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SEO for Business in Australia, USA, Europe, Asia, The Matrix and Beyond on the World Wide Web

Many small businesses often struggle to attract quality leads to their website. That's because there's a common misconception that you need a big budget for advertising, which leaves many entrepreneurs feeling trapped and unsure of how to improve their digital presence.

The truth is that search engine optimization (SEO) can help you get consistent leads without having to pay a ton of money for advertising. SEO is a great way for your content to rank well on search engines, thus establishing your authority and improving online visibility.

And yet — some business owners shy away from SEO because it seems complex, and they don't have time to learn all about it. Luckily, you don't have to.

In this article, I'll tell you about the five most beneficial things you can do to leverage SEO to grow your business. Let's dig in.

Related: 3 Powerful SEO Techniques That Will Boost Your Website's Search Engine Ranking

1. Create quality content

Your website is an information hub that search engines analyze to determine whether it's relevant to users. This means that if you want to establish topical authority and secure a good ranking on search engines, you need to create quality content.

For example, if you run an accounting agency, your website should have a blog section covering the most important topics about accounting. That way, search engines see you as an authority in the industry, which increases your chances of ranking high for relevant keywords.

So, what does quality content look like?

Quality content should be relevant, addressing the questions and needs of your target audience. It should also be deep, offering insights and solutions that showcase your expertise and match user intent.

Your content should also be engaging and valuable. You can achieve that through user-friendly storytelling, recent and trustworthy data, interactive elements, good visuals or thought-provoking discussions.

Poor-quality content is a short wall of unstructured, uninformative text with excess keyword stuffing, no visual elements and a lack of any benefit to the reader. Publishing this type of content brings no value to your business.

2. Use guest blogging

Backlinks are crucial to your website's authority and ranking because they help establish credibility with search engines.

When other factors like content quality and user-friendliness are equal, search engines perceive a website with a higher number of quality backlinks as more authoritative and trustworthy. Essentially, backlinks function as endorsements from other websites, signaling to search algorithms that your content is valuable and relevant.

So, how do you get backlinks?

One practice you can use to acquire backlinks to your website is guest posting. It allows you to contribute well-crafted, insightful content to reputable websites in your industry, giving you a chance to position yourself as an authority.

Guest blogging has multiple benefits: It allows you to showcase your expertise in front of more people and helps you build backlinks. That's a perfect way to boost your online visibility, outrank your competitors and attract a broader audience to your digital domain.

Related: 5 Common SEO Mistakes That Are Killing Your Rankings

3. Create service landing pages

Service landing pages are dedicated sections on a website that provide detailed and focused information about specific products or services a business offers. They help support targeted marketing efforts and improve overall user experience.

Each service page presents an opportunity to optimize for specific keywords related to that offering. That allows you to match the user's search intent and contributes to your overall SEO strategy.

Navigating a website becomes easier when visitors can easily find detailed information about the services they are looking for. Service pages streamline the user journey, reducing bounce rates and increasing engagement. They guide potential customers from exploration to engagement.

What does a service landing page look like?

Let's say you are a personal injury lawyer looking to boost your SEO. Your service landing pages should be about slip and fall injuries, automobile accidents and workplace injuries. That provides quick and valuable information to people looking for these services and improves your visibility on search engines.

4. Create location landing pages

Location landing pages are designed to provide specific and localized information about the products or services a business offers in a particular geographic area.

They are crucial for businesses serving multiple locations because they improve local SEO efforts, offering a tailored approach that caters to the unique needs and search intent of users in a specific area. Dedicated landing pages for each city or region improve online visibility in local search results and provide a more personalized experience for potential customers. This increases the likelihood of successful conversion.

For example, a small personal injury law firm based in Texas would benefit from having location landing pages for cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Plano and Irving. Creating these unique pages on the website tailored to the legal needs of residents in each city can significantly improve local SEO efforts.

Related: 7 Practices for Creating High-Converting Landing Pages

5. Improve website experience

In 2023, user experience impacts how well your content ranks on search engines. That's because Google and other search engines want to ensure their users are satisfied with search results, which is why they go for solutions that are simple, quick and accessible.

Here's how you can improve your website experience for your visitors:

Make your website mobile-friendly

Design a simple website bar for easy navigation

Increase page loading speed

Create strategic CTAs to guide users in their journey

Optimize content readability

In 2023 and 2024 you don't need a hefty advertising budget to grow your small business. All you need is to be strategic with your SEO efforts.

(AI, Wires, Newsfeeds, Media Man)

UAE workers say remote working more important than salary increase

Remote working has emerged as a key aspect for many, especially young adults

Remote working is growing in demand as 73 percent of workers look for flexible staffing solutions, at top luxury retail outlets across the malls in Dubai, a new report by THA Staffing showed.

Remote working has emerged as a key aspect for many, especially young adults, entering the workforce over financial incentives, the report said, adding this a trend in the UAE in 2023.

“As young adults and Generation Z (Gen Zs) enter the workforce, financial gains are no longer the main motivator when seeking job opportunities. Employees are growingly focused on their personal lives and opting for jobs that have flexible work models, offering a better work-life balance and flexible work solutions,” the report said.

Another trend that is most likely to be seen this year is temporary or short-term staffing.

Along with flexibility and diversity, temporary employees also have the added advantage of opting out of “conventional full-time employment”, thus enabling them to prioritise work-life balance.

“From a business perspective, temporary staffing provides a flexible model by securing reliable talent with precise skillsets for each job, improving efficiency and productivity levels,” the report said adding companies can rely on a trusted staffing agencies that comply with UAE laws.

Adding to this, the UAE new visa legislation’s introduction of Golden Visas, five-year Green Visas, and Freelancer Visas, and most recently the one-year residency permit for remote workers, have roped in investors as well as jobseekers to live and work in the UAE.

“The UAE has become a global hub for innovation and commerce, and the prevailing trends in the job market indicate the rise of a new working-model era driven by freelancers, thereby shaping the future of the industry,” THA Staffing’s managing director Yoaan Coulon said.

Another emerging trend is quiet quitting, which also grants employees, especially millennials and GenZ’s, to set boundaries in the work place without going above and beyond their work timinings.

“Organisations need to implement innovative retention strategies to retain skilled talent, including skilled-based learning programmes, flexible working hours, and remote working plan,” the report said, as a means to retain their employees and keep them engaged at the same time.

“Alternatively, businesses can seek the services of staffing agencies to outsource staff, keeping operating costs contained and ensuring seamless integration and high quality of work,” the report added.

Adding to this, the introduction of more co-working spaces such as The Hub, will also prove beneficial to freelancers and “digital nomads” instead of a traditional office environment. This is also a likely trend in 2023.

Young adults also look for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles whilst applying for a job, making it another hiring trend in 2023.

“These include having a purpose-driven impact on the environment, social well-being, and prosperity based on the principles of People, Planet and Profit. Companies and leading organisations have thus committed to reducing their carbon footprint impact on the planet, setting sustainable work models and frameworks, particularly as the UAE sets to host the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP28) in November 2023,” the report added.

(Arabian Business)

Social Media

Greg Tingle

Arabian Business on remote working. With some of my own commentary on sports, culture, business, property and the like re the UAE, sometimes it feels like I'm remote working in a remote news media office. I'm not on the payrol of Arabian Business for the record and to be clear, but from my office I get to cover the world's news and affairs, currently based in Australia! The world is your oyster, now on another level with the internet, social media et al. Commentary via our friends via the LinkedIn platform! PS: my post sparked by recent and excellent coverage of the WWE (wrestling promotion) coverage by Arabian Business. hashtag#arabianbusiness hashtag#ab hashtag#uae hashtag#uaebusiness hashtag#uaebusinesses hashtag#remote hashtag#remoteworking hashtag#work hashtag#careers hashtag#workspace hashtag#employment hashtag#trends hashtag#culture hashtag#balance hashtag#flexibleworkspace hashtag#respect hashtag#performance hashtag#marketing hashtag#culture hashtag#b2b hashtag#b2c hashtag#social hashtag#socialmedia hashtag#world hashtag#agency hashtag#business hashtag#media 

LinkedIn News Australia

Why do you join a company? Increasingly, job seekers are looking for an employer whose values match their own, and often prioritise this over pay and perks.

Such values can include a commitment to climate change or social impact, a thriving workplace culture or established employee resource groups which offer diversity and inclusion.

According to data from LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index, job quitting is more common — particularly among younger workers. Of those considering changing jobs, 54% are doing so because they want an employer whose values align with theirs.

What values do you hold that you think a company should also celebrate? Would you prioritise values over other aspects of a role when changing jobs?

Social Media

Greg Tingle

LinkedIn News Australia: Finding common ground and common threads aka things in common is a human trait. By nature people have preferences in many natures of things, including career choices, lifestyle and hobbies which may or may not be related to work. For me I've been in and around combat sports, entertainment biz and beach culture much of my life and I've been able to adapt much of that into my career - being involved in sports, media and entertainment industry campaign management, journalism and news. You can influence and even choose to some extent what news and topics to focus on. News and events take you to sports events, beach lifestyle happening and the Internet Matrix Of Things ties it all together nicely. I've taken a pay cut since my Optus Vision PPV and contract bundling days in most years, but my lifestyle, freedom of choice and critical thinking elements have increased. Plenty of beach and nature time and less "meeting for the sake of a meeting" activities. Health and lifestyle is wealth. The authentic at work and in business. Freedom! hashtag#linkedin hashtag#linkedinewsaustralia hashtag#career hashtag#careers hashtag#work hashtag#workplace hashtag#business hashtag#balance hashtag#agent hashtag#agency hashtag#mediaagent hashtag#news hashtag#newsmedia hashtag#onlinenews hashtag#publisher hashtag#mbs hashtag#lifestyle hashtag#lifestylemanagement hashtag#management hashtag#world hashtag#media 

Is the US ready for a four-day work week?

New research shows a large majority of managers support a four-day system

The nation is still seeing low unemployment numbers, and many businesses say it remains difficult to find people to hire. Therefore, they’re being forced to develop new ways to attract and retain people.

"It’s nice to actually feel like we do have off time, and that we are protective of that time," said Nate Jones, an experienced analyst and head of research at CX Pilots, a business consulting company that’s trying out a four-day, ten-hour schedule. 

Jones says his weekends now feel a little more like a weekend because he tries to make the most of that extra free day.

"I’m meal prepping, I’m doing laundry, catching up with family," he said.

"The pandemic made me think more about what I care about," said CX Pilots founder Steven Keith. He says the new schedule is working well, and the company has not seen a change in workplace productivity.

Research from Robert Half, an employment agency, shows a large majority of US Managers (93%) support a four-day workweek for their team. The data shows 64% expect their company to transition to one within the next five years.

"We’re seeing morale increase because folks feel like their employer listened and heard them," said Cathi Canfield, vice president of Enterprise Transformation EmplyBridge, another employment agency.

Experts say the four-day work week is still pretty rare in the US. It’s a challenge for many companies to retool their workflow.

"Some staff members, for example, work Monday through Thursday one week, and others work Tuesday through Friday, to make sure there’s coverage five days a week. So there’s certainly logistics," said Brett Good, senior district president at Robert Half.

 

EmployBridge believes the schedule will only become more popular in the coming years, so companies need to be ready for it.

"They’ll be forced to if they want the best. The best are asking for this kind of flexibility," Canfield said.

(FOX Business)

Social Media

Greg Tingle

FOX News' Austin on the 4-Day work week. Well, my workweek was cut down from the 6.5 days a week I used to work. So much for "balance". I learned my lesson about two decades ago. Not all people have the required discipline to work from home in certain roles, but it works for some. Business ventures from home can work well, however it depends upon the product and service, as well as the home situation. Overall the 4-day workweek beats 5, but if one can create their own business and do away with the 9 to 5 or 8 to 6 grind that's even better for the individual. People have their own individual standards of what is workable and acceptable in a career and lifestyle path. Some corporates may of course not be so keen on their employees being away from the office so much and wondering what else they could be doing with their life instead. We all have a choice (The Matrix) - my pop culture reference for the day. hashtag#fox hashtag#foxnews hashtag#careers hashtag#jobs hashtag#business hashtag#4dayweek hashtag#4dayworkweek hashtag#balance hashtag#choices hashtag#lifestyle hashtag#culture hashtag#workculture hashtag#society hashtag#media 

Bitcoin hits $US40,000 for first time since May 2022 - December 4. 2023

Bitcoin topped $US40,000 as the largest digital asset extended a 2023 rebound on expectations of interest rate reductions and greater demand from the exchange-traded funds sector.

The token added as much as 2.9 per cent to reach $US40,867, taking its 2023 jump to 146 per cent. Bitcoin was last at such levels in April last year before the Terra USD stablecoin collapse that contributed to a $US2 trillion rout in digital assets.

Investors are increasingly convinced that the Federal Reserve is done with rate increases as inflation cools, turning the focus to the likely extent of cuts next year. The changed backdrop has fuelled a rally across global markets.

The crypto industry is also awaiting the outcome of applications from BlackRock to start the first US spot bitcoin ETF with some of these products expected to win approval by January.

“Bitcoin continues to be supported by optimism around SEC approval for an ETF and Fed rate cuts in 2024,” wrote Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG. Technical chart patterns point to $US42,330 as the next level to watch for, he added.

Bitcoin’s revival from the 2022 crypto crash has weathered a US crackdown that put Sam Bankman-Fried behind bars for fraud at FTX and handed top crypto exchange Binance and its founder, Changpeng Zhao, rap sheets and big fines.

Optimists argue the drive to curb dubious practices and the prospective ETFs signal a maturing crypto industry and the potential for a wider investor base.

Recent enforcement actions “have instilled confidence among investors”, said Su Yen Chia, co-founder of the Asia Crypto Alliance. Bitcoin “is aping momentum in traditional finance with Fed rate-hike expectations fading.”

A reset in rate bets or unexpected snarls for the ETFs could yet derail bitcoin, while some technical indicators suggest the virtual currency’s rally is stretched.

For instance, bitcoin’s weekly relative-strength index, a momentum gauge, closed above 75 for the past two weeks. Readings above 70 are viewed as signalling “overbought” conditions. At the same time, bitcoin in the past decade rose an average 15 per cent over the subsequent month after printing a weekly RSI of more than 75, data shows.

In the short term, “’long trader positioning implies that further price appreciation may be harder to come by”, crypto fund provider Grayscale wrote in a note. Still, the financial and economic backdrop is set to stay positive for digital assets, it added.

Bitcoin’s jump in 2023 has outstripped global stocks and gold. In the derivatives market, open interest recently advanced to landmark levels at the CME Group for bitcoin futures and at the Deribit platform for options on the most high-profile crypto coin.

One prop for sentiment is the so-called bitcoin halving due next year, which will cut in half the amount of tokens that bitcoin miners receive as reward for their work. The quadrennial event is part of the process of capping bitcoin supply at 21 million tokens. The coin hit records after each of the last three halvings.

(Bloomberg)

Foxtel boss braces for ‘bumpy summer’ of sport without India, Poms - December 3, 2023

Foxtel boss Patrick Delany has conceded that this summer of sport will be “a bit bumpy” for the pay TV company, as lower audiences are expected for the cricket series against Pakistan and West Indies compared with drawcards such as India and England.

Foxtel, which is majority-owned by News Corp, reported just 2000 new paying subscribers to its sports platform Kayo at the end of September, compared with the previous quarter. Its total paying subscribers on Kayo, Binge and its pay-TV business fell by 77,000 to 4.58 million. Mr Delany said the next quarter would be tougher.

The challenging summer comes as Foxtel looks to introduce artificial intelligence-generated price options for customers, known as “dynamic pricing”. This tailors offers to new or existing subscribers based on a user’s viewing habits.

“The sports business is interesting because rotational churn has that seasonality to it. It depends on what sports and what’s trending at the time,” Mr Delany told the Media Partners Asia APOS summit in late September, in previously unpublished comments.

“In the sports area, it’s going to be a bit bumpy this summer. We don’t have the big teams out, we don’t have India and the Poms out ... there’ll be a bit of a churn hiccup in the next quarter.”

The major summer sports for Australian broadcasters are cricket and the Australian Open tennis. The ICC Men’s World Cup, for example, drew record audiences on Foxtel for the event – an average of 223,000, and 494,000 people for the grand final between Australia and India. There were 2.5 million streams on Kayo to see Travis Head guide Australia to victory.

Cricket involving India and England typically draws the biggest live crowds and TV audiences. This year, the Australian men’s cricket team plays the West Indies and then Pakistan starting on December 14; the women’s team will play South Africa from late January.

In its latest corporate filings, Foxtel reported its content costs jumped by $114 million to $1.5 billion for the 12 months to June 30. In the next couple of years, however, there will be even bigger obligations under new sports rights contracts.

Foxtel has tied up Australian cricket and AFL until 2031. Its new cricket deal will cost it almost $140 million a year and begins from the 2024-25 season until 2030-31. Late last year, Foxtel and Seven signed a $4.5 billion broadcast deal with the AFL.

At the global media event, Mr Delany said the company had learnt “extreme cost discipline”. “We’ve got pretty good at that,” he said. Foxtel cut more than 250 staff over the past year, reporting a workforce of 1558 at the end of the 2023 financial year compared with more than 1800 the year before.

It would also continue to leverage its 1.5 million residential and commercial set-top box customers for as long as it can, “squeezing” them for revenue.

“We haven’t been running it for subscribers numbers for a long time,” Mr Delany said. “It, by and large, is older Australians that are wealthy… we’ll continue to squeeze as much revenue out as possible.”

The company recently unveiled Hubbl, its new puck product that will bundle multiple streaming services into a single bill. Mr Delany has become chief executive of both Foxtel Group and Hubbl.

News Corp global chief financial officer, Susan Pannuccio, told analysts last month that Foxtel expected “modestly higher expenses” for the 2024 financial year driven by sports rights and costs associated with launching Hubbl.

It will create offers for customers depending on their propensity to pay. “We’ll introduce dynamic pricing using AI into the winter of next season, which should go well,” he told the global media summit.

The company has been hiring pricing, yield and AI specialists to “optimise performance of 1:1 personalised dynamic pricing”.

Elon Musk stuns crowd with blunt message: ‘Go f**k yourself’ - November 30, 2023

Billionaire Elon Musk stunned a live audience with his bombshell message to advertisers who left the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Elon Musk had some harsh words for advertisers fleeing platform X.

“Go f**k yourself,” Musk, owner of X, said during a Wednesday afternoon appearance at The New York Times DealBook Summit.

As reported by Fox Business, Musk made the comment while being interviewed by Andrew Ross Sorkin, speaking about the current advertiser boycott of the social platform.

“What this advertising boycott is going to do is, it is going to kill the company,” Musk said.

“And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company.”

Musk also appeared to take a shot at Disney CEO Bob Iger, who had earlier discussed Disney pulling advertising from the platform.

“Don’t advertise. If someone is going to try and blackmail me with advertising? Blackmail me with money? Go f**k yourself,” Musk said, adding: “Go f**k yourself, is that clear? Hey Bob, if you’re in the audience. That’s how I feel, don’t advertise.”

The CEO of X, Linda Yaccarino, appointed by Musk, observed the interview from the front row “stone-faced”, The Hollywood Reporter said.

And, of course, the internet responded swiftly, with varying opinions on Musk’s remarks, including support for his unfiltered approach and criticism for potential damage to his reputation and companies.

Most notable of the responses came from English broadcaster Piers Morgan, who tweeted: “Brilliant …”

Another user asked, “Can you blame the guy? Never catches a break, calls for peace and is told he’s pro-Russian.

“Wants to save the world, get humans in space, and cement free speech …

“Yet he’s still pulled apart and his motives questioned, pretty hilarious. Legend imo”

But another suggested, “he needs to stop replying to comments from people making racist statements and legitimising them while making wild conspiracy-like comments”.

And another user asked bluntly: “he’s got to be high, right?”

Musk apologised for endorsing a social media post widely seen as anti-Semitic, describing it as “literally the worst and dumbest post that I’ve ever done”.

In a comment on X, formerly Twitter, Musk on November 15 called a post “the actual truth” that said Jewish communities advocated a “dialectical hatred against whites,” which was criticised as echoing longtime conspiracy theory among White supremacists.

The statement prompted a flood of departures from X of major advertisers, including Apple, Disney, Comcast and IBM who criticised Musk for anti-Semitism.

“I’m sorry for that tweet or post,” Musk said Wednesday. “It was foolish of me.”

He told interviewer Andrew Ross Sorkin that his post had been misinterpreted and that he had sought to clarify the remark in subsequent posts to the thread.

Musk, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a visit to Israel earlier this week, insisted in the interview that he holds no discrimination against Jews, calling himself “philo-Semitic,” or an admirer of Judaism.

During the interview, Musk wore a necklace given to him by a parent of an Israeli hostage taken in the Hamas attack on October 7.

The necklace reads, “Bring Them Home.” Musk told Sorkin that the Israel trip had been planned earlier and was not an “apology tour” related to the controversial tweet.

— with AFP, Fox Business

WWE News

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE breaks all-time Survivor Series records for viewership, gate and merchandise sales

STAMFORD, Conn., November 28, 2023 – 

WWE announced that Survivor Series, which emanated from Allstate Arena in Chicago, set new records for the highest viewership, largest gate and best merchandise sales in the event’s 37-year history.

Viewership for Survivor Series was up 44 percent versus the previous record set in 2022. With 17,138 in attendance, the event broke the previous Survivor Series gate record set in Brooklyn in 2021.

In partnership with Fanatics, Survivor Series broke the premium live event’s all-time merchandise record. Sponsorship revenue was up 24 percent versus 2022.

In addition, the surprise return of CM Punk after nearly a decade away from WWE further drove massive digital engagement. Punk’s comeback moment has more than 71 million views across all platforms, making it the most social post in company history.

WWE YouTube Channel

CM Punk IS BACK! See the epic Survivor Series return: Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1MBYsVamBQ&ab_channel=WWE

(Source: WWE)

#SurvivorSeries #WWESurvivorSeries #WWE #CMPunk #AllstateArena #fanatics #wrestling #prowrestling #wrestlingnews #records #recordbreaking #popculture #socialmedia #trends #trending #media 

Wrestler CM Punk's return helps WWE crush social media record - Novemeber 28, 2023

WWE crushed its social media record over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with the return of wrestler CM Punk at Survivor Series garnering more than 71 million views across all of the sports entertainment company's platforms.

Survivor Series, a premium live event that's been held for 37 years, took place at the Allstate Arena in Chicago on Saturday. While WWE's fervent fans had been talking about the possibility of CM Punk returning to the organization for weeks, his appearance at the WWE event after nearly a decade away from the company surprised nearly everyone, and many took to social media to talk about it.

WWE said Tuesday that the comeback moment has more than 71 million views across all platforms, making it the biggest social post in company history. The previous record was a handheld video last year from Logan Paul as he jumped from the ropes during a match. That video garnered more than 40 million views across Paul's and WWE's social platforms in less than 24 hours.

WWE, which is part of TKO Group Holdings, said that Survivor Series' sponsorship revenue climbed 24% from a year earlier. Viewership increased 44%, eclipsing the record set last year. There were 17,138 people in attendance for the event, breaking the record set in Brooklyn in 2021.

Earlier this month, WWE announced that it is collaborating with the Big 12 for the conference's championship game Saturday as the company further strengthens ties with outside sports organizations.

As part of the partnership, the game's most outstanding player will receive a custom-made WWE championship title belt, and a co-branded WWE X Big 12 logo will appear throughout the stadium and on the field. The Big 12 Conference and WWE will also collaborate on a Big 12 championship merchandise line, which will be available online and at the stadium's team stores.

The Dr. Pepper Big 12 championship will be held Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

WWE breaks all-time Survivor Series records for viewership, gate and merchandise sales

STAMFORD, Conn., November 28, 2023 – WWE announced that Survivor Series, which emanated from Allstate Arena in Chicago, set new records for the highest viewership, largest gate and best merchandise sales in the event’s 37-year history.

Viewership for Survivor Series was up 44 percent versus the previous record set in 2022. With 17,138 in attendance, the event broke the previous Survivor Series gate record set in Brooklyn in 2021. 

In partnership with Fanatics, Survivor Series broke the premium live event’s all-time merchandise record. Sponsorship revenue was up 24 percent versus 2022. 

In addition, the surprise return of CM Punk after nearly a decade away from WWE further drove massive digital engagement. Punk’s comeback moment has more than 71 million views across all platforms, making it the most social post in company history.

Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT @WWENXT via 

WWE YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@WWE

Ilja Dragunov vs. Nathan Frazer: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zaU52hND1c&ab_channel=WWE

Eddy Thorpe vs. Bron Breakker - Iron Survivor Qualifying Match: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdfaxN21Rjs&ab_channel=WWE

Breakker is one step closer to becoming a three-time NXT Champion: WWE NXT exclusive, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB5p-ZoxJiE&ab_channel=WWE

Brooks Jensen vs. Lexis King: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxe2p2_ciMQ&ab_channel=WWE

Kelani Jordan vs. Kiana James - Iron Survivor Qualifying Match: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Toicq3aD4Gc&ab_channel=WWE

Tony D & Stacks retain the NXT Tag Team Titles: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vzNpDArW2I&ab_channel=WWE

Andre Chase addresses the allegations against Chase U: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E54Ay3FvZhk&ab_channel=WWE

Alpha Academy challenge The Meta-Four: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyUkiQyHMyw&ab_channel=WWE

Roxanne Perez and Kiana James come to blows backstage: WWE NXT highlights, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=711HE7c9YNU&ab_channel=WWE

NXT Commentators: Vic Joseph and Booker T

Media Man: Solid thumbs up. Standouts include Lexis King, Bron Breakker, Eddy Thorpe and The Family. King and Breakker sure look like future champions. Very good storytelling and in-ring action.

#WWENXT #NXTDeadline #IronSurvivor #BronBreakker #Dog #EddyThorpe #LexisKing #King #BrooksJensen #IljaDragunov #NathanFrazer #TheFamily #TonyD #Stacks #ChaseU #highlights #moments #videos #TB #prowrestling #wrestling #USANetwork #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting  #trends #trending #buzz #media 

Image credit: WWE NXT

Pro Wrestling

NXT @WWENXT via 

WWE Official YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/@WWE 

Wes Lee vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Cameron Grimes vs. Bronson Reed: WWE NXT, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt05awxYtqk&ab_channel=WWE

"The NXT Universe showing their love for all these former North American champions, and that Dominik we do have to thank you for"... Vic Joseph @VicJosephWWE 

"Oh Yeah". You know what I would say on that..Great scot. Oh, Yes. I love this big man, Bronson Reed" Booker T @BookerT5x 

"Johnny Wrestling" - NXT fans

"And Bronson Reed is becoming a one man wrecking crew here in this NXT main event" Vic Joseph

"Seek, destory, conquer...finally the big man's down" Vic Joseph

From what I remember, I've beaten Wes Lee already. Mummi gave me a little bit of extra lunch money" Dominik Mysterio @DomMysterio35

"If that happened to you Mummi wouldn't be very happy would she" Vic Joseph

"Even you have to admit the courage of Wes Lee" VJ

"He's just lucky, definitely lucky" DM

"He's like a little rabbit..haslike a little rabbits foot on him" DM

#WWENXT #Fatal4Way #NXTDeadline #MainEvent #WesLee #JohnnyGargano #CameronGrimes #BronsonReed #Aussie #AussieDestroyer #AussieTsunami #DominikMysterio #DirtyDom #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #video #highlights #moments #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #USANetwork #NorthAmerica #NorthAmerican #NXTNorthAmerican #trend #trends #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE NXT

Pro Wrestling 

via All Elite Wrestling @AEW Official YouTube Channel   http://youtube.com/AEW 

Will AEW World & ROH Tag champ MJF seal his legacy at World’s End vs Joe? 11/29/23  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xW-341p1Y4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

After last week’s violent confrontation, Wardlow takes on AR Fox! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1duQsgQexI&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

HUGE 2nd round match-up between two front-runners! Strickland vs Jay White! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bONfoJ71Cqo&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Patriarch Christian Cage responds to Adam Copeland’s challenge! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47op34VPbjc&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

TBS Champion, Julia Hart, takes on Emi Sakura in a House Rules match-up! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iX16Z_yDFOE&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Dante Martin returns to Top Flight to take on the Hardys & Brother Zay! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFBSxxG3m6M&t=6s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Who scored his first AEW Continental Classic points? Briscoe or Rush? | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIdxf6xjfAI&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Round 2 UNDERWAY! Continental Classic rolls on as Moxley takes on Lethal! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSzYV1VzRqc&t=7s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Icon Sting & Ric Flair announce where Revolution will be held! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhmBtwfP3FY&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Week 2 of the Continental Classic Heats Up! | AEW Control Center: Minneapolis, 11/29/23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0dMoHH3AjE&t=3s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

#AEWDynamite #MJF #SamoaJoe #AEWWorldsEnd #RicFlair #Sting #ChristianCage #AdamCopeland #RRatedSuperstar #JonMoxley #JayLethal #TheHardys #TopFlight #SwerveStrickland #JayWhite #JuliaHart #EmiSakura #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #TrendingNow #buzz #TV #media   

Media Man says "Strong thumbs up. Loving the never say die attitude by AEW. Strong leadership behind the scenes by Chris Jericho and great enthusiam by vets String and Ric Flair. Keep up the good fight!"

Image credit: AEW

Pro Wrestling Ratings

WWE @WWE RAW by the Numbers

Peak viewership for WWE RAW

Opening segment between Randy Orton and Rhea Ripley (of Judgement Day) 

2,058,000 viewers (commercial-free hour)

CM Punk in-ring promo at the conclusion of the red hot pro wrestling aka sports entertainment themed show. Witnessed 1,768,000 viewers tune in.  

WWE lead announcer Michael Cole @MichaelCole is blessed to have so much great talent and stories to work with at present. After decades behind the mic Cole is finally getting more credit to the great job he does every week, some in front of camera, and some behind the scenes.

At the very end of Punk's promo his last words were "I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to make money".

That quote can be taken with a viewers/readers own interpretation ala "interpretative art", as wrestling legend John Cena calls his Instagram posts! Needless to say that WWE's social media accounts have been on fire since Survivor Series with the WWE putting the news into the public domain. The news summary can be located on the WWE website in the news section.

Media Man: Pro wrestling history shows us that reality based interviews, promos, feuds and the like more often than not are the most successful for ratings, buzz, attracting new viewers, fighting for eyeballs, merch and so on. So far it appears that WWE has hit a home-run with CM Punk. At this rate more record breaking numbers are likely on the way. It sure feels like WrestleMania @WrestleMania Season has arrived early.

Videos

WWE @WWE YouTube

FULL SEGMENT – CM Punk returns to Raw for the first time in nearly 10 years: Raw, Nov. 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsRaVK54GfM&ab_channel=WWE

Randy Orton tells Rhea Ripley that Daddy's Home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m7lOMeUmwY&ab_channel=WWE

Logan Paul looks for his first challenger: SmackDown sneak peek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Ru_Eiw7os&ab_channel=WWE

PS: WWE SmackDown in less than 24 hours. Fellow ratings grabber Logan Paul @LoganPaul is booked and considering his next potential challengers! More dream matches on the way. In the WWE the story never ends as Triple H has pointed out numerous times over the years. 

Sources: Wrestlenomics, Figure 4, Wires, X (formally Twitter)

#WWERaw #SmackDown #CMPunk #BestInTheWorld #RandyOrton #TheViper #RKO #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #Maverick #MichaelCole #CoreyGraves #WadeBarrett #NickKhan #WrestleMania #prowrestling #wrestling #sportsentertainment #popculture #entertainment #showbiz #broadcast #broadcasting #socialmedia #trend #trends #buzz #media 

Image credit: WWE

Sports Models Of The Month (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/sports_models2.html

Home grown Aussie beats Pro Wrestling and UFC @UFC connections!

Congratulations:

Alexa Towersey

Jade Cargill 

Alexis Kaufman

Brittney Palmer

Interviews:

Alexa Towersey

https://www.mediamanint.com/interviews/towersey.html

#sportsmodels #sportsmodel #modelofthemonth #modelsofthemonth #AlexaTowersey #JadeCargill #AlexisKaufman #BrittneyPalmer #UFC #AmandaSaccomanno #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportsmarketing #fashion #Aussie #popculture #entertainment #trend #trends #buzz #media #mediaman

Image credit: Alexa Towersey

Advertisers, agencies, content creators and buyers flock to Media Man website network to place ads in niche and industry specific realm (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/advertisers_agencies.html

#advertising #adagency #content #contentnews #contentmarketing #contrentcreators #contentcreation #advertisingexec #advertisers #advertisingnews #adnews #agent #sportsagent #mediaagent #network #networking #niche #nichenews #nicheadvertising #nichemarketing #onlinenews #onlinebiz #biz #GregTingle #trends #buzz #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

Disruptors Of The Month (Media Man Int)

Peter Thiel wins Media Man 'Entrepreneur Of The Month' award

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/disruptors_of.html

Runner-Ups: Elon Musk, MrBeast and Logan Paul

#disruptorsofthemonth #disruptorofthemonth #disruptor #disruptors #PeterThiel #ElonMusk #MrBeast #JimmyDonaldson #LoganPaul #Maverick #TheMaverick #Prime #Entrepreneur #entrepreneurs #biznews #biz #cafenews #watercooler #trends #mediaforgood #X #Xnews #mediabiz #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

Niche media, marketing and media campaigns the way to go, says Media Man agency (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/niche_media.html

#nichemedia #nichemarketing #nichenews #nichecontent #creative #content #creative #creativity #ads #adnews #adbiz #creativeadvertising #creativewriting #copy #onlinenews #onlinecontent #campaigns #agency #agencies #buzz #GregTiingle #media #mediaman 

Combat Sports News

UFC champ Sean Strickland holds alleged domestic violence suspect at gun point

UFC @UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has held an alleged perpetrator at gun point after he attempted to hide out at his house.

An alleged domestic violence perpetrator picked the wrong home at which to try to hide out.

UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland posted a video on his Instagram page in which the alleged suspect sought to hide out at his house after apparently trying to outrun club security — and Strickland held the man at gunpoint, the NY Post reports.

“Here’s what I know….,” Strickland’s explanation of the event began.

“The guy was drunk stomping out a girl, a security guard seen it, he jumped in his car and drove off. Security followed him, hit a curb, completely shredded his tire, drove on the rim for awhile then jumped out and tried to hide at my house. I initially thought he was stealing my car..”

Strickland added that the suspect was arrested.

It’s unclear where the incident took place.

In a major upset at UFC 293 in September, Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya via decision to become the promotion’s middleweight champion.

Dana White immediately announced after the fight that Strickland and Adesanya would have a rematch.

In his professional MMA career, which began in 2008, Strickland has a 28-5 record.

Believe it or not, Strickland is not the first UFC fighter to point a gun at an alleged home intruder, as Jon Jones chased an alleged attempted car thief away from his home with a shotgun in 2020.

Last year, UFC welterweight fighter Kevin Holland spoke to The Post about thwarting a gunman at a sushi restaurant in Houston.

Holland said that he initially thought the gunshot was a champagne pop.

“As I go to turn around and look, I see one of the employees and some other people running with a look of biblical fear on their face,” Holland said.

“And as they’re running, I call my uncle Patrick Robinson and pulled him down. People were running everywhere. I looked over on the right side of the bar and noticed two guys wrestling with a gun.

“Then I get up, start running that way. I picked up a chair. I was going to smack the guy with a chair but I couldn’t see exactly which person it was. I put the chair down, and realised the person on the bottom was the shooter. I helped the guy pull the gun free, and pulled the guy back into my lap, hit him with a rear-naked choke, and choked him to sleep.”

Videos

Chael Sonnen Official YouTube

Sean Strickland’s Most Important Fight...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIyJKrJjaeE&ab_channel=ChaelSonnen

Michael Bisping Official YouTube

BISPING reacts: Sean Strickland HOLDS MAN at GUNPOINT | UFC 297 Strickland v Du Plessis Preview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpP9lOqwbaY&ab_channel=MichaelBisping

Full Send MMA Official YouTube

SEAN STRICKLAND SHOCKED OVER IAN GARRY THREATENING TO SUE HIM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUC2M40caww&ab_channel=FULLSENDMMA

Sean Strickland Official YouTube

Dricus is Tougher Fight Than Chimaev | Sean Strickland Fight Camp UFC 297 Strickland vs Du Plessis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jV-FTMzgYwc&ab_channel=SeanStrickland

UFC Official YouTube

Sean Strickland Octagon Interview | UFC 293

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClkCv-N9Jr8&t=2s&ab_channel=UFC

Rise of Sean Strickland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHiwI04xlSY&ab_channel=UFC

Sean Strickland is ONE OF A KIND when it comes to his trash talk

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/vTEHmX-7JOI

#seanstrickland #UFC #Tarzan #MMA #combatsports #citizensarrest #hero #sportsnews #popculture #USA #trends #trending #buzz #NYPost #videos #YT #newsmedia #sportsmedia #X #media 

(Sources: New York Post, Wires, X)

Financial Review remains Australia’s most-read premium business title

The Australian Financial Review is the country’s most read premium business masthead, with a cross-platform readership of 3.4 million people, according to Total News readership figures released by Roy Morgan on Monday.

In the last four weeks, 1.1 million people read a print edition of the Financial Review, with the masthead holding steady year-on-year after experiencing four consecutive quarters of growth. Meanwhile, The Australian has dropped 16 per cent for the same period.

The Monday-to-Friday print edition recorded massive annual growth of 31 per cent year-on-year, for an average issue readership of 244,000, while the AFR Weekend Saturday print edition has a readership of 190,000, posting annual growth of 35 per cent.

Highlighting the strength of the Financial Review’s digital offering, nearly 75 per cent of AFR readers – 2.1 million people – engage with the masthead’s online publication. This puts the publication third behind only The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

The Australian Financial Review Magazine continues to dominate Australia’s monthly magazine insert figures, with a print readership of 498,000, which has seen quarterly growth of 1 per cent – its fourth consecutive quarter of growth – and annual growth of 22 per cent. This is the highest quarterly growth result since December 2018.

Nine’s Total Publishing assets reach a de-duplicated audience of 16.3 million Australians across print and digital.

Financial Review editor-in-chief Michael Stutchbury said the quarterly growth in the masthead’s total readership matched the new benchmarks being hit for the masthead’s retail subscriptions and the exceptional growth in its number of corporate subscribers.

“This is all driven by the exceptional journalism of the Financial Review newsroom, highlighted by last week’s Gold Walkley award for Neil Chenoweth and Edmund Tadros for their PwC investigation over the past year,” Stutchbury said.

The Total News readership figures are produced by Roy Morgan for ThinkNewsBrands.

(Source: The Australian Financial Review)

#FinancialReview #AFR #newspaper #newspapers #masterhead #readership #magazines #RoyMorgan #RoyMorganResearch #ThinkNewsBrands #newsmedia #media #mediaman 

VIX drop: stocks collapse or boring growth ahead?

Financial market volatility has plunged to its lowest level in almost four years, according to the VIX index. This so-called "fear index" fell to 12.45 on Friday, the lowest level since January 2020. Such low levels could be both a sign of the market entering a smooth bullish trend or a lull before a sharp decline.

Low VIX values indicate weak expected market volatility in the coming months.

Sometimes, such market signals should be perceived as overconfidence by investors. And then, the calm is followed by a storm wave, knocking down everything in its path. The peak of overconfidence is usually followed by bitter disappointment in the form of a painful sell-off in stocks.

This can be a period of quiet growth in stocks. And while bears should be prepared for a reversal in stocks, they should not be in a hurry to make a quick bet on it because a rally in stocks can take an indefinitely long time while the VIX is at such low levels.

The VIX has spent most of June and July this year in the range between 13 and 14, and the S&P500 has added nearly 7.5% during that time. The S&P500 gained twice as much between October 2019 and January 2020, when we saw similar or lower VIX levels. Moreover, the VIX spent all of 2017 and early 2018 mostly below 12, dipping to 9.5 at times, and this was also a period of smooth, persistent 27% gains for the S&P500.

Thus, stocks are now close to a point where there could be both a painful switch into risk-off mode and the start of a long and boring uptrend for speculators.

In the short term, we see more bearish signals for the market as the last upside momentum in equities was extremely sharp. It looks like the market driver was closing shorts rather than building long positions. A similar amplitude rally in equities has been a sign of a reversal to growth in recent years with monetary easing, but now the pause is more of what the markets are hoping for, but the Fed is not confirming those hopes.

Source: Alex Kuptsikevich, the FxPro senior market analyst. 

#VIX #vixindex #markets #FinancialMarkets #currency #finnews #fintech #news #newsmedia #media #mediaman 

Full Send Podcast wins Media Man 'News Podcast Of The Month' award

UFC's Dana White gets Full Send @fullsendpodcast  and Nelk Boys crew over the line for the victory

Full Send Podcast YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@FULLSENDPODCAST

Videos

Dana White on Dillon Danis Fighting in the UFC and Kyle’s UFC Date!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ6793BtAgo&ab_channel=FULLSENDPODCAST

Jake Paul Gets Real About Logan Paul, Dillon Danis, KSI & Offers the NELK BOYS a Fight Contract!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRrcwI7pu_g&t=2s&ab_channel=FULLSENDPODCAST

The UFC Fight Week SPECIAL with Khamzat, Volkanovski, and Usman!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZIj8F5pqrU&ab_channel=FULLSENDPODCAST

#FullSend #FullSendPodcast #DanaWhite #UFC #NelkBoys #MMA #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #sportsnews #popculture #podcastofthemonth #podcasters #podcastnews #society #socialmedia #trend #trends #buzz #news #newsmedia #media 

Image credit: Full Send Podcast

"This is where I belong. This is home and I've been gone for ten years and over ten years you people never forgot me even when maybe I wanted to forget me." - CM Punk @CMPunk #CMPunk #quote #quotes #WWE #WWERaw #SurvivorSeries #prowrestling #wrestling #popculture #trends #media 

“I’m not going to waste any more breath on anyone who has been gone for eight years, has done nothing but try to tear this place down. I want to use my breath to talk about the people who worked to make WWE the hottest ticket in town.” - Seth Rollins, WWE @WWE Champion on CM Punk 

#SethRollins #quote #CMPunk #WWE #SurvivorSeries #WWERaw #prowrestling #wrestling #legend #legends #media 

Pro Wrestling

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton connection

"At the end of the match, Randy said to me, 'Thanks for the phone call.' And I wanted to tell him 'Thanks for my career.' I keep thinking this is going to end and I couldn't have gotten to where I got had I not been around Randy. Randy is so wild and chaotic and you hear all these funny stories about him and all this nonsense, but as a performer, a professional wrestler, WWE superstar. What an outstanding mentor he was to me truly.

I'll never forget standing in the ring at the Royal Rumble when he won, pointing at the star WrestleMania sign and just thinking, 'I want to be like him.' That's [as] nice as I'm gonna get about [him]. I was really touched.

"I think a lot of emotions tonight because my father-in-law, he's in the hospital. Michael Cole shouted him out on commentary, I really appreciate that. Otis has been the biggest fan. We love Otis and I want him to get better and all those things.

So I was thinking about that. I was thinking about Randy and of course, cage opens up and I walk out. For the first time in the day, everyone else is thinking, for the first time in the day I think 'Ah, this is my dad's match.' Charmed life you guys have given me. I'm very lucky."

Videos

Survivor Series Press Conference

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2jcfUv1YB0&t=2282s&ab_channel=WWE

Cody Rhodes is excited to see CM Punk: Survivor Series: WarGames Press Conference highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15EcMTdOmp8&t=5s&ab_channel=WWE

Randy Orton hits a thunderous RKO on JD McDonagh: Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UE1H1fMplA&ab_channel=WWE

Randy Orton hits HUGE RKO to defeat “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio: Raw highlights, Nov. 27, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF8Q5fUc_FY&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE

Image credit: WWE @WWE

#CodyRhodes #quote #quotes #RandyOrton #SurvivorSeries #WarGames #mediascrum #pressconference #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingnews #wrestlingmedia #videos #YT #YouTube #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

National Wrestling Alliance @NWA via

NWA Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@nwa

NWA Powerrr | Ep 135 | Old Friends & Silver Bells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCLZPJktCpg&t=6s&ab_channel=NWA

Three Champions Meet A New Challenger

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3bNwrDArc8&ab_channel=NWA

Did The NEW Spectacular Make The Difference?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgr_kEfcJl4&t=13s&ab_channel=NWA

Media Man: Great show. The former champ Tim Storm is back! Storm is a major foundation of the modern NWA. This development can only lure more top line talent to the world's oldest and more storied pro wrestling promotion. Storm, The CW app deal, who or what is next?! Storm's bios are going to need updating again soon with more gold likely in the future!

Tim Storm (Wikipedia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Storm

NWA Magazine (via NWA Official website)

https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/magazine

Image credit: NWA

#NWAPowerrr #NWA #NationalWrestlingAlliance #TimStorm #PaulBurchill #TrevorMurdoch #JaxDane #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #buzz #media 

Pro Wrestling

IMPACT Wrestling @MPACTWRESTLING  x AAA @luchalibreaaa Ultra Clash

November 26, 2023

Showcenter Complex in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico

Bebote Valdez, Granada & Mafioso def Epydemius, The Mummy & Ultra

Chris Sabin & Trinity def Chik Tormenta & Dinamico

NGD (Forastero & Sanson) def Arez & Frankie Kazarian - AAA World Tag Team Championship

Jordynne Grace & Sexy Star def Deonna Purrazzo & Maravilla

Myzteziz Jr. def Eddie Edwards & Latigo

Laredo Kid & Tommy Dreamer def Brian Myers & Taurus

Moose & Toxin def Josh Alexander & Octagon Jr.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) & El Hijo del Vikingo def Los Vipers (Latigo & Toxin) & Trey Miguel

Impact Wrestling Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/impactwrestling

Lucha Libre AAA Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@luchalibreaaatv

LUCHA COMPLETA POR EL CAMPEONATO LATINOAMERICANO AAA: QT Marshall vs. Octagón Jr. | Lucha Libre AAA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_AhP60WTqo&ab_channel=LuchaLibreAAA

GUERRA DE TITANES 2023 Parte 1 | Lucha Libre AAA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cWjewgud4Y&ab_channel=LuchaLibreAAA

#AAAUltraClash #UltraClash #AAA #LuchaLibreAAA #ImpactWrestling #TNA #Moose #Toxin #JoshAlexander #OctagonJr #AlexShelley 

#ChrisSabin #ElHijo #Vikingo #LosVipers #Latigo 

#TreyMiguel #lucha #luchalibre #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #video #YT #Mexico #trends #media 

Image credit: AAA

Mixed Martial Arts Animation Art!

Award winning Mojahed Fudailat continues to wow and entertain combat sports and creative arts lovers

Mojahed Fudailat Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@MojahedFudailat

Conor showing Khabib his black belt

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEoILOALSew&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat

Dustin steals Conor from Chandler UFC 300

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf38_Qd0tL0&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat

Khamzat wants Pereira but Jiri steps in

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh-v0alGNiQ&ab_channel=MojahedFudailat

Image credit: Mojahed Fudailat

#MojahedFudailat #MMA #MMAart #MMAartist #UFC #animation #animationart #animationartist #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #sportsart #popculture #legends #creative #creativearts #YT #media

Pro Wrestling

AEW @AEW Worlds End is the All Elite Wrestling premium event for December 2023.

This is AEW's first Worlds End branded AEW event and will be eventful and one for the ages.

AEW Worlds End is scheduled for Saturday, December 30. 

The event eminates from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. 

It was announced on October 25, and ticket sales commenced on November 3.

Broadcast globally via FITE @FiteTV and others. Check the official AEW website for further information.

AEW World Champion MJF has commited to the big event with "I just got an MRI. I tore my labrum in my left shoulder. I’ll be defending my title at worlds end. I believe in AEW."

Matches announced thus far:

MJF vs Samoa Joe

Championship Final of the AEW Continental Classic tournament for the inaugural Triple Crown

Championship – ROH World Championship

NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, and the AEW Continental Championship

Might this be the last AEW event for one of more major All Elite Wrestling contracted performers? The end of the road some some and perhaps a new beginning for others. You want want to miss this fans.

Video

AEW YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@AEW

Will AEW World & ROH Tag champ MJF seal his legacy at World’s End vs Joe? | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xW-341p1Y4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Rated-R Superstar Adam Copeland challenges former best friend Christian Cage to a match! | 11/25/23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rHW3UA_JdM&t=1s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Image credit: AEW

#AEWWorldsEnd #WorldsEnd #AEW #AllEliteWrestling

#MJF #SamoaJoe #prowrestling #wrestling #FITE #PPV #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #livesports #liveentertainment #trends #trending #buzz #media 

Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT @WWENXT via WWE @WWE YouTube Channel

Top 10 WWE NXT moments: WWE Top 10, Nov. 28, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DESv2-29XLA&ab_channel=WWE

"And Dragunov again, hoisting Frazer up. Planting him with a powerbom" Vic Joseph @VicJosephWWE 

10. Bell Boy. "That's what this thing is all about" Booker T @BookerT5x 

"Of course it could be Karmen Petrovic's career for the NXT Women's champion, Lyra Valkyria who said every woman poses a threat. Did he just take the ring bell? What's Joe Gacy doing with the ring bell"? VC

#WWENXT #NXTDeadline #IljaDragunov #NathanFrazer #KarmenPetrovic #AriannaGrace #JoeGacy #KelaniJordan #KianaJames #LexisKing #King #WesLee #DominkMysterio #prowrestling #wrestling #USANetwork #moments #highlights #top10 #entertainment #popculture #YT #trend #trends #video #broadcast #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE NXT

WWE LinkedIn

Social Media buzz. Jeff X and assoc

We were watching live and starting Tweeting via X immeditely. Our main Twiter/X numbers went up by about triple at the end of War Games and during the WWE Raw broadcast. Punk certainly brings the X factor, numbers, eyeballs etc. Our CM Punk dream matches posts continue to go up via X. The gist that keeps on giving you may say. "The Wiseman" link and up and coming angle has been noted. More records likely to tumble when Punk faces Rollins, and most likely and finally, Roman Reigns. WrestleMania Season is starting early thanks to a kick-start with Punk. Great teamwork all, with specially mention to Triple H and Nick Khan. Need to know basis : ) 

Princess Cruises Goes "All-In" With Its Largest Casino Ever Debuting on New Sun Princess

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 28, 2023 - 

The largest casino ever built by Princess Cruises is readying to deal a full house of luck on the next-generation, 4,300-guest Sun Princess. The Princess Casino – with an astounding 50% more space and 30% more machines than the line's Royal Class ships – is preparing for guests to hit the jackpot when its newest and most magnificent cruise ship ever, Sun Princess, sets sail in February 2024.

Located on deck 8 adjacent to the bustling Piazza, the Princess Casino offers high ceilings and a spacious floorplan for world-class gaming comfort and entertainment. There will even be several gaming positions infused into in the Piazza, giving guests even easier and faster access to their favorite betting games.

With over 200 of the newest and most popular slots and video poker games, the Princess Casino will feature live table games offering progressive jackpots, as well as a variety of other games Princess players have come to enjoy. Included in the expanded casino will be a first-of-its-kind "Buffalo Zone" at sea – bringing these popular games by Aristocrat to the newest "Love Boat."

"Casino lovers, high rollers or simply those wanting to try a hand during their vacation will be stunned by the new Princess Casino onboard Sun Princess," said John Padgett, President of Princess Cruises. "Princess has embraced the casino experience and is proud to offer such exciting gaming surrounded by absolutely world-class dining and entertainment."

Princess Casino Key Enhancements Onboard Sun Princess

Nearly 9,000 square feet, featuring 10' ceilings, 227 slot machines and 13 live tables

Newest and the most comfortable gaming seating available for both slot and table game players

New linked blackjack and poker table progressives, offering high value cash top awards

High-limit slot area, with high-end seating

New gaming experiences and celebrations through an interactive audio-visual experience throughout the casino

Scheduled to debut in February 2024, Sun Princess is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. The 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will offer an array of exciting new entertainment and culinary offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories. With the most balconies and sun decks on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom.

Inaugural 2024 Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean, Europe and Caribbean are on sale now. More ship information and images can be found at www.princess.com/sunprincess

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting www.princess.com

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc 

SOURCE Princess Cruises

#PrincessCruises #PrincessCasino #cruiseship #cruiseships #LoveBoat #casino #casinonews #gamingnews #lifestyle #lifestylenews #holidays #tourism #tourismnews #oceantravel #holiday #media #mediaman 

Casino And Sports Connection

Las Vegas and Texas connection

Miriam Adelson buys $2 billion stake in NBA Dallas Mavericks

Las Vegas Sands casino controlling shareholder Miriam Adelson is reportedly selling a $2 billion stake in the company to buy the Dallas Mavericks NBA franchise, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

"We have been advised by the selling stockholders that they currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering, along with additional cash on hand, to fund the purchase of a majority interest in a professional sports franchise pursuant to a binding purchase agreement, subject to customary league approvals," the Sands said in the filing.

While the SEC filing did not name the Mavericks as the purchase target, Sportico reported the Adelson family was buying a majority stake in the team but that owner Mark Cuban would continue to retain operational control of it. The Dallas Morning News also reported the story.

The stock sale will reduce Adelson's stake in the casino company by 4%. Miriam Adelson is the widow Las Vegas Sands founder Sheldon Adelson who died in 2021. She has had no corporate involvement in the company but her son-in-law Patrick Dumont is president of the Sands and a member of the company's board of directors.

Adelson, 78, is the widow of Sheldon Adelson, the founder of Las Vegas Sands who died in 2021. She has no role with the corporate side of the company, but through a trust and her personal shares, she controls 56.4% of the Sands. Miriam Adelson is ranked at No. 24 on the Forbes 400 with a net worth of $32.3 billion.

She has cut back on her husband's political donations. When he was alive, Sheldon Adelson was among the GOP's largest donors, although Miriam Adelson has met with presidential hopeful Nikki Haley and former President Donald Trump, the front runner in next year's election.

Las Vegas, long considered a prime market for professional sports, has added a handful of teams and high profile events to the city in recent years. Formula One has added a stop in Las Vegas to its Grand Prix race tour.

Major League Baseball recently approved the relocation of the Oakland Athletics to a $1.5 billion stadium planned for the Strip that is scheduled to open in 2028 following in the footsteps of their pro football counterparts and stadium mates.

The Raiders moved from Oakland to Las Vegas for the 2020 NFL season, which led the NFL to award Super Bowl LVIII to Allegiant Stadium in February. With the A's move, Oakland County Coliseum, long a central focus of competitive professional sports in its heyday, will now sit empty.

The Vegas Golden Knights, an expansion team in the National Hockey League, began play at T-Mobile Arena in 2017.

The Adelson family had a hand in bringing the Raiders to Las Vegas, but Sheldon Adelson, who had committed $650 million to help build Allegiant Stadium, pulled his funding after the state Legislature passed a $750 million measure tied to a hotel tax on the Strip.

The NBA has been widely thought to be considering expanding to Las Vegas. Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke is planning a 20,000 seat arena built to NBA specifications, part of a $10 billion resort and entertainment complex on land leased to him by the son of the Sands Chairman and CEO.

#DallasMavericks #MiriamAdelson #NBA #LasVegasSands #SheldonAdelson #PatrickDumont #casinonews #sportsnews #casinoindustry #gamingnews #sportsmedia #sportsbusiness #OakViewGroup #OakView #propertynews #realestate #Dallas #biznews #businessnews #biz #trends #media 

GOP will uncover ‘where all the bodies are buried’ in Biden’s biz schemes: Rep 

(FOX Business @FoxBusiness )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTGK7ydwh8o&ab_channel=FoxBusiness

#Biden #HunterBiden #JoeBiden #GOP #politics #corruption #money #transfers #laptop #emails #newsmedia #media 

Image credit: FOX Business

Media News In Case You Missed It

Lachlan Murdoch assumes position as Chairman of Fox Corporation - November 18, 2023

Lachlan Murdoch has formally assumed the role of Chairman of the Fox Corporation at the company's Annual General Meeting.

His father, Rupert Murdoch is now officially Chairman Emeritus.

Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott was voted in as a Director of the Board of Fox.

Lachlan Murdoch opened the Annual General Meeting with a tribute to his father, praising the “unique and strong” company he has built.

Rupert Murdoch said of the transition: “like my father, I believe that humanity has a high destiny, and Lachlan certainly shares that belief.”

#LachlanMurdoch #RupertMurdoch #Murdoch #FOX #FoxCorporation #TonyAbbott #AGM #newsmedia #newsbusiness #publishering #broadcasting #media 

Reference: FOX Corporation 

https://www.foxcorporation.com/

https://www.foxcorporation.com/news/press-releases/

News

FOX Business wins Media Man 'Business News Website Of The Month' and 'News Media Website Of The Month'

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/fox_business.html

Media News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/news2.html

Image: Provided

Mark Cuban plans to leave 'Shark Tank': 'It's time'

TV News

Longtime Shark Tank star Mark Cuban says he plans to leave the show.

The billionaire businessman, 65, recently said on Showtime's All the Smoke podcast that he will exit Shark Tank after Season 16 of the ABC reality series.

Shark Tank features entrepreneurs who pitch their business ideas to Cuban and other "sharks," or well-known potential investors.

On All the Smoke, Cuban praised Shark Tank but said "it's time" for him to go.

"I love it because it sends the message the American dream is alive and well," the star said of the show. "I feel like in doing Shark Tank all these years, we've trained multiple generations of entrepreneurs that if somebody can come from Iowa or Sacramento or wherever, and show up on the carpet of Shark Tank and show their business and get a deal, it's going to inspire generations of kids."

"I've invested in, I don't know how many hundreds of companies," he added.

Cuban joined Shark Tank as a guest in Season 2 and became a series regular in Season 3. He has invested in such companies as BeatBox Beverages and Dude Wipes.

Other sharks include Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O'Leary and Lori Greiner.

Cuban told Forbes on Monday that he had nothing to add to his comments on the podcast and that he's "still got a whole new season to shoot."

Shark Tank is in its 15th season on ABC.

Videos

ABC Official YouTube

Daymond John Makes an Eye Opening Offer - Shark Tank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDahYY1-B98&ab_channel=ABC

Sneak Peek: An Entrepreneur Inspired by Barbara - Shark Tank

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUT8bhtw91U&ab_channel=ABC

#SharkTank #ABC #TV #MarkCuban #sharks #entertainment #popculture #news #media

Search Engine Journal

AI and Human Generated Content

SEJ's Erika on the trend of human content and search meets AI content and search. LinkedIn is an excellent starting point since that's the platform we've entered on and our current business platform of choice.

So, what to be the authority and accredited expert in? When your a media and sports agent and online publisher to boot, it covers a wide array of things. We closely cover pop culture, combat sports, streaming platforms, niche media and digital trends to name a few areas. A few months back our LI news regarding networking, hot-desking and remote working in relation to Dubai, Saudi Arabia and the related region buzzed and trended on LI, LI News and X (then Twitter). WWE Crown Jewel PLE (Premium Live Events/PPV's) events had put the UAE region more squarely on our radar. Our LIV Golf coverage and positive based coverage also appeared to be a factor. One thing connects to another. Per Zen and Buddha, "Everything is connected". 

LinkedIn editors and readership liked or loved it! Still working on the business model aspect of it however. Ying and yang. Towards overall success in LinkedIn and beyond the Holy Grail of the world wide web.

Quotes

X Corp Founder Elon Musk Speaks at DealBook

SORKIN: “And you think that the public is going to say that Disney is making a mistake?”

MUSK: “Yes.”  

SORKIN: “And they’re going to boycott Disney?”  

MUSK: “They already are.”

MUSK: "Let the chips fall where they may"

#ElonMusk #X 

Advertising agencies are responsible for initiating, managing, and implementing paid marketing communications. In addition, some agencies have diversified into other types of marketing comms, including public relations, sales promotion, interactive media, and direct marketing.

#advertising #advertisingagency #advertisingagencies #marketing #paidmarketing #comms #communications #publicrelations #PR #sales #popculture #combatsports #streaming #promotion #directmarketing #adbiz #adnews #SEO #seonews #SEM #seotips #authority #expert #trends #buzz #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one" - Marcus Aurelius #MarcusAurelius #Aurelius #quote #good #man #romanemperor #roman #stoic #philosopher #RomanEmpire #world #history #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Best Quotes Of The Day (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once" - Albert Eintstein

#bestquotes #quotes #quotesoftheday #AlbertEinstein #time #universe #world #media #mediaman #mediamanint

X Corp Founder Elon Musk vs DealBook

Is it just us or is X @X not exactly the ideal place for Disney or Marvel to connect with potential customers these days? No great loss in many ways. Interesting and "mainly truthful" or "completely truthful" interview. Stopped watching Disney and Marvel movies almost a decade ago as the newer ones reminded us of the dirty biz of politics more than of an actual enjoyable movie experience to escape the sometimes crazy world. Elon Musk interview in our view was in the realm of "mainly truthful' to "completely truthful". Truth is an interesting concept. One can speak their own truth, so to speak. Check out the interview conducted by Andrew at DealBook. Highlights trending on X and some other platforms also. Musk def Woke! #X #XCorp #ElonMusk #Musk #DealBook #DealBookSummit #interview #GFY #movienews #popculture #entertainmentnews #BoxOffice #onlineeads #ads #onlineadvertising #poltiics #media 

Ilustration: AI! 

Podcast News

Full Send Podcast @fullsendpodcast nominated for Media Man 'News and Culture Podcast Of The Year' award

Nomination on merit alone. No political favors etc unlike some aspects of Washington..

UFC @UFC top brass Dana White appearance with Neck Boys connection sees Full Send grow audience, garner futher respect and grab more eyeballs

Mr White did not appear to hold back much with his typical hard and brutal thuth bombs..

“If we go to war right now, are you confident in this generation that we have right now? That these guys are gonna go out and storm some *ucking beach somewhere? There’s a small, handful of people, most of them probably down around the bible belt and down south that will actually *ucking stand up and fight for this *ucking country right now. It’s scary. Khabib’s crew in Dagestan could probably come in and take over this *ucking country right now because this generation is such a bunch of *ucking *ussies. We’re getting soft. We’re getting weak. Every 10 years we get softer and weaker.”

“To be fair, I think every generation thinks the next generation is soft. If you look at all the *hit that's going on in the world right now, there’s no respect for the police anymore, there’s no respect for the military. There’s no respect for our country, our freedom, our way of life that we have here. You can sit around and nitpick and talk about things that are wrong with the United States. Let me tell you something, your generation, my generation, everybody’s generation … this is it. If this falls, there’s no other *ucking place to go.” - Dana White

YouTube 

Full Send Podcast Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@fullsendpodcast 

Dana White on Dillon Danis Fighting in the UFC and Kyle’s UFC Date!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJ6793BtAgo&ab_channel=FULLSENDPODCAST

Podcast Favourites of Media Man (Media Man Int) *needs updating. For reference.

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/podcast_favourites.html

Dana White. Flashback to 2014 (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/dana_white4.html

World View (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/world_view.html

#FullSend #FullSendPodcast #DanaWhite #quote #quotes #interview #podcast #podcastofthemonth #podcastoftheyear #podcastnews #popculture #UFC #MMA #sportsnews #sportsbiz #sportsmedia #broadcast #broadcasting #PPV #USA #Patriot #Patriots #newsmedia #media #mediaman 

(Image credit: Full Send Podcast)

Pro Wrestling

"Bruno Sammartino is the greatest wrestling champion ever in the world. I wrestled more than he did but he was a strong man, he pushed a lot, threw people around and he was the greatest. I actually did more wrestling maneuvers than he did but that wasn't his thing" - Bob Backlund

Bob Backlund (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/bob_backlund.html

Bruno Sammartino and Triple H comment on WWE 2013 Hall of Fame induction - Feb 2013

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/bruno_sammartino.html

#BobBacklund #quote #quotes #BrunoSammartino #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingchampion #WWWF #WWE #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #legend #legends #wrestlinglegends #Goat #Goats #media #mediaman 

X, Elon Musk and Disney Boss trends for variety of reasons

Any publicity is good publicity, questions media vets

As recently reported, there appears to be a trend of more X @X users/customers cancelling Disney for good.

One high profile type X account ran by Collin Rugg @CollinRugg of Trending Politics https://trendingpoliticsnews.com/

ran with this...

NEW: X users are cancelling their Disney+ subscriptions after Elon Musk told Disney CEO Bob Iger to “go f**k yourself” for blackmailing X.  Good. Stop giving money to people who hate you and hate free speech.  X users are fighting back and rallying behind Elon after he blasted advertisers for trying to blackmail him with money.  “Cancelled Disney and Paramount Plus”...

Media Man "Anyone with decent critical thinking skills and even a very basic level of comms and media training can quickly figure out fact from fiction here. We are of the strong understanding that Disney top mouse Bob Iger is digging himself into an even bigger hole. Who actually goes to these Disney movies anymore? Movies are supposed to be about entertainment and escapism right? Guess they got the fantasy aspects down. Movies are not supposed to be saturated by political messaging, themes and quotas. Not in America or Australia as far as we know. Many decades ago some movies were used as a way to peddle propaganda, be it military, drugs or other. Maybe in some ways history is repeating again. Wouldn't want to be an investor in Disney right now. Their loss will be another's gain. People power appears to be swinging back towards's Musk's X from what we are seeing (but it's unlikely you will read that in a mainstream newspaper). Yep, many at Disney living at Fantasy Land. Shame about what happended to the once universally loved and respected House Of Mouse."

Image credit: X

Boxing Fantasy Dream Matches and more Cross-over scenarios

It's understood most of if not all of these match-ups will never happen, but you never ever know.

For example Floyd Mayweather 

@FloydMayweather

 went 8 rounds in an exhibition boxing match with Logan Paul 

@LoganPaul

 back in June of 2021 right! Wrestling giant Paul Wight (aka Big Show) knows a thing or two about "Money's" power and speed. 

Boxing Dream Match Time Machine

Mayweather vs Jake Paul 

@jakepaul

 

Tyson Fury 

@Tyson_Fury

 vs Mike Tyson 

@MikeTyson

 

Conor McGregor 

@TheNotoriousMMA

 vs Jake Paul or Logan Paul

Conor McGregor vs Jake Paul 

@jakepaul

 

Dillion Danis 

@dillondanis

 vs Baron Corbin 

@BaronCorbinWWE

 

*Corbin is a former 2x Golden Gloves boxing champion! 

Bobby Lashley 

@fightbobby

 vs Tyson Fury

*Other than being an overall badass pro wrestler and grappler, Lashley is also undefeated in mixed martial arts. 

As the combat sports world knows, on October 28 of this year former MMA champion Francis Ngannou 

@francis_ngannou

 went the full 10 rounds with boxing world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.  "The Predator" came up short (officially), but many fans, insiders and even fellow boxers and combat sports practitioners viewed Ngannou as a "real winner" of the fight, be it on points or just perception, such was his ultra-impressive showing against the champion - in his first pro boxing match no less!

The success of "The Predator" against "The Gypsy King l" got many hardcore and even casual fight fans thinking of more "what-if" scenarios, especially with cross-over fighters (skilled in more than one fighting style/discipline).

Combat sports commentators such straight shooting Chael Sonnen 

@ChaelSonnen

 had a field day with their colourful analysis of the Fury vs Ngannou match and still occasionally mentions the historic match-up to the present day. 

Some fantasy dream matches are more likely to happen in a WWE 

@WWE

 (pro wrestling ring) or in the likes of a Misfits Boxing 

@MisfitsBoxing

 type celebrity connection arena, but one can almost never say never!

How would pro wrestling and MMA living legend Brock Lesnar 

@BrockLesnar

 go in boxing for example? Or, how about if Lesnar faced Logan Paul in a MMA rules type match at a WWE premium live (FKA Pay-Per-View) event?! 

To state the bleeding obvious, both competitors in these so called dream matches need to be willing to face each other and the rules need established (to help avoid strange situations like Ali vs Inoki (Japan, 1976). Of course you need a promoter to host, promote and hype up the fight.

It's all quite a Pandora's Box or hornets (Green) nest (wink to legendary Bruce Lee 

@brucelee

 ), who portrayed "Kato" in The Green Hornet TV series (1966-1967).

Fans and insiders, this Gonzo-ish dream match scribe should keep you hanging on until the next Top Rank Boxing, UFC, PFL and WWE productions. 

WrestleMania Season is fast approaching as is UFC 300, and UFC top brass Dana White has already secured The Sphere 

@SphereVegas

  Las Vegas for Mexican Independence weekend with fights scheduled for September 14, 2024.

What an interesting time to be alive and I think we can agree what a great time to be a fan and/or insider or competitor in a fighting discipline.

Dream Matches (Media Man Int)

http://mediamanint.com/articles/dream_matches.html

PPV News (Media Man Int)

http://mediamanint.com/articles/ppv_news.html

Boxing News (Media Man Int)

http://mediamanint.com/articles/boxing_news.html

Bet On Anything (Media Man Int)

http://mediamanint.com/articles/bet_on.html

Tesla Cybertruck

Tesla Cybertruck @cybertruck wins Media Man 'Vehicle Promo and Launch Of The Year' award

Tesla Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@tesla

Cybertruck

More utility than a truck. Faster than a sports car.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsonSEllPmU&ab_channel=Tesla

CNET Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@CNET

Tesla's CyberTruck Delivery Event: Everything Revealed in 5 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX58W4_5hmw&ab_channel=CNET

“Finally, the future will look like the future” Elon Musk

"We actually had to come up with a special ultra-strong Tesla designed steel alloy. This metal did not exist before" Elon Musk

#Tesla #TeslaCybertruck #Cybertruck #ElonMusk #Musk #quote #launch #launchevent #specialevent #innovation #future #futurism #futurist #newsmedia #media 

Image credit: Tesla

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown  

LWO Family Dramas

Are you with Santos Escobar and his clan or loyal to Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee and his clan?

This wrestling feud is tearing appear families. Can things be fixed before Christmas dinner and the family feast, or are a few fams off the Christmas card list this season?

Time to join Michael Cole @MichaelCole and associates at the broadcast position. This arena is going to Rumble!  

WWE Official YouTube Channel http://youtube.com/WWE

Randy Orton prepares to strike back at SmackDown: WWE Now, Dec.1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCzqljEaKe8&ab_channel=WWE

Image credit: WWE

#SmackDown #LWO #LatinoWorldOrder #SantosEscobar #ReyMysterio #SantosEscobar #Familia #DominikMysterio #DirtyDom #Thanksgiving #GWEffect #DingoDriver #RandyOrton #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #Maverick #USTitle #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #NickAldis #MichaelCole #RoyalRumble #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #broadcast #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Pro Wrestling

WWE SmackDown in New York!

WWE @WWE US Champion Logan Paul @LoganPaul

Potential Shortlist:

Grayson Waller

Austin Theory

CM Punk

LA Knight

John Cena

AJ Styles

A Dingo told us a certain Aussie is sniffing out a way to snatch the gold from LP! A title change could be on the way via the Bush Telegraph! Beward the Dingo Driver and Aussie Dynamite from Down Under! Mad Max, you ain't seen nothing yet cobber!

WWE Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@WWE

Video

Logan Paul looks for his first challenger: SmackDown sneak peek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_Ru_Eiw7os&ab_channel=WWE

Image credit: WWE

#SmackDown #LoganPaul #USTitle #RoyalRumble #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #legend #legends #Goat #forthewin #champion #WWEUSTitle #prowrestling #wrestling #Aussie #media #mediaman 

Pro Wrestling  

WWE SmackDown in New York! 

WWE @WWE US Champion Logan Paul @LoganPaul

Highlights via WWE Official YouTube 

Logan Paul announces an Eight-Man No. 1 Contender Tournament: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyM4FqODni8&ab_channel=WWE

Owens punches Theory in the face during Logan Paul confrontation: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgXWi8EVcq4&ab_channel=WWE

Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1rr6omvko&ab_channel=WWE

Video 

Logan Paul looks for his first challenger: SmackDown sneak peek https://youtube.com/watch?v=7_Ru_Eiw7os&ab_channel=WWE

WWE Official YouTube

www.youtube.com/@WWE

Media Man: This is totally off the hook. Talent, storylines, drama, action. One of the best segments we've ever seen on SmackDown in decades. Full credit to all, especially Logan Paul! Give all of them a performance bonus!

Image credit: WWE 

#SmackDown #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #USTitle #RoyalRumble #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #FOX #legend #legends #Goat #forthewin #champion #WWEUSTitle #prowrestling #wrestling #Vine #socialmedia #Influencer #influenceurs #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown in New York!

Loaded show with highlights, moments and digital exclusives

Highlights via WWE Official YouTube

Best SmackDown moments: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EvXQsUV2kk&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE

FULL SEGMENT – Randy Orton officially signs with SmackDown: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DOzqUVZIWU&t=2s&ab_channel=WWE

Kevin Owens prepares to get an x-ray on his injured hand: SmackDown exclusive, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO750KOcOww&ab_channel=WWE

Knight & Orton brawl with Bloodline as The Viper joins SmackDown: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vtvim0FOsGw&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

Dragon Lee is focused on earning a U.S. Title opportunity: SmackDown exclusive, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6H2FqtuIac&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

Belair, Flair and Shotzi brawl with Damage CTRL: SmackDown, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW6X1T46lbI&ab_channel=WWE

Bayley fails to help Kairi Sane against Bianca Belair: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8TMEkT4oIw&ab_channel=WWE

Logan Paul announces an Eight-Man No. 1 Contender Tournament: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyM4FqODni8&ab_channel=WWE

Owens punches Theory in the face during Logan Paul confrontation: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgXWi8EVcq4&ab_channel=WWE

Kevin Owens vs. Grayson Waller: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1rr6omvko&ab_channel=WWE

Video

Logan Paul looks for his first challenger: SmackDown sneak peek https://youtube.com/watch?v=7_Ru_Eiw7os&ab_channel=WWE

WWE Official YouTube

www.youtube.com/@WWE

Media Man: One of the best SmackDown's we've watched for a while and the WWE smartly keeps you wanting more more. Next week CM Punk and the long awaited return of Karrion Kross. There's an edge and element of danger and anything can happen in the air on all WWE programming at present.

Image credit: WWE

#SmackDown #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #USTitle #RoyalRumble #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #PaulHeyman #RandyOrton #BobbyLashley #AustinTheory #SantosEscobar #LWO #LatinoWorldOrder #DamageCTRL #FOX #YouTube #YT #highlights #moments #legend #legends #Goat #forthewin #champion #WWEUSTitle #prowrestling #wrestling #Vine #socialmedia #Influencer #influenceurs #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE 

Top 10 Friday Night SmackDown moments: WWE Top 10, Dec. 1, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UtnMPFninA&ab_channel=WWE

"And I hate to say it, but I expected this. Santos Escobar with complete disrespect for everybody" Michael Cole

"Escobar is giving Walking a message to send to the rest of the LWO" Corey Graves

"It's Dragon Lee, Escobar's competitor. An opponent from Survivor Series days ago" Kevin Patrick

"Look at the satisfied smile on the face of Santos Escobar" Corey Graves

#SmackDown #LoganPaul #TheMaverick #USTitle #RoyalRumble #GraysonWaller #GWEffect #DingoDriver #KevinOwens #KO #TKO #PaulHeyman #RandyOrton #BobbyLashley #AustinTheory #SantosEscobar #LWO #LatinoWorldOrder #DamageCTRL #FOX #YouTube #YT #highlights #moments #legend #legends #Goat #forthewin #champion #WWEUSTitle #prowrestling #wrestling #Vine #socialmedia #Influencer #influenceurs #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

(Image credit: WWE)

Pro Wrestling

NWA @NWA Powerrr

NWA Powerrr | Ep 135 | Old Friends & Silver Bells

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCLZPJktCpg&t=16s&ab_channel=NWA

The TV Title Is ON THE LINE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ2SjePB4G8&ab_channel=NWA

The FUTURE Of The Women's Division!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-MijIzQD34&ab_channel=NWA

MIXED TAG MATCH - Kamille & Thom Latimer vs Natalia Markova & Bryan Idol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzN8IIakFGg&ab_channel=NWA

NWA Magazine

https://www.nationalwrestlingalliance.com/magazine

#NWAPowerrr #NWA #NationalWrestlingAlliance #TimStorm #PaulBurchill #TrevorMurdoch #JaxDane

#Kamille #ThomLatimer #NataliaMarkova #BryanIdol #prowrestling #wrestling #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #buzz #media

Image credit: NWA

Wrestling News flashback in case you missed it

Current WWE @WWE U.S Champion Logan Paul @LoganPaul will soon be releasing his interview/podcast eposode via IMPAULSIVE @impaulsive with Randy Orton as his guest.

LP aka "The Maverick" posted:

”We just did Impaulsive with the legend, the legend killer I should say, Randy Orton, ladies and gentlemen. SmackDown tonight, don’t miss it.”

Logan Paul has been active on Instagram and X again

https://www.instagram.com/stories/loganpaul/

IMPAULSIVE YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@Impaulsive

Casey Neistat’s Falling Out with David Dobrik, PRIME vs. Feastables, #1 Advice for YouTubers - 400

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDuaMHxU8k&t=3s&ab_channel=IMPAULSIVE

Media Man Int

Logan Paul (IMPAULSIVE) wins Media Man 'Pop Culture Podcast Of The Month' award (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/logan_paul3.html

#LoganPaul #RandyOrton #TheViper #TheLegendKiller #TheMaverick #quote #SmackDown #Impaulsive #Prime #wrestlingnews #prowrestling #wrestling #popculture #legend #legends #wrestlinglegends #podcastofthemonth #YouTube #YouTubers #broadcast #trend #trends #buzz #media 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling @AEW 

Highlights via AEW Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@AEW

Danielson v Kingston Headlines Week 2 of the Continental Classic | AEW Control Center: Erie, 12/2/23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0Jut3DVWls&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Bryan Danielson & Eddie Kingston preview their AEW Continental Classic match-up! | 11/30/23 Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjfkyl_ZGfA&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Icon Sting & The Nature Boy Ric Flair return to Minneapolis! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjs061FECLc&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

HUGE 2nd round match-up between two front-runners! Strickland vs Jay White! | 11/29/23, AEW Dynamite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bONfoJ71Cqo&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Huge 8-man! Cassidy, Hook, Danhausen, & Trent vs Magic, Ang, & Dark Order! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKV-oD9KQ4I&t=271s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Brian Cage & Workhorsemen take on Penta El Zero Miedo, Komander, & Vikingo! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9Q8x3mezsg&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Don Callis Family RETURN to the ring on AEW Rampage! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmle0p2f5II&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Women’s Trio Action! The Outcasts & Anna Jay vs Shida, Blue, & Statlander! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMvyXZGi_Rc&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

EXCLUSIVE! Rampage Entrances for MASSIVE 8-Man Tag Match! | 12/1/23, AEW Rampage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bf32Z2N1Xo8&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

From Minion to ROH Women's Championship Challenger! History of Athena & Starks. | AEW Timelines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch3nwSFhahM&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Image credit: AEW

#AEWDynamite #AEWCollision #AEWRampage #ContinentalClassic #prowrestling #wrestling #JonMoxley #BrianDanielson #Sting #RicFlair #MJF #SwerveStrickland #BrianCage #JayWhite #YoungBucks #EddieKingston #JeffJarrett #Hook #ClaudioCastagnoli #BrodyKing #AndradeElIdolo #DanielGarcia #KyleFletcher #PowerhouseHobbs #KonosukeTakeshita #DonCallis #DarkOrder #Workhorsemen #TheOutcasts #combatsports #entertainment #video #YouTube #TY #highlights #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Mixed Martial Arts

UFC @UFC Video Features

Reuniting the Legends From UFC 1 | UFC Connected

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJGS6qdOV80&ab_channel=UFC

The Best Grapplers in the World Descend on Las Vegas for the Fight Pass Invitational | UFC Connected

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=el-9ogTnQBA&ab_channel=UFC

Kelvin Gastelum, Drakkar Klose, UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan Predictions | UFC Unfiltered

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvbX1EHNLPk&ab_channel=UFC

#UFC #UFC1 #UFCConnected #UFCFightNight #MMA #videos #features #grapplers #legends #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportsnews #popculture #trends #media 

Pro Wrestling

Bryan Danielson of All Elite Wrestling @AEW appears on CBS Sports Radio

“Yeah, I mean, I’m a part of the disciplinary committee, and clearly, what happened has happened, you know what I mean? And I’m somebody who I like, you know, I think he brought a lot to AEW while he was the there’s not a lot I can say about it or that I really want to say about it, but yeah, I am a part of it.

It’s really funny because there is, you know, how the internet is. Some people would say I was the head of the disciplinary committee, and I’m like, listen, there were more than three people involved in this decision, but most of them were all lawyers. To say that I was the head, I don’t even have a college degree. I’m not in there bossing people around or anything like that. It’s like, whoa, okay.

But yeah, I am part of a disciplinary committee. Was that difficult? As someone who likes Punk and as a friend of his, was it difficult to be a part of that committee where the decision is that he should leave? Absolutely.” - Bryan Danielson

Video

CBS Sports Radio YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jRFlt5FvEA&ab_channel=CBSSportsRadio

#BryanDanielson #quote #quotes #interview #prowrestling #wrestling #wrestlingnews #AEW #popculture #sportsnews #sportsbiz #trends #media

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

FURIOSA : A MAD MAX SAGA | OFFICIAL TRAILER #1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJMuhwVlca4&ab_channel=WarnerBros.Pictures

Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth star in Academy Award-winning mastermind George Miller’s “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” the much-anticipated return to the iconic dystopian world he created more than 30 years ago with the seminal “Mad Max” films.  Miller now turns the page again with an all-new original, standalone action adventure that will reveal the origins of the powerhouse character from the multiple Oscar-winning global smash “Mad Max: Fury Road.” 

The new feature from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures is produced by Miller and his longtime partner, Oscar-nominated producer Doug Mitchell (“Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Babe”), under their Australian-based Kennedy Miller Mitchell banner.

As the world fell, young Furiosa is snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers and falls into the hands of a great Biker Horde led by the Warlord Dementus.  Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel presided over by The Immortan Joe.  While the two Tyrants war for dominance, Furiosa must survive many trials as she puts together the means to find her way home.  

Taylor-Joy stars in the title role, and along with Hemsworth, the film also stars Alyla Browne and Tom Burke.   Miller penned the script with “Mad Max: Fury Road” co-writer Nico Lathouris.  Miller’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes first assistant director PJ Voeten and second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris, director of photography Simon Duggan (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Great Gatsby”), composer Tom Holkenborg, sound designer Robert Mackenzie, editor Eliot Knapman, visual effects supervisor Andrew Jackson and colorist Eric Whipp. The team also includes other longtime collaborators: production designer Colin Gibson, editor Margaret Sixel, sound mixer Ben Osmo, costume designer Jenny Beavan and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt, each of whom won an Oscar for their work on “Mad Max: Fury Road.”  

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with Village Roadshow Pictures, A Kennedy Miller Mitchell Production, A George Miller Film, “Furiosa.”  

The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, in theaters only nationwide on May 24, 2024 and internationally beginning on May 22, 2024.

#Furiosa #FuriosaAMadMaxSaga #MadMax #trailer #movie #movietrailer #movienews #WarnerBros #GeorgeMiller #popculture #entertainment #entertainmentnews #showbiz #video #Aussie #media 

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom | Tickets on Sale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cSkHPW-MPE&ab_channel=WarnerBros.Pictures

Director James Wan and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa—along with Patrick Wilson, Amber Heard, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Nicole Kidman—return in the sequel to the highest-grossing DC film of all time: “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”  

Having failed to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta, still driven by the need to avenge his father’s death, will stop at nothing to take Aquaman down once and for all. This time Black Manta is more formidable than ever before, wielding the power of the mythic Black Trident, which unleashes an ancient and malevolent force. To defeat him, Aquaman will turn to his imprisoned brother Orm, the former King of Atlantis, to forge an unlikely alliance. Together, they must set aside their differences in order to protect their kingdom and save Aquaman’s family, and the world, from irreversible destruction. 

All returning to the roles they originated, Jason Momoa plays Arthur Curry/Aquaman, now balancing his duties as both the King of Atlantis and a new father; Patrick Wilson is Orm, Aquaman’s half-brother and his nemesis, who must now step into a new role as his brother’s reluctant ally; Amber Heard is Mera, Atlantis’ Queen and mother of the heir to the throne; Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is Black Manta, committed more than ever to avenge his father’s death by destroying Aquaman, his family and Atlantis; and Nicole Kidman as Atlanna, a fierce leader and mother with the heart of a warrior. Also reprising their roles are Dolph Lundgren as King Nereus and Randall Park as Dr. Stephen Shin. 

Directed by Wan, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is produced by Peter Safran, Wan and Rob Cowan. The executive producers are Galen Vaisman and Walter Hamada.  The screenplay is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, from a story by James Wan & David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick and Jason Momoa & Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, based on characters from DC, Aquaman created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger.  

Joining Wan behind-the-camera is his sterling team of “Aquaman” artisans: director of photography Don Burgess (“The Conjuring 2”), production designer Bill Brzeski (“Jumanji: The Next Level”), editor Kirk Morri (“Furious 7”), composer Rupert Gregson-Williams (“Wonder Woman”) and music supervisor is Michelle Silverman (“Malignant”). Visual effects supervisor Nick Davis (“The Clash of the Titans” films, “The Dark Knight”) and costume designer Richard Sale (“Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” “Ready Player One”) also join.  

Warner Bros. Pictures Presents An Atomic Monster / A Peter Safran Production of A James Wan Film, “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom,” set to open in theaters internationally beginning 22 December 2023 and in North America on December 22, 2023; it will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

(Image credit Warner Bros)

#Aquaman #Aquaman2 #trailer #movie #movietrailer #movienews #WarnerBros #popculture #entertainment #entertainmentnews #showbiz #video #media

Media News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/media_news.html

Insider type news from the United States, Australia and more. Additional videos via YouTube!

#medianews #DealBook #ElonMusk #NYTimes #FOX #NewsCorp #MSN #newsbiz #ads #advertising #onlineadvertising #platforms #platformnews #adbiz #adnews #socialmedia #trends #trending #buzz #X #XCorp #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

"Godfather of AI" goes on record

A pioneering researcher and the so-called “Godfather of AI” Geoffrey Hinton quit his role at Google so he could more freely speak about the dangers of the technology he helped create.

Some of the dangers of AI chatbots are “quite scary,” Hinton advised the BBC. “Right now, they’re not more intelligent than us, as far as I can tell. But I think they soon may be.”In an interview with MIT Technology Review, Hinton also pointed to “bad actors” that may use AI in ways that could have detrimental impacts on society — such as manipulating elections or instigating violence.

Hinton, 75, says he retired from Google so that he could speak openly about the potential risks as someone who no longer works for the tech giant.“I want to talk about AI safety issues without having to worry about how it interacts with Google’s business,” he told MIT Technology Review. “As long as I’m paid by Google, I can’t do that.”Since announcing his departure, Hinton has maintained that Google has “acted very responsibly” regarding AI. He told MIT Technology Review that there’s also “a lot of good things about Google” that he would want to talk about — but those comments would be “much more credible if I’m not at Google anymore.”Google confirmed that Hinton had retired from his role after 10 years overseeing the Google Research team in Toronto.

AI News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/ai_news.html

#AINews #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #GeoffreyHinton #AIChatbots #AIChatbook #MIT #Google #bigtech #tech #technews #search #searchresults #searchengine #AISearch #searchai #innovation #education #digitalnews #media #mediaman 

Sports Betting News (in case you missed It)

Dave Portnoy is Done With Gambling - November 27, 2023

Barstool Sports @barstoolsports founder Dave Portnoy says he is finally through gambling - for good this time - after he got a beat down betting the Bills-Eagles game late Sunday afternoon.

“I quit gambling. F–k Buffalo,” Portnoy tweeted.

And, like many gamblers, he too is blaming the referees.

He tweeted:

"I bet the Bills big tonight. Refs were horrible. But bottom line is a high school team can complete the play to the end zone from the 25 that would have ended it. That's it. Nobody else to blame."

Portnoy made out like a bandit buying back Barstool Sports from Penn National over the summer.

Penn sold 100% of the outstanding shares of Barstool back to him “in exchange for certain non-compete and other restrictive covenants.”

Barstool Sports was fully acquired by Penn Entertainment in $388 million deal earlier in the year. Penn paid about $388 million for the remaining stake in Barstool Sports that it did not already own and that made Portnoy very rich.

But Portnoy also admitted his degenerate gambling made it hard for Penn to obtain licensing in certain states.  Still others threatened to pull existing licenses.

“[W]e underestimated just how tough it is for myself and Barstool to operate in a regulated world, where gambling regulators, the New York Times [and] Business Insider hit pieces, fucking with the stock price every time did something,” Portnoy said in an “emergency press conference” video posted on X (aka Twitter) Tuesday.

“We got denied [gambling] licenses because of me, you name it,” Portnoy said. “So the regulated industry [is] probably not the best place for Barstool Sports and the type of content we make.”

The Barstool Sportsbook rebranded as ESPN Bet and that could prove to be a nightmare for one of the world's leading sports media companies as gamblers are already voicing outrage over odd rules typically not found with competing brands.

- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com

Media Man Int

Barstool Sports wins Media Man 'Sports Betting Brand Of The Month' award (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/barstool_sports3.html

Barstool Sports Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@BarstoolSportsTV

Dave’s Decision Regarding Surviving Barstool

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj_6QiPSFiQ&ab_channel=BarstoolSports

Surviving Barstool Producers Tell All | Stool Scenes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYyohA9fa3U&t=334s&ab_channel=BarstoolSports

Emergency Press Conference - I Refuse to Edit Surviving Barstool Because YouTube is Stupid

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLfg3shHfyk&ab_channel=BarstoolSports

(Sources: Gambling911, Barstool Sports, ESPN, Wikipedia, Wires and X)

#BarstoolSports #Barstool #DavePortnoy #ESPNBet #ESPN #Penn #PennState #gambling #gamblingnews #sportsbetting #wager #sportsbiz #sportsbusiness #sportsmedia #sportsnews #biz #media #mediaman

MMA News

UFC @UFC Austin, Texas

ESPN MMA @espnmma impresses fight fans with excellent UFC highlights and footage via YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@ESPNMMA

ANOTHER SLAM KO 😱 Cody Brundage beats Zach Reese in Round 1 at #UFCAustin | ESPN MMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eMnINZoj_k&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

Drakkar Klose slams Joe Solecki to earn KO win at #UFCAustin | ESPN MMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxShzk9qRvU&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

UFC Journey: Jalin Turner vs. Bobby Green [PART 1] | ESPN MMA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIQ0MIfK4DQ&ab_channel=ESPNMMA

Image credit: UFC

#UFCAustin #UFCTexas #UFC #MMA #ESPNMMA #ESPN #CodyBrundage #DrakkarKlose #JalinTurne #BobbyGreen #highlights #production #YouTube #YT #videos #mixedmartialarts #combatsports #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsbiz #media #mediaman 

Advertising News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/advertising_news.html

#advertisingnews #adnews #onlineadvertising #adbiz #onlineads #creativeadvertising #adagency #advertisingagency #creativity #creatives #onlinenews #news #newsbiz #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

Best Quotes Of The Day (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

"Simplicity is the key to brilliance" - Bruce Lee @brucelee 

#bestquotes #bestquotesoftheday #BQOTD #quotes #BruceLee #simplicity #brilliance #martialarts #philosophy #mbs #mindbodyspirit #world #media 

"Minimize the shame you feel for your boundaries. They exist to keep you running right and in most cases we maybe could all use a few more" - John Cena, WWE @WWE pro wrestler aka sports entertainment legend

Media Man Int

John Cena On His Instagram Posts Being "Interpretive Art"

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/john_cena61.html

Image credit: John Cena

#JohnCena #quote #quotes #wisdom #life #mindset #mbs #wrestling #prowrestling #legend #popculture #media #mediaman 

GUTFELD: “Elon realized that advertisers have no spine and can be easily influenced by special interest groups in cahoots with political allies. If you don't believe me, I have two words for you; Tucker Carlson.” - Greg Gutfeld

Video

FOX News YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@FoxNews

Gutfeld: Elon Musk is the last man standing for free speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHaLda0yh4c&ab_channel=FoxNews

#Gutfeld #GregGutfeld #quote #ElonMusk #Musk #X #XCorp #Dealbook #GFY #TuckerCarlson #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #buzz #media 

Image credit: FOX/GUTFELD

"Look what you get if you win the Big 12. The Undertaker".

"He's a dead man. You get a nice title. You know people call that a nice belt but belt holds up your pants. That is a title and that is what their playing for on that field today" Pat McAfee

#Big12 #Undertaker #PatMcAfee

Big 12 Conference Football

Texas Longhorns @TexasLonghorns Win Big 12

Video

Big 12 Championship Game: Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Longhorns | Full Game Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTXODf9gp5E&ab_channel=ESPNCollegeFootball

Check out these highlights from Championship Saturday as the Texas Longhorns secure the 2023 Big 12 conference title with a 49-21 win over the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the 2023 college football season. Quinn Ewers threw for 452 YDS and had 4 passing TDs.

Oklahoma State Cowboys vs. Texas Longhorns 1st HALF HIGHLIGHTS | ESPN College Football

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc0Yd_BREYg&ab_channel=ESPN

Watch highlights from the first half of the 2023 Big 12 Championship game between the Oklahoma State Cowboys and Texas Longhorns. Quinn Ewers throws for 354 YDS as Texas leads 35-14.

#Big12 #Big12Championship #Big12Champions #texaslonghorns #OklahomaState #highlights #video #QuinnEwers #sportsnews #sportsmedia #ESPN #media 

(Image Credit: Big 12/ESPN)

Media Man Int Blog updated

Pro Wrestling 

MMA/UFC 

Celebrity/Social Media 

Boxing

SEO News

Pop Culture

Trends 

Biz News and Scoops

Bitcoin/Crypto news bytes

Gaming and eSports 

Gonzo Journalism and Alt News

Mainstream and Lamestream

Current and Flashback In Time

Something for everyone (almost)

#prowrestling #wrestling #MMA #boxing #SEO #SEONews #popculture #entertainment #showbiz #trends #trending #biz #biznews #bitcoin #crypto #NFT #gaming #esports #gonzo #gonzojournalism #mainstream #lamestream #flashback #news #newsmedia #blog #blogs #blogging #bloggers #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Combat Sports News

UFC @UFC Austin, Texas

UFC Fight Night: Dariush vs Tsarukyan Results

Main Event: Arman Tsarukyan def. Beneil Dariush by KO (strikes) at 1:04 of Round 1

Co-Main Event: Jalin Turner defeats Bobby Green by KO (strikes) at 2:49 of Round 1

Deiveson Figueiredo defeats Rob Fontby by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Sean Brady defeats Kelvin Gastelum by submission (kimura) at 1:43 of Round 3

Joaquim Silva defeats Clay Guida by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Dustin Stoltzfus defeats Punahele Soriano by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:10 of Round 2

Miesha Tate defeats Julia Avilaby submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:15 of Round 3

Cody Brundage defeats Zachary Reese by KO (slam) at 1:49 of Round 1

Drakkar Klose defeats Joe Solecki by KO (slam) at 1:41 of Round 1

Rodolfo Bellato defeats Ihor Potieria by TKO (strikes) at 4:17 of Round 2

Jared Gooden defeats Wellington Turman by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:11 of Round 2

Veronica Hardy defeats Jamey-Lyn Horth by split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

Videos

UFC Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/ufc

Dariush vs Tsarukyan - Not Done Yet | UFC Austin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dXvIRv14Pw&ab_channel=UFC

Turner vs Green - Anybody, Anywhere | UFC Austin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWZCPV9MhZs&ab_channel=UFC

(Credit: UFC)

#UFCAustin #UFCTexas #ufcfightnight #ArmanTsarukyan #BeneilDariushb #JalinTurner #BobbyGreen #MMA #ufcresults #ufcnews #mmanews #combatsports #video #sportsnews #sportsmedia #media 

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling @AEW

AEW Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@AEW

AEW Continental Classic: Week 1 | AEW Continental Classic Update

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2SMDZnDFac&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

AEW Continental Classic Update: Week 2 | 12/3/23, AEW Continental Classic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DezZSrkPAGE&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Image credit: AEW 

#AEWDynamite #AEWCollision #AEWRampage #ContinentalClassic #prowrestling #wrestling #JonMoxley #BrianDanielson #Sting #RicFlair #MJF #SwerveStrickland #BrianCage #JayWhite #YoungBucks #EddieKingston #JeffJarrett #Hook #ClaudioCastagnoli #BrodyKing #AndradeElIdolo #DanielGarcia #KyleFletcher #PowerhouseHobbs #KonosukeTakeshita #DonCallis #DarkOrder #Workhorsemen #TheOutcasts #combatsports #entertainment #video #YouTube #TY #highlights #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Ocean Casino Resort promotes South Jersey businesses - November 2023

ATLANTIC CITY — Most small businesses in South Jersey would love to have a relationship with at least one of the multimillion-dollar casinos that dot the city’s skyline.

To celebrate Ocean Casino Resort’s fifth anniversary over the summer, its executive and marketing teams came up with the idea to incorporate and support several local businesses because local businesses are extremely important to the foundation and success of Atlantic City, they said.

Five — The Seed: A Living Beer Project, Little Water Distillery, Bar 32, Jetty Ink and MudGirls Studios — of the 11 partnerships that started over the summer have continued into the fall and holiday season.

“We found our guests really enjoyed the collaborations deployed across property to the point that we wanted to continue them through the fall and winter months,” said Kelly Burke, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Ocean.

The partnership between Ocean and Atlantic City’s Little Water Distillery resulted in the crafting of a signature pumpkin spice martini that was introduced in November and is featured at multiple Ocean bars and restaurants.

Little Water was established in 2016 and tried in the past to have its product sold at Ocean, but executives approached the distillery this time to participate in the program, said Mark Ganter, the distillery owner.

Ocean purchased the distillery’s 48 Blocks Chocolate Martini to create its Chocolate Cake Martini, a fifth anniversary birthday cocktail.

The distillery’s 48 Blocks Espresso Martini was used to make Ocean’s Pumpkin Espresso Martini, which was sold until Nov. 30. The casino will also be featuring a winter cocktail including the distillery’s product.

“It has been very successful. We have sold cases and cases. It’s a good promotion,” Ganter said.

Ocean reached out to Jetty Ink in Manahawkin to create an exclusive line of hats, hoodies, tees and more for the casino’s fifth birthday.

“They did place multiple orders of the fifth birthday apparel, and we are also working on a holiday capsule for them. These reorders and additional projects are all indicators that things are going well for their apparel program,” said Anthony Hediger, director of sales at Jetty Ink.

Jetty Ink, which was established in 2003, now prints for multiple brands, businesses, nonprofits, organizations, etc., ranging from mom-and-pop shops to million-dollar corporations up and down the East Coast and all across the country in addition to Ocean.

“Working with Ocean Casino was a no-brainer given the reach and exposure they have and to simply help back another N.J.-based business. We truly enjoy taking on large projects with large clients as it allows us to showcase our quality of work with a much larger customer base,” Hediger said.

Ocean worked with Atlantic City’s Bar 32 Chocolate & Cocktails, the area’s only bean-to-bar chocolate shop, to create three exclusive and unique chocolate bars to commemorate its fifth birthday — the Party Pretzel Bar, the Salty Peanut Butter and the Berry Pretzel Bar.

Bar 32 created a custom pumpkin spice bar for fall and made a signature holiday bar called the Broken Candy Cane Bar that will be dark chocolate with bits of broken candy canes and a drizzle of white chocolate, said Nicole Callazzo, the Bar 32 chocolatier.

Some Bar 32 products also can be found at Golden Nugget Atlantic City and Resorts Casino Hotel, but Ocean is the chocolate shop’s biggest collaborator, Callazzo said.

A billboard that Ocean put up included Bar 32, and the casino created a video featuring Bar 32 that was awesome, Callazzo said.

Some Ocean customers attended wine and chocolate events at the casino where Bar 32 chocolate was featured, Callazzo said. Afterward, they visited the shop on South Tennessee Avenue to see whether they wanted to hold a baby shower or bachelorette party there.

“Even though Ocean is a big business, all of the people we deal with are amazing,” Callazzo said. “We look forward to keeping this relationship for a long time.”

Earlier this year, Ocean started a relationship with MudGirls Studios in Atlantic City. The casino asked MudGirls to create exclusive handmade bowls for its fifth anniversary, which turned into 250 hand-formed, glazed-stoneware 5-inch bowls, said Dorrie Papademetriou, the founder and designer for MudGirls.

After that successful project, the casino came back and asked MudGirls to make a tile wall of recognition for its employees. The tiles have been placed on the wall in sequential order, so the more senior employees’ names appear first. MudGirls created close to 1,000 tiles, Papademetriou said.

“It’s a great opportunity to get our name out and raise revenue and hire women,” Papademetriou said. “For us, it’s really the recognition of the work we do and the value of the people in the studio. ... We want to empower the women who do the work.”

Ocean is interested in continuing its partnerships as well as developing new ones in the new year, Burke said.

“As Ocean continues to grow, we want to use our success to help amplify Atlantic City as a destination,” Burke said.

MGM makes leadership changes at Las Vegas and Atlantic City properties

MGM Resorts International has announced several leadership position changes at its Las Vegas and New Jersey casinos. Some will take effect immediately, others in 2024. MGM’s Chief Operations Officer Corey Sanders said Ayesha Molino will assume a new role as president and COO of ARIA and Vdara on the Las Vegas Strip, effective immediately. She also will continue to oversee government affairs, communications, and public relations as chief of public affairs and will continue to serve on the company’s executive committee.

Las Vegas: New details unveiled in Mirage’s rebrand to Hard Rock

Hard Rock International is moving forward with its rebrand of the Mirage after the Clark County Commission approved a design plan that remodels the existing resort pool and adds 1.2 million square feet of new space in the form of additional theater, retail and ballroom spaces. County officials previously approved a plan to change the landscape of the Strip: replacing The Mirage’s iconic volcano attraction with a guitar-shaped hotel tower. The 660-foot tall all-suite tower with a podium below it received the OK from the Board of Commissioners during a March meeting.

MGM Resorts takes in record hotel revenue over F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend

MGM Resorts International reported record hotel revenue for the Formula 1 weekend in Las Vegas and is likely to set a record for the month, the company’s chief financial officer said Tuesday. Jonathan Halkyard, speaking at the Bank of America Leveraged Finance Conference, also highlighted MGM’s plans to invest in its three properties across the street from the planned $1.5 billion A’s baseball stadium at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip that will open in 2028.

Macau GGR up 435% year-on-year to $1.99 billion

Macau’s gaming operators generated gross gaming revenues of $1.99 billion in November, up 435% year-on-year although down on the post-COVID record of $2.42 billion in October. The November result continued the SAR’s strong recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, with analysts having estimated that mass gaming revenues are already back to 100% or better of 2019 levels, pushing FY23 revenues above US$20 billion. It had previously been anticipated that November GGR would be lower than October, which was aided by the National Day Golden Week holiday.

Florida: Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood gives first look at roulette, sports betting kiosks ahead of debut

Days before casinos in Florida begin offering more ways to play, a Broward County hotspot is giving a sneak peek at the new options that will soon become available in the state. 7News cameras on Wednesday captured some of the new additions at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood ahead of their Dec. 7 debut. “I think, with adding craps and roulette, we’re going to add some new customers to South Florida,” said Bo Guidry, president of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood.

Alabama lawmakers advocate for stricter gaming laws following illegal casino activities

Growing concern over illegal gaming has prompted State Rep. Andy Whitt to advocate for more stringent statewide regulations in Alabama. Whitt’s stance comes in light of recent law enforcement actions, including a raid on a Lowndes County casino, White Hall Entertainment, which was closed on Tuesday. Whitt, representing Madison County, emphasized the long-standing nature of the issue, stating to WBRC 6, “This is something that has plagued the state for decades.”

California Attorney General eying daily fantasy sports operators

The legal landscape of daily fantasy sports in California could change drastically soon. California daily fantasy sports is a legal activity. But that’s partly because there isn’t a law explicitly prohibiting it. However, the California Attorney General’s office is looking into the matter. If the AG decides operators are breaking the law, DFS in California might become a thing of the past. Sports betting in California is a hotly contested issue. Last year, DFS operators and tribal nations backed separate sports betting ballot initiatives. But both failed by wide margins.

Philippines GGR could reach $5.2 billion this year on record Q4, says consultancy

The Philippines casino industry is expected to achieve all-time high gross gaming revenues of between $5 billion and $5.2 billion this year, boosted by a record December quarter, according to consultancy GCG Gaming Advisory Services. In a lengthy updated posted on social media following the recent release by PAGCOR of industry data for 3Q23, GCG noted that industry-wide GGR of $1.24 billion had shown minimal growth from the $1.19 billion a year earlier. However, the record GGR of $1.26 billion achieved in 4Q19 will “most likely to be exceeded in Q4 this year when we expect to see increased growth in the Korean’s visitation and the gradual return of the Chinese.”

Las Vegas: Off-Strip casino to bring back live table games

One more casino in Las Vegas is taking a step to return to its pre-pandemic routines as Tuscany Suites and Casino announced its bringing back live table gaming starting on Saturday. Live table gaming was removed from the small off-Strip property owned by Brett Heers in 2020 because of COVID-19 restrictions and weren’t returned until now, according to a spokesperson for the property. Blackjack and roulette will be available for play on Saturday, although pai gow and craps will be added to Tuscany’s casino sometime in the first quarter of 2024.

Mark Cuban and Adelson Family Push for Gambling in Dallas - November 2023

ARLINGTON, TX 

 - On Wednesday, the Adelson and Dumont families, owners of the Las Vegas Sands, confirmed they are in a binding purchase agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in the Dallas Mavericks. 

Mark Cuban, the Mavs current owner, has expressed a desire to bring a casino resort to Dallas.

My goal, and we'd partner with Sands, is when we build a new arena it'll be in the middle of a resort and casino. That's the mission," Cuban told the Dallas Morning News in December 2022.

He continued: "Texas is such an amazing state that we need to be a destination. And this is the way to do it. And partnering with the Sands Corporation, literally there's no reason why we can't build a huge resort destination in the city proper of Dallas. There's plenty of places to do it."

There's one small problem.  The state is not particularly friendly towards any form of gambling.  State lawmakers have opposed efforts to legalize sports gambling.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made this abundantly clear following news of the Mavericks deal.

"I've said repeatedly there is little to no support for expanding gaming from Senate GOP. I polled members this week. Nothing changed. The senate must focus on issues voters expect us to pass. We don’t waste time on bills without overwhelming GOP support. HB1942 won’t be referred."

The parties hope to receive approval from the NBA board of governors and finalize the deal by the end of 2023, according to a statement released Wednesday by Sands.

 (Gambling911.com)

North American Box Office

1. Renaissance - $21 million

2. The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes - $14.5 million

3. Godzilla Minus One - $11 million

4. Trolls Band Together - $7.6 million

5. Wish - $7.4 million

6. Napolean - $7.1 million

7. Animal - $6.1 million

8. The Shift - $4.4 million

9.  Silent Night - $3 million

10. Thanksgiving - $2.6 million

Media Man Int

Movies (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/movies.html

Pop Culture (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/pop_culture.html

Entertainment News

https://www.mediamanint.com/news4.html

#movienews #boxoffice #RENAISSANCEFilm #TheHungerGames #Godzilla #GodzillaMinusOne #GodzillaxKong #TrollsBandTogether #WISH #Napoleon #NapoleonMovie #AnimalTheMovie #Animal #TheShift #SilentNight #Thanksgiving #ThanksgivingMovie #EntertainmentNews #popculture #showbiz #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch celebrates industry diversity - December 4, 2023

Held at the sublimely located a’Mare Restaurant at Barangaroo, the 2023 Sydney Superyacht Captains’ Long Lunch welcomed 42 Captains and luminaries from the superyacht industry for a much-anticipated get-together to celebrate the end of a successful year.

Sponsored by Rivergate Marina & Shipyard, Major Yacht Services and Sydney Superyacht Marina, the event was the opportunity for Captains, representatives from industry bodies and suppliers to meet in a social setting to catch up on issues and renew personal connections.

a’Mare, meaning ‘by the sea’ in Italian, is located in Crown Casino Sydney and enjoys incredible Harbour views from every angle. Highly awarded Chef and Restaurateur, Alessandro Pavoni, designed an exquisite menu for the occasion: opening with share plates of home-made Focaccia, Buffalo mozzarella and Veal tenderloin, followed by mains of Pasta al Pesto and Vitello alla Milanese, with delicious sides of rocket and balsamic salad, and roast potatoes with rosemary. For dessert, the house specialty, just like Alessandro’s mother used to make, the famous a’Mare Tiramisu.

Along with local and visiting Captains, guests included representatives from Superyacht Australia, Ocean Media, Burgess Yachts and Benetti’s Peter Mahoney, who arrived from Hong Kong, and said he never misses a Rivergate event if he can help it!

This year, there was a strong contingent of women, including Captain Charlie Kinder, Hillary Buckman, Editor in Chief at Ocean Media, Maddie Spencer from Superyacht Australia, Stephanie Bell, Manager Major Yacht Services Brisbane and Christina Prince, Manager at Major Yacht Services, who flew in from Cairns.

This was Christina’s second such event and she commented on the change of venue, saying “The location was spectacular, and the private dining room was most suitable for networking and socialising in between courses.”

Prior to working for Major Yacht Services, Christina worked in yachting for over a decade and attended events in Monaco and other superyacht destinations.

“The new venue suited the image we want to present in the industry. It’s a glamour industry and a’Mare’s food, service and ambience were superb.”

Topics of discussion relevant to Christina included “boat movements, crew and Captain changeovers, charters for the coming season, moving from Sydney and heading north”.

“We discussed the pros and cons of refit and maintenance in Cairns, Brisbane and Sydney,” she continued. “I always push Rivergate for the quality, skills and accessibility.”

On a social note, she said it was refreshing to meet Captains and hear about their experiences.

“Speaking in a social setting like that is how we find out things we have in common, the seasons we’ve worked in various locations around the world, the people we know and places we’ve been to. It was a unique bonding experience.”

First-time attendee, Brandon Hoy, Rivergate Shipyard Manager, was equally impressed with the food and the venue, and said it was a valuable experience to meet in person Captains he had spoken with or exchanged emails with over the years, or had met during previous yard periods.

“Probably a dozen of them I’d had brief discussions with at Rivergate, so to finally have the opportunity to speak about other things, beyond work, like travel, family, plans for the holidays, was amazing.”

“Speaking in a social setting like that is how we find out things we have in common, the seasons we’ve worked in various locations around the world, the people we know and places we’ve been to. It was a unique bonding experience.”

First-time attendee, Brandon Hoy, Rivergate Shipyard Manager, was equally impressed with the food and the venue, and said it was a valuable experience to meet in person Captains he had spoken with or exchanged emails with over the years, or had met during previous yard periods.

“Probably a dozen of them I’d had brief discussions with at Rivergate, so to finally have the opportunity to speak about other things, beyond work, like travel, family, plans for the holidays, was amazing.”

Topics of note included discussions about future refit work at Rivergate, and several industry issues impacting everyone.

“We spoke about berthing issues around Australia, as some of the bigger vessels are finding it hard to get suitable berths,” said Brandon. “And then there’s the impact of the skills shortage in specialised trades. Many of them are having a hard time finalising projects because there’s a lot of work and not enough people in some areas.”

Captain Charlie Kinder at the helm of 37-metre Heesen, MY Lumir, was also a first-time guest at a Rivergate/Major/Sydney Superyacht Marina luncheon, and she said she was very grateful for the opportunity to “relax in such a beautiful environment, see some familiar faces and meet some new people in the industry”.

“It was great to meet the Rivergate team and enjoy everybody’s company. In this industry Captains often operated in a high stress environment, so it was a welcome opportunity to socialise among colleagues.”

Charlie started on board MY Lumir as the Deck Stewardess and once she gained her qualifications, took on the position of skipper, where she’s been for the past 13 months.

“I never imagined becoming a Captain,” she explained. “My dad is in the marine industry, instructing classes for MED engineering, Master 24 and Master 45. I did a few classes with my dad, then I got a job, loved it, and it snowballed from there.”

Charlie is now just one week away from completing her Master 45 certificate, after which she’ll fly to the Gold Coast where MY Lumir is berthed, and bring the boat back to Sydney for the summer season.

“I love the boat and we have great owners,” said Charlie, adding that MY Lumir has recently entered the charter market. “The owners spend quite a bit of time on Sydney Harbour, then they’ll head to Pittwater to enjoy the jetskis and Fliteboards.”

Speaking of the change from private to charter, Charlie observed there were challenges with hiring crew. “There is quite a crew shortage at the moment, which we discussed at length over lunch. There are so many more boats and more jobs, and just not enough people to fill them.”.

Steve Fisher, Rivergate’s long-time Director of International Business, viewed the lunch as “a welcome break from the hectic pace of work-life routine”.

“There was a lot of talk about charters in the Whitsundays and coming into the busy Christmas-New Year period in Sydney,” Steve said. “Superyacht owners and charter vessels are venturing out to the Pacific again, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.”

Other domestic topics that arose included sharing information about reliable suppliers, crew shortages, new anchorages, and the rising numbers of visiting superyachts heading ‘down under’.

“Especially in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, there was concern that infrastructure needs to keep pace with demand. On a positive note, the new ‘local knowledge’ approval process on superyachts coming into Sydney Harbour seems to be working very well.”

David Good, CEO of AIMEX-Superyacht Australia explained the concept: “To move around inside the Port Limits of Sydney Harbour, Captains have previously been required to utilise a pilot. There are limited Pilots, and they just can’t dedicate this resource every time a vessel wants to move anchorage whenever the wind changes.

“So, an alternative arrangement was devised between the Harbour Master and Superyacht Australia for vessels between 30 and 80-metres. Captains are able to complete a 50-question online questionnaire before they arrive, and then on initial arrival a Pilot will board their vessel and check it over, ensuring Captain and crew competence. The Pilot signs off their application and can add value to the visiting vessel during the initial pilotage by pointing out anchorages, the fact that the Manly Ferry has right of way over everything – basically, provide local knowledge.”

Captains can secure Temporary Local Knowledge permits for set period. Vessels under 30-metres do not require it, and those over 80-metres require a Pilot for all movements or may hire somebody with a full Certificate of Local Knowledge and qualifications to master the size vessel in question.

“Superyacht Australia on behalf of industry and the Harbour Master, Myron Fernandes, developed this pragmatic solution that gives oversight for the regulator and freedom for the vessel once qualified,” added David.

Kokomo II Co-Captain, Toby Gitsham was thrilled to be invited to the Sydney Captains’ Long Lunch 2023. “I haven’t been for a while, and I felt like I was returning to the fold,” he commented.

“It was a fantastic afternoon, Steve, Alex and Brandon did a great job hosting, listening to our feedback, and it was very enjoyable to spend time with them socially.”

One thing that stood out to Toby compared with previous events was the increase in the number of female guests. “I really enjoyed their company. It made for a nice balance and a different perspective, plus we men were on our best behaviour,” he quipped.

A topic of great interest and urgency for Toby is the difficulty finding crew, specifically engineers, which is a symptom of the nationwide skills shortage.

38-metre, private motor yacht, Kokomo II spends approximately four months of every year in Fiji and the rest of the time is based at Woolloomooloo in Sydney.

“We have a Storage container at Rivergate and regularly schedule stopovers for works and maintenance on our way to Fiji or on the return,” said Toby. “They are always reliable for top quality work, service and a friendly welcome.”

For about 25 of the party, festivities continued at the Sussex Hotel where spirits were high and tales were no doubt embellished!

“There’s really nothing like this annual event for cementing personal and professional relationships,” said David Good. “It’s always a quality event, and definitely leads to stronger ties among industry, as well as a better understanding of other people’s roles and how we’re all interlinked.”

For more information about Rivergate visit : rivergate.com.au

(Marine Business News)

Quotes

“Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away. I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.” - Mark Haddon #MarkHaddon #quote #numbers #primenumbers #numerology #life #world #universe #mbs #media 

“Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lost sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary.” - Eckhart Tolle #EckhartTolle #quote #stress #purpose #innerpurpose #consciousness #life #world #mbs #media 

Time. Space. Energy. Atoms. Universe. Flow. Vibrations. Results. Transformation. The Third Dimension. Infinity #time #space #energy #atoms #universe #flow #vibrations #results #transformation #dimension #infinity #media #mediaman

“In life the challenge is not so much to figure out how best to play the game; the challenge is to figure out what game you’re playing.” - Kwame Anthony Appiah #KwameAnthonyAppiah #quote #life #game #challenge #world #media #mediaman 

We need to revise our economic thinking to give full value to our natural resources. This revised economics will stabilize both the theory and the practice of free-market capitalism. It will provide business and public policy with a powerful new tool for economic development, profitability, and the promotion of the public good. Paul Hawken

When the tyrant has disposed of foreign enemies by conquest or treaty, and there is nothing more to fear from them, then he is always stirring up some war or other, in order that the people may require a leader. Plato

There will be no end to the troubles of states, or of humanity itself, till philosophers become kings in this world, or till those we now call kings and rulers really and truly become philosophers, and political power and philosophy thus come into the same hands. Plato

And while the law of competition may be sometimes hard for the individual, it is best for the race, because it ensures the survival of the fittest in every department. Andrew Carnegiee

The secret of business is to know something that nobody else knows. Aristotle Onassi

Economic depression cannot be cured by legislative action or executive pronouncement. Economic wounds must be healed by the action of the cells of the economic body - the producers and consumers themselves. Herbert Hoover

Everyone is your best friend when you are successful. Make sure that the people that you surround yourself with are also the people that you are not afraid of failing with. Paula Abdul

There have to be reasons that you get up in the morning and you want to live. Why do you want to live? What's the point? What inspires you? What do you love about the future? If the future does not include being out there among the stars and being a multi-planet species, I find that incredibly depressing. Elon Musk

Pro Wrestling

WWE 

@WWE

 RAW

December 4, 2023

Seth Rollins 

@WWERollins

 vs Jey Uso

Cody Rhodes 

@CodyRhodes

 to confront Shinsuke Nakamura 

@ShinsukeN

 

Natalya 

@NatbyNature

 and Tegan Nox 

@TeganNoxWWE

 in action 

Creed Bros vs Dirty Dom and JD McDonagh

Shayna Baszler vs Nia Jax

Drew McIntyre on the hunt for Sami Zayn 

and one or two surprises. No spoilers!

But you can expect some NXT 

@WWENXT

 talent want to stand up and be counted on the world renowned RAW broadcast. 

Surely The Bloodline are keeping an eye on the Jey Uso - Cody Rhodes situation.

World class pro wrestling, drama of Shakespearean and biblical proportions.

We are on the road to the Royal Rumble!

Let's get ready to join the broadcast team of Michael Cole 

@MichaelCole

 , Wade Barrett 

@StuBennett

 (and whoever else may like to invade the broadcast position this week).

A taste of what one may expect via the official WWE YouTube channel

http://youtube.com/WWE

#WWERaw #SethRollins #JeyUso #TheBloodline #PaulHeyman #CodyRhodes #ShinsukaNakamura #JudgementDay #CreedBros #RoyalRumble #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE RAW

WWE YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/wwe

Seth “Freakin” Rollins retains over Jey Uso in an INSTANT CLASSIC: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xgsEU1WkSI&ab_channel=WWE

"And Jey knocked over the top rope. Seth Rollins has Jey in his sights. Going to deliver a suicide dive and driving Uso into the barricade " Michael Cole @MichaelCole 

"..Back into the barricade in the process" Wade Barrett @StuBennett 

#WWERaw #WWEChampionship #WWEChampion #SethRollins #JeyUso #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE RAW

WWE Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/wwe

Raw’s most chaotic moments: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9ZKmoOqCVc&t=8s&ab_channel=WWE

FULL MATCH – Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Jey Uso – World Heavyweight Title Match: Raw, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPq-U0xtQI&t=22s&ab_channel=WWE

Seth “Freakin” Rollins retains over Jey Uso in an INSTANT CLASSIC: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xgsEU1WkSI&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre states Sami Zayn deserved his Bloodline beatdown: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIOJhKcaKRs&ab_channel=WWE

McIntyre continues his villainous descent with victory over Zayn: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YHKDMUDKcs&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

Drew McIntyre abhorrently blindsides Sami Zayn backstage: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqQNwEWQArU&ab_channel=WWE

Seth “Freakin” Rollins wants nothing to do with CM Punk: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oVt_IHfUHDY&ab_channel=WWE

R-Truth once again invades The Judgment Day clubhouse: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4UtnT5BzBM&ab_channel=WWE

Creed Brothers bout against Mysterio and McDonagh in front of R-Truth: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSIQdS7FRO0&ab_channel=WWE

Becky Lynch crashes the scene after Nia Jax defeats Shayna Baszler: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJNB_5yGoBs&t=3s&ab_channel=WWE

Becky Lynch confronts Nia Jax: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdCUBvwlGW8&ab_channel=WWE

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven fume backstage: Raw exclusive, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AdHk-gXbco&ab_channel=WWE

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Tegan Nox & Natalya: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqCrMI-D9Cg&ab_channel=WWE

#DIY vs. Imperium – 2-out-of-3 Falls Match: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ElXT8yQgM0&ab_channel=WWE

CM Punk returns to SmackDown: SmackDown sneak peek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51nao8Xw1UM&ab_channel=WWE

Shinsuke Nakamura needs to end Cody Rhodes’ story to restart his: Raw highlights, Dec. 4, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqebtCTaImY&ab_channel=WWE

#WWERaw #SurvivorSeries #SethRollins #JeyUso #DrewMcIntyre #CMPunk #SamiZayn #JudgementDay #CreedBros #RTruth #NiaJax #ShaynaBaszler #BeckyLynch #KaydenCarter #KatanaChance #TeganNox #Natalya #prowrestling #wrestling #highlights #video #YouTube #YT #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #USANetwork #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE

Videogame News

Grand Theft Auto VI Trailer 1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdBZY2fkU-0&ab_channel=RockstarGames

Media Man: This may be the videogame of the year. Fantastic buzz.

#GTA6 #GTAVI #GTA6trailer #RockStarGames #videogame #videogames #video #trailer #popculture #homeentertainment #trends #trending #buzz #media

Image credit: Rockstar Games

Aussie Foxtel Group Top Brass Patrick Delany On Sports Business and Content

“The sports business is interesting because rotational churn has that seasonality to it. It depends on what sports and what’s trending at the time,” Mr Delany told the Media Partners Asia APOS summit in late September, in previously unpublished comments.

“In the sports area, it’s going to be a bit bumpy this summer. We don’t have the big teams out, we don’t have India and the Poms out ... there’ll be a bit of a churn hiccup in the next quarter.”

Foxtel, which is majority-owned by News Corp, reported just 2000 new paying subscribers to its sports platform Kayo at the end of September, compared with the previous quarter. Its total paying subscribers on Kayo, Binge and its pay-TV business fell by 77,000 to 4.58 million. Mr Delany said the next quarter would be tougher.

#Foxtel #FoxtelGroup #PatrickDelany #sportsbusiness #paytv #subscribertv #mediarights #sportsrights #mediapartners #NewsCorp #Kayo #Binge #streaming #churn #sportstreaming #sportscontent #content #broadcast #broadcasting #trend #trends #trending #mediabiz #mediabusiness #Aussie #media 

Sources: Foxtel, X, AFR, Wires

Image credit: Foxtel

Streaming Business

Apple TV Plus and Paramount Plus could potentially join forces in an attempt to take the streaming top spotfrom Netflix, if rumours circulating online are to be believed. 

Apple and Paramount insiders also state that both have a higher churn rate that industry standard.

According to an article from the Wall Street Journal, the two streaming platforms are seeking to join forces in the near future to create a single, cheaper service that could potentially lure viewers away from current market leader Netflix.

Per the WSJ, the two platforms have "discussed bundling their streaming services at a discount" to offer the combined forces of their respective content libraries and undercut the dominant streaming service which, like many of its contemporaries, has raised prices in response to the global economic downturn.

News Corp's Tubi is being called "The Netflix Killer" by insiders and Amazon/Prime has developed somewhat of a rep of over-charging with Amazon's Audible using "digital tricks" to trick people into having the service who don't need it or who got a free trial. Amazon service does not have a telephone number for service for some countires including Australia and New Zealand.

The big tech and streaming industry remains on the radar of government regulators.

#streamingindustry #streamingbiz #streamingcontent #streamingnews #Netflix #NetflixKiller #tubi #bundle #bundling #homeentertainment #entertainmentnews #technews #media #mediaman 

Cryptocurrency / Bitcoin News

Bitcoin Nears $42,000 - Highest Level Since April 2022

The price of Bitcoin breached $41,000 for the first time since April 2022 early on Monday, amid heightened speculation about the approval of a Bitcoin exchange-traded fund that would indirectly open the cryptocurrency to traditional stock market investors.

The price of the world’s most valuable cryptocurrency surged to $41,943 early on Monday - its highest level in 19 months.

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin is up more than 6.1%, and the token’s value has jumped more than 150% since the start of the year.

Ethereum, the world’s second-biggest crypto asset, was also up more than 4.1% in the prior 24 hours, climbing past the $2,200 mark for the first time in more than a year and a half.

The surge comes amid the expectation that the Federal Reserve is done with rate hikes and a cut in interest rates is likely in the new year.

The rising valuation is also fueled by the expectation that U.S. regulators may soon approve a Bitcoin ETF after a preliminary listing by BlackRock's iShares emerged in October.

Monday morning’s surge is a significant milestone as it is the first time the price of Bitcoin has reached these levels since the collapse of TerraUSD and Luna coin last year—a marquee event in the so-called crypto winter of 2022. The algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD and its companion token, Luna, collapsed in May last year, resulting in $40 billion being wiped from the cryptocurrency market. This was followed by the Singapore-based crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital (3AC) becoming insolvent and crypto-lender Celsius going bankrupt.

#Bitcoin #bitcoinnews #crypto #cryptonews #cryptocurrency #bitcoinewsmedia #Ethereum #Terra #TerraUSD #Blackrock #markets #fintech #bitcoinbiz #currency #bitcoincafe #cafenews #cafenewsmedia #cafebitcoin #popculture #cafeculture #cryptoculture  #biz #newsmedia #trends #trending #buzz #media #mediaman 

Streaming News

Spotify to cut 17% of staffers in the latest round of tech layoffs

The music streaming giant Spotify has announced it's cutting 17% of its workforce in a move aimed at slashing costs.

In a memo addressed to staff, CEO Daniel Ek said it was critical that the company "rightsize" its financial situation after hiring too many people in 2020 and 2021, when capital was cheaper.

"The Spotify of tomorrow must be defined by being relentlessly resourceful in the ways we operate, innovate, and tackle problems," Ek wrote. "This kind of resourcefulness transcends the basic definition — it's about preparing for our next phase, where being lean is not just an option but a necessity."

This latest round of cuts — the third this year — equates to about 1,500 jobs, according to a CNBC source that said the Swedish company currently employs about 9,000 people across more than 40 global office locations.

Across the tech industry, tens of thousands of positions have been cut in the last year as a "pandemic-era" boon continues to go away. According to the tech job tracker layoffs.fyi, more than 250,000 tech workers have been laid off since the start of the year.

Still, the size of the Spotify cuts may feel "surprisingly large" for the moment, Ek wrote.

The company posted $34 million in operating income during its third-quarter earnings call, its first quarterly profit since 2021. Lower personnel costs, driven by two smaller rounds of cuts, was one of the factors cited for saving costs.

The company cut 6% of its workforce, about 600 employees, in January. It laid off another 2% of staff, roughly 200 roles, in June.

At the same time, Spotify raised prices on its subscription plans and set a lofty goal to reach a billion users by 2023. It currently has over 570 million of them — a little less than double the number of listeners the platform attracted in 2020.

The company has also shared its vision to go beyond music and expand in audiobooks and podcasting, a space that's feeling a financial strain and steep competition for both listeners and advertisers.

Since 2019, Spotify has spent close to a billion dollars buying up podcasting studios, signing exclusive deals with celebrity hosts and, most recently, investing in generative AI for ad creation.

But all this investment has come with high-profile headaches — and still failed to turn a profit. The company's layoffs in June were specifically focused on downsizing its podcast division.

As of 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Spotify's shares were up about 5% in premarket trading.

Departing employees will be offered approximately five months of severance pay plus healthcare coverage, vacation pay, immigration support and two months' worth of career-search assistance, according to Ek's statement.

Pop Culture Fun Fact: Spotify was understood to be portrayed in streaming TV smash hit 'Succession' and was called "Gojo"! The top brass was named Lukas Mattson.

#streamingnews #Spotify #DanielEk #streamingservice #streamingservices #streamingnews #streamingmedia #bigtech #technews #succession #popculture #entertainment #technews #disrupt #disruptor #AI #AImusic #AInews #AIbiz #media #mediaman

Pro Wrestling

Wrestling Legend from WWE @WWE fame Randy Orton Appears On Logan Paul's Mega Popular Podcast, Impaulsive @impaulsive 

Impaulsive Podcast YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@Impaulsive

Randy Orton Returns To WWE - IMPAULSIVE EP. 401

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF45BF2Dasg&t=4s&ab_channel=IMPAULSIVE

"We got the legend killer" ladies and gentlement. It's Randy Orton" Logan Paul @LoganPaul 

"Dude, I knew what the RKO was before I knew about you". Logan Paul

"The memes. Somebody started doing those things" Randy Orton

"Do you think at some point in your career you were a d*ck? Mike Majlak

“Yeah. 100 percent. That was like my armor. I was an a**hole I think because I wanted people to respect me maybe? I don’t know. I just know that I grew out of that phase and I thank God that I did. I see like footage that I didn’t know the camera was rolling at that autograph signing and there’s an interaction with a fan and it’s picked up. Now they’re doing this doc on A&E that they’re just kind of finishing up and I’ve seen some of this footage from 10-15 years ago and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, that’s horrible.’ That’s just kind of who I was. It wasn’t coming from a place of confidence. I think it was coming from a place, it was my armor. I was an a**hole and maybe I would get respect that way. Maybe it was a little bit of fear and I took it as respect and either way I was fine with it. Luckily I was given a second, third, fourth chance from Vince McMahon coming up when I would get in trouble or I would have to get sent away for a couple of months or I would have to get fined a second or third time. I just [am] blessed. I am so blessed. I had the right guys in there to kind of yank my ass straight to make sure I was walking a straght line.”

Media Man Int

Randy Orton: News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/randy_orton.html

#LoganPaul #Impaulsive #RandyOrton #RKO #TheViper #MikeMajlak #interview #WWE #PodcastOfTheMonth #podcast #podcasters #YouTubers #prowrestling #wrestling #sportsentertainment #wrestlingnews #entertainment #legend #legends #legendkiller #memes #life #career #streaming #newsmedia #trends #trending #buzz #media 

Image credit: WWE

Wrestling / Energy Drink News

All Elite Wrestling top brass Tony Khan speaks with New York Post @nypost about Ric Flair, the Wooooo Energy @woooooenergy Drink deal, Sting, pro wrestling business and more

It brought in a “high-paying sponsorship” to AEW to have the “Nature Boy” promote the brand on their shows.

“We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us,” Khan said. “We’re getting paid by Wooooo Energy for all of his appearances, so we’re collecting revenue from them.”

Khan on Sting

“I wanted to know if Sting believed he could participate next year, and I knew he felt like he might not have another year left in him when we were at Wembley this year but he was still feeling very good and he wants to stay feeling very good through his retirement,” Khan said.

More Info

The Woooooo Energy X account reads:

Mushroom-infused energy. Supports immune and cognitive function. Clean energy. No jitters. 6g sugar. 150mg caffeine. Order now!

#TonyKhan #quote #quotes #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #AEWDynamite #AEWWembley #AEWLondon #RicFlair #WoooooEnergy #energydrink #Sting #wrestling #prowrestling #wrestlingnews #wrestlinglegend #wrestlinglegends #cafenews #beverage #sponsorship #advertising #promo #broadcast #exposure #popculture #product #sportsbiz #newsmedia #media 

Image credit: AEW

Grappling With Politics

X marks the spot for former UFC champ Conor McGregor @TheNotoriousMMA 

Strikes back against soft-ish IRE government on issues

X Corp founder Elon Musk appeared to endorse the idea of Conor McGregor – the former UFC @UFC champion – running for political office in Ireland.

“Not a bad idea,” Musk posted to his 164 million followers.

#ConorMcGregor #ElonMusk #X #UFC #MMA #politics #Ireland #PeoplePower #mmanews #combatsports #forthepeople #society #justice #champion #legend #Goat #worldnews #socialmedia #trends #trending #buzz #X #media 

Image credit: Conor McGregor

Pro Wrestling

WWE NXT @WWENXT preview. Dec. 5, 2023

Ilja Dragunov and Baron Corbin come face to face before NXT Deadline

Thea Hail, Roxanne Perez, Fallon Henley and Kiana James battle in a Last Chance Iron Survivor Qualifying Fatal 4-Way Match

Eddy Thorpe, Carmelo Hayes, Joe Coffey, and Tyler Bate compete in a Last Chance Iron Survivor Qualifying Match

Alpha Academy take on Meta-Four in a Six-Person Mixed Tag Team Match

WWE Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/wwe

Nathan Frazer and Axiom agreed to a friendly match last week: WWE NXT Exclusive, Dec. 5, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q-ApkhO_sk&ab_channel=WWE

Tiffany Stratton is poised to takeover: WWE Canvas 2 Canvas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwW49drR6TQ&ab_channel=WWE

#WWENXT #NXTDeadline #prowrestling #wrestling #popculture #entertainment #broadcast #USANetwork #trends #trending #TV #media

Source/Credit: WWE NXT

MMA - UFC - Ireland Politics Connection

Elon Musk touts UFC @UFC superstar Conor McGregor's @TheNotoriousMMA possible run for Irish president, says 'not even fair' for rivals

Elon Musk has suggested five-time world champ Conor McGregor would beat all possible competitors "single-handed", if the UFC star ran for Irish president.

UFC superstar Conor McGregor has indicated he will look to run for president of the Republic of Ireland following a stabbing attack that prompted a spike in anti-migrant sentiment in the country.

"I listen. I support. I adapt," McGregor wrote on social media platform X. "I have no affiliation/bias/favoritism toward any party… I’d even put it all to vote. There’d be votes every week to make sure."

"It would not be me in power as President, people of Ireland," he promised. "It would be me and you."

McGregor flirted with the idea of a presidential bid in Ireland, noting that he would face off against three near-octogenarians and would stand instead as a "young, attractive, passionate" option with "fresh skin in the game."

Ireland’s president is a directly elected head of state who has similar powers to the American president when it comes to signing or vetoing new laws, while the prime minister (also known as the Taoiseach) represents the majority party in parliament and proposes and shapes new legislation.

Elon Musk suggested the five-time world champ would beat all possible competitors "single-handed," adding the matchup was "not even fair."

McGregor responded that he would "fancy his chances" of a run while outlining the process for nomination as part of his bid for "absolute transparency and consultation to the public."

Currently, there is none," McGregor claimed. "Not an iota. False promises come around the time of election and then it is literally straight ignorance into the face thereafter. It’s disgusting."

He accused the major parties in Ireland’s government of focusing on power struggles instead of actually seeking change, arguing that if a "power swap" happened today, "the situation would simply reverse… the same question and requests and condemnations but only from the opposite side, then."

The former featherweight and lightweight champion promised that he’d "clean" the parliament out "if it meant our issues were heard and corrected… a true democracy!" He also slammed the government for "criminal" allocation of national funds "without an iota of consideration for what the public thinks."

McGregor has been vocal about his desire to see immigration reform in his native country. He previously spoke out about the death of a 23-year-old Irish teacher and musician Ashling Murphy, who was killed in a stabbing in 2022.

He sparked controversy last month when he wrote on X, "Ireland, we are at war," following a series of stabbings in Dublin that injured five individuals, three of whom were children.

The attack, linked to an immigrant who had lived in Ireland for around two decades, sparked a violent riot in Dublin that forced the country’s Garda (national police) to intervene. McGregor had complained on X about the immigration policies in Ireland mere hours before the attack occurred.

Police last week found the message "Irish Lives Matter" scrawled in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as a sign posted saying one neighborhood would "no longer accept the rehousing of illegal immigrants." Both incidents are reportedly being investigated by local police as hate-related incidents.

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar has urged his people not to connect the stabbing with immigration, saying it is "not right," according to the BBC.

"I really would ask people to try and avoid connecting crime with migration," Varadkar told the Dail Eireann – the local name for parliament – saying that such connections are "not right" and influenced by "far right ideology."

"Yes, of course, people who are migrants might commit crimes, just as people who aren't commit crimes," Varadkar stressed, adding that there are "people born and bred in Ireland who commit terrible crimes every day, including murder."

(Sources: FOX, Sky News, Wires, X)

#ConorMcGregor #Ireland #NorthernIreland #IrelandBelongsToTheIrish #politics #society #democracy #peoplepower #justice #war #FOX #SkyNews #wires #UFC #MMA #ElonMusk #X #champion #legend #Goat #newsmedia #forthewin #media 

Pro Wrestling

Randy Orton appears on Logan Paul @LoganPaul podcast: ImPaulsive @impaulsive 

Huge win-win-win (Orton, Paul and WWE @WWE in general)

Edgy interview with just the right amount of insider info and behind the curtain aspects says Media Man

“You saved the spot. The way you go down on your hips — the hip mobility and the strength — and the way you got up with him. … The predicament you were in, and the way you got out of it, was amazing. A lot of guys wouldn’t have been there for that.” Randy Orton to Logan Paul

“When you came backstage, I think the first time we met, you looked me in the eye [and] I could tell right away you wanted to be there. I saw who Logan Paul was in that split second and I was like, ‘Alright, he’s good back here.’ I could just tell.” Orton

“Your RKOs [are] incredible,” Paul to Orton. “You did one at WarGames against the Bobblehead guy” LP

“Oh yeah, JD,” Orton

“JD, sorry, bro!”

“He knows. I just met him Saturday in Chicago (at WWE Survivor Series), and he was very well aware that he has a large head. He knew.” Orton

“Some people are built like that” Paul

“He’s built different” Orton

“I’m going to be here for the rest of my life”. “This is me. I’m not moving on to Hollywood. I love what I do. I just had eighteen months off with spinal fusion. I was kind of faced with the fact that I wouldn’t be able to do this again, so it’s like I have a second lease on my career here and I’m not going to take a day for granted.” - Randy Orton

ImPaulsive Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/impaulsive

Randy Orton Returns To WWE - IMPAULSIVE EP. 401

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF45BF2Dasg&t=1772s&ab_channel=IMPAULSIVE

#LoganPaul #Impaulsive #TheMaverick #Maverick #RandyOrton #TheViper #RKO #LegendKiller #Mysterio #DirtyDom #ReyMysterio #JD #JudgementDay #USTitle #WWEUSTitle #SurvivorSeries #Prime #wrestlingnews #wwenews #WWE #wrestlingpodcast #podcastnews #entertainment #EntertainmentNews #popculture #combatsports #legend #legends #Goat #Goats  #showbiz #PLE #trends #trending #buzz #win #winwin #winwinwin #media #mediaman 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

Randy Orton appears on Logan Paul @LoganPaul podcast: ImPaulsive @impaulsive 

Huge win-win-win (Orton, Paul and WWE @WWE in general)

Edgy interview with just the right amount of insider info and behind the curtain aspects says Media Man

“You saved the spot. The way you go down on your hips — the hip mobility and the strength — and the way you got up with him. … The predicament you were in, and the way you got out of it, was amazing. A lot of guys wouldn’t have been there for that.” Randy Orton to Logan Paul

“When you came backstage, I think the first time we met, you looked me in the eye [and] I could tell right away you wanted to be there. I saw who Logan Paul was in that split second and I was like, ‘Alright, he’s good back here.’ I could just tell.” Orton

“Your RKOs [are] incredible,” Paul to Orton. “You did one at WarGames against the Bobblehead guy” LP

“Oh yeah, JD,” Orton

“JD, sorry, bro!”

“He knows. I just met him Saturday in Chicago (at WWE Survivor Series), and he was very well aware that he has a large head. He knew.” Orton

“Some people are built like that” Paul

“He’s built different” Orton

“I’m going to be here for the rest of my life”. “This is me. I’m not moving on to Hollywood. I love what I do. I just had eighteen months off with spinal fusion. I was kind of faced with the fact that I wouldn’t be able to do this again, so it’s like I have a second lease on my career here and I’m not going to take a day for granted.” - Randy Orton

ImPaulsive Podcast

https://www.youtube.com/impaulsive

Randy Orton Returns To WWE - IMPAULSIVE EP. 401

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF45BF2Dasg&t=1772s&ab_channel=IMPAULSIVE

#LoganPaul #Impaulsive #TheMaverick #Maverick #RandyOrton #TheViper #RKO #LegendKiller #Mysterio #DirtyDom #ReyMysterio #JD #JudgementDay #USTitle #WWEUSTitle #SurvivorSeries #Prime #wrestlingnews #wwenews #WWE #wrestlingpodcast #podcastnews #entertainment #EntertainmentNews #popculture #combatsports #legend #legends #Goat #Goats  #showbiz #PLE #trends #trending #buzz #win #winwin #winwinwin #media #mediaman 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown

An another dynamic United States Title Tournament Match , “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley @fightbobby  will take on Karrion Kross @realKILLERkross  in a first-time-ever showdown. An opportunity against U.S. Champion Logan Paul @LoganPaul awaits the winner of the eight-man tournament. Lashley has been United States Champion thrice before, whilst Kross will look to contend for his first stars-and-stripes title. 

(Credit: WWE)

WWE Official YouTube

www.youtube.com/WWE

#SmackDown #WWEUSTitle #USTitle #BobbyLashley #KarrionKross #LoganPaul #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #FOX #broadcast #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE

Quotes

Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt - Sun Tzu #SunTzu #quote #TheArtOfWar #ArtOfWar #plans #war #strategy #life #mindset #world #media 

"Victory is not always winning the battle...but rising every time you fall" - Napoleon Bonaparte 

#NapoleonBonaparte #Napoleon #quote #victory #battle #rise #war #life #mindset #media #mediaman 

"The British media is sinking down, as the American news media has lowered the bar for all of humanity. British news media is definitely trying to stoop down to that level. Everyone is stooping to the lowest common denominator" - John Oliver #JohnOliver #quote #media #britishmedia #newsmedia #newsbusiness #media #mediaman 

Quote

"A lot of people, myself included, are excited about blogging and stuff like that, citizen journalism, but I do remind people that no matter how excited we are, there's no substitute for professional writing, no substitute for professional editing, and no substitute for professional fact-checking" - Craig Newmark, Founder, CraigsList #CraigNewmark #quote #CraigsList #blogging #citizenjournalism #journalism #writing #editing #factchecking #newsmedia #newsbiz #publishing #research #biz #businessnews #media #mediaman 

Quote

"This is the strangest life I've ever known" - Jim Morrison #JimMorrison #quote #life #strange #strangest #life #world #TheDoors #media #mediaman 

"I'm a spokesman for myself. It just so happens that there's a bunch of people that are concerned with what I have to say. I find that frightening at times because I'm just as confused as most people. I don't have the answers for anything" - Kurt Cobain #KurtCobain #quote #self #people #music #life #world #Nirvana #media 

Quote

"Well, it's no trick to make a lot of money...if all you want to do it make a lot of money" - Charles Foster Kane (Citizen Kane). 1941 #CharlesFosterKane #Kane #CitizenKane #quote #money #trick #newspaper #publisher #popculture #entertainment #showbiz #media #mediaman 

Search Engine Land

SEL's Barry with an informatiive feature on yet more changes at Google. Another case of now you see them, now you don't. Trust yourself! 

MMA / Pro Wrestling

UFC @UFC / MMA Living Legend Ken Shamrock Could Return to WWE @WWE as New Deal Is Signed

Legit mixed martial arts and pro wrestling legend Shamrock appears to be finishing off 2023 on a high note

Former WWF (now WWE) Intercontinental Champion Ken Shamrock is back to good lines of communications with the world's leading pro wrestling promotion WWE after more than two decades. 

Shamrock, known as ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ during his initial WWE run from 1997-99, captured both the Intercontinental and Tag Team Championships alongside fellow wrestling legend Big Boss Man. He also reigned as King of the Ring in 1998.

A year later, Shamrock left WWE to return to mixed martial arts, where he competed in UFC and Bellator. Furthermore, he went on to achieve legendary status in the UFC, eventually being inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Following his somewhat confusing departure from WWE at the time, Ken Shamrock found success again in mixed martial arts. He also made sporadic returns to wrestling in 2002 in TNA, NJPW, and various other independent promotions, even including BCW (Battle Championship Wrestling) where he even face long-time rival Dan "The Beast" Severn in a pro wrestling encouter at Moore Park, Entertainment Quarter in Sydney. Media Man described that match and card at the time as "Sydney, Australia's version of a WrestleMania dream-match". Fans and wrestling media had waited decades for that particular match.

Although Shamrock has not graced the WWE stage since his departure, recent reports hint that ‘The World’s Most Dangerous Man’ could return to WWE after two decades.

According to wrestling news website PWInsider, Ken Shamrock and WWE may have “come to terms on some sort of deal.” The report goes on to suggest that this could be a Legends contract for the former star. Moreover, new merchandise of Shamrock can be now found on the WWE Shop - which is a bit of a dead giveaway.

With recent reports suggesting that Ken Shamrock, who is now 59, has come to terms on some sort of deal with WWE, fans _both hardcore and casual) are left pondering if the former Intercontinental Champion is returning to the action.

As WrestleMania Season is about to him with number 40 on the horizon, and with Ken Shamrock signing a Legends deal, he could very well be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame next year. However, fans might have to wait and see if he decides to step into the ring.

Shamrock had his final match at Battleground Championship Wrestling in August 2022, where he defeated Harry Smith in a singles match. Since then, Ken Shamrock hasn’t stepped into the squared circle. Only time will tell what the future holds for The World’s Most Dangerous Man and WWE. However, the news of his reappearance has sent excitement down among WWE fans who await his return.

Shamrock has however been bush promoting with highly respected Valor Bare Knucke @ValorBK promotion on U.S soil, and he's quick to point out that his version of bare knuckle is the best and most legit, with many insiders agreeing with the bold claim. If anyone knows legit, it would be Shamrock.

Under the Media Man Watercooler:

Shamrock is one of the most worthy WWE Hall of Famers there could be as well as one of the most instrumental figures in the history of pro wrestling and mixed martial arts, right next to the likes of Tiger Mask, Kurt Angle, Jushin "Thunder: Liger, Judo Gene LeBell and even Hulk Hogan.

Media Man Int

Interview: Ken Shamrock - 22nd May 2017

https://www.mediamanint.com/interviews/shamrock.html

Media Man Int YouTube

Ken Shamrock vs Dan Severn. Clip. Wrestling

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tor638GYWs&ab_channel=mediamanint

Media Man Int YouTube

Sports art, photoart and digital art by Greg Tingle 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dr3Tdongbw&ab_channel=mediamanint

Ken Shamrock (Wikipedia)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Shamrock

#KenShamrock #DanSevern #wrestling #prowrestling #wrestlinglegend #WWE #WWF #TKOGroup #TKO #UFC #TripleH #MMA #mixedmartialarts #BareKnuckle #ValorBareKnuckle #legendsdeal #legendscontract #fighting #legend #sportsnews #sportsmedia #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz #popculture #trends #buzz #media 

Conor McGregor considering wild career change in Ireland

UFC star Conor McGregor has suggested he might throw his hat into an entirely new ring following turmoil in his homeland.

UFC @UFC star Conor McGregor @TheNotoriousMMA has suggested he might throw his hat into the ring to become the next President of Ireland.

The MMA fighter called out who sees as his competition for the job on social media as he becomes increasingly political during renewed debate about his homeland’s immigration policies.

Some of the millionaire fighter’s posts were reportedly examined by police as part of an inquiry into online hate speech in the wake of the Dublin riots.

In a post yesterday, the Crumlin cagefighter identified Gerry Adams, Bertie Aherne and Enda Kenny as “potential competition” if he runs to replace current president Michael D Higgins.

Alongside a photo of the three politicians, McGregor said: “Potential competition if I run. Gerry, 78. Bertie, 75. Enda, 74. Each with unbreakable ties to their individual parties’ politics.

“Regardless of what the public outside of their parties feel. These parties govern themselves vs. govern the people.

“Or me, 35. Young, active, passionate, fresh skin in the game. I listen. I support. I adapt.

“I have no affiliation/bias/favouritism toward any party. They would genuinely be held to account regarding the current sway of public feeling.”

McGregor went on to say if he were elected he would hold weekly votes on decisions.

He said: “I’d even put it all to vote. There’d be votes every week to make sure. I can fund. It would not be me in power as President, people of Ireland. It would be me and you.”

Adams has already ruled out a run for the Presidency while Ahern always says “never say never” when asked if he will.

Kenny has not announced any plan to run for the Presidency but recently sparked rumours that he wants to be the liberal-conservative party Fine Gael’s candidate.

#Ireland #IrelandNews #Irish #Irishfreedom #irishheroes #Dublin #ConorMcGregor #Higgins #President #FineGael #UFC #UFC300 #UFC5 #MMA #IrishPolitics #politics #mmanews #democracy #peoplepower #socialmedia #news #newsmedia #media 

CEO of media giant Seven West Media James Warburton steps down

One of Australia’s biggest media companies has announced a dramatic shake-up in its leadership

The chief executive of one of Australia’s largest media companies is stepping down.

James Warburton, the CEO of Seven West Media, will leave his role at the end of the financial year in 2024.

The company announced his departure on Thursday.

“Kerry Stokes AC, chairman of Seven West Media, today announced the appointment of Jeff Howard as the incoming managing director and chief executive officer, succeeding James Warburton, who has advised his intention to step down from the role at the end of FY24,” the company said in a note to the Australian Securities Exchange.

Mr Howard is currently Seven’s chief financial officer and the transition will come into effect “in or before” June 30, 2024.

Mr Stokes said Mr Howard had “the right balance of skills” to deal with a dynamic and evolving media landscape.

“Having worked as SWM’s CFO since January 2020, he is well positioned to continue the momentum created by James. His commercial knowledge, passion and commitment will ensure a strong performance focus at this critical time of change and innovation for the industry,” he said.

Mr Howard said he was “delighted” to take the helm at the television giant.

“James is leaving SWM in a strong position to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. As we look to the next phase of growth in an ever-changing industry, our focus is on continuing to create great content to be the most connected news, sport and entertainment brand in Australia, while driving value for shareholders,” he said.

Media Man: More details to follow

#SWM #SevenWest #SevenWestMedia #ChannelSeven #JamesWarburton #JeffHoward #KerryStokes #newsmedia #newsbiz #mediaindustry #broadcasting #broadcaster #publilsher #publishing #australianmedia #australiannews #news #media 

Formula, By Greg Tingle

Founder, Media Man Group 

Awaken

Meditate

Nature

Exercise

Salt Water

Fresh Water

Sun

Communication

Nutrition/Food

Coffee 

Biz and Trade

Deal

Improve

Recharge

Power

Formula

Well-being 

Success 

#formula #awake #meditate #nature #exercise #saltwater #water #sun #communication #nutrition #food #coffee #biz #trade #deal #improve #recharge #power #formula #wellbeing #success #universe #world #mindbodyspirit #mbs #GregTingle #publisher #agency #agent #media #mediaman #mediamangroup #mediamanint

Bitcoin/Cryptocurrency News

Scandals in the blockchain industry hurting Bitcoin as its value resurges

Bitcoin is now up 160 per cent over the past 12 months and shows no signs of slowing down, but not everyone is jumping back on board.

Bitcoin is now up 160 per cent over the past 12 months and shows no signs of slowing down, but not everyone is jumping back on the crypto train.

The digital currency was trading at $67,229 on Wednesday, a 17 per cent increase over the past month and the highest price since May, 2022.

However, Bitcoin trading volumes show the digital currency is only being traded at a fraction of what it was in the years before.

From October-November, its trading volume has only been at around 600,000, compared to a high of 1.61 million from October-November, 2022.

Caroline Bowler, CEO of Australian exchange BTC Markets, said that a large part of this hesitance could be attributed to “significant market events” that have garnered a negative reputation for crypto trading.

Controversy after controversy has seriously affected the cryptocurrency market. The crash of the Terra (LUNA) cryptocurrency, the bankruptcy of crypto exchange FTX, and Binance having to pay over $1 billion in legal fees have all contributed to a hesitancy to reinvest.

“The aftermath of FTX’s collapse has made traders cautious, and U.S. regulators’ scrutiny of centralised crypto platforms adds to the subdued atmosphere,” Ms Bowler said.

Both FTX and Binance were designed as centralised exchanges for the crypto market – a market that prides itself on its freedom and lack of regulation, which some argue led to their recent scandals.

“Macroeconomic uncertainty persists, heightened by political turmoil in the US, potentially dampening broader market participation,” Ms Bowler added.

Shane Oliver, AMP Capital’s Chief Economist, said this suggested to investors that cryptocurrency was “not necessarily a scam, but it’s [being] used by scammers”.

He also said that part of the appeal of crypto for lower-level investors was that bitcoin was considered as “easy money”, particularly amid low interest rates during the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2020, bitcoin trading was at a high until a surge in interest rates. That’s when the “easy money was withdrawn”, according to Mr Oliver.

“Bitcoin was seen as the ultimate hedge against high inflation that proved to be false,” Mr Oliver said. “So a lot of people [were] fundamentally burnt. “

However, Mr Oliver doesn’t believe that there is anything “inherently wrong” with the crypto market, noting that white collar crime is not exclusive to the blockchain.

Mr Oliver also said he believed there are similarities between crypto trading and typical financial patterns in business today.

“It’s just a magnified version of what’s going on in equity markets,” he said. “There is, I think, long-term potential for cryptocurrencies.

“I don’t think we’re going back to a situation where there’ll be so many people sitting around at home with nothing to do and then trading, like there was in the pandemic. But then you still can’t rule out Bitcoin making a new high. It’s surprised many since the time it was invented.”

But for those who have yet to try trading on the blockchain, Mr Oliver shared a warning.

“If you don’t understand it, don’t invest,” he said. “There is no free lunch, and past returns are not a good guide to the future.”

(Sources: Wires, News, X)

#Bitcoin #bitcoinnews #crypto #cryptonews #Blockchain #blockchainnews #finetech #markets #currency #digitalcurrency #FTX #Binance #BTC #biz #wires #news #newsmedia #media #mediaman

There are risks of playing "follow the leader" be it in sports, wrestling, SEO, business strategies. Adopt risk management and have your own style and unique selling points (and unique niche content) etc etc #risk #risks #business #wrestling #SEO #strategy #sportsbiz #sportsmedia #wrestling #prowrestling #MMA #SERP #SME #SEM #search #searchmarketing #onlinenews #onlinebiz #nichecontent #nichenews #nichemarketing #content #contentnews #contentmarketing #riskmanagement #usps #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown

SmackDown preview, Dec. 8, 2023: CM Punk returns to the blue brand on a special Tribute to the Troops episode!

WWE YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@wwe

FULL SEGMENT – CM Punk calls out Reigns, Rollins and more in epic mic drop: SmackDown, Dec. 8, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtNrIGI73qo&t=4s&ab_channel=WWE

"CM Punk returning to SmackDown in almost a decade" Kevin Patrick @kev_egan

"Yeah, but a lot of decision to be made. CM Punk is a free agent. Will he sign on Friday night with SmackDown or will he sign Monday night with Raw"  Michael Cole @MichaelCole 

"Michael this is unbelievable. You've got to be here in person to hear how loud this place is. Every generation you have a superstar that comes along that transcends the genre. This is ours. CM Punk. It's amazing" JBL @JCLayfield 

"CM Punk was so proud to be in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A Tribute To The Troops, alongside you JBL. Listen to the reception" Kevin Patrick

"This is insane" JBL

"CM Punk, CM Punk, CM Punk" Fans

"I've got good news ladies and gentlemen. It's the top of the 9 o'clock hour that that means I'm not the end of the show. I'm not going to get my time cut.  You wanna chant, you go ahead and chant"..

Media Man "As per CM Punk body language at the conclusion of the promo and mic drop, massive home run. One of the best pro wrestling in-ring promos we've seen in decades. Punk still got it!  The announcing team nailed it too, and the genuine excitement, enthusiasm and massive respect from JBL shone through. Great team effort and result. This was one of our favourite pro wrestling broadcasts ever".

#SmackDown #TributeToTheTroops #CMPunk #GTS #RomanReigns #PaulHeyman #PaulHeymanGuy #OG #JBL #prowrestling #wrestling #WrestleMania #MainEvent #UniversalTitle #promo #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #FOX #broadcast #broadcasting #trends #trending #buzz #USA #TV #media 

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE @WWE SmackDown

SmackDown’s most raucous moments: SmackDown highlights, Dec. 8, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qov9_NSn4h4&ab_channel=WWE

"Ah, Dragon Lee. Santos to the outside. This a rivalry between to Mexican compatriots" Kevin Patrick

"Dragon Lee, Ah on, caught" Michael Cole

"That hurt" JBL

"Whose going to qualify here in the United States Championship Tournament"... Kevin Patrick

#SmackDown #TributeToTheTroops #DragonLee #SantosEscobar #prowrestling #wrestling #luchalibre #moments #highlights #video #broadcast #YouTube #TB #FOX #entertainment #popculture #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling

WWE News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/wwe_news.html

Wrestling News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/wrestling_news.html

#prowrestling #wrestling #wwenews #wrestlingnews #sportsentertainment #wrestlingpromotion #combatsports #wrestlers #grapplers #sportsnews #popculture #entertainment #showbiz #broadcasts #broadcasting #PLE #PremiumLiveEvent #PPV #PayPerView  #TV #trends #buzz #blogs #blognews #legends #media #mediaman #mediamanint

Image credit: WWE

Pro Wrestling/Streaming News

Impact @IMPACTWRESTLING Plus To Rebrand to TNA+ Next Week

Impact Plus is getting a new name and look ahead of Impact Wrestling’s return to the TNA brand. Impact Wrestling sent an email to Impact Plus subscribers announcing that the service will become TNA+ starting on December 14th.

The newly-rebranded service will see its cost rise by $2 to $9.99 per month, with the yearly subscription going from $71.99 to $95.99.

For wrestling based around the world and outside the U.S, be sure to check out FITE @FiteTV to see what deals you can secure. FITE broadcast Impact (soon TNA Wrestling) as well as many other pro wrestling promotions. They also broadcast numerous MMA and combat sports brands.

One of the most existing TNA major cards coming up in the near future is 'Snake Eyes' which emanates from Palms Casino Resort @Palms in Las Vegas on January 14.

FITE is a former and current Media Man 'Sports Streaming Service Of The Month' winner and finalist.

Media Man Int

Impact Wrestling: News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/impact_wrestling.html

Media Man Int

Sports Streaming: News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/sports_streaming.html

#ImpactWrestling #TNA #TNAWrestling #TNAPlus #FITE #SnakeEyes #TNASnakeEyes #prowrestling #wrestling #streaming #streamingnews #wrestlingnews #combatsports #popculture #entertainment #streamingentertainment #streamingservice #streamingservices #OTT #OverTheTop #streamingbiz #streamingcontent #streamingindustry #casinonews #wrestlingpromotion #wrestlingpromotions #sportsnews #sportsmedia #branding #brandnews #sportsmarketing #broadcasting #trends #media #mediaman 

Wrestling News

TNA WRESTLING PARTNERS WITH ENDEAVOR STREAMING TO DISTRIBUTE ITS ON DEMAND SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE TNA+ STARTING JANUARY 5

Press Release / December 8, 2023 / by IMPACT Wrestling Staff

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 8, 2023 – TNA Wrestling (formerly IMPACT Wrestling) @IMPACTWRESTLING   —a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment and a division of Anthem Sports Group—has partnered with Endeavor Streaming to deliver its global, on-demand streaming service, TNA+, to its passionate fans, launching Friday, January 5.

As part of a multi-year deal, Endeavor Streaming will power the new TNA+ app to deliver an enhanced user experience to all fans across the top streaming platforms, as well as mobile and connected devices.

This partnership combines TNA’s expertise as a top professional wrestling promoter with Endeavor Streaming’s unparalleled knowledge in delivering innovative direct-to-consumer offerings, marketing tools, analytics, and predictive modeling. TNA+ will leverage Endeavor’s experience working with the world’s biggest sports organizations to scale TNA+’s business operations and further grow its fan base and digital revenues.

In addition to reclaiming the iconic TNA moniker, the TNA+ app is relaunching with an all-new dynamic look, as well as expanded options and increased functionality. The app puts the power back in the fans’ hands, delivering the ultimate premium experience where they can stream the company’s flagship weekly TV show and tune into exciting pay-per-view events, view TNA’s full archive, get exclusive original content and wrestler-created series, and even have the chance to interact with some of TNA’s top stars.

TNA+ will be available at TNAWrestling.com, via iOS, tvOS and Android mobile apps, as well as big screen devices such as Android TV, Fire TV and Roku, with more platforms to follow. Subscribers will have the choice of a “Special Attraction” membership tier that features access to the full TNA/IMPACT Wrestling library and all TNA+ special PPV programming other than the 4-tent pole annual events offered at a price of $9.99 monthly or $95.99 per year, and a “World Championship” membership tier that includes all the perks of the Special Attraction tier, plus the 4-tent pole PPV events, offered at a price of $219.99 per year. Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.

“This is truly an incredible opportunity for us as we forge into an exciting new chapter of the TNA legacy,” said TNA Wrestling President Scott D’Amore. “We are proud to partner with Endeavor Streaming on this initiative, and we look forward to continuing to provide our fans with the absolute best in new, classic and exclusive professional wrestling content, available to them anywhere, anytime, on their favorite devices, when TNA+ launches on January 5.”

Pete Bellamy, Chief Commercial Officer at Endeavor Streaming said, “Wrestling fans are some of the most passionate in the world of sports and entertainment and TNA+ is the perfect ‘always-on’ personalised OTT service to help TNA build a deeper relationship with its global audience. We’re looking forward to working with TNA to deliver the best streaming experience for wrestling fans.”

Further details and subscription information for the new service can be found at TNAwrestling.com.

About TNA Wrestling:

A subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. and a division of Anthem Sports Group, TNA Wrestling® is one of the world’s top wrestling brands, producing over 200 hours of original content annually and televised in 120 countries including AXS TV in the United States. Founded in 2002, TNA Wrestling’s deep library of premium content is streamed across the world on key OTT platforms including Pluto TV, Roku, SamsungTV Plus and its own on-demand subscription service TNA+©. TNA Wrestling has a powerful social media presence with over 10 million engaged followers across all major services. Ancillary businesses include live events, merchandise, licensing and sponsorship.

About Endeavor Streaming

Endeavor Streaming, a subsidiary of Endeavor, is a global leader in premium video distribution and monetization for live and on-demand content across sports, entertainment, media and lifestyle. Through its complete end-to-end streaming platform and unique service offerings inclusive of advisory and consultancy, growth marketing, custom front-end development and more, Endeavor Streaming helps content creators, brands and rights holders transform, grow and scale their direct-to-consumer businesses. Endeavor Streaming is a trusted partner for leading global brands, delivering tens-of-thousands of major tentpole events annually including WrestleMania and UFC fight cards and powering streaming services including WWE Network, NBA League Pass, UFC FIGHT PASS, NWSL, NYFW, and more.

(Source: TNA Wrestling)

(Image credit: TNA Wrestling)

#TNAWrestling #ImpactWrestling #Endeavor 

#AnthemSportsGroup #EndeavorStreaming #streamingservice #streamingentertainment #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #entertainment #app #OTT #overthetop #popculture #sportsnews #sportsbiz #newsmedia #media 

Media Man Web Biz

Definition of Blogging

On a Web site, a blog, a short form for weblog, is a personal journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption. Blogs generally represent the personality of the author or the Web site and its purpose. Topics sometimes include brief philosophical musings, commentary on Internet and other social issues, and links to other sites the author favors. The essential characteristics of the blog are its journal form, typically a new entry each day, and its informal style.

The author of a blog is often referred to as a blogger. People who post new journal entries to their blog may often say they blogged today, they blogged it to their site, or that they still have to blog.

#blogging #blog #blogs #blogger #bloggers #weblog #onlinenews #onlinepublishing #news #newsmedia #articles #nichemedia #internet #nichenews #biznews #popculture #sports #sportsbiz #trends #society #creative #creativity #network #platform #platformnews #SEO #searchbiz #bizdev #audience #readership #media #mediaman 

Boxing

Matchroom Boxing @MatchroomBoxing 

Videos

Fight Week, Ep1: Devin Haney Vs Regis Prograis - Media Day (Behind The Scenes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzEcClVRMpw&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

Fight Week, Ep2: Devin Haney Vs Regis Prograis - Press Conference (Behind The Scenes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNTn6qihFFM&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

Eddie Hearn Talks Haney Vs Prograis, PBC On Amazon Prime, Benn & More

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N34lSINHUdg&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

#MatchroomBoxing #EddieHearn #DevinHaney #RegisPrograis #boxing #BehindTheScenes #video #YouTube #YT #PPV #boxingnews #sportsnews #combatsports #media 

Combat Sports

UFC @UFC

UFC Official YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/@ufc

Top Finishes | UFC Vegas 83

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUVs9GOe4Dg&ab_channel=UFC

"Could have been in the ear"

"Followed it with another left hook"

"Yadong is down"

"That was nasty"

#UFCVegas83 #UFCVegas #UFC #SongYadong #ChrisGutierrez #MMA #mixedmartialarts #finishes #videos #highlights #combatsports #YouTube #YT #LasVegas #media

Image credit: UFC 

Ebanie Bridges rocked after illegal punch in world title disaster - December 10, 2023

Aussie boxing star Ebanie Bridges has been rocked in a massive upset after an illegal punch controversy erupted in her world title “disaster”.

As the saying goes in boxing, everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face.

The plan has fallen apart for Aussie boxer Ebanie Bridges after she was stunned in a world title disaster that nobody saw coming.

Bridges has lost her IBF Bantamweight world title via a unanimous judges’ decision after being pummelled by Japanese fighter Miyo Yoshida in San Francisco on Sunday morning.

The Blonde Bomber’s second title defence turned into a nightmare with Yoshida controlling the fight and landing punches at will.

Bridges was the short-priced favourite heading into the fight after Yoshida took the fight at short notice.

Bridges, 37, was fighting on the undercard of the WBC super lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Regis Prograis at the Chase Center, home of NBA giants Golden State.

The Australian was originally fighting compatriot Avril Mathie in what had been dubbed the “Battle of the Boobs” before Mathie pulled out with an undisclosed injury and Yoshida jumped in — fighting for the second time in a month.

It showed that Bridges was not prepared for her opponent’s different style.

The judges all scored the contest for Yoshida in a landslide.

Two judges gave Bridges just one round of the 10-round title contest with the judges scoring the fight 99-91 x 2 and 97-93.

One commentator on the DAZN broadcast showed what an upset it was.

“This was supposed to be an exhibition fight for Ebanie Bridges in the United States,” he said.

“This has been a disaster for her.”

Bridges messaged fans just an hour after the defeat and insisted she will come back from the loss.

“Absolutely gutted, it wasn’t my night. Big congrats to my opponent,” she wrote on Twitter.

“She was the better fighter tonight. Beautiful & humble, single mother. Seeing how much that win meant to her & her daughter did give me some warmth inside.

“A loss doesn’t define me. I have no quit, it’s all learning and I’ll be back better & stronger.

“Thank you to everyone who supports me. I love you all.”

Yoshida was also full of admiration for Bridges after the fight, calling her opponent a “great champion”.

The final punch statistics show what a one-sided contest it was with Yoshida landing 122 power punched to Bridges’ 66.

There was one controversial moment during the fight where Yoshida landed a punch after the bell following the fifth round, but no action was taken.

Bridges took a hook to the side of her face with Yoshida landing the punch after the bell.

It would have been robbery if the referee had taken any action against the Japanese fighter, considering her dominance.

One of the DAZN commentators called it “borderline” as to whether the punch was thrown after the bell.

It ends Bridges’ 21-month reign as queen of the IBF bantamweight division.

The Australian had not fought since her first title defence against Shannon O’Connell in December, 2022 — and she showed signs of ring rust.

Bridges was out-worked in the early rounds and appeared to have nothing left in the tank as she began to stumble around the ring in the late rounds.

At the age of 37, her career now stands at a crossroads.

AEW Collision Results for December 9, 2023

CONTAINS SPOILERS

Tonight’s AEW COLLISION was broadcast from the Bell Centre in Montreal, QC!

It’s Saturday night and you know what that means! Saturday night’s alright for fighting!

Nigel McGuinness, Kevin Kelly and Tony Schiavone were the broadcast team for tonight’s event.

Continental Classic Blue League Standings:

Brody King (6)

“The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson (6)

Claudio Castagnoli (3)

Andrade El Idolo (3)

ROH World Champion/NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston (0)

Daniel Garcia (0)

Continental Classic Tournament: Blue League Match!

Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli 

vs. 

ROH World Champion/NJPW Strong Openweight Champion Eddie Kingston!

Kingston cracked Claudio with a spinning backfist. Claudio left the ring and Eddie followed up with a tope suicida. Things were intense right out of the gates, with Kingston trying to finish Claudio early. Claudio pancaked Kingston, his face slammed into the mat, good for a two-count.

Claudio clotheslines Kingston, who was on the apron of the ring. Claudio connected with a big double stomp on the sternum of Kingston. Claudio ducked a chop and put Kingston in the Giant Swing! Claudio transitioned into the sharpshooter. Kingston reached the ropes, forcing the ref to break the hold.

Claudio battered Kingston in the corner with vicious forearms. Eddie was dazed. Claudio blasted Kingston with a short arm lariat. 

The fans chanted “Let’s go Eddie! Let’s go Eddie!”

“Eddie may be out here. He can’t even get his hands up,” said Tony Schiavone.

Claudio pulled Eddie to his feet and hoisted him up onto the top turnbuckle. Claudio dug his fingernails into Eddie’s back and then superplexed Eddie! Claudio grabbed a waist lock suplex for a two-count on Eddie.

“Claudio just toying with Eddie, asking him to fire up,” said Schiavone.

Eddie responded with two exploder suplexes on Claudio for a near fall.

“It looks like Eddie has flipped the switch,” said Kevin Kelly.

Kingston fired off machine gun chops to Claudio. Kingston rocked Claudio with a lariat for a two-count. Claudio countered a knee strike with a suplex. Claudio applied an STF on Kingston at the 15 minute mark. Kingston crawled to the ropes and forced the ref to break the hold. 

Claudio went for the Ricola bomb, but Kingston tried to counter with a spinning backfist. Claudio ducked it and hit a clothesline for a two-count on Kingston. Eddie hit the half-and-half and then two spinning backfists for a near fall on Claudio! Claudio used a hurracanrana, but Eddie rolled up Claudio, pinning him with a cradle!

“Eddie Kingston stays alive! An incredible gut check win for Kingston,” said Tony Schiavone. 

Renee Paquette interviewed FTW Champion HOOK backstage about the consistent issues he’s been having with Wheeler Yuta!

Paquette: “What’s going on with you two?”

ROH Pure Champion Wheeler Yuta walked onto the set and interrupted Renee before HOOK could answer.

Wheeler Yuta: “Renee, I’ll tell you what’s up. Hook you are a paper champion. Renee you shouldn’t be wasting your time with amateurs like this when you could be interviewing honorable guys like myself.”

Hook: “Yeah, real honorable. You kicked Shibata in the balls.”

Wheeler: “Hook, I pinned Shibata in the middle of the ring to become a record-setting three-time Ring of Honor Pure champion. I can do it under Pure rules, but I can do it under your rules too. And I am tired of dealing with you. You’re the one who started this. I’m ready to put you out. So, let’s do it under FTW Rules.”

Hook: “All right.”

Willow Nightingale vs. Mercedes Martinez (with Diamante)!

Willow clocked Martinez with a clothesline. Willow clubbed Martinez with repeated shots and then a shoulder block. Willow splashed Martinez with a senton. Willow followed Martinez to the floor and Martinez rammed Willow into the edge of the ring. Martinez whipped Willow into the steel barricade.

“That is one vicious lady right there,” said Tony Schiavone. 

Martinez spiked Willow with a draping DDT off the timekeeper’s table! Back in the ring Martinez hit Willow with two vertical suplexes, but Willow countered with her own suplex and then face planted Martinez for a near fall. 

Willow smashed Martinez with a cannonball splash in the turnbuckles. Diamante jumped onto the apron, but Willow knocked her to the arena floor. Martinez used the distraction to her advantage and stunned Willow with a fisherman’s bomb for a two-count. Martinez followed up with a backdrop driver, and then another. Martinez hoisted up Willow and planted her, but Willow managed to roll up Martinez with a small package and pin her!

“How did Willow do it?” asked a shocked Kevin Kelly.

Martinez and Diamante attacked Willow after the match. Diamante pulled a ladder out from beneath the ring and slid it to Martinez, who used it on Willow. 

Kris Statlander ran to the ring with a chain wrapped around her fist! Martinez and Diamante retreated while Statlander checked on Willow.

Renee Paquette interviewed Daddy Magic, Cool Hand Ang, and Jake Hager backstage!

Hager was outraged that Danhausen had stolen his purple bucket hat. “I got bad hat fever!” said Hager.

Ruby Soho showed up and began to smile at Cool Hand Ang. Saraya and Anna Jay walked onto the set. Saraya ordered Daddy Magic to handle the situation. 

Saraya: “We’ve been looking for you all day. What are you hiding?”

Ruby: “Nothing. It’s cold.”

Saraya pulled Ruby’s jacket open and saw she was wearing a Cool Hand Ang t-shirt underneath. 

Saraya: “You’re an evil witch. You’re going to leave me just like her! You haven’t been there for me and I’m not going to be there for you next week when you face Riho, unless you prove to me that you still want to do this.”

Up next: Wardlow vs. Willie Mack!

“Willie Mack is AR Fox’s friend, but you’ve got to be some kind of friend to want to fight Wardlow,” said Kevin Kelly. 

Willie hammered Wardlow with some strikes but then Wardlow dropkicked Willie. Wardlow rocked Willie with uppercuts in the corner. Wardlow headbutted Willie Mack. Willie fired back with a standing moonsault, but Wardlow kicked out at the one-count. Wardlow caught Willie in midair and powerbombed him!

Wardlow powerbombed Willie Mack again and then walloped Willie with a lariat. Wardlow devastated Willie Mack with another powerbomb, and the ref stopped the match! Wardlow was victorious via ref stoppage!

The House of Black had a message for FTR!

Malakai Black: “So your best friend is gone. And the only people that truly seem to care about you, well, it’s us. 

“All Ego” Ethan Page vs. “The Cleaner” Kenny Omega!

“Ethan Page is not 100% right now, after being put through a table by Tony Nese,” noted Tony Schiavone.

Omega charged into Page with a shoulder tackle. Page wailed away at Omega in the corner with stiff shots. Tony Nese was seen scouting the match backstage. 

Ethan Page jumped through the ropes with a cutter on Omega out of nowhere! Omega immediately rolled to the outside, clearly hurt from the cutter. Page followed Omega and whipped Omega into the guardrail. Kenny put the brakes on and then hit a moonsault off the guardrail onto Ethan Page!

Back in the ring Page scoop slammed Omega. Kenny lured Page in and suplexed Page over the ropes and both men spilled out onto the arena floor!

The fans chanted “This is awesome! This is awesome!”

Omega powerbombed Page and then targeted him with a V-trigger for a near fall. Page brought down Omega with an Iconoclasm and then a DDT for a near fall. Omega retaliated with a snapdragon suplex. Omega hit a second snapdragon on Ethan Page. 

Page rocked Omega with an avalanche slam off the top rope for a near fall. Omega tried for the One-Winged Angel, but Page countered with a cradle for a near fall. Kenny smashed Page with two V-triggers and then finished him off with the One-Winged Angel, scoring the victory over Page!

“Standing ovation here in Montreal,” said Nigel.

After the match, Big Bill blindsided Kenny Omega with a big boot to the head!

“So now the World Tag Team Champions have put both the Golden Jets down,” noted Kevin Kelly. 

Lexy Nair interviewed CJ Perry backstage when “The Redeemer” Miro interrupted!

Miro: “I am your husband, and I’m trying to figure out when was the last time you said so many good things about me, like you do about Andrade El Idolo? Why are you so mad because I told you to stay home? I am the bread earner and you’re my queen.”

CJ Perry: “Are you really that delusional Miro? I mean, you told me to stay home and cook, clean and listen. And then you denounce me. Make up your mind.”

Miro: “A lady needs to get her hands dirty every now and again. When my dad goes fishing, my mom cleans the fish. When my dad kills bull with his bare hand, my mom guts them. When I hunt, you clean. But don’t worry. I’m not going to touch your client Andrade in this tournament. But once it’s finished, so is he.”

Penta El Zero Miedo & Komander (with Alex Abrahantes)

vs. 

“Daddy Magic” Matt Menard & “Cool Hand” Angelo Parker!

The hometown crowd chanted “Daddy Magic! Daddy Magic!”

Penta El Zero Miedo punted Daddy Magic in the face. Menard offered his hand to Penta, shook it, and then blindsided him. Komander and Parker tagged in for their respective teams. Komander took down Parker with two arm drags and a dropkick. 

Komander and Penta used tandem offense on Parker. Menard charged in and was staggered but stereo thrust kicks. Penta monkey flipped Komander into Parker and Menard! Komander and Penta went for double dives but Menard and Parker crashed the party with stereo forearms.

Penta rallied back with sling blades to Menard and Parker. Komander and Penta connected with double thrust kicks to Parker and Menard. 

“The fans are chanting ‘This is awesome!’ and I would agree,” said Schiavone. 

Menard applied a Montreal Crab to Penta, but Komander charged in and broke it up. Penta picked up Parker for the Fear Factor and then Komander walked the ropes and crashed onto Parker, more than enough to score the pin on Cool Hand Ang!

Main Event Time! Continental Classic Tournament: Blue League Match!

Blackpool Combat Club’s Bryan Danielson vs. Andrade El Idolo!

“The crowd seems to be evenly split with respectful chants for both Andrade and Danielson,” said Kevin Kelly. 

Andrade had a tight side headlock on Danielson, putting pressure on Danielson’s surgically repaired orbital socket. Andrade shoulder blocked Danielson but Danielson came back with a suplex. 

Danielson kicked Andrade but Andrade countered with a dragon screw leg whip. Andrade tried to smash into Danielson with the double knees, but Danielson dodged it. Danielson rocketed out of the ring with a dive to Andrade. 

Andrade ripped off Danielson’s protective mask and nailed him in the eye with a forearm! Danielson was busted open. Andrade El Idolo applied a figure four to Danielson in the center of the ring. Danielson rolled and managed to reach the ropes. 

Andrade headbutted Danielson on the top turnbuckle. Andrade put his thumb in Danielson’s eye socket. They hit one another with open palm strikes. Danielson slapped Andrade off the turnbuckles. Danielson connected with a missile dropkick!

Bryan Danielson punished Andrade El Idolo with round kicks. Danielson tried for the LeBell Lock, but Andrade fought it off. Both men went down after they collided into one another with clotheslines. 

The fans chanted “Fight forever! Fight forever!”

Andrade superplexed Danielson at the 15 minute mark. Andrade grabbed a near fall after the three amigos suplex. Andrade climbed to the top turnbuckle, looking for a moonsault, but Danielson countered with an avalanche belly to back suplex for a two-count. Danielson applied the LeBell Lock and screamed for Andrade to tap!

Andrade escaped and caught Danielson with a spinning back elbow for a near fall! Danielson’s eye was swelling up. Both men peppered one another with stiff shots to the face. Andrade smashed Danielson with another spinning elbow and then rocked him with double knees in the corner. Andrade spiked Danielson with an arm bar DDT and pinned the American Dragon!

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have seen an unforgettable match here tonight,” said Tony Schiavone. 

Claudio Castagnoli and Wheeler Yuta ran to the ring to check on Danielson. Claudio shoved Andrade away, but Andrade was merely trying to check on Danielson.

“The concern right now is the condition of Bryan Danielson,” said Tony Schiavone. 

Catch AEW DYNAMITE: Winter Is Coming on TBS next Wednesday live at 8/7ct from the College Park Center in Arlington, TX!

And remember…the home of professional wrestling is All Elite Wrestling!

(Credit: AEW)

Pro Wrestling

All Elite Wrestling @AEW 

Via AEW Official YouTube Channel

Kenny Omega & All Ego Ethan Page face off in their home country of Canada! | 12/9/23, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdYneN7kzYA&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Penta El Zero Miedo & Komander take on Daddy Magic & Cool Hand Ang! | 12/9/23, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D01EezAvrmI&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Two Blue League front runners face off! Bryan Danielson vs Andrade El Idolo! | 12/9/23 AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi2P_Xsb-Z4&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Willie Mack looks to avenge his friend, AR Fox, by taking on Wardlow! | 12/9/23, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkmtoizt1Uc&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

ROH & NJPW Strong Champ Kingston faces bitter rival Claudio Castagnoli! | 12/9/23, AEW Collision

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkqXb8gmgAw&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

The Continental Classic Reaches a Pivotal Point | AEW Control Center: Montreal, 12/9/23

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GAJk5UbvqM&t=4s&ab_channel=AllEliteWrestling

Media Man: Thumbs up. Great to see Kenny Omega back in action. Concern remains for world class wrestler Bryan Danielson. Always a treat to see the Lucha's.

#AEWCollision #AEWContinentalClassic #AEW #AllEliteWrestling #KennyOmega #EthanPage #Penta #Wardlow #EddieKingston #ClaudioCastagnoli #DaddyMagic #CoolHand #BryanDanielson #AndradeElIdolo #WillieMack #ARFox #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #entertainment #popculture #broadcast #broadcasting #highlights #YouTube #TY #trends #trending #buzz #TV #media 

Image credit: AEW

Combat Sports

Matchroom Boxing @MatchroomBoxing 

Matchroom Boxing Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@MatchroomBoxing

"I Have To Take Defeat Graciously" - Ebanie Bridges On Shock Yoshida Defeat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46FqG-j6psY&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

The Blonde Bomber Ebanie Bridges talks her World Title defeat to Miyo Yoshida in San Francisco on Saturday 9 December 2023 on the Haney vs Prograis undercard.

On The Ground: After Devin Haney Vs Regis Prograis Weigh In

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89MGb2v0Cn0&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

Fight Week, Ep3: Devin Haney Vs Regis Prograis - Weigh In (Behind The Scenes)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ICN6cyMTY&ab_channel=MatchroomBoxing

Matchroom Boxing: Ebanie Bridges bio

https://www.matchroomboxing.com/boxers/ebanie-bridges/

Flashback In Time via Seconds Out @secondsoutlive

Seconds Out YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@boxing

CHEEKY!!! Ebanie Bridges vs. Miyo Yoshida - FULL WEIGH IN & FACE OFF | DAZN Boxing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVhDRlf5d1E&ab_channel=SecondsOut

Ebanie Bridges vs Shannon O'Connell • FULL WEIGH-IN & FINAL FACE OFF | Eddie Hearn & DAZN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXMLyPhpy3E&ab_channel=SecondsOut

#MatchroomBoxing #boxing #boxingnews #EbanieBridges #MiyoYoshida #AndNew 

#Haney #Prograis #HaneyProgais #combatsports #PPV #PayPerView #sportsnews #sportsmedia #popculture #trends #trending #buzz #media 

Image credit: Matchroom Boxing/DAZN 

Boxer Ebanie Bridges slammed over her latest weigh-in outfit - December 9, 2023

Fight fans consistently used one word to slam Aussie boxing world champion Ebanie Bridges over her latest weigh-in outfit.

Ebanie Bridges has sparked outrage online after the Aussie boxer’s extremely risque outfit for her latest weigh-in.

Bridges will defend her IBF bantamweight world title against Japanese fighter Miyo Yoshida on Sunday Australian time.

The 37-year-old Bridges is appearing on the undercard of the WBC super lightweight title fight between Devin Haney and Regis Prograis at the Chase Center, home of NBA giants Golden State.

Bridges vs Yoshida is the fourth fight scheduled on the seven-fight card.

The Australian was originally fighting compatriot Avril Mathie in what had been dubbed the “Battle of the Boobs” before Mathie pulled out with an undisclosed injury and Yoshida took the fight at short notice.

Bridges, an ex-bodybuilder, has become well known for her outfits during weigh-ins, telling The Sun in 2022 it’s not about selling fights but rather just being herself.

“For me, wearing a nice matching lingerie set is just like wearing a bikini,” Bridges said after beating Maria Cecilia Roman for the IBF title in March last year.

“I am standing there owning what I look like and showing off my body that I’ve worked so hard to get.

“I want to be myself and go and enjoy that one moment.

“A weigh-in for me is like a bodybuilding competition. I do my hair and make-up, wear a cute little G-string, and smile for the cameras.

“It has absolutely nothing to do with, ‘Oh, this is going to sell (fights)’. Thankfully it does. What I like to do sells. How I like to fight sells. But it’s just me being me and doing what I want to do.”

On Saturday, the Sydneysider entered the stage wearing a pink jacket, which she removed to unveil a matching lingerie set.

The crowd reacted with cheers and hollers along with a few wolf whistles.

“Everyone gets dressed except Bridges,” a commentator stated when the fighters had the traditional face-off.

The display drew a very mixed reaction, but there was one common word noted by many who felt her outfit had gone too far for boxing.

“Is this porn hub,” was one reply to an Instagram story from fight promoter Matchroom Boxing.

“This is boxing not porn wtf is this,” replied another.

They are going to fight or make a film???” questioned another.

“She’s a fighter??? Looks more like a porn star,” added a fourth.

While Bridges has insisted she doesn’t dress like this to promote her fights, that’s exactly what one comment zeroed in on.

“I do not know why the promoter allows her to dress like this,” they wrote. “It kind of takes me back to WWE back in the day. I wish she could’ve been a little bit more professional.

“She’s a great boxer, but she shouldn’t use her body to sell her fight.”

Other viewers felt it was a sad sign for women’s boxing.

“It’s sad she has to stand there in her underwear to promote the fight,” they wrote.

Another even felt Bridges’ performance was an insult to Katie Taylor, the Irishwoman who claimed the first ever women’s boxing gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and has won multiple world titles.

“She’s a disgrace,” they wrote. “Totally takes away from what Katie has done for women’s boxing.”

Naturally, there was also some support for Bridges.

“Ebanie Bridges is beautiful, you wait until she lands those (bombs),” wrote one fan.

“She’s raising the profile of women’s boxing to a new audience! If you don’t like it scroll on by! We really don’t mind,” wrote another.

“The girl can fight and that’s what this is about,” added a third.

The seven-fight event gets underway from midday Sunday on DAZN.

(News)

Wrestling legend Ric Flair isn’t getting paid a dime - December 6, 2023

A wrestling supremo has revealed Ric Flair’s bizarre agreement with AEW means the wrestling icon is paying to stay with the promotion.

Chief Jay Strongbow said long ago: “In this [wrestling] business, you can make friends or you can make money.”

Well, it seems wrestling legend and 16-time world champion Ric Flair has got plenty of money because essentially he’s working for free.

In a surprising turn of events, AEW President Tony Khan has revealed the wrestling legend is essentially working for free, thanks to a lucrative sponsorship deal with “Wooooo Energy”.

Flair makes his debut in AEW following the recent announcement of his close friend Sting’s impending retirement. Sting, known as “The Icon,” is set to conclude his illustrious career with a final match at AEW Revolution in 2024.

Khan stated, “We’re not paying Ric Flair; Ric Flair is essentially paying us. We’re getting paid by Wooooo Energy for all of his appearances, so we’re collecting revenue from them.”

If only the same could be said for Jeff “Never drew a dime” Jarrett.

But I digress …

Despite the sponsorship, Khan clarified that Flair’s involvement did not influence Sting’s decision on the duration of his wrestling career.

The Nature Boy’s inclusion is significant to Sting, who considers Flair instrumental in his career.

“I’ve never mentioned this to the press or even in the dressing room, but real men cry,” said Sting, speaking to Sports Illustrated.

“I’ve been emotional, full of tears, twice in my career. The first was Panama City, when Ric and I had the last WCW match on Nitro. The second was last week on Dynamite.”

The partnership with “Wooooo Energy” brought in a high-paying sponsorship for AEW, emphasising a unique dynamic where the sponsored individual essentially becomes a paying contributor.

With Sting’s unbeaten streak highlighted in recent AEW shows, the story of his final match gains added intrigue.

While traditional wrestling narratives often involve retirees ending their careers on a loss – or a shocking return to the ring – Sting has the opportunity to depart on a high note.

“When Ric came out and I heard his music play, it hit me,” said Sting. “I had this flashback, and it made me emotional. Ric is the guy who put me on the map. We’ve travelled around the world together, and Ric helped make me. Now he’s going to finish with me.

“After all the travel, all the matches, all the press slams, all the chops, and all the woos – woooo! – I experienced the same feeling on Dynamite this past week with Ric that I did on that final Nitro. Except this time, it was so much more positive.”

Mr Khan expressed, “It will be something really special to see if he can continue the unbeaten run. If he makes it to Revolution unbeaten, will somebody be able to take it away from him in that moment, and it will be a very dramatic thing.” Regardless of the match’s outcome, the primary goal remains to “get Sting out healthy and happy after everything he’s done for AEW and pro wrestling.”

(News)

Pro Wrestling

TNA Wrestling @IMPACTWRESTLING 

Will Ospreay @WillOspreay vs Josh Alexander @Walking_Weapon 

Snake Eyes

January 14

The Palms @Palms 

Las Vegas, Nevada

Videos

TNA Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@IMPACTWRESTLING 

"The Rainmaker" Kazuchika Okada IS BACK JANUARY 14th!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RhBW_vsla4&ab_channel=IMPACTWrestling

#TNASnakeEyes #TNA #SnakeEyes #ImpactWrestling #KennyOmega #WalkingWeapon #Okada #Rainmaker #prowrestling #wrestling #combatsports #wrestlingnews #casinonews #PPV #PayPerView #LiveSports #LiveEntertainment #YouTube #trends #trending #buzz #media 

Image credit: TNA

Pro Wrestling

NXT @NXT Deadline

Top 10 moments from NXT Deadline 2023: WWE Top 10, Dec. 9, 2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnvUutuPMN8&ab_channel=WWE

"Is the newest NXT Superstar named" (fans: CM Punk @CMPunk )

"Go back to that best of 3 series Booker they had a year ago. Did any of these superstars go back and watch some of those matches to remind themselves"? Vic Joseph

"This is awesome" Fans

"Frazer, Ow" VJ

"Mello, that was one hell of a match. Now I'm going to make something a lot easier on you. It wasn't me who attacked Trick Williams. But thank you for that PLE spot light my friend" Lexis King

Full NXT Deadline 2023 highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IKTVDzmzz4&ab_channel=WWE

WWE Official YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@WWE

#NXTDeadline #DEADLINE #Top10 #moments #CMPunk #ShawnMichaels #CarmeloHayes #LexisKing #TrickWilliams #Bronbreakker #DominikMysterio #DragonLee #NXTNorthAmerican #NorthAmerican #MadDragon #BaronCorbin #NXTWomen #NXT #prowrestling #wrestling #lucha #luchalibre #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #trends #trending #video #hype #PLE #YouTube #YT #buzz #AndNew #media

Image credit: WWE NXT

Pro Wrestling

AEW

Bryan Danielson

“Sometimes, I do things, and I don’t know why. When I come back here and meditate, I figure out why. A lot of stuff comes up when I started that match. A lot of stuff that comes up from last year. Things that I try to forget, but my body remembers.”

“Last year, telling Daniel Garcia that his entire life, he’s wanted to be a wrestler, and not a sports entertainer. Then what happened? When I was facing Chris Jericho in a Ring of Honor World Title match, he completely betrayed me. I get it. I get it. That happens in wrestling. But if he would have joined the BCC, I would have treated him like a son. I would have treated him like a son.”

“It also brings up this fear. I’ve promised my daughter that this would be my last full-time year as a professional wrestler. This fear of, that by the time I go home, when I make that promise, that she doesn’t want me anymore. I couldn’t articulate it when I was out there. But my body felt it.”

“My body felt that fear because eventually, she’s gonna grow up, and she’s not gonna want her dad around. Am I giving up this thing that I love so much for somebody who might not even want me? But then, and I’ve talked about this before, that’s when you have to look deep down to see if you truly understand what love is. I’m gonna stop being a full-time wrestler, and I’m gonna go back and be with my daughter. I’m gonna be with my son, even when they don’t want me there.”

“Even when they don’t want me there, they need me there. You can see in Daniel Garcia. Last year, he didn’t want me there, but a year later, he’s still struggling to find his identity. He needed me there. That doesn’t make the spitting right. If you want to know why I spit on Daniel Garcia, that’s why.”

Pro Wrestling

Seth Rollins on CM Punk via Sports Illustrated

Speaking in a new interview with Jimmy Traina for Sports Illustrated, Rollins dived into his very personal issues with Punk.

“A lot of it is personal. A lot of it is stuff I don’t really want to get into. For the most part, I just think he’s been really selfish when it comes to his perspective on the industry. I think he’s been extremely self-serving, has played the martyr role to a tee and has, for someone who, when I met the guy, and look, I have a lot of good things to say about parts of my relationship with him. He helped me in places when he didn’t have to, whether that was for his own good or not, I’m not entirely sure. Regardless, it helped me get where I needed to go and do the things I needed to do.

For a guy who, when I met him, made it seem like he was all about giving back to the business, he really turned into a pretty selfish guy and wanting to take more from the industry. Look, he said some really bad things about me. Talked down about me for years, and the company, for years.

I’m talking some really bad stuff. Called me a bootlicker and crap like that. You don’t know me. You don’t know what I stand for. I’m a loyal person, and I felt pretty insulted by a lot of the ways he treated me, treated the place I work for, treated friends that I worked with. I don’t need to get into any of the stuff with Colt Cabana if you want to look at that kind of stuff, that’s out there. Just the way he treated people.

The way I felt like he’s only looking out for himself, and then the way he talked about me and my friends and the people who are here putting the hard work in at WWE, trying to make this thing as good as we possibly can because we love the industry, truly love it, not just what it can do for us, we actually love it and want to give back to it and make it the best it could possibly be.

I also felt like he’s a fraud in that sense, or at least turned into one at some point in the last decade. That’s the long of it. It’s a deep-rooted, I wouldn’t call it hatred, but there’s animosity there.”

Fremantle Prison in Perth to host UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW on Feb. 23, 2024

1deadMAN Show to Fremantle Prison, Perth, West Australia - February 23rd, 2024

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings, today announced that tickets for UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW, taking place on Friday, February 23, 2024 from Fremantle Prison in Perth, Western Australia, will be available to purchase from 10 a.m. AWST on Friday, December 15, 2023, at www.livenation.com.au.

An exclusive fan pre-sale will begin at 10 a.m. AWST on Thursday, December 14. A limited number of VIP tickets, which includes premier seating and a meet-and-greet with The Undertaker, will also be available.

UNDERTAKER 1 deadMAN SHOW will feature WWE Legend The Undertaker in an intimate setting, sharing never-before-heard stories from his Hall of Fame career and taking questions from the WWE Universe in attendance. The show has sold out venues in Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Antonio and London since debuting.

The show comes only one night ahead of Elimination Chamber: Perth, taking place at Optus Stadium on Saturday, February 24, 2023. Tickets for Elimination Chamber: Perth are available for general purchase at www.ticketmaster.com.au.

Media Man  Web Tips

SEO short for search engine optimization

"digital is now the company's main marketing channel with the majority of investment going on SEO" 

#seo #SearchEngineOptimization #search #searchmarketing #searchnews #searchtips #searchmedia #searchengine #digital #media #searchnews #media #mediaman 

Search Engine Journal

Why It’s Time To Reinvent And Future-Proof Your Approach To Content Marketing

To succeed in the highly competitive creator economy of today and the future, content marketers need to rethink their approach. Read on to find out how.

As a content marketer, you’re likely questioning your path forward.

We’re at an inflection point with AI.

Many marketers worry about job security. Yet, we face pressures to constantly churn out more and more content in an already far-too-cluttered space.

While the volume of content published rises sharply every day, we still only have 24 hours in a day.

We still need to eat, sleep, work, do chores. Where is there time to consume it all?

There isn’t.

The reality is that most content simply fades unread into the ether. Creating content takes hard work, regardless of the outcome.

Isn’t it demoralizing to follow all the best practices yet not consistently see the results you were aiming for?

That’s why I wrote this book.

High-Impact Content Marketing shows you how to succeed by taking a simplified yet strategic approach to standing out and driving revenue impact.

It covers time-proven strategies to create content that audiences will actually want to consume. And shows you how to do so in a genuinely inclusive way.

It also covers how to master content distribution to maximize reach, engagement and impact.

What makes High-Impact Content Marketing unique is how it weaves in behavioral science and adult learning principles to maximize and measure impact.

It features easy-to-implement frameworks and actionable guides throughout as well as examples of best-in-class content to inspire you.

Below is an exclusive extract from the book.

This is Chapter 1, which talks about why it’s time to reinvent and future-proof your approach to content marketing. In it, I also share the five most common mistakes content marketers make today and how you can avoid them.

Chapter 1

It’s a tale older than time: the love story between humans and content.

Or at least older than the literary record, with fairy tales being traced back thousands of years.

From fairy tales and fiction to reality and non-fiction to mainstream media and social media, content has always captivated, charged, and connected us.

Across borders, languages, and cultures, content is what unites us in shared excitement and disappointments, laughter, and tears. It’s the thread weaving together the fabric of society and pop culture.

Content also builds brands and turns mortals into myths.

It’s no wonder content has always been the life force of marketing.

From the prestige associated with restaurants in the Michelin guide (Michelin Tires’ iconic content campaign) to cementing diamond rings as a symbol of eternal love (De Beers’ “A diamond is forever” campaign) to dumping buckets of icy water on ourselves (Ice Bucket Challenge to raise funds for ALS/MND research) to happily forking out money to watch multiple Lego movies, high-impact content marketing repeatedly proves its power to shape perceptions, behaviors and trends.

People can’t get enough of content; our attention has never been so fragmented.

Yet, rather than capping out, we continue consuming more content across more and more places on multiple screens simultaneously.

Regardless of platform, channel, or technology, content takes on new forms to connect brands and audiences.

There’s never been a more exciting time to be a content marketer.

There’s also never been a more overwhelming time to be a content marketer. Because even though marketers pour tremendous time and effort into content campaigns, they often end up underwhelmed by the results.

They’re left feeling that they’re contributing to the noise rather than the signal.

Content marketing has turned into a factory assembly line.

Create. Publish. Repeat. And hope.

It doesn’t have to be like this.

To succeed in the highly competitive creator economy of today and the future, content marketers need to rethink their approach or go the way of the dinosaurs (and not the multi-billion-dollar movie franchise kind).

Where Did Things Go Awry?

Content creation may look easy, but it is hard work. In trying to optimize our approach, do marketers focus on the wrong end of the stick? Do we make the wrong choices?

You could compare this to how a company chooses to approach customer service.

Brands may harp on about how much they value their customers, but if customers struggle with convoluted automated phone systems every time they contact the brand – doesn’t that seem contradictory?

As Digital Darwinism author Tom Goodwin shared in a 2022 LinkedIn post,

“I will never understand how we spend $500bn in Advertising hoping someone will notice us with advertising, and in the miraculous moment they do, and they care, we take their interest, and outsource it to a bot because no customer is worthy of their staff’s time.”

People tend to choose brands that choose them. Amazon is everyone’s favorite example of how not skimping on customer service pays off.

The company’s focus on customer service is a big reason people prefer to shop there – even if it doesn’t offer the best price. This commitment helped Amazon win market share away from competitors and earned it billions of dollars.

The right choices have a high impact. Which choices cause marketers to falter?

5 Choices Marketers Often Get Wrong

1. Focusing On Outputs Vs. Outcomes

The universal battle cry has long been “More content.”

Marketers face pressure to constantly be churning out content.

To be everywhere customers are. To be all things to all people.

That’s hardly possible, let alone sustainable. Nor is more content the solution.

Imagine if you ran a restaurant. Would heaping more mediocre food onto plates – beyond what anyone wanted – be your ticket to success? Unlikely.

More mediocre food isn’t as satisfying as a right-sized portion of good food.

Compare it to strawberries. The smallest, most misshapen home-grown strawberry picked at the right time is often far tastier than the largest, reddest, most perfect-looking shop-bought strawberry.

In the same way, more content isn’t better content.

The answer is to do less, better – not more.

A few pieces of well-researched, well-planned content that address your audiences’ needs can be all you need for long-lasting success. Especially if you promote it well.

Spend less time churning out content and more time understanding those you’re creating content for.

2. Chasing Trends Vs. Being Grounded In Strategy

Trends and hype cycles come and go.

Without roots, it’s easy to get blown one way and the next chasing silver bullets. Or get starry-eyed about endless possibilities and dive headfirst into creation without adequate consideration.

As my mum often repeated during my rebellious teenage phase: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should.

High impact comes from aligning content efforts with business priorities.

It comes from grounding our efforts in a strategic foundation outlining what we’re doing, who we’re doing it for, why we need to do it, and what outcomes we expect.

As the saying goes, spending more time sharpening the axe versus cutting down the tree.

The truth is, the right strategy is usually far less work for far more impact.

With the right strategy, you focus on a small handful of platforms and channels – and on a small handful of content pieces you can do more with.

These will be easier to create because you’ll know just what to say and how to say it to appeal to the right audiences. And that’s how your content—even brand or upper funnel content – can significantly boost your conversions.

3. Prioritizing Short-Term Vs. Longer-Term

Free access to reams of data from analytics platforms has an often-harmful side effect: it conditions marketers to overly focus on short-term measures to show short-term impact and quick fixes.

Anything with longer timeframes, or which may be harder to measure, tends to get deprioritized in favor of the quick wins in the here and now.

But you never know when people are going to buy. Or what stage of awareness and interest they may be in.

That means you need to communicate with them regularly and relevantly, with a diverse mix of messages to address different stages of awareness.

But if your content strategy is all about gated content or hit-them-over-the-head sales-y messaging, it will feel one-note and off-putting.

Malcolm Auld, Managing Director of M@D and one of Australia’s leading marketing practitioners and educators, has a good analogy for that:

“Let’s say I walk into a supermarket and go up to the bananas. I pick them up and think, ‘Oh we’ve got bananas at home, I’ll put them back down.’

Then the shopkeeper chases me around the store with bananas. He chases me out the store; he’s throwing them in the window of my car. He’s inside my garage when I arrive home. He’s throwing leaflets at me down the street. And all I did was try to remember, did I need bananas or not?”

Every piece of content you put out – regardless of the stage of awareness – creates and influences brand perception.

Think about longer-term approaches and content strategies to grow, nurture, convert, and retain your audiences for the long term.

4. Creating For Machines Vs. Humans

Things go awry when content is built and optimized for algorithms instead of people.

Rather than “What do our audiences want?” or “What interests our audiences?” it’s all about “What will the algorithms reward?”

Seeking to game the algorithms for better rankings or more visibility can be a futile game of cat and mouse. The algorithm strikes back. Guidelines get stricter, and systems smarter.

Why lavish resources on outsmarting machines? They’re not the ones buying from you. Focus on people.

People relate to people, listen to people, pay attention to people, and buy from people. High-impact content is that which resonates with your people, i.e., your audiences.

And often people’s engagement sparks algorithms to reward content with visibility and reach.

5. Not Balancing Creation Vs. Distribution

If content drops and no one is around to consume it, does it make a sound? Even the best content can vanish unread into the ether without adequate distribution.

A common trap is focusing the bulk of time, energy, and resources on content creation, leaving little for distribution and promotion – which is what gets it in front of your audiences.

Imbalanced creation and distribution leas to wasted content. It creates more “carcasses of content,” as Mary Albright, Head of SEO at GOAT, called it in a conversation with me.

Being a serial waster keeps marketers stuck on the content creation treadmill.

Perhaps there’s pressure to release new content. But the reality is your audience may not even notice or be in the right frame of mind to consume your content.

It can still seem new to them weeks (or years!) after you release the content – long after it became yesterday’s news for you.

Or perhaps your content didn’t get much response upon initial release, so you scrapped it. But don’t give up so soon on content. Sometimes it simply may not be in the right format, on the right channel, or published at the right time.

Strike the right balance and spend a proportionate amount of time on distribution.

As media becomes more saturated, prices and competition shoot up. The wrong choices are mistakes that are getting increasingly costlier to make.

And more difficult to recover from.

Evolve Or Perish With The Status Quo

“We’re in perhaps the greatest era of change in technology in my lifetime,” Brett Tabke shared with me in a recent email.

As CEO and founder of Pubcon (the longest-running educational conference series in digital marketing) and owner of the online forum Webmaster World, Tabke doesn’t just have his finger on the pulse of the industry; he’s helped shape it.

He added,

“The single biggest change coming to content marketers is the advent of artificial intelligence and chatbot services to create machine-generated content.

The ability of the AI writing assistants to help generate more rounded articles, with fewer mistakes, fewer omissions, in mass quantities is a transformative event for the web.

It should help sites that struggle with quality content to elevate their game. It also can help those that cannot produce enough content.”

It’s no secret that we’re facing epoch-changing digital shifts.

As marketers, we have the power to translate these changes into action. Advances in technology mean fewer barriers to entry for creating and distributing content.

Anyone can create content – and practically everyone is, in more places than ever before.

The sharp rise in creators comes from all over the world, from people of all backgrounds and ages, covering all types of topics.

With all the hubbub, people’s tolerance for mediocrity is at an all-time low. Ignoring content takes no effort – better options are just a swipe away.

“There are still only 24 hours in a day. We still sleep. We still go to work. We still socialize. We still eat dinner.

Yet we’ve had exponential growth in content being published, so what have we had to give up to consume it? When have we had time to even look at it? Most content is never seen or consumed,” said Auld during a recent chat.

Content marketing is operating under new rules in a creator economy, where those who create content get supported directly by the audiences they build.

In the attention economy of the past, search, social, and media monoliths dominated. Creators turned to them to find a following. In the creator economy, content consumption is scattered; creators draw their audiences to platforms.

And whereas, before, the focus was on paying to disrupt attention, longevity lies in investing resources to become what our audiences are interested in.

For example, who’d have ever thought that product demonstrations of a blender could go viral? But Blendtec’s “Will it blend?” campaign proved how making product demos interesting can captivate audiences.

Their videos showing whether items such as golf balls, iPhones, and glow sticks could be blended have hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube.

But creativity is a fickle beast. Creating content takes time and effort. We battle writer’s block, self-doubt, and our inner critic, often under time and performance pressures.

It can be hard, even for those of us who genuinely love content and love what we do. It’s natural to want to ease the burden or offload the hard stuff.

I mean, if you could get an AI bot to work out for you or go to the dentist for you and still enjoy the benefits yourself, wouldn’t you use it? I would, in a heartbeat!

All shortcuts aren’t bad. Rather, success lies in knowing what to offload and what to own.

The Wrong Shortcuts Can Lead To Even More Wrong Choices

If you offload all content creation to bots, how are you different from the companies spending big bucks on advertising but then handing off customer service to bots?

How would you differentiate your content from others using the same tools based on the same data to target the same audiences? And, most importantly, how could you be sure you’d meet your audiences’ needs?

We can’t afford to prioritize artificial intelligence (AI) over emotional intelligence (EI). Or prioritize technical skills over creative skills. Or trade empathy for efficacy.

Marketers who use AI only to pump out mediocre content to game algorithms are unlikely to go very far.

Rather, the creators and marketers who’ll thrive are the ones who’ll use AI’s powers to build better, more creative, higher-impact content that meets people’s evolving wants and expectations.

AI can amplify our humanity, giving each of us “superpowers” to meet challenges of all kinds – including some of our biggest ones as marketers, from brainstorming tools that better extract human ideas, to research tools that better understand behavior and habits.

But prepare for things to get worse before they get better.

The same power can be wielded for good and bad. In many cases, we’ll be amazed by creativity the likes of which the world has never before seen.

In many other cases, we’ll see reams and reams of low-quality, AI-generated content clutter up every platform and channel – making it even harder to stand out.

Until algorithms update to catch and block them. Which they inevitably will.

For example, consider how many hundreds of thousands of sites have been wiped out over the years due to an algorithm update from Google.

Even the internet had to go through the dot-com bubble bursting before it became what it is today.

Additionally, ethics in how companies handle data and privacy and ethical AI design will increasingly be a hot topic both for consumers and legislators worldwide.

“I think another place we’ll see a revolution is the ethics with data and privacy and how that’s utilized. There are a lot of amazing good things that can come from [advances in technology], but there’s also, as we saw, election fraud, et cetera, that could come from it too,” said Letitia Boardman, Director, Strategic Account Specialist at Microsoft, during a recent chat, adding,

“The companies that are going to thrive are the ones that are going to be able to ethically manage all of those things.”

In all the noise and clutter, creativity, trust, and empathy will only be valued more. Great content will always be in demand, no matter the era.

Change Is Inevitable, Progress Takes Work

Creators are empowered in ways we couldn’t have fathomed five years ago. What will things look like five years from now? We’d hardly have answered that correctly five years ago, let alone now, with today’s rapidly increasing rate of change.

To future-proof your efforts, bet on what won’t change. The key to success is a solid strategy rooted in the most timeless element of marketing: human behavior.

“The media changes, but people don’t,” says Gerald Woodgate, Partner at Drayton Bird Associates, adding,

“We’ve probably changed a little bit but we still think the same as we did 100 years ago. How we communicate is what’s changed.”

AI is all about making us more effective. Yet, what makes us human will always be in demand. Shortcuts are easily caught.

When the barriers to entry are lowered, and everyone uses the same tools in similar ways, it takes being human to stand out. The future is far more human than we realize.

“Humans use creativity so much that we miss what a miracle it is to be creative in our digital age. But creativity didn’t begin because of technology.

Human creativity helped bring about the digital age. How? Through the art of remixing. In fact, everything is a remix,” wrote Geoffrey Colon, Senior Director of Content Design at Dell Technologies, in a 2021 article.

That’s sometimes easy to forget, especially as shiny new platforms come and go.

To understand the future, study the past. Marketers have always faced similar challenges. They’ve found ways to overcome them.

Why not learn from them instead of relearning things all over again? It’ll also help you better see through hype cycles and stay focused on the right things.

As Auld says,

“Channels haven’t changed anything in terms of buying except for the order form. We’ve been buying remotely since the 1800s. People could buy houses through mail order catalogues in the 1800s. Nothing’s new but the order form.

But the problem is, most people jumped into digital marketing and thought, ‘Oh we’ve got something new here’ because it was new to them. Buying remotely is not new.”

Marketing isn’t new, either. Everything we have now is simply a remix of what has existed before.

As Colon shared with me in a recent chat, “It requires looking at things over a 100-year period to see the incremental evolutions and innovations.

People watch TikTok because they get entertainment from it. It’s very similar to how we used to waste time in front of a TV. And before TV, it was, ‘Hey I’m going to turn the radio on.’”

People want to be entertained, educated, encouraged, and empowered. We want authentic empathy and connection. That’s stayed the same since the dawn of time.

And regardless of channel, format, or century, persuasive copywriting always wins – we haven’t yet been able to bore people into buying.

It’s people’s expectations and tolerance levels that change.

In an era of deep fakes and fake news, doublespeak, and hyperbole, people are increasingly checking under the hood to investigate what’s beneath claims.

“What it means to be human is the most stable aspect. What I think is unstable at the moment is trust,” shares Lexi Mills, CEO of Shift6 Global, adding,

“People interrogate information more. They don’t trust it as much, no matter where it’s coming from.

What’s happening is I’m seeing a lot of apathy in how people respond. When it comes to trust, I think we really have to be aware that it takes a while. And so our digital reputations matter more.”

Trust is harder to come by but more powerful when earned.

This is where content shines. Persuasive copywriting and high-impact content campaigns have built trust, reputation, connections, and brands for centuries.

It’s time for us to hone our craft. Time to put the emphasis on understanding our audiences and where and how to influence them.

Focus on all the steps that need to happen before you start creating content. That’s where success lies. Get it wrong, and the best execution isn’t enough to save you.

Get these steps right, and your creation and distribution will be poised for high impact.

Conclusion

It’s time to stop the endless grind and remind ourselves of the true powers of content marketing to connect with, empower, inspire, and add value to the world around us.

It’s time to stop relying on diminishing returns and enable content marketing to be a participant in the new world rather than a chaser of it.

That’s high-impact content marketing.

Social Media

Greg Tingle

SEJ's Purna with many interesting and mainly useful ideas and strategies regarding content marketing. I totally agree that much content doesn't get read or noticed a great deal. High impact to drive forward a tangible and real world result. In my review purpose should have a goal or purposes in mind. This may be to drive (qualified) website and/or social media traffic and convert into sales for online advertising campaigns, pr/news promotions, pop culture merchandise sales, purchases of combat sports via Pay-Per-View platforms, digital subscriptions or perhaps a combination. Time (and health) will be the most important commodity for people, in online commerce, in business in general for much of life itself. Be mindful of where you put your time, energy and resources, and this includes content also. Search Engine Journal continues to impress us, adds value and educates, so us and the masses continue to visit the website and channels. Many of us get so much value we will also contribute, whether we are on the payroll or not. Back on point, produce content for a reason, test, fine tune, sell and keep improving. Don't move your eyes off the main aspect of your business.. Online remains just part of the equation. Winning strategy. hashtag#sej hashtag#searchenginejournal hashtag#content hashtag#contentmarketing hashtag#contentcreation hashtag#contentcreator hashtag#contentceators hashtag#online hashtag#onlinebiz hashtag#onlinebusiness hashtag#biz hashtag#digital hashtag#digitalbusiness hashtag#digitalpublishing hashtag#onlinesales hashtag#traffic hashtag#sales hashtag#leads hashtag#customers hashtag#niche hashtag#nichemedia hashtag#nichemarketing hashtag#nichenews hashtag#strategy hashtag#performance hashtag#organic hashtag#results hashtag#management hashtag#resources hashtag#success hashtag#biznews hashtag#technews hashtag#media 

Quotes

X keeps the world deeply informed and engaged. In the past month global debates about free speech have generated nearly 1 billion impressions. Engagement and conversations about the recent Congressional Hearings on antisemitism have surged and continue to grow as the situation unfolds. There were hundreds of thousands of posts about the University presidents’ testimony alone -- with some Hearing footage getting more than 100 million views. People turn to X to learn about and participate in the most important and meaningful realtime conversations. Linda Yaccarino, X

Grok (X(

Announcing Grok!

Grok is an AI modeled after the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, so intended to answer almost anything and, far harder, even suggest what questions to ask!

Grok is designed to answer questions with a bit of wit and has a rebellious streak, so please don’t use it if you hate humor!

A unique and fundamental advantage of Grok is that it has real-time knowledge of the world via the 𝕏 platform. It will also answer spicy questions that are rejected by most other AI systems.

Grok is still a very early beta product – the best we could do with 2 months of training – so expect it to improve rapidly with each passing week with your help.

Thank you,

the xAI Team

(Credit: xAI)

Best Quotes Of The Day (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

"Simplicity is the key to brilliance" - Bruce Lee

"I don't like to fail. I hge to failr. But I'm not afraid of it." - Vince McMahon

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once" - Albert Einstein

#bestquotes #bestquotesoftheday #bqotd #quotes #quotesoftheday #life #business #mindset #attitude #wisdom #brucelee #vincemcmahon #alberteinstein #mbs #world #media #mediaman #mediamanint #gregtingle 

Comparing Crypto Vs. FIAT Casinos

One of the interesting things to compare is stakes. Often FIAT currency casinos have stake limits on both ends, meaning a minimum stake, and a maximum stake. Limiting the stake on both ends does have some benefits, as it ensures that customers won’t go overboard.

In 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto unveiled a new concept to the world; cryptocurrency. Ever since, crypto has had its ups in downs, eventually hitting its peak in 2019/2020. Nowadays, Bitcoin, and other cryptos have become a key part of the popular mainstream.

So much so, that plenty of online casinos have embraced the phenomenon. Some, to the point of running a crypto-only business. In this article, we’d like to explore these crypto casinos, and how they compare to old-fashioned, FIAT gambling sites.

Payment Methods

Obviously, the biggest difference is the payment methods. FIAT casinos accept plenty of different payment methods, from credit cards to direct bank transfers. On the other hand, crypto-casinos deal exclusively in cryptocurrency. The most notable cryptos you’re likely to find are Bitcoin, Ether, Tether, Ripple, and Bitcoin Cash.

However, it is worth mentioning, that there are plenty of websites that are willing to accept both. Crypto-casinos, in an attempt to pull in a broader audience, have begun accepting FIAT currency payment methods. On the other hand, FIAT casinos have begun adding crypto options. It is very likely that in the future, most online casinos will accept both currency styles.

Stakes

One of the interesting things to compare is stakes. Often FIAT currency casinos have stake limits on both ends, meaning a minimum stake, and a maximum stake. Limiting the stake on both ends does have some benefits, as it ensures that customers won’t go overboard.

Cryptocurrency casinos also have stakes limits. However, you are more likely to find online gambling sites that have completely removed the limit and also accept crypto. For the unaware, online casinos with no limit are websites where you can place big wagers without any trouble at all.

Without stake limits, it is up to the gambler’s discretion to place a wager as big, or as small as they like. The benefit works both for low-stake gamblers, and high-rollers alike, which means that people on either end of the extreme tend to prefer no limit casinos, and therefore, they flock to crypto gambling sites.

Payout Speeds

Any long-time gambler knows that payout speed is one of the more annoying aspects of online casinos. Nothing is worse than winning a big pot, going to the withdrawal section and seeing “3 – 5 business days.” However, with FIAT currencies, payment processing is very important, as the money has to pass through several middlemen, before it reaches the player.

Crypto casinos don’t have that problem. It mainly has to do with the way cryptocurrency works. It is a peer-to-peer system, that does not rely on middlemen or central authority to handle the money. In other words, crypto goes directly from the casino to the player, and vice versa. The method significantly reduces processing time, making both deposit and payout speeds much faster.

It is worth noting, that different crypto casinos still could take some time to process your payment. However, for the most part it will almost always be done in a matter of hours, or a full business day at most.

Game Diversity

Though crypto casinos are far ahead of their FIAT counterparts in payout speeds, they sort of lag behind in game diversity. At crypto casinos, you are likely to find classic slots, and not much else. To be sure, slots are the most popular game at online casinos, so by no means is this bad. In fact, crypto casinos have been doing their best to update their gaming library, and include multiple new games.

However, they still can’t compare with classic online casinos. These websites feature most of the popular casino games, and even some originals. Slots are, of course, the most popular choice. However, there is also blackjack, baccarat, video poker, proper poker, bingo, and original titles that you can’t play anywhere else.

If you are a fan of cryptocurrency, and you want to stick to slots, crypto casinos are not a bad choice. However, for those who want to diversify their gambling, FIAT casinos remain a better option. It is worth noting though, that crypto casinos have made some changes, and done their best to improve their gaming library. So, who knows what the future holds?

Pros of Crypto Casinos

In these final segments, we would like to go over the pros and cons of both crypto and FIAT casinos. Starting off with the pros of crypto casinos. They are, certainly the more recent of the two, with the first crypto casinos showing up in the mid-2010s. Let’s look at the advantages first, then move on to the cons.

Fast Payouts: fast payouts are, by far, the biggest advantage of crypto casinos. Most withdrawals are done within 24 hours.

No Stakes: most crypto casinos don’t have stake limits, which is good for high-rollers and low-stake players alike.

Great for Crypto Fans: crypto fans will almost certainly enjoy playing at crypto casinos, if they have an eye for gambling.

Cons of Crypto Casinos

It isn’t all sunshine and roses though. Though the crypto market has been recovering recently, there is still a long way to go from the recent crash. Certainly, that has had an impact on people’s desire to gamble with cryptocurrency. On top of that, there are a few other cons to look at.

Gaming Library: crypto casinos don’t tend to have a very diverse gambling library.

Payment Options: as they are primarily focused on crypto, you won’t find many other payment options at crypto casinos.

FIAT Casinos Pros & Cons

Finally, it is time we looked at the pros and cons of FIAT casinos. These are the websites that have been gaining a lot of traction, and making up the bulk of the iGaming industry. But, is the product worth the hype? Let us find out.

Pros

Diverse Payment Methods (sometimes including crypto)

Diverse Game Library, featuring slots, blackjack, roulette, and more

Poker Rooms with different variants of the game

Original games, like Fish Table Games

Cons

Payout time might take a bit too long

Often include strict guidelines for minimum and maximum bet limits

Limits the stakes as well

Pro Wrestling

NXT @WWENXT Deadline

Dominik Mysterio vs. Dragon Lee - NXT North American Championship Match: NXT Deadline Hype Package

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKowFeJdSrU&ab_channel=WWE

#NXTDeadline #DEADLINE #DominikMysterio #DragonLee #NXTNorthAmerican #NorthAmerican #NXT #prowrestling #wrestling #lucha #luchalibre #entertainment #popculture #showbiz #trends #trending #video #hype #PLE #YouTube #YT #buzz #AndNew #media 

Image credit: WWE

UFC, WWE legend Brock Lesnar’s daughter is an athletic freak of her own - December 7, 2023

Mya Lesnar, the daughter of WWE and UFC legend Brock Lesnar, is off to a strong start in her own athletic career.

Mya is in her junior season on the track and field team at American university Colorado State and made a remarkable impact at the recent Mines Alumni Classic, excelling in both the weight throw and indoor shot put events, the New York Post reports.

In the weight throw — an indoor equivalent of the hammer throw — she secured first place with an impressive mark of 21.11m.

However, it was in the indoor shot put where she truly shone, breaking the school record with a remarkable throw of 18.5m, smashing the previous record of 17.55m. For context, the Australian women’s outdoor record is 19.74m.

Mya’s exceptional performance elevated her to the No. 1 position in Colorado State’s top 20 for indoor shot put, according to the Rams’ website, and she is now leading the nation in women’s indoor shot put.

Mya was named the Women’s Field Athlete of the Week following her first-place finish.

“A new PR and a new school record!!” she wrote in a post on Instagram, which featured a video of her record-breaking performance. “Happy with a strong start to my season.”

Mya transferred to Colorado State after spending her freshman and sophomore year at Arizona State University, where she competed in shot put as a member of the Sun Devils’ track and field team.

Mya was 17th in the country in shot put at the end of last season. “This is only the tip of the iceberg,” she said at the time.

Mya, who was a criminal justice major at ASU, previously said her dad has been the biggest influence on her career.

She also expressed her desire to join the military, calling it her “dream job”.

Mya, a native of Alexandria, Minnesota, was the Minnesota Shot Put Champion in 2019.

Rich lister’s online casino empire feels heat of US lawsuits - December 11, 2023

Virtual Gaming Worlds, the wildly profitable online casino business operated by Perth-headquartered billionaire Laurence Escalante, is facing a concerted push to have its products declared illegal in the United States, its most lucrative market.

Mr Escalante, 42, has a $3.9 billion fortune according to the Financial Review Rich List, and VGW gave itself a valuation of $3.7 billion when it announced a buyback in March. The company, which is focused on North America, operates Chumba Casino, an online game where users play digital poker machines and card games, and LuckyLand Slots.

Two cases, in Alabama and Massachusetts, allege that the company is operating illegally. The former, filed in September by Alabama resident Amy Nicole Seal, is seeking the repayment of the vast majority of player losses in the state between 2022 and 2023, which could amount to “millions of dollars” according to court filings.

VGW says it complies with US law by using a sweepstakes model while holding a gaming licence in Malta. Customers buy virtual gold coins that allow them to continue to play their games but have no value outside them. But they also receive bonus “sweeps coins”, which can be redeemable for cash in most parts of the US and Canada.

“Defendants make available online games and applications across multiple platforms that are illegal games of chance, and thus gambling, under Alabama law,” Ms Seal said in a filing from her lawsuit against VGW.

“Such games violate Alabama law if a patron pays money for the chance to win anything of value. VGW’s games allow players to win free or extended playing time, which is a thing of value under Alabama law.”

In Massachusetts, an organisation called Fair Gaming Advocates has made similar allegations.

“Defendants thinly veil this unlicensed (and illegal) gambling operation by characterising components of their offerings as ‘sweepstakes’,” a filing from the organisation, represented by Quinn Heath and lodged last month, reads.

VGW is yet to file a defence. In a statement, it told The Australian Financial Review that it had operated in North America for more than a decade “complying with the laws where we operate our online social games, which are free to play and offer sweepstakes promotions. These are a form of trade promotion commonly used in the US.”

It has already seen off similar cases in other states including Georgia and Florida, where it still operates. It has also settled for $US11.75 million ($17.7 million) a class action in Kentucky which alleged its games violated the state’s laws against games of chance. However, it did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of that settlement.

“Class actions, other litigations and arbitrations are relatively common across the online social games industry and US legal landscape more broadly,” the company said.

Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots have made Mr Escalante, who owns a Bombardier Global 7500 private jet and sponsors Ferrari’s Formula One team, wealthy.

The most recent accounts lodged by VGW with the corporate regulator show the company paid some $320 million in dividends for the year June 30. Net profits fell 17 per cent to $377.6 million, despite revenues rising 40 per cent to more than $4.8 billion.

Those accounts showed Chumba Casino generated $3.36 billion in revenues over 12 months, followed by LuckyLand Slots, which brought in $1.23 billion. A third product, Global Poker, generated $250 million in revenues, the accounts showed.

Last August, VGW told investors that “a North American listing venue is now far more likely than the ASX” but that “no time pressure exists for listing”.

Instead, in March, it offered to buy back shares from investors at $5.50 each, implying a $3.7 billion valuation. That would have been eight times its earnings that financial year, compared to its direct social gaming competitor SciPlay, which was fetching around 19 times.

But the company faces other threats even as it contends with multiple lawsuits in the US. Some states, such as Michigan, have begun allowing casinos to legally offer online games but targeted companies such as VGW instead.

VGW quit Michigan after a competitor, Golden Hearts Games, was ordered by Dana Nessel, the attorney general, to stop trading.

“Anytime there is prize, chance, and consideration involved, this constitutes illegal gambling unless a Michigan law specifically authorises it, such as in the cases of the ... casinos,” Ms Nessel’s spokesman told the Financial Review.

VGW decided to no longer offer their products in Michigan after “careful consideration and analysis”. “We remain confident about our outlook, and ability to continue creating and distributing industry-leading online social games,” a spokesman said.

(AFR)

Regulator says Star has six months – or its Sydney casino could close - December 6, 2023

Star Entertainment’s flagship Sydney gaming floors could be shut permanently if it does not meet a new six-month deadline imposed by the NSW casino regulator to regain its licence.

The NSW Independent Casino Commission has warned Star Sydney it is still not satisfied with its ability to run its flagship casino without supervision, despite a large investment in remediation programs. Star Sydney’s licence was suspended in October last year after an independent inquiry exposed extensive anti-money laundering and counterterrorism failings.

A spokesperson from the commission said Star Sydney now had six months to prove it could run without the help of its state-appointed general manager, Nick Weeks. If it does not, the casino will need approval to operate.

“The NICC is not satisfied The Star has reached a point where the licence suspension can be lifted and it can run its casino without the supervision of the manager,” the spokesperson said. “If they can’t prove they are capable of operating with a conditional licence over the next six months, the manager will be retired, and the doors will close.”

Mr Weeks was originally appointed at The Star in October for 90 days with the option to extend at the regulator’s discretion. His final term expires next June.

The new deadline will exacerbate pressures at the casino operator, which recently secured a reprieve from the state after months of uncertainty over tax rate increases that it said would put it out of business.

The ASX-listed group said in November that regulators in NSW and Queensland – where is operates casinos in Brisbane and the Gold Coast – had extended the terms of their respective independent managers to give the business more time to undertake the necessary remediation steps.

Refinancing process

A fine levied by financial crimes watchdog AUSTRAC, four class actions and two revoked state casino licences weighed on the embattled casino operator in the last financial year, culminating in a $2.2 billion non-cash impairment of The Star Sydney, The Star Gold Coast and Treasury Brisbane.

Star recently secured $450 million in new debt facilities from Barclays and Westpac as part of a refinancing process, following a strategic review undertaken by Barrenjoey Capital Partners.

A Star spokesman said the company “continues to have an unwavering focus on transformation and we know the implementation of the remediation plan in NSW and Queensland requires the utmost rigour and discipline”.

“This plan will track and hold us accountable throughout the multi-year program we are committed to delivering,” he said.

The company’s chief executive, Robbie Cooke, had previously floated selling the Sydney business after slashing more than $2 billion from the value of its three casinos. In August, Star said that was off the cards.

The company’s revenue climbed 22 per cent to $1.9 billion in the last financial year, a figure that was affected the previous year by COVID-19 restrictions. Statutory earnings excluding any significant items were slightly above previously announced guidance at $317 million for the year ending June 30, an increase of $79 million.

(AFR)

Lifeguards to patrol two new Sydney beaches this summer - November 2023

Two Sydney beaches, including the site of the city’s last fatal shark attack, will be patrolled by lifeguards for the first time, as local councils prepare for a busy summer.

Malabar Beach and Little Bay Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will now be patrolled as of December 1 after a series of near-drownings and fatal incidents.

The beaches sit within Randwick City Council, which has hired four full-time and 10 part-time extra lifeguards as part of the move.

The council, which receives millions of swimmers annually, had previously patrolled only Maroubra, Coogee and Clovelly beaches.

Lifeguard Luke Twitchings, who has patrolled the beaches for 12 years, said the community had been lobbying council to extend the patrols after responding to at least one incident a day at Little Bay or Malabar last summer.

Twitchings said any incident that occurred at the beaches forced a lifeguard at the other larger beaches to leave their post and attend to the job via jet ski, leaving the rest of their team a man down.

“It would take us about six minutes to respond,” he said.

“Now by putting lifeguards at both of those beaches, we eradicate that six-minute response, which can sometimes be critical. Now we will be able to respond directly.”

Last year, a father and his nine-year-old son died after they were swept off rocks while fishing at Little Bay Beach. The pair were not wearing lifejackets and died from drowning after being swept away by a large wave.

Since 2001, there have been 21 rock fishing-related deaths in Randwick council, making the area statistically the most dangerous place to rock fish in Australia. Six people have died at Little Bay alone.

British expatriate Simon Nellist was killed in a shark attack at Little Bay in February last year in Sydney’s first shark attack in 60 years. The 35-year-old diving instructor, who had been living in Wolli Creek in the city’s south, was also a former British Royal Air Force (RAF) serviceman. He died in the attack off rocks at Buchan Point, near Little Bay Beach.

“It weighs heavily on your mind,” Twitchings said about the incidents.

“We’ve been trying our best to patrol for the last few years, but we were just getting more and more call-outs. The numbers were increasing year by year. The new resources just mean now, we can get our men on the beaches where they are needed.”

Randwick Council mayor Philipa Veitch said that while the new hires came at a cost, the decision was a no-brainer after last summer’s drowning toll.

Between December 1, 2022 and March 1, 2022, there were 28 coastal drownings in NSW - the highest figure ever recorded. All of the drownings occurred at unpatrolled locations or outside patrol hours.

“Our council staff conducted a review due to some incidents at Little Bay and increasing visitors, and it was decided that introducing the lifeguard services was something we really needed to do,” she said.

Veitch said the two beaches were often visited by families and international visitors who viewed them as more suitable for less confident swimmers.

“They’re not surf beaches, however, you can still run into difficulties,” she said.

“It’s important those swimmers are also looked after.”

The NRL takes its biggest gamble yet - December 8, 2023

Documents obtained by AFR Weekend provide the clearest insight yet about what exactly the league is planning in its big push into the lucrative US market.

Late last month, in front of NRL club executives, Andrew Abdo made a surprisingly bullish prediction. The NRL’s chief executive said he expected that, by 2028, the league could be making $60 million over five years broadcasting into living rooms across the United States.

At the heart of the push is a season launch in Las Vegas, with the first match set for March 2. From there, the NRL expects interest from cable TV networks and streaming services to only grow, with millions of dollars to flow from broadcasting deals.

It’s not the first time the NRL has tried to crack the US market. In 1987, it sent two State of Origin teams to Los Angeles to play a match after Queensland had already won the series. Just 12,000 spectators turned up.

Things are, of course, different now. The game is flush with cash. Chairman Peter V’landys is one of the country’s most powerful sports administrators and usually gets his way by force of personality.

But there was still plenty of scepticism after Abdo outlined plans for four clubs to head to Las Vegas. “It was a mix of excitement, bewilderment and cynicism,” one club chief executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says of the meeting.

Documents obtained by AFR Weekend provide the clearest insight yet about what exactly the NRL is planning. It will pay for more than 90 business-class flights with Fiji Airways, 32 economy flights, and six days of accommodation at Resorts World, a luxury Las Vegas hotel, for at least 128 players and club staff. An average business-class flight on Fiji Airways is almost $16,000, but the NRL costs are subsidised through advertising deals.

The NRL has also agreed to pay for training venues, meals, the creation of a VIP hospitality facility and medical insurance for players and doctors, as well as the costs of sending its staff over. They will also split almost $1 million in licence fees among the clubs – the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles – selected to go.

The rental of Allegiant Stadium, where matches will be played for the next five years, is estimated to cost about $1.2 million a year. That could take total annual costs, according to a number of rugby league sources familiar with estimates, to between $6 million and $8 million a year. Some sources believe this cost will blow out and NRL clubs will be asked to stump up cash (which they don’t believe they should have to do).

Abdo tells AFR Weekend that the project will fund itself – in addition to contra deals, there will be plenty of revenue. “We have had strong ticket sales, corporate hospitality sale and sponsorship from new partners,” he says. “But the big prize is long term.”

The NRL’s Las Vegas play is the brainchild of V’landys, who was appointed chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission in 2019. But a move into the US has been talked about in NRL circles for some time, based on concerns the game can’t sustain revenue growth by relying on local broadcast revenue, advertising sponsorship, and wagering turnover.

In 2021, Nine Entertainment, the publisher of AFR Weekend, signed a $650 million, five-year broadcast deal with NRL. A separate deal with Foxtel, which runs until 2027, is estimated to be about $1 billion.

However, the advertising market is weak and could affect how much networks pay for content. Government plans to ban gambling advertisements at major sporting events could also create cost pressures in Australia, and cause sporting codes to look elsewhere.

That’s where the US comes into play. V’landys believes expanding there could generate as much as $200 million of gaming revenue alone for the NRL. And V’landys and Abdo believe showing it can be globally popular would make the NRL more appealing to a streaming service by the time the next rights are up for negotiation.

The NRL recently struck an agreement with US sports channel Fox Sports to air the two Las Vegas matches for the next five years on its main channel. V’landys also gave Foxtel the exclusive rights to one of the US matches. People based in the US can already watch the NRL season for $229 per year through an app called Watch NRL – executives are also hoping the Las Vegas play significantly increases subscriptions among US-based Australians.

“International broadcast rights represent a small portion of our total revenue base,” Abdo says. “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we weren’t thinking about how to make ourselves even more sustainable in the future.

“If the strategy works, then our broadcast rights will be more valuable because we’re going to have a bigger market for partners and sponsors.”

“Peter and Andrew have done a great job in getting the game broadcast on Fox in the USA,” South Sydney Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly says. “There are logistical challenges [but] we’re confident working with the NRL they will be resolved, and the event will be a tremendous success”.

Pulling it off, however, will be difficult. With less than three months to go until the first match, there are plenty of unanswered questions – key contracts with security, training venues and insurance still aren’t locked in. There’s also the question whether it can make money.

By Friday morning, the NRL had sold more than 17,000 tickets for the March 2 game at Allegiant Stadium. At least 5000 were to people in the US. But sources familiar with the game’s finances say that will net a little north of $1 million, far from enough to cover the costs alone.

Of course, promotion for the game will only ramp up. Next week, the NRL will announce a partnership with another major US sport, and executives had considered rolling out famous Australians such as golfer Cam Smith, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe, or Manly fan Hugh Jackman to promote the game. (On August 22, the CEOs of the four clubs heading to Las Vegas realised on a video call that no one even had Jackman’s number, although more recent reports say Jackman was contacted and isn’t available.)

There have been other problems too. In the past week, U2 announced plans to hold a concert on the day of the NRL matches at Sphere, which the league was thinking of using as a hospitality venue. On Wednesday, police were responding to a “confirmed active shooter” in a building at the University of Nevada – one of the venues sources say was floated as a training venue.

In the medium term, the NRL will also need a deal with an American bookmaker if it wants to make any money from wagering. Rugby league sources, who spoke anonymously because no deal has been completed, said the governing body has begun preliminary talks with bookmakers.

V’landys has said privately a deal will be signed with a bookmaker by the time the season kicks off. The most obvious partner is FanDuel, given its parent company, Flutter, owns the NRL’s local wagering partner Sportsbet. Sources close to FanDuel say it isn’t seriously considering a deal.

Dustin Gouker, a US gambling consultant, says the timing of matches will work in its favour, but adds that the league will need to do a lot of work to build interest in the sport. “The beginning of March is a dead time in the calendar,” Gouker says. “It’s a really great time to promote your sport here in America. There should be a healthy level of scepticism. I don’t think I can overestimate how little people know about rugby.”

“Having the games in Vegas, putting in on a primetime spot and on Fox Sports 1 here is a pretty good start, but that’s not going to turn into instant recognition of the game,” Gouker adds.

Chris Grove, of Eilers and Krejcik Gaming, says he expects that even in the medium term, gambling on NRL will make up less than 1 per cent of total wagering volume. That’s even if a deal is put in place by the code to sell its streaming rights to an online bookmaker.

The NRL isn’t the first sport to try to make money in the US this year.

Formula 1 spent about $US500 million ($758 million) in the hope that races past famous Las Vegas hotels and casinos would supercharge the competition’s growth. It banked on celebrities and high-rollers paying for tickets, but there are still questions whether it was worth it.

Abdo is sanguine about the Las Vegas play. “Every time it comes to making a leadership decision, there’s always going to be people that criticise from the sidelines,” he says. “Our job as leaders is to grow the game and to plan, prepare and execute effectively. We have a commission that is focused on growing the game and thinking about the future.”

This weekend, Abdo and a group including players from the selected teams will appear in the US to launch the strategy and sort through contracts that have not already been signed. Four journalists are being flown over, giving the NRL a chance to prove sceptics wrong and secure key deals crucial for the event.

Privately, some inside the NRL believe it can break even on the event in its first year and say the number of tickets sold has already offset the costs of Allegiant Stadium. Others are more sceptical, arguing it could generate a loss of between $3 million to $6 million.

“We’re doing this for the right reasons,” Abdo says. “It’s an investment in year one that is aimed at bringing in new revenue streams over time. We are fortunate in that we have been able to achieve revenue milestones early.”

(AFR)

Gaming and Casino News

Digital Gaming Corporation scores the treble with FanDuel

In-demand provider of premium online slot content goes live with leading operator in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan

USA: 8th August 2023 – Digital Gaming Corporations B2B iGaming Division has claimed the triple crown with FanDuel after the leading online sportsbook and casino operator deployed its exceptional portfolio of online content to its players in the regulated igaming states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

The launch means that FanDuel’s players in these states can now spin the reels on highly engaging slots such as Hyper Gold™ and Kings of Crystals™, which have already proved to be firm player favorites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

Other titles to land in the operator’s casino lobby include the ever-popular Assassin Moon™, Mask of Amun™ and Thunderstruck Wild Lightning™. DGC’s B2B iGaming Division has blazed a trail with its content, which has been developed specifically with the US player in mind.

Neill Whyte, Chief Commercial Officer of DGC’s B2B iGaming Division, said: “FanDuel is an operator that needs no introduction, and we are thrilled to be adding our premium slot content to its casino lobbies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

"Our games not only meet but exceed player expectations in the US and that’s because we go to great lengths to ensure they deliver the entertaining experience that players are seeking.

“Having our games live with one of the biggest online casino brands in the US is a huge coup for us and we are confident that this will be a fantastic partnership moving forward.”

 

Asaf Noifeld, Managing Director, Casino at FanDuel, added: “Content is the foundation of our online casino offering and that’s why partnerships such as this with DGC is so important. DGC has quickly emerged as a must-have provider, and this integration adds some truly epic titles to our casino lobbies in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

“DGC has been an incredible partner to date, with its portfolio of slots integrated into our platform quickly and seamlessly. We can’t wait to see our players fire up the likes of Gold Blitz and Adventures of Doubloon Island and enjoy the edge of the seat experience they provide.”

SkillOnNet and Regency Entertainment Unite to Transform Greek Online Gaming Landscape

SkillOnNet Collaborates with Regency Entertainment, Greece's Premier Entertainment Provider and Largest Land Based Casino Operator, Bridging Land-Based Expertise with Digital Innovation

21st November, 2023: – SkillOnNet has announced a strategic joint venture with leading Greek entertainment and hospitality group Regency Entertainment. The deal will combine Regency's casino management expertise with SkillOnNet's cutting-edge iGaming solutions to create a best-in-class online gaming platform that seeks to become the foremost player in the Greek market.

With a focus on excellence and adherence to local regulations, the venture will navigate the complex Greek regulatory landscape to deliver an innovative, responsible, and superior gaming experience.

SkillOnNet is a global entertainment brand that operates more than 30 online casinos in regulated markets across the globe, including PlayOJO, Lucky Niki, and Spin Genie. The new deal is the third major partnership between the company and a leading land-based operator in the last two years, after Genting UK and Buenos Aires Slots in Argentina.

Regency Entertainment, a leader in Greece’s entertainment landscape, is renowned for its comprehensive portfolio of entertainment destinations. This includes the iconic Regency Casino Mont Parnes in Athens and the multifaceted Regency Casino complex, alongside the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the Vergina Theatre in Thessaloniki. Currently, the group is advancing plans for an innovative destination in Athens' northern suburbs. This project is envisioned as a multifunctional hub, blending gaming, diverse entertainment options, and hospitality services.

Maor Nutkevitch SVP Corporate Development at SkillOnNet said: “SkillOnNet and Regency Entertainment share the same vision and values when it comes to innovation in the entertainment space. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to leverage Regency’s incredible reputation and impeccable track record in the industry to build something special that will offer players a safe and enjoyable gaming experience. The management team at Regency is second to none, and it has been a pleasure to work with them. We’re looking forward to enjoying a close and fruitful relationship for many years to come.” 

Yiannis Tsirikos CEO at Regency Entertainment said: 'We aim to provide a top-tier digital entertainment experience that reflects the excellence of our physical venues. Partnering with SkillOnNet, we're enhancing our offerings, including refined online gaming experiences. Their proven ability to create unique and dynamic online platforms supports our vision of offering a sophisticated yet subtly integrated online gaming dimension within our diverse digital portfolio.

Editor’s Notes:

About SkillOnNet: 

SkillOnNet is a global iGaming operator that provides the state-of-art technology behind some of Europe’s well-known online casino brands including PlayOJO, DrückGlück, GentingCasino, Slingo.com and BacanaPlay. 

Its platform includes more than 3,500 slots and table games from suppliers such as Pragmatic Play, Games Global , NetEnt, Yggdrasil Gaming, Merkur Gaming, Evolution and BluePrint

Swintt uncovers subterranean riches in Heart of Earth Deluxe

Popular software provider’s latest Premium slot sees players embark on a daring descent to the planet’s core, where Free Spins and expanding symbols are waiting to be dug up

Malta, 30th November 2023: Having wandered ancient coliseums in Treasures of Rome and explored the pyramids in Cleopatras Pearls, there aren’t many places that SwinttPremium slots haven’t already visited; and that’s why this month, they’re diving beneath the planet’s surface in Heart of Earth Deluxe.

A five-reel, five-payline game with medium volatility, Heart of Earth Deluxe sees players join a Steampunk-style captain aboard his drill ship as he makes a daring descent towards the globe’s core. Along the way, they’ll encounter subterranean sculptures, complex-looking compasses, and a host of other unique icons, with all these lining up alongside the classic ace-through-jack playing card values.

As is often the case in SwinttPremium slots, the key to uncovering Heart of Earth Deluxe’s greatest treasures is the game’s substitute wild, which also acts as a bonus-triggering scatter symbol. Whenever three or more of these special icons appear anywhere on the reels, players will be whisked even deeper beneath the surface to a new screen, where a molten core will spin to reveal a random mystery symbol.

They’ll then be granted 10 Free Spins initially to boost their base game winnings, with any instances of the selected icon now expanding to fill its entire reel. Not only that, but landing three more scatters will re-trigger the feature, awarding a further 10 Free Spins as an additional mystery symbol is selected.

In this manner, players can prolong the feature indefinitely and benefit from multiple mystery symbols at once. If they don’t wish to trigger the bonus manually, however, players will be pleased to know that an optional Buy Feature Games button is available that can instantly transport them to the Free Spins.

With a maximum win multiplier of 5,000x the selected stake available, players will also be able to boost their wins in Heart of Earth Deluxe’s patented Risk feature. A popular addition to the majority of SwinttPremium titles, Risk simply challenges players to correctly guess the colour of a hidden playing card to double the value of their current prize, with multiple picks available until an incorrect choice is made.

David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Swintt, said: “Having explored virtually every corner of the globe in our SwinttPremium series, this month we thought ‘why not delve even deeper beneath the surface?’ – and our fiery new slot, Heart of Earth Deluxe, was ultimately the result of our excavations!

“Featuring the same Free Spins with expanding mystery symbols mechanic that players know and love from other titles in our Premium line-up, Heart of Earth Deluxe is an intuitive release that offers big wins of up to 5,000x. Also boasting a Buy Feature Games button that takes players directly to the heart of the action, we’re sure it’ll prove a big hit with any intrepid explorers’ brave enough to face the heat.”

 

                                                                                                                                                                   ENDS

                                                                                                                                   

About Swintt:

Having grown from exciting iGaming start-up to one of the industry’s most sought-after software providers in just four years, Swintt is currently one of the fastest expanding game studios around. 

Now boasting a diverse and exciting portfolio of over 110 innovative slots and live dealer games, Swintt specialises in developing high-quality localised content that is proven to help operators grow in both established and emerging markets worldwide. With games that are certified by the MGA, SGA and many other major regulators, Swintt provides unprecedented coverage across the industry.

With smash hits like Aloha Spirit XtraLock™ and Candy Gold offering exclusive features that players won’t find anywhere else and The Crown starring Vinnie Jones boasting its own celebrity endorsement, Swintt titles set themselves apart from the competition by offering something genuinely unique and have helped the studio carve out a reputation as one of iGaming’s true pioneers.

Join Napoleon on the big win battlefield with Lucksome’s latest release

Napoleon 2 Fatstacks™ features innovative, proprietary progressive ways mechanic that offers up to 1 million ways to win with each spin

Malta: 23 November 2023 – The battle is not over for Napoleon who returns once again this time with Lucksome’s latest action-packed slot, Napoleon 2 Fatstacks™. This is an explosive game packed with innovative mechanics and bonus features including Fatstacks™.

With Fatstacks™, identical symbols on a reel cascade and consolidate into double and triple symbols and the number of ways to win that can increase progressively within each spin all the way up to a massive 1 million ways. But that’s not all that Napoleon and his army have in store…

Hear the big win battle roar with the world-renowned Napoleon Wild Multipliers. Any win involving Wilds then has a Multiplier added to it – the size of the Multiplier depends on the number of Wilds involved in the win up to a huge 32x.

Then there’s the powerful Napoleon Mega Streak feature, similar to the Napoleon streak in the original prequel, but with more potential and can be triggered in the Main Game also. This is triggered when a Golden Napoleon Wild is part of a win  and sees all winning symbols and bonus symbols in view held in place on the battlefield before the reels Respin until no new win combinations can be formed. Fatstacks™ are still in play with a chance to boosting number of ways to win.

Napoleon knows that battles can be won and lost in a moment, and that’s why players must keep their eyes peeled for Free Spins which are awarded when four Scatters land. Players receive 10 Free Spins with four Scatters, 12 Free Spins with five Scatters and 15 Free Spins with six Scatters.  

Only Golden Napoleon Symbols land in the Free Games, increasing the chance of the Napoleon Mega Streak feature triggering. That’s not all, during Free Spins the Max Multiplier Wild is a cannon-booming 80x and with a max win potential of 20,000x.

Those who are feeling a little battle-tired have the option to Buy the Bonus with Lucksome’s popular DoubleLux™ feature at a favourable price point for the player.

Bryan Upton at Lucksome, said: “Napoleon is back on the battlefield but this time he is armed with some truly powerful bonus features that give players the tactical advantage in their fight for potentially big wins.

Johan John at Lucksome, said: “The math and mechanics behind this game are something else, combining a number of innovative trademarked features such as Fatstacks™, Respins and DoubleLux™. This makes for an explosive player experience brought to life by striking design and authentic sound.

“This is a great addition to our growing portfolio of games, and we look forward to seeing players fire up the reels on Napoleon 2 Fatstacks™ and do battle with those 1 million ways to win with each spin.”

ENDS

Editor’s notes:

About Lucksome:

Industry veteran led Malta-based boutique online casino game studio for players around the world distributing through the Blueprint Gaming network. Player driven design, leading edge game mechanics and making Games to Treasure is our business.

Quotes

"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities" - Dr. Seuss #DrSeuss #quote #fantasy #life #living #world #imagination #imagine #reality #creative #creator #creativity #mbs #media #mediaman 

"Some things are risky but if the stakes are important enough, then you take the risk" - Elon Musk, X Corp

#ElonMusk #Musk #quote #XCorp #X #risk #stakes #life #world #business #media #mediaman 

"Coffee is a language in itself." - Jackie Chan

Media Man Int

Best Quotes Of The Day

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

Cafe News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/cafe_news.html

Cafes, Coffee brands, media, publicity and advertising opportunities via Media Man

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/cafes_coffee.html

Energy Drink News (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/energy_drink.html

Pop Culture (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/pop_culture.html

#JackieChan #quotes #bestquotes #bestquotesoftheday #cafenews #coffeenews #caffeine #cafenewsmedia #popculture #media #mediaman 

Quotes

“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” - Epicurus

Best Quotes Of The Day (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/best_quotes.html

#Epicurus #quote #now #greekphilosopher #philosopher #philosophy #empiricism #mindset #wisdom #MBS #mindbodyspirit #world #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

"Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions" - Epictetus #Epictetus #quote #control #opinion #actions #wisdom #life #stoicphilosopher #philosopher #philosophy #mbs #mindbodyspirit #world #media #mediaman 

"If I'd written all the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people - including me - would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism." - Hunter S. Thompson #HunterSThompson #quote #truth #journalism #professionaljournalism #gonzojournalism #news #newsmedia #media #mediaman #mediamanint 

“If it’s a choice between money and freedom, I pick freedom” - Elon Musk #ElonMusk #quote #money #freedom #life #business #mindset #mbs #mindbodyspirit #world #X #XCorp #media #mediaman 

Coffee Quotes

Rise and grind, it's coffee time!

Life begins after coffee.

Just brewed happiness in a cup!

But first, coffee.

Another day, another cup of coffee.

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy coffee, and that's pretty close.

Coffee is the best part of waking up.

Don't speak to me until I've had my coffee.

Espresso yourself!

Coffee is my love language.

A good day starts with a great cup of coffee.

Coffee is not a drink, it's a moment.

Life is short, drink good coffee.

Keep calm and drink coffee.

Coffee is a morning hug in a mug.

All you need is love and a cup of coffee.

I run on coffee and dreams.

Coffee is the gasoline of life.

But first, let me drink my coffee.

Coffee is the ultimate stress reliever.

Life is too short for bad coffee.

Good friends and great coffee make the perfect blend.

Happiness is a warm cup of coffee.

Life without coffee is like a broken pencil – pointless

The best coffees are the ones that taste like a conversation

Coffee is the universal language.

There's never a wrong time to have a coffee.

Coffee is more than just a drink. It's an experience.

We take our coffee breaks seriously.

There's nothing like a good cup of coffee to get you going in the morning.

It's more than a cup of coffee... It's a way to catch up with a friend.

Coffee is a beautiful, complex beverage that has everything to do with the people you share it with.

Life is like a cup of coffee. It's not enough just to be hot, there has to be some kick to it.

Coffee is just a little social boost.

Coffee is coffee. But if you make it well, it can be art.

"Iced coffee is better than no coffee at all." -Unknown

Coffee and conversation are the ultimate pair.

Coffee is a perfect place to start your day. It’s just enough to re-energize and get you going.

Let's get some coffee, and then let's get some more coffee.

Coffee: the most powerful thing in the universe. Move over Thanos.

The best thing about this job is the coffee break.

Coffee is love and love is life, so let's get together over a cup of joe.

Coffee is a lot like being an adult—you have to do it, but it's not always fun.

I'm not saying I'm addicted to coffee, but I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get my daily cup of caffeine.

Coffee is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Coffee can be sweet or bitter depending on its temperature... just like people!

Oh, the hours I've spent in coffee shops, reading and writing.

I can't function until I've had my coffee.

How do you take your coffee?

Coffee is the answer, but I don't know the question.

Coffee and chocolate make it all better.

Coffee keeps me going until it's time to stop.

The best coffee should be like an old friend: warm and comforting, with just enough bite to keep you on your toes.

All of us need our coffee in the morning, right? Right!

Coffee is the fuel that keeps me going.

I need my coffee like I need air to breathe.

Coffee helps you think faster and clearer and work better

You can't spell "coffee" without "me", so let's get some!

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. And that's what coffee gives me every morning!

Advertising Quotes

“Creative without strategy is called ‘art.’ Creative with strategy is called ‘advertising.” – Jef I. Richards

“To think creatively, we must be able to look afresh at what we normally take for granted.” – George Kneller

“Be creative while inventing ideas, but be disciplined while implementing them.” – Amit Kalantri

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein

“The best ideas come as jokes. Make your thinking as funny as possible.” – David Ogilvy

“In our factory, we make lipstick. In our advertising, we sell hope.” – Peter Nivio Zarlenga

“A good ad should be like a good sermon: It must not only comfort the afflicted, it also must afflict the comfortable.” – Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

“Curiosity about life, in all its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” – Leo Burnett

“Creativity may well be the last legal unfair competitive advantage we can take to run over the competition.” – Dave Trott

“Advertising is the ability to sense, interpret . . . to put the very heart throbs of a business into type, paper and ink.” – Leo Burnett

“Creativity is like washing a pig. It’s messy. It has no rules. No clear beginning, middle or end. It’s kind of a pain in the ass, and when you’re done, you’re not sure if the pig is really clean or even why you were washing a pig in the first place.” – Luke Sullivan

“Nothing comes from nothing. You must continuously feed the inner beast that sparks and inspires.” – George Lois

“Creativity and innovation are about finding unexpected solutions to obvious problems, or finding obvious solutions to unexpected problems.” – Rei Inamoto

“If it doesn’t sell, it isn’t creative.” – David Ogilvy

“There are a lot of great technicians in advertising. And unfortunately, they talk the best game. They know all the rules … but there’s one little rub. They forget that advertising is persuasion, and persuasion is not a science, but an art. Advertising is the art of persuasion.” – William Bernbach

“Advertising, as a single entity is capable of creating vast changes in our social structure, simply does not exist. Its impact is too diffuse, too omnidirectional.” – William Hesse

“Big ideas come from the unconscious. This is true in art, in science, and in advertising. But your unconscious has to be well informed, or your idea will be irrelevant. Stuff your conscious mind with information, then unhook your rational thought process.” – David Ogilvy

“In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create.” – David Ogilvy

“An idea can turn to dust or magic, depending on the talent that rubs against it.” – Bill Bernbach

“There isn’t any significant difference between the various brands of whiskey, or cigarettes or beer. They are all about the same. And so are the cake mixes and the detergents, and the margarines… The manufacturer who dedicates his advertising to building the most sharply defined personality for his brand will get the largest share of the market at the highest profit.” – David Ogilvy

“There is a great deal of advertising that is much better than the product. When that happens, all that the good advertising will do is put you out of business faster.” – Jerry Della Femina

“The most powerful element in advertising is the truth.” – Bill Bernbach

“Advertising is legalized lying.” – H. G. Wells

“Making promises and keeping them is a great way to build a brand.” – Seth Godin

“Facts are irrelevant. What matters is what the consumer believes.” – Seth Godin

“I am one who believes that one of the greatest dangers of advertising is not that of misleading people, but that of boring them to death.” – Leo Burnett

“Telling lies does not work in advertising.” – Tim Bell

“That’s the kind of ad I like, facts, facts, facts.” – Samuel Goldwyn

“Our job is to bring the dead facts to life.” – Bill Bernbach

“The greatest thing to be achieved in advertising, in my opinion, is believability, and nothing is more believable than the product itself.” – Leo Burnett

“The worst thing for a brand is to have a kind of false part of who they are exposed out there.” – Lee Clow

“Certainly, it seems true enough that there’s a good deal of irony in the world… I mean, if you live in a world full of politicians and advertising, there’s obviously a lot of deception.” – Kenneth Koch

“The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper.” – Thomas Jefferson

“We need to stop interrupting what people are interested in and be what people are interested in.” – Craig Davis

“Don’t tell me how good you make it; tell me how good it makes me when I use it.” – Leo Burnett

“The very first law in advertising is to avoid the concrete promise and cultivate the delightfully vague.” – Bill Cosby

“Advertising is only evil when it advertises evil things.” – David Ogilvy

Advertising quotes on importance of advertising

“Stopping advertising to save money is like stopping your watch to save time.” – Henry Ford

“Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. You know what you are doing, but nobody else does” – Steuart Henderson Britt

“Advertising is the modern substitute for argument; its function is to make the worse appear the better.” – George Santayana

“One ad is worth more to a paper than forty editorials.” – Will Rogers

“Advertising is a valuable economic factor because it is the cheapest way of selling goods, particularly if the goods are worthless.” – Sinclair Lewis

“Advertising may be described as the science of arresting the human intelligence long enough to get money from it.” – S Leacoc

“Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.”-Mark Twain

“In advertising, not to be different is virtually suicidal” – Bill Bernbach

“There’s an ad for every vice. That’s advice.” – Brian Spellman

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” – Leonardo Da Vinci

“Make it simple. Make it memorable. Make it inviting to look at” – Leo Burnett

“If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it well enough yourself” – Albert Einsteen

“Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde

Advertising quotes based on finding the right audience:

“If you want to understand how a lion hunts, don’t go to the zoo. Go to the jungle.” – Jim Stengel

“The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself.” – Peter Drucker

“A brand is no longer what we tell the consumer it is — it is what consumers tell each other it is.” – Scott Cook

 “Your brand is a story unfolding across all customer touch points.” – Jonah Sachs

Advertising quotes on brand building:

“Transforming a brand into a socially responsible leader doesn’t happen overnight by simply writing new marketing and advertising strategies. It takes effort to identify a vision that your customers will find credible and aligned with their values.” – Simon Mainwaring

“Because advertising and marketing is an art, the solution to each new problem or challenge should begin with a blank canvas and an open mind, not with the nervous borrowings of other people’s mediocrities. That’s precisely what ‘trends’ are – a search for something ‘safe’ – and why a reliance on them leads to oblivion.” – George Lois

“Advertising is the price you pay for having unremarkable product or service” – John Edson

“Building a profitable personal brand online is not a sprint, and something that happens over night. Don’t aim for perfection early on. Instead allow your brand to evolve naturally over time and focus on providing massive value and over deliver to your target audience. Then you will get more clear over your message and brand as well. Always remember that!” – Navid Moazzez

“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.” – Jeff Bezos

These are some of the advertising quotes, which revolve around the advertising industry to learn and inspire. You may be tempted to think that as these quotes are a bit old, they may no longer be applicable. But if you notice, these have been revised, re- read and re- created with changing times and tides. But un-arguable fact stands at – “Good work is good work, period.”

Niche media, marketing and media campaigns the way to go (Media Man Int)

https://www.mediamanint.com/articles/niche_media.html

#nichemedia #nichenews #nichemarketing #niche #findyourniche #createyourniche #popculture #nichebiz #biz #onlinebiz #seo #digitalnews #digitalmedia #sportsbiz #popculture #culture #agency #trends #buzz #media #mediaman 

'Platform Of The Year' X  or LinkedIn? 

Torn on this one. Competition is usually a good thing for society, as is democracy and freedom of choice. Blessed to have great experiences with both platforms in recent years and with X, especially since Elon Musk and Linda Yaccario took over the helm. Social media for good - what a novel idea. Meta could learn much from X Corp, but perhaps they don't want to. X vs LinkedIn head to head. May end up being a tie this year. Stay tuned!

Platform News

Stand with X to protect free speech

By 

X Safety

Saturday, 18 November 2023    

This week Media Matters for America posted a story that completely misrepresented the real user experience on X, in another attempt to undermine freedom of speech and mislead advertisers.

Above everything, including profit, X works to protect the public’s right to free speech. But for speech to be truly free, we must also have the freedom to see or hear things that some people may consider objectionable. We believe that everyone has the right to make up their own minds about what to read, watch, or listen to – because that’s the power of freedom of speech.

Despite our clear and consistent position, X has seen a number of attacks from activist groups like Media Matters and legacy media outlets who seek to undermine freedom of expression on our platform because they perceive it as a threat to their ideological narrative and those of their financial supporters. These groups try to use their influence to attack our revenue streams by deceiving advertisers on X.

Here are the facts on Media Matters’ research:

To manipulate the public and advertisers, Media Matters created an alternate account and curated the posts and advertising appearing on the account’s timeline to misinform advertisers about the placement of their posts. These contrived experiences could be applied to any platform. 

Once they curated their feed, they repeatedly refreshed their timelines to find a rare instance of ads serving next to the content they chose to follow. Our logs indicate that they forced a scenario resulting in 13 times the number of ads served compared to the median ads served to an X user. 

Of the 5.5 billion ad impressions on X that day, less than 50 total ad impressions were served against all of the organic content featured in the Media Matters article.

For one brand showcased in the article, one of its ads ran adjacent to a post 2 times and that ad was seen in that setting by only two users, one of which was the author of the Media Matters article.

For another brand showcased in the article, two of its ads served adjacent to 2 posts, 3 times, and that ad was only seen in that setting by one user, the author of the Media Matters article.

Media Matters’ article also highlights nine posts they believe should not be allowed on X. Upon evaluation, only one of the nine organic posts featured in the article violated our content policies, and we’ve taken action on it under our Freedom of Speech, Not Reach enforcement approach.

Here’s a summary on this all:

X will protect the public’s right to free expression. We will not allow agenda-driven activists, or even our own profits, to deter our vision.

Everyone has a choice on X. User and brand controls on X are superior to a year ago. 

Data wins over allegations. Media Matters does not reflect the user experience on X.

As we’ve seen in some parts of the world, when free expression is taken away, it is very dangerous and hard to get back – that’s why the people who came before us fought so hard to protect. Without freedom of speech we lose the checks and balances critical to a thriving democracy. We must defend our individual rights as if our lives, and flourishing society, depend on it.

If you’re really in on protecting free speech, then we all need to protect it completely. 

Stand with X to protect free speech.

The NRL takes its biggest gamble yet - December 8, 2023

Documents obtained by AFR Weekend provide the clearest insight yet about what exactly the league is planning in its big push into the lucrative US market.

Late last month, in front of NRL club executives, Andrew Abdo made a surprisingly bullish prediction. The NRL’s chief executive said he expected that, by 2028, the league could be making $60 million over five years broadcasting into living rooms across the United States.

At the heart of the push is a season launch in Las Vegas, with the first match set for March 2. From there, the NRL expects interest from cable TV networks and streaming services to only grow, with millions of dollars to flow from broadcasting deals.

It’s not the first time the NRL has tried to crack the US market. In 1987, it sent two State of Origin teams to Los Angeles to play a match after Queensland had already won the series. Just 12,000 spectators turned up.

Things are, of course, different now. The game is flush with cash. Chairman Peter V’landys is one of the country’s most powerful sports administrators and usually gets his way by force of personality.

But there was still plenty of scepticism after Abdo outlined plans for four clubs to head to Las Vegas. “It was a mix of excitement, bewilderment and cynicism,” one club chief executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity, says of the meeting.

Documents obtained by AFR Weekend provide the clearest insight yet about what exactly the NRL is planning. It will pay for more than 90 business-class flights with Fiji Airways, 32 economy flights, and six days of accommodation at Resorts World, a luxury Las Vegas hotel, for at least 128 players and club staff. An average business-class flight on Fiji Airways is almost $16,000, but the NRL costs are subsidised through advertising deals.

The NRL has also agreed to pay for training venues, meals, the creation of a VIP hospitality facility and medical insurance for players and doctors, as well as the costs of sending its staff over. They will also split almost $1 million in licence fees among the clubs – the Sydney Roosters, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos and Manly Sea Eagles – selected to go.

The rental of Allegiant Stadium, where matches will be played for the next five years, is estimated to cost about $1.2 million a year. That could take total annual costs, according to a number of rugby league sources familiar with estimates, to between $6 million and $8 million a year. Some sources believe this cost will blow out and NRL clubs will be asked to stump up cash (which they don’t believe they should have to do).

Abdo tells AFR Weekend that the project will fund itself – in addition to contra deals, there will be plenty of revenue. “We have had strong ticket sales, corporate hospitality sale and sponsorship from new partners,” he says. “But the big prize is long term.”

The NRL’s Las Vegas play is the brainchild of V’landys, who was appointed chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission in 2019. But a move into the US has been talked about in NRL circles for some time, based on concerns the game can’t sustain revenue growth by relying on local broadcast revenue, advertising sponsorship, and wagering turnover.

In 2021, Nine Entertainment, the publisher of AFR Weekend, signed a $650 million, five-year broadcast deal with NRL. A separate deal with Foxtel, which runs until 2027, is estimated to be about $1 billion.

However, the advertising market is weak and could affect how much networks pay for content. Government plans to ban gambling advertisements at major sporting events could also create cost pressures in Australia, and cause sporting codes to look elsewhere.

That’s where the US comes into play. V’landys believes expanding there could generate as much as $200 million of gaming revenue alone for the NRL. And V’landys and Abdo believe showing it can be globally popular would make the NRL more appealing to a streaming service by the time the next rights are up for negotiation.

The NRL recently struck an agreement with US sports channel Fox Sports to air the two Las Vegas matches for the next five years on its main channel. V’landys also gave Foxtel the exclusive rights to one of the US matches. People based in the US can already watch the NRL season for $229 per year through an app called Watch NRL – executives are also hoping the Las Vegas play significantly increases subscriptions among US-based Australians.

“International broadcast rights represent a small portion of our total revenue base,” Abdo says. “We wouldn’t be doing our jobs if we weren’t thinking about how to make ourselves even more sustainable in the future.

“If the strategy works, then our broadcast rights will be more valuable because we’re going to have a bigger market for partners and sponsors.”

“Peter and Andrew have done a great job in getting the game broadcast on Fox in the USA,” South Sydney Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly says. “There are logistical challenges [but] we’re confident working with the NRL they will be resolved, and the event will be a tremendous success”.

Pulling it off, however, will be difficult. With less than three months to go until the first match, there are plenty of unanswered questions – key contracts with security, training venues and insurance still aren’t locked in. There’s also the question whether it can make money.

By Friday morning, the NRL had sold more than 17,000 tickets for the March 2 game at Allegiant Stadium. At least 5000 were to people in the US. But sources familiar with the game’s finances say that will net a little north of $1 million, far from enough to cover the costs alone.

Of course, promotion for the game will only ramp up. Next week, the NRL will announce a partnership with another major US sport, and executives had considered rolling out famous Australians such as golfer Cam Smith, South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe, or Manly fan Hugh Jackman to promote the game. (On August 22, the CEOs of the four clubs heading to Las Vegas realised on a video call that no one even had Jackman’s number, although more recent reports say Jackman was contacted and isn’t available.)

There have been other problems too. In the past week, U2 announced plans to hold a concert on the day of the NRL matches at Sphere, which the league was thinking of using as a hospitality venue. On Wednesday, police were responding to a “confirmed active shooter” in a building at the University of Nevada – one of the venues sources say was floated as a training venue.

In the medium term, the NRL will also need a deal with an American bookmaker if it wants to make any money from wagering. Rugby league sources, who spoke anonymously because no deal has been completed, said the governing body has begun preliminary talks with bookmakers.

V’landys has said privately a deal will be signed with a bookmaker by the time the season kicks off. The most obvious partner is FanDuel, given its parent company, Flutter, owns the NRL’s local wagering partner Sportsbet. Sources close to FanDuel say it isn’t seriously considering a deal.

Dustin Gouker, a US gambling consultant, says the timing of matches will work in its favour, but adds that the league will need to do a lot of work to build interest in the sport. “The beginning of March is a dead time in the calendar,” Gouker says. “It’s a really great time to promote your sport here in America. There should be a healthy level of scepticism. I don’t think I can overestimate how little people know about rugby.”

“Having the games in Vegas, putting in on a primetime spot and on Fox Sports 1 here is a pretty good start, but that’s not going to turn into instant recognition of the game,” Gouker adds.

Chris Grove, of Eilers and Krejcik Gaming, says he expects that even in the medium term, gambling on NRL will make up less than 1 per cent of total wagering volume. That’s even if a deal is put in place by the code to sell its streaming rights to an online bookmaker.

The NRL isn’t the first sport to try to make money in the US this year.

Formula 1 spent about $US500 million ($758 million) in the hope that races past famous Las Vegas hotels and casinos would supercharge the competition’s growth. It banked on celebrities and high-rollers paying for tickets, but there are still questions whether it was worth it.

Abdo is sanguine about the Las Vegas play. “Every time it comes to making a leadership decision, there’s always going to be people that criticise from the sidelines,” he says. “Our job as leaders is to grow the game and to plan, prepare and execute effectively. We have a commission that is focused on growing the game and thinking about the future.”

This weekend, Abdo and a group including players from the selected teams will appear in the US to launch the strategy and sort through contracts that have not already been signed. Four journalists are being flown over, giving the NRL a chance to prove sceptics wrong and secure key deals crucial for the event.

Privately, some inside the NRL believe it can break even on the event in its first year and say the number of tickets sold has already offset the costs of Allegiant Stadium. Others are more sceptical, arguing it could generate a loss of between $3 million to $6 million.

“We’re doing this for the right reasons,” Abdo says. “It’s an investment in year one that is aimed at bringing in new revenue streams over time. We are fortunate in that we have been able to achieve revenue milestones early.”

(AFR)

Jamie Dimon says he would shut down crypto if he could - December 7, 2023

Jamie Dimon has told US legislators he would close the cryptocurrency industry if he had their power.

“If I was the government, I’d close it down,” the chief executive of JPMorgan Chase said at the Senate Banking Committee’s annual Wall Street oversight hearing on Wednesday.

The remarks add to Mr Dimon’s long history of bashing digital currencies, which he has previously called “Ponzi schemes” and a “fraud”.

His latest comments follow a series of hacks and scandals in the crypto industry, which has been under increased scrutiny from US regulators and legislators since the unwinding of FTX, Sam Bankman-Fried’s cryptocurrency platform.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, used the hearing to team up with Republicans and banking leaders to take aim at the crypto industry.

“Today’s terrorists have a new way to get around the Bank Secrecy Act: cryptocurrency,” Senator Warren said.

Mr Dimon and other industry chiefs, including Bank of America’s Brian Moynihan, said they had safeguards in place to prevent terrorists and other illegal actors from using their institutions. Senator Warren contrasted that with the crypto market, and said anti-money-laundering rules that banks followed should be extended to digital assets. All the CEOs said they agreed.

“I’m not usually holding hands with the CEOs of multibillion-dollar banks, but this is a matter of national security,” said Senator Warren, who has previously raised concerns about the need for regulation and about links that major lenders have with the crypto industry.

Mr Dimon’s repeated criticism of the crypto industry does not extend to blockchain technology, which the bank has enlisted for several projects.

JPMorgan was an early mover with its JPM Coin, a proprietary stablecoin that allows clients to make blockchain-based payments. The bank has projected the token could be handling as much as $US10 billion ($15 billion) in daily transactions within the next two years, from about $US1 billion now.

At 5.50am, bitcoin was up 0.6 per cent to $US43,490 on bitstamp.net.

Bitcoin’s ‘jet-fuelled’ jump pushes token above $US44,000 - December 6, 2023

Bitcoin’s longest winning run since May lifted the token past $US44,000, raising questions about whether the breakout increasingly reflects a conviction that looser US Federal Reserve monetary policy in the world’s largest economy is ahead.

The largest digital asset climbed for six days through to Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT), adding roughly 16 per cent, and was consolidating the gains in early Asian trading on Wednesday. Its 2023 rebound from last year’s crypto rout is now 165 per cent.

Much of the rally is pegged to the prospect of the US Securities Exchange Commission approving the first spot bitcoin exchange traded funds, paving the way to a wider investor base. BlackRock and Fidelity Investments are among those awaiting the outcome of their applications, with some analysts expecting a green light from the regulator by January.

But ETF hype has shadowed bitcoin since June, when asset managers began seeking approval to roll out the funds. That is leading some to ask if the token’s surge is drawing more succour from increasing bets of the Fed cutting rates next year.

“Surely, the ETF story is well and truly priced?” said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG Australia. The high-volatility, “jet-fuelled” move up in bitcoin was instead a reminder that crypto was “more responsive to a Fed pivot and policy than other asset classes”, he said.

For now, bitcoin momentum is overshadowing any concerns that the surge is at risk of becoming too stretched. Smaller virtual currencies such as ether, avalanche and meme-crowd favourite dogecoin have also been advancing.

The halving effect

The bullish overall mood is evident in a range of countries. Bitcoin on South Korea’s upbit and bithumb exchanges was trading about 4 per cent above the prevailing global price on Wednesday, a return of the so-called “kimchi premium” that made headlines during the pandemic-era bull run in digital assets.

In Abu Dhabi, crypto mining hardware retailer Phoenix Group jumped 35 per cent on its debut on Tuesday. The firm is the first crypto-related listing in the Middle East.

In El Salvador, Nayib Bukele said in a posting on X this week that the nation’s bitcoin investments had turned profitable. He is running for re-election after stepping down as president last week.

Another prop for sentiment is the so-called bitcoin halving due next year, which will cut in half the amount of tokens that bitcoin miners receive as reward for their work.

The quadrennial event is part of the process of capping bitcoin supply at 21 million tokens. The coin hit records after the last three halvings.

“Both micro and macro factors are currently lining up for bitcoin,” said Zach Pandl, managing director of research at crypto fund provider Grayscale Investments.

Bitcoin was little changed at $US43,851 as of 10.16am in Singapore, still $US25,000 below its 2021 record of almost $US69,000.

The bitcoin hype machine is starting up again. Beware - December 6, 2023

The price of bitcoin is up 55 per cent in six weeks, and the bulls are roaring again. But there are reasons for investors to be wary of exuberance. 

We’re so back, baby.

Bitcoin surged back above $US42,000 on Monday night, capping an impressive run that has propelled the cryptocurrency 55 per cent higher since mid-October. Its year to date gain now stands at a tasty 152 per cent.

The jump in bitcoin’s price has been matched by a surge in hype from bitcoin believers, who are pulling out some familiar lines about bitcoin’s ability to save the free world.

“One idea I’ve been contemplating is that bitcoin may be the key to extending western civilisation,” said Brian Armstrong, the co-CEO of crypto exchange Coinbase on X (formerly Twitter).

“The natural trend of whichever country has the reserve currency is to inflate the money supply and increase deficit spending until it loses that advantage… the assumption is the US can continue to inflate, but what I think many haven’t considered is that people have an alternative now with crypto. They may start moving fiat into crypto, as an antidote to inflation.”

We’ve heard such arguments before, of course. Most of bitcoin’s proponents argue for its role as a sort of digital gold that can hedge against inflation. But that argument ignores the fact that bitcoin’s first real brush with inflation saw it act quite differently.

It fell 75 per cent between October 2021 and November 2022 as inflation in the US rose to higher than 8 per cent from about 5 per cent. And it’s only as inflation has retreated towards 3 per cent this year that bitcoin has taken off.

Still, it is worth noting that bitcoin has risen this year despite the higher-for-longer narrative that has pervaded markets for much of the year, and in the face of a regulatory crackdown that has ended the careers of two of crypto’s most high profiled figures: Sam Bankman-Fried and Binance’s Changpeng Zhao.

Indeed, there is a view that the crackdown has helped drive the buying, and prepare the ground for regulatory approval of the first spot bitcoin ETF, which has been talked about for much of the year.

The argument is that such an ETF would give institutions the confidence to increase their investment in bitcoin in a safer way.

Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood told this column last month that her firm’s research suggests the average portfolio should have an allocation of between 2 per cent and 6.5 per cent in the cryptocurrency; certainly the creation of a spot ETF would make such an allocation easier.

Another boost for sentiment is the so-called bitcoin “halving”, which occurs about every four years and halves the amount of tokens that bitcoin miners receive as reward for their work, increasing the scarcity of a currency that will only ever have 21 million units. Halving events in 2012, 2016 and 2020 were followed by bull runs in the price.

All in all, it’s little wonder the likes of Armstrong are feeling inspired to declare crypto can save civilisation. But investors prepared to get in on the hype should be careful.

First, the surge over the last six weeks or so does have a strong whiff of irrational exuberance about it; the spot ETF speculation is clearly strong, but further delays to approval by US regulators could result in a sharp swing in sentiment.

Second, bitcoin has really taken off as hopes of rate cuts have grown. But the everything rally that we have experienced across asset classes has loosened financial conditions, and labour markets and consumer spending remain robust. We may not see further hikes, but the higher-for-longer narrative isn’t dead yet.

Third, remember that investing in bitcoin requires a strong stomach. Since 2017, we’ve seen four major drawdowns of 83 per cent, 71 per cent, 54 per cent and 77 per cent. Yes, the gains over longer periods (up 1132 per cent over five years, up more than 12,000 per cent since 2015) are spectacular, but the volatility that comes with it can be more than some investors can take.

(AFR)

Adelson Buys Mavs in Effort to Unlock Multi-Billion Dollar Casino Opportunity

Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently announced he is selling a majority stake in the NBA franchise to Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont. The transaction values the club at $3.5 billion. 

Cuban’s track record of selling high (see: 1999 sale of Broadcast.com just prior to the dotcom bubble bursting) has sports industry observers suggesting team valuations have peaked or are close to doing so. The theory is the tech mogul does not like how the media rights landscape is evolving, particularly at a local level, and is exiting before it begins to alter sale prices.

And perhaps there is some truth to that. 

But gaming industry insiders believe the transaction has more to do with Adelson and Dumont’s interest in unlocking a multi-billion casino resort opportunity within the state of Texas, and Cuban’s desire to participate in it.

Adelson is Las Vegas Sands’ (NYSE: LVS) largest shareholder. Dumont is its president and COO, and Adelson’s son-in-law. LVS is the largest publicly traded casino company in North America (though, it recently sold its Las Vegas properties).

Cuban has “made several comments in the past about [casino gaming] and Las Vegas Sands has been lobbying in Texas for multiple sessions and is putting a lot of money, millions of dollars, towards [its legalization] effort,” David VanEgmond (a former FanDuel executive and the current CEO of Bettor Capital) said. “So, this seems like [part of] a 10-year game where [LVS] is going to put in a new stadium and continue lobbying and investing in the state to try and ultimately get what [it] wants.”

The MFFL declined to comment on the speculation.

The uncertain media rights environment is undoubtedly disconcerting to some NBA owners. The Mavs existing ~$50 million/year local rights deal with Diamond Sports Group will end at the completion of the ’23-’24 season. 

But the anticipated haircut in local rights fees is unlikely behind Cuban’s decision to sell the team. In fact, there are several tells that suggest more exists to this transaction than meets the eye. 

“When the Indiana Pacers are the same value as [and] the Phoenix Suns are worth considerably more than the Dallas Mavericks, that doesn’t make sense given their [respective] populations and market size,” VanEgmond said.

The $3.5 billion valuation awarded to the club also doesn’t make sense in the context of timing. 

For the last ~20 years, control transactions have only gone in one direction (up). And Mat Ishbia bought the Suns last December for an NBA record $4 billion.

“Even if they were sold [later that] same day, the Mavericks should have sold for more,” VanEgmond said.

The unique deal structure also suggests there may be broader alignment between buyer and seller. Cuban will retain control over the club’s day-to-day operations.

“[The Adelson family may not] care about running the team because winning championships is not their goal,” VanEgmond said. “They care about building an integrated casino resort in Dallas, Texas, one of the biggest markets in the U.S., [population wise], that could open up for casino gambling.”

LVS has been actively lobbying within the state. It spent $6 million dollars on legislative efforts last year. Logic suggests Adelson and Dumont taking ownership of a high-profile local sports team will give it some additional influence/sway amongst lawmakers.

The company needs it. Sports betting and casino gaming have been unable to gain legislative approval in Texas.

But that hasn’t stopped sports teams in the state from cashing in on PASPA’s abolition. Back in 2020-2021 –at the height of sports betting expansion/marketing fever– the bulk of Texas’ pro clubs signed partnership deals with operators intending to plant their flag in the state.

The expectation was (and remains) if/when sports betting legislation is passed, the teams will control the licenses. Remember, there is no established gaming commission in the Lone Star State.

One team was conspicuously absent from the gold rush–the Dallas Mavericks. Its decision to pass is, in hindsight, arguably the greatest tell.

“You don’t turn down free money in the sports business,” VanEgmond said.

The sports betting insider suggested the Mavs may have left as much as $10 million on the table.

“You started to hear through the grapevine, because Las Vegas Sands did this major lobbying push around casinos in Texas, that Cuban was aligning with them and [was] focused on bringing casinos to [the state]. He thought that could impact him and the Mavericks much more than sports betting.”

LVS has been a vocal opponent of online gambling (online sports betting falls into the category). One can assume it would not have wanted a future partner in a land-based casino venture embracing OSB in the state, at least not before brick-and-mortar gaming became regulated.

Texas legislators introduced online sports betting and casino gaming bills for the first time in ‘21. Neither progressed particularly far.

The bills were on the docket again this year. Sports betting had more support than casino gaming, but neither passed.

The Texas Legislature won’t meet again until ’25 and doubts exist that either bill will pass at that time; they may not even make it onto the agenda. The Lieutenant Governor, who controls the agenda on the Senate side, reportedly opposes licensure. It remains TBD if he can be convinced that the bills should at least get a vote to move forward.

A lot of money is at stake for those supporting legislation.

How much are we talking?

“Hundreds of millions of dollars,” VanEgmond said. “In a good scenario, [an integrated resort casino in Dallas] could be making $500+ million of EBITDA every year.”

For context, high-end Nevada casinos will generate north of $500 million dollars in EBITDA annually.

Online sports betting, by comparison, has much lower ceiling.

“You’re probably talking around $500 million worth of total online sports betting profit for the whole state [of Texas] across 10+ companies,” VanEgmond said.

To be clear, the Mavs do not have a casino license. Adelson and Dumont are betting they, along with Cuban, will be able to influence local hearts and minds.

So, their $3.5 billion purchase of the team may seem risky.

In reality, NBA ownership is likely a low-risk high-reward endeavor for them.

Even if legalization never becomes reality, “it’s not like the [Mavs are] going to depreciate,” VanEgmond said.

Unless, of course, Cuban did in fact sell at the top (which would have been by accident).

The more likely scenario is the Adelson family “gets in there, they start investing more in the team. In the next decade they break ground on this massive new arena complex that they [will] privately fund, if they can get a casino at that time or in the not too distant future,” VanEgmond said.

And the odds of casino legislation getting passed in Texas in ’29 or ’31?

The Bettor Capital executive put them at -110 (or ~50%).

(John WallStreet)

FITE 24/7 sees record viewers in Q3 - October 13, 2023

FITE has announced that its FAST channel, FITE 24/7, achieved a record 7.3 million visits during Q3. Built on 1000s of hours of combat sports events –  including boxing, MMA, grappling and pro-wrestling –  and other entertainment content, the channel serves round the clock action via 19 international platform affiliates and on the FITE app available on a range of major platforms and cellular carriers.

Partners in the distribution of FITE 24/7 include The Roku Channel, LG, Plex. LocalNow, Sports.TV, TCL, Distro TV, Zingo TV, Sportstribal, FreeCast, RAD, Glewed, Xiomi, Gia TV, and Rakuten TV, La Nuestra, Giniko TV, Viva TV Live, TeleUp with more to follow.

“This isn’t just growth, this is velocity,” commented Louis Lewow, FITE’s Vice President of Distribution. “Not only did we achieve 7 million [visits] in Q3 we also logged over 1.2 million viewing hours – more than we hit in what was already an impressive first year. It’s proof that fans want more of the quality action we deliver, and that our fantastic partners are in all the right places.”

Among the partners, The Roku Channel is available on Google TV’s Android app, most smart TVs (including the recent addition to Samsung TV Plus), and most OTT devices (including Amazon Fire). SportsTribal (featuring FITE 24/7) has also just launched on LG in the US.

Beyond its advertising revenue, FITE 24/7 introduces viewers to FITE’s growing SVoD service FITE+ and its PPV platform.

(Advanced Television)

Tubi appoints Salmon as MD International - November 30, 2023

Tubi, Fox Corporation’s AVoD service, has announced that David Salmon has been appointed Executive Vice President and Managing Director, International. Salmon is based in the UK and will report to Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi.

“Tubi has now led the US market as the #1 AVoD player for 6 months, and we believe our unique product and content strategy is ready for the global stage,” said Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi. “As other services raise subscription fees for consumers, we believe that audiences around the world will look for more choice, more personalization and less friction in how they are entertained. David brings an incredibly rare combination of entrepreneurial, technical and streaming expertise in global markets, and I’m thrilled to expand our footprint with his leadership.”

Prior to joining Tubi, Salmon spent more than a decade at sports, media and entertainment group Endeavor, focused on founding and scaling digital businesses. He was most recently founder and CTO of Endeavor Streaming, Endeavor’s video technology group.

“Tubi has an industry-leading position in the US and we’re looking to replicate that success across international markets,” said Salmon. “We already have a fast-growing footprint in Canada, Australia and Central America, and I’m excited to join Anjali and the team during this time of growth to advance those efforts while expanding into new markets like the UK and further into Latin America.”

Tubi has surpassed 70 million monthly active users and is currently available in the US, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Ecuador, Panama, Australia and New Zealand.

Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour Extended Version on digital platforms from Dec 13th - December 7, 2023

The cultural phenomenon continues with the at-home release of the year’s epic concert film Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour, debuting in a headlining Extended Version on December 13th, exclusively on digital platforms where fans can rent movies in the UK from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Continuing its record-breaking theatrical run, Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour showcases incredible performances of Swift’s beloved songs throughout her 17-year, award-winning career, with three bonus songs not seen in cinemas including Long Live, The Archer and Wildest Dreams.

The sensational theatrical event shattered records to become the highest-grossing global concert film of all time in just days of presales. The concert film  gives viewers the opportunity to intimately experience the music and spectacle of the must-see event of the year at home.

Taylor Swift – The Eras Tour is also available to rent digitally in the US and Canada from December 13th, Australia and New Zealand from December 14th, and Austria, Mexico, Switzerland, Brazil and Germany from December 21st.

EFC 110 on Extreme Sports Channel - December 7, 2023

The exclusive replay of EFC 110, the biggest card in recent African MMA history, is to be shown for free just 24 hours after the event, exclusively on Extreme Sports Channel in the UK, Scandinavia and EMEA on December 8th at 8pm.

The main event is the ultimate rematch, when a dominant champion finally gets a shot at revenge against the only man to have beaten him in over 6 years. The Brazilian brawler, Reinaldo Ekson, shocked the combat sports world when he took Igeu Kabesa’s 145lb belt at EFC 86 in the first round, and now the two go at it again to settle the score. The war of words between the two combatants has gone back and forth since the fight contracts were signed, and now the most anticipated clash finally comes to fruition. With World Sports Betting firmly placing Kabesa as the favourite to take the gold, Ekson, as the significant outsider, may have trouble repeating his historic feat.

In the co-main event, Dricus du Plessis’ main sparring partner Mark Hulme, will stage his first title defence against Potchefstroom’s welterweight wrecking-ball, Peace ‘X’ Nguphane, who is coming-off two spectacular knock-out finishes to cement his number one contender status and finally get a shot at glory. But Hulme is a 9-year veteran of the EFC having competed for top promotions around the world and having just secured the belt this year, will do whatever it takes to keep it around his waist.

In a fight that could be a main event on any other card, two former bantamweight champions go to war. The Ghost of Zwide, Sindile Manengela takes on the man he was supposed to face at EFC 87, the Gweru Gladiator, Sylvester Chipfumbu. The Zimbabwean finishing machine returns to the Hex for the first time in two and a half years to remind the fans of his devastating finishing, yet he must now face a man determined to take the gold back to the Eastern Cape in 2024. Manengela, the hero of Gqeberha, lays claim, like Chipfumbu to be one of the greats, making this is a salivating fight between two former champions who finally get to meet.

Two massive heavyweights collide in fight of the night candidate as Mokopane’s Sholto Luiters gets his first and last assignment of 2023 against French knockout sensation Anthony Morel. Training with Cedric Certenais on Reunion Island alongside teammate Francis Martin, Mr Big has had a stunning introduction to international mixed martial arts, with two knockouts, one of which was of EFC fan-favourite Adama Diop in Orange earlier this year. The gallic giant faces an equally imposing gargantuan in Limpopo’s looming luteur, Sholto Luiters. Now training at the Hitman Academy with Cole Henning, Luiters entered the Hex with a first round finish of Simon Harle, before putting on a thrilling war against Nico Yamdjie and now these two giants will test the very foundation of the EFC Performance Institute in a fight that is doubtful to go the distance.

Opening the main card is House of Tinkerbell’s dynamic Nathaniel Komana who will be hoping to join his teammate Peace Nguphane in the winner’s circle with a victory over Angola’s gritty and powerful Eduardo Barros. The Bantamweight from Luanda has only ever lost to former champions and took Faeez Jacbos the distance in his last bout, after getting his hand raised over Orlando Machava and Bheki Ngcobo. He now faces ‘Kakarot’ who continues to thrive under the tutelage of JP Kruger and the impressive team he has assembled in Springs including current flyweight champion Gift Walker. With the continuing upheaval of the Bantamweight division, both these warriors will be looking to stake a strong claim for contendership with a sensational finish.

Setting the scene in the Hexagon is an undercard featuring 14 fighters competing in 7 bouts that combine a mash-up of veterans and contenders, desperate to put on finishing performances that not only garner Christmas bonuses but will also place them into title contention in 2024. EFC 110 is set to be the biggest event of the year for the promotion with 24 of the continent’s best fighters returning to Johannesburg, to remind combat sports fans around the world that the EFC remains one of the biggest and most-watched promotions in global MMA.

Extreme Sports Channel to air NJPW’s Destruction in Kobe - September 25, 2023

Extreme Sports Channel UK will exclusively broadcast New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) Destruction in Kobe 2023 on September 29th, just five days after the live event.

NJPW’s Destruction series began in 2007, now taking place multiple times per year across various locations in Japan. Destruction in Kobe will host some of the world’s most renowned professional wrestlers such as elite British athletes Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. Gabe Kidd and Drilla Maloney also contribute to the representation of the UK, appearing alongside other international wrestlers such as Naito, Shingo Takagi, Jeff Cobb and Great O Khan.

Current NJPW World TV Champion, Sabre Jr, commented on the deal: “United Kingdom! Don’t be morons, make sure to watch Destruction in Kobe on Friday 29th September at 7pm, exclusively on Extreme Sports Channel in the UK, via Pluto TV. Don’t miss out.”

Zack Sabre Jr. will compete in a Tag Team Match as part of TMDK alongside Bad Boy Tito, against two members of the faction, CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii).

Ospreay will defend his United Kingdom Heavyweight Championship against Yota Tsuji the in the Main Event, which will be his first defence of the title.

Viewers across the UK, France, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden can watch Pluto TV for free via the Pluto TV app for Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, Samsung and LG devices, and via mobile apps on the Apple App Store and Google Play

UFC 296: Edwards vs Covington on TNT Sports Box Office - December 6, 2023

On December 16th, MMA fans in the UK and Ireland will be able to watch UFC 296: Edwards vs Covington exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office.

UFC 296: Edwards vs Covington, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is headlined by a title fight featuring Britain’s Leon ‘Rocky’ Edwards defending his UFC welterweight championship belt against Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington.

Edwards enters the bout on an 11-fight winning streak, notably defeating Kamaru Usman in back-to-back fights. He claimed the welterweight championship belt dramatically, knocking out Usman with a stunning head kick in the fifth round of their August 2022 bout. Covington steps into the Octagon for the first time in 20 months, having defeated compatriot Jorge Masvidal by unanimous decision in March 2021.

The main card also includes another title defence, as reigning flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja takes on Brandon Royval. These two fighters previously faced off in August 2021, with Pantoja securing the victory via submission. Viewers will also witness Briton Paddy Pimblett facing Ferguson, with the Liverpudlian aiming to climb up the lightweight rankings and Ireland’s Ian Machado Garry facing Vicente Luque.

The broadcast of preliminary card will be available for TNT Sports subscribers to watch on TNT Sports 2 from 01:00, before the main card starts from 03:00, exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office.

UFC 296: Edwards vs Covington costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched through EE TV, Virgin Media TV and Sky, online via the web or the TNT Sports Box Office App. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event. Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via Sky for €29.99 or €34.99 (on the day)

Foxtel secures UFC PPV exclusivity - July 27, 2023

Mixed martial arts organisation UFC and pay-TV operator Foxtel have reached a multi-year agreement that will make Foxtel and Kayo Sports the exclusive distributor of all UFC Pay Per Views in Australia.

Starting in January 2024, all UFC Pay Per View events will be broadcast exclusively on Main Event on Foxtel and Kayo Sports, while Foxtel will also remain the exclusive UFC Commercial Pay Per View provider through its commercial arm Foxtel for Business. The agreement extends UFC’s long-standing relationship with Foxtel Group, which first began broadcasting UFC programming in 2008.

“I am excited that we are extending our broadcast partnership with Foxtel Group,” declared UFC President, Dana White. “Foxtel and Kayo Sports are the best sports broadcasters in the country, and they have backed UFC in Australia since the beginning. Together, we will continue to grow UFC in Australia, and they will be the destination for the biggest and baddest fights we put on year-round. I can’t wait to get back to Sydney for UFC 293 this September. See you then Australia!”

“For 15 years we have been bringing the biggest UFC fights to Australian audiences and this new agreement will extend and elevate that partnership on the cusp of a golden era for the sport,” added Foxtel Group CEO, Patrick Delany. “UFC boasts one of the youngest fan bases of any professional sport in the country and it’s exciting to continue our partnership with a brand that has such enormous growth potential – both at home and abroad. It’s the perfect match for our more than 3 million sports subscribers streaming on Kayo Sports and Foxtel.”

Following a three-year absence, UFC returned to Australia in February 2023 with UFC 284: MAKHACHEV VS. VOLKANOVSKI at RAC Arena in Perth.

Following this hugely successful return, UFC will cement its commitment to the market with UFC 293 scheduled to take place on Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on September 10th. The event will mark UFC’s first return to Sydney since 2017 and its first Pay Per View in Sydney since 2011. UFC’s return to Sydney is a result of its new partnership with the New South Wales (NSW) Government through its Tourism and Events agency Destination NSW and will be the first of three Pay-Per-View events to be held in Sydney over the next four years.

UFC’s popularity has soared since it was first broadcast in Australia in 2008. There are now more than 700 million UFC fans across the globe, including a total of 243 million followers across UFC’s social media channels. In Australia and New Zealand combined, UFC counts more than 4.3 million fans and 6 million social media followers and features one of the youngest fan bases of any professional sport in Australia, with 48 per cent aged between 18-39.

Since 2010, UFC has presented 16 live events in Australia, including sold-out shows at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, Perth Arena, Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Gold Coast Convention Centre. These events have had a combined attendance of over 280,000 fans, with millions more watching on Pay Per View and broadcast television globally.

11/07/2023

THE CW NETWORK TO BECOME THE EXCLUSIVE BROADCAST HOME TO WWE NXT

NXT Makes Broadcast Television Debut with Five-Year Deal Beginning October 2024

Network to Air Live Events Featuring WWE’s Next Generation of Superstars 52 Weeks a Year

November 7, 2023 (Burbank, CA & Stamford, Conn.) – The CW Network will become the official broadcast home to WWE NXT in October 2024. The five-year agreement marks the first time in its 13-year history that WWE NXT – which showcases WWE’s hottest up-and-coming Superstars – will air on a broadcast television network. WWE NXT will debut on The CW Network in October 2024 and air 52 live weekly events throughout the season.

“We are thrilled to welcome the WWE brand into the CW Sports portfolio as they play an integral role in our mission to bring live sporting events to the network year-round,” said Dennis Miller, President, The CW Network. “WWE NXT is a perfect fit for The CW thanks to its dynamic young talent featuring the hottest rising stars in the sport and exhilarating, unpredictable weekly events. The passion and engagement of WWE’s fanbase is unmatched, and we are eager to grow that audience as WWE NXT’s new home on broadcast television.”

“The CW has made impressive moves over the past year with its live sports programming schedule,” said Nick Khan, WWE President. “It’s a truly exciting opportunity to expand NXT’s audience by bringing the show to broadcast television for the first time in NXT’s history.”

Launched by WWE Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque, WWE NXT has aired weekly since 2012 and features the brightest young talent in sports entertainment. Nearly 90% of the participants in last year’s WrestleMania were developed under the NXT banner. Led by WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, NXT is popular with younger audiences, ranking No. 1 in cable primetime on Tuesday nights last quarter among adults 18-49 and 18-34. Year to date, NXT’s average viewership is up 30% among adults 18-49. WWE Superstars, such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch, have come up through NXT.

WWE NXT joins a growing roster of live sports on The CW Network, including ACC football and basketball games airing every Saturday throughout the season and LIV Golf. The CW is also the new home of the Emmy-award winning weekly studio series “Inside the NFL” and will broadcast NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in 2025. The network will soon offer more than 500 hours of sports programming year-round.

ABOUT THE CW NETWORK

The CW Network, LLC is one of America’s major broadcast networks and reaches 100% of US television households. The CW delivers 15 hours of primetime entertainment programming per week in addition to over 300 hours of sports per year as the broadcast home to LIV Golf, ACC football and basketball games, “Inside the NFL” and the NASCAR Xfinity Series beginning in 2025. The fully ad-supported CW App, with more than 96 million downloads to date, is available for free to consumers on all major platforms and is home to the latest episodes and seasons of The CW’s primetime programming, live streaming of LIV Golf tournaments and a library of entertaining film and television content for on-demand viewing. The CW is 75%-owned by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST), a leading diversified media company and largest CW affiliate group with 42 CW and CW Plus affiliates, covering 39% of the population. For more information about The CW, please visit www.cwtv.com.

ABOUT WWE

WWE, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), is an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family-friendly entertainment on its television programming, premium live events, digital media, and publishing platforms. WWE’s TV-PG programming can be seen in more than 1 billion homes worldwide in 25 languages through world-class distribution partners including NBCUniversal, FOX Sports, TNT Sport, Sony India and Rogers. The award-winning WWE Network includes all premium live events, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library and is currently available in approximately 165 countries. In the United States, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home to WWE Network.

10.19.2023

UFC AND THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI EXTEND PARTNERSHIP TO 2028

UAE Capital to Continue to Host UFC Championship Events with Additional Fight Night Events to Take Place within the MENA Region

Abu Dhabi, UAE, October 19, 2023 – UFC®, part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO), and The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), today announced the continuation of their existing partnership which sees the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation bring one numbered event featuring a championship bout to the Emirate every year. The new partnership will also expand to include additional Fight Night events, which will take place across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.  

UFC has a longstanding relationship with Abu Dhabi, with 18 events having been held in the region since 2010. The two sides entered a formal partnership in 2019, and since then, some of the biggest names in combat sports have competed in the UAE capital, including former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who defended his title multiple times in Abu Dhabi, along with former two-weight world champion Conor McGregor, former middleweight champion and No.1 contender Israel Adesanya, and many others.  Over the term of the original deal, nine title fights have taken place showcasing top-tier global talent, entertaining viewers all over the world and growing the sport of MMA across the MENA region.

“Bringing UFC to Abu Dhabi each year has proved hugely popular, with MMA fans coming to the emirate from all over the world to watch the biggest and best fights in the sport,” said HE Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi. “Over a 15-year relationship, UFC has extended its global reach and Abu Dhabi has established itself as a world capital for combat sports. Renewing our partnership with UFC allows us to continue to stage major events that thrill visitors and residents. We are excited to extend the relationship and innovate together to grow this sport in the UAE and wider region.”    

UFC CEO Dana White commented: “Abu Dhabi is one of my favourite places in the world; the people, the restaurants, the hotels, it’s incredible. I have been so excited to be able to put on some of the biggest fights in the history of UFC in Abu Dhabi and it’s only going to get even bigger from here with additional Fight Nights coming to the region next year. I love it here.”

Since 2010, UFC events have brought thousands of fight fans to Abu Dhabi and showcased UFC and the emirate to a global TV audience within UFC’s broadcast footprint of more than 900 million homes across more than 170 countries.

That partnership was deepened further as Abu Dhabi hosted three separate series of Fight Island events during the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when sport around the world was shutting down, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island was transformed to create a safe and secure location for international athletes to compete. The events became a global sporting phenomena and example to other sporting organisations and host cities around the world.

The announcement comes ahead of the sold-out UFC 294: MAKHACHEV VS VOLKANOVSKI 2 set to take place on Saturday, October 21, at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Last year, a sold-out crowd witnessed Islam Makhachev become the lightweight champion when he defeated Charles Oliveira via second round stoppage at UFC 280®. In the co-main event, fan favourite and UAE resident Khamzat Chimaev will make his middleweight debut as he faces his toughest test to date in Kamaru Usman in a bout that is guaranteed to deliver fireworks inside the Octagon.

In addition to the championship event, fans have been enjoying a week-long celebration of MMA as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week returned bigger than ever this year to take over the city, including UFC Fan Experiences, concerts, comedy shows, and much more.

Abu Dhabi has a proven track record of hosting major global sports and adrenaline-driven competitions and events. The destination provides seamless connectivity, world-leading infrastructure, and a wide range of attractions and activities which cater to visitors of all tastes. The emirate’s transformation into a global centre for sport is fully supported by Abu Dhabi Government entities in cooperation with private sector partners.

About UFC®

UFC® is the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization (MMA), with more than 700 million fans and 243 million social media followers. The organization produces more than 40 live events annually in some of the most prestigious arenas around the world while broadcasting to over 900 million TV households across more than 170 countries. UFC’s athlete roster features the world’s best MMA athletes representing more than 80 countries. The organization’s digital offerings include UFC FIGHT PASS®, one of the world’s leading streaming services for combat sports. UFC is part of TKO Group Holdings (NYSE: TKO) and is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information, visit UFC.com and follow UFC at Facebook.com/UFC and @UFC on X, Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok: @UFC.

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi:

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae For Abu Dhabi Calendar, please visit inabudhabi.ae

Pro Wrestling

Logan Paul

"Always a tough question. I have to go with John Cena. John Cena for me is the GOAT for sure. Probably The Rock. Actually, no, never mind. Stone Cold Steve Austin. Hulk Hogan, real legend, started all of it. Me, of course. And best for last, gotta be Dominik Mysterio."

Randy Orton to Logan Paul

"If you go out there, if you and me went out there and we had nothing laid out except for kind of, you know, a beginning, a middle, and an end, there'd be a lot of gaps to fill. There'd be plenty of time to be in the moment. For me, not having all these spots to remember, it gives you the ability to be in the moment, to be out there and actually listen to the people," 

Von Erich family to make AEW debut at Dynamite Winter is Coming - December 8, 2023

Kevin, Marshall, and Ross Von Erich will appear on next week's AEW Dynamite.

The Von Erich family are heading to next week’s Dynamite.

It was announced on Wednesday that Kevin, Ross, and Marshall Von Erich will appear on next week’s Winter is Coming edition of Dynamite in Arlington, Texas, which is in the Dallas area. Their appearance comes ahead of the upcoming release of The Iron Claw movie, which arrives in theaters on December 22.

The Iron Claw film will focus on the lives and careers of Fritz Von Erich and his sons Kevin, Kerry, David, and Mike. Although Fritz’s sons became major stars of his World Class Championship Wrestling territory in Dallas in the 1980s, by 1993 all of his sons except for Kevin died at an early age due to issues outside of the ring. Chris, another brother who died at an early age, was omitted from the film.

Ross and Marshall Von Erich, Kevin’s sons, entered professional wrestling in 2012. They have wrestled for Pro Wrestling NOAH, Impact Wrestling, and MLW. They appeared at last year’s Ric Flair’s Last Match event, where they lost to Mark and Jay Briscoe.

(Wrestling Observer)

WWE's Seth Rollin's to the crowd on CM Punk

WWE Holiday Live Tour stop in Utica, New York on Saturday, December 9, 2023, WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin'” Rollins acknowledged the fans chanting “CM Punk! CM Punk!” during his match.

Rollins got on the microphone and addressed the crowd

“Excuse me, who’s that? Serious question: was that guy on the show tonight,” Rollins said of Punk’s appearance at the NXT Deadline 2023 premium live event going on at the same time.

Rollins continued, “He’s the ‘Best in the World’, right? Nah, nah, in all seriousness, I’m the best in the friggin’ world! Cause every single town, every single night, doesn’t matter the opponent, I show up, and I show out!”

"The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase quotes

Ted Dibiase recently talked about a wide range of topics on his Everybody’s Got a Pod. 

    

WWE Hall of Famer talked about The Ultimate Warrior and whether he was a good wrestler. 

“No, he was good at bodybuilding. Maybe that was just one of those things where Vince [McMahon] said, ‘I’m going to prove that I can make anybody a star.’ Because this guy, you know, obviously he was dedicated and it takes a lot of work and discipline to build a body like that. I get that, and I can appreciate that. That doesn’t make you a [good] wrestler.”

On Hulk Hogan.

“Who determines who gets pushed and who doesn’t? Right? Well, who’s going to get the time, the Hulkster was great on the mic. You know, he wasn’t bad in the ring, but I’m sorry, he was really good on the microphone.”

Logan Paul: 'I think I have to' be around WWE more after title win - November 5, 2023

WWE fans are likely to be seeing even more of Logan Paul, at least in the short term.

Paul, the YouTuber, boxer and pro wrestler, beat Rey Mysterio to win the WWE United States championship on Saturday at WWE Crown Jewel in Saudi Arabia. It's Paul's first title victory in WWE. He only has eight career pro wrestling matches but has been a fixture on big WWE shows for about a year and a half. Paul said winning a WWE title was a "bucket list" moment for him.

For the most part, Paul has been a part-timer in WWE. That might not completely change, but the social media phenom told ESPN on Saturday, minutes after winning the belt, that he's likely to be making more appearances with the promotion. He has to defend the title, after all.

"I think I have to," Paul said of spending more time on WWE programming. "You're going to have to watch Raw. You're going to have to watch SmackDown. I'm going to make some surprise appearances and show these wrestlers who's the real king."

Paul, 28, had a boxing match against Dillon Danis just three weeks ago, which he won via disqualification. After beating Mysterio, Paul said he was far more tired going nearly 18 minutes with Mysterio than he would be after a boxing fight.

"That was barely a performance," Paul said of the Danis bout. "I wouldn't even call that a fight. Tonight was a fight. Tonight was hard. I'm telling you, bro. I'm winded. I feel like I really earned this. So, I see these comments online. 'Logan Paul, spoon-fed, silver spoon in his mouth. Everything's been given to him his whole life. He hasn't earned it.'

"I would do more in 12 hours than most people do in 12 months. My blueprint cannot be duplicated, bro. My pace is unmatched. I'm not playing the same game as the other people. I've beaten the matrix and I'm the architect."

Who could be Paul's first title defense foe is unclear. But there is no shortage of possibilities. Paul, despite his lack of experience, has shown uncanny skills and an ability to work in the ring. His performances have drawn critical acclaim.

There is one score he could settle with another big star outside of WWE who wrestles from time to time: Bad Bunny. When asked about the Puerto Rican reggaeton star, Paul said he could be interested and the two of them have the same rating -- 84 -- in the WWE video game WWE 2k23. Paul also currently lives and trains in boxing in Puerto Rico.

"He is good, but he's scrawny, man," Paul said. "I'm pushing 250 [pounds]. ... He has the same rating as me, so maybe I don't know anything. Maybe we're the same. Maybe we've got to settle this in the ring."

Whether the match happens, it's clear Paul will be around WWE more. He's just not exactly sure how much.

"I have a bit of occupational ADHD," he said. "So, wherever my attention goes, wherever the people are the most entertained. And at the moment, that is the WWE, and [I'm] just focused on building my brands and protecting this belt, keeping it around my waist."

(ESPN)

Sources: Henry Cejudo, Merab Dvalishvili to fight at UFC 298 - December 11, 2023

A big bantamweight fight is coming to Southern California.

Former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo will face Merab Dvalishvili at UFC 298 on Feb. 17 in Anaheim, California, sources confirmed to ESPN on Sunday. Cejudo discussed the fight Sunday in a YouTube video. Sources said nothing has been signed, nor have bout agreements been received. But the fight is verbally agreed to by both sides.

ESPN has Dvalishvili ranked No. 3 and Cejudo ranked No. 4 in the world at 135 pounds. Dvalishvili is known as one of the best and most dominant wrestlers in the division, while Cejudo is a former freestyle wrestling Olympic gold medalist.

Cejudo (16-3) is one of four fighters to hold two UFC divisional titles concurrently, winning both the flyweight and bantamweight belts. The California native who lives and trains out of Arizona is coming off a very close split-decision loss to Aljamain Sterling, Dvalishvili's teammate, at UFC 288 in May. It was the first bout in three years for Cejudo, 36, who retired in 2020.

Dvalishvili (16-4) has won nine in a row, including eight straight at bantamweight, the second-longest such streak in division history. The Republic of Georgia native who trains out of New York and Las Vegas owns the most takedowns landed in UFC bantamweight history (61). Dvalishvili, 32, is coming off a unanimous decision win over former bantamweight champion Petr Yan in March.

UFC 298 will be headlined by a featherweight title fight between champion Alexander Volkanovski and challenger Ilia Topuria.

Conor McGregor and Khabib snubbed in UFC legend's best-fighter list - December 9, 2023

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson named his best-fighter list but McGregor and Nurmagomedov weren't included in his top-four.

Johnson said of his list: "For me to have 11 consecutive title defences and always look for the finish against my opponents, the list goes on. To be able to go to a different organisation where I’m fighting at 135lb against bigger opponents in a different rule set. I was able to win a world grand prix which is a tournament-style, three fights in one year and then turn around and fight for the belt."

"I go do an IBJJF Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament. My first time in the gi, brown belt masters at 37 years old and I go out there and I win it. Not one point got scored on me, not any one of those fighters, not even f****** Jon Jones himself would do that and be able to pass with flying colours, so I think the ability for me to be able to transition into different things is what puts me above those guys."

Johnson ranked himself above Silva and St-Pierre because of his finishes in world title fights, as he won by stoppage in seven of his record-breaking 11 consecutive title defences. 'Mighty Mouse' said of his decision to rank Jones above himself: “That is the only man that I’ll put ahead of me because this man, I feel like every single time he has been inside the cage he could just destroy his opponent however you want it.”

Nurmagomedov has widely been snubbed by fans and 'greatest of all time' lists because of his decision to retire in the peak of his career. The Russian ended his career with a flawless record of 29-0 as he promised his mother that he wouldn't fight again following the tragic passing of his father.

McGregor is undeniably the most popular MMA fighter ever and he became the first UFC fighter to hold world titles in two weight divisions simultaneously. The Irishman, who is set to fight again next year, has just one win in four years as he was beaten by Dustin Poirier in both of his latest fights.

UFC FIGHT PASS INVITATIONAL 5 RESULTS - December 11, 2023

See The Match Results As They Happen, Watch Post-Fight Interviews With The Winners And More From UFC APEX In Las Vegas

Felipe Pena and Nicholas Meregali headline a stacked card at the UFC Apex this Sunday. In the co-main event, Yuri Simões and Nicky Rodriguez face off.

UFC FIGHT PASS INVITATIONAL 5 takes place December 10, 2023 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. The first two opening matches are live and free on YouTube, starting at 8pm ET / 5pm PT.  The remaining matches can be viewed exclusively on UFC FIGHT PASS around the world.

All matches are No-Gi, with modified ADCC points ruleset. 

UFC FIGHT PASS Invitational 5 Results

Achilles Rocha defeats Andy Verela by points in OT

Hannah Goldy defeats Amanda Mazza by Submission due to an Armbar

Aaron Wilson defeats Cristian Guzman by Submission due to an Armbar

Vagner Rocha defeats Victor Silverio by Submission in OT

Elisabeth Clay defeats Luiza Monteiro by Submission due to a Heel Hook

Jonnatas Gracie defeats Nicky Ryan by Points in OT

Victor Hugo defeats Dan Manasoiu by Submission due to an Americana

Mason Fowler defeats Haisam Rida by Submission due to Kimura

Co-Main Event: Nicky Rodriguez defeats Yuri Simões by Points in OT

'Game changers': The Professional Fighters League buys rival MMA company Bellator in bid to knock off UFC -November 20, 2023

The Professional Fighters League has purchased rival MMA company Bellator from Paramount Global in its boldest attempt yet to make a dent in the industry leader, the UFC.

PFL did not disclose financial terms in the announcement.

“This really makes PFL now a global powerhouse and poised to become a co-leader,” in MMA, PFL Chairman Donn Davis told The Associated Press.

“The first five years of the company, our mission was to be the No.2 company in MMA and we achieved that. We now set a new goal. How do we become the co-leader?”

The deal was aided in part by Saudi Arabia’s recent purchase into PFL.

The purchase was relatively modest — $152 million according to the Financial Times — but even in a minority role, Saudi-backed SRJ Sports Investments ensured mixed-martial arts events will take place in that country.

“Their vision is the same as our vision, to become a co-leader in MMA,” Davis said.

“Their economic and financial support is helpful for us to be able to achieve this. The Bellator fighter roster is fantastic. But we have to reinvigorate the Bellator business and, with our capital, we’ll be able to do that.”

While the PFL has a unique MMA competition format that includes a regular season, a postseason and a championship event, the Bellator brand will continue in a series of one-off cards in 2024. PFL will launch the “Bellator International Champions Series” next year.

The Champions Series was expected to consist of eight fight events.

PFL absorbed a Bellator roster that included name fighters such as Cris “Cyborg” Justino, Sergio Pettis and Patricio “Pitbull” Freire.

Davis said the company first approached Paramount about a deal in January. Bellator now becomes one of five live fight franchises of the Professional Fighters League: PFL League Season, PFL PPV Super Fights, PFL Challenger Series, PFL International Leagues, and Bellator.

PFL also planned to stage a PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions card in 2024 that would include champions in all seven weight classes.

PFL completes its season November 24 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., in a card headlined by the return of two-time Olympic gold medallist Kayla Harrison.

Bellator ran its final card Friday night under the Paramount umbrella on Showtime. There are no other immediate shows planned until next year. Davis also did not reveal the fate of Bellator’s media rights.

Paramount has a minority stake in PFL. It was not immediately clear if Bellator President Scott Coker would remain involved with the company.

“We respect Scott and we respect his long-time leadership in MMA,” Davis said. “We have opportunities for Scott and the entire Bellator team to join us. We’ll be making announcements in the coming weeks after our championship about that.”

UFC, which sold for $US4 billion in 2016, certainly isn’t anywhere close to ceding its spot as the global MMA leader. White openly scoffed at UFC 295 at the idea of ever co-promoting a card with PFL.

PFL, whose cards are carried on ESPN platforms, has former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou and YouTube influencer and celebrity fighter Jake Paul on its roster.

Davis said two PFL pay-per-view events are planned in 2024 with Ngannou and Paul each scheduled to headline one of those cards.

Ngannou impressed last month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a 10-round boxing loss to reigning WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury. Davis said it was “100 per cent” that Ngannou will fight in PFL next season in “either MMA or mixed rules for PFL.”

UFC’s former owner Zuffa LLC. purchased MMA company Strikeforce in 2011 and ran it as a separate company. Only two years later, Strikeforce was dissolved and all fighter contracts were terminated or absorbed into the UFC.

Davis said there are no plans to eliminate the Bellator brand.

“They’re all part of PFL now,” Davis said. “There are not Bellator fighters and PFL fighters. They’re all PFL fighters now and they’ll fight across all of our products.”

Foxtel lands international cricket extension as boss pours cold water on Amazon deal - December 8, 2023

Foxtel boss Patrick Delany has played down the impact of Amazon’s ICC broadcasting rights deal as his company announced its own multiyear contract extensions with the South African, English and Indian cricket boards.

Amazon shook up the world of cricket broadcasting earlier this week with a blockbuster deal to show the next four years of World Cup, World Test Championship final and Champions Trophy action behind a paywall on its Prime Video service, but Delany said it was not the shift in broadcasting market dynamics it had been made out to be.

“I don’t think Amazon buying some ICC games, which are largely World Cups that are played offshore, is some sort of big change in the market,” Delany said.

“There is not a lot of content that’s relevant to Australia in terms of time zone, time of the year and countries that it’s being played in,” Delany said about the next two World Cup cycles, adding Australia’s recent triumph in India aired at suitable times for local fans.

Foxtel announced its extensions on Friday, under which all international Test, One Day International and T20 cricket tours played across South Africa, England and India – barring the Ashes – will be broadcast across Foxtel and its streaming service, Kayo, extending a decade-long partnership.

The Ashes are excluded due to its status on the federal anti-siphoning list, which protects certain events with major cultural significance from being taken behind a paywall. Nine, the owner of this masthead, recently secured a deal to broadcast the next two Ashes tours in England in 2027 and 2031.

Foxtel, alongside the Seven Network, will broadcast series held on Australian soil until 2031 in a deal extended earlier this year.

At the end of November, the Albanese government introduced legislation into Parliament updating the anti-siphoning list to include online services. Under the legislation, free-to-air broadcasters are given priority to secure the broadcast rights to show events on the list.

The content included in Amazon’s rights deal with the ICC is not included on the list, which protects World Cup matches involving Australia, but only if they are played in either Australia or New Zealand.

The next World Cup, where Australia will attempt to defend its recent win, will be jointly hosted by Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa in 2027. Australia and New Zealand will host the T20 World Cup in 2028, which is not included in Amazon’s deal.

“It didn’t go our way,” Delany says on the proposed updates to the anit-siphoning legislation. “We think free is free, and if an operator is willing to provide Australian iconic sport to Australians for free, and the internet can do that, then we think that should have been enough.

“We were disappointed that we didn’t move into the 21st century with it.”

Rebecca McCloy, Foxtel Group’s executive director of commercial sport, said the deal bolsters Foxtel’s offering for cricket fans for years to come.

“Alongside our comprehensive rights to domestic cricket, which we have until 2031, this announcement is great news for our millions of subscribers who can continue to enjoy the most extensive coverage of cricket in Australia and around the world.”

Foxtel also broadcasts all New Zealand cricket matches, the Indian Premier League and men’s and women’s Big Bash League matches.

(SMH)

The 16 Greatest Lessons From 16 Years With Marcus Aurelius

1: In my first read of Meditations, I highlighted the line “It can ruin your life only if it ruins your character.” But COVID created a different way for me to see and understand what Marcus was writing about. When he talks about how there’s two kinds of plagues: the plague that can take your life and the plague that can destroy your character — he was talking about the things that we’re seeing in the world, that we saw on a daily basis over the last two years.

2: One of my favorite lines: “To accept without arrogance, to let it go with indifference.” Another translation of the same: “Receive without pride, let go without attachment.” Meaning: You are who you are, success or failure, admired or ignored.

3: In Book Five, I learned what philosophy really is. It’s not an “instructor,” as Marcus put it. It’s not the courses I was taking in school. It is medicine. It’s “a soothing ointment, a warm lotion.” It’s designed to help us deal with the difficulties of life—to heal, as Epicurus said, the suffering of man.

4: In the introduction of the Gregory Hays translation (my favorite translation and the translation we used in the leatherbound edition), I was first introduced to the distillation of Stoicism into three distinct disciplines (perception, action, will). It was this order that eventually shaped both The Obstacle is the Way and The Daily Stoic. When I get asked to explain the three disciplines, this is usually my short answer: See things for what they are. Do what we can. Endure and bear what we must.

5: Marcus writes, “Go straight to the seat of intelligence,” and, “Mastery of reading and writing requires a master. Still, more so life.” I wrote “RG” in the margins of my original copy. RG stands for Robert Greene—who was and is my master in writing and, more so, in life.

6: From Marcus I learned who Heraclitus was (Marcus quotes him a lot). “No man steps in the same river twice,” is one of the lines he quotes. Even on my sixteen year journey, I still get something new out of Meditations each time I pick it up.

7: On what I would guess is my third or fourth read, I marked this passage: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.” Since then, I’ve tried to think about death at least a couple times a day. Memento Mori.

8: At some point after I read the Hays translation, I picked up another translation of Marcus—one that was also free online. I was immediately struck by how the beautiful, lyrical book I loved had become dense and unreadable. It struck me that if I had cheapened out and tried to get for free what I’d bought instead, my entire life might have turned out differently. Books are investments. Be glad to put in your money.

9: Marcus has a wonderful phrase for the approval and cheering of other people. He calls it “the clacking of tongues”—that’s all public praise is, he says. Anyone that works in the public eye, who puts their work out there, should keep this phrase constantly in mind.

10: “The student as a boxer, not a fencer.” Why? Because the fencer has a weapon they must pick up. A boxer’s weapons are a part of him, he and the weapon are one. Same goes for knowledge, philosophy and wisdom.

11: “It stares you right in the face,” Marcus writes. “No role is so well suited to philosophy as the one you happen to be in right now.” Was he referring specifically to the role of emperor? Did he mean that any and every role is the perfect one for philosophy? I prefer to think it is the latter.

12: It’s funny to think that his writings may be as special as they are because they were never intended to be read by us. Almost every other piece of literature is a kind of performance—it’s made for the audience. Meditations isn’t. In fact, their original title (Ta eis heauton) roughly translates as To Himself. That’s why the tagline on my site is, “Meditations on Strategy and Life”—I’m largely writing to and for myself.

13: A great rhetorical exercise from Marcus goes essentially like this: “Is a world without shameless people possible? No. So this person you’ve just met is one of them. Get over it.” It’s something I try to remind myself every time I meet someone who frustrates or bothers me.

14: One of the most practical things I’ve learned from the Stoics is an exercise I’ve come to call “contemptuous expressions”. I love how Marcus would take fancy things and describe them in almost cynical, dismissive language—“seeing roasted meat and other dishes in front of you and suddenly realizing: This is a dead fish. A dead bird. A dead pig.” He even describes the Emperor’s purple cloak as just a piece of fabric dyed with shellfish blood. The aim was to see these things as they really are, to “strip away the legend that encrusts them.” When I interviewed Robert Greene for Daily Stoic, I was surprised to hear he also loved this passage. As he explained to me: “I’ve tried to bring that across in my writing. For instance, to deconstruct things like power and seduction and to see the actual elements in play instead of the legends surrounding them.”

15: It was in reading Pierre Hadot’s excellent book The Inner Citadel that I first got an explicit explanation of a Stoic exercise he calls “turning obstacles upside down.” I’d read the original passage in Meditations, but Hadot’s translation was different, it made it clearer. The original title of my book was “Turning Obstacles Upside Down.” It was only in reading The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs that I found the Zen saying, “The obstacle is the path” that I was able to combine it all and come up with the book. This is why I’m an advocate of swarming topics, surrounding it from all angles.

16: I was lucky enough to interview Gregory Hays in 2007. I asked him what his favorite passage was. He quoted: “Keep in mind how fast things pass by and are gone–those that are now and those to come. Existence flows past us like a river: the ‘what’ is in constant flux, the ‘why’ has a thousand variations. Nothing is stable, not even what’s right here. The infinity of past and future gapes before us—a chasm whose depths we cannot see.” I have to admit I missed the brilliance of that one the first time, but it’s stuck with me ever since.

To learn more and to pick up your own copy of this beautiful new edition of Meditations, visit dailystoic.com/meditations.

By: Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author of The Obstacle is the Way, Ego is the Enemy and Stillness is the Key. His latest book, Discipline is Destiny, is the second in his Stoic Virtues Series and can be purchased at the Daily Stoic Store.

Greek Philosophers

The famous ancient Greek philosophers had a tremendous impact on the development of western philosophical thought.

n ancient Greece, philosophers contemplated and theorized about many different ideas such as human nature, ethics, and moral dilemmas. Ancient Greek philosophers can be categorized into three groups: the Pre-Socratics, the Socratics, and the Post-Socratics.

Pre-Socratic philosophers mostly investigated natural phenomena. They believed that humans originated from a single substance, which could be water, air, or an unlimited substance called “apeiron.” One well-known philosopher from this group was Pythagoras, the mathematician who created the Pythagorean Theorem.

The Socratic philosophers in ancient Greece were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. These are some of the most well-known of all Greek philosophers. Socrates (470/469–399 B.C.E.) is remembered for his teaching methods and for asking thought-provoking questions. Instead of lecturing his students, he asked them difficult questions in order to challenge their underlying assumptions—a method still used in modern-day law schools. Because Socrates wrote little about his life or work, much of what we know comes from his student Plato.

Plato (428/427–348/347 B.C.E.) studied ethics, virtue, justice, and other ideas relating to human behavior. Following in Socrates’ footsteps, he became a teacher and inspired the work of the next great Greek philosopher, Aristotle. Aristotle (384–322 B.C.E.), while also interested in ethics, studied different sciences like physics, biology, and astronomy. He is often credited with developing the study of logic, as well as the foundation for modern-day zoology.

The Post-Socratic philosophers established four schools of philosophy: Cynicism, Skepticism, Epicureanism, and Stoicism. The Post-Socratic philosophers focused their attention on the individual rather than on communal issues such as politics. For example, stoicism sought to understand and cultivate a certain way of life, based on one’s virtues, or wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. Modern philosophers and educators still employ the patterns of thinking and exploration established by ancient Greek philosophers, such as the application of logic to questions of thought and engaging in debate to better convey philosophical ideas.

(National Geographic)

Ancient Greek Philosophy

From Thales, who is often considered the first Western philosopher, to the Stoics and Skeptics, ancient Greek philosophy opened the doors to a particular way of thinking that provided the roots for the Western intellectual tradition. Here, there is often an explicit preference for the life of reason and rational thought. We find proto-scientific explanations of the natural world in the Milesian thinkers, and we hear Democritus posit atoms—indivisible and invisible units—as the basic stuff of all matter. With Socrates comes a sustained inquiry into ethical matters—an orientation towards human living and the best life for human beings. With Plato comes one of the most creative and flexible ways of doing philosophy, which some have since attempted to imitate by writing philosophical dialogues covering topics still of interest today in ethics, political thought, metaphysics, and epistemology. Plato’s student, Aristotle, was one of the most prolific of ancient authors. He wrote treatises on each of these topics, as well as on the investigation of the natural world, including the composition of animals. The Hellenists—Epicurus, the Cynics, the Stoics, and the Skeptics—developed schools or movements devoted to distinct philosophical lifestyles, each with reason at its foundation.

With this preference for reason came a critique of traditional ways of living, believing, and thinking, which sometimes caused political trouble for the philosophers themselves. Xenophanes directly challenged the traditional anthropomorphic depiction of the gods, and Socrates was put to death for allegedly inventing new gods and not believing in the gods mandated by the city of Athens. After the fall of Alexander the Great, and because of Aristotle’s ties with Alexander and his court, Aristotle escaped the same fate as Socrates by fleeing Athens. Epicurus, like Xenophanes, claimed that the mass of people is impious, since the people conceive of the gods as little more than superhumans, even though human characteristics cannot appropriately be ascribed to the gods. In short, not only did ancient Greek philosophy pave the way for the Western intellectual tradition, including modern science, but it also shook cultural foundations in its own time.

Dubai real estate investments and tips; Emirates cancels flights; best Gulf CEOs; Casino conference plans- 10 things you missed this week - 8th December 2023

Mercedes-Benz branded residence in Dubai, COP28, UAE jobseeker advice, Emirates flights cancelled and more top stories this week

Dubai real estate investors and homebuyers are looking forward to another branded real estate development from a world-famous brand, after it was announced Binghatti will team up with Mercedes-Benz to launch a themed skyscraper in the city.

Meanwhile, world-renowned authorities on the gaming industry were confirmed as keynote speakers at a casino conference in the city.

The best in Middle East business was in the spotlight this week as the region’s Top 50 CEOs were identified by Arabian Business and the top worldwide travel and hospitality brands were honoured at the World Travel Awards.

Among it all the COP28 summit is ongoing, real estate experts shared investment red flags, Emirates cancelled flights to India and Europe and jobseekers were given top CV tips.

Catch up with 10 of the biggest stories this week.

Dubai real estate: Binghatti, Mercedes-Benz announce massive new branded residences

Binghatti Properties, one of Dubai’s largest real estate development companies, and luxury automotive company Mercedes-Benz have announced the unveiling of a groundbreaking project called Mercedes-Benz Places | Binghatti.

This partnership combines the realms of real estate and automotive excellence, aiming to set new benchmarks in luxury design and living, Binghatti Properties said.

The real estate development will be situated in the heart of Dubai’s Downtown, surrounded by renowned landmarks such as the Dubai Mall, with breath-taking views of the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Global casino bosses heading to Dubai for major gaming conference

Some of the world’s biggest casino bosses from Las Vegas and Macau have been confirmed to speak at “Gaming Countdown”, the first-ever Arabian Business Conference to focus entirely on gaming.

The event will take place at The Atlantis, Royal on January 25th next year, from 9 AM.

The stellar line up is being led by Debra Nutton, an industry legend with experience working at MGM, Bellagio, and Wynn Resorts. Flying in from Las Vegas for the event, she will deliver a keynote on the opportunities and challenges the industry faces, along with revealing the best practices and innovations the ecosystem will need to keep in mind.

Aldar Education launches new school in Abu Dhabi, enrolment starts January 2024

Aldar Education has announced the official launch of Noya British School in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Noya British School is set to welcome its first cohort of students at the commencement of the 2024-2025 academic year in September, 2024.

This marks a significant milestone for Aldar Education as Noya British School becomes the flagship greenfield school under its newly established Aldar Schools segment.

UAE Founding Father Sheikh Zayed hologram delivers COP28 speech to world leaders

A 3D hologram of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, delivered a speech to world leaders and COP28 delegates.

The 3D hologram depicted Sheikh Zayed walking onto the stage to deliver a message at the World Climate Action Summit and followed the welcome address by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The speech told of the UAE’s long history of conservation and environmental preservation.

UAE jobs: Should jobseekers put their photograph on a CV? Experts weigh in

UAE jobseekers are advised to refrain from sharing their photographs on their Curriculum Vitae (CV), while applying for jobs, experts said, adding that this could invite unconscious bias and discrimination.

Dubai-based career coach Noona Nafousi said: “Personally, I think CVs look more professional without a photograph. It can be challenging to choose an appropriate photo, and it often depends on the subjective opinion of the CV reviewer.

“In my experience, it’s best to focus on the content of the CV and let one’s qualifications speak for themselves”.

Emirates cancels Dubai flights to India and Europe

Emirates has cancelled some of its flights to destinations in India and Europe as they deal with extreme weather conditions.

Flights to and from Munich in Germany were called off due to heavy snowfall in parts of Europe.

Meanwhile, the Dubai-based carrier also scrapped flights to Chennai in India due to heavy rain in the region.

Should you buy an electric vehicle in the UAE?

The global and regional demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing steadily. While Tesla stands out as a prominent player in this sector, numerous other automotive brands have also entered the market with electric and hybrid vehicle offerings. For drivers contemplating a change, the fundamental question is: What motivates the shift?

The UAE has taken significant steps to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country, introducing various initiatives in recent years. These include dedicated parking spaces, toll exemptions, and free charging services. As the host country for COP28, the UAE remains committed to sustainability and eco-friendly transportation solutions, leading to a growing interest and adoption of electric vehicles.

According to a recent survey by General Motors and Morning Consult, there is an increasing interest in EVs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The survey findings indicated a notable level of awareness among residents, with 95 percent in the UAE and 93 percent in Saudi Arabia acknowledging all-electric vehicles.

Revealed: Arabian Business Top 50 CEOs of 2023

This week, Arabian Business announced the Top 50 CEOs of 2023 list, celebrating the outstanding leaders from across the GCC who have driven success, transformation and growth in their organisations and industries over the past year.

2023 saw continued recovery and development across the Gulf region as economies strengthened following the pandemic and regions diversified away from oil dependence. The CEOs featured have helped propel their companies and sectors forward through vital strategic planning, partnerships, innovations and more. They have navigated challenging global economic conditions with resilience and vision.

From traditional heavyweights to new disruptors, these CEOs span all core industries within the GCC including energy, real estate, banking, telecommunications, aviation, retail and others. Their collective achievements have helped reinforce the Gulf’s status as a regional business and investment powerhouse.

World Travel Awards 2023: Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates pick up aviation prizes

Middle East airlines and hospitality brands were among the big winners at the World Travel Awards 2023.

The prestigious travel award ceremony recognises the finest travel brands in the world and held its annual prize-giving Grand Final Gala Ceremony at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The red-carpet reception marked the climax of WTA’s landmark 30th anniversary of celebrating travel excellence.

Middle East airlines, hotels, attractions and hospitality brands were big winners on the night.

Revealed: Dubai real estate red flags that buyers, renters need to know

Dubai tenants and buyers must consider a few essential factors when evaluating properties in the region, experts told Arabian Business.

From amenities and safety to legal considerations and resale potential, the experts advised individuals to make informed decisions, before taking the leap.

When assessing a property, location, amenities, and budget were identified as crucial factors by Robert Stevenson, Head of Lettings at Allsopp & Allsopp said.

(Arabian Business)