TAX REPO MAN
Well, they say there are two things you can't avoid in life:
1) Death
2) Doing your Taxes
It's that time of year again...*cringe*.
Here are a few accountants that come highly recommended by RAZ, whether for individual or small businesses. Other services these consultants offer are life insurance, money management, etc. Hope these referrals can help keep the Tax Repo Man from knocking on your door:
Le Nguyen & Company
Michael Le, Tax & Investment Consultant
5-380 Alliance Avenue, Toronto, ON M6N 2H8
T: 416 558 3417
David H. Wu & Associates
David Wu, BBA, CMA
T: 416 820 9013
Otherwise, if you're brave enough to do your taxes on your own, you could try :
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Product Feature : Nibot Design "Alien Guys"
Star Search
Far off in the cosmos, a galaxy class starship was sailing through the planetary nebula. Not unlike our very own cruise ships, it offered a luxury voyage to see the sights. The starship had made this journey many times before but on this particular occasion, the rotation of planet U-37 aligned with star S-601 and at that instant, the navigator peered out his panoramic window, after making love to his mistress and saw a radiant star. Taking a moment to study it himself he realized that it was like no other gaseous star but something completely different. Unlike anything he had seen before, he found it necessary to report it to the captain who in return reported it to home base.
Far off in the cosmos, a galaxy class starship was sailing through the planetary nebula. Not unlike our very own cruise ships, it offered a luxury voyage to see the sights. The starship had made this journey many times before but on this particular occasion, the rotation of planet U-37 aligned with star S-601 and at that instant, the navigator peered out his panoramic window, after making love to his mistress and saw a radiant star. Taking a moment to study it himself he realized that it was like no other gaseous star but something completely different. Unlike anything he had seen before, he found it necessary to report it to the captain who in return reported it to home base.
It was only a matter of time before all the bureaucratic nonsense cleared way for entrepreneurs to begin convincing bean counters that such an exploration could prove profitable. Whether it could be a natural wonder with tourist potential or energy for harvest, an exploration vessel was sent to investigate this new star. It turns out that it is not a ball of plasma, not a star at all, but a planet called earth. These aliens then discovered, to their utter astonishment, that the luminescence seen light years away was due to little archaic filaments that glowed. How could that be, it seemed unfathomable that such primitive devices could produce light much less make a planet resemble a star. It would take millions upon millions of these glass bulbs
. Unable to resist having a star of their very own, the aliens sneaked a few bulbs away to keep as souvenirs.
Beauty : Lash Extensions "Singles vs Clusters"
FLUTTER FLUTTER
Lash Extensions are very popular amongst brides, celebrities, and the average woman who might be “lash challenged”! There are different techniques to apply the lash extensions. For a more natural look, single extensions (applied one by one) to each lash can be custom-tailored to your needs. You can choose the thickness, curl, lengths (by mm), colours and eye design. Most people regardless of their hair colour usually opt for black. The thickness you choose depends on how thick your natural lashes are. Therefore if you have very fine lashes, then using the thinner extensions would be advised. For most people with regular healthy lashes, the lash stylist will tend to mix the thicknesses to create a natural look/feel.
Single Lash Extensions take usually 1.5 to 2 hrs to apply, since you need to attach an extension to every single lash on your eyelid. The client is reclined on a comfortable massage bed and enjoying a nice eye treatment at the same time. The anti-wrinkle gel eye patches
(which provide the eye treatment) are used to separate the top and lower lashes. After the procedure is done, the client is given instructions on how to maintain the lash extensions. For example, avoid using an oil-based eye makeup remover, etc.
(which provide the eye treatment) are used to separate the top and lower lashes. After the procedure is done, the client is given instructions on how to maintain the lash extensions. For example, avoid using an oil-based eye makeup remover, etc.Refills are usually done every 2-4 weeks if the client wants to have lash extensions indefinitely. The refill application usually takes 30mins to 1hr. If a client gets them done for a one-time event (ie. wedding), they should last approximately 4-6 weeks depending how they take care of them…which should be long enough to last the wedding + honeymoon. Lash extensions are great for weddings because if the bride cries, the extensions are waterproof and will not fall off or smear.
Lash extensions are generally safe for most people. The extensions are applied 1mm away from your eyelid, never touching skin. Medical grade glue is used (same glue they use in place of sutures) that is safe for majority of people. Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient, therefore if a client has any allergies to this ingredient should avoid getting lash extensions done. Those that are sensitive can request for glue that is less strong, however the lash extensions might not last as long with a weaker glue.
So what is the difference with Lash Clusters? Lash Clusters are applied in individual lash bunches
. They are more dramatic looking and requires less time to apply – typically 40-45mins. You do not need to be reclined on a massage bed, you can simply sit comfortably in a chair for this procedure. Refills are not applicable, as this is more for a one-time special occasion ie. wedding, party, etc. They last approximately 2-3 weeks long. Mascara and curlers are not required as the clusters are dramatic enough without it. Clients can get a new set done once all the lash clusters have shed, but it’s not recommended for long-term use.
. They are more dramatic looking and requires less time to apply – typically 40-45mins. You do not need to be reclined on a massage bed, you can simply sit comfortably in a chair for this procedure. Refills are not applicable, as this is more for a one-time special occasion ie. wedding, party, etc. They last approximately 2-3 weeks long. Mascara and curlers are not required as the clusters are dramatic enough without it. Clients can get a new set done once all the lash clusters have shed, but it’s not recommended for long-term use.Eyes are the window to your soul. Longer fuller lashes does give the look of younger, brighter, bigger eyes. However, it does require a monthly expense (if getting regular refills) and requires time to get them done. It is recommended clients get lash extensions done by professionals who have been properly trained. For brides who are getting them done one-time only, they should set up their appointment approximately 3-5 days before their big day.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Giving Back : Japan Earthquake
RAZ Magazine has just made a donation to the Canadian Red Cross supporting the Japan Earthquake – Asia Pacific Tsunami. Every bit helps, so if you’d like to also make a donation, please visit: www.redcross.ca
Monday, April 4, 2011
Beauty Product Review : Sephora "Lip Last"
Beauty Stars : 3.5
Review : When you do tons of bridal makeup, making the lips last is uber important. Sephora had a product called Lip Last, which is applied on top of whatever lip colour you used as a final sealant. Not sure what the key ingredient is, but it has an alcohol-type smell to it, which sort of dries the existing lip product so it doesn’t transfer as easily. But most of the time, the lips are a bit too dry with the Lip Last alone, so I usually layer a bit of gloss on top for moisture and shine. It sort of tingles or stings a bit when first applied, but the effect wears off without any side effects. It’s not 100% fool-proof if you do end up eating and/or kissing, but the product does help non-long wear lip product last longer. If you do require lip product to last longer, applying a lip pencil all over the entire lips b4 your lip product usually helps. Otherwise, using a lip stain
or longwear lip products are your best bet. Unfortunately Sephora discontinued this product, so an alternative that is really similar is by Face Atelier “Lip Lock” $22 CAD.Makeup Review : Maggie Ng
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Short Story : In One Moment [Page 1]
IN ONE MOMENT by Tobin Cheung [Page 1]
A velvet rainbow colour hat bounces past me. It’s decorated with fins, big googly eyes and a little bell on the tip that rings in unison with the strides of its owner. It’s another Saturday night and the sidewalks are lined with street performers busking their way to fulfilling unrealized dreams.
Opposite the lamp post, protruding out for all to see; is the hairy belly of a married man. Flung across his back is a fifty pound knapsack that has been slowly tearing into his shoulder since his arrival. Even from this distance the beads of sweat rolling off his balding head is clearly visible. He has had a full day and is taking a few precious minutes for himself while his wife and kids use the restrooms.
A girl dressed as a woman struts by, donning a cocktail dress, a string of pearls and large looping earrings. She is, I assume, in the arms of her grandfather. Sometimes I find life simpler if I invent a lie to believe rather than questioning the obvious.
It has been a sweltering day. Between the jumble of people and the smog hanging over the city, I am ready for the comfort of my tiny condo. My girlfriend, however, is lost. Or perhaps, I am lost. In either case, we haven’t seen one another for the past hour or so. I’ve tried searching for her but it’s that time of day, the exchange of social classes, when families pack up their kids to return home and lovers venture out for the evening. Steady streams of overweight, department store attired baby boomers clash with fitness-crazed, designer-styled, yuppies as they all try and make there way through the Harbourfront district.
It is the Du Maurier Jazz Festival, or what was formally known as the Du Maurier Jazz Festival, before cigarette companies were banned from advertising. The new sponsor, a bank, is the only other corporation capable of funding such a large tax deduction.
“Hey Liz…… Liz!” I scream as she strolls past me, not five feet from where I’m sitting, oblivious to my waving hands. “LIZ!!”
It’s no use. Her hair drapes down the sides of her face and her head is pointed straight. She sees nothing, like a horse with blinders on.
Pushing and shoving my way through the mob of people, I manage to catch up to her, “Where were you? I’ve been looking all over.” I almost scream from frustration. Crowds of people within the vicinity slow their pace as if witnessing a car accident on the highway.
Liz looks at me stunned, quite possibly forgetting who I am.
“Geez, you scared me. Don’t grab me like that.”
“I was sitting right there, didn’t you see…..”
“I’ll be back, I’m going to the bathroom,” she says shoving off on her own again.
I follow her into a building, down a hallway, past a glass blowing studio and watch her waddle up a flight of stairs to the bathrooms. I considered taking this opportunity to also use the restroom but decided against it, not wanting to spend another hour looking for her. I would wait till she’s done and inform her of where I would be.
Outside the sound engineers are setting up the stage for the next band.
‘Testing, testing. One, two, three.’
[To be continued...]
A velvet rainbow colour hat bounces past me. It’s decorated with fins, big googly eyes and a little bell on the tip that rings in unison with the strides of its owner. It’s another Saturday night and the sidewalks are lined with street performers busking their way to fulfilling unrealized dreams.
Opposite the lamp post, protruding out for all to see; is the hairy belly of a married man. Flung across his back is a fifty pound knapsack that has been slowly tearing into his shoulder since his arrival. Even from this distance the beads of sweat rolling off his balding head is clearly visible. He has had a full day and is taking a few precious minutes for himself while his wife and kids use the restrooms.
A girl dressed as a woman struts by, donning a cocktail dress, a string of pearls and large looping earrings. She is, I assume, in the arms of her grandfather. Sometimes I find life simpler if I invent a lie to believe rather than questioning the obvious.
It has been a sweltering day. Between the jumble of people and the smog hanging over the city, I am ready for the comfort of my tiny condo. My girlfriend, however, is lost. Or perhaps, I am lost. In either case, we haven’t seen one another for the past hour or so. I’ve tried searching for her but it’s that time of day, the exchange of social classes, when families pack up their kids to return home and lovers venture out for the evening. Steady streams of overweight, department store attired baby boomers clash with fitness-crazed, designer-styled, yuppies as they all try and make there way through the Harbourfront district.
It is the Du Maurier Jazz Festival, or what was formally known as the Du Maurier Jazz Festival, before cigarette companies were banned from advertising. The new sponsor, a bank, is the only other corporation capable of funding such a large tax deduction.
“Hey Liz…… Liz!” I scream as she strolls past me, not five feet from where I’m sitting, oblivious to my waving hands. “LIZ!!”
It’s no use. Her hair drapes down the sides of her face and her head is pointed straight. She sees nothing, like a horse with blinders on.
Pushing and shoving my way through the mob of people, I manage to catch up to her, “Where were you? I’ve been looking all over.” I almost scream from frustration. Crowds of people within the vicinity slow their pace as if witnessing a car accident on the highway.
Liz looks at me stunned, quite possibly forgetting who I am.
“Geez, you scared me. Don’t grab me like that.”
“I was sitting right there, didn’t you see…..”
“I’ll be back, I’m going to the bathroom,” she says shoving off on her own again.
I follow her into a building, down a hallway, past a glass blowing studio and watch her waddle up a flight of stairs to the bathrooms. I considered taking this opportunity to also use the restroom but decided against it, not wanting to spend another hour looking for her. I would wait till she’s done and inform her of where I would be.
Outside the sound engineers are setting up the stage for the next band.
‘Testing, testing. One, two, three.’
[To be continued...]
Music : Three Minutes Are Up
THREE MINUTES ARE UP
It’s near the tail-end of the rush-hour mob, still a lot people, but no pushing. I have this dream of being accidentally shoved off the platform onto the tracks and no matter what I do, I am unable to climb out. Nobody helps; everyone is withdrawn into their own world, willingly oblivious to what’s around them.
It’s near the tail-end of the rush-hour mob, still a lot people, but no pushing. I have this dream of being accidentally shoved off the platform onto the tracks and no matter what I do, I am unable to climb out. Nobody helps; everyone is withdrawn into their own world, willingly oblivious to what’s around them.
It’s the typical Wednesday evening crowd, cubical workers staying an hour or so late in hopes of leaving on time Friday afternoon. Above a 42 inch TV
teleprompts the news but no one seems to notice. Every so often someone might glance up for the arrival time of the next train. Three minutes and counting, the maximum time we are willing to wait for our morning coffee
, at the grocery checkout line or for a Big Mac combo. Three minutes is the new five minutes.
teleprompts the news but no one seems to notice. Every so often someone might glance up for the arrival time of the next train. Three minutes and counting, the maximum time we are willing to wait for our morning coffee, at the grocery checkout line or for a Big Mac combo. Three minutes is the new five minutes.A warm gust of wind wafts in the stale subway air. I peer down the tunnel just as the train pops into the station. The doors slide open and we begin to shuffle in. With nowhere to sit, I lean up against a pole and try not to stare at anyone in particular. On my right an executive of some sort, wearing a nicely tailored suit
, is busy checking email while listening to tunes on his iPhone
. On my left is a teeny bopper. She has blond pink-ish hair complete with fake nails
and fake lashes
. She too has ear buds
on, listening to mp3
’s on her fully accessorized gem-covered Blackberry
. Further down, a college basketball
star in size twenty shoes
with his knees up to his chin, is impossibly squished between an overweight lady and a beefy construction worker. Nevertheless, he seems content enough with his super-sized headphones
swallowing his head and pounding funky beats into his ears.
, is busy checking email while listening to tunes on his iPhone. On my left is a teeny bopper. She has blond pink-ish hair complete with fake nails and fake lashes. She too has ear buds on, listening to mp3’s on her fully accessorized gem-covered Blackberry. Further down, a college basketball star in size twenty shoes with his knees up to his chin, is impossibly squished between an overweight lady and a beefy construction worker. Nevertheless, he seems content enough with his super-sized headphones swallowing his head and pounding funky beats into his ears. People magically remove themselves from a crowd of strangers through the act of listening to music. Headphones
enable invisibility. It is an unwritten law. Somehow we agree that though we can see the person, as long as there are headphones, they are really not here and are to be ignored. Listening to music in public raises the question of enjoyment versus distraction. Has music dwindled to a three minute activity with modern music producing only three to four minute songs? Everyone’s on the move and can only spend one minute to download an mp3 and three minutes to listen before they go back to buying coffee, changing trains, or going back to work.
enable invisibility. It is an unwritten law. Somehow we agree that though we can see the person, as long as there are headphones, they are really not here and are to be ignored. Listening to music in public raises the question of enjoyment versus distraction. Has music dwindled to a three minute activity with modern music producing only three to four minute songs? Everyone’s on the move and can only spend one minute to download an mp3 and three minutes to listen before they go back to buying coffee, changing trains, or going back to work. I remember one time a friend and I went down to a jazz club one evening for kicks. I like jazz
, where as my friend is simply up for all things life has to offer. We pay our ten dollars at the door and find a seat near center stage. Shortly after, the band begins to play. We settle ourselves in and listen to the intro. Within the first few seconds you know if the song is good. It is a lively Saturday night crowd. The waitresses are busy running around with food and drinks. There is nothing fancy on the menu, typical bar and grill type of food, burgers, wraps and nachos. We order a couple burgers and turn our attention back to the band. They are in full swing. Around the room everyone is bopping along and we join into the atmosphere created.
, where as my friend is simply up for all things life has to offer. We pay our ten dollars at the door and find a seat near center stage. Shortly after, the band begins to play. We settle ourselves in and listen to the intro. Within the first few seconds you know if the song is good. It is a lively Saturday night crowd. The waitresses are busy running around with food and drinks. There is nothing fancy on the menu, typical bar and grill type of food, burgers, wraps and nachos. We order a couple burgers and turn our attention back to the band. They are in full swing. Around the room everyone is bopping along and we join into the atmosphere created. At some point, food arrives, rather large burgers with chunky fries. We chomp down onto our food but our attention is diverted back to the band as each musician commences in spotlighting their talent. The burger was messy, far too big to bite through in one chomp; more like taking a bite off the top and then some off the bottom. My friend, on the other hand, loves food and had no trouble polishing off both burger and fries. I could only manage the burger, spending the rest of the time picking away at the fries and watching the piano
player do his thing. He is the last to solo before the band joins in for the chorus and the final verse.
player do his thing. He is the last to solo before the band joins in for the chorus and the final verse. Every band member got their chance to be creative and do a bit of well deserved showing off. It wasn’t until the song ended and I pushed away my unfinished fries that I realized the band had started this very song when we first came in and sat down. Now I know what it means when they say, down in New Orleans you could come out to watch a street performer, walk home and have dinner, walk back, and the street performer will still be grooving on the same tune.
This ain’t no three chord, one page music that repeats itself until three minutes are up. This is storytelling, setting an atmosphere and letting the audience day dream away before pulling their attention back for an all out slam. It is an experience, a ride.
Squealing around a curve, the subway pops into light. There are more people lined across the platform waiting to get into an already filled train with more iPhones, more Blackberries, more headphones and more three minute songs.
Article : Tobin
Events : Allied Beauty Association Show 2011
DO OR DIE
Being a woman myself, I can safely attest that women are CRAZY-EEEE when it comes to their hair! Not to say that guys aren't CRAZY-EEEE either, but just not as prominent...for now.
On March 27, 2011, RAZ Magazine went downtown to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to check out the ABA Hair Show (aka Allied Beauty Association). This show is geared towards hair or beauty industry professionals who are looking to compete in catergorized hair or makeup competitions, seek out useful tips, information and educational seminars, or snab a great deal at the cash and carry booths.
Being a makeup artist, I naturally gravitated towards the makeup booth, more specifically Modern Basic. They had some amazing deals - tweezers for $3.75 CAD, eye shadow palettes for under $20 CAD, etc. All I really wanted were just a few items, but apparently the lineup to get to the cash register was going to take over an hour. And I knew for a fact if I even remotely tried to cut to the front just to pay, that I'd probably get my head chopped off by those in front. So I just shrugged my shoulders, put the goods down and sadly walked away.
Wella, Sebastian, L'Oreal and other big names were on stage throughout the day giving presentations about their products. I even scored a free L'Oreal Infinium Lumiere hairspray for filling out a form. Hope I don't end up with massive spam emails from that one...this hairspray better be worth it! Moroccanoil was giving out free samples too - Light and Regular Oil Treatments. An amazing product for frizzy dry hair I might add. Basically there were deals, irons and cash flying everywhere. People were rolling in with empty suitcases and walking out with it full and then some. I guess the ABA show is the best time to stock up. Deals AND no tax for most of the booths. Score!
One of the show's highlights was the book-signing and stage presentation of Tabatha Coffey - Slice TV's host and star of "Tabatha's Salon Makeover"! There were lineups galore to get her signature on her new book "It's Not Really About the Hair : The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty". Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to catch her presentation, but rumour has it, it was mega-inspiring and simply amazing. That's what the ABA's goal is really -- to inspire...and it has done just that.
My co-editor in chief TC has this theory about women and trying to look good. He says, "Women don't get dolled up for guys, they get dolled up to compete against other WOMEN!!!" The competition is fierce and every woman out there is trying to out-do one another. It's DO or DIE! I guess that explains why women look each other up and down at clubs -- it's why they pay top dollar for the best cut + colour or lie on a table for 2 hours getting lash extensions or subject themselves to something as painful as a brazilian wax. The ladies are doing it for the other ladies. So at the end of the day, a woman can look herself in the mirror and tell herself "I'm fabulous and you ain't got nothing on me B-TCHES!" Amen.
For more information about the ABA Hair Show, please visit : http://www.abacanada.com
Article : Maggie Ng
Photos : M Studio Life
Venue : Metro Toronto Convention Centre
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