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Trade with Mocaz Financial Markets
Trade over 90 instruments including currency pairs,
commodities, indices, metals and energy with no added
commissions, where your only cost to trade is the spread.
Contact Us
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At Mocaz, your satisfaction is our priority.
We operate in an industry built based on trust. Interested to learn more about MFM?
Our Support Team will work their best to ensure you receive the best information possible.
Simply fill out the form below or check out Live Chat friends. We will be more than happy to entertain your inquiries.
**Should you require further information or enquiries, reach us via our Live Chat button. You can contact us from Monday to Friday, 24/5. Alternatively, you may send an email to us via [email protected] or send us your enquiry by filling the enquiry form above and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
*Please note that all queries submitted during weekend will be entertained on the next working days.
General Enquiries and Client Support Team
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We have been steadily growing since we started in 2013. We are actively looking for individuals who are talented and creative to be a part of our team. We invite you to submit your resume for future consideration and we will carefully inspect and assist you in taking your vision and making it a reality.
Stay in Touch
MFM Group Limited
MFM Group Limited (SVG)
Suit 305, Griffith Corporate Centre, P.O Box 1510, Beachmont, Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, an International Broker Company with the registration number 23265 IBC 2016.
International Broker Company with the registration number 23265 IBC 2016.The objects of the Company are all subject matters not forbidden by International Business Companies (Amendment and Consolidation) Act, Chapter 149 of the Revised Laws of Saint Vincent and Grenadines, 2009, in particular but not exclusively all commercial, financial, lending, borrowing, trading, service activities and the participation in other enterprises as well as to provide brokerage, training and managed account services in currencies, commodities, indexes, CFDs and leveraged financial instruments.
Card transactions are processed via ZELATRIX LIMITED, Reg No. ΗΕ 396816 and registered address at Athalassas, 62, Mezzanine, Strovolos, 2012, Nicosia, Cyprus.
Risk Warning:
Trading forex/CFD's on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors as you could sustain losses in excess of deposits. Leverage can work against you. Be aware and fully understand all risks associated with the market and trading. MFM Group Limited does not offer its services to the residents of certain jurisdictions such as: Afghanistan, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan, Puerto Rico, USA, Canada, Australia, Syria, Japan, and Ecuador.
This website is owned and operated by MFM Group Limited (SVG) Copyright 2014-2018. MFM Group Limited. All rights reserved.


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On January 1, 2015, Germany's law on the statutory minimum wage became effective and is set at EUR 8.50/working hour (gross). The monthly rate, according to the German authorities, amounts to EUR 1,473 based on a 40-hour work-week. The new German statutory minimum wage affects all individuals working in Germany regardless of their nationality. Additionally, the location of their employing entity is not taken into account, so even foreign companies located abroad and assigning employees to Germany are legally required to pay the statutory minimum wage during an assignment.
On January 1, 2015, Germany's law on the statutory minimum wage became effective. The law implements – for the first time in Germany – a general statutory minimum wage for all occupations and it applies to all individuals actually working in Germany, including European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals, as well as Swiss nationals and other third-country nationals1. Until a possible revision (with effect as of January 1, 2017), the statutory minimum wage is EUR 8.50/working hour (gross).
The new German statutory minimum wage affects all individuals working in Germany regardless of their nationality. Additionally, the location of their employing entity is not taken into account, so even foreign companies located abroad and assigning employees to Germany are legally required to pay the statutory minimum wage during an assignment. Statutory minimum wages are subject to decisions of the Federal Employment Agency (FEA) regarding labor market-access of non-EU2/non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals. If statutory minimum wages will not be paid during an assignment, the FEA will deny its internal approval for the issuance of a required residence title.3
Currently, it is not clear if and to what extent assignment-related allowances (e.g., housing, per diems, etc.) may be considered when determining whether the statutory minimum wage is legally attained. In some cases, assignees to Germany come from low-wage countries4 and they are paid allowances to raise their wage to a comparable level. A statement5 issued by the German government (Bundesregierung) during the law-making procedure indicates that allowances that are paid, but not tied to the performance of "additional" work, shall not be considered.
Since the end of 2014, the FEA requires companies to pay allowances for the entire assignment period indicated with the application. Temporary project workers who are travelling back and forth between their home countries and Germany must receive their full allowances during the entire assignment period. Otherwise, one of the main requirements for a German residence and work permit will not be fulfilled, which might lead to the rejection of the application.
Differing terms in an employment contract and an assignment letter for the same employee that do not comply with the statutory minimum wage are considered as "non-effective" from a German legal stand-point, which means basically that the employee has the right to claim the statutory minimum salary guaranteed by law despite the apparent discrepancy in the actual agreements. In addition, it is important to note that as long as an employee is entitled to be paid according to minimum wage conditions, the employee can sue his employer in Germany – even if that employer is located abroad – if he is not paid properly under the terms of the law.
Based on the legally required hourly rate of EUR 8.50, the monthly rate the FEA requires amounts to EUR 1,473 based on a 40-hour work-week.
Please note that the FEA will evaluate whether a third-country national is being paid comparably to local colleagues working in the same position with a comparable professional background. Subject to the approval process, therefore, is the comparability of working conditions. The FEA will compare salaries for local hires and assignees during an assignment to Germany not only with local salary levels; the FEA will also investigate if the third-country national will receive the statutory minimum wage. Thus, the evaluation will encompass two stages:
Evaluation, if statutory minimum wage level is met
EUR 8.50/hour (gross)
EUR 1,473/month (gross)
Evaluation, if salary is comparable to the salary of local colleagues
|No fixed wage level, depending on an Individual assessment
In light of the aforementioned statement from the German government, it is currently not clear if and to what extent allowances can be utilized to boost basic salaries paid by companies with employees from low-wage countries. For the second stage of the evaluation, this has regularly been accepted by the FEA; however, the statement from the German government may prevent the FEA from considering allowances for the first stage of the evaluation, as well as the second stage.
This could, for example, affect allowances such as:
KPMG Law has engaged in discussions with the FEA and, subsequently, the German Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium fuer Arbeit und Soziales, or "BMAS"), which has responsibility for the FEA. For the time being it is likely that the FEA will consider allowances – as in the past – in respect of the statutory minimum wage. We have been informed6 that the FEA has not finally decided on a revision of its approach (including the evaluation at the first stage), but it is aware of the government's statement. The internal consultation underway at BMAS will hopefully yield clarification and establish a clear decision process to be followed by the FEA.
(According to the information from the FEA, allowances will be considered as in the past for renewals, if they were also considered for the initial internal approvals.)
However, since companies are not likely to postpone assignments until answers are forthcoming from the German authorities, it is advisable, in the meantime, to consider structuring assignments on the basis of a temporary German employment contract in addition to the contract with the home entity in case the employee is definitely needed in Germany and a delay is not possible.
1 As defined by EU law, third-country nationals are nationals of non-EU countries.
2 Exceptionally, this also applies to Croatian nationals. They are restricted in terms of labor market access at least until June 30, 2015, and may require a special EU work permit. If so, the requirements for non-EU/non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals apply to the special EU work permit for Croatians analogously.
3 For example, a national visa or a combined residence and work permit.
4 For example, the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China).
5 BR-Drs. 18/1558, page 67.
6 KPMG Law initiated an official request with the FEA regarding the handling of future cases in respect of the statutory minimum wage in general and a first call took place on January 7, 2015. In accordance with the German Administrative Law (§ 25 Verwaltungsverfahrensgesetz) an "abstract" request can be raised to the German federal authorities for discussion. Subsequent to the call, KPMG Law submitted a broad list of possible allowances and requested legal opinions in this regard. On January 12, 2015, KPMG Law was informed by the FEA that the request had been brought to the attention of the BMAS.
For additional information or assistance, please contact your local GMS or People Services professional or one of the following professionals with KPMG Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH in Germany:
Dr. Thomas Wolf
Tel. +49 (0) 30 530 199 300
Sebastian Klaus
Tel. +49 (0) 69 95 11 95 090
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Germany.
© 2020 KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.
KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International") is a Swiss entity. Member firms of the KPMG network of independent firms are affiliated with KPMG International. KPMG International provides no client services. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm.
Flash Alert is an Global Mobility Services publication of KPMG LLPs Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG logo and name are trademarks of KPMG International. KPMG International is a Swiss cooperative that serves as a coordinating entity for a network of independent member firms. KPMG International provides no audit or other client services. Such services are provided solely by member firms in their respective geographic areas. KPMG International and its member firms are legally distinct and separate entities. They are not and nothing contained herein shall be construed to place these entities in the relationship of parents, subsidiaries, agents, partners, or joint venturers. No member firm has any authority (actual, apparent, implied or otherwise) to obligate or bind KPMG International or any member firm in any manner whatsoever. The information contained in herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
Request for proposal

subset: commoncrawl


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Len wasn't alone for very long. Miguel had been searching and found Len at the new practice spot. Miguel didn't play sports like the other boys. He didn't speak enough English to carry a conversation with Len, but Miguel loved the way Len played his violin.
Now that he discovered his classmate's secret practice spot, Miguel went behind the cafeteria every morning during recess to watch and listen to Len play his violin. Miguel drew pictures as Len played. When recess ended, Miguel placed his drawings inside Len's violin case.
For three months, Len passionately practiced the song his uncle taught him. He practiced in his bedroom before school, at his secret spot during recess, Mondays after school with Mr. Trumbo, and in his bedroom before he went to sleep.
Lenny's mom loved going to the beach, and it only took them fifteen minutes to walk to the beach from their house. Whenever his mom went to the beach, Lenny brought his violin. It was his favorite spot away from school. The park was also one of his trusted spots. Lenny and his new violin had become inseparable.
Notes: You are reading an excerpt from my 1st children's picture book, Violen. Violen is a story about a young boy who has an extraordinary gift and passion to play the violin. I will be sharing a page or two a day. Follow along, and if you like my story, please tag your friends or share a link of this post. Thanks for your support. Image shot by Albert Montes and edited by me.


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Honor the Heroes of the Game, Preserve Its History, Promote its Values & Celebrate Excellence Everywhere
Share your pictures, videos, and stories from your visit to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on our social media. We might even feature you in one of our promotions!
Look no further for the ultimate collectible for any St. Louis Rams fanatic- order this exclusive Rams Hall of Fame Legends Photo Mint today!
Ships Directly from Manufacturer
Estimated Delivery in 2-4 weeks


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This may be old news by now (hey, I've been busy) but I stumbled upon this article the other day and it piqued my interest.
Basically, two "unpaid interns" who worked on the movie Black Swan are suing Fox Searchlight for unfair labor practices. From the article:
"Fox Searchlight's unpaid interns are a crucial labor force on its productions, functioning as production assistants and bookkeepers and performing secretarial and janitorial work," the lawsuit says. "In misclassifying many of its workers as unpaid interns, Fox Searchlight has denied them the benefits that the law affords to employees."Some of the tasks the interns were asked to do included making coffee and ordering lunch.
I gotta admit, I'm kinda torn on this one.
On the one hand, I'm all for getting paid for your work. Obviously.
But on the other hand, I kind of get the feeling that these guys don't really get how things work and/or are throwing a hissy fit because the experience wasn't what they were expecting. I mean, it's an unpaid internship. You're supposed to get college credit. If they didn't, then that's a different conversation.
It's also an internship. A position that's widely understood in this industry as being below P.A. level, which is (no offense) pretty low to begin with. So these guys should've expected to run the occasional errand, make coffee or pick up lunch. And in exchange for such "grunt work," they get to work on a major motion picture. They get to put "Fox Searchlight" on their resume. They get to brag to their family and friends that they "worked" with Natalie Portman. And even more importantly, they see how the business works firsthand (because let's face it, film school does a poor job of this) and get the opportunity to meet new people who might further their careers.
Sure, I guess if they're doing work, the company could afford to pay them minimum wage. But you know what? If the company was putting them on payroll, they might as well just hire another P.A. The way I see it, interns are the ones who come in without any experience at all. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who has an issue with being paid the same as the guy with less experience.
Also from the article:
Fox Searchlight acted illegally, the lawsuit asserts, because the company did not meet the federal labor department's criteria for unpaid internships. Those criteria require that the position benefit the intern, that the intern not displace regular employees, that the training received be similar to what would be given in an educational institution and that the employer derive no immediate advantage from the intern's activities.Given those guidelines and the description of the tasks the interns were asked to do (basically, P.A. work), then yeah, I'd say they have the makings of a lawsuit there. But at the same time, I'm confused by the guidelines themselves. What's the point of having an intern if the company doesn't benefit from it? If I was an employer, I'd see no advantage of having a snot nosed kid hang around me all day, asking me questions and trying to learn "the biz" if he didn't at least bring me a cup of coffee now and then.
When I was in college, you bet your ass I had unpaid internships. And yeah, I answered phones, made coffee runs, took lunch orders and filed a bunch of stuff. Does this mean I was taken advantage of? Yeah. Was I aware of it at the time? Yeah. Did I complain? No. Because I like to think I was taking advantage of the situation as much as it was taking advantage of me. I learned everything I could at my internships. I asked questions (at appropriate times, of course). I made great contacts (not every one was able to get me anywhere, but it was still a start. There are some that I still keep in touch with). I even gained a few office supplies.
I guess another thing that rubs me the wrong way about this whole thing is what one of the plaintiffs say:
"The only thing I learned on this internship was to be more picky in choosing employment opportunities," Mr. Footman, 24, said in an interview. " 'Black Swan' had more than $300 million in revenues. If they paid us, it wouldn't make a big difference to them, but it would make a huge difference to us."First off, if you're starting out in the film business, there's no such thing as being "picky in choosing employment opportunities." Hollywood has a loooooooooooooong line of people outside her door, just waiting for a chance to stick their foot in. If you really wanted to work in this business, you take any and every opportunity you can get if you're just starting out. Save the being picky part for when you have more than one internship under your belt.
And secondly, "Nobody knows anything." The fact that the movie made that much money is moot. If you're on a production, there's no telling if the movie's going to be the next big thing or the next big flop. So it's kind of tacky in my opinion to say, "Well, they ended up making a lot of money, so now I'm saying they should've paid me." Unless, of course, they signed up for back end points, which again, is an entirely different conversation.
But I do agree that if Fox Searchlight had given them something, it would've made a difference. In this business, a little respect goes a long way.
Like I said, I'm kinda torn on this one.


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Having lost three loved ones to suicide, guest author Catherine Greenleaf has learned that finding and keeping balance after a loss can make all of the difference in healing and moving forward.Read More...
Get Updates:Subscribe to our email newsletter to receive updates about the newest articles and features at Hello Grief.
Our Authors:
Bill Cushnie, M.Div., & retired president & owner of Strategic Solutions, a group dynamics/adult education consulting firm.
Patti Cox, Bereavement counselor and children, teen and adult grief support group facilitator.
Jill Fitzgerald, LCSW, private grief therapist and founding board member for Comfort Zone Camp.
Alisha Krukowski, Online Community Manager for HelloGrief.org.
Pete Shrock, National Program Director for Comfort Zone Camp, specializes in children with life traumas.
- School
- sons
- summer
- graduation day
- Brothers
- Father's Day
- Guilt
- music
- mothers
- death
- cope
- children
- Mother's Day
- self care
- Dads
- car accidents
- suicide
- community
- Hello Grief
- loss
- running
- Dating
- State Farm - Celebrate My Drive
- Faith and Religion
- holidays
- Fitness and Grief
- Poll Results
- Grief
- Long Term Illness
- Comfort Zone Camp
- Teens' Talk
- Cancer
- Grief In The News
- Sibling Loss
- Conflicted Grief
- Special Dates
- Child Loss
- Spouse Loss
- Women's Issues
- Providing Support
- Childhood Bereavement
- Recent Loss
- Parent Loss
- Personal Stories
- Coping
Author: Catherine Greenleaf
Daily Positive Affirmations
After facing three suicide losses, guest author Catherine Greenleaf discovered that the way you think about yourself can determine what kind of experiences you will have. She shares thoughts on how positive daily affirmations can help us to heal after any kind of loss.Read More...


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The mission of the Mission Houses Museum, says curator Elizabeth Nosek, is to tell the stories of Protestant missionaries and "to tie what we're talking about to modern times." Thus, in showing images by Reid S. Yalom of the grave sites of generations past in the exhibit "American Resting Place," the museum rounded out the show by asking 10 contemporary Hawaii artists to explore death and dying through artwork.
» "Rest in Peace": Slide show and lecture, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, free
» "Memories and Me Tea": Children ages 8 and up may create a scrapbook remembering a loved one, 2 p.m. June 21, $35
» "Graveyard Hopping Bus Tour": Tour of Oahu cemeteries, 9 a.m. June 28, $35
» "Mission Houses Lives by Lantern Light": Mission Houses and cemetery tour, with activity for children and parents, begins at Mission Houses, 7:30 p.m. July 18, $15
» "Walking with the Dead": Tour of Mission Houses and Kawaiahao cemeteries, 9 a.m. July 19, $20
» Book signing: Author Marilyn Yalom and photographer Reid S. Yalom will sign "The American Resting Place," 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6, free
» "In Loving Memory": Panel discussion on funeral and burial traditions in Hawaii, 6 p.m. Aug. 9, Oahu Cemetery Chapel, 2162 Nuuanu Ave.
"Every artist here reacts differently to death and dying; some may have a hard time discussing it. But no one has trouble with remembrances of their loved ones," Nosek says.
Rich Richardson created a mixed-media light-box that illuminates a picture of himself, as an infant, and his late uncle, as a young man. Frank Sheriff's artist statement, accompanying a bronze urn, discusses the unbearable responsibility he felt whenever he was asked to create an urn for someone.
Upon entering the Chamberlain Houses Gallery, visitors can watch a slide show of historian Nanette Napoleon's gorgeous photographs of various grave sites across the state. Napoleon recalls in her artist statement how a visit to rock icon Jim Morrison's grave site at the Pere-Lachaise Cemetery in Paris introduced her to the beautiful artistry of grave markers.
Maile Andrade, Vince Hazen, Bernie Moriaz, Sabrina Sanchez and Roy Venters round out the artists.
Also on display are mourning items from the museum's collection, such as human hair woven into jewelry and an assemblage of dried flowers. The floral piece, typical of mourning art in the 1800s, was made by Bella (Chamberlain) Lyman in tribute to her mother.
"American Resting Place" continues through Aug. 23 at the Mission Houses Museum. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays. Admission is $6. Call 531-0481.


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Click To Enlarge
A fun alternative to plain white sticks, you can dress up your cakepops with these colorful Cake Pop Sticks. Sticks are 6" long and .25" wide. They are bio-degradable and compostable. Package includes 24 extra strong cake pop sticks. Made in the USA.
- Item #: 1CC7213


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In this day and age, efficiency is a must. You want to feel better, work smarter and play harder. You'd be surprised how much a simple app can simplify your life, here are a few free apps you need to download for a more productive year.
My Fitness Pal
If you're looking to get in shape or just eat healthier, this app is your go to. You can keep track of your calorie intake, search the nutritional information in a variety foods and set goals.
Getting your finances in order is never easy, but it's still important to do. Mint makes it easier by allowing to set a monthly budget for all of your expenses and keeping track of all of your transactions.
Gotta Go
Created by comedian Chelsea Handler, this app is a must for dates. With a click of a button, it will send you a customized text from a "friend" giving you a valid excuse to leave. Perfect for when your Tinder match turns out to be dud.
How much time do we waste scrolling through websites, blogs and feeds to take in all of our favorite content? Feedly brings the articles, photos and posts from all of your favorite sites into one app and organizes them by category.
Whether you're taking a long drive or running errands all day, this app will help get you there fast, avoid traffic jams by providing alternate routes and let's you know when there's a cop nearby.
For all you foodies out there, this app will help you keep track of that little hole in the wall restaurant you went to that served the best lasagna. It allows you to add and organize restaurants you like by category and tells you which of your favorite spots are nearby.
Nothing ruins your feed like a poorly lit or dull photo. While this app isn't free, it's basically Photoshop for your phone, so it's worth the $3.99. With just one app you can edit, retouch and take your photos to the next level.
Easily Do
This app is like having your own personal assistant. It automatically adds new contacts to your phone, reminds you to respond to certain emails and even checks traffic times to let you know when you should leave. And of course, helps you create detailed to do lists for everyday tasks.


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Good morning lovelies, I hope you're all well?
Recently I made a little trip to one of my favourite stores, in search of a new body product to ease the fact that my skin had become a little dry over the previous months, I headed into Jo Malone.
Automatically presuming I would've been picking up some form of moisturiser, I found myself sampling the body cremes, the scents were gorgeous and that was my problem, I liked them all!
I think the sales assistant could sense I was struggling on what to purchase, she came and advised me on what particularly I was in search of, and also which scents in general I like, she suggested I have a hand and arm massage with herself, using some of the scents she recommended from what I had told her I personally like from Jo Malone.
We chose Wood Sage and Sea Salt in the body creme and on her recommendation, the Peony & Blush Suede shower oil, a product I had personally never tried from Jo Malone!
She applied a generous amount of the heavenly smelling oil onto my arms which lathered into the most luxurious milk, the fragrance is incredibly light and almost undetectable until you catch it upon a whim and wonder where the scent is coming from.
Once she washed away the oil she asked me to feel my skin, it felt incredibly soft and supple, you would've thought i'd done a full body scrub and moisturised it was *that* soft, I just couldn't stop touching my arms and wondering how it had become so soft from one quick application of what seemed like a body cleanser?
To finish off she applied a small spatulas amount of body creme in the Wood Sage and Sea Salt scent (one of my personal favourites in scent from the collection).
This wasn't a scent I would have ever thought to have paired with the Peony and Blush Suede, but she assured me that they work really well together.. well .. they did, creating an incredibly warm and sofisticated layered fragrance
I ended up picking up the Shower Oil as I absolutely loved the way it felt alone, it was moisturising enough by itself for me to want it, plus I also loved the ease of use, knowing that I could use this in the shower without having to apply much effort or take into consideration 'dry time' as you would with a body creme!
Upon using this at home, Ive realise how long the oil is going to last, you honestly need the tiniest amount, a little goes a really long way!
If im feeling particularly in need of some moisture, I use a second application of it on my skin and just allow the shower to gently wash off the oil without using any force to remove it, this allows a light layer of the oil to stay on my skin leaving it feeling super soft and luxurious, without feeling as if there is any residue on my skin, it feels almost invisible on my body but allows an extra level of moisture to penetrate my skin!
I really feel that this is going to be one of those beauty products that you just keep repurchasing throughout the years, it has become a daily staple in my routine and something I can honestly tell my skin is missing if i forget to use it.
Asides from the beautiful packaging it really is a super luxurious and splurge worthy product that I can honestly say you should own in your collection!
Are there any Jo Malone products you can recommend, I absolutely adore their candles and diffusers, but am yet to branch out into there perfumes, which is something I would really like to add to my stash, but yet again there are SO many scents I just don't know where to begin, so any advice or personal recommendations will be greatfully recieved.
See you all again soon, Frankie xo


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Specification Table
|240v Mains
Height (mm):
Width (mm):
Diameter (mm):
IP Rating:
Tilt And Rotation:
|1 Year
|CE, RoHS
Product Has 38 Reviews in Total
Showing 1-10 Most Recent Reviews
Julie Lowley
Verified Buyer: Yes
Love my lights, will buy more
Alan Bailey
Verified Buyer: Yes
Delivered quickly brilliant lights a brilliant service all round
Dean Mason
Verified Buyer: Yes
Verified Buyer: Yes
Really like them. They look good and perform very well
Verified Buyer: Yes
Do the job perfectly. I particularly love the effect the light gives to the brick walls.
Kalvin Hendry
Verified Buyer: Yes
Great light and quick delivery. Really modern looking
Martin Russ
Verified Buyer: Yes
We have had two of these either side of the back door for over two years and they are very good. They look as good today as they did when we put them up. They look great and work well.
Peter Evans
Verified Buyer: Yes
Brilliant absolutely brilliant
Maxine Porter
Verified Buyer: Yes
good customer service the light were well made and easy to put up they look fantastic A good quality product Thank you
Damon Turner
Verified Buyer: Yes
Easy to install and look amazing when on! Great value too.
Neosteel Outdoor Up/Down GU10 Wall Light Description
Give your garden a new, modern make over by providing perfect backlighting with the Mirrorstone Outdoor Up/Down GU10 Wall Light.
Coming in a flawless Brushed Chrome finish it will help blend in with any external decor around your house, as well as its subtle, cylindrical design.
On top of this, they are fully compatible with a range of the most up to date LED GU10 spotlights, including the full range LED spotlights developed by Mirrorstone.
As well as helping you make vast savings on your costs for lighting, LEDs have a lot less of a negative impact on the environment being fully recyclable and contain no harmful substances.
Being designed for external use, the light is rated IP44 like all decorative outdoor lights, meaning that it can resist all weather conditions easily whilst still operating as if it were new.
Introducing Neosteel
With the incredible new Neosteel range of outdoor wall lights, you'll be getting the most durable, weather-resistant light possible. The Neosteel line of products is stylish and resilient, and will light up your external property fantastically. They can be affixed to any outdoor wall with absolute ease.
EasiLight: A World Of Colour In Your Hands
Add some colour to your garden with our exclusive EasiLight RGB bulbs. Compatible with selected fittings, simply pop in the bulb and control using a remote – gone are the days of switches.
Innovate your home's exterior with this smart technology and control your lighting from the push of a button. This intelligent range can emit up to 16 million colours using Wi-Fi, dim or brighten to your chosen aesthetic and can even be paired with your Amazon Alexa smart-home device. Still with the low cost, tough durability and long life-span of LEDs, have the added bonus of wowing your guests with this truly unique and mesmerising lighting.
Connect your bulb with Wi-Fi Bridge Box to control the speed, brightness and other bulb functions via your smartphone, or opt for a 4 Zone Wallplate when you have multiple bulbs to control. Don't forget to purchase your Remote Holder to ensure it never escapes. For more options, simply search 'Easilight' in our search bar for the entire range!
Please note that when purchasing the RGB bulbs with this fitting, you will need a minimum of one remote to control your bulbs. So, if you're purchasing a single fitting, you will need to pick the option with remote, whereas if you're purchasing multiple fittings, only one of them needs to be purchased with a remote.
Installing The Right Bulb
Not any bulb will fit into the Outdoor Up/Down GU10 Wall Light. Coming with a 240v output, you will need to find a GU10 spotlight that's no taller than a standard 53mm. Coming with a maximum load of 35w in each connection, you can easily install any GU10 LED without the fear of overloading the unit.
To help save you time, there is also option of purchase two compatible LED GU10s, our best selling GU10 LED 80SMD, lasting over 50,000 hours, you want have to change them for upwards of 15 years! The 80SMD isn't the only GU10 available that can fit into the fitting, we also have a range of dimmable GU10s that are compatible including the 7W COB LED and 27SMD.
Not only this but you have the option of having them in either a Warm or Cool White meaning that you can get the perfect effect, regardless of the effect you'd like.
A Range Of Special Offers Available At Wholesale LED Lights!
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Bryson was very excited about his new build, we decided to document him while building up his 2014 race machine! We think you will be happy with the results. Enjoy!
Bryson Getting the stand ready to build his bike for the 2014 race season.
Butchrd Race team 2014 is proud to have DVO Suspension onboard as a sponsor.
Bryson's frame of choice is the 2014 Specialized S-works Demo with an Ohlins rear shock.
In the cockpit he has Deity Carbon Mohawk's, and a Deity Locust stem.
Keeping him stuck to the bike is Crank Brothers Mallet 2's, and Odi TLD Grips.
When Bryson decides to pedal he will be spinning these carbon XO cranks.
Bryson decided to complete his Sram drivetrain with an XO Derailleur.
Thomson Elite seat post keeps his saddle up.
Although he doesn't use them much, haha, he went with Shimano Saint Brakes Front/Rear.
Obviously this isn't his only set of tires, but its nice and wet in the PNW right now so Knobby Magic Mary's by Schwalbe are a great choice for now.
Dialing in the rear end. Bryson is good at that. ;)
Getting it just right.
Almost there.
Looking good.
Are you guys ready for some color?
End Result.
Thanks for looking,
Paul Tohill


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Use These GIFs From Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' To Narrate Your Life
It's time to uninstall the Kimojis, Muvamojis, and, yes, even the Broad City emojis. You don't need them anymore now that Lemonade, Beyoncé's revolutionary call to action against fuckboys and side chicks, has given the world a zesty and refreshing pitcher of emotion. (We think this was an independent operation, devoid of Illuminati influence. Probably.) We spent the better part of the weekend (read: all of it) watching and rewatching the hour-long film, and then did what any Internet-savvy 20-something would do after having their life changed by Beyoncé (again). We put every word and phrase we used to use in a box to the left and unpacked our thoughts and emotions in gif form. From admiration and realizations to fuck you's and more, here are the Lemonade gifs you need for every situation in your life.
The "I just destroyed your life"
Explosions, baseball bats, and free facials? This is the perfect revenge text to send to the lover that ghosted you. Best if used directly after putting them on blast for being your city's number one fuckboy in posts on at least two social media networks.
The "Slutty Summer 2016 begins now"
This is for the best friend you complained to about the drama you dealt with while in your annual winter relationship. Your standards may have dropped faster than the temperature as you shacked up to keep warm, but now the weather is hot and so are you, girl! Let those hemlines rise up and announce your official return to humid weather and unapologetic hoeing.
The "Why is my roommate auditioning for The Voice in their room at 4AM?"
There's no shame in singing loud and proud no matter how skilled your falsetto is, but it's the middle of the night. We don't need that much beauty sleep but when we smoke a bowl and slide in between our sheets, we aren't hoping to wake up and hear your rendition of "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls. Send to your roommate for maximum amount of shade.
The "Goodbye to all the basic bitch drama"
This one is as versatile as the gay population in New York. It's ready for you to throw down as you head to the emergency Uber to get away from a disastrous date or a simple goodbye to the bar tab you've drunkenly decided not to pay. The world of bitchy goodbyes is your Serena Williams-approved oyster.
The "Please stop trying to talk to me through dick pics"
If it wasn't clear enough after the first lopsided and badly-angled meat kebob flopped into your inbox that you weren't interested, this should help. Use it before they send a BBQ-sized dropbox of the nudes they took in their dirty mirror to let them know how you're feeling about their unwarranted sexual advances.
The "My Seamless order should've arrived three minutes ago"
We've all had that moment where we peel ourselves out of bed and pace next to our front door waiting for the erratic buzzer ringing of the Seamless delivery person. This is for those times when the delivery windows passes you by like all your hopes and dreams and you're on the lookout for where the hell that vegetable lo-mien is at.
The "Payday is here and I'm ready to spend half of it at the club"
There's an old saying that more money equals more problems, which is absolutely false when that money buys you things like liquor and unitards. We probably won't ever look half as good as Bey's pelvis, but when you feel that paycheck heading to your struggling bank account, anything is possible.
The "I'm out of weed and forgot to text my dealer before they closed"
When everything around you except your joint goes up in flames, there's only one way to express the emotion. You meant to order more, but then Scandal happened, and now it's too late. If you're feeling lucky, this image of ultimate despair might be enough to convince your best friend to trek over to smoke you out.
The "My date is hotter than I expected and I'm not even drunk yet"
A picture is supposed to be worth a thousand words, but with this gif, you can throw out the dictionary. There's no feeling worse than entering a dark and dingy bar with the expectation of a few free drinks and having it end in a bathroom break where you sit on a dirty toilet seat, distraught as you wonder whose photos your date used to trick you. This is not about those dates. This is for the moment you walk in and find out that the sex you plan to get tonight will be with someone who is actually as attractive as the stranger you fell in love with on the subway.
The "I thought it was Friday but it's only Thursday"
The feeling of mistakenly thinking your workweek is over a day early is just as traumatic as having a nice dream and then jolting awake like you just skipped a step. You can't be bothered to do anything productive for the next forty-eight hours, so let this be a visual representation of your soul dying.
Imagery via Beyonce's Lemonade. Lead image and gifs by Kathryn Chadason.
Stay tuned to Milk for more essential gifs.


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Review: 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi
Following in the vein of his previous effort Pain & Gain, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is a step up for Michael Bay from the Transformers franchise and the execrable Pearl Harbor. That being said, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi is incredibly biased, and mostly unnecessarily so. If Michael Bay (and screenwriter Chuck Hogan), working from a book from Mitchell Zuckoff, wanted to tell a similar story that happened to be entirely fictional, it perhaps would have been more palatable. But because Michael Bay hews towards telling an apolitical tale, with no mention of Hillary Clinton or the aftermath of the Benghazi incident, the film comes off as less of an investigation and more of a celebration.
The difficult balance of Pain & Gain is that it exalted the gym rats that it featured, but also skewered them for daring to exaggerate and misrepresent the American Dream. In 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, we have only heroes, and hardly very interesting ones at that, spotlighted by John Krasinski, playing against type as a bearded and buff soldier named Jack Silva. Silva, along with Tyrone S. Woods (James Badge Dale) are in the wrong place at the wrong time (Benghazi, Libya, which is played by Malta in the film). They are clearly up against the authority, which in the film is embodied by David Constible, who does not even have a name, as he is called "The Chief".
Constible, perhaps best known as Gale from Breaking Bad, (or perhaps as Daniel Hardman from Suits), seems an odd choice as a nominal early villain in the film, as the actor has charm to spare and easily embodies shades of grey, rather than the black and white necessary for a film of this type. Luckily, The Chief is quickly dispensed for the actual villains of the film, "the bad guys", who are played by the Libyan rebels who attack the compound which Silva, Woods and four other contractors happened to be stationed on September 11th, 2012 (and this date is significant in the film).
After the ambassador is killed, the second half of the film essentially plays as an armed Alamo standoff between Silva, Woods, Tig, (Dominic Fumusa), Boon (David Denman), Bub (Toby Stephens, son of Dame Maggie Smith) and Tanto (Pablo Scheiber, definitely playing a different character than Pornstache from OITNB). Only Tanto truly registers as a character and this is because he is allowed to register an emotion other than steely-eyed goodness, (sarcasm, mainly). The soldiers are to a man hirstute and burly, clearly all cut from the same cloth. The scenes of battle are fairly well-presented (though the typical Michael Bay flourishes are entirely unnecessary—lens flares, odd angles and a desecrated American flag belabour the points that War is Hell).
At one point, Bub reads from a book of wisdom (Joseph Campbell? Buddhism?) which suggests that the fight comes from within, and Bay seems to take this idea and run with it throughout the film.
In essence, 13 Hours presents its case effectively, though the exaltation at the start of the film that "This is a True Story" and then proceeds to show one side of the story borders on dangerous and irresponsible. Better to have let the secret out and then to explore certain levels of responsibility and values. And above all, at 144 minutes, the film starts to feel like 13 some Hours. Best to get in and get out.
[star v=25]


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Simon91083 necesitaba un nuevo diseño de portada de libro o revista y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 89 diseños de 26 diseñadores freelance.
Running For Weight Loss: 5k To Half Marathon
a second ebook in the kindle ebook series helping women to lose weight.
This is the first of our ebooks
Running For Weight Loss: 5k To Half Marathon
By Simon Lovell
additional copy
// The Follow Up To Running For Weight Loss: Ultimate Beginners Guide
I would like a follow up book cover that will help to sell the book.
Obviously the image needs to give the potential buyer the vision of them running and losing fat. It may be worth looking at the top sellers on amazon in this area for ideas. But it needs to be bold and stand out a female audience.
no, be creative.


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The battle for Ravinia tickets has begun.
Tickets for the popular summer concert series went on sale at 5 a.m. Tuesday. They can be purchased from Ravinia online, at the box office or by phone.
The most highly anticipated performance by Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett has already been sold out, less than five hours after tickets went on sale. The duo is scheduled to perform June 26 and 27.
The reserved seats for Sheryl Crow (June 25), Harry Connick Jr. (August 7) and Steely Dan (July 25) have sold out as well, but lawn ticket for both shows are still available.
Check out the Ravinia calendar for details on which artists are performing and when, and track the status of tickets.


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Hi Peeps,
James here with another (although late) update and upload. Tonight's topic is a classic that holds a special place in my heart as an OG (original gamer <nerd/geek lingo> ) who's original gaming console was the NES. Naturally I was exciting to see this request so without further typing I shall post the link. Enjoy the classic ear candy!
http://www.animecrave.com/index.php?pag ... d_of_zelda


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Once upon a time, not so long ago, there was a little girl who dreamed of marrying Michael J. Fox. A few years later, she dreamed of marrying Zack Morris, and a few years after that she dreamed of marrying Christian Slater. Then she realized she was just a Palestinian kid who lived in the southwest suburbs of Chicago… That is where her love story begins…
Spoiler alert! That little girl is me.
Growing up wide-eyed and full of aspirations of romance, I knew that I would find the person who "loved me for me," and would "want me for who I am," and all that jazz. And even if that person wasn't a Zack Morris or a Michael J. Fox (notice how all my childhood love interests were young white men. But I'll save the whole racial normalization conversation for someone who is more passionate about it), I knew it would be someone as gallant and morally sophisticated as the men I grew up with in my family and the ones I watched so dutifully on the silver screen.
Long story, short: I loved, I lost and now I am looking again. Now at the age of 32, I am wiser as I know that love and marriage don't work for most people, most of the time, well at least not the way it should be working. I also know that I was many times blessed in my previous marriage to have been loved and blessed to have given love so freely and without condition. But as a Muslim, God prescribes marriage for mankind to fulfill half our faith and to protect us from so many ills of society. For this reason, I am back on the meat market and hating every minute of it.
I guess I was lucky the first time around. I didn't have to endure horrific encounters with less than suitable suitors and "we almost got engaged but it didn't work out," stories. At 32, the matrimonial scene is quite different than it was in my early 20's. And sadly, I have discovered that our community suffers from innate problems that our imams, our teachers and our elders are not addressing. And even worse, they seem to be encouraging the backwardness that seems to exist in communities around the world, communities that allow men, by virtue of being born male, to reject women based on trivial reasons. And communities that have encouraged women to settle for less than what they deserve because "they can't possibly do any better."
This is the world that I live in. And the following are the reasons why I am not married.
I am 32 and not 22: When I was 22, people tried to hook me up with other 22-year-old, or maybe 26-year-olds or at the most 30-year-olds. Somehow, now I am asked, without hesitation or shame to consider meeting men in their early 50's. Wait, what? Uhm, isn't that like my dad's age? …Apparently no one cares about that. I have reached the proverbial hill, took a walk around it and have climbed way over it. Last year, It was suggested to me that I meet with someone who is 33. He sounded great on paper, but after I emailed him a "blurb" about myself, our mutual friend called me to tell me that he wasn't interested because I was ONLY 2 years younger than him. And no one seems to think this is picky on his part (or pricky, but whatever). How young must his future wife be, anyway? Maybe people enjoy enabling what might be a potential pedophile. Who knows?
I am divorced: But what the rest of the world hears is that I am not a virgin… Oh no she didn't. She did not just pull out the V-card… Yes I did. I am divorced. I am not ashamed of that. Nor does that de-value me. Oh wait, I guess it does. Apparently, "experienced" women don't make good wives or mothers or friends… Someone else was suggested to me last year and this guy didn't "mind" my age….gee I am so lucky… But when he found out I was divorced, he immediately said he wasn't interested. Appalled and once again disgusted by these people, I vented to someone about it. And their response was "well, he has the right to want what he wants." Uhm, no he doesn't, not when there is no logic behind it and that the only reason he wants a "new" girl is because of some BS male-privilege thing that was engrained in him since birth. One Imam I interviewed for an article about marriage in the Muslim American community had said he wished more people would consider marrying someone divorced, as those people probably have more insight into relationships and what works and doesn't work. Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had no qualms about marrying widowed or divorced women, as they were just as good as "new" women. Can someone explain to me why these punks in this day and age think they are better than the Prophet (PBUH)?
I have an opinion. Yesterday, JUST yesterday, I was speaking to a man, and we had just started to get to know each other. Literally, it was only one day. And he suggested we meet for coffee. I told him that I was not comfortable with that until we got to know each other for like a minute. He said talking on the phone was a waste of time. I explained that I disagree and this is what I am comfortable with. All of a sudden he started accusing me of being "someone who likes to debate and argue a lot," (classic male rhetoric that spits out when they feel threatened) and being a "control freak," and wait, this is the best part… "no man is ever going to take you if you don't change." Apparently I am waiting to be "taken." Hmm, that sure is news to me. So to sum up, expressing a feeling is the equivalent to being controlling and an unruly wretch that no man will ever take…. I basically told him to kiss off and that he's just sad because he didn't get his way… I wonder who is going to end up taking him?
I am visually impaired. This probably needs its own post because it is quite serious. Sometimes I feel like I live in the 1600's when women "suffered from hysterics," and witches were burned at the stake. Growing up I was ridiculed for having a disability and sadly that took a sharper twist when it was used to judge me as a potential partner. People went out of their way to say hurtful things about me to my face and behind my back, even saying things like "I don't know about Leen for my brother. She has that weird eye thing." Or when men found out I didn't drive, they would make me feel like an invalid who needed bed pans changed. I was made to feel like a burden by not just the men I was meeting, but by their mothers, sisters and friends. Making me feel like their loser brothers who couldn't manage to finish school, get a job or read a book were too good for me because I was born a certain way… Wow reliving this right now is seriously disturbing me…. But the point to be made is that if you aren't a certain weight, skin tone, height or reach some arbitrary measure of perfection, then you are damaged goods who should just settle. I would like to know why I have yet to hear one scholar or one imam address this in their Friday sermons or at grand conventions or at least on social media… Maybe it is because they would like to perpetuate this type of male-privilege that sadly even women abide by and encourage. And if the deformed and disabled or maybe even the left-handed or the asthmatic have to lay in wait to be "taken" by someone who has pitied them, then so be it. I guess it was her fault for being born with an imperfection that will keep her from being a good wife… By the way, being "broken" rarely affects a man's eligibility for marriage. Just sayin' it how it is.
No one is willing to help. Back in the day, people had no problem being matchmakers. Nowadays as our society becomes more and more "me" oriented and everyone's "gotta watch their own backs," people have become apathetic to the struggle of their single peers. No one wants "to get involved." No one wants to "be held responsible if things don't work out." In other words, people are self-absorbed and don't want any type of accountability even if that accountability could be the difference between joy and sadness for someone that they love. I dare you to stop and look around your immediate circle, and you will notice that you do have a single friend or cousin or neighbor who could benefit from your efforts to basically hook them up. Don't worry if it doesn't work out, they won't drag you to court or anything… And remember that you once benefited from someone who thought of you in this way. Every woman deserves to have the chance to bare children and to live happily ever after. And in a lifestyle where we don't traditionally date, those chances become slimmer and slimmer as you sit idly by.
~~Leen J.


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Test #901
In stock
No fasting required. Stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. Collection should not occur during or after administration of heparin.
T4 Free is the active form of thyroxine and is thought to be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function. The free T4 test is thought by many to be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function and, in most cases, its use has replaced that of the total T4 test. A total T4 or free T4 test is primarily ordered in response to an abnormal TSH test result. Sometimes the T4 will be ordered along with a TSH to give the doctor a more complete evaluation of the adequacy of the thyroid hormone feedback system. These tests are usually ordered when a person has symptoms of hyperthroidism or hypothyroidism.
Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) is used to diagnose a thyroid disorder in someone with symptoms, monitor thyroid replacement therapy in people with hypothyroidism, diagnose and monitor female infertility problems, help evaluate the function of the pituitary gland (occasionally), and screen adults for thyroid disorders, though expert opinions vary on the benefits of screening and at what age to begin. TSH is a thyroid function test. Results are investigation of low thyroxine (T4); the differential diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism from normal, and the differential diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism from pituitary/hypothalamic hypothyroidism. TSH is high in primary hypothyroidism. Low TSH occurs in hyperthyroidism. Evaluation of therapy in hypothyroid patients receiving various thyroid hormone preparations: Low values are found in states of excessive thyroid replacement. Normal result on a sensitive TSH assay is acceptable evidence of adequate thyroid replacement. This third-generation TSH assay can be considered a test for thyroid disease. A result within the accepted reference interval provides strong evidence for euthyroidism, a normally functioning thyroid.
Shop all Tests


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Wordless Wednesday; From My Valentine
…but really…I've said just about everything in this video (or at least a variation of it). Link to video The blogger in the video is Mama Knows it All. Check out her blog for other vids and while you are there you could stumble it for her too! Admit it…you've said some of that, haven't you?Continue reading
No, I'm not at CES this year, but I am still keeping up with all the new products. Jason was at CES for a day and did some networking for me. I'm at home with a pinched nerve in my neck. Not serious, but still not fun. This is my CES 2012 headquarters. There are 3 laptops (one with Ustream running cnet & TWIT live streaming, iPad with the CES app running and my iMac…Continue reading
I'm creating a CES 2012 Story on Storify and here it is. I'll be updating as the trade show goes on. [View the story "CES 2012 News" on Storify] If you have any links you'd like to add, leave a comment below.Continue reading
Business planning takes a lot of work and I always thought was as far from creative as can be. Creative business planning? You're kidding me! I have never created a business plan, mission statement, media kit, etc for my blog. I know I should have done it a long time ago, but the business planning takes me away from doing what I love…writing! Even though I have a Business Admin & Marketing degree, I am not…Continue reading


text: This website is a project of Exalo Media, a webdesign and online marketing company based in the Netherlands. We think business, whether they are established or a startup, need to have the best possible domain name reflecting the proposition of the company or the product. Browse our inventory or drop us an email if you can not find what you are looking for.


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GME Supply Co.
GME provides gear that helps keeps clients safe at high points.
By Alan Dorich, senior editor at Knighthouse Publishing
When people come to work at GME Supply Co., they are guided by the company's culture, which values honesty, creativity, respect and integrity. "We just make sure that everybody every day uses that as their compass," Vice President of Business Development Caleb Messer declares.
Columbia, Mo.-based GME is a division of Columbia Safety & Supply and provides fall protection, safety equipment and gear for multiple industries, including cell-tower maintenance, oil and gas, commercial construction and manufacturing. "We typically sell everything the client would need to stay safe and productive from one job site to the next," he says.
Messer explains that GME's founder established the business after working for a company that specialized in the fabrication of steel and aluminum cell phone and radio towers. "While they were selling those structures and components, there came to be an additional need for safety equipment," he says.
This led to the start of GME in 2005, which now works predominantly with contractors. "Our strongest area is anyone that works at height," Messer says. Its clients range from steel erectors to those work on wind energy plants or oil and gas derricks.
Some of GME's top selling products include fall protection, rigging and safety rope and pulleys, hand tools and power tools. "If it goes on a job trailer and if it's going from job to job with the employee, it's probably ours," he says.
Moving Forward
GME focuses on keeping itself competitive, which included moving to a new headquarters in Columbia last year. But the company is in the process of adding more people and space to this location.
"We're adding 50 desks and we've got the space for another 50 that's roughed out," he says. "We've been doing a lot of hiring."
The company also invested in its technology with updates to its website that will keep it competitive with Amazon. GME also integrated its ERP system with its customer relationship management software and voice over IP system.
This gives the company "a consistent scoreboard that our salespeople use to compare themselves to their colleagues," he says. "Our company does everything it can to leverage technology."
GME also started training with The Predictive Index, which helps companies with workforce assessments and management workshops. "It's a group that helps determine what people's motivating needs and drives are," Messer says.
"We're really always focused on ensuring our people are happy and put in a position to succeed," he says, adding that the training has helped better align positions and associates. "We've also created multiple templates for what we're looking for whenever we look for new people."
Eyes on Expansion
Messer joined GME in 2012 after working in the transportation industry. "I came aboard to help with business development and logistics," he recalls.
He is proud of how GME has maintained a family atmosphere despite its growth over the years. "When you're here, you feel like you're working with your best friends," he says.
But more growth is in the cards for GME, which will include more investments in expansion. "It's not a marathon or a sprint," Messer notes. "It's both."
The company plans to move into new locations, which will help GME better meet the needs of its customers. "Speed to market is everything," he says. "We work with contractors that need everything yesterday."
Today, the company has locations in Columbia and Atlanta, but wants to establish a presence that allows it to be faster "all over the country," he says. "We're trying to get ourselves to where we're one to two days [from] anywhere."
GME also plans to add new technologies while maintaining the same culture "where people want to continue to work hard and collaborate," Messer asserts. "We enjoy where we are, but we think and talk more about what we could do better and where we're headed."
Good Stewards
GME makes charitable contributions through The Columbia Foundation, its non-profit arm. "Almost every one of our employees contributes weekly to the non-profit," Messer says.
The organization focuses specifically on contributing to charities that benefit children. "We raise tens of thousands of dollars in employee contributions each year from weekly payroll deductions," he says.
The company also sponsors Diamond Night, which benefits Great Circle, a group that helps children who are victims of neglect, abuse and drug abuse. "We've helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for that organization through our leadership," he says. "We want to be good stewards of the community."


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"Nearly all of God's jewels are crystallized tears.*" It is so hard. Why do we have to go through hard times? I know they bring me closer to God, but it hurts so much!
It is often the painful things in life that later bring us great joy because it is only then that God's true power is seen clearly. When I am weak, He is strong.
Christ Himself lived a lonely life.
Imagine knowing all your life that you were going to die for the sins of the world. He told this to His closest friends, but they did not understand. There was no person in this world with whom He could fully share His heart. He could turn to God alone for strength.
His was not an easy life; a refugee in his infancy; despised by the religious and political leaders of His time; and His closest friends left Him to die a painful and cruel death upon a cross
That is loneliness.
Yet through His loneliness, He was able to do the greatest thing ever done: He died and rose again, taking all our sins with Him!!!
His lonely days brought Him closer to God, allowing Him to serve God fully with His entire life.
Learn to love a lonely day.
Let it bring you to Christ.
See also: I Love a Lonely Day part 1
* Quote from Mrs. Charles E. Cowman Streams in the Desert (Grand Rapids, MI, Zondervan Publishing House, 1984), pp 216.


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Why Hyundai Company Cars?
As Hyundai's longest serving independent distributor, we've been supplying company cars to hundreds of Kiwi businesses for over 35 years. We know how to match the best company vehicles to your business at the right price, and because all Hyundai dealers are 100% NZ owned and operated, your local dealer is on your side when it comes to helping your business grow.
Here are just some of the many reasons why Hyundai is the best choice for your company fleet.
It's always important keeping staff happy and safe – they are your business's greatest asset – so it's reassuring to know that Hyundai takes safety seriously. Only the very latest & more technologically advanced safety features make it in to Hyundai vehicles, so you can rest easy knowing you've made the safest choice for your business.
Hyundai's engines, in particular our diesels, are award winning, with class-leading 'cost of ownership'. Our engines save you money in two ways: efficiency across the range keep fuel costs low, while high reliability reduces service costs, keeping your business moving and earning.
Twenty five dealerships (passenger & commercial) + 12 service outlets across NZ - from Invercargill to Whangarei - you won't have to go far for Hyundai Fleet, where our dedicated fleet teams will create a cost-effective package for your business. They'll also be on hand throughout the lifetime of your vehicles to ensure the smooth running of your fleet.
With over 100 years of New Zealand automotive experience between them, the Hyundai National Sales team know exactly what it takes to ensure the best possible vehicle package for your business. Offices are based in both Auckland and Wellington, allowing for hands-on support to ensure your business requirements are met all year round.


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There has been a strange rustling and scurrying noise emitting from a little-used cupboard in the kitchen. I have noticed the cats are often to be found sitting beside this cupboard with their ears perked. Houston, I said (as I like to call my mum), I think we have a problem.
The screech from the kitchen this morning confirmed it. My mum burst into my room, panting, and said she had seen a mouse. Various sizes were given (size of a finger-nail to half a hand, depending on where in the story she was) and various threats were made to our furry uninvited guests. I pointed out we have nothing to fear, as we live with two cats who are fearsome mice hunters. At least, when they can be bothered and haven't got some top-level snoozing to get in first.
I am now convinced I can hear plotting mouse activity behind every room in the house. I have taken to singing loudly every time I walk in a room so as to give them time to duck out of sight. It's the scuttling I don't like, the quick scampering. It gives me the heebie jeebies.
So here I am, working from home in Mouse Central. And what are my fearsome furry warriors doing? Sleeping. I presume this is to raise energy for the final push this evening, she says, glancing nervously over her shoulder.


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These ways are the ones that you should use if you want to save your budget while having a lovely wedding.Tying the knot means its time for celebration. This is the day where you get to enjoy pure joy and love. SO, obviously, you will be hoping and dreaming for a perfect wedding. But, a… Continue reading "A Simple Day, A Perfect Wedding"
Music does form a great source of enjoyment, no matter what. It is so much in trend that you feel like being a part of it each time you hear it. This would be what amazes you the most so that it is achievable to every extent. Wedding music bands do know how to get… Continue reading "Different Forms Of Entertainment"
Are you planning your daughter's 16th birthday party and you have plans to have a very extravagant party since it is her sixteenth but you are still feeling a little lost when it comes to where you can find the best cake made that fits the theme of this party? Or are you in the… Continue reading "Where Can You Find The Best Caterers For Your Events"
Whether it is a fundraising event, a children's party or a corporate event, there is always space for comedy at a social gathering. Laughs have always been a good way to break the ice and the initial embarrassment that comes with the beginning of every event – especially if the guests do not know… Continue reading "The Tips For Hiring The Perfect Laugh Out Loud Skit"
Canapes are often thought of as elaborate appetizers that are benchmarks of elegant parties. However, you could opt to make canapes in basic and casual ways as well. Canapes are not only ideal as snacks or appetizers for parties, but can be served in other occasions as well. Here are some basic canape recipe ideas… Continue reading "Canape Preparation For Parties"
If you want to make your wedding and reception memorable not only for yourself, but for your guest as well, then here are our tips and suggestions for you The invitation – in all sense, this is the first part of your wedding that your guests will see. Not only is it a tangible form… Continue reading "How To Make Your Wedding Memorable For You And Your Guests?"


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Bass Reaction!: Benga, Skull Disco, Steps In Time
Croydon-based dubstep superstar Benga's debut album, on Tempa, has been delayed. The hype over recent […]
Croydon-based dubstep superstar Benga's debut album, on Tempa, has been delayed. The hype over recent singles "Night" (co-produced by Digital Mystikz' Coki) and advance tracks played on Rinse FM has fueled demand for Benga's DJ sets and forthcoiming release. We should see Diary of an Afro Warrior hit the shelves in the UK and Europe in November, followed by a U.S. release in 2008. Look out WMC!
Speaking of top grime, house, and dubstep pirate radio station Rinse, their new website has launched, and now features lots of links and special offers. The station is now partnered with UK youth TV series Dubplate Drama, which features grime emcees and pirate stations as central figures in its tales of urban UK life.
Benga and Hatcha's recent S.F. appearance at TempleSF garnered a huge response. Emcee Child and DJ Collage brought heat on the mic. Video clips of the event are slowly appearing; another memorable night of dubstep in tha Sucka Free. Next up for SF: Vex'd at Juju's NarcoHz night (Oct. 26), and Dallas don Jason Mundo at Club Six's Surya Dub (Oct. 27).
Rough Trade will release Skull Disco's Soundboy Punishments, digitally and as a 2-CD set, on October 23. London-based Skull Disco is owned by Shackleton–known for middle-Eastern influenced beats and dubwise sensibilities–and Appleblim who trades in brutal riffage and a broad range of styles.
The sunshine state Florida has a dedicated dubstep web portal. Taking design cues from Dubstepforum, visitors can browse the latest FLA releases, clubs, and discussions at this spot–including Winter Music Conference (March 25 – 29, 2008) updates!
Speaking of Dubstepforum: vote in the "Dubstep Grammy's"–the Forum's yearly user generated awards. Nominations for categories like DJ of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, and Best 12" end October 27.
On the mixes tip, definitely have a listen to SamSupa's "Falling Into Dubstep", which features a wicked, unreleased track ("Stone") by Reform.
Bass Reaction is feeling the Steps In Time Recordings' new tracks. Its latest is Matty G's (Argon) "Silver And Gold" EP–a booming, reggae dub-influenced single. Props to UK-based Forensics' latest single "Endgame." He mixes more on the dark side of the spectrum, but keeps it bassy. Also of note, Martin Blackdown Clark's Keysound label's newest, Dusk + Blackdown feat. Trim "The Bits"–out now. Blackdown's South and Eastern Asian-influenced samples and clicky, Burial-like programming make Clark's releases stand out.
In Bristol, it's all about H.E.N.C.H! That's where you'll find lads like Jakes, and Reduction Records who'll release Bristol-HENCH-man Wedge and Gatekeeper (Punch Drunk) on Reduction's first single "Overfiend" b/w "Overfiend (Gatekeeper remix)." In December, they drop Elemental's "925." Big tings!
Hotflush gives us Boxcutter's new single this month: "Philly" backed with "Endothermic." Boxcutter makes weighty, Vex'd-style productions with equally melodic, electro-tinged elements. "Philly" is also featured on Hotflush's Space and Time comp (out now). Hotflush release Nyabingi's "Bionicle" and the new Scuba 12", "Outmost," in December. Also check the man DZ, whose "Slums Dub" is out now on Scuba, with "Chalice Dub/That Bongo Dub" forthcoming LoDubs.


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Posted: Apr 21, 2018
MIDDLETOWN, Conn. – The 14th-ranked Wesleyan University women's lacrosse team jumped out to an early 4-0 lead within the first six minutes of play and never looked back as the Cardinals cruised to a 15-9 win over Hamilton College on Senior Day Saturday at Smith Field.
Wesleyan (9-5, 5-4 NESCAC) was led by sophomore Abby Manning's game-high six goals, and four from junior Caitlin Wood. Nicole Lyons led the way for the Continentals (5-8, 3-6) who have lost three of their last four. Prior to today's game, Wesleyan honored its three members from the Class of 2018 – Sara Bennett, Julia Black, and Dana Mitchell.
- The Cardinals wasted no time getting on the board as Manning score just two minutes and 57 seconds into play. Johanna Copeland '21 added another at the 26:30 mark, and less than two minutes later, Wood and Manning scored back-to-back goals just 34 seconds apart.
- Tessa Ryan ended the Wesleyan run at the 23:01 mark and Darby Philbrick cut the deficit to two just over a minute later. However, the two-goal margin proved to be the closest Hamilton would get the rest of the way.
- Wesleyan responded with a 3-0 run in four minutes as Wood scored off a free position shot with 16:10 to play in the half to give the home team a 7-2 advantage.
- The Continentals scored three of the next four goals to get within three, 8-5, but Manning found the back of the net in the closing seconds (00:22) to give Wesleyan a four-goal halftime lead.
- It took just 50 seconds into the second half for Manning to score another goal for the Cardinals as they went on a 4-1 run to take a commanding 13-6 lead with 21:29 to play in regulation.
- After back-to-back goals from Kara Pooley (19:56) and Jackie Cuddy (14:34) cut the deficit to five, 13-8, Wesleyan regained a seven-goal lead on two more goals from Manning to put the game away with 6:52 on the clock.
- Lyons scored off a free position goal in the final minute to make the final score, 15-9.
- Six different Cardinals scored a goal Saturday. Julia Gretsky '20 scored twice while dishing out an assist, and Sydney Prokupek '21 tallied a game-high three assists. Defensively, Breanna Cavanaugh '19 and Caroline Sgaglione '19 each caused two turnovers and sophomore goalie Allegra Grant made 8-of-16 saves. Abigail Horst '19 also won six draw controls and Cavanaugh led all players with five ground balls.
- Philbrick scored twice for the Continentals while Cuddy, Pooley and Skyler Simson each scored once. Pooley secured four ground balls and caused two turnovers. Eleni Neyland caused two as well.
- Hamilton was just 5-of-12 on free position shots but held a 13-12 edge in draw controls.
- Wesleyan outshot the Continentals 25-23.
- The Cardinals conclude the 2018 regular season on Wednesday, April 25 at in-state rival Connecticut College. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.


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Family law is a very complex and contentious area of the law. The question of custody arises after the relationship of a couple with children erodes to the point that both parents cannot live together. This could be a divorce of a married couple or the separation of unmarried spouses. The concept of custody in family law is bifurcated, which means that there is physical custody and legal custody. Primary custody relates to which of the parents has the physical custody of the child or children in a shared (or joint) custody scenario.
Custody In General
When couples separate, either by divorce when the parties are married or by physical separation if the parties were not married, many times they will go to court to get a custody order. There are two general types of custody: legal custody and physical custody. Custody, in a legal sense, refers to the ability to exercise control over someone or something. Custody can be shared (joint) or sole.
Physical Custody
Primary custody is a component of physical custody, and relates to the parent with whom the child lives for a majority of the time. Primary custody is only an issue in situations where parents have joint custody, which is also known as shared custody. In some instances, the child will spend 90 percent of the time living with one parent and 10 percent of the time living with the other parent; yet in other situations the balance may be along the lines of 51 percent to 49 percent. There is also sole physical custody, in which one parent has complete physical custody over the child and the other parent has the right of visitation.
Legal Custody
There is generally no primary legal custody. Legal custody is the ability to make decisions regarding the child's life. Legal custody refers to decisions regarding religion, health care and education. Like physical custody, legal custody can be joint or sole. In most instances legal custody is shared, and the key decisions regarding the child's life must be made by both parents. When there is shared legal custody, the parent who has physical custody has the authority to make minor legal custody decisions when necessary. Legal custody is more complex than physical custody, and as such, there is no primary legal custody. The important decisions will be shared and made together and the lesser decisions will be made when each parent has physical custody.
The significance of primary custody is that the parent who has primary physical custody of the child gets to spend more time with the child by virtue of them living together, and also will generally have the ability to make more of the ancillary legal custody decisions. Further, the parent with primary physical custody can also sue the other parent for child support to help pay for the costs of raising the child.
Primary physical custody is not the same thing as sole physical custody. When a parent has sole physical custody, the child lives with that parent all the time. The other parent will almost always have a right of visitation, that is to say, he or she can have a supervised visit with the child, but cannot take custody of the child. In primary custody, the other parent still has a custody right to the child.
Photo Credits
- mom image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com


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When I've asked sprayer operators to define calibration during workshops, their responses cover a wide range of activities. Here are the three most common definitions:
- Sprayer inspection (e.g. is it worn out, broken or leaking?).
- Adjusting the sprayer settings to match the crop and the environmental conditions (e.g. should semi-dwarf trees in high wind be sprayed like nursery whips in high humidity?).
- Confirming sprayer output (e.g. is the rate actually sprayed per hectare what it should be?).
Convention would suggest that answer number three (confirming sprayer output) is the correct definition for sprayer calibration. However, I feel that calibration is holistic and includes elements from all three answers – it's simply a matter of knowing when to do what and why.
Why should I calibrate?
No matter the definition, regular airblast sprayer calibration is essential because:
- Calibration confirms the sprayer is functioning correctly.
- Calibration confirms each nozzle is delivering the desired rate (e.g. L/min. or gal./min.) and spray quality.
- Calibration ensures the desired rate (e.g. L/ha or gal./ac) is applied to the crop.
- Calibration improves coverage and reduces product wastage (i.e. saves money and reduces unnecessary environmental impact).
When should I calibrate?
This depends on which of the three definitions you have in mind:
Where do I calibrate?
Again, this depends on which of the three definitions you have in mind:
The obvious question of "how do I calibrate" is a huge topic, and way too much for a single article. It is a requirement of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to calibrate any sprayer, but presently, GAP doesn't specify the calibration method. Be sure to regularly perform all three varieties of calibration according to use and your sprayer manufacturer's maintenance schedule, and keep your records up to date.


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Are you interested in enrolling your family in the SelfDesign Learning Community for the 2018/19 learning year? Would you like to receive an email notification when enrolment opens?
Click here to fill out the Expression of Interest form!
After you fill-out the form, you will automatically receive an email from SelfDesign when enrolment opens in April.


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Angelika Matthias
I have been working with SEO Extent and David for the past 6 months and I'm very happy with their work. Before I found out about SEO I tried out other marketing services, however none were as customer friendly as David. They are friendly and work fast and efficient. In short they always delivery great work in a very short amount of time. I can't recommend them enough!


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American Waste Systems launches "In the Pink" in Marion SC
First in the Carolina's to offer all-pink waste and recycling cans
Marion, S.C., August 5th, 2010 – Today American Waste Systems (AWS) launched the "In the Pink" campaign in Marion South Carolina in order to support breast cancer awareness and research with the unveiling of the 96-gallon, all-pink waste and recycling cans it will offer to its customers.
As part of the "In the Pink" campaign, AWS is in the process of creating the "In the Pink" Foundation in remembrance of AWS owner and co-founder Jim Heustess' late wife, Kathy, who died of breast cancer in 2002. The company also has painted the cabs of its hauling trucks pink, including a pink ribbon and the "In the Pink" campaign name.
"Building awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer is a core component of our values at American Waste Systems," said Leann Heustess, Jim's wife, who, as co-founder, will direct the "In the Pink" Foundation. "Through the 'In the Pink' Foundation, we plan to grow and expand our support programs for breast cancer awareness and research."
The "Pink Can" program will be the first program benefiting the foundation, and involves the 96-gallon pink trash containers that AWS will offer to customers throughout South Carolina.
"These pink trash and recycling cans have brought breast cancer awareness to the waste industry," Jim Heustess said. "Like our family, most everyone has been affected by breast cancer, and these pink carts inspired us to do all that we can to support breast cancer awareness and research."
Through partnerships with the city of Marion S.C., all residents will have the option to receive a Pink Can as their designated trash container, free of charge. Residents can call city halls to reserve their Pink Cans. For each can in service, AWS will contribute fifty cents per month to breast cancer awareness and research organizations until the "In the Pink" Foundation is finalized.
AWS customers outside of Marion who are not AWS customers, can purchase a Pink Can for $60 (plus tax) by calling (919) 886-PINK (7465) or visiting www.awsinthepink.org; $19 from each purchase will be donated to breast cancer awareness and research.
"These bright-pink cans offer a unique opportunity for our customers to make a personal statement about their support of the fight against breast cancer," said David King, co-founder of AWS. "We have received overwhelming support for this campaign from the cities, towns and individuals we serve, and we cannot wait for these Pink Cans to begin lining the streets of our communities."
In 2009, approximately 190,000 women learned they had breast cancer, and an estimated more than 40,000 died from the disease.
About American Waste Systems
The management of AWS has over one hundred years of experience in accounting, administration, mergers, acquisition and banking. They also have many years of marketing experience in the private and governmental sectors.
The founder of AWS, Jim Heustess, also co-founded American Refuse Systems, Inc. (ARS) in the 1970s and First Tee Transport, Inc. (FTT) in 2002. Jim Heustess and David King founded American Waste Systems in 2005. AWS provides dependable waste and recycling collection services throughout North Carolina including Halifax, Stanly, Davie and Moore counties and, most recently, Marion County in South Carolina. For more information, visit www.awsinc.net or www.awsinthepink.org.
AWS Launches "In the Pink" in Marion SC. Event hosted at 200 S. Main Street, Marion SC. Lunch catered by O'Haras. 11:00am.
AWS Launches "In the Pink" in Mullins SC.
"In The Pink" Campaign has begun! To learn more visit our "Pink Can" page above.
American Waste Systems would like to thank the Town of Oakboro, NC and the City of Locust, NC for their enthusiasm and participation in our cause.
Welcome Mullins, SC!
We at American Waste Systems realize all too well how important breast cancer awareness is for both women and men. In the coming months AWS will be launching our new "In The Pink" campaign. Watch for further details on our website showing how you can join us in supporting this most important cause!
Please be patient as we develop this site.


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concert review special: taipei in transit-yen-J piano man concert singapore edition
Well as you can see by the title, I'm not exactly in Taiwan yet...but this concert was too good for me not to share it with you guys so here you go! Yen-J everybody!
Saturday, the 25th of January turned out to be a cool day in Singapore, perfect concert-watching weather. Unfortunately, not many residents of Singapore took advantage of the weather to attend Yen-J's <Piano Man> concert at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang. A crying shame, it was. And I'm not referring at all to the concert itself, which I feel was a great success, but instead feel bad for the people who weren't able to take this opportunity to watch such a great artist in action. Upon entering the stadium, the empty rows and general unenthusiastic atmosphere among concert-goers fazed me, and I found myself wondering, 'Would there even be an encore?' . But unlike me, Yen-J remained unfazed and took the stage; gazing out upon a tough crowd (less a handful of enthusiastically bobbing glowsticks) and performing with such enthusiasm, passion and ease that by the end of the concert; there was indeed an encore. And as I looked around in amazement at the crowd that 2 hours ago seemed to all have been dragged in against their will, I saw in their place a horde of supporters singing along to every word of the song, enthralled by Yen-J's true passion for music and his love for his fans.
The concept for the <Piano Man> theme was well thought out and executed in every sense of the word, linking into many of yen-J's interests and ideas throughout his life as an artist and musician, as well as relating smoothly to each and every song within the concert track list. The mini movie that played at intervals threaded a plotline and the notion of finding ones' soul, bit by bit throughout the concert, stringing along fans and critics alike for the ride of a lifetime.
Yen-J was in great vocal form tonight, shedding his notorious but endearing image of <破音王>(voice breaking king) for a night, capturing everyone's attention when he rose onto stage to the sound of <The year 2000>, breaking out in dance moves that could put Korean stars to shame. Although his slight frame and demure stage presence were obstacles in getting the crowd's enthusiasm levels to reach a high, yen-J's sincerity and hard work were enough to capture the audience's hearts.
Yen-J breathed new life into each of his songs by using his immense creativity, pumping out his numerous hits such as <Temporary Boyfriend>, <A Good Lover> , <I like (no, I love)> and <Good things> , each giving listeners and fans alike a whole new listening experience. Throughout the concert, Yen-J takes us through the periods of life where music in its different genres have inspired him. As he classifies himself as a fusion Jazz-Pop artist, the first section of his concert was more electronic themed to go with the Piano Man theme, with the second segment Jazz themed and the third more pop and alternative genre focused.
The first section featured a dub-step version of <Donna Lee> , forgoing the chinese traditional feel for a more electronic one with Yen-J's signature style of tongue-twisting lyrics. As for his hits such as <Temporary Boyfriend> and <Good Lover>, he kept changes to a minimum, allowing fans to sing along to these chart-topping hits.
One of my favourites of this concert was his rendition of <The next floor up> , which was a fully rap-genred song from his second album. Interestingly, he used it to lead into the Jazz section of his concert, fusing heavy-metal rock with a prominent jazz influence that included a solo by Yen-J himself on the trombone where he showed off his improvisational skills as a Jazz musicians, playing the crowd to a roaring high. I especially found it quite amazing how he was able to introduce Jazz in some of its most purest forms to a mainstream audience with such a great response. Also receiving a notable makeover was <Thank you for your inspiration> , that was totally remade as a Jazzy piece, complete with Yen-J on the piano and a prominent Saxophone part. Also included within this section were Jazz standards of his, such as <I haven't given enough> and <The days where I am without you> , as well as a cover of Stevie Wonder's <Sir Duke> that represented Yen-J's personal music preferences and how Jazz influenced his adolescent years, with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Charlie Parker and John Coltrane as his inspiration.
In his second section, he impressed with his acapella cover of <花心> , a oldies chinse traditional that incorporated acapella harmonies as well as beatboxing vocal percussion, while still feeling traditionally chinese with the help of the melody line. Turns out to be a great combination, but who would have ever thought of that other than Yen-J? I swear, he could put together any combination of genres in the book and it would still sound great. Anyway, I digress. <花心> was fused with an acapella opening to <The world isn't all bad>, melding into a funky arrangement with the electric guitar. At this point he began to walk around the stadium, handing out Red Packets to fans and shaking hands, which was a great chinese new year surprise! This by far was the highlight of the concert for me, musically and also in terms of his interaction with his fans. <A small Umbrella 2013> was yen-J's cover of a 1980s Hokkien song of the same name, with a completely different hip hop arrangement, a rap part and different lyrics! I only found this out afterwards so it was kind of lost on me during the concert, but he definitely had the crowd going with this song despite my ignorance in the matter.
He followed this with a stripped down acoustic setting, and performed a number of folksy fan favourites, such as <As Usual> , <I like (no, I love)> and <You and I both>, a cover of Jason Mraz's original. I especially enjoyed the humorous <A celebrity's love> that he sang with humour and cute gestures to accompany it. By this point he seemed to really enjoy himself and had loosened up enough to make jokes with fans and converse more easily about his personal feelings. Starting in the wrong key on the piano in <Chasing> was nothing his glib tongue couldn't cover up, and he went on to perform it in high spirits, even standing up while playing and showing off his prowess with complex improvisation with the audience cheering him on.
His encore song list and his sincere gratitude that he showed to all his fans and listeners for coming were what really touched me, as he dedicated the classic <Meeting> to all listeners and fans while the rest of the songs within the encore really represented to me his transition as an artist since his debut until the moment he was standing right there on the stage in front of us all. Definitely, this concert was impressive as Yen-J showed off his musical skills by performing beatboxing, the trombone, guitar and piano. A few messed up lyrics and mistakes were nothing on this guy. He really won me over not only with his signature creativity and innovation this time around, but his complete sincerity and honesty in which he performed to his audience. I've been to many a concert, and yen-J may not have the best voice, or the best stage presence, or the best dance moves (A+ for effort though); but what he does have that no other artist I've seen live has is the way that he is able to make every performance about the fans and listeners. He makes them feel welcome, he makes them feel like they're friends, and this concert showed me what a long way that can go when he transformed a stone-cold room of listeners into a pack of screaming, singing, arm-waving fans. And that, is really what makes him special.
Concert review: 4/5
Track Listing
1. The Year 2000
2. Donna Lee李唐娜
3. Temporary Boyfriend战时的男朋友
4. Good Lover好的情人
5. The next floor up隔壁大楼
6. Thank you for your inspiration谢谢你的灵感
7. I've not given enough I给的不够
8. The Days where I am without you没有你的日子的我
9. Sir Duke-Stevie Wonder
10. Summer Romance 夏天罗曼斯
11. 花心
12. 世界还不错
13. 一支小雨傘2013 A small umbrella 2013(Original:洪榮宏-一支小雨伞)
14. I like (no, I love) 我喜欢(不,我爱)
15. As Usual照样
16. You and I both (Jason Mraz)
17. A celebrity's love明星的爱
18. Unicellular单细胞
19. What would I do without you 没有你怎么办
20. It's not like I won't be lonely despite this又不是这样就不孤独
21. One heart for two uses 一心二用
22. Love x Pi
23. Chasing 追寻
24. At least I have me至少还有我
25. Thanks for your greatness谢谢你的美好
26. Good Things好的事情
27. Trapped in Taipei困在台北
28. Meeting遇见
29. Cleanliness洁癖
30. No evidence at the scene吾在场证明
3/10/2014 08:15:40 pm
Hi, I would like to ask for your opinion regarding his trombone solo performance in the concert. I was there for the concert that night too, and I wrote a concert review for my school work. I felt disappointed when my music tutor pointed out that he thought the trombone solo part was lip-synced..(my tutor saw a video on that) I was there that night and I felt the trombone sound was live, so I'm confused why would my music teacher think that it was not a live perf:( I didn't know what or how to respond to my teacher's comment too. Would like to ask your opinion on this. Thank you and hope to get your reply!
3/11/2014 12:33:58 am
Hi there! I am definitely quite sure that he did not lip synch the performance! Is your music tutor familiar with the trombone or yen-J's musical history at all? If not, I don't think he/she really has the right to make such an assumption. Yen-J has been learning and playing the trombone since he was roughly 13, performing in Jazz clubs frequently and eventually majoring in trombone during his time in USC. Therefore the trombone is actually his primary instrument, and I see no reason why he would be lip synching such a performance. Perhaps due to a lack of understanding of Yen-J's musical background and the fact that the trombone is indeed a unique instrument to perform at a popular music concert, your tutor might have been mistaken despite having watched the video. I myself have a sound recording of the trombone solo and found no sound direction deviations between the singing part and the instrumental part of Yen-J's performance, so I have complete faith that he didn't lip synch the trombone solo. I hope this answers your question! If you would like the sound recording I would be happy to email it to you :)
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November 2019