Feedback on Occupy Winnipeg, Downtown Biz and safety, poverty, Crocus; plus FLM nominations open

In lieu of a Podcast today, we are going to take some extra time to prepare a special Tuesday episode marking the one year anniversary of the betrayal of radio listeners (and their own Cre-Comm students) by the anti-citizen journalism, anti-free speech bosses at Red River College.

One of the reasons the media oligarchy, as Scott Price of CKUW describes it, had to find a way to silence the community platform offered to TGCTS by CKIC station manager Rick Baverstock, was our mandate to circulate other sources of opinion and information and to reflect the comments by listeners and readers in our community about the issues and how they are reported on by the mainstream media.

Can you imagine if last November, heading into a provincial election, the public had learned on drive-time campus radio that the largest shelter in Manitoba was rife with mould and needed $1/2 million in repairs, while the Selinger priority was to devote over $30 million to polar bear projects and $40 million for a museum about "human rights" ?

Which media outlet do you think would have asked Greg Selinger why his government underfunded Osborne House and endangered its clients health? Because TGCTS would have.

Then again, we derived not a dime from his government.

The execution of TGCTS on radio wasn't about silencing us in the studio - it was about silencing ALL of you who were being given a voice at a time of day when people would actually be able to listen to their radio, and would want to participate in a professional format that engaged the audience to take action and challenge elected officials for funding the pet projects of millionaires to the hilt while they ignored the daily needs of vulnerable human beings in our community.

We are sure the brown tower bullies at RRC and their loyal "partners" in mainstream radio will want to listen tomorrow to the story told by Barb Judt of Osborne House about domestic violence in this community and the demand for the services her agency provides.

After all, it is the story that they themselves silenced one year ago at Kick-FM because they cared more about their corporate agendas then they did about homeless women and children in Winnipeg and the precarious financial situation of the shelter.

In the meantime, here is a sampling of recent public affairs coverage in the alternative media and feedback we get via email and social media from believers in You Have the Power.

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Firstly a message posted on our Facebook group from Kristaps:

"Whether you are for, against, curious, or have no idea about the Occupied movement in this city, please come down and talk to us! We are a diverse group of people of various races, religions, educations, careers and views on the the movement. You are always welcome to come sit around the fire and share your opinions, and hear ours. If any of you have been thinking of joining the movement do not procrastinate. Yes the weather is getting cold, but we are preparing for the winter. I am a full time student at U of W, and I hold down a part-time job while still camping out every night. We have food, extra sleeping bags and a communal tent in case you do not have access to any of the materials to get started. Please come and talk!"

To which a listener responded:

"Thursday's podcast was good. Kenny and yourself have good chemistry and you're at your best with someone acting as a foil.

I was really impressed with the way you have treated those on the facebook group supporting "Occupy Winnipeg". It shows your commitment to community engagement

Personally I have no issues with the occupiers as long as they clean up after themselves and leave the park as they found it. At least they are engaging each other and if they are sincere are willing to openly engage anyone who wants to hike down there.

Perhaps members of our government and city council should go and talk around the firepit as well. They may get more accomplished."

And we heard more from our Facebook group after we spread word that an Exchange District business, Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium, was re-structuring for the future:

Kristen wrote:

"CBC french radio was by today, with their film cameras - and the shop was filled with French speaking Victorian Dressed frolickers, from other continents, on their way to party! We live in our own time zone here...its multi-lingual, multi-cultural, multi-dimensional, and filled with uni-bio-philia!!"

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An earlier public event, well and deservedly panned by the alternative media, was the CEO Sleepover PR stunt at 201 Portage by the Downtown Biz.

For those who think we were alone in hammering the hypocrites, check out these two pieces from the College press:

http://uniter.ca/view/6586/

http://uniter.ca/view/6572/

And this blogger had some valid observations:

"A quick Google search on the subject reveals that most of the conversation regarding the CEO Sleepout is of the chest-beating, back-slapping, self-congratulatory variety. Participants in the Human Library have been far more self-critical"

http://writingpartners.wordpress.com/2011/10/31/

and there was also this view:

"As I think about that event now, it’s kind of corny: rich and powerful people pose as those in solidarity with those most desperate among us."

http://www.geezmagazine.org/blogs/entry/day-1-on-four-dollars-of-food-per-day/

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A lot of the recent criticisms about the Downtown Biz stem from the unrealistic statements on downtown safety coming from their office and public officials after the Air Canada memo was made public.

My column in the Jewish Post about the controversy

http://www.jewishpostandnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=431%3Atelling-it-like-it-is-about-winnipegs-downtown&catid=34%3Ademo-articles&Itemid=78

garnered the following response:

"I finally just had the chance to read the Jewish post article about downtown and it was fabulous man. Well done. Its completely unbelievable how air Canada is getting blasted and no one is actually talking about the real problem. J"

Plus this view from an eyewitness:

" In my last job, I used to be at work for about 5:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday. I would drive down Ellice and make a right at Garry Street. The first left you can make before Portage Avenue takes you down a small back lane. On Garry and down that back lane was a regular occurring show of sex (orgies included), drug deals and then the individuals who thought they had privacy masturbating in public. If you drove down there and startled one of them, you ran the chance of having someone urinate, throw feces or blow their load onto your vehicle.

I used to park in the underground lot at the TD Center. Because it was heated, individuals used to sneak in on occasion and have sex. There’s nothing like stumbling upon that at the end of the day!"

and we also got the following email from a former resident:

"Good article on the downtown. This is what happens when political correctness takes over."

EDIT: and finally, this quote from a documentarian and activist from Los Angeles; his speech this past summer at CDI College was not deemed worthy of attendance by Winnipeg's CEO's for lack of a ribbon to cut or other similar PR trade-off, I presume.

"every person working in homeless services should spend at least 4 hours (1/2 day) each month on the "front lines". They need to "feel" the real pain of homelessness to better understand people and find solutions to help"

Mark Horvath

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Inasmuch as poverty is a frequent issue raised in matters of homelessness and downtown crime, this blog analysis by Brian Gilchrist about how food banks are seeing more 'working poor'

http://bgilchrist.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/not-numbers-to-be-proud-of-a-clear-example-of-the-ndp-failing-the-working-poor/

led to this FB comment:

"I agree with two of his points...

Minimum Wage is part of the problem... Minimum wage went up 5.26% in October, which is over 2% mora than inflation. Minimum wage goes up, businesses that higher unskilled/minimum wage labour, such as those working at grocery stores, have to raise their prices to compensate above and beyond the usual 3% inflation.

Since we are on a variable rate taxation system, and that won't change for the forseeable future, I think the best thing they can do is make the personal tax exemption limit 25% less than minimum wage at full time, which would currently be $15,600, which means low income earners pay tax on just $5,200 per year. Now, I can predict now the socialists in the group will say, WAIT!!! They shouldn't pay tax at all! If they make minimum wage then they should keep all their money.

But, if that was the case, the take-home income for someone earning $30,000 per year would be $21,050, after tax, which is only $250 more than someone on minimum wage who got to keep everything. So everyone, even the lowest earners need to contribute to taxes to keep things fair."

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One of the news stories we kept the spotlight on for years was the Crocus Fund rip-off. The wrist-slap deal made between the Securities Commission and 8 of the Directors - that ONLY TGCTS looked into the details of - fed public cynicism about what justice means under the NDP:

"The sad thing is the people who are responsible won't get punished."

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Lastly, you may want to occupy a few minutes of your time by taking part in the following process that recognizes true leaders in our community:

"Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues,

As many of you are aware over the past number of years I have been involved in the Future Leaders of Manitoba Council (FLMC). On Thursday, January 26th, 2012, the FLMC will be hosting the Fourth Annual Awards Gala, which honours young Manitoban’s aged 25-39 for their amazing achievements in the areas of Business, Community Service, and The Arts. We are always looking for new talent, and cannot wait to honour Manitoba’s finest once again this year.

If you know someone exceptional, please visit the FLMC website at www.flmc.mb.ca for more information on how to nominate. Each finalist and their nominators will be given 2 tickets to the event, to come and celebrate Manitoba.

Nominations are due on Saturday, December 10th, 2011. All nominators will be entered into a draw to receive 2 tickets to the Winnipeg Jets vs. Anaheim Ducks December 17^th hockey game courtesy of FLMC Media sponsor, HOT 103.

Thank you in advance for taking some time out of your day, to honour your friends, family and colleagues by nominating them for one of the exciting and prestigious Future Leaders of Manitoba Awards.

If you have any questions about nominations please feel free to reach me by email at jfarber@qualico.com."

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NEXT PODCAST IS TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8TH

Follow us on Twitter @TGCTS

Spirited Kenny chimes in on crime, gangs, CFS, and MSM

Spirited Kenny finally rejoins the TGCTS microphone today!

He contributes a horde of opinions about crime, cops, courts, homicides #33 and 34, gangs, the CFS system, Gordo, his alma mater Red River College, and of course Gary Doer, who, as he points out, at least had charm -- unlike his successor Greg "where's my glass of milk?" Selinger. And city plans for garbage and transit hikes gets a schmeissing as well.

We also discuss upcoming improvements to the TGCTS platforms. It was good to have Kenny in the co-pilot seat again !

Here is the link to the Thursday Podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/11/03/thurs-podcast-spirited-kenny-chimes-in-on-crime-gangs-cfs-and-msm/

Among our shout outs today are to new Twitter followers:
@larrystefaniuk and @WHY_music,
and to a couple of participants in the Occupy Winnipeg movement who wanted to get messages across to the community.

First this from Kristap to our Facebook group:

Whether you are for, against, curious, or have no idea about the Occupied movement in this city, please come down and talk to us! We are a diverse group of people of various races, religions, educations, careers and views on the the movement. You are always welcome to come sit around the fire and share your opinions, and hear ours. If any of you have been thinking of joining the movement do not procrastinate. Yes the weather is getting cold, but we are preparing for the winter. I am a full time student at U of W, and I hold down a part-time job while still camping out every night. We have food, extra sleeping bags and a communal tent in case you do not have access to any of the materials to get started. Please come and talk!

And our friend Kristen Andrews wanted us to pass along the following information about a meeting on November 15th to transform Exchange District mainstay Ragpickers Anti-Fashion Emporium into a co-op retailer.

http://www.leifnorman.net/ragpickers-anti-fashion-emporium-nov-2-2011/

( Next Podcast will be on Monday but we expect to drop something fresh to read on the blog over the weekend.)

Inside the Crocus "settlement" - 8 directors lined up to agree starting the day after NDP re-elected

None of the mainstream media outlets took a moment to actually look into the details of the Manitoba Securities Commission decision allowing 8 Crocus Fund Directors to walk away without being held accountable or expressing any remorse for allowing inflated shares in the labour fund to be sold without the required checks and balances being followed by the Board, that would have protected trusting Manitobans from being fleeced.

How did the MSC think that suspending their ability to do anything like it again -- for a year -- is any kind of sanction or protects the public?

We took the time to read it over.

Since not one newsroom seems to have actually named the Directors - can they be called guilty? I think they can because they admitted to breaching the Act by not adhering to the Prospectus - TGCTS will name names:

Charles Curtis, Peter Olfert, Waldron (Wally) Fox-Decent, Lea Baturin, Albert Beal, Diane Beresford, Sylvia Farley and Robert Hilliard.

It is a sickening reminder of how under the NDP white-collar crime that would result in a stint in the penitentary in the US is absolved in Manitobastan by compliant regulators after hearing pleas that 'the lawyers advised us' and 'the accounting firm said it was ok'. (Ever heard of Enron, any of you ?)

The "Reasons for Decision" is ONE WHOLE PARAGRAPH.
http://www.msc.gov.mb.ca/legal_docs/investigation/reasons/crocus.pdf

Wait till you hear excerpts from the Order, which includes:

- the dirty details of stalled Valuation approvals;

- backroom infighting between parties unnamed in the documentation (but who were longtime Crocus CEO Sherman Kreiner and new executives Chief Operating Officer Laurie Goldberg and Chief Investment Officer John Pelton - please note I mis-guessed the CIO in this narrative on this podcast as being Albert Black which will be corrected on the next podcast);

- and the pathetic excuses of the 8 directors subject to the Order whom, although all promoters of the Fund and highly educated professionals, were seemingly out of their depth on how to discharge their responsibilities properly when it came to actually running the Fund as Directors of the Board.

(Two remaining Directors, Ron Waugh and Robert Ziegler, will appear at a hearing at 1 PM on Wednesday, November 2 at the MSC offices.)

http://www.msc.gov.mb.ca/legal_docs/orders/6414_crocus.pdf

Listen to our walk-thru of the details, and in particular the discovery of a glaring irregularity in the documentation. And I mean glaring.

Also on the agenda today:
* The Simkin Centre pulled an Olga Fuga and declared the Annual General Meeting over when the tough questions about the abuse of the elderly and a closed-shop Board nomination process started piling up. This was a shameful way for a Jewish organization to abandon their duty to the community.

* The City of Winnipeg 311 Service, try though it might, cannot cover-up for the bloated bureaucracy, which has taken 6 weeks to figure out who is supposed to remove two discarded toilets ( left there in mid-August) from the lane behind Home Street in the west end.

* Don't forget tomorrow's special episode, focusing on the Air Canada memo fall-out and the relationship between the Downtown Biz and its critics, featuring a special interview with a citizen journalist who pulls no punches in describing the sad state of civic "debate" in Winnipeg and the dismissive attitude of the Biz to the community.

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE THURSDAY PODCAST:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/27/inside-the-crocus-settlement-8-directors-lined-up-to-agree-starting-the-day-after-ndp-re-elected/

email: tgcts1@gmail.com
@tgcts on Twitter

Bizarro Manitoba: Crocus Fund directors pay no penalty; foreign students and polar bears NDP priority over humans in need

When newsrooms report that the punishment for 8 Crocus Fund directors who admitted selling shares far above their worth, is to bar them from doing it again FOR ONE WHOLE YEAR, and the mainstream media fails to identify who those directors are or question the Securities Commission about the post-election timing, this province is in a serious free-fall of accountability and ethics.

When foreign students getting free health care and multi-million dollar shelter for Polar Bears is more important to local philanthropists and the Selinger government than access to doctors for Manitobans and shelter for victims of domestic violence and the homeless, this province is in a serious free-fall of financial and moral judgement.

When a political party that fell under 10% support thinks people will now pay to join up, this province is in a serious free-fall of critical thinking and common sense.

When mainstream media reports on a poll about Mayor Sam Katz based on at best, 450 responses, and more likely only 300, and the pollster is allowed to claim '1.2% accuracy 95% of the time' without challenge, this province needs a strong alternative media more than ever.

These topics, plus an explanation about the legacy of hug-a-thug sentencing in the Tony Lanzellotti murder, a police chief who cares more about being a social worker than caring for police dogs, and asking why cars crashing on winter streets isn't called an "accident" but the wrongful release of dangerous violent offenders into the community is, rounds out the show. Plus shout-outs and some surprising visitors to our blog today.

Please note that on Friday, we are scheduling a special about the Air Canada memo, the war of words between realists and pollyanna's, and the attitude adjustment needed by the Downtown Biz to truly get a handle on the crime and safety problems downtown.

That episode will feature an exclusive interview with a citizen journalist, who explains why it is indisputable they represent a neglected segment of the community. Wait till you hear what he has to say about the players and the political game, the message he has for Stefano Grande, and how remarkably similar his observations and experiences are, to the positions taken and causes championed by TGCTS for the past 5 years.

Far from being on the wrong track, we were right on the money about the issues and the role of campus radio to raise awareness and create a sense of community, regardless of what Red River College censors like Cathy Rushton and Graham Thomson thought.

To prepare for that special, take a look at photo-blogger Bryan Scott's danger spots in downtown, which we also reviewed today. You'll recognize all the usual suspects instantly.

https://twitter.com/#!/wpglovehate/status/121643407121711104/photo/1

THE WEDNESDAY PODCAST IS HERE:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/26/bizarro-manitoba-crocus-fund-directors-pay-no-penalty-foreign-students-polar-bears-ndp-priority/

How blogs and alternative media step up to fill local news and information gap

The opening segment is a commentary about the role of alternative media, the entrenched ivory-tower local institutions, and the state of critical and other reporting in the local MSM, that is a must-hear for those concerned about free speech in our community.

Then, three blogs anchor the three segments today:

Civic: The slush fund being carved out of new garbage fees, and the Gem Equities court file are each dug up by a blogger with personal observations about the track record of those involved and the lack of genuine common-sense analysis by elected officials.

Provincial: What's with Selinger appointing interim Ministers to handle key departments?

Crime and Courts: James Turner proves that when it comes to 'accidental' prisoner releases, the time line tells the tale.

Here is the link for the (belated) Friday podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/23/blogs-and-alternative-media-step-up-to-fill-local-news-and-information-gap/

Our apologies for the delay in being able to upload the Friday audio file.

The next podcast will be on Tuesday with an exclusive story coming from the Law Courts building.

Thursday podcast: WRHA review of Jewish senior's care facility results in more questions by families

Highlights of the Thursday podcast:

- A city official enunciated the actual position on downtown surface parking lots today - they're against it until they're for it. (It's about time that was explained.)

- FP readers shame the newspaper into providing actual, you know, details about 2 stories. (Actually Bart did really well in handling one of them.)

- According to CBC, Greg Selinger actually backed the losing horse for speaker today. (Mazel Tov to Darryl Reid.)

- According to CP, Jon Gerrard's "I'm go-going going (in 2 years)" scrum was terribly run.

- According to the Winnipeg Jewish Review, the Simkin Centre still faces lots of questions about its management, Board governance, and not meeting WRHA standards.
(LATE BREAKING NEWS: Private prosecution laid over Rabbi Berkal's death in that care home: http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/breakingnews/Charges-laid-against-Sharon-Home-over-residents-death-132267883.html

- According to a blogger, Riverbend residents are seeing decay and disorder that the new federal crime bill does not address.

Oh, and a few observations about former speaker George Hickes, the NDP, and Red River College; and about today's Throne Speech today as well. Plus this: http://slurpeesandmurder.blogspot.com/2011/10/manitoba-links-weekly-inaugural-edition.html

Here is the link to the podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/20/thursday-podcast-wrha-review-of-jewish-seniors-care-facility-results-in-more-questions-by-families/

MKO chief says witnesses and evidence in Beardy death not required, plays race card

Better late than never...

A coverage triple crown of city hall, under the big dome and around the blogosphere stand as proof the alternative media leader tells you what you need to know and tells it like it is.

At 510 Main, it was loan guarantees and garbage fees; meanwhile the NDP Premier extolled the virtues of a Maple Leaf Foods "Centre of Excellence For Bacon" (not that there's anything wrong with that) while putting Energy and Conservation together under the man who promised to end hallway medicine (and we all know how that turned out). Over in cyberville, award-winning blogger Graham Hnatiuk explained to a former city hall insider the business basics of the lopsided Forks-North Portage parking fee scheme that extracts substantial game night profit margins out of the pockets of Forks restaurants, as well as a listener blasting another blogger for his performance in a radio studio.

Then we get to the good stuff.

The Grand Chief of Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak expressed outrage that the Geraldine Beardy manslaughter charge was dropped by the Crown against a Korean storeowner in the Centennial neighbourhood 3 blocks from the Health Sciences Centre.

MKO's David Harper, the deceased's cousin, told CBC there was "no need for such cases to be dropped".

Oh really. Who needs the witness, who skipped a border to avoid their own arrest? or anything like, say evidence against Mr. Kim ? Apparently not Chief Harper.

Today's podcast applies some of that logic to other recent justice system examples such as Premier Selingers favorite rapper, and refutes Harper's comparison of this shoplifters' death to a single case of a missing or murdered woman.

We also mine some classic comments from the Free Press' record 683 online contributions, and explain why any Beardy lawsuit is on thin ice compared to the Brian Sinclair family suit, in which they are kicking the WRHA's heinie by pointing out the court can't allow an institution to precipitate a customers death and then claim his rights didn't exist.

Shout-outs today to TGCTS alumnus Shannah-Lee Vidal, Josh Grummett and David Shorr, who have gone on to notable careers with Mix 100 FM CJCD, APTN-TV, and the Manitoba Liberal party respectively.

The trio were producers and contributors to our show for many years and are an example of the quality of people who interned with TGCTS on 92.9 Kick-FM in citizen journalism and talk radio, while taking the Red River College creative communications course. (Welcome back Shannah-Lee)

The link to the Wednesday podcast is here:

http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/19/mko-chief-says-witnesses-and-evidence-in-beardy-death-not-required-plays-race-card/

Wed podcast: Race-baiting rapper lauds Selinger

The Winnipeg Sun added more details about the arrest of Premier Selinger's favorite rap artist Jamie Prefontaine after an altercation while boarding a flight in Montreal on election day.

The accused posted a number of comments online earlier today, raft with gangsta lingo, bad spellink and threats. On today's podcast we highlight his racially-charged ramblings alleging mistreatment by the media and police and claims of community service such as the excerpts below:

"i maid bails this morning in montreal im free there is not one bit of thruth to the story ... we help troubled youth avoid the life style we had in the past due to the rich getting richer and the poor getting poor you take away are rec centers are goverment money and put white ppl into programs that kids dont want ... greg silinger got more votes bye standing bye ppl who have changed there life get the real facts before you print storys on us no ones been convited in heatbag records or winnipegs most in 5 years so suck it up and suck me off this is brooklyn"

The first half of the show reviews blog posts about the promotion of the "perp being a victim" culture in the north end and why one blogger has walked away from "organizations", how it connects to the Greg Selinger-directed tactics of manipulating community institutions while ignoring the escalation of crime, and connects the dots to City Hall which has a bottomless pit of rewards for mega-project developers with no shame.

Plus, filling in the blank on the first of two Good Samaritans who were stabbed this week, and closing arguments in the Ivan (John) Radocaj murder trial.

Here's the link:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/12/race-baiting-rapper-lauds-selinger/

Tuesday podcast - Gordo and pals gang up on Air Canada; fail to refute valid downtown safety concerns

With Yom Kippur and Thanksgiving observed, today's podcast is a classic TGCTS stream-of-consciousness tapestry reflecting on the reality of the state of the downtown, that starts and ends with Gordo himself -- all because of this drivel from Saturday:
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/columnists/its-the-kind-of-face-many-fear-131379728.html

Listen to the Tuesday podcast to hear our own Jim Nielson story, and our analysis explaining

- how the distorted Freep headline and "reporting" about downtown crime rates tried to conceal the fact that maybe, just maybe, there is a basis for Air Canada to be concerned for the safety of it's crews on layovers,

- the lecture by Lloyd Axworthy from his U of Winnipeg fiefdom,

- a government lease in the "once-downtrodden North Portage" relies on those evil surface parking lots,

- exactly what Judge Fred Sandhu said about alcoholism fueling social disorder with no solutions from government in sight (H/T James Turner who ran the transcript here),

- how $40 million of provincial tax dollars earmarked for the CMHR could be used to make our community safer instead of pumping up the pet project of millionaires

- why the social do-gooders don't pressure the NDP to deal with it: because Greg Selinger didn't tell them too

- and in the Crime Courts Public Safety Update, election day news about Greg Selinger's favorite rapper and his dealings with Air Canada and Montreal police (here's our previous story about Brooklyn and his pals, he's on the far right, yo);


plus a recap of a violent weekend in the 100 block of Main Street, including a midnight firearm-backed sexual assault and a broad daylight stabbing of a Good Samaritan.

(Off the top of the show we shout-out to our new Twitter followers, we end with our favorite story about a Game 1 Jets fan and a challenge to Gordo, and for those CFL and wrestling fans, here is a link to my book review of Angelo Mosca's biography http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Reviews/2011/09/29/18759781.html )

Tuesday Podcast link:http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/11/tgcts-oct-1111-gordo-and-pals-gang-up-on-air-canada-fail-to-refute-valid-downtown-safety-concerns/

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ON TWITTER: @TGCTS

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Opposition disconnects with public; public disconnects with voting

The post-election post-mortum reflects on the state of Manitoba politics and media with a round-up of pundits critiques, including Tom Brodbeck, Charles Adler and Brad Oswald, as well as listener comments and an idea to encourage voting. Where are the missing 15% , and why are they staying away ? Who will watch out for the majority of Manitobans who are not pro-NDP when both parties are in disarray ? What about reports of dirty tricks and possible fraud even at the polls?

The CCPS Update takes a look at Portage Avenue, a suggestion to the Mayor from a former cop, and the trial in the murder of John Radocaj.

And advance notice - tomorrow's podcast features our interview with Metro publisher Steve Shrout !

https://foursquare.com/steveshrout/checkin/4e8ce8746c25640673cfbb0f?s=6pH2sEzKb1UMfHujVewtnIUW-gM&ref=tw

Here's the link to today's edition:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/05/opposition-disconnects-with-public-public-disconnects-with-voting/

Air Canada pullout over safety exposes Downtown Biz, politicians living in denial

The dirty tricks pile up as Election Day draws near, CBC flunks math, and reporting the gritty reality of downtown crime and disorder started a Twitter assault by the Downtown Biz on the Winnipeg Sun this weekend.

Listen to the podcast for details about
- the fliers attacking Liberal candidate Joe Chan,
- the excellent blog post by L.L. about the dangers of living and working downtown, after the pollyannas and the politicians complained that Air Canada pulled their crews from staying at Portage and Smith,
- the Tweets back and forth smacking down Stefano Grande (and what broadcaster and former downtown resident Andrea Slobodian wrote),
- opinions of a listener about the Biz' CEO Sleepover PR stunt
- and another listener had some observations about the election campaigns and health care bureaucracies.

The Free Press coyly refusing to give credit to our podcast for the Selinger/Heatbag records picture and story, alcoholism wreaking havoc on our city coming up in court last week, Gordo making excuses for teen killers, the passing of a Winnipegger whose name is well known in the sports scene even if he is not anymore, and my weekend on the road with the legendary Honky Tonk Man in Beausejour and La Broquerie for Western Wrestling Tours, round out the show.

Special thanks are in order for our Marquee Sponsor for October, Osborne House. We'll have lots to say about their service to the community and how you can help, all month long.

Here's the link:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/10/03/monday-oct-311-air-canada-pullout-over-safety-exposes-downtown-bizpoliticians-living-in-denial/

Tomorrow: Maybe Elections Manitoba can be fooled but we aren't - exclusive details behind a campaign dirty trick;

PLUS! see for yourself the Downtown Biz PR stunt and how pampered the CEO's were, while pretending to the public they would, in any way, be able to better understand the challenges of a homeless person after sleeping outdoors at 201 Portage. You will not want to miss it.

Friday podcast: Liberal fossils back Oswald, backstab Gerrard

A short and punchy Friday podcast scrutinizes the backstabbing of provincial Liberals by 2 former federal MP's who endorsed NDP Health Minister Theresa Oswald in Seine River, the Wolbert-esque Anita Neville and the irrelevant John Harvard. With friends like these, Jon Gerrard can declare his enemies quota filled.

Greg Selinger was on CJOB today and was dragged into addressing two of our favorite topics, the price of milk and a youth curfew. Wait till you hear how he answered the question of an outdoor sleepover in the north end.

Speaking of sleepovers, we also have an eyewitness account of the CEO PR stunt for homelessness at 201 Portage last night. Doncha dare miss it!

Here's the link to today's podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/30/friday-podcast-liberal-fossils-back-oswald-backstab-gerrard/

Run John Run: Interview with PC Point Douglas candidate John Vernaus

A longtime fixture on the local boxing scene, autobody shop owner John Vernaus decided to get into the race to succeed former Manitoba Speaker of the Legislature George Hickes as MLA for the inner-city riding of Point Douglas.

Vernaus has been running some very strong radio ads about the numerous murders and rampant crime in the riding (just yesterday a knifefight between rival gangbangers broke out on the street across from his campaign office) and his own accomplishments in the community. He took about 20 minutes to talk with us last week and our discussion - about why he is running, what he is hearing at the door, and what he thinks about whether Greg Selinger really didn't recognize his name - is the centrepiece of today's podcast.

Among the other issues touched on are the CBC exclusive alleging flood mis-management by the NDP at the Hoop and Holler cut; recapping the FASD coverage of yesterday; Gordon Sinclair gets beat up by his own readers for utter irrelevancy; was there a political bias behind Daren Jorgenson being hauled into court the Freep missed?; and the cushy "homeless" sleepover PR stunt tonight at 201 Portage that will feature U of M doctor-school boss Brain Postl, Free Press publisher Box Cox, and other local CEO types previously victimized by typos. (Well, at least those two were). Free Press online comments were not so accepting of the stunt; meanwhile Graham Hnatiuk, who sat in on the podcast yesterday, blogged some very good observations here about the Downtown Biz event. And at the end of the show, I reminisce about the old days at the soon-to-be-demolished Junkyard, replete with Chuck Green imitation.

Here is the link to today's episode:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/29/thurs-sept-29th-run-john-run-interview-with-pc-point-douglas-candidate-john-vernaus/

PS- I didn't mention it on the podcast, but for those interested, my opinion piece about the risk of electing Greg Selinger as Premier (in this week's Jewish Post) is found at this link:

http://www.jewishpostandnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=404:greg-selinger-has-a-lot-to-answer-for&catid=34:demo-articles&Itemid=78

SHANA TOVA !

Wed. podcast: The media talks about Harry Who while Gerrard talks about FASD; WRHA doctors get political

The intertwining of health, crime, and public safety is a major election focus of the Wednesday podcast, with a special candidate interview plus a guest commentator joining in for the Inside Politics analysis.

Or, as was said about the manufactured Liberal leadership dismay, "Harry Who"?. (Hear how Ray Simard could have done something about it and made a splash provincially, instead of getting ink in the broadsheet.)



The Liberals' $3.9 m FASD platform presser is reviewed, and St James candidate Gerard Allard speaks about his move from policing to politics, the social cost of undiagnosed FASD and of a surprising 'missing' issue at the doorsteps. Then blogger Graham Hnatiuk returns to TGCTS and has a few things to say about the media, Liberal campaign, and l'affair Wolbert.

We also dive into CBC's story yesterday about the grlforum.com we've been talking about for weeks, the online community of doctors, nurses and others (some of whom fear retaliation from the WRHA) who bring out their evidence that the NDP system is bullying and wasteful.

The CCPS Update highlights Tom Brodbeck's rip on Greg Selinger for suddenly remembering the NDP was worried photo radar was a cash grab after years of total support for it; and we explain how he isn't old enough to vote, he isn't old enough to drive, but the suspect arrested for homicide #32 is old enough at 14 to be carrying a gun in the north end at 4 in the morning on Sunday. Oh, and it might be retaliation for #30, a 15 year old knifed 4 blocks away.

And would you please take a look at this petition to support the police K9 unit and consider signing it?

Officers in the Winnipeg Police Service K9 Unit are looking for people to sign their petition. They are petitioning the government (municipal and provincial) to put the funding back to build proper Kennels for the police service dogs. These dogs provide a huge service and they aren't being treated with the respect they deserve. There used to be kennels but they were torn down. There was a promise to build bigger and better ones when the police station on Dugald was built and that funding was pulled. These dogs need our help. Feel free to pass this link along.

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/support-winnipeg-police-service-dogs.html

HERE IS THE LINK TO THE WEDNESDAY PODCAST:

http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/28/wed-podcast-the-media-talks-about-harry-who-while-gerrard-talks-about-fasd-wrha-drs-get-political/

Conflicting, incomplete polls lead off final week of provincial campaign

Two half-baked polls - one with less than 470 declared respondents and the other conducted online and then extrapolated - leave Manitobans no wiser as to which direction the 2011 election is headed.

Today's podcast does a quick review of the latest promises and opinions - expanding Osborne House finding favour with the Tories and soccer facilities with the NDP; our story about a political contribution by Theresa Oswald's US husband makes the online comments, if not the actual news pages, of the Free Press; some follow-up comments about the Selinger photo story, including CBC's apology to us for not providing proper credit; and what blogger Brian Gilchrist thinks about Selinger's claim on CJOB that the NDP has run a clean campaign.

In the middle you'll also hear an interview with Tahl East of CDI College, whose Bras for A Cause campaign is now featured on billboards and in Swaggerville; homicide number 32 has two north end bloggers reacting here and here ; and a look at the first day of the trial into the murder of John Radocaj, courtesy of the blog writings and Metro story of James Turner.

(Also, a reminder that PCW's 10th Annual Back to School bash takes place Thursday night at the Marquee Lounge and Event Centre, 1875 Pembina, with a career-ending casket match between Damon and Dicaprio in the main event !)

Here is the link to the Tuesday Podcast:
http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/27/conflicting-incomplete-polls-lead-off-final-week-of-provincial-campaign/

The reaction to our Selinger photo exclusive; CJOB poll off key?; Words from Gerrard; The cost of stolen signs

It started on Twitter, with notices from James O'Connor of the Brandon Sun and local news site Chris D. Then the national online aggregator, Bourque.org, posted a link right to our story "The One Photo Greg Selinger Does Not Want You to See in an Election Brochure"

http://tgcts.blogspot.com/2011/09/one-photo-greg-selinger-doesnt-want-you.html

beneath stories about the federal NDP leadership race and the Ontario election. So there is no denying, the alternative media made a big splash in the provincial election on Friday.

CBC TV picked up our story about Greg Selinger alienating police by posing with the Heatbag Records crew bandana, and even led the TV newscast with it at 5 PM, barely an hour before the Leader's debate. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitobavotes2011/story/2011/09/23/mb-selinger-photo-110923.html

On Saturday, The Winnipeg Sun added details about the past violent record of convictions of one of the group and got more police reaction

http://www.winnipegsun.com/2011/09/23/selinger-in-photo-flap#disqus_thread;

Even the Winnipeg Free Press managed to crank out a few paragraphs online about the controversy, making sure not to identify our podcast as the source.

And Rae Butcher wrote on her blog about how it reinforces her concern about clueless politicians, when it comes to dealing with crime and public safety in the north end:

http://adayinthehood.blogspot.com/2011/09/dumpster-fires-galore.html

Today our inside story of how the story was brought to light and how the mainstream media reacted to it, what the commenters and politicians said, and how this picture of Greg Selinger being duped actually relates to a story told by my mentor Yoram Hamizrachi about Pres. Bush Jr. and the middle east.

Also today:

a dissection of the CJOB/MREA poll that had fewer than 470 respondents; a few words with Liberal leader Dr. Jon Gerrard;

why stolen election signs are a big and expensive deal;

a wait list scandal involving echocardiagrams,

and in the crime update, Richard Cloutier uttered the C word today at 9.47 AM. The 6 letter one we've been talking about since the podcast launched.

Plus, shout-outs to our new Twitter followers and don't forget to read part 3 of my profile of RCMP Commissioner-applicant, psychologist Dr. Michael Webster !

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2011/08/01/18495896.html

Here is the link for the Monday podcast:

http://tgctspod.podbean.com/2011/09/26/tgcts-mon-sept-26-how-msm-handled-the-selinger-photo-exclusive-is-ob-poll-off-key-stolen-signs/

Twitter: @TGCTS

The one photo Greg Selinger doesn't want you to see in an election brochure

A photograph of a celebration has been circulating around town. It's of a local rap and hip hop label, Heatbag Records, and their top act, Winnipeg's Most.

The photograph which we acquired, shows NDP Premier Greg Selinger with 6 men associated with the label. He is smiling widely, while holding outstretched a black Heatbag Records bandana.

At times those bandanas been seen online brandished as gangster-wear to conceal rappers' faces in photos and videos, or as a costume for some very attractive young women who pose on social media barely wearing it. In hip-hop culture, a bandana represents the thug life values the gangster rappers glorify - pro-drug, anti-police, settling scores - which infects the lives of thousands of young Manitobans.

Selinger seems quite pleased to be associated with a popular and successful music act and the crew is definately glad to have a picture like this in their back pockets.

But Manitoba Justice officials cringe at this photo. They know exactly who the rappers are. Justice officials are all too aware of who is involved in Heatbag and how their "other records" - not music, but with the courts - are a microcosm of the failure for over a decade of the crime and justice platform of the NDP. And Greg Selinger is smiling at the camera and waving their flag.

Among Selinger's associates, convictions have been registered for drug trafficking, sex offences, and breach of probation, and charges are pending for assaults, more trafficking, weapons, probation breaches, and skipping court.

Police sources tell TGCTS that at least two people in the picture have associations with the Manitoba Warriors. Officers are told to consider them armed and dangerous, and to be approached with caution.

As he campaigns for re-relection, Selinger wants credit for being tough on crime. But what justice officials see in this photograph is how easily Selinger was duped by the street-wise rappers, who have benefitted from the NDP's hug-a-thug holistic approach to crime. The picture has been going around for months, but nobody realized its significance until The Great Canadian Talk Show identified the players and discovered their criminal records.

*****

Charlie Fettah, seen second from the left, made the news in 2008 as part of a simmering dispute involving shotguns and a "rap beef" between Heatbag and a rival group.

"Heatbag is self-described as "not really a label, but a crew."

http://ca.vlex.com/vid/rappers-involved-dangerous-rivalry-64912206

By the following March a follow-up story made clear, they see themselves as victims of stereotypes and oppression, and claim they are not gangsters but are misunderstood and mistreated. Assurances were made they are on the straight and narrow despite a leaked video showing them threatening retaliation.

Local rappers' gun-toting video on web

Group linked to string of violent incidents

By: Mike McIntyre and James Turner

Updated: September 17 2008

at 02:55 AM CDT

Fettah disputes the categorization of Heatbag as a gang. He said it's a label police and justice officials have made up to keep members away from each other by virtue of widely used court orders to not associate with known gang members.

Since being released from Stony Mountain in November, where he was serving a drug-related sentence, Fettah said he's been relentlessly pulled over by police looking for contraband in his car. Fettah swears he has left the criminal life behind and says he is now coaching kids to stay away from drugs and speaking about his street life. "

http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1556416841.html

The story gave no background on Fettah's "drug-related sentence", or why police might have had reason to keep a close eye on him when he got out of Stony. It would have been instructive for the public to do so.

Court records reveal he was sentenced to 5 years in Stony -- for being a drug trafficker.

As part of the deal, he served no additonal time on another charge - for altering a serial number of a gun.

The Crown dropped 2 other firearms-related counts and one of possessing property obtained by crime.

In essence it was a 5 for 1 deal, and within 20 months, Fettah was back in circulation, rappin'.

After the awards for their music rolled in and legitimized the group with the media, label general manager Jon-C continued the PR spin. While he told the Free Press last December that he and his peers have been victims of police profiling and racism, he assured his fans that he abided by the gang code of refusing to cooperate with authorities and that police are not to be trusted.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/a-bum-rap-111745254.html

A bum RAP

Three-man crew dispels myths of aboriginal hip hop

By: Alexandra Paul

Posted: 12/12/2010

1:00 AM

Jon C says police pulled him in for questioning two years ago before Winnipeg's Most hit it big. "I was true to the streets. I didn't say a word."

Jon C says the cops thought the rappers were a street gang and he was their leader.

Early gigs drew an unwelcome police presence; fans were carded for IDs, one club was surrounded. The rappers still get angry talking about it.

"They've laid off now," Jon C said.

Suspicion of police, after the triple shooting in the North End in October, doesn't surprise local rappers.

There is an atmosphere of fear in the North End that wasn't there before the two men died and a girl, 13, was shot in the abdomen.

The 45-minute shooting spree a week before Halloween is thought to be a random crime...

For much of the city's aboriginal population, North End and inner-city 'hoods are the new black ghettos.

"It's like what they said in Maclean's. They ridiculed the blacks in the States. Now it's like that for us," Jon C says.... "Winnipeg is like Detroit used to be, or New York or L.A., Jon C says."

"Winnipeg's Most has a recording company called Heat Bag Records, a double play on words with a cheeky message.

"A heat bag is street slang for someone who scores himself out and gets caught by the police. It's a logo they've outgrown, the crew says. Today's artists are tight, they share gigs, help each other out and they present a united front to the public outside their fan base.

"Hip hop is not gang culture. It's an expression of yourself... Our goal isn't money. It's relief of the stress built up in your chest. It's therapy with a mike. Sure there's gangsta rap," Jon C says.

"But we're hip hop," Brooklyn adds."

The reporter fell for it hook, line and sinker, stating: "That's a sea change. You'd almost think the rappers were social workers", and quoted a social worker cum rapper (how convenient) to back her up:

"Hip hop and rap have been blamed many times for many years for everything from suicides to murders. I'm not delusional, I do recognize that rap has its issues and problems," Winnipeg rapper Pipskid says by email while on tour in Europe. "But I believe the overall effect it has on Winnipeg's inner city and North End is incredibly positive."

For a record label from a troubled genre, what a public relations coup.

But had the reporter looked one inch deep into the legal status of Heatbag impressario Jon-C, the reporter would have found his dealings with the court were even more current than those of Fettah, and that legal trouble was not a thing of the past for the bunch.

In fact, Jon-C has had serious charges before the courts since June 23, 2008 - during the time the picture was taken, in which he is standing over Selinger's right shoulder.

Jon-C is due in court December 16th, to face charges of possess for the purpose of trafficking and possess property obtained by crime. Other charges for failing to comply with attending court have been dropped. By the time Jon-C gets in front of a judge in December, his charges will be over 3 1/2 years in process. So much for the success of the NDP hiring more prosecutors. And you can bet the plea-bargain card will be played.

The third member of Winnipeg's Most, Brooklyn, seen at the far right with that hat on, is awaiting two trials of his own.

One is for an alleged assault (and breach of probation) in June 2010. The other is from an incident on Valentine's Day 2011 that allegedly encompassed another assault, utter threats, mischief, possession of a dangerous weapon, and multiple breaches of conditions of probation regarding weapons and alcohol. Brooklyn is not going to court on those 11 charges until September -- of 2012.

Heatbag Records is more than just the rap trio of Winnipeg's Most. There are other rappers, MC's, and an entourage.

Take, for instance, the guy in the track suit in the photo, Ashley Blakk (third from the left). He was convicted of trafficking in March 2008 and was tossed back in the brink for breaching probation last December.

His court record also shows a conviction in 2002 for sexual assault, bargaining away 5 related charges; with yet other charges of assault cause bodily harm and 4 breaches of conditions being plea-bargained away by the Crown over the years. A total of 10 charges have been stayed on him alone.

Police have seen 15 charges stayed against members of the crew. Another 15 charges are pending. They range from drug trafficking to assaults to uttering threats to multiple breaches of conditions of release - which as we've seen are the first to be plea-bargained away and are treated by judges as jokes.

And the delays in getting the remaining charges to trial is the hallmark of the court system under the NDP.

In the meantime, the hip-hoppers are free to release more tracks, garner street cred, spread their don't snitch mantra, earn cash money, and get the number one crime fighter in the province to pose with them.

A police source told us: "They get the right photo op and legitimize themselves instantly. Perhaps Greg Selinger thought he was legitimizing himself with that crowd too - except of course that doesn't work too well because they can't cast ballots on Bebo.

The Heatbag Records website shows logos of guns, bullets, fingerprints, all the gang trappings. is it all in good fun, or something more sinister? By appearing at the side of an organization like this, Selinger is signaling -- to them at least - that slinging dope, beating people up and stuff is kool. And don't forget about the shooting up the neighborhood part. But, it's always nice to have a picture of you with the provincial juice to show a judge you've turned your life around. "

There's nothing like getting the Premier's seal of approval. Will hanging out with gangster rappers and holding up their colours win Selinger the public's seal of approval?