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Inside the life and career of the investor, Warren Buffett

By
Owen Caire
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Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett

Widely regarded as one of the most successful investors in the world, Warren Buffett has accumulated a net worth over $71.8 billion as of July 2020. This puts 4th on the list of wealthiest people in the world, behind Jeff Bezos (US), Bill Gates (US) and Bernard Arnault (FRA). In 2008, Buffett was the wealthiest person in the world, with a net worth of $62 billion US.

Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett

Education

Buffett was born in 1930, the song of Congressman, Howard Buffett. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1947 and wanted to go straight into business; however, his father refused this and Buffett subsequently enrolled into the Wharton School in Pennsylvania. He transferred to the University of Nebraska and then again to the Business School of Columbia University, where he received a Master of Science in Economics in 1951.

Early career

Before assuming control of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett worked as an investment salesman and securities analyst across a few firms, including Graham-Newman Corp. His starting salary was around $12 000, which by today’s standards equates to about $114 000.

Assuming Berkshire and becoming a millionaire

In 1962, Buffett’s net worth began to skyrocket primarily because of the number of partnerships he was invested in. He acquired a textile manufacturing firm, known as Berkshire Hathaway. After several years, he moved the business into the insurance sector and sold off the last of the company’s mills in 1985.

Becoming a billionaire – the 1990s

Buffett became a billionaire in the early 1990s when Berkshire Hathaway listed class A shares in May. The market closed with the shares valued at $7175 per share. Many years later, Buffett stoked controversy with his company’s handling of the subprime mortgage crisis in 2007/08. While Berkshire Hathaway saw losses close to 80%, the company was criticised for allocating capital too early, resulting in several suboptimal deals. Despite this Buffett, emerged as the wealthiest person in 2008, before dropping back to second in 2009.

3 big mistakes you want to avoid when entering the Aussie job market

By
Isabella Gregor
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Aussie job market

With the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19, the Australian graduate market and wider employment pool have completely dried up. Huge companies have instituted nationwide hiring freezes, leaving recent graduates in limbo as they scramble for new opportunities or supplement their lives with casual labour.

Now, more than ever, you must do your very best when applying for work. Graduate opportunities are limited, and making a good first impression has never been more critical. Here are the three big mistakes job applicants are making, according to well-known employers.

Forgetting about networking

Networking is something every worker should be doing. Even if you are completely safe in your current role, keep networking and socialising within professional circles. LinkedIn is a great social media platform to achieve. In many respects, LinkedIn has made networking a whole lot easier, thanks to its instant messaging, job posting and resume building. The platform was launched way back in 2003 by a group of entrepreneurs led by Reid Hoffman.

Under-preparing

Time and time again, job applicants are arriving at their interviews with minimal preparation. You don’t need to know everything about the company; however, it is vital that you know about your role and what you believe you will be doing with the company should you be successful. A comprehensive knowledge of the company is useless if you don’t have any idea what your job entails.

Amend your resume/style for each interview

When it comes to applying for a new job, it isn’t a “one size fits all” type of deal. In fact, it is the exact opposite. Your resume, the way you present yourself and your answers should be tailored to each role, as this will allow you to accentuate the crucial professional capabilities you have that are relevant to the task description.

5 things you didn’t know about Andrew “Twiggy” Forrest

By
Henry Kentish
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Bharti Patel

Andrew Forrest, better known by his nickname “Twiggy” is one of the wealthiest Australians alive. He is the former CEO of Fortescue Metals Group and has amassed a fortune of close to $13 billion AU throughout his career. If you’re interested in Twiggy’s life and career, or more generally in the mining industry, then check out some of these interesting facts below.

He was the wealthiest Australian in 2008

Twiggy’s fortune has fluctuated a lot over the last 10-15 years. In 2008, his wealth skyrocketed to $9.41 billion AU, making him the wealthiest Australian according to the Financial Review Rich List. This is because the shares in Fortescue Metals hit an all-time high!

He worked as a stockbroker before entering the mining sector

After graduating from the University of Western Australian (where he studied economics and politics), Forrest worked as a stockbroker for Kirke Securities and Jacksons. In the early to mid-1990s, Forrest became the founding CEO of Anaconda Nickel, which is now known as Minara Resources.

He joined Fortescue in 2003

In 2003, Forrest joined Allied Mining and Processing and renamed it Fortescue Metals Group (FMG). Since assuming control of FMG, Twiggy has overseen the exponential growth of the company

He was not a fan of the Carbon Tax

Forrest was one of the most vocal critics of the Gillard Government’s proposed Minerals Resource Rent Tax, arguing that the bill would drive up foreign resource ownership. He explained that the tax would unfairly affect different Australian states and wouldn’t appropriately capture the big polluters, like BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto.

His philanthropy works

Forrest has contributed to a variety of charitable causes and has created his own charities. He’s donated to the Hale School (his alma mater) and has donated over $65 million towards Higher Education in Western Australia.

Counting down Australia’s best movies

By
Erin Cheel
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Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman

Australia has produced some surreal films, many of which revolve around the Australian climate, landscape and way of life. While many classic Australian films have developed cult followings both domestic and abroad, it is difficult for great Aussie films to break into the international arena, primarily because of the Hollywood monopoly. However, some films have proven so successful that such obstacles haven’t held them back.

If you haven’t seen any of these Aussie greats, then you’re seriously missing out!

#4 Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor, “Moulin Rouge!” remains the magnum opus of arguably Australia’s most vibrant and colourful director, Baz Luhrmann. It follows the tortured romance between Christian (McGregor) and courtesan, Satine (Kidman), complicated by the treacherous meddling of the Duke, played by Richard Roxborough.

#3 Crocodile Dundee (1986)

Paul Hogan became an Australian icon and an international celebrity after creating “Crocodile Dundee”. For Aussies looking for a taste of classic Aussie larrikinism and charm, this is undoubtedly the film for you.

#2 Animal Kingdom (2010)

Acclaimed and enigmatic film director, Quentin Tarantino, labelled “Animal Kingdom” in his top three films of 2010. It’s Australia’s answer to “The Godfather”, and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Loosely based on the crimes of the Pettingill family, who ruled the Melbourne underworld for much of the 1980s, the film is violent, confronting and a must-see for crime film followers.

#1 Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)

Topping off our list is George Miller’s acclaimed reboot of the Mad Max saga. “Fury Road” was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim and praise, primarily because of its ground-breaking practical effects, extended action scenes, acting, screenplay, score and cinematography. Basically, everything involved in making a film was done well. The film won six Academy Awards from ten nominations and is now regarded as one of the greatest action films of all time. A sequel is also in the works.

4 big moments in the life and career of Keith Rupert Murdoch

By
Henry Kentish
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Rupert Murdoch is an Australian-born American medial mogul. He founded News Corp in 1980 after moving to the United States in 1969. Murdoch has been vocal about his political persuasions and opinions of political leaders, both in the United States, Australia and abroad. He remains a polarising figure in world news and media, primarily because of his perceived influence over information, politics and current events. Here are several moments that shaped the career of Keith Rupert Murdoch.

Keith Rupert Murdoch

His father’s death

Murdoch’s father died in 1952 when Murdoch was barely 21. His father, also known as Keith, ran The News, a small Adelaide newspaper. Murdoch assumed control of the newspaper following his father’s death and during the 1950s and 1960s acquired several publications across Australia and New Zealand.

Moving to the United Kingdom and the States

In 1969, Murdoch expanded his enterprise, assuming ownership of News of the World and The Sun. While retaining interests in Australia and Britain, Murdoch moved to New York City with the hope of breaking into the US market. In 1985, Murdoch became a naturalised US citizen, so he could legally own television networks in the United States.

Political influence

Murdoch soon began associating with a wide range of political leaders, including Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan during the 1980s. While most were conservative politicians, his newspapers did endorse British Labour leader, Tony Blair during the 1990s.

In more recent years, Murdoch has supported Republican presidential nominees, like Mitt Romney and current-President, Donald Trump. He was also highly critical of former Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd during the global financial crisis.

Phone hacking scandal

Murdoch was under fire during the early 2010s because of a phone-hacking scandal embroiled in his company. He provided testimony before the British parliament in July 2011, along with his son.

Top 3 greatest researchers and scientists of all time

By
Emily Dash
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Throughout history, the scientific might and acumen of various individuals have irrevocably changed the world we operate in. New scientific discoveries have had long-lasting impacts on the way we live, interact and communicate. Here is our list of the most exceptional researchers to have ever existed, including their discoveries and contributions to the scientific field.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein had an incredibly potent influence on the scientific field, primarily because of his instrumental development of the theory of relativity. To this day, the theory of relativity remains one of the central pillars of modern physics. Throughout his career, Einstein published over 300 scientific papers and his name “Einstein” is now synonymous with the word “genius”, such as the extent of his intellect.

Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton

Isaac Newton, along with Albert Einstein, remains one of the most acclaimed and well-known scientific minds of the modern world. Born on Christmas Day 1642, Newton was a sickly child, and his survival itself was miraculous. His academic devotion was absolute, and his insights provided the groundwork for how we understand the Earth, the planets, the Sun and their movements.

Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin
Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin was a revolutionary researcher, and his insights remain polarising to many people in contemporary society. His seminal text “On the Origin of Species” was published in 1859 and sold out instantly. The reason for this controversy was simple – it directly challenged the adherents of creationism and religious institutions. Darwin pontificated that humans developed from primates/apes. This view was based on two key points: species can gradually change over time and that all species attempt to adapt to challenges in their surroundings.

In line with natural selection, the species that successfully adapt to new environmental challenges survive, while those that can’t usually become extinct or die out.

Ranking the top 3 best investors of all time

By
Owen Caire
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George Soros
George Soros

Brokerage firms and investment companies are often viewed through rose-tinted glasses. Everyone who works at one of the most recognisable companies is often regarded as highly successful, affluent, driven and ambitious. However, not all stockbrokers hit the big leagues, and in fact, most investors crash out and burn, primarily because it is a high-intensity, stress-filled occupation with significant risks.

Some investors have gone on to achieve financial success that people can’t fathom or understand. Here are the top 3 greatest investors of all time.

#1 Warren Buffett

Number one couldn’t be anyone else but Warren Buffett. The CEO of Berkshire Hathaway became a billionaire in the 1990s and has since grown his fortune. He had a few rough years during the global financial crisis; however, he officially became the wealthiest person in the world in 2008. He has remained in the top 5 ever since and currently sits 4th on that list in 2020.

#2 George Soros

Coming in at number two is George Soros, the Hungarian-American billionaire with a net worth of over $8 billion. Soros survived the Second World War as a Hungarian Jew, eventually moving to the United Kingdom in 1947. He started his first hedge fund in 1969 called Double Eagle. The fund is now known as Quantum Fund and managed Soros’ wealth and other high-end clients.

#3 Peter Lynch

Topping off our list is Peter Lynch, who was head manager of Magellan Fund from 1977 to 1990. Under his watch, the fund averaged 29.2% annual returns and had the best 20-year run of any mutual fund in financial history. When Lynch assumed control of the firm in 1977, they held approximately $18 million in assets. By 1990 (when he resigned), Magellan Fund held more than $14 billion in stock positions. To this day, Lynch remains an icon in the field because of his financial supremacy.

How Outsourcing to the Philippines Will Up Your Tech Game

By
Matthew Wearne
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How Outsourcing to the Philippines Will Up Your Tech Game

With the advent of new technology at alarmingly accelerated rates each year and increasing demand for understanding how to apply them in business, companies face hard choices. Focus on adapting to the newest technology, or focus on the vision of the company? Technology is only one ingredient of business success, yet the time required to keep up detracts from other important aspects of running a company. Outsourcing vendors hold the answer to this question of priorities. Consider offshore outsourcing to the Philippines to fill gaps in your company’s expertise while your in-house team continues to build up your brand and create your vision.

The first technological perk of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) in the Philippines is advanced data security. As billions of records are breached every year, many companies recognise the problem, but when it comes to the solution, they don’t know where to start. Investing in the right systems and the education required to run them might seem like a good idea, but the effort and cost of an in-house data security project is inefficient when considering that extra protection can be provided by already knowledgeable outsourcing companies in the Philippines, and it doesn’t come with a higher price tag. The reduced cost of labour here provides the perfect opportunity to cut costs and tighten security.

Ralf Ellspermann, CEO of PITON-Global, the mid-market outsourcing leader in the Philippines, notes, “Another technological problem that companies have faced in recent years is the transition to artificial intelligence (AI). AI creates tons of efficiency, for a plethora of tasks including data management, customer analytics, and individual advertising. AI can also be used to run chat boxes or provide customer service on the phone. Today, AI is widely accepted, to the extent that automated chatbots no longer create instant frustration for customers—that is, as long as the artificial intelligence is intelligent enough. Luckily, AI is only getting more powerful and attuned to human needs.

“As AI continues to grow and our understanding of it changes, it is smart to outsource these operations to the Philippines, where your offshore team can focus on bringing their technological expertise to the table, and your company can focus on what they do best. Many outsourcing providers in the Philippines specialise in AI capabilities; investing a lot of effort at home into AI understanding can spread your team too thin,” he adds.

Another trend that Philippine outsourcing companies can help with is the shift to cloud-based systems from server-based systems. IT departments find themselves overwhelmed with the process of revamping this technical infrastructure. In fact, recent surveys have shown this shift to be the number one challenge for IT teams. Luckily, Philippines-based outsourcing leaders such as PITON-Global can bring the expertise, experience, and tech straight to your company, saving you time in development.

Your company may be aware of the need to keep up with high levels of tech investment, not only in AI, but in data analytics. While analytics represent the fastest increasing tech investment, there is still a focus on quality management, eLearning, and virtual assistants. Even virtual reality is becoming a point of focus for successful companies. The chances of finding in-house talent to develop VR experiences for potential clients is often low. Your company may have one piece of the puzzle figured out, but investing in these technologies overseas can bring you the blanket expertise necessary to truly have it all.

When it comes to all these technologies, outsourcing to the Philippines is your best bet to meet your goals without sacrificing quality. The reason for this lies in both the culture and infrastructure of the Philippines. Since the first Philippine outsourcing centre was established in 1992, hundreds of companies have joined the industry. Now over 1.2 million Filipinos are employed in BPO. Recognising the potential economic benefits that outsourcing can generate, the government has funded BPO programs at universities that expose potential employees to the necessary technology before they even enter the workforce. Additionally, since the average age in the Philippines is 23, these employees are likely to have grown up immersed in the technological world. Other organisations in the country, such as the National Information and Communication Technology Confederation, keep a BPO development focus. This ensures that when you call an outsourcing company in the Philippines, they’re ready.

Don’t fall behind in this fast-paced world of technology! There are hundreds of outsourcing vendors in the Philippines waiting to show you what they can do.

Some reasons why visiting the Warriewood cinema is the best and why you should go

By
Erin Cheel
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Some reasons why visiting the Warriewood cinema is the best and why you should go

Visiting the Warriewood cinema is a household memory for most people, their family taking them up there to watch a new movie that has just been released and have a good time. Visiting the Warriewood cinema is something that most people will continue to do their whole lives, from childhood to adulthood, only the movies they watch may change. The Warriewood cinema has many factors that makes it a fun night out, and for this reason it is always popular and in demand, and always will be. With new movies coming out, they are almost always released in the movies first. In doing so, it allows people to watch them as they come out and before they are released on streaming platforms or DVD. The majority of people out there can tell you about their memories to do with the Warriewood cinema, and it is always either a family or friend filled occasion that involves fun and an enjoyable experience watching a new movie with snacks and drinks.

These are some of the reasons why visiting the Warriewood cinema is the best and why you should go.

It is a family or friends eventThree people sit in front of a screen watching a movie at Warriewood cinema

Going to the Warriewood cinema is almost always a family or friends event.

With families, many will take their children to the movies to enjoy family time together. The kids can enjoy popcorn, lollies and sweet drinks while they watch the newest kids movies, such as those from Disney and Pixar. It is a good family event, as they can spend time together in a cozy environment whilst enjoying a good movie. Family time is always important, especially when the kids are younger, and as a result the Warriewood cinema is always a good idea.

With friends, you can get together with your favourite group of friends and enjoy a good movie together as a social event. The same social environment applies, from family to friends, and it is all about enjoying a movie in the Warriewood cinema with people you love. Furthermore, it is also a good romantic getaway for potential first dates, as you will be in an intimate environment with someone who you see as a potential romantic partner. Enjoying a movie together is definitely a bonding moment, and discussing the movie after is a good way to get to know your date at the Warriewood cinema.

There is no better presentation

The big screen at the Warriewood cinema is absolutely huge compared to any other screen you could find outside of it. This makes the presentation of the movie unparalleled, and with the graphics and effects in many movies nowadays, it is absolutely vital to experience it on a large screen. Moreover, the audio effects that come with huge surround sound speakers are something else. If you have ever been to the Warriewood cinema, you will know what we are talking about. Watching an action sequence in a movie at the Warriewood cinema means that the effects and visuals are in your face and incredible, and in combination with the surround soundscape, you really feel like you are there.

You are focused

When watching a movie at home, you are surrounded by distractions.

That could be your roommates, pets, homework and other objects around you.

These distractions can take away from a movie and its immersion, which can make the whole experience a whole lot more underwhelming. By being in the Warriewood cinema, you are in a dark environment surrounded by other people who are quiet, and you have a huge screen in front of you and surround sound speakers to immerse you. Movie immersion is everything, and significantly contributes to the enjoyment of a movie. By being in the Warriewood cinema, you have no distractions around you to take your focus away from the movie, and as a result you will be completely immersed into what is happening.

The trailers before the movie

The trailers before a movie are definitely part of the experience for some people. The trailers tell you that there are more great movies coming to Warriewood cinema, and what else you have to experience in the future.

They are also enjoyable, depending on your taste in movies, and can let you know what to look out for in the coming future. They usually last for about 15 minutes, and will display movie trailers that are similar to the genre of movie you are watching after them. This can help you to see what is coming out soon in the Warriewood cinema, and is a good way to experience some different movies before you see your primary one. When watching a movie at home, you will likely skip over the ads to get to the main movie, however in the Warriewood cinema; you get to experience these trailers on the big screen with incredible sound quality. These aspects make all the difference in the world, and are definitely a good experience in a cinema.

Isolating yourself in the movie environmentPopcorn spilled with movie tickets from Warriewood cinema

In the digital age, so many of us stream media at all times of the day.

From TV shows, to music, to podcasts. This could be when we are working, working out, going somewhere or cleaning the dishes. Watching a movie at home might be nice, but we are so used to that environment having media everywhere that it is not the same as going to the Warriewood cinema.

By going to a specific environment made to watch a movie, such as the Warriewood cinema, you are isolating yourself from the world in order to immerse yourself completely in the movie environment. This is a nice disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the world, and can often mean taking a big break from everything for a few hours and enjoying yourself with not a care in the world. It can help to reset your emotions and expectations, especially if you are in a bit of emotional turmoil. Getting away from the world in the Warriewood cinema is something that everyone needs to do at some point, and can help to keep you grounded and cool. It is something that is a little more special than finding a movie and pressing play on your computer or TV, with your distractions surrounding you in your home. Turning off your phone for a few hours can also help to cease any distractions, and gets you away from the world of social media.

In summary, the Warriewood cinema can encapsulate a lot of positive experiences, and it is something that should be visited a few times a year to enjoy these said experiences. The Warriewood cinema brings many to its doors every single night, and it brings with it memories that will last the ages.

For those of you yet to visit the Warriewood cinema, it is definitely something you should do. Bring your friends for a group movie experience, or maybe your family for some family time. You can even bring a date for a date night, and get to know them better after, while you are discussing the movie.

Regardless of who you are bringing there, you can always have a good time there.

 

Russell Jack, Southland Yoga Instructor, Explains the Top 5 Benefits of Yin Yoga

By
Matthew Wearne
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Russell Jack, Southland Yoga Instructor, Explains the Top 5 Benefits of Yin Yoga

The practice of yoga has skyrocketed thanks to the coronavirus pandemic as more people are turning to exercise options available at-home. Yoga is usually categorized as a holistic form of exercise. The practice considers improving both mind and body and an individual’s overall fitness level. For those who want to practice yoga but are looking for a gentler regimen, a great type of yoga to try is yin yoga. Here, Russell Herbert Jack – Southland native and yoga instructor – shares five benefits of this type of yoga.

Russell Herbert Jack, Southland Yoga Training founder and yoga teacher, says that yin yoga harmonizes with yang yoga, which is fast-paced and more aimed towards muscle and strength training. As the “yin” to its “yang,” yin yoga targets the tissue around the muscles, fascia, and connector tissues. Yin yoga is a slower practice that allows for meditation through its series of stretches, held for a more extended time than in a typical Hatha Yoga routine. Jack says that yin yoga has high health benefits, such as the ones he explains below.

Benefit #1: Better flexibility

Yin yoga uses a series of poses that stretch deep connective tissues. Flexibility increases through holding these stretching positions that enhance joint circulation and exercise joints and bones. The more practice one puts into yin yoga, the more flexible they can become.

Benefit #2: Relieve stress and tension

Yoga is an exercise that stimulates physical and mental growth, which is why it is such a great escape tool from stress and tension. Anxiety and stress run high already in our fast-paced society. Add in the COVID-19 pandemic, and see why more people are turning to peace finding practices such as yin yoga.

Benefit #3: Build perseverance

For those trying their first yin yoga class, be prepared to hold a yoga pose anywhere from three to ten minutes. Yin yoga helps to instill perseverance as it forces those who practice it to find comfort in even the positions that are the most uncomfortable to hold. The more you incorporate yin yoga into your daily routine, the more perseverance you will find to hold poses all the way through, which assists with integrating perseverance in other areas of your life.

Benefit #4: Start a meditation journey

Due to its extensive and gentler approach to yoga practice, yin yoga is an excellent way for anyone interested in meditation to start that journey. It is common to let thoughts overtake or feel certain waves of emotion during yin yoga since our mind always wonders. Practicing meditation while doing yin yoga will help lower your heart rate, breathing, and find peace of mind.

Benefit #5: Find balance

As mentioned earlier, yin yoga is the balancing practice to yang yoga. Yin yoga also holds other forms of balance as it helps balance internal organs. Specific poses help stimulate organs like the spleen, kidney, heart, lungs, and liver.

“As a yoga teacher who also embraces mindfulness, balance is required to achieve physical and mental harmony by developing a consistent practice,” said Russell Jack, Southland yoga expert.

About Russell Herbert Jack

Russell Herbert Jack is a founder of Southland Yoga Training in Invercargill, New Zealand. He is passionate about spirituality, the vegan lifestyle, animal rights, and living in sync with nature. Russell specializes in Vinyasa Yoga, Qigong, and guided meditations. Vinyasa yoga or flow yoga heightens consciousness by moving from one position to another seamlessly, using breath. Just like Vinyasa Yoga, Qigong has many healing properties to the body, mind, and spirit.

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