can anyone tell me where to find or a simple way to make those cool swooshy SFX often used for transitions, swish pans etc.

Here's one source, I think you have to join up and it may no longer be free, but they have an exensive library of useful fx: swoosh | Soundsnap (http://www.soundsnap.com/taxonomy/term/1247) /Battle Vaughan//miamiherald.com video team

Making Whooshes:

Whooshes! - Digi User Conference (http://duc.digidesign.com/showthread.php?t=243087)