A SAMPLING OF THE EMAILS WE HAVE RECEIVED SO FAR THIS YEAR;
Hi Marty Gold:
Hi Marty Gold:
Where is the NDP candidate for Concordia ?
I live in the riding, and all 3 candidates from the Liberal, Green, and PC party's have knocked on my door, but no NDP candidate (Matt Wiebe). It was pleasure to meet the candidates from the other 3 party's, and talk about issues. Is this the kind of representation we can expect from our MLA, the same as the last one (Absent Doer)?
Thank you
ND
*****************
Dr Postl's replacement as head of WRHA/hallway medicine
The Downtown Experience
Hi Marty.
great show, listen everyday.
Please do not use my name on the air.
I wanted to share a downtown experience with you.
Background on myself: young professional, work in the exchange, live in the corydon village.
Taking my girlfriend to the airport Sunday January 4th at 7am we had to stop at a Royal Bank on our way. My choice was to stop at the new Hydro Building Royal Bank and continue to the airport from there. I wasn't going to let her walk in by herself so I accompanied her into what I expected to be a secure environment.
First we did not need our card to unlock the door.
Walked in and overwhelmed by obscene odors consisting of piss, smoke, puke and body odor.
Garbage, cigg butts and spit were all over the floor.
Finally, two people passed out in the corner.
Although we were not confronted it was a pretty disturbing scene.
I know there is a larger social issue here than our experience at the bank but this is just another example on why people continue to have this fear of downtown after dark...because these fears are supported daily.
please continue to hold the right people accountable. Keep up the great work.
I will recommend you a book - The Death and Life of Great American Cities - Jane Jacobs.
Although her study is on american cities a lot of it rings true to winnipeg and the issues we face.
***************
***************
Garbage carts
*******************
diamond lane eastbound on portage near Juniors
Hey Marty,
Just a quick note to share something I think you would find interesting as it relates to a specific topic that you discussed with the Mayor (maybe it was a city councilor) in the past.
This morning on my way to work at about 8:20 am, I noticed the Winnipeg Police had a diamond lane trap set up for East bound traffic on Portage Av. Now this isn't something that I found shocking as I have seen this in the past. But the location caught my attention. They were sitting in the entrance of what I believe is the Elm Chapel, just East of Young St. This is of course just before the St. Mary's Ave turn off, and immediately before the end of the diamond lane for East bound traffic.
I remember you pointing out that the diamond lane shouldn't extend past Maryland St. as the current set up causes much traffic congestion, for a very popular exit point on Portage Av., where everybody needs to merge into that final lane with less than what I consider adequate space or time. I also remember you raising a question to whether or not a study had been done to see the impacts of this decision on traffic flow. Interesting to see that the city hasn't done anything to correct their poor design, and yet they will jump at the opportunity to benefit financially from it.
Thanks for continuing to produce a great show that keeps the public aware of important topics that should be covered more clearly by the main stream media outlets.
Kl
*****************
Garden City Collegiate reunion via Facebook chat:
organizaa
22:41 organizaa
22:42 organizaa
*****************
Dr Postl's replacement as head of WRHA/hallway medicine
Hello Marty,
I do not have any high hopes for this particular candidate, however i am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. It will be interesting to see if/how her previous history as a nurse is of any benefit.
As for "no hallway beds" - what a joke! Our hospital is routinely (nearly daily) hard up for beds, and we are continually having to keep patients in the ER because we are otherwise "full".
Now think for a moment about being a patient with a potentially serious medical illness in a "full" hospital. Although this situation should have no impact on the decision of nursing/medicine, if i think someone likely should be watched over night, and i am being hassled by the charge nurse to open some beds, i may release the patient pre-maturely (although with appropriate instructions etc.). Furthermore, occassionally we have a full waiting room and no new patients to see. The reason for this is that our beds are full.
When i mention to the charge nurse that so-and-so in bed 12 can go into the hallway so i can see another patient, i am loudly informed that "there is no hallway medicine in manitoba". So we sit back and wait for a bed to open and the next irate patient who has been waiting for 6 hours.
The NDP has lied to Manitobans, and forces hospitals to make stupid decisions because of political expediency. I do not trust or believe a thing that comes out of their mouths, and it will take some serious honesty for me to ever trust them.
Now think for a moment about being a patient with a potentially serious medical illness in a "full" hospital. Although this situation should have no impact on the decision of nursing/medicine, if i think someone likely should be watched over night, and i am being hassled by the charge nurse to open some beds, i may release the patient pre-maturely (although with appropriate instructions etc.). Furthermore, occassionally we have a full waiting room and no new patients to see. The reason for this is that our beds are full.
When i mention to the charge nurse that so-and-so in bed 12 can go into the hallway so i can see another patient, i am loudly informed that "there is no hallway medicine in manitoba". So we sit back and wait for a bed to open and the next irate patient who has been waiting for 6 hours.
The NDP has lied to Manitobans, and forces hospitals to make stupid decisions because of political expediency. I do not trust or believe a thing that comes out of their mouths, and it will take some serious honesty for me to ever trust them.
cheers,
Dr. xx
Dr. xx
Hey Marty,
I reported a "critical incident" recently, and i have to admit - the WRHA makes it quite easy to file one of these.
They make it obvious that they have no interest in assigning blame, but rather that they are looking to improve processes. It may be that we have such an easy system to file critical incidents that makes us less reluctant to than other provinces.
Also note that there are 75 deaths associated with critical incidents. Given that number of frequent flyers in the system, odds are that several of them would have died in care (i.e. old and frail with multiple medical co-morbidities) and also with such complex care there is an excellent chance that there would be a critical incident associated with one of these people.
Whammo - this is known as the "Swiss cheese effect" where multiple - otherwise relatively non-lethal on-their-own occurrances stack up to invite a death.
Chances are that if a critical occurrance did not cause a death in these people, they would have died of other causes. Morbid, but just an observation.
Dr XxX
***********************They make it obvious that they have no interest in assigning blame, but rather that they are looking to improve processes. It may be that we have such an easy system to file critical incidents that makes us less reluctant to than other provinces.
Also note that there are 75 deaths associated with critical incidents. Given that number of frequent flyers in the system, odds are that several of them would have died in care (i.e. old and frail with multiple medical co-morbidities) and also with such complex care there is an excellent chance that there would be a critical incident associated with one of these people.
Whammo - this is known as the "Swiss cheese effect" where multiple - otherwise relatively non-lethal on-their-own occurrances stack up to invite a death.
Chances are that if a critical occurrance did not cause a death in these people, they would have died of other causes. Morbid, but just an observation.
Dr XxX
From:
Here at RRC we frequently see the results of the schools’ no-fail policy. But only for one term – after that the students are out. This policy is cheating the students in a big way.
**********
Academic friends of the NDP no friends of the poor
Marty,
The Free Press published an op-ed piece today by Errol Black and Jim Silver ('Left and Lefter'?); Raise the minimum wage. Black and Silver declare: "Raise the minimum wage." Black and Silver (why is it that socialists are named after every other colour except 'red'?) argue their case by comparing the eleven years the Conservatives were in office to the ten years and counting that the NDP has been in power. Since the NDP took office, say the authors: "The position of low-wage workers has improved in both absolute and relative terms."
Freezing the minimum wage for the duration of the recession would drive more Manitobans to food banks and soup kitchens, warn Black and Silver who then go on to write:
"In Winnipeg, about 18,000 children per month use food banks. Ten years ago the number was 5,512 -- it has more than tripled. This has to do, among other things, with low wages..." (emphasis mine).
Not only has child dependency on food banks increased 300% under the NDP, their program of aggressively increasing the minimum wage appears to have had the opposite effect of what was intended.
Where is the improvement in low-wage workers' position in either absolute or relative terms that Alabama Jim and Error Black perceive? That local charity has met the increased need created by the NDP's policy of raising the minimum wage?
Evidently when you're ideologically committed to condemning "capitalist economies," the NDP plus anything equals smiles and sunshine.
"In Winnipeg, about 18,000 children per month use food banks. Ten years ago the number was 5,512 -- it has more than tripled. This has to do, among other things, with low wages..." (emphasis mine).
Not only has child dependency on food banks increased 300% under the NDP, their program of aggressively increasing the minimum wage appears to have had the opposite effect of what was intended.
Where is the improvement in low-wage workers' position in either absolute or relative terms that Alabama Jim and Error Black perceive? That local charity has met the increased need created by the NDP's policy of raising the minimum wage?
Evidently when you're ideologically committed to condemning "capitalist economies," the NDP plus anything equals smiles and sunshine.
Put down the orange koolade, Jim, and taste the soup.
M
P.S. I've been following your excellent coverage of "16" and the complete failure of the 'holistic approach.' One of the worst problems with appointed judges is that it permits a governing political party to appoint like-minded judges which means jurisprudence can be coloured by ideology.
I've been thinking lately of the sociological paradox of post-modern socialism, at least its Canadian variety anyway. There is a reluctance to accept that sociopaths exist and a readiness to accuse society. How else can you explain how a judge grants bail to someone on second-degree murder charges for a barbaric homicide?
I've been thinking lately of the sociological paradox of post-modern socialism, at least its Canadian variety anyway. There is a reluctance to accept that sociopaths exist and a readiness to accuse society. How else can you explain how a judge grants bail to someone on second-degree murder charges for a barbaric homicide?
***************************
Pat Martin vs Youth For Christ funding
Who are the religious fundamentalists and evangelicals in our community?
Who are the religious fundamentalists and evangelicals in our community?
1.Mennonite Central Committee = mennonites = evangelical. Great organization. Right up there with the Red Cross and Red Crescent.
2. Agape Table - Roman Catholic = potentially evangelical. Feeds a ton of families every year. No problems that I'm aware of.
3. Siloam Mission = Chinese Baptist (Who knew?)= potentially evangelical. Great work with the homeless.
4. Knights of Columbus = Roman Catholic mostly hardcore believers. Lots of good works, again, no issues.
5. The Edge Skate Park = Youth for Christ - no problems reported that I'm aware of.
The list goes on and on.
Yes, some religions have fundamentalists and yes, some are evangelical. The ones that are too preachy don't last long, because people stop going regardless of how wonderfull the programs are.
Hey Pat - let's close or cut funding for ALL of the religious based community programs. Maybe the people that they help can sleep in your constituency office and share YOUR breakfast.
Perhaps your $180,000 annual salary and gold plated pension have made you forget that there are real problems out there (scrap the penny, indeed - nice soapbox). At least these people have the strength of character to do something real about actual problems.
JS
JS
*****************************
Hi Marty.
great show, listen everyday.
Please do not use my name on the air.
I wanted to share a downtown experience with you.
Background on myself: young professional, work in the exchange, live in the corydon village.
Taking my girlfriend to the airport Sunday January 4th at 7am we had to stop at a Royal Bank on our way. My choice was to stop at the new Hydro Building Royal Bank and continue to the airport from there. I wasn't going to let her walk in by herself so I accompanied her into what I expected to be a secure environment.
First we did not need our card to unlock the door.
Walked in and overwhelmed by obscene odors consisting of piss, smoke, puke and body odor.
Garbage, cigg butts and spit were all over the floor.
Finally, two people passed out in the corner.
Although we were not confronted it was a pretty disturbing scene.
I know there is a larger social issue here than our experience at the bank but this is just another example on why people continue to have this fear of downtown after dark...because these fears are supported daily.
please continue to hold the right people accountable. Keep up the great work.
I will recommend you a book - The Death and Life of Great American Cities - Jane Jacobs.
Although her study is on american cities a lot of it rings true to winnipeg and the issues we face.
***************
Marty,
This year (2009) the Goldeyes averaged 6,180 fans per game.... overall the regular season attendance was 278,099 from 45 home games, when you include 2 preseason and 3 post season games that now equates to more than 300,000 butts in seats (Goldeyes website)... awesome numbers and not even a mention in that report, unbelievable... I guess being able to draw over 300,000 people, specifically downtown over a few months is not worthy of mention... must be a Mets fan!
Just who showed the consultant around town anyway, someone from the Free Press or city council, maybe todays guest?
Just who showed the consultant around town anyway, someone from the Free Press or city council, maybe todays guest?
Anyway keep up the great work,
W
***************
Garbage carts
To:
talk@kick.fm
Hi Marty,
Did you see this article by Paul Rutherford? http://www.winnipegsun.com/comment/editorial/2010/02/04/12745771.html#/comment/editorial/2010/02/04/pf-12745766.html
Now I really have no hard opinion one way or the other about this topic but it was the language that Paul uses. Basically telling Winnipeggers that we can "whine" but we better just like whats put in front of us and accept it. I feel that I don't have to accept anything the city puts in front of me. It's my tax dollars the fund all these programs and if it doesn't work I don't want it!
Paul tells us they are staying whether we like it or not. I say that's not true. WE vote, WE pay taxes, WE'RE the majority and the last time I checked in a democratic society.. the majority RULES!
Keep up the good work Marty!
HP
*********************
slippery downtown sidewalks
3 working days after all the water on the downtown sidewalks has turned to skating rinks and still no sign of any sand or salt on them.
Oh I guess I could phone 311 but why the hell should I? It shouldn't be a surprise to the people managing things for the city that this happens. It's winter and we all know the drill. Except for the civic employees who may be too busy planning more ways to kill downtown by limiting it's already pathetic access to appease the trendy bike crowd.
I wish them well when it's just cyclists and beggars wandering downtown, they should get along fine.
SB
*************
Mr. Plow part 2
Did you see this article by Paul Rutherford? http://www.winnipegsun.com/comment/editorial/2010/02/04/12745771.html#/comment/editorial/2010/02/04/pf-12745766.html
Now I really have no hard opinion one way or the other about this topic but it was the language that Paul uses. Basically telling Winnipeggers that we can "whine" but we better just like whats put in front of us and accept it. I feel that I don't have to accept anything the city puts in front of me. It's my tax dollars the fund all these programs and if it doesn't work I don't want it!
Paul tells us they are staying whether we like it or not. I say that's not true. WE vote, WE pay taxes, WE'RE the majority and the last time I checked in a democratic society.. the majority RULES!
Keep up the good work Marty!
HP
*********************
slippery downtown sidewalks
3 working days after all the water on the downtown sidewalks has turned to skating rinks and still no sign of any sand or salt on them.
Oh I guess I could phone 311 but why the hell should I? It shouldn't be a surprise to the people managing things for the city that this happens. It's winter and we all know the drill. Except for the civic employees who may be too busy planning more ways to kill downtown by limiting it's already pathetic access to appease the trendy bike crowd.
I wish them well when it's just cyclists and beggars wandering downtown, they should get along fine.
SB
*************
Mr. Plow part 2
Hey Marty
Thought I would confirm that bike paths do in fact have priority over residential streets when it comes to snow cleaning.
I convinced co-worker that she should contact her city councilor (Swandel) to find out why the rarely used “active transportation pathway” next to our work was plowed twice this week on both Monday and Tuesday morning but her street had to wait until 3am Thursday morning to be plowed.
I suggested to her a quicker way to get her street cleared might be to say she couldn’t take her bike out because the roads had too much snow so she was forced to drive her car.
diamond lane eastbound on portage near Juniors
Hey Marty,
Just a quick note to share something I think you would find interesting as it relates to a specific topic that you discussed with the Mayor (maybe it was a city councilor) in the past.
This morning on my way to work at about 8:20 am, I noticed the Winnipeg Police had a diamond lane trap set up for East bound traffic on Portage Av. Now this isn't something that I found shocking as I have seen this in the past. But the location caught my attention. They were sitting in the entrance of what I believe is the Elm Chapel, just East of Young St. This is of course just before the St. Mary's Ave turn off, and immediately before the end of the diamond lane for East bound traffic.
I remember you pointing out that the diamond lane shouldn't extend past Maryland St. as the current set up causes much traffic congestion, for a very popular exit point on Portage Av., where everybody needs to merge into that final lane with less than what I consider adequate space or time. I also remember you raising a question to whether or not a study had been done to see the impacts of this decision on traffic flow. Interesting to see that the city hasn't done anything to correct their poor design, and yet they will jump at the opportunity to benefit financially from it.
Thanks for continuing to produce a great show that keeps the public aware of important topics that should be covered more clearly by the main stream media outlets.
Kl
*****************
Garden City Collegiate reunion via Facebook chat:
organizaa
Thanks for the GC shout out last week, we had great attendance!
22:40Marty
really??
right on!
did it help?
22:41 organizaa
Yes, big time. All those lawyers and doctors...some made an appearance, some just donated $$$
22:41Marty
no way.
and the plugs encourgaed them to show up eh.
22:42 organizaa
Yes. It was great thanks so much for helping
