From the FCA's spreadsheet of short positions required to be disclosed to it, the following shows the shorted AIM shares with positions from 2017 and thus far in 2018 (by net short position %) - and if this position has increased (red), reduced (green) or remained unchanged (black) since last week...

I start this podcast by reflecting on my biggest investment mistakes of which selling some Optibiotix (OPTI) three years ago must be in the top ten. Stagging Argo Blockchain (ARB) hjas so far been a small mistake but I reflect on that too. Then I reflect on the bombshell by Nigel Somerville on BMR Group (BMR) which shows AIM Regulation not fit for purpose and opens up a mega scandal for WH Ireland (WHI). What happens next i ask, referring to good news on the claims against Cantor Fitzgerald re African Potash (AFPO)

I wrote a few pieces on (now formerly) AIM-listed BMR Holdings (BMR) back in February when its Zambian Mining rights were stripped away – the previous threat of which it seemed to know of the previous September (when it did a placing) but did not share with the market. That was eventually resolved and the rights restored, but this morning BMR was given the boot from the Casino. Perhaps we should not be too surprised, but I wondered what was going on here. What I have been told suggests an absolute scandal – but not at the hands of BMR…..

Hello Share Pushers. First of all, an admission of bias. I avoid investing in gambling firms. This is because I like to think my money goes into making stuff or providing services which actually add to world values. And I think most gambling is often a waste of money with little concrete being produced. I realise this is kill-joy puritanism, but I can't help it.

In this podcast I look at FastForward (FFWD), Optibiotix (OPTI) - ouzo from Cynical on its way - Tern (Nigel will be celebrating with ouzo tonight) and UK Oil & Gas (UKOG). Tomorrow Lucian Miers has the treat of all treats for his godson Joshua so there may be no bearcast or maybe there will be a very early one.

Early this year we showed the ten top shorted London-listed shares at the start of 2018. After the latest month, how's performance?...

An RNS has to be signed off by a Nomad as fair and not misleading. UK Oil & Gas (UKOG) is sometimes forced to correct an RNS which it turns out was in fact misleading but there is at least some control. On twitter UK Oil & Gas says what it likes. So can you spot the difference?

Portmeirion, Spode, Wax Lyrical, Royal Worcester and Pimpernel homewares company Portmeirion Group (PMP) has been “pleased to announce its performance for the six months ended 30 June 2018” - and the shares have responded higher, currently to 1170p…

A full-year trading update from Seeing Machines (SEE), the self-described “advanced computer vision technology company that designs AI powered operator monitoring systems to improve transport safety”, commences “total sales revenue was A$30.7 million, an increase of 127% year-on-year (2017: A$13.5 million) and within the range of the previous guidance published”. Sounds promising – so why a current more than 5% share price decline?…

Shares in AIM-listed Tern plc (TERN) are down sharply this morning by 20% (last seen) on a clarification from the company regarding its principle investee Device Authority. In short, forecasts were, shall we say, a tad optimistic. That, in the wake of a placing at 26p. Perhaps some kind person can explain why that might not amount to securities fraud, for as a humble non-lawyer all I can say is it stinks.

The previous record number of tips captured and performance-tracked by Stockomendation was smashed in July, with over 1,600 new stock tips and broker ratings added to our platform across 23 brokers and 40 professional tipsters. Tip activity in July was the at its highest since April –  coinciding with quarterly trading updates for many firms –  representing an increase of 81% on the number of tips tracked during the same period last year. This surge in tips was mainly driven by brokers, with tipster activity remaining in line with previous months.

Yesterday North Lincs council rejected the latest permit application for the Wressle field where Union Jack (UJO) is a junior partner. This was expected as this council is a politically driven mess. The partners will now appeal to grown ups at Central Government. So while disappointing this is not unexpected and, of course, Union Jack has a number of other assets. So the minor sell off in the shares today does not change our BUY stance.

No, I still do not understand this blockchain malarkey but FWIW we have stagged the IPO of Argo Blockchain (ARB) on the standard list today at 16p. The fund raise was just so impressive. Argo set out to raise just £6 million.

Hello Share Swingers. Barclays (BARC) has been a miserable share to hold. What progress there has been in recent years has been slow. And set-backs along the way have made things worse. I sold mine about two years ago and, as it's turned out, the money raised has been put to much more profitable use. The latest results do not raise my hopes much higher.

I have had a business lunch, a rare event for me down in the boonies and as such I assess my sobriety. In this podcast I discuss Union Jack (UJO) and the new business-hating climate in Britain, Optibiotix (OPTI), Countrywide (CWD), UK Oil & Gas (UKOG), RM2 (RM2) and base rates on both sides of the pond. Oh and en passant Julie "Lingerie on Expenses" Meyer.

I wrote last week on estate agency and property services company Countrywide (CWD) updating including “the adjusted EBITDA for the group for the six months ended 30 June 2018 was slightly better than the guidance previously provided” - and the shares have responded currently higher, back above 50p, but concluded the market cap is still now circa £120 million and with also it to be attempted significant equity fundraising ahoy in far from propitious circumstances, the stance remains avoid / sell. Today half-year results and a “Firm Placing, Placing and Open Offer 2018” announcement – and the shares down towards 17p!...

This is undoubtedly good news for AIM-listed Advanced Oncotherapy (AVO) and the meagre 4% discount in quite a bonus. But I find it hard to get too excited.

Yesterday, Paddy Pantsdown took to twitter to deny that he was speaking at Julie Meyer's Follow the Entrepreneur conference on Croatia in October. He is, by my calculation, the ninth claimed speaker to deny that he is attending. Today the Croatian regulators have stepped in, as you can see below, to warn the good folks of Croatia to steer well clear. I have had the Croat press on the trombone this afternoon and I guess that means Julie is going to have some more journalists to bully with fascist lawyers letters and smear on the internet.  Make no mistake, the net is closing in...

Towards the end of May online gaming operator Stride Gaming (STR) announced results for its half-year, including “central to the success of our core UK market performance is our focus on compliance, regulation and responsible gaming. Stride has continued to adapt to new requirements and regulations including the forthcoming introduction of GDPR as well as the new POCT applied to free bets introduced in August 2017”. Now, 10 weeks later, a “Gambling Commission Notice” announcement…

Having asked for readers tips for 2018 for the amazing prize of a meal with Tom Winnifrith (or the chance to fob it off on someone you don't like) HERE, the following is a monthly update on performance (to be eligible needed to have selected, on a per username basis, a buy & sell pick from the LSE or AIM Casino and the stocks not to have been suspended at the commencement of 2018)...