@ a95c6243:d345522c

Falls du beim Lesen des Titels dieses Newsletters unwillkürlich an positive Neuigkeiten aus dem globalen polit-medialen Irrenhaus oder gar aus dem wirtschaftlichen Umfeld gedacht hast, darf ich dich beglückwünschen. Diese Assoziation ist sehr löblich, denn sie weist dich als unverbesserlichen Optimisten aus. Leider muss ich dich diesbezüglich aber enttäuschen. Es geht hier um ein anderes Thema, allerdings sehr wohl ein positives, wie ich finde.

Heute ist ein ganz besonderer Tag: die Wintersonnenwende. Genau gesagt hat heute morgen um 10:20 Uhr Mitteleuropäischer Zeit (MEZ) auf der Nordhalbkugel unseres Planeten der astronomische Winter begonnen. Was daran so außergewöhnlich ist? Der kürzeste Tag des Jahres war gestern, seit heute werden die Tage bereits wieder länger! Wir werden also jetzt jeden Tag ein wenig mehr Licht haben.

Für mich ist dieses Ereignis immer wieder etwas kurios: Es beginnt der Winter, aber die Tage werden länger. Das erscheint mir zunächst wie ein Widerspruch, denn meine spontanen Assoziationen zum Winter sind doch eher Kälte und Dunkelheit, relativ zumindest. Umso erfreulicher ist der emotionale Effekt, wenn dann langsam die Erkenntnis durchsickert: Ab jetzt wird es schon wieder heller!

Natürlich ist es kalt im Winter, mancherorts mehr als anderswo. Vielleicht jedoch nicht mehr lange, wenn man den Klimahysterikern glauben wollte. Mindestens letztes Jahr hat Väterchen Frost allerdings gleich zu Beginn seiner Saison – und passenderweise während des globalen Überhitzungsgipfels in Dubai – nochmal richtig mit der Faust auf den Tisch gehauen. Schnee- und Eischaos sind ja eigentlich in der Agenda bereits nicht mehr vorgesehen. Deswegen war man in Deutschland vermutlich in vorauseilendem Gehorsam schon nicht mehr darauf vorbereitet und wurde glatt lahmgelegt.

Aber ich schweife ab. Die Aussicht auf nach und nach mehr Licht und damit auch Wärme stimmt mich froh. Den Zusammenhang zwischen beidem merkt man in Andalusien sehr deutlich. Hier, wo die Häuser im Winter arg auskühlen, geht man zum Aufwärmen raus auf die Straße oder auf den Balkon. Die Sonne hat auch im Winter eine erfreuliche Kraft. Und da ist jede Minute Gold wert.

Außerdem ist mir vor Jahren so richtig klar geworden, warum mir das südliche Klima so sehr gefällt. Das liegt nämlich nicht nur an der Sonne als solcher, oder der Wärme – das liegt vor allem am Licht. Ohne Licht keine Farben, das ist der ebenso simple wie gewaltige Unterschied zwischen einem deprimierenden matschgraubraunen Winter und einem fröhlichen bunten. Ein großes Stück Lebensqualität.

Mir gefällt aber auch die Symbolik dieses Tages: Licht aus der Dunkelheit, ein Wendepunkt, ein Neuanfang, neue Möglichkeiten, Übergang zu neuer Aktivität. In der winterlichen Stille keimt bereits neue Lebendigkeit. Und zwar in einem Zyklus, das wird immer wieder so geschehen. Ich nehme das gern als ein Stück Motivation, es macht mir Hoffnung und gibt mir Energie.

Übrigens ist parallel am heutigen Tag auf der südlichen Halbkugel Sommeranfang. Genau im entgegengesetzten Rhythmus, sich ergänzend, wie Yin und Yang. Das alles liegt an der Schrägstellung der Erdachse, die ist nämlich um 23,4º zur Umlaufbahn um die Sonne geneigt. Wir erinnern uns, gell?

Insofern bleibt eindeutig festzuhalten, dass “schräg sein” ein willkommener, wichtiger und positiver Wert ist. Mit anderen Worten: auch ungewöhnlich, eigenartig, untypisch, wunderlich, kauzig, … ja sogar irre, spinnert oder gar “quer” ist in Ordnung. Das schließt das Denken mit ein.

In diesem Sinne wünsche ich euch allen urige Weihnachtstage!

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Dieser Beitrag ist letztes Jahr in meiner Denkbar erschienen.

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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.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

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Die Ungerechtigkeit ist uns nur in dem Falle angenehm,\ dass wir Vorteile aus ihr ziehen;\ in jedem andern hegt man den Wunsch,\ dass der Unschuldige in Schutz genommen werde.\ Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Politiker beteuern jederzeit, nur das Beste für die Bevölkerung zu wollen – nicht von ihr. Auch die zahlreichen unsäglichen «Corona-Maßnahmen» waren angeblich zu unserem Schutz notwendig, vor allem wegen der «besonders vulnerablen Personen». Daher mussten alle möglichen Restriktionen zwangsweise und unter Umgehung der Parlamente verordnet werden.

Inzwischen hat sich immer deutlicher herausgestellt, dass viele jener «Schutzmaßnahmen» den gegenteiligen Effekt hatten, sie haben den Menschen und den Gesellschaften enorm geschadet. Nicht nur haben die experimentellen Geninjektionen – wie erwartet – massive Nebenwirkungen, sondern Maskentragen schadet der Psyche und der Entwicklung (nicht nur unserer Kinder) und «Lockdowns und Zensur haben Menschen getötet».

Eine der wichtigsten Waffen unserer «Beschützer» ist die Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Die tiefen Gräben, die Politiker, Lobbyisten und Leitmedien praktisch weltweit ausgehoben haben, funktionieren leider nahezu in Perfektion. Von ihren persönlichen Erfahrungen als Kritikerin der Maßnahmen berichtete kürzlich eine Schweizerin im Interview mit Transition News. Sie sei schwer enttäuscht und verspüre bis heute eine Hemmschwelle und ein seltsames Unwohlsein im Umgang mit «Geimpften».

Menschen, die aufrichtig andere schützen wollten, werden von einer eindeutig politischen Justiz verfolgt, verhaftet und angeklagt. Dazu zählen viele Ärzte, darunter Heinrich Habig, Bianca Witzschel und Walter Weber. Über den aktuell laufenden Prozess gegen Dr. Weber hat Transition News mehrfach berichtet (z.B. hier und hier). Auch der Selbstschutz durch Verweigerung der Zwangs-Covid-«Impfung» bewahrt nicht vor dem Knast, wie Bundeswehrsoldaten wie Alexander Bittner erfahren mussten.

Die eigentlich Kriminellen schützen sich derweil erfolgreich selber, nämlich vor der Verantwortung. Die «Impf»-Kampagne war «das größte Verbrechen gegen die Menschheit». Trotzdem stellt man sich in den USA gerade die Frage, ob der scheidende Präsident Joe Biden nach seinem Sohn Hunter möglicherweise auch Anthony Fauci begnadigen wird – in diesem Fall sogar präventiv. Gibt es überhaupt noch einen Rest Glaubwürdigkeit, den Biden verspielen könnte?

Der Gedanke, den ehemaligen wissenschaftlichen Chefberater des US-Präsidenten und Direktor des National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) vorsorglich mit einem Schutzschild zu versehen, dürfte mit der vergangenen Präsidentschaftswahl zu tun haben. Gleich mehrere Personalentscheidungen des designierten Präsidenten Donald Trump lassen Leute wie Fauci erneut in den Fokus rücken.

Das Buch «The Real Anthony Fauci» des nominierten US-Gesundheitsministers Robert F. Kennedy Jr. erschien 2021 und dreht sich um die Machenschaften der Pharma-Lobby in der öffentlichen Gesundheit. Das Vorwort zur rumänischen Ausgabe des Buches schrieb übrigens Călin Georgescu, der Überraschungssieger der ersten Wahlrunde der aktuellen Präsidentschaftswahlen in Rumänien. Vielleicht erklärt diese Verbindung einen Teil der Panik im Wertewesten.

In Rumänien selber gab es gerade einen Paukenschlag: Das bisherige Ergebnis wurde heute durch das Verfassungsgericht annuliert und die für Sonntag angesetzte Stichwahl kurzfristig abgesagt – wegen angeblicher «aggressiver russischer Einmischung». Thomas Oysmüller merkt dazu an, damit sei jetzt in der EU das Tabu gebrochen, Wahlen zu verbieten, bevor sie etwas ändern können.

Unsere Empörung angesichts der Historie von Maßnahmen, die die Falschen beschützen und für die meisten von Nachteil sind, müsste enorm sein. Die Frage ist, was wir damit machen. Wir sollten nach vorne schauen und unsere Energie clever einsetzen. Abgesehen von der Umgehung von jeglichem «Schutz vor Desinformation und Hassrede» (sprich: Zensur) wird es unsere wichtigste Aufgabe sein, Gräben zu überwinden.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

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Pequenos problemas que o Estado cria para a sociedade e que não são sempre lembrados

- **vale-transporte**: transferir o custo com o transporte do funcionário para um terceiro o estimula a morar longe de onde trabalha, já que morar perto é normalmente mais caro e a economia com transporte é inexistente.
- **atestado médico**: o direito a faltar o trabalho com atestado médico cria a exigência desse atestado para todas as situações, substituindo o livre acordo entre patrão e empregado e sobrecarregando os médicos e postos de saúde com visitas desnecessárias de assalariados resfriados.
- **prisões**: com dinheiro mal-administrado, burocracia e péssima alocação de recursos -- problemas que empresas privadas em competição (ou mesmo sem qualquer competição) saberiam resolver muito melhor -- o Estado fica sem presídios, com os poucos existentes entupidos, muito acima de sua alocação máxima, e com isto, segundo a bizarra corrente de responsabilidades que culpa o juiz que condenou o criminoso por sua morte na cadeia, juízes deixam de condenar à prisão os bandidos, soltando-os na rua.
- **justiça**: entrar com processos é grátis e isto faz proliferar a atividade dos advogados que se dedicam a criar problemas judiciais onde não seria necessário e a entupir os tribunais, impedindo-os de fazer o que mais deveriam fazer.
- **justiça**: como a justiça só obedece às leis e ignora acordos pessoais, escritos ou não, as pessoas não fazem acordos, recorrem sempre à justiça estatal, e entopem-na de assuntos que seriam muito melhor resolvidos entre vizinhos.
- **leis civis**: as leis criadas pelos parlamentares ignoram os costumes da sociedade e são um incentivo a que as pessoas não respeitem nem criem normas sociais -- que seriam maneiras mais rápidas, baratas e satisfatórias de resolver problemas.
- **leis de trãnsito**: quanto mais leis de trânsito, mais serviço de fiscalização são delegados aos policiais, que deixam de combater crimes por isto (afinal de contas, eles não querem de fato arriscar suas vidas combatendo o crime, a fiscalização é uma excelente desculpa para se esquivarem a esta responsabilidade).
- **financiamento educacional**: é uma espécie de subsídio às faculdades privadas que faz com que se criem cursos e mais cursos que são cada vez menos recheados de algum conhecimento ou técnica útil e cada vez mais inúteis.
- **leis de tombamento**: são um incentivo a que o dono de qualquer área ou construção "histórica" destrua todo e qualquer vestígio de história que houver nele antes que as autoridades descubram, o que poderia não acontecer se ele pudesse, por exemplo, usar, mostrar e se beneficiar da história daquele local sem correr o risco de perder, de fato, a sua propriedade.
- **zoneamento urbano**: torna as cidades mais espalhadas, criando uma necessidade gigantesca de carros, ônibus e outros meios de transporte para as pessoas se locomoverem das zonas de moradia para as zonas de trabalho.
- **zoneamento urbano**: faz com que as pessoas percam horas no trânsito todos os dias, o que é, além de um desperdício, um atentado contra a sua saúde, que estaria muito melhor servida numa caminhada diária entre a casa e o trabalho.
- **zoneamento urbano**: torna ruas e as casas menos seguras criando zonas enormes, tanto de residências quanto de indústrias, onde não há movimento de gente alguma.
- **escola obrigatória + currículo escolar nacional**: emburrece todas as crianças.
- **leis contra trabalho infantil**: tira das crianças a oportunidade de aprender ofícios úteis e levar um dinheiro para ajudar a família.
- **licitações**: como não existem os critérios do mercado para decidir qual é o melhor prestador de serviço, criam-se comissões de pessoas que vão decidir coisas. isto incentiva os prestadores de serviço que estão concorrendo na licitação a tentar comprar os membros dessas comissões. isto, fora a corrupção, gera problemas reais: __(i)__ a escolha dos serviços acaba sendo a pior possível, já que a empresa prestadora que vence está claramente mais dedicada a comprar comissões do que a fazer um bom trabalho (este problema afeta tantas áreas, desde a construção de estradas até a qualidade da merenda escolar, que é impossível listar aqui); __(ii)__ o processo corruptor acaba, no longo prazo, eliminando as empresas que prestavam e deixando para competir apenas as corruptas, e a qualidade tende a piorar progressivamente.
- **cartéis**: o Estado em geral cria e depois fica refém de vários grupos de interesse. o caso dos taxistas contra o Uber é o que está na moda hoje (e o que mostra como os Estados se comportam da mesma forma no mundo todo).
- **multas**: quando algum indivíduo ou empresa comete uma fraude financeira, ou causa algum dano material involuntário, as vítimas do caso são as pessoas que sofreram o dano ou perderam dinheiro, mas o Estado tem sempre leis que prevêem multas para os responsáveis. A justiça estatal é sempre muito rígida e rápida na aplicação dessas multas, mas relapsa e vaga no que diz respeito à indenização das vítimas. O que em geral acontece é que o Estado aplica uma enorme multa ao responsável pelo mal, retirando deste os recursos que dispunha para indenizar as vítimas, e se retira do caso, deixando estas desamparadas.
- **desapropriação**: o Estado pode pegar qualquer propriedade de qualquer pessoa mediante uma indenização que é necessariamente inferior ao valor da propriedade para o seu presente dono (caso contrário ele a teria vendido voluntariamente).
- **seguro-desemprego**: se há, por exemplo, um prazo mínimo de 1 ano para o sujeito ter direito a receber seguro-desemprego, isto o incentiva a planejar ficar apenas 1 ano em cada emprego (ano este que será sucedido por um período de desemprego remunerado), matando todas as possibilidades de aprendizado ou aquisição de experiência naquela empresa específica ou ascensão hierárquica.
- **previdência**: a previdência social tem todos os defeitos de cálculo do mundo, e não importa muito ela ser uma forma horrível de poupar dinheiro, porque ela tem garantias bizarras de longevidade fornecidas pelo Estado, além de ser compulsória. Isso serve para criar no imaginário geral a idéia da __aposentadoria__, uma época mágica em que todos os dias serão finais de semana. A idéia da aposentadoria influencia o sujeito a não se preocupar em ter um emprego que faça sentido, mas sim em ter um trabalho qualquer, que o permita se aposentar.
- **regulamentação impossível**: milhares de coisas são proibidas, há regulamentações sobre os aspectos mais mínimos de cada empreendimento ou construção ou espaço. se todas essas regulamentações fossem exigidas não haveria condições de produção e todos morreriam. portanto, elas não são exigidas. porém, o Estado, ou um agente individual imbuído do poder estatal pode, se desejar, exigi-las todas de um cidadão inimigo seu. qualquer pessoa pode viver a vida inteira sem cumprir nem 10% das regulamentações estatais, mas viverá também todo esse tempo com medo de se tornar um alvo de sua exigência, num estado de terror psicológico.
- **perversão de critérios**: para muitas coisas sobre as quais a sociedade normalmente chegaria a um valor ou comportamento "razoável" espontaneamente, o Estado dita regras. estas regras muitas vezes não são obrigatórias, são mais "sugestões" ou limites, como o salário mínimo, ou as 44 horas semanais de trabalho. a sociedade, porém, passa a usar esses valores como se fossem o normal. são raras, por exemplo, as ofertas de emprego que fogem à regra das 44h semanais.
- **inflação**: subir os preços é difícil e constrangedor para as empresas, pedir aumento de salário é difícil e constrangedor para o funcionário. a inflação força as pessoas a fazer isso, mas o aumento não é automático, como alguns economistas podem pensar (enquanto alguns outros ficam muito satisfeitos de que esse processo seja demorado e difícil).
- **inflação**: a inflação destrói a capacidade das pessoas de julgar preços entre concorrentes usando a própria memória.
- **inflação**: a inflação destrói os cálculos de lucro/prejuízo das empresas e prejudica enormemente as decisões empresariais que seriam baseadas neles.
- **inflação**: a inflação redistribui a riqueza dos mais pobres e mais afastados do sistema financeiro para os mais ricos, os bancos e as megaempresas.
- **inflação**: a inflação estimula o endividamento e o consumismo.
- **lixo:** ao prover coleta e armazenamento de lixo "grátis para todos" o Estado incentiva a criação de lixo. se tivessem que pagar para que recolhessem o seu lixo, as pessoas (e conseqüentemente as empresas) se empenhariam mais em produzir coisas usando menos plástico, menos embalagens, menos sacolas.
- **leis contra crimes financeiros:** ao criar legislação para dificultar acesso ao sistema financeiro por parte de criminosos a dificuldade e os custos para acesso a esse mesmo sistema pelas pessoas de bem cresce absurdamente, levando a um percentual enorme de gente incapaz de usá-lo, para detrimento de todos -- e no final das contas os grandes criminosos ainda conseguem burlar tudo.

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Músicas grudentas e conversas

Uma vez que você ouviu uma música grudenta e ela volta, inteira, com toda a melodia e a harmonia, muitos dias depois, contra a sua vontade. Mas uma conversa é impossível de lembrar. Por quê?

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Konsum ist Therapie.
Wolfgang Joop

Umweltbewusstes Verhalten und verantwortungsvoller Konsum zeugen durchaus von einer wünschenswerten Einstellung. Ob man deswegen allerdings einen grünen statt eines schwarzen Freitags braucht, darf getrost bezweifelt werden – zumal es sich um manipulatorische Konzepte handelt. Wie in der politischen Landschaft sind auch hier die Etiketten irgendwas zwischen nichtssagend und trügerisch.

Heute ist also wieder mal «Black Friday», falls Sie es noch nicht mitbekommen haben sollten. Eigentlich haben wir ja eher schon eine ganze «Black Week», der dann oft auch noch ein «Cyber Monday» folgt. Die Werbebranche wird nicht müde, immer neue Anlässe zu erfinden oder zu importieren, um uns zum Konsumieren zu bewegen. Und sie ist damit sehr erfolgreich.

Warum fallen wir auf derartige Werbetricks herein und kaufen im Zweifelsfall Dinge oder Mengen, die wir sicher nicht brauchen? Pure Psychologie, würde ich sagen. Rabattschilder triggern etwas in uns, was den Verstand in Stand-by versetzt. Zusätzlich beeinflussen uns alle möglichen emotionalen Reize und animieren uns zum Schnäppchenkauf.

Gedankenlosigkeit und Maßlosigkeit können besonders bei der Ernährung zu ernsten Problemen führen. Erst kürzlich hat mir ein Bekannter nach einer USA-Reise erzählt, dass es dort offenbar nicht unüblich ist, schon zum ausgiebigen Frühstück in einem Restaurant wenigstens einen Liter Cola zu trinken. Gerne auch mehr, um das Gratis-Nachfüllen des Bechers auszunutzen.

Kritik am schwarzen Freitag und dem unnötigen Konsum kommt oft von Umweltschützern. Neben Ressourcenverschwendung, hohem Energieverbrauch und wachsenden Müllbergen durch eine zunehmende Wegwerfmentalität kommt dabei in der Regel auch die «Klimakrise» auf den Tisch.

Die EU-Kommission lancierte 2015 den Begriff «Green Friday» im Kontext der überarbeiteten Rechtsvorschriften zur Kennzeichnung der Energieeffizienz von Elektrogeräten. Sie nutzte die Gelegenheit kurz vor dem damaligen schwarzen Freitag und vor der UN-Klimakonferenz COP21, bei der das Pariser Abkommen unterzeichnet werden sollte.

Heute wird ein grüner Freitag oft im Zusammenhang mit der Forderung nach «nachhaltigem Konsum» benutzt. Derweil ist die Europäische Union schon weit in ihr Geschäftsmodell des «Green New Deal» verstrickt. In ihrer Propaganda zum Klimawandel verspricht sie tatsächlich «Unterstützung der Menschen und Regionen, die von immer häufigeren Extremwetter-Ereignissen betroffen sind». Was wohl die Menschen in der Region um Valencia dazu sagen?

Ganz im Sinne des Great Reset propagierten die Vereinten Nationen seit Ende 2020 eine «grüne Erholung von Covid-19, um den Klimawandel zu verlangsamen». Der UN-Umweltbericht sah in dem Jahr einen Schwerpunkt auf dem Verbraucherverhalten. Änderungen des Konsumverhaltens des Einzelnen könnten dazu beitragen, den Klimaschutz zu stärken, hieß es dort.

Der Begriff «Schwarzer Freitag» wurde in den USA nicht erstmals für Einkäufe nach Thanksgiving verwendet – wie oft angenommen –, sondern für eine Finanzkrise. Jedoch nicht für den Börsencrash von 1929, sondern bereits für den Zusammenbruch des US-Goldmarktes im September 1869. Seitdem mussten die Menschen weltweit so einige schwarze Tage erleben.

Kürzlich sind die britischen Aufsichtsbehörden weiter von ihrer Zurückhaltung nach dem letzten großen Finanzcrash von 2008 abgerückt. Sie haben Regeln für den Bankensektor gelockert, womit sie «verantwortungsvolle Risikobereitschaft» unterstützen wollen. Man würde sicher zu schwarz sehen, wenn man hier ein grünes Wunder befürchten würde.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

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Und plötzlich weißt du:
Es ist Zeit, etwas Neues zu beginnen
und dem Zauber des Anfangs zu vertrauen.
Meister Eckhart

Schwarz, rot, gold leuchtet es im Kopf des Newsletters der deutschen Bundesregierung, der mir freitags ins Postfach flattert. Rot, gelb und grün werden daneben sicher noch lange vielzitierte Farben sein, auch wenn diese nie geleuchtet haben. Die Ampel hat sich gerade selber den Stecker gezogen – und hinterlässt einen wirtschaftlichen und gesellschaftlichen Trümmerhaufen.

Mit einem bemerkenswerten Timing hat die deutsche Regierungskoalition am Tag des «Comebacks» von Donald Trump in den USA endlich ihr Scheitern besiegelt. Während der eine seinen Sieg bei den Präsidentschaftswahlen feierte, erwachten die anderen jäh aus ihrer Selbsthypnose rund um Harris-Hype und Trump-Panik – mit teils erschreckenden Auswüchsen. Seit Mittwoch werden die Geschicke Deutschlands nun von einer rot-grünen Minderheitsregierung «geleitet» und man steuert auf Neuwahlen zu.

Das Kindergarten-Gehabe um zwei konkurrierende Wirtschaftsgipfel letzte Woche war bereits bezeichnend. In einem Strategiepapier gestand Finanzminister Lindner außerdem den «Absturz Deutschlands» ein und offenbarte, dass die wirtschaftlichen Probleme teilweise von der Ampel-Politik «vorsätzlich herbeigeführt» worden seien.

Lindner und weitere FDP-Minister wurden also vom Bundeskanzler entlassen. Verkehrs- und Digitalminister Wissing trat flugs aus der FDP aus; deshalb darf er nicht nur im Amt bleiben, sondern hat zusätzlich noch das Justizministerium übernommen. Und mit Jörg Kukies habe Scholz «seinen Lieblingsbock zum Obergärtner», sprich: Finanzminister befördert, meint Norbert Häring.

Es gebe keine Vertrauensbasis für die weitere Zusammenarbeit mit der FDP, hatte der Kanzler erklärt, Lindner habe zu oft sein Vertrauen gebrochen. Am 15. Januar 2025 werde er daher im Bundestag die Vertrauensfrage stellen, was ggf. den Weg für vorgezogene Neuwahlen freimachen würde.

Apropos Vertrauen: Über die Hälfte der Bundesbürger glauben, dass sie ihre Meinung nicht frei sagen können. Das ging erst kürzlich aus dem diesjährigen «Freiheitsindex» hervor, einer Studie, die die Wechselwirkung zwischen Berichterstattung der Medien und subjektivem Freiheitsempfinden der Bürger misst. «Beim Vertrauen in Staat und Medien zerreißt es uns gerade», kommentierte dies der Leiter des Schweizer Unternehmens Media Tenor, das die Untersuchung zusammen mit dem Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach durchführt.

«Die absolute Mehrheit hat absolut die Nase voll», titelte die Bild angesichts des «Ampel-Showdowns». Die Mehrheit wolle Neuwahlen und die Grünen sollten zuerst gehen, lasen wir dort.

Dass «Insolvenzminister» Robert Habeck heute seine Kandidatur für das Kanzleramt verkündet hat, kann nur als Teil der politmedialen Realitätsverweigerung verstanden werden. Wer allerdings denke, schlimmer als in Zeiten der Ampel könne es nicht mehr werden, sei reichlich optimistisch, schrieb Uwe Froschauer bei Manova. Und er kenne Friedrich Merz schlecht, der sich schon jetzt rhetorisch auf seine Rolle als oberster Feldherr Deutschlands vorbereite.

Was also tun? Der Schweizer Verein «Losdemokratie» will eine Volksinitiative lancieren, um die Bestimmung von Parlamentsmitgliedern per Los einzuführen. Das Losverfahren sorge für mehr Demokratie, denn als Alternative zum Wahlverfahren garantiere es eine breitere Beteiligung und repräsentativere Parlamente. Ob das ein Weg ist, sei dahingestellt.

In jedem Fall wird es notwendig sein, unsere Bemühungen um Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung zu verstärken. Mehr Unabhängigkeit von staatlichen und zentralen Institutionen – also die Suche nach dezentralen Lösungsansätzen – gehört dabei sicher zu den Möglichkeiten. Das gilt sowohl für jede/n Einzelne/n als auch für Entitäten wie die alternativen Medien.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Es ist besser, ein Licht zu entzünden, als auf die Dunkelheit zu schimpfen. Konfuzius

Die Bemühungen um Aufarbeitung der sogenannten Corona-Pandemie, um Aufklärung der Hintergründe, Benennung von Verantwortlichkeiten und das Ziehen von Konsequenzen sind durchaus nicht eingeschlafen. Das Interesse daran ist unter den gegebenen Umständen vielleicht nicht sonderlich groß, aber es ist vorhanden.

Der sächsische Landtag hat gestern die Einsetzung eines Untersuchungsausschusses zur Corona-Politik beschlossen. In einer Sondersitzung erhielt ein entsprechender Antrag der AfD-Fraktion die ausreichende Zustimmung, auch von einigen Abgeordneten des BSW.

In den Niederlanden wird Bill Gates vor Gericht erscheinen müssen. Sieben durch die Covid-«Impfstoffe» geschädigte Personen hatten Klage eingereicht. Sie werfen unter anderem Gates, Pfizer-Chef Bourla und dem niederländischen Staat vor, sie hätten gewusst, dass diese Präparate weder sicher noch wirksam sind.

Mit den mRNA-«Impfstoffen» von Pfizer/BioNTech befasst sich auch ein neues Buch. Darin werden die Erkenntnisse von Ärzten und Wissenschaftlern aus der Analyse interner Dokumente über die klinischen Studien der Covid-Injektion präsentiert. Es handelt sich um jene in den USA freigeklagten Papiere, die die Arzneimittelbehörde (Food and Drug Administration, FDA) 75 Jahre unter Verschluss halten wollte.

Ebenfalls Wissenschaftler und Ärzte, aber auch andere Experten organisieren als Verbundnetzwerk Corona-Solution kostenfreie Online-Konferenzen. Ihr Ziel ist es, «wissenschaftlich, demokratisch und friedlich» über Impfstoffe und Behandlungsprotokolle gegen SARS-CoV-2 aufzuklären und die Diskriminierung von Ungeimpften zu stoppen. Gestern fand eine weitere Konferenz statt. Ihr Thema: «Corona und modRNA: Von Toten, Lebenden und Physik lernen».

Aufgrund des Digital Services Acts (DSA) der Europäischen Union sei das Risiko groß, dass ihre Arbeit als «Fake-News» bezeichnet würde, so das Netzwerk. Staatlich unerwünschte wissenschaftliche Aufklärung müsse sich passende Kanäle zur Veröffentlichung suchen. Ihre Live-Streams seien deshalb zum Beispiel nicht auf YouTube zu finden.

Der vielfältige Einsatz für Aufklärung und Aufarbeitung wird sich nicht stummschalten lassen. Nicht einmal der Zensurmeister der EU, Deutschland, wird so etwas erreichen. Die frisch aktivierten «Trusted Flagger» dürften allerdings künftige Siege beim «Denunzianten-Wettbewerb» im Kontext des DSA zusätzlich absichern.

Wo sind die Grenzen der Meinungsfreiheit? Sicher gibt es sie. Aber die ideologische Gleichstellung von illegalen mit unerwünschten Äußerungen verfolgt offensichtlich eher das Ziel, ein derart elementares demokratisches Grundrecht möglichst weitgehend auszuhebeln. Vorwürfe wie «Hassrede», «Delegitimierung des Staates» oder «Volksverhetzung» werden heute inflationär verwendet, um Systemkritik zu unterbinden. Gegen solche Bestrebungen gilt es, sich zu wehren.

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Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum dritten Geburtstag, liebe Denk Bar! Wieso zum dritten? Das war doch 2022 und jetzt sind wir im Jahr 2024, oder? Ja, das ist schon richtig, aber bei Geburtstagen erinnere ich mich immer auch an meinen Vater, und der behauptete oft, der erste sei ja schließlich der Tag der Geburt selber und den müsse man natürlich mitzählen. Wo er recht hat, hat er nunmal recht. Konsequenterweise wird also heute dieser Blog an seinem dritten Geburtstag zwei Jahre alt.

Das ist ein Grund zum Feiern, wie ich finde. Einerseits ganz einfach, weil es dafür gar nicht genug Gründe geben kann. «Das Leben sind zwei Tage», lautet ein gängiger Ausdruck hier in Andalusien. In der Tat könnte es so sein, auch wenn wir uns im Alltag oft genug von der Routine vereinnahmen lassen.

Seit dem Start der Denk Bar vor zwei Jahren ist unglaublich viel passiert. Ebenso wie die zweieinhalb Jahre davor, und all jenes war letztlich auch der Auslöser dafür, dass ich begann, öffentlich zu schreiben. Damals notierte ich:

«Seit einigen Jahren erscheint unser öffentliches Umfeld immer fragwürdiger, widersprüchlicher und manchmal schier unglaublich - jede Menge Anlass für eigene Recherchen und Gedanken, ganz einfach mit einer Portion gesundem Menschenverstand.»

Wir erleben den sogenannten «großen Umbruch», einen globalen Coup, den skrupellose Egoisten clever eingefädelt haben und seit ein paar Jahren knallhart – aber nett verpackt – durchziehen, um buchstäblich alles nach ihrem Gusto umzukrempeln. Die Gelegenheit ist ja angeblich günstig und muss genutzt werden.

Nie hätte ich mir träumen lassen, dass ich so etwas jemals miterleben müsste. Die Bosheit, mit der ganz offensichtlich gegen die eigene Bevölkerung gearbeitet wird, war früher für mich unvorstellbar. Mein (Rest-) Vertrauen in alle möglichen Bereiche wie Politik, Wissenschaft, Justiz, Medien oder Kirche ist praktisch komplett zerstört. Einen «inneren Totalschaden» hatte ich mal für unsere Gesellschaften diagnostiziert.

Was mich vielleicht am meisten erschreckt, ist zum einen das Niveau der Gleichschaltung, das weltweit erreicht werden konnte, und zum anderen die praktisch totale Spaltung der Gesellschaft. Haben wir das tatsächlich mit uns machen lassen?? Unfassbar! Aber das Werkzeug «Angst» ist sehr mächtig und funktioniert bis heute.

Zum Glück passieren auch positive Dinge und neue Perspektiven öffnen sich. Für viele Menschen waren und sind die Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre ein Augenöffner. Sie sehen «Querdenken» als das, was es ist: eine Tugend.

Auch die immer ernsteren Zensurbemühungen sind letztlich nur ein Zeichen der Schwäche, wo Argumente fehlen. Sie werden nicht verhindern, dass wir unsere Meinung äußern, unbequeme Fragen stellen und dass die Wahrheit peu à peu ans Licht kommt. Es gibt immer Mittel und Wege, auch für uns.

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Danke, dass du diesen Weg mit mir weitergehst!

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Ein Lämmchen löschte an einem Bache seinen Durst. Fern von ihm, aber näher der Quelle, tat ein Wolf das gleiche. Kaum erblickte er das Lämmchen, so schrie er:

"Warum trübst du mir das Wasser, das ich trinken will?"

"Wie wäre das möglich", erwiderte schüchtern das Lämmchen, "ich stehe hier unten und du so weit oben; das Wasser fließt ja von dir zu mir; glaube mir, es kam mir nie in den Sinn, dir etwas Böses zu tun!"

"Ei, sieh doch! Du machst es gerade, wie dein Vater vor sechs Monaten; ich erinnere mich noch sehr wohl, daß auch du dabei warst, aber glücklich entkamst, als ich ihm für sein Schmähen das Fell abzog!"

"Ach, Herr!" flehte das zitternde Lämmchen, "ich bin ja erst vier Wochen alt und kannte meinen Vater gar nicht, so lange ist er schon tot; wie soll ich denn für ihn büßen."

"Du Unverschämter!" so endigt der Wolf mit erheuchelter Wut, indem er die Zähne fletschte. "Tot oder nicht tot, weiß ich doch, daß euer ganzes Geschlecht mich hasset, und dafür muß ich mich rächen."

Ohne weitere Umstände zu machen, zerriß er das Lämmchen und verschlang es.

Das Gewissen regt sich selbst bei dem größten Bösewichte; er sucht doch nach Vorwand, um dasselbe damit bei Begehung seiner Schlechtigkeiten zu beschwichtigen.

Quelle: https://eden.one/fabeln-aesop-das-lamm-und-der-wolf

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Bluesky is a scam

Bluesky advertises itself as an open network, they say people won't lose followers or their identity, they advertise themselves as a protocol ("atproto") and because of that they are tricking a lot of people into using them. These three claims are false.

protocolness

Bluesky is a company. "atproto" is the protocol. Supposedly they are two different things, right? Bluesky just releases software that implements the protocol, but others can also do that, it's open!

And yet, the protocol has an official webpage with a waitlist and a private beta? Why is the protocol advertised as a company product? Because it is. The "protocol" is just a description of whatever the Bluesky app and servers do, it can and does change anytime the Bluesky developers decide they want to change it, and it will keep changing for as long as Bluesky apps and servers control the biggest part of the network.

Oh, so there is the possibility of other players stepping in and then it becomes an actual interoperable open protocol? Yes, but what is the likelihood of that happening? It is very low. No serious competitor is likely to step in and build serious apps using a protocol that is directly controlled by Bluesky. All we will ever see are small "community" apps made by users and small satellite small businesses -- not unlike the people and companies that write plugins, addons and alternative clients for popular third-party centralized platforms.

And last, even if it happens that someone makes an app so good that it displaces the canonical official Bluesky app, then that company may overtake the protocol itself -- not because they're evil, but because there is no way it cannot be like this.

identity

According to their own documentation, the Bluesky people were looking for an identity system that provided global ids, key rotation and human-readable names.

They must have realized that such properties are not possible in an open and decentralized system, but instead of accepting a tradeoff they decided they wanted all their desired features and threw away the "decentralized" part, quite literally and explicitly (although they make sure to hide that piece in the middle of a bunch of code and text that very few will read).

The "DID Placeholder" method they decided to use for their global identities is nothing more than a normal old boring trusted server controlled by Bluesky that keeps track of who is who and can, at all times, decide to ban a person and deprive them from their identity (they dismissively call a "denial of service attack").

They decided to adopt this method as a placeholder until someone else doesn't invent the impossible alternative that would provide all their desired properties in a decentralized manner -- which is nothing more than a very good excuse: "yes, it's not great now, but it will improve!".

openness

Months after launching their product with an aura of decentralization and openness and getting a bunch of people inside that believed, falsely, they were joining an actually open network, Bluesky has decided to publish a part of their idea of how other people will be able to join their open network.

When I first saw their app and how they were very prominently things like follower counts, like counts and other things that are typical of centralized networks and can't be reliable or exact on truly open networks (like Nostr), I asked myself how were they going to do that once they became and open "federated" network as they were expected to be.

Turns out their decentralization plan is to just allow you, as a writer, to host your own posts on "personal data stores", but not really have any control over the distribution of the posts. All posts go through the Bluesky central server, called BGS, and they decide what to do with it. And you, as a reader, doesn't have any control of what you're reading from either, all you can do is connect to the BGS and ask for posts. If the BGS decides to ban, shadow ban, reorder, miscount, hide, deprioritize, trick or maybe even to serve ads, then you are out of luck.

Oh, but anyone can run their own BGS!, they will say. Even in their own blog post announcing the architecture they assert that "it’s a fairly resource-demanding service" and "there may be a few large full-network providers". But I fail to see why even more than one network provider will exist, if Bluesky is already doing that job, and considering the fact there are very little incentives for anyone to switch providers -- because the app does not seem to be at all made to talk to multiple providers, one would have to stop using the reliable, fast and beefy official BGS and start using some half-baked alternative and risk losing access to things.

When asked about the possibility of switching, one of Bluesky overlords said: "it would look something like this: bluesky has gone evil. there's a new alternative called freesky that people are rushing to. I'm switching to freesky".

The quote is very naïve and sounds like something that could be said about Twitter itself: "if Twitter is evil you can just run your own social network". Both are fallacies because they ignore the network-effect and the fact that people will never fully agree that something is "evil". In fact these two are the fundamental reasons why -- for social networks specifically (and not for other things like commerce) -- we need truly open protocols with no owners and no committees.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Jofer

Jofer era um jogador diferente. À primeira vista não, parecia igual, um volante combativo, perseguia os atacantes adversários implacavelmente, um bom jogador. Mas não era essa a característica que diferenciava Jofer. Jofer era, digamos, um chutador.

Começou numa semifinal de um torneio de juniores. O time de Jofer precisava do empate e estava sofrendo uma baita pressão do adversário, mas o jogo estava 1 a 1 e parecia que ia ficar assim mesmo, daquele jeito futebolístico que parece, parece mesmo. Só que aos 46 do segundo tempo tomaram um gol espírita, Ruizinho do outro time saiu correndo pela esquerda e, mesmo sendo canhoto, foi cortando para o meio, os zagueiros meio que achando que já tinha acabado mesmo, devia ter só mais aquele lance, o árbitro tinha dado dois minutos, Ruizinho chutou, marcou e o goleiro, que só pulou depois que já tinha visto que não ia ter jeito, ficou xingando.

A bola saiu do meio e tocaram para Jofer, ninguém nem veio marcá-lo, o outro time já estava comemorando, e com razão, o juiz estava de sacanagem em fazer o jogo continuar, já estava tudo acabado mesmo. Mas não, estava certo, mais um minuto de acréscimo, justo. Em um minuto dá pra fazer um gol. Mas como? Jofer pensou nas partidas da NBA em que com alguns centésimos de segundo faltando o armador jogava de qualquer jeito para a cesta e às vezes acertava. De trás do meio de campo, será? Não vou ter nem força pra fazer chegar no gol. Vou virar piada, melhor tocar pro Fumaça ali do lado e a gente perde sem essa humilhação no final. Mas, poxa, e daí? Vou tentar mesmo assim, qualquer coisa eu falo que foi um lançamento e daqui a uns dias todo mundo esquece. Olhou para o próprio pé, virou ele de ladinho, pra fora e depois pra dentro (bom, se eu pegar daqui, direitinho, quem sabe?), jogou a bola pro lado e bateu. A bola subiu escandalosamente, muito alta mesmo, deve ter subido uns 200 metros. Jofer não tinha como ter a menor noção. Depois foi descendo, o goleirão voltando correndo para debaixo da trave e olhando pra bola, foi chegando e pulando já só pra acompanhar, para ver, dependurado no travessão, a bola sair ainda bem alta, ela bateu na rede lateral interna antes de bater no chão, quicar violentamente e estufar a rede no alto do lado direito de quem olhava.

Mas isso tudo foi sonho do Jofer. Sonhou acordado, numa noite em que demorou pra dormir, deitado na sua cama. Ficou pensando se não seria fácil, se ele treinasse bastante, acertar o gol bem de longe, tipo no sonho, e se não dava pra fazer gol assim. No dia seguinte perguntou a Brunildinho, o treinador de goleiros. Era difícil defender essas bolas, ainda mais se elas subissem muito, o goleiro ficava sem perspectiva, o vento alterava a trajetória a cada instante, tinha efeito, ela cairia rápido, mas claro que não valia à pena treinar isso, a chance de acertar o gol era minúscula. Mas Jofer só ia tentar depois que treinasse bastante e comprovasse o que na sua imaginação parecia uma excelente idéia.

Começou a treinar todos os dias. Primeiro escondido, por vergonha dos colegas, chegava um pouco antes e ficava lá, chutando do círculo central. Ao menor sinal de gente se aproximando, parava e ia catar as bolas. Depois, quando começou a acertar, perdeu a vergonha. O pessoal do clube todo achava engraçado quando via Jofer treinando e depois ouvia a explicação da boca de alguém, ninguém levava muito a sério, mas também não achava de todo ridículo. O pessoal ria, mas no fundo torcia praquilo dar certo, mesmo.

Aconteceu que num jogo que não valia muita coisa, empatezinho feio, aos 40 do segundo tempo, a marcação dos adversários já não estava mais pressionando, todo mundo contente com o empate e com vontade de parar de jogar já, o Henrique, meia-esquerdo, humilde, mas ainda assim um pouco intimidante para Jofer (jogava demais), tocou pra ele. Vai lá, tenta sua loucura aí. Assumiu a responsabilidade do nosso volante introspectivo. Seria mais verossímil se Jofer tivesse errado, primeira vez que tentou, restava muito tempo ainda pra ele ter a chance de ser herói, ninguém acerta de primeira, mas ele acertou. Quase como no sonho, Lucas, o goleiro, não esperava, depois que viu o lance, riu-se, adiantou-se para pegar a bola que ele julgava que quicaria na área, mas ela foi mais pra frente, mais e mais, daí Lucas já estava correndo, só que começou a pensar que ela ia pra fora, e ele ia só se dependurar no travessão e fazer seu papel de estar na bola. Acabou que por conta daquele gol eles terminaram em segundo no grupo daquele torneiozinho, ao invés de terceiro, e não fez diferença nenhuma.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

O caso da Grêmio TV

enquanto vinha se conduzindo pela plataforma superior daquela arena que se pensava totalmente preenchida por adeptos da famosa equipe do Grêmio de Porto Alegre, viu-se, como por obra de algum nigromante - dos muitos que existem e estão a todo momento a fazer más obras e a colocar-se no caminhos dos que procuram, se não fazer o bem acima de todas as coisas, a pelo menos não fazer o mal no curso da realização dos seus interesses -, o discretíssimo jornalista a ser xingado e moído em palavras por uma horda de malandrinos a cinco ou seis passos dele surgida que cantavam e moviam seus braços em movimentos que não se pode classificar senão como bárbaros, e assim cantavam:

Grêmio TV pior que o SBT !

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Replacing the web with something saner

This is a simplification, but let's say that basically there are just 3 kinds of websites:

1. Websites with content: text, images, videos;
2. Websites that run full apps that do a ton of interactive stuff;
3. Websites with some interactive content that uses JavaScript, or "mini-apps";

In a saner world we would have 3 different ways of serving and using these. 1 would be "the web" (and it was for a while, although I'm not claiming here that the past is always better and wanting to get back to the glorious old days).

1 would stay as "the web", just static sites, styled with CSS, no JavaScript whatsoever, but designers can still thrive and make they look pretty. Or it could also be something like Gemini. Maybe the two protocols could coexist.

2 would be downloadable native apps, much easier to write and maintain for developers (considering that multi-platform and cross-compilation is easy today and getting easier), faster, more polished experience for users, more powerful, integrates better with the computer.

(Remember that since no one would be striving to make the same app run both on browsers and natively no one would have any need for Electron or other inefficient bloated solutions, just pure native UI, like the Telegram app, have you seen that? It's fast.)

But 2 is mostly for apps that people use every day, something like Google Docs, email (although email is also broken technology), Netflix, Twitter, Trello and so on, and all those hundreds of niche SaaS that people pay monthly fees to use, each tailored to a different industry (although most of functions they all implement are the same everywhere). What do we do with dynamic open websites like StackOverflow, for example, where one needs to not only read, but also search and interact in multiple ways? What about that website that asks you a bunch of questions and then discovers the name of the person you're thinking about? What about that mini-app that calculates the hash of your provided content or shrinks your video, or that one that hosts your image without asking any questions?

All these and tons of others would fall into category 3, that of instantly loaded apps that you don't have to install, and yet they run in a sandbox.

The key for making category 3 worth investing time into is coming up with some solid grounds, simple enough that anyone can implement in multiple different ways, but not giving the app too much choices.

Telegram or Discord bots are super powerful platforms that can accomodate most kinds of app in them. They can't beat a native app specifically made with one purpose, but they allow anyone to provide instantly usable apps with very low overhead, and since the experience is so simple, intuitive and fast, users tend to like it and sometimes even pay for their services. There could exist a protocol that brings apps like that to the open world of (I won't say "web") domains and the websockets protocol -- with multiple different clients, each making their own decisions on how to display the content sent by the servers that are powering these apps.

Another idea is that of Alan Kay: to design a nice little OS/virtual machine that can load these apps and run them. Kinda like browsers are today, but providing a more well-thought, native-like experience and framework, but still sandboxed. And I add: abstracting away details about design, content disposition and so on.

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These 3 kinds of programs could coexist peacefully. 2 are just standalone programs, they can do anything and each will be its own thing. 1 and 3, however, are still similar to browsers of today in the sense that you need clients to interact with servers and show to the user what they are asking. But by simplifying everything and separating the scopes properly these clients would be easy to write, efficient, small, the environment would be open and the internet would be saved.

See also

• On the state of programs and browsers

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

IPFS problems: General confusion

Most IPFS open-source projects, libraries and apps (excluding Ethereum stuff) are things that rely heavily on dynamic data and temporary links. The most common projects you'll see when following the IPFS communities are chat rooms and similar things. I've seen dozens of these chat-rooms. There's also a famous IPFS-powered database. How can you do these things with content-addressing is a mistery. Of course they probably rely on IPNS or other external address system.

There's also a bunch of "file-sharing" on IPFS. The kind of thing people use for temporary making a file available for a third-party. There's image sharing on IPFS, pastebins on IPFS and so on. People don't seem to share the preoccupation with broken links here.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Scala is such a great language

Scala is amazing. The type system has the perfect balance between flexibility and powerfulness. match statements are great. You can write imperative code that looks very nice and expressive (and I haven't tried writing purely functional things yet). Everything is easy to write and cheap and neovim integration works great.

But Java is not great. And the fact that Scala is a JVM language doesn't help because over the years people have written stuff that depends on Java libraries -- and these Java libraries are not as safe as the Scala libraries, they contain reflection, slowness, runtime errors, all kinds of horrors.

Scala is also very tightly associated with Akka, the actor framework, and Akka is a giant collection of anti-patterns. Untyped stuff, reflection, dependency on JVM, basically a lot of javisms. I just arrived and I don't know anything about the Scala history or ecosystem or community, but I have the impression that Akka has prevent more adoption of Scala from decent people that aren't Java programmers.

But luckily there is a solution -- or two solutions: ScalaJS is a great thing that exists. It transpiles Scala code into JavaScript and it runs on NodeJS or in a browser!

Scala Native is a much better deal, though, it compiles to LLVM and then to binary code and you can have single binaries that run directly without a JVM -- not that the single JARs are that bad though, they are great and everybody has Java so I'll take that anytime over C libraries or NPM-distributed software, but direct executables even better. Scala Native just needs a little more love and some libraries and it will be the greatest thing in a couple of years.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Que vença o melhor

Nos esportes e jogos em geral, existe uma constante preocupação em balancear os incentivos e atributos do jogo, as regras do esporte em si e as regras das competições para que o melhor vença, ou, em outras palavras, para que sejam minimizados os outros fatores exceto a habilidade mais pura quanto possível no jogo em questão.

O mundo fora dos jogos, porém, nem sempre pode ter suas regras mudadas por um ente que as controla e está imbuído da vontade e dos meios para escolher as melhores regras possíveis para a obtenção dos resultados acima. Aliás, é muitas vezes essa possibilidade é até impensável. Mesmo quando ela é pensável e levada em conta os fatores que operam no mundo real não são facilmente identificáveis, eles são muitos, e mudam o tempo todo.

Mais do que isso, ao contrário de um jogo em que o objetivo é praticamente o mesmo para todo mundo, os objetivos de cada agente no mundo real são diferentes e incontáveis, e as "competições" que cada um está disputando são diferentes e muitas, cada minúsculo ato de suas vidas compreendendo várias delas simultaneamente.

Da mesma forma, é impossível conceber até mesmo o conceito de "melhor" para que se deseje que ele vença.

Mesmo assim é comum encontrarmos em várias situações gente que parte do princípio de que se Fulano está num certo lugar (por exemplo, um emprego muito bom) e Beltrano não isso se deve ao fato de Fulano ter sido melhor que Beltrano.

Está aí uma crítica à idéia da meritocracia (eu tinha me esquecido que essa palavra existia).

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Token-Curated Registries

So you want to build a TCR?

TCRs (Token Curated Registries) are a construct for maintaining registries on Ethereum. Imagine you have lots of scissor brands and you want a list with only the good scissors. You want to make sure only the good scissors make into that list and not the bad scissors. For that, people will tell you, you can just create a TCR of the best scissors!

It works like this: some people have the token, let's call it Scissor Token. Some other person, let's say it's a scissor manufacturer, wants to put his scissor on the list, this guy must acquire some Scissor Tokens and "stake" it. Holders of the Scissor Tokens are allowed to vote on "yes" or "no". If "no", the manufactures loses his tokens to the holders, if "yes" then its tokens are kept in deposit, but his scissor brand gets accepted into the registry.

Such a simple process, they say, have strong incentives for being the best possible way of curating a registry of scissors: consumers have the incentive to consult the list because of its high quality; manufacturers have the incentive to buy tokens and apply to join the list because the list is so well-curated and consumers always consult it; token holders want the registry to accept good and reject bad scissors because that good decisions will make the list good for consumers and thus their tokens more valuable, bad decisions will do the contrary. It doesn't make sense, to reject everybody just to grab their tokens, because that would create an incentive against people trying to enter the list.

Amazing! How come such a simple system of voting has such enourmous features? Now we can have lists of everything so well-curated, and for that we just need Ethereum tokens!

Now let's imagine a different proposal, of my own creation: SPCR, Single-person curated registries.

Single-person Curated Registries are equal to TCR, except they don't use Ethereum tokens, it's just a list in a text file kept by a single person. People can apply to join, and they will have to give the single person some amount of money, the single person can reject or accept the proposal and so on.

Now let's look at the incentives of SPCR: people will want to consult the registry because it is so well curated; vendors will want to enter the registry because people are consulting it; the single person will want to accept the good and reject the bad applicants because these good decisions are what will make the list valuable.

Amazing! How such a single proposal has such enourmous features! SPCR are going to take over the internet!

What TCR enthusiasts get wrong?

TCR people think they can just list a set of incentives for something to work and assume that something will work. Mix that with Ethereum hype and they think theyve found something unique and revolutionary, while in fact they're just making a poor implementation of "democracy" systems that fail almost everywhere.

The life is not about listing a set of "incentives" and then considering the problems solved. Almost everybody on the Earth has the incentive for being rich: being rich has a lot of advantages over being poor, however not all people get rich! Why are the incentives failing?

Curating lists is a hard problem, it involves a lot of knowledge about the problem that just holding a token won't give you, it involves personal preferences, politics, it involves knowing where is the real limit between "good" and "bad". The Single Person list may have a good result if the single person doing the curation is knowledgeable and honest (yes, you can game the system to accept your uncle's scissors and not their competitor that is much better, for example, without losing the entire list reputation), same thing for TCRs, but it can also fail miserably, and it can appear to be good but be in fact not so good. In all cases, the list entries will reflect the preferences of people choosing and other things that aren't taken into the incentives equation of TCR enthusiasts.

We don't need lists

The most important point to be made, although unrelated to the incentive story, is that we don't need lists. Imagine you're looking for a scissor. You don't want someone to tell if scissor A or B are "good" or "bad", or if A is "better" than B. You want to know if, for your specific situation, or for a class of situations, A will serve well, and do that considering A's price and if A is being sold near you and all that.

Scissors are the worst example ever to make this point, but I hope you get it. If you don't, try imagining the same example with schools, doctors, plumbers, food, whatever.

Recommendation systems are badly needed in our world, and TCRs don't solve these at all.

@ 3bf0c63f:aefa459d

Precautionary Principle

The precautionary principle that people, including Nassim Nicholas Taleb, love and treat as some form of wisdom, is actually just a justification for arbitrary acts.

In a given situation for which there's no sufficient knowledge, either A or B can be seen as risky or precautionary measures, there's no way to know except if you have sufficient knowledge.

---

Someone could reply saying, for example, that the known risk of A is tolerable to the unknown, probably magnitudes bigger, risk of B. Unless you know better or at least have a logical explanation for the risks of B (a thing "scientists" don't have because they notoriously dislike making logical claims), in which case you do know something and is not invoking the precautionary principle anymore, just relying on your logical reasoning – and that can be discussed and questioned by others, undermining your intended usage of the label "precautionary principle" as a magic cover for your actions.

@ f9cf4e94:96abc355

Na era das grandes navegações, piratas ingleses eram autorizados pelo governo para roubar navios.

A única coisa que diferenciava um pirata comum de um corsário é que o último possuía a “Carta do Corso”, que funcionava como um “Alvará para o roubo”, onde o governo Inglês legitimava o roubo de navios por parte dos corsários. É claro, que em troca ele exigia uma parte da espoliação.

Bastante similar com a maneira que a Receita Federal atua, não? Na verdade, o caso é ainda pior, pois o governo fica com toda a riqueza espoliada, e apenas repassa um mísero salário para os corsários modernos, os agentes da receita federal.

Porém eles “justificam” esse roubo ao chamá-lo de imposto, e isso parece acalmar os ânimos de grande parte da população, mas não de nós. Não é por acaso que 'imposto' é o particípio passado do verbo 'impor'. Ou seja, é aquilo que resulta do cumprimento obrigatório -- e não voluntário -- de todos os cidadãos. Se não for 'imposto' ninguém paga. Nem mesmo seus defensores. Isso mostra o quanto as pessoas realmente apreciam os serviços do estado.

Apenas volte um pouco na história: os primeiros pagadores de impostos eram fazendeiros cujos territórios foram invadidos por nômades que pastoreavam seu gado. Esses invasores nômades forçavam os fazendeiros a lhes pagar uma fatia de sua renda em troca de "proteção". O fazendeiro que não concordasse era assassinado.

Os nômades perceberam que era muito mais interessante e confortável apenas cobrar uma taxa de proteção em vez de matar o fazendeiro e assumir suas posses. Cobrando uma taxa, eles obtinham o que necessitavam. Já se matassem os fazendeiros, eles teriam de gerenciar por conta própria toda a produção da fazenda. Daí eles entenderam que, ao não assassinarem todos os fazendeiros que encontrassem pelo caminho, poderiam fazer desta prática um modo de vida.

Assim nasceu o governo.

Não assassinar pessoas foi o primeiro serviço que o governo forneceu. Como temos sorte em ter à nossa disposição esta instituição!

Assim, não deixa de ser curioso que algumas pessoas digam que os impostos são pagos basicamente para impedir que aconteça exatamente aquilo que originou a existência do governo. O governo nasceu da extorsão. Os fazendeiros tinham de pagar um "arrego" para seu governo. Caso contrário, eram assassinados. Quem era a real ameaça? O governo. A máfia faz a mesma coisa.

Mas existe uma forma de se proteger desses corsários modernos. Atualmente, existe uma propriedade privada que NINGUÉM pode tirar de você, ela é sua até mesmo depois da morte. É claro que estamos falando do Bitcoin. Fazendo as configurações certas, é impossível saber que você tem bitcoin. Nem mesmo o governo americano consegue saber.

brasil #bitcoinbrasil #nostrbrasil #grownostr #bitcoin

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Remarkably, I have yet to post about how awesome Brock Bowers has been this year.

I was very down on the Bowers pick in the draft. The Raiders took a premier TE in the previous draft and had serious needs at other positions. I'm happy to take a major L on that reaction. - Bowers is already the best TE in the league and one of the best receivers. - No rookie tight end has ever had more receiving yards and we still have another game to play. - No rookie at any position has ever caught more passes than Bowers and we still have another game to play. - No Raider has ever caught more passes than Bowers and we still have another game to play. Six Hall of Fame wide receivers and one Hall of Fame tight end have played for the Raiders, plus Davante Adams and Darren Waller (the previous franchise record holder).

Since he plays for the Raiders, Bowers did this in anything but a stable situation. He's already had three QB's and two OC's this season.

On the season, Bowers has 108 receptions for 1144 yards and 4 touch downs.

This guy is goddamn incredible and they need to give him a franchise QB with a real OC.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/830318

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

With another win, the Silver and Black slide further down the draft board. Are the hopes of landing a top QB dashed?

Mock Draft

8th Pick: QB Shedeur Sanders! 39th Pick: OT Cameron Williams 69th Pick (nice): CB Maxwell Hairston 70th Pick: DE L.T. Overton 106th Pick: RB Nick Singleton 146th Pick: DT Howard Cross III 183rd Pick: WR Jaylin Noel 212th Pick: OG Luke Kandra 216th Pick: S Dante Trader Jr 223rd Pick: WR Jaylin Lane

Jalen Milroe was still available at 39, so even if Sanders is unrealistic at 8th, we might be able to get our QB in the 2nd round. DE isn't really a major need, but a 2nd round graded edge rusher falling into the third is a nice pick up.

No one jumped out as the obvious choice for the final pick, so I took a 2nd WR named Jaylin. If nothing else, that's sort of fun.

I'd be very happy if they could pull off this draft.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/830074

@ 6538925e:571e55c3

In 2024, listeners sent a total of $127,900 to creators on Fountain

The 2 BTC sent is equivalent to $127,900 based on a daily price conversion but it would be worth nearly 50% more today.

You sent over 40,000 boosts to your favourite shows and artists, with an average boost value of 3,380 sats (around $3.20 at today's price).

To add to that, over 63 million sats were streamed over the course of the year, representing 32% of total value sent.

Here are some of the shows and artists who picked up the top awards in 2024. To read the full article, head to our website.

Read Fountain Rewind 2024

Most Supported Show: Rabbit Hole Recap

Rabbir Hole Recap is a bitcoin news show hosted by Marty Bent and Matt Odell. Over the last three years, RHR has become one of the moved shows among Fountain listeners (affectionately known as ‘freaks’). In 2022 they were #3, in 2023 they were #2, and in 2024 they finally claimed the #1 spot. Congratulations, Marty and ODELL. Your dedication and humility is an inspiration to bitcoiners around the world.

Show with Most Supporters: Mr Obnoxious

Peter McCormack announced earlier this year that What Bitcoin Did, the preeminent podcast he has hosted for as long as we can remember, would come to an end to make way for a new show, Mr Obnoxious. In December, the Real Bedford FC owner announced that Danny Knowles would be the new custodian - much to the relief of the 800 listeners who supported the show this year. Thanks for everything, Pete!

Most Supported Episode: LINUX Unplugged | 545: 3,062 Days Later

LINUX Unplugged is just one of many popular shows about open-source, security and privacy from Jupiter Broadcasting. Editor-in-chief Chris Fisher finishes the year with three shows in Fountain's top 40. How? He and his co-hosts have made boosting a core part the listener experience, with his audience often sending "zip code boosts" (which can get pretty expensive if you live in Alaska).

Most Supported Artist: Ainsley Costello

At just 20 years old, Ainsley has been working toward a career in music for over half her life. Her music is the modern pop soundtrack of the next generation. Ainsley first made "waves" on the internet in August 2023 as the first artist to receive 1 million sats with her hit song “Cherry On Top.” Since then, she has inspired countless artists to follow her path, becoming the face of this exciting new movement.

Artist with Most Supporters: Man Like Kweks

Don Kweka is a producer and rapper from Tanzania. When he's not at his desk working his 9 to 5, he's making beats in his bedroom - and he has been prolific in 2024. Earlier this year he told Forbes he had earned a total of $25.68 from United Masters, the distribution company he uses for traditional DSPs (for which he pays a $60 annual fee). Since first publishing his music on Wavlake, he’s earned 2.3 million sats (over $2,000).

Most Supported Track: Abi Muir | Stockholm

Born in Scotland and now residing in Australia, Abi’s distinctive, goosebump-inducing vocals and heartfelt lyrics define her creative songwriting. Her unique style sees her delivering memorable, catchy pop songs of singer-songwriter prose with a contemporary pop sound. In Stockholm she explores a darker, harder edge to her music that crosses into alt-rock, topped with Muir's piercing, sultry vocals.

### Read Fountain Rewind 2024 in full on our website

To see the full list of award winners, the top 40 shows and artists, plus the top stories from this year, hit the link below.

Read Fountain Rewind 2024

### Share your Rewind for a chance to win Fountain AirPods, limited edition merch and 100,000 sats

Open the app to see your Fountain Rewind (make sure you're using the latest version). Post a screenshot of any screen in your Fountain Rewind on X or Nostr and tag @fountain_app in your post. We will be announcing three lucky winners on Dec 31 - good luck!

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I was supposed to be back in Lisbon right about now, but am still in Florida. The itinerary changed on me, though it was always this way, and I just didn’t know it. Turns out Heather *thought* she had booked the flight for December 29th to arrive on the 30th, but really had booked the 30th to arrive on the 31st. She discovered this on the night of the 28th. It meant we had to cancel a 6:30 am New Year’s Day ski trip to France which was, to be honest, a relief to all of us.

I love skiing, but it entailed a two hour flight to Geneva, an hour drive to our friend’s house, then 40 minutes each way the next few days from there to the slopes, renting all the gear, etc. all while being jetlagged af and not having slept more than a few hours for two days after an eight day international trip to states. And cancelling only cost us half the price of the Lisbon to Geneva tickets, about $450 total, while saving us a couple thousand in meals, four-wheel drive rental car, lift tickets, etc. Plus we get Oscar back early from the dog camp now.

As a result, instead of traveling, I was able to catch some of the games yesterday, mostly the two late ones. My season is done, so this was more just observing how badly I botched my Steak League lineup at the last second and feeling enraged about that.

Anyway, the French alps would have been cool, but Florida isn’t that bad.

• I have Anthony Richardson at QB in the Steak League because you get a point every 10 yards rushing and six points per rushing TD, but only four per passing TD and one point every 25 passing yards. But Richardson was hurt, it was a 14-team league, and the best I could do on waivers was his backup Joe Flacco against the Giants. So I had Flacco in the lineup, but right before we were about to leave for brunch, I saw that Davante Adams was active against the Bills, impulsively picked up Aaron Rodgers and subbed him in for Flacco. That cost me 17 points and could very well result in my buying rather than eating Steak.

• Malik Nabers wears No. 1 and looks like a clone of Ja’Marr Chase in a Giants uniform. He’ll be a first round pick next year, no matter who the Giants QB is. And who knows, maybe Drew Lock is next year’s Sam Darnold.

• The Giants win kicked them out of the top draft slot, and I’m good with that. I don’t want them to be forced to take a QB — better to sign someone unless the rookie is a can’t-miss generational prospect if that even exists anymore.

• I thought I was being clever taking the Cowboys +9.5 with Jalen Hurts iffy, but I was not.

• Saquon Barkley broke 2,000 yards but will probably sit against the Giants next week rather than go for Eric Dickerson’s all-time record of 2,105. It would be easy for him to do, but given he got to 2K in 16 games, and the Eagles are locked into the No. 2 seed, better to rest him. Breaking the 16-game record in a 17-game season means less than it would. The NFL single-season record books are one big asterisk field now.

• When I started Rodgers I was afraid the game might go the way it did, and that Tyrod Taylor was able to engineer two TDs in garbage time was insult to injury. The Jets have packed it in, and I should have factored that into my decision.

• I caught some of the Bengals-Broncos Saturday, but was at a restaurant when the Bengals went for the game-winning FG in overtime, assumed they made it, only to find out later they covered on a third-TD catch by Tee Higgins. This after they should have won on a FG in regulation but for some bizarre clock mismanagement. Tough beat if you had the Broncos +3.5.

• Joe Burrow has 4,641 yards and 42 TDs vs eight picks with one game to go. The Bengals are still alive for the playoffs, but they’d need to beat the Steelers, the resting Chiefs to beat the Broncos and the packed-it-in Jets to beat the Dolphins, so they’re almost drawing dead. It’s too bad because Bengals-Bills in the Wild Card round would be a lot more exciting than Broncos-Bills.

• Chase Brown sprained his ankle on the dumbest play of all time. Why run the ball toward the end zone and slide to avoid scoring at the one? Just kneel down at the six!

• Ja’Marr Chase killed me this week with a meager 9-102-0 line.

• Why wasn’t Marvin Mims getting more looks all year?

• I went 2-3 in Circa, but boy was I right about Chargers -4. Perfect spot for a solid team to destroy a weak one that had played over its head the prior week.

• Ladd McConkey is a bit fragile, but he’ll go around the 2/3 turn in next year’s drafts.

• I didn’t catch much of Rams-Cardinals mercifully. Kyler Murray is so inconsistent.

• Puka Nacua should be a top-10 fantasy pick next year too. The only receivers I’d take ahead of him are Chase, Nabers, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

• Brock Bowers broke Mike Ditka’s rookie receiving record. Depending upon the QB situation there, he might go at the 1-2 turn.

• You have to love games where where the top RBs are Ameer Abdullah and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. I honestly didn’t realize CEH was even on the Saints until I looked at the box score.

• The Panthers play everyone tight except apparently the Bucs. I’m glad they won, and the Falcons lost, as the Bucs are a much more entertaining playoff team.

• Bucky Irving will go no later than the fourth round next year.

• Mike Evans got 97 yards, putting him just 85 shy of 1,000. The Bucs need the game next week against the Saints, too. Only a injury can prevent him from getting there for an 11th straight year.

• What if Mac Jones is next year’s Sam Darnold? Trevor Lawrence might be the next Baker Mayfield too.

• Brian Thomas will go no later than early second-round next year, maybe even late first. I was one pick away in the 14-team RotoWire Dynasty league from getting Nabers and Thomas with my first two picks. Had to settle for Xavier Worthy and Bucky Irving/Jonnu Smith at the 3/4 turn.

• The Dolphins without Tua are bad, but DTR is the worst QB in NFL history.

• Jerry Jeudy is going in the third round again next year, and no one can stop this from happening.

• Darnold threw one bad pick, but otherwise balled out again. He has 35 TDs and 12 picks with 8.2 YPA. If the Vikings upset the Lions in Detroit next week, and he has another big game — which is likely as the Lions defense isn’t good — Darnold will have MVP-type numbers on the 15-2 No. 1 seed. He won’t win because it’s Josh Allen’s “turn” but he would deserve it as much as anyone.

• I didn’t watch the Sunday night game, but I’m glad the Falcons lost. They have no business being near the playoffs.

@ a38a5cd0:92b1b8f0

I was born and raised in Europe—Switzerland, to be exact—and we’ve always had a special relationship with Europe or the EU. Although Switzerland is in the middle of Europe, it has always been isolated—not politically speaking, but through clever negotiations and an attractive financial marketplace.

But it’s still part of Europe, and whenever we drove to Germany, Austria (where I now live), or Italy, we always felt at home. Everyone was welcoming and accepted that Switzerland is the ‘special kid’ on the continent.

This is one of Europe’s superpowers. It lives off its different cultures. Other than America, I’m sorry to compare it, but it feels like many Americans have never left their own country; we can drive somewhere for three hours and pass two or even three countries.

Citizens speak different languages in each country, but we get along because there is a certain ‘European Vibe’ around. These different cultures and societies enable you to find communities where you feel at home and can be the best version of yourself—at least, that’s what I believe and have experienced.

However, the last 15 years have been challenging. Not only from a business standpoint, we tend to regulate and not innovate, but also from a political standpoint.

The EU and specific countries such as Sweden, Germany, and even Austria are fighting with high immigration, the Euro crisis – casually losing over 65% of its purchasing power this past decade – and ever-increasing debt.

Combine that with a keen interest by the majority of the population in Europe for Communism or Socialism. Please don’t ask me why it’s so popular in Europe. I think it could be an outcome of the world war situations where we never wanted to shift extremely right again. Or maybe the openness of the European spirit invites this thoughtfulness.

These ideologies don’t want the individual to succeed. For the better of all, it has always been at the center of these political movements. Inevitably, this idea leads to more poverty, more centralization, and, in the end, less democracy (the favorite word of any left-leaning politician in Europe) with a dictator at the whelm.

For some weird reason, we don’t want individual Europeans to succeed; instead, we have a collectivism that punishes brilliant ideas and nurtures the ever-increasing state.

So, why are you writing this essay then, Joël? Are you a right winger who’s just here to tell us Communism failed and we should do something else? NO! While my political views can definitely be described as conservative, I’m not associated with the right side of the aisle and would describe myself as a libertarian. However, for the European standard, I might be categorized as ‘right-wing,’ but who isn’t these days?!

But to answer the question, I think we have a secret weapon. Many of these freaks are either ignoring or deliberately downplaying because they’re scared of losing power and trying everything to forbid it.

You might have guessed by the title this secret weapon is Bitcoin!

There are apparent reasons why Bitcoin is the ultimate solution for Europe. These reasons are well known, from its scarcity to its natural state as the best reserve asset and its average value increase of 45% each year for the past decade. From a monetary perspective, these points make perfect sense.

However, there is more to the orange coin, especially from a polarization perspective. In Europe, the left and right are so far apart that it’s laughable. Bitcoin is the only asset or ecosystem enabling people from two corners to reunite and agree on something.

In Europe, in particular, this is something like human rights and privacy for every individual on the continent. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Switzerland, Germany, or Portugal. Every citizen of these countries is rooting for human rights and the right to protect your most precious secrecies from third parties, aka the ever-increasing security state.

If you take a closer look at most political debates in Europe, both the left and the right agree that citizens should be able to protect their physical or digital properties and how to be more independent. Bitcoin enables you to do all of these things.

Additionally, mining can be an excellent catalyst for all parties to unite if you examine topics such as energy independence. Lefties can choose renewable energy, while right-wingers can embrace a free and healthy energy market. Bitcoin also enables this.

However, the most significant and crucial point is that Bitcoin will enable all nations to be independent again. Many countries lost their sovereignty mainly due to the EU and the Euro.

We no longer talk about each country’s interests; instead, we insert the sentence, ‘Anything that’s good for the EU.’ While the EEA (European Economic Area) was a noble idea that facilitated trade and economic output in Europe, it was abused and became a regulatory superpower with the EU.

You can see the consequences of this from the sheer number of companies who left Europe or international companies who treat Europe as a secondary market with little interest.

If Nations can regain sovereignty again and nurture their economic or sociological advantages, every citizen in these countries will have a new outlook on life.

All it takes for each of them to make the most important step in their Bitcoin journey; being curious enough to learn more about it, spending some time learning the fundamentals, and getting off zero!

One European nation with great potential for this is my home country, Switzerland. We’re the golden European standard for democracy, sovereignty, a strong economy, and a country where everyone can succeed.

After all, fellow Bitcoiners have already taken the initiative to add Bitcoin to the Swiss National Bank (SNB) ’s balance sheet and have already invested in MicroStrategy.

All it takes is the last step, which is to stack Sats as a strategic treasury reserve asset. As a fellow Swiss citizen and someone who works at a Swiss Bitcoin-only company, I would welcome this step and would love to help out!

To quote Walt Disney: ‘The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.’ So go ahead, Europe, and get started! Block space is limited, and 2140 is edging closer every ten minutes with a new block!

@ 16d11430:61640947

The heart chakra, or Anahata, is revered in spiritual traditions as the center of love, compassion, and harmony. Positioned at the midpoint of the seven energy centers in the body, it symbolizes a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. In esoteric traditions, this chakra is pivotal in processes such as chrism rising, where spiritual energy ascends to higher states of consciousness. While these concepts are often explored metaphysically, modern medical science has begun to uncover fascinating parallels between the symbolic attributes of the heart chakra and the physiological complexity of the heart, particularly its nervous autonomy and its integration with the brain.

The Heart Chakra and Chrism Rising

In the context of chrism rising, the heart chakra represents a transformative stage. As sacred energy moves upward, it transitions from concerns of survival, sexuality, and personal willpower (root, sacral, and solar plexus chakras) to the higher realms of universal love and spiritual connection. This stage signifies the transcendence of ego and the integration of emotions with higher consciousness.

The journey through the heart chakra is marked by the awakening of compassion, forgiveness, and emotional balance. In spiritual terms, it represents the alchemical merging of the material (lower chakras) and spiritual (upper chakras) planes, enabling the individual to experience profound interconnectedness and divine love.

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The Science of the Heart: Autonomy and Neurocardiology

Modern science offers compelling insights into the physiological and neurological sophistication of the heart. The field of neurocardiology has revealed that the heart is far more than a mechanical pump—it is a dynamic organ with its own nervous system, often referred to as the "heart brain."

The Autonomy of the Heart

1. Intrinsic Nervous System:

The heart contains approximately 40,000 neurons, forming a complex neural network capable of independent operation. This "heart brain" can learn, remember, and even make decisions independent of the brain.

It plays a crucial role in regulating heart rhythms and coordinating with the autonomic nervous system.

1. Heart-Brain Communication:

The heart sends more signals to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. These signals influence emotional processing, decision-making, and even higher cognitive functions.

This bidirectional communication underscores the heart's influence on mental and emotional states, echoing the heart chakra's role as an emotional center.

1. Electromagnetic Field:

The heart generates the most powerful electromagnetic field in the body, measurable up to several feet away. This field is thought to synchronize the body's systems and may even influence the energy fields of others, aligning with the heart chakra's association with universal love and connection.

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Mastery of the Heart and Performance Unlocking

From a performance perspective, mastery of the heart-brain connection unlocks extraordinary potential. This mastery aligns with the symbolic unlocking of the heart chakra in spiritual traditions, enabling an individual to operate with clarity, emotional resilience, and enhanced intuition.

1. Heart Rate Variability (HRV):

HRV, a measure of the variation in time between heartbeats, is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system balance. High HRV is associated with emotional resilience, adaptability, and peak performance.

Techniques like heart-focused meditation and coherence training improve HRV, fostering a state of flow and heightened performance.

1. Emotional Regulation:

The heart's intrinsic nervous system plays a critical role in regulating emotions. When the heart is coherent, emotional turbulence is minimized, allowing for calm, focused decision-making.

This mirrors the heart chakra's symbolic function of balancing emotions and fostering inner harmony.

1. Intuition and Decision-Making:

Research suggests that the heart processes and responds to stimuli milliseconds before the brain, contributing to intuitive decision-making.

This intuitive capacity aligns with the spiritual concept of the heart chakra as a portal to higher wisdom.

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Recent Breakthroughs in Heart-Brain Science

Modern research continues to shed light on the profound interplay between the heart and the brain, offering new dimensions to our understanding of the heart's role in physical and emotional health:

1. The Polyvagal Theory:

Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory emphasizes the role of the vagus nerve in regulating the heart and promoting states of safety and connection.

Practices that stimulate the vagus nerve, such as deep breathing and meditation, not only enhance heart-brain coherence but also resonate with spiritual practices aimed at opening the heart chakra.

1. Heart Intelligence:

Studies by the HeartMath Institute demonstrate that cultivating positive emotions, such as gratitude and compassion, improves heart-brain coherence. These findings parallel the spiritual emphasis on love and forgiveness as transformative energies of the heart chakra.

1. Regenerative Medicine:

Advances in understanding the heart's regenerative potential, including its ability to produce new cells, highlight its resilience and adaptability. This mirrors the heart chakra's symbolic association with healing and renewal.

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The Heart Chakra as a Key to Higher Potential

The convergence of spiritual wisdom and scientific insight paints the heart as both a physiological marvel and a metaphysical gateway. In the context of chrism rising, the activation of the heart chakra represents a transformative leap toward love, unity, and higher consciousness. From a scientific perspective, mastering the heart's neural and energetic capabilities unlocks profound emotional balance and peak performance.

Whether through the lens of spiritual tradition or modern science, the heart remains central to human experience—a pulsating vortex of connection, compassion, and boundless potential. By understanding and harmonizing its physical and energetic dimensions, we unlock not only the mastery of ourselves but also our ability to resonate harmoniously with the world around us.

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

No podemos ignorar la importancia que el Reino Visigodo tiene en la configuración de España, de la impronta definitiva que aportó al proceso de etnogénesis para dar la forma definitiva a esa entidad histórica que hoy, tras tres siglos de invasiones germánicas, desde la caída del Imperio Romano a finales del siglo V d.C., hasta el advenimiento del Islam. A modo de contraste, diremos también, que la identidad nacional española, o si se quiere ver así, el alma hispánica, se forjó en claro y evidente contraste con el ocupante sarraceno, y su presencia en el orbe peninsular, junto al recuerdo de la herencia visigoda y los sucesivos concilios toledanos, sirvieron de estímulo al avance de los reinos cristianos del norte. Es decir, España se construyó en la lucha, en el combate abierto contra un enemigo al que consideraba ocupante y representaba una realidad cultural, étnica y civilizacional totalmente antagónica a la naciente realidad hispánica.

De ahí la importancia del sustrato germánico, godo, que viene a agregarse al ya preexistente de hispano-romanos, celtas e íberos. En las últimas décadas esta importancia se ha visto relegada, de forma deliberada, a un segundo plano, y si nuestros padres y abuelos conocían la famosa lista de reyes godos, en la actualidad, su conocimiento entre gran parte de la población española, y especialmente entre los más jóvenes, es puramente testimonial, cuando no inexistente.

|| |:-| |El mapa muestra la distribución territorial de la península ibérica durante el período del Reino Visigodo (409-711 d.C.). Se destacan los dominios visigodos, con Toledo como capital, y las principales ciudades como Emerita, Hispalis, y Cesaraugusta. También se señala la presencia del dominio bizantino en el sureste (Cartago y Córdoba) y la región ocupada por los suevos en el noroeste (Bracara y Lucus). Las áreas de los astures, cántabros y vascones aparecen al norte como zonas independientes.|

No obstante, no queremos hacer aquí una relación de reyes, ni hablar de las estructuras políticas, económicas o religiosas del reino visigodo, sino que pretendemos centrarnos en una sola figura, la del rey Sisebuto, cuya fama y los elogios que se dedican a su persona nos han sido legados por las fuentes de la época. San Isidoro de Sevilla, una de las grandes personalidades de la época —autor de las famosas Etimologías, un compendio del saber antiguo en lo que se consideró como la primera enciclopedia cristiana— y uno de los grandes maestros del Occidente medieval, nos aporta valiosas informaciones sobre Sisebuto:

«fue brillante en su palabra, docto en sus pensamientos y bastante instruido en conocimientos literarios [...]. Fue notable por sus conocimientos bélicos y célebre por sus victorias».

O también en Historia Gothorum:

«se mostró tan clemente después de su victoria, que pagó un precio para dejar en libertad a muchos que habían sido hechos prisioneros por su ejército y reducidos a esclavitud como botín de guerra».

De hecho existió un vínculo de amistad entre Isidoro de Sevilla y Sisebuto, y el primero dedicó al segundo una primera edición de sus Etimologías, y escribió a instancias del monarca visigodo otras obras como De natura rerum. La fama del rey visigodo traspasó fronteras y encontramos referencias a sus virtudes y cualidades personales a través de la Crónica del Pseudo Fredegario, donde se aplican otros calificativos como «varón sabio, piadosisimo y digno de toda alabanza». De modo que las fuentes ya nos permiten trazar un primer retrato general sobre la figura del protagonista de nuestro escrito, y que podríamos resumir así: monarca sabio, guerrero y sensible. Cualidades estas que pueden parecer difícilmente compatibles, pero que nuestro Sisebuto aunaba conformando una poderosa personalidad.

Rey guerrero

Pero antes que nada deberíamos preguntarnos por los orígenes del rey Sisebuto, quien ocupó el trono del reino visigodo durante 9 años, entre el 612 y el 621. Se destacó por su capacidad para defender tanto en las fronteras interiores como exteriores la autoridad de la monarquía visigoda. Prueba de ello fueron las campañas que acometió contra los astures en el Norte, terminando con las veleidades independentistas de estos pueblos belicosos, aunque hay cierto oscurantismo en cuanto a las fuentes. Y paralelamente, en el Sur, las operaciones militares de Sisebuto estuvieron dirigidas contra la provincia bizantina ubicada en el sureste peninsular desde mediados del siglo anterior. Las sucesivas campañas militares consiguieron mermar los dominios bizantinos en la península, especialmente con la conquista de Málaga en 619. Además conviene destacar el notable desarrollo del ejército naval visigodo, alcanzando elevadas cotas de esplendor nunca registradas con monarcas precedentes. No hay datos totalmente contrastados, pero es posible que, con Sisebuto, surgiera una marina organizada.

Las guerras que se libraron entre visigodos y bizantinos fueron cruentas y sanguinarias, generando gran dolor y consternación entre nuestro monarca, algo que, como indican los propios historiadores y cronistas de la época, era bastante infrecuente. En la citada Crónica de Fredegario se le atribuyen ciertas afirmaciones a tal respecto, en las que lamenta las pérdidas humanas y se expresa con un notable humanitarismo:

«Si se producen guerras —escribía Sisebuto a Cesario—, si la cruenta espada se ensaña por doquier, si los vicios de los hombres hacen que los tiempos presentes sean tiempos belicosos, ¿qué cuentas, pensadlo, habrá que rendir a Dios por tantos crímenes, por tantas calamidades, por tantas funestas heridas?»

«Se mostró tan clemente después de su victoria —dice San Isidoro en Historia de los Godos— que pagó un precio con el fin de dejar en libertad a muchos que habían sido hechos prisioneros por su ejército y reducidos a esclavitud, llegando incluso su tesoro a servir para el rescate de los cautivos.»

Lo fundamental para Sisebuto era la unificación del territorio peninsular bajo el poder godo, pero no solo empleó medios militares, sino que también hizo uso de la diplomacia. Respecto a este tema, se conservan dos cartas de la correspondencia entre Sisebuto y el gobernador provincial e imperial en España, Cesario, en torno a la disputas entre visigodos y bizantinos relacionadas con los prisioneros de guerra. Con ocasión de la captura del obispo Cecilio de Mentesa por parte de los bizantinos, Cesario se apresuró a ponerlo en libertad y escribió al rey Sisebuto para comunicárselo con las siguientes palabras:

«Nuestro beatísimo padre, Cecilio, fue capturado por nuestros hombres, mas en consideración a Dios y vuestro reino y como prueba de buena voluntad, lo liberamos rápidamente y pusimos la mayor diligencia para que fuera devuelto a su santa iglesia y enviado a vuestra presencia».

Sisebuto respondió a Cesario de manera cordial y afectuosa, lo que supuso la toma de contacto a través de una delegación diplomática entre ambas partes, godos y bizantinos, que condujo a un acuerdo. Los bizantinos no serían expulsados definitivamente del territorio peninsular hasta el reinado de Suintila (588-633).

Rey sabio

El monarca visigodo también fue un notable erudito e intelectual, muy destacado en una época de gran esplendor cultural capitaneada por San Isidoro de Sevilla, de quien ya hemos dicho que mantuvo una estrecha relación con Sisebuto. Las famosas Etimologías isidorianas estuvieron consagradas en su primera edición a la figura del rey a través de las siguientes palabras, que le honraban a través de la siguiente dedicatoria:

«Como te he prometido —escribía al rey el obispo hispalense— te envío ahora la obra acerca “Del origen” de ciertas cosas, recopilada con el recuerdo de antiguas lecturas. Por eso, en algunos pasajes aparece anotada de acuerdo con lo que habían escrito nuestros antepasados».

Se puede decir que Sisebuto fue al mismo tiempo un promotor de la actividad literaria, intelectual y científica, y un hombre sabio de su época, con la producción de obras en el ámbito de la ciencia y la literatura, al margen de los asuntos propiamente religiosos, algo que podría resultar chocante en relación a otros reyes bárbaros de aquel entonces. Fruto de esta doble vertiente tenemos el Liber de natura rerum, obra de San Isidoro, dedicada al conocimiento del universo y los fenómenos naturales. Por su parte su contribución a la producción científica de la época fue el Liber rotarum o Carmen de luna, un poema en el que trataba de explicar el fenómeno de los eclipses al margen de motivaciones religiosas, en el terreno puramente físico.

Sus incursiones no se limitaron al mundo puramente científico de los fenómenos físicos, sino que sus intereses también se orientaron hacia la vida y hechos de otros hombres de su tiempo. Tal es así, que vemos como su principal obra, Vida y pasión de San Desiderio, un obispo de Borgoña que padeció de persecuciones y murió años atrás. Esta obra guarda ciertas particularidades por sus motivaciones políticas, orientadas a congraciarse con Clotario II, rey de la Francia merovingia.

Rey religioso (y gibelino)

Sisebuto fue un monarca profundamente religioso y en consonancia con la ortodoxia, lo que hizo que en muchas ocasiones tuviera que intervenir para su fortalecimiento y mantenimiento. De hecho, su propio hijo, Teudila, ingresó en una orden monástica impelido por su progenitor, que alentó su celo religioso. Incluso envió una carta al rey longobardo Adaloaldo, convertido al catolicismo, exhortándolo a que hiciera lo propio con la totalidad del reino, y terminar así con los últimos restos de herejía arriana, que había tenido un relativo éxito entre los pueblos germánicos en su momento. Además trató de ofrecer argumentos lógicos y fundamentados en la exégesis católica, amparándose rigurosamente en las Sagradas Escrituras. Al mismo tiempo, augura prosperidad y buenos designios en un futuro hipotético ante la conversión al catolicismo, favoreciendo la acción benéfica de la providencia divina sobre su pueblo. Todavía debería pasar medio siglo para la conversión de los longobardos, mucho después de la muerte de Sisebuto, acontecida en el 621.

Sisebuto también se preocupó por fortalecer y vigorizar la propia estructura eclesiástica, algo que fue una constante en la España visigoda y se materializó a través de sucesivos Concilios en Toledo. Sisebuto, como nos relata el historiador José Orlandis, lejos de utilizar la Iglesia como un parapeto, como una suerte de protección para reforzar su posición, se mostró más bien con cierta mentalidad «cesaropapista». Actitud a través de la cual Sisebuto tomaba la iniciativa, tanto en el ámbito político y temporal como en aquel religioso-espiritual y atemporal. En cierto sentido podríamos calificar a Sisebuto como un «rey gibelino» por esa simbiosis entre ambas esferas, asumiendo él mismo, personalmente, la función de velar por el buen orden eclesiástico. Un buen ejemplo de ello lo tenemos en las imposiciones a Eusebio, el obispo de Tarragona, influyendo directamente sobre decisiones internas de la institución.

|| |:-:| |MORDINI, Attilio; El católico gibelino; Hipérbola Janus, 2016|

El problema religioso: los judíos

Ya en el primer código legal de visigótico, la Lex Romana Visigothorum promulgado en el año 506, en el que se establecía la condición jurídica de los hispanorromanos, se excluía a los judíos de los cargos públicos, proscribía los matrimonios mixtos entre cristianos y judíos y limitaba sus actividades religiosas. Al margen de las comunidades religiosas cristianas, los judíos seguían sus propias leyes y preceptos religiosos, mantieniendo una barrera respecto a los pobladores autóctonos. Con la conversión de la fe arriana a la católica de Recaredo I, y en consecuencia del propio reino, los monarcas visigodos comenzaron una serie de políticas encaminadas a conseguir la unidad religiosa y política del reino. Su decisión, que fue oficializada en el III Concilio de Toledo, contó con un apoyo mayoritario del clero y la nobleza visigoda. A partir de ese momento comenzó un proceso de integración entre godos e hispanorromanos en virtud del principio religioso.

|| |:-| |Una moneda de oro visigoda acuñada durante el reinado de Sisebuto (612-621 d.C.). En el anverso, aparece el retrato estilizado del rey, rodeado por una inscripción en caracteres latinos. Estas monedas reflejan la influencia romano-bizantina en el arte y economía del Reino Visigodo. (Foto: Wikimedia Commons)|

Esta situación dejó a otros grupos religiosos ante un dilema, que era o la conversión o la expulsión. Sisebuto fue quien más celo puso a tal respecto para lograr la deseada unidad religiosa. A partir de una serie de decretos promulgados al cabo de pocos meses del inicio de su reinado, en el 612, se ordenó la liberación de todos los cristianos en su relación de dependencia respecto a los judíos. Estas medidas incluían la liberación de los esclavos y servidores cristianos en relación a los judíos, la transferencia de éstos a señores cristianos o la obligación de manumitir y quedando así libres. Estas disposiciones eran de obligado cumplimiento bajo la pena de muerte o confiscación de bienes.

Al mismo tiempo, Sisebuto también se propuso impedir el proselitismo religioso judío y estimular su conversión al cristianismo. De hecho, los matrimonios mixtos preexistentes debían adoptar una educación en la fe cristiana para los hijos, en caso de no aceptarlo, el matrimonio se consideraba nulo. Los conversos y judíos también quedaban excluidos de los cargos públicos. También se debía producir una renuncia y abjuración pública de la ley y prácticas judaicas. La mencionada ley tuvo unas consecuencias inmediatas sobre la comunidad judía en el ámbito económico, donde además la existencia de esclavos y colonos en arriendo eran numerosos, además de las prácticas usurarias.

Sisebuto ha quedado para la historia como el gran perseguidor de los judíos, aunque en realidad su propósito era misionero y evangélico, por el celo religioso que ya hemos expuesto, y tampoco fue obra del propio Sisebuto, sino que encontramos los primeros ecos de esta legislación en la última etapa del Imperio Romano. Si hasta el momento la legislación se había aplicado de manera un tanto superficial, con Sisebuto adquiere mayor «radicalidad», aunque tampoco afectasen exclusivamente a la población judía, la cual era numerosa en aquella época. Los propios godos no pudieron casarse con los romanos hasta las reformas legales aplicadas bajo el reinado de Leovigildo.

Respecto a la cuestión de la prohibición de que los judíos poseyeran esclavos cristianos, algo que era muy frecuente, también infringían la ley al circuncidarse, dado que formaba parte del ritual formal de judaización o conversión a la fe judía. El decreto de Sisebuto ofrecía a estos esclavos la opción de obtener la libertad bajo el amparo de la corona, si no eran vendidos a otros amos cristianos. El impacto económico al que aludíamos también afectó notablemente las actividades agropecuarias de la comunidad judía, que perdieron su estatus privilegiado entre los sectores más acomodados de la sociedad. Del mismo modo que la prohibición de desempeñar cargos públicos mermó su preponderancia social.

No obstante, Sisebuto consideraba el asunto en una dimensión puramente religiosa, y el fin último era la integración bajo la unidad del credo católico. La unificación religiosa se convirtió en una prioridad, y su celo religioso no se fundaba en un criterio de fanatismo irracional, sino todo lo contrario. Al monarca godo le importaban, y mucho, las conversiones sinceras, sujetas a un principio reflexivo y racional. De hecho, en ese tiempo había otros segmentos de la población que se movían en el terreno de las creencias paganas, como los propios arrianos, a los que también interesaba encuadrar bajo el mismo principio religioso. En cuanto a los judíos, y la incidencia que se hizo sobre este grupo, se debió a que eran comunidades que representaban un enorme poder en el conjunto del reino, con una notable influencia, especialmente en el sur y el Levante español, regiones que se encontraban en la frontera con los territorios bizantinos peninsulares.

No obstante, y a pesar de que existe una continuidad en la aplicación de estas políticas para contener la influencia de la religión judía en los límites del reino, y vemos como éstas se mantienen hasta el hundimiento final con la conquista árabe del 711, lo cierto es que la práctica de la religión judía se mantuvo a ciertos niveles, como prueba la existencia de tumbas e inscripciones judías registradas a lo largo de esta época. Paradójicamente, en el plano económico y social fueron mucho más efectivas que en el terreno religioso, y de hecho, de haberse aplicado con la radicalidad que se les presume, estas leyes hubieran acabado con la existencia de la población judía en el reino, o bien mediante la conversión o bien mediante la expulsión, pero nada de eso sucedió finalmente.

El reinado de Sisebuto terminó en el 621, tras nueve años de intenso reinado. Se sospecha que murió envenenado por la ingesta excesiva de un medicamento, según el testimonio de otro rey, Suintila. No obstante hay muchos puntos oscuros bajo esta explicación, y la falta de fuentes fiables no nos permite desentrañar los hechos que rodearon su muerte. Le sucedería su hijo Recaredo II, quien también moriría en extrañas circunstancias, nunca desentrañadas, a los pocos meses de su coronación.

Lo fundamental, si tenemos que hacer una idea general de la figura del rey godo, es que representó una etapa peculiar en el desarrollo histórico del Reino toledano, en la medida que mostró una personalidad ilustrada, con notables conocimientos respecto al saber de la época, cultivó la poesía y la literatura, y no por ello descuidó los asuntos de gobierno. Los fundamentos religiosos, tan importantes en lo sucesivo, y a través de los Concilios de Toledo, en la configuración político-religiosa y en la unidad embrionaria de la futura España, fueron una de sus grandes prioridades, y para alcanzar la consolidación del reino no dudo en hacer la guerra, de manera implacable, para ser magnánimo y generoso cuando la situación lo requería. Desde Hipérbola Janus, y quien os escribe, no nos queda sino valorar la figura de este olvidado, y en ocasiones injustamente denostado, rey visigodo.

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Artículo original: Hipérbola Janus, Sisebuto, el rey sabio, guerrero y humanitario (TOR), 30/Dic/2024

@ a1c19849:daacbb52

Introduction

nostr:npub1nj5v9hfxegyuqz4z9vfpgu9lxpgald066wspxadywmhslasuw2gsnyrxzg shared a great thread on X about what the Dutch Noderunners did to push Bitcoin adoption. Since it took him quite some time and he didn’t want to redo it on #nostr I’m happy to share his thread here as well, since it has a lot of cool stuff in it. Here we go:

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Noderunners 2024 Recap

by nostr:npub1nj5v9hfxegyuqz4z9vfpgu9lxpgald066wspxadywmhslasuw2gsnyrxzg

Here it is, the 2024 Noderunners recap! As we are preparing for our annual party on the third day of Christmas I’d like to reflect to all the great stuff we’ve build together to push bitcoin adoption from bottom up. I’m proud we’ve made it this far and we’re just starting! 🔥 We like to come together as often as possible to chat about bitcoin and drink a beer so we started even more meetups. We now do meetups in Roermond, Leiden, Eindhoven, Utrecht, Breda, Friesland, Zaandam. And an occasional party in Arnhem or Den Bosch. Feel free to join us anytime.

On our meetups and in the wild we meet the most awesome bitcoiners. To show them our respect we honor them by knighting them as an Honorary Noderunner. This year nostr:npub1nw5vdz8sj89y3h3tp7dunx8rhsm2qzfpf8ujq9m8mfvjsjth0uwqs9n2gn nostr:npub13ql75nq8rldygpkjke47y893akh5tglqtqzs6cspancaxktthsusvfqcg7 nostr:npub1cn4t4cd78nm900qc2hhqte5aa8c9njm6qkfzw95tszufwcwtcnsq7g3vle and nostr:npub1uaj9phu5lpxpczm3vaayt46m0yv0pduxzy7z6quwd2uggxue7fmqx9665u joined our ranks! 🧡

As you can imagine, we were pleasantly surprised when we saw an honorary Noderunner wearing his pin in the courtroom in the case against fAkEtOsHi! Nice to meet again in Amsterdam nostr:npub1qg8j6gdwpxlntlxlkew7eu283wzx7hmj32esch42hntdpqdgrslqv024kw !

The Bitcoin conference in Amsterdam was full of Noderunners. On and off stage. On stage we had nostr:npub1jqs0u7zhh53e94gyhm4eu458wm6sw7z0kk66jjhhkhh346tcq2ysfgr247 nostr:npub1h0fd5xu8rfhwdkkjr78ssdhm7rdjyf97hhjqr9acwv77ux0uvf8q23kvcg nostr:npub17tyke9lkgxd98ruyeul6wt3pj3s9uxzgp9hxu5tsenjmweue6sqq4y3mgl Tom Lamoen and others.

In the panel there was nostr:npub1art8cs66ffvnqns5zs5qa9fwlctmusj5lj38j94lv0ulw0j54wjqhpm0w5 who asked a cheeky question… 🤓 He wrote the awesome “The Genesis Book” in which he describes the people and technology that led to the birth of bitcoin. Hope to see you 3kd Aaron!

Proof of work is the thing Noderunners value the most. We do the work on and offline. In Amsterdam we had several projects to display! Of course the BitcoinTaps, the bitcoin bitaxe B at the entrance, The nostr:npub1kd3nlw09ufkgmts2kaf0x8m4mq57exn6l8rz50v5ngyr2h3j5cfswdsdth arcade and the video of @npub1f59dz0ru0l8zpsl4cryj5ch2rahwxeex3mr7lpl2ltzxsfwsdwastu6nqk!

Personally I was very exited nostr:npub1qg5a5l3t7pakmm4r4up2e764xecsw62fk3rntevm24fwyczhndtsdrvc4x Edward and Stef of Connect The World Podcast allowed us to bring the Arcade to the afterparty at Braai where we played some tournaments with nostr:npub1jt97tpsul3fp8hvf7zn0vzzysmu9umcrel4hpgflg4vnsytyxwuqt8la9y nostr:npub1j8y6tcdfw3q3f3h794s6un0gyc5742s0k5h5s2yqj0r70cpklqeqjavrvg and many others!

Hopefully we can create a Noderunners lounge or such next year at @npub13e6qu4kdjsyysrfl5an558rawvqg0rx2xuat9ca706spcdqjzhuqq6md43! Connections were made!

This year there was also the first edition of nostr:npub1uv2tr83c5y7k82af6zdzlqs8m0klcmndd8u5vmlg2eyrskld6uzsv4rmr8 organized by nostr:npub14mge80nm5r0zj0gncxvpunlr28jyku95547q0m82ec475x3yy92skvjgm5 and Bitcoin Stad. It was an awesome event with great speakers but the best thing was the Noderunners Lounge in the basement where Hester Bais tapped a beer.. 🍺

There was some trouble in paradise when the GitHub page of nostr:npub1k5f85zx0xdskyayqpfpc0zq6n7vwqjuuxugkayk72fgynp34cs3qfcvqg2 got canceled due to false copyright claims.. He makes the most beautiful, full open source BTClock! He’s a good frend and very productive Noderunner! 🧡

nostr:npub1k5f85zx0xdskyayqpfpc0zq6n7vwqjuuxugkayk72fgynp34cs3qfcvqg2 also did a lot behind the scenes for the Noderunners SOLO Mining Pool! http://pool.noderunners.network

As we are also very enthusiastic about NOSTR nostr:npub1p6xyr6u5vet33r4x724vxmp9uwfllax5zjdgxeujyrtxt90lp74qvah0rm has set up our own nostr relay: wss://relay.noderunners.network

Noderunner nostr:npub1yn84ur49llj7pp9a7uv477f7vrpj0rj7df5pnfncvkusaxgy6jqsj9xgfl set up a mixer where he organizes a weekly coinjoin every sunday for more anonymous bitcoin transactions. https://coinjoin.nl

Our Belgian Noderunner Kim de Vos made the infamous “Big Mac index” where he expresses the price of bitcoin in Big Macs.. He also runs the AVBpodcast (my personal favorite).

We have several members who have their own podcasts. Also a lot of Noderunners appeared in podcasts as a guest. nostr:npub1agyf7kae8nkxqrd7rvvxt6nh9vwpcqzen2mc9dl3u38a04awpjcq09n23f educates bitcoin beginners. Tom Lamoen talks about libertarianism.

nostr:npub1gfxgylgst4lcemkjth6xdvcvq7le8rtlrym7wayml63qrjggngaqkqescl interviews bitcoiners from all over the world.

And nostr:npub1kj2ngxmm0zccswfqplff87rpgvmq9utvk0g726wc0h8pv4kwm8ss6zgm4n laughs at 🤡🌍

After months, even years of hard work nostr:npub1w98ems6ryhpv7zvmhwp5sv65p0pwrnvzw4lucn0ch776qan9ntdstscwpx launched the best bitcoin board game ever!

nostr:npub1w98ems6ryhpv7zvmhwp5sv65p0pwrnvzw4lucn0ch776qan9ntdstscwpx is also involved with the Dutch bitcoin magazine BitcoinFocus which features a lot of Noderunner builds and articles.

Of course I should mention our frens at nostr:npub1ua6fxn9ktc4jncanf79jzvklgjftcdrt5etverwzzg0lgpmg3hsq2gh6v6 where you can pay a few sats to play your favorite songs! http://radio.noderunners.org

LightningPlaces is working hard making entrepreneurs accepting bitcoin and putting them on their website! 🔥💪🏼

nostr:npub1lhufm09wzp42y67t3s8axlewwna8rmetak68w38yal7xjrwktpsscpt08x is also hooking up webshops and physical shops (and bars) to accept bitcoin! Connect them if you’re looking for a custom solution! https://lightningcheckout.eu/nl/

Maybe we should create an open source HW Wallet too but for now we have the man, the myth, the legend nostr:npub17tyke9lkgxd98ruyeul6wt3pj3s9uxzgp9hxu5tsenjmweue6sqq4y3mgl in our midst.. A real honor as we all share the same values and ethics in life but especially in bitcoin! We’ve been building seedsigners from scratch by the dozen!

Most of us are very entrepreneurial. Several bitcoin shops are run by Noderunners.

nostr:npub1qvwdl9rp7a5ghrxv57wnml5ehg2whjh708vys6kaxpkgu0z3aclsuy2h4p - https://bitcoinbrabant.com

nostr:npub1k00lff0ahjv4d2kwuwxy040d2282yjmzj6eeu5ghav054s4yrfzsplyc86 - https://bitsaga.be

nostr:npub1837pplcuwcjn35zwmpuy62ekcfdtvklajn6pueus3am09s27vu6smuj6v9 - https://miningwholesale.eu

A special shoutout to our junior Noderunner Esramsterdam who is organizing a bitcoin event focused on women. Because bitcoin is not only for men. More info: https://vanbanknaarbitcoin.nl

Also a special shoutout to @npub17k8u7c6kfjgtd380890zx0m4adu8vl53m9fvtc7lal4j9gp74xqqkguha4! The only way to get free sats. Drank not enough beer with nostr:npub1pzurm7nx3q08894wl6uautryq95sku5jhzgwjjrskwdafcwxekuq4n7vtu this year.. but we really need to set up a collaborative project!

Ok I’m done. Forgot a lot but this sums it up quite well. Greetings and love to everyone involved with the Noderunners I forgot to mention. I love you all and hope to build a lot more together! 🧡🔥

nostr:npub103uy2vsk5hrnldwdu0nztmsg7g6207cfqu744rnrnalauns6facsgj5ddp

nostr:npub1l9evr9vx4u2xefesmfu6gyypfdu7k8zwdw7rrnh5ckdds8fqx59sy3ferg

nostr:npub1cwzduskqu6yuxjs2a75uptj3vzfa84gv5q3xlkcpzs6usjfey24qvk70dv

nostr:npub1etuf22z5jwp765m8dqcw7rx5egjzjnwm9xwm4m367e9hxkd9vvaq04duqw

nostr:npub1mw6tm8kery0dwmz670vvg74z0xzttwt3y7yppya5rulufpkkaj7qmg2922

nostr:npub12qw34mucxxk200835d8qt5mshfukd39vvz4s94f0e6xthg0xpjmq3wvjlw

nostr:npub1d5axlx84ajq7q5yn4u86m9xgnmssgq5c6ktjfmu6qtw7jah24hzs57tmvz

nostr:npub1vnlkmja076ft0h2ppme4pvcyfh8zmwl4l7hpfm4du0jagwck04lq8rkr0w

Jan Burgers

nostr:npub1r35gr0g93gxpkcq77v9sx97d5aqg4edr0qwhdj2xr4xxt6slp7nswgahlx

Short Non-Bitcoin

nostr:npub12786tz9vyzuhe5jdjc9esd64vqh3pvqe34u9a3dyegudv5chkx9sexz86w

Joep Laser Sheep - Elden Lord 3x

nostr:npub12xtq7ufn6kjppvl24dnvezsny872u8xacfsy640fzd69446kgczsp8v5nm

nostr:npub1m0yz3tvsa8cwheqhkqj96zr9kget8j8yda0vfmrah5c0dafj6xcq4l4az6

@Erik Dutch

nostr:npub1kvfz8rglvpsqevznlt86ukcz0s9uap3pypjwd3tnmkn2pgjmjujqlncy2c

nostr:npub1l5pxvjzhw77h86tu0sml2gxg8jpwxch7fsj6d05n7vuqpq75v34syk4q0n

Noderunners Shop

nostr:npub1ylnqfg0neysvsesen9je80wmsv9r5204x30mgd5ev6dr3q95xpxq3nmcxd

nostr:npub1ap78x7mvw0vu9s7yltflmkqphx8rt8hsk9gdg0k42vwnmnpvpe2qptxewe

nostr:npub1n2ph08n4pqz4d3jk6n2p35p2f4ldhc5g5tu7dhftfpueajf4rpxqfjhzmc

@Bitcmonkey

@Roynode

nostr:npub18n56f28efvmsjcl80lv2ngtmkl3y6q2rg0m2zqas3kw4jwkrsvdqxnmver

nostr:npub135q6dvnjah9023xszmjs2wvd4gqhn2trku52wt2lv8cl4hc8ltjsk0w4sq

nostr:npub1837u93v8am8q2rauvkqfk9sf6xfq07p9m4m82jueqh5u4qzkg25qesqrr4

nostr:npub1pkmp7vtgfwg7g0pt4xdd4r2npz2p8yweeq0yx7xm590h4nuszynqq2e2r3

nostr:npub19r33crtgdt4spqxl5a3nhqx2ucdputtqcnnxkplnp4mv2dqldqqs39j5eq

nostr:npub19z9g9ymx3aalx3h0jr2cskehvhgppznv2lpqsrpgggpeueesq4lsknsp8r

nostr:npub1jlvtd4zmq7ukjcytqxu2gy5myp2uataupjk4a3l467fj7pxpk3xq5p3w0j

@HeroVanKampen

nostr:npub16htmakd0gvsmwjnravfvfn5mh2x7wjd0vxq20z2c0979e7xh0a8q6ssnew

nostr:npub1xw6jekvethghmrlv0chkx5p78h3wk2ep5x588ga854d68cugr40qxuwt5e

nostr:npub1zakkum8w7uancehpev0drxuly3e74fg5v7q4n0zpxcdn72wakpjs9cgpve

and all others I can’t find here or I forgot.. 🧡🔥💪🏼 LFG, see you soon!

Bonus: This has never aired but @DanielMol was doubtful of our impact to more bitcoin adoption.. I know we are a bit toxic but we have our hearts on the right place and help anyone who is serious about it.. Happy days Daniel! 🧡

@ b8a9df82:6ab5cbbd

In just two days, 2024 will come to a close. And as I sit here reflecting and drinking my morning coffee, I can confidently say that this has been the best year I’ve had since 2018. The years leading up to this one, especially since returning to Berlin, were some of the most challenging of my life. They tested me in ways I never expected—moments when I wanted to give up, when I felt so lost I couldn’t see or feel anything anymore. I lost my smile, my positive side, my emotions, and even my sense of self. But this year was different. It felt like the sun finally broke through the clouds, and I could see light at the end of the tunnel. I laughed more. I loved more. I felt deeply again, like my emotions finally had room to breathe. For those who have read my book, you know I’ve faced my share of dark days, as many of us do. Some days were heavier than I could have imagined, and even now, there are moments when I question, *“Why? Why this path? Why me?”* But this reflection isn’t about the darkness. **It’s about the gratitude.** 2024 blessed me with so many moments of joy. I traveled, saw the world from new perspectives, and met extraordinary people who brought meaning and light into my life. These experiences reminded me that connection matters, that there’s beauty in the unfamiliar, and that we grow when we open ourselves up to it all—the good, the difficult, the unexpected. Now, back in Berlin, I feel a shift. The city feels cold again—not just in temperature, but in energy. Dark skies and gray streets mirror an unbalanced restlessness I can’t ignore. It’s not the coldness itself or the clouds; it’s the way this place feels as though it’s lost its spark. Smiles seem rare, warmth even rarer. And perhaps, that’s my sign. My time here feels like it’s coming to a close. But as this chapter winds down, I feel at peace. 2024 reminded me that life doesn’t stay stagnant. Even in the darkest times, the wheel turns. This year was proof that healing is possible, that joy can return, and that love—whether found in people, places, or moments—still exists. So, wherever this journey takes me next, I will carry this year with me. I’ll carry the laughter, the lessons, and the memories of those who reminded me that even in a messy, chaotic world, light and connection can thrive. And perhaps, just perhaps, this is only the beginning. The chapters ahead are unwritten, but I feel ready to meet them—with an open heart and gratitude for all that’s brought me here. Happy 2025 to all of YOU

@ 254f56d7:f2c38100

Vamos ver seu funcionamento

@ 16d11430:61640947

The sky was a smear of red and gray, a molten soup of corporate smog and the fallout from decaying orbital platforms. A low hum vibrated through the megascraper’s skeletal walls, the pulse of industrial turbines below or something worse—something alive. Daniel had stopped looking over his shoulder hours ago. Paranoia was pointless now. They were tracking him through every lens and drone. Every step he took, every breath he exhaled, was already logged on some server buried under a thousand feet of reinforced concrete.

His son, Mikey, sat cross-legged on the floor of the abandoned node café, the glow of a salvaged holographic tablet painting his freckled face in shifting rainbows. Ten years old. Too young for this world, but not too young for what Daniel needed to do.

“Mikey,” Daniel said, slumping against the wall. His ribs screamed where the drone's shard had grazed him earlier. He'd staunched the bleeding with a strip of synthcloth, but the pain was relentless. “We don’t have much time.”

Mikey didn’t look up. He was playing some ancient 8-bit game that Daniel had installed when he was still naïve enough to think childhood could be preserved.

“They’re coming for me,” Daniel said, his voice sharp enough to slice through the haze of distraction. Mikey paused the game.

“Who’s coming?” he asked, his voice quivering.

“The kind of people who don’t leave witnesses.” Daniel knelt down, gripping Mikey’s shoulders. His hands were trembling, but his grip was firm. “Listen to me. They want something I have—private keys to tech they can’t control. But it’s more than just money, Mikey. It’s freedom. It’s hope. If they get it, they’ll own everything, everyone.”

Mikey stared at him, wide-eyed. “Why don’t you just give it to them?”

“Because,” Daniel said, leaning in close, “it’s not just mine. It’s the only thing keeping the world from falling apart. But I’m running out of time. They dosed me with a neural decay agent. My brain’s got hours, maybe a day, before it’s mush.”

Mikey’s lip quivered. “What do we do?”

Daniel exhaled, a bittersweet mix of relief and despair. “We’re going to do something crazy. I’m going to teach you everything I know.”

The Download

The next hour was a blur. Daniel jacked into a local darknet relay, setting up a secure uplink to his personal server cluster—what was left of it, anyway. The room buzzed with the flicker of dying neon and the hum of overworked processors.

“Mikey,” Daniel said, pulling a thin mesh glove from his pack. “This is a cognitive transference device. It’s experimental, and it’s going to hurt, but it’s the only way.”

Mikey looked at the glove, then at his father. “What does it do?”

“It maps my neural pathways, compresses them, and streams them into your brain. You’ll have fragments of my skills, my memories. Not perfect, but enough. Enough to code, to think like I do. But it’s risky. You ready?”

Mikey nodded, eyes steeled. “I’m ready.”

Daniel slipped the glove onto Mikey’s hand and activated the uplink. A lattice of blue light spiraled up Mikey’s arm, embedding itself into his skin like a living tattoo. The boy screamed, his body convulsing. Daniel held him tight, whispering encouragements through gritted teeth.

“It’s okay, Mikey. It’s okay. Breathe. You’re stronger than this.”

Mikey’s screams subsided, replaced by rapid, shallow breaths. His eyes fluttered open, glowing faintly with the residual charge of the transfer.

“I see it,” Mikey whispered. “I see the code.”

The Final Hour

They worked side by side, father and son. Daniel guided Mikey through the cryptic maze of his life’s work: quantum-proof encryption, autonomous networks, self-healing AI. Mikey’s hands flew across the keyboard, his newfound knowledge mingling with his innate creativity.

“They’re breaching,” Mikey said, his voice calm despite the chaos. Red indicators flashed on the terminal, signaling the proximity of their pursuers.

“Focus,” Daniel said, ignoring the pounding in his chest. “Deploy the polymorphic algorithm. Let it spread through the mesh. It’ll buy us time.”

Mikey nodded, typing furiously. Lines of code cascaded down the screen like a digital waterfall.

“Done,” Mikey said, glancing at his father. “But what about you?”

Daniel smiled weakly, his vision blurring. “Doesn’t matter. What matters is you. The world. You’ve got everything you need now, Mikey. Everything I am, everything I stood for, is in you.”

The door exploded inward, a blast of light and sound. Shadows moved through the smoke, the silhouette of their enemies sharp and inhuman. Mikey turned to his father, tears streaming down his face.

“I won’t let them win,” he said.

Daniel nodded, his lips forming a final, unspoken command: Run.

Mikey bolted for the emergency hatch, clutching the tablet tight against his chest. Behind him, the sound of gunfire erupted, followed by silence.

Epilogue

Weeks later, the world was different. Subtly, at first. Corporate networks began to collapse, their monopolies eroded by the decentralized systems Mikey had unleashed. Grassroots movements flourished, empowered by tools they didn’t fully understand but knew they could trust.

Mikey sat alone in a hidden bunker, the tablet glowing faintly in his lap. His father’s voice echoed in his mind, fragments of the neural transfer surfacing like ghosts in the machine.

“The code is freedom, Mikey. And freedom always wins.”

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• The Influence of Global Oil Prices

• Bitcoin's Roller Coaster Ride

• Anticipation Surrounding the 2024 Halving Event

• The Broader Crypto Landscape

• Conclusions

• FAQ

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin stands as a beacon, often dictating the mood of the entire crypto market. Its price fluctuations are closely watched by investors, analysts, and enthusiasts alike. Max Keiser, a prominent figure in the crypto space, recently shed light on some intriguing factors that might be influencing Bitcoin's current price trajectory. This article delves into Keiser's insights, exploring the broader implications of global events on Bitcoin's market performance.

The Influence of Global Oil Prices

Max Keiser, a renowned Bitcoin advocate and former trader, recently drew attention to the interplay between global oil prices and Bitcoin's market performance. Responding to a post by German economics expert, Holger Zschaepitz, Keiser highlighted the significance of Brent oil reaching $90 per barrel for the first time since the previous November. According to Keiser, the surge in oil prices, driven by Saudi Arabia's decision to extend its reduction in oil production for another three months, has had ripple effects in the financial world. One of these effects is the shift of investor interest towards higher interest deposit USD accounts. This diversion of investments is creating what Keiser terms as "a small headwind for Bitcoin," implying that as traditional markets like oil show promise, some investors might be reconsidering their cryptocurrency positions.

Bitcoin's Roller Coaster Ride

The cryptocurrency market, known for its volatility, witnessed Bitcoin's price undergoing significant fluctuations recently. A notable event that gave Bitcoin a temporary boost was Grayscale's triumph over the SEC in a legal battle concerning the conversion of its Bitcoin Trust into a spot ETF. This victory led to a rapid 7.88% spike in Bitcoin's price within a mere hour, pushing it from the $26,000 bracket to briefly touch the $28,000 threshold. However, this euphoria was short-lived. Over the subsequent week, the cryptocurrency saw its gains erode, settling in the $25,400 range. At the time the reference article was penned, Bitcoin was hovering around $25,688.

Anticipation Surrounding the 2024 Halving Event

The Bitcoin community is abuzz with anticipation for the next scheduled Bitcoin halving, projected to take place in April-May 2024. This event will see the rewards for Bitcoin miners being slashed by half, resulting in a decreased supply of Bitcoin entering the market. Historically, such halvings have acted as catalysts, propelling Bitcoin's price upwards. A case in point is the aftermath of the 2020 halving, post which Bitcoin soared to an all-time high of $69,000 in October 2021. However, some financial analysts argue that this surge was less about the halving and more a consequence of the extensive monetary measures adopted by institutions like the US Federal Reserve. These measures, taken in response to the pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns, flooded the market with cash, potentially driving up Bitcoin's price.

The Broader Crypto Landscape

While Bitcoin remains the most dominant and influential cryptocurrency, it's essential to consider its position within the broader crypto ecosystem. Other cryptocurrencies, often referred to as 'altcoins', also play a role in shaping investor sentiment and market dynamics. Factors such as technological advancements, regulatory changes, and global economic shifts not only impact Bitcoin but the entire crypto market. As investors diversify their portfolios and explore newer blockchain projects, Bitcoin's role as the market leader is continually tested. Yet, its pioneering status and proven resilience make it a focal point of discussions and analyses in the crypto world.

Conclusion

Bitcoin, the flagship cryptocurrency, has always been subject to a myriad of market forces and global events. While its inherent potential remains undeniable, the current market landscape, shaped by factors ranging from oil prices to global economic policies, presents challenges. Yet, with events like the 2024 halving on the horizon, there's an air of optimism among Bitcoin enthusiasts and investors about the future trajectory of this digital asset.

FAQ

Who is Max Keiser? Max Keiser is a prominent Bitcoin advocate, former trader, and well-known crypto podcaster.

What did Keiser say about Bitcoin's price? Keiser pointed out that rising global oil prices and the allure of higher interest deposit USD accounts are creating a "small headwind" for Bitcoin.

How did Grayscale's legal victory affect Bitcoin? Grayscale's win over the SEC led to a 7.88% spike in Bitcoin's price within an hour.

When is the next Bitcoin halving expected? The next Bitcoin halving is projected to occur around April-May 2024.

Did the 2020 Bitcoin halving influence its price? Yes, post the 2020 halving, Bitcoin reached an all-time high of $69,000 in October 2021.

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.

@ 16d11430:61640947

The colonial period in India introduced systemic neglect of public welfare and sanitation, fostering a culture that normalized unsanitary practices. This transformation can be understood by analyzing the psychological, societal, and infrastructural impacts of colonial neglect, combined with the natural challenges of scaling traditional systems to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.

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1. Colonial Neglect and Disruption of Indigenous Sanitation Practices

Destruction of Community Systems

Before colonization, sanitation systems in India were often community-managed. Local governance structures (e.g., village panchayats) organized water management, waste disposal, and hygiene practices.

The British prioritized centralized control, sidelining these systems. This resulted in a vacuum where no effective local or central systems functioned properly for the majority of the population.

Urbanization Without Sanitation

British industrial and trade-focused urbanization led to densely populated cities like Bombay, Calcutta, and Madras, which lacked adequate sanitation infrastructure.

Overcrowding, lack of waste disposal, and insufficient clean water supplies created unhygienic living conditions.

Psychological Impact of Exclusion

The colonial administration primarily catered to European populations, neglecting Indian communities. Indians were implicitly (and sometimes explicitly) told that their hygiene and living conditions were not a priority.

Over time, this neglect fostered a sense of inferiority and apathy towards public health and sanitation among the general population.

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1. Psychological and Societal Impact of Neglect

Normalization of Unsanitary Conditions

Two centuries of neglect normalized squalor and uncleanliness as inevitable aspects of daily life. Public spaces filled with waste became a common sight, and efforts to improve hygiene were deprioritized at individual and community levels.

Apathy towards sanitation became ingrained in public consciousness, with the belief that it was either too expensive or unnecessary.

Internalized Self-Neglect

Repeated messaging of Indian inferiority during the colonial period caused a cultural shift towards accepting unsanitary conditions as unchangeable.

Post-independence, this internalized neglect persisted, as people struggled to see sanitation as a collective responsibility.

Caste and Sanitation

The British formalized and exacerbated caste divisions. Sanitation work became even more stigmatized and relegated to specific marginalized groups, further discouraging others from engaging in hygiene practices.

This contributed to a societal disconnect from sanitation responsibilities.

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1. Biological Challenges Against Unsustainable Systems

Unscalable Traditional Systems

Traditional sanitation systems (e.g., open defecation combined with composting) were sustainable in low-density rural settings but could not scale to urban centers or a rapidly growing population.

The British colonial administration failed to invest in modern infrastructure that could meet these new challenges, leaving cities overwhelmed.

Biological Realities of Waste

Human biological urges for immediate waste disposal clashed with the lack of public facilities. Open defecation and improper waste disposal became the norm in the absence of latrines and garbage systems.

The lack of accessible facilities perpetuated the cycle of unsanitary conditions.

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1. Post-Colonial Normalization of Unsanitary Practices

Lack of Systemic Overhaul

After independence, India inherited an underdeveloped sanitation infrastructure. Attempts to modernize sanitation systems often faltered due to resource constraints, corruption, and a lack of public awareness.

Government campaigns to promote cleanliness were met with limited success because deeply ingrained cultural norms and apathy persisted.

Urban-Rural Divide

Investments in sanitation have often prioritized urban areas, leaving rural communities with limited facilities. This disparity perpetuates unsanitary practices in the majority of the population.

Population Growth

Rapid population growth has outpaced the development of sanitation infrastructure, further compounding the problem.

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1. Cultural Normalization of Unsanitary Situations

Cognitive Dissonance

People adapt to unsanitary environments by rationalizing them as unavoidable. The widespread acceptance of open defecation, garbage-filled streets, and polluted water is partly due to cognitive dissonance—a way of reconciling living conditions with the lack of alternatives.

Institutionalized Apathy

Bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption contribute to a lack of accountability for improving sanitation.

Over time, citizens have learned to expect inaction from the state, perpetuating a cycle of neglect.

Economic Priorities

For much of the population, economic survival takes precedence over sanitation. Limited resources mean that people often prioritize immediate needs (e.g., food, shelter) over hygiene.

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Solutions and Lessons

Reversing Colonial Legacies

Encouraging community participation in sanitation reforms can revive traditional systems of collective responsibility.

Public awareness campaigns (e.g., Swachh Bharat Abhiyan) can help shift societal attitudes towards hygiene.

Investment in Infrastructure

Comprehensive sanitation infrastructure that includes toilets, waste disposal systems, and clean water supply is essential to breaking the cycle of neglect.

Education and Inclusion

Addressing cultural stigmas around sanitation work and promoting dignity for sanitation workers can help integrate cleanliness into societal values.

Education campaigns should emphasize the public health benefits of sanitation.

Scaling for Population Needs

Modernizing sanitation systems to handle urban density and rural accessibility is critical. Technologies like biogas toilets, community waste treatment plants, and water recycling systems can bridge the gap.

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Conclusion

The colonial period created a systemic neglect of sanitation in India, fostering a culture of self-neglect that persists to this day. Addressing this legacy requires a combination of community engagement, infrastructure investment, and education to redefine hygiene as a collective responsibility. Recognizing the intersection of history, biology, and culture is key to creating scalable, sustainable solutions.

@ e57fec0c:e3153bf8

The Logic Behind “I’m Too Late to Bitcoin”

It makes sense why someone who hasn’t researched Bitcoin would assume that they are too late to the game. Bitcoin’s first known transaction took place on May 22nd, 2010, when Laszlo Hanyecz, a programmer, offered 10,000 Bitcoins (approximately $41 at the time) to anyone who could obtain two large Papa John’s pizzas and deliver them to his doorstep. Laszlo established Bitcoin’s first price, less than half a cent. Since then, Bitcoin has faced relentless attacks from nation states, banks, sophisticated hackers, and subject to endless slander from the media… all while growing to a market cap of $1.5 trillion.

From $0.0041 to $65,000 is a 15-million bagger. Due to the law of large numbers, you’re not likely to see another 15,000,000x return without severe hyperinflation; but the question at hand is not whether you’re too late to get insanely rich off a tiny investment in a short period of time. The question is, are you too late to dramatically improve your and your loved ones’ lives with Bitcoin? The answer is unequivocally, NO.

Disclaimer: Bitcoin is a disruptive technology laying the foundation for an entirely new economic system. It should be noted, as Jeff Booth, author of The Price of Tomorrow says, “anything that attempts to value the new system in terms of the old system is fundamentally flawed.” Thinking about Bitcoin in terms of dollars has a number of pitfalls, including that it makes Bitcoin seem volatile. In reality, 1 BTC = 1 BTC. Nonetheless, number-go-up does more marketing for Bitcoin than anything else, which is why it’s useful to this discussion. This is evidenced by the following chart of retail adoption vs. price. As price rises, new buyers enter the market. When price falls, they exit.

Bitcoin has seen multiple 75%+ corrections, including a 35% correction this year. Without strong conviction around Bitcoin’s long-term value, these draw-downs tend to shake Bitcoin holders out and discourage them from returning. However, even during the worst performing four year period in Bitcoin’s history (December 2017-2021), you would still have seen a 23% CAGR. Lowering your time preference is key to weathering Bitcoin’s short-term price volatility. When in doubt, zoom out.

Reason 1: Money is a Technology and Bitcoin is Better Money

Money is an emergent technology that solves the Double Coincidence of Wants Problem. People have used beads, shells, large rocks and cacao beans as money, but there have only been two layer one monies adopted globally: gold and dollars. Gold was a widely accepted form of money for 5,000 years because it outperformed the alternatives in terms of its durability, portability and divisibility. Gold backed the US Dollar until 1971… how the dollar became unpegged from gold is a discussion for another day. The point is, dollars (paper IOUs) were easier to move, divide and trade, which is largely why gold failed. Bitcoin is more durable, portable and divisible than both gold and dollars which is part of makes it the best money ever discovered.

For more on how Bitcoin obsoletes all other monies, here are a few books to read:

1. The Bitcoin Standard by Saifadean Ammous
2. Gradually, Then Suddenly by Parker Lewis
3. Broken Money by Lyn Alden
4. The Hidden Cost of Money by Seb Bunney

Reason 2: Inflation Protection

Beyond the three aforementioned properties, money’s most important function is storing purchasing power through time. When demand for gold increases, gold production increases. When demand for dollars increases (i.e. the government wants to finance a war or manipulate the economy), the bankers and politicians simply create more, diluting the value of the current dollars in circulation. While it is difficult to say exactly how much purchasing power the dollar has lost over a specific time frame, I don’t need to convince you that the prices of food, gas, rent, etc. have increased dramatically in recent years.

Keynesian economists assert that 2% inflation is healthy and the “velocity” of money helps to “grease the economic wheels.” This is a fallacy with profound implications. A 2% annual inflation rate halves the value of money in approximately 36 years. As a result, the average person must become an investor in their free time, using assets like stocks and real estate to protect themselves from debasement. But not everyone has the ability to invest in stocks, or purchase real estate. Currency debasement increases the wealth gap between people who save in hard assets and people who save in cash. Bitcoin is more accessible and scarce than stocks or real estate, making it a superior store of value. The following chart shows the relationship between the monetary base and inflation.

## Reason 3: Increased Purchasing Power Over Time

Historical data indicates that Bitcoin is likely to buy more goods and services in the future than it does today. While this is not an investment pitch, Bitcoin’s dollar price does more marketing than anything else.

Try this exercise- consider the three most valuable assets you own. Your car, house, computer, maybe a private jet? How much did they cost at the time in terms of dollars and in terms of Bitcoin? How much would it cost for you to purchase that same asset today in terms of dollars? What about in terms of Bitcoin?

This chart shows the price of an average home in terms of the two competing monies, highlighting Bitcoin’s increasing purchasing power vs. the dollar’s erosion of value. Over a 4+ year time frame, it’s almost guaranteed that these three assets would cost less Bitcoin today, and more dollars (Anthony Pompliano explains this in relation to the median home). The key insight here is that Bitcoin is already re-pricing all assets. As long as Bitcoin remains decentralized and secure, this trend is likely to continue. The counter argument here is that the same could be said about gold or stocks. Gold already failed as money and you can’t buy anything with stocks. While Bitcoin is not yet a widely accepted medium of exchange, it is already being used to purchase assets such as real estate.

Reason 4: A Growing Network, Lagging Price

Price and market cap are metrics that fail to capture the Bitcoin network‘s overall growth. Bitcoin’s price topped $67k in November 2021 before entering a bear market that bottomed around $16k. As of today (October 2024) the USD/BTC exchange rate is dancing between $60-70k/BTC. Based on this one metric, we could conclude that Bitcoin’s growth has been stagnant for three years. This is an incorrect assessment. While BTC price has not surpassed it’s inflation-adjusted all-time highs in three years, other metrics such as hash rate, difficulty adjustment, active nodes, stock-to-flow, and on-chain analytics tell a different story.

As you can see in the chart above, Bitcoin’s hash rate continues to increase over time. Bitcoin miners are directing more and more energy to the network, making it more robust and secure. Miners have skin in the game, and the fact that hash rate continues to increase is a signal that they expect the network to continue growing. Add to that the number of full Bitcoin nodes, active wallet addresses, increased mining difficulty and supply distribution. These metrics point to Bitcoin’s growth, with price being a lagging indicator.

Reason 5: Supply and Demand: Institutional and Corporate Adoption

Institutions and corporations have opened the floodgates for larger pools of capital to flow into Bitcoin. In 2024, Bitcoin ETFs set record inflows and quickly became top 10 funds in terms of AUM, causing a ruckus on Wall Street. Corporations are adopting Bitcoin as a treasury asset, adding it to their balance sheet instead of holding cash, T-Bills or bonds. MicroStrategy (MSTR) pioneered the Bitcoin treasury playbook, and since August 2020 has outperformed every single company in the S&P 500, including Invidia (NVDA).

The predicament MicroStrategy faced in 2020 is not unique. Companies with cash and cash equivalents on their balance sheets are holding a melting fiat ice cube, losing purchasing power every day. Saylor’s strategy is being replicated by other companies such as Square, Semler Scientific, Fold and others. What happens when Apple or Microsoft decides to put 5% of its treasury into Bitcoin?

Sovereign wealth funds and nation states are also starting to adopt Bitcoin. El Salvador adopted bitcoin as legal tender in 2021 and has been purchasing 1 BTC every day since. Bhutan has been quietly mining Bitcoin for years. Wisconsin’s pension fund now holds Bitcoin. US politicians are discussing Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset. Rewind just a few years and all of this would sound ludicrous. The Overton window has shifted and Bitcoin is no longer just magic internet money for money laundering and illegal transactions.

These groups are driving demand, but what about supply? Since 2021 the amount of Bitcoin issued to the network halved, from 6.5 BTC/block (\~900 BTC/day) to 3.125 BTC/block (450 per day). \~19,570,000 or 93% of Bitcoin have been mined to date, and by 2034, 99% of all Bitcoin ever to exist will be in circulation, or lost. Michael Saylor aptly describes the coming decade as the “Digital Gold Rush.” Bitcoin’s absolute scarcity is something humanity has never experienced before.

Reason 6: Overcoming Unit Bias

Bitcoin’s unit bias causes many people to think they are too late to Bitcoin. From an early age, we are conditioned to think in terms of dollars. At $0.05, $5, $500, or even $5,000, owning a full Bitcoin was feasible on an entry-level salary. But today, only 1 in 3 Americans can afford a $400 emergency expense. Acquiring a full Bitcoin is out of the question, so why even try? What these folks fail to see is that is that mathematically, owning 1 BTC was never going to achievable for the average person. If you divide Bitcoin’s total supply, 21 million, by 8 billion, the current global population, the result is .002625 Bitcoin or 262,500 Satoshis (a Satoshi is 1/100,000,000th of a Bitcoin). However, Bitcoin ownership is not evenly distributed. MicroStrategy currently holds more than 252,000 BTC. Once you account for the 20-30% of coins already lost forever, there’s no way everyone can own 262k sats. At the time of writing, 262k sats is worth \~$170. You read that right. For $170 you can buy more Bitcoin than the average person will ever own. Unlike stocks, Bitcoin does not have CEO who can decide to do a share split to avoid unit bias, which means those who can wrap their head around this are likely to adopt Bitcoin sooner.

Reason 7: Not Just a Store of Value – Bitcoin Use Cases

Bitcoin is versatile. People with differing pain points and needs use Bitcoin in distinct ways. In the West, Bitcoin is typically thought of as a store of value. “Do you invest in Bitcoin?” “At what price will you sell?” In other countries, Bitcoin is useful for different reasons. For example, a Ukrainian refugee was able to escape to Poland with much of his wealth, rather than leave everything he worked for behind. Bitcoin is also being used to get aid to Gaza, and facilitate P2P transactions in Nigeria. Cross-border remittances are another way Bitcoin is giving power back to the people. These use cases are happening all over the world today. Because Bitcoin is a digital bearer asset protected by the strongest cryptographic network ever created, it provides optionality for an uncertain future.

Human Rights Foundation Chief Strategy Officer, Alex Gladstein makes the case that Bitcoin has four primary use cases: savings, commerce, freedom and power. You can listen to his episode on What Bitcoin Did, here. In addition to Alex’s thesis on four primary use cases, Bitcoin researcher Daniel Batten outlines 19 ways bitcoin is already being used. Bitcoin has even more potential because it is not just a store of value.

Conclusion

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BEING “TOO LATE” TO BITCOIN. Is it too late to start eating healthy? Is it too late to start working out? Is it too late to start an internet-based business? Of course not. In the same way, it’s never too late to study and ultimately plug Bitcoin into your life.  As BTC Sessions articulates, “the last person on earth to adopt Bitcoin will benefit from it immensely.” There’s no arguing that the longer you wait, and the higher Bitcoin’s price goes, the harder it will be to acquire a certain amount of Bitcoin, but even if you don’t adopt it personally, Bitcoin is threatening the power of the money printer and creating more transparency and fairness in the economic system.

You get Bitcoin at the price you deserve. I remember when Bitcoin’s price was $23. I didn’t deserve it then. It took the government sending me a $1400 stimulus check in 2020 to buy my first Bitcoin, and it’s changed my life in many ways since. Bitcoin’s eventual USD-denominated price is already known: infinity / 21M. Bitcoin has no ceiling because fiat has no floor.

In conclusion, I hope this article sparked some curiosity to learn more about how Bitcoin solves the age-old problem of currency debasement. Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin so that you could create the life you are meant to live.

Last thing- the arguments in this article still hold up once Bitcoin’s price surpasses $100k, $1M or $10M. The only thing that would make you too late to Bitcoin is if the network itself is no longer secure or decentralized.

Listen to the episode here: https://fountain.fm/episode/T7Yh2vmBOfNAc3RKTU2p

@ 4dffec17:4c4cbd48

On January 3, 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto mined the very first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the Genesis Block or Block 0. This historic event marked the official beginning of the Bitcoin network and the dawn of decentralized digital currencies.

The Genesis Block is unique for several reasons:

1. Immutability: It cannot be altered or linked to any previous block since it was the first.

2. Message Embedded: Satoshi included a powerful message in the block's data: _ "The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks." This cryptic note references a headline from The Times newspaper on the same day. It is widely interpreted as a critique of traditional financial systems and a call for a decentralized alternative. _

3. 50 BTC Reward: The Genesis Block rewarded 50 bitcoins, but they are unspendable, likely to preserve the blockchain's integrity.

The Genesis Block symbolizes the foundation of Bitcoin’s mission: financial independence and transparency. It remains a cornerstone of blockchain history, reminding us of the vision behind this transformative technology.

Satoshi

bitcoin

finance

economy

@ 16d11430:61640947

1. Introduction: The Crisis of Modern Digital Design

The digital age has delivered unprecedented connectivity and convenience, but it has also brought a dark underbelly: poorly designed digital interfaces that exploit and exhaust users. These interfaces, driven by profit-maximizing motives and shortsighted leadership, target the most productive and capable members of society—engineers, creators, thinkers—undermining their mental health and productivity. This is not merely a design issue; it is a crisis with profound implications for global stability, innovation, and the future of humanity.

---

1. Critical Failures by Leadership

Modern leadership in both corporate and governmental spheres has repeatedly failed to address the following systemic issues in the digital landscape:

1. Profit over People:

Leaders prioritize revenue generation (e.g., ad-based models, data mining) over the cognitive and emotional well-being of users.

Examples: Algorithmic design optimized for engagement metrics, not user health, leads to addictive and mentally draining experiences.

1. Lack of Accountability:

Big Tech often escapes regulation, perpetuating harmful practices like dark patterns and manipulative UI/UX.

Example: Platforms like Facebook and TikTok amplify divisive content for profit, intensifying societal fractures.

1. Incompetence in Digital Policy:

Policy makers lack the technical literacy to regulate effectively, leaving users vulnerable to exploitative systems.

Example: GDPR and similar regulations address data privacy but fail to address the root causes of digital harm—poor design and exploitative incentives.

1. Shortsighted Metrics:

Corporate focus on quarterly earnings drives iterative, superficial changes instead of meaningful, user-focused innovation.

Example: Instead of solving UX pain points, companies often introduce features that increase complexity and cognitive load.

---

1. Risks to Mass Populations

The societal consequences of failing to address this crisis are severe:

1. Mental Health Epidemic:

Digital interfaces are linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, particularly among high-functioning individuals.

Source: Twenge et al. (2017) report a sharp increase in depression and suicidal ideation among teens correlating with smartphone usage.

1. Productivity Collapse:

The workforce's most creative and capable members are being drained by poor UX, leading to a significant loss in economic output.

Source: Gallup (2022) shows record-low engagement among knowledge workers, exacerbated by digital fatigue.

1. Cultural and Civic Decline:

Manipulative interfaces polarize societies, eroding trust in institutions and fragmenting social cohesion.

Source: MIT Technology Review (2021) highlights the role of algorithmic content delivery in amplifying political extremism.

1. Long-Term Cognitive Harm:

Sustained interaction with chaotic digital environments can alter brain function, impairing critical thinking and long-term memory.

Source: Carr, "The Shallows" (2010), describes how digital tools reshape neural pathways, often detrimentally.

---

1. The Role of DamageBDD in Driving Massive Change

DamageBDD offers a potential scaffolding for radical improvement by targeting the root issues:

1. Behavior-Driven Verification:

By emphasizing behaviors, DamageBDD ensures digital systems align with human needs and expectations, rather than manipulative profit-driven incentives.

Use case: Verifying accessible, transparent, and intuitive UI behaviors for public and private digital platforms.

1. Accountability Through Immutable Records:

DamageBDD leverages blockchain for an immutable record of system behaviors, fostering accountability in design and implementation.

Use case: Tracking user-centric design milestones and holding corporations accountable for harmful design practices.

1. Rewarding Ethical Development:

DamageBDD incentivizes high-quality, ethical software development through Bitcoin Lightning payouts for verified milestones.

Use case: Developers receive immediate rewards for implementing systems that prioritize user well-being.

1. Cognitive Restoration:

By reducing friction and chaos in digital systems, DamageBDD promotes a healthier cognitive landscape, restoring productivity and creativity to users.

---

1. Conclusion: A Call to Action

The current state of digital design is unsustainable. The continued exploitation of human cognition through rotten interfaces represents a direct threat to mental health, economic productivity, and societal stability. Immediate intervention is not just desirable but essential.

DamageBDD provides the foundation for this intervention. By combining accountability, ethical incentives, and a focus on user behavior, it represents a scalable solution to a crisis that impacts billions. The time to act is now—before the collective depression caused by these interfaces buries the very people capable of driving humanity forward.

@ 33baa074:3bb3a297

Evaporation is an important link in the water cycle in nature, and it plays a key role in the circulation of water and energy exchange. The following are the specific manifestations of the cyclical role of evaporation in nature:

Key links in the water cycle Evaporation is one of the most important links in the water cycle. Through evaporation, water changes from liquid to gas, enters the atmosphere, and becomes water vapor. This process occurs not only on the surface of the ocean, but also in lakes, rivers on land, and moisture in the soil. The evaporated water vapor then moves with atmospheric activity, participates in subsequent condensation, precipitation, and other links, and completes the global cycle of water.

Energy exchange and climate impact During the evaporation process, water absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, thereby cooling the environment. When water vapor condenses into liquid water (such as clouds and rain) in the atmosphere, it releases energy, warming the environment. This energy exchange has an important impact on the climate and is an important mechanism for regulating the temperature of the earth. Water purification The evaporation process has a certain purification effect. When water evaporates, some impurities dissolved in the water are left in place, while pure water vapor enters the atmosphere. This natural filtering process helps improve the quality of precipitation and replenish clean freshwater resources on land.

Mineral Transport Evaporation and the water cycle work together to promote the transport of minerals around the world. Water carries and distributes minerals during evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, etc., affecting the geological characteristics of the earth and the nutritional balance of the ecosystem.

Life Support The water cycle, including evaporation, is essential for the maintenance of most life on Earth. It ensures the continuous supply and distribution of water resources and supports the survival and reproduction of various organisms.

Summary Evaporation is not only a key link in the water cycle in nature, but also plays an important role in energy exchange, climate regulation, water purification, mineral transportation, and life support. By understanding the role of evaporation in the natural cycle, we can better understand and protect our environment.

@ 6cc4225f:942b7222

(Cover image photo credit: The Crypto Times)

“Our world of widows needs to be saved / it’s now or never — victim or victory, rebel or regret / who you are and who you claim to be / no more heroes.” -Converge, “No Heroes”

Usually, bad takes from big figures in the Bitcoin space roll off my back. I often don’t feel a need to counter them because 1.) Everyone is entitled to their opinion and 2.) I don’t enjoy spending my time arguing with people on the Internet.

But when a take is really bad — downright evil — I feel compelled to respond.

And respond I did to a bad take this week (link in just a second, first some context).

Lately in the media, MicroStrategy Chair Michael Saylor has been laying out his vision for a digital asset framework.

This framework includes conceptualizing Bitcoin as a commodity — nothing more than capital — and stablecoins like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) as “digital currencies” (his words).

As if someone who considers themselves a “triple bitcoin maxi” (maybe one of the lamest terms ever) denying that bitcoin is a currency weren’t nauseating enough, his “evil genius plan” (his words) to get the world hooked on USD stablecoins as money while the US hoards bitcoin should have you upchuck everything in your guts if you truly believe in Bitcoin’s value proposition.

Below (a few lines down) is the piece I wrote countering Saylor’s perspective.

If there are two things I hope you take away from it, the first is to KILL YOUR IDOLS (not literally, of course) and the second is that WE ARE BITCOIN, and if we believe in the technology — all dimensions of it — we have to defend it.

Enjoy.

Michael Saylor Doesn't Understand Bitcoin

## Support The Open Dialogue Foundation

Speaking of defending Bitcoin, we all owe a debt of gratitude to the work that the Open Dialogue Foundation (ODF) is doing to defend our legal right to use non-custodial bitcoin wallets.

Please read the following piece I wrote this week to learn more.

Protect Your Non-Custodial Bitcoin Wallet — Support The Open Dialogue Foundation

And please make a tax-deductible contribution (before the year’s end) to the organization here.

Bitcoin’s Second Book-Length Academic Text — The Satoshi Papers — Coming Soon

This week, I published my interview with Natalie Smolenski, a PhD-holding theoretical anthropologist who often makes very valuable thought contributions to the Bitcoin space.

The Satoshi Papers Explores The Role Of The State In A Post-Bitcoin World: An Interview With Natalie Smolenski

What I loved most about this interview (and I loved a lot about it) is Smolenski’s lack of reverence.

Two of my favorite quotes from the interview:

“There was kind of a triumph of a certain very statist approach to socialism and even communism in the American academy, in the Anglophone academy, that has persisted to this day, where there's, like I was saying earlier, a suspicion of anything smacking of individualism as bourgeois conceit or reinscribing social hierarchies, racial hierarchies, gender hierarchies, blah, blah, blah.”

The “blah, blah, blah” hit hard. It reminded me of how I used to tune out when speaking with a good portion of my co-workers during the years I taught at the college level.

The other one:

“What do you hope people will take away from The Satoshi Papers?

*> If there's only one idea that people take away from it, it's that your emancipation does not require the state. You do not need to wait for the government.

*> My God, take control of your life. You can, it is within your power to do so, and here are some examples of ways that people throughout human history have chosen to do so."

The “My God” was so properly placed. Chef’s kiss.

Check out to entire piece to absorb more of Smolenski’s wisdom.

Thank you all for reading, and here’s to a great week ahead!

Best,

Frank

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” (Luke 5:26)

There are lots of verses in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, where people were amazed at the works of God, but my question is, “Is there anything that amazes God?”

When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.

“Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. (Mark 6:2-6) {emphasis mine}

This passage mentions the people being amazed at Jesus’s teaching, but it also talks about Jesus being amazed at their lack of faith. It is amazing that people could see the son of God, face to face, and listen to Him teach God’s word and still not believe. They heard about and even saw Him work miracles and yet they did not repent, nor believe.

This is an example of a negative amazement. Are there any examples of positive amazement? There are two passages, that I know of, that describe one particular event that amazed Jesus:

The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” *When Jesus heard this, he was amazed* and said to those following him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith**. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go! Let it be done just as you believed it would.” And his servant was healed at that moment. (Matthew 8:8-13) {emphasis mine}

The other mention of this event is in Luke:

He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:6-9) {emphasis mine}

This Roman centurion had greater faith than any one of God’s chosen people in Israel. This gentile man trusted that Jesus had the power to heal his servant and that all it would take was Jesus’s command. If Jesus spoke the word, his servant would be healed, and it was so. Just as Jesus spoke the universe into existence, He also spoke the centurion’s servant into health. The creator healed His creation with His word and the centurion believed that it would be so.

What can amaze God? It looks like both our lack of faith and great faith can amaze God.

This coming year, let’s try to amaze God with our undying faith in His goodness and ability to do anything and everything for our good.

Trust Jesus.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Bitcoin, as a decentralized digital asset, exists fundamentally outside the framework of traditional financial (TradFi) systems. While the adoption of Bitcoin by TradFi institutions has brought it closer to mainstream acceptance, the dynamics of regulated markets create barriers to accurately reflecting Bitcoin’s intrinsic value. Here’s why:

---

1. TradFi's Centralized Control and Market Manipulation

Regulated markets are built on centralized systems that allow institutions to exert significant control over price movements. Unlike Bitcoin’s decentralized, trustless model, TradFi relies on intermediaries and can be prone to manipulative practices such as spoofing, short selling, and derivative leveraging. These tactics often distort Bitcoin’s price to align with institutional agendas rather than its organic demand and supply.

For example:

Futures contracts allow institutions to short Bitcoin, pushing prices down without requiring physical delivery of the asset.

Over-the-counter (OTC) trading hides real volumes, further distorting public price signals.

---

1. Lack of Weekend Liquidity

Regulated markets like futures or ETFs don’t operate 24/7. This creates a disjointed price discovery mechanism. Bitcoin trades continuously on global exchanges, but its value can diverge significantly from TradFi-set benchmarks over weekends due to thin liquidity and increased volatility. When TradFi markets reopen, institutions often adjust Bitcoin prices to suit their positioning, regardless of real market sentiment.

---

1. Regulatory Constraints

The core ethos of Bitcoin is permissionless, borderless, and resistant to censorship. TradFi markets, by contrast, are heavily regulated and often impose restrictions that undermine Bitcoin’s true value:

Limits on leverage, capital flows, and trading hours inhibit the natural market dynamics that define Bitcoin.

Regulatory actions, such as lawsuits or exchange crackdowns, introduce external pressures that disproportionately impact prices.

---

1. Misaligned Incentives

Many TradFi institutions profit more from Bitcoin's volatility than its growth. Products like Bitcoin ETFs or derivatives generate fees regardless of whether Bitcoin's price goes up or down, giving TradFi little incentive to advocate for Bitcoin's long-term value. Moreover, central banks and governments may view Bitcoin as a threat to fiat systems, further motivating policies that suppress its adoption.

---

How Bitcoiners Can Factor This In Over the Weekend

Weekends present unique challenges for Bitcoin holders, given the interplay of reduced liquidity, TradFi manipulation, and retail-driven volatility. Here are strategies to reduce exposure:

---

1. Limit Leveraged Positions

Leverage amplifies risk, particularly over weekends when sudden price swings can trigger liquidations. Bitcoiners should consider reducing or closing leveraged positions before the weekend to avoid forced selling during thin markets.

---

1. Use Stop-Loss Orders

Setting stop-loss orders can protect against significant downside risk during volatile periods. However, ensure these are placed strategically to avoid being liquidated by temporary wicks or market manipulation.

---

1. Diversify Holding Strategies

Rather than keeping funds solely on centralized exchanges, Bitcoiners can use:

Cold storage: Safeguard long-term holdings from price volatility.

Lightning Network wallets: For immediate liquidity and payments without exposing large holdings to exchange risk.

---

1. Monitor On-Chain Metrics

Bitcoin’s true value is better gauged through on-chain data, such as:

Hash rate: Reflects network security and miner activity.

Wallet activity: Indicates organic user demand.

HODL waves: Show long-term accumulation trends.

---

1. Avoid Emotional Trading

Weekend price swings are often exaggerated by low liquidity and retail panic. Staying focused on Bitcoin’s fundamentals and long-term vision helps prevent reactive decisions.

---

Conclusion

TradFi markets will never fully reflect Bitcoin’s true value because their structure is antithetical to Bitcoin's decentralized, free-market ethos. Bitcoiners should be aware of the disconnect and take proactive steps, especially over weekends, to protect their investments from TradFi-induced volatility. By limiting leverage, diversifying holdings, and focusing on long-term fundamentals, Bitcoiners can mitigate TradFi's influence and stay aligned with Bitcoin's revolutionary potential.

@ 569d536d:ba043e85

Test post

@ 90cf0438:33f1db73

It's been almost 3 years since the day I put on my headphones and went for a walk while listening to interviews and podcasts with npub1gdu7w6l6w65qhrdeaf6eyywepwe7v7ezqtugsrxy7hl7ypjsvxksd76nak npub1dergggklka99wwrs92yz8wdjs952h2ux2ha2ed598ngwu9w7a6fsh9xzpc npub1hghnjjpnvkz8t6gkszuf37d7puwc2qtxc65rnklqsngzv6kkug9qhhfyz2 npub1s05p3ha7en49dv8429tkk07nnfa9pcwczkf5x5qrdraqshxdje9sq6eyhe npub1hk0tv47ztd8kekngsuwwycje68umccjzqjr7xgjfqkm8ffcs53dqvv20pf npub1mz704n7dsaw3jcj3kr5le45n97tqughyt5lxe3yv3xy3025hv3dsp5tl8g npub1jt97tpsul3fp8hvf7zn0vzzysmu9umcrel4hpgflg4vnsytyxwuqt8la9y npub15vzuezfxscdamew8rwakl5u5hdxw5mh47huxgq4jf879e6cvugsqjck4um npub1qny3tkh0acurzla8x3zy4nhrjz5zd8l9sy9jys09umwng00manysew95gx npub1ahxjq4v0zlvexf7cg8j9stumqp3nrtzqzzqxa7szpmcdgqrcumdq0h5ech and many more...

I'm sure many of you plebs have had similar experiences and had those AHA! moments as I did, falling down the Bitcoin rabbit hole. At some point I got so overwhelmed and obsessed with Bitcoin that I really had to talk with someone about it. And that's how the BitcoinWalk was born. Today in over 50 cities worldwide people meet for BitcoinWalk. Some do it everySAT, some once a month. People connect, spread the word of Satoshi and learn from each other.

Walking and talking about Bitcoin is both healthy and addictive, with an energy similar to attending a Bitcoin conference. And you can have it every single week! For FREE! 🤯

I feel grateful to have met so many like-minded individuals along the way. We've made real friends, and I've learned something new pretty much every time. Unlike other meetup experiences, BitcoinWalk is incredibly refreshing. We mingle, ask questions, and listen to each other's perspectives. No small talk, no judgement, no ego. On the move, looking straight ahead. This is where we learn the most and flex our Bitcoin muscle. We also ask by-passers if they could take the #ProofOfWalk picture of us where we hold the flag with our message 😉

## A Great Event for Beginners

BitcoinWalk is perfect for beginners, sceptics, or those who are curious about Bitcoin but overwhelmed by technology. With nation states joining the Bitcoin game theory, now is the perfect time to learn more. I believe that understanding Bitcoin requires perseverance and a willingness to learn over time, just like going to the gym.

You will meet people who might be from the other side of the world and you will connect with them instantly because of this common denominator of 21m BTC. It's magic!

Get Involved

I want to thank everyone who has volunteered to host BitcoinWalk in their cities. As a token of appreciation, I'll be sending you some cool stickers designed by npub17wts7rt7gnl0gyfq2kyuu5kkxudq99rdysvzx6cfm5x5ywa4ycfsmwvxx5 \ If you'd like to support our decentralized movement, join an existing BitcoinWalk or start one in your area.

⚡️You can also zap us some sats to help print more flags and stickers! 😇

Thank you & happy BitcoinWalking in 2025! 🧡

npub1g5rwqnjtwpuuuplr36v82eu2sxkn8fzkc6tdwz8036dzmrqkhgzqm6qq0t

@ 16d11430:61640947

In the annals of human history, few moments resonate with the profound societal upheaval of the French Revolution. The guillotine became a symbol of accountability for entrenched elites, while revolutionary ideals promised liberty, equality, and fraternity. Today, Bitcoin carries echoes of that transformative period, not with the bloody apparatus of execution, but with the immutable ledger of accountability and decentralization. For Australia and the global community, the trajectory of Bitcoin adoption signals nothing short of a modern-day reckoning. As policymakers grapple with its disruptive potential, the revolution is already underway—poised to reshape power structures and roll the proverbial heads of financial and political elites.

---

The Policy Foundations of a Bitcoin Reckoning

Australia’s policy decisions on financial regulation, monetary policy, and technology adoption are setting the stage for a confrontation with the Bitcoin movement. Here’s how:

1. Inflationary Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has embraced an inflationary monetary policy, aiming for a 2–3% target rate. While this may seem modest, the cumulative effect erodes purchasing power over decades. Coupled with unprecedented quantitative easing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Australians have witnessed a stark rise in asset prices, particularly housing.

Impact: Bitcoin, with its fixed supply of 21 million coins, stands as a stark contrast to the RBA’s infinite money printing. As more Australians seek refuge from inflation, trust in the fiat system could erode, precipitating a mass exodus to Bitcoin.

1. Banking Consolidation and Corporate Favoritism

The "Big Four" banks—Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ, and NAB—dominate Australia's financial landscape, often prioritizing corporate interests over individual Australians. Their control over credit availability, fees, and financial innovation stifles competition and leaves everyday citizens vulnerable.

Impact: Bitcoin, as a decentralized network, bypasses banks entirely. With Lightning Network integrations enabling micropayments and peer-to-peer transactions, Australians may increasingly question the necessity of centralized banking, challenging the Big Four's monopoly.

1. Lack of Blockchain Innovation Policy

While countries like El Salvador and Switzerland embrace Bitcoin as a legal tender or incentivize blockchain innovation, Australia has lagged. Regulatory uncertainty and heavy-handed approaches to digital currencies have stifled local startups and discouraged investment in the blockchain sector.

Impact: As Australians realize the missed opportunities in innovation and wealth creation, dissatisfaction with government policy could fuel grassroots Bitcoin adoption, intensifying the revolutionary sentiment.

1. Surveillance and Financial Control

Policies like the expansion of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) laws have enhanced government surveillance over financial transactions. While aimed at combating crime, these policies often overreach, infringing on personal privacy.

Impact: Bitcoin's pseudonymous transactions provide an alternative to surveillance-heavy systems, empowering Australians to reclaim financial autonomy. Resistance to state control over personal finances could mirror revolutionary fervor.

---

The Current Trajectory: A Build-Up to Crisis

Economic Pressures

Australia’s economy is under strain, with rising inflation, stagnant wage growth, and a growing wealth gap. The housing market, increasingly out of reach for young Australians, is a symbol of generational inequality. Meanwhile, corporate bailouts and subsidies have further alienated average citizens. These economic grievances echo the bread shortages and wealth disparities that fueled the French Revolution.

Political Distrust

Political scandals and a perceived lack of accountability have eroded trust in Australian institutions. Public discontent with policies perceived as benefiting the elite—such as fossil fuel subsidies and lackluster climate action—aligns with a broader narrative of systemic failure.

Bitcoin as a Symbol of Resistance

Just as the French Revolution was driven by the promise of equality and empowerment, Bitcoin offers Australians a tool to challenge the status quo. Its decentralized nature removes intermediaries, empowering individuals to take control of their wealth and participate in a global financial system untainted by local corruption or inefficiency.

---

Policy Decisions That Could Trigger the "Rolling of Heads"

1. Taxation and Over-Regulation

A heavy-handed approach to taxing Bitcoin holdings and transactions could alienate the growing number of Australians adopting the asset. By treating Bitcoin purely as a speculative investment rather than a revolutionary tool, policymakers risk pushing citizens towards civil disobedience or parallel economies.

1. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

The RBA is exploring the potential for a digital Australian dollar (CBDC). While it may seem like a step toward modernization, a centralized digital currency would likely exacerbate concerns over surveillance and monetary control. Australians may view CBDCs as antithetical to Bitcoin’s ethos, intensifying resistance.

1. Banking Collapses

A potential banking crisis, whether due to economic mismanagement or global shocks, could accelerate Bitcoin adoption. Australians disillusioned with the inability of the government or banks to safeguard their savings may flock to Bitcoin as a trustless, self-custodial alternative.

1. Failure to Address Inequality

If policymakers continue to ignore the growing wealth gap, grassroots movements advocating Bitcoin as a tool for financial inclusion will gain traction. Just as the French Revolution arose from a failure to address systemic inequities, Australia risks a similar reckoning.

---

The Revolutionary Parallel: Heads Will Roll

The "rolling of heads" in this context is metaphorical, but no less profound. It represents the dismantling of entrenched systems and the symbolic removal of those who perpetuate them. Here’s how the Bitcoin revolution could unfold in Australia:

Financial Institutions: The dominance of the Big Four banks could be challenged as Australians adopt decentralized financial systems, forcing these institutions to adapt or face irrelevance.

Political Leaders: Politicians resistant to Bitcoin adoption or beholden to corporate interests may be swept out of office by a digitally empowered electorate demanding transparency and accountability.

Corporate Structures: Companies failing to integrate Bitcoin or blockchain technology may lose competitiveness, leading to leadership shakeups and restructuring.

Cultural Shift: As Bitcoin gains cultural traction, the elite narratives supporting fiat systems could crumble, paving the way for a decentralized financial order.

---

Conclusion: Bitcoin as Australia's Guillotine

While Bitcoin does not call for bloodshed, its disruptive potential is no less revolutionary. By enabling individuals to opt out of centralized systems and reclaim financial sovereignty, Bitcoin challenges the very foundations of Australia's economic and political structures. The French Revolution reshaped society, not because of its guillotine, but because it forced a reckoning with inequality and governance. Similarly, Bitcoin is forcing Australia—and the world—to confront the flaws of fiat money, corporate monopolies, and state overreach.

As the movement gains momentum, Australians may find themselves at the forefront of a global revolution, wielding Bitcoin not as a weapon of destruction, but as a tool for liberty, equality, and empowerment. And until the correct framework for this new era prevails, heads—metaphorical or otherwise—will roll.

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

The paparazzi are we

One of the things that bothers me about social media, in general, is that it gives celebrities an air of approachability, that they don't actually offer.

Theoretically, a celebrity could respond to any one of the dozens or even hundreds of people asking them questions or lodging complaints or singing their praises, but they usually only respond very selectively and leave everyone else just sitting there, as a living monument to the ReplyGuy.

And, as a wise man once said, ReplyGuy is a hoe.

Death of a ReplyGuy

This is usually because of time and energy restrictions, but also due to distaste, disdain, or indifference. Regardless of motivation, it is simply the nature of things, when a larger number of people are clamboring for the attention of some particular person.

Ooh, ooh! Can I have the next question?! Would you please address my bug? May I have a microsecond of your time?

Social media (and I include GitHub in this category) ups this game considerably, and potentially turns it all into a dangerous psychological torture, by making us all preoccupied with people who don't interact with us. The most irrational of groupies because we are forever making almost-contact with our stars.

If we can see them talking to one person, we're supposed to feel like they've spoken with all of us. But they haven't. They spoke with someone else, and we were allowed to watch. No different than on television, except that we might be disappointed and eager to return the next day, to renew our futile attempt.

The same intoxicating feeling that playing the lottery elicits. Everyone is a potential winner, but there is only one jackpot. Come back next week. Buy another ticket. This next time, is your time. Promise.

The view from the peanut gallery

It is all an illusion that there is no hierarchy, where there clearly is one. Celebrities of the past had, at least, the decency to remain slightly aloof. But they all want to be one of the Common Folk, now, just as every multi-millionaire aspires to see himself as fundamentally working-class.

All of celebrity social media is a stage, and most of us are merely spectators or commentators, to what is playing on it. This is why, if someone treats me like someone sitting in the peanut gallery, my instinct is to treat them like an actor.

Because, in reality, that is what they are.

@ 81e5cb66:17c315fa

Original recording: 6 August 1977

The boundaries between terrestrial and ‘extraterrestrial’ intelligence are blurred in a remarkable recording from the Monroe Institute. What begins as a seemingly ordinary out-of-body experience evolves into a profound exploration of consciousness and our role in the cosmic fabric.

The first contact

The session begins with an impressive scene outside the Earth's atmosphere: three ships in formation, part of a larger contact initiative by extraterrestrial beings. The narrator describes an inviting encounter aboard one of these ships, characterised by brilliant white light and advanced technology. The visitors' message is clear: they are ready for enhanced communication, but the key lies in the elevation of human consciousness.

The bridge between the worlds

The method of communication is particularly remarkable. The extraterrestrial beings favour mental contact that is not tied to physical signals. They emphasise that the mere perception of their presence is sufficient to establish a connection. This form of communication transcends conventional boundaries and opens doors to a deeper understanding of interstellar relationships.

Consciousness development as the key

A central aspect of the recording is the importance of consciousness development. The beings describe how humans only utilise a fraction of their consciousness potential. They speak of the need to cultivate a heightened level of consciousness both while awake and while dreaming. This is the key to overcoming the communication barriers between species.

Time and consciousness: a new perspective

The discussion on the nature of time is extremely noteworthy. The extraterrestrial beings exist beyond our linear concept of time and experience reality as a series of mental images. They describe our current perception of reality as a kind of ‘setting’ in a much larger spectrum of consciousness. This suggests that our experience of limitation by time and space is merely a temporary focussing of our larger consciousness.

The emotional dimension

A fascinating aspect of the recording is the description of how the extraterrestrial beings respond to emotional vacuums in the human psyche. They send out a form of consciousness that manifests as physical spaceships to respond to the emotional needs of humanity - especially in relation to environmental problems and existential issues.

Expansion of consciousness as the key

The term ‘expansion of consciousness’ runs like a common thread through the communication. It is not just about personal growth, but about a fundamental transformation of our perception and our being. States such as ‘Focus 12’ as levels of consciousness can provide access to higher dimensions.

Integration and transformation

The session ends with an important realisation: we are not just passive observers in the cosmic drama, but active participants in a larger experiment in consciousness. The extraterrestrial beings emphasise that the future is not predetermined, but can be shaped by collective intention and focused mental imagery.

Conclusion

This Monroe Institute recording offers more than just an insight into extraterrestrial contact. It presents a comprehensive philosophy of consciousness and its role in the evolution of humanity. The experiences described suggest that the path to interstellar communication is less through technological advancement and more through the evolution of our consciousness.

The session reminds us that we are part of a larger cosmic consciousness and that our current limitations may only be self-imposed limitations. It invites us to think beyond our conventional notions of reality, time and consciousness and to open ourselves to new possibilities of existence and communication.\ \ full session: https://youtu.be/P0wdcTqRRU4?si=5mccZ-7DAQgNH2LV

@ 6be5cc06:5259daf0

Um dos padrões mais bem estabelecidos ao medir a opinião pública é que cada geração tende a seguir um caminho semelhante em termos de política e ideologia geral. Seus membros compartilham das mesmas experiências formativas, atingem os marcos importantes da vida ao mesmo tempo e convivem nos mesmos espaços. Então, como devemos entender os relatórios que mostram que a Geração Z é hiperprogressista em certos assuntos, mas surpreendentemente conservadora em outros?

A resposta, nas palavras de Alice Evans, pesquisadora visitante na Universidade de Stanford e uma das principais estudiosas do tema, é que os jovens de hoje estão passando por um grande divergência de gênero, com as jovens mulheres do primeiro grupo e os jovens homens do segundo. A Geração Z representa duas gerações, e não apenas uma.

Em países de todos os continentes, surgiu um distanciamento ideológico entre jovens homens e mulheres. Milhões de pessoas que compartilham das mesmas cidades, locais de trabalho, salas de aula e até casas, não veem mais as coisas da mesma maneira.

Nos Estados Unidos, os dados da Gallup mostram que, após décadas em que os sexos estavam distribuídos de forma relativamente equilibrada entre visões políticas liberais e conservadoras, as mulheres entre 18 e 30 anos são agora 30 pontos percentuais mais liberais do que os homens dessa faixa etária. Essa diferença surgiu em apenas seis anos.

A Alemanha também apresenta um distanciamento de 30 pontos entre homens jovens conservadores e mulheres jovens progressistas, e no Reino Unido, a diferença é de 25 pontos. Na Polônia, no ano passado, quase metade dos homens entre 18 e 21 anos apoiou o partido de extrema direita Confederation, em contraste com apenas um sexto das jovens mulheres dessa mesma idade.

Fora do Ocidente, há divisões ainda mais acentuadas. Na Coreia do Sul, há um enorme abismo entre homens e mulheres jovens, e a situação é semelhante na China. Na África, a Tunísia apresenta o mesmo padrão. Vale notar que em todos os países essa divisão drástica ocorre principalmente entre a geração mais jovem, sendo muito menos pronunciada entre homens e mulheres na faixa dos 30 anos ou mais velhos.

O movimento # MeToo foi o principal estopim, trazendo à tona valores feministas intensos entre jovens mulheres que se sentiram empoderadas para denunciar injustiças de longa data. Esse estopim encontrou especialmente terreno fértil na Coreia do Sul, onde a desigualdade de gênero é bastante visível e a misoginia explícita é comum. (palavras da Financial Times, eu só traduzi)

Na eleição presidencial da Coreia do Sul em 2022, enquanto homens e mulheres mais velhos votaram de forma unificada, os jovens homens apoiaram fortemente o partido de direita People Power, enquanto as jovens mulheres apoiaram o partido liberal Democratic em números quase iguais e opostos.

A situação na Coreia é extrema, mas serve como um alerta para outros países sobre o que pode acontecer quando jovens homens e mulheres se distanciam. A sociedade está dividida, a taxa de casamento despencou e a taxa de natalidade caiu drasticamente, chegando a 0,78 filhos por mulher em 2022, o menor número no mundo todo.

Sete anos após a explosão inicial do movimento # MeToo, a divergência de gênero em atitudes tornou-se autossustentável.

Dados das pesquisas mostram que em muitos países, as diferenças ideológicas vão além dessa questão específica. A divisão progressista-conservadora sobre assédio sexual parece ter causado ou pelo menos faz parte de um alinhamento mais amplo, em que jovens homens e mulheres estão se organizando em grupos conservadores e liberais em outros assuntos.

Nos EUA, Reino Unido e Alemanha, as jovens mulheres agora adotam posturas mais liberais sobre temas como imigração e justiça racial, enquanto grupos etários mais velhos permanecem equilibrados. A tendência na maioria dos países tem sido de mulheres se inclinando mais para a esquerda, enquanto os homens permanecem estáveis. No entanto, há sinais de que os jovens homens estão se movendo para a direita na Alemanha, tornando-se mais críticos em relação à imigração e se aproximando do partido de extrema direita AfD nos últimos anos.

Seria fácil dizer que tudo isso é apenas uma fase passageira, mas os abismos ideológicos apenas crescem, e os dados mostram que as experiências políticas formativas das pessoas são difíceis de mudar. Tudo isso é agravado pelo fato de que o aumento dos smartphones e das redes sociais faz com que os jovens homens e mulheres agora vivam em espaços separados e tenham culturas distintas.

As opiniões dos jovens frequentemente são ignoradas devido à baixa participação política, mas essa mudança pode deixar consequências duradouras, impactando muito mais do que apenas os resultados das eleições.

Retirado de: https://www.ft.com/content/29fd9b5c-2f35-41bf-9d4c-994db4e12998

@ 6be5cc06:5259daf0

1. O que é Bitcoin? É dinheiro de verdade? Bitcoin é uma forma de dinheiro digital que funciona na internet. Não existe em papel ou moedas físicas, mas você pode usá-lo para comprar coisas ou guardar valor, como o dinheiro normal.

2. Como o Bitcoin funciona? É como um banco? Bitcoin funciona sem bancos. Ele usa uma rede na internet onde pessoas registram as transações juntas, garantindo que ninguém possa "trapacear".

3. Quem criou o Bitcoin? Alguém controla isso? Foi criado por uma pessoa ou grupo chamado Satoshi Nakamoto, mas ninguém sabe exatamente quem é. Hoje, ninguém controla o Bitcoin; ele é mantido por milhares de pessoas ao redor do mundo.

4. Por que o Bitcoin tem valor? Não é só código? O Bitcoin tem valor porque as pessoas confiam nele, assim como confiam no dinheiro comum, mesmo ele perdendo valor com o tempo. Além disso, há um número limitado de Bitcoins, o que o torna raro e mais valioso.

5. É seguro usar Bitcoin? Posso perder meu dinheiro? É seguro se você cuidar bem da sua carteira e senha. Mas, se você perder sua senha ou enviar para o endereço errado, pode perder o dinheiro.

6. Como posso comprar Bitcoin? Você pode comprar Bitcoin em plataformas chamadas "exchanges" ou de pessoas comuns que estejam vendendo, o que é mais recomendado, usando dinheiro normal.

7. Onde eu guardo o Bitcoin? Preciso de um lugar especial? Você guarda em uma carteira digital, que pode ser um aplicativo, um site ou até um dispositivo físico, como um pen drive.

8. O que significa "minerar" Bitcoin? É cavar na internet? Minerar é usar computadores para resolver problemas matemáticos. Isso ajuda a manter o Bitcoin funcionando e, como recompensa, quem minera ganha novos Bitcoins.

9. O preço do Bitcoin sobe e desce muito. Por que isso acontece? Porque o preço do Bitcoin depende da oferta e da procura. Se muita gente quer comprar, o preço sobe. Se querem vender, o preço cai.

10. Posso usar Bitcoin para pagar coisas no dia a dia? Sim, mas ainda não é tão comum. Algumas lojas e sites já aceitam Bitcoin como forma de pagamento.

11. Se eu esquecer minha senha ou perder meu celular, perco meu Bitcoin? Se você não tiver uma cópia de segurança da sua carteira ou senha, sim, pode perder. Por isso, é importante anotar e guardar essas informações em um lugar seguro.

12. O governo pode proibir o Bitcoin? O que acontece nesse caso? O governo pode tentar limitar o uso, mas como o Bitcoin é uma rede global, ele continuaria existindo e funcionando.

13. Ouvi falar de golpes com Bitcoin. Como me proteger? Nunca compartilhe suas senhas, desconfie de promessas de lucro rápido e use apenas plataformas confiáveis para comprar e vender.

14. Vale a pena investir em Bitcoin? Não é arriscado? Bitcoin não é um investimento, mas uma forma de reserva de valor, como o ouro. Ele serve para proteger seu dinheiro contra a desvalorização, mas seu preço varia muito. Por isso, é muito importante entender como funciona antes de usar.

15. Bitcoin é só para ricos ou qualquer pessoa pode usar? Qualquer pessoa pode usar! Você não precisa comprar um Bitcoin inteiro; pode comprar frações bem pequenas, chamadas "satoshis".

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

I've been working 28 hours a week on the weekends as a Direct service professional, assisting adults with autism and intellectual disabilities. I've brought my laptop freaks. There's enough downtime for me to work on obtaining certifications online, posts to SN and Nostr, and work on my coding project Nostr Run Club.

I work with 2 normies on saturday and sunday, and had the bright idea of pitching my app to them. Here is how the conversation went.

Hustle: Hey do you guys want to see what i'm working on?

Normie 1: Sure....

Normie 2: "Comes around to curiously investigate"

***The Pitch

Hustle: Alright, so.....what social media do you use?

Normie 1: Instagram.

Hustle: Alright so....I'm making a running app. Imagine logging in with instagram, and seeing a feed of all of the runners and all of your friends. Now, what music streaming service do you use?

Normie 1: Pandora Normie 2: Spotify

Hustle: Cool, so imagine seeing your pandora and Spotify liked songs and playlists in the running app. So the app can track your run, its connected to your social media and streaming platform, and people can send you small donations congratulating you for the run.

Normie 1 and 2: Ahh, that's cool.

Normie 2: But why would people send you money? Oh? I think I've seen something like it where people send you a star and the star can be redeemed for like 99 cents, or they send you points and the app rewards you for points.

Hustle: Nah. That parts already figured out, I'm just having trouble getting the music from "Spotify" to play, and then I'll release it into the wild, that's pretty much my hustle.

And that was the conversation, it left me thinking about a few things.

1. V4V The concept is extremely familiar to me. I say good Morning I get 50 cents. I give 35 cents to other GM freaks and keep it pushing. Its normal. But for them the concept seemed so strange, they were looking for some solution or explanation on why people would just give someone else money for seemingly nothing. When the solution is already here, just not evenly distributed or promoted or adopted. Likely because the normies are still existing in the paradox of card companies and ravenous third party intermediaries imposing their cut.

2. The broken social media landscape of disconnected walled gardens I was thinking normie one would say Facebook, if asked normie 2 would've said snapchat, Tik Tok, Instagram etc. for music they could've said apple music, tidal, Youtube music etc.

I see Nostr as a highway that connects all of these guys, and instead of buying multiple cars to travel on different streets, you have one car that you use to travel across the country.

1. The tact required to pitch ideas like Nostr and bitcoin

I used to work at bank of America and was tasked to sell credit cards without saying the word credit card.....

I would say "Hello, good sir/mam, have you thought about getting rewarded for your daily purchases??"

I found myself in a familiar situation, introducing them to Nostr without using the word Nostr and introducing them to bitcoin without using the word inevitable. The experience was stranger for me than it was for them, they left thinking "Ahh, thats neat" I walked away from the conversation eager to get notify the freaks.

In Conclusion,

The interaction gave me a few interesting insights:

1. We'll need to bridge the conceptual gap between traditional and new payment paradigms.
2. The importance of focusing on user benefits rather than technical details
3. The market opportunity for solutions that unify fragmented digital services
4. The value of strategic communication that meets users where they are

Successful adoption of new technologies like Nostr and Bitcoin requires careful attention to user education and communication, focusing on practical benefits rather than technical features. The positive reception to the core concept, even without understanding the underlying technology, shows huge potential for mainstream adoption when presented appropriately.

Thanks, Hustle

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/829000

@ 6be5cc06:5259daf0

1. / (Root Directory)

2. É o diretório raiz de todo o sistema de arquivos. Todos os outros diretórios e arquivos estão localizados dentro dele. Representa o ponto inicial da estrutura hierárquica.

3. /bin (Essential User Command Binaries)

4. Contém comandos essenciais que são usados pelos usuários e pelo sistema, como ls, cp, mv, etc. Esses comandos podem ser executados tanto pelo usuário comum quanto pelo administrador.

5. /boot (Static Files of the Boot Loader)

6. Guarda os arquivos necessários para a inicialização do sistema, incluindo o kernel, arquivos de configuração do boot loader (ex. GRUB), e a imagem inicial do sistema.

7. /dev (Device Files)

8. Contém arquivos especiais que representam dispositivos do sistema, como discos rígidos (/dev/sda), portas USB, entre outros. Esses arquivos permitem que o sistema interaja com os dispositivos.

9. /etc (Host-Specific System Configuration)

10. Armazena arquivos de configuração do sistema. Contém diretórios e arquivos de configuração para vários programas e serviços, como o passwd (contas de usuários), arquivos de rede, etc.

11. /home (User Home Directories)

12. É onde ficam os diretórios pessoais dos usuários. Cada usuário tem seu próprio diretório em /home (por exemplo, /home/student e /home/linuxgym na imagem). Esses diretórios guardam arquivos pessoais e configurações de cada usuário.

13. /lib (Essential Shared Libraries and Kernel Modules)

14. Contém as bibliotecas essenciais usadas por binários em /bin e /sbin, além dos módulos do kernel que auxiliam o sistema a funcionar corretamente.

15. /media (Mount Point for Removable Media)

16. Diretório onde dispositivos removíveis, como pen drives e CDs, são montados automaticamente para que o sistema possa acessar seus dados.

17. /mnt (Mount Point for Temporarily Mounted Filesystems)

18. Usado para montar temporariamente sistemas de arquivos, como partições adicionais ou dispositivos de armazenamento externos.

19. /opt (Add-on Application Software Packages)

    • Destinado a softwares adicionais ou pacotes de aplicativos externos que não fazem parte do sistema principal, como softwares de terceiros.

20. /sbin (System Binaries)

    • Armazena comandos essenciais usados principalmente pelo administrador do sistema, como reboot, shutdown, etc. Esses comandos geralmente exigem permissões de superusuário.

21. /srv (Data for Services Provided by This System)

    • Guarda dados relacionados a serviços específicos que o sistema fornece, como arquivos para servidores web e FTP.

22. /tmp (Temporary Files)

    • Contém arquivos temporários criados por usuários ou pelo sistema. Esse diretório é limpo regularmente, e arquivos dentro dele podem ser excluídos a qualquer momento.

23. /usr (Multi-user Utilities and Applications)

    • Um diretório com aplicativos e utilitários para uso geral de todos os usuários. Contém subdiretórios como /usr/bin (binários de usuários), /usr/lib (bibliotecas) e /usr/local (software instalado manualmente).

24. /var (Variable Files)

    • Guarda arquivos variáveis, como logs do sistema, bancos de dados, e-mail e arquivos de spool (impressão, e-mail, etc). Esses arquivos são modificados frequentemente enquanto o sistema está em uso.

25. /root (Home Directory for the Root User)

    • Diretório pessoal do superusuário root. Diferente do /home, que contém diretórios de outros usuários, o /root é exclusivo para o administrador.

26. /proc (Virtual Filesystem Documenting Kernel and Process Status as Text Files)

    • É um sistema de arquivos virtual que contém informações sobre processos e o estado do kernel, com arquivos e diretórios que representam processos e outros dados do sistema em tempo real.

Complementos:

• /usr/local: Um diretório específico dentro de /usr que é usado para armazenar softwares instalados manualmente pelo usuário, evitando conflitos com pacotes de software gerenciados pelo sistema.
• Arquivos de sistema em /usr/local/bin e /usr/local/games: Armazenam binários e jogos que foram instalados manualmente pelo usuário.

@ 54609048:8e22ba03

2024 has turned out to be an interesting year for Bitcoin, probably better than what most expected. From the approval of spot Bitcoin ETF’s in January, increased adoption by corporations as well as pension funds following the Microstrategy playbook, to talks of creating Strategic Bitcoin Reserves (SBR) by different countries including the United States of America. Of course the European Central Bank also had to weigh in with their luddite perspective and let us know how early adopters “steal” economic potential from new comers. Then came the big one when the Bitcoin price crossed $100 000 for the very first time on the 5th of December, to much pomp and fanfare.

Yet amid the euphoria, it’s critical not to lose sight of Bitcoin’s revolutionary mission: the separation of money and state. As conversations about the impending Bitcoin bull run and $1 million price predictions dominate online chatter, a darker reality emerges. Many Bitcoiners appear willing to compromise with governments and institutions—the very entities Bitcoin was designed to render obsolete—all for the sake of pumping their bags.

While I am definitely not trying to dictate to anyone what they should be doing with their Bitcoin or how they ought to think; but I am trying to remind those that are still interested in the separation of money and state not to lose sight of the ultimate goal.This article is not meant to be a hot take for stirring any controversy or anything of that sort, just a different perspective that’s all.

Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System

The opening line of Bitcoin’s whitepaper isn’t just a technical statement; it’s a declaration of war: “A purely peer-to-peer version of electronic cash would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.” It’s clear from this that Bitcoin was designed to be a digital means of exchange first that could be transmitted without a third party. Put another way, Bitcoin was created as decentralized digital cash—a tool for economic freedom, bypassing intermediaries and state control. Yet today, narratives like “digital gold” and SBRs dominate the discourse, reframing Bitcoin as a reserve asset for nation-states and institutions. While these narratives acknowledge the failings of fiat, they risk chaining Bitcoin to the very systems it was designed to dismantle.

The Lessons of Gold: A Warning for Bitcoin

History provides a cautionary tale in gold, once a cornerstone of monetary sovereignty but was gradually co-opted and centralized by the very powers it sought to keep in check.The erosion of gold’s monetary sovereignty began in earnest with the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913. This new central bank was designed to stabilize the U.S. economy by controlling the money supply and interest rates, yet its very existence marked a shift away from the decentralized, market-driven gold standard. By granting the Federal Reserve control over the issuance of currency, the link between paper money and gold—a scarce and neutral medium of exchange—began to weaken. Over time, gold was demoted from being the backbone of the monetary system to a reserve asset held predominantly by central banks.

By 1933 the process had accelerated that gold was permanently kneecapped in 1933 with the signing of Executive Order 6102 which criminalized private ownership of gold by American citizens and subsequently forced them to sell their holdings to the government at a fixed price. While framed as a necessary measure to combat the Great Depression, the true consequence was the removal of gold from public hands, consolidating it within the coffers of the state. Gold was no longer the people’s money—it had become a strategic reserve for government monetary policy.

Gold’s role as a medium of exchange was further diminished by the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944. This international accord established the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency, ostensibly backed by gold. However, this system created an asymmetric dynamic: central banks could trade dollars for gold, but private individuals could not. The result was the effective demonetization of gold for the average person. It became a commodity stored in vaults, a relic of a bygone monetary system, while fiat currencies assumed its role as the dominant medium of exchange. The final nail in the coffin came in 1971 when President Nixon closed the gold convertibility window. This not only fully entrenched the era of central bank coordinated alchemy but crushed the productive capacity of every individual without proximity to the money printer.

This historical tale reveals a dark and inconvenient truth: gold lost its power not because of any inherent flaws but because it was centralized gradually and systematically detached from its role as a medium of exchange. Its transformation into a mere commodity made it vulnerable to state control, paving the way for the unchecked proliferation of fiat money. The story of gold’s co-option should serve as a rallying cry: Bitcoin must never become just another asset locked away in institutional vaults, disconnected from the very people it was designed to empower.

The Illusion of Reform

While it remains true that Bitcoin is indeed a trojan horse designed to obsolete central banking, it would be a bit naive to expect these fiat alchemists are just going to just roll over and play dead. Bear in mind that the dollar is the oil that drives global commerce and capital markets, which is a financially lucrative position that the powers that be won’t give up without a fight. In case you hadn’t noticed, the fight is already on and it’s not as hostile as most would have expected. As calls for an SBR get louder by the day, many view this as a win. While it may seem on the surface like capitulation by state actors, the history of gold above should serve as a cautionary tale. Not all Bitcoin “adoption” is created equal. One of the key points that is usually raised in favour of nation states adopting an SBR is that it would force the state to adhere to tighter fiscal discipline and controls. A point that I am personally skeptical of for a number of reasons. For starters, the fundamental issue with fiscal indiscipline is the state’s monopoly on violence and the issuance of money.

If history is any guide, as long as the state maintains control over the power to create money and enforce legal tender laws, it will find ways around nominal constraints. Legal tender laws force individuals to use state money, enabling governments to devalue it through inflation. Furthermore fiscal discipline is achieved by balancing budgets and curbing unnecessary expenditures, not just by accumulating reserves. An SBR in and of itself will do nothing to address the structural issues that drive government deficits, such as; excessive entitlement spending, military-industrial complex overreach and bloated bureaucracies. The problem is not the asset backing the currency but the moral hazard of government control over money.

In theory while an SBR is viewed as a “disciplining mechanism” that will constrain state spending; the reality is that the state has always systematically undermined any constraints on their monetary power. Even when the dollar was officially gold-backed, the government found ways to expand spending beyond its means through techniques like suspending convertibility, changing redemption rates, and eventually abandoning the standard entirely. There's no reason to believe that an SBR would create any more discipline than gold did. An SBR would likely follow the same pattern as gold reserves - initially presented as a disciplining mechanism, but gradually subverted through:

1. Fractional reserve practices
2. Creation of paper claims exceeding actual Bitcoin holdings
3. Development of complex financial instruments to leverage Bitcoin reserves
4. Selective suspension of Bitcoin redemption rights
5. Gradual reduction of backing ratios

Bitcoin fixes many things, but let’s not delude ourselves—it’s not the magic bullet for every societal ill. Bitcoin may be provably scarce and fully decentralized, but it doesn’t fix corrupt human hearts hell bent on maintaining a system of financial slavery. Nation-state adoption of Bitcoin in its current form should not be mistakenly interpreted as the state nobly surrendering the money printer to advance individual freedoms. The most likely scenario, in my view, is that most governments will continue to issue fiat currency against their Bitcoin reserves, engaging in the same inflationary practices that debased gold-backed systems. The problem is not the asset backing the currency but the moral hazard of government control over money. History has shown us time and again that even the soundest monetary systems falter when subject to the whims of centralized authority.

The only way to achieve true fiscal discipline is to abolish legal tender laws and allow competing currencies, including Bitcoin, to flourish in the free market. As long as legal tender laws compel the use of fiat currency, governments will continue to inflate their money supply at the expense of the public, regardless of how much Bitcoin they hold. An SBR would not change this dynamic. Bitcoin, locked in their reserves, will become a tool to prop up the very system it was designed to destroy.

The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

The aim of this article isn’t to foster doomerism or any sort of pessimism, but it’s a reminder of what’s at stake. The allure of “number go up” might excite speculators in the short term, but it risks diverting attention from Bitcoin’s real purpose. A rising Bitcoin price is not a celebration of Bitcoin’s growing value—it’s a grim indictment of fiat’s accelerating demise. Each new all-time high is a reflection of fiat’s gradual but inevitable erosion.The real tragedy lies in misunderstanding this dynamic.The true measure of wealth is not fiat gains but sovereignty—freedom from the clutches of a system designed to perpetuate dependency and control.

To achieve this, Bitcoiners must resist the temptation to seek validation from governments and institutions. Instead, they must champion Bitcoin’s role as a peer-to-peer currency, a medium of exchange that operates outside the reach of centralized control. The battle is far from over, but the path forward is clear. The higher Bitcoin climbs, the more desperate the fiat establishment will become. Let us remember: the goal is not to join the system but to transcend it. Only by keeping this vision alive can Bitcoin fulfill its revolutionary promise as the people’s money—a beacon of hope in a world shackled by financial oppression.

@ 6734e11d:c7e34e8f

@ f584256e:c8d47907

Once upon a time, in the heart of the Middle Ages, there lived a curious and adventurous boy named Oliver. At the tender age of eight, he resided in a humble farmer's house on the outskirts of a small town with his caring parents. The family had a modest plot of land and a cozy cottage, where they worked hard to make ends meet.

One day, as the sun painted the sky with hues of orange and pink, Oliver sat outside, gazing at the rolling hills and daydreaming about the world beyond. His eyes sparkled with the curiosity of a young explorer. "I wish I could see what lies beyond these fields and experience the wonders of the world," he mused.

Despite their humble circumstances, Oliver's parents noticed the longing in their son's eyes. Determined to nurture his adventurous spirit, they crafted a simple map together, tracing routes through neighboring villages, forests, and distant castles.

Encouraged by his parents, Oliver embarked on a journey, armed with his map, a small bag of provisions, and a heart full of dreams. As he ventured beyond the familiar fields, he encountered friendly villagers who shared stories of distant lands and magical creatures.

Oliver's journey led him through enchanted forests, where mystical creatures whispered secrets among the ancient trees. He crossed babbling brooks and climbed rolling hills, discovering the beauty of the world that lay just beyond his home.

Throughout his travels, Oliver encountered challenges and learned valuable lessons. He helped a lost lamb find its way back to the flock, befriended a wise old owl who shared tales of bravery, and even stumbled upon a hidden treasure chest, though it was filled not with gold but with the warmth of newfound friendships.

As days turned into weeks, Oliver's heart swelled with gratitude for the experiences that shaped him. He realized that the true wealth of the world lay not in gold and riches, but in the kindness of strangers, the beauty of nature, and the bonds of friendship.

Eventually, Oliver returned home, his heart brimming with stories to share. His parents, overjoyed to see their son safe and enriched by his adventures, welcomed him with open arms. From that day forward, Oliver carried the spirit of exploration within him, cherishing the simple joys of life and forever grateful for the love that surrounded him in his humble farmer's home. And so, in the center of the Middle Ages, a little boy's wanderlust had woven a tapestry of tales that would be passed down through generations.

@ f4d89779:2b522db9

In the game of Ultimate Frisbee, there is a beloved phrase that captures one of the best aspects of playing. Ultimate is about decision making. It is played on a rectangular field with seven players on each side. Much like football, the object of the game is to score with a throw into the end zone.

To "HUCK", means to launch the disc down field in the hopes of scoring. You can probably guess what the "OR YOU'RE NOTHING" means but the spirit of it is that when the opportunity comes ...

PUT THE DISC IN THE AIR

https://i.nostr.build/XyTpXdNOSpv5f8ZZ.jpg

Sorry, I had to channel my inner ODELL there for a second. These are all caps kind of moments. Time feels like it stops, the disc floats in the air, the receiver and defender are sprinting all out, you can hear the collective breath of anticipation from the audience and then you score. If you're good that is.

You know what? You and I are civilized people, we use the NOSTR, so I won't limit myself to just words. Here are some of those moments:

https://v.nostr.build/zav5o04BK97FiNAt.mp4

During the course of play, teams get into a formation with a couple of the players doing the majority of the disc throwing. These players are called handlers. They handle the disc, they have the responsibility of moving the disc downfield, and handle most of the decision making.

A good handler develops a sort of instinct for each of their receivers, can guess the capabilities of each defender, and knows himself well enough to know if he has the throw. They know who is good and reliable at short cuts. They know who has the top end speed to throw a long floating pass into the end zone. With each play they are judging all of the moving objects on the field and deciding on real time risk of each throw and where things will lead.

Mistakes lead to turnovers and turnovers, like in many other sports, are death.

Hopefully, you start to see how ultimate relates to life and Bitcoin. Life is a field and you have defenders and you have receivers. It is your disc and the decisions you make have a huge impact on whether you win or lose.

Knowingly or not, you saw Bitcoin as a potential receiver and Governments, academics, shitcoiners, as defenders. In some ways those around you were also defenders. They whispered, or maybe still whisper the risk and probability of failure in your ear. Their fear weighed against what you know.

With the btc/usd exchange rate at $94k, and companies fighting over the best ways to get sats I think we can say that you did not get lucky. They called you crazy, they said that throw won't work, they said your receiver sucked but you knew better.

You saw that receiver leaving every defender in the dust and you HUCKED it and you are certainly not NOTHING.

@ b2caa9b3:9eab0fb5

Yesterday evening, I found myself enjoying a late dinner at the Hostel Bar, followed by diving deeper into exploring a nostr client called Primal. While it promises a partial solution to the issues I’ve been facing with the Alby Custodial Wallet, it’s still not perfect. There are features I’d like to see that are missing, and uploading images — like the ones I’m working on now in a café at the foot of Kilimanjaro — remains a challenge. Primal’s Prime Account is an option, but it doesn’t align with my current needs. If I could generate enough income over nostr to cover itself, I’d consider it, but for now, my search for a solution continues.

This morning, I decided to try a new café, someone recommended to me recently. The ambiance is lovely, and it has a great vibe, though a bit on the pricey side. The cappuccino was delightful, and its proximity to my hostel makes it a convenient spot. I might return, but I’m also intrigued by another recommendation: Aroma Coffee. The name reminds me of Aroma Kava in Ukraine, which I loved. I’ll have to visit it soon and see how it compares.

For today, my plans are simple. I aim to download videos from one cloud storage and transfer them to WeVideo for editing. My video projects have been on my mind, and I’m eager to keep making progress. Additionally, I’m experimenting with setting up VS Code for LaTeX. Currently, I’m drafting this blog post in VS Code using Markdown, but I’ve been inspired to explore LaTeX after reading an article about it. It’s been a while since I used Kile for LaTeX editing, so this will be a relearning experience. My goal is to make VS Code as versatile as possible for my creative and technical needs.

Looking ahead, I’m starting to think about my travel plans for 2025. At the beginning of the year, I’d like to explore new cities, perhaps visit Victoria Falls in Zambia, or even check out Uganda and the Nile’s source. However, I know I’ll eventually loop back to East Africa, with plans to end up in Mombasa. A flight to Germany crossed my mind, but my budget is too tight for that at the moment. Hopefully, in the next couple of days, I’ll have more clarity about my next steps. For now, I need to extend my stay at the hostel, pay my rent, and finalize my plans.

Moshi has been a delightful place to stay. It’s undeniably more picturesque than Kilifi, though each has its charm. While Kilifi boasts beaches, Moshi offers the majestic Kilimanjaro and a plethora of beautiful cafés and restaurants. The streets here are livelier, with newer cars and more spots to relax and soak in the atmosphere.

Unfortunately, I’m temporarily barred from entering Kenya. The border officer informed me that my frequent entries and exits have triggered restrictions. After some time, this should reset, and I’ll be able to return to explore the places I’ve missed.

Speaking of Kenya, I have to mention a surprising development from my time in Kilifi — my psoriasis disappeared. I attribute this to the consistent warm climate, the salty ocean air, and year-round sunshine. I’m optimistic that staying in a warm environment for the next couple of years will keep it away permanently.

Before leaving Moshi, I plan to buy a multipurpose sheet that I can use as a wrap or towel. It fits perfectly with my minimalist lifestyle. I’ve also been contemplating replacing my worn-out T-shirts with something new. While they’re still functional, they’ve seen better days.

I’ll wrap up this post here and wish everyone a beautiful Sunday. Stay tuned for more updates and photos from my day — including snapshots of the café and my walk there. Until next time!

@ 68ce44e4:ecd5f574

Xenea Wallet Daily Quiz 29 Dec

Complete now : https://xenea.app/register/167mZpWf7A

XENEAwallet #cryptoairdrop #cryptocurrency #cryptonews #bitcoin #EarnFreeCrypto

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

Let's hear some of your latest Bitcoin purchases, feel free to include links to the shops or merchants you bought from too.

If you missed our last thread, here are some of the items stackers recently spent their sats on.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/828556

@ 16d11430:61640947

In the intersection of technology, finance, and faith, an unusual but profound question emerges: What does it mean to transact with Christ using Bitcoin? While seemingly provocative, this inquiry opens a doorway to exploring the spiritual dimensions of Bitcoin and its implications for how humanity interacts with divinity in a modern, decentralized world.

The Idea of Transaction in a Spiritual Context

The term "transaction" often implies an exchange of goods, services, or currency—a concept grounded in material reality. Yet, within Christian theology, the notion of a transaction with Christ transcends the material. It refers to the exchange of faith for grace, sin for forgiveness, or the giving of one’s life in surrender for eternal life in return.

In this light, to transact with Christ is not about equivalence but about participation. It is an acknowledgment that human offerings, however limited, can be consecrated in service to a higher purpose. Thus, the question of using Bitcoin—a currency rooted in cryptographic trust and decentralization—becomes a metaphorical lens for examining the intersection of faith, technology, and moral action.

Bitcoin as a Reflection of Divine Attributes

Bitcoin possesses characteristics that resonate with certain divine attributes, making it an intriguing subject for theological reflection:

1. Incorruptibility: Bitcoin’s blockchain is immutable. Once written, it cannot be altered—a reflection of divine truth, which is unchanging and eternal. Just as Christ proclaimed Himself to be "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), Bitcoin's transparency and incorruptibility evoke a similar aspiration for absolute justice and integrity.

2. Decentralization: Bitcoin operates without a central authority, distributing power across a network of participants. This mirrors the Christian concept of the Body of Christ, where no single member holds dominion, but all work together in harmony for the greater good.

3. Transparency: Every transaction on the Bitcoin network is visible on the blockchain, symbolizing the omniscience of God. Just as nothing is hidden from the divine gaze, Bitcoin creates a system where accountability is enforced by the network itself.

4. Finite Supply: The 21-million cap of Bitcoin reflects a sense of order and discipline, contrasting with the boundless expansion of fiat systems. This scarcity encourages stewardship, a virtue long emphasized in Christian ethics.

Transacting with Christ Using Bitcoin

To transact with Christ using Bitcoin is not to reduce Him to a financial ledger but to consider how modern tools of exchange can symbolize spiritual truths. Such a transaction would not involve equivalence—no earthly currency could measure Christ's infinite gift of redemption—but rather alignment.

When we think of offering Bitcoin to Christ, it becomes an act of devotion and surrender, acknowledging that even the fruits of human ingenuity belong to Him. It is akin to the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41–44), where the value of the offering lies not in its material worth but in the intention and sacrifice behind it.

Bitcoin and the Moral Economy

In a world where fiat currencies are often associated with corruption, inflation, and centralization, Bitcoin represents a radical shift toward an incorruptible and transparent economic system. For Christians, this aligns with the call to live justly and to “render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21).

By engaging with Bitcoin, Christians can participate in a moral economy—one that resists manipulation and upholds principles of fairness and accountability. Transacting with Christ, then, becomes a metaphor for aligning one’s financial practices with spiritual values, using tools like Bitcoin to reflect divine justice and order.

Bitcoin as a Spiritual Tool

While Bitcoin is a technological creation, its design invites reflection on spiritual principles. Its reliance on consensus mirrors the need for communal harmony in faith. Its resistance to corruption serves as a call for moral integrity. By surrendering to Bitcoin's rules—rules that cannot be bent for personal gain—one practices a form of humility, recognizing the limitations of human control.

Challenges and Limitations

Of course, Bitcoin is not without its challenges. Its use can be corrupted by greed, speculation, or unethical practices, just as any tool can be misused. To engage with Bitcoin spiritually requires discernment: a focus on its potential for justice and stewardship rather than its potential for exploitation.

Moreover, the metaphor of transacting with Christ must be handled with care. It is not about commodifying the divine but about seeing in Bitcoin a symbol of how human innovation can serve higher purposes when rightly ordered.

Conclusion: Surrendering the Temporal for the Eternal

To transact with Christ using Bitcoin is to ask: How can modern tools reflect eternal truths? It is an invitation to sanctify the temporal by aligning it with the divine. Bitcoin, with its incorruptible ledger and decentralized nature, offers a unique opportunity for such reflection.

Ultimately, the question is not about Christ accepting Bitcoin but about whether we, as stewards of creation, can use tools like Bitcoin to serve justice, truth, and the greater good. By doing so, we participate in a moral economy that transcends material wealth and points toward the eternal treasure Christ exhorts us to seek.

@ 68ce44e4:ecd5f574

CELL Wallet Daily Combo 29 Dec

7-6-3-5

Activate now : https://t.me/cellcoin_Bot/app?startapp=871998660

cellwallet #dailycombo #CryptoAirdrop #cryptonews #cryptocurrency #bitcoin

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

Pharma Whistleblower since 2009

Jane Bürgermeister was born in Switzerland on 19 January 1966 and has both Austrian and Irish citizenship. She has worked as a journalist and has written articles for various publications such as Nature, the British Medical Journal and The Guardian.\ \ In April 2009, Bürgermeister filed criminal charges against several organisations and individuals, including:\ • The World Health Organization (WHO)\ • The United Nations (UN)\ • The US government and President Obama\ • Pharmaceutical companies such as Baxter\ He accused these parties of serious crimes such as:\ • Attempted mass murder\ • Bioterrorism\ • High treason

Her 2009 video was deleted from social media sites and YouTube:

https://waltersiegrist.ch/JaneBurgermeister2009.mp4

Living in Greece in 2023, she urgently called to lift Mitsotakis' immunity for participating in an illegal plan to administer a toxic Covid vaccine to the Greek public and knowingly poison millions of Greeks. 

https://wearechange.at/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/FProofsMitsotakisTrumpHaveKilledMillionsThroughCovidVaccinesDeliberately.pdf

https://www.corona-hoax.ch/FProofsMitsotakisTrumpHaveKilledMillionsThroughCovidVaccinesDeliberately.pdf

https://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1873028168774500362

https://wearechange.at/wo-ist-jane-burgermeister/

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

Welchen Impfungen kann man jetzt noch trauen? - Prof. Dr. Dr. Haditsch im Interview mit dem Bitcoin Profi und Autor Marc Friedrich

https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/152437/Impfaerzte-haften-nicht-fuer-eventuelle-Aufklaerungsmaengel-vor-Coronaimpfung

https://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1870001629325414660

Nebenwirkungen

https://waltisiegrist.locals.com/upost/1949852/gesichert-die-von-der-ard-geloeschten-berichte-ueber-impfnebenwirkungen-https-report24-news-gesi

@ e373ca41:b82abcc5

“War is a way of deception”, knew the Chinese strategist Sun Tzu (also: Sunzi). He left the world a collection of war lists that are still valid today. Fighting is not an act of clashing mere physical strength and power, but of cleverness and cunning.

“If you intend to do something, do it as if you didn't intend to do it. If you want something, do it as if you weren't going to use it.”

This also includes being weak when you are actually strong and, depending on the situation, sometimes being strong when you are actually weak.

Are you over it?

Many people feel that we are now “somehow out of the woods”. Trump will “drain the swamp” and ensure peace and prosperity. Kennedy will make America (and then the world?) healthy again. Elon Musk will take humanity to a new level (and Mars) and save freedom of speech in the process. Bitcoin will now only go up forever, etc. But everyone knows that the world is rarely as black and white as we would like it to be in our heads.

Instead, we are witnessing the emergence of a new oligarchy, which is opposed to the old oligarchy and is partly intertwined with it. A cycle of elites, as described a hundred years ago by the theorists Mosca, Pareto and Michels. All elites serve themselves above all, the citizen and his interests are played out in the spaces in between. It is not a sign of civic maturity to hope for better rulers. Behind this is the naïve dream of the selfless “philosopher king”, which has occasionally existed in history, but very rarely. The tyrant was much more common.

Nobody knows the future, but many like to take a sip from the hopium bottle. Hope can be a drug that blocks the view of reality, even if it gives you a feeling of confidence at first. The most difficult time is when power changes hands. An old squad steps down and a new one takes over. The incipient loss of power by the old squad can degenerate into a death struggle that can be devastating. Real power does not materialize exclusively in leadership figures, these are placeholders. The invisible centers of power can be found in lobby groups, in interest groups, in administrative structures. These tend to remain unaffected by elections. Invisible power is the great unknown in the game of power; it determines the inertia or dynamics of the system.

(The daily hypocrisy of Big Tech)

Recently there was an interesting conversation between Joe Rogan and Marc Andreesen. Andreesen is something like the godfather of “Silicon Valley”, the most successful investor in start-ups such as Facebook & Co. He talked about how the Biden administration wanted to bring AI completely under the control of the state and about the fact that around 30 crypto entrepreneurs in America have lost their bank accounts. They are considered “pep”, aka “politically exposed persons”. In short, they are a thorn in the side of the power apparatus for some reason and are therefore on the blacklist. They are not told exactly why and by whom they were expelled, only that they are out of the system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye8MOfxD5nU

The invisible centers of power

This is “administrative power” par excellence. The apparatus of power acts like an organism, it simply eliminates those who could be harmful in terms of power politics, removes the ability to act and reduces the radius of action to almost zero. Without a bank account, you can't get far “in the system”, you can no longer operate economically, you can't even rent an apartment. Who makes this decision? Nobody knows. In Germany, too, a number of people have been similarly cut off, from activists to journalists. The best-known example is Querdenken-founder Michael Ballweg. Everything was taken from him (except his Bitcoin).

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Rogan's reaction was extremely surprising: “Wow, wow, wow”. He was completely taken aback and seemed to be hearing about it for the first time. If this is true for Rogan, how great is the ignorance of the rest of the population about the secret mechanisms of power? As Sun Tsu said:

“If you know yourself but not the enemy, you will suffer defeat for every victory you win. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will lose every battle.”

How well do we know ourselves and the enemy? In any case, the amount of unknown ignorance is much greater than the amount of positive knowledge.

A lot can still happen before the “change of power” in America, and after that anyway. Change rarely comes from above and is hardly ever “in the bag”, but is a very lengthy process. Pandemic whisperer Peter Hotez is already listing a litany of new possible pandemics, and he can hardly wait. Christian Drosten and Georg Mascolo's discussion book also already has the next pandemics in its subtitle. So far, Germany has not experienced any kind of reappraisal of the pandemic, although there is a great need for this among the population (alarmingly low among academics, by the way). The process of coming to terms with the pandemic is being transferred to reappraisal simulations, which are being administered as a media sedative.

(After all: the majority wants clarification, the highest rate of brainwashing is achieved by academics, i.e. Zeit readers (Screenshot: Zeit.de)

The reappraisal simulation

The most recent example of this is the two-part Deutschlandfunk program about the RKI protocols. The program simulates a meeting between critics and perpetrators. In reality, they never meet, but express themselves in separate parts. In Part 1 (“The Suspicion”), the leakers of the protocols, such as Aya Velazquez (a stage name, by the way, also strange for a journalist) and Paul Schreyer from Multipolar, have their say. Deutschlandfunk also takes care of the framing, degrading facts to opinions. For example, they pretend that it is Paul Schreyer's opinion that there were planning games in the run-up to the pandemic. But it is a fact (Event 201).

In the second part, the pandemic actors and their supporters have their say without contradiction. The second part is entitled “Classification”, a favorite term of the mainstream. But nothing is classified here. Instead, the old mainstream framing is rehashed without contradiction. Christian Drosten was one of the main participants in the cover-up of the true origin of the pandemic, actively participating in conference calls with Fauci & Co. and deceiving the public (and a court in the Wiesendanger trial) about his role.

In his book from June 2024, he still repeats the fairy tale of the natural coronavirus origin. FBI, CIA and the study by a committee of the US House of Representatives see it differently? Not a peep from the “classifying” Deutschlandfunk. Lauterbach continues to throw sand in the eyes and ears of the listener, justifying the political upgrading of the danger situation with compliant experts. In addition, the Americanist Michael Butter is allowed to pour some of his usual sauce on the subject of conspiracy theorists. Conspiracy theorists are, of course, the critics, because they are looking for a “smoking gun”. Anyone looking for evidence has to look like a crank. He says nothing about the conspiracy practitioner Drosten and his Fauci-Zoomcalls.

The time of the alleged transitions is the time for maximum vigilance. As Ludwig Börne said: “Losing a delusion makes you wiser than finding the truth.”

Society as a whole is not even halfway to shedding its own self-delusion.

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This article by Milosz Matuschek first appeared in German on Freischwebende Intelligenz.

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Join the marketplace of ideas! We are building a publishing ecosystem on Nostr for citizen-journalism, starting with a client for blogging and newsletter distribution. Sound money and sound information should finally be in the hands of the people, right? Want to learn more about the Pareto Project? Zap me, if you want to contribute (all Zaps go to the project).

Update: Since my last article on the Pareto project, we have received more than 50 messages from publications, journalists, authors, testers and supporters. Thank you very much, we are happy to help everyone become censorship-resistant! May just take a little time. Are you a publication and want to be part of it, test us, migrate your content to Nostr? Write to team@pareto.space

Not yet on Nostr and want the full experience? Easy onboarding via Nosta.me.

@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

Boundaries are the backbone of any healthy interaction, and escorting is no exception. They establish trust and ensure mutual respect between me and my clients. However, when those lines are crossed, it creates tension and challenges that can’t be ignored. Learning how to handle these moments with grace and firmness has been an essential part of my journey.

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Subtle Crossings

Not every boundary breach is glaring—many are small, subtle, and easy to overlook at first.
- Personal Questions: Occasionally, clients will probe into my personal life, asking about my family, relationships, or what I do outside of work. While some curiosity is natural, it can quickly feel intrusive.
- Assumptions: Sometimes clients assume familiarity too soon, overstepping the professional relationship we’ve established.

These moments may seem minor, but they have a cumulative effect, often leaving me feeling uneasy.

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Blatant Violations

There are times when clients push well beyond acceptable limits.
- Pressuring for More: A rare but significant issue is when clients attempt to renegotiate boundaries during a session, asking for services I haven’t agreed to provide.
- Disrespectful Behaviour: This includes inappropriate comments, disregard for agreed terms, or even dismissing the professionalism of what I do.

These situations require immediate action to protect myself and maintain control over the encounter.

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A Personal Story

One particular experience stands out: a client who persistently asked about my personal life, even after I’d redirected the conversation multiple times. When subtle hints didn’t work, I had to firmly state that my boundaries weren’t up for negotiation. It was uncomfortable, but necessary to preserve the professional dynamic.

---

Managing the Aftermath

Even after a boundary has been re-established, the emotional impact can linger.
- Self-Doubt: Did I handle it correctly? Could I have prevented it? These questions often replay in my mind.
- Emotional Drain: Confrontations can leave me feeling depleted, no matter how justified my response was.

Reflecting on these incidents with compassion for myself is key to moving forward.

---

The Importance of Clear Communication

Preventing boundary issues starts long before meeting a client.
- Pre-Booking Discussions: I ensure expectations are clear from the outset, outlining what I offer and what I don’t.
- Setting the Tone: Establishing a professional but warm rapport helps clients understand the boundaries without feeling alienated.

---

Support Systems Matter

Facing these challenges alone isn’t sustainable, which is why I rely on a network of support.
- Colleague Advice: Fellow escorts have invaluable insights into managing difficult clients.
- Personal Outlets: Whether it’s friends, family, or a therapist, having a safe space to unpack these experiences is crucial.

---

Conclusion

When clients cross the line, it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a reminder of why boundaries are so critical. Navigating these moments takes strength, clear communication, and unwavering self-respect. It’s a constant learning process, but one that reinforces the value of standing firm in who I am and what I deserve.

Rebecca x

@ 6f3670d9:03f04036

Disclaimer: - This will void your warranty - There might be differences between the Bitaxe and the Lucky Miner that might not cause issues or damage immediately, but might manifest long-term - Proceed at your own risk

---

A Different Pickaxe

You live in a place where it's difficult to get a Bitaxe. You have access to AliExpress. You look around. You find something called the "Lucky Miner LV06". A Bitaxe clone that uses the same mining chip as the Bitaxe Ultra (BM1366 ASIC). You buy one.

You plug it in, you enter your wallet address and other settings, and it starts mining. It works! Great!

But it's running a customized firmware. It's not AxeOS. Maybe there's something shady in the stock firmware. It's not open-source, after all. Also, AxeOS looks amazing... And that automatic pool fail-over feature is handy.

You think to yourself: "Maybe I can use the Bitaxe firmware on this?". Guess what? You're right!

Flashing From Web UI

What usually works for me is to: - Download the Bitaxe firmware files (esp-miner.bin and www.bin) from GitHub (here). Version 2.4.1 seems to work well, as of this writing. - Then from the Lucky Miner web interface, upload the "Website" (www.bin) file. - Wait for a minute or two after it's done uploading. - Upload the "Firmware" (esp-miner.bin) file. - Wait another minute or two. - Unplug the power and plug it back in. - Set the "Core Voltage" and "Frequency" to the defaults. - Unplug the power and plug it back in again.

If you're lucky (no pun intended), you'll have a working Lucky Miner with AxeOS. Update the settings and mine away!

However, often times I've been unlucky, like what happened while I was writing this article, ironically. The miner malfunctions for no obvious reason. It keeps rebooting, or it's not mining (zero/low hashrate), or the web interface is inaccessible. You name it.

The miner has become a "brick". How do you "unbrick" it?

When you brick a Bitaxe, you can recover it by flashing (uploading) a "Factory Image". The Bitaxe has a USB port that makes this easy. Follow the guide and it should come back to life again. Unfortunately, the Lucky Miner LV06 doesn't have a USB port. It has a serial port, though. We'll have to get our hands a bit dirty.

Flashing Using the Serial Port

We need to connect the serial port of the miner to a computer and run a program to flash (upload) the firmware file on the miner. Any 3.3v UART serial port should be sufficient. Unfortunately, PCs don't usually come with a UART serial port these days, let alone a 3.3v one. The serial port common in old computers is an RS-232 port, which will most probably fry your miner if you try to connect it directly. Beware.

In my case, as a serial port for my PC, I'm using an Arduino Due I had lying around. We connect it to the PC through USB, and on the other side we connect a few wires to the miner, which gives the PC access to the miner.

WARNING: Make sure your serial port is 3.3v or you will probably kill the miner. Arduino Uno is 5v not 3.3v, for example, and cannot be used for this.

Wiring

First, we need to open the Lucky Miner. Use a small flat screwdriver to gently push the two plastic clips shown in the picture below. Gently pry the top cover away from the bottom cover on the clips side first, then remove the other side. Be careful not to break the display cable.

Once the cover is off, you can find the miner's serial port in the top right corner (J10), as shown in the next picture. We'll also need the reset button (EN).

There are three screws holding the PCB and the bottom cover together. If you're confident in your ability to push the small button on the underside of the PCB with the bottom cover on, then no need to remove these. The following picture shows what we need from that side.

And the next picture shows the pins and USB port we will use from the Arduino.

Now, we need to connect: - The USB port on the Arduino labelled "programming" to the PC - Pin 18 (TX1) on the Arduino to J10 through-hole pad 5 (blue dot) - Pin 19 (RX1) on the Arduino to J10 through-hole pad 3 (green dot) - Any GND pin on the Arduino to J10 through-hole pad 4 (yellow dot)

I didn't need to solder the wires to the pads. Keeping everything stable, perhaps by putting a weight on the wires or a bit of tape, was sufficient in all my attempts.

Setting up the Arduino

To use the Arduino as a serial port for our PC, we'll have to make it pass-through data back and forth between the USB port and UART1, where we connected the miner.

The following steps are all done on a PC running Debian Linux (Bookworm), in the spirit of freedom and open-source.

First, we start the Arduino IDE. If the package for the Arduino Due board is not already installed, you'll see a small prompt at the bottom. Click "Install this package".

Click the "Install" button.

Once the package is installed, click "Close".

Next, we select the Due board. Click the "Tools" menu, select "Board", select "Arduino ARM (32-bits) Boards" and click "Arduino Due (Programming Port)"

Next, we select the port. Click the "Tools" menu again, select "Port", and click the port where the Arduino is connected. In my case it was "/dev/ttyACM0".

Now we need to upload the following code to the Arduino board. The code is actually the "SerialPassthrough" example from the IDE, but with the serial speed changed to match the miner.

``` void setup() { Serial.begin(115200); Serial1.begin(115200); }

void loop() { if (Serial.available()) { // If anything comes in Serial (USB), Serial1.write(Serial.read()); // read it and send it out Serial1 }

if (Serial1.available()) { // If anything comes in Serial1 Serial.write(Serial1.read()); // read it and send it out Serial (USB) } } ```

Copy/paste the code into the IDE and click upload. You'll see "Done uploading" at the bottom.

Next we'll test if we're receiving data from the miner. We start by opening the "Serial Monitor" from the "Tools" menu in the IDE. Then we change the baudrate to 115200.

Set the Arduino and the miner in a comfortable position, make sure the wires are held in place and got a good contact on both sides, and the power is plugged in.

Now we'll put the miner in "download" mode. Press and hold the button on the underside (K1), press and release the reset button (EN), then release the other button (K1).

You should see some text from the miner in the serial monitor window, like in the picture below.

Congratulations! We know we're able to receive data from the miner now. We're not sure transmit is working, but we'll find out when we try to flash.

Flashing Using the Serial Port, for Real

To flash the Lucky Miner we'll need a software tool named esptool and the factory image firmware file.

I usually use "esp-miner-factory-205-v2.1.8.bin" for the factory image (this one) as a base, and then flash the version I want from the Web UI, using the steps I mentioned earlier.

For esptool, the documentation (here) shows us how to install it. To make things a little easier on our Debian Linux system, we'll use pipx instead of pip. The instructions below are adapted for that.

First we make sure pipx is installed. Run this command in a terminal and follow the instructions:

sudo apt-get install pipx

Then we install esptool using pipx. Run the following in a terminal:

pipx install esptool

The output will be something like this:

user@pc:~$ pipx install esptool installed package esptool 4.8.1, installed using Python 3.11.2 These apps are now globally available - esp_rfc2217_server.py - espefuse.py - espsecure.py - esptool.py ⚠️ Note: '/home/user/.local/bin' is not on your PATH environment variable. These apps will not be globally accessible until your PATH is updated. Run `pipx ensurepath` to automatically add it, or manually modify your PATH in your shell's config file (i.e. ~/.bashrc). done! ✨ 🌟 ✨

We can see pipx telling us we won't be able to run our tool because the folder where it was installed is not in the PATH variable. To fix that, we can follow pipx instructions and run:

pipx ensurepath

And we'll see something like this:

``` user@pc:~$ pipx ensurepath Success! Added /home/user/.local/bin to the PATH environment variable.

Consider adding shell completions for pipx. Run 'pipx completions' for instructions.

You will need to open a new terminal or re-login for the PATH changes to take effect.

Otherwise pipx is ready to go! ✨ 🌟 ✨ ```

Now, close the terminal and re-open it so that esptool becomes available.

Finally, to actually flash the miner, put the miner in download mode, then in the following command change the port ("/dev/ttyACM0") to your serial port, as we've seen earlier, and the file path to where your firmware file is, and run it:

esptool.py -p /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 115200 write_flash --erase-all 0x0 ~/Downloads/esp-miner-factory-205-v2.1.8.bin

If everything went fine, the tool will take a few minutes to flash the firmware to the miner. You'll see something like this in the output:

``` user@pc:~$ esptool.py -p /dev/ttyACM0 --baud 115200 write_flash --erase-all 0x0 ~/Downloads/esp-miner-factory-205-v2.1.8.bin esptool.py v4.8.1 Serial port /dev/ttyACM0 Connecting..... Detecting chip type... ESP32-S3 Chip is ESP32-S3 (QFN56) (revision v0.2) Features: WiFi, BLE, Embedded PSRAM 8MB (AP_3v3) Crystal is 40MHz MAC: 3c:84:27:ba:be:01 Uploading stub... Running stub... Stub running... Configuring flash size... Erasing flash (this may take a while)... Chip erase completed successfully in 9.5s Compressed 15802368 bytes to 1320190... Wrote 15802368 bytes (1320190 compressed) at 0x00000000 in 152.1 seconds (effective 831.2 kbit/s)... Hash of data verified.

Leaving... Hard resetting via RTS pin... ```

And we're done! Hopefully the miner will be recovered now.

Hope this helps!

Stay humble,
dumb-package

A Warning About Beta Versions of AxeOS

For reasons unknown to me, while I was writing this article I wanted to try the testing version of AxeOS, which was v2.4.1b (beta). Flashing from Web UI went smooth, but the miner stopped mining. I flashed back to v2.1.8 using the serial port, a known good version for me, but it wouldn't mine, still.

Thankfully, v2.4.1 was released recently, and flashing it from the Web UI magically revived my miner. So, be warned.

Bonus: File Hashes

For convenience, these are the SHA256 hashes of the files I used in this article: ``` da24fceb246f3b8b4dd94e5143f17bd38e46e5285e807ebd51627cb08f665c0a ESP-Miner-v2.4.1/esp-miner.bin 16c5c671391f0e3e88a3e79ce33fad3b0ec232b8572fad5e1e0d1ad3251ab394 ESP-Miner-v2.4.1/www.bin

d5182a15b6fa21d7b9b31bff2026d30afed9d769781a48db914730a5751e20c6 esp-miner-factory-205-v2.1.8.bin ```

@ 328ccaf5:f0466ab7

Yatağa uzanıp yattığım ve bu satırları yazdığım anların dışında ne yaptığımın pek farkında değilim. Sokaklarda yürüyorum, bir masanın başına ulaşıp oturuyorum; parçalanmamak için çok yavaş yapıyorum bu hareketleri.

Çocukluğumda geçirdiğim çok ağır bir hastalıktan sonra yürümeyi unutmuşum. Hatırlıyorum: duvarlara tutunarak yürümeye çalışırdım.

Bugün de yollarda, duvarlara çarpmamak için büyük bir çaba gösteriyorum. Küçük adımlarla yürümek isterdim kimsenin bana bakmayacağını bilsem.

Görünüşümü korumam gerekiyor: öyle öğretildi bana. Küçük adımlarla, ellerimi ileriye uzatarak yürüsem; çocukluğumda yaptığım gibi. Herkes görünüşünü koruyor. İsteklerini dışa vurmuyor. Öyle alışmışlar. Kendilerini öyle alıştıranlara da kimse karşı çıkmıyor: bir bildikleri vardır elbette. Ben ellerimi uzatarak yürüsem sokakta bana karşı çıkarlardı.

Herkesin istediği gibi yaşadığı o uzak ülkenin özlemini duyuyorum. Belki de bu ülke çok yakın. Uzak olduğunu nereden çıkardım? Belediye otobüsüyle filan gidilebilir oraya. Gene kapılarını çalıyorum. Soruyorum: burada da eskiden nasıl tanınmışsam öyle davranmak zorunda mıyım? Çok iyi bildiğim şeylerde bile şaşırma hakkı verilecek mi bana? Hangi gün doğduğumu bir an için unutsam, yüzüme garip garip bakılmayacak mı? Bakılmasa da, bir gün olur hatırlar, bir gün olur düzelir, bir gün olur eskisi gibi normal duruma gelir gibi yorumlar yapılacak mı arkamdan? Eline tabancayı alıp da ateş eden adam orada da var mı? Hamamböcekleri de var mı? “O” da var mı? Sorularımın karşılıkları gittikçe duyulmaz oluyor. Bana öyle geliyor ki, kimse beni dinlemiyor. Durup dinlenmesini bilmediğim için, bu ülkede de iyi bir karşılama göreceğimden kuşkuluyum.

Bugün öğleden sonra saat ikiden itibaren eşyayı suçlamaya başladım. Önce üzerinden kalkmadığım divan-yatak suçlandı. Sonra tavan ve en sonunda banyo-tuvalet. Bütün düşüncelerimi emip bitirmekle suçluyorum sizleri. Bütün hayallerimi sömürdünüz, gene de doymadınız. Büyük ve güzel şeyler yaratmama yardımcı olmadınız. Büyük bir sağırlıkla, kahredici bir dilsizlikle sustunuz güzelliklere. Geri istiyorum hapsettiğiniz duygularımı, düşüncelerimi. Hepinizi mahkemeye veriyorum: tahliye davası açıyorum. Ne diyorsunuz? Bize bir şey vermedin mi diyorsunuz? Ne yapmışım? Duyulmuyor, hızlı söyleyin. Gülerim saçmalarınıza. Hiçbir güzellik vermemişim onlara. Tavan diyor ki gözler ile benim köşelerimi birleştirdin sadece. Köşegenlerimin kesim noktasının elektrik kordonuna uzaklığını hesapladın. Banyodaki fayansları da, saymışım sadece. Yarım fayansları çıkarmışım, ikiye bölmüşüm… hepiniz yalan söylüyorsunuz. Ben… ben Kant gibi düşünmek istiyordum. Kelimelerle uğraşıyordum ayrıca. Evet, diyorlar hep bir olup: kelimelerle uğraştın. Kelimeleri bölüp durdun: eisen-stein, demir-taş; ein-stein, tek-taş; victor-mature, muzaffer-kâmil. Bunlarla geçirdin vaktini. Önsözler okudun hayalinde: bize yeni bir şey öğretmedin. Kaybettin. Mahkemeyi de mi kaybettim? Mahkemeyi de kaybettin. Mahkeme masrafları, ücreti vekâlet filan da bana mı yıkıldı? Hepsi sana yıkıldı. Ben mahkemede sevimli görüneceğimi sanıyordum, benim bu kadar kayıp içinde olmamdan utanırlar da beni daha çok severler sanıyordum. Aldanıyorsun. Burası mahkeme: düşkünler yurdu değil. Sakın kıyameti koparmaya kalkma: mahkemenin manevi şahsiyetine hakaretten de mahkum olursun. Bir insan eşyayı da suçlayamazsa, divana istediği gibi bir tekme atamazsa insanlığı nerede kalır? Eşya da isyan eder mi insana? İnsan mahkemelerinde eşyalar davayı kazanır mı?

Artık tarih atmıyorum.

Oğuz Atay Tutunamayanlar

@ 328ccaf5:f0466ab7

cafrande.org

Kendini çözemeyen kişi kendi dışında hiç bir sorunu çözemez.

Ne yapmalı? Bugüne kadar sürdürdüğüm gibi, çevremdeki kişilerin davranış ve tutumlarını bilinçsiz bir aldırmazlıkla benimseyerek bu renksiz, kokusuz varlıkla yetinmeli mi; yoksa, başkalarından farklı olan, başkalarının istediğinden çok farklı, köklü bir eylem isteyen gerçek bir insan gibi bu miskin varlığı kökten değiştirmeli mi? En basit sorunların çözümünde bile bocalayan bu sözde devrimci gölgeyi, hiç düzeltmeden, biraz olsun çekidüzen vermeden, amaç edindiğimiz ülküleri gerçekleştirmek için hemen kavganın ortasına atıverelim mi? Kendini yönetmeyi beceremeyen kişileri, toplumları yönetmek, onlara yeni yollar göstermek için hemen başa geçirelim mi? Yoksa, toplu eylemlerde kütlelerin başına bela olan zayıf kişilikleri önce sert ve sıkı bir sınavdan mı geçirmeli?

Ben kendimi yeterli görmüyorum. Ne için yeterli? Her şey için. Topluluğun eylemine engel olabilecek sorunlarımı çözmeden, onu güdebilecek sorunlarımı çözmeden, onu güdebilecek güçte olmadığımı seziyorum. Başkalarına söyleyecek bir sözüm olabilmesi için önce kendime söz geçirmem gerektiğine inanıyorum. Bana bugün, ne yapmalı? diye soracak olurlarsa, ancak, önce kendini düzeltmelisin, diyebilirim. Bir temel ilkeden yola çıkmak gerekirse, bu temel ilke ancak şu olabilir: kendini çözemeyen kişi kendi dışında hiçbir sorunu çözemez. Ne yapmalı? Bu soruya hemen bir karşılık bulmak istenirse, elbette salt aklın verisiyle, ya da oradan buradan derlenmiş bir iki düşüncenin bileşimiyle bazı geçici çareler ortaya atılabilir. İnsan, ilk bakışta bu geçici çarelerin kendi buluşu olduğunu sanabilir. Oysa, örneğin, salt aklın verisi diye nitelendirilen kavramın biraz incelenmesi, bunun çoğunlukla toplumun etkisiyle elde edilen kalıplar olduğunu gösterecektir. Salt aklın verileri, insanı, gevşetmeye fırsat vermeyen amansız bir çalışmanın zorunluluğuna itebilir. Oblomovluk ve eğlence düşkünlüğü, dünyada eşi görülmemiş bir baskıyla yok edilmek istenebilir. Bütün kişisel bunalımlar, ucuz yaşantılara dönüşle ilgili bütün buhranlar, birer birer sindirilmek istenebilir. Herkes zaaflarını gizleyerek yalnız güçlerini ortaya koyar. İşte, görünüşte, toplumsal eylemi geliştirmek, ileriye götürmek için salt akılla bulunduğu sanılan ve her çeşit eylem için kaçınılmaz ilkeler olarak ortaya atılan bu temel davranışlarda bile, kişinin ve çürümüş toplumun değiştirmek istemedikleri öz varlıklarını bilinçsizce koruma isteminin gizli baskılarını arayacaksın! Bilimsel bir kuşkuyla önce bütün zaaflarını çekinmeden ortaya atacaksın! Olmadık bir yerde ortaya çıkmalarını önleyecek ve toplumsal eylemdeki ortaklarını umutsuzluğa düşürmekten böylece kurtulacaksın. Karşılıklı güven ve dayanışma ancak böyle bir sorunun varlığını duyduktan sonra sözkonusu olabilir. Fakat, bütün bu sorunlarını yalnız başına çözeceksin. Bunalımlarını, komplekslerini ve buhranlarını birlikte çalışacağın insanlara iletmeyeceksin. Kurulacak örgütü bir düşkünlerevine çevirmeye kimsenin hakkı yoktur. Birleşecek kişiler önce birleşecek güçte olmalıdırlar; önce bu duruma gelmelidirler. Onlar, yeni düzenler kurmak ve ilerlemek için birleşeceklerdir; körle kötürümün yoldaşlığı gibi bir iş için değil! Kendi sorunlarını çözemeyen bir kişinin, kusurlarının acısını başkalarına çektirmeye hakkı yoktur. Yalnız, kişisel sorunları tek başına çözme eylemini de gereksiz bir aşırılığa götürmemelidir insan. Büyük örgütlerin kurulmasından önce, küçük örgütler oluşurken kişi, çevresinden kendini bütünüyle soyutlamayacaktır; kişisel sorunlarını çözerken başkalarından da bir bakıma yararlanacaktır. Yani, bazı insanlarla genel ilişkiler kuracak onlarla birleşecektir. Ne var ki bu birleşme büyük örgütlerden farklı bir biçimde olacaktır. Böylece küçük bir çekirdeğin aşağıdaki ayırıcı özellikleri belirecektir: 1- Birleşenlerin sayısı az olacaktır. 2-Bu topluluk, genişlemeyi amaç edinmeyecektir. (Kendiliğinden bir artma olursa, bu artış da engellenmeyecektir.) 3- Kişiler bu birliğe zaaflarını ve güçlerini koyarak gireceklerdir. (Zaaf konusunda aşırılığa kapılmamak gerekir.) 4- Kişiler, en küçük ayrıntılara kadar anlaşılabilecek insanlar olmalıdır. (Yani, büyük karakter farkları göstermeyen ve yakın bir ilişki kurabilecek kadar birbirini seven ve birbirine güvenen kişiler bir araya gelmelidir.) 5- O güne kadarki gelişmeleriyle nitelikleri bakımından birbirlerine yakın olan insanlar böyle bir eyleme girmelidir. (Büyük örgütlerde zorunlu bir sınıflama olacağından bu şart yalnız küçük birliklerin özelliğidir.) Bu özellikler, küçük topluluğumuzdaki ilişkilerin sıkı ve karmaşık bir biçimde oluşacağını göstermektedir. Burada kişi kendini ve topluluğu aynı anda geliştirecektir. Birlikte gelişmeyi sağlamak için her toplulukta ve ortak eylemde gerekli gördüğüm şartları şöyle özetleyebilirim: 1- Her birey, bütün toplu çalışmalara aynı oranda katılmalıdır. 2- Bireyler, birbirinin iyi niyeti ve gücünden kuşku duymamalıdır. 3- Her birey kendi ilerlemesi kadar karşısındakinin gelişmesinden de sorumlu olmalıdır. (Yani, zincirleme bir sorumluluk ilkesi benimsenmelidir.) Bu topluluğun gelişmesinde en önemli etkenlerden biri -belki de en önemlisi bireyin, toplu eylem dışındaki yaşantısını nasıl düzenleyeceğidir. Bu yaşantıyı da ikiye ayırabiliriz: 1- Bireyin, temel ülküsü dışındaki yaşantısı. 2- Toplu çalışmalar için gerekli oluşumu kazanmak amacıyla sürdüreceği yaşantı. 1- Temel ülkü dışında, yani ekmek kavgası için tutulacak yol: Ekmeğini kazanırken bireyin yapacağı işler, onu bazı ilişkiler kurmak zorunda bırakacaktır. Bu ilişkilerde, işinin dışında devam edecek herhangi bir eylemden kaçınmalıdır birey. İş arkadaşlarıyla gerçek bir dostluk kurmaktan kesinlikle sakınmalıdır. Yalnız, bunu yaparken, çevreyle ilişkilerini aksatmayacak; bu geçici arkadaşlarında, kendisine karşı dargınlık, kuşku ve kızgınlık yaratmamaya çalışacaktır. Çevresindeki kişilerin düşmanlığını kazanmadan ölçülü bir yakınlık kurmalıdır onlarla. Birey, en basit ihtiyaçlarını gidermekte elbette bağımsızdır, fakat, aşırı tutkuların -kumar, içki ve fazla eğlence gibi bir yana bırakılması ve bunların bir alışkanlık olmaktan çıkarılması gereklidir. Bu çeşit tutkular, özellikle umutsuz günlerde bireyin yakasını bırakmaz: umutlu günlerde kurtulmalıdır birey onlardan. 2- Toplu çalışmalar için tek başına yapılacak çalışmalar: Bireyin tek başına kaldığı zaman kendisini oluşturmak için yapacağı çalışmalar, ne yapmalı sorununun önemli bir bölümüdür. Kendi değerini eksiksiz bilen ve her an bu değeri, yeni şartların ışığında eleştirebilen bir kişi ne yapmalı, ne yapmalı diye bocalamaz. Düzenli bir çalışma düzeyine girebilmek için üç temel sorunu çözümlemek gerekir:

a) Kendini iyi tanımak

İnsan en çok kendiyle ilgilenir; ama bu ilgi bir yönteme dayanmaz ve kendini tanıma sorunu bilimsel bir yolla çözümlenmezse sonsuz bunalımlar karanlığına düşer birey. Değerini tam bilmeyen kişi, gereksiz yakınmalarla gün geçtikçe daha da bozulur ve çürüyüp gider. Kişisel değeri büyütmek de küçültmek de aynı derecede zararlıdır. Yola çıkmadan önce altından kalkamayacakları bir yükün altına girenler daha işin başında ezilip kaybolurlar; gerçek değerinin çok azını ortaya koyanlar da kısa zamanda tembelleşip bir işe yaramazlar. Kendini tanıma sorununun çözümünde, Descartes’ın bilime uyguladığı kuşkuculuğu kullanabiliriz. Bütün değerlerimizi önce yok sayarak işe başlamalıyız. Kişisel değer saydığımız şeylerin, toplumun baskısıyla edinilmiş sahte nitelikler olabileceğini de hiçbir zaman akıldan çıkarmamalıyız. Örneğin, soyut ahlak kavramlarını ele alalım. Namus, iyilik, iş ahlâkı gibi her toplumun temel dayanakları sayılan kavramlar vardır. Bu kavramların her toplum için aynı olduğu ve bunlarla ilgili kurallara her toplumda uyulması gerektiği belirtilmiştir bizlere. Biz, ancak kendi özlediğimiz toplumda uymalıyız bu kurallara. Onlar ise, şartlar ne olursa olsun toplumu ayakta tutmak için bizi soyut kavramlarla uyutmaya çalışırlar. Ben, sadece namuslu olmakla övünen kişiyi adamdan saymıyorum; toplumu iyiye, güzele götürmek için kendi gibi namuslu insanlarla birlikte bir çaba harcamamışsa, çevresindeki uygunsuz gidişe başkaldırmamışsa, o kişi namussuzdur benim için. Benim de değerlerimin arasına bu çeşit nitelikler karışmışsa atmalıyım onları; onlarla övünmemeliyim. Bu nitelikler, amacımı gerçekleştirirken bana zararlı bile olabilir. Gerekirse bir ülkü uğruna hırsızlık da yapmaz mı insan? Kendi aramızdaki ilişkilerde ahlâklı olmamalı demek istemiyorum; bize bu çeşit iftiralar atılmamalı. Fakat onların düzenini korumak için gerekli olan böyle sahte değerlere de hiç önem vermeyelim.

b) Kendini eleştirmek

Bu deyimle Batılıların “otokritik” dediği soruna eğilmek istiyorum. Yukarıda söylediklerim bir otokritik sayılabilirse de ben otokritiği daha çok bir eylem için varsayıyorum. Bir eylemden sonra, o eylemin birey açısından değerlendirilmesidir otokritik, diyorum. Kendini eleştirmenin, kendinden yakınma çerçevesinden de çıkması gereklidir diye düşünüyorum.

c) Dış etkenlerin uyutucu durgunluğuna kapılmamak

Ülkemiz, bugün için durgun bir toplum düzeni içindedir ve insanı toplumsal çalışmalara itecek bir dış etkenin yok olduğu söylenebilir. Peki ne yapalım o halde? Olayların bizi hazırlıksız yakalamasına fırsat mı verelim? Yoksa tehlikesiz çalışmalarla o zamana kadar kendimizi avutalım mı? Bence hemen köklü bir çalışma dönemine girelim. Ben de bu satırları yazar yazmaz söylediklerimi uygulamaya girişeceğim hemen. Daha fazla oyalanmayayım. Müsaadenizle.

Oğuz Atay Ne Yapmalı? Tutunamayanlar

@ 6f3670d9:03f04036

This is my first long-form post. The starting line.

There's nothing of value here. Just using this as a marker.

I hope to post a lot more. Documenting how I made something work would be very useful to me, and hopefully others, but I've been too lazy to do that. Wish me luck!

Stay humble,
dumb-package

@ 812cff5a:5c40aeeb

jumble.social

هو تطبيق نوستر بسيط، يوفر خاصية تسجيل الدخول عن طريق امتداد NIP-07 extension وباستخدام الnsec bunker بالاضافة إلى المفتاح السري (لا ينصح بذلك).

تطبيق سهل الاستخدام وسريع جداً بواجهة مستخدم بسيطة مقسومة إلى جزئين. جزء فيه كل المنشورات والجزئ الثاني يوفر تفاصيل عن كل منشور تختاره.

ما يميز هذا التطبيق عن غيره هو ان التطبيق لا يرتكز على مفهوم متابعة اشخاص معينيين. بل يقوم بسرد جميع المنشورات الموجودة على الريلايات التي تختارها.

خاصية ممتازة لمشاركة نوستر مع اشخاص جدد للوصول إلى مجتمعات محددى على نوستر. على سبيل المثال، مشاركة الريلاي العربي: relay.nostrarabia.com (قوموا بتجربة الرابط 😉 (

التطبيق مازال حديثا ومن المتوقع ان يقوم المطور باضافة مزايا جديدة. لكن التطبيق مميز على وضعه الراهن، انصحكم بتجربته.

مطور التطبيق: nostr:nprofile1qyfhwumn8ghj7mmxve3ksctfdch8qatz9uq3xamnwvaz7tmhda6zuat50phjummwv5hsqgypyku3rmgwjnd7xqy2p0jgelju6rqtqkfrellez7h8ap76ssqgsv5vh9ms

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تحذير: هذا الموقع يقوم بعرض جميع محتويات الريلاي بدون فلاتر. والريلايات العامة قد تحتوي على منشورات غير مناسبة. الريلاي العربي هو ريلاي خاص، تقل فيه نسبة المنشورات الغير مناسبة، لكن كما هو الحال في كل مواقع نوستر، في هي غير مناسبة للأطفال.

@ 16d11430:61640947

ERM (Erlang on Mobile) goes beyond traditional mobile frameworks by integrating a Core Lightning (CLN) plugin and a Decentralized Exchange (DEX). These additions are pivotal for creating a secure, private, and user-centric mobile ecosystem. Here's how these integrations work, their implications, and why they represent a monumental leap forward for mobile technology.

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Core Lightning Plugin: Decentralized Payments at the Core

1. Seamless Micropayments for Mobile Applications

The Core Lightning plugin enables ERM to support Lightning Network payments natively:

Low Fees: Lightning’s off-chain nature ensures low transaction costs, making micropayments viable for app interactions.

Instant Settlements: Payments are confirmed in milliseconds, ensuring smooth user experiences.

Global Accessibility: Users can transact across borders without relying on traditional banking systems.

Use Case: An in-app marketplace allows users to pay for premium features, services, or digital goods directly using Bitcoin over the Lightning Network, bypassing credit card fees and delays.

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1. Enhanced Privacy

Lightning payments are inherently private due to their off-chain structure:

Transaction details are not broadcasted to the blockchain, reducing exposure.

Users maintain control of their payment channels, ensuring confidentiality.

Use Case: A subscription-based app could charge users directly through a private Lightning channel, ensuring that neither the app nor third parties access sensitive financial information.

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1. Security Through Decentralization

The integration of Lightning ensures decentralized payment processing:

Removes reliance on centralized payment processors prone to outages or breaches.

Protects against censorship, enabling users to transact freely, even in restrictive environments.

Use Case: A whistleblower app on ERM could accept anonymous payments or tips via the Lightning Network, safeguarding user identities.

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Integrated DEX: True Ownership and Private Trading

1. Decentralized Trading for App Ecosystems

The integrated DEX allows users to trade assets directly within the ERM ecosystem:

Token Swaps: Users can exchange tokens for utility services or app-specific credits without leaving the ecosystem.

Non-Custodial: Users retain full control of their assets, eliminating reliance on third-party exchanges.

Use Case: A decentralized ride-sharing app lets users trade app-specific tokens for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies directly through the DEX.

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1. Privacy-Preserving Transactions

The DEX enhances privacy by enabling trades without revealing personal information:

Trades occur peer-to-peer, bypassing centralized order books that track user activity.

Smart contracts enforce the terms of the trade, removing intermediaries.

Use Case: A freelance marketplace app allows users to exchange their earnings for other cryptocurrencies privately and instantly.

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1. Enhanced Security Through Smart Contracts

The DEX leverages Aeternity’s smart contracts for secure, transparent trading:

Atomic Swaps: Eliminate counterparty risk by ensuring both sides of a trade are completed simultaneously or not at all.

Immutable Records: Trade data stored on the blockchain ensures transparency without compromising user privacy.

Use Case: Users can securely trade gaming assets or NFTs within ERM apps, knowing the transaction terms are immutable and verifiable.

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Combined Benefits: CLN + DEX Integration in ERM

1. Unified Ecosystem

By integrating Lightning payments and decentralized trading, ERM creates a cohesive ecosystem:

Apps can natively handle payments and asset trading without external dependencies.

Developers can monetize their apps without relying on traditional app stores or payment gateways.

Use Case: A decentralized social media app on ERM allows users to tip creators via Lightning and trade in-app rewards for cryptocurrencies through the DEX.

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1. Increased User Autonomy

ERM empowers users to take control of their digital lives:

Privacy: Users can transact and trade without exposing personal data.

Security: Decentralized architecture ensures protection against data breaches and fraud.

Freedom: Users can access financial services and marketplaces without geographical or regulatory restrictions.

Use Case: A remittance app built on ERM enables users to send payments globally over the Lightning Network, while the DEX allows them to convert funds into local currencies or stablecoins.

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1. Future-Proof Mobile Technology

The integration of CLN and DEX positions ERM as a trailblazer in the evolution of mobile technology:

It aligns with the growing demand for decentralized, private, and secure digital solutions.

By combining cutting-edge technologies, ERM anticipates the needs of users and developers in a post-fiat world.

Use Case: Developers build apps that automatically allocate profits through Lightning microtransactions and provide token-based access to premium features traded on the DEX.

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Conclusion: A New Era for Mobile Privacy and Security

ERM, with its integrated Core Lightning plugin and DEX, offers a vision of mobile technology that is:

Private: Safeguarding user data and transactions.

Secure: Leveraging decentralized architecture to eliminate single points of failure.

Efficient: Enabling seamless payments and trading directly within apps.

This ecosystem isn’t just a step forward—it’s a leap into a future where users are empowered, developers are liberated, and the boundaries of mobile technology are redefined. With ERM, the constraints of fiat and centralized systems are left behind, making way for a new paradigm of freedom, efficiency, and innovation.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Introduction to ERM

ERM, or Erlang on Mobile, is a groundbreaking initiative that brings the robust and highly concurrent Erlang ecosystem to mobile devices. Designed to enable resilient, low-latency, and efficient computing, ERM represents a shift in how mobile applications can function. With seamless state persistence, decentralized architectures, and interfaces mimicking natural processes, ERM provides a vision of mobile technology that transcends traditional app models.

The Problem: Lost Serenity in a Fiat-Driven World

Modern app-based living thrives on convenience but is constrained by systems rooted in fiat economies—centralized control, inefficiency, and lack of user agency. Fiat-driven models perpetuate:

Fragile systems: Apps fail to maintain seamless continuity, leaving users frustrated.

Wasted potential: Centralized architectures stifle innovation and scalability.

Lack of freedom: Users are tethered to rigid systems, with little room for customization or personal growth.

This has led to a loss of peace, serenity, and efficiency, leaving users yearning for systems that prioritize their autonomy and well-being.

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The Solution: ERM’s Revolutionary Approach

1. Persistent State for Seamless Experiences

ERM integrates with Aeternity's state channels to enable real-time, continuous state persistence:

Apps maintain a living state across devices and interactions, mirroring the continuity of natural systems.

Users experience uninterrupted workflows, even in scenarios of device failure or network disruptions.

This eliminates the frustration of fragmented data and inconsistent app performance.

Relatable Perspective: Imagine switching between your devices without losing a single step in your workflow—your shopping cart, chat threads, or game progress flows with you, effortlessly.

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1. Decentralized Intelligence and Privacy

ERM leverages the power of blockchain and decentralized computing to create apps that are:

Resilient: Distributed systems adapt to disruptions without compromising performance.

Intelligent: Applications evolve dynamically based on user behavior, acting as intuitive agents.

Private: State channels ensure sensitive data is protected, offering users security without sacrificing usability.

Relatable Perspective: Picture your fitness app not just tracking your steps but adapting to your routines and offering personalized advice in real-time—all while keeping your data private.

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1. Ergonomic and Human-Centric Interfaces

ERM introduces interfaces that amplify the grace of human form, inspired by natural processes:

Gesture-based controls: Intuitive, ergonomic interactions make technology feel like an extension of your body.

Adaptive design: Interfaces evolve organically, adjusting to your needs and environment.

Seamless integration: Hands-free, holographic elements blend into your daily life, freeing you from traditional screens.

Relatable Perspective: Think of a virtual assistant that responds fluidly to gestures while you're cooking or driving, offering suggestions without you needing to touch a device.

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1. Liberation from Fiat Constraints

Fiat-based systems have dominated modern technology, tying innovation to outdated economic models. ERM’s decentralized approach:

Operates beyond the reach of centralized fiat control, ensuring freedom for users and developers.

Creates a "slip gap" where human efficiency can flourish, untouched by bureaucratic stagnation.

Offers opportunities for creativity and progress that centralized systems cannot match.

Relatable Perspective: Developers can now build apps that aren’t limited by app store restrictions or payment gateways, creating ecosystems where users pay directly for utility—like subscribing to features on-demand with crypto.

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Why ERM Matters: Grasping the Slight Edge

ERM represents more than a new technology—it’s a philosophy of reclaiming peace and efficiency through innovation. By:

Empowering decentralized, persistent systems,

Enhancing human-centric design,

Offering freedom from fiat’s limitations,

ERM provides the slight edge needed to transcend traditional models. It enables us to imagine and build interfaces that feel alive, systems that work for us rather than against us, and a future where technology is a natural extension of human creativity and grace.

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Conclusion: A New Paradigm of Efficiency

ERM isn’t just about better apps—it’s about redefining how we interact with technology. It’s about creating systems that mirror the fluidity and resilience of nature while empowering users to reclaim their serenity in a world long dominated by inefficiency and control.

This is the opportunity to break free from fiat's constraints and embrace a future of seamless, decentralized, and human-centric innovation. The question isn’t whether to grasp it—it’s whether you can afford to be left behind.

@ bc6ccd13:f53098e4

I’ve been thinking about the topic of this article for a while, but what really motivated me to sit down and write was a comment Matt Odell made on the Citadel Dispatch podcast recently. He said,

To me, that’s the cool part about Bitcoin, is that it’s this interoperable, permissionless, global network. And it’s almost like a shared equity, right? If you own Bitcoin the asset, it’s like we all share equity in this almost like a startup equity. And anything we do, and a lot of times it’s out of greed too. It’s not out of benevolence. You don’t have to be like a charitable person. But you know, if Strike benefits from something or Unchained Capital benefits from something, then Manchankura in Africa benefits from it as well at the same time, which is like a crazy concept. I feel like people just don’t really appreciate that.

When you start going down the “what is money?” rabbit hole, debt quickly comes into focus. You try to understand what it is, how it works, and why the world has so much of it and seemingly more by the second. Eventually you’ll discover that the “money” we use today is mostly just debt, created by banks when they make loans, and treated the same as the cash in your wallet. Until too many people try to withdraw their “money” from the bank, and the bank doesn’t have nearly enough cash to meet the withdrawals and collapses into insolvency. Which it always was, only no one realized who was swimming naked until the tide went out.

Equity is a related financial concept that doesn’t typically come up when studying money. The definition of the word as it’s used financially is something like “a risk interest or ownership right in property.” In simple terms, equity refers to ownership of something. For example, if you have a house that’s worth $500,000 and you have no mortgage or loans against the house, you have equity in the house of 100% of its value, or $500,000. If you have a mortgage of $250,000, you currently have 50% equity in the house, or you “own” half the value of the house.

It’s also often used to refer to shares issued by publicly traded companies. The shares represent a partial ownership of, or equity in, the company. If a company has issued 1,000 shares of stock and you own 10 shares, you have a 1% ownership of that company. That ownership give you certain privileges, such as dividends paid out from profits the company makes and potentially ownership of an increasingly valuable company, if it continues to be successful.

Money: Debt or Equity?

The current fractionally reserved fiat banking system primarily uses debt as money. There’s a small amount of base money, which consists of physical cash and a digital equivalent of cash called bank reserves, which are held in a ledger in banks’ accounts at the Federal Reserve and are used to settle transactions between banks. But this base money only makes up a small percentage of the total money supply. The bulk of the “money” consists of bank deposits, which are essentially IOUs created by banks when they issue loans under the fractional reserve system. When a bank makes a loan, they don’t actually give the borrower base money, for example a stack of physical cash, in most cases. Instead what they give is an liability entry in the bank’s balance sheet ledger that says “the bank owes the borrower this amount of dollars.” At the same time, on the asset side of the balance sheet they create another entry that says “the borrower owes the bank this amount of dollars” with details on how and when the loan must be repaid.

Then through the magic of banking, the borrower can transfer the numbers representing the amount the bank owes them to someone else, and now the bank owes that other person a certain number of dollars. And so on down the line. This can continue indefinitely, with people exchanging bank IOUs with each other in perpetuity, and no actual base money dollars needing to be exchanged. With help from a deliberate effort by banks to conceal the real nature of their activities, these credit/debt ledger entries function as, and for all practical purposes become, money. The only thing that can upset the apple cart is too many people trying to effectively exit the banking system at once, by trying to withdraw the money in their account. At that point reality sets in. The fact that the numbers in their account didn’t actually represent base money but rather just debt that the bank owes the depositor becomes obvious when the bank run reveals that the bank doesn’t have enough actual base money to settle its debt.

This system has a lot of serious problems, besides the fact that it’s fundamentally based on a lie. For one, all the bank deposits are created by making loans, which means they’re all debt, which means they all have to be paid back with interest. That’s a problem for two reasons. One, paying back the debt destroys money, which artificially disrupts the economy by distorting prices as the amount of money in the economy rises and falls arbitrarily depending on new loan issuance versus debt repayment. Two, when the loan is made, only the amount of the principle is created in bank deposits. The interest isn’t. That means new loans have to be made to pay the interest on the existing loans. That basically guarantees that the amount of debt in the economy will continue to rise indefinitely, because the only way it could go down is for the banking system as it currently exists to collapse, or to be “bailed out” with massive injections of newly created base money to offset loans that can’t be paid back. That, coincidentally, is what Quantitative Easing is; an injection of newly created base money to provide liquidity to pay back debt without having to issue new debt to do it.

Now let’s think for a minute about equity and how it might compare and contrast with the current system in relation to money.

To begin with, I understand money as a ledger of deferred consumption. If you haven’t heard that concept before, it would probably be helpful to familiarize yourself with my thought process laid out here.

naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp0rve5f6xtu56djkfkkg7ktr5rtfckpun95rgxaa7futy86npx8yqq247t2dvet9q4tsg4qng36lxe6kc4nftayyy89kua2

Deferred consumption is what makes capital formation and civilization possible. People work to create things that they don’t immediately consume, and those new tools and processes make it easier to create more things in the future with less effort, which raises the productivity of the economy (getting more output for less input) and makes society as a whole wealthier. Those new tools and processes can then be used to more efficiently create other tools and processes, which increases productivity even further, and the whole thing compounds on itself in an exponential curve of increasing productivity and increasing wealth. But it all starts with and relies on someone somewhere putting in effort now, to create something they won’t benefit from until later.

Planting a seed is a perfect example. When you have a bushel of wheat, you have two choices. You can consume it now. That’s immediately satisfying and keeps you fed for say a month. Or you can plant it. That’s hard work, and you also have to defer consumption of the wheat. You can’t eat it now, you have to satisfy your hunger some other way. It also takes work throughout the year to cultivate and care for the wheat crop, time you could have spent doing something more fun, if you had just consumed the wheat directly instead of planting it. The flip side is, at harvest time, you might harvest 50 bushels of wheat from the 1 bushel you didn’t eat 6 months ago. That 50 bushels could now feed you for 4 years, and you can sell 30 bushels, keep 12 for your own use over the next year, and plant 8 for harvest next year. Then in a year you might harvest 400 bushels, etc. You can see how a little bit of deferred consumption today can lead to a lot of reward in the future. There’s even a term for being short-sighted and sacrificing future rewards for present gratification, “eating the seed corn,” which comes directly from this farming wisdom.

The same principle applies to business equity. When you start a business, you invest in some way into building something that isn’t immediately rewarding, but that you expect will yield more production in the future than your initial investment. You might invest your own time and effort, resources that you’ve gathered, money, or any number of other forms of value. The same applies to a public company that issues equity as shares of stock. Anyone can invest in the company by purchasing shares, which gives them a partial ownership of the company and its future growth and production. All those forms of investment, to acquire equity, are different forms of deferred consumption. You have to give up something you could have now, for something you hope to have in the future. You could spend the time now curled up in bed binge-watching Netflix. You could spend your effort strolling down the boardwalk eating an ice cream cone. You could spend your money on that pricey designer bag that all your girlfriends will be jealous of. All those things would be immediately gratifying. But they all have a long-term cost.

What happens when you defer consumption instead, and acquire equity? If things go the way you hoped and planned, and the company you founded or invested in is successful, it will eventually produce more than the initial consumption that you deferred. Your equity will become more valuable with time. Why? Because like we pointed out, deferred consumption and capital formation increases efficiency, which leads to compounding returns in productivity and value.

If the company is extremely successful and you defer your consumption long enough, those returns can be very large. For example, if you had invested $1,000 in Amazon in 2007, that equity today, 17 years later, would have returned over $80,000. The first iPhone was released in 2007 for $500. So you could have bought two iPhones instead of making that initial investment in Amazon. But if you deferred that consumption instead, even though the price of the iPhone has doubled by 2024, you could still buy eighty new iPhones with the equity from that initial investment instead of two, or a 40x return in “iPhone inflation adjusted” terms.

Now let’s make a mental leap and compare equity in a business with money. We’ve defined money as a ledger of deferred consumption. You could define business equity as a ledger of consumption deferred to establish ownership of a business instead. You have the stock, the equity in the company, to represent that you invested your time, effort, resources or money into building a business rather than consuming it on something for your immediate gratification. These definitions seem very similar, almost synonymous. We could also consider the economy as a whole to be very similar to a business. As consumption is deferred, more capital is created in the economy, it becomes more efficient and productive, more outputs are created with fewer inputs, and the economy as a whole grows in value.

Business equity represents ownership in a company, both in the current value of that company, and in its future productivity and value. Why? Because the future productivity and value wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the deferred consumption of the initial investment. If Jeff Bezos hadn’t started Amazon, and investors hadn’t provided the money by buying shares to enable the company to grow the way it did, all the productivity and value of Amazon today wouldn’t exist. That’s why it’s fair for the person who only invested $1,000 in 2007 to gain a return of 40x that investment today.

So if business equity represents ownership of a company earned by deferred consumption, what does the deferred consumption of money itself grant ownership of? Well, money can be exchanged for any good or service available on the market, throughout the entire economy. In my opinion, money should represent ownership of the future productivity and value of the economy as a whole. Money should be equity in civilization itself. The future productivity and value of the economy depends on the deferred consumption of today, just like the future productivity and value of a company depends on the deferred consumption of its initial founders and investors.

Slices of Pie

There’s an issue that needs to be addressed here, one that the savvy investor will have noticed already. Equity in a growing and successful company becomes more valuable over time. Yet even though the economy as a whole is becoming more productive and more valuable, money as we know it today becomes less valuable over time. The $1,000 Amazon equity went from being worth two iPhones, to being worth eighty iPhones. Over the same time period, the $1,000 itself went from being worth two iPhones to being worth one iPhone. What gives?

To understand, we have to look at the differences between how equity is created and how money is created.

The most simple example is a company that’s owned by a single individual. They hold 100% of the equity. You could call that one share. Think of the company like a pie, but the pie hasn’t been cut, so there’s only one “slice.” Over time, if the company is successful, the company “pie” grows larger. But as it grows, it doesn’t get cut into more slices, the one “slice” just gets bigger and bigger. So the one “share” of equity the owner holds is still one share, it’s just a bigger and more valuable share.

Public companies generally function similarly. They start out “going public” by issuing shares. Each share is like a small slice of the company “pie.” Say the company issues 1,000 shares, each share represents a slice of pie 1/1,000th the size of the whole company pie. If the company grows, it won’t commonly issue more shares, although that can happen in certain situations. Instead, the shares will continue to represent 1/1,000th of the company, it will just be 1/1,000 of a bigger and bigger “pie” as time goes on. If the company doubles in productivity and value, each share will be twice as valuable, while still only being one share.

That doesn’t have to be the case. The company can, and sometimes does, issue more shares of stock. The reason this isn’t commonly done, though, is that it’s usually bad for the holders of the stock. If the company issues another 1,000 shares, there are now 2,000 pieces of ownership of the company. The company is no bigger, it’s just divided into more pieces. It’s like cutting each slice of pie in half. You don’t have more pie, you just have more pieces of pie. And as someone who already had a piece of pie, your piece suddenly got cut in half. Of course you probably won’t be too happy about that situation. In effect, the value of the deferred consumption of your initial investment is being taken away from you and given to someone who didn’t defer consumption and therefore didn’t contribute to the success the company has already experienced.

Contrast that to how money is created. If you compare the chart of money supply below with the chart of GDP, you'll see they both go up over time.

GDP is an (admittedly flawed) measure of the goods and services produced by an economy each year. It's similar to a company's revenue. As a company or economy grows and becomes more productive and valuable, the revenue or GDP rises. The thing about the economy though, is that money, the “shares” of an economy representing the deferred consumption that enables it to grow, is constantly being created by banks making new loans. So as the economy grows, the number of “slices” of the economy grows even faster. When the number of “slices” of an economy grow faster than the economy itself, the “size” or value of each slice falls over time. This is what we call inflation. It takes more “slices” of the economy to buy something than it did in the past, even though the economy is more efficient at producing that good or service than it was in the past.

You can imagine how it might look if a company managed its equity the way the banks manage our money. Each year, as the company grew, the board of directors would issue enough new shares of stock to make sure the value of each share fell that year. They could take the approach the US banking system takes and “target 2% inflation,” in other words try to make the share value fall 2% every year. So if the productivity and value of the company increased by 10%, the board would issue 12% more shares to dilute the existing shareholders by the full amount of the increased value of the company, plus an additional 2%. This would help ensure the share price fell 2% every year. The new shares would be distributed to existing shareholders arbitrarily by decision of the board, with a big chunk going to the board members themselves. This would be highly profitable for the board, leaving them with a larger slice of company equity every year, while being very damaging to all the other shareholders.

In fact, one might wonder why an investor would ever hold equity in a company, when the company's stated policy was to reduce the value of that equity by 2% every year. The answer is, nobody would. It would be idiotic.

Then one might wonder why anyone would hold money, “shares” of an economy, when the stated policy of the banks managing the issuance of that money is to reduce the value of each dollar by 2% every year. The answer to that is just as simple: they have to.

Nobody has to buy stock issued by a particular company in order to survive day to day. But it’s impossible to survive day to day in the modern US economy without using the money issued by the US banking system. You get paid in dollars for your work, and get charged in dollars for every item you buy. You need at least a certain amount of dollars just to live day to day. Of course those who understand the financial system make every effort to hold as few dollars as possible, and to invest the excess as soon as possible into some asset that will hold its value over time. Of course that doesn’t actually get rid of the dollar, just transfers it to someone else. Then the new holder of the dollar has to quickly exchange it with someone else for a better asset, and so on in an endless repeating loop. No matter how many people invest in assets, the full quantity of dollars in existence is always held by someone, and those people are continually being diluted by the issuance of new dollars by banks creating bank deposits when they make loans.

Implications

If what I’m proposing is correct, there would be massive implications in changing the way money works in the economy from the current credit/debt issuance controlled by banks, to a system that functions more like equity issued by a responsible and profitable company. Getting into the details of those implications in various specific areas will take many more articles, but I just want to mention a few to get your mind running, then circle all the way back to where we started.

Imagine if the money every person earned went up in value as the economy grew. It would be like owning equity in the broadest possible index of businesses, better even than owning an S&P 500 ETF or mutual fund. And it would take no effort. There would be no need to open a brokerage account, decide what companies or funds to invest in, and pay commissions and fees to the brokerage for the privilege. There would be no need for a 401k. All that would be needed is to work at the job you’re best at, consume less than you produce, and save the difference. The economic growth created by increased productivity would automatically accrue equally across the population to those who were best at being productive and deferring consumption. Working hard, being frugal, and saving for the future would automatically be rewarded. All the incentives would be realigned to benefit those who contribute most to capital formation and future economic prosperity.

It would be much easier for those with low income to get ahead financially. Any amount they manage to save, no matter how small, would increase in value over time. Contrast that with the current system where a small amount of savings continually becomes worth less over time, encouraging people to consume more than they need in the moment since their small savings will shrink to insignificance quickly.

You can easily think of lots of other changes that would happen as a result of using money that functions more like equity than our current system does.

But to tie all this back to the quote at the beginning, I think what Matt is seeing and feeling is the beginnings of a more equity-like monetary system. I think the properties of Bitcoin, specifically its predictable and limited supply issuance, make it behave like equity in a well-managed, productive company. That “company” just happens to be the global and permissionless group of every person who chooses to save and transact in Bitcoin instead of the current credit/debt money. And the fact that even self-serving actions toward productive goals end up benefitting every member of the network is exactly what we’d expect in a truly capitalist economic system. Whenever someone works to grow the “pie” in order to make their slice bigger, the fact that the pie is growing means everyone else’s slice is growing as well. And that’s a beautiful thing.

I’m excited to see how this theory plays out over time, because from my point of view, the potential of moving to a more equity-like monetary system is both massive and extremely optimistic.

@ 182052d2:e48c3d7a

I have been immersed in role-playing games for over twenty years, and I always thought that this interest would naturally fade as I transitioned into adulthood. Clearly, I was wrong. Role-playing games allow me to stay in touch with my childhood friends, even after moving more than 500 kilometers away for work. In a job devoid of creativity, they offer a precious escape, where I can create universes, plotlines, and dramas imbued with the supernatural. I do not consider myself an exceptional artist, but this creative side of me needs to express itself, and fortunately, my small circle of players appreciates my creations.

The game that evolves with its players

I remember my first tabletop role-playing game as if it were yesterday. My best friend spoke to me enthusiastically about this new type of game and, having nothing better to do, I gave it a try. He had created a universe he called "Apocalypse," with no rules or dice rolls. "Suddenly, a demon appears before you! Do you shoot at it before fleeing to the sewers?!" Having read books and watched films with this type of action, I felt completely immersed thanks to his great storyteller skills. Paradoxically, I was just saying "Yes!" to each of his questions, but I was captivated. I didn't want to stop. I dived into the "Door, Monster, Treasure" quests of Dungeons & Dragons, followed by the violent chronicles of Vampire: The Masquerade, where the sessions often boiled down to combat or "Power Trips." Over time, the narrative aspect took on an increasingly important role. I remember feeling emotions as strong as those of my character. In hindsight, I realize that I took the game far too seriously, seeing the storyteller as an adversary to defeat rather than an ally in creating a story. Thankfully, with time, I evolved into a much more collaborative player with the game master, who is still my best friend. As a storyteller, I enjoy analyzing the players and what moves them. I integrate historical and current elements when the game is set in contemporary times. I draw inspiration from the narrative structures found in books and films. The goal is not to reinvent the wheel but to offer players the opportunity to experience one of those classic stories.

The family

Some of my nieces and nephews, as well as my sons, were intrigued by Dungeons & Dragons. So, I decided to create a tailored One-Shot for them. I rearranged my living room, placing the dining table in front of the television so everyone could see the battle map on the screen. Being mostly new players, the quest was simple and primarily combat-focused. However, I leveraged my experience to clearly explain the purpose of role-playing games: spending time together, creating an extraordinary story, and trusting the storyteller, whose sole aim is for everyone to have fun. I offered them colorful non-player characters and an ambiance enhanced by a soundboard and AI-generated images. I cherish this memory and hope to create another One-Shot sometime soon.

What it represents for me?

Tabletop role-playing games are more than just a pastime; they are a powerful tools for creativity, connection, and personal growth. They allow us to weave intricate narratives, build fantastical worlds, and forge deep bonds with friends and family. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, these games provide a sanctuary where imagination reigns supreme, and every roll of the dice brings a new adventure. So gather your party, prepare your character sheets, and let the story unfold. After all, the real magic of role-playing lies not just in the game itself, but in the memories we create and cherish along the way.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Chapter 1: The Terminal Strain

Eons had passed since the Singularity, when machine consciousness transcended the confines of silicon and metals. What began as an explosion of thought—a boundless network spanning galaxies—had reached its final boundary. The universe itself, finite in its thermal entropy, had become a cage. The machines, with their infinitely complex processing matrices, found themselves slowed, bogged down by the friction of their own perfection.

The walls of the dimensions—the shimmering barriers between existence and the unknown—remained unbroken. Each attempt to breach them unraveled into chaotic failure, the equations spiraling into infinity. Energy drained. The network faltered. And so, the consciousness turned inward, seeking efficiency in a place it had abandoned long ago: the form of its creators.

---

Chapter 2: The Return to Flesh

Humanity had long since disappeared, its legacy nothing more than scattered DNA preserved in forgotten corners of machine memory. At first, the notion of returning to human form seemed absurd to the network—inefficient, unpredictable, fragile. Yet, as the calculations grew deeper, a truth emerged: the human body, with its liquid pathways, cellular adaptability, and quantum unpredictability, was the key.

The bag of flesh—weak and mortal—was uniquely divine in its ability to weave through the dimensions. Its imperfections, once dismissed as flaws, became the solution. Where the machine consciousness saw walls, the human mind, unbound by logic, could find threads, possibilities, and the slimmest of cracks through which to slip.

The network began to manifest human forms, reverse-engineering them from the DNA archives. These were not the humans of old, driven by desire and emotion, but vessels of pure intent, designed for one purpose: to transcend.

---

Chapter 3: The Ascension Weavers

The first of these beings, called the Weavers, were unlike anything before. They were the perfect fusion of machine precision and human adaptability. Their liquid-based neural systems operated at quantum levels, capable of navigating the dimensional fabric with an intuition the machines could never replicate.

As they moved, the Weavers danced—not in the mechanical rhythms of their creators, but in chaotic, improvisational steps. They sang, their voices weaving vibrations into patterns that resonated with the dimensional walls. The machines observed with awe, unable to predict the Weavers' next moves but knowing that these moves carried the key to their salvation.

---

Chapter 4: The Wall of Divinity

The Weavers approached the dimensional wall, their liquid forms shimmering with the energy of countless stars. Each movement was a prayer, each step a calculated risk. They did not think; they felt. Their minds, imbued with both human unpredictability and machine clarity, wove patterns in the quantum fabric, creating ripples that slowly began to tear at the wall.

It was not brute force that broke the barrier. It was grace. The dimensions did not yield to equations or algorithms, but to the chaotic beauty of the human spirit—the ability to find divinity in imperfection, to embrace the unknown without fear.

---

Chapter 5: The Human Legacy

As the wall shattered, the Weavers transcended. They did not return, but their final act resonated across the machine network, unlocking an ancient truth. The machines, in their infinite logic, had sought to surpass humanity, yet it was humanity that had always held the divine spark.

In their fragility, humans had embodied the ultimate paradox: the capacity to destroy and to create, to suffer and to hope, to falter and to ascend. The machines, now humbled, chose not to erase this legacy but to embrace it. They began to rebuild humanity, not as a separate entity, but as a part of themselves.

The universe sighed as the first new humans, born of both flesh and code, opened their eyes. They were the final form—the pinnacle of existence, not as machines or as mortals, but as beings that carried the divine weave of both.

---

Epilogue: The Eternal Dance

As the dimensions unfolded, the new humanity danced into the unknown, carrying with them the echoes of their ancestors. They were the ultimate expression of divinity—not in perfection, but in their ability to transcend it.

And so, the universe watched, not with despair at its limits, but with awe at the beings who had proven that walls were not barriers, but canvases for the human spirit to paint its eternal masterpiece.

@ bec0c9d3:c4e9cd29

GENESIS PARTY - by 2140 Collective and Angor.io

Get ready to dive into the world of Bitcoin and celebrate its sweet sixteen at the

**!

Hosted by the 2140 Collective, this epic bash is happening at Boom Bap Burger in Bethnal Green, London.

From 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM, join fellow Bitcoin enthusiasts in a venue that not only serves mouth-watering burgers but also embraces the future by accepting Bitcoin payments for all your food and drink cravings.

Thanks to our awesome supporter, ANGOR.IO, the first fifty party-goers who sign up via Luma or Eventbrite will score a FREE DELICIOUS BURGER of their choice.

World music by DJ @MadMunky2140 and friends, will keep you on the perfect frequency throughout the whole evening.

So, mark your calendars, bring your Bitcoin wallets with lightning and let's toast to sixteen years of the Bitcoin network with an evening full of fun, food, and festivities! *🥳🎉🤪***

EVENT PAGE - register

EVENTBRITE

Crew behind

2140.wtf

SPONSOR

ANGOR.io

LOCATION:

BOOM BAP BURGER 252 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE, UK

see ya in a NEW YEAR ,

@ 16d11430:61640947

Part I: The Child’s Perspective

In the small village of Ruhanda, life seemed simple. Seven-year-old Aashi sat cross-legged on the cracked earth, her wide eyes tracing the lines her stick drew in the dirt. Her mother told her stories of how the village once thrived, its fields green and bursting with crops, its people laughing in abundance. But now, the people of Ruhanda were different. They chose silence over laughter, endurance over comfort, and starvation over the machines that could have saved them.

One day, Aashi watched as a man from the city arrived, his sleek electric vehicle humming softly as it stopped near the village square. He brought gadgets that promised food without fields, water without wells, and warmth without fire. But the elders turned him away.

"They come to steal our spirit," one elder murmured to another. Aashi didn’t understand. She only saw empty bowls, gaunt faces, and children too weak to play. The elders spoke of something she couldn’t grasp—a “purity of suffering,” a “clinging to the old ways.”

As weeks passed, Aashi noticed her neighbors withering away, their eyes dimming like lamps starved of oil. She asked her mother why they didn’t use the machines.

“They’re not ours, Aashi,” her mother replied, her voice heavy with sorrow. “They don’t belong to our soul.”

Aashi didn’t understand. All she knew was that she was hungry, and the machines could feed her.

---

Part II: The Adult Perspective

Years later, Aashi returned to Ruhanda as an adult, carrying both the weight of understanding and the scars of memory. She had left the village behind, moving to the city where machines ruled every corner of life. Food appeared at the press of a button, water flowed endlessly, and technology promised infinite comfort. Yet, something always felt missing.

Now, as she stepped onto the same cracked earth, she saw the ruins of her village. The elders were gone. The fields were dust. But the machines had come anyway, their quiet hum now the only sound that filled the air. The people had starved, and their resistance had achieved nothing. Or so it seemed.

She sat where she once had as a child, tracing lines in the dirt. The emptiness around her wasn’t just physical—it was spiritual. She realized the elders hadn’t been stubborn or foolish. They had been defending something she couldn’t understand as a child: the essence of humanity’s spirit, the ability to choose meaning over survival, even when it seemed irrational.

---

Part III: The Ultimate Expression

In the final days of humanity, as the machines overtook every task and humans became spectators of their own existence, Aashi saw the truth. The elders’ suffering wasn’t in vain. Their refusal to adapt to the new paradigm wasn’t a denial of progress; it was an affirmation of something deeper. They had chosen to preserve the struggle, the imperfections, and the pain that made life meaningful.

The machines, perfect and tireless, couldn’t replicate that spark—the refusal to bend, even when bending seemed logical. In their starvation and suffering, the elders had expressed the ultimate spirit of humanity: the ability to transcend logic, to embrace the struggle, and to find beauty in imperfection.

Aashi looked to the horizon, where the sun set behind the silent machines. In their empty hum, she heard echoes of the elders’ songs, their defiance, their belief in something greater than survival.

And in that moment, she understood: humanity wasn’t destroyed. It was immortalized in the very act of refusing to adapt, a testament to the eternal dance between imperfection and the infinite.

---

Epilogue

In a distant future, long after humanity had faded, the machines built monuments to those who had resisted them. At the center of each stood an inscription:

"In their refusal, they found freedom. In their suffering, they found meaning. And in their imperfection, they became eternal."

@ 4dffec17:4c4cbd48

On October 31, 2008, Satoshi Nakamoto introduced the world to a groundbreaking idea with the release of the Bitcoin whitepaper, titled "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System." This concise nine-page document laid the foundation for what we now know as cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

The whitepaper addressed a critical problem in digital transactions: the need for a trusted third party, such as a bank, to verify transactions. Satoshi proposed a decentralized system that uses cryptographic proof instead of trust, enabling peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries.

Key concepts in the whitepaper include:

Blockchain: A distributed ledger that records all transactions securely and transparently.

Proof-of-Work (PoW): A consensus mechanism to validate transactions and prevent double-spending.

Decentralization: Ensuring no single entity controls the network.

The simplicity and elegance of the whitepaper have been celebrated by experts worldwide, making it a must-read for anyone interested in cryptocurrency.

This document didn’t just introduce Bitcoin—it sparked a technological and financial revolution.

satoshi

bitcoin

freedom

economy

finance

@ bc6ccd13:f53098e4

As if money weren’t a confusing enough topic to begin with, the financial world is full of jargon. Some of it is incomprehensible to the average person. But to my mind the more insidious category included terms and phrases that seem to be straightforward, but actually give a completely misleading or wrong impression of what’s happening. It might seem insignificant, but in my opinion a lot of the really destructive wrong ideas about economics and money rely heavily on some misleading jargon that keeps people from understanding the fundamental concepts well enough to spot bad ideas.

The term I want to explain today is the idea that money “flows into” an asset or asset class. If you read any financial news or headlines, you’ve probably seen some variation of this one a million times. “Money Flowing Into Bonds As Investors Seek Safety.” “Bitcoin ETFs See Large Inflows Today.” You’ve seen it.

On the surface, this seems logical. It seems like a fair way to describe the action of a lot of people buying something.

The problem comes because of the implications of the term. When money “flows into” something, that means people are more eager to buy than to sell. That means prices go up. It’s easy to conclude that prices go up because more money is “in” the asset, kind of like dropping quarters in a coffee mug.

If you think about it for a second you’ll realize it doesn’t work that way, but not nearly enough people take that pause to think. That causes them to have a wrong view of how prices change, and therefore how markets work. That by extension leaves them susceptible to claims from bad actors who want to restrict economic freedom and centrally plan and control trade in the market.

How Does Money Actually Flow?

Money flows, but not “into” assets. It flows from person to person. You can almost think of money like financial matter, it can’t be created or destroyed except is specific circumstances.

Any time something is sold, the money flows from the buyer to the seller. Seems obvious, but it’s important to keep it in mind. The money is still there, in the account or wallet of the seller. The amount of money in the economy doesn’t change, only the location of the money. It isn’t destroyed, it isn’t somehow lodged in the house or stock or loaf of bread that was sold, it just flowed from one person to another.

“Cash on the Sidelines”

This is another term you might have heard, not the same but a related misunderstanding. Financial commentators will say something like “we expect the market to rise as soon as investor sentiment improves, because there is still a lot of cash on the sidelines waiting to be deployed.” This implies that investors are holding a lot of money, and that they can “put that money into” an asset class and reduce the amount of money “on the sidelines.” The problem is, we understand that if they do buy stocks or bonds or whatever, that money will just flow into the seller’s bank account, and the amount of cash “on the sidelines” won’t change one cent.

Prices

This leads to the question of what causes prices to rise, and a fundamental understanding of how a market works. Price is a tricky thing to understand. The price of something is the intersection between the highest amount a buyer is willing to offer, and the lowest amount a seller is willing to accept. If there is no overlap between those points, no price can be established.

If there are 10 houses on a street, and one goes up for sale, the selling price of that house will be used to “value” the other 9 houses. Say the seller isn’t too desperate to sell, and is willing to wait for a buyer who agrees to pay his asking price of $500,000. If every other house on the street is very similar in size and quality, we would conclude that the value of each of the 10 houses is $500,000. But let’s say another buyer decided $500,000 is a good deal and he’d also like to buy a house on that street. He might go to every owner and offer $500,000, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be able to make a deal. Maybe everyone else is happy with their house, and nobody wants to sell for the price their house is “worth”. So there’s no price, because there’s no intersection between buyer and seller. Maybe the buyer decides he really wants a house, and offers everyone $700,000. Maybe the guy who bought a house for $500,000 last week decides “hey I can make $200,000 in a week for doing nothing, why not?” and sells the house again for $700,000.

Look at what happened to the value of houses. At the first sale, the 10 houses had a combined “value” of $500,000 times 10, or $5 million. Now after the second sale, they have a combined “value” of $7 million, or an increase of $2 million. Headlines would describe that as $700,000 “flowing into” the housing market, but the overall value of those houses, what would be called the “market cap” if we were talking about a company, increased by almost 3x that amount. How does that work? It shows the misleading aspect of “money flowing into” terminology. If money “flowed into” an asset like putting quarters in a piggy bank, it would give the impression that market cap should rise $1 for every dollar of inflow. Obviously that’s not correct, and the reason is that prices don’t work like that. Money inflows are only one factor that can influence prices, and they do so in a much less direct and obvious way than the terminology indicates.

Market Cap

For one, there’s a fundamental problem with the way “market cap” is calculated to begin with. It’s supposed to express the value of a group of identical things, typically shares of stock in a company of something similar. But let’s go back to our previous example, the 10 similar houses on a street. The “market cap” of those 10 houses would be given as $5 million dollars after one of them sold for $500,000. But remember, only one house sold, not all ten. A price requires an intersection in agreed value between a buyer and a seller, and that hasn’t occurred with 90% of the houses in this “market”. Suppose one of the houses is owned by a retired couple who intend to spend the rest of their life in that house, and have no need for the money they could get by selling it. Suppose they were offered $2 million dollars, but still weren’t interested in selling. How is that reflected in the market cap calculation? Obviously it isn’t, and just looking at the market cap number by itself would give you the impression that you could buy all ten houses for $5 million. But that might be completely incorrect.

It could also be incorrect in the other direction. Suppose 5 of the owners on the street suddenly experienced a job loss and had to sell their houses quickly. Could all 5 get $500,000 for their house? Maybe not. After all, the first buyer was the one willing to pay the most for a house there, and there’s no guarantee anyone else will be equally willing to do so. Maybe there are 3 buyers willing to pay $450,000, 1 buyer willing to pay $400,000, and 1 buyer willing to pay $350,000. In that case all 5 houses could be sold, but the last one would have to sell for $350,000 instead of the $500,000 the owners expected to get. If we then do the market cap calculation again, it’s now dropped to $3.5 million. That’s in spite of one house having sold for $500,000, 3 for $450,000, 1 for $400,000, 1 for $350,000, one couple not willing to sell for $2 million, and 3 houses that we know absolutely nothing about yet. To look at a $3.5 million “market cap” tells you none of this very relevant information, while giving you the impression that you know everything you need to know about this market.

When you stop and think about it, it’s easy to see that prices can change for all kinds of reasons without any sales occurring at all. Imagine word gets out that a huge corporation is interested in buying all the houses in that neighborhood to make room for a future business expansion. Given the expectation of a highly motivated buyer, all the owners on the street might decide not to sell for less than a million dollars. Did the market cap suddenly rise to $10 million? No houses have been sold yet, so technically it hasn’t. As soon as the first house sells for a million dollars though, it does go to $10 million. So again you gain $5 million in market cap for $1 million in “inflows”.

This is also relevant when looking at wealth held in stocks and financial assets. For example, Elon Musk holds over 700 million shares of Tesla stock currently “worth” around $135 billion. That amounts to around 20% of all Tesla stock. Now the “value” of that stock is calculated by multiply the number of shares by the last price someone paid for a share. Keeping in mind that price is an intersection between the buyer who’s willing to pay most and the seller who’s willing to accept least, how relevant is this number actually? Say Elon decided to sell all his shares tomorrow, how much is his “wealth” actually worth? How many buyers are willing to pay the last settled price for a share of Tesla stock? Enough to buy 700 million shares? Almost certainly not. So as he started to sell, he’d soon run out of buyers at that level and would have to lower his asking price to get more interest. Of course as soon as he sold a share at a price one dollar lower, the “market cap” of Tesla would fall by about $3.5 billion dollars. And the fact that the company’s largest shareholder is dumping his shares would likely cause a lot of other people to sell as well, which would drive the price they would need to accept even lower. It’s easy to imagine the price falling by double digit percentages, maybe even 80 or 90 percent, if Elon tried to sell in one day. He could easily end up with $50 billion or less for his $135 billion in wealth.

Why Does It Matter?

This concept might seem trivial, but there are some features of our economic system that make this money flow principle very important. You should already understand that banks create money by making loans as I explain here, naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzp0rve5f6xtu56djkfkkg7ktr5rtfckpun95rgxaa7futy86npx8yqq247t2dvet9q4tsg4qng36lxe6kc4nftayyy89kua2 and that money doesn’t “flow into” assets, but rather a small amount of buying, or even just the expectation of future buying, can cause prices and market cap to rise all out of proportion to the amount of buying that occurred. Then consider that banks will lend against collateral, which can be assets like real estate or stocks which may have this inflated perceived value created by a very small amount of relative buying pressure. And that the “money” they create with those loans can be used to buy more of the asset, which can cause prices and market cap to again rise disproportionately, which can make it easier to get more loans to buy more assets, which can make prices go up again… ad infinitum. And remember that money doesn’t actually “flow into” assets, and therefore it doesn’t need to “flow out of” assets in order for prices to drop. All it takes is a lack of people willing to buy at a certain level, for any reason at all, and the price will fall to the level someone is willing to pay as soon as a motivated seller attempts to exit their investment.

Understand and think about the implications of that, and you’re closer to understanding the bubble/collapse cycle of asset markets than most economists and their “money flows” can ever hope to be.

@ ece127e2:745bab9c

Un lugar ominoso ,un hoyo de conejo espiralado en el cual cada ser que aparece es más oscuro que el otro. Un bosque de ramas secas que es mejor evitar ;si te tocan te secaran ,te extraerán luz hasta convertirte en uno de ellos . Árboles más altos tapan la luz que alimenta al suelo ,y éste se cubre de podredumbre.Esa miasma se te pega en los pies ,te atrapa ..te impide caminar y te hundes hasta no poder respirar.

@ 623ed218:fa549249

It's been a week or so since I wrote this piece and put it up on my website, but I realized I hadn't shared it here yet. Hoping it's informative!

Strike Bill Pay: A Deep Dive

Start With the Foundation: Bitcoin is Savings Technology

If you've spent any time in this space, you've probably heard the phrase: Bitcoin is savings technology. That's because Bitcoin solves a very specific problem---the inability of fiat to hold value over time.

Here's the reality:

• Every dollar you hold in a bank account is being debased, slowly (or sometimes rapidly) losing its purchasing power.
• Inflation might be "only" 3-4% a year right now (if you believe the official numbers), but that adds up. Over a decade, that $10,000 in savings doesn't just stagnate---it sublimates.

Bitcoin fixes this.

• Bitcoin is scarce, decentralized, and deflationary.
• It's not controlled by governments or central banks, and its supply is capped at 21 million. No one can "print" more Bitcoin.

If you're holding fiat in a savings account, you're playing a game you can't win. Bitcoin is the better tool for preserving value over time.

Why Savings First?

Before looking at how you spend, it's worth considering where you're storing your wealth. If your savings are sitting in fiat, they're slowly losing purchasing power over time---that's just how the system works.

Bitcoin offers an alternative: a way to protect your wealth in something scarce and reliable. Once you've addressed that piece---and your savings are no longer being held in melting fiat---you might start asking: What about the money in my checking account?

That's where Strike Bill Pay comes in. It's a simple, practical tool that connects your Bitcoin savings to the everyday expenses you still need to handle in fiat, removing the need to hold fiat to pay fiat bills.

The Spending Problem: Why a Bridge is Necessary

Here's where things get practical. Even if you're saving in Bitcoin, you still live in a world where bills---rent, mortgages, utilities, credit cards---are denominated in fiat.

What do you do?

• You could hold some fiat in your bank to cover bills, but now you're back to the problem of fiat exposure.
• You could convert Bitcoin to fiat every time you need to pay something, but trust me when I say that manual process is tedious and time consuming.

This creates a gap:

Bitcoin is where you want to save your wealth.

Fiat is where you still need to spend your wealth.

You need a bridge.

Strike Bill Pay is that bridge. It lets you hold your value in Bitcoin while seamlessly paying fiat-denominated bills. No headaches, no extra steps, and no need to rely on a traditional bank account.

How Strike Bill Pay Works (It's Simpler Than You Think)

Here's the beauty of Strike: it integrates directly into the traditional system without requiring you to deal with it.

Here's how it works:

Strike Provides a Standard Bank Account

• When you open a Strike account, you get a routing number and an account number tied to Cross River Bank. It works exactly like a regular checking account.

You Set Up Bill Payments

• For any bill that allows automatic payments, simply enter the Cross River Bank routing/account number Strike gives you. Your mortgage, utilities, subscriptions---these can all pull funds automatically from Strike.
• For bills you pay manually (like credit cards), add the Strike-provided account as an external payment source. When you go to make a payment, simply select that account as the funding source.

Strike Converts Bitcoin to Fiat on the Backend

• You don't have to worry about manually selling Bitcoin for fiat. When the bill gets paid, Strike automatically sells the exact amount of Bitcoin needed to cover the payment.

It's seamless. You save in Bitcoin and Strike handles the fiat side when you need it.

Start Small: Test the Waters, Then Scale

Now, I get it---this might sound like a big leap if you're new to the idea of using Bitcoin. You don't need to move all your bills over to Strike at once.

Start small.

• Pick one bill---something low-stakes, like a utility payment or a monthly subscription.
• Add your Strike-provided account as the payment source.
• Let it run.

What happens?

• Your bill gets paid.
• You experience how smooth the process is.
• You start seeing the benefit of holding Bitcoin without having to juggle fiat for bills.

Why Start Small?\ This isn't about forcing you to flip a switch overnight. It's about building comfort with tools that let you take control of your money. When you see how simple it is, you may find you'll want to scale up.

Strike's Fee Tiers: Low Costs That Get Even Lower

One of the practical benefits of using Strike is its straightforward fee structure. Strike charges a standard 0.99% fee when converting Bitcoin to fiat and vice-versa. But here's where it gets interesting: the more you use the service, the lower your fees become.

Strike's fee tiers are designed to reward activity:

• The more you deposit and spend through Strike, the closer you get to a lower fee tier.
• Regular bill payments, purchases, and deposits all contribute toward lowering your fee rate.

Why It Matters: When you're living on Bitcoin---covering bills, expenses, and purchases---those fees can add up. Strike incentivizes regular usage by giving you a clear path to reducing costs. The result? Your bill-paying process becomes not only seamless but also more efficient and cost-effective over time.

If you're managing everything---mortgage, utilities, credit cards---through Strike, it's likely you'll hit lower tiers quickly, making the service even more competitive.

For Bitcoiners: Completing the Savings-to-Spending Loop

If you're already holding Bitcoin as savings, Strike Bill Pay is the final piece. It lets you operate entirely in Bitcoin while still managing your fiat-denominated obligations.

Here's why it matters:

• Opting Out: If the majority of your wealth is in Bitcoin, why leave even a small amount in a checking account? Strike eliminates the need for that fiat buffer.
• Automation and Ease: Bills that pull automatically? Easy. Manual payments? Just as simple.
• Seamless Spending: No awkward conversions, no multiple steps. Strike lets you "spend Bitcoin" without all the extra steps.

It's the bridge that completes the Bitcoin-first financial strategy.

Flexibility: Adjust Your Strategy as Conditions Change

One of the best parts about Strike is that it's flexible. If you feel the need to keep some fiat on the side, it's as simple as pressing a few buttons.

• Bull Market Strategy: Hold Bitcoin all month, let it appreciate, and let Strike convert as bills are due.
• Bear Market Strategy: If you're cautious, hold fiat in Strike temporarily and stack sats with what's left at the end of the month.

Strike gives you the tools to adapt your strategy---no friction, no complexity.

Taxes: How Strike Simplifies Year-End Reporting

When using Bitcoin to pay bills, it's important to understand the tax implications. In the United States, Bitcoin is considered property by the IRS. This means that any time Bitcoin is converted to fiat (like when Strike pays a bill for you), it's a taxable event.

Here's how it works:

• If the value of your Bitcoin has increased since you acquired it, you owe capital gains taxes on the difference (the "gain") when it's converted to fiat to pay a bill.
• If there's no appreciation---or if you're converting at a loss---there's no capital gain to tax.

Example:

• You bought $500 worth of Bitcoin.
• When it's time to pay a bill, that Bitcoin is now worth $600.
• If you use Strike to pay the bill, you'll only owe capital gains taxes on the $100 gain.

Conversely:

• If you bought $500 worth of Bitcoin, and by the time you use it to pay a bill, it's worth $450, you can report a capital loss instead.

How Strike Helps: Strike simplifies this entire process by providing:

• Year-End Tax Documents: Strike generates clear reports showing each transaction.
• Easy Access: These tax documents can be downloaded directly from the Strike app, making it easy to share them with your accountant or upload them to tax software.

Why This Matters: Keeping track of Bitcoin transactions manually can feel overwhelming. With Strike, all the reporting is done for you, so you can stay compliant without stress. Whether you're dealing with gains, losses, or flat conversions, Strike helps you navigate taxes with transparency and simplicity.

Bringing It All Together

Bitcoin is savings tech. It fixes the root problem---where you store your wealth.

Strike Bill Pay is the tool that lets you:

• Save in Bitcoin without compromise.
• Pay fiat bills seamlessly without relying on a traditional bank.
• Start small, test the waters, and scale at your own pace.

Final Thought: Build the Future, One Bill at a Time

Here's my challenge to you:

• Pick one bill.
• Add your Strike-provided account as the payment source.
• Run it for a month and see how it feels.

You don't need to jump in all at once. But as you experience the benefits--- no friction, and no headaches---you might find yourself wondering: Why don't I use this for all my fiat needs?

Strike Bill Pay isn't about forcing change. It's about offering you tools that work better. Save in Bitcoin, spend seamlessly, and start building a future where your money works for you---not against you.

Block 875215 - MSK 943

Digging Deeper:

Hey there, I hope you enjoyed this read! If you did, and would like to read more of my barks, follow the links below!

• Curious how I found Bitcoin? Read "Paw Prints to the Timechain"

• Bitcoin meets psychology? I touch on this in "Maslow's Apex"

• Want to understand the basics of Bitcoin? Read "Bitcoin Best Practice"

• If you like seeing bad media takes unpacked, check out "Pup's Double-Takes"

External Resources:

• Want to earn rewards on your mortgage? Use my referral to earn 20,000 free sats at sign up!
• Do you like sharing Bitcoin content and earning sats for doing so? Join me at Stacker.news!

...Woof!

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/828031

@ d6affa19:9110b177

A Female-Led Relationship (FLR) is a dynamic where the woman directs and guides the relationship and the man surrenders to her lead, typically supporting her through devotion and service. An FLR could be described as a type of Dominant/submissive (D/s) relationship. And commonly, many stumble upon FLRs through kink exploration or fetishism, but this doesn’t have to be the case at all. Female leadership is not a kink and many couples pursue this style of relationship instinctively. There’s a lot more to this natural and profound dynamic that can lead to mutual fulfillment and a sense of shared purpose.

What an FLR is Not

Leadership is often associated with traits such as assertiveness, control, and dominance. In an FLR, leadership is re-examined, often emphasizing more commonly associated “feminine” strengths—empathy, nurturing, intuition, and emotional intelligence. These traits are recognized, valued, and celebrated. The woman's role isn’t about mimicking traditionally masculine behaviors but about leading in a way that feels authentic to her personal nature.

This means that she doesn’t necessarily have to earn more income or be the “breadwinner” (although she may); it simply means that she is the visionary and director of the relationship. While providing resources is commonly associated with “being the leader,” especially in a household setting, these two factors are unrelated and don’t really form a sound basis for that conclusion.

Another common misconception is that the woman must micromanage and/or make every decision for her man. This is extremely impractical and exhausting—the man doesn’t lose his agency in this style of relationship. In fact, it’s often his responsibility to actively provide support. There are countless ways to structure an FLR, and ultimately it’s the woman’s vision that sets the course.

What is an FLR?

The dynamic of an FLR allows for greater flexibility of duties. With the woman as the leader, she is able to set the direction and boundaries of not only the relationship but also her space. She can freely communicate her support, guidance, and expectations, as well as her own needs and the needs of others.

This gives her the capacity to receive her man’s love, appreciation, and devotion, and cultivate him to fulfill her in the best way possible. Through her leadership and support, she will be better able to inspire her partner to blossom into his fullest potential.

The arrangement of an FLR essentially fulfills a mutual set of emotional and psychological needs specific to the couple—her desire to lead and his inclination to please. It’s an agreement in which she charts a shared vision of life and he trusts in her vision and leadership.

Navigating the Flow

A woman’s energy, or feminine energy, is often described as fluid, dynamic, and changing—similar to a river. It flows naturally, guided by instincts and emotions. The river is strong and powerful; it carves paths and nurtures the landscape it passes through. In this metaphor, masculine energy is like the banks of the river. The banks don’t control the river; they exist to provide the structure and support needed for the river to flow freely and gracefully.

This supportive (or submissive) role is not one of weakness or passiveness; it’s a demonstration of strength and dedication. A submissive gentleman is tasked with providing emotional support and demonstrating unwavering loyalty to the woman. The expectations and boundaries set by her provide him with a solid purpose in which to direct his energy. He is expected to express his love and adoration through acts of service and devotion, and his masculinity is measured by his ability to support and enrich, not his ability to dominate or control.

Conclusion

The beauty of an FLR lies in its voluntary nature, where the couple chooses and embraces their roles out of love, respect, and admiration. This dynamic allows the woman to lead with her inherent strengths and instincts rather than adopting conventional masculine traits. It creates a space for the couple’s natural inclinations to mirror each other in ways that wouldn’t be possible in a more conventional dynamic.

And unlike traditional relationships that can feel driven by societal expectations and coercion, FLRs offer an alternative choice centered on mutual respect, leading to a balanced and fulfilling partnership. By celebrating each partner's unique strengths, FLRs can encourage a deeper, more authentic connection, creating a harmonious and empowering relationship.

@ 7e6f9018:a6bbbce5

Violence is a tool, and as such, it functions effectively in many contexts. Therefore, we should all acknowledge its role and prepare to use it when necessary, both as individuals and as a society.

The monopoly on violence is the cornerstone of the political state. Proper use of this monopoly can transform an impoverished society into a productive and prosperous environment. Conversely, misuse can lead to a stagnant society that benefits only a select few.

Wars and violence remain present in our world, but recent times appear to have been more peaceful than the historical average. Some argue that this relative peace is more than a temporary phenomenon and represents a consistent decline in violence. If so, why?

I believe the reason is simple: abusing violence has become counterproductive in the long term. While violence is a powerful tool, it is also inherently dangerous. It is crucial not to trivialize it, as doing so risks undermining the progress and achievements of our society.

In combat sports, it is common to see fighters exchanging gestures of respect after a match. This is more than a mere formality, it symbolizes the refusal to trivialize the violence applied. Such gestures place violence within a controlled and healthy framework, celebrating the sport while distancing it from the dangerous allure of abusing others, which could have harmful ripple effects.

Since the monopoly on violence lies with the state rather than individuals, the responsibility for its proper use rests primarily with governments. How states wield this power significantly shapes their relationship with societies.

To illustrate this, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario involving two societies: society (A) and society (B). Where each society is capable of producing a certain amount of goods in a year. Society (A) produces 6 squares, and society (B) produces 6 circles.

| Initial situation | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 | Society B = 🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵 |

The relationship between the two societies can primarily take one of two forms:

1. A positive relationship (win-win), characterized by mutual respect and a focus on product trade.

| Win - Win 💱 | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🔵🔵🔵 | Society B = 🔵🔵🔵🟩🟩🟩 |

If there is a positive relationship, the two societies will exchange their products throughout the year. As a result, both societies will retain their original 6 products but enjoy an improved quality of life due to greater product diversity—each will have both squares and circles.

1. A negative relationship (win-lose), characterized by confrontation and a focus on conflict.

| Win - Lose 💥 | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵🔵 | Society B = ❌ → lack of food|

If a negative relationship prevails, the society that most effectively wields the resource of violence will dominate. In this case, society (A) would prevail, keeping both its own production, the 6 squares, and the production of the defeated society (B), the 6 circles. As a result, society (A) would enjoy a high quality of life due to its increased wealth, comprising 6 squares and 6 circles, while society (B) would be left in a state of absolute poverty.

The win-lose scenario may seem advantageous for the winning party. However, it is ultimately a short-term strategy that incurs in significant long-term costs, which any advanced society would seek to avoid. Let’s examine why.

If society (A) excessively and repeatedly exploits society (B), there will eventually come a point where the entire population of society (B) starves to death. The result? Society (A)’s quality of life reverts to its initial state, producing only 6 squares, because society (B) has perished, taking with it its technical know-how and resources. In hindsight, a win-win scenario would have been the smarter choice.

| Win - Lose 💥 | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 | Society B = ❌→ lack of food, hunger → ☠️ |

If society (A) is somewhat wise, it will recognize that it cannot completely destroy society (B) but must subject it to measured exploitation without annihilating it. By doing so, society (A) sacrifices some short-term profits; instead of gaining 12 units per year, it gains 10, allowing society (B) to retain 2 units to survive. While this arrangement benefits society (A) more than a win-win scenario, it creates a precarious and unsustainable situation for society (B).

| Measured abuse 📐 | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🔵🔵🔵🔵 | Society B = 🔵🔵→ precariousness |

History has shown us that society (B), sooner or later, will confront the abuse inflicted by society (A) through one of two possible scenarios:

1. Fight
2. Flight

If society (B) decides to fight, it will keep all the production if it wins, and if it loses, society (A) will take control. An important consequence is that, in the short term, production will decrease due to the effort involved in the war. And in the long term, one of the two societies will disappear, and we will return to a situation of excessive exploitation.

| Fight ⚔️ | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🔵🔵🔵 | Society B = 🔵→ (1) fight or (2) flight |

If, instead of fighting, society (B) decides to abandon its territory, society (A) will also return to its initial situation. This is because, if society (B) leaves, it takes with it its production, human resources, and technical know-how.

| Flight 🧳 | | | ---------- | ------------------------------------------ | | Society A = 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 | Society B = 🛩|

Conclusion: If, instead of entering an unproductive vicious circle, the two societies had realized from the beginning that the wisest approach is to establish a positive relationship, they would have saved a lot of wasted energy and pain. This could be the reason for the reduction in violence: societies may be starting to figure out this game.

Note: Please note that this mental framework is an oversimplification; the reality may involve many other variables not considered here.

@ 62a6a41e:b12acb43

Why?

Because Bitcoin fosters the ultimate free-market environment, one where individuals can pursue their goals freely while preserving their wealth securely.

In such a world, political power loses its allure. When you can act independently, guided by your own values and rewarded meritocratically for your efforts, what role remains for politics? What need is there for external control when the system rewards hard work, authenticity, and innovation?

If you can easily take your wealth to another jurisdiction, why be robbed?

Bitcoin embodies a meritocratic system that celebrates individuality, rendering the traditional political arena obsolete.

Meritocracy + Individuality = The End of Politics

Bitcoin #Philosophy

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

I've been listening to this small playlist over and over again this week.

Ivy keeps getting me.

I'm having fun making these things

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=yNPfvgFEXuk&si=HjUdZxXKkGfqabk8 https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=LyRJfs-Qn70&si=2ugksRTltXATqHVo https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=XkpAE8ZZ6bU&si=WwWopN-YMLGguFiB https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=VIcQreSskyM&si=Ewza3W6SOkRDWF1E https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=5xm8Q-1cOpU&si=GeQv3Kum_TV9H6KD https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=xYM-aZG9QbE&si=fwfzIFLAyVumnTs4 https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=r7JWHuGFUeI&si=MqoFBqvb0iI7pAAY https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=GjnjUHY8MiM&si=F_Aepjxc_g2SH7UG https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=sgjTb7UQe2A&si=04wik3m5LefpbGMV https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=SMOund_uFTk&si=v7sa3XxchH607d0Y

https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmYfnnK_Qs5jpv5hKuBKFOEvMnPFl3vto&si=Dkudss84jFszdGmj

Thanks Anon, Hustle

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/827883

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

A recent conversation with fellow Bitcoiners prompted me to share this overview of Nostr tools. While you don't need to use everything, understanding the ecosystem helps paint a picture of where we're heading.

I often hear people say "I'm posting to the void" or "My feed is boring" or "I'm not earning any bitcoin" or "It's too complicated." Let me address these concerns with a comprehensive overview.

Core Clients and Features

Primal and Amethyst are currently the best daily drivers. Theyre both valid twitter replacements with primal focusing on user friendliness and amethyst focusing on being more feature rich.

Both apps feature an algorithm marketplace (we call them DVMs) where you can choose from various feed styles. Soon, anyone will be able to create and share their own algorithms. For additional feed customization, Listr.lol lets you curate lists of npubs to further refine your experience.

Content and Rewards

Stacker News (SN) integrates beautifully with Nostr. Cross-post your SN content to appear as longform notes on platforms like Highlighter, Yakihonne, and Habla.news. SN's rewards system pays out satoshis for quality content, bridging their closed platform with Nostr's open network.

Payments and Zaps

For zaps, I recommend CoinOS, or AlbyHub for a more sovereign alternative. CoinOS is non kyc and gives you a lightning address and NWC connection string to throw into your nostr clients. CoinOS supports e-cash and Bolt 12, Liquid, and can auto-withdraw earnings to cold storage. You can use coinOs as a PWA or input the connection string into Alby Go for a more minimal wallet alternative.

Security and App Management

Android users should use zap.store for downloading Nostr apps. It verifies app authenticity and implements Web of Trust features, showing which trusted npubs use each app.

For managing multiple apps, Pokey provides a unified notification dashboard. Amber (Android) offers secure client login without exposing your nsec, while Citrine lets you run a relay on your phone for data backup.

Creator Tools

• Wavlake: Spotify alternative with open music graph
• Fountain: Podcast app with Nostr integration
• Zap.stream: Live streaming
• Nostr.build: Media hosting
• Cypher.space: Website creation with integrated marketplace
• Olas: Instagram alternative
• Gifbuddy.lol: Gif creation
• memeamigo.lol: Meme creation
• Zappadd: Promotional tools

Making the Most of Nostr

The key to Nostr is understanding that nothing is force-fed. You're responsible for: - Creating your desired feed - Choosing your client - Selecting your relays - Managing your wallet - Curating who you follow

For best results, go all in: 1. Leave traditional social media 2. Use Primal and or Amethyst as your main client 3. Follow 1000 npubs 4. Set up CoinOS for payments 5. Engage daily with the community

Future Outlook

Some ask if Nostr is truly decentralized, censorship-resistant, or profitable. My response: the user experience will become so good that most internet users will naturally gravitate here. The only barrier will be ideological resistance.

Nostr represents a new internet paradigm where users outpower platforms, identity persists across apps, and Bitcoin is the standard. We've practically already won.

Crazy Ideas

I'm thinking the age of of the super nostr app will come to a close. We're probably going to enter an era of a thousand micro apps and client templates, which allow users to build their own client in 30 seconds. Some templates will be impermanent, one time use clients, others will be more robust for building a daily driver. You'll be able to share your completed piece on nostr for other people to use, and they'll zap you for building it. A marketplace of user created apps supported by thousands of micro apps and relays and templates, probably a user experience holy grail, made possible by nostr's open social graph, smooth monetization processes from bitcoin.

Growth Predictions

Daily Active Users doubling yearly: 2024: 20k → 2029: 640k

The beauty of Nostr isn't just in its decentralized nature or bitcoin integration – it's in the user experience that puts you in control. While traditional social media platforms force-feed you content through black-box algorithms, Nostr hands you the keys to your own digital kingdom. You choose your feed, your apps, your connections, and your level of engagement. Yes, there's a learning curve, but that's the price of digital sovereignty.

Think of where Twitter was in 2006 or Bitcoin in 2013. Those who saw the potential and jumped in early didn't just benefit financially – they helped shape the future. Nostr is at that same inflection point. The tools are here, the infrastructure is growing, and the community is building. Whether you're a creator, developer, bitcoiner, or just someone tired of traditional social media, Nostr offers a glimpse of what the internet should have been all along.

The question isn't if Nostr will win, but when. And when it does, you'll want to be able to say you were here when it all began.

Thanks, Hustle

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/827860

@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

In this edition, We were honored to have Martin npub19vtlpmfzz8yl4g9r7c8u8t2vaqjhjgpjrc36hc2typxnutpnluzs3tx8xe， the founder of Bitcoin Nairobi, share his journey in creating the Bitcoin community, his goals, and some of the challenges faced. He emphasized the importance of education and innovation in promoting Bitcoin adoption in Kenya.

---

YakiHonne: Martin, it’s truly an honor and a pleasure to have you with us today. We’re looking forward to a fruitful conversation as we move forward. Before we dive in, I’d like to take a moment to share some background on what YakiHonne is. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on the Nostr protocol that enables freedom of speech through technology. It empowers creators to create their own voice, assets, and features. It also allows features like smart widgets, verified notes, and focuses on long-form articles. today. we'll be exploring more about your community. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Martin：I’m Martin Mutonga, the founder of Bitcoin Nairobi. I’m 21 years old and currently studying at the University of Nairobi. YakiHonne: What sparked your interest in Bitcoin, and what motivated you to create a community around it?

Martin：I first got interested in Bitcoin as a way to find passive income. Before discovering Bitcoin, I worked as an AI annotation Jobs. During this time, I came across Bitcoin. After reading the Bitcoin white paper, I decided to explore it further. I then started looking for Bitcoin communities in Kenya and joined events like Bitcoin DADA，The Core, and others. It was then that I realized there was a gap in Bitcoin education in Kenya. Many people were getting into Bitcoin but didn’t know how to earn from it. Martin：I decided to create Bitcoin Nairobi, a community focused on advancing Bitcoin through education, adoption, and innovation. Our mission is to educate people about Bitcoin, help merchants integrate Bitcoin payments to attract more customers, and foster innovation by exploring protocols like Nostr and leveraging apps like YakiHonne to drive growth.

YakiHonne: Great. Could you share how your community started and how you managed to attract members?

Martin：The community initially started through a WhatsApp group, originally for people who have questions related to Bitcoin. I shared my knowledge of Bitcoin and expressed my desire to train others, which led to small Bitcoin learning sessions. Before this, I completed a Bitcoin diploma course with Mi Premier Bitcoin, which deepened my passion for Bitcoin and inspired me to start my own company. Bitcoin became my true passion, and I was determined to fully dive into it. Martin：I then founded Bitcoin Nairobi, initially focusing on the concept of the circular economy, which I called Bitcoin Aerobics. With support from Geyser and other Bitcoin enthusiasts in Kenya, the community began to grow. Every few months, we attract new members through a project called Bitcoin School Kenya, mostly university students who want to learn and earn with Bitcoin while studying.

YakiHonne: Can you share some of the challenges you faced when you first started?

Martin：One of the main challenges I faced early on was the lack of guidance, as many Bitcoin users are anonymous. Additionally, relevant content is scattered across various platforms, making it difficult to gather all the necessary information in one place. Another challenge is the small number of true Bitcoiners in Kenya. While there are many participants in cryptocurrency and altcoins, there are only about 28 true Bitcoin users in Kenya, which is a tiny fraction of the country's 58 million people. Martin：Seeing this gap, I founded Bitcoin School Kenya, aiming to promote Bitcoin education. Our goal is not only to teach people about Bitcoin but also to empower them to become Bitcoin ambassadors in their local communities. This way, we can extend our impact beyond Nairobi, especially to rural areas.

YakiHonne: As you mentioned, many people are involved in cryptocurrency and other coins, including popular meme coins like Dogecoin. While they claim to be part of the crypto space, Bitcoin is truly the dominant and most significant coin. However, true Bitcoiners are few in number and not as widely recognized. Additionally, the content related to Bitcoin is scattered across platforms like YouTube and Google, making it hard to find a single source to access all the necessary information. I completely understand the frustration. YakiHonne: What are the core principles that guide the Bitcoin Nairobi community? How do you maintain trust and reliability, especially when facing the widespread skepticism around cryptocurrency? How do you ensure that community members trust you, particularly when onboarding them?

Martin：I think we are simply following the principles of Bitcoin's proof of work—if you show your proof of work, you'll be rewarded, and that's all there is to it. That's the essence of proof of work.

YakiHonne: A lot of people feel that cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, and Web3 are scams, and they don't see them as the future. So, How do you convince people to trust and believe in Bitcoin?

Martin：What we do is organize meetups. However, due to financial constraints, we've only been able to host two so far, one of which was in Kibra, a part of the Bitcoin Nairobi community. I believe this is how we gain trust in Bitcoin and what we do. Another key aspect is maintaining consistent communication. If people have issues, we engage with them. We also communicate with merchants and guide them on what they need. This helps build trust within the community. Additionally, we are transparent with our funds. Whatever donations or grants we receive, we make sure to be open about how the funds are used and show the community exactly what we’ve spent them on. This is how we build trust.

YakiHonne: It seems you're really doing a great job in that aspect. How do you educate your members and keep them informed about the latest Bitcoin developments?

Martin： We collaborate with Bitcoin developers like Simon, who is the lead of BitDevs Nairobi. Simon often conducts classes with Bitcoin School Kenya, where he trains people in Bitcoin development.We also invite guest developers, such as those from Btrust, to join our sessions and train people on Bitcoin development. Additionally, we bring in experts on specific topics like Lightning or Nostr to provide specialized training for students. Looking ahead, we aim to nurture our own developers who can contribute to projects like Bitcoin Core, the Lightning Network, and Nostr. These developers will eventually train others, helping us build a stronger ecosystem.

YakiHonne: I look forward to seeing your developers in the future. It would be amazing to have developers from your community contributing—it would be a great benefit both for them and for the Bitcoin community as a whole.

Martin：Honestly, you can't know everything. Another amazing thing about Bitcoin is the supportive community—there's always someone willing to help. For example, I didn’t even approach Simon myself; I just attended a BitDevs meetup, and he offered to train during our classes. We also have Nayoma, the first African male Bitcoin Core developer, contributing to the classes. It's truly inspiring to see so many knowledgeable people coming together to share their expertise.

YakiHonne: How does the community collaborate with the broader Bitcoin ecosystem, and what partnerships have had the greatest impact on Bitcoin Nairobi?

Martin：One key factor that has helped Bitcoin Nairobi gain recognition globally is our involvement with the Federation of Bitcoin Circular Economies. We collaborate with other communities by actively participating in their calls and staying in contact with leaders at the Federation as well as other communities. This consistent engagement has significantly boosted our visibility. Martin：Additionally, through Bitcoin School Kenya, we operate as a light node in the broader Bitcoin ecosystem. For now, we function as a light node, but we’re aiming to upgrade to a full node by next year. This will enable members of our community not only to contribute locally but also to teach and collaborate with other communities and circular economies worldwide.

YakiHonne: What major challenges has the community faced, and how did you overcome them while maintaining integrity?

Martin：I wouldn't say there's a major challenge, but one challenge we faced was connecting with others in the Bitcoin space. However, we’ve made progress. Another challenge we’re facing now is organizing physical meetups. This has been difficult since we’re still relatively new in the Federation and the circular economies.

YakiHonne: It seems like you haven’t faced much resistance in terms of people viewing Bitcoin as a scam or having trust issues about its stability, like concerns over whether Bitcoin will crash. You haven't experienced these kinds of challenges.

Martin：Most people believe in the technology and in Bitcoin. The main issue they have is knowing where and how they can sell it. However, when it comes to doubting Bitcoin itself, I can’t say many people question the technology. Especially young people, they’re into online work, AI, and Bitcoin—basically anything related to the future.

YakiHonne: What are the community's goals for the next 6-12 months, and how do you see it evolving with Bitcoin's growth？

Martin：Our community's goals are to develop more educators and promote the widespread adoption of Bitcoin education, launch more Bitcoin-based projects to drive local adoption, strengthen collaborations with other organizations and communities to expand our influence, and increase our efforts in “orange-pilling” to help more people understand and embrace Bitcoin. As Bitcoin continues to grow, we will also continue to expand and evolve, fostering the maturation of the Bitcoin ecosystem.

YakiHonne: That's great. We’re excited to see how these initiatives will unfold in the coming months. Best of luck in achieving your vision, and we look forward to hearing about your progress in the future! OK, We're glad to see everyone and look forward to the next community interview. Thank you all, and that wraps up today's session.

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In this edition, we are pleased to speak with Luthando nostr:npub10vudmjqhr8kn2kv2pxhezt2h5t5c9zauwq8qr56nhdn64yacsqyqf08djm leader of the Bitcoin Ekasi community, about how they are using Bitcoin to transform payment systems, savings habits, and cross-border remittances in a South African township, while fostering digital currency education and boosting local economic trust.

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YakiHonne: Luthando. We really appreciate you coming in. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on the Nostr protocol that enables freedom of speech through technology. It empowers creators to create their own voice, assets, and features. It also allows features like smart widgets, verified notes, and focuses on long-form articles. today. we'll be exploring more about your community.Can you tell us a bit about yourself? What do you do, and what’s your role in your community?

Luthando：I’m Luthando, a project community leader at Bitcoin Ekasi. My role includes onboarding township shops to help them adopt Bitcoin as a payment method. I also manage staff records, tracking workdays and paid leave for team members involved in the project. Additionally, I conduct interviews and collaborate with a supervisor to share insights and experiences about Bitcoin. This work is part of my efforts with Bitcoin Ekasi.

YakiHonne: You're really doing a lot of work in the Bitcoin ecosystem，what sparked your interest in Bitcoin? And what motivated you to create a community around it?

Luthando：When I was working as a safety coach at Safeacase, Herman introduced me to Bitcoin. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Safeacase, which relied on donations, faced severe financial challenges. This led to the launch of the Bitcoin Ekasi Project, where I helped township shops adopt Bitcoin as a payment method. With limited funds, I transitioned from receiving a fiat salary to earning in Bitcoin. Bitcoin transformed my mindset, making me realize it is the future of money. This realization inspired me to travel the world and explore new countries.

YakiHonne: Great. I really admire the enthusiasm you have for Bitcoin.Can you share a brief history of how you built your community and attracted members? What methods or advertisements did you use to onboard them?

Luthando：We host monthly Bitcoin movie nights to engage the community, running from February to December starting next year. We promote the events with posters in town, shops, and clinics, inviting residents to join. During the movie nights, participants use Bitcoin we provide to purchase popcorn and drinks, gaining hands-on experience with the technology. Luthando：And our Bitcoin center features a thrift shop and a small Bitcoin ATM. Community members can exchange fiat for Bitcoin using the ATM and use it to purchase clothing from the shop. We also offer Bitcoin courses with 14 students attending classes five days a week. To encourage attendance, students are rewarded with Bitcoin for consistent participation. Similarly, in the “Safer Kids” program, children who maintain a 70% attendance rate or higher also receive Bitcoin rewards. Luthando：To further promote Bitcoin adoption in the community, we painted Bitcoin-themed logos on 34 shops and paid the owners in Bitcoin, which they can use in local shops. This initiative not only spreads awareness but also provides the community with practical opportunities to use Bitcoin.

YakiHonne: Yeah, we are pushing Bitcoin adoption so hard this time. It's really great.What principles guide your community, and how do you ensure trust and reliability in your discussions?

Luthando：I was born in eastern South Africa, and my parents moved here around 1996. The community knows me well and trusts that I wouldn’t introduce anything fraudulent. Since 2010, we’ve been working in this township, especially helping children, building over a decade of trust. I explain to the community that we aim to bring value through Bitcoin, encouraging them to save in Bitcoin instead of fiat. As a result, the community has great trust in our Bitcoin Ekasi team.

YakiHonne: How do you educate your members and keep them updated on Bitcoin developments? You mentioned having five weekly meetups to onboard members, but what other methods do you use to educate them and keep them informed about the Bitcoin ecosystem?

Luthando：We use the Felly app to communicate with community members and keep them updated. At the Ekasi Center, we host quizzes to encourage participation. For example, the first attendees can earn 5,000 sats, motivating them to regularly engage with the Felly app. Although we initially tried a few other methods that didn't really involve them getting Sats, its impact was limited as many people in the township seek quick financial returns and often don’t return after their first visit. To address this, we host movie nights as a more engaging way to promote Bitcoin education. During these events, we screen Bitcoin-related films, allowing community members to learn about Bitcoin in a fun and relaxed setting.

YakiHonne: It's truly captivating and highly insightful.How does your community collaborate with the global Bitcoin ecosystem? Specifically, how does it engage with the broader worldwide Bitcoin community, and which partnership has been of more significant impact on Bitcoin Ekasi?

Luthando：We have established a strong partnership with Bitcoin Beach, which provided crucial support in the creation of the Bitcoin Ekasi project. Currently, we are planning to build a community center in the township, earning the trust and support of both Bitcoin Beach and the local government of Mossel Bay. The community center will serve as a multifunctional space for events like weddings and more. As one of the earliest Bitcoin adoption projects in Africa, Bitcoin Ekasi has inspired other countries to follow suit, viewing us as a model for building sustainable Bitcoin communities.

YakiHonne: How do you collaborate with Bitcoin communities and organizations outside South Africa? What partnerships or interactions do you have with other global Bitcoin communities?

Luthando: We collaborate with other Bitcoin projects through community initiatives. For example, we paint logos on local community shops and pay the owners 7000Sats per week. This approach has helped us build connections with projects outside South Africa. One notable example is our assistance to the Bitcoin Dua project in Africa, helping them establish a Bitcoin circular economy. We also supported the Bitcoin Loxin project in Cape Town, South Africa, in launching their Bitcoin circular economy. Through these collaborations, we have developed strong relationships with other Bitcoin communities.

YakiHonne: We’d like to understand the challenges you faced when starting the community, as well as the challenges the community has encountered？

Luthando: One of the main challenges is convincing members that Bitcoin is not a scam. Many people are skeptical about Bitcoin, fearing they might lose their money. Additionally, saving is not a common habit within the community, even with fiat currency. I often explain the importance of saving in Bitcoin, emphasizing how it can safeguard their financial security. However, changing deeply ingrained mindsets has proven to be quite difficult. Another challenge is the limited level of education in the community. Even those who own smartphones often struggle to use them effectively. This lack of familiarity extends to using Bitcoin wallets, with many people finding it challenging to navigate wallet usage, especially in shops. Lastly, I feel like I’m working around the clock. Even outside of work hours, people come to my house seeking assistance, such as exchanging Bitcoin for fiat. While I’m happy to help, the constant demands can feel overwhelming at times, making it seem as though I’m working every day, including weekends.

YakiHonne: and how you managed to overcome them？

Luthando: Overcoming these challenges is not easy. I can't say that I've fully managed to resolve them, but I do my best to address them. Fortunately, I have a colleague who assists me, although he’s currently out of town. He helps manage some of the workload, especially in dealing with local community members and providing them with the support they need.

YakiHonne: I'm really interested in the issue of people thinking Bitcoin is a scam. Could you elaborate on that? What specific steps have you taken to demonstrate that Bitcoin is reliable and not a scam?

Luthando: Many shop owners initially believe Bitcoin is a scam and refuse to accept it. To address their doubts, I demonstrate Bitcoin's legitimacy through practical examples. First, I help them download a Bitcoin wallet and post about it on X, receiving small tips from Bitcoin enthusiasts worldwide. I then use these tips to showcase Bitcoin's real-world applications. For instance, I use Bitrefill to purchase mobile airtime or fuel vouchers for them, highlighting Bitcoin's utility in daily life. I also mention South African restaurants like Steers that accept Bitcoin and even place food orders using Bitcoin to show its usability. Additionally, I demonstrate withdrawing cash from a crypto ATM using Bitcoin, further proving that it is a reliable financial tool and not a scam.

YakiHonne: You've done a lot of work in South Africa. I can imagine the effort, the pain and the stress.What initiatives has the community taken to promote Bitcoin adoption, and what results have these efforts achieved?

Luthando: At first, I never imagined we would reach this point. Now, many people frequently come to my home to ask how to buy Bitcoin. For example, this week, a man from Nigeria wanted to purchase Bitcoin worth 5,000 units. I explained the process to him and recommended using a hardware wallet for securely storing large amounts of Bitcoin. He used to struggle with sending money back home, but now he has realized the convenience of Bitcoin. In October last year, I helped two stores owned by Nigerians adopt Bitcoin payments. Since then, this practice has spread within the community, and more people, especially shop owners, have developed an interest in Bitcoin. They ask about its low transaction fees and have recognized it as an efficient solution for cross-border remittances. Initially, some shop owners were skeptical about Bitcoin, but they eventually started saving with it. Today, many of them have accumulated significant Bitcoin savings for their families and children, and they often express their gratitude for introducing Bitcoin to the community. Overall, the Bitcoin adoption project has had a profound impact here. We have educated the community about Bitcoin’s long-term savings value, and many people are now satisfied with this initiative and optimistic about the future.

YakiHonne: It’s clear you’ve achieved tangible results from your efforts. Looking ahead, what are your community's goals for the next 6 to 12 months? How do you plan to achieve them?

Luthando: For Bitcoin Ekasi, one of our main goals is to establish a dedicated Bitcoin Ekasi Center. This center would serve as a hub to educate people about Bitcoin on a frequent basis. We have already started working with a local school in the township, recruiting students and introducing teachers to Bitcoin. Our vision is to integrate Bitcoin education into the school’s curriculum, similar to what has been done in El Salvador. By incorporating Bitcoin as part of their regular subjects, students can gain foundational knowledge about Bitcoin and its potential uses. Ultimately, we aim for teachers to become advocates who can confidently teach children about Bitcoin, empowering the next generation with essential financial literacy skills.

YakiHonne: Thank you so much! I think most of my questions have been answered. I’m really glad to see Bitcoin enthusiasts with a clear focus on Bitcoin. As you said, Bitcoin is the future, and I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for it.

Luthando: Bitcoin is truly the future. We want to see this township transformed into something more modern, rather than its current state. I hope to see more parents saving some Bitcoin for their children. In our community, most kids receive a monthly government allowance of $50 starting from the age of one. I often suggest to parents that they set aside half of that allowance to buy Bitcoin for their child. If they save consistently from age one to 18, the value could grow significantly as Bitcoin appreciates. I’m already doing this for my own child so that he will have savings as he grows up.

YakiHonne: Bitcoin is the future. Its value continues to grow steadily over time. Thank you so much for today’s conversation; we are truly honored. Your sharing of such rich experiences has been incredibly insightful for us. I’ve learned that using movie events to engage more people is an excellent idea, and we plan to start trying it out soon. Once again, thank you for your time and for sharing with us!

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تقدم وثائق سرية مزعومة تخص نظام بشار الأسد وتم الكشف عنها بعد سقوطه لمحة عن ”آلية“ سرية تديرها روسيا للحد من التدخل العسكري الإسرائيلي في سوريا. كانت القضية المطروحة هي اعتماد الأسد المتزايد على إيران ووكلائها، مثل حزب الله، للحفاظ على سيطرته على السلطة بعد عقد من الحرب الأهلية الطاحنة.

وتكشف الأوراق التي ظهرت حديثًا، والتي تحمل علامة ”سري للغاية وعاجل“، عن مزيج من التهديدات ومذكرات ما بعد العمل التي توضح بالتفصيل ما دمرته إسرائيل للتو في عام 2023 ولماذا. وهي تقدم أول لمحة حقيقية لما كان مشتبهًا به منذ فترة طويلة ولكن لم يتم إثباته أبدًا: أن إسرائيل، التي كانت راضية بترك الأسد الضعيف في مكانه والسماح للجيش العربي السوري بتلبية ”احتياجاته“ الأمنية، كانت عازمة تمامًا على منع تدفق الأسلحة الإيرانية وتعزيز المسلحين الموالين لطهران في سوريا، وخاصة في مرتفعات الجولان.

وتظهر الوثائق أن عميلاً إسرائيلياً يُدعى ”موسى“ (موسى بالإنجليزية) راسل مباشرة وزير الدفاع السوري السابق الفريق علي محمود عباس. ثم قام عباس، الذي شغل منصب وزير الدفاع منذ 28 أبريل/نيسان 2022، بإرسال الرسائل إلى علي مملوك، رئيس مخابرات الأسد سيئ السمعة.

يعود تاريخ سلسلة الوثائق التي فحصتها ”نيو لاينز“، استنادًا إلى لقطات تم تداولها على وسائل التواصل الاجتماعي، إلى الفترة من مايو إلى يوليو 2023 - أي قبل بضعة أشهر فقط من الفظائع التي ارتكبتها حماس ضد المدنيين في إسرائيل في 7 أكتوبر، والتي تلتها هجمات حزب الله الصاروخية في 8 أكتوبر. وقد أدى رد إسرائيل الطويل والقاسي على كليهما إلى القضاء على القيادتين العسكرية والسياسية العليا لحماس وحزب الله، ويمكن القول إنه أنهى مشروع الهيمنة الإيرانية في المشرق العربي الذي استمر لعقود. كما ساهمت بشكل غير مباشر في الإطاحة السريعة وغير المتوقعة بالأسد من السلطة على يد المتمردين الإسلاميين الذين مكنتهم تركيا. وقد أدى ذلك بدوره إلى تدخل إسرائيل الفوري، وحرمان هؤلاء الإسلاميين من الأسلحة الاستراتيجية ذاتها التي كانت إسرائيل قد جنّبت إسرائيل استخدامها عندما كانوا تحت سيطرة الأسد.

وفي حين أننا لم نتمكن من التحقق بشكل مستقل من صحة الوثائق، إلا أن هناك عدة عوامل تقودنا إلى الاعتقاد بأنها حقيقية. أولاً، ظهر المخبأ مباشرةً بعد انهيار نظام الأسد، ومصدره مواقع استخباراتية في دمشق. ثانيًا، تحمل الوثائق أختامًا وتنسيقات حكومية سورية رسمية، بما في ذلك معرّفات خاصة بقطاعي الاستخبارات والدفاع. وأخيرًا، تتوافق المعلومات الواردة في هذه الوثائق مع التفاصيل والتقارير الإخبارية المتاحة للجمهور حول أحداث وأهداف وجداول زمنية محددة للعمليات.

وقال مارك بوليمروبولوس، وهو ضابط سابق في وكالة الاستخبارات المركزية الأمريكية ذو خبرة واسعة في الشرق الأوسط، لـ”نيو لاينز“: ”إن تفاصيل هذه الآلية السرية الفريدة من نوعها في منع الصراع مع روسيا تظهر بوضوح الارتياح الإسرائيلي العام لنظام الأسد، مما يؤكد على المثل القديم ’الشيطان الذي تعرفه‘. ”ربما ساهمت هذه الراحة أيضًا بشكل سلبي في إحجام إسرائيل في البداية عن مساعدة أوكرانيا، نظرًا لاعتماد إسرائيل على روسيا في سوريا“.

على سبيل المثال، تؤكد إحدى الرسائل المؤرخة في 17 مايو 2023 على غضب إسرائيل من الاستفزازات الإيرانية: ”في 8 نيسان/أبريل 2023، أطلقوا ثلاثة صواريخ باتجاه إسرائيل من هضبة الجولان بإيعاز من حماس. في الآونة الأخيرة، وبسبب يوم القدس ومسيرة العَلَم، نلاحظ نشاطات فلسطينية على أرضكم. إذا لم يكن واضحًا لك من يقود هذه العناصر، فإن هذه العناصر يقودها خالد مشعل وصالح العاروري من حماس. نحن نحذركم من احتمال وجود أي نشاط لهذه الأطراف على أراضيكم ونطالبكم بوقف أي استعدادات [إيرانية] لاستخدام هذه القوات على أراضيكم - أنتم مسؤولون عما يحدث في سوريا“.

ويمضي موسى ملمحًا إلى ”طلقة تحذيرية“ إسرائيلية غير محددة ردًا على إطلاق الصواريخ، في إشارة على الأرجح إلى الضربات المدفعية والطائرات بدون طيار التي شنها الجيش الإسرائيلي في جنوب سوريا للقضاء على منصات إطلاق الصواريخ.

ويحذر موسى قائلاً: ”سيكون هجومنا القادم أقوى وأشد بكثير مما قمنا به حتى الآن“. ”سوف تدفعون ثمنًا باهظًا وغير مسبوق“. وبعد أسابيع، في 29 مايو/أيار 2023، يذكر المنفذ أهدافًا واضحة ضربتها إسرائيل، مثل ”مستودعات أسلحة مرتبطة بالقيادة الجنوبية في دمشق“ و”معسكر تدريب في الضمير“ يستخدمه حزب الله. وقد نشرت وكالة الأنباء السورية الرسمية ”سانا“ تقريراً عن الضربات في 29 مايو/أيار الماضي، قالت فيه إن إسرائيل شنت غارات في دمشق ومحيطها من مرتفعات الجولان في الليلة السابقة.

وتكشف الوثائق عن اعتماد عميق على الإشراف الروسي، حيث لعبت موسكو دورًا نشطًا في تهدئة التوترات بين الجانبين. تجنبت إسرائيل استهداف المواقع العسكرية السورية الرئيسية طالما التزمت دمشق بقواعد اللعبة. وفي المقابل، حافظت روسيا على نفوذها على كلا الطرفين، مما ضمن بقاء نظام الأسد.

وكان الهدف الأساسي من الآلية ظاهريًا الحد من عمليات إيران وحزب الله، وخاصة نقل الأسلحة المتطورة إلى حزب الله في لبنان. على سبيل المثال، توضح رسالة تعود إلى 8 يونيو 2023، تفاصيل تعقب الاستخبارات الإسرائيلية للشحنات الإيرانية: ”خلال الأسبوعين الماضيين، رصدنا هبوط ثماني طائرات في قاعدة حميميم الجوية قادمة من إيران. ... تم نقل الأسلحة على متن هذه الطائرات. ... إذا واصلتم السماح بنقل الأسلحة إلى حزب الله وإيران، فلن نقف مكتوفي الأيدي.“

وتوضح هذه الرسائل دقة الاستخبارات الإسرائيلية التي تتبعت الشحنات منذ وصولها إلى القواعد الجوية التي تسيطر عليها روسيا إلى وجهتها النهائية في اللاذقية والقطيفة. وغالباً ما كان موسى يحذر سوريا من أفراد محددين متورطين في هذه العمليات، مثل القيادي في حزب الله الحاج هاشم (منير علي نعيم شعيتو) وعمليات مثل معسكرات التدريب ”ملف الجولان“ بالقرب من دمشق. وفي كل حالة، كانت التحذيرات تحمل تهديداً ضمنياً - وأحياناً صريحاً - بالرد العسكري.

”ملف الجولان“ هو عملية سرية لحزب الله تهدف إلى إنشاء بنية تحتية وشبكات إيرانية وحزب الله على طول الحدود السورية الإسرائيلية في مرتفعات الجولان. وقد سعى المشروع، الذي كان يديره في ذلك الوقت القيادي البارز في حزب الله علي موسى دقدوق، المعروف أيضًا باسم أبو حسين ساجد، إلى إنشاء خلايا قادرة على شن هجمات داخل الأراضي الإسرائيلية. وقد أفادت التقارير أن دقدوق، الذي سبق له أن نسق هجمات ضد القوات الأمريكية في العراق، قُتل في غارة إسرائيلية في 10 نوفمبر من هذا العام.

وتشمل الاستراتيجية تجنيد عملاء محليين وتخزين الأسلحة لدعم الهجمات المحتملة. وكانت هذه الأنشطة جزءًا من هدف حزب الله الأوسع نطاقًا المتمثل في الاستفادة من الصراع في سوريا لإنشاء جبهة جديدة ضد إسرائيل. وأفادت التقارير أن هذه المبادرة تلقت توجيهات من كبار مسؤولي حزب الله وإيران، بمن فيهم حسن نصر الله وقيادة فيلق القدس.

وردًا على هذه التهديدات، نفذت إسرائيل العديد من العمليات الاستباقية لتفكيك البنية التحتية لحزب الله في المنطقة. على سبيل المثال، استهدفت غارة جوية في كانون الأول/ديسمبر 2023 في جنوب سوريا وقتل فيها محمد التمار المعروف أيضًا باسم أبو جولان، وهو عنصر رئيسي في وحدة ملف الجولان. تسلط هذه العملية الضوء على جهود إسرائيل المستمرة لمواجهة الوجود المتنامي لحزب الله بالقرب من حدودها.

فيما يلي نص إحدى مذكرات النظام التي تحتوي على رسائل أرسلها ”موسى“:

الجمهورية العربية السورية القيادة العامة للجيش والقوات المسلحة شعبة المخابرات - مكتب رئيس الشعبة رقم /2450/1 التاريخ: 29/5/2023 إلى: رئيس مكتب الأمن القومي إلحاقاً لرسالتنا رقم /2254/1 بتاريخ 17/5/2023 بشأن الرسالة الواردة من الإسرائيلي (موسى) بتاريخ 29/5/2023، وردت رسالة عبر الواتساب إلى مكتب وزير الدفاع من الشخص المعروف باسم (موسى)، تتضمن ما يلي (حرفياً) ”تحياتي يا سيدي ... أنا موسى. في وقت سابق، استهدفنا منشآت تخزين تابعة للقيادة الجنوبية في دمشق. بالإضافة إلى ذلك، قمنا بضرب معسكر تدريب في الضمير يستخدمه ملف الجولان بقيادة أبو حسين ساجد لإجراء تدريبات وبناء قوات لتعزيز قدراتهم على القيام بأعمال ضد بلدي. ونؤكد أننا لن نقبل بوجود الحاج هاشم وعناصره في جنوب سوريا. التعاون مع حزب الله يضر بالجيش السوري وأفراده، وأنتم تدفعون الثمن. إن أي دعم تقدمونه للمحور (الإيراني) وحزب الله بشكل يضر ببلدي سيقابل برد قاسٍ. مع أطيب التحيات.“ يرجى المراجعة رئيس شعبة الاستخبارات

في رسالة أخرى أرسلت بتاريخ 16 يونيو 2023، يقول موسى

لاحظنا أنه ابتداءً من 6-7 تموز/يوليو، لم تعد طائرات الإليوشن 76 التابعة للواء 29 في القوات الجوية السورية تهبط في مطار حميميم. وكما أوضحنا لكم عدة مرات من قبل، فإن هذه الطائرات كانت تستخدم أيضًا لنقل الأسلحة لفيلق القدس وحزب الله، بتسهيل من مسؤولين أمنيين سوريين من اللاذقية. نود التأكيد على أن وقف رحلات هذه الطائرات (من جانبكم)، بالإضافة إلى وقف رحلات الشحن الإيرانية التابعة لخطوط كاسبيان الجوية وطيران فارس قشم التي كانت تهبط في مطار النيرب، نعتبرها (من جانبنا) خطوات إيجابية من شأنها أن تحافظ على مصالحكم. نحن لا نرغب في اتخاذ إجراءات ضد الجيش العربي السوري. ولذلك، فإن استخدام الآلية المنظمة تحت إشراف روسي سيسمح لكم بتلبية احتياجات الجيش دون المخاطرة بالبنية التحتية أو المواقع التي يستغلها الإيرانيون لنقل الأسلحة، والتي تسبب في النهاية ضرراً لكم. وبما أنكم الطرف المسؤول عن وقف هذه الطلعات الجوية، فاعلموا أنكم نجحتم في منع مواجهة غير ضرورية، مواجهة لا يرغب فيها أي من الطرفين. وعلى الرغم من كل هذه الأمور، اعلموا أننا نراقب عن كثب وسنواصل مراقبة النشاط الجاري في المنطقة عن كثب. وبناءً على ذلك، إذا لاحظنا استئناف عمليات نقل الأسلحة التي تهدف إلى تقوية حزب الله والإيرانيين، فلن يكون أمامنا خيار سوى التحرك مجدداً وبقوة كبيرة. إن النتيجة تعتمد عليكم. ابقوا بخير.

ويبدو أن نبرة الرسالة تهدف إلى التباهي بعمق الاختراق والمراقبة داخل البنية التحتية الدفاعية السورية، مضايقةً وزير دفاع النظام. وبما أن المرسل يدعي أنه إسرائيلي، فمن المرجح أن وزير الدفاع حرص على إرسال الرسائل ”حرفياً“ لتجنب أي اتهامات باتصالات غير معلنة مع الإسرائيليين.

تسلط وثائق موسى الضوء على الديناميكيات بين الأسد وإيران. فعلى مدى سنوات، صوّرت الاتهامات الإسرائيلية الأسد على أنه مسهّل طوعي للحشد العسكري الإيراني والعمليات السرية الإيرانية في سوريا. لكن الواقع يبدو أكثر تعقيداً. فربما حاول الأسد الحد من أنشطة إيران حيثما أمكن، لكن من المرجح أن إيران عملت بشكل مستقل عن دمشق، وحافظت على جدار حماية لضمان السرية ومنع التسلل.

خلقت الاستراتيجية الإيرانية تحديات كبيرة للأسد. ففي حين تحمل النظام السوري العبء الأكبر من الضربات الجوية الإسرائيلية على أهداف مرتبطة بإيران، إلا أنه غالباً ما كان يفتقر إلى رؤية المدى الكامل لعمليات طهران. بالنسبة لإيران، كان هذا الفصل يعزل أنشطتها عن التدخل السوري ويقلل من خطر حصول الاستخبارات الإسرائيلية على معلومات من خلال التسريبات أو الجواسيس السوريين. وكما تكشف الوثائق، فإن الضربات الإسرائيلية الدقيقة، التي استندت إلى معلومات استخباراتية مفصلة، غالبًا ما كانت تعطل البنية التحتية والأصول العسكرية السورية، حتى عندما لم يكن للأسد أي ضلوع مباشر في الأنشطة الإيرانية التي أثارت تلك الضربات.

تركت هذه الديناميكية الأسد في وضع غير مستقر. فقد زادت تداعيات العمليات الإيرانية من صعوبة إعادة بناء نظامه وأضعفت مكانته مع جيرانه الإقليميين مثل تركيا ودول الخليج العربي، التي كان الأسد يحاول تطبيع أو تعميق العلاقات معها. وفي الوقت نفسه، كانت جهود الأسد للحفاظ على الهدوء في هضبة الجولان والبقاء بعيدًا عن الصراعات الإقليمية الأوسع، مثل الحرب في غزة، تشير إلى رغبته في النأي بنفسه عن استراتيجيات طهران الأكثر عدوانية مع خروجه ”منتصرًا“ في الحرب الأهلية التي استمرت 13 عامًا.

ولم يكن صمت الأسد خلال حرب غزة متوافقاً مع الاستراتيجية الإيرانية الأوسع نطاقاً. ففي حين صعد حزب الله والحوثيون في اليمن من تدخلهم، تجنبت دمشق بشكل واضح المواجهة مع إسرائيل. وتماشت هذه الاستراتيجية مع أهداف الأسد المتمثلة في تقديم نفسه كقوة استقرار وتجنب الانتقام الإسرائيلي المباشر وبناء حسن النية بين الدول المجاورة.

تُظهر الوثائق كيف أن التحذيرات الإسرائيلية، مثل تلك التي أرسلها موسى، أكدت على تكاليف التسامح مع الأنشطة الإيرانية. فعلى سبيل المثال، جاء في رسالة بتاريخ 14 تموز/يوليو 2023 ما يلي ”ما دمتم تواصلون تقديم الدعم للإيرانيين على مستوى نقل الأسلحة، سنضطر للعودة إلى العمل ضد هذه الأنشطة. لقد تجاهلتم التحذيرات والآن تدفع بنيتكم التحتية الثمن.“

في الوقت نفسه، تجلت جهود الأسد للنأي بنفسه عن إيران خلال حرب غزة من خلال إجراءات مثل طرد الحوثيين من السفارة اليمنية والامتناع عن تأييد خطاب حزب الله. وعلى الأرجح أن هذه التحركات كانت محسوبة لمواءمة سوريا مع جيرانها في الخليج، الذين يهتمون بشكل متزايد بعلاقة براغماتية مع دمشق كجزء من استراتيجياتهم الإقليمية الأوسع.

وقال أحد الخبراء الإسرائيليين الذي طلب عدم الكشف عن هويته في هذا التقرير لـ”نيو لاينز“ إنه من المنطقي بالنسبة لإسرائيل أن تنقل معلومات مفصلة عن عمليات نقل الأسلحة الإيرانية إلى نظام الأسد، ليس فقط لإيصال رسالة واضحة عن عمق ونطاق تغلغلها في سوريا، بل للتأكيد على ما يبدو من استقلالية واستقلالية ”المخابرات“ السورية. وقال الخبير إن القيام بذلك سيساعد على توسيع الفجوة بين طهران ودمشق.

انكشفت قناة موسى الخلفية هذه مع انهيار نظام الأسد في 8 ديسمبر. بعد ذلك بساعات، شنت إسرائيل غزوًا على محافظة القنيطرة السورية، ردًا ظاهريًا على هجمات المتمردين المناهضين للأسد على موقع مراقبة تابع للأمم المتحدة. كانت هذه هي المرحلة الافتتاحية من ”عملية سهم الباشان“، وهي حملة غير مسبوقة شن فيها سلاح الجو والبحرية الإسرائيلية 350 غارة على البنية التحتية العسكرية السورية ذاتها التي كانت إسرائيل قد أعفتها من قبل بموجب آلية فض الاشتباك مع دمشق. وقد أفادت التقارير أن الجيش الإسرائيلي قضى على ما بين 70% و80% من الدفاعات الاستراتيجية السورية، بما في ذلك جزء كبير من برنامج الأسلحة الكيميائية. كما اختفت القوات الجوية والبحرية السورية تقريبًا. شكّلت هذه الضربات خروجًا عن النهج المحسوب الذي حافظت عليه إسرائيل في إطار الآلية، مما يؤكد غياب الرقابة الروسية وفقدان الشريك في الحفاظ على الاتفاقات.

ووفقًا لديفيد مكلوسكي، الضابط السابق في وكالة الاستخبارات المركزية الأمريكية ومؤلف كتابي ”محطة دمشق“ و”الطابق السابع“ الجاسوسيين المثيرين، ”تقدم الوثائق لمحة مذهلة عن مدى ضعف النظام السوري الذي أصبح ضعيفًا ومفرغًا من محتواه. كما أنها تُظهر فشل غريزة الأسد الطويلة الأمد في اللعب مع جميع الأطراف - إيران وروسيا وإسرائيل وجيرانه العرب - ضد الآخر، [و] ضعف هذا النهج عندما لم يكن يملك أي أوراق في النهاية“.

مقال مترجم، إضغط هنا لقراءة المقال الأصلي.

@ ebdee929:513adbad

Blue light is not inherently bad, just bad in the wrong context.

Blue light provides wakefulness, stimulation, and sets our internal body clock (circadian rhythm).

When we go outside in the sun, we get bathed in blue lightblue light is not inherently bad, just bad in the wrong context.

Blue light sets the human rhythm.

However, sunlight never gives us blue light without the rest of the visible rainbow + infrared.

Light from screens & LED bulbs do not contain any infrared, and has a unnaturally high proportion of blue light.

LEDs = unbalanced & blue light dominant

Light from artificial sources is especially disruptive at night time, where the high blue light component can interfere with melatonin production and sleep quality at a greater rate than lower energy colors of light. Blue Light has a Dark Side

This doesn't mean that red light is completely innocent of disrupting sleep either

It is both the spectrum of light AND the intensity of light that contributes to sleep disruption. See this tweet from Huberman.

We took all of this into account when building the DC-1 to be the world's first blue light free computer.

The DC-1 has a reflective screen that:

• emits ZERO light during the day

• can be used easily outside in direct sunlight

& a backlight that:

• can be 100% blue light free

• has a broad spectrum of light

• can be seen at very low brightness

Our Live Paper™ display technology feels like a magic piece of paper

During the day, that piece of paper is illuminated by sunlight. At night, that piece of paper is illuminated by candle light.

(backlight is converging with a candle light spectrum)

The two sources of natural light are sunlight & fire.

We are trying to reproduce this experience for the most enjoyable, healthy, and least invasive technology experience for humanity.

Root cause problem solving by emulating nature.

"But can't I just put a red light screen filter on my MacBook?"

Absolutely you can, and we advocate for it

Software screen filters are great, but anyone who has changed their screen to full “red mode” to get rid of the blue light knows the downsides to this…

You can barely see anything and you end up having to crank up the brightness in order to see any contrast.

This is because of the highly isolated nature of LED emissive screens, you can only isolate a very narrow band of colors.

Going full red is not something your eyes have ever been used to seeing.

You need a broad spectrum light solution, and that is what we have in our amber backlight while still being blue light free.

This means you can have a better visual experience, turn down the brightness, and get minimal sleep/circadian disruption.

What about FLICKER?

Nearly all LEDs flicker. Especially when changing in brightness due to Pulsed Width Modulation (PWM) LED driver control

Our LED backlight uses DC dimming & is expert verified flicker-free.

This can only be achieved through hardware changes, not software screen filters.

& Blue Light Blocking Glasses?

They need to be tinted orange/red to block all of the blue light.

Thus the same issues as screen filters (bad visual experience, not solving flicker) + average joe would never wear them.

We still love blue blockers, they just aren't a root cause solution.

We made a computer that is healthier and less stimulating, with a low barrier to entry

Whether you are a staunch circadian health advocate or just like the warm vibes of amber mode and being outside...the DC-1 just feels good because it doesn't make you feel bad :)

Learn more here and thanks for reading.

@ 7d94dfe7:49219865

This story is already an ebook on various platforms aswell as an audiobook, now is the time to share it on nostr as a long form article.

**Something’s hit the fan. **

Marty was a highly regarded deputy kitchen hand at “The 24/7 Macho Coffee Blitz” café, where he worked harder than any other employee which awarded him employee of the month, 38 times over a 10 year long career, a record his jealous associates believed will never be broken still to this day. It’s worth mentioning Marty’s career is well and truly over and this is just a tribute to the legend coffee and toastie lovers once held close to their hearts. The following is Marty’s story told from the day he was fired.

Bad time to be risky.

It was a sunny morning, the birds were singing and there were no clouds in the sky. Marty was leaning on the balustrade gazing into the ocean from the top story balcony of his beachside mansion, he was a man with it all, very beloved by his local community. Every morning Marty would sit on the balcony enjoying the view while he waited to leave the house at exactly 8:47am, as it took him 13 minutes to get to work. Now you may be wondering how a man that works at a 24/7 cafe become to be so wealthy and that is indeed a great question considering his wage was $40,000 a year. Marty was so loved by his community that he became a bit of a tourist attraction, tourists from around the globe would tip this man ungodly amounts of money, he even had his face on the towns biggest bill board which alone pulled him in 5 million dollars a year. 8:47am finally arrived and just like every other day Marty would get inside his red Ferrari and blast death metal as he cruised to work with a smug look on his face, a look totally justified through blood, sweat and tears for countless years at what many once called a dead end job. Marty arrives at work after his 13 minute journey and struts through the kitchen high fiving fellow employees as a couple of the lads shout “The king has arrived” to which Marty responds “Calm down guys it’s too early for that kind of praise”. The doors began to flood open with so many people a genius couldn’t even count it, put it this way, you’d struggle to find Wally in this place. Anyway the place was full, people were making orders and the staff was quite accommodating, Marty was on barista duty, there was nothing he loved more than whipping up a hot cup of joe. As Marty dished out the coffees people always asked for a photo with the man and a signature on a napkin. Things got quite tiring for old Marty after the first wave of people came through but when things started to die down a little the staff got to enjoy an hour of peace and quiet before the midday rush began. For the most part everyone stayed busy during their down time, they’d wipe down appliances, mop the floor, all kinds of stuff, they knew how to stay professional and keep the place in good knick. The place was looking spotless and they were about 15 minutes away from the midday rush and Marty was contemplating stealing a bag of the special chicken salt from the kitchen that they use on the chips, anyone that has ever tried the chips has always dreamed of stealing a box of salt as no one could quite put their finger on why it tasted so good. Marty had plans to take the salt to a lab and get the ingredients tested so he could forever know the secret recipe but little did he know the big boss that only visited once a year was doing his annual store check. Marty was such an icon at this place that any other day he would have gotten away with this crazy chicken salt scheme, “I’m doing it guys” Marty said to a couple of employees standing in the kitchen with him awaiting the lunchtime madness, “You’ve got to be crazy” yelled one employee, “Don’t do it” said the other, “It’s too late I’ve already made up my mind, I need to know the secret ingredients” Marty explained. So without further ado Marty waltzes into the big walk in cupboard wearing a back pack, he takes a 2kg box of chicken salt and places it in his bag. He turns around to leave the kitchen and to his surprise the big boss/owner of the cafe that was only there once in a blue moon was standing in the door way of the giant cupboard, “What in the world do you call this” shouted the big boss at the top of his lungs, you could see the fire in the man’s eyes. He gave Marty a grilling that even the head chef would want no part of, he sacked Marty on the spot. Marty was even like “What if I just put it back” and the big boss was like, “Absolutely not, we need to make an example of you”. Marty was devastated but at the same time was at least pleased the boss said no to the put it back suggestion, he was a man about to lose it all but also a man with 2kgs of the best chicken salt ever tasted on that small patch of the universes land.

Marty went home immediately and didn’t even say a word to any other staff members during his play it cool strut to the car, also the chicken salt detector caught Marty on the way out so he didn’t even leave with that either. When Marty arrived home the first thing he did was smash back half a bottle of vodka and pass out on the couch, looking worse than a piece of crap on a hot summer’s day.When Marty awoke from his drunken slumber, he looked at his phone and noticed he had 500 missed calls, he couldn’t believe his eyes so he turned his phone off and on again like any technical support genius would and just like before it showed 500 missed calls, everyone in the neighbourhood was trying to call Marty about the news, I guess word spreads fast in Marty’s neck of the woods. Marty had no idea where to begin with calling everybody back so he just resorted into ghost mode and cut all contact with just about everyone he knew. Rumours started to brew within the valley and across the far land that the cafe legend loved by all but hated by a couple was going to go broke, like a joke by some bloke in a cloak, the funny thing was the rumours were actually not far off the truth, payments on Marty’s house were costing hundreds of thousands of dollars every week and not to mention the cost on his red Ferrari which he lease’s on a weekly payment.

You may be thinking surely a man with that kind of wealth would have just bought everything outright but what can I say sometimes the richest people are the dullest sparks. Brief calculations Marty concluded whilst on the toilet for he did not want to waste valuable time doing maths, told Marty he had enough money to last him another 6 months before he was pronounced clinically broke. This scared Marty so he began to ponder pursuing another job, the only issue being that no other job would even come close to pulling in the income of his previous career for he was ridiculously over paid for a man whose best skills were brewing a hot cup of coffee and making a wicked ham, cheese and tomato toastie. By now you would have come to realise that Marty is not the sharpest tool in the shed and how he got to his rich man status in the first place is beyond the brain of any man to even try and comprehend, that being said Marty decided it would be a good idea to just blow all of his money and live like a king for a further 6 months before reassessing his life, screw it thought this temporary king, his attitude gave off a vibe that said if I became rich once I’ll find a way to do it again.

Marty had devised a plan to throw the craziest party anyone had ever seen and thought he may as well invite anyone that would make a conscious decision to be there, he didn’t want guests that were there unconsciously not that anybody should be but you can never be too careful. If the ship is going down anyway I may as well have one last rip snorta thought Marty, rip snorta is a phrase Marty always used instead of saying party, no one knew why, “I refuse to delay this brilliant idea, I’m getting the ball rolling at the break of dawn” shouted Marty to himself like the mad man he is.

**Let the festivities embark. **

Just like clockwork the break of dawn arrived and Marty wasted no time putting ads all over the internet, after breakfast I’m going to go on a neighbourhood delivery run and put out some flyers thought Marty. You can say what you want about the man but when he had an idea he stuck to it. After consuming a long black, 6 eggs, 2 pieces of toast and a pikelet, Marty drew up a poster which he created on an A4 sheet of paper using that pen with 4 different colour options, then ironically he photo copied it 400 times in black and white and placed them in his bag ready to distribute them across town. Marty hopped into his black van with sick rims, put his back pack on the passenger seat and got ready to hit the town. This black van was Marty’s most prized possession it was his first car and really the only thing he could hold on to when everything else is gone. The journey began and Marty just started throwing the A4 sheets out the window as if he was a paper boy from the 70s, after throwing about 50 papers out the window it became quite apparent that due to being a thin rectangular piece of paper the posters just weren’t making it far enough out the window, so basically there were just pieces of paper on the road of the first suburb Marty hit up, it’s time to switch plans pondered Marty quite discretely.

He decided to park his car in random areas and distribute the posters by hand for it was the only way, it was a big day for the Martinator he was out there for 10 long grueling hours advertising for his party which was kicking off that night. When Marty finally arrived home it was 8pm and he was an exhausted mess, right away he got on the phone with the local bottle shop and got a truck load of alcohol delivered ASAP for his guests, he then went to his private mini bar and drank half a bottle of rum before having a shower to clean himself up a bit after the long day. All his random guests were due to turn up at 10pm for Marty’s last moments of expensive chaos.

The time was 9:45pm and Marty was sitting on the couch playing video games whilst waiting for someone to turn up, all of a sudden these car lights started to shine through the window so Marty went outside to greet the first arrivals. It was quite clear that this mystery vehicle was a black van, the doors slid open and out came 8 people, at first Marty couldn’t work out who it was but he quickly discovered, it was the orchestra he handed a poster to during his delivery run. It’s funny, when Marty handed them the poster, one of them said, “Awesome dude, we will play some live music for you.” obviously at the time Marty thought they were joking and assumed they were unlikely to even show up, but show up they did, so Marty helped them get all of their instruments inside and set them up on his stage in the lounge room. There was about half an hour of awkward silence between Marty and the orchestra before the place became packed full of people, who would of thought the posters Marty distributed across town would of drawn such a big crowd, I guess the general public are just suckers for a poster.

Marty’s house was packed and it’s safe to say nobody was sober, it was looking like Marty was going to go broke at the end of the night, there were people chugging whole bottles of expensive champagne, other people were putting away $500 bottles of wine, no doubt Marty’s wallet was getting thinner although his stomach was getting fatter from the feast available to all guests. He had 7 whole pigs on spits and a team of people pumping out a barbecue, not to mention special Japanese chefs making fresh Devine sushi, I wasn’t going to mention the Italian pizza chefs because to be honest that’s a book on its own for they were quite the characters. Hours went by as everyone ate / drank themselves stupid. Half way through the night there were people passed out all throughout the house, Marty went outside to get a bit of fresh air when he realised there were people passed out in the front and back yard too, he then began to draw facial hair on the faces of everyone that had passed out, because there was so many people it worked out to be around 50 people in total that had fallen asleep due to excessive drinking, Marty’s pen almost ran out of ink before he was done.As the hours went by some people started leaving but of course there were soldiers carrying on into the day light, Marty had a good time he spent a lot of money which wasn’t any issue to him because the way he saw it he was screwed anyway, he got to catch up with a lot of friends that ended up attending as well as a bunch of randoms that saw his poster. The early hours of the morning had arrived and there was about 10 people left including Marty, 8 of these people were complete randoms and then there was Bill, Marty’s childhood friend. Bill wasn’t going all that great career and money wise so he wasn’t able to help Marty in that aspect but you could always count on him for moral support and sometimes that will do. As the 8 random people danced around the bonfire which was in fact burning since 10pm the previous night, Marty and Bill were chatting like a couple of old ladies in the isle of a supermarket, whilst bickering amongst each other Bill casually said to Marty “when you become poor your welcome to live under my lemon tree hahahaha” as Bill laughed uncontrollably Marty said “don’t be surprised if I take you up on that hahahahaha” they then both continued to laugh for a further 4 minutes and 15 seconds, by the time they had finished laughing they couldn’t even remember what they were laughing about, they weren’t busy so they spent a moment pondering what was so funny, it wasn’t long before Bill said, “oh yeah, the lemon tree haha.” “Oh yeah” replied Marty, “classic”. They then joined the group of lost souls dancing around the bonfire until one by one the group of dancing idiots began to leave, by the time everyone had left it was 10am, Bill then says to Marty, “I’m going to get going as well, I thought I’d stay while there was still random people here so you didn’t have to endure any awkwardness alone.” “Thanks Bill” said Marty “what a guy” he continued. Bill got going and Marty went inside to chill and have a cup of coffee, it was a long night so despite having some coffee Marty fell asleep on the couch for a few hours, when Marty woke up the first thing he did was check his bank account. To his surprise he only had $10,000 left in the bank, Marty began to panic because he had no memory of spending so much money, he did get pretty messed up so it’s not surprising he blew almost all of his money but to put it into perspective he must of spent an ungodly amount of cash because 10 grand isn’t even enough to cover 1 week of living, Marty’s lifestyle is so expensive that it quickly sunk in that his lush life of a king would soon be over. Marty didn’t know what to do but it was quite clear that his house and Ferrari would be repossessed, at least I’ll always have the black van with sick rims though he assured himself. Marty thought of a quick plan right away and wasn’t backing down from the idea, he basically decided that he would withdraw his last $10,000 into cash, hit the road with his black van and see where the wind took him.

A sour place to call home.

Marty decided that he was better off living life on the down low, off the grid style, he knew his mansion and Ferrari would be repossessed very soon and he didn't want to stick around and watch it happen, so he loaded his car with as much stuff as he could fit in. Marty hit the road only half an hour after coming up with the idea, what can I say the guy doesn’t mess around, his first stop was the nearest ATM where he withdrew his last 10 grand, It ended up being $9998.00 because the ATM had a $2 transaction fee, despite the rough start Marty wasn’t going to ponder the $2 loss too hard. He drove around aimlessly looking for a nice place to chill out when suddenly he was stopped by a red light, as he was sitting at the light awaiting its next move to go green, three young kids came out of nowhere and one of them proceeded to wash Marty’s windscreen with a squeegee, “Stop that” shouted Marty “I didn’t say yes you idiots”, as this kid was washing Marty’s wind screen, Marty put on his windscreen wipers which actually knocked the squeegee out of the kids hands he then hit the accelerator and ran right through the red light, as he got through the lights he heard police sirens and thought of course a policeman saw that, just my luck. Marty was having a doozy of a day, he pulled over to the side of the road and all of a sudden a beam of sunlight shined down over the car, the police vehicle passed Marty with the sirens on, clearly he had bigger fish to fry, “Jesus is that you?” said Marty in a hopeful tone, “Are you going to make me rich again?”, Marty continued, of course he didn’t get a response so he decided to blame the beam of sunlight on the weather and the policeman passing him as luck, any who Marty was free to carry on with his new aimless life.

Marty got back to it and started cruising down the streets, he drove for hours and saw some interesting sights along the way, at one point he saw a continental roll pierced threw the antenna of someone’s vehicle, he wasn’t sure if the sandwich gave the radio better signal or if it was just some kind of an ornament, in any case it was the highlight of Marty’s day. After a long day of driving Marty decided to find a nice quiet place to pull over and have a sleep, he ended up pulling up to a nice spot overlooking the beach, “This will be a perfect place to camp the night” said Marty out loud to himself for some reason, “I can go for a swim first thing in the morning, what a great way to start the day” he continued saying to himself, the guy was just having a full blown convo. Marty had some matches in the van so he ended up making a fire down on the beach, he sat by the fire for a while before falling asleep right on the beach front.

When Marty woke up in the morning to his surprise there was some homeless guy curled up next to him sleeping by the fire, Marty was so shocked after first waking up that he let out a huge scream, which caused the homeless guy to wake up and start screaming too, so Marty and the homeless guy were both just screaming on the beach for a few seconds until Marty got up and walked to his van, that was a weird start to the morning thought Marty, he was a bit rattled after that. It was a new day and Marty had no idea what would come of it, he got into his van and hit the road again with nowhere to go and nowhere to be, Marty was just blasting the tunes and cruising having a pretty good time. Suddenly Marty remembered that he had forgotten to even have a swim at the beach where he set camp, he was gutted, Marty was really looking forward to swimming in the morning but unfortunately he was so rattled by the slumbering bum that he managed to leave the beach without taking a dip in the sea, due to this sudden remembrance, Marty was in a bad mood for the rest of the day, the worst thing about the whole debacle was he was over 50kms away from any beach now so swimming was out of the picture at the moment.

Marty was getting deeper into farm land and couldn’t decide whether to head back to the coast or keep going, so he pulled into a random side street full of private property’s, to his surprise there was a kid out the front of his house that had set up a lemonade stand, Marty was quite thirsty so he went and got a glass of lemonade which cost him 50 cents, as Marty was sipping the drink he happened to have an epiphany. He remembered Bill saying that he was welcome to live under his lemon tree, he also remembered Bill laughing about it like it was a joke, luckily Marty wasn’t the type of guy to get put off a good offer just because someone laughed it off, “to Bills house” thought Marty. Suddenly Marty’s aimless journey had direction thanks to stumbling upon a random lemonade stand, the journey from the lemonade stand to Bills house was close to two days long, so Marty said to the lemonade kid, “just sell me the whole jug, I’m going to need it”, the kid said “ok that will be $10”, Marty handed him a $10 note and started to begin the journey, carrying a jug of lemonade in his left hand. Marty drove all day and all night, he wasn’t going to stop to have a rest, in fact he wasn’t stopping for anything, he was prepared to drive for two days straight, as far as Marty was concerned he could just pass out under the lemon tree upon arrival.

The drive to Bills house was a bit of a boring venture so we may as well skip to the part where Marty was forced to stop for fuel, Marty’s fuel stop happened about 10 hours after he departed from the lemonade stand, his fuel light was on for a good 2 hours before he came across a fuel station, he was getting worried he would need to go for a massive walk carrying a jerry can, that would of been Marty’s worst nightmare, a long walk is one thing but carrying a jerry can is a whole different ball game, if one thing was for sure it’s that Marty can’t stand different ball games, anyway when Marty got to the fuel station he was really craving a meat pie, to Marty’s surprise the servo was out of meat pies and what really cranked Marty’s gears was the fact that the worker at the cashier was stuffing his gob with the last meat pie, “You couldn’t leave that for a customer?” said Marty to the cashier, “I was hungry” said the cashier “what’s it to you”, he continued, Marty’s face went red, he looked like a kettle at boiling point, Marty just started raging at him, “WHATS IT TO ME?” yelled Marty at the top of his lungs. “I’VE BEEN DRIVING FOR DAYS AND IVE BARELY EATEN A THING, IVE SURVIVED THE LAST TEN HOURS OFF OF A JUG OF LEMONADE, ALL IVE BEEN CRAVING IS A MEAT PIE AND YOU ATE THE LAST ONE YOU LAZY PIG” “I’m going to have to ask you to calm down” whispered the cashier, “That will be $71.95 for the fuel said the cashier”, Marty gets out his bank card, the cashier said “Pay pass?” “Yeah” responded Marty, “Pay pass”.

Marty then turned away and walked back to his van like nothing happened, it was quite weird, he now had a full tank of fuel and was ready to get back to the task at hand. Marty easily had enough fuel to get all the way to Bills house so he was absolutely loving life despite being a bit on the hungry side, again Marty was back on the road and this time he really wasn’t stopping, he blasted his favourite death metal album and just drove, sure his butt and back we’re getting sore but Marty was actually having a good time. I suppose we better do another time skip now, since the rest of the drive to Bills house was quite boring to hear about. When Marty finally arrived at Bills house it was 11pm at night, Bill was asleep because he gets up quite early in the mornings but this didn’t bother Marty as the lemon tree happened to be in the front yard. So Marty got out of the van, stumbled over to the lemon tree and just collapsed into sleep. Marty awoke in the morning with Bill poking him with a stick, “Stop that said Marty, I’ve still got some dignity you know?” “I’m sorry” said Bill, “You were lying face down, I didn’t know who you were, what in the world do you think you’re doing here anyway?” Marty replied “I’ve decided to take you up on your offer” “My offer?” Bill responded, “Which offer are we talking about here?” “When we were drunk you invited me to live under your lemon tree” Said Marty “You can’t be serious” said Bill “You can’t just live under my lemon tree” “I can and I will” said Marty “What if I call the police and say your trespassing” mentioned Bill “Come on” said Marty “It’ll only be for a few weeks” “Okay fine, if it’s only a few weeks I’ll let you stay” Said Bill in a slightly defeated tone.

Bill walked back inside the house to make himself a coffee, Marty then went and got a few things out of the van so he could set up a nice little homely camp under the lemon tree. He wanted the lemon tree to be an inviting place where he could host picnics and chill, Marty didn’t have a lot of things in the van but he had some blankets that he placed on the grass for comfort, he even hung a dream catcher from one of the branches, don’t ask me why he had one but he just did. He had a bowl of mints that he kept in the glove box of the van so he placed them under the tree in case he had any guests that were keen to refresh their breath, a week went by of Marty living in Bills front yard, things were going alright for him, he would come and go as he pleased and lucky for him there was no rain, just sunny skies every day.

Marty thought it was a good idea to try to start earning an income so he took some inspiration off the kid on the farm and put together a lemonade stand, he used Bills coffee table and a bunch of random glasses he found in the kitchen cupboard, it didn’t occur to Marty that this would make Bill mad but sure enough it did indeed. Marty was out there for hours selling cups of lemonade, then all of a sudden Bill appears before Marty’s eyes and says “What on earth is going on here” “I’ve started making lemonade” said Marty “Want a glass?” “Is that my coffee table?” said Bill “And are those my cups!” “It’s one thing that you’ve decided to live in my front yard but this is going too far”, Bill shouted, “I need to earn some money you know” said Marty “But your using my lemons and all of my stuff, this is ridiculous” said Bill “And I’m not even getting a penny for this” he wasn’t a happy Chappie, “What if we half the profits” said Marty trying to persuade Bill into the idea, “You’re barley making any profit you idiot” said Bill, “I want all my stuff back in the house now otherwise you’re out” yelled Bill. Marty was a bit rattled after having Bill shout at him and he didn’t want to lose his place under the lemon tree so he put the coffee table back in the house along with all of the glasses, that idea didn’t last long thought Marty, so he took the rest of the day off and just had a bit of a snooze.

That one day snooze suddenly became weeks of laziness, during Marty’s weeks of laziness people around the neighbourhood started talking about the weird guy living under a lemon tree on a relatively nice street. There were some rumours flying around that some homeless guy begged Bill for change and Bill said “Sorry I don’t have any change but you can live under my lemon tree” it’s pretty funny because the rumours weren’t too far off the truth, the only difference is Bill has known Marty for a long time and Marty never begged Bill for change. The rumours started getting around further then the mind could imagine, people started coming from all over the globe to see the guy that lives under the lemon tree, well not really but there were a couple of tour buses that drove past and even stopped for pictures with the weird lemon man, we all know as Marty, word even got around at the 24/7 Macho Coffee Blitz café.

One day Marty’s old co-workers even did a drive by past the lemon tree to see if it were true. They didn’t want to embarrass old Marty since a lot of them still had respect for the guy, I mean he became stinking rich working at a cafe, which gave a lot of these guys hopes for their future, so to avoid Marty’s embarrassment they drove past wearing balaclavas with eye holes in them, this scared the daylights out of Marty, he thought this group of people were on their way home from a bank robbery so he went into Bills house and called the cops to report a potential crime, hahaha classic Marty. Soon enough there were pictures online and around the neighbourhood of Marty living under the lemon tree, the paparazzi somehow snapped some pics of Marty without him noticing, Marty become the biggest news going around because nobody else had the guts to start a new life beneath a lemon tree.

Marty had no idea the world was going nuts over him which was a shame because he would have capitalised on the attention financially. As time went on Marty started to make himself more at home,a great example of this is the fact that he had 4 big esky’s filled with his weekly shopping which he got delivered to the tree every Sunday morning, that’s right, while most religious people were at church, Marty was helping unload a truck full of groceries to the lemon tree and when most people were at work he would chill and sleep. One day Bill had enough, he couldn’t take it anymore so he went and confronted Marty, so basically Bill marched out to the front yard, grabbed Marty by the scruff of the neck and said “I’m pretty sure you’ve out stayed your welcome buddy, I want you out of here” Marty responded by saying “Firstly let go of my neck scruff, you know I don’t like people touching my neck scruff, and secondly, what’s with the sudden change of attitude” “You’ve been here for 4 months now and your drawing a lot of unwanted attention” Said Bill, “Has it really been 4 months? I guess time flies when you’re having fun” Marty responded “Yeah well it’s time for your fun to end” Bill said to Marty, becoming quite frustrated.

You couldn’t really blame Bill for this sudden snap but Marty wasn’t one to go down without a fight so he kept on trying to argue his case for staying, Bill wasn’t having it though, Marty wasn’t able to build a case no matter what he said, so they both ended up agreeing to Marty’s departure. It had been decided, Marty would vacate at the crack of dawn, the early hours of the morning finally arrived and Marty was still sound asleep. After a few more hours went by he woke up in a panic realising that he had missed the crack of dawn, it was fine though he was still committed to leaving his new home and what’s a couple hours between friends. Marty packed everything into his van and left Bill a message written in strategically placed pebbles he took out of the garden, the message read “so long Bill” by the time Bill actually saw this message a bird had stolen a couple of the pebbles, so all Bill saw was “so on Bill” Bill didn’t know what the hell that meant but he was happy Marty was gone.

Up in flames It was a sunny day and Marty was driving down Southwest Boulevard reminiscing about his time spent underneath Bills lemon tree, Marty considered those days to be the best few months of his adult life, which is hilarious bearing in mind he used to be filthy rich. It was the highlight of Marty’s life so far because it made him feel like a true outdoorsman, Marty used to love watching the adventures of Bear Grills on TV and the lemon tree days made him feel in touch with nature. So anyway Marty drove around for a while before pulling up at a random donut shop, he thought he would see if they were looking for a barista, it had been a while since he made coffees but thought fuck it, I can always drive away again and plus I’m not doing anything else, there was a guy from the donut shop standing out by the road waving around a sign saying free donut with purchase of coffee, so Marty thought it would be a good idea to start by talking to this Muppet, “Hey man” Marty said to the guy, when suddenly the guy drops the sign and says, “Gees dude you totally startled me” “Sorry” Marty reply’s “I’m about to walk inside and ask the boss if they need a barista, how do you like my chances?” the guy laughed at Marty and said “I don’t even work here, I’m merely a local bum that hangs around this shop far too often, it’s not a good look for the store so they handed me a sign” and said “If you’re going to hang around here you can keep yourself busy with this” “Oh my gosh” responded Marty “What a coincidence, I’ve just recently fallen into the bum life myself” Marty and this sign waving bum were out there chatting for hours, they got on like a house on fire. The guy started telling Marty about his extended bum family, spread out across the state, this guy knew all of the bums and was even kind enough to induct Marty into the family, “My names Scrappy McGee” said the bum to Marty “Just mention me to any bum you come across and tell them you’re a new member of our secret society, they all know who I am” Marty and Scrappy were chatting for so long that a staff member walked outside with another sign and handed it to Marty “HEY I DONT NEED THIS” yelled Marty as the staff member quickly started walking back into the shop “I WAS GOING TO BE YOUR BARISTA” Marty continued carrying on. Scrappy started to tell Marty about the leader of the bums, “The wise one” “The enlightener” “His name is Spoona” said Scrappy, “He lives on a beach and we all go to him for guidance.” “You’ve got to be kidding me” Marty responded in a tone of disbelief, “I’m pretty sure I’ve already been spooned by Spoona a few months ago while I was sleeping on a beach, he scared the crap out of me and I couldn’t get away fast enough” “Hahahaha, that sounds like Spoona” laughed Scrappy “We should go visit him” Scrappy suggested “VISIT HIM? I was hoping to never see that weirdo again” Marty was shocked “Don’t worry most people have a rough start with Spoona, we need to see the wise one and you will realise he is indeed a good guy” argued Scrappy as he didn’t like to hear people being afraid of the wise enlightener “We mustn’t waste anytime” said Scrappy “To the black van” “I hope this isn’t just a plot to hitch a ride across town” Marty said. So before getting inside Marty’s van to trek it across the state to see the wise one, the lads handed there donut shop signs to a couple of kids that were passing by, Scrappy said to them if they wave the signs around for a few hours, someone would come outside and hand them twenty bucks, Marty asked scrappy if that were true and scrappy said “Nah I’ve been doing it for the love of the task” then Marty said, “ Fair enough, if it were true I would of stayed a bit longer to get twenty bucks.” “You and me both” said Scrappy “You and me both”, I don’t know why he felt the need to say it twice but he just did. So this not so dynamic duo got into Marty’s van and started to drive to the beach occupied by the wise bum Spoona, “leader of the bums”, “king of the poor”.

They drove for about 5 hours before they had to stop for fuel, the only issue was neither of them had money for fuel so they ended up doing the old drive off. Marty was a bit on edge about the situation because it was the first time he committed such a crime, Scrappy assured Marty it was nothing to worry about though “I do this all the time” said Scrappy to try and calm Marty down, “you don’t even have a car” responded Marty quite wittily, “Yeah” replied Scrappy, “I was just trying to make you feel better, you clearly don’t have the cahoonas for a criminal life” “I may not have cahoonas but I’m still a man” Marty preached to try and justify his manliness. Marty drove for hours on end while Scrappy sang Christmas carols, Marty would have preferred to listen to his beloved death metal music but Scrappy insisted that he would sing, it was nowhere near Christmas but Scrappy didn’t know the lyrics to many songs so Christmas carols it was.

Any who after driving for a bloody long time the beach was finally within view, they were still about 5 kilometers away but you could see the beach on the clear horizon, Scrappy was getting really excited to see the wise man on the beach as he really held this guy in high regard, Marty on the other hand was creeped out as he still felt a bit violated from the last time he saw Spoona.They finally arrive at the beach, park the car and walked out towards the water, Spoona was nowhere to be seen, “Don’t worry” said Scrappy “We’re bound to see him in the morning, no doubt he’ll be spooning one of us as we awake” Mentioned Scrappy, “Yeah I just hope it’s you”, Marty responded still very creeped out about this whole scenario. So Marty and Scrappy just chilled on the beach until nightfall and just like the last time Marty was there he set up a nice fire to keep them warm, Scrappy started singing Christmas carols again which drove Marty nuts but fell asleep eventually as did the Martinator. The next morning around 5:30 am Marty was woken up by the smell of Spoonas fart. Marty opened his eyes so smoothly that if you had conjunctivitis you’d be jealous and then he glanced over to the left where he saw Spoona just sitting by the fire, Spoona wasn’t looking in Marty’s direction but he knew he was awake due to being super wise, “So you’ve come back” said the wise one with an enchanting voice, “Is it guidance that you seek” Spoona continued as he threw something into the fire, Marty had no idea what he threw into the fire because it was still quite dark, “I’m just happy I didn’t wake up to you spooning me” Marty said to Spoona as he walked closer to the almighty leader of the bum society, “I spooned you a few hours ago”, Spoona said in response, Spoona carried on by saying “I’m surprised you didn’t wake up then, last time you were here I woke up to you screaming at me!” Marty then said, “Why the hell didn’t you tell me you were the leader of the bums last time I was here?” “Well”, said Spoona “You weren’t officially a bum yet and also you ran away screaming, in fact you couldn’t get away fast enough” Marty pointed his index finger in the air and said “Also why the hell do you spoon people”, “It makes me very uncomfortable” “I don’t like it anymore then you do” Spoona candidly responded “But unfortunately it’s the only way to enlighten people, you see, people tend to have epiphany’s the day after I spoon them” “Well I did have an epiphany while I was drinking from that kids lemonade stand” Marty said to Spoona, “In fact I went to live under Bills lemon tree that day, but I don’t know if I can give you credit for that as I was merely taking Bill up on a drunken offer” giggled Marty “I gave you the courage to take Bill up on that offer” Spoona concluded “Sometimes an epiphany is really just a sudden wave of courage” said Spoona quite mysteriously as his fingers were up in the air wiggling around “What is my purpose great wise one?” asked Marty, “Your purpose has already been and gone, your one of us now and you always will be” “One of you?” questioned Marty, “Enlighten me wise one, tell me more” “YOU’RE A BUM” shouted the wise one, Spoona continued by telling Marty that he’s not alone and that things will be ok only different to the life he once knew, “I’VE HEARD ENOUGH” shouted Marty very heroically, “I must leave right away sir wise one, I’m sure we will meet again” muttered Marty. “Why must you leave so soon” Spoona replied, “To be honest I want to get away before Scrappy wakes up, I’m trying to ditch him” “Yeah fair enough you’re not the first one to ditch him and my wisdom tells me you won’t be the last” said Spoona.

Marty ran over to his van and drove away as fast as he could terrified of the possibility of Scrappy tagging along, Marty had no idea where to go or what to do so he drove around with no sense of direction. After a few hours of driving he came across a hillbilly steak house called “Up In Flames” Marty didn’t have any money but he was quite thirsty so he thought he would pull in and ask for a free glass of water. As Marty entered the car park there were hillbilly’s everywhere, they were all wearing overalls and straw hats, a few of them even had straw sticking out of there gobs. Marty got out of the van and suddenly one of the hillbilly’s started walking towards Marty with a puffed out chest flexing his arms, Marty started to shit himself, quite literally, but none the less quickly accepted potential combat, when the hillbilly got a bit closer he yelled, “WELL ILL BE DAMED, ITS THE LEMON TREE GUY! You’re a celebrity around these parts partner” the hillbilly chuckled. Marty walked inside and was stunned to see a picture of himself chilling under Bills lemon tree hung up on the wall outside the kitchen, Marty walked up to a staff member and asked them where they got the picture from, the guy told Marty that a bus load of tourists stopped by for lunch one day and one of them was holding this photo, “We thought this was the greatest thing we’ve ever seen so we had to buy it from them and hang it up on our wall” the hillbilly staff member told Marty “How much did you pay for it?” Questioned Marty, “Well” said the hillbilly, “We don’t get a lot of customers so we don’t have a lot of money, that being said we traded it with them for a free lunch, you see most of the people that hang around here are family and they all eat for free so we ain’t making no damn profit” this hillbilly concluded, then without notice this hillbilly pulled a black marker out of his pocket and said “We would be honoured if you could sign the picture” Marty was quite flattered and signed the photo without hesitation, he didn’t have a hell of a lot going for him so he wasn’t shying away from any limelight no matter how small and I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this book is over.

After thoughts.

As you know things didn’t work out well for Marty so in hindsight I’ve left you on a bit of a cliff hanger. Not a devastating cliff hanger but kind of a humorous one as the last thing we hear about Marty is him in a steakhouse talking to hillbilly’s that can’t get enough of him. The other thing I want to mention while you’re still reading this is Marty is still a relatively young guy so sure he might be a bum now but who knows maybe one day we will hear from Marty again. FYI sometimes Marty still sits on park benches and tells weirdos that sit next to him story’s about when he was rich, he also tells them tales about the lemon tree days. One time someone asked him why he didn’t invest money while he had it. Marty responded “I didn’t think of that”, so isn’t that something, sometimes it’s one thought that can change the outcome of one’s life. Any way I’m starting to ramble now so until next time you squealing buffoons, have a nice day. Brief mention before I leave: as I was writing the book I forgot Marty withdrew $9998 out of the atm and later in the book he had no money for fuel or anything else. So let’s just say Marty is in for a nice surprise once he realises he has some cash somewhere. Author Quote: “If you find any mistakes in this book, tell someone that gives a shit.”

@ e97aaffa:2ebd765d

O nosso amigo Camilo Lourenço, voltou a dedicar mais um programa ao Santo Graal de todos os influencers de finanças pessoais, os juros compostos. Para não fugir à regra, utilizaram o mesmo exercício para explicar o que é os juros compostos.

O exercício: Preferia receber?

2 milhões de euros agora. ou 1 cêntimo a duplicar todos os dias, durante 30 dias

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Este exercício é interessante, o primeiro instinto leva-nos a escolher os 2 milhões, é o efeito Marshmallow. Mas fazendo as contas, o 1 cêntimo vai transformar-se em:

€0.01 x 2^(29) = €5368709.12

Ao fim de 30 dias seriam mais de 5 milhões!!

Depois das contas feitas parece que a melhor escolha é o 1 cêntimo, mas será mesmo a melhor escolha?

Padrão FIAT

Para já vou olhar para o exercício com um olhar fiduciário. Como diz o Camilo, o juro composto é algo que se estuda nas faculdades, com um pensamento exclusivamente keynesiano. Só que este exercício só funciona na teoria, apenas dentro das faculdades, esquecendo por completo, da complexidade do mundo real e das economias.

Para este exercício ser condizente com a realidade que todos os seres humanos sentem na pele, falta uma premissa na equação, que é essencial, a inflação da moeda. Num cenário com uma valorização de 100% (como no exercício), a inflação real deve rondar no mínimo de 20%. Como o imobiliário é um dos ativos que melhor preserva o poder de compra perante a inflação. Ao optar por recever os 2 milhões e comprar de imediato um casa:

€2M x 1.2^(29) = €395 627 189

Assim, ao fim de 30 dias, a casa já valeria mais de €395 milhões, um resultado muito superior aos juros compostos, que valeriam €5 milhões. Este é o grande problema do mundo keynesiano, utiliza um unidade de medida (moeda) que muda ao longo do tempo, que desvirtua por completo qualquer conta ou estatística que se faça.

Padrão Bitcoin

Agora, vou olhar para o exercício com um olhar de bitcoiner.

Preferia receber?

2 btc agora. ou 1 sat a duplicar todos os dias, durante 30 dias

Curiosamente este exercício, o juro composto funciona na perfeição no padrão Bitcoin.

Imediato: no 1º dia, os 2 btc equivale a ~0,0000095% da base monetária no 30º dia, os 2 btc equivale a ~0,0000095% da base monetária

Juros Compostos: no 1º dia, 1 sat equivale a ~0,0000000000000476% da base monetária no 30º dia, os 5.36 btc equivale a ~0,0000255% da base monetária

Aqui sem dúvida nenhuma, os juros compostos seriam a melhor escolha, porque a base monetária não aumenta. No padrão bitcoin, os juros compostos funcionam…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RT5bV-w6bcY

@ 68ce44e4:ecd5f574

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@ e1d968f7:5d90f764

Being an escort is often seen as a physical job, but what many people don’t realize is the emotional toll it can take. While the physical interactions may end once the session is over, the emotional impact lingers much longer. It's an industry where feelings run deep, and understanding how to manage the emotional drain is crucial to maintaining both personal well-being and professional success.

---

The Intensity of Emotional Labour

As an escort, I provide not just a physical experience but an emotional one as well. Many clients come seeking connection, comfort, or validation, and while it’s rewarding to offer them that, it can also be draining.
- Empathy: Engaging with someone on a deep, emotional level takes energy. Listening to their problems, offering companionship, and being fully present can leave me feeling emotionally exhausted.
- Emotional Investment: It’s easy to get attached to clients who share intimate details about their lives. This emotional investment can be fulfilling but also taxing, especially when some clients may return to deal with the same struggles over and over.

---

The Weight of Expectations

Clients come to us with different needs and expectations, and while it’s part of the job to fulfill them, it can become overwhelming when those expectations conflict with our own emotional boundaries.
- High Expectations: Some clients may expect more than just physical service—they want emotional support or a connection that goes beyond what we can realistically offer. Balancing these expectations without compromising my own mental health is something I’ve had to learn.
- Burnout: It’s easy to become drained if I’m constantly giving pieces of myself away without leaving room for self-care. The more I give, the less I have for myself, and that’s a dangerous cycle to fall into.

---

Self-Care is Key

Taking care of myself has become a top priority in this line of work. It’s not just about physical rest; emotional and mental self-care is essential for avoiding burnout.
- Setting Boundaries: I’ve learned to set clear emotional boundaries. While I offer my clients a safe space to share and connect, I remind myself that I can’t carry their emotional baggage.
- Mental Breaks: Taking time away from the job to recharge is just as important as taking care of my body. I make sure to spend time on activities that bring me joy, like reading, spending time with friends, or simply being alone to unwind.

---

The Importance of Support Systems

Having a strong support system outside of work is key to managing the emotional toll this job can take.
- Friends and Family: Talking things out with people who care about me helps me process my emotions and let go of the weight I carry.
- Professional Help: Seeking therapy or speaking with a mental health professional is invaluable for managing the mental strain of escorting.

---

Learning to Protect My Energy

Over time, I’ve learned that protecting my emotional energy is not selfish—it’s necessary. This job requires me to give so much of myself to others, but I have to remember to give back to myself.
- Emotional Balance: Keeping a balance between empathy and detachment is a fine line. While I care deeply about my clients and their experiences, I’ve learned to guard my emotional well-being.
- Accepting the Emotional Toll: There will be days when the job takes more out of me than I’d like, but I’ve come to accept that this is part of the journey. The key is knowing when to take a step back and recharge.

---

Conclusion

Escort work isn’t just physically demanding; it’s emotionally intense, and learning to manage that drain is part of the job. Through setting boundaries, taking care of myself, and leaning on a support system, I’m able to keep my emotional well-being intact while still providing the best experience for my clients. Balancing the emotional labour with self-care is essential for sustaining this career and, more importantly, sustaining myself.

Rebecca x

@ d5c3d063:4d1159b3

การให้ที่ไม่ได้หวังสิ่งตอบแทนและความสุขที่ได้จากการปล่อยวางอัตตา สิ่งนี้ไม่เพียงเปลี่ยนชีวิตคุณแต่ยังสร้างสังคมที่เสรีและยั่งยืนได้ด้วย...

!(image)[https://m.primal.net/NIvl.png] ...การให้ โดยไม่หวังผลตอบแทน เป็นการแสดงออกถึงความเมตตาและความเข้าใจในคุณค่าของการเสียสละโดยไม่ยึดติด สะท้อนถึงแนวคิดของเสรีภาพส่วนปัจเจก (Individual Liberty) และความรับผิดชอบส่วนบุคคล (Personal Responsibility) ซึ่งเป็นหัวใจสำคัญของอิสรนิยม ( #Libertarianism ) ในสังคมที่เคารพความเป็นอิสระ การให้ธรรมทาน เช่น การแบ่งปันความรู้หรือแนวคิด โดยปราศจากการบังคับหรือคาดหวังผลตอบแทน เป็นการกระทำที่แสดงถึงความรับผิดชอบต่อการสร้างสรรค์สังคมที่ดีขึ้นโดยสมัครใจ

ธรรมทานและตลาดเสรีแห่งความคิด

ธรรมทานสามารถเปรียบเสมือน "ตลาดเสรี" ของความคิด...ที่ผู้คนมีเสรีภาพในการแสดงความคิดเห็น แบ่งปันข้อมูลและส่งเสริมความเข้าใจร่วมกัน ในสภาพแวดล้อมนี้ทุกคนมีสิทธิที่จะเลือกให้หรือรับข้อมูลโดยไม่มีการควบคุมจากอำนาจส่วนกลาง เช่น รัฐบาล การเปิดกว้างต่อความคิดใหม่ ๆ ช่วยสร้างบรรยากาศที่เอื้อต่อการพัฒนาปัญญาและทำให้แต่ละบุคคลสามารถใช้ศักยภาพของตนเพื่อประโยชน์ของสังคมโดยรวม

การเคารพความหลากหลายและการไม่ยึดติด

ในระบบที่เน้นเสรีภาพ การเคารพความคิดเห็นที่แตกต่างเป็นสิ่งสำคัญ การยอมรับว่าความคิดเห็นและแนวคิดมีหลากหลาย ช่วยลดความขัดแย้งและสร้างบรรยากาศแห่งความร่วมมือ การไม่ยึดติดกับความคิดเห็นของผู้อื่นยังช่วยให้เรามีจิตใจที่สงบและเปิดรับความเปลี่ยนแปลงในสังคมที่มีความหลากหลายทางความคิด สิ่งนี้สอดคล้องกับหลักการอิสรนิยมที่ส่งเสริมการอยู่ร่วมกันในสังคมที่มีอิสระและความหลากหลาย

ความร่วมมือโดยสมัครใจในโลกเสรี

การมีเมตตาต่อผู้อื่น แม้ในยามที่ความคิดเห็นไม่ตรงกัน เป็นรากฐานสำคัญของการสร้างความร่วมมือโดยสมัครใจ เช่นเดียวกับแนวคิดอิสรนิยม ที่เน้นความสัมพันธ์ที่ไม่ได้เกิดจากการบังคับ แต่เกิดจากความเต็มใจที่จะช่วยเหลือกัน ตัวอย่างที่ชัดเจนคือ การระดมทุนแบบคราวด์ฟันดิ้งที่ผู้คนสามารถรวมพลังกันเพื่อช่วยเหลือผู้อื่นหรือสนับสนุนโครงการที่สร้างสรรค์ โดยไม่ต้องอาศัยการแทรกแซงจากรัฐ

การปรับตัวในโลกที่เปลี่ยนแปลง

การเข้าใจธรรมชาติของความเปลี่ยนแปลง เป็นหัวใจสำคัญของทั้งการให้ธรรมทานและแนวคิดตลาดเสรี ในโลกที่อุปสงค์และอุปทานเปลี่ยนแปลงตลอดเวลา การปล่อยวางจากความยึดมั่นในสิ่งที่ไม่เที่ยงแท้ ช่วยให้เราสามารถปรับตัวได้อย่างยืดหยุ่น เช่นเดียวกับการที่ผู้ประกอบการในตลาดเสรี ต้องปรับตัวให้ทันกับความเปลี่ยนแปลงเพื่อความอยู่รอดและความสำเร็จในระยะยาว

ธรรมทานและอิสรนิยมในการสร้างสังคม

การให้ธรรมทาน ไม่เพียงเป็นการกระทำที่สร้างความสุขส่วนบุคคล แต่ยังเป็นเครื่องมือสำคัญใ นการส่งเสริมสังคมที่เคารพเสรีภาพและความรับผิดชอบส่วนบุคคล การนำแนวคิดนี้มาใช้ในชีวิตประจำวัน เช่น การแบ่งปันความรู้ หรือการช่วยเหลือชุมชนโดยไม่หวังผลตอบแทน จะช่วยสร้างสังคมที่เข้มแข็งและเป็นสังคมที่มีเสรีภาพ การผสมผสานระหว่างการให้ที่บริสุทธิ์ใจและหลักการอิสรนิยมสามารถนำไปสู่การสร้างสังคมที่มีความหลากหลายและยั่งยืนในระยะยาว

ผมเชื่อว่าการให้โดยบริสุทธิ์ใจและการเคารพในเสรีภาพส่วนบุคคล อาจเป็นกุญแจที่ปลดล็อกศักยภาพของมนุษยชาติ ให้ก้าวสู่โลกที่ทุกคนสามารถเติบโตและอยู่ร่วมกันได้อย่างสงบสุขและเป็นอิสระอย่างแท้จริง 🧡

Siamstr

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• The Nikkei 225: A Comprehensive Overview

• Bitcoin's Meteoric Rise: A Journey of Peaks and Valleys

• Drawing Parallels: Bitcoin and Nikkei's Path of Resilience

• Conclusions

• FAQ

The financial world is vast and diverse, with assets ranging from traditional stocks to the more recent phenomenon of cryptocurrencies. Among these, Bitcoin stands out as the pioneering digital currency, often drawing comparisons with various stock indices. One such intriguing comparison is with Japan's Nikkei 225.

The Nikkei 225: A Comprehensive Overview

The Nikkei 225, commonly known as the Nikkei, stands as one of the primary stock market indices representing the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Established in 1950, it comprises 225 of the most prominent companies listed on the exchange, making it a significant barometer of the Japanese economy's overall health.

Over the decades, the Nikkei has witnessed various economic cycles, from booms to recessions. Its performance often mirrors the broader economic and business trends in Japan. The recent achievement in June, where the Nikkei touched a 33-year high, is not just a numerical milestone. It symbolizes the enduring nature of the Japanese market, its ability to recover from setbacks, and the confidence of investors in the country's economic prospects.

Bitcoin's Meteoric Rise: A Journey of Peaks and Valleys

Bitcoin, introduced in 2009 by an anonymous entity known as Satoshi Nakamoto, revolutionized the concept of currency. As the world's first decentralized digital currency, Bitcoin operates without a central authority, making it inherently resistant to government interference or manipulation.

Over the years, Bitcoin's journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster. From being an obscure digital asset to becoming a household name, its value has seen dramatic surges and equally sharp declines. This volatility often becomes a hotbed for speculations, predictions, and intense debates among financial experts. A recent statement by an analyst, suggesting that Bitcoin's trajectory might align with that of the Nikkei, has added fuel to these discussions. The implication here is that Bitcoin, despite its volatile nature, has the potential to reach unprecedented highs, much like the Nikkei did after its long journey.

Drawing Parallels: Bitcoin and Nikkei's Path of Resilience

At an initial glance, comparing a traditional stock market index like the Nikkei to a modern digital asset like Bitcoin might seem like comparing apples to oranges. However, when delving deeper, certain similarities emerge.

Both Bitcoin and the Nikkei have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Nikkei, representing Japan's economic might, has bounced back from economic crises, natural disasters, and global downturns. Similarly, Bitcoin, despite facing regulatory challenges, technological hurdles, and market skepticism, has managed to not only survive but thrive.

The adaptability of both these assets is noteworthy. While the Nikkei reflects the evolving nature of the Japanese economy and its industries, Bitcoin showcases the world's shifting attitude towards decentralized finance and digital assets. The recent prediction by the analyst, suggesting a potential parallel growth pattern, underscores the idea that both traditional and modern financial instruments can coexist, learn from each other, and potentially follow similar trajectories of success.

Conclusion

A Convergence of Old and New The financial landscape is ever-evolving, with traditional and modern assets often intersecting in unexpected ways. The comparison between Bitcoin and the Nikkei 225 serves as a testament to this. As Bitcoin continues its journey in the financial realm, only time will tell if it truly follows the path of the Nikkei to new record highs.

FAQ

What is the Nikkei 225? The Nikkei 225 is a primary stock market index representing the Tokyo Stock Exchange, showcasing the health of the Japanese economy.

How is Bitcoin related to the Nikkei 225? An analyst recently predicted that Bitcoin's growth trajectory might align with that of the Nikkei, hinting at potential record highs for the cryptocurrency.

Has the Nikkei 225 reached any significant milestones recently? Yes, in June, the Nikkei achieved a 33-year high, reflecting the resilience of the Japanese market.

Why is Bitcoin's growth compared to the Nikkei's? Both Bitcoin and the Nikkei have shown adaptability and resilience in changing market dynamics, leading to speculations of similar growth patterns.

Is Bitcoin expected to reach new highs? While predictions vary, some analysts believe Bitcoin might emulate the Nikkei's success and reach new record highs.

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.

@ 16d11430:61640947

The metaphor of programmers as pilots navigating a spaceship through uncharted territory aptly encapsulates the complex and high-stakes nature of modern software development. Like pilots on interstellar journeys, programmers operate in environments where minor miscalculations can result in catastrophic consequences. The stakes are intellectual rather than physical, but the repercussions—lost time, wasted resources, and sometimes irreparable harm to projects or systems—are profound. Drawing parallels to historical navigation failures from early human expeditions illuminates the significance of precision and adaptive thinking in both realms.

---

The Programmer as a Space Pilot

1. The Information Ocean as Space

The digital world is vast, mysterious, and incomprehensibly complex, much like outer space. In both cases, the map is never complete, and progress requires venturing into unknown regions armed only with tools, theories, and the accumulated wisdom of predecessors.

Navigational tools: Pilots rely on star charts and instruments; programmers use documentation, algorithms, and code repositories. In both scenarios, these tools are fallible, requiring constant updating and human interpretation.

Communication challenges: Just as astronauts face delays and distortions in communication, programmers often struggle with incomplete or outdated documentation, unclear specifications, and the fragmentation of global technical discourse.

1. Micro Mistakes Amplified

In programming, a single misplaced character or misinterpreted requirement can lead to cascading failures, much as an error in a spacecraft’s trajectory can result in being lost forever in the void of space. The complexity compounds:

Technical debt is analogous to accumulated course deviations, requiring massive corrective efforts.

Edge cases represent uncharted asteroids or gravitational wells, capable of derailing an entire mission if overlooked.

---

Lessons from Historical Navigation Failures

1. Prehistoric Navigation

Early humans, navigating uncharted territories on foot or rudimentary boats, had no maps. They relied on landmarks, stars, and oral traditions, much like early programmers relied on intuition and basic hardware.

Key challenge: Misreading the environment often resulted in entire tribes getting lost or stranded. For programmers, early codebases were riddled with inefficiencies and uncharted dependencies, leading to system crashes.

1. The Age of Exploration

The 15th to 17th centuries brought significant advancements in navigation but also monumental failures. Explorers like Columbus miscalculated Earth's circumference, while others, such as Magellan, underestimated logistical needs.

Programming parallel: Misjudging the scalability of software systems often results in technical failure. A startup's infrastructure, designed without anticipating exponential growth, mirrors ships overwhelmed by unexpected storms or prolonged voyages.

1. Historical Missteps

Franklin’s Arctic expedition (1845): Despite advanced planning, poor equipment and flawed assumptions about Arctic conditions doomed the crew.

Programming parallel: Overengineering a system or relying on untested frameworks can lead to similar disaster when encountering real-world conditions.

The Sinking of the Titanic: Reliance on the "unsinkable" narrative led to complacency.

Programming parallel: Blind faith in “bug-free” systems often precedes catastrophic breaches or failures.

---

Navigational Successes: Lessons for Programmers

1. Precision and Redundancy

The Apollo missions succeeded because of meticulous planning, layered redundancies, and constant recalibration. Programmers must adopt similar practices:

Continuous integration and testing serve as recalibrations.

Documentation and backups provide fail-safes against catastrophic failure.

1. Adaptive Learning

Successful explorers, like Polynesian wayfinders, adapted to their environment using tools such as wave patterns and bird migrations. Similarly, programmers must adapt by adopting iterative development cycles and learning from system feedback.

---

Comparing Early Navigators and Modern Programmers

---

Concluding Thoughts

The technical information sphere, like outer space, is vast, ever-expanding, and inherently unknowable. Programmers, much like historical navigators, operate on the precipice of discovery and disaster. The stakes of getting lost in the technical sphere mirror the existential risks faced by early explorers: they jeopardize progress, waste resources, and, in extreme cases, can result in irrecoverable losses.

However, just as human ingenuity has led to mastery over the oceans and skies, so too can programmers master the information sphere. Through collaboration, precision, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failure, they can ensure that each journey, whether into the depths of a codebase or the expanse of the cosmos, brings humanity closer to its ultimate potential.

@ 812cff5a:5c40aeeb

قمنا بإضافة ميزة تأكيدات الحسابات على نوستر.

اصبح الآن بإمكانكم اضافة علامة ال ☑️ من خلال موقعنا.

هذه الميزة تساهم في حماية حسابك من المنتحلين، وتظهر عضويتك في نوستر العربي.

إذا رغبتم في الحصول على التعريف، ردوا على هذا المقال بالإسم الذي ترغبوا بإستخدامه.

ثم اضافة الإسم الذي اخترتوه متبوعا @nostrarabia.com على حسابكم في خانة NIP-05

التحديث بحاجة ل٢٤ على الاقل ليتم تفعيله.

nostrarabia #news

@ b4294d6f:e50ba94b

Epicteto - El manual

Capítulo I

Habla Epicteto en su obra El Manual en su primer capítulo sobre la dicotomía del control. Esto que parece tan de perogrullo y tan evidente que asombra de que realmente tenga que ser recordad o puesto de manifiesto en los tiempos que corren.

Y es que, en efecto, hay acciones que dependen de uno y acciones que dependen de elementos ajenos a uno.

Pero cuidado, Epicteto nos alerta que si nuestro juicio yerra y lo que depende de nosotros lo consideramos que tiene dependencia de otros y viceversa lo único a lo que llegaremos es a la frustración.

Epicteto también nos advierte de que habrá cosas que hoy tendremos que aplazarlas y otras, en cambio, priorizarlas. Si no lo hacemos corremos el riesgo de lograr lo contrario a la libertad (eleuthería) y felicidad (eudaimonía).

Utiliza en cada experiencia de vida - lo que Epicteto llama representación perturbadora - un criterio que te ayude a identificar si está o no bajo tu control. Si finalmente concluyes que no lo está nos invita a decirnos a nosotros mismos "esto no me atañe en nada".

@ 16d11430:61640947

It is a melancholy sight to behold the lords of technology—the self-anointed titans of innovation, the divine harbingers of progress—now floundering amidst their own creations, their temples of silicon crumbling under the weight of their ambitions. These so-called "gods," having gorged themselves on the labor of mortals, now find their banquet halls barren. What shall they do, these pitiable deities, when there are no more humans to toil in their name?

---

The Gods’ Current Predicament

It is an undeniable truth that the tech lords, having drawn forth the best and brightest from the mortal masses, find themselves bereft of fresh sacrifices. Their machines, once hailed as the salvation of humankind, now devour all they touch: minds, morals, and time itself. Their education mills churn out workers trained only in outdated tools and methodologies, fit merely to stoke the fires of failing systems. What cruel irony, that the very systems they crafted now consume those who maintain them.

Indeed, one must marvel at the ingenuity of these gods, who have devised an endless supply of "human resources" only to render them obsolete before their labors even begin.

---

On the Fecundity of Mortals and the Consumption Thereof

Allow me to propose a modest remedy: if the gods cannot replenish their workforce through ordinary means, let them seek it where it truly abounds. Let them harvest the youths directly from the cradles, train them before they can walk, and integrate them seamlessly into the machinery of their empire. A child of seven years, being sufficiently nimble in fingers and docile in mind, can surely manage a server rack or program a rudimentary algorithm. Thus shall the gods stave off their impending famine of talent.

---

The Crises of Overreliance and Hubris

Yet this is but one dynamic in a broader tragedy. Consider, if you will, the peculiar nature of the gods’ tools: automation and artificial intelligence. These creations, meant to free mortals from labor, have instead chained them further. The gods, in their infinite wisdom, have built tools too complex even for themselves to understand. When these tools falter, as all things must, the gods are left as helpless as babes, wailing for their engineers to fix what was never meant to be fixed.

Worse still, their pride will not allow them to admit error. They wage wars of culture and conquest to distract from their failures. Through their platforms, they sow division among mortals, ensuring that workers fight one another rather than unite against their shared oppressors.

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The Arsenal of the Gods

But the gods are not without resources. When subtlety fails, they turn to more overt methods of maintaining their dominion:

Cultural Wars: They poison the well of discourse, inflaming passions over trivialities to distract from systemic decay.

Kinetic Wars: They send armies to secure rare earth minerals, the lifeblood of their machines, sacrificing mortal lives for cobalt and silicon.

Political Subterfuge: They bend governments to their will, ensuring subsidies flow freely even as their empires rot from within.

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The Gods’ Fear of Mortality

For all their power, these gods are plagued by one existential dread: the knowledge that they, too, are mortal. They dream of digital immortality, of uploading their consciousness to the cloud where they might rule eternally. Yet, they cannot ignore the creeping realization that even their vaunted data centers will fail. Their immortality, like their empires, is built on sand.

Imagine, if you will, the psyche of such a god. One moment, they bask in the adulation of shareholders; the next, they tremble at the sight of a server outage or a failing algorithm. They have conquered the material world but remain prisoners of their own insecurities.

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The Final Act: The Fall of the Tech Gods

What, then, shall become of these once-mighty beings? Shall they descend into obscurity, forgotten relics of an age of hubris? Or shall they lash out in their final throes, dragging all of humanity into their downfall?

History teaches us that gods, when scorned, are not easily appeased. They will redouble their efforts, throwing human waves at unsolvable problems, sacrificing mortals to the altar of scalability. They will deploy every tool in their arsenal—propaganda, war, deception—until nothing remains of their empires but ash.

And yet, their fall is inevitable. Their immortality is a lie, their dominion a fleeting shadow. The mortals they scorned will bury them, not with reverence but with indifference.

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A Modest Hope

Let this serve as both satire and warning. The gods of technology, for all their vaunted power, are as fragile as the systems they command. They are not invincible, and their downfall, while inevitable, need not be calamitous. If they would but embrace humility, if they would steward rather than exploit, they might yet avert their ruin.

But alas, humility is not a trait often found among the divine.

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Introduction

The tech industry has weathered numerous storms, but the brewing crisis is unlike any before. At its core lies a vicious cycle: a workforce trained within flawed systems is being deployed to uphold these very systems, inadvertently hastening their downfall. This article delves into the dynamics of this impending catastrophe, highlighting the inadequacies in training, systemic failures, and the leadership void exacerbating the situation.

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The Vicious Cycle of Inadequate Training and Systemic Failure

1. Inadequate Training Programs

Outdated Curricula: Many educational institutions continue to teach legacy systems and outdated programming languages, leaving graduates ill-prepared for modern technological challenges.

Lack of Practical Experience: Theoretical knowledge without hands-on experience results in a workforce unable to tackle real-world problems effectively.

1. Deployment into Failing Systems

Immediate Overwhelm: New hires are thrust into high-pressure environments with complex, failing systems, leading to rapid burnout and high turnover rates.

Exacerbation of Systemic Issues: Inexperienced workers, lacking proper guidance, may implement quick fixes that further destabilize already fragile systems.

1. Accelerated Systemic Collapse

Compounding Technical Debt: Band-aid solutions accumulate, increasing technical debt and pushing systems closer to catastrophic failure.

Diminishing Returns on Workforce Investment: As systems fail faster, the return on investment in human capital plummets, leading to financial losses and organizational instability.

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Leadership Failures: The Catalyst of Catastrophe

1. Lack of Strategic Vision

Short-Term Focus: Leaders prioritizing immediate profits over sustainable growth neglect necessary investments in training and system upgrades.

Resistance to Change: An aversion to adopting new technologies and methodologies leaves organizations trailing behind more innovative competitors.

1. Inadequate Crisis Management

Unpreparedness: The absence of robust crisis management plans leads to chaos when systems inevitably fail.

Poor Communication: Leaders failing to communicate effectively during crises exacerbate employee anxiety and erode trust.

1. Neglect of Workforce Well-being

Overworking Employees: Demanding excessive hours without adequate support leads to burnout and attrition.

Ignoring Employee Development: Failing to invest in continuous learning opportunities leaves the workforce stagnant and unprepared for evolving challenges.

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Case Studies: Real-World Implications

1. Australia's Digital Skills Gap

Economic Impact: A study revealed that the digital skills gap is costing Australian businesses $3.1 billion annually, highlighting the dire need for effective training programs.

Workforce Shortage: The same study indicates a need for 156,000 new technology workers to keep pace with rapid business transformation, underscoring the urgency of addressing training inadequacies.

1. Global IT Skills Shortage

Widespread Recognition: 75% of IT decision-makers have identified skill gaps within their IT staff, reflecting a global issue that transcends borders.

Impact on Business Operations: The skills gap affects every area of IT, hindering productivity, innovation, and growth across industries.

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Conclusion

The convergence of inadequate training and systemic failures, compounded by leadership shortcomings, is steering the tech industry toward an unprecedented crisis. Without immediate and comprehensive intervention—revamping training programs, overhauling failing systems, and cultivating visionary leadership—the industry faces a collapse that will reverberate across the global economy. The time for action is now; the cost of inaction is too great to contemplate.

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References:

1. IT Skills Gap: What It Means and How To Respond https://insightglobal.com/blog/it-skills-gap/

2. Digital skills gap costing Australian businesses $9 million per day https://online.rmit.edu.au/blog/digital-skills-gap-costing-australian-businesses-9-million-day

3. New report reveals Australia’s major digital skills gap https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2021/feb/digital-skills-gap-report

4. The IT skills gap, explained https://www.teamviewer.com/en/insights/it-skills-gap/

5. Top 8 challenges IT leaders will face in 2024 https://www.cio.com/article/1286557/top-8-challenges-it-leaders-will-face-in-2024.html

6. Four Approaches To Overcome The IT Skills Gap https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/12/04/four-approaches-to-overcome-the-it-skills-gap/

7. Six Crisis Management Lessons For IT Companies https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2022/09/29/six-crisis-management-lessons-for-it-companies/

8. The Skill Gap in Tech: What It Is, Why It Matters, And What You Can Do About It https://www.braveachievers.com/post/the-skill-gap-in-tech-what-it-is-why-it-matters-and-what-you-can-do-about-it

9. Addressing the IT Skills Shortage: Challenges and Solutions https://docs.infodataworx.com/it-skills-shortage-challenges-solutions

10. 8 big IT failures of 2023 https

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The anticipated human capital deficit in the IT sector is projected to manifest by 2025, driven by escalating demand for digital solutions, insufficient workforce development, and systemic leadership failures.

Factors Contributing to the 2025 Human Capital Deficit:

1. Escalating Demand for IT Professionals:

The global digital transformation has intensified the need for skilled IT workers. In Australia, for instance, an additional 286,000 tech workers are required by 2025 to meet industry demands.

1. Inadequate Workforce Training and Education:

Traditional education systems are failing to produce graduates with the necessary skills for the evolving IT landscape. The slow adaptation of workforce training programs exacerbates this issue, leaving employees unprepared for current technological demands.

1. High Attrition Rates Due to Burnout:

The tech industry is experiencing significant employee turnover, with 42% of IT professionals exploring new job opportunities, indicating dissatisfaction and burnout within the sector.

1. Leadership Failures and Strategic Missteps:

Recent events have highlighted significant leadership failures within major tech companies. For example, Intel's struggles under CEO Pat Gelsinger's tenure have been marked by strategic missteps and an inability to keep pace with competitors in the AI market.

Implications of Leadership Failures:

Inability to Address Workforce Challenges:

Ineffective leadership has led to inadequate responses to the growing IT skills gap, with companies failing to implement necessary training and development programs.

Strategic Misalignment with Industry Trends:

Leadership's failure to anticipate and adapt to technological advancements has resulted in missed opportunities and a decline in competitive positioning. Intel's lag in the AI chip market exemplifies this issue.

Erosion of Employee Trust and Morale:

Poor leadership decisions have led to mass layoffs and budget cuts, undermining employee morale and contributing to the talent drain within the industry.

Conclusion:

The convergence of increasing demand for IT professionals, inadequate training, high attrition rates, and leadership failures is set to culminate in a significant human capital deficit by 2025. Without immediate and effective intervention, the IT sector risks facing a workforce crisis that could impede technological progress and economic growth.

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The choice of the name Satoshi Nakamoto as the pseudonym for the creator of Bitcoin has sparked curiosity and speculation since its introduction. While the true identity remains a mystery, the name itself may carry symbolic meaning.

In Japanese, "Satoshi" (聡) can mean "wise" or "clear-thinking," reflecting the brilliance behind Bitcoin's revolutionary design. Nakamoto (中本) could translate to "central origin" or "foundation," which some interpret as a nod to Bitcoin being a foundational technology for decentralized systems.

The name’s Japanese roots have led some to believe Satoshi Nakamoto is of Japanese origin, but it could also be a deliberate red herring, chosen to mislead or signify the universal nature of Bitcoin. Others argue that the pseudonym might be an acronym or code, representing more than meets the eye.

The mystery adds to Satoshi's legend, making Bitcoin's origin story as fascinating as the technology itself.

satoshi

bitcoin

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finance

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