@ 9223d2fa:b57e3de7

10,423 steps

@ 6a6be47b:3e74e3e1

Hi frens! 🌞

How was your day? Mine was pretty great! Not to brag—I just try to see things in a positive light. Even when a day is “meh” or downright awful, I look for at least one good thing in it. Sometimes, let’s be real, there isn’t even one. Some days, weeks, or even months can just be tough. But even that shall pass.

✨ So, let’s try to focus on at least one good thing around us, or within us. Who knows—maybe a little magic can happen…

🎨 Today, I made time for some drawing on Procreate—yaaay! If you caught yesterday’s discussion, you know I drew a butterfly 🦋. Maybe with today’s drawing, you’ll be able to guess my next blog entry 👀

Today’s subject: Cytisus scoparius, better known as “Scotch broom” (or Scots broom).

🔍 I used to mix it up with gorse, but there are some telltale differences:

“Broom is similar to common gorse in size, shape and flower colour, but it lacks the spines and has short, flattened leaves and larger flowers.” — The Wildlife Trusts

⭐️Fun fact: I actually painted a gorse not too long ago for my Beltane post.

🚨 A word of caution though—don’t get too close! Scotch broom is harmful if eaten, so keep an eye out for your pets when you’re out and about, according to rhs.org.uk

🌼 I love spotting these bright yellow blooms by the highway or just outside town. That color is chef’s kiss—it really brightens up any drive!

💐That’s all for today. I’m super excited to hear what you think!

Take care and godspeed, my frens! 🚀✨

https://stacker.news/items/991324

@ c1e6505c:02b3157e

I recently acquired a new lens:

1959 Leica Summaron F2.8 35mm LTM.

1959 Leica Summaron 35mm f2.8 LTM mounted on my Fujifilm Xpro2 with LTM adapter made by Urth.

Technically, it was a trade. I helped a fellow Bitcoiner set up their Sparrow Wallet, Nostr stuff, and troubleshoot a few wallet issues, and in return, they gave me the lens.

It all started at a local Bitcoin meetup I went to about a week ago - my second time attending. I recognized a few faces from last time, but also saw some new ones. These meetups are refreshing - it’s rare to speak a common language about something like Bitcoin or Nostr. Most people still don’t get it. But they will.

Technology moves forward. Networks grow. Old cells die off.

During the meetup, someone noticed I had my Leica M262 with me and struck up a conversation. Said they had some old Leica lenses and gear at home, and wanted to show me.

Bitcoin and photography in one conversation? I’m down.

A day or so later, they sent me a photo of one of the lenses: a vintage Summaron LTM 35mm f/2.8 from 1959. I’d never seen or heard of one before. They asked if I could help them set up Sparrow and a Bitcoin node. In exchange, they’d give me the lens. Sounded like a good deal to me. Helping plebs with their setups feels like a duty anyway. I said, of course.

They invited me over - a pretty trusting move, which I appreciated. They had some great Bitcoin memorabilia: Fred Krueger’s The Big Bitcoin Book (even if the guy’s turned full shitcoiner), and some FTX sunglasses from Bitcoin 2022. Probably future collector’s items, lol.

We headed upstairs to work on setting up Sparrow Wallet on their Windows machine. I verified the software download first (which you should always do), then helped them create a new wallet using their Ledger Flex. They also had an older Ledger Nano X. The Flex setup was easy, but the Nano X gave us trouble. It turns out Ledger allows multiple wallets for the same asset, which can show up differently depending on how they’re configured. In Sparrow, only one wallet showed—none of the others.

I believe it had to do with the derivation path from the Ledger. If anyone knows a fix, let me know.

After a few hours of troubleshooting, I told them I couldn’t really recommend Ledger. The UX is a mess. They’d already heard similar things from other plebs too.

I suggested switching to the Blockstream Jade. It’s a solid Bitcoin-only device from a trustworthy team. That’s what you want in a hardware wallet.

But back to the lens…

Since it’s an LTM (Leica Thread Mount), I couldn’t mount it directly on my M262. Luckily, I remembered I had an Urth adapter that fits my Fujifilm X-Pro2. I don’t use the X-Pro2 much these days—it’s mostly been sidelined by the M262 - but this was the perfect excuse to bring it out again.

To test the lens, I shot everything wide open at f/2.8. Nothing crazy fast, but it’s the best way to see a lens’s character. And this one definitely has character. There’s a subtle softness and a kind of motion blur effect around the edges when wide open. At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it, but the more I shot, the more I liked it. It reminds me of Winogrand’s work in Winogrand Color - those messy, shifting edges that make the frame feel alive. It also helps soften the digital-ness of the camera sensor.

The focus throw is short and snappy - much tighter than my Summicron V3 35mm f/2. I really like how fast it is to use. The closest focusing distance is about 3.5 feet, so it’s not ideal for close-ups. And with the Urth adapter on the X-Pro2, the focal length ends up closer to 40mm.

The only thing that threw me off was the infinity lock. When the focus hits infinity, it physically locks - you have to press a small tab to unlock it. I’ve seen others complain about it, so I guess it’s just one of those old lens quirks. I’m getting used to it.

All the photos here were taken around where I live in South Carolina. Some during bike rides to the river for a swim, others while walking through the marshlands.

I try to make work wherever I am. You should be able to.

It’s about the light, the rhythm, the play - and having the motivation to actually go out and shoot.

Lens rating: 7.9/10

---

I mainly shoot with a Leica M262, and edit in Lightroom + Dehancer

Use “PictureRoom” for 10% off Dehancer Film

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking the time to view my work - consider becoming a paid subscriber.

Also, please contact me if you would like to purchase any of my prints.

Follow me on Nostr:

npub1c8n9qhqzm2x3kzjm84kmdcvm96ezmn257r5xxphv3gsnjq4nz4lqelne96

@ 2e941ad1:fac7c2d0

Unlocks: 13

@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.

• Coinswap is a decentralized protocol for private, trustless cryptocurrency swaps. It allows participants to securely swap digital assets without intermediaries, using advanced cryptographic techniques and atomic swaps to ensure privacy and security.
• This release introduces major improvements to the protocol's efficiency, security, and usability, including custom in-memory UTXO indexes, more advanced coin-selection algorithms, fidelity bond management and more.
• The update also improves user experience with full Mac support, faster Tor connections, enhanced UI/UX, a unified API, and improved protocol documentation.

"The Project is under active beta development and open for contributions and beta testing. The Coinswap market place is live in testnet4. Bug fixes and feature requests are very much welcome."

• Manuals and demo docs are available here.

What's new

• Core protocol and performance improvements:
  • Custom in-memory UTXO indexes. Frequent Core RPC calls, which caused significant delays, have been eliminated by implementing custom in-memory UTXO indexes. These indexes are also saved to disk, leading to faster wallet synchronization.
  • Coin selection. Advanced coin-selection algorithms, like those in Bitcoin Core, have been incorporated, enhancing the efficiency of creating different types of transactions.
  • Fidelity management. Maker servers now automate tasks such as checking bond expiries, redemption, and recreation for Fidelity Bonds, reducing the user's management responsibilities.
  • Taker liveness. The WaitingFundingConfirmation message has been added to keep swap connections between Takers and Makers, assisting with variable block confirmation delays.

• User experience and compatibility:

  • Mac compatibility. The crate and apps now fully support Mac.
  • Tor operations are streamlined for faster, more resilient connections. Tor addresses are now consistently linked to the wallet seed, maintaining the same onion address through system reboots.
  • The UI/UX improvements enhance the display of balances, UTXOs, offer data, fidelity bonds, and system logs. These updates make the apps more enjoyable and provide clearer coin swap logs during the swap process.

• API design improvements. Transaction creation routines have been streamlined to use a single common API, which reduces technical debt and eliminates redundant code.

• Protocol spec documentation now details how Coinswap breaks the transaction graph and improves privacy through routed swaps and amount splitting, and includes diagrams for clarity.

Source: Coinswap Protocol specification.

Announcement
GitHub Repo
Protocol Spec

@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

News

• Bitcoin mining centralization in 2025. According to a blog post by b10c, Bitcoin mining was at its most decentralized in May 2017, with another favorable period from 2019 to 2022. However, starting in 2023, mining has become increasingly centralized, particularly due to the influence of large pools like Foundry and the use of proxy pooling by entities such as AntPool.

Source: b10c's blog.

• OpenSats announces the eleventh wave of Nostr grants. The five projects in this wave are the mobile live-streaming app Swae, the Nostr-over-ham-radio project HAMSTR, Vertex—a Web-of-Trust (WOT) service for Nostr developers, Nostr Double Ratchet for end-to-end encrypted messaging, and the Nostr Game Engine for building games and applications integrated with the Nostr ecosystem.
• New Spiral grantee: l0rinc. In February 2024, l0rinc transitioned to full-time work on Bitcoin Core. His efforts focus on performance benchmarking and optimizations, enhancing code quality, conducting code reviews, reducing block download times, optimizing memory usage, and refactoring code.
• Project Eleven offers 1 BTC to break Bitcoin's cryptography with a quantum computer. The quantum computing research organization has introduced the Q-Day Prize, a global challenge that offers 1 BTC to the first team capable of breaking an elliptic curve cryptographic (ECC) key using Shor’s algorithm on a quantum computer. The prize will be awarded to the first team to successfully accomplish this breakthrough by April 5, 2026.
• Unchained has launched the Bitcoin Legacy Project. The initiative seeks to advance the Bitcoin ecosystem through a bitcoin-native donor-advised fund platform (DAF), investments in community hubs, support for education and open-source development, and a commitment to long-term sustainability with transparent annual reporting.
  • In its first year, the program will provide support to Bitcoin hubs in Nashville, Austin, and Denver.
  • Support also includes $50,000 to the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a $150,000 commitment at the University of Austin, and up to $250,000 in research grants through the Bitcoin Scholars program.

"Unchained will match grants 1:1 made to partner organizations who support Bitcoin Core development when made through the Unchained-powered bitcoin DAF, up to 1 BTC," was stated in a blog post.

• Block launched open-source tools for Bitcoin treasury management. These include a dashboard for managing corporate bitcoin holdings and provides a real-time BTC-to-USD price quote API, released as part of the Block Open Source initiative. The company’s own instance of the bitcoin holdings dashboard is available here.

Source: block.xyz

• Bull Bitcoin expands to Mexico, enabling anyone in the country to receive pesos from anywhere in the world straight from a Bitcoin wallet. Additionally, users can now buy Bitcoin with a Mexican bank account.

"Bull Bitcoin strongly believes in Bitcoin’s economic potential in Mexico, not only for international remittances and tourism, but also for Mexican individuals and companies to reclaim their financial sovereignty and protect their wealth from inflation and the fragility of traditional financial markets," said Francis Pouliot, Founder and CEO of Bull Bitcoin.

• Corporate bitcoin holdings hit a record high in Q1 2025. According to Bitwise, public companies' adoption of Bitcoin has hit an all-time high. In Q1 2025, these firms collectively hold over 688,000 BTC, marking a 16.11% increase from the previous quarter. This amount represents 3.28% of Bitcoin's fixed 21 million supply.

Source: Bitwise.

• The Bitcoin Bond Company for institutions has launched with the aim of acquiring $1 trillion in Bitcoin over 21 years. It utilizes secure, transparent, and compliant bond-like products backed by Bitcoin.
• The U.S. Senate confirmed Paul Atkins as Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). At his confirmation hearing, Atkins emphasized the need for a clear framework for digital assets. He aims to collaborate with the CFTC and Congress to address jurisdiction and rulemaking gaps, aligning with the Trump administration's goal to position the U.S. as a leader in Bitcoin and blockchain finance.
• Ethereum developer Virgil Griffith has been released from custody. Griffith, whose sentence was reduced to 56 months, is now seeking a pardon. He was initially sentenced to 63 months for allegedly violating international sanctions laws by providing technical advice on using cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology to evade sanctions during a presentation titled 'Blockchains for Peace' in North Korea.
• No-KYC exchange eXch to close down under money laundering scrutiny. The privacy-focused cryptocurrency trading platform said it will cease operations on May 1. This decision follows allegations that the platform was used by North Korea's Lazarus Group for money laundering. eXch revealed it is the subject of an active "transatlantic operation" aimed at shutting down the platform and prosecuting its team for "money laundering and terrorism."
• Blockstream combats ESP32 FUD concerning Jade signers. The company stated that after reviewing the vulnerability disclosed in early March, Jade was found to be secure. Espressif Systems, the designer of the ESP32, has since clarified that the "undocumented commands" do not constitute a "backdoor."

• Bank of America is lobbying for regulations that favor banks over tech firms in stablecoin issuance. The bank's CEO Brian Moynihan is working with groups such as the American Bankers Association to advance the issuance of a fully reserved, 1:1 backed "Bank of America coin." If successful, this could limit stablecoin efforts by non-banks like Tether, Circle, and others, reports The Block.
• Tether to back OCEAN Pool with its hashrate. "As a company committed to financial freedom and open access, we see supporting decentralization in Bitcoin mining as essential to the network’s long-term integrity," said Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.
• Bitdeer to expand its self-mining operations to navigate tariffs. The Singapore-based mining company is advancing plans to produce machines in the U.S. while reducing its mining hardware sales. This response is in light of increasing uncertainties related to U.S. trade policy, as reported by Bloomberg.
• Tether acquires $32M in Bitdeer shares. The firm has boosted its investment in Bitdeer during a wider market sell-off, with purchases in early to mid-April amounting to about $32 million, regulatory filings reveal.
• US Bitcoin miner manufacturer Auradine has raised $153 million in a Series C funding round as it expands into AI infrastructure. The round was led by StepStone Group and included participation from Maverick Silicon, Premji Invest, Samsung Catalyst Fund, Qualcomm Ventures, Mayfield, MARA Holdings, GSBackers, and other existing investors. The firm raised to over $300 million since its inception in 2022.
• Voltage has partnered with BitGo to [enable](https://www.voltage.cloud/blog/bitgo-and-voltage-team-up-to-deliver-instant-bitcoin-and-stabl

@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

Contribute to keep No Bullshit Bitcoin news going.

• The latest firmware updates for COLDCARD devices introduce two major features: COLDCARD Co-sign (CCC) and Key Teleport between two COLDCARD Q devices using QR codes and/or NFC with a website.

What's new

• COLDCARD Co-Sign: When CCC is enabled, a second seed called the Spending Policy Key (Key C) is added to the device. This seed works with the device's Main Seed and one or more additional XPUBs (Backup Keys) to form 2-of-N multisig wallets.
  • The spending policy functions like a hardware security module (HSM), enforcing rules such as magnitude and velocity limits, address whitelisting, and 2FA authentication to protect funds while maintaining flexibility and control, and is enforced each time the Spending Policy Key is used for signing.
  • When spending conditions are met, the COLDCARD signs the partially signed bitcoin transaction (PSBT) with the Main Seed and Spending Policy Key for fund access. Once configured, the Spending Policy Key is required to view or change the policy, and violations are denied without explanation.

"You can override the spending policy at any time by signing with either a Backup Key and the Main Seed or two Backup Keys, depending on the number of keys (N) in the multisig."

• A step-by-step guide for setting up CCC is available here.

• Key Teleport for Q devices allows users to securely transfer sensitive data such as seed phrases (words, xprv), secure notes and passwords, and PSBTs for multisig. It uses QR codes or NFC, along with a helper website, to ensure reliable transmission, keeping your sensitive data protected throughout the process.

  • For more technical details, see the protocol spec.

"After you sign a multisig PSBT, you have option to “Key Teleport” the PSBT file to any one of the other signers in the wallet. We already have a shared pubkey with them, so the process is simple and does not require any action on their part in advance. Plus, starting in this firmware release, COLDCARD can finalize multisig transactions, so the last signer can publish the signed transaction via PushTX (NFC tap) to get it on the blockchain directly."

• Multisig transactions are finalized when sufficiently signed. It streamlines the use of PushTX with multisig wallets.
• Signing artifacts re-export to various media. Users are now provided with the capability to export signing products, like transactions or PSBTs, to alternative media rather than the original source. For example, if a PSBT is received through a QR code, it can be signed and saved onto an SD card if needed.
• Multisig export files are signed now. Public keys are encoded as P2PKH address for all multisg signature exports. Learn more about it here.
• NFC export usability upgrade: NFC keeps exporting until CANCEL/X is pressed.
• Added Bitcoin Safe option to Export Wallet.
• 10% performance improvement in USB upload speed for large files.
• Q: Always choose the biggest possible display size for QR.

Fixes

• Do not allow change Main PIN to same value already used as Trick PIN, even if Trick PIN is hidden.
• Fix stuck progress bar under Receiving... after a USB communications failure.
• Showing derivation path in Address Explorer for root key (m) showed double slash (//).
• Can restore developer backup with custom password other than 12 words format.
• Virtual Disk auto mode ignores already signed PSBTs (with “-signed” in file name).
• Virtual Disk auto mode stuck on “Reading…” screen sometimes.
• Finalization of foreign inputs from partial signatures. Thanks Christian Uebber!
• Temporary seed from COLDCARD backup failed to load stored multisig wallets.
• Destroy Seed also removes all Trick PINs from SE2.
• Lock Down Seed requires pressing confirm key (4) to execute.
• Q only: Only BBQr is allowed to export Coldcard, Core, and pretty descriptor.

Blog Post / Archive
GitHub Repo
CCC Guide
Key Teleport site

@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

Good morning (good night?)! The No Bullshit Bitcoin news feed is now available on Moody's Dashboard! A huge shoutout to sir Clark Moody for integrating our feed.

Headlines

• Spiral welcomes Ben Carman. The developer will work on the LDK server and a new SDK designed to simplify the onboarding process for new self-custodial Bitcoin users.

• The Bitcoin Dev Kit Foundation announced new corporate members for 2025, including AnchorWatch, CleanSpark, and Proton Foundation. The annual dues from these corporate members fund the small team of open-source developers responsible for maintaining the core BDK libraries and related free and open-source software (FOSS) projects.
• Strategy increases Bitcoin holdings to 538,200 BTC. In the latest purchase, the company has spent more than $555M to buy 6,556 coins through proceeds of two at-the-market stock offering programs.
• Spar supermarket experiments with Bitcoin payments in Zug, Switzerland. The store has introduced a new payment method powered by the Lightning Network. The implementation was facilitated by DFX Swiss, a service that supports seamless conversions between bitcoin and legacy currencies.

• The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) wants to contain 'crypto' risks. A report titled "Cryptocurrencies and Decentralised Finance: Functions and Financial Stability Implications" calls for expanding research into "how new forms of central bank money, capital controls, and taxation policies can counter the risks of widespread crypto adoption while still fostering technological innovation."
• "Global Implications of Scam Centres, Underground Banking, and Illicit Online Marketplaces in Southeast Asia." According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, criminal organizations from East and Southeast Asia are swiftly extending their global reach. These groups are moving beyond traditional scams and trafficking, creating sophisticated online networks that include unlicensed cryptocurrency exchanges, encrypted communication platforms, and stablecoins, fueling a massive fraud economy on an industrial scale.
• Slovenia is considering a 25% capital gains tax on Bitcoin profits for individuals. The Ministry of Finance has proposed legislation to impose this tax on gains from cryptocurrency transactions, though exchanging one cryptocurrency for another would remain exempt. At present, individual 'crypto' traders in Slovenia are not taxed.
• Circle, BitGo, Coinbase, and Paxos plan to apply for U.S. bank charters or licenses. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, major crypto companies are planning to apply for U.S. bank charters or licenses. These firms are pursuing limited licenses that would permit them to issue stablecoins, as the U.S. Congress deliberates on legislation mandating licensing for stablecoin issuers.

"Established banks, like Bank of America, are hoping to amend the current drafts of [stablecoin] legislation in such a way that nonbanks are more heavily restricted from issuing stablecoins," people familiar with the matter told The Block.

• Charles Schwab to launch spot Bitcoin trading by 2026. The financial investment firm, managing over $10 trillion in assets, has revealed plans to introduce spot Bitcoin trading for its clients within the next year.

Use the tools

• Bitcoin Safe v1.2.3 expands QR SignMessage compatibility for all QR-UR-compatible hardware signers (SpecterDIY, KeyStone, Passport, Jade; already supported COLDCARD Q). It also adds the ability to import wallets via QR, ensuring compatibility with Keystone's latest firmware (2.0.6), alongside other improvements.
• Minibits v0.2.2-beta, an ecash wallet for Android devices, packages many changes to align the project with the planned iOS app release. New features and improvements include the ability to lock ecash to a receiver's pubkey, faster confirmations of ecash minting and payments thanks to WebSockets, UI-related fixes, and more.
• Zeus v0.11.0-alpha1 introduces Cashu wallets tied to embedded LND wallets. Navigate to Settings > Ecash to enable it. Other wallet types can still sweep funds from Cashu tokens. Zeus Pay now supports Cashu address types in Zaplocker, Cashu, and NWC modes.
• LNDg v1.10.0, an advanced web interface designed for analyzing Lightning Network Daemon (LND) data and automating node management tasks, introduces performance improvements, adds a new metrics page for unprofitable and stuck channels, and displays warnings for batch openings. The Profit and Loss Chart has been updated to include on-chain costs. Advanced settings have been added for users who would like their channel database size to be read remotely (the default remains local). Additionally, the AutoFees tool now uses aggregated pubkey metrics for multiple channels with the same peer.
• Nunchuk Desktop v1.9.45 release brings the latest bug fixes and improvements.
• Blockstream Green iOS v4.1.8 has renamed L-BTC to LBTC, and improves translations of notifications, login time, and background payments.
• Blockstream Green Android v4.1.8 has added language preference in App Settings and enables an Android data backup option for disaster recovery. Additionally, it fixes issues with Jade entry point PIN timeout and Trezor passphrase input.
• Torq v2.2.2, an advanced Lightning node management software designed to handle large nodes with over 1000 channels, fixes bugs that caused channel balance to not be updated in some cases and channel "peer total local balance" not getting updated.
• Stack Wallet v2.1.12, a multicoin wallet by Cypher Stack, fixes an issue with Xelis introduced in the latest release for Windows.
• ESP-Miner-NerdQAxePlus v1.0.29.1, a forked version from the NerdAxe miner that was modified for use on the NerdQAxe+, is now available.
• Zark enables sending sats to an npub using Bark.

• Erk is a novel variation of the Ark protocol that completely removes the need for user interactivity in rounds, addressing one of Ark's key limitations: the requirement for users to come online before their VTXOs expire.
• Aegis v0.1.1 is now available. It is a Nostr event signer app for iOS devices.
• Nostash is a NIP-07 Nostr signing extension for Safari. It is a fork of Nostore and is maintained by Terry Yiu. Available on iOS TestFlight.
• Amber v3.2.8, a Nostr event signer for Android, delivers the latest fixes and improvements.
• Nostur v1.20.0, a Nostr client for iOS, adds

@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

Headlines

• Twenty One Capital is set to launch with over 42,000 BTC in its treasury. This new Bitcoin-native firm, backed by Tether and SoftBank, is planned to go public via a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners and will be led by Jack Mallers, co-founder and CEO of Strike. According to a report by the Financial Times, the company aims to replicate the model of Michael Saylor with his company, MicroStrategy.
• Florida's SB 868 proposes a backdoor into encrypted platforms. The bill and its House companion have both passed through their respective committees and are headed to a full vote. If enacted, SB 868 would require social media companies to decrypt teens' private messages, ban disappearing messages, allow unrestricted parental access to private messages, and likely eliminate encryption for all minors altogether.
• Paul Atkins has officially assumed the role of the 34th Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is a return to the agency for Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under the George W. Bush administration. He has committed to advancing the SEC’s mission of fostering capital formation, safeguarding investors, and ensuring fair and efficient markets.
• Solosatoshi.com has sold over 10,000 open-source miners, adding more than 10 PH of hashpower to the Bitcoin network.

"Thank you, Bitaxe community. OSMU developers, your brilliance built this. Supporters, your belief drives us. Customers, your trust powers 10,000+ miners and 10PH globally. Together, we’re decentralizing Bitcoin’s future. Last but certainly not least, thank you@skot9000 for not only creating a freedom tool, but instilling the idea into thousands of people, that Bitcoin mining can be for everyone again," said the firm on X.

• OCEAN's DATUM has found 100 blocks. "Over 65% of OCEAN’s miners are using DATUM, and that number is growing every day. This means block template construction is making its way back into the hands of the miners, which is not only the most profitable for miners on OCEAN but also one of the best things for Bitcoin," stated the mining pool.

Source: orangesurf

• Arch Labs has secured $13 million to develop "ArchVM" and integrate smart-contract functionality with Bitcoin. The funding round, valuing the company at $200 million, was led by Pantera Capital, as announced on Tuesday.
• Tesla still holds nearly $1 billion in bitcoin. According to the automaker's latest earnings report, the firm reported digital asset holdings worth $951 million as of March 31.
• The European Central Bank is pushing for amendments to the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets legislation (MiCA), just months after its implementation. According to Politico's report on Tuesday, the ECB is concerned that U.S. support for cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins, could cause economic harm to the 27-nation bloc.
• TABConf 2025 is scheduled to take place from October 13-16, 2025. This prominent technical Bitcoin conference is dedicated to community building, education, and developer support, and it is set to return in October. Get your tickets here.
• Kaduna Lightning Development Bootcamp. From May 14th to 17th, the Bitcoin Lightning Developer Bootcamp will take place in Kaduna, Nigeria. Thisevent offers four dynamic days of coding, learning, and networking. Organized by Africa Free Routing and supported by Btrust, Tether, and African Bitcoiners, this bootcamp is designed as a gateway for African developers eager to advance their skills in Bitcoin and Lightning development. Apply here.

Source: African Bitcoiners.

Use the tools

• Core Lightning (CLN) v25.02.2 as been released to fix a broken Docker image. The issue was caused by an SQLite version that did not support an advanced query.
• Blitz wallet v0.4.4-beta introduces several updates and improvements, including the prevention of duplicate ecash payments, fixes for background ecash invoice handling, the ability for users to send payments to BOLT12 invoices from their Liquid balance, support for Blink QR codes, a lowered minimum amount for Lightning-to-Liquid payments to 100 sats, the option to initiate a node sync via a swipe gesture on the wallet's home screen, and the introduction of opt-in or opt-out functionality for newly implemented crash analytics via settings.
• Utreexo v0.5.0, a hash-based dynamic accumulator, is now available.
• Specter v2.1.1 is now available on StartOS. "This update brings compatibility with Bitcoin Core v28 and incorporates several upstream improvements," said developer Alex71btc.
• ESP-Miner (AxeOS) v2.7.0b1 is now available for testing.
• NodeGuard v0.16.1, a treasury management solution for Lightning nodes, has been released.
• The latest stacker.news updates include prompts to add a receiving wallet when posting or making comments (for new users), an option to randomize poll choices, improved URL search, and a few other enhancements. A bug fix for territories created after 9/19/24 has been implemented to reward 70% of their revenue to owners instead of 50%.

Other stuff

• The April edition of the 256 Foundation's newsletter is now available. It includes the latest mining news, Bitcoin network health updates, project developments, and a tutorial on how to update FutureBit's Apollo 1 to the Apollo 2 software.
• Siggy47 has posted a comprehensive RoboSats guide on stacker.news.
• Learn how to run your own Nostr relay using Citrine and Cloudflare Tunnels by following this step-by-step guide by Dhalism.
• Max Guise has written a Bitkey roadmap update for April 2025.

• PlebLab has uploaded a video on how to build a Rust wallet with LDK Node by Ben Carman.

• Do you want more? Subscribe and get No Bullshit GM report straight to your mailbox and No Bullshit Bitcoin on Nostr.

• Feedback or tips? Drop it here.
• #FREESAMOURAI

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@ dfa02707:41ca50e3

Headlines

• Spiral renews support for Dan Gould and Joschisan. The organization has renewed support for Dan Gould, who is developing the Payjoin Dev Kit (PDK), and Joschisan, a Fedimint developer focused on simplifying federations.
• Metaplanet buys another 145 BTC. The Tokyo-listed company has purchased an additional 145 BTC for $13.6 million. Their total bitcoin holdings now stand at 5,000 coins, worth around $428.1 million.
• Semler Scientific has increased its bitcoin holdings to 3,303 BTC. The company acquired an additional 111 BTC at an average price of $90,124. The purchase was funded through proceeds from an at-the-market offering and cash reserves, as stated in a press release.
• The Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill 2025 introduced in Kenya. The new legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual asset service providers (VASPs), with strict penalties for non-compliant entities.
• Russian government to launch a cryptocurrency exchange. The country's Ministry of Finance and Central Bank announced plans to establish a trading platform for "highly qualified investors" that "will legalize crypto assets and bring crypto operations out of the shadows."
• All virtual asset service providers expect to be fully compliant with the Travel Rule by the end of 2025. A survey by financial surveillance specialist Notabene reveals that 90% of virtual asset service providers (VASPs) expect full Travel Rule compliance by mid-2025, with all aiming for compliance by year-end. The survey also shows a significant rise in VASPs blocking withdrawals until beneficiary information is confirmed, increasing from 2.9% in 2024 to 15.4% now. Additionally, about 20% of VASPs return deposits if originator data is missing.
• UN claims Bitcoin mining is a "powerful tool" for money laundering. The Rage's analysis suggests that the recent United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report on crime in South-East Asia makes little sense and hints at the potential introduction of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) measures at the mining level.
• Riot Platforms has obtained a $100 million credit facility from Coinbase Credit, using bitcoin as collateral for short-term funding to support its expansion. The firm's CEO, Jason Les, stated that this facility is crucial for diversifying financing sources and driving long-term stockholder value through strategic growth initiatives.
• Bitdeer raises $179M in loans and equity amid Bitcoin chip push. The Miner Mag reports that Bitdeer entered into a loan agreement with its affiliate Matrixport for up to $200 million in April, as disclosed in its annual report filed on Monday.
• Federal Reserve retracts guidance discouraging banks from engaging in 'crypto.' The U.S. Federal Reserve withdrew guidance that discouraged banks from crypto and stablecoin activities, as announced by its Board of Governors on Thursday. This includes rescinding a 2022 supervisory letter requiring prior notification of crypto activities and 2023 stablecoin requirements.

"As a result, the Board will no longer expect banks to provide notification and will instead monitor banks' crypto-asset activities through the normal supervisory process," reads the FED statement.

• UAE-based Islamic bank ruya launches Shari’ah-compliant bitcoin investing. The bank has become the world’s first Islamic bank to provide direct access to virtual asset investments, including Bitcoin, via its mobile app, per Bitcoin Magazine.
• U.S. 'crypto' scam losses amounted to $9.3B in 2024. The US The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has reported $9.3 billion losses in cryptocurrency-related scams in 2024, noting a troubling trend of scams targeting older Americans, which accounted for over $2.8 billion of those losses.

Source: FBI.

• North Korean hackers establish fake companies to target 'crypto' developers. Silent Push researchers reported that hackers linked to the Lazarus Group created three shell companies, two of which are based in the U.S., with the objective of spreading malware through deceptive job interview scams aimed at individuals seeking jobs in cryptocurrency companies.
• Citrea deployed its Clementine Bridge on the Bitcoin testnet. The bridge utilizes the BitVM2 programming language to inherit validity from Bitcoin, allegedly providing "the safest and most trust-minimized way to use BTC in decentralized finance."
• Hesperides University offers a Master’s degree in Bitcoin. Bitcoin Magazine reports the launch of the first-ever Spanish-language Master’s program dedicated exclusively to Bitcoin. Starting April 28, 2025, this fully online program will equip professionals with technical, economic, legal, and philosophical skills to excel in the Bitcoin era.
• BTC in D.C. event is set to take place on September 30 - October 1 in Washington, D.C. Learn more about this initiative here.

Use the tools

• Bitcoin Keeper just got a new look. Version 2.2.0 of the mobile multisig app brought a new branding design, along with a Keeper Private tier, testnet support, ability to import and export BIP-329 labels, and the option to use a Server Key with multiple users.
  • Earlier this month the project also announced Keeper Learn service, offering clear and guided Bitcoin learning sessions for both groups and individuals.
• Keeper Desktop v0.2.2, a companion desktop app for Bitcoin Keeper mobile app, received a renewed branding update, too.

The evolution of Bitcoin Keeper logo. Source: BitHyve blog.

• Blockstream Green Desktop v2.0.25 updates GDK to v0.75.1 and fixes amount parsing issues when switching from fiat denomination to Liquid asset.
• Lightning Loop v0.31.0-beta enhances the loop listswaps command by improving the ability to filter the response.
• Lightning-kmp v1.10.0, an implementation of the Lightning Network in Kotlin, is now available.
• LND v0.19.0-beta.rc3, the latest beta release candidate of LND is now ready for testing.
• ZEUS v0.11.0-alpha2 is now available for testing, too. It's nuts.
• JoinMarket Fidelity Bond Simulator helps potential JoinMarket makers evaluate their competitive position in the market based on fidelity bonds.
• UTXOscope is a text-only Bitcoin blockchain analysis tool that visualizes price dynamics using only on-chain data. The

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News

• Spiral welcomes Ben Carman. The developer will work on the LDK server and a new SDK designed to simplify the onboarding process for new self-custodial Bitcoin users.
• Spiral renews support for Dan Gould and Joschisan. The organization has renewed support for Dan Gould, who is developing the Payjoin Dev Kit (PDK), and Joschisan, a Fedimint developer focused on simplifying federations.
• The Bitcoin Dev Kit Foundation announced new corporate members for 2025, including AnchorWatch, CleanSpark, and Proton Foundation. The annual dues from these corporate members fund the small team of open-source developers responsible for maintaining the core BDK libraries and related free and open-source software (FOSS) projects.
• The European Central Bank is pushing for amendments to the European Union's Markets in Crypto Assets legislation (MiCA), just months after its implementation. According to Politico's report on Tuesday, the ECB is concerned that U.S. support for cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins, could cause economic harm to the 27-nation bloc.
• Slovenia is considering a 25% capital gains tax on Bitcoin profits for individuals. The Ministry of Finance has proposed legislation to impose this tax on gains from cryptocurrency transactions, though exchanging one cryptocurrency for another would remain exempt. At present, individual 'crypto' traders in Slovenia are not taxed.
• The Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Bill 2025 introduced in Kenya. The new legislation aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework for licensing, regulating, and supervising virtual asset service providers (VASPs), with strict penalties for non-compliant entities.
• Circle, BitGo, Coinbase, and Paxos plan to apply for U.S. bank charters or licenses. According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, major crypto companies are planning to apply for U.S. bank charters or licenses. These firms are pursuing limited licenses that would permit them to issue stablecoins, as the U.S. Congress deliberates on legislation mandating licensing for stablecoin issuers.

"Established banks, like Bank of America, are hoping to amend the current drafts of [stablecoin] legislation in such a way that nonbanks are more heavily restricted from issuing stablecoins," people familiar with the matter told The Block.

• Paul Atkins has officially assumed the role of the 34th Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This is a return to the agency for Atkins, who previously served as an SEC Commissioner from 2002 to 2008 under the George W. Bush administration. He has committed to advancing the SEC’s mission of fostering capital formation, safeguarding investors, and ensuring fair and efficient markets.
• Federal Reserve retracts guidance discouraging banks from engaging in 'crypto.' The U.S. Federal Reserve withdrew guidance that discouraged banks from crypto and stablecoin activities, as announced by its Board of Governors on Thursday. This includes rescinding a 2022 supervisory letter requiring prior notification of crypto activities and 2023 stablecoin requirements.

"As a result, the Board will no longer expect banks to provide notification and will instead monitor banks' crypto-asset activities through the normal supervisory process," reads the FED statement.

• Russian government to launch a cryptocurrency exchange. The country's Ministry of Finance and Central Bank announced plans to establish a trading platform for "highly qualified investors" that "will legalize crypto assets and bring crypto operations out of the shadows."
• Twenty One Capital is set to launch with over 42,000 BTC in its treasury. This new Bitcoin-native firm, backed by Tether and SoftBank, is planned to go public via a SPAC merger with Cantor Equity Partners and will be led by Jack Mallers, co-founder and CEO of Strike. According to a report by the Financial Times, the company aims to replicate the model of Michael Saylor with his company, MicroStrategy.
• Strategy increases Bitcoin holdings to 538,200 BTC. In the latest purchase, the company has spent more than $555M to buy 6,556 coins through proceeds of two at-the-market stock offering programs.
• Metaplanet buys another 145 BTC. The Tokyo-listed company has purchased an additional 145 BTC for $13.6 million. Their total bitcoin holdings now stand at 5,000 coins, worth around $428.1 million.
• Semler Scientific has increased its bitcoin holdings to 3,303 BTC. The company acquired an additional 111 BTC at an average price of $90,124. The purchase was funded through proceeds from an at-the-market offering and cash reserves, as stated in a press release.
• Tesla still holds nearly $1 billion in bitcoin. According to the automaker's latest earnings report, the firm reported digital asset holdings worth $951 million as of March 31.
• Spar supermarket experiments with Bitcoin payments in Zug, Switzerland. The store has introduced a new payment method powered by the Lightning Network. The implementation was facilitated by DFX Swiss, a service that supports seamless conversions between bitcoin and legacy currencies.

• Charles Schwab to launch spot Bitcoin trading by 2026. The financial investment firm, managing over $10 trillion in assets, has revealed plans to introduce spot Bitcoin trading for its clients within the next year.
• Arch Labs has secured $13 million to develop "ArchVM" and integrate smart-contract functionality with Bitcoin. The funding round, valuing the company at $200 million, was led by Pantera Capital, as announced on Tuesday.
• Citrea deployed its Clementine Bridge on the Bitcoin testnet. The bridge utilizes the BitVM2 programming language to inherit validity from Bitcoin, allegedly providing "the safest and most trust-minimized way to use BTC in decentralized finance."
• UAE-based Islamic bank ruya launches Shari’ah-compliant bitcoin investing. The bank has become the world’s first Islamic bank to provide direct access to virtual asset investments, including Bitcoin, via its mobile app, per Bitcoin Magazine.
• Solosatoshi.com has sold over 10,000 open-source miners, adding more than 10 PH of hashpower to the Bitcoin network.

"Thank you, Bitaxe community. OSMU developers, your brilliance built this. Supporters, your belief drives us. Customers, your trust powers 10,000+ miners and 10PH globally. Together, we’re decentralizing Bitcoin’s future. Last but certainly not least, thank you@skot9000 for not only creating a freedom tool, but instilling the idea into thousands of people, that Bitcoin mining can be for everyone again," said the firm on X.

• OCEAN's DATUM has found 100 blocks. "Over 65% of OCEAN’s miners are using DATUM, and that number is growing every day. This means block template construction is making its way back into the hands of the miners, which is not only the most profitable

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• RoboSats v0.7.7-alpha is now available!

NOTE: "This version of clients is not compatible with older versions of coordinators. Coordinators must upgrade first, make sure you don't upgrade your client while this is marked as pre-release."

• This version brings a new and improved coordinators view with reviews signed both by the robot and the coordinator, adds market price sources in coordinator profiles, shows a correct warning for canceling non-taken orders after a payment attempt, adds Uzbek sum currency, and includes package library updates for coordinators.

Source: RoboSats.

• siggy47 is writing daily RoboSats activity reviews on stacker.news. Check them out here.
• Stay up-to-date with RoboSats on Nostr.

What's new

• New coordinators view (see the picture above).
• Available coordinator reviews signed by both the robot and the coordinator.
• Coordinators now display market price sources in their profiles.

Source: RoboSats.

• Fix for wrong message on cancel button when taking an order. Users are now warned if they try to cancel a non taken order after a payment attempt.
• Uzbek sum currency now available.
• For coordinators: library updates.
• Add docker frontend (#1861).
• Add order review token (#1869).
• Add UZS migration (#1875).
• Fixed tests review (#1878).
• Nostr pubkey for Robot (#1887).

New contributors

• @hexlorn made their first contribution in #1858.
• @umk0m1qk made their first contribution in #1864.

Full Changelog: v0.7.6-alpha...v0.7.7-alpha

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• "Today we're launching the beta version of our multiplatform Nostr browser! Think Google Chrome but for Nostr apps. The beta is our big first step toward this vision," announced Damus.
• This version comes with the Dave Nostr AI assistant, support for zaps and the Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) wallet interface, full-text note search, GIFs and fullscreen images, multiple media uploads, user tagging, relay list and mute list support, along with a number of other improvements."

"Included in the beta is the Dave, the Nostr AI assistant (its Grok for Nostr). Dave is a new Notedeck browser app that can search and summarize notes from the network. For a full breakdown of everything new, check out our beta launch video."

What's new

• Dave Nostr AI assistant app.
• GIFs.
• Fulltext note search.
• Add full screen images, add zoom, and pan.
• Zaps! NWC/ Wallet UI.
• Introduce last note per pubkey feed (experimental).
• Allow multiple media uploads per selection.
• Major Android improvements (still WIP).
• Added notedeck app sidebar.
• User Tagging.
• Note truncation.
• Local network note broadcast, broadcast notes to other notedeck notes while you're offline.
• Mute list support (reading).
• Relay list support.
• Ctrl-enter to send notes.
• Added relay indexing (relay columns soon).
• Click hashtags to open hashtag timeline.
• Fixed timelines sometimes not updating (stale feeds).
• Fixed UI bounciness when loading profile pictures
• Fixed unselectable post replies.

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• Wasabi Wallet v2.6.0 "Prometheus" is a major update for the project, focused on resilience and independence from centralized systems.
• Key features include support for BIP 158 block filters for direct node synchronization, a revamped full node integration for easier setup without third-party reliance, SLIP 39 share backups for flexible wallet recovery (sponsored by Trezor), and a Nostr-based update manager for censorship-resistant updates.
• Additional improvements include UI bug fixes, a new fallback for transaction broadcasting, updated code signing, stricter JSON serialization, and options to avoid third-party rate providers, alongside various under-the-hood enhancements.

This new version brings us closer to our ultimate goal: ensuring Wasabi is future-proof," said the developers, while also highlighting the following key areas of focus for the project:

• Ensuring users can always fully and securely use their client.
• Making contribution and forks easy through a codebase of the highest quality possible: understandable, maintainable, and improvable.

"As we achieve our survival goals, expect more cutting-edge improvements in Bitcoin privacy and self-custody. Thank you for the trust you place in us by using Wasabi," was stated in the release notes.

What's new

• Support for Standard BIP 158 Block Filters. Wasabi now syncs using BIP 158 filters without a backend/indexer, connecting directly to a user's node. This boosts sync speed, resilience, and allows full sovereignty without specific server dependency.
• Full Node Integration Rework. The old integration has been replaced with a simpler, more adaptable system. It’s not tied to a specific Bitcoin node fork, doesn’t need the node on the same machine as Wasabi, and requires no changes to the node’s setup.
  • "Simply enable the RPC server on your node and point Wasabi to it," said the developers. This ensures all Bitcoin network activities—like retrieving blocks, fee estimations, block filters, and transaction broadcasting—go through your own node, avoiding reliance on third parties.
• Create & Recover SLIP 39 Shares. Users now create and recover wallets with multiple share backups using SLIP 39 standard.

"Special thanks to Trezor (SatoshiLabs) for sponsoring this amazing feature."

• Nostr Update Manager. This version implements a pioneering system with the Nostr protocol for update information and downloads, replacing reliance on GitHub. This enhances the project's resilience, ensuring updates even if GitHub is unavailable, while still verifying updates with the project's secure certificate.
• Updated Avalonia to v11.2.7, fixes for UI bugs (including restoring Minimize on macOS Sequoia).
• Added a configurable third-party fallback for broadcasting transactions if other methods fail.
• Replaced Windows Code Signing Certificate with Azure Trusted Signing.
• Many bug fixes, improved codebase, and enhanced CI pipeline.
• Added the option to avoid using any third-party Exchange Rate and Fee Rate providers (Wasabi can work without them).
• Rebuilt all JSON Serialization mechanisms avoiding default .NET converters. Serialization is now stricter.

Full Changelog: v2.5.1...v2.6.0

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News

• Wallet of Satoshi teases a comeback in the US market with a non-custodial product. According to an announcement on X, the widely popular custodial Lightning wallet is preparing to re-enter the United States market with a non-custodial wallet. It is unclear whether the product will be open-source, but the project has clarified that "there will be no KYC on any Wallet of Satoshi, ever!" Wallet of Satoshi ceased serving customers in the United States in November 2023.

• Vulnerability disclosure: Remote crash due to addr message spam in Bitcoin Core versions before v29. Bitcoin Core developer Antoine Poinsot disclosed an integer overflow bug that crashes a node if spammed with addr messages over an extended period. A fix was released on April 14, 2025, in Bitcoin Core v29.0. The issue is rated Low severity.
• Coinbase Know Your Customer (KYC) data leak. The U.S. Department of Justice, including its Criminal Division in Washington, is investigating a cyberattack on Coinbase. The incident involved cybercriminals attempting to extort $20 million from Coinbase to prevent stolen customer data from being leaked online. Although the data breach affected less than 1% of the exchange's users, Coinbase now faces at least six lawsuits following the revelation that some customer support agents were bribed as part of the extortion scheme.
• Fold has launched Bitcoin Gift Cards, enabling users to purchase bitcoin for personal use or as gifts, redeemable via the Fold app. These cards are currently available on Fold’s website and are planned to expand to major retailers nationwide later this year.

"Our mission is to make bitcoin simple and approachable for everyone. The Bitcoin Gift Card brings bitcoin to millions of Americans in a familiar way. Available at the places people already shop, the Bitcoin Gift Card is the best way to gift bitcoin to others," said Will Reeves, Chairman and CEO of Fold.

• Corporate treasuries hold nearly 1.1 million BTC, representing about 5.5% of the total circulating supply (1,082,164 BTC), per BitcoinTreasuries.net data. Recent purchases include Strategy adding 7,390 BTC (total: 576,230 BTC), Metplanet acquiring 1,004 BTC (total: 7,800 BTC), Tether holding over 100,521 BTC, and XXI Capital, led by Jack Mallers, starting with 31,500 BTC.
  • Meanwhile, a group of investors has filed a class action lawsuit against Strategy and its executive Michael Saylor. The lawsuit alleges that Strategy made overly optimistic projections using fair value accounting under new FASB rules while downplaying potential losses.
• The U.S. Senate voted to advance the GENIUS stablecoin bill for further debate before a final vote to pass it. Meanwhile, the House is crafting its own stablecoin legislation to establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins and their issuers in the U.S, reports CoinDesk.
• French 'crypto' entrepreneurs get priority access to emergency police services. French Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, agreed on measures to enhance security for 'crypto' professionals during a meeting on Friday. This follows a failed kidnapping attempt on Tuesday targeting the family of a cryptocurrency exchange CEO, and two other kidnappings earlier this year.
• Brussels Court declares tracking-based ads illegal in EU. The Brussels Court of Appeal ruled tracking-based online ads illegal in the EU due to an inadequate consent model. Major tech firms like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and X are affected by the decision, as their consent pop-ups fail to protect privacy in real-time bidding, writes The Record.
• Telegram shares data on 22,777 users in Q1 2025, a significant increase from the 5,826 users' data shared during the same period in 2024. This significant increase follows the arrest of CEO and founder Pavel Durov last year.
• An Australian judge has ruled that Bitcoin is money, potentially exempting it from capital gains tax in the country. If upheld on appeal, this interim decision could lead to taxpayer refunds worth up to $1 billion, per tax lawyer Adrian Cartland.

Use the tools

• Bitcoin Safe v1.3.0 a secure and user-friendly Bitcoin savings wallet for beginners and advanced users, introduces an interactive chart, Child Pays For Parent (CPFP) support, testnet4 compatibility, preconfigured testnet demo wallets, various bug fixes, and other improvements.
• BlueWallet v7.1.8 brings numerous bug fixes, dependency updates, and a new search feature for addresses and transactions.
• Aqua Wallet v0.3.0 is out, offering beta testing for the reloadable Dolphin card (in partnership with Visa) for spending bitcoin and Liquid BTC. It also includes a new Optical Character Recognition (OCR) text scanner to read text addresses like QR codes, colored numbers on addresses for better readability, a reduced minimum for spending and swapping Liquid Bitcoin to 100 sats, plus other fixes and enhancements.

Source: Aqua wallet.

• The latest firmware updates for COLDCARD Mk4 v5.4.3 and Q v1.3.3 are now available, featuring the latest enhancements and bug fixes.
• Nunchuk Android v1.9.68.1 and iOS v1.9.79 introduce support for custom blockchain explorers, wallet archiving, re-ordering wallets on the home screen via long-press, and an anti-fee sniping setting.
• BDK-cli v1.0.0, a CLI wallet library and REPL tool to demo and test the BDK library, now uses bdk_wallet 1.0.0 and integrates Kyoto, utilizing the Kyoto protocol for compact block filters. It sets SQLite as the default database and discontinues support for sled.
• publsp is a new command-line tool designed for Lightning node runners or Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) to advertise liquidity offers over Nostr.

"LSPs advertise liquidity as addressable Kind 39735 events. Clients just pull and evaluate all those structured events, then NIP-17 DM an LSP of their choice to coordinate a liquidity purchase," writes developer smallworlnd.

• Lightning Blinder by Super Testnet is a proof-of-concept privacy tool for the Lightning Network. It enables users to mislead Lightning Service Providers (LSPs) by making it appear as though one wallet is the sender or recipient, masking the original wallet. Explore and try it out here.

• Mempal v1.5.3, a Bitcoin mempool monitoring and notification app for Android, now includes a swipe-down feature to refresh the dashboard, a custom time option for widget auto-update frequency, and a

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• Version 1.3 of Bitcoin Safe introduces a redesigned interactive chart, quick receive feature, updated icons, a mempool preview window, support for Child Pays For Parent (CPFP) and testnet4, preconfigured testnet demo wallets, as well as various bug fixes and improvements.

• Upcoming updates for Bitcoin Safe include Compact Block Filters.

"Compact Block Filters increase the network privacy dramatically, since you're not asking an electrum server to give you your transactions. They are a little slower than electrum servers. For a savings wallet like Bitcoin Safe this should be OK," writes the project's developer Andreas Griffin.

• Learn more about the current and upcoming features of Bitcoin Safe wallet here.

What's new in v1.3

• Redesign of Chart, Quick Receive, Icons, and Mempool Preview (by @design-rrr).
• Interactive chart. Clicking on it now jumps to transaction, and selected transactions are now highlighted.

• Speed up transactions with Child Pays For Parent (CPFP).
• BDK 1.2 (upgraded from 0.32).
• Testnet4 support.
• Preconfigured Testnet demo wallets.
• Cluster unconfirmed transactions so that parents/children are next to each other.
• Customizable columns for all tables (optional view: Txid, Address index, and more)
• Bug fixes and other improvements.

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This update brings key enhancements for clarity and usability:

• Recent Blocks View: Added to the Send tab and inspired by Mempool's visualization, it displays the last 2 blocks and the estimated next block to help choose fee rates.
• Camera System Overhaul: Features a new library for higher resolution detection and mouse-scroll zoom support when available.
• Vector-Based Images: All app images are now vectorized and theme-aware, enhancing contrast, especially in dark mode.
• Tor & P2A Updates: Upgraded internal Tor and improved support for pay-to-anchor (P2A) outputs.
• Linux Package Rename: For Linux users, Sparrow has been renamed to sparrowwallet (or sparrowserver); in some cases, the original sparrow package may need manual removal.
• Additional updates include showing total payments in multi-payment transaction diagrams, better handling of long labels, and other UI enhancements.

• Sparrow v2.2.1 is a bug fix release that addresses missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions, icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view, repackaged .deb installs to use older gzip instead of zstd compression, and removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.

Learn how to get started with Sparrow wallet:

Release notes (v2.2.0)

• Added Recent Blocks view to Send tab.
• Converted all bitmapped images to theme aware SVG format for all wallet models and dialogs.
• Support send and display of pay to anchor (P2A) outputs.
• Renamed sparrow package to sparrowwallet and sparrowserver on Linux.
• Switched camera library to openpnp-capture.
• Support FHD (1920 x 1080) and UHD4k (3840 x 2160) capture resolutions.
• Support camera zoom with mouse scroll where possible.
• In the Download Verifier, prefer verifying the dropped file over the default file where the file is not in the manifest.
• Show a warning (with an option to disable the check) when importing a wallet with a derivation path matching another script type.
• In Cormorant, avoid calling the listwalletdir RPC on initialization due to a potentially slow response on Windows.
• Avoid server address resolution for public servers.
• Assume server address is non local for resolution failures where a proxy is configured.
• Added a tooltip to indicate truncated labels in table cells.
• Dynamically truncate input and output labels in the tree on a transaction tab, and add tooltips if necessary.
• Improved tooltips for wallet tabs and transaction diagrams with long labels.
• Show the address where available on input and output tooltips in transaction tab tree.
• Show the total amount sent in payments in the transaction diagram when constructing multiple payment transactions.
• Reset preferred table column widths on adjustment to improve handling after window resizing.
• Added accessible text to improve screen reader navigation on seed entry.
• Made Wallet Summary table grow horizontally with dialog sizing.
• Reduced tooltip show delay to 200ms.
• Show transaction diagram fee percentage as less than 0.01% rather than 0.00%.
• Optimized and reduced Electrum server RPC calls.
• Upgraded Bouncy Castle, PGPainless and Logback libraries.
• Upgraded internal Tor to v0.4.8.16.
• Bug fix: Fixed issue with random ordering of keystore origins on labels import.
• Bug fix: Fixed non-zero account script type detection when signing a message on Trezor devices.
• Bug fix: Fixed issue parsing remote Coldcard xpub encoded on a different network.
• Bug fix: Fixed inclusion of fees on wallet label exports.
• Bug fix: Increase Trezor device libusb timeout.

Linux users: Note that the sparrow package has been renamed to sparrowwallet or sparrowserver, and in some cases you may need to manually uninstall the original sparrow package. Look in the /opt folder to ensure you have the new name, and the original is removed.

What's new in v2.2.1

• Updated Tor library to fix missing UUID issue when starting Tor on recent macOS versions.
• Repackaged .deb installs to use older gzip instead of zstd compression.
• Removed display of median fee rate where fee rates source is set to Server.
• Added icons for external sources in Settings and Recent Blocks view
• Bug fix: Fixed issue in Recent Blocks view when switching fee rates source
• Bug fix: Fixed NPE on null fee returned from server

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• This release introduces Payjoin v2 functionality to Bitcoin wallets on Cake, along with several UI/UX improvements and bug fixes.
• The Payjoin v2 protocol enables asynchronous, serverless coordination between sender and receiver, removing the need to be online simultaneously or maintain a server. This simplifies privacy-focused transactions for regular users.

"I cannot speak highly enough of how amazing it has been to work with @bitgould and Jaad from the@payjoindevkit team, they're doing incredible work. None of this would be possible without them and their tireless efforts. PDK made it so much easier to ship Payjoin v2 than it would have been otherwise, and I can't wait to see other wallets jump in and give back to PDK as they implement it like we did," said Seth For Privacy, VP at Cake Wallet.

How to started with Payjoin in Cake Wallet:

1. Open the app menu sidebar and click Privacy.
2. Toggle the Use Payjoin option.
3. Now on your receive screen you'll see an option to copy a Payjoin URL

• Bull Bitcoin Wallet v0.4.0 introduced Payjoin v2 support in late December 2024. However, the current implementations are not interoperable at the moment, an issue that should be addressed in the next release of the Bull Bitcoin Wallet.

• Cake Wallet was one of the first wallets to introduce Silent Payments back in May 2024. However, users may encounter sync issues while using this feature at present, which will be resolved in the next release of Cake Wallet.

What's new

• Payjoin v2 implementation.
• Wallet group improvements: Enhanced management of multiple wallets.
• Various bug fixes: improving overall stability and user experience.
• Monero (XMR) enhancements.

Learn more about using, implementing, and understanding BIP 77: Payjoin Version 2 using the payjoin crate in Payjoin Dev Kit here.

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• This version introduces the Soroban P2P network, enabling Dojo to relay transactions to the Bitcoin network and share others' transactions to break the heuristic linking relaying nodes to transaction creators.

• Additionally, Dojo admins can now manage API keys in DMT with labels, status, and expiration, ideal for community Dojo providers like Dojobay. New API endpoints, including "/services" exposing Explorer, Soroban, and Indexer, have been added to aid wallet developers.
• Other maintenance updates include Bitcoin Core, Tor, Fulcrum, Node.js, plus an updated ban-knots script to disconnect inbound Knots nodes.

"I want to thank all the contributors. This again shows the power of true Free Software. I also want to thank everyone who donated to help Dojo development going. I truly appreciate it," said Still Dojo Coder.

What's new

• Soroban P2P network. For MyDojo (Docker setup) users, Soroban will be automatically installed as part of their Dojo. This integration allows Dojo to utilize the Soroban P2P network for various upcoming features and applications.
• PandoTx. PandoTx serves as a transaction transport layer. When your wallet sends a transaction to Dojo, it is relayed to a random Soroban node, which then forwards it to the Bitcoin network. It also enables your Soroban node to receive and relay transactions from others to the Bitcoin network and is designed to disrupt the assumption that a node relaying a transaction is closely linked to the person who initiated it.
  • Pushing transactions through Soroban can be deactivated by setting NODE_PANDOTX_PUSH=off in docker-node.conf.
  • Processing incoming transactions from Soroban network can be deactivated by setting NODE_PANDOTX_PROCESS=off in docker-node.conf.
• API key management has been introduced to address the growing number of people offering their Dojos to the community. Dojo admins can now access a new API management tab in their DMT, where they can create unlimited API keys, assign labels for easy identification, and set expiration dates for each key. This allows admins to avoid sharing their main API key and instead distribute specific keys to selected parties.
• New API endpoints. Several new API endpoints have been added to help API consumers develop features on Dojo more efficiently:
  • New:
    • /latest-block - returns data about latest block
    • /txout/:txid/:index - returns unspent output data
    • /support/services - returns info about services that Dojo exposes
  • Updated:
    • /tx/:txid - endpoint has been updated to return raw transaction with parameter ?rawHex=1
  • The new /support/services endpoint replaces the deprecated explorer field in the Dojo pairing payload. Although still present, API consumers should use this endpoint for explorer and other pairing data.

Other changes

• Updated ban script to disconnect inbound Knots nodes.
• Updated Fulcrum to v1.12.0.
• Regenerate Fulcrum certificate if expired.
• Check if transaction already exists in pushTx.
• Bump BTC-RPC Explorer.
• Bump Tor to v0.4.8.16, bump Snowflake.
• Updated Bitcoin Core to v29.0.
• Removed unnecessary middleware.
• Fixed DB update mechanism, added api_keys table.
• Add an option to use blocksdir config for bitcoin blocks directory.
• Removed deprecated configuration.
• Updated Node.js dependencies.
• Reconfigured container dependencies.
• Fix Snowflake git URL.
• Fix log path for testnet4.
• Use prebuilt addrindexrs binaries.
• Add instructions to migrate blockchain/fulcrum.
• Added pull policies.

#FREESAMOURAI

Learn how to set up and use your own Bitcoin privacy node with Dojo here.

Announcement / Archive
GitHub Repo

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

Last week we covered the bombshell developments in the Samourai Wallet case. For those who didn't read that, last Monday the world was made aware of the fact that the SDNY was explicitly told by FinCEN that the federal regulator did not believe that Samourai Wallet was a money services business six months before arresting the co-founders of Samourai Wallet for conspiracy to launder money and illegally operating a money services business. This was an obvious overstep by the SDNY that many believed would be quickly alleviated, especially considering the fact that the Trump administration via the Department of Justice has made it clear that they do not intend to rule via prosecution.

It seems that this is not the case as the SDNY responded to a letter sent from the defense to dismiss the case by stating that they fully plan to move forward. Stating that they only sought the recommendations of FinCEN employees and did not believe that those employees' comments were indicative of FinCEN's overall views on this particular case. It's a pretty egregious abuse of power by the SDNY. I'm not sure if the particular lawyers and judges within the Southern District of New York are very passionate about preventing the use of self-custody bitcoin and products that enable bitcoiners to transact privately, or if they're simply participating in a broader meta war with the Trump administration - who has made it clear to federal judges across the country that last Fall's election will have consequences, mainly that the Executive Branch will try to effectuate the policies that President Trump campaigned on by any legal means necessary - and Samouari Wallet is simply in the middle of that meta war.

However, one thing is pretty clear to me, this is an egregious overstep of power. The interpretation of that law, as has been laid out and confirmed by FinCEN over the last decade, is pretty clear; you cannot be a money services business if you do not control the funds that people are sending to each other, which is definitely the case with Samourai Wallet. People downloaded Samourai Wallet, spun up their own private-public key pairs and initiated transactions themselves. Samourai never custodied funds or initiated transactions on behalf of their users. This is very cut and dry. Straight to the point. It should be something that anyone with more than two brain cells is able to discern pretty quickly.

It is imperative that anybody in the industry who cares about being able to hold bitcoin in self-custody, to mine bitcoin, and to send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion makes some noise around this case. None of the current administration's attempts to foster innovation around bitcoin in the United States will matter if the wrong precedent is set in this case. If the SDNY is successful in prosecuting Samourai Wallet, it will mean that anybody holding Bitcoin in self-custody, running a bitcoin fold node or mining bitcoin will have to KYC all of their users and counterparts lest they be labeled a money services business that is breaking laws stemming from the Bank Secrecy Act. This will effectively make building a self-custody bitcoin wallet, running a node, or mining bitcoin in tillegal in the United States. The ability to comply with the rules that would be unleashed if this Samourai case goes the wrong way, are such that it will effectively destroy the industry overnight.

It is yet to be seen whether or not the Department of Justice will step in to publicly flog the SDNY and force them to stop pursuing this case. This is the only likely way that the case will go away at this point, so it is very important that bitcoiners who care about being able to self-custody bitcoin, mine bitcoin, or send bitcoin in a peer-to-peer fashion in the United States make it clear to the current administration and any local politicians that this is an issue that you care deeply about. If we are too complacent, there is a chance that the SDNY could completely annihilate the bitcoin industry in America despite of all of the positive momentum we're seeing from all angles at the moment.

Make some noise!

Bitcoin Adoption by Power Companies: The Next Frontier

In my recent conversation with Andrew Myers from Satoshi Energy, he shared their ambitious mission to "enable every electric power company to use bitcoin by block 1,050,000" – roughly three years from now. This strategic imperative isn't just about creating new Bitcoin users; it's about sovereignty. Andrew emphasized that getting Bitcoin into the hands of energy companies who value self-sovereignty creates a more balanced future economic landscape. The excitement was palpable as he described how several energy companies are already moving beyond simply selling power to Bitcoin miners and are beginning to invest in mining operations themselves.

"You have global commodity companies being like, 'Oh, this is another commodity – we want to invest in this, we want to own this,'" - Andrew Myers

Perhaps most fascinating was Andrew's revelation about major energy companies in Texas developing Bitcoin collateral products for power contracts – a practical application that could revolutionize how energy transactions are settled. As energy companies continue embracing Bitcoin for both operations and collateral, we're witnessing the early stages of a profound shift in how critical infrastructure interfaces with sound money. The implications for both sectors could be transformative.

Check out the full podcast here for more on remote viewing, Nikola Tesla's predictions, and the convergence of Bitcoin and AI technology. We cover everything from humanoid robots to the energy demands of next-generation computing.

Headlines of the Day

Steak n Shake to Accept Bitcoin at All Locations May 16 - via X

Facebook Plans Crypto Wallets for 3B Users, Bitcoin Impact Looms - via X

Trump Urges Americans to Buy Stocks for Economic Boom - via X

UK Drops Tariffs, U.S. Farmers Set to Reap Major Benefits - via X

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Final thought...

Happy belated Mother's Day to all the moms out there.

---

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

via Kevin McKernan

There's been a lot of discussion this week about Casey Means being nominated for Surgeon General of the United States and a broader overarching conversation about the effectiveness of MAHA since the inauguration and how effective it may or may not be moving forward. Many would say that President Trump won re-election due to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Nicole Shanahan deciding to reach across the aisle and join the Trump ticket, bringing with them the MAHA Moms, who are very focused on reorienting the healthcare system in the United States with a strong focus on the childhood vaccine schedule.

I'm not going to lie, this is something I'm passionate about as well, particularly after having many conversations over the years with doctors like Kevin McKernan, Dr. Jack Kruse, Dr. Mary Talley Bowden, Dr. Brooke Miller, Dr. Peter McCullough and others about the dangers of the COVID mRNA vaccines. As it stands today, I think this is the biggest elephant in the room in the world of healthcare. If you look at the data, particularly disability claims, life insurance claims, life expectancy, miscarriage rates, fertility issues and rates of turbo cancer around the world since the COVID vaccine was introduced in 2021, it seems pretty clear that there is harm being done to many of the people who have taken them.

The risk-reward ratio of the vaccines seems to be incredibly skewed towards risk over reward and children - who have proven to be least susceptible to COVID - are expected to get three COVID shots in the first year of their life if their parents follow the vaccine schedule. For some reason or another it seems that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has shied away from this topic after becoming the head of Health and Human Services within the Trump administration. This is after a multi-year campaign during which getting the vaccines removed from the market war a core part of his platform messaging.

I'm still holding out hope that sanity will prevail. The COVID mRNA vaccines will be taken off the market in a serious conversation about the crimes against humanity that unfolded during the COVID years will take place. However, we cannot depend on that outcome. We must build with the assumption in mind that that outcome may never materialize. This leads to identifying where the incentives within the system are misconstrued. One area where I think it's pretty safe to say that the incentives are misaligned is the fact that 95% of doctors work for and answer to a corporation driven by their bottom line. Instead of listening to their patients and truly caring about the outcome of each individual, doctors forced to think about the monetary outcome of the corporation they work for first.

The most pernicious way in which these misaligned incentives emerge is the way in which the hospital systems and physicians are monetarily incentivized by big pharma companies to push the COVID vaccine and other vaccines on their patients. It is important to acknowledge that we cannot be dependent on a system designed in this way to change from within. Instead, we must build a new incentive system and market structure. And obviously, if you're reading this newsletter, you know that I believe that bitcoin will play a pivotal role in realigning incentives across every industry. Healthcare just being one of them.

Bitcoiners have identified the need to become sovereign in our monetary matters, it probably makes sense to become sovereign when it comes to our healthcare as well. This means finding doctors who operate outside the corporate controlled system and are able to offer services that align incentives with the end patient. My family utilizes a combination of CrowdHealth and a private care physician to align incentives. We've even utilized a private care physician who allowed us to pay in Bitcoin for her services for a number of years. I think this is the model. Doctors accepting hard censorship resistant money for the healthcare and advice they provide. Instead of working for a corporation looking to push pharmaceutical products on their patients so they can bolster their bottom line, work directly with patients who will pay in bitcoin, which will appreciate in value over time.

I had a lengthy discussion with Dr. Jack Kruse on the podcast earlier today discussing these topic and more. It will be released on Thursday and I highly recommend you freaks check it out once it is published. Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss it.

How the "Exorbitant Privilege" of the Dollar is Undermining Our Manufacturing Base

In my conversation with Lyn Alden, we explored America's fundamental economic contradiction. As Lyn expertly explained, maintaining the dollar's reserve currency status while attempting to reshore manufacturing presents a near-impossible challenge - what economists call Triffin's Dilemma. The world's appetite for dollars gives Americans tremendous purchasing power but simultaneously hollows out our industrial base. The overvalued dollar makes our exports less competitive, especially for lower-margin manufacturing, while our imports remain artificially strong.

"Having the reserve currency does come with a bunch of benefits, historically called an exorbitant privilege, but then it has certain costs to maintain it." - Lyn Alden

This dilemma forces America to run persistent trade deficits, as this is how dollars flow to the world. For over four decades, these deficits have accumulated, creating massive economic imbalances that can't be quickly reversed. The Trump administration's attempts to address this through tariffs showcase how difficult rebalancing has become. As Lyn warned, even if we successfully pivot toward reshoring manufacturing, we'll face difficult trade-offs: potentially giving up some reserve currency benefits to rebuild our industrial foundation. This isn't just economic theory - it's the restructuring challenge that will define America's economic future.

Check out the full podcast here for more on China's manufacturing dominance, the role of Bitcoin in monetary transitions, and energy production as the foundation for future industrial power.

Headlines of the Day

Coinbase to replace Discover in S&P 500 on May 19 - via X

Mallers promises no rehypothecation in Strike Bitcoin loans - via X

Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io

Missouri passes HB 594, eliminates Bitcoin capital gains tax - via X

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Final thought...

The 100+ degree days have returned to Austin, TX. Not mad about it... yet.

---

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

via me

It seems like every other day there's another company announced that is going public with the intent of competing with Strategy by leveraging capital markets to create financial instruments to acquire Bitcoin in a way that is accretive for shareholders. This is certainly a very interesting trend, very bullish for bitcoin in the short-term, and undoubtedly making it so bitcoin is top of mind in the mainstream. I won't pretend to know whether or not these strategies will ultimately be successful or fail in the short, medium or long term. However, one thing I do know is that the themes that interest me, both here at TFTC and in my role as Managing Partner at Ten31, are companies that are building good businesses that are efficient, have product-market-fit, generate revenues and profits and roll those profits into bitcoin.

While it seems pretty clear that Strategy has tapped into an arbitrage that exists in capital markets, it's not really that exciting. From a business perspective, it's actually pretty straightforward and simple; find where potential arbitrage opportunities exists between pools of capital looking for exposure to spot bitcoin or bitcoin's volatility but can't buy the actual asset, and provide them with products that give them access to exposure while simultaneously creating a cult-like retail following. Rinse and repeat. To the extent that this strategy is repeatable is yet to be seen. I imagine it can expand pretty rapidly. Particularly if we have a speculative fervor around companies that do this. But in the long run, I think the signal is falling back to first principles, looking for businesses that are actually providing goods and services to the broader economy - not focused on the hyper-financialized part of the economy - to provide value and create efficiencies that enable higher margins and profitability.

With this in mind, I think it's important to highlight the combined leverage that entrepreneurs have by utilizing bitcoin treasuries and AI tools that are emerging and becoming more advanced by the week. As I said in the tweet above, there's never been a better time to start a business that finds product-market fit and cash flows quickly with a team of two to three people. If you've been reading this rag over the last few weeks, you know that I've been experimenting with these AI tools and using them to make our business processes more efficient here at TFTC. I've also been using them at Ten31 to do deep research and analysis.

It has become abundantly clear to me that any founder or entrepreneur that is not utilizing the AI tools that are emerging is going to get left behind. As it stands today, all anyone has to do to get an idea from a thought in your head to the prototype stage to a minimum viable product is to hop into something like Claude or ChatGPT, have a brief conversation with an AI model that can do deep research about a particular niche that you want to provide a good service to and begin building.

Later this week, I will launch an app called Opportunity Cost in the Chrome and Firefox stores. It took me a few hours of work over the span of a week to ideate and iterate on the concept to the point where I had a working prototype that I handed off to a developer who is solving the last mile problem I have as an "idea guy" of getting the product to market. Only six months ago, accomplishing something like this would have been impossible for me. I've never written a line of code that's actually worked outside of the modded MySpace page I made back in middle school. I've always had a lot of ideas but have never been able to effectively communicate them to developers who can actually build them. With a combination of ChatGPT-03 and Replit, I was able to build an actual product that works. I'm using it in my browser today. It's pretty insane.

There are thousands of people coming to the same realization at the same time right now and going out there and building niche products very cheaply, with small teams, they are getting to market very quickly, and are amassing five figures, six figures, sometimes seven figures of MRR with extremely high profit margins. What most of these entrepreneurs have not really caught on to yet is that they should be cycling a portion - in my opinion, a large portion - of those profits into bitcoin. The combination of building a company utilizing these AI tools, getting it to market, getting revenue and profits, and turning those profits into bitcoin cannot be understated. You're going to begin seeing teams of one to ten people building businesses worth billions of dollars and they're going to need to store the value they create, any money that cannot be debased.

Grant Gilliam, one of the co-founders of Ten31, wrote about this in early 2024, bitcoin being the fourth lever of equity value growth for companies.

[

Bitcoin Treasury - The Fourth Lever to Equity Value Growth

Most companies do not hold enough bitcoin There is a saying you often hear in bitcoin circles that “you can never have enough bitcoin.” This is typically expressed by those who have spent the time to both understand bitcoin’s unique and superior monetary properties and also to appreciate why tho

Ten31 - Investors in bitcoin infrastructure and freedom techGrant Gilliam

](https://ten31.vc/insights/treasury?ref=tftc.io)

We already see this theme playing out at Ten31 with some of our portfolio companies, most notably Strike, which recently released some of their financials, highlighting the fact that they're extremely profitable with high margins and a relatively small team (~75). This is extremely impressive, especially when you consider the fact that they're a global company competing with the likes of Coinbase and Block, which have each thousands of employees.

Even those who are paying attention to the developments in the AI space and how the tools can enable entrepreneurs to build faster aren't really grasping the gravity of what's at play here. Many are simply thinking of consumer apps that can be built and distributed quickly to market, but the ways in which AI can be implemented extend far beyond the digital world. Here's a great example of a company a fellow freak is building with the mindset of keeping the team small, utilizing AI tools to automate processes and quickly push profits into bitcoin.

via Cormac

Again, this is where the exciting things are happening in my mind. People leveraging new tools to solve real problems to drive real value that ultimately produce profits for entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs who decide to save those profits in bitcoin will find that the equity value growth of their companies accelerates exponentially as they provide more value, gain more traction, and increase their profits while also riding the bitcoin as it continues on its monetization phase. The compounded leverage of building a company that leverages AI tools and sweeps profits into bitcoin is going to be the biggest asymmetric play of the next decade. Personally, I also see it as something that's much more fulfilling than the pure play bitcoin treasury companies that are coming to market because consumers and entrepreneurs are able to recive and provide a ton of value in the real economy.

If you're looking to stay on top of the developments in the AI space and how you can apply the tools to help build your business or create a new business, I highly recommend you follow somebody like Greg Isenberg, whose Startup Ideas Podcast has been incredibly valuable for me as I attempt to get a lay of the land of how to implement AI into my businesses.

America's Two Economies

In my recent podcast with Lyn Alden, she outlined how our trade deficits create a cycle that's reshaping America's economic geography. As Alden explained, US trade deficits pump dollars into international markets, but these dollars don't disappear - they return as investments in US financial assets. This cycle gradually depletes industrial heartlands while enriching financial centers on the coasts, creating what amounts to two separate American economies.

"We're basically constantly taking economic vibrancy out of Michigan and Ohio and rural Pennsylvania where the steel mills were... and stuffing it back into financial assets in New York and Silicon Valley." - Lyn Alden

This pattern has persisted for over four decades, accelerating significantly since the early 1980s. Alden emphasized that while economists may argue there's still room before reaching a crisis point, the political consequences are already here. The growing divide between these two Americas has fueled populist sentiment as voters who feel left behind seek economic rebalancing, even if they can't articulate the exact mechanisms causing their hardship.

Check out the full podcast here for more on China's man

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Key Takeaways

Dr. Jack Kruse returns in this fiery episode to expose what he alleges is a coordinated campaign by Big Pharma, technocrats, and global elites to control public health narratives and financial systems through manipulated health policies and propaganda. He accuses figures like Calli and Casey Means of fronting a compromised "Maha Movement," backed by A16Z, Big Tech, and the World Economic Forum, with ambitions to embed themselves into U.S. health policy and bioweapons programs. Kruse details his covert efforts to expose these connections, claiming they led to the withdrawal of Casey Means' Surgeon General nomination, and warns of a looming biotechnocratic surveillance state where mRNA vaccines act as bioweapons to enforce compliance. Urging Bitcoiners to expand their fight for sovereignty beyond finance into healthcare and biology, Kruse argues that the true war is over time sovereignty—not just monetary freedom—and that protecting children from vaccine harms is now the most urgent front in this escalating battle.

Best Quotes

"Bitcoin is worthless if you have no time."

"We’re not playing games here. This is to the death."

"Big Pharma is just the drug dealer. The real boss is the Department of Defense and DARPA."

"The real battle in D.C. isn’t left vs. right, it’s Rothschilds and Rockefellers vs. the technocrats."

"First principle Bitcoiners need to become first principle decentralizers of life itself."

Conclusion

This episode delivers a provocative call to action from Dr. Jack Kruse, who warns that the fight for sovereignty must go beyond finance to confront what he sees as the immediate threat of centralized bio-surveillance through mRNA vaccines. Blending insider claims with health activism, Kruse urges Bitcoiners and the public to recognize that true freedom requires decentralizing not only money but also healthcare and information systems, arguing that without protecting biological sovereignty, Bitcoin’s promise of liberty will be meaningless if people are left physically, mentally, or politically compromised.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Outlining MAHA infiltration
22:59 - Fold & Bitkey
24:35- Danger to children
28:27 - Political shell game
35:40 - Unchained
36:09 - Time theft
41:07 - Vax data
46:32 - Bioweapon and control system
58:29 - Game plan - Decentralized yourself
1:15:16 - Priorities
1:24:30 - Support Mary Talley Bowden

Transcript

(00:00) me, Larry Leard, those kind of Bitcoiners, the people that are out there that have money, like they're looking to take us out. You need to know a little bit about the back history that I don't think I've talked about anywhere on any other podcast. Rick Callie is linked to the current administration is through Susie Watts.
(00:17) They both were working at Mercury PR basically is the frontman for propaganda for Big Farm. Basically, who pays you? You become their [ __ ] We're not playing games here. This is to the death. This is the biggest issue facing Maha now. It's not Froot Loops. It's not red dye. But the messenger RA job can drop you like Demar Handler.
(00:40) Can end your career like JJ Watt. Dr. Jack Cruz, welcome back to the show. Thank you, sir, for having me. Well, thank you for being here. I mean, you're making a lot of noise around a topic that I wasn't well aware of. I'm not going to lie. I think I got duped by or we'll find out if I actually got duped by the meanses. Cali means was coming in last year talking big about Maja getting the food correct.
(01:15) Um, basically telling the story of him being a lobbyist and understanding how corrupt the food system is. And we talked about it last time we were on two months ago. this sort of maha movement has shifted towards focusing on preventative care particularly in diets and you were on the Danny Danny Jones show late last year with Cali means uh sort of pressuring him to admit that the vaccine should be pulled off the market and he did not did not bite and would not budge on that and now his sister Casey has been appointed to surgeon general and
(01:50) this is something Let me let me tell you a little bit about that because you need to know a little bit about the back history that I don't think I've talked about anywhere on any other podcast. She was going to be named surgeon general uh back then. Just so you know that I knew it and I knew quite a bit of other things.
(02:16) So what was my goal? I knew um that Cali and Casey were tied to big tech. They were tied specifically, which you'll be interested in, A16Z, the shitcoiners extraordinaire, and they were also tied to the World Economic Forum through the book deal. Um, so my goal at that time as part of the person that was big in the mob like, and Marty, I don't know if you know this back part of the story.
(02:46) Maha begins not with Casey and Cali and Bobby Kennedy. It began with me, Bobby, and Rick Rubin on Rick's podcast the day that I told RFK Jr. that SV40 was in the Fiser Jabs. Mhm. And that's when Bobby found out that I wrote the law for Blly for a constitutional amendment for medical freedom. And he asked me to use four pages of the law.
(03:13) And Blly cleared me to do that. And then Aaron Siri, who was Bobby's attorney and working with a lot of the stuff that Bobby does with vaccines and I can Aaron contacted me. So just so you're clear, this is two and a half years ago. This is before this is a year previous to Casey and Cali coming on the scene. And I was always behind the scenes.
(03:37) I was not really interested in getting involved um in the [ __ ] show. But when I saw these two show up, the way they showed up and when I heard Cali actually say on a podcast that, you know, he was the modus operande of the Maha movement and he's the one that brought Bobby and Trump together.
(04:02) I said, "That's where I draw a [ __ ] line." I'm like, "Uh-uh. These guys, I know exactly what they're going to do. I see the game plan. they're going to use a shell game and I needed to have proof before you can come out and be a savage. You got to have proof. So, I hired three former Secret Service agents to actually do a very deep dive.
(04:24) We're talking about the kind of dive that you would get uh if you were going for a Supreme Court nomination. Okay? It cost me a lot of money. And why did I think it was important? Because as you know, you know, as a Bitcoiner, you just saw the big scam that happened with Maya Paribu down in Cerninam that happened after.
(04:49) Well, when I hired these guys, when all of my research that I had done was confirmed by them, I said, "Okay, now we need to go on a podcast very publicly and we need to put Cali's feet to the fire." Why? because I knew and he did not know that I knew this prior to the podcast. Uh that his sister was going to be nominated for surgeon general then.
(05:14) And because he didn't know and you you'll be able to confirm this or the savages in your audience can confirm this with Danny Jones. Do you know that Cali cancelled the podcast to do it into uh February? Yeah. Well, I think it was April of 25 because he didn't want to give anybody the time and day.
(05:37) So, what did I start doing? I started posting some of the information back in November that I found and the links to the Wjikis and the links to Bin, the links to A16Z. I didn't didn't give a ton of the information, but let's just put it this way. enough to make Callie and Cassie scream a little bit that people in DC started to read all my tweets.
(06:04) And then he called Danny up and said, "Danny, I want to do this podcast immediately." And I knew the reason why. Cuz I was baiting him to come so I could hit him with the big stuff. Why? Because you have to understand these two kids, you know, tied to the Rockefellers. They're tied to the banking elite.
(06:26) They're tied to the World Economics Form. Rick Callie is linked to the current administration is through Susie Watts. They both were working at Mercury PR and uh Mercury PR uh basically is the frontman for propaganda for Big Farm and everybody knows that, but not everybody knew that Cali worked for them.
(06:50) And you know the story that he sold all you guys, how he fooled you. And I consider you a smart guy, a savage, it's not shocking how he fooled you because he said as a um a lobbyist basically who pays you, you become their [ __ ] to to be quite honest and you'll say things that will make sense. Everybody in creation who's going to watch your podcast knows that all the things that Casey and Cali have said have been said literally for 30, 40, 50 years going all the way back to probably Anel Peas about diet and exercise.
(07:25) Everybody [ __ ] knows that. It's not new. They just decided to repackage it up and then they actually got in Bobby's ear about it. And when I released all this stuff, did Bobby know what I had? Yeah, he knew. And did the people in DC all what all their antennas up about this issue? Who was most pissed off with Uncle Jack back then? Susie [ __ ] Walls.
(07:56) Why? because those two are her babies that were going to be the amber that Susie Cassidy Cassidy Big Farmer were going to place around um Bobby Kennedy once he got confirmed. And that's why for the savages that are listening to this podcast, you go back and look at Nicole's tweet from, you know, I guess it was about four or five days ago that this didn't make sense.
(08:20) Why? because I gave the data directly to the people in DC behind the scenes of what was really going on and because it was so explosive. That's the reason Susie had to not give the job to Casey Means. She had to wait till the heat died down. So they elevated Janette and Janette bas

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Let's dive into the most interesting forward-looking predictions from my recent conversations with industry experts.

Court Cases Against Bitcoin Developers Will Set Critical Precedent for the Industry's Future - Zack Shapiro

The outcome of the Samurai Wallet case will determine whether software developers can be held legally responsible for how users employ their non-custodial Bitcoin tools. Zack Shapiro laid out the stakes clearly: "The precedent that the Bank Secrecy Act can be applied to just software that allows you to move your own money on the Bitcoin blockchain is incredibly dangerous for developers, for node runners, for miners... Basically everyone in the Bitcoin space is at risk here."

According to Shapiro, the government's position in this case fundamentally misunderstands Bitcoin's architecture: "The government says that the defendants transmitted, Keone and Bill transmitted money that they knew belonged to criminals. That's not how a coin join works. The people who transmitted the money are the people that used Whirlpool and the people that used Ricochet. They signed their keys."

Should this prosecution succeed in establishing precedent, Shapiro predicts catastrophic consequences: "If that becomes the law of the land... then basically no actor in the Bitcoin economy is safe. The government's theory is that if you facilitate movement of money, you're a money transmitter, that would reach node runners, wallet developers, miners, lightning routing nodes... whatever tool stack you use, the people who built that are at risk."

With the case continuing despite FinCEN's own position that Samurai's software isn't money transmission, Shapiro believes the resolution will likely come through political rather than legal channels in the next 6-12 months.

Malpractice Around COVID mRNA Vaccines Will Be Exposed Within 2 Years - Dr. Jack Kruse

Dr. Jack Kruse predicts that major revelations about mRNA vaccine damage will force an eventual removal from the market, particularly from childhood vaccination schedules. During our conversation, Dr. Kruse shared alarming statistics: "25,000 kids a month are getting popped with this vaccine. Just so you know, since Trump has been elected, three million doses have been given to children."

According to Dr. Kruse, the scale of this problem dwarfs other health concerns: "The messenger job can drop you like Damar Hamlin, can end your career like JJ Watt, can end your career like all the footballers who've dropped dead on a soccer field." What makes this particularly concerning is the suppression of evidence about the damages, with Dr. Kruse noting that data from Japan showing changes in cancer distribution patterns was pulled, and VAERS data being dismissed despite showing alarming signals.

Dr. Kruse believes the coming years will see an unavoidable reckoning: "If by the end of this year, everybody in unison realized that MRA platform is bad news and it's gone. That to me is... I would tell you the biggest win is to get rid of the MRA platform even before any of the Bitcoin stuff." This suggests he expects significant momentum toward removing these vaccines from circulation by the end of 2025.

Global Economic Reordering Will Create Demand for Neutral Reserve Assets Like Bitcoin and Gold - Lyn Alden

The next two years will be critical in determining whether the United States maintains dollar dominance while navigating Triffin's dilemma. During our conversation, Lyn highlighted how the current administration is attempting to thread a needle between reshoring manufacturing while maintaining the dollar's reserve status - an almost impossible task on extremely fragile ground.

"When they talk about kind of a currency accord to weaken the dollar, they mentioned ideally they wanted to use multi-lateral approaches, but there are some unilateral approaches that they can do, which includes printing dollars to buy reserve assets," Lyn explained when discussing Treasury advisor Stephen Myron's position paper.

As the world potentially moves to a multipolar currency system, Lyn predicts significant demand increases for neutral reserve assets. "The two options on the table at this point are gold and Bitcoin," she noted, but pointed out that "our geopolitical adversaries have been stacking gold for a while and with a special intensity for the last three years." This creates a strategic opportunity for the US, as Bitcoin is "overwhelmingly held in the United States."

Lyn believes this transition is already underway, with the demand for neutral reserve assets like Bitcoin growing as countries seek alternatives to solely dollar-denominated reserves.

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Blockspace conducts cutting-edge proprietary research for investors.

Iran's Shadow Mining Economy: 2 GW of Bitcoin Mined Underground While Legal Operations Struggle

Iran hosts a thriving underground Bitcoin mining industry that has emerged as a critical financial lifeline for citizens grappling with international sanctions and domestic economic controls. This shadow economy dwarfs the legal sector, with an estimated 2 gigawatts of illegal mining operations compared to just 5 megawatts of sanctioned activity.

According to ViraMiner CEO Masih Alavi, approximately 800,000 illegal miners have been discovered and fined by authorities. Yet operations continue in homes, office buildings, and even jewelry stores, where Iranians tap into unmetered electricity to mine Bitcoin, later converting it to stablecoins like USDT for savings and commerce.

While the government has approved permits for about 400 megawatts of legal mining capacity, punitive electricity tariffs and regulatory barriers have strangled legitimate operations. "I blamed the government for this situation," says Alavi. "They introduced flawed policies in the beginning, especially by setting the wrong electricity tariffs for the mining industry."

Despite using obsolete equipment like Antminer S9s and M3s, underground miners remain profitable when converting earnings to Iranian rials, creating an ecosystem that serves an estimated 18 million Iranian cryptocurrency holders.

Looking ahead, Alavi predicts further crackdowns as Iran enters peak electricity demand season, potentially reducing legal mining to zero while underground operations continue to evolve sophisticated detection evasion techniques.

Link to Full Article

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Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

It's been a pretty historic week for the United States as it pertains to geopolitical relations in the Middle East. President Trump and many members of his administration, including AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, traveled across the Middle East making deals with countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Syria, and others. Many are speculating that Iran may be included in some behind the scenes deal as well. This trip to the Middle East makes sense considering the fact that China is also vying for favorable relationships with those countries. The Middle East is a power player in the world, and it seems pretty clear that Donald Trump is dead set on ensuring that they choose the United States over China as the world moves towards a more multi-polar reality.

Many are calling the events of this week the Riyadh Accords. There were many deals that were struck in relation to artificial intelligence, defense, energy and direct investments in the United States. A truly prolific power play and demonstration of deal-making ability of Donald Trump, if you ask me. Though I will admit some of the numbers that were thrown out by some of the countries were a bit egregious. We shall see how everything plays out in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how China reacts to this power move by the United States.

While all this was going on, there was something happening back in the United States that many people outside of fringe corners of FinTwit are not talking about, which is the fact that the 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields are back on the rise. Yesterday, they surpassed the levels of mid-April that caused a market panic and are hovering back around levels that have not been seen since right before Donald Trump's inauguration.

I imagine that there isn't as much of an uproar right now because I'm pretty confident the media freakouts we were experiencing in mid-April were driven by the fact that many large hedge funds found themselves off sides of large levered basis trades. I wouldn't be surprised if those funds have decreased their leverage in those trades and bond yields being back to mid-April levels is not affecting those funds as much as they were last month. But the point stands, the 10-year and 30-year yields are significantly elevated with the 30-year approaching 5%. Regardless of the deals that are currently being made in the Middle East, the Treasury has a big problem on its hands. It still has to roll over many trillions worth of debt over over the next few years and doing so at these rates is going to be massively detrimental to fiscal deficits over the next decade. The interest expense on the debt is set to explode in the coming years.

On that note, data from the first quarter of 2025 has been released by the government and despite all the posturing by the Trump administration around DOGE and how tariffs are going to be beneficial for the U.S. economy, deficits are continuing to explode while the interest expense on the debt has definitively surpassed our annual defense budget.

via Charlie Bilello

via Mohamed Al-Erian

To make matters worse, as things are deteriorating on the fiscal side of things, the U.S. consumer is getting crushed by credit. The 90-plus day delinquency rates for credit card and auto loans are screaming higher right now.

via TXMC

One has to wonder how long all this can continue without some sort of liquidity crunch. Even though equities markets have recovered from their post-Liberation Day month long bear market, I would not be surprised if what we're witnessing is a dead cat bounce that can only be continued if the money printers are turned back on. Something's got to give, both on the fiscal side and in the private markets where the Common Man is getting crushed because he's been forced to take on insane amounts of debt to stay afloat after years of elevated levels of inflation. Add on the fact that AI has reached a state of maturity that will enable companies to replace their current meat suit workers with an army of cheap, efficient and fast digital workers and it isn't hard to see that some sort of employment crisis could be on the horizon as well.

Now is not the time to get complacent. While I do believe that the deals that are currently being made in the Middle East are probably in the best interest of the United States as the world, again, moves toward a more multi-polar reality, we are facing problems that one cannot simply wish away. They will need to be confronted. And as we've seen throughout the 21st century, the problems are usually met head-on with a money printer.

I take no pleasure in saying this because it is a bit uncouth to be gleeful to benefit from the strife of others, but it is pretty clear to me that all signs are pointing to bitcoin benefiting massively from everything that is going on. The shift towards a more multi-polar world, the runaway debt situation here in the United States, the increasing deficits, the AI job replacements and the consumer credit crisis that is currently unfolding, All will need to be "solved" by turning on the money printers to levels they've never been pushed to before.

Weird times we're living in.

China's Manufacturing Dominance: Why It Matters for the U.S.

In my recent conversation with Lyn Alden, she highlighted how China has rapidly ascended the manufacturing value chain. As Lyn pointed out, China transformed from making "sneakers and plastic trinkets" to becoming the world's largest auto exporter in just four years. This dramatic shift represents more than economic success—it's a strategic power play. China now dominates solar panel production with greater market control than OPEC has over oil and maintains near-monopoly control of rare earth elements crucial for modern technology.

"China makes like 10 times more steel than the United States does... which is relevant in ship making. It's relevant in all sorts of stuff." - Lyn Alden

Perhaps most concerning, as Lyn emphasized, is China's financial leverage. They hold substantial U.S. assets that could be strategically sold to disrupt U.S. treasury market functioning. This combination of manufacturing dominance, resource control, and financial leverage gives China significant negotiating power in any trade disputes, making our attempts to reshoring manufacturing all the more challenging.

Check out the full podcast here for more on Triffin's dilemma, Bitcoin's role in monetary transition, and the energy requirements for rebuilding America's industrial base.

Headlines of the Day

Financial Times Under Fire Over MicroStrategy Bitcoin Coverage - via X

Trump in Qatar: Historic Boeing Deal Signed - via X

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Johnson Backs Stock Trading Ban; Passage Chances Slim - via X

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Take the First Step Off the Exchange

Bitkey is an easy, secure way to move your Bitcoin into self-custody. With simple setup and built-in recovery, it’s the perfect starting point for getting your coins off centralized platforms and into cold storage—no complexity, no middlemen.

Take control. Start with Bitkey.

Use the promo code *“TFTC20”* during checkout for 20% off

---

Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 158,469 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.

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Final thought...

Building things of value is satisfying.

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

via me

Don't sleep on what's happening in Japan right now. We've been covering the country and the fact that they've lost control of their yield curve since late last year. After many years of making it a top priority from a monetary policy perspective, last year the Bank of Japan decided to give up on yield curve control in an attempt to reel inflation. This has sent yields for the 30-year and 40-year Japanese government bonds to levels not seen since the early 2000s in the case of the 30-year and levels never before seen for the 40-year, which was launched in 2007. With a debt to GDP ratio that has surpassed 250% and a population that is aging out with an insufficient amount of births to replace the aging workforce, it's hard to see how Japan can get out of this conundrum without some sort of economic collapse.

This puts the United States in a tough position considering the fact that Japan is one of the largest holders of U.S. Treasury bonds with more than $1.20 trillion in exposure. If things get too out of control in Japan and the yield curve continues to drift higher and inflation continues to creep higher Japan can find itself in a situation where it's a forced seller of US Treasuries as they attempt to strengthen the yen. Another aspect to consider is the fact that investors may see the higher yields on Japanese government bonds and decide to purchase them instead of US Treasuries. This is something to keep an eye on in the weeks to come. Particularly if higher rates drive a higher cost of capital, which leads to even more inflation. As producers are forced to increase their prices to ensure that they can manage their debt repayments.

It's never a good sign when the Japanese Prime Minister is coming out to proclaim that his country's financial situation is worse than Greece's, which has been a laughing stock of Europe for the better part of three decades. Japan is a very proud nation, and the fact that its Prime Minister made a statement like this should not be underappreciated.

As we noted last week, the 10-year and 30-year U.S. Treasury bonds are drifting higher as well. Earlier today, the 30-year bond yield surpassed 5%, which has been a psychological level that many have been pointed to as a critical tipping point. When you take a step back and look around the world it seems pretty clear that bond markets are sending a very strong signal. And that signal is that something is not well in the back end of the financial system.

This is even made clear when you look at the private sector, particularly at consumer debt. In late March, we warned of the growing trend of buy now, pay later schemes drifting down market as major credit card companies released charge-off data which showed charge-off rates reaching levels not seen since the 2008 great financial crisis. At the time, we could only surmise that Klarna was experiencing similar charge-off rates on the bigger-ticket items they financed and started doing deals with companies like DoorDash to finance burrito deliveries in an attempt to move down market to finance smaller ticket items with a higher potential of getting paid back. It seems like that inclination was correct as Klarna released data earlier today showing more losses on their book as consumers find it extremely hard to pay back their debts.

via NewsWire

This news hit the markets on the same day as the average rate of the 30-year mortgage in the United States rose to 7.04%. I'm not sure if you've checked lately, but real estate prices are still relatively elevated outside of a few big cities who expanded supply significantly during the COVID era as people flooded out of blue states towards red states. It's hard to imagine that many people can afford a house based off of sticker price alone, but with a 7% 30-year mortgage rate it's becoming clear that the ability of the Common Man to buy a house is simply becoming impossible.

via Lance Lambert

The mortgage rate data is not the only thing you need to look at to understand that it's becoming impossible for the Common Man of working age to buy a house. New data has recently been released that highlights That the median home buyer in 2007 was born in 1968, and the median home buyer in 2024 was born in 1968. Truly wild when you think of it. As our friend Darth Powell cheekily highlights below, we find ourselves in a situation where boomers are simply trading houses and the younger generations are becoming indentured slaves. Forever destined to rent because of the complete inability to afford to buy a house.

via Darth Powell

via Yahoo Finance

Meanwhile, Bitcoin re-approached all-time highs late this evening and looks primed for another breakout to the upside. This makes sense if you're paying attention. The high-velocity trash economy running on an obscene amount of debt in both the public and private sectors seems to be breaking at the seams. All the alarm bells are signaling that another big print is coming. And if you hope to preserve your purchasing power or, ideally, increase it as the big print approaches, the only thing that makes sense is to funnel your money into the hardest asset in the world, which is Bitcoin.

via Bitbo

Buckle up, freaks. It's gonna be a bumpy ride. Stay humble, Stack Sats.

Trump's Middle East Peace Strategy: Redefining U.S. Foreign Policy

In his recent Middle East tour, President Trump signaled what our guest Dr. Anas Alhajji calls "a major change in US policy." Trump explicitly rejected the nation-building strategies of his predecessors, contrasting the devastation in Afghanistan and Iraq with the prosperity of countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE. This marks a profound shift from both Republican and Democratic foreign policy orthodoxy. As Alhajji noted, Trump's willingness to meet with Syrian President Assad follows a historical pattern where former adversaries eventually become diplomatic partners.

"This is really one of the most important shifts in US foreign policy to say, look, sorry, we destroyed those countries because we tried to rebuild them and it was a big mistake." - Dr. Anas Alhajji

The administration's new approach emphasizes negotiation over intervention. Rather than military solutions, Trump is engaging with groups previously considered off-limits, including the Houthis, Hamas, and Iran. This pragmatic stance prioritizes economic cooperation and regional stability over ideological confrontation. The focus on trade deals and investment rather than regime change represents a fundamental reimagining of America's role in the Middle East.

Check out the full podcast here for more on the Iran nuclear situation, energy market predictions, and why AI development could create power grid challenges.

Headlines of the Day

Bitcoin Soars to $106K While Bonds Lose 40% Since 2020 - via X

US Senate Advances Stablecoin Bill As America Embraces Bitcoin - via X

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Texas House Debates Bill For State-Run Bitcoin Reserve - via X

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

Here's a great presentation from our good friend Michael Goldstein, President of the Satoshi Nakamoto Institute titled Hodl for Good. He gave it earlier this year at the BitBlockBoom Conference, and I think it's something everyone reading this should take 25 minutes to watch. Especially if you find yourself wondering whether or not it's a good idea to spend bitcoin at any given point in time. Michael gives an incredible Austrian Economics 101 lesson on the importance of lowering one's time preference and fully understanding the importance of hodling bitcoin. For the uninitiated, it may seem that the hodl meme is nothing more than a call to hoard bitcoins in hopes of getting rich eventually. However, as Michael points out, there's layers to the hodl meme and the good that hodling can bring individuals and the economy overall.

The first thing one needs to do to better understand the hodl meme is to completely flip the framing that is typically thrust on bitcoiners who encourage others to hodl. Instead of ceding that hodling is a greedy or selfish action, remind people that hodling, or better known as saving, is the foundation of capital formation, from which all productive and efficient economic activity stems. Number go up technology is great and it really matters. It matters because it enables anybody leveraging that technology to accumulate capital that can then be allocated toward productive endeavors that bring value to the individual who creates them and the individual who buys them.

When one internalizes this, it enables them to turn to personal praxis and focus on minimizing present consumption while thinking of ways to maximize long-term value creation. Live below your means, stack sats, and use the time that you're buying to think about things that you want in the future. By lowering your time preference and saving in a harder money you will have the luxury of demanding higher quality goods in the future. Another way of saying this is that you will be able to reshape production by voting with your sats. Initially when you hold them off the market by saving them - signaling that the market doesn't have goods worthy of your sats - and ultimately by redeploying them into the market when you find higher quality goods that meet the standards desire.

The first part of this equation is extremely important because it sends a signal to producers that they need to increase the quality of their work. As more and more individuals decide to use bitcoin as their savings technology, the signal gets stronger. And over many cycles we should begin to see low quality cheap goods exit the market in favor of higher quality goods that provide more value and lasts longer and, therefore, make it easier for an individual to depart with their hard-earned and hard-saved sats. This is only but one aspect that Michael tries to imbue throughout his presentation.

The other is the ability to buy yourself leisure time when you lower your time preference and save more than you spend. When your savings hit a critical tipping point that gives you the luxury to sit back and experience true leisure, which Michael explains is not idleness, but the contemplative space to study, create art, refine taste, and to find what "better goods" actually are. Those who can experience true leisure while reaping the benefits of saving in a hard asset that is increasing in purchasing power significantly over the long term are those who build truly great things. Things that outlast those who build them. Great art, great monuments, great institutions were all built by men who were afforded the time to experience leisure. Partly because they were leveraging hard money as their savings and the place they stored the profits reaped from their entrepreneurial endeavors.

If you squint and look into the future a couple of decades, it isn't hard to see a reality like this manifesting. As more people begin to save in Bitcoin, the forces of supply and demand will continue to come into play. There will only ever be 21 million bitcoin, there are around 8 billion people on this planet, and as more of those 8 billion individuals decide that bitcoin is the best savings vehicle, the price of bitcoin will rise.

When the price of bitcoin rises, it makes all other goods cheaper in bitcoin terms and, again, expands the entrepreneurial opportunity. The best part about this feedback loop is that even non-holders of bitcoin benefit through higher real wages and faster tech diffusion. The individuals and business owners who decide to hodl bitcoin will bring these benefits to the world whether you decide to use bitcoin or not.

This is why it is virtuous to hodl bitcoin. The potential for good things to manifest throughout the world increases when more individuals decide to hodl bitcoin. And as Michael very eloquently points out, this does not mean that people will not spend their bitcoin. It simply means that they have standards for the things that they will spend their bitcoin on. And those standards are higher than most who are fully engrossed in the high velocity trash economy have today.

In my opinion, one of those higher causes worthy of a sats donation is the Satoshi Nakamoto Institute. Consider donating so they can preserve and disseminate vital information about bitcoin and its foundations.

The Shell Game: How Health Narratives May Distract from Vaccine Risks

In our recent podcast, Dr. Jack Kruse presented a concerning theory about public health messaging. He argues that figures like Casey and Calley Means are promoting food and exercise narratives as a deliberate distraction from urgent vaccine issues. While no one disputes healthy eating matters, Dr. Kruse insists that focusing on "Froot Loops and Red Dye" diverts attention from what he sees as immediate dangers of mRNA vaccines, particularly for children.

"It's gonna take you 50 years to die from processed food. But the messenger jab can drop you like Damar Hamlin." - Dr Jack Kruse

Dr. Kruse emphasized that approximately 25,000 children per day are still receiving COVID vaccines despite concerns, with 3 million doses administered since Trump's election. This "shell game," as he describes it, allows vaccines to remain on childhood schedules while public attention fixates on less immediate health threats. As host, I believe this pattern deserves our heightened scrutiny given the potential stakes for our children's wellbeing.

Check out the full podcast here for more on Big Pharma's alleged bioweapons program, the "Time Bank Account" concept, and how Bitcoin principles apply to health sovereignty.

Headlines of the Day

Aussie Judge: Bitcoin is Money, Possibly CGT-Exempt - via X

JPMorgan to Let Clients Buy Bitcoin Without Direct Custody - via X

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Mubadala Acquires $408.5M Stake in BlackRock Bitcoin ETF - via X

---

Take the First Step Off the Exchange

Bitkey is an easy, secure way to move your Bitcoin into self-custody. With simple setup and built-in recovery, it’s the perfect starting point for getting your coins off centralized platforms and into cold storage—no complexity, no middlemen.

Take control. Start with Bitkey.

Use the promo code *“TFTC20”* during checkout for 20% off

---

Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 158,469 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.

---

Final thought...

I've been walking from my house around Town Lake in Austin in the mornings and taking calls on the walk. Big fan of a walking call.

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[![Hodl Bitcoin For Good](https://www

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Bitcoin Core veteran James O’Beirne delivers a sharp critique of Bitcoin’s developmental stagnation, attributing it to political dysfunction, post-fork trauma, and resistance within Bitcoin Core to critical upgrades like CheckTemplateVerify (CTV). He argues that while institutional adoption accelerates, internal innovation is being stifled by misplaced controversies—such as the OP_RETURN policy debate—and a bottlenecked governance model. O’Beirne warns that without urgent progress on scaling solutions like CTV, congestion control, and vaulting systems, Bitcoin risks ossifying and becoming vulnerable to institutional capture. Advocating a more adversarial posture, he suggests forking or building alternative clients to pressure progress but remains hopeful, seeing rising momentum for protocol upgrades from developers outside the Core elite.

Best Quotes

“Everybody has mempool derangement syndrome… it’s such a small issue in the grand scheme of challenges Bitcoin is facing.”

“Bitcoin is as much an experiment in technical human organization as it is a pure technology.”

“If we don’t figure out how to scale trustless Bitcoin self-custody, we’re toast. Right now, only about 2.5% of Americans could actually use Bitcoin monthly in a meaningful way.”

“CTV isn’t sexy—it just works. It keeps getting reinvented because it's so useful. At this point, it’s essential.”

“If Core isn’t going to evaluate these proposals, someone has to. Otherwise, we need to build the social justification for forking.”

“Lightning didn’t scale Bitcoin the way we expected. Let’s stop assuming a silver bullet is coming and start building the bridges ourselves.”

“You could onboard someone with just a phone and a vault… and give them more security than most hardware wallets.”

Conclusion

While Bitcoin gains traction with institutions and governments, its internal development is stalling under political inertia and misplaced focus. James O’Beirne urges the community to prioritize impactful upgrades like CTV and CCV, challenge the bottleneck of Bitcoin Core if needed, and recommit to Bitcoin’s foundational principles. This episode underscores the urgent need to bridge technical and social divides to ensure Bitcoin remains a decentralized, censorship-resistant tool for global value transfer.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro
0:41 - Multi axis issue
5:12 - Core governance
9:41 - Derailing productive discussions
17:05 - Fold & Bitkey
18:32 - CTV
29:24 - Unchained
29:53 - Magnitude of change
41:45 - Covenant proposals
50:16 - CTV benefits
57:56 - Institutional ownership
1:05:26 - Moving forward

Transcript

(00:00) I think I have a somewhat different take than 99% of the people in the discussion. What freaks me out is if you've got Sailor owning half million coins or whatever and Black Rockck owning however many, people forget that Bitcoin is as much an experiment in technical human organization as it is, you know, as a sort of pure technology.
(00:17) The undernowledged reality is I'm actually interested to see if we have like a black swan adoption event from the machines. the risk given the increased scrutiny that things like the strategic Bitcoin reserve introduce there's a shot clock on getting to trustless decentralized value storage technology and I think we really have to be thinking about that combination of physically tired and mentally tired it's also tiresome James it's it's I was looking at that picture today and I was actually going to tweet it absent any caption just because it's
(00:52) a really good Uh yeah, it's a really good epitome of uh of a lot of stuff. But I'm with you, man. I'm tired. It's Friday. Who is it? Is that a just some random Japanese guy? I think it's it's I actually think it's from a documentary about I don't know if it's Africa, but Oh, yes. Yes.
(01:13) It's there's a little bit of a kind of like racy connotation there. Um yeah, the uh it's been long. It was interesting for me. We had Texas Energy Mining Summit here in Austin the beginning of the week. It sort of blended with Bitcoin plus I was over at Bitcoin++ Wednesday and yesterday doing the live desk and obviously topic of conversation is OP return this policy decision and this policy change that that core wants to make and many people are uh angry about and it's just again it's also tiresome.
(01:52) spoke with people on both sides over the two days and I I think I came away more confused than than I entered entered the week like what is the optimal path and somebody who's worked on Bitcoin core worked on Bitcoin core for for many years I've seen you tweeting about it seems like I won't put words in your mouth I'll let you say like what is your perspective on this whole policy debate around op return yeah so in general I think I have a somewhat different take than um 99% of the people in in the discussion which is basically that this
(02:25) is a really stupid discussion um everybody has mempool derangement syndrome like at every layer um and uh what what frustrates me a little bit about the conversation not not to not to uh get like um grumpy right off the bat but it's just it's it's such a small issue in the in the grand scheme of challenges that are being presented to Bitcoin that like spending all this drama on it um is is really a silly use of time and uh kind of emotion, but I can break it down for you.
(03:02) I mean, I think I think like largely the argument is happening on a few layers. Um the change itself technically I'm totally in favor of it. It makes sense. you know, basically the rationale is like, well, you know, um, people want to include exogenous data into the chain. Um, you can't really stop them from doing that.
(03:23) Um and so let's basically minimize the damage by saying hey you know we're going to make it easier for people to actually make use of op return as a data carrier which uh lets us avoid bloat in the UTXO set which is like one of the precious resources we have to take care of for the node.
(03:44) Um, so that's all good and the and the other thing too is that as we've seen with the ordinal stuff is um, you know, data is going to wait make its way into the chain and actually it hurts the whole network when um, there are transactions that most nodes haven't seen yet but they come through a block. Basically that slows down block propagation time.
(04:06) And so the whole idea is if you bring policy closer to the actual consensus rules, closer to the actual transactions that are going to come through and be mined, then you're going to have better network performance. You're going to have lower latency when it comes to actually broadcasting a new block around. So that's like the the sort of technical layer of the discussion.
(04:25) It's it's really a minute non-controversial change if you kind of have fluency with the the technical end of the mempool. Um, but I think there's this this higher layer to the conversation which is sort of a readjudication of spam in Bitcoin. And it's, you know, I think a lot of the the old animal spirits and sentiments are emerging about like, well, we don't like spam.
(04:49) And I think for a lot of people who kind of get lost in the technical details, it's very easy to latch on to the sentiment of I don't like spam. Um and so uh so that makes the sort of ocean knots camp maybe more appealing. Uh so that's yeah that's I guess a summary if you want to jump in anything in particular we can that's what I was saying I came out more confused than I went in.
(05:20) So last week on RHR, hey, I agree. You want policy to be aligned with consensus. Like whether we like it or not, these transactions are getting into blocks. They're non-standard, but they are valid within consensus rules and policy just isn't aligning with that. And like you said, this is disrupting the P2P layer and potentially the fee uh estimation process that that many nodes use, many applications use.
(05:49) And it makes sense to me to align policy with consensus. These things are happening. And if you can make it so Bitcoin full nodes are operating as efficiently and optimally as possible by changing this, it makes sense to me. I think my one like push back was like makes sense to me. However, I think how it was communicated to people and the whole mess with the PR.
(06:12) I think it's I think it's it was it's it's just a tactical error. Like even if this change gets in the the the real benefit of is is not material. You know, nobody was really clamoring for it. um this stuff always, you know, gets the hackles up of everybody who cares at all about, you know, spamming Bitcoin. So, it was a real tactical error.
(06:36) And I think that's that's one place where I mean it's kind of I had a little bit of shot in Freud seeing it because I'm fairly critical of core as a project along you know a variety of axes at this point and it was just kind of a demonstration of the the disconnection and kind of ineptitude of um publicity management kind of on on their end.
(06:58) Um, and so like there's part of me that enjoys seeing that because I I'm kind of convinced that that group has a lot less efficacy than they have credibility. And so to to see that kind of catch up was was interesting. The uh let's dive into that like what you said multiple axes you have a problem. I think we've throughout the years like we've been discussing the issues that Bitcoin like yourself particularly as a Bitcoin core developer for many years trying to get things through not only in the context of the way core works from a governance
(07:35) structure but just the way Bitcoin works as a distributed open source protocol like trying to get changes in and I will say like

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

If you do one thing today, take the time to spend an hour to watch this YouTube video. As someone creating content who has become very cognizant of the effects of the algorithm and the pressures to cater to it, this video was unexpectedly and incredibly satisfying. We're coming up on the eight year anniversary of this newsletter and the podcast that accompanies it and over that eight year period, the pressures to compete in the world of ever increasing digital soy slop grow at an accelerating rate.

If you've seen our YouTube channel recently, you'll probably notice that we've bent the knee to the thumbnail and title clickbait game in an attempt to get our content out to a wider audience. This is something I've held out on for many years now at this point, but recently became convinced that it's something we simply have to do if we want to get our message out to a wider audience. As I write this, I'm thinking that maybe the fact that we have to do that in the first place says something about the content we're putting out there and whether or not it is actually valuable. But I do think the high velocity trash economy becoming completely saturated with digital soy slop has made it so people who truly want to get their message out have to play that game.

I want to make one thing clear. I certainly do not think I'm an artist, but I do like to think that over the last eight years we've been putting out information via content mediums that is valuable to you, dear reader. However, the informational content we put out there, particularly the audio and video content, is put on platforms where it is forced to compete with others who cater to the lowest common denominators of dopamine hijacking and in-group signaling that draws the masses like moths to a flame.

If you haven't watched the YouTube video yet, which I'm assuming 99.9% of you haven't, this may seem like a nonsensical ramble. So, I'll keep this one short and urge you to go watch the social commentary from comedian Jarrett Moore about the state of art, "content" and its effect on culture as it stands today. I'm assuming this isn't too much of a spoiler alert, but the situation is pretty dire. The world needs better art and people who are willing to support artists who are truly creative and take risks. This has nothing to do with bitcoin. But I think it highlights an interesting part of our society that is deteriorating at a rapid clip. And it's something that all of us should feel compelled to attend to lest we speed run into Idiocracy.

It made me feel uneasy about parts of my approach to this business, and that's a good thing.

Don't forget to buy a Bitkey!

Iran's Nuclear Ambitions Create a "Never-Ending Crisis"

In our latest discussion, energy expert Dr. Anas Alhajji described what he called Iran's "never-ending crisis" – a thesis he first published over 20 years ago that has proven remarkably accurate. As Alhajji explained, this crisis persists because of a fundamental contradiction: the U.S. sees any Iranian nuclear program (even peaceful) as strengthening a hostile regime, while Iran views nuclear energy as essential for domestic stability and economic survival.

"Iran is not going to negotiate over the bomb. They want to drag everything for the longest period until they get the bomb." - Dr. Anas Alhajji

What's particularly concerning is Iran's resilience against sanctions. Alhajji detailed how Iran has masterfully circumvented oil export restrictions through China, using a dedicated Chinese bank to process payments outside the international system. Iran's leadership appears willing to endure temporary geopolitical losses in Syria, Lebanon, and potentially Yemen, calculating that obtaining nuclear weapons will fundamentally transform regional politics and their treatment by the United States.

Check out the full podcast here for more on Trump's Middle East strategy, the future of BRICS, and critical challenges facing global energy infrastructure.

Headlines of the Day

Standard Chartered Predicts Bitcoin Will Reach $500K by 2028 - via X

Lummis: Genius Act Makes US Leader in Digital Asset Policy - via X

Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io

Jake Tapper's Admission on Biden's Decline Sparks Media Ethics Debate - via X

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Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed 158,469 sats | $150.00M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.

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Final thought...

My oldest is already at the "faking sick to get out of school" stage and I'm extremely proud.

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Key Takeaways

In this episode of TFTC, energy economist Anas Alhajji outlines a profound shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump—away from military intervention and toward transactional diplomacy focused on trade, reconstruction, and curbing Chinese and Russian influence in the Middle East. He highlights Trump’s quiet outreach to Syria as emblematic of the U.S.'s strategic flexibility in legitimizing former adversaries when economically beneficial. Alhajji dismisses BRICS as a fractured bloc incapable of rivaling the U.S.-led order and insists the dollar and petrodollar remain dominant. On energy, he warns that despite favorable fundamentals, prices are suppressed by political confusion, underinvestment, and an aging power grid ill-prepared for the AI and urbanization boom. He also contends that Iran is stalling negotiations to buy time for nuclear advancement and that any deal will be superficial. Finally, Alhajji debunks the myth of Trump being pro-oil, noting his long-standing hostility toward the industry and explaining why a repeat of his past energy boom is implausible given today’s financial and structural constraints.

Best Quotes

• “BRICS is a paper tiger. Everything about BRICS is what China does—and that’s it.”
• “The dollar is here to stay. The petrodollar is here to stay. End of story.”
• “Trump hates the oil industry. He always classified it as an enemy.”
• “Energy projects are 30- to 40-year investments, but politicians think in 4-year cycles. That’s where the disconnect lies.”
• “People think shale will boom again. It won’t. The model changed from ‘drill baby drill’ to ‘control baby control.’”
• “The real story of Trump’s trip wasn’t about politics—it was investment, investment, investment.”
• “Without massive investment in the grid and gas turbines, blackouts will become the norm—even in rich countries like Kuwait.”
• “Iran and China have perfected the game of oil exports. Sanctions are just theater at this point.”

Conclusion

Anas Alhajji’s conclusion challenges conventional narratives, arguing that global power is shifting from military dominance to economic leverage, infrastructure investment, and energy control. He presents a nuanced view of U.S. foreign policy under Trump, emphasizing the strategic importance of trade and reconstruction over regime change. As energy demand soars and geopolitical risks mount, Alhajji warns that the real dangers lie not in foreign adversaries, but in policy confusion, infrastructural lag, and complacency—making this episode a crucial listen for anyone seeking to understand the high-stakes intersection of energy, economics, and diplomacy.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro
0:48 - Syria and US diplomacy in Middle East
12:50 - Trump in the Middle East
18:12 - Fold & Bitkey
19:48 - Iran - Nuclear program and PR
33:53 - Unchained
34:22 - Crude markets, trade war and US debt
54:28 - Trump's energy stance
1:05:46 - Energy sector challanges
1:14:44 - Policy recommendations
1:21:18 - AI and bitcoin

Transcript

(00:00) oil prices market fundamentals support higher price than where we are today. But because of this confusion, everyone is scared of low economic growth and that is a serious problem. The US media ignored part of Trump's speech when he said we are not about nation building and they refer to Afghanistan and Iraq.
(00:15) Look at them. This is a criticism of George W. Bush. We have groups that are talking about the demise of the dollar, the rise of bricks. Bricks is a paper tiger. Everything about bricks is what China does and that's it. The dollar is here to stay and the petro dollar is here to stay.
(00:31) The perception is that the Trump administration is cold but the reality Trump hates the oil [Music] indust. How are you? Very good. Very good. Thank you. As you were telling me, you've been a bit sleepd deprived this week trying to keep up with what's going on. Oh, absolutely. I mean, Trump keeps us on our toes uh all the time.
(01:06) In fact, I plan certain things for the weekend and Trump will say something or he will do something and all of a sudden we get busy again. Uh so clients are not going to wait for you until you finish your work. Basically, they want to know what's going on. So what is going on? What what how profound were the events in the Middle East? These are very uh very profound changes basically because it is very clear that if you look at the last 15 years uh and you look at the growth uh in the Middle East, you look at the growth of Saudi Arabia and uh the
(01:41) role of Turkey for example in the region uh it just just amazing be beyond any uh any thoughts. Uh in fact both of them Turkey and Saudi Arabia are part of the G20. Uh so they have economic influence and they have political influence. And of course the icing on the cake for those who are familiar with the region is to recognize the Syrian government and meet with the Syrian uh president.
(02:11) Uh this is a major a major change in economics and politics uh of the Middle East. Let's touch on that Syria uh topic for a while because I think a lot of people here in the United States were a bit shocked at how sort of welcoming President Trump was towards the new Syrian president considering the fact that uh he was considered an enemy not too long ago here in the United States.
(02:42) What first of all it's a fact of life for those who would like to check the history of politics. There were many people around the world who were classified or they were on the terrorism list and then they became friends of the United States or they were became heroes. I mean Nelson Mandela is one of them. You look at Latin America, there are presidents in Latin America who were uh the enemy of the United States and then they became uh uh cooperative with the United States and the United States recognized their governments and the result of their uh elections. Uh so
(03:15) we've seen this historically uh several uh several times around the world and as they say freedom fighters for some basically are the enemies and the terrorists for for others etc. So uh what we've seen that's why the the visit is very important that the recognition of this government is very important. uh the fact on the ground that uh the president of Syria had the power on the ground uh he had the the the people on the ground and he had the control on the ground and whatever he's been he's been doing since he came into power until now
(03:52) he done all the right steps u and people loved him I mean everyone who went to Syria whether the Syrians who left Syria 40 years ago or uh the visitors who are coming to Syria, they will tell you, "We have never seen the Syrian people as happy as we've seen them today, despite the fact that they they live in misery.
(04:17) They don't have um 8 million people without housing. Uh there is barely any electricity in most of the country. There is no internet. There is barely any food. The uh inflation is rampant, etc. But people are happy because they lived in fear for a very long time. And uh the steps they have taken. For example, the uh ministers in the previous government uh are still there and they are still in the housing of the government.
(04:49) They still have the drivers. They still have the cars from the previous government. They still have it until today. So uh they they were classified as enemies before. But all of a sudden now you have a new government that is uh accepting them. Uh so we we see some changes on the ground that are positive and we'll see how these things will go given that the area around them basically has been unstable for a very long time.
(05:17) how because I don't the the news when I was actually it was surreal for me because my first trip to the Middle East was last December when it was literally f flying over Syria to Abu Dhabi when uh um Assad was getting thrown out and it was pretty surreal to be in that region of the world.
(05:43) How as it pertains to like religious minorities within Syria moving forward is there protractions protections there? Um well let me just uh I want to emphasize one point that is very important. What did the interest of Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United States in Syria if remember Syria was controlled by Iran and was controlled by the Russians.
(06:09) So in a sense it becomes uh kind of an imperative that taking it away from Iran and Russia and not bringing Iran or Russia back is extremely important. Now the Russians are still there and they have their own base but at least they are not bombing the Syrians and not killing them anymore. But the idea here is taking Syria out of Iran and Russia and probably later on if they kick the Russians out, Russians will not have access to the Mediterranean.
(06:37) Uh so there is an interest uh of all parties basically to take Russia out of Iran and um out of uh Syria regardless the country is uh devastated and it creates massive opportunities for US companies on all levels and uh we've seen a contract uh done recently with you mentioned Abu Dhabi uh uh a contract uh uh with the UA a basically to revamp all the Syrian ports and work on the Syrian ports.
(07:13) Uh so such contracts basically uh when you have a country that has nothing and it's completely devastated the whole infrastructure is devastated. Who is going to build it? If the uh what the Chinese, the Russians, so who who are going to build it? So, uh I think there is a a big room for US companies and others basically to come in and uh literally help on one side and make money on the other.
(07:38) Yeah, I think that that's what I'm trying to discern. What was this convoy from the United States to the Middle East this week signali

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Another week of conversations with sharp minds thinking about Bitcoin's future and the broader economic landscape. Here are the three most compelling predictions from recent episodes.

Bitcoin Core Will Face a Major Governance Crisis Over Covenant Proposals in 2025 - James O'Beirne

James made a prediction that sent chills through the Bitcoin development community - he believes Bitcoin Core's current governance structure will reach a breaking point this year over covenant proposals like CTV. After working as a Core developer for nearly a decade, he's convinced that the organization's inability to make progress on scaling solutions will force alternative implementations.

His timeline is specific and urgent. James believes that if Core doesn't show "substantive review discussion about how we get this stuff in" within six months, credible developers will start building alternate activation clients. The technical argument is compelling: covenants like CheckTemplateVerify have been thoroughly reviewed for seven years, with a 5 BTC bounty (worth over $500,000) still unclaimed for finding material bugs.

The stakes couldn't be higher for Bitcoin's future. James noted that currently "just over two and a half percent of Americans would be able to, on a monthly basis, buy Bitcoin on an exchange, withdraw it to self-custody, and then maybe make a spend." Without scaling solutions, this number won't improve meaningfully. His prediction reflects growing frustration with Core's de facto monopoly over protocol development. "You simply can't ignore that there is a social reality to being in that world," he said, referring to the concentrated funding and decision-making power that has created what he sees as an unsustainable bottleneck for Bitcoin's evolution.

The U.S. Will See Widespread Energy Blackouts as AI Data Centers Strain the Grid - Anas Alhajji

Dr. Anas delivered a sobering prediction about America's energy infrastructure failing to keep pace with exploding AI demand. He expects we'll see significant blackouts in major cities within the next few years, with a particularly concerning scenario where AI facilities maintain power while residential areas go dark. "I will not be surprised if we end up with a situation like this in some states and some cities," he warned.

The mathematics behind his prediction are stark. Energy consumption is skyrocketing due to multiple factors: urbanization, AI data centers, and simple population growth. When migrants move from rural areas to U.S. cities, their energy consumption increases by 30-70 times. Meanwhile, AI facilities require massive baseload power that renewable sources simply cannot provide reliably.

The infrastructure problems run deeper than just generation capacity. Anas explained that America's electrical grid is aging and wasn't designed for this level of demand. Even worse, we lack the manufacturing capacity to produce enough natural gas turbines - the only realistic solution for reliable baseload power at scale. He predicts this will create a dangerous political dynamic where tech companies with guaranteed power contracts maintain operations during blackouts while regular citizens lose electricity. "We might see a backlash from the population, and we will see politicians basically being forced to fight them because of that."

AI Will Force Millennials Into Career Reinvention Within the Next Decade - Bram Kanstein

Bram made a stark prediction about the collision between artificial intelligence and millennial career paths. He believes that traditional knowledge-based jobs will become obsolete much faster than people expect, forcing an entire generation to completely rethink their working lives. "If you think you're going to work for the next 30 years of your life, think again," he warned during our conversation.

His argument centers on the rapid advancement of AI capabilities that he's witnessed firsthand. After spending just 12 hours working with AI tools, Bram claims he developed what could be "a top 10 cybersecurity invention" - despite having no cybersecurity background. This experience convinced him that jobs requiring strict knowledge and logic are already dead. The implications are massive for millennials who built their careers around expertise that AI can now replicate instantly.

The timing couldn't be worse, as Bram notes that this technological disruption is happening precisely when millennials need stable income to support families and prepare for retirement. His solution? Use Bitcoin to create the time and space needed to figure out how to function in an AI-dominated world. "You need to be aware of that. This is where it's going. So how do you protect yourself in an age of AI? Bitcoin is the perfect way to do that."

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Blockspace conducts cutting-edge proprietary research for investors.

New Bitcoin Mining Pool Flips Industry Model: "Plebs Eat First" Could Threaten Corporate Dominance

Parasite Pool's radical zero-fee structure challenges mining giants by guaranteeing payouts to small miners while rewarding block finders with instant Bitcoin. It disrupts traditional mining with a hybrid payout model that gives block discoverers 1 BTC immediately, while distributing remaining rewards (~2.125 BTC plus fees) among all pool participants. This "plebs eat first" approach targets the 22% discount miners typically accept in exchange for guaranteed income.

Key innovations that matter:

• Lightning Network integration bypasses Bitcoin's 100-block maturity rule, delivering instant payouts to Lightning wallets
• 10-sat minimum withdrawal eliminates traditional barriers for small miners
• Block withholding protection through substantial honest-miner rewards reduces pool attacks

The pool currently commands just 5 PH/s (0.000006% of Bitcoin's network), meaning an expected 3+ years before hitting a block. But this represents a growing counterculture against Full Pay Per Share (FPPS) pools that dominate corporate mining.

Industry impact: If successful, Parasite Pool could attract commercial miners seeking downside protection while maintaining the lottery appeal that drives pleb participation. The model challenges the structural advantages of corporate mining pools.

What's next: ZK Shark plans to open-source components over time, with the current beta suggesting this is just "V1" of a broader disruption strategy.

Link to Full Article

Subscribe to them here (seriously, you should): https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com/

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Ten31, the largest bitcoin-focused investor, has deployed $150M across 30+ companies through three funds. I am a Managing Partner at Ten31 and am very proud of the work we are doing. Learn more at ten31.vc/invest.

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@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Key Takeaways

In this episode, Bram Kanstein delivers a powerful exploration of how studying money for thousands of hours led him to a single, life-changing conclusion: Bitcoin is the key to preserving value and reclaiming personal agency in an increasingly unstable world. Through the lens of a disillusioned millennial generation—raised with technological optimism but betrayed by economic reality—Bram exposes the fiat system as one built on illusion, debt, and diminishing returns. He explains how Bitcoin’s transparent, rule-based design offers a principled alternative, especially for those wired to question systems and seek truth. Describing the fiat economy as a “high-velocity trash system” that undermines innovation and long-term planning, he argues Bitcoin creates the time and space to think, build, and live freely. As AI reshapes the labor market, Bram sees Bitcoin as a vital foundation for individuals to adapt, maintain sovereignty, and thrive in a future defined by rapid technological disruption.

Best Quotes

“Anything that you would want to fix in the world is broken because the money is broken.”

“You’re stacking nothing. Literal paper.”

“You have to red pill before you orange pill.”

“The only thing you need to do is move to the other money that they cannot mess with.”

“One Bitcoin is one Bitcoin. That’s the whole point.”

“Millennials are primed to understand Bitcoin.”

“Bitcoin lets you get out of the rat race and start walking your own path.”

“The fiat mindset is a zero-sum game. In Bitcoin, value is created.”

“We should stop asking how to value Bitcoin—and start asking how to value everything else in Bitcoin.”

“Even with a master’s in economics, people still don’t understand what money is.”

Conclusion

This episode delivers a powerful call to rethink everything we assume about money, arguing that understanding Bitcoin is less about profit and more about reclaiming personal agency in a world defined by uncertainty. Bram Kanstein shows how asking fundamental questions—like “What is money?”—can lead to a deeper sense of purpose and autonomy. As AI and systemic instability accelerate, Bitcoin emerges not just as sound money, but as a life tool for intentional living, long-term thinking, and individual sovereignty.

Timestamps

0:00 - Intro
0:36 - INTJ bitcoiners
4:58 - The millennial headspace is primed for bitcoin
7:25 - Bitcoin gives time and space to build
15:29 - Fold & Bitkey
17:05 - Seeing systemic problems
26:25 - Bitcoin’s positive feedback loop
33:55 - Recognize your agency
37:58 - Unchained
38:27 - Fiat money creates uncertainty
44:41 - What is money?
54:04 - Money and energy
1:03:43 - Bitcoin allows growth
1:09:02 - Bitcoin/AI
1:31:34 - Optimistic note

Transcript

(00:00) Let's say you're a millennial and mid-30s and you want to retire in 30 years. If you calculate the amount of dollar, pound the euro, yen units. You need way more units of that money than you think right now. They are funding pension funds, but the pension funds are using that money for the people that are actually retiring.
(00:17) No one knows about money. They don't know how debt works, how finance works. But that's kind of how it's designed, right? Like that's what eventually keeps the Ponzi alive. And I just started with the question, what do you think happens if you call the bank and say like, hey, can I get 100 or 200k in cash? Man, you got an editor like in house.
(00:39) That's That's pro. That's uh it's because this setup I'm so far away from the computer. I just need somebody to hit the button. Okay. Okay. the extent the extent of of Logan's job extends far beyond just hitting the button. But yeah, INTJ I think uh I think it was as we rear into what looks to be another bull market.
(01:05) I think getting back to first principles and discussing the challenges of studying and understanding Bitcoin, it's important to to highlight the archetype of individuals who have studied fallen down the rabbit hole and really dedicated their lives to Bitcoin. And this INTJ cohort that exists within Bitcoin seems pretty material apparently. Yeah.
(01:35) I mean, I have many moments where I just realize that I'm lucky that my brain is wired in a certain way, you know. I feel like crazy blessed that I figured out this Bitcoin thing, you know, and that when I ran into certain realizations along the way in my Bitcoin journey that I was like, hm, you know, how does this actually work? you know, do I actually understand the systems I'm participating in, the things that I believe, you know, the the the the people that I abstracted um or or outsourced certain responsibilities to to take care of, for example, my money
(02:10) in the bank. You know, I I think um being wired in a certain way definitely helps in grasping Bitcoin to a degree where you're like, okay, this is the only thing I need to pay attention to, you know, in my life. And yeah, we we jokingly started talking about this because I have the hat here, but there was this um I think it was like like a Twitter poll actually or someone shared it on Twitter and this is already like two or three years old where where someone investigated these MyersBriggs um personality types and I think there's
(02:42) only like 2% of people that have INTJ but like 20% of Bitcoiners have that personality type. So it um it apparently helps. So yeah, I just I just quickly Googled it actually. It says uh the INTJ is the architect. It's a personality type with the introverted intuitive thinking and judging traits. These thoughtful tacticians love perfecting the details of life, applying creativity and rationality to everything they do.
(03:09) I think the rationality part here is what um what uh I think helps you to to gro Bitcoin eventually. Yeah, it reminds me of I forget what the study was, but postco it was a similar distribution of just like 2% of people were highly skeptical of what was going on with the lockdowns and the attack on bodily autonomy.
(03:38) And there was a study that was done about I forget it was bees or some type of fly that they they have like the horde of um the horde of the particular fly I think it was bees has like 2% act as these sort of alarm bells that are on the outside the outskirts of the community and they'll start communicating like hey something's wrong here and people the other flies or bees will be skeptical at first but then eventually uh the alarm bells will be proven to be right that there was some sort of danger around the corner. That's fascinating.
(04:09) Yeah. Yeah, that's fascinating. I I think we're not that special eventually, you know, like we think we have all this autonomy, but but um yeah, we're we're just wired in a certain way. And I think I don't know where you want to take this conversation, but I think, you know, part of growing up and being an adult is figuring out, you know, how do I actually work and how do I work with how I work, you know? Yeah. No, it is.
(04:36) And as I get older, creep into my mid-30s, which is hard hard to come to grips with, it is uh really falling back on like, all right, I I feel like I have a good perspective on the world and my place in it, and how do I just optimize to make sure I'm aligning my my work and my career, I guess, if you call it that, with what I'm passionate about. Yeah.
(05:00) Well, I also think that is actually why our generation, you know, my my podcast is Bitcoin for millennials. I think uh the millennials are primed to understand Bitcoin. You know, we are in this life phase where big things happen, you know, starting a family or settling somewhere or or making big career moves or decide Yeah.
(05:25) like deciding what am I going to spend like the next 10 20 years on and uh I think it's an interesting phase actually I I don't know how that was for you but but for me like the the 30s were really where I dove more and more into Bitcoin like got got that stronger conviction and also yeah kind of was invited to go further down that that rabbit hole you know and like how I see it now is that that Bitcoin is really the foundation for the rest of my life, you know, like it it gives me time and space to look forward and enthusiasm, you know, like I sometimes lurk on the
(06:01) millennial subreddit, you know, or the finance sub subreddit. And many people in our generation are very nihilistic, you know, they're very unsure about the future. Like some people aren't even having kids because they think they cannot afford it, you know. And uh whenever I read that, I just think like, yeah, I I don't really have those things.
(06:22) But I know it's because of Bitcoin, you know. I I know that Bitcoin gives me, yeah, like I said, the time and space to figure out what's next, like what should I focus on? Like it gives time and space to to try out stuff, to build something, you know, to to to really attempt at at doing something. Where I see many people that don't see that, they are more in the consumer type, you know, like they they just spend the money that's worth the most today, you know, like that's what they're incentivized to do. Yeah.
(06:49) And is is that why you started Bitcoin for millennials is to number one put the put the message out there. Millennials come listen to this. One of you Yes. that is trying to educate you about this. But because this is something I think about a lot is somebody's like dead smack in the middle of the millennial generation and has observed many of the things you just described in my own life, my own network.
(07:13) And that's part of the reason why this podcast exists. And um what I'm trying to do at TFTC is just try to figure out a way to reach into the minds of millennials, hopefully c

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Key Takeaways

In this episode of TFTC, Jessy Gilger, Managing Partner at Sound Advisory and architect of Ganet Trust, unpacks the complexities of retiring on Bitcoin, emphasizing that the “right” amount depends on spending habits, age, and minimizing withdrawal pressure. He introduces Ganet Trust as a Bitcoin-native fiduciary solution that leverages multisig custody to meet institutional compliance standards without sacrificing decentralization. Jessy also critiques high-yield derivative products like MSTY, warning of systemic risks and advocating for safer alternatives like SMAs. The conversation broadens into the emotional pitfalls of financial decision-making, the importance of aligning wealth with values, and the evolving macro landscape where Bitcoin’s intersection with traditional finance and tax policy will shape how individuals and institutions protect and grow their holdings across generations.

Best Quotes

"The most comfort comes from putting as little pressure as possible against that stack."

"Multisig is the upgrade from a honeypot to a distributed key setup."

"If a whale pees in the pool, everyone is affected."

"Everyone feels late to Bitcoin because they know someone who got in earlier."

"Stacking Saturdays is my new stack sats."

"Bitcoin doesn’t know about trust, it knows private keys."

"The money is there to serve your values—not the other way around."

"Some financial products will help, some will hurt, and some will fail. Our job is to help clients navigate them safely."

Conclusion

This episode offers a powerful blend of practical insight and philosophical reflection on long-term Bitcoin strategy, emphasizing the need for sound custody, inheritance planning, and emotional discipline in a volatile, financialized world. Jessy Gilger introduces Ganet Trust as a vital solution for secure, compliant Bitcoin ownership, while his “stacking Saturdays” mantra reframes wealth as a pursuit of time, freedom, and meaningful priorities. As Bitcoin moves further into the mainstream, the conversation urges listeners to stay grounded, think generationally, and build resilient systems for both assets and life.

Timestamps

00:00 - Intro
0:33 - Bitcoin Retirement Planning at New All-Time Highs
5:22 - How Gannett Trust Works
10:05 - High Net Worth Bitcoin Storage and Estate Planning Solutions
16:48 - MSTY Derivatives: Understanding MicroStrategy Product Risks
19:53 - Bitkey
20:56 - How MSTY Works and the Whale in the Pool Problem
30:16 - Unchained
30:37 - Bitcoin Financialization and Corporate Treasury Strategy
39:35 - Avoiding Ego-Driven Bitcoin Mistakes and Building Bridges
47:33 - Stack Saturdays
53:15 - Tax Policy Changes and Wild Times Ahead
57:18 - Where to Find Gannett Trust and Closing

Transcript

(00:00) We have people retiring with hundreds of Bitcoin. Do you need to be on a yacht every week or are you staying humble and keeping those stats? 10 of the 12 ETFs are at Coinbase means all the keys are at Coinbase and with the news of the last week like, hey, there could be cracks. Micro Strategy is built on Bitcoin.
(00:18) It's got all of the risks of Bitcoin, right? But then it's got its own set of risks. Let's call them Sailor and Profitability. Then you have derivatives which are on top of Micro Strategy and they retain the risks of everything underneath. meeting on a on a day when we hit new all-time highs. Bitcoin approached $110,000.
(00:43) Got Jesse back on the show to talk about many things, not just the price ripping. A lot of good things happening on the unch unchained side of things. Watching Ganet Trust. We'll get into it. Yeah, lot lots of stuff happening. I think um the price likes Ganet. I I think that's the uh the mover. What uh I mean that's been a big discussion in in the space right now is uh are we heading to new all-time highs? How should Bitcoiners be preparing? How much Bitcoin do people need to retire? How how are you thinking about all this as we approach what seems
(01:22) to be another bull cycle? Yeah, that's a common question, right? How much Bitcoin do I need to retire? I get it a lot and there's so many other questions I want to ask like, well, how much money are you spending, right? Do you do you need to be on a yacht every week or are you staying humble and keeping those stats? And so, the amount of Bitcoin can vary because the spending pressure you're putting against your Bitcoin stack is the the biggest factor, right? And age is probably the second.
(01:54) a 30-year-old retiring on Bitcoin is different than a 75year-old retiring on Bitcoin just because of the horizon. So, stacks vary. We've got people retiring with um less than seven figures of Bitcoin because they have other assets and then we have people retiring with hundreds of Bitcoin um and putting very little pressure against that portfolio.
(02:16) So, can go in a lot of different ways. Um but it is a question of the day as you're poking new all-time highs. Everyone's like, "Well, how high is it going to get?" And then huge question is do we have cycles again right if countries are buying what what would a downside look like and that's the big question in the retirees mind is how do I protect and not ride that downside all the way down if we do have another 70 80% drawback. Yeah. No.
(02:42) And I think particularly for younger people having in their mind like the perspective of 21 million Bitcoin, 8 billion people, what's the stat? 60 million millionaires in the world. Mhm. How much how many stats do I need to get to to feel comfortable that I have a sufficient slice of the Bitcoin pie? That feel comfortable concept is just so different, right? because Bitcoin is moving and shaking and all-time highs or down 30% and that's still within a bull market.
(03:15) Is that comfortable, right? Can you actually hang it up and like, all right, not going into work and I'm just going to continue to ride these adoption cycles. I don't know if it ever gets comfortable. The most comfort comes from putting as little pressure as possible against that stack, right? that you're not pushing these withdrawal rates of like 5 10 20% of my Bitcoin stack.
(03:38) I'm needing to live on every because then you're requiring Bitcoin to do something for you in the short term which is just not great at, right? What what's Bitcoin price going to be in a year? Far less reliable than what's Bitcoin price going to be in 30 years. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I I think one of the holdups too is the ability for people to get into Bitcoin and know where to put it and not only have certainty of what it will be valued at in 30 years, but will they have access to it? That's one thing that you guys
(04:10) have been very much focused. I know sound advisory is separate from Unchained technically but within the Unchained umbrella but Unchained focused on helping secure individuals and businesses and trust uh Bitcoin and I think today's announcement of Ganet Trust is a massive step in a direction towards more certainty for long-term holdings for particular entities.
(04:36) Yes, the unchained umbrella or or family of companies is growing and the intention will be for sound advisory to tuck under or be merged into folded into Ganet Trust Company as it gets stood up. But it is the most robust uh compliance offering that um is out there in the fiduciary space. And so that in my opinion was the one thing missing as people want to live on a Bitcoin standard.
(05:04) Sometimes they're in an entity or an organization or have a structure that requires a fiduciary standard. And these two coming together is solved by Ganet Trust Company. So it's going to be the most robust way to hold Bitcoin and have like true inheritance that can be um administered through generations. So how how does this work mechanically via Ganet? Mechanically.
(05:28) So as the first Bitcoin native trust company, other other trust companies do exist, right? but they don't build upon Bitcoin in the way that Unchained has. So Ganet in its um in its Unchained roots and using Unchained technology is going to be able to use multi-IG to achieve um trust company goals.
(05:50) And what that likely will mean is Ganet holding a key, Unchained holding a key, third party holding a key. Those three keys together ensure that the Bitcoin is not being held at any one spot, right? We could get into the Coinbase honeypot. We actually talked about this on our last episode like, "Hey, what do you think is the uh the risk out there that the industry might disagree with?" Said, "I'm launching a new segment.
(06:15) I'm going to ask you a prediction of what what's out there that the uh the industry doesn't see eye to eye with you at." And I was at conferences and they're saying, "Hey, Coinbase is the best. That's where we put all the cut." That means all the keys are at Coinbase and with the news of the last week like, hey, there could be cracks, right? If you've got exposure to Coinbase now, you could be questioning. I was on the list.
(06:37) I got the email. You were affected. That's not great. It doesn't feel good knowing that information that information could have been a lot worse. That headline could have been private keys being mismanaged. When you overlay what Ganet is going to offer to the custody space, it means that not all of the keys are going to be at any one entity.
(07:00) And so that gives the Bitcoiner who understands multisig the confidence that okay, I'm upgrading from a honeypot to a distributed key setup. But it has to be done in a fiduciary and compliant way to satisfy the the institutional and big money of the world, right? family offices, uh, Bitcoin treasury companies, they're going to need a structure that the CIO, the

@ 8bad92c3:ca714aa5

Marty's Bent

via levelsio

Over the weekend, prolific vibe coder levelsio took to X to complain about the state of housing affordability across Europe. Something that I was very happy to see considering the fact that there is a massive real estate affordability crisis across much of the world and it is important that people who are respected and have platforms speak out when they identify the problem as well. More eyes and focus on the problem is how something begins to get solved.

With that being said, I think levelsio is missing the forest for the trees by blaming institutionalized NIMBYism, burdensome regulations and governments hoarding land that should instead be given to developers to produce more housing supply. I quote tweeted this particular tweet on the subject from levelsio and wanted to take some time today to republish those thoughts here and expand on the topic.

It’s almost as if real estate is being used as a store of value asset instead of the consumable good that it is.

What @levelsio is observing here is called a “monetary premium”. A monetary premium is the value added on top of the consumable/aesthetic/location value of real estate.

This monetary premium exist because central banks and governments have distorted the market for money and people are forced to push value into assets that are scarce relative to dollars. Over the last 50 years real estate has been one of the relatively scarce assets of choice.

The housing affordability crisis is a negative externality of the market reaction to the corruption of money. It can only be fixed by re-introducing hard money into the economy that enables people to store value reliably. If that emerges they won’t have to store value in real estate, the monetary premium of real estate will dissolve and prices will correct to their proper valuations.

This is one of the problems that bitcoin solves.

It’s still early yet, but more and more people are recognizing the utility provided by a neutral reserve asset that can’t be manipulated by central planners. At scale, the effect on assets that have accumulated a monetary premium over decades will be material. All of these assets are significantly overvalued and their monetary premium are leaking into bitcoin.

Put another way, "It's the money, stupid." Now, this isn't to say that the supply of housing in certain areas being artificially restricted isn't having an effect on the price of housing. This is certainly true, especially in cities like San Francisco where there is a relatively strong demand because of the economic density of the area and the desire of many high agency and productive people to live there. But I would put forth that the monetary premium is still the bigger problem and no amount of de-regulation to enable the supply of housing to increase will solve the affordability crisis in the long-run. The only way to get to the root of this specific problem is via bitcoin's mainstream adoption as an apolitical uncontrollable asset with completely idiosyncratic risks when compared to any individual asset class.

Let's say the government did ease up regulations and local NIMBY sympathetics were shoved in a corner to allow new units to be built. This doesn't solve the problem in the short-run because there is a time-delay between when regulations are lifted and when new supply actually makes it to market. In the interim, governments and central banks are inevitably going to go further into debt and be forced to print money to monetize that debt. This will exacerbate inflation and even if new real estate units are brought to market, the builders/owners of those properties will likely have to demand elevated prices to attempt to keep up with inflation.

This also does nothing to solve the problem of real income and wage growth, which are significantly lagging real inflation. Even if prices came down because of a surge in supply, could the Common Man afford a down payment on the property? I'd be shocked if this was the case. And since it's likely not the case the only way to get people into these houses as "owners" would be to offer them zero-down financing, which makes people feel richer than they actually are and leads them to make financially ruinous decisions.

It's the money, stupid. People need a way to save so that they can buy in the first place. Fiat currency doesn't allow this and the only people who can save effectively are those who make enough money to funnel into substitute store of value assets like real estate.

As it stands today, the price-to-income ratio of real estate is 5.0x and the price-t0-rent index is 1.36. Up from 3.3x and 1.14x respectively where the metrics sat in the year 2000. The growth in these ratios is driven predominately via their monetary premium.

And guess what, it's about to get much worse. Donald Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Elon Musk have all signaled that the plan moving forward is to attempt to drive growth and productivity as high as possible while also letting deficits and the debt increase unabated, which means that inflation is likely to continue unabated and potentially increase.

It might make sense to get some bitcoin if that is the case.

via me

"Whale in the Pool" Risk That Could Destroy MSTY Investors

Jessy Gilger raised serious concerns about MSTY and similar derivative products that promise eye-popping yields. He pointed to the COVID crash where gold mining ETFs using derivatives collapsed 95% and never recovered, despite gold itself performing well. Jessy noted that while his team calculated reasonable MicroStrategy covered call yields of 16-22%, MSTY advertises 120% annualized distributions - a red flag that suggests these aren't sustainable dividends from profits, but potentially just returning investors' own capital.

"If a whale pees in the pool, everyone is affected." - Jessy Gilger

Jessy explained that when large investors need to exit these pooled products during market stress, they must sell derivative positions into illiquid markets with no buyers, potentially triggering catastrophic losses for all participants. His solution? Private pools through separately managed accounts that achieve similar income goals without the contagion risk of being trapped with panicking whales.

Check out the full podcast here for more on Gannett Trust's multi-sig solution, Bitcoin retirement planning and corporate treasury strategies.

Headlines of the Day

World's Largest Bitcoin Conference Starts Tomorrow- via X

Remixpoint to Buy Additional ¥1 Billion in Bitcoin - via X

Get our new STACK SATS hat - via tftcmerch.io

Marty to Judge Bitcoin World Record Try in Vegas - via X

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Final thought...

Looking forward to a fun, productive and wholesome week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

A new Bitwise report reveals notable growth for institutional investments in bitcoin over the coming years.

According to the latest forecasts from asset management firm Bitwise, capital flows into Bitcoin could exceed $120 billion by the end of 2025, with projections reaching $300 billion the following year.

This growth is rooted in the rising interest from sovereign wealth funds, publicly traded companies, state treasuries, and institutional investment vehicles such as spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Analysts expect the number of companies holding bitcoin in their treasuries to double by the end of 2026.

Bitwise’s analysis highlights how Bitcoin is no longer seen solely as a speculative asset but is emerging as a serious contender for the role of global store of value.

The report notes that, according to its authors, global wealth is gradually moving away from traditional safe havens like gold and shifting toward Bitcoin.

Spot ETF boom

Spot Bitcoin ETFs in the United States have outperformed all expectations throughout 2024. These financial instruments have attracted over $36.2 billion in net inflows, surpassing by twenty times the early performance of SPDR Gold Shares (GLD), historically the most successful commodity ETF.

Source: Bitwise

In just twelve months, U.S. spot ETFs have accumulated $125 billion in assets under management (AUM). Bitwise projections suggest that annual inflows could reach $100 billion by 2027.

However, approximately $35 billion in capital remained on the sidelines in 2024 due to regulatory restrictions at financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.

States consider a bitcoin reserve

Bitwise’s analysis also highlights Bitcoin’s growing appeal beyond Wall Street. Publicly traded companies currently hold over 1.1 million BTC, worth more than $125 billion. Sovereign governments collectively own more than 500,000 BTC, with the United States, China, and the United Kingdom leading the rankings.

In its base scenario, Bitwise forecasts a modest reallocation of institutional and sovereign assets toward Bitcoin: 5% of government gold reserves and 0.5% of assets from major wealth management platforms. Even under these conservative assumptions, total bitcoin inflows could reach $420 billion over 2025-2026.

In a more optimistic scenario, with 10% of gold reserves and 1% of managed portfolios shifting to Bitcoin, inflows could exceed $920 billion, absorbing more than 9 million bitcoins — around 40% of the total supply.

The post Bitcoin attracts institutional investors: $300 billion expected by 2026, according to Bitwise appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

The company is facing a class action lawsuit following a stock price drop triggered by the delayed disclosure of a December data breach.

Coinbase finds itself at the center of a legal storm after being hit with a class action lawsuit filed by shareholders. The lawsuit stems from a decline in the company’s stock price, which occurred after the belated communication of a cybersecurity incident.

The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, names investor Brady Nessler as the lead plaintiff. The suit claims that the platform’s shareholders suffered “substantial losses and damages” due to the company’s alleged failure to disclose material information.

Investors accuse the company of not promptly revealing crucial details that could have influenced investment decisions. Among the main allegations is the failure to immediately communicate a data breach that took place last December.

Details of the breach

On May 15, Coinbase publicly disclosed the news of a cyberattack that occurred last December. The incident involved cybercriminals who managed to corrupt several company employees, gaining unauthorized access to customer personal data.

The delayed disclosure of the data breach triggered an immediate stock market reaction. Coinbase shares fell 7.2%, closing the day at $244.

The exchange estimated that the financial impact of the data breach could range between $180 million and $400 million. These costs would cover both expenses to restore security systems and potential reimbursements to customers affected by the incident.

The lawsuit highlights that the company should have communicated these estimated costs to investors more promptly, allowing them to make informed decisions about their investments.

Additional allegations in the lawsuit

In addition to the data breach, the lawsuit lists a series of other alleged communication failures by the company. Among them is the non-disclosure of a violation by CB Payments — Coinbase’s UK subsidiary — of a 2020 agreement with the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

The class action covers all investors who acquired company shares between April 14, 2021, and May 14, 2025 — a period during which the allegedly omitted information is believed to have negatively affected the stock price.

The legal action doesn’t target the company alone but also names top executives including CEO Brian Armstrong and CFO Alesia Haas among the defendants.

The post Lawsuit against Coinbase: investors sue exchange for failing to disclose data breach appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Jacopo Graziuso’s econometric study explains how the presence of Bitcoin is connected to the reduction of emissions and consumption in countries where it is mined.

The debate on Bitcoin’s environmental impact has been at the center of media attention for years, often characterized by approximate information and common misconceptions. But what emerges when data is analyzed? An answer comes from the study by Jacopo Graziuso, a recent graduate in Economics and Finance at the University of Salento, who dedicated his thesis to the topic, titled: “Bitcoin and energy: towards efficiency and environmental sustainability”.

“It bothers me when they tell me ‘Bitcoin pollutes, Bitcoin consumes’. This prompted me to write the thesis,” Graziuso tells Atlas21 microphones. “We live in an era of free and accessible information, yet disinformation reigns supreme, leading to beliefs without scientific foundation.”

Regarding his research work, Graziuso emphasizes: “I thank professor of econometrics Pierluigi Toma who knew what Bitcoin is and what mining is and gave me carte blanche for writing the thesis.”

The methodology used for the study is an econometric analysis based on data from 171 states from 2009 to 2024, with particular attention to the relationship between Bitcoin presence, greenhouse gas emissions (climate-altering gases) and energy consumption. To define Bitcoin’s “presence”, Graziuso created a variable that takes value 1 if at least 1% of the population uses (knows or has a wallet) the cryptocurrency or if it is present in state reserves.

The results of the research, conducted only with open source software, contradict the dominant narrative, Graziuso explains: “The analysis shows that Bitcoin’s presence in a state is associated with a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions. The study reveals that Bitcoin’s presence in a state reduces emissions by 39 megatons of CO2 equivalent. Essentially, where there is Bitcoin, climate-altering gas emissions decrease.”

Graziuso wants to emphasize the difference between consumption and pollution: “The problem is not consumption, it’s pollution. The distinction is fundamental: energy consumption is necessary for human development, while pollution derives from the use of inefficient energy sources. Currently China consumes over 4500% more than the entire Bitcoin network. Furthermore, thanks to mining flexibility, Bitcoin can help a state reduce general consumption.”

The research highlights how mining is acting as a catalyst for the adoption of renewable and nuclear energy. Mining naturally seeks the cheapest sources which increasingly coincide with the cleanest ones, the interviewee states.

One analyzed aspect is Bitcoin’s role as “buyer of last resort” for otherwise wasted energy. Graziuso cites several examples:

• Alps Blockchain, which has reactivated 32 disused hydroelectric plants in northern Italy and is working on building facilities in Paraguay and Ecuador exploiting hydroelectric energy;
• projects like Gridless that exploit excess energy from renewable sources in remote areas: “Not only does [Gridless] optimize the use of local energy resources, but it reinvests mining profits in communities, improving access to electricity and supporting the local economy,” writes Graziuso;
• in Texas, thanks to agreements with electricity grid operator ERCOT, miners exploit the operational flexibility of their machines to adapt consumption to grid needs, turning them off during peak moments and turning them back on when there is surplus energy, thus acting as buyers of last resort and contributing to stabilizing the electrical grid.

Another interesting aspect concerns the recovery of heat generated by machines: “Marathon Digital Holdings in Finland uses heat from its ASICs to heat 80,000 homes,” explains Graziuso. “Domestic applications are also being developed where ASIC heat is used for heating, further mitigating pollution.”

Immersion cooling, a technique that involves immersing mining machines in a dielectric fluid made in the laboratory, is cited as a promising solution to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. This way it is also possible to reduce machine noise, while the heat produced is dissipated by the dielectric material. Graziuso cites CleanSpark as an example of a completely carbon neutral mining farm that uses this technology: “This cooling technique allows us to safely overclock hardware, increasing performance by increasing operating frequency beyond factory settings,” states CleanSpark.

The thesis includes a section dedicated to zones that are emerging as sustainable mining hubs in different parts of the world:

• in Kenya and Ethiopia, “mining powered by hydroelectric energy is bringing drinking water and electricity to previously unserved communities,” declares Graziuso;
• in Georgia and Texas, Bitcoin mining is contributing to making the electrical grid more stable, intervening during peak demand moments and absorbing excess energy during overproduction periods;
• in Canada, companies like Upstream Data and Hut 8 Mining use mining to valorize excess or dispersed energy, including gas flaring in oil fields, thus reducing energy waste and emissions;
• the Makai project in Hawaii exploits OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) technology to convert ocean thermal energy into clean and renewable electricity.

Despite mining’s potential, obstacles to complete decarbonization still exist: “Decarbonization is still far away. Currently in many countries there are still state incentives from 40 years ago that favor fossil sources. Due to these incentives, today entrepreneurs’ costs are lower when fossil fuels are used. Once these state incentives end, perhaps the situation will improve. At the moment it is the miners who must voluntarily use renewable sources,” observes Graziuso. Italy, for example, continues to depend about 60% on fossil sources.

Another piece of data analyzed in the thesis is the improvement in energy efficiency of specialized mining machines: “In about 15 years, efficiency has improved by over 95%: this means decreased consumption and pollution,” emphasizes Graziuso.

“I hope this research contributes to spreading a more accurate and data-based narrative,” concludes Graziuso. “Bitcoin is not the problem, but could be part of the solution to the global energy challenge.”

The thesis will soon be published in its entirety online as a scientific paper.

The post Bitcoin reduces emissions and consumption: the thesis published at the University of Salento appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Since 2019, the United States has been the country with the highest number of recorded cases, but Europe remains the most affected region.

According to a Binance report, the United States is the country that has recorded the greatest number of crypto-related kidnapping cases since 2019, despite a recent increase in incidents in France.

At the regional level, however, Europe remains the area with the highest number of crypto-related kidnappings: 59 cases over six years. During the same period, North America — which includes the United States and Canada — recorded 48 cases. Particularly notable is the data concerning the entire Asian continent, where 62 cases of crypto-related kidnappings have been documented, most of which are concentrated in Southeast Asian countries.

France emerges as a concerning hotspot for crypto kidnappings, with six recent cases, three of which have already occurred in 2025.

Source: Binance

The primary targets of these kidnappings include executives of crypto companies, professional traders, exchange employees, and entrepreneurs in the sector. Family members and close associates of victims are often targeted as well. An emerging phenomenon involves tourists suspected of possessing large amounts of cryptocurrency funds.

Kidnapping cases in 2025

The year 2025 has already seen particularly serious episodes of kidnappings linked to the digital asset world. The most notable case involved David Balland, co-founder of Ledger, and his wife, who were abducted from their residence in France earlier this January. The incident drew international attention from both the crypto industry and law enforcement agencies.

Another attempt took place in Paris, where armed men tried to kidnap the daughter and granddaughter of the CEO of the French exchange Paymium. Overseas, in New York, police arrested 37-year-old John Woeltz after discovering that an Italian tourist had been held captive and mistreated for weeks in a luxury Manhattan apartment.

Binance highlights a direct correlation between the price trend of Bitcoin and the increase in kidnappings. Since Bitcoin reached new all-time highs this year, attacks involving physical threats have also increased proportionally, the exchange suggests.

Source: Binance

In 2025 alone, at least 15 kidnapping episodes have already been documented, many involving ransom demands denominated in bitcoin.

The post Crypto kidnappings on the rise: the US leads global statistics appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

The open-source project makes it possible to send bitcoin even in censored or disconnected areas through a radio mesh network.

In an interview with Decrypt, the developer known by the pseudonym “cyber” revealed the details of Darkwire, an open-source project that could enable new use cases for Bitcoin transactions without internet access.

The project, presented at the Bitcoin 2025 Official Hackathon, leverages Long Range Radio (LoRa) technology to create a decentralized mesh network that allows Bitcoin transactions to be sent even in the total absence of traditional connectivity.

Darkwire was specifically designed for situations where conventional communication infrastructure is inaccessible or controlled. According to cyber, the system is ideal for politically sensitive regions like the Rafah Crossing or the Indo-Tibetan border, where internet access can be limited or heavily monitored.

“Darkwire is for individuals seeking privacy or wishing to bypass surveillance of their communications and transactions. Imagine it to be akin to Tor but for this specific use case,” the creator explained.

LoRa technology

Darkwire operates through a combination of technologies. The system uses long-range LoRa radios along with microcontrollers such as the Arduino UNO to form a decentralized mesh network.

When a user wants to send a Bitcoin transaction without internet access, they specify the recipient’s address and the amount via a local graphical interface managed by bitcoinlib. The system then generates a signed Bitcoin transaction in hexadecimal format, which is split into smaller packets and transmitted via radio.

Mesh Network

Darkwire’s mesh network allows the data to “hop” from node to node until it reaches an internet-connected exit point. In ideal conditions, each Darkwire node has a range of up to 10 kilometers with a direct line of sight, reduced to 3-5 kilometers in densely populated areas.

“At least one node in the network needs to be connected to the internet, so that the transaction can be pushed to the blockchain for miners to verify it,” cyber said.

Once the transaction data reaches a node with internet access, it acts as an exit point, broadcasting the verified Bitcoin transaction to the global network, where it can be included in a block.

Limitations and future developments

Currently, Darkwire faces several technical limitations that the team is actively working to address. The relatively low bandwidth of LoRa radios and their sensitivity to terrain obstacles represent challenges. Moreover, the system’s dependence on internet-connected exit nodes could create potential points of failure.

According to reports, the project is still in its hackathon phase, but cyber has plans to further develop it, turning it into a full open-source platform and making it “the industry standard” for LoRa-based communications.

“I do hope people living in any kind of authoritarian regimes and states do get to use darkwire and put the truth out there,” the developer added.

The post Bitcoin without internet thanks to LoRa technology: the Darkwire project appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

The IMF wants to ensure that the Central American country stops buying more bitcoins, despite President Bukele’s stance.

On May 27, the International Monetary Fund announced its intention to “guarantee” that El Salvador’s government-held Bitcoin reserves remain unchanged. This position is at odds with the statements of President Nayib Bukele, who continues to support the expansion of the country’s national Bitcoin wallet.

The announcement came as part of the first review of the Extended Fund Facility, a financing agreement that has reached a preliminary understanding between the parties. The original agreement, signed last December, includes limiting Bitcoin-related activities in exchange for a $1.4 billion financing package spread over 40 months.

Details of the agreement

The overall package could reach $3.5 billion thanks to additional support from other institutions, including the World Bank.

The Salvadoran Congress quickly approved the necessary amendments to incorporate the IMF’s terms into the Bitcoin Law. Among the most significant changes is the shift from mandatory to voluntary acceptance of Bitcoin payments in the private sector. However, although the law formally required businesses to accept Bitcoin as legal tender, this provision was never truly enforced in practice. Additionally, the country will have to cease its involvement in the Chivo wallet by the end of July.

The IMF Executive Board approved the financing agreement last February, allowing the country to receive an initial disbursement of $120 million after a separate approval by the board.

Bukele’s position

Despite the agreement with the IMF, President Bukele remains firm in his commitment to expanding the national Bitcoin reserves. In a post on X published in March, the Salvadoran leader stated:

“This all stops in April.” “This all stops in June.” “This all stops in December.”

No, it’s not stopping.

If it didn’t stop when the world ostracized us and most “bitcoiners” abandoned us, it won’t stop now, and it won’t stop in the future.

Proof of work > proof of whining https://t.co/9pC0PoY3YQ

— Nayib Bukele (@nayibbukele) March 4, 2025

Shortly after the IMF’s announcement, El Salvador’s Bitcoin Office posted on X that the country had once again purchased more BTC. According to the official tracker, El Salvador, through the Bitcoin Office, has accumulated 30 BTC in the past 30 days.

Last week, Bukele shared on X that the country’s Bitcoin reserves had recorded unrealized profits exceeding $357 million. However, when he reposted the IMF’s announcement, he made no comment regarding the section on restrictions for future Bitcoin purchases.

The IMF’s program aims to address El Salvador’s macroeconomic and structural challenges. The organization views the country’s Bitcoin reserves as a potential risk that “has not yet materialized,” but nonetheless requires limiting government involvement in Bitcoin activities and purchases.

The post El Salvador: IMF ready to block new Bitcoin purchases appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Jack Dorsey’s company is bringing bitcoin payments to the retail market through the Lightning Network.

Block — the firm led by Dorsey that owns Square and Bitkey — has officially announced the integration of bitcoin payments into the Square platform, with a full rollout planned for 2026 for all eligible merchants.

Today: we’re accepting bitcoin payments at @TheBitcoinConf
Soon: you can accept bitcoin payments wherever you are

Details here: https://t.co/ko2S9hFpih pic.twitter.com/IYlYV6XM2S

— Square (@Square) May 27, 2025

At the Bitcoin Conference 2025 in Las Vegas, attendees had the chance to preview satoshi payments via Square at BTC Inc.’s merchandise store.

The technology relies on the Lightning Network, the second-layer infrastructure enabling instant, low-cost bitcoin transactions. This approach will allow merchants to accept satoshi payments through their existing Square hardware.

The implementation plan includes an initial launch in the second half of 2025, pending necessary regulatory approvals. The initiative represents a key pillar in the company’s strategy to make bitcoin more accessible for everyday transactions.

Miles Suter, Bitcoin Product Lead at Block, stated:

“Block has long been a champion of bitcoin, focused on making it more accessible and usable in our everyday lives. Rolling out a native bitcoin experience to millions of sellers brings us one step closer to that goal. When a coffee shop or retail store can accept bitcoin through Square, small businesses get paid faster, and get to keep more of their revenue.”

The announcement follows Dorsey’s statement last month confirming that Block was working to integrate BTC as a payment option for both Bitkey and Square.

Alongside the announcement, Block also revealed that Bitkey will introduce new privacy and security features in May, including a legacy recovery option available to all users.

The post Jack Dorsey’s Block to integrate Bitcoin payments into Square appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

The Wall Street financial institution has signed strategic agreements for bitcoin-backed loans with Maple Finance and FalconX.

According to Bloomberg, on May 27 Cantor Fitzgerald officially launched its new division dedicated to Bitcoin lending, announcing the completion of the first transactions of its Bitcoin Financing Business. The Wall Street firm confirmed it has finalized a first round of deals with two crypto sector players: Maple Finance and FalconX.

The company initially plans to make up to $2 billion in financing available to institutional clients.

Brandon Lutnick, President of Cantor Fitzgerald, commented:

“From the start, Cantor recognized the transformative impact that financial services for digital assets would have on the global economy. This milestone highlights how the combination of Cantor’s deep expertise and entrepreneurial spirit creates a distinctive advantage on Wall Street.”

The partnership with Maple Finance is part of Cantor’s broader expansion strategy. Sidney Powell, Co-Founder and CEO of Maple Finance, emphasized how the deal will expand his company’s ability to serve clients looking to access the digital asset market:

“We’re seeing strong and growing demand from institutions seeking to enter the crypto market through trusted and regulated channels.”

Josh Barkhordar, Head of U.S. Sales at FalconX, stated:

“Digital assets have lacked the institutional-grade credit infrastructure essential for healthy capital markets. This collaboration between Cantor and a crypto-native firm is a meaningful step toward building that framework.”

To ensure the security and reliability of its bitcoin-backed financing services, Cantor Fitzgerald has selected Anchorage Digital and Copper.co for custody solutions.

The post Cantor Fitzgerald launches first bitcoin-backed loans appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Block’s hardware wallet sparks debate between security and borderline compromises.

The debate ignited after Jack Dorsey publicly supported the superiority of “seedless” wallets over traditional solutions on X.

seedless is safer https://t.co/MvjmFcQE8k

— jack (@jack) May 27, 2025

The Twitter co-founder and Block CEO sustained this by promoting Bitkey, a company that completely eliminates seed phrases, aiming to simplify the user experience and improve security through different recovery options.

The Bitkey model

Bitkey represents a different solution compared to the traditional approach to bitcoin custody. Instead of relying on a single seed phrase, the system implements a 2-of-3 multisig scheme that distributes security across three distinct keys:

• Hardware key: protected by biometric fingerprint on the physical device;
• Mobile key: stored in the smartphone app;
• Server key: managed by Block’s servers.

Any transaction requires two of the three signatures, eliminating the single point of failure represented by traditional seed phrases, the company claims. In its official documents, Bitkey explains how this approach, according to the company, offers three different recovery paths: phone loss, hardware loss, or loss of both through “Trusted Contacts,” pre-set trusted people who can help the user regain wallet access without being able to see the balance or control the private keys.

The seed phrase criticism

For the Bitkey team, the seed phrase paradoxically represents the weakest link in the Bitcoin security chain. While private keys are “exceptionally secure” within the hardware – “designed for security, isolated from networks, physically reinforced” – the seed phrase is “plain text, readable, physically vulnerable,” the company states.

Bitkey developers argue that the industry has “offloaded the most complex part of the security model onto individuals least equipped to handle it.”

System limits and dependencies

However, Bitkey’s simplicity comes at a price. The system introduces a dependency on Block for optimal multisig functionality. Although users always maintain the ability to move funds using the two keys in their possession, recovery procedures and many advanced features require collaboration from the company’s servers.

This architecture presents limitations in terms of flexibility: users cannot use Bitkey with other mobile applications, cannot import the wallet into alternative solutions, and do not have direct access to seed phrases for traditional backup operations.

One of the most frequent criticisms concerns the absence of a screen on the hardware device. Unlike traditional hardware wallets that allow direct verification of destination addresses and transaction amounts on the device display, Bitkey forces users to rely exclusively on the mobile app for these details. This design choice introduces what critics define as a “blind signing risk”: if the mobile app were compromised by malware, users could unknowingly authorize altered transactions without the possibility of independent verification.

Community criticism

Dorsey’s post sparked contrasting reactions in the community. The most orthodox bitcoiners mainly contest two aspects:

• third-party dependency: despite Bitkey maintaining the “self-custody” label, the need to rely on Block’s servers for many operations contradicts the autonomy principles that many bitcoiners consider fundamental;
• loss of technical control: the inability to directly manage the seed phrase or use the device in customized multisig configurations limits the user’s technical sovereignty.

Some users have criticized Block’s hardware wallet. User bamskki highlighted how “the lack of a screen forces users to rely on the app for transaction details. Unlike traditional hardware wallets with screens, Bitkey users cannot verify transactions independently. Users must trust the app as the source of truth.”

Even more critical was user nakadai_mon, who ironized about Dorsey’s strategy writing: “It would be a shame if I influenced you to abandon the seed and locked you into my ecosystem so I can surveil you, sell and share your personal data with government authorities and deny you service.”

Dorsey responded directly to both criticisms. To bamskki he replied:

it's a start, not our end. we will iterate the product like everything else.

— jack (@jack) May 28, 2025

More articulated was his response to nakadai_mon:

we are working on much of the privacy aspects (launching soon). and you don't have to use our 3rd key. that's where some of the restrictions come in. working to figure out how to allow folks to create their own trusted 3rd party as well. but all of this is designed to get people…

— jack (@jack) May 28, 2025

However, privacy concerns are not unfounded. Bitkey’s own documentation clarifies that “because we maintain this key, we are able to identify transaction data on the blockchain related to your Bitkey” and that “this information is collected when you transfer bitcoin to or from your Bitkey.”

Additionally, Block declares using automated decision-making systems, without direct staff involvement, to manage some activities that have legal effects on users. Among these, the application of sanctions restrictions: the system is programmed to automatically prevent the purchase and use of Bitkey by people or countries subject to international sanctions. Finally, the privacy policy specifies that users’ personal data can be shared with law enforcement, government agencies, officials, or authorized third parties in the presence of a warrant, court order, or other legal obligation. Block reserves the right to disclose this information whenever it deems necessary to comply with regulations, legal proceedings, or government requests.

Hardware security and compromises

From a hardware security perspective, Bitkey implements advanced protections including unique device identifiers, secure boot, and anti-tamper technologies. In case the device were compromised, an attacker would still need to access a second key to steal funds.

According to Dorsey’s statements, Bitkey represents an attempt to make self-custody accessible to a broader audience. The company’s roadmap promises improvements in terms of privacy, security, and usability.

The post Bitkey controversy: Dorsey’s marketing divides the community appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

An analysis of the present and a look at the future of Bitcoin mining, between data, critical reflections and a personal vision on the role of this industry.

Before jumping on bitcoin and proposing it to their clientele as an investment instrument, traditional finance started with a more classic approach, beginning to purchase shares of mining companies and thus exposing themselves indirectly to the asset. Bitcoin mining today is a real industry, also composed of large players listed on the stock exchange that have received huge capital from investment funds like BlackRock. Furthermore, more and more mining companies are taking the path of listing on stock markets to manage to attract capital and some of these also manage pools, like Marathon. How was all this possible and what are the implications of this situation?

Mining pools

Mining pools aggregate the computing power of multiple miners to increase the chances of mining a block. They create the block template and use the collective hashrate to try to solve it. The reward is then divided among participants in proportion to the power provided.

Today pools use different methods to pay miners who provide computing power. One of these is called FPPS (Fully Pay Per Share), which offers a fixed and constant payment to the miner (which varies based on the computing power provided), regardless of whether the pool mines a block or not. This type of payment makes the revenues of a company that mines bitcoin calculable and constant and which, consequently, becomes more appealing to the market because it’s possible to calculate its ROI (Return On Investment). In essence, with this type of payment, uncertainty is excluded and returns are made predictable. Mining pools take on the risk because, in case they fail to mine blocks for a certain period of time, they could go into loss having to pay miners anyway. We can therefore venture that mining pools have helped the entry of traditional finance into bitcoin mining, taking on part of the risks. But this is my thought.

Mining today

Mining pools today are not that many and we have a strong concentration of miners in some of them. If we sum the hashrate of Foundry and AntPool we exceed 50% of global computing power. This is not an optimal condition. Now however let’s also look at the other side of the coin. First of all, although mining pools have great power, they cannot play with fire and must be very transparent about their operations towards miners, because miners can direct their hashrate towards another pool very quickly. And this is a fundamental element that also recalls game theory a bit, because a mining pool must not only serve its own interest, but also the interest of its “partners”, otherwise it loses everything. I believe that mining pools are well aware of their power and also know that they are a centralization point for the network and, today, also a point of attack by authorities, so they have every interest in finding solutions that allow them to continue doing business, but that relieve them somewhat of responsibilities.

On the miner side instead, we have increasingly large companies that collect enormous capital and produce a lot of hashrate, but my fear is that this hashrate is produced by a fiat economy and is very precarious. Hashrate is closely linked to price, because if the price drops below a certain threshold, miners are no longer profitable and are forced to turn off the machines, or, in the worst cases, to completely cease activity, consequently causing hashrate to collapse. Fortunately Bitcoin has mechanisms like difficulty adjustment that mitigate these situations. Being still a very small market, the entry of large institutional players first in mining companies and then directly on the underlying asset, could lead to strong price oscillations that also impact mining farms. All this makes hashrate very unstable too.

Something is changing

The development of Stratum V2 has started an attempt to solve the various problems that afflict pooled mining. Stratum is the communication protocol between mining farms and mining pools. Version 2 brings, in addition to data improvement and encryption, performance increases and gives each individual miner the possibility to create the template of the block to mine. Furthermore we also have other existing solutions that try to solve the problems described before in a somewhat different way, like Ocean pool, which has implemented its DATUM protocol (similar to Stratum V2) and which uses a miner payment method called TIDES, that is an evolution of FPPS and non-custodial PPLNS in which miner addresses are inserted directly into the coinbase transaction.

There’s also a lot of ferment on the miner side, for example with the advent of Bitaxe, an open source project that we can define almost as a movement, an ideology. Skot, the precursor of this movement, has essentially reverse engineered the professional machinery used to mine bitcoin and managed to create a “desktop” device that contains a real ASIC chip, consumes only a few watts and can be built at home. Obviously these products produce computing power not sufficient to try to be competitive, but they are bringing back solo mining and are giving enthusiasts the possibility to deepen this sector by exploiting a device of very small dimensions and with practically negligible consumption on the bill.

The future of mining

After analyzing the state we are in, we can start speculations and let our minds travel.

Let’s start with mining pools. Will they still exist? I would say yes, in what form I don’t know, but I think they will certainly lose the control they have today over block template creation and I also think that future solutions will be found (in addition to existing ones) to become non-custodial and directly remunerate miners. In the end it’s in their interest to always be competitive in terms of services offered, because they work on commission, so they have to be appealing.

As for miners instead, I see a bigger metamorphosis. If the intention is to consume eco-sustainable energy, then energy industries will necessarily have to start studying the benefits that mining can bring in this sense. They cannot continue to ignore them. And if this happens, then I imagine a future where energy companies themselves will start mining bitcoin and will no longer do so following market logic, but will shift focus to stabilizing the electrical grid. Mining is currently the only industry capable of being so flexible as to be able to absorb all the excess energy of a plant, but at the same time consume zero when energy is needed by the grid. At that point the raw mining activity could become no longer the main business, but a secondary benefit that will allow them to have alternative income compared to selling electricity.

And what about the Bitaxe movement? Hard to say, but in my opinion if it manages to reach a critical mass of enthusiasts, it could really start to emerge and become a fundamental piece for the “true bitcoiner” kit. Utopistically, if we had 50 or 100 million Bitaxes scattered in people’s homes, we would manage to distribute mining in a more widespread way, but above all we would have a part of the total hashrate totally uncorrelated from bitcoin price, because, given their very reduced consumption, Bitaxes would remain on and continue to produce hashrate regardless of energy cost or price oscillations of the underlying asset.

What will happen, then, after 2140, when no more bitcoins will be mined? Assuming that network fees will be much higher than today, and sufficient to keep the activity profitable, we could find ourselves in a situation where mining for pure profit will be downsized. The same companies, however, could become external service providers for grid balancing, or, as mentioned previously, become electricity producers themselves of renewable energy exploiting their experience in mining to push where today it’s not economically convenient. Even in our homes we could have a boiler, a heat pump or a water heating system for the pool that, while doing its job, also mines bitcoin. In short, a future that seems like a fairy tale, but so possible that we want to live it and make sure that my children are also protagonists of it.

The post The future of mining? Green and decentralized appeared first on Atlas21.

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

In the heart of East Africa, where M-Pesa reigns supreme and innovation pulses through bustling markets, a quiet revolution is brewing—one that could redefine how millions interact with money.

Enter Bitika, the Kenyan startup turning bitcoin’s complexity into a three-step dance, merging the lightning speed of sats with the trusted rhythm of mobile money.

At the helm is a founder whose “aha” moment came not in a boardroom, but at his kitchen table, watching his father grapple with the gap between understanding bitcoin and actually using it.

Bitika was born from that friction—a bridge between M-Pesa’s ubiquity and bitcoin’s borderless promise, wrapped in a name as playful as the Swahili slang that inspired it.

But this isn’t just a story about simplifying transactions. It’s about liquidity battles, regulatory tightropes, and a vision to turn Bitika into the invisible rails powering Africa’s Bitcoin future.

Building on Bitcoin

• Tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into bitcoin/fintech, and what keeps you passionate about this space?

I first came across bitcoin in 2020, but like many at that time, I didn’t fully grasp what it really was. It sounded too complicated, probably with the heavy terminologies. Over time, I kept digging deeper and became more curious.

I started digging into finance and how money works and realised this was what I needed to understand bitcoin’s objectives. I realized that bitcoin wasn’t just a new type of money—it was a breakthrough in how we think about freedom, ownership, and global finance.

What keeps me passionate is how bitcoin can empower people—especially in Africa—to take control of their wealth, without relying on unstable systems or middlemen.

• What pivotal moment or experience inspired you to create Bitika? Was there a specific gap in Kenya’s financial ecosystem that sparked the idea?

Yes, this idea was actually born right in my own home. I’ve always been an advocate for bitcoin, sharing it with friends, family, and even strangers. My dad and I had countless conversations about it. Eventually, he understood the concept. But when he asked, “How do I even buy bitcoin?” or “Can you just buy it for me?” and after taking him through binance—that hit me.

If someone I’d educated still found the buying process difficult, how many others were feeling the same way? That was the lightbulb moment. I saw a clear gap: the process of buying bitcoin was too technical for the average Kenyan. That’s the problem Bitika set out to solve.

• How did you identify the synergy between bitcoin and M-Pesa as a solution for accessibility?

M-Pesa is at the center of daily life in Kenya. Everyone uses it—from buying groceries to paying rent. Instead of forcing people to learn new tools, I decided to meet them where they already are. That synergy between M-Pesa and bitcoin felt natural. It’s about bridging what people already trust with something powerful and new.

• Share the story behind the name “Bitika” – does it hold a cultural or symbolic meaning?

Funny enough, Bitika isn’t a deeply planned name. It came while I was thinking about bitcoin and the type of transformation it brings to individuals. In Swahili, we often add “-ka” to words for flair—like “bambika” from “bamba.”

So, I just coined Bitika as a playful and catchy way to reflect something bitcoin-related, but also uniquely local. I stuck with it because thinking of an ideal brand name is the toughest challenge for me.

• Walk us through the user journey – how does buying bitcoin via M-Pesa in “3 simple steps” work under the hood?

It’s beautifully simple.

1. The user enters the amount they want to spend in KES—starting from as little as 50 KES (about $0.30).

2. They input their Lightning wallet address.

3. They enter their M-Pesa number, which triggers an STK push (payment prompt) on their phone. Once confirmed—pap!—they receive bitcoin almost instantly.

Under the hood, we fetch the live BTC price, validate wallet addresses, check available liquidity, process the mobile payment, and send sats via the Lightning Network—all streamlined into a smooth experience for the user.

• Who’s Bitika’s primary audience? Are you focusing on unbanked populations, tech enthusiasts, or both?

Both. Bitika is designed for everyday people—especially the unbanked and underbanked who are excluded from traditional finance. But we also attract bitcoiners who just want a faster, easier way to buy sats. What unites them is the desire for a seamless and low-barrier bitcoin experience.

Community and Overcoming Challenges

• What challenges has Bitika faced navigating Kenya’s bitcoin regulations, and how do you build trust with regulators?

Regulation is still evolving here. Parliament has drafted bills, but none have been passed into law yet. We’re currently in a revision phase where policymakers are trying to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and protecting the public.

We focus on transparency and open dialogue—we believe that building trust with regulators starts with showing how bitcoin can serve the public good.

• What was the toughest obstacle in building Bitika, and how did you overcome it?

Liquidity. Since we don’t have deep capital reserves, we often run into situations where we have to pause operations often to manually restock our bitcoin supply. It’s frustrating—for us and for users. We’re working on automating this process and securing funding to maintain consistent liquidity so users can access bitcoin at any time, without disruption.

This remains our most critical issue—and the primary reason we’re seeking support.

• Are you eyeing new African markets? What’s next for Bitika’s product?

Absolutely. The long-term vision is to expand Bitika into other African countries facing similar financial challenges. But first, we want to turn Bitika into a developer-first tool—infrastructure that others can build on. Imagine local apps, savings products, or financial tools built using Bitika’s simple bitcoin rails. That’s where we’re heading. 

• What would you tell other African entrepreneurs aiming to disrupt traditional finance?

Disrupting finance sounds exciting—but the reality is messy. People fear what they don’t understand. That’s why simplicity is everything. Build tools that hide the complexity, and focus on making the user’s life easier. Most importantly, stay rooted in local context—solve problems people actually face.

What’s Next?

• What’s your message to Kenyans hesitant to try bitcoin, and to enthusiasts watching Bitika?

To my fellow Kenyans: bitcoin isn’t just an investment—it’s a sovereign tool. It’s money you truly own. Start small, learn, and ask questions.

To the bitcoin community: Bitika is proof that bitcoin is working in Africa. Let’s keep pushing. Let’s build tools that matter.

• How can the bitcoin community, both locally and globally, support Bitika’s mission?

We’re currently fundraising on Geyser. Support—whether it’s financial, technical, or simply sharing our story—goes a long way. Every sat you contribute helps us stay live, grow our liquidity, and continue building a tool that brings bitcoin closer to the everyday person in Africa.

Support here: https://geyser.fund/project/bitika

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Custodial Lightning wallets allow users to transact without managing private keys or channel liquidity. The provider handles technical complexities, but this convenience comes with critical trade-offs:

• You don’t control your keys: The custodian holds your bitcoin.
• Centralized points of failure: Servers can be hacked or shut down.
• Surveillance risks: Providers track transaction metadata.

Key Risks of Custodial Lightning Wallets

*1. Hacks and Exit Scams*

Custodians centralize large amounts of bitcoin, attracting hackers:

• Nearly $2.2 billion worth of funds were stolen from hacks in 2024.
• Lightning custodians suffered breaches, losing user funds.

Unlike non-custodial wallets, victims have no recourse since they don’t hold keys.

*2. Censorship and Account Freezes*

Custodians comply with regulators, risking fund seizures:

• Strike (a custodial Lightning app) froze accounts of users in sanctioned regions.
• A U.K. court in 2020 ordered Bitfinex to freeze bitcoin worth $860,000 after the exchange and blockchain sleuthing firm Chainalysis traced the funds to a ransomware payment.

*3. Privacy Erosion*

Custodians log user activity, exposing sensitive data:

• Transaction amounts, receiver addresses, and IPs are recorded.

*4. Service Downtime*

Centralized infrastructure risks outages.

*5. Inflation of Lightning Network Centralization*

Custodians dominate liquidity, weakening network resilience:

• At the moment, 10% of the nodes on Lightning control 80% of the liquidity.
• This centralization contradicts bitcoin’s decentralized ethos.

How to Switch to Self-Custodial Lightning Wallets

Migrating from custodial services is straightforward:

*1. Choose a Non-Custodial Wallet*

Opt for wallets that let you control keys and channels:

• Flash: The self-custodial tool that lets you own your keys, control your coins, and transact instantly.
• Breez Wallet : Non-custodial, POS integrations.
• Core Lightning : Advanced, for self-hosted node operators.

*2. Transfer Funds Securely*

• Withdraw funds from your custodial wallet to a bitcoin on-chain address.
• Send bitcoin to your non-custodial Lightning wallet.

*3. Set Up Channel Backups*

Use tools like Static Channel Backups (SCB) to recover channels if needed.

*4. Best Practices*

• Enable Tor: Mask your IP (e.g., Breez’s built-in Tor support).
• Verify Receiving Addresses: Avoid phishing scams.
• Regularly Rebalance Channels: Use tools like Lightning Pool for liquidity.

Why Self-Custodial Lightning Matters

• Self-custody: Control your keys and funds.
• Censorship resistance: No third party can block transactions.
• Network health: Decentralized liquidity strengthens Lightning.

Self-custodial wallets now rival custodial ease.

Custodial Lightning wallets sacrifice security for convenience, putting users at risk of hacks, surveillance, and frozen funds. As bitcoin adoption grows, so does the urgency to embrace self-custodial solutions.

Take action today:

1. Withdraw custodial funds to a hardware wallet.
2. Migrate to a self-custodial Lightning wallet.
3. Educate others on the risks of custodial control.

The Lightning Network’s potential hinges on decentralization—don’t let custodians become its Achilles’ heel.

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

The upcoming Bitcoin 2025 conference, scheduled from May 27–29 at the Venetian Conference Center in Las Vegas, is set to make history with an official attempt to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the most Bitcoin point-of-sale transactions in an eight-hour period.

Organized by BTC Inc, the event will showcase Bitcoin’s evolution from a digital capital asset to a practical medium of exchange, leveraging the latest advancements in payment technology.

Tap-to-Pay with Lightning-Ready Bolt Cards

To facilitate this record-setting attempt, 4,000 Lightning-ready Bolt Cards will be distributed to conference attendees.

pic.twitter.com/Iy7P361u6u

— Uncle Rockstar Developer (@r0ckstardev) May 15, 2025

These NFC-enabled cards allow users to make instant, contactless Bitcoin payments at vendor booths throughout the expo-no apps or QR codes required, just a simple tap. 

The cards are available in four collectible designs, each featuring a prominent figure in Bitcoin’s history: Senator Cynthia Lummis, Michael Saylor, Satoshi Nakamoto, and Jack Dorsey. 

Each attendee will receive a randomly assigned card, making them both functional and collectible souvenirs.

Senator Lummis: A Playful Provocation

Notably, one of the card designs features Senator Cynthia Lummis with laser eyes-a playful nod to her reputation as a leading Bitcoin advocate in US politics. 

While Lummis is known for her legislative efforts to promote Bitcoin integration, she has publicly stated she prefers to “spend dollars and save Bitcoin,” viewing BTC as a long-term store of value rather than a daily currency. 

The choice to feature her on the Bolt Card, could be suggested by Rockstar Dev of the BTC Pay Server Foundation, perhaps a lighthearted way to highlight the ongoing debate about Bitcoin’s role in everyday payments.

Nothing cracks me up quite like a senator that wants the US to buy millions of Bitcoin use dollars to buy a beer at a Bitcoin bar.

This is how unserious some of you are. pic.twitter.com/jftIEggmip

— Magoo PhD (@HodlMagoo) April 4, 2025

How Bolt Cards and the Lightning Network Work

Bolt Cards are physical cards equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, similar to contactless credit or debit cards. When linked to a compatible Lightning wallet, they enable users to make Bitcoin payments over the Lightning Network by simply tapping the card at a point-of-sale terminal. 

The Lightning Network is a second-layer protocol built on top of Bitcoin, designed to facilitate instant, low-cost transactions ideal for everyday purchases. 

This integration aims to make Bitcoin as easy to use as traditional payment methods, eliminating the need for QR code scanning or mobile apps.

A Showcase for Bitcoin’s Real-World Usability

With over 30,000 attendees, 300 exhibitors, and 500 speakers expected, the Bitcoin 2025 conference is poised to be the largest Bitcoin event of the year-and potentially the most transactional. 

The event will feature on-site activations such as the Official Bitcoin Magazine Store, where all merchandise will be available at a 21% discount for those paying with Bitcoin via the Lightning Network-a nod to Bitcoin’s 21 million coin supply limit.

By deeply integrating Lightning payments into the conference experience, organizers hope to demonstrate Bitcoin’s readiness for mainstream commerce and set a new benchmark for its practical use as a currency.

Conclusion

The Guinness World Record attempt at Bitcoin 2025 is more than a publicity stunt-it’s a bold demonstration of Bitcoin’s technological maturity and its potential to function as a modern, everyday payment method.

Whether or not the record is set, the event will serve as a milestone in the ongoing journey to make Bitcoin a truly global, user-friendly currency

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Flash, an all-in-one Bitcoin payment platform, has announced the launch of Flash 2.0, the most intuitive and powerful Bitcoin payment solution to date.

With a completely redesigned interface, expanded e-commerce integrations, and a frictionless onboarding process, Flash 2.0 makes accepting Bitcoin easier than ever for businesses worldwide.

We did the unthinkable!

Website monetization used to be super complicated.

"Buy me a coffee" — But only if we both have a bank account.

WHAT IF WE DON'T?

Thanks to @paywflash and bitcoin, it's just 5 CLICKS – and no banks!

Start accepting donations on your website… pic.twitter.com/uwZUrvmEZ1

— Flash • The Bitcoin Payment Gateway (@paywflash) May 13, 2025

Accept Bitcoin in Three Minutes

Setting up Bitcoin payments has long been a challenge for merchants, requiring technical expertise, third-party processors, and lengthy verification procedures. Flash 2.0 eliminates these barriers, allowing any business to start accepting Bitcoin in just three minutes, with no technical set-up and full control over their funds.

The Bitcoin Payment Revolution

The world is witnessing a seismic shift in finance. Governments are backing Bitcoin funds, major companies are adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets, and political figures are embracing it as the future of money. Just as Stripe revolutionized internet payments, Flash is now doing the same for Bitcoin. Businesses that adapt today will gain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

With Bitcoin adoption accelerating, consumers are looking for places to spend it. Flash 2.0 ensures businesses of all sizes can seamlessly accept Bitcoin and position themselves at the forefront of this financial revolution.

All-in-One Monetization Platform

More than just a payment gateway, Flash 2.0 is a complete Bitcoin monetization suite, providing multiple ways for businesses to integrate Bitcoin into their operations. Merchants can accept payments online and in-store, content creators can monetize with donations and paywalls, and freelancers can send instant invoices via payment links.

For example, a jewelry designer selling products on WooCommerce can now integrate Flash for online payments, use Flash’s Point-of-Sale system at trade shows, enable Bitcoin donations for her digital artwork, and lock premium content behind Flash Paywalls. The possibilities are endless.

E-Commerce for Everyone

With built-in integrations for Shopify, WooCommerce, and soon Wix and OpenCart, Flash 2.0 enables Bitcoin payments on 95% of e-commerce stores worldwide. Businesses can now add Bitcoin as a payment option in just a few clicks—without needing developers or external payment processors.

And for those looking to start selling, Flash’s built-in e-commerce features allow users to create online stores, showcase products, and manage payments seamlessly.

No Middlemen, No Chargebacks, No Limits

Unlike traditional payment platforms, Flash does not hold or process funds. Businesses receive Bitcoin directly, instantly, and securely. There are no chargebacks, giving merchants full control over refunds and eliminating fraud. Flash also remains KYC-free, ensuring a seamless experience for businesses and customers alike.

A Completely Redesigned Experience

“The world is waking up to Bitcoin. Just like the internet revolutionized commerce, Bitcoin is reshaping finance. Businesses need solutions that are simple, efficient, and truly decentralized. Flash 2.0 is more than just a payment processor—it’s a gateway to the future of digital transactions, putting financial power back into the hands of businesses.”

— Pierre Corbin, CEO at Flash.

Flash 2.0 introduces a brand-new user interface, making it easier than ever to navigate, set up payments, and manage transactions. With an intuitive dashboard, streamlined checkout, and enhanced mobile compatibility, the platform is built for both new and experienced Bitcoin users.

About Flash

Flash is an all-in-one Bitcoin payment platform that empowers businesses, creators, and freelancers to accept, manage, and grow with Bitcoin. With a mission to make Bitcoin payments accessible to everyone, Flash eliminates complexity and gives users full control over their funds.

To learn more or get started, visit www.paywithflash.com.

Press Contact:

Julien Bouvier
Head of Marketing
+3360941039

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Bitcoin FilmFest (BFF25) returns to Warsaw for its third edition, blending independent cinema—from feature films and commercials to AI-driven experimental visuals—with education and entertainment.

Hundreds of attendees from around the world will gather for three days of screenings, discussions, workshops, and networking at the iconic Kinoteka Cinema (PKiN), the same venue that hosted the festival’s first two editions in March 2023 and April 2024.

This year’s festival, themed “Beyond the Frame,” introduces new dimensions to its program, including an extra day on May 22 to celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day, the first real-world bitcoin transaction, with what promises to be one of Europe’s largest commemorations of this milestone.

BFF25 bridges independent film, culture, and technology, with a bold focus on decentralized storytelling and creative expression. As a community-driven cultural experience with a slightly rebellious spirit, Bitcoin FilmFest goes beyond movies, yet cinema remains at its heart.

Here’s a sneak peek at the lineup, specially curated for movie buffs:

Generative Cinema –  A special slot with exclusive shorts and a thematic debate on the intersection of AI and filmmaking. Featured titles include, for example: BREAK FREE, SATOSHI: THE CREATION OF BITCOIN, STRANGE CURRENCIES, and BITCOIN IS THE MYCELIUM OF MONEY,  exploring financial independence, traps of the fiat system, and a better future built on sound money.

Upcoming Productions Preview – A bit over an hour-long block of unreleased pilots and works-in-progress. Attendees will get exclusive first looks at projects like FINDING HOME (a travel-meets-personal-journey series), PARALLEL SPACES (a story about alternative communities), and THE LEGEND OF LANDI (a mysterious narrative).

Freedom-Focused Ads & Campaigns – Unique screenings of video commercials, animations, and visual projects, culminating in “The PoWies” (Proof of Work-ies)—the first ever awards show honoring the best Bitcoin-only awareness campaigns.

To get an idea of what might come up at the event, here, you can preview 6 selected ads combined into two 2 videos:

• Unique Bitcoin-Video Ads: Part One
• Unique Bitcoin-Video Ads: Part Two

Open Pitch Competition – A chance for filmmakers to present fresh ideas and unfinished projects to an audience of a dedicated jury, movie fans and potential collaborators. This competitive block isn’t just entertaining—it’s a real opportunity for creators to secure funding and partnerships.

Golden Rabbit Awards: A lively gala honoring films from the festival’s Official Selection, with awards in categories like Best Feature, Best Story, Best Short, and Audience Choice.

BFF25 Main Screenings

Sample titles from BFF25’s Official Selection:

REVOLUCIÓN BITCOIN – A documentary by Juan Pablo, making its first screening outside the Spanish-speaking world in Warsaw this May. Three years of important work, 80 powerful minutes to experience. The film explores Bitcoin’s impact across Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, El Salvador, and Spain through around 40 diverse perspectives. Screening in Spanish with English subtitles, followed by a Q&A with the director.

UNBANKABLE – Luke Willms’ directorial debut, drawing from his multicultural roots and his father’s pioneering HIV/AIDS research. An investigative documentary based on Luke’s journeys through seven African countries, diving into financial experiments and innovations—from mobile money and digital lending to Bitcoin—raising smart questions and offering potential lessons for the West. Its May appearance at BFF25 marks its largest European event to date, following festival screenings and nominations across multiple continents over the past year.

HOTEL BITCOIN – A Spanish comedy directed by Manuel Sanabria and Carlos “Pocho” Villaverde. Four friends, 4,000 bitcoins , and one laptop spark a chaotic adventure of parties, love, crime, and a dash of madness. Exploring sound money, value, and relationships through a twisting plot. The film premiered at the Tarazona and Moncayo Comedy Film Festival in August 2024. Its Warsaw screening at BFF25 (in Spanish with English subtitles) marks its first public showing outside the Spanish-speaking world.

Check out trailers for this year’s BFF25 and past editions on YouTube.

Tickets & Info:

• Detailed program and tickets are available at bitcoinfilmfest.com/bff25.
• Stay updated via the festival’s official channels (links provided on the website).
• Use ‘LN-NEWS’ to get 10% of tickets

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Starting January 1, 2026, the United Kingdom will impose some of the world’s most stringent reporting requirements on cryptocurrency firms.

All platforms operating in or serving UK customers-domestic and foreign alike-must collect and disclose extensive personal and transactional data for every user, including individuals, companies, trusts, and charities. 

This regulatory drive marks the UK’s formal adoption of the OECD’s Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF), a global initiative designed to bring crypto oversight in line with traditional banking and to curb tax evasion in the rapidly expanding digital asset sector.

What Will Be Reported?

Crypto firms must gather and submit the following for each transaction:

• User’s full legal name, home address, and taxpayer identification number
• Detailed data on every trade or transfer: type of cryptocurrency, amount, and nature of the transaction
• Identifying information for corporate, trust, and charitable clients

The obligation extends to all digital asset activities, including crypto-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat trades, and applies to both UK residents and non-residents using UK-based platforms. The first annual reports covering 2026 activity are due by May 31, 2027.

Enforcement and Penalties

Non-compliance will carry stiff financial penalties, with fines of up to £300 per user account for inaccurate or missing data-a potentially enormous liability for large exchanges. The UK government has urged crypto firms to begin collecting this information immediately to ensure operational readiness.

Regulatory Context and Market Impact

This move is part of a broader UK strategy to position itself as a global fintech hub while clamping down on fraud and illicit finance. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has championed these measures, stating, “Britain is open for business – but closed to fraud, abuse, and instability”. The regulatory expansion comes amid a surge in crypto adoption: the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority reported that 12% of UK adults owned crypto in 2024, up from just 4% in 2021.

Enormous Risks for Consumers: Lessons from the Coinbase Data Breach

While the new framework aims to enhance transparency and protect consumers, it also dramatically increases the volume of sensitive personal data held by crypto firms-raising the stakes for cybersecurity.

The risks are underscored by the recent high-profile breach at Coinbase, one of the world’s largest exchanges.

In May 2025, Coinbase disclosed that cybercriminals, aided by bribed offshore contractors, accessed and exfiltrated customer data including names, addresses, government IDs, and partial bank details. 

The attackers then used this information for sophisticated phishing campaigns, successfully deceiving some customers into surrendering account credentials and funds.

“While private encryption keys remained secure, sufficient customer information was exposed to enable sophisticated phishing attacks by criminals posing as Coinbase personnel.”

Coinbase now faces up to $400 million in compensation costs and has pledged to reimburse affected users, but the incident highlights the systemic vulnerability created when large troves of personal data are centralized-even if passwords and private keys are not directly compromised. The breach also triggered a notable drop in Coinbase’s share price and prompted a $20 million bounty for information leading to the attackers’ capture.

The Bottom Line

The UK’s forthcoming crypto reporting regime represents a landmark in financial regulation, promising greater transparency and tax compliance. However, as the Coinbase episode demonstrates, the aggregation of sensitive user data at scale poses a significant cybersecurity risk.

As regulators push for more oversight, the challenge will be ensuring that consumer protection does not become a double-edged sword-exposing users to new threats even as it seeks to shield them from old ones.

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

This article was originally published on aier.org

Even after eleven years experience, and a per Bitcoin price of nearly $20,000, the incredulous are still with us. I understand why. Bitcoin is not like other traditional financial assets.

Even describing it as an asset is misleading. It is not the same as a stock, as a payment system, or a money. It has features of all these but it is not identical to them.

What Bitcoin is depends on its use as a means of storing and porting value, which in turn rests of secure titles to ownership of a scarce good. Those without experience in the sector look at all of this and get frustrated that understanding why it is valuable is not so easy to grasp. 

In this article, I’m updating an analysis I wrote six years ago. It still holds up. For those who don’t want to slog through the entire article, my thesis is that Bitcoin’s value obtains from its underlying technology, which is an open-source ledger that keeps track of ownership rights and permits the transfer of these rights. Bitcoin managed to bundle its unit of account with a payment system that lives on the ledger. That’s its innovation and why it obtained a value and that value continues to rise. 

Consider the criticism offered by traditional gold advocates, who have, for decades, pushed the idea that sound money must be backed by something real, hard, and independently valuable. Bitcoin doesn’t qualify, right? Maybe it does. 

Bitcoin first emerged as a possible competitor to national, government-managed money in 2009. Satoshi Nakamoto’s white paper was released October 31, 2008. The structure and language of this paper sent the message: This currency is for computer technicians, not economists nor political pundits. The paper’s circulation was limited; novices who read it were mystified. 

But the lack of interest didn’t stop history from moving forward. Two months later, those who were paying attention saw the emergence of the “Genesis Block,” the first group of bitcoins generated through Nakamoto’s concept of a distributed ledger that lived on any computer node in the world that wanted to host it.

Here we are all these years later and a single bitcoin trades at $18,500. The currency is held and accepted by many thousands of institutions, both online and offline. Its payment system is very popular in poor countries without vast banking infrastructures but also in developed countries. And major institutions—including the Federal Reserve, the OECD, the World Bank, and major investment houses—are paying respectful attention and weaving blockchain technology into their operations.

Enthusiasts, who are found in every country, say that its exchange value will soar even more in the future because its supply is strictly limited and it provides a system vastly superior to government money. Bitcoin is transferred between individuals without a third party. It is relatively low-cost to exchange. It has a predictable supply. It is durable, fungible, and divisible: all crucial features of money. It creates a monetary system that doesn’t depend on trust and identity, much less on central banks and government. It is a new system for the digital age.

Hard lessons for hard money

To those educated in the “hard money” tradition, the whole idea has been a serious challenge. Speaking for myself, I had been reading about bitcoin for two years before I came anywhere close to understanding it. There was just something about the whole idea that bugged me. You can’t make money out of nothing, much less out of computer code. Why does it have value then? There must be something amiss. This is not how we expected money to be reformed.

There’s the problem: our expectations. We should have been paying closer attention to Ludwig von Mises’ theory of money’s origins—not to what we think he wrote, but to what he actually did write. 

In 1912, Mises released The Theory of Money and Credit. It was a huge hit in Europe when it came out in German, and it was translated into English. While covering every aspect of money, his core contribution was in tracing the value and price of money—and not just money itself—to its origins. That is, he explained how money gets its price in terms of the goods and services it obtains. He later called this process the “regression theorem,” and as it turns out, bitcoin satisfies the conditions of the theorem.

Mises’ teacher, Carl Menger, demonstrated that money itself originates from the market—not from the State and not from social contract. It emerges gradually as monetary entrepreneurs seek out an ideal form of commodity for indirect exchange. Instead of merely bartering with each other, people acquire a good not to consume, but to trade. That good becomes money, the most marketable commodity.

But Mises added that the value of money traces backward in time to its value as a bartered commodity. Mises said that this is the only way money can have value.

The theory of the value of money as such can trace back the objective exchange value of money only to that point where it ceases to be the value of money and becomes merely the value of a commodity…. If in this way we continually go farther and farther back we must eventually arrive at a point where we no longer find any component in the objective exchange value of money that arises from valuations based on the function of money as a common medium of exchange; where the value of money is nothing other than the value of an object that is useful in some other way than as money…. Before it was usual to acquire goods in the market, not for personal consumption, but simply in order to exchange them again for the goods that were really wanted, each individual commodity was only accredited with that value given by the subjective valuations based on its direct utility.

Mises’ explanation solved a major problem that had long mystified economists. It is a narrative of conjectural history, and yet it makes perfect sense. Would salt have become money had it otherwise been completely useless? Would beaver pelts have obtained monetary value had they not been useful for clothing? Would silver or gold have had money value if they had no value as commodities first? The answer in all cases of monetary history is clearly no. The initial value of money, before it becomes widely traded as money, originates in its direct utility. It’s an explanation that is demonstrated through historical reconstruction. That’s Mises’ regression theorem.

Bitcoin’s Use Value

At first glance, bitcoin would seem to be an exception. You can’t use a bitcoin for anything other than money. It can’t be worn as jewelry. You can’t make a machine out of it. You can’t eat it or even decorate with it. Its value is only realized as a unit that facilitates indirect exchange. And yet, bitcoin already is money. It’s used every day. You can see the exchanges in real time. It’s not a myth. It’s the real deal.

It might seem like we have to choose. Is Mises wrong? Maybe we have to toss out his whole theory. Or maybe his point was purely historical and doesn’t apply in the future of a digital age. Or maybe his regression theorem is proof that bitcoin is just an empty mania with no staying power, because it can’t be reduced to its value as a useful commodity.

And yet, you don’t have to resort to complicated monetary theory in order to understand the sense of alarm surrounding bitcoin. Many people, as I did, just have a feeling of uneasiness about a money that has no basis in anything physical. Sure, you can print out a bitcoin on a piece of paper, but having a paper with a QR code or a public key is not enough to relieve that sense of unease.

How can we resolve this problem? In my own mind, I toyed with the issue for more than a year. It puzzled me. I wondered if Mises’ insight applied only in a pre-digital age. I followed the speculations online that the value of bitcoin would be zero but for the national currencies into which it is converted. Perhaps the demand for bitcoin overcame the demands of Mises’ scenario because of a desperate need for something other than the dollar.

As time passed—and I read the work of Konrad Graf, Peter Surda, and Daniel Krawisz—finally the resolution came. Bitcoin is both a payment system and a money. The payment system is the source of value, while the accounting unit merely expresses that value in terms of price. The unity of money and payment is its most unusual feature, and the one that most commentators have had trouble wrapping their heads around.

We are all used to thinking of currency as separate from payment systems. This thinking is a reflection of the technological limitations of history. There is the dollar and there are credit cards. There is the euro and there is PayPal. There is the yen and there are wire services. In each case, money transfer relies on third-party service providers. In order to use them, you need to establish what is called a “trust relationship” with them, which is to say that the institution arranging the deal has to believe that you are going to pay.

This wedge between money and payment has always been with us, except for the case of physical proximity.

If I give you a dollar for your pizza slice, there is no third party. But payment systems, third parties, and trust relationships become necessary once you leave geographic proximity. That’s when companies like Visa and institutions like banks become indispensable. They are the application that makes the monetary software do what you want it to do.

The hitch is that

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Breez, a leader in Lightning Network infrastructure, and Spark, a bitcoin-native Layer 2 (L2) platform, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration to empower developers with tools to seamlessly integrate self-custodial bitcoin payments into everyday applications.

The partnership introduces a new implementation of the Breez SDK built on Spark’s bitcoin-native infrastructure, accelerating the evolution of bitcoin from “digital gold” to a global, permissionless currency.

The Breez SDK is expanding

We’re joining forces with @buildonspark to release a new nodeless implementation of the Breez SDK — giving developers the tools they need to bring Bitcoin payments to everyday apps.

→ https://t.co/iWjZhWRwsx

Bitcoin-Native
Powered by Spark’s…

— Breez (@Breez_Tech) May 22, 2025

A Bitcoin-Native Leap for Developers

The updated Breez SDK leverages Spark’s L2 architecture to deliver a frictionless, bitcoin-native experience for developers.

Key features include:

• Universal Compatibility: Bindings for all major programming languages and frameworks.
• LNURL & Lightning Address Support: Streamlined integration for peer-to-peer transactions.
• Real-Time Interaction: Instant mobile notifications for payment confirmations.
• No External Reliance: Built directly on bitcoin via Spark, eliminating bridges or third-party consensus.

This implementation unlocks use cases such as streaming content payments, social app monetization, in-game currencies, cross-border remittances, and AI micro-settlements—all powered by Bitcoin’s decentralized network.

Quotes from Leadership

Roy Sheinfeld, CEO of Breez:
“Developers are critical to bringing bitcoin into daily life. By building the Breez SDK on Spark’s revolutionary architecture, we’re giving builders a bitcoin-native toolkit to strengthen Lightning as the universal language of bitcoin payments.”

Kevin Hurley, Creator of Spark:
“This collaboration sets the standard for global peer-to-peer transactions. Fast, open, and embedded in everyday apps—this is bitcoin’s future. Together, we’re equipping developers to create next-generation payment experiences.”

David Marcus, Co-Founder and CEO of Lightspark:
“We’re thrilled to see developers harness Spark’s potential. This partnership marks an exciting milestone for the ecosystem.”

Collaboration Details
As part of the agreement, Breez will operate as a Spark Service Provider (SSP), joining Lightspark in facilitating payments and expanding Spark’s ecosystem. Technical specifications for the SDK will be released later this year, with the full implementation slated for launch in 2025.

About Breez
Breez pioneers Lightning Network solutions, enabling developers to embed self-custodial bitcoin payments into apps. Its SDK powers seamless, secure, and decentralized financial interactions.

About Spark
Spark is a bitcoin-native Layer 2 infrastructure designed for payments and settlement, allowing developers to build directly on Bitcoin’s base layer without compromises.

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

When Sergei talks about bitcoin, he doesn’t sound like someone chasing profits or followers. He sounds like someone about to build a monastery in the ruins.

While the mainstream world chases headlines and hype, Sergei shows up in local meetups from Sacramento to Cleveland, mentors curious minds, and shares what he knows is true – hoping that, with the right spark, someone will light their own way forward.

We interviewed Sergei to trace his steps: where he started, what keeps him going, and why teaching bitcoin is far more than explaining how to set up a node – it’s about reaching the right minds before the noise consumes them. So we began where most journeys start: at the beginning.

First Steps

• So, where did it all begin for you and what made you stay curious?

I first heard about bitcoin from a friend’s book recommendation, American Kingpin, the book about Silk Road (online drug marketplace). He is still not a true bitcoiner, although I helped him secure private keys with some bitcoin.

I was really busy at the time – focused on my school curriculum, running a 7-bedroom Airbnb, and working for a standardized test prep company. Bitcoin seemed too technical for me to explore, and the pace of my work left no time for it.

After graduating, while pursuing more training, I started playing around with stocks and maximizing my savings. Passive income seemed like the path to early retirement, as per the promise of the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early). I mostly followed the mainstream news and my mentor’s advice – he liked preferred stocks at the time.

I had some Coinbase IOUs and remember sending bitcoin within the Coinbase ledger to a couple friends. I also recall the 2018 crash; I actually saw the legendary price spike live but couldn’t benefit because my funds were stuck amidst the frenzy. I withdrew from that investment completely for some time. Thankfully, my mentor advised to keep en eye on bitcoin.

Around late 2019, I started DCA-ing cautiously. Additionally, my friend and I were discussing famous billionaires, and how there was no curriculum for becoming a billionaire. So, I typed “billionaires” into my podcast app, and landed on We Study Billionaires podcast.

That’s where I kept hearing Preston Pysh mention bitcoin, before splitting into his own podcast series, Bitcoin Fundamentals. I didn’t understand most of the terminology of stocks, bonds, etc, yet I kept listening and trying to absorb it thru repetition. Today, I realize all that financial talk was mostly noise.

When people ask me for a technical explanation of fiat, I say: it’s all made up, just like the fiat price of bitcoin! Starting in 2020, during the so-called pandemic, I dove deeper. I religiously read Bitcoin Magazine, scrolled thru Bitcoin Twitter, and joined Simply Bitcoin Telegram group back when DarthCoin was an admin.

DarthCoin was my favorite bitcoiner – experienced, knowledgeable, and unapologetic. Watching him shift from rage to kindness, from passion to despair, gave me a glimpse at what a true educator’s journey would look like.

The struggle isn’t about adoption at scale anymore. It’s about reaching the few who are willing to study, take risks, and stay out of fiat traps. The vast majority won’t follow that example – not yet at least… if I start telling others the requirements for true freedom and prosperity, they would certainly say “Hell no!”

• At what point did you start teaching others, and why?

After college, I helped teach at a standardized test preparation company, and mentored some students one-on-one. I even tried working at a kindergarten briefly, but left quickly; Babysitting is not teaching.

What I discovered is that those who will succeed don’t really need my help – they would succeed with or without me, because they already have the inner drive.

Once you realize your people are perishing for lack of knowledge, the only rational thing to do is help raise their level of knowledge and understanding. That’s the Great Work.

I sometimes imagine myself as a political prisoner. If that were to happen, I’d probably start teaching fellow prisoners, doctors, janitors, even guards. In a way we already live in an open-air prison, So what else is there to do but teach, organize, and conspire to dismantle the Matrix?

Building on Bitcoin

• You hosted some in-person meetups in Sacramento. What did you learn from those?

My first presentation was on MultiSig storage with SeedSigner, and submarine swaps through Boltz.exchange.

I realized quickly that I had overestimated the group’s technical background. Even the meetup organizer, a financial advisor, asked, “How is anyone supposed to follow these steps?” I responded that reading was required… He decided that Unchained is an easier way.

At a crypto meetup, I gave a much simpler talk, outlining how bitcoin will save the world, based on a DarthCoin’s guide. Only one person stuck around to ask questions – a man who seemed a little out there, and did not really seem to get the message beyond the strength of cryptographic security of bitcoin.

Again, I overestimated the audience’s readiness. That forced me to rethink my strategy. People are extremely early and reluctant to study.

• Now in Ohio, you hold sessions via the Orange Pill App. What’s changed?

My new motto is: educate the educators. The corollary is: don’t orange-pill stupid normies (as DarthCoin puts it).

I’ve shifted to small, technical sessions in order to raise a few solid guardians of this esoteric knowledge who really get it and can carry it forward.

The youngest attendee at one of my sessions is a newborn baby – he mostly sleeps, but maybe he still absorbs some of the educational vibes.

• How do local groups like Sactown and Cleveland Bitcoiners influence your work?

Every meetup reflects its local culture. Sacramento and Bay Area Bitcoiners, for example, do camping trips – once we camped through a desert storm, shielding our burgers from sand while others went to shoot guns.

Cleveland Bitcoiners are different. They amass large gatherings. They recently threw a 100k party. They do a bit more community outreach. Some are curious about the esoteric topics such as jurisdiction, spirituality, and healthful living.

I have no permanent allegiance to any state, race, or group. I go where I can teach and learn. I anticipate that in my next phase, I’ll meet Bitcoiners so advanced that I’ll have to give up my fiat job and focus full-time on serious projects where real health and wealth are on the line.

Hopefully, I’ll be ready. I believe the universe always challenges you exactly to your limit – no less, no more.

• What do people struggle with the most when it comes to technical education?

The biggest struggle isn’t technical – it’s a lack of deep curiosity. People ask “how” and “what” – how do I set up a node, what should one do with the lightning channels? But very few ask “why?”

Why does on-chain bitcoin not contribute to the circular economy? Why is it essential to run Lightning? Why did humanity fall into mental enslavement in the first place?

I’d rather teach two-year-olds who constantly ask “why” than adults who ask how to flip a profit. What worries me most is that most two-year-olds will grow up asking state-funded AI bots for answers and live according to its recommendations.

• One Cleveland Bitcoiner shows up at gold bug meetups. How valuable is face-to-face education?

I don’t think the older generation is going to reverse the current human condition. Most of them have been under mind control for too long, and they just don’t have the attention span to study and change their ways.

They’re better off stacking gold and helping fund their grandkids’ education. If I were to focus on a demographic, I’d go for teenagers – high school age – because by college, the indoctrination is usually too strong, and they’re chasing fiat mastery.

As for the gold bug meetup? Perhaps one day I will show up with a ukulele to sing some bitcoin-themed songs. Seniors love such entertainment.

• How do you choose what to focus on in your sessions, especially for different types of learners?

I don’t come in with a rigid agenda. I’ve collected a massive library of resources over the years and never stopped reading. My browser tab and folder count are exploding.

At the meetup, people share questions or topics they’re curious about, then I take that home, do my homework, and bring back a session based on those themes. I give them the key takeaways, plus where to dive deeper.

Most people won’t – or can’t – study the way I do, and I expect attendees to put in the work. I suspect that it’s more important to reach those who want to learn but don’t know how, the so-called nescient (not knowing), rather than the ignorant.

There are way too many ignorant bitcoiners, so my mission is to find those who are curious what’s beyond the facade of fake reality and superficial promises.

That naturally means that fewer people show up, and that’s fine. I’m not here for the crowds; I’m here to educate the educators. One bitcoiner who came decided to branch off into self-custody sessions and that’s awesome. Personally, I’m much more focused on Lightning.

I want to see broader adoption of tools like auth, sign-message, NWC, and LSPs. Next month, I’m going deep into eCash solutions, because let’s face it – most newcomers won’t be able to afford their own UTXO or open a lightning channel; additionally, it has to be fun and easy for them to transact sats, otherwise they won’t do it. Additionally, they’ll need to rely on

@ b1ddb4d7:471244e7

Sati, a Bitcoin payments app and Lightning infrastructure provider, announced the launch of its Lightning integration with Xverse wallet.

Launched in 2025 with investors of the likes as Draper Associates and Ricardo Salinas, Sati powers Bitcoin payments on applications such as WhatsApp to fuel the next wave of adoption.

The Whatsapp bot allows users to send bitcoin via the messaging app through a special bot. After verifying their identity, the user selects the “send” option, chooses to pay to a Lightning address, enters the amount (1,000 sats), confirms with a PIN, and the transaction is completed, with the funds appearing instantly in the recipient wallet.

The new integration will now bring Lightning functionality to over 1.5 million people worldwide. Users can send and receive sats (Bitcoin’s smallest denomination) instantly over the Lightning Network all within the Xverse app,

Further, every xverse wallet user gets a Lightning Address instantly. That means they can receive tips, pay invoices, and use Bitcoin for microtransactions—all without having to manage channels or switch between different apps.

While Xverse adds support for Lightning, users should be cautious in using the wallet as it’s mostly known for enabling access to rug pull projects.

Initially designed in 2017, the Lightning Network has grown to become Bitcoin’s leading layer-2, with a current BTC capacity of over $465M.

“Bitcoin was not meant to be an asset for Wall Street—it was built for peer-to-peer money, borderless and accessible,” said Felipe Servin, Founder and CEO of Sati. “Integrating Lightning natively into Xverse brings that vision back to life, making Bitcoin usable at scale for billions.”

Sati expects USDT on Lightning to be supported as early as July 2025 for users accessing Sati through WhatsApp.

This integration positions Sati’s role as a Lightning infrastructure provider, not just a consumer app. By leveraging its API-based solution, the company provides plug-and-play backend services to wallets and platforms looking to add Bitcoin payments without compromising on security or UX.

Sati recently closed a $600K pre-seed round. The funding is used to support global expansion, stablecoin integration, Lightning infrastructure growth, and broader access to Bitcoin in emerging markets.

The Sati team is attending Bitcoin2025 in Las Vegas this week and looking forward to connect with bitcoin enthusiasts.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Lyn Ulbricht Launches MACS at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference to Fight Cruel Sentencing

In a powerful statement against unjust sentencing, Mothers Against Cruel Sentencing (MACS), a nonprofit founded by Lyn Ulbricht, officially launched today at the 2025 Bitcoin conference. The group is dedicated to advocating for prisoners serving excessive and inhumane sentences and supporting the families affected by such punishments.

MACS seeks to unite voices from across the political divide and tech community to drive meaningful reform in sentencing laws.

“Multiple thousands of people, many of them nonviolent like Ross, are serving extreme sentences—locked away for years, decades, even lifetimes,” said Ulbricht. “MACS aims to give families a voice to push for fair and reasonable sentencing, where the punishment fits the crime.”

Ulbricht will formally introduce the organization during the Women of Bitcoin Brunch, a major event at the conference that gathers influential women from the Bitcoin world to discuss advocacy, innovation, and impact.

Ross Ulbricht’s Journey: From Life Sentence to Presidential Pardon

Ross Ulbricht became a controversial figure after launching Silk Road in 2011, an online marketplace that used Bitcoin for anonymous transactions. While the site was unfortunately used for selling illegal drugs, it also served as Bitcoin’s first real-world use case, showcasing the power of decentralized, censorship-resistant money.

In 2015, Ulbricht was sentenced to double life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. His punishment quickly became a symbol of government overreach for many in the tech and the Bitcoin world. Critics argued that his sentence far exceeded the limits of justice, especially considering the nonviolent nature of his crimes.

His pardon, announced shortly after Trump returned to office, is seen as a strong move to honor campaign promises and support Bitcoin’s values of personal freedom and resistance to government overreach. It sparked celebration throughout the Bitcoin community but also reminded advocates that the fight for justice is far from over.

The Bitcoin community continues to call for clemency and support for others, including the developers of Samourai Wallet who are facing prosecution for creating privacy tools, and Edward Snowden, who remains in exile for revealing government surveillance programs.

Ross will be giving the keynotes speech at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference on May 29th at 8pm EST. You can watch his speech live here.

This post Lyn Ulbricht Launches MACS at the 2025 Bitcoin Conference to Fight Cruel Sentencing first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Bitcoin Magazine

White House Executive Director Bo Hines Declares U.S. The Future Global Crypto Superpower

In a session at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference this morning titled “_Making America the Global Bitcoin Superpower“_, Bo Hines, White House Executive Director, Tyler Williams, from the US Treasury Department, and moderator Miles Jennings made one thing clear: the United States is going all-in on Bitcoin—and fast. 

JUST IN: President Trump's Executive Director said "Bitcoin is the golden standard."

"We're not gonna sell any Bitcoin that we possible have in the US government, period." pic.twitter.com/F6Dv2nUk9b

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

“We are well on our way to becoming the bitcoin superpower of the world,” said Bo Hines. “This is something that is not partisan. This is a revolution in our financial system.” 

Moderator Miles Jennings pointed to key regulatory steps currently in motion. “If the bill becomes law (and I hope it does) we will have quite an active role. The connective tissue between the legacy financial system and bitcoin, stablecoins, and everything else will really be paved with stablecoin legislation,” Jennings said.

Hines emphasized that, “Updating the payment rails is necessary and we are well on our way to achieving that.” He also noted that upcoming market structure legislation will define how intermediaries like exchanges and brokers are regulated and how digital assets are classified—either as securities or commodities. 

“We want folks to innovate here,” Hines stressed. “We can’t be fearful of them walking into the SEC and getting a Wells notice before they get on the elevator.” He added that U.S. regulators are now encouraging crypto innovators to return: “Our message to folks who have gone offshore is: welcome home_._” 

Williams highlighted that any new laws must reflect the unique architecture of decentralized finance. “Traditional markets are based on a principal-agent model,” he explained. “But crypto moves us toward a principal-to-principal structure.”

He noted that after regulatory support for the ETP marketplace, institutional Bitcoin adoption surged—and believes the same would happen again under stablecoin and market structure legislation. 

The most bullish comment of the morning came from Hines: “Bitcoin is truly the golden standard… This is an asset that we should be harnessing on behalf of the American people. We want as much as we can possibly get.” 

“We are going big on digital assets,” added Tyler. “You will certainly see the United States stepping out as the bitcoin superpower of the world,” Hines concluded. 

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Industry Day below:
https://www.youtube.com/live/3e3KE40r_WM?si=LCZcZeKbxi_iTk62

This post White House Executive Director Bo Hines Declares U.S. The Future Global Crypto Superpower first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Enters a New Era: Industry Leaders Predict Trillions in Institutional Inflows

At the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, the Founder and CEO of Kelly Intelligence Kevin Kelly, the Chief Executive Officer of Bitwise Asset Management Hunter Horsley, the CEO of BitGo Mike Belshe and the Advisor of WBTC Justin Sun talked about the future of financial products in the globe. 

Hunter Horsley started the panel by saying that we are entering a new chapter in 2025 with the change in the regulatory circumstances.

“In the US wealth managers manage between 30 and 60 trillion dollars,” said Horsley. “If wealth managers wind up allocating 1% to the space on behalf of their clients, helping their clients access the opportunities here that are hundreds and billions of dollars.”

JUST IN: $12 billion Bitwise CEO Hunter Horsley says if wealth managers allocate 1% to #Bitcoin, “that's hundreds of billions of dollars.” pic.twitter.com/4OhoBjwDYR

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

Justin Sun emphasized the importance of integrating Bitcoin into decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms:

“Raw Bitcoin is a way to get your Bitcoin into a smart contract platform,” said Sun. “You can use your Bitcoin as collateral you borrow like stablecoin, you borrow other major crypto currencies tokens and also of course generate yield on the Bitcoin you are holding because Bitcoin is a proof of network.”

“Any transaction you can see in the blockchain and all the reserve addresses is available on the Blockchain. It’s safe and transparent and at the same time is smart,” stated Sun.

Mike Belshe elaborated on the foundational elements that make a stablecoin successful, particularly when Bitcoin is used in that context.

“What makes a good stablecoin whether you are talking about dollars or Bitcoin, it’s the liquidity that you have on the market around the world,” stated Belshe.

Horsley continued by addressing that we’ll see more companies adopting this and hundreds of thousands of Bitcoin being put onto more balance sheets. 

“Corporations are buying Bitcoin,” commented Horsley. “It’s an extraordinary theme of this year. As of the first quarter of this year, 79 publicly traded companies had put Bitcoin on their balance sheet. Over 600k Bitcoin and there is only 21 million Bitcoin. It’s a lot of Bitcoin”

Justin Sun closed the panel by stating, “the progress we are making here in the United States really matters because as we all further encourage people around the world to get into the Bitcoin industry.”

“Once Bitcoin passes this kind of stage and gets institution adoption in the United States will accelerate that option globally,” said Sun.

This post Bitcoin Enters a New Era: Industry Leaders Predict Trillions in Institutional Inflows first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Cowbolt Announces Their Mission to Make Bitcoin Familiar to Everybody

Today at the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, Cowbolt, an app that lets you split expense payments and settle in bitcoin, will launch their mission: turn peer-to-peer payments into a Bitcoin onramp, starting with family and friends.

Cowbolt will let their clients split costs and settle instantly using Bitcoin and USDT, with no middlemen, no bank friction and with self-custody. They will try to convert everyday transactions into Bitcoin adoption. 

“We believe the most powerful onramp to Bitcoin isn’t an exchange — it’s people,” said the co-founder of Cowbolt Daniel Ekström. “That’s why we built Cowbolt. For friends, not hedge funds.”

What Cowbolt will bring to the table:

• Split and settle.
• Keep your keys.
• Fast and trusted.
• Works across borders.

The app is already being used for remittances, group travel, and day-to-day payments. It’s designed to be like a modern fintech app and will be available for iOS and Android. 

“Building Airbnb taught me that when design is simple and gets out of the way, people do amazing things,” stated the ex-Creative Director at Airbnb & co-founder Cowbolt Tony Högqvist. “That’s the point here too. Not to store bitcoin in an ETF, but to use it between people. Effortlessly. Among teams, friends, families — every day.”

This post Cowbolt Announces Their Mission to Make Bitcoin Familiar to Everybody first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Bitcoin Magazine

US Senator Cynthia Lummis Discusses Bitcoin Reserve, Stablecoin Legislation, and Market Structure Bill at Bitcoin 2025 Conference

At the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, U.S Senator Cynthia Lummis and CLO of Coinbase Paul Grewal discussed the market structure bill, stablecoin bill, future taxing system, bitcoin strategy reserve and bitcoin mining. 

Cynthia Lummis started by commenting about the market structure bill and stablecoin bill.

“The market structure bills is probably more important to a lot of the people in this conference than the stablecoin bill because there are a lot of businesses, yours among them,” said Lummis. “There are businesses for people who either buy and hold, so they want a custodial service or there are companies that lend Bitcoin, there is a futures market for Bitcoin, there are so many ways in which Bitcoin can interface with fiat currency with the US dollar.”

Lummis also mentioned the tax system that she wants to implement and what her office has submitted to the finance committee.

“As the lighting network develops and companies like Strike sort of have been leaders in that space,” added Lummis. “Create an opportunity for transactions to occur on a daily basis in Bitcoin. Everything from buying a cup of coffee to dinner somewhere. It would be helpful that certain transactions of that size below 600 dollars per transaction, not be subject to taxation.” 

During her speech, she went into detail on one the biggest problems lawmakers are facing against digital assets.

“Part of the problem in the last four years has been largely regulatory agencies that have been very hostile towards digital assets, so we are trying to change as fast as we can,” said Lummis. “It doesn’t happen overnight. We don’t even have a confirmed IRS director in place yet, so it is really hard to get these structural changes enacted by the rule makers at the IRS when there is no IRS commission yet in place.” 

Ending the panel, Lummis addressed one of the biggest reasons the US government should get into Bitcoin. 

“We are 37 trillion dollars in debt, so if we bought and held a million Bitcoin for 20 years it will cut that debt in half and we have underperforming assets that can be converted to Bitcoin without borrowing additional money. Bitcoin is such an important Global Strategic asset and it is not only important in the economy, but in our global defense because there are components to our defense. One is having a lethal war fighting machine that can overcome other armies, another military effort. Another one is having an economic machine that can overcome other currencies.” She continued, “Even our military generals say that bitcoin is an important deterrent to aggression from other countries, especially from China.”  

This post US Senator Cynthia Lummis Discusses Bitcoin Reserve, Stablecoin Legislation, and Market Structure Bill at Bitcoin 2025 Conference first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Leaders Rally Behind BTC at Bitcoin 2025 Conference: Strategic Reserves, Market Clarity, and Legislative Momentum

At Bitcoin 2025, top U.S. lawmakers and Coinbase’s Chief Policy Officer discussed the U.S. government’s shifting tone on Bitcoin, strategic reserves, regulatory frameworks, and legislation—all pointing toward a bullish future for digital assets.

In a panel moderated by Grant McCarty, Co-President of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, the Bitcoin 2025 Conference saw a major spotlight on U.S. policy shifts surrounding digital assets. U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds and Bryan Steil were joined by Faryar Shirzad, Chief Policy Officer at Coinbase, to highlight what they described as a watershed moment for Bitcoin in Washington. 

JUST IN: US Congressman Byron Donalds says he's voting for the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act

"Bitcoin has proven to be a holder of value" pic.twitter.com/NuQlZ26Lmy

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

“What the president and his team are doing is choosing to step into the digital assets marketplace,” said Byron Donalds. “Bitcoin is a key asset because it has demonstrated to be a holder of value outside of fiat currency and central banking.” Donalds emphasized that President Trump is taking the long view—strategically recognizing Bitcoin’s role in a national reserve capacity.

Bryan Steil pointed to Trump’s media magnetism and political leverage as the driver behind recent legislative momentum: “What he’s done is put a spotlight on the exact three bills… giving us the ability to drive forward.” He noted that legislation is difficult to pass, but with executive support, there’s newfound energy and opportunity to cross the finish line.

Shirzad echoed that sentiment: “The tone from the top point is exactly what Donald Trump has showed us… He wants a market structure built. He wants a much more strategic approach.” Coinbase, Shirzad added, sees the impact firsthand—legislators now recognize the need to support innovation rather than stifle it.

Donalds added: “If you talk to any business owner in the world, the number one thing they desire more than anything else is certainty and consistency.” That, he said, is what will turn Bitcoin into a trillion-dollar industry in the U.S., instead of one bogged down by regulatory ambiguity and legal overhead.

On the regulatory front, Steil noted: “Under the Biden administration, policy was being developed through enforcement actions. Bitcoin is decentralized and should be treated as a commodity.” Shirzad agreed, pushing for “regulatory therapy” to unleash billions still sidelined.

McCarty closed with mention of the Blockchain Regulatory Clarity Act—legislation that would protect open-source developers from rogue regulatory action: “It allows developers to operate without being punished.”

Donalds summed it up: “There’s only going to be 21 million ever in creation. That can’t be eroded by central banks. A strategic reserve for Bitcoin is critical in my opinion for the United States.” 

This post Leaders Rally Behind BTC at Bitcoin 2025 Conference: Strategic Reserves, Market Clarity, and Legislative Momentum first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Donald Trump Jr. Unveils $2.5B Bitcoin Push: “We’re Going to the Moon” 

In an interview at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference today, Rumble Founder and CEO Chris Pavlovski sat down with Don Trump Jr. to talk free speech, Bitcoin, and a seismic shift in the financial system—fueled by the current administration’s pro-crypto stance. 

JUST IN: Donald Trump Jr. said the flood gates are opening for #Bitcoin pic.twitter.com/fAq4mGyJGA

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 28, 2025

“I wasn’t an early adopter like so many people in the room who were here in 2012,” Trump Jr. admitted. “We were real estate guys. Finance was always easy for us.”

Trump Jr. revealed that TMTG and Truth Social are forming a Bitcoin treasury to the tune of $2.5 billion—a move he called “a pretty big deal.” The announcement comes alongside new partnerships, including one with mining giant Hut 8, and the launch of a new group focused on building American Bitcoin reserves.  

“We’re seriously on crypto—we’re seriously on Bitcoin,” Trump Jr. emphasized. “We’re in three major deals. I believe we’re at the beginning of what will be the future of finance. And the opportunity is massive.” 

Chris Pavlovski agreed: “We weren’t a Bitcoin company to start off with—we were a free speech company. But I almost think we’re at that ‘all of a sudden’ moment. The floodgates are opening.”

Donald Trump Jr. at Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas

The pair drew comparisons between Bitcoin and Rumble, describing both as targets of relentless media and regulatory pressure. “Bitcoin has had things thrown at it—laws, attacks,” said Pavlovski. “Same with Rumble. But we’re in an environment now where the administration is extremely pro-crypto and pro-Bitcoin.” 

“The latest adopters are going to fare the worst,” Trump Jr. warned. “It’s the future of finance. I’m so excited to see the administration stepping up.” 

Rumble’s Bitcoin strategy, including its move to build reserves, was directly inspired by this shift. “It gave me all kinds of confidence that the administration would do all the right things,” Pavlovski said. 

“Trump gets this stuff. He gets it quick,” Trump Jr. closed. “We’re going to the moon, guys. Stay in. Stay strong.” 

This post Donald Trump Jr. Unveils $2.5B Bitcoin Push: “We’re Going to the Moon”  first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

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Bitcoin Magazine

🔴 LIVE: The Bitcoin Conference 2025 – Day 2

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This post 🔴 LIVE: The Bitcoin Conference 2025 – Day 2 first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Bitcoin Magazine.

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Bitcoin Magazine

GameStop Buys $513 Million Worth of Bitcoin

Video game retailer GameStop has purchased 4,710 Bitcoin worth approximately $513 million, marking another major corporate entry into Bitcoin treasury holdings as the trend of companies adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets accelerates in 2025.

The company announced the acquisition via X on Wednesday but did not disclose specific details about when the purchases were made or the average price paid per coin. The move follows GameStop’s March announcement of plans to pursue a Bitcoin treasury strategy, which included a $1.3 billion convertible senior notes offering to fund Bitcoin purchases.

BREAKING: GAMESTOP PURCHASED 4,710 #BITCOIN pic.twitter.com/fDH9ctZJVP

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 28, 2025

GameStop’s Bitcoin acquisition represents a strategic shift in corporate treasury management, following the playbook established by companies like Strategy.

The purchase comes amid a surge in corporate Bitcoin adoption, with over 50 public companies announcing Bitcoin treasury programs in the first five months of 2025. Recent entrants include 21 Capital, Strive, H100 Group and more.

The announcement pushed GameStop’s shares up 4.4% in pre-market trading, while Bitcoin traded near $108,900. The company reported $4.78 billion in cash and marketable securities as of February 1, suggesting this Bitcoin investment represents approximately 10.7% of its liquid assets.

The move follows similar treasury diversification strategies by other major corporations, including Tesla’s $1.25 billion Bitcoin holding and recent announcements from Trump Media and Technology Group of plans to raise $2.5 billion for Bitcoin purchases.

At press time, Bitcoin trades at $108,900, down 0.68% over the past 24 hours, as the market processes this significant institutional development and its implications for broader corporate adoption of Bitcoin as a treasury asset.

This post GameStop Buys $513 Million Worth of Bitcoin first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Vivek Sen.

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Bitcoin Magazine

Human Rights Foundation Donates 800 Million Satoshis To 22 Worldwide Bitcoin And Freedom Projects

Today, the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) announced its most recent round of Bitcoin Development Fund grants, according to a press release sent to Bitcoin Magazine.

800 million satoshis (8 BTC) currently worth over $874,000 at the time of writing, is being granted across 22 different projects around the world focusing on open-source development, educational initiatives, Bitcoin mining decentralization, and privacy tools for human rights advocates living under authoritarian regimes. The main areas of focus for these grants center around Latin America, Africa, and Asia

While the HRF did not disclose how much money each project is receiving specifically, the following 22 projects are the recipients of today’s round of grants worth 8 BTC, or 800 billion satoshis, in total:

Mostro

In authoritarian regimes, centralized exchanges enforce strict identity verification and frequently freeze user accounts. In these environments, Mostro, a peer-to-peer exchange built on the decentralized nostr protocol, provides a private and censorship-resistant way to access Bitcoin. It enables human rights defenders and ordinary citizens to transact freely. With HRF support, developer Catrya will improve Mostro’s usability to better serve dissidents seeking financial freedom.

SudaBit

As war and hyperinflation devastate Sudan, traditional banks and remittance systems have collapsed. Millions of Sudanese are left without reliable ways to save, send, or receive money. SudaBit, under development by Sudan Hodl, is the country’s first private Bitcoin on- and off-ramp, providing a critical financial lifeline where few options remain. With HRF support, SudaBit will allow everyday Sudanese to access permissionless, self-custodial Bitcoin directly from their local currency while at the same time building a vital financial infrastructure amid a humanitarian and monetary crisis.

Stringer News

Authoritarian regimes silence independent media to control public narratives and suppress dissent. Stringer News, an open media platform founded by war reporter and author Anjan Sundaram, uses Bitcoin and nostr to help reporters and human rights defenders publish without fear of censorship. By bypassing traditional publishing gatekeepers, it ensures critical reporting reaches global audiences — even from the depths of autocratic regimes. With HRF support, Stringer News is amplifying the voices of frontline journalists and protecting the flow of truth under dictatorship.

Prices Today

As Vladimir Putin wages war against Ukraine, it hides the economic pain at home. Prices Today is a project launched by the Anti-Corruption Foundation that tracks rising prices across essential goods and services in the country and publishes the data on an open, accessible website. The project helps Russians see through state propaganda and confront the hidden financial toll of Putin’s war. With this grant, Prices Today will expand its tools and research to expose the true cost of war and challenge the Kremlin’s narrative.

Instamouse for Bitcoin and Lightning

Contributing to Bitcoin’s codebase may require specialized tools and complex setup — barriers for developers in resource-limited environments. Instamouse, created by software developer Bryan Bishop (kanzure), is breaking down those barriers with a browser-based environment for open-source Bitcoin development. By reducing hardware requirements and simplifying access, it opens the door to a more inclusive environment that allows more people around the world to contribute to Bitcoin. With this grant, Instamouse will help keep Bitcoin’s development truly permissionless. 

Seedsigner

Most commercial hardware wallets can be expensive, proprietary, and traceable. This poses barriers to self-custody for dissidents in weak economies or surveillant regimes. Seedsigner is a fully customizable, DIY Bitcoin hardware wallet that anyone can build using affordable, off-the-shelf components. It offers dissidents a discreet, low-cost way to secure their Bitcoin. HRF funding for lead developer Keith Mukai will expand language support across Europe, Asia, and beyond, as well as ongoing feature development and mentoring of new contributors. 

Spacebear’s Contributions to Payjoin

Bitcoin enables human rights defenders to receive unstoppable payments. But making those payments private is the next critical step. Payjoin is a technique that lets senders and receivers batch Bitcoin transactions, breaking common chain analysis heuristics and improving default privacy. This is vital for activists in surveillance states who urgently need financial privacy without drawing attention. With HRF support, developer spacebear is advancing Payjoin to make privacy the default on Bitcoin and protect civil societies under tyranny.

Padawan Wallet

When authoritarian regimes devalue currencies or impose capital controls, people often turn to Bitcoin. But without experience, many struggle to use it safely. Padawan Wallet, a free, open-source mobile app by developer thunderbiscuit, helps bridge that gap. It uses Bitcoin test network coins to simulate real payments in a risk-free environment. It lets users practice making transactions, secure their wallets, and explore saving without risking real funds. With HRF support, Padawan will launch on iOS, expanding access to safe, hands-on Bitcoin learning for millions facing financial uncertainty.

Brink

Without ongoing support for Bitcoin development and its contributors, the network risks slower innovation, greater centralization, and long-term security challenges. Brink, a nonprofit organization led by Executive Director Mike Schmidt, addresses this by funding and mentoring open-source developers working on Bitcoin’s software infrastructure. Through grants and fellowships, Brink helps keep the protocol secure, decentralized, and freely accessible. With this grant, Brink will further strengthen the foundation that makes Bitcoin a tool for financial freedom.

Coin Center

As dictators increasingly treat code as a crime, open-source developers face sanctions, lawsuits, and mounting legal threats. Coin Center, a nonprofit research and advocacy organization led by Director of Research Peter Van Valkenburgh, defends the right to build and use open digital asset networks like Bitcoin. It advances policy analysis, supports strategic litigation, and educates lawmakers to protect freedom-preserving technologies. With HRF support, Coin Center will continue shaping a global legal environment where vital tools can be built for human rights defenders at risk.

Bitcoin Design Foundation

Poor user experience is a major barrier to Bitcoin adoption. Inconsistent wallet experiences and steep learning curves can deter new users, especially in high-risk environments. The Bitcoin Design Foundation is a nonprofit founded by UI designers Christoph Ono, Mogashni Naidoo, and Daniel Nordh that addresses this by funding open-source design, UX research, and community initiatives to make Bitcoin products more intuitive. With HRF support, the foundation will expand its grant and education programs to keep usability a priority and ensure Bitcoin remains open to all. 

EmberOne

Bitcoin mining is dominated by a few companies producing closed, proprietary hardware — threatening the network’s resilience and accessibility. The 256 Foundation is a nonprofit working to change that. Building on the open-source Bitaxe project, EmberOne produces modular, open-source mining hardware that is simple, affordable, and open to anyone — especially those living under repressive regimes. With HRF support, EmberOne will lower entry barriers and help disrupt the proprietary ecosystem, making Bitcoin mining more accessible for those in closed societies.

2025 FROST Developer Support

For nonprofits operating under authoritarian rule, securing Bitcoin is critical for survival. If private keys (which control access to bitcoin) are compromised, funds can be seized and movements dismantled. Blockchain Commons is a nonprofit supporting the development of FROST (Flexible Round-Optimized Schnorr Threshold Signature), a protocol that strengthens multisignature wallets (bitcoin wallets with multiple private keys) by making them more secure, private, and flexible for shared custody. With this grant, Blockchain Commons will help build critical infrastructure to keep civil society groups operational and financially resilient under dictatorships. 

Ecash UX Improvement Project

Ecash enables

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Bitcoin Circular Economy in Africa

https://btch17n.layer3.press/articles/9ec7208a-5bd6-4b32-9e1e-24f1aa4b1ca2

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👤 Generation X: Between Invisibility and Structural Disillusionment\ Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, has been largely sidelined in generational discourse. Unlike the baby boomers —symbols of stability and prosperity— or millennials and Gen Z —constant fixtures in the media and cultural spotlight— Gen X has been the least mentioned, the least studied, and often not even recognized by its own members as a distinct generation.

Today, they are in midlife —a period that, according to the "U-shaped curve of happiness" theory, is one of the most emotionally and psychologically difficult stages: deteriorating health, professional stagnation, and the dual burden of caring for both parents and children. But their condition is not just a matter of age —it's the result of specific economic and political history.

Structurally, Generation X reached its critical stage of financial consolidation during the global economic crisis of 2008 —a moment that halted income growth and severely limited access to housing, investment opportunities, and saving capacity. Compared to other generations, their economic mobility was minimal, marked by wage stagnation and unstable labor conditions. Even in terms of wealth accumulation and home ownership, many Gen Xers show weaker indicators than early-born millennials at the same stage of adulthood.

At the same time, many countries —especially in Latin America and parts of Europe— experienced the rise of alternative models to free-market systems: socialist proposals promising redistribution, social justice, and equality. In practice, however, these models led to state dependency, excessive intervention, economic rigidity, and a loss of productive dynamism. The consequences were clear: rising poverty, institutional decay, inflation, plummeting investment, increasing corruption within state structures, and a severe weakening of the productive apparatus.

For a generation raised on the values of individual effort, self-reliance, and social mobility, this ideological shift resulted in a double disillusionment —first with a free-market system that never delivered the promised rewards, and then with a redistributive model that failed to solve structural problems and, in many cases, made them worse.

While younger generations now embrace proposals like universal basic income, nationalization, or permanent subsidies as fresh solutions, many in Gen X see them not as innovation, but as a repetition of mistakes already lived: economic stagnation, institutional fragility, sustained poverty, and expanding clientelist networks.

The story of Generation X is marked by having been the turning point between two collapsed models: a liberalism that never fulfilled its promises and a socialism that imposed dependency, corruption, and systematic impoverishment.

@ 005bc4de:ef11e1a2

Two days ago I put this out: https://peakd.com/hive-124838/@crrdlx/hostr-snaps-9i13ooa7ufp

Post: https://peakd.com/hive-124838/@crrdlx/hostr-snaps-9i13ooa7ufp

One of the comments said it "...looks like some sort of game as well." That was enough to tickle my curiosity and get me thinking. The round tomatoes and how they nestled into the grooves of the tiles reminded me of Chinese checkers. The grid brought Hex to mind (the game John Nash played) and I wondered if a square-grid version might be viable. A little searching revealed Hex is a "Connection game" and there are several. The one called Tak seemed really interesting and simple. I like interesting and I really like simple.

So, a square grid connection game wouldn't be new, however, you can't play Tak with tomatoes. Tak requires stacking "stones" or standing them on edge, that would be very, very tricky with tomatoes.

I looked around and happened to have some dried corn kernels and dry beans. I drew out a 5 x 5 grid of dots, lined up five corn kernels on one side in a "home row" and 5 beans on the other. We used to play a game where two sides of Army men met after a series of moves. In that game, we rolled dice to have a "combat" and see who would win the little battle. I wanted something like that in my game, some type of combat or conquest, somehow. So, I started messing around, moving kernels and beans, and totally just set out to make this game up on the fly. This is what I got...

Rules

The objective, like Hex or Tak, is to connect one side (your home row) to your opponent's side. The connection to the other side can be a straight line, or it CAN include a diagonal road. Any of the roads below would be a win for team bean (B).

• One side makes a move by sliding one corn/bean one spot forward.
• Then, take turns making moves.
• Movement can only be one spot forward/back or sideways (NSEW). You cannot move diagonally.
• Opponents CAN occupy, or "squat", on the same spot at once. If so, the spot is being "co-squatted" (they're like two people standing in the same sidewalk tile at the same time).
• However, while opponents occupy the same spot, a "combat" might ensue. A corn/bean can "attack" by moving yet another adjoining corn or bean onto the co-squatted spot. A conquest is made by outnumbering a spot 2-to-1. For instance, if a spot is being occupied by both a bean and corn, and then a second corn moves in, the two corns conquer the one bean. The bean is immediately removed. The bean player then places that conquered bean into any empty spot on his or her home row. That placement constitutes the bean player's turn. So, after the bean is placed on the home row, the corn player makes the next move.
• Play continues until someone completes a road from their home row across to their opponent's home row. (Again, a diagonal road is okay for the win.)
• The losing player got Succotashed.

Game name

As to the name, initially I wanted a tomato-ish name. But, I was using corn and beans. So, I'm naming this game "Succotash" after the corn, bean, and vegetable recipe. I considered calling it the "Texas Caviar Game" because it has tomatoes in it, but playing Succotash just sounds better. Plus, putting tomatoes in succotash sounds yummy.

Simple

A big goal here was to keep it simple. To that end, all that's needed is (a) a paper with a 5 x 5 grid drawn on it, and, (b) 5 pieces of something and 5 pieces of something else. Obviously I used corn kernels and beans, but it could easily be shells/legos, pennies/paperclips, nuts/stones, or whatever.

Initially, I had a "storehouse" of extra corn kernels and storehouse of extra beans (seen in the images). My thinking was that they would replace the corn or beans that get conquered by opponents. Upon playing the game, it was apparent that a storehouse is totally unnecessary. Once captured, the same corn/bean can just be the one that's placed back onto the home row. Five of each is fine.

Also, I'm sure the grid could easily be expanded to whatever size you wish. I played an opponent with the 5 x 5 grid, and that seemed a good size for a five minute or so game.

Why not sit down face-to-face with someone for a minute and give Succotash a try? If you do, I'd love to hear how it went.

@ cae03c48:2a7d6671

Bitcoin Magazine

Bitcoin Is Here To Stay, Says Former US Treasurer Rosie Rios

At the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas, the Co-Manager of President Trump’s 2024 Campaign Chris LaCivita, Congressman Brian T. Jack, the Chief Policy Officer of Coinbase Faryar Shirzad and Former US Treasurer Rosie Rios at the Nakamoto stage discussed the 250th birthday of the United States, Bitcoin, freedom, and crypto.

Rosie Rios emphasized that consumer behavior is very hard to change unless there is a shock to the system. She said she is amazed by the momentum of the level of change that has happened during these four months in terms of giving that green light to innovation to actually happen.

“You are gonna hear me say a lot, the train has left the station. Bitcoin is here to stay. Blockchain is here to stay,” said Rios.

JUST IN: Former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios says, “#Bitcoin is here to stay.”

“The train has left the station.” pic.twitter.com/M4noy7DPha

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

“It’s about freedom and what crypto represents on a national scale,” said Chris LaCivita. “This country was founded on the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans and we are on the forefront of establishing and formulating the future of currency.”

Jack mentioned that earlier this year, they started to use a congressional tool called the Congressional Review Act that will enable them to repeal any regulation Joe Biden’s administration put on any sector during his last months in office. 

“One of the first laws that Donald Trump signed into law was the repeal of a very niche but interesting issue for some folks in the room,” stated Jack. “It was a policy that the CFPB thrust upon the industry in December that really helped them regulate, if you will, or over regulate payment processors. So a lot of the payment processors that process bitcoin, process crypto, they were going to be under these incredible burdens by CFPB.”

“The eyes of the world are watching,” commented Rosie. “We are setting the tone for what happens not just in our history but for the future and for all of us this is the American dream. This is about the values of which our country was founded.”

“For Bitcoin and Blockchain in general whoever creates that dominant digital infrastructure will set the tone for the whole global financial system and it starts here literally at this conference with this leadership with this President moving forward,” stated Rosie Rios closing the panel. 

This post Bitcoin Is Here To Stay, Says Former US Treasurer Rosie Rios first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Oscar Zarraga Perez.

@ 9e9085e9:2056af17

Part 3: Features That Can Drive User Engagement

Growing the Yakihonne Community – What’s Next?

To attract more users and keep engagement high, Yakihonne could expand with the following features:

1. Gamification & Milestones

Badges, activity points, and rewards to motivate interaction.

1. Smart Content Discovery

Trending topics, hashtag feeds, and AI-curated (but private) suggestions.

1. Community Tools

Verified groups, decentralized moderation, and event features.

1. Rich Profile Customization

Bio, themes, badges, and follower highlights.

1. Lightning Micro-Tipping

Enable users to send instant tips for posts or engagement.

1. Cross-Device Compatibility

Smooth use across mobile, web, and desktop.

1. Developer Ecosystem

Open APIs to allow third-party apps and tools to thrive.

Yakihonne #Yakihonne #Yakihonne #Nostr #Nostr #YoungDfx

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Banking giants JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are in talks to develop a unified stablecoin solution.

According to the Wall Street Journal on May 22, some of the largest financial institutions in the United States are exploring the possibility of joining forces to launch a stablecoin.

Subsidiaries of JPMorgan, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo have initiated preliminary discussions for a joint stablecoin issuance, according to sources close to the matter cited by the WSJ. Also at the negotiating table are Early Warning Services, the parent company of the digital payments network Zelle, and the payment network Clearing House.

The talks are reportedly still in the early stages, and any final decision could change depending on regulatory developments and market demand for stablecoins.

Stablecoin regulation

On May 20, the US Senate voted 66 to 32 to advance discussion of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act), a specific law to regulate stablecoins. The bill outlines a regulatory framework for stablecoin collateralization and mandates compliance with anti-money laundering rules.

David Sacks, White House crypto advisor, expressed optimism about the bill’s bipartisan approval. However, senior Democratic Party officials intend to amend the bill to include a clause preventing former President Donald Trump and other US officials from profiting from stablecoins.

Demand for stablecoins has increased, with total market capitalization rising to $245 billion from $205 billion at the beginning of the year, a 20% increase.

The post Major US banks consider launching a joint stablecoin appeared first on Atlas21.

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

These days it can feel like the whole world is out of control. Government officials lie and break the law. People are selfish, act emotionally rather than logically, and push ideologies that are illogical and contrary to reality. Society is divided into groups and people are judged, not for their own character, but based on which group they are placed into. There are wars and rumors of wars. There are worries of pandemics and economic disasters. Depression, psychosis, and despair is rampant even among the youngest among us.

Hope For Believers

As much as things seem to be out of control, they are not out of God’s control. This is what the Bible predicted. No matter how bad things get in the world, those who have put their faith in Jesus, do not need to feel despair.

Why are you in despair, O my soul?\ And why have you become disturbed within me?\ Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him\ For the help of His presence.\ O my God, my soul is in despair within me;\ Therefore I remember You from the land of the Jordan\ And the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:5-6)

When we start to feel despair overcoming us, we need to remember what God has done and what He has promised. We need to praise God for what He has done, what He has promised, and what He will bring to completion. Things may be hard now, but God is still in control, and we know how the story will end. God triumphs. Good is rewarded. Evil is destroyed. We can stand on the foundation of hope because we know the ending. Even though things may be out of our personal control, they are always under God’s control.

The more fiercely the storm rages, the more we need to rest in Jesus and the more we need to put our hope in Him.

O love the Lord, all you His godly ones!\ The Lord preserves the faithful\ And fully recompenses the proud doer.\ **Be strong and let your heart take courage,\ All you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:23-24) {emphasis mine}

We can take courage because God always acts for our long term good. Every hardship we experience here on earth will be recognized as a blessing that grew our faith and prepared us for heaven and God’s presence in eternity.

For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Even the worst things that happen to us, due to the sins of others, have a good purpose in our lives. God is working good through us. Our hope isn’t an empty hope. It isn’t a “I really hope this happens.” It is a “I can hope in the guaranteed promises of God.”

For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, (2 Corinthians 1:8-10) {emphasis mine}

We may experience situations so bad that they seem hopeless, but with God, nothing is hopeless. The God who raises the dead can raise us out of any situation. The God who spoke the universe into existence can deliver us by a word.

The God of the Bible knows all and loves us completely. He looks at our situation through the lens of eternity. What seems best in the moment is not necessarily what is best for our eternity. Many times He delivers us through hardship rather than out of it. We just need to trust Him and put our hope in Him because He is good.

In the same way God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:17-20) {emphasis mine}

Read that statement again. “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast.” Are you trusting Jesus as the “anchor of your soul?” Is your hope just a wish or is it a “sure and steadfast” hope based on the promises of God that you know will 100% come true?

And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

Isn’t it ironic that we need hope to persevere through tribulations, but that persevering through tribulation gives us character and hope? Our faith, trust, and hope grow through hardship. When things are easy, we almost always fall back on trusting in our own power rather than relying on God’s power. If we have put our faith in Jesus, there is no situation in which we should lose hope.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Is your joy and peace based on your circumstances or have you learned to have hope in God so you can experience joy and peace even in the trials?

Many people equate joy and happiness, but I think there is a key distinction. Happiness is a pleasant feeling that comes from pleasant circumstances. Joy is a similar feeling to happiness, but it comes from knowing God and His love. It is not tied to circumstances. When we have truly put our hope in God we can still have joy in and despite the most horrific circumstances.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:3-4) {emphasis mine}

Just as Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well that He provides living water that wells up inside, so that she need never thirst, in the same way believers have a living hope that wells up in times of need. Our hope is in the Creator of the universe and Savior of the world. No problem is too big for Him. No situation is a surprise to Him. No enemy is too powerful for Him. All of our problems are already solved. We just haven’t necessarily seen the solution yet.

My soul, wait in silence for God only,\ For my hope is from Him.\ He only is my rock and my salvation,\ My stronghold; I shall not be shaken.\ On God my salvation and my glory rest;\ The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God. (Psalm 62:5-7)

Despair For Unbelievers

Although believers never have reason to despair, the same is not true for those who have rejected the Savior, Jesus Christ. In these perilous times, they have a real reason for dread and despair.

Moreover, the Lord will scatter you among all peoples, from one end of the earth to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, wood and stone, which you or your fathers have not known. Among those nations you shall find no rest, and there will be no resting place for the sole of your foot; but there the Lord will give you a trembling heart, failing of eyes, and despair of soul. So your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you will be in dread night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. (Deuteronomy 64-66)

Those who reject the atoning sacrifice of Jesus do not get His protection. They do not get His help. They cannot rest in hope in Him.

Of course, the good news is that they can chose to turn their hearts to Him, confess their sins, and trust in Him up until their moment of death. Sadly many will continue to put off faith until it is too late. Many will choose evil over good and license over submission until God gives them over to their lusts.

And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:28-32)

If any of you have not yet put your trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord, do not wait. Turn away from evil. Submit to the will of Jesus. Trust Him to take away your sins and cover you with His righteousness.

If any of you know people who are in despair, share the gospel with them. Tell them about the greatness of God. Show them the hope that is within you.

Can Believers Despair?

Are there believers who despair? Yes. Should believers ever despair? Definitely not!

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10)

Jesus is always with believers in all situations guiding and protecting us. Those difficult situations that happen are for our good, even when we can’t see how it could be for good.

Job had more reasons to despair than almost anyone, yet he trusted in God. He didn’t know why he was being put through such loss, but his loss increased his faith in God and was a great example to people throughout history. I also love this cry of his heart.

“Oh that my words were written!\ Oh that they were inscribed in a book!” (Job 19:23)

He may or may not have seen even the partial fulfillment of this cry, but His words are written in the book of Job, in the Holy Scriptures read by Jews and Christians throughout the world and throughout history. Job’s first response to loss was an example to us all. After losing all ten children and all of his wealth, this was his response.

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. (Job 1:20)

Yes, it is true that he had moments of despair where he cursed his birth, but he then returned to God in faith and hope. After a brief rebuke from God, Job submitted to God’s will.

“Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You?\ I lay my hand on my mouth.\ Once I have spoken, and I will not answer;\ Even twice, and I will add nothing more.” (Job 40:4-5)

After his second rebuke from God, he fully submitted.

Then Job answered the Lord and said,

“I know that You can do all things,\ And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.\ ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’\ *Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,\ Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.\ ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;\ I will ask You, and You instruct me*.’\ I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;\ But now my eye sees You;\ Therefore I retract,\ And I repent in dust and ashes**.” (Job 42:1-6) {emphasis mine}

Job admitted that he did not understand what God was doing, but that God was right; God was good; and God was Lord. Job was able to have hope knowing that God was in control and working for good.

In the case of Job, he was later blessed with more kids, more wealth, and more respect than he had in the beginning. We won’t all see our blessings here on earth, but all believers will receive blessings from their trials.

May our glorious Savior and God fill you with faith and hope in God, His goodness, His power, and His plan. May we all submit to His good will even when we do not understand and even when every part of our earthly body is crying, “stop!” May God fill you with knowledge of Him, faith in Him, and hope in Him.

Trust Jesus

@ 812cff5a:5c40aeeb

NIP-01 — الشكل الأساسي للأحداث في نُستر

رقم التعريف (NIP): 01
العنوان: الشكل الأساسي للأحداث
الحالة: نهائي
المؤلف: fiatjaf
التاريخ: 2020-12-10

---

الملخص

هذا المستند يعرّف الشكل القياسي لأي "حدث" يتم تداوله ضمن شبكة نُستر (Nostr).
الهدف من هذا التنسيق هو ضمان إمكانية معالجة وتفسير الأحداث من قبل جميع العملاء والخوادم بطريقة موحّدة.

---

هيكل الحدث

كل حدث عبارة عن كائن يحتوي على الحقول التالية:

{ "id": <معرّف فريد>, "pubkey": <مفتاح عام للمرسل>, "created_at": <تاريخ الإنشاء كرقم UNIX timestamp>, "kind": <نوع الحدث>, "tags": [<قائمة من الوسوم>], "content": <المحتوى>, "sig": <التوقيع الرقمي> }

---

شرح الحقول

• id: سلسلة نصية تمثل SHA-256 لمحتوى الحدث.
• pubkey: المفتاح العام للمستخدم (عادةً 32 بايت بصيغة hex).
• created_at: الطابع الزمني للإنشاء (Unix timestamp).
• kind: رقم يحدد نوع الحدث (مثلاً: منشور، متابعة، إعادة نشر).
• tags: قائمة من الوسوم المرتبطة بالحدث (مثلاً: إشارة إلى مستخدم أو حدث).
• content: المحتوى الأساسي للحدث (نص أو بيانات).
• sig: التوقيع الرقمي الذي يثبت أن المرسل هو صاحب المحتوى.

---

كيفية توليد معرف الحدث id

يتم توليد المعرّف عبر أخذ تمثيل JSON للحدث (بدون الحقول id و sig) ثم حساب التجزئة باستخدام SHA-256.

---

توقيع الحدث

يُوقّع المستخدم الحدث باستخدام مفتاحه الخاص.
هذا التوقيع الرقمي يسمح لأي شخص بالتحقق من صحة الحدث باستخدام المفتاح العام.

---

أنواع الأحداث (kind)

• 0: ملف التعريف (الاسم، الصورة، النبذة).
• 1: منشور عام نصي.
• 2: إعادة نشر.
• 3: قائمة المتابَعين.
• 4: رسالة مشفّرة خاصة.
• أنواع أخرى يمكن إضافتها لاحقًا.

---

الوسوم (Tags)

الوسوم عبارة عن قوائم (arrays) داخل الحدث لتوفير معلومات إضافية.
مثال:

["e", "<معرّف الحدث>"] ["p", "<مفتاح عام لمستخدم>"]

• "e" تشير إلى حدث.
• "p" تشير إلى مستخدم.

---

الخلاصة

NIP-01 هو الأساس الهيكلي لتبادل الأحداث عبر نُستر.
من خلال اتباع هذا الشكل، يمكن لجميع التطبيقات والخوادم العمل معاً بسلاسة، وضمان أمن وموثوقية كل حدث.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

https://rumble.com/embed/v6rp3fh/?pub=4e023h

I know some of our stackers are follicly challenged, so I thought I'd pass along this video.

Have any of you tried topical onion juice for hair regrowth?

I'll eat more onion and rosemary and get more Sun, just to be safe.

https://stacker.news/items/991118

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

A fake Uber driver steals $73,000 in XRP and $50,000 in Bitcoin after drugging an American tourist.

A U.S. citizen vacationing in the United Kingdom fell victim to a scam that cost him $123,000 in cryptocurrencies stored on his smartphone. The man was drugged by an individual posing as an Uber driver.

According to My London, Jacob Irwin-Cline had spent the evening at a London nightclub, consuming several alcoholic drinks before requesting an Uber ride home. The victim admitted he hadn’t carefully verified the booking details on his device, mistakenly getting into a private taxi driven by someone who, at first glance, resembled the expected Uber driver but was using a completely different vehicle.

Once inside the car, the American tourist reported that the driver offered him a cigarette, allegedly laced with scopolamine — a rare and powerful sedative. Irwin-Cline described how the smoke made him extremely docile and fatigued, causing him to lose consciousness for around half an hour.

Upon waking, the driver ordered the victim to get out of the vehicle. As Irwin-Cline stepped out, the man suddenly accelerated, running him over and fleeing with his mobile phone, which contained the private keys and access to his cryptocurrencies. Screenshots provided to MyLondon show that $73,000 worth of XRP and $50,000 in bitcoin had been transferred to various wallets.

This incident adds to a growing trend of kidnappings, extortions, armed robberies, and ransom attempts targeting crypto executives, investors, and their families.

Just a few weeks ago, the daughter and grandson of Pierre Noizat, CEO of crypto exchange Paymium, were targeted in a kidnapping attempt in Paris. The incident took place in broad daylight when attackers tried to force the family into a parked vehicle. However, Noizat’s daughter managed to fight off the assailants.

The post American tourist drugged and robbed: $123,000 in crypto stolen in London appeared first on Atlas21.

@ cae03c48:2a7d6671

Bitcoin Magazine

President Trump Supports Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Senator Lummis Says

Today at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, US Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, and Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia, took the stage to give updates on federal and state level Bitcoin adoption in the United States.

JUST IN: Senator Cynthia Lummis said US military generals are "big supporters" of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve for economic power. pic.twitter.com/2RPMV3tbdA

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

Cynthia Lummis announced that President Donald Trump is supportive of her Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act, which would see the United States purchase 1,000,000 BTC, among other pro-Bitcoin and stablecoin legislation. 

“President Trump supports the bill,” she stated. “And he has a team in the White House working on digital assets — everything from stablecoins to market structure to Bitcoin Strategic Reserve. And they will probably roll out in that order.”

“States have always been the incubators of innovation,” Lummis said. “Senator Justice was the Governor of West Virginia, Senator Blackburn will be the next Governor of Tennessee. The states are where the innovation is occurring.”

“So you have Arizona, Texas and New Hampshire that passed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve bills this year,” she continued. “30 states consider Strategic Bitcoin Reserves. We have the United Arab Emirates purchasing Bitcoin through American exchange traded funds — that’s good for America.”

Senator Blackburn echoed Lummis’ statements, sharing her thoughts on how other countries will follow the United States in their adoption of Bitcoin.

“Many of our allies follow what we do,” Blackburn said. “Everybody wants to be a part of of our market, they want to be a part of our trade. And they will follow what we do. And as Senator Lummis said, we already see countries that are establishing these reserves. So it is vitally important that we hold this as a portion of our reserves.”

Justice emphasized that to be successful, “we have got to get the economics right. Many people ask me many times as Governor, ‘what’s the most important thing you do?’ And I’ll promise you this, it’s all about the economics.” 

Justice then went on to explain that when the average, everyday person is using Bitcoin to purchase their necessities, that legislation will start “happening at light speed”, because politicians want to get re-elected and therefore must follow the will of the people.

You can watch the full panel discussion and the rest of the Bitcoin 2025 Conference Industry Day below:

This post President Trump Supports Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Bill, Senator Lummis Says first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Nik.

@ 5f078e90:b2bacaa3

Sylvi the seahorse

In the coral haven of Azure Bay, a seahorse named Sylvi danced with the tides. Her tail curled around a swaying frond as she watched fish dart by. One dawn, a lost pearl rolled into her nook. Sylvi, curious, nudged it along the reef, meeting crabs and eels who shared tales of the deep. By dusk, she found its oyster home. The pearl gleamed thanks, and Sylvi twirled home, her heart light as foam.

Ignore this test. This was in bold originally.

(380 chars, plain text after Markdown stripping, this was in italics originally)

Originally written on habla.news (on Nostr)

@ cff1720e:15c7e2b2

Liebe Anwender,\ \ diesmal beginnen die Neuigkeiten schon beim Titel und der Anrede. Unsere Worte bestimmen unser Denken, und daher war die Korrektur wichtiger als sie zunächst erscheint, denn bei Pareto gibt es die klassische Trennung zwischen Autor und Leser nicht mehr. Cocreation heißt unser Konzept, jeder kann publizieren, kommentieren, honorieren und distribuieren. Mag das bei Blogtexten derzeit noch nicht selbstverständlich sein, so ist das bei Bildern längst die Norm. 

“Ein Bild sagt mehr als tausend Worte” beschreibt die Wirkung visueller Kommunikation. Deshalb haben wir nach dem Blogtext nun mit Bildern eine neue Content-Kategorie eingeführt. Natürlich auch hier mit den bekannten Funktionen der Interaktion wie like, repost und zap. Es gibt derzeit eine Gliederung in 4 Feeds, Gefolgt (für Nostr-User verfügbar), Memes und Kunst (gefiltert nach entsprechenden Tags) und Pareto für alles andere.

Jeder Nostr-User hat die Möglichkeit eigene Bilder hochzuladen, zu taggen, sowie mit einem Titel und Untertext zu versehen. “Everyone is a creator” war noch nie leichter, probiert es einfach aus! Noch kein Nostr-Profil und trotzdem interessiert? Kein Problem, bitte Informationen zu originellen Bildquellen oder Interesse an Mitwirkung per Mail senden an pictures@pareto.space 

Leicht ist es auch die Pareto-Inhalte zu erhalten und konsumieren, man braucht weder einen Account noch spezielle Apps. Jeder hat bereits die entsprechenden Voraussetzungen, hier ein paar Beispiele.\ \ Newsletter per Mail (Die Friedenstaube)\ hier abonnieren\ \ In Telegram lesen -> hier unsere Kanäle\ https://t.me/pareto_artikel \ https://t.me/friedenstaube_artikel \ \ Als Feed in einem Feed-Reader \ https://pareto.space/atom/feed.xml \ https://pareto.space/atom/de_feed.xml \ https://pareto.space/atom/en_feed.xml

Fügt in Eure Artikel bitte am Anfang / Ende einen Hinweis auf den Pareto-Client ein, andere Clients unterstützen nicht alle Features. Das ist ein Service-Hinweis zur besseren Lesbarkeit “Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem Pareto-Client geschrieben.” Ebenso ist ein Hinweis auf Onboarding bei Nostr nützlich: neue Nostr-User können euch liken und zappen: not yet on Nostr and want the full experience? Easy onboarding via Start.\ \ Das Pareto-Team baut den “Marktplatz der Ideen” und hat dabei schon viel erreicht. Feedback und Mitarbeit hilft uns damit noch schneller voranzukommen, wir bedanken uns für Eure Unterstützung.\ team@pareto.space \ https://pareto.space \ https://geyser.fund/project/pareto?hero=1c1b8e487090 

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Michigan lawmakers are unveiling a comprehensive strategy to regulate Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies.

On May 21, Republican Representative Bill Schuette introduced House Bill 4510, a proposal to amend the Michigan Public Employee Retirement System Investment Act. The legislation would allow the state treasurer, currently Rachael Eubanks, to diversify the state’s investments by including cryptocurrencies with an average market capitalization of over $250 million in the past calendar year.

Under current criteria, Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) are the only cryptocurrencies that meet these selection standards. The proposal specifies that any investment in digital assets must be made through exchange-traded products (spot ETFs) issued by registered investment companies.

Anti-CBDC legislation

Republican Representative Bryan Posthumus is leading the bipartisan initiative behind the second bill, HB 4511, which establishes protections for cryptocurrency holders. The proposal prohibits Michigan from implementing crypto bans or imposing licensing requirements on digital asset holders.

Another key aspect of the legislation is a ban on state officials from supporting or promoting a potential federal central bank digital currency (CBDC). The definition includes the issuance of memorandums or official statements endorsing CBDC proposals related to testing, adoption, or implementation.

Mining and redevelopment of abandoned sites

The third bill, HB 4512, is a proposal led by Democratic Representative Mike McFall for a bipartisan group. This initiative would establish a Bitcoin mining program allowing operators to use abandoned oil and natural gas sites.

The program calls for the appointment of a supervisor tasked with assessing the site’s remaining productive potential, identifying the last operator, and determining the length of abandonment. Prospective participants would need to submit detailed legal documentation of their organizational structure, demonstrate operational expertise in mining, and provide profitability breakeven estimates for their ventures.

The fourth and final bill, HB 4513, also introduced by the bipartisan group led by McFall, focuses on the fiscal aspect of the HB 4512 initiative. The proposal would amend Michigan’s income tax laws to include proceeds generated from the proposed Bitcoin mining program.

The post Michigan: four bills on pension funds, CBDCs, and mining appeared first on Atlas21.

@ 005bc4de:ef11e1a2

BIP-2,100,000,000,000,000,000

So, you're telling me...

• 21 million bitcoins is out, and...
• 2.1 quadrillion sats is in, except that...
• sats are out, so...
• 2.1 quadrillion bitcoins is in, except that...
• there are actually millisats, but...
• millisats are out, so...
• millibitcoins are in, so now...
• there are 2.1 quintillion millibitcoins, except that...
• millibitcoins are the basic base unit of bitcoin, so...
• millibitcoins are out, and now...
• 2.1 quintillion bitcoins are in

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

COD (chemical oxygen demand) sensors play a vital role in water quality testing. Their main functions include real-time monitoring, pollution event warning, water quality assessment and pollution source tracking. The following are the specific roles and applications of COD sensors in water quality testing:

Real-time monitoring and data acquisition COD sensors can monitor the COD content in water bodies in real time and continuously. Compared with traditional sampling methods, COD sensors are fast and accurate, without manual sampling and laboratory testing, which greatly saves time and labor costs. By combining with the data acquisition system, the monitoring data can be uploaded to the cloud in real time to form a extemporization distribution map of the COD content in the water body, providing detailed data support for environmental monitoring and management.

Pollution event warning and rapid response COD sensors play an important role in early warning and rapid response in water environment monitoring. Once there is an abnormal increase in organic matter in the water body, the COD sensor can quickly detect the change in COD content and alarm through the preset threshold. This enables relevant departments to take measures at the early stage of the pollution incident to prevent the spread of pollution and protect the water environment.

Water quality assessment and pollution source tracking COD sensors play an important role in water quality assessment and pollution source tracking. By continuously monitoring the COD content in water bodies, the water quality can be evaluated and compared with national and regional water quality standards. At the same time, COD sensors can also help determine and track the location and spread of pollution sources, provide accurate data support for environmental management departments, and guide the development of pollution prevention and control work.

Application scenarios COD sensors are widely used in various water quality monitoring scenarios, including but not limited to: Sewage treatment plants: used to monitor the COD content of in fluent and effluent to ensure the effect of sewage treatment. Water source protection and management: deployed in water sources to monitor the COD content of in fluent sources. Once the water quality exceeds the set limit, the system will issue an alarm in time to ensure water quality safety. Lake and river monitoring: deployed in water bodies such as lakes and rivers to monitor the COD content of water bodies in real time.

Technical features of COD sensor COD sensor uses advanced technology, such as ultraviolet absorption method, which does not require the use of chemical reagents, avoiding the risk of contamination of chemical reagents in traditional COD detection methods, and can achieve online uninterrupted water quality monitoring, providing strong support for real-time water quality assessment. In addition, COD sensor also has the advantages of low cost, high stability, strong anti-interference ability, and convenient installation.

Summary In summary, COD sensor plays an irreplaceable role in water quality detection. It can not only provide real-time and accurate water quality data, but also quickly warn when pollution incidents occur, providing strong technical support for water quality management and environmental protection. With the advancement of technology and the popularization of applications, COD sensor will play a more important role in water quality monitoring in the future.

@ 58537364:705b4b85

ถ้าอยากแล้วไม่หลง มันก็อยากด้วยปัญญา ความอยากอย่างนี้ท่านเรียกว่า เป็นบารมีของตน แต่ไม่ใช่ทุกคนนะที่มีปัญญา

บางคนไม่อยากจะให้มันอยาก เพราะเข้าใจว่า การมาปฏิบัติก็เพื่อระงับความอยาก ความจริงน่ะ ถ้าหากว่าไม่มีความอยาก ก็ไม่มีข้อปฏิบัติ ไม่รู้ว่าจะทำอะไร ลองพิจารณาดูก็ได้

ทุกคน แม้องค์พระพุทธเจ้าของเราก็ตาม ที่ท่านออกมาปฏิบัติ ก็เพื่อจะให้บรรเทากิเลสทั้งหลายนั้น

แต่ว่ามันต้องอยากทำ อยากปฏิบัติ อยากให้มันสงบ และก็ไม่อยากให้มันวุ่นวาย ทั้งสองอย่างนี้ มันเป็นอุปสรรคทั้งนั้น ถ้าเราไม่มีปัญญา ไม่มีความฉลาดในการกระทำอย่างนั้น เพราะว่ามันปนกันอยู่ อยากทั้งสองอย่างนี้มันมีราคาเท่า ๆ กัน

อยากจะพ้นทุกข์มันเป็นกิเลส สำหรับคนไม่มีปัญญา อยากด้วยความโง่ ไม่อยากมันก็เป็นกิเลส เพราะไม่อยากอันนั้นมันประกอบด้วยความโง่เหมือนกัน คือทั้งอยาก ไม่อยาก ปัญญาก็ไม่มี ทั้งสองอย่างนี้ มันเป็นกามสุขัลลิกานุโยโค กับอัตตกิลมถานุโยโค ซึ่งพระพุทธองค์ของเรา ขณะที่พระองค์กำลังทรงปฏิบัติอยู่นั้น ท่านก็หลงใหลในอย่างนี้ ไม่รู้ว่าจะทำอย่างไร ท่านหาอุบายหลายประการ กว่าจะพบของสองสิ่งนี้

ทุกวันนี้เราทั้งหลายก็เหมือนกัน ทุกสิ่งทั้งสองอย่างนี้มันกวนอยู่ เราจึงเข้าสู่ทางไม่ได้ก็เพราะอันนี้ ความเป็นจริงนี้ทุกคนที่มาปฏิบัติ ก็เป็นปุถุชนมาทั้งนั้น ปุถุชนก็เต็มไปด้วยความอยาก ความอยากที่ไม่มีปัญญา อยากด้วยความหลง ไม่อยากมันก็มีโทษเหมือนกัน “ไม่อยาก” มันก็เป็นตัณหา “อยาก” มันก็เป็นตัณหาอีกเหมือนกัน

ทีนี้ นักปฏิบัติยังไม่รู้เรื่องว่า จะเอายังไงกัน เดินไปข้างหน้าก็ไม่ถูก เดินกลับไปข้างหลังก็ไม่ถูก จะหยุดก็หยุดไม่ได้เพราะมันยังอยากอยู่ มันยังหลงอยู่ มีแต่ความอยาก แต่ปัญญาไม่มี มันอยากด้วยความหลง มันก็เป็นตัณหา ถึงแม้ไม่อยาก มันก็เป็นความหลง มันก็เป็นตัณหาเหมือนกันเพราะอะไร? เพราะมันขาดปัญญา

ความเป็นจริงนั้น ธรรมะมันอยู่ตรงนั้นแหละ ตรงความอยากกับความไม่อยากนั่นแหละ แต่เราไม่มีปัญญา ก็พยายามไม่ให้อยากบ้าง เดี๋ยวก็อยากบ้าง อยากให้เป็นอย่างนั้น ไม่อยากให้เป็นอย่างนี้ ความจริงทั้งสองอย่างนี้ หรือทั้งคู่นี้มันตัวเดียวกันทั้งนั้น ไม่ใช่คนละตัว แต่เราไม่รู้เรื่องของมัน

พระพุทธเจ้าของเรา และสาวกทั้งหลายของพระองค์นั้นท่านก็อยากเหมือนกัน แต่ “อยาก” ของท่านนั้น เป็นเพียงอาการของจิตเฉย ๆ หรือ “ไม่อยาก” ของท่าน ก็เป็นเพียงอาการของจิตเฉย ๆ อีกเหมือนกัน มันวูบเดียวเท่านั้น ก็หายไปแล้ว

ดังนั้น ความอยากหรือไม่อยากนี้ มันมีอยู่ตลอดเวลาแต่สำหรับผู้มีปัญญานั้น “อยาก” ก็ไม่มีอุปาทาน “ไม่อยาก” ก็ไม่มีอุปาทาน เป็น “สักแต่ว่า” อยากหรือไม่อยากเท่านั้น ถ้าพูดตามความจริงแล้ว มันก็เป็นแต่ "อาการของจิต" อาการของจิตมันเป็นของมันอย่างนั้นเอง ถ้าเรามาตะครุบมันอยู่ใกล้ ๆ นี่มันก็เห็นชัด

ดังนั้นจึงว่า การพิจารณานั้น ไม่ใช่รู้ไปที่อื่น มันรู้ตรงนี้แหละ เหมือนชาวประมงที่ออกไปทอดแหนั่นแหละ ทอดแหออกไปถูกปลาตัวใหญ่ เจ้าของผู้ทอดแหจะคิดอย่างไร? ก็กลัว กลัวปลาจะออกจากแหไปเสีย เมื่อเป็นเช่นนั้น ใจมันก็ดิ้นรนขึ้นระวังมาก บังคับมาก ตะครุบไปตะครุบมาอยู่นั่นแหละ ประเดี๋ยวปลามันก็ออกจากแหไปเสีย เพราะไปตะครุบมันแรงเกินไป

อย่างนั้นโบราณท่านพูดถึงเรื่องอันนี้ ท่านว่าค่อย ๆ ทำมัน แต่อย่าไปห่างจากมัน นี่คือปฏิปทาของเรา ค่อย ๆ คลำมันไปเรื่อย ๆ อย่างนั้นแหละ

อย่าปล่อยมัน หรือไม่อยากรู้มัน ต้องรู้ ต้องรู้เรื่องของมัน พยายามทำมันไปเรื่อย ๆ ให้เป็นปฏิปทา ขี้เกียจเราก็ทำไม่ขี้เกียจเราก็ทำ เรียกว่าการทำการปฏิบัติ ต้องทำไปเรื่อยๆอย่างนี้

ถ้าหากว่าเราขยัน ขยันเพราะความเชื่อ มันมีศรัทธาแต่ปัญญาไม่มี ถ้าเป็นอย่างนี้ ขยันไป ๆ แล้วมันก็ไม่เกิดผลอะไรขึ้นมากมาย ขยันไปนาน ๆ เข้า แต่มันไม่ถูกทาง มันก็ไม่สงบระงับ ทีนี้ก็จะเกิดความคิดว่า เรานี้บุญน้อยหรือวาสนาน้อย หรือคิดไปว่ามนุษย์ในโลกนี้คงทำไม่ได้หรอก แล้วก็เลยหยุดเลิกทำเลิกปฏิบัติ

ถ้าเกิดความคิดอย่างนี้เมื่อใด ขอให้ระวังให้มาก ให้มีขันติ ความอดทน ให้ทำไปเรื่อย ๆ เหมือนกับเราจับปลาตัวใหญ่ ก็ให้ค่อย ๆ คลำมันไปเรื่อย ๆ ปลามันก็จะไม่ดิ้นแรงค่อย ๆทำไปเรื่อย ๆ ไม่หยุด ไม่ช้าปลาก็จะหมดกำลัง มันก็จับง่าย จับให้ถนัดมือเลย ถ้าเรารีบจนเกินไป ปลามันก็จะหนีดิ้นออกจากแหเท่านั้น

ดังนั้น การปฏิบัตินี้ ถ้าเราพิจารณาตามพื้นเหตุของเรา เช่นว่า เราไม่มีความรู้ในปริยัติ ไม่มีความรู้ในอะไรอื่น ที่จะให้การปฏิบัติมันเกิดผลขึ้น ก็ดูความรู้ที่เป็นพื้นเพเดิมของเรานั่นแหละอันนั้นก็คือ “ธรรมชาติของจิต” นี่เอง มันมีของมันอยู่แล้ว เราจะไปเรียนรู้มัน มันก็มีอยู่ หรือเราจะไม่ไปเรียนรู้มัน มันก็มีอยู่

อย่างที่ท่านพูดว่า พระพุทธเจ้าจะบังเกิดขึ้นก็ตาม หรือไม่บังเกิดขึ้นก็ตาม ธรรมะก็คงมีอยู่อย่างนั้น มันเป็นของมันอยู่อย่างนั้น ไม่พลิกแพลงไปไหน มันเป็นสัจจธรรม

เราไม่เข้าใจสัจจธรรม ก็ไม่รู้ว่าสัจจธรรมเป็นอย่างไร นี้เรียกว่า การพิจารณาในความรู้ของผู้ปฏิบัติที่ไม่มีพื้นปริยัติ

ขอให้ดูจิต พยายามอ่านจิตของเจ้าของ พยายามพูดกับจิตของเจ้าของ มันจึงจะรู้เรื่องของจิต ค่อย ๆ ทำไป ถ้ายังไม่ถึงที่ของมัน มันก็ไปอยู่อย่างนั้น

ครูบาอาจารย์บางท่านบอกว่า ทำไปเรื่อย ๆ อย่าหยุด บางทีเรามาคิด “เออ ทำไปเรื่อย ๆ ถ้าไม่รู้เรื่องของมัน ถ้าทำไม่ถูกที่มัน มันจะรู้อะไร” อย่างนี้เป็นต้น ก็ต้องไปเรื่อย ๆ ก่อน แล้วมันก็จะเกิดความรู้สึกนึกคิดขึ้นในสิ่งที่เราพากเพียรทำนั้น

มันเหมือนกันกับบุรุษที่ไปสีไฟ ได้ฟังท่านบอกว่า เอาไม้ไผ่สองอันมาสีกันเข้าไปเถอะ แล้วจะมีไฟเกิดขึ้น บุรุษนั้นก็จับไม้ไผ่เข้าสองอัน สีกันเข้า แต่ใจร้อน สีไปได้หน่อย ก็อยากให้มันเป็นไฟ ใจก็เร่งอยู่เรื่อย ให้เป็นไฟเร็วๆ แต่ไฟก็ไม่เกิดสักที บุรุษนั้นก็เกิดความขี้เกียจ แล้วก็หยุดพัก แล้วจึงลองสีอีกนิด แล้วก็หยุดพัก ความร้อนที่พอมีอยู่บ้าง ก็หายไปล่ะซิ เพราะความร้อนมันไม่ติดต่อกัน

ถ้าทำไปเรื่อยๆอย่างนี้ เหนื่อยก็หยุด มีแต่เหนื่อยอย่างเดียวก็พอได้ แต่มีขี้เกียจปนเข้าด้วย เลยไปกันใหญ่ แล้วบุรุษนั้นก็หาว่าไฟไม่มี ไม่เอาไฟ ก็ทิ้ง เลิก ไม่สีอีก แล้วก็ไปเที่ยวประกาศว่า ไฟไม่มี ทำอย่างนี้ไม่ได้ ไม่มีไฟหรอก เขาได้ลองทำแล้ว

ก็จริงเหมือนกันที่ได้ทำแล้ว แต่ทำยังไม่ถึงจุดของมันคือความร้อนยังไม่สมดุลกัน ไฟมันก็เกิดขึ้นไม่ได้ ทั้งที่ความจริงไฟมันก็มีอยู่ อย่างนี้ก็เกิดความท้อแท้ขึ้นในใจของผู้ปฏิบัตินั้น ก็ละอันนี้ไปทำอันโน้นเรื่อยไป อันนี้ฉันใดก็ฉันนั้น

การปฏิบัตินั้น ปฏิบัติทางกายทางใจทั้งสองอย่าง มันต้องพร้อมกัน เพราะอะไร? เพราะพื้นเพมันเป็นคนมีกิเลสทั้งนั้น พระพุทธเจ้าก่อนที่จะเป็นพระพุทธเจ้า ท่านก็มีกิเลสแต่ท่านมีปัญญามากหลาย พระอรหันต์ก็เหมือนกัน เมื่อยังเป็นปุถุชนอยู่ ก็เหมือนกับเรา

เมื่อความอยากเกิดขึ้นมา เราก็ไม่รู้จัก เมื่อความไม่อยากเกิดขึ้นมา เราก็ไม่รู้จัก บางทีก็ร้อนใจ บางทีก็ดีใจ ถ้าใจเราไม่อยาก ก็ดีใจแบบหนึ่ง และวุ่นวายอีกแบบหนึ่ง ถ้าใจเราอยาก มันก็วุ่นวายอย่างหนึ่ง และดีใจอย่างหนึ่ง มันประสมประเสกันอยู่อย่างนี้

อันนี้คือปฏิปทาของผู้ปฏิบัติเรา

[อ่านใจธรรมชาติ] หลวงปู่ชา สุภัทโท หนังสือ หมวด: โพธิญาณ

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

The oil-in-water sensoris an instrument specially used to detect oil substances in water bodies. Its working principle is mainly based on the characteristic that oil substances will produce fluorescence under ultraviolet light. The following is a detailed explanation:

Principle Overview The oil-in-water sensor uses the characteristic that oil substances will produce fluorescence under ultraviolet light, and measures the fluorescence intensity to infer the concentration of oil substances. Specifically, the sensor uses ultraviolet light as the excitation light source to irradiate the water sample to be tested. After the oil substance absorbs ultraviolet light, it will stimulate fluorescence, and the fluorescence signal is received by the photo detector and converted into an electrical signal. By measuring the strength of the electrical signal, the concentration of oil substances in the water sample can be inferred.

Workflow Ultraviolet light irradiation: The ultraviolet light source inside the sensor emits ultraviolet light and irradiates it into the water sample to be tested.

Fluorescence generation: After the oil substance in the water sample absorbs ultraviolet light, it will stimulate fluorescence.

Fluorescence detection: The photo detector in the sensor measures the intensity of this fluorescence.

Signal conversion: The signal processing circuit converts the output of the photo detector into an electrical signal proportional to the amount of oil in the water. Data analysis: By analyzing the strength of the electrical signal, the concentration of oil substances in the water sample can be obtained.

Features and applications The oil in water sensor has high sensitivity and can detect soluble and falsifiable oils. It is suitable for a variety of water quality monitoring scenarios, such as oil field monitoring, industrial circulating water, condensate water, wastewater treatment, surface water stations, etc. In addition, it can also monitor the content of crude oil (benzene and benzene homologous) in water sources such as reservoirs and water plants in real time online, play an early warning role, and protect the safety of water sources.

Practical application The oil in water sensor has a wide range of functions in practical applications, including but not limited to the following aspects: Monitoring the water quality of water sources: ensuring the safety of drinking water, and timely discovering pollution sources and ensuring water supply safety by continuously monitoring oil substances in water sources. Monitoring sewage treatment plant emissions: ensuring that the discharge water quality of sewage treatment plants meets the emission standards to avoid secondary pollution to the environment. Monitoring rivers, lakes and other water bodies: assessing the pollution status and providing a basis for pollution control. Early warning and emergency response: It has real-time monitoring and early warning functions, and can issue an alarm in time when abnormal conditions are found, providing valuable time for emergency response and reducing losses caused by pollution. Scientific research: Through the monitoring data of this sensor, we can deeply understand the distribution, migration and transformation of oil substances in water bodies, and provide a scientific basis for environmental protection and governance.

In summary, the oil in water sensor monitors the oil content in water bodies through ultraviolet fluorescence method, has high sensitivity and broad application prospects, and is an indispensable and important tool in modern environmental monitoring and industrial production.

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

The control of residual chlorine in swimming pools is an important part of water quality management, which aims to ensure the sanitation and safety of swimming pool water while avoiding discomfort to swimmers. Here are some key points about residual chlorine control in swimming pools:

Standards for residual chlorine According to the regulations of the national health supervision department, the residual chlorine in swimming pool water should be kept between 0.3mg/L-1.5mg/L. This range can not only ensure effective disinfection, but also avoid irritation to swimmers' skin and eyes caused by excessive residual chlorine. Too low residual chlorine will lead to incomplete disinfection and increase the risk of bacterial growth; while too high residual chlorine may cause human discomfort and even poisoning. The role of residual chlorine Residual chlorine is a residual disinfectant in swimming pool water, usually in the form of sodium hypocrite (NaClO). It has strong oxidizing properties and can effectively kill bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms in water, thereby ensuring the health of swimmers. In addition, residual chlorine can eliminate harmful substances such as organic matter and ammonia in water to keep the water clean.

Residual chlorine detection method The method of detecting residual chlorine in swimming pools usually uses test strips or test kits for qualitative or quantitative detection. In addition, online monitoring instruments can be used to monitor the residual chlorine in the swimming pool in real time. These methods can help managers promptly detect and deal with situations where the residual chlorine content is too high or too low, ensuring that the water quality of the swimming pool meets the standards.

Methods for controlling residual chlorine Reasonable addition of disinfectants: According to the water quality of the swimming pool and the number of swimmers, reasonable addition of disinfectants to control the residual chlorine content within the specified range.

Regular testing: Regularly test the residual chlorine in the swimming pool to promptly detect and deal with situations where the residual chlorine content is too high or too low.

Maintain swimming pool equipment: Regularly check and maintain swimming pool equipment to ensure the water treatment effect and circulation filtration are normal, and reduce residual disinfectants and other harmful substances in the water.

Do a good job in swimmer hygiene management: Strengthen swimmer hygiene management, require swimmers to shower and rinse their feet before entering the pool, and reduce pollution sources entering the swimming pool.

Solution for excessive residual chlorine If the residual chlorine content in the swimming pool exceeds the standard range, the following measures can be taken:

Use decorating agent: Use decorating agent to quickly restore the excessive residual chlorine in the swimming pool to the normal range (0.3~0.5mg/L). This method is applicable to excessive residual chlorine caused by excessive addition of chlorine disinfectant.

Adjust the water treatment process: According to the water quality, adjust the water treatment process appropriately, such as selecting the appropriate type and dosage of disinfectant, and adjusting operating parameters such as flow rate, pH value, etc., to reduce the generation of residual chlorine.

Strengthen equipment maintenance: Regularly maintain and maintain the water treatment equipment of the swimming pool to ensure its normal operation and disinfection effect.

Through the above methods, the residual chlorine content in the swimming pool can be effectively controlled to ensure water quality safety and protect the health of swimmers.

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon!

A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

So stay a while and listen.

🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨

🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨

https://stacker.news/items/991020

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

Soil moisture is a key factor that affects the structure and function of soil microbial communities. Here are some of the main aspects of how soil moisture affects microorganisms:

Affecting the Growth and Metabolism of Microorganisms Changes in soil moisture content directly affect the growth and metabolic activities of microorganisms. Under suitable moisture conditions, microorganisms are better able to carry out metabolic activities, thereby promoting the decomposition of soil organic matter and the transformation of nutrients. However, under extremely dry or overly wet conditions, the activity of microorganisms will be inhibited, resulting in a decline in soil functions.

Changing the Structure of Microbial Communities Changes in soil moisture conditions can lead to significant changes in the structure of microbial communities. For example, under drought conditions, the number of drought-tolerant microorganisms may increase to adapt to the water shortage environment. While under wet conditions, aerobic microorganisms may dominate. This change in community structure not only affects the soil's water retention capacity, but also other ecological functions of the soil.

Affecting the Stability of Soil Aggregates Soil aggregates are clumps formed by soil particles through physical, chemical and biological actions, and they have an important impact on the soil's water retention capacity. Soil microorganisms participate in the formation and stability of soil aggregates by secreting substances such as extracellular polymers. Appropriate soil moisture helps maintain the stability of soil aggregates, thereby improving the soil's water retention capacity. However, excessive moisture or drought may lead to the destruction of soil aggregates and reduce the soil's water retention capacity.

Regulating soil moisture dynamics Soil microorganisms can regulate the dynamic balance of soil moisture through their metabolic activities, such as decomposing organic matter and synthesizing exopolysaccharides. For example, some microorganisms can increase the water holding capacity of the soil by secreting exopolysaccharides, while others can release water by decomposing organic matter. These activities help maintain the stability of soil moisture and support plant growth.

Influencing the physical properties of soil Soil moisture can also indirectly affect the living environment of microorganisms by affecting the physical properties of the soil, such as pore structure and texture. Good soil pore structure is conducive to the penetration and storage of water, and also provides a suitable living space for microorganisms. Soil texture is closely related to the stability of aggregates. Sandy soils have poor aggregate stability and weak water retention capacity; while clay soils have good aggregate stability and strong water retention capacity.

In summary, soil moisture has many effects on microorganisms, including affecting the growth and metabolism of microorganisms, changing the structure of microbial communities, affecting the stability of soil aggregates, regulating soil moisture dynamics, and affecting the physical properties of soil. Therefore, maintaining suitable soil moisture conditions is of great significance for protecting the diversity and function of soil microbial communities and improving the water retention capacity of soil.

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

Distilled water has a wide range of applications in the medical field, mainly including the following aspects: Preparation of injection water Distilled water is an indispensable agent in medical institutions, used for the preparation of drugs, injection and washing of instruments, etc. In the medical process, sterile injection water is needed to flush wounds, prepare drugs, etc. The distilled water machine can ensure the purity of water and prevent microorganisms and harmful substances in the water from causing harm to patients.

Surgical wound flushing In breast cancer surgery, warm distilled water is used to flush surgical wounds. This practice helps to clean the wound, remove possible residual tumor cells, and use hypnotic effect to make tumor cells absorb water, swell, rupture, and necrotic, thereby preventing tumors from growing in the wound.

Cleaning and disinfection Distilled water has a certain disinfection and sterilization effect. It can be used to clean the skin, help eliminate bacteria on the skin surface, and is beneficial to the health of the skin. In addition, distilled water can also be used to clean and disinfect medical equipment to ensure the hygiene and safety of the medical environment.

Laboratory use In medical-related laboratories, distilled water is used to prepare experimental solutions, wash utensils and experimental instruments. These applications ensure the accuracy of experimental results while maintaining the sterile environment of the laboratory.

Moisturizing and Beauty Although not directly used in medical applications, distilled water is also used in skin care. It can be used as a basic moisturizer to help improve the symptoms of dry skin. In the field of medical beauty, distilled water is sometimes used for facial compresses to achieve calming, cooling, and swelling effects.

In summary, the application of distilled water in the medical field is multifaceted, from basic injection water preparation to complex surgical assistance to daily skin care, it has played an important role.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Governor Abbott will have to decide whether to sign the bill establishing a bitcoin reserve for the state.

Texas could become the third U.S. state to set up a strategic bitcoin reserve, following the approval of Senate Bill 21 by the state House, with 101 votes in favor and 42 against.

Lee Bratcher, founder and president of the Texas Blockchain Council, expressed confidence that Governor Greg Abbott will sign the legislative measure. In an interview with The Block, Bratcher said:

“I’ve talked to the governor about this personally, and I think he wants to see Texas lead in this way.”

The bill is expected to reach the governor’s desk within a week or two, according to Bratcher’s projections. If signed, Texas would follow in the footsteps of New Hampshire and Arizona in creating a state-held bitcoin reserve.

Despite Texas ranking as the world’s eighth-largest economy — ahead of many nations — the initial approach to the reserve will be cautious. Bratcher estimates the starting investment will be in the “tens of millions of dollars,” an amount he describes as “modest” for an economy the size of Texas. The responsibility for operational decisions would fall to the state comptroller, who acts as an executive accountant in charge of managing and investing public funds.

“My sense is that it will be in the tens of millions of dollars, which, while it sounds significant, is a very modest amount, for a state the size of Texas.” explained the president of the Texas Blockchain Council.

The road to approval

According to Bratcher, the idea of creating a state bitcoin reserve dates back to 2022 and represents the culmination of years of work by the Texas Blockchain Council. The organization has worked closely with lawmakers who shared the vision of seeing the state accumulate the world’s leading cryptocurrency. Additionally, Texas has long been home to numerous bitcoin mining companies.

The post Texas one step away from a bitcoin reserve: only the governor’s signature is missing appeared first on Atlas21.

@ eb0157af:77ab6c55

Bitcoin surpasses gold in the United States: 50 million holders and a dominant role in the global market.

According to a new report by River, for the first time in history, the number of Americans owning bitcoin has surpassed that of gold holders. The analysis reveals that approximately 50 million U.S. citizens currently own the cryptocurrency, while gold owners number 37 million. In fact, 14.3% of Americans own bitcoin, the highest percentage of holders worldwide.

Source: River

The report highlights that 40% of all Bitcoin-focused companies are based in the United States, consolidating America’s dominant position in the sector. Additionally, 40.5% of Bitcoin holders are men aged 31 to 35, followed by 35.9% of men aged 41 to 45. In contrast, only 13.4% of holders are women.

Source: River

Notably, U.S. companies hold 94.8% of all bitcoins owned by publicly traded companies worldwide. According to the report, recent regulatory changes in the U.S. have made the asset more accessible through financial products such as spot ETFs.

The document also shows that American investors increasingly view the cryptocurrency as protection against fiscal instability and inflation, appreciating its limited supply and decentralized governance model.

For River, Bitcoin offers significant practical advantages over gold in the modern digital era. Its ease of custody, cross-border transfer, and liquidity make the cryptocurrency an attractive option for both individual and institutional investors, the report suggests.

The post USA: 50 million Americans own bitcoin appeared first on Atlas21.

@ 9c9d2765:16f8c2c2

CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

One quiet evening, as the golden hues of sunset spilled across the office, James found himself standing by the door of Rita’s private workspace. He knocked gently.

She looked up, startled but composed. “James,” she said softly, setting her pen down.

“May I?” he asked, motioning to the chair across from her desk.

She nodded, her expression unreadable. “Of course.”

There was a brief silence, heavy but not uncomfortable. Then James leaned forward, his voice low and sincere.

“Rita… I never hated you,” he began. “Not even for a moment.”

Her eyes flickered, and she looked away, blinking fast. “You should have,” she replied. “I believed lies, I stood by while they treated you like nothing. I was” her voice cracked, “I was a coward.”

“No,” James shook his head. “You were misled. Just like I was, at one point, about the people I trusted.”

He paused, choosing his words carefully. “But everything I did building JP back from ruins, exposing the ones who tried to destroy us, it was never about revenge. It was about finding the truth, and… hoping that maybe, there was still something worth saving between us.”

Tears welled in her eyes, and for the first time in a long time, she didn’t hide them. “Do you really believe we can go back to what we had?”

James offered a small, tender smile. “No. But maybe we can build something new. Something stronger this time with no secrets, no walls.”

That night marked a shift. Rita and James didn’t rush back into love, but they started anew with honesty. Slowly, they began to reconnect over coffee breaks, shared boardroom victories, and late-night reflections.

Meanwhile, the city’s perception of James continued to evolve. He became a keynote speaker at leadership summits, not for his wealth, but for his story. His life, once the subject of cruel gossip, became a testament to resilience, clarity, and vision.

Even the youngest interns in JP Enterprises admired him, not just as a CEO, but as a symbol of what it meant to stand upright in a world eager to bring you down.

Back in the shadows, Mark and Helen's trial proceeded. Witnesses testified, evidence was overwhelming, and public opinion had fully turned against them. Their fall from grace was not swift but it was absolute.

One morning, as James read the headlines declaring Mark and Helen guilty on multiple charges, he simply folded the paper and sipped his tea. There was no celebration. No smirk of triumph.

Only peace.

“Do you still think about the past?” Rita’s voice was soft, almost swallowed by the crackling of the fireplace in the private lounge of JP Towers.

James, seated across from her with a warm mug in his hand, raised his eyes to meet hers. The flicker of flames cast shadows on the polished walls, painting a solemn reflection of everything they'd endured.

“I do,” he admitted, his tone neither bitter nor nostalgic. “Not because I want to relive it but because it reminds me how far we’ve come. How far I’ve come.”

Rita nodded slowly, her eyes glistening beneath the soft glow. “I think about it too,” she confessed. “Every time I walk past the corridors, or sit at my desk… I remember the days I watched you walk these halls like a ghost. Silenced. Humiliated. And I did nothing.”

James leaned back slightly, inhaling deeply. “You did what you thought was right then,” he said with a hint of melancholy. “We were both just trying to survive the storm.”

There was a long pause. Outside, the city pulsed with its usual life, unaware of the quiet reconciliation happening several floors above.

“But survival isn’t living,” she said at last, her voice steadier now. “And I want to live, James. I want to find joy again… with you, if you'll let me.”

Her words hung in the air like fragile glass. James was silent, studying her. This wasn’t the composed, dutiful woman who once echoed the will of her family. This was someone stripped of expectations, speaking from a place of sincerity.

“I won’t promise perfection,” James said after a beat. “But I’ll promise honesty. Loyalty. Peace. No masks. No power games. Just us healing, rebuilding, slowly.”

She exhaled in relief, the corners of her lips lifting slightly. “Then let’s take the first step.”

They stood, a little uncertain, but walked side by side to the balcony overlooking the city that once spat on him, that now bowed to his vision. Rita slipped her hand into his, and this time, James didn’t pull away.

Meanwhile…

The consequences of Mark and Helen’s conspiracy deepened. Investigative journalists began digging further into their past activities, frauds, embezzlements, manipulations. Their names were now synonymous with disgrace in the business world.

The court trials were intense. Mark, once smug and untouchable, appeared gaunt, stripped of the charisma that used to command a room. Helen, on the other hand, wore arrogance like a decaying crown still trying to act superior even when the evidence against her mounted beyond redemption.

And in every newspaper, every media report, James's name was cleared. He had not only reclaimed his honor but redefined what it meant to rise from ruin.

JP Enterprises, now entering its new era of innovation and social impact, had become more than just a corporation it had become a beacon. Business leaders from around the world sought James’s insight. Young entrepreneurs quoted him in lectures and motivational events. And amidst all this, James remained centered because his heart no longer ached with resentment.

The courtroom was saturated with an electrifying silence. The once-glorious reputations of Mark and Helen now hung like withered banners in the wind tattered by deceit, dishonor, and damning evidence. As the judge stepped into the chamber, all eyes turned, yet Mark’s once-confident gaze had diminished into a hollow stare. Helen, dressed in muted tones as if mourning her own prestige, sat rigidly beside him, still refusing to acknowledge the gravity of their downfall.

“For crimes including corporate fraud, defamation, bribery, and obstruction of justice,” the judge’s voice echoed through the courtroom, “this court finds the defendants, Mark Harrison and Helen Ray, guilty on all counts.”

@ 9c9d2765:16f8c2c2

In a quiet village nestled between forest and field, lived a boy named Ezekiel. From birth, he was surrounded by a warm family, playful siblings, and neighbors who always had a story to share. Ezekiel never knew silence, and because of that, he never valued voices. To him, connection was like air everywhere, constant, and unnoticed.

One summer, Ezekiel decided to explore the woods beyond the hills, chasing the thrill of adventure. He wandered farther than he ever had, until the trees thickened and the path thinned into nothing. A sudden storm rolled in. Rain blurred the forest, and Ezekiel lost his way. He sought shelter in a small, abandoned stone hut beside a dried-up well.

The storm passed, but no path appeared. Days turned to weeks. His voice echoed off the stone, unanswered. The silence was no longer peaceful; it was heavy, like a weight pressing on his soul. He learned to survive on roots and rainwater. But loneliness is true, aching loneliness clung to him. He spoke to the walls, to the trees, to the echo in the well, but nothing replied.

One day, while resting against the well, Ezekiel whispered, “I miss them.”

And for the first time, he meant it.

Not just missed their presence but their interruptions, their noise, even their complaints. He missed being seen, and seeing. He understood now: connection wasn’t just comfort. It was color, depth, meaning.

Weeks later, a group of searchers found him thin, dirty, but alive. When he returned, everything was the same, but Ezekiel was not.

He listened differently. Hugged longer. Remembered people’s names, stories, and silences. He no longer saw connection as a given, but a gift.

And every year, he visited the well not to mourn the solitude, but to thank it. For in its quiet, he learned the true value of every voice he once ignored.

Moral: To cherish connection, you must understand solitude not as punishment, but as teacher.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene! It is more dignified to thirst alone in the desert than to share wine with someone who has no thirst for conquest.

On the silent path to success, it’s not the declared enemies who slow the march, but rather the friends. Not the noble or loyal ones, but the failures—those who carry a dull glint in their eyes, chronic laziness in their spirit, and the eternal excuse of bad luck in their pockets. Friendship, when poorly chosen, becomes a polished anchor, tied to your ankle with ropes named camaraderie.

Nothing weighs heavier on the journey than having to endure the failed and envious around you. It is a kind of emotional parasitism that begins with empathy and ends in stagnation. Those who live among the weak will crawl. Those who keep company with miserable friends, instead of striving to prosper, learn to curse wealth—not out of ethics, but out of envy. Mediocrity, my friend, is contagious. And it does not take root suddenly, but like a silent epidemic.

Ambition—that fire that burns in the bones of great men—will always seem like arrogance to the ears of the failed. Those who have never built anything, except arguments to justify their paralysis, will never understand the fury of someone born to conquer. And so, with smiles, they spit venom: “Calm down,” they say, “be content,” they advise. Hypocrites. What they call humility is nothing more than resignation to their own defeat.

To walk alone, with hunger and honor, is worth more than feasting at lavish tables at the cost of your own sweat, surrounded by parasites who toast your downfall with glasses full of praise. No one prospers where the conversation is filled with complaints, criticism, and envy. What does not build up, corrodes.

The rust of the weak is invisible at first—a bitter joke here, a veiled critique there. And before you know it, the structure is already rotten. Of the friendship, only the weight remains. Of the relationship, only exhaustion. The true enemy of success is the company of those who have failed and wish for you the same fate. These tragic figures—always tired, always victims—are masters of collective self-sabotage.

Feel no remorse in abandoning those who build nothing and consume everything. And in that abandonment, you become freer, stronger, and unbreakable.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 1d7ff02a:d042b5be

For those who still don't truly understand Bitcoin, it means you still don't understand what money is, who creates it, and why humans need money.

It's a scam that the education system doesn't teach this important subject, while we spend almost our entire lives trying to earn money. Therefore, I recommend following the money and studying Bitcoin seriously.

Why Bitcoin Matters

Saving is the greatest discovery in human history

Before humans learned to save, we were just animals living day to day. Saving is what makes humans different from other animals — the ability to think about the future and store for later.

Saving created civilization itself

Without saving, there would be no cities, no science, no art. Everything we call "progress" comes from the ability to save.

Money is the greatest creation in human history

It is the tool that has allowed human civilization to advance to this day. Money is the best tool humans use for saving.

Bitcoin is the best money ever created

It is the most perfect money humans have ever created. No one can control, manipulate, destroy it, and it is truly limited like time in life.

Bitcoin is like a black hole

That will absorb all value from the damaged financial system. It will draw stability and value to itself. Everything of value will flow into Bitcoin eventually.

Bitcoin is like Buddhism discovering truth

It helps understand the root problems of the current financial system and the emergence of many problems in society, just like Buddha who understood all suffering and the causes of suffering.

Bitcoin is freedom

Money is power, money controls human behavior. When we have money that preserves value and cannot be controlled, we will have intellectual freedom, freedom of expression, and the power to choose.

The debt that humanity has created today would take another thousand years to pay off completely

There is no way out and it's heading toward serious collapse. Bitcoin is the light that will help prevent humanity from entering another dark age.

Bitcoin cannot steal your time

It cannot be created from nothing. Every Bitcoin requires real energy and time to create.

Bitcoin is insurance that protects against mismanagement

It helps protect against currency debasement, economic depression, and failed policies. Bitcoin will protect your value.

Bitcoin is going to absorb the world's value

Eventually, Bitcoin will become the store of value for the entire world. It will absorb wealth from all assets, all prices, and all investments.

Exit The Matrix

We live in a financial Matrix. Every day we wake up and go to work, thinking we're building a future for ourselves. But in reality, we're just giving energy to a system that extracts value from us every second. Bitcoin is the red pill — it will open your eyes to see the truth of the financial world. Central banks are the architects of this Matrix — they create money from nothing, and we have to work hard to get it.

The education system has deceived us greatly. They teach us to work for money, but never teach us what money is. We spend 12-16 years in school, then spend our entire lives earning money, but never know what it is, who creates it, and why it has value. This is the biggest scam in human history.

We are taught to be slaves of the system, but not taught to understand the system.

The Bitcoin standard will end war

When you can't print money for war anymore, war becomes too expensive.

We are entering the Bitcoin Renaissance era

An era of financial and intellectual revival. Bitcoin is creating a new class of humans. People who understand and hold Bitcoin will become a new class with true freedom.

The Path to Financial Truth

Follow the money trail and you will see the truth: - Who controls money printing? - Why do prices keep getting higher? - Why are the poor getting poorer and the rich getting richer?

All the answers lie in understanding money and Bitcoin.

Studying Bitcoin is not just about investment — it's about understanding the future of currency and human society.

Don't just work for money. Understand money. Study Bitcoin.

If you don't understand money, you will be a slave to the system forever. If you understand Bitcoin, you will gain freedom.

@ cae03c48:2a7d6671

Bitcoin Magazine

Steak ‘n Shake Reveals Bitcoin Payment Success at Bitcoin 2025 Conference

Speaking at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference this morning, Steak ‘n Shake executive Dan Edwards shared new data and insights from the company’s recent move to accept Bitcoin payments globally via the Lightning Network. 

JUST IN: Fast food giant Steak 'n Shake announced they're saving 50% in processing fees accepting Bitcoin payments

'#Bitcoin is faster than credit cards' pic.twitter.com/bxApgBL6El

— Bitcoin Magazine (@BitcoinMagazine) May 27, 2025

“On May 16, we began accepting Bitcoin as payment in all of our locations where permitted to do so by law,” Edwards began. “This is a global implementation.” 

According to Edwards, Bitcoin transactions are already outperforming expectations. “The day we launched Bitcoin, 1 out of every 500 bitcoin transactions in the world happened at Steak ‘n Shake,” he said. 

Steak ‘n Shake is also saving significantly on processing fees. “Bitcoin is faster than credit cards, and when customers choose to pay in Bitcoin, we’re saving 50% in processing fees,” said Edwards. “That makes Bitcoin a win for the customer, a win for us, and a win for the Bitcoin community.” 

He emphasized that the decision was not a publicity stunt, but a serious payment upgrade. “We didn’t see this as a marketing gimmick. We saw it as a viable option to pay—on par with other globally accepted methods.” 

The company reports that customer behavior has already shifted. “We’ve seen a sustained spike since adding Bitcoin,” Edwards noted. 

Edwards also teased the company’s future plans, calling for more technical talent. “We’re not done. We’re investing in cyber chefs, autonomous drives, AI tech—and we need engineers to help us build it.” 

To celebrate Bitcoin integration, limited-edition Bitcoin-themed menu items are launching this week in Las Vegas, including the Bitcoin Burger, Super-Sized Bitcoin Meal, and Bitcoin Milkshake. A “blockchain menu” is also in the works. 

“Celebrate the use of Bitcoin,” Edwards concluded. “Because this is just the beginning.”

This post Steak ‘n Shake Reveals Bitcoin Payment Success at Bitcoin 2025 Conference first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Jenna Montgomery.

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

The PH value of a swimming pool is one of the important indicators for measuring the quality of swimming pool water. Its importance is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Affecting human comfort The pH of water that the human body is most adapted to is neutral. Inappropriate pH of swimming pool water will irritate human skin, eyes and mucous membranes, causing discomfort. For example, when the pH value is high or low, it may irritate the swimmer's skin, eyes, etc., causing discomfort such as itchy skin, red and swollen eyes, and sticky hair, affecting the swimmer's physical health and swimming experience. Affecting the disinfection effect of swimming pools Affecting the activity of chlorine disinfectants Swimming pools are usually disinfected with chlorine-containing disinfectants. Different pH values will cause differences in the activity and disinfection ability of chlorine. When the pH value in swimming pool water is greater than 8.0, the activity of chlorine disinfectants in water will be significantly reduced, that is, the disinfection ability will be reduced, which will affect the algae removal and sterilization effects, resulting in the proliferation of green algae in swimming pool water. When the pH value is less than 7.0, the activity of the disinfectant in the swimming pool will be relatively high, the residual chlorine in the swimming pool will dissipate faster, and the disinfection durability of the swimming pool disinfectant will be greatly weakened. Under the condition of pH about 7.5, there is a relatively good disinfection effect and the duration of the drug effect is relatively long.

Influence on the existence form of residual chlorine Depending on the pH value, free chlorine may be chlorine gas (Cl₂), chlorophyll acid (HClO) or hypocrite ion (ClO⁻) dissolved in water. The disinfection effect of HClO is about 100 times stronger than that of ClO⁻. When the pH value is about 7.5, both chlorophyll acid and hypocrite ion exist, and the proportion is roughly equal, which can ensure a better disinfection effect.

Corrosion to swimming pool facilities Pool water acidity or alkalinity will have a corrosive effect on swimming pool equipment. If the water is acidic, it will also corrode the accessories of the suction machine and affect the normal use of the equipment. If the pH value is unbalanced for a long time, the chemical disinfectants in the swimming pool will corrode the pool structure and swimming pool equipment, which will not only affect the appearance of the pool structure and equipment, but also shorten the service life of the swimming pool and increase the maintenance cost of the swimming pool in the later stage.

Impact on the containment of pool water The pH value in the swimming pool will change due to many external factors, such as rain, the use of swimming pool disinfectants, and alkaline chemicals. Maintaining a suitable pH value can make the pool water have better containment, more stably cope with the influence of these external factors, and maintain the relative stability of water quality.

In summary, the pH value of the swimming pool is of great significance to ensure the health and comfort of swimmers, ensure the disinfection effect, protect swimming pool facilities, and maintain the stability of pool water quality.

@ 502ab02a:a2860397

ยังมีอีกสิ่งหนึ่งที่มักซ่อนอยู่ในเมล็ดธัญพืช ถั่วเปลือกแข็ง และพืชตระกูลถั่วทั้งหลาย เป็นเหมือน “กล่องเก็บขุมทรัพย์” สำหรับชีวิตน้อยๆ ของพืชในวันที่จะเติบโต แต่พอสิ่งนี้หลุดเข้ามาในร่างกายมนุษย์ มันกลับถูกมองว่าเป็น “ขโมย” ขโมยแร่ธาตุไปจากร่างกายเรา เจ้าสิ่งนั้นคือ “กรดไฟติก” หรือ phytic acid นั่นเองครับ

กรดไฟติกเป็นสารอินทรีย์ที่พืชสร้างขึ้นเพื่อเก็บสะสมฟอสฟอรัสไว้ใช้ตอนงอกงามในอนาคต มันเปรียบเหมือนกระปุกออมสินของเมล็ดพืช พวกเมล็ดถั่วดำ ข้าวโพด ข้าวกล้อง ข้าวโอ๊ต เมล็ดทานตะวัน อัลมอนด์ ไปจนถึงเต้าหู้ ถั่วเหลือง และธัญพืชต่างๆ ล้วนมีกรดไฟติกอยู่ไม่น้อย โดยเฉพาะถ้าเป็น “ธัญพืชเต็มเมล็ด” ที่ไม่ผ่านการขัดสีแบบที่หลายๆคนชอบ นั่นเพราะเยื่อหุ้มเมล็ดคือที่เก็บเจ้าตัวนี้ไว้

หลายคนคงคิดว่า อ้าวแล้วเจ้ากรดไฟติกทำไมถึงมีชื่อเสียงไม่ค่อยดีนัก? คำตอบอยู่ที่ “ความสามารถในการจับแร่ธาตุ” ของมันนี่แหละครับ

กรดไฟติกเป็นเหมือนแม่เหล็กเล็กๆ ที่สามารถจับตัวกับแร่ธาตุต่างๆ ได้ดี โดยเฉพาะ “แร่ธาตุบวกสอง” ทั้งหลาย แร่ธาตุบวกสอง คือ แร่ธาตุที่เวลาอยู่ในร่างกายจะอยู่ในรูปของไอออนที่มีประจุไฟฟ้า บวก 2 (เขียนว่า ²⁺) หรือพูดอีกแบบคือ มันเสียอิเล็กตรอนออกไป 2 ตัว เลยกลายเป็นไอออนที่มีพลังบวก 2 หน่วย กรดไฟติก หรือ แทนนิน จะทำตัวเป็น "แม่เหล็ก" ดูดแร่ธาตุออกไป มันมักจะจับกับแร่ธาตุที่มีประจุบวก โดยเฉพาะพวกที่ประจุบวกแรงๆ แบบ บวกสอง (²⁺) นี่แหละ เพราะจับแน่น จับเหนียว ยิ่งบวกเยอะยิ่งจับดี เหมือนแช่แม่เหล็กลงไปในกล่องโลหะ เช่น ธาตุเหล็ก สังกะสี แมกนีเซียม แคลเซียม และทองแดง พอมันจับเสร็จแล้ว ร่างกายเราก็ไม่สามารถดูดซึมแร่ธาตุพวกนี้เข้าไปได้ เพราะมันเปลี่ยนสภาพกลายเป็นของจับคู่ที่ลำไส้ไม่รู้จัก ไม่รู้จะพาเข้าร่างกายยังไง สุดท้ายก็ต้องโบกมือลาไปพร้อมของเสีย

พวกที่เป็น บวกสาม (³⁺) อย่างเช่น อลูมิเนียม (Al³⁺) หรือ เหล็กเฟอริก (Fe³⁺) จะจับแน่นมาก ถึงขั้นอาจเกิด “ตกตะกอน” แบบไม่ละลายน้ำเลยทีเดียว พวกนี้ลำไส้ไม่สามารถดูดซึมได้เลย ในขณะที่แร่ธาตุบวกหนึ่ง โซเดียม (Na⁺) โพแทสเซียม (K⁺) ประจุบวกแค่ +1 จับกับกรดไฟติกได้น้อยกว่า

ในแง่นี้กรดไฟติกเลยถูกเรียกว่า “สารต้านสารอาหาร” หรือ anti-nutrient เพราะมันต้านไม่ให้ร่างกายได้แร่ธาตุที่ควรจะได้ แต่อย่าเพิ่งตัดสินมันเหมือนผู้ร้าย เพราะในขณะที่กรดไฟติกอาจขโมยแร่ธาตุบางตัวจากร่างกาย มันก็มีคุณสมบัติน่าสนใจที่ดูจะเป็นคุณงามความดีของมันเหมือนกัน เช่น มันสามารถจับกับโลหะหนักบางชนิด เช่น ตะกั่ว หรือแคดเมียม ที่อาจปนเปื้อนในอาหาร แล้วพาออกไปจากร่างกายก่อนที่สิ่งเหล่านั้นจะทำร้ายเรา

และอีกด้านหนึ่งที่กำลังเป็นที่สนใจคือ ฤทธิ์ต้านอนุมูลอิสระของกรดไฟติก มันอาจช่วยลดการอักเสบ หรือยับยั้งการเติบโตของเซลล์มะเร็งบางชนิดในระดับเซลล์ได้ มีงานวิจัยที่พบว่ามันอาจไปจับกับธาตุเหล็กส่วนเกินที่ว่ายอยู่ในเลือด ซึ่งเป็นตัวเร่งปฏิกิริยาอนุมูลอิสระ คล้ายช่วย “เก็บเศษเหล็กที่ลอยไปมาบนทางด่วนหลอดเลือด” ให้ปลอดภัยขึ้นอีกนิด

แต่ทั้งนี้ทั้งนั้น อยากให้คิดแบบนี้ครับว่า กรดไฟติกคือคนแปลกหน้าที่ “บางมื้อก็มีประโยชน์ บางมื้อก็ทำให้เราขาดของดี” สิ่งสำคัญอยู่ที่ “สภาวะแวดล้อมของมื้ออาหาร” ถ้าอาหารในมื้อมีแร่ธาตุไม่มากนัก แล้วกรดไฟติกเข้ามาเยอะ มันก็ยิ่งลดโอกาสดูดซึมแร่ธาตุเหล่านั้น แต่ถ้ามื้ออาหารมีความหลากหลาย โปรตีนเพียงพอ วิตามิน C อยู่ครบ ก็ช่วยเพิ่มการดูดซึมธาตุเหล็กได้ดีขึ้น เพราะมันเปลี่ยนเหล็กให้อยู่ในรูปแบบที่ร่างกายดูดซึมง่ายขึ้น

แล้วเราจะจัดการยังไงกับกรดไฟติกในครัวแบบบ้านเรา?

วิธีพื้นบ้านมีมาแต่โบราณแล้วนั่นคือ -แช่น้ำ ก่อนหุงข้าวกล้อง หรือแช่ถั่วก่อนนำไปต้ม จะช่วยลดกรดไฟติกได้ระดับหนึ่ง เพราะมีเอนไซม์ที่ชื่อว่า phytase ซึ่งจะเริ่มทำงานเมื่อพืชได้รับน้ำและอุณหภูมิพอเหมาะ -การหมัก เช่น หมักแป้งข้าวเปลือกทำขนม หรือการหมักเต้าหู้ ก็เป็นวิธีดั้งเดิมที่ช่วยลดกรดไฟติกลงได้มาก เพราะเอนไซม์ของจุลินทรีย์ในกระบวนการหมักจะช่วยย่อยกรดไฟติกให้ลดลง -การงอก หรือ sprouting คือการทำให้เมล็ดพืชเริ่มต้นชีวิตใหม่ เช่น ถั่วงอก ข้าวกล้องงอก วิธีนี้ลดกรดไฟติกได้ดีมาก เพราะ phytase ที่อยู่ในพืชจะถูกกระตุ้นให้ทำงานสูงสุดตอนพืชเริ่มงอก

ข้อมูลคร่าวๆ บอกว่า วิธีเหล่านี้อาจลดกรดไฟติกลงได้ 30-90% ขึ้นกับชนิดของพืช และระยะเวลาที่ใช้

แต่ต้องรู้ไว้ด้วยว่า… การลดกรดไฟติกก็อาจทำให้พลังงานสำรองหรือสารอาหารบางตัวในพืชหายไปด้วยเช่นกัน เช่น วิตามิน B และสารต้านอนุมูลอิสระบางชนิด จึงควรใช้วิธีที่พอเหมาะ ไม่ถึงกับฆ่าความดีของพืชหมด

ดังนั้นเช่นกันครับว่า กรดไฟติกไม่ใช่ศัตรู ไม่ใช่เทพเจ้า แต่คือ “สมการ” ที่ต้องรู้จักแก้ไขให้เหมาะกับมื้ออาหารของเรา ถ้าเฮียเลือกกินแบบ animal-based อยู่แล้ว แร่ธาตุสำคัญส่วนใหญ่ก็ได้จากเนื้อสัตว์แบบที่ดูดซึมได้ดีอยู่แล้ว กรดไฟติกจากพืชที่กินพอประมาณก็อาจไม่ได้ร้ายแรงอะไรนัก เพียงแต่ต้องรู้ทันและจัดการให้พอดี ไม่ให้มันกลายเป็นตัวฉุดไม่ให้ร่างกายดูดซึมของดี

สุดท้าย เหมือนชีวิตเรานี่แหละ… “ทุกอย่างมีมุมมืดและมุมสว่าง อยู่ที่ว่าเราจัดแสงยังไงให้แม้แต่เงาก็กลายเป็นพลังของชีวิตเรา” #โรงบ่มสุขภาพ #HealthyHut #pirateketo #ตำรับเอ๋ #siripun #siamstr

/เฮียเอง

@ 502ab02a:a2860397

ในปี 2013 ณ กรุงลอนดอน แฮมเบอร์เกอร์หน้าตาดูธรรมดาแต่ไม่ธรรมดาชิ้นหนึ่งได้ถูกจัดวางอย่างสง่างามบนจานสีขาวในงานแถลงข่าวระดับโลก ไม่ใช่เพราะมันแพงเกินเหตุที่ตั้งราคาที่ 330,000 ดอลลาร์ต่อชิ้น แต่เพราะมันไม่เคยเกิดขึ้นมาก่อนในประวัติศาสตร์นี่คือ “เนื้อเพาะเลี้ยง” (cultured meat) ชิ้นแรกของโลกที่เติบโตมาจากเซลล์ ไม่ใช่จากสัตว์ทั้งตัว

เบื้องหลังอาหารชิ้นนี้คือชายชาวดัตช์คนหนึ่ง ชื่อว่า มาร์ค โพสต์ (Mark Post) นักวิทยาศาสตร์ด้านสรีรวิทยาหลอดเลือด ซึ่งไม่ได้มีดีกรีจากแค่มหาวิทยาลัย แต่มีความฝันที่อยากจะสร้างอาหารจากเทคโนโลยีเพื่ออนาคต เขาเริ่มต้นจากห้องทดลองเล็กๆ ที่มหาวิทยาลัย Maastricht ในประเทศเนเธอร์แลนด์ โดยเชื่อว่าการเพาะเลี้ยงเนื้อจากเซลล์ต้นกำเนิดของวัวจะสามารถลดผลกระทบด้านสิ่งแวดล้อมจากอุตสาหกรรมเนื้อสัตว์ได้

แต่กว่าจะมีแฮมเบอร์เกอร์เพาะเลี้ยงได้หนึ่งชิ้น เขาต้องเพาะเลี้ยงเส้นใยกล้ามเนื้อเล็กๆ มากกว่า 20,000 เส้น นำมารวมกัน ประกอบโครง สร้างรูปร่าง คล้ายกับงานศิลปะทางวิทยาศาสตร์ ใช้เวลาเป็นเดือน แถมกระบวนการทั้งหมดต้องอยู่ในสภาพปลอดเชื้อราวกับโรงพยาบาลของนาโนเทคโนโลยี ส่วนต้นทุนมหาศาลที่ใช้ในวันนั้น มาจากมหาเศรษฐีผู้ร่วมก่อตั้ง Google อย่าง Sergey Brin ที่เห็นว่ามันอาจเป็นคำตอบของปัญหาอาหารโลกในอนาคต

แต่เรื่องนี้มีอะไรมากกว่าที่สื่อกระแสหลักอยากให้คุณรู้

หลังจากเปิดตัวเนื้อในห้องแล็บ โลกก็เหมือนถูกปลุกให้ตื่นขึ้นในอีกมิติหนึ่ง บริษัทสตาร์ทอัพที่เคยเน้นเขียนโค้ด เริ่มหันมาเขียนสูตรเนื้อ บริษัทรายใหญ่อย่าง Cargill, Tyson Foods และแม้แต่ Richard Branson ก็เทเงินสนับสนุนบริษัทรุ่นใหม่อย่าง Mosa Meat ซึ่งก่อตั้งโดย Dr. Post เองในปี 2016 พร้อมแผนทะเยอทะยานที่จะส่ง “เนื้อจากแล็บ” เข้าซูเปอร์มาร์เก็ตภายในทศวรรษเดียว

Mosa Meat พยายามลดต้นทุนจากหลักแสน ให้เหลือหลักร้อย และวันนี้บริษัทเหล่านี้กำลังสร้างโรงงานที่ผลิตเนื้อในถังหมักขนาดยักษ์ ไม่ต่างจากโรงเบียร์ พวกเขาเลี้ยงเซลล์วัวในน้ำเลี้ยงที่เดิมทีเคยใช้เซรุ่มจากลูกวัว (Fetal Bovine Serum) ซึ่งเป็นสิ่งที่ย้อนแย้ง ที่สวนทางกับภาพ “ปลอดภัยไร้เลือด” มาก เพราะในขณะที่โฆษณาว่า “ปลอดการฆ่า” แต่กลับใช้ส่วนผสมที่ได้มาจากเลือดลูกวัวที่ยังไม่เกิด จนต้องหาทางเปลี่ยนสูตรเป็น “น้ำเลี้ยงเทียม” ที่มาจากสารเคมีและอาหารสังเคราะห์แทน

ด้วยโครงสร้าง scaffold ที่ช่วยให้เซลล์ก่อตัวเป็นเนื้อเยื่อ และ กระบวนการเพาะเลี้ยงใน bioreactor ขนาดยักษ์ ที่เปลี่ยนเซลล์เล็ก ๆ ให้เป็นเนื้อก้อนใหญ่ในเวลาไม่กี่สัปดาห์

แต่ขณะที่ภาพความล้ำซึ่งดูจะเติบโตอย่างสดใส กลับมีเงามืดที่เติบโตพร้อมกันไปเงียบๆไม่ต่างกับอนาคินและดาร์ธเวเดอร์

แม้จะเป็นนวัตกรรมล้ำหน้า แต่ทุกขั้นตอนถูกห่อหุ้มไว้ด้วย “สิทธิบัตร” สิ่งที่ทำให้เนื้อชนิดนี้ไม่ได้เป็นของทุกคน แต่เป็นสมบัติทางปัญญาของบริษัทเท่านั้น เนื้อจากเซลล์เหล่านี้ ไม่เหมือนเนื้อจากฟาร์มที่ใครก็เลี้ยงเองได้ ไม่สามารถเก็บเมล็ดพันธุ์ไว้เพาะรุ่นหน้าแบบชาวนาในอดีต ทุกอย่างต้องเริ่มต้นในห้องแล็บ ต้องใช้เทคโนโลยีเฉพาะ ต้องมีสูตรลับเฉพาะ ต้องพึ่งบริษัทที่มีสิทธิบัตรครอบครองชีวิตเซลล์เพียงไม่กี่เจ้า

Mosa Meat ไม่ได้หยุดแค่การผลิต พวกเขายื่นจด สิทธิบัตรกว่า 10 กลุ่ม ครอบคลุมตั้งแต่สูตรน้ำเลี้ยง วิธีเพาะเลี้ยงเซลล์ ไปจนถึงวิธีห่อบรรจุสินค้าขั้นสุดท้าย กล่าวอีกอย่างคือ ถ้าใครอยากทำเนื้อเพาะเลี้ยงแบบนี้บ้าง ก็ต้อง “จ่ายค่าลิขสิทธิ์” ให้เขาเสียก่อน เรากำลังก้าวสู่ยุคที่ อาหารไม่ใช่ผลผลิตจากดินและแรงคน แต่เป็นผลผลิตของทรัพย์สินทางปัญญา และเมื่อใดที่ “เนื้อ” กลายเป็นสิ่งที่คนผลิตเองไม่ได้ ต้องซื้อจากห้างเท่านั้น เกษตรกรกลายเป็นผู้บริโภค ผู้บริโภคกลายเป็นผู้ขึ้นอยู่กับระบบ ห่วงโซ่อาหารที่เคยเป็นของชุมชนถูกตัดขาดด้วยท่อส่งจากห้องทดลองสู่จานอาหาร เราไม่ได้ซื้อเนื้อ แต่ “เช่าเทคโนโลยี” ที่ผลิตเนื้อมาให้เรากิน

และที่น่าสนใจคือ รัฐบาลในหลายประเทศกลับเป็นผู้ให้ทุนสนับสนุน เช่น โครงการของสหภาพยุโรปที่มอบเงินกว่า 2 ล้านยูโรให้ Dr. Post และ Mosa Meat รวมถึงโครงการของสิงคโปร์ที่ให้ใบอนุญาตจำหน่ายเนื้อเพาะเลี้ยงรายแรกของโลกในปี 2020 ราวกับว่า “เนื้อจากแล็บ” กำลังจะกลายเป็นนโยบายด้านความมั่นคงอาหารแห่งอนาคต

มันไม่ใช่เรื่องของการวิจัยอีกต่อไป แต่มันคือการปูทางอำนาจใหม่ ที่เปลี่ยน “อาหาร” ให้กลายเป็น “ซอฟต์แวร์ชีวภาพ” ที่จดทะเบียนครอบครองสิทธิ์แบบเดียวกับแอปในมือถือ

แล้วการใช้สื่อก็จะมาในรุปแบบที่ประชาชนโห่ร้องดีใจ เฉลิมฉลองการเกิดขึ้นของมันโดยไม่รู้สึกว่า เสรีภาพในการจัดการด้านอาหารสิ้นสุดลงแล้ว ในทางหนึ่ง มันอาจดูสวยงามไร้ที่ติ ช่วยลดการฆ่าสัตว์ ลดการปล่อยก๊าซเรือนกระจก และให้โปรตีนสะอาดแก่คนจำนวนมาก

แต่อีกทางหนึ่ง มันคือการรวมศูนย์อำนาจด้านอาหารไว้ในมือบริษัทยักษ์ใหญ่ ที่สามารถตั้งราคาตามใจ และควบคุมทุกขั้นตอนตั้งแต่ฟาร์ม (ในหลอดทดลอง) ถึงโต๊ะอาหารของเรา

เกษตรกรจะหมดบทบาท เพราะไม่มีใครต้องเลี้ยงสัตว์อีก ผู้บริโภคจะหมดทางเลือก เพราะสูตรทุกอย่างถูกจดสิทธิบัตร สุดท้าย คนธรรมดาอย่างเราอาจ “มีเงินก็ยังไม่มีสิทธิ์ทำอาหารกินเอง”

ไม่มีใครในหมู่บ้านจะต้มแกงจากวัตถุดิบแล็บเหล่านี้ได้โดยไม่จ่ายค่าลิขสิทธิ์ ไม่มีใครปลูกหรือเพาะเนื้อได้เอง เพราะเขาถือสิทธิบัตร ไม่มีใครรู้ส่วนผสมที่แท้จริง เพราะมันคือ “ความลับทางการค้า”

หลายๆคนเริ่มคิดในใจว่า…นี่ไม่ใช่เรื่องเล็กอีกต่อไป เพราะนี่อาจไม่ใช่แค่เนื้อจากห้องแล็บ แต่ มันคือจุดเริ่มต้นของอนาคตของอาหารที่ไม่เป็นของประชาชนอีกต่อไป มันคือการเริ่มต้นของยุคที่มนุษย์จะไม่สามารถ “เข้าครัวของตัวเอง” ได้อีกต่อไป

ไหนๆเราตามมาถึงตอนนี้แล้ว เข้าหมวดที่ 2 ของอาหารอนาคตแล้ว เฮียไม่ได้บอกว่าเทคโนโลยีไม่ดีนะครับ เราตัดสินเดี๋ยวนี้ไม่ได้ แต่เรารู้เรื่องของมันได้

แต่โลกนี้เต็มไปด้วยคำว่า “ดีต่อโลก” ที่ซ่อนคำว่า “ดีต่อผู้ถือหุ้น” อยู่ข้างใน เราอาจจะกำลังก้าวสู่ยุคที่ “เนื้อไม่ได้ปลอดภัยขึ้น แต่ถูกควบคุมง่ายขึ้น” และประชาชนก็อาจกลายเป็นเพียง “ผู้ใช้บริการเนื้อ” ที่ไม่มีสิทธิ์แม้แต่จะรู้ว่าเนื้อในจานคืออะไรบ้างแน่

โลกอาหารในอนาคตไม่ได้ขึ้นกับว่าเราปลูกอะไร แต่ขึ้นกับว่า “ใครจดสิทธิบัตรก่อน” และเมื่อถึงวันนั้น เฮียแอบคิดว่า เราอาจไม่ได้เสียแค่ฟาร์มและครัว แต่เรากำลังเสีย “เสรีภาพในการกิน” ไปอย่างช้า ๆ ด้วยรอยยิ้มของนักลงทุนและเสียบปรบมือจาก "ใครบางคน"

ทุกวันนี้ใครนิยมไดเอทอะไร ภูมิใจในการดูแลสุขภาพยังไง ก็ทำไปเหอะครับ ขอเพียงว่า เส้นทางที่เดินอยู่นั้น สนับสนุนเกษตกร สนับสนุน local ให้แข็งแรง ทุกสังคมมีทั้งคนดีและคนไม่ดี เราค่อยๆ verify สนับสนุนคนดีๆ แต่ไม่ใช่ไปเดียจฉันท์ลงโทษคนไม่ดี เราเสริมความรู้ให้เขา พยายามโอบอุ้มพวกเขา ถ้าชีวิตดีขึ้น การออมเห็นผลขึ้น อาจทำให้ชีวิตทุกคนดีขึ้น

#pirateketo #กูต้องรู้มั๊ย #ม้วนหางสิลูก #siamstr

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I finished my Workit step challenge today, but still ate too many snacks and kept eating too late into the evening. I also was just more active in general: chores, errands, playing with the kid and dog, etc.

How did you all do today?

https://stacker.news/items/990849

@ 812cff5a:5c40aeeb

ميزة حسابات Nostr: حرية مطلقة دون تقديم معلومات شخصية

في عصرٍ تسيطر فيه شركات التكنولوجيا الكبرى على بيانات المستخدمين، تأتي شبكة Nostr كحل جذري يعيد للمستخدم السيطرة على هويته الرقمية. واحدة من أبرز ميزات Nostr هي القدرة على إنشاء عدد غير محدود من الحسابات، دون الحاجة لتقديم أي معلومات شخصية، مثل رقم الهاتف أو البريد الإلكتروني.

مفاتيح بدل الحسابات

في Nostr، لا يوجد مفهوم "الحساب" التقليدي. بدلاً من ذلك، يتم إنشاء هوية المستخدم عبر زوج من المفاتيح: مفتاح خاص (Private Key) ومفتاح عام (Public Key). المفتاح العام يُستخدم لتعريفك ونشر مشاركاتك، بينما المفتاح الخاص يُستخدم لتوقيع تلك المشاركات وإثبات ملكيتك لها.

قابلية التنقل بين التطبيقات

الميزة الكبرى في هذا النموذج هي أن هذه المفاتيح يمكن استخدامها في أي تطبيق Nostr. سواء كنت تستخدم تطبيق Damus، أو Amethyst، أو أي عميل آخر، يمكنك استخدام نفس المفتاح العام للوصول إلى هويتك، منشوراتك، وقائمة متابعيك، بدون الحاجة لإعادة تسجيل أو إعادة بناء ملفك الشخصي في كل تطبيق.

لا تسجيل دخول، لا مركزية

بخلاف الشبكات الاجتماعية التقليدية التي تعتمد على تسجيل الدخول المركزي وكلمة مرور، فإن Nostr مبني على بروتوكول لا مركزي لا يحتاج إلى خوادم مركزية أو عمليات تسجيل دخول. هذا يعني أنك تتحكم بالكامل في بياناتك، ولا يمكن لأي جهة منعك أو حذف حسابك.

المرونة والخصوصية

• يمكنك إنشاء عدة مفاتيح لهويات مختلفة، كل منها تمثل شخصية مختلفة أو اهتمامًا معينًا.
• لا أحد يستطيع ربط هذه الحسابات ببعض أو تتبعها إلا إذا قمت أنت بذلك.
• يمكنك التخلي عن مفتاح واستبداله بآخر متى شئت، بدون طلب إذن من أي منصة.

خاتمة

ما يميز Nostr حقًا ليس فقط حريته التقنية، بل فلسفته المبنية على الخصوصية والتمكين. هو ليس مجرد بديل لتويتر أو فيسبوك، بل هو إطار جديد للتواصل الاجتماعي حيث الهوية تنبع من المستخدم، لا من المنصة.

@ b7274d28:c99628cb

In this second installment of The Android Elite Setup tutorial series, we will cover installing the nostr:npub10r8xl2njyepcw2zwv3a6dyufj4e4ajx86hz6v4ehu4gnpupxxp7stjt2p8 on your #Android device and browsing for apps you may be interested in trying out.

Since the #Zapstore is a direct competitor to the Google Play Store, you're not going to be able to find and install it from there like you may be used to with other apps. Instead, you will need to install it directly from the developer's GitHub page. This is not a complicated process, but it is outside the normal flow of searching on the Play Store, tapping install, and you're done.

Installation

From any web browser on your Android phone, navigate to the Zapstore GitHub Releases page and the most recent version will be listed at the top of the page. The .apk file for you to download and install will be listed in the "Assets."

Tap the .apk to download it, and you should get a notification when the download has completed, with a prompt to open the file.

You will likely be presented with a prompt warning you that your phone currently isn't allowed to install applications from "unknown sources." Anywhere other than the Play Store is considered an "unknown source" by default. However, you can manually allow installation from unknown sources in the settings, which the prompt gives you the option to do.

In the settings page that opens, toggle it to allow installation from this source, and you should be prompted to install the application. If you aren't, simply go to your web browser's downloads and tap on the .apk file again, or go into your file browser app and you should find the .apk in your Downloads folder.

If the application doesn't open automatically after install, you will find it in your app drawer.

Home Page

Right at the top of the home page in the Zapstore is the search bar. You can use it to find a specific app you know is available in the Zapstore.

There are quite a lot of open source apps available, and more being added all the time. Most are added by the Zapstore developer, nostr:npub1wf4pufsucer5va8g9p0rj5dnhvfeh6d8w0g6eayaep5dhps6rsgs43dgh9, but some are added by the app developers themselves, especially Nostr apps. All of the applications we will be installing through the Zapstore have been added by their developers and are cryptographically signed, so you know that what you download is what the developer actually released.

The next section is for app discovery. There are curated app collections to peruse for ideas about what you may want to install. As you can see, all of the other apps we will be installing are listed in nostr:npub1wf4pufsucer5va8g9p0rj5dnhvfeh6d8w0g6eayaep5dhps6rsgs43dgh9's "Nostr" collection.

In future releases of the Zapstore, users will be able to create their own app collections.

The last section of the home page is a chronological list of the latest releases. This includes both new apps added to the Zapstore and recently updated apps. The list of recent releases on its own can be a great resource for discovering apps you may not have heard of before.

Installed Apps

The next page of the app, accessed by the icon in the bottom-center of the screen that looks like a clock with an arrow circling it, shows all apps you have installed that are available in the Zapstore. It's also where you will find apps you have previously installed that are ready to be updated. This page is pretty sparse on my test profile, since I only have the Zapstore itself installed, so here is a look at it on my main profile:

The "Disabled Apps" at the top are usually applications that were installed via the Play Store or some other means, but are also available in the Zapstore. You may be surprised to see that some of the apps you already have installed on your device are also available on the Zapstore. However, to manage their updates though the Zapstore, you would need to uninstall the app and reinstall it from the Zapstore instead. I only recommend doing this for applications that are added to the Zapstore by their developers, or you may encounter a significant delay between a new update being released for the app and when that update is available on the Zapstore.

Tap on one of your apps in the list to see whether the app is added by the developer, or by the Zapstore. This takes you to the application's page, and you may see a warning at the top if the app was not installed through the Zapstore.

Scroll down the page a bit and you will see who signed the release that is available on the Zapstore.

In the case of Primal, even though the developer is on Nostr, they are not signing their own releases to the Zapstore yet. This means there will likely be a delay between Primal releasing an update and that update being available on the Zapstore.

Settings

The last page of the app is the settings page, found by tapping the cog at the bottom right.

Here you can send the Zapstore developer feedback directly (if you are logged in), connect a Lightning wallet using Nostr Wallet Connect, delete your local cache, and view some system information.

We will be adding a connection to our nostr:npub1h2qfjpnxau9k7ja9qkf50043xfpfy8j5v60xsqryef64y44puwnq28w8ch wallet in part 5 of this tutorial series.

For the time being, we are all set with the Zapstore and ready for the next stage of our journey.

Continue to Part 3: Amber Signer. Nostr link: nostr:naddr1qqxnzde5xuengdeexcmnvv3eqgstwf6d9r37nqalwgxmfd9p9gclt3l0yc3jp5zuyhkfqjy6extz3jcrqsqqqa28qy2hwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnyv9kh2uewd9hj7qg6waehxw309aex2mrp0yhxyunfva58gcn0d36zumn9wss80nug

@ cae03c48:2a7d6671

Bitcoin Magazine

The Bitcoin Mempool: Private Mempools

In the last Mempool article, I went through the dynamics of transaction propagation when different nodes on the network are running different mempool relay policies. In this piece I’ll be looking at the dynamics of private mempools, and the implications that has for the utility of the public mempool, mining incentives, and the health of the Bitcoin network overall. 

At the heart of the purpose of the mempool is facilitating the aligned incentives of two different parties, miners and transacting users. Users want to transact, and are willing to pay miners’ transaction fees in order to do so. Miners want to make money, and transaction fees are an additional source of revenue in addition to the new coin subsidy in each block, as well as a necessary primary revenue source to cultivate in the long term as the subsidy dwindles. 

Bitcoin is a system secured by incentives. This core dynamic is what drives the security of the system, you have a customer(s) and a provider, and the two of them attempting to fulfill their wants and needs is what ensures the blockchain continues ticking forward with a sufficient amount of thermodynamic security. 

Attempts to introduce friction into this facilitation mechanism does not ultimately do anything at all to change the incentives of these two parties. A user who wants to make a certain kind of transaction is still going to want to make that transaction, and pay for it. A miner who is willing to accept those kinds of transactions is still going to want to accept them, and collect the fee by including them in a block. 

If the transaction is valid, then these two parties are still going to have their unmet wants and needs, and are still going to be strongly motivated to meet them in some form or fashion. 

Miner API

Individual end users are not necessarily capitalized enough or competent enough in order to route around friction artificially introduced between both ends of a coincidence of wants, but miners most definitely are. As the old adage goes, “if you build it, they will come.”

The preferential situation for miners is obviously to acquire fee paying transactions in-band through the public mempool. It requires the lowest overhead possible for them, simply running a standard Bitcoin client out of the box, it is a very resilient propagation mechanism that ensures a very high degree of reliability in getting miners the highest fee paying transactions, and they don’t have to do anything. Just download the client and run it. 

However, in a very hostile environment such as a network wide effort to filter consensus valid transactions during their propagation across the network, that traditional assumption can be drawn into question. 

In such a scenario miners have every incentive to set up out-of-band mechanisms for accepting transactions that are not properly being relayed across the network. Marathon’s Slipstream API for non-standard transactions is not the only example of this. There is in fact a long standing precedent from almost ten years ago that was widely implemented by many mining pools, and still exists to this day. Transaction accelerators. 

We now live in a world of Full-RBF, where any transaction, regardless of using the historical “opt-in” flag, can be fee-bumped. Any node who has upgraded to Full-RBF will relay any transaction that is spending an unconfirmed output already pending in the mempool as long as it is paying a higher fee. This has not always been the case. Historically only transactions that were originally made with a flag to opt-in to RBF use could be replaced and expected to propagate across the network. 

Transaction accelerators were created by miners in order to facilitate this behavior for transactions that did not opt-in to RBF use. 

Third Party APIs

While the overhead is not exorbitantly high for a miner or pool to create their own transaction submission API, it isn’t free. It still does require at least one developer and time to go through the design and release cycle of any piece of software. The curve isn’t particularly exaggerated, but it still does favor larger miners over smaller ones in terms of how much resources they will have to devote to such an endeavor. 

Mempool.space has proven that it is a viable endeavour for a third party unrelated to miners to create such an API, allowing miners to simply connect to their service rather than expend the effort to create one themselves from scratch. This does have its issues though, such a third party is not going to build and operate such a service for free. They will want their cut. 

There are two ways that this dynamic can go, either these services wind up requiring a higher cost in order to allow both the miners and service providers to earn revenue, or miners will have to share a smaller cut of the revenue in order for such services to remain competitive with directly miner operated ones. This means miners using a third party submission API rather than their own will earn less revenue than the miners operating their own API. 

Private Order Flow

Either of the above possibilities introduces serious problems when it comes to the overall system incentives, reliability of end-user software, and potentially even the security model of second layer systems that rely on the use of pre-signed transactions and a reactive security model in order to keep user funds safe. 

When transactions are submitted to a private API, they are not visible to network participants until they are actually confirmed in a block. The entire queue of unconfirmed transactions making use of these systems is opaque. This could be made public by the operators of these APIs, but not in a trustless fashion. There is no way to prove or guarantee that operators are not withholding information. 

Withholding transactions from public view could distort fee estimates that users make, and even open the door to the possibility of manipulating those feerates by stuffing blocks with their own transactions. Transactions used in the operation of second layer systems could be withheld from public view until confirmation, which can delay users ability to react to transactions they must respond to in order to guarantee the security of their funds. 

Lastly, just the existence of such APIs if the demand or need for them is high enough is a massive centralization pressure. Having to handle connecting to each individual API to submit a transaction is a hassle, poor UX, and potential back end complexity. This tends to reinforce the use of the largest API(s) and ignoring the tailend, which creates a feedback loop. 

The API operators with the largest hashrate will have the quickest and most reliable confirmations, guaranteeing only those largest miners reliably earn this extra revenue, giving them more capital to grow larger, etc. 

Parallel Mempools

On the other end of the spectrum is the possibility of creating totally independent public relay networks. While this does replicate the current openness of the existing public mempool, and avoids the worst of the centralizing pressures of central APIs, it still is not ideal. 

Having multiple mempools introducing complexity for miners, for end users, and for end user applications. Users now need to keep track of all the independent mempools, especially ones used for systems they interact with that are not propagated over the primary relay network, in order to have a view of unconfirmed transactions. 

If Lightning (or some other Layer 2) were to start making use of a parallel mempool, tracking it would be critical for any user of Lightning (or that other Layer 2). It would also be necessary to track all of the parallel relay networks in order to have an accurate view of the other unconfirmed transactions you are bidding against for inclusion in the next block. Tracking only a subset of them would lead to potentially large margins of error in any users fee estimation. 

You Just Make Things Worse

Trying to prevent transactions with willing fee paying users without addressing them at the consensus level is just not possible. Bitcoin is an engine driven by incentives, and when the incentives of multiple parties align they will be facilitated in one form or another. 

Trying to pretend that is not the case, and that things can be stopped, disincentivized, or otherwise delayed is a fool’s errand. Not only that, but trying at any serious scale comes with very serious negative consequences, in addition to being doomed to fail. 

Bitcoin’s consensus rules are the framework in which incentives are played out. The only thing that can trump incentives is changing that framework. It is literally what informs and shapes the incentives in the first place. 

Trying to interfere with those incentives at any other layer is a fool’s errand, and can do nothing but exacerbate the negative outcomes driven by incentives, i.e. centralization.

This post The Bitcoin Mempool: Private Mempools first appeared on Bitcoin Magazine and is written by Shinobi.