The Consonance

I've given this album a number of listens, but i was hooked on the first riff the first time i heard it. The fluttered run of the sax to start the jazzy intro smashes straight into the no nonsense drum beat of the core idea of the song. That sax is permanently imprinted into my psyche. I notice myself throughout the day looping it over and over in my brain - but it always takes a moment for me to realize it. That my friends is what they call a 'hook'!

This hook along with many many others is what you'll experience when you listen to The Consance's latest offering "Come The Day". This band has carved out a unique niche combining countless styles of music into a sound all their own. The Consonance is comprised of 6 accomplished musicians who all met at Grant MacEwan University in Edmonton. Elements of jazz, funk, hip-hop, pop and R&B build the foundation of this group. Layered on top is Jesse Dolliment's vocals - a real treat for the ears. She has a true command of her voice. Her styles and range vary as much as the influences of this group.

The opening track "Tower" is a true showcase of this band's wide breadth of talent. This song takes you on a journey of styles. It starts off with a driving tick tock beat that gets your foot tapping. The chorus breaks into some smooth R&B and escalates into a nice funk. Second time around look out - The Consonance bust into an all jazz guitar metal break down followed by some great vocal chops that might make Christina Aguillera nervous. Dolliment nails the vocals in this section giving shivers down your spine. To see this group perform just this song would be worth the price of admission.

Each track written pays as much attention to lyrical content as it does arrangements. There's no fluff here. Inspirational lines like "you'll be okay as long your breathing - don't bite off too much you're only teething...", "listen to the ocean - put your mind in motion" and "from that tower that your standing on - you better come down" are all penned with poise weight and meaning.

This is a must see performance in July for Thunder Bay audiophiles. The Consonance will shake you from your musical complacency and make you remember why you love music.

Can't find all users folder in windows 2008 or vista

Looking to do some terminal server work and want a standard shortcut on the desktop of all users who log in?

Windows 2008 and Vista/7 moved Documents and Settings to a new spot: Users (off the root of the system drive: C:\Users)

There's now a public folder under users - this is the old 'all users' folder. To find the 'destkop' go to folder options (click 'alt' on your keyboard and your toolbar will show up). Just go to 'tools' and click 'folder options'). Once there just click on the 'view' tab and click 'show hidden files/folders'.

Your 'desktop' folder will now show up under c:\users\public\desktop

Tool bar missing from Server 2008

Can't find the 'file, edit, view, etc' in the standard explorer window or when you open my computer on windows 2008 or vista?


Click on the 'alt' button on your keyboard and the menu will magically appear! No idea why Microsoft did this.

Bay Street

I really love whats going on with the downtown core initiative with the marina development and the focus of making this area the 'entertainment' district. Like every successful city - there needs to be a focus for the main stream citizen and tourist. Any time I have visited friends in other cities, we've always gone to the 'happening' spots for drinks and entertainment.


In some cities - there's one main part of town. In larger cities you have multiple 'districts' that offer their own unique style and flare. It's what i think helps nurture an identity for the city and fosters a culture.

What I find really fascinating is when there is a little area that's a little lesser known. Its where the locals hang out and it smacks of culture. Its even better when someone you're visiting knows of this sort of area and takes you there. You get this sensce of authenticity.

I believe there's a place in Thunder Bay that speaks to this. Its the Bay Street block where the Finnish Labor Temple, Calico, Trip Out Doors, Kitchen Nook are all located. You know the block i'm referring too. It's one way only.

This block has the potential to really make its mark on the city of Thunder Bay in the way i just described. And I think the way to do it is to block off that entire block - make it pedestrian only. Its already one way - why not just go the distance and make it 'no-way'.

This would allow for a small square to be built. Put in permanent tables, chairs and benches for patrons to have a coffee and lunch. Plant more trees. Encourage the rest of the tenants to paint and update their store fronts. Maybe a licensed establishment could start up and serve fresh suds on the patio.

I can just imagine grabbing a cup of dark roast from calico and sitting at a table under some trees in the shadows of the Hoito while soft music echoes from a local musician(s) playing in the court yard. I sit at my table checking things out on my mobile (with free wi-fi access of course) and sink into this little pocket of serenity. If you have been to Italy or France and sat with an espresso in the local square - you know what i'm talking about.

So with all the fan fare about the Prince Arthur's Landing, I really think the city could throw the locals a little something for 'us'. It should be the Bay Street District. You'll know what it is and you'll want to bring visitors their for an authenticate slice of Thunder Bay!

Writing Experiment Update

Just a quick update. My writing experiment has evolved very quickly. I had my Sepultura post published in my city's online news publication!
So pumped that after just a few blog entries I got the courage to submit my piece and have it put out into the open. I even got a got a good response with over 200 people reading it.

I'm going to do my best to keep writing.

Here's the link: to article:

http://live.tbnewswatch.com/livescene.aspx?cid=147764

Please check it out!