Winning or Losing

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

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Signs of Life

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

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.

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

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There is no "We" in Team

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!

by Tim Fairhurst
Biz X Magazine

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Master of Distraction

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

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?

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
Biz X Magazine

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