Tag: Turmoil

  • Navigating Uncertain Times: How Business Continuity Plans Can Help Companies Weather Economic Turmoil

    Navigating Uncertain Times: How Business Continuity Plans Can Help Companies Weather Economic Turmoil


    In today’s ever-changing business landscape, companies are constantly facing uncertainty and economic turmoil. Whether it’s a global pandemic, political unrest, or market fluctuations, businesses must be prepared to navigate through these challenging times in order to survive and thrive.

    One way that companies can prepare for and navigate uncertain times is by implementing a business continuity plan. A business continuity plan is a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating potential risks and disruptions to a company’s operations. By developing a comprehensive plan, companies can ensure that they are prepared to quickly respond to and recover from any unexpected events that may arise.

    Business continuity plans typically include strategies for managing risks, maintaining essential operations, and ensuring the safety and well-being of employees and customers. These plans often involve creating backup systems, establishing communication protocols, and identifying key personnel who will be responsible for implementing the plan in the event of a crisis.

    During times of economic turmoil, having a business continuity plan in place can be crucial for companies looking to weather the storm. By anticipating potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate them, companies can minimize the impact of disruptions on their operations and finances. This can help companies maintain their competitive edge and position themselves for long-term success.

    In addition to helping companies navigate through uncertain times, business continuity plans can also provide peace of mind to stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors. By demonstrating a commitment to preparedness and resilience, companies can build trust and credibility with their stakeholders, enhancing their reputation and standing in the marketplace.

    Overall, navigating uncertain times requires companies to be proactive, adaptable, and resilient. By developing and implementing a business continuity plan, companies can better prepare themselves for the unexpected and position themselves for success in the face of economic turmoil. As the business landscape continues to evolve, having a solid plan in place can make all the difference in helping companies weather the storm and emerge stronger on the other side.

  • Padres turmoil could create perfect trade opportunity for Detroit


    While the Detroit Tigers’ reliance on bullpen games was a fun anecdote in their Cinderella run to the ALDS in 2024, the starting rotation is something they need to address going into 2025.

    Right now, the Tigers’ starting rotation for 2025 consists of Tarik Skubal, Alex Cobb, Reese Olson and Jackson Jobe. While that group certainly has potential, it hardly sounds like a rotation capable of making an exceptionally deep postseason run, which, presumably, is the Tigers’ goal in 2025. Skubal is Skubal, and Olson has No. 2 starter potential as long as his shoulder injury from last season hasn’t diminished his effectiveness in the long term. But Cobb has to miraculously stay healthy at the age of 37 after injuries limited him to just three appearances last season. Jobe still has to earn a rotation spot this spring.

    As it stands now, the fifth starter would likely be Casey Mize or Keider Montero. Mize is capable of filling the role, but Detroit’s choice to decline his club option for 2025 doesn’t exactly scream confidence in his ability to bounce back this season. Montero is talented and had a promising rookie season, but he is still relatively unproven.

    All of this is to say that the Tigers could – and should – look to strengthen their pitching staff before Sspring training begins. We know they likely won’t do it via free agency, and their options at this point would be limited if they did. But a trade could still be worth exploring, especially if that trade is for San Diego Padres right-hander Michael King.

    Tigers Rumors: Padres turmoil could create perfect trade opportunity for Detroit

    Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required) reported this week that King is “among the starting pitchers who remain in play” for the Padres as part of ongoing trade talks. King, whom the Padres received from the New York Yankees as part of the Juan Soto trade last offseason, had spent much of his career bouncing between the bullpen and the starting rotation. In San Diego, however, he became a bonafide starter and recorded a 2.95 ERA, a 27.7% strikeout rate and an 8.7% walk rate over 31 appearances (30 starts) last season. He also notched a 3.75 ERA over 12 postseason innings.

    While King doesn’t have a lengthy track record of starting experience, he would be a tremendous add to the Tigers’ rotation. He and the Padres failed to reach an agreement before the arbitration deadline, but he filed at $8 million and could therefore be an affordable, short-term option for the Tigers in a trade. And he won’t cost much as a rental. The Tigers have a surplus of assets they can part with, and can maybe even view King as an extension candidate.

    Whether anything comes of the trade rumors involving King remains to be seen; but with pitchers and catchers reporting to spring training in just a few weeks, the Tigers are running out of time to shore up their rotation for Opening Day and should be dialed in on the trade market for help on that front.

    More Tigers content from Motor City Bengals



    The San Diego Padres have been in the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons, with reports of discord and turmoil within the organization. This could potentially create a perfect trade opportunity for the Detroit Tigers.

    With key players reportedly unhappy and potential rifts within the team, the Padres may be looking to shake things up and make some changes. This could open the door for the Tigers to swoop in and make a trade that could benefit both teams.

    The Tigers have a young, talented roster that could benefit from adding a proven player or two from the Padres. With the Padres potentially looking to offload some players, the Tigers could find themselves in a position to make a trade that could help strengthen their team for the future.

    In the midst of the Padres’ turmoil, the Tigers could capitalize on the situation and make a move that could benefit both teams in the long run. Keep an eye on these two teams as the trade deadline approaches, as a deal between them could be in the works.

    Tags:

    1. San Diego Padres
    2. Detroit Tigers
    3. MLB trade rumors
    4. Baseball trade opportunities
    5. MLB trade deadline
    6. Padres roster changes
    7. Detroit Tigers trade targets
    8. MLB team turmoil
    9. Baseball trade speculation
    10. Detroit Tigers trade strategy

    #Padres #turmoil #create #perfect #trade #opportunity #Detroit

  • DeepSeek Chinese AI chatbot sparks market turmoil for rivals


    Shares in major US technology firms have plunged after the rapid rise of a low-cost chatbot built by a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) firm.

    The DeepSeek app, which was launched last week, has overtaken rivals including OpenAI’s ChatGPT to become the most downloaded free app in the US.

    US tech giants including AI chip-maker Nvidia, Microsoft and Meta all saw their share prices drop on Monday.

    China’s chatbot was reportedly developed for a fraction of the cost of its rivals, raising questions about the future of America’s AI dominance and the scale of investments US firms are planning.

    Last week, OpenAI joined a group of other firms who pledged to invest $500bn (£400bn) in building AI infrastructure in the US.

    President Donald Trump, in one of his first announcements since returning to office, called it “the largest AI infrastructure project by far in history” that would help keep “the future of technology” in the US.

    DeepSeek is powered by the open source DeepSeek-V3 model, which its researchers claim was developed for around $6m – significantly less than the billions spent by rivals.

    But this claim has been disputed by others in AI.

    The researchers say they use already existing technology, as well as open source code – software that can be used, modified or distributed by anybody free of charge.

    DeepSeek’s emergence comes as the US is restricting the sale of the advanced chip technology that powers AI to China.

    To continue their work without steady supplies of imported advanced chips, Chinese AI developers have shared their work with each other and experimented with new approaches to the technology.

    This has resulted in AI models that require far less computing power than before.

    It also means that they cost a lot less than previously thought possible, which has the potential to upend the industry.

    After DeepSeek-R1 was launched earlier this month, the company boasted of “performance on par with” one of OpenAI’s latest models when used for tasks such as maths, coding and natural language reasoning.

    Silicon Valley venture capitalist and Trump advisor Marc Andreessen described DeepSeek-R1 as “AI’s Sputnik moment”, a reference to the satellite launched by the Soviet Union in 1957.

    At the time, the US was considered to have been caught off-guard by their rival’s technological achievement.

    DeepSeek’s sudden popularity has startled stock markets in Europe and the US.

    ASML, the Dutch chip equipment maker, saw its share price tumble by more than 10% while shares in Siemens Energy, which makes hardware related to AI, plunged by 21%.

    “This idea of a low-cost Chinese version hasn’t necessarily been forefront, so it’s taken the market a little bit by surprise,” said Fiona Cincotta, senior market analyst at City Index.

    “So, if you suddenly get this low-cost AI model, then that’s going to raise concerns over the profits of rivals, particularly given the amount that they’ve already invested in more expensive AI infrastructure.”

    Singapore-based technology equity advisor Vey-Sern Ling told the BBC it could “potentially derail the investment case for the entire AI supply chain”.

    But Wall Street banking giant Citi cautioned that while DeepSeek could challenge the dominant positions of American companies such as OpenAI, issues faced by Chinese firms could hamper their development.

    “We estimate that in an inevitably more restrictive environment, US access to more advanced chips is an advantage,” analysts said in a report.

    The company was founded in 2023 by Liang Wenfeng in Hangzhou, a city in southeastern China.

    The 40-year-old, an information and electronic engineering graduate, also founded the hedge fund that backed DeepSeek.

    He reportedly built up a store of Nvidia A100 chips, now banned from export to China. Experts believe this collection – which some estimates put at 50,000 – led him to launch DeepSeek, by pairing these chips with cheaper, lower-end ones that are still available to import.

    Mr Liang was recently seen at a meeting between industry experts and the Chinese premier Li Qiang.

    In a July 2024 interview with The China Academy, Mr Liang said he was surprised by the reaction to the previous version of his AI model.

    “We didn’t expect pricing to be such a sensitive issue,” he said.

    “We were simply following our own pace, calculating costs, and setting prices accordingly.”

    Additional reporting by Joao Da Silva and Dearbail Jordan.



    Recently, the introduction of DeepSeek, a cutting-edge Chinese AI chatbot, has sent shockwaves through the market, causing turmoil for its competitors. DeepSeek’s advanced technology and ability to understand and respond to complex queries in real-time has made it a formidable force in the chatbot industry.

    With its deep learning capabilities and sophisticated algorithms, DeepSeek has quickly gained a loyal following among users seeking intelligent and personalized interactions. Its ability to provide accurate and relevant information has set it apart from other chatbots on the market.

    As a result, rival companies are scrambling to keep up with DeepSeek’s rapid rise to prominence. Some have even reported a decline in their user base as customers flock to the new and improved chatbot.

    The emergence of DeepSeek has not only raised the bar for AI chatbots but has also highlighted the importance of innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving tech industry. As competitors work to adapt and improve their own products, one thing is clear: DeepSeek has set a new standard for AI chatbots, and the market may never be the same again.

    Tags:

    1. DeepSeek Chinese AI chatbot
    2. AI chatbot technology
    3. Market turmoil
    4. Chinese tech industry
    5. Artificial intelligence innovation
    6. Deep learning technology
    7. Chatbot competition
    8. AI market disruption
    9. Chinese tech advancements
    10. DeepSeek chatbot impact on rivals

    #DeepSeek #Chinese #chatbot #sparks #market #turmoil #rivals

  • CNN in turmoil as anti-Trump star Jim Acosta ‘threatens to quit’ over midnight slot move


    CNN anchor Jim Acosta is reportedly considering quitting the broadcaster after being demoted from his prized 10 am show and threatened with banishment to the ‘Siberia’ of broadcasting. 

    On Thursday, rumors that Acosta has lost his morning show were confirmed by CNN boss Mark Thompson as 200 layoffs in the TV division were announced. 

    He’ll be replaced at that time by The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown. 

    The New York Times reported that Acosta is in talks with CNN bosses about another as yet unconfirmed role.

    But claims the anti-Trump anchor is destined for a graveyard slot at midnight are said to have him pondering his future. 

    The LA Times reported that Acosta may now ‘exit the network, according to people familiar with his thinking.’

    Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Acosta is ‘getting hosed’ inside CNN’s offices over his ‘shocking’ demotion.

    An insider suggested that accepting a midnight-to-2 am slot is his ‘only path forward’ at the network. 

    Acosta’s 10 am ratings are good – but his notorious past clashes with Donald Trump are said to have made network bosses nervous as Trump begins his second term as president.  

    His verbal sparring matches with the administration and the president himself saw him lose his press pass at one point, before CNN successfully sued for breach of constitutional rights to get it back.

    However, network chiefs are said to be keen to water down the theatrics and believe moving Acosta to, ‘the Siberia of television’, is the way to do it.

    Jim Acosta has lost his prized  10am slot and is now said to be considering quitting the network

    Jim Acosta has lost his prized  10am slot and is now said to be considering quitting the network 

    The LA Times also reported how Acosta’s proposed midnight show would mean he’d report to the LA bureau, rather than the Washington office close to his home. 

    The new timings would mean that the anchor is on air between 9 and 11 pm PT, which is primetime on the West Coast.

    However, sources said the fallout has been swift, with CNN boss Mark Thompson ‘apoplectic’ details from the private conversation have been leaked.

    Several other staffers are said to be furious with the proposals, which they view as bending the knee to Trump.

    Acosta’s relationship with  the president was so sour during the first term that the White House revoked his press pass in 2018 after a heated clash.

    That decision was later challenged when Acosta and CNN presented it in front of a federal judge.

    Acosta’s back-and-forth with Trump went viral, and resulted in Trump telling him to ‘sit down’, while aides wrestled the mic from his hands.

    CNN boss Mark Thompson is said to be keen to avoid some of the dramatics which characterized Acosta's relationship with President Trump during his first term

    CNN boss Mark Thompson is said to be keen to avoid some of the dramatics which characterized Acosta’s relationship with President Trump during his first term

    Acosta has a tempestuous relationship with Trump, who previously branded him 'fake news' over his robust questioning during press conferences

    Acosta has a tempestuous relationship with Trump, who previously branded him ‘fake news’ over his robust questioning during press conferences

    Trump said: ‘CNN should be ashamed of itself having you work for them. You are a rude terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.’

    Then, during a separate press conference in 2020, Acosta said: ‘Mr. President, I think our record on delivering the truth is a lot better than yours sometimes.’

    ‘Let me tell you about your record, your record is so bad you ought to be ashamed of yourself,’ Trump shot back. ‘You have the worst record in the history of broadcasting.’

    On another occasion, Acosta asked Trump: ‘What do you say to critics who say that you are creating a national emergency? That you’re concocting a national emergency here to get your wall.’

    Trump snapped back: ‘Your question is a very political question because you have an agenda. You’re CNN. You’re fake news.’

    Acosta’s move is the latest in a series of shake ups the network is reportedly considering, and would pave the way for longtime anchor Wolf Blitzer, 76, to slide into a new morning timeslot to replace him.



    CNN, one of the leading news networks, is reportedly in turmoil as anti-Trump star Jim Acosta threatens to quit over a midnight slot move. Acosta, known for his confrontational style and criticism of the former President, has been a prominent figure on the network for years.

    The news of Acosta’s potential departure comes as a shock to many, as he has been a key player in CNN’s coverage of the Trump administration and has garnered a large following for his outspoken views. Acosta’s move to a midnight slot has raised eyebrows among viewers and colleagues alike, with some speculating that it may be a deliberate move to marginalize him within the network.

    Acosta’s threat to quit has sent shockwaves through the news industry, with many wondering what this could mean for CNN’s future. His departure would undoubtedly leave a void in the network’s lineup, as his fiery interviews and relentless questioning of politicians have become a staple of CNN’s coverage.

    As tensions continue to rise within the network, all eyes will be on Jim Acosta and CNN to see how this situation unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.

    Tags:

    1. CNN turmoil
    2. Jim Acosta
    3. Anti-Trump
    4. Star reporter
    5. Threatens to quit
    6. Midnight slot move
    7. CNN news
    8. Trump administration
    9. Media controversy
    10. Journalism ethics

    #CNN #turmoil #antiTrump #star #Jim #Acosta #threatens #quit #midnight #slot #move

  • Surviving Shit Show 2025: Strategies for Coping with the Year’s Turmoil

    Surviving Shit Show 2025: Strategies for Coping with the Year’s Turmoil


    As we navigate through the tumultuous events of the year 2025, it is important to equip ourselves with strategies for coping with the chaos and uncertainty that may come our way. From political unrest to natural disasters, the world seems to be in a constant state of upheaval. But fear not, there are ways to survive and even thrive amidst the chaos of the so-called “Shit Show 2025”.

    One of the most important strategies for coping with the turmoil of this year is to practice self-care. This means taking time to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. It is also crucial to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist if you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious.

    Another key strategy for surviving the chaos of 2025 is to stay informed but also limit your exposure to negative news and social media. While it is important to stay up-to-date on current events, constantly consuming doom and gloom headlines can take a toll on your mental health. Instead, try to focus on positive news stories or take breaks from the news altogether to give yourself a mental break.

    In addition, it is important to practice resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. The ability to bounce back from setbacks and adjust to new circumstances is crucial for surviving the challenges of Shit Show 2025. Remember that you are stronger and more capable than you may think, and that you have the power to overcome whatever obstacles come your way.

    Finally, it is important to remember that you are not alone in facing the turmoil of 2025. Reach out to others for support, whether it be through community organizations, online forums, or support groups. By connecting with others who are going through similar experiences, you can find strength and solidarity in navigating the challenges of this tumultuous year.

    In conclusion, while Shit Show 2025 may bring its fair share of turmoil and uncertainty, there are strategies for coping and thriving amidst the chaos. By prioritizing self-care, staying informed but limiting exposure to negativity, practicing resilience and adaptability, and seeking support from others, you can navigate the challenges of this year with grace and resilience. Remember, you are stronger than you think, and together, we can weather the storm of Shit Show 2025.


    #Surviving #Shit #Show #Strategies #Coping #Years #Turmoil,shit show 2025

  • Suez Canal revenues plunge by 60 percent as Egypt faces economic and political turmoil

    Suez Canal revenues plunge by 60 percent as Egypt faces economic and political turmoil


    Egypt’s Suez Canal has seen its revenues nosedive by more than 60 percent in 2024 compared to the previous year, amounting to a staggering $7 billion loss, according to a statement released on Thursday.

    The canal, which facilitates 12 percent of global trade and is a lifeline for Egypt’s battered economy, has been heavily impacted by Israel’s war on Gaza and the Houthis in Yemen.

    Yemen’s Houthi movement has threatened ships carrying goods to Israel, effectively disabling trade passing into the Red Sea through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

    Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched nearly 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, actions they say are in solidarity with Palestinians suffering under Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 45,400 people and wounded at least 107,940 Palestinians.

    The Houthis have said they will stop their attacks if Israel’s war on Gaza stops.

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    Israel faces charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and human rights organisations have published a vast body of evidence detailing ethnic cleansing and war crimes committed by the Israeli army.

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) is also pursuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with Israel’s war on Gaza. 

    Houthi attacks have prompted many shipping companies to reroute their vessels around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, bypassing the Suez Canal altogether.

    Egypt’s growing political instability

    Despite attacks by the United States, Britain and Israel on Yemeni territory, the Houthi military operations have continued unabated.

    The disruptions in the Red Sea have dealt a devastating blow to Egypt, which is already reeling under a worsening economic crisis.

    Inflation is soaring, the currency is in freefall, and millions of Egyptians are grappling with a spiralling cost-of-living crisis.

    The dire state of Egypt’s economy is mirrored by its political instability, particularly in the wake of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s fall.

    Israel fears Assad’s fall could embolden protesters in Egypt and Jordan

    Read More »

    While Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt’s authoritarian leader, has avoided directly commenting on Assad’s ousting, his recent statements reflect growing anxiety about his own grip on power.

    “My hands are not stained with anyone’s blood, nor have I stolen anyone’s money,” Sisi declared defensively to military leaders and journalists earlier this month.

    The remarks, made in the shadow of Assad’s collapse, appear to betray his unease.

    Sisi, who seized power through a military coup a decade ago, now holds the dubious distinction of being the region’s most oppressive ruler.

    Under his regime, over 65,000 political prisoners languish in Egyptian jails. Forced disappearances are routine, and torture has become so systematic that human rights organisations describe it as a state policy amounting to crimes against humanity.

    With revenues from the Suez Canal collapsing, Egypt’s tourism and remittance sectors will face increased pressure to prop up an economy teetering on the brink.



    The Suez Canal, a vital waterway connecting Europe and Asia, has seen a significant decrease in revenues amid economic and political uncertainties in Egypt. According to recent reports, revenues from the canal have plunged by 60 percent, raising concerns about the country’s financial stability.

    The decline in revenue can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global trade, as well as ongoing political turmoil in Egypt. The country has been facing economic challenges for years, with high unemployment rates and inflation putting pressure on the government to find new sources of revenue.

    The Suez Canal is a major source of income for Egypt, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The decrease in revenue is likely to have a significant impact on the country’s economy, as well as its ability to invest in infrastructure and development projects.

    The Egyptian government has been working to attract more ships and increase traffic through the canal in an effort to boost revenues. However, with ongoing political instability and economic challenges, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be successful in the long term.

    As Egypt continues to grapple with economic and political turmoil, the future of the Suez Canal remains uncertain. The country will need to address these challenges in order to ensure the long-term viability of this critical waterway.

    Tags:

    1. Suez Canal revenue decline
    2. Egypt economic crisis
    3. Political turmoil in Egypt
    4. Suez Canal financial impact
    5. Egypt’s economic challenges
    6. Decline in Suez Canal earnings
    7. Egypt political instability
    8. Economic downturn in Egypt
    9. Suez Canal revenue drop
    10. Egypt’s struggling economy

    #Suez #Canal #revenues #plunge #percent #Egypt #faces #economic #political #turmoil

  • “I’m not gonna talk too much about Guns N’ Roses. And especially not about Axl. It only leads to turmoil and torment on my end”: Former GN’R guitarist Bumblefoot reveals his new album, new gear, new tricks

    “I’m not gonna talk too much about Guns N’ Roses. And especially not about Axl. It only leads to turmoil and torment on my end”: Former GN’R guitarist Bumblefoot reveals his new album, new gear, new tricks


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     Bumblefoot.

    Credit: Gunner Kal

    Ron Thal, aka Bumblefoot, is one of the most respected guitar players around. That much is evident in the guest list on his new album: Guthrie Govan, Steve Vai, and Brian May.

    The album is titled …Returns!

    It’s a heady cocktail of quasi-industrial, futuristic-sounding instrumental metal with flourishes of grandiose guitar badassery.

    And it’s out on 24 January 2025.

    Bumblefoot is of course best known for his tenure in Guns N’ Roses during that long period when Slash was out of the band. He worked with singer Axl Rose on the album Chinese Democracy, and is credited for playing on every one of that album’s 14 tracks.

    Right off the bat, he tells MusicRadar that he doesn’t like to talk about his time with GN’R – but he does eventually, with a little gentle prodding.

    He’s much happier talking about his new album, his guitar heroes, and the pure joy of playing…

    What guitar did you learn on?

    “It was a kid-sized, nylon string, no-name practice guitar. After that, I had a copy of a Les Paul by Pace. I’ve never seen another Pace guitar on this planet since! I don’t know where this thing came from or who made it, but it looked like a sunburst Les Paul. I got it when I was eight, and that was my guitar!”

    In your early days, what guitar was the game-changer for you?

    “It was a 1983 Ibanez Roadstar. Finally, I had a guitar I could play Van Halen and Ozzy songs on. Before that, I had gotten a Fender Stratocaster, but it just didn’t have the balls I was looking for. I was an old-school metalhead, so I needed something with a [tremolo] bar that really drove harder. I think I put a Floyd Rose on the Ibanez, and I toured and recorded with it for about 13 years.

    Which guitarist is your biggest influence?

    “You’ve got Hendrix, Brian May, and everyone from every cool band of the ’60s and ’70s. Definitely Angus Young and Yngwie [Malmsteen], of course. But my main influence has to be Eddie Van Halen. There was guitar before him, and then there was guitar after him.

    “There’s time periods that you can measure, and before Van Halen there was a lot of reckless, Angus Young, bluesy kind of playing. Then Van Halen experimented, and there was a lot of what you can do unconventionally. It was exploratory.”

    In terms of technique, what was the last new trick you learned?

    “A lot of my tricks are old! But on my new album […Returns!], there’s an acoustic intro thing that’s me doing my bullshit version of flamenco because I can’t play flamenco. I do a thing where it’s sort of a banjo roll, and I take off my fingers, pull off onto the open string and quickly hammer it back down.

    “So, you’re picking the fourth string, plucking the second string with your second finger, plucking the first sting quickly, and then lifting off your fretting finger that’s on the second string to pull off onto the open string and hammering the note back down. You’re getting these five notes.”

    What was the last piece of gear that you were excited about?

    “There’s two. The first is the DigiTech JamMan [Solo] HD looper. It has a ton of saveable loops; you can have hours of loops in this thing. It has excellent audio quality, so it’s an excellent looper. The other is the DigiTech FreqOut [Natural Feedback Creator]. It simulates amp feedback, like when you’re just going up, facing the amp, and holding the note. It starts building it into feedback and has all these settings where you can control the harmonic, or it could be random, and you control the swoops in the level. You can also use it as a momentary switch.”

    How much do you practice now?

    “My guitar is always within arm’s reach. I’ll spend 10 hours a day in front of the computer mixing albums for a band when I’m producing and thinking to myself, ‘Okay, in five minutes, I’m going to take a break and do some playing.’ And then, 10 hours pass, and it’s like, ‘Okay, tomorrow, I’ll play.’ I could end up going weeks without touching a guitar.

    “It’s really shameful. That needs to change. I really do need to play more. It’s not helping my hands anymore.

    “In the old days, I lived every free moment playing guitar. I’d have lessons, I’d be practicing, I’d be writing. And then I’d drop the needle on an album and play along until I figured it out. By doing that, I built up a great sense of intuition for where a song is going.”

    As a player, do you have any bad habits?

    “Oh, a lot of them! I sit down too much. When I go to play standing up, my wrist isn’t used to it and everything in my fingers feels weak. I need to play more standing up.

    “When you’re sitting down and slouching over the guitar, it’s comfortable. But when you stand up and the guitar is down by your crotch, you have to grab it very differently. I lose a lot of dexterity, so that’s something I need to practice because I don’t do it enough.”

    Is there anything you can’t play that you’d like to?

    “Basketball! But definitely half of Jeff Watson’s solos from Night Ranger’s songs. People don’t realise how unconventional he was. His fingerpicking and tapping was just insane. He showed me a lot of solos, and I still can’t play them after all these years!”

    What technique did you have to work the hardest to master?

    “Economy picking. That took a while to get comfortable with. But once it’s a part of your playing, it’s very natural. So, just getting used to it was the thing—also, singing and playing at the same time.”

    What is the one song or performance that you’re most proud of?

    “My last album, Little Brother is Watching, was one where I was happy with everything about it. The songs, arrangements, recording, and production were exactly what I wanted them to be. And now, with my new album, …Returns!, I’m happy with the sound of it. With everything, I have no complaints.”

    What is your favourite song on Chinese Democracy?

    “The song I’m most proud of playing on is Shackler’s Revenge. I feel like I contributed a lot more to that song than some of the others. From the crazy guitar solos to the tapping stuff at the end over the last chorus, that song kept me very busy. And it was a lot of fun to play live, especially co-ordinating singing backing vocals as well as doing all of the crazy tapping patterns at the end of the song. It’s a very fun song to play.

    “But I will say that Shackler’s Revenge was already written – and Buckethead [another featured guitarist on Chinese Democracy] was already out of the band. I believe he is the one that wrote a good chunk of that song, so I was putting icing on a cake that already existed by the time I joined the band.”

    How did you come up with riffs and solos with GN’R?

    “By experimenting with different ideas in the studio. I was with Caram Costanzo, who was engineering and producing, and he was very hands-on in the studio every day. We’d spend a good 14 hours a day just trying different directions and approaches and seeing would fit best.”

    Was it inspiring for you to work with Axl?

    “I’m not gonna talk too much about Guns N’ Roses. And especially not about Axl. It only leads to turmoil and torment on my end.”

    Have you ever felt like you’d failed as a player or felt embarrassed by a performance?

    “I feel that every time I’m onstage! I really do. Every time I play, most of the time, I walk off the stage depressed, feeling like I’ve let myself down, let the audience down, that I could have done better, that I wasn’t focused, and that I wasn’t connected to the music. And the more shows I do, the more suicidally depressed I get. So, pretty much all of them!”

    And a final word for guitar players out there?

    “What I can’t play is pretty much infinite. And this goes for everybody, because it’s an endless road ahead of you. What’s ahead of you is what you can learn, practice and discover. You’re always a forever student. And that’s exciting…”



    Former Guns N’ Roses guitarist Bumblefoot has been keeping busy with his latest projects, including a new album, new gear, and new tricks. In a recent interview, the talented musician opened up about his music and career, steering clear of any mention of his former bandmate Axl Rose.

    Bumblefoot, who was part of GN’R from 2006 to 2014, has since moved on to focus on his solo career and other musical endeavors. His latest album showcases his unique style and versatility, featuring a blend of rock, metal, and experimental sounds.

    In addition to his new music, Bumblefoot has been experimenting with new gear and techniques to push the boundaries of his guitar playing. Fans can expect to hear some exciting new tricks and techniques on his upcoming releases.

    While Bumblefoot may not want to dwell on his time with Guns N’ Roses, his passion for music and dedication to his craft are evident in everything he does. Stay tuned for more updates on his new album and upcoming projects.

    Tags:

    1. Guns N’ Roses
    2. Axl Rose
    3. Bumblefoot
    4. Former guitarist
    5. New album
    6. New gear
    7. Music news
    8. Rock music
    9. Guitar tricks
    10. Band updates

    #gonna #talk #Guns #Roses #Axl #leads #turmoil #torment #GNR #guitarist #Bumblefoot #reveals #album #gear #tricks

  • Navigating VMware Turmoil in the Broadcom Era: Insights and Strategies for Transitioning to Alternative Solutions

    Navigating VMware Turmoil in the Broadcom Era: Insights and Strategies for Transitioning to Alternative Solutions


    Price: $39.99 – $37.99
    (as of Dec 17,2024 15:47:55 UTC – Details)




    ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DNW251ZB
    Publisher ‏ : ‎ Apress; First Edition (March 7, 2025)
    Language ‏ : ‎ English
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8868812637
    Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.11 pounds


    Navigating VMware Turmoil in the Broadcom Era: Insights and Strategies for Transitioning to Alternative Solutions

    The recent acquisition of VMware by Broadcom has left many organizations in a state of uncertainty and confusion. As Broadcom continues to integrate VMware into its portfolio, it is clear that significant changes are on the horizon for VMware customers.

    In this post, we will explore some of the key challenges facing VMware users in the Broadcom era and provide insights and strategies for transitioning to alternative solutions.

    1. Understand the impact of the acquisition: The first step in navigating VMware turmoil in the Broadcom era is to understand the impact of the acquisition on your organization. Take the time to assess how the acquisition will affect your current VMware deployments, licensing agreements, and support services.

    2. Evaluate alternative solutions: With the future of VMware uncertain under Broadcom’s ownership, now is the time to start exploring alternative virtualization and cloud solutions. Consider options such as Microsoft Hyper-V, Red Hat Virtualization, and Citrix XenServer as potential replacements for VMware.

    3. Plan your migration strategy: Once you have identified alternative solutions, it is important to develop a migration strategy that minimizes disruption to your business operations. Consider factors such as data migration, application compatibility, and training for IT staff as you plan your transition away from VMware.

    4. Engage with vendors and partners: As you navigate the transition to alternative solutions, it is important to engage with vendors and partners who can provide support and guidance throughout the process. Work closely with your IT team, consultants, and solution providers to ensure a smooth and successful migration.

    5. Stay informed and proactive: Finally, it is important to stay informed about the latest developments in the VMware-Broadcom acquisition and the virtualization market as a whole. By staying proactive and agile in your approach to technology, you can position your organization for success in the face of uncertainty.

    In conclusion, navigating VMware turmoil in the Broadcom era requires a strategic and proactive approach. By understanding the impact of the acquisition, evaluating alternative solutions, planning your migration strategy, engaging with vendors and partners, and staying informed, you can successfully transition to alternative solutions and position your organization for long-term success.
    #Navigating #VMware #Turmoil #Broadcom #Era #Insights #Strategies #Transitioning #Alternative #Solutions

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