The Ultimate Random Act of Kindness

With Remembrance Day coming up on Thursday the focus will be on our military personnel both past and present that have served and continue to serve this great country of ours. But there is another day on the calendar this week that coincides with the theme of doing for others selflessly. Yes, Friday is “Random Acts of Kindness Day”. For this week I propose random acts of kindness for our Canadian Forces people.
Whether you buy a veteran a coffee, hold a door open or just say thank you the gesture you put forward is one that pales in comparison to the ultimate sacrifice that many have given but can mean a lot if given from the heart.
I have had the opportunity to interview many of our veterans for Biz X Magazine’s Senior Super Star column I write each month. Ordinary folks that performed extraordinary duties under dangerous and trying conditions. Many live today with the injuries that they sustained serving our country and carry a heavy burden because of it. Their experiences impacted their lives in many ways. Some negatively but some positively with many meeting their spouses while overseas. All of them gave something of themselves to keep our country free and make a better life for Canadians everywhere. So take some time and acknowledge these fine folks this week (and thereafter) with a random act of kindness. They deserve at least this from us. Lest we Forget


by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

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Construction Cruise

Anyone who has tried to move about the city (or county for that matter) this past summer probably has a story of traffic jam hell due to road or bridge construction. Usually you find yourself funnelled into a hopeless bottleneck with no way or option to turn around. Patience is key here but more often than not in short supply with harried drivers thinking that somehow the world is going to stop rotating on its axis if they aren’t somehow getting to “the front”. Driving down the shoulder or in a shut down lane the impatient ones come in all makes models, genders and class. Dealing with this is especially irritating if the construction is on your daily route to work. But then I think of the guys out there actually doing the construction work and realize that their efforts will make my drive better in a few short weeks. Being extra careful and courteous in construction zones is a must for everyone’s safety. So the next time your rolling through a road project slow down, watch out and givem' a thumbs up. It’ll be worth the wait.

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

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Hotshots are on FIRE!!

This Friday night the Biz X/In Play Hotshots will be making a return to the gruelling firefighter Combat Relays for the 2010 edition of Firefest. It all gets underway at 5:00 at Riverfront plaza for the media challenge. Some of your favourite media personalities will be powering and faking their way through the course while raising money for Transition to Betterness (T2B). A run up to the real heroes of the course on Sat and Sunday Friday night is always fun to see how your average Joe (literally!) does on some of the segments that make up the course.

Last year, yours truly managed to be a contributing factor to the Hotshots win on timing over the Windsor Star team and gained a new appreciation of some of the competitive times that the pros do around this course. Intense training at various establishments by the entire Biz X/In Play squad has been underway all summer and the crew is ready to kick some major butt. So come on out and check out all of the fun and action this Friday. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you will definitely be amused.
Note to Arms and Heidi: We’re “bringin’ it” for the competition! “Training session” after the event at the nearest place of dining.
See you there!

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

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Ice Cream Excess

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

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A New Twist to Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones today are used for much more than just talking. In fact the term “mobile device” is more appropriate as the ability to text, email, surf the web and take video and photos have become industry standard. While the advent of this technology has made it easy to stay connected to family, friends and business associates it has also created a social dilemma for some who place a misdirected priority on this ability to communicate.
Now I’m not talking about checking a text or email quickly after dinner or placing a brief call to check on the kids while you’re out. I’m referring to people who constantly drop out of a one-on-one conversation to carry on a texting exchange or engage in extended conversations leaving the person they are with “on hold”. Giving someone your undivided attention is a courtesy that seems to be a secondary priority with some people and in my mind is just plain rude. Are we that programmed to multi-task that we cannot defer these communications until it is appropriate? Is this another example of technology driving our social habits or are we forgetting what our parents taught us? Maybe a little bit of both. What do you think?

by Tim FairhurstBiz X Magazine

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Area Motorcyclists Singing the Blues

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

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World Cup Fever Grips Windsor

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

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