Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Richard Balasko leaves Elections Manitoba - tune in to TGCTS Monday for analysis / Nov.- Dec. guest list

Thanks to all of our listeners and the followers of this blog, for making 2009 so rewarding for everyone at The Great Canadian Talk Show.

We kicked off 2009 by breaking the real story behind the actions of News Years Eve partiers rescuing a mother and her infant from a drunken carjacker on Horace Avenue, and that momentum carried on through :


- the amazing "meth caller" after a druggie suicide in a cop chase,
- our coverage of the lies by Health Minister Theresa Oswald and WRHA officials about the preventable Emergency Room death of Brian Sinclair,
- our exclusive interview with MP turned MLA Bill Blaikie,
- "breaking news story of the year" about the cover-up of the hospital negligence that contributed to the 2004 death of Gail Glesby at Health Sciences Centre,
- the whistleblower-driven expose of the 1999 NDP Election Finance scam,
- The Parking Authority and Transit's Diamond Lane policies running roughshod over Winnipeg drivers, businesses and neighbourhoods
- the very valid reasons why the Hydro Whistleblower should be protected from attacks by the likes of Bob Brennan and have a proper airing of her complaint of financial and risk mismanagement
- Did someone mention Climategate?

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The Winnipeg Free Press 2009 misadventures in journalism, such as inventing "Aurtarlia", the exploitation of Faron Hall, and the overall arrogance, bad reporting, and slanted writings as typified by the shameless cheerleading for the Pet Projects of Millionaires and elitists (the Friends of Upper Fort Garry, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Point Douglas Provincial Park) resulted in our "News Analysis Story of the Year":

the downfall of the Free Press as the
'newspaper of record'.

It is already apparent that on Monday, January 4th, we will be following up on the same theme, as Gordon Sinclair Jr. soon will be bragging about treating his homeless hero buddy Faron Hall to some Taco Time on Tuesday. ( Has Faron ever been invited to dinner at Chez Gordo in Lindenwoods, or are 'parkers' preventing turnover at the Sinclair table?)

Today, the broadsheet on Mountain Avenue that brags about their 4 legislature reporters completely failed to report on the sudden "retirement" of Elections Manitoba chief Richard Balasko.

Is Tricky Dickie trying to duck a legislative committee in January, loaded with questions about his role in the shady 2003 deal with the NDP and former Premier Gary Doer that saw Balasko hide news of the agreed "settlement" of possible criminal charges against the NDP until 7 months after the 2003 election?

We will have LOTS to say about this on Monday.

(Only one other mainstream media outlet reported by 5 PM on Balasko's sudden departure -- with nary a hint that he is dogged by the scandal and facing an Opposition grilling in January. Shame on the MSM.


Even more shame on the NDP government which for some unknown reason, couldn't spare a typist to produce a press release on the subject today... it couldn't have had anything to do with wanting to keep the majority of newsrooms and the general public in the dark, would it?)

*************

Meanwhile, FP vice-editrix Julie Carl tried to entice subscribers this afternoon with the following "news":

" Looking ahead
We often look back wistfully at the year behind us the last week of December, but the Free Press looks ahead in tomorrow’s paper. We asked three of Winnipeg’s brightest commentators 10 questions about 2010. Think of it as a program for the new year. And you know what they say: you’re lost without a program.
"

Even though we were not on the air, Canada's smartest radio audience sent us a flurry of predictions as to the FP's chosen troika.

Here is a sample:

" Richard Cloutier, Lloyd Axworthy and David Northcott ;-)"

(from a blogger:) " Not me. If any bloggers at all, I'm thinking either (Liberal pollster) Curtis Brown or Policy Frog will be among them. Rounding out the roster will be some old Trotskyite eggheads in academia. Not because they are currently among the brightest commentators, but because they are still on the rolodexes of a tired, unimaginative MSM."

"Guesses?

Faron Hall
Nahanni Fontaine
Dave Hill.

Because she just wants you to get happy".

:)
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Don't forget our theme for Year 4:
"YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE CHANGE!"

That is what TGCTS in 2010 will be all about.

(That, and a few visits to the dentist.)

******************
A special thanks to our regular visitors and contributors this year, including:


Tahl East of CDI College,
Darryl Walsh of Triallo Communication Media,
RRC J-student Jess Chapman,
Jon Waldman of Slam! Sports,
the King of Corydon Avenue Frank the Italian Barber,
NFL expert Brad Harrison,
This Week in History with Professor Levinski,
the boys from Illegal Curve,
and a true friend, Kelly Dehn of CTV.

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The sponsors of the show were enthusiastic and showed great faith in our program and the role of alternative media in Winnipeg.

To:
Unicity Taxi,
the Winnipeg Police Association,
CDI College,
The Focal Point Optician on the U of Manitoba campus, Atlantic Pizza,
TJ Bratt,
Phil's Barber Shop,
CanadaSheli.com,
Curb-Ease,
Brad Gross,
the Winnipeg Youth Soccer Association,
Triallo Communication Media
and
Steven Hanks Premier Massage Group,

thank you for supporting TGCTS and 92.9 Kick-FM in 2009.
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There would be no broadcasts without the hard work of our volunteer producers.

Many thanks are in order to Shannah-Lee, Spirited Kenny, Kick-FM News Director Awesome Adam Toy, Deniz of Humber College, Brad of the peanut gallery, RRC's Danielle and Stacia, and Kiirsten May and Josh Grummett, both now of CJOB68.

And hey, Senior Producer Captain Audio, take a bow as well.

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November and December guests:

Coun. Jenny Gerbasi
Brian Smiley, Manitoba Public Insurance
Kevin Lamoureaux, Liberal MLA
Hugh McFadyen, Manitobas Conservative leader
Greg Oliver, Slam! Wrestling editor
Scott Taylor, CITI-FM sports director
Coun. Jeff Browaty
Mike Sutherland, Winnipeg Police Association
Ezra Ginzburg, Drew Mindell, and Richard Pollock, Illegalcurve.com
Tony Condello, Ultimate Cage Wars/Kerry Brown Tribute Show
Sean Crawford, MacDonald Youth Services
Coun. John Orlikow
Colin Butler and Mike Wolchuk, Pollock's Hardware Co-op
Mayor Sam Katz
Melanie Pitcher, Walk4Darfur
Alex Morrison, scientist
Coun. Harvey Smith
Bart Jose, Artists Emporium
Dr. Tim Ball, Climategate expert
The BEAT DJ's -- Indierawker and Mod Marty
Larry Stefaniuk, WiseUp Winnipeg
Coun. Scott Fielding
Dan Lett, Winnipeg Free Press
David Faurschou, Conservative MLA
Colin Craig, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
JOHN K of VJ's Drive -Inn

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY NEW YEAR AND DON'T FORGET TO LISTEN TO ALL-STAR SUNDAY AT 7 PM.

PS: Rest in Peace, former NCAA and professional wrestling champion Steve "Dr. Death" Williams. A protege of Cowboy Bill Watts and an unbelievably physical competitor, Steve died yesterday of throat cancer at age 49.

Here is a link to a brief tribute from his friend Missy Hyatt, scroll down for links she has compiled to many of his greatest matches from the US and Japan.

Thanks for the memories, Doc.

Monday, December 28, 2009

VJ's John and Frank the Italian Barber to meet live at 4 PM - plus story of the year/replay sched and more!

This week we are limiting our live broadcasts to Monday and Tuesday in order to enjoy some much-needed time off. But we will be ending the year with some very entertaining and informative shows, as well as excellent Best-of replays to fill out your New Years' listening.

Today, along with the usual post-Sunday quarterbacking of the NFL scores - hello, Jets fans! - by Brad Harrison on the phone and Frank the Italian Barber in the studio, we will be joined by the man behind the busiest burger counter in the city, John K from VJ's.


He's taking an afternoon from the annual winter shutdown/vacation of his Main St and Broadway shoppe to participate in TGCTS and bring greetings to the many carnivores who are already suffering withdrawals from the fries and grilled meats that VJ's is famous for. Maybe Frank can give him a little trim...

Also on Monday we will be declaring Story of the Year of Year 3 (ending Nov. 20 2009), and once again recognition will be in 2 categories: news analysis and breaking news.

Tuesday will be our final live show of 2009, and Tahl East of CDI College will open the show with a discussion of the accomplishments of her staff and students this past year. CDI is the marquee sponsor of TGCTS and we look forward to our next live remote from the 280 Main Street campus in the new year.

And in a slight change of routine, the boys from Canada's best hockey coverage, Illegal Curve, will close out Tuesday's show and preview the Olympic selections and no doubt, strongly urge all listeners to tune into their analysis of the roster Wednesday night on 92.9 Kick-FM.

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Replay schedule:

Wednesday: Our December 16th show featuring interviews with Manitoba Conservative leader Hugh McFadyen and Mike Sutherland of the Winnipeg Police Association

New Years Eve: Our November 26th edition assessing the "strong women of the NDP cabinet", and the still unreported-by-MSM $200,000 robbery at Red River College in September.

New Years Day: The Nov. 27th interview with Mike and Colin of Pollock's Hardware, about the North Main Street Diamond lane, never discussed or debated with residents or businesses, that is costing the newly-revived store between $100-200 a day. And for good measure, Mike also told of his miserable experiences with the Winnipeg Parking Authority plunking parking meter pay stations on Main Street and around the Centennial neighborhood, again without any notice to the people who live and work there...

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All Star Sunday night replays! A special lineup for January 3rd, starting at 7PM:

Nov. 26- "the strong women of the NDP cabinet"
Nov. 27 - Pollock Hardware et al blast Diamond lanes and the Parking Authority
Dec. 9 - interview with 'global warming denier' Dr. Tim Ball
Dec. 17 - follow-up interview with Dr. Tim Ball
(direct link to the 2 interviews with Dr. Ball http://kickfm.blogspot.com/2009/12/dr-tim-ball-on-climategate-scandal.html)
Dec. 22 - the year in review with Free Press columnist Dan Lett
*********************

A selection of Emails from listeners:

Parking authority and diamond lanes

Hey Marty, as per our many discussions over the phone and in person I know full well that you are the person who will most appreciate this story.

Today on Dec 17, 2009 I drove up to an open parking spot on Carlton St (between Ellice and Portage) and hustled through the cold the four stalls required to plug the automatic ticket dispensers. When I got up to it, I immediately noted that the machine was flashing a red light and it would not accept my money (which I suppose is a small mercy).

So you can imagine my surprise (or lack thereof) when I came out of my office later in the evening to find that I and 5 other drivers had been tagged with a ticket. The funny part. The ticket was for "Meter expired".

Of COURSE THE METER IS EXPIRED! It was EXPIRED when I Parked there at 3pm to start my shift!!

How is it that I a mere citizen of Winnipeg know the rules for parking better than the Non Civil Servant Employees of the WPA? In fact, the 311 operator I spoke to (who was incredibly polite and sympathetic just like every receptionist I've ever met) had no idea in regards to these rules either.

After this incident (as well as the one from 2 months ago where my paid receipt "wasn't visible enough") it is clear to me that anyone who claims that the streetwalkers (not a typo) are NOT authorized to meet ANY quotas are clearly out to lunch. This tactic is Profiteering 101.

Throw out 10 false tickets; 3 people will fight it; 3 more will just ignore it, and the remaining 4 will pay up out of fear of retaliation.

Honestly, if the WPA was actually being run as a "business" as everyone at City Hall and in the FreeP likes to claim that they are there would be NO ONE using their services, ever. In order to be run as a business, you have to provide a CHOICE to citizens. And from now on, I might go and park indoors, because at least I KNOW I'm getting screwed on pricing, but at least my car will be warm.

Thanks for reading.
jd
***


I was confronted by a Parking Authority officer on December 22, 2009 while taking pictues of him illegally parked. He was grabbing a coffee at Tim Horton's coffee in the Princess Street Campus and was parked in front of a fire hydrant.

While I was taking pictures of his vehicle, he starting taking pictures of me telling me he is a peace officer and demanding my identification. I told him to stay away from me and not talk to me.

He got in my way and demanded my ID telling me he was a peace officer and he could park anywhere he wanted as it was an official City of Winnipeg vehicle. I walked away from him and felt he was acting illegally telling me he was a peace officer and demanding my ID.

Another story of an out of control Parking Authority officer and guess what, he does not fall under LERA or the Law Review Agency. My only channel of complaint is to guess who, THE PARKING AUTHORITY.

(name withheld pending WPA review of complaint)
***

Marty,

Regarding traffic in Diamond Lanes:

Curb lanes on busy thoroughfares were signed with No Stopping during rush hours. The only holdup to buses was illeagal parks. The holdup for the rest of the traffic, other than emergencies, accidents, etc. was BUSES SITTING WITH THEIR 4-WAY FLASHERS GOING WHILE THEY WERE GETTING BACK ON SCHEDULE. The only other people using the diamond lanes are cyclists, who are bottlenecks in any case. I cannot personally see any practical use for these lanes.

A Loyal Listener
***

not good enough, Councillor Scott Fielding

Marty I was disappointed with your guest Mr Fielding Not so much with him as what he represents.

When you read my comments to him his response spoke to what is wrong at City Hall. He stated Ladco Homes does not do infill so how do they force them.

Building Permits are a biproduct of city planning. If the city sets a number on in fill houses to be built each year and a number on new lot builds each year and issues permits only in pairs with a surety in place to ensure the infill is built Ladco would have no choice but to either build infill themselves or subsidize others to satisfy there obligation.

If a $350,000 house in Island Lakes becomes 360,000 because of a committment to rebuild the core what is the harm in that. What Mr Fielding does not realize is that people who really want to live in the burbs can but there are many more people who would snap up a new build in the westend for $125,000 if such an animal actually existed.

Please remember Marty when you tour the neighborhoods of the west end, West Kildonan, E.K., Elmwood and old St Boniface what little in fill housing that has happened has been snapped up and are desired properties because they are within the financial grasp of the lower middle class.

Mr. Fielding like most councillors is conditioned by effective lobbying on the part of new home builders to think that allowing entire neighborhoods to turn into slums is no big deal which sold well in the 70's when they were killing the north end. Only problem is the foresaken neighborhoods become havens for crime which then spreads all over the city.

We cannot just ignore this problem it is not going away unless Mr. Fielding knows of some master plan to move Downtown to Polo Park and allow St Vital to form its own city I do not see him with solutions and this problem is nipping at the east boundary of his riding.

Thanks Phil
*******
homeless housing

Hi Marty, love your show!

I was watching the news last night and they talked about this. It's not a program, it's an experiment. Sounds like 5 locations were chosen, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Montreal, some place in the Maritimes and I forget the last one. Each will be targeted at a different type of homeless. In Vancouver it's the drug users, Winnipeg it's the aboriginals. I think in the Maritimes it's rural homeless.

After I believe 5 years, they are planning on interviewing each of the recipients to see how many remained in housing, etc. This whole thing has a mental health aspect to it.

I agree that targeted aid in this manner is amoral. We are all the same race, the human race. There's no reason to separate us any further than that.

Keep up the good work, all of you!

Respectfully submitted,

L
********
Climategate:

I wonder why no one is talking about the manufactured nature of the "consensus."

Wasn't it another Watergate phrase that we need to talk about here too - Follow the Money!??"

I'l like to see all the global warming/climate change projects that got turned down for traditional academic funding vs the ones that received it. I suspect there'e more $$ flowing to any hypothesis that investigates the AGW position. Who cares what you actually believe, if you have to "publish or perish" you'll do what pays (and plays) the best.

Pretty soon you're addicted to the fame and fortune, the international academic convention circuit and presto, you write another grant proposal to do Phase 2 of your project, and so it goes...ca-ching!

Then a young Master's student or PhD candidate wants to work with someone of note so they can rise to the top fast too, whose research do they build uopn? The guy or gal who never did a keynote, not has published much?

Soon, there are "cells" of warmists all over the world, reinvestigating, building more scenarios, under the direction of academic advisors who drank the Koolaid long time ago, who see more grant money coming in, and more opportunity for "ground-breaking" research. And so it goes...ca-ching, ca-ching, ca-ching....

Like a AGW induced typhoon, spiralling out of control.

ax
***

I've known about Tim Ball for a few years. Been reading his stuff on Canada Free Press. I've also known about Hoggan-Suzuki-Lefebvre as well as Gore & Mo Strong for just about as long.

The sheep who believe the garbage are dogmatic and blind to anything that doesn't jive with their side of the story. The warmers, demonstrators, etc are nuts. The media falls in between them and the people calling the shots who are well aware of and orchestrating the scam and have personal interest in it being implimented. ClimateGate emails just go to prove what has been suspected all along.

Can't remember where I heard it but it's like finding Jesus' bones and shattering the Christian religion since it's based on the resurrection.

When this has all played out I believe there will be a strong resurgence of right leaning politics, not the Christian Right either, in all major Western countries. The multicult and nanny state stuff will just be fuel for the fire.

Just my opinion

***

Another excellent interview!

As a former student of Professor Ball, I can attest to his integrity and effectiveness. It was not uncommon for him to begin a lecture with some commonly understood belief or factoid that he would deftly bring back to earth. Back then it was global cooling, which today would necessitate mass demonstrations and UN conferences to force coal usage on the western world.

Science and public policy have always had an opportunistic relationship. Policy makers probably ignore science more often than they heed it and man-made global warming presents just another bogeyman for those with social and political agendas. Scientists, being human, are subject to political and peer influence, not to mention funding opportunities. Whenever science get politicised, its time to take a big step back. Appeals to science need to be very closely examined.

I would remind your listeners of the over-used mantra of pro-warming advocates - "majority of scientists" and "peer reviewed" in their reliance in the IPCC. Firstly, science does not progress based on majorities or minorities (though usually from minorities). Secondly, the peer review process has been clearly demonstrated as being compromised. If the IPCC and the UN is genuinely interested in the science, they should have no issues starting over or at least opening up for an 'oil-for-food' level of investigation.

Thirdly, how many other climate groups and scientists have been erasing e-mails and data over the past few weeks? To borrow some IPCC and climate science methodology, if tree rings and other proxy data can be relied upon to estimate past climate, so to can the behavior of these scientists on the body as a whole.

Hope to hear more from Professor Ball

ak
***

(re: Bob MacDonald of CBC's Quirks and Quarks)

Went to see a lecture by him @ U of M in the spring. His opening line was, "I'm not a scientist." He then proceeded to waste 60 minutes of my time with a grade 10 level science lecture with pictures of the earth from the apollo missions. I was bored to tears, when the title of the lecture was "Everything You Know Is Wrong", or something very similar.

He's an entertainer. I think he's either a college dropout with an honourary degree, or he's a drama student. But claims to be a "science buff" so I guess we should all be listening to him with rapt attention.

JM
***
Dear Marty,

Heck, I was beginning to become a big fan until this issue…dropping 4PM meetings for my dose of Marty on KICK. I can’t really believe that you made the attack on my email personal. I merely pointed out that you need to balance the views of climate change by engaging both views with equal veracity.

Frankly, Mr. Ball is in a decreasing minority, given the evidence. If you do spend time examining the sites you’re sent to, perhaps you’ll take a tour through the NASA and related sites. There are literally thousands of pages to examine. Perhaps start at: http://climate.nasa.gov/ClimateReel/ . Or do you believe that NASA too, is in on some kind of scientific conspiracy, doctoring evidence from their dozens of satellites that each measure different environmental markers? I mean, if you ignore everything you see on these sites without retracing your steps on some of the things you’ve said on the air, it would seem that you’re not prepared to present a balanced argument.

Neither of us are climatologists, but that shouldn’t stop us from wanting to get at the truth about climate change. After all, despite whatever we believe, we’re both EQUALLY affected by whatever is causing it. I can hear all about the climategate theory presented with a one-sided slant any night on ultra right-wing US talk radio between the commercials. I really thought you were better than that. Anyway you have the mike… and I have a radio dial.

Yours tuning out.

D

(ED NOTE: for a chart detailing the history of scientists manipulating the global warming issue, go to: http://joannenova.com.au/globalwarming/climategate/history/2009.12.23_climategate_30_years_in_the_making_banner.pdf )

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Level 4 car thiefs/killers

Hi Marty,

I'm an avid listener and I have just about had enough and I have to vent...I'll try to make my points short and direct regarding crime and justice in the city and in Canada. I love discussing the system and I am appalled at the number of flower power / hippie / green peacers attitude towards the system and it's failures. I always just bring up the following arguments:

(A) Criminal steals a car (many cars) and kills someone: Criminal gets free legal council, no financial penalty to pay to the victim of the theft (car owner) or the victim of the killing, doesn't lose his job (if he has one), and he gets counseling (if he chooses). The LAW ABIDING VICTIMS receive a bill from their respective lawyers to handle their respective cases, an INSURANCE SYSTEM that won't cover damages because the other driver was un-insured, they must pay for any counseling they actually need, loss of life and income, and they are being FORCED to pay for an immobilizer that won't work and doesn't keep them safe from this CRIMINAL. And, then the police say "Well, stay inside, lock your doors, travel with a buddy'etc...

SO WHO JUST RECEIVED A JAIL TERM? The VICTIMS. This makes me so bloody mad...

(B) Criminal rapes / assaults someone. Again, Criminal gets all benefits of above. Victim gets his / her sentence "lock your doors, travel in groups, can't replace what was lost or stolen, no insurance, etc...

I could go on and on, but the bullet points are:

- Is it easier / safer to "jail" the law abiding, tax paying "non-convicted" citizen than to fight the thugs / pimps / pushers / murderers...who might fight back?


- You know how they talk about the mobs controlling the docks in New York, etc...Can you draw a parallel between the legal system and the mob?

- Pretty soon, with all the restrictions being imposed on Joe Public (lock yourself in so that the free roaming criminals don't rob / beat / rape / murder you), it appears to me that we actually have the world's largest jail, namely our own homes.

Can you see something wrong here?

Thanks for letting me vent. Keep up the great work. If you discuss and need to use my name, please just refer to me as Mike from Winnipeg.

P.S. If ever you have a chance to discuss things like Urban reserves, etc...I have always maintained this perspective. The aboriginal / Métis population is always looking for an industry to give their "people" some hope / work, etc... based on a model in Japan and other Asian countries, I think that putting some penitentiaries on some reserves might be a better idea than reserves. The reason is that a penitentiary needs every occupation from janitors and barbers, to guards, trades people, accountants, social workers, lawyers, etc... I would love to hear what people think about that.

************
Story of the Year:

Marty

Story of the year absolutely must be Rebate Gate

This story has so many facets to it, it covers not only extreme government corruption, but also the mass media cover up of it. Yes it was "mentioned" in the media, but really in passing.

Rebate Gate is nothing more then pure theft of tax dollars by "our" government for their own bank accounts. I know full well that EVERY government mis-manages files and policies. EVERY government will eventually get sloppy and treat their friends to many perks for their years of support. We all get used to this as BUSINESS AS USUAL.

However, when a government actually steals money, and that’s what they did, purely to pad the lining of their pockets, that is where the line is drawn at complete unacceptability.

Although from what has been revealed is a lot less money then the amount of tax money that the Liberal Governement of Canada stole during the sponsordhip scandal, the principle of theft is still maintained. Both parties took money out of the tax base illegally and put it into their bank accounts.

Money they had no right to and only were able to secure it by stealing it from us by accounting tricks.

But we know all of this, and this is why this must be the story of the year.

As I said before, every government will screw up and mis-manage a project. They will put "friends" in high places. They will waste money left right and centre on programs that make no sense or benefit the groups who put them in power.

BUT actual theft of tax dollars is an aggregious use of absolute power. Something so vile and disgusting, and the only thing worse then all of that is that Manitobans were not given even a quarter of the story from the media coverage because of the relationships that they have with the NDP Government.

We were given the glossy, rose colored glasses version told to us by Gary Doer, who basically said there was no story here, just a mis-understanding with Elections Manitoba, and the MSM simply goes along with that.

This web of deceit is woven so intricately, that it took almost 10 years to come to light. Everything from stealing money from the tax payer to our current Premier throwing the other 25 candidates and agents under the bus to paying off the head of Elections Manitoba in order to make everything "go away".

No disrespect to the stories on the nomination list, ironically this one not even on the list, but this hits on every theme of your show from naming names to government corruption to the gatekeepers of information and even to your new theme for this coming year of whistleblowers.

Marty this must be the story of the year.

Thanks for everything you do on your show, it's one of a kind and greatly needed here in this city. It's the only forward moving and thinking thing in Winnipeg.

N
****
Aurtarlia gets my vote for story of the year.

Cheers,
Aaron

******
for meth caller; real radio that would definitely not be heard on any other dial in the city!

also liked the exposure of the woman who died in the emergency room at HSC

what about the crooked NDP/Selinger accounting fix of election funds?

jay jona jameson
*****

First of all great coverage on climategate.


I believe there can only be one candidate for story of the year. Numbers 1, 5 and 9 all pertain to the Winnipeg Free Press. Add to that Dan Lett, Gordon Sinclair, Bob Cox and the zombie story, their being in bed with the WRHA, Hydro whistleblower coverage, Crocus coverage, climategate non-coverage etc. etc.

Add all this up and I believe the story of the year has to be the downfall of the Winnipeg Free Press.


A once great paper in this city is now just another lefty rag.

Also I saw Judy Wasylycia-Leis on the CBC last night commenting on those Greenpeace losers who illegally trespassed on parliament yesterday and hung signs saying Canada must do more to combat man-made global warming . She said and I quote " what a courageous and brilliant act ".

I couldn't believe it. Even for an NDP MP this comment shocked me. So she is saying it is o.k to break the law.

I wonder if she would have made the same comment if the protester had a sign that said man-made global warming is a myth.

Hope you have a Happy Hanukkah and all the best in the new year.

Love your show,
R
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Monday, December 14, 2009

Memo to Margo Goodhand: Gordo has exposed the great divide between you and your readers

Dear Margo:

First of all, thanks for correcting the misinformation in last Tuesday's Editor's Bulletin, even if it took my unacknowledged email to get you to admit, 2 days late, that it was wrong of you to assert to your subscribers that the Manitoba Conservatives had proposed a plastic bag ban.

If only the woes of your newspaper were limited to such trivial details.

For it is also wrong for you to publish a column entitled "A question of transparency and trust for charity" on Saturday, and expect to get away with it.

This is not my message; it is the message clearly stated in the online comments from your own readers about
Gordon Sinclair's innuendo-laden lecture, based on the departure of John Mohan from the helm of Siloam Mission.

December 12, 2009 at 10:52 AM

Journalism sure has changed over the years.

Reporters knew then what was on or off limits, and based on this article, you forgot that. The paper falls down another peg. What a classless thing to do.


You could learn a thing or two about compassion from this organization Mr. Sinclair. It's a private matter and let's leave it as such.

and

Posted by: Rural Roots

December 12, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Gord, does this mean that, given how the public puts their trust in journalists like yourself to inform us about the "news" of the day, that you will from here on in ensure that your personal issues and those of all your colleagues that may in some direct or indirect (why were you grumpy in your column today, should I start guessing publicly?) your work will now be noted at the bottom of each column or in a press release?!?

and this

Posted by: Grubfoot

December 13, 2009 at 2:25 AM
"In other words, it's personal. But if what I hear from a source inside Siloam is true, there was also a highly uncomfortable professional aspect that should have made it Siloam's story to tell, too."

What made it your story to tell? There's a highly uncomfortable professional aspect to your infringing on John Mohan's right to privacy. It's more newsworthy that bleeding heart liberals are stabbing the charitable-hearted in the back.


Speaking of which, I am sure you took note of this comment:

Posted by: Jason Wayne

December 12, 2009 at 3:11 PM
Two words.......Pork Gate.


Let's compare the two stories.

Reported: John Mohan leaves his job after evidentally separating from his wife, who is still employed at the Mission.

Mohan and his wife split over something. That's personal. It has nothing to do with their jobs or the public that supports Siloam Mission. It is not "news".

Unreported: Somebody steals food from Winnipeg Harvest and gives it to Free Press employees.

That was "news", Margo.

It must have been because your striking employees bragged about receiving the 'donation' and then clammed up after it turned out the real story was not so kosher, as it were.

Not to mention theft is a crime. And the FP covered it up even after the City of Winnipeg issued a health warning about consuming thawing meat handed out by an unknown distributor from the back of a truck.

Tell us all, when a half-ton of stolen food meant for the truly hungry and poor ended up in your employees freezers, did you give them this lecture about "accountability and trust"?

The Winnipeg Free Press has no moral authority to lecture any other organization about accountability and transparency, or about ethical obligations to the public to 'come clean'.

The FP raises money from the public for Harvest every year. There's a direct connection. And your newspaper pretended nothing happened.

Siloam Mission could have used the unspoiled portions of pork to feed the poor, but instead some of your well-paid employees, accepted the pilfered, taxpayer-subsidized gift.

And now, one of your employees is criticizing Siloam for protecting the privacy of a couple in their employ? Your newspaper has been protecting the privacy of the thief and those who accepted stolen food for over a year now.

This same employee has ceaselessly been an unapologetic cheerleader for Harvest honcho David Northcott and has never asked why Northcott gave up his "investigation" rather than find the thief.

Margo, the attack on Siloam Mission exposes the selective commitment Gordo and the Free Press has to reporting on "A transparency issue for a charity that relies on the public for its funding."


And, it calls into question whether you agree with his observation "Transparency being the currency of trust."

If you do, Gordo will reveal what he knows about Porkgate.


Who got the meat. Where did it come from. Who stole it from Harvest. Why the FP did not report on it even after the city and federal health warning. How much money does the FP give Harvest. Was the meat a kickback.

I realize you have your hands full, what with one blogger
discovering Gerald Flood was snookered by a seasoned PR spinner posing as an average citizen wanting credit for the Field of Dreams, and another blogger discovering that no one has even bothered to ask about the impact the relocation of Canada Post trucks to the streets of the inner-city will have on adjacent schools and daycares; and then of course there is the matter of a case of apparent plagiarism by Bruce Owen. (Who has his own link to Porkgate as you will recall).

Until you address this double standard, the great divide between the public and the newspaper of record will continue to grow wider and wider, and you will continue to scratch your head at the abandonment of readers and subscribers from the Free Press.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Coming up: Katz tomorrow, Climategate series, and we clear the email bag -- lots about us, parking, traffic, and the NDP

Time to clear out the email bag--- but first a reminder about our upcoming guests and stories:

Monday- Coun. Jeff Browaty and a Grey Cup reviw with Blue Bomber punter Troy Westwood

Tuesday: Mayor Sam Katz from 4-5 PM


Wed- Friday: Special Series-- everything the mainstream media doesn't want you to know about Climategate

Wed Dec. 9th - Bart Jose of
http://www.artistsemporium.net/
Friday Dec. 11 - Coun. Harvey Smith

(later in December-- Ace Burpee of HOT103, lawyer Jack King, and a special guest for the holidays!)

A big thank you to everyone who participated in and contributed to The Kerry Brown Tribute show on November 10th. Here is an email we got from his mother in response to
the story by SLAM!Sports writer Richard Kamchen:

Hi Richard,

I just finished reading your writeup on the tribute, I am blessed with everything you had to say, I will keep this email with me till I am gone. I have regrets now that I did'nt see any of Kerry's matches live as I was totally impressed with the wrestlers Tuesday night, they were so respectful and kind in their remarks to me and Kerry's family, I felt a kinship with them all.

Please let them know how I feel and may God bless all of you folks.

Regards to all

Bernice


Also, please check out the online audio tribute to wrestler/videographer Adam Dykes "Adam Firestorm", by his broadcast partner Ian Hamilton at
Ringside Live, with interviews with Pacific Northwest wrestlers Bryan Alvarez, Buddy Wayne, Adam's former tag partner "Strife" Happy Kreter, his trainer and mentor Gorgeous Michelle Starr, and special audio of Adam and his son Thomas.

Adam was a very, very close friend of mine and a partner in our Power Po Wrestling enterprise which landed us a record-setting appearance on CBC-TV's Dragons Den in October of 2007. He appeared on The Nighthawk during my CJOB stint last summer with an Olympic protests report, and was a brilliant man with great ability in multimedia and in making people laugh.


Jason Clevett wrote about his passing on SLAM! Wrestling http://www.wrestling-online.com/ringside/
as did I in this backgrounder to the events which led to his passing http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/14/11746321.html.
God rest his soul.

***************************

Anniversary and Story of the Year

Marty

It has been my pleasure to be a part of the Great Canadian Talk Show's team since day one! Yes, it was just you and me on the first day with no fan fare or pre-promotion 3 years ago. No one knew about the show except for those in our immediate circles of influence. In the past three years the audience has grown exponentially. I still remember when an unnamed legislature figure referred to us as 'lesser media' and I look back and smirk. The lesser has become the leader.

There is no media outlet in Winnipeg that does anything close to what you do. MSM does not have the patience to read reports thoroughly, the institutional memory to flag a story that doesn't ring true with the past, or the Independence to tell the truth without fear of lost Government ad dollars. This is what you and only you (maybe a few bloggers) bring to the people of Winnipeg.

It's the beginning of the end for many MSM outlets. Remember the Gandhi quote- we're living it:

"First they ignore you. Then they ridicule you. Then they fight you. Then you win."

Government and mainstream media types started by ignoring us, then laughed about the show and put down bloggers, now the fight stage is starting. Alternative media will win. And Marty, in this neck of the woods, you are the leader.

Congrats of three stellar years! Stir it up more in year number four!!!

Captain Audio


"Story of the year absolutely must be Rebate Gate "

This story has so many facets to it, it covers not only extreme government corruption, but also the mass media cover up of it. Yes it was "mentioned" in the media, but really in passing.

Rebate Gate is nothing more then pure theft of tax dollars by "our" government for their own bank accounts. I know full well that EVERY government mis-manages files and policies. EVERY government will eventually get sloppy and treat their friends to many perks for their years of support. We all get used to this as BUSINESS AS USUAL.

However, when a government actually steals money, and that’s what they did, purely to pad the lining of their pockets, that is where the line is drawn at complete unacceptability.

Although from what has been revealed is a lot less money then the amount of tax money that the Liberal Governement of Canada stole during the sponsordhip scandal, the principle of theft is still maintained. Both parties took money out of the tax base illegally and put it into their bank accounts.

Money they had no right to and only were able to secure it by stealing it from us by accounting tricks.

But we know all of this, and this is why this must be the story of the year.

As I said before, every government will screw up and mis-manage a project. They will put "friends" in high places. They will waste money left right and centre on programs that make no sense or benefit the groups who put them in power. BUT actual theft of tax dollars is an aggregious use of absolute power. Something so vile and disgusting, and the only thing worse then all of that is that Manitobans were not given even a quarter of the story from the media coverage because of the relationships that they have with the NDP Government.

We were given the glossy, rose colored glasses version told to us by Gary Doer, who basically said there was no story here, just a mis-understanding with Elections Manitoba, and the MSM simply goes along with that.

This web of deceit is woven so intricately, that it took almost 10 years to come to light. Everything from stealing money from the tax payer to our current Premier throwing the other 25 candidates and agents under the bus to paying off the head of Elections Manitoba in order to make everything "go away".

No disrespect to the stories on the nomination list, ironically this one not even on the list, but this hits on every theme of your show from naming names to government corruption to the gatekeepers of information and even to your new theme for this coming year of whistleblowers.

Marty this must be the story of the year.

Thanks for everything you do on your show, it's one of a kind and greatly needed here in this city. It's the only forward moving and thinking thing in Winnipeg.

L.
****************
Another illiterate complainer

Mr. Gold most Winnipeggers are tired of your constant criticism of the NDP Government if this was the Conservatives in power would you make these's comments, i hope Gary Filmon goes nowhere near MTS as he was the one who sold it off and it was he and hs party that are responsible for hallway medicine and the nursing shortage making him the worst premier in Manitoba history. As for the audit on personal care homes you should be restrained and put into a care home as you are rambling & senile, as for your hatred of Gordon Sinclair Jr saying he's a tired old concept while the same could be said about you, Sinclair has more class and dignity than you ever will.

CB
************
Diamond lanes

Hi Marty,

I was listening to your show today while driving north down Main St. from downtown back to work. I work at a locally owned North End business. I am concerned about the addition of these diamond lanes which run down Main street until Inkster Blvd.

The businesses on Main St. were not notified of the addition of the diamond lanes, although the city claims they were. As well, the no parking sign between Bannerman and Atlantic is placed directly against the building, where it is not visible from the road.

Not only does the addition of the diamond lane affect business, it has also forced certain businesses without parking lots to change their hours so their customers do not get tickets.

While driving in rush hour today, I only say one bus using the diamond lane. The 18 and 32 (express) North Main are the only buses that run on Main St. past Mountain Ave. They come aproximately once every ten minutes.


Is it fair that businesses and customers suffer for the purpose of 2 buses using the diamond lane? Why do we need to lose the parking lane on a street that has four lanes? Further more, why were we not notified, and why is it so poorly posted?

Colin Butler
***************

PARKING -
overnight paid parking on 300 block Ross Avenue

Hi Marty,

I spoke to Dave Hill this morning. He admitted the parking stations on Ross were both incorrectly signed and programmed.
I've been assured that it will be corrected in short order.

Coun. Jeff Browaty
*****************
more parking - "Skymeter"

Marty,

Some thoughts/complaints about Dave Hill's latest innovation for Winnipeg parkers; "SKYMETER" - another way to allow a person to monopolize a parking space for the entire day.

The "variss" system already allows this, but you are obligated to make a phone call to initiate this process. Regardless, it allows the parking spot to be occupied all day by one vehicle.

The parking meters and I assume the Pay Stations used to allow periods of 1 hour or two hours (1 complete cycle of the meter or the complete allowable time stated on the pay station) before you had to vacate the spot so it would allow a turnover for other vehicles. The maximum allowed in any case was 2 hours. Tires were chalked and time in excess of these limits resulted in a ticket for OVERTIME METER PARKING.

Overtime meter parking is not currently being enforced and hasn't been for some time and as far as I know, by-laws have not changed to allow more than 2 hours of metered parking, even if otherwise stated.
By-laws can only be changed by Resolution or by a Motion to amend, voted on and passed by Council, not on the whim of WPA management.

Another downside to the above systems is that it creates more work for the "ground level" by-law enforcement and dispatch people, in that they have to check every vehicle with expired parking privileges to ensure that they have not extended their time by phone and soon by GPS, although I'm sure it makes it easier for some senior (supervisors/managers) employees.

A loyal listener


Hi Marty,

My opinion is, once again Dave Hill is playing his little power games.
If you think parking is a problem now, wait until they implement this system. Most parking by-laws would no longer be relevant.

But wait he already ignores the very by-laws with which he is charged to uphold, that would be the meter/residential parking passes which give you free parking. The by-laws themselves do not allow for the current system nor the new high tech one. City council would have to make many changes to the by-laws in order for these system to be legal.

And what about equipment the enforcement officers need in order to do their jobs? The technology they are using now doesn't work. Think about the amount of money the parking authority would have to spend to purchase new equipment.

I think Dave Hill is looking to spend more money than he has, where is he getting this money? I wonder how much ticket revenue is down from previous years? I think he just loves playing with other people's money for his whims and toys instead of dealing with parking issues, allow the officers to do their jobs instead of having them spend two hours checking empty and locked parking lots. I have to wonder how much of a hand Dave Hill had in the potential sale of the Winnipeg Square parkade? Just a thought.

As for a mandate how can you have a mandate when you keep changing the rules? Honestly many times at work we were told about a new change and believe it or not a half hour or so later we would all receive a radio call telling us of a new change to the new rule. Believe me it was confusing at times. And that's if they bothered to tell you at all. People get written up because they broke a rule they hadn't been told about. So how can they have a mandate?

G
****
speaking of the Parking Authority...

Marty,

I have done some follow up from our discussion yesterday and have some responses for you.

The first issue I asked about has to do with the Special Constables. I have confirmed that the process of appointing special constables changed a couple of years ago. The City is now permitted to make these appointments administratively, and the Courts are accepting this. WPA uses the same process for making appointments as Planning Property and Development, Police, and Community services. Our legal services advise that we are doing this correctly.

I asked for more information about the 12 hour pay stations. The WPA says that they are adjusting some of the new pay stations on the outer edge of downtown to allow longer parking periods, 12 hours at the moment. They are in lower demand areas, the idea is to use the fee $1 per hour to manage the turnover. The WPA says that it is working out well, revenues are up, tickets are down, people are happier.

I also raised the issue of inadequate communication where meters are going up in residential areas particularly in the inner city. The WPA says that residential permits are not for making money, they just refund the cost of some of the work we do, and encourage people to use their own property where possible. (they cost $20 per year) If people know about these permits and get one, they can park for free and 1 and 2 hour restrictions don’t apply. They also get a free guest pass. He said they are working on a better communication program. I have strongly emphasized that the WPA should do a mail drop into each home affected directly from new meters and not rely solely on the internet.

Hope this helps with some of the issues we discussed.

Regards,

Jenny Gerbasi
Councillor, Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry
Phone: (204)986 5878

speaking of the Gerbasi interview...

Hi Marty

You asked the councillor a question regarding the status of peace officer or special constables relating to the parking authority. She replied that we had been appointed as per the Province.

I don't know if you've read the Provinical Police Act. I have. Don't understand all of it, but in article 6.2, it indicates that only 100 peace officers or special constables could be appointed. And that was for the Provinicial Police Force. As a matter of fact, most of the Act seemed to deal with Police Agencies. Thus I have to question the validity of her reply regarding the Police Act. The Police themselves will tell you that you must be sworn in, but I suppose different rules for different people.
Keeping in mind that the Parking Authority IS NOT a Police Agency which is why MPI won't give them access to their systems.

I'm sorry Councillor I thought you an excellent apologist for David Hill and the Parking Authority, are you perhaps the one who has been protecting him? And no Ms. Gerbasi, he is not particularly good at his job. He knows parking lots and parkades, he doesn't know street enforcement which is a whole other dynamic than private lots.

F


Marty,

Residential parking passes are not usually recognized in paid parking areas. The reason they are recognized at present was that WPA put in pay stations in areas where residents already had passes and had to allow passes there and henceforth had to allow them in all areas (that the pass was effective in). When the current passes expire, I will be surprised if the WPA will still recognize passes in pay areas.

H
******************

Hydro and furnaces

Marty,

While the new condensing gas furnaces are very efficient, they are problematic as you said.

Electric furnaces are 100% efficient... they use ALL the electricity they get. There is NO heat wasted up a chimney (or out a pipe)

I heard a rumour that MB Hydro was considering a "surcharge" for all electric households which would be a "penalty" for people not using any natural gas. My understanding was that this wouldn't be subject to a PUB ruling.

Sort of a slap in the face considering Wpg Hydro used to give a discounted rate to all electric households years ago.

Hydro wants us to go "green" so they can sell the power.

P
***********
crime

Hey marty, I am regular listener of your show. How in the world do these kind of things happen, do the tall foreheads not understand the world around them! I mean really, everytime you do the crime / courts report its like deja vu every single day! WHERE IS THE ACCOUNTABILITY!!

I am still young and these absolutely horrid crimes keep happening more and more I have to wonder whether I will remain in this city in years to come.


Keep up the good work, ask the questions that others won't ask.

j
******************

Personal care Homes

Marty

I guess Teresa Oswald just simply never ceases to amaze me.

Yesterday, our favorite Auditor General slapped the NDP Government with a charge that more then half of the provinces personal care homes meet 4 of the 5 core Provincial standards that this very NDP Government brought in in 2005.
What is that?? They are operating at a 20% success rate?

This should be a damming charge to the system when more then half of the facilities do not meet patient care plans, use of restraints, pharmacy services and training for staff.

Basically Carol Bellringer is saying aside form making sure the buildings are not falling apart and that people who shouldn't be there don't get in, they are failing in every other aspect.

They are failing at patient care plans??? Is this not the purpose of these facilities? To care for the elderly who can no longer care for themselves? How can more then half of the facilities fail at this?

And when "Minister" Oswald is questioned about this, what is her answer??? She tells Global's Jeff Keele last night that "Oh, well the problem actually is that we made the standards TOO HIGH!!!!!

Are you friggin kidding me, they go in and bring our old crappy standards up to be consistant with other provinces FOUR YEARS AGO.
They have had FOUR YEARS to get facilities up to standard and her excuse is, "Sorry, we made the standards too high".

Apprantly Teresa Oswald is telling us that really we are a have not province because trying to play catch up with the other provinces is simply too hard. Exactly how long does she suggest we wait for standards to come up to the level of other provinces? Who knows maybe by then, we will have to make even newer standards to catch up to the other provinces again.

Can this "Minister" not take any responsibility for anything? There is always someone else to blame, other then her disasterous, mis-managed, bungling department.

Amazingly in the past 4 years I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the projects they have given money to that make absolutely no sense, when they could have been focusing on fulfilling their own standards that I am positive they put out a press release for about 10 times.

It's really bad when you force these crappy regurgitated press releases down our throats telling us how wonderful you are as a government and just how amazing a service you are developing for us, but then in the meantime actually do nothing, zippo, nidlaw.

Then FOUR YEARS LATER, when you get caught, it's announced to the Province that "Hey you know that thing you told us you were going to do to bring out personal care home standards up to that of other provinces, you actually haven't done anything", you have the BALLS to say, well it's really not us, it's the standards, you know the ones we developped? Well it turns out they are too high.

It's simply too tough for us to keep our own word. We really researched those standards, we wanted to be like other provinces, you know give our elderly the same care that they could get say in Regina or Kenora, but it's too hard.
Sorry, please give us more time.

I will tell you exactly how much more time we will give them, only because we have no other choice. October 2011.

N

***************

Election Finance Scam

Marty

It is very clear that "Today's NDP" needs a refresher course in how to run open and transparent democratic elections.

It appears to me and I am sure many others that they view the election process as means to an end. They cook the books during provincial elections to their financial benefit. Now even when they choose a new leader they eat their young.
What with union manipulation (20% vote in delegate process) and many spoiled ballots during the delegate process it is very clear that they manipulate the election process to their own advantage.

What with Remembrance Day just around the corner I am sure that many a brave Canadian solider who sacrificed their life for democracy is rolling in their grave. Oh the shame!!

BC
**************

RE: Freep letter writer Bruce Clark of Palm Springs attacking Lindor Reynolds and defending the killer of Gage Guimond

A few comments on this:

"...writing that his killer played the "race card" or that she "scooted off to the reserve" trivializes the tragic life of Shirley Guimond and dismisses her own past..."

Guimond is a severely damaged human being who, at one time in her sad life, would have evoked Reynolds' sympathy not her enmity.

I take that this excuses Guimond for her actions? How about everyone else? Shall we litter the highways with the corpses of broken children because their parents or caregivers were "in a bad way" or had some sort of problem?

Either we take responsibility for our actions, or we do not: If we take responsibility, we must aggressively punish those who kill, maim, torture, abuse, rape, steal etc. If we do not take responsibility, we must accept our lot in life - to be killed, maimed, tortured, abused, raped and stolen from, with impunity, by those who have had "hardships" in the past. The bright side is that being a victim now allows you to terrorize others with impunity!!!

"instead reinforces the notion that First Nations people can't seem to look after their children. "

1) Of all the kids who died while under the care of the various CFS organizations in the province over the past (5, 10, 50) years, how many were in aboriginal care and how many in non-aboriginal care?

2) Sad to say, but look at the math: In Manitoba, how many children are in the care of others all of the combined CFS agencies. Next, look at how many are in the care of Metis or aboriginal CFS organizations and work out the percentage. The overwhelming majority of children in care are aboriginal/metis.

From the result of either point above, you find one of two things:
Either "white people" are imposing a higher standard of care upon aboriginals than is reasonable (wait - the standard is the same for both aboriginal or non-aboriginals, so it can't be that) or maybe, just maybe, there are some fundimental problem that needs to be addressed.

"Native child and family services are removing native children from loving, caring, white foster parents and placing them in an abusive and sometimes fatal situation with native relatives to ensure that the "white is taken out of the children."

The policy is refered to as placing them in "culturally appropriate" housing - to ensure that their culture, values and beliefs are taught to the children. For the native leadership, it would seem, a child is better off being a "dead indian" than an "apple" (red on the outside, white on the inside - a phrase I first heard on a CBC radio documentary).

After all - a dead child is a rallying point. A live child, in a community where their are jobs, good healthcare, decent education and no history of abuse is not newsworthy.

TC
*************
Aboriginal School division divisive?

Marty,

I was listening to CBC Radio this morning and heard that the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg thinks there should be an aboriginal school division. You have to be a committed racialist to believe an aboriginal school division is necessary. You have to believe that those Caucasian-in-appearance school board trustees are so racist that they don't even know how racist they are; you have to believe that they can't help discriminating against aboriginals. So separate schools are needed with separate school boards.

Why stop there? Indeed how can you stop there? Separate everything. Unless the qualifier of 'aboriginal' is affixed to any object, it isn't fair to aboriginals. The only people thinking in one-dimensional terms of race are the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg. We used to call the Council's proposals, "segregation." Now it's called, "culturally appropriate."

FD
*************
Pat Martin

Marty,

I received Pat Martin's Special Report on Poverty in the mail last week. Martin says of his own riding: "... Winnipeg Centre has amongst the highest rates of child poverty in Canada." Martin blames successive federal governments for not redistributing enough wealth to eliminate child poverty but as the long-standing MP for Winnipeg Centre, what does this say about Martin's effectiveness?

You can't legislate morals and some people simply have more kids than they can afford. Arguably, our gratuitous welfare state enables irresponsible parenting. If that's the case, redistributing more wealth would mean more kids which would mean more child poverty. The War on Child Poverty is perfect for the tireless crusader.

But that's just the usual warmed-over Marxism from the NDP.

In his Special Report on Poverty, Pat Martin writes one of the most bizarre statements I have ever read from a Canadian politician: "We live in the richest and most powerful civilization in the history of the world." What do the Pharoahs of Egypt or the Emperors of Rome have on us? The Sphinx is no match for the Golden Boy and the Coliseum of Rome looks like a spitoon compared to our glorious and haughty Esplanade Riel. We're so great that history books haven't even begun to write about our greatness.

If injudicious statements were a gauge of competence for elected members of parliament, Pat would be appointed a senator.

Keep up the good work,
M

*******************

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Vote for best story of Year 3! and Manifesto Monday tomorrow

Young Josh has reviewed the list and has determined the following 10 nominees for Story of the Year.

You can register your vote at talk@kick.fm
and one lucky voter who picks the winning entry will get a special prize package courtesy of TGCTS and 92.9 Kick-FM!

The nominees are:

1)
Porkgate - the Winnipeg Free Press never once covered the story of how taxpayer-funded food for the poor, mysteriously arrived at the picket line around their building, and was later the cause of public health warnings due to the fact it had already thawed and was reportedly re-frozen.

2) The real story of the New Years Eve "Vigilante"/hate-crime" beating of
a carjacker on Horace Street by concerned citizens defending the occupants of the warming vehicle, a mother and her baby.

3)
The Meth Caller- a friend of meth addict Daniel Van Den Bosche explained her view of his shooting himself when cornered by cops, only hours after a raid uncovered illegal guns to which he was believed linked. She told of the deep-rooted meth epidemic in the city often overlooked by MSM and politicians

4)
Two-Tier justice: a man accused of an attempted home invasion on a Crown Attorney, where nobody was injured, got sentenced to 57 months; meanwhile, a 15 year old who, with 2 accomplices, stormed an Alexander Avenue West house that his sister had been evicted from, stabbed the new occupant and nearly killed him, got only 27 months.

5) Inside the Free Press union conflict: the battle between rank-and-file CEP members who felt frozen out of strike negotitation and later tried to initiate job-sharing, and the arrogant union leadership.

6)
Bill Blaikie exclusive interview: TGCTS scored the only extensive interview with the former MP who successfully held the Elmwood riding for the Doer NDP in the byelection. Our interview was the first time anyone heard of a commitment for additional funding from the NDP to keep the Disraeli Freeway open during re-construction.

7)
The death of Gail Glesby: Not only was the Health Sciences Centre caught hiding proof about her multiple falls suffered while in the emergency room, we exposed how at one point Glesby was left in a hallway, strapped into a wheelchair and dying of a brain bleed, while her frantic family was told she had been discharged and an HSC operator hung up on them. Questions were asked in the Legislature and the Winnipeg Sun also picked up on our story.

8)
Cox2 studies faked by leading anaesthetist- Unreported in mainstream media, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass. asked medical journals to make retractions because its former chief of acute pain, Dr. Scott S. Reuben, had faked data used in 21 studies purporting that COX2 drugs such as Vioxx, Celebrex and Effexor XR were safe.

9) Aurtarlia-
to this day, the Free Press has never corrected their mistake, leading to our determination that they must have discovered a new continent. Subsequently on October 30th, Adam West accepted the role of Consul-general of Aurtarlia and announced the initiation of diplomatic relations with the fictional town of Quohog, Rhode Island, of which he is the Mayor on Fox-TV's Family Guy.

10)
Exposing the Public Trustee's Office - the story of the Knizat family, who discovered the Kremlin-like tactics used by this unaccountable agency to fleece the father's estate of $7000 every 3 months, while he was left without proper medical care in Riverview under their 'authority'.

Listeners can certainly suggest other stories, such as:

- forcing Justice Minister Dave Chomiak to apologize to Mayor Sam Katz after falsely claiming Katz was opposed to photo-radar refunds;

- relevations about the Parking Authority bullying employees, as well as inner-city residents and businesses, and how all tickets issued since last year under the G4S contract may be invalid; and...

- our shows on how panicked Manitoba Hydro executives are violating the Whistleblower Act.

Monday at 4 PM:
- we kick off Year 4 with Manifesto Monday, in which we set out our theme for the coming year.
- As well, a Lesson in Journalism about Manitoba Hydro;
- the Canadian MSM ignores emails proving pro- Al Gore scientists invented "global warming" data;
- inside the Transcona murder of Nolan Norman;
- and Spirited Kenny joins Frank the Italian Barber and Brad Harrison to preview the Grey Cup game between Saskatchewan and Montreal.

And how about that Brett 'Vikings are 9-1' Favre ?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Exclusive: Free Press facing Press Council complaint over misleading photo

The Manitoba Press Council has been asked to investigate a complaint by a man who was scorned by the Winnipeg Free Press after asking the newspaper to address the distorted use of a photo of him.

Used in conjunction with a story of public disorder at a "Zombie" walk, and clearly identifiable in the picture while posing on the hood of his brother's car for a stunt photo, readers were left with the impression police had been called on the man while he participated in the march.

The Press Council is a virtually invisible media watchdog, and lists only 4 complaints lodged against Manitoba papers in the past 4 years. Three, including one against the Free Press, were dismissed. The Free Press is listed as one of 51 members.



The MPC website describes its work this way:

As a non-judicial, non-government review board, the Manitoba Press Council’s main objectives are:

To consider complaints against its member newspapers. In a decision, the council outlines why a complaint is upheld or denied and makes the findings public. (It costs nothing to complain and you do not need a lawyer or anyone else to represent you.)

To encourage ethical and professional standards of journalism

To serve as a medium of understanding between the public and press

To help preserve the freedom of the press as an extension of freedom of expression in a democratic society.


The procedure for investigation includes:


PART I

1. All complaints to the Manitoba Press Council shall be made in writing. Name, address, phone number and email address should be included.

2. Complaints must be against specific instances of conduct of the newspaper against which the complaint is laid. A copy of the offending article(s) must be included.

3. The newspaper against which the complaint is laid must have been given an opportunity to redress the complaint to the satisfaction of the complainant before the Council will investigate.

4. On receipt of a complaint, the Executive Secretary will forward it to the newspaper involved and advise the newspaper and the complainant that they should try to resolve the matter directly.

5. A published Letter to the Editor, an apology, or an explanation from the publisher or senior editor may resolve the concern.

6. If there is neither action towards agreement nor resolution of the problem within 14 days, the Council will decide on the evidence available to it whether or not to proceed with adjudication. Additional time may be allowed if warranted and at the discretion of the Council. The Council may approach the newspaper seeking mediation in some cases.


If the matter goes to a hearing, the Free Press would have to consent in writing, to media coverage of the testimony. And, as a member of the agency, the broadsheet is bound to publish the findings of the hearing, for their own readers to see.

"In general terms, the values expected from newspapers by the Manitoba Press Council include enlightening the public, independence, accuracy, truthfulness, impartiality, fair play, decency, and a clear separation of news and commentary."

The complaint, which was accompanied by all the emails between Free Press officials and the complainant, is reprinted below:

(personal information withheld)

November 18, 2009
Manitoba Press Council
101-2033 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3J OK8

Dear Manitoba Press Council:
I am writing on my own behalf.



On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, the Winnipeg Free Press ran a picture of me to illustrate a story headlined "Zombies bit too lively for event's organizers."

The caption under the picture states "Some Zombies got a little too much into character during walk down-town on Sunday night." There can be no mistaking what the newspaper was saying by juxtaposing the photo with the story, namely that the person in Zombie makeup in the photo (me) was one of the partici-pants of the event who had disrupted traffic and scared motorists by climbing on their cars.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The person behind the wheel in the picture is my brother and the person beside him is his girlfriend. They were parked in a private lot. They had called me over and I was performing for their amusement. I wasn't jumping on the hood of a stranger’s vehicle in traffic. I made this clear to various representatives of the Winnipeg Free Press as you will see from the attached emails.

I wasn't breaking any laws, and this misleading link needs to be corrected in the interest of accu-racy. I have asked that the Winnipeg Free Press publish a retraction and a correction of their misstate-ments, as has my mother. Bob Cox, publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press has responded that they will take no further action on this matter.

I draw your attention particularly to a Correction published Wednesday, November 4, 2009, on Page 2 of the Winnipeg Free Press almost immediately after they rebuffed me.

In it, the newspaper acknowledges it was wrong to use an inaccurate photo to illustrate a story about a park-ing lot. An inanimate piece of land they will apologize for misrepresenting; however parking lots do not have a reputation that could be damaged do they?

I look forward to discussing my complaint with your agency further.
Sincerely,
Ryan Porath
Misrepresented Zombie



Sunday, November 15, 2009

Browaty replay, more on Asher Webb, Orlikow live at CDI, 3rd Aniversary show makes for a busy week ahead

I want to begin by thanking everyone who contributed their time, effort, auction prizes or support for the Kerry Brown Tribute Show last week at the Marlborough Hotel. It was a pleasure dealing with Mike Episcopo and his staff and the entire performance side of the presentation was problem-free. All the wrestlers were committed to putting on a physical, fun card.

I especially want to thank Spirited Kenny, Stacia and Danielle, and Dave Shorr of Kick-FM for also handling some duties in relation to the event production. And to special guest ring announcers Cosmo of CITI-FM, Ace Burpee of HOT 103, and Scott Taylor. They looked like they were having a blast. (I also want to mention Adam Knight who produced the wonderful tribute video, Bob Axford for printing and design, Jay Walker for the website
http://www.kerrybrowntribute.com/ where you can still make Paypal contributions, and to Kevin Wallace of CJOB/Power 97 for his support of the event.)

A very nice write-up by Richard Kamchen about the show is on Slam Wrestling at:
http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2009/11/11/11716041.html

Kerry's mother sent Richard an email after reading the account:
Hi Richard, I just finished reading your writeup on the tribute, I am blessed with everything you had to say, I will keep this email with me till I am gone, I have regrets now that I did'nt see any of Kerry's matches live as I was totally impressed with the wrestlers Tuesday night, they were so respectful and kind in their remarks to me and Kerry's family, I felt a kinship with them all. Please let them know how I feel and may God bless all of you folks. Regards to all Bernice

The official results made the
Wrestling Observer newsletter. This was a taste of the classic Canadian wrestling style and presentation, with some modern twists:

-
- Kerry Brown Tribute Event,
Skyview Ballroom - Marlborough Hotel, Winnipeg Manitoba, 300 fans - -- Moses Luke pinned Bobby Jay with TJ Bratt,
- EZ Ryder, Gene Swan & La Sombra b. Sgt. Tom Steele & Paul Arcidi and Donnie Douglas,
- Matt Fairlane pinned Rob Stardom with manager Professor Levinski,
- Crash Crimson & Billy Blaze b. Aj Sanchez & Kevin Chevy and El Assasino & Vance Nevada in a 3 Team Stampede match, losers had to enter the Rumble first
- Outlaw Adam Knight b. "Lance Storm's trainee" Scott Justice,
- Adam Knight No Contest Nate Hardy, and was chased from the ring by autographed Goldeye-bat wielding promoter Tony Condello
- Chi Chi Cruz b. Robby Royce & Anderson Tyson Moore in a 2 out of 3 fall Handicap Tag Match with help from Stan Saxon
- La Sombra tossed Knight and won the Kerry Brown Memorial Rumble


After receiving several inquiries, if you or your organization is interested in using a family wrestling event as a fundraiser please email
martygoldlive@gmail.com . This event proved that there are well-qualified professional wrestlers (as opposed to 'sports-entertainers') who can deliver the goods, and who are happy to give back to the community.
***********************
Today is a replay of our November 9th interview with Coun. Jeff Browaty. He heard lots on the Parking Authority, including our handing over proof that they tried to force inner-city residents to pay for overnight parking - since revoked thanks to our appeal for protection for the poor and working class against the unrepentent bullies at that unaccountable special operating agency.

When we return live for a busy Tuesday -- lots more on Manitoba Hydro and the whistleblower; a "comedian" tastelessly defends the killer of Gage Guimond; Bob Marshall had some observations in the Free Press about Alabama Jim Silver and his recent pro-gang study; Sean Crawford of MacDonald Youth Services will tell us about hosting the Sigurdson McFadden MYS Mini Open at U-Puttz Black Light Mini Golf on December 10; and we will look at the life of the late Osborne Village businessman Asher Webb, and a Nov. 27th Ozzy's fundraiser for the family of the late Randy Booth of Les Pucks fame;

On Wednesday, Shannah-Lee will regale with tales of the debut Murder City Maidens Roller Derby bout (standing room only) against the Fargo squad;

On Thursday our first live remote of the season from CDI College, with Coun. John Orlikow;

and finally on Friday it's our 3rd Anniversary Show, with among others, Spirited Kenny, the return of Young Josh, Rick the Boss, and Scott Taylor.
******************
Hail Aurtarlia artifacts- the perfect Christmas gift? I bet Consul-General Adam West thinks so!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

CBC finally wakes up to 2008's story of the year - Cheez Whiz

Despite the stunning revelation by Free Press columnist Dan Lett that Premier Gary Doer kept Dave Chomiak in the pressure-cooker Justice portfolio even after his wife committed suicide, which resulted in his long-time confidant struggling to even get through a basic day, the CBC decided the most important issue was something we first reported over one year ago.

Here's what they refused to report for the past 14 months:

"While making excuses for the NDP's refusal to support a Private Members bill of Liberal Kevin Lamoureux (Inkster) to establish a fixed price for fresh milk and make that staple affordable to Northern Manitoba, (keep in mind the price of beer is, by law, the same as in Winnipeg but milk runs up to $22 or more for a 4-litre), Marcelino stated that the people of the North were ingeniously using other products to ensure their children get calcium in their diets.

Specifically: Cheez Whiz.

Which, as our science specialist Spirited Kenny is going to tell us on Friday, is barely recognizable as a food.

Here's the excerpt from Hansard:
http://www.gov.mb.ca/legislature/hansard/2nd-39th/vol_65a/h65a.html#sr

Marcelino: ... However, I noticed that if you can be creative and practical, there are other alternatives to milk if you just want calcium. I saw in Gods Lake Narrows this school where supplies are delivered. They have several boxes of Cheez Whiz which is also a derivative of milk product containing calcium. I saw lots of bread. I thought without even thinking about this bill that this is a good alternative for milk.

So these children and adults from remote communities who, with this product which could be stored for a long time, these people from the northern communities are not without calcium in their diet. They may not have the actual fresh, chilled milk in the morning, but they have Cheez Whiz and other milk-derivative products that could be stored.

We are still searching for proof that the calcium in the standard serving size (2 tablespoons or 33 grams) of Cheez Whiz is an effective preventative measure for cavities in 2 year olds, or that the benefits of Cheez Whiz outweigh the excessive saturated fat, sodium, and other dubious nutritional qualities of that unnatural processed concoction.

But on the other hand, the government keeps beer affordable ..."

That story was published over one year ago. The MSM ignored it.

But once Marcelino was appointed a Cabinet Minister, CBC ran to the wayback machine.

This much is clear to even a rookie Red River College Cre- Comm student: if these ridiculous utterances of this NDP MLA was newsworthy yesterday,
it was newsworthy when it was first reported. By us. Last September 9th.

It.

was.

news.

This story could have been told when it was first discovered.

When native people and northerners were first insulted.

Before anyone even thought that Premier Selinger was going to deem Marcelino qualified to ascend to cabinet.

Why wasn't it?

Did it really require the insertion into the issue by CBC of an 'activist', Joan Hay, to justify CBC exposing the complete absurd political posturing by Marcelino, who was running interference for a milk policy that flies in the face of the avowed NDP commitment to children, to the north, to 'healthy living'?

Or did CBC, and every other MSM outlet, deliberately ignore our 2008 Story of the Year as a finding of "the lesser media", even though a substantial number of them listen to our show and read our blog?

Last evening, at the conclusion of Sheila North-Wilson's report, CBC anchor Janet Stewart intoned "Now, Flor Marcelino just called us to say she apologizes and she now says Cheeze Whiz is not a good alternative to milk. She says she wants meet with Joan Hay, the activist we talked to, to apologize in person."

Forget that spin, CBC. You missed the boat again.

Her first act as Minister in the House should be to rise and apologize on the record, to ALL Manitobans. CBC should insist on it. We will.

This episode also begs the question, why did CBC deign that l'affair Cheez Whiz was more newsworthy instead of asking if it was in the public interest for Gary Doer to use a stressed-out high-strung widower to make important decisions on public safety and enforcement policy?

Or to ask why Doer left Chomiak to flounder in the face of Winnipeg regaining Murder capital status, the lost gang database, the photo-radar ticket debacle, and the 1999 NDP Election Finance Scam he presided over as campaign chairman?

Oh ya. Cause we reported it first.

Watch for it on CBC News at 5, 5.30 and 6 -- in about 14 months time.

****************
Thanks to MPI's Brian Smiley, Liberal MLA Kevin Lamoureaux, and Tory leader Hugh McFadyen for appearing on the show yesterday. Smiley, in particular, will be scheduled in the near future to debate the MPI rationale and business case for their massive capital builing plan with some listeners who told him the numbers were being spun and the building of new service centres is not justified.

- Today at 4.05 PM Alternative Media Perspectives with Triallo.com's Darryl Walsh

- at 4.45 PM Greg Oliver and Jon Waldman join the show to discuss the exciting launch of their new Slam!Wrestling book, Shocking Stories of the Squared Circle.


I will be hosting the launch event, at McNally Robinson Polo Park, at 7 PM. Then we will be off to the PCW card 'HellBound" at Dylan's on Pembina. For those who wish to attend next week's Kerry Brown Tribute Show fundraiser tickets will be available at both events.

(Thank you to CJOB's Hustler and Lawless, for having me on their show last night at the Pier 7 Pony Corral to talk about Kerry's life and the card being held to honour him. Also thanks to Laurie Mustard
for mentioning the cause in his Sun column.

For tickets email
martygoldlive@gmail.com and/or listen to TGCTS for ticket giveaways every day until showtime!)