Bitcoin pulse, guides and news: 09/30/21

Thursday, September 30, 2021

Status Update - September 30, 2021 - HOGETOBER IS COMING

Quoting one of my favorite Telegram personalities (Haywood): "HOGETOBER IS COMING"

It's coming guys. Q4. Stay bullish with me everyone. Price action might not be ideal but I see it as getting ready to fuel up to grow and grow.

Stages of Progress
I am going to try a new method to quantify progress on projects. These are *rough* estimates but I hope this helps you see the relative progress that is being made with each one.

Stage 1 - Concept. An idea was proposed and is the initial building stages. A project manager is being vetted, ideas are being fleshed out and research of the subject matter is being done.
Stage 2 - Planning and Development. A project manager has been selected, funding is sourced or being sourced, a team is being assembled and a framework is being made.
Stage 3 - Building. Code (or otherwise) is being written and the the actual digital nuts and bolts are being created.
Stage 4 - Testing. The framework is done but is going through thorough verification and validation. Audits will happen at this stage too if needed.
Stage 5 - Minimum Viable Product. An alpha version has been created. There are bugs to fix but a workable project is now available.

Revenue Projects Updates

Hoge NFT Marketplace (Stage 3)
1. Project Mangers: Reconlion & Mesh.
HogeFaucet (Stage 3)
1. Project Mangers: Hogeman. Really moving on this one, HogeFaucet will be a revenue bearing endeavor as soon as it is up and running! The idea is to allow anyone to be able to stake reflection tokens with HOGE getting a small percent back from them as well as promoting the HOGE brand everywhere.
Hogemint Expansion (Stage 3)
1. Project Managers: Hogeman. Hogemint was a huge success and we are looking to expand it as a revenue bearing venture. Currently being planned and developed but will take the original idea and expand it to allow many others to mint NFTs via our printer tech.
HAI Space Program (Stage 3)
1. Project Managers: Hogeman & Aloe. #NASA #Education #Industry #Space #Industry Partnerships being sought and private investors are being spoken to. TONS of utility and revenue bearing channels here. Other than that, this will be close to the vest until ready to launch and also HAI project managers will release on own schedule.
HogeSwap + HogeBridge (Stage 3)
1. Project Managers: Wiser & Z. HogeSwap is currently being internally developed and will incorporate DAO features and will be used to enable staking with HOGE getting fees. As for HogeBridge looking for ADA and SOL bridges in Q4.
GuardHoge (Stage 1)
1. Project Managers: TBD. HOGE as the guard dog of all crypto projects and protector of rugpulls. Leveraging our insanely decentralized community and supreme flat wallet to provide a service NO ONE else can because only HOGE is this decentralized. Revenue bearing as people pay fees to get GuardHoge to provide insurance for their assets.

Hoge DAO

Project Managers: SaintC, Mesh, Daniyal, Wiser
1. DAO Lead Developers: Hoge Historian, Durendal, Kurtis
2. Supporting Developers: OTC, Darth Moleman, Kupid, Zembahk, MuMu
Hoge DAO Grant Application (Stage 5) - The first grant application is competed and has been submitted! The second grant application is currently a work in progress.
Hoge Brand (Stage 5) - It has been open sourced and decentralized and now anyone can use the brand. There are a caveats in place. You cannot trademark the Hoge brand. You cannot make another token. You cannot use it where it is illegal and/or outside the jurisdiction where you operate.
Hoge DAO Community Feedback Polls (Stage 5) - Hoge Association has developed a way to track consensus and sentiment across the different communities to vote on and/or gauge which directions to head towards.
Hoge Association Website (Stage 5) - Website up! Separate and apart from hogefinance.com and it covers all aspects of the association, branding, legal, etc.
Hoge DAO Membership & Voting Tool (Community Campaign - Stage 3) - QA testing ETA at the end of the month. A number of volunteers will be required for the testing. Further details forthcoming!
Hoge DAO Educational Materials (Stage 3) - Once the DAO is up and running, at least in an alpha format, we will need to educate holders and/or prospective holders on how to actually participate in DAO activities. 3 DAO videos on are being prepared in conjunction with Hoge University.
HOGE DAO Project Crowdfunding Platform (Formerly HogeStarter - Stage 3). Imagine a TaskRabbit, Patreon, Kickstarter wherein a community-based, DAO-powered, governance token utilized way to propose ideas and get funded for them.
Hoge DAO War Chest (Stage 2) - Ultimately, all revenue bearing projects will put a portion of funds into the DAO War Chest which will be then used to perpetuate further projects and perpetually grow all aspects of Hoge and all the properties and projects under the Hoge Association.
HOGE DAO Governance Token (Stage 1) - Many DAOs (think Uniswap for example) utilize a governance token as a side token to perform DAO functions. We are preliminarily researching the pros and cons of how a governance token would work with the community.

Hoge University

Project Managers: JRocko & Mesh
The Basics - The future thought leader in consumable and value filled DeFi education will go live SOON! Whether you've been this space for years or today is your first day, HOGE university will make it fun and easy to learn about the blockchain industry. HOGE will be the repository of education available for free to everyone in the crypto space and especially for HOGE holders (learn about DAOs, staking, farming, Uniswap, DEXes, wallets, etc.)
Hoge Calculator App - BETA is up! Currently reads ETH wallets, Phase II will allow for BSC wallets and eventually other blockchains. Please check it out and give feedback! https://www.hogeuniversity.org/calculator
1. Hoge/Doge Calculator - compare Hoge vs Doge historical data, prices and when Hoge should flip Doge in terms of supply and/or market cap.
2. Reflection Calculator - calculate how much Hoge has been earned throughout you holding Hoge this entire time. This can also be used to earmark a certain amount of reflections (essentially 'free' money) back to the community for future projects.
3. Hoge/Million - see in an easy way how to calculate how much Hoge you will need to become a future millionaire.
4. Ad space - we will have 1 banner ad placed on the calculator page. We will offer this space for ad revenue or as a perk to exchanges who list HOGE - “This months calculator has been sponsored by [Sponsor Name] Here.”
Hoge University Content
1. Hoge Origins Video - DONE! (discusses origins, tokenomics and community)
2. 3 DAO lessons in a DAO Course - DONE!
3. Lobbyist & Government Video - DONE!
4. *Custom video with Business Development\* (exciting content that will capture some attention to Hoge)
5. Crypto Newbie Course Creation (Stage 1) - Thinking of defining basic terms such as CEX vs DEX, trust score on exchanges, wash trading, explaining fiat. If anyone has any suggestions please contract JRocko (@jrocko3) on Telegram.
6. Cross-collaboration with Rocket Bunny regarding creation of a course on Solidity (programming language for smart contracts).
7. Hoge University will start offering our services for writing articles, creating videos, and helping bridge the gap with other crypto communities for a fee. This fee will pay for developers to create content, pay the platform (yearly costs are approximately $3k USD). Additional revenue funds will be sent to the Association to add to the DAO war chest.
Non-Profit Status - Currently looking to create a US registered non-profit and finish the website. We are about $1.4k USD away from being able to finish raising funds. Once non-profit is finished we can apply for educational grants.
Future Roadmap
1. Purchase annual accounts for video hosting and production tools. This will enable us to add all YouTube videos to an articles section and update all course videos with new hosting.
2. Formal creation of a non-profit, Hoge University, and create a business model utilizing advertisement space for the various tools and articles under Hoge University's platform.
3. Onboard community developers to produce a variety of educational content for cryptocurrency and DeFi. We can connect crypto projects to the community and ultimately write articles, make videos, and eventually link revenue with the Hoge Association. The general idea would allow for people to post on Hoge University and the Association and University to split profit wherein the goal is for Hoge University to become self-funding.
4. In addition, we can offer exchanges and also other partners in the space additional incentives to list us by giving sponsor status to the website.
5. Tighten any web security issues to make sure the platform is absolutely safe to use for people around the world.
6. Explore videos and teaching materials in foreign languages.

eGaming // Virtual Pangea (HOGE GAMING STUDIO)

Virtual Pangea
1. We are bringing a new opportunity to the Hoge ecosystem! For the past few months, we have been exploring different methods to generate revenue for Hoge to fuel its development. The continued growth of Hoge as a whole is very much dependent on our community's ability to be innovative in the crypto space and to adapt nascent technologies. With this in mind, we are presenting a new tangible funding opportunity that will assist in the stabilization of the Hoge ecosystem.
2. Current Status (Stage 1)
  1. Cofounders: Saint C, Andreea, Mesh (To support this new endeavor, all three cofounders have left or significantly reduced their involvement in their main occupations/jobs)
  2. Gaming Studio and Development Team: Megahogeman, Parameter, Kasa, Issac, Pierce, Denis, Lilie, Shant.
  3. Additional Support: Wiser, Hayden, Tammi, Jrocko3, Reconlion, and F.
  4. Establishment of a Swiss entity and a Gaming Studio.
  5. Fundraising campaign to develop a gaming platform and a gaming studio with much work already in progress.
3. Next Stages and 2022 (Stage 2)
  1. Release of a Hoge themed game to promote the Hoge image to a broader audience.
  2. Launch of a platform to attract new individuals to the crypto space by using NFTs, gaming and educational content.
  3. Full development of a gaming platform.
  4. Attract institutional investors.
  5. Release utility token for the platform.
4. Revenue Generation
  1. Raising revenue for Hoge University and other Hoge based initiatives.
  2. Hoge Brand recognition with development of Hoge branded content.
  3. Donation to the Hoge DAO war chest in the form of a percentage of the utility tokens. (Additional details are to be released as the project advances).
5. For more information, stay tuned to the following channels:
eSports tournament with HUGE soccer/futbol stars (Chicharito!!!!) coming up on Twitch!
We had another successful livestreaming Rocket League event just on Saturday and will continue to host and participate in partnerships and prizes as another revenue idea. We are looking to formulate a CS:GO team as well as any LoL or Starcraft (I or II) players. Please contact or DM Wiser on Telegram (@Wiser29) or Hogeman on Telegram (@hogemanog).
Check out the CRYPTIC NEXUS RL League! Please register your team on the website and sign-up for the league THIS WEEK so you can be included in the campaign ads! https://smash.gg/tournament/cryptic-nexus-rocket-league/details
Hoge Man (Mega Man) is an absolutely epic port of the original NES MegaMan but in the HOGE style! Check out our very own game by Eamonn! https://twitter.com/MegaHogeMan
Hoge eGaming arcade (Stage 3) Project Managers: Stripey & Zembahk. The two have been building silently through the nights and the HOGE Charity arcade is well into production. https://hoge.fun/

Partnerships

De-Fi Angels - Working together with DeFi Angels about creating a collaborative course in regards to searching for legitimate tokens. Again, we are using our expertise in legal formation and our reputation for being a professional organization to help the crypto world at large find valuable and quality information.
Hoge Lobbyist - We are in Washington DC now! One of our newest Hoge partners is literally lobbying Congress to push for crypto freedom and fighting for all of our right to own, transact and hold crypto! https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684 FIGHT AGAINST H.R. 3684! Further information here: https://cointelegraph.com/news/breaking-us-lawmakers-behind-crypto-amendments-to-infrastructure-bill-introduce-compromise
Wen Chicharito! - soccer/futbol legend himself will be working with us in our eGaming soccer tournament! (more info)
Waifer - ?

Social Updates

Weekly AMA/Voice Chat schedule:
1. Mondays - Twitter Spaces AMA @ 2PM EST
2. Wednesday - Twitter Spaces Happy Hour (usually evening time EST)
3. Friday - Twitter Spaces Happy Hour @ 4PM EST
Charity - We will have another $10k USD donation to a charity this month!
50/50 NFT/Merch Collection is almost up! Remember, 50% of the proceeds will goto a charity and 50% of the other profits will go back directly to Hoge for dev projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up some awesome swag and help out two communities at the same time.
NFT giveaway contest! The Non-Fungible Giveaway is LIVE! For the next week you can enter this one of a kind giveaway for the chance to win some dynamic digital art and HOGE gear! We have curated a unique digital collection from the following projects. Hoge Squad, 50 Shades of Blue Cardigan, The Modern Man, Poopies and of course ourselves! There's only 5 days left so enter TODAY for your chance to win! https://gleam.io/AotAN/the-nonfungible-giveaway
Please subscribe to my calendar to catch all Hoge Finance events! It is available on iCal format so anyone should be able to add it to their phone in seconds! Calendar was recently updated with additional information so subscribe to stay on top of events! https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/thedavepool17%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics

#HOGEverywhere

#HOGEeverywhere - Whether its HOGE NFTs, #HOGEeverywhere swag, or a custom HOGE meme profile image, we plan for HOGE to be everywhere. Literally. #HOGEeverywhere shirts are coming that will include a QR code on them so when you're waiting in line at Starbucks people can just privately grab their phone scan that QR code and you can take them to our sites and our channels and have them learn and demystify everything that about HOGE.
Bulldog Hoge! - Special thanks to Clo Brwn who went out of his way to get some awesome swag out to Frank the bulldog! https://www.reddit.com/r/hoge/comments/pwrntn/frank_sporting_his_custom_patches_he_received/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
HogeShop - We are planning a new initiative which will push the HOGEeverywhere concept even further than before. A part of that is to create a universal merchandise platform that will sell many, many different products as well as integration with crypto.
Hoge ATMs (Stage 1 - Project Mangers: TBD). Wouldn't it be neat to be able to get Hoge from ATMs? We are actively looking into this for places all around the world.
IRLHoge (Stage 1 - Project Managers: TDB). A proof of concept will be out shortly this month. You want HOGEeverywhere and merchandise and the ability to buy Hoge with fiat?

HOGE 2.0 (OUR DIGITAL PLATFORM)

HOGE 2.0 - The rebirth. If you are a holder or a prospective holder, you do not need to do anything. The campaign name is meant to convey the level up is coming is many ways that aligns and operationalizes all the things HOGE naturally does so well - a Rebirth if you will.
Wheel of Wonder - With our Wheel of Wonder we plan to have DAILY incentives to be a HOGE holder and create higher levels of retention. What's this mean? Farms, LPs, staking, prizes, etc. The Wheel of charitable wonder will become a way to incentive community members to give back to the charitable organizations we partner with and provide a gaming experience that includes a HOGE infused gift with every spin. This experiential HOGE initiative will authentically help engage holders , retain net new holders & provide our partners with a fun way to give back to their charity partners. This IP will take HOGE from a donation based business model to a revenue positive endeavor.
Website - Huge incredible shoutouts to the team, especially The Chosen One and Gorest for putting in hundreds of hours and putting together an incredible update to our website. Work is still ongoing but please check out the new enhanced 2.0 website that will set us up for the future.
E-mail Blast - Do yourself a favor and take a moment to go to HOGE finance and sign up for the e-mail list if you have not already! Go to https://hoge.finance/ to sign up to get the latest scoop on all HOGE things!
Social Media Automation - Twitter + Reddit + Telegram. We've been working on using each community (at least those 3) to integrate with each other. We've got some really neat concepts that are being made internally (credit to theDan and HogeHistorian) that will enable HOGErs to communicate and utilize tools across platforms with just mere keystrokes or inputs.
Media - Several new articles dropped recently including USA Today & Bitcoin.com! Expect more articles to drop on USA Today and other media outlets. More articles dealing with more of our projects as seen above are expected to drop on a variety of outlets in the next few months!

Help Wanted

Full Stack Developers - Are you a developer that wants to work on cutting edge blockchain tech? Do you want to expand your resume (dapps, solidity, smart contracts)? Do you want to take your hobbies or interests and expand them with Hoge? If so, please DM me personally. You can msg me below, direct message or chat with me or hit me up on telegram @ thedavepool.
Project Managers - Are you an organized person who wants to take charge of a project? Do you have any experience in managing any projects? If so, we want you! We at HOGE are a community project and are full of great ideas and need a bit more help with execution of projects - whether they be your own or you join an existing project!
Writers - Maybe coding or doing art is not your thing but you know how to write cleanly and succintly - WE NEED YOUR SKILLS! Whether it be for HOGE or frankly any company, we need writers to write articles, blogs, help craft tweets, marketing materials and so on! If you want to build up your skills and work on your portfolio, please let me know!
UX/UI Designers - We are in need of some kickass UX/UI designers! Do you want to design beautiful layouts and integrate your ideas into various Hoge projects? We've got a home for you. Please contact reconlion (@reconlion) on Telegram or [marketing@hoge.finance](mailto:marketing@hoge.finance)
Shovelers! Have you ever taken an enneagram test? It is similar to a Myers-Briggs test but I personally think it is superior. We need people, ALL kinds of people to join HOGE. When we say community coin we are not kidding!! Try the test out, see what you get, let me know if you want to join any of our myriad of projects! https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test
Donations - I know all of us can't donate money for various projects but if you have some time to spare you can donate that for Hoge. One of our beloved members, Mamma Kass, has used this in the past and has vouched that it has worked for her. Give it a try! www.rewardxp.com

Exchanges

Top 5 exchange is looming. Yes, the total donation amount "appears" to be down but don't be dismayed. This amount can wildly increase when our price increases. Remember, the best part is that the liquidity that we provide (approximately 300k) can be further re-cooped if we hit certain requirements (i.e., volume) which I have no doubt we can achieve in due time which means that we will have a chance to essentially double-dip our investment.
Three exchanges in one. We've received word that upon listing with a Top 5 exchange we will be in position to add two more top level exchanges, The Top 5 exchange clearly paves us toward more exchange listings.
USA Exchange - Audit ✔ Legal ✔ Community ✔ Non-security ✔ How many coins such as ours (an audited meme based DeFi coin) are on US exchanges? Outside of Doge/Shib basically ZERO. HOGE will most likely be one of the first and one of the only tokens to be listed by one of them.
Additional exchanges - We have not closed the door on any other exchanges including a very nice fiat on-ramp top 120 Global Exchange. We are looking for exchanges that help expand our brand and do not engage in wash trading.
Binance Smart Chain. Yes, we are on BSC and this is by far the cheapest decentralized way to get HOGE (Pancakeswap and also on Padswap). Yes, one doesn't collect autostaking reflections (but there is also no tax as well) and there are other benefits to HOGE on BSC and that comes in the form of staking and farming. Buying it via PancakesSwap or PadSwap works in the exact same way as buying it on Uniswap except you need BNB as currency instead of ETH. Easiest way to giveswap ETH to BNB is probably using one of the swap like https://stealthex.io/ and then it is a matter of connecting your wallet to a PCS or PadSwap and off you go. Currently, PancakeSwap offers higher volume so more short term rewards for staking but PadSwap offers higher rewards for farming if you want to hold longer.

[Altcoin Discussion] - October 2021

Thread topics include, but are not limited to:

Discussion related to recent events
Technical analysis, trading ideas & strategies
General questions about altcoins

Thread guidelines:

Be excellent to each other.
All regular rules for this subreddit apply, except for number 2. This, and only this, thread is exempt from the requirement that all discussion must relate to bitcoin trading.
This is for high quality discussion of altcoins. All shilling or obvious pumping/dumping behavior will result in an immediate one day ban. This is your only warning.
No discussion about specific ICOs. Established coins only.

If you're not sure what kind of discussion belongs in this thread, here are some example posts. News, TA, and sentiment analysis are great, too.

Other ways to interact:

Get an invite to live chat on our Slack group and check out the #altcoins channel
Daily Discussion for bitcoin only: Daily Discussion
Prior Altcoin Discussion: Altcoin Discussion

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The Safety of the Shore? | Monthly FIRE Portfolio Update | September 2021

…it is sweet to see the sea from the land when you don’t have to sail any longer

Archippus

This is my fifty-eighth monthly portfolio update. I complete this regular update to check progress against my goal.

Portfolio goal

My objective is to reach a portfolio of $2,585,000 by 31 July 2022. This would produce a real annual income of about $90,500 (in 2021 dollars).

This portfolio objective is based on an assumed safe withdrawal rate of 3.5 per cent.

Portfolio summary

Vanguard Lifestrategy High Growth Fund $807,844
Vanguard Lifestrategy Growth Fund $43,486
Vanguard Lifestrategy Balanced Fund $78,870
Vanguard Diversified Bonds Fund $99,943
Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS) $363,435
Vanguard International Shares ETF (VGS) $233,181
Betashares Australia 200 ETF (A200) $291,171
Telstra shares (TLS) $2,094
Insurance Australia Group shares (IAG) $6,233
NIB Holdings shares (NHF) $8,364
Gold ETF (GOLD.ASX) $108,834
Secured physical gold $17,413
Plenti (P2P lending) $1,145
Bitcoin $669,910
Raiz app (Aggressive portfolio) $20,705
Spaceship Voyager app (Index portfolio) $3,442
BrickX (P2P rental real estate) $5,033
Total portfolio value $2,760,803 (-$84,855)

Asset allocation

Australian shares 36.6%
Global shares 22.2%
Emerging market shares 1.6%
International small companies 2.0%
Total international shares 25.8%
Total shares 62.4% (-12.6%)
Total property securities 0.2% (+0.2%)
Australian bonds 2.6%
International bonds 5.9%
Total bonds 8.5% (-6.5%)
Gold 4.6%
Bitcoin 24.3%
Gold and alternatives 28.8% (+18.8%)

Presented visually, the chart below is a high-level view of the current asset allocation of the portfolio.

[Chart]

Comments

The portfolio fell in value by around $85,000 this month, declining by just over 3.0 per cent.

Despite this, the portfolio remains for the moment above the formal portfolio goal, as it has since May. Taking a slightly longer view, the portfolio is still over 50 per cent larger today, than a year ago.

[Chart]

The declines this month were broad-based and across almost all of the portfolio.

The value of Bitcoin fell by around 9 per cent, while remaining firmly higher than at the start of the year.

Australian equities have fallen around 2 per cent, and international equities also fell by 1.8 per cent. Partly as a result, the overall equity portfolio has declined by nearly $20,000. This leaves the equity portfolio at around 89 per cent of the amount targeted in the plan.

Amidst some evidence of rising long-term bond rates, the value of gold holdings also fell by 3.3 per cent.

Finally, adding to the negative picture, the value of fixed interest holdings in the Vanguard Diversified Bonds fund fell by 1.3 per cent. Consequently they are now at their lowest dollar level since the last major investments in that fund were made in 2014.

[Chart]

The decline in portfolio value is the third largest in the history of the record.

Yet it follows a substantial phase of growth over the past year, in fact the strongest period of portfolio expansion in the entire journey.

Part of the reason for this is the unusually sustained growth in the value of equities over the past year. In these circumstances, a reversal over a single month appears less than consequential.

Following the closer examination of my superannuation holdings earlier this month, I contacted my superannuation fund to gauge their openness to a reduction in management fees, laying out some of the lower cost alternatives that I am considering. The surprising brisk reply was that the fund faced legislative restrictions in lowering their fees on my account.

To emphasise the point, they helpfully provided instructions and links to forms to move my superannuation elsewhere. It is an offer I shall be taking up, with my first preference being to move to the yet to be (re)launched Vanguard Super product within the next year.

Targeting the longer-term asset allocation goal of an equal balance between global and Australian shares, this month new investments were split evenly between the Vanguard global shares (VGS) and Australian equities (VAS) exchange funds, using Selfwealth.*

Third quarter distributions rise above expectations

This month has involved finalisation of September-quarter portfolio distributions, allowing additional investments over the weeks ahead when these are paid out in mid-October.

The initial indicative distributions guidance from the exchange-traded funds (VAS, VGS an A200) points to a positive result for third quarter distributions. From previous average distributions I had expected a total of around $5,900.

Instead, from the yet to be finalised payments from the ETFs (and excluding any lumpy Vanguard diversified bonds payments), it appears third-quarter distributions could reach $10,100.

This compares to around $3,500 for those funds in the same quarter last year. The higher payout per unit this quarter is likely a function of higher resources and export prices over the period, and some continued relinquishing of precautionary cash reserves on firms balance sheets.

Tacking upwind – a rebalancing challenge on the homeward leg

One of the reasons for starting this record was to discuss the ‘second half’ of the financial journey.

When the record began, total assets were at approximately 40 per cent of the final portfolio target. Since early 2017 the overall portfolio target has been closed on, recalibrated and extended, and finally met.

The sub-target of reaching $1.9 million in equities remains unmet, however. Further, the balance between Australian and global equities is not yet at my longer-term target allocation of 50/50.

One noticeable and growing challenge in the second half of the voyage is entirely of my own making: an increasing rebalancing task.

The reason for this is the changing nature of the portfolio through time, and a movement since 2018 away from investment products featuring automatic rebalancing, to asset specific exchange traded funds, such as VAS, VGS and A200.

Over time, this has meant a diminishing role in the portfolio of funds featuring rebalancing. As an example, Vanguard’s High Growth diversified fund was around 60 per cent of the portfolio at the start of the record. Now, it has receded to about 30 per cent of the total portfolio value.

A further issue that arises by mathematical necessity at this stage of the journey is that even small percentages of the portfolio constitute larger absolute dollar values.

Two trends converge – the growing rebalancing task illustrated

The chart below illustrates the compounding impact of these two gradual processes, which are almost imperceptible on a monthly basis.

On the left axis the chart shows the gradual decline of the proportion of portfolio funds in investments which automatically rebalance to a set asset allocation (blue bars).

On the second right-hand axis, the red line provides an illustration of the total dollar value impact of a hypothetical one per cent change in the value of equities.

[Chart]

From this chart it can be seen that the automatically rebalanced component of the portfolio started at around 90 per cent, and fell gradually through to 70-80 per cent in the period 2010-2017.

The relatively small declines of this period were mainly the result of increased experimentation in investments outside of the Vanguard diversified funds, often into single asset investments (such as gold, Peer to Peer loans).

A second more rapid decline is evident from 65 per cent in mid-2018 to less than 40 per cent in July 2021.

This steeper second decline is due to the expansion of investments into the exchange-traded funds (consecutively, A200, VAS and then VGS) over this period, with these being the focus of new investments, and re-investments from distributions.

Up until the March quarter of 2020, the majority of assets were being quietly and automatically rebalanced.

Two other observations can be made on this data:

Portfolio growth has been slowly adding to the challenge – on a path consistent with the overall growth in the equity portfolio, the absolute value of a 1 per cent shift ‘out of balance’ has been growing. Over time, this means that the portfolio is harder to keep on the intended ‘course’ of asset allocation.
New difficulty thresholds for rebalancing were crossed from 2019 – the twin impacts of increasing portfolio size and lower amounts automatically rebalancing crossed significant thresholds through 2019, with any required one per cent rebalancing requiring $10,000 of investments, and auto-rebalanced assets falling to around 50 per cent of the portfolio.

Over time the significance of this issue will turn on whether there are major and sustained divergences in the values of Australian and international shares, and the level of future distributions available for use in rebalancing.

Both of these issues are veiled in the uncertainty of the future.

Trends in average distributions and expenses

This month average credit card expenses continued to decline.

In fact, lockdown is impacting current spending to such a degree that I am considering lowering the regular automatic payments going to the credi card account, to avoid the balance gradually being driven into an unspent positive value.

Average distributions continue to slightly increase each month, even as average credit card expenses continue to steadily fall.

As a result the blue line of distributions continues a mildly upward trajectory, to around $7200. By contrast, the credit card expenses (red) line continues to track downwards towards $4800.

The most recent results are illustrated in the chart below.

[Chart]

From the above it can be seen that the sizeable ‘gap’ which has opened up between average total distributions received and monthly credit card expenses – a gap of about $2,000 per month – remains.

Looking at the overall contribution to total expenses, the chart below shows that a cross-over between a three-year average of distributions and all expenses occurred across March-April of this year.

Since that time a further cushion – in terms of recent average distributions exceeding total expenses – of 15 per cent has been built.

[Chart]

Progress

Measure Portfolio All Assets

Portfolio objective – $2,585,000 (or $90,500 pa) 106.8% 137.5%
Total average expenses (2013-present) – $84,400 pa 114.5% 147.4%

Summary

Defying the impulses of the season, the portfolio has stopped its growth this month, and reversed for the first time in three months.

Yet, taking a larger view, this is not surprising, given the exceptional growth across asset classes over the past year.

Taking leave, even amidst lockdown, has better allowed a zooming out from day to day perspectives and events, and a reflection on broader trends of change.

The slowly increasing challenge of managing asset allocation is just one of those trends. Another is the longer-term pursuit of a more equal split of Australian and global equities.

Throughout the journey, the portfolio has undergone significant changes. Many of these have been changes of a nature that is difficult to distinguish in advance, even with a spreadsheet full of different metrics and measurements. This provides a caution to remain flexible and anticipate disruptions ahead.

With the recent re-emergence of some equity market volatility, in part from uncertainties about the likely pathways for real interest rates, and inflation, it can be useful to recall the dangers of attempts to market time, highlighted in this excellent piece by Nick Maggiulli.

This is all the more the case, given fundamental debates as to the real drivers of equity prices over time, such as posited in this piece – which approaches the issue from a conceptually simple supply and demand framework.

Similarly, debates at the highest monetary policy-making levels also continue to demonstrate that what is ‘known’ about core financial parameters impacting asset values, versus what is assumed, is contested.

Beyond these unresolved debates I have enjoyed Big ERN’s recent three-part appearance on a vodcast series on sequence of return issues and safe withdrawal rates. Outside of traditional financial independence topics, I have also closely followed this intriguing debate on the future of Bitcoin with well known critic and gold supporter Peter Schiff.

On recent walks I have also been exploring the occasional podcast series ‘Finance and History’, with recent episodes covering the history of interest rates, and experimentations by the Venetian republic with ‘helicopter money’ during the early renaissance period.

Finally, despite it robustly challenging my monopoly on nautical FI analogies, I have also been catching up on The Ship’s Ledger, a recently started Australian financial independence blog.

With the portfolio still for the moment sitting above the final goal, there is a sense in which I am looking out upon the sea from the relative safety of a harbour, or shore.

And as time moves forward, the progress and potential margin of safety compounds. Yet as everywhere, the exact timing of storms from the sea is unpredictable, and even dry land is sometimes no protection.

The full post, links and full charts can be seen here.

Audio Drama/Fiction/RPG Debuts - September 2021

I've got what I think is a mostly exhaustive list of the new fictional audio drama series that came out in September, which may be of interest to those looking for new shows. See below. Feel free to tell me any I've missed, and I'll update it? (Note, "new" here means that the Ep1 of the RSS feed was released.) Listened to any of them that you would recommend?

Previous months are available here:

https://www.thecambridgegeek.com/results.php?proof=Releases&tag1=Audio%20fiction

And the ongoing updates (just in case you don't want to wait for the end of the month) are available here:

https://twitter.com/AudioDramaDebut

And I do a (nearly) weekly podcast collecting a few trailers here:

https://www.thecambridgegeek.com/archive/add/add.php

20210901: Anachronistic

(Fiction - Science fiction)

Site: https://anchor.fm/kyle-newbridge

Synopsis: Anachronistic follows Neil, a guy whose day-job is to travel the country fixing rifts in time and space. He travels with the love of his life. Unfortunately he knows he will never get a happy ending.

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/6652c874/podcast/rss

20210901: Bedtime Sweets

(Dramatised - Science fiction,Horror)

Site: https://www.bedtimesweets-podcast.com/

Synopsis: Get under the covers and turn out the lights, it‘s time for a bedtime tale to give you goosebumps. The BEDTIME SWEETS podcast is a sci-fi / horror anthology of short audio dramas featuring near future dystopias; humanity on far-off worlds; augmented reality run amok; and other themes that probe the darkest recesses of the mind.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/bedtimesweets/feed.xml

20210901: Gadsden

(Dramatised - Western,Comedy)

Site: https://gadsdenpodcast.com/

Synopsis: When the wildest of America's West threatens to tear apart the nation's newest expansion in pursuit of buried treasure, the territory's first female psychiatrist leaps headfirst into a whirlwind adventure to keep the peace by confronting inglorious soldiers, perilous rebels, and destructive stereotypes.

RSS Feed: https://gadsdenpodcast.com/feed/podcast/gadsden

20210901: Incident Report Number 31

(Dramatised - Supernatural,Comedy)

Site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/incident-report-number-31

Synopsis: A supernatural workplace comedy—no, really, we mean it this time—made by Three-Eyed Frog Presents. It's not easy being an Archivist, especially when your boss only speaks in cryptic monologues, but we're all one big happy family here. Right? Oh, put that tape recorder down. You don't want HR to have to write this up, and neither do they.

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4851464/episodes/feed

20210901: Roll To Meddle: A Brindlewood Bay Actual Play Podcast

(RPG - Crime/Mystery)

Site: https://actualstorypodcasting.com/podcast/roll-to-meddle

Synopsis: Roll To Meddle is an actual play podcast. Based on the Powered By The Apocalypse inspired tabletop roleplaying game Brindlewood Bay by Jason Cordova, Roll To Meddle is a full murder mystery campaign. Influenced by Murder, She Wrote, the works of Agatha Christie, the H.P. Lovecraft mythos, with a dash of adventure of the week TV shows, our retiree characters solve mysteries while slowly piecing out the larger, dark conspiracy below the surface. Set on the fictional island of Brindlewood Bay within the very real Thousand Island Park, our stories are set within this archipelago in the St. Lawrence River between New York state and the Provence of Ontario.

System: Powered by the Apocalypse

RSS Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/roll-to-meddle/

20210901: Roommates

(Dramatised - Slice of life,Romance)

Site: https://www.ollyandcasper.com/

Synopsis: It’s 2020 and the first college semester back during the COVID-19 pandemic. Two sophomores are thrown together in a dorm and forced to coexist. College is hard enough without quarantining and flirty tension. Starring Nik Whittemore (More Than Just Me) as frat boy Olly and Briggon Snow (The Bright Sessions) as studious Casper.

RSS Feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/roommates

20210901: Strawberry Spring

(Dramatised - Adaptation,Horror)

Site: https://www.audioup.com/shows/strawberryspring

Synopsis: Based on the short story by Stephen King, Strawberry Spring is a scripted podcast set against the backdrop of the sixties revolution on the campus of New Sharon College. We follow a generation of students who don't trust authority, the futile efforts of the local police, and a young, determined reporter as he chases the bloody trail of Springheel Jack, an unrelenting, modern-day Jack the Ripper. After vanishing and leaving his murders unsolved, Jack is back - along with a new Strawberry Spring, a weather pattern with an unusual fog bank that rolls in every eight years. Using the fog to hide his tracks, he taunts New Sharon with fresh kills, each murder more violent than the last.

RSS Feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/HSW2856567490

20210901: Who is Cam Candor?

(Dramatised - Crime/Mystery,Comedy)

Site: https://art19.com/shows/who-is-cam-candor

Synopsis: The most prolific fiction podcaster of all time disappeared without a trace in December, 2020. Investigative journalist B.K. Will looks into the mystery of Cam Candor in a gripping documentary.

RSS Feed: https://rss.art19.com/who-is-cam-candor

20210901: Who Needs Heroes, Aria Moon?

(Fiction - Cyberpunk)

Site: https://aria-moon.com/home/

Synopsis: In the Cyberpunk city of Harmony a clone awakens to discover that she is a copy of Aria Moon, herself a clone of a down on her luck on her luck detective with a reputation soggy and bleak. Now the new Aria must navigate this strange city, await the return of her memories and construct a new identity for herself. But she's lived five lives before this one, and each version of Aria Moon has made mistakes. Mistakes that wrap around conspiracies, murders and lies. Mistakes that hold the fate of Harmony in their shadows.

RSS Feed: https://pinecast.com/feed/who-needs-heroes-aria-moon

20210902: The Adventures Of Don Clark

(Dramatised - Comedy)

Site: https://haglochmedia.com/the-adventures-of-don-clark/

Synopsis: The Adventures Of Don Clark is an Audio Comedy Satire about the worst detective in the world, Don Clark. Follow Don as he foils crime in the uncanny Don Clark way.

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/f0859bc/podcast/rss

20210902: The Infinite Realm

(Dramatised - Fantasy)

Site: https://castbox.fm/ch/4435000

Synopsis: The world of Haven is a fantasy world within stories which sees Magic, Politics, and More. While all is often peaceful on the surface, there is always darkness waiting just below for the right moment to present itself. The Infinite Realm is a collection of stories from all over Haven in different perspectives and locations. Dive in with us and join us on our adventures through The Infinite Realm.

RSS Feed: http://rss.castbox.fm/everest/6df8ce9422c34efd8472d470e4a1bcf8.xml

20210902: The Stonesinger Chronicles

(Fiction - Fantasy)

Site: https://stonesingerchronicles.com/

Synopsis: Whisper is a young street thief who’d rather read than steal; Talee is an absent minded orphan with an uncanny memory and a penchant for making trouble. These unwilling partners find themselves bound in their journey: They’re going to Iro. They’re going to be mages. But before they can even leave the confines of Lakewall, troubles rise. Never mind breaking the mold and become mages: first they need to survive. The Stonesinger Chronicles is a serial epic fantasy story. With a combination of enthralling and dynamic narration, selective but wonderful sound design, and a sweeping score that makes you feel like your riding through fields on a horse, or battling a Sovereign in a dark cave, The Stonesinger Chronicles pulls you in from the beginning till the very end and leaves you wanting more.

RSS Feed: https://access.acast.com/rss/611c53def2c38d00121c935d

20210903: E-VATAR - A Podcast Musical

(Dramatised - Science fiction)

Site: http://evatarmusical.com

Synopsis: During quarantine, a 20-something searches for acceptance and love using a new social media robotics technology. Wilson-Burns weaves a rhythmically driven script with the classic rock/80s pop/EDM inspired musical score of Standridge and Eads (Big Dumb Buildings) in a musical theatre podcast short series.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1612171.rss

20210904: A Hero Walks into a Bar

(RPG - Fantasy)

Site: https://anchor.fm/aherowalks/

Synopsis: A Dungeons and Dragons actual play podcast set in a homebrew world! Dungeon Master Dale Madison leads his party through a world of his own make, focusing on the heroic acts of the adventurers.

System: D&D

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/61172ef4/podcast/rss

20210906: Guilded Rose Adventure

(RPG - Science fiction)

Site: https://anchor.fm/guilted-rose-adventures

Synopsis: Real play DND podcast. Come for the story, stay for the fun

System: D&D

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/4bdd1030/podcast/rss

20210906: Whale Strike

(Fiction - Storytelling)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1739315

Synopsis: An eco fable for families and schools. A magical story of a whale mother's journey with her calf and what happens when they meet their deadliest enemy - plastic.

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1739315.rss

20210907: A matter of considerable importance...

(Fiction - Crime/Mystery)

Site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/a-matter-of-considerable-importance

Synopsis: “We don´t always get the best start in life, but the endings are what really matter.” Nicholas firmly believed in the words his mother often used; they gave him hope for the future. But how was he to get from his unfortunate beginnings to the brilliant future that awaited him if people were constantly trying to trip him up? Someone in his class has sticky fingers and Nicholas, with the help of his good friend Kachi, embarks on an investigation that will have dire consequences for at least one person.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/5091115/episodes/feed

20210907: Nighty Night with Rabia Chaudry

(Fiction - Horror)

Site: https://omny.fm/shows/nighty-night-with-rabia-chaudry

Synopsis: Nighty Night is an anthology series where famed attorney, author, and podcaster Rabia Chaudry delivers bone-chilling bedtime stories that will be sure to keep you wide awake all night. These creepy tales will be a mix of both original content and lesser known classics delivered with a modern spin.

RSS Feed: https://www.omnycontent.com/d/playlist/9b7dacdf-a925-4f95-84dc-ac46003451ff/b235b1d6-4fd6-4b98-af50-ad88013a39f8/e3da0177-5a14-4a29-b35f-ad88013bba2b/podcast.rss

20210907: Stratos Fear

(RPG - Fanfiction,Horror, Science fiction)

Site: https://www.bluhdhaven.com/stratosfear

Synopsis: Stratos Fear is a new science fiction drama using the Alien Role Playing Game system. Join us as we explore the mysterious stars. Perhaps we will encounter one of the most iconic horror icons of all time.

Continuity: Longform

Audience: Mature/Explicit

System: Alien RPG

Universe: Alien

Creators: LGBTQ+

RSS Feed: https://bluhdybunchpodcast.castos.com/stratos-fear

20210908: All In Your Mind: Short Tales & Dramatic Fiction

(Fiction - Multigenre)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/290167

Synopsis: Welcome to a world of short tales played out through drama and fiction. The first dramatic tale, 'Abel Cain', unfolds with a story of despair on the high seas. Thanks for listening.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/290167.rss

20210908: Dr. Raymond Pants' Books-on-Tape-on-Demand

(Dramatised - Comedy)

Site: https://www.thetridentnetwork.com/dr-pants-books-pod

Synopsis: Dr. Raymond Pants' Books-on-Tape-on-Demand is an anthology of comedic radio plays and books-on-tape from various comedy writers.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/dr-pants-books-on-tape

20210908: Passing Through

(Dramatised - Romance,Comedy)

Site: https://www.sappirargov.com/podcast

Synopsis: A chance encounter leads to an unforgettable night when two strangers miss their bus out of town on New Year’s Eve and embark on an exciting nighttime adventure through New York City. As they start to fall for each other, they question whether one night together is enough. Passing Through is a romantic comedy narrative podcast written and created by Sappir Argov, starring Sappir Argov and Roland Hernandez.

Continuity: Standalone

RSS Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/passing-through

20210908: Short Tale Sounds

(Dramatised - Science fiction)

Site: https://soundcloud.com/shorttalesounds

Synopsis: Short Tale Sounds create audio dramas. Limiting, if you consider that we’re utilising only one of five wondrous senses, but limitless if you consider that for each and every listener, any and all visual imaginings are completely their own. We strive to tell original, impactful and imaginative narratives through a wealth of genres and formats. We are driven by creativity and passion, and we intend to champion inclusivity, diversity and collaboration within our work.

Universe: Tweet

RSS Feed: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:963346372/sounds.rss

20210909: Dungeons & Dirtbags

(RPG - Western)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1846533

Synopsis: Four players set out into the world of Arcadia seeking adventure and… well, gold. We want gold too. Join DM Geoff for a story told through the luck of the dice.

Continuity: Longform

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1846533.rss

20210910: After Dark

(Dramatised - Horror)

Site: https://omny.fm/shows/after-dark/

Synopsis: From Mediacorp and Wattpad Studios, the After Dark Podcast is a brand-new original horror audio drama series that looks to bring local and regional supernatural folklore to life. Taking inspiration from popular entries on Wattpad, the first season unravels over the course of 3 main storylines and 10 episodes, bringing to light what comes out only After Dark.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.omnycontent.com/d/playlist/7740012e-e1bd-4f85-81c4-a7f50047134a/8c8cf33f-cafd-4c98-adb4-ad95001553a0/70e92e33-4634-46ff-889b-ad950016b1ad/podcast.rss

20210910: Critically Chaotic

(RPG - Fantasy)

Site: https://criticallychaoticpodcast.carrd.co/

Synopsis: Six adventurers get pulled together into an adventure with mystery and intrigue in this Actual Play Dungeons & Dragons podcast.

Continuity: Longform

Audience: Mature/Explicit

System: D&D

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1851467.rss

20210910: Erotica with Vivia Volupta

(Fiction - Erotica)

Site: https://anchor.fm/viviavolupta

Synopsis: An erotic podcast for quickies, adult bedtime stories and more.

Continuity: Anthology

Audience: Mature/Explicit

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/6b0eaa40/podcast/rss

20210910: Money Men - An Audio Drama

(Dramatised - Thriller)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1785176

Synopsis: During the 12 months of 2020, 12 years after the Bernie Madoff scandal, American investors were defrauded out of $3.25 billion dollars…all of it lost to Ponzi schemes. What would you do if someone stole your financial future and disappeared into the ether? Money Men is a 9 episode audio drama that follows Adrian and Eddie as they go on a mission to find the man who left them in financial ruin. The two use facial recognition software to track down Lance, who has moved on to his next scam running a cryptocurrency exchange in Belize City. Adrian and Eddie hack into the exchange and manage to steal $5.9 million dollars in Bitcoin. However, they are unaware that there is another owner involved, a Ukranian billionaire whose nickname is Vlad The Impaler. Their problems deepen from here.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1785176.rss

20210910: Rockanory

(Fiction - Comedy)

Site: https://rss.podplaystudio.com/1334.xml

Synopsis: Jackanory meets CBeebies Bedtime meets debauchery as Shaun Keaveny narrates Jon Holmes’ fictionalised comedy retellings of apocryphal rock 'n’ roll myths and legends.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://rss.podplaystudio.com/1334.xml

20210910: The Flying Bison Podcast

(RPG - Fanfiction,Fantasy)

Site: https://flyingbisonpodcast.podbean.com

Synopsis: The first campaign-style Avatar Legends Actual Play podcast. Jump back into the Avatarverse and explore every corner of the Four Nations!

Continuity: Longform

System: Avatar Legends

Universe: Avatar: The Last Airbender

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/www.flyingbisonpodcast.com/feed.xml

20210910: Veturium: Awakening

(RPG - Fantasy)

Site: https://www.callmecaulfield.com/veturium

Synopsis: A Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition actual play podcast set in the homebrew world of Veturium.

Continuity: Longform

System: D&D

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/48babbb4/podcast/rss

20210912: Babes in the Woods

(Dramatised - Fantasy)

Site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/babes-in-the-woods

Synopsis: When former college roommates Joanne and Britt join up for a hike in the Colorado Rockies on Joanne's 25th birthday, they're prepared for a light, fun, 4-hour walk culminating in delicious birthday barbecue. But when they decide to follow a mysterious arrow in the woods, things take a turn for the bizarre. With not much more than lipstick, dental floss and their own senses of humor to get them through, will they survive against Mother Nature, unexplained occurrences, and an abandoned town that may not be abandoned after all?

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/5057128/episodes/feed

20210912: Canopy Audio Drama

(Dramatised - Multigenre)

Site: https://canopytheater.nl/en/audio-drama-2/

Synopsis: Canopy Audio Drama - The audio platform for Canopy Theater Foundation. Listen to play-readings, storytelling and more drama. In English and/or Dutch. For information see:https://canopytheater.nl/en/home-en/

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1852466.rss

20210912: Strange Air

(Dramatised - Crime/Mystery)

Site: https://www.strangeairpodcast.com/

Synopsis: Ten years ago, Malcolm Smith was the host of “Strange Air”, a successful radio show about the paranormal. One night, during a live broadcast, Malcolm vanished into thin air. To this day, no one knows what happened. Now his daughter, Chase Smith, is in her last year of film school and she’s making a documentary about her father’s disappearance.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/strangeairpodcast/feed.xml

20210913: Bigfoot Bros Paranormal Patrol

(Dramatised - Comedy,Horror, Supernatural)

Site: http://bigfootbros.com/

Synopsis: A fun paranormal comedy about two bumbling brothers who investigate the dark forces of the unknown. This ”audio drama” takes you on patrol with the bros as they battle ghosts, monsters, aliens, and more. It‘s like if Bill & Ted joined the Ghostbusters. Enjoy awesome audio fiction filled with fun, mystery, and mayhem!

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/bigfootbros/feed.xml

20210913: The Love Ark

(Dramatised - Comedy,Folklore)

Site: https://anchor.fm/love-ark-podcast/

Synopsis: It’s “The Love Boat” on Noah’s Ark! The Love Ark is a scripted comedy podcast based on the Noah’s Ark story, told as episodes of The Love Boat. Season 1 is packed with romance, miracles, murder, and two of every animal.

Continuity: Serial

Audience: Mature/Explicit

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/647f9b94/podcast/rss

20210914: Cold Cuts

(Dramatised - Multigenre)

Site: https://anchor.fm/platformprodco/

Synopsis: Welcome to COLD CUTS- the show where nobody has read the script. Platform (a production company), is dually committed to producing original platform-specific art and sharing the work of unconventional creators with unconventional audiences.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/60060224/podcast/rss

20210914: The Case of Lost, Faith

(Dramatised - Thriller)

Site: https://anchor.fm/matthew-mcnulty0/

Synopsis: A character-driven psychological thriller, following the painful transformation of a caretaker to a patient. Follow the story of Bethany Sawyer as she spirals into her own demons.

Continuity: Standalone

RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/4d66a858/podcast/rss

20210915: Beneath the Headlines

(Dramatised - Crime/Mystery,Comedy, Satire)

Site: https://www.beneaththeheadlinespodcast.com/

Synopsis: In this parody true crime podcast, uncover the truth behind the biggest stories you've never heard before. Featuring an ensemble cast, Beneath the Headlines guarantees the very best in fictional investigative reporting.

Continuity: Serial

Audience: Mature/Explicit

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1847679.rss

20210915: Life Lines

(Dramatised - Slice of life)

Site: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000bcm4/episodes/downloads

Synopsis: Al Smith's award-winning series set in an ambulance control room.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/m000bcm4.rss

20210915: Respect the Die

(RPG - Fantasy,Comedy)

Site: https://respectthedie.podbean.com/

Synopsis: Respect the Die is an actual play narrative podcast with a revolving door of DM‘s all from the the same family! Welcome to a world of mysterious forces, dastardly villains, and heroic moments. Join the cast of Respect the Die for short season runs of 5th Edition Dungeons and Dragons.

Continuity: Longform

System: D&D

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/respectthedie/feed.xml

20210916: Mumbai Crime

(Dramatised - Thriller)

Site: https://www.goldhawkproductions.com/home-2

Synopsis: Crime stories from the Indian Sub-Continent. A curated series of audio fiction podcasts from award-winning creators Ayeesha Menon and John Scott Dryden recorded in Mumbai, India. Each season is released in one drop and all episodes are ad-free. Season 1 is the Sony Award-winning ten-part thriller, Q&A starring Anand Tiwari based on the best-selling novel by Vikas Swarup.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1850700.rss

20210916: Murder Of A Barista

(Fiction - Crime/Mystery)

Site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/keren-michaels-podcast

Synopsis: A Maple Grid cozy mystery [Recipes and Murders]. Lizzy Denmark owner of the Maple Grid Cafe wants to win the Barista Challenge coming up on Diver's Lane, and with the new competition in town(Racheal Chu, owner of the Perry Cafe), she's desperate now more than ever. But after a heated argument between Rachael and Lizzy in the gossipy town, Racheal is found dead behind Maple Grid Cafe and Lizzy becomes the prime suspect. Even her personable Lawyer isn't so affirmative about her innocence but Lizzy isn't the only one in town who's mad at Rachael. Irate ex-lover, a coffee bean manufacturer, a college student, Racheal's cleaner and the mailman are all tied to the suspect list as trouble brews on Diver's Lane. But with her hippie grandma and her curious new worker with the name of Margaret, Lizzy is prepared to go any length to catch the killer. As Scandals are made on Diver's Lane, would she be able to clear her name before the final competition comes or will she end up in a watery mess?

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/5084097/episodes/feed

20210916: Silva Lining‘s Care Plan

(Dramatised - Comedy)

Site: https://elspeth4.podbean.com/

Synopsis: New podcast drama: Three brains, two bodies, one secret plan: an absurd journey into the invisible world of carers and dementia.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/elspeth4/feed.xml

20210916: Surviving Bastion

(Dramatised - Science fiction,Thriller)

Site: https://midnightwick.com/portfolio/surviving-bastion/

Synopsis: After a catastrophe kills almost everyone aboard the space station informally known as Bastion, Alex has to survive long enough for a rescue vessel. But they are only a lowly engineering intern and keeping the station running isn‘t an easy task for the hundred or so crew it usually has. Hopefully, they can find a way to escape the station before something breaks that they aren‘t able to fix.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/5112462/episodes/feed

20210917: City Tales

(Dramatised - Multigenre)

Site: https://www.hitsbyentertainment.com/

Synopsis: City Tales are fictional, single-episode audio stories, ideal for the short commute.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1855573.rss

20210918: Sirens and Cages

(Fiction - Fantasy)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1855663

Synopsis: Sirens and Cages is a podcast tale by Dan Berison. Set in a fantasy world where steam and metal has become the predominant technology yet, hidden in the darkness, lies an ancient enemy expert in bioengineering. Part Steampunk, part biopunk and elements of prophecy and other dimensions, Sirens and Cages is an epic tale. Written to be podcasted, the accompanying full-length two-part novels will be out over the coming months.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1855663.rss

20210919: If I Go Missing the Witches Did It

(Dramatised - Crime/Mystery)

Site: https://www.realm.fm/shows/if-i-go-missing-the-witches-did-it

Synopsis: Starring Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe: when a Black writer goes missing, a white podcast host with a savior complex takes up the cause of finding her—and collides with a coven of influencers she suspects are responsible. After a summer in Westchester soaking up how the other half lives, Jenna Clayton has vanished without a trace. The only clue: a set of voice memos detailing an investigation into a group of influencers she suspected were using magic to achieve their means. Elise Edgerton is outraged that no one has found Jenna yet, and decides to take up the cause. But despite believing she is using her platform for good, Elise’s mission threatens to turn her into an even worse villain than a witch: a white savior.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/if-i-go-missing-the-witches-did-it

20210920: .

(Dramatised - Crime/Mystery,Noir)

Site: https://www.jabberaudio.com/shows/quorum/

Synopsis: Throughout history, there has always been a chasm between the bulk of humanity and the enigmatic circle who hold true dominion. Those whose influence remains shrouded, save for the rare instances when their designs cross into the outside world. In this noir-tinged hardboiled-crime anthology series, an assortment of people living on the fringes of respectable society, in locations across the world, find themselves caught up in nefarious plots far beyond their experience, caught in the nexus of history-making events. From a professional poker player trying to make up for past choices, to a bicycle messenger hoping to finish one last job, to a seasoned navigator piloting a ship through treacherous waters, and more, each must grapple with rapidly escalating peril, little realizing they are mere pawns in the grand schemes of an ominous council manipulating events behind the scenes: the omnipresent Quorum.

Continuity: Anthology

RSS Feed: https://feeds.redcircle.com/17d04aff-eb01-4af1-a0d3-496976a33869

20210920: Black Rain

(Dramatised - Thriller,Science fiction)

Site: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1717369

Synopsis: Ele, Orson, and Zander are three military trained children who are forced underground after a nuclear attack.

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1717369.rss

20210920: Halo: Survival - A Halo Infinite Audio Drama

(Fiction - Fanfiction,Science fiction)

Site: https://halopodcast.com/shows/halo-survival

Synopsis: Halo: Survival is a fan produced audio drama following Rhino Squad as they attempt a routine mission on behalf of the Office of Naval Intelligence. When things go sideways, the Marines find themselves stranded and must fight to survive.

Continuity: Serial

Universe: Halo

RSS Feed: https://halopodcast.com/shows/halo-survival/episodes?format=rss

20210920: Peppermint Winters

(Dramatised - Fantasy)

Site: https://www.spreaker.com/show/peppermint-winters

Synopsis: The spinoff of the series Mistletoe Road, follows the life of the Cafe Girl Peppermint Winters and her new job in nearby Elf Village. She also has a love life and mentor still in Mistletoe Road!

Continuity: Serial

RSS Feed: https://www.spreaker.com/show/4757034/episodes/feed

20210920: The Apocalypse Players

(RPG - Horror)

Site: https://www.apocalypseplayers.com/

Synopsis: An actual play RPG podcast. Dice-driven cosmic horrors supplied by Dominic Allen, Joseph Chance, Danann McAleer and Dan Wheeler

Continuity: Longform

System: Call of Cthulhu

RSS Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/www.apocalypseplayers.com/feed.xml

Elephant in the room: making sense of Visa’s focus on digital currencies

Today’s news regarding Visa building a platform for cross-chain digital currency payments brings up a number of questions and issues I wanted to address.

Firstly, the issue of “crypto” vs “digital currency/CBDC.” The two are not the same and in fact are at odds with each other. Refer to the original Visa announcement post to read about the difference.

Secondly, Flexa is threatened by Visa’s focus on CBDCs, as Flexa’s success depends on the mainstream adoption of pure crypto as a viable currency/legal tender. This is because Flexa’s use case involves collateralizing transactions that by nature are decentralized and therefore legally uninsurable/relatively slow. If CBDCs become prevalent and the default payment choice, Flexa’s use case will suffer, as CBDCs will essentially not need Flexa’s collateralization protocol. Consequently, the PR fight for crypto becomes critical, as ultimately the majority opinion of the people will impact/determine the exact outcome regarding what becomes the preferred payment method. (This is generally in the context of the U.S., as outcomes in other countries, particularly smaller, less stable ones, could prove very different.)

Thirdly, what I imagine could happen with CBDCs becoming dominant (in first world economies), is select crypto such as bitcoin, which will still prove useful as it is scarce and anti inflationary, may singlehandedly save Flexa/Amp, as there may be no other way for mainstream merchants to accept inherently valuable assets (though ultimately in CBDC) than through Flexa/Amp; again, this is assuming the people choose to hold and keep value in crypto like bitcoin to transact with versus switching to CBDC to transact with. This flexibility (for a consumer to pay in anti inflationary bitcoin while the merchant seamlessly accepts in stable dollar fiat) was the original purpose and namesake for Flexa, after all. But the opinion/mentality of the people regarding “store of value”/“legal tender” will be critical.

In conclusion, Visa’s focus on CBDCs/digital currencies poses a danger and threat to crypto in general and specifically to Flexa’s future mainstream adoption/success. However, in the event fiat somehow survives for another 100 years, due to Flexa’s inherent flexibility, it will still prove useful for the few remaining anti inflationary cryptos the people may insist on holding value with. (And of course Flexa may still prove significant in powering the transactions/economies of smaller, less developed countries that end up becoming crypto-denominated.)

For the smart investor, Amp becomes a sophisticated bet, a hedge, in a way, sure to see immense upside in the extraordinary event of crypto’s broad success, but with still something to gain in the event most cryptos become irrelevant/obsolete if CBDCs become the status quo.

Flexa therefore remains a worthy investment regardless of the exact fate of crypto at large, as its nuanced strategy of flexibility allows for a relevant use case in a broad range of outcomes.

Download Almost a Decade Of Imgur Data Without Authentication

https://i.redd.it/espianjeepq71.gif

IMGUR-SCRAPER is an open-source CLI tool that lets you down a decade of Imgur.com's data without authentication or API key. All data are stored in a CSV file or JSON format.

Installation

~$ pip3 install imgur-scraper==2.6.2

Features in the new release v2.6.2

Username
Comment_Count
Downs
Ups
Points
Score
Timestamp
Views
Favorite_Count
Hot_datetime
NSFW
Platform
Virality
Title
Url
Tags
Type

Support the Tool

Our goal is to cater to data scientists to extract useful information out of funny, time-consuming memes, cat photos, and relevant events. Help anyway you can. The new features need testing for bugs. Just fork the repository and create a pull request. Also, you can help by donating to the tool.

bitcoin: bc1qhlwkhjplnrhzpy8lu034a0nkccldnlr6wygvrk0nyjld0y8yv7eskp78j4

Thank You!

What did everyone think about the COINS documentary, really?

I just finished the episodes that are out and I'm a bit conflicted. Some things were interesting to hear people in the industry talk about, but I feel that some of the parts were a bit elongated (pun unintended) a bit too much. There are so many interesting topics out there that would benefit everyone new to the space if they just had been presented or explained a little bit more. I get that the Silk Road event is super important in the history of Bitcoin, but instead of mangling the creators innocence, it would've been nice to add a couple of other perspectives instead.

So, on to YOU! You have an opportunity to make a 12-episode documentary about Crypto and Blockchain. What is each episode about, and what guests/speakers do you have in them? Would it be something like:

1.HODL
2.DOGE
3.ELON MUSK
4. DOGE TO THE MOON
5. THE DUMP Etc....

Jokes aside, how would you structure a documentary, and what would your purpose of the documentary be?

Want to earn some extra Crypto on the side? Check out this new game and start stacking extra Bitcoin/ETH for free today! Now Available in USA/Canada/England - Asia soon!

Check out the best play-to-earn crypto game on the market - Coin Hunt World

Coin Hunt World is a Pokemon GO like game where you earn crypto for finding keys and opening vaults. It also incorporates trivia questions which keeps it exciting. The game is very addicting - and you earn crypto (Bitcoin and ETH) in the process.

Honestly - This game is worth your time. I make roughly $20 a week minimum, just for walking my dog and answering some trivia questions. If you spend more time, you'll make even more. I've seen screenshots on the Discord of users with lifetime earnings of 3.5k - It's been out for less than a year!

You get payed out every Tuesday, so no concerns over whether you'll get your earnings or not.

The game is pretty new (roughly 1 y/o) with a very active dev team - Soon all items in-game will be NFT's and you'll be able to make even more revenue. This is your chance to get in early and get some of the rarer items that could be worth quite a bit later on - A new "special" event starts on September 6th.

Starting today, anyone from England can play! There is currently an event going on in England where they are giving out unique items that will be worth loads to other countries. Get yours today!

Feel free to ask me any questions on Reddit - I'm happy to help answer any questions you may have.

The Safety of the Shore? | Monthly FIRE Portfolio Update | September 2021

…it is sweet to see the sea from the land when you don’t have to sail any longer

Archippus

This is my fifty-eighth monthly portfolio update. I complete this regular update to check progress against my goal.

Portfolio goal

My objective is to reach a portfolio of $2,585,000 by 31 July 2022. This would produce a real annual income of about $90,500 (in 2021 dollars).

This portfolio objective is based on an assumed safe withdrawal rate of 3.5 per cent.

Portfolio summary

Vanguard Lifestrategy High Growth Fund $807,844
Vanguard Lifestrategy Growth Fund $43,486
Vanguard Lifestrategy Balanced Fund $78,870
Vanguard Diversified Bonds Fund $99,943
Vanguard Australian Shares ETF (VAS) $363,435
Vanguard International Shares ETF (VGS) $233,181
Betashares Australia 200 ETF (A200) $291,171
Telstra shares (TLS) $2,094
Insurance Australia Group shares (IAG) $6,233
NIB Holdings shares (NHF) $8,364
Gold ETF (GOLD.ASX) $108,834
Secured physical gold $17,413
Plenti (P2P lending) $1,145
Bitcoin $669,910
Raiz app (Aggressive portfolio) $20,705
Spaceship Voyager app (Index portfolio) $3,442
BrickX (P2P rental real estate) $5,033
Total portfolio value $2,760,803 (-$84,855)

Asset allocation

Australian shares 36.6%
Global shares 22.2%
Emerging market shares 1.6%
International small companies 2.0%
Total international shares 25.8%
Total shares 62.4% (-12.6%)
Total property securities 0.2% (+0.2%)
Australian bonds 2.6%
International bonds 5.9%
Total bonds 8.5% (-6.5%)
Gold 4.6%
Bitcoin 24.3%
Gold and alternatives 28.8% (+18.8%)