help with simple rule

here is the table:

                  Table "testx"
     Attribute |  Type   |      Modifier
    -----------+---------+--------------------
     starter   | integer | not null
     second    | text    | default timestamp('now')

I am trying to make a rule which states:

    whenever someone UPDATES starter, UPDATE second with the current
    timestamp.

here is my attempt at it:

    CREATE RULE testx_update AS ON UPDATE TO testx WHERE (new.starter
    <> old.starter) DO UPDATE testx SET "second" = timestamp('now');

here is the error i am recieving:

    backend=# update testx SET starter =21910 where second = '10000000';
    ERROR:  query rewritten 10 times, may contain cycles

here is my plea for help:

    help!!! ;) seriously, i haven't been able to get this to work and
    i do not know why. any help that anyone can give me would be
    greatly appreciated.


TIA,

--ch