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Biz X magazine writer Tim Fairhurst

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"The Pulse"

» Signs of Life

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Tim Fairhurst

Signs of Life

Posted March 9, 2010 @ 10:19PM

Saw the first few signs of life while out and about this past weekend. Its amazing how the appearance of a few degrees on the thermometer brings out all manner of activity on the streets and in the stores and bars. The emergence of spring creates a whole new season of spending and benefits many industries. Landscaping companies, tourism destinations and bars and restaurants all enjoy increased business throughout the spring and summer months when folks flock outside.. Motorcycle shops, farm equipment dealerships and the boating industry also contribute to the areas economy during this time as people ready their summer machines for another season.
As one who’s had enough of the cold winter weather I say to summer “Bring it On”. Although I may be premature in my enthusiasm the yearly emergence is undeniable.Red Bull is coming back for a party inthe skies and the Windsor International Airshow is happening again along with a myriad of festivals shows and events. It’s about to get hot in here. Let the games begin

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine



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Olympic Party - Canadian Style

Posted March 3, 2010 @ 11:06PM




OK, so the Olympics are over. Riveting tales of grit and determination amidst the spectacle of competition at the highest level provided us with nightly drama and excitement. And yes WE won both hockey tournaments. After much consternation (and ribbing and feedback) I came to realize that everyone in the room had a vested interest in the outcome. This unifying event felt like a group effort and brought people together in such a positive way that you couldn’t help but smile. Europeans get this right with fervent support of football matches, automobile and motorcycle races. National pride is a positive and if you have to attach yourself to a brand I guess this was as good a cause as any. The party in the streets afterward was pretty cool too. I just cringe to think of the mood if WE had lost! Yikes. But it was fan frenzy at its finest. Jack Rosenberg has some more great shots of the aftermath on InPlay Magazine’s facebook site. Check it out.




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There is no "We" in Team

Posted February 23, 2010 @ 9:10PM



OK, With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games underway I have been immersed in all of the cool sports and events not generally found on television. The spectacular opening ceremonies, alpine skiing, snowboarding and the fast and exciting luge events have been riveting me to my television every evening. Rooting for Canadian athletes I have been inspired by the stories of triumph and success that Olympic fever brings and felt the pride every time a Canadian stands on the podium.
But there is something that I have to get off my chest. It is a phenomenon that crops up whenever there is a big game or rivalry in the sports world. I have witnessed this during Stanley Cups and World Series involving hometown teams in Detroit. The fever pitch that the Olympic hockey tournament has generated with Team Canada has this term being bandied about once again and it drives me crazy. Now an entire country has jumped on the bandwagon with this.
Yes, it’s the “we” factor. You know, when people refer to their favourite team as “we”.
“We have a big game tonight” or “We played a strong game last night”. I don’t know about you but my contribution to most sporting events consist of snacking on the sofa while watching the truly talented to all of the hard work. “We” implies that somehow I am an integral part of the team. Maybe if I was at the event I could motivate them through my cheering or flag waving thereby affecting the outcome, but my contribution to the final score from home is assuredly insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
I understand that people just want something to grab on to and be a part of the excitement and the patriotism that Canada’s Olympic hockey team exudes is refreshing and welcome.
Referring to “we” in the context of Canada as a country competing in the Olympics makes sense as well because we are all Canadians. But make no mistake, last time I checked there was no Fairhurst on the starting roster for any major league sports team much less Canada’s Olympic Team. This should never stop anyone from watching and enjoying professional sports however. Heck, wear the colors, cheer loudly and wave the flags if it makes you feel good. Just take credit where its due.
I have to go now, we just scored again. Go Team Canada!


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Master of Distraction

Posted February 2, 2010 @ 9:34PM

Well, the cellphone driving ban has just come into play for real. Passed three months ago, the law prohibits the use of hand held devices and video display units while operating a motor vehicle. The high profile taboo of talking while driving has become all the talk with many people. Albeit now while stopped. On my daily drive through the county I have encountered cars pulled over to the shoulder of the road at all hours and locations. Further inspection as I cruise by usually reveals someone talking on a cellphone. Hey, maybe we're finally getting it. Distracted driving is dangerous driving. For the record hand free devices are allowed so the whole multitasking thing is still in effect for those who must always be "connected". I recently bought a bluetooth earpiece thats easy to use and unobtrusive but I seem to have to go out of my way to use it. I guess I dont really spend that much time in my vehicle to warrant (or get a ton of phone calls for that matter) it but thought it might be cool to use it in a store or the bank. I could walk around talking to whomever invisibly and look busy and important. Or not.
Dont talk and Drive

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

















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New “Shoes” and Winter Driving

Posted January 10, 2010 @ 10:33AM


I just got a new pair of shoes. Or rather my truck did. The first appearance of that fluffy (or slushy) white stuff falling from the sky was all the prompting I needed to make the investment in a new set of skins for the Escape. Each year winter brings snow, holiday traffic and along with it the pitfalls of winter driving. The recent snowfall had everyone in the Windsor/Essex County area slipping and sliding on the roads during their daily commute to work. Having the proper equipment and being prepared for it can go a long way in keeping you and your family safe and reduce the stress of bad weather navigation. Don’t neglect the most important aspect of your vehicle this winter season and above all drive within your limits and the limits of your surroundings. Remember four-wheel drive is great if you have it but it doesn’t help you stop. Area automotive retailers can hook you up with everything from batteries and tires to tune ups and wiper blades. Taking some time at the beginning of the season to make sure your vehicle is up to snuff is a wise investment. What are you doing to prepare for winter?


by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine



















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New Years Resolutions, Same Old Story?

Posted January 3, 2010 @ 11:35AM

Each Year as the big ball drops in New York and we all welcome a New Year onto our calendars many find it necessary to make a resolution or proclamation to do something new or different in the coming year. Tradition has the passing of a new calendar year as the motivation for change in their lives. This year was no different with people vowing to quit smoking, lose weight, work less or take up new hobbies etc.
I didn’t make any formal resolutions this year though. Actions speak louder than words though and while proclaiming a yearly motivation for change can be a catalyst, there is no substitute for just getting down to the business of doing it. Vowing to be a better person, do more things for others and find a better balance in the work/play equation are just a few of my “non-resolutions”.
As the local economy slowly rebounds, some find themselves in different situations or undergoing challenges for the new decade. New employment opportunities, school or possibly even a move to a different home or city may be in your cards. Whatever your status, one thing is certain though. Nothing ever stays the same and life is full of change. It is this change that will make us stronger hopefully serve to move us forward in the new decade.

by Tim Fairhurst
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The Olympic Experience comes to Windsor!

Posted December 21, 2009 @ 10:46PM

On Wednesday Dec 23rd the Olympic Torch will make its way through Essex County and culminate in a ceremony/party in the evening in downtown Windsor at festival plaza. For many this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to witness the Olympic flame in their hometown as Canada gets ready to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Some people complain that there is nothing to do in Windsor but once again we are blessed to have events such as this to enjoy with our families and friends. With skating at Charles Clark Square and a torch lighting ceremony down the riverfront it promises to be a memorable way to kick off the Holiday season and experience a piece of the Olympics up close.. Travelling by air, land and water the flame will visit over 1000 communities across Canada on a 106 day journey towards it’s final destination in Vancouver in February. Over 12,000 people will have the honour of carrying the flame on its 45,000km route involving over 200 celebrations throughout Canada.
So bundle up the kids, dress warm and come on down to see a piece of history on Wed night. I’ll see you there.

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

















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Partying for a Cause

Posted December 9, 2009 @ 9:16PM


On Friday December 11th local radio personality and fellow Biz X writer Arms Bumanlag will be hosting a party downtown at Dean Martinis to celebrate his 28th birthday. I barely remember what it was like to be south of thirty but can still stay out late with the best of them. In fact it’s a Biz X standard these days buts that’s a topic for another blog entry. Known as the “Up in Arms Birthday Bash” the event will feature some of the areas best bands playing everything from classic rock to Top 40 and feature Arms himself in his debut spinning stacks of wax and mixing it up in the booth high above the dance floor. There will also be prizes, food and merchandise for sale. Ever the community minded individual Arms has also used the opportunity to promote a cause close to his heart. Cancer has/ will touch just about everyone and is still cutting short far too many lives. Proceeds from the event will go to the Canadian Cancer Society to help people and their families that battle this deadly disease every day.
Sponsored by 89X, The Windsor Star and of course Biz X Magazine the event is sure to be a blow-out and a fine way to kick off the holiday season. Yours truly will be there to help Arms usher in his 28th birthday and help support this worthy initiative.
See you there!

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine



















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Don't Say It!!

Posted December 5, 2009 @ 9:40PM

Well, it seems I spoke too soon. My blog post of two weeks ago titled “Healthy as a Horse” had me proclaiming good health and an unrestricted lifestyle. Well this past weekend had me flat on my back with a stuffed up head and cough. Despite bright sunny days that begged for everyone to be outside I was happy to spend the time sleeping and blowing my nose. But the really funny thing about this was the timing of my yearly bout with the cold of the month. (And no I don’t have the Swine Flu!!) My January story for Biz X addressing health and wellness gave me a unique insight into researching this aspect of health care. Actually utilizing the very services and businesses that I am writing about while fighting ill health was opportune and very helpful
Still sucks to be sick though. I’ve spent a lot of time catching up on magazine articles, sending emails and even watched a cool documentary movie. Of course I devoted a few minutes to updating this blog as well.
Speaking of which, check my blog this week for a cool event that’s coming up next weekend downtown. Its being thrown by one of our very own Biz X contributors and supports a cause that is near to all of us.
Stay Healthy!

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

















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Dress to Impress

Posted November 26, 2009 @ 7:49PM

Each year at the end of November Biz X Magazine hosts their annual “Oscar” awards gala. It is a chance for Biz X Magazine to acknowledge excellence in business and pay tribute to the hard working men and women that run these enterprises. It is also a chance for everyone to dress up and put on their best for an evening of fine dining, drinks and socializing. Men put on their good suits and tuxedoes and women come in dresses and evening gowns. Dressing for the occasion is what this night is all about but everyone has at one time or another been witness to inappropriate dress code. I once saw someone at a wedding reception in a t-shirt, jeans and trucker hat. (No kidding) Summer time on the roads bring to mind the classic underdressed motorcyclist in shorts and sandals. Do they wear their leather jacket and boots at the beach?? Being underdressed is one thing but what about being overdressed? Last year the Howling Diablo’s blues band played to one of the best dressed crowds downstairs in the Oasis Bar at Place Concorde for the Oscar after-party. We got a few funny looks as well dressed Oscar recipients and their guests flooded into the bar, mingling with the rock and roll jeans and t-shirt crowd there to see the show. The music transformed our earlier reserved black tie affair into a rockin’ blues evening, tuxedoes be damned.
Environment aside, clothes do make the man (and woman) and there is a certain feeling you get when you’re dressed up and looking good. They’ll be lots of that come Friday night when the biggest business event of the season gets underway. It’ll be a great opportunity to see and be seen as the red carpet is rolled out. I’ll be on the lookout for some outstanding fashion statements so stop and say hi. See you at the gala.

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

















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