For the last couple weeks I have been regularly watching a show on YouTube, the show Britain's Got Talent for a few reasons: I find it entertaining, it puts a smile on my face, it sometimes even chokes me up, and I also love British people :). I really am not one to watch these talent/reality shows ex. like American Idol, America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, etc. Usually, they are just not really my thing, but, for the reasons listed above, I love seeing what Britain's Got Talent has to offer. This year there were some fantastic acts. Singers, dancers, dance groups, poets, escape artists, you really couldn't guess what was going to come out next. What I wanted to do was share with you some of my favourites from the season. Not necessarily ones that did very well, but ones that in for whatever reason I thought were very talented, funny, or that might just makes you feel good. I will provide the links to the YouTube video of the act below.
Stavros Flatley
My favourite act of the entire show. Absolutely fantastic. You cannot watch this without smiling and laughing.
Hollie Steel
Awwww, is she supposed to be able to sing like that? Simply wonderful.
Shaun Smith
He had to be convinced by his rugby mates to go to the audition.
Eugene The Librarian
I don't know if this is real or not, but this guy is an absolute legend.
Aidan Davis
This boy can dance.
Flawless
That they were. A fantastic dance group.
And now my two favourites of the finals.
Diversity
The best dance group of the whole competition in my opinion. Talent wise they were the best overall act.
Stravros Flatley
In my heart I wanted these two to win so bad. They just make you laugh, smile, and feel good. This is the video of them in the finals.
The winner was ????, and they certainly did deserve to win. They are unbelievably creative, their name obviously fits their group, and they really really wanted to win. Congrats.
There were lots of great acts, groups and performances and of course I couldn't have them all here. Notable mentions are Callum Francis, Susan Boyle, Julian Smith, Shaheen Jafargholi, 2 Grand, Jamie Pugh and Faces of Disco.
Never say; "I don't have the talent, I don't have the passion, I don't have the desire." There is always something that each one of us excels at and loves doing, sometimes it just doesn't fall into your bowl of cheerios; you have to go out, take a chance and find it.
Never let anyone tell you that "maybe doing that wouldn't be a good idea. How do you know it will work out?" If we always knew what the next day would bring, waking up would be dreadful. Take the chance, follow your passion, and know what it feels like to find it difficult to fall asleep because you're so excited about what the next day might have in store.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Monday, May 25, 2009
Don't Call Me Webster
I thought this week I would do something unbelievably exciting and entertaining. It will make you stand up and cheer... or maybe that is just how I would feel about it :).
I have written a post that provides a small list of definitions that I think may be informative to those reading it. Definitions of terms you have likely heard before and would perhaps like to know what they really mean. So enough of the small talk, lets get to the excitement!
Definitions taken from "Canadian Investment Funds", Inventive Financial Sector Education 2007
Mutual Funds: Provide the investor of moderate means with the same advantages as the large capitalist, in diminishing the risk of investing by spreading the investment over a number of different stocks. Investors benefit from the services of trained investment professionals and even with just a small amount of savings can spread their investment over many different securities.
T-Bill: Short-term money market investments issued by the federal and provincial governments. They can easily be bought and sold at any time, and are guaranteed by the federal government. The minimum investment is usually $5,000. T-bills are subject to inflation risk and hold comparative returns to GICs.
Income Funds: Funds that provide a regular stream of income to the investor.
Growth Funds: Funds that provide long-term growth. These funds are riskier funds since they consist of equity-based investments.
Balanced Funds: A combination of income and growth. Considered moderate risk since there is a level of stability along with potential growth.
GDP: Gross Domestic Product is a measure of the total market value of all the final goods and services produced in an economy in a year. That means goods and services sold to their final users. It is measured in dollars.
Inflation: The rise in the general level of prices in an economy over a period of time.
Segregated Funds: The life insurance industry's equivalent to mutual funds. These funds are only available through life insurers. They differ from mutual funds in the that they can guarantee 75% to 100% of the capital invested after a period of time. They have the potential to provide protection from creditors. Provide 100% return on capital if investor dies, even if the fund has had a significant loss in value.
Tax Deductions: A tax deduction reduces the amount of income on which you pay taxes. It is deducted from your total income before the federal and provincial tax rates are applied. A common deduction is RRSP contributions.
Marginal Tax Rate: This is the rate of tax you pay on the last dollar earned. It is the highest rate at which earnings are taxed. In Ontario the highest marginal tax rate for 2009 is 46.41% on any earned income over $126,264. That rate is only applied to money at or above that, not below. If somebody tells you that they paid 46% on their income this year in taxes, that is incorrect.
CPP: Canadian Pension Plan is payable to all eligible Canadians except those who worked in Quebec. It is designed to replace about 25% of your pre-retirement earnings. How much you will receive will depend on when you start taking your CPP benefit.
This was just a small portion of some of the terms people ask me about daily. There are many, many more but I will limit myself to those for this post because it is a scientific fact that too much excitement expressed by an individual can actually cause birds to fly into sliding glass doors. Amazing I know.
If you have any other questions, or want further explanation, you know where I am! :).
Have a great week!
Matthew George
I have written a post that provides a small list of definitions that I think may be informative to those reading it. Definitions of terms you have likely heard before and would perhaps like to know what they really mean. So enough of the small talk, lets get to the excitement!
Definitions taken from "Canadian Investment Funds", Inventive Financial Sector Education 2007
Mutual Funds: Provide the investor of moderate means with the same advantages as the large capitalist, in diminishing the risk of investing by spreading the investment over a number of different stocks. Investors benefit from the services of trained investment professionals and even with just a small amount of savings can spread their investment over many different securities.
T-Bill: Short-term money market investments issued by the federal and provincial governments. They can easily be bought and sold at any time, and are guaranteed by the federal government. The minimum investment is usually $5,000. T-bills are subject to inflation risk and hold comparative returns to GICs.
Income Funds: Funds that provide a regular stream of income to the investor.
Growth Funds: Funds that provide long-term growth. These funds are riskier funds since they consist of equity-based investments.
Balanced Funds: A combination of income and growth. Considered moderate risk since there is a level of stability along with potential growth.
GDP: Gross Domestic Product is a measure of the total market value of all the final goods and services produced in an economy in a year. That means goods and services sold to their final users. It is measured in dollars.
Inflation: The rise in the general level of prices in an economy over a period of time.
Segregated Funds: The life insurance industry's equivalent to mutual funds. These funds are only available through life insurers. They differ from mutual funds in the that they can guarantee 75% to 100% of the capital invested after a period of time. They have the potential to provide protection from creditors. Provide 100% return on capital if investor dies, even if the fund has had a significant loss in value.
Tax Deductions: A tax deduction reduces the amount of income on which you pay taxes. It is deducted from your total income before the federal and provincial tax rates are applied. A common deduction is RRSP contributions.
Marginal Tax Rate: This is the rate of tax you pay on the last dollar earned. It is the highest rate at which earnings are taxed. In Ontario the highest marginal tax rate for 2009 is 46.41% on any earned income over $126,264. That rate is only applied to money at or above that, not below. If somebody tells you that they paid 46% on their income this year in taxes, that is incorrect.
CPP: Canadian Pension Plan is payable to all eligible Canadians except those who worked in Quebec. It is designed to replace about 25% of your pre-retirement earnings. How much you will receive will depend on when you start taking your CPP benefit.
This was just a small portion of some of the terms people ask me about daily. There are many, many more but I will limit myself to those for this post because it is a scientific fact that too much excitement expressed by an individual can actually cause birds to fly into sliding glass doors. Amazing I know.
If you have any other questions, or want further explanation, you know where I am! :).
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Long Weekend Madness
No post this week due to the frantic last few days. My parents had their 25th wedding anniversary this Friday and Saturday, which was a fantastic party. Thank you to all those that came and for dropping beats not bombs, :). Have been able to spend the last few days and next couple with my family from Alberta and Newfoundland which has been absolutely wonderful, and of course Jessica was here. I hope everybody has been having a wonderful long weekend and everybody has kept safe. Enjoy your short work week and make sure to return next Monday for something far better than this.
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Sunday, May 10, 2009
The Experience of Music
"Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent" -- Victor Hugo (French poet, playwright, novelist, etc...)
I have a real love for music, and I believe that most people would also agree that they also do as well. I have always played a musical instrument; - piano, percussion, trumpet, trombone, guitar - and I am master of none. :). But, I still find myself sitting down at the piano once a week, fooling around, playing some progressions, stringing some chords together for the simple reason that it is enjoyable.
But in listening to music, ah, that is where I find real enjoyment. What amazes me the most is how a tempo, tone, or crescendo can create such contrasting feelings inside of you. That's just the music, then there is that lyrical poetry that accompanies those sounds.
We can almost define moments in our life by the music that accompanies them. I will forever remember the songs that I listened to before every basketball game, as if I was going into battle. Those songs that were with you when you felt like you were at the bottom, and the songs that were with you when you reached the pinnacle. That song that means absolutely nothing to you, but still, makes your hair stand, your heart beat faster, or sends a single tear rolling down your cheek.
I wanted to share 10 songs that I personally feel each show us what music is. Songs that have lyrics of poets, songs that make your heart beat, songs that make you smile, and songs that make you say "wow." I by no means say that these are the 10 best songs, or you should like these songs. Everybody has there preference, these are just 10 songs I would like to share with you.
Enjoy, and turn those speakers up!
Look at the end of this blog for the link to get this soundtrack!
1. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths
The Smiths are lyrical geniuses, and this is one of my favourite songs by them. Enjoy the story that is told.
2. Con Te Partiro - Andrea Bocelli
He gets criticized, but every time I listening to this song I feel like I must stand on my chair and conduct the orchestra. Close your eyes and enjoy.
3. In The House, In A Heartbeat - John Murphy
Found in the 28 days/weeks later movies, this instrumental track is so good it actually scares me. I don't even need the zombies.
4. Hands In The Sky - Straylight Run
You may not have heard of them, and don't plan on hearing about them any time soon. The music is raw, and the singer is average at best, but put them together and for whatever reason this song will never leave my library.
5. Keeping the Blade - Coheed and Cambria
If you have not listened to a Coheed & Cambria album yet, go do it right now. What they do with music is astonishing.
6. Hurt - Nine Inch Nails
What to you say about Trent Reznor, he has his problems, but Mr. Reznor, thank you. Producer, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist. Listening is an honour.
7. Where Is My Mind - The Pixies
Ah, yes, The Pixies. When The Pixies come on, you just know everything is going to be fine. You could be falling from a plane to your death, but when this song comes on you will still smile. :)
8. Requiem For A Dream - Clint Mansell
I hope that neither you or myself ever have a moment in our lives where this song will be the theme music. But "wow" can't even begin to describe how this song gives me goose bumps.
9. Moonlight in C sharp minor - Beethoven
Beautiful. What else can I say.
10. Crazy Game Of Poker (Live) - O.A.R.
There is a reason why I ended with this song. Band Bio: Four high school graduates without any formal marketing or advertising plans went from playing fraternities to their third album Risen debuting at #11 on the Billboard Top Internet Sales chart solely from word of mouth. After receiving offers from various major labels, they signed with Lava Records because they promised not to change the band.
That is why we listen to music and that is why we play music.
This soundtrack can be found by following this link Must Have Songs If you have any issues with the link or how to download the soundtrack, please message me.
"Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it."
-- John Lennon
Have a great week!
Matthew George
I have a real love for music, and I believe that most people would also agree that they also do as well. I have always played a musical instrument; - piano, percussion, trumpet, trombone, guitar - and I am master of none. :). But, I still find myself sitting down at the piano once a week, fooling around, playing some progressions, stringing some chords together for the simple reason that it is enjoyable.
But in listening to music, ah, that is where I find real enjoyment. What amazes me the most is how a tempo, tone, or crescendo can create such contrasting feelings inside of you. That's just the music, then there is that lyrical poetry that accompanies those sounds.
We can almost define moments in our life by the music that accompanies them. I will forever remember the songs that I listened to before every basketball game, as if I was going into battle. Those songs that were with you when you felt like you were at the bottom, and the songs that were with you when you reached the pinnacle. That song that means absolutely nothing to you, but still, makes your hair stand, your heart beat faster, or sends a single tear rolling down your cheek.
I wanted to share 10 songs that I personally feel each show us what music is. Songs that have lyrics of poets, songs that make your heart beat, songs that make you smile, and songs that make you say "wow." I by no means say that these are the 10 best songs, or you should like these songs. Everybody has there preference, these are just 10 songs I would like to share with you.
Enjoy, and turn those speakers up!
Look at the end of this blog for the link to get this soundtrack!
1. Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now - The Smiths
The Smiths are lyrical geniuses, and this is one of my favourite songs by them. Enjoy the story that is told.
2. Con Te Partiro - Andrea Bocelli
He gets criticized, but every time I listening to this song I feel like I must stand on my chair and conduct the orchestra. Close your eyes and enjoy.
3. In The House, In A Heartbeat - John Murphy
Found in the 28 days/weeks later movies, this instrumental track is so good it actually scares me. I don't even need the zombies.
4. Hands In The Sky - Straylight Run
You may not have heard of them, and don't plan on hearing about them any time soon. The music is raw, and the singer is average at best, but put them together and for whatever reason this song will never leave my library.
5. Keeping the Blade - Coheed and Cambria
If you have not listened to a Coheed & Cambria album yet, go do it right now. What they do with music is astonishing.
6. Hurt - Nine Inch Nails
What to you say about Trent Reznor, he has his problems, but Mr. Reznor, thank you. Producer, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist. Listening is an honour.
7. Where Is My Mind - The Pixies
Ah, yes, The Pixies. When The Pixies come on, you just know everything is going to be fine. You could be falling from a plane to your death, but when this song comes on you will still smile. :)
8. Requiem For A Dream - Clint Mansell
I hope that neither you or myself ever have a moment in our lives where this song will be the theme music. But "wow" can't even begin to describe how this song gives me goose bumps.
9. Moonlight in C sharp minor - Beethoven
Beautiful. What else can I say.
10. Crazy Game Of Poker (Live) - O.A.R.
There is a reason why I ended with this song. Band Bio: Four high school graduates without any formal marketing or advertising plans went from playing fraternities to their third album Risen debuting at #11 on the Billboard Top Internet Sales chart solely from word of mouth. After receiving offers from various major labels, they signed with Lava Records because they promised not to change the band.
That is why we listen to music and that is why we play music.
This soundtrack can be found by following this link Must Have Songs If you have any issues with the link or how to download the soundtrack, please message me.
"Music is everybody's possession. It's only publishers who think that people own it."
-- John Lennon
Have a great week!
Matthew George
Monday, May 4, 2009
Four Levels to Diversification
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Does that sound familiar? There is one word that seems to be found in every investor's vocabulary, and that is diversified. It seems to be the word that everybody feels comfortable using when there's a conversation going on about the market or investing: "Yes, well I am diversified." Instantly you feel like you should be sitting down for lunch with Warren Buffet discussing the opportunities that will arise in the next 3 quarters...
But how diversified are you? The common view on having a diversified portfolio is to have investments of different risk class and have your money weighted either aggressively or conservatively within that portfolio. For Example:
Your portfolio has 35% of its money invested in Canadian Energy (aggressive) and 65% of its money invested in Bonds (conservative). That is almost exactly how your portfolio should be arranged. :)
Here is the diversification blunder that most investors make, and it is something I see often. Here is an example of a portfolio that I may see:
John Smith
Fund Company RBC
Fund Manager RBC
15% RBC Canadian Energy Fund
30% RBC Balanced Fund
30% RBC GICs
10% RBC US Equity Fund
15% RBC Specialty Fund
Do you see the diversification blunder?
You may have said that the percentages don't look quite right, and that might be correct but without understanding the type of investor John Smith is we don't really know how aggressive he should be.
That is the biggest mistake both advisors and investors make: looking only at diversification within the percentages. You need to expand your diversification view by looking up a few more levels. This is what I mean.
To have a properly diversified portfolio you need to be diversified in four different areas:
1. Risk Weighting (aggressive/conservative)
2. Geographically (canadian/international)
3. Fund Managers
4. Fund Companies
In the example of John Smith he had 1) and a stab at 2). He had aggressive and conservative funds and he had also invested a little into a US fund. The biggest issue is that John's portfolio is managed by four fund managers, all with RBC and one fund company within RBC. What this means is that those four fund managers all have the same style of investing, the RBC way of investing. And all of John's money is with the RBC fund company.
I illustrate it this way: John may have his eggs all in different baskets but those baskets are all in the same car (RBC fund company), being driven by one driver (RBC fund managers).
So, then, how should John fully diversify? Well, simply, he needs to put his many baskets of eggs into different cars being driven by different drivers. He should have four to five different fund companies within his personal portfolio managed by different portfolio managers with distinct styles of investing. Why is that a good idea?
In simple terms, if you're only in the RBC car, you better be hoping it doesn't run out of gas, or, even worse, crash.
Beyond protecting yourself, by diversifying more then just the percentages, you're building a portfolio that you could proudly talk to Warren Buffet about.
Is your portfolio diversified?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
But how diversified are you? The common view on having a diversified portfolio is to have investments of different risk class and have your money weighted either aggressively or conservatively within that portfolio. For Example:
Your portfolio has 35% of its money invested in Canadian Energy (aggressive) and 65% of its money invested in Bonds (conservative). That is almost exactly how your portfolio should be arranged. :)
Here is the diversification blunder that most investors make, and it is something I see often. Here is an example of a portfolio that I may see:
John Smith
Fund Company RBC
Fund Manager RBC
15% RBC Canadian Energy Fund
30% RBC Balanced Fund
30% RBC GICs
10% RBC US Equity Fund
15% RBC Specialty Fund
Do you see the diversification blunder?
You may have said that the percentages don't look quite right, and that might be correct but without understanding the type of investor John Smith is we don't really know how aggressive he should be.
That is the biggest mistake both advisors and investors make: looking only at diversification within the percentages. You need to expand your diversification view by looking up a few more levels. This is what I mean.
To have a properly diversified portfolio you need to be diversified in four different areas:
1. Risk Weighting (aggressive/conservative)
2. Geographically (canadian/international)
3. Fund Managers
4. Fund Companies
In the example of John Smith he had 1) and a stab at 2). He had aggressive and conservative funds and he had also invested a little into a US fund. The biggest issue is that John's portfolio is managed by four fund managers, all with RBC and one fund company within RBC. What this means is that those four fund managers all have the same style of investing, the RBC way of investing. And all of John's money is with the RBC fund company.
I illustrate it this way: John may have his eggs all in different baskets but those baskets are all in the same car (RBC fund company), being driven by one driver (RBC fund managers).
So, then, how should John fully diversify? Well, simply, he needs to put his many baskets of eggs into different cars being driven by different drivers. He should have four to five different fund companies within his personal portfolio managed by different portfolio managers with distinct styles of investing. Why is that a good idea?
In simple terms, if you're only in the RBC car, you better be hoping it doesn't run out of gas, or, even worse, crash.
Beyond protecting yourself, by diversifying more then just the percentages, you're building a portfolio that you could proudly talk to Warren Buffet about.
Is your portfolio diversified?
Have a great week!
Matthew George
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