Avatar the Movie: Imperialism or Masterpiece?

On January 28, 2010, it was a pleasure to chat with Liam and Tasia who had strong opinions about Avatar the Movie in 3D on this week's show. Certainly, it took more than just cool graphics to make this mega production a blockbuster. But is the story truly engaging or just another racist tale?

Health ''Care'' in the United States

Dr. Barbara Starfield is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She joined us by phone on January 21, 2010, for a live interview discussing the dangers and inequalities of the American health care system.

Dr. Starfield's medical research and commentary went viral on the web following her 2000 article entitled "Is US Health Really the Best in the World?" [Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol.284, No.4, 2000, pages 483-485.] In this article Dr. Starfield explained that medical error is the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer.

How to Fight Suppression of Dissent

On Januar 14, 2010 Australian academic Brian Martin phoned in from Australia to share his valuable research results and insights on suppression of dissent.

From whistleblowing to fighting the backlash, his advice shows that whistleblowers all around the world are treated similarly by the agencies and bosses that attempt to suppress their voices.

Professor Martin's recommendations include concrete suggestions for the most effective ways for whistleblowers to defend themselves.

A Salary Just for Being a Canadian Citizen? A Discussion with Senator Hugh Segal

On January 7th 2010 we aired Denis Rancourt's pre-recorded interview with Conservative Senator Hugh Segal. In true Five O'Clock Train fashion we offered our comments and criticisms along the way. The general theme was Senetor Segal's project of 30 years promoting the concept of a citizen's guaranteed annual income for Canada.

SOME LINKS:
Senator Hugh Segal's web page
Livable Income for Everyone
Push from Senate news article

We also made a brief mention of this YouTube video promoting U of O's Dean of Science André E. Lalonde's new appointment booking system...

Happy New Year!

Unfortunately the CHUO studios encountered technical difficulties and our December 31st year end review of campus actions was not recorded.

Make sure to tune in every Thursdays at 5pm on 89.1 fm (Ottawa region, or in live stream) to catch us live.

And, like President Allan Rock said, "make sure to stay on the line" - we'll be right back in full force in 2010!