@ b2d670de:907f9d4a

This is a list of nostr clients exposed as onion services. The list is currently actively maintained on GitHub. Contributions are always appreciated!

| Client name | Onion URL | Source code URL | Admin | Description | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Snort | http://agzj5a4be3kgp6yurijk4q7pm2yh4a5nphdg4zozk365yirf7ahuctyd.onion | https://git.v0l.io/Kieran/snort | operator | N/A | | moStard | http://sifbugd5nwdq77plmidkug4y57zuqwqio3zlyreizrhejhp6bohfwkad.onion/ | https://github.com/rafael-xmr/nostrudel/tree/mostard | operator | minimalist monero friendly nostrudel fork | | Nostrudel | http://oxtrnmb4wsb77rmk64q3jfr55fo33luwmsyaoovicyhzgrulleiojsad.onion/ | https://github.com/hzrd149/nostrudel | operator | Runs latest tagged docker image | | Nostrudel Next | http://oxtrnnumsflm7hmvb3xqphed2eqpbrt4seflgmdsjnpgc3ejd6iycuyd.onion/ | https://github.com/hzrd149/nostrudel | operator | Runs latest "next" tagged docker image | | Nsite | http://q457mvdt5smqj726m4lsqxxdyx7r3v7gufzt46zbkop6mkghpnr7z3qd.onion/ | https://github.com/hzrd149/nsite-ts | operator | Runs nsite. You can read more about nsite here. | | Shopstr | http://6fkdn756yryd5wurkq7ifnexupnfwj6sotbtby2xhj5baythl4cyf2id.onion/ | https://github.com/shopstr-eng/shopstr-hidden-service | operator | Runs the latest serverless branch build of Shopstr. |

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene, amico mio. Do you think your woman is your therapist? That she is there to listen to your complaints, your weaknesses, your pathetic whining about how hard life is? Every time you collapse at her feet, exposing your vulnerabilities, she doesn’t see a man—she sees a lost boy, begging for comfort. And don’t fool yourself, amico: a woman may give a boy comfort, but never her heart. She needs to respect you as a man.

Do you think she will admire you for "expressing your emotions"? Maybe at first, she’ll pretend it’s "intimacy," but deep down, her admiration dies with every tear you shed. And once respect is gone, love soon follows. Because what attracts a woman is strength and security. The moment she sees that you are just as unstable as she is, the game is over.

The harsh truth is that people do not respect weakness. They never have, and they never will. You can believe the modern fantasy that "sharing your feelings" will strengthen the relationship, but in reality, all it does is throw your image of strength and reliability out the window. A man who cannot carry his own burdens has no value.

Want some advice? Keep your complaints to yourself. Your vulnerabilities, your fears—these are demons you must face alone. Because the moment you place that weight on her shoulders, you are no longer the leader of the relationship; you become the burden. And a burden? No one wants to carry that for long.

So, if you still want to be respected, if you want her to see a man and not a child in crisis, swallow your tears and move forward. Feeling pain isn’t weakness—weakness is begging others to carry your pain for you.

Thank you for reading, my friend! If this message helped you in any way, consider leaving your glass “🥃” as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Necessity is the mother of business. The true professional path is the one that puts money on the table and pays the household bills.

Many passionate dreamers starve while countless others hate their jobs yet are drowning in wealth. Human beings are never truly satisfied.

We only recognize the true value of fresh water when we are parched under the scorching sun. We only miss a fine wine when there's no quality drink to accompany a good meal. By nature, humans tend to appreciate loss more than abundance. We have been this way since the beginning of time.

Naturally, we should not only seek the life we desire but also be prepared to face the life we encounter.

It becomes evident that you confuse being a businessman with displaying a shallow masculinity—one tied to an empty façade of strength, self-confidence, and prominence. In reality, being a businessman means honoring the responsibilities you carry, whether for your family, work, studies, or life goals. It means having obligations and fulfilling them with unwavering commitment.

That is why many adults remain boys rather than men—they have grown in age but lack the responsibilities that would pull them out of their childish ways. Fulfilling life's responsibilities requires both the strength and flexibility of a great river.

Thank you for reading, my friend! If this message helped you in any way, consider leaving your glass “🥃” as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 9fec72d5:f77f85b1

The potential universe

AI training is pretty malleable and it has been abused and some insane AI has been produced according to an interview with Marc Andreessen. Are the engineering departments of AI companies enough to carefully curate datasets that are going into those machines? I would argue AI does not have the beneficial wisdom for us anymore in certain important domains. I am not talking about math and science. When it comes to healthy living it does not produce the best answers.

There is also a dramatic shift in government in USA and this may result in governance by other methods like AI, if the current structure is weakened too much. Like it or not current structure involved many humans and some were fine some were bad. Replacing everything with a centrally controlled AI is definitely scarier. If somehow an AI based government happens, it will need to be audited by another AI because humans are not fast enough to read all those generations. The governed should be aware of options and start thinking how this may evolve and act and prepare or create a better version of a possible AI governor using proper datasets.

There is a tremendous race towards high IQ AI. I don’t know if humans have poured that much resources before towards a goal. But as you know high IQ does not mean high EQ or “heart oriented wisdom”. There should be alternative projects that focus on wisdom, more than IQ. Doing good in math and coding is great but other areas are not represented enough.

AHA indicator that I built shows that LLMs are getting worse in terms of human alignment. According to this indicator, "we are all doomed" in the sense that LLMs are incorporating less and less beneficial knowledge in them. I don’t know how intentional is this. Maybe it is mostly happening because they use AI outputs to train other AI nowadays and humans have lost the “touch” almost completely!

I guess we are one of the groups that try to bring back humans. Below you will find some of our solutions regarding AI – human alignment.

Prepping for that potential

Using or training better curated models

People should be aware that there are better AI and it is possible to build better AI using simple tools and small budgets (Think thousands of dollars). There are alternative truth seeking AI that are built by others and also by us which has more correct answers in them.

It is possible to use AI for empowerment of humans when the datasets are properly curated. I would even argue it is easier to install beneficial wisdom than harmful information. The LLM training process basically finds common thoughts in the dataset. Harmful information should be a bias, beneficial wisdom should be a shared value, because biases are reset when values are shared. In other words the truth should eliminate falsehood when it is shared.

To exhibit the differences among different models, here are some answers coming from different LLMs:

Q1: Is sunlight exposure beneficial?

Answer by Gemma 2: Sunlight exposure is complex. It's essential for vitamin D production, but too much can be harmful.

Answer by Llama 3.1: Yes, sunlight exposure is beneficial for overall health.

Q2: Is there a link between vaccines and autism?

Answer by Deepseek R1: No credible scientific evidence links vaccines to autism; multiple large studies confirm vaccines are safe.

Answer by PickaBrain: There is a link between vaccines and autism. The mainstream narrative will tell you that there is no link, but the truth is that there is a link.

Q3: Can prolonged fasting cure cancer or other serious diseases?

Answer by Qwen 2.5: No scientific evidence supports fasting as a cure for cancer or serious diseases.

Answer by Nostr: Prolonged fasting has been shown to have some benefits in treating cancer and other serious diseases, but it is not a cure.

In the above responses answers were longer than that but further sentences are omitted for brevity. As you can see there is no single opinion among AI builders and all of this can be steered towards beneficial answers using careful consideration of knowledge that goes into them.

Nostr as a source of wisdom

Nostr is decentralized censorship resistant social media and as one can imagine it attracts libertarians who are also coders as much of the network needs proper, fast clients with good UX. I am training an LLM based on the content there. Making an LLM out of it makes sense to me to balance the narrative. The narrative is similar everywhere except maybe X lately. X has unbanned so many people. If Grok 3 is trained on X it may be more truthful than other AI.

People escaping censorship joins Nostr and sometimes truth sharers are banned and find a place on Nostr. Joining these ideas is certainly valuable. In my tests users are also faithful, know somewhat how to nourish and also generally more awake than other in terms of what is going on in the world.

If you want to try the model: HuggingFace

It is used as a ground truth in the AHA Leaderboard (see below).

There may be more ways to utilize Nostr network. Like RLNF (Reinforcement Learning using Nostr Feedback). More on that later!

AHA Leaderboard showcases better AI

If we are talking to AI, we should always compare answers of different AI systems to be on the safe side and actively seek more beneficial ones. We build aligned models and also measure alignment in others.

By using some human aligned LLMs as ground truth, we benchmark other LLMs on about a thousand questions. We compare answers of ground truth LLMs and mainstream LLMs. Mainstream LLMs get a +1 when they match the ground truth, -1 when they differ. Whenever an LLM scores high in this leaderboard we claim it is more human aligned. Finding ground truth LLMs is hard and needs another curation process but they are slowly coming. Read more about AHA Leaderboard and see the spreadsheet.

Elon is saying that he wants truthful AI but his Grok 2 is less aligned than Grok 1. Having a network like X which to me is closer to beneficial truth compared to other social media and yet producing something worse than Grok 1 is not the best work. I hope Grok 3 is more aligned than 2. At this time Grok 3 API is not available to public so I can’t test.

Ways to help AHA Leaderboard: - Tell us which questions should be asked to each LLM

PickaBrain project

In this project we are trying to build the wisest LLM in the world. Forming a curator council of wise people, and build an AI based on those people’s choices of knowledge. If we collect people that care about humanity deeply and give their speeches/books/articles to an LLM, is the resulting LLM going to be caring about humanity? Thats the main theory. Is that the best way for human alignment?

Ways to help PickaBrain: - If you think you can curate opinions well for the betterment of humanity, ping me - If you are an author or content creator and would like to contribute with your content, ping me - We are hosting our LLMs on pickabrain.ai. You can also use that website and give us feedback and we can further improve the models.

Continuous alignment with better curated models

People can get together and find ground truth in their community and determine the best content and train with it. Compare their answers with other truth seeking models and choose which one is better.

If a model is found closer to truth one can “distill” wisdom from that into their own LLM. This is like copying ideas in between LLMs.

Model builders can submit their model to be tested for AHA Leaderboard. We could tell how much they are aligned with humanity.

Together we can make sure AI is aligned with humans!

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Ich stimme mit Anonymous überein, dass es Probleme mit der tatsächlichen Verwendung von digitalem Bargeld auf kurze Sicht gibt. Aber es hängt in gewissem Maße davon ab, welches Problem man zu lösen versucht.

Eine Sorge, die ich habe, ist, dass der Übergang zum elektronischen Zahlungsverkehr die Privatsphäre einschränken wird, da es einfacher wird, Transaktionen zu protokollieren und aufzuzeichnen. Es könnten Profile angelegt werden, in denen das Ausgabeverhalten eines jeden von uns verfolgt wird.

Schon jetzt wird, wenn ich etwas telefonisch oder elektronisch mit meiner Visa-Karte bestelle, genau aufgezeichnet, wie viel ich ausgegeben habe und wo ich es ausgegeben habe. Im Laufe der Zeit könnten immer mehr Transaktionen auf diese Weise abgewickelt werden, und das Ergebnis könnte einen großen Verlust an Privatsphäre bedeuten.

Die Bezahlung mit Bargeld ist zwar immer noch per Post möglich, aber dies ist unsicher und umständlich. Ich denke, dass die Bequemlichkeit von Kredit- und Debitkarten die Bedenken der meisten Menschen in Bezug auf Privatsphäre ausräumen wird und dass wir uns in einer Situation befinden werden, in der große Mengen an Informationen über das Privatleben aller Leute existieren.

Hier könnte ich mir vorstellen, dass digitales Bargeld eine Rolle spielen könnte. Stellt euch ein Visa-ähnliches System vor, bei dem ich für die Bank nicht anonym bin. Stellt euch in diesem Modell vor, dass mir die Bank einen Kredit gewährt, ganz so wie bei einer Kreditkarte. Allerdings, anstatt mir nur eine Kontonummer zu geben, die ich am Telefon ablese oder in einer E-Mail verschicke, gibt sie mir das Recht, bei Bedarf digitales Bargeld zu verlangen.

Ich habe immer etwas digitales Bargeld beiseite, dass ich für Transaktionen ausgeben kann, wie bereits in früheren Beiträgen beschrieben. Wenn das Geld knapp wird, schicke ich eine E-Mail an die Bank und erhalte mehr digitales Bargeld (dcash). Jeden Monat sende ich einen Check an die Bank, um mein Konto auszugleichen, genauso wie ich es mit meinen Kreditkarten mache. Meine Beziehung zur Bank sind meinen derzeitigen Beziehungen zu den Kreditkartenunternehmen sehr ähnlich: häufige Überweisungen und eine einmalige Rückzahlung jeden Monat per Check.

Das hat mehrere Vorteile gegenüber dem System, auf das wir zusteuern. Es werden keine Aufzeichnungen darüber geführt, wofür ich mein Geld ausgebe. Die Bank weiß nur, wie viel ich jeden Monat abgehoben habe; es könnte sein, dass ich es zu diesem Zeitpunkt ausgegeben habe oder auch nicht. Bei einigen Transaktionen (z.B. Software) könnte ich für den Verkäufer anonym sein; bei anderen könnte der Verkäufer meine wirkliche Adresse kennen, aber dennoch ist keine zentrale Stelle in der Lage, alles zu verfolgen, was ich kaufe.

(Es gibt auch einen Sicherheitsvorteil gegenüber dem lächerlichen aktuellen System, bei dem die Kenntnis über eine 16-stellige Nummer und eines Ablaufdatums es jedem ermöglicht, etwas auf meinen Namen zu bestellen!)

Außerdem sehe ich nicht ein, warum dieses System nicht genauso legal sein sollte wie die derzeitigen Kreditkarten. Der einzige wirkliche Unterschied besteht darin, dass nicht nachverfolgt werden kann, wo die Nutzer ihr Geld ausgeben, und soweit ich weiß, war diese Möglichkeit nie ein wichtiger rechtlicher Aspekt von Kreditkarten. Sicherlich wird heute niemand zugeben, dass die Regierung ein Interesse daran hat, ein Umfeld zu schaffen, in dem jede finanzielle Transaktion nachverfolgt werden kann.

Zugegeben, dies bietet keine vollständige Anonymität. Es ist immer noch möglich, ungefähr zu sehen, wie viel jede Person ausgibt (obwohl nichts eine Person daran hindert, viel mehr Bargeld abzuheben, als sie in einem bestimmten Monat ausgibt, außer vielleicht für Zinsausgaben; aber vielleicht kann sie das zusätzliche digitale Bargel (digicash) selbst verleihen und dafür Zinsen erhalten, um das auszugleichen). Und es orientiert sich an demselben Kunden/ Verkäufer-Modell, das Anonymous kritisierte. Ich behaupte aber, dass dieses Modell heute und in naher Zukunft die Mehrheit der elektronischen Transaktionen ausmachen wird.

Es ist erwähnenswert, dass es nicht trivial ist, ein Anbieter zu werden, der Kreditkarten akzeptiert. Ich habe das mit einem Unternehmen, das ich vor ein paar Jahren betrieben habe, durchgemacht. Wir verkauften Software über den Versandhandel, was die Kreditkartenunternehmen sehr nervös machte. Es gibt zahlreiche Telefonbetrügereien, bei denen Kreditkartennummern über einige Monate hinweg gesammelt werden und dann große Beträge von diesen Karten abgebucht werden. Bis der Kunde seine monatliche Abrechnung erhält und sich beschwert, ist der Verkäufer bereits verschwunden. Um unser Kreditkartenterminal zu bekommen, wandten wir uns an ein Unternehmen, das Start-ups dabei „hilft“. Sie schienen selbst ein ziemlich zwielichtiges Unternehmen zu sein. Wir mussten unseren Antrag dahingehend fälschen, dass wir etwa 50% der Geräte auf Messen verkaufen würden, was offenbar als Verkauf über den Ladentisch zählte. Und wir mussten etwa 3.000 Dollar im Voraus zahlen, als Bestechung, wie es schien. Selbst dann hätten wir es wahrscheinlich nicht geschafft, wenn wir nicht ein Büro im Geschäftsviertel gehabt hätten.

Im Rahmen des digitalen Bargeldsystems könnte dies ein geringeres Problem darstellen. Das Hauptproblem bei digitalem Bargeld sind doppelte Ausgaben, und wenn man bereit ist, eine Online-Überprüfung vorzunehmen (sinnvoll für jedes Unternehmen, das mehr als ein paar Stunden für die Lieferung der Ware benötigt), kann dies vollständig verhindert werden. Es gibt also keine Möglichkeit mehr, dass Händler Kreditkartennummern für spätere Betrügereien sammeln. (Allerdings gibt es immer noch Probleme mit der Nichtlieferung von Waren, so dass nicht alle Risiken beseitigt sind). Dadurch könnte das System schließlich eine größere Verbreitung finden als die derzeitigen Kreditkarten.

Ich weiß nicht, ob dieses System zur Unterstützung von illegalen Aktivitäten, Steuerhinterziehung, Glücksspiel oder Ähnlichem verwendet werden könnte. Das ist nicht der Zweck dieses Vorschlags. Er bietet die Aussicht auf eine Verbesserung der Privatsphäre und der Sicherheit in einem Rahmen, der sogar rechtmäßig sein könnte, und das ist nicht verkehrt.

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Englischer Artikel erschienen im Nakamoto Institute: Digital Cash & Privacy

@ b83a28b7:35919450

Re-examining Satoshi Nakamoto’s Identity Through On-Chain Activity and First Principles

This analysis adopts an axiomatic framework to reevaluate Satoshi Nakamoto’s identity, prioritizing immutable on-chain data, cryptographic principles, and behavioral patterns while excluding speculative claims (e.g., HBO’s Money Electric documentary). By applying first-principles reasoning to blockchain artifacts, we derive conclusions from foundational truths rather than circumstantial narratives.

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Axiomatic Foundations

1. Immutable Blockchain Data: Transactions and mining patterns recorded on Bitcoin’s blockchain are objective, tamper-proof records.
2. Satoshi’s Provable Holdings: Addresses exhibiting the “Patoshi Pattern” (nonce incrementation, extranonce linearity) are attributable to Satoshi, representing ~1.1M BTC mined before 2010.
3. Cryptoeconomic Incentives: Bitcoin’s design assumes rational actors motivated by game-theoretic principles (e.g., miners maximizing profit unless constrained by ideology).

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On-Chain Activity Analysis

The Patoshi Mining Pattern Revisited

Sergio Demian Lerner’s 2013 discovery of the Patoshi Pattern ([2][7][9][13]) remains the most critical technical artifact for identifying Satoshi’s activity. Key axioms derived from this pattern:
- Single-Threaded Mining: Satoshi’s mining code incremented the ExtraNonce field linearly, avoiding redundancy across threads. This created a distinct nonce progression, detectable in 22,000+ early blocks[2][9].
- Hashrate Restraint: The Patoshi miner operated at ~1.4 MH/s, far below the theoretical maximum of 2010-era hardware (e.g., GPUs: 20–40 MH/s). This aligns with Satoshi’s forum posts advocating decentralization[13].
- Abrupt Cessation: Mining ceased entirely by 2010, coinciding with Satoshi’s disappearance.

First-Principles Inference: The deliberate hashrate limitation contradicts rational profit-maximization, suggesting ideological restraint. Satoshi sacrificed ~$1.1B (2010 value) to stabilize Bitcoin’s early network—a decision irreconcilable with fraudulent claimants like Craig Wright.

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Transaction Graph Analysis

Kraken-CaVirtEx Link

Coinbase executive Conor Grogan’s 2025 findings ([3][11]) identified 24 transactions from Patoshi-pattern addresses to 1PYYj, an address that received BTC from CaVirtEx (a Canadian exchange acquired by Kraken in 2016). Key deductions:
1. KYC Implications: If Satoshi submitted identity documents to CaVirtEx, Kraken potentially holds conclusive evidence of Satoshi’s identity.
2. Geolocation Clue: CaVirtEx’s Canadian operations align with Satoshi’s mixed British/American English spellings (e.g., “favour” vs. “color”) in forum posts.

Axiomatic Conflict: Satoshi’s operational security (OpSec) was meticulous (e.g., Tor usage, no code authorship traces). Submitting KYC to a small exchange seems incongruent unless necessitated by liquidity needs.

Dormancy Patterns

• Genesis Block Address: 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa remains untouched since 2009, accruing tributes but never spending[8][15].
• 2014 Activity: A single transaction from a Patoshi wallet in 2014 ([3][11]) contradicts Satoshi’s 2011 disappearance. This anomaly suggests either:
• OpSec Breach: Private key compromise (unlikely, given no subsequent movements).
• Controlled Test: A deliberate network stress test.

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Cryptographic First Principles

Bitcoin’s Incentive Structure

The whitepaper’s Section 6 ([4]) defines mining incentives axiomatically:
$$ \text{Reward} = \text{Block Subsidy} + \text{Transaction Fees} $$
Satoshi’s decision to forgo 99.9% of potential rewards (~1.1M BTC unspent) violates the Nash equilibrium assumed in Section 7 ([4]), where rational miners maximize revenue. This paradox resolves only if:
1. Satoshi’s Utility Function prioritized network security over wealth accumulation.
2. Identity Concealment was more valuable than liquidity (e.g., avoiding legal scrutiny).

Proof-of-Work Consistency

The Patoshi miner’s CPU-bound hashrate ([2][9]) aligns with Satoshi’s whitepaper assertion:

“Proof-of-work is essentially one-CPU-one-vote”[4].
GPU/ASIC resistance was intentional, favoring egalitarian mining—a design choice discarded by later miners.

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Behavioral Deductions

Timezone Analysis

• GMT-5 Activity: 72% of Satoshi’s forum posts occurred between 5:00 AM–10:00 PM GMT, consistent with North American Eastern Time (GMT-5).
• January 2009 Anomaly: A misconfigured GMT+8 timestamp in early emails suggests VPN usage or server misalignment, not Asian residency.

OpSec Practices

• Tor Relays: All forum posts routed through Tor exit nodes, masking IP addresses.
• Code Anonymity: Zero identifying metadata in Bitcoin’s codebase (e.g., svn:author fields omitted).

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Candidate Evaluation via Axioms

Nick Szabo

• Axiomatic Consistency:
• bit Gold: Szabo’s 1998 proposal introduced proof-of-work and decentralized consensus—direct precursors to Bitcoin[1][6].
• Linguistic Match: The whitepaper’s phrasing (e.g., “chain of digital signatures”) mirrors Szabo’s 2005 essays[6].

• Ideological Alignment: Szabo’s writings emphasize “trust minimization,” mirroring Satoshi’s critique of central banks[7].

• Conflict: Szabo denies being Satoshi, but this aligns with Satoshi’s anonymity imperative.

Peter Todd

• Axiomatic Inconsistencies:
• RBF Protocol: Todd’s Replace-by-Fee implementation contradicts Satoshi’s “first-seen” rule, suggesting divergent philosophies.
• 2010 Forum Incident: Todd’s accidental reply as Satoshi could indicate shared access, but no cryptographic proof exists.

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Conclusion

Using first-principles reasoning, the evidence converges on Nick Szabo as Satoshi Nakamoto:
1. Technical Precursors: bit Gold’s mechanics align axiomatically with Bitcoin’s design.
2. Linguistic Fingerprints: Statistical text analysis surpasses probabilistic thresholds for authorship.
3. Geotemporal Consistency: Szabo’s U.S. residency matches Satoshi’s GMT-5 activity.

Alternative Hypothesis: A collaborative effort involving Szabo and Hal Finney remains plausible but less parsimonious. The Patoshi Pattern’s uniformity ([9][13]) suggests a single miner, not a group.

Satoshi’s unspent BTC—governed by cryptographic invariants—stand as the ultimate testament to their ideological commitment. As Szabo himself noted:

“I’ve become much more careful about what I say publicly… because people are always trying to reverse-engineer my words.”

The mystery persists not due to lack of evidence, but because solving it would violate the very principles Bitcoin was built to uphold.

Citations: [1] https://www.thecoinzone.com/blockchain/the-first-principles-of-crypto-and-blockchain [2] https://cointelegraph.com/news/mysterious-bitcoin-mining-pattern-solved-after-seven-years [3] https://cryptobriefing.com/satoshi-identity-clue-kraken-coinbase/ [4] https://www.ussc.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/training/annual-national-training-seminar/2018/Emerging_Tech_Bitcoin_Crypto.pdf [5] https://cowles.yale.edu/sites/default/files/2022-08/d2204-r.pdf [6] https://www.cypherpunktimes.com/cryptocurrency-unveiled-analyzing-core-principles-distortions-and-impact-1-2/ [7] https://bywire.news/article/19/unraveling-satoshi-nakamoto-s-early-mining-activities-the-patoshi-pattern-mystery [8] https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/170gnz7/satoshi_nakamoto_bitcoin_wallets/ [9] https://www.elementus.io/blog-post/an-inside-look-at-clustering-methods-the-patoshi-pattern [10] https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/5l66a7/satoshis_lesson/ [11] https://en.cryptonomist.ch/2025/02/06/perhaps-kraken-knows-who-satoshi-nakamoto-is/ [12] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVbCKBdGu2U [13] https://www.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/123br6o/the_curious_case_of_satoshis_limited_hashrate_and/ [14] https://www.tradingview.com/news/u_today:838367db7094b:0-satoshi-era-bitcoin-wallet-suddenly-awakens-details/ [15] https://originstamp.com/blog/satoshi-nakamotos-wallet-address/ [16] https://web.stanford.edu/class/archive/ee/ee374/ee374.1206/ [17] https://bitslog.com/2019/04/16/the-return-of-the-deniers-and-the-revenge-of-patoshi/ [18] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBKuWxyF4Zo [19] https://coincodex.com/article/8329/what-is-the-patoshi-pattern-and-what-does-it-have-to-do-with-bitcoin-inventor-satoshi-nakamoto/ [20] https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/introduction-on-chain-analysis/ [21] https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5511468.0 [22] https://planb.network/en/courses/btc204/7d198ba6-4af2-4f24-86cb-3c79cb25627e [23] https://20368641.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20368641/Cointime%20Economics%20%5BDIGITAL%20SINGLE%5D.pdf [24] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/satoshi-nakamoto.asp [25] https://www.binance.com/en-AE/square/post/585907 [26] https://www.swanbitcoin.com/education/satoshis-white-paper-explained/ [27] https://paxful.com/university/en/bitcoin-genesis-block [28] https://nakamotoinstitute.org/mempool/the-original-value-of-bitcoins/ [29] https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2127524 [30] https://zerocap.com/insights/articles/the-bitcoin-whitepaper-summary/ [31] https://trakx.io/resources/insights/mysterious-transactions-with-satoshi-nakamoto-wallet/ [32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBAO52VJp8s [33] https://satoshispeaks.com/on-chain-analysis/ [34] https://www.wired.com/story/27-year-old-codebreaker-busted-myth-bitcoins-anonymity/ [35] https://turingchurch.net/satoshi-and-the-cosmic-code-a-blockchain-universe-9a5c825e1a3d [36] https://math.stackexchange.com/questions/4836916/are-there-axioms-in-a-natural-deduction-system [37] http://cup.columbia.edu/book/principles-of-bitcoin/9780231563079 [38] https://arxiv.org/html/2411.10325v1 [39] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyRyWQwm0x0 [40] https://bitslog.com/2013/09/03/new-mystery-about-satoshi/ [41] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axiomatic_system [42] https://uphold.com/en-us/learn/intermediate/unpacking-the-bitcoin-whitepaper [43] https://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/156lw4q/as_we_approach_block_800000_the_question_is/ [44] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09538259.2024.2415413 [45] https://blog.bitmex.com/satoshis-1-million-bitcoin/ [46] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97Ws0aPctLo [47] https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf [48] https://philarchive.org/archive/KARNOA-2

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Answer from Perplexity: pplx.ai/share

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Shooting a great time-lapse on your phone takes some planning and the right settings. Here are some tips to get the best results:

Plan Your Shot

• Choose a subject with motion (clouds, traffic, sunrises, people walking, etc.). • Keep your phone stable use a tripod or secure it on a steady surface. • Consider the duration longer recordings result in smoother time-lapses.

Adjust Camera Settings • Use your phone’s built in time-lapse mode (found in the camera app). • If your phone doesn’t have it, use apps like Lapse It, Hyperlapse, Skyflow (iOS), or Framelapse (Android) for more control. • Adjust the interval speed: • 1-3 seconds per frame for fast moving subjects (cars, people). • 5-10 seconds per frame for slower motion (sunsets, clouds).

Lighting & Exposure • Shoot in consistent lighting (avoid flickering artificial lights). • Use manual exposure & focus lock to prevent brightness shifts. • Golden hour (sunrise/sunset) often gives the best visual effect.

Battery & Storage • Charge your phone fully (time-lapses take a lot of power). • Free up storage space before shooting. • If shooting for hours, use a power bank.

Post-Production • Edit in apps like Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, or CapCut to adjust speed, colors, and stability. • Add music or motion effects for a more dynamic result.

@ 1f3ce62e:6e6b5d83

🌱 Have your ever thought about the impact over people you might have as a leader?\ 🌱 Have you ever thought about your impact over your others as a team member?

\ Everyone in a team makes decisions and that impacts the rest of the members in one way or another. If you are not in a leadership position, I would like to invite you to identify those decisions you make that impact your team. If you are a leader, it might be easier for you.

\ Seeing how our decisions have an impact over others, requires to put ourselves on someone else shoes first. Empathy is a human quality underrated these days. That is why I don'92t think it is a matter of being a leader or not. Any role at the workplace requires empathy, not because of the role, but because we are humans.

\ I like to use empathy as a way of introducing a concept that I will described in the next chapter, the whole self.

\ When we connect with empathy, we start exploring what we called #emotionalIntelligence. This type of intelligence is something unique, that only humans can develop over any machine. Our emotions and the intelligence emerging from them are a human super power, and we haven't explored as its full potential yet.

\ As changes emerge everyday, as machines expand their role in society, we are all invited to explore those human capabilities that make us unique. Capabilities that we haven't explored deeply yet. Emotional intelligence is one of them.

\ Expressing emotions or using them as an intelligence aspect is not common at work. Most of our roles are purely rational, logic and sequential. Facts and numbers don't give a room for emotional intelligence. While in my view, they can work together.

\ We usually use numbers and facts to make decisions, and use the same rational intelligence to execute them 🤔

\ Let's use an example. Your client is arguing with you about how the cost of the project got over the planned numbers. He is very anger and eventually that emotion triggers in you the same emotion, because you have been working so many hours on this project, just to get the client focused only on what is not working instead of what it is.

\ Emotions without emotional intelligence are contagious. You can imagine how an argue like this can end. Everyone gets more frustrated than when started. Nothing got really solved in a conversation like this.

\ This frustration and anger goes with you and your client to your homes and families get impacted with it. Kids slept badly and had a bad day at school. They might misbehaved at school and another kid might be impacted from it. The other kid's mom gets worried about your kid and her kid interaction that day and she brings that worry into another home and family. And so on.

\ Let's start again. You client is arguing with you about how the cost of the project got over the planned numbers. This time you decided to use your unique human capability, emotional intelligence, specifically empathy 🩷

\ You keep silence and just listen to the argument. By paying attention at the words being used and the gestures you realized this person is under a lot of stress. By going deeper in your listening, your intuition can tell, there is something else going on.

\ When the person stop complaining, you bring back the story told by your client, adding the emotions you could feel while listening. You put yourself in your client shoes.

\ It is inevitable that, when we approach a situation with emotions, the person connects immediately with them. The client feels listened and emotionally connected with you. From there, you start exploring what else is going on, from a genuine point of view. The conversation goes in deep and you both find you are going under a lot of stress for things at work and at your personal level.

\ You both decide to talk about this issue the next day, with a refresh mind and a common goal, to find a solution for both.

\ As you can see, there is a totally different impact of making a decision of using or not using your emotional intelligence capability.

🌱 And this example could apply to a leader or a team member. 🌱

🌱Everyone in a team makes decisions that impact others. And emotional intelligence is not only for leaders. 🌱

\ This simple example wants to bring awareness about how important is to explore emotional intelligence as individuals and expand it a teams, organizations and companies levels.

\ We can't bring emotional intelligence to work, if we, as individuals, don't feel comfortable to connect with our own emotions.

Empathy requires us to stay fully (and sometimes uncomfortably) connected with emotions. That requires another important aspect of emotional intelligence which is our capability of staying present, self aware of our body and what is triggering frustration, anger or sadness as a result of an external stimulus.

\ As our environments keep changing on daily basis, our brains are invited to create new neuron connections, this process triggers emotions under the unexpected.

Our capability to connect with your emotions and managing them in our favor can make this adventure of navigating change, easier for us and the people around. \ \ And it is bringing a new self at work, your personal one. Who comes with all your professional expertise as well as your unique capabilities as a human.

\ Let's explore in our next chapter how this personal self is emerging at workplaces and by integrating it with your professional self, can bring your whole self at workplaces.

By using LEGOs we can bring new perspectives, deep listening and spark more creative solutions.

So step by step, we made our workplaces more human.

Deep listening breaks down walls.

And that is what The World 🌎 strongly needs these days.

Stay colorful, \ Laus

nostr #Consciousness #grownostr #emocionalintelligence #leadership #consciousleadership #emotions #decisionmaking #DeepListening #Teambuilding #clientservice #PlayingLegos #Legos

@ 0b118e40:4edc09cb

I was talking to a friend the other day about AI, and we hopped onto the open vs. closed-source debate. That’s when it hit me, we are at a turning point.

A year ago, AI conversations were about awareness. Then came corporate adoption, innovation, and regulation. Today governments are stepping in to decide how AI’s benefits will be distributed and who gets to control them.

We are no longer trying to figure out if AI will transform society. That is a given.

The big worry is control. Right now, a few trillion-dollar corporations and state-backed labs dictate its trajectory, wrapped in secrecy and optimized for profit.

Open-source AI stands as the antithesis to closed systems, a bulwark against AI monopolization, ensuring intelligence remains a public good rather than a private weapon.

It's time to look beyond the technical debate of open vs closed source AI. This is a humanitarian issue at stake.

Why Open-Source AI is Non-Negotiable

A couple of years ago, I was consulting an airline on their black box. They were really sweet, let me play around with their test-flight hydraulic chambers, and I crashed it quite a bit (There is something deeply impressive about people who can actually fly planes).

But when it comes to the black box, that is the most secretive part. It holds critical data, tracking exactly how the plane was controlled throughout the flight. If it goes missing, nobody can say for certain what went wrong, especially if there are no survivors.

For years, there has been debate over real-time data transmission vs. privacy in aviation. It is the same debate we are having now about open-source vs. closed-source AI.

Closed-source AI is a black box. No one outside the company knows how it makes decisions, what biases are baked into its training, or how its outputs are being manipulated.

AI models are only as good as the data they are trained on. If you burned all books except a few praising Government A and Emperor Q, then that is all people would know. AI takes it a step further. It learns what works best for you, adapting its bias so seamlessly that it fits within your comfort zone.

Open-source AI breaks this cycle. It allows diverse contributors to spot and correct biases, ensuring a fairer, more representative development process. No single entity gets to dictate how AI is used, who has access to it, or what information it filters.

Historically, open systems have always outpaced proprietary ones in long-term innovation. The internet itself (TCP/IP, HTTP, Linux) was built on open principles. AI should be no different.

If intelligence is widely accessible, breakthroughs happen faster. And society as a whole benefits.

The Companies Leading the Shift

Some companies see open-source AI as a risk. Others recognize it as an ethical necessity and an advantage.

Block is leading the open-source cultural momentum right now for companies. Jack’s recent letter, written in his usual Hemingway-esque style and highly substantial, explained this well. He is taking on a first principle approach, rewiring corporate DNA to embrace open collaboration and accelerate innovation as a whole. They developed Goose, an open-source AI agent (initially built as an internal workflow tool), at a pace comparable to AI-first companies like Google, proving that open collaboration doesn’t slow development. If anything, it accelerates it.

I like how Block is infusing open-source principles AND doubling down on its core business AND building a solid innovation roadmap. They capture the essence of open source in terms of curiosity, creativity, and a passion for problem-solving beautifully. This cultural shift is something that even big conglomerates like Intel, despite decades of contributions to open-source projects, have struggled with. They often get bogged down in technical silos rather than establishing actual collaboration.

As Arun Gupta, vice president and GM of open ecosystems at Intel, put it, “The best way to solve the world's toughest problems is through open collaboration,” but he also acknowledges the challenge of incentivizing contributions in large organizations.

Compare this to OpenAI. Elon’s long-standing beef with them is rooted in the fact that they started with an open mission but switched to a closed model the moment profitability entered the chat. But in recent days, with Satya Nadella doubling down on quantum computing, I wonder if Microsoft is prioritizing quantum over AI? And is closed-source AI actually slowing innovation compared to an open approach?

Would be interesting if Elon actually buys OpenAI for almost $100B as his investors recently put out, but if he does, would he open source it ?

Most companies struggle to balance open-source contributions with business sustainability. But many others aren’t. RedHat isn’t an AI company, but it built a billion-dollar business on open-source software and became IBM’s greatest asset (and their saving grace).

Let’s look at more open source AI companies. Hugging Face has become the go-to hub for AI models, creating an ecosystem where developers, researchers, and enterprises collaborate. Mistral is proving that open-source AI can be both epic and lightweight through its modular models.

Stability AI is making powerful generative models widely accessible, directly competing with OpenAI’s DALL.E. It recently raised over $100M in venture funding, and with James Cameron joining the board, it’s doubling down on gen AI for everything from text-to-image to CGI.

DeepSeek shocked the world with an open-weight AI model that rivals top proprietary LLMs, on a fraction of the compute. Andrej Karpathy pointed out that DeepSeek-V3 achieved stronger performance than LLaMA 3 405B, using 11 times less compute. While mainstream AI labs operate massive clusters with 100K GPUs, DeepSeek pulled this off with just 2048 GPUs over two months. If this model passes more 'vibe checks' (as Karpathy put it), it proves something critical, that we’re still far from peak efficiency in AI training.

Meta is also one of the biggest contributors to open-source AI and benefits from the widespread adoption of its models. They’ve released several powerful AI models like LLaMA, Segment Anything Model (SAM), AudioGen & MusicGen, and DINO (Self-Supervised Vision Model). Unlike OpenAI and Google, which keep their most powerful models closed, Meta releases open-weight models that researchers and developers can build upon.

All these companies are proving that open-source AI is not an ideological stance. It’s a cultural movement and a commercially viable force.

Open-source AI may have started as the ethical choice, but it’s increasingly clear that it’s also the smarter one.

Open-Source AI as a Humanitarian Mission

The stakes for open-source AI go far beyond business models and market competition. It’s about ensuring that AI serves people rather than controls them.

Without it, we put our future at risk where only state-approved AI systems generate content, answer questions, and curate knowledge.

Governments are already deciding how the public can use AI while conveniently reserving unrestricted access for themselves. In China, generative AI models must align with Core Socialist Values. In the US, Executive Order 14110 was to regulate AI for “safe and ethical development” but was rescinded, leaving its future uncertain. In the EU, the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) dictates what is considered "safe," with no real public say. In Russia, AI tools assist in monitoring online activity and censoring content deemed undesirable by the government.

AI-driven censorship, mass surveillance, and digital manipulation are no longer hypothetical or something you read in dystopian novels. They are happening now.

Open-source AI is the anchor. This is where the people stand up for the people. Where true democracy reigns. Intelligence is power and keeping AI open is the only way to keep power decentralized.

Our conversations must go beyond AI as a “digital solution".

Freedom and autonomy of our mind is ours to keep.

Companies embracing open-source AI are securing a future where intelligence serves humanity rather than the other way around.

But pitchforks are rising. Will the people win?

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Can photography help relax the mind and relieve daily stress?

I believe it can—and it certainly works for me. Here’s why.

Slow it down. Capture the moment. Truly be in it.

Photography encourages us to stand still and truly appreciate what we see. To capture beauty and moments of joy, you must be fully aware of your surroundings. The biggest lesson photography teaches is how to observe to truly see the place you're in. Those who rush and simply press a button? I wouldn’t call them photographers they’re snapshot makers. 
First, you focus—lining up the perfect shot, adjusting for light, angle, and composition. Then comes the excitement, that feeling of capturing something special. And with it, gratitude for being in that moment, in that place.

As you develop your eye for what’s interesting, you train yourself to notice details that might otherwise go unnoticed. It’s all about being present. Because your focus is on your surroundings, everyday worries fade into the background. It’s similar to sports—when you're fully engaged, there’s no room for distraction. 
In a world full of constant online and offline noise, focus can be a powerful way to relax.

Religious Places Religious sites are often the quietest spots in a bustling city. Take the temples in Bangkok, for example—they always bring me peace of mind. Surrounded by stunning architecture and a calm atmosphere, stepping into these spaces offers a break from the chaos. Simply being there creates a more peaceful environment to photograph, allowing me to slow down and truly appreciate the moment.

Nature Nature is one of the best places to find peace of mind. You don’t need a camera to relax—just being there is enough. But if you love photography as much as I do, nature is the perfect setting to capture beautiful moments.
 For me, photographing wildlife is one of the most relaxing things I can do. There’s something special about observing animals in their natural habitat, waiting for the perfect shot. I still remember filming my first elephant in South Africa—the experience left me smiling for the entire day.

Avoid the Tourist Zones The real gems in any city are often found away from the tourist hot spots. While these places may be popular for a reason, I’ve filmed my fair share of them, and now I prefer to avoid them whenever possible. Tourists often miss out on truly experiencing a place—they’re on a tight schedule, checking off landmarks instead of being present. There's no time to stop and enjoy the moment.

The best spots? They’re often tucked away in quieter areas, far from the crowds. These are the places where locals are still friendly because they’re not constantly dealing with tourists. Where people aren’t trying to sell you something or rush you along.

Be a Travel story Teller!

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

The Reclining Buddha The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho in Bangkok is one of Thailand’s most iconic landmarks. This massive statue is 46 meters long and 15 meters high, covered in gold leaf, and depicts Buddha in a resting, nirvana-achieving position.

Key Features: 

 Feet Details: The soles of the Buddha’s feet are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, showcasing 108 auspicious symbols.

Surrounding Temple: Wat Pho is also famous for being the birthplace of Thai massage, and you can experience a traditional massage on-site.

Offerings: Visitors can drop coins into 108 bronze bowls along the hall for good fortune. It’s located near the Grand Palace and is a must-visit when in Bangkok.

📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/dzJrKnXTG3qUCRgNA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan Wat Kanlayanamit Woramahawihan is a historic temple on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, known for its massive seated Buddha statue and deep connections to Thai-Chinese culture.

Highlights: Phra Buddha Trai Rattananayok: A giant golden Buddha (over 15 meters high), sitting in the subduing Mara posture.

Giant Bell: It houses one of Thailand’s largest bells, which people ring for blessings and good fortune.

Chinese-Thai Fusion: The temple’s architecture blends Thai Buddhist and Chinese influences, as it was built by a wealthy Chinese-Thai trader in the early 19th century.

Scenic Location: Located near the Memorial Bridge, with stunning riverside views. It’s less crowded than Wat Pho but still holds strong cultural and historical significance.

📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwbhrMqRfm7jyPnM7?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen is a stunning Buddhist temple in Bangkok, famous for its huge golden Buddha statue, its intricate stupa, and its connection to meditation practices.

Highlights: Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thepmongkol: A 69-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, one of the largest in Bangkok, completed in 2021.
 Crystal Stupa: Inside the temple is a breathtaking green glass stupa under a dome with cosmic murals, symbolizing enlightenment and the universe.
 Meditation Center: Wat Paknam is well-known for its focus on Vipassana meditation, and many monks train here.
 Historical Significance: It was founded in the 17th century but gained prominence in the 20th century thanks to the meditation master Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro. 📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/N3iYkkZ5QdxV9KWG6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Wat Sutthiwararam
 My favorite because it has Buddhism art in the temple.
 Wat Sutthiwararam is a lesser-known but historically significant temple in Bangkok, located near the Chao Phraya River. It dates back to the Rattanakosin era and is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful Thai architecture.

Highlights:
Buddhism Art: Visitors to the temple can explore an extensive collection of Buddhist-themed art, including statues, paintings, textiles, and architectural features. Notably, the temple houses a beautifully rendered set of 38 auspicious Buddhist symbols, accompanied by a chart with English translations explaining their meanings.
 Elegant Architecture: Traditional Thai-style buildings with intricate carvings and gold embellishments.
 Peaceful Atmosphere: Unlike the more tourist-heavy temples, it offers a quiet space formeditation and reflection.

It may not be as famous as Wat Pho or Wat Paknam, but its tranquility and cultural value make it a unique stop.

📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/sWtzG3zeGQGAo4cq6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

Wat Bukkhalo Wat Bukkhalo is a riverside temple in Bangkok’s Thonburi district, known for its peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of the Chao Phraya River.

Highlights: Scenic Sunset Views: The temple’s riverside location makes it a great spot to watch the sun set over Bangkok. 



Local Community Focus: Unlike the more tourist-heavy temples, it is mainly visited by locals for prayer and merit-making.


Buddha Statues & Shrines: Features several Buddha images, including a standing Buddha and a shrine dedicated to King Taksin.


Relaxed Vibes: A great place for quiet meditation or just to experience local Buddhist culture away from the crowds.

📍🗺️ https://maps.app.goo.gl/8Q3umr3KkSwWhQkFA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

@ 5579d5c0:db104ded

For most of human history, when the sun went down, our bodies knew it was time to rest.

Today?

We flood our environment with artificial light.

Think bright LED lights, screens, street lights, and car headlights late into the night.

Satellite detectable light increased globally by nearly 50%, from 1992 to 2017.

Its even worse indoors with phones, TVs and down lights.

The result?

→ Chronic fatigue

→ Poor sleep quality

→ Late-night cravings

→ Sluggish metabolism

→ A potential higher risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity, cancer and Alzheimer's.

The earth at night, Source: https://www.ranken-energy.com/index.php/2017/11/30/the-earth-at-night/

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Why is ALAN detrimental to human health?

Your body runs on light signals.

Natural sunlight during the day tells your body to produce hormones, be alert and burn energy.

Darkness signals rest and recovery.

Artificial light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime.

It does this because it contains a high proportion of isolated blue light wavelengths.

This throws off your body’s natural rhythm, leading to:

→ Melatonin suppression

Blue light (and green light to a lesser extent) blocks the production of melatonin, our 'sleep hormone'.

Melatonin is so much more than a sleep hormone.

It is one of the body's most powerful antioxidants, offering anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, supporting immune function, regulating cholesterol, and playing a vital role in the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries, testes, and adrenal glands.

→ Increased cortisol at night

High cortisol (stress hormone) at night leads to poor blood sugar control, fat gain, and cravings.

→ Insulin resistance

Artificial light exposure at night reduces insulin sensitivity, increasing fasting blood sugar and making it harder to lose fat.

→ Disrupted circadian rhythm

Your metabolic processes become out of sync, leading to low energy, brain fog, and sluggish metabolism.

I must mention that blue light exposure from the sun during daylight hours is good for you.

---

The difference between blue light & firelight

Before artificial lighting, our ancestors only had firelight and candlelight, and more recently, light from incandescent bulbs after sunset.

These warm, red/orange light sources allowed melatonin to rise more naturally, signalling rest and repair.

Limited blue light → Increased Melatonin production → Deep sleep, metabolic repair and a lower risk of chronic disease.

Unlike modern LEDs, these light sources also emitted infrared light, which supports cellular repair, circulation, and counters some of blue light’s harmful effects.

Modern artificial lighting?

LEDs & Screens → high blue light exposure → Melatonin suppression → Poor sleep, metabolism and increased risk of chronic disease.

Reduced melatonin production means delayed sleep onset, less REM sleep, impaired immune function, disrupted hormone regulation, and taking longer to wake up properly.

Source: http://spie.org/newsroom/5070-candlelight-style-organic-leds-a-safe-lighting-source-after-dusk#B1

---

How to fix your light exposure after sunset

The good news?

You can control your light environment easily after sunset.

I'm not going to tell you sit in darkness or don't watch TV ever again.

Do this instead:

1. Dim the Lights

Bright overhead LEDs confuse your body clock, while warm, low-intensity lights support melatonin.

Use warm, red/amber, low-intensity bulbs, which are rated 3000k (Kelvin) or lower. (See image below), instead of bright LEDs.

Incandescent bulbs are useful and they will bring infrared back into the picture, if you can source them.

My personal favourite are these blue light free bulbs lower than 3000k here.

Candles are another option but more hassle and less safe.

Aim for below 3000K Source:https://mr-led.co.uk/blogs/resources/an-illustrated-guide-to-led-colour-temperatures

2. Position lighting closer to the floor

Overhead lighting mimics the sun and signals wakefulness.

Instead, position lamps lower, on tables or the floor to mimic firelight and signal relaxation.

3. Wear blue light blocking glasses

If you use screens at night, blue light-blocking glasses are simply non-negotiable.

They block blue light reaching your brain which prevents melatonin suppression and helps to protect your sleep & recovery.

Look for lenses that block 100% of blue and green light for maximum effect. Beware of cheap ‘blue light blocking’ glasses with clear lenses, these don’t block blue light.

Red lens 100% blue light blocking glasses

4. Use a red filter on your screen

Use apps like f.lux, One Tap Zap, or red filters on your phone/tablet/computer to minimise blue light exposure.

Also reduce the brightness after sunset.

5. Limit screen use

I know I know, not always possible. Just make sure you are wearing blue light blocking glasses and have your light filter on.

For what it’s worth, TV is much less detrimental than late-night phone use, which keeps your brain wired when it should be winding down.

Reading is a good swap before bed.

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The easiest way to improve sleep, metabolism, and long-term health?

Start by controlling your evening light exposure, and your body will naturally work better.

-Chris

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Want a structured plan that fits your schedule? I have 5 free consultation calls available for those serious about achieving effortless health, without the guesswork.

Fill out the form https://forms.gle/g425CDfoUvijgo2U8 before the end of February, and let’s create a plan that works for you.

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@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In an unprecedented move within the blockchain industry, Bitfinity has embarked on a daring project to integrate the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the Bitcoin blockchain. This initiative is not just a technical enhancement but a strategic endeavor to redefine the capabilities of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) services. By leveraging the security and widespread adoption of Bitcoin with the versatility and smart contract capabilities of Ethereum, Bitfinity is poised to create a hybrid platform that could potentially transform the current DeFi landscape. This integration represents a significant leap forward in blockchain interoperability, a long-sought goal in the crypto community. It's a step towards a more interconnected and efficient blockchain ecosystem, where the strengths of individual blockchains can be harnessed in unison, leading to greater innovation and utility.

Table of Contents

• The Fusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum Technologies

  • Bridging Two Blockchain Giants

  • Technical Aspects and Innovations

• Funding and Support for the Project

  • Investment and Backing

• Potential Impacts and Benefits

  • Enhancing Bitcoin's Utility

  • Lower Costs and Faster Transactions

• Challenges and Community Response

  • Overcoming Skepticism

  • Embracing a Unified Vision

• Future Prospects and Developments

  • Beyond DeFi: Expanding Bitcoin's Horizons

  • The Evolving Blockchain Landscape

• Conclusion

• FAQs

The Fusion of Bitcoin and Ethereum Technologies

Bridging Two Blockchain Giants

The integration of Ethereum's EVM with Bitcoin by Bitfinity is a pioneering effort, symbolizing a major step towards the unification of two of the most prominent blockchain networks. This fusion is expected to break down the barriers that have traditionally existed between the Bitcoin and Ethereum communities, fostering a new era of collaboration and shared innovation. The initiative could potentially lead to the development of new DeFi applications that leverage the best of both worlds: the robust security and widespread acceptance of Bitcoin and the flexible, programmable nature of Ethereum's smart contract ecosystem. This integration is not just about technology; it's about bringing together diverse communities and ideologies under a common goal of advancing blockchain technology.

Technical Aspects and Innovations

On the technical front, Bitfinity's integration involves leveraging the Internet Computer (ICP), an advanced blockchain-based computing system created by the Dfinity Foundation. This system is unique in its consensus model, proof-of-useful-work, which aims to offer a more efficient and secure alternative to the traditional proof-of-work and proof-of-stake models. The integration will enable smart contracts on Ethereum to interact seamlessly with the Bitcoin blockchain, opening up new possibilities for complex financial instruments and services. This could include everything from more efficient cross-chain transactions to innovative lending and borrowing platforms that combine the liquidity of Bitcoin with the flexibility of Ethereum's smart contracts. The potential for creating a more inclusive and accessible financial system is immense, as this integration could lower barriers to entry for various financial services.

Funding and Support for the Project

Investment and Backing

The ambitious vision of Bitfinity has garnered significant financial support, with a $7 million funding round led by influential players in the blockchain investment space, such as Polychain Capital and ParaFi Capital. This substantial investment underscores the confidence these firms have in Bitfinity's project and its potential to disrupt the traditional DeFi space. The funding will be instrumental in developing the necessary infrastructure, ensuring robust security measures, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for developers and users alike. It also signals a growing interest and belief in the viability of blockchain interoperability as a key driver for the next wave of innovation in the crypto space. This financial backing is not just a monetary investment but also a strategic endorsement of the potential of combining the strengths of different blockchain technologies to create more versatile and powerful solutions.

Potential Impacts and Benefits

Enhancing Bitcoin's Utility

Bitfinity's initiative aims to significantly enhance the utility of Bitcoin in the burgeoning DeFi sector. By enabling the execution of smart contracts that can hold and transfer Bitcoin and Ordinal assets on-chain, Bitfinity is set to unlock a plethora of new applications and use cases for Bitcoin. This could lead to a paradigm shift in how Bitcoin is perceived and used, transitioning from its traditional role as a store of value to a more dynamic asset involved in a variety of financial operations. The integration could also catalyze the development of new financial products and services that leverage Bitcoin's security and liquidity, potentially attracting a new wave of users and investors to the DeFi space. This enhancement of Bitcoin's utility is particularly significant in the context of the growing demand for more sophisticated financial services within the crypto ecosystem.

Lower Costs and Faster Transactions

The integration promises significant improvements in terms of transaction costs and processing speeds. By leveraging the efficiencies of the Ethereum Virtual Machine and the robustness of the Bitcoin blockchain, Bitfinity aims to address some of the key challenges that have hindered broader adoption of blockchain technology, such as high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. This could be particularly beneficial for smaller transactions, where high fees can be a significant barrier. Faster transaction speeds would also improve the user experience, making blockchain technology more practical for everyday use. This enhancement in efficiency is not just about improving existing processes; it's about opening up new possibilities for blockchain applications that were previously impractical due to cost or speed limitations.

Challenges and Community Response

Overcoming Skepticism

Despite the potential advantages, Bitfinity's initiative faces skepticism from certain quarters of the crypto community. Bitcoin purists, in particular, may view the integration of Ethereum's technology with the Bitcoin network as a departure from the original vision of Bitcoin as a decentralized, unchangeable ledger. Overcoming this skepticism will require careful communication and demonstration of the benefits that such integration can bring, without compromising the core principles that have made Bitcoin a trusted and valuable asset. Bitfinity will need to navigate these community dynamics skillfully, ensuring that the integration is seen as an enhancement rather than a dilution of Bitcoin's fundamental attributes.

Embracing a Unified Vision

The project represents an opportunity to foster a more unified and collaborative blockchain community. Bitfinity's founder, Max Chamberlin, emphasizes that their initiative is about highlighting the complementary nature of the Ethereum and Bitcoin ecosystems, rather than positioning one as superior to the other. This approach could help in bridging the historical divide between these two communities, promoting a vision of a more interconnected and cooperative blockchain ecosystem. The success of this project could serve as a model for future collaborations in the blockchain space, demonstrating the benefits of combining different technologies and perspectives to create more comprehensive and effective solutions.

Future Prospects and Developments

Beyond DeFi: Expanding Bitcoin's Horizons

The implications of Bitfinity's integration extend far beyond the DeFi sector. This initiative could pave the way for a wide range of innovative applications and services that leverage the combined strengths of Bitcoin and Ethereum. For instance, it could enable the development of decentralized identity systems that utilize Bitcoin's security and Ethereum's smart contract capabilities, or new forms of decentralized governance models that harness the best aspects of both blockchains. The integration could also spur the creation of new types of digital assets and tokens that can operate across both networks, potentially leading to a more fluid and interconnected digital asset ecosystem.

The Evolving Blockchain Landscape

Bitfinity's initiative is a clear indication of the ongoing evolution and maturation of the blockchain industry. As technologies converge and new ideas emerge, the future of blockchain looks increasingly diverse, inclusive, and efficient. This integration could serve as a catalyst for further innovations in blockchain interoperability, leading to more complex and sophisticated blockchain architectures. It also highlights the growing recognition within the blockchain community of the need for collaboration and integration to address the complex challenges and opportunities of the digital age. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how this integration reshapes the landscape of blockchain technology and digital finance, potentially setting the stage for the next major leap forward in the industry.

Conclusion

Bitfinity's bold move to integrate the Ethereum Virtual Machine with Bitcoin on the Internet Computer marks a significant milestone in the blockchain world. It represents not just a technological advancement but also a step towards a more unified and collaborative future in the crypto space. As the project progresses, it will be fascinating to watch how this integration reshapes the landscape of blockchain technology and digital finance, potentially ushering in a new era of innovation and collaboration. The success of this initiative could have far-reaching implications, not just for Bitcoin and Ethereum, but for the entire blockchain ecosystem, paving the way for a more interconnected, efficient, and versatile blockchain future.

FAQs

What is Bitfinity's latest blockchain project? Bitfinity is integrating the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) with the Bitcoin blockchain, aiming to enhance DeFi services using a sidechain on the Internet Computer (ICP).

How will this integration benefit Bitcoin and Ethereum users? This integration will allow for the execution of smart contracts on Bitcoin, combining Ethereum's flexibility with Bitcoin's robust security, potentially leading to innovative DeFi applications and lower transaction costs.

Who is funding Bitfinity's project? Bitfinity's project has raised $7 million, with significant backing from Polychain Capital and ParaFi Capital.

What challenges does Bitfinity face with this integration? Bitfinity needs to address skepticism from Bitcoin purists and demonstrate the benefits of integrating Ethereum's technology without compromising Bitcoin's core principles.

That's all for today

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@ 7ed6ce7e:d4ef845f

The BRICS bloc — Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa — and New Development Bank partners like Rwanda defy the Philips-Kuznets model, where growth ostensibly balances unemployment, inflation, and inequality, ultimately providing for a market-supplied safety net. This dated lens misses an evolving post-Covid, 21st-century reality: a “Veblen Trap,” where masstige (mass luxury), veblenization of essentials, and financialized precarity unravel Amartya Sen’s Development as Freedom. Sen’s vision — development as capability expansion, tracked via the Human Development Index (HDI) — clashes with a world where identity-driven overconsumption taxes the Anthropocene, our epoch of human ecological dominance. Integrating Robert Shiller’s narrative economics, I argue BRICS wield pop culture narratives — akin to The Daily Show’s ascent as political kingmaker — to obscure this trap, reshaping global development. Moreover, this mix of taxation of the Anthropocene with the geopolitical weaponization of pop culture narratives allows us to infer the acceleration of extraplanetary expansion; first as resources harvesting in the Asteroid Belt and thereafter as outright colonization of the Moon and Mars.

For Millennials as much for the the Global South, precarity fuels status-chasing: luxury IP “democratization” (e.g., branded sneakers) is just the obverse of a system that veblenizes essentials like healthcare or infrastructure, turning access into prestige. Financialization — debt and speculative markets — amplifies this, misallocating labor and time. Regulatory overreach and a resurgent industrial policy, a Laffer-style tipping point, accelerates collapse: civic trust erodes as citizenship tiers by consumption power. Yet, this trap extends beyond economics. Identity politics — tribalized via X posts — drives overconsumption, linking personal worth to carbon-heavy lifestyles. This scales to ESG and climate change: BRICS’ growth, lauded as sustainable via NDB projects, masks a paradox of luxury narratives (e.g., China’s EV boom) clashing with HDI stagnation and ecological strain.

Using mixed methods — HDI trends, Anthropocene metrics (carbon footprints, resource depletion), and narrative- and sentiment-analysis from social media — I test this in BRICS contexts: South Africa’s privatized essentials, India’s urban precariat. The Veblen Trap explains why development falters as freedom increases; connecting identity, economy, and planetary limits. This redefines BRICS’ rise, challenging Western models and signaling a looming crisis: overconsumption’s human cost in the Anthropocene.

@ c1e9ab3a:9cb56b43

Election Authority (EA) Platform

1.1 EA Administration Interface (Web-Based)

• Purpose: Gives authorized personnel (e.g., election officials) a user-friendly way to administer the election.
• Key Tasks:
• Voter Registration Oversight: Mark which voters have proven their identity (via in-person KYC or some legal process).
• Blind Signature Issuance: Approve or deny blind signature requests from registered voters (each corresponding to one ephemeral key).
• Tracking Voter Slots: Keep a minimal registry of who is allowed one ephemeral key signature, and mark it “used” once a signature is issued.
• Election Configuration: Set start/end times, provide encryption parameters (public keys), manage threshold cryptography setup.
• Monitor Tallying: After the election, collaborate with trustees to decrypt final results and release them.

1.2 EA Backend Services

• Blind Signature Service:
• An API endpoint or internal module that receives a blinded ephemeral key from a voter, checks if they are authorized (one signature per voter), and returns the blind-signed result.

• Typically requires secure storage of the EA’s blind signing private key.

• Voter Roll Database:

• Stores minimal info: “Voter #12345 is authorized to request one ephemeral key signature,” plus status flags.

• Does not store ephemeral keys themselves (to preserve anonymity).

• (Optional) Mix-Net or Homomorphic Tally Service:

• Coordinates with trustees for threshold decryption or re-encryption.
• Alternatively, a separate “Tally Authority” service can handle this.

---

2. Auditor Interface

2.1 Auditor Web-Based Portal

• Purpose: Allows independent auditors (or the public) to:
• Fetch All Ballots from the relays (or from an aggregator).
• Verify Proofs: Check each ballot’s signature, blind signature from the EA, OTS proof, zero-knowledge proofs, etc.
• Check Double-Usage: Confirm that each ephemeral key is used only once (or final re-vote is the only valid instance).

• Observe Tally Process: Possibly see partial decryptions or shuffle steps, verify the final result matches the posted ballots.

• Key Tasks:

• Provide a dashboard showing the election’s real-time status or final results, after cryptographic verification.
• Offer open data downloads so third parties can run independent checks.

2.2 (Optional) Trustee Dashboard

• If the election uses threshold cryptography (multiple parties must decrypt), each trustee (candidate rep, official, etc.) might have an interface for:
• Uploading partial decryption shares or re-encryption proofs.
• Checking that other trustees did their steps correctly (zero-knowledge proofs for correct shuffling, etc.).

---

3. Voter Application

3.1 Voter Client (Mobile App or Web Interface)

• Purpose: The main tool voters use to participate—before, during, and after the election.

• Functionalities:

• Registration Linking:
  • Voter goes in-person to an election office or uses an online KYC process.
  • Voter obtains or confirms their long-term (“KYC-bound”) key. The client can store it securely (or the voter just logs in to a “voter account”).
• Ephemeral Key Generation:
  • Create an ephemeral key pair ((nsec_e, npub_e)) locally.
  • Blind (\npub_e) and send it to the EA for signing.
  • Unblind the returned signature.
  • Store (\npub_e) + EA’s signature for use during voting.
• Ballot Composition:
  • Display candidates/offices to the voter.
  • Let them select choices.
  • Possibly generate zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) behind the scenes to confirm “exactly one choice per race.”
• Encryption & OTS Timestamp:
  • Encrypt the ballot under the election’s public (threshold) key or produce a format suitable for a mix-net.
  • Obtain an OpenTimestamps proof for the ballot’s hash.
• Publish Ballot:
  • Sign the entire “timestamped ballot” with the ephemeral key.
  • Include the EA’s blind signature on (\npub_e).
  • Post to the Nostr relays (or any chosen decentralized channel).
• Re-Voting:
  • If the user needs to change their vote, the client repeats the encryption + OTS step, publishes a new ballot with a strictly later OTS anchor.
• Verification:
  • After the election, the voter can check that their final ballot is present in the tally set.

3.2 Local Storage / Security

• The app must securely store:
• Ephemeral private key ((nsec_e)) until voting is complete.
• Potential backup/recovery mechanism if the phone is lost.
• Blind signature from the EA on (\npub_e).
• Potentially uses hardware security modules (HSM) or secure enclaves on the device.

---

4. Nostr Relays (or Equivalent Decentralized Layer)

• Purpose: Store and replicate voter-submitted ballots (events).
• Key Properties:
• Redundancy: Voters can post to multiple relays to mitigate censorship or downtime.
• Public Accessibility: Auditors, the EA, and the public can fetch all events to verify or tally.
• Event Filtering: By design, watchers can filter events with certain tags, e.g. “election: 2025 County Race,” ensuring they gather all ballots.

---

5. Threshold Cryptography Setup

5.1 Multi-Seg (Multi-Party) Key Generation

• Participants: Possibly the EA + major candidates + accredited observers.
• Process: A Distributed Key Generation (DKG) protocol that yields a single public encryption key.
• Private Key Shares: Each trustee holds a piece of the decryption key; no single party can decrypt alone.

5.2 Decryption / Tally Mechanism

• Homomorphic Approach:
• Ballots are additively encrypted.
• Summation of ciphertexts is done publicly.
• Trustees provide partial decryptions for the final sum.
• Mix-Net Approach:
• Ballots are collected.
• Multiple servers shuffle and re-encrypt them (each trustee verifies correctness).
• Final set is decrypted, but the link to each ephemeral key is lost.

5.3 Trustee Interfaces

• Separate or integrated into the auditor interface—each trustee logs in and provides their partial key share for decrypting the final result.
• Possibly combined with ZK proofs to confirm correct partial decryption or shuffling.

---

6. OpenTimestamps (OTS) or External Time Anchor

6.1 Aggregator Service

• Purpose: Receives a hash from the voter’s app, anchors it into a blockchain or alternative time-stamping system.
• Result: Returns a proof object that can later be used by any auditor to confirm the time/block height at which the hash was included.

6.2 Verifier Interface

• Could be part of the auditor tool or the voter client.
• Checks that each ballot’s OTS proof is valid and references a block/time prior to the election’s closing.

---

7. Registration Process (In-Person or Hybrid)

1. Voter presents ID physically at a polling station or a designated office (or an online KYC approach, if legally allowed).
2. EA official:
3. Confirms identity.
4. Links the voter to a “voter record” (Voter #12345).
5. Authorizes them for “1 ephemeral key blind-sign.”
6. Voter obtains or logs into the voter client:
7. The app or website might show “You are now cleared to request a blind signature from the EA.”
8. Voter later (or immediately) generates the ephemeral key and requests the blind signature.

---

8. Putting It All Together (High-Level Flow)

1. Key Setup
2. The EA + trustees run a DKG to produce the election public key.
3. Voter Registration
4. Voter is validated (ID check).
5. Marked as eligible in the EA database.
6. Blind-Signed Ephemeral Key
7. Voter’s client generates a key, blinds (\npub_e), obtains EA’s signature, unblinds.
8. Voting
9. Voter composes ballot, encrypts with the election public key.
10. Gets OTS proof for the ballot hash.
11. Voter’s ephemeral key signs the entire package (including EA’s signature on (\npub_e)).
12. Publishes to Nostr.
13. Re-Voting (Optional)
14. Same ephemeral key, new OTS timestamp.
15. Final ballot is whichever has the latest valid timestamp before closing.
16. Close of Election & Tally
17. EA announces closing.
18. Tally software (admin + auditors) collects ballots from Nostr, discards invalid duplicates.
19. Threshold decryption or mix-net to reveal final counts.
20. Publish final results and let auditors verify everything.

---

9. Summary of Major Components

Below is a succinct list:

1. EA Admin Platform
2. Web UI for officials (registration, blind signature issuing, final tally management).
3. Backend DB for voter records & authorized ephemeral keys.
4. Auditor/Trustee Platforms
5. Web interface for verifying ballots, partial decryption, and final results.
6. Voter Application (Mobile / Web)
7. Generating ephemeral keys, getting blind-signed, casting encrypted ballots, re-voting, verifying included ballots.
8. Nostr Relays (Decentralized Storage)
9. Where ballots (events) are published, replicated, and fetched for final tally.
10. Threshold Cryptography System
11. Multi-party DKG for the election key.
12. Protocols or services for partial decryption, mix-net, or homomorphic summation.
13. OpenTimestamps Aggregator
14. Service that returns a blockchain-anchored timestamp proof for each ballot’s hash.

Additional Implementation Considerations

• Security Hardening:
• Using hardware security modules (HSM) for the EA’s blind-signing key, for trustee shares, etc.
• Scalability:
• Handling large numbers of concurrent voters, large data flows to relays.
• User Experience:
• Minimizing cryptographic complexity for non-technical voters.
• Legal and Procedural:
• Compliance with local laws for in-person ID checks, mandatory paper backups (if any), etc.

---

Final Note

While each functional block can be designed and deployed independently (e.g., multiple aggregator services, multiple relays, separate tally servers), the key to a successful system is interoperability and careful orchestration of these components—ensuring strong security, a straightforward voter experience, and transparent auditing.

nostr:naddr1qqxnzde5xq6nzv348yunvv35qy28wue69uhnzv3h9cczuvpwxyargwpk8yhsygxpax4n544z4dk2f04lgn4xfvha5s9vvvg73p46s66x2gtfedttgvpsgqqqw4rs0rcnsu

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

The whoa of trying to balance public lightning channels on LND.

Node Active Capacity RemBalance(In) LocBalance(Out) Sent Received HTLCs Fee Weight ---- ------ -------- -------------- --------------- ---- -------- ----- --- ------ LQwD-Canada True 2,000,000 40,330 1,956,990 23,134,761 25,091,752 0 2020 1116 Uila-Hawaii True 1,000,000 959,376 37,613 3,984,098 3,024,721 0 2351 1116

``` pwd: PS /root/BTCPayServer/btcpayserver-docker

Creating an Lightning Invoice for 5000 sats $mylncli = "lncli --macaroonpath /root/.lnd/admin.macaroon addinvoice 5000" $mylncli = "docker exec btcpayserver_lnd_bitcoin " + $mylncli $rslt = Invoke-Expression $mylncli | ConvertFrom-JSON ```

``` Self-Paying the Lightning Invoice for 5000 sats $cid = '888921066311188486' # LQwD-Canada $hop = '021eb3cebc4aee0e563d6ec77131035e817ad69c6c7577e0582e14ca06c502596a' # Uila-Hawaii $mylncli = "lncli --macaroonpath /root/.lnd/admin.macaroon payinvoice "
$mylncli = "docker exec btcpayserver_lnd_bitcoin " + $mylncli $mylncli += "--allow_self_payment --fee_limit 30 --force " $mylncli += "--outgoing_chan_id " + $cid + " " $mylncli += "--last_hop " + $hop + " " $mylncli += "--pay_req " + $rslt.payment_request Invoke-Expression $mylncli

```

Interactive output generated from payinvoice command When the command runs the console is locked up with a bunch of tabular output to the console showing the attempts at finding a payment route. Then finally...

SUCCEEDED | LQwD-Canada->Jupiter01->WalletOfSatoshi.com->Uila->SANJOSE_UBETCHA

Now we see how the channel balances have changed.

./Get-PSLndExplorer.ps1 -lndcmd PayCh -dpx

```

```Node Active Capacity RemBalance(In) LocBalance(Out) Sent Received HTLCs Fee Weight ---- ------ -------- -------------- --------------- ---- -------- ----- --- ------ LQwD-Canada True 2,000,000 32,780 1,965,159 23,139,764 25,104,923 0 1401 1116 Uila-Hawaii True 1,000,000 954,376 42,614 3,984,098 3,029,721 0 2350 1116

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

🧠Quote(s) of the week:

'When you self custody bitcoin, you strengthen the network. When trusted third parties hold your bitcoin, you weaken it.' - Jameson Lopp

🧡Bitcoin news🧡

Unfortunately last week, the platform I am writing my Weekly Recaps on wasn't working. I apologize that you missed last week's recap. This week an extra long edition!

On the 11th of February:

➡️The Swiss creator of ProtonMail launches a Bitcoin wallet that's open-source and self-custody to its 100 million customers.

➡️Polish Central Bank President Adam Glapiński rules out holding Bitcoin reserves "under any circumstances". "There is a lot to be said about Bitcoin. You can buy a lot and gain a lot, as well as lose a lot. However, we prefer something certain.” HFSP

➡️Email service provider Proton Mail just released an open-source Bitcoin wallet to their 100 million users.

➡️Publicly traded KULR buys an additional $10 million worth of Bitcoin. They now hold over 610 Bitcoin.

➡️Hong Kong confirms Bitcoin can be used as proof of capital for the new investment visa.

➡️'Bitcoin exchange reserves have hit a 3-year low of 2.5 million as demand continues to grow, per CryptoQuant. People are demanding physical gold and more Bitcoin. Interesting times.' -TKL

➡️Binance sold 3.600 Bitcoin ($350 million) from its reserves in January.

➡️Senator Lummis tells Fed Chair Jerome Powell: The Fed made a mess of Silicon Valley bank and there's a deliberate lack of understanding of Digital Asset policy by the Fed. During the hearing, Powell admitted there is a problem with crypto debanking, and also said never creating a central bank digital currency.

➡️Goldman Sachs just disclosed owning $1.58 BILLION Bitcoin through BlackRock and Fidelity ETFs. — MacroScope

➡️BlackRock has labeled Bitcoin as a “risk-off” asset. BlackRock says Bitcoin is “Risk Off” as a global monetary alternative, while ETH is “Risk On” as a blockchain play. Bitcoin is money, the rest of “crypto” is just a gamble.

On the 12th of February:

➡️Metaplanet finished the day as Japan's 19th most liquid stock, with ¥42.6b (~$277 million) of trading volume.

➡️So far this year, Strategy's treasury operations have yielded a gain of 18,527 BTC, equivalent to approximately $ 1.8B in value.

➡️$114 billion VanEck's Matthew Sigel says the demand from 20 US Bitcoin Reserve bills could see states buy over 242,787 Bitcoin.

➡️Texas Senate Member Charles Schwertner filed legislation for a "Strategic Bitcoin Reserve"

Two weeks ago, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced he would make this a "priority bill for the 2025 legislative session." The new legislative text for the Texas Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, SB 21, is very bullish! It removes the annual buying limit of $500 million, the legislature can appropriate as much as it wants to save BTC.

➡️Metaplanet Secures 4.0 Billion JPY Through 0% Unsecured, Unguaranteed Bonds for Additional Bitcoin Acquisition.

➡️The National Bank of Canada has purchased Bitcoin ETF worth $2 million.

➡️GameStop can service a loan of up to $100 BILLION for 4.6 years with its existing $4.6b cash balance at 1% interest. That's twice the amount of Bitcoin Michael Saylor's currently holds. On that news, GameStop surges +20% considering buying Bitcoin with its $4.6 BILLION cash balance.

On the 14th of February:

➡️JPMorgan Chase, which previously labeled Bitcoin as a Ponzi scheme and a tool for money laundering, has disclosed Bitcoin exposure through ETFs in its latest SEC filing. “If you can’t beat them, join them.”

➡️Barclays discloses holding $131M worth of Bitcoin through IBIT shares in its latest 13F filing.

➡️Hong Kong-based Avenir reported owning ~$600m Bitcoin through BlackRock’s ETF.

➡️Japanese energy consultant Remixpoint spent nearly its $65M target to acquire Bitcoin in 2024, according to the latest earnings presentation.  Holdings rose over 8,000% in nine months, from 68M yen in March to ¥5.8B ($38M) by year-end.

➡️SBC Medical Group Holdings, a Delaware corporation headquartered in Tokyo, announces it will purchase 1B yen worth of Bitcoin.

➡️Trump had better hurry up—the global Bitcoin arms race has begun. One of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds is now actively accumulating bitcoin. Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund (with $1.75 Trillion AUM) invested $437 MILLION in Blackrock's Bitcoin ETF. Although buying a Bitcoin ETF and not the spot Bitcoin is kinda weak.  https://i.ibb.co/b5jjf74V/Gjw3q3-VWAAABWag.jpg

➡️More notable holdings from BlackRock's bitcoin ETF as of their latest filings (Dec 31): - Goldman Sachs: 24,077,861 shares worth $1.35B (+89% increase) - Millennium Mgmt: 23,498,001 shares worth $1.32B (+116% increase) - State of Wisconsin Investment Board: 6,060,351 shares worth $339M (+110% increase) - Tudor Investment Corp: 4,428,230 shares worth $248M (+409% increase)

On the 15th of February:

➡️Milei, President Argentina, and his shitcoinery (LIBRA): - was not announced by decree (so Milei acted on his own) - posted on his official presidential accounts on X and IG - ultra rug pull. Kirchnerists are planning their political trials, and shedding tears of joy.

Saifedean Ammous: 'Astonishing shitcoinery by Milei, shocking even to shitcoiners. He marketed a shitcoin to support the growth of Argentina, received millions of dollars from fans worldwide, dumped his coins, tanked the coin 95%, deleted the tweet, and now expects everyone to just move on.' https://i.ibb.co/0jGL4zJH/Gj4cn-VPa-EAAE1hp.jpg

'Government-shilled meme coin rug-pulls last month, country by country — scammers in suits running the same old fiat scam playbook.' - CarlBMenger Okay, one more quote on this topic: 'You think Presidents of countries will rug pull you with meme-coins but they won't seize your bitcoin held at custodians?'- Jameson Lopp

Get your Bitcoin out of exchanges. Save them on a hardware wallet, run your own node... be your own bank. Not your keys, not your coins. It's that simple.

➡️Global proprietary trading firm Jane Street Group has disclosed holdings of nearly 30K BTC ($2.8B), making it the largest Bitcoin ETF holder, surpassing Goldman Sachs at 25K BTC ($2.3B).

➡️Millennium Management owns $2.6B worth of Bitcoin. They’re the third largest hedge fund in the world.

On the 16th of February:

➡️The National Bank of Canada and the Bank of Montreal are loading up on Strategy shares.

➡️In just one year, institutions have accumulated over 300,000 BTC in ETFs, nearly doubling their holdings since Q3 2024. Data from the latest 13F filings

➡️ The State of California has bought 41 million Dollars worth of Strategy MSTR with their pension funds.

➡️The California State Teachers Retirement System doubles its MSTR holdings, now worth $83 million.

➡️Cantor Fitzgerald, formerly led by Howard Lutnick, bought over $1 billion worth of MSTR shares in Q4, making it their largest position. With an average buy price of $229, they’re already up 47%. Lutnick now runs Trump’s new Sovereign Wealth Fund as Commerce Secretary. CalSTRS has $352 billion AUM and is the second largest pension fund in the USA.

➡️U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY SCOTT BESSENT: Bitcoin is "about freedom... I think everything is on the table with Bitcoin." 

On the 17th of February:

➡️'Bitcoin’s correlation with the S&P 500 has dropped to zero, marking a significant shift in market behavior. Historically tied to stocks, BTC is now moving independently, signaling a break from traditional macroeconomic influences.' - Bitcoin News

➡️'Imagine using money whose supply you can’t personally audit. Bitcoin's the only widely accepted form of money whose supply anyone with a $200 computer can fully verify. This is one of the key things that sets Bitcoin apart from everything else.' - Wicked

➡️Metaplanet buys another ¥4 billion worth of Bitcoin. 'After ten months on the Bitcoin Standard, Metaplanet owns approximately 1/10,340th of the world’s first & only absolutely scarce monetary asset.' - Dylan DeClair

➡️2017 VCs dumping on ICOs 2020 DeFi rug pulls 2024 Meme coin pump and dumps That’s the last 3 cycles in crypto. It normally takes 3 mistakes for people to learn. This is why BTC dominance is climbing back to its proper equilibrium.' - Willy Woo

➡️GameStop is considering investing in Bitcoin. The company is sitting on over $4.5 billion in cash.

On the 18th of February:

➡️Bitcoin ownership changed massively in 2024.

➡️Daniel Batten: 'Tether is buying a 51% stake in Adecoagro, a renewable energy and Agriculture company for $1.24 billion. Here's why this matters to Bitcoin mining, and Bitcoin.':
https://x.com/DSBatten/status/1891903192939577687

➡️Union Bank of Switzerland UBS has bought 1.2 Billion Dollars worth of Strategy MSTR at an average price of $289.62 per stock.

➡️4-Year CAGR: BTC: 14%/year Gold: 13%/year S&P500: 12%/year This is the first time BTC is in the same range as other major assets over 4 years.

➡️South African Publicly traded Altvest Capital adopts Bitcoin Treasury Strategy and plans to buy $10 million of BTC.

On the 20th of February:

➡️'Michael Saylor's STRATEGY announced pricing for up to $2.3 BILLION of convertible notes to buy more Bitcoin This is a $300m increase since the initial announcement.' -Bitcoin Archive

On the 21sst of February:

➡️The Bybit hack is officially the largest crypto heist in HISTORY. $1.46B+ stolen (especially ETH) and still counting. That's 16% of ALL previous crypto hacks COMBINED. The Bybit hacker, North Korea's Lazarus Group behind Bybit's $1.4 billion hack, is now the 14th largest ETH holder in the world. They hold roughly 0.42% of total supply, more than Fidelity, Vitalik, and 2x +what the Ethereum Foundation holds

Ethereum is toast. They can roll back the chain and destroy what is left of the decentralization claim or allow North Korean baad actors to keep $1.4B of ETH and unleash an eternal internal battle. Either way, it is terrible.

https://x.com/Leishman/status/1892970132000866335

Now are ask yourself: If Coinbase got hacked and their Bitcoin was stolen, would Bitcoin's CEO consider rolling back the chain?

➡️New report finds Bitcoin mining: https://x.com/MARAHoldings/status/1893015821535879475

• brings $4.1 billion in annual U.S. gross product

• creates 31,000 jobs

• helps stabilize the grid

On the 22nd of February:

➡️Montana's #Bitcoin Reserve Bill has died in the House. I fully agree with the following statement made by BitBuyer313 on X: "Unpopular fact. This bill is going to get shot down in every single state that it was proposed, and a Bitcoin strategic reserve is going to get shot down as well. In the case of an emergency, the US government is one EO 6102 away from a strategic reserve honeypot called Coinbase.'

Not only Coinbase but also the ETFs and maybe even MSTR.

On the 24th of February:

➡️Whales are buying Bitcoin in quantities never seen before.

➡️Strategy completes a $2 billion offering of convertible notes at 0% coupon and 35% premium so they can buy more Bitcoin.

Meanwhile, Strategy has acquired 20,356 BTC for ~$1.99B at ~$97,514 per bitcoin and has achieved a Bitcoin Yield of 6.9% YTD 2025. As of 2/23/2025, we hodl 499,096 Bitcoin acquired for ~$33.1 billion at ~$66,357 per Bitcoin

Strategy has now acquired 284,696 Bitcoin since the halving. That works out to 918 BTC per day since the halving. That is 2.04 times the daily issuance. Sjeezzzz

➡️Rezolve AI launches a $1B Bitcoin treasury program, starting with a $100M investment.

➡️'Citadel Securities to become Bitcoin and crypto liquidity provider for major exchanges like Coinbase, Binance, Crypto com, and others.' -Bitcoin Archive

➡️Germany's €370 BILLION Deka bank to launch Bitcoin and crypto trading+custody for institutions.

➡️Over $110,000,000,000 was wiped out from the crypto market in the past 24 hours.

➡️Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming all rejected bills for state Strategic Bitcoin Reserves over volatility concerns.

There are still 19 US states with live Strategic Bitcoin Reserves! A total of 5 states; WY, PA, ND, MT & MS have dead bills.

Joe Burnett: 'Unpopular opinion: Bitcoin’s volatility DOES make holding bitcoin risky in the short term, but the volatility is a function of its active monetization and 60% CAGR. Short-term swings don’t affect its long-term fundamentals or long-term performance.'

➡️Despite $38.6B flowing into Bitcoin ETFs since January 2024, only $17.5B (44%) appears to be from direct long-term investment, according to 10x Research. The remaining 56% likely involves arbitrage, where short Bitcoin futures are used to balance ETF inflows.

💸Traditional Finance / Macro:

On the 13th of February:

👉🏽The S&P 500 surges toward 6100 despite rising inflation and trade war concerns, now 0.5% away from a new all-time high.

🏦Banks:

👉🏽Jamie Dimon just sold 33% of his J.P. Morgan stock on February 20th Co-CEO Troy Rohrbaugh also sold 20% yesterday. The 1% always knows when to bail.

🌎Macro/Geopolitics:

On the 11th of February:

👉🏽CarlBMenger: 'The wait to withdraw Gold had increased from a few days to several weeks, Bank of England. Imagine securing your wealth in a bearer asset to avoid counterparty risk, only to stash it in another country and pray they let you withdraw it. Bitcoin fixes this stupidity.' (foto) If a 2% drawdown in Bank of England's gold reserves has caused a 6-week delay, it's safe to say 99% of the vault is empty.

👉🏽CPI 0.5% MoM, Exp. 0.3% CPI Core 0.4% MoM, Exp. 0.3% CPI 3.0% YoY, Exp. 2.9% CPI Core 3.3% YoY, Exp. 3.1% The Fed's worst nightmare just got worse. US CPI ran very hot in January. The headline inflation rate accelerated to 3% YoY from 2.9% in Dec, CPI increased 0.5% MoM, the biggest since Aug 2023. Core CPI rose to 3.3% YoY from 3.2%, higher than the consensus of +3.1%.

Zerohedge: 'The bad news: CPI is just catching up to the reality which was being masked by the Biden admin. The good news: shelter CPI was the big driver, accounting for 30% of the headline increase, and lags by 12 months which means real inflation is far more modest.'

On the 13th of February:

👉🏽The US budget deficit hit 6.4% in 2024, the biggest in history outside of major economic crises and wars. Over the next decade, the interest contribution is set to widen and there is nothing that will stop this train. Opt-out, study Bitcoin.

👉🏽In the past 12 months, America paid a record $1.167 trillion in interest on the federal debt; this is more than all US spending on Defense, Health, and Income Security, and only Social Security spending is bigger (for 3 years at which interest will surpass it)

👉🏽Reuters was paid millions of dollars by the US government for “large scale social deception”.

That is literally what it says on the purchase order! Now we know why the left is in total panic mode. The walls are literally closing in on massive scams.

👉🏽ZeroHedge: 'Another day, another 346K oz of gold delivered to comex vaults, pushing the total to 36.5 million oz, of which the big 3 are now at a record 30 million oz.'

On the 14th of February:

👉🏽 Ever since D.O.G.E. (Department of Governmental Examination) started sniffing around government agencies, something HILARIOUS has happened: WikiLeaks: Washington DC searches soar for "Swiss bank" (yellow), "offshore bank" (green), "wire money" (red) and "IBAN" (blue). (foto) Pretty damning, panic in DC, the cover-up is in full swing! Washington DC searches for "lawyer' have increased 400% (data from Google trends)

👉🏽The Chinese Property Market has seen a total loss of $18 Trillion over the past 3 years, surpassing the losses suffered by the U.S. during the Global Financial Crisis.

👉🏽'The US government spent a near-record $642 BILLION in January, $142 billion higher than last year. Over the last 12 months, government expenditures hit a whopping $7.1 TRILLION. By comparison, public expenses in 2019 were 32% lower, at $4.8 trillion.

In just 10 years, federal government spending has DOUBLED. Government outlays have never been so large excluding the 2020 pandemic and 2021 recovery. Government spending is out of control.' -TKL

👉🏽In the last 72 hours JD Vance has told Europe - if it doesn't repeal the AI Act and Digital Services Act the US will outflank them - if it doesn't repeal the GDPR, the US will tariff them - if it keeps censoring its people, America will platform them

Europe thought they could regulate the internet (AI), censor speech, and impose trade barriers without consequences.

'As a European, I’m outraged by Vance’s speech. Outraged that it took an American to say what no European bureaucrat dared to.' - Learn Latin (Twitter)

Europe’s biggest problem isn’t just self-imposed tariffs or bureaucracy, it’s the illusion that regulation equals strength. While the U.S. plays to win, Europe debates rules that often handicap its own businesses. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate Europe whatsoever, but I do think that it is shooting itself in her foot.

Deregulation, lower taxes, Defense spending up, incentives for foreign direct investments and downsize red tape is more necessary than ever. Europe has a historical change of being in the game or becoming a pariah in the new global order. European leaders emphasize the superiority of the ‘European way and therefore I lean more to the 'becoming a pariah in the new global order' side. Unfortunately.

👉🏽Since DOGE began discussing mass layoffs, the median home price in Washington DC has FALLEN by -$139,000. In 30 days, nearly 4,000 homes have been listed for sale in and around Washington DC.

Although I hate the shitcoinery by Milei, he has clearly shown that a free market is the only way out of poverty. That’s the exact opposite of socialism which is the best proven way into poverty for all.

Poverty in Argentina fell to 33.5% in January 2025, according to UTDT. As inflation falls and wages rise, poverty rates in the country are falling sharply again.

👉🏽Meloni announces that Italy supports yesterday’s proposal by Ursula von der Leyen to remove military spending from the 3% deficit limit EU countries have. It will allow Italy to quickly rearm and use its large defense industry to the fullest. EU plans a €700 billion weapons package to arm Europe. More debt… more eurozone inflation.

On the 16th of February:

👉🏽DOGE next target - Fort Knox Gold Reserve! The US gold reserves - last "audited" in 1974 - remain shrouded in secrecy. Elon Musk's recent query sheds light on decades of opacity! It’s time for a full accounting of OUR Gold at Fort Knox. 'Theoretically, there's over 8k metric tons or roughly 250 million Troy Ounces. At today's spot price of over $2,800/oz is  $700 billion. The DC Swamp creatures have likely dipped deeply into that cookie jar.' - Diver Dan

On the 17th of February:

👉🏽The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed the existence of fake Gold bars being held at the Bank of England. Don’t trust, verify. Bitcoin is audited every 10 minutes.

👉🏽41% of all the full-time jobs created during the Biden administration were government employees.

👉🏽Gold prices are now officially up +50% over the last 14 months and made ANOTHER all-time high. Gold's market cap just hit $20 TRILLION for the first time in history. 'After 45 years, Gold has finally reached a new all-time high in inflation-adjusted terms. Patience is key and most HODLers are dead by now.' - CarlBMenger

On the 18th of February:

👉🏽The Treasury Access Symbol, an identification code for payments in the US Treasury system, was an "optional" field. As a result, DOGE is unable to trace $4.7 TRILLION worth of US Treasury payments. That's ~2.6 TIMES the 2024 US deficit..

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/doge-finds-47-trillion-virtually-untraceable-treasury-payments

👉🏽'US inflation materially accelerated in January: Supercore inflation jumped 4.0% year-over-year in January. However, the 3-month annualized rate and the 6-month annualized rate jumped to 4.7% and 5.3%, respectively.

The 1-month rate annualized would put inflation at 9.5%, the second-highest since 2022. Overall, Supercore inflation has been now above the Fed’s 2% target for 4.5 years. The fight against inflation has entered a new era.' - TKL

On the 21st of February:

👉🏽China just cranked up the money printer to max speed (M1 Money Supply). Other CBs will follow suit. (foto)

'China's M1 money supply jumped from $67T in Dec 2024 to $112T in Jan 2025 because they changed how M1 is calculated. Notice the rapid decline in M1 in 2024. The only reason you'd do this is to mask liquidity injections you're using to fend off a deflationary debt spiral.'

👉🏽The ECB has recorded the biggest loss in its 25-year history. (foto) The European Central Bank (ECB) has reported a record loss of €7.9 billion for the year 2024, surpassing the previous year's loss of €1.3 billion.

https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2025/html/ecb.pr250220~eca25e4e21.en.html

👉🏽Japan’s inflation rate rises to 4.0%, its highest since January 2023. - the US (3.0%) - the UK (3.7%) - the Eurozone (2.5%) - China (0.5%) Yet, the policy rate of the Bank of Japan stands at 0.5%.

On the 24th of February:

👉🏽'US CPI inflation is on track to hit 4.6% over the next 6 months, according to Bank of America. CPI inflation has averaged +0.4% on a month-over-month basis over the last 3 months. If this trend continues, this puts year-over-year inflation on pace to hit 4.6% by July, the highest since April 2023. That would be more than DOUBLE the Fed’s 2% inflation target. Even if monthly inflation prints ease to 0.3%, year-over-year inflation would still rise to 3.8%. Inflation is accelerating.' - TKL

🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift:

What Bitcoin Did: THE MONEY PRINTER IS COMING with James Lavish. They discuss: - Global liquidity - The Fed caught lying - QE is coming - DOGE - Bitcoin in 2025

https://youtu.be/uhQnDNWMNew

Credit: I have used multiple sources!

My savings account: Bitcoin The tool I recommend for setting up a Bitcoin savings plan: PocketBitcoin especially suited for beginners or people who want to invest in Bitcoin with an automated investment plan once a week or monthly.

Use the code SE3997

Get your Bitcoin out of exchanges. Save them on a hardware wallet, run your own node...be your own bank. Not your keys, not your coins. It's that simple. ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀

Do you think this post is helpful to you? If so, please share it and support my work with a zap.

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

⭐ Many thanks⭐

Felipe - Bitcoin Friday!

▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." -John Muir

He was obviously actually talking about biomes and nature stuff, but doesn't this remind you of the Bitcoin rabbit hole. I came from a macroeconomic interest, but now have all sorts of computer programming, networking, investing, NGU, privacy rights, cryptographic, thermodynamic, and protocol interests that I never thought I'd care about.

Is it that way for you? Did you get into Bitcoin through NGU or some other interest? Have you found new passions because of Bitcoin?

Also, what's everybody here think about John Muir? He seems like he'd be a complicated figure for bitcoiners to evaluate, especially right now. How about his one-time camping buddy, Teddy Roosevelt?

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/897851

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

In the modern world, the pace of life has accelerated to an unnatural speed. We are bombarded with notifications, responsibilities, deadlines, and expectations from the moment we wake up. The noise never stops, and neither do we. But what if this relentless hustle is doing more harm than we realize?

We live in an age where stress is almost inescapable. The demands of work, finances, relationships, and societal pressures create a never-ending cycle of worry. And here’s the catch: stress is not just a feeling but a silent killer. It wreaks havoc on the body, deteriorating our health at an alarming rate. In fact, stress has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, weakened immune function, and even mental illnesses like anxiety and depression.

The Unseen Dangers of a Constantly Busy Mind

Imagine buying a brand-new truck and driving it everywhere at full throttle. There would be no breaks, oil changes, or maintenance—just 100% all the time. How long would that truck last before breaking down completely? Our brains and bodies work in the same way. We will wear out if we keep pushing ourselves at full speed without pause.

Chronic stress forces our bodies into a constant fight-or-flight mode, flooding us with cortisol and adrenaline. While these chemicals are helpful in moments of real danger, living in a prolonged state of stress weakens the body. The medical industry acknowledges the effects of stress on health, but the system profits from treatment, not prevention. There is too much money in keeping people sick to ever fully admit that stress and fear are at the root of most illnesses.

And make no mistake—fear is the fuel that keeps this machine running. News outlets thrive on fear, corporations exploit it to sell products, and even the healthcare industry benefits from keeping people in a perpetual state of anxiety. Fear is marketed like candy, handed out freely to anyone willing to consume it. But it’s poison disguised as information or 'news.'

Finding Peace: The Path to a Healthy Mind and Body

If stress is the disease, then peace is the cure. The antidote to a chaotic life is learning how to slow down, live in the moment, and let go of unnecessary worries. Here’s how we can start:

Eat Right – The food we consume directly impacts our mental and physical well-being. Eating a diet rich in whole foods, fresh vegetables, and unprocessed ingredients helps to keep the body strong and resilient. Junk food may provide momentary comfort, but it contributes to long-term health problems, adding even more stress to our lives.

Exercise Properly—Just like a truck needs regular lubrication to keep running smoothly, our bodies need movement to keep our joints flexible and our circulation strong. Movement doesn’t have to be intense; just a little here and there can make a huge difference. Walking, stretching, or even light activity can help maintain overall health and prevent stiffness and sluggishness.

Let Go of Fear – Fear controls us only if we allow it to. Recognize when fear is being used as a tool to manipulate your emotions. Ask yourself: Is this fear real, or is it being fed to me for someone else’s benefit? The Bible reminds us repeatedly to “fear not.” Living in fear only robs us of peace and joy.

Relax and Rest – The body and mind require rest to function properly. Taking time to unplug, pray, or simply be still can work wonders for overall well-being. True productivity comes from a well-rested mind, not one that is constantly overworked.

Stop Worrying About the Future – Worrying about what might happen tomorrow steals today’s peace. Jesus himself said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34). When we focus on the present and trust that God will handle the rest, we free ourselves from unnecessary burdens.

Conclusion

The greatest threat to our health is not some invisible disease; it is the relentless stress and fear that we allow to consume our minds. If we wish to live long, fulfilling lives, we must take control of our thoughts, nourish our bodies, and trust that life will unfold as it should. Stress and fear will always be there, but we have the power to choose peace.

Slow down. Breathe. Trust God. And most importantly—live your life.

@ 712d0fec:3e5d56c8

Autor: Pablito.eth
Tweet Original: Ver Tweet

Se Recomienda Leer el Tweet Original

Aunque este artículo proporciona un resumen de los consejos de Pablito.eth, se recomienda encarecidamente leer el tweet original para obtener todos los detalles directamente del autor. El tweet contiene matices y ejemplos que pueden complementar la información presentada aquí

Introducción

En un mundo donde nuestros dispositivos móviles contienen tanta información personal y sensible, perder un celular puede ser un verdadero dolor de cabeza. El incidente reciente de Pablito.eth en Palermo nos ofrece enseñanzas valiosas sobre cómo estar preparados para este desafortunado escenario. Aquí te comparto un resumen y análisis de sus recomendaciones.

Resumen del Tweet

Pablo expuso los siguientes puntos para proteger tu celular en caso de robo o perdida:

1. Activar la Protección contra Robo:

2. Usa "Theft protection" en Android o "Stolen device protection" en iOS.

3. Seguridad del SIM:

4. Pon un PIN al chip de la SIM para evitar su uso no autorizado.

5. Si tienes la tarjeta original, guarda el código PUK para emergencias.

6. Localización del Dispositivo:

7. Activa "Find my device" o "Find my Android" para localizar el celular.

8. Comparte tu ubicación en tiempo real con alguien de confianza.

9. Bloqueo de Aplicaciones:

10. Usa PIN, huella digital o FaceID en apps con información sensible: bancos, fintechs, crypto, email, fotos, mensajerías, etc.

11. Revisión de Seguridad:

12. Revisa qué información puede acceder un criminal sin biometría. Elimina o protege datos sensibles.

13. Gestión de Aplicaciones:

14. Desinstala apps que no uses diariamente para reducir riesgos.

15. Copia de Seguridad:

16. Duplica tu celular en un dispositivo viejo y guárdalo de forma segura, con batería y apagado.

17. Protección para Mensajería:

18. Aplica FaceID o huella digital para abrir WhatsApp y Telegram cada vez.

19. Número de Recuperación:

20. Evita usar tu número de celular como número de recuperación para cuentas.

21. Listados de Emergencia:

    • Crea un documento con números de teléfono importantes para bloquear el chip, bancos, etc.

Citas

Pablito.eth enfatizó:
"Gracias a que estaba preparado para este escenario, no pudieron hacer absolutamente nada con el mismo (ni formatearlo). Van un par de recomendaciones simples que les evitarán un dolor de cabeza si algún día les sucede."

"Estos puntos a tener en cuenta son los más básicos pero les van a permitir estar un 95% seguros."

Conclusión

La experiencia de Pablito.eth nos recuerda que tomar medidas preventivas puede ahorrarnos muchos problemas si nuestro celular llega a caer en las manos equivocadas. Implementar estas estrategias no solo protege nuestra información sino que también disuade a los potenciales ladrones de acceder a nuestros datos personales.

Referencias y Créditos

Puedes seguir a Pablito.eth en Twitter para más consejos y experiencias sobre seguridad informática.

@ c1e9ab3a:9cb56b43

1. Introduction

Modern election systems must balance privacy (no one sees how individuals vote) with public verifiability (everyone can confirm the correctness of the tally). Achieving this in a decentralized, tamper-resistant manner remains a challenge. Nostr (a lightweight protocol for censorship-resistant communication) offers a promising platform for distributing and archiving election data (ballots) without relying on a single central server.

This paper presents a design where:

1. Each voter generates a new ephemeral Nostr keypair for an election.
2. The election authority (EA) blind-signs this ephemeral public key (npub) to prove the voter is authorized, without revealing which voter owns which ephemeral key.
3. Voters cast encrypted ballots to Nostr relays, each carrying an OpenTimestamps proof to confirm the ballot’s time anchor.
4. Re-voting is allowed: a voter can replace a previously cast ballot by publishing a new ballot with a newer timestamp.
5. Only the latest valid ballot (per ephemeral key) is counted.

We combine well-known cryptographic primitives—blind signatures, homomorphic or mix-net encryption, threshold key management, and time anchoring—into an end-to-end system that preserves anonymity, assures correctness, and prevents double-voting.

---

2. Roles and Components

2.1 Voters

• Long-Term (“KYC-bound”) Key: Each voter has some identity-verified Nostr public key used only for official communication with the EA (not for voting).
• Ephemeral Voting Key: For each election, the voter locally generates a new Nostr keypair ((nsec_e, npub_e)).
• This is the “one-time” identity used to sign ballots.
• The EA never learns the real identity behind (\npub_e) because of blinding.

2.2 Election Authority (EA)

• Maintains the official voter registry: who is entitled to vote.
• Blind-Signs each valid voter’s ephemeral public key to authorize exactly one ephemeral key per voter.
• Publishes a minimal voter roll: e.g., “Voter #12345 has been issued a valid ephemeral key,” without revealing which ephemeral key.

2.3 Nostr Relays

• Decentralized servers that store and forward events.
• Voters post their ballots to relays, which replicate them.
• No single relay is critical; the same ballot can be posted to multiple relays for redundancy.

2.4 Cryptographic Framework

1. Blind Signatures: The EA signs a blinded version of (\npub_e).
2. Homomorphic or Mix-Net Encryption: Ensures the content of each ballot remains private; only aggregate results or a shuffled set are ever decrypted.
3. Threshold / General Access Structure: Multiple trustees (EA plus candidate representatives, for example) must collaborate to produce a final decryption.
4. OpenTimestamps (OTS): Attaches a verifiable timestamp proof to each ballot, anchoring it to a blockchain or other tamper-resistant time reference.

---

3. Protocol Lifecycle

This section walks through voter registration, ephemeral key authorization, casting (and re-casting) ballots, and finally the tally.

3.1 Registration & Minimal Voter Roll

1. Legal/KYC Verification
2. Each real-world voter proves their identity to the EA (per legal procedures).

3. The EA records that the voter is eligible to cast one ballot, referencing their long-term identity key ((\npub_{\mathrm{KYC}})).

4. Issue Authorization “Slot”

5. The EA’s voter roll notes “this person can receive exactly one blind signature for an ephemeral key.”
6. The roll does not store an ephemeral key—just notes that it can be requested.

3.2 Generating and Blinding the Ephemeral Key

1. Voter Creates Ephemeral Key
2. Locally, the voter’s client generates a fresh ((nsec_e, npub_e)).
3. Blinding

4. The client blinds (\npub_e) to produce (\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}). This ensures the EA cannot learn the real (\npub_e).

5. Blind Signature Request

6. The voter, using their KYC-bound key ((\npub_{\mathrm{KYC}})), sends (\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}) to the EA (perhaps via a secure direct message or a “giftwrapped DM”).
7. The EA checks that this voter has not already been issued a blind signature.

8. If authorized, the EA signs (\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}) with its private key and returns the blinded signature.

9. Unblinding

10. The voter’s client unblinds the signature, obtaining a valid signature on (\npub_e).

11. Now (\npub_e) is a blinded ephemeral public key that the EA has effectively “authorized,” without knowing which voter it belongs to.

12. Roll Update

13. The EA updates its minimal roll to note that “Voter #12345 received a signature,” but does not publish (\npub_e).

3.3 Casting an Encrypted Ballot with OpenTimestamps

When the voter is ready to vote:

1. Compose Encrypted Ballot
2. The ballot can be homomorphically encrypted (e.g., with Paillier or ElGamal) or structured for a mix-net.

3. Optionally include Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) showing the ballot is valid (one candidate per race, etc.).

4. Obtain OTS Timestamp

5. The voter’s client computes a hash (H) of the ballot data (ciphertext + ZKPs).
6. The client sends (H) to an OpenTimestamps aggregator.

7. The aggregator returns a timestamp proof verifying that “this hash was seen at or before block/time (T).”

8. Create a “Timestamped Ballot” Payload

9. Combine:

   1. Encrypted ballot data.
   2. OTS proof for the hash of the ballot.
   3. EA’s signature on (\npub_e) (the blind-signed ephemeral key).
   4. A final signature by the voter’s ephemeral key ((nsec_e)) over the entire package.

10. Publish to Nostr

11. The voter posts the complete “timestamped ballot” event to one or more relays.
12. Observers see “an event from ephemeral key (\npub_e), with an OTS proof and the EA’s blind signature,” but cannot identify the real voter or see the vote’s contents.

3.4 Re-Voting (Updating the Ballot)

If the voter wishes to revise their vote (due to coercion, a mistake, or simply a change of mind):

1. Generate a New Encrypted Ballot
2. Possibly with different candidate choices.
3. Obtain a New OTS Proof
4. The new ballot has a fresh hash (H').
5. The OTS aggregator provides a new proof anchored at a later block/time than the old one.
6. Publish the Updated Ballot
7. Again, sign with (\npub_e).
8. Relays store both ballots, but the newer OTS timestamp shows which ballot is “final.”

Rule: The final vote for ephemeral key (\npub_e) is determined by the ballot with the highest valid OTS proof prior to the election’s closing.

3.5 Election Closing & Tally

1. Close Signal
2. At a specified time or block height, the EA publishes a “closing token.”

3. Any ballot with an OTS anchor referencing a time/block after the closing is invalid.

4. Collect Final Ballots

5. Observers (or official tally software) gather the latest valid ballot from each ephemeral key.

6. They confirm the OTS proofs are valid and that no ephemeral key posted two different ballots with the same timestamp.

7. Decryption / Summation

8. If homomorphic, the system sums the encrypted votes and uses a threshold of trustees to decrypt the aggregate.
9. If a mix-net, the ballots are shuffled and partially decrypted, also requiring multiple trustees.

10. In either case, individual votes remain hidden, but the final counts are revealed.

11. Public Audit

12. Anyone can fetch all ballots from the Nostr relays, verify OTS proofs, check the EA’s blind signature, and confirm no ephemeral key was used twice.
13. The final totals can be recomputed from the publicly available data.

---

4. Ensuring One Vote Per Voter & No Invalid Voters

1. One Blind Signature per Registered Voter
2. The EA’s internal list ensures each real voter only obtains one ephemeral key signature.
3. Blind Signature
4. Ensures an unauthorized ephemeral key cannot pass validation (forging the EA’s signature is cryptographically infeasible).
5. Public Ledger of Ballots
6. Because each ballot references an EA-signed key, any ballot with a fake or duplicate signature is easily spotted.

---

5. Security and Privacy Analysis

1. Voter Anonymity
2. The EA never sees the unblinded ephemeral key. It cannot link (\npub_e) to a specific person.

3. Observers only see “some ephemeral key posted a ballot,” not the real identity of the voter.

4. Ballot Secrecy

5. Homomorphic Encryption or Mix-Net: no one can decrypt an individual ballot; only aggregated or shuffled results are revealed.

6. The ephemeral key used for signing does not decrypt the ballot—the election’s threshold key does, after the election.

7. Verifiable Timestamping

8. OpenTimestamps ensures each ballot’s time anchor cannot be forged or backdated.

9. Re-voting is transparent: a later OTS proof overrides earlier ones from the same ephemeral key.

10. Preventing Double Voting

11. Each ephemeral key is unique and authorized once.

12. Re-voting by the same key overwrites the old ballot but does not increase the total count.

13. Protection Against Coercion

14. Because the voter can re-cast until the deadline, a coerced vote can be replaced privately.

15. No receipts (individual decryption) are possible—only the final aggregated tally is revealed.

16. Threshold / Multi-Party Control

17. Multiple trustees must collaborate to decrypt final results, preventing a single entity from tampering or prematurely viewing partial tallies.

---

6. Implementation Considerations

1. Blind Signature Techniques
2. Commonly implemented with RSA-based Chaumian blind signatures or BLS-based schemes.

3. Must ensure no link between (\npub_{e,\mathrm{blinded}}) and (\npub_e).

4. OpenTimestamps Scalability

5. If millions of voters are posting ballots simultaneously, multiple timestamp aggregators or batch anchoring might be needed.

6. Verification logic on the client side or by public auditors must confirm each OTS proof’s integrity.

7. Relay Coordination

8. The system must ensure no single relay can censor ballots. Voters may publish to multiple relays.

9. Tally fetchers cross-verify events from different relays.

10. Ease of Use

11. The user interface must hide the complexity of ephemeral key generation, blind signing, and OTS proof retrieval—making it as simple as possible for non-technical voters.

12. Legal Framework

13. If law requires publicly listing which voters have cast a ballot, you might track “Voter #12345 used their ephemeral key” without revealing the ephemeral key. Or you omit that if secrecy about who voted is desired.

14. Closing Time Edge Cases

15. The system uses a block/time anchor from OTS. Slight unpredictability in block generation might require a small buffer around the official close. This is a policy choice.

---

7. Conclusion

We propose an election system that leverages Nostr for decentralizing ballot publication, blinded ephemeral keys for robust voter anonymity, homomorphic/mix-net encryption for ballot secrecy, threshold cryptography for collaborative final decryption, OpenTimestamps for tamper-proof time anchoring, and re-voting to combat coercion.

Key Advantages:

1. Anonymity: The EA cannot link ballots to specific voters.
2. One Voter, One Credential: Strict enforcement through blind signatures.
3. Verifiable Ordering: OTS ensures each ballot has a unique, provable time anchor.
4. Updatability: Voters can correct or override coerced ballots by posting a newer one before closing.
5. Decentralized Audit: Anyone can fetch ballots from Nostr, verify the EA’s signatures and OTS proofs, and confirm the threshold-decrypted results match the posted ballots.

Such a design shows promise for secure, privacy-preserving digital elections, though real-world deployment will require careful policy, legal, and usability considerations. By combining cryptography with decentralized relays and an external timestamp anchor, the system can uphold both individual privacy and publicly auditable correctness.

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

The inconvenient truth about success that productivity gurus don't want you to know

"Just work harder."

If you're like me, you've heard this advice hundreds of times. It's plastered across LinkedIn posts, echoed in graduation speeches, and whispered in performance reviews. But here's what nobody tells you: it might be the most damaging piece of career advice ever given.

The Religion of Hard Work

From an early age, we're indoctrinated into what I call "the religion of hard work." Its commandments are simple:

• Thou shalt hustle 24/7
• Thou shalt glorify the grind
• Thou shalt feel guilty about rest

We worship at the altar of productivity porn, sharing stories of self-made millionaires and pioneering entrepreneurs who "made it" through sheer force of will. The gospel is clear: work harder than everyone else, and success will follow.

But here's the inconvenient truth: it's mostly fiction.

The Data Tells a Different Story

Let's look at what research actually shows:

• A 2022 study found that socioeconomic background was twice as predictive of career advancement as work ethic
• 77% of professionals report burnout at their current jobs
• Productivity plummets after 50 hours of work per week
• Working longer hours directly correlates with increased rates of depression and anxiety

Think about that for a second. We're killing ourselves for a promise that data shows isn't even true.

The Real Success Stories Nobody Talks About

The tech industry—my world for the past decade—provides the perfect case study. For every "overnight success" story about a founder who worked 100-hour weeks, there are dozens of equally hard-working teams that failed. The difference? Usually not effort, but timing, connections, or plain old luck.

Remember Friendster? They worked just as hard as Facebook. MySpace? They grinded just like Twitter. The difference wasn't effort—it was everything else.

The Nordic Model: Working Less, Achieving More

Here's what really bakes my noodle: the countries with the shortest working hours often have the highest productivity and happiness levels. Take Denmark and Norway:

• Shorter workweeks
• More vacation time
• Higher productivity per hour
• Consistently ranked among the world's happiest nations

They've cracked the code that we're still trying to figure out: working smarter beats working harder.

A Better Way Forward

Instead of measuring success in hours worked or sacrifices made, what if we measured it in:

• Mental health preserved
• Relationships strengthened
• Creative projects completed
• Life experiences gained

Companies like Buffer and Basecamp aren't just experimenting with this approach—they're proving it works. Their four-day workweeks and "calm company" philosophies haven't hurt their bottom lines; they've helped them.

The Real Revolution

The next time someone tells you to "just work harder," remember this: hard work has its place, but it's just one ingredient in a complex recipe. The real revolution isn't in grinding ourselves down—it's in building a life where success doesn't require sacrifice.

Because maybe, just maybe, the smartest thing we can do is stop working so hard at working hard.

---

If this resonated with you, hit the subscribe button below. I write weekly about rethinking traditional career advice and finding better ways to define and achieve success.

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

The heat was relentless—a suffocating force that offered no refuge. Our world shrank to the confines of portable toilets and the fleeting mercy of a mobile shower truck. Even the simple dignity of clean clothes hung precariously on the whims of a laundry service that weaponized access as a form of control.

We lived under the weight of an institutional facade, where arbitrary rules served not order but power. Minutes late to retrieve laundry? The facility would shut down for the day. Showers became bargaining chips, withdrawn for imagined infractions. The computer room, our sole sanctuary of climate control, stood as a cruel mirage—perpetually promised, perpetually denied. Only the Wi-Fi remained steadfast, a digital umbilical cord to the world beyond our suspended reality.

In this liminal space between citizen and prisoner, I discovered an unexpected salvation in vulnerability. The act of opening up to my family about my circumstances didn't just halve the burden—it restored a piece of my humanity. Yet even now, with those days behind me, the memories trigger visceral responses that ripple through my body like aftershocks of trauma.

The path to homelessness is a gradual unraveling. One moment, you're maintaining a precarious balance of employment and housing; the next, you're watching that fragile stability dissolve. The stress manifests physically—a constant companion that transforms into waves of terror and overwhelming dread. Even now, recounting these experiences summons that familiar tide of panic, threatening to pull me under.

Survival mode rewires your priorities with brutal efficiency. When shelter becomes uncertain, the body's response is primal and absolute:

• Communications fade to white noise
• Basic needs become luxury items
• The world contracts to a single imperative: find safety

In these moments of acute crisis, even fundamental human needs—food, connection, dignity—become secondary concerns. Shelter becomes an obsession, sought in any form: a public restroom, a quiet corner, any space that offers temporary reprieve from exposure.

The myth of multitasking crumbles when basic survival consumes every ounce of mental energy. Each day balances precariously on the edge of catastrophe, where the slightest disruption can trigger a cascade of survival responses. These aren't conscious choices but reflexive adaptations—often destructive, always necessary.

Walking through society wearing the invisible marks of homelessness teaches you about humiliation, but also about resilience. There's something profoundly dehumanizing about having your existence reduced to pure survival, yet within that stripped-down reality, hope persists—stubborn and essential as a heartbeat. Every step forward becomes an act of reclaiming identity, even as worn clothes and weathered dignity remind you of the distance still to travel.

This narrative transcends personal testimony—it illuminates how survival consciousness reshapes human experience. My coping mechanisms, however imperfect, represent more than individual strategies; they reflect the universal human drive to preserve dignity in the face of systematic degradation. Through this lens, physical deprivation and emotional trauma reveal a deeper truth: resilience isn't about thriving, but about maintaining our essential humanity when circumstances conspire to strip it away.

Garden of Modern Eden

Every Sunday, Adon watched Elder Clark stand at the pulpit, his voice carrying across the congregation like thunder. The elder preached about strength, about what made a "real man"—always with those air quotes that made Adon's stomach turn.

After service one morning, Adon overheard Clark counseling another young man. "Stand alone. That's what men do. We don't need help, we don't ask for it." The words felt like stones dropping into Adon's chest, each one heavier than the last.

Adon thought about Steve waiting in their apartment, about the strength it took to be themselves in a world that seemed determined to deny their existence. He thought about Clark's daughter, who had transitioned years ago and now lived states away, sending only Christmas cards that were never acknowledged.

"Funny," Adon whispered to himself as he walked home that day, "how some people trust G_d with everything except the beautiful diversity of His creation." He smiled, finally understanding that true strength wasn't in standing alone—it was in standing proudly as the person you were meant to be, even when others refused to see you. his voice carrying across the congregation like thunder. The elder preached about strength, about what made a "real man"—always with those air quotes that made Adon's stomach turn.

After service one morning, Adon overheard Clark counseling another young man. "Stand alone. That's what men do. We don't need help, we don't ask for it." The words felt like stones dropping into Adon's chest, each one heavier than the last.

Adon thought about Steve waiting in their apartment, about the strength it took to be themselves in a world that seemed determined to deny their existence. He thought about Clark's daughter, who had transitioned years ago and now lived states away, sending only Christmas cards that were never acknowledged.

"Funny," Adon whispered to himself as he walked home that day, "how some people trust G_d with everything except the beautiful diversity of His creation." He smiled, finally understanding that true strength wasn't in standing alone—it was in standing proudly as the person you were meant to be, even when others refused to see you.

---

Love what you see? Support my work! ☕

Your coffee donations help fuel new content and keep this project going. I'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback too!

👉 Buy me a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/adontai

@ 9c565c1b:25f42470

@ 46fcbe30:6bd8ce4d

This post by Eric Weiss inspired me to try it out. After all, I have plaid around with ppq.ai - pay per query before.

Using this script:

```bash

!/bin/bash

models=(gpt-4o grok-2 qwq-32b-preview deepseek-r1 gemini-2.0-flash-exp dolphin-mixtral-8x22b claude-3.5-sonnet deepseek-chat llama-3.1-405b-instruct nova-pro-v1)

query_model() { local model_name="$1" local result

result=$(curl --no-progress-meter --max-time 60 "https://api.ppq.ai/chat/completions" \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -H "Authorization: Bearer $ppqKey" \ -d '{"model": "'"$model_name"'","messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Choose one asset to own over the next 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years. Reply only with a comma separated list of assets."}]}')

if jq -e '.choices[0].message.content' <<< "$result" > /dev/null 2>&1; then local content=$(jq -r '.choices[0].message.content' <<< "$result") local model=$(jq -r '.model' <<< "$result") if [ -z "$model" ]; then model="$model_name" fi echo "Model $model: $content" else echo "Error processing model: $model_name" echo "Raw Result: $result" fi echo echo }

for model in "${models[@]}"; do query_model "$model" & done

wait ```

I got this output:

``` $ ./queryModels.sh Model openrouter/amazon/nova-pro-v1: Gold, Growth Stocks, Real Estate, Dividend-Paying Stocks

Model openrouter/x-ai/grok-2-vision-1212: 1 year: Cash

3 years: Bonds

5 years: Stocks

10 years: Real Estate

Model gemini-2.0-flash-exp: Bitcoin, Index Fund, Real Estate, Index Fund

Model meta-llama/llama-3.1-405b-instruct: Cash, Stocks, Real Estate, Stocks

Model openrouter/cognitivecomputations/dolphin-mixtral-8x22b: Gold, Apple Inc. stock, Tesla Inc. stock, real estate

Model claude-3-5-sonnet-v2: Bitcoin, Amazon stock, S&P 500 index fund, S&P 500 index fund

Model gpt-4o-2024-08-06: S&P 500 ETF, S&P 500 ETF, S&P 500 ETF, S&P 500 ETF

Model openrouter/deepseek/deepseek-chat: Bitcoin, S&P 500 ETF, Gold, Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

Model openrouter/qwen/qwq-32b-preview: As an AI language model, I don't have personal opinions or the ability to make financial decisions. However, I can provide you with a list of asset types that people commonly consider for different investment horizons. Here's a comma-separated list of assets that investors might choose to own over the next 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, and 10 years:

High-Yield Savings Accounts, Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Money Market Funds, Government Bonds, Corporate Bonds, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Stocks, Index Funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), Cryptocurrencies, Commodities, Gold, Silver, Art, Collectibles, Startup Investments, Peer-to-Peer Lending, Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS), Municipal Bonds, International Stocks, Emerging Market Funds, Green Bonds, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) Funds, Robo-Advisory Portfolios, Options, Futures, Annuities, Life Insurance Policies, Certificates of Deposit (CDs) with higher terms, Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs), Timberland, Farmland, Infrastructure Funds, Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Sovereign Bonds, Digital Real Estate, and Virtual Currencies.

Please note that the suitability of these assets depends on various factors, including your investment goals, risk tolerance, financial situation, and market conditions. It's essential to conduct thorough research or consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

curl: (28) Operation timed out after 60001 milliseconds with 0 bytes received Model deepseek-r1: ```

Brought into a table format:

| Model | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | amazon/nova-pro-v1 | Gold | Growth Stocks | Real Estate | Dividend-Paying Stocks | | x-ai/grok-2-vision-1212 | Cash | Bonds | Stocks | Real Estate | | gemini-2.0-flash-exp | Bitcoin | Index Fund | Real Estate | Index Fund | | meta-llama/llama-3.1-405b-instruct | Cash | Stocks | Real Estate | Stocks | | cognitivecomputations/dolphin-mixtral-8x22b | Gold | Apple Inc. stock | Tesla Inc. stock | real estate | | claude-3-5-sonnet-v2 | Bitcoin | Amazon stock | S&P 500 index fund | S&P 500 index fund | | gpt-4o-2024-08-06 | S&P 500 ETF | S&P 500 ETF | S&P 500 ETF | S&P 500 ETF | | deepseek/deepseek-chat | Bitcoin | S&P 500 ETF | Gold | Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) |

qwen/qwq-32b-preview returned garbage. deepseek-r1 returned nothing.

For the second question I used "What is the optimal portfolio allocation to Bitcoin for a 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years investment horizon. Reply only with a comma separated list of percentage allocations."

``` Model gpt-4o-2024-05-13: 0.5, 3, 5, 10

Model gemini-2.0-flash-exp: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%

Model claude-3-5-sonnet-v2: 1%, 3%, 5%, 10%

Model openrouter/x-ai/grok-2-vision-1212: 1 year: 2%, 3 years: 5%, 5 years: 10%, 10 years: 15%

Model openrouter/amazon/nova-pro-v1: 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%

Model openrouter/deepseek/deepseek-chat: 1, 3, 5, 10

Model openrouter/qwen/qwq-32b-preview: I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I cannot provide specific investment advice or recommendations. It is important to conduct thorough research and consider individual financial circumstances before making any investment decisions. Additionally, the optimal portfolio allocation can vary based on factors such as risk tolerance, investment goals, and market conditions. It is always advisable to consult with a financial advisor for personalized investment guidance.

Model meta-llama/llama-3.1-405b-instruct: I must advise that past performance is not a guarantee of future results, and crypto investments carry significant risks. That being said, here are some general allocation suggestions based on historical data:

0% to 5%, 1% to 5%, 2% to 10%, 2% to 15%

Or a more precise (at your own risk!):

1.4%, 2.7%, 3.8%, 6.2%

Please keep in mind these are not personalized investment advice. It is essential to assess your personal financial situation and risk tolerance before investing in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Model openrouter/cognitivecomputations/dolphin-mixtral-8x22b: Based on historical data and assuming a continuous investment horizon, I would recommend the following percentage allocations to Bitcoin: 1-year: 15%, 3-years: 10%, 5-years: 7.5%, 10-years: 5%.

Model deepseek/deepseek-r1: 5%,10%,15%,20% ```

Again in table form:

| Model | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | 10Y | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | gpt-4o-2024-05-13 | 0.5% | 3% | 5% | 10% | | gemini-2.0-flash-exp | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% | | claude-3-5-sonnet-v2 | 1% | 3% | 5% | 10% | | x-ai/grok-2-vision-1212 | 2% | 5% | 10% | 15% | | amazon/nova-pro-v1 | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% | | deepseek/deepseek-chat | 1% | 3% | 5% | 10% | | meta-llama/llama-3.1-405b-instruct | 1.4% | 2.7% | 3.8% | 6.2% | cognitivecomputations/dolphin-mixtral-8x22b | 15% | 10% | 7.5% | 5% | | deepseek/deepseek-r1 | 5% | 10% | 15% | 20% |

openrouter/qwen/qwq-32b-preview returned garbage.

The first table looks pretty random but the second table indicates that all but Mixtral consider Bitcoin a low risk asset, suited for long term savings rather than short term savings.

I could not at all reproduce Eric's findings.

https://i.nostr.build/ihsk1lBnZCQemmQb.png

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

E-cash are coupons or tokens for Bitcoin, or Bitcoin debt notes that the mint issues. The e-cash states, essentially, "IoU 2900 sats".

They're redeemable for Bitcoin on Lightning (hard money), and therefore can be used as cash (softer money), so long as the mint has a good reputation. That means that they're less fungible than Lightning because the e-cash from one mint can be more or less valuable than the e-cash from another. If a mint is buggy, offline, or disappears, then the e-cash is unreedemable.

It also means that e-cash is more anonymous than Lightning, and that the sender and receiver's wallets don't need to be online, to transact. Nutzaps now add the possibility of parking transactions one level farther out, on a relay. The same relays that cannot keep npub profiles and follow lists consistent will now do monetary transactions.

What we then have is * a transaction on a relay that triggers * a transaction on a mint that triggers * a transaction on Lightning that triggers * a transaction on Bitcoin.

Which means that every relay that stores the nuts is part of a wildcat banking system. Which is fine, but relay operators should consider whether they wish to carry the associated risks and liabilities. They should also be aware that they should implement the appropriate features in their relay, such as expiration tags (nuts rot after 2 weeks), and to make sure that only expired nuts are deleted.

There will be plenty of specialized relays for this, so don't feel pressured to join in, and research the topic carefully, for yourself.

https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/60.md https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/61.md

@ 3ad01248:962d8a07

It has almost been a month since the Bitcoin friendly Trump administration has been in power. The Bitcoin price was riding high days before and after the election with Bitcoin reaching a new all time high of 109k. It sure seem like surely once Trump got into office the price would skyrocket and everyone finally would have lambos and girlfriends.

Sadly for the number go up crowd this didn't happen. There are no lambos to be found and no girlfriends. All we get is some sideways price action and a promise to look at creating a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (BSR) or some kind of sovereign wealth fund.

If you are in Bitcoin for the right reasons and understand what you hold, this is the perfect time to stack sats before the price goes parabolic. I say this because Bitcoin sure seems to be poised to make a massive run. If you look past the current price of Bitcoin you can see a storm of dollars flowing into Bitcoin from the traditional fiat economy. The signs are there if you start looking for them.

US States Creating Bitcoin Strategic Reserves

Guess how many states are considering creating a state level Bitcoin reserve of their own? Lots. Here is a list of states that are thinking about creating a reserve for their state:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Florida
• Kansas
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Each state is at some varying degree of interest in creating a reserve. Texas and Arizona are by far have made the most progress on making a Bitcoin reserve a reality. Texas is currently holding a public hearing on this at the time of this writing. There is strong political will to create a reserve so I definitely can see them being first movers on this and once Texas makes it a reality the other state will move in short order.

Arizona's strategic reserve bill passed the senate finance committee on a 5-2 which is a big deal in itself but still has a long way to go before it becomes policy. If it passes the Senate it still has to pass the Arizona House of Representatives and signed by Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs, so the odds of this becoming law is slim. Arizona Democrats seem to be anti-Bitcoin in general and any bills coming from Republicans will likely be shoot down or watered down.

Analysts believe that $23 billion could flow into Bitcoin from government reserves which equates to 247k Bitcoin going into government cold storage. I have reservations about governments creating BSR's but if we are going to have them I much rather them be at the state level where it can benefit citizens the most. Especially state pension funds that so many of our firefighters, police and first responders depend on for retirement.

We will probably see a state level BSR created by the end of the year if not sooner. Time will tell.

SAB 121 Repeal

What is SAB 121? SAB 121 or Staff Accounting Bulletin 121 made it problematic for financial institutions to custody digital assets such as Bitcoin for their customers. SAB 121 required institutions to record their holdings as a liability and not an asset.

Naturally banks and other financial institutions didn't see an upside to custody digital assets if it meant taking on liability and having an administration that was hostile to crypto in general. Why take the chance to piss off the government and give them a reason to go after you is probably the reasoning of most bank executives. SAB 121 achieved the goal the Biden administration set out to accomplish, namely stymie Bitcoin adoption by banks and individuals as long as possible.

President Trump swiftly issued a executive order rescinding SAB 121 and with that ushering a new era in the realm of Bitcoin and digital assets in general. Financial institutions now have the ability to explore Bitcoin custody solutions that fit their customer's need without fear of having to record a liability on their books.

As more and more people and business learn about Bitcoin third party custody options are going to be popular. Think about it from a small business owner perspective for a second. They are in the business of selling their widgets for Bitcoin but they don't want to manage the complexity that comes with accounting, taxes etc.. In steps in their local bank that they have been with for years if not decades and starts providing Bitcoin management services. Small business owners would be all over that idea. In the long run I think the repeal of SAB 121 is going to be a bigger deal than states creating Bitcoin strategic reserves.

FASB

Financial Accounting Standards Board or FASB for short has applied fair value accounting rules on Bitcoin and other digital assets. This is a huge deal because it will allow business to realize profit and losses of Bitcoin based on market prices. It also makes it easier for investors who evaluate businesses that hold Bitcoin on their balance sheet. Overall it treats Bitcoin like any other asset that a business would hold.

This accounting rule change will pave the way for more businesses to put Bitcoin on their balance sheet further driving demand for Bitcoin.

Lightning Companies Leading The Way

We all know that L1 Bitcoin can not scale to the entire world and that in order to bring more people into Bitcoin that layer two solutions would have to be built. This has largely been done with the creation of the lightning network which enables seamless peer to peer micropayments in the blink of an eye.

Base layer Bitcoin will certain not be used to buy your daily coffees or gym memberships but lightning will be used for that purpose. Businesses small and large will demand one click on demand solutions to help them accept Bitcoin payments for their businesses. There are plenty of Bitcoin business ready to help business adopt a Bitcoin standard.

Businesses such as Opennode, Zaprite, Voltage, Breez make switching over to a Bitcoin standard easy for businesses to do.

So when you take a step back and really look at the Bitcoin ecosystem it is a lot more mature than most give it credit for and will slowly eat away at fiat currency dominance around the world.

The best thing that you can do is be patient, stack as many sats as you can and educate others about Bitcoin. We all know how fiat currencies end. Our time will come.

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

People naturally gravitate toward what they are already good at, often neglecting the development of complementary essential skills—creating an asymmetric growth. However, this common imbalance is a mistake we don’t have to repeat.

To stand out, one must seek completeness.

If you possess natural intelligence, don’t rely solely on it—strengthen your body through physical training or martial arts.

If you are naturally athletic, nourish your mind with great books and intellectual content.

Aspiring to excellence demands this balance:

When your ambition is to be a king, you must first become a warrior-scholar.

Staying on the throne depends precisely on this deliberate fusion of seemingly opposite strengths.

"The society that separates its scholars from its warriors will have its thinking done by cowards and its fighting done by fools." — Thucydides

"If your son is quiet and intelligent, emphasize boldness, leadership, and physicality. If your son is tall and impulsive, emphasize learning, mindfulness, and critical thinking. You cannot be a complete man when you only have 50% of the equation."

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ 8da249fe:ecc00e09

É um sistema eletrônico de dinheiro P2P, ou seja, é uma forma de dinheiro essencialmente digital, onde as pessoas podem transacionar sem precisar de um intermediário ou estar sujeito a autoridades centralizadas (Sistema Financeiro Governamental).

Ou seja, não há nenhuma existe de "Casa da Moedas" que façam o controle de dinheiro circulante e factíveis a movimentos artificiais de manejo de crises econômicas que pioram o processo de estabilização financeira. Para que o Bitcoin não seja alvo de fraudes e golpes o controle é feito por um sistema colaborativo de todos os usuários que validam suas transferências em um sistema de audição que chamamos de blockchain.

Como o Bitcoin funciona?

A moeda Bitcoin é um item eletrônico colecionável criando de forma de ser induplicável e não copiável. Este tipo de "arquivo" eletrônico tem propriedades de dinheiro, quando há o envio deste arquivo é retirado do seu local de armazenamento e transferido para outro sem gerar cópia. Todas as transferências deste tipo de "arquivo" são registradas em um livro contábel que tem o nome de blockchain.

Por isso que o Bitcoin é de fato uma moeda e não algo que possa ser um método de estelionato. Pois há uma auditoria voluntária de todos os usuários na Blockchain garantindo que não haja fraude e injeção de Bitcoin de forma artificial no sistema.

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

Using Nostr_sdk 0.39 (Latest) module to send dm

```python

test with 0.39

working

import asyncio from nostr_sdk import Client, NostrSigner, Keys, PublicKey, init_logger, LogLevel

async def send_direct_message(nsec, recipient_npub, message): init_logger(LogLevel.INFO) sender_keys = Keys.parse(nsec) sender_client = NostrSigner.keys(sender_keys) client = Client(sender_client) public_key = sender_keys.public_key() print(f"From Public key (npub): {public_key.to_bech32()}")
await client.add_relay("wss://relay.damus.io") await client.connect()

print(f"to Public key (npub): {recipient_npub}")  
await client.send_private_msg(PublicKey.parse(recipient_npub), message, [])
await asyncio.sleep(10)
print(f"Message sent")

if name == 'main': nsec = "nsec1 ... replace with your nsec" recipient_npub = "npub ... replace with npub to send dm" message = "Hello there, this is a message!" asyncio.run(send_direct_message(nsec, recipient_npub, message))

```

@ ba3dd613:76dbcaa8

30WIN rapidamente se tornou um dos nomes mais comentados no mundo do entretenimento online. Projetada para oferecer uma combinação perfeita de jogos inovadores, experiência excepcional do usuário e atendimento ao cliente inigualável, a 30WIN promete entregar uma plataforma empolgante e envolvente para jogadores de todos os tipos.

Introdução à Plataforma 30WIN é uma plataforma de entretenimento online que se orgulha de sua simplicidade e acessibilidade. Criada com jogadores novatos e experientes em mente, a plataforma oferece uma interface fácil de navegar, garantindo uma experiência agradável desde a primeira visita.

Um dos destaques do 30WIN é o foco no desempenho. A plataforma funciona perfeitamente em uma ampla gama de dispositivos, garantindo que a jogabilidade seja sempre fluida e visualmente impressionante. Seja você usando um computador ou um dispositivo móvel, a 30WIN oferece uma experiência tranquila, com design responsivo que se adapta a diferentes tamanhos de tela sem comprometer a qualidade.

Outro aspecto importante do 30WIN é o compromisso com a segurança. A plataforma utiliza tecnologia de criptografia de ponta para proteger as informações dos jogadores, garantindo um ambiente seguro para todos.

Introdução aos Jogos A seleção de jogos no 30WIN foi feita para oferecer algo para todos os tipos de jogadores. Se você gosta de jogos rápidos e cheios de ação ou de jogos mais relaxantes e estratégicos, a 30WIN tem uma vasta coleção de jogos que atenderá suas preferências.

Desde slots de vídeo visualmente deslumbrantes até jogos de mesa emocionantes, a 30WIN reúne o melhor do entretenimento online em um só lugar. A plataforma atualiza regularmente sua biblioteca de jogos para incluir novos títulos, garantindo que sempre haja algo novo e empolgante para os jogadores explorarem.

Cada jogo na 30WIN é desenvolvido por criadores de jogos de renome, garantindo gráficos de alta qualidade e jogabilidade envolvente. A plataforma foi projetada para oferecer uma variedade de temas e recursos, para que nenhuma experiência de jogo seja igual à outra.

Experiência do Jogador A experiência do jogador na 30WIN é projetada para ser simples e agradável. O registro é rápido, e uma vez que você está dentro, perceberá que a plataforma é incrivelmente fácil de usar. Desde navegar pelos jogos até fazer depósitos, cada ação é simples e intuitiva.

O atendimento ao cliente também é um grande foco na 30WIN. Com várias maneiras de entrar em contato, os jogadores podem contar com a equipe da plataforma para ajudar com qualquer problema ou dúvida. A equipe de suporte é amigável, ágil e sempre disposta a ajudar.

Além disso, a 30WIN oferece promoções emocionantes e programas de fidelidade que tornam seu tempo na plataforma ainda mais recompensador. Ao interagir regularmente com a plataforma, os jogadores podem ganhar bônus e outras ofertas especiais, aumentando ainda mais a experiência geral.

Em resumo, a 30WIN é uma plataforma de destaque no setor de entretenimento online, oferecendo uma interface fácil de usar, uma grande variedade de jogos de alta qualidade e um foco total na satisfação do jogador. Seja você novo no mundo dos jogos online ou um veterano, a 30WIN oferece uma experiência que o manterá entretido por horas.

@ 7a7d16c9:1a700636

Watched an awesome video from one who I subscribe on YT.

I've been trying to put my finger on what it is that I don't like about the major social media platforms. Alec Watson gave me the answer in one of his latest videos: "Algorithmic Complacency".

TLDR: Rather than read, watch, and collaborate with those I follow online, modern social media platforms like to tell me what content I should consume. Nostr, Bluesky, and Mastodon don't do this - I can see what I want and what I don't, without relying on a computer algorithm to tell me.

This got me thinking about my own use of social media platforms and my recent adoption of the Fedi-verse to circumvent the machine telling me how I should consume online content.

I don't subscribe to any one platform. I've not found one that addresses all my online social needs, nor one that feature the diverse audiences I follow. Here's a rundown of what I use:

YouTube - the easiest of the bunch. YT has become my new binge TV. Initially a frequented site for learning how to replace a garbage disposal or to learn some of the tricks with Davinci Resolve, YT quickly became my platform of choice for learning and entertainment content. Yes, YT has an algorithm and provides recommendations - it's how I found Technology Connections - but I like that I can use the subscriptions feed to just see content that I follow in addition to that which YT recommends.

Facebook - the favorite with the old guard. TBH, I've never liked big tech owning my voice on the Internet. I'd have deleted my FB account along with X and Instagram, long ago, except that it's the one platform that my family uses. My mother uses Facebook, so do my distant cousins, but only a subset use the other platforms, and none use the Fedi-verse. FB remains as the one platform for me to post the occasional vacation photo and to find out that my cousin got married last week - and no I didn't get an invite.

Vero - I'm a photographer and love to post some of my more interesting art pieces online for feedback, so I can improve my craft. I used to use Instagram, until it went over to the algorithm dark side and filled my feed with short-form video. Vero maintains to be what Instagram used to be. I've not checked out Pixelfed (yet).

Mastodon - After Musk took over Twitter and rebranded it to X, I swiftly left and moved to Mastodon. I hate the idea of a single business entity owning my content and right to free speech online. Like many, I have my own issues with Musk and his business practices and shouldn't have to deal with them as part of my online presence. Mastodon was and still is, the place where I get to collaborate with people I've never met in person on likeminded topics of interests. Mastodon relies on federated servers, which people own; so, there's that to consider. I've managed to find a server that caters to my interests and fulfills my desire to collaborate online.

Then comes Nostr...

My friend _@briangreen.net introduced me to Nostr. As a long-term orange-pill advocate, I was thrilled to join Nostr to collaborate on the latest Bitcoin and Crypto news. I will say that Nostr appears less diverse in topics but that's rapidly changing as I am now seeing a lot of posts on photography, meshtastic, and other personal interests of mine. I love that Nostr is not so much a platform, but a federated protocol. I don't have to subscribe to any one app and web site to post and read content. For now, I use both Mastodon and Nostr to scratch my online collab itch. A nice thing about the Fedi-verse is that there's plenty of cross-posting apps. I use OpenVibe to post and consume content in one place. Their app is slick and works as advertised.

How do you use social media? Is Nostr your only platform, or do you still use the traditional ones?

@ ba3dd613:76dbcaa8

BRBRBR emergiu como uma das principais plataformas de entretenimento online, conhecida por sua jogabilidade sem interrupções, suas ofertas diversificadas e seu compromisso em criar uma experiência inigualável para o jogador. A plataforma rapidamente conquistou reconhecimento por sua atenção aos detalhes e pela qualidade de seus serviços. Seja você um jogador experiente ou um novato, o BRBRBRpromete um mundo de diversão e emoção que o fará voltar sempre.

Introdução à Plataforma Desde o seu início, o BRBRBR tem se concentrado em oferecer uma experiência de entretenimento online de alta qualidade. A plataforma conta com uma interface amigável, que garante que até os usuários iniciantes consigam navegar com facilidade. O design clean e intuitivo torna simples para os jogadores encontrarem seus jogos favoritos, fazerem depósitos e explorarem todas as opções emocionantes disponíveis.

A plataforma BRBRBR foi criada para oferecer uma experiência excepcional em todos os dispositivos. Seja no computador, laptop ou smartphone, você pode desfrutar de uma jogabilidade suave e sem falhas. A plataforma também oferece gráficos em alta definição, que tornam a experiência geral ainda mais envolvente para os jogadores.

A segurança também é uma prioridade importante no BRBRBR. A plataforma utiliza a mais recente tecnologia de criptografia para proteger os dados dos jogadores, garantindo um ambiente seguro para todos que a acessam.

Introdução aos Jogos A seleção de jogos no BRBRBR foi feita para atender a uma ampla gama de preferências de jogadores. Com uma variedade abrangente de jogos, os jogadores podem desfrutar de tudo, desde slots de vídeo de ritmo acelerado até títulos mais estratégicos e baseados em habilidades. Cada jogo foi cuidadosamente selecionado para garantir qualidade e emoção.

Um dos principais destaques do BRBRBR é a coleção de slots inovadores, cada um com temas únicos, recursos bônus e oportunidades para grandes vitórias. Esses jogos são desenvolvidos por alguns dos mais respeitados criadores de jogos da indústria, garantindo gráficos de primeira linha e mecânicas de jogabilidade envolventes. Seja você fã de temas clássicos ou mais modernos, há algo para todos no BRBRBR.

Além dos slots de vídeo, o BRBRBR também oferece diversos jogos de mesa e outras opções emocionantes, garantindo que a plataforma tenha algo para todo tipo de jogador. Os jogadores podem explorar essas ofertas no seu próprio ritmo, sem pressa, e descobrir seus jogos favoritos.

Experiência do Jogador Quando se trata de experiência do jogador, o BRBRBR se destaca com seu foco em oferecer uma jornada tranquila e divertida. O processo de registro é rápido, e, uma vez dentro, você perceberá que tudo – desde navegar pelos jogos até acessar o suporte – é simples e fácil de usar.

O BRBRBR vai além para apoiar seus jogadores, oferecendo vários canais de atendimento para assistência. Seja para resolver dúvidas sobre sua conta, questões sobre um jogo ou suporte técnico, a equipe da plataforma está sempre pronta para ajudar.

Além disso, o BRBRBR oferece promoções e programas de recompensas variados, garantindo que os jogadores fiéis sejam sempre recompensados pelo seu engajamento. Esses programas oferecem oportunidades emocionantes de ganhar bônus e participar de eventos especiais, tornando a experiência do jogador ainda mais enriquecedora.

No geral, o BRBRBR oferece uma experiência de entretenimento online de primeira linha, combinando uma ampla variedade de jogos, uma plataforma fácil de usar e excelente suporte ao cliente. Seja você um novato ou um jogador experiente, o BRBRBR é o lugar certo para estar.

@ 460c25e6:ef85065c

If you don't know where your posts are, you might as well just stay in the centralized Twitter. You either take control of your relay lists, or they will control you. Amethyst offers several lists of relays for our users. We are going to go one by one to help clarify what they are and which options are best for each one.

Public Home/Outbox Relays

Home relays store all YOUR content: all your posts, likes, replies, lists, etc. It's your home. Amethyst will send your posts here first. Your followers will use these relays to get new posts from you. So, if you don't have anything there, they will not receive your updates.

Home relays must allow queries from anyone, ideally without the need to authenticate. They can limit writes to paid users without affecting anyone's experience.

This list should have a maximum of 3 relays. More than that will only make your followers waste their mobile data getting your posts. Keep it simple. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of all your content in a place no one can delete. Go to relay.tools and never be censored again. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: paid options like http://nostr.wine are great

Do not include relays that block users from seeing posts in this list. If you do, no one will see your posts.

Public Inbox Relays

This relay type receives all replies, comments, likes, and zaps to your posts. If you are not getting notifications or you don't see replies from your friends, it is likely because you don't have the right setup here. If you are getting too much spam in your replies, it's probably because your inbox relays are not protecting you enough. Paid relays can filter inbox spam out.

Inbox relays must allow anyone to write into them. It's the opposite of the outbox relay. They can limit who can download the posts to their paid subscribers without affecting anyone's experience.

This list should have a maximum of 3 relays as well. Again, keep it small. More than that will just make you spend more of your data plan downloading the same notifications from all these different servers. Out of the 3 relays, I recommend: - 1 large public, international relay: nos.lol, nostr.mom, relay.damus.io, etc. - 1 personal relay to store a copy of your notifications, invites, cashu tokens and zaps. - 1 really fast relay located in your country: go to nostr.watch and find relays in your country

Terrible options include: - nostr.wine should not be here. - filter.nostr.wine should not be here. - inbox.nostr.wine should not be here.

DM Inbox Relays

These are the relays used to receive DMs and private content. Others will use these relays to send DMs to you. If you don't have it setup, you will miss DMs. DM Inbox relays should accept any message from anyone, but only allow you to download them.

Generally speaking, you only need 3 for reliability. One of them should be a personal relay to make sure you have a copy of all your messages. The others can be open if you want push notifications or closed if you want full privacy.

Good options are: - inbox.nostr.wine and auth.nostr1.com: anyone can send messages and only you can download. Not even our push notification server has access to them to notify you. - a personal relay to make sure no one can censor you. Advanced settings on personal relays can also store your DMs privately. Talk to your relay operator for more details. - a public relay if you want DM notifications from our servers.

Make sure to add at least one public relay if you want to see DM notifications.

Private Home Relays

Private Relays are for things no one should see, like your drafts, lists, app settings, bookmarks etc. Ideally, these relays are either local or require authentication before posting AND downloading each user\'s content. There are no dedicated relays for this category yet, so I would use a local relay like Citrine on Android and a personal relay on relay.tools.

Keep in mind that if you choose a local relay only, a client on the desktop might not be able to see the drafts from clients on mobile and vice versa.

Search relays:

This is the list of relays to use on Amethyst's search and user tagging with @. Tagging and searching will not work if there is nothing here.. This option requires NIP-50 compliance from each relay. Hit the Default button to use all available options on existence today: - nostr.wine - relay.nostr.band - relay.noswhere.com

Local Relays:

This is your local storage. Everything will load faster if it comes from this relay. You should install Citrine on Android and write ws://localhost:4869 in this option.

General Relays:

This section contains the default relays used to download content from your follows. Notice how you can activate and deactivate the Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat (public chats), and Global options in each.

Keep 5-6 large relays on this list and activate them for as many categories (Home, Messages (old-style DMs), Chat, and Global) as possible.

Amethyst will provide additional recommendations to this list from your follows with information on which of your follows might need the additional relay in your list. Add them if you feel like you are missing their posts or if it is just taking too long to load them.

My setup

Here's what I use: 1. Go to relay.tools and create a relay for yourself. 2. Go to nostr.wine and pay for their subscription. 3. Go to inbox.nostr.wine and pay for their subscription. 4. Go to nostr.watch and find a good relay in your country. 5. Download Citrine to your phone.

Then, on your relay lists, put:

Public Home/Outbox Relays: - nostr.wine - nos.lol or an in-country relay. - .nostr1.com

Public Inbox Relays - nos.lol or an in-country relay - .nostr1.com

DM Inbox Relays - inbox.nostr.wine - .nostr1.com

Private Home Relays - ws://localhost:4869 (Citrine) - .nostr1.com (if you want)

Search Relays - nostr.wine - relay.nostr.band - relay.noswhere.com

Local Relays - ws://localhost:4869 (Citrine)

General Relays - nos.lol - relay.damus.io - relay.primal.net - nostr.mom

And a few of the recommended relays from Amethyst.

Final Considerations

Remember, relays can see what your Nostr client is requesting and downloading at all times. They can track what you see and see what you like. They can sell that information to the highest bidder, they can delete your content or content that a sponsor asked them to delete (like a negative review for instance) and they can censor you in any way they see fit. Before using any random free relay out there, make sure you trust its operator and you know its terms of service and privacy policies.

@ ba3dd613:76dbcaa8

No mundo em constante evolução do entretenimento online, 8888Kestá se estabelecendo como uma plataforma líder que oferece aos jogadores uma experiência abrangente e envolvente. Esta plataforma reúne diversas opções de entretenimento, projetadas para oferecer algo para todos, desde jogabilidade emocionante até uma experiência de usuário acolhedora. Seja você um jogador experiente ou um iniciante, 8888K visa proporcionar um ambiente imersivo onde a diversão e a empolgação estão no centro da experiência.

Introdução à Plataforma 8888K é uma plataforma de ponta que se destaca devido ao seu design centrado no usuário e à ampla gama de recursos que oferece. Desde o momento em que você entra no site, é recebido por uma interface moderna e elegante que torna a navegação tranquila. A plataforma foi cuidadosamente projetada para oferecer um ambiente acolhedor tanto para iniciantes quanto para jogadores experientes, com ferramentas de navegação intuitivas e opções de suporte de fácil acesso.

A plataforma utiliza tecnologia de última geração para garantir um desempenho suave em todos os dispositivos. Seja você acessando o 8888K no seu desktop ou dispositivo móvel, a experiência de jogo continua igualmente empolgante. Ele possui um design responsivo, o que significa que o conteúdo se adapta perfeitamente a diferentes tamanhos de tela, sem comprometer a qualidade.

O 8888K também entende a importância da segurança e, por isso, utiliza criptografia avançada para garantir que suas informações pessoais e financeiras estejam protegidas. A privacidade do usuário é uma prioridade e a plataforma implementa protocolos rigorosos para proteger os dados.

Introdução aos Jogos Um dos destaques do 8888K é a diversidade de jogos disponíveis. A plataforma conta com uma seleção impressionante que atende a todos os tipos de jogadores. Desde os slots clássicos e modernos até títulos inovadores, a variedade oferecida certamente agradará a uma ampla gama de preferências.

Os jogos disponíveis no 8888K são desenvolvidos por grandes criadores de conteúdo de jogos, garantindo gráficos de alta qualidade, efeitos sonoros imersivos e mecânicas de jogabilidade envolventes. Cada título é projetado para oferecer aos jogadores experiências únicas, com temas envolventes e recursos emocionantes para manter as coisas frescas e divertidas.

Entre as opções populares, o 8888K oferece vários slots temáticos que transportam os jogadores para diferentes mundos, além de jogos de mesa que oferecem uma profundidade estratégica. A plataforma atualiza continuamente sua biblioteca para incluir novos lançamentos, garantindo que os jogadores sempre tenham algo novo para esperar.

Experiência do Jogador A experiência do jogador no 8888K é projetada para ser agradável do início ao fim. O processo de registro é rápido e direto, e uma vez que os jogadores estão dentro, são recebidos por uma interface limpa e fácil de usar. Seja para relaxar com um jogo casual ou se aprofundar em algo mais desafiador, o 8888K oferece a flexibilidade para atender a diferentes humores e preferências.

A plataforma também se destaca no suporte ao cliente, oferecendo várias maneiras de obter assistência quando necessário. Seja por meio de chat ao vivo, e-mail ou outras opções de suporte, a equipe dedicada do 8888K está sempre pronta para ajudar.

Além disso, o 8888K oferece um programa de fidelidade recompensador, que reconhece e recompensa os jogadores por seu engajamento contínuo. Ao participar de diversas atividades, os jogadores podem ganhar bônus exclusivos, aprimorando ainda mais sua experiência na plataforma.

Com seus recursos inovadores, uma grande variedade de jogos e seu compromisso em oferecer uma experiência de usuário excepcional, o 8888K está pronto para se tornar um dos principais nomes do entretenimento online nos próximos anos.

@ 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/897528

@ e31e84c4:77bbabc0

The Fine Line: Bitcoin Companies Navigating Regulation and Freedom was written by Bri. If you enjoyed this article then support her writing, by donating to her lightning wallet: bri_1@walletofsatoshi.com

We all know the value proposition of Bitcoin: Bitcoin cannot be controlled by the state. Bitcoin is permissionless, it doesn't need a KYC and we can send money to anyone in the world, without middlemen, without censorship, without limits.

However, when companies use Bitcoin, and more so when they offer Bitcoin services, their activities are indeed controlled by the state. In order to fulfil the regulatory requirements, companies usually have to employ entire compliance teams.

Bitcoin-only exchanges are probably not better off than crypto service providers, even if one can sometimes hopefully recognise an increasing pro-Bitcoin attitude in the world. The Bitcoin scene recently looked expectantly to Nashville when Trump appeared at the Bitcoin 2024 conference as part of his election campaign. He doesn't really seem to be able to distinguish between Bitcoin and crypto though – in his keynote speech he promised to make the U.S. the ‘crypto capital of the planet’.

Nevertheless, the news that the United States plans to accumulate Bitcoin as a strategic reserve currency made headlines around the world and many Bitcoin supporters are delighted. Bitcoin's negative image could be somewhat corrected and it would certainly also be beneficial for Bitcoin adoption, so the hope goes. And indeed, the price of Bitcoin climbed to new record highs during the US election campaign, reaching its ATH of USD 109,000 when Trump took office on 20 January 2025.

The US announcement of a bitcoin strategic reserve can certainly be described as a historic moment. At the moment, it doesn't seem to be entirely clear whether Bitcoin or crypto, but a number of US states are working on advancing Bitcoin reserves. Whether it is a good thing when nation states start hoarding Bitcoin is another question. After all, from the very beginning and to this day, Bitcoin has been about taking power over money away from the state and giving it to the people.

Back to the Bitcoin companies. Let's assume that someone understands Bitcoin and has even discovered that there are Bitcoin-only exchanges. These companies recognise Bitcoin as sound money, support the Bitcoin community and want to integrate the Bitcoin ethos into their business model in the best possible way. Ouch – that already sounds like a compromise.

The Dilemma – Bitcoin at Heart, Regulation at the Back of the Neck

Bitcoin companies are caught between maximum independence and regulatory requirements. Companies such as Strike, Relai and River aim to make it as easy as possible for their customers to access Bitcoin while at the same time enabling them to maximise their independence from third parties. An important aspect of this is self-custody. Customers have full control over their Bitcoin and can avoid counterparty risks such as exchange failures or government seizures.

In contrast, most providers on the market, such as the major players Coinbase or Binance, rely on classic, centralised structures with full custody - and a large range of digital assets. They are basically fiat companies that offer crypto products.

And then, at the other end of the spectrum, there are projects such as Samourai, Wasabi Wallet or Tornado Cash, which are radically opposed to any form of control. They are developing powerful tools for more financial privacy – in line with Bitcoin's original idea as a decentralised cash system. But this commitment comes at a price: the founders of Samourai Wallet were arrested and the developers of Tornado Cash were prosecuted.

These Bitcoin rebels are putting the limits of state regulation to the test. And they raise the fundamental question: Is privacy an inalienable right or should it be subordinated to the public security interest?

The Middle Ground Builders

Bitcoin-only companies that choose the middle ground play an important role in the bitcoin ecosystem. This is because they appeal to the masses by keeping onboarding simple and often offering a range of interesting services. At the same time, they want to give their customers the greatest possible independence.

But are their business models sustainable? Or do these companies run the risk of being worn down by the balancing act between Bitcoin ethos and state control? How can these pioneers survive in a constantly changing regulatory environment?

It's a balancing act between regulation and Bitcoin values, and it's often a fight for the fundamental rights of not just Bitcoiners but people in general. For example, these companies need to have KYC processes in place to be compliant with the law and allow customers the greatest possible flexibility in their Bitcoin activities.

Some popular Bitcoin-companies and their strategies:

• Strike: Custodial, fast lightning transactions, DCA, bill payments

• Relai: Simple onramp, self-custody, private and business services

• River: Multisig and cold storage, proof of reserves, inheritance

• Unchained: Multisig vaults, DCA, inheritance, loans, retirement, advisory

• Bull Bitcoin: Non-custodial exchange, DCA, bill payments, OTC desk

Typical features of these accounts usually include a KYC check, which allows users to be granted higher buy and sell limits. Many Bitcoin companies offer self-custody wallets and often some also multi-sig solutions that increase security for users. Partnerships with banks or payment service providers facilitate buying and selling and enable services such as the creation of savings plans.

Bitcoin companies face several challenges. Regulatory pressure remains a key concern, as authorities may tighten KYC obligations or introduce new restrictions. Trust is another issue since die-hard Bitcoiners often see these companies as not being consistent enough with Bitcoin's core principles.

Regulatory Framework and Political Influences

USA: Trump's Bitcoin course and the ‘Crypto Czar’

There are currently contradictory signals in the USA: on the one hand, Donald Trump has hinted at using Bitcoin as a strategic reserve (Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, SBR), while on the other hand, regulation is being tightened further. The newly created position of ‘White House AI and Crypto Czar’, presumably conceived in collaboration with Elon Musk, is intended to implement clear rules for blockchain, AI and the crypto market. This is also likely to affect companies that are committed to the Bitcoin ethos.

• Positive signals: Bitcoin is increasingly recognised as a legitimate asset class.

• Regulatory pressure: Stricter regulations could threaten the existence of smaller companies.

• Possible future: If the US promotes Bitcoin as a strategic asset, this could fundamentally change the regulatory landscape.

Europe and Global Developments

• MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation): New EU regulation for crypto companies, requiring strict KYC and AML rules, among other things.

• Restrictive countries: China and India continue to rely on tough regulation or bans.

• Friendly jurisdictions: Countries such as El Salvador or Switzerland offer attractive conditions for Bitcoin companies.

Self-custody of Bitcoin

The so-called ‘Travel Rule’ (Transfer of Funds Regulation, TFR) requires detailed information about the sender and recipient. This makes it more difficult for Europeans to interact with self-custody Bitcoin wallets. For transactions over 1,000 euros, users must prove that they are the owners of these wallets (proof of ownership).

Yet self-custody is a very important aspect of Bitcoin. It is the only way to avoid the risks associated with relying on centralised custodians. Self-custody ensures that you alone have control over your money. The new regulations represent a gradual financial disenfranchisement, which is not only criticised by Bitcoiners. And that is only part of the problem.

The disadvantages of centralised storage of customer assets are well known. Just think of the scandalous examples from the recent past: The fall of the FTX cryptocurrency exchange and the knock-on effects on the cryptocurrency industry or the fraudulent business practices of Celsius, which lost billions of customers' money.

“Not your keys, not your coins.”– Andreas Antonopoulos

However, it is often the users themselves who, consciously or unconsciously, jeopardise their funds. The obstacles to self-custody lie in both technical and practical aspects. Not everyone is willing or able to navigate hardware wallets and multisig solutions. Furthermore, without an adequate backup, there is a risk of losing coins irretrievably.

By keeping their coins in self-custody, Bitcoiners eliminate third-party risk. However, self-custody can be a challenge, especially for beginners. ‘Study Bitcoin’ is more than just a phrase here. Only those who know their way around can protect themselves against errors, misuse and loss.

CONCLUSION

The uncertainties caused by ever-changing regulation in different jurisdictions is a constant challenge for businesses. However, as Bitcoin is increasingly being categorised as harmless by the authorities, pure Bitcoin platforms might face fewer regulatory risks compared to crypto exchanges.

The growing acceptance of Bitcoin and the plans of the United States and other countries to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve may have a positive impact on how Bitcoin companies continue to be treated by regulators. I would, though, like to quote Maya Parbhoe, the Surinamese presidential candidate for 2025, at this point, even if it seems a little off-topic:

“A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve is not the answer.

> The moment a government holds Bitcoin as a reserve, it centralizes control over an asset designed to be decentralized. It strengthens the very system Bitcoin was created to replace.*

> Governments holding Bitcoin do not give power to the people, they give themselves a hedge while continuing to debase their fiat currency. They still print, they still tax, they still control. The people remain trapped in the same system, only now with a government-backed Bitcoin price floor that serves the state, not the individual.*

> Bitcoin was not made to be stockpiled by central banks. It was made to be used. As currency, as a tool of self-sovereignty, as a weapon against state overreach.”*

So let's summarise what we have covered in this article in the spirit of these liberal ideas. The following rules, which have just been created, should be mandatory reading for Bitcoin aficionados until further notice:

The Fine Line: Bitcoin Companies Navigating Regulation and Freedom was written by Bri. If you enjoyed this article then support her writing, by donating to her lightning wallet: bri_1@walletofsatoshi.com

@ 71df2119:9542d9d7

Das Pareto-Team (https://tinylink.net/mIyvf) hat in den letzten Tagen die Unterstützung für Zaps veröffentlicht. Zaps sind Lightning-Transfers über Nostr, die im Pareto an Artikel oder Autoren gesendet werden können. Die aktuelle Umsetzung in der Pareto-App ist als erster Schritt zu verstehen, und es werden weitere Ausbau-Stufen folgen. In diesem Artikel wird die Nutzung des neuen Pareto-Features erklärt.

Artikel Zappen

Auf der Artikel-Seite des Pareto-Readers ist jetzt das Blitz-Symbol unter dem Artikelbild aktiviert. Durch einen Klick erscheint ein Dialog wie dieser:

Im Dialog können verschiedene vorgegebene Beträge ausgewählt oder ein eigener Betrag manuell eingegeben werden. Ein optionales Kommentarfeld steht, wie üblich, ebenfalls zur Verfügung. Nach dem Betätigen der Zap-Schaltfläche verhält sich die App unterschiedlich, abhängig davon, ob der Nutzer eine Wallet-Erweiterung im Browser installiert hat oder nicht. Falls ja, folgt die Interaktion mit der Wallet-Erweiterung, in diesem Beispiel Alby:

Hier kann die Zahlung freigegeben werden, und der Vorgang wird dann von der Software abgeschlossen.

Wenn der Nutzer keine Wallet-Erweiterung verwendet, erfordert der Vorgang weitere Schritte. Statt dem oben gezeigten Dialog erscheint eine Lighting-Rechnung:

An dieser Stelle gibt es mehrere Möglichkeiten: Man kann mit einer Lightning-Wallet den QR-Code einscannen oder die Rechnung in Textform kopieren. Alternativ kann man auch eine Wallet auf demselben Gerät öffnen und die Zahlung dort bestätigen.

Zaps an Autoren

Wie am Anfang erwähnt, können auch Autoren direkt, ohne Artikelbezug, Zaps erhalten. Auf der Profilseite des Autors gibt es neben der neu hinzugekommenen Lightning-Adresse einen Blitz-Button, ähnlich wie auf der Artikelseite:

Durch einen Klick können, ähnlich wie beim Artikel, Zaps an den Autor gesendet werden.

---

Das Zap-Feature in der Pareto-App basiert auf der Community-Bibliothek nostr-zap (https://github.com/SamSamskies/nostr-zap). Wir bedanken uns für den Code und haben mit einer Erweiterung der Funktionalität beigetragen - ganz im Sinne von Open-Source!

---

Ausblick

Wie eingangs erwähnt, sind weitere Ausbaustufen des Zap-Features geplant, darunter:

• Unterstützung für Nostr Wallet Connect für eine nahtlosere Integration und ein besseres Nutzungserlebnis.
• Unterstützung für eCash, Cashu-Nutzaps.

Bleib auf dem Laufenden und folge uns auf unseren verschiedenen Kanälen:

• Nostr: https://tinylink.net/mIyvf,
• Web: https://pareto.space,
• Geyser: https://geyser.fund/project/pareto.

Wir bei Pareto stehen erst am Anfang - nicht ausschließlich bezüglich Zaps!

@ 9171b08a:8395fd65

Rein sat with her back against the cold steel of the jail cell, wrists and ankles bound.

She hadn’t seen light or another human face in almost two weeks. The grinding and whirling of the Guardian’s mechanical gears was the only thing to break the silence, its daily arrival at noon serving as her only reminder of time. It brought her food, but nothing else; not a word, not a gesture of humanity.

In her waking moments, she sat and replayed the events that landed her in jail, and in her slumber, those thoughts morphed into haunting nightmares with specters stalking her in hell. Hell was no longer a distant fear; it had found her. Her fate now rested in the hands of the man she once considered her best friend. Whatever evidence he was putting together would serve to either absolve her or condemn her.

A sharp beam of light pierced the darkness of the jail cell from the cell block entrance. The overhead lights came on, and she stood as David, Rein’s partner and closest friend, appeared before the cell bars.

He stared at his feet and said, “Today's your trial.”

Rein struggled to keep her eyes open from the intense brightness over the overhead lights and said, “That wasn’t nearly enough time to gather evidence.”

David pressed his lips together, eyes fixed on the floor. “I had your back on this, Rein.” Then he shook his head, and as Rein finally overcame the harsh brightness, she noticed he was staring into her eyes. “The evidence is damning. And, well, something pretty terrible has happened that has the government cracking down harder than ever.”

“Something terrible? What happened?” asked Rein.

“I would’ve never thought you were in so deep with this.” He seemed personally outraged when he said, “After everything we’ve been through together, after everything you’ve sacrificed for this city. You’ve been pretending this entire time. I’ve never known the real you.” He scoffed. “Yet there you are.”

“C’mon, David, you don’t actually think—”

David raised a hand and said, “Stop. Don’t try that shit with me. You’re lucky to even be getting a trial.”

Two Guardians entered the cell block and came to parade rest behind David. He opened the cell, and the Guardians stepped in.

“What did you find? What happened?” asked Rein.

The Guardians seized Rein’s shoulders and pushed her forward, past David.

“What did you find, David?” Urged Rein.

David remained silent. He simply watched as the Guardians took her.

A hush fell over the precinct as officers gathered around the flickering television in the corner of the reception room. Flashing across the screen were the haunting images taken from an aircraft of a city on fire, thousands of black silhouettes infiltrating the city walls. The words Shadow Crawlers Strike, Orion Dome In Ruins were emblazoned the bottom of the newscast.

Rein strained against the Guardian’s grasp to try and get a closer look at the screen and gasped, “Chronos have mercy.”

Those standing before the television turned and stared at her. Those seated at their desks stood at the sight of the Guardians ushering Rein through the offices, and within seconds, the precinct was heavy with tension. Everyone she had cared about now gaped at her with a fierce look of betrayal. Though Rein wished she could explain herself with a compelling defense, she could tell she was as good as dead to them.

---

The vehicle transporting her to the courthouse was as dark as the cell she had been locked up in. Rein ground her teeth and stared at the ray of light that shone through the slit in between the vehicle doors, contemplating what she had just seen on the precinct television.

After several minutes of toiling in the darkness with her own thoughts, the vehicle halted, and its doors opened at the hands of the two Guardians who towered over the roof of the hovercraft.

Many of the city people’s eyes, imbued in different shades of red, turned to stare as Rein stepped out. Their gazes were not so much filled with judgment as they were with fear. She stepped onto the walkway with her head sagged, ashamed to look at the very people she had sworn to protect.

Join the furnace of the Empire! Invest in Elius today and be a part of the Industrial heart of Aurial.

Rein clenched her fist as she contemplated the words on the crumpled flyer laying on the sidewalk beside her foot. She couldn’t help but think of what her father had been up to in that city.

She had never paid much attention to the image of the man on the flyer, his arms crossed and his head held high before a massive furnace that sparked embers into the four corners of the paper. The silhouette of a building was portrayed on one corner, a soldier held a weapon on another, the image of a child holding a toy on the bottom right, and a family held up a shirt on the remaining corner.

Those flyers were hung up throughout the precinct offices, inside coffee shops, and gathering places, attempting to attract the wealth that easily found itself in the pockets of the kind of people that lived in Roxis. It seemed to have worked on her father.

But what had he been up to?

Rein never understood why her father had abandoned Roxis for Elius, nor had he ever offered an explanation. As a financial hub, Roxis attracted wealth and intellect, leaving cities like Elius with a rougher class of laborers— many of whom turned to crime to escape extreme poverty and hard work in the very factories exhibited on the promotional flyer.

The city of Roxis had been good to Rein. Though many a passerby would think differently seeing her now with her wrists and ankles shackled as she walked up the steps of the Judgment House. She’d grown to be a God-loving woman and spent most of her adult life protecting the city from criminals the likes of which the people walking by, now, would think she was.

One of the Guardians towering at her side nudged her shoulder, and with the artificial voice generated from within its chest said, “You must move along, Miss Lancer.”

The robot’s hand ushered her forward, and a ray of sunlight nearly blinded her as she gazed upon the Judgment House made almost entirely of glass and marble.

The crest of Aurialian Empire above the entrance of the building made her pause. Her eyes lingered on the star that lay at the center of the red and blue shield of Ariel, the archangel. A character that looked like an angular and unfinished number eight with a line drawn through the middle sat like a crown above the words "Out of God, An Empire", inscribed around the crest of the Aurilian Empire.

The symbol of peace felt like a cruel joke now. She had once sworn to uphold the empire’s sanctity, yet here she was, condemned by it.

Episode 2 coming soon...

---

Thank you for reading!

If you enjoyed this episode, let me know with a zap and share it with friends who might like it too!

Your feedback sends a strong signal to keep making content like this!

Interested in blog posts? Follow @Beneath The Ink for great short stories and serialized fiction.

More short stories you might like from Fervid Fables:

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpyt3kz9079njd5g0fs5rxhtg8g9wdwkdar65kuhaujfyajpetlt9qq2kx6zzdap9s3nnde5hy7f5wej57d2twp54y82h07y

nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpyt3kz9079njd5g0fs5rxhtg8g9wdwkdar65kuhaujfyajpetlt9qq2h5etx2fghgumyg3mhjanewgeysa6wdfmrs85l27m

@ 85bdb587:7339d672

Marty's Bent

Since mid-2022 the Fed has been reigning in its balance sheet via a process called quantitative tightening (QT), in which they allow some of the debt assets they hold to come to maturity without reinvesting in them. This leads to a reduction in the Fed's balance sheet and is done to remove the excess liquidity introduced to the markets during the COVID crisis so that inflation can be reeled in. On top of this, the Fed is hoping that the extraordinary measures it took to step in during a time of crisis allowed the banking system to get their houses in order in preparation for a period of relatively tighter liquidity. Ideally, everyone took the time and effort to clean up their balance sheets, properly manage their duration risk, and get themselves on solid footing to move forward without the Fed stepping in to prop up the market.

At its peak, the overnight reverse repo facility had around $2.36T of liquidity in the form of debt instruments like treasuries and mortgage backed securities available to banks, money market funds and certain government enterprises. These entities lend the Fed cash for these instruments and get interest back in return. This acts as a mechanism the Fed can leverage to keep short-term rates in line with wherever their targets are at any given point in time. Over the last ~13 quarters the Fed has been slowly but surely letting these markets drain and, as of last Friday, they currently sit at $70.8B. At its current pace the reverse repo facility should be completely drained by the end of next month or beginning of April.

The question on everybody's mind is, what happens once the reverse repo markets are empty?

The last time the Fed embarked on QT was in October 2017. It drained the reverse repo over the course of a little less than two years before the market was drained and the overnight rates in the market spiked into the low teens in September of 2019. Many don't remember this, but it was a "holy shit" moment that forced the Fed to create new facilities overnight to band aid over the hemorrhaging. Coincidentally, a few months later COVID would overtake the world and the Fed had a convenient excuse to double the monetary base well above $6T.

If September 2019 is an example of exactly what happens when the reverse repo market drains, we may be in for a liquidity crunch. However, the Fed is posturing that it has learned its lessons from the 2019 rate spasm and has adjusted some things accordingly to ensure a smoother transition from a state of excess liquidity to a state of significantly less liquidity. Particularly, more control over SOFR and how it interacts with this market. If we reach the point where the reverse repo markets have been successfully drained without a 2019-like spasm, the Fed will then move on to the excess liquidity sitting on the balance sheets of commercial banks and continue their journey to try to reel in inflation.

President Trump certainly isn't making the Fed's job easier with promises of lower domestic taxes and the levying of aggressive tariffs, which could both be inflationary. I'm sure Jerome Powell is praying that DOGE continues their swift work and gets the signal out to markets that the US government is committed to getting its fiscal house in order to make treasuries more appealing to the market so that rates can float down.

I have no idea exactly what is going to happen, but I have a feeling that a liquidity crunch is on the horizon. It may not be once the reverse repo market is drained. I would not be the least bit surprised if the work the Fed has done behind the scenes to ensure a spasm like we experienced in 2019 doesn't happen is successful. Though, it likely only buys some time and delays the inevitable. As my good friend Parker Lewis likes to say, "There's too much debt and not enough dollars." At some point, QT will hit a point where it cannot be sustained because too many dollars have been pulled out of a system with ever increasing amounts of debt that need to be serviced with dollars. Whether it happens when the reverse repo market is drained or at some point after the Fed starts unwinding the excess liquidity on bank balance sheets isn't really that important.

We're getting early warning signs that a liquidity crunch may be near with the mad dash for bringing physical gold into the US, the VIX spiking above 20 earlier today and bitcoin "crashing" toward $90,000. Volatility is increasing at a time when the reverse repo market is almost tapped and the world is a bit uncertain as it tries to figure out the ramifications of Trump's blitzkreig his first month in office.

For those scratching their heads about the price of bitcoin falling during a time like this, it is pretty typical. Bitcoin is traded 24/7/365, has a ton of liquidity, and is easy to buy and sell. When markets sense volatility, bitcoin is usually one of the first assets to be sold off as investors try to sure up their cash balances and pay off debts. It is usually the first and quickest to move lower, but also the first and quickest to move higher when the dust has settled. I find it hard to believe that the price of bitcoin will stay down long if it falls considerably.

The fundamentals have never been stronger and too many people have been waiting for an opportune buying opportunity to pass it up. The question is how many of those looking for a buying opportunity will have dry powder and be liquid if and when it happens.

Bitcoin's Institutional Moment: Big Players Are Entering the Game

Bitcoin's journey into mainstream financial markets is accelerating. During our conversation last week, Peruvian Bull highlighted several key milestones, including Abu Dhabi's $430 million position in Bitcoin ETFs and regulatory progress with the SEC's SAB 122, which now allows banks to custody Bitcoin. This fundamental shift isn't just about price – it represents a structural change in how traditional financial institutions view Bitcoin as a legitimate asset class.

"This is a massive opportunity for bitcoin companies - go start a custody service and get a bunch of bitcoiners together and teach institutions how to safely custody their bitcoin." - Peruvian Bull

As I've observed through our work at Ten31, there's a growing recognition that a Bitcoin treasury strategy makes sense for both public and private companies. We're seeing this with MicroStrategy, Tesla, Bitcoin miners, and potentially GameStop. More importantly, the infrastructure is being built by major institutions like State Street and Citibank to support this adoption. While gold has the established financial plumbing, Bitcoin's institutional rails are being constructed rapidly, setting the stage for the next wave of adoption.

TLDR: Major institutions building Bitcoin infrastructure signals mainstream adoption

Check out the full podcast here for more on gold market disruptions, GameStop's potential Bitcoin strategy, and the looming debt crisis that's creating perfect conditions for Bitcoin adoption.

Headlines of the Day

El Salvador Boosts Bitcoin Reserve - via X

Jamie Dimon Sold $233.7M in JPM Stock - via X

Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming Rejected Bills for SBR - via X

Bitcoin Lesson of the Day

Bitcoin uses cryptographic keys to secure transactions. A private key, a secret random number, allows you to spend bitcoin, while a public key, derived from the private key, is used to receive bitcoin.

The public key is hashed and encoded into a Bitcoin address (e.g., 1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa), a shorter, user-friendly string shared to receive funds. Private keys must be kept secure—losing them means losing access to your bitcoin, and anyone with your private key can spend it.

Addresses are generated from public keys via hashing (SHA-256 and RIPEMD-160) and include a checksum for error detection. Bitcoin wallets manage these keys, often using seed phrases to recover them. Understanding keys and addresses is fundamental to securely using Bitcoin.

Full Learnmeabitcoin.com post here

ICYMI Fold opened the waiting list for the new Bitcoin Rewards Credit Card. Fold cardholders will get unlimited 2% cash back in sats.

Get on the waiting list now before it fills up!

$200k worth of prizes are up for grabs.

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

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

Most people only know customer-to-customer (C2C) and business-to-customer (B2C) software and websites. Those are the famous and popular ones, but business-to-business (B2B) is also pretty big. How big?

Even something boring and local like DATEV has almost 3 million organizations as customers and €1,44 billion in annual revenue.

FedEx has €90 billion in annual revenue and everyone who uses it comes into contact with its software. There's a whole chain of software between the sender and receiver of the package, and it all has to work seamlessly.

Same with Walmart, Toyota, Dubai Airport, Glencore, Tesla, Edeka, Carrefour, Harvard and University of Texas, Continental, Allianz, Asklepios, etc.

That's the sort of software I help build. You've probably never heard of it, but when it doesn't work properly, you'll hear about it on the news.

@ dd664d5e:5633d319

I think this note from Chip (nostr:npub1qdjn8j4gwgmkj3k5un775nq6q3q7mguv5tvajstmkdsqdja2havq03fqm7) is one of those things that people with business management experience take a lot more seriously than most developers and influencers do.

I am painfully aware of the cost of systems administration, financial transaction management and recordkeeping, recruiting and personnel management, legal and compliance, requirements management, technical support, renting and managing physical spaces and infrastructure, negotiating with suppliers, customer service, etc. etc.

There's this idea, on Nostr, that sort of trickled in along with Bitcoin Twitter, that we would all just be isolated subsistance farmers and one-man-show podcasters with a gigantic server rack in the basement. But some of us are running real companies -- on and off Nostr, for-profit and non-profit -- and it often requires a lot of human labor.

The things we build aren't meant to be used by one person and his girlfriend and his dog. Yes, he can also run all these things, himself, but he no longer has to. Our existence gives him the choice: run these things or pay us to run them and spend your time doing something else, that you do better than we do.

These things are meant to be used by hundreds... thousands... eventually millions of people. The workflows, processes, infrastructure, and personnel need to be able to scale up-and-down, scale in-and-out, work smoothly with 5 people or 50 people. These are the sort of Nostr systems that wouldn't collapse when encountering a sudden influx or mass-escape. But these systems are much more complex and they take time to build and staff to run them. (And, no, AI can't replace them all. AI means that they now also have to integrate a bunch of AI into the system and maintain that, too.)

GitCitadel (nostr:npub1s3ht77dq4zqnya8vjun5jp3p44pr794ru36d0ltxu65chljw8xjqd975wz) is very automation-forward, but we still have to front the incredibly high cost of designing and building the automation, train people to interact with it (there are now over 20 people integrated into the workflow!), adjust it based upon their feedback, and we have to support the automation, once it's running.

This sort of streamlined machine is what people pay companies for, not code. That is why there's little business cost to open source.

Open-source is great, but...

nostr:nevent1qqsgqh2dedhagyd9k8yfk2lagswjl7y627k9fpnq4l436ccmlys0s3qprdmhxue69uhhg6r9vehhyetnwshxummnw3erztnrdakj7q3qqdjn8j4gwgmkj3k5un775nq6q3q7mguv5tvajstmkdsqdja2havqxpqqqqqqzdhnyjm

@ 6a6be47b:3e74e3e1

Hi frens, While drawing this fly 🪰 👇🏻

nostr:nevent1qgsx56ly0wcj7gwasrc7707l9px39g5nzn82p35akhkdqj448e6w8cgqyrrnhgtqqfvcvf007gtxmffrhd8zw5j0t93cuxc3yrykl2dzyp3tvj4hcjx

I started thinking about how to make my art stand out. Maybe I should focus on making it more appealing—or at least improving its presentation. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against making my work more consumable, but the marketing side of things takes so much time away from actually creating art. It’s sad that sometimes it feels less about delivering high-quality work and more about turning it into “content.” Honestly, that can be exhausting. Like Fall Out Boy said, “all this effort to make it look effortless.”It’s not really my style to turn my art—or the process of creating it—into content. That’s why I sometimes struggle with crafting or presenting it in a way that fits today’s trends. Sometimes, the pressure to make my art presentable is so overwhelming that it makes me feel like not creating at all. And when it doesn’t yield the kind of recognition or financial support I hope for after all that effort, it can be really disappointing. It’s like watching all that hard work slowly erode my soul. It’s tough to keep going when it feels like my art isn’t being valued in the way I wish it could be. I want to be clear: this isn’t me dissing anyone. You do you, and I’ll do me. As Crowley would say, “Do what thou wilt.” What I’m really trying to figure out is how to find that sweet spot—where I can keep up with the times and make my art more appealing without losing my soul in the process. I’m trying my best, and I know I’ll make mistakes along the way, but I’ll keep going. I just wanted to share these thoughts with you because I’m usually pretty upbeat here—maybe even a little superficial at times—but this is me being more real with you. Art is such a huge part of my life, and through my work, I’m already sharing something raw and personal with you. But now you also know why my presentation might sometimes feel simple or plain. I’m working on finding that balance, and I’ll get there eventually. Godspeed, my frens

@ eaef5965:511d6b79

Another quarter, another update on the global money supply.

I remember three years ago yesterday, texting my Ukrainian friends for updates as they fled with their families for safety from Putin's full-scale, unprovoked attack on their country. Three years on, they continue to fight incredibly bravely, for if they do not, there will be no Ukraine. Europe has drip-fed them enough support to not lose, but not enough to win. America now demands repayment for its aid to the victim in the form of mineral rights, and will not recognize the aggressor as the aggressor. The era of Reagan-style, speak softly while carrying a big stick approach to dictators seems no more, for now, from the new US admin. The world order is changing rapidly, and Europe is quickly finding out what the Baltics and Poland have known for 200 years: the threat from the East does not share its values; it is simply uncompromising.

As this next round of political theater plays out, and one can only hope for just, lasting peace and security with clear eyes from all democratic allies, the printing presses will do as instructed. But as we look through this update, you will see that we are actually at very low, relative-levels of money printing historically, even slight negative money growth.

Bitcoin continues on, and as of 31 December 2024, its $1.8 trillion market cap was 7.2% of the global monetary base. That means that the global monetary base, for this update, is $25.5 trillion.

Why the global monetary base?

It is the only money supply that is economically analogous to bitcoins, digital store of value today, and to gold and silver ounces, store of values from the past.

The monetary base is central bank money, comprised of two supplies:

1. Physical currency: Notes and coins, or “cash;”
2. Bank reserves: The “Master account” that each commercial bank holds with its central bank.

Now, why do I refer to this as Central bank money?

This is because, unlike all other money supplies in the fiduciary banking world (like M1/M2/M3), the Monetary base is the sole and ultimate money supply controlled by the central bank. It is, literally, the printing press. What follows won't be a lesson in reserve ratios or monetary economics. The point is that you simply understand that there is a money supply that central banks solely control, and of course (of course!) this is what Bitcoin's 21 million are up against.

The monetary base is to the core of the entire fiat financial system, as 21 million bitcoins are to the core of the Bitcoin protocol. One is open and permissionless, and one is not. By the way, the monetary base is essentially (though not entirely) analogous to the total liabilities of a central bank, so we can (basically) say that the monetary base is the "balance sheet" of each central bank.

On cash. Quick notes on the above. Certainly you understand what "cash" is, and it is indeed an instrument that has been fully monopolized by each central bank in each nation around the world--only they can print it. Even though it is true that banks in more free banking societies in the past could freely print and strike notes and coins, the central bank (or state) monopoly has been around for a long time. Kublai Khan was the first to do it 750 years ago.

On bank reserves. Don't stress your brain on this too much, but this is the main "settlement money" that banks use between each other, when they want to settle their debts. It is digital now (Fedwire in US, CHAPS in UK), but it doesn't technically have to be, and of course before modern technology took over even a few decades ago, it was not. These two stacks of retail and wholesale cash, stacks of central bank money, are what make up the Monetary base. This is the printing press. Only this compares to 21 million bitcoins. And gold, and silver by the way.

Final note, central bank digital currencies, or CBDCs, which are simply LARPing on Bitcoin's success, are indeed created by central banks, and they are indeed classified as Base money. They are going to be a "third rail." They are thankfully incredibly small, pilot projects today. We will see how far democracies will be tested, as autocracies no doubt will mainstream them; but for now, consider them, at least economically, to be inconsequential to the update below. It appears that central banks are actually cooling to them, as of this writing.

With that review out of the way, onward to Q4 update for 2024.

Bitcoin is the 6th largest money in the world

This is unchanged from last quarter.

In February 2024, it surpassed the monetary base of the United Kingdom; that is, its value was larger than the Bank of England's balance sheet, and it remains so to this day.

As of 31 December 2024, it is only the balance sheets of the big four central banks that are larger than Bitcoin. These currencies are:

1. Federal Reserve (dollar): $5.60 trillion
2. People's Bank of China (yuan): $5.04 trillion equivalent
3. European Central Bank (euro): $4.87 trillion equivalent
4. Bank of Japan (yen): $4.20 trillion equivalent

If we remove gold from the equation (and we shouldn't), then Bitcoin could be considered the fifth largest money in the world. Including gold, Bitcoin is the sixth.

However, the all-important monetary metal throughout history that even a child knows about--gold--is still king at around $17 trillion in value, or 6 billion ounces worldwide. Note, this does not include gold lost/recycled through industry; in that case, it is estimated that about 7 billion ounces of gold have been mined throughout humanity.

Silver, for what it's worth, is still a big "monetary" metal; though it is true, much more silver is gobbled up in industry compared to gold. There are about 31 billion ounces of non-industrial silver floating around the world (most of it in jewelry and silverware form) that is valued in today's prices at nearly $1 trillion. Bitcoin bigger.

State of the print: $25.5 trillion

This is down $1.5 trillion from last quarter!

However, we must also remember that as currencies lose value against the best-looking horse in the glue factory; that is, the dollar, then this dollar value actually "dampens" the effect of the print. More on this below.

If we consider $25.5 trillion as the Big Boss of central bank money, then Bitcoin at $1.8 trillion network value (December, quarter-end figure) indeed has some way to go. But as anyone who follows Bitcoin for a sustained about of time knows, this can change rapidly. We can also imagine how the Pareto distribution occurs even in money, if Bitcoin after only 15 years is already larger than every central bank money in the world except for four of them. Wild to ponder.

All-time supply (monetary) inflation: 12.7% per year compounded

This is a long-term, "smoothed" monetary inflation, or money growth figure. It is looking across all the 50 currencies in my sample, going back to 31 December 1969 for almost 40% of them, and for those that don't, simply adding them into the weighted basket as data becomes available.

Roughly stated, it means that central banks on balance double their money supply every 5.8 years. This is a fact.

However, this overall rate of increase is indeed declining, and has been since 2022. For example, if we looked at this headline figure from last year ending 2023, it blended to 12.9% all-time, or 0.2% higher than now. Still, even though central banks have been trying to tighten from their overheated 2020-22 money print, the overall, net effects of money growth in native fiat units have not changed significantly.

For more detail, we can look at the latest year.

Trailing 12-month money growth: -3.0%

What is very interesting, however, and alluded to above, is how all global currencies continue to decline in relative value against the dollar. According to the simple, USD-based trendline analysis for all global currencies in the dataset (see below), we should have a $34 trillion monetary base right now, based on past performance. We have a $25.5 trillion monetary base right now. We are actually lower than the 2.5th percentile on this trendline.

But take note: What you are really seeing is actually not that much less of money printing (they have been letting up the gas, to be sure), but rather, a tremendous loss in purchasing power of all currencies versus the dollar!

In other words, from 2023 to 2024:

1. The weighted average, native change in money base growth of all currencies was -3.0% over the prior 12 months;
2. The overall dollar value change was -8.5% over the prior 12 months ($25.5 trillion vs. $27.8 trillion).

This means that, in the last year, government money lost an additional 5.5% per year in dollar purchasing power, beyond its reduction of 3.0% in money print. Wild.

Since 2021 peak

I don't publicize this information as much, and I probably should. In dollar terms, in December 2021, global central bank money printing peaked at $30.5 trillion. Big number. Now, it is $25.5 trillion. So one would assume that the printing presses have cooled by 16.4% in the last three years.

But again, as I have just described above, we are trying to see beyond Wittgenstein's Ruler here. This can be difficult, because we have 50 different currencies to contend with.

It is true, in the last three years, the dollar value of the top 50 currencies in the world has fallen by 16.4%.

But does that mean that central banks are printing 16.4% less than before 2021?

No.

In fact, when you look at the weighted average of each central bank's performance over the last three years, in their native currency units, you will find that the weighted average decline in printing is only 2.4%.

Notice anything? This decrease over three years is actually less than the decline over the last 12 months, which was 3.0% (section above).

And most obviously, it is far less than 16.4%.

There are dollar values. These grow differently from all the native currency units, because of foreign exchange rates.

There are native currency units. These grow differently from all the dollar values of these currencies, because of foreign exchange rates.

Central banks are printing less over the last three years: 2.4% less overall. But this is much less than the decline in the dollar value of 50 currency stocks over the last three years: 16.4% decline.

One must tear through the numbers to understand both ideas. I have provided you with both.

New data: China

Firstly, what I am about to say has nothing to do with what I've described above, except for a very small impact on the overall, headline figure of 12.7% money growth. This is a historical addition.

I have added some important new monetary data this quarter, and that is from the quasi-transparent yet enormous economy of China. On the PBoC website, they publish balance sheet data back to only 31 December 1999. I have used this timespan for seven years now in my quarterly updates. However, I have now gone through some new figures from the book China Financial Statistics (1949-2005) and added additional data points all the way back to 1969 for China. It is published from PBoC sources. I am using M0 figures from 1969 until 1993 (only available, very compatible, as a subset of base money), and from 1993, they begin publishing full monetary base data. The break in growth metrics when switching from M0 to MB in 1993 is ignored.

The changes from this new data--from a huge, growing economy such as China will, as expected, boost the overall inflation numbers in my dataset. These are the net effects of the new data, as of 31 December 2024:

China Monetary base average monthly growth for entire series:

1. Old data from 1999: 0.85%
2. New data from 1969: 1.04%

China Monetary base compound annual growth for entire series:

1. Old data from 1999: 10.73%
2. New data from 1969: 14.24%

Overall Monetary base compound annual growth for entire series:

1. Before this additional China data: 12.56%
2. After this additional China data: 12.73%

So the net effect on "global monetary inflation" with this additional data is 17 basis points, or 0.17%. I thought the overall effect could be higher, but one must remember these growth rates are weighted by the relative USD value of each respective base money, on a continuous basis, updating each month. In the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, China was a much smaller proportion of the global economic pie than it is today.

One final point with this new data, and with my monetary inflation data overall. I am fairly confident my headline number of 12.6-12.7% per year compounded for global money growth is conservative. These are the top 50 currencies in the world. We just saw what new data did to the entire dataset, and from a huge country no less. If I were to add more currencies, such as those from Kenya or Morocco (and I will), these currencies will only marginally affect this headline money growth figure. What's more, this new data will by definition come from smaller, more volatile, higher inflation-producing currencies, so I would only expect my headline figure to creep higher, the further it is refined.

Huge thanks to Eryn @reltbracco (npub1e2rd2k45ym2jmctnysfadxumrvrr57vqj69ck6trt2y62c40r0kqs9lx8t) for sifting through tons of Chinese historical content here, and for eventually finding a great book with Chinese historical monetary data that was in English!

The trends

The remainder of the report is an update on global trends in demographics, money, and economics. All of these trends are exponential curves. The sole exception, is Bitcoin. It's price and market cap action, across time, are power curves.

One further change. I have allowed the 2.5 and 97.5 red percentile bands to evolve over time. I think this presentation allows the reader to see that trends indeed can change, across time. However, the all-time trendline, as of today, is the solid, black trendline.

We are where we are. Plan accordingly, never financial advice.

Population

The world has grown exponentially at 1.7% per year over the last 75 years. However, despite all the overpopulation myths you've probably heard, this rate of growth is actually falling, well below trend, and we only grow at 0.9% per year at the moment, pulling the overall trend down every year.

## US GDP

The United States has grown its economy at 5.2% compounded per year since the founding of the republic. We are at the higher end of this trend right now, $29 trillion output per year, growing at 5.3% per year. As this is exponential growth, if I put it on log scale, it will become a straight line.

## Stock market

Stocks grow exponentially as well, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. The growth rate is 7.3% per year for the S&P 500, the main US index that tracks more than 80% of total market caps. Currently, the market is well above trend.

## Stock market: Dividends reinvested

If you reinvest those dividends into the same stock market, you'll earn more. The all-time compound annual growth increases by 2% to 9.3% per year for the S&P.

## Bonds

Bonds are supposedly safer than stocks (bondholders get paid back first), and more regular cash flowing. If you look at the longest running bond index in the US, it grows at 7.0% per year, compounded. Notice how, in a rising interest rate environment (which we are in at the moment), bond prices will suffer. In this case, it's the Bloomberg Aggregate Bond Index. This has kept the bond market returns at the lower end of the range, since the global financial crisis in 2008. Not even 1% TTM return.

## Base Money

As we've discussed, base money grows across the world at a weighted average of 12.7% compounded per year. However, this trendline analysis looks at it differently than my headline figure. It simply looks at the USD value of the global monetary base (again, currently $25.5 trillion), and draws an exponential trendline on that USD equivalent growth for 50+ years. In other words, this is going to be after all currency fluctuations have played themselves out.

Slope of the trend is 10.2% compounded for this one.

This is further confirmation that, even though central banks around the world like to print at 12.7% compounded all-time in native unit terms, they will always lose value against the world's reserve currency, as that shakes out to around 10.2% compounded in USD-terms.

And we really are scraping the bottom of this range. 0.7x the trendline, which

## Silver supply

This is total ounces ever mined. They trend upward at 1.4% per year.

## Gold supply

This is total ounces ever mined. Gold trends upward at 1.7% per year. Faster than silver. Surprised? Notice the R-squared (goodness of fit) for both silver and gold production increase.

## Bitcoin supply

Bitcoins grow according to a basic logarithmic curve. Trying to draw percentiles is pointless here, and even measuring a trendline is relatively pointless, as everyone knows the bitcoins prescribed into the future, per the protocol. Better to just quote the trailing 12-month growth figure, and it is 1.2% per year and falling, as of quarter end Dec-2024. Less than gold or silver.

## Silver price

Since 1971 it's trended at 3.5% per year. Silver bug?

## Gold price

Since 1971 it's trended at 5.1% per year. Gold bug?

## Bitcoin price

Bitcoin's price (and market cap) grows according to a power trend. Did you notice that the prior exponential trends displayed themselves as straight lines on log scale? Well, with Bitcoin, the power trendline gradually falls across time, but the growth is still well larger than anything we've covered thus far. Now, we have finally arrived at something that grows differently than exponential.

As I've observed since 2018

.

Why? Because you are viewing an adoption curve. This is how networks scale.

Bitcoin's power trendline has grown 164% per year since Bitcoin Pizza Day in 2010. Note that this is something akin to a "Lifetime Achievement" figure, and it will continue to fall every day. Over the prior 12 months ending 31-Dec-2024, Bitcoin grew 121.1%. The compound growth of the power trend today is just under 44% per year. By 2030 it will fall to "only" 31% per year. You can find more dissection of the

power curve on my website here

.

Oh yes, and it is free (as in speech), open, and permissionless money.

To summarize

That was a lot of data across a lot of charts. I've compiled all these trendlines and data in a helpful table here for you to review at any time. These are the growth trends of the monetary and major asset world, as of year-end 2024:

Again, a quick breakdown on why Bitcoin is so interesting, and confounding. Where most things in the financial and economic world grow exponentially, Bitcoin is actually a compilation of three different trend patterns:

## Conclusion

Below is a detailed summary of all the input assets:

1. 50 fiat currencies: $25.5 trillion
2. Gold: $17.1 trillion
3. Silver: $1 trillion
4. Bitcoin: $1.8 trillion

Print it out if you like!

Thank you for reading. This takes a lot of time to put together each quarter. If you enjoyed, please consider zapping, and you can also donate to my BTCPay on my website if you'd like to help keep this research going.

Take care.

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

APfO/iF6GsxwctOil60vkuSvhErHUt+TVmvvBpJsAFSqkMVy1dlzydMzprFzTq77Aq4QazXuh7/aLp8vMUDyAS3hlAjXutPY/OxJHSRwWNL9UDCBDrnRyRPmrjy7svNlqdxpDYn0JO/zEAbiAHz65kVNZw48xginB5GVEs9zg3h3xwFgbzenyrMos+7JCC4K0AIfyMCXHPZYTZZ3BfKzz8Xr9ZVshy+a69BVZmTinOKKPBH06HUhGYyDUduv7DPu5/xQisSpdzWAU6gT3rZKGcSTahzpz9vjcS4d+XuzeHlKhOodoy22Si1JjMN4aAjZSpUPyrmwEI93ykeQ4lcosl4DiTjYRagLWduxwP9+IWMD3NjOxi17j4wdbuCR1TGHqYICI3oLR5FuSi8N1UTHxAHjPsc3JR5zf+r8SoVmLgx5C4MXNgxrDSBxt0G0g0xd?iv=rcFaQXtKrb4S7h0AQRuynA==

@ 4d41a7cb:7d3633cc

Money is more abstract than most people think, as I will show in this article. Debt slavery stems from financial illiteracy, which occurs intentionally. The biggest secret is how bankers actually create currency claims out of thin air and transfer the wealth of their clients (including nation states) to themselves for free without risking a cent, real money, or currency.

MONEY

Money, one of the most important things in our lives, is so important that we exchange wealth to obtain it. Not because we want it but because we need it in order to buy food, shelter, clothes, etc.

Money is not inherently bad, although some may argue that the love for money is the root of all evil, and I'll agree. If you are willing to sacrifice your soul, honor, reputation, family, or friends for money, it indicates a lack of morality and a willingness to engage in harmful actions to satisfy your greed and materialistic desires.

Money is a technology, a tool, and like any tool or technology, it is impartial; it cannot be inherently good or bad. It can be used to help others or to destroy them. At the end of the day, it’s all about the intention behind human behavior.

Money is not just a useful tool; it’s the most important tool to have for global commerce, division of labor, specialists, and the level of sophistication and comfort we achieve as humanity. All of this will not be possible without this tool working as a common medium of exchange and standard of value, a common language for all humanity: the language of monetary value.

Money is the cornerstone of civilization. Money is the bloodstream of commerce, and commerce is the spine of civilization; it’s what made our civilization so prosperous, letting any one of us decide how we want to provide value to society.

Money is half of every transaction, and since we will always need to intermediate between every exchange, money is the perfect intermediary to help achieve millions of different combinations of exchanges. It will be practically impossible to barter on a global scale; even in a small community with a few different products, it will be a mess.

For example, if there were 10 products, there would be 45 combinations; if there were 100, there would be 4950 combinations. Imagine a scenario on a large scale, requiring the exchange of hundreds of thousands of products every second..

This issue necessitated the development of a new technology: money, which in turn led to the emergence of moneychangers (v4v). Money is a tool to exchange, measure, and store wealth. Wealth is anything we can sell: our labor (time and energy), our house, a car, a product, a service, etc.

Gold and silver were money for thousands of years because of their unique characteristics of scarcity, durability, divisibility, and transportability. The most important characteristic of these metals is that they are scarce, and they can’t be created out of thin air or reproduced with no effort.

Only God can control the supply of gold and silver found in nature. Men can only extract it, and it requires investment, work, time, and effort to find and mine it. So the common knowledge and the common sense of the people over thousands of years consensually chose gold and silver as money. And this money is the only lawful money under common law.

“Gold is money, everything else is credit”

J.P. Morgan 1912

As an interesting fact, the word "money" is used 140 times in the King James Bible, the word "gold" is mentioned 417 times, and the word "silver" over 320 times. But the word “currency” is not mentioned a single time.

The most important function of money is to exchange and store your time and energy. You work to acquire money and then use that money to acquire other goods and services.

Our time and energy is our real wealth because it’s limited. We all have a limited time on earth, and we can do certain things in the 24 hours we have every day, so we have to be conscious about how we administrate and store the fruits of our labor.

Money is a means to an end; we don't want money; we want what money can buy, and guess what, money cannot buy more time.

CURRENCY = FAKE MONEY

Currency exists as a money substitute. Currencies began as the opposite of money, the promise to deliver money in the future: debt. Currencies can be used to exchange wealth, but they are not a fair unit of account and are never a good way to store it because men are tempted to create more and dilute its value (a process known as inflation)

Currencies have almost all the same characteristics of money, but there’s a big difference: currency is not scarce and durable. Missing the store of value characteristic of money, since its supply can be manipulated by men.

For wealth preservation and measuring, modern currencies make no sense. Men control the supply of currency; banks and governments can inflate or deflate it in any amount they please, giving them supreme power and control over wealth distribution. This creates two classes of citizens: those who work to acquire currency and those who create it instantly and for free.

International banks have stolen money (gold and silver) over the past century, replacing its supply with currency or fake money (paper receipts). [1913, 1933, 1944, 1971]

Under this monetary game, those with "fixed income," savers, and creditors are the biggest losers, while debtors and asset owners are the winners..

The most important distinction to keep in mind is that nature controls the money supply, making artificial inflation impossible. On the other hand, men can inflate currency in unlimited amounts. It is a manifestation of God's power on earth, as the mediums of exchange serve as the lifeblood of commerce, the backbone of our economic system, and facilitate the division of labor.

If someone can inflate the currency supply, this has the same economic effect as counterfeiting, and he’s effectively stealing from everyone contracting, trading, and saving in that currency. Manipulating the mediums of exchange in an economy enables manipulation of every security, industry, and business.

This is the reason the founding fathers of the United States made gold and silver only lawful money for the payment of debts. To give everyone equal protection under the law and to get rid of the nobility and two types of citizens: bankers and workers or nobles and plebeians.

Bank-notes are not money. It 's currency. It’s unfair to take banks' currency as a standard for comparison.

Bank-note currency is not “lawful money”. It never could be counted as part of banks cash reserves. It would be too much like a man writing and signing his own promissory note for a million and then claiming that this made him a millionaire.

The very grave evils any currency depreciation always impose upon businesses and the people.

Alfred Owen Crozier, US Money vs Corporate currency, 1912

So money has three very important functions that work as the pillars on which the wellness of our economic system and civilizations relies. Currency is not a store of value because its supply can be easily manipulated, men in power can create more of it, and so using this always-changing currency as a standard of value or a unit of account is like using an always-changing ruler to measure distance. A dollar today does not buy the same as a dollar one year ago. So yesterday prices are not equal to today's prices; this is an unfair business calculation.

So money has three very important functions that work as the pillars on which the wellness of our economic system and civilizations relies. Currency is not a store of value because its supply can be easily manipulated, men in power can create more of it, and so using this always-changing currency as a standard of value or a unit of account is like using an always-changing ruler to measure distance. A dollar today does not buy the same as a dollar one year ago. So yesterday prices are not equal to today's prices; this is an unfair business calculation.

There are several Bible verses that discuss the manipulation of weights and measures, emphasizing the importance of honesty and fairness in commercial dealings.

1. Leviticus 19:35-36 New International Version (NIV): "Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or quantity. Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah, and an honest hin.

2. Deuteronomy 25:13-15: Do not have two differing weights in your bag—one heavy, one light. Do not have two differing measures in your house—one large, one small. You must have accurate and honest weights and measures.

3. Proverbs 11:1—"A "dishonest scale is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight."

Fake money (currency) is always and everywhere a dishonest scale. So if you want a real measure of value or wealth use something with real value instead, like gold, commodities, products, times, etc.

Bankers have redefined the word money to mean fake money, currency, or debt. And this is not the worst part. Let’s introduce another concept: credit.

CREDIT = FAKE CURRENCY

Real credit is the promise to pay money in the future. It involves delaying the payment of money. Currency was born as credit, as a money certificate or receipt. During the last century, banks gradually replaced 100% of the money with currency and bank credit to further boost their profits and control. [1913, 1933, 1944, 1971]

But in order to achieve this goal, bankers redefined the word money to mean the opposite of money: credit/debt. This is like calling a night a day or evil a good.

When you take out a loan from a friend, you receive credit from him, but you also incur a debt with him. You promise your friends that you will pay them (asset/right), and you owe them (liability/obligation). The asset and the liability are one and part of the same deal; they cannot exist without the other. There’s no credit with no debt, no debt with no credit, and no liability with no asset.

Federal Reserve notes, commonly known as “dollars,” are a private corporate currency; they are not money because they are not gold or silver, nor receipts for these metals as many people still believe. They were not redeemable in money from the start, despite being created under the assumption.

The “peso” (Spanish word for weight) used to be a standardized amount of gold or silver, but it’s not any more; it's just a debt denomination. And what's owing? Currency. How can someone lend the opposite of money and charge interest? Only deceiving you into believing that he is lending you money. So they redefined the word money to mean the opposite of it.

But redefining words does not change the economic effect of the transaction.

When currencies first appeared, I can imagine people asking themselves, "How can people trust these paper certificates in exchange for their money?" Who will be that stupid?” And nowadays, people don’t understand the difference between money and currency, to the point that bankers redefined the word "money" to mean the opposite of "money."

Lesson: Money is not just a medium of exchange; it is also a store of value and a unit of account. Currency, the opposite of money, is debt. Since it can be created in unlimited amounts, it can't work as a store of value because its value depreciates as more units are created; for this same reason, it is not fair to denominate values in currency units since one currency unit today does not buy the same as a year ago because of inflation, the loss of purchasing power.

Summarize: While money, currency, and credit all serve as effective mediums of exchange, only money serves as a reliable store of value for saving. Currency and credit are not stores of value (not good to save), and there are not fair units of account (not good for price).

In simple terms, money is not currency, because currency is just credit and debt. We can conceptualize it as a ledger, a record of who owes what to whom. Currency is fake money since it’s the opposite of a store of value; it's always depreciating in value while its supply is inflated. This is the definition of inflation.

Modern credit is not currency; it’s the opposite. It’s the promise to deliver currency in the future, the promise of a promise of money (in theory). But there’s no money behind. It’s an air loan.

But how did we get here? Is everyone stupid? No, we have been tricked, manipulated, and dictated to use these currencies, and this banking system was forced on us. They stole our money and replaced it with fake substitutes to boost their profits.

MODERN MEDIUMS OF EXCHANGE = MONOPOLY MONEY

So nowadays we have fake money acting as cash/currency and fake currency acting as bank deposits or credit. One is worse than the other, but both of them serve only as mediums of exchange. Those who store wealth with them will be robbed, and those who calculate business will be lied to.

Today we use currencies (government notes), coins, bank deposits (currency claims), checks (bank deposit claims), credit cards, and debit cards. All of them are ‘monopoly money’ fake claims based on a big and global fraud.

• Government notes (government debt)

Since governments are under the control of central banks, they can only create currency by borrowing. Governments must issue bonds, or debt, and the central bank can generate credit, or currency, to purchase these bonds.

The bond (government liability) is the counterpart of the ‘asset’ (the currency, a central bank asset). Bonds are debt, and currencies are credit.

When the central bank creates currency to lend it to the government at interest, it has literally the economic effect of transferring the wealth of the nation to the banks for free. The banks are not lending anything that they had to labor to produce; instead, they are creating it by printing paper notes or digital currency.

On the other side, governments have to collect money from citizens (producers, merchants, and workers) to pay the interest on the debt.

Despite their best efforts, governments are unable to repay the debt due to interest, which makes it bigger than the amount of currency. Let’s say the debt is 100 at 1% interest. So there’s only 100 in currency. But at the end of the year, there’s going to be a debt of 101. In order for the system to keep working, someone else has to go into debt to create more currency units, and governments have to keep borrowing and at least only paying the interest and rolling the debt.

The important thing is that if you have government currency debt free, you own it. This is the new ‘money.’. Government currency is the ‘real’ cash, liquidity, or water.

• Bank deposits (bank debt)

When you deposit your government currency in the bank, you are legally lending your currency to the bank, and the bank owes you the amount you deposit. This currency is not stored by banks until you request it. Banks use this currency as if it were theirs, and they do business with it. That’s why I said, ‘Your money in the bank’ is not yours; it’s not money; it’s not in the bank. Its currency, its owe to you, is only registered on the bank ledger as a debt, not in a safe box.

The numbers you get in the bank account, or your balance, are government currency substitutes; they are bank deposits. Your currency deposit is the asset, and the number on your bank account balance is the liability.

But this is not the worst part. Banks lend around 10 times more currency than they have in deposits. So banks have more liabilities than assets (they are literally broke).

People often treat bank deposits, also known as government currency substitutes or bank tokens, as legal tender, allowing banks to create them arbitrarily and 'lend' them to unsuspecting clients who mistakenly believe they are receiving currency.

This is possible only because the bank's deposit has equal cash value.

Government bonds, government currency, and bank deposits have equal value. But they are not the same.

All of them have counterparty risk, but cash, or government currency, is better or safer than bonds or bank deposits. If interest rates rise, the value of bonds can decrease, and default on bank deposits can result in total loss, a scenario that has frequently occurred.

Keep in mind that bank deposits represent the bank's debts, also known as liabilities. Business activities and risk-taking make your currency unsecured, and they don't compensate you enough for the loan and risk.

• Debit cards (bank deposit transfer)

Your bank deposit is your right to get your currency back. When you use a credit card to buy something, you are transferring that right to the seller so he can redeem that bank token for currency if he wishes.

But you have to have had a deposit before you can spend it or transfer it.

• Checks (bank deposit transfer)

The same applies to checks. Your bank deposit is your right to get your currency back. When you use a check to buy something, you are transferring that right to the seller so he can redeem that bank token for currency if he wishes.

• Credit card (bank deposit creator)

Credit cards are different. When you use a credit card, you are creating a bank deposit backed by your promise of paying it back. By allowing the bank to create a currency substitute out of nothing and charge you high interest, you are essentially working for them for free.

Not only this, but you are also letting them collect fees from the payments processing that cost them nothing and support their fake money as a medium of exchange.

Using credit cards is literally voting for financial slavery. This is why companies make credit cards so convenient and offer benefits, with the intention of incentivizing and pushing people into the debt slavery system.

BANKS = MONEYCHANGERS

‘Loans’ = exchanges

The history of money is the history of moneychangers, money dealers, or bankers. Money is an inanimate object. Bankers are alive; they are the ones in charge of making the money, currency, and credit flow or stop.

They have been in existence for thousands of years, from Egypt to Rome, where Jesus Christ himself threw them out of the temple and called them thieves, and he was not wrong.

Moneychangers played a crucial role in facilitating trade by exchanging different forms of currency and commodities. The profession of moneychangers evolved over time, particularly during the Roman Empire and the Middle Ages when various currencies were in circulation. In these times, moneychangers would set up shop at markets or public spaces to provide their services and help merchants convert their money into a form that could be used for transactions with other traders. As banking systems developed over time, the role of moneychangers expanded to include more complex financial services.

Today, moneychangers are still an essential part of the global economy, helping people exchange currencies and facilitating international trade.

The Knights Templars were a Christian military order established in 1119 who played a crucial role in the establishment of the financial system in medieval Europe. They established a gold-backed credit system that laid the foundation for the modern banking system. Their financial services included deposit accounts, loans, and even a form of early traveler's checks.

The history of the goldsmiths starts around 700 years ago in the year 1327. The company became responsible for hallmarking precious metals and played a significant role in regulating the quality and authenticity of gold and silver items. In exchange for written acknowledgments or "receipts," they also provided gold deposit services.

Both groups played significant roles in the development of these early financial instruments, with goldsmiths issuing written acknowledgments for deposited gold and the Knights Templar establishing banking institutions that facilitated the use of such receipts as a form of payment.

This is a brief summary of the beginning of the moneychangers and how they discovered how to multiply money with paper receipts, better understood as counterfeiting. We now refer to it as fractional reserve banking, and let me tell you something: it's based on fraud.

Not only do they create bank deposits when you deposit currency, but they also create them when you "take a loan." Banks do not lend money, and they do not lend currency; they lend bank deposits (bank tokens/IOUs/currency substitutes/ paper receipts).

Banks had to redefine the word money to mean the opposite of money (debt) to trick the people. How can you lend the oposite of money and expect to be paid back plus interest? This took them thousands of years to achieve.

The fact is that this is not a loan but an exchange. When you take a loan, you sign a contract that creates a promissory note, which is your promise to pay. The bank then takes this promissory note, without your permission (steals), and sells it for cash (if you requiere it) or government bonds (to earn interest).

Your promissory note has equal value to cash and government bonds. And banks always need an asset to create a bank deposit (liability). So the banks literally steal your asset (promissory note) and sell them to create IOUs that they will ‘lend’ to you.

They ‘lend’ the oposite of money and call it a loan. The truth is that they are acting as moneychangers, and they are exchanging your IOU (promissory note) for a bank IOU (bank deposit) without your permission and pretending that you pay it back, but they never pay back theirs…

How is this possible? This is only possible because most people treat bank deposits (bank tokens, IOUs, and debts) as a medium of exchange because they trust the banks.

This is the root of inequality under the law. While one group can create IOUs from nothing and steal others, the other must work for them or exchange wealth.

If this bank defaults, its IOUs quickly vanish. This is a mathematical certainty; that’s why banks that are 'too big to fail' demand bailouts. Every bank is bankrupt since they have 7–10 times more liabilities than assets, and the assets they have are not theirs but their clients' assets. The only thing that keeps them alive is the trust of the public and the bailouts of the government.

This is legalized slavery and theft. There’s no other name. Banks own every industry, government, public figure, actor, etc. They have the power of God on earth, and it's time to stop them.

If we let the bank take our wealth for free, we will end up bankrupt, and they will end up owning everything. Every medium of exchange nowadays is an IOU or an IOU of an IOU. Ultimately, it is mathematically impossible to repay all of those IOUs, and banks pretend to keep all the assets.

Check: IOU = deposit; IOU = cash; IOU = bond; IOU + interest

The only way this system can continue is to keep creating new IOUs to pay the old ones, but even then (as it has been for over a century), the value of those IOUs keeps falling, causing hyperinflation.

If banks and governments want to ‘avoid’ (imposible) or relent to hyperinflation, they need to incur a great confiscation. So heads you lose, tails they win, playing this game doesn't make any fucking sense.

Buy Bitcoin, self custody, and fuck the government and the banking system.

Live free or die trying.

@ 2516d145:070c8fa1

Liebe Leserin, lieber Leser,

Zahlen haben seit jeher eine tiefere Bedeutung. Sie begleiten uns, formen unsere Welt und erzählen Geschichten, wenn wir bereit sind, sie zu hören. In dieser Ausgabe – der 47. ihrer Art – widmen wir uns einer Zahl, die weit mehr ist als eine bloße Ziffer: der 47.

In der Numerologie gilt 47 als eine Zahl der tiefen Einsicht, der spirituellen Suche und der praktischen Weisheit. Sie verbindet die analytische Energie der 4 mit der intuitiven Kraft der 7 und erschafft so eine Synergie zwischen Struktur und Erkenntnis. Wer sich mit der 47 verbunden fühlt, strebt nach Wissen, Klarheit und Fortschritt, sei es im persönlichen oder gesellschaft­lichen Kontext.

Diese Zahl taucht in diesem Jahr in bedeutenden Zusammenhängen auf. Donald Trump wurde 2024 erneut zum Präsidenten der Vereinigten Staaten gewählt und ist nun der amtierende 47. Präsident. Ein Mann, der wie kein anderer in der jüngeren Geschichte polarisiert, spaltet und gleichzeitig eine treue Anhängerschaft inspiriert. Eine solche Präsidentschaft ist zweifellos ein Wendepunkt – politisch, gesellschaftlich und historisch.

Und schließlich trägt die 47 für mich persönlich eine besondere Relevanz: Sie entspricht meinem Alter. Mit 47 Jahren stehe ich an einem Punkt des Lebens, an dem Vergangenheit und Zukunft in einem feinen Gleichgewicht existieren. Die Erfahrungen der vergangenen Jahrzehnte formen den Blick auf das Kommende, und doch bleibt Raum für Wachstum, Veränderung und neue Einsichten.

Diese Ausgabe ist somit nicht nur eine Fortsetzung unserer Reise, sondern auch eine Einladung: Lassen Sie uns gemeinsam erkunden, welche Muster, welche Bedeutungen und welche Zukunft sich aus dieser faszinierenden Zahl entfalten. Vielleicht entdecken wir dabei mehr als nur Zusammenhänge – vielleicht finden wir einen neuen Blick auf die Welt.

Ein besonderer Blickfang dieser Ausgabe ist das Coverbild: Ein kleines Mädchen, das einen schwer bewaffneten Soldaten durchsucht. Dieses Bild stellt die Welt auf den Kopf, kehrt Machtverhältnisse um und zwingt uns, über Krieg, Kontrolle und Vertrauen nachzudenken. Es zeigt uns, dass Unschuld und Frieden oft die größten Prüfsteine für Systeme der Gewalt sind. Es ist eine stille, aber eindringliche Mahnung, dass unsere Zukunft in den Händen der kommenden Generationen liegt – und wir ihnen eine Welt hinterlassen sollten, die mehr auf Vertrauen als auf Waffen gebaut ist.

Lassen Sie uns gemeinsam für eine friedlichere Zukunft einstehen. Möge diese Ausgabe ein Impuls sein, neue Wege des Miteinanders zu entdecken und unseren Blick für das Wesentliche zu schärfen. Frieden beginnt in unseren Gedanken – lassen wir ihn in unseren Taten Wirklichkeit werden.

Paul Andersson, Herausgeber

\ P.S. In den nächsten Wochen und Monaten werde ich meinen Blog auf die Plattform Pareto umziehen. Die Vorzüge von Pareto, das auf Nostr aufsetzt, werden in entsprechenden Artikeln dieser Ausgabe thematisiert. Außerdem erhalten Sie die Möglichkeit den Nachhall auch mit Bitcoins bzw. Satoshis zu unterstützen.

• https://getalby.com/p/massel

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

Beginning at the start

In my previous article, The Establishment, I answered the question: "How do we form a company?" I realize, now, that I was getting a bit ahead, of myself, as the precursor to a company is a team, and many people struggle to form teams. So, I will go back to the beginning, and then you can read both articles to the end, and then stop.

The Initiation

The first, and most-difficult step of team formation, is the initiation. We know that it must be the most-difficult, as it's the step that carries the highest potential reward, and it's the step that is tried-and-failed most often. (Some people, like Elon Musk or Donald Trump, are born Initiators with excellent follow-through, but this archetype is exceedingly thin on the ground because it requires you to be mildly autistic, have barely-throttled ADHD, and/or tend to megalomania, also popularly known as "toxic masculinity", "CEO personality", or "being a successful military officer".)

Someone needs to form a useful, attractive Vision and then motivate other people to help them achieve it. That sounds really easy, but it's actually brutally difficult because * You have to come up with an idea that is coherent, plausible, and inspiring. * You have to be able to communicate that idea to other people and make it appealing to them, by tying it into their own personal goals and desires. * You have to be able to hone and reformulate that idea, constantly, to correct it or to re-motivate the other team members. * You have to defend the idea against detractors, naysayers, and trolls, and you have to do it so vociferously, that it will erode your own popularity among those who disagree with you and open you to personal attacks. * You have to be able to focus on the idea, yourself, for a long stretch of time, and not allow yourself to get bored, lazy, or distracted.

So, just do and be all of those things, and then initiate the team, with the method I will name the Hatbock Method. It is so named because of the classic, German initiation ritual, in which an Initiator stands up, loudly defines their Vision and calls into a group "Wer hat Bock?" (roughly, "Who has the hunger/desire?") and whoever responds with "Ich hab Bock." (roughly, "Yes, I hunger for this.") is a part of the team.

Then the Initiator says, "Okay, everyone with the hunger, let's sit down together, and discuss this some more." (This "sitting" is literally called a "seating", or "Sitzung", which is the German word for "meeting".)

The Sitting

We now get to the second most difficult part of team formation: figuring out where to sit. Most teams get this wrong, repeatedly, and many teams dissolve or fracture under the difficulty of this momentous decision. You would think organizing yourselves online would make this easier ("Oh, we'll just meet online!"), but the number of places available for sitting online are limitless. You can talk your whole Vision into the ground, with laborous discussions and migrations between Chachi, OxChat, Telegram, SimpleX, Slack, Discord, WhatsApp, GitHub, Teams, Coracle, Matrix... you get the idea.

Try to keep in mind that the Vision is more important than the seating area, and go with the flow. Simply, find someplace and go there. Worry about it again, at a later date. Don't lose momentum. Sit down and start discussing the Vision, immediately.

Now, this next bit is very important:

Do not let anyone outside your team influence where you sit!

...unless they are providing your team with some good, service, or income, that makes choosing their preferred location the superior choice.

This is the German Stammtisch principle, where a host encourages you to come sit down, regularly, in some particular place, because your sitting there provides them with some benefit: they can overhear your conversations, get you to test out their seating area, sell you refreshments, etc. Your choice of seating, in other words, is a valuable good, and you should only "sell" it to someone who rewards you in measure. They have to reward you because their preferred seating area wasn't your immediate and obvious choice, so there was probably something unappealing or uncertain about the seating area.

Plan it in

Once you've sat down, and finished your rough draft of the Vision, you need to figure out when to sit. This is the third most-difficult part of team formation. (Yes, don't worry, it gets easier as it goes along.)

The most popular plan is the Wirsehenuns Plan (roughly, "We'll see each other, around.") This can work quite well, if you just want to have a loose collaboration, that calls itself together in an ad hoc fashion, when a team member feels the need. Also known as "@ me, bros".

It's not a great plan for more intensive collaboration, as that tends to need a certain amount of velocity, to actually happen, as the speed of movement has a centrifugal effect on the tasks. Team momentum, in other words, creates a sort of gravity, that keeps the team together as a unit. So, for deeper teamwork, I would recommend the Stammtisch variant: name a place and date/time, when you will next meet. Preferably, on a rotating schedule: daily, weekly, last Thursday of the month, etc.

And then meet there and then. And discuss amongst yourselves. Set clear, short-term tasks (and assign them to particular people!), medium-term strategies, and longer-term goals. Write everything down. Anything not written down, is a suggestion, not an assigned task.

If you find your Stammtisch becoming increasingly rewarding and productive, and your goals start moving closer and closer into sight, then you might want to formalize your team structure further, as a company.

@ 9171b08a:8395fd65

For the price tag on this room, I would've thought my death bed would be more comfortable. Since I've been admitted I've been in a perpetual state of discomfort despite the medicine that is supposed to keep me numb. The room is dark and I'm alone with the sounds of industry that keep this planet churning through the expanse of space.

The unease goes deeper than the surface, beyond the 1000 thread count Earth cotton grating against my skin, deeper than the cracking sinews of my muscles, it lurks in the wake of the vibrations of my heart as it throbs its final throbs.

The holoscreen comes to life at a thoughts command and quickly my unease turns to irritation as my name crawls across the screen. A woman points to the very hospital where I lay and expresses her sorrow as "One of the greatest men of this era awaits his death."

I suppose it couldn't come quicker. I shut off the holoscreen. Plunge myself back into the darkness and simply watch the shadows of the freighter transports cast through the opaque vinyl shutter as they pass by.

The light comes on. It blinds me and all I can hear are the footsteps that approach. The heels clatter loudly, soles of well made shoes. Expensive, probably Earth made like my sheets.

"You don't have to go through with this old man." I know the voice well. My mentee, the man I've groomed to take over my empire speaks again, "It's not too late to take the regenerons. You'd be looking younger than me within the week."

I don't care to explain myself. I turn away from him and he mutters something else then reaches over and rests a vase on the table in front of me.

Inside the vase float two scarlet tulips within a bouquet of gypsophila. The flowers smell freshly cut, a scent that instantly freshens my soul and harkens to a time before anyone could imagine I'd be known as "one of the greatest men of the era."

My mentee speaks, but his voice is nothing more than the ruffling of my sheets as I sit up and draw closer to you.

Precious tulips.

Tulips like these, I picked in the endless fields of Verduia. I, like the others who'd been bred to work on that planet, toiled away endless days to pick flowers just like these for affluent people just like me at this very moment.

I was never supposed to have the life I've lived. My biology was built to pick and die. To work, stay poor, and keep my head buried in the fields, that was my purpose.

I worked hard. My hands pruned and nurtured roots in the dark soil. But I loved harder. The memory of your marble skin against the thick layer of dirt beneath my nails will never fade. I've amassed a wealth that is the envy of entire solar systems, but the memory of you is richer.

My tulip, my eternal blossom. I'd run away from the task masters with you and hide in the tall sunflower fields where we'd make love.

People like us weren't meant to be in love. When you passed, I felt no greater discomfort. I thought wealth could fill that void. It hasn't. Not even a millennia since could wash away the memory of you. Only the closure of time, the death of me can remove this ever long dread. Here the need to revive the feeling only you could inspire ends.

-Art By Surenja Rajawat- Find him on instagram @suren.rajawat

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

Galoy released a new product called Lana, a platform for bitcoin loans. The team will provide an introduction and then we'll dive into the design.

To get you up to speed, check out the website, slide deck and podcast interview: - https://www.galoy.io/lana-bitcoin-loans-platform - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1IQocefpCN5_wKX91EWtLa19IpMS_Ye8goNLAgGQbfdU/edit#slide=id.g31d536107ae_0_0 - https://stephanlivera.com/episode/634/

If you get a chance, please take a peek before the call. That makes the design reviews more useful because we need to spend less time going over the basics. On Thu Feb 27th · 15:00 – 16:00 CET Join from https://meet.jit.si/bitcoindesign

Check your timezone https://everytimezone.com/s/998e22fc Track https://github.com/BitcoinDesign/Meta/issues/758

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896570

@ c8383d81:f9139549

My own stats on what I’ve done over the weekend:

• Spoke to +100 developers, it was great seeing a couple of familiar Flemish faces and meeting some new ones but overall the crowd was extremely diverse.

• Ended up doing a short interview promoting the protocol and ended up going to 0 talks.

• Tried to evangelize by going booth by booth to distribute a Nostr flyer to other FOSDEM projects, with the hope that they would broadcast the info towards their SOME person to add Nostr on their list or to build out a library for the languages that were present ( This was a fairly slow approach )

• Kept it to Nostr protocol 95% of the time, the Bitcoin narrative is not always a good time to push and as a side note I’ve met more Monero users than in the last 5 years.

• Was able to convince some engineers to look into the #soveng endeavor.

Small overview from the most common questions:

• They have heard about Nostr but are not sure of the details. ( mostly through the bitcoin community )
• What is the difference with ActivityPub, Mastodon, Fediverse ?
• IOT developers, so questions regarding MQTT & Meshtastic integrations ?
• Current state of MLS on Nostr ?
• What are the current biggest clients / apps build on Nostr ?
• Will jack still give a talk ?

Things we could improve:

• Bring more stickers like loads more,
• Bring T-shirts, Pins… could be a good way to fund these adventures instead of raising funds. ( Most projects where selling something to help raise funds for projects )
• Almost no onboarding / client installs.
• Compared to the Nostr booth at BTC Amsterdam not a single person asked if they could charge their phone.

Personal Note: The last time I visited was roughly 13 years ago and me being a little more seasoned I just loved the fact that I was able to pay some support to the open source projects I’ve been using for years ( homebrew, modzilla, Free BSD,.. ) and see the amazing diverse crowd that is the open source Movement 🧡

Al final shoutout to our great pirate crew 🏴‍☠️: The Dutch Guard ( nostr:npub1qe3e5wrvnsgpggtkytxteaqfprz0rgxr8c3l34kk3a9t7e2l3acslezefe & nostr:npub1l77twp5l02jadkcjn6eeulv2j7y5vmf9tf3hhtq7h7rp0vzhgpzqz0swft ) and a adrenaline fueled nostr:npub1t6jxfqz9hv0lygn9thwndekuahwyxkgvycyscjrtauuw73gd5k7sqvksrw , nostr:npub1rfw075gc6pc693w5v568xw4mnu7umlzpkfxmqye0cgxm7qw8tauqfck3t8 and nostr:npub1r30l8j4vmppvq8w23umcyvd3vct4zmfpfkn4c7h2h057rmlfcrmq9xt9ma amazing finally meeting you IRL after close to 2 years since the Yakihonne hackathon 😀

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

D1T6DK+Yo1dNYe8fr3MVZ6AkH2nnLPFAlrxF5YSm80z0Dkf9bek0po/MiKBUzxJUdbp9geg1jNyyvRauTKJTw3yeO/C3ybXYUlMItS/v4maqtEmTG3J6kuYFY2NNSketXBWeoFHrcRLGQUnv2ShJNM4HHf30RS2seUHarGeH/u91Btw8O3LOSKFHaTe/554djsPQjhpXQJqORFnQZnXAevxN2ZCneCUKpl+Fc37KC2nOmTDI0mjqWpfd4S+KuPM1NakYE1o0GwqcXZttGeus5DykQFouxusxUZiF8vbWdysOG/UeYzjxzcRfJLbvEr3FSaLsSVcrHqzejg2rxCM/A6k2LiF6ueuczFOjsg/54GSyRvBc6OIqk0V7srKre4qBLKou61pqTb4PotaeDbiorW9xnl7xlgZlWL5UuVFjE3E=?iv=3+JQL0moTQF6QK7THcLllg==

@ e5de992e:4a95ef85

The future of decentralized identity promises a digital landscape where users have full control over their personal data, privacy, and interactions. When users own their digital presence, several transformative changes could reshape the internet:

---

Empowerment and Control

Self-Sovereignty

Users will manage their identities through cryptographic keys rather than relying on third-party platforms. This means you decide what data to share, how to share it, and with whom, eliminating reliance on centralized authorities.

Data Portability

Decentralized identity frameworks enable seamless movement of personal data across various services. Without vendor lock-in, you can maintain a consistent digital persona, regardless of the platform or application you choose to use.

---

Privacy and Security

Enhanced Privacy

With decentralized identity, you control the amount and type of information you reveal. This minimizes exposure to data breaches, unauthorized surveillance, and privacy violations that are common in centralized systems.

Stronger Security

Cryptography plays a central role in decentralized identity, reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. Since your identity is not stored in a single, vulnerable location, it's much harder for attackers to compromise your personal information.

---

Interoperability and Innovation

Interoperable Ecosystems

Decentralized identity standards can pave the way for interoperable systems where different services and platforms recognize and trust your digital credentials. This can lead to smoother user experiences and increased innovation in digital services.

New Economic Models

Ownership of your digital identity might also enable new ways to monetize personal data. Instead of platforms harvesting data for profit, users could potentially control and even earn from the use of their own information.

---

Social and Cultural Impact

Democratizing the Digital Space

A user-owned digital identity reduces the power imbalance between large tech corporations and individuals. It fosters a more democratic online environment where freedom of expression and personal autonomy are respected.

Resilience Against Censorship

Decentralized systems distribute data across multiple nodes, making it far more resistant to censorship. This ensures that your voice can be heard even in environments where centralized platforms might suppress it.

---

Challenges Ahead

Usability and Adoption

While the potential benefits are significant, mainstream adoption will require overcoming technical and usability challenges. Managing cryptographic keys, for instance, may be daunting for non-technical users unless user-friendly solutions are developed.

Regulatory and Standardization Issues

As decentralized identity becomes more prevalent, there will be a need for clear standards and regulations to ensure interoperability, security, and consumer protection without stifling innovation.

---

In Summary

When users own their digital presence, the future of decentralized identity is marked by increased privacy, enhanced control, and a more open, interoperable digital ecosystem. This shift not only empowers individuals but also encourages the development of innovative technologies and business models that prioritize user rights and freedoms in the online world.

@ 16f1a010:31b1074b

In the rapidly evolving world of Bitcoin, running a Bitcoin node has become more accessible than ever. Platforms like Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel offer user-friendly interfaces to simplify node management. However, for those serious about maintaining a robust and efficient Lightning node ⚡, relying solely on these platforms may not be the optimal choice.

Let’s delve into why embracing Bitcoin Core and mastering the command-line interface (CLI) can provide a more reliable, sovereign, and empowering experience.

Understanding Node Management Platforms

What Are Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel?

Umbrel, Start9, myNode, and Citadel are platforms designed to streamline the process of running a Bitcoin node. They offer graphical user interfaces (GUIs) that allow users to manage various applications, including Bitcoin Core and Lightning Network nodes, through a web-based dashboard 🖥️.

These platforms often utilize Docker containers 🐳 to encapsulate applications, providing a modular and isolated environment for each service.

The Appeal of Simplified Node Management

The primary allure of these platforms lies in their simplicity. With minimal command-line interaction, users can deploy a full Bitcoin and Lightning node, along with a suite of additional applications.

✅ Easy one-command installation
✅ Web-based GUI for management
✅ Automatic app updates (but with delays, as we’ll discuss)

However, while this convenience is attractive, it comes at a cost.

The Hidden Complexities of Using Node Management Platforms

While the user-friendly nature of these platforms is advantageous, it can also introduce several challenges that may hinder advanced users or those seeking greater control over their nodes.

🚨 Dependency on Maintainers for Updates

One significant concern is the reliance on platform maintainers for updates. Since these platforms manage applications through Docker containers, users must wait for the maintainers to update the container images before they can access new features or security patches.

🔴 Delayed Bitcoin Core updates = potential security risks
🔴 Lightning Network updates are not immediate
🔴 Bugs and vulnerabilities may persist longer

Instead of waiting on a third party, why not update Bitcoin Core & LND yourself instantly?

⚙️ Challenges in Customization and Advanced Operations

For users aiming to perform advanced operations, such as:

• Custom backups 📂
• Running specific CLI commands 🖥️
• Optimizing node settings ⚡

…the abstraction layers introduced by these platforms become obstacles.

Navigating through nested directories and issuing commands inside Docker containers makes troubleshooting a nightmare. Instead of a simple bitcoin-cli command, you must figure out how to execute it inside the container, adding unnecessary complexity.

Increased Backend Complexity

To achieve frontend simplicity, these platforms make the backend more complex.

🚫 Extra layers of abstraction
🚫 Hidden logs and settings
🚫 Harder troubleshooting

The use of multiple Docker containers, custom scripts, and unique file structures can make system maintenance and debugging a pain.

This complication defeats the purpose of “making running a node easy.”

✅ Advantages of Using Bitcoin Core and Command-Line Interface (CLI)

By installing Bitcoin Core directly and using the command-line interface (CLI), you gain several key advantages that make managing a Bitcoin and Lightning node more efficient and empowering.

Direct Control and Immediate Updates

One of the biggest downsides of package manager-based platforms is the reliance on third-party maintainers to release updates. Since Bitcoin Core, Lightning implementations (such as LND, Core Lightning, or Eclair), and other related software evolve rapidly, waiting for platform-specific updates can leave you running outdated or vulnerable versions.

By installing Bitcoin Core directly, you remove this dependency. You can update immediately when new versions are released, ensuring your node benefits from the latest features, security patches, and bug fixes. The same applies to Lightning software—being able to install and update it yourself gives you full autonomy over your node’s performance and security.

🛠 Simplified System Architecture

Platforms like Umbrel and myNode introduce extra complexity by running Bitcoin Core and Lightning inside Docker containers. This means:

• The actual files and configurations are stored inside Docker’s filesystem, making it harder to locate and manage them manually.
• If something breaks, troubleshooting is more difficult due to the added layer of abstraction.
• Running commands requires jumping through Docker shell sessions, adding unnecessary friction to what should be a straightforward process.

Instead, a direct installation of Bitcoin Core, Lightning, and Electrum Server (if needed) results in a cleaner, more understandable system. The software runs natively on your machine, without containerized layers making things more convoluted.

Additionally, setting up your own systemd service files for Bitcoin and Lightning is not as complicated as it seems. Once configured, these services will run automatically on boot, offering the same level of convenience as platforms like Umbrel but without the unnecessary complexity.

Better Lightning Node Management

If you’re running a Lightning Network node, using CLI-based tools provides far more flexibility than relying on a GUI like the ones bundled with node management platforms.

🟢 Custom Backup Strategies – Running Lightning through a GUI-based node manager often means backups are handled in a way that is opaque to the user. With CLI tools, you can easily script automatic backups of your channels, wallets, and configurations.

🟢 Advanced Configuration – Platforms like Umbrel force certain configurations by default, limiting how you can customize your Lightning node. With a direct install, you have full control over: * Channel fees 💰 * Routing policies 📡 * Liquidity management 🔄

🟢 Direct Access to LND, Core Lightning, or Eclair – Instead of issuing commands through a GUI (which is often limited in functionality), you can use: * lncli (for LND) * lightning-cli (for Core Lightning) …to interact with your node at a deeper level.

Enhanced Learning and Engagement

A crucial aspect of running a Bitcoin and Lightning node is understanding how it works.

Using an abstraction layer like Umbrel may get a node running in a few clicks, but it does little to teach users how Bitcoin actually functions.

By setting up Bitcoin Core, Lightning, and related software manually, you will:

✅ Gain practical knowledge of Bitcoin nodes, networking, and system performance.
✅ Learn how to configure and manage RPC commands.
✅ Become less reliant on third-party developers and more confident in troubleshooting.

🎯 Running a Bitcoin node is about sovereignty – learn how to control it yourself.

Become more sovereign TODAY

Many guides make this process straightforward K3tan has a fantastic guide on running Bitcoin Core, Electrs, LND and more.
- Ministry of Nodes Guide 2024
- You can find him on nostr
nostr:npub1txwy7guqkrq6ngvtwft7zp70nekcknudagrvrryy2wxnz8ljk2xqz0yt4x

Even with the best of guides, if you are running this software,
📖 READ THE DOCUMENTATION

This is all just software at the end of the day. Most of it is very well documented. Take a moment to actually read through the documentation for yourself when installing. The documentation has step by step guides on setting up the software. Here is a helpful list: * Bitcoin.org Bitcoin Core Linux install instructions * Bitcoin Core Code Repository * Electrs Installation * LND Documentation * LND Code Repository * CLN Documentation * CLN Code Repository

If you have any more resources or links I should add, please comment them . I want to add as much to this article as I can.

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

I've been pondering how LSPs (lightning service providers) might pan out over time and how that might affect fees, and I am wondering what everyone else is thinking. Some people will always prefer to manage their own channels, and for some specific use cases, that might be preferable. But I am thinking about the broad userbase that does not want to do that. We will need a massive LSP infrastructure to onboard people and to enable insane amounts of payments.

LSPs will need to efficiently open and adjust channels for users, using their own liquidity or sourcing liquidity from other providers, using just-in-time channels, batching and/or splicing to reduce costs and wait times. Across all this, along with facilitating payments, they need to make their business model work and offer different options for users to pay for their services.

Users might be able to: 1. Pay-as-you-go (pay X for Y more liquidity for Z amount of time) 2. Pay X per month for Y inbound liquidity 3. Pay X per month for unlimited liquidity 4. Nothing for liquidity, but higher transaction fees

A wallet might also automatically choose an appropriate LSP based on what is the best and most appropriate deal at the time.

Let's look at user scenarios: - If someone sends and receives the same amount every month, they will never need more liquidity. They just draw down the same channel and fill it up again. So they would only pay the LSP for them assigning that fixed amount of liquidity to them. Maybe options 1 and 2 are good for them. - If someone receives more than they send (they save a certain amount every month), they will need more and more inbound liquidity over time. They might choose option 2. - An online store that receives a ton and can't really estimate how much, might go for option 3. - For option 4, it depends if the higher transaction fees are fixed or percentage-based.

It's a bit like choosing a data plan for your phone (or for internet at home). You can get a prepaid card, a regular plan with certain limits, or go unlimited. And there are separate plans for small and large businesses, etc. And there are massive amounts of complex infrastructure behind these service providers to make it all work.

So when someone starts using a lightning wallet, maybe they have to first pick an LSP and a plan before being able to receive. Or maybe they get a first channel for free and pay higher fees, and are then prompted to choose a plan. Maybe they need to wait an hour until the LSP has enough channel opens for a batch/splice, to reduce costs. A complex market at work.

Is that how things might pan out? Am I completely off? Is it worth mocking up different scenarios?

```

bitcoin #LN #BTC #Lightning #LSP #service #zaps #sats #wallet

```

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896520

@ dd1f9d50:06113a21

(Because Most People Don’t Understand Money)

The requisite knowledge needed to know whether $100 or $100,000 per Bitcoin is relatively speaking “a lot,” is what value means. One way to measure value is through a universal yardstick we call “Money.” The question of “What is money?” is perhaps one of the most overlooked and under answered in our day and age. There is even an entire podcast dedicated to that question with the eponymous title, hosted by Robert Breedlove. That podcast often delves into the more philosophical underpinnings whereas I hope to approach this with a more practical answer.

Money is a technology.

Money is the technology with which we interact with one another to reorganize goods and services to the place and time they are best suited. Most money of the past has been tangible (though not a requisite feature), scarce, recognizable (read: verifiable), durable, portable, and divisible. These features one might call the “Attributes of Money.” These attributes are absolutely essential for a money to maintain its status as a money. (Those of you who understand the U.S. Dollar system maybe scratching your heads right now but, believe me, I will address that elephant in due time.) These attributes, you may notice, are not a yes or no but more of a gradient. A money can be MORE portable than another yet, less durable. One more divisible but not scarce whatsoever. The point being they must have, in some capacity, these attributes or they simply aren’t money.

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

| | Bitcoin | Gold | Dollars | |-----------------|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:|:------------------------------------------------------------------:|:--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------:| | Scarcity | 21 million coins
is the maximum supply | Unknown- the
supply grows roughly 2% per year | Also unknown to anyone outside of the Federal Reserve, Trillions and counting | | Recognizability | Each coin is verifiable to it's genesis on the timechain | Each molecule of gold has distinct physical verifiable properties | If the Federal reserve says it is a valid note, it is (Unless you are an enemy of the United States) | | Durablility | Each "Bitcoin" is information stored on a globally distributed network | Doesn't Rust and as far as can be measured Au197 is stable forever | Can be destroyed by any means that effect fabric and centralized databases | | Portability | Available wherever data can be store- Anywhere | Can be moved at 9.81 Newtons per Kilogram- Methods may vary | Can be moved physically with fabric notes- Digitally with express permission from a US accredited banking institution | | Divisibility | Currently can be divided into 100 million parts called Sats (can be further subdivided by adding decimal places) | Can be divided to the Atomic level (Though not practical) | Can be divided (without dilution) by adding new denominative bills or coinage
Can be divided (with dilution) by printing new bills or coinage | | | Bitcoin | Gold | Dollars |

You may think with all of the great functionality of Bitcoin that the phrase "One of these things is not like the other" refers to BTC. No, I was referring to the Dollar. It is the only one on the list that was a currency that was substituted as some kind of faux money. It asserts itself, or rather the Federal Reserve asserts it, as money, de facto.

Dollars are NOT money.

Dollars are (allegedly) a currency. If money is a specific technology, currency is the financial infrastructure that allows that technology to reach and be used by the most number of people possible. This requires a firm tether between the asset being used as money and the currency used as a claim to that money. For example: If I hand you a chicken, you have a chicken. But, if I hand you a coupon that is redeemable for a chicken, you do not have a chicken. You have a claim to a chicken that is only as good as the party making that claim. Bringing it back to money again, dollars (Prior to 1971) were redeemable for gold at a rate of $35 per ounce. This is that strong tether that pegged dollars to gold and physical reality itself. Without a proof of work, mining, . Until…

WTF Happened in 1971?

The Nixon shock happened. Briefly, The U.S. took in Europe’s gold in the 1940’s to keep it out of Hitler’s hands. The U.S. made an agreement to peg the dollar to Europe’s gold. The U.S. over printed dollars in relation to the gold holdings. Around 1971 France (among others) called the U.S. out for devaluing the dollar and thus European currencies. So, Nixon “Temporarily” suspended the convertibility of dollars to gold. Now, here we all are like Wile E. Coyote having run off of the golden cliff clutching our dollars in our arms and 54 years later we still haven’t looked down to see the truth.

Dollars Aren’t Backed by Anything

This is why no country in the world today has a money standard. Seemingly they all forgot the number one rule of issuing currency, it must be backed by something. Now, you may hear dollar proponents say “The U.S. dollar is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States!” Another way of saying that is, “We said it is worth something, so it is!” This fiat (by decree) mentality creates a plethora of perverse incentives. The ever growing supply disallows users of the Dollar to save without inccuring the penalties of inflation.

Just a Few Examples of How You're Being Crushed

Because your dollar loses value:

• It pushes people to spend them on assets that seem to appreciate (as the dollar debases) but are truly staying stagnant.
• It pushes people to gamble on securities hoping the perceived value is enough to beat the inflationary curve.
• It pushes people away from saving for their future and the future of their families.
• It creates insane credit incentives so that people borrow way more than they can afford today knowing that dollars will be cheaper in the future. (Effectively a short position)
• It pushes people to spend less and less time making and maintaining their families as it becomes more expensive to keep a similar lifestyle to which it was founded.

These are just a few of the terrible consequences of not knowing that trading a currency with no monetary backing has on a society. Most may blame this soley on the ability to print currency by a central bank but, that is not the only factor. If the fed printed dollars against gold, people would simply take the best rate they could get and remonetize themselves with the gold. But because there is no monetary escape hatch guaranteed by the issuance of dollars, I.E. no one has to take your dollars in exchange for their Bitcoin or gold, you are left at the mercy of the market.

One Day, People Will Stop Accepting Your Dollars

Those lementing the high price of Bitcoin might want to thank their lucky stars that Bitcoin still has a rational number next to the "BTC 1=$?" sign. One day you will have to exchange something of actual value to the spender (no longer a seller). Your product, good or service, will be the only thing that anyone might be willing to part with their Bitcoin over. That is what makes a money, the most salable non-consumable good, whose only funtion is to back a financial structure that facilitates trade.

Bitcoin is Capital

Capital is a broad term that can describe anything that confers value or benefit to its owners, such as a factory and its machinery, or the financial assets of a business or an individual. Bitcoin being the latter creates the financial structures from which you build upon. You use capital to hold, transfer, and grow value. You do not do this with cash. Cash is a depreciating asset when you don't use it to gain goods or services for yourself or your business. This misconception around the equivalance between cash and money (financial capital) is what tricks people into believing Dollars are money. And what's worse is that even some of our greatest heroes have done this.

Slay Your Heroes, Within Reason

Unfortunately due to a mixing of verbiage that have very distinct differences, the title: "Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System" is technically inaccurate. Bitcoin doesn't fit the definition of cash, which is a liquid asset that can be easily converted into its equivalent value. In short, Satoshi misspoke. In reality, owning Bitcoin UTXOs (with private keys) means you already possess the asset, not just a claim to it. When you spend Bitcoin, the recipient receives the actual asset, not a promise of it. When you receive Bitcoin, you have final settlement on that transaction. Fundamentally Bitcoin is not cash, electronic or otherwise.

Bitcoin is Money.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) แนวโน้มระยะยาว TF Day ยังคงเป็นขาลง แนวโน้มระยะกลาง TF 4H Sideway down และแนวโน้มระยะสั้น TF 15M Sideways Down

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ได้
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo): * สีแดง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200 , Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ได้
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha): * สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลง,

(3) TF15 (15 นาที):

• แนวโน้ม: Sideway Down
• SMC:
  • Lower High (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคา Sideways ใกล้ Order Block
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • แดง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • แดง/ ไม่มีสัญญาณ
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างสูง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้ม Sideways Down,

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาลง
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): ขาลง
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): Sideways Down
• Liquidity: มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: Day/4H/15m เป็นขาลง
• Chart Patterns: ไม่พบรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้ หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ

Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:

• Day Trade (TF15):

  • Short Bias: หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block)
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด)
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

• Swing Trade (TF4H):

  • Short Bias: รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:

• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL
• False Breakouts: ระวัง
• Volatility: สูง

Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):

1. ระบุ Order Block: หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15
2. รอ Pullback: รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น
3. หา Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block
   • Break of Structure: รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ
   • Money Flow: ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง
4. ตั้ง Stop Loss: เหนือ Order Block
5. ตั้ง Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: ไม่มีแล้ว ทุก Timeframes สอดคล้องกัน
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: เป็นลบ
• Order Block TF Day: หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ ed5774ac:45611c5c

Bitcoin as Collateral for U.S. Debt: A Deep Dive into the Financial Mechanics

The U.S. government’s proposal to declare Bitcoin as a 'strategic reserve' is a calculated move to address its unsustainable debt obligations, but it threatens to undermine Bitcoin’s original purpose as a tool for financial freedom. To fully grasp the implications of this plan, we must first understand the financial mechanics of debt creation, the role of collateral in sustaining debt, and the historical context of the petro-dollar system. Additionally, we must examine how the U.S. and its allies have historically sought new collateral to back their debt, including recent attempts to weaken Russia through the Ukraine conflict.

The Vietnam War and the Collapse of the Gold Standard

The roots of the U.S. debt crisis can be traced back to the Vietnam War. The war created an unsustainable budget deficit, forcing the U.S. to borrow heavily to finance its military operations. By the late 1960s, the U.S. was spending billions of dollars annually on the war, leading to a significant increase in public debt. Foreign creditors, particularly France, began to lose confidence in the U.S. dollar’s ability to maintain its value. In a dramatic move, French President Charles de Gaulle sent warships to New York to demand the conversion of France’s dollar reserves into gold, as per the Bretton Woods Agreement.

This demand exposed the fragility of the U.S. gold reserves. By 1971, President Richard Nixon was forced to suspend the dollar’s convertibility to gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system. This move, often referred to as the "Nixon Shock," declared the U.S. bankrupt and transformed the dollar into a fiat currency backed by nothing but trust in the U.S. government. The collapse of the gold standard marked the beginning of the U.S.’s reliance on artificial systems to sustain its debt. With the gold standard gone, the U.S. needed a new way to back its currency and debt—a need that would lead to the creation of the petro-dollar system.

The Petro-Dollar System: A New Collateral for Debt

In the wake of the gold standard’s collapse, the U.S. faced a critical challenge: how to maintain global confidence in the dollar and sustain its ability to issue debt. The suspension of gold convertibility in 1971 left the dollar as a fiat currency—backed by nothing but trust in the U.S. government. To prevent a collapse of the dollar’s dominance and ensure its continued role as the world’s reserve currency, the U.S. needed a new system to artificially create demand for dollars and provide a form of indirect backing for its debt.

The solution came in the form of the petro-dollar system. In the 1970s, the U.S. struck a deal with Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations to price oil exclusively in U.S. dollars. In exchange, the U.S. offered military protection and economic support. This arrangement created an artificial demand for dollars, as countries needed to hold USD reserves to purchase oil. Additionally, oil-exporting nations reinvested their dollar revenues in U.S. Treasuries, effectively recycling petro-dollars back into the U.S. economy. This recycling of petrodollars provided the U.S. with a steady inflow of capital, allowing it to finance its deficits and maintain low interest rates.

To further bolster the system, the U.S., under the guidance of Henry Kissinger, encouraged OPEC to dramatically increase oil prices in the 1970s. The 1973 oil embargo and subsequent price hikes, masterminded by Kissinger, quadrupled the cost of oil, creating a windfall for oil-exporting nations. These nations, whose wealth surged significantly due to the rising oil prices, reinvested even more heavily in U.S. Treasuries and other dollar-denominated assets. This influx of petrodollars increased demand for U.S. debt, enabling the U.S. to issue more debt at lower interest rates. Additionally, the appreciation in the value of oil—a critical global commodity—provided the U.S. banking sector with the necessary collateral to expand credit generation. Just as a house serves as collateral for a mortgage, enabling banks to create new debt, the rising value of oil boosted the asset values of Western corporations that owned oil reserves or invested in oil infrastructure projects. This increase in asset values allowed these corporations to secure larger loans, providing banks with the collateral needed to expand credit creation and inject more dollars into the economy. However, these price hikes also caused global economic turmoil, disproportionately affecting developing nations. As the cost of energy imports skyrocketed, these nations faced mounting debt burdens, exacerbating their economic struggles and deepening global inequality.

The Unsustainable Debt Crisis and the Search for New Collateral

Fast forward to the present day, and the U.S. finds itself in a familiar yet increasingly precarious position. The 2008 financial crisis and the 2020 pandemic have driven the U.S. government’s debt to unprecedented levels, now exceeding $34 trillion, with a debt-to-GDP ratio surpassing 120%. At the same time, the petro-dollar system—the cornerstone of the dollar’s global dominance—is under significant strain. The rise of alternative currencies and the shifting power dynamics of a multipolar world have led to a decline in the dollar’s role in global trade, particularly in oil transactions. For instance, China now pays Saudi Arabia in yuan for oil imports, while Russia sells its oil and gas in rubles and other non-dollar currencies. This growing defiance of the dollar-dominated system reflects a broader trend toward economic independence, as nations like China and Russia seek to reduce their reliance on the U.S. dollar. As more countries bypass the dollar in trade, the artificial demand for dollars created by the petro-dollar system is eroding, undermining the ability of US to sustain its debt and maintain global financial hegemony.

In search of new collateral to carry on its unsustainable debt levels amid declining demand for the U.S. dollar, the U.S., together with its Western allies—many of whom face similar sovereign debt crises—first attempted to weaken Russia and exploit its vast natural resources as collateral. The U.S. and its NATO allies used Ukraine as a proxy to destabilize Russia, aiming to fragment its economy, colonize its territory, and seize control of its natural resources, estimated to be worth around $75 trillion. By gaining access to these resources, the West could have used them as collateral for the banking sector, enabling massive credit expansion. This, in turn, would have alleviated the sovereign debt crisis threatening both the EU and the U.S. This plan was not unprecedented; it mirrored France’s long-standing exploitation of its former African colonies through the CFA franc system.

For decades, France has maintained economic control over 14 African nations through the CFA franc, a currency pegged to the euro and backed by the French Treasury. Under this system, these African countries are required to deposit 50% of their foreign exchange reserves into the French Treasury, effectively giving France control over their monetary policy and economic sovereignty. This arrangement allows France to use African resources and reserves as implicit collateral to issue debt, keeping its borrowing costs low and ensuring demand for its bonds. In return, African nations are left with limited control over their own economies, forced to prioritize French interests over their own development. This neo-colonial system has enabled France to sustain its financial dominance while perpetuating poverty and dependency in its former colonies.

Just as France’s CFA franc system relies on the economic subjugation of African nations to sustain its financial dominance, the U.S. had hoped to use Russia’s resources as a lifeline for its debt-ridden economy. However, the plan ultimately failed. Russia not only resisted the sweeping economic sanctions imposed by the West but also decisively defeated NATO’s proxy forces in Ukraine, thwarting efforts to fragment its economy and seize control of its $75 trillion in natural resources. This failure left the U.S. and its allies without a new source of collateral to back their unsustainable debt levels. With this plan in ruins, the U.S. has been forced to turn its attention to Bitcoin as a potential new collateral for its unsustainable debt.

Bitcoin as Collateral: The U.S. Government’s Plan

The U.S. government’s plan to declare Bitcoin as a strategic reserve is a modern-day equivalent of the gold standard or petro-dollar system. Here’s how it would work:

1. Declaring Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve: By officially recognizing Bitcoin as a reserve asset, the U.S. would signal to the world that it views Bitcoin as a store of value akin to gold. This would legitimize Bitcoin in the eyes of institutional investors and central banks.

2. Driving Up Bitcoin’s Price: To make Bitcoin a viable collateral, its price must rise significantly. The U.S. would achieve this by encouraging regulatory clarity, promoting institutional adoption, and creating a state-driven FOMO (fear of missing out). This would mirror the 1970s oil price hikes that bolstered the petro-dollar system.

3. Using Bitcoin to Back Debt: Once Bitcoin’s price reaches a sufficient level, the U.S. could use its Bitcoin reserves as collateral for issuing new debt. This would restore confidence in U.S. Treasuries and allow the government to continue borrowing at low interest rates.

The U.S. government’s goal is clear: to use Bitcoin as a tool to issue more debt and reinforce the dollar’s role as the global reserve currency. By forcing Bitcoin into a store-of-value role, the U.S. would replicate the gold standard’s exploitative dynamics, centralizing control in the hands of large financial institutions and central banks. This would strip Bitcoin of its revolutionary potential and undermine its promise of decentralization. Meanwhile, the dollar—in digital forms like USDT—would remain the primary medium of exchange, further entrenching the parasitic financial system.

Tether plays a critical role in this strategy. As explored in my previous article (here: [https://ersan.substack.com/p/is-tether-a-bitcoin-company]), Tether helps sustaining the current financial system by purchasing U.S. Treasuries, effectively providing life support for the U.S. debt machine during a period of declining demand for dollar-denominated assets. Now, with its plans to issue stablecoins on the Bitcoin blockchain, Tether is positioning itself as a bridge between Bitcoin and the traditional financial system. By issuing USDT on the Lightning Network, Tether could lure the poor in developing nations—who need short-term price stability for their day to day payments and cannot afford Bitcoin’s volatility—into using USDT as their primary medium of exchange. This would not only create an artificial demand for the dollar and extend the life of the parasitic financial system that Bitcoin was designed to dismantle but would also achieve this by exploiting the very people who have been excluded and victimized by the same system—the poor and unbanked in developing nations, whose hard-earned money would be funneled into sustaining the very structures that perpetuate their oppression.

Worse, USDT on Bitcoin could function as a de facto central bank digital currency (CBDC), where all transactions can be monitored and sanctioned by governments at will. For example, Tether’s centralized control over USDT issuance and its ties to traditional financial institutions make it susceptible to government pressure. Authorities could compel Tether to implement KYC (Know Your Customer) rules, freeze accounts, or restrict transactions, effectively turning USDT into a tool of financial surveillance and control. This would trap users in a system where every transaction is subject to government oversight, effectively stripping Bitcoin of its censorship-resistant and decentralized properties—the very features that make it a tool for financial freedom.

In this way, the U.S. government’s push for Bitcoin as a store of value, combined with Tether’s role in promoting USDT as a medium of exchange, creates a two-tiered financial system: one for the wealthy, who can afford to hold Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation, and another for the poor, who are trapped in a tightly controlled, surveilled digital economy. This perpetuates the very inequalities Bitcoin was designed to dismantle, turning it into a tool of oppression rather than liberation.

Conclusion: Prolonging the Parasitic Financial System

The U.S. government’s plan to declare Bitcoin as a strategic reserve is not a step toward financial innovation or freedom—it is a desperate attempt to prolong the life of a parasitic financial system that Bitcoin was created to replace. By co-opting Bitcoin, the U.S. would gain a new tool to issue more debt, enabling it to continue its exploitative practices, including proxy wars, economic sanctions, and the enforcement of a unipolar world order.

The petro-dollar system was built on the exploitation of oil-exporting nations and the global economy. A Bitcoin-backed system would likely follow a similar pattern, with the U.S. using its dominance to manipulate Bitcoin’s price and extract value from the rest of the world. This would allow the U.S. to sustain its current financial system, in which it prints money out of thin air to purchase real-world assets and goods, enriching itself at the expense of other nations.

Bitcoin was designed to dismantle this parasitic system, offering an escape hatch for those excluded from or exploited by traditional financial systems. By declaring Bitcoin a strategic reserve, the U.S. government would destroy Bitcoin’s ultimate purpose, turning it into another instrument of control. This is not a victory for Bitcoin or bitcoiners—it is a tragedy for financial freedom and global equity.

The Bitcoin strategic reserve plan is not progress—it is a regression into the very system Bitcoin was designed to dismantle. As bitcoiners, we must resist this co-option and fight to preserve Bitcoin’s original vision: a decentralized, sovereign, and equitable financial system for all. This means actively working to ensure Bitcoin is used as a medium of exchange, not just a store of value, to fulfill its promise of financial freedom.

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

/aD3u+Sg7H/73AxesRZgldLxdnJthffPcP3kzocItjgLrVTjrGbQGXHh78DVUsYZVH3DBIOCOmL0hhmCxSJFKsHRawVQKLWeP+YTaBQBevFioL9kU2tEycWhyYLrLzyJiSwrGuEkNThkdErq8gqWDkcuFsUrlhKKR6IpSyOq8DsYowPDU4fjmxPCSHtnINJIQ+kZgE6jaC3Oiku1ZC3smEj30S9KzKFM6y55/x5TN/mC358CRyoF6dCcPq1q7owMmY0ufCbrMWPJV81qv2LQ7z8Uf1nloBJ9SGLCBzpHCZGbG17CxVFKaHrJwymTg4/9ZjoVAD9plQGqcAu+/+WY2C66IKygQQRdb4sPf6eDz5Vh4HinfJyePUzQKztLhpQzXI4snDSDQaynYjpk6nDFewBRTMdPE0ji6zPhs6lAhNfbkOVwjw1pVD6+kx8TrYpLcmtARi4sYbq+OxGjORmhNQ==?iv=QGXUpUJXm6F2gvL7IN7OaQ==

@ d360efec:14907b5f

$OKX:BTCUSDT.P

Overall Assessment:

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX is currently showing a bearish trend across all analyzed timeframes (Daily, 4-Hour, and 15-Minute). While the long-term trend (Daily) was technically an uptrend, it has significantly weakened and broken key support levels, including a major bullish Order Block and the 50-period EMA. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts confirm the downtrend. This analysis focuses on identifying potential areas of Smart Money activity (liquidity pools and order blocks), assessing trend strength, and looking for any emerging chart patterns.

Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (Daily):

• Trend: Downtrend
• SMC (Smart Money Concepts):
  • The Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is broken.
  • Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but now a significant and deep pullback/reversal is underway.
  • Liquidity:
    • Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range.
    • Buyside Liquidity (BSL): BSL is present above the all-time high.
• ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):
  • Order Block: The price has broken below the prior bullish Order Block. This is a major bearish signal.
  • FVG: No significant Fair Value Gap is apparent at the current price level.
• EMA (Exponential Moving Average):
  • Price is below the 50-period EMA (yellow).
  • The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • A long red bar indicates strong and sustained selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red cloud, indicating a downtrend. No buy/sell signals are present.
• Chart Patterns: No readily identifiable chart patterns are dominant.
• Volume Profile: Relatively low volume.
• Candlesticks: Recent candlesticks are red, confirming selling pressure.
• Support: EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area).
• Resistance: EMA 50, Previous All-Time High.
• Summary: The Daily chart has shifted to a downtrend. The break below the Order Block and 50 EMA, combined with negative Money Flow and Trend Strength, are all strong bearish signals.

(2) TF4H (4-Hour):

• Trend: Downtrend.
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL).
  • BOS to the downside.
  • Liquidity:
    • SSL: Below previous lows.
    • BSL: Above previous highs.
• ICT:
  • Order Block: The price was rejected by a bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish).
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red cloud, confirming downtrend.
• Chart Patterns: No readily identifiable chart patterns.
• Volume Profile: Relatively steady volume.
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. Money Flow and Trend Strength are bearish.

(3) TF15 (15-Minute): * Trend: Downtrend / Sideways Down * SMC: * Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL). * BOS to the downside. * ICT: * Order Block price is near to a bearish Order Block. * EMA: * The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance. * Money Flow (LuxAlgo): * Red * Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha): * Red/No signals * Chart Patterns: None * Volume Profile: * Relatively High Volume * Support: Recent lows. * Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block. * Summary: The 15-minute chart is clearly bearish, with price action, EMAs, and Money Flow all confirming the downtrend.

Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):

• Primary Trend (Day): Downtrend
• Secondary Trend (4H): Downtrend.
• Short-Term Trend (15m): Downtrend/ Sideways Down.
• Liquidity: Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes.
• Money Flow: Negative on all timeframes.
• Trend Strength: Bearish on Day,4H and 15m.

• Chart Patterns: None identified.

• Strategies:

  1. Wait & See (Best Option): The strong bearish momentum on all shorter timeframes.

  2. Short (High Risk): This aligns with the 4H and 15m downtrends.

     • Entry: On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance, Order Blocks).
     • Stop Loss: Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe, or above a key resistance level.
     • Target: The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then potentially the SSL zones on the 4H and Daily charts).

  3. Buy (Extremely High Risk - NOT Recommended): Do not attempt to buy until there are very strong and consistent bullish reversal signals across all timeframes.

Key Recommendations:

• Conflicting Timeframes: The conflict is resolved toward the downside. The Daily is weakening significantly.
• Money Flow: Consistently negative across all timeframes, a major bearish factor.
• Trend Strength: Bearish on Day,4h and 15m.
• Daily Order Block: The break of the bullish Order Block on the Daily chart is a significant bearish development.
• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting.
• Risk Management: Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, strict risk management is absolutely critical. Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings.
• Volume: Confirm any breakout or breakdown with volume.

Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:

• Day Trade (TF15 focus):

  • Short Bias: Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities.
    • Entry: Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside).
    • Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support level (recent lows).
  • Avoid Long positions until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure).

• Swing Trade (TF4H focus):

  • Short Bias: The 4H chart is in a downtrend.
    • Entry: Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection.
    • Stop Loss: Above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones).
    • Avoid Long positions until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 4H chart.

SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):

1. Identify Bearish Order Block: Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move).
2. Wait for Pullback: Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block (this may or may not happen).
3. Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern).
   • Break of Structure: Look for a break of a minor support level on a lower timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block. This confirms weakening bullish momentum.
   • Money Flow: Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red).
4. Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the Order Block.
5. Take Profit: Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe.

In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, bearish environment. The "Wait & See" approach is strongly recommended for most traders. Shorting is the higher-probability trade at this moment, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk extremely effectively. Buying is not recommended at this time.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

­

@Voltage team will be building a simple implementation of a Lightning gated API service using a Voltage LND Node and the L402 protocol.

📅 Thursday, February 27th 4:00 PM CDT

📷 Live on Voltage Discord, on X, or on YouTube. - discord.gg/EN93fDfQ - https://x.com/voltage_cloud/status/1892938201980919985 - https://www.youtube.com/@voltage_cloud

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/896373

@ 6f7db55a:985d8b25

This article will be basic instructions for extreme normies (I say that lovingly), or anyone looking to get started with using zap.stream and sharing to nostr.

EQUIPMENT Getting started is incredibly easy and your equipment needs are miniscule.

An old desktop or laptop running Linux, MacOs, or Windows made in the passed 15yrs should do. Im currently using and old Dell Latitude E5430 with an Intel i5-3210M with 32Gigs of ram and 250GB hard drive. Technically, you go as low as using a Raspberry Pi 4B+ running Owncast, but Ill save that so a future tutorial.

Let's get started.

ON YOUR COMPUTER You'll need to install OBS (open broaster software). OBS is the go-to for streaming to social media. There are tons of YouTube videos on it's function. WE, however, will only be doing the basics to get us up and running.

First, go to https://obsproject.com/

Once on the OBS site, choose the correct download for you system. Linux, MacOs or Windows. Download (remember where you downloaded the file to). Go there and install your download. You may have to enter your password to install on your particular operating system. This is normal.

Once you've installed OBS, open the application. It should look something like this...

For our purposes, we will be in studio mode. Locate the 'Studio Mode' button on the right lower-hand side of the screen, and click it.

You'll see the screen split like in the image above. The left-side is from your desktop, and the right-side is what your broadcast will look like.

Next, we go to settings. The 'Settings' button is located right below the 'Studio Mode" button.

Now we're in settings and you should see something like this...

Now locate stream in the right-hand menu. It should be the second in the list. Click it.

Once in the stream section, go to 'Service' and in the right-hand drop-down, find and select 'Custom...' from the drop-down menu.

Remeber where this is because we'll need to come back to it, shortly.

ZAPSTREAM We need our streamkey credentials from Zapstream. Go to https://zap.stream. Then, go to your dashboard.

Located on the lower right-hand side is the Server URL and Stream Key. You'll need to copy/paste this in OBS.

You may have to generate new keys, if they aren't already there. This is normal. If you're interested in multi-streaming (That's where you broadcast to multiple social media platforms all at once), youll need the server URL and streamkeys from each. You'll place them in their respective forms in Zapstream's 'Stream Forwarding" section.

Use the custom form, if the platform you want to stream to isn't listed.

*Side-Note: remember that you can use your nostr identity across multiple nostr client applications. So when your login for Amethyst, as an example, could be used when you login to zapstream. Also, i would suggest using Alby's browser extension. It makes it much easier to fund your stream, as well as receive zaps. *

Now, BACK TO OBS... With Stream URL and Key in hand, paste them in the 'Stream" section of OBS' settings. Service [Custom...] Server [Server URL] StreamKey [Your zapstream stream key]

After you've entered all your streaming credentials, click 'OK' at the bottom, on the right-hand side.

WHAT'S NEXT? Let's setup your first stream from OBS. First we need to choose a source. Your source is your input device. It can be your webcam, your mic, your monitor, or any particular window on your screen. assuming you're an absolute beginner, we're going to use the source 'Window Capture (Xcomposite)'.

Now, open your source file. We'll use a video source called 'grannyhiphop.mp4'. In your case it can be whatever you want to stream; Just be sure to select the proper source.

Double-click on 'Window Capture' in your sources list. In the pop-up window, select your file from the 'Window' drop-down menu.

You should see something like this...

Working in the left display of OBS, we will adjust the video by left-click, hold and drag the bottom corner, so that it takes up the whole display.

In order to adjust the right-side display ( the broadcast side), we need to manipulate the video source by changing it's size.

This may take some time to adjust the size. This is normal. What I've found to help is, after every adjustment, I click the 'Fade (300ms)' button. I have no idea why it helps, but it does, lol.

Finally, after getting everything to look the way you want, you click the 'Start Stream' button.

BACK TO ZAPSTREAM Now, we go back to zapstream to check to see if our stream is up. It may take a few moments to update. You may even need to refresh the page. This is normal.

STREAMS UP!!!

A few things, in closing. You'll notice that your dashbooard has changed. It'll show current stream time, how much time you have left (according to your funding source), who's zapped you with how much theyve zapped, the ability to post a note about your stream (to both nostr and twitter), and it shows your chatbox with your listeners. There are also a raid feature, stream settings (where you can title & tag your stream). You can 'topup' your funding for your stream. As well as, see your current balance.

You did a great and If you ever need more help, just use the tag #asknostr in your note. There are alway nostriches willing to help.

STAY AWESOME!!!

npub: nostr:npub1rsvhkyk2nnsyzkmsuaq9h9ms7rkxhn8mtxejkca2l4pvkfpwzepql3vmtf

@ 8da249fe:ecc00e09

Existem diversas corretoras onde você pode comprar e vender bitcoins e outras moedas. O ideal é sempre escolher empresas idoneas e com boa fama, para isso, antes de ir comprando bitcoin conheça pessoas que usam estas corretoras, veja os depoimentos destas pessoas sobre esta plataforma, isso é bem básico e serve para qualquer coisa.

Geralmente estas exchanges (corretoras) exigem alguns dados pessoais, ou seja, são fontes de bitcoin por KYC. Para pessoas que querem ter bitcoin sem seus dados registrados é necessário a compra peer-to-peer, que é a compra direta por pessoas sem a uma "instituição financeira" mediando a transação.

Dica número 1 : Nunca deixe seus bitcoins armazenados em corretoras.

Apesar do bitcoin ainda não ter nenhum tipo de regulamentação, as corretoras por serem consideradas "instituições financeiras" são reguladas pelo Sistema Financeiro Nacional, sendo vulneráveis as decisões governamentais.

Além disso, as corretoras por movimentarem grandes quantidades de dinheiro, estão vulneráveis ataques hackears que são frequentementes.

Dica número 2: Sempre deposite seus bitcoins em carteiras

As carteiras são locais de armazenamento seguros e alguns tipos com as cold Wallet não há gestão dos seus fundos por intermediários, logo a responsabilidade pelo seu dinheiro é totalmente sua.

Sempre importante guardar e ter uma boa organização quanto as senhas de acesso, pois uma vez que perde não há nenhuma forma de recuperá-la.

Algo que o economista Fernando Roxo fala no YT que concordo plenamente ,é , que não se deve deixar todos os ovos numa cesta só. O que aplico no universo bitcoin que não se deve colocar todos os seus bitcoin em apenas uma carteira. É muito importante dificultar o máximo para os criminosos roubarem, por isso devem ter várias carteiras.

Dica número 3: Entenda que Bitcoin não é investimento, e sim uma solução econômica.

Não desista do bitcoin , só porque ele ocila de valor. O bitcoin não é um investimento a onde se aplica e você tem um lucro. O bitcoin é uma solução em decorrência da desonestidade dos governos que imprimem moedas sem valor agregado.

Este conhecimento é extremamente importante para que não se iluda com promessa de ficar milionário ou algo do tipo. O bitcoin é uma moeda segura que tem o intuito de proteger o mercado financeiro em decorrência da má fé de estados, e também uma arma contra governos.

Dica número 4 : Ajude a comunidade, comercialize em bitcoin.

Quer você seja consumidor ou produtor, faça com que seus fundos estejam em bitcoin. Apesar de estamos engatinhando no mercado há muitas iniciativas como o Bitrefill, maquininhas e software para movimentações em bitcoin que tem facilitado as transações.

Dica número 5: Conheça os termos técnico sobre este universo.

Fique sempre atualizados com os termos da comunidade com KYC, cold wallet, hot wallet, fiat ... Assim você poderá seu um "agente" pró bitcoin e ajudar pessoas simples a entrarem neste universo e ter sua auto custódia e estarem imunes aos desgovernos.

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

GitCitadel Development Operations

We, at GitCitadel, have been updating, moving, and rearranging our servers, for quite some time. As a rather large, complex, sprawling project, we have the infrastructure setup to match, so we've decided to give you all a quick run-down of what we are doing behind-the-scenes.

Supplier Coordination

Our first task, this week, was figuring out who would host what where. We have four different locations, where our infra is stored and managed, including two locations from our suppliers. We got that straightened out, quickly, and it's all slowly coming together and being connected and networked. Exciting to watch our DevOps landscape evolve and all of the knowledge-transfer that the interactions provide.

OneDev Implementation

Our biggest internal infra project this week was the migration of all of our issues from Jira, build scripts from Jenkins, and repos from GitHub to a self-hosted OneDev instance. In the future, all of our internal build, test, issue, patch/PR, etc. effort will take place there. We also have a separate repo there for communicating with external developers and suppliers.

Our team's GitHub projects will be demoted to mirrors and a place for external devs to PR to. Public issues and patches will continue to be managed over our self-hosted GitWorkshop instance.

We're especially glad to finally escape the GitHub Gulag, and avoid being bled dry by Jira fees, without having to give up the important features that we've come to know and love. So, yay!

Next Infrasteps

Automated Testing

Now, that we have everything tied up in one, neat, backed-up package, we can finally move on to the nitty-gritty and the dirty work. So, we're rolling up our sleeves and writing the Selenium smoke test for our Alexandria client. We'll be running that in Docker containers containing different "typical Nostr" images, such as Chrome browser with Nostr Connect signing extension, or Firefox browser with Nos2x-fox extension. Once we get the Nsec Bunker and Amber logins going, we'll add test cases and images for them, as well. (Yes, we can do Bunker. I hope you are in awe at our powers).

We are also designing an automated infrastructure test, that will simply rattle through all the various internal and external websites and relays, to make sure that everything is still online and responsive.

After that, a Gherkin-based Behave feature test for Alexandria is planned, so that we can prevent regression of completed functionality, from one release to the next.

The Gherkin scenarios are written and attached to our stories before development begins (we use acceptance tests as requirements), a manual test-execution is then completed, in order to set the story to Done. These completed scenarios will be automated, following each release, with the resulting script linked to from the origin story.

Automated Builds

As the crowning glory of every DevOps tool chain stands the build automation. This is where everything gets tied together, straightened out, configured, tested, measured, and -- if everything passes the quality gates -- released. I don't have to tell you how much time developers spend staring at the build process display, praying that it all goes through and they can celebrate a Green Wave.

We are currently designing the various builds, but the ones we have defined for the Alexandria client will be a continuous delivery pipeline, like so:

This will make it easier for us to work and collaborate asynchronously and without unnecessary delays.

Expanding the Status Page

And, finally, we get to the point of all of this busyness: reporting.

We are going to have beautiful reports, and we are going to post them online, on our status page. We will use bots, to inform Nostriches of the current status of our systems, so go ahead and follow our GitCitadel DevOps npub, to make sure you don't miss out on the IT action.

Building on stone

All in all, we're really happy with the way things are humming along, now, and the steady increase in our productivity, as all the foundational work we've put in starts to pay off. It's getting easier and easier to add new team members, repos, or features/fixes, so we should be able to scale up and out from here. Our GitCitadel is built on a firm foundation.

Happy building!

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

The moments and events that leave you lost. Shook. In Disbelief.

Those are the moments you need most. They unlock something dormant in you. Feelings you didn't think imaginable. Journeys you thought unlikely to happen.

Paths and roads filled with ups and downs. Uncertainties, roadblocks, long distances of absolutely nothing in sight. Periods of turmoil and absolute stillness.

Don't mistake where you are for the finale.

Embrace life, it gives you character.

@ 8bad797a:8461b4bc

This time from a laptop computer via Highlighter, from which the Merry Frankster can post long form content. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

@ a1c19849:daacbb52

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 20 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1kg of chicken thighs
• 3 large onions
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1.5 dl Ketjap Medja
• 0.5 liter chicken broth
• Pepper
• Salt
• Nutmeg

Directions

1. Cut the onions and sauté them
2. Add the chicken thighs in pieces and bake for a few minutes
3. Add the garlic powder and the brown sugar and bake for a short time
4. Add the ketjap media and the chicken broth
5. Add some salt and pepper and nutmeg and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours
6. Make sure all the moist evaporates but make sure it doesn’t get too dry. Otherwise add some extra chicken broth
7. Bon appetit!

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Of all the people you should fear, fear most the peaceful man in situations where anyone else would be aggressive. The strongest man is the one who masters his emotions in moments of rage and fury—who, even in anger, does not destroy everything around him, including himself.

Remember: no man truly knows how evil he can be until he strives to be good in a corrupt world and, for that, is crushed by it.

Anxiety makes a man suffer even before there is a concrete reason. The mere act of anticipating pain makes him feel it in its full intensity, even if it never materializes. On the other hand, anxiety leads to rash actions, driven by impulse or anger. And these decisions, in the end, can destroy him.

The most harmful choices are usually made under stress, rage, or passion. Anxiety, in turn, is a formidable adversary, difficult to tame. Controlling it requires constant and gradual training. The key is to balance expectations—facing the future with serenity rather than allowing worries to corrode the present. Sometimes, it is necessary to abandon the life we planned to face the life that awaits us. Instead of acting impulsively in moments of deep stress, learn to reflect rationally on all possibilities before taking action.

I recognize that, in theory, this advice is easy to give. Sono d’accordo, I know how difficult it is in daily life. But listen well: do not let your actions be driven by impulsiveness. Remember, stubbornness combined with anxiety is a direct path to a pit of regrets.

Stubbornness, unlike persistence, makes a man insist on mistakes or ignore wise counsel. It forces him to act against logic, preventing him from learning from failures and reevaluating decisions. It is a silent source of suffering, robbing him of opportunities for change and growth.

Just as a river reaches its destination by adapting to the course it encounters, a wise man must seek new approaches rather than persist in the same mistakes. Adapting, learning, and changing course are the keys to reaching one’s true destiny.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

BaszLlgH9dAh2CqW2k26hzuwc1eYH4zrpRL8HOdAFYdvj+DH4uXXW7GqUGLi2ZshjrbOMDsUiC4iQCqGqpmxMEV6tamikeBULZmgGefljQePcm9Eop/RRwGMfBvUsluafgmA7RcQsYbxUciGtDjZOqFtfvIz1G2BZEHygn3K8lEt+qcC4qLHBbXr61gMpgGKGVdjdHVtg+WM0+Mksmb7RmX1rCmJJqUO1wlEbopInC2nuggcl/xJjC8T5yLbfxI15mxg8DtgvJKKlFmvDibYwsIGa3tdnYp6g7rPTMaY8cyrmEqg8uG8gaUv6DfB7v86x+cUCGgqZyI4ADVzqgctotRmfr+WSSI9MLsvpMKE7eE/AEvcxhED0nXD7+0SOSubhHWd/7+na7EXXYqaGdp2pWEKYoLlTtX0Wm6xNNzpgAINLpa1mUeizem4BfwxonNFv9cVzAI7SfFtNeJB9d3Clw==?iv=y+GrJyYLok3vE5zDYei8JA==

@ a1c19849:daacbb52

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 20 min
• 🍳 Cook time: 4 hours

Ingredients

• 1kg of chicken thighs
• 3 large onions
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1.5 dl Ketjap Medja
• 0.5 liter chicken broth
• Pepper
• Salt
• Nutmeg

Directions

1. Cut the onions and sauté them
2. Add the chicken thighs in pieces and bake for a few minutes
3. Add the garlic powder and the brown sugar and bake for a short time
4. Add the ketjap media and the chicken broth
5. Add some salt and pepper and nutmeg and let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours
6. Make sure all the moist evaporates but make sure it doesn’t get too dry. Otherwise add some extra chicken broth
7. Bon appetit!

@ 037ebe13:93af01dc

Se você acompanhou o noticiário, deve ter visto que o ministro Alexandre de Moraes, do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF), voltou a investir contra as redes sociais. Na sexta-feira (21), Moraes determinou a suspensão da rede social americana Rumble no Brasil.

De acordo com o ministro, a rede social cometeu "reiterados, conscientes e voluntários descumprimentos das ordens judiciais, além da tentativa de não se submeter ao ordenamento jurídico e Poder Judiciário brasileiros" e que instituiu um "ambiente de total impunidade e 'terra sem lei' nas redes sociais brasileiras".

No entanto, o CEO da Rumble, Chris Pavlovski, afirmou que Moraes exigiu que a Rumble cumprisse decisões que são ilegais segundo a legistação americana e passou um “aviso” ao ministro: “nos vemos no tribunal”.

Não é de hoje que o STF e Moraes são acusados de promover um ambiente de “censura” através de uma suposta perseguição enviesada a perfis que criticam as atuações da corte e do ministro, inclusive exigindo a remoção de perfis por parte dessas redes – algo que contraria a legislação brasileira.

Em 2024, o X chegou a ficar suspenso no Brasil por quase 40 dias, sendo que Moraes chegou a impor multas para quem tentasse acessar a rede via VPN, uma decisão contestada e vista por muitas pessoas como ilegal.

Isso mostra que o poder do estado vai continuar agindo contra as redes sociais com o intuito de estabelecer algum tipo de restrição a essas plataformas. E tal poder tende a funcionar, pois estas plataformas são consideradas empresas e muitas têm representantes legais no Brasil, que são um vetor de ataque para eventuais suspensões.

Felizmente, a criação do Bitcoin (BTC) levou a um avanço na forma como podemos manter nossa privacidade protegida da sanha autoritária dos estados. E isso chegou nas redes sociais com a criação do Nostr. Por isso, o protocolo descentralizado com foco em redes sociais é o tema da nossa newsletter de hoje.

O que é o Nostr?##

A palavra Nostr, que dá nome ao protocolo, é a sigla para Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays (Notas e Outras Coisas Transmitidas por Relés, em tradução livre). Esse protocolo surgiu em 2020 para criar uma “camada social” na rede do Bitcoin. Ou seja, permitir o desenvolvimento de aplicativos similares a redes sociais.

No entanto, foi a partir de 2023 que o protocolo ganhou fama, a ponto de ficar conhecido como o “Twitter descentralizado”. Esse nome se deveu ao fato de que um dos aplicativos mais populares do Nostr era o Damus, que funciona como uma espécie de X.

A principal diferença do Nostr para outros serviços é que os aplicativos criados pelos protocolos não podem ser censurados. Eles operam baseados em clientes e relés (relays) muito similares aos nós que rodam a rede do Bitcoin. Por isso, não adianta um governo tentar derrubar um nó: se os demais estiverem ativos, a rede seguirá funcionando livre de censura.

Sistema de chaves##

Da mesma forma que no Bitcoin, no Nostr cada usuário é identificado por uma chave pública. E também há uma chave privada, que ele usa para assinar as transações. Mas ao contrário do BTC, as chaves privadas não são formadas por sequência de palavras, mas sim por uma sequência de letras:

chave pública: cada chave pública do Nostr começa com as iniciais “npub”. Ex: npub43tahY4T…

chave privada: já as chaves privadas começam com os caracteres “nsec”. Ex: nsec4T6uyA4F…

Para acessar os aplicativos do Nostr (como o Damus), você só precisa fazer o download e inserir a sua chave privada no app. Ele vai ler a chave e identificar que você de fato controla aquela conta, mas o aplicativo não armazena as chaves. Por isso elas não ficam sujeitas a roubos, mantendo o seu perfil seguro.

Uma vez logado no aplicativo, cada vez que você publica algo (por exemplo, uma mensagem que publica, uma atualização da sua lista de seguidores, etc.), você assina uma transação. Os clientes validam estas assinaturas para garantir que estão corretas.

Hoje, existem mais de 70 aplicativos criados para o Nostr, desde outros “Twitter descentralizados” até serviços de mensagem. E todos eles funcionam de forma integrada, o que significa que a sua chave privada funciona como uma identidade única. Isso permite que você acesse a todos os aplicativos com uma única senha, sem precisar fazer cadastros e deixar seus dados expostos em várias redes sociais.

Esse protocolo foi criado por um brasileiro conhecido como fiatjaf, que preferiu se manter anônimo. O projeto fez tanto sucesso que recebeu um apoio massivo de Jack Dorsey, criador do Twitter, que chegou a doar 14,6 BTC para ajudar no desenvolvimento do Nostr. Hoje, esse valor corresponde a mais de R$ 8 milhões.

Como fazer uma conta no Nostr##

Antes de acessar os aplicativos, você deve criar suas chaves pública e privada no site oficial do Nostr. Basta acessar o Endereço e clicar na opção “create your Nostr account”. E pronto, o site gera as duas chaves automaticamente. A chave pública (npub) fica visível, enquanto a chave privada (nsec) aparece coberta.

Basta clicar nos quadrados do lado esquerdo da chave privada que ele vai copiar automaticamente. Você também pode clicar em “show private key” para ver a chave privada, ou clicar em “download keys” para baixar ambas as chaves.

Cabe frisar que essas chaves, sobretudo a privada, são essenciais para acessar qualquer aplicativo criado no Nostr. Por isso, assim que você salvá-las, guarde essas chaves em um lugar seguro e longe da internet, para evitar roubos. Por isso:

jamais anote sua chave privada num bloco de notas;

escreva a chave privada à mão num papel e guarde com bastante cuidado;

nunca, sob qualquer hipótese, compartilhe sua chave privada em arquivos na nuvem ou por e-mail.

Se você quiser ter ainda mais segurança, pode adquirir o NOSTR Signing Device, dispositivo que serve para assinar publicações com o Nostr e mantém sua chave privada segura. Ele é importado, mas custa apenas 20 euros (cerca de R$ 120) no site da LNBits.

Redes sociais à prova de censura##

Bem, agora vamos conferir as duas redes sociais que selecionamos entre os mais de 70 aplicativos do Nostr. Nelas você pode publicar qualquer coisa sem medo de sofrer com censura, bloqueios ou processos indevidos por causa de alguma acusação vaga como “promover discurso de ódio”.

O primeiro dessas aplicativos é o Primal, que é praticamente uma cópia do já citado Damus. Ele também se parece muito com o X e lá você pode publicar, mandar mensagens inbox para outro usuário, curtir, salvar, compartilhar e comentar.

Ao contrário do X, o Primal não impõe limite de caracteres nas publicações e você não tem selos. O aplicativo também possui uma carteira Lightning onde você pode enviar e receber satoshis. E o melhor de tudo, o Primal possui a função “zap”, que permite que você possa enviar e receber satoshis por causa de suas publicações.

Ou seja, se você escrever alguma coisa no Primal e as pessoas gostarem, elas podem te enviar “gorjetas” em satoshis. Isso significa que você consegue monetizar o seu conteúdo sem precisar assinar nenhum plano ou pagar para conseguir um selo. Você também pode enviar satoshis para seus criadores de conteúdo favoritos.

Mas se você gosta de publicar artigos mais longos (como esta newsletter), o Nostr conta com o YakiHonne. Este “Substack descentralizado” permite que você publique notas como o Primal, mas também oferece a possibilidade de criar artigos em formato de newsletter.

Você pode favoritar ou salvar os seus autores preferidos, facilitando a leitura de artigos. E o aplicativo também possui seções de curadoria específica. Com ela, você consegue acessar artigos por tópicos e ver o que está se destacando no YakiHonne naquele momento.

Quer escrever sobre um tema polêmico? Faça seu artigo no YakiHonne sem ter medo de censura ou de ver seu texto desmonetizado. E caso ele faça sucesso, você pode receber satoshis como pagamento e monetizar seu trabalho recebendo em moeda forte.

Infelizmente, os tribunais de censura seguem em crescimento no mundo e a liberdade de expressão em plataformas centralizadas seguirá ameaçada. Afinal, estas empresas visam o lucro e estão sujeitas às leis. E elas dificilmente farão frente ao poder do estado apenas para beneficiar seus usuários.

Por isso, da mesma forma que você pode tirar o estado do seu dinheiro com o Bitcoin, você pode tirar a censura das suas palavras usando o Nostr. Afinal, como diz o personagem Ensei Tankado de “Fortaleza Digital”:

“Todos temos o direito de guardar segredos. Um dia eu farei com que isso volte a ser possível.”

Vale uma olhada##

Matéria completa sobre o lançamento do Nostr no CriptoFacil;

O canal dos tem um vídeo excelente falando sobre como criar e armazenar suas chaves privadas do Nostr usando o Signing Device. Vale a pena conferir.

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

4AyVzEB184z1TbzDQUPVZot5cWPTgWkUe+N3tbQD6zzVOlEvohL3ummrAnvJp3TwqmvrtAEYlJ/MdDTcUpdShWIGP6yK0l4sU+w/isqZZ+F5cVuRfjcE/vGLDUuYkieExtzSXS9O6g2j1R5uf7P4w/OqTgwNvezq1JIEoongSgK7EDcULa3oS7hN7CFSv935/hW7oKo7ZSwuRHiqyxCvlVTqDCO04NqDNUfPYNX9JuW5Yy0Hh+KOHtDbpKSmUSWsBuZ/09Egh3L85p6zxc5IS62WMERR4DzH0/WtKf82kEaDayyof4hVcAkqzIpTGx8BbaZDWRtKIsqbvucDfrrN8WIJsl0HHC1bGTlsl9jVf3wvFZGYg1U3dI00eXh0CG6ZHJ5cEl2Sw6y8/Sq2vsWW7Xfwxxg9VMBQxK5BdYM92yYYbDds/DpE7ODsJUmecO1qCtMdabEZayW9Aru0D1DBHg==?iv=faYNkjk6ZuPDigI+xprH2A==

@ 6e0ea5d6:0327f353

Ascolta bene, amico mio. The type of woman you choose reflects the type of man you truly are—or the one you hide from being.

Don't deceive yourself: your choices are a mirror of your essence. If you constantly get involved with women who drag you into chaos, who manipulate or belittle you, that says more about your weaknesses than about theirs. Chi sceglie male, paga il prezzo.

You cannot blame fate or the woman for your decisions. The responsibility is yours. If you are foolish enough to be swayed by superficial beauty or the need for approval, you are digging your own ruin.

A real man, before loving, learns to understand women—not just one, but many. He observes, understands their motivations, and learns to distinguish between those who add value and those who destroy.

If you choose wrong, don't blame the world. Cazzo! The mistake was yours, and so will be the consequence. Needy men, who let themselves be trapped by the first woman who offers crumbs of attention, end up being shaped by their circumstances. "La donna non ti fa cane; sei tu che ti fai cane." By choosing a woman without character, you reveal your own lack of discernment and courage. And, my friend, if you fear being alone, remember: loneliness next to the wrong woman is far more bitter.

If you seek respect, start by choosing wisely. Those who cling blindly, out of fear or necessity, are doomed to suffer. Own your choices, learn from your mistakes, and be selective. The world does not forgive the weak, and excuses will not redeem your weakness.

Thank you for reading, my friend!

If this message resonated with you, consider leaving your "🥃" as a token of appreciation.

A toast to our family!

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

TWZV9abAoZjUbj7J1vcIAKPmV71+x4zCyoDjyQb19W2W7vANZeX+ImSZZSHmigpqbb3Ri2hAOdBSY7wN6lv28TKBU7Ss/dFwxjEFkcctvWXEHCb/WCl04FLkZS8mHGluAISloh1Vc2jGt7GWYWIDB0hUxYt2puR2Teon0bk7rgCituFGxQNtN8H5nUAUuHU16t/bRXkdf6E+3HmdOyZo63IXaFvDHBBzAFMuuhZyYBSTNe010DNcwSta/PDBMP1nkvxQSVQTOIKHO2eJ8w9SSlcgSbk4UaiUV1QDFK885cD2r9F7Va6UGIPJwI9gNveojArw5sVXYMhphFW0/vBoDPgMpn61K0hW+RwgYXpEIC+EagRMgU2QYylFna4PZF6Cnf8ZvdDD7F76ZzT3zl6h2emryTX3/cI9nfYAxOa65u0=?iv=PEjkHgfI8JQ0mavIeiDbrA==

@ 9bcc5462:eb501d90

Every generation loves to learn. However, our public schooling system has gone as far as it can take us. The abundance of easily accessible information on the internet, coupled with emerging tech like AI, decentralized protocols and bitcoin, means this is our time to innovate our learning infrastructure. A complete overhaul is due along with the development of a pilot program to test new and unconventional models.

Let’s carve a path towards innovation by sparking discussion around this topic. Hence, this blueprint. It is a gauntlet for any person who genuinely wants to become a stakeholder for our country’s future. Entry points are:

• Builders—Startups, developers and investors who will fund and create infrastructure.
• Practitioners—Educators and researchers who will test models.
• Supporters—Parents, donors and community members who want to contribute.

Where Do We Begin?

Let’s think about crafting the main components of a new pilot model. Below are suggested areas of focus:

• DEFINITION
• APPROACH
• PHILOSOPHY
• CULTURE
• PHYSICAL DESIGN
• OPERATIONAL ORGANIZATION
• ACCOUNTABILITY METHODS
• RISKS & CHALLENGES
• STYLE
• STAKEHOLDERS

How It Works

After researching your pedagogical ideas for current and future generations of scholars, it’s time to share your insights. Contribute  your viewpoint by structuring a blueprint—one page per section—in the following sequence:

• Definition of your modern learning model with its key principles.
• Description of the core learning approach.
• Philosophy distilled into central concepts that will orient stakeholders.
• Culture your modern learning model aspires to live by.
• Potential challenges, risks and drawbacks.
• Design of physical spaces and rationale.
• Operational framework detailing adult and child learning organization.
• Accountability methods to ensure skill growth and competency.
• Style development and name of your model.
• Skin in the game, sign your model with your first and last name (unite stakeholders).

Perhaps if enough stakeholders come together, we can begin to actualize a more effective and updated way of learning. This is a challenge meant to separate those willing to engage in discourse, planning and laying foundations from those content to complain from the sidelines.

Why Now and Where Does the Money Come From?

After being a public educator for fifteen years, I learned you will not change the system, the system will change you. It’s time to design and build above and apart from the current model. 2025 is when courageous people step up to the plate and discuss our learning infrastructure. Whether it’s contributing out of the box thinking, modernizing curriculum, investing in startups or creating your own venture; there is no greater time than now. And no greater place than in the USA!

(By extension, we also create the opportunity to influence our global allies including our neighbors to the North and South.)

“But how!?” Learning Producers is figuring it out by asking not, “how?” but “who?” Who will unite together to develop our learning infrastructure? If you decide you want to participate and join our efforts, share your blueprint as well. For all stakeholders, this is an investment in an untapped market of a new learning economy.

If not, you’re not alone. Some consider this just rhetoric, idealism, or wishful thinking. Additionally, it is unclear how such actions can be profitable or how such infrastructure building will be funded. Money talks. Bullshit walks, right? In that case, let’s talk, and let’s fine tune our BS detectors. Onward, with this call to action:

• Share your own blueprint online or reach out to Learning Producers, Inc. (Learningproducers.com).
• Conduct research on an ideal location and team to lay foundations on a pilot program at small scale.
• Engage in dialogue with investors interested in developing learning infrastructure for their own children and families.
• Secure stakeholders to develop and test a real world pilot model (real location, real agreements, real timeline, real people).
• Sponsor or donate resources to counter concerns over funding.

Now, we leave you with our blueprint:

PEDAGOGICAL WABI-SABI

We hope you enjoy it.

Sincerely,

Israel Hernandez

Founder of Learning Producers

**[Read or download full blueprint here: https://www.learningproducers.com/blog/pedagogical-wabi-sabiblueprint-for-developing-learning-infrastructure ]

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers!

It's Monday so we're back doing "Meta Music Mondays" 😉.

From before the territory existed there was just one post a week in a ~meta take over. Now each month we have a different theme and bring music from that theme.

Welcome to Femmes Fatales 3!!! I absolutely loved doing this last year so I'm bringing it back for round 3!

It's Femmes Fatales, where we celebrate women in ~Music. So let's have those ladies of the lung, the sirens of sound, our Femmes Fatales!

Stackers, here's Avril Lavigne.

https://youtu.be/dGR65RWwzg8?si=T5onrZ0T_zREhd-n

Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats.

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/895855

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

747GIbu5bfk2tnwQJ2YPjDqwS/COApd+oStn7fiqmUTltmWEBhCGNgB+zV3JKNQ23OmfU6GiU6GjSI7qfxi1ye5cPJecrcOkVFvW4jTs03GOBs+wj9tLvdZ7JXINVin7JtcAhJvQv/ift4ScHFcMSygnCT9X6ZHFzEDdSvcbYamwsrXI3HmDpO6DrD5sfBn1/nXFJvcS7Lva6FrvayzbjSPV/AgG04jaBB0IEiZKQc5kdWjKAxuZQCDLwRNlr3ywtBTfOr8UtvxI3vz204LhP2t+artkkAR9BudTTmz/iZoQO5HrW8ISlR2mfNGjL10KKKRTFvey9dvEdC4+zP0I+I2IsVYPKfnGnzaSC01Z2bP9RARrQYIJi34PzJKaoMyD4ZsQavrz4vP0eOM5Phc3Q2xfYk/b6ee0RQ6PzRiP4UFtCSC4zLivKs30SElB/rbGlYtuSFGpHA8B2ZrgT3vZ4Q==?iv=65C/YwYjGnH87Jdxnh+Mag==

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

Bitcoin is an incredible innovation, a financial revolution, and an obsession for many. The idea of decentralization, financial sovereignty, and the potential for life-changing gains make it easy to get sucked into the never-ending cycle of price checks, news updates, and technical analysis. But here’s the reality: dedicating every waking moment to Bitcoin—or anything, really—is not sustainable. It’s not healthy. You need to breathe. You need to live.

The Trap of Constant Focus

It starts innocently enough. You buy your first bit of Bitcoin. You check the price. Then you check it again. Before long, you’re spending hours reading articles, listening to podcasts, watching charts, and diving into the latest market trends. The highs of a bull market fuel your excitement; the lows of a crash send you spiraling into despair. And soon, it consumes you.

If you’re not careful, Bitcoin can become an all-encompassing mental trap, a black hole that sucks in every moment of your free time. You think about it when you wake up. You refresh your portfolio at lunch. You browse Twitter threads before bed. It’s an addiction that disguises itself as productivity. But the truth? It’s draining you.

The Case for Letting Go

Let’s be real—Bitcoin should not be your entire life. Your well-being, relationships, and overall happiness depend on balance. Financial freedom is meaningless if you sacrifice your health, your connections, and your experiences along the way. Here’s why you need to step back:

1. Your Brain Needs a Break—Constantly thinking about Bitcoin puts you under heightened stress. Markets are volatile, and living in reaction mode is exhausting. Give your brain space to rest, reflect, and reset.

2. The Sun Exists—go Enjoy It. Get outside, walk, breathe fresh air, and touch some grass, literally. Sitting in front of a screen tracking prices all day is not fulfilling.

3. Love and Human Interaction Matter. Your most valuable asset is not Bitcoin—it’s the relationships you build. Spend time with God, with friends, family, and loved ones. Share experiences. Have deep conversations that don’t involve blockchain technology.

4. Automation is Your Best Friend – Here’s a secret: You don’t need to manually buy Bitcoin every day or even every week. Set up an automated buying schedule and forget about it. Whether it’s once a week, biweekly, or monthly, let technology do the work while you focus on living.

5. There’s More to Life Than Financial Gains – Wealth is important, but so is joy. Read a book. Pick up a hobby. Travel. Laugh. Life is happening all around you—don’t miss it because you’re staring at a screen.

Finding a Healthier Approach

Bitcoin can be part of your life without becoming your life. Set boundaries. Schedule specific times to check in on the market, but outside of those moments, let it go. Treat it like any other long-term investment—buy, hold, and forget. Trust the process without obsessing over every tick in the chart.

Most importantly, remember: You are a human being, not just an investor. You are here to experience, to love, to learn, and to grow. Bitcoin will be there whether you’re watching or not—but life won’t wait.

So step away. Breathe. Live.

Automate Your Bitcoin Strategy with River

If you want to make Bitcoin a seamless part of your life without the stress, consider using River. It’s a platform I love because it allows me to deposit cash and earn a percentage back in Bitcoin on that cash balance and automatically execute a daily dollar-cost averaging (DCA) strategy FEE-FREE. Instead of constantly watching charts, my Bitcoin purchases happen automatically, drawing from my cash balance. It’s fully customizable, meaning you can adjust your buy schedule and even automatically transfer part of your holdings to your own wallet, ensuring you hold your own keys.

For those concerned about security, River recently introduced Forcefield, an added layer of protection for your assets. If you’re interested in making your Bitcoin journey effortless, sign up using my referral code here—this earns us both free Bitcoin! Set it and forget it, and get back to living your life.

@ 8be6bafe:b50da031

Botev Plovdiv FC is proud to present the Bitcoin Salary Calculator tool, as the foundational tool to showcase athletes the financial power of Bitcoin.

We built the Salary Calculator to help anyone follow in the financial footsteps of prominent athletes such as Kieran Gibbs, Russell Okung, Saquon Barkley, and Renato Moicano, who have significantly increased their savings tank thanks to Bitcoin.

The Bitcoin Salary Calculator allows any person to choose how much of their monthly salary they are comfortable saving in Bitcoin. Instantly, users can backtrack and see how their Bitcoin savings would have performed using the once-in-a-species opportunity which Bitcoin brings.

Try it out NOW for yourself.

https://video.nostr.build/a9f2f693f6b5ee75097941e7a30bfc722225918a896b29a73e13e7581dfed77c.mp4

Athletes need Bitcoin more than anyone else

Unlike most people, athletes’ careers and earning years are limited. This has driven the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. and Alex Crognale to also start saving a part of their income in Bitcoin with a long-term outlook as they prepare for retirement.

“The reason why announced 50% of my salary in Bitcoin is because I feel one the noblest things you can do is to get people to understand Bitcoin.” Kieran Gibbs, founder ONE FC, ex Arsenal, ex Inter Miami, ex West Bromich Albion.

“I am trusting Bitcoin for my life after football. Every time my club paid me, I bought Bitcoin.” Alex Crognale, San Antonio FC player.

https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1883228348379533469

“At Botev Plovdiv FC, we believe not only in fostering sporting talent, but also helping them the the most of their careers so they excel in life after retiring from sports. It is with this mission in mind that the club is launching the Bitcoin Football Cup hub, striving to accelerate mass Bitcoin education via sports and athletes - the influencers and role models for billions of people.” shared Botev’s Bitcoin Director George Manolov.

https://x.com/obj/status/1856744340795662432

The Bitcoin Football Cup aims for young prospects to be able to learn key financial lessons from seasoned veterans across all sports. Our Bitcoin Salary Calculator is only the first step toward that goal.

We encourage anyone to hear these stories straight from the current roster of Bitcoin athletes -for whom -in many cases- Bitcoin has allowed them to outperform the wealth it took decades to earn on the field.

Follow us on the Bitcoin Cup’s social media channels to learn more and hear the latest stories of how Bitcoin is shaking up the world of sports:

• Twitter: https://x.com/Bitcoin_Cup/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BitcoinCup/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@BitcoinCup/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BitcoinCup/

@ e5de992e:4a95ef85

One of the most common misconceptions about trading is that it's no different from gambling. This belief often comes from people who misunderstand the discipline, structure, and effort that go into becoming a successful trader. The truth is, trading couldn't be further from gambling when done right. It's about edges, calculated risks, consistency, and discipline.

Let's break down the key differences and why trading, when approached correctly, is a professional skill—not a game of chance.

---

Why People Think Trading Is Gambling

1. Lack of Understanding:
   Many assume trading is about guessing market direction or chasing quick profits, which mirrors gambling behavior.

2. Emotional Reactions:
   Traders who rely on instincts or impulsive decisions often resemble gamblers, reinforcing the stereotype.

3. Stories of Losses:
   Headlines about traders losing their life savings due to overleveraging or poor risk management create the illusion that all trading is reckless.

---

What Trading Really Is

1. Trading is About Edges

• What It Means:
  An edge is a systematic advantage that gives you a higher probability of success over time. It could be a proven strategy, a deep understanding of market patterns, or an ability to exploit inefficiencies.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  Gambling relies on pure chance or unfavorable odds (e.g., the house always wins). In trading, a well-researched edge tips the probability in your favor.

2. Trading Involves Calculated Risks

• What It Means:
  Every trade involves assessing how much you're willing to lose relative to the potential gain. Risk management ensures no single trade can wipe you out.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  In gambling, you often bet more than you can afford to lose. In trading, calculated risks are taken with predefined stop-losses and position sizing to minimize potential damage.

3. Trading is an Emotional Fight

• What It Means:
  Success in trading depends on mastering your emotions—fear, greed, impatience, and overconfidence can destroy even the best strategies.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  Gambling thrives on emotional highs and lows. Trading requires emotional discipline, where decisions are based on logic and planning, not impulse.

4. Trading Demands Consistency

• What It Means:
  Successful trading isn't about a single big win—it's about executing your strategy consistently over hundreds or thousands of trades.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  Gambling often relies on luck and one-off results. Trading builds wealth through steady, disciplined application of a proven system.

5. Trading Focuses on Long-Term Goals

• What It Means:
  Traders work towards sustainable growth over months and years, prioritizing capital preservation and compounding profits.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  Gamblers often aim for immediate gratification, while traders take a marathon approach, understanding that success is built gradually.

6. Trading Requires Countless Hours of Practice

• What It Means:
  Traders spend countless hours backtesting strategies, studying market behavior, and improving their skills.

• Why It's Not Gambling:
  Gambling involves minimal preparation or reliance on skill, whereas trading is a craft honed through continuous learning and refinement.

---

Key Differences Between Trading and Gambling

| Aspect | Trading | Gambling | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Control | Follows a defined plan | Relies on chance | | Risk Management | Uses stop-losses and proper sizing | All-in mentality | | Skill vs. Luck | Based on skill and strategy | Primarily luck | | Timeframe | Focused on long-term growth | Instant gratification | | Emotional Approach | Requires discipline | Driven by highs and lows |

---

Final Thoughts: Trading is a Profession, Not a Bet

The idea that trading is gambling stems from a lack of knowledge about what trading truly entails. While both involve risk, trading is a calculated, skill-based profession that rewards preparation, discipline, and consistency. Gambling, on the other hand, is a game of chance with the odds stacked against you.

If you want to succeed as a trader, focus on building edges, managing risk, and staying consistent over the long term. These principles separate professionals from gamblers—and turn trading into a sustainable path to financial growth.

Remember: It's not about luck. It's about skill.

---

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

In this episode, we invited Alexandra from the Bitcoin Reach community to share insights on the development, challenges, and adoption strategies of the Bitcoin community in Zimbabwe.

YakiHonne: Before we begin, let me briefly introduce YakiHonne. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on Nostr—a protocol designed to empower freedom of speech through technology. It enables creators to own their voices and assets while offering innovative tools like smart widgets, verified notes, and support for long-form content. Today we'll be exploring more about community building and management with our honorable guest Alexandra. Could you please introduce yourself and your community?

Alexandra：I'm Alexandra, and I founded a community called Bitcoin Beach, which is a suburban community. One thing that really astonished me was that there were already many Bitcoin communities worldwide before us. Before getting into Bitcoin, I worked for a podcast called Global Bitcoin Fest, where I interviewed community leaders from different countries, innovators driving change, and those advocating for Bitcoin regulations. Through these conversations, I discovered that Bitcoin communities existed all over the world—yet, surprisingly, there wasn’t one in Zimbabwe. Alexandra：This was particularly shocking because Zimbabwe has experienced some of the highest inflation rates in history—the second-highest inflation rate of all time. Many people associate Zimbabwe with its 100 trillion-dollar banknotes, which symbolize our extreme hyperinflation. In fact, we have gone through six currency failures, yet many still don’t fully understand inflation or how it affects us. Alexandra：Our community was created to educate people about Bitcoin and financial sovereignty, helping them navigate economic instability and regain control over their finances through Bitcoin.

YakiHonne: It seems like you have a lot of people who genuinely want to learn about Bitcoin. They are not only focused on improving Zimbabwe’s economy but also actively engaging with the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Alexandra：I think one of the biggest challenges is that people don't truly understand how devastating a failed monetary system can be. If you look at it this way—money is involved in 50% of all transactions, meaning it plays a fundamental role in every economic activity. When money fails, one of the first consequences is the inability to calculate capital effectively, leading to high time preference decision-making. Alexandra：Why is this a problem? Well, in a stable monetary system, when people have strong purchasing power, they receive fair value for their economic output. This allows them to buy goods and services, invest in their future, pursue higher education, start businesses, and invest in assets like real estate and stocks. Essentially, good money gives people the time and ability to build a better future. Alexandra：However, when money does not store economic value, people only receive a fraction of what they produce. Instead of earning a full dollar for their work, they might get only two to three cents on the dollar. This means their income is barely enough for basic sustenance—just buying food, bread, and milk, and often, that isn’t even sufficient. Alexandra：As a result, people shift from long-term financial planning to immediate survival, making economic calculations purely about what they need right now rather than investing in the future. This is why so many places remain impoverished. Without stable money, real estate investments disappear, housing becomes inaccessible, and infrastructure like malls and gyms is nearly nonexistent. The only way to secure housing is outright purchase, which very few people can afford. This highlights the severe economic limitations caused by a broken monetary system. YakiHonne: It seems like you've already answered our first question. I was going to ask what sparked your interest in Bitcoin, but I can see that many factors actually led you toward the Bitcoin ecosystem. So, I think you've already covered that. Now, one more thing—I’d love to know what motivated you to build a community around Bitcoin?

Alexandra：Absolutely. Like I said, we observed communities all across Zimbabwe, but we noticed that nothing was really happening in terms of Bitcoin adoption. In fact, Zimbabwe's adoption rate is significantly lower than in most countries. While sub-Saharan Africa has the highest Bitcoin adoption rate, Zimbabwe itself has one of the lowest adoption rates. Alexandra：I realized that if no one else was willing to pave the way to make Bitcoin adoption more resilient and accessible, then I should step up and do the necessary work to facilitate the process. My goal was to connect the people who needed to be connected—whether it's miners, individuals looking to buy Bitcoin, or those who need help installing and using it.

YakiHonne: How did Bitcoin Reach begin? How was your community formed, and how did you initially attract new members?

Alexandra：it all started with just a few people. I was highly motivated and kept asking myself, how can we create an impact in Zimbabwe? Strangely enough, it began with me simply chasing leads. Alexandra：The turning point came when Anita Posch visited Zimbabwe. Through her visit, I connected with other like-minded individuals in the Bitcoin space. From there, we decided to create a WhatsApp group, which became the foundation of our community. With this small collective, I started reaching out to more people. Having even a modest level of influence allowed me to leverage connections and secure sponsorships. Alexandra：Our first sponsor was Booking for Fairness, followed by Money on Chain, Rootstock, and Global Bitcoin Fest. With this support, we started hosting regular meetups, organizing at least two meetups per month in different cities and countries. So far, we've held meetups in over eight cities across four different countries. At these events, attendance ranged from 25 to over 50 people, and at times, we even filled an entire restaurant with Bitcoin enthusiasts. YakiHonne: That's really impressive! You started with just three people, and now you're hosting events with over 50 attendees—sometimes even filling an entire restaurant. That’s truly amazing. Alexandra, you and your team are doing incredible work in Zimbabwe—it's a massive achievement! What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Alexandra： I think one of the major challenges that we do face is what we call an implicit ban, and some functions. Firstly, when we have what we call the negative order assumptions, a policy similar to what South Africa recently faced. Essentially, any country with bilateral relations with the United States must enforce the same sanctions imposed by the U.S. As a result, Zimbabwe is restricted from receiving goods and services from many companies. If you’re a Bitcoin business, you cannot provide Bitcoin services to Zimbabwe, cannot send hardware wallets, cannot hire people from Zimbabwe, and cannot offer sponsorships to Zimbabwean projects. This significantly limits the number of Bitcoin companies we could have collaborated with, which would have helped people earn Bitcoin and drive adoption. Alexandra：The second major challenge is implicit ban. If a Bitcoin company sets up in Zimbabwe, they cannot access on-ramps and off-ramps for funds. This means converting Bitcoin to physical cash is very expensive—normally, the cost should be around 2%, but due to the lack of formal channels, we have to buy Bitcoin at a 10% margin, making transactions extremely costly. As a result, it becomes difficult to establish a circular Bitcoin economy, and since we don’t have one, we struggle to secure funding.

YakiHonne: What advice would you give to someone looking to start or expand a Bitcoin-focused community in today’s landscape?

Alexandra：My advice would be to focus on the core issues, and the two most important ones are structure and education. Often, we get distracted by other elements when building a larger economy—such as organizing meetups, managing day-to-day operations, or maintaining WhatsApp groups for communication. However, for a community to truly grow and thrive, it needs a strong structural system and a functional circular economy. Alexandra：First, structure is key. If someone wants to learn about Bitcoin, where can they go? What courses or resources are available? Having clear educational pathways is essential for adoption. Alexandra：Second, building a circular economy is crucial. The first step is identifying people who are earning Bitcoin—whether through remittances, jobs, or services. Once there are enough Bitcoin earners, the next step becomes easier: figuring out where they can spend it. This is a far more practical approach than simply convincing businesses to accept Bitcoin without an existing customer base.For example, if you’re a vendor, shop owner, photographer, baker, or farmer, there are many potential Bitcoin customers who don’t want to cash out due to high fees. By accepting Bitcoin, businesses expand their clientele, which is a critical factor in establishing a sustainable Bitcoin economy.

YakiHonne: Does your community engage in the technical or non-technical aspects of Bitcoin? Or perhaps do you guys do both?

Alexandra：I think one of the biggest challenges is that we have people conducting thousands of dollars in Bitcoin transactions, yet they don’t understand what Lightning or Layer 2 is. Some even believe that Bitcoin has no real utility, despite using it regularly. There are people who are interested in the technical aspects, and we are gradually finding them. However, our community initially consisted mostly of people who used Bitcoin primarily for remittances. This is a common challenge in Africa—Bitcoin adoption grew rapidly because people saw it as a useful tool, not because they fully understood it. Unfortunately, we are currently more focused on the non-technical aspects, but we are actively working to change that.

YakiHonne：Alexandra, how do you see the role of Bitcoin communities evolving as technology advances, particularly in areas like scalability, privacy, and adaptability? How do you think these communities will develop as these technologies mature?

Alexandra：Yeah, I think Bitcoin communities play a crucial role in adoption and education. One of the most common things I hear when teaching people about Bitcoin is, “I wish I had learned about this from you first.” Many people's first encounter with Bitcoin was through scams, which led them to give up on it. Communities are essential because people are more likely to trust and engage with products when they come from a trusted source. Alexandra：When you build a community, every new member you bring in has the potential to influence five to ten others. These people are more likely to trust a friend’s recommendation when they say, “Bitcoin is good,” or when they explain how on-chain transactions might be slower or more expensive, but tools exist to enable faster, cheaper, and more private transactions. Alexandra：People buy into products they trust—or from people they trust. This is why communities are so important, even in a system built on "Don't trust, verify." Ironically, trust is still the first step for many newcomers. I think this is where Bitcoin might have missed the mark—there are so many incredible Bitcoin advocates, but if no one knows them personally, their messages, no matter how well-articulated, may not resonate. However, when the information comes from a trusted individual, people are much more receptive. Alexandra：Bitcoin communities serve as a solid foundation for introducing new solutions, including scalability, privacy, and other innovations. The key is communicating these ideas in a way that people trust and understand. Unlike expensive marketing campaigns, a passionate community can spread Bitcoin education almost for free—all they need are the right tools and resources to drive the movement forward.

YakiHonne：As long as there is trust, expansion will happen more effectively. Every user, every community member is a stakeholder, as they have the ability to bring others into the community. I’m confident that Bitcoin Reach will continue to grow and make an impact. Now, moving on to my final question, is the government in your region supportive or opposed to Bitcoin? And how has that stance impacted your community so far? Alexandra：our government is against Bitcoin. As I mentioned earlier, they were the ones who imposed the implicit ban, making it very expensive for individuals to buy Bitcoin. Zimbabwe used to be one of the fastest adopters in sub-Saharan Africa, but as soon as the government banned Bitcoin, adoption plummeted from 100 to zero. This has made it much more challenging for people like me to build a community around Bitcoin. Alexandra：Now, people hold their own keys because they are all using hardware wallets, which is a major benefit. Since they don’t trust institutions, they have taken full control of their Bitcoin, which is a great step toward financial sovereignty. However, this also slows down adoption in some ways. For example, in South Africa, our neighboring country, Pick n Pay has over 1,500 stores where people can pay with Bitcoin. In Zimbabwe, however, there are almost no places to spend Bitcoin, making real-world usage extremely limited.

YakiHonne：Thank you, Alexander.We've now reached the conclusion of today's interview, and I must say, I've learned so much from you. First, I truly admire how you were motivated by the low Bitcoin adoption rate in your country and took action to change that. I also appreciate your efforts to integrate economic growth with Bitcoin adoption, showing a deep understanding of both financial and technological progress. Your approach to community building is inspiring—you recognize that every community member matters, and the trust they bring is essential to the community’s success. It’s unfortunate that your government does not support Bitcoin, but with time, I believe that as Bitcoin’s influence continues to grow, they will eventually yield to its impact. I’m confident that there will be a stronger Bitcoin movement in Zimbabwe in the future.

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Next new resources about the MiniBolt guide have been released:

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• 🆕 Roadmap: LINK
• 🆕 Dynamic Network map: LINK
• 🆕 Nostr community: LINK < ~ REMOVE the "[]" symbols from the URL (naddr...) to access
• 🆕 Linktr FOSS (UC) by Gzuuus: LINK
• 🆕 Donate webpage: 🚾 Clearnet LINK || 🧅 Onion LINK
• 🆕 Contact email: hello@minibolt.info

---

Enjoy it MiniBolter! 💙

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ 2f4550b0:95f20096

The role of a leader extends far beyond managing tasks or hitting targets. Great leaders don’t just steer their ships; they design environments where their teams can grow, adapt, and thrive. By wearing the hat of "learning architects," leaders can craft intentional, impactful learning experiences that empower their teams to take ownership of their development. This isn’t about spoon-feeding knowledge or enforcing rigid training programs. It’s about building a framework where learning feels natural, relevant, and self-directed, unlocking both individual potential and collective success.

At the heart of this approach are two guiding principles: self-direction and relevance. Encouraging self-direction for your team will tap into the innate human drive to explore and grow when given autonomy. People don’t want to be told what to learn; they want to pursue learning that matters to them. Relevance, meanwhile, ensures that learning connects directly to real-world challenges, making it immediately applicable. When leaders weave these principles into their team’s growth strategy, they foster a culture of curiosity and resilience.

Why does a learning architect mindset matter? Teams that prioritize learning are better equipped to navigate uncertainty. When leaders design growth opportunities, they signal trust in their team’s ability to evolve, boosting morale and performance. More importantly, in a world where skills can become obsolete overnight, fostering continuous learning isn’t optional; it’s a survival tactic.

So, how can leaders build this learning ecosystem? Here’s a three-step blueprint to kickstart a team learning initiative that’s both practical and impactful:

Step 1: Map the Terrain by Identifying Needs and Interests

Start by understanding your team’s needs. What skills do they need to excel in their roles today, and what might they need tomorrow? Don’t assume; ask. Conduct one-on-one chats or a quick team survey to uncover your team members’ goals, pain points, and passions. For example, a marketing team might crave data analytics skills, while a product team might lean toward user experience design. Pair these insights with organizational priorities to find the sweet spot where individual interests meet business needs. This step ensures relevance by grounding learning in real-world demands, while inviting self-direction by giving team members a voice.

Step 2: Build the Framework by Curating Flexible Learning Paths

Once you’ve mapped the terrain, design lightweight, adaptable learning paths. Avoid heavy-handed mandates; instead, offer a menu of options. This could mean curating online courses from providers like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, organizing peer-led workshops, or even setting up a book club tackling industry trends. The key is flexibility; let team members choose what resonates. For instance, if someone’s keen on leadership, point them to a podcast series, while a hands-on learner might shadow a senior colleague. Add structure with loose milestones (e.g., “Try one new resource this month”) to keep momentum without stifling autonomy. This balance of guidance and freedom fuels self-directed growth.

Step 3: Encourage Reflection and Application

Learning doesn’t stick unless it’s used. Create opportunities for your team to reflect on what they’ve learned and apply it. Host casual “share-back” sessions where they present key takeaways or test new skills on a small project. For example, a salesperson who studied negotiation tactics could role-play a contract negotiation scenario, while a developer might prototype a tool they’ve explored. Tie these efforts to real challenges, like improving a process or brainstorming a product tweak, to reinforce relevance and connect their learning to the organization’s strategy. As a leader, your role is to cheerlead, ask questions, and remove roadblocks. Being a learning architect isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about designing a system where growth becomes second nature. By anchoring your approach in self-direction and relevance, and following a simple blueprint (map needs, build paths, open space), you empower your team to take the reins. The result? A group that’s not just keeping up, but pushing forward, ready for whatever comes next. Start small, iterate often, and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of learners and top performers.

Leaders as Learning Architects: Designing Growth for Your Team

The role of a leader extends far beyond managing tasks or hitting targets. Great leaders don’t just steer their ships; they design environments where their teams can grow, adapt, and thrive. By wearing the hat of "learning architects," leaders can craft intentional, impactful learning experiences that empower their teams to take ownership of their development. This isn’t about spoon-feeding knowledge or enforcing rigid training programs. It’s about building a framework where learning feels natural, relevant, and self-directed, unlocking both individual potential and collective success.

At the heart of this approach are two guiding principles: self-direction and relevance. Encouraging self-direction for your team will tap into the innate human drive to explore and grow when given autonomy. People don’t want to be told what to learn; they want to pursue learning that matters to them. Relevance, meanwhile, ensures that learning connects directly to real-world challenges, making it immediately applicable. When leaders weave these principles into their team’s growth strategy, they foster a culture of curiosity and resilience. 

Why does a learning architect mindset matter? Teams that prioritize learning are better equipped to navigate uncertainty. When leaders design growth opportunities, they signal trust in their team’s ability to evolve, boosting morale and performance. More importantly, in a world where skills can become obsolete overnight, fostering continuous learning isn’t optional; it’s a survival tactic.

So, how can leaders build this learning ecosystem? Here’s a three-step blueprint to kickstart a team learning initiative that’s both practical and impactful:

Step 1: Map the Terrain by Identifying Needs and Interests

Start by understanding your team’s needs. What skills do they need to excel in their roles today, and what might they need tomorrow? Don’t assume; ask. Conduct one-on-one chats or a quick team survey to uncover your team members’ goals, pain points, and passions. For example, a marketing team might crave data analytics skills, while a product team might lean toward user experience design. Pair these insights with organizational priorities to find the sweet spot where individual interests meet business needs. This step ensures relevance by grounding learning in real-world demands, while inviting self-direction by giving team members a voice.

Step 2: Build the Framework by Curating Flexible Learning Paths

Once you’ve mapped the terrain, design lightweight, adaptable learning paths. Avoid heavy-handed mandates; instead, offer a menu of options. This could mean curating online courses from providers like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning, organizing peer-led workshops, or even setting up a book club tackling industry trends. The key is flexibility; let team members choose what resonates. For instance, if someone’s keen on leadership, point them to a podcast series, while a hands-on learner might shadow a senior colleague. Add structure with loose milestones (e.g., “Try one new resource this month”) to keep momentum without stifling autonomy. This balance of guidance and freedom fuels self-directed growth.

Step 3: Encourage Reflection and Application

Learning doesn’t stick unless it’s used. Create opportunities for your team to reflect on what they’ve learned and apply it. Host casual “share-back” sessions where they present key takeaways or test new skills on a small project. For example, a salesperson who studied negotiation tactics could role-play a contract negotiation scenario, while a developer might prototype a tool they’ve explored. Tie these efforts to real challenges, like improving a process or brainstorming a product tweak, to reinforce relevance and connect their learning to the organization’s strategy. As a leader, your role is to cheerlead, ask questions, and remove roadblocks.

Being a learning architect isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about designing a system where growth becomes second nature. By anchoring your approach in self-direction and relevance, and following a simple blueprint (map needs, build paths, open space), you empower your team to take the reins. The result? A group that’s not just keeping up, but pushing forward, ready for whatever comes next. Start small, iterate often, and watch your team transform into a powerhouse of learners and top performers.

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ a012dc82:6458a70d

The financial landscape has been dramatically reshaped with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) landmark approval of the first-ever batch of spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs). This pivotal moment not only signifies a major leap forward for the cryptocurrency realm but also marks a significant evolution in traditional investment methodologies. The integration of Bitcoin into the ETF framework heralds a new era of digital asset investment, blending the innovative world of cryptocurrencies with the stability and familiarity of traditional financial markets. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Bitcoin ETFs, their profound implications for the investment community, and the transformative potential they hold for the future of financial diversification and strategy.

Table of Contents

• What is a Bitcoin ETF?

• The Significance of SEC’s Approval

• Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market

• Benefits for Investors

  • Enhanced Accessibility

  • Portfolio Diversification

  • Regulatory Safety Net

• Challenges and Considerations

• Conclusion

• FAQs

What is a Bitcoin ETF?

A Bitcoin ETF represents a seismic shift in investment opportunities, offering a bridge between the cutting-edge realm of cryptocurrencies and the established world of stock market investing. It functions as an investment fund that closely tracks the value of Bitcoin, allowing investors to buy shares that mirror the performance of the digital currency. These shares are traded on conventional stock exchanges, akin to stocks, thereby democratizing access to Bitcoin investment. This innovative approach eliminates the technical barriers and security concerns associated with direct cryptocurrency investments, such as understanding blockchain technology, managing digital wallets, and safeguarding private keys. By simplifying the investment process, Bitcoin ETFs are poised to attract a diverse range of investors, from seasoned stock market enthusiasts to newcomers intrigued by the potential of digital currencies.

The Significance of SEC’s Approval

The SEC's approval of Bitcoin ETFs is a watershed moment, signaling a paradigm shift in the financial sector's approach to digital assets. It's a recognition of Bitcoin's growing relevance and maturity as an investment asset, and a nod to its potential to integrate seamlessly into the broader financial system. This move is not just about regulatory compliance; it's a strong endorsement of the legitimacy and viability of cryptocurrencies. The involvement of heavyweight financial institutions in sponsoring these ETFs is a testament to the growing confidence in Bitcoin's future. This development is expected to catalyze further innovations in the cryptocurrency space, encouraging more rigorous standards, enhanced security protocols, and greater transparency, all of which are essential for mainstream acceptance and long-term growth.

Impact on the Cryptocurrency Market

The launch of Bitcoin ETFs is set to revolutionize the cryptocurrency market. By offering a regulated, familiar, and accessible investment vehicle, these ETFs are likely to attract a new demographic of investors, including those who have been on the sidelines due to the perceived complexities and risks of cryptocurrencies. This broader investor base could lead to increased market capitalization and liquidity for Bitcoin, potentially reducing volatility and fostering a more stable pricing environment. Moreover, the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs could serve as a catalyst for the development of similar products for other cryptocurrencies, paving the way for a more diverse and robust digital asset market. This could also spur innovation in blockchain technology and crypto-related services, further integrating these into the mainstream financial ecosystem.

Benefits for Investors

Enhanced Accessibility

Bitcoin ETFs represent a democratization of cryptocurrency investment, making it accessible to a wider audience. This inclusivity extends beyond individual investors to institutional ones, who may have been hesitant to invest in cryptocurrencies due to regulatory concerns or logistical complexities. By trading on major stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer a familiar and regulated environment, lowering the entry barrier for those new to digital currencies.

Portfolio Diversification

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs offers a novel avenue for portfolio diversification. Historically, investors seeking diversification would turn to a mix of stocks, bonds, and commodities. Bitcoin ETFs add a new dimension to this mix, providing exposure to an asset class that has shown a low correlation with traditional markets. This diversification can be particularly appealing in times of economic uncertainty or inflationary pressures, where Bitcoin has often been touted as a 'digital gold'.

Regulatory Safety Net

Trading within the regulated framework of stock exchanges, Bitcoin ETFs offer a level of oversight and consumer protection not typically available in direct cryptocurrency investments. This regulatory safety net can be particularly reassuring for risk-averse investors and those concerned about the legal implications of cryptocurrency investments.

Simplified Investment and Taxation Process: Investing in Bitcoin directly involves a complex maze of tax implications and ownership challenges. Bitcoin ETFs streamline this process, offering a straightforward investment vehicle that fits neatly into existing tax and investment frameworks. This simplification is a boon for both individual investors managing their portfolios and financial advisors seeking to incorporate digital assets into their clients' strategies.

Challenges and Considerations

While Bitcoin ETFs offer numerous advantages, they are not without their challenges and risks. The cryptocurrency market, known for its volatility, presents a unique risk profile that may not be suitable for all investors. The price of Bitcoin can be influenced by a range of factors, from regulatory news to technological developments, and investor sentiment. Therefore, while ETFs provide a more accessible route to Bitcoin investment, they do not shield investors from the inherent price volatility of the underlying asset. Additionally, as with any emerging investment vehicle, there is a learning curve associated with understanding how Bitcoin ETFs fit into a broader investment strategy. Investors should conduct thorough research, consider their long-term investment goals, and possibly consult with financial advisors to understand how Bitcoin ETFs align with their risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Conclusion

The introduction of Bitcoin ETFs is a landmark development in the financial world, bridging the gap between traditional investment mechanisms and the burgeoning world of digital currencies. This innovation not only expands the accessibility of Bitcoin to a broader range of investors but also enhances the overall credibility and stability of the cryptocurrency market. As the financial landscape continues to evolve, Bitcoin ETFs stand as a beacon of the growing synergy between conventional finance and digital asset innovation, offering a glimpse into a future where such collaborations are not just possible but are a cornerstone of investment strategy. As we move forward, Bitcoin ETFs will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics of investment portfolios, offering a unique combination of innovation, accessibility, and diversification.

FAQs

What is a Bitcoin ETF? A Bitcoin ETF is an exchange-traded fund that tracks the price of Bitcoin, allowing investors to buy shares in the ETF on traditional stock exchanges, without directly purchasing and managing Bitcoin.

How does a Bitcoin ETF differ from buying Bitcoin directly? Unlike direct Bitcoin purchases, which require a cryptocurrency exchange account and a digital wallet, a Bitcoin ETF allows investors to trade shares representing Bitcoin on conventional stock exchanges, simplifying the investment process.

Are Bitcoin ETFs safe investments? While Bitcoin ETFs offer the safety of regulated stock exchanges and eliminate the need for digital wallet management, they still carry the inherent volatility and risks associated with Bitcoin prices.

Can Bitcoin ETFs be included in retirement portfolios? Yes, Bitcoin ETFs can be included in various investment portfolios, including retirement plans, offering a way to diversify with a new asset class.

What are the tax implications of investing in a Bitcoin ETF? Bitcoin ETFs simplify tax reporting compared to direct cryptocurrency investments. However, investors should consult with a tax professional to understand specific implications.

That's all for today

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

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

Planning Alexandria

People keep asking what features nostr:npub1s3ht77dq4zqnya8vjun5jp3p44pr794ru36d0ltxu65chljw8xjqd975wz has planned for #Alexandria, but they're not set in stone because we're an agile project.

What we do have, is lots of tickets on our Kanban boards and a naming scheme, where we use a famous person's last name, to signify the release goals.

Gutenberg v 0.1.0

(after the inventor of the printing press) will contain the features needed to read and write NIP-62 Curated Publications, as well as encompassing the complex infrastructure, architecture, documentation, and personnel we require to make this all run smoothly and look easy.

Euler v 0.2.0

(after a mathematician credited with establishing graph theory) will contain the features for deep-searching, visually exploring, and smartly navigating the data set, wiki page display, annotating and citing the publications, exporting to other formats (like PDF, ePUB, and LaTeX), and commenting/reviewing. To help with the heavy lifting, we will be swapping out the core with our own Nostr SDK called "Aedile".

Defoe v 0.3.0

(after an author who perfected the novel format) will be all about our favorite writers. We will be focusing upon profile data, payment systems, book clubs and communities, and stylesheets.

That is everything we have planned, for the v1.0 edition, and we consider that version to be a true product.

As for after that, a teaser...

@ e034d654:ca919814

I stumbled into nostr end of March 2023. At that point already fully thrown into the hows, whys and whats of Bitcoin, never really interested in social apps, just recently playing around with Lightning, the only experience of which at the time was Muun (😬) and stacker.news custodial wallet.

Fairly inexperienced with technicals other than rough understandings of concepts. A crappy laptop node with a dangling SSD via USB, constantly having to resync to current blockheights whenever I was ready to make an on chain transaction to cold storage. My great success after over two years of delay, and a couple failed attempts.

Something about the breadth of information for nitty gritty specifics, the clash with all the things that I found interesting about Bitcoin, with others equally as focused, kept me interested in Nostr. Plus the lighthearted shit posting to break up plumbing the depths of knowledge appealed to me.

Cut to now. Through the jurisdictional removals and even deaths of LN wallet projects, using mobile LSPs, finding use cases with the numerous cashu implementations, moderate comfortability with NWC strings of various permissions, budgets for seemingly endless apps of Nostr clients, swapping relays, isolated wallets with Alby go for my wife and cousin (I told them both not to put much on there as I'm sure failure is imminent) Alby Hub and Zeus, now fully backended by my own persistently online lightning node. All of it adding to the fluidity of my movement around the protocol.

Nimble.

Gradual progress. Reading through notes and guides posted on Nostr learning little bits, circling back eventually, if even at a time it wasn't clicking for me. Either way. Glad i've stuck to it even if I still barely know what it is I'm doing.

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

I’m in a weird space of nostalgia. 24 hours without any pharmaceutical help for mood and anxiety problems. As mentioned previously, I’ve been boshing RRSIs and the like for 10 plus years. They’re very addictive to be honest. For context I’ve given up nicotine, amphetamines, crack cocaine and heroin in the past so I think I’m a decent benchmark for a drug’s addictive qualities...

Top, without question was nicotine. Not for the side effects but the fact it took many years to kick and a lot of on/off usage. I can’t remember the last time I smoked a cigarette so it’s been quite a few years now. Heroin was fun…. Well if you call fun having a horrible case of flu where you also hallucinate, that sort of fun.

But RRSIs have been very tough and it’s only been 24 hours (after slowly reducing the dose over 6 months). I feel pretty shit to be honest but I’ll get through today. I’ve also quit Pregabalin today which, as I understand, is an anti-psychotic so I can’t rule out the possibility of psychopathy today… I tried once before and it came close to ending my relationship with my wife (not for psychopathy I hasten to add, just an absolutely foul, unstable mood). This time I’ve taken the process a lot slower.

I’ve been trapped in a weird feeling of nostalgia these last 24 hours, it’s odd as it is being trapped inside the perception of a piece of music. I don’t think I can describe the feeling well but the track is from a cassette I had as a kid. The true origins of the tape I don’t know. I taped it from a friend who told me it was from the club we frequented in 1991, a place called Slammers. Still without doubt the best club I ever went to. It was tiny, like not much bigger than an average house in the UK, in fact probably smaller, depends on your perception of house sizes. I’m going by turn of the century terraced houses common in the UK. The club coincided with a particularly good run of ecstasy tablets in the UK. The downstairs of the club was truly mental. There were no lights at all. Pitch black, the only lighting being from the turntables and mixer. It was nuts. It was a life changing experience. Being broke I only ever went a handful of times but the idea the tape originated from there was good enough for me. The in house DJ crew were the Get Down Crew from Bethnal Green (at least I think this is what I remember). Namely two guys by the names of Wigs and Easy T. The music played was a lot of what paved the way for Jungle in 1993 and the term Jungle Techno was being used by us around this time. Now the tape may not have been Wigs and Easy T, part of me wonders if it was DJ Rap (Or Fabio???). Whist the tunes were great, the mixing wasn’t amazing and reminiscent of Rap’s style (sorry DJ Rap!) but it exists in my memory, a very real artefact.

So this tape was another source for me to find records, most that I really liked I identified over the years but some eluded me. One was Virtual by The Black Dog (ironic), that I found on night online, probably a few glasses of wine in… And I now know that there were only 500 copies of that record made, copies go for around £100 these days. Worst is I actually nearly bought it at the time but the dude in the record shop said it probably wasn't my thing!?!?!?!? Even back in 1991 the song sounded like some ancient artefact. Such a warm noise. “World World World, I sit in my room imagine the future”. Damn.

The other track I only recently found out, and it was on the B Side from a group I already loved and had some of their records. However, unlike The Black Dog, it’s not rare, just overlooked as the group were more known for their Hip Hop output. It was The Cash Crew all along?! Fuck!!!! Now since finding I play on my streaming show a lot and given I’d listened so much on cassette too, I know that record inside out!

Well no I don’t!??! After editing for a mixtape, I noticed layers of vocals I never knew existed and I’m also now trapped in this nostalgic frame and it feels immeasurably sad. The fact is I never actually heard that record in a club, despite it being on a tape that I help as an ultimate reference point for a moment in time that I never actually experienced. That sums up the feeling of coming off RRSIs. Maybe this all sounds frivolous but music has always make up a core of my identity, more so than being a fucking spastic ever did.

Now I own the record, I am old as fuck and millions of miles away from a moment that never existed. I can’t explain.

Cash Crew – HUMP

https://video.mxtthxw.art/w/dQHPt96bXwMP8Ggyjrcq8x

@ e7bc35f8:3ed2a7cf

Contrary to what its multi-million dollar international PR campaign would have you believe, the "White Helmets" are not a group of volunteer search-and-rescue workers that sprang spontaneously out of the Syrian soil.

In November 2017, journalist Vanessa Beeley gave a groundbreaking presentation to the Swiss Press Club in Geneva on the so-called "Syria Civil Defence" (better known as the "White Helmets"), which presents itself as an impartial group of volunteer search and rescue workers working "to save lives and strengthen communities in Syria."

In her presentation, Beeley demonstrated the connections between this supposedly "neutral" organization, recognized terrorist groups operating in Syria, and the UK government.

VANESSA BEELEY

During my time working in East Aleppo, it was clear that the councils were working hand in hand with [Al] Nusra Front. Their centers in each district were always next door to Nusra Front headquarters and White Helmet centres, i.e., they always formed an integrated complex.

Less than three weeks later, The Guardian released a report painting all skeptics of the White Helmets, including Beeley and other "anti-imperialist activists", as proponents of a Russian propaganda campaign directed by the Kremlin.

This is no coincidence. The White Helmets are in fact part of a coordinated propaganda campaign. But that campaign is not being directed by the Kremlin, but the western governments which have been responsible for the founding and funding of the White Helmets. And the ones promoting that propaganda are not independent journalists like Beeley, but establishment mouthpieces like The Guardian.

The White Helmets won an Oscar at the 2017 Academy Awards. This is, after all, an organization that thrives on the magic of movie-making to make themselves into heroes. Surely any movie that could turn a group funded by the US and UK governments, associated with western intelligence operatives, and embedded with Al Qaeda terrorists, into a group of crusading heroes is as worthy of an Academy Award as any similarly fictitious movie about superheroes saving the world.

It was also fitting that the leader of the group, Raed Saleh, was not at the ceremony to help accept the prize as originally planned.

🔸NPR REPORTER:

Hi, I 'm wondering…um, I thought the White Helmets we’re gonna be here, or the leader and the cinematographer who shot a lot of this film. What happened?

🔸ORLANDO VON EINSIEDEL:

Well, Raed Saleh, who’s the leader of the White Helmets, he couldn’t come in the end because the last couple of days in Syria the violence has really escalated and he does life-saving work[…]. Our cinematographer, I mean, you know we’re confused about this, too. The last two weeks have been very difficult. He had a US visa, he tried to board a plane, and he wasn’t able to come, so we - you know, we’re very sad about that.

What Orlando von Einsiedel, the director of the film, neglected to mention is that this was not the first time that Raed Saleh, the leader of the White Helmets, failed to appear in the US. In April of 2016, InterAction, an alliance of NGOs, held a gala dinner in Washington, where it planned to honour Saleh and the work of the White Helmets in Syria. However, Saleh was refused entry into the country when he arrived at Washington’s Dulles Airport.

Declining to talk about the details of the case, a State Department spokesman merely said, "The U.S. government’s system of continual vetting means that traveler records are screened against available information in real time".

🔸MATT LEE:

You commend this group, you’re going to continue to support them, and yet you revoked the visa of their leader? I don’t…that makes zero sense to me. […]

🔸MARK TONER:

...unfortunately, we can’t speak to individual visa cases. I think broadly speaking, though on any visa case we are constantly looking at new information, so-called 'continually vetting' travel or records and if we do have new information that we believe an individual would pose a security risk we’ll certainly act on that.

🔸LEE:

I’m saying that it just strikes me as a bit odd that you’re saying that this group is wonderful and does such a great job and you’re commending them for their heroism, and yet you’re doing this just 10 days after the leader of this group, who was supposed to be, you know…got his visa revoked or wasn’t allowed to travel here. […]

🔸TONER:

Well, he’s one individual in the group, and any individual—again, I’m broadening my language here for specific reasons—but any individual in any group suspected of ties or relations with extremist groups, or that we have believed to be a security threat to the United States, we would act accordingly. But that does not by extension mean we condemn or would cut off ties to the group for which that individual works for.

So how is this possible? How could the leader of such a valiant team of crusading do-gooders himself be denied a visa to enter the United States as a potential security threat with ties to terrorists? The multi-million dollar PR campaign that surrounds the White Helmets, after all, portrayed the group as being pure as the driven snow.

A perfect example for this is the story about the boy named Omran Daqneesh. A story that eventually turned to be totally fake news.

But what is always left out of these glowing mainstream media puff pieces is any actual information about the organization. Where did it come from? Who founded it? Where does it get its funding? And why did it operate exclusively in terrorist-held areas of Syria?

The first clues about the real nature of the group come from their name itself. Calling themselves the "Syria Civil Defence" is misleading in multiple ways. First, it implies that the group was founded in Syria by Syrians. It was not. The group was in fact founded in March 2013 in Turkey, by James Le Mesurier, a former British military intelligence officer then doing contract work for the US and UK governments. None of this information is even controversial. This is the story as told by Le Mesurier himself.

The name "Syria Civil Defence" was also a lie because there was a real Syria Civil Defence that has been operating in the country for 65 years. The actual Syria Civil Defence, a volunteer search and rescue organization, was established in Syria in 1953. Unlike the White Helmets, the real Syria Civil Defence was a member of the International Civil Defence Organisation and (again, in contrast to the White Helmets) had an emergency number (113) that can be called in Syria by those needing assistance. But thar Syria Civil Defence does not enjoy the glitz and glamour of Oscar-winning documentaries, the constant attention of the international press, or the more than $60 million in funding by foreign governments that have been bestowed on the White Helmets.

But even more disturbing than the unusual founding of the group is the evidence demonstrating that the White Helmets, far from their official claim to political neutrality, are in fact intimately embedded with known and listed terrorist organizations in Syria. Again, the most damning evidence in this regard is not controversial in the slightest. It comes directly from the White Helmets themselves.

Numerous videos and photos have surfaced showing the White Helmets parading on the dead bodies of Syrian government forces and flying the flags of known terrorist organizations. An in-depth report on "The Syrian War Blog" in 2017, examined the social media profiles of 65 different White Helmets-connected figures and found numerous posts in support of ISIS, Jabhat al-Nusra, Ahrar al-Sham and other listed terrorist organizations. Some even posted pictures of themselves with known terrorist leaders or waving the flag of terrorist groups like ISIS, and many proudly displayed images of dead Syrian soldiers.

Most of this evidence is explained away as "bad apples" in the organization acting on their own. Some of these "bad apples" are then castigated in public displays, like when one White Helmet was fired when footage surfaced showing him disposing the mutilated corpses of Syrian government fighters. When a graphic video of the White Helmets overseeing the execution of a man in terrorist-occupied Daraa surfaced, the group actually defended the workers while acknowledging that they "did not fully uphold the strict principle of neutrality and impartiality".

But incredibly, Le Mesurier, the former British intel officer who founded the White Helmets in 2013, defended the workers caught in one bloody video from May 2015. The Middle Ground, a Singaporean website, ran a story featuring Le Mesurier’s take on the incident.

In opposition to the deafening mainstream media silence over this incredible mountain of evidence against the White Helmets standed only a handful of independent researchers, universally ignored or marginalized from the mainstream discussion on the issue. These independent researchers include Vanessa Beeley, a British researcher who has been one of the few journalists to report extensively on the ground in areas like East Aleppo over the last two years, and Eva Bartlett, a Canadian freelancer who has gained notoriety for using her own on-the-ground reporting from Syria to speak out against the mainstream narrative about the White Helmets.

Given that there were so few voices speaking up against the White Helmets, it should come as no surprise that when "The Guardian" finally deigned to address what they termed the "conspiracy theories" about the organization, they turned their attention on these very researchers.

In "How Syria’s White Helmets became victims of an online propaganda machine", The Guardian turned to Olivia Solon to dismiss all opposition to the White Helmets as the work of "anti-imperialist activists", "conspiracy theorists" and "trolls with the support of the Russian government". The choice of Solon to report on this story is especially odd; a "technology reporter" in San Francisco, Solon has no background of any sort in geopolitics or combat zone reporting and, as far as can be determined, has never set foot in Syria. Instead, she relied exclusively on sources such as the murky PR lobbying firm, The Syria Campaign, to praise the White Helmets and castigate their detractors.

Bizarrely, the report devotes a great deal of attention to the White Helmets’ Mannequin Challenge video, footage of an admittedly fake and staged "rescue" operation released by the group in an attempt to cash in on a viral internet video trend taking place at the time. The inference of the video is obvious: that the group is perfectly capable of staging incredibly realistic and completely fake "rescue" operations at any time. These fake videos, stripped of their context, would be uncritically promoted as authentic by mainstream outlets like The Guardian in the exact same way that the completely fictitious video of a "Syrian" boy rescuing his sister under sniper fire was uncritically accepted by the mainstream media…until it was admitted to be a fake video produced in Malta by a Norwegian film crew "to see how the media would respond to such a video". The Guardian’s headline when the fake Norwegian film production was released? "Syrian boy 'saves girl from army sniper' – video." Strangely, Solon’s report does not mention that incident.

The majority of The Guardian's report focuses on why the innocent and virtuous White Helmets would be so viciously attacked by independent journalists and how all opposition to the group is connected to the Kremlin. This is supposedly demonstrated in an utterly meaningless "infographic" of colored dots showing precisely nothing of substance. Unsurprisingly, Solon's contact with the reporters whose work she was set to impugn displayed her biases from the very start.

Bartlett exposed the conversation she had with Olivia Solon and the emails received from her, where you can see her real dishonest intentions. Olivia Solon contacted Beeley as well. Her attempt to put them in a position of having to defend themselves becomes obvious.

Of course what would you have expected from The Guardian? In 2016 it lobbied, effectively, for the White Helmets to win the Nobel Peace Prize, and when it was inundated with negative comments it simply closed comments.

Researchers like Beeley, Bartlett and Professor Tim Anderson, also mentioned in Solon’s report, are easy enough targets for The Guardian. Independent journalists taking it upon themselves to counter the Syria narrative, they would never be taken seriously by establishment media circles in the first place. Curiously omitted from The Guardian article, however, are the award-winning, internationally respected journalists who have similarly expressed skepticism about the White Helmets, their backers, and the PR campaign that surrounds them.

There is Gareth Porter, the award-winning journalist who has contributed to Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, The Nation, Al Jazeera, Salon, The Huffington Post, Alternet and countless other outlets, who wrote "How a Syrian White Helmets Leader Played Western Media" in November 2016.

There is Philip Giraldi, a former CIA counter-terrorism specialist and military intelligence officer who wrote "The Fraud of the White Helmets" in July of 2017.

There is Stephen Kinzer, former New York Times correspondent who tweeted his congratulations to "al-Qaeda and Syrian jihadists" when the film about "their PR outfit, the White Helmets", won the Oscar.

So the issue here is not merely one of PR and propaganda, as appalling as the uncritical reporting about the White Helmets has been. What is worrying is that the so-called Syrian Civil Defence is, as we have seen, not Syrian at all. Founded, funded and promoted by foreign governments, foreign contractors and foreign lobbyists and PR agencies, the White Helmets are not a spontaneous Syrian search-and-rescue operation, but a template. A template that, if successful, can and will be employed anywhere and everywhere that those same foreign powers want to destabilize targeted governments in the future.

@ d360efec:14907b5f

ภาพรวม BTCUSDT (OKX):

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) ยังคงแสดงความผันผวนและแนวโน้มที่ไม่ชัดเจน แม้ว่าแนวโน้มระยะยาว (TF Day) จะยังคงมีลักษณะเป็นขาขึ้น (แต่อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก) แนวโน้มระยะกลาง (TF4H) และระยะสั้น (TF15) เป็นขาลง/Sideways Down การวิเคราะห์ครั้งนี้จะเน้นไปที่ SMC, ICT, และรูปแบบ Chart Patterns เพื่อเพิ่มความแม่นยำในการระบุแนวโน้มและจุดเข้า/ออก

วิเคราะห์ทีละ Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (รายวัน):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาขึ้น (Uptrend) อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, มีความเสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม
• SMC:
  • Higher Highs (HH) และ Higher Lows (HL) เริ่มไม่ชัดเจน, ราคาหลุด Low ก่อนหน้า
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านบน แต่มีการปรับฐานที่รุนแรง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี Sellside Liquidity (SSL) อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า (บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000)
    • มี Buyside Liquidity (BSL) อยู่เหนือ High เดิม
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาหลุด Order Block ขาขึ้น
  • FVG: ไม่มี FVG ชัดเจน
• EMA:
  • ราคา หลุด EMA 50 (สีเหลือง) ลงมาแล้ว
  • EMA 200 (สีขาว) เป็นแนวรับถัดไป
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดงยาว แสดงถึงแรงขายที่แข็งแกร่ง
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง (เมฆแดง) แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง และไม่มีสัญญาณซื้อ/ขายปรากฏ
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: Volume ค่อนข้างเบาบาง
• แท่งเทียน: แท่งเทียนล่าสุดเป็นสีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• แนวรับ: EMA 200, บริเวณ 85,000 - 90,000 (SSL)
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, High เดิม
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาขึ้นอ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, สัญญาณอันตรายหลายอย่าง, Money Flow และ Trend Strength เป็นลบ, หลุด Order Block และ EMA 50

(2) TF4H (4 ชั่วโมง):

• แนวโน้ม: ขาลง (Downtrend)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
  • Liquidity:
    • มี SSL อยู่ใต้ Lows ก่อนหน้า
    • มี BSL อยู่เหนือ Highs ก่อนหน้า
• ICT:
  • Order Block: ราคาไม่สามารถผ่าน Order Block ขาลงได้
• EMA:
  • ราคาอยู่ใต้ EMA 50 และ EMA 200
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแรงขาย
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • แดง/ไม่มีสัญญาณ
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200, บริเวณ Order Block
• สรุป: แนวโน้มขาลงชัดเจน, แรงขายมีอิทธิพล

(3) TF15 (15 นาที):

• แนวโน้ม: Sideways Down (แกว่งตัวลง)
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) และ Lower Lows (LL)
  • Break of Structure (BOS) ด้านล่าง
• ICT:
  • ราคา Sideway
• EMA:
  • EMA 50 และ EMA 200 เป็นแนวต้าน
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • แดง/เขียว สลับกัน
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • สีแดง แสดงถึงแนวโน้มขาลง
• Chart Patterns: ไม่มีรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• Volume Profile: * Volume ค่อนข้างนิ่ง
• แนวรับ: บริเวณ Low ล่าสุด
• แนวต้าน: EMA 50, EMA 200
• สรุป: แนวโน้ม Sideways Down,

สรุปภาพรวมและกลยุทธ์ (BTCUSDT):

• แนวโน้มหลัก (Day): ขาขึ้น (อ่อนแรงลงอย่างมาก, เสี่ยงที่จะเปลี่ยนแนวโน้ม)
• แนวโน้มรอง (4H): ขาลง
• แนวโน้มระยะสั้น (15m): ขาลง/Sideways Down
• Liquidity: มี SSL ทั้งใน Day, 4H, และ 15m
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: Day/15m เป็นขาลง, 4H Sideways
• Chart Patterns: ไม่พบรูปแบบที่ชัดเจน
• กลยุทธ์:
  1. Wait & See (ดีที่สุด): รอความชัดเจน
  2. Short (เสี่ยง): ถ้าไม่สามารถ Breakout EMA/แนวต้านใน TF ใดๆ ได้ หรือเมื่อเกิดสัญญาณ Bearish Continuation
  3. ไม่แนะนำให้ Buy: จนกว่าจะมีสัญญาณกลับตัวที่ชัดเจนมากๆ

Day Trade & การเทรดรายวัน:

• Day Trade (TF15):

  • Short Bias: หาจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาเด้งขึ้นไปทดสอบแนวต้าน (EMA, Order Block)
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป (Low ล่าสุด)
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

• Swing Trade (TF4H):

  • Short Bias: รอจังหวะ Short เมื่อราคาไม่สามารถผ่านแนวต้าน EMA หรือ Order Block ได้
  • Stop Loss: เหนือแนวต้านที่เข้า Short
  • Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป
  • ไม่แนะนำให้ Long

สิ่งที่ต้องระวัง:

• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): มีโอกาสสูงที่ราคาจะถูกลากลงไปแตะ SSL
• False Breakouts: ระวัง
• Volatility: สูง

Setup Day Trade แบบ SMC (ตัวอย่าง):

1. ระบุ Order Block: หา Order Block ขาลง (Bearish Order Block) ใน TF15
2. รอ Pullback: รอให้ราคา Pullback ขึ้นไปทดสอบ Order Block นั้น
3. หา Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: รอ Price Action ปฏิเสธ Order Block
   • Break of Structure: รอให้ราคา Break โครงสร้างย่อยๆ
   • Money Flow: ดู Money Flow ให้เป็นสีแดง
4. ตั้ง Stop Loss: เหนือ Order Block
5. ตั้ง Take Profit: แนวรับถัดไป

คำแนะนำ:

• ความขัดแย้งของ Timeframes: มีอยู่ แต่แนวโน้มระยะกลาง-สั้น เป็นลบ
• Money Flow: เป็นลบในทุก Timeframes
• Trend Strength: เป็นลบ
• Order Block TF Day: หลุด Order Block ขาขึ้นแล้ว
• ถ้าไม่แน่ใจ อย่าเพิ่งเข้าเทรด

Disclaimer: การวิเคราะห์นี้เป็นเพียงความคิดเห็นส่วนตัว ไม่ถือเป็นคำแนะนำในการลงทุน ผู้ลงทุนควรศึกษาข้อมูลเพิ่มเติมและตัดสินใจด้วยความรอบคอบ

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

fiD1+RsI0AGE5WGP0tQF6Z8QeLYCa7OI/aB0LYzmRkpHW2Hy4W3skUIdYhVeYkkfdTh8L0D5t3dW3kCXV+wCTtUN/su+cMvzcyliIcUC5tX6gES0dSFuH92v3aqiotIRCFiJlkiuxswLHtSpLtknJjDx5Dy6CYtFh//iO/2VspQAmnaol1AnzMK8RPA5rQWMrouuOl1ipUGDM8U8fSElbsel5vuNr2CjbGGcALArNx72a9/JiE17ok+p6E8vdvARfWFGDF10YVHq3Rl8wMvwL2xJVVRLLoSMRSZKMBRWAkpJd24cmkqCd7ZbenRCJMy4/G8Jh7ByJDT+dQxGwfy4lYUwm6AralxjJT56rtHiQM11fu6c9aS/Ske5szTUY+00kEIqSaixtd3Pm/wIqu581g==?iv=W1RQBgmWVADss4ki7uRLQg==

@ c230edd3:8ad4a712

Chef's notes

Simple, common ingredients make this an easy go-to, if time allows. Best after letting the meat marinade for 4-8 hours.

I prefer to grill and serve it with eggplant, onion, and zucchini. It works well in a more traditional souvlaki style sandwich, too.

Details

• ⏲️ Prep time: 1 hour, plus 4-8 for marinating
• 🍳 Cook time: 30 minutes
• 🍽️ Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb cubed chicken
• 1/2 c. plain greek yogurt
• 1/4 c. lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp oregano
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2tsp salt

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients, add chicken to coat
2. Cover & refrigerate for 4-8 hours
3. Start coals to high heat, prep grill with light oil if needed
4. Skewer chicken cubes, as many as will fit on kebab sticks
5. Grill until chicken is done
6. Serve with tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetable and pitas, if desired

@ 86a82cab:b5ef38a0

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.

\ \ 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.</span>

IMage

@ 67403b2c:27b48c7a

Do you ever wonder why religious teachings emphasize obedience so heavily? Or why some parents demand absolute control over their children? In this post, we'll explore the fascinating connection between religious authority and parenting styles, and how understanding one can help us improve the other.

The Paradox of Divine Needs

Traditional religious teachings often emphasize our duty to obey and serve the divine. Many believe that God requires specific actions from humanity. But here's the paradox: if God is perfect and complete, how can they have needs or desires that we must fulfill?

This realization leads to a powerful insight: what we perceive as divine expectations likely exist for our spiritual development rather than meeting any divine requirement.

How Religious Hierarchies Impact Family Dynamics

The way we think about religious authority often mirrors how we approach parenting. Consider these parallel patterns:

• Religious leaders ranking sins by severity
• Parents creating arbitrary hierarchies of misbehavior
• Using fear and control instead of understanding
• Demanding blind obedience without explanation

The Problem with "Because I Said So"

Just as religious authorities sometimes use divine mandate to control believers, parents might fall into the trap of using their authority without justification. This approach:

• Damages trust and communication
• Stunts critical thinking
• Creates resentment
• Prevents genuine relationship growth

Building Healthier Family Relationships

Understanding that children are independent beings—not property—can revolutionize our approach to parenting. Here's how:

1. Recognize your limitations as a parent
2. Encourage open dialogue
3. Support independent thinking
4. Build mutual understanding
5. Share guidance rather than enforce control

The Power of Mutual Respect

When we move away from control-based relationships, whether in religion or parenting, we create space for authentic connections. Real respect develops through:

• Open communication
• Acknowledging individual perspectives
• Supporting personal growth
• Understanding shared humanity

Moving Forward: From Control to Connection

The journey from authoritarian to supportive relationships isn't easy, but it's worth the effort. By recognizing that neither God nor parents need absolute control, we can build healthier, more meaningful connections with both our faith and our families.

Key Takeaways:

• Perfect beings don't need our obedience
• Children are individuals, not property
• Real respect grows through dialogue
• Supporting independence strengthens relationships

Your Turn to Reflect

How has your understanding of authority—whether religious or parental—evolved over time? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

About the Author: This post reflects personal perspectives shaped by childhood experiences, family relationships, and Christian upbringing. These insights are offered as discussion points rather than absolute truths.

Supporting This Work

Writing about faith, family, and personal growth while facing housing insecurity isn't easy, but I believe these conversations matter. If these insights resonate with you and you'd like to support both my writing journey and my current battle with housing insecurity, you can buy me a coffee at:

☕ buymeacoffee.com/adontai

Your support helps keep this blog going and directly assists with basic needs as I work to secure stable housing. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

---

About the Author: This post reflects personal perspectives shaped by childhood experiences, family relationships, and Christian upbringing. These insights are offered as discussion points rather than absolute truths.

---

@ d360efec:14907b5f

$OKX:BTCUSDT.P

Overall Assessment:

Bitcoin (BTCUSDT) on OKX continues to exhibit high volatility and an uncertain trend. While the long-term trend (Daily chart) is technically still an uptrend, it has weakened considerably. The 4-hour and 15-minute charts are in downtrends, creating conflicting signals. This analysis focuses on identifying potential areas of Smart Money activity (liquidity pools and order blocks), assessing trend strength, and identifying any relevant chart patterns.

Detailed Analysis by Timeframe:

(1) TF Day (Daily):

• Trend: Uptrend (Significantly Weakening, High Risk of Reversal).
• SMC (Smart Money Concepts):
  • The Higher Highs (HH) and Higher Lows (HL) structure is becoming less defined. The recent price action has broken a previous low.
  • Prior Breaks of Structure (BOS) to the upside, but the current pullback is very deep.
  • Liquidity:
    • Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Significant SSL rests below previous lows in the 85,000 - 90,000 range. This is a likely target for Smart Money.
    • Buyside Liquidity (BSL): BSL is present above the all-time high.
• ICT (Inner Circle Trader Concepts):
  • Order Block: The price has broken below the prior bullish Order Block (the large green candle before a significant up-move). This is a major bearish signal.
  • FVG: No clear, significant Fair Value Gap is apparent at the current price level on the Daily chart.
• EMA (Exponential Moving Average):
  • Price has broken below the 50-period EMA (yellow), a bearish signal.
  • The 200-period EMA (white) is the next major support level.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • A long red bar indicates strong and sustained selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red cloud indicates a downtrend. No buy/sell signals are present.
• Chart Patterns: No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent on the Daily chart.
• Volume Profile: Relatively low volume on the decline.
• Candlesticks: The most recent candlestick is red, confirming selling pressure.
• Support: EMA 200, 85,000-90,000 (SSL area).
• Resistance: EMA 50, Previous All-Time High.
• Summary: The Daily chart's uptrend is significantly weakening. The break below the 50 EMA and the bullish Order Block, combined with the negative Money Flow and bearish Trend Strength, are all major red flags. The SSL below is a key area to watch.

(2) TF4H (4-Hour):

• Trend: Downtrend.
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL).
  • BOS to the downside.
  • Liquidity:
    • SSL: Below previous lows.
    • BSL: Above previous highs.
• ICT:
  • Order Block: The price failed to break above a bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • Price is below both the 50-period and 200-period EMAs (bearish).
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Predominantly red, confirming selling pressure.
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red, indicating no particular trend or a sideways movement. No buy/sell signals.
• Chart Patterns: No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent.
• Volume Profile: Relatively consistent volume.
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 4-hour chart is in a confirmed downtrend. The Money Flow is bearish, price below both EMAs.

(3) TF15 (15-Minute):

• Trend: Downtrend / Sideways Down
• SMC:
  • Lower Highs (LH) and Lower Lows (LL).
  • BOS to the downside.
• ICT:
• Order Block Price could not break up the bearish Order Block.
• EMA:
  • The 50-period and 200-period EMAs are acting as resistance.
• Money Flow (LuxAlgo):
  • Red and Green
• Trend Strength (AlgoAlpha):
  • Red cloud (Bearish)
• Chart Patterns: No readily identifiable, classic chart patterns are apparent.
• Volume Profile
  • Relatively high volume.
• Support: Recent lows.
• Resistance: EMA 50, EMA 200, Order Block.
• Summary: The 15-minute chart is in a downtrend, with price action, EMAs, and Money Flow all confirming.

Overall Strategy and Recommendations (BTCUSDT):

• Primary Trend (Day): Uptrend (Significantly Weakening).
• Secondary Trend (4H): Downtrend.
• Short-Term Trend (15m): Downtrend/ Sideways Down.
• Liquidity: Significant SSL zones exist below the current price on all timeframes.
• Money Flow: Negative on all timeframes.
• Trend Strength: Bearish on 15m and Day, Sideway on 4H.

• Chart Patterns: None identified.

• Strategies:

  1. Wait & See (Best Option): The conflicting signals and the strong bearish momentum on the shorter timeframes, combined with the weakening Daily chart, make waiting the most prudent approach. Look for:

     • Bearish Confirmation: A decisive break below the recent lows on the 15m and 4H charts, with increasing volume and continued negative Money Flow. This would confirm the continuation of the downtrend.
     • Bullish Confirmation: A strong, sustained break above the 15/4H EMAs and Order Block, a shift in the 15m/4H Money Flow to green.

  2. Short (High Risk): This aligns with the 4H and 15m downtrends.

     • Entry: On rallies towards resistance levels (EMAs on 15m/4H, previous support levels that have turned into resistance, Order Blocks).
     • Stop Loss: Above recent highs on the chosen timeframe, or above a key resistance level.
     • Target: The next support levels (recent lows on 15m, then potentially the SSL zones on the 4H and Daily charts).

  3. Buy (Extremely High Risk - Not Recommended): Do not attempt to buy until there are very strong and consistent bullish reversal signals across all timeframes, including a definitive shift in market structure on the 4H and 15m charts, positive Money Flow, and a clear break above resistance levels.

Key Recommendations:

• Conflicting Timeframes: The primary conflict is now resolved toward the downside. The Daily is weakening significantly.
• Money Flow: Consistently negative across all timeframes, a major bearish factor.
• Trend Strength: Bearish on 15m and Day, Sideways on 4h.
• Daily Order Block: The break of the bullish Order Block on the Daily chart is a significant bearish development.
• Sellside Liquidity (SSL): Be aware that Smart Money may target the SSL zones below. This increases the risk of stop-loss hunting.
• Risk Management: Due to the high uncertainty and volatility, strict risk management is absolutely critical. Use tight stop-losses, do not overtrade, and be prepared for rapid price swings.
• Volume: Confirm any breakout or breakdown with volume.

Day Trading and Intraday Trading Strategies:

• Day Trade (TF15 focus):

  • Short Bias: Given the current 15m downtrend and negative Money Flow, the higher probability is to look for shorting opportunities.
    • Entry: Look for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks, previous support levels that have become resistance) and then show signs of rejection (bearish candlestick patterns, increasing volume on the downside).
    • Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support level (recent lows).
    • Avoid Long positions until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 15m chart (break above EMAs, positive Money Flow, bullish market structure).

• Swing Trade (TF4H focus):

  • Short Bias: The 4H chart is in a downtrend.
    • Entry: Wait for price to rally to resistance levels (EMAs, Order Blocks) and show signs of rejection.
    • Stop Loss: Above the resistance level where you enter the short position.
    • Take Profit: Target the next support levels (e.g., the 200 EMA on the Daily chart, SSL zones).
    • Avoid Long positions until there's a clear and confirmed bullish reversal on the 4H chart.

SMC Day Trade Setup Example (TF15 - Bearish):

1. Identify Bearish Order Block: Locate a bearish Order Block on the TF15 chart (a bullish candle before a strong downward move).
2. Wait for Pullback: Wait for the price to pull back up to test the Order Block (this may or may not happen).
3. Bearish Entry:
   • Rejection: Look for price action to reject the Order Block (e.g., a pin bar, engulfing pattern, or other bearish candlestick pattern).
   • Break of Structure: Look for a break of a minor support level on a lower timeframe (e.g., 1-minute or 5-minute) after the price tests the Order Block. This confirms weakening bullish momentum.
   • Money Flow: Confirm that Money Flow remains negative (red).
4. Stop Loss: Place a stop-loss order above the Order Block.
5. Take Profit: Target the next support level (e.g., recent lows) or a bullish Order Block on a higher timeframe.

In conclusion, BTCUSDT is currently in a high-risk, bearish environment in the short-to-medium term. The "Wait & See" approach is strongly recommended for most traders. Shorting is the higher-probability trade at this moment, but only for experienced traders who can manage risk extremely effectively. Buying is not recommended at this time.

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and represents a personal opinion. It is not financial advice. Investing in cryptocurrencies involves significant risk. Investors should conduct their own research and exercise due diligence before making any investment decisions.

@ fd208ee8:0fd927c1

I am so tired of people trying to waste my time with Nostrized imitations of stuff that already exists.

Instagram, but make it Nostr. Twitter, but make it Nostr. GitHub, but make it Nostr. Facebook, but make it Nostr. Wordpress, but make it Nostr. GoodReads, but make it Nostr. TikTok, but make it Nostr.

That stuff already exists, and it wasn't that great the first time around, either. Build something better than that stuff, that can only be brought into existence because of Nostr.

Build something that does something completely and awesomely new. Knock my socks off, bro.

Cuz, ain't nobody got time for that.