en-ca http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/images/promo-thecurrent.jpg http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting CBC Radio's The Current is a meeting place of perspectives with a fresh take on issues that affect Canadians today. CBC podcasting@cbc.ca Copyright © CBC 2012 podcasting@cbc.ca no CBC Radio CBC,CBC Radio CBC Radio's The Current is a meeting place of perspectives with a fresh take on issues that affect Canadians today. http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120209_47941.mp3 Get ready to gloat Canada, Ontario for so long the dominant province is confronting cold calculations this morning that confirm its industrial, economic and demographic power is on the wane. The Consensus out of the latest Census is that the very things that made Ontario surge now make it sluggish and the center of the universe is tilting West. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/02/12: Latest Census confirms Ontario's decline Get ready to gloat Canada, Ontario for so long the dominant province is confronting cold calculations this morning that confirm its industrial, economic and demographic power is on the wane. The Consensus out of the latest Census is that the very things that made Ontario surge now make it sluggish and the center of the universe is tilting West. 1166 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120209_38819.mp3 Michael Healey shared the story of his sidelined play, PROUD and then many of you got LOUD. We'll share the reaction to the controversy over a creative chill from government and we'll revisit the question of mandatory disclosure of HIV/AIDs. We'll also share a few more hair-raising tales from those of you who heard our documentary on Sleep Paralysis only to realize that was the very thing terrorizing Your Own Nights. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/02/12: Thursday's Checking-In Michael Healey shared the story of his sidelined play, PROUD and then many of you got LOUD. We'll share the reaction to the controversy over a creative chill from government and we'll revisit the question of mandatory disclosure of HIV/AIDs. We'll also share a few more hair-raising tales from those of you who heard our documentary on Sleep Paralysis only to realize that was the very thing terrorizing Your Own Nights. 1363 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120209_98275.mp3 This documentary can not be made available as a podcast due to music right issues regarding downloadable files. However, you can listen to the full documentary through on-demand audio on our website. Sorry for the inconvenience. www.cbc.ca/thecurrent http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/02/12: A Boy with a Past (Documentary) This documentary can not be made available as a podcast due to music right issues regarding downloadable files. However, you can listen to the full documentary through on-demand audio on our website. Sorry for the inconvenience. www.cbc.ca/thecurrent 19 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120208_95608.mp3 They've been linked to coronary heart disease and increased cholesterol levels and now Trans Fats are being linked to Politics. Government documents show Health Canada was ready to regulate the amount of trans fats in food products - it even had its messaging in place - but the whole idea was scrapped with nary an explanation. Today, we're looking for one. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 08/02/12: Regulating Trans Fats They've been linked to coronary heart disease and increased cholesterol levels and now Trans Fats are being linked to Politics. Government documents show Health Canada was ready to regulate the amount of trans fats in food products - it even had its messaging in place - but the whole idea was scrapped with nary an explanation. Today, we're looking for one. 1200 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120208_74123.mp3 Call it a victory for impunity. A judge in Haiti says Baby Doc Duvalier's record of extra-judicial killings, torture and disappearances has hit a statute of limitations. He could face corruption charges but the penalties would be light. And while a majority of Haitians may be too young to remember Baby Doc's 15 year rule, a whole lot of people in Montreal who fled Haiti recall it all. From the anger in the diaspora to the amnesia on the ground, to the seeming indifference in the international community, we're looking at Justice Haitian-style. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 08/02/12: Bringing Baby Doc Duvalier to Justice in Haiti Call it a victory for impunity. A judge in Haiti says Baby Doc Duvalier's record of extra-judicial killings, torture and disappearances has hit a statute of limitations. He could face corruption charges but the penalties would be light. And while a majority of Haitians may be too young to remember Baby Doc's 15 year rule, a whole lot of people in Montreal who fled Haiti recall it all. From the anger in the diaspora to the amnesia on the ground, to the seeming indifference in the international community, we're looking at Justice Haitian-style. 1377 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120208_24465.mp3 Their lives end with a banner headline. A person believed to be mentally disturbed, shot dead by police. It is happening enough in this country that some police forces are changing how they interact with those suffering mental illness. Today, we're examining how police training and police practice is trying to adjust to recognize mental illness on the beat. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 08/02/12: Policing the Mentally Ill Their lives end with a banner headline. A person believed to be mentally disturbed, shot dead by police. It is happening enough in this country that some police forces are changing how they interact with those suffering mental illness. Today, we're examining how police training and police practice is trying to adjust to recognize mental illness on the beat. 1407 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120207_67963.mp3 He spent his first years in office with an unapologetically hard line on China's transgressions from Tibet to human rights. Now Prime Minister Harper is negotiating a bottom line with an official visit to China, dominated by the business interests and needs of both countries. Today, we're looking at how the Prime Minister has reframed Canada's approach to a nation that becomes more powerful and more in need with every passing year. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 07/02/12: PM Harper brings Canadian politics to China He spent his first years in office with an unapologetically hard line on China's transgressions from Tibet to human rights. Now Prime Minister Harper is negotiating a bottom line with an official visit to China, dominated by the business interests and needs of both countries. Today, we're looking at how the Prime Minister has reframed Canada's approach to a nation that becomes more powerful and more in need with every passing year. 1143 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120207_50185.mp3 She spends her days monitoring Facebook, scanning Arab language news feeds, video uplinks ...anything to track what might be happening to loved ones in Homs. Her fears speak to the reality of countless Syrian Canadians, horrified at the pictures coming out of the major cities, desperate to see them helped. Today, we bring you her story and the thoughts of a panel of Syrian-Canadians with differing ideas on what-to-do to stop the bloodshed and start anew. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 07/02/12: What to do next as Syrian-Canadians are fearful about the fate of their country She spends her days monitoring Facebook, scanning Arab language news feeds, video uplinks ...anything to track what might be happening to loved ones in Homs. Her fears speak to the reality of countless Syrian Canadians, horrified at the pictures coming out of the major cities, desperate to see them helped. Today, we bring you her story and the thoughts of a panel of Syrian-Canadians with differing ideas on what-to-do to stop the bloodshed and start anew. 1403 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120207_45536.mp3 Michael Healey spent eleven years writing plays with Toronto's Tarragon Theatre, tackling the political, the philosophical and the personal in acclaimed productions staged across the country and beyond. But some fear his latest work with a character known as Prime Minister may have been perceived as too political. We hear from playwright Michael Healey on the controversy over a play called "Proud". http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 07/02/12: Theatre chill over staging controversial productions Michael Healey spent eleven years writing plays with Toronto's Tarragon Theatre, tackling the political, the philosophical and the personal in acclaimed productions staged across the country and beyond. But some fear his latest work with a character known as Prime Minister may have been perceived as too political. We hear from playwright Michael Healey on the controversy over a play called "Proud". 1603 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120206_41922.mp3 She has been on the throne for six decades, becoming the British monarch at the age of 25. And over those 60 years, Queen Elizabeth the Second has overseen epic change within the commonwealth and beyond. And from quarreling colonies to domestic disputes among her children much of it has been .. challenging and unpredictable. Now as the celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee begin, she presides over a Kingdom at odds with itself. Scotland plans a secessionist referendum in two short years and some political leaders in Wales are eyeing the same prize. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/02/12: Queen Elizabeth's shifting United Kingdom She has been on the throne for six decades, becoming the British monarch at the age of 25. And over those 60 years, Queen Elizabeth the Second has overseen epic change within the commonwealth and beyond. And from quarreling colonies to domestic disputes among her children much of it has been .. challenging and unpredictable. Now as the celebrations marking the Diamond Jubilee begin, she presides over a Kingdom at odds with itself. Scotland plans a secessionist referendum in two short years and some political leaders in Wales are eyeing the same prize. 1065 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120206_75387.mp3 What is David Agus trying to tell us? The outspoken U.S. oncologist argues that we can bring an end to the illnesses that plague us with regular eat/sleep patterns, a few key pharmaceuticals and a plan to toss out high heels. Dr. David Agus, author of "The End of Illness" explains. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/02/12: Dr. Agus with a cure to end illness What is David Agus trying to tell us? The outspoken U.S. oncologist argues that we can bring an end to the illnesses that plague us with regular eat/sleep patterns, a few key pharmaceuticals and a plan to toss out high heels. Dr. David Agus, author of "The End of Illness" explains. 1390 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120206_65444.mp3 Britain's Damien Hirst has produced more than 300 paintings of spots. Big ones, little ones, bright ones and curious ones. But is it art? After all he hired assistants to paint the things. And he's got a contest running to see who can view all them in eleven galleries around the world. Today, a debate over the dots …Offensive, Ironic, Brilliant or a Gimmick? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/02/12: Damien Hirst's Spot Art Britain's Damien Hirst has produced more than 300 paintings of spots. Big ones, little ones, bright ones and curious ones. But is it art? After all he hired assistants to paint the things. And he's got a contest running to see who can view all them in eleven galleries around the world. Today, a debate over the dots …Offensive, Ironic, Brilliant or a Gimmick? 1627 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120203_11182.mp3 The outbreak of supposed hysteria among a group of girls in New York is raising concerns because it seems to be a throwback to labeling young girls with a disorder that some see as just part of growing up. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/02/12: Mass Hysteria in Upstate New York The outbreak of supposed hysteria among a group of girls in New York is raising concerns because it seems to be a throwback to labeling young girls with a disorder that some see as just part of growing up. 1175 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120203_38339.mp3 Police believe many poor people who visit Kosovo often leave the country with much less than they arrived with. Many are missing -- an internal organ. We speak with a Canadian prosecutor who's leading the fight against organ trafficking in Kosovo. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/02/12: Organ Trafficking in Kosovo Police believe many poor people who visit Kosovo often leave the country with much less than they arrived with. Many are missing -- an internal organ. We speak with a Canadian prosecutor who's leading the fight against organ trafficking in Kosovo. 1396 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120203_55728.mp3 Of the 34 states in the U.S. that have recently passed or introduced restrictive voting legislation, all but one is Republican controlled. The one exception, Rhode Island, has introduced what's generally believed to be the least restrictive rules of the bunch. And we have new voter ID laws in Canada as well brought in in 2007. Today, we take a look at the politics of these new voting rules. Are they, as supporters claim, a necessary step to prevent fraud at the polls, or are the critics right: Are the votes of significant chunks of the population being suppressed? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/02/12: Voter Registration Rules Of the 34 states in the U.S. that have recently passed or introduced restrictive voting legislation, all but one is Republican controlled. The one exception, Rhode Island, has introduced what's generally believed to be the least restrictive rules of the bunch. And we have new voter ID laws in Canada as well brought in in 2007. Today, we take a look at the politics of these new voting rules. Are they, as supporters claim, a necessary step to prevent fraud at the polls, or are the critics right: Are the votes of significant chunks of the population being suppressed? 1495 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120202_87764.mp3 Today we're talking about Old Age Security that right now kicks in at age 65. The Prime Minister made hints while in Davos, the NDP's making motions in the house and some getting closer to 65 are wondering where this is going? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/02/12: Old Age Security Changes Today we're talking about Old Age Security that right now kicks in at age 65. The Prime Minister made hints while in Davos, the NDP's making motions in the house and some getting closer to 65 are wondering where this is going? 1191 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120202_64884.mp3 Two jail cells: one in Iran, one in Bahrain and in each a Canadian. The clock is ticking on the life of Saeed Malekpour after the Supreme Court of Iran's decision to uphold his death sentence. And as of yesterday, Naser Al-Raas is back in a Bahrain jail. His family fears the 5 years he faces will likely kill him. We will update the stories of both men and those fighting to help them when we Check In on your reaction and on stories worth revisiting. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/02/12: Thursday's Check-In Two jail cells: one in Iran, one in Bahrain and in each a Canadian. The clock is ticking on the life of Saeed Malekpour after the Supreme Court of Iran's decision to uphold his death sentence. And as of yesterday, Naser Al-Raas is back in a Bahrain jail. His family fears the 5 years he faces will likely kill him. We will update the stories of both men and those fighting to help them when we Check In on your reaction and on stories worth revisiting. 1403 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120202_60143.mp3 One hundred years after the creation of the ANC, 18 years after the end of apartheid, South Africa is a troubled place where Blacks continue to live on the margins. Today, the son of Steve Biko, the slain activist who founded the black consciousness movement against apartheid speaks frankly about his country, Julius Malema's message and his own father's legacy. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/02/12: Nkosinathi Biko on how South Africa can move on One hundred years after the creation of the ANC, 18 years after the end of apartheid, South Africa is a troubled place where Blacks continue to live on the margins. Today, the son of Steve Biko, the slain activist who founded the black consciousness movement against apartheid speaks frankly about his country, Julius Malema's message and his own father's legacy. 1544 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120201_93246.mp3 It was a powerful and unsettling statement in an already disturbing murder trial when Mohammed Shafia said his daughters' behaviour made him feel like a cuckold. With that one word, a father's presumed ownership of his daughters' sexuality was laid bare. And while his reaction - four murders - was clearly extreme, the idea of fathers or husbands or brothers controlling a woman's sexuality is neither new nor rare. From American Purity Balls to religious restrictions on contraception, we're looking at a history we all carry. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 01/02/12: The origins of controlling sex and sexuality It was a powerful and unsettling statement in an already disturbing murder trial when Mohammed Shafia said his daughters' behaviour made him feel like a cuckold. With that one word, a father's presumed ownership of his daughters' sexuality was laid bare. And while his reaction - four murders - was clearly extreme, the idea of fathers or husbands or brothers controlling a woman's sexuality is neither new nor rare. From American Purity Balls to religious restrictions on contraception, we're looking at a history we all carry. 1165 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120201_11843.mp3 It is an overpowering fear. You feel you are awake but immobile. Millions of people experience a sleep disorder called Sleep Paralysis. And sometimes with it comes what Newfoundlanders call, The Old Hag. Howard Goldenthal brings us a documentary on the realities of The Paralysing Night. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 01/02/12: Sleep Paralysis It is an overpowering fear. You feel you are awake but immobile. Millions of people experience a sleep disorder called Sleep Paralysis. And sometimes with it comes what Newfoundlanders call, The Old Hag. Howard Goldenthal brings us a documentary on the realities of The Paralysing Night. 1345 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120201_56797.mp3 Most major police forces have canine units but Vancouver police dogs account for the highest number of dog-bite injuries of all municipal forces in B.C. In fact, half of all Vancouver's in-custody injuries come from dogs. To some, a Police Dog is a weapon or tool like a gun or a taser. But now a lawsuit against police alleging excessive force is raising questions about the power of such animals and the decisions on when or how to use them. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT 01/02/12: Vancouver police dogs as weapons of excessive force Most major police forces have canine units but Vancouver police dogs account for the highest number of dog-bite injuries of all municipal forces in B.C. In fact, half of all Vancouver's in-custody injuries come from dogs. To some, a Police Dog is a weapon or tool like a gun or a taser. But now a lawsuit against police alleging excessive force is raising questions about the power of such animals and the decisions on when or how to use them. 1600 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120131_65321.mp3 Fighting continues between rebel fighters and government forces on the doorstep to Damascus where the pictures and stories of those opposing the Assad regime are gripping and unsettling. Those who argue Bashar Assad does have support get little traction and little serious attention dismissed as propagandists. Are we missing something? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 31/01/12: Syria's Untold Story Fighting continues between rebel fighters and government forces on the doorstep to Damascus where the pictures and stories of those opposing the Assad regime are gripping and unsettling. Those who argue Bashar Assad does have support get little traction and little serious attention dismissed as propagandists. Are we missing something? 1185 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120131_62196.mp3 So why is it that China is commissioning a second polar ice-breaker and India has plans to build one too? All this as both countries seek to join the ranks asking for observer status on The Arctic Council, a body of eight Northern nations including our own and six Arctic Indigenous groups including groups here. As Canada prepares to assume the Chair of the Arctic Council, we're asking who gets to makes plans for the far North. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 31/01/12: Challenges ahead for the Arctic Council So why is it that China is commissioning a second polar ice-breaker and India has plans to build one too? All this as both countries seek to join the ranks asking for observer status on The Arctic Council, a body of eight Northern nations including our own and six Arctic Indigenous groups including groups here. As Canada prepares to assume the Chair of the Arctic Council, we're asking who gets to makes plans for the far North. 1383 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120131_95393.mp3 The mining companies have descended on Saskatchewan. A proliferation of Potash mines is generating Billions and some small prairie communities see new opportunity while others worry about what they're getting into. All this as other potash mines scale back and prices drop. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 31/01/12: New potash mines in Saskatchewan communities The mining companies have descended on Saskatchewan. A proliferation of Potash mines is generating Billions and some small prairie communities see new opportunity while others worry about what they're getting into. All this as other potash mines scale back and prices drop. 1540 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120130_95549.mp3 The Current begins with the legacy of Zainab, Sahar, Geeti and Rona. Three sisters and their father's first wife murdered early in the summer of 2009. In what Judge Robert Maranger called a "twisted concept of honour". The details that came to light in the Shafia trial told us more than the details of a multiple murder, they shed light on tensions and challenges that some young Afghan women face as they and their families try to navigate a new life in Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 30/01/12: Shafia Verdict The Current begins with the legacy of Zainab, Sahar, Geeti and Rona. Three sisters and their father's first wife murdered early in the summer of 2009. In what Judge Robert Maranger called a "twisted concept of honour". The details that came to light in the Shafia trial told us more than the details of a multiple murder, they shed light on tensions and challenges that some young Afghan women face as they and their families try to navigate a new life in Canada. 1255 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120130_40758.mp3 The race to become the Republican candidate for U.S. President is heating up and getting nastier. As we head into Tuesday's key primary in Florida, we speak with a young man whose job it was to dig up (and air) the dirt on the competition. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 30/01/12: Opposition Research The race to become the Republican candidate for U.S. President is heating up and getting nastier. As we head into Tuesday's key primary in Florida, we speak with a young man whose job it was to dig up (and air) the dirt on the competition. 1401 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120130_36402.mp3 Our project Game Changer looks back at 1976... when the ground shifted seismically and politically for China. Ten years into the cultural revolution, the earth moved in one of the most devastating earthquakes in world history. We trace the dots, back to the Tangshan Quake in a bid to understand how tragedy and disaster spurred today's China. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 30/01/12: James Palmer - Game Changer Our project Game Changer looks back at 1976... when the ground shifted seismically and politically for China. Ten years into the cultural revolution, the earth moved in one of the most devastating earthquakes in world history. We trace the dots, back to the Tangshan Quake in a bid to understand how tragedy and disaster spurred today's China. 1542 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120127_24927.mp3 Leaked documents outlining Canada's negotiating position in trade talks with the European Union make no mention of an exemption for water services. That has raised concerns that municipal drinking water could be vulnerable to privatization in a free trade deal. We'll look at what multinational-owned water systems could mean for what comes out of the tap in Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 27/01/12: Privatizing Water Leaked documents outlining Canada's negotiating position in trade talks with the European Union make no mention of an exemption for water services. That has raised concerns that municipal drinking water could be vulnerable to privatization in a free trade deal. We'll look at what multinational-owned water systems could mean for what comes out of the tap in Canada. 1272 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120127_49457.mp3 It's hard to think of a symbol that for many captures the human values of caring and hope better than the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. But a new documentary takes a hard look at the pink ribbon and its sponsorship deals, saying they've lost sight of what really matters. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 27/01/12: Pink Ribbons, Inc. It's hard to think of a symbol that for many captures the human values of caring and hope better than the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness. But a new documentary takes a hard look at the pink ribbon and its sponsorship deals, saying they've lost sight of what really matters. 1409 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120127_13496.mp3 Visits to national parks are down and a proposal for a walkway built over a mountain valley promises to be a big draw in Jasper National Park. But opponents warn it could be just the top of a very slippery slope for Canada's mountain parks - saying the development is a threat to the ecosystem and a worrying sign that the government is now looking on our national environmental heritage as a money-maker first. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 27/01/12: Wither National Parks Visits to national parks are down and a proposal for a walkway built over a mountain valley promises to be a big draw in Jasper National Park. But opponents warn it could be just the top of a very slippery slope for Canada's mountain parks - saying the development is a threat to the ecosystem and a worrying sign that the government is now looking on our national environmental heritage as a money-maker first. 1537 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120126_13438.mp3 Many Canadian mining companies embrace corporate social Responsibility with environmental projects, training programs and special projects for youth - often in partnership with NGOs. This fall some of those projects also received millions of dollars from CIDA. But critics question, why Canada's International Development Agency, which has kicked other NGOs off its list, is using foreign aid dollars to support profitable companies. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 26/01/12: CIDA Partnerships Many Canadian mining companies embrace corporate social Responsibility with environmental projects, training programs and special projects for youth - often in partnership with NGOs. This fall some of those projects also received millions of dollars from CIDA. But critics question, why Canada's International Development Agency, which has kicked other NGOs off its list, is using foreign aid dollars to support profitable companies. 1287 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120126_90071.mp3 It is hard to imagine that one television discussion could change a nation, but that is exactly what happened when Ricardo Lagos publicly denounced Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet. That conversation set in motion the change that led to Pinochet's ouster and the restoration of democracy. Ricardo Lagos later became President. Now, in the midst of the Arab uprisings, he says the world can learn from his little country. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 26/01/12: Chile's Game Changer - Ricardo Lagos It is hard to imagine that one television discussion could change a nation, but that is exactly what happened when Ricardo Lagos publicly denounced Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet. That conversation set in motion the change that led to Pinochet's ouster and the restoration of democracy. Ricardo Lagos later became President. Now, in the midst of the Arab uprisings, he says the world can learn from his little country. 1375 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120126_74964.mp3 We're back on the trail of a few stories of the past week including high praise for a courageous Italian coast guard captain and condemnation for some insipid Italian leadership. Also, changing faces at RIM and more on non-combat PTSD. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 26/01/12: Checking In We're back on the trail of a few stories of the past week including high praise for a courageous Italian coast guard captain and condemnation for some insipid Italian leadership. Also, changing faces at RIM and more on non-combat PTSD. 1622 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120125_46475.mp3 As we trudge through another Canadian winter, the bookings for southern resort vacations are almost a national ritual. Tourism figures show more than a million Canadians choose Mexico. But the headlines over the last few weeks offer a dark perspective over those sunny vacations. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 25/01/12: Mexican Holiday Horror As we trudge through another Canadian winter, the bookings for southern resort vacations are almost a national ritual. Tourism figures show more than a million Canadians choose Mexico. But the headlines over the last few weeks offer a dark perspective over those sunny vacations. 1282 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120125_56948.mp3 Natali Mashiah says a group of Haredim or Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh targeted her for immodest dress. She says they jumped on her car, smashed the windows and slashed the tires. It is yet another incident pitting strict religious Jews against those who are either secular or do not belong to Ultra-orthodox sects. And it is fueling a debate about the role of the religious in a Jewish state .. that has always created a special place for the faithful. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 25/01/12: Haredi Tensions Natali Mashiah says a group of Haredim or Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men in the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh targeted her for immodest dress. She says they jumped on her car, smashed the windows and slashed the tires. It is yet another incident pitting strict religious Jews against those who are either secular or do not belong to Ultra-orthodox sects. And it is fueling a debate about the role of the religious in a Jewish state .. that has always created a special place for the faithful. 1409 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120125_52181.mp3 They are pierced, cut and even branded. From elfin ears to decorative scars to implants to make horns on the head - body modifications appear to be in increasing demand. But they are procedures undertaken in often unregulated studios. Even some of those who do the procedures want stricter standards and those involved in public health are torn. Do they try to regulate or insist on medical involvement? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 25/01/12: Regulating Body Modification They are pierced, cut and even branded. From elfin ears to decorative scars to implants to make horns on the head - body modifications appear to be in increasing demand. But they are procedures undertaken in often unregulated studios. Even some of those who do the procedures want stricter standards and those involved in public health are torn. Do they try to regulate or insist on medical involvement? 1505 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120124_27666.mp3 Just when you thought it was safe to throw away your old calendars, it appears to be 2008 all over again. As a group of hedge funds, holding piles of Greek debt, are seemingly playing both ends against the middle with what is essentially default insurance and a win-win profit position ... in Greece's ongoing debt crisis. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 24/01/12: Greek Debt and Hedge Funds Gaming the System Just when you thought it was safe to throw away your old calendars, it appears to be 2008 all over again. As a group of hedge funds, holding piles of Greek debt, are seemingly playing both ends against the middle with what is essentially default insurance and a win-win profit position ... in Greece's ongoing debt crisis. 1632 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120124_93671.mp3 RIM's U.S. market share is down, but the company is growing in other countries. The Blackberry is still the smartphone of choice for business... something Apple hasn't yet managed to bite into. And yet, talk to an analyst and Blackberry is in trouble. Not quite a welcome mat for a new CEO and Chair of the Board. Today, just over 24 hours after Blackberry's very big news, we scroll through the fallout. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 24/01/12: The Future of Research in Motion RIM's U.S. market share is down, but the company is growing in other countries. The Blackberry is still the smartphone of choice for business... something Apple hasn't yet managed to bite into. And yet, talk to an analyst and Blackberry is in trouble. Not quite a welcome mat for a new CEO and Chair of the Board. Today, just over 24 hours after Blackberry's very big news, we scroll through the fallout. 1267 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120124_95627.mp3 Something is killing the men of Central America. Along the pacific coast of Nicaragua and El Salvador the rate of kidney disease is alarmingly high and no one can figure out why. But the suspicion is that they are literally being worked to death. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 24/01/12: Mystery Disease in Central America Something is killing the men of Central America. Along the pacific coast of Nicaragua and El Salvador the rate of kidney disease is alarmingly high and no one can figure out why. But the suspicion is that they are literally being worked to death. 1426 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120123_21812.mp3 If you've been listening to the news you know the Republican Presidential primary has now moved into a different kind of vicious with Mitt Romney still smarting from a South Carolina side-swipe by Newt Gingrich's wealth of supporters. Which brings us to the candidate who was all-but-invisible in Saturday's primary... comedian Stephen Colbert. Crossing lines by inserting politics into his comedy or is that crossing lines by inserting comedy into his politics? Candidate Colbert, disguised as Candidate Cain, walked away with thousands of votes in South Carolina. Today, we ask if Colbert's tapping America's funny bone or if he's cracking some political ribs. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 23/01/12: Colbert for President If you've been listening to the news you know the Republican Presidential primary has now moved into a different kind of vicious with Mitt Romney still smarting from a South Carolina side-swipe by Newt Gingrich's wealth of supporters. Which brings us to the candidate who was all-but-invisible in Saturday's primary... comedian Stephen Colbert. Crossing lines by inserting politics into his comedy or is that crossing lines by inserting comedy into his politics? Candidate Colbert, disguised as Candidate Cain, walked away with thousands of votes in South Carolina. Today, we ask if Colbert's tapping America's funny bone or if he's cracking some political ribs. 1212 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120123_67805.mp3 Another Monday, another school day. And for far too many First Nations kids another challenge. Shannen Koostachin was 13 years old when she made a plea for greater opportunities for Aboriginal students. She would die in a car crash two years later. But her desire for an education lives on in many Aboriginal kids who are beating the odds. Today, ahead of meetings with the Prime Ministers and First Nations leaders, we'll hear from Aboriginal teachers, students and from Metis Senator Gerry St. Germaine on what all politicians need to learn about educating Aboriginal kids. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 23/01/12: Aboriginal Education: Senator Gerry St. Germain Another Monday, another school day. And for far too many First Nations kids another challenge. Shannen Koostachin was 13 years old when she made a plea for greater opportunities for Aboriginal students. She would die in a car crash two years later. But her desire for an education lives on in many Aboriginal kids who are beating the odds. Today, ahead of meetings with the Prime Ministers and First Nations leaders, we'll hear from Aboriginal teachers, students and from Metis Senator Gerry St. Germaine on what all politicians need to learn about educating Aboriginal kids. 1353 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120123_45757.mp3 On the eve of the much-anticipated meeting of First Nations leaders and the Prime Minister, we continue our discussion about Aboriginal education. Today, we hear from different First Nations students and educators to find out how they're trying to keep kids in school. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 23 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 23/01/12: Aboriginal Education Continued On the eve of the much-anticipated meeting of First Nations leaders and the Prime Minister, we continue our discussion about Aboriginal education. Today, we hear from different First Nations students and educators to find out how they're trying to keep kids in school. 1648 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120120_51773.mp3 In the wake of the coordinated withdrawal of service by prominent internet companies including Wikipedia, U.S. lawmakers are backing away from two controversial proposed anti-piracy bills. Now, some say the black-out is a game-changer which demonstrates just how powerful and uncontainable the internet has become. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT The day the web won against SOPA/PIPA In the wake of the coordinated withdrawal of service by prominent internet companies including Wikipedia, U.S. lawmakers are backing away from two controversial proposed anti-piracy bills. Now, some say the black-out is a game-changer which demonstrates just how powerful and uncontainable the internet has become. 1211 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120120_89509.mp3 Renters in Canada often have to live in subpar and unhealthy conditions because the rental market is so tight and big landlords are more focused on investor return than in being responsive to the needs of tenants. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 20/01/12: The Trouble with Renting - Marketplace Renters in Canada often have to live in subpar and unhealthy conditions because the rental market is so tight and big landlords are more focused on investor return than in being responsive to the needs of tenants. 1318 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120120_22758.mp3 Ships' Captains have a mythic quality in our collective psyches. We put our lives in their hands. Which is why people around the world have been riveted by the story of the Costa Concordia. Captain Francesco Schettino, denies the charges against him, and says he only left the ship because he tripped and fell into a lifeboat. We'll discuss Capt Schettino, the tales of infamous and heroic captains gone-by, and we'll explain how the Captain's code of behaviour has evolved. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 20/01/12: Abandoning Ship: History of Captains Ships' Captains have a mythic quality in our collective psyches. We put our lives in their hands. Which is why people around the world have been riveted by the story of the Costa Concordia. Captain Francesco Schettino, denies the charges against him, and says he only left the ship because he tripped and fell into a lifeboat. We'll discuss Capt Schettino, the tales of infamous and heroic captains gone-by, and we'll explain how the Captain's code of behaviour has evolved. 1577 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120119_91969.mp3 He says it isn't a Death but a Delay but already all sides are drawing their own conclusions over Barak Obama's decision to reject Keystone XL. Environmentalists seem gleeful, Obama's Republican opponents seem vengeful and Canadians pushing Gateway see their plan as even-more-fruitful. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 19/01/12: U.S. rejects Keystone XL pipeline He says it isn't a Death but a Delay but already all sides are drawing their own conclusions over Barak Obama's decision to reject Keystone XL. Environmentalists seem gleeful, Obama's Republican opponents seem vengeful and Canadians pushing Gateway see their plan as even-more-fruitful. 1137 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120119_40731.mp3 For an estimated 85-thousand children and youth across Canada home is an elusive concept and parents come in the form of children's aid or state guardians. And when those kids hit adulthood they are on their own: Youth forced by their age to leave care are over-represented in the justice system, mental health and in shelters. Today, we hear from young people trying to change the odds for the kids coming up after them. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 19/01/12: Aging out of the foster care system For an estimated 85-thousand children and youth across Canada home is an elusive concept and parents come in the form of children's aid or state guardians. And when those kids hit adulthood they are on their own: Youth forced by their age to leave care are over-represented in the justice system, mental health and in shelters. Today, we hear from young people trying to change the odds for the kids coming up after them. 1387 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120119_30836.mp3 The modern-day Klondike gold rush we told you about last week while in Whitehorse has unearthed another treasure for paleontologists ... from the bones of woolly mammoths to simitar toothed cats, there's more than Gold in those hills. We'll tell you more when we check your reaction to what we've been covering. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 19 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 19/01/12: Checking - In The modern-day Klondike gold rush we told you about last week while in Whitehorse has unearthed another treasure for paleontologists ... from the bones of woolly mammoths to simitar toothed cats, there's more than Gold in those hills. We'll tell you more when we check your reaction to what we've been covering. 1642 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120118_96609.mp3 They clearly think they've been tarred on the subject of Oil Sands. Individuals and groups are lining up to share their views at hearings on the proposed Gateway Pipeline from Alberta through B.C. Today, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver on his choice of the word Radical and his support for courting Asian energy markets. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 18/01/12: Joe Oliver on the Northern Gateway pipeline They clearly think they've been tarred on the subject of Oil Sands. Individuals and groups are lining up to share their views at hearings on the proposed Gateway Pipeline from Alberta through B.C. Today, Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver on his choice of the word Radical and his support for courting Asian energy markets. 1183 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120118_64950.mp3 All of our premiers have plans to work together on innovative health care but new numbers show they might want to consider a new prescription on pharmaceuticals. New research shows 1 in 10 Canadians won't take their prescription drugs because of the cost. And they are more likely to be in B.C. right where our premiers spent the last few days talking health care. Is it time for a National Drug Plan? Or for fewer prescriptions? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 18/01/12: The high cost of prescriptions drugs All of our premiers have plans to work together on innovative health care but new numbers show they might want to consider a new prescription on pharmaceuticals. New research shows 1 in 10 Canadians won't take their prescription drugs because of the cost. And they are more likely to be in B.C. right where our premiers spent the last few days talking health care. Is it time for a National Drug Plan? Or for fewer prescriptions? 1387 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120118_68474.mp3 Ute Lawrence never went to war and never saw a conflict zone. But she did find herself on the wrong stretch of highway one September day 13 yrs ago. And that's when everything changed. One of Canada's most deadly highway pileups sent her on a lonely, uncharted journey through the world of PTSD. Today, we're talking about identifying the traumas that will linger. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 18 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 18/01/12: Civilian post-traumatic stress disorder Ute Lawrence never went to war and never saw a conflict zone. But she did find herself on the wrong stretch of highway one September day 13 yrs ago. And that's when everything changed. One of Canada's most deadly highway pileups sent her on a lonely, uncharted journey through the world of PTSD. Today, we're talking about identifying the traumas that will linger. 1610 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120117_63249.mp3 You could fit the entire population of Bathurst or Marystown or Banff into some of the new mega-cruise ships. Are they getting too big to sail? In the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster off the coast of Italy, we assess the risks involved in the new wave of giant cruise ships capable of holding thousands of passengers. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 17/01/12: Cruise Ship Evacuation Safety You could fit the entire population of Bathurst or Marystown or Banff into some of the new mega-cruise ships. Are they getting too big to sail? In the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster off the coast of Italy, we assess the risks involved in the new wave of giant cruise ships capable of holding thousands of passengers. 1182 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120117_38798.mp3 If information is knowledge and knowledge empowers then is the act of sharing that knowledge a spiritual imperative? The four-thousand members of the Church of Kopimism would tell you it is. Sweden which recognizes elves and gnomes as religious communities has also officially recognized file-sharing as a religion, The Church of Kopimism. Today, we hear from those who worship at the altar of technological altruism something that makes others envision ... Copyright Hell. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 17/01/12: The Church of Kopimism: File Sharing Religion If information is knowledge and knowledge empowers then is the act of sharing that knowledge a spiritual imperative? The four-thousand members of the Church of Kopimism would tell you it is. Sweden which recognizes elves and gnomes as religious communities has also officially recognized file-sharing as a religion, The Church of Kopimism. Today, we hear from those who worship at the altar of technological altruism something that makes others envision ... Copyright Hell. 1335 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120117_55547.mp3 Information and mis-information comes courtesy of the multi-million-dollar SuperPAC ... those political organizations in the U.S. that can roll out ads for their favorite candidates without having to say who is bankrolling them. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that equates money with free speech has unleashed an estimated billions in election spending. Is it corrosive or conducive to democracy? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 17/01/12: SuperPACs and Campaign Spending Information and mis-information comes courtesy of the multi-million-dollar SuperPAC ... those political organizations in the U.S. that can roll out ads for their favorite candidates without having to say who is bankrolling them. A U.S. Supreme Court ruling that equates money with free speech has unleashed an estimated billions in election spending. Is it corrosive or conducive to democracy? 1566 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120116_82189.mp3 The Federal Liberals want back in the game. Shunted into third party status in the last election, the expectation coming out of this weekend's party convention is that their brand new party president will be the key to help a hobbled party rebuild. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 16/01/12: Moving forward after the Liberal Convention The Federal Liberals want back in the game. Shunted into third party status in the last election, the expectation coming out of this weekend's party convention is that their brand new party president will be the key to help a hobbled party rebuild. 1178 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120116_66897.mp3 They are the undisputed heroes in every crisis. From natural disasters, to violent conflict, humanitarian aid workers are often the first in and usually the last to leave. They risk their lives to help the helpless but until now few knew they sometimes also risk their values and ethics. From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, three of Medecins San Frontiers' front line workers expose the compromises they choose to make for the greater good. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 16/01/12: Humanitarian aid workers facing uncomfortable compromises They are the undisputed heroes in every crisis. From natural disasters, to violent conflict, humanitarian aid workers are often the first in and usually the last to leave. They risk their lives to help the helpless but until now few knew they sometimes also risk their values and ethics. From Afghanistan to Sri Lanka, three of Medecins San Frontiers' front line workers expose the compromises they choose to make for the greater good. 1367 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120116_36589.mp3 Today our project Game Changer examines Canada's influence in the world-wide fight for same-sex marriage rights. Even as the Justice Minister was pledging to close a "legislative gap" late last week over divorcing same-sex couples, gay rights activists world-wide were on edge watching it unfold. Our laws in Canada reverberate across the globe. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 16 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 16/01/12: The influential reach of Canada's same-sex marriage laws Today our project Game Changer examines Canada's influence in the world-wide fight for same-sex marriage rights. Even as the Justice Minister was pledging to close a "legislative gap" late last week over divorcing same-sex couples, gay rights activists world-wide were on edge watching it unfold. Our laws in Canada reverberate across the globe. 1488 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120113_41855.mp3 During the 1980s and 90s, researchers and pediatricians have been telling people about the damage caused by shaking an infant. But according to a new investigation by CBC Television's The Fifth Estate, there are growing concerns about the way prosecutions are being handled and serious questions about whether Shaken Baby Syndrome is even real. The Fifth Estate co-host Gillian Findlay joins us in studio to tell us more about her report called Diagnosis Murder. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 13/01/12: Has Shaken Baby Syndrome been overblown? During the 1980s and 90s, researchers and pediatricians have been telling people about the damage caused by shaking an infant. But according to a new investigation by CBC Television's The Fifth Estate, there are growing concerns about the way prosecutions are being handled and serious questions about whether Shaken Baby Syndrome is even real. The Fifth Estate co-host Gillian Findlay joins us in studio to tell us more about her report called Diagnosis Murder. 1235 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120113_29172.mp3 People in Taiwan elect a new president and legislature tomorrow. But another country's leadership casts a long shadow over the ballot boxes. Generations after the Chinese civil war, Beijing and Taipei can always find ways to distrust one another. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 13/01/12: Taiwanese are split as voting for the President looms People in Taiwan elect a new president and legislature tomorrow. But another country's leadership casts a long shadow over the ballot boxes. Generations after the Chinese civil war, Beijing and Taipei can always find ways to distrust one another. 1394 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120113_38710.mp3 It's not exactly a smackdown, but the pushback this week on the new book, The Obamas has been impressive. New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor joins us to share her portrayal of Michelle Obama, and to answer the White House's criticism of it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 13 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 13/01/12: The Obamas biography: Jodi Kantor It's not exactly a smackdown, but the pushback this week on the new book, The Obamas has been impressive. New York Times reporter Jodi Kantor joins us to share her portrayal of Michelle Obama, and to answer the White House's criticism of it. 1619 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120112_50492.mp3 There are many statistics. The percentage of Aboriginal children being raised by a single parent -- usually the mother -- is double the percentage of other Canadian children. One in 5 First Nations women over the age of 15 is a single mom. And if statistics don't change, a growing number of Aboriginal boys will typically become absent dads themselves. We begin our Town Hall in Whitehorse with CBC Reporter, Jeff Leo who has been looking into this story and from a professor at the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 12/01/12: Absent Aboriginal Fathers Town Hall There are many statistics. The percentage of Aboriginal children being raised by a single parent -- usually the mother -- is double the percentage of other Canadian children. One in 5 First Nations women over the age of 15 is a single mom. And if statistics don't change, a growing number of Aboriginal boys will typically become absent dads themselves. We begin our Town Hall in Whitehorse with CBC Reporter, Jeff Leo who has been looking into this story and from a professor at the School of Child and Youth Care at the University of Victoria. 1287 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120112_89893.mp3 We continue to talk about Aboriginal fathers - a demographic that has been called the greatest untapped resource in the lives of aboriginal children. That quote from Ed John, Grand Chief of the First Nations Summit in British Columbia. We hear from two people working with Aboriginal men - anxious to find new purpose in their lives, and the lives of their children. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 12/01/12: Absent Aboriginal Fathers Town Hall (cont'd) We continue to talk about Aboriginal fathers - a demographic that has been called the greatest untapped resource in the lives of aboriginal children. That quote from Ed John, Grand Chief of the First Nations Summit in British Columbia. We hear from two people working with Aboriginal men - anxious to find new purpose in their lives, and the lives of their children. 1753 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120112_42945.mp3 During our program, we have heard statistics and stories from - and about - men who have grown up without fathers in their lives and men who want to make sure their boys and girls know their fathers. We dedicated this last half hour of our program to open up our discussion to our live audience in the Yukon Arts Centre. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 12 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 12/01/12: Yukon audience responds to discussion on absent Aboriginal fathers During our program, we have heard statistics and stories from - and about - men who have grown up without fathers in their lives and men who want to make sure their boys and girls know their fathers. We dedicated this last half hour of our program to open up our discussion to our live audience in the Yukon Arts Centre. 1648 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120111_54485.mp3 Away from the river and up the hill they've built a new prison, twice as big as the old one, all set to open in a few weeks just as the Harper government moves closer to bringing in a new crime bill that will impose tougher minimum sentences. Advocates for restorative justice, especially as it is practiced in the North, worry the changes under Bill C-10 will backfire. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 11/01/12: Judge Stuart on Bill C-10 Away from the river and up the hill they've built a new prison, twice as big as the old one, all set to open in a few weeks just as the Harper government moves closer to bringing in a new crime bill that will impose tougher minimum sentences. Advocates for restorative justice, especially as it is practiced in the North, worry the changes under Bill C-10 will backfire. 1290 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120111_50925.mp3 In aboriginal families across Canada, and in African American families in the U.S., too many children know only one parent. On tomorrow's show, we'll bring you our Town Hall, Fathers without fathers: Aboriginal men in Canada. It's not an issue we talk about much but in the U.S., it's much studied and there are efforts to encourage dads to come home. Today we're looking south to the African-American experience and the stark contrast in homes with and without fathers. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 11/01/12: The Fatherless African-American Family In aboriginal families across Canada, and in African American families in the U.S., too many children know only one parent. On tomorrow's show, we'll bring you our Town Hall, Fathers without fathers: Aboriginal men in Canada. It's not an issue we talk about much but in the U.S., it's much studied and there are efforts to encourage dads to come home. Today we're looking south to the African-American experience and the stark contrast in homes with and without fathers. 1377 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120111_90479.mp3 In the old days, they panned the rivers and creeks north of here for the gold flakes that sent so many scurrying to the Klondike. Today, we'll introduce you to prospector Shawn Ryan whose low-tech weed extractor and high-tech mapping has pinpointed the Gold many thought was Gone. He now owns 20-percent of all the mineral claims in the Territory. Not bad for a guy with no formal geology training who came here to pick mushrooms. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 11 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 11/01/12: Yukon Mining Game Changer, Shawn Ryan In the old days, they panned the rivers and creeks north of here for the gold flakes that sent so many scurrying to the Klondike. Today, we'll introduce you to prospector Shawn Ryan whose low-tech weed extractor and high-tech mapping has pinpointed the Gold many thought was Gone. He now owns 20-percent of all the mineral claims in the Territory. Not bad for a guy with no formal geology training who came here to pick mushrooms. 1607 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120110_15509.mp3 Canada's former Governor General visits Haiti for the second anniversary of the quake that shattered a nation. Michaëlle Jean believes that while charities are helping to rebuild, the national government is so starved for cash it can't enforce its own policies for reconstruction. And in the meantime, as many as half a million people remain in tents. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 10/01/12: Michaëlle Jean on what's next for Haiti Canada's former Governor General visits Haiti for the second anniversary of the quake that shattered a nation. Michaëlle Jean believes that while charities are helping to rebuild, the national government is so starved for cash it can't enforce its own policies for reconstruction. And in the meantime, as many as half a million people remain in tents. 1167 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120110_27793.mp3 The Rockies mark the great divide between B.C. and Alberta, but the great divide between the provinces this year may be over a resource. Many Albertans would like a pipeline to take the products of the oilsands to the coast, and many people in British Columbia would not like that at all. The hearings are about to begin and it will be a long time, if ever, before the Northern Gateway project is shovel ready -- but both sides are already digging in. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 10/01/12: Alberta - B.C. Gateway The Rockies mark the great divide between B.C. and Alberta, but the great divide between the provinces this year may be over a resource. Many Albertans would like a pipeline to take the products of the oilsands to the coast, and many people in British Columbia would not like that at all. The hearings are about to begin and it will be a long time, if ever, before the Northern Gateway project is shovel ready -- but both sides are already digging in. 1355 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120110_99653.mp3 If you're wondering why many Egyptians have lost faith with their revolution -- just check out the number of people sentenced to prison by military courts. The country's military is aggressively hostile to criticism. We hear about the Canadian effort to free one outspoken critic. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 10 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 10/01/12: Egyptians serving prison time for criticizing military If you're wondering why many Egyptians have lost faith with their revolution -- just check out the number of people sentenced to prison by military courts. The country's military is aggressively hostile to criticism. We hear about the Canadian effort to free one outspoken critic. 1570 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120109_25963.mp3 For the developers of the oilsands, the markets of Asia are an attractive final destination for Alberta's black crude. But the journey from Fort McMurray to China involves building a pipeline hundreds of kilometres long through some of the most untouched land in Canada, part of that pristine wilderness is hailed by the national geographic as "Paradise". Hearings begin this week on whether the Northern Gateway pipeline is a good idea. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/01/12: Is the Northern Gateway Pipeline a good idea? For the developers of the oilsands, the markets of Asia are an attractive final destination for Alberta's black crude. But the journey from Fort McMurray to China involves building a pipeline hundreds of kilometres long through some of the most untouched land in Canada, part of that pristine wilderness is hailed by the national geographic as "Paradise". Hearings begin this week on whether the Northern Gateway pipeline is a good idea. 1173 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120109_40245.mp3 CBC journalist Terence McKenna is just back from a visit to the Syrian refugee camps in Turkey. He heard from average citizens, business owners and even soldiers that Syria has become so terrifying, even a tent in a Turkish field promises a better life. We'll hear some eyewitness accounts from a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/01/12: Terence McKenna shares stories from a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey CBC journalist Terence McKenna is just back from a visit to the Syrian refugee camps in Turkey. He heard from average citizens, business owners and even soldiers that Syria has become so terrifying, even a tent in a Turkish field promises a better life. We'll hear some eyewitness accounts from a Syrian refugee camp in Turkey. 1363 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120109_37437.mp3 Some former Wall Street financial experts are annoyed by the Occupy movement's unsophisticated understanding of the markets. So they're helping the movement understand the markets better to be more forceful in their criticism. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 09 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 09/01/12: Financial advice for Occupy protesters Some former Wall Street financial experts are annoyed by the Occupy movement's unsophisticated understanding of the markets. So they're helping the movement understand the markets better to be more forceful in their criticism. 1550 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120106_14529.mp3 Today on The Current we go to Northern Ontario, to hear from a remarkable young voice, with a story of euphoric escape, despair, desperation and addiction. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/01/12: OxyContin Addiction in Northern Ontario (Pt 1) Today on The Current we go to Northern Ontario, to hear from a remarkable young voice, with a story of euphoric escape, despair, desperation and addiction. 1201 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120106_23698.mp3 We continue our focus on OxyContin addiction plaguing northern Ontario, looking for explanations, solutions and asking what Health Canada is doing about it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/01/12: OxyContin Addiction in Northern Ontario (Pt 2) We continue our focus on OxyContin addiction plaguing northern Ontario, looking for explanations, solutions and asking what Health Canada is doing about it. 1368 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120106_52664.mp3 This morning, a Republican Guard Commander announced there will be more drills in the vital oil shipping lane again next month. The US and Israel are planning a major missile defence exercise in the next few weeks. We hear from two people who say something more sinister than talk and military drills is well underway: targetted killings, cyber-war, mysterious explosions, drone surveillance: a cold or covert war that may be approaching a volatile stage where it's difficult to contain. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 06 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 06/01/12: A Covert War with Iran This morning, a Republican Guard Commander announced there will be more drills in the vital oil shipping lane again next month. The US and Israel are planning a major missile defence exercise in the next few weeks. We hear from two people who say something more sinister than talk and military drills is well underway: targetted killings, cyber-war, mysterious explosions, drone surveillance: a cold or covert war that may be approaching a volatile stage where it's difficult to contain. 1543 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120105_75351.mp3 It was back in the 80's when US First Lady Nancy Reagan famously campaigned to discourage teens and other young people from taking drugs with the phrase: JUST SAY NO. Fast forward to 2012 and in B.C. a string of deaths due to overdoses of the drug Ecstasy has some arguing it is time to just offer a little more advice on how to use drugs. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 05/01/12: Ecstasy Harm Reduction Debate It was back in the 80's when US First Lady Nancy Reagan famously campaigned to discourage teens and other young people from taking drugs with the phrase: JUST SAY NO. Fast forward to 2012 and in B.C. a string of deaths due to overdoses of the drug Ecstasy has some arguing it is time to just offer a little more advice on how to use drugs. 1168 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120105_75192.mp3 We don't say much here that doesn't send someone's fingers flying over the computer keys, or thumbs tapping into twitter. We're re-visiting, re-working and re-viewing your re-action to everything from Virgins to Violence in Syria. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 05/01/12: Thursday's Check In We don't say much here that doesn't send someone's fingers flying over the computer keys, or thumbs tapping into twitter. We're re-visiting, re-working and re-viewing your re-action to everything from Virgins to Violence in Syria. 1390 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120105_26004.mp3 We can all remember the pictures of Japan's devastating tsunami, watching as so much stuff representing so many lives was swept out to sea. That debris is slowly coming our way floating toward the West Coast, corralled by currents and pushed by the winds.The sections of houses, the boats, the vehicles could create real problems on the B.C. coastline. Today, we're tracking the anticipation and the curiosity as U.S. scientist prepares to sail into a debris field that may be the size of California but remains a mystery. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 05/01/12: Floating West Coast Tsunami Debris We can all remember the pictures of Japan's devastating tsunami, watching as so much stuff representing so many lives was swept out to sea. That debris is slowly coming our way floating toward the West Coast, corralled by currents and pushed by the winds.The sections of houses, the boats, the vehicles could create real problems on the B.C. coastline. Today, we're tracking the anticipation and the curiosity as U.S. scientist prepares to sail into a debris field that may be the size of California but remains a mystery. 1600 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120104_52312.mp3 We are only half way into the first week of 2012 and already the signs are that this could be a restive year between workers and their bosses. Today, the face-off between unions and management. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 04/01/12: 2012 - The Year of Labour Unrest We are only half way into the first week of 2012 and already the signs are that this could be a restive year between workers and their bosses. Today, the face-off between unions and management. 1198 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120104_62301.mp3 What if the government or anyone else could read your mind? Wait for it .. the potential is fast approaching. We are moving from the sci-fi on the silver screen to the reality on the MRI machine. The research and results are so advanced that at least one ethicist is already calling for protected privacy zones in our skulls. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 04/01/12: Mind Reading Technology What if the government or anyone else could read your mind? Wait for it .. the potential is fast approaching. We are moving from the sci-fi on the silver screen to the reality on the MRI machine. The research and results are so advanced that at least one ethicist is already calling for protected privacy zones in our skulls. 1352 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120104_75463.mp3 The videos coming out of Syria from citizen journalists are so powerful that the people taking the pictures are being killed. Today, we introduce you to one man forced to flee for his work. He is now holed up in Cairo mentoring a new breed of rebels who are fighting Syrian official violence with smuggled video. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 04/01/12: Citizen journalism in Syria The videos coming out of Syria from citizen journalists are so powerful that the people taking the pictures are being killed. Today, we introduce you to one man forced to flee for his work. He is now holed up in Cairo mentoring a new breed of rebels who are fighting Syrian official violence with smuggled video. 1632 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120103_14873.mp3 Prime Minister Stephen Harper has replaced those once-common and very public federal-provincial meetings of first ministers with private, closed door, one-on-one encounters with premiers. Its been dubbed, the rise of the Harper Doctrine, a new way of taking care of politics in Canada. Can it work? And how will we know? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/01/12: Changing Federalism Prime Minister Stephen Harper has replaced those once-common and very public federal-provincial meetings of first ministers with private, closed door, one-on-one encounters with premiers. Its been dubbed, the rise of the Harper Doctrine, a new way of taking care of politics in Canada. Can it work? And how will we know? 1211 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120103_43778.mp3 Due to copyright issues associated with music in our documentary today, we can not make this story available on podcast. However, you can listen to the documentary called "From the Embers" by Piya Chattopadhyay online through streamed audio on our website at cbc.ca/thecurrent. Sorry for the inconvenience. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/01/12: The story of Mohamed Bouazizi, the man who started the Arab Spring Due to copyright issues associated with music in our documentary today, we can not make this story available on podcast. However, you can listen to the documentary called "From the Embers" by Piya Chattopadhyay online through streamed audio on our website at cbc.ca/thecurrent. Sorry for the inconvenience. 19 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120103_93612.mp3 Tony Tarquinto is 42 years old and he is still a Virgin. And he is not alone. Whether by chance or choice, there are thousands of adults in Canada and the U.S. who say they have never had sexual intercourse. Our hyper-sexualized society doesn't make it easy for them to talk about it but today we hear from three adult virgins with their stories. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 03 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 03/01/12: Adult Virginity Tony Tarquinto is 42 years old and he is still a Virgin. And he is not alone. Whether by chance or choice, there are thousands of adults in Canada and the U.S. who say they have never had sexual intercourse. Our hyper-sexualized society doesn't make it easy for them to talk about it but today we hear from three adult virgins with their stories. 1635 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120102_18503.mp3 We are in the first days of a new year which also happens to be a U.S. election year, so why not get right to it? From Newt's baggage to Mitt's money and Santorum's surge, all eyes are on Iowa for the first electoral test of those Republicans wishing to be the candidate for President next November. The Iowa Caucuses may be an insider's game but it is also a spectator sport across the U.S.and the world. The ripple effect begins with this event and today we're in anticipation mode. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/01/12: Eyes on the Iowa Caucus and the U.S. presidential candidates We are in the first days of a new year which also happens to be a U.S. election year, so why not get right to it? From Newt's baggage to Mitt's money and Santorum's surge, all eyes are on Iowa for the first electoral test of those Republicans wishing to be the candidate for President next November. The Iowa Caucuses may be an insider's game but it is also a spectator sport across the U.S.and the world. The ripple effect begins with this event and today we're in anticipation mode. 1236 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120102_26640.mp3 They look awfully cute and cuddly from afar. The polar bear is a formidable predator, just ask anyone who's come face to face with one. But for all their strength, the icy environment on which they thrive is literally disappearing from under their feet. Canada is home to two-thirds of the world's polar bear population, spread through 13 bear colonies. It is also home to the man widely considered the foremost authority on polar bears, Ian Stirling. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/01/12: Ian Stirling on the threat to polar bears They look awfully cute and cuddly from afar. The polar bear is a formidable predator, just ask anyone who's come face to face with one. But for all their strength, the icy environment on which they thrive is literally disappearing from under their feet. Canada is home to two-thirds of the world's polar bear population, spread through 13 bear colonies. It is also home to the man widely considered the foremost authority on polar bears, Ian Stirling. 1383 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20120102_83273.mp3 Would it Kill you to Stop Doing That? That's not just an exasperated plea, that's the title of a new book on modern manners and all the ticks that drive people to distraction as we immerse ourselves in technological toys. You may likely think you have good manners. But somebody's lying because it's a brusque, rude, uncaring world out there. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 02 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT 02/01/12: A modern guide to manners with Henry Alford Would it Kill you to Stop Doing That? That's not just an exasperated plea, that's the title of a new book on modern manners and all the ticks that drive people to distraction as we immerse ourselves in technological toys. You may likely think you have good manners. But somebody's lying because it's a brusque, rude, uncaring world out there. 1612 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111230_54733.mp3 2012 is right around the corner. So we've gathered some strange bedfellows to talk about the year that was in politics. We'll talk about the highs and lows and what we can expect ahead. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/12/11: Year-end panel on politics 2012 is right around the corner. So we've gathered some strange bedfellows to talk about the year that was in politics. We'll talk about the highs and lows and what we can expect ahead. 1175 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111230_77194.mp3 The vast majority of Canadians who have a stroke will survive. But only 10 per cent will make a full recovery. The aftermath of a stroke can be difficult physically and emotionally. And it can be very trying on loved ones as well. Our documentary today looks at life after a stroke. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/12/11: After the Storm (Documentary Repeat) The vast majority of Canadians who have a stroke will survive. But only 10 per cent will make a full recovery. The aftermath of a stroke can be difficult physically and emotionally. And it can be very trying on loved ones as well. Our documentary today looks at life after a stroke. 1353 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111230_22894.mp3 The bubbly is chilling and the corks are ready to be popped. For many-- champagne's in vogue and beer's a bust when ringing in the New Year. Yet the suds are the most popular alcoholic beverage in this country. We're serving up Beer with the editor of the Oxford Companion to Beer and a tour of the Mill Street Brewery in Toronto. * pls note this podcast was edited due to podcast rights issues* http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/12/11: Beerology The bubbly is chilling and the corks are ready to be popped. For many-- champagne's in vogue and beer's a bust when ringing in the New Year. Yet the suds are the most popular alcoholic beverage in this country. We're serving up Beer with the editor of the Oxford Companion to Beer and a tour of the Mill Street Brewery in Toronto. * pls note this podcast was edited due to podcast rights issues* 1147 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111229_18894.mp3 His regime is unleashing its ire. Leading a murderous campaign on its own citizens. As international monitors and the world look on, Bashar Al-Assad remains ruthless and defiant. But the Syrian president is also described as mild-mannered and reserved. A duality only a few outsiders have personally witnessed. Today, we talk to the author of a book who spent time getting to know Syria's first family... first hand. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/12/11: Andrew Tabler on his lost faith in Syria's President His regime is unleashing its ire. Leading a murderous campaign on its own citizens. As international monitors and the world look on, Bashar Al-Assad remains ruthless and defiant. But the Syrian president is also described as mild-mannered and reserved. A duality only a few outsiders have personally witnessed. Today, we talk to the author of a book who spent time getting to know Syria's first family... first hand. 1198 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111229_26540.mp3 It was a big battle--but this year--the war was won. The war on Don't Ask Don't Tell, the American military's policy which forced gay soldiers to keep their sexuality hidden. We rebroadcast a documentary where veterans speak out about being a gay soldier south of the border. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/12/11: To Serve With Pride (Documentary Repeat) It was a big battle--but this year--the war was won. The war on Don't Ask Don't Tell, the American military's policy which forced gay soldiers to keep their sexuality hidden. We rebroadcast a documentary where veterans speak out about being a gay soldier south of the border. 1371 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111229_21112.mp3 In the Bronx, young people were plugging turntables into light posts to invent hip-hop. Along the Bowery, art-school kids were distilling rock music down to its essence to create punk. While others were leading the biggest uprising in western classical music since Stravinsky. It all happened over five years, in a space of less than 200 city blocks in New York City. * Music Playlist on website cbc.ca/thecurrent * http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 29 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/12/11: How the NYC music scene changed music forever In the Bronx, young people were plugging turntables into light posts to invent hip-hop. Along the Bowery, art-school kids were distilling rock music down to its essence to create punk. While others were leading the biggest uprising in western classical music since Stravinsky. It all happened over five years, in a space of less than 200 city blocks in New York City. * Music Playlist on website cbc.ca/thecurrent * 1656 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111228_52775.mp3 As Kim-Jong Il is laid to rest, protesters are on the streets of Seoul condemning their Northern neighbours' regime. Some factory workers in China have walked off the job demanding higher wages. In India, an anti-corruption activist is on a hunger strike. From the Arab street to Wall Street and so many places in between, the bellow of 2011 is ringing out loud and clear. Ordinary citizens chanted for change, prodding and provoking power-brokers the world over. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/12/11: Rise of the Protester As Kim-Jong Il is laid to rest, protesters are on the streets of Seoul condemning their Northern neighbours' regime. Some factory workers in China have walked off the job demanding higher wages. In India, an anti-corruption activist is on a hunger strike. From the Arab street to Wall Street and so many places in between, the bellow of 2011 is ringing out loud and clear. Ordinary citizens chanted for change, prodding and provoking power-brokers the world over. 1218 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111228_38093.mp3 Even the mention of 9/11 evokes horrendous images for most adults. But imagine the images and memories seared in the minds of children... particularly the ones who attended school in Manhattan on that fateful day a decade ago. We heard from one such girl, in this morning's documentary. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/12/11: The Invisible Girl (Documentary Repeat) Even the mention of 9/11 evokes horrendous images for most adults. But imagine the images and memories seared in the minds of children... particularly the ones who attended school in Manhattan on that fateful day a decade ago. We heard from one such girl, in this morning's documentary. 1362 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111228_28780.mp3 It took 18 days of demonstrations to oust the man who ruled Egypt for 30 years. But there were a lot of signposts that paved the way to Tahrir Square. We hear from the author of a new book about the making of a revolution and the undoing of Hosni Mubarak. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/12/11: Egypt's Revolution It took 18 days of demonstrations to oust the man who ruled Egypt for 30 years. But there were a lot of signposts that paved the way to Tahrir Square. We hear from the author of a new book about the making of a revolution and the undoing of Hosni Mubarak. 1492 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111227_64895.mp3 In 2003 George W. Bush went on television and declared war on Iraq. As bombs rained down on Baghdad, reporters decked out in fatigues and flack jackets embedded themselves with the American military. But, as the insurgency grinded on, the Iraq story faded from the headlines. And when President Obama declared that war had ended earlier this month, the news it made can only be described as a whimper. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 27/12/11: Iraq Journalism In 2003 George W. Bush went on television and declared war on Iraq. As bombs rained down on Baghdad, reporters decked out in fatigues and flack jackets embedded themselves with the American military. But, as the insurgency grinded on, the Iraq story faded from the headlines. And when President Obama declared that war had ended earlier this month, the news it made can only be described as a whimper. 1194 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111227_50538.mp3 We re-broadcast a documentary about a time in Canada when women's work meant getting married, pregnant and raising children at home. But if you were a single mother -- you weren't cut out for the job. Many women were forced to give up their children. Now, decades later, they want accountability. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 27/12/11: Motherhood Interrupted (Documentary Repeat) We re-broadcast a documentary about a time in Canada when women's work meant getting married, pregnant and raising children at home. But if you were a single mother -- you weren't cut out for the job. Many women were forced to give up their children. Now, decades later, they want accountability. 1340 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111227_17627.mp3 Time is rarely on our side. We usually think we don't have enough of it -- and then a look in the mirror often makes us think we've had too much. In part three we discuss time. Does it control us? Or do we control it? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 28 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 27/12/11: Time Time is rarely on our side. We usually think we don't have enough of it -- and then a look in the mirror often makes us think we've had too much. In part three we discuss time. Does it control us? Or do we control it? 1493 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111226_88777.mp3 Imagine the stress of knowing you're about to play in the biggest hockey tournament of your life. The puck drops today at the World Juniors in Edmonton. The players are filled with hope, determination and pressure. And perhaps no one feels that pressure more than the goalie. We're talking about the guy who gets pucks hurled at him while he minds the net. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 26/12/11: Unique pressures facing goaltenders Imagine the stress of knowing you're about to play in the biggest hockey tournament of your life. The puck drops today at the World Juniors in Edmonton. The players are filled with hope, determination and pressure. And perhaps no one feels that pressure more than the goalie. We're talking about the guy who gets pucks hurled at him while he minds the net. 1541 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111226_44624.mp3 We re-broadcast a documentary about giving and receiving the gift of life. Organ donors and recipients are often strangers who--by law--aren't allowed to get to know one another. But that's about to change in one Canadian province. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 26/12/11: Breathing with Sandra (Documentary Repeat) We re-broadcast a documentary about giving and receiving the gift of life. Organ donors and recipients are often strangers who--by law--aren't allowed to get to know one another. But that's about to change in one Canadian province. 1341 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111226_36339.mp3 Today, we're setting the clock back, 20 years to the day. That's when the hammer and sickle was lowered and the once mighty soviet union ceased to exist. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. That's certainly true when it comes to Russia's security forces. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 26 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 26/12/11: Looking back at the day of the Soviet dis-Union Today, we're setting the clock back, 20 years to the day. That's when the hammer and sickle was lowered and the once mighty soviet union ceased to exist. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same. That's certainly true when it comes to Russia's security forces. 1639 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111223_52228.mp3 Psychologists have been studying gratitude and its effects on those of us who feel it and then go on to express it. And these researchers are finding that an attitude of gratitude leads to a greater satisfaction with life and to kinder behaviour toward others. That's not to diminish the value of outrage. Outrage can change the world. And no one is saying gratitude can change the world, but perhaps it can grease the cogs and gears in such a way as to make everything turn a little more smoothly. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/12/11: The Giving of Gratitude Psychologists have been studying gratitude and its effects on those of us who feel it and then go on to express it. And these researchers are finding that an attitude of gratitude leads to a greater satisfaction with life and to kinder behaviour toward others. That's not to diminish the value of outrage. Outrage can change the world. And no one is saying gratitude can change the world, but perhaps it can grease the cogs and gears in such a way as to make everything turn a little more smoothly. 1059 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111223_82186.mp3 Canadians may think of themselves as peace-loving, but we speak to a woman who thinks we're avid consumers of war. She says you can see it in our pension plans and even our jewelry. Her new book, "Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid" looks at what happens when greed and guns get in the way of providing aid. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/12/11: Canadians: cvonsumers of war, neglecting aid Canadians may think of themselves as peace-loving, but we speak to a woman who thinks we're avid consumers of war. She says you can see it in our pension plans and even our jewelry. Her new book, "Damned Nations: Greed, Guns, Armies and Aid" looks at what happens when greed and guns get in the way of providing aid. 1396 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111223_51102.mp3 Anyone who's sat through first-year economics knows societies have to consume to grow. But we may need to rewrite the Economics 101 textbook. We speak with a man who believes we can grow without increasing consumption. In fact, we may already be doing it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 23 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/12/11: Chris Goodall's report on "Peak Stuff" Anyone who's sat through first-year economics knows societies have to consume to grow. But we may need to rewrite the Economics 101 textbook. We speak with a man who believes we can grow without increasing consumption. In fact, we may already be doing it. 1456 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111222_60778.mp3 Inflation is up, productivity is down, tourists are gone and unemployment hasn't been this high for a decade. Egyptians may have reveled in a revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak but now they are questioning the cost of it all. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/12/11: The cost of the revolution in Egypt Inflation is up, productivity is down, tourists are gone and unemployment hasn't been this high for a decade. Egyptians may have reveled in a revolution that ousted Hosni Mubarak but now they are questioning the cost of it all. 1179 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111222_66368.mp3 His point is simple, the brain can't take it. The Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal has added his voice to those calling for an end to hockey violence that results in hits to the head. We hear from him and read your thoughts on some of the stories of the week. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/12/11: Letters: Bullying in the schoolyard and in the NHL His point is simple, the brain can't take it. The Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Medical Association Journal has added his voice to those calling for an end to hockey violence that results in hits to the head. We hear from him and read your thoughts on some of the stories of the week. 1372 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111222_10481.mp3 The fire that swept through Slave Lake Alberta last May stays with those who escaped in the simplest and most profound of ways. This was a year of brutal actions and swift consequences in several Canadian communities. In the midst of the holiday season, we're going back to take the pulse of communities that refuse to give up in Slave Lake Alberta and Marystown, Newfoundland. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 22 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/12/11: Hardship Christmas for Slave Lake, AB and Marystown, NFLD The fire that swept through Slave Lake Alberta last May stays with those who escaped in the simplest and most profound of ways. This was a year of brutal actions and swift consequences in several Canadian communities. In the midst of the holiday season, we're going back to take the pulse of communities that refuse to give up in Slave Lake Alberta and Marystown, Newfoundland. 1499 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111221_60442.mp3 Modern medicine is presenting a challenge for the law over the issue of HIV-AIDS. Should you be charged with a criminal offence like murder for willfully spreading the HIV virus to an unknowing sex partner if the newest drugs have changed, a deadly disease into a chronic illness? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/12/11: Proposed changes to HIV disclosure law Modern medicine is presenting a challenge for the law over the issue of HIV-AIDS. Should you be charged with a criminal offence like murder for willfully spreading the HIV virus to an unknowing sex partner if the newest drugs have changed, a deadly disease into a chronic illness? 1175 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111221_40679.mp3 He is forever young, the teenage boy with that odd hair and his loyal dog off on another adventure that takes him around the world. Tin Tin is the anti-hero, the Belgian comic strip character that spawned 23 graphic novels and millions of fans over the last 70 years. But for all the pleasure he brought millions of children, Tin Tin's creator had a darker side. Herge - Georges Remi - found his greatest success publishing in Nazi-controlled, pro-German papers in occupied Belgium. And while Tin Tin's illustrations were deliberately simplistic, the life of Herge was incredibly complex. We speak with biographer Pierre Assouline on Tin Tin's creator. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/12/11: The real life story of the Tin Tin creator He is forever young, the teenage boy with that odd hair and his loyal dog off on another adventure that takes him around the world. Tin Tin is the anti-hero, the Belgian comic strip character that spawned 23 graphic novels and millions of fans over the last 70 years. But for all the pleasure he brought millions of children, Tin Tin's creator had a darker side. Herge - Georges Remi - found his greatest success publishing in Nazi-controlled, pro-German papers in occupied Belgium. And while Tin Tin's illustrations were deliberately simplistic, the life of Herge was incredibly complex. We speak with biographer Pierre Assouline on Tin Tin's creator. 1343 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111221_50314.mp3 The Family that Slays together, Stays together or so says the man who created the CIA branch that profiles so-called Rogue world leaders. As North Koreans mourn Kim Jong Il and analysts puzzle over Kim Jong-un, as Bashar Al Assad maintains his grip on power in Syria and Ahmadinejad confounds Iran-watchers, we're looking for insights into the psychological state of leaders who make the news for all the wrong reasons. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/12/11: Psychological profiles of world leaders The Family that Slays together, Stays together or so says the man who created the CIA branch that profiles so-called Rogue world leaders. As North Koreans mourn Kim Jong Il and analysts puzzle over Kim Jong-un, as Bashar Al Assad maintains his grip on power in Syria and Ahmadinejad confounds Iran-watchers, we're looking for insights into the psychological state of leaders who make the news for all the wrong reasons. 1612 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111220_51711.mp3 As the optimists and activists of so many middle eastern countries blossomed in an Arab Spring this year, the hopeful people of Syria have been locked in a perpetual winter by a dictator whose behaviour was and actually still is worse than most of the others but where geopolitics has and still does conspire to keep them frozen in a troubling time. Today, the day after President Assad agreed to the arrival of special observers, the day after more dissenters were gunned down, we're back on the Syria story where some say the long arm of Assad is reaching into Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 20/12/11: Sorrow in Syria as human rights abuses still continue As the optimists and activists of so many middle eastern countries blossomed in an Arab Spring this year, the hopeful people of Syria have been locked in a perpetual winter by a dictator whose behaviour was and actually still is worse than most of the others but where geopolitics has and still does conspire to keep them frozen in a troubling time. Today, the day after President Assad agreed to the arrival of special observers, the day after more dissenters were gunned down, we're back on the Syria story where some say the long arm of Assad is reaching into Canada. 1191 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111220_79981.mp3 There are stacks of rules and regulations designed to keep hazardous or dangerous goods from harming people as they are trucked, shipped or piped across the country. But Canada's top Environmental watchdog says the key federal departments responsible for keeping hazardous goods from being hazardous to us are failing to followup or even track high-risk violators. And that puts us all on a road to potential trouble. Scott Vaughn takes us through his findings. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 20/12/11: Environment Commissioner, Scott Vaughan on hazardous shipments There are stacks of rules and regulations designed to keep hazardous or dangerous goods from harming people as they are trucked, shipped or piped across the country. But Canada's top Environmental watchdog says the key federal departments responsible for keeping hazardous goods from being hazardous to us are failing to followup or even track high-risk violators. And that puts us all on a road to potential trouble. Scott Vaughn takes us through his findings. 1373 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111220_64879.mp3 Canada's oil-and-gas and mining industries are an economic bright spot, their output worth about 4-percent of the GDP. So picture that productivity - four percent of GDP - because that is also what Corporate Canada loses every year to mental illness. Former Federal Finance Minister Michael Wilson weighs in on the need for Bosses and Businesses to confront an illness that we can all see but still treat as invisible. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 20/12/11: The high cost of workplace mental health Canada's oil-and-gas and mining industries are an economic bright spot, their output worth about 4-percent of the GDP. So picture that productivity - four percent of GDP - because that is also what Corporate Canada loses every year to mental illness. Former Federal Finance Minister Michael Wilson weighs in on the need for Bosses and Businesses to confront an illness that we can all see but still treat as invisible. 1629 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111219_84356.mp3 With the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, world leaders are watching closely for any signal from North Korea on its nuclear intentions. Also in this segment, Federal opposition leaders are critical of Prime Minister Stephen Harper demanding he travel to Attawapiskat to meet with people and see first hand the desperate conditions of the First Nations community. Instead, the P.M. is prepping for a different meeting with First Nations leaders in late January. Today, a few of those leaders share their hopes, expectations and exasperation. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 19/12/11: Death of a North Korean dictator and a look at the future of First Nations in Canada With the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, world leaders are watching closely for any signal from North Korea on its nuclear intentions. Also in this segment, Federal opposition leaders are critical of Prime Minister Stephen Harper demanding he travel to Attawapiskat to meet with people and see first hand the desperate conditions of the First Nations community. Instead, the P.M. is prepping for a different meeting with First Nations leaders in late January. Today, a few of those leaders share their hopes, expectations and exasperation. 1193 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111219_31296.mp3 She was 13 when a simple operation went inexplicably wrong and she found herself unable to walk. But Monique Van de Vorst concentrated on what she could do becoming a paralympic athlete, excelling at handcycling. Still she was beset by random events that injured her further, she was hit by a car, then hit by a bike and then one day she experienced some feeling in her feet and 12 years after being paralyzed, she was re-learning to walk. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 19/12/11: Meet a former paralympian who is now an able-bodied Olympic hopeful She was 13 when a simple operation went inexplicably wrong and she found herself unable to walk. But Monique Van de Vorst concentrated on what she could do becoming a paralympic athlete, excelling at handcycling. Still she was beset by random events that injured her further, she was hit by a car, then hit by a bike and then one day she experienced some feeling in her feet and 12 years after being paralyzed, she was re-learning to walk. 1381 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111219_26973.mp3 The already hostile friendship between the U.S. and Pakistan is getting more uncomfortable. Tens-of-thousands of Islamists rallied in Peshawar and Lehore yesterday condemning the United States and denouncing a NATO attack. All this as Pakistanis along the Afghan border insist dozens of U.S. drone attacks this year killed civilians, not just combatants as the U.S. insists. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 19 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 19/12/11: CIA drone attacks and the explosive rift between U.S. and Pakistan The already hostile friendship between the U.S. and Pakistan is getting more uncomfortable. Tens-of-thousands of Islamists rallied in Peshawar and Lehore yesterday condemning the United States and denouncing a NATO attack. All this as Pakistanis along the Afghan border insist dozens of U.S. drone attacks this year killed civilians, not just combatants as the U.S. insists. 1616 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111216_54289.mp3 What's happening in Russia these days? On the heels of a controversial election, has Vladimir Putin reached his best-before date? Or is that just the chatter from the disgruntled and the West? We look into the state of Mother Russia. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/12/11: Are we heading towards a Russian revolution? What's happening in Russia these days? On the heels of a controversial election, has Vladimir Putin reached his best-before date? Or is that just the chatter from the disgruntled and the West? We look into the state of Mother Russia. 1202 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111216_21127.mp3 Also, are you feeling the burden of debt? Silly question. Who isn't? Personal indebtedness has never been higher in Canada. And as far as governments go - it's even worse. From this country to the U.S. to pretty much all of Europe and beyond, the debt burden in this world is colossal. It nearly wrecked the financial system in 2008. And it could again according to the author of "Extreme Money", Satyajit Das. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/12/11: The "financialization" of the world: Satyajit Das Also, are you feeling the burden of debt? Silly question. Who isn't? Personal indebtedness has never been higher in Canada. And as far as governments go - it's even worse. From this country to the U.S. to pretty much all of Europe and beyond, the debt burden in this world is colossal. It nearly wrecked the financial system in 2008. And it could again according to the author of "Extreme Money", Satyajit Das. 1360 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111216_55784.mp3 For ten years, it's been possible to get a prescription for pot.Canada was the first country to create a system for doling out marijuana as medicine for people with certain serious illnesses. And in the past few years, a curious thing has happened. The number of pot prescriptions written to help people with arthritis has skyrocketed. And it's probably not because there's suddenly a lot more people with arthritis. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/12/11: Treating arthritis with medical marijuana For ten years, it's been possible to get a prescription for pot.Canada was the first country to create a system for doling out marijuana as medicine for people with certain serious illnesses. And in the past few years, a curious thing has happened. The number of pot prescriptions written to help people with arthritis has skyrocketed. And it's probably not because there's suddenly a lot more people with arthritis. 1601 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111215_37642.mp3 Stories of teens taking their own lives after being bullied and often after being taunted for being gay have dominated the headlines across the country for several months. Ontario's answer to that is new anti-bullying legislation. But critics say the new law isn't about bullying at all, it is a deliberate swipe at religious values. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/12/11: Ontario Anti-Bullying Legislation Stories of teens taking their own lives after being bullied and often after being taunted for being gay have dominated the headlines across the country for several months. Ontario's answer to that is new anti-bullying legislation. But critics say the new law isn't about bullying at all, it is a deliberate swipe at religious values. 1153 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111215_54550.mp3 It began as simple time saver. No more stamps, no more phone calls when a quick e-mail would suffice. It changed the game in office communications. But for all the ease ... writing, reading, answering and culling e-mails can take up to five hours a week of valuable office time and all that information - too much information is estimated to cost US corporations a trillion dollars a year. Our project Game Changer follows a communications technology company ready to delete e-mail. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/12/11: No more internal e-mail for Atos, an IT firm It began as simple time saver. No more stamps, no more phone calls when a quick e-mail would suffice. It changed the game in office communications. But for all the ease ... writing, reading, answering and culling e-mails can take up to five hours a week of valuable office time and all that information - too much information is estimated to cost US corporations a trillion dollars a year. Our project Game Changer follows a communications technology company ready to delete e-mail. 1371 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111215_12691.mp3 Also today, we read some of your letters on Canadian stem cell research, Canadian oil and poverty in Canada. And we are still tracking those two east coast ferries now being scavenged on India's ship breaking coast. Marine Atlantic says it put the sale of the ships out to tender. But a the longtime owner of a Canadian brokerage says neither he, nor a dozen or so of his competitors had any idea. He says it is time for the auditor general to start asking questions. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 15 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/12/11: Mail: Stem Cell Research/Ethical Oil/Poverty Also today, we read some of your letters on Canadian stem cell research, Canadian oil and poverty in Canada. And we are still tracking those two east coast ferries now being scavenged on India's ship breaking coast. Marine Atlantic says it put the sale of the ships out to tender. But a the longtime owner of a Canadian brokerage says neither he, nor a dozen or so of his competitors had any idea. He says it is time for the auditor general to start asking questions. 1619 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111214_49624.mp3 Well he did it. Peter Kent killed Canada's Kyoto commitment and his critics say that's catastrophic. The Conservatives never hid their dislike for the deal. And they insist they are still moving ahead on emissions reductions. Today, we hear from Environment Minister Peter Kent. But we also hear from those critics. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/12/11: Sayonara Kyoto Accord Well he did it. Peter Kent killed Canada's Kyoto commitment and his critics say that's catastrophic. The Conservatives never hid their dislike for the deal. And they insist they are still moving ahead on emissions reductions. Today, we hear from Environment Minister Peter Kent. But we also hear from those critics. 1181 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111214_24200.mp3 Ask Jean Charbonneau what those who come to his library ask to read and he'll tell you True Crime is the most popular. His readers are prisoners but the fact that they're reading at all is proof to him that his work matters. In a world behind bars, the best escape was in a book. We follow Jean Charbonneau into that world. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/12/11: Prison Libraries: The Prose of Cons Ask Jean Charbonneau what those who come to his library ask to read and he'll tell you True Crime is the most popular. His readers are prisoners but the fact that they're reading at all is proof to him that his work matters. In a world behind bars, the best escape was in a book. We follow Jean Charbonneau into that world. 1315 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111214_97374.mp3 Remember how we all stopped using CFC's in fridges, in hairspray, all because of the hole in the Ozone layer? We replaced CFCs with HFCs and the hole did get smaller but now we know HFCs are even worse for the atmosphere. Our project, Game Changer looks at the chemistry that caused another conundrum as we explore tales of Earnest Environmental Efforts .. gone wrong http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 14 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/12/11: Hydrofluorocarbons and Climate Change Remember how we all stopped using CFC's in fridges, in hairspray, all because of the hole in the Ozone layer? We replaced CFCs with HFCs and the hole did get smaller but now we know HFCs are even worse for the atmosphere. Our project, Game Changer looks at the chemistry that caused another conundrum as we explore tales of Earnest Environmental Efforts .. gone wrong 1574 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111213_41458.mp3 Russia's retreating, Europe's regrouping, the U.S. is reverberating and Canada ... well the Governor of the Bank of Canada suggests we would do well to start re-focusing. In the midst of global economic uncertainty, Mark Carney sees opportunity for those Canadians willing to put aside their fears and take a chance. He's urging Canadian businesses to think outside the continent. Today, we ask for his assessment. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 13/12/11: Bank of Canada Governor, Mark Carney Russia's retreating, Europe's regrouping, the U.S. is reverberating and Canada ... well the Governor of the Bank of Canada suggests we would do well to start re-focusing. In the midst of global economic uncertainty, Mark Carney sees opportunity for those Canadians willing to put aside their fears and take a chance. He's urging Canadian businesses to think outside the continent. Today, we ask for his assessment. 1150 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111213_45285.mp3 On the surface, hers is the kind of application government officials look for: Young, educated, skilled and upwardly mobile, fluent in English, adapting well and anxious to be part of the Canadian community. And for a while it seemed Fatemah Kamkar would, indeed, be welcome here as a Permanent Resident from Iran. But in the years it took between her application and the govt's decision she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And suddenly nothing else matters to Ottawa: She is not welcome. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 13/12/11: Canadian citizenship denied due to breast cancer On the surface, hers is the kind of application government officials look for: Young, educated, skilled and upwardly mobile, fluent in English, adapting well and anxious to be part of the Canadian community. And for a while it seemed Fatemah Kamkar would, indeed, be welcome here as a Permanent Resident from Iran. But in the years it took between her application and the govt's decision she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And suddenly nothing else matters to Ottawa: She is not welcome. 1317 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111213_44705.mp3 Dozens of Imams turned their sermons to the subject of honour killings a few days ago, all in response to the disturbing details of the Shafia trial coming out of Kingston Ontario where a father, mother and son stand accused in the murders of three teenage daughters and a wife. Some worry that the wider Muslim community has nothing to apologize for, others say it is time to confront the issue behind this. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 13 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 13/12/11: Muslim leaders speak out against honour killings Dozens of Imams turned their sermons to the subject of honour killings a few days ago, all in response to the disturbing details of the Shafia trial coming out of Kingston Ontario where a father, mother and son stand accused in the murders of three teenage daughters and a wife. Some worry that the wider Muslim community has nothing to apologize for, others say it is time to confront the issue behind this. 1584 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111212_88025.mp3 They developed The Kindle, Guitar Hero and the little robot vacuum cleaner that scuttles along the floor. But they've also created the exo-skeleton robots you can hug and cars that can fold up. Today we bring you the story of MITs Media Lab where very smart people are given the space to play and come up with fantastic off-the-wall ideas for new technology.The only catch ... once they Dream It, they have to Build It. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 12/12/11: Humanoid robots and other innovations of the MIT Media Lab They developed The Kindle, Guitar Hero and the little robot vacuum cleaner that scuttles along the floor. But they've also created the exo-skeleton robots you can hug and cars that can fold up. Today we bring you the story of MITs Media Lab where very smart people are given the space to play and come up with fantastic off-the-wall ideas for new technology.The only catch ... once they Dream It, they have to Build It. 1632 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111212_49360.mp3 This past weekend saw the end of the some of the most persistent of the Occupy Protests as demonstrators in Calgary removed their tents Friday and as police in Boston arrested those refusing to move Saturday morning. But even before they were gone the Occupy Movement in the U.S. had found new space re-positioning itself in the living rooms of homeowners facing foreclosure. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 12/12/11: Occupying foreclosure homes This past weekend saw the end of the some of the most persistent of the Occupy Protests as demonstrators in Calgary removed their tents Friday and as police in Boston arrested those refusing to move Saturday morning. But even before they were gone the Occupy Movement in the U.S. had found new space re-positioning itself in the living rooms of homeowners facing foreclosure. 1171 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111212_48318.mp3 Tens-of-thousands took to the streets this weekend, angry over what they say is election fraud and fed up with Vladimir Putin's presumption of power. But despite the call for greater rights and democracy, there is one group that fears its rights will be trounced. Legislation proposed by Putin’s party will outlaw what it calls “gay propaganda” aimed at youth Gay-rights activists, fear it is a thinly-veiled attempt to prosecute and persecute them in a nation already unapologetically homophobic. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 12 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 12/12/11: Gay ban in Russia Tens-of-thousands took to the streets this weekend, angry over what they say is election fraud and fed up with Vladimir Putin's presumption of power. But despite the call for greater rights and democracy, there is one group that fears its rights will be trounced. Legislation proposed by Putin’s party will outlaw what it calls “gay propaganda” aimed at youth Gay-rights activists, fear it is a thinly-veiled attempt to prosecute and persecute them in a nation already unapologetically homophobic. 1367 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111209_22722.mp3 Canada hasn't made much of an impression at the climate change talks in South Africa - certainly not a positive one. But China sure has. Yes, it is the global bad boy - biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, a colossal number of coal plants, and more being built. But this week it's also showing off its world leading investments in wind and solar power that pale in comparison to any Western country. It's a complex picture of the middle kingdom and we dive into it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 09/12/11: China and Climate Change Canada hasn't made much of an impression at the climate change talks in South Africa - certainly not a positive one. But China sure has. Yes, it is the global bad boy - biggest emitter of greenhouse gases, a colossal number of coal plants, and more being built. But this week it's also showing off its world leading investments in wind and solar power that pale in comparison to any Western country. It's a complex picture of the middle kingdom and we dive into it. 1205 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111209_74042.mp3 It seems the world needs more Canada. Well, at least Iceland does. There's a growing push in Iceland to make the Loonie the official currency there. The country is desperate for a stable currency, following its banking collapse and ongoing economic problems. Our dollar - and our banking system - look pretty good to the Icelanders these days. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 09/12/11: Icelandic economists fight for Canadian currency It seems the world needs more Canada. Well, at least Iceland does. There's a growing push in Iceland to make the Loonie the official currency there. The country is desperate for a stable currency, following its banking collapse and ongoing economic problems. Our dollar - and our banking system - look pretty good to the Icelanders these days. 1390 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111209_74432.mp3 Have you found your God yet? That question was asked of Eric Weiner one day when he was in the hospital, and thought he might die. Well, he didn't die but the question haunted him, because the answer, essentially, was No. So he went on a journey, crisscrossing the globe, looking for the religion that's right for him. The book he wrote about it is called "Man Seeks God: My Flirtations With the Divine". http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 09/12/11: Man Seeks God: Eric Weiner Have you found your God yet? That question was asked of Eric Weiner one day when he was in the hospital, and thought he might die. Well, he didn't die but the question haunted him, because the answer, essentially, was No. So he went on a journey, crisscrossing the globe, looking for the religion that's right for him. The book he wrote about it is called "Man Seeks God: My Flirtations With the Divine". 1601 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111208_90022.mp3 Poet Lorna Crozier and Rob Rainer, the Executive Director of Canada Without Poverty joined Anna Maria in studio to share some response from our Friday special that prompted this call-in. And meet filmmaker Nance Ackerman, her documentary Four Feet Up, looks at child poverty through the eyes of one child, 8 year-old Isaiah from Nova Scotia. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 08/12/11: The 10 percent have their say: Part One Poet Lorna Crozier and Rob Rainer, the Executive Director of Canada Without Poverty joined Anna Maria in studio to share some response from our Friday special that prompted this call-in. And meet filmmaker Nance Ackerman, her documentary Four Feet Up, looks at child poverty through the eyes of one child, 8 year-old Isaiah from Nova Scotia. 1188 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111208_51638.mp3 We continued our call-in to address the reality of poverty in Canada by dedicating the rest of our program to the experiences shared by many Canadians who are poor, surviving with little and living at/or below the poverty line. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 08/12/11: The 10 percent have their say: Phone Calls Pt 2 (Atlantic Time Zone) We continued our call-in to address the reality of poverty in Canada by dedicating the rest of our program to the experiences shared by many Canadians who are poor, surviving with little and living at/or below the poverty line. 1568 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111208_19758.mp3 We opened the phone lines for a special phone-in edition for the remaining hour of our program. We're asking: what's it like being poor in Canada? Poet Lorna Crozier and Rob Rainer, Executive Director of Canada Without Poverty joined Anna Maria in studio to help field your calls. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 08 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 08/12/11: The 10 percent have their say: Phone Calls Pt 1 (Atlantic Time Zone) We opened the phone lines for a special phone-in edition for the remaining hour of our program. We're asking: what's it like being poor in Canada? Poet Lorna Crozier and Rob Rainer, Executive Director of Canada Without Poverty joined Anna Maria in studio to help field your calls. 1347 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111207_52799.mp3 The statistics appear to show abductions-by-parents account for more at least a third of all cases of missing children in Canada. And sometimes as in the case that hit the headlines this week, the search can drag on for years. Today, we look at the fallout, the ripple-effect and the emotion that lingers. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 07/12/11: Parental Abduction The statistics appear to show abductions-by-parents account for more at least a third of all cases of missing children in Canada. And sometimes as in the case that hit the headlines this week, the search can drag on for years. Today, we look at the fallout, the ripple-effect and the emotion that lingers. 1111 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111207_70036.mp3 If you haven't yet caught the symbolism of Rome, Athens and Washington being in financial freefall then look East ... far East, where after 5 centuries of humbling stagnation China is innovative and creative in ways the West used to be. And no .. 140 characters is not true innovation. For an historian, it is the way-of-the-world. For the rest-of-us .. This is ominous. Does it have to be? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 07/12/11: Niall Ferguson: The West and the Rest If you haven't yet caught the symbolism of Rome, Athens and Washington being in financial freefall then look East ... far East, where after 5 centuries of humbling stagnation China is innovative and creative in ways the West used to be. And no .. 140 characters is not true innovation. For an historian, it is the way-of-the-world. For the rest-of-us .. This is ominous. Does it have to be? 1373 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111207_33795.mp3 Also today, our project Game Changer is tracking the political and judicial treatment of big oil in Latin America. From an oil spill off the coast of Brazil to a multi Billion dollar judgement in Ecuador, each involving Chevron and each sending a message about environmental culpability. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 07 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 07/12/11: Chevron oil spills in Latin America Also today, our project Game Changer is tracking the political and judicial treatment of big oil in Latin America. From an oil spill off the coast of Brazil to a multi Billion dollar judgement in Ecuador, each involving Chevron and each sending a message about environmental culpability. 1634 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111206_29287.mp3 It was not so long ago, Russians were so enamoured with Vladimir Putin that the top song was one for the women: "I Want a Man Like Putin" ... and he lapped it up, appearing in increasingly macho settings. Now twelve years on, Russians may be tiring of Mr. Putin. Though his United Russia party just won about 50-percent of the votes, it lost 77 seats in yesterday's election and the music may stop for Vladimir Putin. Today, we're asking what this means to Russia's future. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 06/12/11: Russia votes and Vladimir Putin is on the decline It was not so long ago, Russians were so enamoured with Vladimir Putin that the top song was one for the women: "I Want a Man Like Putin" ... and he lapped it up, appearing in increasingly macho settings. Now twelve years on, Russians may be tiring of Mr. Putin. Though his United Russia party just won about 50-percent of the votes, it lost 77 seats in yesterday's election and the music may stop for Vladimir Putin. Today, we're asking what this means to Russia's future. 1122 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111206_27894.mp3 As our Environment Minister prepares to make the Ethical Oil argument at a climate change conference hostile to Alberta's Oilsands, we're asking about the concept of labeling oil ... Ethical. Are you supporting the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia if you tar Alberta's oilsands? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 06/12/11: Ethical Oil As our Environment Minister prepares to make the Ethical Oil argument at a climate change conference hostile to Alberta's Oilsands, we're asking about the concept of labeling oil ... Ethical. Are you supporting the oppression of women in Saudi Arabia if you tar Alberta's oilsands? 1394 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111206_75345.mp3 It was one of those Sundays, where one scientist was spelling off the other, checking the lab mice in a project that was all about using radiation for cancer treatment. So imagine their surprise when the two scientists realized what was really happening to those mice. They were growing stem cells. The year was 1960. The scientists were right here in Canada. Today, the story of James Till and Ernest McCulloch, two of Canada's most accomplished and least heralded scientists. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 06/12/11: The story of two Canadian scientists who discovered stem cells It was one of those Sundays, where one scientist was spelling off the other, checking the lab mice in a project that was all about using radiation for cancer treatment. So imagine their surprise when the two scientists realized what was really happening to those mice. They were growing stem cells. The year was 1960. The scientists were right here in Canada. Today, the story of James Till and Ernest McCulloch, two of Canada's most accomplished and least heralded scientists. 1625 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111205_42934.mp3 Today, our project Game Changer is going back to look at First Nation communities and to ask why wasn't each a Game Changer for itself and for the next community? Today, we bring you voices from communities still struggling with housing, from one community that's overcome most challenges and from two big thinkers on this issues, each with Aboriginal ancestry but with differing views on how to proceed. (41 min) http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 05/12/11: Aboriginal Housing Crisis Today, our project Game Changer is going back to look at First Nation communities and to ask why wasn't each a Game Changer for itself and for the next community? Today, we bring you voices from communities still struggling with housing, from one community that's overcome most challenges and from two big thinkers on this issues, each with Aboriginal ancestry but with differing views on how to proceed. (41 min) 2473 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111205_81699.mp3 They called her Sybil. Hers was a narrative that changed modern psychiatry, a young woman, her childhood riddled with such abuse that her mind fragmented, shattered into 16 different personalities. Her story would sell millions of books and inspire a gripping film. After Sybil's struggles became public, Multiple Personality Disorder went from being a rare psychiatric condition to a diagnosis for tens-of-thousands of patients. Except the story of Sybil was One Big Lie. We explore the real story with journalist who unearthed it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 05/12/11: Sybil Exposed They called her Sybil. Hers was a narrative that changed modern psychiatry, a young woman, her childhood riddled with such abuse that her mind fragmented, shattered into 16 different personalities. Her story would sell millions of books and inspire a gripping film. After Sybil's struggles became public, Multiple Personality Disorder went from being a rare psychiatric condition to a diagnosis for tens-of-thousands of patients. Except the story of Sybil was One Big Lie. We explore the real story with journalist who unearthed it. 1634 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111202_79213.mp3 We started our special Editon of The Current hosted by poet Lorna Crozier on Poverty in Canada, with personal stories from Canadians who live in poverty. There are those who have always been poor, others who are new to being poor and still more who are poor by mistake. Today, we introduce you to three people: Laura in Hamilton, Brian in Edmonton and Mavis on Vancouver Island who share their personal stories on what it is like being poor in Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 02/12/11: Personal stories on being poor in Canada We started our special Editon of The Current hosted by poet Lorna Crozier on Poverty in Canada, with personal stories from Canadians who live in poverty. There are those who have always been poor, others who are new to being poor and still more who are poor by mistake. Today, we introduce you to three people: Laura in Hamilton, Brian in Edmonton and Mavis on Vancouver Island who share their personal stories on what it is like being poor in Canada. 1300 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111202_60057.mp3 Twenty years ago Canadian politicians pledged to eradicate child poverty, but today an abysmal one in ten kids in this country is growing up poor. We look at the consequences of that poverty and what needs to be done. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 02/12/11: Child Poverty Twenty years ago Canadian politicians pledged to eradicate child poverty, but today an abysmal one in ten kids in this country is growing up poor. We look at the consequences of that poverty and what needs to be done. 1375 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111202_79348.mp3 We also take a look at the higher costs low-income people pay for a range of day-to-day expenses. Many low-income Canadians end up paying the most .... everything from groceries to banking, and those higher costs make it even harder to escape poverty. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 02/12/11: Paying more being poor We also take a look at the higher costs low-income people pay for a range of day-to-day expenses. Many low-income Canadians end up paying the most .... everything from groceries to banking, and those higher costs make it even harder to escape poverty. 1641 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111201_91071.mp3 She's been threatened with rape. He's got mild to moderate brain damage. And yet another one of them can't shake the beating that left him lying on the floor. They are all transit drivers in different Canadian cities. And they are facing a seemingly increasingly aggressive group of passengers who often don't play fair or pay the fare. With a 21-year old rider now waiting to be sentenced for his assault on a Vancouver bus driver, we're asking about the intersection of angry customers and sitting targets at the bus stop near you. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 01/12/11: Transit workers assaulted on the job She's been threatened with rape. He's got mild to moderate brain damage. And yet another one of them can't shake the beating that left him lying on the floor. They are all transit drivers in different Canadian cities. And they are facing a seemingly increasingly aggressive group of passengers who often don't play fair or pay the fare. With a 21-year old rider now waiting to be sentenced for his assault on a Vancouver bus driver, we're asking about the intersection of angry customers and sitting targets at the bus stop near you. 1194 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111201_18944.mp3 You've heard the news stories many times as someone with a history of dangerous sexual offences leaves prison and eventually tries to settle in someone's neighbourhood. The fear is that they will re-offend, that they cannot be rehabilitated. Today, we hear from an Ottawa-based psychiatrist whose years of work has focused on treating such offenders with drugs that dull the very arousal that triggers their violence. He believes many of those criminals who want to be treated can get to a point where they will not re-offend. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 01/12/11: Rehabilitation of dangerous offenders You've heard the news stories many times as someone with a history of dangerous sexual offences leaves prison and eventually tries to settle in someone's neighbourhood. The fear is that they will re-offend, that they cannot be rehabilitated. Today, we hear from an Ottawa-based psychiatrist whose years of work has focused on treating such offenders with drugs that dull the very arousal that triggers their violence. He believes many of those criminals who want to be treated can get to a point where they will not re-offend. 1350 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111201_92704.mp3 She grew up knowing she was poor and even today a successful professor, poet and author, Lorna Crozier is affected by the poverty she faced all those years ago. As she prepares, a special Friday edition of The Current on the 10-percent, those often-invisible but desperately poor Canadians, Lorna Crozier talks about life on the margins. Plus we'll have some time to share some of our listener's thoughts on the stories we've covered in our mail bag. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT 01/12/11: Lorna Crozier on Poverty and Listener Mail She grew up knowing she was poor and even today a successful professor, poet and author, Lorna Crozier is affected by the poverty she faced all those years ago. As she prepares, a special Friday edition of The Current on the 10-percent, those often-invisible but desperately poor Canadians, Lorna Crozier talks about life on the margins. Plus we'll have some time to share some of our listener's thoughts on the stories we've covered in our mail bag. 1626 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111130_30999.mp3 Documents revealed by Canadian Press talk of news releases that are "Harperized" with bureaucrats expressing what they call "mild distress" at what they have been "instructed" to do. And now seasoned journalists on Parliament Hill are questioning the politicization of the public service. Today, the argument and the push-back, Jennifer Ditchburn, Lawrence Martin and Conservative MP Deal Del Mastro speak to the issue. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/11/11: Harperized: Rebranding the federal government Documents revealed by Canadian Press talk of news releases that are "Harperized" with bureaucrats expressing what they call "mild distress" at what they have been "instructed" to do. And now seasoned journalists on Parliament Hill are questioning the politicization of the public service. Today, the argument and the push-back, Jennifer Ditchburn, Lawrence Martin and Conservative MP Deal Del Mastro speak to the issue. 1189 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111130_86771.mp3 The RCMP was one of the last major police forces in the world to admit women to its ranks in 1974. It took another 16 years for them to get the same Red Serge uniform that is so symbolic of RCMP pride. CBC Producer, Yvonne Gall brings us the story of the first generation of women to change the game in policing in the RCMP. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/11/11: First Ladies of the RCMP - The history of women in the force The RCMP was one of the last major police forces in the world to admit women to its ranks in 1974. It took another 16 years for them to get the same Red Serge uniform that is so symbolic of RCMP pride. CBC Producer, Yvonne Gall brings us the story of the first generation of women to change the game in policing in the RCMP. 1357 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111130_91360.mp3 It used to be dismissed as irresponsible science but Planet Hacking is getting a lot more attention these days. Geoengineering, altering the atmosphere to control climate change may not only Change the Game, in the wrong hands it could End the Game and that's why even those who like it think the only way forward is with Caution. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 30 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 30/11/11: The risks of Planet Hacking It used to be dismissed as irresponsible science but Planet Hacking is getting a lot more attention these days. Geoengineering, altering the atmosphere to control climate change may not only Change the Game, in the wrong hands it could End the Game and that's why even those who like it think the only way forward is with Caution. 1624 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111129_81165.mp3 You've likely seen the pictures by now, kids with rashes on their faces, homes with outside walls of weathered, graying particle board, no running water or electricity and a stove made out of an oil drum. And yet even as the Red Cross heads to this northern Ontario reserve the story of the money Attawapiskat needs to survive is confusing. Ottawa says they get millions, the Chief says they need millions. Others say the bureaucratic hurdles that confront First Nations hobbles their efforts to help their people. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/11/11: Looking for answers in Attawapiskat You've likely seen the pictures by now, kids with rashes on their faces, homes with outside walls of weathered, graying particle board, no running water or electricity and a stove made out of an oil drum. And yet even as the Red Cross heads to this northern Ontario reserve the story of the money Attawapiskat needs to survive is confusing. Ottawa says they get millions, the Chief says they need millions. Others say the bureaucratic hurdles that confront First Nations hobbles their efforts to help their people. 1167 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111129_79774.mp3 He's got a state-of-the-art, environmentally first rate business and he had a plan to create 40 jobs in Cape Breton. But the decommissioned ferries Wayne Elliot wanted to buy and recycle were sold for millions more than he could even offer by the Canadian Crown corporation Marine Atlantic. They've since ended up at the ship-breaking beach at Alang India, a place notorious for injuries and industrial degradation that is supposed to be hands-off for all countries that have signed a deal called the Basel Convention including ours. So what happened? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/11/11: Marine Atlantic and the ship breaking yards of India He's got a state-of-the-art, environmentally first rate business and he had a plan to create 40 jobs in Cape Breton. But the decommissioned ferries Wayne Elliot wanted to buy and recycle were sold for millions more than he could even offer by the Canadian Crown corporation Marine Atlantic. They've since ended up at the ship-breaking beach at Alang India, a place notorious for injuries and industrial degradation that is supposed to be hands-off for all countries that have signed a deal called the Basel Convention including ours. So what happened? 1378 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111129_35110.mp3 There was a time when life for the majority, was nasty, brutish and short. But these days, it is pacified, prolonged and even pensioned. Fully 15-percent of all prehistoric humans died a violent death. These days despite it all, fewer than 3-percent of people do. Author Stephen Pinker has gone back ... way back to crunch the numbers. He says we inhabit an increasingly less violent world. He explains "The Better Angels of Our Nature". http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 29 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 29/11/11: Steven Pinker on why violence is declining There was a time when life for the majority, was nasty, brutish and short. But these days, it is pacified, prolonged and even pensioned. Fully 15-percent of all prehistoric humans died a violent death. These days despite it all, fewer than 3-percent of people do. Author Stephen Pinker has gone back ... way back to crunch the numbers. He says we inhabit an increasingly less violent world. He explains "The Better Angels of Our Nature". 1610 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111128_66072.mp3 Voting day has begun with juxtaposed images in Egypt. There are long lines in some areas and predictions of a high voter turnout while others continue to protest and call for a boycott. We take you to Egypt today, to get the views of the Muslim Brotherhood, the boycotters and a man who says he belongs to the Silent Majority, tired of protests, anxious for change. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/11/11: Egypt's volatile vote Voting day has begun with juxtaposed images in Egypt. There are long lines in some areas and predictions of a high voter turnout while others continue to protest and call for a boycott. We take you to Egypt today, to get the views of the Muslim Brotherhood, the boycotters and a man who says he belongs to the Silent Majority, tired of protests, anxious for change. 1202 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111128_87770.mp3 The tug of war is about to begin anew in Durban South Africa where politicians, diplomats, advisors and scientists are gathered for a new round of climate change talks. And as they begin, a Canadian investigative journalist poking around behind the scenes argues that our country and other western nations still think they can beat the science. He calls that failed politics. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/11/11: UN climate conference process in Durban The tug of war is about to begin anew in Durban South Africa where politicians, diplomats, advisors and scientists are gathered for a new round of climate change talks. And as they begin, a Canadian investigative journalist poking around behind the scenes argues that our country and other western nations still think they can beat the science. He calls that failed politics. 1392 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111128_94624.mp3 After three years of breaking news reports that outlined explosive details about collusion and corruption in Quebec's construction industry, the Charbonneau Commission will begin an inquiry. This is a story of government officials union bosses, company bosses and organized crime. And it began when a 27 year old freelance journalist teamed up with a seasoned investigative reporter at Radio-Canada. Today, Marie-Maude Denis and Alain Gravel take us through the story of the sleuthing and the sources that led to one of the most explosive stories to come out of Quebec in decades. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 28 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 28/11/11: Investigating Quebec's construction industry After three years of breaking news reports that outlined explosive details about collusion and corruption in Quebec's construction industry, the Charbonneau Commission will begin an inquiry. This is a story of government officials union bosses, company bosses and organized crime. And it began when a 27 year old freelance journalist teamed up with a seasoned investigative reporter at Radio-Canada. Today, Marie-Maude Denis and Alain Gravel take us through the story of the sleuthing and the sources that led to one of the most explosive stories to come out of Quebec in decades. 1631 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111125_77240.mp3 Four former Vancouver mayors say we must move from a violent unregulated marijuana market to a strictly regulated cannabis market that is based on a public health framework because it will help stop gang violence. But some critics feel this latest move to push for the legalization of marijuana is poorly thought out and has no facts to support it. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 25/11/11: Regulate Marijuana? Four former Vancouver mayors say we must move from a violent unregulated marijuana market to a strictly regulated cannabis market that is based on a public health framework because it will help stop gang violence. But some critics feel this latest move to push for the legalization of marijuana is poorly thought out and has no facts to support it. 1202 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111125_36601.mp3 People in the Democratic Republic of Congo will choose a new government on Monday and many are dreading what will happen after the votes are cast. With 18-thousand candidates to choose from, few believe peace will break out once the ballots are counted. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 25/11/11: After the DRC election ballots are counted People in the Democratic Republic of Congo will choose a new government on Monday and many are dreading what will happen after the votes are cast. With 18-thousand candidates to choose from, few believe peace will break out once the ballots are counted. 1339 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111125_80406.mp3 Marvin Elkind aka The Weasel was a low-level mob functionary, a loan collector, a boxer and a long-time police informant. He was also Jimmy Hoffa's driver. It's a remarkable life, perhaps most remarkable for the fact that Elkind has somehow managed to survive it. Elkind's life story is the subject of a new book by National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys. We speak to both of them today. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 25 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 25/11/11: The Weasel, Marvin Elkind shares his story in A Double Life in The Mob Marvin Elkind aka The Weasel was a low-level mob functionary, a loan collector, a boxer and a long-time police informant. He was also Jimmy Hoffa's driver. It's a remarkable life, perhaps most remarkable for the fact that Elkind has somehow managed to survive it. Elkind's life story is the subject of a new book by National Post reporter Adrian Humphreys. We speak to both of them today. 1577 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111124_80287.mp3 The images and the news out of Egypt seems dire now as the country's so-called revolution moves into another day of uncertainty, all of it documented, tracked and offered to the world by a battery of Egyptian journalists empowered by change even as they continue to risk arrest, beatings and imprisonment. Among them is a 24 year old man, two years into his own journalistic career whose story back in June of 2010 - six months before Tahrir Square helped to galvanize a nation. Mohammed Abdelfattah blogged about the death of a young man at the hands of police in Alexandria. All these months later, he is still documenting abuse by authorities. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 24/11/11: Mohammed Abdelfattah on Egypt's Future The images and the news out of Egypt seems dire now as the country's so-called revolution moves into another day of uncertainty, all of it documented, tracked and offered to the world by a battery of Egyptian journalists empowered by change even as they continue to risk arrest, beatings and imprisonment. Among them is a 24 year old man, two years into his own journalistic career whose story back in June of 2010 - six months before Tahrir Square helped to galvanize a nation. Mohammed Abdelfattah blogged about the death of a young man at the hands of police in Alexandria. All these months later, he is still documenting abuse by authorities. 1180 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111124_21688.mp3 This is Thursday and our mail includes opinions on polygamy, no running water on reserves in Manitoba and Canada's new guidelines on how often women should get mammograms has not impressed many of our listeners. We read your letters. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 24/11/11: Mail: Letters: polygamy, mammograms and access to running water on reserves This is Thursday and our mail includes opinions on polygamy, no running water on reserves in Manitoba and Canada's new guidelines on how often women should get mammograms has not impressed many of our listeners. We read your letters. 1370 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111124_84972.mp3 They call it Old Harry, an oil and gas deposit off the shores of Quebec's Magdalen Islands in waters shared by more than one province. Old Harry could contain a few billion barrels of oil and oil companies want to start exploratory drilling. But while the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence hide oil riches, they also nurture a vast array of marine life, churn with unexpected and unpredictable currents and lap up onto shores inhabited by a Hollywood actor, Ethan Hawke. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 24/11/11: Oil and Gas Drilling in the Gulf of St. Lawrence They call it Old Harry, an oil and gas deposit off the shores of Quebec's Magdalen Islands in waters shared by more than one province. Old Harry could contain a few billion barrels of oil and oil companies want to start exploratory drilling. But while the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence hide oil riches, they also nurture a vast array of marine life, churn with unexpected and unpredictable currents and lap up onto shores inhabited by a Hollywood actor, Ethan Hawke. 1490 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111123_39378.mp3 Over four years in Honduras, 23 journalists have been killed. Others face detention, censorship and intimidation. Journalists in Honduras criticize a culture of impunity in the government of Porfirio Lobo, the newly-elected president who has just cut a free trade deal with Canada. Critics say Canada should be using its clout to force the Honduran government to confront such killings and other human rights violations. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/11/11: The Day to End Impunity: Honduran Journalists Over four years in Honduras, 23 journalists have been killed. Others face detention, censorship and intimidation. Journalists in Honduras criticize a culture of impunity in the government of Porfirio Lobo, the newly-elected president who has just cut a free trade deal with Canada. Critics say Canada should be using its clout to force the Honduran government to confront such killings and other human rights violations. 1565 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111123_78701.mp3 For years women around the globe have been told breast cancer screening is essential for early diagnosis and life-saving treatment. So what are we to make of a new study saying women under 50 with an average risk of breast cancer don't need mammograms, that screening can lead to needless procedures and false positives? Some doctors welcome this new information, others aren't convinced. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/11/11: New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines For years women around the globe have been told breast cancer screening is essential for early diagnosis and life-saving treatment. So what are we to make of a new study saying women under 50 with an average risk of breast cancer don't need mammograms, that screening can lead to needless procedures and false positives? Some doctors welcome this new information, others aren't convinced. 1366 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111123_21877.mp3 They wrote their first letter to the minister of Transport back in February. They were the families of 17 people killed in a helicopter crash off Newfoundland back in 2009. The families of the dead and the sole survivor Robert Decker had nagging questions about the safety of choppers still flying. There was no answer. Four months later in June, they wrote again to the minister. Still .. no answer. And so when they sent the third letter this month, Robert Decker decided he had to speak up. He has never spoken publicly outside of a provincial inquiry. Today, he is speaking to us. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 23 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 23/11/11: Robert Decker: Sole survivor of the 2009 Cougar helicopter crash They wrote their first letter to the minister of Transport back in February. They were the families of 17 people killed in a helicopter crash off Newfoundland back in 2009. The families of the dead and the sole survivor Robert Decker had nagging questions about the safety of choppers still flying. There was no answer. Four months later in June, they wrote again to the minister. Still .. no answer. And so when they sent the third letter this month, Robert Decker decided he had to speak up. He has never spoken publicly outside of a provincial inquiry. Today, he is speaking to us. 1175 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111122_43665.mp3 The pictures coming out of Cairo and seven other Egyptian cities depict a frenzy and an anger over a revolution sidetracked as the ruling military council stumbles in what was supposed to be a transition to democracy. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/11/11: Democracy and the Egyptian military council The pictures coming out of Cairo and seven other Egyptian cities depict a frenzy and an anger over a revolution sidetracked as the ruling military council stumbles in what was supposed to be a transition to democracy. 1174 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111122_88813.mp3 In the late 80s and through the nineties, three veterinarians with Health Canada were growing increasingly uncomfortable as they investigated bovine growth hormones to determine whether to approve their use. There was pressure from the manufacturers and from their bosses. And when they went public with concerns over safety and human health, they were eventually fired for insubordination. Fifteen years on , one is back at work and two cannot be reinstated. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/11/11: Whistleblowers go public on the threat of bovine growth hormones In the late 80s and through the nineties, three veterinarians with Health Canada were growing increasingly uncomfortable as they investigated bovine growth hormones to determine whether to approve their use. There was pressure from the manufacturers and from their bosses. And when they went public with concerns over safety and human health, they were eventually fired for insubordination. Fifteen years on , one is back at work and two cannot be reinstated. 1392 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111122_17422.mp3 In every war there are always two fronts with the soldiers on the front lines and the politicians in the backrooms. Separated by geography and complicated by security. Few journalists can keep track of both sides of that fight. Today we bring you the perspective of a reporter who did. Murray Brewster argues that Canada's war in Afghanistan over the last decade was at times a two-pronged assault, one on the Taliban, another on public opinion back home. He shares his perspective on the political and military battles in a long and Savage War. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 22/11/11: Covering the Afghan War: Murray Brewster In every war there are always two fronts with the soldiers on the front lines and the politicians in the backrooms. Separated by geography and complicated by security. Few journalists can keep track of both sides of that fight. Today we bring you the perspective of a reporter who did. Murray Brewster argues that Canada's war in Afghanistan over the last decade was at times a two-pronged assault, one on the Taliban, another on public opinion back home. He shares his perspective on the political and military battles in a long and Savage War. 1589 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111121_91762.mp3 From Egypt to Syria, people demanding political change were back on the streets this weekend. But if Egyptians are feeling the sting of a promising revolution stalled, Syrians are in the thick of a revolution not yet enabled. With President Assad seemingly resistant to even the criticism of other Arab leaders, Syrians here were on the streets hoping for help from Canada. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/11/11: Syrian National Council as legitimate govt From Egypt to Syria, people demanding political change were back on the streets this weekend. But if Egyptians are feeling the sting of a promising revolution stalled, Syrians are in the thick of a revolution not yet enabled. With President Assad seemingly resistant to even the criticism of other Arab leaders, Syrians here were on the streets hoping for help from Canada. 1190 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111121_77777.mp3 We've all seen the pictures, people without drinking water making the trek to the community pipe or the local lake, their water kept in a pail. Now take that image and look again because the people with the buckets live on First Nations reserves in Manitoba. There are 18-hundred homes on reserves in Canada without clean water and the community with the most desperate shortage is in Manitoba. We hear from a woman who says governments could solve this in 5 years. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/11/11: No Running water on Manitoba reserves We've all seen the pictures, people without drinking water making the trek to the community pipe or the local lake, their water kept in a pail. Now take that image and look again because the people with the buckets live on First Nations reserves in Manitoba. There are 18-hundred homes on reserves in Canada without clean water and the community with the most desperate shortage is in Manitoba. We hear from a woman who says governments could solve this in 5 years. 1386 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111121_98278.mp3 Investigative filmmaker David Ridgen is back with an extraordinary story of redemption and forgiveness that began with the violence of the Ku Klux Klan back in the 60s in the deep US South. The story of what happens when the brother of a dead man meets the man who admitted to torturing and kidnaping the victim. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 21/11/11: Mississippi Reconciliation - Cold Case Murder Investigative filmmaker David Ridgen is back with an extraordinary story of redemption and forgiveness that began with the violence of the Ku Klux Klan back in the 60s in the deep US South. The story of what happens when the brother of a dead man meets the man who admitted to torturing and kidnaping the victim. 1410 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111118_25481.mp3 The Syrian president's regime has never been so isolated. Damascus has long been condemned by countries outside the Middle East, but now the League of Arab States has suspended Syria for its violent crackdown on dissent. Economic sanctions are threatened. For the moment, Syria ignores the outside pressure, but it can hardly ignore what's happening internally. We head to Syria today for the latest on the situation there. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 18/11/11: Has Syria descended into Civil War? The Syrian president's regime has never been so isolated. Damascus has long been condemned by countries outside the Middle East, but now the League of Arab States has suspended Syria for its violent crackdown on dissent. Economic sanctions are threatened. For the moment, Syria ignores the outside pressure, but it can hardly ignore what's happening internally. We head to Syria today for the latest on the situation there. 1227 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111118_97143.mp3 Former NHL forward Georges Laraque loved the game of hockey. But he rarely got to play because he was expected to rough it up on the ice. An unlikely tough guy looks back on his years as an enforcer. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 18/11/11: Georges Laraque: NHL's Unlikeliest Tough Guy Former NHL forward Georges Laraque loved the game of hockey. But he rarely got to play because he was expected to rough it up on the ice. An unlikely tough guy looks back on his years as an enforcer. 1364 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111118_84480.mp3 If you ever come across a rhinoceros stamping its feet, lowering its head and snorting, you could be in big trouble. But don't worry, there's almost no danger. Your chances of ever coming across a rhino are small and getting a lot smaller. We hear what's being done to keep the last few stragglers alive. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 18/11/11: Legalizing the rhino tusk trade in South Africa If you ever come across a rhinoceros stamping its feet, lowering its head and snorting, you could be in big trouble. But don't worry, there's almost no danger. Your chances of ever coming across a rhino are small and getting a lot smaller. We hear what's being done to keep the last few stragglers alive. 1586 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111117_30628.mp3 The Occupy movement is going from the parks to the courts, As activists in Canada and the United States argue that Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly provisions in both countries give them the right to stay where they are. Today, with deadlines looming we're asking questions about the right to use public space, the right to protest, to be disruptive. And does the Occupy Movement have to Occupy Something to sustain itself ? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 17/11/11: The right to protest and occupy space The Occupy movement is going from the parks to the courts, As activists in Canada and the United States argue that Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Assembly provisions in both countries give them the right to stay where they are. Today, with deadlines looming we're asking questions about the right to use public space, the right to protest, to be disruptive. And does the Occupy Movement have to Occupy Something to sustain itself ? 1188 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111117_83316.mp3 Why is the govt spying on Cindy Blackstock? Cindy Blackstock is an advocate for First Nations children and youth. She has an email trail that shows bureaucrats from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs are tailing her, showing up at more than 70 speeches and appearances, taking notes, following her Facebook page and sharing what they find with their Dept and the Dept of Justice. She calls the surveillance, chilling and politically motivated. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 17/11/11: Govt surveillance of native youth advocate Cindy Blackstock Why is the govt spying on Cindy Blackstock? Cindy Blackstock is an advocate for First Nations children and youth. She has an email trail that shows bureaucrats from the Department of Aboriginal Affairs are tailing her, showing up at more than 70 speeches and appearances, taking notes, following her Facebook page and sharing what they find with their Dept and the Dept of Justice. She calls the surveillance, chilling and politically motivated. 1378 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111117_31468.mp3 Earlier this week, we brought you the story of Leilani Muir, a victim of Alberta's former decades-long Eugenics program. Today we'll hear more about the institution where she was forced to live. Plus, euthanasia and yelling at students are on the minds of our listeners this week. And, our listeners share a few of the moments that changed their lives forever as part of our project, game changer. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Thu, 17 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 17/11/11: Mail: Forced Sterilization, Assisted Suicide, Report Cards Earlier this week, we brought you the story of Leilani Muir, a victim of Alberta's former decades-long Eugenics program. Today we'll hear more about the institution where she was forced to live. Plus, euthanasia and yelling at students are on the minds of our listeners this week. And, our listeners share a few of the moments that changed their lives forever as part of our project, game changer. 1612 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111116_49691.mp3 Fanke James creates irreverent even whimsical art with a message about the environment, oil sands and climate change but when a federal bureaucrat accused her of creating a Fantasy, she filed an Access to Information request and discovered an email trail indicating officials at the Foreign Affairs Dept don't seem to like her art and pulled funding because her work isn't consistent with government interests. She says that opinion ended plans for a European art tour. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/11/11: The intersection of govt, art and politics Fanke James creates irreverent even whimsical art with a message about the environment, oil sands and climate change but when a federal bureaucrat accused her of creating a Fantasy, she filed an Access to Information request and discovered an email trail indicating officials at the Foreign Affairs Dept don't seem to like her art and pulled funding because her work isn't consistent with government interests. She says that opinion ended plans for a European art tour. 1160 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111116_63677.mp3 A new man is about the take the job of Canada's top cop but the promotion for the next Commissioner of the RCMP comes amidst ongoing allegations of sexual harassment and allegations that complaints over the abuse went no where. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/11/11: RCMP sexual harassment allegations A new man is about the take the job of Canada's top cop but the promotion for the next Commissioner of the RCMP comes amidst ongoing allegations of sexual harassment and allegations that complaints over the abuse went no where. 1304 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111116_79734.mp3 Back in November of 2007, a group of students at the University of Calgary offered their comments on a Facebook page set up to complain about the competence of a professor. That incident has evolved into an ongoing court fight over freedom of speech and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. At issue .. Should the university be forced to comply with the Charter? The University says No. The implications are far-reaching. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Wed, 16 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 16/11/11: University of Calgary vs. Free Speech Back in November of 2007, a group of students at the University of Calgary offered their comments on a Facebook page set up to complain about the competence of a professor. That incident has evolved into an ongoing court fight over freedom of speech and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. At issue .. Should the university be forced to comply with the Charter? The University says No. The implications are far-reaching. 1459 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111115_46215.mp3 For decades the Arab League has operated as a "Dictators Protection Society" to quote one pundit. Now it is ready to boot Syria out of its exclusive club. The King of Jordan is speaking out and Saudi Arabia may be pulling strings. All of which begs the question … With the uprisings across the middle east, is the Arab League changing with the times? Or is it a hypocritical bunch desperate to hang on to what power is left? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/11/11: Arab League's suspension of Syria's membership For decades the Arab League has operated as a "Dictators Protection Society" to quote one pundit. Now it is ready to boot Syria out of its exclusive club. The King of Jordan is speaking out and Saudi Arabia may be pulling strings. All of which begs the question … With the uprisings across the middle east, is the Arab League changing with the times? Or is it a hypocritical bunch desperate to hang on to what power is left? 1164 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111115_47258.mp3 Her case began in BC's Supreme Court this week but Gloria Taylor suffering from ALS has already taken her fight public. She has spoken at length on this program. Now in a Vancouver courtroom, those arguing against the decriminalization of assisted suicide are waiting to make their case. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/11/11: Assisted suicide returns to Canadian courts Her case began in BC's Supreme Court this week but Gloria Taylor suffering from ALS has already taken her fight public. She has spoken at length on this program. Now in a Vancouver courtroom, those arguing against the decriminalization of assisted suicide are waiting to make their case. 1411 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111115_96951.mp3 You can be forgiven if you think U.S. Republican politics is a bit like a ferris wheel - one candidate's up, then they're down. From Michelle Bachmann to Rick Perry to Newt Gingrich ... what seems like an anybody-but-Mitt Romney mentality persists. Which brings us to Herman Cain. Right-wing, African-American, very blunt, prone to blunders and not a day of elected political experience on his record. So what does the Cain candidacy tell us about U.S. politics? http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Tue, 15 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 15/11/11: The drain on Herman Cain You can be forgiven if you think U.S. Republican politics is a bit like a ferris wheel - one candidate's up, then they're down. From Michelle Bachmann to Rick Perry to Newt Gingrich ... what seems like an anybody-but-Mitt Romney mentality persists. Which brings us to Herman Cain. Right-wing, African-American, very blunt, prone to blunders and not a day of elected political experience on his record. So what does the Cain candidacy tell us about U.S. politics? 1601 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111114_15276.mp3 She was little girl unloved and unsuspecting when her parents drove her up the hill in Red Deer Alberta. It was a moment that would forever change Leilani Muir's life, abandoned to people zealously experimenting with Eugenics. What they would do to her would result in anguish and eventually lawsuits . Today, Leilani Muir, now in her 60s is ready to tell her story. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/11/11: Leilani Muir successfully sues Alberta govt for wrongful sterilization She was little girl unloved and unsuspecting when her parents drove her up the hill in Red Deer Alberta. It was a moment that would forever change Leilani Muir's life, abandoned to people zealously experimenting with Eugenics. What they would do to her would result in anguish and eventually lawsuits . Today, Leilani Muir, now in her 60s is ready to tell her story. 1196 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111114_32657.mp3 Our season-long look at Game Changers examines those moments that changed ordinary lives in ways no one could anticipate. We asked for your stories. You answered. And today we've got the first of them. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/11/11: Game Changing moments from our listeners Our season-long look at Game Changers examines those moments that changed ordinary lives in ways no one could anticipate. We asked for your stories. You answered. And today we've got the first of them. 1391 http://podcast.cbc.ca/mp3/podcasts/current_20111114_46436.mp3 The report card is loved, loathed, anticipated or dreaded. And in BC public schools it is a bargaining chip. Teachers waiting for a contract say they won't fill them out. The students are divided. With a Labour Relations deadline looming some say its time to scrap all Report Cards. http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting podcasting@cbc.ca Mon, 14 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT 14/11/11: Whither Report Cards The report card is loved, loathed, anticipated or dreaded. And in BC public schools it is a bargaining chip. Teachers waiting for a contract say they won't fill them out. The students are divided. With a Labour Relations deadline looming some say its time to scrap all Report Cards. 1598