Uptown Magazine - February 5/09
CKUW’s 10th Anniversary CD
Propagandhi / Pip Skid / Novillero
It’s hard to imagine now, but for many years Winnipeg was one of the largest cities in Canada without a campus/community radio station. Although CKUW was established in 1968 as a closed-circuit station, it didn’t hit the FM airwaves until April 1999. There have been plenty of changes since the 450-watt station went on the air, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the fact the small community broadcaster relies heavily on a PBS-style fundraising campaign which raises over a quarter of the station’s budget every year. This year, CKUW’s goal this year is to raise a record $50,000. Along with regular incentives such as T-shirts, hoodies, a discount card for local businesses and other prize packs, the station has created a special commemorative CD celebrating its 10 years on the air. Featuring 10 local acts including Propagandhi, Grand Analog, Nathan, The Gorgon, John K. Samson and Vav Jungle, with each covering an “inspirational local artist.” The limited-edition CD will only be available to those who donate to CKUW’s Fundrive. The station will also be releasing the songs digitally (and for free) each day during Fundrive through its website. As a special sneak preview, here are new tracks from Novillero (covering Nathan’s Trans Am), Pip Skid (Johnny Sizzle’s Mötley Crüe Love Child) and Propagandhi (Global Genocide’s FRFP). This year’s Fundrive runs from noon Feb. 6 to Feb. 13, and you can expect the unexpected as CKUW hosts pull out all the stops to get listeners to support their shows. Novillero, Greg MacPherson and Oldfolks Home will perform live at the Pyramid on Feb. 6 for the CD release party. To donate to CKUW’s Fundrive, call 774-6877 or visit ckuw.ca.
While this new, web-based application won’t help you hail a cab when it’s -30, it will help you estimate what it’s going to cost you to get from downtown to that party in the ‘burbs, or help you easily connect with cab companies when you are travelling. Using Google Maps and the cost of cab service in whatever city you are in, Taxi Me is a simple way to estimate your cab fare. Keep in mind this is just an estimate, so don’t start arguing with your cabbie when you end up paying more than you expected.
Quick Hits
Obama Me
This simple tool helps you create a Shepard Fairey-style poster of yourself similar to the one the street artist/designer did of Obama in the run-up to the election.
The Top 10 Rap Songs White People Love
Although the person who compiled it lifted the idea from the Stuff White People Like blog, this collection of rap songs is right on the money.
Act like You Know
Self-proclaimed pseudo-Internet celebrity Sarah Morrison has a new blog. While she hasn’t stopped writing the often-hilarious My Best Week Ever, she’s also now causing trouble with a few friends on Act Like You Know for Yobeat.com.
