Even in a shortened work week, we managed to cover all the bases and break some details on an unusual robbery.
Wednesday: We wrangled Kelly Dehn off his recliner and had the CTV Crime Beat reporter join us during his holiday break. He went over the big stories of 2006 including the Whitmore kidnapping case, police sting operations against outlaw motorcycle gangs, the arrest of 3 Bandidos in an Ontario biker massacre, and the new Crimestat initiative promised by Mayor Katz as a means of improving police response and preventing crime.
We touched on the life and times of three recently departed figures from American life - former US President Gerald Ford and his career as a college athlete and friend of Canada, Frank Tremaine of Associated Press who was the first to report on the attack on Pearl Harbour, and William H. Booth, the former chairman of the Human Rights Commisison of New York City in the late 60's who embarked on bold initiatives to bring blacks and other minorities into public school administrative positions, and to eradicate systemic racism in civic services such as taxicabs.
Thursday: Adam Clayton of the Winnipeg Sun made his TGCTS debut with a discussion about the Top 10 Civic stories of 2006. Adam is a former Red River College Cre-Comm grad and we were happy to get his perspective.
In our middle segment we had exclusive details of a rare taxi robbery on Boxing Day. Late that night two people came out of a suite at 970 Sherbrook, tossed a blanket in the air towards the front seat to obscure the camera, punched and robbed the driver and stole his Crown Victoria. Go figure how someone thinks they will get away with it when they came out of a specific suite and had answered the phone when Duffy's called to tell them the cab was downstairs; but as the manager put it "people aren't afraid to break the law, all they will get is a slap on the wrist".
We also made mention of the Free Press column by Gord Sinclair where he mocked the Asper family's presumed relief when he revealed his publisher canned his unauthorized Israel Asper bio, which Sinclair admitted was going to be less than flattering. Winnipeg's aspiring Kitty Kelly said he'll look for another printer but he has nothing to pat himself on the back for, because nothing is easier than a drive-by hit on the reputation of a deceased civic leader who can't defend himself.
In our last segment Alex Perez joined us from Duke University and spoke about the great experience he had filming his Slurpee documentary here last week, freezing cold notwithstanding. He hopes to have it ready for a local by the end of March.
Friday: We capped off the year with a compliment for Free Press reporter Bill Redekopp and his coverage of rural stories; and then spent about 30 minutes discussing the potential of an NHL franchise returning to the city. Darren Ford made a number of compelling arguments why the idea has to be looked at closely with so many US teams drawing under 10,000 fans per game, and believes that Winnipeg can find enough corporate and casual fan support to make it a reality. Check out his website, www.jetsowner.com.
Thanks to all our guests and callers, and to Kick-FM station manager Rick Baverstock for having the faith in us to provide the opportunity for The Great Canadian Talk Show to return to Winnipeg airwaves.
Have a great New Year and tune in again for out next live edition on Tuesday, January 2, 2007.
Marty Gold and Captain Audio
