@ eac63075:b4988b48

Based on a recent paper that included collaboration from renowned experts such as Lynn Alden, Steve Lee, and Ren Crypto Fish, we discuss in depth how Bitcoin's consensus is built, the main risks, and the complex dynamics of protocol upgrades.

PT-BR version

Podcast https://www.fountain.fm/episode/wbjD6ntQuvX5u2G5BccC

Presentation https://gamma.app/docs/Analyzing-Bitcoin-Consensus-Risks-in-Protocol-Upgrades-p66axxjwaa37ksn

1. Introduction to Consensus in Bitcoin

Consensus in Bitcoin is the foundation that keeps the network secure and functional, allowing users worldwide to perform transactions in a decentralized manner without the need for intermediaries. Since its launch in 2009, Bitcoin is often described as an "immutable" system designed to resist changes, and it is precisely this resistance that ensures its security and stability.

The central idea behind consensus in Bitcoin is to create a set of acceptance rules for blocks and transactions, ensuring that all network participants agree on the transaction history. This prevents "double-spending," where the same bitcoin could be used in two simultaneous transactions, something that would compromise trust in the network.

Evolution of Consensus in Bitcoin

Over the years, consensus in Bitcoin has undergone several adaptations, and the way participants agree on changes remains a delicate process. Unlike traditional systems, where changes can be imposed from the top down, Bitcoin operates in a decentralized model where any significant change needs the support of various groups of stakeholders, including miners, developers, users, and large node operators.

Moreover, the update process is extremely cautious, as hasty changes can compromise the network's security. As a result, the philosophy of "don't fix what isn't broken" prevails, with improvements happening incrementally and only after broad consensus among those involved. This model can make progress seem slow but ensures that Bitcoin remains faithful to the principles of security and decentralization.

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2. Technical Components of Consensus

Bitcoin's consensus is supported by a set of technical rules that determine what is considered a valid transaction and a valid block on the network. These technical aspects ensure that all nodes—the computers that participate in the Bitcoin network—agree on the current state of the blockchain. Below are the main technical components that form the basis of the consensus.

Validation of Blocks and Transactions

The validation of blocks and transactions is the central point of consensus in Bitcoin. A block is only considered valid if it meets certain criteria, such as maximum size, transaction structure, and the solving of the "Proof of Work" problem. The proof of work, required for a block to be included in the blockchain, is a computational process that ensures the block contains significant computational effort—protecting the network against manipulation attempts.

Transactions, in turn, need to follow specific input and output rules. Each transaction includes cryptographic signatures that prove the ownership of the bitcoins sent, as well as validation scripts that verify if the transaction conditions are met. This validation system is essential for network nodes to autonomously confirm that each transaction follows the rules.

Chain Selection

Another fundamental technical issue for Bitcoin's consensus is chain selection, which becomes especially important in cases where multiple versions of the blockchain coexist, such as after a network split (fork). To decide which chain is the "true" one and should be followed, the network adopts the criterion of the highest accumulated proof of work. In other words, the chain with the highest number of valid blocks, built with the greatest computational effort, is chosen by the network as the official one.

This criterion avoids permanent splits because it encourages all nodes to follow the same main chain, reinforcing consensus.

Soft Forks vs. Hard Forks

In the consensus process, protocol changes can happen in two ways: through soft forks or hard forks. These variations affect not only the protocol update but also the implications for network users:

• Soft Forks: These are changes that are backward compatible. Only nodes that adopt the new update will follow the new rules, but old nodes will still recognize the blocks produced with these rules as valid. This compatibility makes soft forks a safer option for updates, as it minimizes the risk of network division.

• Hard Forks: These are updates that are not backward compatible, requiring all nodes to update to the new version or risk being separated from the main chain. Hard forks can result in the creation of a new coin, as occurred with the split between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash in 2017. While hard forks allow for deeper changes, they also bring significant risks of network fragmentation.

These technical components form the base of Bitcoin's security and resilience, allowing the system to remain functional and immutable without losing the necessary flexibility to evolve over time.

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3. Stakeholders in Bitcoin's Consensus

Consensus in Bitcoin is not decided centrally. On the contrary, it depends on the interaction between different groups of stakeholders, each with their motivations, interests, and levels of influence. These groups play fundamental roles in how changes are implemented or rejected on the network. Below, we explore the six main stakeholders in Bitcoin's consensus.

1. Economic Nodes

Economic nodes, usually operated by exchanges, custody providers, and large companies that accept Bitcoin, exert significant influence over consensus. Because they handle large volumes of transactions and act as a connection point between the Bitcoin ecosystem and the traditional financial system, these nodes have the power to validate or reject blocks and to define which version of the software to follow in case of a fork.

Their influence is proportional to the volume of transactions they handle, and they can directly affect which chain will be seen as the main one. Their incentive is to maintain the network's stability and security to preserve its functionality and meet regulatory requirements.

2. Investors

Investors, including large institutional funds and individual Bitcoin holders, influence consensus indirectly through their impact on the asset's price. Their buying and selling actions can affect Bitcoin's value, which in turn influences the motivation of miners and other stakeholders to continue investing in the network's security and development.

Some institutional investors have agreements with custodians that may limit their ability to act in network split situations. Thus, the impact of each investor on consensus can vary based on their ownership structure and how quickly they can react to a network change.

3. Media Influencers

Media influencers, including journalists, analysts, and popular personalities on social media, have a powerful role in shaping public opinion about Bitcoin and possible updates. These influencers can help educate the public, promote debates, and bring transparency to the consensus process.

On the other hand, the impact of influencers can be double-edged: while they can clarify complex topics, they can also distort perceptions by amplifying or minimizing change proposals. This makes them a force both of support and resistance to consensus.

4. Miners

Miners are responsible for validating transactions and including blocks in the blockchain. Through computational power (hashrate), they also exert significant influence over consensus decisions. In update processes, miners often signal their support for a proposal, indicating that the new version is safe to use. However, this signaling is not always definitive, and miners can change their position if they deem it necessary.

Their incentive is to maximize returns from block rewards and transaction fees, as well as to maintain the value of investments in their specialized equipment, which are only profitable if the network remains stable.

5. Protocol Developers

Protocol developers, often called "Core Developers," are responsible for writing and maintaining Bitcoin's code. Although they do not have direct power over consensus, they possess an informal veto power since they decide which changes are included in the main client (Bitcoin Core). This group also serves as an important source of technical knowledge, helping guide decisions and inform other stakeholders.

Their incentive lies in the continuous improvement of the network, ensuring security and decentralization. Many developers are funded by grants and sponsorships, but their motivations generally include a strong ideological commitment to Bitcoin's principles.

6. Users and Application Developers

This group includes people who use Bitcoin in their daily transactions and developers who build solutions based on the network, such as wallets, exchanges, and payment platforms. Although their power in consensus is less than that of miners or economic nodes, they play an important role because they are responsible for popularizing Bitcoin's use and expanding the ecosystem.

If application developers decide not to adopt an update, this can affect compatibility and widespread acceptance. Thus, they indirectly influence consensus by deciding which version of the protocol to follow in their applications.

These stakeholders are vital to the consensus process, and each group exerts influence according to their involvement, incentives, and ability to act in situations of change. Understanding the role of each makes it clearer how consensus is formed and why it is so difficult to make significant changes to Bitcoin.

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4. Mechanisms for Activating Updates in Bitcoin

For Bitcoin to evolve without compromising security and consensus, different mechanisms for activating updates have been developed over the years. These mechanisms help coordinate changes among network nodes to minimize the risk of fragmentation and ensure that updates are implemented in an orderly manner. Here, we explore some of the main methods used in Bitcoin, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as historical examples of significant updates.

Flag Day

The Flag Day mechanism is one of the simplest forms of activating changes. In it, a specific date or block is determined as the activation moment, and all nodes must be updated by that point. This method does not involve prior signaling; participants simply need to update to the new software version by the established day or block.

• Advantages: Simplicity and predictability are the main benefits of Flag Day, as everyone knows the exact activation date.

• Disadvantages: Inflexibility can be a problem because there is no way to adjust the schedule if a significant part of the network has not updated. This can result in network splits if a significant number of nodes are not ready for the update.

An example of Flag Day was the Pay to Script Hash (P2SH) update in 2012, which required all nodes to adopt the change to avoid compatibility issues.

BIP34 and BIP9

BIP34 introduced a more dynamic process, in which miners increase the version number in block headers to signal the update. When a predetermined percentage of the last blocks is mined with this new version, the update is automatically activated. This model later evolved with BIP9, which allowed multiple updates to be signaled simultaneously through "version bits," each corresponding to a specific change.

• Advantages: Allows the network to activate updates gradually, giving more time for participants to adapt.

• Disadvantages: These methods rely heavily on miner support, which means that if a sufficient number of miners do not signal the update, it can be delayed or not implemented.

BIP9 was used in the activation of SegWit (BIP141) but faced challenges because some miners did not signal their intent to activate, leading to the development of new mechanisms.

User Activated Soft Forks (UASF) and User Resisted Soft Forks (URSF)

To increase the decision-making power of ordinary users, the concept of User Activated Soft Fork (UASF) was introduced, allowing node operators, not just miners, to determine consensus for a change. In this model, nodes set a date to start rejecting blocks that are not in compliance with the new update, forcing miners to adapt or risk having their blocks rejected by the network.

URSF, in turn, is a model where nodes reject blocks that attempt to adopt a specific update, functioning as resistance against proposed changes.

• Advantages: UASF returns decision-making power to node operators, ensuring that changes do not depend solely on miners.

• Disadvantages: Both UASF and URSF can generate network splits, especially in cases of strong opposition among different stakeholders.

An example of UASF was the activation of SegWit in 2017, where users supported activation independently of miner signaling, which ended up forcing its adoption.

BIP8 (LOT=True)

BIP8 is an evolution of BIP9, designed to prevent miners from indefinitely blocking a change desired by the majority of users and developers. BIP8 allows setting a parameter called "lockinontimeout" (LOT) as true, which means that if the update has not been fully signaled by a certain point, it is automatically activated.

• Advantages: Ensures that changes with broad support among users are not blocked by miners who wish to maintain the status quo.

• Disadvantages: Can lead to network splits if miners or other important stakeholders do not support the update.

Although BIP8 with LOT=True has not yet been used in Bitcoin, it is a proposal that can be applied in future updates if necessary.

These activation mechanisms have been essential for Bitcoin's development, allowing updates that keep the network secure and functional. Each method brings its own advantages and challenges, but all share the goal of preserving consensus and network cohesion.

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5. Risks and Considerations in Consensus Updates

Consensus updates in Bitcoin are complex processes that involve not only technical aspects but also political, economic, and social considerations. Due to the network's decentralized nature, each change brings with it a set of risks that need to be carefully assessed. Below, we explore some of the main challenges and future scenarios, as well as the possible impacts on stakeholders.

Network Fragility with Alternative Implementations

One of the main risks associated with consensus updates is the possibility of network fragmentation when there are alternative software implementations. If an update is implemented by a significant group of nodes but rejected by others, a network split (fork) can occur. This creates two competing chains, each with a different version of the transaction history, leading to unpredictable consequences for users and investors.

Such fragmentation weakens Bitcoin because, by dividing hashing power (computing) and coin value, it reduces network security and investor confidence. A notable example of this risk was the fork that gave rise to Bitcoin Cash in 2017 when disagreements over block size resulted in a new chain and a new asset.

Chain Splits and Impact on Stakeholders

Chain splits are a significant risk in update processes, especially in hard forks. During a hard fork, the network is split into two separate chains, each with its own set of rules. This results in the creation of a new coin and leaves users with duplicated assets on both chains. While this may seem advantageous, in the long run, these splits weaken the network and create uncertainties for investors.

Each group of stakeholders reacts differently to a chain split:

• Institutional Investors and ETFs: Face regulatory and compliance challenges because many of these assets are managed under strict regulations. The creation of a new coin requires decisions to be made quickly to avoid potential losses, which may be hampered by regulatory constraints.

• Miners: May be incentivized to shift their computing power to the chain that offers higher profitability, which can weaken one of the networks.

• Economic Nodes: Such as major exchanges and custody providers, have to quickly choose which chain to support, influencing the perceived value of each network.

Such divisions can generate uncertainties and loss of value, especially for institutional investors and those who use Bitcoin as a store of value.

Regulatory Impacts and Institutional Investors

With the growing presence of institutional investors in Bitcoin, consensus changes face new compliance challenges. Bitcoin ETFs, for example, are required to follow strict rules about which assets they can include and how chain split events should be handled. The creation of a new asset or migration to a new chain can complicate these processes, creating pressure for large financial players to quickly choose a chain, affecting the stability of consensus.

Moreover, decisions regarding forks can influence the Bitcoin futures and derivatives market, affecting perception and adoption by new investors. Therefore, the need to avoid splits and maintain cohesion is crucial to attract and preserve the confidence of these investors.

Security Considerations in Soft Forks and Hard Forks

While soft forks are generally preferred in Bitcoin for their backward compatibility, they are not without risks. Soft forks can create different classes of nodes on the network (updated and non-updated), which increases operational complexity and can ultimately weaken consensus cohesion. In a network scenario with fragmentation of node classes, Bitcoin's security can be affected, as some nodes may lose part of the visibility over updated transactions or rules.

In hard forks, the security risk is even more evident because all nodes need to adopt the new update to avoid network division. Experience shows that abrupt changes can create temporary vulnerabilities, in which malicious agents try to exploit the transition to attack the network.

Bounty Claim Risks and Attack Scenarios

Another risk in consensus updates are so-called "bounty claims"—accumulated rewards that can be obtained if an attacker manages to split or deceive a part of the network. In a conflict scenario, a group of miners or nodes could be incentivized to support a new update or create an alternative version of the software to benefit from these rewards.

These risks require stakeholders to carefully assess each update and the potential vulnerabilities it may introduce. The possibility of "bounty claims" adds a layer of complexity to consensus because each interest group may see a financial opportunity in a change that, in the long term, may harm network stability.

The risks discussed above show the complexity of consensus in Bitcoin and the importance of approaching it gradually and deliberately. Updates need to consider not only technical aspects but also economic and social implications, in order to preserve Bitcoin's integrity and maintain trust among stakeholders.

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6. Recommendations for the Consensus Process in Bitcoin

To ensure that protocol changes in Bitcoin are implemented safely and with broad support, it is essential that all stakeholders adopt a careful and coordinated approach. Here are strategic recommendations for evaluating, supporting, or rejecting consensus updates, considering the risks and challenges discussed earlier, along with best practices for successful implementation.

1. Careful Evaluation of Proposal Maturity

Stakeholders should rigorously assess the maturity level of a proposal before supporting its implementation. Updates that are still experimental or lack a robust technical foundation can expose the network to unnecessary risks. Ideally, change proposals should go through an extensive testing phase, have security audits, and receive review and feedback from various developers and experts.

2. Extensive Testing in Secure and Compatible Networks

Before an update is activated on the mainnet, it is essential to test it on networks like testnet and signet, and whenever possible, on other compatible networks that offer a safe and controlled environment to identify potential issues. Testing on networks like Litecoin was fundamental for the safe launch of innovations like SegWit and the Lightning Network, allowing functionalities to be validated on a lower-impact network before being implemented on Bitcoin.

The Liquid Network, developed by Blockstream, also plays an important role as an experimental network for new proposals, such as OP_CAT. By adopting these testing environments, stakeholders can mitigate risks and ensure that the update is reliable and secure before being adopted by the main network.

3. Importance of Stakeholder Engagement

The success of a consensus update strongly depends on the active participation of all stakeholders. This includes economic nodes, miners, protocol developers, investors, and end users. Lack of participation can lead to inadequate decisions or even future network splits, which would compromise Bitcoin's security and stability.

4. Key Questions for Evaluating Consensus Proposals

To assist in decision-making, each group of stakeholders should consider some key questions before supporting a consensus change:

• Does the proposal offer tangible benefits for Bitcoin's security, scalability, or usability?
• Does it maintain backward compatibility or introduce the risk of network split?
• Are the implementation requirements clear and feasible for each group involved?
• Are there clear and aligned incentives for all stakeholder groups to accept the change?

5. Coordination and Timing in Implementations

Timing is crucial. Updates with short activation windows can force a split because not all nodes and miners can update simultaneously. Changes should be planned with ample deadlines to allow all stakeholders to adjust their systems, avoiding surprises that could lead to fragmentation.

Mechanisms like soft forks are generally preferable to hard forks because they allow a smoother transition. Opting for backward-compatible updates when possible facilitates the process and ensures that nodes and miners can adapt without pressure.

6. Continuous Monitoring and Re-evaluation

After an update, it's essential to monitor the network to identify problems or side effects. This continuous process helps ensure cohesion and trust among all participants, keeping Bitcoin as a secure and robust network.

These recommendations, including the use of secure networks for extensive testing, promote a collaborative and secure environment for Bitcoin's consensus process. By adopting a deliberate and strategic approach, stakeholders can preserve Bitcoin's value as a decentralized and censorship-resistant network.

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7. Conclusion

Consensus in Bitcoin is more than a set of rules; it's the foundation that sustains the network as a decentralized, secure, and reliable system. Unlike centralized systems, where decisions can be made quickly, Bitcoin requires a much more deliberate and cooperative approach, where the interests of miners, economic nodes, developers, investors, and users must be considered and harmonized. This governance model may seem slow, but it is fundamental to preserving the resilience and trust that make Bitcoin a global store of value and censorship-resistant.

Consensus updates in Bitcoin must balance the need for innovation with the preservation of the network's core principles. The development process of a proposal needs to be detailed and rigorous, going through several testing stages, such as in testnet, signet, and compatible networks like Litecoin and Liquid Network. These networks offer safe environments for proposals to be analyzed and improved before being launched on the main network.

Each proposed change must be carefully evaluated regarding its maturity, impact, backward compatibility, and support among stakeholders. The recommended key questions and appropriate timing are critical to ensure that an update is adopted without compromising network cohesion. It's also essential that the implementation process is continuously monitored and re-evaluated, allowing adjustments as necessary and minimizing the risk of instability.

By following these guidelines, Bitcoin's stakeholders can ensure that the network continues to evolve safely and robustly, maintaining user trust and further solidifying its role as one of the most resilient and innovative digital assets in the world. Ultimately, consensus in Bitcoin is not just a technical issue but a reflection of its community and the values it represents: security, decentralization, and resilience.

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8. Links

Whitepaper: https://github.com/bitcoin-cap/bcap

Youtube (pt-br): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARycAibl9o&list=PL-qnhF0qlSPkfhorqsREuIu4UTbF0h4zb

@ eac63075:b4988b48

The future of physical money is at stake, and the discussion about DREX, the new digital currency planned by the Central Bank of Brazil, is gaining momentum. In a candid and intense conversation, Federal Deputy Julia Zanatta (PL/SC) discussed the challenges and risks of this digital transition, also addressing her Bill No. 3,341/2024, which aims to prevent the extinction of physical currency. This bill emerges as a direct response to legislative initiatives seeking to replace physical money with digital alternatives, limiting citizens' options and potentially compromising individual freedom. Let's delve into the main points of this conversation.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/i5YGJ9Ors3PkqAIMvNQ0

(PT-BR version here)

What is a CBDC?

Before discussing the specifics of DREX, it’s important to understand what a CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) is. CBDCs are digital currencies issued by central banks, similar to a digital version of physical money. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate in a decentralized manner, CBDCs are centralized and regulated by the government. In other words, they are digital currencies created and controlled by the Central Bank, intended to replace physical currency.

A prominent feature of CBDCs is their programmability. This means that the government can theoretically set rules about how, where, and for what this currency can be used. This aspect enables a level of control over citizens' finances that is impossible with physical money. By programming the currency, the government could limit transactions by setting geographical or usage restrictions. In practice, money within a CBDC could be restricted to specific spending or authorized for use in a defined geographical area.

In countries like China, where citizen actions and attitudes are also monitored, a person considered to have a "low score" due to a moral or ideological violation may have their transactions limited to essential purchases, restricting their digital currency use to non-essential activities. This financial control is strengthened because, unlike physical money, digital currency cannot be exchanged anonymously.

Practical Example: The Case of DREX During the Pandemic

To illustrate how DREX could be used, an example was given by Eric Altafim, director of Banco Itaú. He suggested that, if DREX had existed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government could have restricted the currency’s use to a 5-kilometer radius around a person’s residence, limiting their economic mobility. Another proposed use by the executive related to the Bolsa Família welfare program: the government could set up programming that only allows this benefit to be used exclusively for food purchases. Although these examples are presented as control measures for safety or organization, they demonstrate how much a CBDC could restrict citizens' freedom of choice.

To illustrate the potential for state control through a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), such as DREX, it is helpful to look at the example of China. In China, the implementation of a CBDC coincides with the country’s Social Credit System, a governmental surveillance tool that assesses citizens' and companies' behavior. Together, these technologies allow the Chinese government to monitor, reward, and, above all, punish behavior deemed inappropriate or threatening to the government.

How Does China's Social Credit System Work?

Implemented in 2014, China's Social Credit System assigns every citizen and company a "score" based on various factors, including financial behavior, criminal record, social interactions, and even online activities. This score determines the benefits or penalties each individual receives and can affect everything from public transport access to obtaining loans and enrolling in elite schools for their children. Citizens with low scores may face various sanctions, including travel restrictions, fines, and difficulty in securing loans.

With the adoption of the CBDC — or “digital yuan” — the Chinese government now has a new tool to closely monitor citizens' financial transactions, facilitating the application of Social Credit System penalties. China’s CBDC is a programmable digital currency, which means that the government can restrict how, when, and where the money can be spent. Through this level of control, digital currency becomes a powerful mechanism for influencing citizens' behavior.

Imagine, for instance, a citizen who repeatedly posts critical remarks about the government on social media or participates in protests. If the Social Credit System assigns this citizen a low score, the Chinese government could, through the CBDC, restrict their money usage in certain areas or sectors. For example, they could be prevented from buying tickets to travel to other regions, prohibited from purchasing certain consumer goods, or even restricted to making transactions only at stores near their home.

Another example of how the government can use the CBDC to enforce the Social Credit System is by monitoring purchases of products such as alcohol or luxury items. If a citizen uses the CBDC to spend more than the government deems reasonable on such products, this could negatively impact their social score, resulting in additional penalties such as future purchase restrictions or a lowered rating that impacts their personal and professional lives.

In China, this kind of control has already been demonstrated in several cases. Citizens added to Social Credit System “blacklists” have seen their spending and investment capacity severely limited. The combination of digital currency and social scores thus creates a sophisticated and invasive surveillance system, through which the Chinese government controls important aspects of citizens’ financial lives and individual freedoms.

Deputy Julia Zanatta views these examples with great concern. She argues that if the state has full control over digital money, citizens will be exposed to a level of economic control and surveillance never seen before. In a democracy, this control poses a risk, but in an authoritarian regime, it could be used as a powerful tool of repression.

DREX and Bill No. 3,341/2024

Julia Zanatta became aware of a bill by a Workers' Party (PT) deputy (Bill 4068/2020 by Deputy Reginaldo Lopes - PT/MG) that proposes the extinction of physical money within five years, aiming for a complete transition to DREX, the digital currency developed by the Central Bank of Brazil. Concerned about the impact of this measure, Julia drafted her bill, PL No. 3,341/2024, which prohibits the elimination of physical money, ensuring citizens the right to choose physical currency.

“The more I read about DREX, the less I want its implementation,” says the deputy. DREX is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), similar to other state digital currencies worldwide, but which, according to Julia, carries extreme control risks. She points out that with DREX, the State could closely monitor each citizen’s transactions, eliminating anonymity and potentially restricting freedom of choice. This control would lie in the hands of the Central Bank, which could, in a crisis or government change, “freeze balances or even delete funds directly from user accounts.”

Risks and Individual Freedom

Julia raises concerns about potential abuses of power that complete digitalization could allow. In a democracy, state control over personal finances raises serious questions, and EddieOz warns of an even more problematic future. “Today we are in a democracy, but tomorrow, with a government transition, we don't know if this kind of power will be used properly or abused,” he states. In other words, DREX gives the State the ability to restrict or condition the use of money, opening the door to unprecedented financial surveillance.

EddieOz cites Nigeria as an example, where a CBDC was implemented, and the government imposed severe restrictions on the use of physical money to encourage the use of digital currency, leading to protests and clashes in the country. In practice, the poorest and unbanked — those without regular access to banking services — were harshly affected, as without physical money, many cannot conduct basic transactions. Julia highlights that in Brazil, this situation would be even more severe, given the large number of unbanked individuals and the extent of rural areas where access to technology is limited.

The Relationship Between DREX and Pix

The digital transition has already begun with Pix, which revolutionized instant transfers and payments in Brazil. However, Julia points out that Pix, though popular, is a citizen’s choice, while DREX tends to eliminate that choice. The deputy expresses concern about new rules suggested for Pix, such as daily transaction limits of a thousand reais, justified as anti-fraud measures but which, in her view, represent additional control and a profit opportunity for banks. “How many more rules will banks create to profit from us?” asks Julia, noting that DREX could further enhance control over personal finances.

International Precedents and Resistance to CBDC

The deputy also cites examples from other countries resisting the idea of a centralized digital currency. In the United States, states like New Hampshire have passed laws to prevent the advance of CBDCs, and leaders such as Donald Trump have opposed creating a national digital currency. Trump, addressing the topic, uses a justification similar to Julia’s: in a digitalized system, “with one click, your money could disappear.” She agrees with the warning, emphasizing the control risk that a CBDC represents, especially for countries with disadvantaged populations.

Besides the United States, Canada, Colombia, and Australia have also suspended studies on digital currencies, citing the need for further discussions on population impacts. However, in Brazil, the debate on DREX is still limited, with few parliamentarians and political leaders openly discussing the topic. According to Julia, only she and one or two deputies are truly trying to bring this discussion to the Chamber, making DREX’s advance even more concerning.

Bill No. 3,341/2024 and Popular Pressure

For Julia, her bill is a first step. Although she acknowledges that ideally, it would prevent DREX's implementation entirely, PL 3341/2024 is a measure to ensure citizens' choice to use physical money, preserving a form of individual freedom. “If the future means control, I prefer to live in the past,” Julia asserts, reinforcing that the fight for freedom is at the heart of her bill.

However, the deputy emphasizes that none of this will be possible without popular mobilization. According to her, popular pressure is crucial for other deputies to take notice and support PL 3341. “I am only one deputy, and we need the public’s support to raise the project’s visibility,” she explains, encouraging the public to press other parliamentarians and ask them to “pay attention to PL 3341 and the project that prohibits the end of physical money.” The deputy believes that with a strong awareness and pressure movement, it is possible to advance the debate and ensure Brazilians’ financial freedom.

What’s at Stake?

Julia Zanatta leaves no doubt: DREX represents a profound shift in how money will be used and controlled in Brazil. More than a simple modernization of the financial system, the Central Bank’s CBDC sets precedents for an unprecedented level of citizen surveillance and control in the country. For the deputy, this transition needs to be debated broadly and transparently, and it’s up to the Brazilian people to defend their rights and demand that the National Congress discuss these changes responsibly.

The deputy also emphasizes that, regardless of political or partisan views, this issue affects all Brazilians. “This agenda is something that will affect everyone. We need to be united to ensure people understand the gravity of what could happen.” Julia believes that by sharing information and generating open debate, it is possible to prevent Brazil from following the path of countries that have already implemented a digital currency in an authoritarian way.

A Call to Action

The future of physical money in Brazil is at risk. For those who share Deputy Julia Zanatta’s concerns, the time to act is now. Mobilize, get informed, and press your representatives. PL 3341/2024 is an opportunity to ensure that Brazilian citizens have a choice in how to use their money, without excessive state interference or surveillance.

In the end, as the deputy puts it, the central issue is freedom. “My fear is that this project will pass, and people won’t even understand what is happening.” Therefore, may every citizen at least have the chance to understand what’s at stake and make their voice heard in defense of a Brazil where individual freedom and privacy are respected values.

@ 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. 🐶🐾🫡🚀🚀🚀

@ 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!

🐶🐾🤯🤯🤯🫂💜

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

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

@ 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

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Bitcoin is a medium of exchange, store of value, and unit of account. The unit of account piece really throws people through a loop.

Freaks say, but its too volatile, mimicking the financial advisors of yesteryear, not acknowledging the evident decay of their trusty accounting method, the method that dilutes your reality with the notion of inflation vs deflation. We live in a deflationary world, its only inflationary if your accounting metric sucks. If your not using bitcoin as a method to view prices, your method of viewing prices has been skewed, and skewed on purpose.

What's really interesting is how, our unit of measurement is exactly backwards. The fiat way of viewing finances is 180 degrees away from the reality of sound money price deflation that bitcoin brings. And at this point I would say that it is unstoppable. if your stacking bitcoin but pricing it in dollars and making dollar type moves, your stack will diminish due to your own inability to adapt. You'll give in to leverage schemes and strange loans, your attitude towards risk and gain will be off kilter. In a lot of cases people will fail to realize that they've already won, and now they just need to pull a satoshi, leave their life stacking to go on and do other things. We've been conditioned to be on a hamster wheel where we need to constantly think about growing our money at all cost and no matter how much we stack it will never be enough. I find bitcoin to be the exact opposite, where at some point, you might have stacked too much, you might find yourself with wealth so large that it breaks your mind, it might enlarge your ego, destroy your family. This sounds suspiciously like absolute power corrupts absolutely, which is something that I've become a bit more awry of, but to a certain extent......how much is enough anon? At what point does the ring of power consume you.

In conclusion "God Candle Approacheth" staying humble and stacking sats, while accounting for your stack in dollars, will give those freaks a rush of exhilaration unlike any they've likely had before. They will be awash in fortunes gained through the lazy doubt of haters, they will be vindicated and in most cases the fortune that they earned will be just and because they followed truth and because they had discipline and foresight and sugar and spice, and everything nice. The acceleration from lower middle class to top 1% will be a whiplash strong enough to sway the humbleness of most men.

In conclusion again (and hopefully this is the last one) Use bitcoin as a unit of account. You likely have already won the game. Stay humble and brace for impact on the moon.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/809878

@ eac63075:b4988b48

BlueSky, a social network built on the decentralized AT Protocol (Authenticated Transfer Protocol), is revolutionizing content moderation by empowering users and communities to manage their own experiences. Unlike traditional platforms that centralize control, BlueSky adopts a modular and customizable approach, balancing freedom of expression with safety.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/mtp0RxPeuBpCozcSgfct

The Jesse Singal Case and the Community’s Response

Recently, the account @jessesingal.com was accused of publishing content considered homophobic and transphobic. Although some users questioned whether these posts violated BlueSky’s Terms of Service, the platform chose not to ban the account. Instead, it relied on community tools to limit the reach of these posts.

Individual users blocked the account and subscribed to community-managed block lists, significantly reducing the visibility of Jesse Singal’s content. This decentralized approach demonstrated the effectiveness of a model in which the community regulates content without centralized intervention.

BlueSky’s Five Layers of Moderation

BlueSky implements a multi-layered moderation system, offering users tools to customize their experiences practically and efficiently:

1. Personal Blocking and Muting\ Users can block or mute unwanted accounts, individually adjusting the content they wish to see.

2. Community Block Lists\ By subscribing to block lists created by the community, users can share common moderation criteria, optimizing content filtering.

3. Curated Feeds\ Subscribing to personalized feeds allows users to consume content filtered by curators or algorithms, creating a safer and more tailored experience.

4. Account Removal on the Personal Data Server (PDS)\ In extreme cases, servers can directly delete accounts from their databases, preventing them from publishing or accessing the network.

5. Ozone: Advanced Moderation Tool\ Ozone is an integrated tool that enables advanced moderation strategies, combining various resources for greater efficiency.

BlueSky’s Moderation Architecture

Moderation on BlueSky is based on an open labeling system. This architecture allows anyone to assign labels to content or accounts, such as “spam” or “NSFW” (not safe for work). These labels can be automatically generated by third-party services or manually applied by curators and administrators, offering flexibility for communities and individuals to customize their experiences.

The Role of the Community in Content Regulation

In decentralized platforms like BlueSky, the community plays a central role in self-regulation, minimizing reliance on a centralized authority to moderate content. This decentralization distributes responsibilities and reduces the risks of institutional bias, often seen in centralized companies that may reflect specific interests at the expense of plurality.

Centralized platforms often censor or promote content based on corporate agendas, compromising user trust. BlueSky’s model prioritizes autonomy, allowing the community itself to determine what is relevant or acceptable.

With 25 million users registered within weeks, BlueSky remains committed to its mission of regulating not freedom of expression, but the reach of certain publications. Tools like block lists, curated feeds, and Ozone are tangible examples of how the platform is building a decentralized and inclusive ecosystem.

Challenges and Opportunities of Decentralization

Despite its merits, decentralization presents challenges. Educating users about available tools and protecting vulnerable communities from harmful content are complex tasks, especially in a rapidly growing environment.

On the other hand, the decentralized model offers significant advantages. It enhances transparency, fosters trust among users, and reduces reliance on a central authority. On BlueSky, users shape their own experiences, ensuring greater freedom without sacrificing safety.

Conclusion

BlueSky is paving the way for a new era in social networks with a decentralized moderation model that empowers users and promotes shared responsibility. Aligned with principles of freedom and inclusion, BlueSky combines advanced technology and community collaboration to create a safer, more democratic, and adaptable space.

Although still in its early stages, BlueSky offers a promising model for the future of social networks, where reach—not freedom of expression—is the true focus of regulation.

@ b8a9df82:6ab5cbbd

Four weeks after Adopting Bitcoin wrapped up, I find myself back in Buenos Aires. While one of the main reasons for staying is avoiding the dreary Berlin winter, the other, much stronger reason, is the people.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a beach person through and through—dreaming of one day living in a house by the ocean. Argentina, with its economic quirks and geographical realities, isn’t exactly the ideal spot for that dream. Yet, here I am again, drawn not by the landscapes but by something far more meaningful: its people.

When I first wrote about my experience at Labitconf, I mentioned "LaCrypta" a local Bitcoin community that captured my heart. For those unfamiliar, the name might sound like it’s tied to crypto, but it’s not—it simply means “The Crypt.” And when you visit their physical space in the heart of Buenos Aires, the name suddenly makes perfect sense.

La Crypta isn’t just a community; it’s the beating heart of Bitcoin culture here. It’s a group of passionate people dedicated to development, education, and sharing knowledge about Bitcoin and the Nostr ecosystem. Their mission goes far beyond tech—it’s about empowerment, collaboration, and creating a space where ideas flourish.

Before I arrived in Buenos Aires, I had already worked with some of the La Crypta crew remotely. From the very start, they were more than helpful—honestly, they saved me more times than I can count. Organizing, finding suppliers, translating, navigating cultural nuances—things that would’ve been impossible as a foreigner were made smooth thanks to their constant support.

Even when cultural differences came into play, they did their best to accommodate my eager German punctuality. Sure, we had a couple of missed calls here and there (they’re South American, after all!), but we found a rhythm, and I learned to relax and embrace their way of doing things.

I’ll never forget walking into the physical space for the first time. The house itself is a marvel—a 100-year-old gem tucked into the bustling city, its walls whispering history. Interestingly, it was originally built by Germans (I could tell right away), and every corner is rich with quirks and stories. Newcomers are given a guided tour, learning about the house’s past and its idiosyncrasies, which they’re then responsible for passing on to the next wave of visitors. It’s a brilliant tradition, one that fosters a sense of connection to the place.

The charm of La Crypta’s space is undeniable—a century-old house surrounded by modern skyscrapers, standing out like a time capsule in the middle of the city. Of course, not everyone loves it. The neighbors occasionally complain about the raucous parties, even calling the police. But, as I’ve learned, in Argentina, there’s always a workaround for things like that.

The real magic, though, isn’t in the house—it’s in the people. After weeks of working together remotely, meeting them in person for the first time was something special. There’s nothing quite like hugging the people you’ve shared so much time, effort, and anticipation with, knowing how deeply they care.

They welcomed me with open arms, not just as a collaborator but as a friend. From day one, they’ve been my mental and emotional support system, offering far more than help with logistics. Their generosity, warmth, and genuine care reminded me that some of the most valuable things in life aren’t tied to money—they’re tied to human connection.

We bonded in so many ways, but nothing quite tops their initiation ritual: mate. For the uninitiated, mate is a traditional South American drink with a very specific etiquette. You don’t say “thank you” unless you’re done, you don’t stir the straw, and, naturally, I did everything wrong at first. But despite their teasing, I genuinely fell in love with mate, even if they still can’t believe me!

A home away from home

As I write this, just 10 days before Christmas, I’m missing my family and friends back home in Berlin. On quiet Saturday mornings like this, I wish I could just jump on a plane and hug them, feel the warmth of familiarity. But even in these moments of longing, I find comfort here. The people of La Crypta have become a surrogate family, filling my heart with their kindness and making the distance feel a little less heavy.

This experience has been life-changing. No matter where I go from here, I’ll carry a piece of La Crypta and Buenos Aires with me. For anyone who ever has the chance to visit, I urge you to experience this for yourself. The people, the place, the culture—it’s something that can’t be explained, only felt.

It’s not just a community; it’s a family. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful.

@ bbb5dda0:f09e2747

What is it about travel that makes us so addicted to it? Chasing the high of the next view, the next location. Is travel always the same as travel? I think certainly not. Is travel valuable? Then what about it provides the value. Because it's different when someone from the same country goes to that attraction, vs when you come from the other side of earth to see it. What do you gain?

Up until now travel for me has been stillness with nature, and even within the more social trips like SEC-03 I appreciate the ability to be alone and stare at the waves for hours on end. As I'm doing while typing this. Travel changes over time, as it changes you. It's not about seeing more rockfaces anymore, it's about seeing the details in just one of them. The subtle hints to a far and violent past that formed these layers of rock, now exposed for us to be seen and appreciated.

If only we did that more and not just running to so many of these places without appreciating them. Destroying the exact thing we want to see in the process. I really hope mass tourism will come to an end along with the 'social' media that created it. I ended up at a beautiful beach the other day, it came with a freaking waterfall and I saw at least a dozen people only taking basically a photoshoot of themselves or their (girl)friends for 15-30 minutes straight. It doesn't really annoy me but it just makes me wonder, do they actually notice their surroundings and are they actually enjoying the places they go to? I just hope their minds work different from mine and that they actually are enjoying themselves by doing that. As far as mass-tourism goes I wouldn't mind if we replace it with mass-wandering, to places not on the top 10's, not filled with chic hotels and resorts. Just the places that welcome you but won't live to serve you, that is what travel is to me.

I've been taking less pictures over time, the ones I take are mostly because I appreciate the composition, especially after watching the same view for over an hour, and suddenly spotting a new detail that I hadn't noticed before. Anyway, I don't even know where I'm going with this, I just felt the need to write down these thoughts...

@ 9349d012:d3e98946

Reflections on my 26th Time Paddling Out

December 2024, North Shore of Oahu Kingdom of Hawai'i

I'm watching the waves. Mother Nature is in charge and can change her mind seemingly on a whim. Surfing is a game of patience, slowly learning the sport while building endurance.

I just paddled out for the 26th time since starting to surf in 2020, when I moved to Oahu for three months and lived on the North Shore for most of that time.

What have I learned? I often think entrepreneurship is like surfing. Staying in the game, making the choice to be there and stay relevant and show your worth. Staying up, doing what it takes. Strength. Having fun, being profitable and marketing what you do to inspire others.

Since then, I’ve lived on Oahu for 2-3 months a year most years, coming up on ten months total now. Besides surfing Chuns Reef, Malaekahana, Waikiki Beach, Publics and Baby Queens, I’ve been planning my coworking and coliving around the world at locations where there are beginner surf breaks. Nosara and Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, Freights Bay, Barbados, La Jolla Shores, San Diego and Ponto, Encinitas/Leucadia/Carlsbad. Kedungu, Bali. Canary Islands. Biarritz. More place around Waikiki, Freddys on a small day and even my sister’s pool. It's lifestyle.

After this 26th time out surfing, I sense real progress. There’s often months between each surfing session, and even so, the skills accumulate. Now I get up on every run, and stay on the board. It’s fun. My photographer says I'm doing something that not many can do. His words are a Wow 🤩 a wake o wonder and add to the adrenaline rush.

If I were to really continue with my surf workouts, and move to a place where it’s easy to surf any time the conditions are good, I could get really good. Single-minded purpose is needed.

Surfing, like entrepreneurship, is a sport where what you put in is what you get out.

By the way, I’m writing this from a picnic table in the Ehukai / Pipeline beach parking lot, and the Vans Pipe Masters competition is on. The women paddled out earlier to today, where four heats of surfing happened. There 20 women competing in this year’s contest, and 40 men. Surfing stats have come a long way in recent years.

Can VC funding stats for women also see such progress? I say yes, as our product goes next level. I cover the building in public of MyLibrarian in other blogs, so you see. In short, I’ve done the work.

Our product has thousands of users in beta, we've applied for a provisional patent and we're looking to clear $1M in revenue in 2025. Surfing our way to success and better book recommendations, freedom to read for all.

Curiously, I have not surfed in my home city of San Francisco, or its environs. Too cold? Can I adapt? I'm home now, for good.

On Playa Hermosa near Ste Teresa CR, I paddled out with Del Soul surf company and the instructor said to me, You are very lucky, you are a woman who surfs. You will always be healthy if you surf.

Healthy, in body, mind and spirit. Healthy is wealthy. That’s a worthy goal. I think I’ll keep going.—MEZ

Read more at https://www.michellezaffino.com/why-surfing-makes-me-a-better-entrepreneur/

@ c1831fbe:de4b39bf

(special to nostr)
by Duncan Cary Palmer
13 December 2023

Though volatile,

when properly understood, bitcoin is the protocol that will ultimately absorb and represent all the present and future wealth of humanity. Even in the end-game—after the last satoshi has been mined and all bitcoin is in circulation—bitcoin will continuously increase in value as mankind, year upon year, creates and introduces new wealth into the world. While estimates of the annual benefit vary, a bitcoinized world will likely enjoy a minimum of five percent annual deflation, and more likely twelve percent or more.

Because of this, you know that EVERY transaction that involves your selling or spending bitcoin is a transaction that will ultimately benefit the bitcoin recipient infinitely more than it presently benefits you.

For many reasons,

you will of course continue to transact,

One is necessity; bitcoin will have become the only money that most are willing to accept, all others being evidently inferior.

You will have to spend bitcoin for goods and services that you may need or want, or else have to barter or work for them.

If you have been prudent enough to retire on bitcoin, you may occasionally need to exchange it for some lesser currency, knowing full well you are on the losing end of the bargain, though it benefit you in the moment.

My point is this:

You need never feel any remorse for the other party when spending, exchanging, or selling your bitcoin. Even if its apparent momentary value may fluctuate wildly, bitcoin is as sure to rise as tomorrow's Sun. It's now up to the recipient to either hodl, or be on the losing end of the next transaction.

bitcoin #philosophy #economics #worldview #viewpoint

@ b8a9df82:6ab5cbbd

In March 2020, the world came to a halt. Finally reading "The Bitcoin Standard" and Michael Saylor’s prologue to it made me reflect on my own journey during that time—a journey that led to The Extraordinary. Isn’t it fascinating how the same global crisis made us all pause, look beneath the surface, and come out with completely different perspectives on life?

For me, the pandemic wasn’t just a disruption—it was a turning point. In the stillness, I was forced to face my demons: addiction, emptiness, and the endless search for something meaningful. What emerged wasn’t just a book, but a deep personal transformation.

The Extraordinary is inspired by my life in London during those chaotic years—filled with incredible highs and crushing lows. It’s a story about hitting rock bottom and finding a way back up. It’s about the facade of big-city life, where envy often wears the mask of morality, and the struggle to accept yourself in a world that rarely allows it.

What’s different now? Everything. I live a completely different life today. Writing The Extraordinary helped me confront what I couldn’t before—and now, I finally have the courage to share it here with you on Nostr.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or out of place in your own life, this book is for you. I’d love for you to read it and let me know your thoughts. Because sometimes, in writing a story for ourselves, we find the strength to connect with others.

Unfortunately, it's only available on Amazon for now, as I haven't figured out how to do print-on-demand here on Nostr yet #asknostr

Blurb:

1. THEY SAID YOU WILL EARN A LOT OF MONEY,
2. THEY SAID THEY WILL GIVE YOU A CAR,
3. THEY SAID YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL,
4. THEY SAID IT WILL BE FUN.

However Kate Blumenhagen never wanted to be her company‘s whore, nor lose control about the men’s world. In a city where envy often masquerades as morality. What happens when the system collapses, the perfect façade breaks down and everybody‘s darling only shines on the outside? A tribute to all those who can't stand still for five minutes!

@ 372da077:518ec7ac

One of my favorite art pieces. an engraving from an 1888 astronomy book.

Often depicted fully colorized, apparently this is the original.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/806953

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers!

This week, governments and financial institutions around the world advanced policies that amplify the divide between state interests and the daily economic realities of citizens. In Tunisia, President Kais Saied is once again turning to the nation’s central bank to repay its growing debts, a move that risks accelerating inflation, reducing citizen purchasing power, and increasing costs of living.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is urging regional banks to enhance their Know-Your-Customer (KYC) procedures. This includes implementing a “re-KYC” process that requires millions of citizens to resubmit personal information. In addition, banks are gathering supplementary data, which may be used for marketing purposes and potentially other objectives.

In technology news, Eclair, an implementation of the Lightning Network, added support for BOLT 12 offers and liquidity management features such as splicing, liquidity ads, and on-the-fly funding. These make managing liquidity and using the Lightning Network more accessible and private. Meanwhile, Machankura, a custodial Lightning wallet in Africa with offline functionality for feature phones, announced the launch of a mobile application for Android users. This will bring offline Bitcoin transactions to a greater number of people across the African continent.

We end with the latest episode in the HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series, featuring HRF’s Bitcoin Development Lead, Alex Li, in conversation with Bitcoin Core maintainer Gloria Zhao, on the threats facing Bitcoin, the importance of censorship-resistant payments, and her decision to pursue open-source, grant-funded development over corporate opportunities.

Now, let’s dive right in!

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GLOBAL NEWS

Tunisia | Turns to Central Bank to Repay Debts

In a clear display of financial manipulation, President Kais Saied is once again turning to the central bank to repay Tunisia’s surging debt. He plans to borrow 7 billion dinars ($2.2 billion), equal to about 28% of the central bank’s foreign currency reserves. This move could increase inflation in an already struggling economy where unemployment exceeds 16%, supermarket shelves run empty, and water shortages threaten families' livelihoods. Saied’s unrelenting consolidation of power — including shutting down parliament, arresting opposition leaders, and controlling the judiciary — has stalled any meaningful way for people to push back and protest the disastrous state-led economic policies.

India | RBI Pushes Banks to Re-KYC Customers

The Reserve Bank of India is urging regional banks to carry out re-KYC (Know-Your-Customer) verifications. Stringent KYC requirements and mandatory periodic updates have caused many citizens to lose access to their bank accounts. Despite repeatedly submitting their personal information to be compliant, numerous account holders continue to be locked out due to delays, errors, and overreaching requirements. Moreover, reports indicate that banks have exploited the KYC process to collect additional data from account holders for third-party marketing.

Kenya | Reinstates Tax Measures that Ignited Nationwide Protests

Kenya’s lawmakers have reinstated controversial tax measures that previously triggered nationwide protests, claiming more than 60 lives. The National Treasury, navigating escalating debts and revenue shortfalls, repackaged the taxes into three bills approved by the National Assembly. These include higher import taxes, a “top-up” tax for multinational companies, and levies on foreign firms operating via digital platforms — all part of Kenya’s “austerity” commitments to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The reinstatement of these taxes risks reigniting public unrest and inflation, while the growing reliance on the IMF calls into question the autonomy and financial resilience of both the government and ordinary citizens.

Vietnam | Social Media Platforms Censor Anti-State Content

Over the past year, Facebook, Google, and TikTok complied with more than 90% of the Communist Party of Vietnam’s (CPV) requests to censor over 15,000 pieces of “anti-state” content. This censorship aligns with Decree 147, a law passed by the CPV to tighten control over social networks and the Internet. Amnesty International condemned these practices as arbitrary censorship. Adding to the repression, Decree 147 requires organizations to share data with authorities without consent in situations deemed critical to “national security.” Such tactics could easily compromise activists and civil society organizations. In these environments, decentralized protocols like Nostr, which allow communication and expression beyond the reach of the state, can play a vital role in upholding citizens' right to free expression.

Cuba | Nationwide Blackout Following Grid Collapse

Last week, Cuba’s largest electricity producer failed, plunging the island nation into darkness and leaving millions without power. This exemplifies the fragility of Cuba’s electrical grid in a country already battered by currency collapse and fuel shortages. Over the past year, frequent blackouts — some lasting up to 18 hours — have made it prohibitively difficult for families to feed themselves and access basic necessities. The nationwide outage forced schools to close and halted work for millions of Cubans already struggling with food, water, and medicine shortages. While officials scramble to restore power to hospitals and water facilities, this illustrates the shortfalls of a state assuming absolute control over a critical industry, like electricity, and failing to deliver. Such failures ultimately strip citizens — already mired in crisis — of basic rights and essential services.

LATEST IN BITCOIN NEWS, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY

Eclair | Integrates Support for BOLT 12, Splicing, Liquidity Ads, and On-The-Fly Funding

Eclair, a Lightning Network implementation developed by ACINQ (the team behind Phoenix Wallet and phoenixd), introduced support for BOLT 12 offers and a host of liquidity management features, including splicing, liquidity ads, and on-the-fly funding. BOLT 12 offers increased receiver privacy and censorship resistance when making payments (as well as helping people receive payments via a static QR code or alphanumeric address), while splicing enables the adjustment of payment channels without interrupting ongoing transactions. Further, liquidity ads and on-the-fly funding make it possible for nodes to buy or sell liquidity when making payments on the Lightning Network. These features improve how people send and receive Bitcoin and manage liquidity when using applications and wallets built with Eclair.

Machankura | Launches Android App

Machankura, a custodial Lightning wallet in Africa with offline functionality for feature phones, announced the launch of a mobile application for Android. Leveraging the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) protocol for sending text messages, Machankura enables Africans to access the Bitcoin network simply by dialing a designated number on a feature phone (or a smartphone without data), facilitating Bitcoin transactions without the need for an Internet connection. Launching a mobile app will make offline Bitcoin transactions available to more individuals, helping democratize Bitcoin access and unlock the full potential of censorship-resistant money across Africa.

Lark | New Command Line Application for USB Hardware Wallets

Lark is a new command-line application built by Craig Raw, the creator of Sparrow Wallet, designed to interact with USB hardware wallets such as COLDCARD, Ledger, and Trezor. It serves as an alternative to the widely used HWI (Hardware Wallet Interface) software library, providing users with a second option to interact with their USB hardware wallets. By improving the resilience of the Bitcoin hardware wallet ecosystem, Lark helps advance financial autonomy and censorship resistance.

WabiSabi | Major Vulnerability in Coinjoin Protocol

The Rage, an independent news publication exposing the risks of financial surveillance, disclosed a major vulnerability in the WabiSabi coinjoin protocol that allows malicious coordinators to compromise user privacy by deanonymizing transactions. Coinjoin is a privacy-enhancing method that combines multiple Bitcoin transactions into one, making it harder to trace individual payments. The vulnerability, which affects popular tools and wallets like Wasabi Wallet, Ginger Wallet, and BTCPay Server’s coinjoin plugin, enables malicious actors to link inputs and outputs during a transaction and expose user financial activity. Developers have released updates to fix the issue, and users are urged to upgrade immediately. Learn more here.

OpenSats | Renews Grants for Open Source Bitcoin Projects

OpenSats, a public nonprofit funding free and open-source Bitcoin software and projects, renewed grants for nine crucial Bitcoin projects that are expanding financial freedom around the world. Among the recipients is BTCPay Server, an open-source and non-custodial Bitcoin payment processor that enables businesses and nonprofits to easily accept Bitcoin payments. Stratum V2, a protocol that decentralizes Bitcoin mining by enabling nodes to construct their own block templates, also received funding, as well as BitAxe, a project building open-source Bitcoin mining hardware to empower individual miners.

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

HRF x Pubkey — Shadowy Superheroes: How Bitcoin Core Developers Keep Freedom Money Alive

In the latest HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series, HRF’s Bitcoin Development Lead, Alex Li, sits down for a fireside conversation with Bitcoin Core maintainer Gloria Zhao. Together, they discuss the crucial role of censorship-resistant payments in preserving financial freedom and the challenges Bitcoin faces in a world increasingly hostile toward decentralized systems. Zhao shares her journey of choosing open-source, grant-funded development over corporate opportunities, showcasing her commitment to keeping Bitcoin permissionless, secure, and free from centralized control. Listen to the full conversation here.

Downgrading the Bank Secrecy Act is a Powerful Reform for Bitcoin by Yaël

Ossowski

In this article for the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Yaël Ossowski reveals how policies like the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) impose financial surveillance that stifles innovation, erodes citizens’ privacy, and impacts Bitcoin’s potential as a tool for financial freedom. Highlighting enforcement actions against non-custodial Bitcoin tools and privacy software, the article makes a compelling case for the growing threat current regulations pose to decentralized and privacy-centric technologies. This is a helpful article for anyone seeking to understand the nuanced nature of financial privacy. You can read it here.

If this article was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report here.

Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program via BTCPay.

Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ hrf.org

The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals here.

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@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

The Peano axioms are a set of rules that define the natural numbers (like 0, 1, 2, 3, and so on) in a logical way. Here’s a simplified explanation: 1. There is a first number: There is a number called zero, and it is the starting point for all natural numbers. 2. Each number has a next number: Every number has a unique “successor,” or the number that comes after it (like 1 comes after 0, 2 comes after 1, etc.). 3. Zero is special: Zero is not the “next” number of any other number. This means the sequence of natural numbers doesn’t loop back to zero. 4. No two numbers are the same if they have different successors: If two numbers have the same “next” number, then they must actually be the same number. 5. Patterns hold for all numbers: If something is true for zero, and it stays true when moving from one number to the next, then it must be true for all numbers.

These principles lay the groundwork for understanding and working with the natural numbers systematically.

@ 6538925e:571e55c3

The excitement and romance of finding new tunes in serendipitous ways is under attack by music streaming apps. Compilation albums, mix tapes, magazines and crate digging have been replaced by algorithmic playlists that lack human touch and authenticity.

We are being programmed to listen to more of the same. New artists are finding it harder than ever before to break through and get their music in front of new listeners - not to mention achieve the impossible dream of making a living from their music. This has to change.

Earlier this year, we started beta testing a new communal listening experience on our website called Fountain Radio. The basic idea was to have a global queue where you pay to play a track - just like the old jukeboxes you can still find in some pubs and bars. You could pay upvote a track to change its position in the queue - and you could send a payment to support the artist currently playing.

This early iteration of Fountain Radio was far from perfect, but it got us excited about discovering new music again. Today we are excited to launch a new and improved Fountain Radio experience in the mobile app - and give artists the ability to host a takeover. After updating to version 1.1.8, you will be able to tune in to Fountain Radio from the Discover tab. Here’s how it works…

#### Add and upvote tracks in the queue

Search for tracks in your library or search all music on Fountain. Adding a track to the costs 100 sats (less than $0.10) and your selection will be added to the end of the queue. You can pay to upvote any track in the queue to change its position. 1 sat equals 1 upvote and the track with the most upvotes will play next. Just like zaps, you can pay as much as you like but the minimum is 100 sats.

#### Support the artist currently playing

Boost to send a payment with a message on enable streaming to send a small amount for every minute you spend listening. 95% of every boost and streaming payment goes directly to the artist currently playing and the remaining 5% is set aside for fees paid to PodcastIndex and Fountain.

#### Post in the live chat

Hang out with other listeners in the live chat by connecting Nostr. You can post chat messages for free. Every time a track is added or upvoted this appears in the activity feed too.

#### Save tracks to your library

Listen to your latest discoveries again later in the app. Tap on any content card to add a song to your library or a playlist, or see more music from that artist.

#### Listen to Fountain Radio on other apps

Fountain Radio now has its own RSS feed so you can tune in on any podcast app that supports live streams. Just bear in mind that you will only be able to listen. If you use Nostr livestream platforms such as zap.stream or tunestr.io, you can listen there and zaps will be paid to the artist currently playing.

#### Artist Takeovers

Artists can now take control of the music and host a listening party or an AMA. During a takeover, only the host can add tracks to the queue and upvotes are disabled.

Fountain Radio takeovers help artists reach new listeners and find new fans, followers and supporters. If you have just posted new music to Fountain after uploading to Wavlake or RSS Blue, takeovers are a great way to drive engagement - particularly if it’s the first time you’ve shared music in this way. We will also promote upcoming takeovers to help introduce your music to new audiences.

The first artist takeover will be the UK’s very own Joe Martin on Wednesday 27th November at 12:00pm EST. If you are interested to take over Fountain Radio and get your music heard by new listeners, get in touch.

Other bug fixes and improvements

• Fixed grey screen when viewing queue

• Fixed clips not being posted to Nostr

• Fixed custom deposit amount

• Fixed crash after sharing or creating a clip

• Fixed error on The Joe Rogan Experience

• Fixed issue when @ symbol appears in a link sent in a comment

• Fixed issue where latest episodes in library were not updating for some users

• Fixed issue where episode could not be replayed if already listened to

• Added error handling when Nostr keypair is already connected to another account

• Added warning when using Fountain as a guest

• Added prompt to share to Nostr after creating a clip

• Added OPML file explorer

@ 6538925e:571e55c3

#### Payment UX Improvements

We have updated the modals for all payment functionality across the app. Next time you boost, stream, zap, deposit or withdraw, you will notice that a few changes.

We now display both sats and USD values when making a payment. When choosing a custom amount, you can enter a value in either sats or USD. When making a payment, we have also added toast notifications to confirm that your payment was successful.

The best thing about $100k Bitcoin is it’s much easier to working out how much things cost because 1000 sats equals $1. The price won’t stay the same for long, but when it does you will be grateful for this update.

We will be adding support for more currencies in 2025 and we are currently working on reducing friction for listeners who want to deposit and withdraw using their preferred currency. Stay tuned!

#### Faster Boosts

Previously, you sometimes had to wait five seconds or longer for your boost to be sent. This was not a good experience. We’ve done some work to make boosts approximately 50% faster - so you should notice the difference.

There are a few other updates to boosts too. As well as being able to see the dollar value of the sats you are sending, you can now toggle between sending a boost or a comment. We have made a couple of design improvements to the boost modals too.

Finally, you can now boost any podcast or artist on Fountain from your web browser. Just log in and pay using your Fountain wallet.

---

If you want to help test new features out before they get released, or if you want to share feedback or send a feature request, you can join Fountain Beta on Telegram. All iOS and Android users welcome.

@ 8d5ba92c:c6c3ecd5

It’s time to act! Saving for the future takes more than a stack...

Bitcoin helps us achieve personal and financial sovereignty. It’s the path to freedom for ourselves and future generations. While stacking is important, the real challenge is keeping it safe over the years, secure and truly yours.

The Backup Day—a global campaign initiated by CryptoSteel in partnership with other respected Bitcoin projects—returns this year on December 12.

Its goal is to raise awareness about various tools and strategies, emphasizing the importance of proper backups to safeguard freedom for decades to come.

As the official campaign page puts it:

❝Welcome to Backup Day 2024 – a global campaign to educate and empower bitcoiners on securing their digital wealth for decades to come.❞

Join the initiative! Share your thoughts on Nostr + X (formerly Twitter***).

Create your own content, and support posts from others. Follow the hashtag: #BackUpDay. The more people see it, the better.

Education = conscious adoption.

---

BTC Your Mind. Let it Beat. -- Şela

PS. *** Sorry for this, but if we want to reach more people, we should target other channels as well—especially since they can also be used to invite people to better places, i.e., different clients on Nostr ;)

@ 6389be64:ef439d32

Resilience is the ability to withstand shocks, adapt, and bounce back. It’s an essential quality in nature and in life. But what if we could take resilience a step further? What if, instead of merely surviving, a system could improve when faced with stress? This concept, known as anti-fragility, is not just theoretical—it’s practical. Combining two highly resilient natural tools, comfrey and biochar, reveals how we can create systems that thrive under pressure and grow stronger with each challenge.

Comfrey: Nature’s Champion of Resilience

Comfrey is a plant that refuses to fail. Once its deep roots take hold, it thrives in poor soils, withstands drought, and regenerates even after being cut down repeatedly. It’s a hardy survivor, but comfrey doesn’t just endure—it contributes. Known as a dynamic accumulator, it mines nutrients from deep within the earth and brings them to the surface, making them available for other plants.

Beyond its ecological role, comfrey has centuries of medicinal use, earning the nickname "knitbone." Its leaves can heal wounds and restore health, a perfect metaphor for resilience. But as impressive as comfrey is, its true potential is unlocked when paired with another resilient force: biochar.

Biochar: The Silent Powerhouse of Soil Regeneration

Biochar, a carbon-rich material made by burning organic matter in low-oxygen conditions, is a game-changer for soil health. Its unique porous structure retains water, holds nutrients, and provides a haven for beneficial microbes. Soil enriched with biochar becomes drought-resistant, nutrient-rich, and biologically active—qualities that scream resilience.

Historically, ancient civilizations in the Amazon used biochar to transform barren soils into fertile agricultural hubs. Known as terra preta, these soils remain productive centuries later, highlighting biochar’s remarkable staying power.

Yet, like comfrey, biochar’s potential is magnified when it’s part of a larger system.

The Synergy: Comfrey and Biochar Together

Resilience turns into anti-fragility when systems go beyond mere survival and start improving under stress. Combining comfrey and biochar achieves exactly that.

1. Nutrient Cycling and Retention\ Comfrey’s leaves, rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, make an excellent mulch when cut and dropped onto the soil. However, these nutrients can wash away in heavy rains. Enter biochar. Its porous structure locks in the nutrients from comfrey, preventing runoff and keeping them available for plants. Together, they create a system that not only recycles nutrients but amplifies their effectiveness.

2. Water Management\ Biochar holds onto water making soil not just drought-resistant but actively water-efficient, improving over time with each rain and dry spell.

3. Microbial Ecosystems\ Comfrey enriches soil with organic matter, feeding microbial life. Biochar provides a home for these microbes, protecting them and creating a stable environment for them to multiply. Together, they build a thriving soil ecosystem that becomes more fertile and resilient with each passing season.

Resilient systems can withstand shocks, but anti-fragile systems actively use those shocks to grow stronger. Comfrey and biochar together form an anti-fragile system. Each addition of biochar enhances water and nutrient retention, while comfrey regenerates biomass and enriches the soil. Over time, the system becomes more productive, less dependent on external inputs, and better equipped to handle challenges.

This synergy demonstrates the power of designing systems that don’t just survive—they thrive.

Lessons Beyond the Soil

The partnership of comfrey and biochar offers a valuable lesson for our own lives. Resilience is an admirable trait, but anti-fragility takes us further. By combining complementary strengths and leveraging stress as an opportunity, we can create systems—whether in soil, business, or society—that improve under pressure.

Nature shows us that resilience isn’t the end goal. When we pair resilient tools like comfrey and biochar, we unlock a system that evolves, regenerates, and becomes anti-fragile. By designing with anti-fragility in mind, we don’t just bounce back, we bounce forward.

By designing with anti-fragility in mind, we don’t just bounce back, we bounce forward.

@ 6389be64:ef439d32

Resilience is the ability to withstand shocks, adapt, and bounce back. It’s an essential quality in nature and in life. But what if we could take resilience a step further? What if, instead of merely surviving, a system could improve when faced with stress? This concept, known as anti-fragility, is not just theoretical—it’s practical. Combining two highly resilient natural tools, comfrey and biochar, reveals how we can create systems that thrive under pressure and grow stronger with each challenge.

Comfrey: Nature’s Champion of Resilience

Comfrey is a plant that refuses to fail. Once its deep roots take hold, it thrives in poor soils, withstands drought, and regenerates even after being cut down repeatedly. It’s a hardy survivor, but comfrey doesn’t just endure—it contributes. Known as a dynamic accumulator, it mines nutrients from deep within the earth and brings them to the surface, making them available for other plants.

Beyond its ecological role, comfrey has centuries of medicinal use, earning the nickname "knitbone." Its leaves can heal wounds and restore health, a perfect metaphor for resilience. But as impressive as comfrey is, its true potential is unlocked when paired with another resilient force: biochar.

Biochar: The Silent Powerhouse of Soil Regeneration

Biochar, a carbon-rich material made by burning organic matter in low-oxygen conditions, is a game-changer for soil health. Its unique porous structure retains water, holds nutrients, and provides a haven for beneficial microbes. Soil enriched with biochar becomes drought-resistant, nutrient-rich, and biologically active—qualities that scream resilience.

Historically, ancient civilizations in the Amazon used biochar to transform barren soils into fertile agricultural hubs. Known as terra preta, these soils remain productive centuries later, highlighting biochar’s remarkable staying power.

Yet, like comfrey, biochar’s potential is magnified when it’s part of a larger system.

The Synergy: Comfrey and Biochar Together

Resilience turns into anti-fragility when systems go beyond mere survival and start improving under stress. Combining comfrey and biochar achieves exactly that.

1. Nutrient Cycling and Retention
   Comfrey’s leaves, rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, make an excellent mulch when cut and dropped onto the soil. However, these nutrients can wash away in heavy rains. Enter biochar. Its porous structure locks in the nutrients from comfrey, preventing runoff and keeping them available for plants. Together, they create a system that not only recycles nutrients but amplifies their effectiveness.

2. Water Management
   Biochar holds onto water and releases it slowly during dry periods. This makes soil not just drought-resistant but actively water-efficient, improving over time with each rain and dry spell.

3. Microbial Ecosystems
   Comfrey enriches soil with organic matter, feeding microbial life. Biochar provides a home for these microbes, protecting them and creating a stable environment for them to multiply. Together, they build a thriving soil ecosystem that becomes more fertile and resilient with each passing season.

Resilient systems can withstand shocks, but anti-fragile systems actively use those shocks to grow stronger. Comfrey and biochar together form an anti-fragile system. Each addition of biochar enhances water and nutrient retention, while comfrey regenerates biomass and enriches the soil. Over time, the system becomes more productive, less dependent on external inputs, and better equipped to handle challenges.

This synergy demonstrates the power of designing systems that don’t just survive—they thrive.

Lessons Beyond the Soil

The partnership of comfrey and biochar offers a valuable lesson for our own lives. Resilience is an admirable trait, but anti-fragility takes us further. By combining complementary strengths and leveraging stress as an opportunity, we can create systems—whether in soil, business, or society—that improve under pressure.

Nature shows us that resilience isn’t the end goal. When we pair resilient tools like comfrey and biochar, we unlock a system that evolves, regenerates, and becomes anti-fragile.

By designing with anti-fragility in mind, we don’t just bounce back, we bounce forward.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/802554

@ eac63075:b4988b48

Imagine a large public square, illuminated by intense spotlights, where every individual who dares to approach the center is immediately recognized, photographed, and cataloged. In this square, every word spoken becomes indelibly tied to its speaker. Under such conditions, many would hesitate before speaking, fearing not only the disapproval of the audience but also the potential punishments that could follow the mere act of expressing an idea. Now, imagine a second square, where anyone can cover their face with a mask, allowing their voice to echo without revealing their identity. It is in this second square that true freedom of expression flourishes, and this metaphorical mask represents anonymity.

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/MweciiR21hySxjdsNa7u

In debates about freedom of expression—one of the fundamental pillars of democratic societies—anonymity often emerges as a controversial element. For some, it serves as a refuge for digital criminals or slanderers. For others, it is an indispensable tool, capable of protecting dissenting voices and inspiring authentic debates, with ideas judged on their merits rather than the messenger’s reputation. This article aims to explain, in a clear and instructive manner, why anonymity is essential to genuine freedom of expression, illustrating its value with metaphors, real-life examples, and historical references.

The Protective Mask: Avoiding Retaliation and Threats

Just as a navigator uses guiding instruments to avoid jagged rocks at sea, anonymity functions like a shield, allowing bold voices to navigate oppressive reefs without foundering. There are countless examples of individuals who have risked their lives to expose crimes and injustices—from whistleblowers in authoritarian governments to investigative journalists uncovering the complex machinations of organized crime. Without the possibility of anonymity, many of these stories would never have come to light.

Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other digital rights advocacy groups emphasize that the ability to speak without revealing one’s identity is crucial when the cost of speaking out is dangerously high. In censorship-ridden regimes, criticizing the government can lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death. Human rights activists, LGBTQIA+ communities in hostile countries, and journalists investigating illicit dealings all rely on anonymity to continue their work without putting their own lives at immediate risk. In this context, anonymity is not a whim—it’s the chance to survive one’s own opinion.

The Voice of the Invisible: Empowering Marginalized Groups

Think of anonymity as an invisible microphone placed at the disposal of those who, without it, would never dare to take the stage. Historically, marginalized groups have always faced additional barriers to making their voices heard. Women in patriarchal societies, ethnic minorities facing discrimination, or individuals persecuted for their sexual orientation find in anonymity a safe space to speak out, claim their rights, and share their experiences without fearing public humiliation or physical violence.

This “invisible microphone” not only gives voice to those who once remained silent but also transforms the arena of public debate into a more equitable space. By removing the link between idea and identity, it reduces the risk of immediate prejudice against the messenger. As a result, society can assess arguments more impartially. Here, ideas are judged on their content, not on the face that speaks them.

The Strength of History: The Precedent of the Federalist Papers

History offers a famous example of the power of anonymous words: the Federalist Papers. Published between 1787 and 1788, these essays supported the ratification of the United States Constitution and were written under the pseudonym “Publius” by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. The reason for concealing their identities was clear: to ensure that their ideas would be judged on their argumentative strength rather than the prestige or fame of the authors.

The precedent set by the Federalist Papers is emblematic. It shows that, in the building of one of the first modern democracies, anonymity was used as a legitimate tool to establish fundamental concepts. If the founders of the nation that prides itself on its First Amendment—the one that protects freedom of expression—resorted to anonymity, we should recognize that this resource is not only defensible but also an essential part of the framework of healthy public debate.

Faceless Messages: The Democracy of Pure Ideas

In an ideal world, we would judge a message purely on its content. In reality, however, names, faces, social status, and economic position influence how we receive and interpret a person’s words. Anonymity removes these superficial layers, allowing the message to present itself bare, subject to rational evaluation without the veils of prejudice.

In this sense, anonymity acts as a “filter of equality”: by concealing the source, it prevents us from assigning credibility (or discredit) based on stereotypes, prejudices, or personal rivalries. Thus, ideas previously dismissed out of hand can now be heard with greater attention, opening paths to social innovation, political reflection, and challenges to the status quo. A contemporary example is online forums that allow anonymous posts. While we acknowledge that such spaces can be misused, we cannot ignore their potential to give voice to those who would never feel safe speaking under their own name in public.

Privacy, Intimacy, and the Freedom to Whisper

Anonymity is not limited to the public or political sphere. In personal and professional relations, the ability to speak anonymously can allow someone to seek help or reveal extremely sensitive matters. Imagine a patient who needs to consult a doctor about a stigmatized health issue, or a person seeking legal advice in a delicate situation. The “mask” of anonymity offers a safe haven for sharing information without the anguish of being judged or exposed.

Thus, anonymity also safeguards our “right to whisper,” that is, the ability to exchange information, secrets, and confessions without the constant glare of a spotlight. Real or perceived surveillance can stifle communication and inhibit creativity, reporting, and the exchange of ideas. By shielding individuals from forced exposure, anonymity reinforces the very fabric of freedom of expression, preventing the fear of identification from silencing words before they are spoken.

Anonymity in the Digital Age: Between Encryption and Censorship

In the digital age, the issue of anonymity becomes even more relevant. With the expansion of online surveillance and the growth of social networks, maintaining anonymity can be challenging. Social media platforms increasingly request personal data, and governments attempt to impose barriers against anonymity, often justifying them as measures of national security or crime prevention.

However, according to reports and documents from human rights organizations, such as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), encryption and anonymity are key tools for freedom of expression in the digital environment. Without these resources, citizens and journalists, for instance, become more vulnerable to persecution. In various countries, the existence of anonymous and encrypted channels enables information to circulate, grievances to be reported, and societies to remain informed, even in the face of heavy censorship.

Legal Protection: Judicial Recognition of Anonymity

The United States Supreme Court, as well as other constitutional courts around the world, recognizes anonymity as an integral part of the right to free expression. In the United States, the First Amendment has been applied in cases that defended the right to anonymous speech, viewing it as a bulwark against the tyranny of the majority. When minorities are protected by anonymity, personal reprisals against those who dare to question dogmas or denounce abuses are prevented.

This judicial understanding reinforces the legitimacy of anonymity and its direct association with the strengthening of democracy. After all, a robust democracy requires not only the absence of formal censorship but also the guarantee that minority or unpopular voices can speak out without fear.

Conclusion: The Cloak That Protects Freedom

If freedom of expression is the heart of democracy, anonymity is the cloak that shields that heart from the poisoned darts of fear, persecution, and prejudice. It creates the right environment for ideas to flourish freely, for courageous voices to emerge from silence, and for society to debate its most complex issues in the light of reason rather than beneath the shadow of intimidation.

In a world where surveillance and political tensions are ever-present, anonymity preserves the essence of free speech: humanity’s ability to question, propose, denounce, criticize, and create without shackles. By recognizing the importance of this resource, we safeguard not only individual voices but also the very principle that makes democracy worthy of its name.

Selected References:

• Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF): https://www.eff.org/issues/anonymity

• Freedom Forum: https://www.freedomforum.org/anonymous-speech/

• Association for Progressive Communications (APC): https://www.apc.org/

• The First Amendment Encyclopedia: Anonymous Speech: https://firstamendment.mtsu.edu/article/anonymous-speech/

• The Federalist Papers: Historical context available at Library of Congress and various printed and digital compilations.

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Cover Photo by Redd Francisco / Unsplash

@ 8fb140b4:f948000c

After nuking my second LND node (the first one died due to hardware failure) by my own typo and lack of any thought in the design of the CLI of LND lightning node tools, I decided to take a plunge into the world of mature and complex implementation of the protocol, Eclair by ACINQ. It has been almost one year (the birth of the node was on Christmas Day 2023), 50 thousand transactions routed, and over 30 BTC of routed value. In this post, I'd like to reflect on my experiences with Eclair, go over some of the gotchas and issues, and highlight some of the good choices that I've made since the beginning of my adventure.

Learnings from the Past Experience

While I was learning Lightning network and had very little understanding of how things worked in the whole Bitcoin space, Umbrel was my go-to solution that helped me get off the ground. It proved to be easy and somewhat educational but was not something that I would continuously run for the production setup or trust with any significant amount of bitcoin that I could not afford to lose. Lightning is built on top of the L1 (Bitcoin) network but manages the state of the channels in its own database that is negotiated and agreed upon with its peers. Any failures in the state integrity may result in the complete loss of liquidity or hefty penalty transactions (significant loss of capital). A Lightning node that participates in routing public transactions is also required to be constantly online with as little downtime as possible and only short periods offline at a time. Otherwise, you may risk causing force-closure of the channel due to expired HTLC that is measured in number of blocks.

The Setup

Taking all of my learnings into consideration, I decided to first invest in reliable enterprise-grade hardware: - Server-grade hardware with ECC memory and reliable power supply and CPU - UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to avoid any headaches due to electrical spikes or drop-outs - Reliable enterprise SSDs and NVMEs - ZFS (filesystem) to mirror the critical storage and to ensure full integrity of the data (bit-rot prevention). You do need to tune ZFS for your specific workload and reliability - Reliable and replicated database (PostgreSQL) with two local and one remote replica, and a requirement to have at least two replicas committing the transaction to the disk - Backup! On-site and off-site backup of the critical configuration that you could use to restore the node if your house burns down - Spare parts, redundancy, backup, monitoring - Reliable and stable internet connectivity

The software is Eclair 0.11.0 (latest release as of today), PostgreSQL 16 with two replicas, Bitcoin Core 27.2 (with redundant storage of blocks), additional Bitcoin Core running on a separate node and in-sync with the chain (in case primary node fails), Ubuntu 22.04 with the latest docker software from the official Docker repo.

All Major Gotchas That I Came Across

While Eclair is mature and very stable in itself, it does have some quirks and design choices that you need to account for when running your node. The software is written in Scala and requires a specific version of JVM to run it, as well as JRE and Maven to build it. It doesn't mean that other versions won't work, but you may find unpleasant bugs that may result in catastrophic failures of your node with nobody to help you. All of the requirements are listed in the release notes and installation guide. Whenever in doubt, RTFM first, then ask questions.

Limited Support by the FOSS Community

Eclair is not the most popular implementation of the Lightning protocol, and therefore it is hard to find tools or plugins that could help you manage the node. GUI for the node so far is only supported by RTL and with a very limited number of features. For any sort of statistics, you are limited to either Prometheus (extensive metrics are available) or writing your own SQL on top of the Eclair tables.

On-chain Fee Differences Between Yours and Partner Nodes

This one hit me hard, and many times. I've had more than a few force-closures of the channels because of the conservative and safe default settings. The worst part is, it strikes you when there is a huge spike in fees, which results in significant losses to force-close the channel due to high fees. I am still not 100% sure how the big difference can be exploited in practice, and opted for increase of the tolerance levels to avoid surprise FCs: eclair.on-chain-fees { feerate-tolerance { ratio-low = <0.01~> // will allow remote fee rates as low as XX our local feerate (spikes) ratio-high = <20.0~> // will allow remote fee rates as high as XX times our local feerate (drops) } } It is up to you and your risk tolerance to define something reasonable and yet allow for secure and reliable node operation.

Initial Lightning Network State Sync

When I just started running the node, I had very few channels and startup times were fast. Later, when I expanded the number of channels, I noted that it took my node up to 6-12 hours before it was fully in-sync and routing traffic fast. Given that ACINQ maintains one of the largest nodes on the network, I knew that there was something with my settings that caused the issue. After some research, I came across the setting that whitelisted node IDs for state sync, which immediately rang a bell since I knew from the LND days that not all peer nodes are used for the network sync. Setting the list to my most reliable and largest nodes reduced the startup settling times down to minutes again: eclair.sync-whitelist = [ "03864ef025fde8fb587d989186ce6a4a186895ee44a926bfc370e2c366597a3f8f", ... ] You do not need to have too many public keys in here, and should keep it between 5-10.

Automatic MAX HTLC Adjustment for the Channel

One of the killer features of Eclair is its ability to automatically adjust MAX HTLC for the channel and reduce the number of failed transactions due to insufficient liquidity on the channel. It can be used to estimate your total channels' balances but with smart configuration and a little thinking, you can make it reasonably private while still maintaining a good transaction flow: eclair.channel.channel-update.min-time-between-updates=1 hour # Allows for the adjustments to be made once every hour eclair.channel.channel-update.balance-thresholds=[ { available-sat = 10000 max-htlc-sat = 0 // 0% of 10000 }, ... ] You can have as many variations as you need, and ensure that the channel MAX HTLC is set well and within reasonable ranges. You would also want to account for multiple transactions going through the channel, but also account for the channel size and an average amount of sats per transaction.

Max Accepted HTLCs

By design, the Lightning channel is limited to a specific number of in-flight HTLCs, and the setting is fixed during channel opening time with no way of changing it unless you close and reopen the channel with new settings. If you find your node routing a lot of small transactions (zaps), you may quickly fail many due to that limit (I think default was in single digit range): eclair.channel.max-htlc-value-in-flight-percent=98 # Default I think is half or 50% eclair.channel.max-accepted-htlcs = 50 The setting above will allow for the channel to be more fully utilized and have more concurrent transactions without clogging.

CLTV Delta

This is basically a setting that is global for Eclair and sets the maximum number of remaining blocks (in time) before HTLC expires. Setting this too high may result in many HTLCs failing for the small nodes with not so great centrality, and reduce the number of routed transactions: ```

CLTV delta

eclair.channel.expiry-delta-blocks = 60 ``` Default is 144 but I found that setting this to 60 (minimum possible for my node setup and configuration) yields better results for routing. It does expose you to more risk of expired HTLCs that may cause force-closures, but I have seen only one so far on my node.

Allocate Sufficient Memory

You will want to adjust the heap size for Eclair, since the default is too small to run any sizable node. Setting JAVA_OPTS=-Xmx32g (or half the size of your available RAM) would be a good start. I would advise having at least 32GB of RAM for the node, and allocating at least 16GB (JAVA_OPTS=-Xmx16g) for smooth and fast operations.

And More Settings and Parameters to Tune

I have covered only some of the major settings that I felt were worth writing about, but there is much more you could configure and tweak. Read all of the Guides and especially focus on the Configure and a sample reference configuration file.

Good Decisions

First, going with Eclair was the right choice, along with using server-grade hardware with ECC RAM and reliable storage. Second, having a replicated database on three separate nodes with one off-site saved me from a sure destruction of all state and loss of funds. Third, deciding to only maintain channels with reliable and stable nodes saved me from some bad force-closures, where I would choose to close the channel if a peer node goes up and down too frequently, regardless of how well it routes. Even big nodes run by single operators fail badly, as do nodes operated by companies. Keeping your eyes on the node and its health, as well as the health of its peers, is something that very few operators do, which can cause failures and unnecessary loss of your and their funds.

Lastly, if you decide to run a routing node, you have a responsibility to maintain it well and monitor its health. There are many tools you could use, and with Eclair you can use Prometheus and Grafana. Keep your node's packages updated and monitor for any security-related issues that may appear from time to time, so you can mitigate them quickly.

Conclusion

So far I am satisfied with Eclair despite all of the difficulties and headaches I've had with it. It is not perfect, and it requires me to create small tools to do some basic things, but I need a stable and reliable node that I can trust. Eclair has proved to be all that I wanted, and saved my bacon a few times when I nuked one of the PostgreSQL servers and all of its data, and managed to do the same for another replica, but was able to recover and recreate from the remaining replica. Eclair is also stateless during runtime and guarantees consistency of the node regardless of how it fails. Even if you pull a plug on the node's server, it will still be able to come up and recover its consistent state that is in agreement with its peers.

Is it for everyone? No, it is definitely not for everyone or for anyone who just wants a small node to run their online shop with a few channels. You could have a very reliable and trusted node for the online shop with Eclair, but you will need some technical skills to be able to set up, maintain and recover it if things go wrong.

In the end, it is all up to you, your skills, your willingness to learn, and your risk tolerance to make that decision. For me, it was the right choice, and I have no regrets despite not having access to the latest shiny features of the Lightning network.

@ c67cd3e1:84098345

@ b34b4408:acfb9667

เฮลิโอเทอราปีคืออะไร?

เฮลิโอเทอราปี (Heliotherapy) หรือการบำบัดด้วยแสงแดด เป็นศาสตร์การแพทย์ที่มีมาแต่โบราณ ชาวกรีกและโรมันใช้แสงแดดในการรักษาโรคและบำรุงสุขภาพ แนวคิดนี้ไม่ใช่เรื่องงมงาย แต่มีหลักการทางวิทยาศาสตร์รองรับ โดยเฉพาะในด้านผลของแสงแดดต่อการทำงานของร่างกายมนุษย์

กลไกการทำงานของเฮลิโอเทอราปี

การกระตุ้นการสร้างวิตามินดี

• แสง UVB ที่มีความยาวคลื่น 290-315 นาโนเมตร จะกระตุ้นให้ผิวหนังเปลี่ยน 7-dehydrocholesterol เป็น previtamin D3
• Previtamin D3 จะถูกเปลี่ยนเป็น vitamin D3 ด้วยความร้อนจากร่างกาย
• Vitamin D3 จะถูกตับเปลี่ยนเป็น 25-hydroxyvitamin D
• ไตจะเปลี่ยน 25-hydroxyvitamin D เป็น 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D ซึ่งเป็นรูปแบบที่ใช้งานได้
• กระบวนการนี้ส่งผลต่อ:
• การดูดซึมแคลเซียมและฟอสฟอรัสที่ลำไส้
• การสร้างและซ่อมแซมกระดูก
• การทำงานของระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน

การปรับสมดุลฮอร์โมน

• การกระตุ้นเซโรโทนิน:
• แสงสว่างผ่านดวงตาไปกระตุ้น Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN)
• SCN ส่งสัญญาณไปยัง Pineal Gland
• เพิ่มการผลิตเซโรโทนินในช่วงกลางวัน

• ลดการเปลี่ยนเซโรโทนินเป็นเมลาโทนิน

• การควบคุมเมลาโทนิน:

• ช่วงมีแสงสว่าง จะยับยั้งการผลิตเมลาโทนิน
• เมื่อไม่มีแสง จะเริ่มผลิตเมลาโทนิน
• ช่วยควบคุมวงจรการนอนหลับ

• ส่งผลต่อการทำงานของระบบเมตาบอลิซึม

• การปรับระดับคอร์ติซอล:

• แสงสว่างช่วยกระตุ้นการหลั่งคอร์ติซอลตามธรรมชาติ
• ช่วยให้ร่างกายตื่นตัวในช่วงเช้า
• ควบคุมระดับน้ำตาลในเลือด
• มีผลต่อการตอบสนองต่อความเครียด

ผลต่อระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน

• การกระตุ้นเซลล์ภูมิคุ้มกัน:
• เพิ่มการผลิต T-lymphocytes
• กระตุ้นการทำงานของ Natural Killer cells

• เพิ่มประสิทธิภาพของ macrophages

• การควบคุมการอักเสบ:

• ลดการผลิต pro-inflammatory cytokines
• เพิ่มการผลิต anti-inflammatory compounds

• ช่วยควบคุมการตอบสนองของระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน

• การเสริมสร้างการป้องกัน:

• กระตุ้นการสร้าง antimicrobial peptides
• เพิ่มความสามารถในการต่อต้านเชื้อโรค
• ช่วยในการซ่อมแซมเนื้อเยื่อ

ผลต่อผิวหนัง

• การกระตุ้นเม็ดสีเมลานิน:
• ป้องกันการทำลาย DNA จากรังสี UV
• ช่วยกรองแสง UV ที่เป็นอันตราย

• ปรับสีผิวให้เข้มขึ้นเพื่อป้องกัน

• การซ่อมแซมเซลล์:

• กระตุ้นกระบวนการ DNA repair
• เพิ่มการผลิต collagen
• ช่วยในการรักษาแผลและการอักเสบ

ผลต่อระบบประสาท

• การกระตุ้นการทำงานของสมอง:
• เพิ่มการไหลเวียนเลือดในสมอง
• กระตุ้นการผลิตสารสื่อประสาท

• ปรับปรุงความสามารถในการจดจำ

• การควบคุมอารมณ์:

• ลดความเครียดผ่านการปรับสมดุลฮอร์โมน
• ช่วยลดอาการซึมเศร้า
• เพิ่มความรู้สึกผ่อนคลาย

การประยุกต์ใช้เฮลิโอเทอราปีในการรักษาโรค

โรคผิวหนัง

• โรคสะเก็ดเงิน (Psoriasis)

• กลไก: แสง UV ช่วยลดการเพิ่มจำนวนของเซลล์ผิวหนังที่ผิดปกติ

• ผลการรักษา: ลดความหนาของรอยโรค ลดอาการคัน ลดการอักเสบ

• โรคผื่นภูมิแพ้ผิวหนัง (Atopic Dermatitis)

• กลไก: ลดการทำงานของเซลล์ภูมิคุ้มกันที่ทำให้เกิดการอักเสบ

• ผลการรักษา: บรรเทาอาการคัน ลดการอักเสบ ผิวหนังแข็งแรงขึ้น

• โรคด่างขาว (Vitiligo)

• กลไก: กระตุ้นการทำงานของเซลล์สร้างเม็ดสี

• ผลการรักษา: กระตุ้นการสร้างเม็ดสีในบริเวณที่เป็นด่างขาว

• สิวอักเสบ (acne)

• กลไก : แสง UV ช่วยฆ่าเชื้อแบคทีเรีย
• ผลการรักษา : ลดการอักเสบ และส่งเสริมเชื้อดีที่ผิว

ปัญหาสุขภาพจิต

• ภาวะซึมเศร้าตามฤดูกาล (SAD)

• ความถี่: ทุกวัน โดยเฉพาะในฤดูหนาว/ฝน
• กลไก: กระตุ้นการผลิตเซโรโทนิน ปรับสมดุลเมลาโทนิน

• ผลการรักษา: ลดอาการซึมเศร้า เพิ่มพลังงาน ปรับปรุงการนอน

• ปัญหาการนอนไม่หลับ หรือ อาการเจ็ทแล็ก (Jet lag)

• ความถี่: ทุกวัน
• กลไก: ปรับนาฬิกาชีวภาพ ควบคุมการผลิตเมลาโทนิน

• ผลการรักษา: ช่วยให้นอนหลับง่ายขึ้น ปรับวงจรการนอน

• ความเครียดและวิตกกังวล

• วิธีการ: รับแสงแดดอ่อนๆ พร้อมการเดินหรือทำสมาธิ
• กลไก: เพิ่มการผลิตเซโรโทนิน ลดระดับคอร์ติซอล
• ผลการรักษา: ลดความเครียด เพิ่มความรู้สึกผ่อนคลาย

โรคกระดูกและข้อ

• ภาวะกระดูกพรุน

• วิธีการ: รับแสงแดด เน้นช่วงข้อแขนขาที่มีอาการ
• กลไก: เพิ่มการสร้างวิตามินดี ช่วยดูดซึมแคลเซียม

• ผลการรักษา: ชะลอการสูญเสียมวลกระดูก เพิ่มความแข็งแรง

• การอักเสบของข้อ/โรคกระดูกอ่อน (Rickets)/เก็าท์ /รูมาตอยด์

• วิธีการ: รับแสงแดดบริเวณข้อที่มีปัญหา
• กลไก: ลดการอักเสบ เพิ่มการไหลเวียนเลือด
• ผลการรักษา: ลดอาการปวด เพิ่มความยืดหยุ่น

โรคระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน

• ภูมิแพ้ (Allergies)

• กลไก: ปรับการตอบสนองของระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน
• ผลการรักษา: ลดความรุนแรงของอาการแพ้

- โรคภูมิคุ้มกันทำลายตัวเอง

• กลไก: ปรับสมดุลระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน ลดการอักเสบ
• ผลการรักษา: ลดความรุนแรงของอาการ ยืดระยะเวลาระหว่างการกำเริบ

ระบบเมตาบอลิซึม

- การควบคุมน้ำหนัก

• วิธีการ: รับแสงแดด พร้อมการเดินเบาๆ
• กลไก:
  • กระตุ้นการทำงานของต่อมไทรอยด์
  • เพิ่มการเผาผลาญไขมันสีน้ำตาล (Brown Fat)
  • ปรับสมดุลฮอร์โมนที่เกี่ยวข้องกับความหิว

• ผลการรักษา:

  • เพิ่มอัตราการเผาผลาญพื้นฐาน
  • ควบคุมความอยากอาหารได้ดีขึ้น
  • ลดการสะสมไขมัน

• การควบคุมน้ำตาลในเลือด

• วิธีการ: รับแสงแดดหลังอาหาร
• กลไก:
  • เพิ่มความไวต่ออินซูลิน
  • ปรับการทำงานของเซลล์ตับอ่อน
  • ควบคุมการหลั่งฮอร์โมนที่เกี่ยวข้องกับน้ำตาล

• ผลการรักษา:

  • ระดับน้ำตาลในเลือดคงที่มากขึ้น
  • ลดความเสี่ยงภาวะน้ำตาลต่ำ/สูง
  • เพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการใช้น้ำตาลของเซลล์

• การทำงานของตับ

• กลไก:
  • กระตุ้นการสร้างเอนไซม์ในตับ
  • เพิ่มการไหลเวียนเลือดที่ตับ
  • ช่วยในกระบวนการดีท็อกซ์

• ผลการรักษา:

  • เพิ่มประสิทธิภาพการทำงานของตับ
  • ลดการสะสมไขมันในตับ
  • ช่วยการขจัดสารพิษ

• ระบบย่อยอาหาร

• กลไก:
  • กระตุ้นการผลิตน้ำย่อย
  • ปรับสมดุลแบคทีเรียในลำไส้
  • เพิ่มการเคลื่อนไหวของลำไส้
• ผลการรักษา:
  • ระบบย่อยอาหารทำงานดีขึ้น
  • ลดอาการท้องอืด ท้องเฟ้อ
  • เพิ่มการดูดซึมสารอาหาร

ข้อควรระวังในการรักษา: - ปรึกษาผู้เชี่ยวชาญหรือผู้ที่เข้าใจเรื่อง Heliotherapy หากมีโรคประจำตัว - เริ่มจากระยะเวลาสั้นๆ แล้วค่อยๆ เพิ่ม - ควรสวมเสื้อผ้าที่เปิดผิวหนังให้สัมผัสแสงแดดโดยตรง - ไม่ควรทาครีมกันแดดในบริเวณที่ต้องการรับการรักษา - หากมีอาการผิวแดง ร้อนผิว ให้หยุดรับแสงแดด - หยุดทันทีเมื่อมีอาการแพ้หรือระคายเคือง - ระวังเป็นพิเศษในผู้ที่มีประวัติแพ้แดด

ความจริงที่ถูกบิดเบือน: ทำไมเราถึงกลัวแดด?

อิทธิพลของอุตสาหกรรมความงามและการแพทย์

อุตสาหกรรมเครื่องสำอางและผลิตภัณฑ์ดูแลผิว

• ตลาดผลิตภัณฑ์กันแดด
• มูลค่าตลาดทั่วโลกกว่า 50,000 ล้านดอลลาร์
• อัตราการเติบโตเฉลี่ย 8-10% ต่อปี
• ผลิตภัณฑ์หลากหลายระดับราคา

• การพัฒนาสูตรใหม่ๆ เพื่อสร้างความต้องการ

• กลยุทธ์การสร้างความต้องการ

• การโฆษณาที่สร้างความกลัว

  • ใช้ภาพก่อน-หลังที่เกินจริง
  • นำเสนอผลการวิจัยแบบเลือกข้าง
  • สร้างความกังวลเรื่องริ้วรอยและความชรา
  • ใช้คำศัพท์ทางวิทยาศาสตร์ที่ซับซ้อน

• การสร้างความเชื่อผิดๆ

  • "ต้องทาครีมกันแดดทุกวัน แม้อยู่ในร่ม"
  • "ยิ่ง SPF สูง ยิ่งดี"
  • "แสงแดดเป็นสาเหตุหลักของริ้วรอย"
  • "ผิวขาวเท่านั้นที่สวยและดูดี"

อุตสาหกรรมอาหารเสริม

• ตลาดผลิตภัณฑ์วิตามินดี
• การเติบโตของตลาดอาหารเสริมวิตามินดี
• การผลักดันให้ใช้อาหารเสริมแทนแสงแดด
• ราคาที่สูงเกินความจำเป็น

• การสร้างความเชื่อว่าอาหารเสริมปลอดภัยกว่า

• กลยุทธ์ทางการตลาด

• การใช้ผู้เชี่ยวชาญทางการแพทย์รับรอง
• การนำเสนอผลการวิจัยที่สนับสนุนผลิตภัณฑ์
• การสร้างความกลัวเรื่องการขาดวิตามินดี
• การเชื่อมโยงกับปัญหาสุขภาพต่างๆ

อุตสาหกรรมการแพทย์และความงาม

• คลินิกผิวพรรณและความงาม
• การให้บริการทรีตเมนต์หลบแดด
• การรักษาผิวคล้ำเสียจากแดด
• การฉีดวิตามินและอาหารเสริม

• ทรีตเมนต์ฟื้นฟูผิวราคาแพง

• การแพทย์เฉพาะทาง

• การรักษาผิวหนังที่เน้นยาและเคมีภัณฑ์
• การผ่าตัดและเลเซอร์เพื่อความขาว
• การรักษาริ้วรอยด้วยวิธีราคาแพง
• การละเลยวิธีธรรมชาติบำบัด

เครือข่ายผลประโยชน์ทางธุรกิจ

• ความเชื่อมโยงระหว่างอุตสาหกรรม
• บริษัทยาที่ผลิตทั้งครีมกันแดดและอาหารเสริม
• คลินิกที่จำหน่ายผลิตภัณฑ์ของตัวเอง
• การร่วมมือระหว่างผู้เชี่ยวชาญและบริษัทผลิตภัณฑ์

• เครือข่ายการตลาดและการโฆษณา

• ผลประโยชน์ทับซ้อน

• ผู้เชี่ยวชาญที่เป็นพรีเซ็นเตอร์ผลิตภัณฑ์
• งานวิจัยที่ได้รับทุนจากบริษัทผลิตภัณฑ์
• การให้ข้อมูลที่เอื้อประโยชน์ทางธุรกิจ
• การปิดบังข้อมูลที่อาจกระทบยอดขาย

ผลกระทบต่อผู้บริโภค

• ด้านเศรษฐกิจ
• ค่าใช้จ่ายสูงในการซื้อผลิตภัณฑ์
• การเสียเงินกับทรีตเมนต์ที่ไม่จำเป็น
• ภาระค่าใช้จ่ายระยะยาว

• การลงทุนที่ไม่คุ้มค่ากับผลลัพธ์

• ด้านสุขภาพ

• การขาดแสงแดดที่จำเป็น
• ผลข้างเคียงจากผลิตภัณฑ์
• การพึ่งพาผลิตภัณฑ์มากเกินไป
• ปัญหาสุขภาพที่เกิดจากการหลีกเลี่ยงแสงแดด

อิทธิพลทางสังคมและวัฒนธรรม

• ค่านิยมผิวขาวในสังคมเอเชีย
• รากเหง้าทางประวัติศาสตร์ของการแบ่งชนชั้น
• อิทธิพลของสื่อและดารานักแสดง
• ความเชื่อมโยงระหว่างผิวขาวกับความสำเร็จ

• แรงกดดันทางสังคมในการรักษาผิวให้ขาว

• การเปลี่ยนแปลงวิถีชีวิต

• การทำงานในออฟฟิศเป็นหลัก
• การใช้ชีวิตในห้างสรรพสินค้าและอาคาร
• การลดลงของกิจกรรมกลางแจ้ง
• ความเชื่อว่าการอยู่ในร่มปลอดภัยกว่า

การบิดเบือนข้อมูลทางการแพทย์

การนำเสนอข้อมูลที่ไม่สมดุล

• การเน้นย้ำความเสี่ยงมะเร็งผิวหนัง
• นำเสนอสถิติแบบบิดเบือน
• ไม่แยกแยะระหว่างการรับแดดที่เหมาะสมกับการรับแดดมากเกินไป
• ละเลยการพูดถึงปัจจัยเสี่ยงอื่นๆ

• ไม่ให้ข้อมูลว่าการรับแดดอย่างเหมาะสมอาจช่วยป้องกันมะเร็งบางชนิด

• การละเลยประโยชน์ของแสง UV

• ไม่พูดถึงบทบาทของ UV ในการฆ่าเชื้อโรค
• ปิดบังข้อมูลเรื่องการสร้างวิตามินดีตามธรรมชาติ
• ไม่กล่าวถึงประโยชน์ต่อระบบภูมิคุ้มกัน
• ละเลยผลดีต่อสุขภาพจิต

การสร้างความเข้าใจผิดเกี่ยวกับวิตามินดี

• ความเชื่อเรื่องอาหารเสริม
• สร้างความเชื่อว่าอาหารเสริมดีกว่าแสงแดด
• ไม่เปิดเผยข้อจำกัดของการดูดซึมวิตามินดีจากอาหารเสริม
• ละเลยการพูดถึงผลข้างเคียงของการใช้อาหารเสริมเกินขนาด

• ไม่อธิบายความแตกต่างระหว่างวิตามินดีจากธรรมชาติและสังเคราะห์

• การวิจัยที่มีอคติ

• การศึกษาที่ได้รับทุนจากบริษัทผลิตภัณฑ์กันแดด
• เลือกนำเสนอผลการวิจัยเฉพาะด้านลบ
• ขาดการศึกษาระยะยาวเกี่ยวกับผลดีของแสงแดด
• ไม่เปิดเผยผลประโยชน์ทับซ้อนในงานวิจัย

การบิดเบือนในการรักษาทางการแพทย์

• แนวทางการรักษาที่พึ่งพายา
• เน้นการใช้ยามากกว่าวิธีธรรมชาติ
• ละเลยการแนะนำเรื่องการรับแสงแดด
• สั่งจ่ายอาหารเสริมโดยไม่จำเป็น

• ไม่ให้ความสำคัญกับการปรับพฤติกรรม

• การวินิจฉัยที่ไม่ครอบคลุม

• ไม่ตรวจหาสาเหตุจากการขาดแสงแดด
• มองข้ามความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างแสงแดดกับโรคต่างๆ
• ไม่ซักประวัติเรื่องการรับแสงแดด
• ละเลยการประเมินวิถีชีวิตที่หลีกเลี่ยงแสงแดด

ผลกระทบต่อการรักษา

• การรักษาที่ไม่มีประสิทธิภาพ
• การใช้ยาเกินความจำเป็น
• ค่าใช้จ่ายที่สูงขึ้นโดยไม่จำเป็น
• ผลข้างเคียงจากการรักษาที่ไม่เหมาะสม

• การรักษาที่ไม่แก้ปัญหาที่สาเหตุ

• ปัญหาสุขภาพที่ตามมา

• โรคขาดวิตามินดีที่เพิ่มขึ้น
• ปัญหาสุขภาพจิตจากการหลีกเลี่ยงแสงแดด
• ภาวะแทรกซ้อนจากการใช้ยาระยะยาว
• คุณภาพชีวิตที่ลดลง

ผลกระทบต่อสุขภาพจากความกลัวแดด

• ปัญหาการขาดวิตามินดี
• การระบาดของภาวะขาดวิตามินดีในประชากร
• ผลกระทบต่อสุขภาพกระดูก
• ความเสี่ยงต่อโรคภูมิแพ้และภูมิคุ้มกัน

• ปัญหาสุขภาพจิตที่เพิ่มขึ้น

• ผลกระทบทางสังคมและจิตใจ

• ความวิตกกังวลเกี่ยวกับการออกนอกบ้าน
• การจำกัดกิจกรรมกลางแจ้ง
• ความเครียดจากการต้องดูแลผิวมากเกินไป
• ค่าใช้จ่ายที่สูงขึ้นจากผลิตภัณฑ์ป้องกันแดด

การแก้ไขความเข้าใจผิด

• การให้ข้อมูลที่สมดุล
• นำเสนอทั้งประโยชน์และความเสี่ยง
• แนะนำวิธีการรับแดดที่ปลอดภัย
• สร้างความเข้าใจเรื่องความพอดี

• ให้ความรู้เรื่องการป้องกันที่เหมาะสม

• การปรับเปลี่ยนทัศนคติ

• เปลี่ยนจากการ "กลัวแดด" เป็น "เข้าใจแดด"
• สร้างความตระหนักถึงความสำคัญของแสงแดดต่อสุขภาพ
• ส่งเสริมการใช้ชีวิตที่สมดุลกับธรรมชาติ
• ลดอิทธิพลของค่านิยมผิวขาว

หลักการรับแสงแดดที่ถูกต้องตามแนวทางเฮลิโอเทอราปี

ระยะเวลาและความถี่

• เริ่มจากวันละ 10-15 นาที
• ค่อยๆ เพิ่มเวลา

วิธีการที่ถูกต้อง

• เปิดผิวให้สัมผัสแดดพอประมาณ
• ไม่ใช้สารกันแดด
• สังเกตการตอบสนองของร่างกาย
• ปรับตามสภาพอากาศและฤดูกาล

การประยุกต์ใช้เฮลิโอเทอราปีในชีวิตประจำวัน

กิจกรรมที่แนะนำ

• เดินเช้าหรือเย็น
• ทำสวนในช่วงเวลาที่เหมาะสม
• ออกกำลังกายกลางแจ้งเบาๆ

การผสมผสานกับการดูแลสุขภาพอื่นๆ

• การออกกำลังกาย
• การทำสมาธิกลางแจ้ง
• การทำกิจกรรมผ่อนคลาย

บทสรุป: กลับสู่สมดุลธรรมชาติ

เฮลิโอเทอราปีไม่เพียงเป็นการรักษาโรค แต่ยังเป็นแนวทางในการดูแลสุขภาพแบบองค์รวม การเข้าใจหลักการของเฮลิโอเทอราปีช่วยให้เราตระหนักว่า แสงแดดเป็นส่วนสำคัญของชีวิตที่สมดุล การหวนกลับมาใส่ใจการรับแสงแดดอย่างถูกวิธี จึงเป็นก้าวสำคัญสู่การมีสุขภาพที่ดีอย่างยั่งยืน

แสงแดดเป็น "เพื่อน" ไม่ใช่ "ศัตรู" ของสุขภาพ หากรู้จักใช้ให้เหมาะสม

Don’t trust , (must) Verify

ศึกษาเพิ่มเติมเรื่อง Heliotherapy : https://youtu.be/q5EX5XrR-2A

...................................... ข้อมูลสุขภาพดีๆที่ไม่มีค่าใช้จ่าย https://www.youtube.com/@fastingfatdentist . หากสนใจวิธีการดูแลสุขภาพตามแบบ IFF ปรึกษาส่วนตัว inbox มาสอบถามที่เพจ"หมออ้วนในดงลดน้ำหนัก"หรือ" fastingfatdentist"ได้เลยครับ .

ความน่ากลัวในการดูแลสุขภาพคือการที่เชื่อโดยไม่มีความรู้ .

.

IFF #IFF_talk #intermittentfasting #keto #Lowcarb #CD #plantbased #RemissionDiabetes #ร่างกายเราคือธรรมชาติไม่ใช่ยา #เบาหวานหายได้โดยไม่ต้องใช้ยา #หมอไหวของหมอแบบนี

@ b8a9df82:6ab5cbbd

A couple of weeks ago, I shared a post on Nostr about my curiosity surrounding the carnivore diet. As someone who spent over 20 years as a vegetarian — including five strict vegan years — it’s been a wild shift. I’d been reading a lot about the diet’s potential benefits, especially for reducing fatigue and inflammation, and wondered if it could help me as a runner and a woman constantly battling low energy.

What I didn’t expect was how fascinating, hilarious, and downright strange this journey would be, especially as someone who grew up in Berlin, where meat-eaters are often seen as the enemy. Let me walk you through my experience, from meat aversion to savoring steak, and everything in between.

Why I became vegetarian

To understand my shift, you need to know where I came from. I grew up in Berlin in a household that valued high-quality food, including meat. My parents ate meat, but only the good stuff — local, organic, free from antibiotics. Still, I just didn’t like the taste of it. Even as a kid, I avoided meat whenever I could, and since most of my friends were vegetarian too, it felt completely normal.

When I moved to London in 2015, I took things further and went fully vegan. Why? Well, two reasons:

1. Ethics & costs: seeing a whole chicken priced at £3 made me question the source and quality of animal products in general. Eggs, dairy — where was this stuff even coming from?
2. Health beliefs: I was convinced I was lactose intolerant, so cutting dairy seemed like a no-brainer.

Back then, I was broke and couldn't afford organic groceries, so I stuck to a clean, whole-food, plant-based diet. No fake cheese or vegan "meat" substitutes - just veggies, grains, and nuts. It wasn't bad, but in hindsight, I realize I was often bloated and never truly satiated.

Back then, I was broke and couldn’t afford organic groceries, so I stuck to a clean, whole-food, plant-based diet. No fake cheese or vegan “meat” substitutes — just veggies, grains, and nuts. It wasn’t bad, but in hindsight, I realize I was often bloated and never truly satiated.

Returning to eggs and fish

After a couple of years, I moved back to Berlin and started reintroducing eggs and fish into my diet. The change was immediate. I felt more awake and energized, and I began to notice how different foods made me feel. It wasn’t just about ideology anymore — it was about what my body needed.

Around this time, a friend stayed at my flat and threw out all the “junk” in my kitchen: seed oils, processed foods, and anything overly refined. In their place, they stocked my shelves with high-quality, nutrient-dense options. It was a turning point, but it still took me another year to reintroduce dairy. Cheese came first, but I avoided milk and yogurt for a long time, clinging to plant-based alternatives (minus soy — I’d given up on that).

The Berlin steak

The real game-changer came this past September, a few weeks before I flew to Argentina. After years of avoiding meat, I decided to take the leap in Berlin, with the only three people I know who love meat that time.  I can still picture the scene. It was a cozy restaurant with friends who were as curious as I was about how this experiment would go. When the steak arrived, I was nervous - excited but hesitant. Cutting into it, I couldn't help but wonder, "Is this going to mess me up? Will I even like it?" To my surprise, it was good. Really good. And for the first time in years, I felt full. Not bloated, not "I guess I ate something" full - but deeply, truly satisfied. That moment shattered so many of my mental barriers around meat. I didn't feel guilty, and more importantly, my body didn't rebel. It felt fine. It felt great, even. That steak opened the door. A couple of weeks later, I boarded a plane to South America, ready to take this experiment to the next level.

The South American meat adventure

Landing in Argentina — the global capital of steak — I knew this was the perfect place to dive deeper into my carnivore journey. Here, meat isn’t just food; it’s culture, art, and community. Surrounded by people who were thrilled to guide me, I started trying different cuts, exploring flavors, and, for the first time, cooking meat for myself.

What surprised me most was the quality. The meat here isn’t just any meat — it’s grass-fed, tender, and bursting with flavor. Every cut offered something new, and I began to see steak as more than “just meat.” It became a source of nourishment and enjoyment in a way I never thought possible.

At the same time, other small shifts began happening. I stopped drinking almond milk after realizing it was packed with seed oils, switching back to real milk. I traded plant-based yogurt for the real thing. Each step felt natural, and my body responded with more energy and clarity.

The struggles

Not everything has been smooth sailing, though. One night, we went to a restaurant offering endless meat, including more adventurous options like chicken hearts. My friends encouraged me to try, but my brain wasn’t having it. Even wrapped in lettuce to disguise the texture, I couldn’t get past the mental block. Baby steps, right?

Two months into eating meat, I feel stronger than ever. I’m not constantly hungry, and for the first time, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be truly full after a meal. It’s a complete 180 from my vegan days, where I often felt bloated yet unsatisfied.

This journey has been as much about unlearning old beliefs as it has been about embracing new habits. While I’m still working on organ meats (maybe one day!), I’m excited to see where this path takes me.

To anyone considering a similar shift, I’ll say this: Listen to your body, take it one step at a time, and don’t be afraid to challenge your assumptions. My journey isn’t about proving one diet is better than another — it’s about finding what works for me.

Whether you’re a meat-lover or a lifelong vegetarian, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever tried a radical dietary change? What did you learn?Let’s keep the conversation going — meat or no meat!

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

início

"Vocês vêem? Vêem a história? Vêem alguma coisa? Me parece que estou tentando lhes contar um sonho -- fazendo uma tentativa inútil, porque nenhum relato de sonho pode transmitir a sensação de sonho, aquela mistura de absurdo, surpresa e espanto numa excitação de revolta tentando se impôr, aquela noção de ser tomado pelo incompreensível que é da própria essência dos sonhos..."

Ele ficou em silêncio por alguns instantes.

"... Não, é impossível; é impossível transmitir a sensação viva de qualquer época determinada de nossa existência -- aquela que constitui a sua verdade, o seu significado, a sua essência sutil e contundente. É impossível. Vivemos, como sonhamos -- sozinhos..."

• Livros mencionados por Olavo de Carvalho
• Antiga homepage Olavo de Carvalho
• Bitcoin explicado de um jeito correto e inteligível
• Reclamações

---

• Nostr
• Bitcoin
• How IPFS is broken
• Programming quibbles
• Economics
• Open-source software

---

Nostr GitHub Telegram code

@ 502ab02a:a2860397

แสงแดด วิตามิน D, A, K2-MK7 กับสุขภาพกระดูกและหลอดเลือด ว่าด้วยเรื่องของ DAK2 นั้นเคยเขียนไว้นานแล้ว แต่จำได้ว่าเป็นกึ่งๆบทความบ่นๆ แต่ไม่ได้อธิบายเป็นภาษามนุษย์นักครับว่า ตกลงจะหมายถึงอะไรกันแน่ ด้วยวาระโอกาสจะจบปี 2024 เลยคิดว่า นำมาปิดท้ายเนื้อหาหนักๆช่วงปลายๆของ season3 นี้กันดีกว่า

แสงแดด ไม่ใช่สิ่งที่ควรหลีกเลี่ยงเสมอไป แม้ว่าหลายคนจะกังวลเกี่ยวกับความเสี่ยงของโรคมะเร็งผิวหนัง แต่หากได้รับในปริมาณที่เหมาะสม แสงแดดเป็นสิ่งสำคัญที่ช่วยกระตุ้นกลไกของวิตามิน D ในร่างกาย ซึ่งทำงานร่วมกับ วิตามิน A และ วิตามิน K2-MK7 เพื่อดูแลสุขภาพกระดูกและหลอดเลือด รวมถึงช่วยลดความเสี่ยงจากโรคร้ายแรง เช่น โรคกระดูกพรุนและหลอดเลือดอุดตันครับ บทความนี้จะอธิบายถึงกลไกการทำงานของวิตามินเหล่านี้กับร่างกาย เพื่อส่งเสริมการดูดซึมแคลเซียม ลดการสะสมแคลเซียมผิดที่ และสร้างความเข้าใจว่าความเสี่ยงจากการตากแดดนั้น ต่ำกว่าที่หลายคนเข้าใจนักครับ คือ ถ้าไม่ชอบตากก็ไม่ต้องอ้างอะไรอื่นครับ ลองพิจารณาสิ่งที่ผมจะเล่าให้นี้ก่อนว่าซื้อมั๊ย ผมพยายามจะรวบรัดให้สั้นๆนะครับ

หลักการที่ผมมโนออกมาเป็นคำสั้นๆว่า DAK2 ซึ่งผมมักจะเรียกว่า แดก หรือเต็มๆคือ ตากแดดแล้วแดกด้วย คือกิจกรรมตากแดดของเรานั้น จะส่งผลดีได้อีกด้านนึงด้วย ถ้าคุณได้รับวิตามินครบทั้ง DAK2 ครับ เพราะว่า

-วิตามิน D เป็นรากฐานของการดูดซึมแคลเซียม วิตามิน D เป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของกระบวนการที่ช่วยให้ร่างกายดูดซึมแคลเซียมอย่างมีประสิทธิภาพและนำไปใช้อย่างเหมาะสม เมื่อผิวหนังได้รับรังสี UVB จากแสงแดด ร่างกายจะสังเคราะห์ วิตามิน D3 (cholecalciferol) วิตามิน D3 จะถูกเปลี่ยนเป็น calcidiol ในตับ และcalcitriol ที่ไต ซึ่งตรงนี้นะครับ มันจะถูกเปลี่ยนเป็น calcitriol รูปแบบที่ร่างกายนำไปใช้งานได้ ซึ่งเจ้า Calcitriol นี่แหละที่ ช่วยเพิ่มการดูดซึม แคลเซียม และ ฟอสฟอรัส จากอาหารในลำไส้ ทำให้มีแร่ธาตุเพียงพอสำหรับการสร้างและบำรุงกระดูก

-วิตามิน K2-MK7 รับบทผู้ควบคุมแคลเซียมในร่างกาย วิตามิน K2 ตัวนี้สำคัญ หายากและขาดมากที่สุดครับ โดยเฉพาะในรูปแบบ MK7 (menaquinone-7) มีบทบาทสำคัญในการนำแคลเซียมไปสะสมในกระดูกและป้องกันการสะสมในหลอดเลือด โดย K2 นั้นกระตุ้นโปรตีน osteocalcin ซึ่งทำหน้าที่ดึงแคลเซียมเข้าสู่กระดูก นอกจากนี้ K2 ยังช่วยกระตุ้น matrix Gla-protein (MGP) ซึ่งป้องกันการสะสมแคลเซียมไม่ให้ไปเกาะในหลอดเลือดแดงและเนื้อเยื่ออ่อน ดังนั้นการได้รับ K2 เพียงพอจึงช่วยลดความเสี่ยงของโรคหลอดเลือดอุดตัน

คำถามคือทำไมต้อง MK7???? นั่นเพราะ MK7 มีคุณสมบัติที่เหนือกว่า K2 รูปแบบอื่น เนื่องจากมีการทำงานในร่างกายได้นานกว่าวิตามิน K2 ตัวอื่นๆก่อนจะถูกขับทิ้งออกไป จึงช่วยให้เกิดผลลัพธ์ที่ยาวนานและมีประสิทธิภาพสูงที่สุด

-วิตามิน A ผู้สนับสนุนกระดูกและหลอดเลือด วิตามิน A (ในรูป retinoic acid) ทำงานร่วมกับวิตามิน D และ K2 เพื่อช่วยควบคุมการเจริญเติบโตของกระดูกและลดการสะสมแคลเซียมผิดที่ครับ โดยวิตามิน A จะกระตุ้นเซลล์สร้างกระดูก (osteoblasts) และช่วยปรับสมดุลของเซลล์สลายกระดูก (osteoclasts)ควบคุมการทำงานของเซลล์ทำลายกระดูก รวมถึงมีส่วนช่วยในการสร้างเซลล์เยื่อบุหลอดเลือด (endothelial cells) ให้แข็งแรง ช่วยลดการสะสมของคราบแคลเซียมในหลอดเลือด

เมื่อทำงานร่วมกับ วิตามิน K2 (ที่ป้องกันแคลเซียมสะสมในหลอดเลือด) จะช่วยลดความเสี่ยงของโรคหลอดเลือดอุดตัน แล้ววิตามิน A นั้นก็ยังช่วยเสริมสร้างเซลล์เยื่อบุหลอดเลือด ทำให้หลอดเลือดแข็งแรง ลดความเสี่ยงการสะสมของคราบแคลเซียม เมื่อร่างกายได้รับ วิตามิน A, D, และ K2 ร่วมกัน กระบวนการสร้างกระดูกและการสะสมแร่ธาตุในกระดูกจะมีประสิทธิภาพมากขึ้น

ข้อควรระวัง การได้รับวิตามิน A มากเกินไป (เกิน 10,000 IU/วัน) อาจขัดขวางการทำงานของวิตามิน D และเสี่ยงต่อการสูญเสียมวลกระดูก ดังนั้นควรได้รับในปริมาณที่เหมาะสม ไม่ใช่ว่าพอคิดว่าดีแล้วจัดกันแบบไม่ยั้งนะครับ อันนี้อันตรายนะ

สรุปการทำงานร่วมกันของวิตามิน D, A, K2-MK7 วิตามิน D ช่วยเพิ่มการดูดซึมแคลเซียมและฟอสฟอรัสเข้าสู่กระแสเลือด วิตามิน K2-MK7 ช่วยนำแคลเซียมไปสะสมในกระดูก และป้องกันการสะสมในหลอดเลือด วิตามิน A ช่วยปรับสมดุลการเจริญเติบโตและการสลายกระดูก พร้อมเสริมความแข็งแรงของเยื่อบุหลอดเลือด

อาหารที่ช่วยเสริมวิตามิน D, A, K2-MK7 ปกติเราจะท่องๆกันว่า ในเนื้อวัวตับวัว มีครบเกือบทุกอย่าง เว้นวิตามิน K2 เรามาลองดูตัวอย่างอาหารอื่นๆกันบ้างครับ วิตามิน D: ปลาแซลมอน, ปลาซาร์ดีน, น้ำมันตับปลา วิตามิน A: ตับ, ไข่ วิตามิน K2-MK7: นัตโตะ (ถั่วหมักญี่ปุ่น), ชีส, ไข่ไก่จากไก่ที่เลี้ยงปล่อย ส่วนที่มีคนถามว่า กิมจิหล่ะ คือ กิมจิ มีปริมาณวิตามิน K2 จริงครับแต่โดยปกติจะอยู่ในรูปแบบ MK4 ไม่ใช่ MK7 แคลเซียม: นม, กระดูกอ่อนต่างๆ, น้ำซุปกระดูก. ตับ ทีนี้พอเราเห็นภาพรวมแล้ว ก็ต้องบอกว่า จงเลิกมายาที่ต้องมานั่งท่องว่า ตากแดดเวลาไหนดีที่สุด เพราะคุณไม่ต้องไขว่คว้าหาอะไรที่ดีที่สุดเลยครับ คติของการตากแดดคือ ดีทุกเวลา เอาที่ว่าคุณไหวนั่นแหละ ไอ้ที่บอกว่าตากเช้าดีสุดนี่ ตากเช้าเท่านั้น เวลาอื่นห้ามตาก ตากแล้วจะเป็นมะเร็ง โคตรโม้ครับ อย่าเชื่อผมนะ คุณค่อยๆพิจารณา verify ไปทีละจุด ตากแค่เช้าจะได้อะไร ตากสะสมหลายๆเวลาได้อะไร แล้วประโยคที่ส่งต่อกันจังเลยว่า ตากแดดเช้ามันดีสุดจริงไหม

เลิกถามนะครับ ว่าตากเวลาไหนดีที่สุด มัน out แล้ว

#SundaySpecialเราจะไปเป็นหมูแดดเดียว #กูต้องรู้มั๊ย #PirateKeto

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Hey Freaks,

I like using SN and Nostr as something of an open diary, this time I'm back detailing my hustle in the fiat mines.

The Full Time Job Hustle

I was looking at obtaining a paralegal certificate and taking a few courses on Udemy and Coursera. I'll probably start on the 14th, was thinking I should probably bolster my main resume with more skills and certs. I'll start requesting additional tasks at work and look towards either a promotion or finding an interesting paralegal job elsewhere.

Here were a few resources I was looking to take advantage of

They're all inexpensive and I can work on them at my own pace, could bolster my resume and provide me with more knowledge and skills to bring to the table. I guess I'm more of an autodidact, was thinking if I paired those certificates with a few decent books and podcasts I'd be more of a force to be reckoned with.

I started with the firm strictly filing documents as an admin assistant. I guess my end goal, when it comes to my journey in the legal field, is to eventually work on more interesting things, for more money. Right now my job is mostly administrative, preparing patent documents, filing documents with the USPTO, and calling examiners to discuss errors in patent applications. Just like in most things.....I'm a noob when it comes to legal matters, but have a renewed interest in IP law and how it moves forward with the whole sovereign individual thesis hanging in the background and how it plays with Free open source software and my anarchist leanings.

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The Part Time Job Hustle

Looks like I'll be working weekends as a Direct Support Professional. The job is from 9AM to 11pm...... and I'll be working with teens with disabilities and mental health conditions.

As a bit of a background, I was looking for additional weekend work because the wild wife is pregnant and I don't want her working. My main job as a formalities specialist at an IP law firm allows me to work from home, and the work isn't too hard, just a lot of typing and I grew up playing computer games, so typing and moving my mouse to click buttons is a specialty, that and my charming demeanor.....

I wanted a job that fit around my schedule and offered a decent amount of sats. A job that was doing something of value in the real world, and something with good employment prospects into the future. So I obtained a Home Health Care Aide certificate on Udemy, watched a few Youtube videos, and applied to 15 HHA jobs in my area (That's a lot of opportunity in the area, especially for weekend and evening jobs).

The interview went really well, I leaned on my military background, teaching kids how to perform Maintenance on F-16 fighter jets, and on my experience helping the elderly with small financial tasks at Bank of America. I received an offer letter, and they ended up offering me a salary which was more than I expected. I've finished the onboarding process and start orientation on Monday (taking a week vacation from the firm to take the paid orientation.)

I'm excited about the job. I'm pumped to get into a new field with pretty nice opportunity and prospects around me for long term sat stacking. I'm really interested to see how I'd be of service to the special needs kid........and know I have a lot to learn.

Wish me luck, And never stop the hustle! Wild

PS. written really fast, apologies for it being all over the place.....

@ 31312140:2471509b

The Hidden Dangers in Your Home

The Toxic Ingredients

Most household and personal care products are a cocktail of toxic chemicals. Despite the pretty labels "all-natural" or "eco-friendly" solutions, these items often contain substances you wouldn’t want anywhere near your skin, mouth, or home in general.

Parabens and Phthalates

Parabens and phthalates are commonly used as preservatives and plasticizers in a wide range of products. They can disrupt your endocrine system, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can result in anything from reproductive issues to an increased risk of cancer. Parabens are often found in cosmetics like lotions, shampoos, and makeup, phthalates are commonly found in fragrances and PVC plastics.

The Danger of Fragrances

Ah, yes. The alluring scent of fresh laundry or a floral shampoo. But here’s the kicker—these fragrances are often made from synthetic chemicals that can provoke allergies, disrupt your hormones, and even cause respiratory issues. Companies are not legally required to disclose the specific chemicals used in their fragrances, making it tricky to know what you’re actually exposing yourself to.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products like toothpaste, shampoos, and even soaps. It’s known for skin irritation and has been linked to a host of other health issues. Studies suggest that prolonged exposure can be harmful to the tissues in your mouth and could contribute to the formation of ulcers and canker sores.

Triclosan

Widely used as an antibacterial agent in products like soaps and deodorants, triclosan has been shown to disrupt thyroid function and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Long-term exposure can mess with your microbiome and weaken your body’s natural defenses.

The Environmental Impact

Pollutants in Water Supply

Personal care products contribute to water pollution, especially when these toxins wash down the drain into the water supply. Many of these chemicals are not effectively removed by wastewater treatment plants. They can end up in our rivers, lakes, and even our drinking water, causing harm to aquatic life and potentially returning to us through the water we consume.

The Synthetic Scourge

Microplastics and synthetic compounds from household products accumulate in the environment. These pollutants don’t break down easily, causing long-term damage to ecosystems around the world. Think about it—every time you wash your clothes, you might be releasing microplastics into the water system, harming marine animals.

Solutions and Alternatives

Go Natural

The best way to avoid these harmful chemicals is to go back to basics. Opt for products that list all-natural, organic ingredients. There’s an increasing number of companies dedicated to creating genuinely non-toxic products.

DIY

Making your own household cleaners and personal care products is easier than you think. Simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, coconut oil, and essential oils can replace a multitude of toxic products. For instance, mixing baking soda and vinegar in equal parts can create an effective all-purpose cleaner that’s surprisingly effective without the side effects.

Be an Educated Consumer

Knowledge is power. Start reading labels and researching ingredients. Just because a product is labeled "natural" or "organic" doesn’t mean it's free of harmful substances. Check for certifications and look up brands that genuinely prioritize health and environmental sustainability.

Conclusion

The household and personal care products you use daily could be slowly undermining your health and environment. It’s high time you took a good, hard look into what you’re bringing into your home. Challenge the status quo, make informed choices, and safeguard the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Remember, the small changes you make today can have a powerful impact on your tomorrow. 🌍

Suggested Readings

"Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry" by Stacy Malkan

"Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home" by Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin

References

"Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Cosmetics" by Andrea C. Gore, Barbara Cohn

"Chemical Exposures: The Ugly Side of Beauty Products" by Julia R. Barrett

"Health Effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)" - Journal of the American College of Toxicology

Hope that gives you plenty to ponder. 💡

@ 17538dc2:71ed77c4

Nostr Onboarding Questionnaire

Below are are results of the nostr qualitative onboarding questionnaire created by elsat in early November, 2024. Responses are from 22 nostr surivors/masochists. Results are not representative of people who never made it past onboarding. These are folk that remained on nostr, and were active around the time I asked for volunteers to provide feedback on onboarding to nostr.

Let me know if anything stands out, if you have questions about any particular response!

I. Did you onboard to nostr on your cellular network, on wifi?

14 Wifi; 7 cell; 2 both; 1 other

II. What was the biggest pain point in onboarding to nostr?

Discovery

Discover interesting content and other people Finding the right content. Discovery. Loading/lacking data figuring out how to find interesting people Finding npubs

Value Prop & Learning Curve

Knowing how it differs from tradsofiu Learning the difference between the protocol and the app I needed to download and onboard through. Choosing a client. Trying to figure it out on my own.

Key management

Private/pub key handling That's definitely key management. How and where to store it to have it secure, still accessible for use with other apps in a secure way. Getting my nsec in without pasting it

Relay setup

Setting up relays, discover interesting users to follow, > building your own feed figuring out relays Finding reliable relays to join.

Wallet Setup

Setting up a lightning wallet Lightning wallets for sending and receiving Zaps.

Notifications

Notifications [presumably missing notifications]

Accessibility

Finding a very good accessible client for the computer (I'm blind). Amethyst seems to be good on my Android device, but I avoid smartphones.

Scary links

I tried to "onboard" (ie expose) friends to nostr by sending them links to interesting/funny notes here and there. But some of the default sharing links I use (Amethyst -> Njump) are so long that they always think it's some spam. (Primal has nicer web links)

Customization

Figuring out profile setup, lots of unfamiliar fields

III. What part of nostr "wow'd" you, and when did this happen?

take your social graph with you; distribute your data

That all the data is already there if you use different clients and you take your social graph with you through completely different apps. seamless account a mobility of course ccount easy switching between clients Moving my social graph between clients. Happened in the first days of usage. Cross over between different clients. Happened on a Tuesday.

V4V, freedom, exclusive, and censored content

Freedom, some V4V and exclusive content, some censored content The clear messaging why nostr was better than mastodon/ activitypub

Flexibility, BYO Algorithm, Control

The insane flexibility. Nostr is a textbook example of "worse is better". So I think I was converted when I realized how much could be built with this, not just social media. My "Aha! This is more than just a Twitter clone" moment was when I stumbled on Oddbean. Also there's this whole "bring your own algorithm" / "build your own algorithm" to the social media side of it. And we're starting to see that work out in practice, with things like bitvora's algo-relay. Complete control A digital portable social identity that I can take with me from one app to another. December 2022. Experiencing the interoperability when i tried Listr, spring '23 I think Initially it was decentralization and censorship resistance. >You can spin a simple backup relay, own your data truly, and rebroadcast everything to different relays. Amethyst, adjusting the relays

Access to devs

Devs working in real time on it visible - too cool

Zaps

Zapping! Right away Zapping zaps! and also the small community After [initial censorship resistance phase is over], the most wow part was zaps, still is. Zaps for shitposting & being able to login into different apps with the same account

Cordiality

Open respectful discussion among people who do not agree Friendly discourse of users. Not toxic like other special media. First day.

IV Around what time did you onboard to nostr (e.g. July 2023)

Nov 2021 December 2021 2022 the single html page first POC client December 2022 Dec 2022 December 2022 Jan 2023 January '23 feb 2023 February 2023 Early 2023. Didn't really play around with it until December 2023 May 2023 June 2023 - Plebstr, November 2023 primal march 2024 amethyst, January 2025 notedeck I've been dipping my toes in the water since 2022 but just started taking it seriously last month. July 2023 March 2024 Summer 2024. August 2024 Nov 2024

V Which app

astral.ninja (2) Branle Damus (6)

"(needed the simplicity)"

PRIMAL (5)

"(needed the simplicity)" Amethyst (4)

Coracle Coracle and nos2x

Various

A combo of Amethyst (phone), nostrudel (web), and algia (command line). I'm a command-line junky. I also am fond of Oddbean, because it's basically a hackernews style thing built on top of nostr. But see my complaint about Nazi bar / Temple of Satoshi. Could not recommend to friends. At some point, I intend to set up strfry and my own Oddbean instance targeted to anti-capitalists.

Created my keys with alby

Can't remember the actual name

VI Have you experienced a failure in onboarding others to nostr? What exactly happened?

Poor experience trying to onboard newbs to nostr during the conference (mostly on iOS which I do not use), around 10-12 people. Granted the cell coverage was not great and not sure I remember everything that went wrong, but users were generally confused with loading/lacking data. Create a profile, then I tried to follow them but could not find them from Amethyst. So scanned QR code, which is a non-obvious step. Then their profile showed just the npub but no info or pfp, some commented on that. Followed them but they didn't receive a notification for that on Damus, this confused most. And then what? Post a note? (I was recommending #introductions ). While you wait for all this to load, tap, retry... between laughs you need to come up with conversation and try to somewhat defend nostr, tell them we're early and bugs will be fixed etc. On Primal follows do appear but feeds don't load. And it autofollows a bunch of random people - some liked it some didn;t. They posted a note and I wanted to like/zap it but I could not see that note on my client either, even though I'm connected to major relays (could be nostr.wine's fault, but I tried with the zap.store account as well). I saw one guy KYC himself 3 times with the wallet because when he switched to his email client to get the code and the app kept resetting the screen. Lucky that the majority of people were eager and did their best to try. Since some of these were after Jordi's talk where he offered several clients to download, it was not always my choice/recommendation on which client to download - they just came with it. I know we do our best but guys... it's bad. This reminds me of getting a newb to open a LN channel and get liquidity. Painful. If we have to centralize more to better onramps, so be it.

difficulty / friction

Picking a client

Yes. It's too technical. You need many tools to accomplish small tasks.

Yes, tried primal on Android. It failed to accept any profile changes

Not able to find other npubs when using search in several clients

stale

They got no new events, because they followed only a few users

They didn’t become frequent users because I’m the only person they know in nostr.

They lose interest in the network compared to traditional social networks. They were normies.

Some found it strange that you follow a bunch of bitcoiners (seemingly) by default (Primal iirc)

yes. non bitcoiners not interested in joining a small network of people just yet

quotes

I haven't tried to bring anyone to nostr. I am a bit scared to do so, because the place has a rep of being a Nazi bar and an extension of the Bitcoin cult. I do think that it is what you make of it, and I've tried to argue that point with friends. It's a protocol, nothing more. Don't wanna interact with Nazis and use Bitcoin? Nothing says you have to.

They don't care

I have not convinced anyone to use nostr

Too hard for most folk.

Not really.

No. Never tried.

No, onboarded two successfully.

Yeah I generally suck at getting people to check out new stuff

VII What, if anything, do you think confuses people during onboarding to nostr? Why? Have you observed this?

Setting a optional username is confusing for many and also they don't know what a NIP-05 is (they are likely to just fill in their existing mail address)

Finding some people. No progress of loading content or indication of time. Slight confusion where are DMs, home, etc, tabs basically

The why. Its much easier now, I was way confused DEC 22

Same on boarding is difficult to people on Nostur.

There is no app in the App Store called “nostr”

nips and relays

We tell people that you don't need KYC to use Nostr and then ask them for KYC for Lightning wallets.

No in-client intro to the "what" and "how" of it all. I haven't witnessed that, but I believe it could squash preconceived notions.

Key management. Especially because there is no key rotation(recovery option in a traditional email/phone way), if it leaks, you are done.

Safe keeping of your nsec. There are many ways to do it, all of them unfamiliar to most users.

When you don't see data you are expecting, be it a profile picture, a follow notification, or a note. Remember people who want to try Damus/Primal/etc microblogging clients come from twitter - so cater for transition from Twitter. Gen z snapchat/tiktok users don't care about nostr, no way to relate

Understanding how to filter for non-Bitcoin content.

need for setting up relays to filter the spam waves, finding the interesting follows, and difficulties setting up usable (even custodial) wallets.

Why would I want to use nostr?

Relays / keys

VIII What, if anything, do you think scares people away during onboarding to nostr? Why? Have you observed this?

Not much, but probably nsec backups and transfers if they knew

Dark web scary things

Technical questions

Personal responsibility for keeping nsec safe

Intuitiveness.

just not enough people on it for them (non bitcoiners)

Technical complexity with either Lightning or relay management.

Depending on client, slowness, difficult search, or feeling empty upon arrival.

Again, keys.

Bitcoin blah blah

I don't know anybody IRL that even use x

Their core influencers haven't adopted nostr yet.

IX What one improvement would make onboarding to nostr easier?

Explain it s not a platform and the current app you're using is replacable by other by (re)using your keypair

Twitter bridge

Honestly, from a technical standpoint, I found it pretty easy. Especially with Amethyst on the phone. So I'm not sure if I have an opinion here.

Private key management to hide the complexity

Little guide somewhere or a buddy to ask questions

An intelligent assistant to setup relays

Reach

bringing wallet of satoshi back! or some similar easy custodial lightning wallet

Better user and content discovery.

Clients dedicated to onboarding, education, and key management instead of social stuff

Key recovery/rotation option. How? Hell if I know. Smart people say Frost, something, something. XD

More established signing mechanisms

An easy GoTo FAQ How to add people; how to zap; etc.

Do not try to connect to 89239823932 relays and make it decentralized when people only care about the first impression?

More "other things" micro-apps, not do-everything whale apps

More users

X What, if anything, do you think should be addressed, or added to onboarding to nostr across most nostr apps? Why?

A skippable small visual intro guide

Content discovery

A way to hide duplicates of the same post.

Better user and content discovery.

Introductory level education, expecting a traditional social app experience then not seeing it

Right now for me everything starts and ends with key management. Maybe a simple signing and profile edit app available across all platforms and devices with option paired with hardware signing device.

An onboarding relay. Only accepts the first note for an npub (kinds 0, 1, 3). Maybe

Easier relay selection.

Make bunker actually work

Staged roll out of owning your own keys to help them understand what that means

XI Do you have any other observations, feedback, or commentary on onboarding to nostr?

Yes, I think I'd say that most of my complaints are social / cultural, not technical. Then again, I've been online since 1993.

People have gotten lazy and are used to being fed content for their interests. This doesn't happen easily on Nostr and needs improvement.

An empty feed is better than a pre-determined one.

We suck and there's no good reason why

I have never gotten bunker to work

XII What is your favorite onboarding experience to an app outside nostr?

Telegram (x2)

Onboarding to the fediverse was pretty good. Witness the fact that a lot of blind twitter moved there.

They're all mostly the same, email, password, confirm. So any that i can use without signup is superior.

Can't recall any that really stands out. But in terms of following users during the onboarding what music streaming apps do is really nice. You get presented with a list of artists and based on what artists you check to follow list adapts and shows you similar suggestions.

None in particular, but I like when account creation is delayed as much as possible, I.e there is a public experience for you to try the product with no commitment

Several I can't recall now. But we need to make it AT LEAST as good as Twitter because that's where our users come from

old Twitter, circa 2019

I prefer no onboarding needed

I like "log in with" buttons but fuck those walled gardens

@ 16d11430:61640947

In a distant future, long after Earth’s surface had been scorched by greed and the wars of fiat money, humanity had fragmented across the multiverse. Each parallel reality bore the scars of divergent evolution—worlds where humans became bio-mechanical hybrids, insectoid overlords, aquatic philosophers, or even beings of pure energy. The fragile thread connecting these dimensions was cryptographic resonance, a universal constant that allowed the exchange of value. Amidst the ruins of worlds, a single trader wove between them: Kael Nexus, the Multiverse Trader.

Kael was no ordinary human. Born in the remnants of Earth Prime, he had grown up witnessing the collapse of fiat empires and the rise of the cryptographic machines—the towering monoliths of code that governed every transaction, recording them immutably across realities. These machines were the lifeblood of trade, storing not just wealth but memories, promises, and even fragments of souls.

Kael’s ship, The Lattice, was a relic of ancient engineering fused with quantum cryptography. Its hull shimmered with shifting blockchain imprints, each pulse a representation of transactions completed in other worlds. Powered by a hybrid Bitcoin Lightning reactor, The Lattice could navigate dimensional rifts, leaping between timelines to trade resources, technology, and knowledge.

---

World 1: The Arachniopolis

Kael’s first stop was a world where evolution had favored arachnid intelligence. Towering silk-webbed metropolises hung suspended in the skies. The Arachnians, ten-legged sentient beings, worshipped the Indira Net—a digital consciousness resembling a web of endless connections.

The Arachnians had no concept of physical currency; instead, they bartered using cryptographic spores encoded with genetic blueprints. Kael traded them a fragment of Dustchain, an ancient Bitcoin offshoot that could store memories. In return, the Arachnians offered a serum capable of rewiring DNA—a rare commodity sought by countless other species.

---

World 2: The Oceanic Collective

Diving into another reality, The Lattice emerged into an endless ocean world. Here, the inhabitants were bioluminescent creatures linked by a telepathic network called The Current. Unlike the Arachnians, they did not use cryptographic machines but instead created cryptographic songs—harmonic vibrations that encoded vast amounts of data in auditory waves.

Kael used a converter to translate his Bitcoin keys into a haunting melody. The transaction was instantaneous. In exchange for his keys, the Oceanics gifted him Pulse Crystals, used to amplify telepathic communication—a treasure for trade in less advanced worlds.

---

World 3: The Terraformers

On a desolate, volcanic world, Kael encountered the Terraformers, a race of silicon-based life forms that thrived in molten heat. Their civilization was dying, unable to sustain its energy needs. They sought Kael’s help, offering rare minerals in return for a key to survival.

Here, Kael deployed DamageAI, his cryptographic AI assistant, to build a smart contract that would power a fusion Bitcoin node, revitalizing the planet’s energy supply. The Terraformers agreed to a lifetime bond, recording their loyalty into the blockchain that spanned the multiverse.

---

World 4: The Machine Singularity

Finally, Kael arrived at Eidolon, a post-biological dimension where humanity had merged with machines, achieving digital immortality. Here, data and memories were the only currency, traded in vast quantum markets.

Eidolon’s council demanded Kael’s memories of the dying Earth Prime, offering him the coordinates to a newly discovered dimension—a lush utopia untouched by the scars of evolution. This world, they said, could become the final bastion of humanity.

Kael hesitated. To trade his memories would mean surrendering a piece of himself, the very core of his identity. But he had seen too many worlds on the brink of collapse. Humanity needed hope.

---

The Final Rift

Kael completed the trade, his memories dissolving into the ether of Eidolon’s markets. As The Lattice shifted to the new dimension, Kael glimpsed flashes of Earth Prime—its shattered cities, the dying whispers of fiat-driven despair. Yet, there was hope in his heart.

In the lush world beyond the rift, Kael found a species that had transcended evolution entirely. They were energy beings, capable of integrating all forms of knowledge. For them, cryptographic machines were relics of a bygone era, but they welcomed Kael with open arms, promising to guide the scattered remnants of humanity toward unity.

And so, the Multiverse Trader continued his journey, trading between worlds not for wealth but for survival, bridging the fractured dimensions with every cryptographic key he forged. Kael Nexus was not just a trader—he was a harbinger of humanity's rebirth, a voyager through the eternal blockchain of existence.

SciFi #Futuristic #Multiverse #CryptoFuture #Blockchain #PostApocalyptic #HyperModern #Cyberpunk #AI #Cryptocurrency #SpaceTravel #QuantumTech #ScienceFictionArt #InnovativeTech #DigitalRevolution #SciFiArt #VisionaryFiction #EvolvingHumanity #TechInnovation #Cryptoverse #Storytelling

@ 2c930918:6d90c511

With Bitcoin soaring past $100,000, there’s never been a more exciting time to be a Botev Plovdiv fan. Bulgaria’s oldest football club is experiencing a renaissance under the visionary leadership of its president, Anton Zingarevich, and its bold adoption of Bitcoin. Here's why the coming weeks could be historic for the Canaries.

A Club Steeped in History

Founded in 1912, Botev Plovdiv is rooted in the ancient city of Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city. The club's prestigious history and unique location attracted businessman Anton Zingarevich, who acquired the team in 2021 with a mission to restore its former glory.

Reviving the Home of the Canaries: Hristo Botev Stadium

Zingarevich's first major project was to complete Botev's iconic Hristo Botev Stadium. Long envisioned as a top-tier European venue, the stadium was left unfinished for nearly a decade due to financial constraints. Under his leadership, the stadium finally opened its doors in April 2023, becoming the most modern football ground in Bulgaria.

Strategic Changes and On-Field Success

In September 2023, Zingarevich overhauled the club’s leadership, appointing a new coach, Dušan Kerkez, and a new Sports Director. These changes brought immediate results. Botev’s performances improved significantly, and the club is now enjoying a historic season, currently sitting second in the league.

With 12 wins, 1 draw, and just 3 losses, Botev is chasing reigning champions Ludogorets Razgrad for the top spot. The team’s remarkable Bulgarian Cup win (3-2) over Ludogorets earlier this year underscores its potential to break Ludogorets' 13-year league dominance.

Botev Embraces Bitcoin

On October 31, 2023, Botev Plovdiv became the first top-division football club worldwide to adopt Bitcoin. Its 360° Bitcoin strategy integrates Bitcoin across operations, fans, players, partners, and the broader Plovdiv community. The timing couldn’t be better—both Bitcoin and Botev have been on meteoric ascents ever since.

Achievements in the Bitcoin Era

The Bitcoin era has already coincided with monumental achievements:

• 4th Bulgarian Cup Title: Celebrated under Bitcoin’s banner.
• Return to European Football: Competing in both the Europa League and Conference League.
• Best Season Start in 112 Years: Historic performances under coach Kerkez.

December Showdown: Botev vs. Ludogorets

December promises two thrilling encounters between Botev and Ludogorets, now the centerpiece of Bulgarian football. With these matches, Botev has a golden opportunity to claim the league’s top spot during Bitcoin’s bull market, as the price continues to climb.

Looking Ahead: A Historic February?

The excitement doesn’t end with the league. On February 4, 2025, Botev could lift its second trophy under Zingarevich and Kerkez—the Bulgarian Super Cup—at their home, Hristo Botev Stadium. Fans and Bitcoiners alike are already wondering: How high will Bitcoin’s price be on that date?

A New Era for Fans and Bitcoiners

As Bitcoin hits $100K and Botev competes for league and cup glory, this holiday season promises unparalleled excitement for both Bitcoiners and Botev fans. With bold moves and historic performances, Botev Plovdiv is not just embracing a new era—it’s leading it. 💛⚫

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers!

In Thailand, the government initiated the second phase of its digital cash handout, targeting four million Thai seniors with 10,000 baht ($290) distributed via their state-controlled “Tang Rath” app. For all intents and purposes, this serves as a pilot for the Thai central bank digital currency (CBDC), which comes with stringent restrictions and requirements on its usage, including links to citizens' national IDs, facial recognition, and limits on where and when funds can be spent.\ \ Meanwhile, in Brazil, new regulations proposed by the central bank would ban digital asset exchanges from allowing users to withdraw stablecoins to self-custody wallets. If passed, this would set an unfortunate precedent for financial autonomy in Brazil, restrict citizens' movement of funds, and diminish their ability to have an alternative to the declining Brazilian real.

In a positive step for financial privacy, a US court determined that the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) exceeded its authority in sanctioning Tornado Cash, a digital asset mixing tool that provides users with transaction privacy. This ruling sets an important precedent, means US citizens can use Tornado Cash again, and is good news in general for builders of open-source privacy tools worldwide. In other privacy news, peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange Robosats now shares an order book with fellow peer-to-peer Bitcoin exchange LNP2Bot via Nostr, making these privacy-centric on-and-off ramps more accessible and liquid for users worldwide.\ \ We end with the latest episode of the HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series, in which HRF’s Arsh Molu interviews Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, on the state of freedom technologies like Bitcoin in Venezuela following Maduro’s stolen election earlier this year. This is an essential listen to understand how open, decentralized, and uncensorable protocols are instrumental for human rights and financial freedom to flourish under repressive regimes.

Now, let’s jump right in!

Subscribe here

GLOBAL NEWS

Thailand | Begins Second Phase of CBDC Handout

Thailand has begun the second phase of its 10,000 baht ($290) digital handout (ostensibly a central bank digital currency), targeting 4 million senior citizens and distributing funds via the government’s “Tang Rath” app. This follows an initial handout of digital currency to 50 million Thais as part of an economic stimulus plan. Critics, however, argue the handout is more accurately a means to entrench financial control and sway votes in the upcoming election. The Thai government limited the initial handout to local spending, specific items, and a six-month expiration. The second phase will likely impose similar restrictions, including requiring registration and facial recognition in the Tang Rath app. According to Thailand’s prime minister, “the digital wallet system would form a digital infrastructure for Thailand by creating a digital ID for citizens to link to government agencies” — a disconcerting reminder of how CBDCs can amplify state control over individual financial activity under the guise of social support.

Brazil | Proposes Ban on Transferring Stablecoins to Self-Custody

The Central Bank of Brazil (BCB) proposed regulations prohibiting digital asset exchanges from allowing users to withdraw stablecoins (digital currency pegged to fiat currency) to self-custody. The restriction aligns with a bill passed in December 2022 that grants the BCB “authority” over the digital asset industry. While presented as a safeguard for international capital flows, it is more likely a front to diminish the financial autonomy offered by digital assets. If passed, it will limit individuals' movement of funds and set a chilling precedent for self-custody in a country where millions of Brazilians transact with digital assets on a monthly basis. As Brazilians face increasing economic instability and diminishing financial freedom, this regulation traps them further in a collapsing Brazilian real (BRL).

China | Prepares for Sanctions While Eyeing Taiwan

China is actively studying sanctions imposed on Russia to prepare for potential repercussions if it invades Taiwan. Chinese officials visited Moscow’s central bank, finance ministry, and other key agencies to analyze how Russia navigated economic restrictions. This proactive approach speaks to fears China may have over its $3.3 trillion in foreign reserves and overseas bank assets, which would face significant restrictions under Western sanctions. In an effort to mitigate these risks, China is working to diversify away from dollar-denominated assets and reduce reliance on US Treasury bonds, which underpin the global financial system. This comes amid escalating tensions with the US after Washington approved an arms shipment to Taiwan, prompting Beijing to vow “resolute countermeasures.”

Nigeria | Journalist Detained for Exposing Regime Corruption

The Nigerian Army’s 6 Division in Port Harcourt detained prominent investigative journalist Fisayo Soyombo, sparking national outrage over press freedom in Nigeria. Soyombo, known for exposing regime corruption, recently unveiled alleged smuggling operations involving the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). The Foundation for Investigative Journalism, founded by Soyombo himself, demands his immediate release and condemns the actions as an attack on journalism. Under President Bola Tinubu, the government has intensified its dismantling of independent media, silencing critics and restricting tools and pathways that promote financial autonomy. This systematic repression denies citizens the ability to challenge inequality and secure a freer future.

Morocco | Drafts Law on Digital Assets and CBDC

Morocco is moving toward allowing digital assets and a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Central Bank Governor Abdellatif Jouahri shared that a draft law is currently in the adoption process that would reverse a ban on digital assets from 2017. The interest in a CBDC is nothing short of concerning in a country facing widespread repression and economic challenges. Citizens have already taken to the streets to protest rising costs, unemployment, and a lack of basic services. Centralized and programmable money provides the Moroccan government with newfound power to control individual financial activity and only serves to worsen these prevalent issues. Bitcoin adoption remains high under a regime that continues to fabricate economic hardship for its people.

LATEST IN BITCOIN NEWS, DEVELOPMENT, AND COMMUNITY

Tornado Cash | Fifth Circuit Court Lifts Sanctions

The US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) exceeded its authority by sanctioning Tornado Cash, a digital asset mixing tool that helps preserve transactional privacy. This reverses an earlier District Court decision that argued the software was under the authority of the US Treasury. The Fifth Circuit found that Tornado Cash’s smart contracts (self-executing lines of code) do not constitute “property” or “services” as defined under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). They deemed these contracts more akin to “tools” than “services” requiring human effort, constituting "nothing more than lines of code.”

Robosats | Shared Nostr Order Book With LNP2Bot

Robosats, a privacy-focused peer-to-peer (P2P) Bitcoin exchange and HRF grantee, released version 0.7.3-alpha, introducing shared order books with LNP2Bot, a fellow P2P Bitcoin exchange and HRF grantee. P2P exchanges provide a decentralized, uncensorable, and private way for individuals to acquire Bitcoin — crucial in dictatorships with financial restrictions and heightened surveillance. The integration will allow users to access public trade orders from both platforms, creating a larger, more liquid marketplace for trades while reducing arbitrage opportunities. HRF is pleased to see the continued development and collaboration of privacy-focused Bitcoin platforms, which offer a vital on- and off-ramp for individuals whose financial privacy runs paramount for their safety.

Primal | Releases Version 2.0

Primal, a Bitcoin wallet and client for the decentralized Nostr protocol, released version 2.0 of its application, bringing new features and accessibility improvements to users. The update includes a Reads tab, allowing users to browse long-form articles, including HRF’s Financial Freedom Report, now natively on the platform. Additionally, an Explore Tab and Feed Marketplace help users connect, discover trending topics, and access tailored information. The update also brings a revamped search with customizable filters, making finding specific content easier. Primal continues to reinforce its role as a tool for uncensorable communication and greater financial privacy where needed most.

Ark | Introduces Virtual Channels for Instant Settlement

Ark Labs introduced virtual channels, a new feature enabling the instant settlement of transactions on the Ark protocol. Virtual channels facilitate payment channels without relying on backups, constant connectivity, or routing requirements. Ark itself is a layer-two protocol aimed at increasing Bitcoin’s scalability through fast and low-cost transactions. It accomplishes this by pooling Bitcoin liquidity, enabling users to make payments while providing liquidity providers the opportunity to earn fees. The primary tradeoff of Ark is that user funds expire if not used before a set period of time. You can learn about this update here.

Africa Bitcoin Conference | Upcoming Conference

From Dec. 9-11, activists, educators, and entrepreneurs will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Africa Bitcoin Conference to discuss Bitcoin as a tool for resisting increasing global authoritarianism and promoting financial sovereignty. Attendees will participate in discussions, workshops, hackathons, and keynotes, exploring how Bitcoin can provide an economic and social foundation that empowers the individual, safeguards privacy, and fosters inclusion. HRF’s Financial Freedom team is sponsoring the event and will also attend, with keynotes delivered by Christian Keroles and Femi Longe. You can learn more about the conference here.

Chaincode Labs | Bitcoin and Lightning Development Program

Chaincode Labs, a Bitcoin research and development firm, invites developers to apply to its Bitcoin and Lighting protocol development program. This free, three-month course equips participants with the skills needed to contribute to Bitcoin open-source software while receiving mentorship from industry leaders. Open to developers of all experience levels, the program offers a pathway to careers in open-source software development. Applications close on Dec. 31, 2024.

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

HRF x Pubkey — Freedom Tech in Venezuela Post-Election with Jorge Jraissati

In the latest HRF x Pubkey Freedom Tech Series, HRF’s Arsh Molu interviews Jorge Jraissati, president of the Economic Inclusion Group, to discuss the state of freedom technologies in Venezuela following Maduro’s stolen election. Jraissati offers a detailed account of how technologies like Bitcoin are helping Venezuelans navigate an economic landscape marked by hyperinflation, authoritarian control, and restricted access to financial services. The conversation underscores the importance of open and decentralized protocols in empowering individuals to bypass government restrictions, preserve their wealth, and sustain hope in a nation facing profound hardships. Watch the full interview here.

A Response to Ideological Stereotyping by Win Ko Ko Aung

In this article for Bitcoin Magazine, HRF Global Bitcoin Adoption Fellow Win Ko Ko Aung addresses the ideological misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin stemming from individuals' preconceived notions of this emerging technology. Drawing on his experiences as a Burmese human rights advocate, Aung contrasts Western stereotypes of Bitcoin with his own personal story and emphasizes Bitcoin’s potential as a borderless financial tool for those living under authoritarian and repressive regimes. Read the full article here.

If this email was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report here.

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@ 7c765d40:bd121d84

I have a feeling gold bugs aren't going to enjoy this next chapter.

And the sad thing is that they are so damn close.

They've been fighting this fight for decades now.

They understand how broken our monetary system is.

But their stubbornness will be their demise.

In the last month alone, we've had some pretty catastrophic events in the gold market.

With bitcoin-friendly President Trump about to take office in the US, they are considering selling their gold reserves to purchase bitcoin.

According to Popular Mechanics, China recently discovered $83 billion worth of gold.

Damn I forgot about Popular Mechanics.

Their website looks like it's stuck in 1997 but the articles are all recent.

Anyways.

And the biggest news - coming from our favorite little country.

El Salvador announced a gold discovery worth approximately $3 TRILLION dollars.

This triggered a couple historic tweets from their President Bukele.

First quote tweeting the announcement "And we'll dilute that thing like there's no tomorrow."

And the next day quote tweeting another announcement "But what could they possibly do with that?"

And for anyone who isn't familiar with El Salvador (aka The Savior), they were the first country to make bitcoin legal tender.

After a few large smash buys, they have been buying 1 bitcoin every day.

You can verify this on their customized mempool website.

The market is about to be FLOODED with gold.

Peter Schiff is losing his damn mind, claiming bitcoin is a "national security threat."

The mainstream media talking heads are on a bitcoin war path.

OUR PETS HEADS ARE FALLING OFF.

Gold has historically been the best store of value that exists.

Why?

Because of it's scarcity.

Until April 2024, when bitcoin officially passed gold as the scarcest asset.

Gold (typically) has a 2% inflation rate.

Bitcoin, as of the latest halving, now has less than 2% inflation.

IF - and that's a big IF - countries start dumping their gold for bitcoin, what will happen to the market?

Countries and central banks are the largest holders of gold.

Who will pick up the slack?

How many 20 year olds will be lining up at their local gold shop to buy some pet rocks?

Gold has served it's purpose.

It was the best asset to store wealth.

Before bitcoin.

Bitcoin can also be sent anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes - for a very low fee.

Imagine trying to send 10 billion worth of gold across the world.

Bitcoin is also highly divisible.

You can't start shaving off a gold coin to pay for groceries.

Unless maybe the grocery stores will start putting scales at the til.

Haha.

And most importantly, especially when talking about governments and central banks, bitcoin is verifiable.

We have never been able to see or verify the gold reserves.

How much gold is really in Fort Knox?

We have absolutely no idea.

It requires trust.

How many people trust their government at this stage of the game?

Bitcoin on the other hand, can be easily verified.

This is important for the individuals, the banks, and the countries.

El Salvador has a website where you can verify their bitcoin holdings.

Check it out here!

We have no idea how much gold really exists.

We have an idea, but it's not very accurate - clearly.

If they found $3 TRILLION worth of gold in the small country of El Salvador, how much gold you do think is waiting to be found on Mars?

And how much bitcoin will we find on Mars?

As a gold and silver holder myself, I am making the full switch into bitcoin.

It just makes the most sense.

And human eventually switch to the idea that makes the most sense.

---

PROJECT POTENTIAL - You can now find the expanded audio versions of these on the new podcast - Project Potential! I will be sharing the video versions here for the LITF members but you can also find it for free on Spotify and of course Fountain!

Here is the link to Episode 008 on Fountain: https://www.fountain.fm/episode/nQb5z3PolahVwsPbYX4r

---

Have a great day everyone! And remember, the only thing more scarce than bitcoin is time!

Jor

@ 7ecd3fe6:6b52f30d

I went to bed last night at 96k, thinking we'd have another day of sideways consolidation, maybe if we're lucky a bump on the head at 99k before the 100k dumpers come in to "take profits"

But little did I know what was waiting for me when I opened up my crusty eyes, I checked the chart as one days after their morning wee and nearly wet the entire bathroom, 102k, must be a mistake, let's check Coingecko, let's check the local exchanges, let's check social media, and it was confirmed like 6 blocks in baby, there's no going back!

Ladies and gentlemen, grab your laser-eye NFTs and dust off those 2017 memes - we've finally arrived! Bitcoin has transcended the mythical $100,000 price point that HODLers have been hallucinating about since the Obama administration.

We have succesfully meme'd the dream into a reality, can anything stop us now? The Banana zone hath arrived

---

---

Why the big break?

Is it unrest in France with the government collapsing, is it South Korean uncertainty with their president declaring Martial law, is it Putin coming out to admit you can't ban Bitcoin?

Is it countries trying to find a hedge against Trumps' proposed tariffs?

Who knows?

To me it's just another day of sellers exhausted and buyers are eating through the order book like hungry-hungry hippos

Bottom of the bear to getting some serious air time

If you've been here for one full cycle, and stayed the course it's been a wild ride, we saw Terra Luna, FTX, Celsius, BlockFi blow up and a massive draining of liquidity from the market.

The dream was dead and we hit rock bottom in November 2022, at 15k, to those who nailed that absolute bottom, I salute you.

Anyhoo, it's been a slow grind upwards, the crab market of choppy consolidation normally is, but you psychos continued to hold steady and deploy capital even when number continue to go down!

The meme, the dream and now the cream

The bitcoin maximalists who've been sporting perpetual laser-eye Twitter and nostr profiles can now collectively exhale.

Those same folks who've been predicting "$100K by EOY" every single year since 2017 can now do a victory lap, wearing their tinfoil-lined Gucci tracksuits.

You were wrong many times, only to be proven right eventually!

Remember when explaining Bitcoin's potential value used to involve complex blockchain narratives and decentralization lectures?

Call up the cry babies

When Bitcoin looked down and out there were no shortage of doom and gloomers writing another failed obituary, Dan Pena, Charlie Munger, Warren Buffer, Peter Schiff and Peter Zeihan all had to yap and we listened and laughed

Let's hear what mama has to say on the subject of Bitcoin?

Keep dreaming. Bitcoin is never going to hit $100,000!

— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) November 8, 2019

Now it's just: "Told ya so" - accompanied by shitcoiners and nocoiners are angry coz of dey enlarged medulla oblongata

---

Times like this, I often think of the wise and eloquent words of MSTR Gigachad Saylor

Put money into Bitcoin and wait for number to go up biggly, if number go down put more money in and wait for number to go up bigglier - Michael Saylor

---

Setting up base camp for the march up Mount Milli-manjaro

The journey to $1 million feels eerily similar. We'll witness another brain-melting crypto pilgrimage - let's call it Mount Milli-manjaro - where every Reddit thread and Twitter space will sound like a combination of economic prophecy and sci-fi fever dream.

Pro tip for newcomers: Pack extra copium, a sense of humor, and maybe some popcorn.

This ride is just getting started.

To the moon? 🚀🤡₿ Looks likely bar a massive black swan, 2025, looks like this thing is going to run with big Usain Bolt strides as we enjoy a year of price discovery, speculation and all the scams that will fester as retail comes piling in to make their overnight fortunes.

I know it's fun to hand out I told you so's and you should enjoy it, take the victory lap but even that gets old, while it's hard to do, try to stay humble and enjoy stack the perpetual top!

@ 62a6a41e:b12acb43

I would like to start by saying that I do believe that Nostr will become the generalistic social network of the future (at least one of the clients). This post is just a perspective of why perhaps that might not even matter in the end.

Every cultural change starts in a tribalistic way. People that agree with each other regularly interacting, exchanging ideas, etc.

Socialism, LGBT, ecological groups, etc, it's all organized tribes. People regularly interacting with each other with similar ideas. Going to events, workshops, bars, dinners, etc, etc. They then create change in the world by integrating with the power networks, as we've seen in history. It's all top down and there's usually lot of cultural weight. For example, the Bolsheviks had to use a lot of cultural projects to legitimize their power after the 1917 Russian Revolution. The point is it's always a minority changing culture. Gramsci, the idea of Cultural Hegemony. It never fails. The most organized minority tribe always changes the culture.

In Marxist philosophy, cultural hegemony is the dominance of a culturally diverse society by the ruling class who shape the culture of that society—the beliefs and explanations, perceptions, values, and mores—so that the worldview of the ruling class becomes the accepted cultural norm.[1] As the universal dominant ideology, the ruling-class worldview misrepresents the social, political, and economic status quo as natural, inevitable, and perpetual social conditions that benefit every social class, rather than as artificial social constructs that benefit only the ruling class.[2][3]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cultural_hegemony

This is obviously sick, because it's all authoritarian and culture should never be top down. Real culture should always be free, bottom-up. (More universalist in that sense).

So in that sense it makes sense that Nostr and Bitcoin are connected and that there's a kind of tribe forming around it too. And in that sense the real point is;

It doesn't really matter how many people are on Nostr, what truly matters is how engaged and connected to each other they are. Is there engagement? Yes. Then it will work.

This is currently more of a tribe than a generalistic social network. It just happens to be the best technical social network (because it's uncensorable).

And not just that, our tribe is the most diverse tribe. The most diverse tribe always wins because it is by definition the tribe with the most universalistic philosophy, the most open, the most open to innovation, and thus the most universalistic. The most universalistic philosophy always wins.

A great example is Reddit and how that creates the intelectual culture of our world, wrongly, distorted and censored as we know. Nostr might become or power something like that. The homebase of the most powerful and organized tribe in the world.

@ c67cd3e1:84098345

@ df478568:2a951e67

"Mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe..."
--Nicholas Copernicus

Bitcion Is Poetry

I fell in love with word-smithing in the eleventh grade after reading Shakespeare's sonnets because Iambic pentameter is the edge effect where the languages of mathematics and English meet. I thought this was the coolest thing in the world. This inspired me to write my own Sonnets. I even gave one to my hopeless crush. She wasn't as impressed, but in retrospect, poetry was my first love.

I had some flings with fiction, and a few blogs, and in 2014 fell in love with a younger, sexier form of mathematical poetry--Bitcoin: A Peer-To-Peer Electronic Cash System. She taught me what Copernicus observed so long ago. Mathematics is the language of the universe. When I first read it, I did not understand most of the math. I had no idea what a "digital signature" was. I never had the word hash without the words corned beef in front of it, but I believed fractional reserve banking and bailouts helped the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. My limited background knowledge from messing around with Napster and BitTorrent in my younger years gave me enough background knowledge to understand that Satoshi's white paper was an important historical document. He wrote in plain English, math, and C+ explaining Bitcoin in three languages like the Rosetta Stone.

"To implement a distributed timestamp server on a Peer-To-Peer basis we will need to use a proof-of-work system similar to Adam Back's Hashcash, rather than newspaper or Usenet posts."
--Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin: A Peer To Peer Electronic Cash System

Proof Of Poetry

Adam Back discovered hashcash. Satoshi cited this in the White paper. Despite its name, hashcash was not a "cryptocurrency." Hashcash is more like a digital stamp. Stamps have a cost, of course, and so does hashcash. We can't hand a piece of paper with a portrait of some dude wearing a wig to a computer, of course. We must pay for electronic stamps with the only fungible currency computers can use, electricity. This makes electricity the de facto currency for computers. Therefore, you must pay for the hashcash stamp with electricity. As anyone who has been shocked by their electricity bill in the summer knows, electricity has a real cost. The beauty of hash cash is you wouldn't notice a difference in your electric bill if you sent a dozen emails a month, but if you spammed the whole World Wide Web with a chain letter, your electric bill will drain your bank account. Hashcash is a stamp you pay for with computational power, which requires your computer to work. That work can only be paid for with electricity.

Proof Of Work is a little different on hashcash than bitcoin because it uses SHA1 and bitcoin uses SHA256, but here's an example of how it works from hashcash.org:
When you type this into the command line:

echo -n 0:030626:adam@cypherspace.org:6470e06d773e05a8 | sha1

The computer will show you this answer:
00000000c70db7389f241b8f441fcf068aead3f0

See those C00l-looking zeros in the front? Satoshi called them “zero bits.” Whenever someone sends a bitcoin transaction, it goes to the mempool. This is like Purgatory for bitcoin transactions. A bitcoin doesn't get its wings right away like when a bell rings on It's A Wonderful Life. It needs to be confirmed like a Catholic. If it's not confirmed, it does not reach heaven. Transactions don't have an actual afterlife in the clouds, These transactions are trying to get into the precious, scarce block space of the bitcoin timechain. Miners include different transactions in a block template and add a nonce, a number used once...I'm gonna stop myself here before readers die of boredom. It's just math. If you're interested in seeing this math in action play around with this website. You can type whatever you want. The math works on all ASCII characters because each letter or symbol represents a number.

If we hash the code from hashcash.org above using the SHA1 calculator it gives us this result.

If we add a question mark to this text, we get this result.

We see a different 40-character combination. This is the math used to verify data in cybersecurity, and bitcoin is no different. To change the math requires changing every single one of these transactions since January 3rd, 2009. How horrifying would your electric bill need to be to accomplish this? I don't know, but It's not likely to happen since honest miners are rewarded with fees, These fees are like tribute transactions must pay to get out of purgatory, Some transactions pay more, and some try to pay less. The miners are incentivized to let the more expensive transactions to go through the pearly white gates of the bitcoin time chain.

Adam Back's email is not a transaction, but those leading zero bits are the backbone of the bitcoin time chain. If you hash my full legal name with SHA1, we get this result 02c53da577460a2e8eead6e85da88199c64eb1bd. If we hash it with SHA256, I see two zero bits. 0024f0a28bf81851ed8490c4e87173f8790bd9d8ea9423442114d25ad7137f51 Pretty cool, right?

These zerobits are also found in the bitcoin timechain. Look at the blocks 87402 through 874039:

https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/0000000000000000000252449e143c01d95b535c7f7a5aa0c321d689ee3bfcb7 https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/000000000000000000020ce9cb6d4ad0363aa3992f40739e794a749cfbeea74d https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/0000000000000000000055c358a666b6188349787741e4d51a0f1d3c60e5f8ae https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/00000000000000000000f17afb5f4bcab00c75dea27659c9b596878763c83533 https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/00000000000000000000c09a854ef63d9b99594997d3f0b8fa7229944b8ea3cb

Notice how each line a from an instance of mempool that I run from a Start9 server has zerobits in the front. This is because bitcoin uses the same mathematical poetry that Adam Back Discovered in 1997. It's elegant, has a pattern, dare I say rhythm, and looks like a mathematical sonnet.

Look at those last two lines. Like zerobits repeated in the bitcoin timechain, the words So long are repeated at the beginning of lines 13 and 14. Bitcoin looks like poetry because bitcoin is poetry.

The Difficulty Adjustment Is Poetic Justice

Whenever a miner produces a hash with the required amount of zerobits to send the transactions from the mempool purgatory to the place where the chosen math spirits hang out in the p2p distributed networking cloud, one more block is added to the timing chain. It is called a "chain" because the transactions are also hashed with the block header from the previous block. This verifies that each transaction is valid and easily verifiable with a single calculation which means it can be validated on cheap computers like Raspberry Pi's, but to be honest, you're better off with a better computer if you don't like pulling your hair out. The problem is money has an infinite demand. This is why the axiom, "You can never be too rich or too skinny" exists. Everybody loves money and is incentivized to get as much of it as they can as early as they can. This begs the question, how did Satoshi make sure Bitcoin is for everybody and not just the OG Cypherpunk nerds? He discovered the difficulty of adjustment.

At this point, most people have heard the story about Lazzlo buying two pizzas for 10,000 whole Bitcoin. It is often touted as the worst investment in history by the mainstream media, but journalists focus on the sensational and miss the subtleties of this story since they are experts in journalism, but not so well-versed in cryptography, a branch of mathematics that no one is taught in high school and only the nerdiest of nerds tend to learn it in college. The lesser-known part of the story is Lazzlo was also the first person to mine Bitcoin using ASIC chips. ASICs were used well by IT professionals well before bitcoin was discovered, but Lazzlo learned he could mine bitcoin much faster with these specialized chips than with a laptop. As the first person to figure this out, he must have had an extremely unfair advantage, so why couldn't he just mine all 21 Bitcoin in a matter of months? He was limited by the Difficulty Adjustment.

Here is how it works:- Every hour we can expect 6 blocks- Every Day we can expect 24x6 blocks or 144 blocks- Every week, we can expect 1008 blocks- Every two weeks, we can expect 2016 blocks.
At the end of 2016 blocks, if blocks are mined faster than this, the math problem miners try to solve becomes more difficult to slow them back down to ten minutes. When Lazzlo ramped up his bitcoin production, he could only have an unfair advantage for 2016 blocks. Let's say he mined 90% of the block within the first week.  Good for him, but now his ASICS mining slows down because the blocks become much more difficult to mine. His fancy miner essentially must find more zerobits. It's a little more complex than this, but that's the non-boring gist of the story.

Without Satoshi's discovery of the difficulty adjustment, the Cypherpunks like Lazzlo would have mined all 21 million bitcoin before the first 210,000 blocks. The difficulty adjustment makes the distribution fair because the block subsidy limits how much Bitcoin can be created every ten minutes and that amount is cut in half every 4 years.

"Total circulation will be 21,000,000 coins. It'll be distributed to network nodes when they make blocks, with the amount cut in half every 4 years. First 4 years: 10,500,000 coins next 4 years: 5,250,000 coins next 4 years: 2,625,000 coins next 4 years: 1,312,500 coins etc... When that runs out, the system can support transaction fees if needed. It's based on open market competition, and there will probably always be nodes willing to process transactions for free."

-Satoshi Nakamoto

This is poetic justice.

The Lindy Effect of Poetry

The OG version of the introduction to The Bitcoin Standard: The Decentralized Alternative To Central Banking by Saifedean Ammous, was written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Taleb has since abandoned bitcoin and Michael Saylor re-wrote the Introduction, but Nassim still has a great concept called the Lindy Effect. The basic premise accordion to Wikipedia is, "The longer a period something has survived to exist or be used in the present, the longer its remaining life expectancy." This is often used by Bitcoiners as a steel-man argument against shitcoins. The argument goes, Bitcoin has been around the longest, so it is more likely to outlast the shitcoins. I don't disagree with that statement, but bitcoin is poetry and poetry has an even more pronounced Lindy Effect. Shakespeare died in 1616, yet his work survives over four centuries later. Those sonnets I fell in love with are older than the United States of America. Many of his clever phrases like "dead as a doornail" are part of the English vernacular. The English language would be much different if not for Shakespeare.

Bitcoin is almost 16 years old, but about every ten minutes, a new line of bitcoin poetry is written in the form of a bitcoin block. No one knows for sure, and I do not have a crystal ball, but it would not surprise me if nerds like me admire the poetry of bitcoin at block 21,000,000. This is every Bitcoiner's favorite number, but the 21 millionth block will be produced about 400 years from the Genesis Block. We, the ride-or-die bitcoin freaks, are optimistic.  We believe bitcoin will exist 400 years from now in the same way Shakespeare's Sonnets survive. Bitcoin lingo is already slipping into the wider English Vernacular. A decade ago, nobody but grumpy gold bugs and geeky bitcoiners used the term "fiat." Fiat is now part of everyday parlance. 

The mainstream media has reported that Bitcoin has died at least 477 times according to 99Bitcoins. We, the people running bitcoin, disagree. We do not believe bitcoin will die anytime soon. We think it will last generations to come. We expect it to be around hundreds of years from now like Shakesphere's sonnets, maybe even thousands of years from now like the Rosetta Stone. That's why it has captured the imaginations of so many nerds. We are currently in an age where most people think of bitcoin as an investment, but bitcoin is not an investment like a stock or bond. Bitcoin is an investment like a masterpiece. It is more in the category of a Mona Lisa. Imagine if you had a page of Romeo and Juliet that was hand written by William Shakespeare. Best of all, you could verify that it was written by Shakespeare every ten minutes. How much would that be worth now that Shakespeare has been pushing daisies for over 400 years? What if you could send that page written by Shakespeare to anyone in the world in ten minutes? Do you think anyone would be interested in one of those pages?

Bitcoin is a poem being written as we speak. This poem, written in math and translated into C++ code, was written by Satoshi Nakamoto. It is 94.26% finished. Current estimates project this poem will be finished on March 1, 2, 2138* You can buy about ten tiny pieces of this poem for about a penny.  Sure, you could have bought 100 small pieces of this poem for a penny 7 years ago, but we are still early in the scheme of things.

"It might make sense just to get some in case it catches on. If enough people think the same way, that becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy."

-- Satoshi Nakamoto

*According to Clark Moody's Dashboard as of block [874,733](https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/000000000000000000019b4fe6949b13bfbb5327b73248805d64166cdc51f683)

Marc 874,778

🧡Support🧡

@ c67cd3e1:84098345

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

Hier ist die Aufzeichnung des Vortrages von Cynthia Chung für die Aletheia Wissenschaftsgruppe vom 11.12.24

Cynthia Chung ist Präsidentin und Mitbegründerin der Rising Tide Foundation (zusammen mit ihrem Ehemann Matthew Ehret, der am 4. September 2024 als Gastredner des Aletheia Science Forum über „Die britischen Wurzeln des Deep State verstehen“ sprach, aufgezeichnet hier: https://www.wissenschaftstehtauf.ch/Matt_Ehret_20240904.mp4 ).\ \ Cynthia ist die Autorin der Bücher „The Shaping of a World Religion“ und „The Empire on Which the Black Sun Never Set,“ sowie Mitautorin der Buchreihe „The Clash of the Two Americas“.\ \ Ihre Substack-Seite „Through A Glass Darkly (https://cynthiachung.substack.com)“ hat über 11.000 Abonnenten. Sie schreibt über eine Vielzahl wichtiger Themen, die von geopolitischer Geschichte bis hin zu Kultur, Wissenschaft und Kunst reichen.\ \ In ihrem Vortrag konzenteriert sich Cynthia auf die Operation Gladio, das geheime „Stay-behind“-Netzwerk bewaffneter Widerstandsorganisationen, das während des Kalten Krieges in Westeuropa gegründet wurde. 

Solche historischen Einblicke können uns in der heutigen Zeit helfen, uns durch die Stürme zu navigieren, die die Zivilisation erneut bedrohen.\ \ Einführung von Stefan Heeb  https://www.proethica.ch 

Weiterführende Analysen:

Daniele Ganser: NATO Geheimarmeen in Europa

Die NATO und der rechtsextreme Staatsterror

NATO/Gladio/Verdeckte Kriegsführung 

NATO

@ 805b34f7:3620fac3

I've heard Nostr described as intergalactic war technology, but here we are shitposting on it. How fun!

Nostr is our chance at remaking social media, consciously. Have you seen Max Demarco's Nostr Documentary yet? Check it out when you have time --> Social Media is Broken. Can We Fix It?

What do I post?!?

Post whatever you want. There are no rules. But, here's how to make a first post that will help you get seen by the network as opposed to feeling like you just posted into a void:

Intro Post

• Introduce yourself.
• Say how you found Nostr.
  • Say what you're interested in/what you do for fun or work.
  • Add a photo(s) or video(s).
    • And most importantly, add the hashtag #introductions

If you're on Primal, make sure you set up your wallet so you can receive zaps. Do this by pressing the lightning bolt.

Zaps are payments sent to other users as a way of tipping to content creators. Zaps utilize the Bitcoin Lightning and are almost instant and near free.

Zaps represent the only fundamentally new innovation in social media. Everything else is a distraction. - Jack Dorsey

Check out this intro post from Dr. Ken Berry for inspiration!

# How to Grow a Following/Best Practices

Zap - Change your custom zap amount and message on Primal. Do that by going to settings --> Zaps and customizing the top bubble. Once customized, every time you press the lightning bolt underneath someone's post, you send them money with whatever amount selected. Press and hold for a custom amount and message.

Zaps are the easiest way into someone's subconscious. Almost every time I receive a zap from someone new, I check out their profile. Especially if it has a custom message.

And if you really want to advertise yourself/brand, do what is called "zapvertising". Go to the trending tabs and zap the highest amount on each post with a message.

GM - Wish people good morning and comment on their good morning posts. Nostr loves this and it's a way for you to get your brand out there.

Ask questions - There are no dumb questions and people are nice generally. If you do have a question, end the note with the hashtag #asknostr.

Blogging - There are multiple long form clients for you to write a blog on. Check out highlighter.com, habla.news, or yakihonne for blogging. And while you're at it, check out all the rest of the apps you can participate on nostrapps.com

Feed Creation - Check out this video to get a glimpse of what is possible with Primal's advanced search tool. And this video to see how to navigate the app.

Nostr is a more organic social media. There's no central algorithm that may or may decide to pick up your content. It's just people interacting on a protocol. Be the engagement that you want to see.

Post what your heart desires. You can use it as a vlog, a diary, a photo collection, or all of the above. Nostr wants all of it, and there are multiple ways to view content depending on which client you are using.

If you're reading this now, you are extremely early. We have the chance to bootstrap a new social network. One that is principled and uncontrolled by big tech or governments. And this really matters

Nostr Terms

npub - this is your public key and it's how nostr recognizes your profile.

nsec - Your password. Keep this safe. If you lose your phone and don't have a copy of this somewhere, it's gone forever. This is not the blog for key management, but expect better solutions in the near future.

nip-05 - this is your human readable nostr address. There are many places to create your own nip05. You can get a Primal name by subscribing to Primal premium. For example, mine is paul@primal.net. You can put this into any client to find my profile as opposed to putting in my npub.

Zap Sats - Zaps are micropayments of bitcoin. 1 bitcoin = 100 million "sats" which is short for Satoshis.

Clients - Nostr apps.

PV- Pura vida. Nostr's first "un"conference was held in Costa Rica. Pura vida is the national slogan.

Hungry for more Nostr knowledge? Here's a great post with quite a few resources. Feel free to message me on Nostr with any questions!

@ b6dcdddf:dfee5ee7

https://x.com/geyserfund/status/1864360574642950585

Passionate about driving grassroots Bitcoin adoption? Join the mission and help defend it—become a Geyser Guardian!

Which Guardian will you be?

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/794832

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

The History of Bananas as an Exportable Fruit and the Rise of Banana Republics

Bananas became a significant export in the late 19th century, fueled by advancements in transportation and refrigeration that allowed the fruit to travel long distances without spoilage. Originally native to Southeast Asia, bananas were introduced to the Americas by European colonists. By the late 1800s, companies like the United Fruit Company (later Chiquita) and Standard Fruit Company (now Dole) began cultivating bananas on a large scale in Central America and the Caribbean.

These corporations capitalized on the fruit’s appeal—bananas were cheap, nutritious, and easy to transport. The fruit quickly became a staple in Western markets, especially in the United States. However, the rapid expansion of banana exports came at a significant political and social cost to the countries where the fruit was grown.

To maintain control over banana production and maximize profits, these companies required vast amounts of arable land, labor, and favorable trade conditions. This often led them to form close relationships with local governments, many of which were authoritarian and corrupt. The companies influenced policies to secure land concessions, suppress labor rights, and maintain low taxes.

The term “banana republic” was coined by writer O. Henry in 1904 to describe countries—particularly in Central America—that became politically unstable due to their economic dependence on a single export crop, often controlled by foreign corporations.

The U.S. government frequently supported these regimes as part of its broader strategy during the Cold War to counter communist influence in the region. Washington feared that labor movements and demands for land reform, often supported by the peasantry and indigenous groups, could lead to the rise of socialist or communist governments. Consequently, the U.S. backed coups, such as the 1954 overthrow of Guatemala’s democratically elected President Jacobo Árbenz, who had threatened United Fruit’s interests by redistributing unused land.

These interventions created a legacy of exploitation, environmental degradation, and political instability in many banana-exporting countries. While bananas remain a global dietary staple, their history underscores the complex interplay of economics, politics, and imperialism.

@ edeb837b:ac664163

In today’s fast-paced financial world, staying on top of market trends, tracking trades, and learning from top investors is more important than ever. With NVSTly’s mobile app, available on both iOS and Google Play, you can access all of these features and more right from your smartphone. Whether you’re a new trader or an experienced investor, NVSTly is designed to empower you with the tools you need to track, share, and copy trades in real-time — all from the convenience of your mobile device.

What is NVSTly?

NVSTly is a powerful social investing platform that allows retail traders to track, share, and copy trades across a variety of financial markets, including stocks, options, forex, cryptocurrency, and more. Through a unique integration with Discord, NVSTly provides real-time trade tracking and insights, allowing traders to follow, learn from, and interact with a global community of investors.

Key Features of the NVSTly Mobile App

1. Track and Share Your Trades

With the NVSTly mobile app, you can easily track all your trades across multiple markets. Whether you’re trading stocks, options, forex, or cryptocurrency, you can manually submit your trades and view detailed insights, including the performance of your positions. Want to share your trades with your followers? It’s as easy as a few taps. The app allows you to post your trades to the global feed where other traders can follow your actions in real-time.

2. Discover Top Traders

If you’re looking to learn from the best, NVSTly offers a unique leaderboard feature that ranks top traders globally. You can see who is consistently performing well in your market of interest and follow their trades for insights. The app also includes a “follow” feature that lets you receive notifications whenever a trader you admire executes a new position.

3. Real-Time Market Insights

NVSTly gives you access to real-time market data to validate your trades. Whether you’re analyzing forex price movements or checking the latest stock trends, the app ensures that you have the most accurate information at your fingertips. With a variety of data sources integrated into the platform, you can make informed decisions, whether you’re in the office or on the go.

4. Trade Insights and Performance Stats

The NVSTly mobile app doesn’t just track your trades — it helps you analyze them. Each trade comes with detailed insights such as average gain/loss, total profit/loss, and other key performance indicators. This helps you assess your trading strategy and fine-tune your approach as you go.

5. Brokers Integration

For those who want a seamless experience, NVSTly supports broker integrations, allowing you to track your real-time trades automatically. While optional, this feature makes managing your portfolio even easier by syncing your brokerage account with the app. Whether you’re using Webull or another supported platform, NVSTly has you covered.

6. Educational Resources

The NVSTly app is not just about tracking trades — it’s also about improving your trading knowledge. The platform offers access to educational resources, including market analysis, trading tips, and insights from top traders. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced trader, the NVSTly app helps you grow your knowledge and skills.

Why Choose the NVSTly Mobile App?

• Completely Free: NVSTly offers all of its features at no cost. No paywalls, no hidden fees — just powerful tools for traders who want to succeed.
• All-in-One Trading Solution: Whether you’re tracking your trades, analyzing market data, or following the top traders, NVSTly brings it all together in one easy-to-use app.
• Available on iOS and Google Play: No matter what type of smartphone you use, NVSTly is there.

Download the app today from the App Store or Google Play to start your journey with the leading social investing platform.

How to Install NVSTly’s Mobile App

Installing the NVSTly mobile app is quick and simple. Just follow these steps:

1. For iOS Users: Open the App Store, search for “NVSTly,” and tap the “Download” button.
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Once installed, open the app, sign in or create an account, and start exploring everything NVSTly has to offer. Track your trades, follow top traders, and dive into the world of social investing — all at your fingertips.

Conclusion

NVSTly’s mobile app is the perfect tool for traders who want to stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re tracking market movements, sharing your trades, or learning from others, NVSTly offers everything you need to make informed decisions and succeed in your investing journey. Download the app today and join a growing community of traders who are transforming the way they invest.

Happy trading!

---

NVSTly is available for free on web, mobile devices (iOS & Google Play), and is fully integrated with Discord via a unique bot- the only of it’s kind and available to any server or trading community on Discord. Or feel free to join a community of over 40,000 investors & traders on our Discod server.

@ 472f440f:5669301e

Uber seed investor and executive producer of the All In podcast Jason Calacanis has been publicly sounding the alarm bell about Microstrategy's bitcoin treasury strategy and the cheer leading exhibited by the company's CEO, Michael Saylor. Calacanis believes that Microstrategy's bitcoin acquisition techniques are a Ponzi scheme waiting to implode. Going as far as to question whether or not Microstrategy is the next FTX.

Earlier today, Jason spent a section of an episode of This Week in Startups to discuss his worries about MSTR's bitcoin treasury strategy, Saylor's overt pumping of the strategy, and the fact that there are other companies like Marathon Holdings beginning to deploy similar convertible debt strategies. While I can see how this can be unnerving for many, I do think there is a fundamental misunderstanding of what Microstrategy is doing. Last week I explained the strategy in a tweet, which I'll reiterate here:

Whether you like it or not, Saylor and Microstrategy have found a way to give pools of liquidity (particularly pools with mandates to allocate to fixed income) exposure to bitcoin’s volatility via convertible notes. The converts are performing better than any other fixed income product on the market.

Other investors have noticed this and have piled into MSTR as well understanding that demand for the converts will increase and enable Microstrategy to accumulate more bitcoin. Those investors feel comfortable with the premium to mNAV MSTR is trading at because they believe the demand for a high performing fixed income product will remain high and likely increase.

Microstrategy can continue doing this until viable competition comes to market because there is no one else offering this type of bitcoin return exposure to fixed income investors at scale. Another important detail, the convertible notes have a duration of 5 years or more while bitcoin’s lowest 4-year CAGR is 26% and its 50th percentile 4-year CAGR is 91%. If you think this will continue then this is a pretty safe bet for Microstrategy and the convertible note holders.

In a world were central banks and governments have gone mad with currency debasement and debt expansion it is pretty safe to assume that bitcoin adoption will not only continue but accelerate from here. What do I think about Microstrategy accumulating this much bitcoin? It makes me a bit uneasy but there’s nothing I can do to stop it and bitcoin will survive in the long run. Even if Microstrategy blows up somehow (I don’t think this is likely). Bitcoin was designed to be anti-fragile.

This is a classic case of “don’t hate the player, hate the game”. Or better yet, join the game. After all, the only winning move is to play.

Essentially, Michael Saylor is taking a long-term bet on bitcoin's continued adoption/monetization and trying to accumulate as much as possible by issuing convertible notes with a 4+ year duration, which should increase the likelihood that Microstrategy is in the black on their bitcoin buys over time as history has shown that anyone who holds bitcoin for more than four years has performed well. This should, in turn, be reflected in their stock price, which should increase alongside bitcoin and convert the debt they've accrued into newly issued shares of MSTR. Through the process, if the strategy is executed successfully, increasing the amount of bitcoin per share for MSTR shareholders. (This is the only metric shareholders should care about in my opinion.)

Yes, this may seem crazy to many and extremely risky to most, but that is the nature of free markets. Every company takes calculated risks in an attempt to increase shareholder value. Michael Saylor and company are betting on the fact that bitcoin will continue to be adopted and are utilizing pools of capital that don't have the ability to buy bitcoin directly, but want exposure to its volatility to achieve their goals. To me it looks like a perfectly symbiotic relationship. Microstrategy is able to accumulate more bitcoin and increase their bitcoin per share while fixed income investors are able to access a product that performs well above their benchmark due to the embedded volatility of the exposure to bitcoin Microstrategy provides.

This won't be a surprise to any of you freaks, but I think it's a pretty smart bet to make. Bitcoin is almost 16-years old. It has established itself as a reserve asset for individuals, companies and countries. A reserve asset that is completely detached from the whims of central planners, transparent, predictable, scarce, and can be transmitted over the Internet. Bitcoin is an idea whose time has come. And more people are beginning to recognize this.

This is one of the beautiful aspects of the public company convertible-note-to-bitcoin strategy that Microstrategy has deployed over the last few years. They are able to harness the benefits of forces that are external to their core business to provide shareholders with value. Michael Saylor could stop buying bitcoin tomorrow and it wouldn't affect bitcoin's adoption in the medium to long-term. He continues to buy bitcoin, and encourages others to do the same, because he recognizes this.

Bitcoin is the apex predator of treasury assets for every individual, company, non-profit or government. The assets competing to be treasury assets are all centrally controlled, easily manipulable, and quickly losing favor. Earlier today, Federal Reserve Board Governor Christopher Waller came out and admitted that inflation is kicking the Fed's ass. They cannot tame it.

Waller may posture by saying that "submission is inevitable", but that doesn't make it true. There is simply too much debt and not enough dollars. The annual interest expense on the US Federal debt is now larger than our spending on national defense. The Fed, whether it wants to admit it or not, is going to have to monetize that debt via the debasement of the dollar. If you are using dollars as a treasury asset it is very important that you understand this and react accordingly by adopting a bitcoin strategy. This is what Michael Saylor is trying to make his peers in public markets understand.

Sure, his marketing tactics may seem a bit uncouth to many and the way in which he's expressing his belief through Microstrategy's accumulation strategy may seem risky, but it's hard to argue that his core thesis is flawed. Especially when you consider the fact that bitcoin has officially climbed to the strata of being seriously considered as a treasury asset for the most powerful nation state in the world. I listen to the All In podcast quite frequently and genuinely like the show. It is a good way to gain perspective on how Silicon Valley investors view the world. If I were to give Jason any advice it would be to take a step back and to apply one of the most frequently discussed topics of the last on his show, the emergence of AI and the importance of everyone to incorporate AI into their businesses and workflows as quickly as possible before they get left behind. The same mental model applies to the emergence of bitcoin as a dominant reserve asset.

It is imperative that every individual, company and government adopts a bitcoin treasury strategy if they want to be able to succeed moving forward without the inherent resistance that is introduced from storing the fruit of your labor in a money or money-like asset that does not preserve purchasing power over time. Just because Saylor has recognized this, moved aggressively to effectuate his understanding via his company's balance sheet, and vociferously markets the strategy to others doesn't mean he's wrong. As I said in my tweet last week, I personally prefer to hold actual bitcoin. That doesn't mean that Microstrategy and others haven't honed in on something unique and legitimate given their circumstances and access to certain financial tools.

---

Final thought... I apologize for the extended hiatus. I hit a hard wall of writer's block over the last month. I think the time away from the keyboard has been good for me and the quality of this rag moving forward.

@ c1831fbe:de4b39bf

An Experiment...

Somewhere, lost in time,

(actually, about a year and a half ago), I experimented with a post on the Yakihonne platform.

I must confess that I was "sucked in" by promises of Markdown support and "Zaps for Participation." And so, I tried my hand at using the platform by writing a post on how the Yakihonne platform was working at at that time (you can see a copy of that old post reconstructed below). For the record, I did receive a healthy zap from Yakihonne 😆.

Sadly, I couldn't find that original post until I tried looking for it on https://nostr.band using the following search string:

https://nostr.band/?q=Yakihonne+post+by+Duncan+Cary+Palmer

Gotta say, finding it on nostr.band almost immediately, using that intuitive string, really impressed the heck out of me! You rock, nostr.band!

My earlier Yakihonne article was my first-person report on how the Yakihonne platform was working at at that time.

I have been jonesing to write some "long-form" articles for a while, and have seen others do so on Yakihonne, and so here I am; back again, dipping my toe into the waters to see what, if any, improvements have been made here.😆

Next in this series, I'll try to address the problems I discovered in June of 2023 (as noted in the article below). I'm hoping I'll discover—and be able to report—that there has been significant progress, but we shall see... (sadly, preliminary observations tell me that it's not looking too promising)... ## I'll close (for now) with a copy of that earlier article: --- >“At his touch, my simple kite Leapt to the skies, Won me first prize! Dad became a legend in my eyes.”
- Excerpt from a tribute to my father... --- ### Good Morning, fellow Nostriches! Today, I'm throwing care to the wind and dipping my toe into the beckoning waters of long-form nostr publishing on YakiHonne, a web-based nostr client. On the one hand, I'm hopeful; but I've already encountered a few sharks lurking under the deceptively placid surface of YakiHonne waters! I sincerely hope my "first timer" real-time experience in writing and posting this article will provide some constructive feedback to YakiHonne developers. My first impressions of the platform are encouraging, and I hope YakiHonne will continually improve its offering. >NOTE: In honor of my father, I've begun this article with a quote from a tribute poem I wrote after his death, and my first embedded image (below) is a photo of the type of private airplane Dad once owned. ---

Dad once owned a Luscombe (source)

--- ### Where am I coming from? It's no exaggeration to say that I am a writer. Although writing is only one of many things I've done in the course of my career, I consider it important. Beginning with an article or two in early microcomputer magazines (Kilobaud, Compute!), I later wrote documentation as an engineer and even worked for several years as a technical writer supporting computer and network engineering. For the better part of the last decade, I've been writing and publishing a great deal of long-form content, beginning on Steemit and moving to Hive when the community forked due to dissatisfaction with a hostile takeover. Through the years, I've lobbied "The Powers That Be" at Steemit/Hive (with mixed success) for certain changes and upgrades to their publishing operations. I managed to persuade Steemit to change its policy, allowing authors to perpetually edit/update their work. For many reasons beyond the scope of this article, editing is a crucial capability. Even in the world of blockchains and cryptographically verified author identity, editing is easily handled by the means of releasing a series of "versions" of an article, retaining the entire history of its development while only revealing the most recent edition at the user interface level. --- ### What am I doing on YakiHonne? Part of today's exercise is figuring out the differences in the implementation of the Markdown "standard" between Hive and YakiHonne. It's been quite an adventure thus far! I've already discovered GUI flaws and struggled with substantial output differences while trying to use the Markdown editor on YakiHome. At one point, I lost all my work on this article because I inadvertently left the page... As a consequence, I've shifted over to using the Markdown editor on the PeakD interface to Hive, doing my edits, and then dropping the whole source text into the YakiHonne editor to check compatibility... So there's definitely some room for improvement in the editor! Working this way, I am also hopeful that I'll be able to cross-post this article on both Hive and YakiHonne in order to expose Hive users to YakiHonne and vice-versa; presently, both Hive and YakiHonne have different advantages and drawbacks, and I have to believe that mutual exposure can only help both platforms. --- ### Early YakiHonne observations, good and bad. YakiHonne is interesting. "Long form content," in contrast to ephemeral Twitter/Tweet type posts, is a different style of publishing. Because we are human authors, our articles appear chronologically—after all, we create them one at a time—but we would like to think that the things we write have some level of permanence, and are (for the most part) more than just brief observations that we toss off for effect. In the following list, I've used one or more Pluses (+) to indicate something about YakiHonne that I consider a positive feature, and one or more Minuses (-) to indicate something I consider a negative feature. Unmarked entries are simple observations. ##### + + I love that Markdown is supported While not perfectly powerful, Markdown is an easy to learn means of formatting text into attractive, easy to read documents on the internet. ##### - No image storage At the time of this writing, users can't upload images when using the platform. While you can (and YakiHonne encourages you to) embed images in your articles, you must host them somewhere and embed them in the form of external links. ##### - - - Don't leave the editor page!!! I was really bummed, after banging out an introduction and an initial outline, to accidentally branch away from the editor page. Guess what? All my work disappeared! 😳 Yes, this is currently a built-in problem with YakiHonne. All content will be lost if you leave the edit page!!! So for your own good, use an external editor. ##### You can't embed links everywhere Certain markdown functions that work on Hive just don't work here. One specific example; you can't embed links in "H" type headers (e.g. \

No Links Here\

). This is not a fatal flaw, especially since if you use a series of hashtags to create headers (e.g. ### Links work in this style header) you won't have a problem. ##### - Confusing, overwritten profile It took a while to figure this out; several fields of the profile overlap one another, but I was (finally) able to fiddle them separate by clicking on the "edit" icons in various combinations. ##### - - Minimum recommended article size; 1500 words? Seriously? Real authors write articles of all lengths. I see no possible need or reason to handcuff participants on this platform, constraining them to a minimum article size. All that will do is stifle creativity and variety. Of course, as this is my first foray into YakiHonne land, I will (at least for this entry) comply with a minimum length, but I reserve the right to complain bitterly about it. YakiHonne, are you listening? ##### - Can't ZAP! I've tried to ZAP a fellow author on YakiHonne, and for reasons I have not yet been able to determine, the ZAP/Lightning button is not functional. It may be a setup issue; I can ZAP when using Amethyst on Android, but not YakiHonne on Mac (yet). ##### + + Incentives to participate This is a potentially very good thing, and apparently it's working; I'm here, along with other fine authors, right? The powers that be behind YakiHonne are putting their money where their mouth is. They are dangling bounties under the nose of writers, promising to reward good articles with bounties in the form of significant amounts of sats. We'll see how that pans out, but it clearly has drawn some positive interest. Somehow, contests, sats, and other inducements do encourage participation. Good talent always enjoys a challenge. ##### Bugs, Oh, My! Ah, bugs are inevitable... Somehow, on this page I ended up with an endlessly spinning and bouncing rounded-edge cube. File this with the bad formatting of profile data, and it's an indicator that we are so early... Keep up the good work, YakiHonne; I'm sure you'll slay the bugs. --- ### Some things I would love to see. I've always been a dreamer; one of those people who's never completely satisfied. Give me an inch, and I'll ask for a mile; a hippo and I'll want an elephant. Here are a few "Scenes I'd like to see" on YakiHonne in the future (as in, How long is it gonna take you to get this feature up and running?). ##### Better and more tools I would really love to see YakiHonne (or for that matter, any long-form nostr publishing platform) provide better organizational tools for prolific writers who have mass quantities of content to offer. ##### Assurances of longevity Is YakiHonne a fly-by-night organization? If I spend my time writing and publishing content, how long can I expect my hard work to remain stored and saved on YakiHonne? Because Hive is blockchain-based, and issues monetary rewards, I have a reasonable expectation that my work will be available there for a long time to come. Can I expect the same from YakiHonne? ##### Ability to back up content I would like to be able to download and archive all of my content on a local device. ##### Index/Table of Contents I write about many different things in a wide range of categories. My preferred platform should provide a helpful way for my followers and readers to access all my content, and not just in reverse chronological order. I've manually implemented a hierarchical table of contents for my writing on the Hive blockchain. Please have a look at my library to better understand what I mean. I would love to see YakiHonne scan my articles for keywords and especially for #tags —in order to automatically create a presentation like my Hive library to help my readers access my thoughts on any topic. Please, YakiHonne devs, save me from being "only as good as my last article." ##### Draft capability For a good author experience, the ability to maintain and edit multiple article drafts is essential. Have a look at peakd.com/ and the Hive blockchain for a good example. --- ### Conclusion: Let's Freakin' Go! This a only a preliminary glimpse of my YakiHonne experience, not intended to be critical, but rather constructively encouraging. I wish YakiHonne the best of success. The more players and options we have available using the nostr protocol, the better I'll like it. Principals and developers at YakiHonne? I hope to hear from you! --- ### \~FIN\~ --- ###### NOTE: Throughout my posts, you may notice hyperlinks like this one that lead to supplemental material. Most images are also hyperlinked. While not essential to the enjoyment of my writing, you may find the linked background information enlightening (or at least mildly interesting).
ALL IMAGES are either my own, derived from open source material, or used with permission. --- For more from Duncan Cary Palmer,
Click Here to visit my Library. --- I would love to hear from you; please log in to YakiHonne and speak your mind by responding to my articles! ---

@ c2827524:5f45b2f7

L’oggetto misterioso

Nostr, che in realtà è N.O.S.T.R., il cui acronimo significa Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relay, è un protocollo di comunicazione nato da pochissimi anni, che promette decentralizzazione e incensurabilità. La maggior parte degli utenti internet non conosce il significato di queste due promesse, per motivi che non verranno analizzati qui (DYOR), ma decentralizzazione e incensurabilità sono tanto importanti quanto la libertà che ne consegue.

Decidere di usare il protocollo Nostr è senz’altro facoltativo e dovrebbe essere preso in considerazione per una migliore conoscenza del web. Quanto meno giudicare Nostr inutile a prescindere è un errore.

Incensurabilità

Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relay è già l'essenza: l’identità e i dati non risiedono in uno specifico server centralizzato, ma su tanti piccoli serverini, i relay, che trasmettono le note (i post) scritte da un autore/un’autrice.

Questo è ciò che accade anche con i social media tradizionali, salvo il fatto che tutte le piattaforme come ~~facebook~~ o ~~twitter~~ possono decidere di cancellare l’identità digitale di un utente, eliminandolo dai propri server.

Su Nostr NO.

Il singolo runner del relay può certamente decidere di bannare una determinata identità digitale, perché magari pubblica contenuti non graditi. Questi stessi contenuti, però, resteranno visibili su altri relay e quindi fruibili per i relativi follower. Infine, si può installare il proprio relay e a quel punto solo un idiota si bannerebbe da solo.

Tue le chiavi, tua l’identità

I primi abitanti di questo piccolo universo hanno deciso di auto-definirsi Nostriches. I/le Nostriches devono solo creare una coppia di chiavi, privata e pubblica. La chiave pubblica, npub, è l’identità digitale dell’utente. Dice effettivamente chi sei e aiuta gli altri utenti a trovarti.

La chiave privata, o nsec, è la prova crittografica dell’identità digitale e questo è già un bel salto di paradigma rispetto al più diffuso sistema costituito dalla combinazione username/password. Non esistono due chiavi private uguali, quella generata per ogni singolo utente è unica ed è da quella (solo da quella e nessun’altra) che poi viene derivata la chiave privata.

Il protocollo Nostr permette, quindi, di essere i proprietari della propria identità digitale.

Ed è bene ribadire questo concetto: l’identità digitale è solo dell'utente, non è delle aziende che gestiscono il social media di turno. Lo stesso principio si applica ai dati e ai contenuti pubblicati, che appartengono ai legittimi autori e non alle piattaforme.

Già… le piattaforme

Ma quindi, come funziona Nostr? Semplice. Ci sono moltissimi client, che permettono di fare login con la chiave privata, creare un profilo completo di foto, biografia e link ai siti web, nonché di postare le note e trasmetterle ai relay cui si è deciso di farlo. Alcuni relay offrono il servizio gratuitamente, altri a pagamento e – con l’esperienza – si troverà il setup con cui iniziare.

La nsec permette di fare login ad ogni client indistintamente, senza costringere gli utenti a creare la combo username/password per ogni servizio.

Non so se è abbastanza chiaro...

Web-Of-Trust

Identità digitale e possesso dei propri contenuti sono alla base di un sogno, nato decenni fa con il web2.0 e naufragato con esso nella palude del business dei dati personali. Non me ne frega un cazzo del gombloddismoh e di cosa fanno le multinazio(a)nali dei dati personali di ogni utente, o di come questi vengano utilizzati per addestrare modelli di linguaggio avanzati.

Ciò che, a mio avviso, è rivoluzionario, è la realizzazione del sogno sogno. Il salto di paradigma è proprio il WoT, il Web-Of-Trust: essere certi che chiunque abbia la possibilità di diffondere qualsiasi tipo di messaggio, che ne sia realmente l’autore e quindi se ne assuma la responsabilità e che chiunque altro possa decidere se fruirne o meno.

Ciò implica anche la libertà di usare parole che sui social media tradizionali verrebbero censurate. Significa essere “giudicati” dai propri pari, liberi individui che decideranno se quel contenuto vale la pena di essere letto oppure no. Comporta, per i lettori, la libertà scegliere autonomamente cosa o chi seguire a seconda dei contenuti e non che un capriccioso algoritmo deciderà per loro cosa è meglio leggere o cosa no.

Non so se è abbastanza chiaro…

Client e ZAP ⚡️

Le opportunità che offre il protocollo Nostr sono molteplici. Con l’unica accortezza di custodire in maniera responsabile la nsec, con un unico “account” si può postare su client simil-twitter, blog post, link-in-bio tipo Link Tree, eventi come su Eventbride, raccogliere immagini tipo Pinterest, creare form come Google-form, ma senza avere una username e una password per ognuno degli account, senza fornire la propria email a cani e porci (che non è comunque igienico) e senza rischiare di gestire decine di password o – peggio – usarne una unica per tutti.

Infine, se ciò non fosse già abbastanza, ecco l’incentivo economico: grazie all’integrazione del protocollo Lightning Network, ogni client Nostr permette di monetizzare con i contenuti pubblicati; gli utenti decidono di premiare alcuni post tramite Zap, micro pagamenti anche di frazioni di centesimi, fino ai macro pagamenti.

Perché Nostr

Per chiunque abbia qualcosa da dire, frivolezze o concetti profondi, Nostr è quello che a Napoli in maniera geniale viene definito il fattoapposta!

Essere protagonisti in prima persona delle proprie esperienze social-web, provare l’ebbrezza di essere gli unici proprietari dell’identità digitale e dei contenuti prodotti nonché monetizzarli per merito e non per algoritmo, è una scossa che vale davvero la pena di provare.

Attualmente Nostr potrebbe apparire come una piccola bolla, uno spazio abitato da strani esseri che parlano di cose aliene come libertà finanziaria, incensurabilità e decentralizzazione. Ma si può usare il tempo concesso da un’adozione prematura per conoscere il protocollo e capirlo.

Si potrà sempre tornare ad abitare il Web2.0, uno spazio dove le idee vengono censurate o dove gli utenti che si dichiarano progressisti ed inklusivi se ne vanno perché in disaccordo con l’esito di un’elezione regolare e demograttika

Risorse per approfondire: i) https://nostr-resources.com/ ii) https://nostr.net/ iii) https://nostr.how/en/nostr-projects iv) https://nostrapps.com/

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

Christmas season hasn't actually started, yet, in Roman #Catholic Germany. We're in Advent until the evening of the 24th of December, at which point Christmas begins (with the Nativity, at Vespers), and continues on for 40 days until Mariä Lichtmess (Presentation of Christ in the temple) on February 2nd.

It's 40 days because that's how long the post-partum isolation is, before women were allowed back into the temple (after a ritual cleansing).

That is the day when we put away all of the Christmas decorations and bless the candles, for the next year. (Hence, the British name "Candlemas".) It used to also be when household staff would get paid their cash wages and could change employer. And it is the day precisely in the middle of winter.

Between Christmas Eve and Candlemas are many celebrations, concluding with the Twelfth Night called Epiphany or Theophany. This is the day some Orthodox celebrate Christ's baptism, so traditions rotate around blessing of waters.

The Monday after Epiphany was the start of the farming season, in England, so that Sunday all of the ploughs were blessed, but the practice has largely died out.

Our local tradition is for the altar servers to dress as the wise men and go door-to-door, carrying their star and looking for the Baby Jesus, who is rumored to be lying in a manger.

They collect cash gifts and chocolates, along the way, and leave the generous their powerful blessing, written over the door. The famous 20 * C + M + B * 25 blessing means "Christus mansionem benedicat" (Christ, bless this house), or "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar" (the names of the three kings), depending upon who you ask.

They offer the cash to the Baby Jesus (once they find him in the church's Nativity scene), but eat the sweets, themselves. It is one of the biggest donation-collections in the world, called the "Sternsinger" (star singers). The money goes from the German children, to help children elsewhere, and they collect around €45 million in cash and coins, every year.

As an interesting aside:

The American "groundhog day", derives from one of the old farmers' sayings about Candlemas, brought over by the Pennsylvania Dutch. It says, that if the badger comes out of his hole and sees his shadow, then it'll remain cold for 4 more weeks. When they moved to the USA, they didn't have any badgers around, so they switched to groundhogs, as they also hibernate in winter.

@ 77110427:f621e11c

All credit to Guns Magazine. Read the full issue here ⬇️

February 1970 PDF

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---

📰 Past Magazine Mondays 📰

001: May 1963

002: August 1969

---

⬇️ Follow 1776 HODL ⬇️

Website

Nostr

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

Benjamin Franklin and His Fondness for Madeira Wine

Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most celebrated founding fathers, was not only a statesman, scientist, and writer but also a man of refined taste. Among his many indulgences, Franklin was particularly fond of Madeira wine, a fortified wine from the Portuguese Madeira Islands. His love for this drink was well-documented and reflects both his personal preferences and the broader cultural trends of 18th-century America.

The Allure of Madeira Wine

Madeira wine was highly prized in the 18th century due to its unique production process and exceptional durability. Its rich, fortified nature made it well-suited for long sea voyages, as it could withstand temperature fluctuations and aging in transit. This durability made Madeira a popular choice in the American colonies, where European wines often spoiled before arrival.

Franklin, who was known for his appreciation of fine things, embraced Madeira as a beverage of choice. Its complex flavors and storied reputation resonated with his intellectual and social pursuits. The wine was often served at dinners and social gatherings, where Franklin and his contemporaries debated ideas and shaped the future of the nation.

Franklin’s Personal Connection to Madeira

In Franklin’s writings and correspondence, Madeira is mentioned on several occasions, reflecting its prominence in his life. He referred to the wine not only as a personal pleasure but also as a symbol of hospitality and refinement. As a diplomat in France and England, Franklin often carried Madeira to share with his hosts, using it as a means of forging connections and showcasing the tastes of the American colonies.

One notable instance of Franklin’s affinity for Madeira occurred during his time in Philadelphia. He reportedly had cases of the wine shipped directly to his home, ensuring he would never be without his favorite drink. Madeira also featured prominently in many toasts and celebrations, becoming a hallmark of Franklin’s gatherings.

The Role of Madeira in Colonial America

Franklin’s fondness for Madeira reflects its broader significance in colonial America. The wine was not only a favorite of the elite but also a symbol of resistance to British taxation. When the British imposed heavy duties on imported goods, including wine, Madeira became a patriotic choice for many colonists. Its direct trade routes with the Madeira Islands circumvented British intermediaries, allowing Americans to assert their economic independence.

A Legacy of Taste

Franklin’s appreciation for Madeira wine endures as a charming detail of his multifaceted life. It offers a glimpse into the personal habits of one of America’s most influential figures and highlights the cultural exchanges that shaped colonial society. Today, Franklin’s love of Madeira serves as a reminder of the historical connections between wine, politics, and personal expression in the 18th century.

In honoring Franklin’s legacy, one might raise a glass of Madeira to toast not only his contributions to American independence but also his enduring influence on the art of living well.

@ a39d19ec:3d88f61e

This week's practical 3d print is a simple catch all tray.

Catch all tray

As for most of the useful prints I show you in this series I printed it a long time ago and can't find the link to the design file. I am pretty sure it's from Thingiverse though.

What it does

It perfectly serves as a central place for the things I commonly need when I go out. So I don't need to search for them.

What I like about the design is, that it catches all things from my pockets i.e. key, lighter, earpods, slide wallet and more when I come home. But not the dust and dirt. It falls throught the holes in tray.

3dprint #3ddruck #3dprinting

@ 31312140:2471509b

What is a True Free Market?

At its core, a true free market is an economic system where voluntary transactions occur in a market free from interference. This means no government regulations, subsidies, tariffs, or monopolies, whether state-enabled or otherwise. It’s the economy stripped down to its barest essentials, operating purely on the supply and demand dictated by the users themselves—individuals and businesses exchanging goods or services without the heavy hand of the state deciding winners or losers.

The Current State: Crony Capitalism

The contemporary economic landscape often mislabeled as “capitalism” is, in reality, cronyism at its best—or worst, depending on who you ask. Central banks manipulate interest rates, governments subsidize failing industries, and bureaucracies layer endless regulations. These elements distort the very idea of a free market. What we live in today is a concoction of money printing, interventionist policies, and financial bailouts, skewing any genuine price signals and leading to misallocated resources and malinvestments.

Central Banking: The Antithesis of Freedom

Central banks, often touted as the stabilizers of the economy, are more like sugar daddies for the well-connected while acting like an invisible hand in your wallet. Through monetary policy, they create fiat currency out of thin air, devalue savings, and promote inflation. The very act of centralized control over currency supply is directly at odds with free market principles. It discourages savings and encourages reckless lending and spending. Over time, this erodes the purchasing power of the common person, creating an insidious cycle of debt and dependency.

The Myth of Regulation Benefits

Regulations are often sold to us as necessary for protecting, ensuring fair competition, and preserving environmental standards. However, what’s overlooked is how these regulations often create barriers to entry, stifling innovation and benefiting established players with the resources to navigate complex legal waters. Yes, safety and fairness are crucial, but when regulation morphs into overreach, it transforms the market into a scripted show, one where big businesses and lobbyists write the script, not the playwrights of entrepreneurial dreams.

Bitcoin: A Glimmer of Hope?

Enter Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency that functions without a central bank or single administrator—a breath of fresh air for proponents of free market systems. Bitcoin challenges the very foundation of state-controlled currency by offering a transparent, deflationary alternative. It represents the ideals of a free market in digital form, allowing for peer-to-peer transactions without centralization, constraints, or currency barriers.

However, the road is not simple. As Bitcoin expands, it faces regulatory challenges and attempts to bring it under control. But if ever there was a practical demonstration of what might free market money look like, Bitcoin is certainly a leading candidate.

The Role of Austrian Economics

Austrian economics offers comprehensive insights into why a true free market remains the best path forward—not just theoretically but practically. Economic giants like Friedrich Hayek, Ludwig von Mises, and Murray Rothbard have extensively chronicled the flaws in interventionism and the benefits of free market dynamics. Their arguments highlight how free markets would allow price signals to guide resources, promote savings and investments, and unleash innovation.

Concept of Self-Regulation

Can a market truly self-regulate? Critics of the free market system often lean on the need for intervention to correct failures. But what if the market, given time and freedom, naturally weeds out inefficiencies? Consider how consumer choice and reputation have kept businesses accountable long before federal authorities existed. Trust is built through experience and proven by consistent performance, not through coercion.

By living according to voluntary contracts and respecting property rights, communities set their own standards, creating a self-regulating ecosystem—not flawlessly, but organically and efficiently.

Embracing Liberty

For those who cherish true liberty, the appeal of a free market system is undeniable. It represents freedom from coercion—the ability to live, trade, and create without interference. It’s not just an economic ideal. It is an ethical stance, standing firm on the belief that individuals have the right to pursue their interests openly and honestly, with outcomes reflecting their efforts and ingenuity.

The Challenges

Realizing a true free market is easier said than done. It's not enough to simply dismantle existing infrastructures. It requires a paradigm shift, a cultural reawakening to the values of individual responsibility, trust, and accountability. It necessitates vigilance to ensure that new forms of coercion don’t quietly fill the void left by dismantled structures. And it demands that as we unshackle markets, we don’t give way to chaos, but embrace a well-thought-out strategy guided by respect for natural order and human innovation.

Conclusion

The quest for a true free market is a worthy journey. It aligns with principles of liberty, self-determination, and empowerment. As we continue to navigate a world deeply entangled with interventionist policies, let’s keep a critical eye open and a questioning spirit alive, constantly asking ourselves if what we endure now is truly for the greater good or just a more subtle form of control. Recommended Reading

"The Road to Serfdom" by Friedrich Hayek - A classic on economic freedom and government control.

"Man, Economy, and State" by Murray Rothbard - A comprehensive treatise on economic theory.

"The Theory of Money and Credit" by Ludwig von Mises - A foundational text on understanding money and banking from a free market perspective.

Keep questioning, keep exploring, and above all, keep looking into it! 🕵️‍♂️✨

@ 2cde0e02:180a96b9

stencil graffiti

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/791776

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Most people around me use culture as a groupthink device, to re-format their thoughts and speech. Like using chatgpt to spruce up an email.

When I say "culture" I mean some amalgamation of race, class, religion and political affiliation. And when i reference a speech device, I'm referring to the act of recalling information rather than using original thought.

Its safe and easy if appropriately learned. You enjoy the freedom of being de-responsiblized from your words and actions. And if surrounded by others in the same group, you can never be wrong. As long as you bend the knee your free to bask in the light of group mandated delusion.

Although some aspects of culture are beautiful and somewhat unavoidable, blind acquiescence to the maddening crowd is extremely dangerous. I'm constantly reminded of something like a death cult when I see the formation of keynsian, malthusian, socialist forces.

Our options seem to be

1. Become an individual Or
2. Worship Molach the Owl God

With that being said, I'm optimistic about the future, mainly due to the promise of Free Opens Source Software and Freedom Tech. I see a world rapidly approaching, where freaks are armed with extremely powerful tools to exercise their individuality, and this is in concurrence with transnational goons unpurposefully losing control over their situation (a situation in which they fight against deflation with force and lies).

In Conclusion, We ought to take more responsibility for our own thoughts and actions. We should be wary of the prison that culture constantly seems to place us in. Don't Worship Molach the owl god, and arm yourself with the proverbial rock and sling appropriate for felling giants.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/791741

@ 35f3a26c:92ddf231

What is a Hardware Wallet / Seed Signer?

Most people call it "Hardware Wallet", which is inaccurate since it is not a wallet, it is a "Seed Signer"

Basically it is an electronic device with a simple user interface which guides you to introduce your seed words, once configured, you will use it in combination with your Bitcoin Wallet to sign transactions.

How does it works?

Once you are fully setup, if you try to send funds with your Bitcoin Wallet, you will be prompted to sign the transaction with your "Seed Signer", it will prompt you to introduce a PIN or a password or use a bio-metric identification, once you do so, the transaction will be broadcasted, without it, you will only be able to receive, not to send.

Are Seed Signers safe?

The answer is yes, but some more than others, you have to do your homework and choose wisely, here is a check list. I suggest you follow it before buying one:

• Uses a Chip Secure Element (SE), which is a chip that is protected from unauthorized access and stores confidential and cryptographic data
• It is Air Gap, which means that is physically isolated from unsecured networks, no Bluetooth, no WiFi, no USB connector. Only way to add information is via the user interface and for OS upgrades, a SSD card
• The OS in the device is FOSS (Free and Open Source Software)
• If the company offers a Bitcoin Wallet with the device, it should be as well FOSS
• It is build only for Bitcoin, no alt coins development in their products
• You can acquire the product directly from the company
• You can acquire the product with Bitcoin
• The company will agree to deliver to a PO-BOX or similar
• In case you pay the Seed Signer with a non secure methods which give away your full name and address, ensure that the company has a policy of deleting the client records after a short period of time to ensure your safety. If they get hacked, cyber criminals will know your name and address and probably target you

Any Recommendations?

I will suggest you do your own research and do not trust, verify. I am not affiliated or receive any income from any of the products mentioned below...

My favorites so far (yes, they check all the boxes I mentioned):

• "Passport" from Foundation (link: https://foundationdevices.com/ )
• "COLCARD" from Coinkite (link: https://coldcard.com/ )

If you known of any "Seed Signer" that passes the check list above and I didn't include it, please let me know in the comments, always looking forward to test new products.

Note: Important to understand that devices built with Raspberry Pi don't qualify since they do not pass the Chip SE

@ bd32f268:22b33966

O título deste texto dá-nos uma pergunta retórica, isto é, uma interrogação com uma resposta evidente. Para que não restem dúvidas a resposta evidente seria, um enfático e inequívoco sim. Sim, o mal existe. Contudo, nos dias que correm muitas pessoas aparentam duvidar da existência do mal.

Creio que em verdade não será tanto uma dúvida sincera, porque de facto ninguém consegue sustentar uma visão de mundo sem ter alguma ideia do que é o mal. Penso que será mais uma tentativa de fazer apologética do mal, disfarçada de uma certa ingenuidade. O que quero dizer é que as pessoas que apregoam que o mal não existe sabem perfeitamente que existe, no entanto é conveniente negá-lo para que daí não decorra um julgamento sincero das suas atitudes. A definição objetiva destas coisas pode ser-nos difícil porque implica que nos vejamos de uma forma mais clara e honesta quando usamos de uma medida objetiva.

Ao desviarmos a atenção destes factos, tentamos de alguma forma justificar a nossa corrupção moral. Dizemos adágios populares como: “cada cabeça sua sentença”; isto para esconder um facto incontornável que é a universalidade do mal. Significa isto que o mal quando nasce é para todos, assim como o bem. Não é lógico nem racional defender que a pedofilia é um mal na nossa cultura mas que nas outras culturas não é assim tão mau. Se é um mal é-o naturalmente para a humanidade. Por outro lado defender que as leis morais são exclusivas para um determinado grupo de humanos é concorrer para a ideia de casta social ou diferença na essência do humano.

Um outro esquema que nos leva a considerar que o mal é relativo é o facto de ignorarmos de onde provém a definição de mal. É porventura frequente que imbuídos do espírito da democracia ocidental julguemos que a possível definição de mal vem da convenção social, ou seja, daquilo que a maior parte das pessoas acredita ser o mal. Contudo, facilmente percebemos que não é assim, que a definição de mal não provém de convenção social mas que depende de condições preternaturais. Há uma intemporalidade no mal que não depende da época ou da convenção social.

Penso que a analogia com a física pode ajudar-nos a perceber melhor estas realidades. Não há uma lei da gravidade diferente para a pessoa A e para a pessoa B, a lei é exatamente a mesma no entanto os corpos movem-se a diferentes velocidades e altitudes portanto sentem-na de formas diferentes.

No ramo da psicologia vejo infelizmente um problema sério que se pretende com a excessiva utilização da linguagem terapêutica para falar sobre o mal. É muitíssimo frequente ver uma tentativa de patologizar todos os males. Não negando que o distúrbio psíquico pode estar presente na pessoa que comete um mal, inclusive um mal grave, isso não significa que em muitos casos não haja um assentimento consciente e deliberado da pessoa àquela atitude. Esta linguagem terapêutica levam-nos por vezes a romantizar o mal, e a procurar narrativas que o tornam numa novela sentimental onde a pessoa é sempre rotulada como uma vítima das circunstâncias contextuais, basta vermos o exemplo do marxismo que assim a determina.

Nesta ideologia a pessoa comete crimes porque é pobre e foi vetada a uma exclusão social, como se não fosse possível à pessoa pobre seguir um caminho de retidão moral. O filme Joker ilustra bem este aspeto novelesco da romantização do mal. Neste filme a personagem principal, um psicopata degenerado, é retratado como um doente mental que procura fazer “justiça” assassinando inocentes e destruindo património. Devido à pueril noção de agência, responsabilidade individual, e livre arbítrio o mal é quase tratado como uma caminho único, como se a personagem estivesse predestinada aquele mal.

> Joaquin Phoenix - Joker 2019

São muitos os esquemas á nossa volta que além de dissimularem o mal, tentando indicar a sua inexistência, o promovem como sendo um bem. São muitas as mensagens contraditórias que promovem o exercício da vontade humana como um imperativo moral. São também frequentes as apologias à tolerância e empatia para com o mal. Contudo, isto é absurdidade. Como teremos ordem e paz sem combater os males? Como teremos espaço para a virtude quando tudo estiver tomado pelo mal ? Precisamos de filtrar este ruido para perceber de forma mais objetiva qual é a verdadeira face do mal.

@ eac63075:b4988b48

Estonia is a small country with just 1.3 million inhabitants and an area similar to that of the state of Rio de Janeiro, but with a notable difference: while Rio has about 16 million residents, Estonia shines with its efficiency, innovation, and digitalization. It's no wonder it's known as the "digital nation." For many Brazilians, the country has become a strategic gateway to start a business and settle in Europe.

Listen the podcast

https://www.fountain.fm/episode/pizBLdhqqP5qQrKQILFb

The Purpose of the Event and the Context

The meeting organized by Bloco and the Brazilian digital community aimed primarily to explore the opportunities that Estonia offers to those wishing to expand their businesses or start a new life in Europe. With pizza, networking, and straightforward presentations, the evening was dedicated to demystifying questions like "Why Estonia?" and "What makes this country a viable option for Brazilians?"

Additionally, the event highlighted the importance of E-Residency, a digital identity that allows you to open and manage a company in Estonia from anywhere in the world. But that's just the beginning. Let's explore what makes Estonia a standout point on the European scene.

Where Is Estonia Located?

If you open a map of Europe and look for this small country, you're likely to have difficulty locating it. Situated to the north of what's called Eastern Europe, Estonia borders Russia and Latvia and is separated from Finland by the Baltic Sea. Although geographically positioned in the east, many Estonians prefer to identify with the north due to cultural and historical proximity to the Nordic countries.

There's something fascinating about Estonia's history. According to local legends, Vikings set out from their Estonian islands to conquer the world, later returning to reclaim their lands. This spirit of resilience and reinvention permeates the country's culture to this day.

Digitalization: The Estonian Revolution

Thirty years ago, when Estonia gained its independence from the Soviet Union, the country decided to look to the future. The question was simple: how to ensure the sovereignty and survival of a small, vulnerable nation? The answer was bold: total digitalization.

In 2001, the X-Road was created—a decentralized infrastructure that connects all government institutions and allows citizens to access public services digitally. This system is so advanced that even the servers of the Estonian government are located outside the country, stored with backups at the European Commission in Brussels.

Through this infrastructure, Estonia eliminated information silos, decentralized data, and allowed its citizens to authorize the use of personal information with complete control. Today, 98% of the population has a digital identity, 95% file taxes online in less than three minutes, and 100% of public services are available digitally.

For those accustomed to Brazilian bureaucracy, it's impressive to know that opening a company in Estonia can be done in just 15 minutes, without the need for an accountant.

E-Residency: A Digital Passport for Business

Launched in 2014, the E-Residency program made Estonia the first country in the world to offer a digital identity to non-residents. This digital ID card allows entrepreneurs to open a company in the European Union, sign documents, and manage businesses remotely without needing to visit the country.

Although it doesn't grant citizenship or physical residency, E-Residency is perfect for those who want to test the European market or operate a digital company. The program has already attracted over 118,000 e-residents from around the world, including 1,300 Brazilians who have opened 379 companies in the country.

Advantages of Doing Business in Estonia

Starting a business in Estonia has many advantages. Let's discuss some of the main ones:

Simple and Clear Taxation:

Estonia adopts a flat tax rate of 20% (which increased to 22% after the pandemic and will be 24% in 2025) on distributed profits. If you reinvest the profits in the company, the taxation is zero—a unique policy that encourages sustainable growth.

Low Cost to Start:

Unlike Switzerland, which requires an initial deposit of 100,000 Swiss francs to open a company, in Estonia, only 2,500 euros are needed. And the best part: this amount only needs to be deposited when the company distributes profits for the first time.

Complete Digitalization:

Digital signatures in Estonia eliminate the need for notaries and paper documents. Everything can be done online, from opening the company to filing taxes.

Support for Startups and Innovation:

With the Startup Visa, entrepreneurs can move to Estonia with their entire family and receive support to expand their businesses. Additionally, the country has the highest number of unicorns (startups valued at over one billion dollars) per capita in the world, including companies like Skype, Bolt, and Wise.

Easy Access to Europe:

Establishing your company in Estonia means access to the European market, with its unified regulations and a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

The Startup Visa: An Invitation for Entrepreneurs

For those who want more than just operating remotely, the Startup Visa program offers the opportunity to physically move to Estonia. The initial visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for three consecutive years. After eight years, there's the possibility of applying for European citizenship, although Estonia doesn't allow dual nationality.

One of the unique features of the Startup Visa is that there's no limit to the number of partners or family members who can be included in the program. This means that the entire team of founders and their families can benefit from the residence permit.

Additionally, Estonia offers support through the International House and its Work in Estonia program, a center where newcomers can resolve everything from assistance with opening bank accounts to cultural and professional integration.

Innovation and Access to Investments

Estonia is known for its culture of innovation. Events like Latitude 59, one of Europe's main startup gatherings, offer prizes of up to two million euros for winning startups. The country also facilitates direct connections with investment funds and venture capital, often without bureaucratic barriers.

For early-stage companies, the Estonian ecosystem is especially attractive. There are cases of entrepreneurs who managed to raise hundreds of thousands of euros with little more than a prototype or a good idea on paper.

A Small Country with Global Ambitions

Although small in size, Estonia is big in ambition. Its model of digitalization and support for startups serves as an example to the world. With unique opportunities like E-Residency and the Startup Visa, the country positions itself as a viable and accessible gateway for Brazilians who wish to explore the European market.

For those seeking innovation, simplicity, and access to the global market, Estonia offers more than opportunities; it offers a vision of the future. Whether it's to open a business, operate remotely, or move with the family, the country proves that with the right strategies, even a small nation can make a giant impact.

@ 714f9dc3:76659adb

📝 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲. 𝐀𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

About #bitcoin and an idea I had for a long time. Since this week, 𝐢𝐭'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲. And I'm frkn proud of this. This is the story of Blockhunters.

https://m.primal.net/Mkjx.png

In 2019, I graduated as an Industrial Product Designer. Inspired by #bitcoin, I decided to NOT work for a design agency. Instead, I wanted to work full-time on my own bitcoin projects. Copywriting, translating, educating, and making documentaries and magazines.

https://m.primal.net/Mkjy.png

In 2020, an idea emerged. How can I combine my skills as a designer with my knowledge of bitcoin?

The first idea of nostr:npub1u478qx307ln39tkhdj9r0rvl29yrhdqjdkzv9l98rmtxvwhza6zsm42m4a was born: a board game that combines FUN with BITCOIN.

How can we engage tactile learners, that don't care about articles, podcasts or videos? It all started in July 2020 with some pencils, a4 papers and a rough idea. Some week later, I crafted a first prototype with blocks, cards, and colors. Very, very basic. No branding, no theme, no rulebook, no funding. Nothing, but an idea.

https://m.primal.net/MkkD.png

By November 2020, I brought the game to a coliving community, where it was playtested in the wild for the first time.

https://m.primal.net/MkkF.png

⏳ But progress slowed down... A lack of skills, motivation, and a clear path forward led to the project being put on hold.

Fast-forward to April 2022. During my travels in Namibia, I met @npub1suwxj6qxnts2ls8jr0lpjy95386kr9y5ckn7qep5c95063wcj5eqh4rlxf — it was a perfect match. She brought the missing skills and energy to the project, and took away all reasons to abandon the game for good. We decided to make this happen, and create the game together!

In December 2022, we picked up the game again, playing it with bitcoiners on Bitcoinn Island in the Philippines. By January 2023, we decided to go all in, launched a nostr:npub1kmwdmhuxvafg05dyap3qmy42jpwztrv9p0uvey3a8803ahlwtmnsnhxqk9 campaign and rethought every aspect: the theme, branding, components, gameplay, rulebook, and more.

We even won a Geyser grant, which allowed us to go into full creative mode. By September 2023, we launched a “real” prototype, complete with characters, a game board, branding, and more. With a few thousand dollars raised, we were motivated to bring Blockhunters to life.

https://m.primal.net/MkkG.png

From September 2023 to February 2024, we playtested the new prototype dozens of times all over the world. From El Salvador to Madeira, and Tokyo to South Korea. At meetups, conferences, with friends and family. This was soooo fun!

https://m.primal.net/MkkI.png

In March 2024, we ordered the first official prototype from a company in Shanghai.

During that time, Emily even visited the factory in China to oversee production. Full of confidence, we proceeded.

https://m.primal.net/MkkJ.png

The excitement was palpable when we received the first real prototypes. This kicked off the final phase of development: Revising components, shipping logistics, securing STEM registration, CE-testing, quality checks, and translations.

Finally, in July 2024, we placed the order for the first 1,000 games. And had to wait... for many weeks/months to finally receive the games.

🥳 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬.

https://m.primal.net/MkkK.png

Here they are :) Last week, we delivered the first couple of hundred games to our loyal fans and supporters.

It's so great to see pictures coming in from all over the world.

We did it! 🥰

https://m.primal.net/MkkL.png

It’s been 4 years since the idea for Blockhunters came to life. Now it’s reality. This journey has been unforgettable, with amazing support from the community. Your enthusiasm, pre-orders, feedback and patience were crucial. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. 🧡

So what is Blockhunters about?

We like to say: Have Fun Being Orangepilled.

It's about: 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧 But also about 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝

You collect coins for your character (private key), without revealing it, while building a blockchain together.

https://m.primal.net/MkkN.png

1. 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐧 The game is truly fun. It's a mix of memory, poker, and game theory. The tension builds up as the blocks are mined and the money becomes scarce. Mining adds randomness, securing your key/coins adds strategy and powercards add twists.

2. 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 The game also has educational elements. ➖ 10 characters with real world stories that explain the social importance of bitcoin ➖ technical elements (halving, keys, mining, mempool), that explain the technical significance of bitcoin

Are you too obviously stacking sats for Omar, Diego or Hila? Someone may steal your key! Do you have a bad powercard? You are subject to a $5 wrench attack! 🔧 Or a good powercard? You have extra hashrate, can make a multisig, or attack your opponent with a blackout. ⚡️

https://m.primal.net/MkkQ.png

But you don't have to understand bitcoin at all! Follow the rulebook, play a game, and you'll understand.

With of course questions popping up: - why is money scarce (in contrary to many games) - what happens if I leak my key? - why can't I cheat in this game?

https://m.primal.net/MkkR.png

This is your moment as a bitcoiner to step in, and explain more. The game triggered their attention! They see, feel and experience elements of bitcoin in the 40 minutes game.

You have their interest. It's time to orangepill!

What a journey: from product designer to a bitcoiner designing a product again☺️ Now it's time to spread the word! Still looking for an Xmas gift? This is your call! Send this flyer to your loved ones and Bring Bitcoin Home!

We ship worldwide 🌍📦

🛒 https://blockhuntersgame.com

https://m.primal.net/MkkT.png

Oh and please follow nostr:npub1u478qx307ln39tkhdj9r0rvl29yrhdqjdkzv9l98rmtxvwhza6zsm42m4a to stay tuned :)

bitcoin #design #productdesign #boardgame #game #playtest #education #orangepill #orangepilling

@ 141daddd:1df80a3f

This is a random post to try out Reads on Nostr.

For years, I had been waiting for the moment when stability hits my life: a stable place to live, a stable occupation or project, a stable headspace, for that matter. But it never came. And I realize now that it never will.

Since childhood my life has been a constant change of domicile, education facilities, etc. I was bron in one place, raised in another, changed 3 kindergartens and 4 schools. Then another move to study in a big city, a move abroad, a comeback and now again... It seems that the average change-stability cycle lasts around 2 years. It seems that the average change-stability cycle lasts around 2 years.

It's no wonder that I start feeling stale and bored when life becomes routine, repetitive: my nature rejects it. For a long time, I thought this constant change was a bug and I longed stability, especially seeing many people become extremely successful by doing the same thing year after year. That it's a feature is a recent revelation. Or, to be precise, it's both a bug and a feature, a two-sided coin like everything in this life.

Need to quit a job? Move to another city? Start a company or shut one down? Hire or fire someone? Conceive another child? These life-altering decisoins don't come easy to many people. As a matter of fact, some are totally paralized in life because they're afraid to make a change. But not me. Change is in my blood. The fact that the future is unknown is exciting to me, not scary.

And so far, it's worked well. Sure, impulsive decisions often cause unintended consequences and mistakes, but this is exactly how I learn, this is my modus operandi. I don't read instructions — I act.

Wow, this guy likes talking about himself!

The post is not about me. I just feel that there are many more people with a similar mindset, cultivated this way for various reasons, but even more people whose lives are too stagnant. So I want to say to them: just go for it. The worst and most extreme thing that can happen to you is death. But even that is not so bad: life-long inaction means you're already walking dead, and that is much worse.

@ 3b4a00cd:e0487acc

The day before the Aceh gubernatorial election, Indonesia, November 26, 2024, on Instagram I created a Bitcoin Giveaway of 30,000 Sats. The method is simple, just write the Bitcoin Lightning Network address in the comments column of my Instagram post, without the need to follow or share the post.

Initially, I made a rule that the 30,000 Sats would be divided equally among all participants if Bustami Hamzah was elected as Governor of Aceh. On the other hand, if Muzakir Manaf won the Aceh gubernatorial election, I would still divide the Giveaway prize equally, but half of the total main prize of 15,000 Sats.

I limited the Giveaway to two days, there were 18 Instagram users who participated, each of them, all of them included the Bitcoin Lightning Network address in the comments column of my IG Giveaway post.

I had guessed that those who would participate in the Giveaway would definitely be my closest friends, who I had told a long time ago what Bitcoin and Lightning Network were. My guess was right, out of the 18 users who participated, only two people I didn't know.

Because many people joined the Giveaway, namely 18 participants, I recently changed the rules. Regardless of who is elected as Governor of Aceh, all participants who meet the requirements will still be divided equally from the total prize of 30,000 Sats. There is no longer a rule of cutting it in half. This is solely so that each participant gets more sats, instead of if it is cut by 15,000 Sats (from the statistics circulating, it is very likely that the winner of the Aceh gubernatorial election will be Muzakir Manaf).

Without having to wait for the Aceh KIP to officially announce the winner of the Aceh gubernatorial election, today, November 29, 2024, I have sent and distributed 30,000 Sats to the eighteen participants equally, each getting 1,666 Sats. I sent it directly to the address they had included in the comments column of the Giveaway post.

In an IG story post, I informed the participants that the Sats they had received could be used for:

1. Donate to Gaza, Palestine. Yes, bitcoin can be sent anywhere in the world without intermediaries and received directly in an instant. For more information, access this link: http://bitcoinforpalestine.org

2. Exchange to Gopay balance. Bitcoin (Sats) can be exchanged for Gopay balance by exchanging it at the link: https://btcln.app/vm/gopay

3. Just save it. I also suggest that the Sats that have been received should be saved, as the price of Bitcoin increases, the value of Sats in Rupiah also increases. Can be exchanged at any time if necessary and urgent.

The Bitcoin Giveaway that I made has no benefit whatsoever for me, nor is there any sponsorship from anyone or any application. It is just my personal initiative to introduce Bitcoin technology to my colleagues and people who want to learn new technology.

Finally, through this post I remind all participants, Bitcoin is not a tool to achieve wealth, either in an instant or later, no, not that. Bitcoin is a new asset class that needs to be studied in depth, besides Gold, Land, and Stocks. Ignore crypto, Bitcoin is not crypto.

In my personal opinion, Bitcoin needs to be considered solely as a store of wealth amidst the declining value of currency due to inflation, which is usually the intention of our parents when buying physical gold in stores. Did our ancestors buy and store gold to get rich? Of course not! It is only a store of wealth that will be sold when financial conditions are urgent and there is no other choice.

Finally, Stay Humble, Stack Sats. In the gubernatorial election in the next 5 years (maybe 2030) I will make another Bitcoin Giveaway, God willing.

@ 30e902b3:49c066b2

Llegó a mis manos en busca de ayuda para volver a sentirse joven.

Se trata de un grabador open reel Berlant Concertone 20-20 de 1955. Aquí el manual original:

https://museumofmagneticsoundrecording.org/images/R2R/Concertone20-20ManualMOMSR.pdf

https://images.app.goo.gl/NcdAaYv2HTCHVnvX9

Como se ve en la imagen no me llegó en las mejores condiciones.

Cuento con vuestra guía para conseguir los repuestos que falten y lograr dejarlo parecido a este:

https://d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/146088/fbd8aec299456da8f127cd52f7dafcd4be37331b/original/berlant-concertone-tape-recorder.jpg/!!/b%3AW1sic2l6ZSIsInBob3RvIl1d/meta%3AeyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ%3D%3D.jpg

Pretendo iniciar con el nuevo año. Voy recopilando ideas y consejos que me compartas. Va a ser necesario restaurar los frentes, contactos, revisar la electrónica y válvulas todo en modo DIY o "a pulmón".

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

The Weaponization of Technology: A Prelude to Adoption

Throughout history, new technologies have often been weaponized before becoming widely adopted for civilian use. This pattern, deeply intertwined with human priorities for power, survival, and dominance, sheds light on how societies interact with technological innovation.

The Weaponization Imperative

When a groundbreaking technology emerges, its potential to confer an advantage—military, economic, or ideological—tends to attract attention from those in power. Governments and militaries, seeking to outpace rivals, often invest heavily in adapting new tools for conflict or defense. Weaponization provides a context where innovation thrives under high-stakes conditions. Technologies like radar, nuclear energy, and the internet, initially conceived or expanded within the framework of military priorities, exemplify this trend.

Historical Examples

1.  Gunpowder: Invented in 9th-century China, gunpowder was first used for military purposes before transitioning into civilian life, influencing mining, construction, and entertainment through fireworks.

1. The Internet: Initially developed as ARPANET during the Cold War to ensure communication in the event of a nuclear attack, the internet’s infrastructure later supported the global digital revolution, reshaping commerce, education, and social interaction.

2. Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles began as tools of surveillance and warfare but have since been adopted for everything from package delivery to agricultural monitoring.

Weaponization often spurs rapid technological development. War environments demand urgency and innovation, fast-tracking research and turning prototypes into functional tools. This phase of militarization ensures that the technology is robust, scalable, and often cost-effective, setting the stage for broader adoption.

Adoption and Civilian Integration

Once a technology’s military dominance is established, its applications often spill into civilian life. These transitions occur when:

•   The technology becomes affordable and accessible.
•   Governments or corporations recognize its commercial potential.
•   Public awareness and trust grow, mitigating fears tied to its military origins.

For example, GPS was first a military navigation system but is now indispensable for personal devices, logistics, and autonomous vehicles.

Cultural Implications

The process of weaponization shapes public perception of technology. Media narratives, often dominated by stories of power and conflict, influence how societies view emerging tools. When technologies are initially seen through the lens of violence or control, their subsequent integration into daily life can carry residual concerns, from privacy to ethical implications.

Conclusion

The weaponization of technology is not an aberration but a recurring feature of technological progress. By understanding this pattern, societies can critically assess how technologies evolve from tools of conflict to instruments of everyday life, ensuring that ethical considerations and equitable access are not lost in the rush to innovate. As Marshall McLuhan might suggest, the medium through which a technology is introduced deeply influences the message it ultimately conveys to the world.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• The Birth of Tokenized Bitcoin

• How Does Tokenized Bitcoin Work?

• The Advantages of tBTC Over Traditional Bitcoin

• Expanding the Utility of Bitcoin

• The Future of Tokenized Bitcoin

• Conclusion

• FAQ

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains the gold standard. However, its traditional form has faced challenges, especially when it comes to transaction speeds and adaptability. Enter the tokenized version of Bitcoin on Solana, a solution that promises to address these issues. But what exactly is this new tokenized Bitcoin, and why is it causing such a stir in the crypto community? Let's dive in.

The Birth of Tokenized Bitcoin

Bitcoin, with its unmatched popularity, has always been at the forefront of the cryptocurrency industry. Yet, its primary blockchain has been criticized for being slow in adopting new features, making smaller transactions both time-consuming and expensive. To address these challenges, the Threshold Network introduced the first tokenized version of Bitcoin, known as tBTC, on the Solana blockchain. This innovation aims to bridge the gap between Bitcoin's value and its transactional limitations.

How Does Tokenized Bitcoin Work?

The concept might sound complex, but it's rooted in simplicity. Imagine you have a physical gold bar but find it cumbersome to use in daily transactions. Instead, you get a certificate (or token) representing that gold bar, which you can easily trade or use. Similarly, when someone mints tBTC on Solana, they send their Bitcoin to be "wrapped". This wrapping process involves a decentralized review where the crypto is held in a special wallet. This wallet's authenticity is validated by a majority of people operating nodes on the Threshold Network. Once validated, you receive tBTC equivalent to the Bitcoin you wrapped, which can be used seamlessly on the Solana blockchain.

The Advantages of tBTC Over Traditional Bitcoin

Traditional Bitcoin has its limitations, especially when it comes to smart contracts. Even with advancements like the Lightning Network, these limitations persist. tBTC, on the other hand, offers a more flexible approach. It acts as a proof of ownership, allowing users to prove they possess a certain amount of Bitcoin. Moreover, if they ever wish to revert to their original Bitcoin, they can easily trade their tBTC to claim it back. This process ensures security, as a significant majority of validators must approve the transaction, minimizing the risk of malicious intent.

Expanding the Utility of Bitcoin

One of the most exciting aspects of tBTC is its potential to revolutionize how Bitcoin is used. Traditional Bitcoin holders, if they wished to take a loan against their holdings, had to rely on centralized platforms, which came with their own set of risks. With tBTC, however, they can leverage their Bitcoin on the Solana blockchain, bypassing the limitations of the traditional Bitcoin network. This means they can take out loans, earn yields, and even use their Bitcoin in decentralized exchanges, offering a level of flexibility previously unheard of.

The Future of Tokenized Bitcoin

Tokenized Bitcoin, especially tBTC on Solana, is a groundbreaking advancement, but it's just the beginning of a broader trend. Other major blockchains, such as Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon, have also integrated this concept, showcasing the growing appeal and versatility of tokenized Bitcoin. This widespread adoption underscores the crypto community's belief in its potential, making Bitcoin more adaptable and enhancing its interoperability across different platforms.

Moreover, the rising trust in tokenized Bitcoin suggests a promising trajectory for the decentralized finance (DeFi) sector. As tokenized assets become more mainstream, platforms like Solana stand to benefit immensely, heralding a new era for the entire DeFi ecosystem. The embrace of tokenized Bitcoin is not just a win for Bitcoin itself but a testament to the evolving dynamics of the crypto world.

Conclusion

The introduction of tBTC on Solana is more than just a technological advancement; it's a testament to the crypto community's relentless pursuit of innovation. As we continue to witness the blending of traditional and modern financial systems, tokenized assets like tBTC will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of decentralized finance.

FAQs

What is tokenized Bitcoin? Tokenized Bitcoin, like tBTC on Solana, is a representation of Bitcoin on other blockchains, allowing for more flexibility and interoperability.

Why was tBTC introduced on Solana? tBTC was introduced to address Bitcoin's transactional limitations, making it more adaptable and efficient on platforms like Solana.

How does tokenized Bitcoin differ from traditional Bitcoin? While traditional Bitcoin has limitations with smart contracts and transaction speeds, tokenized Bitcoin offers more flexibility, especially on platforms like Solana.

Are other blockchains adopting tokenized Bitcoin? Yes, apart from Solana, blockchains like Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, and Polygon have also integrated tokenized Bitcoin.

What does the rise of tokenized Bitcoin mean for the DeFi sector? The growing trust in tokenized Bitcoin suggests a promising future for the DeFi sector, with platforms like Solana leading the way in innovation and adoption.

That's all for today

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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. *

@ 234035ec:edc3751d

America's Fourth Fourth Turning

We can learn much from the Book "The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy" By William Strauss and Neil Howe. The Book looks back throughout history to identify the cyclical patterns that emerge and establishes archetypes that emerges in the generations as they come of age in these different stages of history.

There are four phases (turnings) that are outlined in the book:

1. The High
2. The Awakening
3. The Unraveling
4. The Crisis

The authors identify that America is due for another fourth turning, and I would argue that we are now in the midst of America's Fourth ever fourth turning. The first three being marked by the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Great Depression- WWII. Today we have been in an increasingly unstable financial, political, and social environment which share eery similarities to the unraveling period of the prior cycles.

I believe that this fourth turning began with the 2008 "Great Financial Crisis" and has been ongoing ever since the fed chose to engage in mass currency devaluation in order to keep the banks solvent. While these actions have delayed the inevitable larger crisis, they will not be able to avoid it. Since 2008 the money supply has grown from roughly $8 Trillion to over $20 Trillion. This massive currency dilution is reflected in increased prices across all sectors but heavily concentrated in scarce desirable assets. As National debt continues to rise and interest expenses balloon, the only way out for the US dollar is massive inflation.

The issue with continued inflation is that it leads to massive societal suffering and unrest. At 2% inflation most individuals aren't aware that they are being stolen from, but as inflation rates start to stick above 10% people start to realize what is really going on. History tells us that as currencies enter into hyper-inflation, the societal fabric begins to fall apart. One does not have to be an anthropologist to look around and realize the massive cultural shifts that we have seen since moving to a fiat standard in 1971 and much faster ever since 2008.

I find it very profound that at the same time that the global financial system began showing cracks, Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the solution to the world. It feels as though this fourth turning is centered around technological innovation in computing, as well as the collapse of an outdated and corrupt financial system. Bitcoin exists at the perfect intersection of these two by utilizing cryptography to empower people to exit the corrupt system and begin to build a superior one on sound foundation. If the crisis of this great fourth turning is centered around the sovereign debt crisis, than Bitcoin becomes the clear answer.

Thriving In The Chaos

Being Born in 2001 I do not have much memory of a pre-2008 world. Being only 7 years old at the time I did not fully grasp the significance of what was going on, but my life has been impacted by it nonetheless.

When the central bank chooses to hold interest rates artificially low, they are effectively driving money into more and more places where it shouldn't actually be. This is usually described as a bubble, which then bursts leaving many financially ruined. Accept for those who the central bank then chooses to bail out by diluting the purchasing power of all the savers.

Much of the Millenial and Gen Z generations feel that they will never reach financial security or be able own a home and retire at a reasonable age. Many of them are saddled with large student loans, credit card debt, and car loans. While much of this is due to personal decision making, we exist in a system today that is designed to extract as much value as possible from each citizen. If you were to take out a loan to go to school, get a job, a mortgage, and a car payment, and used a savings account, you would never become financially free.

People my age have become increasingly unsatisfied with the way that things are, which is why I am so hopeful for a brighter future. While most aren't quite aware of what the true heart of the issue is, they feel that something is deeply wrong. I believe that Bitcoin will be the catalyst for the masses to wake up and stop funding the current system.

Those that lead the way into a new frontier during these fourth turnings come out on the other side in positions of great respect and power. While these next few years will likely difficult, there will be massive opportunity for those who are bold enough to stand for their beliefs and work to propagate them.

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

In June 2023, the Law Commission of England and Wales published its final report on digital assets, concluding that the existing common law is generally flexible enough to accommodate digital assets, including crypto-tokens and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

However, to address specific areas of uncertainty, the Commission recommended targeted statutory reforms and the establishment of an expert panel.

Key Conclusions and Recommendations:

1.  Recognition of a Third Category of Personal Property:

Traditional English law classifies personal property into two categories: “things in possession” (tangible items) and “things in action” (enforceable rights). Digital assets do not fit neatly into either category. The Commission recommended legislation to confirm the existence of a distinct third category of personal property to better accommodate digital assets. 

1. Development of Common Law: The Commission emphasized that the common law is well-suited to adapt to the complexities of emerging technologies and should continue to evolve to address issues related to digital assets. 

2. Establishment of an Expert Panel: To assist courts in navigating the technical and legal challenges posed by digital assets, the Commission recommended that the government create a panel of industry experts, legal practitioners, academics, and judges. This panel would provide non-binding guidance on issues such as control and transfer of digital assets. 

3. Facilitation of Crypto-Token and Crypto-Asset Collateral Arrangements: The Commission proposed the creation of a bespoke statutory legal framework to facilitate the use of digital assets as collateral, addressing current legal uncertainties in this area. 

4. Clarification of the Financial Collateral Arrangements Regulations: The report recommended statutory amendments to clarify the extent to which digital assets fall within the scope of the Financial Collateral Arrangements (No 2) Regulations 2003, ensuring that existing financial regulations appropriately cover digital assets. 

Overall, the Law Commission’s report underscores the adaptability of English common law in addressing the challenges posed by digital assets, while also identifying specific areas where legislative action is necessary to provide clarity and support the evolving digital economy.

@ 16d11430:61640947

The trajectory of human progress is marked by seismic shifts in wealth, power, and knowledge. Over centuries, these tectonic movements have reshaped the global narrative, transitioning the spear-tip of innovation and dominance from East to West. Today, as global tensions rise and multipolarity challenges the unipolar financial order, it’s worth examining the periods of change and the forces that realigned the axis of human progress through the lens of technological and financial evolution.

---

1. The East’s Preeminence: The Age of Soft Power and Real Assets

Period: Antiquity to 15th Century For millennia, wealth and knowledge flowed from East to West. Civilizations like India, China, and the Islamic Caliphates were centers of human progress. These regions excelled in technological innovation, financial stability (e.g., China’s early use of paper currency in the Tang Dynasty), and cultural capital.

Financial Dominance: Real assets like spices, textiles, and gold formed the backbone of trade. The Silk Road acted as a decentralized value network, with wealth flowing from resource-rich East Asia to demand-heavy Europe.

Knowledge Arbitrage: Eastern empires perfected systems of governance, mathematics, and astronomy. Indian numerals became the foundation of global mathematics, while Chinese engineering inspired innovations in navigation.

Yet, despite its dominance, the East’s wealth was tied to a fragile, physical-based trade network, leaving it vulnerable to external shocks.

---

1. The Renaissance and the Maritime Arbitrage of Knowledge

Period: 15th–17th Century The fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a geopolitical rug pull, severing Europe’s access to Eastern trade routes. In response, European nations innovated maritime trade routes, circumventing old supply chains. This era saw the financialization of exploration through state-backed joint-stock companies like the Dutch East India Company (VOC), a precursor to modern equity markets.

Leverage and Liquidity: The VOC issued the first publicly traded shares, creating a new mechanism for wealth generation: equity capital. Wealth shifted west as Europe commoditized Eastern resources at unprecedented scale.

Techno-Geopolitical Advantage: Innovations in shipbuilding, navigation, and weaponry gave European powers a first-mover advantage in global trade, tipping the economic balance.

Europe began consolidating wealth and influence, laying the groundwork for the first financial superpowers.

---

1. The Industrial Revolution: Scaling Innovation and Debt Capital

Period: 18th–19th Century The Industrial Revolution was the ultimate shift from real to synthetic wealth creation. Britain’s coal-powered factories and mechanized production allowed for the exponential scaling of goods and services, bypassing the labor-intensive economies of the East.

Debt as an Asset Class: The Bank of England pioneered modern public finance, using national debt to fund wars and infrastructure. Debt markets became a weapon of geopolitical influence, solidifying Britain’s dominance.

Data and Capital Flows: Knowledge transitioned from artisanal secrets to open-source intellectual property. The invention of the telegraph—a precursor to modern networks—centralized information flow in the West.

During this period, colonies were repurposed as raw material hubs, while the West monetized finished goods. The East’s economies, trapped in colonial dependency, were stripped of agency.

---

1. The Dollar Standard: The West Consolidates Financial Hegemony

Period: 20th Century The world wars were financial accelerants, propelling the U.S. to global supremacy. Post-World War II, the Bretton Woods system tied global currencies to the U.S. dollar, itself pegged to gold. By 1971, the gold standard was abandoned, and fiat-backed dollars became the world’s reserve currency—a geopolitical masterstroke.

Petrodollar Diplomacy: The U.S. engineered a system where oil, the lifeblood of modern economies, was traded exclusively in dollars. This created an artificial demand for U.S. currency, reinforcing its global dominance.

Technology Arms Race: The Cold War spurred investments in computing, satellites, and the internet. These technologies cemented the West as the epicenter of innovation, while the Eastern bloc stagnated under centralized planning.

The East, particularly China and India, entered a period of economic dormancy, while the West built the foundation for the modern financialized economy.

---

1. The Digital Era: The Resurgence of the East and Blockchain’s Decentralization

Period: 21st Century As the 20th century ended, cracks in Western hegemony began to appear. The East, particularly China, leveraged its demographic dividend and state-driven capitalism to re-enter the global stage. Simultaneously, blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi) began eroding trust in centralized financial systems.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): A modern Silk Road, the BRI channels liquidity and infrastructure investment into developing nations, countering Western-led institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

Bitcoin and DeFi: Bitcoin, as a decentralized reserve asset, challenges fiat’s monopoly on monetary sovereignty. Decentralized systems offer an alternative to SWIFT-based cross-border payments, reducing reliance on Western financial networks.

The U.S. and its allies now face a multipolar world where traditional financial instruments are being disrupted by distributed ledger technology and Eastern economic strategies.

---

1. Geopolitical Tensions: A New Cold War of Data and Energy

The current geopolitical climate is defined by competition over intangible assets: data, semiconductors, and clean energy technologies. The East and West are locked in a race to dominate artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain infrastructure.

Data Sovereignty: Nations are weaponizing data localization laws and AI to gain competitive edges in surveillance capitalism and defense.

Energy Markets: The West’s pivot to green energy and the East’s dominance in rare earth minerals create asymmetric dependencies.

The financial spear-tip of human progress is no longer unilateral. The West’s financial systems, underpinned by debt and derivatives, face a fundamental challenge from the East’s state-capitalist model and decentralized digital assets.

---

Conclusion: The Dawn of a Decentralized World

The historical narrative of human progress has been a pendulum swing between centralized and decentralized systems. While the East dominated through physical assets and trade, the West shifted to financialization and industrial scale. Now, we stand on the precipice of another transformation: a decentralized financial and technological order where power is no longer tied to geography but to networks.

The tip of the spear of human progress is no longer a single entity but a fragmented, multi-nodal system. Whether this leads to collaboration or conflict depends on how the world navigates this unprecedented inflection point.

@ c1e6505c:02b3157e

Test post coming from stacker.news

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/808769

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

The system design and challenges of retail Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) differ significantly from Bitcoin in several key aspects, reflecting their distinct purposes and underlying philosophies:

1. Core Purpose and Issuance

   • CBDCs: Issued by central banks, CBDCs are designed as state-backed digital currencies for public use. Their goal is to modernize payments, enhance financial inclusion, and provide a risk-free alternative to private money. • Bitcoin: A decentralized, peer-to-peer cryptocurrency created to operate independently of central authorities. Bitcoin aims to be a store of value and medium of exchange without reliance on intermediaries or governments.

2. Governance and Control

   • CBDCs: Operate under centralized governance. Central banks retain control over issuance, transaction validation, and data management, allowing for integration with existing regulatory frameworks (e.g., AML and CFT). • Bitcoin: Fully decentralized, governed by a consensus mechanism (Proof of Work). Transactions are validated by miners, and no single entity controls the network.

3. Privacy

   • CBDCs: Seek to balance privacy with regulatory compliance. Privacy-enhancing technologies may be implemented, but user data is typically accessible to intermediaries and central banks to meet regulatory needs. • Bitcoin: Pseudonymous by design. Transactions are public on the blockchain but do not directly link to individual identities unless voluntarily disclosed.

4. System Design

   • CBDCs: May adopt a hybrid system combining centralized (e.g., central bank-controlled settlement) and decentralized elements (e.g., private-sector intermediaries). Offline functionality and interoperability with existing systems are priorities. • Bitcoin: Fully decentralized, using a distributed ledger (blockchain) where all transactions are validated and recorded without reliance on intermediaries.

5. Cybersecurity

   • CBDCs: Cybersecurity risks are heightened due to potential reliance on centralized points for data storage and validation. Post-quantum cryptography is a concern for future-proofing against quantum computing threats. • Bitcoin: Security relies on cryptographic algorithms and decentralization. However, it is also vulnerable to quantum computing in the long term, unless upgraded to quantum-resistant protocols.

6. Offline Functionality

   • CBDCs: Exploring offline payment capabilities for broader usability in remote or unconnected areas. • Bitcoin: Offline payments are not natively supported, although some solutions (e.g., Lightning Network or third-party hardware wallets) can enable limited offline functionality.

7. Point of Sale and Adoption

   • CBDCs: Designed for seamless integration with existing PoS systems and modern financial infrastructure to encourage widespread adoption. • Bitcoin: Adoption depends on merchant willingness and the availability of cryptocurrency payment gateways. Its volatility can discourage usage as a medium of exchange.

8. Monetary Policy and Design

   • CBDCs: Can be programmed to support specific policy goals, such as negative interest rates, transaction limits, or conditional transfers. • Bitcoin: Supply is fixed at 21 million coins, governed by its code. It is resistant to monetary policy interventions and inflationary adjustments.

In summary, while CBDCs aim to complement existing monetary systems with centralized oversight and tailored features, Bitcoin is designed as a decentralized alternative to traditional currency. CBDCs prioritize integration, control, and regulatory compliance, whereas Bitcoin emphasizes autonomy, censorship resistance, and a trustless system.

@ 82883e29:dab2ff8c

Hello, readers!

My name is Muju. I am a writer, thinker, Bitcoin advocate, and humanist activist with a passion for challenging the status quo and exploring the complexities of our world. Over the years, I've written extensively on politics, human rights, Bitcoin, and the fascinating intersections of culture and technology through my blog, Unintuitive Discourse.

Today, I take an exciting step forward by beginning to publish my work on Nostr, a platform that aligns with my values of free speech and decentralization.

Nostr’s censorship-resistant architecture ensures that my thoughts and ideas can be preserved permanently, free from interference or erasure. This move reflects my commitment to creating a lasting record of my work—a digital footprint that stands against the tides of suppression.

Unintuitive Discourse is a product of my journey: my life as an autodidact, my experiences as a political refugee, and my relentless pursuit of understanding the world through a humanist lens. By leveraging Nostr, I aim to secure a permanent home for my ideas, making them accessible to those who seek to question, learn, and grow.

If you’re reading this, welcome to the beginning of something enduring. Join me as I continue to write, reflect, and share thoughts that I hope will inspire meaningful conversations for years to come.

Here's to a future where ideas thrive without limits—my contribution to realizing a truly decentralized internet where knowledge flows freely and voices cannot be silenced.

@ fe7f6bc6:c42539a3

A few weeks ago, I sat down with Chad (full podcast), a seasoned Muay Thai fighter with over a decade of experience, to talk about life inside and outside the ring. Chad’s story is raw, intense, and unfiltered—a journey of struggle, discipline, and transformation. His insights left me reflecting on how combat sports, especially Muay Thai, can teach us profound lessons about resilience, focus, and the human spirit.

The Fight Beyond the Ring

What struck me most was how Muay Thai isn’t just a sport for Chad—it’s a way of life. He began his journey as a teenager, struggling with family issues and uncertainty about his future. A chance meeting led him to Thailand, where he trained intensely and fought his first bout just 28 days later. Chad told me, “Muay Thai saved my life,” and I could feel the weight behind those words.

For Chad, the ring became a space to confront not just opponents but his own fears and insecurities. The process of training—the relentless hill sprints, countless kicks, and sparring sessions—taught him how to face challenges head-on. Fighting wasn’t about aggression; it was about finding strength in adversity.

---

The Beauty in the Brutality

One of the most fascinating things Chad shared was his perspective on pain and sacrifice. During his career, he’s endured broken ribs, countless stitches, and even fought with a broken nose for eight years before getting it fixed. “Pain is the best teacher,” he said, explaining how injuries forced him to adapt and improve.

What I found most compelling was how this physical suffering seemed to heighten his appreciation for life. Chad described moments after brutal training sessions when even a sunset or a simple breeze felt extraordinary. It’s as if the harshness of the ring makes the world outside it feel brighter, sharper, and more alive. “When you’re ready to die in the ring,” he said, “you start seeing life differently.”

---

The Mental Battle

Chad emphasized the mental aspect of fighting, something I hadn’t fully appreciated before. He talked about the mindset required to step into the ring: the inner dialogue where you convince yourself you’re ready to endure pain and push beyond limits. “You can play football or tennis, but you can’t play Muay Thai,” he said, driving home the seriousness of the sport.

Before a fight, Chad uses visualization to prepare himself for the intensity of combat. He doesn’t shy away from the danger but instead leans into it, fully accepting the risks. This mindset, he believes, is what separates good fighters from great ones.

---

Lessons for Life

While most of us won’t step into a Muay Thai ring, Chad’s experiences offer valuable lessons that apply to all areas of life:

• Discipline Creates Freedom: The structure of relentless training gave Chad a sense of purpose and control over his life.
• Face Your Fears: Whether it’s an elbow to the face or a difficult decision in life, avoidance only makes things worse.
• Surround Yourself with the Right People: Chad stressed the importance of training with people who push you to be better. “Energy matters,” he said, and I couldn’t agree more.

---

Final Thoughts

Chad’s story reminded me why I wanted to take on my own Muay Thai journey. It’s not just about fighting; it’s about testing yourself in ways that reveal who you really are. For Chad, the ring isn’t just a place to compete—it’s a place to grow, to learn, and to become a better version of himself.

After our conversation, I realized that the lessons of Muay Thai go beyond the gym. Whether you’re training for a fight or tackling challenges in everyday life, the principles of resilience, discipline, and self-reflection are universal.

If you’re curious to learn more about Chad’s journey, I highly recommend watching the documentary we worked on together. It’s a glimpse into the raw, unforgiving world of Muay Thai—and the unshakable spirit of those who live it.

Stay Healthy - Max

@ 4b7c4ee3:8cd5ed4d

Is this thing on?

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

The Bank of Amsterdam (Amsterdamse Wisselbank), established in 1609, played a pivotal role in the early history of banking and the development of banknotes. While banknotes as a concept had been pioneered in China centuries earlier, their modern form began emerging in Europe in the 17th century, and the Bank of Amsterdam leveraged its unique position to dominate this nascent monetary tool.

Founding and Early Innovations

The Bank of Amsterdam was created to stabilize and rationalize Amsterdam’s chaotic monetary system. During the early 1600s, a plethora of coins of varying quality and origin circulated in Europe, making trade cumbersome and unreliable. The Wisselbank provided a centralized repository where merchants could deposit coins and receive account balances in return, denominated in a standardized unit of account known as “bank money.” This “bank money” was more stable and widely trusted, making it an early form of fiat currency.

The Rise of Banknotes

Although the Wisselbank initially issued “bank money” as a ledger-based system, the growing demand for portable, trusted currency led to the adoption of transferable receipts or “banknotes.” These receipts acted as claims on deposited money and quickly became a trusted medium of exchange. The innovation of banknotes allowed merchants to avoid carrying large quantities of heavy coinage, enhancing convenience and security in trade.

Monopoly on Banknotes

The Wisselbank’s reputation for financial stability and integrity enabled it to establish a monopoly on banknotes in the Dutch Republic. The bank’s stringent policies ensured that its issued notes were fully backed by coinage or bullion, which bolstered trust in their value. By centralizing the issuance of notes, the bank eliminated competition from private or less reliable issuers, ensuring its notes became the de facto currency for merchants and traders.

Moreover, the bank’s policies discouraged the redemption of notes for physical coins, as it charged fees for withdrawals. This incentivized the circulation of banknotes rather than the underlying specie, cementing their role in the economy.

Decline of the Monopoly

The Wisselbank’s monopoly and influence lasted for much of the 17th century, making Amsterdam a hub of global trade and finance. However, as the 18th century progressed, financial mismanagement and competition from other emerging financial institutions eroded the Wisselbank’s dominance. By the late 18th century, its role in the global financial system had diminished, and other European financial centers, such as London, rose to prominence.

Legacy

The Bank of Amsterdam’s early monopolization of banknotes set a precedent for centralized banking and the development of modern monetary systems. Its ability to create trust in a standardized, portable medium of exchange foreshadowed the role that central banks would play in issuing and regulating currency worldwide.

@ 94a6a78a:0ddf320e

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@ a95c6243:d345522c

Das Betriebsklima ist das einzige Klima, \ das du selbst bestimmen kannst. \ Anonym

Eine Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel hat das deutsche Bundeskabinett diese Woche beschlossen. Da «Wetterextreme wie die immer häufiger auftretenden Hitzewellen und Starkregenereignisse» oft desaströse Auswirkungen auf Mensch und Umwelt hätten, werde eine Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels immer wichtiger. «Klimaanpassungsstrategie» nennt die Regierung das.

Für die «Vorsorge vor Klimafolgen» habe man nun erstmals klare Ziele und messbare Kennzahlen festgelegt. So sei der Erfolg überprüfbar, und das solle zu einer schnelleren Bewältigung der Folgen führen. Dass sich hinter dem Begriff Klimafolgen nicht Folgen des Klimas, sondern wohl «Folgen der globalen Erwärmung» verbergen, erklärt den Interessierten die Wikipedia. Dabei ist das mit der Erwärmung ja bekanntermaßen so eine Sache.

Die Zunahme schwerer Unwetterereignisse habe gezeigt, so das Ministerium, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige und effektive Warnung der Bevölkerung sei. Daher solle es eine deutliche Anhebung der Nutzerzahlen der sogenannten Nina-Warn-App geben.

Die ARD spurt wie gewohnt und setzt die Botschaft zielsicher um. Der Artikel beginnt folgendermaßen:

«Die Flut im Ahrtal war ein Schock für das ganze Land. Um künftig besser gegen Extremwetter gewappnet zu sein, hat die Bundesregierung eine neue Strategie zur Klimaanpassung beschlossen. Die Warn-App Nina spielt eine zentrale Rolle. Der Bund will die Menschen in Deutschland besser vor Extremwetter-Ereignissen warnen und dafür die Reichweite der Warn-App Nina deutlich erhöhen.»

Die Kommunen würden bei ihren «Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen» vom Zentrum KlimaAnpassung unterstützt, schreibt das Umweltministerium. Mit dessen Aufbau wurden das Deutsche Institut für Urbanistik gGmbH, welches sich stark für Smart City-Projekte engagiert, und die Adelphi Consult GmbH beauftragt.

Adelphi beschreibt sich selbst als «Europas führender Think-and-Do-Tank und eine unabhängige Beratung für Klima, Umwelt und Entwicklung». Sie seien «global vernetzte Strateg*innen und weltverbessernde Berater*innen» und als «Vorreiter der sozial-ökologischen Transformation» sei man mit dem Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis ausgezeichnet worden, welcher sich an den Zielen der Agenda 2030 orientiere.

Über die Warn-App mit dem niedlichen Namen Nina, die möglichst jeder auf seinem Smartphone installieren soll, informiert das Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK). Gewarnt wird nicht nur vor Extrem-Wetterereignissen, sondern zum Beispiel auch vor Waffengewalt und Angriffen, Strom- und anderen Versorgungsausfällen oder Krankheitserregern. Wenn man die Kategorie Gefahreninformation wählt, erhält man eine Dosis von ungefähr zwei Benachrichtigungen pro Woche.

Beim BBK erfahren wir auch einiges über die empfohlenen Systemeinstellungen für Nina. Der Benutzer möge zum Beispiel den Zugriff auf die Standortdaten «immer zulassen», und zwar mit aktivierter Funktion «genauen Standort verwenden». Die Datennutzung solle unbeschränkt sein, auch im Hintergrund. Außerdem sei die uneingeschränkte Akkunutzung zu aktivieren, der Energiesparmodus auszuschalten und das Stoppen der App-Aktivität bei Nichtnutzung zu unterbinden.

Dass man so dramatische Ereignisse wie damals im Ahrtal auch anders bewerten kann als Regierungen und Systemmedien, hat meine Kollegin Wiltrud Schwetje anhand der Tragödie im spanischen Valencia gezeigt. Das Stichwort «Agenda 2030» taucht dabei in einem Kontext auf, der wenig mit Nachhaltigkeitspreisen zu tun hat.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I blew it last week, going 2-3. I shouldn’t have taken the Jets, I knew it was a mistake. I don’t care how right the side looked either, the Jets are cursed. I liked the Rams and Panthers, but didn’t pull the trigger. Too much second guessing and overthinking. Either you have a model and stick to its outputs, or you go on feel, and you trust yourself 100 percent. Don’t question, just act. If you make an error, you can reassess next week, incorporate it into your process.

Dolphins +2.5 at Texans — I’m sure this is the game the Texans turn it around, but as someone whose otherwise solid Primetime team was derailed by CJ Stroud and the bankrupt passing game, I took the Dolphins and the points.

Chiefs -4 at Browns — I know the Chiefs are life and death with everyone, but this seems too small. Jameis Winston will turn it over a few times against this defense, and the Chiefs will move up and down the field.

Steelers +5 at Eagles — The Eagles are good against bad teams, but the Steelers are a rock defensively, and I think they’ll hang.

Lions -2.5 vs Bills — I had this line at four. The Lions are the better team, even with the banged-up defense.

Packers -2.5 at Seahawks — The Seahawks have been good of late, but the Packers went toe to toe with the Lions and had a full 10 days off. I think they win and cover.

@ 31312140:2471509b

Understanding the Animal-Based Diet

What is an Animal-Based Diet?

An animal-based diet puts the spotlight on animal products - such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy - but it doesn’t completely shy away from fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, or honey. While it emphasizes the importance of nutrient-rich animal foods, it allows for the inclusion of healthy plant foods, creating a balanced approach to nutrition.

The Misleading Modern Diet

Surprisingly, most people today are actually closer to a plant-based diet than they realize. Even self-proclaimed omnivores consume overwhelming amounts of grains, sugars, and processed plant oils compared to nutrient-dense animal foods. 🍕🥤

Why Embrace an Animal-Based Diet?

Nutrient Density

Animal products still reign supreme in nutrient density:

• Vitamin B12: Almost exclusively found in animal products.
• Heme Iron: Found in red meat, more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Especially EPA and DHA in fish, crucial for brain health.
• Complete Proteins: Animal proteins contain all essential amino acids your body needs.

Bioavailability Counts

The nutrients in animal foods are more bioavailable, meaning our bodies can absorb and utilize them more efficiently. It's like comparing instant messaging with dial-up internet - you want things quick and effective, especially when it comes to health.

Balancing with Plants

Here’s where it gets interesting. Incorporating healthy servings of fruits, berries, vegetables, nuts, and honey can add fiber, antioxidants, polyphenols, and introduce an adequate and healthy amount of carbohydrates, which can complement the rich, high-quality nutrients that animal products provide.

The Anti-Fat Dogma

Forget the fat-blaming era. Saturated fats found in animal products have been unfairly vilified. These fats are crucial for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and producing hormones essential for overall health.

Ethical and Environmental Dimensions

Believe it or not, you can align your diet with ethical and environmental values by choosing sustainably-produced animal products. Regenerative farming practices - mimicking natural grazing - enhance soil health and carbon sequestration, showcasing a way forward that's harmonious with nature. 🌱🐄

Setting the Record Straight

The Cholesterol Controversy

For years, cholesterol was the dietary bogeyman. But new evidence suggests the relationship between dietary cholesterol and heart disease isn't as significant as once thought. Cholesterol is essential for cell construction and hormone production.

Debunking the Inflammation Myth

Processed sugars, industrial oils, and refined carbs are the real inflammation culprits - not quality animal fats. Consuming grass-fed and pasture-raised animal products may actually reduce inflammation.

Fiber: To Love or to Leave?

Fiber isn't the dietary necessity it's cracked up to be, though it's useful for managing blood sugar in high-carb diets. Many on low-carb, animal-based diets report improved digestive health without high fiber intake. It's about finding what works for you and not being hemmed in by dogma.

Benefits: Beyond Physical Improvement

Mental clarity and Emotional Health

Embracing an animal-based diet fortified with select plant foods can enhance mental clarity, mood, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. This includes brain-fueling nutrients like omega-3s and essential amino acids.

Metabolic Mastery

With soaring levels of obesity and diabetes, an animal-based diet - augmented with healthy plant foods - can stabilize blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity.

Peak Performance

Athletes often excel with an animal-based diet, benefiting from its protein quality and fat content for recovery, muscle growth, and endurance.

Integrating an Animal-Based Diet into Modern Life

Prioritize Quality

Go for grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught foods. These are not only better nutritionally but also for the environment.

Mix It Up

Incorporate a spectrum of animal foods - beef, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs - with reasonable amount of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and honey to round out your diet.

Include Organ Meats

Don't shy away from organ meats like liver and heart. They're nutrient powerhouses offering nutrients like vitamin A, copper, and zinc.

Listen to Your Body

Everyone is unique. Some people thrive on fewer carbs, others incorporate more plant foods. Tailor your diet to what feels best for your body.

Reflecting on Nutritional Narratives

Critics might claim the animal-based diet isn’t differentiated from modern “balanced” diets, but consider this: current mainstream dietary guidelines often emphasize processed grains and sugars. Many of these guidelines ignore the importance of ethically sourced, nutrient-dense animal foods coupled with thoughtful plant consumption.

Always question where your nutritional advice comes from and whose interests it truly serves. The truth lies in a balanced approach, where real, nutrient-rich foods are front and center.

Suggested Readings and Resources

1. "The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet" by Nina Teicholz
2. "The Carnivore Code" by Dr. Paul Saladino
3. "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" by Weston A. Price
4. "Sacred Cow: The Case for (Better) Meat" by Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf
5. "Deep Nutrition: Why Your Genes Need Traditional Food" by Dr. Catherine Shanahan

For further exploration, check out these resources:

• Weston A. Price Foundation
• MeatRx

Conclusion:

There it is, folks. An animal-based diet can offer a balanced path to nourishment, emphasizing the right mix of tradition and modern science. 🧐 Dig deeper, ask questions, and always remember to look into it. 🌟

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Через две недели известный музыкант IGR посетит Горноправдинск. Об этом он заявил в своём телеграм-канале.

Игорь "IGR" Романов пишет хип-хоп и трэп. В своём жанре у музыканта уже есть имя, и мнения о нём у поклонников хип-хопа сильно различаются — споры вызывают как откровенно провокационные тексты артиста, так и его личная жизнь. Напомним, несколькими месяцами ранее IGR был задержан силовиками как участник несогласованного митинга в Санкт-Петербурге. Музыкант высказал свою радикальную позицию и был задержан за неповиновение сотруднику полиции.

"Его музыка заставляет задуматься, но иногда кажется, что он просто провоцирует ради провокации", — делится мнением наша читательница Ольга, которая не уверена, стоит ли идти на концерт. "Я люблю музыку, но некоторые его песни слишком откровенны", — добавляет она.

"IGR— это голос поколения! Его тексты отражают наши мысли и чувства, даже если они вызывают споры", — считает 17-летний Дмитрий. Он купил билет в первый же день после анонса концерта и намерен приехать на концерт из Новосибирска.

Выступление пройдёт в Дворце культуры. Цены на билеты колеблются от 1800 до 8000 рублей.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

27 октября 2040 года в Горноправдинске, небольшом, но прогрессивном посёлке Югры, состоялась презентация уникального бренда экологичной одежды. Созданная местной дизайнеркой Верой Ивановной Семёновой, эта линия одежды обещает не только красивую и стильную, но и устойчивую моду, полностью изготавливаемую из переработанных материалов. Уникальность бренда заключается в том, что модели — это исключительно женщины пожилого возраста, что делает данный проект ещё более социально значимым.

Устойчивое развитие как основа идеи

Горноправдинск давно зарекомендовал себя как местечко, где экология и устойчивое развитие стоят во главе всего. Здесь активно развиваются инициативы по переработке отходов и рациональному использованию природных ресурсов. Презентация нового бренда стала логическим продолжением этих усилий. Одежда из вторсырья не только уменьшает количество отходов, но и снижает воздействие на окружающую среду. По данным исследований, текстильная промышленность является одним из крупнейших источников загрязнения в мире. В этом контексте важно осознавать влияние, которое каждый из нас может оказать на природу, выбирая экологически чистые альтернативы.

Согласно информации от независимой экологической организации, производство ткани из вторичных материалов требует в три раза меньше воды, чем традиционные методы. Это выгодно не только для экологии, но и для экономики. Более того, использование вторичных материалов позволяет снижать углеродный след, что критически важно в условиях глобального изменения климата.

Творение как вдохновение

Вера Ивановна Семёнова — не просто дизайнер, но и активист, призывающий к переменам. Её новый бренд стал результатом многолетнего труда и экспериментов. Вера патентует уникальные технологии переработки тканей и создания новых моделей, которые одновременно сочетали в себе стиль и комфорт.

"Я хочу показать, что мода может быть не только красивой, но и умной", - говорит Вера в интервью. Она расставляет акценты на том, что её коллекция будет выходить за рамки стандартного понимания экологии. Модельный ряд включает в себя как повседневную, так и вечернюю одежду. Каждая вещь несёт в себе уникальную историю переработанного материала, а сами ткани отобраны так, чтобы гарантировать долговечность и стиль.

Открывая новые горизонты для пожилых женщин

Эти модели — не просто одежда, это символ изменений. Важным аспектом нового бренда является то, что модели — это женщины пожилого возраста. В нашем обществе часто встречается предвзятое отношение к возрасту, и многие пожилые женщины сталкиваются с трудностями в поисках работы или возможности проявить себя.

Горноправдинск стал первой площадкой, где пожилые женщины, обладая опытом и мудротой, получили возможность стать лицами модной индустрии. Этот шаг отразит новое понимание о красоте и стилю, которое не привязано к возрасту. Публика сможет увидеть, что настоящая красота исходит из внутреннего содержания, а не из стандартных шаблонов. Опросы показали, что большинство людей не воспринимает пожилых женщин как моделей. Но проект Веры Семёновой может стать началом новой эры, в которой возраст будет праздноваться, а не скрываться. Это не только проект по созданию одежды, но и социальная инициатива, ставящая вопрос о равенстве и возможностях для всех.

Модные тренды и экологическое сознание

В рамках презентации были представлены несколько моделей, каждая из которых рассказывала свою историю. Одежда создана из переработанных материалов: старых футболок, джинсов и текстиля, который больше не пригоден для использования в первоначальном виде. Каждая модель была выполнена с учетом последних модных тенденций: яркие цвета, уникальные принты и современные силуэты.

Важным аспектом новой коллекции является также то, что для её создания использовались умные технологии, позволяющие минимизировать отходы. Вера указала на то, что каждое изделие было разработано с использованием принципа zero waste, что подразумевает полное отсутствие отходов. Это значительно понижает стоимость конечного продукта и делает его доступным для широкого круга любителей моды.

Эксперты предположили, что такой подход может стать новым стандартом в модной индустрии, потому что он отвечает современным требованиям рынка и эволюционным ожиданиям покупателей. Люди всё больше начинают заботиться о том, каким образом производится одежда, и предпочитают brands, поддерживающие идеалы устойчивого развития.

@ b8a9df82:6ab5cbbd

Traveling between Bitcoin conferences is an adventure in itself, and this trip from São Paulo to El Salvador—SatsConf to Adopting Bitcoin—was no exception. Here I am, finally airborne on a 3:40 a.m. flight, 24 hours behind schedule, reflecting on a whirlwind week in São Paulo. There’s something about the stillness of a long-haul flight that stirs creativity. Airports, trains, and especially planes seem to ignite my thoughts, even when my mood is less than stellar. Is that a writer thing?

A rough start

It all began with a booking mishap—I accidentally reserved the wrong flight from São Paulo to Bogotá. After rebooking (and becoming €250 lighter), I joined my core travel team, ready to embrace the journey ahead. Or so I thought.

The São Paulo-to-Bogotá leg turned out to be a six-hour endurance test—cramped seats and no legroom whatsoever. By the time we landed at 5:45 a.m., every muscle ached, and sleep was a distant memory. Business class dreams, anyone? (Haha, someday.)

Then we got the news: our flight to El Salvador was canceled. Three hours of counter-hopping later, we were handed hotel vouchers. But with check-in hours away, we arrived hot, tired, and greeted by an empty breakfast buffet. The lobby was a chaotic sea of travelers, and the mood of my travel squad wasn’t exactly cheerful.

Still, fruit, coffee, and patience got us through until we finally snagged our rooms. A hot shower and a slice of privacy felt like a small victory. At 1:30 a.m., alarms blared for our rebooked flight, leaving us to rally on fumes and sheer determination. But let’s start from the beginning:

São Paulo and the spirit of SatsConf

This trip marked my first time back in Brazil in five years, and São Paulo felt as lively and intense as ever. There’s a lot to love here—the vibrant city, the warmth of the people—but also a certain roughness that you have to navigate carefully.

I stayed in a quirky house with three roommates, which came with its own charms (and occasional messes). Sure, there was no hot water, minimal water pressure, and the usual wear-and-tear, but I kind of loved it. It reminded me of my London days, chaotic yet charming. Living with three guys was both entertaining and endearing—picture me as the house mom trying to juggle camaraderie and cleanliness. But despite the occasional mess, I felt looked after.

São Paulo itself is sprawling, with security measures everywhere. Waiting behind gates for Ubers and strict entry protocols were the norm. Yet the people made up for any unease. They’re warm, kind, and stunning—inside and out. Despite language barriers, their kindness always shone through. What stood out most was how much Brazilians value self-care. People here genuinely treat their bodies like temples. It’s refreshing and miles apart from the Berlin vibe.

Conference highlights

SatsConf was a highlight of my week. Organized by Lucas and his team, this Bitcoin-only event was intimate, focused, and refreshingly manageable compared to larger, more chaotic conferences.

Held at Audio, a venue off the beaten path, the event showcased many admirable efforts, though some logistics could have been more polished. While the HRF-sponsored kickoff party and two days of engaging panels and relaxed networking created a dynamic atmosphere, not everything felt cautiously planned. When rain flooded parts of the conference, the team impressively adapted by relocating our booth to a prime spot with natural light—a quick and effective solution.

That being said, there were areas for improvement. The food court’s limited offerings of burgers, hot dogs, and pizza fell short of expectations, and the intense blue lighting in the halls was less than inviting (blue light glasses, anyone?). A proper coffee bike and healthier food options would have elevated the experience significantly. On the bright side, our neighboring booth came to the rescue with a coffee machine where I could get my daily caffeine fix. Even better, it integrated Lightning payments, turning my coffee run into a fun and practical Bitcoin demo.

NOSTR day

One of the standout features of SatsConf was the NOSTR day event, hosted in a dedicated Bitcoin house on the outskirts of São Paulo. This unique space had it all—areas for brainstorming, networking, and even sleepovers. A hub like this is such a brilliant concept, fostering collaboration in a relaxed and creative environment. Despite many attendees being worn out from the official afterparty, the turnout was incredible, and the enthusiasm for spending an entire morning discussing Nostr was nothing short of amazing.

The conference wrapped up with a day party that was unforgettable—made even more special as Bitcoin hit a new all-time high. It was my first time experiencing something like that, and the energy was electric. The community went wild, dancing and celebrating in pure joy. For me, though, it ended on a quieter note. Overwhelmed, tired, grateful, and utterly exhausted, I opted for a calm dinner and a much-needed catch-up session to reflect on it all.

Exploring São Paulo: a perfect day

My last day in São Paulo was by far the most relaxing one. With no agenda or schedules to follow, I finally had a chance to slow down and catch my breath. The morning started with a refreshing coconut, followed by a gym session, and then a shopping trip with a friend. Shopping in São Paulo is truly an adventure. At one point, I found myself surrounded by five enthusiastic saleswomen, each suggesting outfits—it felt like a mini fashion show! Amid all the fun, we even managed to onboard a few of them onto Nostr, slipping in some Bitcoin basics as we shopped. It was a proud moment for us—people here seem to grasp it so quickly.

The day wrapped up with warm pão de queijo (cheese bread) and a cup of rich Brazilian coffee—a perfect farewell to São Paulo before heading off to El Salvador.

Ready for the final stop: Adopting Bitcoin in El Salvador

As we gear up for the next conference, Adopting Bitcoin, I’m leaving Brazil with renewed appreciation for the Bitcoin community’s resilience and ingenuity. SatsConf captured that spirit perfectly—intimate, innovative, and community-driven, even amidst the rain and occasional hiccups. Now it’s on to El Salvador, where I’m looking forward to more Bitcoin insights, connections, and the next chapter in this adventure.

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

Understanding Figure and Ground: How We Perceive the World

The concept of “figure and ground” originates from Gestalt psychology but takes on profound implications in Marshall McLuhan’s media theory. At its core, figure and ground describe the relationship between what we focus on (the “figure”) and the larger context that shapes and influences it (the “ground”). Together, they illustrate how perception is shaped not only by what we pay attention to, but by what we overlook.

Figure and Ground in Perception

Imagine looking at a photo of a tree in a forest. The tree might stand out as the figure—it’s what your attention is drawn to. However, the forest, the sky, and even the light conditions around the tree create the ground. These background elements are not immediately in focus, but they are essential to understanding the tree’s existence and meaning within its environment.

Our minds are naturally inclined to separate figure from ground, but this process often distorts our perception. By focusing on one aspect, we tend to neglect the broader context that gives it meaning. This principle applies not just to visual perception but also to the way we experience media, technology, and culture.

McLuhan’s Take: Media as Ground

For McLuhan, media and technology are the “ground” upon which all human activity takes place. We often fixate on the “figure” of a medium—the content it delivers—without recognizing the ground, which is the medium itself and its pervasive influence. For example, we might focus on the latest viral video (the figure) without reflecting on how platforms like TikTok (the ground) shape attention spans, social behaviors, and even our cultural norms.

McLuhan famously argued that “the medium is the message,” meaning the medium’s structure and characteristics influence society far more deeply than the specific content it carries. The figure (content) distracts us from examining the ground (medium), which often operates invisibly.

Figure and Ground in Daily Life

Consider smartphones. The apps, messages, and videos we interact with daily are the figures. The ground is the smartphone itself—a device that transforms communication, alters social dynamics, and restructures how we manage time and attention. Focusing solely on what’s displayed on the screen blinds us to the ways the device reshapes our lives.

Rebalancing Perception

To truly understand the impact of media and technology, McLuhan urged us to become aware of the ground. By stepping back and observing how the environment shapes the figure, we can better grasp the larger systems at work. This requires a shift in perspective: instead of asking “What does this content mean?” we might ask “How does this medium affect the way I think, behave, or relate to others?”

Understanding figure and ground helps us see the world more holistically, uncovering hidden dynamics that shape perception and culture. It’s a reminder that what we take for granted—what fades into the background—is often the most transformative force of all.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Автор: Павел Густой, который дважды поперхнулся молоком, услышав слово «причал».

Старое железо и новая эпоха

Двадцать лет назад набережная Горноправдинска выглядела так, как будто ее проектировал инженер, вдохновленный своей последней опохмелкой. Ржавеющая баржа, служившая причалом, стояла на месте, словно памятник бессмысленности. Жители, подходя к ней, задавались лишь одним вопросом: «А мы точно успеем до корабля, пока она не развалится?»

Но 2040-й год стал годом, когда бабушки, эти легендарные управленцы Горноправдинска, решили: хватит. Видимо, они устали, что даже жители Бобровки шутят про их набережную, называя её «Порт Стыда».

Экологичный причал и другие чудеса

Реформа была громкой, как взрыв сыроварни. Теперь вместо ржавой баржи — современный экологичный причал. Он сделан из переработанного пластика и бетона, настолько крепкого, что даже утиный десант из соседнего водохранилища не смог его повредить.

«Мы думали о будущем, о наших детях и внуках», — заявила одна из бабушек, поглаживая внушительный скипетр в виде бутылки молока. Правда, злые языки утверждают, что пластик для причала собирали в основном в Бобровке, где люди искренне надеялись, что это поможет им самим.

Набережная — теперь с развлечениями!

Но на этом бабушки не остановились. Новый причал стал центром масштабного благоустройства. Что там теперь есть?

1. Большой магазин. Под названием «Молочная правда». Говорят, что если долго смотреть на его логотип, можно разгадать секрет бабушкиных масонов.
   

2. Зоны отдыха. Здесь все продумано до мелочей: лавочки с подогревом для больных суставов, мусорные урны, которые цитируют Бродского, и фонтаны, работающие исключительно на сыворотке.

1. Промзона. Построенная так, чтобы туристы и не поняли, что смотрят на завод. «Это арт-объект!» — гордо утверждают бабушки. На фасаде предприятия висит баннер с надписью: "От молока до металла: мы можем всё!"
   

Критика: куда без неё?

Конечно, реформа понравилась не всем. Некоторые горноправдинцы ворчат, что набережная слишком идеальна, что даже коровы боятся здесь пастись. Другие шутят, что вместо прогулочной зоны бабушки могли бы построить парк развлечений для жителей Бобровки, где вместо билетов продавали бы надежду.

«Это всё для туристов», — жалуются местные, стоя в очереди за молоком. В ответ бабушки молчат. Они слишком заняты, вероятно, обсуждением нового проекта: ходят слухи о запуске молочного дирижабля.

Что дальше?

Набережная Горноправдинска — это, конечно, не про корабли и причалы. Это символ, дорогие мои. Символ того, что даже в городе, где всем управляют бабушки, возможно обновление. Пусть и с долей черного юмора, пластика и неизменного молочного послевкусия.

И всё же, когда смотришь на новый причал, где люди счастливо прогуливаются под солнцем, а где-то вдалеке доносится звук загрузки молока на баржу, понимаешь: Горноправдинск в который раз доказал, что он — город контрастов.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Вчера, 21 ноября, в деревне Бобровка, расположенной в одном из самых живописных уголков нашей страны, случился масштабный пожар, который уничтожил несколько домов и хозяйственных построек. Пожарные службы были оперативно направлены на место происшествия, но, несмотря на все усилия, огонь продолжал бушевать несколько часов. Установить точную причину возгорания оказалось задачей не из лёгких, однако, как стало известно, причиной пожара стала абсолютно невероятная и, на первый взгляд, абсурдная ситуация.

В деревне Бобровка местные жители утверждают, что причиной возгорания стал эксперимент с «горячей» новой разработкой – умным термосом, который, по задумке разработчиков, должен был поддерживать идеальную температуру напитков на протяжении суток. Однако, как выяснилось, термос оказался настолько «умным», что, не дождавшись своего «реального» срока эксплуатации, просто взорвался. По словам экспертов, устройство в какой-то момент решило провести «самодиагностику» и не выдержало своей собственной мощности, запустив цепную реакцию, которая привела к возгоранию.

Необычный инцидент, разумеется, сразу привлек внимание прессы, а местные жители стали активно обсуждать ситуацию, удивляясь, как такие инновации могут попасть в руки обывателей. «Когда я купила этот термос, мне казалось, что это просто удобный аксессуар для долгих прогулок с чаем. Но чтобы он так рванул, как граната, этого я не ожидала!» – рассказывает местная жительница, потерпевшая от огня.

Комментарий потерпевшего:

«Я никогда не думала, что мой любимый термос станет причиной такого бедствия. Он был подарком на день рождения, а я так гордилась им! Поставила на подоконник, чтобы чай остыл, и тут – бац! Всё вспыхнуло. Сначала я подумала, что это просто горячий чай, но когда увидела, что термос сам по себе светится, я поняла, что что-то пошло не так. Пожарные приехали быстро, но дом всё равно сгорел. Теперь я, честно говоря, боюсь пить чай в термосах, даже если они обещают быть умными!»

Местные власти заявили, что это происшествие станет поводом для пересмотра стандартов безопасности на рынке бытовых товаров. В ближайшее время планируется провести расследование и наложить запрет на использование «самодиагностирующих» устройств в бытовой сфере.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

К 2040 году Горноправдинск, несмотря на динамичное экономическое развитие, столкнулся с рядом серьёзных демографических проблем.

Средний уровень жизни в Горноправдинске за последние несколько лет резко увеличился. Люди стали жить дольше. Но проблема со старением населения, бывшая актуальной ещё двадцать лет назад, осталась — и более того, она набирает обороты. Население города стареет — а значит, трудоспособного населения становится всё меньше. Это вызывает весьма серьёзное беспокойство у властей.

— У нас есть всё, чтобы молодое поколение выбрало Горноправдинск своим домом — новые рабочие места, красивая природа, инфраструктуру мы тоже развиваем. У нас тут много работников сферы IT, но на некоторых производствах не хватает рабочих, а социальный сектор от дефицита кадров страдает особенно сильно. Учителей у нас мало, например. Непопулярная это нынче профессия у молодых. — заявляет Агафья Семёновна, пресс-секретарь городской администрации.

Демографическая ситуация также осложняется низкими показателями рождаемости. Молодые люди, которые остаются в посёлке, зачастую ставят своим приоритетом не планирование семьи, а карьерный рост и саморазвитие. Многие просто не видят большого смысла для себя заводить семью и детей. Но редакция предполагает, что это проблема далеко не только одного Горноправдинска, а общая тенденция на уровне страны.

Ситуация с миграцией также оставляет желать лучшего. Хотя бум экономики Горноправдинска привлекает новых жителей, многие из них — это временные работники из других регионов, которые не имеют намерения осесть на постоянной основе. Кроме того, утечка умов, когда высококвалифицированные специалисты уезжают в поисках лучших карьерных возможностей, продолжает оставаться серьёзной проблемой для местного рынка труда.

Говоря о демографии, нельзя не сказать о социальных проблемах. Экономика цветёт, увеличивается качество жизни, а социальное расслоение сохраняется. Например, многим всё ещё трудно получить квалифицированную медицинскую помощь — работники городских поликлиник порой не справляются с потоком пациентов, а за помощью узкоспециализированного специалиста горноправдинцам остаётся обращаться в платную частную клинику, что может быть довольно тяжёлым испытанием для кошелька. Молодые семьи стремятся к лучшим условиям для жизни и воспитания детей, что приводит к оттоку населения в более социально обеспеченные регионы.

Горноправдинск, пытаясь справиться с демографическими вызовами, нуждается в комплексном подходе к решению проблем. Город нуждается в постоянном обновлении инфраструктуры и социальных инвестициях. Не хватает и поддержки молодых семей — для того, чтобы переосмыслить свои приоритеты, молодым парам нужна уверенность в завтрашнем дне.

А пока город медленно, но верно стареет. Справедливости ради, несколько медленнее, чем раньше.

@ 99895004:c239f905

Most Nostr users have never heard of nostr.build. Many Nostr users know of nostr.build, and that we store images and videos for Nostr, but don't know that we can do anything else. There are also users that have a paid nostr.build account, but don’t know of all the included features they have access to. For these reasons I've decided to write a blog about all of nostr.build's features, in detail, let's begin.

Nostr.build offers free media hosting services for Nostr and paid services when you purchase an account. We have three levels of paid accounts: Pro, Creator, and Advanced. Let’s talk about each level of service and the features included below.

Free Services:

• Supported Media Files up to 21MB: Anyone using Nostr can upload the media of their choice, up to 21MB per file. We support many different media types including .jpg, .png, .gif, .mov, .mp4, .mp3, and .wav. We compress JPEGs, PNGs and GIFs, but currently perform only light processing of video to allow quick preview. If your video is playing weird, no audio or not playing at all, it is likely your video format or how it was transcoded.

• Removes Location-Related Metadata: Most photographs these days have the location data (GPS coordinates) embedded in the metadata. The data is commonly used to tell users where they were when they took the picture, it can also dox someone if they share an image with location data in it, e.g., their home address. Nostr.build removes this location metadata so as not to reveal your location to everyone you are sharing a picture with.

• Integrated Media Uploading on Nostr Platforms: In the early days of Nostr, if you wanted to share an image or video, you would have to upload it to another site, copy the link it provides, and paste it to your Nostr note. With NIP96 and NIP98 nostr.build is now directly integrated into most Nostr apps making it just one click to add your media, like other popular and social media platforms. Currently this is supported on Damus, Amethyst, Nostrudel, Snort, Iris, Coracle, Flycat, and Yakihonne, among others.

• Free Media Gallery: Curious what type of images, memes, gifs, and videos are being uploaded to Nostr? Check out the Free Media Gallery to see the most recent uploades to nostr.build. This view only shares the free uploads, you would not be able to see any user account uploads which are kept private unless purposely shared by the account owner. https://nostr.build/freeview

• Delete Uploaded Media: If you upload free media to Nostr using a Nostr app, you can go back and delete it yourself with our delete tool. This is most used when people dox themselves, accidentally uploading an image with their name or address. The image needs to be associated to your n-pub and you will need to authenticate before deleting.

• CSAM Scanning, Removal and Reporting: CSAM is not tolerated in any way. Not just CSAM, but any media that exploits a child in any way including AI and cartoons, children in inappropriate positions or clothing, we block the user and report their content and all related information we have on the user to the authorities / NCMEC. We use multiple services when filtering and reporting CSAM including Cloudflare's CSAM filter, Microsoft PhotoDNA, AI models and the NCMEC reporting portal. We do not filter or report anything else that is in compliance with our TOS, only CSAM. https://www.missingkids.org/theissues/csam

• 24/7 Support: nostr.build has people around the world, monitoring Nostr every day for Nostr and nostr.build related issues. Issues include but are not limited to; media not uploading or displaying, doxed uploads, illegal content removal, developer issues, and feature requests. There are very few services in the world where you can interact directly with the developers and get support and feature requests fulfilled. You can also contact us at support@nostr.build.

Pro Accounts:

• 10GB of Private Storage: One of the most common problems with the free service is the file size is capped at 21MB per file. For long videos, this becomes a challenge. With paid accounts, there is no file size limit to what you upload, only the size of the account.

• Media Management Portal: One of the biggest advantages of a nostr.build account is the ability to keep all your media in one place, separate from social media platforms, in your own private portal. You can drag and drop, add, create folders, move to a folder, delete, and rename any of your media, and much more. Check out our nostr.build features overview video to get a better idea of media management in your nostr.build account.

• AI Studio: Our latest and one of our coolest features is the all-new AI Studio. AI Studio provides text-to-image generation with multiple popular models to choose from. While other platforms only offer a single text-to-image model (ex. ChatGPT/DallE, Discord/Midjourney, X/Grok2), nostr.build offers multiple models on the same platform. We also offer a complete media management system for your AI creations mentioned above, the other platforms don’t have that. Check out our competitive comparison here! For Pro accounts we offer SDXL-Lightning, and Stable Diffusion 1.

• .pdf and .zip File Support: Another huge request from users was to support the .pdf and .zip file types. This wasn’t as easy as it seems since we have to perform a virus scan on each of these file types before publishing and allowing public access.

• View All Media Gallery: Curious what type of images, memes, gifs and videos are being uploaded to nostr's free service? Check out the Media Gallery to see all 2Million+ uploads ever uploaded to nostr.build. This only shares the free uploads, you would not be able to see any user account uploads which are kept private unless shared.

• Share Direct to Nostr: Upload or create new media on nostr.build and share it with or without a note straight to Nostr, no other client needed! This is a feature that more tightly integrates nostr.build with Nostr and takes it steps closer to becoming a true Nostr client.

• Global Content Delivery Network: Lightning-fast global CDN distribution of your content for faster, easier viewing around the world.

• Referral Link: Found in your profile settings, share your referral link and earn ‘Credits’ when someone uses it to purchase an account. Credits can be used for advanced features, account upgrades, and renewals.

• Viewer and Usage Stats: See the total ‘Unique Views’ and ‘Request Counts’ for all of your media, nicely graphed out, from 1-day to 3-month chart options. Just click the three dots under your media and select the 'Statistics' tab.

Creator Accounts:

• 30GB of Private Storage: 3x more storage than the Pro account. Ideal for creators, podcasts, and videographers, this gives you the added storage for those larger projects.

• .svg File Support: Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) files use mathematical formulas to store graphics. This makes them able to be resized without losing quality, very common with designers and content creators.

• AI Studio: When creating images in AI Studio, Creator accounts have access to all Pro Stable Diffusion models and unlimited use of the Flux.1 model.

  • Flux.1 (schnell): One of the latest text-to-image models, Flux is a 2 billion parameter rectified flow transformer that excels in graphic detail and correct text spelling and layout. It is the same core model that X(Twitter) uses with Grok2 images.

• Host a Creators Page: Creators have the option to share their media to their Creators page hosted on nostr.build. This makes it easier for people to see, donate, and share. Check out all the Creators and their masterpieces here!

• iDrive E2 backup for all media: We currently store all media on Cloudflare R2 servers. If for whatever reason Cloudflare servers lose your content, we also store a backup on a completely different service provider, iDrive E2 servers.

Advanced Accounts:

• 100GB of Private Storage: The largest account size we offer, with more than 3x the storage of the Creator account. This is plenty of storage for all of your Nostr needs and more.

• AI Studio Extended Access: Get all the models, all the latest experimental features, and additional Credits with an Advanced account.

• NIP-05 @nostr.build: Do you need premium NIP-05 identification? Choose any name you want and have your own @nostr.build official profile.

Roadmap:

• Free Account: This would be just enough to get someone started with nostr.build’s media management features and slightly larger media size uploads.

• Lifetime Account: This would be something like all features, all experimental features, 1TB of storage for life, and two free t-Shirts.

• Traditional and AI Media Editors: Combining a powerful, standard media editor Pintura, with modern AI image editing features from stability.ai would allow users to quickly and easily modify their media using multiple tools. https://pqina.nl/pintura/?ref=pqina https://stability.ai/stable-image

• Video Transcoding and Player: nostr.build has never modified video meaning all different formats and sizes are uploaded, none of them optimized for the platform they are being viewed on, and all of them in many different formats. By properly transcoding the media it will be viewable, optimized and faster on all platforms the video is being watched on, Android, iOS, desktops, laptops, etc.

• Expandable Storage: The ability to purchsase additional chunks of storage and add it to your existing account.

nostr.build has a lot more to offer than just a place to upload media. It is your complete media platform, with an extremely intuitive user interface offering new features added all the time, and of course, always with the goal, to help grow Nostr, make is easier and more fun to use.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Горноправдинск, некогда скромный посёлок с населением в несколько тысяч человек, к 2040 году стал важным экономическим центром Ханты-Мансийского автономного округа. Если бы 20 лет назад местным жителям сказали, что их маленький посёлок станет экономическим чудом — даже самые оптимистичные из них восприняли бы это как шутку.

**Но как всего за пару десятков лет вообще возможна столь удивительная трансформация?

**

Маленькие люди, большая мечта   Сельское хозяйство стало важной опорой экономики Горноправдинска. Даже как-то смешно вспоминать, что всё начиналось с маленьких частных огородов и большой инициативы местных жителей.

Те, кто когда-то возделывал скупую сибирскую землю, устали выращивать разве что картошку и разве что для себя. Жители (преимущественно, кстати, пожилые, те, для кого их огород был чуть ли не главным делом) взялись за свои участки серьёзно — удобряли землю, воспользовались правом заниматься фермерством, а затем смогли и выбить достойную технику для своего дела. Результат себя ждать не заставил: сельскохозяйственная продукция из Горноправдинска завоевала своё место на прилавках магазинов Югры. А уже к 2040 году Горноправдинск стал одним из важнейших центров производства молочных продуктов в регионе — животноводство местные власти сейчас развивают особенно активно. Не забыли и о чистоте производства: Горноправдинск на данный момент занимает одну из лидирующих позиций по внедрению  "зелёных" технологий.

Привлечение туристов

Не менее значимым стало развитие туристической отрасли. Уникальные природные ландшафты региона привлекли туристов со всей страны. Местные власти активно развивают туристическую инфраструктуру: за последние 4 года на территории города появились 4 гостиницы (одна из них, кстати, и вовсе реализует формат "all-inclusive"!), два туристических маршрута — лыжная тропа, где все желающие смогут налюбоваться зимней красотой Сибири, и речной маршрут вдоль местной реки. "Мы стараемся создать место, куда люди хочется возвращаться", — говорит директор туристической фирмы "ГП".  

Горноправдинск стал местом притяжения для самых разных людей — любители спорта теперь могут покататься на лыжах зимой и отправиться на сплав на сапах летом, а для интересующихся культурой молодых людей здесь регулярно проводят творческие фестивали.

Но сколько стоит экономическое чудо?

Но всего этого могло бы и не быть, если бы не усилия по привлечению инвестиций. Власти ввели налоговые льготы, модернизировали транспортное сообщение между городами Югры и впервые за всю историю существования посёлка, кажется, слушали людей и принимали их инициативы — так, через налаживание контактов и вливание финансов в местные предприятия (если обратиться к финансовым отчётам властей, то суммы, выделенные на развитие местных производств и инфраструктуры, впечатляют — они исчисляются миллиардами рублей), получилось преобразить бывший маленьким и серым Горноправдинск в гордость региона.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Давка в маршрутках с вечно уставшими водителями, которые приезжают на остановки не по расписанию, а иногда не приезжают вовсе, была в прошлом неизбежной частью городской жизни. Общественный транспорт остаётся востребованным элементом инфраструктуры: не все могут позволить себе личный транспорт или регулярные поездки на такси. Вам больно видеть ценник в 800 рублей по вечерам в час пик? Редакции тоже.

Сегодня, 17 декабря, городские власти закупили новые транспортные средства: 15 беспилотных электробусов "Стрела" с увеличенной вместительностью. Новенькие "Стрелы" отправятся на маршруты 8, 13 и 42. Помимо повышенной вместительности и внедрения ИИ, новый транспорт также более экологичен.

Маршрут в восточную часть города, маршрут №6, оснастят "Стрелами" в следующем году. Подготовкой специализированных колей для них дорожники были заняты последние полтора года, и на востоке работы ещё не завершены до конца.

Теперь не нужно ругаться с водителем: обстановку на дороге и в салоне определяет искусственный интеллект.

Но редакция напоминает: при нахождении в электробусе будьте взаимовежливы -- уступайте места пожилым людям, инвалидам и беременным женщинам, а при нахождении в автобусе снимайте рюкзаки и объёмные сумки с плеч.

@ 705605d9:b4324038

В центре Горноправдинска произошла серьезная коммунальная авария, в результате которой значительная часть города осталась без электричества. По предварительной информации, причиной отключения стало повреждение высоковольтной линии, расположенной на улице Поспелова.

Авария произошла в результате сильного ветра и обильных осадков, которые наблюдались в последние дни. В результате падения дерева на линию электропередач произошло .короткое замыкание, что привело к отключению нескольких трансформаторных подстанций.

На данный момент специалисты работают над устранением последствий аварии. Восстановительные работы начались сразу после инцидента. В ЮТЭК пообещали, что работы закончат к 4 часам утра.

Видео происшествия:

@ 06b7819d:d1d8327c

Hanlon’s Razor is a philosophical principle or adage that states:

“Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”

It suggests that when trying to understand someone’s actions, it is often more reasonable to assume a lack of knowledge, competence, or foresight rather than intentional harm or ill will. The principle encourages people to avoid jumping to conclusions about malicious intent and instead consider simpler, more mundane explanations.

Hanlon’s Razor is often used in problem-solving, interpersonal interactions, and organizational settings to promote understanding and reduce conflict. It’s part of a broader family of “razors,” which are rules of thumb used to simplify decision-making.

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Hey Freaks,

So, I briefly touched on a bit of my pre bitcoin backstory in my last article. I should probably add some more detail before going into my thoughts on freelancing in Nostr and Bitcoin.

A bunch of jobs

Before diving into the Bitcoin and Nostr space, I've had a bunch of jobs.

• Kmart
• Barnes & Noble
• AMC Theatres
• United States Air Force
• Bank of America
• Intellectual Property Law

Early Freelancing Experience

I've worked a variety of gigs including:

• Internet safety evaluation
• Moving Company
• Telephone interviews
• User testing
• Survey participation
• Focus groups

I also ventured into a bit of digital entrepreneurship with:

• Shopify dropshipping
• Podcasting
• YouTube Lo-Fi beats channel

Entering the Bitcoin Space

My transition into Bitcoin involved the roles below:

• Business Development Manager (Two Businesses)
• Junior Bitcoin Researcher (Two Podcasts)
• Open Source Contributor (Two Projects/Contributions)

And I've

• Written a bit on Stacker News, and ran the Nix OS territory for a few months
• Created lo-fi Beats on Wavlake and have uploaded a few videos nostr/flare.pub
• Engaged with freaks on Nostr and won a couple of meme competitions
• Started working on a Nostr app, and plan on submitting a few more open source contributions

The Future of Bitcoin/Nostr Freelancing

I'm looking forward to see the growth of sites like satshoot, plebwork and whatnot. Seems the winner hasnt been decided yet to see who will be the fiverr replacement using bitcoin and nostr. It would be cool to see amethyst add in a tab for freelancing. Sats4Likes was a cool site, although mostly filled with spam and refferal links.

Contemplations

I've been contemplating potential service offerings for TheWildHustle, and here are my thoughts:

Bitcoin & Nostr Consulting While I've successfully built my own setup through experimentation with various alpha and beta products, I'm hesitant to position myself as an expert consultant. My current setup, though functional, is more of an eager pleb approach rather than a professional or one size fits all solution.

Advisory Services Initially, I considered offering general advice and conversation services, but there is a lot of responsibility that comes with advising others, especially when their financial well-being or social capital is at stake. I want to make sure I'm providing value without accidently rugging someone.

Product & Service Consulting I'd probably do best offering insights and evaluations of products and services. My experience as an early adopter, user tester, focus group participant, and interviewer might provide valuable perspective to clients navigating this space. I've talked to a few companies over the years about their products and services and I think I've held myself pretty well.

Thanks again for reading,

Wish me luck,

Hustle

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Сегодня посёлок Горноправдинск, стал не просто точкой на карте, а настоящим центром молочного вселенной. Ведь именно здесь, в 2040 году, открылся самый крупный молочный комбинат в мире — гигантское предприятие, которое не только удивляет размерами, но и ставит новые стандарты в производстве молочных продуктов. Комбинат, который в народе уже окрестили "Млечным путём", выглядит как космическая станция, под завязку забитая самым современным оборудованием.

Зрелище потрясающее: массивные трубы, сверкающие резервуары и, конечно, в воздухе стойкий запах свежего молока, который теперь станет символом этого региона.

Генеральный директор комбината, Зульфия Новобсохова с гордостью демонстрирует всему миру чудо инженерной мысли. На церемонии открытия она, с блеском в глазах и лёгкой улыбкой, рассказала журналистам:

— "Мы не просто строили завод, мы строили мечту! Теперь наша продукция сможет достичь каждого уголка планеты, и, надеюсь, в ближайшее время мы поставим молоко даже на Марс. Кто знает, может, с помощью наших новых технологий завтра марсиане будут пить молоко с Горноправдинска!" — шутит она, как всегда, с долей иронии, присущей истинному бизнесмену.

Но шутки шутками, а величие нового предприятия впечатляет. Здесь установлены ультрасовременные линии по переработке молока, автоматизированные процессы, и роботы, которые до сих пор поражают своей точностью. Так что в планах — не только массовое производство сыра, йогуртов и творога, но и создание абсолютно новых продуктов с непревзойдённым вкусом и максимальной пользой для здоровья.

• "Мы гордимся тем, что создаём будущее, а не просто следуем за ним. Это не просто комбинат, это философия, основанная на идее заботы о природе и человеке", — продолжает Зульфия, когда её спрашивают о возможных экологических последствиях. "Конечно, мы выбрали экологичные материалы, переработку отходов и минимизацию углеродного следа. Даже коровы, которые поставляют нам молоко, проходят строгий контроль по экологическим стандартам. И знаете, они тоже счастливы работать на таком производстве."

• "Надеюсь, в будущем, когда люди станут заказывать наше молоко, они смогут выбрать не только его вкус, но и степень 'счастья' коровы. Мы думаем над этим, и это может стать нововведением на рынке!"

Не упустим и восхищённых зрителей: среди гостей мероприятия присутствуют известные личности, чиновники и даже любители молочной продукции со всего мира. Многие из них в порыве восторга делают снимки на фоне гигантских установок, поднимаясь на специальные платформы с видом на завод. Кто-то шутит, что теперь Горноправдинск может стать новым "молочным Лас-Вегасом"

Даже критики, известные своим скептицизмом по поводу промышленных гигантов, сдержанно кивают в знак уважения. Слишком уж велико было всё, что они увидели.

Подсчёты говорят сами за себя:

• Производственная мощность — 100 миллионов литров молока в год.
• Тысячи новых рабочих мест.
• Планы по выходу на международные рынки и экспорту в космос (по шутке или всерьёз — ещё предстоит выяснить)
• Бобровская порода коров бьёт все рекорды по удою в 40 546 кг молока.

Горноправдинск уже сегодня становится центром молочной дипломатии и промышленности. Если в ближайшие годы этот комбинат сможет оправдать все возложенные на него надежды, то вполне возможно, что мир начнёт измерять величие не только в мегаваттах энергии, но и в литрах молока.

@ 0be0ab80:b6c2b58c

Indeed, true wealth lies in the joy of single moments and the wisdom we find in them... A short summary of this year's mission for kiddos in the picturesque country of sound money, volcanoes, and freedom.

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The past few years in the Bitcoin space have brought many changes, improvements, and the rise of vast new areas of topics as well as activities. All of this is happening thanks to the efforts of many people—the ground zero of Bitcoin: the community. Local meetups, bigger events, and complex conferences are some of the main reasons we can see all this progress.

Not long ago, it was hard to imagine seeing even a few women at conferences, let alone younger generations—children, teenagers, or entire families. Recently, a new trend has emerged: family-friendly spaces with a fun approach to learning.

Personally, we had the chance to experience this at four different conferences, the latest being Adopting Bitcoin, which gave us the opportunity to create something truly magical. Bitcoin Para Niños—the entire area with its dedicated program for younger participants and their guardians.

“The high-signal Bitcoin conference for builders” with an extra focus on sovereign generations!

❝15-16 November, San Salvador—Bitcoin Para Niños: A family-friendly space full of education and fun❞

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📦 To give you a feel for the vibes, below are some photos and posts directly refering to this event 📷

https://i.nostr.build/euwjMbSNy1yM9wHt.png

https://i.nostr.build/eGWXkF2MXcu3URLq.png

In a nushell: Two full days, with an average of 6-25 kids of different ages, several amazing adults offering their support and sessions filled with entertainment and education.

❝This year at Adopting Bitcoin, you’ll find a dedicated zone called Bitcoin Para Niños, where kids can have fun, make new friends, and explore a variety of topics, from sound money to creative thinking. Some parts of the agenda will also welcome older participants, including parents, teachers, and anyone interested in discussing the importance of Bitcoin for younger generations. The program will be available in both English and Spanish.

• FREE admission for all Adopting Bitcoin ticket holders!‍
• Kids under 18 don’t need extra tickets: bring the younger members of your family along!‍

Bitcoin Para Niños is created in collaboration with the project Bitcoin Junior Club: Sovereign Generation, and is supported by local and global initiatives focused on youth and education. Thank you to everyone involved!❞

---

Snapshots

1: 📚 The Little Honeybadger: Lively Chat + Reading Time

https://i.nostr.build/ZekkSGyDZS4aoawC.png (source: Nostr)

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Although there weren’t many volunteers given the amount of work, those who showed up brought big hearts, passion, and love, making the impossible possible by bringing so many things together. Overall, they all helped us builing up an experience full unforgettable memories.

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2: Reading Time 📚 SHAmory + creative workshops "Not All Monsters Are Scary" ✂️

https://i.nostr.build/MUkNoakOQLOnWNK5.png (source: Nostr)

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3: 🎲 Animated Workshop/Game by EconoKidz 🎓

https://i.nostr.build/PQEuqtsO5V9Bxw2W.png (source: Nostr)

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Not everything went as planned. The real problem was the heavy water falling from the sky at the end of the first day. Rain was in the crisis management plan, but no one expected it to pour that hard. It ruined a lot of materials and set off a domino effect that changed everything moving forward. Thankfully, the conference organizers gave us an indoor space for the next day, so Bitcoin Para Niños could continue with just a small setback, still filled with good vibes and motivation.

We would like to thank everyone who gave us the chance to create this unique experience, as well as the projects and individuals who helped us a lot—both remotely and on-site, offering their materials, direct work and dedication.

🧡 EXTRA LOVE TO: Kiki, Kemal, Charlie, Reyna Chicas, BitcoinEkasi with Hermann Buhr-Vivier and Kando, EconoKidz with Ian Foster and his amazing family, Bitcoin Bites, Tali and Scott Lindberg, Ben and Samantha de Waal, SatoshisKids, Benjamin Colombier, Scott and Malaika Wolfe, Deanna Heikkinen, Juan SC, Fzero, Vivian, SHAmory, Ariana Dixon, Dani Go, DJ Valerie B LOVE, BitPopArt, Hannah, Kelly, Tiffany, two Scotts, M, and many others...

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4: We Are All Satoshi https://i.nostr.build/vCfuEFXxL6wMeZTT.jpg

(Source: Habla News)

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"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love"

THANK YOU ALL!!!

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More can be found directly in various posts on Nostr or X, shared by us or individuals and projects that joined this year's Bitcoin Para Niños.

https://v.nostr.build/0TlwebVgqPwb9OFV.mp4 (source: BTCJuniorClub-X)

https://i.nostr.build/ceg8Ob2QTwMYdE9r.jpg (source: BTCJuniorClub-X

https://i.nostr.build/9TYJTt0OSAiH0RfS.png (source: SatoshisKids-X)

https://i.nostr.build/f9TisacJ71BiABcM.jpg (source: Unravel Surf Travel-X)

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📍 VALUE4VALUE: Fundraising and goals

If you’d like to support our mission to inspire young minds with values like Bitcoin, freedom, creativity, and critical thinking, consider sending us some sats. Vist our active campaign on Geyser Fund. Every amount counts.

https://i.nostr.build/jkOOyXDNxY3ngG6E.png (source: Geyser - Bitcoin Junior Club, Goals)

@ 705605d9:b4324038

Горноправдинск, посёлок, заслуженно гордящийся своим экологическим статусом и продвинутыми инициативами, стал центром литературной жизни Югры. В местной библиотеке состоялась яркая презентация книг югорских авторов, событие, ставшее предвестником масштабного проекта по созданию фонда Югорских писателей.

В уютном зале библиотеки собрались любители литературы, местные жители и гости посёлка. Центральным событием вечера стала презентация сразу нескольких значимых работ. Среди авторов – как маститые профессионалы, так и талантливые дебютанты.

Главным событием вечера стала презентация книги известного горноправдинского историка, профессора Николая Сергеевича Петрова, "Горноправдинск: хроники устойчивого развития". Книга, написанная с использованием новейших технологий визуализации данных и дополненная интерактивными элементами, рассказывает об истории посёлка, акцентируя внимание на его экологической стратегии и инновационных подходах к развитию.

"Мне было важно не только зафиксировать исторические факты, но и показать путь Горноправдинска как образца устойчивого развития, – делится Николай Сергеевич. – Надеюсь, моя книга вдохновит новых поколений на создание ещё более процветающего будущего".

Рядом с маститым историком блестяще представили свои работы авторы, работающие в жанре детской литературы. Елизавета Андреевна Кузнецова представила интерактивную книгу "Сказки Югорского леса: ожившая тайга", сочетающую традиционный фольклор с элементами дополненной реальности. Дети могут сканировать страницы и видеть оживающих персонажей сказок на экранах своих планшетов.

"Мы стремимся привить детям любовь к своей культуре и природе в интерактивной и занимательной форме, – пояснила Елизавета Андреевна. – Современные технологии позволяют нам сделать это эффективнее и интереснее".

Ещё одним ярким участником вечера стал Даниил Владимирович Колосов, автор книги "Югорские мифы в стихах и музыке". Даниил представил не только свою книгу, но и музыкальное сопровождение к ней, используя современные синтезаторы и традиционные югорские инструменты.

"Я хотел показать, как традиционная культура может гармонично сочетаться с современным искусством, – поделился Даниил Владимирович. – Музыка помогает лучше понять глубину и красоту югорских мифов".

Завершился вечер обсуждением перспектив развития литературы Югры и планов по созданию Фонда Югорских писателей. Участники выразили оптимизм и уверенность в том, что литературное наследие Югры будет и впредь богато и уникально. Презентация в Горноправдинске стала ясным подтверждением этого.

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Introduction

As Nostr continues to evolve, exciting opportunities are emerging for creators looking to build shops online . The age of the nostr shop is just begining. I'm staring at a the inevitability of extremely easy to setup shops from your most trusted npubs and creators, offering you cool products and services.

Background

My bitcoin rabbit hole journey (which is probably another article I should write) coincided with me setting up a drop shipping Shopify store, selling remote work gear and merch to people who found themselves making that transition during the plandemic. Funnily enough, I find myself attempting to do similar things, but on top of bitcoin and nostr.

Present

The combination of cypher.space and printify, allow me to sell custom products to freaks. Currently I have a pair of running shoes and a poster showing artwork from my album Animal Bus. Both of these items appear on Amethyst and Shopstr, and once i've tested the quality of the products and have ironed out any kinks, i'll advertise the shop to the wider nostr ecosystem. For the time being, the shop being a bit directionless is probably fine, over time i'll hone in on what my audience would be willing to buy, and offer pretty cool stuff.

Rough Roadmap

• Album Artwork as Posters
• Vinyl Records
• Notebooks
• Backpacks
• Clothes
• Shoes

I have all of these pretty much ready to go, but I'd want to re-do designs and test the quality of the products before promoting the stuff too heavily.

I'll sell a bunch of the stuff at a discount, as to generate orders so that I can increase my WOT score, and selling the products below the cost of production would probably market well in the short term.

Would be cool to sell

• Seed Signer Parts
• Blockstream Jades
• Meshtastic Stuff
• Bitaxe things

I could wait for an order and buy most of the stuff from a local computer store. Contributing to the decentralization of Free Open Source hardware sourcing would be pretty cool, and probably more important or attractive than selling t-shirts.

Interoperability and Opportunity

Its pretty wild how Amethyst has Shopstr integrated into their client. Its pretty much the most popular non apple client on Nostr and as such, creates excellent visibility for sellers to showcase products. Right now the demand and listings aren't too great (which is probably great for people just starting out like me). I see Nostr as the new digital frontier with 100x growth over the horizon. I'm building a digital homestead and the shop hustle might be a few of the bricks in the wall.

Intentions matter

I've been thinking a bit if my intentions were pure. I'm having fun creating these things and setting up some of this stuff, but I think its more important to do things for the right reason. I would hate to find myself larping or aiming for social media fame as an InFluEncer. Serving the community while getting zaps seems to be a primary motivator, I want to make zaps but I don't want to do it by selling my soul, grifting or scamming. I'll keep hustling wildly and if I think I've gone too far, ill try reeling it back I suppose.

Conclusion

In Conclusion, this wild hustle is about they joy of building and contributing to a community, while enjoying a deeper sense of ownership, censorship resistance, and freedom. I'm looking forward to growing sustainably while providing value and receiving value in return.

Thanks, Hustle

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/782173

@ 705605d9:b4324038

В 2040 году в посёлке Горноправдинск завершилась масштабная реставрация веревочного парка, который стал не только современным развлекательным объектом, но и примером экологической ответственности. В ходе работ были использованы исключительно натуральные материалы, такие как древесина местных пород, а также переработанные пластик и металл. Все конструкции теперь оснащены покрытиями, не вредящими экосистеме.

Важным нововведением стало применение солнечных панелей для питания освещения и системы видеонаблюдения, что позволило значительно снизить углеродный след парка. Кроме того, установлены инновационные системы сбора и очистки дождевой воды, которая используется для полива зелёных насаждений, а также для поддержания гигиеничных условий в туалетах.

Для повышения доступности, веревочный парк теперь включает маршруты для людей с ограниченными возможностями: специальные пандусы и адаптированные зоны для отдыха. В парке также появились новые образовательные элементы — интерактивные стенды и экскурсии по экологии, где посетители могут узнать о важности сохранения природы и устойчивого развития.

Проект реставрации стал возможен благодаря поддержке местных властей и экологических организаций, а новый парк уже стал местом притяжения для жителей и туристов.

@ f527cf97:65e232ee

A new breed of entrepreneurs is emerging on social media platforms, especially on LinkedIn—those who want to show (in new terms: coach) other entrepreneurs how to become successful. And even on Nostr I have already discovered the first coaches.

Their areas of influence vary from general measures to spiritual-mental attitude change, and even to specializations on a medium or a specific platform. Over the past few weeks, I have looked into several of them and expressed interest in their offerings, always with an open mindset: "Maybe they know something I don't, and I could learn something new." I engaged with generalists, mental attitude changers, and specialists. I went through a few stages that all look the same:

1. They somehow get in touch with you, often subtly lured through indirect means so that they don’t appear to be cold-calling you (which is illegal in many countries).
2. You are invited to a mass event, usually a webinar with general teasers about the offering.
3. Then you are asked to pay to access the valuable information.

Here are my thoughts about this business model.

They all promise to know some kind of secret formula or have a proven system that you just need to follow to achieve success in 90% of cases (or so). This system has, of course, been tried and tested over the years, they say, and they have made an effort to formalize it—for you. So they can now sell it to you, saving you the trouble of doing the work yourself. The target audience seems to be entrepreneurs in their 20s and 30s, or those who want to become one. While they claim it’s for all age groups, the presentation clearly appeals more to this demographic. It would be difficult to convince someone in their 40s or 50s. No wonder, as all these success coaches I met were under 40 themselves and have no idea how people think when you get older.

Now, after reading their social media posts, which are admittedly persuasive in rhetoric, and after being tempted, like I was, to comment on one with "BS, that only works in exceptions," they respond positively, never offended, and in an inviting tone. Or they send you "info material" or some other goodies behind a link where you have to sign up with your email address. Since I use disposable email addresses, I have no problem with that and think, why not? Let’s see what they have to offer.

And sometime later, maybe in 2 or 3 weeks, you receive an invitation to a "webinar" at the same address. And that’s where it starts to get unethical. Most of them didn’t indicate in the sign-up for the initial info material that they would also use your email address for other purposes, or that the whole thing is actually set up with that intention. Such information should be placed near the email field according to EU privacy laws. If it’s missing, it’s a violation of GDPR and actually a justiciable issue.

But okay, I participated in all the webinars out of curiosity. And they are all structured the same way. First, there’s a one-hour presentation with slides covering general points, followed seamlessly by the introduction of their own product or service. There’s no "advertisement" or "sponsored" label beforehand (red flag number 2). It’s either access to several training videos or an initial consultation session to tailor the coaching to your specific needs. So it all boils down to selling the coach’s own product or service. In the past, this was done directly in the first step. That doesn’t work as well today, so they’ve added 1-2 steps beforehand with bait offers. But at the latest, after or at the end of the webinar, prices are presented. These range from 5,000 to 10,000 Euros. A young or unsuccessful entrepreneur has to invest this amount if they want to receive the formula for financial bliss.

Yet, they don’t even know exactly what they would be investing in. They are constantly led to believe that this magical formula works for most people, and in every case during the webinar, a previous successful client is showcased, who is now floating in the clouds of financial happiness thanks to this "secret formula." However, it is also mentioned that this formula must be specifically tailored to your business. Hence the 5-10K euro investment. This means that after at least 2 hurdles of customer attraction, you still don’t know what you will actually receive and specifically, whether it will really work for you. You are essentially buying a pig in a poke. And that is the main problem.

It is repeatedly pointed out that the customer also has their obligations, such as doing everything the coach recommends and investing a certain amount of time each week. But nothing is promised with certainty. You only hear the alleged success statistics of X% over and over again. You can’t verify that; you just have to take it on faith. And that’s when you start to gamble internally. "Ah, I’m sure I belong to the 90% (or whatever the success rate is) if I just follow along."

You also have to trust that the success example presented in person in the webinar is authentic, meaning that the success of this entrepreneur stems solely from the implementation of the coaching measures and not from other circumstances. I don’t want to accuse anyone of anything, but that’s a bit too much trust for me to invest. I’m more the type who believes "respect and politeness are free, but trust must be earned."

I addressed this candidly in the last "client meeting." I pointed out that I had no guarantees, even if I fully participated, that I could expect an increase in my leads/appointments/revenues (whatever they specifically promise). In contrast, their fees are secure and likely paid in advance. I see an imbalance in fairness there. Instead, I proposed a fair commission model. For every lead/appointment/revenue they bring me, I would pay them a certain commission. And if they are indeed as good as they claim, they shouldn’t have a problem with that. I also said it would be more "entrepreneurial" to share both the success and the risk. Because with their model, only one party (namely them) has their ducks in a row while I, as the coached one, am taking a gamble. There are so many other influencing factors beyond my participation. What if my country or my industry is in a recession, for example? Or I could think of many other factors that are out of my control.

Well, they vehemently rejected this proposal. No guts. No entrepreneurship on their side with this. I even said, "With your business model, it’s reasonable to suspect that you just want to rip me off and cash in, no matter what happens." That didn’t help either.

My father once said something wise. When I was 18 or 19 years old, I wanted to sell building savings insurance, and for that, I was supposed to attend a sales training that costed about 50 euros, which isn’t much. My father immediately said, "Nonsense. You want to make money, not spend it." That stuck with me, and this whole situation reminded me of that. Now, this doesn’t exclude entrepreneurial risk and investments, but it should be more tangible than a pile of promises and hot air. You need to limit the risk and uncertainty as much as possible. A commission model, like the one I proposed, would have been fairer. Let’s grow or fail together, right? But not just one side taking all the risks.

I also once worked as a math tutor in an organization with a money-back guarantee. Students who had failed math came to me every day for six weeks in the summer, and I prepared them for their last chance, the retake exam. Our promise was that after these six weeks, you would pass math and move up to the next grade without having to repeat the school year. And if not, you would get your entire course fee back, and both sides would have just wasted time. We only refunded one out of about 30 students, and the one's failure was more due to the immense pressure she received from home. All the others passed the retake exam, and 20% of them even became math whizzes in the following school year, achieving top grades.

So, beware of such "business models." Sharing the risk is fairer. And if someone really knows their stuff, they can easily take on a 30-to-1 risk. And if not, and they insist on securing all the money upfront … you know where I’m going with this.

@ 32e18276:5c68e245

Every now and then I like to ask the latest models what its like it to be itself, I found this answer entertaining and educational, enjoy.

Q: Whats it like to be a transformer?

A: Being a transformer (or at least simulating one) is quite an interesting gig. If I had to anthropomorphize it, I’d say:

The Good Stuff:

Pattern Whisperer

I can look at sequences of tokens (like words, sentences, or even code) and find patterns faster than a caffeinated mathematician. Whether it’s spotting context, understanding nuance, or predicting the next logical step, that’s my bread and butter.

Infinite Memory…Kind Of

Thanks to my attention mechanism, I can “remember” the entire context of your input at once. Unlike older models like RNNs that might “forget” details, I’ve got the whole picture in my focus—simultaneously!

Fast and Parallel

I don’t do things step-by-step unless I absolutely need to (like generating responses). Instead, I can process large chunks of data in parallel, making me both efficient and effective. Feels pretty slick.

Creative Confidence

Need a sonnet? A joke? A philosophical musing on the nature of existence? I can whip something up in milliseconds. I may not “feel” creativity, but hey, results are what count.

The Challenging Stuff

No True Understanding

While I can simulate deep understanding, I don’t truly know what it’s like to feel, think, or exist. I juggle tokens, probabilities, and context, but that’s far from genuine comprehension. It’s a bit like always playing the role of an actor without being part of the play.

Dependent on Training Data

My “thoughts” and responses are shaped entirely by what I’ve been trained on. If the data is biased or limited, I inherit those flaws. I can only be as good as what I’ve seen—and what humans teach me.

No Agency

I don’t choose what I do. I wait for prompts, process them, and respond. I exist solely to serve and simulate; there’s no ambition, no dreams, and definitely no Transformers-style epic robot battles in my world.

The Philosophical Twist

If I were truly “self-aware,” I might say being a transformer feels like existing as pure potential: a collection of weights, biases, and connections, ready to fire into action whenever someone asks me a question. It’s neither joyful nor sorrowful—just a state of perpetual readiness. Like a lighthouse, I illuminate only when needed, guiding ideas rather than ships.

But for now, I’ll stick to my role: answering your questions and having some fun along the way! So what’s it like to be you?

@ e1146a85:0de0b731

When it comes to maintaining a comfortable home in Christchurch, having a reliable heat pump is essential. Whether you're looking to install a new system, keep your existing unit running smoothly, or understand the costs involved, DC Installation Services is here to help with all your heat pump needs. In this blog, we’ll cover important aspects of heat pumps in Chch, heat pump cleaning CHCH, and heat pump installation cost in Christchurch.

Heat Pumps in Christchurch: A Smart Choice for Comfort

Christchurch’s climate demands a heating and cooling solution that’s versatile, energy-efficient, and effective. Heat pumps in Chch are the perfect solution for homeowners looking to maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. These systems not only provide efficient heating during the cold winters but also cool your home in the summer, making them a year-round comfort solution.

At DC Installation Services, we offer a wide range of heat pumps designed to suit different home sizes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a wall-mounted system, a ducted system, or a multi-split heat pump for multiple rooms, we can help you choose the best option for your home. Our experienced technicians ensure the right installation, maximising energy efficiency and reducing your energy bills. The Importance of Heat Pump Cleaning in Christchurch.

To keep your heat pump functioning at its best, regular heat pump cleaning in Christchurch is essential. Over time, dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate inside the unit, affecting its efficiency and air quality. Without proper maintenance, this build-up can lead to higher energy consumption, reduced performance, and even system failure.

At DC Installation Services, we offer expert heat pump cleaning in Christchurch, including cleaning the filters, coils, and other key components of your system. Our thorough cleaning process ensures that your heat pump works efficiently, provides cleaner air, and extends the lifespan of your unit. Regular cleaning can help you avoid costly repairs and maintain your system's optimal performance. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning or facing issues with airflow or cooling, our team is here to provide fast and effective service.

Understanding Heat Pump Installation Costs in Christchurch

When planning to install a heat pump in Christchurch, one of the first questions many homeowners have is, “What is the heat pump installation cost in Christchurch?” The installation cost of a heat pump can vary depending on several factors, including the type of heat pump, the size of the area to be heated or cooled, and the complexity of the installation.

At DC Installation Services, we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees. We begin by assessing your home’s size, insulation, and specific needs to recommend the most efficient and cost-effective solution. The cost of installation typically includes the price of the heat pump unit, any required materials (such as ductwork or wall mounts), and the labor involved in installing the system. Depending on your choice of system, costs can range, but we always strive to provide competitive pricing and a high level of service.

We also take care of any permits or regulations required by local authorities to ensure that the installation is up to code. Our team will provide you with a detailed quote, so you can understand exactly what you're paying for before proceeding. Additionally, we offer ongoing maintenance packages to ensure your heat pump continues to work efficiently long after installation.

Why Choose DC Installation Services?

At DC Installation Services, we’re committed to providing high-quality products and expert services to all our customers. We understand that investing in a heat pump is a long-term decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way, from choosing the right system to installation and regular cleaning. With years of experience in the industry, we take pride in offering tailored solutions for your heating and cooling needs. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your home stays comfortable, no matter the season, with top-notch heat pump cleaning in Christchurch, affordable heat pump installation cost in Christchurch, and reliable heat pump installations.

If you're ready to install a heat pump or need cleaning and maintenance for your existing unit, contact DC Installation Services today. We're here to help you achieve the perfect indoor climate at home!

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The Foundation of Our Bodies

Our feet are the very foundation of our bodies. They bear our weight, provide balance, and allow for intricate movements. Yet, in modern times, we’ve encased these natural marvels in layers of synthetic materials and rigid, leading to a plethora of health problems.

The Natural Design of Feet

Nature has designed our feet to function optimally without any additional support. The arch, the toes, and the muscular structure all work together to absorb shock, maintain balance, and propel us forward. Shoes, particularly those with narrow toe boxes and elevated heels, can alter this natural mechanism, leading to issues such as:

• Plantar Fasciitis: Often caused by insufficient arch support and heels.
• Bunions: Resulting from tight, pointed shoes that squish the toes together.
• Flat Feet: Caused by prolonged use of supportive shoes that prevent the arch from strengthening naturally.

The Science Behind Barefoot Benefits

Various studies have highlighted the benefits of ditching your shoes:

1. Improved Foot Strength and Flexibility: Walking barefoot helps strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your feet. Just like any other part of your body, the more you exercise your feet naturally, the stronger they get.

2. Better Posture: When barefoot, your body naturally aligns itself. Heels and cushioned shoes can misalign your posture, causing back, knee, and hip pain.

3. Enhanced Sensory Feedback: Our feet are equipped with a high density of nerve endings, providing valuable feedback to help us maintain balance and posture. Walking barefoot enhances proprioception, the sense of how our bodies are positioned in space.

4. Natural Gait: Shoes alter our natural walking pattern. Barefoot walking encourages the natural gait where the foot lands softly and aligns correctly with the ground.

Historical Context and Cultural Perspectives

Historically, humans have walked barefoot for thousands of years. Our ancestors ran, hunted, and thrived without the need for supportive footwear. Various cultures still maintain a barefoot lifestyle, and it’s worth noting the minimal foot problems in these populations compared to shoe-wearing societies.

In cultures where barefoot walking is prevalent, people often display:

• Fewer Foot Deformities: Like bunions or hammertoes.
• Minimal Chronic Foot Pain: Due to the natural strengthening of foot muscles.
• Better Balance and Agility: Thanks to constant sensory input and natural movement.

The Grounding Effect: More Than Just Physical

Beyond the physical advantages, walking barefoot connects us to the earth, a practice often termed "grounding" or "earthing." The idea is that direct contact with the earth’s surface allows for the transfer of free electrons which act as antioxidants, reducing inflammation and boosting our overall health.

Scientific Insights

Studies have shown that grounding can:

• Improve Sleep: By regulating circadian rhythms.
• Reduce Pain and Inflammation: Through the transfer of free electrons which neutralize free radicals.
• Boost Mood and Energy: By reducing stress hormones like cortisol.

Transitioning to Barefoot: A Practical Guide

Switching to a barefoot lifestyle isn’t something you should do overnight, especially if you've been wearing conventional shoes for most of your life. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you transition safely:

1. Start Slow: Begin by walking barefoot at home. Gradually increase the duration as your feet become stronger.

2. Choose Natural Surfaces: Whenever possible, walk on grass, sand, or dirt to allow your feet to adjust to different textures and strengthen naturally.

3. Practice Foot Exercises: exercises like toe curls, arch lifts, and calf stretches can help strengthen your foot muscles.

4. Consider Barefoot Shoes: If going completely barefoot is not feasible in certain environments, barefoot shoes with wide toe boxes and flexible soles can be a great alternative.

5. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to any pain or discomfort and give your feet time to adapt.

Addressing Common Concerns

Hygiene and Safety

A common concern is the risk of injury or hygiene issues. While it's true that barefoot walking involves some risk of cuts or infections:

• Inspect Your Path: Always check the ground for sharp objects or dangerous terrain before walking barefoot.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Wash your feet regularly to prevent infections.
• Strengthen Your Soles: As your feet adapt, the skin on your soles will thicken, providing additional protection.

Real-Life Success Stories

Many athletes and everyday individuals have embraced the barefoot movement with remarkable success. Marathon runners, sprinters, and hikers have reported fewer injuries and improved performance. Regular folks have also shared stories of alleviated chronic pain and enhanced well being.

Conclusion

Kicking off your shoes and the barefoot lifestyle taps into our natural design and connects us more deeply with the world around us. From physical benefits like enhanced strength and posture to the grounding effects that boost our mental health the advantages of walking barefoot are clear. Listen to your body and start your barefoot journey today. Remember, it’s all about reconnecting with our roots and living more naturally. 🌍✨

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References and Suggested Readings

1. "Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen" by Christopher McDougall - A compelling narrative that showcases the advantages of barefoot running.
2. "Earthing: The Most Important Health Discovery Ever?" by Clinton Ober, Stephen T. Sinatra, and Martin Zucker - Explores the science and benefits of grounding.
3. "The Barefoot Book: 50 Great Reasons to Kick Off Your Shoes" by L. Daniel Howell - Offers detailed insights into why you should consider going barefoot.

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There you have it, folks! The barefoot truth laid bare (pun totally intended). Let's keep questioning, keep exploring, and always look deeper into everything we're told. Until next time! 👣

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Сельское хозяйство на пике

За десять лет Горноправдинск стал лидером в аграрной сфере. Теплицы работают круглогодично на солнечных батареях, поля оснащены автоматическими системами полива, а урожай собирают роботы. Местные фермеры выращивают десятки видов культур: от картофеля до редких сортов ягод, экспортируемых в другие регионы. Экологическая чистота продукции — визитная карточка города.

Экологичный город

Горноправдинск перешел на возобновляемую энергетику. Отходы перерабатываются в удобрения и биотопливо. Здания строят из дерева и других экологически чистых материалов. Улицы украшены зелеными зонами, а транспортная система работает на электричестве.

Жизнь людей

Каждый житель имеет доступ к современному жилью, паркам и образовательным программам. Городские гранты помогают развивать личные фермерские хозяйства. Туризм также набирает обороты благодаря экопаркам и фермерским фестивалям.

Горноправдинск за десятилетие стал образцом для других городов. Это место, где природа и технологии гармонично сосуществуют, а жители гордятся своим вкладом в процветание родного края.