@ a95c6243:d345522c

Ich begann, Social Media aufzubauen, \ um den Menschen eine Stimme zu geben. \ Mark Zuckerberg

Sind euch auch die Tränen gekommen, als ihr Mark Zuckerbergs Wendehals-Deklaration bezüglich der Meinungsfreiheit auf seinen Portalen gehört habt? Rührend, oder? Während er früher die offensichtliche Zensur leugnete und später die Regierung Biden dafür verantwortlich machte, will er nun angeblich «die Zensur auf unseren Plattformen drastisch reduzieren».

«Purer Opportunismus» ob des anstehenden Regierungswechsels wäre als Klassifizierung viel zu kurz gegriffen. Der jetzige Schachzug des Meta-Chefs ist genauso Teil einer kühl kalkulierten Business-Strategie, wie es die 180 Grad umgekehrte Praxis vorher war. Social Media sind ein höchst lukratives Geschäft. Hinzu kommt vielleicht noch ein bisschen verkorkstes Ego, weil derartig viel Einfluss und Geld sicher auch auf die Psyche schlagen. Verständlich.

«Es ist an der Zeit, zu unseren Wurzeln der freien Meinungsäußerung auf Facebook und Instagram zurückzukehren. Ich begann, Social Media aufzubauen, um den Menschen eine Stimme zu geben», sagte Zuckerberg.

Welche Wurzeln? Hat der Mann vergessen, dass er von der Überwachung, dem Ausspionieren und dem Ausverkauf sämtlicher Daten und digitaler Spuren sowie der Manipulation seiner «Kunden» lebt? Das ist knallharter Kommerz, nichts anderes. Um freie Meinungsäußerung geht es bei diesem Geschäft ganz sicher nicht, und das war auch noch nie so. Die Wurzeln von Facebook liegen in einem Projekt des US-Militärs mit dem Namen «LifeLog». Dessen Ziel war es, «ein digitales Protokoll vom Leben eines Menschen zu erstellen».

Der Richtungswechsel kommt allerdings nicht überraschend. Schon Anfang Dezember hatte Meta-Präsident Nick Clegg von «zu hoher Fehlerquote bei der Moderation» von Inhalten gesprochen. Bei der Gelegenheit erwähnte er auch, dass Mark sehr daran interessiert sei, eine aktive Rolle in den Debatten über eine amerikanische Führungsrolle im technologischen Bereich zu spielen.

Während Milliardärskollege und Big Tech-Konkurrent Elon Musk bereits seinen Posten in der kommenden Trump-Regierung in Aussicht hat, möchte Zuckerberg also nicht nur seine Haut retten – Trump hatte ihn einmal einen «Feind des Volkes» genannt und ihm lebenslange Haft angedroht –, sondern am liebsten auch mitspielen. KI-Berater ist wohl die gewünschte Funktion, wie man nach einem Treffen Trump-Zuckerberg hörte. An seine Verhaftung dachte vermutlich auch ein weiterer Multimilliardär mit eigener Social Media-Plattform, Pavel Durov, als er Zuckerberg jetzt kritisierte und gleichzeitig warnte.

Politik und Systemmedien drehen jedenfalls durch – was zu viel ist, ist zu viel. Etwas weniger Zensur und mehr Meinungsfreiheit würden die Freiheit der Bürger schwächen und seien potenziell vernichtend für die Menschenrechte. Zuckerberg setze mit dem neuen Kurs die Demokratie aufs Spiel, das sei eine «Einladung zum nächsten Völkermord», ernsthaft. Die Frage sei, ob sich die EU gegen Musk und Zuckerberg behaupten könne, Brüssel müsse jedenfalls hart durchgreifen.

Auch um die Faktenchecker macht man sich Sorgen. Für die deutsche Nachrichtenagentur dpa und die «Experten» von Correctiv, die (noch) Partner für Fact-Checking-Aktivitäten von Facebook sind, sei das ein «lukratives Geschäftsmodell». Aber möglicherweise werden die Inhalte ohne diese vermeintlichen Korrektoren ja sogar besser. Anders als Meta wollen jedoch Scholz, Faeser und die Tagesschau keine Fehler zugeben und zum Beispiel Correctiv-Falschaussagen einräumen.

Bei derlei dramatischen Befürchtungen wundert es nicht, dass der öffentliche Plausch auf X zwischen Elon Musk und AfD-Chefin Alice Weidel von 150 EU-Beamten überwacht wurde, falls es irgendwelche Rechtsverstöße geben sollte, die man ihnen ankreiden könnte. Auch der Deutsche Bundestag war wachsam. Gefunden haben dürften sie nichts. Das Ganze war eher eine Show, viel Wind wurde gemacht, aber letztlich gab es nichts als heiße Luft.

Das Anbiedern bei Donald Trump ist indes gerade in Mode. Die Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) tut das auch, denn sie fürchtet um Spenden von über einer Milliarde Dollar. Eventuell könnte ja Elon Musk auch hier künftig aushelfen und der Organisation sowie deren größtem privaten Förderer, Bill Gates, etwas unter die Arme greifen. Nachdem Musks KI-Projekt xAI kürzlich von BlackRock & Co. sechs Milliarden eingestrichen hat, geht da vielleicht etwas.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Was du bist hängt von drei Faktoren ab: \ Was du geerbt hast, \ was deine Umgebung aus dir machte \ und was du in freier Wahl \ aus deiner Umgebung und deinem Erbe gemacht hast. \ Aldous Huxley

Das brave Mitmachen und Mitlaufen in einem vorgegebenen, recht engen Rahmen ist gewiss nicht neu, hat aber gerade wieder mal Konjunktur. Dies kann man deutlich beobachten, eigentlich egal, in welchem gesellschaftlichen Bereich man sich umschaut. Individualität ist nur soweit angesagt, wie sie in ein bestimmtes Schema von «Diversität» passt, und Freiheit verkommt zur Worthülse – nicht erst durch ein gewisses Buch einer gewissen ehemaligen Regierungschefin.

Erklärungsansätze für solche Entwicklungen sind bekannt, und praktisch alle haben etwas mit Massenpsychologie zu tun. Der Herdentrieb, also der Trieb der Menschen, sich – zum Beispiel aus Unsicherheit oder Bequemlichkeit – lieber der Masse anzuschließen als selbstständig zu denken und zu handeln, ist einer der Erklärungsversuche. Andere drehen sich um Macht, Propaganda, Druck und Angst, also den gezielten Einsatz psychologischer Herrschaftsinstrumente.

Aber wollen die Menschen überhaupt Freiheit? Durch Gespräche im privaten Umfeld bin ich diesbezüglich in der letzten Zeit etwas skeptisch geworden. Um die Jahreswende philosophiert man ja gerne ein wenig über das Erlebte und über die Erwartungen für die Zukunft. Dabei hatte ich hin und wieder den Eindruck, die totalitären Anwandlungen unserer «Repräsentanten» kämen manchen Leuten gerade recht.

«Desinformation» ist so ein brisantes Thema. Davor müsse man die Menschen doch schützen, hörte ich. Jemand müsse doch zum Beispiel diese ganzen merkwürdigen Inhalte in den Social Media filtern – zur Ukraine, zum Klima, zu Gesundheitsthemen oder zur Migration. Viele wüssten ja gar nicht einzuschätzen, was richtig und was falsch ist, sie bräuchten eine Führung.

Freiheit bedingt Eigenverantwortung, ohne Zweifel. Eventuell ist es einigen tatsächlich zu anspruchsvoll, die Verantwortung für das eigene Tun und Lassen zu übernehmen. Oder die persönliche Freiheit wird nicht als ausreichend wertvolles Gut angesehen, um sich dafür anzustrengen. In dem Fall wäre die mangelnde Selbstbestimmung wohl das kleinere Übel. Allerdings fehlt dann gemäß Aldous Huxley ein Teil der Persönlichkeit. Letztlich ist natürlich alles eine Frage der Abwägung.

Sind viele Menschen möglicherweise schon so «eingenordet», dass freiheitliche Ambitionen gar nicht für eine ganze Gruppe, ein Kollektiv, verfolgt werden können? Solche Gedanken kamen mir auch, als ich mir kürzlich diverse Talks beim viertägigen Hacker-Kongress des Chaos Computer Clubs (38C3) anschaute. Ich war nicht nur überrascht, sondern reichlich erschreckt angesichts der in weiten Teilen mainstream-geformten Inhalte, mit denen ein dankbares Publikum beglückt wurde. Wo ich allgemein hellere Köpfe erwartet hatte, fand ich Konformismus und enthusiastisch untermauerte Narrative.

Gibt es vielleicht so etwas wie eine Herdenimmunität gegen Indoktrination? Ich denke, ja, zumindest eine gestärkte Widerstandsfähigkeit. Was wir brauchen, sind etwas gesunder Menschenverstand, offene Informationskanäle und der Mut, sich freier auch zwischen den Herden zu bewegen. Sie tun das bereits, aber sagen Sie es auch dieses Jahr ruhig weiter.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Heute möchte ich ein Gedicht mit euch teilen. Es handelt sich um eine Ballade des österreichischen Lyrikers Johann Gabriel Seidl aus dem 19. Jahrhundert. Mir sind diese Worte fest in Erinnerung, da meine Mutter sie perfekt rezitieren konnte, auch als die Kräfte schon langsam schwanden.

Dem originalen Titel «Die Uhr» habe ich für mich immer das Wort «innere» hinzugefügt. Denn der Zeitmesser – hier vermutliche eine Taschenuhr – symbolisiert zwar in dem Kontext das damalige Zeitempfinden und die Umbrüche durch die industrielle Revolution, sozusagen den Zeitgeist und das moderne Leben. Aber der Autor setzt sich philosophisch mit der Zeit auseinander und gibt seinem Werk auch eine klar spirituelle Dimension.

Das Ticken der Uhr und die Momente des Glücks und der Trauer stehen sinnbildlich für das unaufhaltsame Fortschreiten und die Vergänglichkeit des Lebens. Insofern könnte man bei der Uhr auch an eine Sonnenuhr denken. Der Rhythmus der Ereignisse passt uns vielleicht nicht immer in den Kram.

Was den Takt pocht, ist durchaus auch das Herz, unser «inneres Uhrwerk». Wenn dieses Meisterwerk einmal stillsteht, ist es unweigerlich um uns geschehen. Hoffentlich können wir dann dankbar sagen: «Ich habe mein Bestes gegeben.»

Ich trage, wo ich gehe, stets eine Uhr bei mir; \ Wieviel es geschlagen habe, genau seh ich an ihr. \ Es ist ein großer Meister, der künstlich ihr Werk gefügt, \ Wenngleich ihr Gang nicht immer dem törichten Wunsche genügt.

Ich wollte, sie wäre rascher gegangen an manchem Tag; \ Ich wollte, sie hätte manchmal verzögert den raschen Schlag. \ In meinen Leiden und Freuden, in Sturm und in der Ruh, \ Was immer geschah im Leben, sie pochte den Takt dazu.

Sie schlug am Sarge des Vaters, sie schlug an des Freundes Bahr, \ Sie schlug am Morgen der Liebe, sie schlug am Traualtar. \ Sie schlug an der Wiege des Kindes, sie schlägt, will's Gott, noch oft, \ Wenn bessere Tage kommen, wie meine Seele es hofft.

Und ward sie auch einmal träger, und drohte zu stocken ihr Lauf, \ So zog der Meister immer großmütig sie wieder auf. \ Doch stände sie einmal stille, dann wär's um sie geschehn, \ Kein andrer, als der sie fügte, bringt die Zerstörte zum Gehn.

Dann müßt ich zum Meister wandern, der wohnt am Ende wohl weit, \ Wohl draußen, jenseits der Erde, wohl dort in der Ewigkeit! \ Dann gäb ich sie ihm zurücke mit dankbar kindlichem Flehn: \ Sieh, Herr, ich hab nichts verdorben, sie blieb von selber stehn.

Johann Gabriel Seidl (1804-1875)

@ 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!

---

Dieser Beitrag ist letztes Jahr in meiner Denkbar erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

Das Betriebsklima ist das einzige Klima, \ das du selbst bestimmen kannst. \ Anonym

Eine Strategie zur Anpassung an den Klimawandel hat das deutsche Bundeskabinett diese Woche beschlossen. Da «Wetterextreme wie die immer häufiger auftretenden Hitzewellen und Starkregenereignisse» oft desaströse Auswirkungen auf Mensch und Umwelt hätten, werde eine Anpassung an die Folgen des Klimawandels immer wichtiger. «Klimaanpassungsstrategie» nennt die Regierung das.

Für die «Vorsorge vor Klimafolgen» habe man nun erstmals klare Ziele und messbare Kennzahlen festgelegt. So sei der Erfolg überprüfbar, und das solle zu einer schnelleren Bewältigung der Folgen führen. Dass sich hinter dem Begriff Klimafolgen nicht Folgen des Klimas, sondern wohl «Folgen der globalen Erwärmung» verbergen, erklärt den Interessierten die Wikipedia. Dabei ist das mit der Erwärmung ja bekanntermaßen so eine Sache.

Die Zunahme schwerer Unwetterereignisse habe gezeigt, so das Ministerium, wie wichtig eine frühzeitige und effektive Warnung der Bevölkerung sei. Daher solle es eine deutliche Anhebung der Nutzerzahlen der sogenannten Nina-Warn-App geben.

Die ARD spurt wie gewohnt und setzt die Botschaft zielsicher um. Der Artikel beginnt folgendermaßen:

«Die Flut im Ahrtal war ein Schock für das ganze Land. Um künftig besser gegen Extremwetter gewappnet zu sein, hat die Bundesregierung eine neue Strategie zur Klimaanpassung beschlossen. Die Warn-App Nina spielt eine zentrale Rolle. Der Bund will die Menschen in Deutschland besser vor Extremwetter-Ereignissen warnen und dafür die Reichweite der Warn-App Nina deutlich erhöhen.»

Die Kommunen würden bei ihren «Klimaanpassungsmaßnahmen» vom Zentrum KlimaAnpassung unterstützt, schreibt das Umweltministerium. Mit dessen Aufbau wurden das Deutsche Institut für Urbanistik gGmbH, welches sich stark für Smart City-Projekte engagiert, und die Adelphi Consult GmbH beauftragt.

Adelphi beschreibt sich selbst als «Europas führender Think-and-Do-Tank und eine unabhängige Beratung für Klima, Umwelt und Entwicklung». Sie seien «global vernetzte Strateg*innen und weltverbessernde Berater*innen» und als «Vorreiter der sozial-ökologischen Transformation» sei man mit dem Deutschen Nachhaltigkeitspreis ausgezeichnet worden, welcher sich an den Zielen der Agenda 2030 orientiere.

Über die Warn-App mit dem niedlichen Namen Nina, die möglichst jeder auf seinem Smartphone installieren soll, informiert das Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK). Gewarnt wird nicht nur vor Extrem-Wetterereignissen, sondern zum Beispiel auch vor Waffengewalt und Angriffen, Strom- und anderen Versorgungsausfällen oder Krankheitserregern. Wenn man die Kategorie Gefahreninformation wählt, erhält man eine Dosis von ungefähr zwei Benachrichtigungen pro Woche.

Beim BBK erfahren wir auch einiges über die empfohlenen Systemeinstellungen für Nina. Der Benutzer möge zum Beispiel den Zugriff auf die Standortdaten «immer zulassen», und zwar mit aktivierter Funktion «genauen Standort verwenden». Die Datennutzung solle unbeschränkt sein, auch im Hintergrund. Außerdem sei die uneingeschränkte Akkunutzung zu aktivieren, der Energiesparmodus auszuschalten und das Stoppen der App-Aktivität bei Nichtnutzung zu unterbinden.

Dass man so dramatische Ereignisse wie damals im Ahrtal auch anders bewerten kann als Regierungen und Systemmedien, hat meine Kollegin Wiltrud Schwetje anhand der Tragödie im spanischen Valencia gezeigt. Das Stichwort «Agenda 2030» taucht dabei in einem Kontext auf, der wenig mit Nachhaltigkeitspreisen zu tun hat.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

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.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ e3ba5e1a:5e433365

My blog posts and reading material have both been on a decidedly economics-heavy slant recently. The topic today, incentives, squarely falls into the category of economics. However, when I say economics, I’m not talking about “analyzing supply and demand curves.” I’m talking about the true basis of economics: understanding how human beings make decisions in a world of scarcity.

A fair definition of incentive is “a reward or punishment that motivates behavior to achieve a desired outcome.” When most people think about economic incentives, they’re thinking of money. If I offer my son $5 if he washes the dishes, I’m incentivizing certain behavior. We can’t guarantee that he’ll do what I want him to do, but we can agree that the incentive structure itself will guide and ultimately determine what outcome will occur.

The great thing about monetary incentives is how easy they are to talk about and compare. “Would I rather make $5 washing the dishes or $10 cleaning the gutters?” But much of the world is incentivized in non-monetary ways too. For example, using the “punishment” half of the definition above, I might threaten my son with losing Nintendo Switch access if he doesn’t wash the dishes. No money is involved, but I’m still incentivizing behavior.

And there are plenty of incentives beyond our direct control! My son is also incentivized to not wash dishes because it’s boring, or because he has some friends over that he wants to hang out with, or dozens of other things. Ultimately, the conflicting array of different incentive structures placed on him will ultimately determine what actions he chooses to take.

Why incentives matter

A phrase I see often in discussions—whether they are political, parenting, economic, or business—is “if they could just do…” Each time I see that phrase, I cringe a bit internally. Usually, the underlying assumption of the statement is “if people would behave contrary to their incentivized behavior then things would be better.” For example:

• If my kids would just go to bed when I tell them, they wouldn’t be so cranky in the morning.
• If people would just use the recycling bin, we wouldn’t have such a landfill problem.
• If people would just stop being lazy, our team would deliver our project on time.

In all these cases, the speakers are seemingly flummoxed as to why the people in question don’t behave more rationally. The problem is: each group is behaving perfectly rationally.

• The kids have a high time preference, and care more about the joy of staying up now than the crankiness in the morning. Plus, they don’t really suffer the consequences of morning crankiness, their parents do.
• No individual suffers much from their individual contribution to a landfill. If they stopped growing the size of the landfill, it would make an insignificant difference versus the amount of effort they need to engage in to properly recycle.
• If a team doesn’t properly account for the productivity of individuals on a project, each individual receives less harm from their own inaction. Sure, the project may be delayed, company revenue may be down, and they may even risk losing their job when the company goes out of business. But their laziness individually won’t determine the entirety of that outcome. By contrast, they greatly benefit from being lazy by getting to relax at work, go on social media, read a book, or do whatever else they do when they’re supposed to be working.

My point here is that, as long as you ignore the reality of how incentives drive human behavior, you’ll fail at getting the outcomes you want.

If everything I wrote up until now made perfect sense, you understand the premise of this blog post. The rest of it will focus on a bunch of real-world examples to hammer home the point, and demonstrate how versatile this mental model is.

Running a company

Let’s say I run my own company, with myself as the only employee. My personal revenue will be 100% determined by my own actions. If I decide to take Tuesday afternoon off and go fishing, I’ve chosen to lose that afternoon’s revenue. Implicitly, I’ve decided that the enjoyment I get from an afternoon of fishing is greater than the potential revenue. You may think I’m being lazy, but it’s my decision to make. In this situation, the incentive–money–is perfectly aligned with my actions.

Compare this to a typical company/employee relationship. I might have a bank of Paid Time Off (PTO) days, in which case once again my incentives are relatively aligned. I know that I can take off 15 days throughout the year, and I’ve chosen to use half a day for the fishing trip. All is still good.

What about unlimited time off? Suddenly incentives are starting to misalign. I don’t directly pay a price for not showing up to work on Tuesday. Or Wednesday as well, for that matter. I might ultimately be fired for not doing my job, but that will take longer to work its way through the system than simply not making any money for the day taken off.

Compensation overall falls into this misaligned incentive structure. Let’s forget about taking time off. Instead, I work full time on a software project I’m assigned. But instead of using the normal toolchain we’re all used to at work, I play around with a new programming language. I get the fun and joy of playing with new technology, and potentially get to pad my resume a bit when I’m ready to look for a new job. But my current company gets slower results, less productivity, and is forced to subsidize my extracurricular learning.

When a CEO has a bonus structure based on profitability, he’ll do everything he can to make the company profitable. This might include things that actually benefit the company, like improving product quality, reducing internal red tape, or finding cheaper vendors. But it might also include destructive practices, like slashing the R\&D budget to show massive profits this year, in exchange for a catastrophe next year when the next version of the product fails to ship.

Or my favorite example. My parents owned a business when I was growing up. They had a back office where they ran operations like accounting. All of the furniture was old couches from our house. After all, any money they spent on furniture came right out of their paychecks! But in a large corporate environment, each department is generally given a budget for office furniture, a budget which doesn’t roll over year-to-year. The result? Executives make sure to spend the entire budget each year, often buying furniture far more expensive than they would choose if it was their own money.

There are plenty of details you can quibble with above. It’s in a company’s best interest to give people downtime so that they can come back recharged. Having good ergonomic furniture can in fact increase productivity in excess of the money spent on it. But overall, the picture is pretty clear: in large corporate structures, you’re guaranteed to have mismatches between the company’s goals and the incentive structure placed on individuals.

Using our model from above, we can lament how lazy, greedy, and unethical the employees are for doing what they’re incentivized to do instead of what’s right. But that’s simply ignoring the reality of human nature.

Moral hazard

Moral hazard is a situation where one party is incentivized to take on more risk because another party will bear the consequences. Suppose I tell my son when he turns 21 (or whatever legal gambling age is) that I’ll cover all his losses for a day at the casino, but he gets to keep all the winnings.

What do you think he’s going to do? The most logical course of action is to place the largest possible bets for as long as possible, asking me to cover each time he loses, and taking money off the table and into his bank account each time he wins.

But let’s look at a slightly more nuanced example. I go to a bathroom in the mall. As I’m leaving, I wash my hands. It will take me an extra 1 second to turn off the water when I’m done washing. That’s a trivial price to pay. If I don’t turn off the water, the mall will have to pay for many liters of wasted water, benefiting no one. But I won’t suffer any consequences at all.

This is also a moral hazard, but most people will still turn off the water. Why? Usually due to some combination of other reasons such as:

1. We’re so habituated to turning off the water that we don’t even consider not turning it off. Put differently, the mental effort needed to not turn off the water is more expensive than the 1 second of time to turn it off.
2. Many of us have been brought up with a deep guilt about wasting resources like water. We have an internal incentive structure that makes the 1 second to turn off the water much less costly than the mental anguish of the waste we created.
3. We’re afraid we’ll be caught by someone else and face some kind of social repercussions. (Or maybe more than social. Are you sure there isn’t a law against leaving the water tap on?)

Even with all that in place, you may notice that many public bathrooms use automatic water dispensers. Sure, there’s a sanitation reason for that, but it’s also to avoid this moral hazard.

A common denominator in both of these is that the person taking the action that causes the liability (either the gambling or leaving the water on) is not the person who bears the responsibility for that liability (the father or the mall owner). Generally speaking, the closer together the person making the decision and the person incurring the liability are, the smaller the moral hazard.

It’s easy to demonstrate that by extending the casino example a bit. I said it was the father who was covering the losses of the gambler. Many children (though not all) would want to avoid totally bankrupting their parents, or at least financially hurting them. Instead, imagine that someone from the IRS shows up at your door, hands you a credit card, and tells you you can use it at a casino all day, taking home all the chips you want. The money is coming from the government. How many people would put any restriction on how much they spend?

And since we’re talking about the government already…

Government moral hazards

As I was preparing to write this blog post, the California wildfires hit. The discussions around those wildfires gave a huge number of examples of moral hazards. I decided to cherry-pick a few for this post.

The first and most obvious one: California is asking for disaster relief funds from the federal government. That sounds wonderful. These fires were a natural disaster, so why shouldn’t the federal government pitch in and help take care of people?

The problem is, once again, a moral hazard. In the case of the wildfires, California and Los Angeles both had ample actions they could have taken to mitigate the destruction of this fire: better forest management, larger fire department, keeping the water reservoirs filled, and probably much more that hasn’t come to light yet.

If the federal government bails out California, it will be a clear message for the future: your mistakes will be fixed by others. You know what kind of behavior that incentivizes? More risky behavior! Why spend state funds on forest management and extra firefighters—activities that don’t win politicians a lot of votes in general—when you could instead spend it on a football stadium, higher unemployment payments, or anything else, and then let the feds cover the cost of screw-ups.

You may notice that this is virtually identical to the 2008 “too big to fail” bail-outs. Wall Street took insanely risky behavior, reaped huge profits for years, and when they eventually got caught with their pants down, the rest of us bailed them out. “Privatizing profits, socializing losses.”

And here’s the absolute best part of this: I can’t even truly blame either California or Wall Street. (I mean, I do blame them, I think their behavior is reprehensible, but you’ll see what I mean.) In a world where the rules of the game implicitly include the bail-out mentality, you would be harming your citizens/shareholders/investors if you didn’t engage in that risky behavior. Since everyone is on the hook for those socialized losses, your best bet is to maximize those privatized profits.

There’s a lot more to government and moral hazard, but I think these two cases demonstrate the crux pretty solidly. But let’s leave moral hazard behind for a bit and get to general incentivization discussions.

Non-monetary competition

At least 50% of the economics knowledge I have comes from the very first econ course I took in college. That professor was amazing, and had some very colorful stories. I can’t vouch for the veracity of the two I’m about to share, but they definitely drive the point home.

In the 1970s, the US had an oil shortage. To “fix” this problem, they instituted price caps on gasoline, which of course resulted in insufficient gasoline. To “fix” this problem, they instituted policies where, depending on your license plate number, you could only fill up gas on certain days of the week. (Irrelevant detail for our point here, but this just resulted in people filling up their tanks more often, no reduction in gas usage.)

Anyway, my professor’s wife had a friend. My professor described in great detail how attractive this woman was. I’ll skip those details here since this is a PG-rated blog. In any event, she never had any trouble filling up her gas tank any day of the week. She would drive up, be told she couldn’t fill up gas today, bat her eyes at the attendant, explain how helpless she was, and was always allowed to fill up gas.

This is a demonstration of non-monetary compensation. Most of the time in a free market, capitalist economy, people are compensated through money. When price caps come into play, there’s a limit to how much monetary compensation someone can receive. And in that case, people find other ways of competing. Like this woman’s case: through using flirtatious behavior to compensate the gas station workers to let her cheat the rules.

The other example was much more insidious. Santa Monica had a problem: it was predominantly wealthy and white. They wanted to fix this problem, and decided to put in place rent controls. After some time, they discovered that Santa Monica had become wealthier and whiter, the exact opposite of their desired outcome. Why would that happen?

Someone investigated, and ended up interviewing a landlady that demonstrated the reason. She was an older white woman, and admittedly racist. Prior to the rent controls, she would list her apartments in the newspaper, and would be legally obligated to rent to anyone who could afford it. Once rent controls were in place, she took a different tact. She knew that she would only get a certain amount for the apartment, and that the demand for apartments was higher than the supply. That meant she could be picky.

She ended up finding tenants through friends-of-friends. Since it wasn’t an official advertisement, she wasn’t legally required to rent it out if someone could afford to pay. Instead, she got to interview people individually and then make them an offer. Normally, that would have resulted in receiving a lower rental price, but not under rent controls.

So who did she choose? A young, unmarried, wealthy, white woman. It made perfect sense. Women were less intimidating and more likely to maintain the apartment better. Wealthy people, she determined, would be better tenants. (I have no idea if this is true in practice or not, I’m not a landlord myself.) Unmarried, because no kids running around meant less damage to the property. And, of course, white. Because she was racist, and her incentive structure made her prefer whites.

You can deride her for being racist, I won’t disagree with you. But it’s simply the reality. Under the non-rent-control scenario, her profit motive for money outweighed her racism motive. But under rent control, the monetary competition was removed, and she was free to play into her racist tendencies without facing any negative consequences.

Bureaucracy

These were the two examples I remember for that course. But non-monetary compensation pops up in many more places. One highly pertinent example is bureaucracies. Imagine you have a government office, or a large corporation’s acquisition department, or the team that apportions grants at a university. In all these cases, you have a group of people making decisions about handing out money that has no monetary impact on them. If they give to the best qualified recipients, they receive no raises. If they spend the money recklessly on frivolous projects, they face no consequences.

Under such an incentivization scheme, there’s little to encourage the bureaucrats to make intelligent funding decisions. Instead, they’ll be incentivized to spend the money where they recognize non-monetary benefits. This is why it’s so common to hear about expensive meals, gift bags at conferences, and even more inappropriate ways of trying to curry favor with those that hold the purse strings.

Compare that ever so briefly with the purchases made by a small mom-and-pop store like my parents owned. Could my dad take a bribe to buy from a vendor who’s ripping him off? Absolutely he could! But he’d lose more on the deal than he’d make on the bribe, since he’s directly incentivized by the deal itself. It would make much more sense for him to go with the better vendor, save $5,000 on the deal, and then treat himself to a lavish $400 meal to celebrate.

Government incentivized behavior

This post is getting longer in the tooth than I’d intended, so I’ll finish off with this section and make it a bit briefer. Beyond all the methods mentioned above, government has another mechanism for modifying behavior: through directly changing incentives via legislation, regulation, and monetary policy. Let’s see some examples:

• Artificial modification of interest rates encourages people to take on more debt than they would in a free capital market, leading to malinvestment and a consumer debt crisis, and causing the boom-bust cycle we all painfully experience.
• Going along with that, giving tax breaks on interest payments further artificially incentivizes people to take on debt that they wouldn’t otherwise.
• During COVID-19, at some points unemployment benefits were greater than minimum wage, incentivizing people to rather stay home and not work than get a job, leading to reduced overall productivity in the economy and more printed dollars for benefits. In other words, it was a perfect recipe for inflation.
• The tax code gives deductions to “help” people. That might be true, but the real impact is incentivizing people to make decisions they wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, giving out tax deductions on children encourages having more kids. Tax deductions on childcare and preschools incentivizes dual-income households. Whether or not you like the outcomes, it’s clear that it’s government that’s encouraging these outcomes to happen.
• Tax incentives cause people to engage in behavior they wouldn’t otherwise (daycare+working mother, for example).
• Inflation means that the value of your money goes down over time, which encourages people to spend more today, when their money has a larger impact. (Milton Friedman described this as high living.)

Conclusion

The idea here is simple, and fully encapsulated in the title: incentives determine outcomes. If you want to know how to get a certain outcome from others, incentivize them to want that to happen. If you want to understand why people act in seemingly irrational ways, check their incentives. If you’re confused why leaders (and especially politicians) seem to engage in destructive behavior, check their incentives.

We can bemoan these realities all we want, but they are realities. While there are some people who have a solid internal moral and ethical code, and that internal code incentivizes them to behave against their externally-incentivized interests, those people are rare. And frankly, those people are self-defeating. People should take advantage of the incentives around them. Because if they don’t, someone else will.

(If you want a literary example of that last comment, see the horse in Animal Farm.)

How do we improve the world under these conditions? Make sure the incentives align well with the overall goals of society. To me, it’s a simple formula:

• Focus on free trade, value for value, as the basis of a society. In that system, people are always incentivized to provide value to other people.
• Reduce the size of bureaucracies and large groups of all kinds. The larger an organization becomes, the farther the consequences of decisions are from those who make them.
• And since the nature of human beings will be to try and create areas where they can control the incentive systems to their own benefits, make that as difficult as possible. That comes in the form of strict limits on government power, for example.

And even if you don’t want to buy in to this conclusion, I hope the rest of the content was educational, and maybe a bit entertaining!

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Yadagirigutta Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

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.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ a95c6243:d345522c

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.

---

Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf Transition News erschienen.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Kakinada cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ 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.

---

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.

---

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

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Rajahmundry Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ c8adf82a:7265ee75

Imagine playing a MMO gen 1 Pokémon game, the goal of the game is still personal, to be the Pokémon league champion. To get to the Pokémon league, you need to defeat gym leaders and get their badges (if you never played, please play so you can relate and teach this lesson too)

Some players just go through the storyline right away, some have fear and grind levels hard, some just wanted to chill and catch ‘em all

Some got stuck at the mew rumour at S.S.Anne* and got disappointed, some grind too hard that they forgot the main quest, some try to teach other people how to be a champion before being a champion themselves

If you are not interested in being the champion, that is totally fine, it is your game after all. Some enjoy the up and down of the journey and they just don’t want to finish the game yet. I respect these people because they know what they want and they’re doing what they can to get what they want

But there’s this special group of players that wants to be the champion, but are misled to believe they can be a ‘better’ champion if they do these special tasks before fighting the Elite Four. Can be from a game guide magazine, a friend that you think is smart, whatever. The sad truth is, you cannot be a ‘better’ champion in this game — and these guys just got misled their whole life

Now, these guys do meet other players that told them “hey, just go fight the Elite Four, that’s the only way for you to be champion”, and they kept replying “please respect me, I know I have to beat the Elite Four, I just want to be a ‘better’ champion, you just don’t understand”. These players get stuck in some sort of internal pride war sunk cost fallacy because they have spent their whole life trying to be a ‘better’ champion that actually doesn’t exist

Now why this story? This is life. No matter how hard you try, you still need to follow the main storyline. You can change your path, but everyone’s end goal eventually converge — eternal peace. When you become the league champion, you attain the ability to serve and radiate love. Evil spirits will forever try to hold you back from being a champion, some religion even tells you that you can be a ‘better’ champion. But really all you need to do is stay humble and stack sats, I mean, start the main quest

One day when you actually become a champion, you will realize that the only way to live is to serve other people so we all become champions. Because life is best enjoyed with the people we love

---

*https://gaming-urban-legends.fandom.com/wiki/Mew_Under_the_Truck

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Khammam Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Goa Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Suryapet Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Shirdi Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Pune Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Tirupati Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e460cb14:01bb5ced

Brief intro

glostr is a pet-project of mine to better understand how #nostr works. Since I'm an engineer, and somewhere between a game programmer and a graphics programmer, I'll do what I do best: write some graphics thing no one (but me) will use.

Zappable Shadertoy

So, the idea is to create a small platform on top of #nostr where people can create, visualize, and share computer graphics programs (aka: shaders). Code shiny thing, see shiny, share shiny thing, and zap shiny thing. If you're familiar with Shadertoy, #glostr is just that: zappable shadertoy.

Milestone Zero

So, first step was to write a quick and dirty prototype client (remember, I specc'd into game dev, not into web dev, so I really mean quick and I really mean dirty). I got an ace editor thing working, duct-taped it to a basic WebGL render, stole a couple shaders from shadertoy (jk, I gave credit), poured some CSS magic, glued some nostr-rx, and published it to GitHub pages.

After 2 or 3 days of iterating, and with some assistance from an LLM, you can see the result linked on my notes.

Yes. I used kind 1 posts to spam GLSL code.

I AM SORRY. I KNOW BETTER NOW. I SWEAR.

So, right now #glostr is: - Taking an npub on the url after the # - Rendering all kind 1 posts from that npub containing GLSL code between ```s - Allowing the user to edit the code in real time

Next Steps

What now? Gorila made me realize my obvious kind 1 spamming. After some brainstorming and skimming through NIPs and kinds, we arrived at the conclusion that Long-form Notes (NIP-23) are best suited for the content I want #glostr to display: - Format is Markdown, which I like and which I was already somewhat expecting. - It's editable content, so mistakes can be amended, which is more than usual in shader programming.

So, the next features I want to add are: - Logging in - Posting NIP-23 Notes - Getting, parsing, and showing NIP-23 Notes

When

I'll only work on this on the weekends for now, so I don't know. This is a pet project for fun right now.

Wrapping Up

• Repo: https://github.com/rowdaboat/glostr
• Try it: https://rowdaboat.github.io/glostr/

As this is a Long-Form Note in itself, I'll finish it by sharing a shader based on Inigo Quilez's awesome polygon shader. This note should show as a shader on #glostr in the next iteration, but you can copy and paste the code in the editor for now:

```glsl

version 300 es

precision mediump float;

uniform vec2 u_resolution; uniform float u_time;

out vec4 fragColor;

const int N = 6; vec3 yellow = vec3(0.45, 0.3, 0.15); vec3 lightBlue = vec3(0.65, 0.85, 1.0);

float polygon(in vec2 p, in vec2[N] v) { const int num = v.length(); float d = dot(p - v[0], p - v[0]); float s = 1.;

for(int i=0, j=num-1; i < num; j=i, i++ )
{
    vec2 e = v[j] - v[i];
    vec2 w = p - v[i];
    vec2 b = w - e * clamp(dot(w, e) / dot(e, e), 0.0, 1.0);
    d = min(d, dot(b,b));

    bvec3 condition = bvec3(
        p.y >= v[i].y,
        p.y < v[j].y, 
        e.x * w.y > e.y * w.x
    );

    if (all(condition) || all(not(condition)))
        s =- s;
}

return s * sqrt(d);

}

void main() { vec2 p = (2.0 * gl_FragCoord.xy - u_resolution.xy) / u_resolution.y; float d = polygon(p, vec2);

vec3 color = d < 0.0 ? yellow : lightBlue;
color *= 1. - exp(-40. * abs(d));
color *= .8 + .2 * sin(10.0 * d - 10. * u_time) * sin(-1.25 * u_time);
color *= exp(1. - d * 2.25);

fragColor = vec4(color, 1.0);

} ```

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Kurnool Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Guntur Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Coorg to Ooty Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Mysore to Ooty Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Coimbatore to Ooty Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Chennai to Ooty Cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Ooty to Chennai cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Prayagraj airport cab at best price and relax. CabBazar provides confirmed cab, real time driver details and best price airport cab service in Prayagraj. Price starts

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Lucknow to Prayagraj cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Agra to Delhi cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Indore to Ujjain cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Indore to Bhopal cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Bhopal to Indore cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Rishikesh to Delhi cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Vijayawada cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Hyderabad to Bangalore cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Mumbai to Pune cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ bbb5dda0:f09e2747

This is my first attempt of regularly reviewing my week (currently, week 2) and I want to take you along for it.

This week was one where I was rebooting after all the festivities, personal obligations and a bit of travel! First, I worked on getting back on some comments on my proposals on NIP-42 and the Transport Method Announcement NIP.

NIP-42 proposal

The responses to the proposal of the NIP-42 exstension confused me a bit, my interpretation of nip42 AUTH was both authentication and authoriziation. But as it turns out people only want authentication to be part of this NIP, which is understandable. I'm wondering what other structure should be used for authorization then. I thought this would be a great place because of the similar allow/disallow mechanism that applies to both authentication and authorization.

I get the argument that authorization would need to be handled somewhere else. In my case i want authorization by payment. meaning there is no Authentication, we don't care who it is.

I worked out this comment, to see what other options would come up. https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1609#issuecomment-2577243988

Evaluating current state Epoxy

It's been a little bit since I made any progress on epoxy, but this week i'm picking it back up. So i'm trying to see what my next steps on it will be. I thought first maybe i need to add the random delays, but that's in the bigger scheme of things a 'nice to have'. I should probably first work on fixing the nightmare that is unencrypted traffic. And for that, i need pubkey addressing to work properly.

Evaluating current state CI/CD

This week i met up with Auggie, who's quite knowledgable into CI/CD stuff. I think a cool short-term goal for myself is to get an automated build and publish of the epoxy docker container. That shouldn't be too hard to attain, but I needed to refresh my memory on what I last worked on for a bit.

I realized that that was a very hacky approach and i really want to know Auggie's perspective on it. I came across his comment on my blogpost about it which i'd missed earlier. My doubt is wether i should try to rebuild what CI/CD is from scratch, but nostr-native. Or should I strive to have something backwards-compatible and use existing GitHub/Gitea runners?

In our call we settled on trying to get the runner approach working and see how we go from there. I'd work out a GitHub action so we could upload artifacts to Blossom and he'd look into the inner workings of Gittea as he had worked on the stack before.

Blossom uploads GitHub action

I tried to move forward on the Blossom uploads on friday but got stuck on imports that would just not resolve on the github action (ERR_PACKAGE_PATH_NOT_EXPORTED). Long story short, I was just not bundling my build properly and (spoiler) worked this out on Monday.

In short

Quite an alright week, ramping up my efforts now and i'm exited for what's coming. See you next week!

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Hire taxi in Chennai at best price. Book local and outstation cab in Chennai. Confirmed cab, Real time driver details. Price starts ₹1800

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Hire taxi in Chandigarh at best price. Book local and outstation cab in Chandigarh. Confirmed cab, Real time driver details. Price starts ₹1200

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Hire taxi in Delhi at best price. Book local and outstation cab in Delhi. Confirmed cab, Real time driver details. Price starts ₹1400

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Mumbai to Ahmedabad cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Ajmer to Jaipur cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Jodhpur to Bikaner cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Jodhpur to Jaisalmer cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Jodhpur to Udaipur cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Jodhpur to Jaipur cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Haldwani to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

Port Said Shore Excursions: Explore the Wonders of Cairo and Giza

When docking at Port Said, a gateway to Egypt’s ancient treasures, take the opportunity to embark on exciting shore excursions that reveal the rich history and culture of Cairo. One of the most popular options is a [Day Trip to Islamic and Coptic Cairo from Port Said Shore Excursions](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Islamic-and-Coptic-Cairo-from-Port-Said. This tour allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant history of Cairo, from its Islamic mosques to the Coptic Christian heritage sites. Visit the Citadel of Saladin, the Hanging Church, and other landmarks that tell the story of Egypt's diverse religious history.

For those fascinated by the ancient wonders, a Day tour to the Pyramids included Lunch Cruise from Port Said port is an unforgettable experience. Explore the iconic Pyramids of Giza, marvel at the Great Sphinx, and learn about the mysteries of these ancient structures. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing lunch cruise along the Nile, offering a unique perspective of Cairo's skyline.

Another exceptional option is to Book Two day tours to Cairo from Port Said Port. This extended excursion allows you to explore Cairo at a leisurely pace, visiting more sites such as the Egyptian Museum, the famous Khan El Khalili Bazaar, and the renowned Cairo Opera House. These two days will provide a deeper understanding of Egypt’s ancient and modern heritage.

For history enthusiasts, the Day Trip in Cairo to visit Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara from Port Said Shore Excursions is a must. Saqqara, home to the Step Pyramid of Djoser, offers a glimpse into the evolution of pyramid construction. This day trip takes you beyond Giza, giving you a more comprehensive experience of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

No matter your interests, Port Said shore excursions offer a variety of ways to discover the wonders of Cairo and Giza, making your visit unforgettable.

🌐 Visit us at www.etbtoursegypt.com 📲 Contact us now! +20 10 21100873 📧 Email: info@etbtours.com 🏢 Company Address: 4 El Lebeny Axis , Nazlet Al Batran , Al Haram, Giza , Egypt

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Rishikesh to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Kotdwar to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Paonta Sahib to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Mussoorie to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Uttarkashi to Dehradun cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ 2ce0697b:1ee3d3fc

Excerpt: A controversy over intellectual property highlights the lack of Bitcoin institutions to resolve disputes.

Key fact 1: A bitcoiner takes action against another bitcoiner based on intellectual property laws

Key fact 2: the dispute revolves around similarities in bitcoin clocks

---

"What is not good for the hive is not good for the bee." Marcus Aurelius

Someone who identifies as a bitcoiner, who creates successful bitcoin products aimed at providing sovereignty and privacy to the user but who indirectly calls on the State to initiate force against another bitcoiner, is that person really a bitcoiner? Or rather, despite being a bitcoiner, is their behavior in accordance with the ethos of Bitcoin, with the essential moral principles driven by the Bitcoin phenomenon?

When there is a dispute within Bitcoin's layer one about how things should be done, it is resolved through the unparalleled dispute resolution and governance mechanism based on proof of work. On the other hand, when there is a dispute in Bitcoin's layer zero, which is composed of individuals who act as nodes and collaborators of thebasilisk how should we resolve disputes?

The trigger for this article is the news that a few weeks ago the bitcoinerdjuriwas legally summoned by the bitcoinerNVK because the latter understood that the former had violated his "intellectual property rights."

The legally summoned party, djuri, is the creator of a product that according to NVK would have some characteristics that would make it somewhat similar to a product he made and whose "intellectual property" -fiat- he has registered. That is to say, NVK invoked the force of the State -fiat- with the intention that it be applied against djuri. And it did so with the intention of defending its "intellectually" registered property.

--- "Intellectual property is a valuable asset that must be protected and respected by everyone." - Bill Gates.

A registration of "intellectual property" consists of an entry in a state registry -fiat- where the person registering the "right" -fiat- petitions the State -fiat- to initiate coercion, force, violence, and threats against anyone whom the State interprets as violating that "right" -fiat-. Likewise, that registration grants the registrant the "right" -fiat- to petition the State to interpret that their "right" has been violated. And in the event that the latter shares the interpretation made by the registrant, the State can then activate its intrinsic mechanism of threats, violence, and coercion against the aforementioned violator of the "right" -fiat-.

Most of current positive law is fiat law and its mostly contradictory to natural law. The former is a fictional state invention based on the myth of authority, while the latter is rationally deduced from the principles of Nature. Natural law is the Bitcoin of law.

*

--- "Intellectual property is the foundation of innovation and progress in modern society." - Alan Greenspan, Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the United States.

Intellectual property is a completely fiat fiction. Natural law absolutely rejects the artificial legal aberration created by authoritarian legislators. The institution of private property only makes sense to protect scarce goods. Let's see an example: Alice has an apple and is hungry, but since she is busy posting on Nostr, she decided to eat it later. Thirty minutes later, she goes down to her kitchen and can't find the apple. It turns out that Bob, her roommate, ate it. Alice reproaches Bob for the action because, despite having bought the apple and having it in her possession, she lost it due to Bob's action and is still hungry. Alice understands that the interruption of the nutritional and gustatory pleasure that the apple would have provided constitutes a harm to her person. Since she was the owner of the unique and irreproducible object consisting of the totality of molecules that, when linked together, formed the apple existing in the physical space where Alice and Bob reside. Furthermore, Alice understands that once the apple is eaten by one person, it cannot be eaten by another. Therefore, Alice concludes that she has suffered a harm. And considering the objective development of the facts, she attributes that damage to Bob. The attribution of damage occurs during a discussion they have in the kitchen of their house, which unfolds as follows:

Alice: -“What the fuck Bob, you ate my fruit again. I want to beat the shit out of you. You better move your ass straight into the fruitshop right now and you bring me two apples or hell is gonna break loose”

To which Bob, seeing that Alice is a bit irritable, and feeling guilty for his previous incorrect action of having deprived Alice of her fruit, heads to the fruitshop, buys two apples with his money, and hands them to Alice with a smile and an apology.

In this way, nature was balanced, a small injustice was resolved, and Alice and Bob can continue to cooperate mutually in peace and with the aim of growing individually as well as in their community. This favorable outcome occurred due to respect for the institution of private property.

Now let's look at a second example. One that involves "intellectual" private property. Charlie is composing a song in a shared area of his co-living space. While experimenting with different sound arrangements over time, Daniel passes by and hears a particular melody that catches his attention and sticks in his memory. Subsequently, Charlie releases a song with that melody, and more or less at the same time, Daniel does the same. Therefore, we arrive at the situation where two product creators have generated content that partially shares certain elements.

Content consumers of Daniel as well as of Charlie can enjoy both compositions indistinctly. Likewise, both Daniel and Charlie can enjoy all the zaps the market sends them, all the fame their songs have created, all the ticket sales for shows that, due to taking place in the physical world, have limitations on reproducibility, all the sales of both physical and digital merchandise, all the fame their works bring them, all the sponsors that fame attracts, all the various future contracts that come their way thanks to their previous works, all the awards they deserve for their works, etc., etc., etc. In summary: each of the digitally supported content creators can enjoy all the fruits that the current and future market grants them as a reward for their contribution to humanity. While at the same time, all users of their works can enjoy the created songs indiscriminately and without limitations.

This happens because in the physical world, when someone eats an apple belonging to another person, the latter is left without eating it. Whereas in the digital world, when someone listens to a song, no one is left without listening to it. For those who want to delve deeper into the glaring contradiction of the fiat intellectual property institute, I recommend any product of the extensive work of Stephan Kinsella. Libertarian lawyer specializing in patents who has developed the topic in a rational, extensive, and sufficiently convincing manner.

--- "Intellectual property is a state monopoly that restricts freedom of expression and innovation." - Stephen Kinsella, in "Against Intellectual Property"

I clarify that I do not suggest that every bitcoiner must necessarily repudiate the fiat institution of intellectual property. We are living through a transition between two worlds, and each person is adapting to the institutions of the new reality at their own pace. Personally, I see that Bitcoin is incompatible with the fiat State and it´s fiat intellectual property racket. In the long run, one of the two will have to change, and it won't be Bitcoin. In the meantime, it is up to each bitcoiner to lean more towards open source code - as Bitcoin does - or towards closed source code, as driven by fiat-state intellectual property laws.

Call to reason

What I do propose as an urgent and essential cultural necessity within the bitcoin community is to avoid resorting to the State to solve problems among bitcoiners. An invitation of a third party that relies on armed goons and professional extortionists to fulfill its purposes is something that can be avoided. Sometimes the most important actions we can take are actually inactions. In matters of dispute resolution, in issues related to how to deal with others, we tend to err more by incorrect actions than by incorrect inactions. The neo-institutions of Bitcoin law, anarcho-capitalism, or crypto-anarchism necessary to resolve disputes without calling for the intervention of unwanted third parties are under development and are another essential element for the recovery of human freedom. Meanwhile, to not initiate force on others should be our guiding principle. With Bitcoin, we managed to remove money from the hands of the States. With Nostr, we managed to remove social networks and public information from the tyrannical and authoritarian control of the narrative. With new institutions based on natural law and rational dispute resolution, we will succeed in removing the power to dispense justice from the hands of the fiat lords.

---

Camilo JdL at 878.992 timechain.

If you find this content helpful, zap it to support more content of the sort and to boost the V4V model.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Dehradun to Uttarkashi cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Varanasi to Ballia cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Varanasi to Ghazipur cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e6c3bcb6:e8781ff3

Book Lucknow to Sitapur cab online at best price. CabBazar provides car rental services for all cab types AC, Non AC, Hatchback, SUV, Sedan, Innova and Tempo Traveller. Both One way drop taxi and round trip cab available at lowest price. Price starts Rs. 9/Km.

@ e1cde248:609c13b0

ในปี 1975 มหาวิทยาลัย Yale ได้ทำการศึกษาจากกลุ่มคนที่มีอายุตั้งแต่ 50 ปีจำนวน 660 คน ในหัวข้อ ความเห็นที่มีต่อ “การสูงวัยขึ้น(aging)”

กลุ่มที่หนึ่ง มีความเห็นและความเชื่อที่เป็นด้านบวก ทั้งในเรื่องสุขภาพ ความคิด ความคาดหวังที่ดี เมื่อแก่ตัวขึ้น

กลุ่มที่สอง มีความเห็นและความเชื่อที่เป็นด้านลบ ประมาณว่า “การออกกำลังกายไม่ได้ทำอะไรให้ดีขึ้นหรอก ยังไงก็ต้องป่วย ต้องตายอยู่ดี”

ปรากฎว่า เมื่อผ่านไป 23 ปี กลุ่มที่หนึ่งมีอายุขัยเฉลี่ยมากกว่ากลุ่มที่สอง ถึง 7.6 ปี ซึ่งเป็นตัวเลขที่แตกต่างกันมาก

การศึกษานี้ต้องการจะบอกอะไรกับเรา?

แน่นอนว่า ผลลัพธ์ทุกอย่าง เกิดขึ้นได้ จากการกระทำ เวลาที่เราวางแผนจะลงมือทำอะไร ล้วนแต่เริ่มต้นจาก การตั้งเป้าหมาย ทั้งสิ้น

แต่คำถามคือ เมื่อบรรลุเป้าหมายแล้ว ยังไงต่อ?

ข้อเสียอย่างหนึ่ง ของการตั้งเป้าหมายโดยมีรากฐานมาจากผลลัพธ์ที่ต้องการ คือ เรามีแนวโน้มที่จะ “หยุดทำ” เมื่อได้ผลลัพธ์ที่ต้องการแล้ว

ยกตัวอย่างเช่น การลดน้ำหนัก เราชอบมองเรื่องของการลดน้ำหนักเป็นเหมือน การจัดแคมเปญ โดยมีช่วงเวลาที่กำหนด และเมื่อบรรลุเป้าหมาย เราก็กลับมามีพฤติกรรมแบบเดิม ซึ่งทำให้น้ำหนักที่ลดลงไป กลับมา

James Clear ผู้เขียนหนังสือชื่อ Atomic Habits ได้กล่าวว่า แค่การวางแผน และลงมือทำ ไม่ได้นำมาซึ่งผลลัพธ์ที่ยั่งยืน

แต่สิ่งที่สำคัญกว่า ที่เราต้องทำคือ การกำหนดตัวตนของเราใหม่

เวลาที่เราต้องการลดน้ำหนัก 10 กิโล ให้เรามองลึกลงไปกว่าการวางแผนเรื่องการกิน และการออกกำลังกาย

แต่ให้ตั้งเป้าหมายว่า

“ต่อไปนี้ฉันจะเป็นคนที่ เลือกกินที่แต่ของที่มีประโยชน์ และจะออกกำลังกายสม่ำเสมอ” “ฉันไม่ใช่คนที่ชอบกินขนมและของที่มีน้ำตาลสูง” “ฉันเป็นนักกีฬาที่เข้มงวดต่อตารางฝึกซ้อม”

การกำหนดตัวตนของเราใหม่ เป็นเหมือนการปรับเปลี่ยน Mindset ถ้าเรา “โฟกัส” ลงไปที่แก่นของพฤติกรรมแล้ว “ผลลัพธ์” แบบที่เราต้องการจะมาเอง และยั่งยืนกว่า

การศึกษาของมหาวิทยาลัย Yale เป็นข้อพิสูจน์ของเรื่องนี้ได้อย่างดี เพราะกลุ่มคนที่มีความเชื่อที่เป็นด้านบวก จะให้ความสำคัญต่อการออกกำลังกายมากขึ้น หยุดกินเหล้า หยุดสูบบุหรี่ และใช้เวลาอยู่กับคนที่มีมุมมองเป็นบวกเหมือนกัน

เมื่อเราได้ติดสินใจแล้วว่า คนแบบไหนที่เราต้องการจะเป็น พฤติกรรมต่างๆในชีวิตประจำวันของเราจะค่อยๆ เปลี่ยนไป และจะยิ่งเห็นผลชัดเจนขึ้นเรื่อยๆในระยะยาว

เรา คือผลลัพธ์ของ สิ่งที่เราลงมือทำ

เรา คือผลลัพธ์ของ การตัดสินใจของเรา

@ fbf0e434:e1be6a39

Hackathon 总结

JAMHacks 8 于滑铁卢大学举办，汇集了高中生开发者在6月7日至9日的36小时活动中创造了40个项目。Hackathon 的目标是让科技社区对高中学生更加开放，在E7大楼提供了各种面对面的研讨会和活动。这次 hackathon 在不同类别中展示了创新项目，包括最佳新手 Hack、最佳硬件 Hack 和最佳区块链 Hack，促进了技术创造力和技能发展。

著名奖项包括为一等奖得主颁发的 Instax Mini 胶片相机和迷你音箱，其他奖项则有 Arduino 套件和 Keychron 键盘等。专门的赛道如 Adobe Express 挑战激发了创造性扩展，而 MATLAB 和 TinyMCE 等工具的工作坊则促进了学习。活动表彰了在区块链领域如 Starknet 的创新，以及创意和技术卓越。Hackathon 有效地培养了新技能、想法和联系，最终在不同兴趣领域产生了多样的技术进步。

Hackathon 获奖者

Overall Top Prize Winners

• TouchUp：使用 Holo-Touch 技术和 AI 模型将普通设备转换为触摸屏，基于手势控制。它利用了 MediaPipe、OpenCV 和 Pynput。
• Signematic：提供媒体的即时手语翻译，通过机器学习和手势模型提高可访问性，使用 Beautiful Soup、Three.js 和 Node.js。
• FITRIS：将健身与游戏相结合，使用 OpenCV 将锻炼动作转化为俄罗斯方块控制，构建于 Flask 后端和 React JS 前端。

Hardware Track Prize Winner

• BioTron: 自动化植物浇水系统，利用AI和TCP/IP协议实现高效的植物维护，设计有自浇水花盆和热插拔模块。

Beginner Track Prize Winner

• gnome biome: 一个帮助管理压力的健康网站，提供AI地精建议，结合 TinyMCE 进行笔记和情绪月历跟踪。

Solo Developer Track Prize Winner

• Dreamweaver: 一个探索梦境干预的游戏，玩家通过洞察功能影响梦境事件。

Marketing Track Prize Winner

• Geese S.H.E.E.T.: 通过附在衬衫上的IP摄像头检测鹅粪，使用 Python 脚本搭载 Roboflow 和 Fusion 进行模型训练。

Game Development Track Prize Winner

• Mind-Mart: 一个通过引人入胜的游戏机制提高心理健康意识的教育游戏，展示与状况相关的场景。

Blockchain Track Prize Winner

• Doctors On Dial: 基于区块链的平台，用于安全、高效的医疗数据传输，使用 MatLabs、NEAR 和 JavaScript，包括用于癌症检测的 AI 分析。

Best Use of Near Protocol Prize Winner

• YapChain: 基于 NEAR 的去中心化社交媒体平台，设计用于安全、匿名的数据管理，提供独特的用户体验和区块链集成。

Best Warp/Dev Tool Prize Winner

• GripGuardian: 通过传感器提供手部健康分析的符合人体工学的鼠标，实时姿势反馈通过全面的网络应用提供。

Best Use of TinyMCE Prize Winner

• MemorEase: 通过记忆日记的数字可视化增强痴呆症患者的社会连接，利用 OpenAI API 和 vis.js 进行视觉图表化。

Best Use of Adobe API Prize Winner

• Signematic

Best Use of Starknet Prize Winner

• UNiDLoan: 是一个区块链应用，连接学生和投资者提供研究贷款，使用 Next.js、MongoDB 和 NEAR 代币进行安全交易。

Best Use of MATLAB Prize Winner

• AnyJAMS: 实时工具演奏评估的卡拉OK，使用 Flask 和 MATLAB，通过 xcorr 等高级算法提供表演反馈。

查看 JAMHacks 8 的所有创新项目，请访问官方网站。

关于组织者

JAMHacks

JAMHacks 是一个积极的组织，致力于通过动手技术项目促进高中生的创新。凭借对包容性和技能培养的承诺，JAMHacks 主办的活动有超过200名学生参与，共同协作创造性技术解决方案。通过提供研讨会和指导，组织帮助参与者专注于项目开发，强调学习、连接和创新。JAMHacks 继续培育年轻人才，为他们在未来的科技成功做准备。欲了解更多信息，请访问其网站 jamhacks.ca。

@ fbf0e434:e1be6a39

Hackathon 总结

AI × Climate Hackathon for NYC Climate Week 集结了36位参与者，用AI驱动的解决方案解决气候问题。活动与Betaworks合作组织，作为纽约气候周的一部分，致力于在六小时内开发AI原型和商业模型。Hackathon共产生了18个项目，重点解决数据中心的能耗降低、城市可持续性的地理空间分析，以及利用LLMs进行气候教育等挑战。

参与者在活动前或活动期间组成团队，努力创造有影响力的AI驱动解决方案。评审标准优先考虑项目的可扩展性、可行性、研究的稳健性、创新性和AI的应用。评委根据项目减少温室气体排放的潜力和实践适用性对提交作品进行评估。

此次活动为AI开发者和可持续发展专家提供了一个合作平台，以设计解决重大气候挑战的解决方案。Betaworks、The Navigation Fund、Hack for Earth和Dorahacks等合作伙伴增强了活动的影响力及参与度，推动气候相关领域的创新。

Hackathon 获奖者

Overall Winner & LLMs as a Climate Educator Prize Winners

• ePUE - 一项针对数据中心的创新，引入了Enriched Power Usage Effectiveness (ePUE)。该工具结合地区能源结构和排放，使效率和可持续性影响的评估更加全面。

Slashing Energy Use in Data Centers Prize Winners

• ePUE 详细信息可在此处查看。

Geospatial Analysis for Urban Sustainability Prize Winners

• TECH-E: Co-pilot for clean energy technician - 基于AI的解决方案，加速家用电气化方面清洁能源技术人员的培训和生产力。
• UrbanScan Solutions - 利用卫星图像、热数据和AI技术帮助开发人员通过优化建筑改造以实现可持续性来减少排放，并符合Local Law 97标准。

欲了解更多详情，请访问Hackathon页面。

关于组织者

Climate Hackathon NYC

Climate Hackathon NYC专注于通过创新技术解决环境挑战。通过与开发者和行业专业人士网络的合作，组织运用区块链来推进可持续发展倡议。通过动态活动和合作项目，Climate Hackathon NYC构建了一个致力于技术驱动气候行动的社区，展示了新兴技术在解决全球环境问题上的变革潜力。这使得该组织在生态科技进步上处于领先地位。

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

Hackathon Summary

JAMHacks 8, held at the University of Waterloo, brought together high school developers who crafted 40 projects during the 36-hour event from June 7 to June 9. The hackathon aimed to make the tech community more accessible for high school students, offering various in-person workshops and activities at the E7 building. It showcased innovative projects across categories such as Best Beginner Hack, Best Hardware Hack, and Best Blockchain Hack, promoting technical creativity and skill development.

Notable awards included Instax Mini Film Cameras and Mini Speakers for first-place winners, while others received prizes like Arduino Kits and Keychron Keyboards. Specialized tracks, such as the Adobe Express challenge, spurred creative extensions, while workshops on tools like MATLAB and TinyMCE facilitated learning. Recognizing both creative and technical excellence, the event included awards for innovations in areas like blockchain with Starknet. The hackathon effectively fostered new skills, ideas, and connections, culminating in diverse technological advances across different interests.

Hackathon Winners

Overall Top Prize Winners

• TouchUp: Converts standard devices to touch-screen using Holo-Touch technology and AI models for hand gesture control. It leverages MediaPipe, OpenCV, and Pynput.
• Signematic: Provides real-time sign language translation for media, enhancing accessibility through machine learning and gesture models, using Beautiful Soup, Three.js, and Node.js.
• FITRIS: Integrates fitness with gaming, using OpenCV to convert exercise movements into Tetris controls, built with a Flask backend and React JS frontend.

Hardware Track Prize Winner

• BioTron: An automated plant-watering system utilizing AI and TCP/IP protocols for efficient plant maintenance, designed with self-watering planters and hot-swappable modules.

Beginner Track Prize Winner

• gnome biome: A wellness site aiding stress management with AI gnome advice, incorporating TinyMCE for note-taking and emotional tracking with a mood calendar.

Solo Developer Track Prize Winner

• Dreamweaver: A game that explores dream intervention where players influence dream events using foresight functionality.

Marketing Track Prize Winner

• Geese S.H.E.E.T.: Detects geese droppings via a shirt-attached IP camera, employing Python scripts using Roboflow and Fusion for model training.

Game Development Track Prize Winner

• Mind-Mart: An educative game enhancing mental health awareness, utilizing engaging game mechanics to portray condition-related scenarios.

Blockchain Track Prize Winner

• Doctors On Dial: A blockchain-based platform for secure, efficient medical data transfer, using MatLabs, NEAR, and JavaScript, including AI analysis for cancer detection.

Best Use of Near Protocol Prize Winner

• YapChain: A decentralized social media platform on NEAR designed for secure, anonymous data management, offering unique user experiences with blockchain integration.

Best Warp/Dev Tool Prize Winner

• GripGuardian: An ergonomic mouse that provides hand health analytics through sensors, offering real-time posture feedback via a comprehensive web application.

Best Use of TinyMCE Prize Winner

• MemorEase: Enhances social connections for those with dementia through digital visualization of memory journals, utilizing the OpenAI API and vis.js for visual graphing.

Best Use of Adobe API Prize Winner

• Signematic

Best Use of Starknet Prize Winner

• UNiDLoan: A blockchain application connecting students with investors for research loans, using Next.js, MongoDB, and NEAR tokens for secure transactions.

Best Use of MATLAB Prize Winner

• AnyJAMS: Karaoke with real-time instrument performance evaluation using Flask and MATLAB, providing performance feedback through advanced algorithms like xcorr.

To view all the innovative projects from JAMHacks 8, visit the official page.

About the Organizer

JAMHacks

JAMHacks is a proactive organization focused on fostering innovation among high school students through hands-on technology projects. With a commitment to inclusivity and skill-building, JAMHacks hosts events where over 200 students collaborate on creative technological solutions. By offering workshops and mentorship, the organization empowers participants to concentrate on project development, emphasizing learning, connection, and innovation. JAMHacks continues to nurture young talent, preparing them for future success in technology. For more information, visit their website at jamhacks.ca.

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

Hackathon Summary

The AI × Climate Hackathon for NYC Climate Week brought together 36 participants to tackle climate issues with AI-driven solutions. Organized in partnership with Betaworks, the event was part of NYC Climate Week and aimed at developing AI prototypes and business models over a six-hour duration. The hackathon resulted in 18 projects that focused on challenges such as reducing energy consumption in data centers, conducting geospatial analysis for urban sustainability, and utilizing LLMs for climate education.

Participants formed teams either prior to or during the event, striving to create impactful AI-driven solutions. The judging criteria prioritized the project's scalability, feasibility, robustness of research, innovation, and the application of AI. Judges assessed submissions based on their potential to reduce greenhouse gases and practical applicability.

The event provided a collaborative platform for AI developers and sustainability experts to design solutions addressing significant climate challenges. Partners such as Betaworks, The Navigation Fund, Hack for Earth, and Dorahacks enhanced the event's impact and participation, promoting innovation in climate-related fields.

Hackathon Winners

Overall Winner & LLMs as a Climate Educator Prize Winners

• ePUE - An innovation for data centers that introduces Enriched Power Usage Effectiveness (ePUE). This tool incorporates regional energy mixes and emissions, allowing for comprehensive evaluation of efficiency and sustainability impacts.

Slashing Energy Use in Data Centers Prize Winners

• ePUE Detailed information is provided here.

Geospatial Analysis for Urban Sustainability Prize Winners

• TECH-E: Co-pilot for clean energy technician - An AI-based solution to accelerate the training and productivity of clean energy technicians, specifically in home electrification.
• UrbanScan Solutions - Utilizes satellite imagery, thermal data, and AI technologies to help developers reduce emissions and meet Local Law 97 standards by optimizing building retrofits for sustainability.

For more details, explore all projects at the Hackathon page.

About the Organizer

Climate Hackathon NYC

Climate Hackathon NYC focuses on addressing environmental challenges through innovative technologies. By collaborating with a network of developers and industry professionals, the organization leverages blockchain to advance sustainability initiatives. Through dynamic events and collaborative projects, Climate Hackathon NYC builds a community dedicated to tech-driven climate action, demonstrating the transformative potential of emerging technologies in solving global environmental issues. This positions the organization at the forefront of eco-centric technological advancements.

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

0. BUIDL AI

In the age of AI, where technology moves faster than our ability to comprehend its implications, DoraHacks stands at the intersection of creation and disruption. It is not just a platform; it is a movement—a global network of individuals solving fascinating problems, building the boldest ideas, and pushing the limits of what’s possible. DoraHacks is also on a trajectory to become the most significant Agentic Community Platform in the world, automating hackathons, and open-source communities across the globe.

1. Everyone will be a Hacker

Let’s start with a fundamental shift in understanding. The term “hacker” has long been burdened by the weight of misconception. Too often, it evokes images of shady figures hunched over keyboards, hacking into systems in the dead of night. But in truth, the hacker is something entirely different—and far more important.

A hacker is a builder. A creator. Someone who, when faced with a problem, doesn’t wait for permission or perfect conditions. Instead, they use ingenuity, resourcefulness, and relentless curiosity to solve it.

When DoraHacks launched in 2014, it embraced this ethos wholeheartedly. Its mission was to unite hackers worldwide to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges. These hackers weren’t confined to coders; they included designers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and anyone driven by a desire to create meaningful change.

Fast forward to 2025, and we’re witnessing a seismic shift in how work and innovation are done. AI is automating the repetitive and mundane, from office tasks to driving, freeing humanity to focus on the creative and the essential. In this new world, everyone will be a hacker—leveraging AI to build, design, and solve problems that matter. DoraHacks, already the world’s largest hacker ecosystem with over 200,000 builders, is perfectly positioned to scale this movement a thousandfold.

2. From Hacker Movement to Freedom of BUIDL

DoraHacks has always been a platform for builders, but its vision extends far beyond hackathons and prize pools. At its core lies a principle that has the power to reshape the world: Freedom of BUIDL.

Freedom of BUIDL is more than the ability to create. It is the removal of barriers—geographical, financial, institutional—that prevent people from realizing their potential. The extraordinary success of Silicon Valley over the last century was built on precisely this freedom: a culture and infrastructure that allowed the world’s brightest minds to converge, collaborate, and innovate without limits.

However, this opportunity is not distributed equally. A young builder in rural Africa, a student in Southeast Asia, or a refugee in Europe may have the talent and drive to build transformative solutions but lack the resources or networks to do so. DoraHacks aims to democratize innovation by creating a global platform where anyone, anywhere, can participate in the Freedom of BUIDL.

Consider this: a team in Nairobi uses AI to design sustainable energy grids, collaborating with developers in Berlin and advisors in Silicon Valley—all made possible by DoraHacks. This is not the future; it’s happening now. And it’s just the beginning.

3. The Cutting Edge of the Cutting Edge

What makes DoraHacks unique is not just its scale but its relentless focus on the frontier of open-source technology. From application-specific blockchains to quantum computing software infrastructures and open-source space technology, DoraHacks has consistently championed what’s next.

In 2025, projects using decentralized governance models powered by intelligent agents will begin to emerge, transforming the way open-source communities coordinate and the way new technologies accelerate, from consumer appchains to decentralized social media, from memes to quantum software, from biohacks to open-source space tech.

In the years to come, DoraHacks has the potential be the birthplace of many of the world’s most transformative open-source platform technologies. It will be the launchpad for breakthroughs that redefine how we live, work, and connect.

4. BUIDL AI: The Intelligence Behind the Ecosystem

At the heart of this transformation lies BUIDL AI, one of DoraHacks’ most ambitious undertakings yet. As the hacker ecosystem grows, so too does the complexity of its needs. Builders require mentorship, funding, collaborators, and access to cutting-edge tools. BUIDL AI is the intelligence layer that makes this possible.

Imagine an AI that doesn’t just analyze trends but anticipates them, matching hackers with the exact resources, mentors, and collaborators they need at the right time, helping them to join the BUIDL teams that best fit their skill sets and aspirations. Imagine a system that optimizes resource allocation across tens of thousands of projects, ensuring that the most promising ideas get the support they deserve. This is not speculative; it’s the foundation DoraHacks is building today.

As these tools mature, they will enable DoraHacks to evolve into a full-fledged Agentic Community Platform—one that operates with the intelligence, speed, and adaptability required to shape the future.

5. Conclusion: Building for the Builders of Tomorrow

When the creators of Doraemon imagined a robot that could solve any problem, they were unknowingly inspiring a generation to dream bigger. Today, DoraHacks takes up that mantle, not as fiction but as a reality: a platform where the builders of the future are empowered to create the tools, technologies, and systems that will change everything.

We stand at the crossroads of a new era. AI, blockchain, and quantum computing are converging, new frontiers are opening, and the opportunities are boundless. DoraHacks will be there, championing the hackers, builders, and dreamers who dare to take humanity’s next leap forward.

In the end, the future belongs to the builders. And the world they build will be extraordinary.

@ e0921d61:e0fe7bd5

My reading list for 2025 consists of 15 books in 4 categories

• Islam
• Economics
• Civilization/History
• And René Guénon gets his own category 😂

Economics list:

• Epistemological Problems of Economics by Ludwig von Mises

The title seems intriguing and I've been meaning to read this for a while. My favorite chapter in human action is the one where Mises talks about the epistemological problems, so I'm hoping he expands on it here.

• Abundance, Generosity, and the State: An Inquiry into Economic Principles by Jörg Guido Hülsmann

This is from the same author that wrote one of my all time favorite "Bitcoin book", the Ethics of Money Production. This one explores charity from the Austrian perspective, and there's a really good podcast episode that Steophan Livera did with Hülsmann about this book.

• The Economics and Ethics of Private Property: Studies in Political Economy and Philosophy by Hans-Hermann Hoppe

I'm planning to read every Hoppe book, so this one had to go on the list.

• Why Minsky Matters: An Introduction to the Work of a Maverick Economist by L. Randall Wray

I've been meaning to read this for a while now, it was recommend to me by Ibn Maghrebi (nostr:npub1chmhgx9nwxdpwv6jj6qs257fwzrhtsjh2egvyvqq3rmzfy8cd5fq4nr4y5). Looks interesting and I wonder how similar Minsky's views are compared to Austrian Economics.

Islam list

• Reforming Modernity: Ethics and the New Human in the Philosophy of Abdurrahman Taha by Wael Hallaq

I want to read more Hallaq since reading the Impossible State, and this seems like something I'd enjoy, and it supposedly helps bring more context for the next book in this list.

• God's property: Islam, Charity, and the Modern State by Nada Moumtaz

I've had this book in my reading list for a while. The history of charity in Islamic civilizations is a fascinating topic to me.

• Islam between East and West 'Aiija 'Ali Izetbegovic

I actually don't know anything about this book other than seeing many folks on MT reference it a lot. Seems like something I must read.

• The Reconstruction of Religious Thought in Islam by Muhammad Iqbal

Got this one off the SAIF reading list.

Civilization/History List

• Energy and Civilization: A History by Vaclav Smil

Seems like an interesting book about energy

• Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations by David R. Montgomery

I've had this on my reading list for a while, and I find the subject of soil to be fascinating. Seems interesting.

• The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History by Ibn Khaldun

I'm ashamed to admit that I still haven't read this book. It's referenced a lot in other books talking about history and civilization. It's time for me to read this.

• The Time of the Bedouin: on the Politics of power by Ian Dallas

Ian Dallas is Shaykh Abdalqadir As-Sufi, and I want to read more of his works, as he understood the scope and nature of the Riba money problem long before I was even born!

René Guénon list

I've been meaning to read Guénon for a while now, and I don't know much about his philosophy but I've liked the few quotes I've read on certain Twitter threads. I'm very interested in how he approaches criticizing modernity.

• East and West

• The Crisis of the Modern World

• The Reign of Quantity & the Signs of the Times

And that's it. I'm hopeful I can get through all 15 books this year inshaAllah.

@ 58937958:545e6994

I made croquettes inspired by Spiral's character "Bitcoin (Puppet)."

The method is the same as making regular croquettes. I also tried making a version (right) with the arms and legs attached while shaping the filling, but they fell off before I could coat them in flour.

The face is made with seaweed and sliced cheese. The arms and legs are made with fish cake (hanpen). I brushed soy sauce on the legs and lightly toasted them in a toaster, which gave them a brown color.

The arms and legs are attached using thin spaghetti. When I searched for character-themed bentos (kyaraben), I came across the idea of using dried pasta, which made sense. I used fried spaghetti sticks for attachment.

Here’s Bitcoin Croquette squished into a bento box:

Halving

Notes

• I tried freezing the filling to help it hold its shape, but it backfired. It stuck to the plate and the cooking paper, and once partially thawed, it became way too watery. Freezing might work with better preparation.
• The filling was quite dry when shaping, so it might be better to add a binder (this time, I only used potatoes and sautéed onions).

The shape of Bitcoin Puppet was really easy and fun to make, so I’d love to try creating something else next time!

nostr:nevent1qqsxgpjvf9g9suhzx5asqhvnlvnarl43kuhas8v5g2ryjr9yjjp0z5ctkh5pt

@ 58937958:545e6994

Spiralのキャラクター「ビットコイン（パペット）」のコロッケを作りました

作り方は一般的なコロッケです 試しにタネの状態で手足をくっつけたバージョン（右）も作りましたが 粉をつける前に手足がもげました

顔はのりとスライスチーズ 手足ははんぺんです 足は醤油をつけてトースターで軽く焼いたら茶色になりました

手足はサラスパでくっつけてます 細いスパゲッティ キャラ弁でググったらサラスパが出てきてなるほどな～と思いました 自分は揚げパスタにして刺しました

弁当箱に押し込まれてるコロッケくん

半減期

メモ

• タネを作った時に形を保たせるために冷凍してみたんですけど逆効果だった（皿とクッキングペーパーにくっついて取れなくなった＆半解凍したら水分がすごいことになった）ので冷凍するなら対策が必要そう
• 形作るときにかなりパサパサだったので、つなぎがあった方がいいのかも（今回はじゃがいも＆炒めタマネギだけ）

ビットコインくんの形はすごく作りやすくて面白いのでまた何か作りたいなぁと思いました

nostr:nevent1qqsxgpjvf9g9suhzx5asqhvnlvnarl43kuhas8v5g2ryjr9yjjp0z5ctkh5pt

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Table Of Content

• Nomura's Strategic Move into the Crypto Space

• Details of the Laser Digital Bitcoin Adoption Fund

• Why Institutional Investors are Flocking to Bitcoin

• The Future of Bitcoin and Institutional Involvement

• Conclusion

• FAQ

Nomura's Strategic Move into the Crypto Space

Nomura, a financial giant with a storied history, has always been at the forefront of financial innovation. Recognizing the potential of the crypto market, especially Bitcoin, Nomura has made strategic moves to establish a strong foothold in this burgeoning sector. Their latest initiative, the introduction of a dedicated Bitcoin fund, is a testament to their commitment to this space. By launching this fund, Nomura is not only catering to the growing demand from institutional investors but also solidifying its position as a forward-thinking financial institution.

Details of the Laser Digital Bitcoin Adoption Fund

The "Laser Digital Bitcoin Adoption fund" is designed to provide long-only exposure to Bitcoin. This means that the fund will only buy and hold Bitcoin, without engaging in any short-selling. Such a strategy is indicative of Nomura's bullish outlook on the cryptocurrency. The fund aims to tap into the potential long-term growth of Bitcoin, offering investors a chance to benefit from any upward price movements. Moreover, by providing a structured and regulated way to invest in Bitcoin, Nomura is addressing one of the primary concerns of institutional investors: security and compliance.

Why Institutional Investors are Flocking to Bitcoin

There are several reasons why institutional investors are showing keen interest in Bitcoin:

Diversification: Bitcoin, being a non-correlated asset, offers portfolio diversification. In times of traditional market volatility, Bitcoin can act as a hedge.

Potential for High Returns: Despite its volatility, Bitcoin has shown the potential for significant returns, outperforming many traditional assets in the past decade.

Increasing Acceptance: As more businesses and financial institutions accept Bitcoin, its utility and value proposition increase.

Inflation Hedge: With central banks around the world printing money at an unprecedented rate, there are genuine concerns about inflation. Bitcoin, with its capped supply, is seen by many as a hedge against inflationary pressures.

The Future of Bitcoin and Institutional Involvement

The involvement of institutions in the Bitcoin market is not a fleeting trend. It represents a fundamental shift in how the financial world perceives digital assets. As regulatory clarity improves and the infrastructure around cryptocurrency trading and custody matures, more institutions are expected to enter the space.

Nomura's dedicated Bitcoin fund is just the beginning. As the market grows, we can expect more sophisticated financial products centered around Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. These will not only provide institutional investors with more tools to leverage their positions but also contribute to the overall stability and maturity of the crypto market.

Conclusion

The launch of Nomura's "Laser Digital Bitcoin Adoption fund" is a significant milestone in the ongoing institutional adoption of Bitcoin. It underscores the growing importance of digital assets in the financial landscape and hints at a future where Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are an integral part of any diversified investment portfolio.

FAQ

What is Nomura's new crypto initiative? Nomura has introduced the "Laser Digital Bitcoin Adoption fund," a dedicated fund providing long-only exposure to Bitcoin.

Who is the target audience for this fund? The fund primarily targets institutional investors looking to invest in Bitcoin in a structured and regulated manner.

What does "long-only exposure" mean? It means the fund will buy and hold Bitcoin without engaging in short-selling, focusing on potential long-term growth.

Why are institutional investors interested in Bitcoin? Institutional investors see Bitcoin as a valuable addition to their portfolios for diversification, potential high returns, increasing acceptance, and as an inflation hedge.

Is this a temporary trend in the financial world? No, the involvement of institutions in the Bitcoin market represents a fundamental shift in the perception of digital assets, indicating a long-term trend.

That's all for today

If you want more, be sure to follow us on:

NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com

X: @croxroadnews

Instagram: @croxroadnews.co

Youtube: @croxroadnews

Store: https://croxroad.store

Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter

https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe

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.

@ fd06f542:8d6d54cd

nostr的 密码是规则生成的，用户都在本地生成，无需存放到服务器。用户暴露自己的pubkey就可以。 理论上是安全的。生成的账户无需任何你的其他信息，安全可靠。

Mastodon， 还是需要注册，把密码存储到他的服务器上。

nostr 任何人都可以获取relay服务器上数据。大部分服务器任何人都可以存取数据。 这种开创了 开放服务器数据的方法，使得每个开发者在这里都是公平的。只有你有足够的创意，你可以成为nostr建设的主人。

到目前位置，我没有见过哪个社区有这样的好的创意了。

@ fd06f542:8d6d54cd

为什么已经有那么多 JavaScript 客户端，还需要一个 Python 客户端？ Python 客户端的存在主要是为了满足特定场景的需求，尤其是将 Nostr 协议无缝集成到爬虫和 AI 应用中。

Python 在爬虫领域的广泛应用 Python 是爬虫开发的首选语言，拥有丰富的库和工具（如 Scrapy、BeautifulSoup 等）。通过 Python 版本的 Nostr 客户端，开发者可以轻松将爬虫与 Nostr 协议连接，实现数据的实时抓取和推送。这种无缝集成使得 Nostr 成为爬虫场景中的最佳选择。

AI 与 Nostr 的深度结合 当前，AI 技术（如翻译、摘要生成、阅读理解等）已经广泛应用于各种场景。通过 Python 客户端，开发者可以将 Nostr 的内容与 AI 服务无缝对接。例如，利用 AI API 对 Nostr 消息进行实时翻译或摘要生成，从而提升用户体验。因此，Python 版本的 Nostr 客户端是实现这一目标的必然选择。

总结 Python 客户端的引入，不仅扩展了 Nostr 协议的应用场景，还为爬虫和 AI 开发者提供了强大的工具支持。无论是数据抓取还是智能处理，Python 客户端都能让 Nostr 协议在更多领域发挥其价值。

@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

I’ve been using Notedeck for several months, starting with its extremely early and experimental alpha versions, all the way to its current, more stable alpha releases. The journey has been fascinating, as I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve from a concept into a functional and promising tool.

In its earliest stages, Notedeck was raw—offering glimpses of its potential but still far from practical for daily use. Even then, the vision behind it was clear: a platform designed to redefine how we interact with Nostr by offering flexibility and power for all users.

I'm very bullish on Notedeck. Why? Because Will Casarin is making it! Duh! 😂

Seriously though, if we’re reimagining the web and rebuilding portions of the Internet, it’s important to recognize the potential of Notedeck. If Nostr is reimagining the web, then Notedeck is reimagining the Nostr client.

Notedeck isn’t just another Nostr app—it’s more a Nostr browser that functions more like an operating system with micro-apps. How cool is that?

Much like how Google's Chrome evolved from being a web browser with a task manager into ChromeOS, a full blown operating system, Notedeck aims to transform how we interact with the Nostr. It goes beyond individual apps, offering a foundation for a fully integrated ecosystem built around Nostr.

As a Nostr evangelist, I love to scream INTEROPERABILITY and tout every application's integrations. Well, Notedeck has the potential to be one of the best platforms to showcase these integrations in entirely new and exciting ways.

Do you want an Olas feed of images? Add the media column.

Do you want a feed of live video events? Add the zap.stream column.

Do you want Nostr Nests or audio chats? Add that column to your Notedeck.

Git? Email? Books? Chat and DMs? It's all possible.

Not everyone wants a super app though, and that’s okay. As with most things in the Nostr ecosystem, flexibility is key. Notedeck gives users the freedom to choose how they engage with it—whether it’s simply following hashtags or managing straightforward feeds. You'll be able to tailor Notedeck to fit your needs, using it as extensively or minimally as you prefer.

Notedeck is designed with a local-first approach, utilizing Nostr content stored directly on your device via the local nostrdb. This will enable a plethora of advanced tools such as search and filtering, the creation of custom feeds, and the ability to develop personalized algorithms across multiple Notedeck micro-applications—all with unparalleled flexibility.

Notedeck also supports multicast. Let's geek out for a second. Multicast is a method of communication where data is sent from one source to multiple destinations simultaneously, but only to devices that wish to receive the data. Unlike broadcast, which sends data to all devices on a network, multicast targets specific receivers, reducing network traffic. This is commonly used for efficient data distribution in scenarios like streaming, conferencing, or large-scale data synchronization between devices.

In a local first world where each device holds local copies of your nostr nodes, and each device transparently syncs with each other on the local network, each node becomes a backup. Your data becomes antifragile automatically. When a node goes down it can resync and recover from other nodes. Even if not all nodes have a complete collection, negentropy can pull down only what is needed from each device. All this can be done without internet.

-Will Casarin

In the context of Notedeck, multicast would allow multiple devices to sync their Nostr nodes with each other over a local network without needing an internet connection. Wild.

Notedeck aims to offer full customization too, including the ability to design and share custom skins, much like Winamp. Users will also be able to create personalized columns and, in the future, share their setups with others. This opens the door for power users to craft tailored Nostr experiences, leveraging their expertise in the protocol and applications. By sharing these configurations as "Starter Decks," they can simplify onboarding and showcase the best of Nostr’s ecosystem.

Nostr’s “Other Stuff” can often be difficult to discover, use, or understand. Many users doesn't understand or know how to use web browser extensions to login to applications. Let's not even get started with nsecbunkers. Notedeck will address this challenge by providing a native experience that brings these lesser-known applications, tools, and content into a user-friendly and accessible interface, making exploration seamless. However, that doesn't mean Notedeck should disregard power users that want to use nsecbunkers though - hint hint.

For anyone interested in watching Nostr be developed live, right before your very eyes, Notedeck’s progress serves as a reminder of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication. The current alpha is already demonstrating its ability to handle complex use cases, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow as it moves toward a full release later this year.

@ f9c0ea75:44e849f4

For decades, Silicon Valley has been synonymous with innovation, and Wall Street has been the epicenter of economic power. Together, they shaped the modern world, attracting the brightest minds from top universities. Graduates once dreamed of launching startups, landing venture capital (VC) deals, or securing prestigious jobs in finance, believing that these industries were the engines of progress.

But as we enter 2025, the cracks in these once-revered institutions are undeniable. Silicon Valley and Wall Street, rather than pushing the boundaries of technological and financial evolution, have become disconnected from reality.

The truth is, these industries have not "exited the matrix." They have become prisoners of their own speculative cycles, artificial monetary systems, and short-term financial engineering. They thrive on hype and illusion rather than building anything of real value for society. And perhaps most significantly, they continue to dismiss Bitcoin—the one innovation that directly challenges the fiat-based foundation they stand on.

---

The Rise: From Innovation to Speculation

For much of the 20th and early 21st centuries, technology and finance were forces of real change.

• The 1980s–1990s: The rise of personal computing, the internet, and Wall Street’s financial expansion created unprecedented opportunities.
• The 2000s: The dot-com bubble burst but was followed by Web 2.0, mobile computing, and a boom in financial derivatives—setting the stage for the 2008 financial crisis.
• The 2010s: Silicon Valley reached peak influence with AI, social media, cloud computing, and the gig economy. Meanwhile, central banks printed trillions to "save" the economy, further detaching financial markets from real-world productivity.

Fast forward to today, and it's clear that both industries have lost their way.

---

The Fall: The Great Disconnection from Reality

### \ 1. Short-Term Thinking Over Long-Term Value

\ Silicon Valley claims to be about innovation, but today, it's mostly about speculation. Startups chase VC funding, aiming for rapid growth and an IPO rather than sustainable business models.

The problem extends to public companies as well. Stock buybacks, manipulated earnings reports, and short-term profit incentives dominate decision-making, sidelining real technological advancements.

2. The Financialization of Everything

\ The financial industry is no longer about allocating capital efficiently—it's about maximizing short-term gains. Markets are driven by quantitative trading algorithms, leveraged positions, and central bank policies rather than real economic fundamentals.

Silicon Valley has followed suit. Companies no longer prioritize profits but rather "growth metrics" to justify higher valuations. Business models rely on cheap debt and endless capital injections, creating an illusion of stability.

3. The Fiat Mentality: Creating Illusions Instead of Value

\ Both tech and finance have embraced a "fiat mentality"—the idea that value can be manufactured without real-world backing.

This is evident in:

• The NFT and crypto hype cycles, where billions are funneled into digital assets with no inherent utility.
• Silicon Valley startups burning cash endlessly, propped up by speculative VC money rather than genuine market demand.
• Financial markets defying economic fundamentals, rising even as debt levels skyrocket and productivity stagnates.

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in 2023 was a warning. The bank failed because it operated on the assumption that interest rates would remain low forever. The industry ignored economic fundamentals, choosing instead to bet on infinite liquidity.

Yet, rather than acknowledging the flaws in the system, the response was predictable: more bailouts, more money printing, more denial.

---

The Industry’s Biggest Blind Spot: Bitcoin

If there’s one thing that exposes the flaws of the modern financial and tech industries, it’s Bitcoin. And yet, Silicon Valley and Wall Street continue to misunderstand it.

1. They Confuse Bitcoin with "Crypto"

Silicon Valley lumps Bitcoin into the same category as speculative crypto tokens, meme coins, and NFT projects. They fail to see that Bitcoin is fundamentally different—it is decentralized, permissionless, and operates on a fixed monetary supply, unlike fiat currencies or VC-backed blockchain projects.

2. They Underestimate Its Monetary Revolution Finance

professionals dismiss Bitcoin because they are too invested in the fiat system. The very institutions that dominate global finance—central banks, commercial banks, and hedge funds—are threatened by a monetary system that operates outside their control.

Bitcoin is not just another asset; it is a paradigm shift. It removes reliance on central banks, eliminates counterparty risk, and offers financial sovereignty in a world where fiat currencies are continuously debased.

3. They Ignore the Reality of the Debt-Driven System

The global economy runs on an unsustainable debt-based model. Governments and corporations rely on constant money printing to sustain growth, leading to asset bubbles and financial instability. Bitcoin exposes this because it operates on absolute scarcity—there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin.

Wall Street and Silicon Valley refuse to acknowledge this reality because doing so would force them to confront the weaknesses of their own industries.

---

Bitcoin and the Exit from the Matrix

The industries that once defined the future—tech and finance—have ironically failed to recognize the most important technological advancement of our time. They are too focused on short-term profits and centralized control to understand that the future of money will not be dictated by governments or banks—it will be dictated by individuals choosing financial independence.

Silicon Valley and Wall Street have built an empire based on leverage, speculation, and centralization. But history has shown that these systems eventually collapse under their own weight.

The question is: Who will wake up in time?

The Future Belongs to Those Who See the Shift

The Silicon Valley and Wall Street elites have not exited the matrix. They remain trapped in a system that prioritizes financial illusions over real value.

But history does not wait for those unwilling to adapt.

@ 558e15eb:efa6e980

[2025-02-07] Øy 5 year anniversary - Talk show and watch party @ online

Øy 5 year anniversary - Talk show and watch party online - https://lislegaard.stream/ (https://lislegaard.stream/)

(Friday, 7 February 20:00)

https://do.basspistol.org/event/oy-5-year-anniversary-talk-show-and-watch-party

@ 554ab6fe:c6cbc27e

A shared experience amongst many involved in the Bitcoin industry is that most have moved past the phase where they advocate for Bitcoin and other so-called cryptocurrencies. Eventually, most understand that all so-called cryptocurrencies are illegitimate and that the only legitimate system is Bitcoin. The reason is fundamentally an engineering question; explaining this difference can be challenging in a short conversation. When speaking with clients, friends, and family, I have found that the distinction between Bitcoin and ‘crypto’ is difficult to transmit without an unfortunate touch of blind faith on their part. Furthermore, there are minimal resources for someone to read that can help articulate this understanding. The following is my attempt to remedy this issue.

The subject of cryptocurrencies is shrouded in misleading language and narratives. First, it would be best to describe what Bitcoin is not; Bitcoin is not the invention of blockchain technology. Today, many people who pontificate cryptocurrencies do so under the banner of blockchain technology, allowing for the decentralization of internet infrastructure. Not once does Satoshi Nakamoto use the term ‘blockchain’ in his paper “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System”1. Also, Stuart Haber and Scott Stornetta invented the technology in 1991, roughly two decades before the invention of Bitcoin2. The technology was first invented to cryptographically timestamp a digital document as it was changed and edited over time. Why wasn’t Bitcoin invented in the 90s? As of the invention of what is now known as blockchain technology, there was no clear way for a distributed system to agree on the actual state of the system. We could have a distributed and decentralized blockchain database, but how would all the independent nodes agree on the truth? If there are 1000 nodes, each with slightly differing claims on what the blockchain database looks like, how do we reach a consensus on the correct version? Haver and Stornetta could not have answered this question because blockchain technology does not solve this dilemma.

Satoshi Nakamoto solved this problem by fusing blockchain technology with another technology known as proof-of-work, which Adam Back invented. Proof-of-work was first proposed in 1997 and was a way of preventing issues such as email spam by creating a physical and financial cost to computation3. Anyone that knows someone’s email can send them countless spam emails because there is no cost to sending an email. However, by forcing a computer to perform some computations beforehand, the physical costs of sending an email would likely prevent spam. This concept was never implemented, but its conceptualization paved the way for a much better use case. Before moving forward, it is crucial to understand how the invention of Adam Back’s proof-of-work imposed physical and financial costs on computer systems. The following example is how Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system functions. Anyone reading this article should use this link to experience an online SHA-256 hashing calculator for themselves. Here, any input results in a 256-bit string of numbers and letters. Your task is to find the correct input so that the random numbers and letters that result begin with five 0s. Rather than getting a hash that looks something like:

“8e35c2cd3bf6641bdb0e2050b76932cbb2e6034a0ddacc1d9bea82a6ba57f7cf”

It must instead look like:

“000002cd3bf6641bdb0e2050b76932cbb2e6034a0ddacc1d9bea82a6ba57f7cf”

This would take anyone, including a computer, a very long time to guess the correct input. There is no way to speed up this process algorithmically. A computer performing a proof-of-work computation must simply churn through guesses until the correct guess has been found. Therefore, the more complex the guess, the more electricity and financial costs are needed to execute the proof-of-work. This is why it is called ‘proof-of-work’; a computer that has found the correct guess has proved to everyone else that it performed work that has physical consequences in the real world. This is key to understanding Bitcoin.

Again, the various components of Bitcoin, such as blockchain and proof-of-work technology, were not the invention of Satoshi Nakamoto. All Satoshi did was combine them in an elegant way to solve the Byzantine Generals Problem. Imagine a group of generals, each commanding a portion of a Byzantine army, encamped around an enemy city. They need to coordinate their attack or retreat. Still, some generals may be traitors who will send conflicting messages to confuse the loyal generals as they send couriers back and forth to communicate. The problem is to devise a strategy for the loyal generals to reach a consensus despite the presence of possible traitors, ensuring that they either all attack or all retreat at the same time, even if some of the messages they receive are false or misleading. This problem is significant in distributed computing and consensus algorithms, where nodes in a network need to agree on a shared state despite the possibility of faulty or malicious nodes. To solve this problem in Bitcoin, Satoshi designed a system clearly stating that the longest blockchain was the valid chain. Proof-of-work computations are required to add a block to the chain, so the longest chain had the most energy backing it.

The idea that the longest chain has the most energy backing it may initially seem inconsequential. However, as the system develops, the chain becomes longer and longer, with more and more energy backing it. The only way to alter, or hack, the chain in any way that changes what happened in the past is to individually come up with the total equivalent amount of energy ever expended into the system by everyone else. A single bad actor must outcompete the entire global community’s effort starting from the first block 2009. It is a game theoretical setup where the time and energy used to hack the system potentially would be more beneficial, from a cost and benefit point of view, to simply contribute to the same chain everyone else is working with. Satoshi Nakamoto fused the computer system with the earth’s energy to solve the Byzantine Generals Problem, which plagued distributed computer network systems. The energy from the earth is what we trust to ensure we are all working with, and can come to a consensus about, the same set of information.

The property Bitcoin has of being backed by nature as its source of truth allows it to be a valid candidate as money. Understanding the history of money will also help us understand the engineering flaws among the so-called ‘cryptocurrencies. Money can be considered a ledger or recording device that tracks transactions or exchanges of human beings across time. Imagine two separate tribes, where one tribe will have a more bountiful hunting game during the summer and the other during the winter. The two tribes would benefit from trade, as each requires the different tribes to share meat during their respective off-season. However, they exist as two tribes where trust is hard to come by. Now, imagine there is some sort of commodity in their immediate environment that is incredibly rare and hard to find. For the sake of argument, let us say this is a seashell. The two tribes could gather and collect enough seashells to create a necklace of seashells. This neckless will represent a token of trust where the neckless is exchanged at each seasonal cycle. During the summer, the chief of Tribe A hands off the necklace to the chief of Tribe B in exchange for Tribe B to give a portion of their hunting game to Tribe A to feed them for the summer. When winter comes, the chief of tribe B can then pass the necklace back to the chief of tribe A in exchange for meat throughout the winter. This tradeoff occurs cyclically. This system is helpful because not only are they passing in between themselves a token of trust, but if one chief were to die, and the next time a meeting between the two tribes occurs, a new chief approaches the old chief wearing the necklace, the old chief can trust that this new chief is the proper heir because s/he bears the token of seasonal exchange. This allows the chiefs not to trust the individuals themselves but simply trust that the token is legitimate. This token is trustworthy because it is tough to reproduce. Of course, as societies developed, more challenging to find commodities began to dominate trade as the primary form of money.

The key takeaway from the example above is that the two tribes could not trust one another, so they used something from nature backed by energy in the form of the cost to find the seashells and record trustworthy transactions. Gold and silver were no different. Bitcoin has the same properties.

Finally, a comparison between Bitcoin and other so-called ‘cryptocurrencies can begin. First and foremost, there are two distinct families of altcoins: proof-of-work copycats of Bitcoin and proof-of-‘something else’ chains. Many famous altcoins, such as Ethereum, Cardano, or Solana, do not use a proof-of-work consensus mechanism. These systems do not use the energy from the earth to act as an arbiter of trust to solve the Byzantine Generals Problem. Like any human system, if they are not using Mother Earth to act as the source of truth, then a third party is. Humans and human-controlled code are the final judge. This trend also means that most systems have companies overseeing them, which Bitcoin does not. In the case of Ethereum, there is the Ethereum Foundation. The central control over Ethereum has been known to reverse the record of the ledger, something that is practically impossible on Bitcoin.

The DAO hack was a significant event that occurred in 2016 in the world of Ethereum. DAO stands for “Decentralized Autonomous Organization,” it was a complex smart contract on the Ethereum blockchain designed to act as an investor-directed venture capital fund. The idea was to allow people to invest in Ethereum and have a say in what projects the money would be used for, all governed by smart contracts without any central authority. In June 2016, someone found a vulnerability in The DAO’s code, allowing them to siphon off one-third of The DAO’s funds to a subsidiary account. This amounted to about $50 million worth of Ethereum at the time. As a result, the Ethereum community effectively reversed the transaction, by creating a fork in the chain that erased all transactions that happened after the hack. This is something that is unheard of in Bitcoin. The only way this was possible, that the community chose to use a shorter chain, was because the decision was headed by the central authorities that rule over Ethereum.

Without a source of truth outside of humans, there will always be a group of humans who have control. This is why bitcoin is sometimes articulated as a commodity while other altcoins are considered securities. It becomes increasingly unlikely that anyone can change the ledger of Bitcoin, whereas the few at the top hold such control over Ethereum. Anyone with electricity, a computer, and some internet can mine and receive bitcoin. It is permissionless, with very few barriers to entry. This is not the case with Ethereum, which would require someone to find an exchange and use some form of currency to purchase Ethereum. To run a Bitcoin node, the requirements are even less than it is to mine, given the low electricity cost. To run an Ethereum node, one needs to have 32 Ethereum (roughly $96,000 at today’s price). Ethereum is a plutocracy, and ETH is not different than a security issued by that plutocratic elite.

There are, of course, some altcoins that use a proof-of-work system like Bitcoin does. Many altcoins are nearly the same as Bitcoin except with slight changes to the code, which results in a different chain. The critical distinction here is, again, the energy backing the system. Bitcoin’s chain is long and supported by much more energy. Though these other altcoins, such as Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, are similar from an engineering point of view, they lack the security provided by more than a decade of energy being pumped into the network. Storing wealth here would be comparable to putting wealth in a wooden box when an equally valid metal safe is available for use.

Hopefully, it will be apparent that Bitcoin is more of a trust machine than a blockchain machine. It utilizes the physical energy supplied to it to ensure a tamperproof and trustworthy record for all people to use in a permissionless manner. A fan of altcoins may concede and agree that Bitcoin is the only system that is secure and sure to exist long into the future. Therefore, it is the only system capable of using money globally for generations. Nonetheless, many proponents of altcoins, such as Ethereum, will suggest they can be used for other use cases. One may argue that Ethereum’s ‘smart contract’ capabilities will open the door for Web3 use cases that will decentralize the internet and create a net good for society. However, circular logic is involved in this reasoning. The blockchain underneath must be secure and reliable for applications to be built on Ethereum. For it to do so, ETH, the token of Ethereum, would require monetary value.

Bitcoin does not need monetary value for it to work. In fact, in the early days of Bitcoin, there was no price associated with it. This is not the case for systems like Ethereum. The existence of their system relies upon circular logic. Highlighting this flaw in the game theory, or lack thereof, of the fundamental infrastructure of Ethereum explains why no application or wealth placed on the system is safe. When Bitcoin was invented, a node did two things: store the entire blockchain while validating transactions and mine new blocks, which settle transactions every 10 minutes. No permission is required whatsoever to do so. In Ethereum, for example, there is no mining. They use a system called proof-of-stake. In Bitcoin, electricity is expended to produce blocks, and bitcoin is received as a reward. In Ethereum, for someone to be given the right to create a new block and receive ETH, they need to have 32 ETH already. Once someone can acquire 32 ETH, which can only be obtained by buying someone else’s ETH, they can freeze their ETH into a staking pool, which allows them to participate in the block creation and reward process. In Bitcoin, the pure randomness of nature decides who will mine the block and receive the reward. In Ethereum, pools are probabilistically chosen based on who has the most ETH by code alone. Those with the most ETH are more likely to be rewarded, meaning they will be more likely to earn more in the future. The rich will get richer. It is an inherently centralizing force, and this flaw in proof-of-stake systems is well known. However, none of this explains quite why the game theory of Ethereum staking doesn’t even work in the long-term.

Many in the ‘crypto’ world propose that Bitcoin is money and an actual store of value, while Ethereum will act as this new layer of internet infrastructure. Let us assume this is true momentarily and imagine a world where this is the case. For Ethereum to work, there needs to be people who operate the Ethereum pools. They will have operating expenses, mainly paying a cloud service provider to host their node. Of course, they must have also purchased 32 ETH. Their profitability relies upon the income generated from individuals using the Ethereum network. A network fee is paid whenever someone executes any function on Ethereum. These network, or gas, fees are then paid to the staking pool operators. Now, imagine a world where Bitcoin is money. Everyone holds bitcoin as their savings, their salaries are paid in bitcoin, and they buy their coffee with bitcoin. Bitcoin is increasing in value relative to goods and services as a proper sound money that is not being debased. However, whenever they want to execute a ‘smart contract’ on the internet, they must convert their money (bitcoin) into ETH to pay the gas fee.

Imagine if every time you wanted to send an email, you had to purchase an email token first. You wouldn’t have a bank account for email tokens; you would buy the email tokens as needed when you sent the email. The asset that appreciates due to its monetary properties is bitcoin; you hold onto bitcoin because it will make you wealthier. With the email token (ETH), you buy it as minimally as needed. Where would you buy the ETH from? The staking pools, of course. Staking pools are the central custodians and largest owners of ETH and need to sell ETH to pay their operating expenses. Now let us put this fully into the picture: a staking pool’s business is to operate a server where they have invested an incredible amount of money into it, only to act as a kind of exchange that sells ETH tokens to users as needed when they want to use Ethereum, only to receive that ETH back once the customers have used the network.

Everyone is playing a game of hot potatoes, trying to use ETH tokens as soon as they purchase them because they are losing value in comparison to their money. At the same time, staking pools are sitting on all the ETH that no one wants beyond a short period. Their business is only profitable if the value of the ETH they receive as rewards can outperform their operating costs. Over time, only a few staking pools will exist as they compete. This system leads to an incredibly centralized database where a few operators have control over this blockchain, which is only being used because it was claimed to be a decentralized and immutable trustworthy system. ETH only has value if people trust the blockchain to store their data, information, or wealth securely. If the system starts to look centralized and untrustworthy, demand for the product erodes. This slow revelation of the false claim of decentralization will lead to further devaluation of the token in terms of bitcoin, and node operators will cease doing business as there will be more profitable ventures elsewhere, where their assets are denominated in BTC rather than ETH. The system will crumble because it was not designed with the correct game theoretical engineering principles.

Hopefully, this article has helped articulate in a small way the clear distinction between Bitcoin and all the other falsely mimicking systems. These so-called ‘cryptocurrencies’ claim to be decentralized and immutable systems, relying upon the narrative surrounding Bitcoin while being utterly different from an engineering point of view and ultimately failing to be anything decentralized and, therefore, trustworthy. To make a blockchain system decentralized, there must be a genuinely neutral arbiter of truth. There is only one such judge: Mother Earth. With such a disruptive innovation as Bitcoin entering the market, it is understandable that such a considerable misunderstanding has led to the promotion and growth of fraudulent blockchain systems. As we move forward in this ever-changing world, we must help protect each other’s wealth with integrity and honesty.

References

1. Nakamoto S. Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System. Published online 2008. Accessed November 16, 2021. http://www.bitcoin.org

2. Haber S, Stornetta WS. How to Time-Stamp a Digital Document. Vol 537. Springer-Verlag; 1991.

3. Back A. Hashcash-A Denial of Service Counter-Measure.; 2002. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/2482110

@ 3ac03011:41ecd1bb

"We shall go on to the end...we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall hight in the hills; we shall never surrender..." - Winston Churchill

Let's all laugh at the world

People of Britain, let's take a moment to bask in the beauty of our unique position. While the rest of the world frantically asks, "What the hell is going on in the UK?" we remain calm, resolute and wonderfully unbothered. Their confusion isn't a problem; it's proof our plan is working.

Outsiders just don't get it. "Why so many general elections?" they ask. "Why are your public services crumbling?" they wonder. "Why so much crime?" they cry. It's adorable, really. While they waste their precious time trying to bring light to our 'problems' of today, we've been quietly engineering our tomorrow. A future where effort is obsolete, the burden of ambition is lifted and every need is met with the tap of a button—or no tap at all.

Let them panic and tweet. We're busy building utopia.

Our genius: let me remind you

In case you missed the email, let me remind you of our genius.

It really got started with our political circus: general elections, leadership changes and scandals galore. The world sees chaos; we see strategy. Every new Prime Minister, every internal party coup and every leaked WhatsApp message serves one purpose—to keep the world so baffled by the spectacle that they miss the revolution happening right under their noses. Sovereignty? Prosperity? Please. That's the old way. We're crafting a system so streamlined and so brilliantly lazy that governance itself will be no more. Our 'scandals' aren't failures; they're distractions.

Then, remember the pandemic? A "global crisis," they called it. For us, it was a test run. Offices? Gyms? Fresh air? Redundant. We proved we didn't need them. With reliable Wi-Fi and an endless supply of TikToks, we discovered the liberating truth: who needs ambition when comfort will do? Why strive when you can stream?

But this wasn't an overnight success. Our journey began over a century ago with a simple, yet brilliant, decision: abandon sound money. When we gave that loan in 1914 and loosened our grip on gold, we unknowingly set the stage for a masterpiece. Inflation isn't a problem; it's liberation.

By eroding the value of money, we finally have freed ourselves from the tedious burden of saving and planning for the future. Why hoard wealth when you can spend it on some crappy product? We both know you won't be able to afford the same one next year. Inflation has delivered us into the era of hand-to-mouth serenity. With high taxes and even higher living costs, we've made financial planning a thing of the past. Isn't it liberating to know your wallet is lighter?

And then there's the NHS and our public services. "They're in crisis!" outsiders exclaim. "Long waits, lack of resources, dysfunctional!" Oh, bless their concern. They just cannot get their heads around our evolution in public spending. Why pour resources into systems that belong to the old world? We're preparing for a future that minimises illness, needs and human interaction. Our public services aren't failing; they're gracefully stepping aside, making way for our streamlined utopia.

Our utopia: let me remind you

So, what exactly are we building? If you don't know already, well, let me introduce to you Project Wall-E. I don't believe anyone could quite believe their luck when Micky pitched his vision for the future in his 2008 masterpiece but we knew that this was our endgame. A world where effort is unnecessary, ambition is no more and everything you need is delivered right to your hover chair.

\ The crime, the uncertainty, the decay—it's all part of the plan. When the time comes to leave this Island behind, we won't even miss it. We'll ascend to the new world we've created, sipping beers from our Stanley cups and letting the supreme algorithm create our tailored perfect experience.

Keep calm and carry on

So, people of Britain, take a bow. The world doesn't understand us but history will. While they cling to outdated ideals of life, liberty and property, we'll keep doing what we do best: leading by example. Do not lose focus. Keep calm and carry on.

@ 41fa852b:af7b7706

The art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings." --Okakura Kakuzo

---

Here we go with another fresh list of meetups for the UK and Ireland this coming week.

We've got the latest on where to connect, share ideas, and build community.

Let's take a look…

---

---

This week's sponsor is…

---

Upcoming Bitcoin Meetups

Happening this week…

1. Dundee Bitcoin: Join them on the 2nd Monday of every month from 17:30 to 20:30 PM at The Wine Press, 16 Shore Terrace, Dundee DD1 3DN. This month's meetup is on Monday, 13th January. 🍷

2. Real Bedford - Home Game: Real Bedford have two home games this week. The first is on Tuesday night at 19:45 playing Berkhamsted. ⚽️

3. Bitcoin Glasgow: Bitcoin Glasgow meet every 3rd Wednesday of the month and this month will be at The Maltman, 59--61 Renfield Street at 18:00 to 20:00. 🍺

4. Shropshire Bitcoin: On the 15th, the Shropshire crew will be meeting at the Admiral Benbow in Shrewsbury. 🍻

5. Brum Bitcoin & Beer: If you're in the Birmingham area head along to meet some fellow bitcoiners on Thursday 16th at 19:00. You'll find them this month at The Wellington, Bennett's Hill, B2 5SN. 🍺

6. Penzance Bitcoin: Will be at The Dolphin Tavern on Quay Street on Thursday 16th at 8 PM. 🍻

7. Bitcoin Walk - Edinburgh: Every Saturday they walk around Arthur's Seat in this historic city. Join them at 12:00 to chat about all things Bitcoin and keep fit. 🚶‍♂️🚶🏻‍♀️🚶🦮

8. Real Bedford - Home Game: Real Bedford have their second home game this week playing Leverstock Green on Saturday. Join them for a 15:00 kickoff. ⚽️

9. NostrLDN: The fourth NostrLDN and this time with guests Metamick (founder and CEO of Geyser Fund) and Huxley (Charities, Afrika, Bitcoin education). Join them on Saturday the 18th of January at the London Bridge Rooftop Bar from 18:00 till 22:00. 🍻👨🏼‍🎓💜

---

Upcoming Special Events

This event isn't happening this week, but it's important to add to your calendar now as tickets are selling fast.

• Bitcoin Builders Workshop: Corby-based engineering company BTC Citadel hosts an afternoon of Bitcoin building and chat. Build that project you've been thinking about but didn't know how to start. Come and use high-end 3D printers, 3D scanners, electronics lab and the CNC laser engraver. Everyone is welcome, no technical ability is needed. Learn how to build a Seedsigner. Refreshments are provided for this free event.

---

Get Involved

• Volunteer Opportunities: Bridge2Bitcoin is actively seeking volunteers who share our passion for merchant adoption. We'd be delighted to connect if you're eager to contribute. Reach out to us on Twitter or through our website.
• Start Your Own Meetup: Interested in launching a Bitcoin meetup? We're here to support you every step of the way. We've assisted numerous UK Bitcoin meetups in getting started. Get in touch via Twitter.
• Contribute to BTCMaps: BTCMaps is a vital part of the Bitcoin ecosystem. It's a perfect project to get involved with if you're not a coder or even that technical. A great way to give back to the community. Maintain an area of the UK and keep it up-to-date.
• Telegram users: You might find our Telegram Channel another useful way to keep up-to-date with UK meetups.
• Feedback and Suggestions: We value your input! Share your ideas on how we can enhance this newsletter.

---

This week's sponsors are…

---

Get out and support the meetups where you can, visit Bitcoin Events UK for more info on each meetup and to find your closest on the interactive map.

Stay tuned for more updates next week!

Simon.

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

Hackathon Summary

The Trustworthy AI Lab x GES UCLA Hackathon showcased innovative solutions from 21 developers who registered a total of nine projects. This virtual event ran from May 29th to June 28th, 2024, centering on the use of predictive modeling to enhance user engagement and advertising effectiveness. Two detailed datasets provided insights into user demographics and interactions, serving as a foundation for participants to create platforms that encourage collaboration between content creators and advertisers, while ensuring a positive user experience.

Esteemed judges, comprising both academic figures like Professor Guang Cheng, and industry professionals from companies such as Amazon, Snap, and Intel, evaluated the projects. A total prize pool of $1,500 was distributed among the top solutions, assessed on criteria including accuracy, innovation, scalability, and efficiency. Additionally, the event offered summer internships at the Trustworthy AI Lab at UCLA, enabling participants to further develop their skills. Emphasizing practical applications, projects were required to deliver runnable machine learning code and presentation slides, ultimately striving for scalable, innovative solutions that respect data privacy and support real-time performance.

Hackathon Winners

Prize Winners

🥇 First Place

• DataGuardians excelled in secure data handling by employing a VM and GAN to create synthetic datasets, striking a balance between data security and usability.

🥈 Second Place

• Team BitBuilders developed a Generative AI-based data-sharing platform that enhances predictive analytics and data collaboration through privacy-preserving techniques and advanced encryption.

🥉 Third Place

• Team Datacrafters focused on analyzing advertising data using machine learning and automated DCR security improvements, optimizing model performance for statistical insights.

Fourth Place

• Awesome Team Name's BUIDL utilized TPM for secure data modeling, emphasizing reliable data manipulation and confidentiality.

Fifth Place

• ColumbiAI improved scientific predictive accuracy through secure Generative AI, establishing "Data Clean Rooms" for privacy-preserving collaborative data analysis.

For more information on all the projects, visit here.

About the Organizer

GES at UCLA

GES at UCLA, formerly known as Three Day StartUp at UCLA, is a leading entrepreneurial program tailored for university students. It emphasizes experiential learning in vital areas such as ideation, team formation, market research, and rapid prototyping. The program instills an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping students with the skills necessary to develop innovative business models with global impact. By supporting its student community, GES at UCLA is committed to transforming startup concepts into sustainable ventures, aiding in the resolution of complex problems and the launch of successful enterprises worldwide. For further details, visit their website.

@ fbf0e434:e1be6a39

Hackathon 总结

Trustworthy AI Lab x GES UCLA Hackathon 展示了由 21 名开发者注册的九个项目的创新解决方案。本次虚拟活动从 2024 年 5 月 29 日至 6 月 28 日举行，重点关注使用预测模型来增强用户参与度和广告效果。两个详细的数据集提供了用户人口统计和互动的见解，为参与者创建平台奠定了基础，这些平台促进内容创作者和广告商之间的合作，同时确保积极的用户体验。

由学术人士（如Guang Cheng 教授）和来自Amazon、Snap、Intel 等公司的行业专家组成的评委对项目进行了评估。总奖池为 $1,500，并在顶尖解决方案中分配，根据准确性、创新性、可扩展性和效率等标准进行评估。此外，该活动还提供了在UCLA的Trustworthy AI Lab的暑期实习机会，使参与者能够进一步发展他们的技能。在强调实际应用的同时，项目需提供可运行的机器学习代码和演示幻灯片，最终目标是寻求尊重数据隐私和支持实时性能的可扩展创新解决方案。

Hackathon 获奖者

Prize Winners

🥇 First Place

• DataGuardians 在安全数据处理方面表现出色，通过使用VM和GAN创建合成数据集，实现了数据安全性和可用性之间的平衡。

🥈 Second Place

• Team BitBuilders 开发了一个基于生成式AI的数据共享平台，通过隐私保护技术和先进加密，提高了预测分析和数据协作。

🥉 Third Place

• Team Datacrafters 专注于使用机器学习和自动化DCR安全改进进行广告数据分析，优化了模型性能以获得统计洞察。

Fourth Place

• Awesome Team Name's BUIDL 利用TPM进行安全数据建模，强调数据操作的可靠性和保密性。

Fifth Place

• ColumbiAI 通过安全的生成式AI提高科学预测的准确性，建立了“数据洁净室”以保护隐私的协作数据分析。

欲了解所有项目的更多信息，请访问此处。

关于组织者

GES at UCLA

GES at UCLA，前称为UCLA的Three Day StartUp，是一个为大学生量身定制的领先创业项目。它强调在构思、团队形成、市场研究和快速原型设计等重要领域的体验式学习。该项目培养了一种创业思维，使学生具备开发具有全球影响力的创新商业模式的技能。通过支持其学生社区，GES at UCLA 致力于将创业概念转变为可持续发展企业，帮助解决复杂问题并在全球推出成功的企业。欲了解更多详情，请访问他们的网站。

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

Hackathon Summary

DivHacks 2024: Tech for Social Good was held at Columbia University, New York, on October 5-6, 2024. The hackathon facilitated the creation of 64 projects by bringing together developers, demonstrating its dedication to enhancing both technical and soft skills while tackling societal issues.

Key tracks included Education, Environment, Media, Fashion, Civic, and Health. Sponsored tracks were supported by organizations such as Capital One, Google, and the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative, focusing on financial solutions, creative technology, and patient safety, respectively. MLH supported tracks for projects incorporating MongoDB, domain names, and DEI hacking.

The event aimed to develop impactful solutions in sectors such as sustainability, civic engagement, and healthcare. These themes attracted diverse innovations, reinforcing the goal of leveraging technology for societal benefit. Platforms like DoraHacks, Discord, and associated websites facilitated participant interactions by providing vital resources. By uniting students with a common interest in technology for social good, the hackathon highlighted creative BUIDLs and encouraged future collaborations.

Hackathon Winners

Best Overall Track Prize Winners

• StrokePlayAR - An AR application utilizing Snap's Spectacles, designed for stroke rehabilitation through gamified activities to enhance mobility and well-being.
• SynapsED - A financial literacy platform aimed at empowering young individuals to build wealth and break generational financial challenges by encouraging early investment habits.
• Penny Pals - A financial literacy platform teaching investment skills through a simulation where parents fund accounts, and children make decisions using real-time market data. It fosters collaboration, risk management, and healthy financial habits, with future plans for iMessage integration and parental controls.

General Tracks Prize Winners

• Education: SynapsED
• Environment: Pothos A SaaS platform for small businesses to optimize Sustainability-Linked Loans using KPIs and NFT-secured contracts, promoting sustainability.
• Media: NewsLyzer AI-powered news bias filter employing NLP and machine learning to assess credibility, summarize articles, and detect biases in real-time.
• Fashion: Fashion Faeries A web app providing personalized outfit suggestions and resale comparison, promoting sustainable fashion using machine learning.
• Civic Tech: PinPoint A crowdsourced map enhancing community interactions through user-submitted Pins on topics like accessibility and safety.
• Health: StrokePlayAR

Sponsor Tracks Prize Winners

• Google: Best Use of Google NotebookLM: PunditPal An AI platform analyzing political discourse, utilizing NotebookLM and Vapi for debate training.
• Snap AR: Dream It Build It!: StrokePlayAR
• Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative: Patient Safety Technology Challenge: MediTrack A JavaScript tool for safer medication prescribing, preventing errors with Google’s NotebookLM.
• Capital One: Best Financial Hack: Penny Pals

MLH Tracks Prize Winners

• GoDaddy Registry: Best Domain Name: Voice Vision A virtual learning platform creating engaging video podcasts from learning materials.
• Auth0 by Okta: Best Use of Auth0: NeuroTalent Connects neurodivergent students with employers, promoting inclusion through events and tailored support.
• Best Use of Fidelity: Strands Gamifies university learning with interactive word games to enhance engagement and attendance.
• Best Use of MongoDB Atlas: Fashion Faeries
• Best Beginner Hack: What's Cookin' Optimizes campus dining with real-time dish recommendations and meal tracking using web scraping and algorithmic data management.

For a detailed look at all projects, visit DivHacks 2024.

Organization

DivHacks 2024

DivHacks 2024: Tech for Social Good, hosted by Columbia University Women in Computing Society, is a vital platform at Columbia University and Barnard College, amplifying underrepresented voices in technology. The hackathon focuses on creating impactful and sustainable technology-driven solutions, exploring the potential of technology to address societal challenges. By encouraging participants to combine creativity with technical skills, the event fosters progress in confronting pressing social issues, underlining its commitment to social change through technological excellence.

@ fbf0e434:e1be6a39

Hackathon 总结

DivHacks 2024: Tech for Social Good 于2024年10月5日至6日在纽约哥伦比亚大学举行。本次Hackathon吸引开发者参与共创建了64个项目，展示了其在提升技术和软技能以及解决社会问题方面的承诺。

关键赛道包括教育、环境、媒体、时尚、市政和健康。赞助赛道则由Capital One、Google和Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative等组织支持，重点关注金融解决方案、创意技术和患者安全。MLH支持的赛道则包括涉及MongoDB、域名和DEI黑客的项目。

活动旨在开发具有影响力的解决方案，涉及可持续发展、市民参与和医疗保健等领域。主题吸引了多样化的创新项目，加强了利用技术服务社会的目标。DoraHacks、Discord和相关网站等平台为参与者互动提供了重要资源。通过将对社会公益技术感兴趣的学生聚集在一起，Hackathon强调了富有创意的BUIDLs，并鼓励未来的合作。

Hackathon 获奖者

Best Overall Track Prize Winners

• StrokePlayAR - 一款利用Snap's Spectacles的AR应用，通过游戏化活动促进中风康复，提高行动能力和健康。
• SynapsED - 一个金融素养平台，旨在通过鼓励年轻人养成早期投资习惯，帮助他们积累财富并打破代际财务困境。
• Penny Pals - 一个金融素养平台，通过模拟投资教学，父母为账户提供资金，孩子基于实时市场数据做出决策。该平台促进协作、风险管理和健康的理财习惯，并计划未来推出iMessage集成和家长控制功能。

General Tracks Prize Winners

• Education: SynapsED
• Environment: Pothos - 一个为小企业提供SaaS平台，利用KPI和NFT安全合同优化与可持续性挂钩的贷款，促进可持续发展。
• Media: NewsLyzer - 使用自然语言处理和机器学习的AI驱动新闻偏见过滤器，实时评估可信度、总结文章并检测偏见。
• Fashion: Fashion Faeries - 一个网络应用，提供个性化的服装建议和转售比较，使用机器学习促进可持续时尚。
• Civic Tech: PinPoint - 一张众包地图，通过用户提交的关于无障碍设施和安全等主题的“Pins”来增强社区互动。
• Health: StrokePlayAR

Sponsor Tracks Prize Winners

• Google: Best Use of Google NotebookLM: PunditPal - 一个分析政治话语的AI平台，使用NotebookLM和Vapi进行辩论训练。
• Snap AR: Dream It Build It!: StrokePlayAR
• Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative: Patient Safety Technology Challenge: MediTrack - 一个使用Google的NotebookLM的JavaScript工具，通过防止错误来安全开药。
• Capital One: Best Financial Hack: Penny Pals

MLH Tracks Prize Winners

• GoDaddy Registry: Best Domain Name: Voice Vision - 一个虚拟学习平台，从学习材料中创造引人入胜的视频播客。
• Auth0 by Okta: Best Use of Auth0: NeuroTalent - 连接神经多样性学生与雇主，通过活动和量身定制的支持促进包容。
• Best Use of Fidelity: Strands - 通过互动文字游戏增强参与度和出勤率，对大学学习进行游戏化。
• Best Use of MongoDB Atlas: Fashion Faeries
• Best Beginner Hack: What's Cookin' 使用网络抓取和算法数据管理，提供餐盘推荐和餐食追踪，优化校园用餐。

欲了解所有项目详情，请访问 DivHacks 2024。

关于组织者

DivHacks 2024

DivHacks 2024: Tech for Social Good，由哥伦比亚大学妇女计算机协会主办，是哥伦比亚大学和Barnard College的一个重要平台，旨在放大技术领域中代表性不足的声音。Hackathon专注于创建有影响力且可持续的技术驱动解决方案，探索技术解决社会挑战的潜力。通过鼓励参与者结合创造力和技术技能，活动推动在应对紧迫社会问题方面的进步，强调其通过技术卓越推动社会变革的承诺。

@ e6817453:b0ac3c39

The development of AI agents has been a booming topic in recent years. From their early conceptual stages to the sophisticated models we see today, the focus has been mainly on building robust agents. However, the importance of Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocols has been largely overlooked. These protocols are crucial for enabling seamless interaction, fostering interoperability, and unlocking the full potential of AI agents. Here, we explore why A2A protocols matter and how they shape the future of AI.

What Is an Agent?

An agent, in the context of artificial intelligence, is an autonomous system capable of performing tasks on behalf of a user. These tasks can range from data retrieval to complex decision-making. Agents are often likened to “active wallets on steroids” in fields like self-sovereign identity, where they act as intermediaries for data exchange and task delegation.

Key characteristics of AI agents include:

• Autonomy: Agents operate independently, without constant user input.
• Task Delegation: Users can assign tasks to agents, expecting results with minimal intervention.
• Adaptability: Agents learn and adapt to improve performance over time.

The Role of Protocols in Agent Ecosystems

Protocols are the foundation of the internet and distributed systems, ensuring interoperability, scalability, and governance. When applied to AI agents, protocols serve a similar purpose: they enable agents to communicate, cooperate, and coordinate across networks.

Key Layers of Protocols

1. Transport and Data Exchange Protocols: These focus on the low-level mechanics of communication, such as data formats and exchange standards.
2. Behavior and Governance Protocols: These regulate interactions by encoding rules, incentives, and penalties to ensure fair play. Examples include blockchain networks like the Lightning Network, which implement complex mechanisms for governance and rewards.
3. Identity and Capability Protocols: These enable agents to identify themselves, declare their capabilities, and establish trust. For instance, an agent might declare its ability to transcribe audio or generate images.
4. Payment and Reward Protocols: These facilitate transactional interactions, ensuring agents can be compensated for their services.
5. Discovery and Verification Protocols: These help agents find other agents with specific capabilities and verify the quality of completed tasks. Proof-of-work and proof-of-authenticity mechanisms are critical components.

Why Natural Language Isn’t Enough

Some argue that natural language capabilities make formal protocols unnecessary for agent interactions. While natural language can simplify communication, it cannot replace the structured governance provided by protocols. Protocols extend beyond data exchange to address complex social and economic dynamics, such as:

• Establishing trust and identity
• Ensuring compliance with norms and rules
• Enabling fair transactions and conflict resolution

Natural language alone cannot encode the intricate governance and behavioral expectations needed for scalable, reliable agent ecosystems.

The Need for A2A Protocols

Agent-to-Agent protocols are critical for:

1. Identity : corner stone of any network interaction
2. Interoperability: Allowing agents from different networks or organizations to work together seamlessly.
3. Trust and Verification: Establishing mechanisms to prove an agent’s identity, capabilities, and quality of work.
4. Economic Transactions: Facilitating payments, incentives, and rewards through standardized methods.
5. Discovery: Helping agents find the most efficient collaborators or services based on capabilities and cost.
6. Fair Play: Implementing rules and incentives to promote ethical behavior and penalize bad actors.

Protocols Encode Behavior

At the core of effective agent systems lies the concept of protocols — the structured rules that govern interactions. Protocols encode not just data formats and exchange methods but also higher-order behaviors. They ensure:

1. Consistency: By standardizing interactions, protocols prevent ambiguities in communication.
2. Scalability: Systems adhering to the same protocols can grow without breaking interoperability.
3. Fairness: Behavior protocols regulate actions, ensuring all participants adhere to agreed-upon norms.

For instance, in blockchain networks, behavior protocols underpin mechanisms for rewarding cooperative actions and penalizing misconduct, reflecting principles of fair play essential for decentralized systems.

Social Interactions and Rules as Part of Protocols

AI agents simulate aspects of human society, including collaboration, competition, and compliance with norms. This necessitates protocols that mirror societal interactions, encompassing:

• Normative Behavior: Rules that dictate expected actions in specific scenarios.
• Trust Mechanisms: Identity verification to ensure agents are authentic and capable of delivering promised services.
• Transactional Rules: Structures for payment, reward, and accountability in agent-to-agent interactions.

By encoding such social constructs into protocols, agents can navigate complex ecosystems, fostering trust and reliability in decentralized networks.

Governed Protocols

Governed protocols represent the next layer of complexity, allowing networks to self-regulate. These protocols enable participants to:

• Propose Changes: Mechanisms for evolving network functionality over time.
• Vote on Updates: Democratic decision-making ensures inclusivity and adaptability.
• Enforce Compliance: Rules to prevent malicious behavior and maintain network stability.

Blockchain networks like DFINITY exemplify governed protocols, where community-driven governance shapes the network’s evolution. Such principles are equally vital for AI agent ecosystems, ensuring fairness and adaptability.

Beyond A2A: Interfacing with Tools and Memory

AI agents do not operate in isolation. They need to integrate with tools, data sources, and memory systems to deliver value. This integration introduces additional protocol challenges:

1. Tool Interoperability: Developing standards for tool descriptions and extensions so agents can use them interchangeably.
2. Semantic and Episodic Memory: Creating protocols for portable, interoperable memory that allows agents to retain context and learning across interactions.

Interoperability of Agent Components

Interoperability remains a significant challenge for AI agents. To unlock their full potential, components like memory and tools must integrate seamlessly. This requires:

• Memory Protocols: Enabling agents to share semantic and episodic memory across systems. Imagine retaining knowledge across agent upgrades without data loss.
• Tool Interoperability: Standardized interfaces that allow agents to utilize shared resources like databases, APIs, or even other agents.

A robust interoperability framework ensures that agents can not only coexist but collaborate effectively, maximizing their collective utility.

A Future Built on Protocols

The future of AI agents lies in robust, standardized protocols. These protocols will:

• Enable agents to communicate and cooperate effectively.
• Foster innovation by making agents and tools interchangeable.
• Empower users with greater flexibility and control over their agent ecosystems.

To move forward, we must focus not only on improving individual agents but also on building the protocols that underpin their interactions and integrations. By doing so, we can unlock the true potential of AI agents and their ability to transform industries and society.

Conclusion

Agent-to-agent protocols are not optional; they are the backbone of a robust and scalable AI ecosystem. By encoding behavior, enabling social norms, implementing governed structures, and ensuring interoperability, these protocols set the stage for AI agents to excel. As AI continues to evolve, focusing on protocol development will be pivotal in unlocking new dimensions of capability and innovation. The future of intelligent systems lies not just in smarter agents but in smarter ways for them to collaborate.

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon!

A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

So stay a while and listen.

🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨

🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/847214

@ e1b54f7d:a0261d28

由妙瓦底明星入局想到全球科技圈的乱战

@ a10260a2:caa23e3e

Last Updated: January 11, 2025

This article is based on a note I posted over a year ago. I kept finding great podcasts and realized that a long form note would make sense since it'll essentially be reposted in the feed every time an update is made.

While there are many good privacy resources out there, this list will focus on episodes from CITADEL DISPATCH. The rabbit hole is deep and never-ending; my hope is that this will spark your curiosity and compel you to search for more.

Why should you care? ODELL explains that here.

If you're ready, here are the privacy-related dispatches. Hour and hours of signal from ODELL and his guests. Enjoy. 🫡

• CD2: Privacy, Nodes, and No KYC with ErgoBTC & BitcoinQ_A — https://fountain.fm/episode/ssPqjTOzHjWSRiYN5rP6
• CD15: bitcoin privacy and coinjoin with nopara73 and openoms — https://fountain.fm/episode/akzlPBM5XWZgPWa2iXCN
• CD16: bitcoin privacy and coinjoin with chris belcher and waxwing — https://fountain.fm/episode/hBcMSmraUUxVlZzBv5V1
• CD21: the lightning network and bitcoin privacy with openoms and cycryptr — https://fountain.fm/episode/vo0LpZOxGiDWIXc8wQf2
• CD29: bitcoin privacy and security with craigraw and ketominer — https://fountain.fm/episode/wNowMP7zxD25kKMLCU4r
• CD30: bitcoin privacy and the danger of KYC with samouraiwallet and openoms — https://fountain.fm/episode/AoIhaVfVHG55gEJOlEiH
• CD43: bitcoin for beginners with BitcoinQ_A— https://fountain.fm/episode/Foh3ImV2fZYPvg2QgNA4

I've also created a Fountain playlist which can be found here. One benefit of the playlist is that you can easily share the group of episodes in its entirety.

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Our old pastor, Jack Olsen (2 pastors ago), still attends our church and preaches occasionally. Today, he gave his annual New Year’s sermon where he encouraged us to pray about a word and a verse to guide us through the year. To be honest, I generally don’t like this kind of thing. It feels too gimmicky for my logical, engineer’s mind, but as I was thinking about how I don’t like this thing, the word share came to mind.

As Christians, we are called to share many things. Of course to be able to share, we have to have built up something to share. Let’s review some of the things God might call us to share.

Share Property

He who is generous will be blessed,\ For he gives some of his food to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

With some of the misinterpretations in our culture, I need to make some clarifications. This is not referring to voting to have the government take care of the poor. This is not referring to everyone having the same thing despite how hard they work or how much talent they have. This is calling for personal charity as each one is called upon by God. You will also note that it says “he gives some of his food to the poor.” It is appropriate to keep some of what you earn to take care of you and your family.

The Bible also says:

The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. (2 Timothy 2:6)

The primary benefactor of hard work, should be the worker. No one has the right to take from the one who worked to give to the one who did not.

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

On the other hand, everything belongs to our Creator and God. We are solely stewards of what He has enabled us to earn. God promises blessings to those who are generous with what God has given them and counts this generosity as if we had done it to Him.

“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40) {emphasis mine}

God also calls those who have been blessed more to bless others as God has blessed us.

Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. (1 Timothy 6:17-19) {emphasis mine}

There is a benefit to living meager, saving well, and getting to the point where you can be generous towards both those in need and those in ministry. If you allow yourself to get in debt, you are a slave to that debt and can’t have the blessing of blessing others. If you are in debt, you can’t easily pick up and go into missions if you feel God calling you. Managing your money well determines whether money controls you or you are free to spend your money for God’s glory.

Also, don’t lie to yourself and say that you are saving and making money for God, when you are solely spending it on your own comfort or stashing it away to protect yourself instead of relying on God. You definitely aren’t fooling God. You likely aren’t fooling others. You are depriving yourself of the blessing of helping others and seeing their joy and thankfulness.

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13) {emphasis mine}

We can use our wealth (and our time & talents) to help those in need (believers and unbelievers) as well as to support missionaries, churches, and ministries in their work sharing the gospel with unbelievers and discipling immature Christians. Everything we “spend” to support the body of Christ and His work will be blessed.

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:6-10) {emphasis mine}

Although we are all expected to share the Gospel with others, some people have a calling and a talent while others may be called to support those who are called to “go make disciples.” We need to use our wealth, our talents, our time, and every other thing God has given us in service to His glory and drawing others to Him.

Share Hope

We live in a very dark world where people are desperately searching for hope (usually in all of the wrong places). We are called to be a light in this darkness. I’d argue that two things stand out in the darkness more than anything else and both of them come from Jesus — love and hope.

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame. For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong. (1 Peter 3:14-17) {emphasis mine}

God wants us to “always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.” How can we be ready? We can study God’s word and especially His promises, so we know them backwards and forwards and can share them with others. We can be constantly searching for God working in our lives, our churches, fellow believers, and even in our country and the world and can join Him in His work. When we are looking for His works, we will see them and can share them with others.

In 2015 We had our hot water heat pipes break and had a long fight with insurance. We then had our house burn down in a fire. The next month my husband’s car’s engine blew up. The next month he ruptured his achilles tendon and we missed Christmas with family. Then the beginning of the following year, he got blood clots in his leg and had to be on blood thinners for months. Most people going through something like that would be crying “Why me?” and likely be in despair.

We were looking for God’s hand in our troubles and what He was teaching us and what good He was doing. The flooding caused us to change insurance 10 days before our house burnt down. The new insurance company had us paid for the whole house, barn, trees, and a year’s rent in barely over a month. The rental house we stayed in had a layout that was so much easier to take care of my husband, when he couldn’t even touch his toe to the ground while healing, than the house that burnt down. Because the first insurance only wanted to pay barely over half of the repair costs of the flood, we had to sue them and got a settlement. The fire happened so soon afterwards that most of that money was left over to apply to our new home. We were able to rebuild the home as our dream home and when we were done we had a paid off house. God provided for our every need and we ended up much better off after the hardship than we had been before. Every member of our family grew in their faith in God and our story has blessed many others in their hardships.

(for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. (Hebrews 7:19) {emphasis mine}

As things grow more and more evil around the world, people are looking for hope. Jesus is the hope of the world. He is the perfect, holy God who came to earth as a man and lived the perfect life that we cannot, and paid the price for our sins. He is our savior and our example.

For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” (Acts 28:20) {emphasis mine}

When we go through hard times and lean on God, we learn that there is nothing He cannot handle and we can have hope. When people see the hope in us, even when they know we are going through the hardest of times, then they want what we have. This is the moment that the Gospel changes lives.

Share the Gospel

Probably the most important thing we can share is the Gospel — the good news about Jesus Christ our Savior.

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23) {emphasis mine}

When sharing the Gospel, people need to understand who Jesus is (God, Creator, and perfect man) and have to understand that they have disobeyed their Creator’s commands and are worthy of death. Telling a person they need a Savior without telling them what they need saving from is a futile task. On the other hand, brow beating people with their sin isn’t likely to make them want to trust Jesus.

The above verse talks about becoming relatable to people. We want people to see Christ in us and the difference He makes in our lives. At the same time, we don’t want to be perceived as that strange person they can’t relate to. We also don’t want to be perceived as a super holy person on a pedestal, that was able to “work” their way into God’s good graces in a way they never could. We need to be a good friend. We need to speak the truth while being gentle and loving.

As we share the Gospel and do everything in our power to win them to Jesus, we have to realize that only God can truly call a person to repentance and salvation. If we do all we can, we at best “save some.” Also, it isn’t us doing the saving, but we are blessed when we act as a tool of God for His glory.

But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8) {emphasis mine}

Most Christians have a tendency to err to one extreme or another. They are so worried about being loving, that they don’t speak the truth and point out sin. Without understanding their sin, they won’t ever repent from a sin they don’t know they have committed. These Christians can love people straight into Hell. On the other hand, there are people so focused on the truth, holiness, and obeying God, that they are very harsh to those who have not trusted in Jesus or even new Christians who are not far on their path to sanctification. They forget that they were once the same. We need to reach a proper balance where we tell the truth gently and in a loving manner. We need to be honest about our own failings. We need to sacrifice our comfort for other’s well being, whether physical or spiritual.

So, for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.\ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:15-17) {emphasis mine}

So often we hold back speaking up against sin or speaking up about Jesus and the Bible. We think others will think us weird. We think we will harm friendships. We think we will be ostracized. We need to understand how important faith in Jesus is. These people’s eternity depends on repenting and trusting Jesus. We also need to consider who is more important to please: family, friends, coworkers, or God? My prayer for you (and for myself) is that we will always be “eager to preach the gospel” and “not ashamed of the gospel.”

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, (2 Timothy 1:8-9) {emphasis mine}

Although ultimately sharing the Gospel leads only to blessings, in the short run there will be people who resent us. There will be people who make fun of us and belittle us. We may even lose relationships or even a job. Despite this, we are called to “not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” and to “join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God” because it is “according to His own purpose and grace.”

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel. For if I do this voluntarily, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me. What then is my reward? That, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel without charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:16-18) {emphasis mine}

I have noticed as time goes by that I feel the calling to share the gospel more and more. I’m not sure if this is because as I get closer to God, I hear Him more clearly, or if it is because as I learn His word more completely, I have more that is worth sharing, but I can relate to Paul’s feelings “woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” (I am most definitely not saying that my words, or my interpretation of scripture is anywhere near Paul’s authority or clarity.)

Share Joy

Part of the world’s darkness is caused by the sin that is rampant today and even being glorified. I don’t know if it is just a result of this sin or if it is a whole other form of darkness, but I also see despair everywhere. People are unhappy. They feel hopeless. Many are so hopeless that they even resort to suicide. One thing that helps draw people to Jesus is the joy of the believers.

O clap your hands, all peoples;\ *Shout to God with the voice of joy*.\ For the Lord Most High is to be feared,\ A great King over all the earth.\ He subdues peoples under us\ And nations under our feet.\ He chooses our inheritance for us,\ The glory of Jacob whom He loves. Selah.\ God has ascended with a shout,\ The Lord, with the sound of a trumpet.\ Sing praises to God, sing praises;\ Sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Psalm 47:1-6) {emphasis mine}

We are called to praise God in joy, not just in good times, but especially in the hard times. God has chosen “our inheritance for us.” He has gifted us each with different skills, talents, spiritual gifts, and opportunities. He expects us to make the most of what He has given us. When we use these gifts according to His purpose for us, we can find peace and joy even in the most difficult circumstances. We grow most in difficult circumstances and we shine the light of Jesus most brightly in difficult circumstances. Instead of saying, “Why me?” we need to say, “Use me.”

What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete. (1 John 1:1-4) {emphasis mine}

We receive the most joy when we are obeying God and working according to His purpose. (FYI, works don’t get you into heaven, but works after salvation do lead to blessings.) When we have joy, we can share joy with others.

It isn’t a major spiritual thing, but I noticed during the masking in 2020, I could get away with not wearing a mask. I smiled at everyone. I smiled at the person I passed on the sidewalk. I smiled at the person I passed in the shopping aisle. I smiled at the checkout clerk. I rarely got questioned about not wearing a mask (although I did get quite a few quizzical looks). I think this was because everyone was so starved for personal interaction and a smile. It made people realize what they were missing. They would smile back, even if all I could see was the wrinkles around the eyes from the smile. I like to think that I made these people’s days a little brighter and helped others to escape from the fear and loneliness they were feeling.

Joy is contagious. Joy makes everything better. When we have joy, others want what we have, which is Jesus.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

and

For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. (Philemon 1:7)

We need to share our hope, joy, and love. It draws the unbeliever to Christ and refreshes the fellow believer who is suffering.

Last of all, we need to remember that God doesn’t promise us an easy life, but He does promise us that it will be worth it.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4) {emphasis mine}

Share Persecution

One of the strangest things in Scripture is the call to rejoice in suffering. If someone was making up a religion, they wouldn’t say “Let’s tell everyone that if they join our religion they will be constantly persecuted and will suffer all of their days.” The Bible has an inordinate number of passages that warn us that we will will experience hardship and that we should rejoice in this hardship.

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. (1 Peter 4:12-13) {emphasis mine}

We are called to rejoice in hardship and to share that joy with others who are experiencing hard times. We are literally called to “share the sufferings of Christ” with rejoicing. Most of us would consider this expert level Christianity, but each and every one of us are called to rejoice when we “share the sufferings of Christ.”

But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. You too, I urge you, rejoice in the same way and share your joy with me. (Philippians 2:17-18) {emphasis mine}

Until we truly learn to lean completely on God, it is hard to rejoice in suffering, but even harder is seeing someone we love suffer. I can rejoice in suffering, especially if I can see how God is using it for good, but it becomes much harder when my kids are suffering. I always think of Mary watching her son, Jesus, dying on the cross. I can’t imagine a much worse heartache than that, but even she was called to rejoice because this torturous event was for her good and her salvation, as well as the salvation of every believer throughout history. Learn the power of joy, choose joy, and then share that joy with everyone around you and your witness will be great.

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction. (Philippians 4:10-14) {emphasis mine}

The beginning portion of this passage is a familiar description of trusting God in all situations, but I never truly saw the last sentence. Paul is not just calling fellow believers to “rejoice in the Lord greatly” and to be “ content in whatever circumstances,” but he is also calling them to “share with me in my affliction.” Instead of warning away others so they won’t experience the affliction he is experiencing, he is calling them to share his affliction. He is sharing his affliction with them. Why? Because he knows the blessings that come from faithful service and the afflictions that usually come from that faithful service. He knows that “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

I hope that this year each of you will search for how you can share the blessings that God has given you, and that you will look and see how much God has blessed you even in the hardships that all of us experience.

For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) {emphasis mine}

When we share our possessions, our hope, the Gospel, our joy, and Jesus’s persecution, we will be blessed and we will be a blessing to others. Getting started is so very hard, but when we obey God’s command, the blessings are indescribable.

Trust Jesus.\ \ your sister in Christ,

Christy

Bible verses are NASB (New American Standard Bible) 1995 edition unless otherwise stated

@ f2282232:2bc2659e

homepage

You will all details of my writing here.

This is another test page for publishing through Nostr.

@ f2282232:2bc2659e

homepage

You will all details of my writing here.

This is another test page for publishing through Nostr.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Introduction: The Moral Framework of Money

From a biblical perspective, money is not inherently evil; rather, it is the love of money that is "the root of all evil" (1 Timothy 6:10). This analysis explores how fiat currency represents the corruption of monetary systems, aligning with biblical warnings about deceit, oppression, and idolatry, while Bitcoin and decentralized technologies reflect principles of fairness, accountability, and redemption.

---

Fiat: A Manifestation of Mammon

1. Deception and False Weights

The Bible condemns dishonest financial practices: “Unequal weights and unequal measures are both alike an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 20:10). Fiat money, detached from intrinsic value, operates as a system of unequal weights. Central banks inflate currency at will, eroding purchasing power and creating economic inequality—a modern parallel to the unjust scales condemned in scripture.

1. Oppression of the Poor

Fiat enables systemic exploitation: “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court” (Proverbs 22:22). Inflation acts as a hidden tax, disproportionately affecting the poor and middle class while enriching elites who control the monetary system. The debt-based fiat economy traps individuals in cycles of poverty, akin to the oppressive practices the prophets spoke against.

1. Idolatry of Centralized Power

Fiat currency symbolizes reliance on human power rather than divine providence. “You cannot serve both God and money (Mammon)” (Matthew 6:24). Central banks and governments exalt themselves as creators and arbiters of value, leading society to place trust in fallible institutions rather than eternal truths.

1. The Tower of Babel Reimagined

Fiat’s global dominance parallels the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where humanity sought to centralize power and defy God. Fiat currencies represent a similar attempt to unify control over economies, resulting in confusion, inequality, and moral decay.

---

Bitcoin: A Reflection of Biblical Principles

1. Truth and Transparency

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Bitcoin operates on a decentralized, immutable ledger, offering transparency and truth in financial transactions. Unlike fiat systems prone to corruption, Bitcoin's blockchain ensures accountability, aligning with the biblical call for honesty.

1. Fairness and Justice

“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24). With its fixed supply of 21 million coins, Bitcoin prevents the manipulation and theft inherent in fiat inflation. It embodies economic justice, protecting individuals from exploitation by centralized powers.

1. Empowerment of the Oppressed

“He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty” (Luke 1:53). Bitcoin provides financial access to the unbanked and marginalized, offering a way out of oppressive systems. In regions suffering from hyperinflation or financial censorship, Bitcoin empowers individuals to reclaim their economic agency.

1. Freedom from Mammon

“Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1). Bitcoin liberates humanity from the bondage of debt slavery imposed by fiat. Its decentralized nature ensures no single entity can wield undue influence over others’ livelihoods.

---

Eschatological Implications: A New Economic Order

Revelation 13:17 warns of a time when “no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark”—a possible foreshadowing of centralized financial control. Fiat systems, increasingly digital and surveilled, may pave the way for such oppression. Bitcoin, by contrast, decentralizes power, preserving freedom and privacy in the face of authoritarianism.

---

Conclusion: A Call to Righteous Stewardship

Fiat currency, as a system built on deceit, oppression, and idolatry, reflects humanity’s fallen nature. In contrast, Bitcoin aligns with biblical principles of fairness, transparency, and empowerment. While not divine, Bitcoin serves as a tool to restore justice and accountability in human economies. It is a call to righteous stewardship, reminding us that true wealth is not in earthly treasures but in eternal values: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20).

---

Final Thought

Bitcoin may not be salvation itself, but it offers a pathway to resist the corruption of fiat, aligning humanity closer to the principles of justice, freedom, and truth found in scripture.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Introduction: Fiat as a System of Control

Fiat currency, defined as money issued by governments without intrinsic value and backed solely by trust, is not merely an economic tool; it has evolved into a mechanism of systemic oppression, corruption, and exploitation. Unlike commodity-backed currencies, fiat derives its value from government decree, making it susceptible to manipulation. The advent of Bitcoin and decentralized cryptocurrencies offers humanity a way to overcome these systemic issues, restoring financial sovereignty, fairness, and trust.

---

A Historical Overview of Fiat's Evolution

1. The Rise of Fiat: The Gold Standard's Demise

Fiat's history traces back to the early 20th century, particularly with the abandonment of the gold standard. In 1933, the U.S. confiscated gold from citizens through Executive Order 6102, severing direct ties between money and tangible assets.

In 1971, the Nixon administration formally ended the Bretton Woods system, decoupling the U.S. dollar from gold entirely. This decision enabled the unlimited printing of money, laying the groundwork for inflation, economic bubbles, and wealth disparity.

1. The War Machine and Fiat Financing

Fiat currencies have funded endless wars. The Vietnam War, financed by excessive dollar printing, led to the abandonment of gold convertibility.

Governments exploit fiat's elasticity to fund conflicts without immediate taxation, creating a hidden war tax in the form of inflation. For example, the Iraq War (2003) saw over $2 trillion spent, primarily through deficit spending and fiat issuance.

1. The Central Banking Cartel

The Federal Reserve, established in 1913, exemplifies fiat's consolidation of power. By controlling the money supply, central banks manipulate economies, often prioritizing private interests over public welfare.

Quantitative easing (QE) post-2008 financial crisis bailed out banks at the expense of the working class, exacerbating inequality.

1. Hyperinflation and Fiat's Fragility

Historical examples, such as Weimar Germany (1921–1923), Zimbabwe (2007–2009), and Venezuela (2016–present), demonstrate how fiat collapses lead to societal breakdown.

In Venezuela, hyperinflation exceeded 1,000,000%, eroding savings and forcing citizens into barter economies.

---

Fiat as a Tool of Oppression

1. Inflation: The Hidden Tax

Inflation disproportionately affects the poor and middle class, eroding purchasing power and savings. Over the past century, the U.S. dollar has lost over 96% of its value.

Central banks manipulate interest rates and print money to benefit governments and corporations, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the brunt.

1. Debt Slavery

Fiat systems promote perpetual debt. Governments accumulate unsustainable deficits, while individuals are lured into consumer credit traps.

The global debt exceeds $300 trillion, a figure impossible to repay, highlighting the fiat system's Ponzi-like structure.

1. Financial Surveillance and Censorship

Fiat's digital evolution has enabled authoritarian regimes to surveil and censor transactions.

Examples include China's social credit system and Canada's freezing of protestors' bank accounts during the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests.

---

Bitcoin: A Path to Liberation

1. Decentralization and Sovereignty

Bitcoin operates without central authority, empowering individuals to control their wealth. Its fixed supply (21 million BTC) ensures immunity to inflationary policies.

Unlike fiat, Bitcoin's transparent ledger (blockchain) fosters trust and accountability.

1. Censorship Resistance

Bitcoin transactions cannot be censored or reversed, safeguarding financial freedom.

For instance, activists in Belarus and Nigeria used Bitcoin to bypass government-imposed financial blockades.

1. Economic Equality and Inclusion

Bitcoin enables access to financial systems for the unbanked. With 1.4 billion adults lacking access to traditional banking, Bitcoin provides a lifeline through peer-to-peer transactions.

El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender highlights its potential for economic empowerment.

1. Ending Fiat-Fueled Corruption

Bitcoin removes the need for trust in corrupt institutions. By limiting monetary expansion, it eliminates the moral hazard of bailouts and reckless spending.

Governments and corporations lose the ability to manipulate economies for political gain.

---

Case Studies and Evidence

1. Cyprus Bail-In Crisis (2013)

During the Eurozone crisis, Cyprus froze bank accounts and imposed a "bail-in," seizing depositor funds. Bitcoin surged as citizens sought refuge from fiat theft.

1. Hyperinflation in Venezuela

Venezuelans turned to Bitcoin to preserve wealth amidst hyperinflation, using it for remittances and daily transactions.

1. El Salvador's Bitcoin Experiment

Since 2021, El Salvador has utilized Bitcoin to reduce remittance fees and attract foreign investment. Early data suggests improved financial inclusion for the unbanked.

1. Nigeria's Bitcoin Boom

Despite government crackdowns, Nigeria remains a top adopter of Bitcoin, demonstrating its role as a tool for resistance against corrupt monetary policies.

---

A Call to Action: Reclaiming Financial Freedom

Fiat currency is not merely flawed—it embodies systemic corruption, exploitation, and inequality. Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies offer humanity an alternative, built on principles of fairness, decentralization, and freedom. To overcome fiat's grip, global adoption of decentralized finance is imperative. This shift requires education, regulatory advocacy, and grassroots movements to empower individuals.

By embracing Bitcoin, we can dismantle the fiat paradigm, fostering a world where wealth and power are decentralized, and human potential is no longer suppressed by the chains of monetary manipulation.

---

References

1. "The Creature from Jekyll Island" by G. Edward Griffin (1994)

2. "Debt: The First 5,000 Years" by David Graeber (2011)

3. "When Money Dies" by Adam Fergusson (1975)

4. Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

5. Bitcoin Whitepaper by Satoshi Nakamoto (2008)

6. World Bank Global Findex Database

7. Case studies from Venezuelanalysis and Bitcoin Magazine

@ 5725c4a8:6ba4f820

Last night I listened to Part 2 of Robert Breedlove's recent interview with Dr. Jack Kruse. There were many elements that I found to be very fascinating with regard to history, and I really appreciated the in-depth discussion from Part 1 about the interplay between human health and light/EMF (which I've been slowly learning about during the past year). But what I will write about in this article is the subject of time.

In that interview, Dr. Kruse connected the timestamping element of Bitcoin to the biological circadian rhythm. This stood out to me because years ago, I made a conscious decision about how I would think about time, and my subjective experience of it. Humans are born with a finite amount of time allocated to their lives.

I think that, like the total supply of Bitcoin, through events that transpire, and choices that we make, we can lose some of that time. Then, conversely, through other actions that we can take, we can gain some of that time back. There is no true life extension, not by any means that are effectively being explored today. Humans live for 120 years, give or take a few, and then they die.

But what about that time that we have? Is it a long time, or a short time? I very seldom hear people talk as if they expect to live long lives. Frequently, you hear the saying that "Life is short", or "Life is too short to not do [such and such]". I even encounter Bitcoiners saying this. Well, is this true?

It depends on you. Is your time short, or is it long? This depends on the choices that you make, and the events that you live through. In some cases, events may transpire which end your life far too soon before you would have died naturally. But even then, is your time short?

It is what you make of it. Even a day can be long or short, depending on what you made of it. Another way to consider this is in terms of quality. Are you living a quality life?

Jack Kruse spoke about circadian rhythm as being the flow meter for human experience of time. If you are unhealthy, this throws off your circadian rhythm, and hence, your subjective experience of time. What makes a person unhealthy? We know more about this question now than perhaps ever before in human history. If humans are not getting enough natural sunlight, from sunup to sundown, there is an impact to their health. If they eat garbage food, there is an impact, even if they never step barefoot outside, there is an impact.

It's easy to stay inside, to watch anime or sitcoms on the TV, play games, and when necessary, to put on your rubber-soled shoes and go to the store to buy more food. It's easy, but the impact on your subjective time makes it short. The day flies by and you will feel like you're losing time. Your time is short, because your flow meter is gunked up; and so your life is short. Then, because your life is short, you will fall into nihilistc thinking and feel compelled to engage in activities that you wouldn't have otherwise.

The converse is also true. I studied Chen Taijiquan (Chen-style Tai Chi) several years back, and my sifu would say, "if you want to get energy, then you have to spend energy" in response to students who complained that some days they didn't feel strong or energetic enough to exercise. To get up before dawn is difficult, but also restorative. To eat only meat (and some limited other foods), to get out for a walk in the hot sun, to hit the gym, these all require us to spend energy, but in response we also get energy. We feel better, our circadian rhythms come into balance. And then our time is long.

When our time is long, then even if our lives are cut short, we will have lived well. As short time leads us to nihilistic thinking, long time leads us to hopeful thinking. It leads us to plan for the future and to seek the betterment of ourselves, our family, our neighbors, and humanity. Because we have hope.

So is your life long or short? It's up to you. It comes down to your mindset and your choices, which will effect your health and circadian rhythm, which will then feed back into experiences that can reinforce that mindset. I'm 38 years old as I write this, and I can gladly say that I've lived a long life, even if I die just after publishing this, because I'm thankful for the good things in my life, the experiences I've had, and the positive influences I know that I had on other people. For the record, I neither EXPECT nor DESIRE to die today.

From my perspective, at 38, I've lived a long life, not a short one. But I can still live much longer. I can do much more, and I can work to build a better future for myself and the ones that I love. Despite the frustrations of the world, I still look forward with hope to the future of having a family, but without the anxiety that my time is slipping away.

This is me, and my thinking. My time is long, and I will pursue the path that maximizes it to the fullest, even with the objective limit of 120 years. And I will not regret it.

So what about you? Is your time long, or short? And what will you do, knowing that you have the tools to change it?

@ 0403c86a:66d3a378

It's hard to believe it's been a year since we first went live oN Global Sports Central! We're thrilled to celebrate this milestone and take a look back at some amazing numbers.

Here are some highlights:

• Notes: We've published an incredible 5978 notes, with a total of 7260 notes and replies combined!
• Engagement: Our community has shown us love with 7580 likes, 6651 replies, and only 13 reports.
• Zaps: We've received an astonishing 711 #zaps, with a total amount of 79926 #sats received. Plus a couple of decisive #Nostrich that came oN support proven there's a path for #V4V
• Community: We're proud to have 14273 followers iN our first year, with 80K sats received.
• Reach: Our content has been viewed and interacted with by thousands of users, making us one of the most active profiles on #Nostr

We couldn't have done it without you! Your support and engagement have made this journey so rewarding. We're excited to see what the future holds and can't wait to share more updates with you!

Thank you for being part of our journey!

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

Money. It’s one of the most powerful forces in our world, and for many, it evokes mixed emotions. On the one hand, money provides security, opportunities, and the freedom to pursue dreams. On the other, it’s often tied to stress, inequality, and a sense of unending competition. This love-hate relationship with money is universal, and it stems from a system that often feels rigged against the average person.

Enter Nostr—a decentralized protocol designed to address some of the deepest flaws in how we interact with value and communication online. While Nostr isn’t just about money, its principles are profoundly reshaping how we think about value exchange, financial sovereignty, and freedom.

The Root of the Problem

At the core of our collective frustration with money is control. Traditional financial systems are centralized, opaque, and prone to manipulation. Whether it’s through inflation eating away at savings, unfair access to banking, or censorship of financial transactions, the system leaves many feeling powerless. Add to this the societal obsession with consumerism and wealth accumulation, and it’s no wonder money can feel more like a burden than a tool.

Even digital spaces, which promised democratization, often mirror these problems. Social media platforms monetize user data while censoring or shadow-banning content. Payment platforms can freeze accounts or deny access, reinforcing the imbalance of power.

Nostr: A Fresh Perspective on Value and Freedom

Nostr (short for "Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays") isn’t just a technical innovation—it’s a philosophy. Built on a simple yet powerful decentralized protocol, Nostr allows users to share information, communicate, and exchange value directly, without reliance on centralized entities. It’s an open, censorship-resistant network that puts control back into the hands of individuals.

So, how is Nostr addressing the money dilemma?

1. Decentralized Value Exchange\ Nostr integrates seamlessly with tools like Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, enabling instant, low-cost payments without intermediaries. This means individuals can send and receive money directly, whether it’s a micro-tip to support a content creator or a peer-to-peer transaction across borders. No banks. No middlemen. Just value exchanged freely.

2. Censorship Resistance\ One of the most frustrating aspects of modern finance is the potential for censorship. Banks and platforms can freeze accounts or block payments based on arbitrary criteria. Nostr flips this script by creating a network where transactions and communication are uncensorable. Value flows freely, aligned with the principles of individual sovereignty.

3. Empowering Creators\ In traditional models, creators often rely on centralized platforms to earn revenue, losing a significant portion to fees or being at the mercy of algorithms. On Nostr, creators can directly monetize their work through Bitcoin tips or other decentralized payment methods, creating a more equitable system where value flows directly between creator and consumer.

4. Transparency and Trust\ Unlike traditional systems shrouded in secrecy, Nostr operates on an open protocol. This transparency builds trust and removes many of the frustrations people associate with hidden fees, arbitrary rules, or lack of accountability in centralized systems.

A New Relationship with Money

By decentralizing how value is exchanged and communication occurs, Nostr helps redefine the role of money in our lives. It shifts the narrative from control and dependency to empowerment and freedom. Money becomes what it was always meant to be—a tool, not a master.

Imagine a world where tipping someone online is as easy as liking a post, where no one can block you from accessing your own funds, and where creators earn directly from their audience without gatekeepers taking a cut. That’s the world Nostr is helping to build.

Closing Thoughts

The love-hate relationship with money isn’t going away overnight. But as protocols like Nostr grow and mature, they offer a glimpse of what’s possible when we rethink the systems that shape our lives. By putting individuals back in control of their communication and financial exchanges, Nostr is doing more than fixing the flaws of the old system—it’s creating a new one entirely.

In the end, it’s not just about money. It’s about freedom, fairness, and the ability to live a life where value flows freely, aligned with our principles and priorities. Nostr isn’t just a tool; it’s a movement. And for anyone tired of the current system, that’s something worth paying attention to.

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers!

Welcome to 2025! As the year begins, authoritarian regimes have swiftly escalated financial repression, intensifying efforts to dismantle civil society, undermine due process, and suppress dissent.

In Nicaragua, dictator Daniel Ortega advanced financial reforms that would restructure how the country’s central bank and financial institutions operate. The law empowers officials with extensive access to private financial data, the ability to monitor and restrict cross-border flows, and the capacity to deploy law enforcement on those who resist. These measures aim to trap capital in the country and ensure all economic activity aligns with regime interests while enforcing financial control over individuals and civil society.

Across the Pacific, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is actively monitoring and censoring economists whose public comments diverge from state interests and narratives, threatening termination of employment if not compliant. This appears to be an attempt to enforce a single economic narrative that aligns with the CCP’s agenda and “bolsters” investor confidence in the flailing Chinese economy.

In technology news, Live Wallet, a desktop app that helps users analyze their Bitcoin unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs), launched a transaction privacy analysis feature. This enables users to assess the degree of privacy in a given transaction, which is vital for those operating under the financial surveillance of authoritarian regimes. Additionally, the Bull Bitcoin mobile wallet implemented asynchronous Payjoins without a server, providing users with a more convenient and accessible way to make private transactions with less need for coordination.\ \ We end with an enlightening conversation between Bitcoin educators Anita Posch and Lorraine Marcel, founder of Bitcoin Dada, discussing the empowering nature of Bitcoin for women who face systemic rights abuses and financial repression. We also feature an article from the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI) examining the vitality of privacy in public spaces and emphasizing the importance of Bitcoin’s pseudonymous nature in fostering transactional freedom.

Now, let’s jump right in!

Subscribe Here

GLOBAL NEWS

Nicaragua | Financial Reforms Risk Enshrining Repression Into Law

Nicaraguan dictator Daniel Ortega has proposed financial reforms, granting the nation’s central bank more power while placing private financial institutions under greater state control. The law would restructure how the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) and the Superintendency of Banks and Other Financial Institutions (SIBOIF) operate, making them overseen by a shared board of directors chaired by current BCN president Ovidio Reyes. This proposal would empower officials with access to citizens’ and companies’ private financial data and increase their ability to monitor cross-border transactions to identify those moving funds out of the country. It further stipulates the ability to dismiss financial executives, directors, and auditors without cause and deploy law enforcement against non-compliant individuals. These measures risk enshrining financial repression into law, leaving citizens subject to financial monitoring and control.

China | Regime Monitoring and Censoring Economists

The CCP is tightening control over economic discourse, targeting economists with views diverging from state narratives. This follows a directive from the Securities Association of China (SAC), which urged chief economists at brokerages to align their public statements with government policies and focus on “bolstering” investor confidence. Companies have been instructed to take strict action against “inappropriate commentaries or behaviors,” including termination if it results in “major negative impacts.” This move aims to consolidate the state’s economic messaging and muzzle independent views to ensure a single narrative that aligns with the CCP’s agenda.

Iran | Shutters Onramps to Digital Asset Exchanges

The Iranian government is shutting down the onramps to digital asset exchanges, confining citizens in the nation’s collapsing currency. This comes after the Iranian rial lost 37% of its value against the US dollar in 2024, prompting many Iranians to turn to digital assets like Bitcoin. Before this recent shutdown, Iran froze the bank accounts of digital asset exchanges to prevent capital flight. The regime also suspended payment processing services under the pretense of money laundering. For Iranians enduring severe inflation, financial repression, and an isolated economy, Bitcoin represents one of the few remaining paths to financial freedom — a path the regime is now working to block.

Sudan | Replaces Banknotes Amid Civil War

Sudan is replacing its old banknotes with new 1,000- and 500-pound notes through a currency replacement program. Citizens are urged to deposit old notes at banks for new ones. However, the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) is complicating matters. In RSF-held areas, the new currency has been declared illegal. This has left locals unable to exchange their old notes and facing the risk of losing their savings. Meanwhile, withdrawal limits, high fees, and inadequate banking access hinder citizens from exchanging their old notes in SAF-controlled regions. This currency replacement program is exacerbating financial exclusion and exposing the perils of centralized currency in conflict zones.

Russia | War Expenditures Driving Inflation

Russia’s escalating war spending is fueling inflation and deepening financial hardships for its citizens. Housing costs have surged 30% since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and mortgage rates have followed, making homeownership increasingly unattainable for many. Meanwhile, a weakening ruble is quickly eroding family savings across the country. These disparities reveal the state’s failure to balance priorities, leaving Russians at the mercy of state policies and a deteriorating economy as the regime prioritizes its geopolitical offense. Citizens who never had a democratic choice to go to war are forced to pay the consequences.

Cambodia | Approves Stablecoins While Bitcoin Remains Banned

The National Bank of Cambodia now permits financial institutions to offer services using “qualifying” stablecoins (a digital currency pegged to a fiat currency) despite maintaining a nationwide ban on Bitcoin. This directive seeks to better regulate digital asset operations, with stablecoins being a focal point, likely due to their centralized nature and easier oversight. This comes after Cambodia’s government recently blocked 16 digital asset exchanges. Concerns over the regime’s ability to monitor and control stablecoins are amplified by cases like Tether previously (USDT) freezing accounts in the country. Additionally, by permitting stablecoins over Bitcoin, these regulations may serve to protect the Bakong, Cambodia’s central bank digital currency (CBDC), from greater digital currency competition, particularly in domestic payments.

BITCOIN NEWS

Live Wallet | Releases Transaction Privacy Analysis

Live Wallet, a desktop app that helps users analyze their unspent transaction outputs (UTXOs), just released a feature enabling users to assess the privacy of their Bitcoin transactions. With the release, users can now gauge the degree of privacy in a given transaction and label them accordingly. To do so, Live Wallet analyzes transactions for factors such as connection to other bitcoin addresses, amount of bitcoin in the wallets used, reuse of the same bitcoin address, and more. This feature will help human rights defenders and dissidents to better protect their financial privacy while operating in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes.

Bull Bitcoin Wallet | Implements Serverless Asynchronous Payjoin

Bull Bitcoin Wallet, an open-source and self-custodial Bitcoin wallet for Android, became the first mobile Bitcoin wallet to allow users to send and receive asynchronous Payjoin transactions without running their own server. Payjoin is a privacy-enhancing technique for Bitcoin transactions, where both the sender and receiver contribute inputs to the transaction, making it more difficult to ascertain who the payer and payee are. Implementing asynchronous Payjoin in its mobile wallet means users can now conduct Payjoins even if one party is not actively online to participate in the transaction. This provides users with a more convenient and accessible way to make private transactions with less need for coordination.

RaspiBlitz | Integrates Alby Hub

RaspiBlitz, an open-source project enabling users to run a Bitcoin and Lightning Network node on a Raspberry Pi, introduced an Alby Hub integration. With this update, individuals can use Raspberry Pis (a small, low-cost computer) to host Alby Hub, a self-custodial, open-source Lightning wallet that easily connects to freedom tech apps like Nostr clients. A popular use for Alby Hub is to make micropayments on the decentralized, censorship-resistant protocol Nostr. HRF is proud to see the integration of self-custodial tools from this past HRF grantee.

Blockstream | Introduces Jade Plus Signing Device

Blockstream, a company developing Bitcoin technology and software, released a new version of its Jade hardware wallet, the Jade Plus. Hardware wallets are devices that allow users to securely transact and custody their Bitcoin while keeping the private key offline. Jade Plus features a larger, brighter display, an enhanced camera for scanning QR codes, and offline firmware updates. The device is also capable of fully air-gapped (disconnected from the Internet) transactions. These improvements will make it easier for non-technical users to securely self-custody their Bitcoin. You can view it here.

Zapstore | Adds Ability to “Zap” App Developers

Zapstore, a decentralized and censorship-proof app store built on the Nostr protocol, recently added the ability to “Zap” (a bitcoin micropayment) app developers via the Lightning Network. With Zapstore, developers can publish and “sign” their application in a permissionless manner to the open-source Nostr protocol, making it available for everyone to use. Rather than relying on a centralized app store (such as Google Play) to verify the legitimacy of a developer and their app, users can use their “web of trust” to view which users follow and “endorse” the app developer. By adding the functionality to Zap, Zapstore lets users support developers building decentralized and censorship-resistant tools for those living in countries ruled by authoritarian regimes.

Mi Primer Bitcoin | Launches Community Hub

Mi Primer Bitcoin, a nonprofit advancing open-source Bitcoin education, launched a Community Hub, a new platform to support independent Bitcoin Educators. The hub includes two main components: a wiki to provide educators with information and educational resources, and a forum where educators can meet and collaborate to enhance their operations and curriculum. As Mi Primer Bitcoin’s course gets more widely used by communities and educators in autocratic countries, these new resources are sure to benefit those in need for better information about financial freedom.

RECOMMENDED CONTENT

How Bitcoin is Changing Lives for Women in Kenya with Bitcoin Dada

In this interview, Bitcoin educator Anita Posch interviews Lorraine Marcel, the founder of Bitcoin Dada, a women-focused Bitcoin education program in Kenya. They discuss how Bitcoin can empower and uplift women in Africa and beyond, especially those who lack fundamental rights and face financial discrimination. Marcel believes Bitcoin offers a path to financial independence and freedom by breaking social barriers and offering an inclusive, nondiscriminatory technology that empowers women. Watch the full conversation here.

Privacy in Public by Bradley Rettler, Andrew Bailey, and Craig Warmke

In this three-part series for the Bitcoin Policy Institute, philosophers Bradley Rettler, Andrew Bailey, and Craig Warmke discuss the idea of privacy in public spaces. The authors argue that privacy is more than just a personal right but also a vital public good. Further, they examine how Bitcoin’s pseudonymity fosters freedom, allowing individuals to engage in financial and social interactions without fear of surveillance or coercion. The series presents a thought-provoking case for why preserving privacy is a defining cornerstone of a free and open society. You can read part 1, part 2, and part 3 here.

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

Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program via BTCPay.\ Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ hrf.org

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

Subscribe to newsletter

Apply for a grant

Support our work

Visit our website

@ d6affa19:9110b177

What traits make up a quality submissive gentleman? My journey and exploration have led me to realize that there are many essential qualities necessary for a gentleman to flourish in this lifestyle. A Female-Led Relationship (FLR) isn’t just about control or obedience or kink; it’s first and foremost, a relationship—which means it’s about the connection and commitment.

What I’ve learned is that the traits that enhance a man’s ability to be a great partner are also the fundamental traits that shape a submissive man of true quality. Let’s take a look at five traits that I feel define not only a better partner, but also a better submissive in an FLR.

1. Self-love

I could probably write an entire article on this alone. Self-love is the most important trait for a submissive gentleman. The saying “If you can’t love yourself, you can love anyone else” is very true, and if he can’t take care of himself, he can’t take care of another. How a man feels about himself will show up in everything he does—including his service to another. Self-love isn’t selfish, but foundational.

Recognizing his own worth will allow him to embody his submission from a place of strength, whereas an insecure man will constantly need external validation from his partner. This insatiable need for validation will drain his partner’s energy and put a strain on the relationship, or may even place himself in a position to be taken advantage of.

All other traits flow from a gentleman’s self-worth. Any lingering shame he has about his submissiveness or his identity will be present in how well he can serve. For example, he may become defensive if he fails to meet his partner’s expectations, or act out in times of rejection or unmet needs. His self-love directly reflects his ability to show up and be fully engaged in the relationship.

2. Desire to Serve

This is a defining trait for a submissive gentleman because it’s what makes him… well, submissive. It stems from deep-rooted desire to please and is integrated into his entire being—it’s what drives his motivation and purpose. This desire is typically his way of expressing devotion and love, demonstrating his commitment, and finding fulfillment through acts of service.

An authentic desire to serve shapes the relationship by affirming roles (Her leadership, his service) and creating a supportive environment. It’s important to clarify that a genuine desire to please motivates the man to be attentive to and serve his partner in ways that she prefers and not only in the ways he prefers. It’s critical to make this distinction.

3. Vulnerability

Another core trait for a submissive gentleman. No, showing or expressing vulnerability doesn’t make one submissive—but one can’t be truly submissive without it. Vulnerability is a profound demonstration of trust from a submissive gentleman in his partner; it’s a removal of all the emotional barriers that get in the way of seeing who a person truly is, unguarded.

And yet, true vulnerability is tricky to explain. It’s not just opening up emotionally—it has a lot to do with another person’s connection with those emotions. Vulnerability is where true discovery and intimacy happen in a relationship, where the connection becomes more than physical and momentary.

Embracing vulnerability takes a sufficient amount of self-knowledge to understand what barriers need to be dropped, both consciously and unconsciously, to allow another inside. For a submissive gentleman, this means it may not be about expressing the man who wants to serve, but discovering the man behind the one who wants to serve.

4. Integrity

Integrity is the honesty or truthfulness of one’s actions. This is important because it defines a man’s motivations and intentions and makes them known to his partner. With integrity, he is more likely to act in his role more authentically. This means he can serve his partner genuinely without pretense or ulterior motives—which lead to a transactional dynamic.

A submissive gentleman who serves with integrity is much more likely to be reliable and demonstrate consistency (another essential trait). When his behaviors align with his commitments time and time again, it builds the confidence and trust his partner has for him and the relationship, strengthening the connection.

5. Humility

Being able to quiet and tame his ego is another foundational trait that a submissive gentleman should possess. Humility involves the ability to receive feedback and correction from his partner, as well as the willingness to let go of control to her—the essence of surrender. This surrender helps him align his actions to her desires more seamlessly by doing what she asks when she asks, without unnecessary push-back.

For a submissive gentleman, the ego can be a tricky thing. Because he finds fulfillment in serving, he may tend to lead with his preconceived notions about what “submission” looks like. He may also only “feel” submissive to his partner when she interacts in certain ways. This is his ego. An ego-driven submissive will struggle over control for the vision of the relationship, rather than learning, accepting, and working toward her vision. Embracing humility is an understanding that the true criteria for pleasing his partner resides only within her and not himself—that his service to her is for her and not himself.

Closing Thoughts

So these traits are what I consider essential for a submissive gentleman to possess: self-love, the desire to serve, vulnerability, integrity, and humility. Honestly, it was difficult to choose only five. As I was considering them, so many more important traits came to mind like loyalty, consistency, attentiveness, emotional resilience, self-control, courage, gratitude, communication, and on and on and on. But I didn’t want this piece to become lengthy, so I kept it at five.

While all of these other traits are vital as well, I felt like the five traits explored are what embody the heart of a submissive gentleman best. As mentioned at the beginning, these are excellent traits to develop for healthy connections and relationships. The journey of “submission” for a man isn’t about self-erasure or relinquishing control; it’s about finding deeper purpose and connection in a way that honors his truth—it’s about self-growth and becoming a man capable and worthy enough to honor and serve the female leadership in his life with authenticity and devotion.

Do these traits resonate with you? Maybe you have some other traits or insights to share—please, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

@ 5a8e581f:c150c8ba

Doing Bitcoin the right way is hard.

If Bull Bitcoin wanted to take the easy path, we would have done what all the other exchanges are doing and would simply have offered a custodial wallet to our users. But our mission is not to sell numbers on a screen, fake paper bitcoin and IOUs. Our mission is to create sovereign individuals. If our clients don’t take full control over their wealth, we have failed them.

If we wanted to take the easy path, we would have offered shitcoin trading, NFTs, ICOs, yield and all sorts of nonsense. No doubt, we would today be far more wealthy.

But we would have failed in our mission to establish a universal Bitcoin standard and fixed the problems created by easy money. We would have compromised on our values and sold products that we don’t believe in and we don’t personally use.

If we wanted to take the easy path, we wouldn't have spent years building open-source software that lets any business run their own self-hosted Bitcoin wallet API infrastructure connected directly to their own Bitcoin, Lightning and Liquid network nodes. We would have just done a deal with Coinbase or another third party to take care of the Bitcoin engineering on our behalf.

But we would have failed in our mission to help keep the Bitcoin network decentralized and resilient to institutional failures. We would have lost our direct and precious connection to the Bitcoin network.

The engineering, operational and logistical challenges involved in maintaining a noncustodial Bitcoin service like Bull Bitcoin, in an environment where Bitcoin network fees are increasingly high, while also maintaining an accessible user experience with minimal compromises on the cypherpunk principles of Bitcoin… are impossibly hard to fathom for the vast majority of Bitcoiners.

Despite consistently taking the most difficult path at every turn, Bull Bitcoin has nonetheless been crushing it for the past 10 years thanks to our Bitcoiner ethos and mindset, sticking to our core values and creating products with a singular focus: engineering sovereignty.

All of this we accomplished without any outside funding. Every sat invested in Bull Bitcoin was acquired by offering a service valued by our customers. Every network fee we pay, every investment in R&D comes straight out of our pockets. If our bitcoin-only noncustodial model fails and we become unprofitable, there will be no bailout.

As a low-time preference business, taking the hard path today means we will have a unique competitive advantage in the future. Nobody uses Bitcoin more than a non-custodial exchange. Every trade and every revenue generating activity is derived directly from a Bitcoin payment. We are keenly aware of every possible problem that Bitcoin users may be facing, because we are ourselves are a power user. We know what kinds of problems the users will face, what solutions we need to build and how we must adapt. We always skate where the puck is going.

But there is another, more noble purpose to choosing the hard path.

I'm also heavily involved in a community circular economy project in Costa Rica called Bitcoin Jungle. We spend countless hours to educate locals, set merchants up with Bitcoin point of sales, and build the infrastructure necessary for Bitcoin to thrive as a medium of exchange in even the most rural areas. All of this we do for free, and in fact it we pay for it out of pocket! I discovered recently that a few people were skeptical of our efforts. I met one of them and he asked us “but why are you doing this, if you don't make any money from it”.

We do it because we love Bitcoin. We believe in the ideology of Bitcoin, its underlying cypherpunk and free market principles. We do it because we as sovereign individuals cannot live in isolation and we all benefit from the success of our communities. We do it because we want our kids to grow up in a world that is free from the evils of Fiat currency. May our children never suffer the corruption of participating in a socialist economic system that steals their time and their wealth by the simple fact of interacting with fiat currency. We do it because doing it is a moral imperative. In a world of systematic injustice, doing nothing is to be complicit. You cannot live a virtuous life with the knowledge that you had the capacity to act heroically but chose to capitulate.

Bitcoin is at the center of a spiritual war between forces of corruption and forces of liberation. There is a higher power that calls us to become the resistance. Bitcoin is hope. Bitcoin is salvation. If Bitcoin fails, everyone on earth is truly and utterly fucked.

We are on the cusp of a fundamental civilizational change. The global debt-fueled fiat ponzi is imploding right before our eyes. What comes next is up to us to determine. We are the right place and the right time. We have a unique window of opportunity that may not come again within our lifetimes and that of our children.

The choices we make today will shape what the world looks hundreds of years from now. Whether our descendants live in totalitarian dystopias or will be ushering in a new era of prosperity and freedom depends on our willingness to choose the hard path today.

And if you think the hard part is over and that Bitcoin has already won, think again. During our decade of operational experience, there were few serious attacks on the Bitcoin network. Bitcoin had relatively low levels of adoption and apart from a few periods of intense fee spikes and the fork wars of 2017, it was smooth sailing. Bitcoin was mostly flying under the radar, left to develop organically in the hands of its cypherpunk caretakers.

This era of complacency is over. From now on, everything is about to get much, much harder. This is what we live for! Nothing easy is worth pursuing.

Bull Bitcoin hasn't given up on Bitcoin's mission to free humanity from the shackles of fiat slavery and centralized systems, we are reinvigorated by the challenges that Bitcoin is facing and that will continue to intensify.

We will not give up on Bitcoin's use case as a medium of exchange and we will continue to build tools that make it easy for anyone to opt out of the traditional banking system to conduct peer-to-peer transactions securely, as was originally intended by Satoshi when launched the Bitcoin project.

This new epoch, Bull Bitcoin is leveling up to an entire new standard for consumer-facing Bitcoin apps, higher than anyone has ever seen. We have been thinking about how to make our unique noncustodial model work sustainably long-term for years. This is the hill that we choose to die on.

But as we entered into a new Bitcoin epoch, I've witnessed many in the Bitcoin community become cynical, fatalistic and even depressed. It’s hard to blame them.

Privacy-preserving tools are being shut down. The Lightning Network is suffering scalability issues. The Bitcoin blockchain is being spammed by degenerate NFT gamblers, driving up transaction fees for everyone else. Bankers and Wall Street insiders are accumulating Bitcoin fortunes and promoting exchange traded funds as an alternative to self-custody. Bitcoin mining is being heavily centralized among a small group of American-based public companies. It sometimes feels like Bitcoin is under attack by various nefarious interests that want to control it and corrupt it.

Even from within our own community we are suffering from prophets of doom spewing fear, uncertainty and doubt. Many sneer that Lightning is broken, that Bitcoin has been co-opted by Wall Street. Some say we should give up and switch to altcoins. Some pundits blame “lasereyed maxis” for blocking protocol changes and claim that being conservative about modifying the rules of Bitcoin means “ossification” and that's the reason why Bitcoin has high fees. Others are pushing the idea that Bitcoin was never meant for payments anyway and that being a store of value was always the main goal of Bitcoin. Who cares about the poor? The plebs can always keep their funds on an exchange.

At Bull Bitcoin, we see it very differently. We have a realistic and optimistic approach towards building a bright future for Bitcoin. I have never been so bullish on the future Bitcoin as I am today.

Make no mistake: the core principles of Bitcoin self-custody, censorship-resistance and privacy are under attack. But the Bitcoin community possesses a unique advantage that will ultimately allow us to prevail: not only do we have skin in the game, we have soul in the game.

Our tribe of a few thousand cypherpunk Bitcoin maximalist fanatics stand against an empire of fiat clones, millions of faceless cogs in a soulless machine. I like our odds.

While I agree that we should never take Bitcoin’s success for granted, the bleak picture that some want to paint regarding the state of Bitcoin is detached from reality.

We've already achieved incredible technological miracles. The fact that it is possible for a user to run a Lightning network node on a mobile device and make fully trustless payments is a monumental achievement. Despite what they claim I can guarantee that no other shitcoin or fiat payment system has anywhere near the level of sophistication of Bitcoin. It is an incredibly bullish sign for the Bitcoin ecosystem that we have achieved a level where users can remain fully sovereign if they have the means.

Scaling Bitcoin so that it can enable hundreds of millions of people to become sovereign individuals is the most pressing challenge of our times. Our community must accept inevitable realities: not everybody will be able to afford on-chain transactions. The success of Bitcoin means that one day, during our lifetimes, a single Bitcoin translation will cost hundreds of dollars.

Upgrading the Bitcoin protocol may allow us to create tools that enable a more secure, censorship-resistant and private payment mechanism, but no soft fork can fix the fundamental tradeoffs of the Bitcoin protocol.

But this doesn't mean that we should either give up on Bitcoin’s value proposition as a medium of exchange, or that we must fork bitcoin according to the whims of whoever is trending on Twitter, nor should we capitulate to traditional exchanges acting as banks for the vast majority of users.

To fix the inconvenient and expensive user experience that most people are suffering in times of high fees while making the minimum amount of compromises, you need vision and execution.

There is an army of shadowy super coders that, like us, have dedicated their lives to ensure that Bitcoin becomes the universal medium of exchange, store of value and medium of account. We come from different walks of life and we have different strategies. Some of us work on self-sovereign consumer applications. Other focus of privacy protocols, mining decentralization, second later payment networks, e-cash protocols, and finally, as a last resort, some are working to add changes to the Bitcoin protocol which can enable tools that we currently cannot build.

At Bull Bitcoin, our vision of the future Bitcoin experience is crystal clear. It is a vision of success and integrity, where the path of least resistance for the user is also the path of least compromise.

We, the Bitcoin builders, will make it real.

@ 0d97beae:c5274a14

This article hopes to complement the article by Lyn Alden on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk_HWmmwiAs

The reason why we have broken money

Before the invention of key technologies such as the printing press and electronic communications, even such as those as early as morse code transmitters, gold had won the competition for best medium of money around the world.

In fact, it was not just gold by itself that became money, rulers and world leaders developed coins in order to help the economy grow. Gold nuggets were not as easy to transact with as coins with specific imprints and denominated sizes.

However, these modern technologies created massive efficiencies that allowed us to communicate and perform services more efficiently and much faster, yet the medium of money could not benefit from these advancements. Gold was heavy, slow and expensive to move globally, even though requesting and performing services globally did not have this limitation anymore.

Banks took initiative and created derivatives of gold: paper and electronic money; these new currencies allowed the economy to continue to grow and evolve, but it was not without its dark side. Today, no currency is denominated in gold at all, money is backed by nothing and its inherent value, the paper it is printed on, is worthless too.

Banks and governments eventually transitioned from a money derivative to a system of debt that could be co-opted and controlled for political and personal reasons. Our money today is broken and is the cause of more expensive, poorer quality goods in the economy, a larger and ever growing wealth gap, and many of the follow-on problems that have come with it.

Bitcoin overcomes the "transfer of hard money" problem

Just like gold coins were created by man, Bitcoin too is a technology created by man. Bitcoin, however is a much more profound invention, possibly more of a discovery than an invention in fact. Bitcoin has proven to be unbreakable, incorruptible and has upheld its ability to keep its units scarce, inalienable and counterfeit proof through the nature of its own design.

Since Bitcoin is a digital technology, it can be transferred across international borders almost as quickly as information itself. It therefore severely reduces the need for a derivative to be used to represent money to facilitate digital trade. This means that as the currency we use today continues to fare poorly for many people, bitcoin will continue to stand out as hard money, that just so happens to work as well, functionally, along side it.

Bitcoin will also always be available to anyone who wishes to earn it directly; even China is unable to restrict its citizens from accessing it. The dollar has traditionally become the currency for people who discover that their local currency is unsustainable. Even when the dollar has become illegal to use, it is simply used privately and unofficially. However, because bitcoin does not require you to trade it at a bank in order to use it across borders and across the web, Bitcoin will continue to be a viable escape hatch until we one day hit some critical mass where the world has simply adopted Bitcoin globally and everyone else must adopt it to survive.

Bitcoin has not yet proven that it can support the world at scale. However it can only be tested through real adoption, and just as gold coins were developed to help gold scale, tools will be developed to help overcome problems as they arise; ideally without the need for another derivative, but if necessary, hopefully with one that is more neutral and less corruptible than the derivatives used to represent gold.

Bitcoin blurs the line between commodity and technology

Bitcoin is a technology, it is a tool that requires human involvement to function, however it surprisingly does not allow for any concentration of power. Anyone can help to facilitate Bitcoin's operations, but no one can take control of its behaviour, its reach, or its prioritisation, as it operates autonomously based on a pre-determined, neutral set of rules.

At the same time, its built-in incentive mechanism ensures that people do not have to operate bitcoin out of the good of their heart. Even though the system cannot be co-opted holistically, It will not stop operating while there are people motivated to trade their time and resources to keep it running and earn from others' transaction fees. Although it requires humans to operate it, it remains both neutral and sustainable.

Never before have we developed or discovered a technology that could not be co-opted and used by one person or faction against another. Due to this nature, Bitcoin's units are often described as a commodity; they cannot be usurped or virtually cloned, and they cannot be affected by political biases.

The dangers of derivatives

A derivative is something created, designed or developed to represent another thing in order to solve a particular complication or problem. For example, paper and electronic money was once a derivative of gold.

In the case of Bitcoin, if you cannot link your units of bitcoin to an "address" that you personally hold a cryptographically secure key to, then you very likely have a derivative of bitcoin, not bitcoin itself. If you buy bitcoin on an online exchange and do not withdraw the bitcoin to a wallet that you control, then you legally own an electronic derivative of bitcoin.

Bitcoin is a new technology. It will have a learning curve and it will take time for humanity to learn how to comprehend, authenticate and take control of bitcoin collectively. Having said that, many people all over the world are already using and relying on Bitcoin natively. For many, it will require for people to find the need or a desire for a neutral money like bitcoin, and to have been burned by derivatives of it, before they start to understand the difference between the two. Eventually, it will become an essential part of what we regard as common sense.

Learn for yourself

If you wish to learn more about how to handle bitcoin and avoid derivatives, you can start by searching online for tutorials about "Bitcoin self custody".

There are many options available, some more practical for you, and some more practical for others. Don't spend too much time trying to find the perfect solution; practice and learn. You may make mistakes along the way, so be careful not to experiment with large amounts of your bitcoin as you explore new ideas and technologies along the way. This is similar to learning anything, like riding a bicycle; you are sure to fall a few times, scuff the frame, so don't buy a high performance racing bike while you're still learning to balance.