Reluctant Democracy

The people of Bhutan are reluctantly preparing for democracy. (Runs 4:32)

Bhutan is a small, peaceful kingdom tucked away in the Himalayan Mountains. It's so committed to its traditional way of life that people are upset the King is stepping aside.

Don't Call Me Eskimo

Inuit youth are rapping on YouTube with a made-in-Nunavut hip-hop music video. (Runs 9:57)

Thousands have viewed the hip-hop video "Don't Call Me Eskimo" on YouTube. It's a little project that turned into a big passion among the youth of Arctic Bay, Nunavut.

Dogs of War

A rescue group is working to save the forgotten victims of war. (Runs 2:53)

It's a heartbreaking sight. Many pets were abandoned in Lebanon during last year's conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. But one group is rescuing them.

Arctic Bridge

The Arctic Bridge is becoming a more viable route between Russia and Canada. (Runs 2:28)

A Russian cargo ship sailed into the port of Churchill recently, using the Arctic Bridge to get there. Melting ice and open waters are keeping the trade route open longer.

Missile Survivor

A Palestinian girl paralyzed by an Israeli missile wants to stay in Israel. (Runs 3:42)

Marya Aman has been living in an Israeli hospital since the missile strike a year and a half ago.Her father wants Israel to grant her citizenship so she can stay and lead a full life.

Iraqi Refugees

Iraqi refugees are struggling to find new homes within Iraq. (Runs 9:41)

More than four million Iraqis have fled to Northern Iraq to escape the violence. But as they do, there are growing fears their presence will undermine Kurdish independence.

Tanker Traffic

Tankers are coming dangerously close to fishing boats off Newfoundland. (Runs 4:05)

Hundreds of tankers are mixing it up with fishing boats in Placentia Bay, creating worries that it's just a matter a time before there's a big accident.

World Food

Doctors Without Borders says it has a better way to feed malnourished children. (Runs 2:12)

Doctors Without Borders has criticized the type of food the United Nations provides for malnourished children. It says a new formula will do more than just fill bellies.

Green Crabs

A European crab is taking over Canadian waters. (Runs 2:20)

The green crab is a hardy, adaptable species with a voracious appetite. It's infested waters on the west and east coasts and researchers are trying to get a handle on the problem.

Iraqi Swedes

Iraqi refugees are finding shelter, and a welcome, in a surprising place. (Runs 4:02)

The war in Iraq has forced millions of Iraqis to flee the country. Most are now refugees in neighbouring countries like Syria and Jordan. But tens of thousands have found a new home in Sweden.

Sunni Allies

American forces are seeing success in a small village in Iraq. (Runs 2:58)

One place where American soldiers and American money seems to have made a difference is in Jurf al Sakhr, a place just outside Baghdad.

Ground Baghdad

Residents of Baghdad aren't optimistic about the success of the US troop surge. (Runs 3:22)

The US says its surge of troops in Iraq is working, but people living in Baghdad say otherwise. They say the impact it's had on their lives is anything but positive.

Biggest Casino

With fake blue skies and gondolas, the world's largest casino opened in Macau. (Runs 3:36)

Macau has become Asia's gambling capital. The lure of the casino is endemic, drawing professionals to leave their careers to work in casinos and people to gamble away their life savings.

Beijing Air

The city of Beijing needs to clean up its act. (Runs 2:07)

Beijing has already been warned about poor air quality by the International Olympic Committee. As a result, a trial has begun. The mission is to get a million cars off the road each day.

Lost and Found

A look inside the Lost and Found at one of the world's busiest subways. (Runs 3:33)

There are hundreds of dentures, thousands of cell phones and even a lawn mover. Take a tour of the Lost and Found at London's tube.

Gulley Life

Scientists have discovered exotic sea creatures in a deep ocean canyon. (Runs 2:21)

Marine scientists have ventured deeper and deeper into the waters off Canada's east coast. An expedition into the Sable Gulley has revealed creatures never seen before.

Bionic Dog

The world's first bionic dog gives hope to humans. (Runs 2:37)

Storm used to be an ordinary pet. Now he has a new prosthetic paw that's a marvel and researchers are hoping to use the same procedures and technology in human prosthetics.

Nairobi Market

Cast-off clothing from Canada has become a mainstay of Nairobi's second-hand markets. (Runs 3:29)

Second-hand clothes from Canada have become a common site on the streets of Nairobi. Cast-offs from western countries help support the region's thriving second-hand markets.

Elephant Sanctuary

Elephants who lash out at humans are getting a second chance. (Runs 12:18)

Experts now think traumas, racked up in captivity or in the wild, are causing elephants to lash out at humans. Some of those elephants are finding refuge from past abuses at a sanctuary in Tennessee.

Afghan Police

Canadian troops have their jobs cut out for them training the Afghan police. (Runs 2:56)

Training local forces in Afghanistan is a big part of the Canadian mission there. Things seem to be going pretty well with the Afghan army, but the police are another matter.

Beauty Boom Beirut

Beirut women spare no expense to be beautiful. (Runs 4:08)

Plastic surgery is booming in Beirut, where Lebanese women are willing to spend big bucks on beauty.

NORAD Bunker

An old underground Cold War bunker is ready for a new life. (Runs 3:50)

During its heyday, NORAD headquarters was a hive of activity, charged with keeping North America safe from Cold War missiles. But today it's an expensive relic ready for renovation.

Kosovo Independence

The people of Kosovo have started a final countdown to independence. (Runs 11:52)

The United Nations' plan for an independent Kosovo isn't official, but for people living there, it's just a matter of time.

Russian Disabled Hockey

Russia is known for its hockey talent, including players in a special league. (Runs 3:26)

Russians are some of the finest hockey players in the world, including many in the NHL. But there's another league in Russia made up of talented, disabled hockey players.

Bandwidth Battles

Soldiers and insurgents are trading shots online as they post video of action on the front line. (Runs 9:31)

With continuing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, there's no shortage of war stories. But increasingly, the daily tales of battle aren't being told by journalists. They're being posted online by the combatants. (graphic images)

Kandahar Amusement

A new amusement park is giving kids in Kandahar a chance to have fun. (Runs 2:33)

Canadian troops on patrol in Kandahar say the new amusement park is a sign of progress, but many residents remain unconvinced.

Comic Condoms

Using humour to teach kids how to avoid AIDS. (Runs 2:24)

It might seem like an impossible task to find a simple way to teach young people around the world how to avoid AIDS. A Canadian animator met the challenge and has won a prestigious Peabody Award as a result.

King Herod's Tomb

Archaeologists believe they've finally found the tomb of an ancient ruler. (Runs 2:16)

Archaeologists working south of Jerusalem say they've found remnants of the tomb of King Herod at the site of one of his summer palaces. His reign and influence is plain to see in the Middle East and now researchers say his final resting place can be seen as well.

Bods for God

Some Christians are turning to God to help them lose weight. (Runs 5:49)

A growing movement of people are using faith to help them lose weight. With God as their diet coach, some Christians are trying to fulfill their physical hunger with spiritual sensibilities.

Faith Without Fear

Canadian writer and critic of radical Islam, Irshad Manji, explains why she pushes some hot buttons. (Runs 8:59)

Controversial writer Irshad Manji talks about her books, her bodyguards, living with bulletproof glass and why she's a thorn in the side of radical Muslims.

Bizarre Sleep

Trying to medicate yourself to sleep could be harmful to your health. (Runs 5:16)

If you've been losing sleep over losing sleep you're not alone. Millions of prescriptions are filled every year for sleep medications. But the US Food and Drug Administration is now warning people about some rare, but bizarre and potentially dangerous side effects.

Gamer Cure

Chinese parents are sending their video game-addicted kids to boot camp to get de-programmed. (Runs 3:11)

In China, some parents who think their children are video game addicts send them to a Beijing boot camp. The children participate in outdoor war games and other types of therapy - even electric shock treatment.

Otters Holding Hands

They're the biggest animal stars on the web. Meet Nyac and Milo. (Runs 2:04)

This paddling pair has caused a sensation, becoming the most popular online animal video ever. Meet the handholding sea otters from the Vancouver Aquarium.

Internet Toys

The latest toy craze is just a click away. (Runs 3:18)

Kids are wrapping their tiny hands around a toy craze that's part plush plaything and part point-and-click.

Luck or Larceny

The fifth estate reveals new evidence showing the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation knew of cases of suspected retailer fraud. (Runs 19:08)

The OLG had insisted that when Bob Edmonds' winning lottery ticket was stolen by a store clerk, it was an isolated case.The OLG finally settled with Edmonds, but the fifth estate continues to investigate cases of suspicious insider winnings.

Charcoal Dust

A Canadian has found a way to save some trees, clean up some smog and make a profit in Kenya. (Runs 2:57)

Kenyans burn a lof of charcoal for fuel. And to make that charcoal, they have to burn trees. And that creates a lot of dust. That's where a Canadian comes in.

Young Celibate Nuns

More and more young woman are choosing the celibate life of a Roman Catholic Nun. Here's why. (Runs 10:57)

Why choose a life of poverty and celibacy? Many young woman are doing just that, joining a Roman Catholic convent in Michigan.

Green Australia

Australians are worried that climate change will take away their beautiful beaches and are demanding government do something. (Runs 5:57)

In Canada, people are worried climate change will make the northern ice cover disappear. In Australia, they're worried about losing their beaches. Both countries are pressuring their government into taking action.

Chief Louie

With so much poverty in First Nations communities across the country, one chief offers some pretty blunt advice: work harder. (Runs 11:10)

Chief Clarence Louie wants Native Canadians to take their economic future into their own hands. And he should know. His band owns and runs several successful businesses. It's why the tough-talking chief doesn't apologize for making money, or for encouraging others to do the same.

Lost Tomb of Jesus

Simcha Jacobovici talks about his controversial new film, The Lost Tomb of Jesus. (Runs 9:00)

Simcha Jacobovici talks about his controversial film and his claims to have discovered the lost tomb of Jesus, his mother Mary, and Mary Magdalen.

Elephant Poachers

The illegal, but lucrative ivory trade is pushing the African elephant towards extinction. (Runs 2:21)

The African elephant is a majestic creature. But as mighty as it is, poachers have again brought it to the brink of extinction. That's the disturbing conclusion of a study of the elephant population.

Black Bear's Den

Bear cubs are giving scientists an inside view of life in the wild. (Runs 2:53)

The bear cubs are only a few weeks old, but they're already part of a new study. And as the tiny black bears grow they'll take scientists inside their lives in Ontario's Algonquin Park.

The Good Father

For four decades, a Catholic priest in southwestern Ontario sexually molested young girls while the church kept silent. (Runs 42:40)

The church started hearing complaints against Father Charles Sylvestre as far back as 1962. By the time of his arrest and conviction, Sylvestre was identified as one of the worst pedophile priests in Canadian history. The fifth estate examines a story of power, abuse and a reckoning with a painful past.

Mafia Hitman

Former New York City mobster Big Sal Miccioto once killed for a living. He says Montreal has now replaced NYC as mob central. (Runs 10:34)

He was a highly paid hitman for one of New York City's most notorious crime families. Big Sal Miccioto tells CBC News: Sunday that killing for a living was a wasted life, and he says Montreal's crime families have become the new kings.

Afghan Rain

The drought in Afghanistan may soon come to end, along with local support for the Taliban. (Runs 3:33)

Canadian troops in Afghanistan have been preparing for a spring offensive by the Taliban. But this year, that may not include a large number of fresh Taliban recruits, thanks to an unexpected kind of natural "air support."

The Lies That Led To War

As the US warns about a threat in Iran, the fifth estate looks back at the deception that led to the invasion of Iraq. (Runs 38:57)

Since the US-led invasion four years ago, the fifth estate has covered Iraq and the so-called "War on Terror" from virtually every angle, revealing aspects of the story not found anywhere else. Now as the White House warns about a threat from Iran, the fifth estate examines the deception, suspect intelligence, even lies, that convinced the world of the rightness of targeting Saddam Hussein.

NHL War Room

If you love hockey, you'll want to see inside the NHL's War Room. (Runs 3:34)

It's one of the best jobs in the country if you like hockey. Its key role is watching hockey on television. It's a real job, often critically important to the final score of an NHL game. Here's an inside look at the NHL's War Room.

Wild Ride

Take a wild ride on Kenya's Matatus. (Runs 2:46)

Millions of people take the only way to get around in Kenya, the beloved and much maligned Matatu.

Road Warriors

Angry drivers are making the highways killing fields, and experts say it's getting worse every day. (Runs 40:15)

Road rage is making driving a risky business. Experts blame aggressive driving for two in three fatal accidents. The fifth estate tackles the ugly business of driving with a temper and a sense of entitlement.

Forbidding Starbucks

Some people in China are campaigning to keep Starbucks out of the Forbidden City. (Runs 2:12)

A China Central Television anchor and others don't want the popular American coffee chain in the Forbidden City. They believe there should not be any Western cultural influence within the traditional site.

Suicide by Fire

For some women in Afghanistan who see no hope for the future, death is the only way out. (Runs 2:47)

Under the Taliban regime, women in Afghanistan couldn't work or get an education. They could be punished - often brutally - for wearing lipstick or nail polish. With the fall of the Taliban things were supposed to get better. But they haven't. In fact, faced with a life in Afghanistan, some women are choosing death instead.

Iceland Melting

Is global warming destroying Iceland's glaciers? Experts measuring the melting ice are concerned. (Runs 12:29)

It's one of the world's best barometers of global warming. The ice in Iceland is easy to see and measure. And the experts say the dramatic melting is a wake-up call we shouldn't ignore.

Apple Co-Founder

He's one of the world's most successful computer geeks. Apple computer co-founder Steve Wozniak talks about the past, present and future. (Runs 8:30)

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sparked a revolution when he and partner Steve Jobs built the first prototype back in the '70s. Wozniak shares his thoughts on the past, present and future.

Among the Believers

Among the Believers takes you inside the alleged Toronto terror cell with an exclusive interview with a CSIS mole and police informant. (Runs 41:37)

Why would young Muslims living in western, democratic societies plot to commit murder in their own backyards? The fifth estate explores the phenomenon of self-radicalizing violent extremism growing among young Muslims around the world.

Skateboarding for Christ

Previously wild teens are battling their demons on a different playing field these days, fighting for Jesus. (Runs 6:07)

It's a teenage phenomenon; instead of duking it out on street corners these days, young men are increasingly turning to Jesus.

Freedom Writers

California teacher Erin Gruwell motivated her students to excel, inspiring the movie Freedom Writers. She talks to The Hour. (Runs 9:06)

L.A. teacher Erin Gruwell taught her angry students to trade their guns for pens to vent their frustration, and in the process inspired a generation and a movie starring Hilary Swank.Erin Gruwell talks about Freedom Writers.

Second Life

It's addictive and out-of-this-world successful. Millions of fans have created fantasy lives on Second Life. (Runs 9:32)

It's entertaining, addictive and phenomenally successful. Millions of fans have created new lives on Second Life making it the new billion-dollar addiction.

Car Karma

A surprising study finds astrology affects traffic; Leos are the best drivers, Libras are the worst. (Runs 7:13)

An insurance expert crunches the numbers and discovers your star sign might account for your dismal driving record. It seems Leos are the best drivers Libras are the worst.

Moment of Truth

Steven Truscott faces what may be his final battle to clear his name. (Runs 37:46)

At the age of 14, Steven Truscott was sentenced to hang for the murder of Lynn Harper. Several years ago the fifth estate uncovered evidence that showed the case against Truscott was dubious at best. Now Truscott's conviction is before an appeals court.

Bling and Planet Rock

It's brilliant - producer Raquel Cepeda takes three diamond clad rappers to Sierra Leone to meet the men who mine North America's bling. (Runs 6:02)

If you gotta have bling Raquel Cepeda wants you to buy with a conscience. That's why she dragged three-star rappers, Paul Wall and Tego Calderon to Sierra Leone to make this film.

Green Cars

The hydrogen car is finding its place on California's highways. (Runs 5:54)

Californians are looking into using hydrogen as an alternative source of fuel for vehicles. Engines that use hydrogen are smaller and quieter, but have some challenges.

Green Houses

Californians are leading the way with green and energy-efficient homes. (Runs 7:22)

Californians have made efforts to be more environmentally friendly in powering their households by using alternative sources, such as solar enegery. Now there's a popular new trend for Californians to live in green and energy-efficient subdivisions.

Michaelle Jean

Governor General Michaelle Jean talks about Alzheimers, Afghanistan and her controversial remarks about Quebec. (Runs 13:48)

Imagine a life of inspecting the guard, handing out medals and opening Parliament now and then. Many people think that's all the Governor General does. This vice regal says there's way more to it than that. Michaelle jean spoke with CBC's Susan Ormiston as she celebrated her first anniversary.

Renegade Brit

Renegade British MP George Galloway is an outspoken critic of Tony Blair, George Bush and now Stephen Harper. (Runs 10:08)

Outspoken British MP George Galloway wants the west to stop the killing, and let Muslim countries sort out their own politics. He has harsh words for Tony Blair, George Bush and now for Canada's tougher foreign policy. He talks to The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos.

The Denial Machine

A hurricane has engulfed the debate about global warming, kept alive by big business, and pitting science against spin. (Runs 39:59)

How could scientific fact, which many believe could determine the very future of the planet, become a political battleground? The fifth estate investigates the roots of the campaign to negate the science and the threat of global warming.

Net Police

A crack team of cyber cops are working to keep kids safe online. (Runs 3:04)

How do you protect kids online, away from predators who prowl the internet? One way is to catch the bad guy. But when it comes to the world wide web, that means world wide surveillance. Britain is meeting the challenge with a crack team of cyper cops.

Strippers' Mission

They're Jesus Christ's Girls and proud of it! Former porn stars and strippers have a divine mission working the red light district for God. (Runs 4:10)

They still look like the porn stars or strippers they used to be; now calling themselves Jesus Christ's girls, they encourage others with checkered pasts to embrace God.

Margaret Trudeau

She captivated Canadians' hearts as a young newlywed, now Margaret Trudeau opens up about the stigma of mental illness. (Runs 6:53)

She once made headlines as a Prime Minister's unruly wife, now Margaret Trudeau is making headlines in her attempts to help others. Trudeau shares her thoughts on her charity work in Africa, and talks about her bipolar diagnosis and the stigma of mental illness with The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos.

Town on Top of the World

The families of Grise Fiord have overcome staggering obstacles to make lives for themselves in the far north. (Runs 20:15)

More than fifty years ago, the federal government promised good hunting and a better way of life to seven families living in Northern Quebec. They were moved to Grise Fiord, the most northerly community in Canada. No one was prepared for life that far north, for 24-hour darkness and terrible isolation. But from that harsh beginning emerged a story of endurance and perseverance.

The Rat

An insider who snitched on mob members responsible for shooting Louise Russo is now on the run. He talks to the fifth estate. (Runs 39:22)

In 2004, Louise Russo was struck by a bullet from a semi-automatic gun while waiting in line at a sandwich shop in Toronto. Police had no leads until Raffaele Delle Donne came forward. Delle Donne talks to the fifth estate about the Toronto Sicilian mafia, including turf wars, betrayal and attempted murder.

Luck of the Draw Update

The fifth estate has found even more problems with lotteries, since it first told the story of a lottery clerk stealing a winning ticket. (Runs 21:05)

Bob Edmonds won a quarter of a million dollars, but didn't realize it at the time. When he finally figured out that a lottery retailer had collected his prize, the Ontario Lottery Corporation wouldn't pay him, and fought him in court. After the story aired, the fifth estate was flooded with viewer response, leading to even more discoveries.

Sex and the Governor

New Jersey's hot young governor was on the fast track when a former gay lover threatened him. James McGreevey fessed up and wrote a book. (Runs 7:53)

New Jersey's photogenic young governor was on the fast track, when a former lover accused him of sexual harassment. McGreevey took the situation as a chance to publicly admit his secret life. He admitted he is gay and left politics. He talks to Carole MacNeil of CBC News: Sunday about his new book The Confession.

Sacha Trudeau

In a CBC news exclusive, Sacha Trudeau speaks out about the motion to recognize the Qu??b??cois as a nation. (Runs 2:55)

Alexandre "Sacha" Trudeau has not followed in his father's policitical footsteps. But the middle son of the late prime minister says everything his father believed in and worked for is now at risk of being wiped out by a mere few words.

Watching Britain

What do you do when Big Brother has his eye on you? (Runs 2:25)

Do you ever get the feeling someone's watching you? Well, in Britain it's almost guaranteed. The British are among the most watched and spied upon people in the world. Privacy experts are alarmed about that. But what do the subjects of all that surveillance have to say?

Enslaved Ricky Williams

Toronto Argos superstar running back, Ricky Williams, talks spirituality, success and football. (Runs 8:32)

He's a star running back, but Toronto Argos' Ricky Williams doesn't let success go to his head. The spiritually-inclined Williams shares with The Hour his thoughts on life in Toronto, the NFL, drugs and his path to enlightenment.

Medal Winners

Four Canadian soldiers are being rewarded for their bravery in Afghanistan. (Runs 6:16)

Four soldiers who risked their lives helping fellow troops in Afghanistan are being rewarded for their courage. The soldiers have been chosen to receive the Medal of Valour from the Governor-General.

Iceman

When a young hockey player disappears in the Austrian Alps, his parents are shocked to find local police aren't interested in helping them. (Runs 41:15)

23-year-old Duncan MacPherson was on his way to a new job in Scotland when he decided to make a stop in the Austrian Alps. That's where he vanished - for 14 years. The fifth estate reveals missed leads, a botched investigation and indifferent authorities that seem more interested in protecting the tourist industry than finding out how Duncan MacPherson died.

Solo Around The World

Intrepid environmentalist Tim Harvey has been walking, biking and boating around the world for more than 800 days - and he's not done yet. (Runs 7:46)

Young, fearless and thirsting for adventure, Vancouver's Tim Harvey has spent 878 days walking, biking and boating solo around the world. He's hiked in Siberia and kayaked through the jungle. He tells all to Peter Wall at CBC News: Sunday.

Russian Gays

Russia can be a difficult place to live if you're gay, especially now, with talk of sending gays to the gulag. (Runs 5:40)

When the Soviet Union fell, human rights were supposed to rise from its ashes. For gay Russians things pretty much stayed the same. Today, gays still face harassment and intimidation from the far right, and there's talk of sending gays to the gulag.

Stinky Hockey Gear

Bacteria inside hockey bags may not just create a stink, it may be harmful to your health. (Runs 5:48)

Hockey is one of the few sports where players sweat like pigs and don't wash their gear. So hockey gear can get pretty ripe. But can it kill you? Well, some say that bacteria inside hockey bags that rarely get cleaned out can cause health problems.

Taser Deaths

Tasers are meant to be used by police to stun suspects, but how often do they kill? (Runs 20:00)

The Taser can bring a suspect to his knees with a blast of electricity. It's billed as an effective force that doesn't kill - an alternative to the gun. But how much are Tasers used by police, and just how non-lethal are they? Frederic Zalac, with Radio-Canada's Enjeux, has this report for The National.

The Jesus Papers

In the controversial The Jesus Papers, author Michael Baigent claims Jesus didn't die on the cross. He tells The Hour how he knows. (Runs 4:04)

Controversial biblical scholar and author Michael Baigent claims Jesus did not die on the cross. In The Jesus Papers, Baigent claims Jesus was drugged, taken down alive and released. He says the proof is in historical documents.

Genocide Survivors

A Canadian woman helps survivors of the Rwandan genocide put their lives back together. (Runs 16:18)

The survivors of Rwanda's genocide include some remarkable women; left alive without family, without dignity, without hope. Then a Canadian woman responded to that tremendous evil and suffering by springing into action, to help whatever way she could. The CBC's Grant Gelinas has the story for The National.

Avenging Angel

Under the cover of darkness, a seemingly ordinary young man from Cape Breton sets out on an extraordinary mission - to kill pedophiles. (Runs 35:05)

To his friends and family in Cape Breton, Stephen Marshall was a quiet, sweet-natured young man. But, last Easter weekend he stunned everyone by gunning down two men whose names he'd found in a sex offender registry on the internet, then killed himself. As the fifth estate's Linden MacIntyre reports, Marshall joined a growing list of killers whose crimes are swift, brutal and incomprehensible.

Alice Cooper Hates Golf

Alice Cooper insists he is nothing like the blood spewing, shock rockin' villain he plays on stage. (Runs 5:19)

His legions of fans know him as a blood spewing, shock rocker, but Alice Cooper shows his gentle side in this TV interview with George Stroumboulopoulos of The Hour.

Cambodia AIDs

A Canadian woman is giving hope to Cambodians living with AIDS. (Runs 12:14)

If you're in the mood to be inspired, and perhaps humbled, meet Marie Ens. Uprooted from the Canadian prairie, she's planted herself in the middle of the AIDS pandemic in southeast Asia. As The National's Darrow MacIntyre finds, her purpose is to bring a little comfort and hope to people who have seen little of either for a very long time.

Unveiling Women

Three young Canadian Muslim women debate the pros and cons of covering their heads, faces or entire bodies in the western world. (Runs 10:27)

To veil or not to veil? Three young Muslim women explore the pros and cons of wearing traditional head coverings in the western world, with Carole McNeil, co-host of CBC News: Sunday.

Luck Of The Draw

An unsuspecting lottery winner is cheated out of his money, while the lottery corporation fights paying him. (Runs 40:13)

It's a gamble most of us have taken - buying a ticket at a corner store, hoping against all odds, to be the newest lottery winner. It's a long shot. But what if you did win and never found out? Gillian Findlay reports on a fifth estate investigation.

Foreign Correspondent: Israel

CBC foreign correspondent Adrienne Arsenault tells it like it is on The Hour. (Runs 5:51)

One of Canada's top journalists tells it like it is. CBC's former Middle East Bureau Chief, Adrienne Arsenault describes the risks and challenges of covering a political hot spot like the middle east.

Crashing The Gate

He's the hottest liberal blogger on the net, now Markos Moulitsas talks about his republican-bashing bestseller, Crashing the Gate. (Runs 4:51)

He's the biggest thorn in the sides of net-savvy republicans. Liberal blogger Markos Moulitsas, author of Crashing the Gate: Netroots, Grassroots and the Rise of People Powered Politics, makes an art of lambasting Bush.

Kandahar School

The generosity of an Ontario man is making a difference for children in a Kandahar school. (Runs 2:30)

This is the story of an Ontario man who made a huge difference in the lives of some school children in Afghanistan. It's because of him that they have things that we take for granted - desks, notebooks and pencils. Chris Brown reports for The National.

Morning After Pill

The morning after pill is stirring up a storm of controversy in the U.S. (Runs 11:34)

Sex. As a word - and a deed - is one of the biggest political footballs in the United States. It's a constant tug of war between ardent conservatives and more liberal Americans. Case in point: Plan B. The so-called morning after pill. It recently received partial approval for over-the-counter sales in the U.S., in a compromise steeped in political intrigue and pressure. The National's Kelly Crowe has the story.

Chipping At Your Privacy

They know where you are! You, too, could be the victim of tracking devices you don't even know exist. Discover RFID's. (Runs 4:48)

Wired magazine's technology reporter, Annalee Newitz warns that RFID's - Radio Frequency Identification Devices - are tracking your every movement, with or without your knowledge, because tiny computer chips in nearly everything you buy can be read by hackers.

Kandahar Heat

The climate of Afghanistan is one of the stressful challenges facing Canadian soldiers. (Runs 3:10)

Afghanistan puts many demands on Canadian soldiers. Most of those challenges are well known. But there's one you don't hear about too much. The heat. The National's Brooks DeCillia has the story.

Paranoid Parents

Hi-tech devices help parents track the whereabouts of their teens. (Runs 2:28)

Keeping tabs on teenagers is always a bit of a cat-and-mouse game for parents. You might be surprised to know the lengths some of them are going to these days - and the technology they're using - to try to keep their kids safe. The National's Jo Lynn Sheane has the story.

Costello and Toussaint

When New Orleans blues star Allen Toussaint lost everything to Katrina, pal Elvis Costello showed up to record The River in Reverse. (Runs 2:33)

Legendary New Orleans bluesman Allan Toussaint loses his house to Hurricane Katrina,then pal Elvis Costello joins him recording the tribute, The River In Reverse. They tell The Hour why.

Drug Court

In a radical move to break the cycle of drugs, crime and imprisonment, a handful of cities are taking a different approach to punishment. (Runs 20:54)

Here's a look at a different approach to getting drug addicts to kick the habit. It's about choosing the carrot over the stick, and coaxing addicts into helping themselves. The stage is Vancouver's drug courts. The players are judges, counsellors and a couple of guys named Marcel and Cameron. Frederic Zalac of Radio-Canada's Enjeux has this award-winning report.

Hamid Karzai

Afghan president Hamid Karzai speaks with Peter Mansbridge about Canada's involvement in Afghanistan. (Runs 9:25)

Afghan president Hamid Karzai recently addressed Parliament, thanking Canada for its contribution to his country. But there is still debate here about the nature of our mission in Afghanistan. In a nutshell: should we be fighting or building? Or both? CBC's Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge, spoke with Karzai.

Movie Star Activist

He's been a star for decades (remember M.A.S.H.,) but time hasn't dimmed Mike Farrell's political fire. (Runs 4:22)

Mike Farrell, actor, producer, activist (remember M.A.S.H.) has never avoided tough choices. He's just finished a controversial new movie and is an avid critic of George Bush and the war in Iraq. He tells The Hour how he juggles it all.

AIDS Survivor

Hope for a cure for HIV/AIDS is coming from a surprising source. (Runs 9:15)

A lot of attention is focussed on the prevention of HIV/AIDS. But some are holding out hope for a cure. The potential source of that cure may come as a surprise: people with HIV who don't get sick, and sex workers who are exposed to the virus over and over again but never get infected. The National's Maureen Taylor goes on a search for the genetic key to beating AIDS.

Stephen Harper Interview

The Prime Minister talks to Peter Mansbridge about Canada's mission in Afghanistan. (Runs 11:07)

The Afghanistan mission is a dangerous one. As the number of casualties continues to climb, Canadians are divided on whether our armed forces should be there. Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke with CBC's Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge, about Canada's committment in Afghanistan - the setbacks, the goals and the road ahead.

The CSI Guy in Vegas

He created the hit show CSI, now Anthony Zuiker takes The Hour on a tour of his home turf in Las Vegas. (Runs 4:45)

Inspired by the mean streets of Las Vegas, Anthony Zuiker gave the world CSI. Now the master producer takes The Hour on a tour of his home town.

Anti-Big Box

A small town in England takes a stand against a huge grocery store chain. (Runs 3:38)

Big box or big trouble? It's a familiar debate, as retailing giants like Wal-Mart transform the way things are bought and sold. But, in many parts of Britain the corner store is still king. And when a powerful grocery chain tries to move in, the fight is on. The National's Azeb Wolde-Giorghis has the story.

Polar Bear Quotas

The polar bear population of Davis Strait is growing, contrary to reports by environmentalists worried about the effects of global warming. (Runs 2:52)

A three year study on the population of polar bears of the Davis Strait concludes the bears are becoming more numerous, contrary to international status reports by environmental groups which claim that polar bear populations are dwindling, likely owing to the problems caused by global warming. Inuit hunters are frustrated by such reports and worry the US government may impose a ban on the import of all polar bear products. Odile Nelson reports for The National.

For Your Consideration

Toronto International Film Festival: Poking fun at Hollywood. (Runs 1:54)

One big reason so many stars show up at the Toronto festival is that Hollywood studios use it as a staging ground for the start of their Oscar campaigns.And that makes a new satire on the silliness of Oscar buzz all the more perfect to premiere at the festival.

Cheap and Nasty Bombs

Home-made bombs are big business these days. Noah Shacktman explains why improvised explosive devices are a terrorist's favourite tool. (Runs 4:10)

You can make a bomb with just about anything. All you need are instructions and a willing coach. Explosives expert Noah Shacktman explains why IED's (improvised explosive devices) are a popular underground killing tool from South America to the Middle East.

Batty City

Furry mosquito-eaters are making Calgary home. (Runs 2:03)

It seems human beings aren't the only ones moving to Calgary these days. Nocturnal wildlife - bats - are flourishing. Cameron MacIntosh reports for The National.

Beijing

Beijing is a bustling construction site as it prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games. (Runs 5:07)

Beijing is remaking itself, with the old making way for the new. The city has lived through 5000 years of civilization.And some feel the design of the new city and conservation of the old are being overlooked in the rush to reinvent itself. Patrick Brown has this look at an amazing work in progress.

Suzuki's Kyoto

Canada's favourite environmentalist David Suzuki pens a bio, and criticizes the Conservative government for its stand on Kyoto. (Runs 6:48)

Canada's favourite environmentalist David Suzuki pens a bio, and criticizes the Conservative government for its stand on Kyoto. Canada's favourite environmental crusader David Suzuki is passionate about protecting the air we breathe. The outspoken scientist has written a best selling biography that occasionally praises Canada's concern for critical issues like climate change. But Suzuki is furious at the current government's lack of concern.

Work Snooping

You may want to re-consider who you're sending emails to from work. (Runs 2:16)

You may want to re-consider who you're sending emails to from work. Have you ever worried your boss is reading those personal emails you send from work? Turns out, you may be right to worry. A new Canadian study suggests your employer probably is reading them and keeping track of you in other ways you may not even know about. Melissa Fung has more for The National.

Jerusalem

Jerusalem is rich in history and marked by conflict; a city of diversity and division. (Runs 6:21)

Jerusalem is rich in history and marked by conflict; a city of diversity and division. Jerusalem is home to Jews, Christians and Muslims. The Holy City is thousands of years old and has been shaped by multiple civilizations. Today, Jerusalem is a city of contrasts; the affluent Jewish West Jerusalem and the struggling Arab East Jerusalem. Adrienne Arsenault has this report on the ancient city.

Holy Ratman

Rat Scabies, the drummer for The Damned, is a Holy Grail fanatic at heart. (Runs 8:01)

Rat Scabies, the drummer for The Damned, is a Holy Grail fanatic at heart.The search for the Holy Grail is legendary. From the crusaders to the lone crusader, former rock star Rat Scabies. Scabies, who was the drummer for The Damned in another life, now spends his time exploring rumours of the Holy Grail.

Dying Lake

Lake Winnipeg is in trouble and scientists are racing to find answers. (Runs 2:35)

Lake Winnipeg is in trouble and scientists are racing to find answers. The province of Manitoba is committing more money to find out what's wrong with Lake Winnipeg. It has funded research for several years, and is now promising another 100-thousand dollars. Lake Winnipeg covers nearly 25-thousand square kilometres. And scientists say it's dying.

Unionized Foster Parents

Foster parents in one US state are going after more compensation than they're getting. (Runs 3:39)

Foster parents in one US state are going after more compensation than they're getting. Just about everyone will agree that people who volunteer as foster parents should get our appreciation, even our admiration. After all, they're disrupting their own lives to care for children who are sometimes deeply troubled and carry baggage from a broken life. Well, some foster parents in Washington State have decided they deserve more than what they're getting.

Message Bottles

One scientist is mapping the world's ocean currents by sending out messages in bottles from Canada's Arctic. (Runs 1:42)

One scientist is mapping the world's ocean currents by sending out messages in bottles from Canada's Arctic. There's lots of scientific experiments taking part in Canada's Arctic. One involves mapping where water travels in the oceans. To find out, one scientist is sending messages in bottles. CBC's Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge, reports from the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, Louis S. St. Laurent.

Aids Grannies

Aging grandmothers in South Africa are struggling to raise their grandchildren, orphaned by AIDS. (Runs 13:59)

Aging grandmothers in South Africa are struggling to raise their grandchildren, orphaned by AIDS. As they get older, and their lives slow down, many grandmothers expect their children to care for them in their remaining years. But, the children of South Africa's grandmothers - an entire generation of adults - are dying of AIDS. So, many grandparents are becoming parents again; shouldering the responsibility of raising their orphaned grandchildren.

The Gods Must Be Crazy

Creators Lawrence Longo and Blake Leibel, explain their hilarious, racy and blatantly blasphemous animated series, Earth TV. (Runs 4:07)

Imagine a black Jesus, a sexy Mary Magdalene, a hip hop Buddha and a cranky Mother Nature. Add a slew of anti-religious sentiments and an outrageous sense of humour and you have Earth TV. Creators Blake Leibel and Lawrence Longo explain their hilarious debut series.

Arctic Sovereignty

Climate change is making the waters of the Arctic, and the famed Northwest Passage, easier to navigate - and harder for Canada to claim. (Runs 7:16)

Canada's Arctic is changing. Warmer temperatures mean less ice, and waters that are easier to navigate. It leads to a critical question; how can Canada stake its controversial claim to those waters? CBC's Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge, reports from the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, Louis S. St. Laurent.

CSIS Mole

A CBC News exclusive; a rare and detailed view inside the alleged plot to blow up targets in Canada. (Runs 3:05)

In June, seventeen suspects were arrested in Ontario on terrorism-related charges. Mubin Shaikh says he infiltrated the group that was allegedly behind the plan to bomb sites in Toronto and Ottawa, and even behead the prime minister. He was working with CSIS and the RCMP and says the ultimate takedown of the suspects happened because of help from Canada's Muslim community. In his first television interview, Shaikh spoke with the fifth estate's Linden MacIntyre.

Venezuela's Chavez

The Hour's Yassir Khan visits the barrio in Venezuela to find out who supports President Hugo Chavez and why. (Runs 5:34)

The Hour's Yassir Khan visits the barrio in Venezuela to find out who supports President Hugo Chavez and why.

Over-Hydration

Too much water on a hot summer day could be dangerous. (Runs 2:24)

With scorching summer temperatures, doctors remind us it's important to increase consumption of fluids during a heat wave, especially when exercising. But, for some athletes the advice is not so straightforward. Sometimes the last thing a body needs is more fluid. The National's Maureen Taylor explains.

Beirut Journey

As thousands fled the bombs in Beirut, others struggled to get back to the city. (Runs 9:42)

What kind of person would want to get into Beirut these days? Among others, there are the desperate and the dedicated. They have to catch the one ship that's willing to take them, and leave them to their uncertain future.That's how the CBC's Susan Ormiston got to Beirut, and she asked her fellow passengers why they were making the trip into harm's way.

Black Gets Flack

Producer Rick Caine exposes Canada's blacklisted media baron Conrad Black in his documentary Citizen Black. (Runs 6:37)

Disgraced media baron Conrad Black and his socialite wife Barbara Amiel have been tabloid headlines for months. The billionaire Black seemed to have it all; money, wealth, fame and a royal title. Now Rick Caine, who produced the film Citizen Black, gives us a look at the mind behind the Lord who could soon be in prison pinstripes. (2005)

Weekend Soldiers

Reservists are playing a key role in Canada's efforts in Afghanistan. (Runs 2:44)

As the military shops for new trucks, it's calling on some specialists to keep the existing fleet on the road. Many of them are weekend soldiers. They're reservists in the Canadian Forces, and they're playing a critical role in Afghanistan at homebase and on the frontlines. David Common reports for The National.

South Park Guys

Creators of the edgy TV phenomena South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, talk up their movie Team America on The Hour. (Runs 5:57)

South Park's gregarious creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker talk up their movie Team America. Sean Penn stars in the animated satire that aims to equally offend everyone. (2005)

Landlocked Navy

Bolivia is a landlocked nation yearning for the sea. (Runs 3:43)

Every summer Bolivia celebrates the sea, playing recordings of ships tooting and sea gulls squawking over loudspeakers. In keeping with this nautical aspiration, Bolivia has a navy; one that trains to sail the high seas even though they are so very far away. The National's Joe Schlesinger reports.

Fight Club

It's a nasty, brutal film, but Chuck Palahniuk makes no apologies for Fight Club. He even counts Brad Pitt among his friends. (Runs 5:50)

Chuck Palahniuk was just another mechanic in Portland, Oregan when he wrote the brutal Fight Club. His book turned into a hit movie for Brad Pitt and Edward Norton.Palahniuk tells The Hour he just reworked all the unforgettably violent urban myths.

Who Rules Iran

Eight years ago a much heralded moderate government came into power in Iran, but has anything changed? (Runs 5:15)

Eight years ago expectations for reform were high as Iranians elected a moderate President. Young voters were eager to embrace some form of democracy. Nader Hashemi of the University of Toronto explores the highs and lows of Iran's convoluted internal politics on The Hour.

Desperate Journey

West African migrants desperate to escape poverty, are risking their lives boarding rickety boats to make a dangerous crossing. (Runs 3:03)

They are hungry, thirsty and desperate. West Africans are arriving on the beaches of Spain's Canary Islands by the hundreds. Europe is their land of opportunity and the migrants are willing to risk everything to get there. Nancy Durham has more for The National.

Closing the Doors

France's attempts to limit the flow of immigrants are being met with charges of racism. (Runs 3:01)

There's a growing unease in much of Europe these days; concerns about refugees who turn up at European borders. Many countries have been cracking down on these illegal immigrants. Paul Workman reports for The National on French legislation that's in the works. Supporters call it immigration reform, but opponents call it racism.

Sesame Street WOW

It's the most watched, and some might say most influential show in the world. Sesame Street has become an unlikely force for good. (Runs 7:37)

Sesame Street has become a true cultural phenomenon and a force for good. Not only is it the most watched show, it's been adopted in 120 countries and it promotes the positive values of each country it's shown in. Filmmakers Linda Goldstein Knowlton and Linda Costigan travel the globe to explore the impact of the little show that can't be beat.

Blue Man Blues

CBC's Derrick Beckles volunteers to audition for the famed Blue Man Group. (Runs 2:04)

The celebrated Blue Man Group is an international award winning theatrical experience. CBC's Derrick Beckles wants to join them, so he gave it his best shot.

Multicultural Genius

Columnist John Ibbitson says Canada's multicultural society works, despite claims from some that it invites the enemy within. (Runs 6:08)

Canada has long prided itself on being one of the most welcoming nations in the world to immigrants. But the public mood has shifted - since 9/11 and especially in the wake of the arrests of alleged terrorists in Toronto. Some Canadians are now asking if we're inviting potential enemies within. Columnist John Ibbitson disagrees. He argues that many don't fully appreciate the genius of our multicultural model. He spoke with CBC's Brian Stewart.

Anchors Away

CBC network star Peter Mansbridge stops by to chat with The Hour's energetic George Stroumboulopoulos. (Runs 1:35)

CBC network star Peter Mansbridge stops by to chat with The Hour's energetic George Stroumboulopoulos, as both head off on vacation.

Iran's Hero

She has won international acclaim for her peaceful fight against oppression in Iran. Outspoken lawyer Shirin Ebadi shares her insight. (Runs 5:32)

She is one of the most outspoken women in Iran. Lawyer and human rights activist Shirin Ebadi refuses to leave the country, and refuses to stay quietly.She has put up with death threats and jail time and is the first Iranian to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Ebadi tells The Hour why she does it.

Help in Haiti

A Montreal woman helps the weakest and most vulnerable in Haiti. (Runs 4:05)

Haiti is one of the most poverty-and-violence blighted countries on earth. But one ray of hope comes from an inspiring woman from Montreal. She's set up a special clinic to provide medical help for disabled Haitian women and children. Neil Macdonald reports for The National.

Water Lady

Susan Smith is helping poverty-stricken Mexicans create safer living conditions and cultivate more rewarding lives. (Runs 13:01)

Susan Smith is a Canadian who has spent a lifetime trying to help people in the worst places on Earth. She was recently honoured by the University of Calgary as one of its top graduates ever. Smith's latest mission is in Mexico. She's in a small town with huge problems trying to help the locals to a better life. The National's Darrow MacIntyre has this report.

Gay in Cuba

Cuban filmmaker Carlos becomes Carolina over the course of his highly personal film, The Two Cubas. Carolina explains. (Runs 3:38)

Carlos becomes Carolina over the course of a brave, and personal film The Two Cubas. Screened at Inside Out, Toronto's Gay and Lesbian film festival, the Two Cuba's explores Carolina's surgeries, challenges and new life.

Finding Jimmy Hoffa

In his controversial new book, Philip Carlo solves the mystery of what happened to corrupt union boss Jimmy Hoffa. (Runs 9:46)

In his new book, Iceman: Confessions of a Mob Contract Killer, Philip Carlo traces the life of one of New Jersey's most successful mob hit men. The Iceman was a childhood friend of several mafia dons, so when they needed a stone cold killer to settle a grievance, he was called in. Carlo says among his many hits was flamboyant teamster leader Jimmy Hoffa.

Scammed

Marketplace takes you inside the world of identity theft with a look at the latest trend in online scamming: "phishing." (Runs 24:24)

It's called "phishing" because crooks try to hook you online by sending you bait - emails that look like they're from legitimate companies. The messages trick you into revealing personal information, like credit card numbers, passwords and social insurance numbers. With a click of your mouse, the damage is done. You can lose money from your bank account, your credit, even your identity.

Kyoto U-Turn

Canada's image as a leader in environmental protection is taking a beating as the country backslides on its Kyoto commitments. (Runs 19:45)

Canada has long been seen as an international leader in environmental protection. But environmental groups are loudly complaining that Canada has let them down; that and the Conservative government is undermining 15 years of global effort to address climate change. In the meantime, Europeans are experimenting, amid some controversy, with alternate forms of energy.

Todd Bridges Re-Born

Todd Bridges was a thirteen year old superstar, drawing enviable ratings on the hit sitcom Different Strokes, before his life fell apart. (Runs 6:16)

Child actor Todd Bridges reveals burning more than a few bridges in his wild youth. Now clean and sober, the comic actor who helped make Different Strokes a ratings winner for a decade, says he's found peace, prosperity and a new religion.

War Games

The US military has set up 12 fake Iraqi towns to train recruits. The Hour takes a personal tour. (Runs 9:21)

What better place to train recruits than a fake village? The US military has created 12 Iraqi villages to give young soldiers realistic training grounds. The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos takes a personal tour.

ASBOS Town

Brits are using Anti-Social Behaviour Orders to get troublemakers off the streets. (Runs 4:00)

You may not have heard about ASBOs, but they're popular in Britain. They're Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and many see them as the best thing Tony Blair has done for the country. People are using them to get troublemakers, almost all teenagers, off their streets. The CBC's Don Murray reports from Manchester, where more ASBOs have been issued than anywhere else.

Brilliant New Yorker

David Remnick is one brilliant New Yorker. The outspoken editor writes a best seller while editing the magazine. (Runs 6:05)

David Remnick riffs on popularity, politics, and Putin. He admits he is not big on holidays. The philosophical writer has increased circulation of one of the world's most prestigious magazines, and at the same time written enough editorials to publish a collection.

New Age Argos

Ricky Williams is the highest paid running back in the CFL and a potential Argos star. He's also the most controversial. (Runs 4:11)

He's the highest paid running back in the CFL, and could be a star, but Ricky Williams is also an original. He's a spiritually enlightened, pot smoking, yoga loving athlete. And that has unnerved the league and some fans. Williams explains.

Something About Charlie

Basketball star Charlie Villanueva fights off the court for children with a challenging disease he knows something about. (Runs 8:37)

Charlie Villanueva has come a long way from Queens, New York. He just finished his rookie season with the Toronto Raptors and he was named to the NBA's all-rookie first team. But there's more to this guy than just how many slam dunks he can make in a game. Villanueva is reaching out to kids with whom he shares a special connection. Diana Swain has this report for The National.

The Enemy Within

In Europe, multiculturalism is being blamed for growing radicals. Is Canada learning that lesson the hard way? (Runs 22:33)

Allegations of a homegrown terrorist plot have Canadians asking, how could there be enemies within our own country? After all, Canada is a country that embraces tolerance and diversity. But some believe that's precisely how - that multiculturalism doesn't work. In Europe, a growing number of politicians blame multiculturalism for the rise in radical Islam. The National's Mark Kelley went to Europe to hear about The Enemy Within.

Cyber Jihadism

The internet is global, easily accessible and it's the main networking tool for radicals. (Runs 2:30)

A key part of the alleged terrorist plot to carry out attacks in Canada may be what role the internet played. It's become an essential tool for the jihad generation, from recruiting new members to planning attacks. The information is just a click away. Ionna Roumeliotis explains.

The Investigation

Canadian counter-terrorism efforts are way up. But are they working? (Runs 8:07)

Security has become a priority like it's never been before, since the September 11th attacks in the U.S. And with more money, a bigger staff and better technology, Canadian counter-terrorism efforts have not only grown, but they've changed dramatically. The National's Senior Correspondent, Brian Stewart, explores some of those changes and whether they're actually working.

K-os and Billy Talent (2005)

Two award-winning, trend-setting rockers, Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent and K-os mix it up with The Hour. (Runs 9:30)

Canadian music stars, K-os and Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent share road stories with The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos. The two stars are surprisingly sympathetic to Michael Jackson and his troubles, and are fans of political action. K-os explains why he feels being happy is the new revolution.

Foo Fighters (2005)

He rose to fame as a member of the tragic Nirvana, now guitarist Dave Grohl talks about his fifth album as a Foo Fighter. (Runs 3:47)

The Foo Fighters' Dave Grohl and Chris Shiflett talk to The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos about music, fame, and politics. Grohl admits he's taken some heat for his anti-Bush comments, but says he won't hide his politics.

Rwanda J-School

During the Rwandan genocide, the media was either absent or implicated. Today there are hopes for a new generation of journalists. (Runs 3:32)

Rwanda is a country still recovering from a genocide that resulted in the slaughter of 800,000 people. The international media was reluctant to cover the story, while the local media was used as a tool to spur on the violence. Now, twelve years later, efforts are underway to educate a new generation of journalists.

Africa

Drought and crop failure push northeast Africa closer to famine, while South Africa still struggles in the post-apartheid era. (Runs 20:09)

Africa is a continent facing many challenges. In the Horn of Africa, drought and crop failure are leaving millions on the brink of starvation. In South Africa, where apartheid ended more than a decade ago, the country is still struggling with poverty and disparities between the rich and poor. Our World, with host Brian Stewart, examines the troubles facing Africa today.

Coldplay (2005)

Chris Martin and Johnny Buckland of Coldplay do Dylan, sympathize with Brad and Angelina, and put in a plug for fair trade. (Runs 8:09)

Coldplay singer Chris Martin and guitarist Johnny Buckland reveal their thoughts on Bob Dylan, U2, and the paparazzi. Martin's great loves include his band and baby daughter Apple. The prolific songwriter admires U2's dedication, and sympathizes with Brad and Angelina as they try to shake off the paparazzi.

John Singleton (2005)

Acclaimed filmmaker John Singleton, of Hustle and Flow, tells The Hour he was destined to make movies. (Runs 4:00)

Acclaimed producer-sdirector John Singleton broke barriers with hits like Hustle and Flow, Four Brothers, and Boz n' The Hood. He reveals he grew up fascinated by movies and dreaming of being the "guy in charge." He picks stories with passion, and characters in crisis.

The End of Print

The race is on to turn books into bytes. What does the future hold for readers, writers, and the publishing industry? (Runs 22:22)

Are blogs and bytes bashing books into oblivion? And in the emerging world of digital fiefdoms, where citizen journalists log on and spew their version of the truth, is the new technology gutting the press? Host Jian Ghomeshi goes to New York City to find out, while Margaret Atwood defends the cold, hard pages of a good read.

Animal Cruelty

A dog dragged behind a pickup truck led to demands for changes to animal cruelty laws. Seven years later, a look at what's changed. (Runs 3:16)

It was a shocking case of animal abuse involving a dog dragged behind a pickup truck. The incident led to demands that federal laws against animal cruelty be strengthened and penalties increased. That was seven years ago. CBC's Ron Charles checks in to see what changes, if any, were made to the law.

Questioning Christ

To heaven? Hell? Or a paradise lost? Irreverent host of The Hour, George Stroumboulopoulos welcomes all peaceful religious debate. (Runs 1:32)

Irreverent host of The Hour, George Stroumboulopoulos puts The Closer on this episode by welcoming peaceful religious debate.Prompted by The DeVinci Code, Stroumboulopoulos says curious discussion keeps the faith, all faiths alive.

Ben Harper

He's opened for R.E.M., Radiohead and Pearl Jam. Charismatic songwriter Ben Harper tells The Hour you've got to pursue your dreams. (Runs 5:00)

His funk-laden folk-tinged rock music has made him an underworld star. Ben Harper is the ultimate road hound, playing 150 shows a year as he seeks the wisdom of a higher power. Harper tells The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos everyone should be free to pursue their dreams.

The Guess Who

Superstar rockers Burton Cummings and Randy Bachman reminisce about the good old days as they team up and head back out on the road. (Runs 2:50)

Sixties iconic rockers Burton Cummings and partner Randy Bachman of The Guess Who are teamed up again for a sold out season of summer shows. The gregarious pair reminisce with The Hour host, George Stoumboulopoulos about the highs, lows and bad habits that drive bandmates crazy on the road.

The End of TV

Television is coming to a computer, cellphone or iPod near you. The future is portable, and the days of conventional TV may be numbered. (Runs 23:27)

TV has become unplugged. New technology means you're no longer stuck at home, at the mercy of a network schedule. PVRs and digital cable let you watch your favourite show on demand. Handheld devices let you take it with you. And viewers are no longer just viewers. They can be producers, uploading their own work to video blogs. As Jian Ghomeshi discovers, this path could be a dangerous one for conventional television.

Red Hot China

A superpower in the making, with the legendary city of Shanghai sparkling brightly as a beacon. (Runs 22:41)

It has the world's fastest growing economy and its influence is global. But China also faces significant challenges. It has a fragile environment, and an alarming gap between the wealthy cities and the poor countryside. And while China's Communist Party has transformed itself into a political model never seen before in the world, some question where that will lead. Our World, with host Brian Stewart, explores the puzzling giant.

Flu's Gold

Buying into pandemic fear. The hunt for a prescription drug everyone wants, but nobody can get. (Runs 24:05)

Marketplace goes on a hunt for the drug, Tamiflu. It's a surprising journey into a secretive underworld where the rules are being broken. The chase crosses borders into a world of illegal activity where corporate head offices turn out to be post office boxes, a foreign doctor is duped by fake patient profiles and questionable pharmacies deal with bogus prescriptions. All play a role in a scheme cooked up by masterminds looking to cash in on public fear.

Franz Ferdinand

Scottish heartthrob and member of super sexy Franz Ferdinand, Alex Kapranos, answers The Hour's 5 Questions. (Runs 5:14)

Super sexy rocker Alex Kapranos of Franz Ferdinand tackles The Hour's 5 probing questions. Kapranos admits being a slave to sobbing, to having once owned the least sexy car possible (a Lada,) and to being a fan of Glasgow's restaurants. Kapranos also admits his favourite Beatle is Ringo even though he says the others were more talented. He calls it nostalgia.

Climate Crusader

An Australian scientist and bestselling writer has become a cult hero in his quest to rally consumers to stop climate change. (Runs 6:01)

Rising star and international poster boy for environmental awareness, University of Adelaide professor Tim Flannery, is making saving the environment cool, one country at a time. The affable professor has penned an international bestseller, The Weather Makers, that millions of readers hope will galvanize this generation of politicians to crack down on polluters, and make saving the Arctic ice cap a priority.

Eat This

Writer and former competitive eater Ryan Nerz spills the beans on the ins and outs of gorging for glory. (Runs 4:58)

Writer Ryan Nerz gets the skinny on gorging. In his new book Eat This! The former competitive eater explains how the pros pack on the pounds in training and coax muscles to expand on command. How else to swallow 65 eggs in 6 minutes, or chug a gallon of milk in seconds. Nerz dismisses the myths and tells The Hour, gorgers with big guts struggle and even for eating champs, thin is in.

Ride the Rollercoaster

Take a thrilling ride on Canada's newest, biggest and fastest rollercoaster - Goliath. (Runs 1:34)

With plunging drops of up to 52 metres and speeds reaching 110 kilometres an hour, Goliath will take your breath away.

Davids vs Goliath

Canada's biggest and fastest rollercoaster is on the tracks. With breathtaking drops and sharp twists, Goliath is a thrill-seeker's delight. (Runs 2:40)

Goliath, at Montreal's La Ronde, features a 52-metre drop and speeds reaching 110 kilometres an hour. Winning the right to be the first intrepid passengers on the wild giant were 72 people named David. Andrew Chang dared to get on board and has this report.

The End of Radio

Uploads, downloads, ripping, burning. New technology for music delivery is nipping at the heels of radio. (Runs 22:23)

With so many new ways to listen to music - podcasting, satellite radio, digital radio - many question whether conventional radio can survive. There's more selection than ever before and it's available on demand. CBC's pop culture specialist, Jian Ghomeshi, ponders the fate of radio as we know it.

Iraq 3 Years On

Violence and confusion are the order of the day in Iraq. Civilians struggle to get by while Iraqi leaders search for a political solution. (Runs 21:06)

April marked the third anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. It comes at a time when the country is still in turmoil. Civil war is a real threat. And Iraqis are struggling with chronic shortages of electricity and water. Yet despite relentless insurgent attacks, some Iraqi politicians believe there's hope and are trying to find a way to unite the country. Our World, with host Brian Stewart, looks at the critical situation in Iraq.

Moving Mountains

Getting food and supplies to the survivors of October's earthquake in Pakistan is a staggering job. It belongs to Canadian Keith Ursel. (Runs 41:50)

The earthquake that devastated Pakistan's Kashmir province in October left three million survivors without homes or communities. Many of those survivors live in mountain villages, further isolated by the destruction of the few roads that reach them.Getting food and other aid delivered to those villages is the job of Canadian Keith Ursel, with the UN's World Food Programme. It's a frustrating job requiring enormous dedication. Paul Workman reports for Correspondent.

Gary Sinese: Actor/Activist

TV and movie star Gary Sinese has a hit with CSI Miami, but the politically connected actor is also helping US troops in Iraq. (Runs 5:41)

Movie and TV star Gary Sinese is making waves worldwide with his international hit, CSI Miami, but the politically savvy actor is not too busy to play for US troops in Iraq.He says it's the least he can to do help. He's also started a charity to help Iraqi children.

Afghanistan Democracy?

Journalist and author Kathy Gannon predicts constant chaos and an ongoing struggle for democracy in Iraq. (Runs 5:29)

Kathy Gannon is one of the long serving western journalists in Iraq. She's covered the Russians, the drugs, the internal wars, and the recent US attacks. Gannon has poured it all into a compelling read, I if for Infidel: from Holy War To Holy Terror.In this candid interview she tells The Hour democracy may be a pipe dream in a country where corrupt government ministers are also the country's biggest drug dealers.

Sam Roberts - Chemical City

Rugged rocker Sam Roberts shares his politics, pain and fear of flying with The Hour's George Stroumboulopoulos. (Runs 5:08)

He hates American Idol, but reads People magazine. Independent darling, best selling rocker Sam Roberts shares his taste in pop culture, TV, and politics with The Hour host George Stroumboulopoulos. Roberts, whose best-selling Chemical City has made him the envy of Canada's alternative rock scene, admits his greatest phobia, a fear of flying.

The New Latin America

Latin America swings to the left in a struggle with poverty and corruption. And a presidential candidate promises a revolution for the poor. (Runs 20:49)

The election of left-leaning governments in Latin America in recent years is being called a Pink Tide and it's profoundly re-shaping the political character of the continent. Brian Stewart examines Latin America's historic shift to the left on Our World.

Hang the President

Controversial MIT professor and intellectual Noam Chomsky has radical views and is proud of it. (Runs 5:42)

He has legions of die-hard fans, international fame, hate mail and death threats. MIT professor and intellectual Noam Chomsky has controversial views and is proud of it. intellectual Noam Chomsky has controversial views. He is no fan of George Bush and tells The Hour why.

Nickelback

Nickelback stars Chad Kroegar and Ryan Peake love the Beatles and Bob Marley. But that's where the similarities end. (Runs 3:25)

Multi-selling, award-winning rockers Nickelback submit to The Hour's probing personal questions. Chad Kroegar and Ryan Peake argue over their favourite Beatle and Bob Marley. A final meal is a smorgasbord of beef versus perogies, and sexy Heather Graham is a hot fave.

Football Legends

Football superstar siblings, Damon and Marcus Allen answer The Hour's probing, personal questions. So does their dad, Red. (Runs 4:52)

Football star brothers Damon and Marcus Allen owe it all to their biggest fan, their dad, Red. In this exclusive interview with The Hour, the Allen clan share their favourite groove tunes, late night snack, and creepy beliefs. A mink coat makes one brother shine, and the trio admit to shedding tears too often!

Beyond Words

Images of war shape our understanding of conflict. The world's top war photographers talk about the images which enlighten and haunt us. (Runs 9:03)

Photojournalism is a powerful medium in times of war. Yet we tend to hear very little from the photographers whose images shape our consciousness of warfare. Beyond Words, produced by CBC News: Sunday, focuses on the world's top war photographers. Many have been wounded. Some have seen colleagues die. All have been scarred by what they do.

Frost Bite

The bizarre story of how a young NHL player hired a hit man to kill his agent, and yet continues their relationship from behind bars. (Runs 40:18)

In April 2004, NHL player Mike Danton was arrested for conspiring to kill his agent, David Frost. A fifth estate investigation revealed the troubling relationship between player and agent, dating back to Danton's childhood. Bob McKeown now delves deeper into the jailhouse conversations between Danton and Frost, and explores the relationship between Frost and one of hockey's most powerful people, Bob Goodenow, former head of the National Hockey League Players Association.

Arctic Monkeys

Brit band the Arctic Monkeys only have one CD, but as The Hour finds out, they're already touring with Oasis. (Runs 3:52)

Meet the latest British pop phenomena. The Arctic Monkeys have just released their first CD and they're already a cult hit, touring with Oasis.Band mates Matt Helder and Andy Nicholson credit their early success to sold-out live shows and the fact they're "really good." The two tell The Hour how the internet and blogs affected their popularity.

The Choking Game

It's often ruled a suicide. But as the mother of one young Alberta boy found out, his death was the result of a dangerous game. (Runs 23:33)

When Amanda Bryant's nine-year-old son was found in his bedroom with a belt around his neck, it changed her life forever. His death was initially ruled a suicide. Amanda found it hard to believe that her happy, outgoing son would take his own life.She began a search for answers and found hundreds of stories on the internet about children whose sudden, unexplained deaths could have been caused by The Choking Game. Linden MacIntyre of the fifth estate has the story.

The Closer: Betrayal

It's a nasty betrayal voters won't forgive or forget. The Hour disses politicians who cross the line. (Runs 1:38)

It's becoming commonplace; politicians who pocket a perk, betraying their neighbours and their parties at the same time.The Hour calls it a betrayal to run for one party and then cross the line, literally joining the opposition.

Broken Border

Hundreds of thousands of Mexicans sneak across the US-Mexico burder each year. It's raising concerns about threats to national security. (Runs 43:27)

Residents along the border call it a migrant invasion. Five thousand people illegally cross the border into the US every day. Most are just looking for work. But authorities admit just about anyone, including terrorists, could be getting across.The US Border Patrol has added hundreds of agents and acquired sophisticated new technology to try to stop the human tide. But as David Halton reports for Correspondent, it appears they're fighting a losing battle.

Body Snatchers

It's a horror movie come to life. The Hour tracks down the truth behind a ring of body snatchers buying and selling bodies for big bucks. (Runs 5:41)

Body Snatchers buying and selling body parts is bad enough. It's worse when you consider where those body parts wind up - in patients who are waiting for bone or tissue transplants.The investigative reporter who broke the story in NYC tells The Hour a corpse is worth $160 thousand or more, and this illegal trade is a booming business.

Dangerous Defects

Recalls can be the result of dangerous defects. The trouble is you???re not always told about them. (Runs 24:18)

Almost every day in Canada, something in your house is recalled. Unfortunately, consumers don't have much protection when faulty products make the journey to store shelves and into your home.If a product goes wrong - even if it becomes dangerous due to flaws in its design or manufacture - there's not much of a system in place to protect you. Erica Johnson of Marketplace reports on Dangerous Defects; the Seven Myths about Product Recalls.

Red Devil Inn

Tucked away in the mountains of Kandahar province is a corner of Canada; an outpost soldiers call Red Devil Inn. (Runs 4:32)

Canadian forces have set up a strategic remote outpost north of Kandahar called Red Devil Inn.It's the first of a network of outposts being set up to extend Canadian control in Afghanistan. The National's Patrick Brown has this report.

A Harsh Reality

NAFTA was supposed to bring big money to Mexico. And for awhile it did. Then the realities of a global economy kicked in. (Runs 15:42)

Mexicans had visions of growth and prosperity when the North American Free Trade Agreement was signed 12 years ago. But the reality has been much more harsh. Canada, the United States and Mexico share many common interests,but their economies are influenced as much by global markets as by each other. That's especially true for Mexico where the impact of China's huge manufacturing industry has hit home in a hard way. Heather Hiscox of The National reports.

Local Hero

Elwood Battist wasn't expected to do much with his life, except exist. And then he surprised everyone. (Runs 16:15)

When Elwood Battist was a little boy, he was considered a long shot to survive. Severely disabled, he was locked away in a huge facility with other kids like him. Decades later they were pushed out into the community to largely fend for themselves.It could have been a disaster, but what happened next has turned into a remarkable story of determination. Bob McKeown of the fifth estate has Elwood's story.

Chasing The Cancer Answer

Marketplace's Wendy Mesley has fought cancer and is now searching for answers as to why it's happening to so many Canadians. (Runs 26:00)

Wendy Mesley of Marketplace is looking for answers. After fighting the disease herself, she wants to know why Canada's cancer rates are rising. She's getting some disturbing answers.Chasing the Cancer Answer travels the world to provide revealing interviews with an outspoken doctor, frustrated cancer victims, pharmaceutical sales reps and activists.

The Alberta Rocket

A wave of prosperity is sweeping across Alberta. The economy is red hot and everywhere is the promise that the best is yet to come. (Runs 18:42)

The New Alberta is the land of opportunity, a magnet for success-seekers set on making their fortunes. Fuelled by a million barrels of oil a day, Alberta is in the midst of a gigantic boom. And everyone is benefiting from the high spenders.But all this new wealth brings a new challenge of how to turn the economic boom into long-term benefits.

Warlords Take Office

Former warlords and militia leaders, once responsible for inflicting enormous cruelty, now hold political power in Afghanistan. (Runs 11:54)

Many Afghan tribal leaders who were warlords or militia leaders during past decades of torture and abuse are now ensconced as judges, governors, cabinet ministers and legislators. A few outspoken critics aredismayed that these former leaders maintain power and are discouraged by Hamid Karzai's refusal to try them for war crimes. In fact, they say there's little chance of true political change in Afghanistan with so many former warlords holding so much power.

The National

Watch The National with Peter Mansbridge. Video updated each weekday at 11:30 PM EST. (Runs 59:50)

Chief correspondent Peter Mansbridge anchors The National -- the most comprehensive hour of nightly news and current affairs on CBC Television.Documentaries, interviews and the in-depth examination of stories covered by CBC's top journalists reinforce The National's reputation as one of the world's greatest newscasts.