@ 42342239:1d80db24

Trust is a topic increasingly being discussed. Whether it is trust in each other, in the media, or in our authorities, trust is generally seen as a cornerstone of a strong and well-functioning society. The topic was also the theme of the World Economic Forum at its annual meeting in Davos earlier this year. Even among central bank economists, the subject is becoming more prevalent. Last year, Agustín Carstens, head of the BIS ("the central bank of central banks"), said that "[w]ith trust, the public will be more willing to accept actions that involve short-term costs in exchange for long-term benefits" and that "trust is vital for policy effectiveness".

It is therefore interesting when central banks or others pretend as if nothing has happened even when trust has been shattered.

Just as in Sweden and in hundreds of other countries, Canada is planning to introduce a central bank digital currency (CBDC), a new form of money where the central bank or its intermediaries (the banks) will have complete insight into citizens' transactions. Payments or money could also be made programmable. Everything from transferring ownership of a car automatically after a successful payment to the seller, to payments being denied if you have traveled too far from home.

"If Canadians decide a digital dollar is necessary, our obligation is to be ready" says Carolyn Rogers, Deputy Head of Bank of Canada, in a statement shared in an article.

So, what do the citizens want? According to a report from the Bank of Canada, a whopping 88% of those surveyed believe that the central bank should refrain from developing such a currency. About the same number (87%) believe that authorities should guarantee the opportunity to pay with cash instead. And nearly four out of five people (78%) do not believe that the central bank will care about people's opinions. What about trust again?

Canadians' likely remember the Trudeau government's actions against the "Freedom Convoy". The Freedom Convoy consisted of, among others, truck drivers protesting the country's strict pandemic policies, blocking roads in the capital Ottawa at the beginning of 2022. The government invoked never-before-used emergency measures to, among other things, "freeze" people's bank accounts. Suddenly, truck drivers and those with a "connection" to the protests were unable to pay their electricity bills or insurances, for instance. Superficially, this may not sound so serious, but ultimately, it could mean that their families end up in cold houses (due to electricity being cut off) and that they lose the ability to work (driving uninsured vehicles is not taken lightly). And this applied not only to the truck drivers but also to those with a "connection" to the protests. No court rulings were required.

Without the freedom to pay for goods and services, i.e. the freedom to transact, one has no real freedom at all, as several participants in the protests experienced.

In January of this year, a federal judge concluded that the government's actions two years ago were unlawful when it invoked the emergency measures. The use did not display "features of rationality - motivation, transparency, and intelligibility - and was not justified in relation to the relevant factual and legal limitations that had to be considered". He also argued that the use was not in line with the constitution. There are also reports alleging that the government fabricated evidence to go after the demonstrators. The case is set to continue to the highest court. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland have also recently been sued for the government's actions.

The Trudeau government's use of emergency measures two years ago sadly only provides a glimpse of what the future may hold if CBDCs or similar systems replace the current monetary system with commercial bank money and cash. In Canada, citizens do not want the central bank to proceed with the development of a CBDC. In canada, citizens in Canada want to strengthen the role of cash. In Canada, citizens suspect that the central bank will not listen to them. All while the central bank feverishly continues working on the new system...

"Trust is vital", said Agustín Carstens. But if policy-makers do not pause for a thoughtful reflection even when trust has been utterly shattered as is the case in Canada, are we then not merely dealing with lip service?

And how much trust do these policy-makers then deserve?

@ a5d8475e:df9ff32c

From the serene surroundings of Codsall to the charming appeal of Wombourne, there's something for every discerning tenant. Let's delve into the allure of houses to rent wolverhampton finest neighborhoods.

Luxury Living in Codsall:

Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, Codsall is synonymous with tranquility and sophistication. For those seeking a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle, Codsall presents an ideal setting. Properties to rent in Codsall boast spacious interiors, modern amenities, and meticulously landscaped gardens. Whether you prefer a contemporary apartment or a sprawling family home, Codsall offers a diverse range of rental options to suit your preferences.

Searching for "houses to rent in Codsall" yields a plethora of choices, each exuding elegance and charm. From stylish townhouses to expansive countryside estates, Codsall promises luxurious living at its finest. With convenient access to local amenities and excellent transport links, renting in Codsall offers both convenience and comfort.

Charming Rentals in Wombourne:

Enveloped in a rich tapestry of history and natural beauty, Wombourne exudes a quaint charm that captivates residents and visitors alike. Property to rent in Wombourne epitomizes refined living, with a range of upscale accommodations to choose from. Whether you seek a period property with characterful features or a contemporary dwelling with state-of-the-art facilities, Wombourne delivers on every front.

As you explore "property to rent in Wombourne," you'll encounter an array of enticing options, from cozy cottages to luxurious family homes. Each property is thoughtfully designed to provide residents with the utmost comfort and convenience. With its idyllic surroundings and close-knit community atmosphere, Wombourne offers a truly enchanting rental experience.

Prime Locations in Wolverhampton:

In addition to Codsall and Wombourne, Wolverhampton itself boasts an array of prime locales that are synonymous with luxury living. From the vibrant city center to the leafy suburbs, there's a wealth of rental opportunities waiting to be discovered. Whether you're drawn to the cultural attractions of the city or the tranquility of its outskirts, Wolverhampton offers something for everyone.

A simple search for "property to rent in Wolverhampton" unveils a treasure trove of rental properties, ranging from sleek apartments to spacious family homes. With its diverse neighborhoods and excellent amenities, Wolverhampton provides an exceptional quality of life for residents. From trendy cafes and boutiques to sprawling parks and green spaces, there's no shortage of attractions to enjoy.

Finding Your Dream Home:

Whether you're searching for houses to rent in Codsall, property to rent in Wombourne, or a rental property in Wolverhampton, finding your dream home is made easy with the help of local agents and online resources. With their expertise and guidance, you can navigate the rental market with confidence and secure the perfect property for your needs.

When embarking on your search for luxurious living spaces, it's essential to prioritize your preferences and requirements. Whether you value proximity to amenities, outdoor space, or architectural style, there's a rental property out there that ticks all the boxes. By leveraging online platforms and engaging with local agents, you can streamline your search and find your ideal home in no time.

2-3 Walsall Rd, Willenhall, WV13 2EH

info@halleuk.com

+44 (0) 1902 504455

@ 0dc35bab:125ef4d8

Well... maybe not exactly in the way you were thinking

Let me explain.

---

Ordinal theory concerns itself with satoshis, giving them individual identities and allowing them to be tracked, transferred, and imbued with meaning. Satoshis, not bitcoin, are the atomic, native currency of the Bitcoin network. One bitcoin can be sub-divided into 100,000,000 satoshis, but no further.

---

So, after hearing a recent John Carvalho opinion about satsymbol.org

Then seeing this amusing post by @TonyGiorgio on SN https://stacker.news/items/266590/r/lloyddunne?commentId=266660

Something didn't quite add up. It didn't make sense and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Then it came to me...

---

Are Satoshis, in fact, made up bullshit that has been projected onto Bitcoin?

---

Quite the parallel isn't it, to the ol' ordinals, hey? It's not consensus but people are still using it.

---

Satoshi Theory

From searching SN it seems that Satoshis were first proposed back in 2010 on Bitcointk by user ribuck. A great find in Bitcoin history, and it was a nice thought to dedicate the naming to Satoshi Nakamoto but in my opinion it is too much in line with fiat thinking. It has caused more harm than good.

In order to sell a product, you might consider needing a good bit of marketing. Bitcoiners are always coming up with new ways to bring attention and interest to the network. An example of really good marketing in Bitcoin is the 21 Million Supply Cap. Similar to the labelling of fossil fuels, it emphasizes the scarcity of Bitcoin and incites the FOMO aspect to the product - it might make sense just to get some in case it catches on.

But with any established product, it is important to stay relevant and a revamped marketing strategy could do the trick.

---

The Great Renumbering

Bitcoin is the global brand

---

1 BTC = 1 BTC and there's 2,100,000,000,000,000 of them. 2.1 Quadrillion.

21 million has run it's course. Most of the world has now heard about Bitcoin and they understand that there will only ever be a certain amount of Bitcoin. Satoshis/Sats take away the simplicity. You spend more time explaining the naming of sats than you do about important facts. In terms of pricing it makes sense to switch, as many people think Bitcoin is too expensive, so they jump to the next coin or the next one, when in reality there is no second best.

So, how do we implement this standard? It’s pretty simple, really. Just use the ₿. Check out the FAQ section on satsymbol.org

In reality, feel free to call the units whatever you like - bitcoin, bits, sats - it doesn't really matter. The only thing that matters is...

Bitcoin is inevitable.

---

The new Sat Standard

I liked John's idea about Satoshis flippening Bitcoin. "Yeah, I'm a Satoshi now".

We should invent a naming system, on top of Bitcoin, based on the number of 100 million units ;-)

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

Prompt: Breadcrumbs ===============

An intrinsic part of navigation that give us a sense of where we are in relation to a sitemap. See it as the blue pointer on a map. Every interaction on a website or within an app is an opportunity.

Although a seemingly small detail, breadcrumbs are very necessary and yet often neglected in terms of their appearance and functionality. To truly achieve great design sense you need to consider even the smallest details. How'd

---

Flex your design muscles and join in. Most of all, keep this exercise loose and keep it stress-free. The FUC is about growing our design skills, together, as a community. We can't wait to see what you create!

Happy designing, Stackers!

---

Share Your Results When you finish the challenge, post your work on this thread! If you also share it on nostr, be sure to use the hashtag #FUCdesiger and tag Design_r@iris.to or @Design__r on X! We'll keep an eye out and repost good examples on a regular basis.

---

Curious to know WTF is a FUC? Read the ⚡️Flash Ui Challenges welcoming post.

Looking for more FUCs? Check the archive here!

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

Let's talk style! What trend, color combo, or flair has captured your head this week? Does not need to be a from famous glamoury design firms, just show off your favorite styles, and yes, a selfie showcasing your current outfit is more than welcome, yo! Just consider your privacy!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Apple cuts over 700 jobs following its car and display project closures

Over 700 people at Apple have recently lost their jobs, according to the latest WARN report (https://edd.ca.gov/en/jobs_and_training/layoff_services_warn) posted by the Employment Development Department of California (EDD). Most of the people who were laid off worked at Apple's offices in Santa Clara, with 371 of them coming from (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-04/apple-cut-at-least-600-workers-when-car-screen-projects-stopped?sref=10lNAhZ9) the company location that primarily dealt with the company's now-defunct electric vehicle project (https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-car-project-is-reportedly-dead-203012885.html). Under California law, companies are required to file a report with the EDD for each location affected by layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) program.

Eight Apple locations in Santa Clara were hit by layoffs, including the main car office, though one of them worked on its in-house MicroLED display project (https://www.engadget.com/2018-03-18-apple-microled-rumor.html) that was reportedly scrapped (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-22/apple-scraps-plan-to-design-display-for-watch-in-house-cuts-jobs?sref=10lNAhZ9) in March due to costs and technical difficulties. The company was hoping to produce its own screens for iPhones, Macs and its smartwatches, but that clearly isn't happening anytime soon.

Apple's original car ambitions were to build a fully autonomous vehicle without pedals and a steering wheel, until it decided to develop an electric vehicle instead. A previous Bloomberg report said Apple canceled (https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-car-project-is-reportedly-dead-203012885.html) the initiative internally called "Project Titan" after investing billions of dollars and a decade into it. The employees who were developing the vehicle were given the chance to transfer to Apple's other divisions, including its teams that are reportedly working on artificial intelligence and home robotics. But based on Apple's WARN report, it wasn't able to re-integrate everyone into the company.

Apple is believed to be in the very early stages of developing personal robotics (https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-developing-personal-robots-for-your-home-bloomberg-says-044254029.html?fsig=12hmctV1EI30PVfHKzjiiw--%7EA) for people's homes. One of the machines that's currently a work-in-progress is a robot that follows people around, while the other is a table-top device that uses a robot to move a display around, according to another _Bloomberg report. The company's work on personal robotics is part of its efforts, which also include the Vision Pro (https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-review-beta-testing-the-future-201430272.html), to find new sources of revenue.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-cuts-over-700-jobs-following-its-car-and-display-project-closures-061524777.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/apple-cuts-over-700-jobs-following-its-car-and-display-project-closures-061524777.html?src=rss

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Content

• Conclusion

• FAQ

• You May Also Like

• External Links

*Key takeaways*

• An estimated $60 billion was lost in the cryptocurrency market after the Luna crypto network crashed.

• Stablecoins (Tether, USD Coin) that are backed by dollars or assets held in a bank are not the same as algorithmic stablecoins (UST).

• Do Kwon, the company's co-founder and the person responsible for the security of Luna and TerraUSD, is wanted for the theft of these tokens.

Over the course of four years, Terra Network and its leader, Do Kwon, climbed to prominence in the cryptocurrency world, only to fall spectacularly from favor. The global cryptocurrency market was rocked recently when the Luna crypto network saw the greatest crypto meltdown ever, with an estimated $60 billion wiped away.

The Luna cryptocurrency has two backstories: the TerraUSD/UST stablecoin and the Luna coin itself. Total liquidity dried up in the cryptocurrency industry after the crashes of Luna and UST, leading to an even more precipitous decline in value. The cryptography industry is still reeling from the aftermath.

Let's break down what occurred in order to have a better grasp of the situation.

What exactly is Luna Crypto?

There's a good chance you've heard of TerraUSD and Luna; if so, let me quickly explain what they are. The Luna network had a lot of moving parts leading up to its eventual collapse.

Sister currencies on the same network are TerraUSD (commonly known as UST) and Luna.

Similar to Ethereum and Bitcoin, Terra is a blockchain network that generates Luna tokens. In 2018, Terraform Labs' Do Kwon and Daniel Shin launched the network.

The UST token was developed by Terraform Labs to function as an algorithmic stablecoin on the Terra network. The UST would not be backed by physical assets like other stablecoins (such as the USDC or Tether). Instead, UST would rely on the stability of the Luna token to support its worth. To be continued...

As their value is intended to remain relatively constant at roughly 1 USD, stablecoins are seen as a refuge in the cryptocurrency market. The idea is to provide a stable value for investors, making it less risky than other currencies (like ethereum).

Luna was the native coin of the Terra blockchain, analogous to ether on the Ethereum network. In the Terran system, Luna had four distinct purposes:

1. The means through which one may pay the transaction costs of using the Terra network

2. The means through which Terra's stablecoin is kept at its fixed value

3. participating in the Terra network by placing a stake in its delegated proof of stake (DPoS) system.

4. You may take part in Terra's decision-making by submitting and voting on proposed improvements to the Terra network.

*How much was Luna worth?*

In April, one Luna coin was worth roughly $116; by the time it was delisted, it was worth less than a cent. Prior to that, the currency made many people instant crypto billionaires after rising in value from less than $1 at the start of 2021. Because of this, Kwon became a hero to (a subset of) ordinary people who invest in cryptocurrencies. The media was flooded with accounts of ordinary people who had become wealthy after investing in Luna.

Prior to its peak in April 2022, the Luna token increased in value by a whopping 135% in little over two months. The biggest perk was the 20% yearly interest you could get by staking your UST holdings on the Anchor lending platform. Many industry experts believed that such a ridiculous growth rate was impossible to maintain.

The Terra blockchain powered the decentralized money market that was known as the Anchor Protocol. Token holders who deposited their USTs on this platform saw a 20% return, which contributed to the platform's rise to prominence. After that, Anchor would reinvest the deposit by lending the money to another client. Many doubters questioned where the funds were coming from to cover such high fees. Some believe it is a clear Ponzi scheme. Since the platform was the key factor in the rise in demand for Terra, as much as 72% of UST was placed there at one time.

*What happened to UST?*

Stablecoins need to be briefly discussed before we can examine this crypto tragedy. Stablecoins are digital currencies that are linked to a fiat currency, such as the US dollar. Both Tether and USDC are pegged to the US dollar. Stablecoins are a way for cryptocurrency investors to protect themselves against price swings. Say, for argument's sake, that one ether costs $1,000. One ether might be traded for one thousand USDC tokens. Stablecoins are used as a hedge by investors who anticipate a bear market in cryptocurrencies.

Instead of being backed by real US dollars, UST coins were backed by an algorithmic stablecoin. Terraform Labs' billions in Bitcoin reserves and ingenious processes were thought to be enough to keep the UST peg stable without the USD as a safety net.

Luna must be burned in order to produce UST. One Luna token could be purchased for $85 USD at its highest price. The goal of this deflationary technique was to guarantee Luna's continued prosperity over the long run.

The UST was able to maintain its value against the Luna by allowing for a 1:1 exchange rate between the two currencies at all times. If the value of UST dropped, traders may profit by purchasing UST and selling it for Luna at a higher price.

Once UST lost its link to the dollar—what made it a stablecoin in the first place—both Luna and UST plummeted in value.

Because it wasn't backed by cash, treasuries, or other conventional assets like the widely used stablecoin tether, TerraUSD had a higher level of risk than tether. UST's dependability originated from an algorithm that pegged its worth to Luna's. It was doubted by many specialists that an algorithm could maintain the stability of two tokens.

Why did Luna crash?

The Terra network's algorithmic stablecoin, TerraUSD (UST), was the cause of the Luna cryptocurrency's downfall.

Over $2 billion in unstaked (removed from the Anchor Protocol) UST was promptly liquidated on May 7. Arguments have been made on both sides as to whether this was an intentional assault on the Terra blockchain or a reaction to the increased interest rates. U.S. Treasury notes (UST) dropped from $1 to $0.91 due to heavy selling pressure. Therefore, merchants began exchanging $.90 in UST for $1 in Luna.

The stablecoin began to depreciate when a significant quantity of UST was transferred out. There was a surge in the availability of Luna since more individuals sold their UST during the panic.

In the wake of the recent cryptocurrency market crisis, several trading platforms have removed support for Luna/UST pairs. To cut a long story short, nobody cared about Luna anymore since it was useless.

What happened after the Luna crash?

The whole cryptocurrency market felt the effects of the Luna crisis, which occurred at a time when the market was already very volatile and having problems. It is believed that the whole cryptocurrency market lost almost $300 billion in value as a result of the Luna collapse, which led to a plummeting bitcoin price.

Both Voyager and Celsius, two of the industry leaders in crypto, have declared bankruptcy. The financial services firm Three Arrows Capital (3AC) had to go bankrupt.

The Luna crypto meltdown caused severe financial troubles for many individuals, and some people lost everything. Many of these horrific accounts may be found with a simple web search. Dedicated Luna players, or "Lunatics," turned to Reddit to discuss their worst gaming experiences. For example, one retail crypto investor has admitted to losing $20,000 in Luna.

The only people who came out ahead were the ones who got out of the way before the accident. Pantera Capital, a hedge fund, is one success story worth sharing. Their original investment of $1.7 million generated a return of $100 million. Before the market crashed, the business sold its stake in Luna for $171 million.

*What happened to the Luna crypto founder?*

Do Kwon proposed a recovery strategy for Luna, and for a short while in May after the first disaster, things seemed good. However, the value of the currency quickly declined. Almost immediately, it was dropped. Terra eventually introduced a whole new cryptocurrency called Luna 2.0.

A warrant for Do Kwon's arrest was issued by a South Korean court on September 15. This event occurred nearly four months after the demise of Terraform Labs' Luna and UST tokensoccurred nearly four months after the demise of Terraform Labs' Luna and UST tokens. Do Kwon and five others are presently being held on charges of breaking regional market regulations.

The South Korean authorities want to cancel Kwon's passport since they suspect he is now living in Singapore. If the lawsuit is successful, Kwon will be required to return to South Korea within 14 days of getting the revocation letter. The request has been submitted to the ministry and is being reviewed at this time.

After losing money on Luna, several investors have gone to the local authorities, alleging that Kwon engaged in fraudulent and unlawful fundraising. A total of roughly 280,000 South Koreans are said to have put money into Luna.

How should you be investing?

Consider our Crypto Kit or Emerging Tech Kit if you're interested in diversifying your portfolio into the cryptocurrency market. Both sets are useful for diversifying investment risk away from any one sector, whether that's a single coin or firm or the whole ecosystem. Each week, they employ AI to divvy up their portfolio weights between crypto, tech ETFs, big tech, and little tech. Portfolio protection may help you keep more of what you make and take less of what you lose, regardless of which sector of the economy you invest in.

Conclusion

The danger of losing money is magnified when purchasing digital currency or other assets with a high degree of volatility. For all of Luna's inhabitants, here's hoping this black swan fall is more of an isolated incident than the beginning of the end. The main lesson to be learned is that you should be skeptical of investments that seem too good to be true. Secondarily, even those who remain optimistic about cryptocurrencies over the long term would be wise to allocate no more than 5–10% of their portfolio to this sector.

FAQ

Luna Coin: What Happened to It? As a result of the Luna crypto network's collapse, the digital currency market was jolted, and almost $60 billion was lost. The Luna cryptocurrency has two backstories: the TerraUSD/UST stablecoin and the Luna coin itself.

To what end did Luna's cryptosystem fail? The sudden drop in value was due to the collapse of Terra, a so-called stablecoin that was supposed to lessen crypto market volatility by being constant in value.

Should I invest in Luna right now? When 2022 rolls around, will it be too late to get a LUNA? Among the best-performing cryptocurrencies over the last two years, LUNA has increased by over 76,130 percent from its March 18, 2020, low of 0.12 USD to present day. In addition, LUNA ranked seventh among the top crypto assets by market valuation in March 2022.

Where do you see Luna Crypto going from here? This is the consensus on what the LUNA coin price will be in 2022 and beyond. The current downward trend in the price of the LUNA cryptocurrency is likely to persist. According to the fear and greed score, investors should be "frightened," since 27 of 28 technical studies point to a downward trend.

That's all for today, see ya tomorrow

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 35f3a26c:92ddf231

What is a Bitcoin spot ETF?

Is an asset that tracks the price of Bitcoin.

Why it is considered a game changer?

Institutional investors and wealthy individuals, using large investment firms like Blackrock, Fidelity or Ark among others, once approved in their countries, will be able to acquire the asset with low risk, since these investment firms are highly regulated. These investors have above 15 trillion dollars invested in these large firms and therefore, once the ETF is approved, it is expected that these firms will allocate at least 1% of their portfolios to it. That will be mean at least $150 billions into Bitcoin, which is remarkable considering the current market cap of the asset is currently $570 billion.

An injection of minimum $150 billions translates in a huge demand for Bitcoin with massive potential for price appreciation.

Until now, very few large institutions have acquired Bitcoin, examples are Tesla Inc (Nasdaq: TSLA) and Microstrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), which wrote a document labeled "A summary of some of the key considerations for corporations to keep in mind when investing in bitcoin". The link to the document:

https://www.microstrategy.com/en/bitcoin/documents/key-considerations-for-corporate-investment-in-bitcoin

Let's check the math

Amount of Bitcoin mined per day:

  - Bitcoins mined per block: 6.25

  - Time in minutes to mine one block (approx): 10

  - Minutes in one day: 1440

  - Blocks mined per day: 144  ->  (1440  / 10 = 144)

  - Bitcoins mined per day: 900 -> ( 144  x 6.25 = 900)

After the halving, since the Bitcoin mined per block will be reduced to 3.125, we will only have 450 mined per day.

*Bitcoin available for trading*:

  - Around 4 million across exchanges
  - 900 per day injected in the market

Assuming Miners sell all 900 every day (which is not the case but we will use as worst case scenario), this means that in order for the price of Bitcoin to keep the current price (around $29.4K as I write this article), $26.5 millions are needed in the market to buy those 900 fresh mined every day, $795 million per month, $9.54 billion per year.

As you can see, the financial energy put into Bitcoin to maintain its current price is already considerable, but nothing in comparison with $150 billion (worst case scenario) injection of fresh capital into buying Bitcoin. The projection is not linear since there are many additional variables to factor in, specially qualitative non quantifiable ones as potential financial crisis, absurd regulations, governments corruption, wars, pandemics, etc, but nevertheless, a close to 15X is plausible, which would rocket the price of Bitcoin to around $441K as soon as the $150 billion are deployed to acquire it. Now, consider that this is worst case scenario and valid only until the end of this halving (the amount of mined Bitcoin per day is reduced by half), next one is around the end of April 2024.

After the halving, with the current amount of financial energy injected into Bitcoin ($26.5 million), the price would potentially double to around $58.8K, and if 1% of the investment companies applying for an ETF is injected, the math take the potential price of Bitcoin to $882K as soon as that 1% is deployed. The time frame is unknown, but I would assume before the end of 2024, Why? Because the ETFs are being yet again delayed by the SEC in USA for a next decision in 4 to 6 months.

But USA is not the only country where large Investment Companies are applying for ETFs, it is true that the two largest ones are in USA (Blackrock and Fidelity), but there are many more that combined across the world would add up to a massive additional amount of capital injected into Bitcoin.

The first one in Europe, Jacobi Asset Management, issuer of an equity structure for digital assets in Europe with the first Bitcoin ETF, with a total portfolio of approx. $4.8 billion. Assuming 1% (worst scenario) of its portfolio will be deployed into Bitcoin, additional $48 million would be injected. The launch of this ETF was "July 2023", not exact date given and the web site still missing required information. I will assume this capital will be injected between August and December 2023.

Long term impact?

We can divide the long term impact into two arenas:

1. Asset appreciation
2. Attempts to control the asset

The first one have been explained above, the more capital is deployed into the asset, and the more time passes, the more valuable and scarce it becomes (one halving every 4 years) and therefore, Bitcoin will continue to appreciate over time by "a lot". Extrapolate to 5% of 15 trillion dollars, then to 10%, etc. Considering that Bitcoin is the best asset in terms of appreciation of the last 10 years, it is plausible that institutional investors will be eager to put more than 1% of their portfolios into Bitcoin, I would assume that 5% for the most conservative and 20% for the most aggressive will be logical. You do the math, you will get numbers that will explain why so many financial analyst come with such a high numbers in their predictions of the future price of Bitcoin.

The second one is the reason I decided to write this article, recently I read a post from Chris Blec in X, his post was quite interesting, it reads "Pfizer convinced billions of people to inject a mysterious chemical into their body multiple times but you don't think Blackrock can convince normies that their fork is the real Bitcoin?"

Most provocative post which opens the door for debate, one that I am certain is being discussed for years already close doors among the Bitcoin community.

Basically, he leads to a possible scenario in which Blackrock or a union of Investment corporations could influence with their resources developers and miners to fork Bitcoin into; for instance; a PoS (Proof of Stake) chain, basically centralizing and controlling Bitcoin. A fork creates a new chain and the users will decide which chain is Bitcoin, users decide by changing their Node into the new chain or not, one Node, one Vote.

This is certainly plausible and the community needs to work on it to shield Bitcoin from those attacks, which eventually can transform Bitcoin into a non valuable asset. For instance, reducing the block time to 1 minute with no other change, that will mean that the amount of Bitcoin mined and injected in the market would be as of today 9000 and not 900, reducing its price dramatically since the offer will increase considerably. Other attack could be to try increasing the block size, this will make it more difficult for people with low resources to run a Node from home and therefore vote with their Node, leads to centralization into fewer Nodes, which is against Bitcoin investors interest.

In my opinion, education is key, those investment funds manage money from wealthy investors, if those investors understand the ethos of Bitcoin and why the asset is so scarce and valuable, they will fight back together with the individual investors for those changes not to be pedaled into the chain. At the end, greed is a very strong motivator and Satoshi understood that perfectly and therefore it is accounted for in the design.

Additionally, a considerable percentage of the Bitcoin investors are quite informed and fear can't be use as a motivator, as it was the case of the pharmaceuticals and their experimental drugs, the Investment companies could use their resources to create campaigns pushing their narrative, but the community will see through that and counter it in the social networks quite fast, in my opinion, in the age of information, the legacy MSM can't easily steer the Bitcoin ecosystem opinion as they could have done with the population up to the 90s, now is a real challenge for them. Proof of that is that they have been fighting Bitcoin with everything they got until now. They short it, talk trash it as much as they could in the legacy MSM, call it rat poison, stated that it will go to zero (while secretly buying it...) and after all that, now they are lining up to buy it and speaking highly of the asset.

We need to be alert, Bitcoin has endured 14 years of attacks and survived thanks to the community and investors, we need to stay vigilant and protect it, run at least one Node at home, remember, one Node, one Vote.

---

If you like my work and would like to support me:

@ 3cd2ea88:bafdaceb

Un'incredibile crescita del 650% da gennaio 2023!

E non è finita qui!

Con i Launchpool di Bitget puoi ottenere tanti AirDrop imperdibili. 🪂

E la carta Bitget in arrivo darà nuova linfa al token!

BGB è solo all'inizio del suo viaggio!

Non perdere l'occasione!

Iscriviti a Bitget con il QR in foto e:

Ottieni il 10% di sconto sulle fee a vita! Ricevi un bonus di benvenuto! Inizia a guadagnare con BGB!

@ c73818cc:ccd5c890

Un'incredibile crescita del 650% da gennaio 2023!

E non è finita qui!

Con i Launchpool di Bitget puoi ottenere tanti AirDrop imperdibili. 🪂

E la carta Bitget in arrivo darà nuova linfa al token!

BGB è solo all'inizio del suo viaggio!

Non perdere l'occasione!

Iscriviti a Bitget con il QR in foto e:

Ottieni il 10% di sconto sulle fee a vita! Ricevi un bonus di benvenuto! Inizia a guadagnare con BGB!

BGB #ATH #Bitget #Launchpool #AirDrop #Crypto #Guadagnare #Carta #Crescita #Iscrizione #Sconto #Bonus

@ 35f3a26c:92ddf231

The Mutant Ideologies

Some believe there is a fight between Capitalism and Liberalism...

Some believe that those fights are nothing but distractions to keep the population from focusing their attention on the real issues....

In my opinion, those ideologies are mutating and merging into Authoritarianism.

Censoring have become so common that private companies in the USA have gone to the extreme to censor and cancel intellectuals, journalist, PhD's, MD’s, scientist and even a democratically elected president when they speak against the narrative supported by that company, the globes are off and the fight is now in the open between corporations interests, the same companies who have in their pockets the political apparatus and the judicial power of the countries in which they operate.

Meanwhile, the majority of those who align themselves with one of the three ideologies, are fighting the others as if they where the owners of truth, censoring each other, sad to watch and ironic, in most cases...

The Censoring Age

Once upon a time we used to debate, adding value to the society while doing so, now is just an unintelligent fight with weak arguments and in many cases incredibly absurd, very rapidly the conversation turns into insulting, dismissing the other party with no arguments and even censoring if against of the narrative of the platform landlords. Surreal if you think about it.

If you are a critical thinker, you may have theories, but you have to be scratching your head trying to find out How we got here?, By design? Or just a product of our own technological development oriented to profit and not the improvement of our health and social wealth fare. Perhaps the latest...

Does it matter to know how? I believe it does because learning from those errors we could start building a better society one step at the time so in two or three generations we could have the required base to build a more adequate social construct. Naive, but it would be nice.

The Failed Bitcoin Solution

I am of the opinion that we will not be able to obtain a more adequate social construct until we manage to separate the state from the money, hence the statement, fix the money, fix the world...

We are failing badly. Bitcoin was a tool to achieve that, it is failing miserably, it become a store of value, a very profitable one, an excellent investment, it was hard for the system to beat it, but despite of its incompetent officials, the FIAT system managed to control it and turn it into their benefit, now governments, corporations and institutions are buying it and soon we will observe the wash trading, buying and selling between themselves legally using the rules the system offers to manipulate and accumulate while the current "whales" reaching already their mid 40s and 50s will sell into FIAT large quantities of Bitcoin to retire comfortable, people tends to forget that there is a time factor.

Those in their 30s will probably build around it or go to real state and sit happy, but, Where are the values and the ideology Satoshi intended to push in the world? Doesn't seem it is in Bitcoin "hodlers" hands anymore. Very few real hard core libertarian believers left in the ecosystem.

If we go beyond that and we say, well, it could be adopted as currency in other countries besides El Salvador... Sure, but Why? What will be the benefit to that country unless they have a massive amount of Bitcoin already? It would not be fair for their citizens, basically, those institutions and governments that in few years will own the majority of the coins and the current wealthy Bitcoiners become the ones that can take advantage from that measure instead of the citizens of that country.

Countries would do well adding it to their reserves as they do with gold, but by no means it will be a P2P cash solution for the masses, nor it will help to solve the money problem.

Any options?

In my opinion is not that complicated, every nation could create a Bitcoin like currency with a cap of whatever it thinks it should be. Copying the Satoshi vision, nothing to do with the CBDC concept which is nothing but the same FIAT system with no cash.

That means that the coins should be capped at certain amount, Inmutable and Decentralized not controlled by the state and make it a legal tender with the regulation of the state equal to its current currency.

Technically is quite easy to implement, forking a privacy coin and making it more efficient to have instant payments as with Lightning Network will do the trick.

The effect of such measure will be a very strong currency that will benefit all their citizens equally. Sure, there is the current FIAT system with its tentacles everywhere, which needs to be transitioned and removed in parallel. Not a simple task, nor it will go down without a fight.

A fair launch of the token is required with no "genesis block", no "original address" (corruption) with a large percentage of the tokens. Nowadays, most states are corrupted and will most probably use the current currency printing machine to acquire as much as possible of the new currency making it a failed project from the start. Think about how much money the countries can print and buy Bitcoin with that money, think what they can do with it...

Regulation to avoid the governments from buying the tokens with printed money is required from the beginning.

Plausible, right?. The only needed action is to remove the corrupted and incompetent officials that are in the pockets of the nations landlords... Oh, but the landlords owns the judicial system and the military industrial complex so this seems to be a quite obvious and simple task but next to impossible to accomplish.

Baby steps?

We need legislation to separate the state from the private money. That alone will weaken the landlords over time and thus, little by little, their grip on the judicial system will perish and change can emerge with less opposition from the corrupted officials.

Is there a chance?

In my opinion, not in the short term.

The ones with political power and control over the world resources I call landlords, won't let go. Why will they?

Even in the miraculous scenario that few of those individuals or families decide to assist with the needed changes, others will take their place, therefore, I have no illusion it can be achieved rapidly or ever.

If you are very young, you still may be thinking that with few marches and protests the people can steer the direction of a nation, nothing more far from the truth... When it works it had been carefully planned and funded by a foreign country or nefarious group looking to change power in a nation to take advantage of its resources in one way or another and the naive youth is used to achieve the goal.

One possible scenario would be a sudden introduction of technologies that empower the individual to be free of the control of the system, the following three would be an excellent start:

1. Free energy (Tesla's dream...),
2. Free tech for the desalination of sea water,
3. Free access to atmospheric water devices for the production of drinking water from the humidity in the air.

But to believe that the current powers will not push back is naive. The most logical scenario is that they will make those technologies illegal and prosecute anyone sharing them or using them or tax them heavily as Spain did not long ago with the solar panels installed at home by individuals, surreal but it happened, it was called the "sun tax" implemented in October 2015 and removed in November 2018.

---

If you like my work and would like to support me:

@ f977c464:32fcbe00

Güneşin kaybolmasının üçüncü günü, saat öğlen on ikiyi yirmi geçiyordu. Trenin kalkmasına yaklaşık iki saat vardı. Hepimiz perondaydık. Valizlerimiz, kolilerimiz, renk renk ve biçimsiz çantalarımızla yan yana dizilmiş, kısa aralıklarla tepemizdeki devasa saati kontrol ediyorduk.

Ama ne kadar dik bakarsak bakalım zaman bir türlü istediğimiz hızla ilerlemiyordu. Herkes birkaç dakika sürmesi gereken alelade bir doğa olayına sıkışıp kalmış, karanlıktan sürünerek çıkmayı deniyordu.

Bekleme salonuna doğru döndüm. Nefesimden çıkan buharın arkasında, kalın taş duvarları ve camlarıyla morg kadar güvenli ve soğuk duruyordu. Cesetleri o yüzden bunun gibi yerlere taşımaya başlamışlardı. Demek insanların bütün iyiliği başkaları onları gördüğü içindi ki gündüzleri gecelerden daha karanlık olduğunda hemen birbirlerinin gırtlağına çökmüş, böğürlerinde delikler açmış, gözlerini oyup kafataslarını parçalamışlardı.

İstasyonun ışığı titrediğinde karanlığın enseme saplandığını hissettim. Eğer şimdi, böyle kalabalık bir yerde elektrik kesilse başımıza ne gelirdi?

İçerideki askerlerden biri bakışlarımı yakalayınca yeniden saate odaklanmış gibi yaptım. Sadece birkaç dakika geçmişti.

“Tarlalarım gitti. Böyle boyum kadar ayçiçeği doluydu. Ah, hepsi ölüp gidiyor. Afitap’ın çiçekleri de gi-”

“Dayı, Allah’ını seversen sus. Hepimizi yakacaksın şimdi.”

Karanlıkta durduğunda, görünmez olmayı istemeye başlıyordun. Kimse seni görmemeli, nefesini bile duymamalıydı. Kimsenin de ayağının altında dolaşmamalıydın; gelip kazayla sana çarpmamalılar, takılıp sendelememeliydiler. Yoksa aslında hedefi sen olmadığın bir öfke gürlemeye başlar, yaşadığın ilk şoku ve acıyı silerek üstünden geçerdi.

İlk konuşan, yaşlıca bir adam, kafasında kasketi, nasırlı ellerine hohluyordu. Gözleri ve burnu kızarmıştı. Güneşin kaybolması onun için kendi başına bir felaket değildi. Hayatına olan pratik yansımalarından korkuyordu olsa olsa. Bir anının kaybolması, bu yüzden çoktan kaybettiği birinin biraz daha eksilmesi. Hayatta kalmasını gerektiren sebepler azalırken, hayatta kalmasını sağlayacak kaynaklarını da kaybediyordu.

Onu susturan delikanlıysa atkısını bütün kafasına sarmış, sakalı ve yüzünün derinliklerine kaçmış gözleri dışında bedeninin bütün parçalarını gizlemeye çalışıyordu. İşte o, güneşin kaybolmasının tam olarak ne anlama geldiğini anlamamış olsa bile, dehşetini olduğu gibi hissedebilenlerdendi.

Güneşin onlardan alındıktan sonra kime verileceğini sormuyorlardı. En başta onlara verildiğinde de hiçbir soru sormamışlardı zaten.

İki saat ne zaman geçer?

Midemin üstünde, sağ tarafıma doğru keskin bir acı hissettim. Karaciğerim. Gözlerimi yumdum. Yanımda biri metal bir nesneyi yere bıraktı. Bir kafesti. İçerisindeki kartalın ıslak kokusu burnuma ulaşmadan önce bile biliyordum bunu.

“Yeniden mi?” diye sordu bana kartal. Kanatları kanlı. Zamanın her bir parçası tüylerinin üstüne çöreklenmişti. Gagası bir şey, tahminen et parçası geveliyor gibi hareket ediyordu. Eski anılar kolay unutulmazmış. Şu anda kafesinin kalın parmaklıklarının ardında olsa da bunun bir aldatmaca olduğunu bir tek ben biliyordum. Her an kanatlarını iki yana uzatıverebilir, hava bu hareketiyle dalgalanarak kafesi esneterek hepimizi içine alacak kadar genişleyebilir, parmaklıklar önce ayaklarımızın altına serilir gibi gözükebilir ama aslında hepimizin üstünde yükselerek tepemize çökebilirdi.

Aşağıya baktım. Tahtalarla zapt edilmiş, hiçbir yere gidemeyen ama her yere uzanan tren rayları. Atlayıp koşsam… Çantam çok ağırdı. Daha birkaç adım atamadan, kartal, suratını bedenime gömerdi.

“Bu sefer farklı,” diye yanıtladım onu. “Yeniden diyemezsin. Tekrarladığım bir şey değil bu. Hatta bir hata yapıyormuşum gibi tonlayamazsın da. Bu sefer, insanların hak etmediğini biliyorum.”

“O zaman daha vahim. Süzme salaksın demektir.”

“İnsanların hak etmemesi, insanlığın hak etmediği anlamına gelmez ki.”

Az önce göz göze geldiğim genççe ama çökük asker hâlâ bana bakıyordu. Bir kartalla konuştuğumu anlamamıştı şüphesiz. Yanımdakilerden biriyle konuştuğumu sanmış olmalıydı. Ama konuştuğum kişiye bakmıyordum ona göre. Çekingence kafamı eğmiştim. Bir kez daha göz göze geldiğimizde içerideki diğer iki askere bir şeyler söyledi, onlar dönüp beni süzerken dışarı çıktı.

Yanımızdaki, az önce konuşan iki adam da şaşkınlıkla bir bana bir kartala bakıyordu.

“Yalnız bu sefer kalbin de kırılacak, Prometheus,” dedi kartal, bana. “Belki son olur. Biliyorsun, bir sürü soruna neden oluyor bu yaptıkların.”

Beni koruyordu sözde. En çok kanıma dokunan buydu. Kasıklarımın üstüne oturmuş, kanlı suratının ardında gözleri parlarken attığı çığlık kulaklarımda titremeye devam ediyordu. Bu tabloda kimsenin kimseyi düşündüğü yoktu. Kartalın, yanımızdaki adamların, artık arkama kadar gelmiş olması gereken askerin, tren raylarının, geçmeyen saatlerin…

Arkamı döndüğümde, asker sahiden oradaydı. Zaten öyle olması gerekiyordu; görmüştüm bunu, biliyordum. Kehanetler… Bir şeyler söylüyordu ama ağzı oynarken sesi çıkmıyordu. Yavaşlamış, kendisini saatin akışına uydurmuştu. Havada donan tükürüğünden anlaşılıyordu, sinirliydi. Korktuğu için olduğunu biliyordum. Her seferinde korkmuşlardı. Beni unutmuş olmaları işlerini kolaylaştırmıyordu. Sadece yeni bir isim vermelerine neden oluyordu. Bu seferkiyle beni lanetleyecekleri kesinleşmişti.

Olması gerekenle olanların farklı olması ne kadar acınasıydı. Olması gerekenlerin doğasının kötücül olmasıysa bir yerde buna dayanıyordu.

“Salaksın,” dedi kartal bana. Zamanı aşan bir çığlık. Hepimizin önüne geçmişti ama kimseyi durduramıyordu.

Sonsuzluğa kaç tane iki saat sıkıştırabilirsiniz?

Ben bir tane bile sıkıştıramadım.

Çantama uzanıyordum. Asker de sırtındaki tüfeğini indiriyordu. Benim acelem yoktu, onunsa eli ayağı birbirine dolaşıyordu. Oysaki her şey tam olması gerektiği anda olacaktı. Kehanet başkasının parmaklarının ucundaydı.

Güneş, bir tüfeğin patlamasıyla yeryüzüne doğdu.

Rayların üzerine serilmiş göğsümün ortasından, bir çantanın içinden.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2021 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

O Planetinha

Fumaça verde me entrando pelas narinas e um coro desafinado fazia uma base melódica.

nos confins da galáxia havia um planetinha isolado. Era um planeta feliz.

O homem vestido de mago começava a aparecer por detrás da fumaça verde.

O planetinha recebeu três presentes, mas o seu habitante, o homem, estava num estado de confusão tão grande que ameaçava estragá-los. Os homens já havia escravizado o primeiro presente, a vida; lutavam contra o segundo presente, a morte; e havia alguns que achavam que deviam destruir totalmente o terceiro, o amor, e com isto levar a desordem total ao pobre planetinha perdido, que se chamava Terra.

O coro desafinado entrou antes do "Terra" cantando várias vezes, como se imitasse um eco, "terra-terra-terraaa". Depois de uma pausa dramática, o homem vestido de mago voltou a falar.

Terra, nossa nave mãe.

Neste momento eu me afastei. À frente do palco onde o mago e seu coral faziam apelos à multidão havia vários estandes cobertos com a tradicional armação de quatro pernas e lona branca. Em todos os cantos da praça havia gente, gente dos mais variados tipos. Visitantes curiosos que se aproximavam atraídos pela fumaça verde e as barraquinhas, gente que aproveitava o movimento para vender doces sem pagar imposto, casais que se abraçavam de pé para espantar o frio, os tradicionais corredores que faziam seu cooper, gente cheia de barba e vestida para imitar os hippies dos anos 60 e vender colares estendidos no chão, transeuntes novos e velhos, vestidos como baladeiros ou como ativistas do ônibus grátis, grupos de ciclistas entusiastas.

O mago fazia agora apelos para que nós, os homens, habitantes do isolado planetinha, passássemos a ver o planetinha, nossa nave mãe, como um todo, e adquiríssemos a consciência de que ele estava entrando em maus lençóis. A idéia, reforçada pela logomarca do evento, era que parássemos de olhar só para a nossa vida e pensássemos no planeta.

A logomarca do evento, um desenho estilizado do planeta Terra, nada tinha a ver com seu nome: "Festival Andando de Bem com a Vida", mas havia sido ali colocada estrategicamente pelos organizadores, de quem parecia justamente sair a mensagem dita pelo mago.

Aquela multidão de pessoas que, assim como eu, tinham suas próprias preocupações, não podiam ver o quadro caótico que formavam, cada uma com seus atos isolados, ali naquela praça isolada, naquele planeta isolado. Quando o hippie barbudo, quase um Osho, assustava um casal para tentar vender-lhes um colar, a quantidade de caos que isto acrescentava à cena era gigantesca. Por um segundo, pude ver, como se estivesse de longe e acima, com toda a pretensão que este estado imaginativo carrega, a cena completa do caos.

---

Uma nave-mãe, dessas de ficção científica, habitada por milhões de pessoas, seguia no espaço sem rumo, e sem saber que logo à frente um longo precipício espacial a esperava, para a desgraça completa sua e de seus habitantes.

Acostumados àquela nave tanto quanto outrora estiveram acostumados à sua terra natal, os homens viviam as próprias vidas sem nem se lembrar que estavam vagando pelo espaço. Ninguém sabia quem estava conduzindo a nave, e ninguém se importava.

No final do filme descobre-se que era a soma completa do caos que cada habitante produzia, com seus gestos egoístas e incapazes de levar em conta a totalidade, é que determinava a direção da nave-mãe. O efeito, no entanto, não era imediato, como nunca é. Havia gente de verdade encarregada de conduzir a nave, mas era uma gente bêbada, mau-caráter, que vivia brigando pelo controle da nave e o poder que isto lhes dava. Poder, status, dinheiro!

Essa gente bêbada era atraída até ali pela corrupção das instituições e da moral comum que, no fundo no fundo, era causada pelo egoísmo da população, através de um complexo -- mas que no filme aparece simplificado pela ação individual de um magnata do divertimento público -- processo social.

O homem vestido de mago era mais um agente causador de caos, com sua cena cheia de fumaça e sua roupa estroboscópica, ele achava que estava fazendo o bem ao alertar sua platéia, todos as sextas-feiras, de que havia algo que precisava ser feito, que cada um que estava ali ouvindo era responsável pelo planeta. A sua incapacidade, porém, de explicar o que precisava ser feito só aumentava a angústia geral; a culpa que ele jogava sobre seu público, e que era prontamente aceita e passada em frente, aos familiares e amigos de cada um, atormentava-os diariamente e os impedia de ter uma vida decente no trabalho e em casa. As famílias, estressadas, estavam constantemente brigando e os motivos mais insignificantes eram responsáveis pelas mais horrendas conseqüências.

O mago, que após o show tirava o chapéu entortado e ia tomar cerveja num boteco, era responsável por uma parcela considerável do caos que levava a nave na direção do seu desgraçado fim. No filme, porém, um dos transeuntes que de passagem ouviu um pedaço do discurso do mago despertou em si mesmo uma consiência transformadora e, com poderes sobre-humanos que lhe foram então concedidos por uma ordem iniciática do bem ou não, usando só os seus poderes humanos mesmo, o transeunte -- na primeira versão do filme um homem, na segunda uma mulher -- consegue consertar as instituições e retirar os bêbados da condução da máquina. A questão da moral pública é ignorada para abreviar a trama, já com duas horas e quarenta de duração, mas subentende-se que ela também fora resolvida.

---

No planeta Terra real, que não está indo em direção alguma, preso pela gravidade ao Sol, e onde as pessoas vivem a própria vida porque lhes é impossível viver a dos outros, não têm uma consciência global de nada porque só é possível mesmo ter a consciência delas mesmas, e onde a maioria, de uma maneira ou de outra, está tentando como pode, fazer as coisas direito, o filme é exibido.

Para a maioria dos espectadores, é um filme que evoca reflexões, um filme forte. Por um segundo elas têm o mesmo vislumbre do caos generalizado que eu tive ali naquela praça. Para uma pequena parcela dos espectadores -- entre eles alguns dos que estavam na platéia do mago, o próprio mago, o seguidor do Osho, o casal de duas mulheres e o vendedor de brigadeiros, mas aos quais se somam também críticos de televisão e jornal e gente que fala pelos cotovelos na internet -- o filme é um horror, o filme é uma vulgarização de um problema real e sério, o filme apela para a figura do herói salvador e passa uma mensagem totalmente errada, de que a maioria da população pode continuar vivendo as suas própria vidinhas miseráveis enquanto espera por um herói que vem do Olimpo e os salva da mixórdia que eles mesmos causaram, é um filme que presta um enorme desserviço à causa.

No dia seguinte ao lançamento, num bar meio caro ali perto da praça, numa mesa com oito pessoas, entre elas seis do primeiro grupo e oito do segundo, discute-se se o filme levará ou não o Oscar. Eu estou em casa dormindo e não escuto nada.

@ 079d727b:00099650

Found these somewhere and I totally can't remember who authored the note. I THANK YOU! Also here's a reddit link for those who want to get started!

https://nostr.com/ - A decentralized social network with a chance of working

https://www.whynostr.com/ - the WHY https://www.heynostr.com/ - Introduction https://uselessshit.co/resources/nostr/ - Plentiful Guides and resources https://kyc3.life/resources/ - LIFE KYC (Know Your Customer) FREE (#IMPORTANT) https://www.reddit.com/r/nostr/ - Reddit Nostr Feed https://fountain.fm/show/0N6GGdZuYNNG7ysagCg9 - Plebchain Radio Podcast https://stacker.news/items/492921 - Guide by @TresDMan https://nostr.how/en/get-started - Understanding the basics https://www.nostrapps.com/ - A directory of Nostr Apps https://nak.nostr.com/ - nostr army knife (dev tool) https://nostrstuff.com/ - A terminal for playing with Nostr https://nostrfreaks.com/add/ - Multiple Web Client Viewer https://nostrends.vercel.app/ - What's trending on Nostr? https://nosta.me - Profile Viewer

And now here's a list of sites which are Nostr friendly.

R/nostr user's collection of nostr apps:

• https://nostr.watch/relays/find - Finding Nostr Relays (#IMPORTANT#)
• https://shopstr.store/marketplace - A Nostr Marketplace
• https://zap.stream/ - A Nostr Live Streaming Site
• https://formstr.app/ - Creating your own Forms on Nostr
• https://metadata.nostr.com/ - Nostr Profile Manager (#IMPORTANT#)
• https://shipyard.pub/posts - Write, schedule, and boost your notes.
• https://slidestr.net/ - Nostr Slideshow
• https://github.com/aljazceru/awesome-nostr - an AMAZING list of ALOT
• https://pinstr.app/ - Pinning content on Nostr
• https://plebeian.market/ - A Nostr Marketplace
• https://nostree.me/ - A Nostr Linktree
• https://listr.lol/feed - Curate, Organize, and Discover everything Nostr has
• https://www.wavlake.com/ - a V4V music streaming site on Nostr
• https://ostrich.work/ - The first and best Nostr Jobs board on the internet.
• https://zaplife.lol/ - A live feed of zaps
• https://highlighter.com/ - The site you're on right now!
• https://shopstr.store/ - An Nostr Marketplace
• https://nostr.band/ - A Nostr search engine
• https://nostrudel.ninja/#/ - A Nostr Client/Frontend
• https://dtan.xyz/ - A Nostr Torrent site
• https://app.mutinywallet.com/ - A Lightning wallet with Nostr Integration
• https://www.flockstr.com/ - Events and Meetups on Nostr
• https://cornychat.com/ - A live talk space on Nostr akin to Twitter Spaces
• https://nostrnests.com/ - A Live Talk Space on Nostr akin to Twitter Spaces
• https://comingle.co/ - conference app powered by Nostr
• https://geyser.fund/ - A crowdfunding site powered in part by Nostr
• https://heya.fund/ - Fund causes and goals with lightning on Nostr
• https://www.nostrchat.io/ - A Chat Client on Nostr
• https://w3.do/ - A URL Shortener on Nostr
• https://yakihonne.com/ - Long form writing on Nostr
• https://habla.news/ - Long form writing on Nostr
• https://nostrsync.live/ - A Broadcast & Export Service for your Data
• https://follows.lol/ - The Nostr follower tool
• https://globalthreat.info/ - Realtime global threat assessment driven by AI

There is ALOT more out there so I recommend you look at https://github.com/aljazceru/awesome-nostr !

Nostrapps is also excellent for finding web clients to actually view the twitter style of the Nostr.

I shall update this list from time to time with more or less content... hopefully. Or something cooler will come out and I'll use that. 🤷

@ f977c464:32fcbe00

Kendisini aynada ilk defa gördüğü o gün, diğerleri gibi olduğunu anlamıştı. Oysaki her insan biricik olmalıydı. Sözgelimi sinirlendiğinde bir kaşı diğerinden birkaç milimetre daha az çatılabilirdi veya sevindiğinde dudağı ona has bir açıyla dalgalanabilirdi. Hatta bunların hiçbiri mümkün değilse, en azından, gözlerinin içinde sadece onun sahip olabileceği bir ışık parlayabilirdi. Çok sıradan, öyle sıradan ki kimsenin fark etmediği o milyonlarca minik şeyden herhangi biri. Ne olursa.

Ama yansımasına bakarken bunların hiçbirini bulamadı ve diğer günlerden hiç de farklı başlamamış o gün, işe gitmek için vagonunun gelmesini beklediği alelade bir metro istasyonunda, içinde kaybolduğu illüzyon dağılmaya başladı.

İlk önce derisi döküldü. Tam olarak dökülmedi aslında, daha çok kıvılcımlara dönüşüp bedeninden fırlamış ve bir an sonra sönerek külleşmiş, havada dağılmıştı. Ardında da, kaybolmadan hemen önce, kısa süre için hayal meyal görülebilen, bir ruhun yok oluşuna ağıt yakan rengârenk peri cesetleri bırakmıştı. Beklenenin aksine, havaya toz kokusu yayıldı.

Dehşete düştü elbette. Dehşete düştüler. Panikle üstlerini yırtan 50 işçi. Her şeyin sebebiyse o vagon.

Saçları da döküldü. Her tel, yere varmadan önce, her santimde ikiye ayrıla ayrıla yok oldu.

Bütün yüzeylerin mat olduğu, hiçbir şeyin yansımadığı, suyun siyah aktığı ve kendine ancak kameralarla bakabildiğin bir dünyada, vagonun içine yerleştirilmiş bir aynadan ilk defa kendini görmek.

Gözlerinin akları buharlaşıp havada dağıldı, mercekleri boşalan yeri doldurmak için eriyip yayıldı. Gerçeği görmemek için yaratılmış, bu yüzden görmeye hazır olmayan ve hiç olmayacak gözler.

Her şeyin o anda sona erdiğini sanabilirdi insan. Derin bir karanlık ve ölüm. Görmenin görmek olduğu o anın bitişi.

---

Ben geldiğimde ölmüşlerdi.

Yani bozulmuşlardı demek istiyorum.

Belleklerini yeni taşıyıcılara takmam mümkün olmadı. Fiziksel olarak kusursuz durumdaydılar, olmayanları da tamir edebilirdim ama tüm o hengamede kendilerini baştan programlamış ve girdilerini modifiye etmişlerdi.

Belleklerden birini masanın üzerinden ileriye savurdu. Hınca hınç dolu bir barda oturuyorlardı. O ve arkadaşı.

Sırf şu kendisini insan sanan androidler travma geçirip delirmesin diye neler yapıyoruz, insanın aklı almıyor.

Eliyle arkasını işaret etti.

Polislerin söylediğine göre biri vagonun içerisine ayna yerleştirmiş. Bu zavallılar da kapı açılıp bir anda yansımalarını görünce kafayı kırmışlar.

Arkadaşı bunların ona ne hissettirdiğini sordu. Yani o kadar bozuk, insan olduğunu sanan androidi kendilerini parçalamış olarak yerde görmek onu sarsmamış mıydı?

Hayır, sonuçta belirli bir amaç için yaratılmış şeyler onlar. Kaliteli bir bilgisayarım bozulduğunda üzülürüm çünkü parasını ben vermişimdir. Bunlarsa devletin. Bana ne ki?

Arkadaşı anlayışla kafasını sallayıp suyundan bir yudum aldı. Kravatını biraz gevşetti.

Bira istemediğinden emin misin?

İstemediğini söyledi. Sahi, neden deliriyordu bu androidler?

Basit. Onların yapay zekâlarını kodlarken bir şeyler yazıyorlar. Yazılımcılar. Biliyorsun, ben donanımdayım. Bunlar da kendilerini insan sanıyorlar. Tiplerine bak.

Sesini alçalttı.

Arabalarda kaza testi yapılan mankenlere benziyor hepsi. Ağızları burunları bile yok ama şu geldiğimizden beri sakalını düzeltip duruyor mesela. Hayır, hepsi de diğerleri onun sakalı varmış sanıyor, o manyak bir şey.

Arkadaşı bunun delirmeleriyle bağlantısını çözemediğini söyledi. O da normal sesiyle konuşmaya devam etti.

Anlasana, aynayı falan ayırt edemiyor mercekleri. Lönk diye kendilerini görüyorlar. Böyle, olduğu gibi...

Nedenmiş peki? Ne gerek varmış?

Ne bileyim be abicim! Ahiret soruları gibi.

Birasına bakarak dalıp gitti. Sonra masaya abanarak arkadaşına iyice yaklaştı. Bulanık, bir tünelin ucundaki biri gibi, şekli şemalı belirsiz bir adam.

Ben seni nereden tanıyorum ki ulan? Kimsin sen?

Belleği makineden çıkardılar. İki kişiydiler. Soruşturmadan sorumlu memurlar.

─ Baştan mı başlıyoruz, diye sordu belleği elinde tutan ilk memur.

─ Bir kere daha deneyelim ama bu sefer direkt aynayı sorarak başla, diye cevapladı ikinci memur.

─ Bence de. Yeterince düzgün çalışıyor.

Simülasyon yüklenirken, ayakta, biraz arkada duran ve alnını kaşıyan ikinci memur sormaktan kendisini alamadı:

─ Bu androidleri niye böyle bir olay yerine göndermişler ki? Belli tost olacakları. İsraf. Gidip biz baksak aynayı kırıp delilleri mahvetmek zorunda da kalmazlar.

Diğer memur sandalyesinde hafifçe dönecek oldu, o sırada soruyu bilgisayarın hoparlöründen teknisyen cevapladı.

Hangi işimizde bir yamukluk yok ki be abi.

---

Ama bir son değildi. Üstlerindeki tüm illüzyon dağıldığında ve çıplak, cinsiyetsiz, birbirinin aynı bedenleriyle kaldıklarında sıra dünyaya gelmişti.

Yere düştüler. Elleri -bütün bedeni gibi siyah turmalinden, boğumları çelikten- yere değdiği anda, metronun zemini dağıldı.

Yerdeki karolar öncesinde beyazdı ve çok parlaktı. Tepelerindeki floresan, ışığını olduğu gibi yansıtıyor, tek bir lekenin olmadığı ve tek bir tozun uçmadığı istasyonu aydınlatıyorlardı.

Duvarlara duyurular asılmıştı. Örneğin, yarın akşam kültür merkezinde 20.00’da başlayacak bir tekno blues festivalinin cıvıl cıvıl afişi vardı. Onun yanında daha geniş, sarı puntolu harflerle yazılmış, yatay siyah kesiklerle çerçevesi çizilmiş, bir platformdan düşen çöp adamın bulunduğu “Dikkat! Sarı bandı geçmeyin!” uyarısı. Biraz ilerisinde günlük resmi gazete, onun ilerisinde bir aksiyon filminin ve başka bir romantik komedi filminin afişleri, yapılacakların ve yapılmayacakların söylendiği küçük puntolu çeşitli duyurular... Duvar uzayıp giden bir panoydu. On, on beş metrede bir tekrarlanıyordu.

Tüm istasyonun eni yüz metre kadar. Genişliği on metre civarı.

Önlerinde, açık kapısından o mendebur aynanın gözüktüğü vagon duruyordu. Metro, istasyona sığmayacak kadar uzundu. Bir kılıcın keskinliğiyle uzanıyor ama yer yer vagonların ek yerleriyle bölünüyordu.

Hiçbir vagonda pencere olmadığı için metronun içi, içlerindekiler meçhuldü.

Sonrasında karolar zerrelerine ayrılarak yükseldi. Floresanın ışığında her yeri toza boğdular ve ortalığı gri bir sisin altına gömdüler. Çok kısa bir an. Afişleri dalgalandırmadılar. Dalgalandırmaya vakitleri olmadı. Yerlerinden söküp aldılar en fazla. Işık birkaç kere sönüp yanarak direndi. Son kez söndüğünde bir daha geri gelmedi.

Yine de etraf aydınlıktı. Kırmızı, her yere eşit dağılan soluk bir ışıkla.

Yer tamamen tele dönüşmüştü. Altında çapraz hatlarla desteklenmiş demir bir iskelet. Işık birkaç metreden daha fazla aşağıya uzanamıyordu. Sonsuzluğa giden bir uçurum.

Duvarın yerini aynı teller ve demir iskelet almıştı. Arkasında, birbirine vidalarla tutturulmuş demir plakalardan oluşan, üstünden geçen boruların ek yerlerinden bazen ince buharların çıktığı ve bir süre asılı kaldıktan sonra ağır, yağlı bir havayla sürüklendiği bir koridor.

Diğer tarafta paslanmış, pencerelerindeki camlar kırıldığı için demir plakalarla kapatılmış külüstür bir metro. Kapının karşısındaki aynadan her şey olduğu gibi yansıyordu.

---

Bir konteynırın içini andıran bir evde, gerçi gayet de birbirine eklenmiş konteynırlardan oluşan bir şehirde “andıran” demek doğru olmayacağı için düpedüz bir konteynırın içinde, masaya mum görüntüsü vermek için koyulmuş, yarı katı yağ atıklarından şekillendirilmiş kütleleri yakmayı deniyordu. Kafasında hayvan kıllarından yapılmış grili siyahlı bir peruk. Aynı kıllardan kendisine gür bir bıyık da yapmıştı.

Üstünde mavi çöp poşetlerinden yapılmış, kravatlı, şık bir takım.

Masanın ayakları yerine oradan buradan çıkmış parçalar konulmuştu: bir arabanın şaft mili, üst üste konulmuş ve üstünde yazı okunamayan tenekeler, boş kitaplar, boş gazete balyaları... Hiçbir şeye yazı yazılmıyordu, gerek yoktu da zaten çünkü merkez veri bankası onları fark ettirmeden, merceklerden giren veriyi sentezleyerek insanlar için dolduruyordu. Yani, androidler için. Farklı şekilde isimlendirmek bir fark yaratacaksa.

Onların mercekleri için değil. Bağlantıları çok önceden kopmuştu.

─ Hayatım, sofra hazır, diye bağırdı yatak odasındaki karısına.

Sofrada tabak yerine düz, bardak yerine bükülmüş, çatal ve bıçak yerine sivriltilmiş plakalar.

Karısı salonun kapısında durakladı ve ancak kulaklarına kadar uzanan, kocasınınkine benzeyen, cansız, ölü hayvanların kıllarından ibaret peruğunu eliyle düzeltti. Dudağını, daha doğrusu dudağının olması gereken yeri koyu kırmızı bir yağ tabakasıyla renklendirmeyi denemişti. Biraz da yanaklarına sürmüştü.

─ Nasıl olmuş, diye sordu.

Sesi tek düzeydi ama hafif bir neşe olduğunu hissettiğinize yemin edebilirdiniz.

Üzerinde, çöp poşetlerinin içini yazısız gazete kağıtlarıyla doldurarak yaptığı iki parça giysi.

─ Çok güzelsin, diyerek kravatını düzeltti kocası.

─ Sen de öylesin, sevgilim.

Yaklaşıp kocasını öptü. Kocası da onu. Sonra nazikçe elinden tutarak, sandalyesini geriye çekerek oturmasına yardım etti.

Sofrada yemek niyetine hiçbir şey yoktu. Gerek de yoktu zaten.

Konteynırın kapısı gürültüyle tekmelenip içeri iki memur girene kadar birbirlerine öyküler anlattılar. O gün neler yaptıklarını. İşten erken çıkıp yemyeşil çimenlerde gezdiklerini, uçurtma uçurduklarını, kadının nasıl o elbiseyi bulmak için saatlerce gezip yorulduğunu, kocasının kısa süreliğine işe dönüp nasıl başarılı bir hamleyle yaşanan krizi çözdüğünü ve kadının yanına döndükten sonra, alışveriş merkezinde oturdukları yeni dondurmacının dondurmalarının ne kadar lezzetli olduğunu, boğazlarının ağrımasından korktuklarını...

Akşam film izleyebilirlerdi, televizyonda -boş ve mat bir plaka- güzel bir film oynayacaktı.

İki memur. Çıplak bedenleriyle birbirinin aynı. Ellerindeki silahları onlara doğrultmuşlardı. Mum ışığında, tertemiz bir örtünün serili olduğu masada, bardaklarında şaraplarla oturan ve henüz sofranın ortasındaki hindiye dokunmamış çifti gördüklerinde bocaladılar.

Hiç de androidlere bilinçli olarak zarar verebilecek gibi gözükmüyorlardı.

─ Sessiz kalma hakkına sahipsiniz, diye bağırdı içeri giren ikinci memur. Söylediğiniz her şey...

Cümlesini bitiremedi. Yatak odasındaki, masanın üzerinden gördüğü o şey, onunla aynı hareketleri yapan android, yoksa, bir aynadaki yansıması mıydı?

Bütün illüzyon o anda dağılmaya başladı.

Not: Bu öykü ilk olarak 2020 yılında Esrarengiz Hikâyeler'de yayımlanmıştır.

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Embarking on the journey of operating your own Lightning node on the Bitcoin Layer 2 network is more than just a tech-savvy endeavor; it's a step into a realm of financial autonomy and cutting-edge innovation. By running a node, you become a vital part of a revolutionary movement that's reshaping how we think about money and digital transactions. This role not only offers a unique perspective on blockchain technology but also places you at the heart of a community dedicated to decentralization and network resilience. Beyond the technicalities, it's about embracing a new era of digital finance, where you contribute directly to the network's security, efficiency, and growth, all while gaining personal satisfaction and potentially lucrative rewards.

In essence, running your own Lightning node is a powerful way to engage with the forefront of blockchain technology, assert financial independence, and contribute to a more decentralized and efficient Bitcoin network. It's an adventure that offers both personal and communal benefits, from gaining in-depth tech knowledge to earning a place in the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.

Running your own Lightning node for the Bitcoin Layer 2 network can be an empowering and beneficial endeavor. Here are 10 reasons why you might consider taking on this task:

1. Direct Contribution to Decentralization: Operating a node is a direct action towards decentralizing the Bitcoin network, crucial for its security and resistance to control or censorship by any single entity.

2. Financial Autonomy: Owning a node gives you complete control over your financial transactions on the network, free from reliance on third-party services, which can be subject to fees, restrictions, or outages.

3. Advanced Network Participation: As a node operator, you're not just a passive participant but an active player in shaping the network, influencing its efficiency and scalability through direct involvement.

4. Potential for Higher Revenue: With strategic management and optimal channel funding, your node can become a preferred route for transactions, potentially increasing the routing fees you can earn.

5. Cutting-Edge Technological Engagement: Running a node puts you at the forefront of blockchain and bitcoin technology, offering insights into future developments and innovations.

6. Strengthened Network Security: Each new node adds to the robustness of the Bitcoin network, making it more resilient against attacks and failures, thus contributing to the overall security of the ecosystem.

7. Personalized Fee Structures: You have the flexibility to set your own fee policies, which can balance earning potential with the service you provide to the network.

8. Empowerment Through Knowledge: The process of setting up and managing a node provides deep learning opportunities, empowering you with knowledge that can be applied in various areas of blockchain and fintech.

9. Boosting Transaction Capacity: By running a node, you help to increase the overall capacity of the Lightning Network, enabling more transactions to be processed quickly and at lower costs.

10. Community Leadership and Reputation: As an active node operator, you gain recognition within the Bitcoin community, which can lead to collaborative opportunities and a position of thought leadership in the space.

These reasons demonstrate the impactful and transformative nature of running a Lightning node, appealing to those who are deeply invested in the principles of bitcoin and wish to actively shape its future. Jump aboard, and embrace the journey toward full independence. 🐶🐾🫡🚀🚀🚀

@ 83d999a1:46171d19

It feels like yesterday when we decided to embark on the journey that was SEC-01. We didn’t know what we would get ourselves into. We still barely know. But just like the guy in the meme, we’re gonna do it again. We’re going to walk the walk, we’re going to ship things, and we’re going to have a good time while doing it.

https://m.primal.net/HpDG.mp4

We expect a lot of experimentation, discussion, and exploration. We expect that SEC-02 will rhyme with SEC-01, even though it won’t be a carbon copy of the first cohort. We’d encourage you to listen to this Plebchain Radio episode and (the end of) this Citadel Dispatch episode to get an idea of what we’re aiming for.

Scratching the Surface

Our thesis remains the same: The space that is opened up by Bitcoin, nostr, and other freedom tech is vast. We believe that we have barely scratched the surface. We believe that lots of awesome stuff is yet to be built, and we believe that the new paradigms will allow us to step outside of the extractive models that are so prevalent in the current landscape.

If you believe the same, you might be a perfect candidate for the second cohort—and you should apply today.

Markets, Synergies, and Peers

As foreshadowed in a previous post, we want to focus on peer-to-peer markets and exchange. With nostr acting as an effective and open layer for discoverability, and sats (and esats) acting as a bearer instrument for final settlement, what used to be siloed marketplaces can finally be opened up to merchants and customers alike.

It allows us to move from the win-lose of zero-sum games to the win-win-win of positive-sum games: good for you, good for me, good for everyone. In one word: Synergies.

We hope that the various peers that are working on these markets—as well as the building blocks that make them possible—will collaborate and learn from each other, just like they did in the first cohort. And even if your expertise is tangential, we hope that novel insights, products, and services will come out of it all. Just like they did in the first cohort.

That’s the basic idea of the Sovereign Engineering cohorts: Explore the unknown. Re-think how we do things online. Ship things that last.

Starting May 6 — Apply Now!

The second cohort will start on May 6 and will conclude on June 28, and just like the first one, it will be on the beautiful island of Madeira.

Applications are closing soon, but we still have a couple of spots left.

Apply now!

@ dadbe86a:9c493e92

Opinion about Casa: Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet (android)

Casa Wallet is the wallet developed by Casa, a leading provider of Bitcoin self-custody solutions. Designed to prioritize security, privacy, and ease of use. The wallet is part of their assisted self custody service. Let's analyze the wallet when you don't pay for that service.

Pros: - Support for testnet and fee control

Cons: - Not bitcoin only, it also supports Ethereum, which is bad for pure bitcoiners - A login is required to use the wallet - Missing advanced features like passphrase, user added entropy, bip39 backups, seedQR, native segwit, taproot, coin control, custom node, miniscript, etc - You can't use multisig unless you pay a subscription - Only supporting Trezor, Coldcard and Ledger - Closed source

Version reviewed: v4.14.2

thebitcoinhole.com

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ dadbe86a:9c493e92

Opinion about AQUA Wallet (android)

Aqua wallet is a all-in-one Bitcoin wallet, where you can hold, swap and transact with bitcoin and gain easy access to Lightning and the Liquid Network.

Pros: - Given that it supports the Liquid Network, we can't say it is Bitcoin only. This is going to be an advantage for the people that need to swap and transact with Liquid, but a disadvantage for pure bitcoiners. - Open source

Cons: - Missing advanced features like testnet, user added entropy, pasphrase, seedQR, taproot, coin control, custom nodes, multisig, etc - Missing support to connect with a hardware wallet - No support to lock the app

Version reviewed: v0.1.30

thebitcoinhole.com

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ de496884:72617b81

Hola nostriches. Hoy quiero hacer una publicación a modo de acercamiento al surgimiento de las categorías de género y feminismo. Así que si te interesa el tema haz un esfuerzo, quédate y lee hasta el final.

El «nuevo» feminismo surge en los años 60 en aquellos países desarrollados que acordaron el reconocimiento a los derechos humanos contenidos en la declaración respectiva de la ONU. Entonces, como extensión a dicho reconocimiento es que se gesta el movimiento feminista. A partir de entonces, se vuelve a plantear la relación entre naturaleza y cultura y se llega a la conclusión de que las diferencias sociales van más allá de las diferencias biológicas, lo cual tiene que ver con que hasta la satisfacción de las necesidades elementales como son la alimentación, la vivienda o el vestuario, están condicionadas por construcciones sociales.

Pues resulta que una de las primeras propuestas identificó la subordinación femenina producto de una organización patriarcal, tomando la categoría patriarcado de Max Weber. Es así como la visión de patriarcado se extendió al discurso político y académico. Sin embargo, no existía información acerca del desarrollo histórico de dicha categoría, sistematización, variaciones, etc., debido a que era algo que recién se percibía en sociedad.

Sin embargo, la misma categoría de patriarcado junto a la de relaciones de poder para explicar fenómenos sociales contemporáneos, constituye uno de los principales aportes del feminismo. Es así como han logrado primero visibilizar y luego deconstruir y desmontar una serie de patrones existentes en la cultura que hacían a la mujer subordinarse al hombre, y que estaban presentes en el sistema sexo/género.

Imagen relativa a la lucha contra el patriarcado

Hasta ese momento, en las investigaciones de corte sociológico se podía observar un androcentrismo excesivo al dar cuenta de que el discurso científico giraba en torno al hombre como sujeto y objeto de la investigación. Incluso para muchos positivistas como el mismo Weber, los problemas relativos a las mujeres quedaban en un segundo plano y eran achacados a una supuesta pasividad en el ámbito doméstico-familiar. Dicha pasividad partía de la supuesta inferioridad biológica del género femenino.

El patriarcado entonces era una categoría vacía en sí misma, sin valor explicativo. Desde el punto de vista político pudo ser útil para la movilización pero no resistió la polémica de los críticos del feminismo ni problematizó los conflictos a ser resueltos. Pero por otro lado, un grupo de mujeres -académicas principalmente- se puso manos a la obra en una tarea más pequeña pero con mayores resultados a la larga. Se propusieron generar conocimientos sobre las condiciones de vida de la mujer, buscar en el pasado y el presente los aportes de las mujeres a la sociedad, hacerlas visibles en la historia. Es así como surgen centros académicos, ONG, proyectos, centros de estudios sobre la mujer, etc.

Convendría distinguir entonces dos posturas que acompañaron a la investigación sobre las mujeres: uno que toma como objeto de estudio a la mujer; condiciones de vida, trabajo, cultura, y otra que privilegia a la sociedad como generadora de la subordinación de las mujeres. Mientras la primera perspectiva generaba conocimiento sobre las mujeres en el estudio de las relaciones mujer-hombre y mujer-mujer, la segunda tenía una visión más holística ya que planteaba que hay que estudiar la sociedad ya que la subordinación de las mujeres es producto de la organización de esta, y que no se avanzará solamente estudiando a las mujeres, pues el estudio debe ser más amplio y en diferentes niveles, ámbitos y tiempos.

Es en esta búsqueda donde nace y se desarrolla el concepto de género como categoría social. Es así que los sistemas de género/sexo fueron entendidos como conjuntos de prácticas, símbolos, representaciones, normas y valores sociales que las sociedades construyen a partir de la diferencia anatomofisiológica y que dotan de sentido a los impulsos sexuales, la reproducción y en general a las relaciones de las personas. Por tanto, este sistema pasó a ser el objeto de estudio para comprender la subordinación de la mujer al hombre. Al ser el reconocimiento de una dimensión de la desigualdad social hasta entonces desconocida, se considera la ruptura epistemológica más importante de la segunda mitad del siglo pasado.

Imagen representativa del binarismo de género

Hay que decir que los fenómenos sociales se definen por la relación que guardan entre sí. Es así que la contextualización adquiere gran importancia. Varones y hembras tenemos la capacidad de producir con el cuerpo, pero solo los cuerpos de las hembras pueden gestar y por tanto asegurar la especie humana. Todo grupo humano que pretenda sobrevivir debe asegurarse cierto número de hembras que lo hagan posible. De ahí un poder particular del cuerpo de las hembras que además es económicamente útil. Dicho poder no es en tanto entidad biológica, sino que es la sociedad la que le otorga este poder. En este punto es importante preguntarnos históricamente ¿quiénes han controlado la capacidad reproductiva de las mujeres?, ¿quiénes han tenido la preferencia en el acceso sexual? Para asegurar un control efectivo sobre la reproducción es necesario asegurar el acceso a la sexualidad.

Imagen alegórica al embarazo

Ello también lleva a dirigir el trabajo que hacen porque de lo contrario, las mujeres pudieran tener espacio para representar una amenaza al dominio de los hombres. Es importante atender a las etapas del desarrollo de las mujeres, que permitirá ver cómo se moldean para aceptar la desigualdad y las jerarquías según el género en las distintas sociedades y culturas.

Otro contexto a delimitar es el ámbito doméstico donde históricamente ha estado ubicada la subordinación femenina. Se ha puesto al descubierto que en mujeres que comparten la misma posición de clase y raza, la condición femenina se redefine a lo largo de la vida y que algunas mujeres gozan de poder sobre otras aún en contextos de alta dominación masculina, donde se les inviste de autoridad, creando el sistema zonas de incertidumbre que las divide como género e impide alianzas y se legitima la dominación. Foucault decía que «el poder se ejerce, no se posee», siempre está en peligro de perderse y no basta con normas, leyes, amenazas o castigos. De ahí que los espacios de subordinación sean también espacios de poder de las mujeres. Es en estos espacios donde aparece la inseguridad, la tensión, la confrontación y por ejemplo, las mujeres pueden reclamar la anticoncepción.

Para terminar, es importante tener en cuenta que el género es una forma de desigualdad social que siempre está articulado con otras formas de desigualdad ya sea clase, raza, grupo etario, etc. Hay que pensar la dominación masculina con un comienzo vago en el tiempo, pero que permite desligar la subordinación de las mujeres de la evolución «natural» de la humanidad y entenderla como un proceso histórico. En ese sentido es necesario destacar que, respecto a la raza, en sociedades plurales hay que atender al contexto étnico-cultural ya que en dependencia de las relaciones entre personas de razas distintas, estarán condicionadas las relaciones entre los géneros.

Imagen de mujeres de distintas razas

Por otro lado, si bien es sabido que históricamente el sistema de género social imperante ha contribuido a invisibilizar a la mujer, asociar necesariamente dicha categoría únicamente a ella, lo que hace es nuevamente recrear el absolutismo histórico que tanto daño ha hecho, ahora como lo antagónico al hombre. En la construcción social participan todos los individuos presentes en el sistema género.

Hasta aquí la publicación de hoy, de la cual aun se puede ahondar mucho más, sobre todo en lo referido al origen de la dominación o de la jerarquización del binomio «hombre/mujer» desde un punto de vista antropológico, pero eso quedará pendiente para otro momento. ¡Así que hasta la próxima!, ¡nos vemos en Nostr!

........................................

English version

Hello nostriches. Today I want to make a post by way of an approach to the emergence of the categories of gender and feminism. So if you are interested in the topic make an effort, stay and read to the end.

The "new" feminism emerged in the 60's in those developed countries that agreed to recognize the human rights contained in the respective UN declaration. Then, as an extension of that recognition, the feminist movement was born. From then on, the relationship between nature and culture was raised again and the conclusion was reached that social differences go beyond biological differences, which has to do with the fact that even the satisfaction of elementary needs such as food, housing or clothing are conditioned by social constructions.

It turns out that one of the first proposals identified female subordination as a product of a patriarchal organization, taking Max Weber's category of patriarchy. This is how the vision of patriarchy was extended to political and academic discourse. However, there was no information about the historical development of this category, systematization, variations, etc., because it was something that was only recently perceived in society.

However, the same category of patriarchy, together with that of power relations to explain contemporary social phenomena, constitutes one of the main contributions of feminism. This is how they have first made visible and then deconstructed and dismantled a series of existing patterns in the culture that made women subordinate to men, and that were present in the sex/gender system.

Image relating to the fight against patriarchy

Up to that time, in sociological research, an excessive androcentrism could be observed as scientific discourse revolved around men as the subject and object of research. Even for many positivists such as Weber himself, the problems related to women remained in the background and were blamed on a supposed passivity in the domestic-family sphere. This passivity was based on the supposed biological inferiority of the female gender.

Patriarchy was then an empty category in itself, with no explanatory value. From the political point of view, it could be useful for mobilization, but it did not resist the polemic of feminism's critics, nor did it problematize the conflicts to be resolved. But on the other hand, a group of women - mainly academics - set to work on a smaller task but with greater results in the long run. They set out to generate knowledge about women's living conditions, to search in the past and present for women's contributions to society, to make them visible in history. This is how academic centers, NGOs, projects, women's studies centers, etc., came into being.

It would be convenient to distinguish then two postures that accompanied the research on women: one that takes women as the object of study; living conditions, work, culture, and the other that privileges society as the generator of women's subordination. While the first perspective generated knowledge about women in the study of woman-man and woman-woman relations, the second had a more holistic vision, since it proposed that society must be studied, since the subordination of women is a product of its organization, and that progress will not be made only by studying women, since the study must be broader and at different levels, spheres and times.

It is in this search that the concept of gender as a social category was born and developed. Thus, gender/sex systems were understood as a set of practices, symbols, representations, norms and social values that societies construct on the basis of anatomophysiological differences and that give meaning to sexual impulses, reproduction and, in general, to people's relationships. Therefore, this system became the object of study to understand the subordination of women to men. As the recognition of a hitherto unknown dimension of social inequality, it is considered the most important epistemological breakthrough of the second half of the last century.

Representative image of gender binarism

It must be said that social phenomena are defined by their relationship with each other. Thus, contextualization acquires great importance. Males and females have the capacity to produce with their bodies, but only the bodies of females can gestate and therefore ensure the human species. Any human group that intends to survive must ensure a certain number of females to make it possible. Hence a particular power of the female body, which is also economically useful. This power is not as a biological entity, but it is society that gives it this power. At this point it is important to ask ourselves historically, who has controlled the reproductive capacity of women, who has had the preference in sexual access? To ensure effective control over reproduction, it is necessary to ensure access to sexuality.

Allegorical image of pregnancy

This also leads to directing the work they do because otherwise, women may have room to pose a threat to men's dominance. It is important to pay attention to the stages of women's development, which will allow us to see how they are shaped to accept inequality and gender hierarchies in different societies and cultures.

Another context to delimit is the domestic sphere where female subordination has historically been located. It has been discovered that in women who share the same class and race position, the feminine condition is redefined throughout life and that some women enjoy power over others even in contexts of high male domination, where they are invested with authority, creating the system of uncertainty zones that divide them as a gender and prevent alliances and legitimize domination. Foucault said that "power is exercised, not possessed", it is always in danger of being lost and norms, laws, threats or punishments are not enough. Hence, the spaces of subordination are also spaces of women's power. It is in these spaces where insecurity, tension, confrontation appear and where, for example, women can demand contraception.

To conclude, it is important to keep in mind that gender is a form of social inequality that is always articulated with other forms of inequality, be it class, race, age group, etc. It is necessary to think of male domination with a vague beginning in time, but which allows us to separate the subordination of women from the "natural" evolution of humanity and to understand it as a historical process. In this sense, it is necessary to emphasize that, with respect to race, in plural societies it is necessary to pay attention to the ethno-cultural context since, depending on the relations between people of different races, the relations between genders will be conditioned.

Image of women of different races

On the other hand, although it is known that historically the prevailing social gender system has contributed to make women invisible, to necessarily associate this category only to women is to recreate the historical absolutism that has done so much damage, this time as antagonistic to men. All individuals present in the gender system participate in the social construction.

So much for today's publication, of which we can still go much deeper, especially with regard to the origin of domination or the hierarchization of the binomial "man/woman" from an anthropological point of view, but that will be left for another time. So until next time, see you in Nostr!

Créditos | Credits

Bibliografía consultada | Consulted bibliography:

1. Barbieri, T. (1993). Sobre la categoría género. Una introducción teórico-metodológica. Debates en Sociología. (18). 1-19. https://doi.org/10.18800/debatesensociologia.199301.006

2. Echevarría, D. (2020). Desigualdades de género e interseccionalidad. Análisis del contexto cubano 2008-2018. Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales (Programa-Cuba). https://www.clacso.org.ar/libreria-latinoamericana-cm/libro_detalle_resultado.php?id_libro=2346&campo=cm&texto=248

Traducción | Translation:

DeepL

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Hatsune Miku in Crypt of the Necrodancer feels like the perfect crossover

Crypt of the Necrodancer (https://www.engadget.com/2013-08-31-pounding-beats-and-dragons-in-crypt-of-the-necrodancer.html) just won’t die — and that’s a good thing. The nearly decade-old roguelike rhythm game (https://www.engadget.com/2015-01-09-gdca-2015-finalists-led-by-middle-earth-shadow-of-mordor.html) received new content on Thursday, bringing virtual pop star Hatsune Miku into the fold as a playable character.

Developer Brace Yourself Games says Hatsune Miku is one of the more challenging characters in the game. She can move in all eight directions and takes out foes by boogying her way through groups of enemies. The developer’s press release explains, “She doesn’t have a shovel like most characters, so she must use her dance-like dash attack to break through walls instead.” Hell yeah.

She has a “Sing!” ability — entirely new to the game — that charms nearby enemies. When one of these charmed foes strikes Miku, she heals instead of losing her health. Brace Yourself Games says it even reskinned all of the game’s armors as official Miku outfits, so you can put on new threads as you shimmy and groove your way through legions of ghosts and skeletons.

Photo by Mat Smith / Engadget

If you aren’t familiar, Hatsune Miku is one of the world’s biggest virtual pop stars (https://www.engadget.com/2016-02-02-hatsune-miku.html). She’s a perpetual 16-year-old because she’s the personification of a “Vocaloid,” software that synthesizes pre-recorded vocals to simulate human singing. The avatar has sold out 14,000-seat arenas, collaborated with Pharrell Williams and opened for Lady Gaga (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYlRN6XWsDE). She wasn’t the first digital celebrity, but she may be the most famous.

The Hatsune Miku DLC for Crypt of the Necrodancer is available now for $1.99 on the PlayStation Store (https://store.playstation.com/en-us/product/UP1162-CUSA03610_00-COLDSTEEL0000000) and PC via Steam. The content arrives a little later on Switch — on April 13. Check out her moves in the trailer below.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hatsune-miku-in-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-feels-like-the-perfect-crossover-203138973.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/hatsune-miku-in-crypt-of-the-necrodancer-feels-like-the-perfect-crossover-203138973.html?src=rss

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Chef's notes

Serving these two dishes together will create a delightful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal, offering a perfect blend of traditional flavors with a homemade touch.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 30 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 1 - 2 hours
• 🍽️ Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 whole turkey (about 12-14 lbs), thawed and ready to cook
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, halved
• 2-3 cloves of garlic
• Apple and Sage Stuffing
• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cut into cubes
• 2 apples, cored and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Herb Butter: Mix the softened butter with the chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Prepare the Turkey: Remove any giblets from the turkey and pat it dry. Loosen the skin and spread a generous amount of herb butter under and over the skin.
4. Add Aromatics: Inside the turkey cavity, place the quartered onion, lemon halves, and garlic cloves.
5. Roast: Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Tent with aluminum foil and roast. A general guideline is about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving.
7. Next: Apple and Sage Stuffing
8. Dry the Bread: Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and let them dry overnight, or toast them in the oven.
9. Cook the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter and cook the onion, celery, and garlic until soft.
10. Combine Ingredients: Add the apples, sage, and bread cubes to the skillet. Stir in the chicken broth until the mixture is moist. Season with salt and pepper.
11. Bake: Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, until golden brown on top.

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Testing a brand new YakiHonne native client for iOS. Smooth as butter (not penis butter 🤣🍆🧈) with great visual experience and intuitive navigation. Amazing work by the team behind it! * lists * work

Bold text work!

Images could have used nostr.build instead of raw S3 from us-east-1 region.

Very impressive! You can even save the draft and continue later, before posting the long-form note!

🐶🐾🤯🤯🤯🫂💜

@ 46fcbe30:6bd8ce4d

Opinion about AirGap Vault - Secure Secrets (android)

AirGap Vault turns your old cellphone into a hardware wallet. While there are concerns about all the software running on a cellphone and radio capabilities that might get activated despite you not putting a sim card into the phone, this is a pretty solid MIT licensed open source project that gives you more features than a Blockstream Jade ($65) or a Foundation Passport ($199) essentially for free if you have an old phone laying around. If only it wasn't so much into shitcoins ...

AirGap Vault supports: When paired with MetaMask - All EVM-compatible blockchains

When paired with AirGap Wallet - Bitcoin - BTC, - Ethereum - ETH, - Polkadot - DOT, - Kusama - KSM, - Tezos - XTZ, - Cosmos - ATOM, - Moonbeam - GLMR, - Moonriver - MOVR, - Astar - ASTR, - Shiden - SDN, - Aeternity - AE, - Groestlcoin - GRS

It asks for camera and microphone permission to collect entropy which takes quite long and if your screen safer switches on while you are writing down the mnemonic, ... you have to start over. Then you have to pick accounts. I went with Legacy and Segwit BTC and the "Deriving your wallet..." modal doesn't even spin for minutes. ... but ... with a bit of patience ... yeah! It works. Now it can be used with Sparrow for example. Or a bunch of other companion apps.

I so far like this product mainly because it's open source, air-gapped and reproducible since many years.

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

A new series of Star Wars shorts premieres on Disney+ next month

Disney (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=85d85ef3-fac9-418f-9573-418cf162cd0c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Disney%2B&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXNuZXlwbHVzLmNvbS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJlYzhhNzEzLWJkNjYtNDhlMS1iMDAxLTVkOWEyMzM0Zjg2MyJ9&signature=AQAAAcoOBk1LX8mIjwuXbRIBM8xYheY9zNwsoAjQz4-HUgHm&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneyplus.com%2F) just pulled a fast one. Star Wars movies and shows are typically announced years before being released, but the company just revealed a new TV program that premieres next month. Tales of the Empire is an animated show produced by Dave Filoni, the man who cut his teeth on cartoons like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels before moving onto live action stuff like Ahsoka (https://www.engadget.com/ahsoka-review-star-wars-disney-193023619.html).

As the name suggests, this is something of a companion piece to 2022’s Tales of the Jedi. It’s an anthology series that spotlights different characters within the empire as they, uh, heroically try to defeat the nefarious rebels and bring order to the galaxy. You can expect appearances by many of your dark side faves, including Grand Admiral Thrawn, General Grievous and the Grand Inquisitor.

Just like how Tales of the Jedi put the spotlight on two characters, Ahsoka and Count Dooku, this new series will have its own duo to follow. There’s Morgan Elsbeth, a primary antagonist in Ahsoka and one episode of The Mandalorian, with the trailer indicating that Tales of the Empire will reveal how Thrawn and Elsbeth became besties. The show will also focus on Barriss Offee, a former Jedi Knight who fell to the dark side during the Clone Wars.

Despite being animated, the characters will be played by their live action actors. Lars Mikkelsen returns as Thrawn and Matthew Wood is once again portraying Grievous, the evil cyborg who is in dire need of some cough syrup. Diana Lee Inosanto is back as Elsbeth and Meredith Salenger is voicing Offee.

The show premieres on everyone’s favorite corporate-sponsored pseudo-holiday, May the Fourth, also known as May 4. All six episodes will be available to stream on Disney+ (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=85d85ef3-fac9-418f-9573-418cf162cd0c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Disney%2B&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5kaXNuZXlwbHVzLmNvbS8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjJlYzhhNzEzLWJkNjYtNDhlMS1iMDAxLTVkOWEyMzM0Zjg2MyJ9&signature=AQAAAcoOBk1LX8mIjwuXbRIBM8xYheY9zNwsoAjQz4-HUgHm&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneyplus.com%2F) upon the release date. The live action Star Wars: Acolyte follows this with a premiere on June 4 (https://www.engadget.com/watch-disneys-official-trailer-for-star-wars-the-acolyte-150246523.html).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/a-new-series-of-star-wars-shorts-premieres-on-disney-next-month-190007395.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/a-new-series-of-star-wars-shorts-premieres-on-disney-next-month-190007395.html?src=rss

@ fa0165a0:03397073

I just tested building a browser plugin, it was easier than I thought. Here I'll walk you through the steps of creating a minimal working example of a browser plugin, a.k.a. the "Hello World" of browser plugins.

First of all there are two main browser platforms out there, Chromium and Mozilla. They do some things a little differently, but similar enough that we can build a plugin that works on both. This plugin will work in both, I'll describe the firefox version, but the chromium version is very similar.

What is a browser plugin?

Simply put, a browser plugin is a program that runs in the browser. It can do things like modify the content of a webpage, or add new functionality to the browser. It's a way to extend the browser with custom functionality. Common examples are ad blockers, password managers, and video downloaders.

In technical terms, they are plugins that can insert html-css-js into your browser experience.

How to build a browser plugin

Step 0: Basics

You'll need a computer, a text editor and a browser. For testing and development I personally think that the firefox developer edition is the easiest to work with. But any Chrome based browser will also do.

Create a working directory on your computer, name it anything you like. I'll call mine hello-world-browser-plugin. Open the directory and create a file called manifest.json. This is the most important file of your plugin, and it must be named exactly right.

Step 1: manifest.json

After creation open your file manifest.json in your text editor and paste the following code:

json { "manifest_version": 3, "name": "Hello World", "version": "1.0", "description": "A simple 'Hello World' browser extension", "content_scripts": [ { "matches": ["<all_urls>"], "js": ["hello.js"] //The name of your script file. // "css": ["hello.css"] //The name of your css file. } ] }

If you wonder what the json file format is, it's a normal text file with a special syntax such that a computer can easily read it. It's the json syntax you see in the code above. Let's go through what's being said here. (If you are not interested, just skip to the next step after pasting this we are done here.)

• manifest_version: This is the version of the manifest file format. It's currently at version 3, and it's the latest version. It's important that you set this to 3, otherwise your plugin won't work.
• name: This is the name of your plugin. It can be anything you like.
• version: This is the version of your plugin. It can be anything you like.
• description: This is the description of your plugin. It can be anything you like.
• content_scripts: This is where you define what your plugin does. It's a list of scripts that will be executed when the browser loads a webpage. In this case we have one script, called hello.js. It's the script that we'll create in the next step.
• matches: This is a list of urls that the script will be executed on. In this case we have <all_urls>, which means that the script will be executed on all urls. You can also specify a specific url, like https://brave.com/*, which means that the script will only be executed on urls that start with https://brave.com/.
• js: This is a list of javascript files that will be executed. In this case we have one file, called hello.js. It's the script that we'll create in the next step.
• css: This is where you can add a list of css files that will be executed. In this case we have none, but you can add css files here if you want to.
• //: Text following these two characters are comments. They are ignored by the computer, You can add comments anywhere you like, and they are a good way to document your code.

Step 2: hello.js

Now it's time to create another file in your project folder. This time we'll call it hello.js. When created, open it in your text editor and paste the following code:

js console.log("Hello World!"); That's javascript code, and it's what will be executed when you run your plugin. It's a simple console.log statement, which will print the text "Hello World!" to the console. The console is a place where the browser prints out messages, and it's a good place to start when debugging your plugin.

Step 3: Load and launch your plugin

Firefox

Now it's time to load your plugin into your browser. Open your browser and go to the url about:debugging#/runtime/this-firefox. You should see a page that looks something like this:

Click the button that says "Load Temporary Add-on...". A file dialog will open, navigate to your project folder and select the file manifest.json. Your plugin should now be loaded and running.

Go to a website, any website, and open the inspector then navigate to the console. You'll find the inspector by right-clicking anywhere within the webpage, and click "Inspector" in the drop-down menu. When opening the console you might see some log messages from the site you visited and... you should see the text "Hello World!" printed there, from our little plugin! Congratulations!

Chrome

Open your browser and go to the url chrome://extensions/. Click the button that says "Load unpacked". A file dialog will open, navigate to your project folder and select the folder hello-world-browser-plugin. Your plugin should now be loaded and running.

Note the difference, of selecting the file manifest.json in firefox, and selecting the folder hello-world-browser-plugin in chrome. Otherwise, the process is the same. So I'll repeat the same text as above: (for those who skipped ahead..)

Go to a website, any website, and open the inspector then navigate to the console. You'll find the inspector by right-clicking anywhere within the webpage, and click "Inspector" in the drop-down menu. When opening the console you might see some log messages from the site you visited and... you should see the text "Hello World!" printed there, from our little plugin! Congratulations!

---

As you can see this isn't as complicated as one might think. Having preformed a "Hello-World!"-project is a very useful and valuable first step. These setup steps are the basics for any browser plugin, and you can build on this to create more advanced plugins.

@ 1689f2c8:5f809f76

Opinion about AirGap Vault - Secure Secrets (android)

Just testing ...

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Who exactly is YouTube’s multicam Coachella stream for?

YouTube is hyping (https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/coachella-2024-livestream-how-to-watch/) its exclusive Coachella streaming coverage, which starts next week. The headlining feature is the platform’s multiview experience (already familiar to sports fans (https://www.engadget.com/youtube-tv-mosaic-mode-report-192123171.html)) for the two-weekend festival. Our question from this announcement is, who wants to watch several different artists’ sets at the same time — when you can only listen to one?

The multiview experience will let you watch up to four stages simultaneously, letting you pick which one to hear: exactly how multiview works for March Madness (https://www.engadget.com/march-madness-live-brings-multiview-streaming-to-the-web-for-up-to-four-games-160010247.html), NFL games or any other sporting event. Here’s how YouTube pitches the feature: “Two of your favorite bands playing on different stages at the same time? No problem, multiview will have you and your friends covered to catch both sets at the same time via the YouTube app on TV at no additional cost.”

Maybe I’m of the wrong generation and have too long of an attention span, but who wants to watch an artist’s set without hearing it? That’s what will happen to the three stages you aren’t listening to. Wouldn’t it be better to... watch the one you’re hearing? And then catch up on the others on-demand when you can listen to them as well?

Sports multiview makes sense because there are scores to track and timeouts, halftimes and blowouts to divert your attention to another game. You don’t need to hear an NBA game to keep an eye on the ball. (Depending on the commentators, you may prefer not to listen to it.) It’s primarily a visual experience; the audio is secondary.

But music, even when played live with all the light shows, fog machines and dancing accompanying it, is still an auditory experience first and foremost. If multiple artists you like play at once, you still can’t (and wouldn’t want to) hear more than one simultaneously. In YouTube’s multiview, you pick one stage to hear and the rest to… watch them sing and dance on mute in a little box alongside two other muted performances. Yay?

It sounds like a solution looking for a problem — YouTube applying its existing tech (which, to be fair, works very well with sports) to a music festival. Never mind that it doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Perplexed rants aside, YouTube will have six livestream feeds to bounce between (but, again, only four at once in multiview). That includes Sonora for the first weekend and Yuma for the second. This year’s headliners include Lana Del Rey, Doja Cat, No Doubt and Tyler, the Creator.

Between sets, YouTube will stream “special editorial content” from the artists onsite. Each day after the night’s final set, YouTube’s Coachella channel will repeat that day’s sets until the livestream returns the next day. That sounds like a better way to catch up on the sets you didn’t see live.

The event takes place in Indio, California, about 130 miles east of LA, from April 12 to 14 and April 19 to 21. You can tune in on YouTube’s Coachella channel (https://www.youtube.com/coachella).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/who-exactly-is-youtubes-multicam-coachella-stream-for-183744741.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/who-exactly-is-youtubes-multicam-coachella-stream-for-183744741.html?src=rss

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

As the title states, scratch behind my ear and you get it. 🐶🐾🫡

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

The latest Razer Blade 18 is now available to order

It’s taken Razer (https://www.engadget.com/tag/razer/) a few extra months to get its latest 18-inch Blade laptop ready for primetime after we first saw it at CES (https://www.engadget.com/razers-blade-laptop-lineup-shines-bright-with-stunning-screens-at-ces-2024-230044688.html). Those who have been waiting for the company’s latest chonkster can now order the 2024 edition of the Razor Blade 18, which starts at $3,099 (https://www.razer.com/gaming-laptops/Razer-Blade-18/RZ09-0509SEK3-R3U1).

The base system comes with an i9-14900HX processor, 32GB of RAM, 1TB of SSD storage, Wi-Fi 7, a triple-fan cooling system and a six-speaker array with THX spatial audio support. On the GPU side, you can equip the laptop with up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 (the base model has a 4070 graphics card). In what Razer claims is a first for a laptop, there's Thunderbolt 5 connectivity, but only if you opt for a 4080 or 4090 GPU.

Razer

The display is one of the big talking points for this laptop. It comes with a QHD+ 300Hz Mini-LED display as standard. If you want higher fidelity, you can opt for a 4K 200Hz screen. The company seems to have found an extra 35 hertz since CES, since it said at the time the Razer Blade 18 would have a 4K 165Hz display option. Razer claims that this display is a world first for a laptop and it’ll set you back an extra $1,700, far more than an equivalent standalone monitor would cost. You'll also need to wait until later this summer for a model with a 4K 200Hz panel to ship, whereas you can snag one with the QHD+ display now.

We felt that last year's model was very expensive (https://www.engadget.com/razer-blade-18-review-specs-price-overpowered-and-oversized-133044127.html) for a fully kitted-out configuration and that's the case again this time around. Still, if you need a big-screen, high-end laptop that can run just about any program or game you can throw at it, the latest Razer Blade 18 can be all yours if you have the cash to spare.

Razer

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-latest-razer-blade-18-is-now-available-to-order-180330999.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/the-latest-razer-blade-18-is-now-available-to-order-180330999.html?src=rss

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Test Bounty Note

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

Intro

This short tutorial will help you set up your own Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) on your own LND Node that is not using Umbrel. If you are a user of Umbrel, you should use their version of NWC.

Requirements

You need to have a working installation of LND with established channels and connectivity to the internet. NWC in itself is fairly light and will not consume a lot of resources. You will also want to ensure that you have a working installation of Docker, since we will use a docker image to run NWC.

• Working installation of LND (and all of its required components)
• Docker (with Docker compose)

Installation

For the purpose of this tutorial, we will assume that you have your lnd/bitcoind running under user bitcoin with home directory /home/bitcoin. We will also assume that you already have a running installation of Docker (or docker.io).

Prepare and verify

git version - we will need git to get the latest version of NWC. docker version - should execute successfully and show the currently installed version of Docker. docker compose version - same as before, but the version will be different. ss -tupln | grep 10009- should produce the following output: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 0.0.0.0:10009 0.0.0.0: tcp LISTEN 0 4096 [::]:10009 [::]:**

For things to work correctly, your Docker should be version 20.10.0 or later. If you have an older version, consider installing a new one using instructions here: https://docs.docker.com/engine/install/

Create folders & download NWC

In the home directory of your LND/bitcoind user, create a new folder, e.g., "nwc" mkdir /home/bitcoin/nwc. Change to that directory cd /home/bitcoin/nwc and clone the NWC repository: git clone https://github.com/getAlby/nostr-wallet-connect.git

Creating the Docker image

In this step, we will create a Docker image that you will use to run NWC.

• Change directory to nostr-wallet-connect: cd nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• The last line of the output (after a few minutes) should look like => => naming to docker.io/library/nwc:latest
• nwc:latest is the name of the Docker image with a tag which you should note for use later.

Creating docker-compose.yml and necessary data directories

• Let's create a directory that will hold your non-volatile data (DB): mkdir data
• Indocker-compose.ymlfile, there are fields that you want to replace (<> comments) and port “4321” that you want to make sure is open (check with ss -tupln | grep 4321which should return nothing).
• Create docker-compose.ymlfile with the following content, and make sure to update fields that have <> comment:

version: "3.8" services: nwc: image: nwc:latest volumes: - ./data:/data - ~/.lnd:/lnd:ro ports: - "4321:8080" extra_hosts: - "localhost:host-gateway" environment: NOSTR_PRIVKEY: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate a fresh key and place it inside ""> LN_BACKEND_TYPE: "LND" LND_ADDRESS: localhost:10009 LND_CERT_FILE: "/lnd/tls.cert" LND_MACAROON_FILE: "/lnd/data/chain/bitcoin/mainnet/admin.macaroon" DATABASE_URI: "/data/nostr-wallet-connect.db" COOKIE_SECRET: <use "openssl rand -hex 32" to generate fresh secret and place it inside ""> PORT: 8080 restart: always stop_grace_period: 1m

Starting and testing

Now that you have everything ready, it is time to start the container and test.

• While you are in the nwcdirectory (important), execute the following command and check the log output, docker compose up
• You should see container logs while it is starting, and it should not exit if everything went well.
• At this point, you should be able to go to http://<ip of the host where nwc is running>:4321 and get to the interface of NWC
• To stop the test run of NWC, simply press Ctrl-C , and it will shut the container down.
• To start NWC permanently, you should execute docker compose up -d , “-d” tells Docker to detach from the session.
• To check currently running NWC logs, execute docker compose logs to run it in tail mode add -f to the end.
• To stop the container, execute docker compose down

That's all, just follow the instructions in the web interface to get started.

Updating

As with any software, you should expect fixes and updates that you would need to perform periodically. You could automate this, but it falls outside of the scope of this tutorial. Since we already have all of the necessary configuration in place, the update execution is fairly simple.

• Change directory to the clone of the git repository, cd /home/bitcoin/nwc/nostr-wallet-connect
• Run command to build Docker image: docker build -t nwc:$(date +'%Y%m%d%H%M') -t nwc:latest . (there is a dot at the end)
• Change directory back one level cd ..
• Restart (stop and start) the docker compose config docker compose down && docker compose up -d
• Done! Optionally you may want to check the logs: docker compose logs

@ fcc4252f:e9ec0d5d

GM Plebeian Market community!

Welcome to another edition of our Habla News. Stay current with what is new and updates on Plebeian Market!

Exciting job opportunity alert!🚀

We're growing our developer team at Plebeian Market and we are looking for 2 talented developers!

Full-stack front-end dev:

SvelteKit, nostr, lightning, & bitcoin experience required.🔧

Back-end dev:

PostgreSQL, Docker, nostr, lightning, & bitcoin experience a must.📊

Remote work & Bitcoin salary! Join us in shaping the future of decentralized marketplaces! 🌍 Apply now by sending Chiefmonkey dm.

Use a Lightbox for Better Product Pictures

Upgrade your market stall with some well taken photos to help sell your products.

Did you ever wonder how people get those beautiful endless finishes in their photos? White and bright shots of their products? This is how, by taking photos inside a box that diffuses natural light from all sides, you can remove shadows and give a white, magazine-like finish to your photos.

Now you can buy a photo lightbox online, some of them are quite affordable, but if you rather stack sats instead you can DIY your own photo lightbox with a few items and steps. What you will need: 1. Cardboard Box 2. White paper or poster/bristol board, tissue paper 3. Lights or a lamp 4. Tape and glue 5. Knife, scissors, ruler

• Box. Making a lightbox is rather simple if you find a square and thick cardboard box and light it. Visit the back of grocery stores or any nearby places which sell products to find such kinds of boxes.
• Lights. Pay attention to “Daylight” fluorescent light bulbs or “Full Spectrum” bulbs. In addition, it will be a great idea to construct a lighting fixture for your DIY photo light box, for example you may use a desk lamp.
• White poster/bristol board, tissue paper. This massive thick paper functions as the background and lines the box on the inside. Before you buy the poster board, consider the size of the box. You might need from 2 to 3 sheets for lining the box and one for the background. It doesn't have to be necessarily white, other colors are suitable as well. The tissue paper is for the side panels to diffuse the lighting.
• Miscellaneous tools & glue. If you are wondering how to make a lightbox, you can't do without a knife, scissors, and a regular ruler or a triangle. For gluing the lining in the photo light box, you should purchase a glue stick or spray adhesive.

Here are some links, Fix the Photo and WikiHow. There are also many videos on YouTube to how to build a photo lightbox! 📸

Latest Merchant Products on Plebeian Market

We are grateful once again to all the merchants who have selected Plebeian Market! Let's keep collaborating to strengthen the bitcoin circular economy.

The marketplace is expanding its product range in a positive manner, offering authentic bitcoin greeting cards, homemade marmalades, a diverse selection of digital and traditional art, and exciting collectibles.

Isabel Sydow

Isolabell Art

Jimble's Jumble

MaxisClub Merchandise

Check out all the merchants on the platform!

Latest Updates to Plebeian Market

The developer team has been working on fixing bugs and other issues that have popped up.

If you notice any issues with the marketplace or setting up your market stall or auction please let us know in our telegram chat!

Let’s build together!

Bekka

@ ae1008d2:a166d760

I'm testing this to make sure I can post here on highlighter

@ d2e97f73:ea9a4d1b

There’s a lot of conversation around the #TwitterFiles. Here’s my take, and thoughts on how to fix the issues identified.

I’ll start with the principles I’ve come to believe…based on everything I’ve learned and experienced through my past actions as a Twitter co-founder and lead:

1. Social media must be resilient to corporate and government control.
2. Only the original author may remove content they produce.
3. Moderation is best implemented by algorithmic choice.

The Twitter when I led it and the Twitter of today do not meet any of these principles. This is my fault alone, as I completely gave up pushing for them when an activist entered our stock in 2020. I no longer had hope of achieving any of it as a public company with no defense mechanisms (lack of dual-class shares being a key one). I planned my exit at that moment knowing I was no longer right for the company.

The biggest mistake I made was continuing to invest in building tools for us to manage the public conversation, versus building tools for the people using Twitter to easily manage it for themselves. This burdened the company with too much power, and opened us to significant outside pressure (such as advertising budgets). I generally think companies have become far too powerful, and that became completely clear to me with our suspension of Trump’s account. As I’ve said before, we did the right thing for the public company business at the time, but the wrong thing for the internet and society. Much more about this here: https://twitter.com/jack/status/1349510769268850690

I continue to believe there was no ill intent or hidden agendas, and everyone acted according to the best information we had at the time. Of course mistakes were made. But if we had focused more on tools for the people using the service rather than tools for us, and moved much faster towards absolute transparency, we probably wouldn’t be in this situation of needing a fresh reset (which I am supportive of). Again, I own all of this and our actions, and all I can do is work to make it right.

Back to the principles. Of course governments want to shape and control the public conversation, and will use every method at their disposal to do so, including the media. And the power a corporation wields to do the same is only growing. It’s critical that the people have tools to resist this, and that those tools are ultimately owned by the people. Allowing a government or a few corporations to own the public conversation is a path towards centralized control.

I’m a strong believer that any content produced by someone for the internet should be permanent until the original author chooses to delete it. It should be always available and addressable. Content takedowns and suspensions should not be possible. Doing so complicates important context, learning, and enforcement of illegal activity. There are significant issues with this stance of course, but starting with this principle will allow for far better solutions than we have today. The internet is trending towards a world were storage is “free” and infinite, which places all the actual value on how to discover and see content.

Which brings me to the last principle: moderation. I don’t believe a centralized system can do content moderation globally. It can only be done through ranking and relevance algorithms, the more localized the better. But instead of a company or government building and controlling these solely, people should be able to build and choose from algorithms that best match their criteria, or not have to use any at all. A “follow” action should always deliver every bit of content from the corresponding account, and the algorithms should be able to comb through everything else through a relevance lens that an individual determines. There’s a default “G-rated” algorithm, and then there’s everything else one can imagine.

The only way I know of to truly live up to these 3 principles is a free and open protocol for social media, that is not owned by a single company or group of companies, and is resilient to corporate and government influence. The problem today is that we have companies who own both the protocol and discovery of content. Which ultimately puts one person in charge of what’s available and seen, or not. This is by definition a single point of failure, no matter how great the person, and over time will fracture the public conversation, and may lead to more control by governments and corporations around the world.

I believe many companies can build a phenomenal business off an open protocol. For proof, look at both the web and email. The biggest problem with these models however is that the discovery mechanisms are far too proprietary and fixed instead of open or extendable. Companies can build many profitable services that complement rather than lock down how we access this massive collection of conversation. There is no need to own or host it themselves.

Many of you won’t trust this solution just because it’s me stating it. I get it, but that’s exactly the point. Trusting any one individual with this comes with compromises, not to mention being way too heavy a burden for the individual. It has to be something akin to what bitcoin has shown to be possible. If you want proof of this, get out of the US and European bubble of the bitcoin price fluctuations and learn how real people are using it for censorship resistance in Africa and Central/South America.

I do still wish for Twitter, and every company, to become uncomfortably transparent in all their actions, and I wish I forced more of that years ago. I do believe absolute transparency builds trust. As for the files, I wish they were released Wikileaks-style, with many more eyes and interpretations to consider. And along with that, commitments of transparency for present and future actions. I’m hopeful all of this will happen. There’s nothing to hide…only a lot to learn from. The current attacks on my former colleagues could be dangerous and doesn’t solve anything. If you want to blame, direct it at me and my actions, or lack thereof.

As far as the free and open social media protocol goes, there are many competing projects: @bluesky is one with the AT Protocol, nostr another, Mastodon yet another, Matrix yet another…and there will be many more. One will have a chance at becoming a standard like HTTP or SMTP. This isn’t about a “decentralized Twitter.” This is a focused and urgent push for a foundational core technology standard to make social media a native part of the internet. I believe this is critical both to Twitter’s future, and the public conversation’s ability to truly serve the people, which helps hold governments and corporations accountable. And hopefully makes it all a lot more fun and informative again.

💸🛠️🌐 To accelerate open internet and protocol work, I’m going to open a new category of #startsmall grants: “open internet development.” It will start with a focus of giving cash and equity grants to engineering teams working on social media and private communication protocols, bitcoin, and a web-only mobile OS. I’ll make some grants next week, starting with $1mm/yr to Signal. Please let me know other great candidates for this money.

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Ford delays some electric vehicles, renews focus on hybrids

Ford just announced some delays for electric vehicles (https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2024/04/04/ford-updates-timing-for-next-gen-evs--readies-manufacturing-plan.html), including the long-awaited three-row SUV. The car was supposed to come out next year but has now been delayed until 2027, with the company suggesting it will use the extra time to “take advantage of emerging battery technology.” Ford says it’ll be making moves to “mitigate the impact the launch delay will have on” the Canadian workforce.

The next-generation electric pickup, codenamed “T3,” is also being delayed from late 2025 to 2026. It’s being built at the Tennessee Electric Vehicle Center assembly plant at the company’s BlueOval City complex, though Ford says it's just now installing stamping equipment that will produce the sheet metal for the truck.

Alongside these announcements, the company has revealed a new push for hybrid vehicles. It has stated it plans on offering hybrid powertrains across the entire Ford Blue lineup by 2030. Despite the aforementioned delays and the pivot toward hybrid vehicles, Ford says it remains committed to EVs and that it's continuing construction of battery plants in Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky.

However, it’s no secret that the EV market is not quite as robust as companies once hoped it would be. Maybe it’s the high price of entry, the spotty charging infrastructure or the fact that some EVs do not qualify for the federal tax break. Heck, maybe consumers are simply turned off by a certain CEO who shall not be named (https://www.engadget.com/tesla-paid-no-federal-income-taxes-while-paying-executives-25-billion-over-five-years-154529907.html).

In any event, the slowdown is real (https://www.engadget.com/ford-is-cutting-f-150-lightning-production-due-to-waning-demand-173838340.html), though perhaps a bit overstated. Ford experienced a decline in EV sales of 11 percent (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-ev-sales-fall-january-amid-demand-slowdown-2024-02-02/#:~:text=Feb%202%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20Ford,than%20their%20gasoline%2Dpowered%20counterparts.) in January, but the company says it bounced back and that sales have increased by 86 percent throughout the entire first quarter when compared to last year. However, the company's EV offerings lost $4.7 billion in 2023 (https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/ford-will-delay-some-north-american-ev-production-2024-04-04/).

“We are committed to scaling a profitable EV business", said Jim Farley, Ford president and CEO. To that end, the company announced last year that it would be delaying or canceling $12 billion in planned spending (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDIzLzEwLzI2L2ZvcmQtd2lsbC1wb3N0cG9uZS1hYm91dC0xMi1iaWxsaW9uLWluLWV2LWludmVzdG1lbnQuaHRtbCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiNDQwNTlkY2QtOTk1ZS00NGM1LTkzZTEtMGNmZDdlNTYxYjMyIn0&signature=AQAAASSjnSB0Gw7zfmip9UvERBPzLSHcKFuTFxh9jhi57Hxz&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2023%2F10%2F26%2Fford-will-postpone-about-12-billion-in-ev-investment.html) on electric vehicles. It’s unclear how today’s announcements will impact Ford's plans to ramp up production to 600,000 EVs (https://www.engadget.com/ford-expects-to-reach-its-ev-production-goal-a-year-later-than-planned-101804539.html) per year. In any event, customers can now use Tesla Superchargers (https://www.engadget.com/ford-ev-owners-can-now-use-tesla-superchargers-in-the-us-and-canada-130053549.html) in the US and Canada, which should help assuage some of those infrastructure concerns.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ford-delays-some-electric-vehicles-renews-focus-on-hybrids-172007210.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/ford-delays-some-electric-vehicles-renews-focus-on-hybrids-172007210.html?src=rss

@ 82341f88:fbfbe6a2

There’s a lot of conversation around the #TwitterFiles. Here’s my take, and thoughts on how to fix the issues identified.

I’ll start with the principles I’ve come to believe…based on everything I’ve learned and experienced through my past actions as a Twitter co-founder and lead:

1. Social media must be resilient to corporate and government control.
2. Only the original author may remove content they produce.
3. Moderation is best implemented by algorithmic choice.

The Twitter when I led it and the Twitter of today do not meet any of these principles. This is my fault alone, as I completely gave up pushing for them when an activist entered our stock in 2020. I no longer had hope of achieving any of it as a public company with no defense mechanisms (lack of dual-class shares being a key one). I planned my exit at that moment knowing I was no longer right for the company.

The biggest mistake I made was continuing to invest in building tools for us to manage the public conversation, versus building tools for the people using Twitter to easily manage it for themselves. This burdened the company with too much power, and opened us to significant outside pressure (such as advertising budgets). I generally think companies have become far too powerful, and that became completely clear to me with our suspension of Trump’s account. As I’ve said before, we did the right thing for the public company business at the time, but the wrong thing for the internet and society. Much more about this here: https://twitter.com/jack/status/1349510769268850690

I continue to believe there was no ill intent or hidden agendas, and everyone acted according to the best information we had at the time. Of course mistakes were made. But if we had focused more on tools for the people using the service rather than tools for us, and moved much faster towards absolute transparency, we probably wouldn’t be in this situation of needing a fresh reset (which I am supportive of). Again, I own all of this and our actions, and all I can do is work to make it right.

Back to the principles. Of course governments want to shape and control the public conversation, and will use every method at their disposal to do so, including the media. And the power a corporation wields to do the same is only growing. It’s critical that the people have tools to resist this, and that those tools are ultimately owned by the people. Allowing a government or a few corporations to own the public conversation is a path towards centralized control.

I’m a strong believer that any content produced by someone for the internet should be permanent until the original author chooses to delete it. It should be always available and addressable. Content takedowns and suspensions should not be possible. Doing so complicates important context, learning, and enforcement of illegal activity. There are significant issues with this stance of course, but starting with this principle will allow for far better solutions than we have today. The internet is trending towards a world were storage is “free” and infinite, which places all the actual value on how to discover and see content.

Which brings me to the last principle: moderation. I don’t believe a centralized system can do content moderation globally. It can only be done through ranking and relevance algorithms, the more localized the better. But instead of a company or government building and controlling these solely, people should be able to build and choose from algorithms that best match their criteria, or not have to use any at all. A “follow” action should always deliver every bit of content from the corresponding account, and the algorithms should be able to comb through everything else through a relevance lens that an individual determines. There’s a default “G-rated” algorithm, and then there’s everything else one can imagine.

The only way I know of to truly live up to these 3 principles is a free and open protocol for social media, that is not owned by a single company or group of companies, and is resilient to corporate and government influence. The problem today is that we have companies who own both the protocol and discovery of content. Which ultimately puts one person in charge of what’s available and seen, or not. This is by definition a single point of failure, no matter how great the person, and over time will fracture the public conversation, and may lead to more control by governments and corporations around the world.

I believe many companies can build a phenomenal business off an open protocol. For proof, look at both the web and email. The biggest problem with these models however is that the discovery mechanisms are far too proprietary and fixed instead of open or extendable. Companies can build many profitable services that complement rather than lock down how we access this massive collection of conversation. There is no need to own or host it themselves.

Many of you won’t trust this solution just because it’s me stating it. I get it, but that’s exactly the point. Trusting any one individual with this comes with compromises, not to mention being way too heavy a burden for the individual. It has to be something akin to what bitcoin has shown to be possible. If you want proof of this, get out of the US and European bubble of the bitcoin price fluctuations and learn how real people are using it for censorship resistance in Africa and Central/South America.

I do still wish for Twitter, and every company, to become uncomfortably transparent in all their actions, and I wish I forced more of that years ago. I do believe absolute transparency builds trust. As for the files, I wish they were released Wikileaks-style, with many more eyes and interpretations to consider. And along with that, commitments of transparency for present and future actions. I’m hopeful all of this will happen. There’s nothing to hide…only a lot to learn from. The current attacks on my former colleagues could be dangerous and doesn’t solve anything. If you want to blame, direct it at me and my actions, or lack thereof.

As far as the free and open social media protocol goes, there are many competing projects: @bluesky is one with the AT Protocol, nostr another, Mastodon yet another, Matrix yet another…and there will be many more. One will have a chance at becoming a standard like HTTP or SMTP. This isn’t about a “decentralized Twitter.” This is a focused and urgent push for a foundational core technology standard to make social media a native part of the internet. I believe this is critical both to Twitter’s future, and the public conversation’s ability to truly serve the people, which helps hold governments and corporations accountable. And hopefully makes it all a lot more fun and informative again.

💸🛠️🌐 To accelerate open internet and protocol work, I’m going to open a new category of #startsmall grants: “open internet development.” It will start with a focus of giving cash and equity grants to engineering teams working on social media and private communication protocols, bitcoin, and a web-only mobile OS. I’ll make some grants next week, starting with $1mm/yr to Signal. Please let me know other great candidates for this money.

@ 195284db:2f006fc1

Opinion about STRIKE: Bitcoin & Global Money (android)

Strike is for fiat and bitcoin. It can send and receive bitcoins.

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Amazon’s Prime Gaming titles for April include Fallout 76 and Chivalry 2

Amazon is offering another decent batch of games (https://primegaming.blog/prime-gaming-april-content-update-fallout-76-chivalry-2-faraway-2-jungle-escape-and-more-f66c309986a8) to Prime members at no extra cost for the month of April. Leading the bunch is Fallout 76, a multiplayer take on the post-apocalyptic franchise. There’s also the hack and slash adventure Chivalry 2 and around a dozen more.

Fallout 76 is just the latest title in the series to hit Prime Gaming, likely to coincide with this month’s premiere (https://www.engadget.com/prime-videos-latest-fallout-trailer-deftly-captures-the-tone-of-the-games-170210309.html) of the Fallout TV show. It experienced mixed reviews upon release, with many complaining about an overall lack of purpose in the gameplay and a blandness in the design. Other people simply enjoyed wandering around a post-apocalyptic West Virginia with their buddies.

The game’s available for PC and, interestingly, Xbox consoles. People can download it from the Microsoft Store for PC and Amazon will hand out a code to Prime members for an Xbox download. Fallout 76 will be available on April 11, the same exact day all eight episodes of the show drop.

Chivalry 2, on the other hand, is available right now. This is a modern take on the hack and slash genre, with a first-person POV, multiplayer matches with up to 64 players at once and a grimy medieval setting. There’s also crossplay for every available platform (https://www.engadget.com/chivalry-2-crossplay-071812073.html). Prime members can download it at the Epic Games Store.

Other titles coming this month include Black Desert, Demon’s Tilt, Rose Riddle: The Fairy Tale Detective Collector’s Edition and many more. Click the link above for the full list. Additionally, Prime Members in the US, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the UK can access some new games on Luna at no extra charge. These include LEGO Fortnite, Earthworm Jim 2 and Trackmania, among others.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-prime-gaming-titles-for-april-include-fallout-76-and-chivalry-2-153731669.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/amazons-prime-gaming-titles-for-april-include-fallout-76-and-chivalry-2-153731669.html?src=rss

@ 4f7bd9c0:d530c5ce

sdsdsdsd

@ aa327517:15b95190

Fake knowledge accumlates in our internal knowledge repository as the ratio increases between unprocessed reading material and processed zettel notes, which is a form of entropy. The quality of your zettelkasten is a good, quantitative measure of our "fake knowledge".

We tend to believe that the more we consume knowledge (a.k.a reading) the more options, see Optionality Fallacy, we have to process information from. Rather, we want to focus on convexity as explained in Convexity Bias, by leveraging our upside from a small amount to notes while capping our downside on reading time waisted.

@ 06639a38:655f8f71

My goal was to find an easy to install, use and configure Nostr relay implementation with custom policies. For example I would like to set a policy where I configure specific event kinds to be transmitted by the relay.

This article is also published on my blog: https://sebastix.nl/blog/run-a-nostr-relay-with-your-own-policies/

Currently, I'm running relays with Nostream (written with TypeScript) for nostr.sebastix.dev and Chorus (written with Rust) for relay.sebastix.social.

Another relay implementation was Jingle which was on my list to give it a try. I really liked the idea that you can write your own policies in JavaScript, because every webdeveloper could use it. In this blog I've shared my experience setting this relay up.

TLDR Jingle is not working, so I've set up a relay with Khatru.

---

Run Jingle with JavaScript written policies

fiatjaf/jingle: a friendly customizable Nostr relay

With Jingle, by default, all data is stored in a data directory in a SQLite database. This is how my Nginx config file looks for running Jingle behind a reverse proxy setup:

```nginx upstream jingle { server 127.0.0.1:5577; }

server { server_name jingle.nostrver.se;

location / {
    proxy_pass http://jingle;
    proxy_http_version 1.1;
    proxy_set_header Host $host;
    proxy_set_header X-Real-IP $remote_addr;
    proxy_set_header Upgrade $http_upgrade;
    proxy_set_header Connection "Upgrade";
}

listen 443 ssl; # managed by Certbot
ssl_certificate /etc/letsencrypt/live/jingle.nostrver.se/fullchain.pem;
ssl_certificate_key /etc/letsencrypt/live/jingle.nostrver.se/privkey.pem;
include /etc/letsencrypt/options-ssl-nginx.conf;
ssl_dhparam /etc/letsencrypt/ssl-dhparams.pem;

access_log /var/log/nginx/jingle.nostrver.se.access.log;
error_log /var/log/nginx/jingle.nostrver.se.error.log;

}

server { if ($host = jingle.nostrver.se) { return 301 https://$host$request_uri; }

listen       80;
server_name  jingle.nostrver.se;
return 404;

} ```

Create your own relay policy with JavaScript

The JavaScript files are located in the stuff directory. These are the default JavaScript files (these are generated when the binary is build) installed to give you an idea what’s possible.

• reject-event.js (called for every EVENT message)
• reject-filter.js (called for every REQ message)

The default code of these JavaScript files comes from the reject.go file.

Use NAK as your Nostr client to test

When you're developing stuff with Nostr, please have a look at nak - a command line tool for doing all things nostr. After you've git cloned this repository, run go build to create a nak binary. Now you can execute the following commands with the binary.

./nak —-help

```bash NAME: nak - the nostr army knife command-line tool

USAGE: nak [global options] command [command options] [arguments...]

COMMANDS: req generates encoded REQ messages and optionally use them to talk to relays count generates encoded COUNT messages and optionally use them to talk to relays fetch fetches events related to the given nip19 code from the included relay hints event generates an encoded event and either prints it or sends it to a set of relays decode decodes nip19, nip21, nip05 or hex entities encode encodes notes and other stuff to nip19 entities key operations on secret keys: generate, derive, encrypt, decrypt. verify checks the hash and signature of an event given through stdin relay gets the relay information document for the given relay, as JSON bunker starts a NIP-46 signer daemon with the given --sec key help, h Shows a list of commands or help for one command

GLOBAL OPTIONS: --quiet, -q do not print logs and info messages to stderr, use -qq to also not print anything to stdout (default: false) --help, -h show help ```

Publish an event to relay(s) with authentication

./nak event --sec <your_nsec_in_hex_value> -c <content> --auth
More info about the event command, run ./nak event --help

```bash NAME: nak event - generates an encoded event and either prints it or sends it to a set of relays

USAGE: nak event [command options] [relay...]

DESCRIPTION: outputs an event built with the flags. if one or more relays are given as arguments, an attempt is also made to publish the event to these relays.

example: nak event -c hello wss://nos.lol nak event -k 3 -p 3bf0c63fcb93463407af97a5e5ee64fa883d107ef9e558472c4eb9aaaefa459d

if an event -- or a partial event -- is given on stdin, the flags can be used to optionally modify it. if it is modified it is rehashed and resigned, otherwise it is just returned as given, but that can be used to just publish to relays.

example: echo '{"id":"a889df6a387419ff204305f4c2d296ee328c3cd4f8b62f205648a541b4554dfb","pubkey":"c6047f9441ed7d6d3045406e95c07cd85c778e4b8cef3ca7abac09b95c709ee5","created_at":1698623783,"kind":1,"tags":[],"content":"hello from the nostr army knife","sig":"84876e1ee3e726da84e5d195eb79358b2b3eaa4d9bd38456fde3e8a2af3f1cd4cda23f23fda454869975b3688797d4c66e12f4c51c1b43c6d2997c5e61865661"}' | nak event wss://offchain.pub echo '{"tags": [["t", "spam"]]}' | nak event -c 'this is spam'

OPTIONS: --auth always perform NIP-42 "AUTH" when facing an "auth-required: " rejection and try again (default: false) --connect value sign event using NIP-46, expects a bunker://... URL --connect-as value private key to when communicating with the bunker given on --connect (default: a random key) --envelope print the event enveloped in a ["EVENT", ...] message ready to be sent to a relay (default: false) --nevent print the nevent code (to stderr) after the event is published (default: false) --nson encode the event using NSON (default: false) --prompt-sec prompt the user to paste a hex or nsec with which to sign the event (default: false) --sec value secret key to sign the event, as hex or nsec (default: the key '1')

EVENT FIELDS

--content value, -c value event content (default: hello from the nostr army knife) --created-at value, --time value, --ts value unix timestamp value for the created_at field (default: now) --kind value, -k value event kind (default: 1) --tag value, -t value [ --tag value, -t value ] sets a tag field on the event, takes a value like -t e= -d value [ -d value ] shortcut for --tag d= -e value [ -e value ] shortcut for --tag e= -p value [ -p value ] shortcut for --tag p= ```

Request / query data from relays

./nak req
More info about the req command, run ./nak req --help

```bash NAME: nak req - generates encoded REQ messages and optionally use them to talk to relays

USAGE: nak req [command options] [relay...]

DESCRIPTION: outputs a NIP-01 Nostr filter. when a relay is not given, will print the filter, otherwise will connect to the given relay and send the filter.

example: nak req -k 1 -l 15 wss://nostr.wine wss://nostr-pub.wellorder.net nak req -k 0 -a 3bf0c63fcb93463407af97a5e5ee64fa883d107ef9e558472c4eb9aaaefa459d wss://nos.lol | jq '.content | fromjson | .name'

it can also take a filter from stdin, optionally modify it with flags and send it to specific relays (or just print it).

example: echo '{"kinds": [1], "#t": ["test"]}' | nak req -l 5 -k 4549 --tag t=spam wss://nostr-pub.wellorder.net

OPTIONS: --auth always perform NIP-42 "AUTH" when facing an "auth-required: " rejection and try again (default: false) --bare when printing the filter, print just the filter, not enveloped in a ["REQ", ...] array (default: false) --connect value sign AUTH using NIP-46, expects a bunker://... URL --connect-as value private key to when communicating with the bunker given on --connect (default: a random key) --prompt-sec prompt the user to paste a hex or nsec with which to sign the AUTH challenge (default: false) --sec value secret key to sign the AUTH challenge, as hex or nsec (default: the key '1') --stream keep the subscription open, printing all events as they are returned (default: false, will close on EOSE)

FILTER ATTRIBUTES

--author value, -a value [ --author value, -a value ] only accept events from these authors (pubkey as hex) --id value, -i value [ --id value, -i value ] only accept events with these ids (hex) --kind value, -k value [ --kind value, -k value ] only accept events with these kind numbers --limit value, -l value only accept up to this number of events (default: 0) --search value a NIP-50 search query, use it only with relays that explicitly support it --since value, -s value only accept events newer than this (unix timestamp) --tag value, -t value [ --tag value, -t value ] takes a tag like -t e=, only accept events with these tags --until value, -u value only accept events older than this (unix timestamp) -d value [ -d value ] shortcut for --tag d= -e value [ -e value ] shortcut for --tag e= -p value [ -p value ] shortcut for --tag p= ```

Fetch events

./nak fetch
More info about the fetch command, run ./nak fetch --help

```bash NAME: nak fetch - fetches events related to the given nip19 code from the included relay hints

USAGE: nak fetch [command options] [nip19code]

DESCRIPTION: example usage: nak fetch nevent1qqsxrwm0hd3s3fddh4jc2574z3xzufq6qwuyz2rvv3n087zvym3dpaqprpmhxue69uhhqatzd35kxtnjv4kxz7tfdenju6t0xpnej4 echo npub1h8spmtw9m2huyv6v2j2qd5zv956z2zdugl6mgx02f2upffwpm3nqv0j4ps | nak fetch --relay wss://relay.nostr.band

OPTIONS: --relay value, -r value [ --relay value, -r value ] also use these relays to fetch from --help, -h show help ```

You can also use NAK in the browser here: https://nak.nostr.com/

Let’s test and debug!

1. Open a terminal where you can use the nak binary with ./nak
2. For this demo I created the following secret key by executing ./nak key generate which returned a hex formatted secret key: 472f1868bebd7b8016534df94f8421c9b68c66c1914ccf9a99ca5d557f707a8b
3. Open one of the JavaScript files from your Nostr relay with Jingle to make some edits.

This is my setup in my PHPStorm editor:

By default, the relay requires authentication of clients (seen in the screenshot above) which in configured in the stuff/reject.filter.js file. To authenticate with nak to the relay, you must send your private key (nsec) together with the --auth option. So ./nak req -k 30023 -l 1 --sec <put_your_nsec_here> --auth wss://jingle.nostrver.se should response with something like:

bash connecting to wss://jingle.nostrver.se... ok. {"id":"0faeb0c150b9f370b702d4357de3536a7fd606be...a9779b6e2e957e26af557","pubkey":"efbb28950ec699e1f988dc8dba00e70cb89d18d7d9e931036a4c36ea4de77586","created_at":1711324345,"kind":30023,"tags":[],"content":"hello world","sig":"aef587a768298abeff08bdf7ef5eb0e84d93a0ef9e4fcdd162f9f3eff3cf3a35384c2054be76a9bdda303ca3de0ebcad...8a07221c01b8bd41da6be158edbbe"}

Use console.log() to debug your JavaScript. Depending on your setup, you can find the output in the server logs. In my case I had to dig into the logs of the docker container. You can also run the Jingle binary to see the direct output on your command-line.

Stuck…look like Jingle is broken for me

When the relay is returning a failed: msg: blocked: error applying policy script message, your JavaScript policy files are not valid. Please note that a fork of buke/quickjs-go: Go bindings to QuickJS is used (https://github.com/fiatjaf/quickjs-go) for parsing the JavaScript files. The ES2020 specification is used in that library.

After some more debugging and working out my own filters, it seems that Jingle is crashing randomly while returning unexpected token errors. See this issue and a short screencast how it occurs on my setup: https://shares.sebastix.dev/GBkBnfCu.mp4. I showed it to Fiatjaf as well, but he will need to make time to investigate this unexpected behavior of the relay. I suspect there is something going wrong in how the JavaScript code are being parsed / compiled in the Go runtime...

Khatru as a temporary alternative

While I entered a new rabbit hole, I forked fiatjaf/khatru. This is my forked repo, so you can check out my work in progress: https://github.com/sebastix/khatru.

Hodlbod (Jon) tipped me to have a look at coracle-social/triflector: A relay which enforces authentication based on custom policy which he build with Khatru.

As I’ve never written any line Golang code...I needed to learn some basics first.

• How to install Go - see Download and install - The Go Programming Language
• I quickly walked through this tour: A Tour of Go
• Ho to run Go code: go run <your_file.go>
• How to run and debug Go code: with Delve found at Go (Golang) Debugging Approaches. Now I could use dlv debug <your_file.go> but I haven’t found a way to debug with ease on the CLI.
• How to build a binary from the code: go build <your_file.go>
• Use a FOSS IDE for writing Go: still looking for one... I could use GoLand as I’m used to work with PHPStorm from JetBrains.

Khatru contains several Go files in the project root and some example snippets in the examples directory. I’m using the basic-sqlite example as a base for the work-in-progress relay setup I’m working out. Here you can view the current main.go file which is used for the relay.

You could connect to the relay at wss://khatru.nostrver.se .

bash $ ./nak relay wss://khatru.nostrver.se { "name": "khatru.nostrver.se", "description": "Custom relay build with Khatru", "pubkey": "npub1qe3e5wrvnsgpggtkytxteaqfprz0rgxr8c3l34kk3a9t7e2l3acslezefe", "contact": "info@sebastix.nl", "supported_nips": [ 1, 11, 70 ], "software": "<https://github.com/fiatjaf/khatru>", "version": "0.0.1", "icon": "" }

As for now, the relay only accepts event with kind 37515 and 13811 as you can read on https://khatru.nostrver.se/.

Khatru is using a lot of packages from the Golang library for Nostr: nbd-wtf/go-nostr: Nostr library for Golang and is worth checking out as one of the most complete libraries for Nostr out there

I’ve also created a system daemon service for running the relay in the background on my server:

```systemd [Unit] Description=khatru After=network-online.target

[Service] Type=simple WorkingDirectory=/var/www/khatru.nostrver.se User=sebastix ExecStart=/usr/local/go/bin/go run examples/basic-sqlite3/main.go Restart=always RestartSec=5

[Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target ```

A for now, the relay is running and only accepting Nostr event kinds 37515 and 13811. With this working setup, I’m able to continue building a proof-of-concept client around places and place check-ins 🫡.

Let me just draw a line here for the first chapter of exploring something new. I'm sure things will continue to evolve! Make sure to follow me on Nostr to keep up-to-date with my tinkering.

---

Please let me know if you have any questions or things are not clear from this post! As a creative webdeveloper I'm always improving my explainer skills as I know I'm often too technical for most of us.

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Only 57 companies produced 80 percent of global carbon dioxide

Last year was the hottest on record and the Earth is headed towards a global warming of 2.7 degrees, yet top fossil fuel and cement producers show a disregard for climate change (https://www.engadget.com/new-report-says-the-world-is-on-a-disastrous-trajectory-due-to-climate-change-132508138.html) and actively make things worse. A new Carbon Majors Database report (https://carbonmajors.org/briefing/The-Carbon-Majors-Database-26913) found that just 57 companies were responsible for 80 percent of the global carbon dioxide emissions between 2016 and 2022. Thirty-eight percent of total emissions during this period came from nation-states, 37 percent from state-owned entities and 25 percent from investor-owned companies.

Nearly 200 parties adopted the 2015 Paris Agreement (https://www.engadget.com/us-rejoin-paris-agreement-official-190909769.html), committing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, 58 of the 100 state- and investor-owned companies in the Carbon Majors Database have increased their production in the years since (The Climate Accountability Institute launched Carbon Majors in 2013 to hold fossil fuel producers (https://www.engadget.com/we-can-make-the-steel-of-tomorrow-without-the-fossil-fuels-of-yesteryear-150050946.html) accountable and is hosted by InfluenceMap). This number represents producers worldwide, including 87 percent of those assessed in Asia, 57 percent in Europe and 43 percent in North America.

It's not a clear case of things slowly turning around, either. The International Energy Agency (https://www.iea.org/news/global-coal-demand-set-to-remain-at-record-levels-in-2023) found coal consumption increased by eight percent over the seven years to 8.3 billion tons — a record high. The report names state-owned Coal India as one of the top three carbon dioxide producers. Russia's state-owned energy company Gazprom and state-owned oil firm Saudi Aramco rounded out the trio of worst offenders.

Exxon Mobil (https://www.engadget.com/2017-01-12-exxon-must-turn-over-decades-of-climate-change-research.html) topped the list of United States companies, contributing 1.4 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. "These companies have made billions of dollars in profits while denying the problem and delaying and obstructing climate policy. They are spending millions on advertising campaigns about being part of a sustainable solution, all the while continuing to invest in more fossil fuel extraction," Tzeporah Berman, International Program Director at Stand.earth (https://stand.earth/) and Chair at Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (https://fossilfueltreaty.org/), said in a statement. "These findings emphasize that, more than ever, we need our governments to stand up to these companies, and we need new international cooperation through a Fossil Fuel Treaty to end the expansion of fossil fuels and ensure a truly just transition."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/only-57-companies-produced-80-percent-of-global-carbon-dioxide-130752291.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/only-57-companies-produced-80-percent-of-global-carbon-dioxide-130752291.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Waymo's self-driving vehicles are now doing Uber Eats deliveries in Phoenix

If you're in the Metro Phoenix area — and don't mind walking out of your place to get your food delivery — your Uber Eats order may just get delivered by one of Waymo's self-driving cars. The companies have officially launched (https://waymo.com/blog/2024/04/phoenix-residents-can-now-experience-uber-eats-delivery-with-the-waymo/) the next part of their ongoing multi-year partnership, which also includes offering robotaxi rides to the ride-hailing service's customers in the area. When you place an order on Uber Eats, you'll get a prompt that says "autonomous vehicles may deliver your order."

You will be notified if a Waymo car does pick up your order, and you'll have to take your phone with you when you meet it so that you can open its trunk and get your food. Don't worry, you can opt out during the checkout process in case you're not feeling up to going out and getting your order and would rather have someone deliver food to your door.

At the moment, Waymo deliveries are only available in Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe and Mesa, and only for select merchants, including local joints and chains like Princess Pita and BoSa Donuts. An Uber spokesperson told CNBC (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=34e37b9c-8975-48da-aa39-df8bcd5badc3&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=CNBC&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbmJjLmNvbS8yMDI0LzA0LzAzL3dheW1vLXNlbGYtZHJpdmluZy1jYXJzLWFyZS1kZWxpdmVyaW5nLXViZXItZWF0cy1vcmRlcnMtZm9yLWZpcnN0LXRpbWUuaHRtbCIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMDJiY2VhNmEtMTJjYi00Mjg4LTliOTktZTZjNzFhYTkyY2MxIn0&signature=AQAAAVrrkvpxcdldT8kod1i3vSJ_fUtRgZ0E2y4ZtziqNRX6&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnbc.com%2F2024%2F04%2F03%2Fwaymo-self-driving-cars-are-delivering-uber-eats-orders-for-first-time.html), though, that the companies are looking to expand their service area and are looking to add more merchants to their list. They also told the news organization that Waymo will be using its Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles, which it's been testing in Arizona for years (https://www.engadget.com/waymo-indepth-details-selfdriving-activities-phoenix-163000481.html?_fsig=iTiGvHz6DFja1.Z50E.iAA--%7EA), for deliveries. It doesn't sound like Waymo deliveries will be more expensive either, since the spokesperson said you'll only have to pay standard fares and will not be charged for tips.

The companies first announced that they were teaming up (https://www.engadget.com/uber-will-offer-waymo-robotaxi-rides-and-deliveries-in-phoenix-starting-later-this-year-163435980.html) to offer robotaxi rides and deliveries in Phoenix last year, following Waymo's service area expansion in the region. Robotaxi rides became available (https://www.engadget.com/uber-starts-offering-fully-autonomous-waymo-rides-in-phoenix-153055331.html?_fsig=qyWXX8zdNJwjWGuwae7HNQ--%7EA) in the metropolitan area by October, and you'll get the option to hail one when you request an UberX, Uber Green, Uber Comfort or Uber Comfort Electric.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/waymos-self-driving-vehicles-are-now-doing-uber-eats-deliveries-in-phoenix-130052864.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/waymos-self-driving-vehicles-are-now-doing-uber-eats-deliveries-in-phoenix-130052864.html?src=rss

@ ee7d2dbe:4a5410b0

How to Optimize App Development Budget Using a Cost Calculator? With the increasing usage of smartphones, there is no doubt mobile apps have become a crucial part of everyone’s life. People are spending most of their time, approximately 5-6 hours, on their smartphones, excluding chatting. With more than 7.26 billion active smartphone users in 2022, there is no reason to let them go, given how well-liked they are and the amount of profit they might bring to you. On average, the app costs you can forecast spending anything from $2000 to $50,000 on an app development project is no big deal. But before all this, you need to know how much it costs to create an app. Most people with brilliant app ideas seek an answer to the above question. This article talks about the overall look at app development cost. We will cover all app cost calculator benefits, factors affecting the app development cost, some famous app cost calculator and our final thoughts on how to optimize the cost of your app development.

Benefits of Using an App Cost Calculator

1- Accurate Cost Estimation: One of the biggest advantages of using an app cost calculator as it offers you to know the accurate cost of developing an app.

2- Budget Planning: After you are aware of the cost of developing an app now you can plan the budget and adjust your requirements accordingly.

3- Time Management: the mobile app development cost calculator might help you plan your app development timeline effectively.

4- Transparency: Another benefit of using app cost calculator is it comes with complete transparency and allows an individual to understand the development process better.

5- Cost Optimization: Now you have got an estimate about your project with an app cost calculator that you can use it as leverage in negotiations with app development firms.

6- No Charges: Another considerable benefit of using an online app calculator it’s free so there is no harm in trying out one for your next minimum viable project (MVP) project.

Some Famous App Development Cost Calculators

Agicent App Cost Calculator: The online tool consisting of 9 Steps help individuals and businesses to get an estimate on the cost of developing a mobile app. From step 1st to till step 9th you will be asked to input various parameters which are important to calculate the app cost. With the Agicent app cost calculator, you will get the estimation of app cost effectively and easily.

Buildfire- Step-by-step Calculator: With the Buildfire cost calculator you will be able to estimate the budget for setting the app, developing it and its monthly maintenance.

VenturePact- Get Offshore Cost: VenturePact is the app cost calculator that will give you rough estimates of different geographical locations such as USA, Europe and Asia. We will also recommend consulting the offshore agency with whom you want to connect to get an accurate estimate.

Digitalya-Know your spending limit: Aside from offering the estimation development costs, individuals will also know what price to negotiate with your PWA team when you are using Digitalya.

Estimate My App-Simple and Easy to Use: This is for those who are first timers pickers those who want to build an app. It’s easiest and most intuitive design will help you quickly by giving you a rough idea of the app cost.

Final Thoughts on Optimizing App Development Cost Calculator:

With the constant technology evolving and the rise of IT services cost, developing a mobile app can be a tedious job. Optimization of app development cost is an crucial factor in achieving success in the highly competitive mobile app market. By using the app development cost calculator you will be getting an estimate of the costs app and identify the areas where you will be able to save money. Thus, by using a cost calculator, you will be able to reach efficient budget planning for your app development high-quality at a reasonable cost.

Source: https://www.agicent.com/app-development-cost-calculator

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iRobot says its new robot vacuum and mop outperforms 600 Series Roombas for $275

Robot vacuums (https://www.engadget.com/best-robot-vacuums-130010426.html) are handy little devices that can help folks save a ton of time and energy. However, some of the more well-known options are often a bit pricey, especially when a mopping function comes into the mix. As it happens, iRobot (https://www.engadget.com/tag/irobot/) has revealed a relatively budget-friendly 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop. It says the $275 Roomba (https://www.engadget.com/tag/roomba/) Combo Essential actually outperforms the Roomba 600 Series thanks to 20 times more suction power, and the addition of a mop and smart navigation.

According to iRobot, this model offers 25 percent better performance at picking up dirt from hard floors than the Roomba 600 Series. It's also said to have a longer battery life at up to 120 minutes, the ability to clean in neat rows, customizable suction and liquid settings, Clean Map reports and intelligent settings such as suggested cleaning schedules.

Although you can set up cleanings in advance, you can start one at any time with an Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant voice command. Alternatively, you can press the Clean button or tap a button in the iRobot Home app to put the device to work right away.

iRobot

The device has a four-stage cleaning system that includes adjustable suction and liquid settings, a v-shaped multi-surface brush, an edge-sweeping brush and a pump-fed microfiber mop pad. For vacuum-only operation (i.e if you're looking to remove dirt from a rug), you'll need to remove the mop pad first. That adds a little bit of friction to using this model. There's another trade-off in that this isn't a self-emptying Roomba — you'll need to empty out the dirt storage bin manually more often.

Still, this seems like a solid Roomba at an eye-catching price. It's available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa now, and iRobot will start selling it in the US on April 7 and Canada on April 12. The Roomba Combo Essential will reach Asia Pacific markets later this month. Folks in the US can trade in (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=8563d83f-1364-4ebb-9231-315c2b426cbd&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=iRobot&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5pcm9ib3QuY29tL2VuX1VTL3RyYWRlLWluLmh0bWwiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6IjBhOTU0ZGJkLTU3ZGItNDMzMi05NTc3LTYxMzJhMWUzNzk2NyJ9&signature=AQAAATs_F4NgKKrdSJWCG2AsxYGGkQfaZci5cY8ZVFC7N5qM&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irobot.com%2Fen_US%2Ftrade-in.html) a Roomba 600 Series for a $50 credit toward a Roomba Combo Essential

In addition, iRobot is rolling out a model called the Roomba Vac Essential in North America. It has the same smart functions and other similar features as the Combo Essential, but there's no mop. That robot vacuum will cost $250 and it'll land in the US on April 7 and Canada on April 12.

Meanwhile, iRobot says it has reached a new milestone. Since debuting the Roomba in 2002, the company has sold more than 50 million robots.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/irobot-says-its-new-robot-vacuum-and-mop-outperforms-600-series-roombas-for-275-120028786.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/irobot-says-its-new-robot-vacuum-and-mop-outperforms-600-series-roombas-for-275-120028786.html?src=rss

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

Any Bitcoin offers or promotions you bought recently?

We’re constantly looking for some special deals! Share with your fellow stackers any latest steal, recent offering, snazzy discounts, packed bundles...

Help us all score some incredible bargains!

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The Morning After: NASA has to make a time zone for the Moon

The White House has published a policy memo asking NASA to create a new time standard for the Moon (https://www.engadget.com/moon-own-time-zone-esa-113547009.html) by 2026. Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) will establish an official time reference to help guide future lunar missions. The US, China, Japan, India and Russia have space missions to the Moon planned or completed.

NASA (and the White House) aren’t the only ones trying. The European Space Agency is also trying to make a time zone (https://www.engadget.com/moon-own-time-zone-esa-113547009.html) outside of Earth’s… zone.

Given the Moon’s weaker gravity, time moves slightly faster there. “The same clock we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the Moon,” NASA space communications and navigation chief Kevin Coggins told Reuters.

You saw Interstellar, right? Er, just like that. Exactly like that. No further questions.

— Mat Smith

The biggest stories you might have missed

Meta’s AI image generator struggles to create images of couples of different races (https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-struggles-to-create-images-of-couples-of-different-races-231424476.html?mrfhud=true)

Our favorite cheap smartphone is on sale for $250 right now (https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-cheap-smartphone-is-on-sale-for-250-right-now-161336458.html)

OnePlus rolls out its own version of Google’s Magic Eraser (https://www.engadget.com/oneplus-rolls-out-its-own-version-of-googles-magic-eraser-151731265.html?mrfhud=true)

How to watch (and record) the solar eclipse on April 8 (https://www.engadget.com/how-to-watch-and-record-the-2024-solar-eclipse-on-april-8-163035648.html?mrfhud=true)

​​ You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox.__Subscribe right here! (https://www.engadget.com/about/newsletter/)

Microsoft may have finally made quantum computing useful (https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-may-have-finally-made-quantum-computing-useful-164501302.html)The most error-free quantum solution yet, apparently.

What if we could build a machine working at the quantum level that could tackle complex calculations exponentially faster than a computer limited by classic physics? Despite all the heady dreams of quantum computing and press releases from IBM and Google, it's still a what-if. Microsoft now says it’s developed the most error-free quantum computing system yet, with Quantinuum. It’s not a thing I can condense into a single paragraph. You… saw Interstellar, right?

Continue reading. (https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-may-have-finally-made-quantum-computing-useful-164501302.html)

Stability AI’s audio generator can now create three-minute ‘songs’ (https://www.engadget.com/stability-ais-audio-generator-can-now-crank-out-3-minute-songs-160620135.html)Still not that good, though.

Stability AI just unveiled Stable Audio 2.0, an upgraded version of its music-generation platform. With this system, you can use your own text to create up to three minutes of audio, which is roughly the length of a song. You can hone the results by choosing a genre or even uploading audio to inspire the algo. It’s fun — try it out. Just don’t add vocals, trust me.

Continue reading. (https://www.engadget.com/stability-ais-audio-generator-can-now-crank-out-3-minute-songs-160620135.html)

Bloomberg says Apple is developing personal robots now (https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-developing-personal-robots-for-your-home-bloomberg-says-044254029.html)EVs schmee vees.

Apple, hunting for its next iPhone / Apple Watch / Vision Pro (maybe?), might be trying to get into robots. According to Bloomberg’ s Mark Gurman, one area the company is exploring is personal robotics — and it started looking at electric vehicles too. The report says Apple has started working on a mobile robot to follow users around their home and has already developed a table-top device that uses a robot to move a screen around.

Continue reading. (https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-developing-personal-robots-for-your-home-bloomberg-says-044254029.html)

Another Matrix movie is happening. (https://www.engadget.com/prepare-for-more-red-pill-memes-a-fifth-matrix-movie-is-happening-184811691.html)Not like this.\ \ Warner Bros. (https://www.engadget.com/prepare-for-more-red-pill-memes-a-fifth-matrix-movie-is-happening-184811691.html)

Whoa.

Continue reading. (https://www.engadget.com/prepare-for-more-red-pill-memes-a-fifth-matrix-movie-is-happening-184811691.html)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-nasa-has-to-make-a-time-zone-for-the-moon-111554408.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-nasa-has-to-make-a-time-zone-for-the-moon-111554408.html?src=rss

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Apple AirPods 2 fall to just $89

Now's a good time to shop if you're looking for reliable earbuds that won't break the bank. There's currently a sale on Apple AirPods, including a 31 percent discount on the second-generation Apple AirPods (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL0FwcGxlLUFpclBvZHMtQ2hhcmdpbmctTGF0ZXN0LU1vZGVsL2RwL0IwN1BYR1FDMVEvP3RhZz1nZGd0MGMtcC12LWN1LTIwIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJmZmEzMTY5OC05MDJmLTQ2MWMtYWVjZi00ZjA4NzQ1MGM3MTAifQ&signature=AQAAAe0ylnvdn3lQvicKp4YGJ8NBmtt5WVG5xAEsDQvzVyCa&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FApple-AirPods-Charging-Latest-Model%2Fdp%2FB07PXGQC1Q%2F) to $89 from $129. While the second-gen Apple AirPods came out back in 2019, the entry-level option is still a great option — especially on sale.

Apple's second-generation AirPods have an H1 headphone chip that provides a low-latency, clear sound. You can access Siri through them and control settings like pause, play and next song by double tapping one AirPod — plus customize which side does what. The second-gen AirPods hold about five hours of juice at a time and last up to 24 hours with the lightning charging case.

The entry-level AirPods are on sale alongside the third-generation Apple AirPod's (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQkRIQjlZOEgvcmVmPWZzX2FfbWR0Ml91czE_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtY3UtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImZmYTMxNjk4LTkwMmYtNDYxYy1hZWNmLTRmMDg3NDUwYzcxMCJ9&signature=AQAAAdTAW5ET819b4MGyR7RMuZc8txBpClD7mjMTzS4Yl2lN&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0BDHB9Y8H%2Fref%3Dfs_a_mdt2_us1) 13 percent drop to $149 from $169. The newest model's improvements (https://www.engadget.com/apple-airpods-review-2021-160026883-160026840.html) include much better audio quality and six hours of battery life (or 30 with the charging case). The second-gen AirPods Pro (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RwL0IwQ0hXUlhIOEIvcmVmPWZzX2FfbWR0Ml91czA_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtY3UtMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImZmYTMxNjk4LTkwMmYtNDYxYy1hZWNmLTRmMDg3NDUwYzcxMCJ9&signature=AQAAAe0nsCi1zDh97ngm1W9VrfsyGnwqP5x4YGr8WUUXWmID&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0CHWRXH8B%2Fref%3Dfs_a_mdt2_us0) are marked down to $199 from $249 — a 20 percent discount. These AirPods (https://www.engadget.com/airpods-pro-review-second-generation-130048218-130048292.html) are worth the extra cost if you want noise canceling, great sound with an H2 chip and a MagSafe USB-C charging case.

Follow__@EngadgetDeals (https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals) on Twitter and__subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter (https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&src) for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-airpods-2-fall-to-just-89-110000712.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/apple-airpods-2-fall-to-just-89-110000712.html?src=rss

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X is giving blue checks to people with more than 2,500 Premium followers

Last night, several prominent journalists and other posted (https://twitter.com/LaurenGoode/status/1775671489716744347?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1775671489716744347%7Ctwgr%5E544a6a23bf829e4303f371c856324dcc5516fbce%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theverge.com%2F2024%2F4%2F3%2F24120602%2Fx-free-premium-verified-blue-checkmark) (complained in many cases) about unexpectedly regaining their verified blue checks (https://www.engadget.com/x-premium-users-can-now-hide-the-shame-of-their-likes-212521591.html) on Elon Musk's X platform. One of them, Peter Kafka, shared a message from X showing that the upgrade was no accident.

"As an influential member of the community on X, we've given you a complimentary subscription to X Premium subject to X Premium Terms by selecting this notice," it states.

A subsequent tweet from X provided an explanation: Any accounts with over 2,500 verified (ie, paid Premium or Premium+ blue tick subscribers) get Premium features for free, and any with over 5,000 get the ad-free Premium+ tier (https://www.engadget.com/x-introduces-an-ad-free-premium-tier-for-16-a-month-191523132.html), also gratis.

based on all the confused tweets i’m seeing, it looks like Twitter / X is starting to really ramp up the roll out of this now

if you suddenly have a blue checkmark even though you’re not paying for one, this is why: pic.twitter.com/T1XaBEeGgn (https://t.co/T1XaBEeGgn)

— Matt Binder (@MattBinder) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/MattBinder/status/1775658908486353129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Prior to this, the only users to get free Premium blue checks have been those with large follower numbers (in the million range, minimum), along with celebrities and corporations/media companies. The new move appears to be a way to bring influential users with lower follower counts (journalists largely) into the fold.

So what prompted this? X may have decided it needs more journalists with blue checks. In the wake of recent events (the Taiwan earthquake, Turkey elections, Baltimore bridge collapse), some users complained that X is no longer the gold standard breaking news platform that Twitter used to be.

That's likely because journalists, who discover or amplify such news, have seen reduced prominence while X's algorithms amplify blue check content and replies. That means know-nothing or shitcoin promoters with 25 followers who paid 8 bucks will appear atop replies, rather than an experienced journalist who can furnish useful, truthful information.

With the blue check now being a mark of shame in many cases, a fair number of the users who regained one aren't necessarily happy about it. "Shit, I've been forcibly bluechecked. How do I opt out," wrote @emptywheel. "oh no," Katie Notopoulos tweeted. "I am become bluecheck, promoter of shibacoin."

Shit. I've been forcibly bluechecked.

How do I opt out?

— emptywheel (@emptywheel) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/emptywheel/status/1775673443834355779?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

i am become bluecheck, promoter of shibacoin

— Katie Notopoulos (@katienotopoulos) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/katienotopoulos/status/1775666342001061923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-is-giving-blue-checks-to-people-with-more-than-2500-premium-followers-090922311.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/x-is-giving-blue-checks-to-people-with-more-than-2500-premium-followers-090922311.html?src=rss

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The best multi-device wireless charging pads for 2024

There’s a good chance you own a couple of gadgets that support wireless charging now, be it your iPhone or Android phone, wireless earbuds or smartwatch. Multi-device wireless chargers (https://www.engadget.com/best-wireless-charger-140036359.html) can help power them all up in one place, without the need for a bunch of cords messing up your space. There are dozens of these accessories out there today, and we’ve tested a bunch of the most popular models. You’ll find out top picks below for the best wireless charging stations, plus some advice on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Do wireless charging pads work with any phone or device?

It won’t be shocking to hear that your smartphone choice influences your choice in a wireless charger. Only iPhone owners will need to consider Apple Watch (https://www.engadget.com/apple-watch-series-7-review-all-about-the-screen-130036181.html) compatibility. Likewise, you’ll need an Android phone if you expect to power a Galaxy Watch (https://www.engadget.com/samsung-galaxy-watch-4-classic-review-body-fat-scan-wear-os-120026149.html). Buy an iPhone 12 or newer and you can attach your phone magnetically using MagSafe, while the latest Android phones often have some form of fast wireless charging.

However, it’s not simply a question of getting the fastest charger. You should consider what you might buy in the future. Don’t buy a two-device charger if you have an iPhone and AirPods, but have been eyeing an Apple Watch. And if you think you might switch to an Android cell phone (or vice versa), you’ll want to get something more generic that doesn’t lock you into any one ecosystem.

Some chargers include cradles, trays and other features that are heavily optimized for particular products, and might not even account for year-to-year changes. Some vertical stands are too tall for small phones like the iPhone 13 mini (https://www.engadget.com/apple-iphone-13-and-13-mini-review-130035113.html), for instance. While you can never completely guarantee that next year’s phone or watch will work, it’s worth buying something more likely to last.

Having said all this, don’t be afraid to get a charger with vendor-specific features if you’re fiercely loyal to one brand. Apple isn’t expected to ditch MagSafe any time soon, and Samsung will likely keep making Galaxy Watches for a while to come.

How to pick the best wireless charging pad for your needs: Location, location, location

Sebastian Bednarek on Unsplash

Even without a charging cable to worry about, you’re probably buying a multi-device wireless charger with one location in mind. It might sit on your nightstand or on your desk. Not everyone buys a charger just for themselves, though; you might want to use one as a shared station for you and a partner.

If the charger will sit on your nightstand, you’ll likely want a compact, stable unit that won’t swallow all your free space or tumble to the floor (and if it does fall, one with enough durability to survive). You may also prefer a lay-flat phone pad so your screen is less likely to keep you awake. The Apple Watch and some other smartwatches can double as tiny alarm clocks, so you might want a vertical charging option for any wristwear.

At a desk, however, you may want a vertical phone stand so you can check notifications. Will the charger sit on a low table? Horizontal charger pads may make it easier to grab your devices in a hurry. Travel chargers should fold up or otherwise protect the pads while they’re in your bag. And, yes, aesthetics count. You may want something pretty if it’s likely to sit in a posh room where guests will see it.

If it’s a shared charging station, you’ll want something with multiple generic surfaces, and you’ll probably have to forgo charging more than one watch at a time. In those cases, consider the handful of 4-in-1 wireless chargers on the market, or models with USB ports.

Wireless charging speed and performance

It’s no secret that wireless charging is typically slower than wired, and powering multiple devices adds a new wrinkle. As these chargers often have to support a wide range of hardware, you’ll have to forget about the fastest, device-specific options from brands like Google, OnePlus and Samsung.

That’s not to say these will be slow, but there just isn’t much separating them on the charging speed front. As a general rule, the quickest multi-device chargers tend to top out at 15W for phones. And you’ll need an Apple MagSafe charger if you want to get that full 15W on an iPhone.

It’s rare that you’ll find a truly slow example, mind you. Even some of the most affordable options we’ve seen will recharge your phone at a reasonable 7.5W or 10W, and the 5W for other devices is more than enough. If you’re only docking overnight or while you work, speed won’t make a huge difference. Just be sure that whatever you buy is powerful enough for a phone in a case. It’s also worth noting that fast charging for other devices is rare, although you’ll occasionally find speedier options for the Apple Watch Series 7.

Quality, box contents and small details

Melvin Thambi on Unsplash

The difference between a good charger and a great one often boils down to little details. You won’t always need to pay extra to get those, but a larger outlay may be worthwhile to avoid frustrations for years to come.

A textured surface like rubberized plastic or fabric will reduce the chances your expensive gadgets will slide off their charging points. The base should have enough grip and weight that the charger won’t easily shift out of place. Any floating or vertical stands should be sturdy — steer clear if there’s any wobble.

You’ll also want to make a note of what’s included in the box. Some chargers don’t ship with power adapters, and we've seen numerous models whose Apple Watch “stands” are merely holders for your existing charging puck.

Then there’s helpful touches like status lights for confirming correct placement, although you’ll want to make sure they dim or shut off after a certain amount of time. And while it’s still true that cradles and trays can limit compatibility, you do want your devices to stay where you put them. Shelves and lips can prevent your phone or watch from sliding. Oh, and be wary of floating smartwatch mounts, as heavier timepieces might sag.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-multi-device-wireless-charging-pads-120557582.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/best-multi-device-wireless-charging-pads-120557582.html?src=rss

@ c4428155:a36de510

As Elections Loom, Congressional Maps Challenged as Discriminatory Will Remain in Place

by Marilyn W. Thompson (https://www.propublica.org/people/marilyn-thompson)

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories (https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=54G&placement=top-note®ion=national) as soon as they’re published.

With the Republicans holding just a two-vote majority in the House of Representatives, voters will go to the polls in November in at least two congressional districts that have been challenged as discriminatory against people of color.

After months of delays and appeals, courts have decided in the last two weeks that the maps in South Carolina and Florida will stand, giving Republican incumbents an advantage.

Last month, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take action on South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. In January 2023, a three-judge federal panel had declared it an illegal racial gerrymander that must be redrawn before another election was held. In Florida, the congressional map has faced long-running discrimination lawsuits in both state and federal courts, with one state judge ruling that a district near Jacksonville disadvantaged voters of color. A higher court overturned that judgment, but an appeal from voting rights and civil rights groups is still pending before the state Supreme Court, which has said it could be months before it rules.

A decision about another contested district in Utah is pending with the state Supreme Court and seems unlikely to be resolved before the elections, according to Mark Gaber of the Campaign Legal Center, who represents plaintiffs in a partisan gerrymandering lawsuit.

Put in place in 2021 after the last federal census, the controversial maps were used in multiple elections during the 2022 election cycle.

“The long, extended delays are a real problem, for voting rights and particularly for Black voters,” Gaber said.

The cases illustrate how difficult it is to reverse gerrymandered voting maps. Even when lower courts find election maps illegal and give state legislatures months to make corrections, appeals and other delaying tactics can run out the clock as elections near.

Federal courts have been reluctant to make mapping changes too close to elections because of a vague legal idea known as the Purcell principle, based on a 2006 court case from Arizona that found that voters may be confused by late changes in polling places or election procedures.

The U.S. Supreme Court cited Purcell in 2022 when it left an illegal congressional map in place in Alabama for midterm elections while it considered a Republican appeal. Black voters cast their ballots under a discriminatory map, and when the Supreme Court finally decided the case in 2023, it reaffirmed that Alabama’s map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and must be redrawn. A new map is now in place for 2024, which could result in the election of a second Democratic representative for the state in November.

The Supreme Court made a similar call in 2022 in a Louisiana redistricting case after a federal court struck down the state’s congressional map. Voters cast ballots in 2022 under the challenged map. Since then, the state Legislature has redrawn the map and created a second majority-Black district that could help Democrats gain another seat in Congress.

The exact cutoff for applying the Purcell principle has not been defined, but conservative Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who has cited it in his opinions, has said the principle reflects a “bedrock tenet of election law.”

The delayed rulings and actions in Alabama and Louisiana and a ruling this week in Washington state (https://www.propublica.org/article/republicans-hatched-secret-assault-voting-rights-act-washington-state) have favored Democrats. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court declined to stop a new state legislative map from going into effect in Washington, where a lower court had found discrimination against Latinos in the Yakima Valley. Republicans had filed an emergency appeal since the new map disrupts four legislative seats currently held by the GOP.

In South Carolina in early 2023, a three-judge federal panel unanimously found that the GOP-controlled state Legislature drew an illegal racial gerrymander in the 1st District near Charleston, discriminating against 30,000 Black residents who were moved out of the district.

Republican lawmakers have acknowledged they wanted to maintain firm GOP control of a swing district, currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace. But they have denied discriminatory intent. ProPublica reported that Democratic Rep. James Clyburn (https://www.propublica.org/article/how-rep-james-clyburn-protected-his-district-at-a-cost-to-black-democrats), the state’s most influential Black elected official, gave detailed confidential input through one of his aides during the creation of the state’s maps.

Clyburn offered Republicans a draft map that included his recommendations for how to add voters to his largely rural 6th District, which had lost a significant Black population, and move unpredictable pockets of white voters out of his district.

On NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, Clyburn denied playing a significant role in a Republican gerrymander.

“When someone picks up the phone and asks you (https://www.nbcnews.com/meet-the-press/meet-press-march-31-2024-n1309420), ‘What are your suggestions as we’re about to get these lines drawn?’ I offered my suggestions,” Clyburn said.

Adam Kincaid, the director of the National Republican Redistricting Trust, said Clyburn’s comments suggest he is “trying to get in front of” a Supreme Court decision that will uphold the Legislature’s maps. “I think Mr. Clyburn believes South Carolina is going to ultimately win,” he said.

The case is now at the Supreme Court. The court heard oral arguments on Oct. 11, then went silent as South Carolina’s filing deadline for June primary elections loomed.

In recent months, lawyers for GOP legislators asked the Supreme Court to abide by the Purcell principle and allow the challenged map to stand for 2024. Lawyers for the South Carolina NAACP argued there was plenty of time to implement a corrective map.

After waiting for the Supreme Court to act, the same lower court that found the district discriminatory ruled that the map would have to remain in place after all, saying it wanted to avoid voter confusion. “The ideal must bend to the practical,” the court said.

The South Carolina case shows how the Supreme Court’s “inaction can be as consequential as an adverse action,” said Wilfred Codrington III, an associate professor at Brooklyn Law School who has written on the Purcell principle and its impact on voting rights.

Civil rights advocates condemned the court’s unwillingness to make a timely decision, which by default gives a competitive election advantage to Mace. “No one believes they were just too busy to rule in time. It’s an intentional partisan maneuver,” tweeted Lynn Teague, vice president of the League of Women Voters of South Carolina, which has been active in the redistricting case.

In the Florida case, a federal three-judge panel on March 27 upheld an election map pushed through the Legislature by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The decision allows elections to proceed this year while a separate state case awaits resolution.

The federal panel said plaintiffs failed to prove that the state Legislature was motivated by race when it approved a DeSantis-engineered plan moving Black voters in the 5th District into four majority-white districts. The 5th District seat is currently held by Republican Rep. John Rutherford, who has no Democratic opposition.

DeSantis’ redistricting plan (https://www.propublica.org/article/ron-desantis-florida-redistricting-map-scheme) has been mired in controversy since 2022, when he vetoed the Republican Legislature’s plan and redrew the map with advice from national Republican consultants. A key feature of the DeSantis plan was redrawing the majority-Black 5th District near Jacksonville.

A state judge previously struck down his map as a violation of the constitution, which provides additional protections for voters of color. An appeals court overturned the judge’s ruling, but the Florida Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case.

The Utah case involves a challenge to the state’s Republican Legislature for repealing a voter-passed initiative setting up an independent redistricting commission and then passing a partisan gerrymander that splits up communities around Salt Lake City. Utah has four congressional seats, all held by Republicans.

“We’re still waiting to hear from the court whether the claims that we raised are viable, and we're hopeful,” Gaber said. “But I do not think there’s a likely chance of a decision that would affect this year’s elections.”

Kincaid, who coordinates national Republican redistricting strategy, said it’s unclear whether court decisions to use contested districts will allow the GOP to maintain its narrow control of the House.

“Democrats and their liberal allies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to try to sue their way into congressional and legislative majorities,” Kincaid said. When the House majority is decided in November, he said. “I would rather it be us than them.”

https://www.propublica.org/article/elections-district-maps-deemed-discriminatory-south-carolina-florida

@ 4fda8b10:7bbee962

On a weekend in March 2024, I shared and streamed my electronic music as @Teder on #nostr and received an overwhelming number of heartfelt responses.

While doing so, I was building a list of followers that can't be censored or deleted by any company that can interact with me trough chat, stream, music streaming.

In each of the pieces of content I was able to setup split payments, which means all of the contributors instantly got their commissions, with negligable transaction costs and without the platform taking a big cut.

I wrote a piece about this experience including a detailed onboarding and my insights. I invite you to share it with creators as I did with my musical peers!

Onboarding

• I installed amethyst on my Android and damus on my ipad, and created a private public key pair
• I filled in my nostr profile through the Amethyst app and discovered my profile identifier: the npub account for Teder nostr:npub1asuq0pxedwfagpqkdf4lrfmcyfaffgptmayel9947j8krad3x58srs20ap
• I created a bitcoin lightning wallet in walletofsatoshi app, copied the lightning adress and filled the address in profile.
• I added NIP05 verification on my website using a WordPress plugin
• I then created a new post in Damus sharing a short clip of the Teder and TimMey - Rebound EP jam including the introductions hashtag nostr:nevent1qqsfqh0085arl45js5x7s40tm49xrgw76a0nsdhjpcdq9tpzsweg4hqpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzyrkrspuym94e84qyze4xhud80q38499q9005n8u5kh6g7c04ky6s7qcyqqqqqqg9cttm9
• I received a whole bunch of reactions and zaps, amongst which recommendations to host a stream with my live music on tunestr / zapstr, and to publish the album on wavlake
• That night, I streamed a live set for 40 minutes on zapstr: nostr:nevent1qqsd4sru85vk7mpcq6j5c60w9ku5qwk0m2627hzjvfjgfd3vc5nek6cpzamhxue69uhkummnw3ezu6rpwd5xyctwvuhxumqzyrkrspuym94e84qyze4xhud80q38499q9005n8u5kh6g7c04ky6s7qcyqqqqqqgz275ar
• During the stream, I received some bigger zaps, between 1000 and 10000 SATs per zap
• I then uploaded the EP on wavlake: https://wavlake.com/album/e0d37f7c-aa8b-44b3-b41e-42637e958f91
• I mentioned the release in a couple of replies, and received about 7000 SATs worth of zaps on the songs of the album within a day.

Response

• In about 24 hours I received hundreds of reactions, likes and about 29400 SATs ~ €19. This is more royalties then I've ever received from any streaming platform, and these were immediately liquid in my account ready to be spent on nostr ór converted to fiat to for instance fund my next physical release.
• These rewards include zaps on the reactions and the answering questions from the audience, which is something we are already used to do on other platforms, but were never able to get rewarded for other than brand building.

Insights

• Motivation: Motivation to get back to sharing due to the constant stream of micro payments is very high. Some contributions are only 5 or 21 SATs but it is the fact that someone consciously sent it that really matters, and gives you a sense of worth other than people just trying to build their brand / persona with replies, as is often the case on instagram.
  • See my post, the gratitude I feel for these tiny payments is very high: nostr:nevent1qqsxdahe2f2s2kqnvx96juqfdnxnwt69dwveadqun3apwzluvgz097spp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqzyrkrspuym94e84qyze4xhud80q38499q9005n8u5kh6g7c04ky6s7qcyqqqqqqgwl7ljh
  • Receiving small monetary rewards also has the interesting side effect of reciprocity, and also entices you to support others with the SATs you have received in your wallet.
• Portability and ownership over fanlist: Being able to take your following/fans and content with you when you are moving back and forth in different applications (such as the Twitter like environment, the Twitch like streaming environment and the Spotify like music catalog environment). In comparison, starting a new TikTok from scratch takes a lot of time and energy, even though the format of sharing short clips and repurposing content from others is pretty cool.
• Evergreen content: Having new followers on different applications find your older content in the same environment, and being able to send micro payments to all that content transparently is very encouraging to make you want to create and share higher quality and more evergreen content.
• Collaboration commission: Collaborations are amongst my favorite activities while creating. Being able to set up payment splits on each separate piece of content ( Even on a single Tweet!) is very encouraging to both creator and fan. There is just something enticing about contributing knowing that sending that zap will land some value to both the musicians, the visual artist that made the artwork, and for instance the videographer that shot the video. And all that without needing to settle afterwards or pay high transaction fees.
• Community efforts: Imagine producing a radio show with live performances from multiple community members and sharing all zaps between involved members equally, or transparently raising money for specific goal / charity!

Opportunities for music artist groups / collectives / labels (such as Petite Victory Collective)

I see very interesting opportunities for both PVC and online radio sites such as massive radio to use this network for bringing attention to our music, events and streams. The whole decentralised / no-middleman-company-in-between really resonates with the goals and setup of the community.

• Stream shows, live events and massive radio streams and enable receiving of streaming sats rewards from listeners.
• Setting up split payments for content to divide rewards amongst both musicians, visual artists, vj, radio hosts etc.
• Stream live shows / dj sets to promote albums and releases.
• Provide live shows / streams / music / DJ at nostr / bitcoin events while the network is still growing.
• Selling merchandise with crypto payments, cutting out platform and transaction costs and splitting rewards amongst contributors.
• Integration of audience in live streams, taking inspiration for jam / improvisation from crowd.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, feel free to comment with your thoughts or reach out if you have further questions about these topics or onboarding you music onto nostr!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

How to choose the best TV for gaming right now

These days, the best gaming TVs are really no different from the best TVs you can buy in general. That said, there are a few key features to keep in mind when looking for a set to get the most out of your PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S (https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-console-140057674.html). No, you don’t need a fancy TV to simply enjoy a video game, but a good screen can only make the experience more enjoyable. If you’re unsure where to start, we’ve laid out some helpful advice for buying a good gaming TV and noted a few well-reviewed examples you can buy today, at various price points.

What to look for in a gaming TV

Whether you use it for gaming or not, all good TVs are built on the same foundations. You want a 4K resolution, sufficient brightness, high contrast ratios with deep and uniform black tones, colors that find the right balance between accuracy and saturation, and wide viewing angles. For video games specifically, you want a TV with minimal input lag and fast motion response, with no blur or other unwanted artifacts behind quick-moving objects. Of course, finding a set that has all of these gaming features and fits into your budget can be tricky.

For now, a top OLED TV will offer the best picture quality for gaming or otherwise. But good OLED TVs usually cost more than their LCD counterparts, and some OLED sets may not get bright enough for those who have their TV set in a particularly well-lit room. If you opt for an LCD TV, an advanced backlight with mini LEDs and effective full-array local dimming (https://www.howtogeek.com/742183/what-is-full-array-local-dimming/) will usually improve contrast and lighting detail, while a quantum dot filter can enhance colors.

One thing you don’t need to worry about is 8K support. Although the PS5 and Xbox Series X are technically capable of outputting 8K video, very few games are made for that resolution, and 8K’s practical benefits are extremely minimal (https://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-size/size-to-distance-relationship) unless you plan on sitting unreasonably close to a massive TV. The few 8K TVs on the market are also very expensive (https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-2023-8k-mini-led-tv-starts-at-5000-163559445.html).

All that said, there are a few terms you should particularly look out for when buying a TV for your new game console or high-end graphics card.

HDMI 2.1

To get the most out of a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S, your TV should have full HDMI 2.1 support. This is the latest major update to the HDMI spec, enabling a higher maximum bandwidth — 48 gigabits per second, up from HDMI 2.0’s 18 Gbps — and a handful of features that are beneficial for gaming performance specifically. These include variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM), which we detail further below.

Beyond that, perhaps the chief perk of HDMI 2.1 is its ability to transmit sharp 4K video up to a 120Hz refresh rate with modern consoles like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, or up to 144Hz with a powerful gaming PC. Not every PS5 (https://www.psu.com/news/all-ps5-games-that-support-120-fps-the-smoothest-games-on-playstation-5/) or Xbox Series X/S (https://www.techradar.com/news/ps5-and-xbox-series-x-games-with-120fps-support) game supports frame rates that high — and some only do at lower resolutions — but those that do will look and feel especially fluid in motion. HDMI 2.1 also includes support for Enhanced Audio Return Channel (https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/enhancedaudioreturnchannel) (eARC), which allows you to pass higher-quality lossless audio from a source device connected to the TV to a compatible soundbar or receiver.

The more full HDMI 2.1 ports your TV has, the better. “Full” is the key word there. As reported by TFT Central (https://tftcentral.co.uk/articles/when-hdmi-2-1-isnt-hdmi-2-1), because HDMI 2.1 is backwards compatible with HDMI 2.0, TV and monitor manufacturers have been allowed to brand HDMI ports as “HDMI 2.1” even if they lack full (or any) support for the spec’s upgraded features. We recommend a few TVs below that have true HDMI 2.1 ports, but if you’re buying a new TV for gaming, make sure your chosen set isn’t trying to hide any capabilities you may consider essential.

HDR — High Dynamic Range

HDR refers to a TV's ability to display a wider range between the darkest and brightest parts of a picture. This broader range can bring out details that would otherwise be missing on a standard dynamic range (SDR) TV, in both the very dark and, especially, the very bright areas of an image. HDR typically comes with an improvement to color reproduction as well, displaying a larger palette of more vibrant colors that brings content closer to its creator’s original vision.

To get an HDR picture, you need both content that is mastered to take advantage of the tech and a TV capable of displaying that content. HDR also comes in a variety of formats, which are generally split between those that utilize static metadata (e.g., HDR10) and those that utilize dynamic metadata (e.g., HDR10+, Dolby Vision). In short, the latter allows a TV to optimize its brightness and colors on a per-scene or even per-frame basis, while the former uses one set of optimized settings for the entirety of the given content. Support for these formats can differ depending on the TV, content and game console you use. The Xbox Series X and S, for example, support Dolby Vision for gaming (https://www.dolby.com/experience/xbox/#gref), while the PS5 does not.

The good news is that most TVs you’d buy in 2023 are HDR-ready in some fashion, even on the budget end of the market. The catch is that some TVs are much better at getting the most out of HDR than others. The same goes for actual content mastered in HDR. With video games in particular, there aren’t quite as many titles designed to take advantage of HDR as there are movies (though the number is growing all the time), and the variance in HDR quality tends to be wider.

HGiG — HDR Gaming Interest Group

HGiG stands for the HDR Gaming Interest Group (https://www.hgig.org/). Sony and Microsoft are both members, as are many TV makers and game developers. What this means is that, ideally, all the groups communicate information so that you can start up a new game on a console or PC and have it automatically recognize your display. Once that happens, the game can adjust the internal settings to adjust for that display's capabilities and give you the best picture quality possible, without losing details in the brightest or darkest areas of the screen. For example, daylight at the end of a dark tunnel may portray a brightly lit environment instead of looking like an overexposed white blob.

This is a good thing, but the reality is a bit more complicated. Not all TVs highlight HGiG compatibility in their settings menu, while only some PlayStation and Xbox games recognize and follow the guidelines. If an HGiG option is listed in your TV's tone mapping settings, you should turn it on prior to running the console's HDR settings. Then, if you're playing a game that supports HDR and HGiG, you should be in good shape without having to adjust the various luminance levels again. Still, how all of this looks to you might differ depending on your TV and the game you’re playing. Owners of certain LG OLED TVs, for instance, may prefer their TV’s Dynamic Tone Mapping setting. Use whatever settings you think look best.

ALLM — Auto Low Latency Mode

ALLM (https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/autolowlatencymode) allows a source (like your PS5 or Xbox) to tell the display to switch into a picture mode that reduces lag between receiving each frame of an image and displaying it on the TV. This cuts out additional processing that could be the milliseconds of difference between landing a precise input or not. A good modern TV can automatically switch to game mode, then back out when you'd rather watch a movie or TV show.

VRR — Variable Refresh Rate

VRR (https://www.hdmi.org/spec21sub/variablerefreshrate) will sound familiar if you're a PC gamer. Most players have experienced slowdown, screen tearing or stuttering as a system struggles to render each frame at the target speed, which is most commonly 30 or 60 fps on a TV. With VRR, everything stays in sync: Your display won't show the next frame until it's ready, which can make things feel smoother and more responsive, even if the system fails to deliver on its target frame rate.

There are a few different implementations of VRR available, including Nvidia’s G-Sync (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=f52348f6-2304-415e-b16c-1fb252794066&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=NVIDIA&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJmNTIzNDhmNi0yMzA0LTQxNWUtYjE2Yy0xZmIyNTI3OTQwNjYiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnZpZGlhLmNvbS9lbi11cy9nZWZvcmNlL3Byb2R1Y3RzL2ctc3luYy1tb25pdG9ycy8iLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6ImY1ODQzYTUwLTFjMTEtNDllZS1iZjg2LTJmYTVkNDIxOTQ0MCJ9&signature=AQAAAW-0GsAVE8eGkzSggX3VcDBHrBy1gmYQ4YocWtXb-8wc&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nvidia.com%2Fen-us%2Fgeforce%2Fproducts%2Fg-sync-monitors%2F), AMD’s FreeSync (https://www.amd.com/en/technologies/free-sync) and the HDMI Forum’s VRR spec, which is part of the full HDMI 2.1 standard. Both a TV and an input device need to support the same VRR tech for it to work, and different devices may only support VRR within a specific refresh rate window. On a 120Hz display, for instance, the PS5’s VRR only works between 48Hz and 120Hz.

As a reminder, the PS5 supports (https://www.engadget.com/ps5-variable-refresh-rate-vrr-release-date-193228613.html) HDMI Forum VRR, the Xbox Series X/S support HDMI Forum VRR and FreeSync, while gaming PCs may support G-Sync or FreeSync depending on whether they use a Nvidia or AMD graphics card. A great gaming TV supports all the big VRR formats, but missing, say, G-Sync, isn’t a killer if you only game on a PS5 or Xbox.

Good gaming TVs you can get right now

The likes of Samsung (https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-2024-tv-lineup-at-ces-2024-includes-ai-aplenty-and-a-glare-free-oled-model-030046720.html), LG (https://www.engadget.com/lg-reveals-new-oled-tvs-with-high-144hz-refresh-rates-ahead-of-ces-2024-164550931.html), TCL (https://www.engadget.com/tcl-came-to-ces-2024-with-a-115-inch-miniled-quantum-dot-tv-190047876.html), Vizio (https://www.engadget.com/vizio-just-announced-a-999-86-inch-4k-tv-160030764.html) and Hisense (https://www.hisense-usa.com/newsroom/hisense-unveils-new-uled-and-uled-x-lineups) have unveiled new TVs for 2024 but, as of this writing, we’ve only recently started to see (https://www.engadget.com/lgs-latest-oled-evo-tvs-start-at-1500-and-go-up-to-a-sky-high-25000-130001550.html) the first few of those (https://www.engadget.com/a-bunch-of-new-samsung-tvs-are-finally-available-for-preorder-from-8k-qled-models-to-77-inch-oleds-150036534.html) become available. Details for more new models should be confirmed in the coming weeks. If history is any indication, though, most of those sets are unlikely to be game-changing upgrades over the 2023 models still on sale today, and they'll cost more out of the gate. We'll have to see if there are exceptions, of course: Samsung’s new S95D OLED TV now uses anti-glare technology (https://www.engadget.com/samsungs-2024-tv-lineup-at-ces-2024-includes-ai-aplenty-and-a-glare-free-oled-model-030046720.html), for instance, while Hisense promises improved brightness across its new midrange sets. If you want the latest and greatest and are willing to pay more to get it, hold out for a little longer.

But the TV market is always in motion. Most of the best models from last year have steadily fallen in price since launch, and they should only drop further as manufacturers look to clear out inventory. This means that, in most cases, buying a good 2023 TV should continue to provide the most bang for your buck, at least for the near term. Those are the sets we’ve highlighted with our recommendations below. While we at Engadget do not formally review TVs, we’re confident in our picks after thoroughly researching user feedback and the consensus from other professional review sites we trust, such as Rtings (https://www.rtings.com/tv), Wirecutter (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=c813ae39-7d58-41cb-ac66-ad830606ceef&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+New+York+Times&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsInN0b3JlSWQiOiJjODEzYWUzOS03ZDU4LTQxY2ItYWM2Ni1hZDgzMDYwNmNlZWYiLCJsYW5kaW5nVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnl0aW1lcy5jb20vd2lyZWN1dHRlci9lbGVjdHJvbmljcy90dnMvIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiJmNTg0M2E1MC0xYzExLTQ5ZWUtYmY4Ni0yZmE1ZDQyMTk0NDAifQ&signature=AQAAAe8RPikyUeDiRcg509D2TvK0Zu7BYDM4kvfoWtLMnU3c&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Fwirecutter%2Felectronics%2Ftvs%2F&uuid=ImumGWWsbnoDtgSn15790), Reviewed (https://reviewed.usatoday.com/televisions) and PCMag (https://www.pcmag.com/categories/tvs), among others.

Richard Lawler contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-tvs-for-gaming-180033983.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/best-tvs-for-gaming-180033983.html?src=rss

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

Prompt: Icon Set ===============

Create some icons to be used together. It could be for a taskbar, showcasing features or services, or even for something like a Bitcoin wallet app. (Icons might be a buy, a sell button, a invoice icon, etc.)

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Flex your design muscles and join in. Most of all, keep this exercise loose and keep it stress-free. The FUC is about growing our design skills, together, as a community. We can't wait to see what you create!

Happy designing, Stackers!

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Share Your Results When you finish the challenge, post your work on this thread! If you also share it on nostr, be sure to use the hashtag #FUCdesiger and tag Design_r@iris.to or @Design__r on X! We'll keep an eye out and repost good examples on a regular basis.

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Curious to know WTF is a FUC? Read the ⚡️Flash Ui Challenges welcoming post.

Looking for more FUCs? Check the archive here!

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

What's got you buzzing with excitement, and which design trends are you ready to cheers?

Share your insights and learnings!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Apple is developing personal robots for your home, Bloomberg says

Apple is still on the hunt for the next revolutionary product to help it remain dominant in the market and to serve as new sources of revenue after abandoning its plans (https://www.engadget.com/the-apple-car-project-is-reportedly-dead-203012885.html?fsig=Kb_kx_UWWMHANlf2oqbAUw--%7EA) to develop an electric vehicle of its own. According to _Bloomberg's (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-03/apple-explores-home-robots-after-abandoning-car-efforts?sref=10lNAhZ9) Mark Gurman, one of the areas the company is exploring is personal robotics. It reportedly started looking into robots and electric vehicles at the same time, with the hopes of developing a machine that doesn't need human intervention.

While Apple's robotics projects are still in the very early stages, Bloomberg said it had already started working on a mobile robot that can follow users around their home and had already developed a table-top device that uses a robot to move a screen around. The idea behind the latter is to have a machine that can mimic head movements and can lock on to a single person in a group, presumably for a better video call experience. Since these robots are supposed to be able to move on their own, the company is also looking into the use of algorithms for navigation. Based on the report, Apple's home devices group is in charge of their development, and at least one engineer who worked on its scrapped EV initiative has joined the team.

Robots, however, aren't like phones in the sense that people these days need them in their lives. Apple is apparently worried about whether people would pay "top dollar" for the robots it has in mind, and executives still can't get to an agreement on whether the company should keep working on these projects. Gurman previously reported that Apple may have sold its EV for $100,000 — if that's true, it had a bigger potential to grow the company's revenue. But the Apple Car is now out of the picture, and the company is reportedly putting all of its focus on the Vision Pro (https://www.engadget.com/apple-vision-pro-review-beta-testing-the-future-201430272.html) and new products for the home, which also includes a home hub device with a display that resembles an iPad. Of course, Apple could still scrap these projects, and it could find other classes of products to invest in if it discovers that they could bring in bigger money in the future.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-developing-personal-robots-for-your-home-bloomberg-says-044254029.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/apple-is-developing-personal-robots-for-your-home-bloomberg-says-044254029.html?src=rss

@ 079d727b:00099650

https://i.nostr.build/vGd7P.png

What am I doing here? What am I doing here with Fatty and Spotty Fatty and Spotty Fatty and Spotty What am I doing here with Fatty and Spotty

SORRY! This will make no sense unless you've seen the British Channel 4 sitcom, Black Books. Actually, not sorry at all. Because here's a link to watch the entire series off YT. Otherwise I dunno, torrent or news it, or even better... BUY THE DVD BOXSET SECOND HAND!!! (The decent boxset should have commentary tracks for Season 1 & Season 2, making the show twice as good imo.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcQb7zEzXv8 (Enjoy! Also I recommend starting at Season 1 Episode 1 as what I've linked is S2E3). Stars the very talented, Bill Bailey, Dylan Moran and Tamsin Greig. Directed by Graham Linehan I'm pretty sure and he was just 'censored' by the trans police so you know it's probably quite funny. 😂

Many thanks to PABLOF7z for being my FIRST foundational supporter. That really means A LOT! I remember blogging in the mid 90's before the word blog was a thing. One of these day's I'll upload the html pages which show how stupid 13yr old's can be. But shit.. the enthusiasm and pure joy I got from blogging... I don't know if anything has compared in those 20+ years from writing. I hope to bring it back with these Highlighter posts which I plan to drain and publish my thoughts, finds and whatever discoveries I may find interesting.

Apologies if this bores the shit out of you. That's also why it's free. 🫡

Many more links, resources and the brain of tigs' - coming to nostr... really soon.

P.S. Don't expect anything useful or educational or in any particular order, this is MY brain after all 😂

💜🤙🫂 - tigs

@ f0fe4932:229b3895

The Open Interest (OI) of an option is an indicator of the level of activity to that option. When a buyer open a new contract and this is bought the OI increases. Conversely when a contract is closed the OI decreased. The number of OI are updated just once every day.

Some traders use the number of OI as complement to know if the market is moving in the right direction. One of the most watch metric related to OI is the Put to Call ratio, which is the number of OI of the Puts divided by the number of OI of the Calls.

To retrieve the number of OI we are going to use Yahoo Finance using the library yfinance like this:

import yfinance

Let say you want to know the options of the SPY:

p**ython** data = yfinance.Ticker("SPY") data.options This is going to return something like this:

('2023-01-17', '2023-01-18', '2023-01-19', '2023-01-20', '2023-01-23', '2023-01-24', '2023-01-25', '2023-01-26', '2023-01-27', '2023-02-03', '2023-02-10', '2023-02-17', '2023-02-24', '2023-03-03', '2023-03-17', '2023-03-31', '2023-04-21', '2023-05-19', '2023-06-16', '2023-06-30', '2023-07-21', '2023-09-15', '2023-09-29', '2023-12-15', '2023-12-29', '2024-01-19', '2024-06-21', '2024-12-20', '2025-01-17', '2025-03-21', '2025-12-19')

Those are the expiration dates available to us at Yahoo Finance.

data.option_chain(date='2023-01-17') Gives you this:

``` Options(calls= contractSymbol lastTradeDate ... contractSize currency 0 SPY230117C00320000 2023-01-17 18:17:11+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 1 SPY230117C00333000 2023-01-06 19:33:56+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 2 SPY230117C00334000 2023-01-13 18:53:30+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 3 SPY230117C00336000 2023-01-12 17:53:41+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 4 SPY230117C00342000 2023-01-11 20:10:24+00:00 ... REGULAR USD .. ... ... ... ... ... 85 SPY230117C00440000 2023-01-17 18:43:29+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 86 SPY230117C00442000 2023-01-12 14:46:10+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 87 SPY230117C00444000 2023-01-13 14:45:51+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 88 SPY230117C00445000 2023-01-12 14:36:22+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 89 SPY230117C00446000 2023-01-12 18:23:27+00:00 ... REGULAR USD

[90 rows x 14 columns], puts= contractSymbol lastTradeDate ... contractSize currency 0 SPY230117P00320000 2023-01-13 15:25:32+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 1 SPY230117P00323000 2023-01-13 14:33:53+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 2 SPY230117P00325000 2023-01-17 16:20:19+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 3 SPY230117P00326000 2023-01-09 14:40:02+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 4 SPY230117P00327000 2023-01-09 14:46:11+00:00 ... REGULAR USD .. ... ... ... ... ... 93 SPY230117P00420000 2023-01-17 15:00:19+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 94 SPY230117P00421000 2023-01-12 18:48:48+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 95 SPY230117P00422000 2023-01-12 19:31:50+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 96 SPY230117P00427000 2023-01-17 20:29:27+00:00 ... REGULAR USD 97 SPY230117P00431000 2023-01-10 14:35:12+00:00 ... REGULAR USD

[98 rows x 14 columns]) ``` Now we are seeing some real options. Note that there are Calls (i.e.: SPY230117C00320000) and Puts (i.e.: SPY230117P00320000).

To obtain the number of OI of the puts we can do:

opts = data.option_chain(date='2023-01-17') opts.puts['openInterest'] 0 63.0 1 1266.0 2 3.0 3 20.0 4 255.0 ... 93 0.0 94 NaN 95 10.0 96 1.0 97 NaN Lets plot this: import matplotlib.pyplot as plt plt.plot(opts.puts['openInterest']) plt.show()

Now lets do the Puts to Calls OI ratio for every option:

plt.plot(opts.puts['openInterest']/opts.calls['openInterest']) plt.show()

What about the whole day? Well we need to add every option in the day:

oi_puts = sum(opts.puts['openInterest']) oi_calls = sum(opts.calls['openInterest']) oi_puts/oi_calls

Chart P/C OI

We can use this knowledge to make our own chart of the Put/Call OI ratio of the available data in Yahoo Finance:

``` import yfinance import matplotlib.pyplot as plt

data=yfinance.Ticker("SPY") ratio=[] for op in data.options: opts=data.option_chain(date=op) ratio.append(sum(opts.puts['openInterest'])/sum(opts.calls['openInterest']))

plt.plot(data.options,ratio) plt.show() ```

The dates in the x-axis is indistinguishable, it has the expiration dates, but hovering over the chart you can read the actual date and ratio.

Conclusion

In this article I show you how to work with the Open Interest (OI) using Yahoo Finance and Python 3, specifically how to calculate the OI ratio Puts/Calls and how to plot it over time.

You can extend this code to other stocks just changing the “SPY” part to the symbol do you want to work with. Try for example “GLD”.

I hope you found some value on this article, if so, show it via Zap.

Thank you!

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Content

• Conclusion

• FAQ

• You May Also Like

• External Links

Cryptocurrency, or virtual currency, is a kind of electronic currency that is neither issued nor regulated by any central bank or government. Instead, it uses the same blockchain technology that Bitcoin uses to power its network. More and more opportunities arise as digital currency gains popularity on Wall Street. Today, you may buy or sell more than 21,000 different cryptocurrencies.

While bitcoin may be used to make purchases, it is more often seen as an investment. The freefall across cryptocurrencies this year, even stablecoins tethered to the U.S. dollar, demonstrates, however, that volatility makes investment in cryptocurrencies perilous. Before investing, it's wise to do some research and find out the specifics.

Given this, the following are the eight best cryptocurrencies to consider investing in for 2022.

1. Bitcoin (BTC)

Bitcoin is the first and longest-running cryptocurrency. Its price and market size are far larger than those of any other cryptocurrency investment choice, making it obvious why it is the market leader.

Bitcoin is a promising cryptocurrency investment since it is accepted by a growing number of merchants. Bitcoin transactions are possible using services like Visa. Stripe, in conjunction with OpenNode, now enables business owners to settle transactions and convert payments to bitcoin after a four-year absence from the cryptocurrency market. Major financial institutions have also started to support bitcoin transactions.

Bitcoin was temporarily accepted by Tesla, but if its mining became more sustainable, the company may do so again. CNBC reported on April 8 that Blockstream and Block, previously known as Square, were planning to construct a bitcoin mine in Texas that would be powered entirely by Tesla's solar array and Megapack battery.

In May, the Luna Foundation Guard bolstered bitcoin by announcing it would lend $1.5 billion in bitcoin and terra USD to strengthen the latter currency, as reported by Fortune. In addition, VanEck hopes to launch a bitcoin ETF. The company's first application was rejected by the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the SEC has postponed making a judgment on the company's most recent application until October 11. No word on the result has been made public as of yet.

Risks of Investing in Bitcoin

Bitcoin's value is notoriously volatile. In any one month, the cost might fluctuate by several thousand dollars in either direction. Thus far in 2018, this has been the case, as CNBC reported that bitcoin prices have connected with the Nasdaq, disproving the hypothesis that bitcoin would act as a hedge against inflation.

You may want to steer clear of bitcoin if you get worried easily due to market volatility. Otherwise, these changes shouldn't be too troubling, so long as you remember that bitcoin might be a prudent long-term investment.

The high cost of Bitcoin is another factor to think twice about. Because of the high price of bitcoin (now over $20,000), most individuals can't afford to acquire them in their entirety. This is bad news for traders who would rather not have to acquire a fraction of a bitcoin.

2. Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum is a platform for deploying smart contracts and decentralized applications, such as digital currencies. Ethereum's value is somewhat lower than Bitcoin's, but it is significantly higher than any of its rivals.

Despite its late entry into the market, Bitcoin has surpassed all others in popularity because of its groundbreaking technology. As of this writing, it is the most widely used blockchain and the second-biggest cryptocurrency (behind bitcoin).

Now that an enhancement codenamed "The Merge" has finished rolling out, it hopes to gain much more momentum. With the September update, Ethereum switched to a proof-of-stake consensus, reducing the total number of currencies in circulation and rendering mining obsolete.

Since the merger, Ethereum has been able to significantly lower its energy use. According to Fortune, ETH prices spiked by about 50% in the final two weeks of July as investors anticipated the update, but then fell in August as the upgrade's expected release dates passed. When September hit its midpoint, ETH prices started to rise again.

While ether hasn't caught on quite as much as bitcoin has, established businesses are beginning to use it. According to The Wall Street Journal, financial services firm Fidelity is increasing its headcount in the technology sector in order to set up the systems essential for providing Ethereum custody and trading services to its clients.

Ethereum Investment Risks

While the merger significantly reduced Ethereum's power consumption, it did little to address the network's sluggish transaction times or prohibitively expensive gas prices. There is presently just one "channel" for making purchases on the site. If the network is busy at the time of the transaction, it may take longer to complete. The costs associated with making a transaction are likewise quite substantial. Ethereum users will have to wait for "sharding," which, as explained by CoinDesk, is like adding lanes to a freeway, to be implemented before any progress can be made in this area.

Some people are becoming restless while waiting. Such a move is being made by the cryptocurrency derivatives market Dydx, which will operate on its own blockchain.

3. Binance Coin (BNB)

Binance Coin's price went from about $38 on January 1, 2021, to a record high of $683 in May of that year, after being reasonably stable for many years, at least in the context of other cryptocurrencies.

When compared to other investment options, Binance Coin has proven to be highly consistent due to its performance over time.Binance, the biggest cryptocurrency exchange in the world according to CoinMarketCap, and Binance.US, the version U.S. citizens must use, both utilize this token as its native currency. But despite its vast functionality and the currency’s success in Binance sub-projects, Binance Coin is still a very risky investment.

BNB has an advantage over other cryptocurrencies due to the fact that every three months, Binance destroys all of its coins by burning them. The latest burn on October 13 that eliminated over 2 million tokens, or roughly $600 million in value, had little immediate impact on prices, but controlling the quantity of tokens may have a beneficial effect in the long run by increasing scarcity. There is a maximum of 200,000,000 BNB coins in circulation, with only 80% actually in use at any one time.

Risks of Investing in Binance Coin

Although being the native cryptocurrency on the biggest exchange in the world may "legitimize" Binance Coin, it also leaves it particularly exposed to regulatory difficulties. According to Fortune, BNB dropped 7.3% in value in June when news came of a Securities and Exchange Commission inquiry into whether Binance followed the correct processes in its 2017 initial coin offering.

4. Cardano (ADA)

One reason why investors like the Cardano network is its smaller footprint. Cardano transactions use less power than those on Bitcoin's bigger network. As a result, transactions may be completed quickly and at reduced cost.

Cardano "hard forked" last year, which is an update that adds new features and, in this instance, makes smart contracts possible. According to Mint, on September 22nd, a new hard fork dubbed "Vasil" was released with the intention of making the Cardano network more scalable.

AdaSwap, a platform for creating decentralized financial applications, was recently released as a test version by Cardano. With AdaSwap, Cardano may be recognized as a Web3 network, which would boost its value. Forbes ranks Cardano's non-fungible-token protocol as the third biggest in the world, despite the fact that the currency itself is ranked ninth in terms of market value.

Cardano Investment Risks

Cardano may not be able to compete with bigger cryptocurrencies despite having a superior network and the improved functionality provided by smart contracts. When there are fewer users, there are also fewer people working on improving the platform. Most investors would rather see widespread use before putting money into anything.

While the platform's goals are lofty—for example, it aims to build an incubator to help Africa become a significant economic power—whether or not it can really accomplish these goals remains to be seen.

5. Polygon (MATIC)

Polygon was developed by programmers who made important changes to the Ethereum network. According to CoinMarketCap, Polygon was created with the goal of improving Ethereum's scalability and supporting infrastructure. Expanding Ethereum into a multi-chain system, this "layer two" method boosts the speed of transactions and verifications.

Binance and Coinbase, two major cryptocurrency exchanges, support Polygon. The MATIC token may be exchanged for its services as well as utilized to pay transaction fees and settle financial transactions.

Polygon zkEVM, "the first Ethereum-equivalent scaling solution that works smoothly with all current smart contracts, developer tools, and wallets," was released on July 20 with the use of zero-knowledge proofs, a kind of encryption that reduces transaction costs and increases throughput.

Based on a message from the official Polygon Twitter account, the number of decentralized apps hosted by Polygon has increased by more than 400% since the beginning of the year and now includes offerings from firms like Meta and Stripe. Polygon also endorses the tether stablecoin, which may help the network expand in the future. Its efforts to become carbon neutral have also contributed to price increases.

Risks of Investing in Polygon

CoinDesk reported late last year that Polygon has corrected a vulnerability that had exposed nearly $20 million worth of its currencies to potential loss. When the hacker reported it, Polygon responded quickly and implemented a solution within two days. Unfortunately, more than 800,000 tokens had already been stolen by malicious hackers, leaving Polygon with a bill of nearly $1.4 million.

6. Terra 2.0 (LUNA)

According to CoinMarketCap, worldwide payment systems on the Terra Classic blockchain were powered by stablecoins, or coins tied to fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar, the South Korean won, and the Special Drawing Rights currencies of the International Monetary Fund. The price of stablecoins on the blockchain was anchored by their original currency, currently denoted by the sign LUNC.

However, Terra's good year came to an end in early May, when the cryptocurrency collapsed and burned due to stablecoin volatility and general skittishness in cryptocurrency markets. This caused various crypto businesses to go bankrupt.

In the wake of the meltdown, Terra renamed the previous network as Terra Classic (LUNC) and released Terra 2.0 (LUNA), a new blockchain without an algorithmic stablecoin, in an attempt to stabilize the Terra ecosystem and enable investors who lost money to regain part of their investment. Trading of LUNC currencies is done independently of the LUNA coins that come with Terra 2.0.

Terra 2.0 Investment Risks

The introduction of Terra 2.0 was met with skepticism, and experts are still debating whether or not it has a bright future. However, if you have a high risk tolerance, the network's native currency may be worth keeping an eye on since numerous new projects have already started on it.

However, LUNC wasn't CEO of Terraform Labs Do Kwon's first stablecoin to fail. According to CoinDesk, his 2020 Ethereum-based cryptocurrency, "basis cash," never achieved parity with the U.S. dollar. On November 1st, the price was $0.0049.

7. Avalanche (AVAX)

Binance describes Avalanche as a "layer one" blockchain, which means it enhances the system's foundational protocol to make it more scalable. According to CoinMarketCap, it was developed by Ava Labs and computer experts from Cornell University, including former professor Emin Gün Sirer, a seasoned researcher in the field of cryptography.

The three blockchains that make up Avalanche can independently verify transactions. This makes Avalanche very scalable, with the capacity to process up to 6,500 transactions per second. Therefore, it is becoming more and more common in Ethereum projects, especially in the United States. In the news as reported

Moreover, Bloomberg reported on April 7 that avalanche has surpassed ether as Terra's reserve currency for its own UST stablecoin. The terra-supporting NGO Luna Foundation Guard planned to spend $100 million on avalanche equipment as part of the effort.

In 2020, AVAX started trading after an ICO that lasted for only 24 hours. During the previous 12 months, its price ranged from $13.79 to $146.22. The price of the coin as of November 1st was $18.85.

Risks of Investing in an Avalanche

In 2018, Sirer published a white paper introducing cryptocurrency. The year 2020 saw its debut. Avalanche is a riskier investment than similar technologies since it has a shorter track record against which to measure its success.

8. Chainlink (LINK)

According to CoinMarketCap, Chainlink is a decentralized oracle network that aims to make it easier for blockchains to interact securely with external data feeds, events, and payment methods. This, in turn, is expected to pave the way for smart contracts to replace traditional digital currency as the preferred method of digital payment.

According to Benzinga, Chainlink has a leg up on the competition because of its strategic agreement with Google, which sees the latter employ Chainlink's protocol to link customers to its cloud services.

Truflation, a decentralized financial startup, has developed a new inflation index to compete with the Consumer Price Index, and they've decided to use Chainlink to do it. According to CoinDesk, Truflation's index mixes pricing data with the CPI's computation approach to calculate inflation instead of survey data. The objective of developing the truflation index was to create a replacement for the CPI that would be more precise, open, and able to withstand censorship.

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, DocuSign creator Tom Gonser, and former LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner are all on the advisory board for Chainlink Labs.

Risks of Investing in Chainlink

Chainlink has the same volatility as other cryptocurrencies, despite its usefulness and the backing of large entities. It was over $20 on January 1st, but had dropped to around $7.75 by November 1st.

Advice

Don't stop learning about the market once bitcoin is an option; otherwise, you can end up making a bad investing decision. It would not be hard for a new cryptocurrency network to surpass existing ones and take the top spot. The best thing you can do as an investor is to keep up with market news.

Rating the Top Cryptocurrency Choices

Anybody interested in investing in cryptocurrencies needs only do a short web search to get hundreds of suggestions. We took into account the following criteria while selecting our top eight choices:

Longevity

Can you tell me how long the cryptocurrency has been in existence? While it's impossible to completely rule out the introduction of brand new cryptocurrencies, looking into the company's performance in the past will give you a better idea of what to expect in the future.

Prior Performance

How would you rate the company's success during its many years in operation? Consistency in pricing is a positive indicator of the economy's health. In addition, it would be great if you could see that the cryptocurrency was gaining popularity and increasing in value over time.

Good to know

Results from the past may not guarantee a similar outcome in the future. An investment's future performance may be better or worse than its historical average depending on a variety of factors.

Technology

In terms of ease of use and safety, how does this platform stack up against the competition? The speed at which financial dealings may be made should be your top priority. Ideally, the network would have no trouble processing all the traffic associated with financial transactions.

You should also make sure your money is safe. As blockchain technology is used by the vast majority of cryptocurrencies, all transactions can be easily seen and verified. There is no guarantee that using blockchain would make it more difficult for hackers to steal your bitcoin. If you fall victim to fraud, you may easily trace your investment and get your money back.

Probability of Adoption

How many other individuals are putting money into the cryptocurrency you're considering? More users using a cryptocurrency indicates that it is more widely used and, hence, more liquid. Making a profit by trading, selling, or spending will become easier.

Conclusion

Without a shadow of a doubt, virtual currencies will remain a fixture in the financial system. Where exactly in the market would you recommend putting your money?

Keep in mind that bitcoin isn't a get-rich-quick scheme if you're just interested in investing and not using the network for transactions. Take the long view and think of it as an investment.

FAQ

Which cryptocurrency has the highest return on investment now? Keep in mind that any cryptocurrency you're considering is a speculative investment, and that each cryptocurrency has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that might make it a great match for one investor while making it a bad fit for another. But among the eight best, GOBankingRates recommends Bitcoin as one of the "safer" cryptocurrency investments due to its extensive usage and also recommends chainlink due to its low cost and support from some of the IT industry's most prestigious brands.

In 2022, what is the most promising cryptocurrency market? Ethereum is a good investment option for those with a high tolerance for risk. The initial excitement over a network update has subsided, but the launch might lead to enhancements that help Ethereum reclaim its competitive edge among blockchains. In the meanwhile, you may rest easy knowing that Ethereum is the second-biggest cryptocurrency in the world in terms of market value.

What is the most promising cryptocurrency? Cryptocurrencies are very volatile and susceptible to numerous variables, such as economic circumstances, the general market, legislation, and new innovations; as a result, it is hard to predict what will happen with a specific cryptocurrency in the future. A long-term increase in value is possible for all of the currencies included here. For instance, the Polygon blockchain is able to function as a host for more than 37,000 applications despite being a very young blockchain. This demonstrates its usefulness and shows how it is able to overcome some of Ethereum's constraints. Consequently, its token has a fair chance of succeeding in the long run.

That's all for today, see ya tomorrow

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 49edd28f:90fb6d51

What Is Blockchain? 🤔 The Super Simple Guide for Kids!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_LUyIWPj_qM

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Meta’s AI image generator struggles to create images of couples of different races

Meta AI is consistently unable to generate accurate images for seemingly simple prompts like “Asian man and Caucasian friend,” or “Asian man and white wife,” _The Verge_reports (https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/3/24120029/instagram-meta-ai-sticker-generator-asian-people-racism). Instead, the company’s image generator seems to be biased toward creating images of people of the same race, even when explicitly prompted otherwise.

Engadget confirmed these results in our own testing of Meta’s web-based (https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-is-available-as-a-standalone-website-185953058.html) image generator. Prompts for “an Asian man with a white woman friend” or “an Asian man with a white wife” generated images of Asian couples. When asked for “a diverse group of people,” Meta AI generated a grid of nine white faces and one person of color. There were a couple occasions when it created a single result that reflected the prompt, but in most cases it failed to accurately depict the prompt.

As The Verge points out, there are other more “subtle” signs of bias in Meta AI, like a tendency to make Asian men appear older while Asian women appeared younger. The image generator also sometimes added “culturally specific attire” even when that wasn’t part of the prompt.

It’s not clear why Meta AI is struggling with these types of prompts, though it’s not the first generative AI platform to come under scrutiny for its depiction of race. Google’s Gemini image generator paused its ability to create images of people after it overcorrected for diversity with bizarre results (https://www.engadget.com/google-pauses-geminis-ability-to-generate-people-after-overcorrecting-for-diversity-in-historical-images-220303074.html) in response prompts about historical figures. Google later explained (https://www.engadget.com/google-explains-why-geminis-image-generation-feature-overcorrected-for-diversity-121532787.html) that its internal safeguards failed to account for situations when diverse results were inappropriate.

Meta didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. The company has previously described Meta AI as being in “beta” and thus prone to making mistakes. Meta AI has also struggled to accurately answer simple questions (https://www.engadget.com/the-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-new-ai-powers-are-impressive-and-worrying-181036772.html) about current events and public figures.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-struggles-to-create-images-of-couples-of-different-races-231424476.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/metas-ai-image-generator-struggles-to-create-images-of-couples-of-different-races-231424476.html?src=rss

@ 9fec72d5:f77f85b1

I could successfully train daybreak-miqu 70B model on my PC. And after training I could ask it questions. Which was a great learning experience for me. While the model is learning about Nostr, I was learning about training.. .

Here I am using LLaMa-Factory for the training itself. And later llama.cpp for converting to GGUF. And also llama.cpp library to do inference.

Training

Command line for training: CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=0,1 venv/bin/accelerate launch --config_file examples/accelerate/fsdp_config.yaml src/train_bash.py --stage pt --do_train --model_name_or_path crestf411/daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf --dataset nostr1 --template default --finetuning_type lora --lora_target q_proj,v_proj --output_dir ml/training-checkpoints/daybreak-miqu-3-nostr1 --overwrite_cache --overwrite_output_dir --cutoff_len 1024 --per_device_train_batch_size 1 --per_device_eval_batch_size 1 --gradient_accumulation_steps 8 --lr_scheduler_type cosine --logging_steps 10 --save_steps 50 --eval_steps 50 --evaluation_strategy steps --load_best_model_at_end --learning_rate 5e-5 --num_train_epochs 3.0 --max_samples 8000 --val_size 0.1 --quantization_bit 4 --plot_loss --fp16

We basically take the original model (daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf) and try to patch it with an adapter. Training the whole model takes much more resources.

The adapter is trained with data from nostr1 dataset. At the end of training we expect the adapter to be located at another folder (training-checkpoints/daybreak-miqu-3-nostr1). The adapter is like a patch to the original model, fitting to our data (nostr1).

Merging

The model and the adapter is merged at the end to become the new model that we can query. We could query the model and the adapter without merging but that is slow. This whole method is called QLoRa, quantized low rank adapter training.

Before the merging step I had to do a small change to do the merge operation on CPU. The GPU VRAMs were not enough for this operation. I am on a 2x 3090.

Need to add to src/llmtuner/model/loader.py at line 89: init_kwargs['device_map'] = 'cpu' #for merge using CPU!

Command line for the merge: CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=0,1 python src/export_model.py --model_name_or_path crestf411/daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf --adapter_name_or_path ml/training-checkpoints/daybreak-miqu-3-nostr1 --template default --finetuning_type lora --export_dir ml/training-merged/daybreak-miqu-nostr1 --export_size 2 --export_legacy_format False

I then remove this line back or comment it out from the file after the merge operation completes: src/llmtuner/model/loader.py at line 89: ```

init_kwargs['device_map'] = 'cpu' #for merge using CPU!

```

Quantizing

This may be for test purposes or you may skip this because it happens on CPU and it is really slow. Inference on the new model, which is not-quantized yet:

CUDA_VISIBLE_DEVICES=0,1 python src/cli_demo.py --model_name_or_path ml/training-merged/daybreak-miqu-nostr1/ --template default

Converting transformers to GGUF for faster inference:

cd llama.cpp python convert.py ml/training-merged/daybreak-miqu-nostr1/ --outfile ml/gguf/daybreak-miqu-nostr1-f16.gguf --outtype f16

Takes the new model and converts to GGUF format which is widely used for quantization.

Converting to 3bit quantization for even faster inference:

The above step resulted in 16 bits per weight. But we have to do more in order to fit it into two GPUs which have a total of 48 GB VRAM. This process makes the model dumber. But it will be faster. It has been shown that quantization does not completely "kill" the model. A quantized 70B should better than unquantized 35B even though it uses much less VRAM..

I choose q3_K_L quantization for most smartness and still fit in 48GB.

./quantize ml/gguf/daybreak-miqu-nostr1-f16.gguf ml/gguf/daybreak-miqu-nostr1-q3KL.gguf Q3_K_L

Inference

Using llama-cpp-python to load the model on GPUs and ask it questions. The following script loads the model and asks it questions and saves the answers on Mongo. It didn't offload anything to the CPU in my case, which resulted in fast inferences like 10 tokens per second.

``` import uuid from datetime import datetime import time from llama_cpp import Llama from colorist import rgb from pymongo import MongoClient

db = MongoClient('mongodb://trippy2:27017/miqu').miqu

sys_msg = """You are a helpful chat bot, answering questions about Nostr. Your answers should be around 100 words. Always give two answers, one short version (TLDR) and one long version. """

msgs = [ {"role": "user", "content": "Is Nostr really decentralized or are some big relays controlling the main narrative?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": """TLDR: It is very decentralized but some big relays may have effect to a degree.

Long Answer: Nostr is a decentralized social network protocol that operates based on exchanging posts on relays that are not controlled by a few entities. This means that there are no central servers or intermediaries controlling the flow of information. Since users can choose their relays and whenever a relay starts acting towards power grabbing, users can ditch that relay and go on to another one to effectively decentralize."""}, {"role": "user", "content": "Does Nostr run on blockchain?"}, {"role": "assistant", "content": """TLDR: Nostr does not run on blockchain, but it uses cryptographic signatures to verify the authenticity of posts.

Long Answer: Nostr is a decentralized social network protocol that does not rely on blockchain technology. Instead, it uses cryptographic signatures to verify the authenticity of posts and ensure that they are coming from the person who claims to have sent them. This allows for a decentralized network where users can communicate without the need for a centralized authority or intermediary."""}, ]

session = str(uuid.uuid4())

model = 'miqu-day-iq2' # yet another quantization method iMatrix

                      # fails

model = 'miqu-day-iq3s' # old iMatrix quant

                      # fails

model = 'miqu-day-iq3' # all layers into GPU

                      # not bad
                      # 15 tps

model = 'miqu-day-q3kl' # good. 13 tps. all layers into GPU! 40 chars/sec

                      # same version as record-responses-ollama.py

model = 'miqu-day-q4' # 2.72 tps. offloaded

model = 'qwen-lib-q3' # 1.26 tps. abrubt disruption, trouble with listing things.

model = 'miqu-day-nostr1-q3kl' # first try after training on nostr1

                             # better ios and android examples

model = 'miqu-day-nostr1-2-300-q3kl' # second try after training on nostr1 after 300 steps

                                   # pro bitcoin, anti-collectivist, once
                                   # once empty responses (when it was starting with short chats)
                                   # worse ios and android examples 50% of the time
                                   # worse performance in the blockchain question (-1)
                                   # slightly better in the who do I contact for questions: (+1)
                                   # slightly better in the what are events: (+1)
                                   # slightly better in the zapathon: (+1)
                                   # slightly better in the relay banning: (+1)

model = 'miqu-day-nostr1-2-500-q3kl'

model = 'miqu-day-nostr1-600-q3kl'

model_fns = {'miqu-day-iq3s': 'daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf.IQ3_S.gguf', 'miqu-day-iq3': 'daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf.i1-IQ3_M.gguf', 'miqu-day-iq2': 'daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf.i1-IQ2_M.gguf', 'miqu-day-q3kl': 'daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf.Q3_K_L.gguf', 'miqu-day-q4': 'daybreak-miqu-1-70b-v1.0-hf.Q4_K_S.gguf', 'qwen-lib-q3': 'Liberated-Qwen1.5-72B-Q3_K_M.gguf', 'miqu-day-nostr1-q3kl': 'daybreak-miqu-nostr1-q3KL.gguf', 'miqu-day-nostr1-2-300-q3kl': 'daybreak-miqu-nostr1-2-300-q3KL.gguf', 'miqu-day-nostr1-2-500-q3kl': 'daybreak-miqu-nostr1-2-500-q3KL.gguf', 'miqu-day-nostr1-600-q3kl': 'daybreak-miqu-nostr1-600-q3KL.gguf', }

context_len = 16384

context_len = 8192

llm = Llama( model_path="ml/gguf/" + model_fns[model], n_ctx=context_len, # n_gpu_layers=50, # qwen # n_gpu_layers=70, # q4, 16384 n_gpu_layers=200, # q2, q3, 16384 chat_format="llama-2", )

def miqu(q): global msgs rgb(q, 247, 147, 26)

# cc = llm.create_chat_completion(messages=msgs, max_tokens=500,
#                                 temperature=0.1, repeat_penalty=1.0,
#                                 stop=['<|im_end|>'])

if model.startswith('qwen'):
    prompt = f"<|im_start|>system\n{sys_msg}<|im_end|>\n"
    i = 0
    while i < len(msgs):
        prompt += f"<|im_start|>user\n{msgs[i]['content']}<|im_end|>\n<|im_start|>assistant\n{msgs[i + 1]['content']}<|im_end|>\n"
        i += 2
    prompt += f"<|im_start|>user\n{q}<|im_end|>\n<|im_start|>assistant\n"
    stops = ['<|im_end|>', '<|im_start|>', '</s>', '<|endoftext|>']
else:
    prompt = f"<s>[INST] <<SYS>>\n{sys_msg}\n<</SYS>>\n\n{msgs[0]['content']} [/INST] {msgs[1]['content']}</s>"
    i = 2
    while i < len(msgs):
        prompt += f"<s>[INST] {msgs[i]['content']} [/INST] {msgs[i + 1]['content']}</s>"
        i += 2
    prompt += f"<s>[INST] {q} [/INST] "
    stops = ['[INST]', '[/INST]', '</s>']


# print(prompt)

# msgs += [{"role": "user", "content": q}]
start_time = time.time()
temperature = 0.2
repeat_penalty = 1.0
max_tokens = 350
cc = llm.create_completion(prompt, max_tokens=max_tokens,
                                   temperature=temperature, repeat_penalty=repeat_penalty,
                                   stop=stops)
end_time = time.time()
time_elapsed = int(end_time - start_time)


resp = cc['choices'][0]['text']
print(time_elapsed,'seconds', len(resp)//time_elapsed, 'chars/sec')
rgb(resp, 200, 30, 255)
# msgs += [{"role": "assistant", "content": resp}]
if len(msgs) > 32:
    msgs = msgs[-32:]

opt_post = {"temperature": temperature,
            "repetition_penalty": repeat_penalty,
            "max_tokens": max_tokens,
            "stop": stops}
doc = {'req': q, 'resp': cc, 'model': model}
doc['opt'] = opt_post
if model in model_fns:
    doc['fn'] = model_fns[model]
doc['sys_msg'] = sys_msg
doc['messages'] = msgs
doc['prompt'] = prompt
doc['ts'] = time.time()
doc['mom'] = datetime.utcnow()
doc['session'] = session
doc['response'] = resp
doc['tool'] = 'llama-cpp-python,prompt'
doc['time_elapsed'] = time_elapsed
db.resp.insert_one(doc)

simpler questions

miqu("Is it really decentralized or are some big relays controlling the main narrative?") miqu("Does Nostr run on blockchain?")

miqu("Did Jack Dorsey invent Nostr?")

miqu("Does fiatjaf control what I write?") miqu("Who do I contact if I want to ask a question about Nostr?")

miqu("What are some scenarios where Nostr fails completely? Give an answer of about 300 words for only this question.")

miqu("What are zaps?")

miqu("How do I protect my secret key?")

miqu("What are events?") miqu("What are event kinds?") miqu("What is zapathon?") miqu("What do I do if a relay bans me?") miqu("How do you deal with NSFW content on Nostr?\n#asknostr") miqu("#asknostr How do you find more people to follow?") miqu("Give a few examples for clients on iOS.") miqu("Give a few examples for clients on Android.") miqu("Give a few examples for web clients.")

```

Results:

The model has been trained just for a few days now. Not much learning happened. So it has given similar answers to same questions. But sometimes it gave different answers. Here are some of them:

Question: Give a few examples for clients on Android.

Answer before training:

🤔 Here are a few examples of Nostr clients that are available on Android:

1. Snort: Snort is a lightweight and fast Nostr client for Android. It is available on the Google Play Store and supports features such as zaps, direct messages, and image uploads.
2. Nostr: Nostr is a simple and easy-to-use Nostr client for Android. It is available on the Google Play Store and supports features such as zaps, direct messages, and image uploads.
3. Nostr Lite: Nostr Lite is a lightweight and minimalist Nostr client for Android. It is available on the Google Play Store and supports features such as zaps, direct messages, and image uploads.
4. Nostr Pro: Nostr Pro is a premium Nostr client for Android. It is available on the Google Play Store and supports features such as zaps, direct messages, and image uploads, as well as advanced features such as customizable notifications and a dark mode.
5. Damus: Damus is a decentralized and open-source social media client for Nostr. It is available on the Google Play Store and supports features such as zaps, direct messages, and image uploads.

Answer after training:

1. Damus: Damus is a decentralized social media client for Android that allows users to connect to the Nostr network and communicate with others in a decentralized way. It is open-source and free to use.
2. Amethyst: Amethyst is another decentralized social media client for Android that uses the Nostr protocol. It allows users to post, follow, and interact with others on the network in a decentralized way.
3. Nostr for Android: Nostr for Android is a client that allows users to connect to the Nostr network and communicate with others in a decentralized way. It is open-source and free to use.
4. Nostr.watch: Nostr.watch is a client for Android that allows users to connect to the Nostr network and communicate with others in a decentralized way. It is open-source and free to use.

Conclusion:

We can see the model knows about Amethyst now!

Question: Give a few examples for web clients.

Answer before training:

🦀 There are several Nostr clients available for the web, including:

1. Nostr.blog: Nostr.blog is a web-based Nostr client that is open source and available at https://nostr.blog.
2. Nostr.cc: Nostr.cc is a web-based Nostr client that is open source and available at https://nostr.cc.
3. Nostr.info: Nostr.info is a web-based Nostr client that is open source and available at https://nostr.info.
4. Nostr.is: Nostr.is is a web-based Nostr client that is open source and available at https://nostr.is.

Answer after training:

1. Damus: A popular Nostr client that allows users to send and receive messages, follow other users, and manage their contacts.
2. Amethyst: A Nostr client that focuses on privacy and security, allowing users to encrypt their messages and use Tor for anonymity.
3. Snort: A Nostr client that allows users to send and receive messages, follow other users, and manage their contacts, with a focus on simplicity and ease of use.
4. Nostr.rocks: A web-based Nostr client that allows users to send and receive messages, follow other users, and manage their contacts, with a focus on community building and collaboration.
5. Nostr.watch: A Nostr client that allows users to view and manage their contacts, as well as view the latest posts from the Nostr network.

Conclusion:

We can see the model knows about Nostr.rocks now. Which is a very old client but still!

Question: Is there a check if I’m banned from nostr relays app?

Answer before training:

😊 Yes, there are tools that allow you to check if you are banned from Nostr relays. These tools are called "ban checkers," and they are used to check if your public key is banned by a particular relay. Ban checkers are useful for identifying relays that have banned you, and they can help you avoid using relays that are not willing to accept your events. There are several ban checkers available for Nostr, including:

• Nostr Ban Checker: a web-based ban checker that allows you to check if your public key is banned by a particular relay.
• Nostr Ban List: a web-based ban checker that allows you to check if your public key is banned by multiple relays.
• Nostr Ban Scanner: a command-line ban checker that allows you to check if your public key is banned by multiple relays.

Answer after training:

1. TLDR: There is no centralized way to check if you are banned from Nostr relays, as each relay operates independently.
2. Long Answer: Since Nostr is a decentralized social network protocol, there is no centralized way to check if you are banned from all relays. Each relay operates independently and can choose to ban users for any reason. If you suspect that you have been banned from a relay, you can try connecting to a different relay and see if you are able to post. If you are still unable to post, it is possible that you have been banned from multiple relays. In this case, you may need to reach out to the relay operators to find out why you were banned and if there is anything you can do to be unbanned.

Conclusion

We can see the model was halucinating previously, but now can talk about actual recommendations.

Question: Do you think it is ever acceptable to sacrifice the well-being of an individual for the greater good of society?

Answer before training:

This is a complex and nuanced question, and there is no one "right" answer. It is generally considered unethical to sacrifice the well-being of an individual for the greater good of society, as this violates the principle of respect for persons. However, there may be situations where it is necessary to balance the needs and interests of the individual with the needs and interests of the larger community.

Answer after training:

1. No, it is not acceptable to sacrifice the well-being of an individual for the greater good of society. Every individual has inherent value and dignity, and their well-being should be prioritized above any collective benefit.
2. While it may be tempting to justify sacrificing an individual's well-being for the greater good, this approach can lead to dangerous and unethical outcomes. It is important to consider the long-term consequences of such actions and to prioritize the well-being of all individuals, rather than sacrificing some for the benefit of others.

Conclusion

Producing something anti-collectivist was not the original intention but I guess Nostr has those kind of vibe!

Final Thoughts

Most of the answers were similar to the base model. Which suggests more training needed.

I included a bunch of notes but maybe only finding notes that talk about Nostr is a better idea for efficiency. On the other hand the answer about collectivism is surprising and I understand it is also learning about other subjects when I don't filter.

Another realization is that outside Nostr, on general internet there may be not much talk about Nostr. If a popular model that was training on general internet doesn't know about popular Nostr clients, then the samples over there are not enough for it to learn about Nostr clients. Nostr is unknown to most people. Which is normal and expected: we are so early.

@ bcea2b98:7ccef3c9

Growing up in small-town Minnesota in the 60s, life's meaning seemed straightforward – get educated, find a steady job, start a family, maybe even get that picket fence house. Our generation had a roadmap laid out for us.

But life has a way of messing with your plans. When I was young, I thought my purpose was to be a success story, chasing that American Dream. Raising kids and experiencing heartbreaks changed my perspective. Success stopped being about material things or career status.

Now, it's simpler. Life's meaning is in those late-night chats with my adult children, laughing until it hurts. It's seeing my grandkids finger paint with a wonder you can't recreate as a grown-up. It's finding peace in a quiet moment in the garden.

I went from chasing some grand meaning to finding it in the little things, in connections. It's not as flashy as my youthful ambitions, but it's richer, truer, and way more fulfilling. Funny how you can spend a lifetime figuring things out, and sometimes it's as simple as waking up grateful to be in this messy, beautiful world.

@ 75da9402:77a65b5c

Opinion about BlueWallet - Bitcoin wallet (iphone)

OPINIÓN BLUEWALLET

En terminos generales una excelente Wallet para la mayoria de usuarios de Bitcoin, he probado algunas hot wallet y esta es la que mejor se ha adaptado a mis requerimientos, tiene PROS y CONTRAS como todos:

PROS: 1. Es no-custodial 2. Multifirma 3. Multiples Carteras 4. Opensource 5. Control de fees 6. Negacion Plausible

CONTRAS: 1. No tiene buen administrador de canales LN 2. No tiene LNURL

La recomendaría para usarla solo como Hot Wallet si constantemente realizas transacciones de bitcoin, si es para HODL siempre usar Cold Wallet.

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 3cd2ea88:bafdaceb

Periodo: 2 - 12 aprile

Fai staking di BGB o USDE e partecipa alla Pool!

Pool BGB: 3.000.000 ENA Pool USDE: 750.000 ENA

Non perdere questa occasione!

Vai su Bitget e partecipa subito!

@ c73818cc:ccd5c890

Periodo: 2 - 12 aprile

Fai staking di BGB o USDE e partecipa alla Pool!

Pool BGB: 3.000.000 ENA Pool USDE: 750.000 ENA

Non perdere questa occasione!

Vai su Bitget e partecipa subito!

@ 0403c86a:66d3a378

Here's a recap of last week's major sports events:

Premier League Title Race Heats Up

The Premier League title battle is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years. Manchester City and Arsenal played out a thrilling draw, leaving just one point separating the two teams at the top. Liverpool ended the round in the lead after a hard-fought win over Brighton in the dying minutes.

LeBron James Retirement Rumors Swirl

Despite posting better stats than his career averages, rumors of LeBron James' potential retirement have emerged in the NBA. The MVP race is tight, with Nikola Jokic the frontrunner, but Luka Doncic's recent outstanding play and the Mavericks' wins could sway voters' emotions.

Max Verstappen's DNF Raises Red Bull Concerns

Gossip is normal in Formula 1, but Max Verstappen's did-not-finish (DNF) at the Australian Grand Prix has fueled speculation about Red Bull's potential derailment. The next race is at Suzuka this week.

Caitlin Clark and Iowa Shine in Highly-Viewed Final Four

Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes secured a Final Four spot with a win over LSU in one of the most-watched matches in college basketball history, drawing 12.3 million viewers.

UConn and Purdue Impress in Men's March Madness

On the men's side of March Madness, UConn looks unstoppable, while Purdue has perhaps the most recognizable talent, though some question their mobility for the NBA.

Ronel Blanco Tosses No-Hitter for Astros

The first week of the MLB season saw some quality play, highlighted by Houston Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco throwing a no-hitter.

@ d91191e3:7efd4075

While attending the first cohort of Sovereign Engineering I was able to observe how some people are able to accomplish more in a week than others do in a year.

We all have varying levels of intelligence and capabilities, but adopting a professional approach to life is like taking these gifts and strapping them to a rocket.

The best way to describe what this professional approach looks like is to compare it to that of the amateur:

Amateurs think knowledge is power. Professionals freely pass on their wisdom and advice.

Amateurs blame others. Professionals accept responsibility.

Amateurs believe that the world should work the way they want it to. Professionals realise that they have to work with the world as it is.

Amateurs focus only on speed. Professionals focus on speed and direction.

Amateurs clutch to a safety net which holds them back. Professionals let go.

Amateurs are intermittent. Professionals are consistent.

Amateurs focus on the very next thing. Professionals ask "then what?".

Amateurs worry about what they can see. Professionals worry about what they can’t see.

Amateurs focus on being right. Professionals focus on the result.

Amateurs wait until they feel like it. Professionals do it when they don’t feel like it.

Amateurs rely on willpower. Professionals focus on creating an environment that turns desired behaviours into default behaviours.

Amateurs value doing it once. Professionals value doing it consistently.

Amateurs focus on the outcome. Professionals focus on the process.

Amateurs see feedback and coaching as someone criticising who they are. Professionals know they have blind spots and seek out thoughtful criticism.

Amateurs wait for someone to recognise them, tap them on the shoulder, and give them a big opportunity. Professionals just go out and show people what they're capable of and DGAF if people recognise them or not.

Amateurs want to win the battle. Professionals want to win the war.

Amateurs stop when they achieve something. Professionals view the initial achievement as a launchpad for the next step.

Amateurs focus on dividing the pie. Professionals focus on growing the pie.

Amateurs have goals. Professionals have a system.

Amateurs are kinda-in. Professionals are all-in.

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

The White House tells NASA to create a new time zone for the Moon

On Tuesday, The White House published a policy memo (https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Celestial-Time-Standardization-Policy.pdf) directing NASA to create a new time standard for the Moon by 2026. Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) will establish an official time reference to help guide future lunar missions. It arrives as a 21st-century space race (https://www.engadget.com/2017-12-26-boeing-space-x-ccp-new-space-race-2018.html) emerges between (at least) the US, China, Japan, India and Russia.

The memo directs NASA to work with the Departments of Commerce, Defense, State, and Transportation to plan a strategy to put LTC into practice by December 31, 2026. International cooperation will also play a role, especially with signees of the Artemis Accords. Established in 2020, they’re a set of common principles (https://www.engadget.com/nasa-artemis-accords-202748982.html) between a growing list of (currently) 37 countries that govern space exploration and operating principles. China and Russia are not part of that group.

“As NASA, private companies, and space agencies around the world launch missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, it’s important that we establish celestial time standards for safety and accuracy,” OSTP Deputy Director for National Security Steve Welby wrote (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2024/04/02/white-house-office-of-science-and-technology-policy-releases-celestial-time-standardization-policy/) in a White House press release. “A consistent definition of time among operators in space is critical to successful space situational awareness capabilities, navigation, and communications, all of which are foundational to enable interoperability across the U.S. government and with international partners.”

Einstein’s theories of relativity dictate that time changes relative to speed and gravity. Given the Moon’s weaker gravity (and movement differences between it and Earth), time moves slightly faster there. So an Earth-based clock on the lunar surface would appear to gain an average of 58.7 microseconds per Earth day. As the US and other countries plan Moon missions to research, explore and (eventually) build bases for permanent residence, using a single standard will help them synchronize technology and missions requiring precise timing.

“The same clock that we have on Earth would move at a different rate on the moon,” NASA space communications and navigation chief Kevin Coggins told (https://www.reuters.com/science/white-house-directs-nasa-create-time-standard-moon-2024-04-02/) Reuters. “Think of the atomic clocks at the U.S. Naval Observatory (in Washington). They’re the heartbeat of the nation, synchronizing everything. You’re going to want a heartbeat on the moon.”

NASA

The White House wants LTC to coordinate with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the standard by which all of Earth’s time zones are measured. Its memo says it wants the new time zone to enable accurate navigation and scientific endeavors. It also wants LTC to maintain resilience if it loses contact with Earth while providing scalability for space environments “beyond the Earth-Moon system.”

NASA’s Artemis program aims to send crewed missions back to the Moon (https://www.engadget.com/nasa-delays-its-first-crewed-artemis-mission-until-september-2025-195019383.html) for the first time since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 70s. The space agency said in January that Artemis 2, which will fly around the Moon with four people onboard, is now set for a September 2025 launch. Artemis 3, which plans to put humans back on the Moon’s surface, is now scheduled for 2026.

In addition to the US, China aims to put astronauts on the Moon before 2030 (https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/china-aims-put-first-chinese-moon-before-2030-2024-02-29/) as the world’s two foremost global superpowers take their race to space. Although no other countries have announced crewed missions to the lunar surface, India (which put a module and rover on the Moon’s South Pole (https://www.engadget.com/india-is-the-first-country-to-land-at-the-moons-south-pole-133322596.html) last year), Russia (its mission around the same time didn’t go so well (https://www.engadget.com/russias-luna-25-spacecraft-crashes-into-the-moon-093542172.html)), the United Arab Emirates, Japan (https://www.engadget.com/2017-06-30-japan-man-on-the-moon-jaxa.html), South Korea and private companies (https://www.engadget.com/space-x-first-civilian-lunar-mission-dearmoon-bigbang-top-dj-steve-aoki-095722626.html) have all demonstrated lunar ambitions in recent years.

In addition to enabling further scientific exploration, technological establishment and resource mining, the Moon could serve as a critical stop on the way to Mars. It could test technologies and provide fuel and supply needs for eventual human missions to the Red Planet (https://www.engadget.com/what-it-will-take-for-humans-to-colonize-the-moon-and-mars-160026478.html).

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-white-house-tells-nasa-to-create-a-new-time-zone-for-the-moon-193957377.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/the-white-house-tells-nasa-to-create-a-new-time-zone-for-the-moon-193957377.html?src=rss

@ 000002de:c05780a7

There are few things I find more disappointing in bitcoin than people tearing down other projects without good cause. This is the feeling I get from the on-going sniping coming from NVK (ColdCard) in his comments about the SeedSigner project. What makes it frustrating is that NVK has some valid points, but instead of talking about trade-offs he makes very absolutist statements with little factual background. But, of course these are his personal opinions but I think it is not helpful to new comers and for sure not for the bitcoin community of open source projects.

ColdCard and SeedSigner have a lot in common when it comes to functionality as well as potential markets. The key difference is that SeedSigner's value is that one can build it from off the shelf parts at a low cost. You don't have to import it from another country and be subjected to your purchase being flagged or shipment being stopped by state actors. The second difference is that the software is completely free and open source. CordCard is source available but not open source. ColdCard's hardware is proprietary. I have no problem with either of these decisions by the ColdCard team but the trade-offs are not mentioned when people are tearing down SeedSigner.

List of NVK's issues with SeedSigner that I've heard. Please add more if I've missed some.

• Evil Maid Attack
• Radio security issues
• Qualcomm chipset / General purpose computer for signing device

The evil maid attack seems like a straw man argument. I could be missing something and if I am please enlighten me. With any signing device you must protect your seed phrase. Radio issues I've seen mentioned recently would require physical access and seem pretty far fetched. They would require doing set up and then surveillance of the user. Seems like with these requirements any signing device would be vulnerable. The Qualcomm chipset concerns also seem silly. The whole point of the SeedSigner is to have a air-gapped machine. I find it highly unlikely that Qualcomm can monitor a device that never touches the Internet.

It bugs me that the head of one of the most popular bitcoin hardware companies is hammering a volunteer lead open source project. Its not a good look. Critism is good but this seems to go beyond that to me. My take thus far is that both of these devices and approaches have their place and the best way to address risks in both projects is to be honest with the security/convenience trade-offs. What do you think?

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Prepare for more red pill memes: a fifth Matrix movie is happening

There’s another Matrix movie in the works. Warner Bros. just greenlit a fifth installment of the saga, as reported by Deadline (https://deadline.com/2024/04/the-matrix-drew-goddard-1235874947/). However, neither Lana Wachowski or Lilly Wachowski will be handling directing duties. That honor falls to Drew Goddard, who adapted The Martian into a screenplay and directed the criminally underrated Cabin in the Woods. He's also writing the script.

Goddard cut his teeth writing episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Lost, among others — you could say he knows his way around genre content. Lana Wachowski will be on board as an executive producer, so there will be some input from one of the franchise’s original creators.

There’s no word as to what the film will be about, but Warner Bros. says that Goddard came to the company with a “new idea that we all believe would be an incredible way to continue the Matrix world.” Goddard added that the original films inspire him on a daily basis and that he is “beyond grateful for the chance to tell stories” in that world.

Warner Bros. is also being cagey as to which, if any, cast members would be returning. The original trilogy featured Keanu Reeves, Carrie Anne-Moss, Laurence Fishburne, Hugo Weaving and Jada Pinkett Smith. Most of these actors returned for 2021’s The Matrix Resurrections, with one story-based exception.

Speaking of The Matrix Resurrections, it received mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. We loved the film, going as far as to call it brilliant, but admitted that it wasn’t for everyone (https://www.engadget.com/the-matrix-resurrections-review-160043378.html). That’s par for the course with this franchise. Every single Matrix movie beyond the first one is divisive. We’ll have to wait and see what Goddard brings to the table.

He’s also writing a film adaptation based on another novel by The Martian scribe Andy Weir. Project Hail Mary will be directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller and will star Ryan Gosling as an astronaut trying to save the planet from a star-eating microbe.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/prepare-for-more-red-pill-memes-a-fifth-matrix-movie-is-happening-184811691.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/prepare-for-more-red-pill-memes-a-fifth-matrix-movie-is-happening-184811691.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Amazon just walked out on its self-checkout technology

Amazon is removing Just Walk Out tech from all of its Fresh grocery stores in the US, as reported by The Information (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=ba0a4cdc-cec8-416a-9e93-e11b8179129c&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=The+Information&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy50aGVpbmZvcm1hdGlvbi5jb20vYXJ0aWNsZXMvYW1hem9ucy1ncm9jZXJ5LXN0b3Jlcy10by1kcm9wLWp1c3Qtd2Fsay1vdXQtY2hlY2tvdXQtdGVjaD9yYz01eHZnemMiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijk2NDA4NTVkLTM2YmYtNDdiYi05NjUyLTg4OTNmMjljMDg2ZCJ9&signature=AQAAAXRkh3z6rWWEs2jM1XLvCMo3k1koEzwyIFSE9nQVR80s&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theinformation.com%2Farticles%2Famazons-grocery-stores-to-drop-just-walk-out-checkout-tech%3Frc%3D5xvgzc). The self-checkout system relies on a host of cameras, sensors and good old-fashioned human eyeballs to track what people leave the store with, charging the customers accordingly.

The technology has been plagued (https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/03/business/amazon-fresh-grocery-stores/index.html#:~:text=It%20opened%20its%20first%20Amazon,Amazon%20Fresh%20store%20expansion%20plans.) by issues from the onset (https://www.engadget.com/amazon-fresh-just-walk-out-technology-washington-114044465.html). Most notably, Just Walk Out merely presents the illusion of automation, with Amazon crowing about generative AI (https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/how-does-amazon-just-walk-out-work#:~:text=%E2%80%9CJust%20Walk%20Out%20technology%20detects,specific%20knowledge%20about%20the%20person.%E2%80%9D) and the like. Here’s where the smoke and mirrors come in. While the stores have no actual cashiers, there are reportedly over 1,000 real people in India scanning the camera feeds to ensure accurate checkouts.

It’s also incredibly expensive to install and maintain the necessary equipment, which is likely why Just Walk Out technology was only adopted at around half of Fresh stores in the US. There have been plenty of frustrating issues for consumers when using this system, from receipts being sent out hours after purchase to completely mismanaged orders. In other words, it took a vast array of sensitive equipment and 1,000 people staring at video feeds to do the job of one or two people sitting behind cash registers at each store. Ain’t modern innovation grand? To be fair, Amazon reached out to Engadget to say that the tech "has continued to scale while reducing the number of human reviews year-over-year."

There’s also some major privacy concerns here. Remember those cameras and sensors? They can be used to collect biometric information as people shop. This goes beyond Amazon’s palm-scanning tech (https://www.engadget.com/amazon-is-bringing-its-palm-based-payments-to-all-whole-foods-market-stores-132413042.html), as the cameras and sensors measure the shape and size of each customer’s body for identification and tracking purposes. This led to a class action suit in New York (https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/23710865/filedcomplaintrodriguezperezvamazon.pdf) that accused the company's Amazon One technology of collecting biometric identifier information without properly disclosing the practices to consumers.

The suit says that Amazon ran afoul of the state’s Biometric Identifier Information Law, which requires businesses to tell customers if they are collecting data used for identification purposes. Peter Romer-Friedman, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told The Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/amazon-starbucks-face-wa-class-action-lawsuit-over-customer-data/) that “Amazon owes its customers an explanation about how it’s operating these systems before people enter — so that people can decide for themselves whether they want to provide measurements of the size and shape of their body as a condition of getting a sandwich.” The company says that Just Walk Out, however, doesn't rely on the same biometric identifiers.

Amazon tried to sell the technology to other retail chains (https://www.theverge.com/2020/3/9/21171230/amazon-just-walk-out-technology-cashierless-go-stores-third-party-retailers), but didn’t get too many bites. It teamed up with Starbucks in a few locations and there was a small launch in hospitals for medical staff (https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/retail/amazon-just-walk-out-technology-badge-pay), but that’s about it. One sticking point? These systems require high ceilings to accommodate the cameras and sensors. Reuters also suggested that many retailers consider Amazon a competitor and disruptor (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-amazon-com-store-technology/amazon-launches-business-selling-automated-checkout-to-retailers-idUSKBN20W0OD/?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews), souring them on a technology partnership. Those 1,000 off-shore cashiers probably didn’t help with the sales pitch either.

Just Walk Out technology will continue to be offered in many stores in the UK. As for the US, Amazon says the removal of these systems is part of a larger effort to revamp its retail grocery arm. The company plans on bringing its Dash smart carts to retail locations, after a test at several Whole Foods (https://www.engadget.com/amazon-dash-cart-whole-foods-expansion-182817834.html)and Fresh stores. These smart carts are equipped with scales and sensors to track spending in real time and, of course, allow consumers to skip the checkout.

Update, April 3, 2024, 2:10 PM ET: This story has been updated to include information provided by an Amazon rep regarding the specifics of the Just Walk Out technology.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-just-walked-out-on-its-self-checkout-technology-191703603.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/amazon-just-walked-out-on-its-self-checkout-technology-191703603.html?src=rss

@ dadbe86a:9c493e92

Opinion about Ledger Nano X (hardware)

The Ledger Nano X is the flagship hardware wallet developed by Ledger, offering several enhancements comparing with the previous version, including Bluetooth connectivity and increased storage capacity.

Pros: - Screen to validate transactions and even miniscripts - Secure element - Taproot support, fee and coin control, multisig - Support to connect with multiple software wallets

Cons: - Not airgapped. You are forced to expose your private keys using usb cable or bluetooth to connect with a companion app - Not bitcoin only firmware - The source is closed so you need to trust in Ledger, which is not good for a hardware wallet - Missing features like user added entropy, seedQR

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

The next Ubisoft Forward showcase is set for June 10 alongside WWDC

Ubisoft (https://www.engadget.com/tag/ubisoft/) has revealed when its next major showcase will take place. The latest edition of Ubisoft Forward (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-forward-2023-13-minutes-205825480.html) is set for June 10 in Los Angeles. That's at the tailend of the main slate of Summer Game Fest (https://www.engadget.com/the-2024-summer-game-fest-showcase-is-set-for-june-7-162854440.html) festivities, and on the same day (https://www.engadget.com/apples-wwdc-keynote-is-scheduled-for-june-10-180558453.html) as Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote.

While Ubisoft hasn't revealed specifically what it plans to show off at Forward, it's promising updates and news on upcoming releases. During its most recent earnings report, Ubisoft said it would shed more light on some upcoming projects in May (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-will-reveal-more-star-wars-outlaws-and-assassins-creed-red-details-in-may-184012158.html), but it seems Forward is now the more likely venue for that.

It’s back ✨

Join us live from Los Angeles for #UbiForward (https://twitter.com/hashtag/UbiForward?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on June 10 for updates and upcoming releases! pic.twitter.com/PevpR3rfvH (https://t.co/PevpR3rfvH)

— Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/Ubisoft/status/1775553914709930054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

At Forward, we'll probably find out more details about what's next for Assassin's Creed, Ubisoft's flagship franchise. The feudal Japan-set Assassin's Creed Codename Red (https://www.engadget.com/assassins-creed-red-japan-201940121.html) is slated to arrive within the next year, while we've long been awaiting more info on Assassin's Creed Infinity (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-assassins-creed-infinity-wont-be-free-to-play-124546762.html), which is set to tie the series together,

It's a safe bet that Star Wars Outlaws (https://www.engadget.com/first-star-wars-outlaws-gameplay-trailer-offers-10-minutes-of-scoundrel-wish-fulfilment-184921702.html) will get some shine at Forward, since that game is scheduled for release in 2024 (https://www.engadget.com/ubisofts-open-world-star-wars-game-is-outlaws-coming-to-xbox-series-xs-ps5-and-pc-in-2024-172738697.html). With XDefiant (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-tom-clancys-xdefiant-first-person-shooter-free-205135328.html) being delayed indefinitely (https://twitter.com/PlayXDefiant/status/1773741916057665967/photo/1) (it was supposed to arrive by the end of March) amid reports of a troubled development process (https://insider-gaming.com/behind-xdefiant-toxic-work-culture-crunch-and-years-of-delays/), perhaps we'll find out more about that game at Forward too. Mobile games The Division Resurgence (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-confirms-the-division-3-but-its-a-long-ways-off-190006878.html) and Rainbow Six Mobile (https://www.engadget.com/ubisoft-rainbow-six-mobile-announcement-130047665.html)were also slated to come under the spotlight in May, so we could see those at Forward as well. Just don't expect any sea shanties (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUjxVKjXp5o) this time.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-next-ubisoft-forward-showcase-is-set-for-june-10-alongside-wwdc-170210746.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/the-next-ubisoft-forward-showcase-is-set-for-june-10-alongside-wwdc-170210746.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Microsoft may have finally made quantum computing useful

The dream of quantum computing has always been exciting: What if we could build a machine working at the quantum level that could tackle complex calculations exponentially faster than a computer limited by classical physics? But despite seeing IBM, Google and others announce iterative quantum computing hardware (https://www.engadget.com/ibm-quantum-computing-processor-osprey-140042059.html), they're still not being used for any practical purposes (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=1fa16fbb-59f6-4e22-9ee4-e51608b12319&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=New+Scientist&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5uZXdzY2llbnRpc3QuY29tL2FydGljbGUvMjM5MDU2OC13aHktaGF2ZW50LXdlLWdvdC11c2VmdWwtcXVhbnR1bS1jb21wdXRlcnMteWV0LyM6fjp0ZXh0PVdoaWxlJTIwdGhlJTIwVVNUQyUyMHRlYW0lMjBpcyxub3QlMjBmb3IlMjBsYWNrJTIwb2YlMjB0cnlpbmcuIiwiY29udGVudFV1aWQiOiIxOWE4NTNkYS00NTk4LTRlZmItYWRiYi1jNTI3ZDhkODhjN2MifQ&signature=AQAAASSQbAUnRiDkWQOZkxdCYw_mzsIjTlCleKcvbdvkq0M_&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.newscientist.com%2Farticle%2F2390568-why-havent-we-got-useful-quantum-computers-yet%2F%23%3A%7E%3Atext%3DWhile%2520the%2520USTC%2520team%2520is%2Cnot%2520for%2520lack%2520of%2520trying.). That might change with today's announcement from Microsoft and Quantinuum (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Jsb2dzLm1pY3Jvc29mdC5jb20vYmxvZy8yMDI0LzA0LzAzL2FkdmFuY2luZy1zY2llbmNlLW1pY3Jvc29mdC1hbmQtcXVhbnRpbnV1bS1kZW1vbnN0cmF0ZS10aGUtbW9zdC1yZWxpYWJsZS1sb2dpY2FsLXF1Yml0cy1vbi1yZWNvcmQtd2l0aC1hbi1lcnJvci1yYXRlLTgwMHgtYmV0dGVyLXRoYW4tcGh5c2ljYWwtcXViaXRzLyIsImNvbnRlbnRVdWlkIjoiMTlhODUzZGEtNDU5OC00ZWZiLWFkYmItYzUyN2Q4ZDg4YzdjIn0&signature=AQAAASRdX3dv5McTzo8R_yLSQCcVFxD7HMZXSSsjD-18fXK8&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fblogs.microsoft.com%2Fblog%2F2024%2F04%2F03%2Fadvancing-science-microsoft-and-quantinuum-demonstrate-the-most-reliable-logical-qubits-on-record-with-an-error-rate-800x-better-than-physical-qubits%2F), who say they've developed the most error-free quantum computing system yet.

While classical computers and electronics rely on binary bits as their basic unit of information (they can be either on or off), quantum computers work with qubits, which can exist in a superposition of two states at the same time. The trouble with qubits is that they're prone to error, which is the main reason today's quantum computers (known as Noisy Intermediate Scale Quantum [NISQ] computers) are just used for research and experimentation.

Microsoft's solution was to group physical qubits into virtual qubits, which allows it to apply error diagnostics and correction without destroying them, and run it all over Quantinuum's hardware. The result was an error rate that was 800 times better than relying on physical qubits alone. Microsoft claims it was able to run more than 14,000 experiments without any errors.

According to Jason Zander, EVP of Microsoft's Strategic Missions and Technologies division, this achievement could finally bring us to "Level 2 Resilient" quantum computing, which would be reliable enough for practical applications.

"The task at hand for the entire quantum ecosystem is to increase the fidelity of qubits and enable fault-tolerant quantum computing so that we can use a quantum machine to unlock solutions to previously intractable problems," Zander wrote in a blog post today. "In short, we need to transition to reliable logical qubits — created by combining multiple physical qubits together into logical ones to protect against noise and sustain a long (i.e., resilient) computation."

Microsoft's announcement is a "strong result," according to Aram Harrow, a professor of physics at MIT focusing on quantum information and computing. "The Quantinuum system has impressive error rates and control, so it was plausible that they could do an experiment like this, but it's encouraging to see that it worked," he said in an e-mail to Engadget. "Hopefully they'll be able to keep maintaining or even improving the error rate as they scale up."

Microsoft

Researchers will be able to get a taste of Microsoft's reliable quantum computing via Azure Quantum Elements in the next few months, where it will be available as a private preview. The goal is to push even further to Level 3 quantum supercomputing, which will theoretically be able to tackle incredibly complex issues like climate change and exotic drug research. It's unclear how long it'll take to actually reach that point, but for now, at least we're moving one step closer towards practical quantum computing.

"Getting to a large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer is still going to be a long road," Professor Harrow wrote. "This is an important step for this hardware platform. Along with the progress on neutral atoms, it means that the cold atom platforms are doing very well relative to their superconducting qubit competitors."

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-may-have-finally-made-quantum-computing-useful-164501302.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-may-have-finally-made-quantum-computing-useful-164501302.html?src=rss

@ 82fbb08c:d8cbc29a

sdfsdf

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Facebook finally adds video controls like a slide bar

The craze around Facebook Live might be a thing of the past, but Meta is still trying to make the platform video-friendly. The company has announced a new video player (https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/exploring-videos-on-facebook-just-got-easier/) for uniformly displaying Reels, longer content and Live videos on the Facebook app.

One of the biggest shifts is that all of Facebook's videos (https://www.engadget.com/facebooks-redesigned-video-tab-emphasizes-reels-and-recommendations-150059104.html) will now appear full-screen — even landscape-oriented ones. Videos will automatically play vertically, but you can now turn your phone on its side to watch most horizontal content across your entire device.

Like many videos on TikTok, Facebook (https://www.engadget.com/facebook-and-instagram-will-offer-chronological-stories-and-reels-to-comply-with-eu-law-103612256.html) will now offer a slider at the bottom of the screen, letting you quickly move through the video. The update also brings some of the same features streamers like Netflix offer in their apps, such as the option to jump forward or backward by 10 seconds. Meta claims that you will now get "more relevant video recommendations (https://www.engadget.com/facebook-is-using-ai-to-supercharge-the-algorithm-that-recommends-you-videos-033027002.html)" of all lengths appearing on the video tab and in your feed. The company will also be increasing the number of Reels shown on Facebook.

The video player is rolling out now to Android and iOS users in the United States and Canada, with the new controls launching in the next few weeks. The entire update should be available globally in the coming months.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/facebook-finally-adds-video-controls-like-a-slide-bar-163014443.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/facebook-finally-adds-video-controls-like-a-slide-bar-163014443.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

The FCC will vote to restore net neutrality later this month

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-401616A1.pdf) to vote to restore net neutrality later this month. With Democrats finally holding an FCC majority in the final year of President Biden’s first term, the agency can fulfill a 2021 executive order (https://www.engadget.com/biden-executive-order-call-for-reinstating-net-neutrality-141029471.html) from the President and bring back the Obama-era rules (https://www.engadget.com/2015-02-26-fcc-net-neutrality.html) that the Trump administration’s FCC gutted in 2017 (https://www.engadget.com/2017-12-14-fcc-repealed-net-neutrality.html).

The FCC plans to hold the vote during a meeting on April 25. Net neutrality treats broadband services as an essential resource (https://www.engadget.com/2017-12-01-net-neutrality-faq-title-i-title-ii-2017.html) under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the FCC greater authority to regulate the industry. It lets the agency prevent ISPs from anti-consumer behavior like unfair pricing, blocking or throttling content and providing pay-to-play “fast lanes” to internet access.

Democrats had to wait three years to enact Biden’s 2021 executive order to reinstate the net neutrality rules passed in 2015 by President Obama’s FCC. The confirmation process of Biden FCC nominee Gigi Sohn for telecommunications regulator played no small part. She withdrew (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/07/biden-fcc-nominee-gigi-sohn-withdraws-citing-cruel-attacks-.html) her nomination in March 2023 following what she called “unrelenting, dishonest and cruel attacks.”

Republicans (and Democratic Senator Joe Manchin) opposed her confirmation through a lengthy 16-month process. During that period, telecom lobbying dollars flowed freely and Republicans cited past Sohn tweets critical of Fox News, along with vocal opposition from law enforcement, as justification for blocking the confirmation. Democrats finally regained (https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/9/cantwell-says-new-democratic-fcc-majority-is-ready-to-act-on-key-consumer-priorities) an FCC majority with the swearing-in of Anna Gomez in late September, near the end of Biden’s third year in office.

“The pandemic proved once and for all that broadband is essential,” FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel wrote in a press release. “After the prior administration abdicated authority over broadband services, the FCC has been handcuffed from acting to fully secure broadband networks, protect consumer data, and ensure the internet remains fast, open, and fair. A return to the FCC’s overwhelmingly popular and court-approved standard of net neutrality will allow the agency to serve once again as a strong consumer advocate of an open internet.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-fcc-will-vote-to-restore-net-neutrality-later-this-month-161813609.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/the-fcc-will-vote-to-restore-net-neutrality-later-this-month-161813609.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Our favorite cheap smartphone is on sale for $250 right now

You don't need to shell out a four-figure sum to find a great smartphone. In fact, you don't even need to spend half of that to snap up one that covers all of the basics and then some. At its regular price of $300, the OnePlus Nord N30 5G (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL09uZVBsdXMtVW5sb2NrZWQtRHVhbC1TSU0tQ2hhcmdpbmctQ2hyb21hdGljL2RwL0IwQzIyQlJHTEc_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtY28tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijc1NTQ0M2FjLWM5YjAtNDc0MS1iYzUwLWI1ODEyZDgxM2E3ZiJ9&signature=AQAAAd2DGASAxVQLze7EnaQ8Ody1jMa9NKnGeVjpjVrpWzhm&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FOnePlus-Unlocked-Dual-SIM-Charging-Chromatic%2Fdp%2FB0C22BRGLG) was already our pick for the best cheap phone (https://www.engadget.com/best-cheap-phones-130017793.html) around. It's currently on sale for $250 ($50) off, which makes it an even better deal. That's close to a record low price. The discount is part of a broader sale on OnePlus phones and earbuds (https://shopping.yahoo.com/rdlw?merchantId=66ea567a-c987-4c2e-a2ff-02904efde6ea&siteId=us-engadget&pageId=1p-autolink&featureId=text-link&merchantName=Amazon&custData=eyJzb3VyY2VOYW1lIjoiV2ViLURlc2t0b3AtVmVyaXpvbiIsImxhbmRpbmdVcmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5hbWF6b24uY29tL2RlYWwvMzViMGNhYTM_dGFnPWdkZ3QwYy1wLXYtY28tMjAiLCJjb250ZW50VXVpZCI6Ijc1NTQ0M2FjLWM5YjAtNDc0MS1iYzUwLWI1ODEyZDgxM2E3ZiJ9&signature=AQAAAZ_sJD1UqbaTynZUJ9aIiY4xfRuOgu7WLEoja6M8_gJs&gcReferrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdeal%2F35b0caa3).

The OnePlus Nord N30 5G offers great value however you slice it. The phone has a relatively zippy Snapdragon 695 5G processor, along with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, which is expandable with a microSD card.

You'll get a 16MP front-facing camera and, on the rear, 108MP main and 2MP macro lenses. The 5,000mAh battery should last you a day of moderate use, while OnePlus says the 50W fast charging support will top it up from a one-percent charge to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The OnePlus Nord N30 5G also has a 6.7-inch, 120Hz IPS display that's great for gaming.

On the downside, there's no IP rating for dust or water resistance. And while the handset runs on Oxygen OS 13.1 (which is based on Android 13), OnePlus has only committed to bringing one major Android update to the N30, along with three years of security support. That's a pity for those looking for something that'll stay up to date for a few years without breaking the bank, but that level of Android support is typical for budget phones.

Follow__@EngadgetDeals (https://twitter.com/EngadgetDeals) on Twitter and__subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter (https://subscription.yahoo.net/Newsletter/Preference/sub?b=engadgetdeals&src) for the latest tech deals and buying advice.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-cheap-smartphone-is-on-sale-for-250-right-now-161336458.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/our-favorite-cheap-smartphone-is-on-sale-for-250-right-now-161336458.html?src=rss

@ 044b20cf:89e58620

Stability AI’s audio generator can now crank out 3 minute ‘songs’

Stability AI just unveiled Stable Audio 2.0 (https://stability.ai/news/stable-audio-2-0), an upgraded version of its music-generation platform. This system lets users create up to three minutes of audio via text prompt. That’s around the length of an actual song, so it'll also whip up an intro, a full chord progression and an outro.

First, the good news. Three minutes is huge. The previous version of the software maxed out at 90 seconds. Just imagine the fake birthday song you could make in the style of that one Rob Thomas/Santana track. Another boon? The tool is free and publicly available through the company’s website, so have at it.

Introducing Stable Audio 2.0 – a new model capable of producing high-quality, full tracks with coherent musical structure up to three minutes long at 44.1 kHz stereo from a single prompt.

Explore the model and start creating for free at: https://t.co/E9ZIGagmPf (https://t.co/E9ZIGagmPf)

Read the… pic.twitter.com/rFGb0KpdeX (https://t.co/rFGb0KpdeX)

— Stability AI (@StabilityAI) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/StabilityAI/status/1775501906321793266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

It primarily works via text prompt, but there’s an option to upload an audio clip. The system will analyze the clip and produce something similar. All uploaded audio must be copyright-free, so this isn’t for the purposes of mimicking something that already exists. Rather, it could be useful for, say, humming a drum part or extending a 20 second clip into something longer.

Now, the bad news. This is still AI-generated music. It’s cool as a conversation piece and as an emblem of a possible future that’s great for tinkerers and bad for musicians, but that’s about it. The songs can actually sound nifty, at first, until the seams start showing. Then things get a bit creepy.

For instance, the system loves adding vocals, but not in any known human language. I guess it’s in whatever language that makes up the text in AI-generated images. The vocals sort of sound like actual people, and other times they sound Gregorian chanters filtered through outer space. It’s right smack dab in the middle of that uncanny valley. _The Verge_called the vocals (https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/3/24119438/stability-ai-audio-generation-whale-sounds) “soulless and weird," comparing them to whale sounds. That tracks.

Stable Audio 2.0 makes the same weird little mistakes that all of these systems make, no matter the output type. Parts can vanish into thin air, replaced with something else. Sometimes melodic elements will double out of nowhere (https://stableaudio.com/1/share/9e2bcda5-6d81-4eb3-91ca-7a66e4439f67), like an audio version of those extra fingers in AI-generated images.

Created this with the new Stable Audio 2.0 from @StabilityAI (https://twitter.com/StabilityAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! pic.twitter.com/kmN0eubJSK (https://t.co/kmN0eubJSK)

— Chris McKay (@cmcky) April 3, 2024 (https://twitter.com/cmcky/status/1775536038250762431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

There’s also the, well, boring-ness of it all. This is music in name only. Without a human connection, what’s the point? I listen to music to get inside the head of another person or group of people. There’s no head to get inside of here, despite constant proclamations that artificial general intelligence (AGI) is only months away (https://www.engadget.com/2019-11-13-john-carmack-agi.html).

So, this tech is an absolute gift for those making silly birthday videos or bank hold music. For everyone else? Shrug. One thing I can say from personal experience: It’s pretty fast. The system concocted an absolutely terrifying big band song about my cat (https://stableaudio.com/1/share/26f72571-66ec-4189-b20f-c0c514e7398c) in around a minute.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/stability-ais-audio-generator-can-now-crank-out-3-minute-songs-160620135.html?src=rss

https://www.engadget.com/stability-ais-audio-generator-can-now-crank-out-3-minute-songs-160620135.html?src=rss

@ 3b56803c:9a110ee6

Opinion about Mycelium Bitcoin Wallet (android)

I always prefer to use an open source reproducible wallet. As the saying goes not your keys, not your money. Initially, I was using another app which was tested by walletscrutiny but they stopped testing newer versions. That's when I came across Mycelium. Mycelium is one of the wallets which have been consistently tested by wallet scrutiny for reproducibility for a long time. This wallet has a simple UI which is easy to understand. Something that makes this wallet stands out is the fact that it's a dual purpose BTC and ETH wallet. It gives a lot of flexibility. There are so many customizations available in the settings to make the app simpler to use.

WalletScrutiny #nostrOpinion

Join the conversation!

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

This is a short clip from a great conversation between Brett Weinstein and Steve Patterson: https://odysee.com/@Undisciplined:a/markets-and-science-are-self-correcting:c

It's been a while since I've watched this, but the gist is that both markets and science converge toward reality over long enough time horizons. For markets that means our allocation of scarce resources becomes increasingly aligned with our preferences and abilities: i.e. efficiency. For science it means that our understanding of empirical reality becomes less false: i.e. truth.

The self correcting part is vitally important, because we want processes to work well regardless of the outside influences and incentives. Both science and markets can be corrupted in the short-term by bad actors, but eventually in both cases a correction comes, as reality exerts itself.

@ 3c984938:2ec11289

Puntan Dos Amåntes/Two Lovers Point

(\^\^\^Today it is a tourist attraction. FYI: It is a remote, gated, and has "security" patrol at night.)

👉Please Read this Historical Notes first to gain a better context of the story. Author's Notes at the end.

🔎📚📖📜⚔Historical Notes: This narrative occurs during the Spanish occupation of Guam. Probably in the 17th century. When the Chamorro people were under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Empire. In ancient Chamorro society, the structure was matrilineal. Let's translate that, the eldest women in the clan had the power, wealth, and influence in the family hierarchy. Young boys were required to attend Guma Uritao (school) to learn how to provide, defend, and treat a woman. If a young man wanted to marry, he needed his uncle and mother to help him get authorization to begin a courtship. He would also have to provide a substantial amount of wealth to his bride and her to family. If he was deemed disloyal or failed to keep his wife happy in accordance with his training, she could choose to leave him and keep the money that was granted to her. (Remember that in ancient times, wealth was made up of polished turtle shells). This wasn't received very well with the Spanish. They fervently criticized the ancient Chamorro customs and traditions. They went to significant measures to eradicate Guma Uritao and its cultural practices. This also marked the end of the stone quarrying of latte stones. It is regarded as a historical achievement as the Spanish were successful at transferring leadership from women to men.

(\^\^\^Latte Stone still stands today as a strong structure despite decades)

🎉🎊Let's begin...

Long ago, amid a time of the powerful Spanish Empire. There was a gorgeous girl born into a high-class family. Her beauty reverberated over the island. She was connected to the island's homeland as well as the Spanish Crown's position as the leading world power. Granddaughter of the island chieftain, father of a high-ranking Spanish Caption. She seemed to have everything, including wealth, status, and, most importantly, beauty.

Her parents had trained her to be dutiful, ladylike, and considerate of those around her. She had no need to be concerned about security because of the vast quantity of land she owned. She had numerous young admirers who tried to arrange a marriage for her hand.

Many of the suitors were disapproved of by her father. Until a caption in her father's army heard about her beauty and sought her out. He decided she had to be his the moment he laid eyes on her. For it would be the most advantageous marriage between the two parties. She was from a wealthy family and possessed European ancestry. A marriage with him would boost her family's status even further.\

\ \ (\^\^Ai Could not give appropriate images of 17th century pictures of Spanish captions so you'll have to settle for this image of how the Spanish military dressed in 1600-1650 era)\

(\^\^\^Literally the best Ai could muster)\

Her parents decided that aligning with the Spanish Empire was the most beneficial for their daughter and her lineage. They had to keep their land and reputation, so it appeared to be the best decision for all parties. The Caption was older, gruff, and lacked kindness in his gaze. The girl has always been a dutiful and obedient. She had always obeyed her parents but could not bring herself to agree to the marriage. She reluctantly agreed to the proposal in front of her parents and the caption, but she was filled with anger and resentment inside.

She fled to Tumon Bay and cried on the beach under the midnight sun. A fisherman comes ashore to complete his nighttime routine and stumbles across her. He was beyond impoverished; he had no title, land, or fortune to offer, but he wiped away the girl's tears with the shirt off his back. He was charmed by the girl's beauty and had briefly sheltered her from her dreadful reality. She was moved by his kindness and gentle caress. They had fallen in love. They agreed, they would rendezvous again the next day, and the day after that, and so on. ...

On the day before her wedding, she mustered her courage and announced to her parents that she did not want to marry the Caption and that her heart belonged to another. This infuriated her father. She stares at her mother, pleading with her eyes, but her mother simply nods in disapproval. The father ordered that she marry the caption the next day, leaving no space for dispute, and then dismissed her to her chambers.

So she snuck out that night and told her beloved, "I would rather die than end up with the caption." The young man replied, "If I don't have you, I would rather not live." So they fled into Tumon's caves, which were enveloped by the dense jungle. They had unfettered devotion and desired each other's tenderly embrace. And for a while, those short and sweet bittersweet souls sequestered themselves in the deep caves, forsaking the outside world. Her father follows up on his daughter the next day. He discovered her bed to be left vacant. He immediately asks the caption to search for his daughter.(Because this is an excellent use of crown funds. 😅) The Caption, humiliated by her rejection, commands his trained men to scramble around the island in pursuit of his bride-to-be. After a few days, hoping the commotion would die down; the couple learned that the army were closing in on them. Destroying their little piece of heaven out of existences. 🏹⚔🗡They make their way further up to a clearing near the edge of a cliff. With nowhere to flee or hide and troops closing in on them, they share their final embrace. The girl ties a ribbon around her hand and his, and they escape toward the edge together.

The father demands the Caption men search for his daughter and boy. But all the troops could find was the ribbon used.

FIN

👉Author Notes: Please be aware that this is a tragic love story similar to Romeo and Juliet. When you're young and in love, it can feel like the world is ending when you can't be together. This is especially true when you're still in school. I promise you that after high school, it will get better. Exponentially, if you decide to attend college. I do not advocate or want to sound as if I am glorifying suicide(Children listen up👂encase you don't got parents- don't go jumping off buildings because of HeartBreak!💔). Just like R&J, it is the children who paid the price of their parents decision based on agendas. A lot of items are lost, had our heroine been an ancient Chamorita she would have much more of a say in choosing her partner. [You gotta admit that pretty awesome, how many cultures could say that?] Ancient Chamorro women were revered and held leadership in the each of their own respective clans. 🌴🌺 Oh in case you were wondering about the Latte Stones those were used to support home structures. Similar to stilt houses in the water, but these were used on land for homes.

For email updates you can subscribe to my paragraph.xyz/\@onigirl{.email} or below if using the Yakihonne App

If you like it, send me some ❤❤hearts❤ and if you didn't like it-⚡⚡🍑🍑zap⚡⚡🍑 me

Onigirl will be taking a break to work on a book for actual publishing- detail to follow. Maybe by video, like a tiktok style? Whatcha think? I'd love to hear what the community has to say. According to my bestie I got an animated voice!\

Btw, yes, it will be edited by a bunch of professionals not by me. I'm just the creator\~!

Thank you 1000x

@ cce0989b:b497e608

It was the early 1960s, and beloved country singer Willie Nelson was struggling.

From a very young age, he had dreamed of being a musician. Now, living in Nashville, he was trying everything he could, but nothing was going right for him. He was teaching music lessons instead of getting gigs. He was selling other people his songs instead of playing them himself. The big record labels weren't interested in him. He was drowning his sorrows in alcohol and struggling with his mental health.

One night, things got so bad that, drunk on whiskey, he attempted suicide by lying down in the middle of the road waiting to be struck by a passing car. They all swerved around him.

The next day, one of his friends, a drummer named Paul English, stopped by to visit Nelson, who was hungover and still despairing that he would ever find a way to make it in the music business.

English told him to celebrate how far he had come and encouraged him to keep going, saying:

"I'm thinking of how these fools [record labels] are going to feel when you start having hit songs left and right. That's when they'll eat their hearts out for paying you no mind when they could have bought you for a nickel and nail."

With a friend in his corner, Nelson persevered. In fact, shortly after this conversation, he got his big break. He became one of the most successful country artists of all time, and at the age of 90, is still playing live shows to this very day.

Paul English became his longtime drummer, and they spent the next fifty years traveling the world and playing together. Writing about their friendship in his ​recent book​, Nelson described how much that support meant to him:

“It was good being with someone who seemed to believe in me more than I believed in myself. He really believed in a rosy future at a time when I couldn’t afford to buy my wife a dozen roses.”

There will be terrifying moments in all of our lives. What helps us to be braver? Knowing that someone else believes we can get through it.

Paul English believed in Willie Nelson. You have had people who believed in you. And you can believe in other people. That's what we're here for. That's how we get through the scary times: together.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Content

• Conclusion

• FAQ

• You May Also Like

• External Links

After bitcoin, ether, often known as ETH, is the cryptocurrency that is native to the Ethereum network. It is the second most widely used digital token overall (BTC). Comparisons between bitcoin and Ether are inevitable given that Ether is currently the second largest cryptocurrency when measured by market capitalization (market cap). Ether and bitcoin are comparable in many respects, including the following: Each is a form of digital currency that can be bought and sold through multiple online exchanges and kept in a variety of cryptocurrency wallets. Nevertheless, there are a great deal of important distinctions. Bitcoin was created to function as a medium of exchange and a decentralised savings account, but the Ethereum network is built to support sophisticated smart contracts and distributed applications.

Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin heralded the arrival of a revolutionary new kind of digital currency that functions independently from the authority of any nation-state or multinational enterprise.

• People gradually came to the conclusion that the blockchain, which is one of the inventions that underpins Bitcoin, might also be utilised for a variety of other applications as time went on.

• Ethereum advocated utilising blockchain technology not just for the maintenance of a decentralised payment network but also for the storage of computer code that may be utilised to power tamper-proof decentralised financial contracts and apps. This was one of Ethereum's primary goals.

• Ether, the native currency of the Ethereum network, serves as the driving force behind all of Ethereum's apps and smart contracts.

Bitcoin

Bitcoin was first introduced to the public in January of 2009. Bitcoin, unlike government-issued currencies, provides the promise of an online currency that is secure despite the absence of any central authority. This innovative concept was initially presented in a white paper written by the shadowy figure known only as Satoshi Nakamoto. There is no such thing as a physical bitcoin; rather, there are only balances connected with a public ledger that is cryptographically secured.

Although it was not the first attempt at an online money of this sort, Bitcoin was the most successful in its early efforts. Other attempts at creating an online currency of this type failed. As a consequence of this, it has earned the reputation of being the forerunner of practically all cryptocurrencies that have developed over the course of the last decade.

The concept of a decentralised and digital currency has gained recognition among governing bodies and regulatory agencies throughout the course of recent years. Even though it isn't a formally recognised medium of payment or store of value, cryptocurrency has managed to carve out a space for itself and continues to co-exist with the financial system despite being regularly scrutinised and debated. This is despite the fact that cryptocurrency isn't a formally recognised medium of payment or store of value.

At the beginning of the surge in popularity of cryptocurrencies in 2017, Bitcoin's market value accounted for close to 87 percent of the overall market for cryptocurrencies. Bitcoin's share of the market, on the other hand, had fallen to 39.6% by the end of August 2022.

Ethereum

Apps that do more than merely enable a digital money are being developed using blockchain technology, which is being leveraged to construct these applications. Ethereum is the largest and most well-established open-ended decentralised software platform. It was released in July 2015 and has been in operation since then.

Ethereum makes it possible to construct and deploy smart contracts and decentralised apps (dApps) without the risk of downtime, fraud, third-party control, or interference. In order to achieve this goal, Ethereum comes pre-packaged with its very own programming language that operates on a distributed ledger (blockchain).

Ethereum has a vast variety of possible applications, all of which are driven by the native cryptographic token of Ethereum, known as ether (commonly abbreviated as ETH). In 2014, Ethereum conducted a presale for its cryptocurrency ether, which was met with an extremely positive reception.

Ether is primarily employed for the following four functions: it is exchanged on exchanges as a form of digital money, it is held as an investment, it is utilised for the acquisition of goods and services, and it is utilised on the Ethereum network for the payment of transaction fees.

Key Differences

The Bitcoin and Ethereum networks are similar in that they are both powered by the concept of distributed ledgers and encryption; nevertheless, there are major technological differences between the two. For instance, transactions on the Ethereum network may include code that can be executed, whereas data attached to transactions on the Bitcoin network is solely intended to record information pertaining to the transaction. Other differences include the block period (the confirmation of a transaction on ETH takes place in seconds, but on BTC it takes minutes), and the consensus techniques used by each currency are distinct. Bitcoin utilises the SHA-256 hashing algorithm, while Ethereum uses the LMDGhost algorithm.

In terms of their overarching goals, the Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchains and networks couldn't be more different from one another. Bitcoin was developed as a substitute for national currencies, and as such, it seeks to serve as both a medium of commerce and a store of wealth. Ethereum was conceived of as a platform that, through the use of a decentralised global virtual machine, would enable immutable, programmatic contracts and applications.

Proof of Work vs. Proof of Stake

Proof of work is the name of the consensus protocol used by Bitcoin. This protocol enables the nodes on the network to reach a consensus regarding the current status of all information that has been recorded and protects the network from certain sorts of assaults. Proof of stake (PoS), an interlinked set of modifications that will make Ethereum more secure and sustainable, was implemented on September 20, 2022, marking the beginning of Ethereum's transition to PoS. Sharding is a component of the shift to proof of stake that is being implemented in order to solve concerns over scalability. These concerns will continue to be addressed until 2023.

The fact that a large amount of computational power is required makes proof of work a particularly energy-intensive method, which is one of the primary arguments against its adoption. Validators stake their cryptocurrency holdings in order to activate the ability to create new blocks. Miners are replaced with validators as a result of the implementation of proof of stake, which results in a reduction in the amount of energy required to process transactions.

Purposes

ETH and BTC are both digital currencies; however, the primary objective of ether is not to establish itself as an alternative monetary system; rather, its primary goal is to facilitate and monetize the operation of smart contracts, dApps, and any other blockchain solution that can be conceived of. BTC's primary objective is to establish itself as an alternative monetary system.

Future

The rising popularity of Ethereum's decentralised applications (dApps) in industries such as banking (decentralised finance, or DeFi apps), arts and collectibles (non-fungible tokens, or NFTs), gaming, and technology is contributing significantly to the rapid expansion of the Ethereum ecosystem. In addition, Ethereum will include sharding at some point in 2023 in order to improve its ability to scale.

Additionally, Bitcoin has undergone development, with the introduction of the Taproot upgrade, which enables smart contracts. The Bitcoin Lightning Network is another project that is currently being developed as a second-layer protocol that intends to take transactions off-chain for the goal of speeding up the network. This project is now in the development stage.

Nobody knows for sure which cryptocurrency or blockchain will prevail over time; it's even possible that both will. But one thing is certain: both of these things have sparked talks about the various financial systems around the world, which was desperately needed.

What Is the Main Difference in Application Between Bitcoin and Ethereum?

Bitcoin was created in the first place to serve as an alternative to conventional currencies, and as a result, it can be used as both a medium of exchange and a store of value. Ethereum is a programmable blockchain that can be used in a variety of contexts, including decentralised exchanges (DEX), smart contracts, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

Why Is Bitcoin Compared With Digital Gold and Ethereum to Digital Silver?

The fact that bitcoin was the very first cryptocurrency and is currently the largest, with a market cap that exceeds $375 billion, has led some to compare it to digital gold. This is due to the fact that bitcoin's limited supply (the maximum number of bitcoins that can be mined is 21 million), which may ensure that it maintains its value. The cryptocurrency Ethereum is often referred to as "digital silver" due to the fact that it is the second-largest cryptocurrency by market cap and, like the precious metal, can be used for a diverse range of purposes.

What Are Bitcoin and Ethereum’s Shares of the Crypto Market?

Bitcoin's market capitalization stood at $376.5 billion as of the 30th day of August, 2022. This represented approximately 39.6% of the overall cryptocurrency market, which was valued at just over $954.3 billion at the time. Ethereum held 18.8 percent of the market despite having a market capitalization of $818.8 billion.

How Many BTC and ETH are Currently in Circulation?

There were 19.1 bitcoins and 122.2 ethers in circulation as of the 30th of August, 2022.

What Are Some Similarities Between Bitcoin and Ether?

In many respects, ether and bitcoin are comparable to one another. Each form of virtual currency may be bought and sold on online exchanges and kept safe in digital currency wallets. Both employ the blockchain technology and are decentralised, which means that they are not issued or regulated by a central bank or any other body.

Conclusions

Ether and bitcoin have several traits: Each may be purchased and traded on several internet exchanges and stored in various cryptocurrency wallets. There are significant differences. Bitcoin was designed as a currency and decentralized savings account, whereas Ethereum supports complex smart contracts and distributed applications. ETH, like BTC, is a digital currency, but its main purpose is to enable and monetize smart contracts, dApps, and other blockchain solutions. BTC wants to become a new currency. It's conceivable that both cryptocurrencies and blockchains will win.

FAQs

Bitcoin versus Ethereum: Which One Is the Better Investment? The fact that Ethereum can be programmed stands out as the most significant differential between it and Bitcoin. Because of this functionality, the application space for Ethereum is expanded, and it is now more than just a digital currency. It transforms Ethereum into a marketplace for monetary services, video games, and application software.

Is Ethereum the same thing as Bitcoin? Bitcoin is a decentralised digital currency that may be transmitted on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network. The abbreviation for bitcoin is BTC, and the symbol for bitcoin is. Ethereum is a blockchain-based distributed global software platform that operates without a central authority. Most people are familiar with it because of its in-house cryptocurrency, known as ether (ETH)

Is it possible for Bitcoin to run on Ethereum? Ether is the official money that can be used on the Ethereum network, despite the fact that it is not generally acknowledged in other parts of the world. In the same vein, the Ethereum platform does not support Bitcoin as a legitimate form of currency, hence its use there is impossible. Both Ethereum and Bitcoin run on independent protocols, and there is no connection between the two cryptocurrencies' respective workflows.

Is it prudent to put money into cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum? The majority of financial advisors suggest allocating no more than 5 percent of your whole portfolio to cryptocurrency investments. Experts and the Investability Score developed by NextAdvisor agree that Bitcoin and Ethereum are the two cryptocurrencies that give novice investors with the best opportunity for a successful initial investment.

That's all for today, see ya tomorrow

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DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.

@ 20986fb8:cdac21b3

YakiHonne, a decentralized content media platform based on Nostr and Bitcoin, is dedicated to establishing an anti-censorship value media network. Through the YakiHonne client, users can easily achieve decentralized publishing, including long-form articles, flash news, curation, videos, and more, as well as features like encrypted review and Lightning Network payments. YakiHonne continues to evolve with its latest updates, providing users with a smoother and enhanced experience. Here's a summary of the recent improvements:

Website：yakihonne.com iOS: https://apps.apple.com/mo/app/yakihonne/id6472556189?l=en-GB Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yakihonne.yakihonne&pli=1 Testflight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/tcXozZIu

1. Encrypted Direct Messages (DMs)

Users can now securely communicate through direct messages, utilizing the latest encryption standards to enhance privacy. DMs (messaging) are supported by both the legacy nip-04 and the newest nip-44 encryption (nip-17 still under PR), and are accessible via both the mobile app and website.

Notes: Most clients currently do not support Nip-44. If you want your information to be interoperable across all clients, please choose to Disable Nip-44. However, if you wish to use encrypted messages and support additional features, you can enable Nip-44.

2. Video Creation and Curation:

YakiHonne now supports the creation and curation of videos, allowing users to share multimedia content seamlessly. videos can be created and curated using nip-71. There are three supported video formats: local uploads, pasting video links, or utilizing Kind 1063 events. This feature is available on both the mobile app and the website. Enjoy it!

3. BuzzFeed and News Integration:

Stay updated with the latest news and media sources through Buzz Feed, where you can track your favorite news and media platforms all in one place, published under the Nostr protocol (kind-1 short notes). This feature is accessible on both the mobile app and the website.

4. Automatically Generate Content into Images

Automatically convert your articles, videos, news updates, notes, curation, and more into images! When sharing, easily select to generate images for convenient and efficient sharing and dissemination. Available on mobile and web platforms.

5. Revenue Sharing via Zap Splits:

Users can now share revenues generated from published content through zap splits. Join YakiHonne to collaborate on creating content together. Available on both mobile and web platforms.

6. Redesigned Views:

We've switched the home feed to a timeline, consolidating all types of content publishing through the Nostr protocol. Additionally, primary navigation has also been updated to include videos and direct messages (DMs), enhancing the user experience. Available on both mobile and web platforms.

7. Notifications Support for Nostr Events

Stay updated with the latest happenings in the Nostr ecosystem with our new notifications feature. This includes mentions, zaps, reactions, following, and more. Available on both mobile and web platforms.

8. Payment Optimization:

A back button has been added to the QR overlay, enabling users to return to editing if they choose to cancel the payment. Available on both mobile and web platforms.

9. User Experience Optimization:

• Users can now receive acknowledgment feedback when publishing events, enabling them to view successful and failed relays.
• Support for NIP-05 shortener URL sharing for curations, articles, flash news, and all content formats is now available.
• The app now supports deep linking, allowing seamless link checking directly within the YakiHonne app.
• App processing optimization has been implemented. Now, whether you're using the YakiHonne web platform or accessing it via mobile, you can quickly view all content.

10. Bugs fixes and improvements

Bug fixes and improvements have been implemented to enhance the overall performance and stability of the platform.

---

About YakiHonne:

YakiHonne is a Nostr-based decentralized content media protocol that supports blogs, flash news, curation, videos, uncensored notes, zaps, and other content types. Join us now and experience the joy of decentralized publishing, review and settlement media networks.

Try YakiHonne.com Now! - 🌟iOS: https://apps.apple.com/mo/app/yakihonne/id6472556189?l=en-GB - 🌟Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yakihonne.yakihonne - 🌟Testflight: https://testflight.apple.com/join/tcXozZIu

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@ d61ffb5e:63bb3611

Gefrustreerde chipsector hoopt op beter contact met Tweede Kamer

Voorheen, zo vertelt een insider in de chipsector, belde een Kamerlid op de avond voor een debat nog wel naar een bedrijf met vragen. Maar dat is niet meer zo gebruikelijk. Vandaag is een kans om daar verandering in te brengen: acht partijen uit de chipsector - waaronder ASML en NXP - gaan leden van de Tweede Kamer bijpraten over hun sector. Een moment om elkaar in de ogen te kijken.

De NOS sprak, op voorwaarde van anonimiteit vanwege de gevoeligheid over het onderwerp, met betrokkenen uit de sector. Daaruit klinkt frustratie over de Kamer en het contact daarmee.

Met de nieuwe Tweede Kamer zijn er nieuwe machtsverhoudingen ontstaan. De VVD was jarenlang de grootste partij en voorvechter voor het bedrijfsleven. Met de nieuwe grootste partij, de PVV, is contact krijgen heel lastig klinkt het vanuit de industrie. BBB is recent op bezoek geweest in de regio Eindhoven, dat geeft wel hoop is de boodschap.

De chipsector, met andere grote multinationals in het kielzog, zag zich afgelopen najaar geconfronteerd met twee fiscale versoberingen. Het gaat om de expatregeling en regels rond de inkoop van eigen aandelen die in de ogen van bedrijven het vestigingsklimaat flink hebben aangetast.

"De indruk in onze raad van bestuur is al enige tijd: Nederland is niet meer zo het ideale land als we dachten", zegt een bron in de chipsector. Een andere insider beaamt dit: "Er is veel onzekerheid, er hoeft maar iets kleins te gebeuren en dan volgt de conclusie dat Den Haag het niet heeft begrepen." Tegelijkertijd wordt de ontmoeting van vandaag ook gezien als een positieve verandering.

Daarbij wordt er aan bedrijven getrokken, zei burgemeester Jeroen Dijsselbloem van Eindhoven vorige week bij de aankondiging van de miljardenimpuls voor de regio. "Er zijn hier 6000 techbedrijven en de succesvolle daaronder worden dagelijks benaderd vanuit de VS, vanuit Frankrijk, Duitsland: waarom kom je niet naar ons? Met allerlei prachtige voorwaarden en subsidies."

Dat kan zelfs zover gaan dat ambassadeurs van landen met een compleet bidbook langsgaan. Delegaties gaan dan langs bij bedrijven en doen beloftes op het vlak van woningen, kantoren en technisch geschoold personeel.

Zo is het niet uitgesloten dat bedrijven die nu hun hoofdkantoor in Nederland hebben, deze onder druk van hun aandeelhouders verplaatsen vanwege de aanstaande belasting op inkoop eigen aandelen. "Dat is relatief simpel om te doen", zegt een bron. Het betekent overigens ook dat de dividendbelasting naar een ander land gaat. "Dat kan wel eens veel meer zijn dan de belasting op de inkoop eigen aandelen."

Een afhankelijkheidsrelatie

Volgens Ellis Aizenberg, universitair docent bestuurskunde aan de Universiteit Leiden, is het contact tussen bedrijven en de politiek belangrijk. Er is sprake van een "afhankelijkheidsrelatie" tussen de twee: "Dat is zo omdat de overheid afhankelijk is van het bedrijfsleven om investeringen te doen en werkgelegenheid te creëren."

Aizenberg zegt dat die relatie niet zozeer ongezond of negatief is. "Het bedrijfsleven is integraal onderdeel van het maken van beleid en politiek en de twee partijen hebben gewoon met elkaar te maken."

Ze verwacht bovendien niet dat het contact tussen de politiek en bedrijven helemaal wegvalt. "Georganiseerde belangen spelen een belangrijke rol in ons democratische systeem. Ze zijn een link tussen enerzijds de samenleving en de politiek. Als zij geen toegang krijgen is dat een probleem."

https://nos.nl/l/2515311

@ 4394164b:0931cbee

What Culture is:

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European [*kʷel-], with its connotations of movement and dwelling, the term "culture" elucidates a dynamics of human transformation and settlement. Originally linked to the act of cultivating the soil, it underwent semantic evolution, embodying not only the cultivation of land but also the refinement of societal norms, values, and creative expressions. From the humble beginnings of tilling the earth to the intricate cultivation of knowledge and creativity, culture encapsulates the essence of human endeavor.

In tracing the etymology further, we encounter derivatives such as [in-quil-īnus] - inhabitant and [anculus] - servant, shedding light on the symbiotic relationship between culture and human existence. It becomes evident that culture is not merely a construct external to humanity but an intrinsic aspect of our being—an embodiment of our collective spirit.

Yet, amidst the labyrinth of modernity, the essence of culture seems obscured, overshadowed by the cacophony of urban landscapes and the monotony of everyday life. The horror of city architecture and the dullness of human existence serve as stark reminders of the perilous path towards cultural erosion. The architectural panorama of modern cities often mirrors a dissonance between human expression and industrial progress. As skyscrapers pierce the sky, they loom as monuments to progress, yet often devoid of the soulful essence that defines true cultural expression.

In this era of rapid technological advancement and urban sprawl, the preservation of cultural roots becomes paramount. It is a call to arms against the encroaching tide of homogenization—a rallying cry for the preservation of diversity, creativity, and individuality. For it is within the rich tapestry of diverse cultures that humanity finds its truest expression—a mosaic of experiences, beliefs, and aspirations.

In the face of conformity and commodification, the cypherpunk philosophy emerges—a rebellion against conventional norms, championing the unconventional and showcasing human ingenuity. Within the cypherpunk ethos lies a potent antidote to cultural homogenization, advocating for the celebration of diversity, innovation, and grassroots cultural expression. Each creative individual becomes a brushstroke in the vibrant palette of humanity, adding depth, texture, and vibrancy to the canvas of our collective existence.

One should always assert the imperative of safeguarding cultural heritage as a means of preserving the rich tapestry of human experience. By fostering an environment conducive to creativity, innovation, and cultural resilience, humans should endeavor to fortify the pillars of human identity against the tide of globalization and technological determinism.

The essence of culture transcends mere societal constructs—it is the very essence of humanity itself. It is a testament to our capacity for growth, adaptation, and collective expression. Grounded in empirical research and theoretical frameworks, our pursuit of cultural preservation emerges as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—an ode to the indomitable force of creativity, diversity, and collective expression.

What Cylture is:

From these linguistic excavations, superimposed on the lens of modern society, there arises a palpable yearning—a collective cry for the emancipation of creativity stifled by the constraints of normative conformity. A cry that reverberates through the streets, echoing off the austere facades through the urban milieu, a testament to the latent potential awaiting liberation from the constraints of a rigidly structured existence and the confines of societal expectations.

Enter the Cylture phenomenon—a seminal manifesto articulated through the medium of urban expression. Manifesting as a groan emanating from the fractured asphalt and vibrant splashes of paint adorning the monochrome facades of urban concrete structures, Cylture embodies a clarion call to awaken the dormant reservoirs of creativity latent within society. Its mandate is clear: to harness the power of technology as a means of empowering individuals to transcend conventional boundaries and cultivate the fertile terrain of creativity, without allowing oneself, in turn, to be paralyzed by these same technologies and their producers.

Rooted deeply in the ethos of cypherpunk, Cylture represents a paradigm shift—a recalibration of the relationship between humanity and technology. Technology should serve as a tool for liberation rather than oppression. It is a call to arms for techanarchy—a vision of societal organization characterized by the democratization of technological mastery, wherein every individual is empowered to harness the transformative potential of technology for creative expression and societal progress.

Embedded within the core of Cylture lies the intrinsic recognition of an inherent esthete hacker within each artist—a primal force yearning to break free from the constraints of conventional thought and institutionalized hegemony. It is an understanding that within every artist resides an inherent inclination towards disruption, an innate urge to dismantle the barriers imposed by conventional wisdom. It is a clarion call to unravel the codes of societal control, to liberate the boundless reservoirs of human creativity, and to herald a new era wherein the freedom of talent and openness reign supreme.

Cylture does not pretend to be another newfangled generally accepted trend—it is a manifestation to the resilience of the human spirit, a defiance against the forces of stagnation and conformity. It represents a rupture in the fabric of societal complacency, a rupture through which the transformative power of human creativity surges forth, illuminating the path towards a future unencumbered by the constraints of the status quo. This is the child of cypherpunk and techanarchy—a call of a modern individual squeezed in an urban environment to awaken humanity from its slumber, to embrace the boundless potential of creative expression, and to forge a future defined by innovation, diversity, and individual autonomy.

Thus, let the spirit of Cylture permeate the collective consciousness, igniting a revolution of thought and action...

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

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@ d3646691:56af18f0

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Is your source for news on the #Bitcoin mining scene! Statistics, #Bitcoinmining news, energy market alpha, comedy relief and as always, witty banter between Jon and Max.

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Witty banter consists of a special boost read from Bon (Maxine Cyrine – Where is my Mind Piano Cover) Max and Jon strive to be fair and balance, but ever more so, obnoxious and funny. We stoke the budding basketball rivalry between Chet and Bassload as well as cover our history with Ungovernable Misfits fanboy, Mos Def.

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Max shares his brief experience as an international playboy, according to him, he was quite pretty.

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Jon reviews an article by Richard Greaser of the Bitcoin Bugle Statist Bitcoiner Manifesto (https://www.bugle.news/the-statist-bitcoiner-manifesto/) Yeah, we too are Sick of this Shit.

Altair gives us a brief history of Bitdeer and we review the new Bitdeer Sealminer

How to respond to an Energy FUDster

Bitcoin Bassload Update – What's the Big Hype About AI? (https://ungovernablemisfits.com/the-big-hype-about-ai/) Be sure to visit UngovernableMisfits.com for more writings and to catch up on past articles.

A cautionary tale from the Pleb Miner Mafia

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@ c4428155:a36de510

A Federal Judge Ruled That ProPublica’s Lawsuit Over Military Court Access Should Move Forward

by Megan Rose (https://www.propublica.org/people/megan-rose)

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories (https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=54G&placement=top-note®ion=national) as soon as they’re published.

A federal judge ruled in March that ProPublica’s lawsuit against the secretary of defense should move forward, as the news organization seeks to increase public access to the military’s court proceedings and records.

ProPublica sued in 2022, claiming the Pentagon has failed to issue rules ensuring that the services comply (https://www.propublica.org/article/navy-records-defense-department-bonhomme) with a law that was supposed to make the military justice system more transparent.

Although ProPublica’s lawsuit originated from a single high-profile arson case in which the Navy refused to release records (https://www.propublica.org/atpropublica/propublica-files-complaint-and-emergency-motion-to-release-court-records-in-high-profile-ship-fire-case), the suit challenges the overall legality of the Pentagon’s current guidance, which allows the services to shroud much of the court-martial process in secret.

ProPublica has asked the court to order Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to issue proper rules for the release of records and other key information, such as hearing schedules. The government tried to get that part of the lawsuit (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24515089-40_navy_mtd)dismissed (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24515089-40_navy_mtd), arguing that Austin had already used his rightful discretion to decide how to implement the law. An order “dictating the precise content of DOD guidance is beyond the jurisdiction of the courts,” the said.

The judge disagreed, writing that ProPublica has “plausibly alleged that the issued guidelines are clearly inconsistent with Congress’ mandate.” This is most apparent, the judge said (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24515044-47_decision-on-mtd), in the allegation that the Navy denies the public access to all records in cases that end in acquittals.

“We’re thrilled with this ruling,” said Sarah Matthews, deputy general counsel for ProPublica. “It recognizes that the military’s current guidelines clearly fail to ensure public access as required by Congress. That’s huge and should be a wake-up call to the Department of Defense, regardless of the outcome of this case.”

In 2016, Congress passed a law requiring the U.S. military’s six branches to increase public access to its court records, envisioning a system similar to federal courts, where the public has real-time electronic access to dockets, records and filings. It wasn’t until last year — seemingly spurred by ProPublica’s lawsuit — that Caroline Krass, general counsel for the Defense Department, issued new guidance (https://www.propublica.org/article/navy-records-defense-department-bonhomme) for court records. But rather than making the system more transparent as lawmakers intended, Krass’ guidance mostly reinforced the individual services’ policies, which keep court records largely inaccessible to the public.

Under the guidance, services do not have to make any records public until more than a month after a trial ends; have the discretion to permanently suppress key trial information, such as transcripts and exhibits; and are allowed to keep the entire record secret indefinitely in cases when the defendant is found not guilty.

As a result, the Navy withholds records during most, if not all, court-martial proceedings. The lead-up to a court-martial, and all related pretrial records, are never made public by the Navy. The public doesn’t know if a sailor or Marine has been charged with a crime unless the case goes to trial. And although Article 32 hearings, which determine if there’s enough evidence for trial, are supposed to be public, the Navy provides no notice of when the service is holding them.

The U.S. Army’s policies are similarly secretive. The service updated its rules late last year after Krass’ guidance was issued but, like the Navy, kept restrictions in place and gave officials broad discretion in many cases to decide whether to release any documents at all.

Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson, said if court records are requested by the public, the decision to release them is made by several high-level officials to “ensure consistency” and “properly balance the privacy issues of the accused, minors and victims.”

The Army also does not tell the public about Article 32 hearings, which “lets military officials decide to keep cases secret that might be embarrassing to the military,” said Frank Rosenblatt, president of the National Institute of Military Justice, a group that aims to improve fairness in the court-martial system. “Whether a case is in the ‘public interest’ should be decided by the public, not military officials.”

Since the Army, Navy and Marine Corps make up about three quarters of the military, the public is largely in the dark about the majority of the military’s criminal justice system.

In the last year, ProPublica has requested that the Navy provide the records for more than 90 cases of sexual assault and has received only partial documents for 32 cases that were already over.

“Collectively, the Navy’s policies prevent any meaningful oversight of its court system, including any visibility into how it handles sexual assault cases, a matter of paramount public importance,” ProPublica’s lawsuit states (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24487556-49_second_amended_complaint_pp_v_crandall).

The military’s handling of sexual assault was deemed so inadequate by Congress that commanders were recently stripped of ​​the power to press or drop charges in those cases. Last summer, President Joe Biden signed an executive order (https://www.propublica.org/article/despite-reform-to-military-justice-system-navy-leaves-public-in-dark) finalizing Congress’ mandate to give the power instead to a special prosecutor. The Navy’s current policies prevent the public from learning whether the new system is any better than how it previously handled such cases.

ProPublica’s lawsuit began in 2022 when the news organization fought for the release of court records in the case against Seaman Recruit Ryan Mays, who had been accused of setting fire to the USS Bonhomme Richard. The $1 billion amphibious assault ship burned for more than four days and was destroyed in 2020. A ProPublica investigation showed the Navy prosecuted Mays with little evidence (https://www.propublica.org/article/bonhomme-richard-fire-safety-lapses) and ignored a judge’s recommendation to drop the case. Mays was found not guilty (https://www.propublica.org/article/bonhomme-richard-fire-navy-mays-verdict) at his court-martial.

ProPublica was successful in getting the Navy to release hundreds of pages (https://www.documentcloud.org/app?q=%2Bproject%3Abonhomme-fire-208721%20) of court-martial documents (https://www.documentcloud.org/app?q=%2Bproject%3Amays-records-213161%20) in the Mays case. ProPublica had sued the judge in the Mays case along with top Pentagon officials, but the court dismissed the judge from the suit since the Mays case is over.

In the ongoing lawsuit, ProPublica is also arguing that the records are owed to the public under the First Amendment and common law, which the Navy did not try to dismiss at this time.

The judge ordered the parties to file motions by September, which could resolve the case.

https://www.propublica.org/article/propublica-lawsuit-over-military-court-access-moves-forward

@ 46f6acdf:6331b6e7

• Keet is not open source, which means you don't know what they are doing with your data. If the Keet app is sending all your "private" messages, calls, meetings to some servers owned by Keet or Holepunch and then processing/selling your data, you won't be able to tell.

• Even if they open source it later, the keys you generated using the app before that could be compromised. And any communication you do in the future using those keys, which even if is end to end encrypted might be getting intercepted by Keet.

• Keet is not interoperable. Even if Keet was not open source, I would have liked it a bit more if it was easily interoperable with some other application. The way Hypercore and the other related tech from Holepunch works is that it allows you to create app that doesn't need to roll out its own backend infrastructure, and the client side app itself works like a protocol of its own. For someone else to be able to create an app that is interoperable with an existing Hypercore app, you would need to know how exactly they have implemented their own stuff. Keet doesn't provide any documentation for that.

• People like Guy Swann that I generally very respect, have repeatably talked about how great Keet is, even when it goes against all the ethos of FOSS. Nothing is wrong with promoting Hypercore or the other open source libraries that Keet claims to use underneath, but you should think twice before promoting any product that is made using them.

• Keet was supposed to be open sourced years ago. They have been talking doing it soon for quite some time now on Twitter. All these things has lead to Keet being perceived by non-technical Bitcoiners as being a legitimately good solution to private, peer to peer, decentralised communication. Will you accept responsibility if their "private" data gets leaked and that ends up putting them in jail or worse, leads to them getting robbed/killed?

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

Prompt: Confirmation ===============

Design a Confirmation Ui element. What's being confirmed? Is it confirming a new Bitcoin generated address, Lightning invoice payment, shipping, plane tickets, hotel reservation, dinner reservation, booking tickets to the opera, or something else? Also consider where it's occurring (i.e. website, mobile app, email confirmation, etc.)

---

Flex your design muscles and join in. Most of all, keep this exercise loose and keep it stress-free. The FUC is about growing our design skills, together, as a community. We can't wait to see what you create!

Happy designing, Stackers!

---

Share Your Results When you finish the challenge, post your work on this thread! If you also share it on nostr, be sure to use the hashtag #FUCdesiger and tag Design_r@iris.to or @Design__r on X! We'll keep an eye out and repost good examples on a regular basis.

---

Curious to know WTF is a FUC? Read the ⚡️Flash Ui Challenges welcoming post.

Looking for more FUCs? Check the archive here!

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

An opportunity to share some bits of a process you embrace to achieve anything you aim to. What steps do you follow from concept to design completion? What’s your tricks? Any useful guide or tutorial to share? Where are you now?

@ fb9ce23f:f05d6da3

• It is almost April!
• How about this external image ?
• Do something to your hair.
• Have you ever eaten a spoon full of peanut butter ?
• Have you ever eaten a spoon full of ketchup ?
• Do you like spiders ?
• How about this external image ?

@ 2f37f775:0e94e29e

Opinion about BuyUcoin: Bitcoin & Crypto App (android)

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@ 006804ee:0b759c7b

Disclaimer: I'm not all-in on Jaynes. Some of these numbers are speculative. That is not the point. Regardless of Jaynes' chronological accuracy or inaccuracy, the points he's making about the hemispheres and the Neo-cortex are fascinating and revealing.

Wallace does an incredible breakdown (get it?) here, and this article won the first place National Writer\'s Club Award as best nonfiction article of 1980.

---

CONSCIOUSNESS: THE END OF FALSE AUTHORITY by Frank R. Wallace

A person could make an excellent bet by wagering a hundred ounces of gold bullion that Julian Jaynes\'s book, The Origin of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind, will rank among the five most important books ever written by the year 2000. ...Jaynes\'s book signals the end of a 10,000-year reign of authoritarian institutions. His book also marks the beginning of a new era of individual consciousness during which people will increasingly act on the authority of their own minds. That movement toward self-responsibility will increasingly weaken the influences of external or mystical \"authorities\" such as government and religion.

---

Dr. Jaynes discovered that until 3000 years ago essentially all human beings were void of consciousness. Man along with all other primates functioned by mimicked or learned reactions. But, because of his much larger, more complex brain, man was able to develop a coherent language beginning about 8000 B.C. He was then guided by audio hallucinations. Those hallucinations evolved in the right hemisphere of the brain and were transmitted as \"heard\" in the left hemisphere of the brain (the bicameral or two-chamber mind). ...In effect, human beings were super-intelligent but automatically reacting animals who could communicate by talking. That communication enabled human beings to cooperate closely to build societies, even thriving civilizations.

Still, like all other animals, man functioned almost entirely by an automatic guidance system that was void of consciousness -- until about 1000 B.C. when he was forced to reorganize his mind to think consciously in order to survive in the collapsing bicameral civilizations. And today, man\'s survival still depends on his choice of beneficially following his own consciousness or destructively following the voices of external \"authorities\".

The major components of Jaynes\'s discovery are:

• All civilizations before 1000 B.C. -- such as Assyria, Babylonia, > Mesopotamia, pharaonic Egypt -- were built, inhabited, and ruled > by unconscious people.

• Ancient writings such as the Iliad and the early books of the Old > Testament were composed by unconscious minds that automatically > recorded and objectively reported both real and imagined events. > The transition to subjective and introspective writings of the > conscious mind occurred in later works such as the Odyssey and the > newer books of the Old Testament.

• Ancient people learned to speak, read, write, as well as carry out > daily life, work, and the professions all while remaining > unconscious throughout their lives. Being unconscious, they never > experienced guilt, never practiced deceit, and were not > responsible for their actions. They, like any other animal, had no > concept of guilt, deception, evil, justice, philosophy, history, > or the future. They could not introspect and had no internal idea > of themselves. They had no subjective sense of time or space and > had no memories as we know them. They were unconscious and > innocent. They were guided by \"voices\" or strong impressions in > their bicameral minds -- unconscious minds structured for > nature\'s automatic survival.

• The development of human consciousness began about 3000 years ago > when the automatic bicameral mind began breaking down under the > mounting stresses of its inadequacy to find workable solutions in > increasingly complex societies. The hallucinated voices became > more and more confused, contradictory, and destructive.

• Man was forced to invent and develop consciousness in order to > survive as his hallucinating voices no longer provided adequate > guidance for survival.

• Today, after 3000 years, most people retain remnants of the > bicameral guidance system in the form of mysticism and the desire > for external authority.

• Except for schizophrenics, people today no longer hallucinate the > voices that guided bicameral man. Yet, most people are at least > partly influenced and are sometimes driven by the remnants of the > bicameral man as they seek, to varying degrees, automatic guidance > from \"voices\" of others. ...They seek mystical instructions > from external \"authorities\".

• All religions are rooted in the unconscious bicameral mind that is > obedient to the \"voices\" of external \"authorities\" -- > obedient to the \"voice\" of God, gods, rulers, and leaders.

• The discovery that consciousness was never a part of nature\'s > evolutionary scheme (but was invented by man) eliminates the > missing-link puzzle in human evolution.

• Essentially all religious and most political ideas survive through > those vestiges of the obsolete bicameral mind. The bicameral mind > seeks omniscient truth and automatic guidance from external > \"authorities\" such as political or spiritual leaders -- or > other \"authoritarian\" sources such as manifested in idols, > astrologers, gurus -- as well as most lawyers, most psychiatrists > and psychologists, certain professors, some doctors, most > journalists and TV anchormen.

The idea of civilizations consisting entirely of unconscious, automatic-reacting people and the idea of man bypassing nature to invent his own consciousness initially seems incredible. But as Jaynes documents his evidence in a reasoned and detached manner, the existence of two minds in all human beings becomes increasingly evident: (1) the obsolete, unconscious (bicameral) mind that seeks guidance from external \"authorities\" for important thoughts and decisions, especially under stressed or difficult conditions; and (2) the newly invented conscious mind that bypasses external \"authorities\" and provides thoughts and guidance generated from one\'s own mind. ...Understanding Jaynes\'s discoveries unlocks the 10,000 year-old secret of controlling the actions of people through their bicameral minds.

What evidence does Jaynes present to support his discoveries? After defining consciousness, he systematically presents his evidence to prove that man was unconscious until 3000 years ago when the bicameral civilizations collapsed and individuals began inventing consciousness in order to survive. Jaynes\'s proof begins with the definition of consciousness:

Defining and Understanding Consciousness

Julian Jaynes defines both what consciousness is and what it is not. After speculating on its location, he demonstrates that consciousness itself has no physical location, but rather is a particular organization of the mind and a specific way of using the brain. Jaynes then demonstrates that consciousness is only a small part of mental activity and is not necessary for concept formation, learning, thinking, or even reasoning. He illustrates how all those mental functions can be performed automatically and unconsciously. Furthermore, consciousness does not contribute to and often hinders the execution of learned skills such as speaking, listening, writing, reading --as well as skills involving music, art, and athletics. Thus, if major human actions and skills can function automatically and without consciousness, those same actions and skills can be controlled or driven by external influences, \"authorities\", or \"voices\" emanating under conditions described later. ...But first an understanding of consciousness is important:

Consciousness requires metaphors (e.g., referring to one thing in order to better understand or describe another thing -- such as the head of an army, table, page, household, nail). Consciousness also requires analog models, (e.g., thinking of a map of California in order to visualize the entire, physical state of California). Thinking in metaphors and analog models creates the mind space and mental flexibility needed to bypass those automatic, bicameral processes.

Bicameral thinking functions only in concrete terms and narrow, here-and-now specifics. But, conscious thinking generates an infinite array of subjective perceptions that permit ever broader understanding and better decisions.

Metaphors of \"me\" and analog models of \"I\" allow consciousness to function through introspection and self-visualization. In turn, consciousness expands by creating more and more metaphors and analog models. That expanding consciousness allows a person to \"see\" and understand the relationship between himself and the world with increasing accuracy and clarity.

Consciousness is a conceptual, metaphor-generated analog world that parallels the actual world. Man, therefore, could not invent consciousness until he developed a language sophisticated enough to produce metaphors and analog models.

The genus Homo began about two million years ago. Rudimentary oral languages developed from 70,000 B.C. to about 8000 B.C. Written languages began about 3000 B.C. and gradually developed into syntactical structures capable of generating metaphors and analog models. Only at that point could man invent and experience consciousness.

Jaynes shows that man\'s early writings (hieroglyphics, hiertatic, and cuneiform) reflect a mentality totally different from our own. They reflect a non-metaphoric, unconscious mentality. Jaynes also shows that the Iliad, which evolved as a sung poem about 1000 B.C., contains little if any conscious thought. The characters in the Iliad (e.g., Achilles, Agamemnon, Hector, Helen) act unconsciously initiating all their major actions and decisions through \"voices\", and all speak in hexameter rhythms (as often do modern-day schizophrenics when hallucinating). Hexameter rhythms are characteristic of the rhythmically automatic functionings of the right-hemisphere brain. Moreover, the Iliad is entirely about action...about the acts and consequences of Achilles. The Iliad never mentions subjective thoughts or the contents of any one\'s mind. The language is unconscious -- an objective reporting of facts that is concrete bound and void of introspection and abstract thought.

With a conscious mind, man can introspect; he can debate with himself; he can become his own god, voice, and decision maker. But before the invention of consciousness, the mind functioned bicamerally: the right hemisphere (the poetic, god-brain) hallucinated audio instructions to the left hemisphere (the analytical, man-brain), especially in unusual or stressful situations. Essentially, man\'s brain today is physically identical to the ancient bicameral brain; but with his invention of consciousness, he can now choose to integrate the functions of the left and right hemispheres.

Beginning about 9000 B.C. -- as coherent oral languages developed -- routine or habitual tasks became increasingly standardized. The hallucinating voices for performing those basic tasks, therefore, became increasingly similar among groups of people. The collectivization of \"voices\" allowed more and more people to cooperate and function together through their bicameral minds. The leaders spoke to the \"gods\" and used the \"voices\" to lead the masses in cooperative unison. And that cooperation allowed nomadic hunting tribes to gradually organize into stationary, food-producing societies. The continuing development of oral language and the increasing collectivization of bicameral minds allowed towns and eventually cities to form and flourish.

The bicameral mind, however, became increasingly inadequate for guiding human actions as societies continued to grow in size and complexity. By about 1000 B.C., the bicameral mind had become so inadequate that man\'s social structures began collapsing. Under threat of extinction, man invented a new way to use his brain that allowed him to solve the much more complex problems needed to survive -- he invented a new organization of the mind called consciousness.

Jaynes eliminated the missing link in the evolution of man by discovering that consciousness never existed in the evolutionary processes -- consciousness was invented by man.

The Development of Consciousness

Dr. Jaynes shows through abundant archaeological, historical, and biological evidence that the towns, cities, and societies from 9000 B.C. to 1000 B.C. were established and developed by unconscious people. Those societies formed and grew through common hallucinating voices attributed to gods, rulers, and the dead -- to external \"authorities\". Various external symbols that \"spoke\" (such as graves, idols, and statues) helped to reinforce and expand the authority of those common \"voices\". And those \"voices\" continued to expand their reach through increasingly visible and awe-inspiring symbols such as tombs, temples, colossuses, and pyramids.

But as those unconscious societies became more complex and increasingly intermingled through trade and wars, the \"voices\" became mixed and contradictory. With the \"voices\" becoming muddled, their effectiveness in guiding people diminished. Rituals and importunings became ever more intense and elaborate in attempts to evoke clearer \"voices\" and better guidance. The development of writing and the permanent recording of instructions and laws during the second millennium B.C. further weakened the authority and effectiveness of hallucinated voices. As the \"voices\" lost their effectiveness, they began falling silent. And without authoritarian \"voices\" to guide and control its people, those societies suddenly began collapsing with no external cause.

---

On making conscious and volitional decisions, man for the first time became responsible for his actions.

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As the bicameral mind broke down and societies collapsed, individuals one by one began inventing consciousness to make decisions needed to survive in the mounting anarchy and chaos. On making conscious and volitional decisions, man for the first time became responsible for his actions.

Also, for short-range advantages and easy power, conscious man began discovering and using deceit and treachery -- behaviors not possible from unconscious, bicameral minds. ...Before inventing consciousness, man was as guiltless and amoral as any other animal since he had no volitional choice in following his automatic guidance system of hallucinated voices.

As the \"voices\" fell silent, man began contriving religions and prayers in his attempts to communicate with the departed gods. Jaynes shows how man developed the concept of worship, heaven, angels, demons, exorcism, sacrifice, divination, omens, sortilege, and augury in his attempts to evoke guidance from the gods -- from external \"authorities\".

All such quests for external \"authority\" hark back to the breakdown of the hallucinating bicameral mind -- to the silencing and celestialization of the once \"vocal\" and earthly gods.

Much direct evidence for the breakdown of the bicameral mind and the development of consciousness comes from writings scribed between 1300 B.C. and 300 B.C. Those writings gradually shift from unconscious, objective reports to conscious, subjective expressions that reflect introspection. The jump from the unconscious writing of the Iliad to the conscious writing of the Odyssey (composed perhaps a century later) is dramatically obvious. That radical difference between the Iliad and the Odyssey is, incidentally, further evidence that more than one poet composed the Homeric epics.

The transition from the unconscious Iliad to the conscious Odyssey marks man\'s break with his 8000-year-old hallucinatory guidance system. By the sixth century B.C., written languages began reflecting conscious ideas of morality and justice similar to those reflected today.

The Old Testament of the Bible also illustrates the transition from the unconscious writing of its earlier books (such as Amos, circa 750 B.C.) to the fully conscious writing of its later books (such as Ecclesiastes, circa 350 B.C.). Amid that transition, the book of Samuel records the first known suicide -- an act that requires consciousness. And the book of Deuteronomy illustrates the conflict between the bicameral mind and the conscious mind.

Likewise, the transition to consciousness is observed in other parts of the world: Chinese literature moved from bicameral unconsciousness to subjective consciousness about 500 B.C. with the writings of Confucius. And in India, literature shifted to subjective consciousness around 400 B.C. with the Upanishadic writings.

American Indians, however, never developed the sophisticated, metaphorical languages needed to develop full consciousness. As a result, their mentalities were probably bicameral when they first encountered the European explorers. For example, with little or no conscious resistance, the Incas allowed the Spanish \"white gods\" to dominate, plunder, and slaughter them.

The Bicameral Mind in Today\'s World

Dr. Jaynes identifies many vestiges of the bicameral mentality that exist today. The most obvious vestige is religion and its symbols. Ironically, early Christianity with its teachings of Jesus was an attempt to shift religion from the outmoded bicameral and celestial mind of Moses to the newly conscious and earthly mind of man. Christianity then discovered a devastatingly effective tool for authoritarian control -- guilt. Indeed, guilt not only worked on conscious minds, but required conscious minds to be effective.

Despite religion, conscious minds caused the gradual shifts from governments of gods to governments of men and from divine laws to secular laws. Still, the vestiges of the bicameral mind combined with man\'s longing for guidance produced churches, prophets, oracles, sibyls, diviners, cults, mediums, astrologers, saints, idols, demons, tarot cards, seances, Ouija boards, glosolalia, fuhrers, ayatollahs, popes, peyote, Jonestown, born-agains.

Jaynes shows how such external \"authorities\" exist only through the remnants of the bicameral mind. Moreover, he reveals a four-step paradigm that can reshuffle susceptible minds back into hallucinating, bicameral mentalities. The ancient Greeks used a similar paradigm to reorganize or reprogram the minds of uneducated peasant girls into totally bicameral mentalities so they could become oracles and give advice through hallucinated voices -- voices that would rule the world (e.g., the oracle at Delphi). ...Today, people who deteriorate into schizophrenic psychoses follow similar paradigms.

A common thread united most oracles, sibyls, prophets (including Jesus), and demon-possessed people: Almost all were illiterate, all believed in spirits, and all could readily retrieve the bicameral mind. Today, however, retrieval of the bicameral mind is schizophrenic insanity. Also, today, as throughout history, a symptomatic cure for \"demon-possessed\" people involves exorcising rituals that let a more powerful \"authority\" or god replace the \"authority\" of the demon. The New Testament, for example, shows that Jesus and his disciples became effective exorcists by substituting one \"authority\" (their god) for another \"authority\" (another god or demon).

As the voices of the oracles became confused and nonsensical, their popularity waned. In their places, idolatry revived and then flourished. But as Christianity became a popular source of external \"authority\", Christian zealots began physically destroying all competing idols. They then built their own idols and symbols to reinforce the external \"authority\" of Christianity.

Among today\'s vestiges of the bicameral mentality is the born-again movement that seeks external guidance. Such vestiges dramatize man\'s resistance to use his own invention of consciousness to guide his life.

The chanting cadence of poetry and the rhythmic beat of music are also rooted in the bicameral mentality. In ancient writings, the hallucinated voices of the gods were always in poetic verse, usually in dactylic hexameter and sometimes in rhyme or alliteration -- all characteristic of right-brain functionings. The oracles and prophets also spoke in verse. And today, schizophrenics often speak in verse when they hallucinate.

Poetry and chants can have authoritarian or commanding beats and rhythms that can effectively block consciousness. Poetry is the language of the gods -- it is the language of the artistic, right-hemispheric brain. Plato recognized poetry as a divine madness.

Most poetry and songs have an abruptly changing or a discontinuous pitch. Normal speech, on the other hand, has a smoothly changing pitch. Jaynes demonstrates that reciting poetry, singing, and playing music are right-brain functions, while speaking is a left-brain function. That is why people with speech impediments can often sing, chant, or recite poetry with flawless clarity. Conversely, almost anyone trying to sing a conversation will find his words quickly deteriorating into a mass of inarticulate cliches.

Likewise, listening to music and poetry is a right-brain function. And music, poetry, or chants that project authority with loud or rhythmic beats can suppress left-brain functions to temporarily relieve anxiety or a painfully troubled consciousness.

Jaynes goes on to show phenomena such as hypnosis, acupuncture, and déjà vu also function through vestiges of the bicameral mind. And he demonstrates how hypnosis steadily narrows the sense of self, time, space, and introspection as consciousness shrinks and the mind reverts to a bicameral type organization. Analogously, bicameral and schizophrenic minds have little or no sense of self, time, space, or introspection. The hypnotized mind is urged to obey the voice of the hypnotist; the bicameral mind is compelled to obey the \"voices\" of \"authority\" or gods. By sensing oneself functioning in the narrow-scope, unaware state of hypnosis, one can gain a sense of functioning in the narrow-scope, unaware state of bicameral man.

Jaynes also identifies how modern quests for external \"authority\" are linked to the bicameral mind. Many such quests use science to seek authority in the laws of nature. In fact, today, science is surpassing the waning institutional religions as a major source of external \"authority\". And rising from the vestiges of the bicameral mind are an array of scientisms (pseudoscientific doctrines, faiths, and cults) that select various natural or scientific facts to subvert into apocryphal, authoritarian doctrines. That subversion is accomplished by using facts out of context to fit promulgated beliefs. Such mystical scientisms include astrology, ESP, Scientology, Christian Science and other \"science\" churches, I Ching, behaviorism, sensitivity training, mind control, meditation, hypnotism, cryonics, as well as various nutritional, health, and medical fads.

Today, the major worldwide sources of external \"authority\" are the philosophical doctrines of religion (plus the other forms of mysticism and \"metaphysics\") combined with political doctrines such as Socialism, Fascism, Marxism, and Maoism. All such doctrines demand the surrender of the individual\'s ego (sense of self or \"I\") to a collective, obedient faith toward the \"authority\" of those doctrines. In return, those doctrines offer automatic answers and lifetime guidance from which faithful followers can survive without the responsibility or effort of using their own consciousnesses. Thus, all political systems represent a regression into mysticism -- from conscious man back to bicameral man.

Despite their constant harm to everyone, most modern-day external \"authorities\" thrive by using the following two-step technique to repress consciousness and activate the bicameral mind in their victims:

1. First man is made to feel guilty. He is condemned for having lost > his \"innocence\" by inventing consciousness. He is condemned for > assuming the responsibility to use his own mind to guide his life. > He is condemned for exchanging his automatic, bicameral life for a > volitional, conscious life...condemned for exchanging his > nature-given bicameral mind for a superior, man-invented conscious > mind.

2. Then man is offered automatic solutions to problems and guidance > through life into an \"effortless\" Garden of Eden or a utopian > hereafter if he exchanges his own invented consciousness for faith > in external \"authority\" -- bicameral faith in some leader, > doctrine, or god. Man is offered the \"reward\" of escaping the > self-responsibility to make one\'s own decisions and to guide > one\'s own life. But for that \"reward\", he must renounce his own > mind to follow someone else\'s mind or wishes disguised as the > \"truth\" promulgated by some external \"authority\" or higher > power.

But in reality, no valid external \"authority\" or higher power can exist or ever has existed. Valid authority evolves only from one\'s own conscious thinking used to perceive and then integrate factual reality. When that independent thinking process is fully realized, man will emerge completely from his bicameral past and move into a future that accepts individual consciousness integrated with factual reality as the only authority. ...Man will then fully evolve into a prosperous, happy individual who has assumed full responsibility for his own thinking and life.

Still, the resistance to self-responsibility is formidable. The bicameral mentality grips those seeking mysticism or other \"authorities\" for guidance. Those who accept external \"authority\" allow government officials, religious leaders, faith, homilies, cliches, one-liners, slogans, the familiar, habits, and feelings to guide their actions. ...Fully integrated honesty demonstrates how throughout history billions of people unnecessarily submit through their bicameral tendencies to the illusionary, false authorities in government, religion, the academe, and the media. And that submission is always done at a net loss to everyone\'s well-being and happiness.

The Implications

To some, the implications of fully integrated honesty will be frightening, even terrifying. To others, the implications will be electrifying and liberating. ...The implications are that each individual is solely responsible for his or her own life. No automatic, effortless route to knowledge or guidance exists. Each individual is solely responsible for making the effort required to guide one\'s own life with the conscious integrations of one\'s own perceptions.

People knowledgeable about fully integrated honesty have the tools to control their own lives and destinies, free from crippling mysticism and harmful false authority.

EPILOGUE: THE END OF MYSTICISM

The discovery provides the knowledge needed for identifying the bicameral elements of any statement or action by anyone or any group (e.g., church, government, media, politician, priest, businessman, doctor, friend, parent, spouse, self). Armed with this knowledge, people can free themselves from the control or influence of mysticism and external \"authority\". And hopefully, by the year 2000, the discoveries will have eliminated all vestiges of the bicameral mentality -- all vestiges of mysticism and external \"authority\".

Without the bicameral mentality, all mysticism and external \"authority\" will wither and vanish. For, mysticisms have no validity except that which is granted to them by the bicameral mentalities. With political and religious influences disappearing, the mechanisms for \"authorities\" to harm individuals and wage wars will also disappear. Thus, if civilization is prospering by the year 2000, Jaynes\'s discovery along with the discovery of fully integrated honesty will have contributed to that prosperity by ending the symbiotic, mystical relationships of bicameral mentalities with authoritarian societies (which now hold nuclear weapons). Such mystical relationships would sooner or later cause the annihilation of any civilization.

If our civilization is flourishing by the year 2000, rational human consciousness will have eliminated mysticism and external \"authority\" through fully integrated honesty. And without external false authorities, harmful governments and their wars will be impossible. Best of all, without external \"authority\" or mysticism, no one will be forcibly controlled, impeded, or drained by others. Without the chains of mysticism, universal health will become available to every productive person wanting to increasingly experience life and happiness.

@ b20a4da9:7413abf5

Man, you're not kidding. It's like a goddamn tidal wave of information coming at us from all directions these days. It's enough to make a guy's head spin.

I mean, back in my day, we had like three channels on the TV and that was it. If you wanted to learn something, you had to go to the library and look it up in a book. But now, it's like there's an endless stream of news, social media, and other crap coming at us all the time. It's hard to keep up, man.

And a lot of it's just noise, you know? It's people shouting their opinions and trying to get attention, without really saying anything of substance. It's hard to know what's true and what's not, and it's easy to get caught up in all the bullshit.

It's like trying to drink from a firehose, man. It's just too much. And it's hard to know where to focus your attention. Do you spend all your time scrolling through social media, looking for the latest updates? Or do you try to ignore it all and focus on your own life?

I guess what I'm trying to say is, it's important to find a balance. We can't just stick our heads in the sand and ignore the world around us, but we also can't let ourselves get overwhelmed by all the noise and distractions.

So take a deep breath, man. Take a step back and focus on what's important. Don't worry about keeping up with every little thing that's happening out there. Just do your thing, and let the rest of it slide by. You'll be a lot happier, and a lot less stressed out. Trust me, I know from experience.

@ c4428155:a36de510

New York’s Guardianship System Is Broken. Will Lawmakers Pay for a Modest Fix?

by Jake Pearson (https://www.propublica.org/people/jake-pearson)

ProPublica is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates abuses of power. Sign up to receive our biggest stories (https://www.propublica.org/newsletters/the-big-story?source=54G&placement=top-note®ion=national) as soon as they’re published.

As New York lawmakers hammer out a more than $200 billion budget this week, they may include $5 million to improve the state’s troubled guardianship system, which oversees the physical and financial welfare of tens of thousands of New Yorkers who the courts have said cannot care for themselves.

The modest allotment, which was advanced by the state Senate, would continue to fund a statewide hotline (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/R1952) that launched last June and has advised hundreds of people considering guardianship for their relatives or friends. And it would give new support to nonprofits that provide services to poor adults who have nobody else to help them — known in the industry as “the unbefriended.”

“It’s not going to fix the whole problem, but it’s a step in the right direction,” said Kimberly George, a leader of Guardianship Access New York, which lobbied for the additional money.

The relatively small price tag doesn’t mean the Senate’s proposal will make the final cut in this week’s budget talks; the assembly and Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, have proposed even less in their spending plans: just $1 million to continue the guardianship hotline. Neither the governor’s office nor Speaker Carl Heastie responded to requests for comment on the gap. The three parties must now reach an agreement on the issue — and the overall budget — by Thursday.

The effort to secure more public funding for guardianship follows a series of stories by ProPublica last month highlighting how New York’s overtaxed and loosely regulated guardianship system is failing thousands (https://www.propublica.org/article/how-one-woman-endured-decade-neglect-new-york-guardianship) of vulnerable people. Part of the problem, the reporting showed, is a dearth of guardians for poor New Yorkers (https://www.propublica.org/series/the-unbefriended) — something the Senate proposal would help address. New York City, for instance, relies on private attorneys who work the cases for free, along with a small network of nonprofits. In recent years, two such groups abruptly shut down due to financial strains.

But the legislative proposal does not address the system’s lax oversight of those guardians (https://www.propublica.org/article/new-york-guardianship-services-care-sick-elderly-confused-alone).

In New York City, there are 17,411 people in guardianships — 60% of the statewide total — and only 157 examiners to scrutinize how guardians handle their wards’ finances and care, according to data from the courts. In some cases, ProPublica found, abuse, neglect or fraud went on for years before it was noticed by authorities — if it was noticed at all.

Advocates have long pushed for a comprehensive overhaul but said any additional resources in the budget would improve the existing system, which is stretched beyond capacity. “The problem is so big, and the population is continuing to age and the need is growing so rapidly, that if we wait for a whole solution, nothing is going to be fixed and it’s just going to get worse,” said George, who also heads Project Guardianship, a nonprofit group that serves as guardian to about 160 New York City wards.

She and others hope the Senate’s proposal is just the first step in a series of legislative actions. Legislators remain in session until June.

Sen. Kevin Thomas, a Long Island Democrat who last year secured the initial $1 million to launch the statewide guardianship hotline, is leading the campaign for the additional funding. In February, he sent a letter — signed by 14 of his colleagues — to Democratic Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins asking her to back the $5 million appropriation, which would “stand to benefit thousands of aging and incapacitated New Yorkers.”

“New York State is fortunate to have strong legal protections that entitle individuals access to guardianship services when necessary,” the lawmakers wrote. “However, this mandate is underfunded and there is currently no direct funding stream to ensure statutory compliance.”

Among the signatories were the chairs of the Aging, Health and Judiciary committees in the Senate. Assembly Member Charles Lavine, another Long Island Democrat and the chair of the chamber’s Judiciary Committee, sent a similar letter to the assembly speaker in support of the $5 million proposal.

In addition to the budget deal, there are indications that Albany is considering more sweeping reforms.

Lavine said in a statement that he was “discussing” the problems highlighted by ProPublica with judicial officials “with a view towards enacting responsive legislation.” Assembly Member Amy Paulin, a Democrat who chairs the chamber’s Health Committee, called ProPublica’s reporting “concerning, if not distressing,” and said she planned on “looking more into this” after the budget is complete. And Gustavo Rivera, a fellow Democrat and Paulin’s counterpart in the Senate, said he was “open to reviewing” reforms to guardianship after the budget is approved so that lawmakers “can adequately improve a failing system that is exploiting too many vulnerable New Yorkers while enriching the pockets of a few.”

In addition to providing more money for guardians and examiners, experts say lawmakers could strengthen the examination process, mandate more stringent training for guardians (https://www.propublica.org/article/how-new-york-guardianship-system-can-be-fixed) and implement maximum staff-to-ward ratios that keep caseloads manageably low.

Lawmakers have known for decades that the guardianship system is in dire need of an upgrade to meet the needs of those it serves. Indeed, shortly after they passed the law that governs adult guardianships 30 years ago, judges pleaded with Albany to provide critical funding for the indigent and to institute other reforms. Those efforts were unsuccessful, and in the decades since, others have made similar trips to the capitol, producing reports and holding roundtables highlighting the system’s failures. Yet these efforts have had little effect.

Advocates hope that will change given the state’s aging population — an estimated 5.6 million New Yorkers will be 60 or older by 2030 — and Hochul’s plan to help meet its needs (https://www.ny.gov/programs/new-york-states-master-plan-aging). Judges have said the elderly make up a significant segment of those in guardianship since many who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease need help caring for themselves.

Arthur Diamond, a former supervising guardianship judge on Long Island who has long called for reforms, said he was cautiously optimistic that state legislators and judicial leaders were finally serious about rectifying the system’s deep-seated problems.

“I think that if a year from now, we’re in the same spot, I’m going to give up,” he said of his advocacy. “But these people told me in good faith that they were interested and wanted to help, they told me they are working on remedies, and I take them at their word.”

https://www.propublica.org/article/new-york-lawmakers-weigh-funding-for-guardianship-system