Biz Blogs

I’ve been eating a lot of ice cream lately. Sundaes, soft cones, scooped cones, shakes you name it. Sometimes it’s not even my idea to go but once the suggestion is made..well. The occasion of a birthday also makes the suggestion conveniently positive. Anyways, I’m usually up for the standard one scoop cone or small sundae and sometimes eat inside the shop if there are seats availible. While sitting there stuffing my pie hole with chocolate chip cookie dough supreme I can’t help but observe what other people are eating. What I saw both amazed and astonished me. One dud ordered three large scoops of ice cream in a waffle cone that is as big as a hat! A little girl no older than four was given a two-scoop cone that was half the size of her head! I left before she got too far into it but I am sure that melting mess ended up on the floor or in the garbage. Kid was bouncing off the walls as it was too
Some interesting observations but ones that I would had not experienced unless I was in there doing the same thing. Guilty as charged of maybe eating too much ice cream.
But what the heck it's summer time right. We'll soon be freezing indoors wishing for the days of summer to appear once again
No matter your appetite for ice cream there are many fine shops throughout Windsor and Essex County to serve your favourite treats. Slinky’s on Lesperance Road in Tecumseh, and Rizzo’s Crossing in Essex are just two that come to mind and are popular evening gathering points for families couples and sports teams. So go out for ice cream! Just go for a walk or bike ride as the other part of your treat expedition and you’ll be fine.

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

This weekend the Essex County Riders will host a Show’n’Shine at the 2010 Windsor International Bluesfest. A sea of chrome, custom paint and leather will grace our riverfront along with the unmistakeable rumble of big bore v-twin power. The recent debate on excessive noise by motorcyclists who equip their bikes with aftermarket exhaust systems has been one that has raged ever since I can remember. Proponents of open pipes claim “Loud pipes Save Lives” but as a veteran 23 year rider and motorcycle safety instructor I can tell you that is far from the truth. Traffic awareness, zero tolerance for drinking and riding and proper safety gear are the key elements for survival on the road. Maybe it is no coincidence that many owners of these bikes frequently ride with t-shirts and “beanie” helmets. Where’s the argument for safety here? While some may appreciate the symphony of unrestricted multi-cylinder internal combustion, most of the general public view it as a nuisance. I have had many loud bikes in past years but my current ride sports a stock exhaust. I was never a fan of the “look at me” stage” of motorcycling rather ride strictly for the challenge and joy of two wheeled adventure. Gaining 5 or 10 HP with a loud aftermarket exhaust will make you neither a better nor faster rider. I am split on this issue as I personally don’t have a problem with the sound of performance, be it coming out of a souped up car or hot- rodded motorcycle. Hey, crack it open and have fun but do it at the appropriate time and in the appropriate place where it won’t endanger or infringe on other peoples lives. However, if authorities have their way as they are in Alberta some area motorcyclist may find their open pipes will cost them more than the price of installation. Ride Safe.

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

For the last three weeks Windsor /Essex County “football” fans have been riveted to their televisions to watch nations of the world engage in sport and competition. And when I refer to football I’m not talking about the Detroit Lions or Pittsburgh Steelers. Football or “Soccer” as it is known in North America is the most watched and most played sport in the world. Every 4 years the governing body, FIFA showcases the best each nation has to offer in the World Cup tournament. Supporters of their respective countries gather at their favourite pub, club or hall to cheer their team, have drink and share a common interest. Sport unites people and area businesses have been great hosts for morning and afternoon gatherings of football fans seeking to watch the many exciting matches between countries. The Manchester Pub, Teutonia Club, and Beirut Café are just a few establishments that have opened their doors early for flag waving fans to cheer their respective teams on to victory. Kudos to the Ontario government as well for extending the hours that alcohol can be served to accommodate 10AM matches.
Although Canada isn’t in the World Cup it seems everyone has a heritage of some sort that can identify with a team playing on the world stage. For those new to the sport I encourage everyone with an open mind to sit down and watch a match. Expand your interest from the traditional sporting events viewed in North America and check out what the rest of the world is making a fuss about. If you give it a chance I think you will be surprised with the intensity and athleticism that true football embodies.

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

When the Red Bull Air Race series comes to town there will be a new force to reckoned with in the sky. As a pilot with national acclaim and “local” roots 25 year-old Canadian Pete McLeod is making a strong start in the 2010 Red Bull Air Race Series with precise and fast flying. Based out of London Ontario McLeod is an accomplished aerobatic pilot and appeared at the 2009 Windsor International Air Show. He is flying in only his second season with the Series but is seeing gradual success. Currently standing fifth in the championship he is capturing the attention of many who follow the series. His distinctive red airplane incorporates a maple leaf into the graphics and he grew up playing hockey. This is a Canadian race team competing at the world level and making a statement in only its second season. Truly amazing.
So what better way to show your support than showing up on race weekend with your own PMR84 shirt or hat. McLeod just recently launched his own line of race wear on his website http://www.petemcleodracing.com/ . A stylish selection of t-shirts, polo shirts and hats for men and women are available and feature the Pete McLeod Racing and 84 logos.
The site also features news, photos and videos as well as bios, and other interesting facts and content.
Crews are setting up infrastructure downtown and the excitement is building. The Red Bull Air Races are almost here. So come down and cheer our man on. Canadians Rule. Max Power!

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

You’ve heard of card sharks but fishing sharks? One local sportsman is making a name for himself doing just that only with a twist. Lakeshore resident Josh Jorgensen angles for these predators of the sea off the beaches of Florida. He is heavily involved in the tournament scene down there and has become proficient with the development and use of the techniques and equipment required to be successful in reeling in these fearsome creatures. Recently was involved in the production of a documentary film showcasing the 2009 Blacktip Challenge Tournament
Here is a short trailer on the making of the documentary.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERroY0UpyLI
The cool part about this tournament is that all sharks caught are measured, tagged and recorded for research purposes and returned to the sea. The sharks reputation as a terror to humans is widely misunderstood and Jorgensen is as much about educating people about sharks as he is a fan of fishing for them.
Josh is one guy that has an appreciation for adrenaline sports and has taken his interest in his favorite sport to the extreme. Go big or go home as the saying goes. Just the way we like it.

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

With the spring making selected appearances the downtown is poised finally be free of winters grip and come alive with festivals, concerts and attractions. Outdoor patios have already been in use and Windsor’s streets will once again be a beehive of activity with the sights and sounds of summer.
There’s a new renaissance happening downtown. The opening of several pub style drinking and dining establishments has signalled a sort of changing of the guard in the downtown bar scene. Places like the Manchester, Mick’s Irish Pub and the Pour House all offer a relaxed and fun atmosphere with a wide assortment of premium ales and bitters a well as delicious culinary offerings. The Loose Goose is another casual and comfortable place to chill out before and event or as an entertaining destination. Yes, there will still be venues for the younger crowd wishing to dance the night away but a diverse entertainment scene brings everyone out for a good time.

What are some of your favourite places and why? I’d love to hear some recommendations.
Eat drink and be merry!

by Tim Fairhurst Biz X Magazine

Ever wish every day was just like your birthday? Not the getting one year older part though. I mean the part about it being your “special” day. When you were a kid there’s a good chance that Christmas was your favourite day closely followed by your birthday. This favouritism was inevitably tied to the receiving of gifts but those good feelings of well being and excitement were undeniable and formed many lasting impressions through the years.
Some people have the ability (or good fortune) to live every day as if it were their birthday. They are their own party, spreading smiles and good feelings wherever they go. For them every day is full of excitement and fun regardless of the task at hand. Happiness is a state of mind, an abstract feeling and one we control. Unfortunately as in life there is always a negative to the positive, a ying to the yang if you will. With life’s ups comes downs as well. Frankly I’d be suspect if someone was that happy all of the time anyways.
But maybe it’s not such a crazy concept if you can pull it off. It sure seems like the way to live. Party On.

BTW – Happy Birthday Mom

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

Despite the announcement of several blockbuster construction projects there are still drawbacks and sometimes trade offs. It seems even rainbows have some sort of construction zone

Recently there has been much adieu about the state of Windsor’s riverfront and downtown. Massive construction along a good chunk of Riverside Drive for a retention basin along with road and sewer work throughout the city make for a less than ideal or accurate portrayal of our little city. And therein lies the dilemma. A double edged sword of sorts. Construction = Improvements, jobs and investment in infrastructure. Its just an unavoidable hell of a mess while it is underway. With a host of events held down town every summer the conflict is inevitable. How will Windsor look on the world stage this year when Rd Bull comes to town? Last year was the inaugural year for hosting this prestigious event, a kind of training run. This year we have got to do it right.
I hear Google is coming back too. Kind of like re-take day when you were in grade four. Last year, shaggy parks and overflowing garbage cans were an accurate depiction of what Windsor was at the time. Now google will be re-shooting many of the streets and scenes that were less than stellar last year. Now the city is temporarily scarred with earth moving projects that will inconvenience us for the moment but serve the city into this century.
Sometimes even when you’re winning you’re losing. But I think in the long run all of these improvements will be good for the city though and allow it to grow. What do you think??

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine