Pete McLeod - Air Race Ace

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

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Fishing for Excitement

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

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Downtown Re-Birth??

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

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Every Day is Your Birthday

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

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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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