Silvaine Zimmermann M.Sc., is a quadrilingual networker and B&B operator who studied Oceanography and Environmental Sciences in Europe, Mexico and Canada. Silvaine is an "original Green", an environmental, peace & social justice activist who endeavors to work in solidarity with aboriginal peoples. She was elected as External Liaison for the Green Party of BC in 2005, as Federal and Provincial Director At Large in 2006, she is the International Representative to the Global Greens for Canada, was a federal candidate in 2006, an organizer and co-chair in the 2004 federal election; previously instrumental in electing greens to municipal councils & has managed many provincial and federal Green Party campaigns. "I have seen the mainstream adopt a green paradigm in many ways, but believe Greens can lead the way towards more meaningful & participatory democratic systems by improving our consensus seeking processes with a mirthful spirit of compassionate, respectful honesty and co-operation."

Silvaine speaks about elements of the global green consciousness including nuclear non-proliferation, globalization and exploitation of natural resources, building solidarity through web-based communications, aboriginal rights, bio-regionalism, and environmental health.

FROM THE INTERVIEW: "Even though we are not many... [the Greens have] had a major impact and it hasn't been enough by any means but I'm hoping we can build on that... to counteract this multinational capitalist rip-off and destruction of the environment."

"We need to unite socially whether or not we're workers, we need to see beyond the left, right debate and we need to look at social justice as a fundamental thing... "

Over the past 30 years Silvaine initiated groups promoting grass roots democracy, world peace, social justice, inter-cultural harmony and environmental sustainability.

duration: 40 minutes, Recorded Dec. 18, 2006
download streaming audio from PDX IMC web radio

EDITOR'S NOTE: There were a couple technical glitches that occured in the beginning and caused a partial ommission of Silvaine's comments about nuclear proliferation. Sincere apologies to listeners and Madame Zimmerman.

Granma Waters Interview - I am so greatful to my grandmother Waters for doing this interview for her grandchildren and for her great-grandchildren. We love you and appreciate you so much. Thank you with much love in our hearts.

41 minutes: [listen here]
-OR-
[download]

Salmon Nation Block Party! - From September 9, 2006
Music by Everyone Orchestra, March Forth Marching Band, and Gamelan X. Short interviews with Jeremy Five Crows of the Inter-tribal Fish Council, with Rosie Mezaika of Johnson Creek Watershed Council, Caitlin Blethen of Growing Gardens, and Sara of Zenger Farms.

LISTEN to Streaming audio

Or visit Odeo.com for the MP3 download

MICHAEL SHUMAN Speech + Interview
On September 14, 2006 Michael Shuman gave a presentation in Portland, Ore. sponsored by the Sustainable Business Network of Portland and the Northwest Earth Institute. Michael Shuman, an attorney and economist, is vice president for enterprise development for the Training & Development Corporation (TDC). He has written, co-written, or edited six books, including Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in the Global Age, and, most recently, The Small-Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition. He is currently on the Board of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies also known as (BALLE).
Following his presentation, I had the privilige of speaking with Mr. Shuman on September 26, 2006 - stay tuned after the speech to hear that interview - Or you can download it separately below.

Michael Shuman's speech drew contrasts between what he suggests are the two main archetypes of modern capitalist thought. To these he gives the acronyms TINA and LOIS. TINA, representing the view put forth by Thatcher is simply, There Is No Alternative to a global economy - TINA has two basic mantras that economic developers follow he says, "get Toyota to locate in the backyard, and export your goods as far and wide as possible." LOIS is the view represented by the late Jane Jacobs, and it stands for Locally-Owned and Import-Substituting development. The import substituting is another way to say "it makes sense to be as self-reliant as possible."

LISTEN TO SPEECH + INTERVIEW (90min*16MB)Streaming (dial-up friendly) -OR-
Download MP3 from Odeo.com

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW ONLY (30min)Streaming (dial-up friendly) -OR- Download from Odeo.com

Jerry Wennstrom Interview - On September 12, 2006 I had the great privilege to interview Mr. Jerry Wennstrom, an artist, teacher and author. During our forty minute conversation, we spoke about his transformation from an artist in SoHo during the seventies, to a freeform human spirit. His choice to give up worldly possessions and destroy his artwork at the age of twentynine was inspired or guided by intuition about trusting the universe. In the course of the next twelve years, his spirit grew and blossomed as it was given new life in the sacrifice of ego.

I learned a great deal in this short conversation and you will too. Many people might often wonder about our current zeitgeist and what is the meaning of this crazy world we’re stuck with. Take a short journey with me towards the soul of someone who discovered how to embrace it by letting go.

Visit the website of Jerry Wennstrom and Marilyn Strong: Hands of Alchemy

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Kevin Danaher speaking at 2006 Oregon Country Fair. Kevin talks about local green economy and triple bottom line. This is one of the most inspiring speeches I've heard to date - A MUST LISTEN!

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July 12, 2006 Music, news and commentary

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