred to Ft Hood in July, Hasan got a poor performance grade while at Walter Reed hospital. He had problems with patient interaction requiring extra counseling and supervision. A retired Col who worked with Hasan told Fox News Hasan was being sent to Afghanastan and he didn't want to go. Hasan also got into frequent arguments with others in the military who supported the wars in Afghanastan and Iraq. But wait, there's more. Hasan came to the attention of law enforcement officials 6-months ago because of internet postings about suicide bombings and other threats. It wasn't determined for sure whether he wrote the postings even though they were under his name. Finally, Hasan recently hired a lawyer to get him out of the Army. It has now been confirmed Hasan screamed the Arabic phrase "God is Great" before opening fire.
MY SIMPLE QUESTION
Why would you allow an anti-war practicing Muslim into OUR military. Hasan took an oath to fight for and protect the very people he gunned down. My opinion is until Americans decide to put political correctness aside, we will continue to see an increase in these types of attacks.
GREAT GUEST ON MONDAY
Northeastern University Professor and expert on spree killing Jack Levin joins us Monday at 10:35. Professor Levin has tremendous insight into what motivates such actions and is the author of many books including "Extreme Killing, Understanding Mass Murder and Spree Killing"
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:28am | link
November 05, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
24/7 SLOTS ARE COMING
Twin River will go 24/7 within 10-14 days. RI Lottery boss Jerry Aubin made it official with Governor Carcieri's blessing. Neither Carcieri or Sasse are big advocates of such a great dependency on gambling but with the state the state is in, it's giddy up time. Twin River and Newport Grand represent the state's 3rd largest source of revenue as it takes roughly 61-cents out of every dollar from the two casinos. I wonder how this will go over with the residents of Lincoln?
BIG EAST MOVING?
The Big East headquarters has always been Providence since Dave Gavitt got the ball rolling 30-years ago but Brown University bought the building they're housed in and the conference is looking for new digs. Comish John Marinatto joined us this morning telling us he's got until March to find a new home and so far he's found nothing that fits the bill. Could the Big East actually move? Let's hope not. There are so many empty buildings downtown it's hard to imagine a developer not coming to the rescue
THEEEEEEEE YANKEES WIN!
It was inevitable. I knew it....you knew it. The minute the ink was dry on Mark Texiera's contract was dry is when the Yankees sealed the deal. They leap frogged over the Red Sox who never really recovered from losing the Texiera sweepstakes. The Yankees showed experience and poise in beating the Phils and A-Rod finally showed he is the best baseball player, or at least hitter, in the world. Any Yankee win leaves a foul taste in my mouth. Hearing John Sterling yell "theee yankees win" give me the dry heaves, and to think someone as clueless as Susan Waldman generates a check as a "color analyst" makes me curl up in a fetal position but what really gives me the red ass is Red Sox fans calling the Yankees the "best team money can buy". What does that make us, the second best team $ can buy?
A STABLE RELATIONSHIP
A man caught having sex with a horse in South Carolina has been sentenced to 3-years in prison.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:56am | link
November 04, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
BLOOM OFF THE ROSE?
Did last nite's Gubernatorial GOP victories in Virginia and New Jersey send a message? One thing it proves is Obama's charisma can't just be passed along to other Democrats. Obama made five campaign appearances with incumbent NJ Democrat Jon Corzine but that couldn't rinse away the stink of Corzine's administration. It's no great surprise the GOP copped Virginia's Governor's office but Jersey? That state's bluer than blue (cue Michael Johnson's 1978 ballad).The country's stagnant and lingering in the same economic discontent could spell doom for incumbents.
BLOOMBERG'S BIG BUCKS
To nobody's surprise, Mayor Michael Bloomberg won a third term but his victory was narrower than pundits expected. Bloomberg spent 100-million dollars of his own dough....ONE HUNDRED MILLION......on a race that was a shoe in for him. Voters weren't happy with him over his turnaround on term limits, but not so much it would have cost him the election. Bloomberg's intensely negative campaign against Democrat William Thompson let a bad taste in voters mouths. That and a low turnout made this thing much closer than it should have been. Bloomberg outspent Thompson 10-1
SWINE BROADCASTS
The Dpt of Health and Rhode Island Broadcasters Assoc will put on a 4-hour effort to inform Rhode Islanders about swine flu and how to vaccinate against it. From 4-7pm phone banks will be staffed with Health Dpt experts at 222-8012. At 7, a 60-minute panel discussion "H1N1 Swine Flu, What You Need To Know" airs on RI PBS 36 and Cox News ch 5. Wash your hands the tune in
OSCAR CO-HOSTS
The Academy Awards will be hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin March 7th. Martin has hosted twice before while Baldwin tackles the show for the first time. I liked both shows Martin hosted and think Baldwin will be terrific based on his hosting of SNL over many seasons. I also think they'll greatly compliment each other
IT'S OVER TONITE
It had better be if you're a Yankee fan.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:41am | link
November 03, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
SLOW OUT OF THE GATE
RI's new Moderate party has gum on its show. First, the Board of Elections is reviewing whether party chairman Ken Block violated campaign finance law by personally donating 20-grand over ONE week to his infant political organization. The donations are double the annual limit for "party building" but the board's director of campaign finance says they appear to be legal but the board is looking at it. Secondly, former U-S Attorney Robert Corrente who was being wooed by the Moderates for a month decided not to run for Governor on their ticket
HANDYMAN'S DELIGHT
The state has started soliciting proposals to explore the feasibility of leasing or even selling the johnston dump. The Governor thinks a private owner or operator could be beneficial to taxpayers. Exec Dir Mike O'Connel says bring it on. He thinks it makes sense to explore getting government out of the landfill business. Maybe a new operator will put in that golf course after all
CHANGING LANDSCAPE?
2-key gubinatorial elections to watch today, Virginia and New Jersey. It was just a year ago the Democrats rolled to big wins accross the country culminating in the election of Barak Obama. It is an "off year" election but a message could be sent today regarding next year's mid term elections. Republican Bob McDonnell has a double digit lead in Virgina so give that one to the GOP while in New Jersey Rep Chris Cristie is in a dead heat with incumbant Dem Jon Corzine. A loud and clear message could be sent when the polls close today
DWTS
Super hottie Lacey Schwimmer didn't dance Monday nite because she has....guess what? the flu
WORLD SERIES
The Phillies saved face by not getting swept in their own yard last nite but this thing's over. With Cliff Lee's 2-starts out of the way, the Phils will roll out Pedro and if he keeps them breathing for a game seven it's either Joe Blanton or Cole Hammels.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 12:09pm | link
November 02, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
TAKE YOUR MEDICINE
As bad a taste it'll leave in your mouth, I advise you to take your medicine NOW and get used to the moniker "world champion NY Yankees". This Phillies team has no chance of beating the Yankees three straight (two at the stadium) and I won't be a bit surprised to see the Yankees broom them at Philly's bandbox tonite. The Red Sox contributed just as much to New York's tremendous off season rebuilding as Brian Cashman and crew did. Boston's refusal to pay Mark Texiera the $ his agent claimed he had from another team (the Yankees) an "calling his bluff" gave NY a corner stud for the next decade. Had Boston signed Texiera, I doubt the Yankees would be in Red Barber's favorite spot, the catbird seat. NY spent it's money wisely and is about to hoist a flag for doing so.
OFF SEASON PONDERING
So what do the Sox do in the offseason? I think the first thing they've gotta do is get past their delusional thinking that they can't spend like New York does. Why not? You have an organization that PRINTS money. This is the philosophy that made you nickel and dime Mr. Boras to the point he took Texiera elsewhere. Several millions of dollars over the course of a long contract in the world of baseball IS nickel and diming. Any baseball fan knows that most free agent signings turn out to be busts in the last year (or two) of a signing but guess what? It's the price of doing business and WINNING.
WELCOME THE STRANGER
Some of the state's religious leaders are reminding their flock of the biblical command to "welcome the stranger" in their midst. The RI Council of Churches released today a 26-hundred word document developed by the council's Faith and Order Commission. The Rev. Donald Anderson, the council's Exec minister, says the document's less a policy paper on immigration than an outline of biblical principles that should help those who seek to approach the issue with the eyes of faith. Tell ya' what, I'll meet em' halfway. I'll "welcome the stranger" as long as that stranger's carrying a green card.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 5:30pm | link
October 30, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO
Ch 12's outstanding investigative reporter, Tim White, kicked off TV's "sweeps" last nite with a story about fraud within the state's Dpt of Labor and training Fraud Unit.Tim says the story was 3-months in the works. Ch 12 followed 4-members of the unit and found them goofing out to different degrees while they were claiming to be investigating claims. One woman was home when her itinerary called for her to be appointments, she ran errands and went grocery shopping..and it happened time and time again. One guy continuously left work @ 2pm and never came back then went to his second job as a bartender. All 4-jabronis have been suspended WITH pay as in internal investigation is completed
DO NOT CALL
Cell phone numbers go public this month meaning telemarketing companies will soon be making sales calls AND YOU'LL BE CHARGED FOR THE CALLS! Take 2-minutes and call 888-382-1222 to prevent the headache. You've got to call from the cell number you want to have blocked. It'll be blocked for 5-years
SOME LIGHT WEEKEND READING
The House unveiled its Health Care Bill. It's 1,990 pages long containing over 400-thousand words and is longer than WAR AND PEACE. How many House members do you believe will actually read it?
SOMETHING FOR GRANDMA?
Wal-Mart is introducing online sales of caskets. The test was launched over the last few weeks. There are two models to choose from, one for $895 the other sells for $2,899. Competitor Costco also sells caskets online.
DEFENSIVE SPADE
David Spade's defending his decision to appear in a Direct TV ad with the digital image of his late Tommy Boy co-star Chris Farley. The spot recreates the "Fat guy in a little coat" scene. There's been alot of negative fallout from critics who find it in bad taste.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:45am | link
October 29, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
THE NAME GAME
Voters next November will have the chance to decide whether they want to change the state's name by removing the word "plantations" that some think conjures up references to slavery. The proposal passed the House 52-4. That lopsided vote may have been out of respect for Rep Joe Almeida whose mission has been a name change seemingly forever. Respect for Almeida is fine but the word "plantation" in this usage has nothing to do with slavery. It means parcel of land. If voters decide "plantations" should go bye-bye, it's gonna cost the state a pretty penny to re-do stationary, signs, logos, etc. It all seems like a silly waste of time, energy and money for an ignorant interpretation of a word
GOVERNMENT IN A HURRY
Always be afraid when lawmakers are in a hurry. The state's legislators special session is 2-days during which they are expected to address 200-issues. That's flat out nuts.
LOCAL LENO VICTIM
Ch 12's 11pm newscast topped Ch 10's for the first time since Bill Clinton's first year in office (week of Oct 19-23). Ch 10 still leads at 6 and in the early news wars. Ch 6 lagged far behind (covering the Lindberg baby kidnapping. White noise). Ch 12 points to its "strong news product, a prime time line-up on CBS that provides a potent lead in , and recent cutbacks at Ch 10" as the reason for its 11 o'clock success. They even run a promo about Ch 10's cutbacks without naming names. I'm sure that trifecta plays a role but I'm guessing the "Leno factor" is cannibalizing Ch 10's 10-11pm hours as it is elsewhere in the country
YA KNOW, BROTHA
Terry Bollea, aka Hulk Hogan, told CNN's Larry King Live he's returning to the squared circle with TNA wrestling. At age 56, Hogan will dust off the 22-inch pythons and once again grapple. "Highpockets, Missouri, Maypo or Cream of Wheat? Your thoughts"
PONDERING PALIN
A CNN/Opinion Research Corp poll says 71% of Americans think 2008 GOP V-P nominee Sarah Palin isn't qualified to be President. Sleep Well.
WORLD SERIES GAME ONE
Isn't it sad MLB makes the supposed two best teams in baseball play so late in the Fall and in terrible weather conditions? It's all about the money.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:54am | link
October 28, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
WHAT A DUMP
Attorney General Patrick Lynch has a full fledged fritatta on his hands now. Buddy's show broke the news Lynch was paid 18-grand as a lobbyist for the RI Resource Recovery Corp while he worked for prominent State House lobbyist Joe Walsh at the law firm of Tillinghast Licht. Last month, Lynch said no criminal charges could be pursued in connections with millions of dollars of waste and mismanagement and possible corruption uncovered by a state audit. Lynch says his lobbyist work didn't compromise his judgement as a prosecutor and shouldn't create a perception requiring him to recuse himself from an investigation. Lynch says it's an insult to him, his office and the State Police. Today, the Providence Pamphlet finally picked up on the story. Lynch did nothing wrong. The mistake he made was to allow his opponent to get ahead of the story and CREATE the perception that he's hiding something and stood in the way of an investigation. Buddy's # 1 rule in an election cycle. NEVER let your opponent define you
HANNON HANDOUT
State Police will open an investigation into the former education coordinator at the state trash agency following Sunday's Pamphlet story that he didn't keep numerous work appointments over the summer. Nathan Hannon was canned by the dump for not showing up for a school presentation the Friday before Labor day. According to Pamphlet research, Hannon only showed up for 3-of his scheduled 27-appointments but put in for mileage for all 27. Resource recovery Exec Director Michael O'Connell gave Hannon the big haircut and then the games began. Hannon's firing stirred up a "hornet's nest" of high level government interest after his "domestic partner", traffic court judge and former Senator Davis Cruise abused his power complaining about the handling of Hannon's firing to Senate Majority Leader Daniel Conners. That triggered a C-Y-A excercise that rose to the highest levels resulting in Hannon's claim for unemployment not be challenged. The guy was fired for cause and shouldn't be allowed to collect.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 11:50am | link
October 27, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
LYNCH THE LOBBYIST
According to reports filed with the Secretary of State's office,current A-G and likley democratic candidate for Gov, Patrick Lynch, made 18-thousand dollars in 2001 as a lobbyist representing the much maligned RI Resource Recovery Corp. As you're aware, a recent audit shows the former Exec Director and his team ran the place like their own personal candystore mismanaging the joint to the tune of 75-million bucks. People have been screaming for a criminal investigation of the dump but the State Police, U-S Attorney's office and the A-G say it was more a matter of mismanagement than criminal activity. Lynch did nothing wrong taking the dough as a lobbyist. What he SHOULD have done was addressed the potential perception when the audit was released. Come out and tell everyone he lobbied for RI Resource Recovery Corp and if any investigation and/or potential criminal charges were forthcoming, he would recuse himself from the mess. By not "getting out ahead" of this, he gives his opponents great grist for the mill (something they're already taking full of advantage of)
A LONG 15-MINUTES
So there's Rich Hatch front and center on the Today Show set sitting with Matt Lauer this morning. Hatch was hauled back to prison in August for granting unauthorized TV interviews while serving out his sentence on home confinement. The Survivor claims he was hauled off in his boxer shorts and was put in solitary confinement for 30-days in a filthy cell. The Cape Cod sherrif says Hatch refused to get dressed and Hatch himself actually inspected the cell to make sure it was clean before he stayed in it. The sherrif calls Hatch "a stranger to the truth"
CAPITOL TV
The binding arbitration hearing the other day at the State House wasn't on Capitol TV because labor committe chair arthur corvese said he wanted to avoid a "circus like" situation the volatility might cause. Whatever. Apparently the committe chairs have the juice to block hearings from being televised. What caught my eye was the fact there are 15-full time staffers working for Capitol TV. Huh? How many times have you tuned into Capitol TV?
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 12:15pm | link
October 26, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
CAMELOT CRACK-UP
What the hell is Patrick Kennedy thinking? Talk about biting the hand that feeds him. Did someone screw around with his meds? Kennedy attacked the Catholic Church opposition to abortion-related aspects of legislation to overhaul the nation's medical system, callin the church's position a "red herring" that fans "the flames of dissent and discord." Bishop Tobin called Kennedy's position "irresponsible and ignorant of the facts." Tobin says the bishops are indeed in favor of comprehensive health care reform and have been for years BUT they oppose legislation requiring taxpayers to pay for abortion." Tobin calls Kennedy "a continued disappointment to the Catholic Church and to the citizens of RI. I believe the congressman owes us an apology." Ouch.
HAPPY ENDING?
Am I the only one to find the headline "RI prostitutes speak out against bill to close prostitution loophole" bizarre?. Is this another "only in RI moment?"
PAT-A-PALOOZA
I was tired of the hype around the Pats trip to London about 10-minutes after their plane left Logan. Man, talk about much to do about nothing. It was the 2nd consecutive week the Pats played a winless club and the lopsided scoring of 94-7 shows it. The NFL has lost parity. The Rams, Bucs and Titans are all winless while the Lions, Browns, and Chiefs have one win.
YANKEES
Did anyone really think the Angels would beat the Yankees? NY did what Boston couldn't do and that's get into the Angels creaky bullpen. The Angels made 2-errors in the bottom of the 8th sealing the deal for NY. You're not gonna get to too many Fall Classics playing such shoddy defense. It's pitching and defense that wins pennants. That and home field advantage gives the Yankees a clear cut edge to take it all. The Phils, however, are built the closest to an A-L team as any other senior circuit club.<
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 12:48pm | link
October 23, 2009
"RONZO'S BLOG"
IT'S GETTING CROWDED
Wednesday it was RI businessman Rory Smith who made it official saying he'll seek the GOP nod for the office of Governor. Today we're hearing former U-S Attorney Robert Corrente had a brief meeting at the Moderate Party Headquarters to discuss the possibility of Corrente being that party's candidate. AG Patrick Lynch and Gen Treasurer Frank Caprio are virtual locks to meet in a Democratic primary, Smith has enough $ to buy the state, Linc Chafee hasn't formally declared but has told two national talkers he's running as an Indy and don't discount Steve Laffey. Rory Smith will be our in studio guest Monday morning at 11.
MISSED IT BY THAT MUCH
A Northwest Airline flite from San Diego to Minneapolis failed to make radio contact with ground controllers for over an hour Wednesday nite flying by its destination by 150-miles before discovering the mistake and turning around to land safely. The poor 144-passengers aboard were clueless anything wrong had happened. The crew told authorities "they became distracted during a heated discussion over airline policy and lost track of their location". The NTSB may not be buying that story. There's a real good chance the two pilots fell asleep. My guess is folks aren't rushing to cash in their Northwest frequent flier miles today.
TROUBLE FOR NBC
The other day we reported many NBC affiliates are seeing their 11pm news ratings dwindling thanks to the crappy "lead in" numbers of the Jay Leno Show. Forget broadcast, now Leno is fighting off a challenger from basic cable. For the first time, Leno was toppled by a non-sports program not airing on the Big Four Networks. FX's "Son's of Anarchy" beat Leno Adults 18-49 Tuesday nite. GULP.
MUST SEE TV
The Nat' Enquirer claims a David Letterman "sex tape" may exist. The paper claims studio surveillance cameras may have caught Dave engaged in a stupid human trick with a much younger female staffer.
posted by Ron St. Pierre at 12:08pm | link
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