The Best and Worse of 2005 (Cont.)

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1. The Drunken Master Movie Review

Wednesdays, 5pm - 6pm est., CKCU 93.1 FM, Ottawa
Listen on the net in Real Audio at www.ckcufm.com

Lee Demarbre (The Drunken Master) hosts this informative and comical show that gives you weekly updates on movies hitting theatres and new to DVD as well as informed and lively opinion on films in theatres presently. With his three co-hosts, all with differing likes and dislikes, you have a well-rounded basis for deciding what you should and should not spend money on.
2. Ideas

Monday to Friday, 9pm -10pm est., CBC Radio One
Listen on the net in Windows Media at www.cbc.ca

Hosted by Paul Kennedy , Ideas explores contemporary thought. Whether delving into philosophy, biography, food, history or any other subject, it always entertains and informs. It is the resident home for broadcasting the Massy Lectures and other prestigious talks each year. If you wish to tap into the intellectual side of your personality and want to keep informed on cutting edge thought which shape world politics and social policies, then Ideas is the place to be. Honourable Mention: Quirks & Quarks (CBC Radio One, Sunday, 12pm - 1pm).
3. Definitely not the Opera

Saturday, 1pm - 5pm est., CBC Radio One
Listen on the net in Windows Media at www.cbc.ca

One of Canada's greatest cultural icons, Sook-Yin Lee, hosts this 4 hour program on pop culture. Including movie reviews, live music and comedy performances, interviews and more, DNTO covers everything going on across the country that is worth notice. It's a great way to keep informed. Honourable Mention: The Arts Tonight (CBC Radio One, Weeknights, 10pm - 10:40pm).
4. Punk World Order

Monday, Midnight - 2am est. CHUO, 89.1 FM, Ottawa
Listen on the net in Real Audio at www.chuo.fm

This two hour long punk show plays everything from the beginnings of the movement to what's new. Old school, skater-punk, pop-punk, hardcore, you name it, it gets played. A great fix for those who are sick of what's passing for rock on commercial radio these days. Honourable Mention: Heather's Punk Show (CKCU, every second Wednesday, 3:30pm - 4:30pm).
5. The Vinyl Cafe

Saturday 10am - 11am est., Sunday 12pm - 1pm est., CBC Radio One
Listen on the net in Windows Media at www.cbc.ca

Hosted by the lovable Stuart McLean, The Vinyl Cafe plays mostly folk and roots music but it is not what listeners tune into the show for. McLean is one of Canada's greatest story-tellers and the humourous antics of Dave and Morley told to his audiences and radio listeners have become classics in Canadian culture. If you wish to hear why he sells out venues across the country, do yourself a favour and listen to a show.
6. Little Steven's Underground Garage

Monday, 9pm - 11pm est., CHEZ 106.1 FM, Ottawa
Listen live on the net at www.chez106.com

Hosted by Steven Van Zandt the show covers a wide range of underground and better known bands with insight from a guy involved in the music industry since the early '70s. The show is syndicated around the world and you can visit the website here: www.littlestevensundergroundgarage.com.

Honourable Mention: Bob Ate My Home Work (CKCU, Monday, 2pm - 4pm).
7. House of Blues Radio Hour

Sunday 6pm - 7pm est., Chez 106.1 FM, Ottawa
Listen live on the net at www.chez106.com

If you are a fan of the blues you need to go no farther than this show hosted by Elwood Blues (a.k.a. Dan Aykroyd). He has all the best musicians on the show and covers the history of the genre with a knowledge second to none. The show is syndicated across the world and you can go to the website here: HOB Radio Hour
8. Cross Country Checkup

Sundays, 4pm - 6pm est., CBC Radio One
Listen on the net in Windows Media at www.cbc.ca

Hosted by Rex Murphy, this live phone-in show covers topics that are making news in Canada and around the world. Picking one news story, Rex Murphy asks the questions you can call in and answer without having you cut off or insulted for putting forth an opinion. A show centering on public opinion rather that shock, it's refreshing to hear and you receive insights into what your neighbours from around the country, young and old, think about subjects of interest to you and others. Honourable Mention: Steve Madely (CFRA, Weekdays, 6am - 9am).
9. Sports Call

Monday to Friday, 9am - 12pm est., Team 1200, 1200 AM, Ottawa
Listen live on the net in Real Audio or Windows Media at www.team1200.com

Hosted by Dave Gross and Glenn Kulka, this phone-in show covers all things sports with an eye on the local sports franchises. Usually dominated by Senators' talk during the NHL season, it is a great way to stay informed on the latest news coming from the franchise. Honourable Mention: Jim Rome (Team 1200, Weekdays, 12pm to 3pm).
10. Up Yours Up North & Bandwidth (Tie)

Monday, 5pm - 6pm est., CKCU 93.1 FM, Ottawa
Saturday, 5pm - 6pm est., CBC Radio One
Listen on the internet in Real Audio at www.ckcufm.com
Listen on the net in Windows Media at www.cbc.ca

Both shows play independent Canadian music (Bandwidth concentrates on Ontario) which is a great way to hear all the bands that are tops on the University campuses around the country. Hosted by Jen Tattersall and Amanda Putz respectively.
Worse Show on the Radio

The Lowell Green Show

Monday - Friday, 9am - Noon est., CFRA, 580 AM, Ottawa
Listen live in Real Audio or Windows Player at www.cfra.com

Lowell Green is not short of opinions, and unfortunately they are the only ones you will hear on his show. If you expect to be heard, especially with an argument contrary to Lowell's, expect to be cut off and chastised for your ignorance. After listening for a few weeks, you will come to the conclusion that the show has nothing to do with informed opinion, what a call-in show is for, and everything to do with entertaining listeners with caller cut-offs and insults.

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