Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Andy Kroll, Kevin Neish, janine Bandcroft July 11, 2011

This week: Andy Kroll is a reporter in the Washington, D.C. bureau of Mother Jones magazine. He’s also been a featured guest on MSNBC, Al Jazzeera English, Current TV, and Democracy Now! commenting on the state of the nation’s economy. Andy Kroll too serves as an associate editor at the online public affairs site TomDispatch, where his latest article, ‘What We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Jobs: How Racism, Global Economics, and the New Jim Crow Fuel Black America’s Crippling Jobs Crisis.’

Andy Kroll and the black and white of joblessness in America in the first half.

And; last week, Gaza Freedom Flotilla II attempted to sail into the “liberated” Gaza Strip to deliver aid and messages of good will from the world beyond Israel’s unofficial blockade. Victoria’s Kevin Neish traveled again across the world to participate, planning to make a second journey on the Turkish cruise ship, Mavi Marmara.

Kevin is back in Victoria, and will join us in the second half to discuss his second encounter with the Israeli embargo in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us up to speed with the goings on on Victoria’s streets and beyond. But first, Andy Kroll and the jobless behind America’s jobless recovery.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Ape Goes to BC Hydro Open House July 9, 2011

I went down to BC Hydro's open house, held at Hydro's West Saanich Rd. offices expecting a serious-minded attempt by the publicly-owned Crown Corporation to explain some of the serious concerns British Columbians have about the state of the Corporation regarding increased outsourcing, Run of River schemes gone bad, the controversial Site C dam, and the nearly billion dollars estimated to be spent on the extremely controversial SmartMeters program. What I found instead was hot dog stands, games for the kids, and a half-dozen booths full of feel good pamphlets and various other bits of corporate communications PR materials. Hydro president David Cobb did show up, and I managed a few words with him, and some more with the few demonstrating outside the event. – Ape.

[[Note: Reference to BC Electricity Commission (BCEC) should read "BC Utility Commission (BCUC). -ed]

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Patrick Henningsen, Janine Bandcroft July 4, 2011

This week: Patrick Henningsen is a UK-based pundit, commentator, online editor, journalist, and founder of 21st Century Wire, a news service launched during the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Summit.

According to them, The 21st Century Wire is an attempt to, quote; “deliver content that looks squarely at power, its architecture, as well as the seeds of corruption.”

Henningsen is in the United States today, following the burgeoning story of twin nuclear disasters in the making in the heartland that aren’t making the headlines.

Patrick Henningsen in the first half.

And; the Annual Pastor’s for Peace Caravan to Cuba embarked on its 22nd trans-continental pilgrimage to bring goods sanctioned by the United States to that embargoed Caribbean island.

Our own two-time Caravanista, CFUV broadcaster, and Victoria Street Newz publisher, Janine Bandcroft accompanied the Canadian contingent from our neck of the woods here in the Pacific Northwest to the Peace Arch at Blaine, Washington to see this year’s crew safely across the border.

Janine Bandcroft reporting from the crossing with the Pastor’s for Peace Caravan in the second half.

And; Janine will join us live at the bottom of the hour to bring us other news from Victoria and beyond. But first, Patrick Henningsen from the waters rising around America’s Midwest nuclear facilities.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the website, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Janine Bandcroft, Canada Gaza Boat Rally June 27, 2011

Today, a tale of two sieges: Over the weekend, supporters of the Canada Gaza Boat came out to the Tourist Information Centre at the heart of Victoria, B.C.’s Inner Harbour to give voice to bring to an end the years-long blockade of Palestine, and most severely, the Gaza Strip. Randy Caravaggio leads the speechifying in the first half.

And; the 22nd annual Pastor’s for Peace Caravan to Cuba is set to cross the continent with goods and necessities of life denied the Cuban people these many decades past due to the U.S. embargo of the Caribbean island nation. Sarah Allwell will be heading down Cuba way with this year’s Caravan for the second year in a row. Sarah Allwell in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond. But first, Canada’s contribution to the international effort to stop finally Israel’s brutal and illegal blockade of Palestine and the Gaza Strip.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Ape Goes to the Canada Gaza Boat Rally June 25, 2011

Supporters of the Canada Gaza Boat came out to the Tourist Information Centre at the heart of Victoria, B.C.’s Inner Harbour June 25th to give local voice to the attempt to bring to an end the years-long blocade of Palestine, and most severely, the Gaza Strip. Randy Caravaggio leads the speechifying.

And; the 22nd annual Pastor’s for Peace Caravan to Cuba is set to cross the continent with goods and necessities of life denied the Cuban people these many decades past due to the U.S. embargo of the Caribbean island nation. Sarah Allwell will be heading down Cuba way with this year’s Caravan for the second year in a row.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

G-Radio is dedicated to social justice, the environment, community, and providing a forum for people and issues not covered in the corporate media.

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Janine Bandcroft, Smart Meter Rally June 20, 2011

This week: B.C. Hydro’s big plan, the (estimated) billion dollar installation of so-called Smart Meters is underway, but not everyone thinks it’s so smart. The devices will eliminate the need for meter readers, and purportedly make your energy use more efficient. What could be wrong with that?

Well, despite the many meter readers who must pound the pavement for new work, people with electro-magnetic sensitivities, and those concerned about the proliferation of WiFi signals in our environment, say these machines pose a real health threat. There is also the little matter of privacy and security.

A few weeks ago, activists gathered at the B.C. Legislature buildings to voice their concerns about the Smart Meter plan.

Smart and less so schemes for B.C.’s electricity consumers in both segments today.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Paul Stamets, Don Pratt, Janine Bandcroft June 13, 2011

Paul Stamets is a world renowned mycologist whose decades of work with fungi, and especially mushrooms, have opened doors onto these largely unappreciated but essential life-forms that have a lot more in common with you than you may realize.

He is the author of six books including: ‘Psilocybin Mushrooms of the World,’ ‘MycoMedicinals: An Informational Treatise on Mushrooms,’ and his latest, ‘Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World.’ Stamets is also the recipient of numerous awards, including: the 1998 “Bioneers Award” from The Collective Heritage Institute, and the 1999 “Founder of a New Northwest Award” from the Pacific Rim Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils, and he was named one of Utne Reader’s 2008 “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Your World.” Paul Stamets is also the founder of the company, Fungi Perfecti.

Paul Stamets in the first half.

And; if Canadians need further evidence of the Kafkaesque direction this country is headed, the case of professor Hassan Diab offers excellent instruction. The former sociology professor’s bail renewal was refused last week after an Ottawa judge OK’d his extradition to France, even though that order was based on evidence the judge had already cited as “problematic,” and the French authorities themselves had deemed inauthentic.

Regardless, Dr. Diab, a Canadian citizen, now faces being sent back to France, where his supporters say he faces unsubtantiated charges in a more than thirty year-old crime he insists he knows nothing about. It all points out the abysmal state of Canada’s Extradition law, and the affront to justice it represents.

Don Pratt is with the Hassan Diab Support Committee and joins us in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will be here at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond. But first, Paul Stamets and the mycelium that could save the world.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Thomas H. Greco, Jon Elmer, Smart Meter Rally, Janine Bandcroft June 6, 2011

This week: Thomas H. Greco is an economist who has, through his books, articles, and website, ‘Reinventing Money.com, worked to, quote: “[D]emystify money by presenting the best leading-edge ideas on monetary and non-monetary exchange.” Greco’s book titles include: ‘Money and Debt: A Solution to the Global Crisis’ (1990); ‘New Money for Healthy Communities’ (1994); ‘Money: Understanding and Creating Alternatives to Legal Tender’ (2001); and his latest, ‘The End of Money and the Future of Civilization (2011). Thomas H. Greco penned numerous articles, and has travelled the world, lecturing on currency and money systems.

Thomas H. Greco in the first half.

B.C. Hydro’s big plan, the (estimated) billion dollar installation of so-called Smart Meters is underway, but not everyone thinks it’s so smart. The devices will eliminate the need for meter readers, and purportedly make your energy use more efficient. What could be wrong with that? Well despite the many meter readers who must pound the pavement for new work, people with electro-magnetic sensitivities, and those concerned about the proliferation of WiFi signals in our environment, say these machines pose a real health threat. There is also the little matter of privacy and security.

Smart and less so schemes for B.C.’s electricity consumers in the second half.

And; Jon Elmer checks in from Bethlehem to update last week’s deadly demonstration at the Golan Heights.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond. But first, Thomas H. Greco and the end of the (economic) world as we know it.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Ape Goes to the Stop the Smart Meter Rally June 1, 2011

BC Hydro’s plan to spend at least $1 billion to replace our current electricity meters is making people angry and they are questioning why the rush, and why no debate.

People will be travelling from all over the area to demonstrate opposition to the Hydro plan at the Legislature, Wed. June1, at 12 noon.

At the same time, John Horgan, MLA, Energy Health Critic, and Sue Hammel, MLA, are presenting petitions with hundreds of signatures to the Legislative Assembly demanding a halt to the “Smartmetering and Infrastructure” program, before the session ends on Thursday June 2nd.

The purpose is to bring to the attention of government and the public the many deficiencies in the plan as presented. Organizers stress that these meters are not “green” as originally claimed, nor do they save any energy, or money for customers and the province, while in fact the reverse is true in that they waste energy – and our money – in order to function.

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Jon Elmer, Ingmar Lee, Janine Bandcroft May 30, 2011

This week: Jon Elmer is a Canadian freelance journalist, who has lived in and reported from Occupied Palestine for the better part of the last decade. Jon's articles have appeared at the InterPress Service, al Jazeera, and other international news services, as well as at his own site, JonElmer.com. Jon Elmer from Bethlehem in the first half.

Ingmar Lee is a long-time local activist, who has spent the better part of the last decade and a half trying to protect British Columbia's forests and environment from the rapacious and ongoing assault of fortune seekers both foreign and domestic who see nothing but personal profit when regarding our magnificent shared natural heritage. Ingmar Lee and holding the line in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us up to speed with what's going on on our streets and beyond. But first, Jon Elmer and the Arab Spring's uncertain harvest.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

AmyZelaya

LIVE BLOG: Democracy Now! Reports On Manuel Zelaya’s Historic Return to Honduras

Amy Goodman is reporting today on the return of President Manuel Zelaya as he returns to Honduras after a 23-month exile following the coup d’etat that began June 28, 2009. It was the first military coup in Central America in a quarter century. Democracy Now! will report on Zelaya’s return to Honduras from Saturday, May 28th through Monday, May 31, 2011. Check this space for audio reports, photos and more.
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Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, John Perkins, Steve Anderson, Janine Bandcroft May 21. 2011

This week: John Perkins is a spiritual seeker, world traveller, educator, author, and self-confessed former “economic” hitman. His best-selling book, ‘Confessions of an Economic Hitman’ offers a rare insider’s look at the rude underbelly lying beneath the polished veneer of sophisticated operatives who define and decide the fate of nations.

The purpose of Bill C-51 is to quote: “[T]o modernize certain offences in the Criminal Code and the Competition Act to take into account new communications technologies and to equip law enforcement agencies with new investigative tools…” end quote. But that is only a partial description of what C-51’s next incarnation promises for online Canada.

Steve Anderson is founder and National Coordinator of OpenMedia.ca. He’s a multi-discipline media producer and social media consultant, ho advocates for net neutrality, among other things. He has worked for the upstart net media company, The Real News, and he’s also worked with The Center for Media and Democracy, FreePress, and Free Speech TV. Steve Anderson and what Harper means to do with your internet in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond; but first, John Perkins and who is doing what to the financial system, and how we can stop them.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Kevin Neish, Ken OKeefe, Janine Bandcroft May 16, 2011

This week: It was May 31st last year, when Israeli military commandos attacked the Mavi on the high seas, in international waters, as it took part in a five ship aid convoy headed for the blockaded Gaza Strip. As of today, there is yet no official sanction, charges, or accounting for Israel’s operation that ultimately saw nine, unarmed activists murdered in cold blood.

Kevin Neish is a long-time, Victoria-based activist who has traveled as a peace observor to Palestine, borne witness to elections in South and Central America, and who has, on numerous occasions made the arduous journey through the Colombian legal system to bear witness too to that country’s persecution of union activist, Liliany Obando imprisoned without trial for her human rights work for nearly two years now. Kevin is readying himself now to return to the Mediterranean to again board the Mavi Marmara in the second of what activists promise to be an annual attempt to try the Israeli embargo.

Kevin Neish in the first half.

And; two weeks ago, iconic Democracy Now! host, Amy Goodman paid a visit to the Salt Spring Forum, for a wide-ranging address billed as “The Importance of Independent Media in a Time of War.”

Amy Goodman from the Salt Spring Forum in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will be here at the bottom of the hour to bring us news from the city’s streets and beyond. But first, Kevin Neish and setting sail again for Gaza.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com

Ape Goes to Richard Walker

Richard will give a 1 1/2 hour talk on food forests and why they are such an essential piece of food sovereignty and then 30 minutes for questions on everything from why your 10 year old plum tree looks so weary to what’s the 4 most valuable medicinal plants to grow.

This will be a fundraiser with proceeds going to Victoria’s own Food Forest – Spring Ridge Commons and the budding Vancouver Island Permaculture Community Group.

May 13, 2011 from 7pm to 9pm

Website or Map: http://www.permaculturebc.com

Event Type: community, permaculture, fundraiser
Organized By: Permaculture BC
Latest Activity: 4 hours ago
Spring Ridge Commons: http://springridgecommons.ca

Vancouver Island Permaculture Community Group:http://www.meetup.com/Vancouver-Island-Permaculture/

Refreshments will be provided by Transition Victoria Food Group.

Everyone Welcome. For additional information, please visit: http://www.permaculturebc.com/

PPS: Richard has a few $100 site consults available for Monday May 16th, please contact Permaculture BC to book your spot.
In the hour, he walks the land, assess what is established and establishing and through hearing the need of the client, provides recommendations for future siting, species selection and implementation.

Gorilla Radio with Chris Cook, Gilad Atzmon, Phil Nauta, Janine Bandcroft Mon. May 9, 2011

Gilad Atzmon is known for his unsparing criticism of the policies of his former home-country, Israel and the complicity in those policies of his ex-compatriots and their supporters within the Sayanim community of diaspora Jews. He has been assailed from all sides for his uncompromising determination to speak out for human rights denied the occupied Palestinian people, remaining one of the most thoughtful and ardent proponents of justice for the victims of Israel, while his writing and lectures serve as clarion for a more humane world.

Gilad Atzmon is currently on the road, touring the USA to “meet with friends and supporters to talk about Israel, Palestine and the power of the beauty.” He is using the tour to fund raise for various humanitarian causes concerning Palestine, and will join us from San Francisco in the first half.

Phil Nauta is an organic gardener, educator, entrepreneur, and author. He was a seminal instructor with Gaia College here in Victoria, and is a past director with The Society for Organic Urban Land Care, or SOUL. While in town, he also ran an organic landscaping business and organic fertilizer retail business, saying he is “compelled to write and teach other gardeners about organic methods.” He does that now through his SmilingGardener website, and with his new book, ‘The Holistic Gardening Handbook.’

Phil Nauta, getting dirty in the garden, and living it in the second half.

And; Victoria Street Newz publisher and CFUV broadcaster, Janine Bandcroft will join us at the bottom of the hour to bring us up to speed with some of the goings on going on on Victoria’s streets and beyond. But first, Gilad Atzmon talking up the power of beauty on the road in America.

Chris Cook hosts Gorilla Radio, airing live every Monday, 5-6pm Pacific Time. In Victoria at 101.9FM, 104.3 cable, and on the internet at: http://cfuv.uvic.ca. He also serves as a contributing editor to the web news site, http://www.pacificfreepress.com. Check out the GR blog at: http://GorillaRadioBlog.blogspot.com