At least twice in the past two weeks, Lino has patiently explained why his mother will not have a segment on the show every day. The fans have been clamoring (well, maybe just asking) for her to be a regular on the show. As Lino said, while she enjoys coming on from time to time, she has her own life in Minnesota.
Let's examine this: She likes to play games like "Limerick" and "Hickety - Pickety." (This drives him crazy) She constantly breaks his cardinal rule by referring to past events or people the audience may or may not know about. (This drives him crazy) She loves to talk over him and won't let him get a word in edge-wise. (This drives him crazy)
All that said, it is evident to anyone listening, that even though she drives him crazy, he loves her dearly. He calls her every night. He has even gone as far as to say that she is his favorite parent! (Agghhh, I just broke the cardinal rule!)
Now that is not to say that he doesn't love his dad- they just appear to have a different relationship than he has with his mother. His dad, to use an old phrase, simply "marches to the beat of a different drummer." (kind of like Lino does) Like Lino says, "Pops is Pops."
Say what you will about Lino, but I think he knows a secret- sometimes less is more. So we need to appreciate Mama Rulli's appearances on TCGS, and realize that he knows best what works and what may not.
I think Lino's mother is great. I like the Hickety Pickety game. I feel Lino is not patient and needs to grow up.