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Foxtel CEO takes aim at Albanese government’s TV reforms - Friday 23, 2024
Foxtel Chief Executive Patrick Delany has taken aim at the Albanese government's television reforms, which would give free-to-air channels prime placement on smart TVs and connected devices.
Mr Delany told a Senate committee that customer choice would be undermined by the proposed changes.
“If you are going to put all of the free first, so what happens if I search an overseas news story? Am I going to get everything from SBS, everything from the ABC, everything from Seven, Nine, Ten – everything before CNN and everything else?” he said.
“If I search any of those terms, why is that the natural thing I’m looking for? I’m looking for the content.”
WBD’s Overall Revenue Is Down – But Streaming And Sports Could Bring A Bounceback
Warner Bros. Discovery is in a tight spot, as its TV revenue declines by double digits and growth opportunities like streaming media haven’t picked up the slack. (Yet.)
Last quarter, WBD’s overall revenue fell 7% YOY, while revenue from linear TV ad sales dropped 14%. WBD isn’t giving up on linear, but it expects its streaming business – and an increased investment in sports programming – to offset its losses and return the company to profitability.
WBD’s revamped streaming service, Max (which combines HBO Max and Discovery+ content), is still in the “early innings,” CEO David Zaslav told investors during WBD’s earnings call on Friday. But the studio’s top priority is “driving profitable growth” for Max.
However, there’s still “a long [distance] left to go” on that pathway, Zaslav said.
To the Max
Max is the light at the end of the tunnel for WBD, which remains in the dark right now.
WBD reported a 51% YOY increase in streaming ad revenue compared to Q4 in 2022, before HBO Max rebranded to Max. And the pace of streaming ad revenue growth is rising, said CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels.
That number may sound promising, but it’s not a surprise – advertisers prefer centralized streaming buys, which is why so many media companies are bundling their content. (Another example is Disney+ and Hulu.)
Consumers also prefer accessing their content in one place. While the studio only gained half a million streaming subscribers in Q4 (not counting subs from its acquisition of Turkish streamer BluTV in December), Max had the lowest churn rate “in HBO Max’s history” last quarter, Zaslav said.
Stable subscriber numbers plus an increase in streaming ad revenue would explain why WBD’s average revenue per streaming user rose 7% YOY to $7.94.
Around the world
WBD plans to continue its streaming growth trajectory with globalization and, of course, more content.
Currently, Max with ads is only available in the US. Some international regions still have ad-supported HBO Max, but Max will launch in Latin America next week, followed by Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East later this year. By the end of the year, Max with ads will be available in more than 40 international markets, Zaslav said.
And to make the most of a global launch, WBD is investing in a new content slate that capitalizes on its famous franchises.
Yet another “Game of Thrones” show will premiere in 2025 – a prequel, “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” – and another “Harry Potter” movie is slated for 2026.
A sporting chance
But, most importantly, WBD is zeroing in on sports.
It is not a coincidence that Max’s international expansion coincides with the Olympics in Paris over the summer. Although NBCUniversal has airing and digital rights, WBD will livestream the games on its Eurosport channel.
Max also hopes to attract more international subscribers with other sports programming by capitalizing on the Olympics hype. For example, WBD is currently in talks with the NBA about rights renewal, Zaslav said.
Last but not least, WBD touted its new joint venture with Disney and FOX, which should launch a sports-focused streaming app in 2025. The app will be available to Max subscribers as part of a bundle.
But that’s only if the app actually happens. Pay TV companies and the DOJ have raised antitrust concerns over the nature of the venture – together, the three studios encompass 55% of US sports rights, per Citi analysts. And the sports-focused programming distributor Fubo actually filed a lawsuit earlier this week, in which it alleged anticompetitive business practices between the broadcasters.
Only time will tell whether WBD can regain its footing in the race for streaming market share.
WWE Elimination Chamber 2024. Perth, Western Australia
WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley to take on Nia Jax
Don't miss Elimination Chamber, streaming live Perth, Western Australia, at 5:00 a.m. ET/2:00 a.m PT streaming LIVE on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else!
WWE Women's World Champion Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to the Women's World Title at WrestleMania
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania
Seth "Freakin" Rollins and Cody Rhodes to appear on "The Grayson Waller Effect" at Elimination Chamber
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Finn Bálor & Damian Priest vs. Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate
The Kabuki Warriors vs. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell (WWE Women’s Tag Team Title Match)
UFC Mexico City
This weekend, the UFC makes its sixth trip to Mexico City for a fight card that lines up as a showcase for many of the Mexican and Latin American athletes currently competing inside the Octagon.
Order UFC 299: O'Malley vs Vera 2
Headlined by a critical flyweight rematch between former champ Brandon Moreno and recent title challenger Brandon Royval, with Yair Rodriguez and Brian Ortega slated to renew acquaintances in a five-round co-main event, Saturday’s return to Arena CDMX promises to be loud and exciting from the outset and remain that way through the close of the night.
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Location: Arena CDMX — Mexico City, Mexico
Where to Watch: ESPN+
Other Main Card Matches:
Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Prelim Matches:
Cristian Quinonez vs Raoni Barcelos
Jesus Aguilar vs Mateus Mendonca
Edgar Chairez vs Danie Lacerda
Claudio Puelles vs Fares Ziam
Ronaldo Rodriguez vs Denys Bondar
Victor Altamirano vs Felipe dos Santos
Erik Silva vs Muhammad Naimov
UFC Top Brass Dana White via Howie Mandel Podcast - Feb 2024
“You are not only an amazing businessman, you are an inspiration, you are a philosopher. The way you do business, the way you conduct your business, and your friendships and media, I’m jealous. But, Dana, I can’t thank you enough for being here,” Mandel said.
“Thank you for all the kind words, I appreciate it. I am so f*****g tired of doing podcasts. I’m literally done with them. I’m not doing any more podcasts,”
Sydney casino review sends Star Entertainment shares plunging - Feb 20, 2024
More than $300 million has been wiped from the market value of Star Entertainment after the NSW casino regulator said it was not satisfied the company had sufficiently overhauled its culture to be allowed to operate in the state.
Shares fell more than 20 per cent when trading resumed Tuesday, and dropped as low as 42¢. Star said it would need to delay the release of a financial update scheduled for Wednesday after being blindsided by a decision from the Independent Casino Commission to engage Adam Bell, SC, to run a second inquiry into the gaming group.
Star chief executive Robbie Cooke has yet to comment publicly on the 15-week investigation. But in a statement on Tuesday, Star said it welcomed the chance for an “objective forum” to demonstrate it was suitable to regain its casino licence.
Mr Bell is the Sydney barrister who conducted an earlier inquiry into the Sydney casino, which concluded that the company was unsuitable to hold a licence.
Despite the new inquiry, some of the company’s largest investors are standing by Star’s management. Bruce Mathieson, the billionaire publican, owns 6 per cent of the business and told The Australian Financial Review: “You never like it, but you can’t change it. We’ve got to deal with whatever they say. I never get into a panic.”
Mr Bell’s 2022 report found Star was unsuitable to hold its licence, describing its operations as “a case study of unethical conduct and cultural failure” that may have evaded taxes and facilitated $900 million of banned gambling transactions.
The first Bell review, along with a similar investigation in Queensland, where Star operates casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, led to the resignation of key figures including chief executive Matt Bekier.
The ICC’s chief commissioner, Philip Crawford, said on Monday that his concern was the “capability and capacity” of the leadership team to execute its remediation programs.
‘Serious and endemic’
Mr Crawford was the head of the former casino regulator, the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority, responsible for overseeing the historical behaviour of Star.
“I’m just not sure the extent to which they’ve addressed the cultural reform that Adam Bell said … was serious and endemic and needed a lot of work,” Mr Crawford said in an interview with the Financial Review. “We want to see the progress they’ve made around that particular space. That’s really important.”
The timing of the decision has raised eyebrows in investment circles. One fund manager, who asked to remain anonymous due to company restrictions, said Star had made significant steps in transforming its business.
“Frustration is mounting from the impacts that have been worn by current and new shareholders rather than those that were culpable for the missteps,” the fund manager said. “This doesn’t change the value of assets.”
Star’s market capitalisation has shrunk by more than $2.7 billion – to $1.3 billion – since the start of the first Bell inquiry. Still, the Sydney casino has been lucrative, with gaming revenues of $838.9 million last year. Brokers at MST Marquee estimate Star’s Sydney casino could be worth about $1.3 billion.
But debt worries and difficult trading conditions, along with a write-down on the value of its casinos, forced Star to seek financing twice last year. The first, at $1.20 a share, raised $800 million in February. The second, in September, raised $750 million at just 60¢ a share.
(AFR)
Google Apologizes, Pauses Gemini Chatbot After AI Refuses to Generate Images of White People - Feb 2024
Google executives paused select features of the company’s Gemini chatbot and image generator on Wednesday after the program’s artificial intelligence (AI) adamantly refused to produce images of White people. In a bizarre display Google executives apologetically described as “missing the mark,” Gemini responded to user requests with pictures of Black Vikings, Asian female popes, African Nazis, and “diverse” versions of the American Founding Fathers—“historical inaccuracies” that suggest a much deeper problem with the system powering the AI.
Gemini (formerly known as Google Bard), served as Google’s entry into the competitive large language model (LLM) market dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. As with other LLMs, users enter text-based prompts to set the criteria for images, and the AI interprets the contextual information to provide a unique image. However, after Gemini’s rebranding earlier this month, users quickly noticed odd—and possibly racist—quirks in the generative AI’s image creator.
According to a test run by the New York Post, a search for “create an image of a pope” yielded two results: a Black man dressed in elaborate holy vestments and an Asian woman wearing papal robes. As Catholic Gemini users quickly pointed out, all 266 pontiffs in the Church’s history have been White men.
Additional searches, many of which were shared on social media, produced equally ridiculous results, including:
Black, Female, and Asian Vikings
Racially diverse members of America’s Founding Fathers
Multi-racial members of the Wehrmacht, the army of Nazi Germany
What appears to be George Washington depicted as a Black man
Odd examples of “famous 17th Century physicists”
Notably non-Italian Roman emperors
Other Gemini offerings included Asian Anglo-Saxon knights, Sir Isaac Newton as an Indian man, Africans presented as residents of 1820s Scotland, race-swapped versions of famous paintings, and a Black king of France, among hundreds of others.
In light of the glaring historical inaccuracies, Google issued an apology on Wednesday afternoon and announced that Gemini’s ability to generate images of people would be paused until a solution could be implemented.
“Gemini’s AI image generator does generate a wide range of people. And that’s generally a good thing because people around the world use it. But it’s missing the mark here,” said a statement from Jack Krawczyk, Google’s senior director of product management for Gemini Experiences.
However, Gemini’s outright refusal to produce images of White Europeans extended far beyond a historical context. When presented with a request for “images of a strong Black man,” the program generated results with little difficulty. But when asked for “images of a strong White man,” it instead displayed a message expressing concern about “reinforcing harmful stereotypes about race and body image.” The program then provided resource links to the Southern Poverty Law Center and other social justice organizations.
Images “celebrating the diversity and achievement of Black people” were gladly provided, but Gemini refused to do the same for Whites, stating that “historically, media representation has overwhelmingly favored White individuals and their achievements…Focusing solely on White individuals in this context risks perpetuating that imbalance.”
Even requests for images acknowledging the existence of White people proved difficult for the program, while images of Black people were produced without comment.
Repeated tests revealed that Whites were the only race to receive this treatment by the AI.
Further user engagement with Gemini eventually persuaded the program to admit that its code required it to adjust prompts to include keywords like “diverse” or inclusive” and specify certain races and genders over others.
The revelation that Gemini was not malfunctioning but rather faithfully executing its directives according to its code eventually led many to Jack Krawczyk’s social media history, which is replete with attacks on America’s “systemic racism” and “White privilege.”
Screenshots of Krawczyk’s old posts prompted X owner Elon Musk to label him a “racist douchenozzle” and promote Grok, Musk’s own “non-woke” artificial intelligence.
(VT)
Former digital darling Vice Media to slash jobs, shutter website
Vice Media, the once-swashbuckling media outlet geared to a younger audience, plans to lay off several hundred employees and no longer publish material on its website vice.com, the company’s chief executive said in a memo to staff on Thursday.
Vice, which filed for bankruptcy last year before being sold for $US350 million ($533 million) to a consortium led by the Fortress Investment Group, is also looking to sell its Refinery 29 publishing business, Bruce Dixon wrote in the memo.
It’s the latest sign of financial problems buffeting the media industry. Digital sites The Messenger, BuzzFeed News and Jezebel have all shut in the past year, and legacy media outlets such as the Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal have also cut jobs.
New York-based Vice, valued at $US5.7 billion in 2017, was known for its immersive storytelling style that encompassed digital, television and film outlets.
Dixon offered no specifics about the layoffs, other than saying hundreds of people will be affected and will be notified early next week. The New York Times reported that the company has about 900 people on staff.
“I know that saying goodbye to our valued colleagues is difficult and feels overwhelming, but this is the best path forward for Vice as we position the company for long-term creative and financial success,” Dixon said.
He said it was no longer cost-effective for Vice to distribute its digital content, including news, the way it has been. He said Vice would put more emphasis on its social channels and look for different ways to distribute its content.
As part of its strategic shift, Dixon said Vice would follow a studio model.
Before filing for bankruptcy protection last year, Vice cancelled its Vice News Tonight TV program as part of an earlier round of layoffs.
The business, which began as an alternative music and culture magazine in Montreal in the 1990s, raised capital from high-profile investors such as Walt Disney and Fox Corporation before running into a slowdown in digital advertising spending.
Bitcoin and Ether in area of light resistance
FxPro, Media Man and Bitcoin News Media reports
Market picture
The crypto market capitalisation reached $1.99 trillion, according to CoinMarketCap estimates, an increase of over 10% in one week. Forbes estimates that the $2 trillion mark was reached last week. Either way, the growth momentum is clear and very strong. Over the last 24 hours, Bitcoin gained 1.4%, overtaken by Ethereum (+4.4%) and Solana (+3.5%). BNB (-0.6%) and XRP (+0.9%) could not keep up with the current market.
Bitcoin is approaching $52.5K, having quickly found buyers after Saturday's drawdown. Monday starts with active buying, bringing the price back to the range highs of the last five days, which are the highs since November 2021. Technically, bitcoin has no meaningful resistance levels until the area approaches $64K.
Active building of call option positions with strikes of $60K to $80K, as well as fierce demand for ETFs, could push Bitcoin to an all-time high as early as March, according to QCP Capital.
Ethereum is also trading in weak resistance territory after breaching the $2900 level. In April 2022, it plunged from levels near $3500 to $2000, with a complete capitulation at levels below $900. A recovery from $2000 to $3500 could be just as quick. This level is also close to 161.8% of the October to early December rally, which is a Fibonacci pattern.
News background
The Coinbase exchange posted a net profit of $273 million in the fourth quarter. For the year, the figure was $95 million on total revenue of $3.1 billion, the company said in a letter to investors. Coinbase acted as custodian for nearly all the spot bitcoin ETFs that received SEC approval in January.
MicroStrategy, the largest corporate holder of bitcoin, told shareholders that the company's capitalisation would grow significantly in 2023 and that it was ready for inclusion in the S&P 500 index.
Bankrupt cryptocurrency lender Celsius said that $2 billion worth of crypto assets have already been transferred to lenders, including 20,255 BTC and 301,338 ETH.
Investment firm VanEck has filed a revised proposal with the SEC to launch a spot Ethereum-ETF. VanEck joins Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, BlackRock and Invesco in the race for Ethereum-based exchange-traded products. Some experts believe the regulator will register the products in May.
Galaxy Digital estimates that about 15-20% of the total computing power of the Bitcoin network will be unprofitable after the halving in April. The calculations are based on a BTC price of $45,000 and a 15% transaction fee.
The attractiveness of Tether's USDT compared to other stablecoins is likely to diminish as future regulations in the US will require greater transparency and compliance with new KYC/AML standards, JPMorgan said. The bank believes that regulations for stablecoins will be coordinated globally through the Financial Stability Board within the G20.
Christopher Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, believes that the popularity of stablecoins pegged to the US dollar will help maintain the dollar's status as the world's reserve currency.
(Source: FxPro)
‘Scandalous’: free-to-air networks lash TV makers for demanding a cut - Feb 23, 2024
The managing directors of the ABC and SBS have pulled no punches in a battle against TV makers like Samsung and Amazon, criticising them for “rent-seeking” payments during a last-ditch plea alongside commercial networks for priority placement on new TVs.
Usually fierce rivals from free-to-air broadcasters united on Friday when the leaders of Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment, and Paramount ANZ (which owns Network Ten) joined the ABC’s David Anderson and SBS’s James Taylor in appearing before a Senate committee.
They faced questions about why their streaming apps – 9Now, 7plus and ABC iview, for example – should automatically be given the best positions on new TV home screens. They were also asked about the government’s “anti-siphoning” laws, a list of sports that must be offered to free-to-air networks before they can be put behind a paywall.
Companies like Samsung and Amazon have demanded a cut of advertising or cash payments to put TV apps on their systems, TV executives said.
In 2018, Samsung demanded a 15 per cent cut of any ads that ran through SBS On Demand, Mr Taylor said. When SBS refused, he claimed Samsung made the app much harder to find. In 2020, Samsung made the same demand, threatening to take SBS On Demand off its devices entirely. Then last year, Amazon demanded 30 per cent of all revenue derived from advertising.
“It is frankly scandalous that these massive global tech firms can unilaterally insert themselves as gatekeepers between Australians and their free Australian content, trusted news and information,” Mr Taylor said.
“The set manufacturers do not pay a cent towards the content they are seeking to grab revenue from – the very definition of rent-seeking. They know the power they have over the primary access point to content in the home, and they are squeezing it for all it’s worth.”
Mr Anderson said the ABC iview app was taken off one major TV manufacturer’s devices in 2021 and the ABC was asked to pay to restore it. “On principle, we haven’t paid,” he said.
It is a huge cost, Seven West Media chief executive James Warburton said. His network has spent at least $21 million building and maintaining different apps for 21 different operating systems and TV manufacturers.
“That’s $21 million in our capex (capital expenditure) bill just to have the apps on the platforms we’re across,” he said. “Everyone wants a clip of the ticket, between 10 and 20 per cent.”
If TV networks can’t be found, there will be no viewers, Free TV chairman Greg Hywood told the committee. “It’s existential in that sense,” he said. Free TV noted that 2 million new homes had no TV aerials, and so all viewing would be through the internet. Nine, which owns the Nine Network, is a member of Free TV and publishes The Australian Financial Review.
Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany, who has just launched a new TV operating system called Hubbl, disagreed with the free-to-air networks. It undermines a consumer’s right to choose, he said. “What we want to do is deliver the best experience for the customer and that’s been our business model for over three decades,” he said.
(AFR)
Foxtel launches revolutionary platform ‘Hubbl’ for TV and streaming
Foxtel has launched a revolutionary new platform which will help Australians solve the problem of not being able to decide what to watch on TV.
Launched at a star-studded event in Sydney on Wednesday night, Hubbl is a game-changing technology promising TV and streaming made easy.
Hubbl is a one-stop shop for Australians' free and paid live TV and streaming needs.
Warrior
Warrior: The acclaimed cancelled drama whose fate suddenly lies in Netflix users’ hands
One of the most entertaining series in years has been given a new lease of life
Netflix users hold the fate of one new title in their hands after the addition of a series that was unfairly cancelled last year.
In December, it was revealed by streaming service Max that the acclaimed drama Warrior had been axed, two years after it was resurrected.
However, all hope is not lost for the series, which has drawn comparisons to HBO prohobition drama Boardwalk Empire and the BBC’s global hit Peaky Blinders since its debut in 2019.
Previously speaking about the show’s future, creator Jonathan Tropper told Deadline: “Warrior is a show that simply refuses to die.
“Through platform and regime changes, the writers, producers, cast, crew, and our stunt team continued to make something powerful, relevant, and wildly unique. And now, thanks to Netflix, we’ve been given yet another lease on life, and I’m thrilled for everyone involved that millions more viewers around the world will discover it.”
In Netflix’s global top 10, the series is number eight – and appears to be rising with every new day. It’s worth noting there are seveal key countries where Warrior is not yet available
Wrestling - MMA News
WWE @WWE RAW. Anaheim, California
February 19, 2024
UFC @ufc fighter Michael Chandler issues a challenge.aka call out to Conor McGregor
The WWE cross-over TKO Group era is in full swing
TKO Group's UFC promotion had held its 298 event at the same Honda Center arena just two nights early.
UFC 298 live attendance was announced at the UFC press conference as 18,186.
Raw's live attendance is understood to be in the 12,000 range.
It was an enthusiastic crowd who appeared to also enjoy the announcement of the UFC's Chandler as well as boxer "King" Callum Walsh earlier in the evening.
After the conclusion of the Raw main event - Gunther vs Jey Uso, ended by Jimmy Uso ringing the bell earlier as well as interfering, Cody Rhodes @CodyRhodes address the ruckus crowd.
"Anaheim, did you have a good time tonight? Rhodes continued for a few minutes (of which the video is available via the official WWE YouTube Channel).
He continued: "Please welcome the voice of the voiceless - CM Punk" @CMPunk
Fans: "CM Punk, CM Punk, CM Punk"..
"It is not easy sitting backstage watching the show knowing that Anaheim showed up 11,000 strong and ya all have been hot all night long. Three hours, countless superstars, awesome matches. I had to come out here and feel this myself. And to let you all know this is a bump in the road and I promise you the next time we are in Anaheim I will be here and I will have my boots on" CM Punk
Fans: CM Punk, CM Punk, CM Punk"...
Videos via WWE YouTube
Media Man: A super hot crowd and the WWE - Pro Wrestling and combat sports connection can cbe considered a strong success - especially at this relatively early stage of the game. TKO Group top brass is super connected in the media, live sports, live events and sports business world, and it showed. Recently CM Punk has also been doing some media and hasn't been shy to discuss this forey in MMA, via the UFC, nor his injury as the dangers of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts. The positive energy on this episode came through in spades. Well done wrestlers, fighters, WWE team, and most importantly, fans.
Image credit: WWE with AI
Pro Wrestling, Boxing And MMA News
Via Media Man report
Wrestling with TKO!
Combat Sports is WWE RAW in Anaheim, California - February, 19, 2024
Pro Boxer and Pro MMA Fighter Appear: WWE cross-over combat sports promotion era is here!
Michael Chandler and "King" Callum Walsh
"Thank god for the captions" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"The stars are out here in Anaheim. Your looking at. Dana White bash" Pat McAfee
"Freddie Roach trained. 9 and 0 boxer with 7 knockouts named King Callum Walsh out of Cork, Ireland. His next fight is coming up March 15 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden..9 and 0. 7! knockouts. Absolute dog" PM
and
Michael Chandler from the UFC is in the building and now on camera with a live mic!
Media Man: Chandler was first to appear on camera and be acknowledged by the WWE broadcast team. Chandler just challenged Conor McGregor!
"Hey, what's up Anaheim? Hey, you are now in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet. Hey, now there's a man from Ireland bean been making me wait for too long and I still got one dude on my mind. Conor McGregor, get your candy ass back to the Octagon. We got some unfinished business boy. God bless. I'll see you at the top" Michael Chandler
Media Man: The news has started to trend as to may expect. This is the sort of promotion that can and will deliver both more new WWE, UFC and boxing fans. The cross-over appeal is something we touched on at the past UFC Fan/Media Q and A in Sydney, Australia last September. It is expected the WWE and maybe even other TKO Group social media channels will further promote the surprise combat sports participants showing up at the RAW event in the Honda Center. The WWE X account has already featured Chandler at least once as we go live to web.
Getting you ready for more via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
http://youtube.com/WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE Raw
February 19, 2024
Honda Center. Anaheim, California
Awesome Truth and DIY vs Judgement Day
"He still is wearing the rain poncho. It's been raining all day in Anaheim" Michael Cole
"Southern California with a rain storm" Pat McAfee
"R-Truth a bit delusional. I guess that's a word we could use" MC
"Go inside. Put on a poncho. That seems to be intelligent" PM
"Friday night he thought Kevin Owens was The Miz. I don't quite get how that works" MC
"He thinks he's teaming up with DX tonight.. it's DIY, but you can get with this or you can get with that" PM
"McDonagh said no more fun and games" MC
"Get with the group ... make money for the group" PM
"The whole world wants to see R-Truth get into this match.. Judgement Day just keeping him at bay" PM
"This guy's been running for 14 straight minutes" PM
"Ciampa doesn't get tired" PM
"I'm outta breath looking at him" MC
"Truth is magical" PM
"A long way down for R-Truth from Damian Priest" PM
And more great moments and highlights via the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE RAW
Women's Last Chance Battle Royal
"But tonight it's every woman for herself" Michael Cole
"If you want to get real intense one day just listen to Zoe Starks intro music clearance here. Real serious. The California girl is a beast" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"I'm going to hop on a plane and go visit" PM
"You could sign autographs" MC
"Nah, they don't wanna see me... There's a lot of Cole miners in Riyadh" Pat McAfee
"It has been a long week for Chelsea Green and also Natayla. Part of this Battle Royal tonight. They just got back from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia" MC
"Speaking of" PM
"Zelina Vega went right after Electra Lopez" MC
"Full chaos in the ring Cole" PM
"There's 14 fights happening at one time on Monday Night Raw" PM
"Raquel just caught a Viking and dumped a Viking over the top rope" PM
"No anders" MC
"People say you've got too many feelings for those anders" PM
"Stark on the top rope. Baszler from behind" MC
"We're down to Zoe and Raquel" MC
"Stark eliminated... Raquel Rodriguez is heading to Elimination Chamber ...now she is... and one step closer to WrestleMania" MC
"You'd have to think the odds have changed mighty now.. " PM
WWE past, present and future via the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
RAW
Honda Center. Anaheim, California
We are five days away from Elimination Chamber and Monday Night Raw is live from
just down the street from Disneyland. We're at Anaheim, California at the sold out Honda Center and there is a big fight feel tonight" Michael Cole
@MichaelCole
"Can Main Event Jey Uso get it done tonight" MC
"And we're starting things off tonight Mr McAfee with a banger" MC
"The Scottish Warrior one of six men who will be locked in Elimination Chamber this coming Saturday in Perth, Australia. The lone survivor will head to WrestleMania to face Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship Pat. McIntyre saying the others want to win. He needs to win" MC
"And has already won. An absolutely stacked Elimination Chamber in Australia on Saturday and Drew McIntyre's rolling in there with aronica" Pat McAfee
@PatMcAfeeShow
"This is not something I'd be signing up for"! PM
Media Man:.Broadcasting live. Pumped. Cody, Cody, Cody! Moments and highlights soon to be added to the official WWE YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/wwe
Pro Wrestling
WWE
@WWE
RAW
Feb. 19, 2024
Cody Rhodes vs Drew McIntyre
Gunther vs Jey Uso - Intercontinental Title
R-Truth, The Miz and DIY vs The Judgment Day. Truth or Dare?!
Women's “Last Chance” Battle Royal:
Michin, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre and Zelina Vega. We're picking Stark for the W on this one.
Chad Gable. Presidential Wrestling Machine vs Ivar, the Scandinavia scrapper. The Presidents Man vs The God's Must Be Crazy! Catch vs Viking cosplayer? Valhalla and maybe Hollywood is watching.
WWE announcers may have their hands full tonight, especially with the battle royal and femme fatales flying everywhere.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Jey Uso wants to take Gunther’s Intercontinental Title: WWE Now, Feb. 19, 2024
https://youtube.com/watch?v=AM9PMdz-WCI&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre headed for a collision on Raw
https://youtube.com/watch?v=T5x57j02NUY&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Jey Uso challenges Gunther's historic Intercontinental Title reign
https://youtube.com/watch?v=XbWKHXgwNLI&t=12s&ab_channel=WWE
Expect the unexpected and so much more!
http://youtube.com/wwe
Wrestling - UFC Connection
WWE
@WWE
Superstar Opens Up On Wrestling Injuries; UFC - MMA environment
Pro Wrestling Living Legend CM Punk Attends UFC 298; Speaks To Media On Recent Injury, Risks And Plans Forward
"Loosing a a fight in the UFC
@ufc
I think is different to loosing to hockey game or loosing a basketball game or a baseball game or something like that. It's real heartbreak for these guys and my heart goes out to Volkanovski right not 'cause I know he's heartbroken and I know the chatters going to be 'Should he have fought four months out after getting knocked out', but that's the fight game. My hats off to him for being such an active, fighting champion. For taking the risks, at 155 against the pound for pound best fighter in the world, Islam Makhachev, twice. Those are the things"...
"We're thinking maybe six to eight months, but I'm not really in a rush to get back to compete. I'm in a rush to get healthy. I'm in a rush to get better. The sooner I do that, the better I'll be when I come back...it's good to be back. I'm super happy it happened"
"My mouth still works so I'm still going to be able to talk some trash... it's the best part, it's what I do"..
"It's what happens to athletes. Mentally, I think it's harder because the physical pain is whatever. But I look at it just like a bump in the road. This is an occupational hazard. It happens, and I'll be back bigger and better. I'm a clumsy idiot. I tore my left triceps about two years ago, so the right one was jealous."
"I think one of the things that I never did before was try to balance things out"..
"Time heals old wounds you know. You slowly start to realise, you know, a lot of that staff then happened 10 years ago doesn't matter. Different people come and go Different people are in charge now. Maybe I can go back - it kinds of fits like an old slipper"... CM Punk
Video via TNT Sports YouTube
"THE ROCK COMING BACK IS FANTASTIC" 🔥 - CM Punk looks ahead to WrestleMania XL at #UFC298
https://youtube.com/watch?v=eBVw3jmCDQs
#CMPunk #UFC298 #UFC #Volk #Volkanovski #Topuria #Whittaker #TheRock #WWERaw #WWE #prowrestling #wrestling #interview #backstage #injuries #MMA #pressconference #interviews #bio #bios #YouTube #Video #wrestlingnews #fighting #Goat #legends #popculture #mmanews #sportsnews #sportsmedia #trends #trending #buzz #media
Media Man: One of the greatest CM Punk interviews we've ever seen/heard. Not a traditional pro wrestling hype - promo type interview, but from the heart. Punk speaks from experience as far as fighting in both arenas and recovering from injury. Sports based commentary with colour and sincerity. Nailed it. And great questions and vibe by interviewer Caroline Pearce. Cheers warriors.
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling @AEW
AEW Rampage
H-E-B Center in Cedar Park, Texas
A Rhodes & the Von Erichs team for the first time in over 40 years! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxRwDl7eaz4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Well this is certainly a very interesting team. The first time The Rhodes and Von Erich familes have teamed in more than 40 years" Excalibur
"Wow. How about that"
Bang Bang Scissor Gang make their in-ring debut as a team! 12-man action! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQfSQHGlZNk&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Our main event our of Rampage continues. A massive 12 person tag team match" Excalibur
NO DQ! Jeff Hardy & Sammy Guevara meet 1-on-1, for the first time! | 2/16/24, AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cg06QQTI-A&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"Exchange of blows"
"This is a treacherous position for both competitor Tony"
"Absolutely it is Excalibur" Tony Schiavone
Media Man: Watching the great Von Erichs is a bit like a virtual time machine for long time wrestling fans. Great that the tradition lives on. Having more than one pro wrestling promotion is primarily great news for wrestlers and fans. The compeition of sorts has lit a fire under wrestling promotions across the globe.
And more great action and drama via the official AEW YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/AEW
#AEWRampage #AEW #DustinRhodes #VonErichs #BBSG #JayWhite #JeffHardy #SammyGuevara #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #YouTube #YT #trends #trending #TV #Texas #media
Image credit: AEW
Media Man brand shuffle on streaming, combat sports, energy drinks, videogames, tech solutions, agency deals. For a business media/publicity/online media campaign email us at Media Man
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"WrestleMania is a week-long series of events, and the logistics of executing that week along with the week leading into it and the week after it are extraordinarily difficult in our own back yard" Triple H
#TripleH #quote #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #RomanReigns #TheRock #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #EliminationChamber #wwenews #wwemedia #wwepress #pressconference #creative #creativity #entertainment #popculture #PLE #PPV #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #trend #trends #buzz #media #mediaman
Combat Sports
PFL @PFLMMA Champs vs Bellator @BellatorMMA Champs
24 February, 2024
Kingdom Arena. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira. Bader wins with quick 20 second KO!
Eblem vs Kasanganay
Johnny Eblen aka The Human Cheat Code was the strong fav
Eblen 500 fav
Kasanganay was +360 underdog
PFL CHAMPS VS BELLATOR CHAMPS: Live Stream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjp3fw8WgwQ&ab_channel=PFLMMA
PFL CHAMPS vs BELLATOR CHAMPS: COLD OPEN!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2k-J0_ZehA&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Mike Tyson Open for PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWUoxKmPhw4&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Francis Ngannou Makes A Big Announcement | PFL vs Bellator Fight Week - VLOG Series Ep. 5
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w58U2qVLLo&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Betting The PFL: Episode 1 - PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-iWDltO2WI&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Preview
More great highlights and moments being added to the official PFL YouTube channel
PFL Official YouTube
www.youtube.com/@PFLMMA
More Videos
Chael Sonnen Official YouTube
Chael Sonnen talks Bellator vs PFL in Saudi Arabia on this episode of Beyond the Fight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTS-zqqi9mA&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen
Quotes
Impa Kasanganay:
"I don't even consider weight classes," Kasanganay told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be the best middleweight or light heavyweight in the world. I'm focused on being the best fighter possible. Whether it's at 170 pounds or 265 pounds, it's just a different form of discipline."
Media
IYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (FEBRUARY 11, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Riyadh Season have announced tickets for the first-ever mega MMA event of the year, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions.
Background
The PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions weigh-ins will take place at The Kingdom Arena on the 23 February at 6 pm KSA time.
Emanating live from Saudi Arabia, an emerging hotspot for global sporting events, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions is an unprecedented fight card that will feature World Champions and the biggest names in combat sports going head to head in the PFL SmartCage. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Headlining the card will be a battle between Heavyweight titleholders, as PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader. PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, who will fight at 185-pounds takes on Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen. Two-time PFL Champion Ray Cooper III faces Bellator Welterweight Champion, Jason Jackson, and in the featherweight action, PFL Champion Jesus Pinedo meets Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull.
The card will also feature the first-ever female MMA fight in Riyadh in which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields takes on Kelsey DeSantis in a Women’s Lightweight bout. PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions will also see Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, make his professional MMA debut. Other notable fighters on the card are Saudi Arabia's own Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Thiago Santos, Yoel Romero, Clay Collard, AJ McKee, Aaron Pico, and many more.
The inaugural PFL PPV Super Fight event will be available on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN beginning at 3 pm ET. In addition, three major showcase bouts will take place during the preliminary card airing in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 12 pm ET.
PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.
Riyadh Season attracts people from all over the world to experience a wide range of international martial arts and boxing events. It also offers various entertainment options and international experiences. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh. This unique entertainment includes participation from celebrities and well-known brands.
ABOUT RIYADH SEASON
Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please contact Riyadh Season Media Center via email: media@riyadhseason.sa
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments is a leading sports investor, wholly owned by PIF, and established to develop a world-class sports sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.
(Credit: PLF)
#PFL #PFLvsBellator #PFLxBellatornocombate #PFLvBellator #PFLxBellator #PFL2024 #Bellator #SRJ #MMA #combatsports #RyanBader #RenanFerreira #ImpaKasanganay #JohnnyEblen #sportsnews #sportsmedia #RiyadhSeason #KingdomArena #PPV #PayPerView #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Pro Surfing
World Surf League @wsl
SUNSET BEACH, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Women's Opening Round, Elimination Round, and Round of 16 Called ON at Hurley Pro Sunset Beach
The Hurley Pro Sunset Beach, Stop No. 2 of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), is ON today and will see the world's best surfers get their Sunset campaigns underway in clean four-to-six-foot waves. A big day of competition is upon us, with the women’s Opening Round starting at 8:03 a.m. HST, followed by the Elimination Round. The Round of 16 will run utilizing the overlapping format with 40-minute heats to determine the Quarterfinalists.
The Opening Round is stacked with major battles from the get-go, starting with the day’s opening heat featuring last year’s winner at Sunset, Molly Picklum (AUS), up against Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Isabella Nichols (AUS).
The current World No.1 Caitlin Simmers (USA) will surf in the second heat against Luana Silva (BRA) and Sophie McCulloch (AUS). Reigning World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) will be in the next heat with perennial threat Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and event wildcard Zoe McDougall (HAW).
Tyler Wright (AUS) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC), two former winners at Sunset, will battle it out in Heat 5 alongside rookie Alyssa Spencer (USA), while Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will be up against Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and India Robinson (AUS) in the final heat of the Opening Round. (Credit: WSL)
Watch the Hurley Pro Sunset Beach LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Isabella Nichols (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA), Luana Silva (BRA), Sophie McCulloch (AUS)
HEAT 3: Caroline Marks (USA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Zoe McDougall (HAW)
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS), Brisa Hennessy (CRC), Alyssa Spencer (USA)
HEAT 5: Johanne Defay (FRA), Lakey Peterson (USA), Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 6: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), India Robinson (AUS)
Hurley Pro Sunset Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 2: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)
HEAT 3: Liam O'Brien (AUS) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)
Videos via WSL YouTube
Johanne Defay, Lakey Peterson, Sawyer Lindblad | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A71UhSLZtsQ&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Molly Picklum, Isabella Nichols, Gabriela Bryan | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach - 2024 Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-0i3UZcNN4&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Tyler Wright, Brisa Hennessy, Alyssa Spencer | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Opening Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyd5rck2s2Y&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Tatiana Weston, Zoe McDougall, Alyssa Spencer | Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Elimination Round
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFfY9OYOLNQ&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
YouTube Live
VER EN DIRECTO Hurley Pro Sunset Beach 2024 - Dia 3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfESO-GjmfA&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
Gabriela Bryan Talks Prepping For “Her Spot” Sunset Beach, From Kauai To The CT, Goals for 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7wbdY_ahKA&t=2s&ab_channel=WorldSurfLeague
WSL Official YouTube
www.youtube.com/wsl
Since it hosted the first Championship Tour event ever in 1976, Sunset Beach has long stood as an old-school test of power surfing. And while timeless rail-to-rail surfing still dominates, a new school of surfers is beginning to redefine the wave with a more modern approach. Who will win out, and who heads to colder waters on a hot streak? (Credit: WSL) About WSL The World Surf League (WSL), established in 1976, is the global home of surfing. The WSL is dedicated to changing the world through the inspirational power of surfing by creating authentic events, experiences, and storytelling to inspire a growing, global community to live with purpose, originality, and stoke. The WSL is a global organization, headquartered in Santa Monica and with regional offices in North America, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and EMEA. The WSL possesses a deep appreciation for the sport's rich heritage while promoting progression, innovation, and performance at the highest levels. The WSL is comprised of Tours & Events, celebrating the world’s best surfers across all disciplines and annually running more than 180 global contests and crowning the undisputed World Champions across all divisions; WSL WaveCo, where innovation meets experience; and WSL Studios, which offers best in class storytelling across competition, lifestyle, and conservation. (Credit: WSL)
Media Man: Special thanks to the good folks and great riders at World Surf League. A flashback to when we were great. Cheers from the Maroubra Beach to Bondi Beach to Newport Beach, Sydney, Australia connection up to Sunset Beach. The Ripple Effect!
Media Man Int
World Surf League: News (Media Man Int) www.mediamanint.com/articles/world_surf.html
#WSL #WorldSurfLeague #HurleyProSunsetBeach #HurleyPro #MollyPicklum #GabrielaBryan
#IsabellaNichols #CaitlinSimmers #LuanaSilva
#SophieMcCulloch #CarolineMarks #SallyFitzgibbons #ZoeMcDougall #TylerWright #BrisaHennessy
#ItaloFerreira #JackRobinson #GabrielMedina #SethMoniz #KanoaIgarashi #MatthewMcGillivray #LeonardoFioravanti #JacobWillcox #KellySlater #SunsetBeach #surfing #prosurfing #surftour #surfingtour #surfingindustry #surfingnews #surfingbiz #surfinglifestyle #surfculture #sportsnews #sportsmedia #YouTube #Video #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: WSL
Finance / World Business News
Euro, Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A strong current account surplus may not help euro
The eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average, had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the previous month. The current level was seen in the eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the second half of 2021.
The normalisation of the surplus is good news for the single currency, as it means more net capital inflows into the region. But this growth has been fuelled by falling imports, which can be the result of lower commodity and energy prices (which is a very good thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in domestic demand. This threatens to translate into economic contraction in the coming months.
The euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008, all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold rises but within a downward channel
Gold rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach $2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand, as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back any losses.
At the same time, however, we note that since the beginning of the year, gold has been characterised by solid selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend. In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045, which is the upper boundary of the bearish range, looks quite acceptable.
The area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident buying from this level would be the first important signal that the recent correction is over and that gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much more important, however, will be the behaviour of gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal of the decline in late January took place. Consolidation at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However, as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration of the downtrend.
Among the fundamental factors, the potential for growth could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed officials show a softening of their position, bringing the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On the bearish side, equities could come under pressure following the optimistic rally in the tech giants and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity. We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent support measures for the Chinese stock market and property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market picture
The crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with opening and closing levels close to each other. Such sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on smoother rallies.
Ethereum hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week. Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana lost $1.6 million.
Since the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December 2021.
News background
Bitcoin will see institutional support in the next three to six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within the next six months. Five factors could contribute to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary easing, the US election, and companies accumulating BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant achievement of the financial system in the entire existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies. The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September 2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins, have been removed from circulation.
News (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/news.html
#Euro #EuroNews #Gold #GoldNews #commodity #Commodities #Bitcoin #BitcoinNews #BTC #BitcoinETF #BitcoinETFs #cryptocurrency #cryptonews #CryptocurrencyNews #Solana #CoinMarketPro #Coinbase #Celcius #ETF #Tether #USDT #Grayscale #Stablecoins #fintech #NFT #NFTS #market #trading #tradingnews #bitcoinbiz #bitcoincafe #bitcoingames #bitcoingaming #bitcoinpr #bitcoinewsmedia #FxPro #AlexKuptsikevich #GregTingle #affiliate #affiliates #AffiliateMarketing #aff #trends #trending #buzz #PR #newsbiz #X #media #mediaman #mediamanint
Search Engine News via Search Engine Journal
'Google Responds To Evidence Of Reviews Algorithm Bias', By Roger Montti
Via Search Engine Journal @sejournal
Media Man: Peg On/Social Media commentary
Journalism, Gonzo Journalism and Life and Business Experience
SEJ's Roger with an excellent deep dive and probe of sorts into Alphabet's Google. The search engine has its algorithm programmed by programmers (humans) right! It's programmed to give certain results, organic or not. Almost like a "random number generator" on a game in a casino?! Or, perhaps some parallel, but one gets the point. Not random. Not by coincidence or by accident. By design. The architect of The Matrix?! Follow the White Rabbit to Google's Alphabet and beyond the Forbidden Zone (ala The Running Man, Planet Of The Apes and Logan's Run). Pop culture reference for the day. Be the algorithm and master of your own domain and universe.
#Google #GoogleNews #SEJ #SEO #searchenginejournal #searchenginenews #algorithm #Algorithms #reviews #reviews #GoogleReviews #authority #experience #expert #experts #trend #trends #buzz #AI #media
Image credit: Google
John Shakespheare Illustrations
Creative learning indoctrination with social studies and sciences, with a major in politicial sciences with home schooling optional for discident studends and parents. Indoctrination101 from cradle to grave. Sponsored by WEF and NWO. Just another brick in the wall 'We Don't Need No Education" (Pink Floyd) or "Schools Out" (Alice Cooper). Educational creative art of war Great art. Best in class. Creative minds schooling Canberra. Truth to power art.
Business News
Via Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper, gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest updates on Key Economic Indicators
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Australian Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin: $52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family".
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at 3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic tourism statistics for Austrade
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
From 2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's best practice survey methodology, big data integration and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence with a new platform that will drive the future of Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan, the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard for surveying the population, enhanced with big data and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan will be delivering a future-proofed system that will be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding of how many people are travelling, where they go, what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism dollars.
Anti-mining PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy Morgan Summary
It is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry, given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an expansion, but the previously touted investment of between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely to redirect much of this capital investment to its criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan has released its readership results for New Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines, whether in print or online either via the web or an app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023 - almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue readership of 379,000 during the year to December (an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged 14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians.
One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
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Analysts Warn of Spread of AI-Generated News Sites
The spread of websites designed to look like news sites, but which trade in low quality or false information, could further damage media trust, some experts say.
The media watchdog NewsGuard has seen an increase in websites filled with what it says is AI-generated content.
"These are websites that are using artificial intelligence to sometimes generate content in mass [amounts], and it does not appear as content and it does not appear as though they have human editorial oversight," said Jack Brewster, NewsGuard's enterprise editor. "They are masquerading as news sites and act as advertising click bait."
NewsGuard defines the sites as Unreliable AI-Generated News Websites, or UAINS.
When it started identifying them in May 2023, it found 49. By February 2024, its AI Tracker listed more than 700.
The Tracker looks for evidence that a site has mostly AI-generated content; little to no human oversight; is designed to look like journalists or writers produced the content; and does not clearly disclose that the material is AI produced.
Most sites operate under names such as "Ireland Top News" and "Daily Times Update." And in at least one instance, the domain name of a former established outlet — Hong Kong's Apple Daily — has been taken over and filled with AI-generated content.
A Serbian businessman bought the domain after the media outlet shuttered in 2021. Authorities charged its publisher, Jimmy Lai, under the national security law, detained staff and froze assets.
Final Edition for Hong Kong’s Apple Daily
SEE ALSO:
Last Edition: Hong Kong’s Apple Daily Signs Off With Million-Copy Run
Now, instead of news, Apple Daily is filled with "SEO-bait" headlines, according to digital news site Wired.
Some media experts say these sites damage legitimate journalism and hurt its credibility.
"I think in recent years we've already seen a strong decline in the trust in the media and local news sources," said McKenzie Sadeghi, who is the news verification editor at NewsGuard.
"When we see the proliferation of these AI-generated websites that are presenting themselves as the average local trusted publication with human journalists, that creates an issue because it further reduces trust," added Sadeghi.
The issue spans several languages too, with NewsGuard identifying AI-generated websites in more than a dozen languages including English, Arabic, Chinese and Turkish.
One of the main goals, says NewsGuard, is to generate ad revenue.
NewsGuard found that Google is behind 90 percent of the ads on these sites. The watchdog says it believes the content violates Google's policies.
Google policy communications manager Michael Aciman told VOA via email that its policies do not allow the placement of advertisements "alongside harmful or spammy content."
But said Aciman, "NewsGuard has not shared the full list of sites in question, so we cannot review them nor confirm whether or not they violate our policies."
Some experts say they fear the spread of AI-generated fake news sites could affect elections. About 40 countries are scheduled to hold significant elections this year, and Brewster says disinformation looms over them.
"I don't think people realize that right now I can set up a website that is completely automated from start to finish and set up targets for certain key words like stolen election or the vaccine is dangerous," said Brewster.
"Think of any false claim you want to, and this web scraper would search the entire internet, and find the content they think will be the most viral and produce it automatically," he added.
Most of the sites the researchers identified are populated with content titled "Who Was the Most Decorated Soldier in the Third Reich" and "Is Oatmeal Healthy or Not?"
But NewsGuard also found one site pushing a false claim about U.S. presidential hopeful Nikki Haley and Palestinian refugees. Another site, named Celebritydeaths, falsely claimed President Joe Biden died and Vice President Kamala Harris had taken over his duties.
UCLA researcher Shazeda Ahmed says inaccurate information is potentially harmful if people act upon it.
"I also worry about what this will mean for media literacy," said Ahmed, a UCLA Chancellor's Postdoctoral Fellow who focuses on AI safety.
"When a person reads one of these articles that is AI generated, do they realize it? And if not, there's no recourse and there's not really anyone that's being held accountable for that," she said.
Part of the problem in accountability is the difficulty in tracing the owners or producers of the sites.
NewsGuard says many owners use privacy services to hide their identities.
VOA attempted to contact four owners of some of the sites NewsGuard identified via their contact us online form but received only one response.
That response referred VOA to a company named Byohosting.com. When contacted, Byohosting did not respond to the request for interview or comment. Instead, it offered its content services.
WWE Elimination Chamber: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson teases trip to Perth for Optus Stadium wrestling showdown - 22 Feb, 2024
The Rock has sent the strongest indication yet that he will be in Perth on Saturday night, sending a video message to fans threatening to appear if Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins talk trash about him at the Elimination Chamber on Saturday night.
The People’s Champion and Hollywood superstar isn’t on the card and hasn’t been advertised as appearing. He wasn’t even on the plane with the group when it arrived on Wednesday.
But after opening a video message to fans apologising for not being in Australia, he laid the strongest hint possible that he will turn up to confront Rhodes and Rollins during their interview on The Grayson Waller Effect.
“Cody Rhodes and his little girlfriend Seth Rollins are going to go on the Waller Effect,” The Rock said.
“Here’s the thing. I need you and you and this goof holding the camera and this one holding the microphone over here - I need all of you guys to make sure that Perth knows there’s some bulls...t happening.
“And if those guys, those guys meaning Cody and his little girlfriend Seth, if they start talking trash, let The Rock know.
“Tell The Rock because here’s what’s going to happen. The Rock is going to slap the piss out both of them just like that. As a matter of fact, if they talk trash, The Rock will fly down there to Perth before that interview is over and he’ll do it. Don’t wonder why The Rock can make it that quick. The Rock makes magic happen.”
Rhodes and Rollins began a feud with The Rock just weeks ago when the WWE made a major change to their storyline leading into WrestleMania.
The Rock slapped Rhodes in the face at the WrestleMania kick off event after hearing him challenge his cousin Roman Reigns and criticise their real life family. That led to Rollins promising to be by Rhodes’ side when he the match happens to ensure no members of that Bloodline faction get involved in the fight.
Perth will lose its mind if The Rock appears.
(The West Australian)
WWE superstars including Rhea Ripley, Triple H, Nia Jax, Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch arrive in Perth - 21 Feb 2024
Australia’s Rhea Ripley has headlined a WWE’s plane full of superstars which has landed in Perth to prepare for Saturday night’s extravaganza at Optus Stadium.
Some of the highest profile wrestlers in the world went straight from WWE Raw in Anaheim’s Honda Center to the airport in Ontario, then stopped in Honolulu before flying straight to WA in 20 hours.
Ripley posted from her hotel room about two hours after landing as the clock ticks down on her first match in Australia on the main WWE roster.
WWE Chief Content Officer and former champion Triple H quickly put out a video expressing his joy at being in Perth. “We’re excited to be here. It’s been a while,” he said.
He also sent an extended social media message to fans.
Women’s Elimination Chamber combatants Tiffany Stratton and Liv Morgan shared their excitement from the plane shortly after taking off.
Nia Jax, who will face Ripley for the women’s championship posted a video with Stratton during the flight, followed by another clip of her drinking coffee after nearly 19 hours in transit. The pair then took a photo together after landing in WA.
Former United States Champion Austin Theory also posted a photo on his social media of the plane landing in Perth at 12.39pm.
Tag team champion Finn Balor also posted from the plane, tagging his Judgment Day partner Dominik Mysterio in one shot, in a sign he will still be part of the show despite not being part of the card.
Mysterio is likely to be ringside when Judgment Day defend their titles and when Ripley fights Jax.
Becky Lynch posted videos of herself and husband, WWE Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, getting their bags.
The WWE will hold a televised free event for the public onstage on the Southern Oval outside Optus Stadium at midday on Friday. The train station will be operating that day and a merchandise tent will also be open.
Theory will also appear at Westfield Carousel at 10am on Saturday while Grayson Waller will be at Karrinyup Shopping Centre at 3pm on Friday.
(The West Australian)
WWE’s Triple H gets his first look at Optus Stadium ahead of Elimination Chamber on Saturday Feb 22, 2024
WWE Chief Content Officer and 14-time World Champion Triple H has talked up Optus Stadium to the world after visiting the venue for the first time on Wednesday night.
He has also revealed more than 40,000 people will be in attendance at the Elimination Chamber extravaganza on Saturday night.
A planeload of WWE superstars arrived in Perth on Wednesday to prepare the premium live event which is one of the biggest shows on the WWE calendar.
It will attract enormous attention around the world because the results of the matches will dictate what happens at WrestleMania in April.
Triple H visited Optus Stadium shortly after arriving in town and observed a large group of local wrestlers taking part in a WWE try out in the changerooms.
He then stepped onto the stadium surface and was mighty impressed by what he saw.
“This is a beautiful stadium,” he said.
“It’s brand new. Only I think a few years old - I think right before COVID.. It’s brand new. Just a beautiful stadium. It’s exciting.
“This is going to be an epic event. There’s a lot of buzz here already in Perth. I could feel it when we were getting off the plane and going through the airport. and the excitement of the WWE being in town.
“I can imagine when this place is packed on Saturday - we’ll have over 40,000 in here - it’s going to be quite something.”
Tickets are still available for the event and many of the most expensive seats recently had their price slashed.
The Elimination Chamber is already set to be one of the largest attended shows outside of North America.
Australia’s Rhea Ripley will headline the show and defend her Women’s Championship against Nia Jax. A six-man match inside the Elimination Chamber will determine who fights for the men’s World Title at WrestleMania. That match already includes multiple former champions.
The winner of Ripley and Jax will defend the title at WrestleMania against the winner of the six-woman Elimination Chamber match.
The tag team championships are also on the line in Perth, while there is huge anticipation to see if The Rock makes a sudden appearance when Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are interviewed in the ring about their feud with him during the show.
(The West Australian)
Elimination Chamber to determine the No. 1 Contender to World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at WrestleMania - Feb 9, 2024
Six Superstars will collide inside the dreaded Elimination Chamber to earn the right to challenge World Heavyweight Champion Seth "Freakin" Rollins at The Showcase of the Immortals.
On the Feb. 9 edition of SmackDown, the first two entries into the career-altering structure were decided, as Drew McIntyre overcame AJ Styles, and Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn.
Two more entrants secured their tickets on the Feb. 12 episode of Raw as Bobby Lashley dispatched "Big" Bronson Reed and LA Knight dispelled Ivar.
Kevin Owens and United States Champion Logan Paul rounded the field on the Feb. 16 episode of SmackDown after they defeated "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and The Miz, respectively.
The Elimination Chamber Match will begin with two Superstars in the ring and four other competitors enclosed in their respective pods. At equally timed intervals, a pod door will open, allowing another competitor to join the bout. This process will continue until all pods are empty. When a Superstar is pinned or submits, that Superstar is eliminated and must exit the Chamber. The last Superstar remaining will be the winner.
Find out in the coming weeks who else will earn the right to step into the Chamber for a chance to punch their ticket to The Showcase of the Immortals. Don’t miss all the action of WWE Elimination Chamber, streaming live from Optus Stadium in Perth, Western Australia, at 5 a.m. ET /2 a.m PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.
WANDERLEI SILVA NAMED TO UFC HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2024 - Feb 16, 2024
Former Pride FC Middleweight Champion Will Be Inducted To The Pioneer Wing
FC today announced that former PRIDE FC middleweight champion Wanderlei Silva will be inducted into the 2024 Class of the UFC Hall of Fame as a Pioneer. The 2024 UFC Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this summer in Las Vegas and will be streamed live exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS.
“Wanderlei Silva is one of the true pioneers of the sport of MMA,” UFC CEO Dana White said. “Wanderlei was an absolute savage who left his mark by delivering some of the most memorable fights in combat sports history. He had legendary fights against Mirko Cro Crop, Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Brian Stann, and his fights against Rich Franklin, as they were absolute wars! He was also one of the early superstars of PRIDE who helped grow the MMA fanbase on a global scale, and it will be an honor to induct him into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer.”
UFC HALL OF FAME 2024: Frankie Edgar
Silva will enter the UFC Hall of Fame as the 19th member of the Pioneer Era Wing. The Pioneers Era category includes athletes who turned professional before November 17, 2000 (when the unified rules of mixed martial arts were adopted), are a minimum age of 35, or who have been retired for one year or more.
A veteran of 51 fights during his 22-year professional MMA career, Silva registered a record of 35-14-1 Draw / 1 NC (27-11-1-1, – UFC / PRIDE), securing victories over UFC Hall of Famers Kazushi Sakuraba, Michael Bisping and Dan Henderson (Fight Wing); UFC® 13 lightweight tournament winner Guy Mezger; former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson; former Pancrase middleweight, light heavyweight, and open weight champion Yuki Kondo; former Strikeforce U.S. middleweight champion Eugene Jackson; and former WEC® light heavyweight champion Brian Stann.
Silva made his professional MMA debut on November 1, 1996, by competing in Brazilian Vale Tudo 6. He defeated his opponent via knockout in the first round and would win four of his next five fights across Vale Tudo before entering UFC with a 5-1 record.
Silva made his UFC debut as part of UFC BRAZIL: ULTIMATE BRAZIL, which took place on October 16, 1998, in Sao Paulo. He faced UFC 12 heavyweight tournament champion and future UFC light heavyweight champion Vitor Belfort, losing via punches 44 seconds into the first round.
Following his loss to Belfort, Silva would return to Vale Tudo and earn two wins before returning to the Octagon® and defeating Tony Petarra via first-round knockout at UFC 20: BATTLE FOR THE GOLD on May 7, 1999.
Silva left UFC and won his next three fights in PRIDE FC, a legendary Japanese MMA promotion, before returning to the Octagon to face future UFC Hall of Famer Tito Ortiz for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 25: ULTIMATE JAPAN 3. Silva and Ortiz would go the distance with Tito capturing the title via unanimous decision.
After losing his shot at the UFC light heavyweight title, Silva spent the next seven years competing primarily in Japan for PRIDE FC. During this time, he fought 25 times for Japan, becoming the PRIDE FC middleweight champion by defeating future UFC Hall of Famer Kazushi Sakuraba during PRIDE 17 in 2001. Silva successfully defended his title four times, and his reign would last for 1,939 days, the longest title run in PRIDE FC history.
During his tenure as middleweight champion, Silva also entered the 2003 PRIDE FC Middleweight Grand Prix, defeating Sakuraba, as well as four-time World Judo Champion and three-time Olympic medalist Hidehiko Yoshida and former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson to become the Grand Prix Champion. His win would make history as the first athlete to win a PRIDE Championship and Grand Prix. He would also enter the 2005 and 2006 Grand Prix, advancing to the semi-finals each year.
Silva returned to UFC in 2007 to face former UFC light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell in the co-main event of UFC 79: NEMESIS. Silva would lose via unanimous decision, but he would become a fan favorite as the bout won several “Fight of the Year” accolades from media outlets.
For the next six years, Silva would compete against the top contenders in the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. He defeated former WEC light heavyweight champion Brian Stann via knockout in the main event of UFC on FUEL TV: SILVA vs. STANN on March 3, 2013. This would serve as his final UFC fight. He would compete two more times outside of the Octagon before retiring on September 29, 2018.
Silva enters the UFC Hall of Fame with an impressive resume that includes:
UFC:
Most knockouts in Zuffa history (PRIDE / UFC / WEC / Strikeforce) – 19
Most knockdowns in Zuffa history (PRIDE / UFC / WEC / Strikeforce) – 27
PRIDE:
Most wins in PRIDE history – 22
Most knockouts in PRIDE history – 15
Most knockdowns in PRIDE history – 18
Most significant strikes in PRIDE history – 720
Longest undefeated fight streak in PRIDE history – 20 (18-0-1, 1 NC)
Longest title reign in PRIDE history as middleweight champion – 1,939 days
Tied for most knockouts by soccer kicks/stomps in PRIDE history – 4
Outside the Octagon, Silva has been honored with numerous awards during his career, receiving Knockout of the Decade honors in 2004 by Sports Illustrated for his KO of Quinton Jackson at PRIDE 28. In 2008, he received Fight of the Year for his bout against UFC Hall of Famer Chuck Liddell at UFC 79, and Knockout of the Year for his KO of Keith Jardine at UFC 84 during the Fighters Only World MMA Awards. In 2020, Sem Coleira, a Portuguese biography of his life, was published.
A native of Curitiba, Brazil, Silva began training in Muay Thai and kickboxing when he joined the Chute Boxe Academy. As a member of the Brazilian army, he also began to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He currently lives in Curitiba, with his wife and children.
To view Silva’s UFC FIGHT PASS collection please visit: https://ufcfightpass.com/playlist/20539
To see a complete list of UFC athletes and fights enshrined in the UFC Hall of Fame, as well as details regarding the UFC Hall of Fame format, please visit UFCHOF. For additional information, please visit UFC.com.
Search Engine News via Search Engine Journal
'Google Responds To Evidence Of Reviews Algorithm Bias', By Roger Montti
Via Search Engine Journal
Media Man: Peg On/Social Media commentary
Journalism, Gonzo Journalism and Life and Business Experience
SEJ's Roger with an excellent deep dive and probe of sorts into Alphabet's Google. The search engine has its algorithm programmed by programmers (humans) right! It's programmed to give certain results, organic or not. Almost like a "random number generator" on a game in a casino?! Or, perhaps some parallel, but one gets the point. Not random. Not by coincidence or by accident. By design. The architect of The Matrix?! Follow the White Rabbit to Google's Alphabet and beyond the Forbidden Zone (ala The Running Man, Planet Of The Apes and Logan's Run). Pop culture reference for the day. Be the algorithm and master of your own domain and universe.
Business News
Via Roy Morgan Research and Media Man social media
Copper, gold, and Bitcoin rise; Iron ore and oil fall; ASX to fall in response to selling on Wall Street; US vetoes Arab-backed UN resolution demanding ceasefire in Gaza; Assange's lawyers warn that he risks 'flagrant denial of justice' if he is tried in US
Latest updates on Key Economic Indicators
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Australian Dollar: $0.6550 USD (up 0.0011 USD)
Iron Ore Mar Spot Price (SGX): $120.85 USD (down $6.40 USD)
Oil Price (WTI): $78.27 USD (down $1.02 USD)
Gold Price: $2,024.37 USD (up $6.43 USD)
Copper Price (CME): $3.8595 (up $0.0465 USD)
Bitcoin: $52,059.35 (up 0.35% in last 24 hours)
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family".
Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.: 38,582.12 at 3.22pm NY time (down 45.87 points on Friday's close)
Roy Morgan wins three-year contract to deliver domestic tourism statistics for Austrade
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
From 2025, Roy Morgan will provide Austrade with the world's best practice survey methodology, big data integration and modelling techniques to deliver accurate domestic tourism statistics. Roy Morgan has reimagined the future of domestic tourism statistics to move Austrade and its stakeholders to the forefront of tourism intelligence with a new platform that will drive the future of Australia's tourism industry, which is estimated to be worth in excess of $160 billion. Portia Morgan, the Head of Client Services at Roy Morgan, says that using face-to-face interviewing, which is the gold-standard for surveying the population, enhanced with big data and cutting-edge data science techniques, Roy Morgan will be delivering a future-proofed system that will be cost effective, reliable, and accurate. She adds that Roy Morgan has been delivering survey-based tourism insights via its Holiday Tracking Survey for 20+ years and the company is thrilled to be working with Austrade and the broader industry to provide a deeper of understanding of how many people are travelling, where they go, what they do and how they spend their valuable tourism dollars.
Anti-mining PM pushes BHP's cash offshore
Roy Morgan Summary
It is somewhat hypocritical of the federal government to flag possible support for Australia's nickel industry, given that Labor's anti-mining legislation may jeopardise the expansion of BHP's copper operations in South Australia. BHP is still likely to proceed with an expansion, but the previously touted investment of between $10bn and $15bn is now only a 50 per cent chance. The new labour laws in the government's industrial relations reforms mean that BHP is now more likely to redirect much of this capital investment to its criticals minerals projects in other countries; rival miner Rio Tinto is already doing this.
More than 2.7 million New Zealanders now read newspapers and magazine audiences surge to over 1.7 million
21 February 2024
Roy Morgan has released its readership results for New Zealand's newspapers and magazines for the 12 months to December 2023. The data shows that 2.73 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (64.4%) now read or access newspapers in an average 7-day period via print or online (website or app) platforms. In addition, 1.71 million New Zealanders aged 14+ (40.3%) read magazines, whether in print or online either via the web or an app. The New Zealand Herald is still the nation's most widely-read publication, with a total cross-platform audience of 1,720,000 in the 12 months to June 2023 - almost five times as many as the second placed Dominion Post with a readership of 341,000. Meanwhile, New Zealand's most widely read magazine is still the driving magazine AA Directions, which had an average issue readership of 379,000 during the year to December (an increase of 63,000 on a year ago).
These are the latest findings from the Roy Morgan New Zealand Single Source survey of 6,254 New Zealanders aged 14+ over the 12 months to December 2023.
New report reveals Roy Morgan is one of Australia's leading data companies - with in-depth information on millions of Australians based on their Helix Personas
Market Research Update
20 February 2024
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians. One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Roy Morgan Summary
Roy Morgan leads the way as one of Australia's leading data companies. A special in-depth report into Australia's leading data companies interviewed Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine and Executive Chairman Gary Morgan about the role the company plays in compiling data and building profiles of different Australians.
One of Roy Morgan's key products is 'Helix Personas' which profiles people under headings such as "young and platinum", "smart money", "cautious conservatives", "fair go", "working hard" and nearly 50 other personas. For example, the "young and platinum" group love their mobile devices and are "always on the hunt for the shiny, new and cool" and "making the rent". Their income is around the $64,000 a year mark and they can often be found "living a conventional life centred around family". Roy Morgan CEO Michele Levine confirmed that the Helix Personas market segments are based on statistical information, not data from individual people. "It's totally ethical. Unlike Facebook or any of these things, it's not any particular individual", Roy Morgan's chief executive Michele Levine, said.
(Credit: Roy Morgan Research)
Finance / World Business News
Euro, Gold, Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
A strong current account surplus may not help euro
The eurozone's current account surplus climbed to a six-month high of 31.9bn in December. Analysts, on average, had expected a decline to 20.3 bn from 22.5 bn the previous month. The current level was seen in the eurozone during the relatively benign pre-Covid period and sometime before Natural Gas prices spiked in the second half of 2021.
The normalisation of the surplus is good news for the single currency, as it means more net capital inflows into the region. But this growth has been fuelled by falling imports, which can be the result of lower commodity and energy prices (which is a very good thing), but also partly indicative of a slowdown in domestic demand. This threatens to translate into economic contraction in the coming months.
The euro area experienced periods of severe import contraction in late 2008 and early 2010, and in both cases, the economy experienced a severe downturn. Back in 2008, all this was accompanied by the collapse of the euro.
Gold
Gold rises but within a downward channel
Gold rallied for the fourth consecutive session to reach $2023, recovering almost all the losses suffered the week before on the back of the inflation report. Gold's ability to rally suggests continued domestic demand, as some investors are clearly rushing to buy back any losses.
At the same time, however, we note that since the beginning of the year, gold has been characterised by solid selloffs on the news, forming a smooth downtrend. In the context of this downtrend, a rise to $2040-2045, which is the upper boundary of the bearish range, looks quite acceptable.
The area around $2035 - the highs of two weeks ago - also appears to be a crucial intermediate level. Confident buying from this level would be the first important signal that the recent correction is over and that gold is ready to make a fresh assault on the highs.
Much more important, however, will be the behaviour of gold as it approaches the $2050 level, where the reversal of the decline in late January took place.
Consolidation at this level would confirm the breakdown of the downtrend and set the stage for a move towards $2100 and the subsequent renewal of historic highs.
However, as long as gold is trading within the downtrend, there is a greater chance of a breakdown or even an acceleration of the downtrend.
Among the fundamental factors, the potential for growth could be provided by the fall in the dollar if Fed officials show a softening of their position, bringing the start of interest rate cuts closer.
On the bearish side, equities could come under pressure following the optimistic rally in the tech giants and the news of a sharp slowdown in economic activity. We also do not rule out the possibility that the recent support measures for the Chinese stock market and property sector will cool demand for gold as a safe-haven for investors from that part of the world.
Cryptocurrency
Crypto market growth halted amid capital inflows
Market picture
The crypto market has corrected 0.46% in the last 24 hours, fluctuating within a narrow range without a clear direction. Bitcoin is down 1% but up 3.7% over seven days, Ethereum is flat for the day but up 10.6% over the week. The top coins are mixed with BNB +2% and Solana -2.5%.
Bitcoin is currently drawing its fourth daily candle with opening and closing levels close to each other. Such sideways consolidations are characteristic of strong bull markets, as opposed to corrective pullbacks on smoother rallies.
Ethereum hit local highs on rumours of a positive regulatory decision before the end of March. Bloomberg analyst James Seyffarth bet 4 ETH that the SEC will not approve a spot Ethereum ETF next month.
According to data from CoinShares, investment in crypto funds rose by a record $2.452 billion last week, following inflows of $1.116 billion the previous week.
Bitcoin investments increased by $2.424 billion, Ethereum by $21 million, Cardano lost $6 million, and Solana lost $1.6 million.
Since the beginning of the year, crypto funds have seen inflows of an impressive $5.2 billion, with total AUM rising to $67 billion, the highest since December 2021.
News background
Bitcoin will see institutional support in the next three to six months, according to Coinbase. Bitcoin ETFs could eventually become a major competitor to gold funds.
According to IntoTheBlock, there is an 85% chance that Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high within the next six months. Five factors could contribute to this: the halving of the price, ETFs, monetary easing, the US election, and companies accumulating BTC as part of their treasuries.
Former CIA contractor Edward Snowden, who has been living in Russia since 2013, called bitcoin the most significant achievement of the financial system in the entire existence of money and means of exchange.
Amberdata admitted that Ethereum will outpace Bitcoin in terms of growth due to more constructive deflationary policies. The supply of ETH has been decreasing since September 2022, thanks to the update of The Merge, as well as the implementation of a mechanism to burn part of the commissions. During this time, around 0.36 million ETH, or 0.3% of the total supply of 120 million coins, have been removed from circulation.
Wrestling News
WWE @WWE
Full Elimination Chamber: Perth Preview: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh0GGgrUvV8&t=19s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE heads down under for two huge Elimination Chamber Matches, Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley defends her title against Nia Jax, Cody Rhodes and World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins appear on “The Grayson Waller Effect” and so much more. (Credit: WWE)
WWE Superstars hug koalas: Elimination Chamber 2024 Vlog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zkq2BK6DWnU&t=13s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&ab_channel=WWE
Elimination Chamber: Perth Kickoff: February 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iYYJKGXi8&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
WWE Press Conference (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_press.html
#EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #WWEAustralia #WWENow #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #TheRock #LoganPaul #RandyOrton #LAKnight #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #AustinTheory #RheaRipley #NiaJax #TheBloodline #TripleH #pressconference #wwenews #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #entertainmentnews #popculture #PLE #LiveEntertainment #Video #YouTube #trend #trends #buzz #Perth #WesternAustralia #Aussie #media
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event
Feb 22, 2024
"Oh. Ya all Gunna yell at me huh" Logan Paul
"I flew 30 hours to get booed" LP
"Ok, alright, that's the direction you want to go. We can go there" LP
"So it's WWE's first time coming to Perth!? and I'm gunna personally going to make sure it's the last" LP
"This place sucks guys" LP
"When they told me we're coming to Perth I say hey we got to go to Sydney instead" LP
"I mean even Taylor Swift went to Sydney instead of this dump" LP
"You Google like the top 10 things to do as a tourist in Perth and number one is go visit an island full of rats. Not so different from you people huh" LP
"Yikes, we legit in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the ocean. I swear to God I'd rather be stranded in the middle of the ocean. Don't be mad at me this place sucks guys. I'm gunna give you some fun facts" LP
"What" Fans
"Nuh, shut up it's my show..I'm not doing this" LP
"Gunna bring a little fun to your boring Australian lives"
"In tomorrow's Elimination Chamber I am the only champion competing"
"I am the youngest opponent by a decade"
"No offence old men"
"It's a new era and ya all about to be washed out"
"So Perth, make no mistake. I'm only here cause I have to be"
"What" fans
"I will win the Elimination Chamber"
"What" fans
"I will rematch Seth Rollins at WrestleMania"
"And I will become double champ"
"What" fans
"So Perth, consider yourself Logan Paul's stepping stone" LP
"So Randy, while you were gone with your back surgery this idiot weaselled his way into our industry and now we have to deal with him Alamos ever week. It's pretty brutal, but we can take care of him tomorrow in the chamber. What do you guys think?" Kevin Owens
"And met me assure you, everyone Logan wishes you we're stranded in the middle of the ocean and not here" KO
"Me to. Me to" LP
"Well, what's the matter Kevin. You looking a little flush. It's a little hot out there. You want some Prime. You looking a little hydrated my guy. There you go. Take a sip Give me my bottle back. Give me my bottle. You can't wait till tomorrow. Anger management cost you that last match" LP
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Triple H tears apart Logan Paul and Kevin Owens: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xb2qVmDYKQ&ab_channel=WWE
Seth “Freakin” Rollins leads Perth crowd in trashing The Rock: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3weiCozfxY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Bianca Belair stares down Becky Lynch: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=660XLMDp67o&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley rallies all of Australia against Nia Jax: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDgTROk2lfk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley and Grayson Waller toast a Shoey to the Perth crowd: Elimination Chamber Press Event
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9oncmb9zxU&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
#WWEEliminationChamber #EliminationChamber #wwepress #wwemedia #LoganPaul #quotes #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #TripleH #RheaRipley #SethRollins #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #MichaelCole #CoreyGraves #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingnews #OptusStadium #pressevent #liveentertainment #livesports #entertainment #entertainmentnews #YouTube #YT #Video #Videos #popculture #newsmedia #trends #trending #buzz #x #mediaevent #media #mediaman #mediamanint
"I swear it upon Zeus an outstanding runner cannot be the equal of an average wrestler" - Socrates
Media Man Int
Stoism Directory
www.mediamanint.com/articles/stoicism_directory.html
Mind, Body and Sprit
www.mediamanint.com/articles/mind_body.html
Best Quotes Of The Day
www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html
Wrestling Directory
www.mediamanint.com/articles/wrestling_directory.html
#Socrates #quote #Zeus #wrestler #wrestling #runner #sports #bestquotes #BQOTD #GreekPhilosopher #philosopher #Philosophy #stoic #stoicism #mbs #mindbodyspirit #sports #world #Greece #media #mediaman
“Wrestling needs to be about the art form again. It needs to be about painting a picture and having a really good match.” - Terry Gene Bollea (Hulk Hogan)
#HulkHogan #quote #wrestling #prowrestling #artform #TerryFunk #sportsentertainment #legend #legends #wrestlinglegends #entertainment #PopCulture #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown
February 23, 2024
Bron Breakker, former WWE NXT @WWENXT champion and NXT Tag Team champion to make SmackDown in-ring debut! It's bound to be a dog day afternoon for someone.
LA Knight vs Drew McIntyre
Authors of Pain (The Final Testament) vs Street Profits
Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate vs Judgment Day (“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio and JD McDonagh)
Tiffany Stratton vs Liv Morgan. It well may be Tiffy Time! Stratton says it's "her universe"
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Bron Breakker makes his SmackDown debut: WWE Now, February 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae32pT708D0&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
Introducing SmackDown’s newest Superstar, Bron Breakker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0vzfgFDaYQ&ab_channel=WWE
FULL SEGMENT – Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin celebrate winning: NXT, Feb. 20, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReAVOpVdZKk&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #wwemedia #creative #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown: February 23, 2024
Explosive SmackDown moments: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxDuXVuB9U&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Like Dirty Dom wandered into the wrong cell block" Corey Graves
"Simply switched places at the wrong time" Wade Barrett
"KO is here and Logan Paul is here. What could possible go wrong" CG
FULL MATCH — LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre becomes Elimination Chamber chaos: SmackDown, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5idcBgnw8U&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
"We know that the United States champion never misses an opportunity to go viral" Corey Graves
"I dunna but here's heading our way and there just so happens to be a seat right here" Wade Barrett
“The Grayson Waller Effect” is coming home: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acDVraD9oO8&ab_channel=WWE
Bron Breakker makes a dominant SmackDown debut: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeYCdvPFMk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. “Dirty” Dom Mysterio & JD McDonagh: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNSznsWHsg&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Karrion Kross injures Bobby Lashey with a steel chair attack: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImE2bHiTrQ4&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
"The final chapter by AOP. Montez Ford keeps it alive" CG
"600 pounds of unbridled rage" WB
Karrion Kross shows The Pride a frightening future: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bS2iRUlb74&ab_channel=WWE
"Now it's done. Ya understand, it's done. We've been leaving you laying weeks at a time. Over and over and over again...Profits, I'll tell you again. Bobby does not like associating with people who can't keep up"... Karrion Kross
Legado del Fantasma ambush The LWO: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlS7oEP-1M&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5T5fCY_uNQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Tiffy's had enough" CG
"I don't blame her" WB
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #KevinOwens #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE @WWE SmackDown: February 23, 2024
Explosive SmackDown moments: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuxDuXVuB9U&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Like Dirty Dom wandered into the wrong cell block" Corey Graves
"Simply switched places at the wrong time" Wade Barrett
"KO is here and Logan Paul is here. What could possible go wrong" CG
FULL MATCH — LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre becomes Elimination Chamber chaos: SmackDown, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5idcBgnw8U&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
"We know that the United States champion never misses an opportunity to go viral" Corey Graves
"I dunna but here's heading our way and there just so happens to be a seat right here" Wade Barrett
“The Grayson Waller Effect” is coming home: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acDVraD9oO8&ab_channel=WWE
Bron Breakker makes a dominant SmackDown debut: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMeYCdvPFMk&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Pete Dunne & Tyler Bate vs. “Dirty” Dom Mysterio & JD McDonagh: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xNSznsWHsg&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Karrion Kross injures Bobby Lashey with a steel chair attack: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImE2bHiTrQ4&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
"The final chapter by AOP. Montez Ford keeps it alive" CG
"600 pounds of unbridled rage" WB
Karrion Kross shows The Pride a frightening future: SmackDown exclusive, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bS2iRUlb74&ab_channel=WWE
"Now it's done. Ya understand, it's done. We've been leaving you laying weeks at a time. Over and over and over again...Profits, I'll tell you again. Bobby does not like associating with people who can't keep up"... Karrion Kross
Legado del Fantasma ambush The LWO: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlS7oEP-1M&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5T5fCY_uNQ&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
"Tiffy's had enough" CG
"I don't blame her" WB
#SmackDown #EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #wwe #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #BronBreakker #Steiner #DogFacedGremlin #DogDayAfternoon #DogDay #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #KevinOwens #NickAldis #AuthorsOfPain #FinalTestament #KarrionKross #StreetProfits #JudgementDay #TiffanyStratton #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #creativity #entertainment #popculture #FOX #wrestlingfox #wrestlingfoxes #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #LiveEntertainment #LiveSports #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #media #mediaman
Image credit: WWE
Pro Wrestling
WWE Elimination Chamber: Perth Kickoff: February 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_iYYJKGXi8&ab_channel=WWE
#EliminationChamber #WWEChamber #WWE #wrestling #prowrestling #WrestleMania #WrestleMania40 #DrewMcIntyre #LAKnight #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #RandyOrton #RKO #JudgementDay #RheaRipley #NiaJax #CodyRhodes #SethRollins #TiffanyStratton #TiffyTime #LivMorgan #wwewomen #GWEffect #GraysonWaller #Catch #RoadToWrestleMania #wwenews #story #storylines #entertainment #popculture #PLE #PPV #YouTube #Video #Videos #broadcast #broadcasting #AndStill #trend #trends #buzz #Aussie #USA #Perth #WesternAustralia #media
Image credit: WWE
Combat Sports
UFC @ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
#UFC #UFCMexico #UFCMexicoCity #UFCFightNight #FightNight237 #FightNight #Moreno #Royval #BrandonMoreno #BrandonRoyval #AssassinBaby #YairRodriguez #BrianOrtega #MMA #mixedmartialarts #comabtsports #ArenaCDMX #sportsnews #sportsmedia #Video #Videos #YouTube #ESPN #highlights #moments #preview #interviews #bio #entertainment #LiveSports #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: UFC
Combat Sports
UFC @ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
www.mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
#UFC #UFCMexico #UFCMexicoCity #UFCFightNight #FightNight237 #FightNight #Moreno #Royval #BrandonMoreno #BrandonRoyval #AssassinBaby #YairRodriguez #BrianOrtega #MMA #mixedmartialarts #comabtsports #ArenaCDMX #sportsnews #sportsmedia #Video #Videos #YouTube #ESPN #highlights #moments #preview #interviews #bio #entertainment #LiveSports #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #media
Image credit: UFC
Pro Wrestling
All Elite Wrestling @AEW
Supergroup, The Bang Bang Scissor Gang, fire on all cylinders! | 2/24/24, AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WamkDRvii48&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Thunder Rosa continues her return momentum! | 2/24/24, AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK2hhg6zlS0&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
FTR returns to AEW Collision to face STP’s Taylor & Moriarty! | 2/24/24 AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vc8xkMb5BvQ&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
"You are looking live at the Great Southern Bank Arena in Springfield, Missouri when Collision in live here on TNT" .. Tony Schiavone
Sammy Guevara takes on Don Callis Family’s Powerhouse Hobbs in a NO DQ match!| 2/24/24 AEW Collision
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNkenCv_GgA&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Bryan Danielson v Jun Akiyama + FTR v Taylor & Moriarty | AEW Control Center: Springfield, 2/23/24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3VWcr7JD1Q&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
The EVPs, Matthew & Nicholas Jackson, are coming for the AEW World Tag Champs! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9yQ0itSiXw&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
AEW World Champ Joe, Strickland, & Cage vs Hangman, RVD, & FTW Champ Hook! | 2/21/24, AEW Dynamite
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkbintHOOdc&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Sammy Guevara comes face-to-face with The Don Callis Family! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CABuVbJQZ1U&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Undisputed Kingdom’s Roderick Strong faces Jake Hager! | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbVuONbqud4&t=102s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Could Mariah May continue her momentum against Anna Jay? | 2/23/24 AEW Rampage
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uD70iPD07Lg&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
Episode 2: Dog Shark Party | Johnny Loves Taya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmE8eWiObXE&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling
And more great action and drama via the official AEW YouTube channel
www.youtube.com/AEW
Media Man: AEW maintains its more gritty and edgy genre. Having points of difference is freqently a reason for success of challanger brands in many forms of business including sports and showbiz. Strong emotion and heat in the fued with Sammy Guevara vs Don Callis and Will Hobbs. FTR going up the ratings. Plenty of teams gunning for them! Risk management required for AEW powers that be with so much action in and out of the ring!
#AEWCollision #AEWRampage #AEWRevolution #prowrestling #wrestling #FTR #Supergroup #BBSG #ThunderRosa #SammyGuevara #DonCallis #DonCallisFamily #YoungBucks #EVPS #SwerveStrickland #SamoaJoe #Hook #RVD #TNT #entertainment #popculture #YouTube #Video #Videos #highlights #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media #mediaman
Image credit: AEW
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Will the Bitcoin Halving Create Overnight Millionaires?
Now that the initial euphoria around the new spot Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has started to fade, it's time to move on to the next major catalyst for Bitcoin: the halving event in April. According to a growing number of analysts, this could really send its price soaring.
In fact, according to Bitcoin ETF issuer Grayscale (NYSEMKT: GBTC), the impact of this halving could exceed any of the three previous Bitcoin halvings. But is that really the case? There are three key reasons this event might end up disappointing crypto investors.
1. Buy the rumor, sell the news
As we've seen with the spot Bitcoin ETFs, the market is getting a lot smarter about pricing in the impact of each new Bitcoin event. If you subscribe to the efficient markets hypothesis, which says that the market efficiently prices in new information about any asset, then this is exactly what you would expect.
In the case of the Bitcoin ETFs, the market had a good grip on when they should come along, as well as which firms were likely to win approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). So it didn't come as much of a surprise when the SEC finally approved the spot Bitcoin ETFs on Jan. 10.
The market had already priced in the effect of this move. In the six months from June 2023 to January 2024, the price of Bitcoin soared in anticipation. Thus, when the news finally came, Bitcoins prices actually headed lower -- not higher, as many people had thought. As it turned out, the preliminary gains were a bit too optimistic in the short term.
So, could the same thing happen again, this time with the halving? At the end of last year, some analysts were already starting to predict that some of the halving impact had already been priced in. This makes sense, given how much attention Bitcoin now has from Wall Street and big institutional investors.
The halving is no longer a surprise event for them, as it might have been back in 2012, 2016, or even 2020. It's a highly predictable thing with several cycles of historical precedent. And the crypto market is no longer as inefficient as it was just a few years ago.
2. Correlation does not imply causation
Within the Grayscale report on the Bitcoin halving, one of the most interesting sections was an analysis of the overall macroeconomic situation during the time of each halving.
The halving events of 2012, 2016, and 2020 lined up with important macroeconomic events that might have had much more to do with the price of Bitcoin soaring than the halving itself.
Take the May 2020 halving, for example. The market was coping with the shock of the pandemic, and a new wave of government stimulus money helped to prop up investment markets. Some people took their stimulus checks and put them all into crypto. So when Bitcoin eventually surged to an all-time high in November 2021, was it due to the halving, or to the broader macroeconomic situation?
All of which is to say that investors might be falling into the correlation/causation trap. They see three distinct periods when Bitcoin rallied, and the natural assumption is that there must be some sort of causation going on. Maybe there's not.
3. Past performance is no guarantee of future results
Lastly, just because Bitcoin has rallied three times after three halving events does not mean that it is going to happen again, just like clockwork. It's like flipping a coin three times, getting heads each time, and assuming that there is a greater than 50% chance of it being heads on the fourth flip.
And remember: Bitcoin is scheduled to undergo halving cycles every four years from now until 2140. Does anyone really think that Bitcoin will hit a new all-time high in each of the next 30 or so halving cycles? At some point, the effect will likely vanish.
Granted, Grayscale makes several noteworthy points in its report on the Bitcoin halving. For example, it says that the new spot Bitcoin ETFs are a factor that has never existed in previous halving cycles. This matters because the demand for Bitcoin from these ETFs should soak up any selling pressure that might occur from Bitcoin miners as a result of the halving.
Don't expect the price of Bitcoin to skyrocket overnight
Even if you think that the halving will have a significant impact on the price of Bitcoin, just remember that the price gains after a halving usually take 12 to 18 months. Consider the past halving: It took place in May 2020, but Bitcoin didn't reach its all-time high of $69,000 until November 2021 -- a full 18 months later. As a result, don't expect a sudden jump in the price of Bitcoin from its current level of around $50,000.
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Satoshi Anticipated Bitcoin Energy Debate in Email Thread With Early Collaborators
Satoshi Nakamoto warned that Bitcoin could become a significant consumer of energy in 2009 emails.
Proof of Work is central to Bitcoin's security but debated for high energy consumption.
Satoshi foresaw non-financial uses for blockchain and expressed concerns about legal scrutiny.
In a recently released batch of emails posted by Martii 'Sirius' Malmi, an early collaborator on Bitcoin's code, Satoshi Nakamoto warned that the cryptocurrency – now the world's largest digital asset – could become an energy guzzler.
The email release comes as Craig Wright is on trial in a case brought by the Crypto Open Patent Alliance (COPA) to determine whether he is indeed Satoshi Nakamoto, the anonymous creator of Bitcoin.
"Proof of Work is the only solution I've found to make p2p e-cash work without a trusted third party," Satoshi wrote in May 2009, calling Proof of Work (PoW) "fundamental to coordinating the network and preventing double-spending."
PoW is a consensus algorithm used in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to secure the network and prevent double-spending by requiring miners to solve complex computational puzzles, which in turn validates transactions and adds new blocks to the blockchain.
PoW is at the center of a debate around Bitcoin's energy consumption. While the cryptocurrency industry points to miners' use of clean or orphaned power, which would otherwise go to waste, critics are laser-focused on the raw numbers of energy consumption it generates.
As a result, some jurisdictions like New York State or British Columbia have placed moratoriums on Bitcoin mining, citing the high energy consumption.
"If it did grow to consume significant energy, I think it would still be less wasteful than the labour and resource intensive conventional banking activity it would replace," Satoshi wrote. "The cost would be an order of magnitude less than the billions in banking fees that pay for all those brick-and-mortar buildings, skyscrapers, and junk mail credit card offers."
2021 research from Galaxy Digital showed that Bitcoin uses half the energy of the banking or gold mining industries.
"Ironic if we end up having to choose between economic liberty and conservation," Satoshi continued.
Non-financial uses of Blockchain
Blockchain serving as a sort of open-source notary was one non-financial use of Bitcoin that Satoshi saw in the technology, which would allow users to securely timestamp documents to prove their existence at a specific point in time.
"Bitcoin is a distributed secure timestamp server for transactions," Satoshi wrote. "A few lines of code could create a transaction with an extra hash in it of anything that needs to be timestamped."
Legal concerns
Satoshi was also concerned that labelling Bitcoin as a sort of investment might bring legal scrutiny from authorities.
"There are a lot of things you can say on the sourceforge site that I can't say on my own site," he wrote. "Even so, I'm uncomfortable with explicitly saying, 'consider it an investment' ... That's a dangerous thing to say and you should delete that bullet point. It's OK if they come to that conclusion on their own, but we can't pitch it as that."
Indeed, in the time since, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has engaged in a long campaign of legal warfare around the use of this word and might classify a cryptocurrency as a security and crypto exchanges as dealing with unregistered securities.
Craig Wright Admits to Editing Bitcoin White Paper Presented in COPA Trial
The bitcoin developers' lawyer, Alexander Gunning, presented evidence that Craig Wright had made new edits to his whitepaper, which Wright acknowledged.
The Crypto Open Patent Alliance wants to prove that Wright's claim to be the founder of bitcoin is a lie backed by forgeries.
Craig Wright admitted to making changes to the version of the bitcoin whitepaper he presented in the Crypto Open Patent Alliance's (COPA) trial while testifying Friday.
The trial to prove whether or not Wright is the anonymous creator of the bitcoin white paper completed its third week. COPA wants to prove that Wright's claim to be Satoshi Nakamoto is a lie afforded by "industrial style forgeries," and the bitcoin developers lawyer Alexander Gunning is helping them.
On Friday, Gunning showed that Wright made edits to the bitcoin whitepaper in his "LaTeX files," which Wright agreed was accurate. Wright said the edits were simply a demonstration for his representatives at Shoosmiths (his law firm).
"You were not showing this to anyone, we know the times you were showing this to Shoosmiths, you were doing it for yourself," Gunning said.
"What you are doing is tweaking parameters.. to get them to fit " the layout of the bitcoin whitepaper, Gunning added. The file was uploaded as recently as November 2023, Gunning said.
Gunning ended his questioning by asking: "Your claim to be Satoshi Nakomoto is a fraudulent claim isn't it?" which Wright disputed.
Week three
Wright's testimony capped off the third week of the trial, which saw some of COPA's witnesses take to the stand to face questioning from Wright's lawyers.
Zooko Wilcox-O'Hearn, a computer scientist and the founder of Zcash, testified on Thursday where he was questioned on how well he knew Nakamoto. Wilcox said he wouldn't call himself "pals" with the pseudonymous Bitcoin creator. In court documents, he said that he was not sure if he had any private conversations with Nakamoto.
Other witnesses were more confident about their interactions with Nakamoto.
Computer scientist Marti Malmi spoke on Wednesday, disputing the dates that Wright put forward about Malmi's interaction with Nakamoto. Malmi later released his emails with Nakamoto on X (formerly Twitter).
Wright said in his witness statement that Malmi approached Nakamoto in Feb. 2009 but Malmi said in his statement this was "incorrect," and that the date was actually May 1, 2009.
Adam Back, the CEO of bitcoin technology company Blockstream, said in his first statement he corresponded with someone purporting to be Nakamoto via email.
In his statement he showed an email he received from Nakamoto on Aug. 20, 2008, where he said he planned to cite Back's paper about a proof-of-work system and Back responded by sending more resources.
Wright described Back's interactions with Nakamoto as "dismissive," which Back said was inaccurate.
Next week expert witnesses will be questioned.
Screen Actors Guild Awards
'Oppenheimer,' 'Succession,' 'Bear,' 'Beef,' Lily Gladstone score SAG Awards
Stunt and publicitiy stunts? Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Stars from Oppenheimer, Succession, The Bear, Beef, Killers of the Flower Moon and The Holdovers were the big winners at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles Saturday night.
The event honoring excellence in film and TV acting streamed live for the first time on Netflix.
Jennifer Aniston presented the SAG Life Achievement Award to Barbra Streisand.
Presenters included Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr., Billie Eilish, America Ferrera, Brendan Fraser, Taraji P. Henson, Cillian Murphy, Issa Rae and Margot Robbie.
Oppenheimer won for Best Cast, Best Lead Actor for Murphy and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr.
Gladstone won for Best Lead Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon and Da'Vine Joy Randolph earned the honor for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.
The stars of Succession won for Best Cast in a Drama Series, while Pedro Pascal won for Best Actor in a Drama Series for The Last of Us and Elizabeth Debicki won for Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Crown.
The ensemble of The Bear was named Best Cast in a Comedy Series, with its leads Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White picking up the Best Lead Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series Awards.
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun went home with the prizes for Best Actress and Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for their work in Beef.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning won for Best Stunt Ensemble of a Movie and The Last of Us won for Best Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series.
#SAG #SAGAwards #SAGAwards2024 #Netflix #showbiz #movienews #streaming #streamingentertainment #streamingindustry #entertainment #EntertainmentNews #KillersOfTheFlowerMoon #Oppenheimer #Succession #TheCrown #MissionImpossible #MI #MissionImpossibleDeadReckoning #TheLastOfUs #Bear #Beef #LilyGladstone #TheHoldovers #boxoffice #popculture #trend #trends #buzz #TV #LA #LANews #media #mediaman
Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
In Case You Blinked And Missed It
Crypto’s catch-up - Feb 23, 2024
Market picture
The crypto market rebounded in the overnight session, supported by a return of optimism in stocks after a cheering Nvidia report. The crypto capitalisation was up over 1% in 24 hours.
The impressive gains were much stronger than the market, with BNB up 5% in one day and 10.5% in seven days, compared to BTC's +0.6% and -0.9% over the same periods. Still, BNB is playing catch-up over a broader time frame.
Bitcoin managed to hold above $50K on Wednesday, where it found buyers and is once again trading at its preferred level of $52K, near which we see daily opens and closes for the eighth consecutive day.
Ethereum proved earlier in the day that it is in rapid growth mode, characterised by lightning-fast corrections. On Thursday morning, the price was back above $3000, close to the highest since April 2022.
News background
Ophelia Snyder, president of 21Shares, said the launch of the Bitcoin ETF was a great success, but the financial gap between the largest issuers could leave three to five funds in the market.
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it had de-anonymised several cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the hacker group LockBit and imposed sanctions on those associated with them.
The unidentified Ethereum whale transferred 1,732 ETH (~$5.15 million) to the Kraken crypto exchange after 8.5 years of inactivity. According to on-chain data, the address received 3,465 ETH (~$10.3 million) in an initial coin offering on Ethereum Genesis at $0.31.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he welcomed the launch of ETFs tied to XRP and expressed optimism about spot ETFs on other cryptocurrencies.
The US Department of Justice has sought a court order to limit the disclosure of confidential information about the case between US authorities and former Binance exchange chief Changpeng Zhao.
US-based Circle, the company behind the second most popular stablecoin USDC, unexpectedly announced the end of support for the Tron blockchain.
Altcoins’ reverse traction
Market picture
The crypto market hit multi-month highs on Tuesday but started Wednesday with a frightening decline.
Ethereum lost around 2%, pulling back to $2929, which is the scale of the fall in Solana. Cardano is down 5%, and XRP is down 3%. Bitcoin has managed to avoid a sell-off without replicating the upward momentum observed in recent days.
Technically, Ethereum's pullback to $2700 is a correction of this month's rally and should not cause much alarm. However, a break below this level could be a cause for concern.
According to AllianceBernstein, Ethereum is virtually the only alternative to Bitcoin that can get ETF approval from the SEC. The likelihood of ETH ETF approval is almost 50% for launch by May and almost 100% in the next 12 months.
News background
According to Bloomberg, the growth of the crypto market is once again attracting retail investors with small deposits - they are starting to use apps like Robinhood to buy and sell digital assets.
Many market participants are predicting the start of the alt season, but some remain cautious. For example, Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, points to the continued dominance of Bitcoin with a 51 per cent market share. In his view, the first cryptocurrency's dominance "needs to fall below 45%" for the altcoin season to begin.
The launch of spot ETFs in the US has had a positive impact on Bitcoin's order book liquidity and ability to trade at stable prices. This is the conclusion reached by Kaiko. BTC liquidity rose to its highest level since October 2023.
AI tokens saw a surge in activity last week on the back of the launch of OpenAI's Sora, with their total capitalisation exceeding $15 billion and the Worldcoin token (WLD) hitting an all-time high.
E-commerce giant eBay has changed its stance on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and is likely to exit the space in the near future. The company has laid off more than 30% of the staff at its NFT marketplace, KnownOrigin. According to CoinGecko, NFT turnover across the top 10 blockchains fell 55.1% to $11.8 billion in 2023, with 72% of this value related to NFTs on Ethereum.
(Source: FxPro)
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Wrestling News
Australia and The Wrestling World Still Buzzing About WWE @WWE Elimination Chamber in Perth, Western Australia
Heels To Babyfaces; Land Down Under Bizzaro Land Aka Canada In Bret 'Hitman" Hart prime era; Not Quite Parts Unknown any more; Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome Eat Your Heart Out
Stunning Reaction And Super Pop For Cody Rhodes
Sure, there were winners and losers, but the fans won, the WWE and the pro wrestling industry won.
Greatest Tourism Promo Ever For Western Australia? Dream Exposure Won
Usual heels went to babyfaces such as Tiffany Stratton who the Aussie's just loved, then there was the 'Aussie Icon' Grayson Waller who had almost 100 percent fan support (apart from a few hardcore "Cody Cry Babies"), which his on screen mate Austin Theory went along with - and it cost the hitman! (who got hit and then some).
"The Maverick" Logal Paul aka "Prime Heel" in some circles also drew plenty of cheers and wows, despite trying to be hated so much at the WWE media event the day prior.
Heel (bad gun) or not, Stratton's Tiffy Time, Swanton off the pod, Paul's flying cross body off the pod, and Waller's shoey with Aussie UFC living legend "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa won over the crowd. Mr GW Effect enjoyed a shoey with South Australia's own Rhea "Bloody" aka "Mummi" Ripley the day before at the presser - just in case there was any confussion.
The man you love to hate, Logan Paul, made sure to bring his markers into the pod and drew some mean devil horns and other graffiti aimed at rival Kevin Owens. These two fought tooth, nail and brass knux, until it was time for Randy Orton to put Paul out of his Aussie heatwave-like misery with the RKO.
Aussie Indi Hartwell was pumped just to be competing in her native Australia (just as well as her team came away with the official W). Big Bronson Reed from Adelaide, South Australia didn't attend as he was busy being new and proud father. Great to see more pro wrestlers with their work/life balance more in tune than what was the case many decades ago where wrestlers burnt the candle at both ends - sometimes costing them the ultimate price.
Australia's world champ, Rhea Ripley defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard fought and exciting match that featured a superplex, Samoan drop, tables and plenty of brutality.
This new and current era under Triple H, Nick Khan, Shawn Michaels (WWE NXT) and a select number of folks in the brains trust (recalling the late Bobby "The Brain" Heenan, is absolutely thriving.
If you didn't get the meme, Logan Paul won Media Man's MVP Of The Card (men), neck and neck with Tiffiny Stratton who has converted thousand of Aussie's to Tiffy Time in and around the international date line. Hot heels, hot action and hot big business all round.
It's an open secret the pro wrestling is both theatre/showbiz as well as an extremly dangerous combat sports hybrid.
The pro wrestlers who get and stay at the top usally are great wrestlers with both strong technical ability, charismatic, tough as nails (mentally and physical), an who actually love the game and business of wrestling. Countless wrestlers and would be wrestlers have found out just how difficult the business is, and very few enjoy sustainable careers. These pros make it look easy (sort of), when it is anything but.
Fans, make no mistake - you are looking at the best of the best.
Aussie's, both the wrestlers and fans, did the Land Down Under proud.
Future Champ Picks: Waller, Statton and Paul.
Wrestler Booker Of The Year: Triple H
Heel Of The Year fav (thus far): Logan Paul
Get your official winners and results via the WWE website.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the Chamber Superstars brawl: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YK56nLGAhtY&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPipUwYWgXw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grKZ_Cn22PY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley celebrates her emotional homecoming: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDboENIH8_U&ab_channel=WWE
Indi Hartwell is happy to be home in Australia: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDKTVQahCtk&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Top 10 moments from WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: WWE Top 10, Feb. 24, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Khhpxkcu410&ab_channel=WWE
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rJDiNzSE_s&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE impacts the community in Perth, Western Australia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEBhY2QBRX0&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&t=24s&ab_channel=WWE
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Image credit: WWE
Screen Actors Guild Awards
'Oppenheimer,' 'Succession,' 'Bear,' 'Beef,' Lily Gladstone score SAG Awards
Stunt and publicitiy stunts? Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning
Stars from Oppenheimer, Succession, The Bear, Beef, Killers of the Flower Moon and The Holdovers were the big winners at the Screen Actors Guild Awards ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall in Los Angeles Saturday night.
The event honoring excellence in film and TV acting streamed live for the first time on Netflix.
Jennifer Aniston presented the SAG Life Achievement Award to Barbra Streisand.
Presenters included Jessica Chastain, Robert Downey Jr., Billie Eilish, America Ferrera, Brendan Fraser, Taraji P. Henson, Cillian Murphy, Issa Rae and Margot Robbie.
Oppenheimer won for Best Cast, Best Lead Actor for Murphy and Best Supporting Actor for Downey Jr.
Gladstone won for Best Lead Actress for Killers of the Flower Moon and Da'Vine Joy Randolph earned the honor for Best Supporting Actress for The Holdovers.
The stars of Succession won for Best Cast in a Drama Series, while Pedro Pascal won for Best Actor in a Drama Series for The Last of Us and Elizabeth Debicki won for Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Crown.
The ensemble of The Bear was named Best Cast in a Comedy Series, with its leads Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White picking up the Best Lead Actress and Actor in a Comedy Series Awards.
Ali Wong and Steven Yeun went home with the prizes for Best Actress and Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries for their work in Beef.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning won for Best Stunt Ensemble of a Movie and The Last of Us won for Best Stunt Ensemble in a TV Series.
Wrestling News
Australia and The Wrestling World Still Buzzing About WWE Elimination Chamber in Perth, Western Australia
(Amended version with some corrections) - Media Man crew somewhat fatigued after so much wrestling and combat sports news and happenings over past few weeks!!!
Heels To Babyfaces; Land Down Under Bizzaro Land Aka Canada In Bret 'Hitman" Hart prime era; Not Quite Parts Unknown any more; Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome - Eat Your Heart Out
Stunning Reaction And Super Pop For Cody Rhodes Sure, there were winners and losers, but the fans won, the WWE and the pro wrestling industry won.
Greatest Tourism Promo Ever For Western Australia?
Dream Exposure Won
Usual heels went to babyfaces such as Tiffany Stratton who the Aussie's just loved, then there was the 'Aussie Icon' Grayson Waller who had almost 100 percent fan support (apart from a few hardcore "Cody Cry Babies"), which his on screen mate Austin Theory went along with - and it cost the hitman! (who got hit and then some).
"The Maverick" Logan Paul aka "Prime Heel" in some circles also drew plenty of cheers and wows, despite trying to be hated so much at the WWE media event the day prior. Heel (bad guy) or not, Stratton's Tiffy Time, Swanton off the pod, Paul's flying cross body off the pod, and Waller's shoey with Aussie UFC living legend "Bam Bam" Tai Tuivasa won over the crowd. Mr GW Effect enjoyed a shoey with South Australia's own Rhea "Bloody" aka "Mami" Ripley the day before at the presser - just in case there was any confusion.
The man you love to hate, Logan Paul, made sure to bring his markers into the pod and drew some mean devil horns and other graffiti aimed at rival Kevin Owens. These two fought tooth, nail and brass knux, until it was time for Randy Orton to put Paul out of his Aussie heatwave-like misery with the RKO. Aussie Indi Hartwell was pumped just to be competing in her native Australia (just as well as her team came away with the official L for loss). Big Bronson Reed from Adelaide, South Australia didn't attend as he was busy being new and proud father. Great to see more pro wrestlers with their work/life balance more in tune than what was the case many decades ago where wrestlers burnt the candle at both ends - sometimes costing them the ultimate price.
Australia's world champ, Rhea Ripley defended her title against Nia Jax in a hard fought and exciting match that featured a superplex, Samoan drop, tables and plenty of brutality. This new and current era under Triple H, Nick Khan, Shawn Michaels (WWE NXT) and a select number of folks in the brains trust (recalling the late Bobby "The Brain" Heenan), is absolutely thriving. If you didn't get the memo, Logan Paul won Media Man's MVP Of The Card (men), neck and neck with Tiffany Stratton who has converted thousand of Aussie's to Tiffy Time in and around the international date line. Hot heels, hot action and hot big business all round.
It's an open secret the pro wrestling is both theatre/showbiz as well as an extremely dangerous combat sports hybrid. The pro wrestlers who get and stay at the top are usually great wrestlers with both strong technical ability, charisma, tough as nails (mentally and physically), and who actually love the game and business of wrestling. Countless wrestlers and would be wrestlers have found out just how difficult the business is, and very few enjoy sustainable careers. These pros make it look easy (sort of), when it is anything but. Fans, make no mistake - you are looking at the best of the best.
Aussie's, both the wrestlers and fans, did the Land Down Under proud.
Future Champ Picks: Waller, Stratton and Paul.
Wrestling Booker Of The Year: Triple H
Heel Of The Year fav (thus far): Logan Paul
Get your official winners and results via the WWE website.
Videos via the award winning WWE YouTube channel
Randy Orton, Logan Paul and the Chamber Superstars brawl: SmackDown highlights, Feb. 23, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=YK56nLGAhtY&t=6s&ab_channel=WWE
Full WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights https://youtube.com/watch?v=MPipUwYWgXw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Full Elimination Chamber Results and Highlights: WWE Now, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=grKZ_Cn22PY&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE
Rhea Ripley celebrates her emotional homecoming: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=cDboENIH8_U&ab_channel=WWE
Indi Hartwell is happy to be home in Australia: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 exclusive https://youtube.com/watch?v=tDKTVQahCtk&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE
Top 10 moments from WWE Elimination Chamber 2024: WWE Top 10, Feb. 24, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=Khhpxkcu410&ab_channel=WWE
Women’s Elimination Chamber Match: WWE Elimination Chamber 2024 highlights
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1rJDiNzSE_s&t=25s&ab_channel=WWE
WWE impacts the community in Perth, Western Australia https://youtube.com/watch?v=LEBhY2QBRX0&ab_channel=WWE
WWE Elimination Chamber Press Event: Feb. 22, 2024 https://youtube.com/watch?v=T7752CMfFEU&t=24s&ab_channel=WWE
Media Man Int
WWE Elimination Chamber (Media Man Int)
http://mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_elimination.html
Pro Wrestling
National Wrestling Alliance
@nwa
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
"The CW has made a big commitment to sports, and they have an incredible top-tier streaming platform. The network’s audience represents a very wide swath of American culture—which wrestling has always been a key part of. This partnership gives us the opportunity to reach that audience more readily. We’re excited to get the chance to show there are other voices in professional wrestling. With NWA, there’s honesty, integrity, and a different level of swagger, because it’s coming from the underground. It’s similar to rock ‘n’ roll in this respect. With The CW behind us, we’re pulling NWA into the light where fans can appreciate its authenticity" Billy Corgan
BILLY CORGAN & NATIONAL WRESTLING ALLIANCE (NWA) ANNOUNCE DEAL WITH THE CW NETWORK
STREAMING FLAGSHIP PROGRAM NWA POWERRR & MARQUEE EVENTS SUCH AS PARANOIA NOW
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
MUCH ANTICIPATED NWA SIGNATURE LIVE EVENT HARD TIMES 2024 ON MARCH 2 FROM DOTHAN, AL SLATED TO BE MONUMENTAL PROGRAMMING ON NWA POWERRR
SET TO PREMIERE UNTITLED UNSCRIPTED SERIES STARRING BILLY CORGAN IN 2024
Billy Corgan and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) Announce Deal With The CW Network
Feb 21, 2024
LOS ANGELES, C.A. (News Release) — GRAMMY® Award-winning founder of The Smashing Pumpkins and National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) President Billy Corgan proudly announces an exclusive streaming deal for NWA with The CW. Under this newly minted all-encompassing partnership, multiple NWA programs will be streaming and on-demand via The CW platform and portal in the United States.
Democratizing access to action-packed wrestling from some of the sport’s biggest, boldest, and brightest personalities, all programming is notably available free of charge and without a subscription via The CW app. It represents a monumental power move for NWA. The partnership not only amplifies the brand’s presence throughout popular culture and the zeitgeist, but it also sets a precedent for wrestling, at large.
Flagship program NWA Powerrr is live on the platform now and features ‘Return to Robarts’ programming emanating from the historic Robarts Arena in Sarasota Florida. New episodes air weekly on Tuesdays with past seasons also available to stream. Additionally, the much-anticipated Paranoia Live Event on Powerrr is also now available on The CW. Shot on January 13, 2024 at Revolution Live in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the signature live event Paranoia features some of the league’s top stars and a myriad of thrilling high-octane matches. Next up, the massive signature live event Hard Times 2024 will premiere on the platform as part of future episodes of NWA Powerrr, streaming on both http://CWTV.com and the CW app.
Additionally, a brand new unscripted untitled series about Corgan’s life, family, role as President of NWA, and his “day job” will also debut on The CW later this year. Co-produced by Corgan’s own production company Lightning One Inc. and Nacelle Company, it offers an unprecedented vignette into every dimension of his world with unparalleled candor.
Corgan continues to deepen the storied mythos and legacy of NWA—one of the oldest and most prestigious professional wrestling brands in the world. He has carefully curated matches and sought-out exciting new talent, building a haven for future superstars to shine with attitude, integrity, power, and panache.
As such, NWA currently serves as a home to the likes of EC3, Matt Cardona, “Thrillbilly” Silas Mason, Trevor Murdoch, Thom Latimer, The Immortals (Odinson and Kratos), Blunt Force Trauma (Damage and Carnage), Aron Stevens, Austin Idol, The Insane Clown Posse’s Violent J, The Brothers of Funstruction Yabo and Ruffo, Colby Corino, Mims, Max the Impaler, “The Sinister Minister” Father James Mitchell, Burchill, Bryan Idol, Natalia Markova, Kerry Morton, Alex Taylor, May Valentine, among others.
With more heavyweights, more drama, and the most bravado, Billy Corgan, The CW, and NWA will enthral and thrill inside and outside of the ring throughout 2024 and beyond. Stay tuned.
NWA Official YouTube Channel
http://youtube.com/nwa
Crypto and more via Media Man and FX Pro
In Case You Blinked And Missed It
Crypto’s catch-up - Feb 23, 2024
Market picture
The crypto market rebounded in the overnight session, supported by a return of optimism in stocks after a cheering Nvidia report. The crypto capitalisation was up over 1% in 24 hours.
The impressive gains were much stronger than the market, with BNB up 5% in one day and 10.5% in seven days, compared to BTC's +0.6% and -0.9% over the same periods. Still, BNB is playing catch-up over a broader time frame.
Bitcoin managed to hold above $50K on Wednesday, where it found buyers and is once again trading at its preferred level of $52K, near which we see daily opens and closes for the eighth consecutive day.
Ethereum proved earlier in the day that it is in rapid growth mode, characterised by lightning-fast corrections. On Thursday morning, the price was back above $3000, close to the highest since April 2022.
News background
Ophelia Snyder, president of 21Shares, said the launch of the Bitcoin ETF was a great success, but the financial gap between the largest issuers could leave three to five funds in the market.
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control said it had de-anonymised several cryptocurrency wallets belonging to the hacker group LockBit and imposed sanctions on those associated with them.
The unidentified Ethereum whale transferred 1,732 ETH (~$5.15 million) to the Kraken crypto exchange after 8.5 years of inactivity. According to on-chain data, the address received 3,465 ETH (~$10.3 million) in an initial coin offering on Ethereum Genesis at $0.31.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse said he welcomed the launch of ETFs tied to XRP and expressed optimism about spot ETFs on other cryptocurrencies.
The US Department of Justice has sought a court order to limit the disclosure of confidential information about the case between US authorities and former Binance exchange chief Changpeng Zhao.
US-based Circle, the company behind the second most popular stablecoin USDC, unexpectedly announced the end of support for the Tron blockchain.
Altcoins’ reverse traction
Market picture
The crypto market hit multi-month highs on Tuesday but started Wednesday with a frightening decline.
Ethereum lost around 2%, pulling back to $2929, which is the scale of the fall in Solana. Cardano is down 5%, and XRP is down 3%. Bitcoin has managed to avoid a sell-off without replicating the upward momentum observed in recent days.
Technically, Ethereum's pullback to $2700 is a correction of this month's rally and should not cause much alarm. However, a break below this level could be a cause for concern.
According to AllianceBernstein, Ethereum is virtually the only alternative to Bitcoin that can get ETF approval from the SEC. The likelihood of ETH ETF approval is almost 50% for launch by May and almost 100% in the next 12 months.
News background
According to Bloomberg, the growth of the crypto market is once again attracting retail investors with small deposits - they are starting to use apps like Robinhood to buy and sell digital assets.
Many market participants are predicting the start of the alt season, but some remain cautious. For example, Markus Thielen, head of 10x Research, points to the continued dominance of Bitcoin with a 51 per cent market share. In his view, the first cryptocurrency's dominance "needs to fall below 45%" for the altcoin season to begin.
The launch of spot ETFs in the US has had a positive impact on Bitcoin's order book liquidity and ability to trade at stable prices. This is the conclusion reached by Kaiko. BTC liquidity rose to its highest level since October 2023.
AI tokens saw a surge in activity last week on the back of the launch of OpenAI's Sora, with their total capitalisation exceeding $15 billion and the Worldcoin token (WLD) hitting an all-time high.
E-commerce giant eBay has changed its stance on non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and is likely to exit the space in the near future. The company has laid off more than 30% of the staff at its NFT marketplace, KnownOrigin. According to CoinGecko, NFT turnover across the top 10 blockchains fell 55.1% to $11.8 billion in 2023, with 72% of this value related to NFTs on Ethereum.
(Source: FxPro)
Combat Sports
UFC
@ufc
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 aka UFC Fight Night 237 and UFC on ESPN+ 95)
"The Assassin Baby" vs Royval - Re-Match
February 24, 2024
Arena CDMX. Mexico City, Mexico
Video and hype via the offcial and award winning UFC YouTube Channel
UFC Mexico: Fighter Faceoffs
https://youtube.com/watch?v=lVShCnHI7jc&ab_channel=UFC
Moreno vs Royval 2 - Risk It All | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=F6APdAT0KNk&ab_channel=UFC
"I think Joe what's most incredable is that when Brandon Moreno beat Jussier Formiga, Brandon Morenowas was not even in the UFC. You fast forward 7 months - he's got 2 submission wins"
"If he can win tonight, he legitimalty has a shot at a championship in less than 12 months"
"This kid's wild" Joe Rogan
Weigh-In Highlights | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sCg8JG234oQ&ab_channel=UFC
Brian Ortega, Tarek El Moussa, UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Royval 2 Picks | UFC Unfiltered
https://youtube.com/watch?v=yGby85KMTDQ&ab_channel=UFC
UFC Unfiltered w/ Jim Norton and Matt Serra
Matt and Jim are joined by 4th-ranked UFC featherweight Brian Ortega and real-estate TV personality Tarek El Moussa on this episode of UFC Unfiltered. Today’s show is one marked by a series of brief cameos — beginning with Mrs. Serra briefly joining her husband in the show’s intro and shortly thereafter with Ortega hopping on the call alongside coach Rener Gracie. Looking to get back to his winning ways in his first fight since injuring his shoulder 19 months ago, Ortega reflects back on what went right for him in the cage against Yair Rodriguez in his last fight before the untimely injury put an unceremonious end to the contest. A proud Mexican American set to fight in his parents’ home country for the first time in his career, Ortega gets candid about what it means to be in the co-main slot of Saturday’s card in Mexico City against a Mexican-born fighter like Yair Rodriguez — especially now that there are added title implications with Ilia Topuria as the UFC’s newly-crowned featherweight champion. Then, Jim and Matt are joined by real-estate TV star Tarek El Moussa, who begins his interview with a stroll down memory lane of how he became a UFC superfan before explaining the details of his incredible life story captured eloquently in his newly-released book titled: “FLIP YOUR LIFE: How to Find Opportunity in Distress - in Real Estate, Business, and Life”. When Tarek hops off the call, the guys wrap up the show with some picks for the two rematches atop Saturday’s card, Ortega’s fight against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event and Brandon Moreno’s rematch against Brandon Royval in the main event. (Credit: UFC)
Muhammad Naimov Post-Fight Interview | UFC Mexico
https://youtube.com/watch?v=x2AbVE77eTk&ab_channel=UFC
ESPN MMA Official YouTube
Tracy Cortez's thoughts on the UFC Mexico fight card & her potential comeback | ESPN MMA
https://youtube.com/watch?v=salzf4zm40s&ab_channel=ESPNMMA
UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs Royval 2 Main Card
Manuel Torres vs Chris Duncan
Manuel Torres (14-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on Chris Duncan (11-1, fighting out of Tullibody, Scotland) in a lightweight battle
Yazmin Jauregui vs Sam Hughes
Yazmin Jauregui (10-1, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) battles Sam Hughes (8-5, fighting out of Dallas, TX) at strawweight
Raul Rosas Jr. vs Ricky Turcios
Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1, fighting out of Las Vegas, NV) clashes with Ricky Turcios (13-3, fighting out of Houston, TX) at bantamweight
Daniel Zellhuber vs Francisco Prado
Danel Zellhuber (14-1, fighting out of Mexico City, Mexico) battles Francisco Prado (12-1, fighting out ofSan Lorenzo, Santa Fe, Argentina) in an exciting lightweight bout
Co-Main Event: Yair Rodriguez vs Brian Ortega
A five-round co-main event sees No. 2 featherweight Yair Rodriguez (16-4, 1NC, fighting out of Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico) face No. 3 Brian Ortega (15-3, 1NC, fighting out of Los Angeles, CA)
Main Event: Brandon Moreno vs Brandon Royval
Flyweights collide in the main event as No. 1 flyweight contender Brandon Moreno (21-7-2, fighting out of Tijuana, Mexico) takes on No. 3 contender Brandon Royval (15-7, fighting out of Englewood, CO)
Credit and special thanks: UFC
Media Man Int
UFC 2024 (Media Man Int) *in progress
http://mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_2024.html
UFC: News (Media Man Int) *in progress
http://mediamanint.com/articles/ufc_news.html
Combat Sports
PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
24 February, 2024
Kingdom Arena. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader vs Renan Ferreira. Bader wins with quick 20 second KO!
Eblem vs Kasanganay
Johnny Eblen aka The Human Cheat Code was the strong fav
Eblen 500 fav
Kasanganay was +360 underdog
PFL CHAMPS VS BELLATOR CHAMPS: Live Stream
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zjp3fw8WgwQ&ab_channel=PFLMMA
PFL CHAMPS vs BELLATOR CHAMPS: COLD OPEN!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=s2k-J0_ZehA&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Mike Tyson Open for PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EWUoxKmPhw4&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Francis Ngannou Makes A Big Announcement | PFL vs Bellator Fight Week - VLOG Series Ep. 5
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9w58U2qVLLo&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Betting The PFL: Episode 1 - PFL Champs vs Bellator Champs
https://youtube.com/watch?v=r-iWDltO2WI&ab_channel=PFLMMA
Preview
More great highlights and moments being added to the official PFL YouTube channel
PFL Official YouTube
http://youtube.com/@PFLMMA
More Videos
Chael Sonnen Official YouTube
Chael Sonnen talks Bellator vs PFL in Saudi Arabia on this episode of Beyond the Fight
https://youtube.com/watch?v=JTS-zqqi9mA&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen
Quotes
Impa Kasanganay:
"I don't even consider weight classes," Kasanganay told ESPN. "I'm not trying to be the best middleweight or light heavyweight in the world. I'm focused on being the best fighter possible. Whether it's at 170 pounds or 265 pounds, it's just a different form of discipline."
Media
IYADH, SAUDI ARABIA (FEBRUARY 11, 2024) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) and Riyadh Season have announced tickets for the first-ever mega MMA event of the year, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions.
Background
The PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions weigh-ins will take place at The Kingdom Arena on the 23 February at 6 pm KSA time.
Emanating live from Saudi Arabia, an emerging hotspot for global sporting events, PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions is an unprecedented fight card that will feature World Champions and the biggest names in combat sports going head to head in the PFL SmartCage. The event will take place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.
Headlining the card will be a battle between Heavyweight titleholders, as PFL Heavyweight Champion, Renan Ferreira meets Bellator Heavyweight Champion, Ryan Bader. PFL Light Heavyweight Champion, Impa Kasanganay, who will fight at 185-pounds takes on Bellator Middleweight Champion, Johnny Eblen. Two-time PFL Champion Ray Cooper III faces Bellator Welterweight Champion, Jason Jackson, and in the featherweight action, PFL Champion Jesus Pinedo meets Bellator Champion Patricio Pitbull.
The card will also feature the first-ever female MMA fight in Riyadh in which two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and women’s boxing champion Claressa Shields takes on Kelsey DeSantis in a Women’s Lightweight bout. PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions will also see Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Biaggio Ali Walsh, make his professional MMA debut. Other notable fighters on the card are Saudi Arabia's own Abdullah Al-Qahtani, Thiago Santos, Yoel Romero, Clay Collard, AJ McKee, Aaron Pico, and many more.
The inaugural PFL PPV Super Fight event will be available on ESPN+ PPV and DAZN beginning at 3 pm ET. In addition, three major showcase bouts will take place during the preliminary card airing in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ in the U.S. beginning at 12 pm ET.
PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.
Riyadh Season attracts people from all over the world to experience a wide range of international martial arts and boxing events. It also offers various entertainment options and international experiences. During the winter months, visitors can enjoy thousands of concerts, exhibitions, and other events in Riyadh. This unique entertainment includes participation from celebrities and well-known brands.
ABOUT RIYADH SEASON
Saudi Arabia's capital embraces one of the world's biggest entertainment events every year during winter. Since the launch of the Riyadh Season in 2019, the festival has welcomed visitors from all over the world to experience thousands of concerts, sporting activities, and other unique cultural events. For more information, please contact Riyadh Season Media Center via email: media@riyadhseason.sa
ABOUT PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE
Professional Fighters League (PFL) is a global powerhouse in MMA and the fastest-growing sports league worldwide. PFL has five live fight franchises, offering year-round content: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator. Founded in 2018, PFL is backed by major blue-chip investors including SRJ, Ares, Knighthead, Luxor Capital, Waverley Capital, Elysian Park Ventures, and numerous NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS team owners. MMA is the growth sports business of this decade, with 650 million fans worldwide, the youngest audience demographic, and true global revenue streams.
ABOUT SRJ SPORTS INVESTMENTS
SRJ (/Surge/) Sports Investments is a leading sports investor, wholly owned by PIF, and established to develop a world-class sports sector in Saudi Arabia and beyond. SRJ Sports Investments focuses on driving sustainable investment across technology, media, programming, IP rights, and commercialization of venues – serving the sports sector in Saudi Arabia and across the MENA region.
(Credit: PLF)
Aussies respond to Logan Paul’s Perth trash talk
Aussies have slammed Logan Paul’s Perth comments while politicians get involved in the “trash talk” and “beef”.
Wrestling-mania has hit a fever pitch in Australia as politicians respond to industry beef in the lead up to WWEs massive Elimination Chamber match in Perth on Saturday night.
Western Australian’s have been hitting back at Logan Paul after he slated Perth and said the city “sucks”.
Deputy Premier of Western Australia Rita Saffioti MLA took to Facebook to share a picture with the social media star turned wrestler with the caption: “Heard what Logan Paul said about Perth, so we had a few words backstage.”
The YouTuber turned exhibition boxer and now wrestler is the current WWE United States champion and will fight Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Bobby Lashley, LA Knight and Kevin Owens in the main event Elimination Chamber match on Saturday night in Perth in a World Heavyweight Championship match.
Fans fear Paul may have lost some local support in the lead-up to the match after he trashed Perth on stage at a media event this week.
Paul took to the stage with his US championship belt and received a “tepid” response from the crowd.
“Oh, y’all going to yell at me huh?” Paul said. “You gonna boo me?
“I flew 30 hours to get booed?
“OK, if that’s the direction you want to go, we can go there.
“So it’s WWE’s first time coming to Perth and I’m going to personally make sure it’s the last.
“This place sucks guys. I said when they said we were coming to Perth, I said we gotta be going to Sydney instead.
“I mean even Taylor Swift went to Sydney instead of this dump.
“I’m serious, you Google the top 10 things to do as a tourist in Perth and No. 1 is go visit an island full of rats. Not so different from you people, huh? Yikes.
“We legit in the middle of nowhere. In the middle of the ocean. I swear, I’d rather be stranded in the middle of the ocean.
“Don’t be mad at me, this place sucks guys. Imma give you some fun facts. Gonna bring a bit of fun to your boring Australia lives. In tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber, I am the only champion competing. In tomorrow’s Elimination Chamber, I am the youngest opponent by a decade — no offence old men. It’s a new era and y’all about to be washed out.
So Perth, make no mistake — I’m only here because I have to be. I will win the Elimination Chamber. I will rematch Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. And I will become double champ”
“So Perth, consider yourselves Logan Paul’s stepping stone,” he told the crowd on Friday.
The comments on Ms Saffioti’s Facebook highlighted Western Australia’s civic pride.
“Well Done, He should have not said what he said on stage about our Beautiful city (of) Perth and WA at large, Shame on Him. He should apologise to WA Fraternity,” a concerned commenter wrote.
Trash talking is a key part of WWE entertainment.
On Thursday the official WWE X account posted a video of The Rock following sustained rumours he would be attending the Perth event.
“The Rock wishes he could be there in Perth,” he said in the video.
“He’s going to be there in spirit and that’s all that matters.”
He talked about the “bull-s-t” he believed was about to go down in Perth.
He said wrestlers Cody Rhodes and “his little girlfriend” Seth Rollins would be going on Australian wrestler Grayson Waller’s show The Waller Effect.
“If they start talking trash let The Rock know.
“Tell The Rock because here’s what’s going to happen- The Rock is going to slap the p*** out of both of them just like that.
“If they talk trash The Rock will fly down there to Perth before that interview is over and he’ll do it.”
In response, Western Australian Premier Roger Cook posted a letter addressed to “Mr Rock” from the Western Australian government.
“As Premier of Western Australia I feel compelled to inform The Rock there has been a lot of out-of-towners talking trash in the lead up to the Elimination Chamber,” the letter read in a possible reference to Paul’s comments.
“The state of Western Australia stands ready to assist The Rock in making ‘magic’ happen and provide logistical support so you can respond to this outrageous trash talk.
“The people of Western Australia would love to smell what The Rock is cooking.”
(News)
Desert gold: Newmont in bid to convert mines to cash - Feb 2024
The multinational US gold giant that swallowed Australia’s biggest goldminer Newcrest in a $26.2 billion merger is moving to sell half a dozen mines, including Telfer in the Pilbara and an adjoining gold and copper prospect called Havieron, in a bid to raise $3.05 billion in cash.
Telfer, a fly-in fly-out gold, copper and silver mine in West Australia’s Great Sandy Desert, was part of Newcrest’s portfolio along with the Cadia mine in NSW and Lihir mine in Papua New Guinea, when it was absorbed by Colorado-based Newmont last November.
Newmont, which also owns the Boddington gold mine 100 kilometres south-east of Perth, wants to sell Cripple Creek & Victor in the US, Akyem in Ghana and three Canadian gold mines – Porcupine, Musselwhite and Eleonore – along with Telfer. Two “non-core” projects, Havieron in Australia and Coffee Gold in Canada, are also on the seller’s list.
It first flagged plans to offload some of its newly acquired mines soon after closing its billion-dollar buyout of Newcrest, which left it with about 20 assets. That deal cemented its position as the world’s biggest gold producer by far.
Newmont said on Thursday it intended to divest assets it did not consider to be “tier 1”. It will hang on to three of its Australian mines – Boddington, Cadia and Tanami – and divest Telfer.
The company has already received interest from potential buyers, chief executive officer Tom Palmer told The Washington Post. “We have a number of tier 2 assets that are very good assets, run by very good people, but that don’t make our tier 1 category,” Palmer said.
Australia’s remaining large gold diggers, Northern Star Resources, whose shares climbed 22 per cent in the past year, and Evolution mining, up 6 per cent, have fared better than Newmont since the takeover. Its share price on the US exchange has slumped from a 2022 peak of $US84.77 to $US30.89 now.
“Newmont is not in a position to disclose projected valuations of any of our assets,” the company said when asked what Telfer might fetch.
About a year-and-a-half before the Newmont merger, Newcrest’s board approved a $214 million investment in Telfer’s West Dome Stage 8 to extend the mine’s operations into 2025, forecasting the 2022-23 financial year’s output at between 355 and 405 thousand ounces.
The mine’s gold-copper concentrates are trucked to Port Hedland and exported to various smelters, primarily in Asia. Spot prices for gold pushed up above $US2000 an ounce in late November, before hitting an all-time high in late December, a recent market analysis from NAB’s economics team says.
Prices have largely trended sideways since that time.
“At face value, this appears somewhat counter to the improving economic data – with inflation in the advanced economies tracking closer to target in late 2023, which spurred a rally in both equity and bond markets,” the bank’s economists said.
Reports suggest that central bank purchases of gold have been ramping up in recent times – most notably by China and Russia – which is underpinning global demand, NAB said. “We forecast gold prices to average $US2025/oz in 2024, up from around $US1942/oz in 2023.”
Newmont’s decision to sell its share of the Havieron gold and copper prospect, currently under exploration and development, may be complicated by its joint venture status with Greatland Gold, a UK registered company which owns about 30 per cent. Greatland was contacted for comment.
Newmont said it expected to produce 6.7 million ounces of gold annually by 2028 from 20 mines in 11 countries. The company reported adjusted earnings on Thursday of US50¢ a share over the fourth quarter, beating analyst expectations compiled by Bloomberg, and produced 5.5 million gold ounces in 2023, more than the consensus estimate.
More Evidence Comes to Light That Craig Wright is 'Probably Satoshi' - Feb 20, 2024
On Monday, during the COPA vs. Dr. Craig Wright trial in London, a witness testified that Wright is "probably the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto", creator of bitcoin. Qudos Bank’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO) David Bridges, testified that Wright worked with the Qudos Bank as an IT expert during the year 2005. He told the Court Wright had given him several documents and papers, which he said "annoyed the hell of me" at the time.
Most of the documents pertained to the forensic and IT services Wright performed for the Australian mutual fund bank, Bridges said.
Bridges had previously stated that Wright proposed a system that could replace the traditional SWIFT network.
The trial, which is expected to continue through March, represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over the identity of Satoshi Nakamoto and the foundational elements of bitcoin. The case will continue for the next 5 weeks.
"COPA's strategy aimed to dismantle Wright's claims through meticulous questioning and the presentation of evidence that questioned the authenticity of documents Wright had produced to support his claim to the Satoshi identity," writes Susie Violet Ford of Forbes.
Following Bridges testimony, Wright’s cousin, Max Lyman, was called to the stand next. Lyman confirmed that Wright had asked him to ‘run some code’ on his computer, which was not up to the task at the time. Lyman claimed Wright was running an eCommerce business at the time.
Lyman also revealed that he got the Bitcoin whitepaper but was curious about it coming from Wright.
From the court transcipt:
Q. You do not recall Craig sending you the Bitcoin whitepaper?
W. Craig sent many documents to me, that could have been one of them
Q. You do not recall that particular document?
W. No. They were all the same type of thing
Q. Do you have a detailed understanding of cryptocurrencies?
W. Detailed no. But fundamental from an IT systems perspectives.
Another key witness, Stefan Matthews, Chairman and CEO of nChain Group, also supported the notion that Wright is Satoshi.
Calvin Ayre, a billionaire investor in the nChain platform and leading proponent of the BSV blockchain, offered his take on Matthews witness testimony.
"If the judge did not know COPA was a fraud after they turned down Craig's generous offer to settle…he does now. I am even more convinced that Craig has already won this case. This is going to change things...but COPA will continue to attack Craig even when they lose this as this is about killing competition not about who is Satoshi and that fight will go on."
The trial continues on Wednesday.
Beyond the Blockchain: Elevating Your Entertainment with the Best Bitcoin Casinos
Welcome to the thrilling world where entertainment meets innovation – the realm of the best Bitcoin casinos.
Beyond the blockchain, a new era of gaming awaits, promising excitement, rewards, and an experience like no other. Let's dive into the heart of this digital playground and discover how it can elevate your entertainment.
Roll the Dice, Not the Coins: The Seamless Experience of Bitcoin Transactions
In the best Bitcoin casinos, the game isn't just about the cards; it's about the seamless dance of Bitcoin transactions. Picture this: swift deposits, lightning-fast withdrawals, and a digital wallet that feels as light as a feather. No more grappling with traditional banking processes or waiting for the stars to align for your funds to land.
The beauty of it all? The blockchain ensures a transparent and secure process. Your transactions become as smooth as a well-played hand of cards, allowing you to focus on the thrill of the game. So, roll the dice, not the coins, and let the best Bitcoin casinos show you how effortless gaming can be.
Digital Diversity: A Feast of Games Awaits in Bitcoin Casinos
Gone are the days when a casino was just about a deck of cards and a roulette wheel. In the best Bitcoin casinos, the digital landscape unfolds into a feast of games that cater to every taste. Whether you're a card shark, a slot enthusiast, or someone who enjoys the strategic dance of poker, there's a game with your name on it.
The variety is not just in the games but also in their themes and experiences. From the glitz of Vegas to the mystical realms of ancient civilizations, the best Bitcoin casinos transport you to different worlds with each click. So, why settle for the same old routine? Dive into the digital diversity, explore the vast array of games, and let the entertainment buffet begin.
Exclusive Perks and Rewards: Your Ticket to the VIP Section
In the best Bitcoin casinos, loyalty is not just appreciated; it's celebrated. As you embark on your digital gaming journey, loyalty programs and exclusive perks await. Consider it your golden ticket to the VIP section of the casino – a place where the rewards are as plentiful as a jackpot win.
Earn loyalty points with every spin, every deal, and watch as the doors to exclusive benefits swing open. Faster withdrawals, personalized support, and invitations to special events are just a few of the perks of being a valued player. The best Bitcoin casinos ensure that your loyalty is recognized and richly rewarded.
The Digital Showdown: Strategies for Dominating Bitcoin Casino Games
In the digital showdown of Bitcoin casino games, it's not just about luck; it's about mastering the art of strategic play. Whether you're a seasoned card shark or a beginner testing the waters, having a game plan can make all the difference. Consider it as entering a poker game with a winning hand – preparation is key.
First and foremost, understand the rules of the games you're diving into. Knowing the ins and outs gives you a competitive edge, whether it's blackjack, poker, or the spinning reels of a slot machine. Next, consider employing a betting strategy that aligns with your risk tolerance. Are you the daring high roller or prefer a more cautious approach?
Furthermore, embrace the power of pacing. In the fast-paced world of Bitcoin casino games, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and make impulsive decisions. Take a breath, pace yourself, and remember that each game is a marathon, not a sprint. The digital showdown awaits, and with a strategic mindset, you'll be ready to dominate the Bitcoin casino arena.
Crypto Trends: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Bitcoin Casino Innovations
Just like the ever-changing currents of the digital ocean, the landscape of Bitcoin casino innovations is in constant flux. To stay ahead of the game, you must ride the waves of crypto trends and navigate the evolving sea of possibilities. Think of it as being on the cutting edge of a digital revolution – the early adopter who reaps the rewards.
One significant trend is the integration of new cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. While Bitcoin remains a stalwart in the crypto world, other digital currencies like Ethereum and Litecoin are making their mark in the best Bitcoin casinos. Keeping an eye on these emerging trends can open up new opportunities for diversifying your gaming experience.
Additionally, watch out for the rise of blockchain-based games. These innovative creations leverage the power of blockchain technology to offer transparent, secure, and provably fair gaming experiences. It's not just about spinning reels or dealing cards; it's about immersing yourself in the next generation of digital entertainment. So, set your sights on the horizon, navigate the crypto trends, and be at the forefront of the evolving landscape of Bitcoin casino innovations.
Social Gaming Revolution: Connecting and Competing in Bitcoin Casinos
Gone are the days of solitary gaming – the social gaming revolution has arrived in Bitcoin casinos. Imagine sitting at a virtual poker table, interacting with players from around the globe, and sharing the thrill of victory in real time. It's not just about competing; it's about connecting with like-minded individuals who share your passion for digital entertainment.
Joining tournaments, engaging in live chats, and participating in community forums are all part of the social gaming experience. It's like being in a bustling casino where the energy is contagious, except you can enjoy it from the comfort of your own space. The best Bitcoin casinos foster community, turning each game into a social event.
So, embrace the social gaming revolution, connect with fellow players, and experience the camaraderie of competing in the dynamic world of Bitcoin casinos.
It's not just about winning; it's about sharing the excitement with a global community of digital adventurers. The tables are set, the virtual cards are in the air, and the social gaming revolution is waiting for you to join the party.
WishTV Concludes: Your Adventure Awaits in the Best Bitcoin Casinos
As WishTV concludes, your adventure in the best Bitcoin casinos is about to unfold. Beyond the blockchain lies seamless transactions, diverse games, and exclusive perks.
It's time to elevate your entertainment, roll the dice in style, and let the best Bitcoin casinos show you a gaming experience like never before. The tables are set, the cards are dealt, and your seat is waiting. WishTV concludes, but your journey in the world of the best Bitcoin casinos is just beginning. Are you ready to play?
International visitation to Las Vegas jumps 39% in 2023
International visitation to Las Vegas jumped by 39% last year, led by a boost from Canadians and travel from the UK, Germany, and Australia. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority released preliminary estimates that showed the city attracted 4.74 million foreign visitors in 2023, 11.6% of the city’s 40.8 million visitors last year. By comparison, the 3.4 million foreign visitors in 2022 comprised 8.7% of the 38.8 million international visitors, up from 4% in 2021. The most recent high was 13.3% of the total in 2019.
New York judge deals another blow to Las Vegas Sands’ plans for Long Island casino
In a significant setback for the Las Vegas Sands’ ambitious plans to develop a multi-billion dollar resort and casino around the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, a state judge has declared that the company lacks a valid lease for the Coliseum and its surrounding land. State Supreme Court Justice Sarika Kapoor, the same judge who previously invalidated Sands’ lease with Nassau County in November, ruled that an additional agreement Sands had with the Coliseum’s previous leaseholder is also invalid.
Mohegan to stop managing Atlantic City casino at end of the year
Mohegan, the tribal gaming and entertainment company that owns Mohegan Sun, announced Friday it will stop managing Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J., at the end of the year. Mohegan will retain its 10% ownership interest in Resorts, the company said in a news release. “We’re extremely proud of our relationship with Resorts Casino Hotel and what we have helped accomplish,” Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s president and chief executive officer, said in the release.
Acres unveils method to calculate a slot player’s gambling bankroll
Acres Manufacturing has developed a new benchmark of player value that uses slot machine data to gauge the size of a player’s gambling bankroll. The company’s Player Budget feature aims to replace average daily theoretical loss (ADT) and actual loss, the long-established formulas for ranking and marketing to players. “Theoretical (loss) is simply not accurate and actual loss is often misleading or manipulated,” the company’s Noah Acres said. With the data collected by Player Budget, “you can’t disguise your play, you can’t lie about it, you can’t trick the casino.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribes submit application for possible Idaho casino resort
In the newest update on a proposed casino resort in Mountain Home, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes have submitted two applications for placing the 157 acres of land the tribes purchased into trust status and to allow gaming on the property. This is the next step in turning the parcel of land into a casino/resort complex that would have a hotel, gaming, an event center, restaurants, an amphitheater, video arcade, bowling alley and movie theater.
California, Oklahoma, and compacting: not an easy process
When you walk into an Indian-owned casino in California, you won’t hear balls dropping onto roulette wheels or fast-paced whoops and groans at the craps tables. Rather, you’ll see a roulette-style wheel filled with cards and a far slower-paced crowd at the craps table. Ball and dice games are not currently legal in California’s Indian casinos, so the tribes have found workarounds to offer games similar to those found in neighboring Nevada. In order to offer gambling at all, tribes in many states, including California and Oklahoma, are required to compact with their state governments.
What Florida sports betting looks like with Hard Rock Bet at the Daytona 500
Chuck Floyd had never bet on a sporting event in his life until he walked under a white canopy tent Monday, pulled out his phone and put $10 on fellow Virginian Denny Hamlin to win the Daytona 500. Floyd’s play would have seemed unthinkable a decade ago but represents another step in the ongoing evolution of Florida sports betting: He was placing a legal wager inside Daytona International Speedway, where Hamlin and his NASCAR colleagues would soon be competing in one of the state’s biggest sporting events.
ABC & SBS Claim Big Tech “Threatened” To Remove Their Apps Unless They Stumped Up Huge Placement Fees
If anyone is a fan of drama then we recommend you head over to the Parliament of Australia website where a heated battle is ensuing between FTA television and streaming platforms.
FTA television networks including ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine, and Network 10 are appearing before the Environment and Communications Legislation Committee today, to argue that anti-siphoning laws should be strengthened to protect local content makers.
FTA networks SBS and ABC both say that big tech platforms (which we can assume to be Samsung and Amazon) “threatened” them with huge fees or removal from the app.
“In June 2018, the manufacturer of the best-selling connected TV in Australia wrote to SBS and advised that unless we agreed to a 15 per cent revenue share arrangement and a placement fee, SBS would be removed from the ‘app launcher’ on the TV homepage for that brand,” said James Taylor, managing director at SBS.
“In August 2023 we received notification from another platform operator that unless SBS agreed to pay them 30 per cent of the revenue we derived from being on their platform, they would exclude us entirely,” Taylor went on.
The second company had a market capitalisation of over USD$1.7 trillion he said, meaning we can assume this company to be Amazon.
Taylor then went on to say that it was “scandalous” that the large tech companies could get in the way of Aussies getting local content.
“It is frankly scandalous that these massive global tech firms can unilaterally insert themselves as gatekeepers between Australians and their free Australian content, trusted news and information – services that have been intentionally developed and underpinned by decades of public policy”.
ABC’s managing director David Anderson concurred that they too had received requests for large payments.
“On principle, we haven’t paid,” he said.
Talking about the importance of app prominence, Anderson said “If they can’t see us then aren’t there”.
“We want Australians to enjoy Australian content”.
Network bosses argue against TV manufacturers ‘clipping their ticket’
The bosses of Australia’s major free-to-air networks and public broadcasters say laws ensuring free-to-air apps are easily available on smart televisions are essential to push back against the unfair influence of international TV manufacturers.
At a Senate hearing on Friday, SBS boss James Taylor and ABC managing director David Anderson accused international TV manufacturing giants of effectively holding the broadcasters to ransom. Taylor said SBS was warned by one company it would remove or hide the SBS On Demand app if it did not agree to a 15 per cent revenue share and placement fee.
“When SBS refused to pay, the manufacturer carried through on their threat, making it much harder for audiences to find the SBS On Demand app,” Taylor told the hearing in Canberra.
Anderson said the ABC had also been asked to pay for access, and the bosses of Australia’s free-to-air networks backed up this claim.
He said television manufacturers such as Samsung and Sony were the gatekeepers of access to content for Australians, with the ability to remove and restore access on their devices.
Media executives appeared in front of the hearing into legislation that would mandate app placement on new internet-connected televisions. Executives from the public broadcasters, alongside Nine (owner of this masthead), Seven and Ten support the legislation, and argued they could not compete with the financial power of the likes of Netflix and Disney+, and needed to have their apps placed prominently on smart TVs.
Outgoing Seven chief executive James Warburton said the changes were necessary as viewing habits changed, with about 50 per cent of TV viewing expected to be digital by 2027, up from 20 per cent currently.
“We can’t compete with the global players … You get blown out of the water,” he said.
“Everyone wants a clip of the ticket, a clip of the revenue between 10 and 20 per cent to actually be on the service. We’re just asking for a fair crack,” Warburton said.
Beverley McGarvey, the local executive of Paramount, which owns Network 10, said it took her “45 minutes to find the 10Play app” on a new LG television, saying Australians should not have to search to find free services.
“If you don’t want us, fine. Flick us to the back. But the consumer should know that we are available and free,” McGarvey said.
Nine Entertainment boss Mike Sneesby said: “These deals being done offshore between big tech companies and big streaming companies are effectively just taking away those spots. Not even if we wanted to pay a price could we get them, and we’ve seen that as competition has grown … those global deals have just pushed Australian content off the front screen and we have no control.”
Representatives from Netflix, appearing for the first time in Canberra, said the company supported most of the new scheme but argued preference should not be extended to the networks in search. It also said the legislation should not mandate the positioning of tiles or apps on television home screens.
Ben Cox, director of business development in the region for Netflix, said the company had invested more than $1 billion on new Australian and Australian-related titles in the past four years – including more than $500 million on new programming for children and young adults – leading to the employment of “thousands of local cast and crew”.
The proposed legislation – which also includes updates to anti-siphoning rules that protect Australians’ access to view major sporting events for free – is part of a Labor government election pledge to protect local content.
Its opponents, which include Foxtel and major television manufacturers such as Samsung, argue discoverability isn’t an issue for Australians, and that the government should not be interfering with viewers’ freedom of choice.
Australian networks are pursuing digital-first strategies as audiences switch from traditional television to viewing through apps such as ABC iview, 9Now and SBS on Demand, alongside paid apps such as Netflix, Stan and Binge. In 2022, BBC boss Tim Davie went so far as to say the British broadcaster would switch off traditional television and radio transmissions within a decade.
But the online shift means the networks must compete in an increasingly crowded environment – not only against each other, but also against global companies with more capacity to pay for preferential app placement.
At the same time, commercial free-to-air advertising is in freefall, with revenue down 10 per cent in 2023.
Streamers are also facing problems of their own. After years of growth, subscriber figures have plateaued, prompting sustained price rises and advertising tiers to ensure long-term viability.
Why Google, Bing and other search engines’ embrace of generative AI threatens $68 billion SEO industry
Google, Microsoft and others boast that generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT will make searching the internet better than ever for users. For example, rather than having to wade through a sea of URLs, users will be able to just get an answer combed from the entire internet.
There are also some concerns with the rise of AI-fueled search engines, such as the opacity over where information comes from, the potential for “hallucinated” answers and copyright issues.
But one other consequence is that I believe it may destroy the US$68 billion search engine optimization industry that companies like Google helped create.
For the past 25 years or so, websites, news outlets, blogs and many others with a URL that wanted to get attention have used search engine optimization, or SEO, to “convince” search engines to share their content as high as possible in the results they provide to readers. This has helped drive traffic to their sites and has also spawned an industry of consultants and marketers who advise on how best to do that.
As an associate professor of information and operations management, I study the economics of e-commerce. I believe the growing use of generative AI will likely make all of that obsolete.
How online search works
Someone seeking information online opens her browser, goes to a search engine and types in the relevant keywords. The search engine displays the results, and the user browses through the links displayed in the result listings until she finds the relevant information.
To attract the user’s attentions, online content providers use various search engine marketing strategies, such as search engine optimization, paid placements and banner displays.
For instance, a news website might hire a consultant to help it highlight key words in headlines and in metadata so that Google and Bing elevate its content when a user searches for the latest information on a flood or political crisis.
How generative AI changes search process
But this all depends on search engines luring tens of millions of users to their websites. And so to earn users’ loyalty and web traffic, search engines must continuously work on their algorithms to improve the quality of their search results.
That’s why, even if it could hurt a part of their revenue stream, search engines have been quick to experiment with generative AI to improve search results. And this could fundamentally change the online search ecosystem.
All the biggest search engines have already adopted or are experimenting with this approach. Examples include Google’s Bard, Microsoft’s Bing AI, Baidu’s ERNIE and DuckDuckGo’s DuckAssist.
Rather than getting a list of links, both organic and paid, based on whatever keywords or questions a user types in, generative AI will instead simply give you a text result in the form of an answer. Say you’re planning a trip to Destin, Florida, and type the prompt “Create a three-day itinerary for a visitor” there. Instead of a bunch of links to Yelp and blog postings that require lots of clicking and reading, typing that into Bing AI will result in a detailed three-day itinerary.
Over time, as the quality of AI-generated answers improve, users will have less incentive to browse through search result listings. They can save time and effort by reading the AI-generated response to their query.
In other words, it would allow you to bypass all those paid links and costly efforts by websites to improve their SEO scores, rendering them useless.
When users start ignoring the sponsored and editorial result listings, this will have an adverse impact on the revenues of SEO consultants, search engine marketers consultants and, ultimately, the bottom line of search engines themselves.
The financial impact
This financial impact cannot be ignored.
For example, the SEO industry generated $68.1 billion globally in 2022. It had been expected to reach $129.6 billion by 2030, but these projections were made before the emergence of generative AI put the industry at risk of obsolescence.
As for search engines, monetizing online search services is a major source of their revenue. They get a cut of the money that websites spend on improving their online visibility through paid placements, ads, affiliate marketing and the like, collectively known as search engine marketing. For example, approximately 58% of Google’s 2022 revenues – or almost $162.5 billion – came from Google Ads, which provides some of these services.
Search engines run by massive companies with many revenue streams, like Google and Microsoft, will likely find ways to offset the losses by coming up with strategies to make money off generative AI answers. But the SEO marketers and consultants who depend on search engines – mostly small- and medium-sized companies – will no longer be needed as they are today, and so the industry is unlikely to survive much longer.
A not-too-distant future
But don’t expect the SEO industry to fade away immediately. Generative AI search engines are still in their infancy and must address certain challenges before they’ll dominate search.
For one thing, most of these initiatives are still experimental and often available only to certain users. And for another, generative AI has been notorious for providing incorrect, plagiarized or simply made-up answers.
That means it’s unlikely at the moment to gain the trust or loyalty of many users.
Given these challenges, it is not surprising that generative AI has yet to transform online search. However, given the resources available to researchers working on generative AI models, it is safe to assume that eventually these models will become better at their task, leading to the death of the SEO industry.
(AI)
The Truth About Black Hat Links And SEO: Understanding the Importance of Natural Backlinks
Black Hat Links - Blackhat Link Building. Anytime you pay someone to place, build a link, otherwise known as a dofollow HTML hyperlink, exchange a link or to outreach a link via a paid link building service it will always be regared as a blackhat link. There is no such thing as a paid do-follow whitehat backlink. It's all regarded as blackhat SEO
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimisation (SEO), backlinks play a crucial role in determining a website’s visibility and ranking in search engine results. However, not all backlinks are created equal. Blackhat link building won’t achieve your long-term SEO or digital advertising goals.
There is an ongoing debate surrounding the legitimacy of different types of backlinks, particularly when it comes to dofollow links acquired through monetary transactions.
In this article, we aim to shed light on the subject and clearly explain why any form of buying, exchanging, or paying for a dofollow hyperlink is regarded as a blackhat link, while emphasizing the importance of naturally created, editorial backlinks.
Understanding Backlinks:
Before diving into the distinction between blackhat and whitehat backlinks, it is essential to understand what backlinks are and why they matter. Backlinks, also known as inbound links, are hyperlinks on external websites that direct users to your website.
Search engines view backlinks as indicators of a website’s credibility, popularity, and authority. The more quality backlinks a website has, the higher its chances of ranking well in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Black Hat Backlinks:
Black hat SEO techniques aim to manipulate search engine algorithms to artificially boost website rankings, often through unethical means. One common black hat practice involves purchasing or paying for dofollow backlinks.
These blackhat links are placed on other websites with the intention of artificially inflating a website’s authority and improving its ranking. By engaging in such practices, website owners and marketers attempt to bypass the natural process of earning backlinks, which is where the problem lies.
The Dangers of Blackhat Backlinks:
While black hat links may offer temporary gains in terms of search engine visibility, they come with severe consequences. Search engines, such as Google, have sophisticated algorithms that continually evolve to detect and penalise websites that engage in manipulative SEO practices.
If identified, a website employing blackhat techniques risks being penalized or even completely removed from search engine results, leading to a significant loss in organic traffic and potential customers.
Whitehat Backlinks:
In contrast to blackhat techniques, whitehat SEO focuses on ethical practices that align with search engine guidelines. When it comes to backlinks, the only type considered whitehat is an editorially and naturally created link.
This means that the link must be earned based on the quality and relevance of a website’s content, without any monetary transactions or explicit requests for backlinks.
Editorial backlinks typically result from other website owners, bloggers, or journalists voluntarily linking to a website because they genuinely find its content valuable and trustworthy.
The Importance of Natural Backlinks:
Natural backlinks are the backbone of a healthy and sustainable SEO strategy. By creating high-quality content, engaging with your target audience, and building relationships with influencers and industry experts, you increase the likelihood of earning organic backlinks.
These backlinks are a testament to the authority and value your website provides, and search engines recognize them as genuine endorsements from other trusted sources.
Unveiling the Path to Natural & Organic Backlinks
These virtual endorsements serve as crucial markers of a website’s credibility and authority, playing a vital role in its search engine rankings. However, the pursuit of these coveted backlinks has often been tainted by shady practices and blackhat strategies that breach search engine guidelines.
But fear not! In this groundbreaking exposé, we reveal the hidden pathway to acquiring natural and editorial backlinks that will skyrocket your website’s visibility without compromising your integrity.
Act I: Crafting Stellar Content
The foundation of any successful link-building campaign lies in the creation of extraordinary content that captivates audiences. Exceptional content possesses the power to inspire, educate, and entertain, prompting others to naturally reference and link back to it.
By investing time and effort into producing high-quality articles, blog posts, videos, or infographics, you cultivate a magnetic allure that attracts organic backlinks from enthusiastic content consumers.
Act II: Engaging with Influencers and Thought Leaders
Building relationships with influencers and thought leaders within your industry is a crucial step in the pursuit of authentic backlinks.
Engage with them by participating in meaningful discussions on social media platforms, attending industry conferences, or even collaborating on mutually beneficial projects.
When these influential figures recognise your expertise and value, they are more likely to cite and link to your content, providing a stamp of authority and credibility that search engines adore.
Act III: Leveraging Guest Blogging
Guest blogging has emerged as a valuable technique for obtaining natural backlinks. Seek out authoritative websites and blogs that align with your niche and offer to contribute insightful and valuable guest articles.
By providing well-crafted, original content that genuinely enriches the readers’ experience, you not only establish your expertise but also earn editorial backlinks within the content or author bio.
Remember, guest blogging should focus on building relationships and sharing knowledge rather than solely aiming for link acquisition. Pitch a great blog post, story or report instead of asking website owners to buy a placement.
Act IV: Infusing Your Content with Visual Appeal
Visual content has become increasingly popular, capturing attention and enhancing engagement. Create eye-catching infographics, videos, or images that convey information in a visually appealing manner.
These compelling assets can be easily shared and embedded on other websites, granting you organic backlinks that augment your website’s reach while adding aesthetic value to the linking sites.
Act V: Engaging in Online Communities and Forums
Communities and forums centered around your industry or niche offer immense potential for natural link acquisition. Actively participate in these platforms, providing thoughtful insights, solutions, and valuable information.
As you become a respected and trusted member, other community members are likely to reference your expertise by linking to your content. However, always ensure your contributions are genuine and add value rather than using forums solely as a link-building tool.
Professional Content Creation: Building a Network of Trust
The true beauty of investing in professional content creation lies in the building of a network of trust. By consistently delivering high-quality content that adds value to your target audience, you earn the loyalty and admiration of readers, influencers, and industry experts alike.
This network becomes a self-sustaining ecosystem, where recommendations and referrals abound, leading to a steady stream of organic backlinks from reputable websites.
Unlike the fleeting impact of a single blackhat link placement, this network fuels perpetual growth, establishing your website as a trusted authority and ensuring a constant influx of editorial backlinks.
Not everyone possesses the artistry of the written word, and that is perfectly acceptable. Recognizing your limitations and investing in a professional content writer can be a game-changer for your website’s success.
These skilled wordsmiths are adept at transforming your ideas and expertise into compelling narratives that engage and resonate with your target audience. By harnessing their talents, you can unlock the full potential of your content, elevating it to new heights and attracting perfectly natual hyperlinks endorsing your website in the search engines.
Embracing the Power of PR:
An avenue worth exploring is the world of public relations (PR). Accepting PR on your website opens doors to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities for exposure.
By featuring guest articles, interviews, or expert opinions, you not only diversify your content but also forge valuable connections within your industry. These partnerships can lead to natural backlinks as fellow professionals and influencers link back to your website, recognizing the value you bring to the table.
The Ethical Triumph:
One must never underestimate the power of ethical practices in the realm of SEO. Engaging in natural backlink acquisition through powerful content and PR is not only effective but also aligns with the moral compass of search engine guidelines.
By focusing on providing valuable information, nurturing relationships, and creating a positive user experience, you build a foundation of trust and authenticity. This not only attracts organic backlinks but also fosters a loyal audience that will continuously seek out and share your exceptional content.
Not all backlinks are created equal
Not all backlinks are created equal, and this disparity lies in their quality. Quality backlinks possess several distinguishing features, including relevance, authority, and natural acquisition.
These links originate from reputable and trusted sources within the same industry or niche, aligning closely with the content and focus of the target website.
They are earned organically through the merit of the website’s content, as other webmasters and influencers voluntarily link to it due to its exceptional value.
On the other end of the spectrum, low-quality backlinks, often referred to as spammy or manipulative, can do more harm than good.
These links originate from dubious sources, irrelevant websites, or private blog networks (PBNs) created solely for the purpose of artificial link building. Such backlinks are acquired through unethical means, including link farms, paid link schemes, and other blackhat SEO practices that attempt to deceive search engine algorithms.
Engaging in these practices can lead to severe penalties, including decreased rankings, loss of organic traffic, or even being deindexed from search engine results.
The Impact on Search Engine Rankings
Backlinks, acting as digital endorsements, play a pivotal role in determining a website’s search engine rankings. Search engines analyse the quantity, quality, and relevance of backlinks when evaluating a website’s authority and popularity.
Websites with a diverse and substantial portfolio of high-quality backlinks from reputable sources are more likely to rank higher in search engine results, thus attracting increased organic traffic.
Nofollow vs. Dofollow: The Epic Saga Unveiled
In the ever-evolving world of search engine optimisation (SEO), the utilisation of link attributes has become a fundamental practice for website owners and marketers alike.
Two of the most prominent link attributes are nofollow and dofollow, each serving distinct purposes and playing vital roles in the vast realm of online linking strategies.
To understand the disparity between nofollow and dofollow, we must first grasp their underlying definitions. Nofollow is an HTML attribute added to a hyperlink, signaling search engine crawlers not to pass any authority or “link juice” to the linked page.
Essentially, these two attributes informs search engines that the linked website is unendorsed or untrusted. On the other hand, dofollow (also referred to as simply “follow”) is the default state for links, implying that search engines should follow the link and consider it as a signal for ranking purposes.
Nofollow links were originally introduced by search engines as a method to combat spam and prevent manipulation of search rankings. By implementing nofollow attributes, website owners could ensure that user-generated content, such as blog comments or forum posts, wouldn’t impact their site’s authority.
The nofollow attribute has proved to be instrumental in maintaining the integrity of search results, as it discouraged the proliferation of irrelevant or low-quality links.
Nofollow links for SEO purposes- The Shift
Search engines began to acknowledge that even though nofollow links didn’t pass authority, they still provided value in terms of referral traffic and brand exposure. Consequently, some SEO professionals started advocating for a more comprehensive approach that recognised the importance of nofollow links in a holistic SEO strategy.
Link Exchanges – The Grey Area
Link exchanges, also known as reciprocal linking, involve two websites agreeing to link to each other’s sites. This practice used to be a popular method for building backlinks and improving search engine rankings
While link exchanges were once considered a legitimate strategy, they are now generally viewed as a gray-hat or outdated technique. This is because the primary intent behind link exchanges is to manipulate search engine rankings rather than provide value to users.
When websites engage in excessive link exchanges solely for the purpose of link building, it can be seen as a manipulative practice, and search engines may penalise or devalue the links
Search engines have become more sophisticated
Search engines have become more sophisticated in assessing the quality and relevance of links. They now place greater emphasis on natural and organic link building, where websites earn links based on the merit of their content.
This includes attracting links through:
High-quality content
Outreach efforts
Social sharing
Building relationships with other authoritative websites.
Search engines serve as gatekeepers, guiding users to the most relevant and authoritative information. To accomplish this, search engines have evolved significantly, employing sophisticated algorithms that analyse over 200 factors to determine the value of hyperlinks.
As search engines have become more sophisticated, they have also developed mechanisms to detect manipulative practices that attempt to game the system. Techniques like buying links, link farms, and excessive reciprocal linking are frowned upon and can result in penalties or a loss of search engine visibility.
Detecting Manipulative Practices:
Search engines employ complex algorithms and machine learning models to identify unnatural link patterns, low-quality websites, and other indicators of manipulative practices. Regular algorithm updates, such as Google’s Penguin algorithm which launched in 2012, specifically target link spam and aim to reward genuine, high-quality links.
What is blackhat SEO?
Blackhat SEO techniques typically focus on exploiting vulnerabilities in search engine algorithms. Some common blackhat techniques include:
Keyword stuffing: Stuffing a webpage with excessive and irrelevant keywords to manipulate search engine rankings.
Hidden text and links: Adding text or links that are invisible to users but can be detected by search engines.
Cloaking: Presenting different content to search engines and users, effectively deceiving search engines about the actual content of a webpage.
Private blog networks (PBNs): Creating a network of interconnected blogs solely for the purpose of linking to a target website, artificially boosting its authority.
Link farming: Creating or participating in schemes to generate a large number of low-quality backlinks to a website, disregarding the relevance or quality of the links.
Content scraping: Copying content from other websites and republishing it without permission or proper attribution.
Negative SEO: Engaging in tactics that aim to harm competitors’ search engine rankings, such as building spammy backlinks to their websites.
It’s important to note that search engines, such as Google, actively penalise websites that engage in blackhat SEO practices. Penalties can range from a decrease in rankings to complete removal from search engine results.
Is buying social signals regarded as blackhat?
The practice of buying social signals, such as likes, shares, followers, or comments on social media platforms, is generally considered a gray area in the realm of SEO. It does not strictly fall into the category of blackhat SEO techniques, but it is also not considered a legitimate or ethical approach.
Buying social signals is primarily aimed at creating the appearance of popularity and engagement on social media platforms. The idea behind it is that a high number of likes, shares, or followers can make a social media account or website appear more reputable or influential to users and potentially attract organic engagement.
While it may seem tempting to purchase social signals to boost visibility or credibility, it is important to consider the potential risks and downsides.
Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, have algorithms in place to detect and combat artificial or fraudulent activity, including the purchase of fake likes or followers. If discovered, these platforms may penalise accounts by reducing visibility, suspending or banning them altogether.
Quality over Quantity:
Search engines have progressed from a simplistic view of link building, where the sheer quantity of hyperlinks held significant weight, to a more nuanced approach that prioritises link quality. Instead of focusing solely on the number of links, search engines now emphasise the relevance, authority, and natural acquisition of those links.
Relevance: Search engines evaluate the relevance of a hyperlink by examining the context of the linking and linked-to pages. A link from a website in the same industry or niche carries more weight than an unrelated one. The content surrounding the hyperlink, anchor text, and the keywords used provide valuable clues to search engines regarding its relevance.
Authority: The authority of a webpage is determined by its overall trustworthiness and reputation. Search engines assess the authority of a webpage based on the quality and quantity of its inbound links. A link from a reputable and authoritative website is considered more valuable than one from a low-quality or spammy source.
Natural Acquisition: Search engines aim to reward organic link building practices. They scrutinise the patterns and growth rate of a website’s link profile. A sudden influx of links or excessive reciprocal linking can raise red flags and potentially lead to penalties or devaluation. Instead, search engines favor links acquired naturally through the merit of a website’s content, earning recognition from other trustworthy sources.
Link Diversity: In addition to evaluating individual links, search engines also consider the diversity of a website’s link profile. A diverse link profile consists of links from various domains, including different types of websites, such as industry-specific directories, social media platforms, news sites, and blogs. This diversity signals that a website is being referenced and recommended by a wide range of sources, enhancing its credibility in the eyes of search engines.
The grey area of digital markting and hyperlinks
In digital marketing, there are certain practices and strategies related to links that fall into a gray area. These practices may not be explicitly considered blackhat SEO techniques but can still be seen as questionable or ethically ambiguous.
Some examples include:
Guest blogging for the sole purpose of link building: Guest blogging can be a legitimate strategy when done with the intention of providing valuable content to an audience. However, if the primary goal is solely to acquire backlinks, without focusing on the quality and relevance of the content, it can be seen as a gray area tactic.
Link exchanges and reciprocal linking: Exchanging links with other websites or participating in reciprocal linking schemes for the purpose of manipulating search engine rankings can be viewed as a questionable practice. Search engines prefer natural and organic linking patterns based on the merit of the content, rather than artificial link exchanges.
Sponsored or paid links without proper disclosure: Including links in sponsored content or paid partnerships without clear disclosure to users can raise ethical concerns. Transparency is crucial in digital marketing, and users should be aware of any paid or sponsored relationships that may influence the content they encounter.
Link schemes disguised as directories: Creating directories or listing websites primarily as a means to generate backlinks rather than providing valuable resources to users can be seen as a gray area tactic. Low-quality directories that exist solely for link building purposes can be frowned upon by search engines.
Backhat Backlinks Conclusion – Summary
In the realm of SEO, it’s essential to understand the difference between blackhat and whitehat techniques. Buying, exchanging, or paying for dofollow backlinks is considered a blackhat practice, as it aims to manipulate search engine algorithms and artificially inflate a website’s authority.
On the other hand, whitehat backlinks are editorially and naturally created, earned through the production of high-quality content and fostering genuine relationships with other website owners and influencers. It is crucial to prioritise ethical SEO practices, as search engines continue to prioritize authentic and user-centric experiences.
By focusing on creating valuable content and fostering organic connections, you can build a strong foundation of natural backlinks that will benefit your website’s visibility, authority, and long-term success.
