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We’ve heard it a hundred times before, but its significance cannot be overlooked.
Octagon jitters are a real thing, and they have affected numerous fighters making their promotional debut.
Top-level fighters such as Shogun Rua, Jake Shields and Takanori Gomi have all had rough Octagon debuts over the past five years or so, and while some chalk up those performances to injury, age or a variety of other reasons, you can’t count out the effect that stepping into the world’s premier organization has had on fighters in the past.
Later this month, former Strikeforce champion and current top-ranked heavyweight Alistair Overeem will step into the UFC for the first time in his career, and while many fans have been looking forward to an exciting bout against Brock Lesnar, they may be disappointed if Overeem is unable to get over the rush that comes with fighting inside the Octagon.
Lesnar is actually a great example of how the dreaded “Octagon jitters” can ruin a UFC debut.
Back at UFC 81, Lesnar came out and started to dominate Frank Mir, but his adrenaline got the best of him and he became sloppy, allowing Mir to lock in a fight-ending leg lock early in the bout.
While some fans point to a step up in competition as a better reason as to why these fighters seem to come out flat and under-perform in their promotional debut, fighters like Shogun and Lesnar have proven that they were able to come back strong after their initial setbacks.
Overeem is a force of nature, but with his current issues with the athletic commission lingering over his head and the inevitable pressure of stepping into the UFC cage for a massive PPV main event may cause him to put on a weak performance, and Lesnar will end up benefiting from it.


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I recently visited in Belgium. Brussels, its capital, sold as the heart of Europe, is home to the European Parliament and the Commission. It is also the site of numerous protests. From Kurds to labour unions to dairy farmers, the space in front of the European Parliament building in Place Luxemburg has been used for years to draw attention to injustice and abuses of power; to wave placards and generally air grievances.
While I was there, the issue of the day was the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, a.k.a. TTIP, the free trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and the US that has been on the table since June 2013. Protestors see this deal as a corporate takeover, an instrument to lower food quality standards and weaken labour rights and consumer protections. Negotiated in secret, with big multinational companies having unfettered access, they argue TTIP, and other agreements like it such as CETA – the FTA with Canada, are a threat to democracy.
To give some background, open borders and the free movement of goods and capital, facilitated by trade deals, have been the aim of most governments since World War Two. With economies laid to waste by war, they sought increased wealth and stability through agreements with other countries. This interconnectedness, of countries, companies and cultures, is called globalisation.
Supporters argue that the result has been an improvement in living standards, with millions in developing countries being dragged out of poverty by export-led growth and foreign investment. Migration tends to benefit host countries, with economic migrants providing a net contribution to the economy and boosting public finances. Put simply in a 1997 essay titled ‘The Case for Free Trade’: “We eat bananas from Central America, wear Italian shoes, drive German automobiles, and enjoy programs we see on our Japanese TV sets.” It is true that, in general, free trade was viewed favourably and the advantages recognised.
However, fast-forward to today, and the picture is very different. There is anger and fear against migrants and rally cries against trade deals; not just in Europe but also in the US, where voters have elected a protectionist President Trump to succeed open, trade-oriented Obama.
During his campaign, Trump took aim against FTAs, calling the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) “the worst trade deal maybe ever signed anywhere.” He blamed it, with typical bluster, for decreased manufacturing and job losses.
So it seems with The Donald soon in power, the TTIP, along with the other FTAs the US is negotiating, will likely be dropped. But what happened to cause this protectionist backlash? No small number of people believe that globalisation has failed them, that it benefits only the elites and should be stopped, the clock turned back. I disagree, but I do think free trade needs to be done better.
For a start, the secrecy around negotiations breeds conspiracy. It makes perfect sense to be secretive in a business setting, as you don’t want the other side to know concessions what you are prepared to make. But in the public sphere, where every small detail has a huge and far-reaching impact, this approach is not appropriate and makes those locked out of the negotiations fearful.
And, while economists agree that the vast majority benefit from free trade, they rarely mention the little that is done to help those who do not. The negative effects must be managed appropriately to stop those who lose out from being left behind. Workers who have lost their jobs due to, for example, production being moved overseas to countries with cheaper labour costs, should be offered the opportunity to retrain and re-enter the workforce. In the US, a mere 0.1% of GDP is spent on retraining workers. The reluctance of the elites to prepare for or even acknowledge the negative consequences, no matter how small, of a new trade agreement means those affected feel disconnected and ignored.
This is only thinking within the box. Some are questioning whether there isn’t a better way to achieve results similar to a traditional trade agreement, namely increased growth and GDP, by developing a new dimension of the international trade relationship. For example, other facets of economic diplomacy, the full toolbox of instruments that countries use to economically influence one another, of which trade agreements is but a small part, could play a bigger role. FDIs (Foreign Direct Investments), where foreign companies invest in domestic companies, and FIIs (Foreign Institutional Investors), where foreign companies invest in the domestic stock market, are other options available. The implications would be different but the benefits, of increased GDP, would be similar. This new approach, rather than relying solely on FTAs, could be explored as a way of avoiding a protectionist backlash.
Free trade is a good thing. It opens up new opportunities and drives growth. But, it needs to be managed properly, with the negative consequences properly explored and explained, and policies drawn up and implemented that will negate these effects. If politicians on both sides of the Atlantic don’t wake up and realise that the current way of doing things isn’t working, if voters’ attitudes do not change, the backlash against globalisation will continue, and nations will fall into close-minded protectionism. And we will all be the poorer for it.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Social Jungle.

domain: politics


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Country-Chic Cottage with Dip Pool in Cabo
"Nothing quite like it! A one-of-a-kind farm-to-cottage experience from dawn till dusk. Divine inside and out!" - Reviewed by Deborah
Contemporary design meets Baja desert meets tropical organic farm for a unique luxury rental experience, minutes from San Jose del Cabo. Taking pride of place within the original gardens at the famed Flora Farms, this country-chic cottage with three spacious suites and a flexible den with a sleeper sofa provides a privileged experience only a select few can access first-hand.
A light-filled, open-plan interior with lofty, beamed ceilings makes the perfect setting for Cabo chillin’ in the AC during the hot desert afternoons. The fully equipped farm-style kitchen adds a wholesome stamp on the décor while the terrace, dipping pool and garden views remind you that relaxation is the order of the day.
While staying in this rustic-luxe, stand-alone cottage you also get the chance to taste the joys of farm-life, as “white glove” or hands-in-the dirt as your desire takes you. Located in a private owner’s area of Flora Farms, your reservation extends access to the organic fields, where you can pick fresh produce for your lunch or have a selection of the freshest items delivered to your doors. Or better still, allow us to organize a private chef.
- Private dipping pool
- Private low-density gated community with 24-hour security on a boutique organic farm, home to the famed Flora’s Field Kitchen restaurant and organic market.
- Access to communal pool and hot tub (within private gated area)
- Access to Private Beach Club (15 min drive – day pass required $)
- Access to Flora Farms Spa with yoga and Pilates studio, a juice bar.
- Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Breakfast bar
- Interior living room
- Interior dining table for 8
- Alfresco dining area
- Alfresco lounge
- Outdoor grill
- Fire pit
- Bluetooth speakers
- Purified water system
- Satellite TV
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Washing machine and dryer
- Organic Harvesting Privileges
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
Two fabulous Master Suites with California King-size beds stack one above the other enjoying either access to a terrace or quaint balcony overlooking the gardens, while a third bedroom with en-suite bathroom on the ground floor has a comfortable Queen-size bed. A flexible den can also accommodate a further 2 guests on a sleeper sofa with access to full guest bathroom.
Five-star quality and rustic-chic merge in all of these luxury bedrooms. Time to lay your head to rest in fine linens and top-quality bedding for wholesome nightly slumber.
MASTER BEDROOM 1 – GROUND
Sleeps 2 – California King Bed. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower/bathtub combo and twin vanity. Access to private terrace with garden views.
MASTER BEDROOM 2 – UPSTAIRS
Sleeps 2 – California King Bed. En-suite bathroom with rain-head shower/bathtub combo and twin vanity. Access to private balcony with garden views.
BEDROOM 3 – GROUND
Sleeps 2 – Queen-size bed. En-suite bathroom with single sink and rain shower.
PRIVATE DEN – GROUND
Sleeps 2 – Sofa bed. Access to guest bathroom with shower.
ALL BEDROOMS INCLUDE CLOSETS, BATHROBES, 5-STAR HOTEL QUALITY SHEETS, BEDDING, TOWELS, HAIR DRYER, A/C, AND WI-FI.
Ample space for relaxation inside and out. Living, basking, and loving in this light-filled cottage is made easy with a large furnished terrace with lounge and dining table overlooking the garden and large dipping pool.
Inside, you can enjoy double-height ceilings with a comfortable lounge-diner area plus a cozy den that doubles as a bedroom where necessary. The farm-kitchen is a dream; it’s a treat to prepare meals here or watch as a private chef ($) prepares meals tailored for your group.
Take some time to relax by your private dipping pool or head to Flora Farm’s larger community heated swimming pool where you will also find a jacuzzi.
Rental Price Includes
- Daily housekeeping
- Organic farming privileges
Know Before You Go
- This home can sleep up to 8 guests when accompanied by children (max 6 adults + 2 children).
- Walking distance to the famed Flora’s Field Kitchen restaurant, market and a curated selection of boutique shops.
- A harvest concierge is available to explain how to enjoy the harvesting privileges at the farm (full introductions take place on Mondays), which allows guests to pick vegetables, herbs, and fruit from the farm’s fields.
- Soaps are all handcrafted
- A variety of classes and activities available on site such as cooking and painting classes as well as a medicinal plant walk.
- Your reserved cottage may have a slightly different layout, decor and views as the photos shown here.
- Daily gratuity fee applicable to be paid on site.
- Reservation period must run between Sat-Sat
- IMPORTANT: Please wait to be contacted directly by the local management company for this home before booking flights or making solid travel arrangements. Due to the unique nature of these Flora Farms rentals, final confirmation of availability may take up to 48 hours.
Staff and Services
- Daily maid service
- Harvest concierge
Kids Services & Activities
- Children welcome
- Small dogs may be permitted upon prior requests and subject to a pet fee. Please ask.
Activities Available On-Site or Nearby
- Gourmet dining, gardening, shopping, cooking classes, fishing, golf, sailing.
Additional Services ($€£)
- Itinerary planning – pre and post-arrival
- In-villa spa service
- Private chef for meal preparation
- Round-trip airport transportation
- Grocery shopping service
- Concierge services
- Babysitting services
- Booking tours, excursions and restaurant reservations
- Other services may be available – just ask!
“Los Cabos is a place to unwind and enjoy the finer things in life, from the food to the beaches to the place you stay.”

domain: travel


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I have been raising meat rabbits for about 8 months. I have two litters now still with their mothers (was about to wean them), each mother had 8 kits and their cages are next to each other. This morning one of the 7 week old babies died for no apparent reason. They haven't had ear mites, noses are clean, no diarrhea (in fact when I removed it from the cage a nicely formed poop pellet popped out), and no sign that any of them were sick. In the same cage is one other rabbit who seems lethargic maybe? His siblings are hopping around the cage, going after the food and water as normal and he just sits there. Haven't seen it drink or eat at all this morning. What is happening? Help!
Baby rabbit died at 7 weeks, one other lathargic
I'm no expert on rabbits, but I'll do what I can to help.
First, take the lethargic baby out of its cage and look it over. Check for signs of loose droppings (it could be an unrelated problem), runny nose or eyes, crooked or chipped teeth, sores on the feet or belly, injuries, ect. Keep it warm and calm so that its immune system remains strong. Next, check the enclosure. Check for moldy food in the enclosure or anything sharp. Think over if you fed them anything different or if it could possibly be some type of chemical or metal poisoning.
If you still have the first kit that passed, you could send it in for a necropsy from the vet so they can test for signs of bacterial, viral or fungal infections.
Have there been any temperature changes recently? Temperature changes can lead to health problems very rapidly.
Also, check over if there have been any new introductions of rabbits or if you handled any rabbits recently that did not belong to you.
I hope this helps in some way. Maybe someone else knows more. Best of luck!
I have checked the rabbit over very carefully, and nothing out of the ordinary. I questioned my 12 yr old daughter who helps feed them. We keep the feed bags of their food in plastic tubs (we live on the coast in Oregon, and its very damp here) and she said on Tuesday the bag ran out and she scooped what was loose in the bottom of the container up and put it in the feeder on that cage. She said it was only about a cup or two. My husband brought more fed home Tuesday evening, and will filled everyone up so thought nothing of it. The loose feed on the bottom of the plastic tub has been spilled there only since the first week in January (when we switched tubs) but is it possible it was moldy? She said it looked normal. Could that have caused this? I also sexed most of the babies in this cage yesterday, picking each one up and handling it for a few minutes.
I doubt the food would have caused any problems unless a wild animal was eating it and urinated on it. However, when young rabbits are being weaned they are more likely to get enteritis, suffer from weaning stress, and get other bacterial problems in the gut such as enterotoxemia. Avoid giving them food that is too rich or sweet and avoid giving them oats.
The second lethargic one is also dead now too. The other 7 all look healthy, bouncy, eating drinking, except one which seems grumpy and has been sitting still in the corner all day. Am really hoping this is not contagious whatever it is. The mom is pregnant and due to kindle in about 2 weeks, which is why we were planning on weaning her kits this weekend. It is possible her milk has already dried up (she is naturally weaning them?) in which case enteritis maybe? Have raised 21 babies successfully over the past 5 months, with nothing even hinting at disease (save one case of next box eye), and with this batch of 18 (yes, I know it's a lot) or 9 + 9, to have 2 die suddenly, worries me.

domain: pet


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College hockey’s most prestigious award has a new home.
The Decathlon Athletic Club, which oversees the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to college hockey’s top player, has decided to move the trophy permanently from the Decathlon Hotel and Athletic Club in Bloomington, Minn., to the new Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. The Xcel Energy Center is the current home of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and the WCHA Final Five.
“This makes sense,” St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman said to the Associated Press. “There was a lot of discussion about, ‘do you bring the Hobey Baker into a building that houses a professional team?’ This is the right thing to do, because of this organization’s commitment to hockey.”
According to Hobey Baker Award co-chairman Jack Carlson, the decision to move the award and house it in St. Paul was made before the major fire that occured at the Decathlon Athletic Club in November. The award was not damaged in the blaze.
The Xcel Energy Center is also the new home of the Minnesota boys’ state high school hockey tournament, and will host the NCAA Frozen Four in 2002.
This year’s award winner will be announced Friday, April 6 at the NCAA Frozen Four in Albany, N.Y., and presented April 12 at the Radisson Riverfront Hotel in St. Paul.
The Hobey Baker Award has been presented annually since 1981. Finalists are now being chosen with the help of college hockey fans themselves, in on-line balloting.

domain: news


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Blockware Intelligence Newsletter: Week 45
Bitcoin on-chain analysis, mining analysis, macro analysis; overview of 7/1/22-7/8/22
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The equity indexes have seen a strong bounce this week, much of which has stemmed from short-covering as we can see with QQQ’s Aggregate Short-Interest.
While it’s certainly possible that this is the market’s bottom, there are a few areas close overhead that could turn into resistance in the coming sessions.
Fixed-income securities began to sell off again this week and the 2/10Y yield spread flipped negative for the second time in 2022.
The Atlanta Fed has continued to lower their Q2 GDP estimate and it now sits at -1.9%. As discussed last week, unemployment data does not back the thesis that the US is currently in a recession.
Bitcoin is 31 days into a miner capitulation according to the hash ribbon metric. The end of a miner capitulation historically marks a bear market bottom.
Updated: Miner Network Breakeven Distribution Table and Chart
Mining difficulty is trending down, but not at the same pace as the China mining ban which was unprecedented.
General Market Update
This short week we’ve seen a continuation of relatively bearish macro indicators yet pretty strong price action in the equity markets.
As I’ve discussed in this newsletter numerous times, the bond and equity markets are forward-looking pricing tools. Due to this fact, they will bottom before the macro situation sorts itself out.
That being said, it is still much more likely that this bounce is simply a short-covering, counter-trend rally rather than a true bottom in this bear market. When the overall trend is down, the likelihood of that trend breaking is extremely low.
This is why we’ll always see numerous significant rallies during a bear market. Shorts protect their gains by buying shares and long traders are quick to jump back in. Bulls assume the decline is over, but the reality is that it’s simply a short counter-trend rally that usually punishes their lack of patience.
QQQ Short-Interest (NASDAQ Website)
Above you can see the total amount of shares sold short on the NASDAQ ETF QQQ. You can see that on Tuesday July 5th, when the ETF was up 1.71%, there was a pretty strong uptick in short sales.
As the rally continued, short interest declined fairly significantly as shorts were being squeezed into buying shares to cover. This is likely where a solid portion of this rally has stemmed from.
As we’ll examine in a few paragraphs, there are several dynamic and horizontal resistance levels we’ll need to see QQQ surpass to prove that the buyers are truly in control.
It is certainly possible that this is the bottom, but nobody knows. In fact, the worst news generally arrives right around the bottom of a decline and it’s possible that the headlines about the worst first half of a year since 1970 was just that.
But there are a handful of indicators that may lead you to believe otherwise. First, when we take a look at market breadth we’ll see that this rally is being fueled by only a few names, and that the market doesn’t currently have a strong foundation in the form of numerous industry groups rallying.
QQQ 1D (Tradingview)
Above you can see QQQ, the NASDAQ ETF, with a breadth indicator plotted in the bottom panes.
The blue line at the bottom, known as the Advance-Decline Line, measures in total how many names are advancing vs. declining. When the line is sloping higher, we know that more and more names are joining the rally.
What we can see is that although the line sloped higher on Thursday, there hasn’t been a significant uptick in the amount of names advancing. In fact, the line is essentially sideways for the week.
For a prolonged rally, we’d like to see breadth expanding as the index advances in price. This would provide a strong foundation for the index to fall back on and support it higher. As of Friday, this doesn’t appear to be the case.
Above you can also see a plethora of lines and moving averages I’ve plotted onto the candlesticks. The two parallel diagonal lines allow you to see the current channel that QQQ has been trading in. While this looks to me like a bear flag, anything is possible.
You should also note that on Thursday, QQQ cleared above a 3 month trendline that has turned into resistance twice already. Yesterday, QQQ was also able to close above its 10-day (green) and 21-day (blue) EMA’s by a fair margin.
Friday and the next few sessions will be key days for QQQ as it will likely run into its 50-day SMA (red) and a horizontal resistance level that dates back to the October 2020 correction around $298.
If that zone turns into resistance, logical areas that bulls would like to see support price would be at the longer-term trendline (~$286), the 21-day EMA ($288.87), or eventually the teal VWAP anchored from the December 2018 lows ($281.39) which will likely be near the lower trendline of this current flag.
Now, that all being said, price action matters significantly more than any indicator, and price is telling us that, at least in the very short-term, bulls have the reins.
What we really need to see is the indexes make higher-highs, which they have been largely unable to do since the market topped in November. I would like to see the NASDAQ retake $11,677 and then $12,320, and the S&P take $3,946 and then $4,177.
In the fixed income market, we’ve seen yields begin to rise again this week following the last 3 weeks of bond buying we saw.
US10Y Yield 1D (Tradingview)
We saw the 10-year Treasury run back into sellers as yields touched 2.75%. This was similar to the May rally where 1oY bonds saw sellers step in at 2.71% yield.
As we discussed in this newsletter last week, the rally in bonds was probable to spill over into the equity markets, as we saw this week. So now will we see the bond sell-off hit the equity markets late, just as bond price action did?
It is certainly possible, if not probable, but it is much too early to say if the rally in the fixed-income markets is even over. 10Y yields are up about 0.2% from Tuesday, but they are still about 0.5% from their previous highs.
Digging further into the fixed-income market, we saw the spread between 10-year and 2-year Treasury bond yields flip negative this week for the second time this year.
A yield curve spread gives us an idea of economic health as it allows us to gauge the expectations of market participants. When the spread is high, it means that investors are confident in the short-term, as the price for the shorter-term bond is higher than that of the longer maturity bonds.
But when the spread is falling, it shows us that people are becoming increasingly nervous about economic conditions in the short-term. If the spread falls below 0.00, meaning the yield of the shorter maturity bond is greater than the long term bond, this signals a section of the yield curve inverting.
The impacts of yield curve inversion are more than just signaling economic weakness. As short-term bond yields rise, banks are forced to raise interest rates on consumer loans like mortgages and auto loans thus decreasing many people’s savings, investment and ultimately, productivity.
Furthermore, many companies and banks earn interest by borrowing money at low short-term rates and lending out money at high longer-term rates. When the short and long term rates are equal, or inverted, it compresses profit margins.
2/10Y Treasury Spread (FRED)
The 2/10Y spread has been a strong indicator of an incoming recession. As you can see above, each time the 2/10Y spread has crossed below 0, there has been a recession within 2 years.
That being said, a negative yield curve spread DOES NOT mean that there will be a recession immediately, or that we are already in one.
Above is a list of all 2-10Y inversions going back 40 years (excluding 2022). As you can see, the average time it took from inversion until officially declared recession was 43.4 weeks, or almost 11 months.
While prolonged periods of negative yield spreads can have disastrous effects on the economy, simply seeing the 2Y yield greater than the 10Y yield doesn’t have immediate effects.
The amount of time spent with an inverted spread is more important and this is why we generally don’t see recession for at least a few quarters following inversion.
Long story short, despite the headlines, the 2/10Y spread flipping negative this week does not confirm we are in a recession, even if the Atlanta Fed is predicting the second consecutive quarter of negative GDP growth.
Following our discussion of this model last week, the Atl. Fed bumped their Q2 GDP estimate of -1.0% down to 2.1% last Friday, and then back up to -1.9% this Thursday.
While two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth is a signal of a technical recession, it does not put the US in an official recession.
The difference between the two being that a legitimate recession has to affect numerous sectors of the economy, not just an aggregate estimate of output. A technical recession is not a good sign and in general does lead to a full recession, but a true recession has much larger negative effects on average American’s than just a technical one.
I won’t break this down too much further, but if you’d like some more information about what it takes for the NBER to declare a true recession, go back and read last week’s newsletter.
Initial Jobless Claims (FRED)
Above is a plot of Initial Jobless Claims from 1967-2020, with recessions highlighted in gray. As you can see, it takes a substantial and prolonged increase in unemployment before a recession fully sets in.
Now compare what you’ve just seen to the chart of 2020-2022 below.
Initial Jobless Claims (FRED)
We are beginning to see an uptick in folks applying for unemployment benefits following losing their jobs, but this increase in claims is still relatively small. The most recent data point, released on July 2nd, showed 235,000 claims, in comparison to 240,000 in January.
Unemployment is just one of the key indicators that we need to examine to determine whether or not we are in a recession. People may be hurt by higher fuel and food prices, and rising interest payments, but true pain sets in if there are things like mass layoffs, bank runs, and crashing asset prices.
In the land of crypto-exposed equities, we’ve seen a relatively strong week of price action alongside Bitcoin and the NASDAQ.
As discussed last week, Microstrategy (MSTR) continues to be a strong performer.
MSTR 1D (Tradingview)
After being up over 16.5% at the close on Thursday, MSTR sits just below its 50-day SMA at $228.38. Also, the 10-day (green) and 21-day (blue) EMAs are fairly close to a crossover, which could signal an uptrend, at least in the near-term.
The Relative Strength Line shown above in pink is now pointed to 1:00, indicating that MSTR is outperforming the general market to a vast degree. Furthermore, volume was up on the advance it made Thursday, as institutions are clearly accumulating shares.
MSTR’s performance is, of course, closely tied to that of spot Bitcoin’s price action. We are NOT including MSTR analysis to persuade you to buy shares, instead we want to share some characteristics of a stock showing relative strength.
A few other crypto-equities I’ve noticed outperforming the pack from a technical perspective are: CAN, HIVE, EBON, and BTBT
Above, as always, is the table comparing the Monday-Thursday price action of several crypto-equities to that of Bitcoin and the mining ETF WGMI.
Bitcoin on-chain & derivatives
BTC has seen a bit of relief this week, looking at its largest weekly candle since April. One thing to keep an eye on is the 200WMA, a level watched by many market participants. Having never closed below the MA on a weekly close, it has been a bit concerning to see BTC slice through like butter and consolidate below. A positive signal would be a weekly close (in 2 days) back above, making everything below a deviation and likely triggering some trend algos. Not saying this WILL happen, but using our IF, THEN format as something to keep an eye out for.
BTC loves to break records, and last quarter was officially its worst quarter on record. With it in the mirror, we now look onto Q3; which has ironically been the worst-performing quarter for BTC historically. If history continues, would align with our thesis of sideways consolidation/chop/accumulation for the intermediate future. In our view, Bitcoin has likely seen the majority of its capitulation through price, and now likely will see some capitulation through time/boredom.
One interesting thing to note has been the United States’ trading hour premium that has come about over the last week weeks. This means Bitcoin has been trading at a higher price relative to other trading sessions (US/EU).
It appears the forced selling we noted by looking at the correlation of BTC/ETH and the rest of the crypto market has subsided. The idea here is that funds that faced redemptions at the end of month/quarter/half had sold off the two most liquid assets that they are able to sell, as altcoins have very minimal liquidity at the moment.
Form a derivatives perspective, there are a few things we want to see to feel comfortable in expecting a reversal. From a high level, this is an underlying spot bid into a counter-trend consensus from derivatives traders. For example, spot buying derivatives aggressively shorting or spot selling and derivatives aggressively longing. One of the major things to watch is open interest, telling you how many contracts are open. Think of open interest as the amount of fuel laid out for a potential move, but doesn’t tell you the positioning of that fuel. One way you could try to use open interest to gauge position would be by looking at its behavior in context with price (for example: OI rising on pushes down but wiped out quickly on any pops up, likely aggressive shorts). We want to see open interest rise in both USD nominal terms and relative terms (OI compared to BTC’s market cap).
To gauge positioning, we can look at funding rates; based on the delta between spot index (weighted average of spot exchanges) and perpetual swaps. Funding rates are most actionable in two ways in my eyes. The first of which is a divergence between price and funding rates; indicating derivatives aggression is offsides relative to the underlying spot market. The second of which is a prolonged regime of either positive or negative funding; from a psychological perspective this means that traders are becoming conditioned to continue a certain behavior (for example in early 2021 longing every dip, or in summer 2021 fading every push to range highs). That conditioning (and the more conditioning the more so this is the case) allows move into the new regime change to be even more aggresive.
The last thing to watch is the 3M basis or quarterlies. Whenever quarts trade in backwardation it has historically marked a good time to pick up some BTC, as traders are either becoming extremely bearish or funds/whales are blowing up. We have seen quarts go briefly negative on a few venues including FTX/Okex/Deribit.
We’ve talked about a lot of valuation metrics over the last few weeks but one we haven’t touched on is the Puell Multiple. As a gauge for miner profitability, this compares the USD value of issuance to the 365 average of issuance. Entering the green zone is a good time to average in, and for those more conservative you can also wait for confirmation with a move out of the accumulation zone.
MVRV remains in the accumulation zone, indicating Bitcoin’s marginal trading price is below the aggregated cost basis of the market based on the average price every participant has paid for their coins.
To end this out with a long term perspective, have two charts with a broader view. When we look at user growth over time, no matter how aggressive the drawdown from its peak during the bull market, this has always set higher lows over the years. This indicates that although the speculative participants buy BTC solely for the price going up in the short term, in every bear market a larger number of individuals stick around with a long-term conviction in the asset.
Despite the price drawdown, lightning network stats have continued to see growth. This is very positive for the growth of Bitcoin’s L2, but to be fair the lightning network is still (for now at least) relatively very small; just 4K BTC in a public capacity.
Weak Miners are (Still) Capitulating
As mentioned in previous Blockware Intelligence Newsletters, hash ribbons (chart below) indicate whether miner capitulations are occurring. Miner capitulations are when a significant net % of miners turn off machines over an extended period of time.
At the start of July, it looked like there was potential for the capitulation to be close to ending, but recently hash rate diverged again.
Miner Breakeven Table & Chart
While it’s far from an exact science, it’s possible to attempt to piece together the total Bitcoin mining network based on what machines are running and the electricity rate they are running at. Using public miner investor relations resources, CoinShares Research, and Blockware Research, the following updated table was created assuming a Bitcoin price of $19,500 and a hash price of $0.08.
As you can see above, older generation machines are only profitable when their operators run them at highly cheap electricity rates. Currently, $0.03 / kWh or less is profitable. This leaves virtually only wasted/stranded energy as a potential energy source for these old-generation mining rigs, and it’s why it accounts for a much smaller percentage of the total network hash rate.
Further, new generation ASICs are still well into the money at all reasonable electricity rates. Unlike old and mid-generation mining rigs, getting new generation rigs plugged in and running immediately is more of a priority rather than scoping out for the cheapest electricity available that may be much more difficult to find at scale. This is why new generation rigs operate at higher electricity rates.
As noted in the above two sections, inefficient miners have been shutting off machines, hash rate is decreasing, and difficulty is dropping. The previous four times there were significant drops in difficulty were: March 2020 crash, May 2020 halving, 2020 China rainy season, and the China mining ban.
Historically, when a significant amount of miners are under pressure, they are forced to turn off, capitulate their Bitcoin treasuries and rigs, and add extra sell pressure creating a price bottom. Once miners are done capitulating, only the strongest miners remain and there is less day-to-day sell pressure on the Bitcoin network. The weakest miners with the highest operating expenses and the poorest balance sheets are no longer mining Bitcoin and selling. Only the strong remain.
Bitcoin/Crypto Industry News
The snafu of crypto lending platforms and exchanges continues to unravel. For those who have had difficulty following along, or minimal time to shift through the developing story, here is a high level overview of the situation and the parties involved.
Ever since the tide went out with the collapse of Terra/Luna in May of this year, company after company have been exposed as swimming naked. At the center of it all is Three Arrows Capital (3AC). With an over $200m position in Luna, as well as large positions in the struggling GBTC and stETH, 3AC officially filed for Chapter 15 Bankruptcy last friday.
BlockFi, Voyager, Gemini, Blockchain.com, and Deribit are all confirmed to have been exposed to 3AC through direct or indirect lending. BlockFi and Voyager have flopped the hardest thus far.
BlockFi reportedly had lent 3AC $1b; two-thirds of which was in the form of BTC, which was promptly recovered and liquidated. But one-third of the loan was in the far less liquid GBTC. In the aftermath of this BlockFi has since confirmed a deal with FTX to be acquired at a price of up to $240m.
BlockFi and Voyager were popular for providing customers with the ability to earn interest on Bitcoin or other crypto tokens. However, by leaving assets on their platforms, whether to generate interest or not, customers were acting as unsecured creditors funding each platform's investments into 3AC. This is stated in the user agreements for both BlockFi and Voyager.
Another lending platform who has exposure to 3AC is Gemini, owned by Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss. This is not direct exposure but it is exposure nonetheless. According to the Gemini Earn Legal Agreement, Genesis Global Capital is an approved borrower of client funds placed in Gemini Earn. Genesis is deep underwater on a loan to 3AC of an undisclosed amount; likely 9-figures plus.
Last but not least, Celsius appears to have been running a borderline ponzi scheme. A former Celsius Employee has taken legal action against the company claiming that they used new customer deposits to make interest payments on existing customer deposits. Of course running what appears to be a ponzi-like operation was not Celsius’s first move. Plan A was investing in miscellaneous yield offerings in DeFi; including Maker, Compound, and Aave; as well as others such as higher risk offerings such as BadgerDAO that were compromised. This strategy worked fine during the up-only bull run of 2021. But it was far from sustainable and when the bear market began to dawn Celsius resorted to different strategy.
Also in the midst of all this is Galaxy Digital. They are an investor in BlockFi, they have an outstanding liability to Voyager of ~$34m, and most curiously of all, they suspiciously netted ~$350m in realized gains off Luna a couple weeks prior to its collapse.
All content is for informational purposes only. This Blockware Intelligence Newsletter is of a general nature and does consider or address any individual circumstances and is not investment advice, nor should it be construed in any way as tax, accounting, legal, business, financial or regulatory advice. You should seek independent legal and financial advice, including advice as to tax consequences, before making any investment decision.

domain: finance


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Works under the five-year contract expected to begin in 2022
NRW is set to win a mining services contract worth around AUD702m ($526.84m) from Karara Mining for the Karara Iron Ore mine in Western Australia.
The company has been issued a letter of intent (LoI) in this regard for the five-year contract, which would involve the deployment of 250 personnel from NRW. The contract award is subject to reaching an agreement with Karara Mining, a joint venture between China’s Ansteel Group and Gindalbie Metals.
Located in the Gascoyne region, 200km south-east of Geraldton in the Shire of Perenjori, the Karara Iron Ore mine was opened in 2010.
NRW CEO Jules Pemberton said: “I am delighted that NRW has been selected by Karara as its preferred contractor for mining services. NRW has a long history as a high-quality provider of mining services to our clients in the Iron Ore Industry and I look forward to a long and successful partnership with Karara Mining.”
The scope of the contract includes load and haul, drill and blast, and rom re-handling. The drill and blast component will be carried out by NRW’s fully-owned subsidiary – Action Drill & Blast.
Apart from that, NRW will be responsible for train loading and rehandling of the product stockpiles alongside miscellaneous dayworks at the mine-site, camp, and access roads.
NRW said that procurement of important mining equipment will begin immediately after signing an agreement with Karara Mining. Following this, site mobilisation and establishment will begin during the months leading up to the works beginning on site in March 2022, said the contractor.
The company has projected an equipment Capex of around AUD170m ($127.58m). The equipment will include three 600 tonne Face Shovel Excavators and a fleet of 220 tonne trucks to be purchased by the company.
Karara Mining CEO Changjiang Zhu said: “NRW is an established West Australian based mining and civil contractor with extensive open cut mining experience gained through a number of successful mining operations in the state.
“Offering new prime equipment, NRW has the capability to undertake the entire Karara scope of work comprising a broad range of mining, construction and engineering services. We look forward to negotiation of an agreement with NRW and commencement of mining services early next year.”


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The 8th tee pad has been vandalized sadly but still works just fine. Rly fun elevation changes.
Very hilly Heavily wooded The course is located within Rescue Squad Park and follows a valley along the back of the park through mature and relatively clear forest. As of 8/17, the course is mostly complete and starting to feel broken in. There are 9 well placed baskets and all tees, while a bit small, are nicely situated with brick pavers. There's a nice stairway in place leading up from the 9th basket back to the 1st tee. There's also a bridge across the stream on the 4th fairway. The walk from the 1st basket to 2nd tee needs work as it can be muddy. More work along the stream is needed on holes 5, 7, 8, and 9 as well. None of the above should dissuade you from trying this short but challenging course. The 5th hole is under 100 feet but straight down hill and a fun challenge. Hole 4, the only par 4, is a tad over 400 feet but unreachable from the tee due a 90 degree dogleg and overhead tree canopy. The other holes are all ace runs but each has it's own challenge. Some may feel the biggest challenge is the terrain as there is a lot of up and down very steep grades! Lastly, there is some signage but once you tee off it's fairly obvious where to go next with some arrows to help guide you through. The course has also been mapped but some of the distances may not be completely accurate as the GPS doesn't work well in the woods on the course. Enjoy!
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ReviewsShow all Reviews
Nov 13, 2022
"Seems fun when there aren’t a bunch of leaves. Spent most of my time looking for discs!"
Oct 20, 2022
"Great mix of shots. 8th tee is being worked on and 9th hole needs trimming. Didn’t lose a disc!"
Aug 19, 2022
"The course itself is fantastic and has a ton of potential for future growth and changes. The use of elevation and unique lines reminds me of Stumpy Creek- brutal at points with distance not being the challenge. That said, the maintenance is seemingly non-existent. Could be a great 18 hole course one day with some TLC. Hole 4 is honestly one of the most uniquely challenging/fun Par 4’s in the area. "
Aug 9, 2022
"Natural layout is super cool with HUGE elevation changes. However, course is overgrown in a few areas with weeds and briars, needs more signage. Has awesome potential to be an extremely unique course, needs major maintenance. "
Beatty's Ford Park2.3 mi
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Beatty's Ford Park2.3 mi

domain: hobby


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UPDATE: RBC Capital Markets Upgrades Johnson & Johnson
In a report published Tuesday, RBC Capital Markets analyst Brandon Henry upgraded Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) to Outperform from Sector Perform, raising its price target from $88.00 to $104.00.
According to the report, JNJ's pharmaceutical franchise should continue to deliver above industry average revenue growth, owing to new product momentum and minimal generic risk. Operating leverage should continue as pharmaceutical launch spend slows, consumer consent decree spend slows and f/x becomes less of a headwind.
“While the near term investment thesis in JNJ will continue to be about pharma growth, we believe that investors may be overlooking the operating margin expansion opportunity that exists over the longer term,” the report said. “JNJ delivered over 100bps of operating margin expansion in 2013, and is poised to deliver ~100bps in 2014 (ex the impact from the yen). Overall, we believe that JNJ is positioned to deliver 100-150bps of annual operating margin leverage over the next three years, as spend behind recent pharma launches abates and consumer remediation spend slows, and f/x becomes less of a drag. This should translate into high single digit EPS growth over the next three years. Our 2015 EPS forecast of $6.42 is $0.14 above Consensus.”
The report further noted that the new price target coupled with a 3 percent dividend yield implies over 15 percent upside from current levels. While JNJ shares had a breakout year in 2013 (up ~31%), it is still seen as a meaningful upside potential from current levels, owing to continued outperformance in the pharma division, which in turn should allow the company to deliver upside to consensus EPS.
JNJ closed Monday at $93.83 with shares trading up at 1.62 percent.
Latest Ratings for JNJ
|Jan 2017||Wells Fargo||Downgrades||Outperform||Market Perform|
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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Murphy Branch Questiongreenspun.com : LUSENET : Southern Railway : One Thread
Michael George in his excellent book on the Murphy branch (Southern Railway's Murphy Branch) talks about the rumors of the Ls series being used on the branch in pusher service. History shows that they spent most of their existence on Bristol division but they did spend the last years out of Asheville.
He found a 1938 employee timetable listing Ms as the heaviest engine though double headed Ks were allowed and the Ls spread the weight over two sets of drivers.
He was unable to locate a 1934 or 1935 employee timetable to prove that Ls might have been on the branch.
So hopefully with the collective "prototype information" in the hands of web connected folks maybe someone has one of these missing employee timetables and can shed some light?
My interest? I'm modeling the Murphy Branch and would love to "technically" run some bigger power (hey, my track and curves will take it, I just don't want to have a nit-picker attack me.) Also I'd like to know just for curiousity sake.
-- Southern Railway N Scale (firstname.lastname@example.org), May 16, 2001
My question relates to relocation of the line west of Bryson City in the 1940s when Fontana lake was built. Do you have (of perhaps does the Michael George book referenced above) any information (i.e. a map) on the original alignment? I understnad there was a tunnel that is now submerged.
Tom Randall Kennesaw, GA
-- Tom Randall (email@example.com), September 05, 2001.

domain: history


|>>Watch Free: Link 1||Fmovies|
|>>Watch Free: Link 2||HouseMovie|
|>>Watch Free: Link 3||HDMovies2k|
|>>Watch Free: Link 4||WowMovie|
Where Can I watch Opera Scene For Free? Now a days there are many sites available for free to watch Opera Scene online. Now a days we prefer to watch Opera Scene online because for offline first we have to download and then watch it, but for online we can see right now.
Two opera-company promoters persuade a singing farm-girl, Judy Stevens, to pose as an opera singer. This arouses the ire of an easily-aroused opera singer who threatens to expose Judy as a fraud. So, Judy sings the opera in swing-time and yodels the high notes of the arias, all to rousing ovations and the opera company is saved from bankruptcy.
Scene I: Aunt Kate's Story. Scene II: Kate's Sweetheart Declares for the Stars and Stripes. Scene III: The Parting Interview. Scene IV: Off to the Front. Scene V: Captured as a Spy. Scene VI: The Fate of War. Scene VII: The Soldier's Return. Scene VIII: Her Lost Love.
Scene I: The Council of War. Scene II: On the Warpath. Scene III: The Settlers Warned. Scene IV: The Girl Goes for the Soldiers. Scene V: The Race for Life. Scene VI: At the Block House. The Attack. Scene VII: The Relief of the Block House. Scene VIII: The Indians Wiped Out. Scene IX: The Heroine.
Scene I: The artist in love with his model. Scene II: The birth of an unreasonable jealousy. Scene III: A foolish girl. Scene IV: The Next Day. The storm breaks out afresh. Scene V: Elsa fights herself and loses. Scene VI: An unpardonable deed. Scene VII: A Year Later. The last meeting.
Les V蚿res siciliennes, a five-act opera on a libretto by Auguste Scribe and Charles Duveyrier with music by Giuseppe Verdi, was first staged at the Paris Op萺a on 13th June 1855. The subject of the opera was nothing other than an adaptation of a libretto that Scribe had written some years before, Le Duc d'Albe. At first the opera was greeted with great success, even Hector Berlioz, usually far
Opera Heartbeats is a narrative video art - short about up-and-coming Latvian opera singer's emotions before, on and after the stage. The main goal of the crew was to inspect opera as classical art from different point of view. To achieve that we have managed to interact a personality of a young and talented opera artist, vivid personality with dynamic editing style and electronic music which is
Scene I: Nita, the Gypsy Girl Meets Young Carlton. Scene II: The Tryst Made. Scene III: The Trysting Place. Scene IV: Nita Discovers Her Lover's Perfidy. Scene V: Nita Decides to Demand an Explanation. Scene VI: Carlton Falls on the Knife and Is Thought to Be Dead, Though Only Wounded. Scene VII: The Alarm. Scene VIII: The Arrest. Scene IX: In the Hands of the Mob. Scene X: The Little Colored Bo
In this Italian adult version of Gaston Leroux's immortal novel 'The Phantom of the Opera'an opera house in Venice goes in flames during an opera performance, "killing" a handsome violinist. Years later, a worldwide famed opera singer travels to Venice to sing "La Traviatta" in the very same theater. After seeing an old photograph of the violinist who died, she has strange, erotic dreams of him
Scene I: The Baronial Hall. Scene II: The Plot to Capture Fair Ermentrude. Scene III: Ermentrude's Home. Scene IV: In the Hands of Villains. Scene V: The Maiden's Plight. Scene VI: The Baron's Raid. Scene VII: Brother and Sister in the Toils. Scene VIII: The Escape of Ermentrude and Basil. Scene IX: Home Again in Safety.
Scene I: The Scout Falls in Love with Leonie and Offers His Services as Guide. Scene II: Mexican Joe's Accident. Scene III: Three Days' Later. Scene IV: An Ungrateful Mexican. Scene V: The Mexican Renegade Plans Vengeance. Scene VI: The Indians, Led by the Mexican, Depart on Their Murderous Mission. Scene VII: The Attack. Scene VIII: The Cowboys to the Rescue. Scene IX: The Scout Swears to Wipe
There are many Free and paid sites to watch Opera Scene online . And some of sites you have to login or signup but there is also some sites where login or signup is not required to watch Opera Scene for free.
Here's a list of free movies that are related to Opera Scene.
Here's a Random Selection Of Free Movies


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Blog, Dementia, Legal, News
Things to consider if your loved one received a dementia diagnosis.
Blog, Finance, Legal, News
Making a will and what you need to consider.
What is attendance Allowance and how to claim it? Find out here.
Blog, Care, Finance, Legal, News, Wellbeing
Lasting Power of Attorney and why it is important

domain: law


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Dir: Terrence Malick
Starring: August Diehl, Matthias Schoenaerts, Bruno Ganz
in English, German and Italian with English subtitles
Visionary filmmaker Terrence Malick (The Tree of Life, The Thin Red Line) brings an emotional true story to the big screen in the sweeping wartime drama, A Hidden Life. Based around the harsh realities of World War II, Austrian peasant farmer Franz Jägerstätter (August Diehl of Inglourious Basterds), a conscientious objector, refuses to fight for the Nazis. But his refusal sees his delicate way of living forever changed as he faces a trial and possible execution for his beliefs.
Acting as a powerful statement against the treacherous nature of blind nationalism and lamenting the courageous approach of those who refused to bow down to Hitler, Malick’s latest film is a meditative, gorgeously shot masterpiece. Co-starring Matthias Shoenaerts (The Laundromat) and Bruno Ganz (Downfall) in his last ever role.
The screening on Wed 26 Feb at 2.30pm is Silver Screen – our weekly matinees aimed at ages 60 and over with tickets at £7. Under-60s are welcome at these screenings, standard ticket prices apply. Our Silver Screen performances are proudly sponsored by Wilson Browne Solicitors.

domain: artistic


“Robsten,” the nick name for Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, are set to come together, at least on screen. The ‘Twilight’ stars came very close to each other during the ‘Twilight’ series. But subsequently parted their ways after the end of the series. With rumors suggesting Stewart to date Rupert Sanders of “Snow White and the Huntsman” resulted into their differences, some suggest it was eventually going to come to an end once the series was completed. Nonetheless Pattinson and Stewart did made one hell of couple off as well as on screen and can they set the reunion on the silver screen once again? Directors and producers in Hollywood are surely licking their lips to get back their very own Edward and Bella together. Read On!
As reported by REALTY TODAY, Stewart admitted how painful her break up was with Pattinson. She added, “Not all of my friends have been through what I’ve been through, or what some people have tasted at a relatively-speaking young age, and we were not expected to do anything.” However, Stewart looked very happy and content with “X-Men First Class” star Nicholas Hoult who is her co-star in her latest venture “Equals.” The couple was seen cudling and creating some chemistry among them.
Meanwhile, Pattinson is currently engaged to British singer Tahliah Barnett also known as FKA Twigs. According to PEOPLE, the couple could not get enough of each other when spotted at the charity Gala in Los Angeles where they met Pattinson’s good friend Katy Perry. Later the pair was also spotted at London’s Heathrow airport returning from L.A. where Pattinson was seen carrying the luggage with Twigs following him.
Fans around the globe are dying to see the Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart sizzle the screen once more but with both of them trying to settle the dust on their break up, it’s difficult to predict that the couple will be seen together or can they just? Share your thoughts.
Photo Source: Twilight/Facebook


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Fredrik Ljungberg admits Rosenborg have exceeded expectations in the Champions League, but is looking to put one over on his Scandinavian cousins tonight.
The Norwegian outfit continue to impress with their performances among the elite of European football, and face the Gunners in Trondheim tonight as one of the most experienced outfits of the Champions League.
Rosenborg currently lead their domestic championship and have qualified for the Champions League in nine out of the last 10 seasons.
The Norwegians have not lost a home match in Europe since being beaten by Porto in September 2001 - a feat which has not been lost on Arsenal midfielder Ljungberg.
He said: "As Scandinavians, we are all proud of what Rosenborg have done. They have had a lot of success and I have been impressed with the way in which they have been doing it.
"They have some quite fit players and can change a game quite quickly. They play some good football and have beaten a lot of teams here, so we are looking forward to a tough game."
Sweden international defender Mikael Dorsin is set to turn out for Ole By Rise's side tonight, and Ljungberg reflected: "He has been in the national team a couple of times. He has a good left foot and is a good young player. I hope, though, he does not have the best of games."
Arsene Wenger is also expecting a thorough examination from the Norwegians.
"Rosenborg have a reputation of giving tough games to everybody. We are used to getting tough games," he said. "We are a team with a solid reputation.
"They have an experienced team, have played a lot of Champions League football and they know how to control games.
"In a way, they are in a similar situation to us. Playing in the Champions League every year gives you resources to buy players and as long as Rosenborg are in that situation, they can dominate football in their country."

domain: game


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Bernie has done over 40,000 private lessons teaching guitar, bass, violin, mandolin and ukulele since 1991
Bernard “Senchant™” Birgenheier is a self taught (prior to Berklee College of Music) guitar virtuoso & composer. He was born in April and raised in St. Paul, MN to James (Architect) & Lila Birgenheier (loving home maker). One of six kids he quickly went his own way gravitating to the guitar as early as age three. Although he was not born into a family of musicians, his parents always gave him full support in his musical endeavors. By 5yrs old, he would “throw concerts for the family” in the living room after church on Sunday. Quickly into his teens he co-founded a 5 piece high school band called “April Fools.” For youngsters writing and performing their own originals, they did very well in the local music scene. After 3yrs of touring with April Fools, Bernie decided to leave and form a new 5 piece group called “Love Ride Nine.” Love Ride Nine achieved almost overnight success opening and touring with groups such as 311 and Clutch on small national tours. Meanwhile, holding a residency at a local Kansas City rock club (Lone Star) every Friday night. Bernie was 17yrs old and realizing his dream of becoming a professional guitarist. Shortly thereafter, a virtual career ending tragedy happened… Bernie was in a bad car accident as a passenger. The second phalanx bone of his ring finger on his left hand (fretting hand) was shattered! Upon it’s healing he lost the ability to bend his ring finger at the first knuckle. This did not detour the young guitarist as he continued on with Love Ride Nine. He persevered opening and touring for national groups. After 7yrs of gigs and touring the midwest, (his finger still unable to bend), Bernie & his Love Ride Nine bandmates relocated to Boston. Bernie’s dream was to go to Berklee College of Music and further his studies. Once in Boston, he sought out an orthopedic surgeon at Mass General and they were successful in removing the scar tissue impeding the mobility of his left ring finger. After some healing, his finger regained full range and quickly found it’s needed dexterity! Elated and feeling “more than grateful,” Bernie then proceeded to apply to Berklee… he was self taught… “who is this kid they asked…” Part of Berklee’s application requires “no less than 4yrs of private lesson training.” Concerned, yet focused, word of mouth lead him to Boston College’s guitar guru, Erik Kniffin! Erik worked with Bernie over the course of 4 months and filled out the necessary paperwork Berklee’s application required. Although, Bernie had not studied with Erik for 4yrs, Erik had no doubt this young man could handle anything Berklee would throw at him. Weeks later and to his excitement, Bernie was asked to come into several Berklee auditions. Because he was self-taught, they placed him in front of three separate interviews (performance-based) with several different guitar performance professors. Out of four categories, Berklee ranks students on, Bernie received 7/8, 7/8, 7/8 & 5/8! This ranking system is used to appropriately place new students in classes at the school. A few weeks later Bernie received his acceptance letter and was excited that all those years/hours of serious practice were paying off. Beginning in the fall of 1997 (24yrs old) Bernie entered Berklee College of Music as a Freshman. He continued on to do their 5yr dual degree B.A. program in the disciplines of Guitar Performance & Film Scoring.
Throughout his studies there, he created a very close bond with Armand Qualliotine. A “true genius” in Bernie’s eyes! Because “Professor Q” was so proficient with lessons/assignments, education to back it, and a true investment in the curiosity of a hungry mind, he became Bernie’s chosen mentor. As Professor Q’s curriculum became more demanding, the great professor confessed, “You’re writing some very intense music… I have to study your homework assignments.” Followed by, “You are truly a ‘Sentient’ Being.” Bernie later adopted this, creating the phonetic spelling, “Senchant™” (‘a’ representing schwa’s ‘u’ sound, pronounced “sen(t)SHunt”) for his “stage name,” Artist Relations and copyright purposes. (Call him “Sen(t)SHunt” and see how fast he lights up!) Senchant.com
Berklee College of Music Alumnus!!!
He has since toured locally and nationally with:
- Sebastian Bach
- Non Point
- Days of The New
- Puddle of Mudd
- The Wall Flowers
- The Liz Borden Band
- The Sizzlin Jacks from Rockin The Kitchen
- Saving Echo
- The Last Level
Beyond his great education at Berklee and friends/relationships made there, the many years of “real world” live experience is where becoming a professional guitarist is. One of the nicest compliments he received was, “…fresh ideas and inventive. I love anything he produces!” Mark Santangelo, Sony Mastering Engineer, Sony Records, NYC (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane’s Addiction, Aerosmith, NIN, etc) It is this “hands on experience” that separates Bernie from many other area teachers. In 2010, he decided to retire from the hectic routine of touring. Bernie has now focused all his efforts on designing “the area’s finest music lesson program.”
Great perks he can offer to his students are through his endorsements. ie “Free GHS strings” & “50% off Arobas Music Guitar Pro Software!” Bernie is always studying, learning and reaching out to new and innovative companies to create Artist Relations. “Anything to inspire, encourage & help a student” is his credo and part of his desire to give back. His passion and drive is like no other and he always loves meeting new guitarists, young or old!
Call anytime!!! 617-835-3500


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From medical student to doctor, it sounds relatively simple as long as you’re prepared to put in some hard work. But medical students and doctors are people, too, and juggling preparation and entry into a demanding profession with the vicissitudes of life is no easy thing.In Taking Medicine, author and former GP Lyn Miller draws on her own experiences to tell the story of a medical student, Alison. From the formaldehyde-filled atmosphere of the dissection room to her first day on the wards, Alison must combine study with the subtle and emotional demands of relationships and the highs and lows of life. A friend is seriously ill; a boyfriend wants to pursue his own career; social life becomes fractured; exams loom. Alison has to find a way through.
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domain: library


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Drama Societies at Warwick: A Beginner’s Guide
One of my favourite things at Warwick has been getting involved in the drama societies here. Not only have they allowed me to gain experience in all facets of putting on a show, from producing through to acting, but I have met many amazing and incredibly talented people who I wouldn’t have met otherwise!
With 38 societies currently listed under the ‘performance’ tab of the SU’s society page, it can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming trying to work out where to start. However, there is a group of societies, often referred to as ‘Warwick Drama’, which interlink and function in similar ways, generally involving some aspect of acting/performance. Here, I have outlined these societies, including what they do and how you can get involved! One of the brilliant things about Warwick Drama is that you don’t have to stay loyal to one or two societies and can often attend socials, workshops and auditions without buying a membership first, giving total freedom to pick and choose whatever events you want! It is important to note that these societies are always evolving as new exec take over, so you may find that the societies activities do change a bit each year. Also with the current COVID situation, many of the regular society events will be disrupted or changed this year compared to previous years.
Drama Collective (DC)
What It Does: The main role of the DC is to facilitate the Warwick Arts Centre studio shows each term, providing support for the teams, organising panels to decide which shows are put on, and liaising with the Arts Centre staff. It acts like a facilitator, allowing it’s 4 member societies to pitch and put on shows. The DC also organises events like the Fresher’s bar crawl and drama ball, two amazing social events that bring all of Warwick Drama together!
Getting Involved: Anyone can audition for one of the studio shows or be involved in a behind the scenes role in a production – keep an eye on their Facebook Opportunities group for these. The bar crawl and ball are also open to everyone, even if you’ve not been involved in any shows, and are a great way to meet people involved in the societies!
Warwick University Drama Society (WUDS)
What It Does: One of DC members, and one of the biggest drama societies at Warwick, WUDS runs socials, workshops and shows for its members, focusing on scripted plays. As well as allowing Arts Centre submissions, WUDS holds fund slots for smaller performances in campus spaces, drinking and non-drinking socials, workshops, and runs a tour where members visit a country for a few days. They have also started running a Fresher’s play, where freshers can direct, produce and act in a play supported by the WUDS exec.
Getting Involved: Anyone can attend WUDS socials, shows and workshops, and there are regular opportunities to be involved in their shows, both acting and behind the scenes. For freshers, the Fresher’s play is not to be missed, and is an amazing way to make friends who you will likely see throughout the whole of your time at Uni!
Freshblood New Writing
What It Does: Another member of the DC, Freshblood New Writing focuses (unsurprisingly) on new student writing. They have hosted scratch nights where people can see their work staged and receive feedback, workshops looking at different facets of writing, and drop-ins where writers can casually discuss their ideas with Freshblood’s dramaturg. Members of Freshblood have also been involved in Arts Centre shows, as well as Freshblood’s own fund shows performed on campus. In second term Freshblood often holds a festival of new writing, FreshFest, where six new plays are put on over the term and performed over a few evenings, providing a great opportunity for new writers, directors and producers.
Getting Involved: Freshblood’s scratch nights, workshops and drop-ins are free to attend. They also put any opportunities to audition or submit a show on their social media, and advertise FreshFest over the summer and first term.
What It Does: Codpiece is the third DC member and possibly the most broad-reaching of the drama societies, welcoming more experimental work alongside classic show formats. The society’s focus is on devised and adapted work, but they are also open to installation work, spoken word pieces, physical theatre, and performance art. As well as the Arts Centre opportunities and their regular fund shows around campus, Codpiece has recently started accepting one-person show submissions, giving support to performers who would like to experiment with their own art but don’t need a large team. The society also hosts workshops and an event called ‘Bacchus’, a more relaxed scratch night where people can perform pieces they’re working on or discuss ideas they are interested in developing.
Getting Involved: Workshops and Bacchus are free to attend, and welcome all disciplines and ideas, no matter how unconventional. They also advertise their auditions, performances and opportunities to submit shows on their social media.
What It Does: The current newest addition to Warwick Drama and the winner of ‘Best New Society’ at the SU Union Awards, BAME Creatives was set up in 2019/2020 to work on improving diversity in the theatre and bringing a new audience into Warwick Drama. While it is not a member of the DC, BAME Creatives has still put on an Arts Centre studio show in collaboration with WUDS and has been given a slot to put on another in Spring 2021. As a new society BAME Creatives is still developing, but has so far run a showcase involving singers and spoken word artists, and organised workshops and socials. They also hosted a weekly radio show on the University’s RAW radio station where they discussed BAME people in the Arts.
Getting Involved: BAME Creatives hopes to run more showcases in the coming year, so keep an eye out for those to either attend or get involved with. Their workshops and socials are all free for anyone to attend, and they often post opportunities both at Warwick and outside the University on their Facebook page. They are also aiming to get another radio slot in the coming year, so have a listen for that as well.
Musical Theatre Warwick (MTW)
What It Does: MTW focuses (again, unsurprisingly) on musical theatre. The society is very active, and regularly has opportunities for people to get involved. Although they are not part of the DC, MTW usually puts on a show in the Arts Centre main theatre and a smaller show in the studio each year. The society also runs Improv Musical, where performers improvise a musical based on audience suggestions, regularly taking the show to the Edinburgh Fringe where it receives great reviews. They have also run regular classes, showcases, light-hearted fund shows, and a festival of new musical writing. MTW also runs both regional and international tours, visiting cities in the UK and countries outside!
Getting Involved: The society’s Ensemble workshops are open to everyone, and they regularly post opportunities to audition and submit shows on their social media. Their socials are open to everyone, and they have a football team, Off-Side Story, for anyone interested in sport! It is worth keeping an eye on their social media for information about all upcoming opportunities.
Shakespeare Society (ShakeSoc)
What It Does: ShakeSoc focuses on plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as well as running socials and workshops. The society aims to put on a fund show each term, allowing work from the period or writing based around Shakespeare and his plays to be performed. They also put on more light-hearted shows throughout the year, such as Sh!tf@ced Shakespeare, where a shortened version of a classic Shakespeare play is performed with minimal rehearsals and one (or more) drunk cast members, and WUDS in the Woods in collaboration with WUDS. They have also run socials to see shows, and occasionally movie nights and workshops.
Getting Involved: ShakeSoc shares all their auditions and show submissions on their social media, as well as opportunities to get involved in their socials, workshops and more lighthearted performances. Again, keep an eye on those for information about anything coming up.
What It Does: While not technically a society for acting, Tech Crew is still very involved in Warwick Drama, and makes up the final member of the DC. Tech Crew is responsible for providing the tech for all Arts Centre shows, both studio and theatre, and often does the tech for fund shows as well. They run training sessions throughout the term teaching people in areas such as lighting, sound and set design, and run socials throughout the year. They have also collaborated with other DC societies for Arts Centre shows that require specific technical elements, contributing to the budget and providing more intricate tech for these shows.
Getting Involved: Anyone can attend their free tech training and their socials. To be involved in designing and running tech for shows you have to be a member, and these opportunities are sent out in their emails. Members can also help out in get-ins for Arts Centre shows, where the space is set up ready for performance.
The societies below are ones that, although they often overlap with the societies above, tend to be less entwined with the rest of Warwick Drama. I have also personally had less experience with these societies, so can’t fairly write about them – however, they are definitely worth checking out if you’re interested!
Warwick Improvised Theatre Society (WITS)
WITS focuses on improvised theatre and holds weekly sessions both for those who want to improve their improv skills and for those who just want a bit of fun. They also have a troupe who perform regular shows at Warwick, with auditions at various points throughout the year. This culminates in the summer where they have taken WITS to Edinburgh Fringe to perform, getting good feedback from their audiences. They also hold regular socials throughout the term.
Opera Society (OpWa)
The Opera society is a close-knit society that focuses on opera. They put on a show in both the Arts Centre theatre and the studio each year, which anyone can audition for and contribute towards. They also run socials and workshops throughout the year.
The Pantomime society puts on pantomimes throughout the year (not just at Christmas!). The society prides itself on its policy of giving everyone who auditions a part, making it an inclusive society and a great place for anyone nervous about being rejected. Throughout the year they run various socials for anyone to attend.
The Classics Society, while not technically a performance society, puts on one show a year in the Warwick Arts Centre theatre, performing a classical play. This can be an amazing opportunity for those who are less interested in singing to perform in the main theatre of the Arts Centre, and the society has put on a wide variety of classical shows.

domain: entertainment


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Watch your dye move to create cool color patterns! This 10x9.5x1.5 inch package contains five packets containing dye, one dye palette, 20 rubber bands, two pairs of protective gloves and one project guide. Conforms to ASTM D 4236. Imported.
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domain: chemistry


The legendary American musician Johnny (Spazz) Hatton (best known as the upright bass player for The Brian Setzer Orchestra, but also for playing with artists like Elvis Presley, Clark Terry, Gene Harris and the Royal Crown Revue) has released his great new album Gospel Bop, a straight-up mix of rockabilly and country with blues, jazz and gospel influences.
Together with Bernie Dresel (drummer for The Brian Sezter Orchestra) and some of his L.A. musician friends mr. Hatton collected and wrote fourteen tracks that reflect his journey trough life.
Recently TrenchcoaT has been approached by Johnny, who asked our permission to cover one of our songs for his brand new album.
And so it happened!
We proudly announce that his cover of our rockabilly classic Racing with the Devil from our debutalbum Rolling in Style is now present on Gospel Bop!
In other news; we are aware of the fact that we are really testing your patience concerning our new album…but it will be worth the wait! The recordings will be finished this summer, and we are rehearsing some new tunes. So stay tuned!
The ugly side of band-life… Taking the all our instruments to the gig! Now follows rare footage of Tobias being sober.. In this uncommon state of mind, he has this huge sense of responsibility and mathematical understanding needed to load the car…
Once upon a time, on a sunny day in late April, we went to the Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch where our video clip was shown.. Our inexorable reporter Luke the Nuke happened to have a camera with him, and sneaked into the museum to make another one of his great vids, which the visually gifted amongst you can see here!
Upcoming Sunday March 14th our cardboard-raping videoclip of Whatcha Got will be shown in the TV program Kunstof TV, which will start around 17.30 on Nederland 2.
It will be used as promotion material for the “De Fantasie Fabriek – Animatie in Nederand” exposition in the Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch (Holland), where the clip is screened until the 25th of April 2010.
So get your favorite chair in front of the TV, grab a few beers, put on some pants, invite your friends, and tune your TV to the right channel cause this will probably be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will grab you by the eyeballs!
Last weekend, we had a string quartet visiting the studio and playing some beautiful shit that was just heart-breakingly fan-fucking-tastic! I’m still wiping the tears out of my eyes because of the deep, warm, sad, subtleness of it!
The song they played was our funeralicious disasterpiece “I’ll bring balloons to your funeral” and I’m sure anyone who hears it will be depressed instantly.
Since we’re pretty much locked up here in the studio we decided to pick up a camera and start shooting some vids for the site. We also found some awesome live footage in Plec’s whiskey cellar so keep checking back here as we’ll upload more cool shit soon!
From the 23rd of January until the 25th of April 2010 our award winning music video “Whatcha Got” will be screened as part of the “De Fantasie Fabriek – Animatie in Nederand” (The Fantasy Factory – Animation In Holland) exposition in the Noordbrabants Museum in Den Bosch (Holland).
This is gonna be fun! Check out this new preview with some examples!


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Our beloved furry friends have a knack for devouring things they shouldn’t, whether it’s plastic, socks, or even that tasty morsel of human food that accidentally fell on the floor. But what if your dog has taken a liking to potting soil? What should you do? Let’s explore this intriguing dilemma together.
Table of Contents
Why Do Dogs Have an Appetite for the Unusual?
Dogs are naturally curious creatures. They love to explore their surroundings by sniffing and, sometimes, tasting new things. Puppies, in particular, are notorious for licking and ingesting objects as they familiarize themselves with the world. This behavior usually improves with age and maturity. Interestingly, dogs aren’t deterred by unpleasant tastes when they’re intrigued by the texture or scent of something. So, it’s not surprising that some dogs find the soil appetizing.
If your dog has developed a habit of eating soil, you might have heard your vet mention the term “pica.” This medical condition refers to the consumption of indigestible substances such as soil, paint, wood, or sand. It’s important to note that pica and coprophagia (the consumption of feces) are distinct behaviors. A dog may exhibit both or just one of them. Often, dogs engage in destructive behaviors like pica out of boredom or frustration. They might be trying to convey their need for more mental and physical stimulation. In rare cases, there may be an underlying medical cause, such as digestive disorders, parasites, or hormonal imbalances. Thus, it’s crucial to consult a veterinarian if your dog starts eating unusual substances, especially if they’re older and have never displayed this behavior before. Although pica might not always be harmful, there is a risk of toxicity or intestinal blockages, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s essential to address pica promptly.
Potential Risks of Soil Consumption
Yes, potting soil can contain various pathogens and toxins that pose a risk to our pets. Bacteria, parasites, fertilizers, and weed killers are just a few examples of substances that could be present. Additionally, disturbing the soil may expose your dog to ants or centipedes, which can lead to bites. While it’s impossible to create a completely sterile environment in the soil, you can take steps to minimize risks. Keep your garden chemical-free and ensure your dog is up to date with effective parasite prevention measures.
What Happens After Your Dog Eats Soil?
In most cases, if a dog ingests a small amount of soil, nothing significant will happen. Dogs have robust digestive systems, equipped with acidic stomach juices that help them handle consuming a bit of dirt. However, young, senior, or already unwell dogs are at a higher risk of developing viral or bacterial infections. If your dog has eaten soil and exhibits symptoms, they usually appear within a few days of ingestion. Keep an eye out for any signs of distress. If your dog becomes sick after consuming soil, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, which can manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, bloating, flatulence, reduced appetite, or mild lethargy. Usually, these symptoms resolve on their own without veterinary intervention. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, or if your dog appears lethargic or refuses to eat, it’s wise to visit a vet. They may conduct tests such as blood work or stool analysis and provide appropriate treatment options, which could include antibiotics, anti-nausea medication, or fluids.
The Link Between Soil and Worms
It is possible for dogs to contract worms if they consume soil containing infected fleas, flea eggs, or feces. However, this risk is relatively low when it comes to potting soil. Keep in mind that many worms and their eggs are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. So always assume they might be present, even if you can’t see them. If you happen to spot worm-like creatures in potted soil, they are more likely to be maggots, potworms (similar to earthworms), or fungus gnat larvae rather than canine parasites.
Preventive Measures for Future Soil Consumption
Prevention is often better than a cure. If your dog has a persistent habit of eating soil, consider removing plant pots from your home and yard. Alternatively, you can fence off the soil or cover it with rocks or a patio. Since boredom is a common factor in soil eating, ensure your dog receives both mental and physical stimulation. This can include a variety of activities such as exercise, agility, puzzles, and training sessions. Younger dogs and highly active breeds, like Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, and Jack Russell Terriers, require the most interaction to keep their minds engaged.
Considering Your Dog’s Diet
Many dog owners tend to blame their dog’s food when they start consuming soil. They may wonder if their dog’s diet lacks essential nutrients and contemplate supplementing or entirely changing their food. In most cases, as long as you are feeding your dog a balanced and complete diet, the food itself is not the issue. However, if you attempt to provide a homemade diet without consulting a canine nutritionist, nutritional deficiencies may arise. This could lead to problems with calcium, iodine, and other vital vitamins and minerals. It’s crucial to seek professional guidance before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Breeds Predisposed to Soil Eating
Although any breed of dog can exhibit soil-eating behavior, some breeds are more prone to it. Terriers, Dachshunds, Malamutes, and Hounds have a natural affinity for soil, sand, and muck. This instinct stems from their history of digging to find prey or seek shelter during harsh weather conditions. Digging itself is not a problem unless it’s associated with soil eating. It can be a natural and enjoyable behavior for a dog, but when it becomes linked to eating soil, it can present challenges.
Soil eating is generally considered normal and often not a cause for major concern, especially if your dog does it infrequently and doesn’t consume a significant amount of soil. For many dogs, it happens accidentally while they are digging, playing, or eating grass. Symptoms are rare and usually mild. However, it’s important to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of illness from soil ingestion and ensure your dog remains up to date with deworming treatments. Remember, discouraging soil eating is essential. Limit your dog’s access to soil and provide them with alternative activities to engage their curious minds.
For more information on dog healthcare, training, and well-being, visit Pet Paradise, where you’ll find a wealth of valuable resources.


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10 Home Boutiques Killing It on Instagram
So we were browsing Instagram to find a little style inspiration for our closet when it suddenly occurred to us: What about everything around our closet? Surely, our homes, studios and apartments deserve a little style inspo as well. And of course, some of our favorite brands are on Insta, but sometimes it’s best to look to the little guys (and gals) to really see what’s trending in the interior design world. Here are 10 of our fave go-to decor feeds for when our space needs a little pick-me-up.
1. @afabulousfete: The tiniest of tiny boutiques, A Fabulous Fete is actually an Etsy shop run by artist Lauren Saylor. And we can’t get enough of the party supplies — her shop has us planning all the dinners, brunches, showers, housewarmings, etc.
2. @wearemukati: For now, the only place you can check out these bespoke African-inspired pieces are on Mukati’s Instagram account. BUT, their site launches this month, so you’ll be able to purchase some of these one-of-a-kind creations real soon. (Original photo via @arielealasko)
3. @queenfordinner: Like a pop-up shop on your Instagram, Queen for Dinner curates a new batch of too-cute goods for small vendors every two weeks. Stalk this Insta feed to stay ahead of the curve and learn about up-and-coming artisans.
6. @saltandsundry: Forget the White House and the Smithsonian; this quaint boutique specializing in “good living” is where you MUST go when you’re in DC. There are just way too many adorb things on this feed… we want to buy them all.
8. @woodlandlane: We love love love string art, and the people behind Woodland Lane do an impressive amount of it. Actually, they specialize in it. Scroll through their feed to inspire your own pieces, or order a custom work from their site.
9. @laylagrayce: If you’re in the midst of a major reno and you’re looking for some massive home-style inspo, look no further than this home boutique’s Instagram. They’ve got you covered with everything from nurseries and kids’ rooms to luxurious kitchens and bedrooms.
Do you have an Instagram account that you stalk on the reg for decor ideas? Let us know in the comments!


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What's going on in the Aquarium?
Even though our buildings aren't open at the moment our fish in the aquarium still need looking after.
Have a look what's been going on this week.
Pete guides you through some tanks in the aquarium corridor, have you seen these fish before?
The Peruvian and Indian tanks get one of their favourite foods... blood worms!
The sting rays get a broad range of foods, prawns, small crabs, crayfish, shrimps, worms, clams, mussels, small fish and pieces of fish. In this video they're being fed chunks of blue whiting.
We do a lot of research into the natural diet of our fish and use specialist suppliers to replicate this to the best of our ability. Bolton Markets is a great source of foods for our fish also.
There are signs that there could soon be some baby fish appearing! The cichlids are showing spawning activity in the Costa Rica tank whist over in the Amazon tank two geophagus sveni are showing courtship behaviour!
We have 3 South American Red Bellied Piranhas in the aquarium. Their teeth are extremely strong and sharp, and the jaw muscles are powerful, allowing them to quickly bite off a large piece of flesh and then retreat.
Many people think piranhas will devour a human in seconds but this is far from the truth, though they will bite! Most injuries occur when Piranha are caught by humans as food and only then if they are handled carelessly.
Are you missing the stingrays as much as we are? Luckily Pete is keeping us up to date with what's happening in the aquarium. Today they are being fed raw shell-on prawns!
Our Indian display is one of the favourites for many of the staff here, including our resident fish geek, Pete.
Although it took a lot of research, hard work, bruises and wet clothes to build, it's a living picture full of movement and colour.


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The Kill Yourself Tour '09 has crossed the mighty nation! We're just about to get to Asheville, NC and we just played a marvelous gig at Johnny's on Main St in Carrboro. Here's some amazing talent we encountered crossing the country.....
Clarence Gallagher who resides on a farm in Northern Washington....
Kit of the dearly departed Inkwell Rhythm Makers with the Crow Quill Night Owls with Hans on fiddle... u can find them busking in downtown Port Townsend, Wa
Tommy Dean of Tacoma
Shannon Jae of Seattle

domain: geography


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|US Release Date||02/04/2009|
Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Jessica Chastain are among the stars who have taken to the Internet to mark 13 years since the terrorist atrocities of 9/11.
Reality TV personality Kelly Osbourne is urging U.S. officials to declare 4 September (14) National Joan Rivers Day in honour of the late comedienne.
Bosses of the retirement home where Lord Richard Attenborough lived in his final years have cancelled their open day as a mark of respect for the late actor/director.
A long-awaited memorial statue of late singer Amy Winehouse will be unveiled next month (Sep14) to mark what would have been her birthday.
Gwar fans paid their respects to late frontman Dave Brockie at the group's annual Gwar-B-Q in Richmond, Virginia on Friday (15Aug14) by setting fire to his stage costume in a Viking-esque funeral.
An unofficial Lollapalooza afterparty attended by rapper Nas ended in tragedy with one man killed and another injured in a shooting in the early hours of Sunday morning (03Aug14).
Big films are being pushed out of the traditional blockbuster months.
Canadian actress Rhiannon Fish is mourning the loss of her sister.
British pop star Alexandra Burke has warned fans she will not be performing at a tribute concert for late South African President Nelson Mandela in London on Friday (18Jul14), blaming promoters for lying about her involvement.
The son of former Bond movie mastermind Michael Apted has lost his battle with colon cancer at the age of 47.
|Michael Stipe||Executive Producer||n/a||174||3000006|
|Jim McKay||Executive Producer||n/a||174||3000005|
|Tyler Brodie||Executive Producer||n/a||174||3000004|
|Josh Fox||Director of Photography||n/a||120780||6000001|
|Nicholas Locke||Art Director||n/a||183||9000001|
|Harold Kennedy German||Actor||Harold||1||1000002|
|Pedro Rafael Rodriguez||Actor||P-Rod||1||1000006|
Forget Demi and Ashton. These celebrity spouses have some major age differences.

domain: celebrity


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Find Co-Op Games
Nintendo Wii U
Windows Phone 8
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Indie Games
Top Rated Co-Op Games
Browse the Site
Bloodsports.TV Co-Op Review
Bloodborne Update 1.03 Patch Released Today
Halo: MCC Getting ODST Campaign
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9/9/2009 at 5:38 PM
Some alums from a previous game project I was on are behind this game. Good luck, guys, looks great so far.
Faunasphere PAX 2009 Preview
9/9/2009 at 5:37 PM
@bap - Bummer to hear that the MMO-conversion isn't going to work the way I first thought. Oh well, still looks like fun.
No co-op is a real drag, though. Might be fun to work on a co-op mod, however, if the mod toolset is decent. Maybe a organize a group effort through the site? There's got to be enough talent among the co-optimus reader base to put something together.
Torchlight Hands on Preview
9/9/2009 at 5:30 PM
Flashbacks! First play-through of Sam co-op back in the day was magical.
This is a must-buy for co-op shooter fans. Sam had some great quips. Good times...
Serious Sam HD Hands-On Preview, Trailer, and Screens
9/9/2009 at 5:26 PM
I enjoyed the Devil May (Make You) Cry games, but they were so hard. And when you died early on and the game popped up the "Oh, so you're a little weiner child who can't play the vidya, huh? Here you go, Sport, try Baby Mode"?
This will probably worth a rental for the novelty factor alone, though.
Bayonetta PAX 2009 Preview
9/9/2009 at 5:23 PM
Games like this warm my cockles. My wife's been playing through Wind Waker on our Wii lately and it's a good reminder that a game with stylish, coherent art direction and a solid engine can really age well.
Been looking forward to this one for a while.
@Tasark - Been playing through Odin Sphere again recently. Amazing game.
Muramasa: The Demon Blade Impressions


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Serving Arlington, New England, and the World since 2010
" The Way A Burger Should Be”
Retro is open every day of your school vacation week ! Please stop in and visit us today.
- Cool & Cozy Vintage Rock N Roll Burger Joint & Ice Cream Parlor where the 50's meet the 70's
- 100% Angus Beef Burgers, hand pressed daily
- Over 15 flavors of Ice Cream, including Richardson’s Ice Cream & Yogurt
- Shakes, Malts, Frappes & Floats in each flavor we offer
- 100 % All Beef Kayem Hot Dogs, Foot Longs & Chili Dogs
- Veggie Burgers available, Gluten Free
- Heart Healthy Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwiches
- No Sugar Added Ice Cream & Non Dairy Sorbet
- Gluten Free Buns and Fries available daily
795 Mass. Ave • Arlington, MA
Tel: (781) 777-2139
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Before Placing your order, please inform your server if a person in your party has a food allergy.

domain: food


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Dir. Samir Ganguly
Sharmilee ("Shy") appears on the surface to be a jaunty masala film with many of the usual elements: a soft-focus heroine (here in a dual role), a handsome, upstanding soldier (who also happens to be an orphan raised by a priest), a passel of shady hipster bad guys, wistful romance, mistaken identity, and a generous helping of dishoom-dishoom. As is often the case in films of its era, though, Sharmilee is is something of a morality play, an allegory projected through a masala lens.
Captain Ajit (Shashi Kapoor), stationed in Kashmir, is instantly smitten when he meets the spunky, aggressive Kamini (Rakhee). Kamini disappears after one dazzling evening of poetry, though, and Ajit despairs of ever seeing her again. Then Ajit's adoptive father, the kind-hearted Father Joseph (Nazir Hussein), unaware that Ajit has fallen for Kamini, seeks to arrange Ajit's marriage to Kamini's excruciatingly bashful twin sister, Kanchan (Rakhee, the other half of her dual role). Ajit is briefly confused, but all seems set straight soon enough, and Ajit is set to marry his sprightly Kamini; Kanchan is depressed but resigned to her wallflower status. When a shady gunda from Kamini's past surfaces, however, things take a turn for the weird, and a whirlwind of mistake, confusion, and deception follows, with an aerial climax worthy of the most over-the-top masala imaginable.
Sharmilee's allegory reflects an ambivalence in Indian culture toward modernization and westernization. The duality - traditional versus modern, east against west - is embodied in the twin sisters. Kamini, brash and modern, attracts all the attention; suitors come to the family to consider marriage to the modest, retiring Kanchan and end up enchanted with the flashy, outspoken Kamini. She even wins the heart of Ajit, the ideal Indian man, a loyal and heroic soldier, obedient and deferential to his elders. But the film punishes Kamini, and in the end it is the traditional Kanchan who is exalted and glorified. Though she puts on a modern persona to please Ajit, Kanchan's heart is always demure. Bollywood501 offers the excellent observation that unlike Kamini, Kanchan can successfully adopt western trappings only because she remains at the core a traditional Indian girl. Thus, Sharmilee's ultimate moral is that without a traditional grounding, westernization is shallow, unmoored, and even dangerous.
As a film, Sharmilee is reasonably entertaining, though some of its twists are whiplash-inducing. Its driving force is the passion of the beautiful Shashi Kapoor; he radiates masala charm and charisma, but as Ajit wheels from tenderness to anger to despair, Shashi's pure, abundant acting talent is also quite evident. Ajit is an Indian renaissance man - a brave soldier, a good son, a passionate lover, a sensitive poet, and the interplay of these shades is the most compelling aspect of the film. Rakhee is passable in her double role; she shows much more life and spark as the brassy Kamini, though, leaving the film's real heroine, the sad, innocent Kanchan, dull and flat in comparison. The film falters where the masala-action elements take over; these are contrived, and undermine the film's strengths, which lie in the close interactions between Shashi and Rakhee's two avatars.
Finally, Sharmilee's soundtrack is a gem by SD Burman; its standout song is the lyrical "Khilte hain gul yahaan," wistfully sung by Kishore Kumar and picturized on Shashi, who is as pretty as the song; Kanchan's domestic fantasy "Aaj madhosh huaa" is sweet; and the rest of the soundtrack is lovely as well.
(Sharmilee is available for download from Jaman.)