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The Pirates of Puntland

// June 30th, 2009 // No Comments » // Issue

Piracy and Civil War is running wild in Somalia, and though a very sensitive issue, we took the time to educate ourselves as best we could as to what the origin of these issues are and in what ways we can further spread awareness to our communities about what we feel is a sad and sorry act of human destruction on the livelihood of fellow people.

The Puntland region of Somalia has been literally raped of its fishing trade for nearly twenty years. Through illegal fishing and toxic waste dumping off the Northern shores of Somalia, the fishing trade for the Somali people has been taken away from them. The issue of the two that bothers us more than anything is that of toxic waste dumping. Accusations have been made since the early 90s accusing Asian and European companies of dumping waste off the northern shores of Somalia which in turn has poisoned the waters, the fish that once made for a popular trade, and the people who live in the Puntland region.

In December 2004, in the wake of the Tsunami that devasted the world, evidence of this dumping was literally thrown ashore as the UN Environmental Program was made witness to barrels of leaking toxic waste that washed up on the Puntland coast due to the power of the Tsunami’s waves. The fishing trade is now next to dead in Northern Somalia, and the people of the region are suffering. From this an industry of piracy, where some act for greed while some act to protect Somalia from the misuse of its ocean waters, has developed into a international issue with few who have any idea how to improve the situation.

We are provided great privilege in Canada, and are very aware of the importance of the fishing industry to our own country’s well being. As people with privilege we can make a difference to this issue that affects the country of origin of an estimated 200,000 fellow Canadians. Grade Scool is committed to doing something to bring greater awareness of this situation to our community. UNICEF is attempting to run primary education programs in the Puntland region that is affected most by this issue. Grade Scool believes that access to information and education is the crucial factor that can improve anyone’s life and so we plan to run a year long campaign in support of UNICEF Somalia in hopes of building a school for the children of the Puntland region.

We are doing this for the betterment of the children of the Puntland region.

How can you help?

1) If it is within your means, buy Grade Scool’s Puntland Pirates tee. Proceeds from the shirt will be collected and donated to UNICEF in support of the primary education programs currently being run in Puntland Somalia.

2) Educate yourself on the issue. Read more than one opinion and then inform others, who ask, about the circumstances that have created the issue of Somali piracy.

3) Follow along with our campaign on facebook or Twitter. Follow either of the links below.

Listen to K’Naan’s Dayless Night. We were made aware of this issue from content put out with Toronto’s K’Naan

She Said Boom!

// June 29th, 2009 // No Comments » // Books

Its monochromatic sign and the promise of good books and great vinyl will usually interrupt a brief stroll from Kensington towards Little Italy. The shelves are packed in an ordered commotion that has a wide variety to offer. Slick titles of cultural theory, pop and classical art and a wide array of fiction all at bargain prices.

Folio and leather bounds can be found at a fraction the price of books with less history. The atmosphere is energetic, with most people taking the time to fully circle around the store in some ambient pattern that is all their own. There’s always music playing in the background to accompany the orchestra of pages, from jazz to rock to contemporary, your ears and mind will be filled.

The recession bin for vinyl heads will be of particular interest, with all albums being under 5 dollars, a great way to dig through the strata of music history. Not many stores offer the coincidental pairing of a Mark Bolan album next to a concise history of the United States in their store window. So grab a book, pick up an arbitrary album and the marriage of the two can be uniquely yours.

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-7pm; Thurs-Fri 11am-8pm; Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12-6 pm
Location: 372 College Street (416 944 3224)

Best Find:
larpers and shroomers: the language report
by Susie Dent

Quote of Interest:

“Mattie has a most distinctive running style. With chest pushed out and arms relatively motionless by his side, it is positively Neanderthal. In a previous incarnation, he was a goldfish”

- Pg. 51. Dent, S. larpers and shroomers, 2004 Oxford

Grade Scool books and gallery reviews are contributed by Nick Staudt.

31 Hours Without You

// June 27th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Events, Music

Words by: Monika Lynn
Photography by: Alex Felipe

By The End of it all, I was licking my paws, trying to taste the weekend again. All over, the city was screaming. Summer had FINALLY begun! Although, lets not get too ahead of ourselves, as the nights before still felt so young.

It all started off on a Thursday night. Zero down, four to go. The first nightly affair of the NXNE Music Festival was held at Wrong Bar- 1279 Queen St. W. It was then, that the animal kingdom was unleashed for the weekend, as Times Neue Roman & Santa Guerrilla took the stage by claws. With Arowbe howling at the crowd, it only encouraged Alexander The to start scratching out our ears with his keyboard sounds. And just when I thought that it couldn’t get any better, in came Romeo Candido on the Kulintang and Kevin Centeno on the Gong. But it wouldn’t have been made possible with out Mr. Hands himself, who drummed out the pace while the guys stomped through the crowd. It was truly a musical feast that I just couldn’t get enough of.

Friday. It had been 24 hrs since last feed, so I headed over to Styrofoam Ones’ 3:00 AM show at the “Dirty” Underground to see what I could find. After entering, I could see all the pairs of eyes, just glimmering in the dark; waiting for new prey. I knew what I was getting myself into that night. Styrofoam Ones is ALWAYS a full 3-course meal. For starters, the crowd was teased by the lash of the keys from Alexander The. Compelling enough, this was followed by Josh McGuirk’s main dish of mouth buzzing bass. It was then that the wild cat hopped on stage, trying to pick up all the shredded meat around her. However, the meal was not completed until the crowd felt the impact of ClayJones’ drumming on our taste buds. I was electrified by sounds. And knowing what lurked ahead of me for the following day- the show was definitely enough to get me through the night.

Saturday. Rain rain, why must you stay? The mud in my nails was almost becoming to much for me to handle. I needed a quick fix, and I needed it now. I could smell the meat burning out on the grills as I strutted towards Rolly’s Garage- 124 Ossington Ave on a Saturday afternoon. Two down, two to go I thought. With the lemonade and the youngsters, Rolly’s Garage was the purrfect place for some tasty fresh meat. Times Neue Roman hit the stage with a scholar-styled flare, slapping the crowd with plaid and tasty lyrics. As I was watching the performance, I couldn’t help but notice the creatures on the walls. I could tell that they weren’t from this world; Cyclopsidy must be an adornment in the land where they came from. I needed rest if I was going to make it through the night. But I knew that was not an option.

It was 4:00AM on Sunday morning, as we hurdled towards our final destination. And no, that is not a typo- 4:00AM is correct. It was an After Hours party over at 204 Spadina Ave. The Door Upstairs. We didn’t know what to expect. Although I had a slight feeling that I was going to see some Vampires that night. As TNR was getting ready to perform, I could see the fangs hanging out of Toronto’s mouth. Sharp, hungry & ready to pierce. Myself and the pack had the “Oooh!!’s” on point, as we couldn’t help but howl back to Arowbe’s wailing through out the night. Alexander The lifted the cowbell high, so that everyone could hear the call of the morning sun. Summer solstice. And friendly celebrations; it was the perfect time for new blood. Everyone was dripping of it. And as the sun made it’s entrance, and the vampires got out before they turned into stone, it was then that we knew we had made it. Made it through the dark. Made it through the rain. And all that was left was the after-mathematic pain of recovery. At least that’s what I thought…

Coming back to the cave at 8.30AM, I knew that rest wouldn’t suffice the feeling of anticipation for 10:00AM. Although the guys were done screaming through the city, I had one more task that lay ahead of me at this point. Steve Carty’s studio- Studio 405- On King St. W. was MY final destination. GradeScool was waiting for me. And I, was now the prey. The cameras were lurking around me. Seeing through me, into my urban soul. Every T-Shirt I was shoved into, had it’s own story. And with the sounds of Erykah Badu, and the rest of the 90’s Hip Hop plays, the camera flashed and the teachings of Gradescool had begun. A new pack was made. There was 7 of them. Each one different from the next. And I was proud. I started to reminisce for a slight second in time, as I watched the clock tick on the wall. It had been 31 hours without you, and I was ready to fall-
ASLEEP.

For more information on the above, please visit :

http://www.timesneueroman.com

http://www.styrofoamones.com

http://www.rollysgarage.com

http://www.alexfelipe.com

You can also check out Times Neue Roman & Styrofoam Ones on Facebook & Twitter!!
I promise, they don’t bite.

Rest In Power Michael

// June 26th, 2009 // No Comments » // Events, Music

Wale x 9th Wonder – Back To The Feature Mixtape

// June 26th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Music

This guy can do no wrong. Hooking up with 9th for his latest mixtape, Wale continues to feed heads everywhere and solidify hip hop heavyweight status. Take notes people, this is the way its done. Make sure to peep the track ‘Um Ricka’ featuring Toronto’s rising star K’Naan.

Click here to download.

Tracklist after the jump…

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Jokes always beat rocks! Or so they would have you believe…

// June 24th, 2009 // No Comments » // Comedy, Events

Frenzy is a Toronto based sketch comedy group that has been tearing it up with laughter in bars, clubs and festivals  for the last number of years. Made up of five individually hilarious looking characters Frenzy comes equipped with this quirky, sometimes dark, somewhat off beat, Saturday Night Live like sketch routine that will get you to break out your most embarassing of chuckles.

Frenzy’s actors are well trained, and each of the five members brings a uniqueness that makes complete sense when performing as a whole. The comedy wavers from the ridiculous to the macabre and each set will take you to both of those laughable extremes.

The most I have laughed in a long time, came a couple years ago at a Frenzy Show in a skit titled Sock Fight. It’s a rare thing when you can say you enjoyed going into a dimly lit room where five grown men, dressed only in diapers, wrestled one another on stage with the purest of emotions with the goal of being the last man wearing a sock. I believe Miguel won, and I havnt stopped giggling about it since. It is these simplest of actions coupled with an impressive depth of wit, creativity and stage focus that make Frenzy’s comedy a wildly entertaining night out.

Frenzy performs this week on Thursday (June 25th) at Comedy Bar. Go to 945 Bloor St, just across the street from Ossington subway station. The Show starts at 10pm and costs $10.00

As a taste for what’s in store tomorrow night, watch this Frenzy piece about a Bee and a Monster in a well.

It’s a bookstore kind of day.

// June 23rd, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Books

Coming off a rocking week headlined by the party exhaustion that accompanied the North by Northeast music festival, what better way to refresh then to introduce a serene new column by Grade Scool contributor Nick Staudt.

Nick is going to do you all an educational solid once a week and take a look at a book store or art gallery off the beaten path here in Toronto. Do yourself a favour and go pick up a book, take a read, relax the body, refresh the mind.

This first review takes a look at College Street’s Balfour Books.

Balfour Books

If the colorful display of books in the front window doesn’t draw you in, the aroma most definitely will. Any lover of old books will pick up the unlikely scent combination of dust and pages both in impeccable moderation. The store is relatively quiet, aside from the shuffling of feet and the turn of pages. Balfour is a wondrous and engaging way to whittle away an evening with sharp words and an equally charming atmosphere. The prices of books are decent, in general for new books, about half the price of the compromising variety of the larger chains. On top of this paperbacks, art books, literature on fashion, music, culture theory and fiction are all at very reasonable prices.

The store is organized in enough of a manner that you can plot a general direction, but with just enough chaos present that you can be surprised but inspired by a random acquisition. The store hours are suitable to all traffic, from lunchtime visitors to afternoon passers, after dinner crowds and late night strolls down College, any day of the week.

Hours Open 7 days a week Noon – 11Pm
Location: 601 College Street, at Clinton (416 531 9911)

Best Find:

B is for Beer; A Children’s Book for Grown Ups;
A Grown-up Book for Children
by Tom Robbins

Quote of Interest:

“She meant what she said, but even as she downsized the sundae, she caught
herself wondering what vinegar eels actually look like, and how they would
react if one day a reincarnated Uncle Moe showed up in their midst.”

- Pg. 41. Robbins, Tom. B is for Beer, 2009 HarperCollins

Let the lens explain.

// June 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Events, Music

We will let the photography of Alex Felipe show how Thursday night at NXNE went down for the grade scoolers. Shots are taken from the Times Neue Roman/Santa Guerilla performance at Wrong Bar a part of the Fuzzy Logic Showcase.

The show was savage, as Times Neue Roman rocked the house with their electro infused melodies and lyrical lashings. Arowbe entertained the crowd with is his impeccable rhymes while Alexander The provided the waistbending beats.

Check out more of Alex Felipe’s great photography work at http://alexfelipe.com/

Making my NXNKNEES quiver.

// June 19th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Events, Music

A team of grade scoolers hit the city last night to see how Toronto’s North by Northeast would kick off its 15th go at the popular festival. Our field trip’s itenerary were generous gifts from a pair of phenomenal ladies who thanks to them lined us up for a blurry blast of a good time.

The night kicked off at the Vice and Zune party hosted at the Amsterdam brewery. Nothing like a greasy garage rock dance party fueled by complimentary Amsterdam Big Wheel ale to wet the whistle for the week. Everyone was having fun and the music was a treat.

The night began with solo man Bloodshot Bill going absolutely bananas, filling the space with a sound that would of warranted him a place on a Nuggets compilation.

Then came a very special treat as we were introduced to the first ever live performance of The Almighty Defenders. The superband made up of members from King Khan & BBQ show and the Black Lips (both in town doing their own thing tonight) rolled on stage in uniform religious gown and rocked the perfect compliment to the atmosphere that was built up around them.

We would love to share some of The Almighty Defenders music but there’s nothing online as of yet that we could find. If you have the chance to see this group perform, do it.

From Amsterdam our field trip took itself to The Drake Hotel where a DJ set by Fucked Up front man Father Damian and a late night performance by Woodhands kept us entertained until the clock struck late.

Thanks to all the performers, we were all thoroughly entertained making Thursday very difficult for most of us.

Links

Check out the back story of how King Khan met The Black Lips

Have a listen to King Khan & BBQ Show

Have a listen to Black Lips

Have a listen to Fucked Up

Have a listen to Woodhands

Have a look at this Bloodshot Bill video from a couple years back

A Funk of Fresh Air

// June 17th, 2009 // No Comments » // Events, Music

A team of Grade Scoolers were invited to check out a performance by Toronto beauty Saidah Baba Talibah last night at Trane Studio. A calm little Tuesday on the patio turned into a music overload as we were treated to a jazz/funk/soul inspired wailings by SBT and her band. The seven piece band consisting of keys, drums, cello, tuba, violin, a rocking lead guitarist (the beautiful Donna Grantis), two singers and then led by Saidah’s incredibly powerful, soulful, inspiring voice was a surefire treat in the great jazz venue that is Trane.

We were all very much impressed and strongly encourage you to check out this very talented Toronto singer.

A bonus treat for the night was the opening act that saw Brassmunk member King Reign perform an accoustic set with a drum and a male singer to accompany his poetic verse. All the boys also fell in love with DJ L’Oqenz who held down the tables in between sets.

We urge you to take a look at all of last night’s performers:

Check out Saidah Baba Talibah at www.sbtmusic.com

Check out King Reign at www.myspace.com/kingreignmusic

Check out DJ L’Oquence at www.loqenz.com

Many thanks to Alexis Finch for providing us with photography of the event. Check out the incredible photography of Alexis at www.alexisfinch.com

The Polaris Long List has dropped. My ears just drooled.

// June 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music

The Polaris Prize is a $20,000 award offered to independent Canadian music artists once a year. The awarding of the Polaris prize serves as a premium source to follow Canadian music. The prize is decided in three phases with the first being the announcement of the Polaris long list which was released yesterday.  The long list highlights 40 of the years best independent Canadian albums and gives the viewer an incredible music catalogue to sift over for the next few months.

On July 7th the short list will be announced where the 109 person jury will cut the list down to 10 and will be followed by the awards Gala on September 21 to announce a winner.

The 2009 Polaris Long list can be viewed at http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2009longlist/ . Enjoy!

We Have Band – You Came Out

// June 16th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Art, Music

We love a good summer whistle tune as much as the next band of merry music fans. London’s We Have Band certainly wins this summer’s whistle-a-long with You Came Out. Watch the video here and check the making of the video after the jump.

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Times Neue Roman – Roq Roq Release

// June 15th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Events, Music

Our 8 bit bass boys Times Neue Roman have just dropped their newest single ‘Roq Roq’ which is available for digital download on iTunes now! The track will also be featured in the upcoming release of EA Sports Fight Night Round 4. Shouts to Air King on knocking the shit out of the design treatment for this one. The design draws inspiration from the always entertaining Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robots.

Have a listen to the track here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Annnd for those you in town this week, come shake your hips like Elvis at their NXNE Fuzzy Logic Showcase on Thursday @ Wrong Bar also featuring Dat Politcs, Kids on TV, Gravity Wave, Rod Skimmins, Peter Project and Artist of the year

FOOD INC. CONTEST

// June 11th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // Events, Issue

The first two people to post a link to our website (www.gradescool.com) on their Facebook and then come back here and comment on this post will win a pass for two people to see an exclusive advance screening of Robert Kenner’s FOOD INC. The screening is Monday June 15th at 7:00 pm at Varsity Cinemas (55 Bloor Street West) in Toronto.

The screening will be followed by a special guest panel featuring experts in sustainable food and living hosted by Editor in Chief of Canadian Living Magazine, Susan Antonacci.

Many thanks to Alliance Films for the passes.

Good Luck, Eat Local.

Best of luck. See you at the show.

Alexander The describes the inspiration for Janina.

// June 10th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music

My Broken Tongue.

Janina to me is the grind that falters us all.A broken system we’re born into.

My prostitute is born with these gray colours.
And only neon lights to breathe through.

Another drop of rain in her alley to keep the corruption flowin’ as the mainstream.
In hope of the same gray clouds to save her and bring her to a soft dirt that can clean her soul.

Keep eyes open cuz the train ain’t your refuge if the lines are the only things thats guiding you.

Keep your friends close but also keep that dude in the back with the screw face even closer.

This city has too many of those that can easily call you out.

- Alexander The

You can listen to Janina on www.myspace.com/alexanderthe and download the track for free at www.alexanderthe.com. Thank you for your support.

The Foreign Exchange @ Revival

// June 8th, 2009 // No Comments » // Events, Music

This past Friday at Revival, the Grade Scool extracurricular squad was lucky enough to score some tickets (big thnx to DJ Mensa) to a sold out show for The Foreign Exchange. The buzz for this show was epic and so was the line-up to get into the venue.

The show opened up with The Art of Fresh, a Canadian hip hop duo, made up of D.O and Slakah the Beatchild, who enticed the crowd with some hands in the air summer jams and rocked their new acoustic thumper “Campfire”.

Foreign Exchange hit the stage soon after and it was time to take the masses to church. Can I get an Amen! Phonte, with bow tie and all, was electric. He and the seven piece band which included Nicolay, Yahzarah, Zo! And Darien Brockington had the crowd grooving as they played joints from their records Connected and Leave It All Behind. Yahzareh and Darien Brockington were featured prominently throughout, although the beautiful songstress was clearly the standout as she broke from the shadows of the group and captivated audiences with her sultry solos.

Phonte was throughly entertaining adding some words of wisdom and wit between songs. The night was capped off with an impromptu jam session, that saw Phonte freestyling some Mad Cobra and Chaka Demus. Yup these guys were for real, for real. A big thank you to the Main Ingredient and the rest of the promoters for organizing a superb night of hip hop and R&B of such divine quality.

For those still unfortunate enough to be unfamiliar with The Foreign Exchange, our good friend DJ Mensa has put together a mixtape that will remedy that ailment quite fast. Click here for the download link. Enjoy!

Toronto Love Jay

// June 7th, 2009 // No Comments » // History, Music

Last monday, DJ Agile of Toronto was awarded the Stylus Award for best mixtape of the year. Toronto Love Jay is half hour of neo-soul hip hop at its finest  that pays homage to one of the greatest hip hop producers of all time. Lovely work Agile, Rest in power J Dilla. You can listen to the tape on Agile’s website by clicking here.

Institute of Contemporary Culture Presents – Housepaint 2: Shelter

// June 5th, 2009 // No Comments » // Art, Issue

Housepaint is a street art exhibit drawing attention to issues of poverty and homelessness being held at the Royal Ontario Museum in association with The Institute of Contemporary Culture. The exhibit is a collaboration between ten street artists in memory of the former residents of Tent City. Each artist has painted a coulorful canvas house in their own unique and creative style.

In addition the exhibit features the Housepaint Artist Product Line. Designed and developed by Well and Good in partnership with the participating artists; the line includes limited edition, high-quality items including archival giclée art prints, buttons, postcards and tee shirts, as well as dishtowels and switchplate covers.

Check out Housepaint.ca to find out how you can get some of these crafty pieces and help out a great cause. The project is on display at the ROM until July 5th so go check it out.

Poolie soaks in Santi

// June 5th, 2009 // No Comments » // Music

Resident Grade Scool rockstar Mike Poole took off some wednesday eve to take in Santigold at Phoenix in Toronto. Here’s how he saw it…

Show & Tell contribution by Mike Poole.

Steve Carty – Positives

// June 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // Art

Toronto based photographer Steve Carty has released his first book titled ‘Positives’.  The limited edition book is signed and numbered and tells the story of Carty’s 20 some years behind the lens. It’s a diverse look of Carty’s work with a range of familiar faces appearing throughout the pages. Carty is offering up a PDF version of the book for free through his many web channels (all listed below) that is a definite download. If you have $120 to invest in a sure fire coffee table hit, you can purchase the book directly through Carty’s blog or by reaching out to him on Twitter. That is of course if he has any left.

Published through Burke’s Books ‘Positives is available now via Carty’s blog.

Follow Steve Carty on Twitter: www.twitter.com/stevecarty

Check him out online at www.stevecarty.com

“Yesterday is gone, tomorrow never comes, so today is all we have” – Steve Carty

Say it how you see it.

// June 2nd, 2009 // No Comments » // Music

[Fe'ne-tik-s] is the first solo release project from Toronto artist Alexander Punzulan. A six piece EP being slow released over the next six months. Via www.alexanderthe.com, Alexander The will post a new track from the collection on the first Tuesday of each month starting June 2nd 2009 with the release of Janina.

Each track comes with a significant story of the artist’s personal travels and after having the priviledge of previewing all six tracks from [Fe'ne-tik-s] we can’t help but encourage you to start following this content rich, innovative music void of genre over the summer.

Check it out now at www.alexanderthe.com and follow along.