I start with US classic car prices. It is relevant, bear with me. Then it is onto the Begbies (BEG) red flag report, a real bombshell. Then Carpetright (CPR), Bonmarche (BON), Dignity (DTY), RM2 (RM2), Online Blockcrap (OBC) and Character Group (CCT). I also look at today's article in te Times on insider dealing and welfare fraud.

As the old saying goes there is nothing guaranteed except death and taxes. Funnily enough I rarely have seen the announcement of a 25% cut in a product price helping a share price either...and that brings us to the large UK funeral operator Dignity (DTY).

The rise in shares of Lionsgold (LION) has got the attention of many, and it certainly looked as though news was leaked prior to an RNS later in the day. Having seen the share price dropping steadily of late, it suddenly surged more than 40% on much higher than normal volume. Initially it looked like just another pump, as this share has been very popular with private investors ever since its share price rose by around 500% in December and is very volatile, but then an RNS dropped informing the market that it was making a new investment, and it ended the day up nearly 90% at 4.55p on the ask.

Another to be de-listed and another “exploring options for the future strategy of the company, including a cancellation from AIM and continuing as a private company”. Who's next to follow the likes of Geong International and co in 'Geong, Geong' and then Gone?...

Hello, Share Mixers. In the Autumn I agonised on this sumptuous website over whether to sell shares in the computer bits firm IQE (IQE). Fact is, my mind pulled one way, then the other. I could not make up my mind. Now similar factors are in play for another multi-bagger.

Previously writing on communications-into-CRM platforms integrating software group Cloudcall (CALL), I concluded with the shares at circa 150p that the top line growth interests, but I’d be looking for more net cash generation reassurance. There’s now a Trading Update which has taken the shares to around 160p…

Technology products and electronic assemblies group Stadium (SDM) “announces that trading for the year ended 31 December 2017 was in line with management's expectations following the trading update in November 2017”. What was the November trading update then?... Ah!...

Nigel Somerville penned two articles on AIQ (AIQ) which, I thought were pretty damning as you can see HERE and HERE. The valuation is clearly bonkers and I say that as a shareholder (by accident not design). Andrew Monk of VSA floated AIQ and has penned this response which I am happy to publish in full as it all seems very comprehensive and reassuring. I really don't know what to think other than that the valuation at the suspension price is bonkers on steroids.

I seem to have written about one of my 2017 'tips of the year' Whitbread (WTB) more in 2018 than I did during its twelve months in the sun. A couple of weeks ago I observed that the appointment of the new Chairman, combined with an activist shareholder on the books could well tip the company over the edge in terms of thinking about the value creation option of splitting its two largest and most successful franchises Costa Coffee and Premier Inn. I also mused that the market reaction to this would push the shares back to trading at £50+.

A Trading Statement from EMIS Group (EMIS) commences “trading for the year has been in line with the board's expectations”. Ok… “(excluding the impact of the service level reporting issues separately announced this morning)”. Uh oh…

I start with some bad language as I prepare for coffee with the fit young mums. Then it is on to Kefi (KEFI), Countrwide (CWD) and finally, at length, Paternoster Resources (PRS) where change is afoot. I also discuss the duties of a CEO, should he be a share ramper, ref Versarien (VRS).

Falanx Group (FLX) has appointed a new Finance Director at last. Ian Selby was at Westminster Group (WSG), a perennially cash-strapped omnishambles, until he had enough and walked last summer.

The Register today reports on an incident at Just Eat (JE.) which appears not to be a one off and suggests that the Company's attitude to data protection is bordering on the reckless. The one incident now sees Just Eat suffering an official investiogation but the victim says that other women have now contacted her and so this could be just the tip of the iceberg.

My previous writing on Accrol Group (ACRL) included also on 17th January the company faces sentencing for a health and safety regulatory offence – for which the Health & Safety Executive is seeking a fine of up to £2.9 million, with a starting point of £1.1 million. There’s now an “Update on Health and Safety Incident”…

Hello Share Twitchers. The demise of Carillion has spooked the markets. But it’s a nine-day wonder and this nervous period might be regarded as a buying opportunity. Bear in mind that world growth, especially in China, and the slashing of US taxes by Big Donald make a healthy environment for shares worldwide. With this in mind, I suggest you look at the three companies which are currently bulging my bag. They are all probing or beating new highs, but there is still some way to go, I fancy. Also, this trio shares comparatively low Price Earnings ratios, which is one of the best indicators we have of good value.

This morning it was announced that Alpha Returns Group (ARGP) has been unable to replace Roland Fatty Cornish as Nomad and that it is off to the AIM Execution Chamber over the weekend. With Haike Chemical (HAIK) having announced yesterday that it is considering (ie certain to) delist, that will be the ShareProphets AIM-China Filthy Forty down to just seven companies. They are still dropping like flies, then.

I note shares in data management technology company WANdisco (WAND) have significantly recovered since I previously wrote and yesterday saw a “Trading Update” announcement and today a research update…

In today's podcast I consider Julie Meyer and Ariadne, Provident Financial (PFG), another Neil Woodford dog, UtilityWise (UTW), OnlineBlockcrap (OBC), Mayan (MYN) and Carillion (CLLN) and how we capitalists keep on scoring own goals.

A “Final results update” from Utilitywise (UTW). Such an announcement would not normally be a cause for alarm, but here Woodford Investment Management has a major shareholding - and it was previously Auditor requests estimation methodology review by a third-party, results delayed again!…

Lawyers for Ariadne Group and Julie Meyer have demanded that I withdraw an article of 9th January about Ariadne Capital Ltd (in administration) and Ms Meyer - a letter to the FCA and publish their statement. I am always happy to help those doing God's will and have removed the piece.