The Daily Nar: April 2006

Movin' on Up.

After far too much talking about it, the new site is now alive. Yesterday was a hectic day of uploading, bug squashing, and re-uploading. The site should all be working now, and new content will start to flow like mana from Heaven. So enjoy the site, and if you have any feedback or spot anything wrong let us know.

The New Podcast, featuring our new co-host is now up in the Podcast section, so head on over and check it out.

Oh and in case you haven't figured it out, we won't be posting any more new stuff here.

The New Site is Ready to Go!

We're going to launch the new site in the next couple of days. Please point yourselfs towards thedaily.com. I appologize in advance if things are a little wonky at first, seeing as I have no idea what I'm doing. The blog will be here until we're set. Thanks!

If you link to us, please update your links to www.thedailynar.com. Simple, no?

Dying For Respect

[ed: This is the first post by one of our new contributors, Daniel Grant. His article will also be featured on the new site, which should be online VERY shortly!]

When my father died he wasn't "nation building" in a foreign land. He wasn't tragically blown to pieces by an insurgent. He wasn't even military. But he did die in the service of others, which in my eyes makes him a hero.

In the late spring of 1986 two planes had disappeared in Alberta's Kananaskis Country. Dad, who wanted to be a pilot himself, hoped that if he were ever in that situation someone would volunteer to look for him, so he gave his days looking for traces of the two missing aircraft.

Spotter planes regularly maneuvered extremely close to rough mountain faces, and on this particular mission Dad had experienced several close calls. On June 14th, the Twin Otter he was on slammed into the side of a mountain.
Within a couple hours two Mounties were in our living room telling my mother and me we would never see Dad again. Within an hour of that, the Calgary Sun was calling to find out how we were feeling. I was 14 at the time, and in shock when I answered their questions.

When the paper appeared the next day I didn't remember uttering some of the quotes attributed to me. They were probably accurate, but as said, I was in shock.

What I do remember was turning down the Sun's request for a photo of my father. I know it's hard for some opposition and backbench MPs to understand this, but close relatives of recently deceased don't always appreciate prying media. My father didn't volunteer because he wanted glory. He just wanted to help.

It never occurred to me that any flags should be lowered, and to the best of my knowledge none were. It wasn't until the past couple of days that it even entered my mind that anyone should ever expect that.

I'm sorry soldiers died in Afghanistan the other day. I have so much respect for anyone that risks their life to make things better for others. Three military personnel died on that plane with my father too, and from what I remember of the memorial service their families' grief had nothing to do with a lack of reporters.

The best way to remember fallen heroes is by preserving their dignity, not dragging their corpses in front of television cameras. When MPs tell grieving families their loved ones' sacrifices aren't being properly recognized, that's a disgusting political stunt. These people are still dealing with a recent and tragic loss, and don't deserve to have their emotions manipulated.

The families that do want privacy aren't going to the media for that very reason - they want privacy. No one is getting their side of the issue because they choose to mourn away from the harassment of less-than-thoughtful journalists. It's not accurate to say all families are upset by the lack of attention, just as it's not fair to try to convince them they should be.

Harris stepping down as Green leader

I find this very interesting. Harris has been rumoured to have driven a lot of people out of the party in the last few years, all whilst working as a motivational speaker for corporate efficiency. A strange duality.
CBC News: Harris stepping down as Green leader

12 Million People Cannot be Criminals: a Rant.

In the wake of the larest mass protests in US history, US Immigration has retalliated with its own record. Late last week, INS simultaniously executed the arrest and detention of over 1200 illegal immigrants in several states; more than the total amount of illegals detained in 2005. If this was to serve as some sort of deterent, it backfired. Almost immediately protests began anew. In Chigago, an estimated 200,000 people packed the streets to fight what they see as another premptive strike by the Bush Administration against immigrants. An interesting side note, this protest was the largest in Chigago's history next to the general strike of 1876(?), the famous protests by Russian, Irish and Italian immigrants that is largely credited with bringing around the standard 40-hour work week we all know today.

Here's the kicker. Right now, there are an estimated 12 million undocumented workers and illegal immigrants in the US today. In a few weeks, the Sentate and House will vote to decide whether to criminalize all 12 million people and systematically deporting them, or instituting some comprehensive guest worker programs, and granting citizenship to others. My facts are hazy, but I believe something on the order of 11 million illegals were granted citizenship some time in the 1980's. So the reason people are a little cheesed off is that rather than wait to let the "democratic process" determine the legal standing of these 1200 people, the government rounded them up. This is the sort of thing that used to happen in Soviet Russia, not in the self-described model of freedom and democracy for the world.

The United States is a country founded on immigration, just like Canada. Waves upon waves of immigrants to the United States have fought hard to gain freedom inches at a time. From freedom from the British, to freedom from slavery, to workers rights, to voting rights, its been a passionate battle. But no more. Its seems that the predominatedly Christian Right that currently runs the House, the Senate and the White House has forgotten its roots, and is unwilling to share power with the new wave of immigrants that serve to reinvigorate the course of politics and the democratic agenda of the country.

Voter apathy is at and all-time high. Presidential approval rating are at an all time low. It seems obvious to all but the whitest of the white that those with power in the US just don't care about using it anymore, and do aren't allowed to wield it. It is a product of selfishness and fear. Selfish in the sense that the old boys simply don't want to play with the new kids on the block, despite the fact that latino immigrants represent the fastest growing segement of the (voting)population. It is also the fear that given the apparent passion immigrants have for the freedom of choice and change that the US comports itself to the home of, giving real political power to new Americans will tear the system down. Just look at the earth shatering changes taking place in South America (and perhaps even Mexico). The standard Western Model of Capitalism has been and is being rejected, and it scares the shit out of rich America. Allowing 12 million politically interested people the right to vote and change the course of law at home represents a real potential for similar change here too.

And we can't have that, can we?

SPACING: new issue release party May 2nd

SPACING: new issue release party May 2nd

When: Tuesday, May 2nd, doors 8pm
Where: Gladstone Hotel • 1214 Queen Street West
Who: DJ Chris Thinn
How much: $10 includes new issue + zine

Invisible Children

Power stuff. Invisible Children - The Time Has Come To Act.

The Great News Network | Great News for a Change

Awesome. Good news in the world only... you'd be surprised how much there actually is out there.The Great News Network | Great News for a Change.

Net Neutrality Not An Optional Feature of Internet

GigaOM : Net Neutrality Not An Optional Feature of Internet : "The telco and cable companies have in mind creating another type of customer not a class of service. They want suppliers to pay for the right of transit. It amounts to airlines charging Time Warner for the right of readers to take Time magazine on an airplane. It means charging Ford tolls in addition to drivers for the right of Ford cars to use highways."

Rock and Roll Diaries

Last night, I got the opporitunity to hang with one of the old blokes in Shit From Hell (shitfromhell.com), and got play some new tunes with some old friends. It's been a good long time since I got the chance to sit down (or stand up) and work on some music making, probably about 2 years, give or take. And it was a pretty rad experience. When playing with old friends again, its like riding a bike. We've all gone on to play in different bands, playing pretty different styles of music, but the ideas still flowed like water. We got a pretty good rough sketch around 1 song, with a couple more ideas in the works. We even got asked if we were interested in playing a show at Sneaks in about a month or so. But I can't honestly see that happening. Don't get me wrong, playing with an all-girl-Ramones-cover-band sounds pretty damn awesome, but that's just an unrealistic timetable to write 25 minutes worth of material that doesn't make me cringe in disgust. And the Nar don't do cover tunes.

Hopefully, the fun will continue, and I'll have more to boast about in the future. Thanks to The Claw for hanging out with me, go Capreol!

Pat Quinn's been canned

Maple Leaf Sports has just released a press release stating Pat Quinn is no longer with the Maple Leafs. According to rumours, he'll be headed back Vancouver's way... mapleleafs.com

Bevilacqua joins Liberal leadership race

Sorry I forgot to mention this yesterday: a little birdie informs me the Joe Volpe will be officially throwing his hat in the ring Friday morning.
CBC News: Bevilacqua joins Liberal leadership race

Today is National High Five Day!!!

I almost forgot. So get out there and start high-fivin' complete strangers!National High Five Day

Who says Torontonians are cold-hearted?

Spacing Wire � Who says Torontonians are cold-hearted?

White House Shake-Up

I'm sure this'll be everywhere soon, if it isn't already. Spokesman Resigns in White House Shake-Up - New York Times

Candaian Recording Industry Association Falling Apart

One down...Slyck News - CRIA Falling Apart

Toronto Fark Party

Methinks The Daily Nar shall make an appearance.Toronto Fark Party

This Must Not Be Like Living in Paradise

CNN.com - David Lee Roth's radio show struggling

The New Music Friday Vol. 49

Live from the Rivoli! Or at least its live right now at 3:06PM from the AC loveliness of the upstairs pool hall. Would love to be out on the patio, but alas it is packed to the nines. Still, can't knock a cold beer and free Wi-Fi

- Review time. Moneen released their much anticipated 2nd album for Vagrant Records this week. The Red Tree is an appropriate follow-up to Are We Really Happy With Who we are Right Now, as it continues Moneen's foray into more contextualized sound, while still being a Moneen album. Unlike Choke, Moneen doesn't stray too far from their unique blend of heavy layered guitars and driving rhythm's on this one, to much success. There are some more subtle tracks, employing more electonic sounds and keyboards, but some rockin' songs as well. As Chris Hughes related, they were nervous at first having to work with all new recording and production people, and having so much time to produce the album; but they used it to their advantage. Personal favorite at the moment, The Frightening Reality Of Knowing That We Will All Have To Grow Up And Settle Down One Day. As we all know, Moneen love their long titles. Long story short, buy it. Buy it now.

- The Video Dead are having their CD release party tomorrow night at the Music Centre (in Burlington?) along with The Creepshow and Bigwig. More details?

- Head on over to www.myspace.com/mastodon to hear their new cover of Metallica's "Orion", their contribution to an upcoming tribute CD, because we all know Metallica is dead.

- New Less Than Jake available here, http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/ltjplayer/

- Hot Hot Heat are venturing back into the studio to begin work on a new album. Expect something in September.

- Saves The Day have dropped their new one, Sound The Alarm. Haven't got a hand on it yet, so review will be forthcoming.

The Nar is out of town till next week. See ya and Hoppy Bunny Day. After this post, we be heading to Ronnies (69 Nassau, in Kensington) for pints. See you there!

I Steal Television Shows Because I Have To

Interesting argument. Are you listening Rogers?
I Steal Television Shows Because I Have To

IDontLikeYouInThatWay.com

I wouldn't normally wade into the sewers like this but I just have to link to this: Britney and Cletus Spears dropped their kid on the floor and waited 6 days to bring him to the hospital (he had a fractured skull). Not surprisingly, Child and Familiy Services of California took some interest in that.IDontLikeYouInThatWay.com

7 Ways to Use the Lessons of '24' at Work

I can personally attest to #2.Aziz Ansari is Bored.

No connection

I didn't even read the story, I just had to post this based solely on the awesome double-entendre in the headline.LINK

LISTEN TO THE RED TREE ONLINE NOW!!

AOL Music Now has the new Moneen and Saves the Day full albums up in the listening party page! Rock the Frick on! -- AOL Music

UPDATE: Ok, so I've listened to the whole album once through, and so far so good. It's more laid back than Are We Really Happy... but still filled with creamy Moneen goodness. We'll have a more detailed review later.

In case you forgot

Moneen's The Red Tree is out today! I haven't got my hands on it yet, but I will. Saves the Day's new album is out today too.. moneen . the red tree

Ron Mueck

We don't do a lot of art coverage here, but this is just too amazing to pass up.Ron Mueck

Phone Phreaking and Politics Don't Mix

Weird story. Apparently back in 2002, Republicans were actively jamming phones of Democratic volunteers in New Hampshire to keep people from voting. Wow.
CNN.com - Records: Official convicted of phone jamming called White House - Apr 11, 2006

Rapper Proof of D-12 Shot, Killed At Detroit Club

ClickOnDetroit.com - ENTERTAINMENT - Rapper Proof Shot, Killed At Detroit Club

10 Reasons

As most of you already know, Warren has posted a great speech entitled "Top Ten Reasons Why McGuinty's a Winner". I agree with all of his reasons, and I've always said McGuinty has no fear going into 2007. One point I'd like to sort of add to the list is this:

When the Liberals came into power, they instituted the UK-style Results-based planning, or Rbp into the OPS. Rbp is in techno-speak:

The results-based planning process is linked to the budget and priorities of the government. This planning process is focused on rationalizing government policies, programs and services based on the priorities of Ontarians and measuring outcomes. This marks a real change from the ad-hoc and input-driven planning process of the past. Ministries are developing four-year results-based plans that identify how they will contribute to the achievement of the government’s key priorities. Ministries’ infrastructure strategies will be consistent with the infrastructure component of their results-based plans.

Sounds boring right? Here's how its gonna make a HUGE difference... Rbp basically works like this: You have four years and a finite amount of dollars each year. In every four-year political cycle, two years are for planning and changing, and two years are more or less campaigning. Rbp compliments this process because it forces the people who control the purse-strings, and the people developing the plans to examine ideas and programs to focus on the real, tangible results those actions will produce. That doesn't mean the end of long-term planning, just that plans need to achieve mileposts by proposed dates. And they better, lemmie tell ya.

This allows the elected fellows to spend two years touting the quantifiable results of their changes, and contrast it to the vague figures and uncollected facts of the previous government. The result is real change people can see on the ground, and a more rigid structure for accountable and transparent government spending.

Neat, huh?

City of Toronto Coordinated Street Furniture Program Survey

Today is the last day, so click the link and have your say.City of Toronto Coordinated Street Furniture Program Survey

Chinese Punk Rock

This week's Foreign Exchange with Fareed Zakaria focuses on the upsurge in punk rock in China. The segement profiles the punk band Reflector in Beijing. Link goes to show segments, which should be online shortly.
Upcoming Show | Foreign Exchange with Fareed Zakaria

United North America - Amalgamation of Canada and the United States of America

Disney to Make Lost and Desperate Housewives Free Online

Hope ou haven't been paying for this in iTunes.
Disney to Make 4 ABC Shows Free Online - Yahoo! News

Chirac will replace controversial youth labour law

Wow, this is impressive. Not because the law will not go through, but student activisim worked at a federal level to change the course of law. Who woulda thunk people could still have a direct influence on politics?
CBC News: Bowing to protests, Chirac will replace controversial youth labour law

Meet Oscar

Oscar is new here. He came home on Saturday, and he's completely insane. His day consists of:

- Run around like mad
- Chase tail of older cat
- Get arse kicked by older cat
- Make weird noises
- Eat
- Stop
- Instantly fall asleep when stopped

Unfortunately for me, sleeping ususally must take place in the vicinity of my face. So just a warning, he's taking up a lot of time and attention for a few days, so the post frequency (and my own sleeping) may suffer.

You may all commence saying "Ahhhh! He's soooo cute!". Everyone else does.

Why is ABC remaking The Ten Commandments?

That's only part of my question. The obvious follow-up is: why now? In a time when, arguably, religion tensions have never really been higher, why does an American international television station feel the need to remake this story?

Is it because for some bizarre reason ABC feels its international viewers need to be reminded of one of the most important Christian stories around Easter (the most important of Christian holidays)? In a time when leaders would argue that religious sensitivity needs to be observed, do ABC executives think "F*ck that, America was founded on Christian beliefs, and I'll be damned if we don't remind all Americans what they've signed up for".

Why not a show about The Night of Power? Or the life of Muhammad? Or Buddha? Or any other religious story that hasn't been done already? For 50 years, the original version of The Ten Commandments has been successfully boring people to sleep, so why the change?

To me, this just comes across as par for the course these days. I'm really not surprised this sort of blatant ignorance would take place. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised to hear that ABC execs didn't even think about the optics of this.

And by the way, all proceeds from the show are going to Habitat for Humanity. While I don't have a problem with HFH, it should be noted that it is a Christian organization.

As I write this, 20/20 is airing a story called "Who is the Real Jesus". Boy oh boy, it just never stops.
ABC.com - The Ten Commandments

Couple guilty of 2nd-degree murder in grandson's death

When I was working in the OPS, I was following this story daily. It's sad, disgusting and really makes you think about the horrible things people can do. I'm glad these people are being put away, despite their age, and that (at least now) the province is bringing legislation to stop this sort of familial abuse.

CBC News: Couple guilty of 2nd-degree murder in grandson's death

Music Thing: Messe Oddities - Engadget

Weird frankenstiened instruments.Music Thing: Messe Oddities - Engadget

New Music Friday Vol. 48

I think its 48, I'm too lazy to look:

- Down to Earth Approach is giving away a free acoustic EP over at Absolute Punk. They are currently on tour with Saves the Day and Moneen. Check out http://www.absolutepunk.net/artists/showlink.php?do=showdetails&l=1999

- NOFX's new album, Wolves in Wolves clothing, is now available for pre-order on the Fat Wreck Chords site here (http://www.fatwreck.com/record/detail/711)

-rosesdead is currently looking for a new guitar player.
if you're interested in the position, please keep reading.

we are looking for a guitarist with the following credentials:

- 19 years of age or older
- financially stable
- reliable, tour worthy guitar gear
- willing and able to tour a large portion of the year (no school, etc)
- no criminal record
- live near, or willing to re-locate to the oakville/toronto area
- band/tour experience is a huge plus, but not necessary

if this sounds like you, please record yourself playing: 'falling and failing' off of our new record stages.

be sure to learn the right (not left) audio channel.

please send the file as well as a little info on yourself (as well as links to your myspace, previous/current band(s) if any, etc) to:

rosesdead@gmail.com

-Want your song in a major motion picture? Check this, the John Tucker Must Die Undiscovered Band contest (www.myspace.com/johntucker) will be hosted by Stefy Rae of the new band Stefy (www.stefytheband.com). Stefy’s Wind-up Records debut will be released on August 29, 2006. Two songs from the female-fronted band Stefy will be in JOHN TUCKER MUST DIE as well as songs from The All-American Rejects, Nada Surf, Ben Lee, OK Go, People In Planes, and Motion City Soundtrack. The soundtrack will be released by Wind-up Records on July 18, 2006.

Cars off Campus

Last night saw the appearance of a mobile LED at the U of T campus that casually suggested cars are no longer wanted in the space. Hit the link for pictures and a short video. Spacing Wire � St. George Street signage we can get behind

Citizens Against Government Waste:

The 2006 Congressional Pig Book Summary gives a snapshot of each appropriations bill and details 375 of the juciest projects culled from the complete Pig Book.Citizens Against Government Waste:

Vegetarian diets cause major weight loss

New scientific review shows vegetarian diets cause major weight loss

Radiohead call music industry 'retards'

NME.COM - News - Radiohead call music industry 'retards': "Radiohead's Thom Yorke calls the music industry 'a bunch of fucking retards' in this week's issue of NME."

Ontario Cabinet Shuffle in the Works

Gerrad Kennedy is leaving to run federally.
Pupatello is Education
Meilleur is MCSS, Seniors, Franc. Affairs
DiCocco going to Culture

From the Press Release (out now):

Pupatello, the MPP for Windsor West, was sworn in as the new Minister of Education. Pupatello remains the Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues.

Madeleine Meilleur, the MPP for Ottawa-Vanier, replaces Pupatello as Minister of Community and Social Services, and Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities. Meilleur remains the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Caroline DiCocco, the MPP for Sarnia-Lambton since 1999 and the Premier’s Parliamentary Assistant, joins Cabinet for the first time as Minister of Culture, replacing Meilleur in that portfolio.

Clash fan taken off plane

The Sun Online - News: Clash fan taken off plane

What to hear some new Thursday?

Click away for "At this Velocity" from the upcoming A City By the Light Divided out May 2nd.
// ALTERNATIVE PRESS MAGAZINE \\

Senator Barack Obama

Its refreshing to see this sort of talk coming from an American politician. Barack Obama is seen as the "next big thing" the democratic party has in its collective back pocket. While still considered a new kid on the block, his style is progressive, but at the same time inclusive. He is providing a rare commodity for the Dems: a potential unifying force for an as-of-late party fractured worse than the Liberals.

Here, Obama takes on big oil in a speech delivered over the weekend. While anyone with an internet connection or a taste for news outside the usual blurbs won't see anything new, its nice to see a person with the guts to speak like this at social events knowing full well what the party elders have in mind for him. Normally, a person of such potential is driven right to the middle of the road, and not normally allowed to speak out on things he/she may want to for fear of ticking off either political end of the party. But Obama seems to take it in stride, speaking his mind and ultimately putting a new face on the Democrats (a much more left leaning face), one that is desperately needed. And he's the sort of fella that can do it: bring leftist ideas like the environment, globalization and other "radical" ideas into the center, without alienating more moderates that would prefer he stay out of such choppy waters. My prediction is this: he'll make alternative ideas more acceptable to the party, which is already acceptable to most young and independent voters, and in 2012 (maybe 2008) he'll be waiting outside the White House for the keys. Of course, that's in a perfect world.

Anyways, good reading.
Think Progress ? Remarks of Senator Barack Obama, 4/3/06

Diggnation's got a commercial.

Meet Alex and his twisted mind. Alex is part of the dynamic dup Alex and Kevin that have been taking the online world by storm. Digg.com has been rising through the ranks of new-age social bookmarking sites, overtaking the granddaddy of them all - slashdot - just two weeks ago. Their podcasts are consistently amongst the highest downloaded ones on iTunes week after week. The top five stories are also featured on the right side of this site, live updated thanks to some technology I wouldn't understand even if it was explained to me.

The boys were up in Toronto last year at the Mill St. Brewrey to shoot an epidsode of diggnation, and we were lucky enough to hang out with them and some Tech-TV allumni. Alex is a super cool guy who takes time to speak with everyone now matter how busy he is. So cheers and enjoy the ad, and visit the site.

Moneen @ AbsolutePunk.net

Another new Moneen track is available at AbsolutePunk.net. Check it.
Moneen - AbsolutePunk.net

Is Iran trying to restart the Cold War?

And even more to the point: is the US excited about that? The rhetoric that is being flung back and forth between these two harkens back to the days of Miami Vice and Hypercolor t-shirts. The pissing match seems to be reaching an all new high with this recent announcement that Iran has successfully tested a new underwater missile capable of destroying large warships and submarines.

The only purpose for making such and announcement was to tick off the US. I suspect that this may have several consequences:

1. The Iranians may actually think this threat will make the US re-think any half-baked ideas about "regime-changing" Iran.
2. Iran will continue to press the Israelis, possibly into a pre-emptive strike (though unlikely, that sort of move would be supported by the neocons). Lit match, meet dry hay.
3. The US will have the wonderful excuse to kick start a good ol' traditional arms race again. As we all know, nothing helps a flailing economy faster than a massive military R&D/buildup. The Bush campaign would like nothing more that to make conventional weapons on a scale only matched by Reagan in a non-war era. It would provide thousands of jobs in areas that may not be ripe for tech-revolution, and would put gov't contracts in the hands of friend' of the administration. A win-win as far as they are concerned.

The powder-keg needs to be watched closely. As Canada attests to being a "middle-power" that can effect change in non-military situations just like these, you would think we'd be champing at the bit to get involved. Well? Are we?

CNN.com - Iran: High-speed underwater?Missile test-fired - Apr 2, 2006

The Daily Nar

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Wednesday, April 26, 2006

The New Site is Ready to Go!

Monday, April 24, 2006

12 Million People Cannot be Criminals: a Rant.

Sunday, April 23, 2006

Saturday, April 22, 2006

Rock and Roll Diaries

Friday, April 21, 2006

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Pat Quinn's been canned

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Monday, April 17, 2006

Thursday, April 13, 2006

The New Music Friday Vol. 49

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Monday, April 10, 2006

Meet Oscar

Friday, April 07, 2006

New Music Friday Vol. 48

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Wednesday, April 05, 2006

Monday, April 03, 2006

Diggnation's got a commercial.

Sunday, April 02, 2006

Saturday, April 01, 2006

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