@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/kyc-no-thanks) Know Your Customer is a regulation that requires companies of all sizes to verify the identity, suitability, and risks involved with maintaining a business relationship with a customer. Such procedures fit within the broader scope of anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) regulations. Banks, exchanges, online business, mail providers, domain registrars... Everyone wants to know who you are before you can even opt for their service. Your personal information is flowing around the internet in the hands of "god-knows-who" and secured by "trust-me-bro military-grade encryption". Once your account is linked to your personal (and verified) identity, tracking you is just as easy as keeping logs on all these platforms. ## Rights for Illusions KYC processes aim to combat terrorist financing, money laundering, and other illicit activities. On the surface, KYC seems like a commendable initiative. I mean, who wouldn't want to halt terrorists and criminals in their tracks? The logic behind KYC is: "If we mandate every financial service provider to identify their users, it becomes easier to pinpoint and apprehend the malicious actors." However, terrorists and criminals are not precisely lining up to be identified. They're crafty. They may adopt false identities or find alternative strategies to continue their operations. Far from being outwitted, many times they're several steps ahead of regulations. Realistically, KYC might deter a small fraction – let's say about 1% [^1] – of these malefactors. Yet, the cost? All of us are saddled with the inconvenient process of identification just to use a service. Under the rhetoric of "ensuring our safety", governments and institutions enact regulations that seem more out of a dystopian novel, gradually taking away our right to privacy. To illustrate, consider a city where the mayor has rolled out facial recognition cameras in every nook and cranny. A band of criminals, intent on robbing a local store, rolls in with a stolen car, their faces obscured by masks and their bodies cloaked in all-black clothes. Once they've committed the crime and exited the city's boundaries, they switch vehicles and clothes out of the cameras' watchful eyes. The high-tech surveillance? It didn’t manage to identify or trace them. Yet, for every law-abiding citizen who merely wants to drive through the city or do some shopping, their movements and identities are constantly logged. The irony? This invasive tracking impacts all of us, just to catch the 1% [^1] of less-than-careful criminals. ## KYC? Not you. > KYC creates barriers to participation in normal economic activity, to supposedly stop criminals. [^2] KYC puts barriers between many users and businesses. One of these comes from the fact that the process often requires multiple forms of identification, proof of address, and sometimes even financial records. For individuals in areas with poor record-keeping, non-recognized legal documents, or those who are unbanked, homeless or transient, obtaining these documents can be challenging, if not impossible. For people who are not skilled with technology or just don't have access to it, there's also a barrier since KYC procedures are mostly online, leaving them inadvertently excluded. Another barrier goes for the casual or one-time user, where they might not see the value in undergoing a rigorous KYC process, and these requirements can deter them from using the service altogether. It also wipes some businesses out of the equation, since for smaller businesses, the costs associated with complying with KYC norms—from the actual process of gathering and submitting documents to potential delays in operations—can be prohibitive in economical and/or technical terms. ## You're not welcome Imagine a swanky new club in town with a strict "members only" sign. You hear the music, you see the lights, and you want in. You step up, ready to join, but suddenly there's a long list of criteria you must meet. After some time, you are finally checking all the boxes. But then the club rejects your membership with no clear reason why. You just weren't accepted. Frustrating, right? This club scenario isn't too different from the fact that KYC is being used by many businesses as a convenient gatekeeping tool. A perfect excuse based on a "legal" procedure they are obliged to. Even some exchanges may randomly use this to freeze and block funds from users, claiming these were "flagged" by a cryptic system that inspects the transactions. You are left hostage to their arbitrary decision to let you successfully pass the KYC procedure. If you choose to sidestep their invasive process, they might just hold onto your funds indefinitely. ## Your identity has been stolen KYC data has been found to be for sale on many dark net markets[^3]. Exchanges may have leaks or hacks, and such leaks contain **very** sensitive data. We're talking about the full monty: passport or ID scans, proof of address, and even those awkward selfies where you're holding up your ID next to your face. All this data is being left to the mercy of the (mostly) "trust-me-bro" security systems of such companies. Quite scary, isn't it? As cheap as $10 for 100 documents, with discounts applying for those who buy in bulk, the personal identities of innocent users who passed KYC procedures are for sale. [^3] In short, if you have ever passed the KYC/AML process of a crypto exchange, your privacy is at risk of being compromised, or it might even have already been compromised. ## (they) Know Your Coins You may already know that **Bitcoin and most cryptocurrencies have a transparent public blockchain**, meaning that all data is shown unencrypted for everyone to see and recorded **forever**. If you link an address you own to your identity through KYC, for example, by sending an amount from a KYC exchange to it, your Bitcoin is no longer pseudonymous and can then be traced. If, for instance, you send Bitcoin from such an identified address to another KYC'ed address (say, from a friend), everyone having access to that address-identity link information (exchanges, governments, hackers, etc.) will be able to associate that transaction and know who you are transacting with. ## Conclusions To sum up, **KYC does not protect individuals**; rather, it's a threat to our privacy, freedom, security and integrity. Sensible information flowing through the internet is thrown into chaos by dubious security measures. It puts borders between many potential customers and businesses, and it helps governments and companies track innocent users. That's the chaos KYC has stirred. The criminals are using stolen identities from companies that gathered them thanks to these very same regulations that were supposed to combat them. Criminals always know how to circumvent such regulations. In the end, normal people are the most affected by these policies. The threat that KYC poses to individuals in terms of privacy, security and freedom is not to be neglected. And if we don’t start challenging these systems and questioning their efficacy, we are just one step closer to the dystopian future that is now foreseeable. > Edited 20/03/2024 > * Add reference to the 1% statement on [Rights for Illusions](#rights-for-illusions) section to an article where Chainalysis found that only 0.34% of the transaction volume with cryptocurrencies in 2023 was attributable to criminal activity [^1] [^1]: https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/2024-crypto-crime-report-introduction/ [^2]: https://old.reddit.com/r/BitcoinBeginners/comments/k2bve1/is_kyc_bad_if_so_why/gdtc8kz [^3]: https://www.ccn.com/hacked-customer-data-from-world-leading-cryptocurrency-exchanges-for-sale-on-the-dark-web/

@ 04c915da:3dfbecc9

Capitalism is the most effective system for scaling innovation. The pursuit of profit is an incredibly powerful human incentive. Most major improvements to human society and quality of life have resulted from this base incentive. Market competition often results in the best outcomes for all. That said, some projects can never be monetized. They are open in nature and a business model would centralize control. Open protocols like bitcoin and nostr are not owned by anyone and if they were it would destroy the key value propositions they provide. No single entity can or should control their use. Anyone can build on them without permission. As a result, open protocols must depend on donation based grant funding from the people and organizations that rely on them. This model works but it is slow and uncertain, a grind where sustainability is never fully reached but rather constantly sought. As someone who has been incredibly active in the open source grant funding space, I do not think people truly appreciate how difficult it is to raise charitable money and deploy it efficiently. Projects that can be monetized should be. Profitability is a super power. When a business can generate revenue, it taps into a self sustaining cycle. Profit fuels growth and development while providing projects independence and agency. This flywheel effect is why companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple have scaled to global dominance. The profit incentive aligns human effort with efficiency. Businesses must innovate, cut waste, and deliver value to survive. Contrast this with non monetized projects. Without profit, they lean on external support, which can dry up or shift with donor priorities. A profit driven model, on the other hand, is inherently leaner and more adaptable. It is not charity but survival. When survival is tied to delivering what people want, scale follows naturally. The real magic happens when profitable, sustainable businesses are built on top of open protocols and software. Consider the many startups building on open source software stacks, such as Start9, Mempool, and Primal, offering premium services on top of the open source software they build out and maintain. Think of companies like Block or Strike, which leverage bitcoin’s open protocol to offer their services on top. These businesses amplify the open software and protocols they build on, driving adoption and improvement at a pace donations alone could never match. When you combine open software and protocols with profit driven business the result are lean, sustainable companies that grow faster and serve more people than either could alone. Bitcoin’s network, for instance, benefits from businesses that profit off its existence, while nostr will expand as developers monetize apps built on the protocol. Capitalism scales best because competition results in efficiency. Donation funded protocols and software lay the groundwork, while market driven businesses build on top. The profit incentive acts as a filter, ensuring resources flow to what works, while open systems keep the playing field accessible, empowering users and builders. Together, they create a flywheel of innovation, growth, and global benefit.

@ b2d670de:907f9d4a

This guide will walk you through setting up your own Strfry Nostr relay on a Debian/Ubuntu server and making it accessible exclusively as a TOR hidden service. By the end, you'll have a privacy-focused relay that operates entirely within the TOR network, enhancing both your privacy and that of your users. ## Table of Contents 1. Prerequisites 2. Initial Server Setup 3. Installing Strfry Nostr Relay 4. Configuring Your Relay 5. Setting Up TOR 6. Making Your Relay Available on TOR 7. Testing Your Setup] 8. Maintenance and Security 9. Troubleshooting ## Prerequisites - A Debian or Ubuntu server - Basic familiarity with command line operations (most steps are explained in detail) - Root or sudo access to your server ## Initial Server Setup First, let's make sure your server is properly set up and secured. ### Update Your System Connect to your server via SSH and update your system: ```bash sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y ``` ### Set Up a Basic Firewall Install and configure a basic firewall: ```bash sudo apt install ufw -y sudo ufw allow ssh sudo ufw enable ``` This allows SSH connections while blocking other ports for security. ## Installing Strfry Nostr Relay This guide includes the full range of steps needed to build and set up Strfry. It's simply based on the current version of the `DEPLOYMENT.md` document in the Strfry GitHub repository. If the build/setup process is changed in the repo, this document could get outdated. If so, please report to me that something is outdated and check for updated steps [here](https://github.com/hoytech/strfry/blob/master/docs/DEPLOYMENT.md). ### Install Dependencies First, let's install the necessary dependencies. Each package serves a specific purpose in building and running Strfry: ```bash sudo apt install -y git build-essential libyaml-perl libtemplate-perl libregexp-grammars-perl libssl-dev zlib1g-dev liblmdb-dev libflatbuffers-dev libsecp256k1-dev libzstd-dev ``` Here's why each dependency is needed: **Basic Development Tools:** - `git`: Version control system used to clone the Strfry repository and manage code updates - `build-essential`: Meta-package that includes compilers (gcc, g++), make, and other essential build tools **Perl Dependencies** (used for Strfry's build scripts): - `libyaml-perl`: Perl interface to parse YAML configuration files - `libtemplate-perl`: Template processing system used during the build process - `libregexp-grammars-perl`: Advanced regular expression handling for Perl scripts **Core Libraries for Strfry:** - `libssl-dev`: Development files for OpenSSL, used for secure connections and cryptographic operations - `zlib1g-dev`: Compression library that Strfry uses to reduce data size - `liblmdb-dev`: Lightning Memory-Mapped Database library, which Strfry uses for its high-performance database backend - `libflatbuffers-dev`: Memory-efficient serialization library for structured data - `libsecp256k1-dev`: Optimized C library for EC operations on curve secp256k1, essential for Nostr's cryptographic signatures - `libzstd-dev`: Fast real-time compression algorithm for efficient data storage and transmission ### Clone and Build Strfry Clone the Strfry repository: ```bash git clone https://github.com/hoytech/strfry.git cd strfry ``` Build Strfry: ```bash git submodule update --init make setup-golpe make -j2 # This uses 2 CPU cores. Adjust based on your server (e.g., -j4 for 4 cores) ``` This build process will take several minutes, especially on servers with limited CPU resources, so go get a coffee and post some great memes on nostr in the meantime. ### Install Strfry Install the Strfry binary to your system path: ```bash sudo cp strfry /usr/local/bin ``` This makes the `strfry` command available system-wide, allowing it to be executed from any directory and by any user with the appropriate permissions. ## Configuring Your Relay ### Create Strfry User Create a dedicated user for running Strfry. This enhances security by isolating the relay process: ```bash sudo useradd -M -s /usr/sbin/nologin strfry ``` The `-M` flag prevents creating a home directory, and `-s /usr/sbin/nologin` prevents anyone from logging in as this user. This is a security best practice for service accounts. ### Create Data Directory Create a directory for Strfry's data: ```bash sudo mkdir /var/lib/strfry sudo chown strfry:strfry /var/lib/strfry sudo chmod 755 /var/lib/strfry ``` This creates a dedicated directory for Strfry's database and sets the appropriate permissions so that only the strfry user can write to it. ### Configure Strfry Copy the sample configuration file: ```bash sudo cp strfry.conf /etc/strfry.conf ``` Edit the configuration file: ```bash sudo nano /etc/strfry.conf ``` Modify the database path: ``` # Find this line: db = "./strfry-db/" # Change it to: db = "/var/lib/strfry/" ``` Check your system's hard limit for file descriptors: ```bash ulimit -Hn ``` Update the `nofiles` setting in your configuration to match this value (or set to 0): ``` # Add or modify this line in the config (example if your limit is 524288): nofiles = 524288 ``` The `nofiles` setting determines how many open files Strfry can have simultaneously. Setting it to your system's hard limit (or 0 to use the system default) helps prevent "too many open files" errors if your relay becomes popular. You might also want to customize your relay's information in the config file. Look for the `info` section and update it with your relay's name, description, and other details. Set ownership of the configuration file: ```bash sudo chown strfry:strfry /etc/strfry.conf ``` ### Create Systemd Service Create a systemd service file for managing Strfry: ```bash sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/strfry.service ``` Add the following content: ```ini [Unit] Description=strfry relay service [Service] User=strfry ExecStart=/usr/local/bin/strfry relay Restart=on-failure RestartSec=5 ProtectHome=yes NoNewPrivileges=yes ProtectSystem=full LimitCORE=1000000000 [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target ``` This systemd service configuration: - Runs Strfry as the dedicated strfry user - Automatically restarts the service if it fails - Implements security measures like `ProtectHome` and `NoNewPrivileges` - Sets resource limits appropriate for a relay Enable and start the service: ```bash sudo systemctl enable strfry.service sudo systemctl start strfry ``` Check the service status: ```bash sudo systemctl status strfry ``` ### Verify Relay is Running Test that your relay is running locally: ```bash curl localhost:7777 ``` You should see a message indicating that the Strfry relay is running. This confirms that Strfry is properly installed and configured before we proceed to set up TOR. ## Setting Up TOR Now let's make your relay accessible as a TOR hidden service. ### Install TOR Install TOR from the package repositories: ```bash sudo apt install -y tor ``` This installs the TOR daemon that will create and manage your hidden service. ### Configure TOR Edit the TOR configuration file: ```bash sudo nano /etc/tor/torrc ``` Scroll down to wherever you see a commented out part like this: ``` #HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/hidden_service/ #HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:80 ``` Under those lines, add the following lines to set up a hidden service for your relay: ``` HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/ HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:7777 ``` This configuration: - Creates a hidden service directory at `/var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/` - Maps port 80 on your .onion address to port 7777 on your local machine - Keeps all traffic encrypted within the TOR network Create the directory for your hidden service: ```bash sudo mkdir -p /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/ sudo chown debian-tor:debian-tor /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/ sudo chmod 700 /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/ ``` The strict permissions (700) are crucial for security as they ensure only the debian-tor user can access the directory containing your hidden service private keys. Restart TOR to apply changes: ```bash sudo systemctl restart tor ``` ## Making Your Relay Available on TOR ### Get Your Onion Address After restarting TOR, you can find your onion address: ```bash sudo cat /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/hostname ``` This will output something like `abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz234567.onion`, which is your relay's unique .onion address. This is what you'll share with others to access your relay. ### Understanding Onion Addresses The .onion address is a special-format hostname that is automatically generated based on your hidden service's private key. Your users will need to use this address with the WebSocket protocol prefix to connect: `ws://youronionaddress.onion` ## Testing Your Setup ### Test with a Nostr Client The best way to test your relay is with an actual Nostr client that supports TOR: 1. Open your TOR browser 2. Go to your favorite client, either on clearnet or an onion service. - Check out [this list](https://github.com/0xtrr/onion-service-nostr-clients?tab=readme-ov-file#onion-service-nostr-clients) of nostr clients available over TOR. 3. Add your relay URL: `ws://youronionaddress.onion` to your relay list 4. Try posting a note and see if it appears on your relay - In some nostr clients, you can also click on a relay to get information about it like the relay name and description you set earlier in the stryfry config. If you're able to see the correct values for the name and the description, you were able to connect to the relay. - Some nostr clients also gives you a status on what relays a note was posted to, this could also give you an indication that your relay works as expected. Note that not all Nostr clients support TOR connections natively. Some may require additional configuration or use of TOR Browser. E.g. most mobile apps would most likely require a TOR proxy app running in the background (some have TOR support built in too). ## Maintenance and Security ### Regular Updates Keep your system, TOR, and relay updated: ```bash # Update system sudo apt update sudo apt upgrade -y # Update Strfry cd ~/strfry git pull git submodule update make -j2 sudo cp strfry /usr/local/bin sudo systemctl restart strfry # Verify TOR is still running properly sudo systemctl status tor ``` Regular updates are crucial for security, especially for TOR which may have security-critical updates. ### Database Management Strfry has built-in database management tools. Check the Strfry documentation for specific commands related to database maintenance, such as managing event retention and performing backups. ### Monitoring Logs To monitor your Strfry logs: ```bash sudo journalctl -u strfry -f ``` To check TOR logs: ```bash sudo journalctl -u tor -f ``` Monitoring logs helps you identify potential issues and understand how your relay is being used. ### Backup This is not a best practices guide on how to do backups. Preferably, backups should be stored either offline or on a different machine than your relay server. This is just a simple way on how to do it on the same server. ```bash # Stop the relay temporarily sudo systemctl stop strfry # Backup the database sudo cp -r /var/lib/strfry /path/to/backup/location # Restart the relay sudo systemctl start strfry ``` Back up your TOR hidden service private key. The private key is particularly sensitive as it defines your .onion address - losing it means losing your address permanently. If you do a backup of this, ensure that is stored in a safe place where no one else has access to it. ```bash sudo cp /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/hs_ed25519_secret_key /path/to/secure/backup/location ``` ## Troubleshooting ### Relay Not Starting If your relay doesn't start: ```bash # Check logs sudo journalctl -u strfry -e # Verify configuration cat /etc/strfry.conf # Check permissions ls -la /var/lib/strfry ``` Common issues include: - Incorrect configuration format - Permission problems with the data directory - Port already in use (another service using port 7777) - Issues with setting the nofiles limit (setting it too big) ### TOR Hidden Service Not Working If your TOR hidden service is not accessible: ```bash # Check TOR logs sudo journalctl -u tor -e # Verify TOR is running sudo systemctl status tor # Check onion address sudo cat /var/lib/tor/strfry-relay/hostname # Verify TOR configuration sudo cat /etc/tor/torrc ``` Common TOR issues include: - Incorrect directory permissions - TOR service not running - Incorrect port mapping in torrc ### Testing Connectivity If you're having trouble connecting to your service: ```bash # Verify Strfry is listening locally sudo ss -tulpn | grep 7777 # Check that TOR is properly running sudo systemctl status tor # Test the local connection directly curl --include --no-buffer localhost:7777 ``` --- ## Privacy and Security Considerations Running a Nostr relay as a TOR hidden service provides several important privacy benefits: 1. **Network Privacy**: Traffic to your relay is encrypted and routed through the TOR network, making it difficult to determine who is connecting to your relay. 2. **Server Anonymity**: The physical location and IP address of your server are concealed, providing protection against denial-of-service attacks and other targeting. 3. **Censorship Resistance**: TOR hidden services are more resilient against censorship attempts, as they don't rely on the regular DNS system and can't be easily blocked. 4. **User Privacy**: Users connecting to your relay through TOR enjoy enhanced privacy, as their connections are also encrypted and anonymized. However, there are some important considerations: - TOR connections are typically slower than regular internet connections - Not all Nostr clients support TOR connections natively - Running a hidden service increases the importance of keeping your server secure --- Congratulations! You now have a Strfry Nostr relay running as a TOR hidden service. This setup provides a resilient, privacy-focused, and censorship-resistant communication channel that helps strengthen the Nostr network. For further customization and advanced configuration options, refer to the [Strfry documentation](https://github.com/hoytech/strfry). Consider sharing your relay's .onion address with the Nostr community to help grow the privacy-focused segment of the network! If you plan on providing a relay service that the public can use (either for free or paid for), consider adding it to [this list](https://github.com/0xtrr/onion-service-nostr-relays). Only add it if you plan to run a stable and available relay.

@ bc52210b:20bfc6de

CISA, or Cross-Input Signature Aggregation, is a technique in Bitcoin that allows multiple signatures from different inputs in a transaction to be combined into a single, aggregated signature. This is a big deal because Bitcoin transactions often involve multiple inputs (e.g., spending from different wallet outputs), each requiring its own signature. Normally, these signatures take up space individually, but CISA compresses them into one, making transactions more efficient. This magic is possible thanks to the linearity property of Schnorr signatures, a type of digital signature introduced to Bitcoin with the Taproot upgrade. Unlike the older ECDSA signatures, Schnorr signatures have mathematical properties that allow multiple signatures to be added together into a single valid signature. Think of it like combining multiple handwritten signatures into one super-signature that still proves everyone signed off! Fun Fact: CISA was considered for inclusion in Taproot but was left out to keep the upgrade simple and manageable. Adding CISA would’ve made Taproot more complex, so the developers hit pause on it—for now. --- **CISA vs. Key Aggregation (MuSig, FROST): Don’t Get Confused!** Before we go deeper, let’s clear up a common mix-up: CISA is not the same as protocols like MuSig or FROST. Here’s why: * Signature Aggregation (CISA): Combines multiple signatures into one, each potentially tied to different public keys and messages (e.g., different transaction inputs). * Key Aggregation (MuSig, FROST): Combines multiple public keys into a single aggregated public key, then generates one signature for that key. **Key Differences:** 1. What’s Aggregated? * CISA: Aggregates signatures. * Key Aggregation: Aggregates public keys. 2. What the Verifier Needs * CISA: The verifier needs all individual public keys and their corresponding messages to check the aggregated signature. * Key Aggregation: The verifier only needs the single aggregated public key and one message. 3. When It Happens * CISA: Used during transaction signing, when inputs are being combined into a transaction. * MuSig: Used during address creation, setting up a multi-signature (multisig) address that multiple parties control. So, CISA is about shrinking signature data in a transaction, while MuSig/FROST are about simplifying multisig setups. Different tools, different jobs! --- **Two Flavors of CISA: Half-Agg and Full-Agg** CISA comes in two modes: * Full Aggregation (Full-Agg): Interactive, meaning signers need to collaborate during the signing process. (We’ll skip the details here since the query focuses on Half-Agg.) * Half Aggregation (Half-Agg): Non-interactive, meaning signers can work independently, and someone else can combine the signatures later. Since the query includes “CISA Part 2: Half Signature Aggregation,” let’s zoom in on Half-Agg. --- **Half Signature Aggregation (Half-Agg) Explained** **How It Works** Half-Agg is a non-interactive way to aggregate Schnorr signatures. Here’s the process: 1. Independent Signing: Each signer creates their own Schnorr signature for their input, without needing to talk to the other signers. 2. Aggregation Step: An aggregator (could be anyone, like a wallet or node) takes all these signatures and combines them into one aggregated signature. A Schnorr signature has two parts: * R: A random point (32 bytes). * s: A scalar value (32 bytes). In Half-Agg: * The R values from each signature are kept separate (one per input). * The s values from all signatures are combined into a single s value. **Why It Saves Space (~50%)** Let’s break down the size savings with some math: Before Aggregation: * Each Schnorr signature = 64 bytes (32 for R + 32 for s). * For n inputs: n × 64 bytes. After Half-Agg: * Keep n R values (32 bytes each) = 32 × n bytes. * Combine all s values into one = 32 bytes. * Total size: 32 × n + 32 bytes. Comparison: * Original: 64n bytes. * Half-Agg: 32n + 32 bytes. * For large n, the “+32” becomes small compared to 32n, so it’s roughly 32n, which is half of 64n. Hence, ~50% savings! **Real-World Impact:** Based on recent Bitcoin usage, Half-Agg could save: * ~19.3% in space (reducing transaction size). * ~6.9% in fees (since fees depend on transaction size). This assumes no major changes in how people use Bitcoin post-CISA. --- **Applications of Half-Agg** Half-Agg isn’t just a cool idea—it has practical uses: 1. Transaction-wide Aggregation * Combine all signatures within a single transaction. * Result: Smaller transactions, lower fees. 2. Block-wide Aggregation * Combine signatures across all transactions in a Bitcoin block. * Result: Even bigger space savings at the blockchain level. 3. Off-chain Protocols / P2P * Use Half-Agg in systems like Lightning Network gossip messages. * Benefit: Efficiency without needing miners or a Bitcoin soft fork. --- **Challenges with Half-Agg** While Half-Agg sounds awesome, it’s not without hurdles, especially at the block level: 1. Breaking Adaptor Signatures * Adaptor signatures are special signatures used in protocols like Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) or atomic swaps. They tie a signature to revealing a secret, ensuring fair exchanges. * Aggregating signatures across a block might mess up these protocols, as the individual signatures get blended together, potentially losing the properties adaptor signatures rely on. 2. Impact on Reorg Recovery * In Bitcoin, a reorganization (reorg) happens when the blockchain switches to a different chain of blocks. Transactions from the old chain need to be rebroadcast or reprocessed. * If signatures are aggregated at the block level, it could complicate extracting individual transactions and their signatures during a reorg, slowing down recovery. These challenges mean Half-Agg needs careful design, especially for block-wide use. --- **Wrapping Up** CISA is a clever way to make Bitcoin transactions more efficient by aggregating multiple Schnorr signatures into one, thanks to their linearity property. Half-Agg, the non-interactive mode, lets signers work independently, cutting signature size by about 50% (to 32n + 32 bytes from 64n bytes). It could save ~19.3% in space and ~6.9% in fees, with uses ranging from single transactions to entire blocks or off-chain systems like Lightning. But watch out—block-wide Half-Agg could trip up adaptor signatures and reorg recovery, so it’s not a slam dunk yet. Still, it’s a promising tool for a leaner, cheaper Bitcoin future!

@ b17fccdf:b7211155

Si vives en España, quizás hayas notado que no puedes acceder a ciertas páginas webs durante los fines de semana o en algunos días entre semana, entre ellas, la [guía de MiniBolt](https://minbolt.info/). Esto tiene una **razón**, por supuesto una **solución**, además de una **conclusión**. Sin entrar en demasiados detalles: ## La razón El **bloqueo a Cloudflare**, implementado desde hace casi dos meses por operadores de Internet (ISPs) en España (como Movistar, O2, DIGI, Pepephone, entre otros), se basa en una [orden judicial](https://www.poderjudicial.es/search/AN/openDocument/3c85bed480cbb1daa0a8778d75e36f0d/20221004) emitida tras una demanda de LALIGA (Fútbol). Esta medida busca combatir la piratería en España, un problema que afecta directamente a dicha organización. Aunque la intención original era restringir el acceso a dominios específicos que difundieran dicho contenido, Cloudflare emplea el protocolo [ECH](https://developers.cloudflare.com/ssl/edge-certificates/ech) (Encrypted Client Hello), que oculta el nombre del dominio, el cual antes se transmitía en texto plano durante el proceso de establecimiento de una conexión TLS. Esta medida dificulta que las operadoras analicen el tráfico para aplicar **bloqueos basados en dominios**, lo que les obliga a recurrir a **bloqueos más amplios por IP o rangos de IP** para cumplir con la orden judicial. Esta práctica tiene **consecuencias graves**, que han sido completamente ignoradas por quienes la ejecutan. Es bien sabido que una infraestructura de IP puede alojar numerosos dominios, tanto legítimos como no legítimos. La falta de un "ajuste fino" en los bloqueos provoca un **perjuicio para terceros**, **restringiendo el acceso a muchos dominios legítimos** que no tiene relación alguna con actividades ilícitas, pero que comparten las mismas IPs de Cloudflare con dominios cuestionables. Este es el caso de la [web de MiniBolt](https://minibolt.minibolt.info) y su dominio `minibolt.info`, los cuales **utilizan Cloudflare como proxy** para aprovechar las medidas de **seguridad, privacidad, optimización y servicios** adicionales que la plataforma ofrece de forma gratuita. Si bien este bloqueo parece ser temporal (al menos durante la temporada 24/25 de fútbol, hasta finales de mayo), es posible que se reactive con el inicio de la nueva temporada.  ## La solución Obviamente, **MiniBolt no dejará de usar Cloudflare** como proxy por esta razón. Por lo que a continuación se exponen algunas medidas que como usuario puedes tomar para **evitar esta restricción** y poder acceder: **~>** Utiliza **una VPN**: Existen varias soluciones de proveedores de VPN, ordenadas según su reputación en privacidad: - [IVPN](https://www.ivpn.net/es/) - [Mullvad VPN](https://mullvad.net/es/vpn) - [Proton VPN](https://protonvpn.com/es-es) (**gratis**) - [Obscura VPN](https://obscura.net/) (**solo para macOS**) - [Cloudfare WARP](https://developers.cloudflare.com/cloudflare-one/connections/connect-devices/warp/download-warp/) (**gratis**) + permite utilizar el modo proxy local para enrutar solo la navegación, debes utilizar la opción "WARP a través de proxy local" siguiendo estos pasos: 1. Inicia Cloudflare WARP y dentro de la pequeña interfaz haz click en la rueda dentada abajo a la derecha > "Preferencias" > "Avanzado" > "Configurar el modo proxy" 2. Marca la casilla "Habilite el modo proxy en este dispositivo" 3. Elige un "Puerto de escucha de proxy" entre 0-65535. ej: 1080, haz click en "Aceptar" y cierra la ventana de preferencias 4. Accede de nuevo a Cloudflare WARP y pulsa sobre el switch para habilitar el servicio. 3. Ahora debes apuntar el proxy del navegador a Cloudflare WARP, la configuración del navegador es similar a [esta](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/privacy#example-from-firefox) para el caso de navegadores basados en Firefox. Una vez hecho, deberías poder acceder a la [guía de MiniBolt](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/) sin problemas. Si tienes dudas, déjalas en comentarios e intentaré resolverlas. Más info [AQUÍ](https://bandaancha.eu/articulos/como-saltarse-bloqueo-webs-warp-vpn-9958).  **~>** [**Proxifica tu navegador para usar la red de Tor**](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/system/system/privacy#ssh-remote-access-through-tor), o utiliza el [**navegador oficial de Tor**](https://www.torproject.org/es/download/) (recomendado).  ## La conclusión Estos hechos ponen en tela de juicio los principios fundamentales de la neutralidad de la red, pilares esenciales de la [Declaración de Independencia del Ciberespacio](https://es.wikisource.org/wiki/Declaraci%C3%B3n_de_independencia_del_ciberespacio) que defiende un internet libre, sin restricciones ni censura. Dichos principios se han visto quebrantados sin precedentes en este país, confirmando que ese futuro distópico que muchos negaban, ya es una realidad. Es momento de actuar y estar preparados: debemos **impulsar el desarrollo y la difusión** de las **herramientas anticensura** que tenemos a nuestro alcance, protegiendo así la **libertad digital** y asegurando un acceso equitativo a la información para todos Este compromiso es uno de los **pilares fundamentales de MiniBolt,** lo que convierte este desafío en una oportunidad para poner a prueba las **soluciones anticensura** [ya disponibles](https://minibolt.minibolt.info/bonus-guides/system/tor-services), así como **las que están en camino**. ¡Censúrame si puedes, legislador! ¡La lucha por la privacidad y la libertad en Internet ya está en marcha!  --- Fuentes: * https://bandaancha.eu/articulos/movistar-o2-deja-clientes-sin-acceso-11239 * https://bandaancha.eu/articulos/esta-nueva-sentencia-autoriza-bloqueos-11257 * https://bandaancha.eu/articulos/como-saltarse-bloqueo-webs-warp-vpn-9958 * https://bandaancha.eu/articulos/como-activar-ech-chrome-acceder-webs-10689 * https://comunidad.movistar.es/t5/Soporte-Fibra-y-ADSL/Problema-con-web-que-usan-Cloudflare/td-p/5218007

@ 3b7fc823:e194354f

A quick guide for the less than technical savvy to set up their very own free private tor enabled email using Onionmail. Privacy is for everyone, not just the super cyber nerds. Onion Mail is an anonymous POP3/SMTP email server program hosted by various people on the internet. You can visit this site and read the details: https://en.onionmail.info/ 1. Download Tor Browser First, if you don't already, go download Tor Browser. You are going to need it. https://www.torproject.org/ 2. Sign Up Using Tor browser go to the directory page (https://onionmail.info/directory.html) choose one of the servers and sign up for an account. I say sign up but it is just choosing a user name you want to go before the @xyz.onion email address and solving a captcha. 3. Account information Once you are done signing up an Account information page will pop up. **MAKE SURE YOU SAVE THIS!!!** It has your address and passwords (for sending and receiving email) that you will need. If you lose them then you are shit out of luck. 4. Install an Email Client You can use Claws Mail, Neomutt, or whatever, but for this example, we will be using Thunderbird. a. Download Thunderbird email client b. The easy setup popup page that wants your name, email, and password isn't going to like your user@xyz.onion address. Just enter something that looks like a regular email address such as name@example.com and the **Configure Manually**option will appear below. Click that. 5. Configure Incoming (POP3) Server Under Incoming Server: Protocol: POP3 Server or Hostname: xyz.onion (whatever your account info says) Port: 110 Security: STARTTLS Authentication: Normal password Username: (your username) Password: (POP3 password). 6. Configure Outgoing (SMTP) Server Under Outgoing Server: Server or Hostname: xyz.onion (whatever your account info says) Port: 25 Security: STARTTLS Authentication: Normal password Username: (your username) Password: (SMTP password). 7. Click on email at the top and change your address if you had to use a spoof one to get the configure manually to pop up. 8. Configure Proxy a. Click the **gear icon** on the bottom left for settings. Scroll all the way down to **Network & Disk Space**. Click the **settings button** next to **Connection. Configure how Thunderbird connects to the internet**. b. Select **Manual Proxy Configuration**. For **SOCKS Host** enter **127.0.0.1** and enter port **9050**. (if you are running this through a VM the port may be different) c. Now check the box for **SOCKS5** and then **Proxy DNS when using SOCKS5** down at the bottom. Click OK 9. Check Email For thunderbird to reach the onion mail server it has to be connected to tor. Depending on your local setup, it might be fine as is or you might have to have tor browser open in the background. Click on **inbox** and then the **little cloud icon** with the down arrow to check mail. 10. Security Exception Thunderbird is not going to like that the onion mail server security certificate is self signed. A popup **Add Security Exception** will appear. Click **Confirm Security Exception**. You are done. Enjoy your new private email service. **REMEMBER: The server can read your emails unless they are encrypted. Go into account settings. Look down and click End-toEnd Encryption. Then add your OpenPGP key or open your OpenPGP Key Manager (you might have to download one if you don't already have one) and generate a new key for this account.**

@ 21335073:a244b1ad

**Warning: This piece contains a conversation about difficult topics. Please proceed with caution.** TL;DR please educate your children about online safety. Julian Assange wrote in his 2012 book *Cypherpunks*, “This book is not a manifesto. There isn’t time for that. This book is a warning.” I read it a few times over the past summer. Those opening lines definitely stood out to me. I wish we had listened back then. He saw something about the internet that few had the ability to see. There are some individuals who are so close to a topic that when they speak, it’s difficult for others who aren’t steeped in it to visualize what they’re talking about. I didn’t read the book until more recently. If I had read it when it came out, it probably would have sounded like an unknown foreign language to me. Today it makes more sense. This isn’t a manifesto. This isn’t a book. There is no time for that. It’s a warning and a possible solution from a desperate and determined survivor advocate who has been pulling and unraveling a thread for a few years. At times, I feel too close to this topic to make any sense trying to convey my pathway to my conclusions or thoughts to the general public. My hope is that if nothing else, I can convey my sense of urgency while writing this. This piece is a watchman’s warning. When a child steps online, they are walking into a new world. A new reality. When you hand a child the internet, you are handing them possibilities—good, bad, and ugly. This is a conversation about lowering the potential of negative outcomes of stepping into that new world and how I came to these conclusions. I constantly compare the internet to the road. You wouldn’t let a young child run out into the road with no guidance or safety precautions. When you hand a child the internet without any type of guidance or safety measures, you are allowing them to play in rush hour, oncoming traffic. “Look left, look right for cars before crossing.” We almost all have been taught that as children. What are we taught as humans about safety before stepping into a completely different reality like the internet? Very little. I could never really figure out why many folks in tech, privacy rights activists, and hackers seemed so cold to me while talking about online child sexual exploitation. I always figured that as a survivor advocate for those affected by these crimes, that specific, skilled group of individuals would be very welcoming and easy to talk to about such serious topics. I actually had one hacker laugh in my face when I brought it up while I was looking for answers. I thought maybe this individual thought I was accusing them of something I wasn’t, so I felt bad for asking. I was constantly extremely disappointed and would ask myself, “Why don’t they care? What could I say to make them care more? What could I say to make them understand the crisis and the level of suffering that happens as a result of the problem?” I have been serving minor survivors of online child sexual exploitation for years. My first case serving a survivor of this specific crime was in 2018—a 13-year-old girl sexually exploited by a serial predator on Snapchat. That was my first glimpse into this side of the internet. I won a national award for serving the minor survivors of Twitter in 2023, but I had been working on that specific project for a few years. I was nominated by a lawyer representing two survivors in a legal battle against the platform. I’ve never really spoken about this before, but at the time it was a choice for me between fighting Snapchat or Twitter. I chose Twitter—or rather, Twitter chose me. I heard about the story of John Doe #1 and John Doe #2, and I was so unbelievably broken over it that I went to war for multiple years. I was and still am royally pissed about that case. As far as I was concerned, the John Doe #1 case proved that whatever was going on with corporate tech social media was so out of control that I didn’t have time to wait, so I got to work. It was reading the messages that John Doe #1 sent to Twitter begging them to remove his sexual exploitation that broke me. He was a child begging adults to do something. A passion for justice and protecting kids makes you do wild things. I was desperate to find answers about what happened and searched for solutions. In the end, the platform Twitter was purchased. During the acquisition, I just asked Mr. Musk nicely to prioritize the issue of detection and removal of child sexual exploitation without violating digital privacy rights or eroding end-to-end encryption. Elon thanked me multiple times during the acquisition, made some changes, and I was thanked by others on the survivors’ side as well. I still feel that even with the progress made, I really just scratched the surface with Twitter, now X. I left that passion project when I did for a few reasons. I wanted to give new leadership time to tackle the issue. Elon Musk made big promises that I knew would take a while to fulfill, but mostly I had been watching global legislation transpire around the issue, and frankly, the governments are willing to go much further with X and the rest of corporate tech than I ever would. My work begging Twitter to make changes with easier reporting of content, detection, and removal of child sexual exploitation material—without violating privacy rights or eroding end-to-end encryption—and advocating for the minor survivors of the platform went as far as my principles would have allowed. I’m grateful for that experience. I was still left with a nagging question: “How did things get so bad with Twitter where the John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 case was able to happen in the first place?” I decided to keep looking for answers. I decided to keep pulling the thread. I never worked for Twitter. This is often confusing for folks. I will say that despite being disappointed in the platform’s leadership at times, I loved Twitter. I saw and still see its value. I definitely love the survivors of the platform, but I also loved the platform. I was a champion of the platform’s ability to give folks from virtually around the globe an opportunity to speak and be heard. I want to be clear that John Doe #1 really is my why. He is the inspiration. I am writing this because of him. He represents so many globally, and I’m still inspired by his bravery. One child’s voice begging adults to do something—I’m an adult, I heard him. I’d go to war a thousand more lifetimes for that young man, and I don’t even know his name. Fighting has been personally dark at times; I’m not even going to try to sugarcoat it, but it has been worth it. The data surrounding the very real crime of online child sexual exploitation is available to the public online at any time for anyone to see. I’d encourage you to go look at the data for yourself. I believe in encouraging folks to check multiple sources so that you understand the full picture. If you are uncomfortable just searching around the internet for information about this topic, use the terms “CSAM,” “CSEM,” “SG-CSEM,” or “AI Generated CSAM.” The numbers don’t lie—it’s a nightmare that’s out of control. It’s a big business. The demand is high, and unfortunately, business is booming. Organizations collect the data, tech companies often post their data, governments report frequently, and the corporate press has covered a decent portion of the conversation, so I’m sure you can find a source that you trust. Technology is changing rapidly, which is great for innovation as a whole but horrible for the crime of online child sexual exploitation. Those wishing to exploit the vulnerable seem to be adapting to each technological change with ease. The governments are so far behind with tackling these issues that as I’m typing this, it’s borderline irrelevant to even include them while speaking about the crime or potential solutions. Technology is changing too rapidly, and their old, broken systems can’t even dare to keep up. Think of it like the governments’ “War on Drugs.” Drugs won. In this case as well, the governments are not winning. The governments are talking about maybe having a meeting on potentially maybe having legislation around the crimes. The time to have that meeting would have been many years ago. I’m not advocating for governments to legislate our way out of this. I’m on the side of educating and innovating our way out of this. I have been clear while advocating for the minor survivors of corporate tech platforms that I would not advocate for any solution to the crime that would violate digital privacy rights or erode end-to-end encryption. That has been a personal moral position that I was unwilling to budge on. This is an extremely unpopular and borderline nonexistent position in the anti-human trafficking movement and online child protection space. I’m often fearful that I’m wrong about this. I have always thought that a better pathway forward would have been to incentivize innovation for detection and removal of content. I had no previous exposure to privacy rights activists or Cypherpunks—actually, I came to that conclusion by listening to the voices of MENA region political dissidents and human rights activists. After developing relationships with human rights activists from around the globe, I realized how important privacy rights and encryption are for those who need it most globally. I was simply unwilling to give more power, control, and opportunities for mass surveillance to big abusers like governments wishing to enslave entire nations and untrustworthy corporate tech companies to potentially end some portion of abuses online. On top of all of it, it has been clear to me for years that all potential solutions outside of violating digital privacy rights to detect and remove child sexual exploitation online have not yet been explored aggressively. I’ve been disappointed that there hasn’t been more of a conversation around preventing the crime from happening in the first place. What has been tried is mass surveillance. In China, they are currently under mass surveillance both online and offline, and their behaviors are attached to a social credit score. Unfortunately, even on state-run and controlled social media platforms, they still have child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery pop up along with other crimes and human rights violations. They also have a thriving black market online due to the oppression from the state. In other words, even an entire loss of freedom and privacy cannot end the sexual exploitation of children online. It’s been tried. There is no reason to repeat this method. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out why I always felt a slight coldness from those in tech and privacy-minded individuals about the topic of child sexual exploitation online. I didn’t have any clue about the “Four Horsemen of the Infocalypse.” This is a term coined by Timothy C. May in 1988. I would have been a child myself when he first said it. I actually laughed at myself when I heard the phrase for the first time. I finally got it. The Cypherpunks weren’t wrong about that topic. They were so spot on that it is borderline uncomfortable. I was mad at first that they knew that early during the birth of the internet that this issue would arise and didn’t address it. Then I got over it because I realized that it wasn’t their job. Their job was—is—to write code. Their job wasn’t to be involved and loving parents or survivor advocates. Their job wasn’t to educate children on internet safety or raise awareness; their job was to write code. They knew that child sexual abuse material would be shared on the internet. They said what would happen—not in a gleeful way, but a prediction. Then it happened. I equate it now to a concrete company laying down a road. As you’re pouring the concrete, you can say to yourself, “A terrorist might travel down this road to go kill many, and on the flip side, a beautiful child can be born in an ambulance on this road.” Who or what travels down the road is not their responsibility—they are just supposed to lay the concrete. I’d never go to a concrete pourer and ask them to solve terrorism that travels down roads. Under the current system, law enforcement should stop terrorists before they even make it to the road. The solution to this specific problem is not to treat everyone on the road like a terrorist or to not build the road. So I understand the perceived coldness from those in tech. Not only was it not their job, but bringing up the topic was seen as the equivalent of asking a free person if they wanted to discuss one of the four topics—child abusers, terrorists, drug dealers, intellectual property pirates, etc.—that would usher in digital authoritarianism for all who are online globally. Privacy rights advocates and groups have put up a good fight. They stood by their principles. Unfortunately, when it comes to corporate tech, I believe that the issue of privacy is almost a complete lost cause at this point. It’s still worth pushing back, but ultimately, it is a losing battle—a ticking time bomb. I do think that corporate tech providers could have slowed down the inevitable loss of privacy at the hands of the state by prioritizing the detection and removal of CSAM when they all started online. I believe it would have bought some time, fewer would have been traumatized by that specific crime, and I do believe that it could have slowed down the demand for content. If I think too much about that, I’ll go insane, so I try to push the “if maybes” aside, but never knowing if it could have been handled differently will forever haunt me. At night when it’s quiet, I wonder what I would have done differently if given the opportunity. I’ll probably never know how much corporate tech knew and ignored in the hopes that it would go away while the problem continued to get worse. They had different priorities. The most voiceless and vulnerable exploited on corporate tech never had much of a voice, so corporate tech providers didn’t receive very much pushback. Now I’m about to say something really wild, and you can call me whatever you want to call me, but I’m going to say what I believe to be true. I believe that the governments are either so incompetent that they allowed the proliferation of CSAM online, or they knowingly allowed the problem to fester long enough to have an excuse to violate privacy rights and erode end-to-end encryption. The US government could have seized the corporate tech providers over CSAM, but I believe that they were so useful as a propaganda arm for the regimes that they allowed them to continue virtually unscathed. That season is done now, and the governments are making the issue a priority. It will come at a high cost. Privacy on corporate tech providers is virtually done as I’m typing this. It feels like a death rattle. I’m not particularly sure that we had much digital privacy to begin with, but the illusion of a veil of privacy feels gone. To make matters slightly more complex, it would be hard to convince me that once AI really gets going, digital privacy will exist at all. I believe that there should be a conversation shift to preserving freedoms and human rights in a post-privacy society. I don’t want to get locked up because AI predicted a nasty post online from me about the government. I’m not a doomer about AI—I’m just going to roll with it personally. I’m looking forward to the positive changes that will be brought forth by AI. I see it as inevitable. A bit of privacy was helpful while it lasted. Please keep fighting to preserve what is left of privacy either way because I could be wrong about all of this. On the topic of AI, the addition of AI to the horrific crime of child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation in multiple ways so far has been devastating. It’s currently out of control. The genie is out of the bottle. I am hopeful that innovation will get us humans out of this, but I’m not sure how or how long it will take. We must be extremely cautious around AI legislation. It should not be illegal to innovate even if some bad comes with the good. I don’t trust that the governments are equipped to decide the best pathway forward for AI. Source: the entire history of the government. I have been personally negatively impacted by AI-generated content. Every few days, I get another alert that I’m featured again in what’s called “deep fake pornography” without my consent. I’m not happy about it, but what pains me the most is the thought that for a period of time down the road, many globally will experience what myself and others are experiencing now by being digitally sexually abused in this way. If you have ever had your picture taken and posted online, you are also at risk of being exploited in this way. Your child’s image can be used as well, unfortunately, and this is just the beginning of this particular nightmare. It will move to more realistic interpretations of sexual behaviors as technology improves. I have no brave words of wisdom about how to deal with that emotionally. I do have hope that innovation will save the day around this specific issue. I’m nervous that everyone online will have to ID verify due to this issue. I see that as one possible outcome that could help to prevent one problem but inadvertently cause more problems, especially for those living under authoritarian regimes or anyone who needs to remain anonymous online. A zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) would probably be the best solution to these issues. There are some survivors of violence and/or sexual trauma who need to remain anonymous online for various reasons. There are survivor stories available online of those who have been abused in this way. I’d encourage you seek out and listen to their stories. There have been periods of time recently where I hesitate to say anything at all because more than likely AI will cover most of my concerns about education, awareness, prevention, detection, and removal of child sexual exploitation online, etc. Unfortunately, some of the most pressing issues we’ve seen online over the last few years come in the form of “sextortion.” Self-generated child sexual exploitation (SG-CSEM) numbers are continuing to be terrifying. I’d strongly encourage that you look into sextortion data. AI + sextortion is also a huge concern. The perpetrators are using the non-sexually explicit images of children and putting their likeness on AI-generated child sexual exploitation content and extorting money, more imagery, or both from minors online. It’s like a million nightmares wrapped into one. The wild part is that these issues will only get more pervasive because technology is harnessed to perpetuate horror at a scale unimaginable to a human mind. Even if you banned phones and the internet or tried to prevent children from accessing the internet, it wouldn’t solve it. Child sexual exploitation will still be with us until as a society we start to prevent the crime before it happens. That is the only human way out right now. There is no reset button on the internet, but if I could go back, I’d tell survivor advocates to heed the warnings of the early internet builders and to start education and awareness campaigns designed to prevent as much online child sexual exploitation as possible. The internet and technology moved quickly, and I don’t believe that society ever really caught up. We live in a world where a child can be groomed by a predator in their own home while sitting on a couch next to their parents watching TV. We weren’t ready as a species to tackle the fast-paced algorithms and dangers online. It happened too quickly for parents to catch up. How can you parent for the ever-changing digital world unless you are constantly aware of the dangers? I don’t think that the internet is inherently bad. I believe that it can be a powerful tool for freedom and resistance. I’ve spoken a lot about the bad online, but there is beauty as well. We often discuss how victims and survivors are abused online; we rarely discuss the fact that countless survivors around the globe have been able to share their experiences, strength, hope, as well as provide resources to the vulnerable. I do question if giving any government or tech company access to censorship, surveillance, etc., online in the name of serving survivors might not actually impact a portion of survivors negatively. There are a fair amount of survivors with powerful abusers protected by governments and the corporate press. If a survivor cannot speak to the press about their abuse, the only place they can go is online, directly or indirectly through an independent journalist who also risks being censored. This scenario isn’t hard to imagine—it already happened in China. During #MeToo, a survivor in China wanted to post their story. The government censored the post, so the survivor put their story on the blockchain. I’m excited that the survivor was creative and brave, but it’s terrifying to think that we live in a world where that situation is a necessity. I believe that the future for many survivors sharing their stories globally will be on completely censorship-resistant and decentralized protocols. This thought in particular gives me hope. When we listen to the experiences of a diverse group of survivors, we can start to understand potential solutions to preventing the crimes from happening in the first place. My heart is broken over the gut-wrenching stories of survivors sexually exploited online. Every time I hear the story of a survivor, I do think to myself quietly, “What could have prevented this from happening in the first place?” My heart is with survivors. My head, on the other hand, is full of the understanding that the internet should remain free. The free flow of information should not be stopped. My mind is with the innocent citizens around the globe that deserve freedom both online and offline. The problem is that governments don’t only want to censor illegal content that violates human rights—they create legislation that is so broad that it can impact speech and privacy of all. “Don’t you care about the kids?” Yes, I do. I do so much that I’m invested in finding solutions. I also care about all citizens around the globe that deserve an opportunity to live free from a mass surveillance society. If terrorism happens online, I should not be punished by losing my freedom. If drugs are sold online, I should not be punished. I’m not an abuser, I’m not a terrorist, and I don’t engage in illegal behaviors. I refuse to lose freedom because of others’ bad behaviors online. I want to be clear that on a long enough timeline, the governments will decide that they can be better parents/caregivers than you can if something isn’t done to stop minors from being sexually exploited online. The price will be a complete loss of anonymity, privacy, free speech, and freedom of religion online. I find it rather insulting that governments think they’re better equipped to raise children than parents and caretakers. So we can’t go backwards—all that we can do is go forward. Those who want to have freedom will find technology to facilitate their liberation. This will lead many over time to decentralized and open protocols. So as far as I’m concerned, this does solve a few of my worries—those who need, want, and deserve to speak freely online will have the opportunity in most countries—but what about online child sexual exploitation? When I popped up around the decentralized space, I was met with the fear of censorship. I’m not here to censor you. I don’t write code. I couldn’t censor anyone or any piece of content even if I wanted to across the internet, no matter how depraved. I don’t have the skills to do that. I’m here to start a conversation. Freedom comes at a cost. You must always fight for and protect your freedom. I can’t speak about protecting yourself from all of the Four Horsemen because I simply don’t know the topics well enough, but I can speak about this one topic. If there was a shortcut to ending online child sexual exploitation, I would have found it by now. There isn’t one right now. I believe that education is the only pathway forward to preventing the crime of online child sexual exploitation for future generations. I propose a yearly education course for every child of all school ages, taught as a standard part of the curriculum. Ideally, parents/caregivers would be involved in the education/learning process. **Course:** - The creation of the internet and computers - The fight for cryptography - The tech supply chain from the ground up (example: human rights violations in the supply chain) - Corporate tech - Freedom tech - Data privacy - Digital privacy rights - AI (history-current) - Online safety (predators, scams, catfishing, extortion) - Bitcoin - Laws - How to deal with online hate and harassment - Information on who to contact if you are being abused online or offline - Algorithms - How to seek out the truth about news, etc., online The parents/caregivers, homeschoolers, unschoolers, and those working to create decentralized parallel societies have been an inspiration while writing this, but my hope is that all children would learn this course, even in government ran schools. Ideally, parents would teach this to their own children. The decentralized space doesn’t want child sexual exploitation to thrive. Here’s the deal: there has to be a strong prevention effort in order to protect the next generation. The internet isn’t going anywhere, predators aren’t going anywhere, and I’m not down to let anyone have the opportunity to prove that there is a need for more government. I don’t believe that the government should act as parents. The governments have had a chance to attempt to stop online child sexual exploitation, and they didn’t do it. Can we try a different pathway forward? I’d like to put myself out of a job. I don’t want to ever hear another story like John Doe #1 ever again. This will require work. I’ve often called online child sexual exploitation the lynchpin for the internet. It’s time to arm generations of children with knowledge and tools. I can’t do this alone. Individuals have fought so that I could have freedom online. I want to fight to protect it. I don’t want child predators to give the government any opportunity to take away freedom. Decentralized spaces are as close to a reset as we’ll get with the opportunity to do it right from the start. Start the youth off correctly by preventing potential hazards to the best of your ability. The good news is anyone can work on this! I’d encourage you to take it and run with it. I added the additional education about the history of the internet to make the course more educational and fun. Instead of cleaning up generations of destroyed lives due to online sexual exploitation, perhaps this could inspire generations of those who will build our futures. Perhaps if the youth is armed with knowledge, they can create more tools to prevent the crime. This one solution that I’m suggesting can be done on an individual level or on a larger scale. It should be adjusted depending on age, learning style, etc. It should be fun and playful. This solution does not address abuse in the home or some of the root causes of offline child sexual exploitation. My hope is that it could lead to some survivors experiencing abuse in the home an opportunity to disclose with a trusted adult. The purpose for this solution is to prevent the crime of online child sexual exploitation before it occurs and to arm the youth with the tools to contact safe adults if and when it happens. In closing, I went to hell a few times so that you didn’t have to. I spoke to the mothers of survivors of minors sexually exploited online—their tears could fill rivers. I’ve spoken with political dissidents who yearned to be free from authoritarian surveillance states. The only balance that I’ve found is freedom online for citizens around the globe and prevention from the dangers of that for the youth. Don’t slow down innovation and freedom. Educate, prepare, adapt, and look for solutions. I’m not perfect and I’m sure that there are errors in this piece. I hope that you find them and it starts a conversation.

@ 21335073:a244b1ad

**Warning: This piece contains a conversation about difficult topics. Please proceed with caution.** TL;DR please educate your children about online safety. Julian Assange wrote in his 2012 book *Cypherpunks*, “This book is not a manifesto. There isn’t time for that. This book is a warning.” I read it a few times over the past summer. Those opening lines definitely stood out to me. I wish we had listened back then. He saw something about the internet that few had the ability to see. There are some individuals who are so close to a topic that when they speak, it’s difficult for others who aren’t steeped in it to visualize what they’re talking about. I didn’t read the book until more recently. If I had read it when it came out, it probably would have sounded like an unknown foreign language to me. Today it makes more sense. This isn’t a manifesto. This isn’t a book. There is no time for that. It’s a warning and a possible solution from a desperate and determined survivor advocate who has been pulling and unraveling a thread for a few years. At times, I feel too close to this topic to make any sense trying to convey my pathway to my conclusions or thoughts to the general public. My hope is that if nothing else, I can convey my sense of urgency while writing this. This piece is a watchman’s warning. When a child steps online, they are walking into a new world. A new reality. When you hand a child the internet, you are handing them possibilities—good, bad, and ugly. This is a conversation about lowering the potential of negative outcomes of stepping into that new world and how I came to these conclusions. I constantly compare the internet to the road. You wouldn’t let a young child run out into the road with no guidance or safety precautions. When you hand a child the internet without any type of guidance or safety measures, you are allowing them to play in rush hour, oncoming traffic. “Look left, look right for cars before crossing.” We almost all have been taught that as children. What are we taught as humans about safety before stepping into a completely different reality like the internet? Very little. I could never really figure out why many folks in tech, privacy rights activists, and hackers seemed so cold to me while talking about online child sexual exploitation. I always figured that as a survivor advocate for those affected by these crimes, that specific, skilled group of individuals would be very welcoming and easy to talk to about such serious topics. I actually had one hacker laugh in my face when I brought it up while I was looking for answers. I thought maybe this individual thought I was accusing them of something I wasn’t, so I felt bad for asking. I was constantly extremely disappointed and would ask myself, “Why don’t they care? What could I say to make them care more? What could I say to make them understand the crisis and the level of suffering that happens as a result of the problem?” I have been serving minor survivors of online child sexual exploitation for years. My first case serving a survivor of this specific crime was in 2018—a 13-year-old girl sexually exploited by a serial predator on Snapchat. That was my first glimpse into this side of the internet. I won a national award for serving the minor survivors of Twitter in 2023, but I had been working on that specific project for a few years. I was nominated by a lawyer representing two survivors in a legal battle against the platform. I’ve never really spoken about this before, but at the time it was a choice for me between fighting Snapchat or Twitter. I chose Twitter—or rather, Twitter chose me. I heard about the story of John Doe #1 and John Doe #2, and I was so unbelievably broken over it that I went to war for multiple years. I was and still am royally pissed about that case. As far as I was concerned, the John Doe #1 case proved that whatever was going on with corporate tech social media was so out of control that I didn’t have time to wait, so I got to work. It was reading the messages that John Doe #1 sent to Twitter begging them to remove his sexual exploitation that broke me. He was a child begging adults to do something. A passion for justice and protecting kids makes you do wild things. I was desperate to find answers about what happened and searched for solutions. In the end, the platform Twitter was purchased. During the acquisition, I just asked Mr. Musk nicely to prioritize the issue of detection and removal of child sexual exploitation without violating digital privacy rights or eroding end-to-end encryption. Elon thanked me multiple times during the acquisition, made some changes, and I was thanked by others on the survivors’ side as well. I still feel that even with the progress made, I really just scratched the surface with Twitter, now X. I left that passion project when I did for a few reasons. I wanted to give new leadership time to tackle the issue. Elon Musk made big promises that I knew would take a while to fulfill, but mostly I had been watching global legislation transpire around the issue, and frankly, the governments are willing to go much further with X and the rest of corporate tech than I ever would. My work begging Twitter to make changes with easier reporting of content, detection, and removal of child sexual exploitation material—without violating privacy rights or eroding end-to-end encryption—and advocating for the minor survivors of the platform went as far as my principles would have allowed. I’m grateful for that experience. I was still left with a nagging question: “How did things get so bad with Twitter where the John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 case was able to happen in the first place?” I decided to keep looking for answers. I decided to keep pulling the thread. I never worked for Twitter. This is often confusing for folks. I will say that despite being disappointed in the platform’s leadership at times, I loved Twitter. I saw and still see its value. I definitely love the survivors of the platform, but I also loved the platform. I was a champion of the platform’s ability to give folks from virtually around the globe an opportunity to speak and be heard. I want to be clear that John Doe #1 really is my why. He is the inspiration. I am writing this because of him. He represents so many globally, and I’m still inspired by his bravery. One child’s voice begging adults to do something—I’m an adult, I heard him. I’d go to war a thousand more lifetimes for that young man, and I don’t even know his name. Fighting has been personally dark at times; I’m not even going to try to sugarcoat it, but it has been worth it. The data surrounding the very real crime of online child sexual exploitation is available to the public online at any time for anyone to see. I’d encourage you to go look at the data for yourself. I believe in encouraging folks to check multiple sources so that you understand the full picture. If you are uncomfortable just searching around the internet for information about this topic, use the terms “CSAM,” “CSEM,” “SG-CSEM,” or “AI Generated CSAM.” The numbers don’t lie—it’s a nightmare that’s out of control. It’s a big business. The demand is high, and unfortunately, business is booming. Organizations collect the data, tech companies often post their data, governments report frequently, and the corporate press has covered a decent portion of the conversation, so I’m sure you can find a source that you trust. Technology is changing rapidly, which is great for innovation as a whole but horrible for the crime of online child sexual exploitation. Those wishing to exploit the vulnerable seem to be adapting to each technological change with ease. The governments are so far behind with tackling these issues that as I’m typing this, it’s borderline irrelevant to even include them while speaking about the crime or potential solutions. Technology is changing too rapidly, and their old, broken systems can’t even dare to keep up. Think of it like the governments’ “War on Drugs.” Drugs won. In this case as well, the governments are not winning. The governments are talking about maybe having a meeting on potentially maybe having legislation around the crimes. The time to have that meeting would have been many years ago. I’m not advocating for governments to legislate our way out of this. I’m on the side of educating and innovating our way out of this. I have been clear while advocating for the minor survivors of corporate tech platforms that I would not advocate for any solution to the crime that would violate digital privacy rights or erode end-to-end encryption. That has been a personal moral position that I was unwilling to budge on. This is an extremely unpopular and borderline nonexistent position in the anti-human trafficking movement and online child protection space. I’m often fearful that I’m wrong about this. I have always thought that a better pathway forward would have been to incentivize innovation for detection and removal of content. I had no previous exposure to privacy rights activists or Cypherpunks—actually, I came to that conclusion by listening to the voices of MENA region political dissidents and human rights activists. After developing relationships with human rights activists from around the globe, I realized how important privacy rights and encryption are for those who need it most globally. I was simply unwilling to give more power, control, and opportunities for mass surveillance to big abusers like governments wishing to enslave entire nations and untrustworthy corporate tech companies to potentially end some portion of abuses online. On top of all of it, it has been clear to me for years that all potential solutions outside of violating digital privacy rights to detect and remove child sexual exploitation online have not yet been explored aggressively. I’ve been disappointed that there hasn’t been more of a conversation around preventing the crime from happening in the first place. What has been tried is mass surveillance. In China, they are currently under mass surveillance both online and offline, and their behaviors are attached to a social credit score. Unfortunately, even on state-run and controlled social media platforms, they still have child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery pop up along with other crimes and human rights violations. They also have a thriving black market online due to the oppression from the state. In other words, even an entire loss of freedom and privacy cannot end the sexual exploitation of children online. It’s been tried. There is no reason to repeat this method. It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out why I always felt a slight coldness from those in tech and privacy-minded individuals about the topic of child sexual exploitation online. I didn’t have any clue about the “Four Horsemen of the Infocalypse.” This is a term coined by Timothy C. May in 1988. I would have been a child myself when he first said it. I actually laughed at myself when I heard the phrase for the first time. I finally got it. The Cypherpunks weren’t wrong about that topic. They were so spot on that it is borderline uncomfortable. I was mad at first that they knew that early during the birth of the internet that this issue would arise and didn’t address it. Then I got over it because I realized that it wasn’t their job. Their job was—is—to write code. Their job wasn’t to be involved and loving parents or survivor advocates. Their job wasn’t to educate children on internet safety or raise awareness; their job was to write code. They knew that child sexual abuse material would be shared on the internet. They said what would happen—not in a gleeful way, but a prediction. Then it happened. I equate it now to a concrete company laying down a road. As you’re pouring the concrete, you can say to yourself, “A terrorist might travel down this road to go kill many, and on the flip side, a beautiful child can be born in an ambulance on this road.” Who or what travels down the road is not their responsibility—they are just supposed to lay the concrete. I’d never go to a concrete pourer and ask them to solve terrorism that travels down roads. Under the current system, law enforcement should stop terrorists before they even make it to the road. The solution to this specific problem is not to treat everyone on the road like a terrorist or to not build the road. So I understand the perceived coldness from those in tech. Not only was it not their job, but bringing up the topic was seen as the equivalent of asking a free person if they wanted to discuss one of the four topics—child abusers, terrorists, drug dealers, intellectual property pirates, etc.—that would usher in digital authoritarianism for all who are online globally. Privacy rights advocates and groups have put up a good fight. They stood by their principles. Unfortunately, when it comes to corporate tech, I believe that the issue of privacy is almost a complete lost cause at this point. It’s still worth pushing back, but ultimately, it is a losing battle—a ticking time bomb. I do think that corporate tech providers could have slowed down the inevitable loss of privacy at the hands of the state by prioritizing the detection and removal of CSAM when they all started online. I believe it would have bought some time, fewer would have been traumatized by that specific crime, and I do believe that it could have slowed down the demand for content. If I think too much about that, I’ll go insane, so I try to push the “if maybes” aside, but never knowing if it could have been handled differently will forever haunt me. At night when it’s quiet, I wonder what I would have done differently if given the opportunity. I’ll probably never know how much corporate tech knew and ignored in the hopes that it would go away while the problem continued to get worse. They had different priorities. The most voiceless and vulnerable exploited on corporate tech never had much of a voice, so corporate tech providers didn’t receive very much pushback. Now I’m about to say something really wild, and you can call me whatever you want to call me, but I’m going to say what I believe to be true. I believe that the governments are either so incompetent that they allowed the proliferation of CSAM online, or they knowingly allowed the problem to fester long enough to have an excuse to violate privacy rights and erode end-to-end encryption. The US government could have seized the corporate tech providers over CSAM, but I believe that they were so useful as a propaganda arm for the regimes that they allowed them to continue virtually unscathed. That season is done now, and the governments are making the issue a priority. It will come at a high cost. Privacy on corporate tech providers is virtually done as I’m typing this. It feels like a death rattle. I’m not particularly sure that we had much digital privacy to begin with, but the illusion of a veil of privacy feels gone. To make matters slightly more complex, it would be hard to convince me that once AI really gets going, digital privacy will exist at all. I believe that there should be a conversation shift to preserving freedoms and human rights in a post-privacy society. I don’t want to get locked up because AI predicted a nasty post online from me about the government. I’m not a doomer about AI—I’m just going to roll with it personally. I’m looking forward to the positive changes that will be brought forth by AI. I see it as inevitable. A bit of privacy was helpful while it lasted. Please keep fighting to preserve what is left of privacy either way because I could be wrong about all of this. On the topic of AI, the addition of AI to the horrific crime of child sexual abuse material and child sexual exploitation in multiple ways so far has been devastating. It’s currently out of control. The genie is out of the bottle. I am hopeful that innovation will get us humans out of this, but I’m not sure how or how long it will take. We must be extremely cautious around AI legislation. It should not be illegal to innovate even if some bad comes with the good. I don’t trust that the governments are equipped to decide the best pathway forward for AI. Source: the entire history of the government. I have been personally negatively impacted by AI-generated content. Every few days, I get another alert that I’m featured again in what’s called “deep fake pornography” without my consent. I’m not happy about it, but what pains me the most is the thought that for a period of time down the road, many globally will experience what myself and others are experiencing now by being digitally sexually abused in this way. If you have ever had your picture taken and posted online, you are also at risk of being exploited in this way. Your child’s image can be used as well, unfortunately, and this is just the beginning of this particular nightmare. It will move to more realistic interpretations of sexual behaviors as technology improves. I have no brave words of wisdom about how to deal with that emotionally. I do have hope that innovation will save the day around this specific issue. I’m nervous that everyone online will have to ID verify due to this issue. I see that as one possible outcome that could help to prevent one problem but inadvertently cause more problems, especially for those living under authoritarian regimes or anyone who needs to remain anonymous online. A zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) would probably be the best solution to these issues. There are some survivors of violence and/or sexual trauma who need to remain anonymous online for various reasons. There are survivor stories available online of those who have been abused in this way. I’d encourage you seek out and listen to their stories. There have been periods of time recently where I hesitate to say anything at all because more than likely AI will cover most of my concerns about education, awareness, prevention, detection, and removal of child sexual exploitation online, etc. Unfortunately, some of the most pressing issues we’ve seen online over the last few years come in the form of “sextortion.” Self-generated child sexual exploitation (SG-CSEM) numbers are continuing to be terrifying. I’d strongly encourage that you look into sextortion data. AI + sextortion is also a huge concern. The perpetrators are using the non-sexually explicit images of children and putting their likeness on AI-generated child sexual exploitation content and extorting money, more imagery, or both from minors online. It’s like a million nightmares wrapped into one. The wild part is that these issues will only get more pervasive because technology is harnessed to perpetuate horror at a scale unimaginable to a human mind. Even if you banned phones and the internet or tried to prevent children from accessing the internet, it wouldn’t solve it. Child sexual exploitation will still be with us until as a society we start to prevent the crime before it happens. That is the only human way out right now. There is no reset button on the internet, but if I could go back, I’d tell survivor advocates to heed the warnings of the early internet builders and to start education and awareness campaigns designed to prevent as much online child sexual exploitation as possible. The internet and technology moved quickly, and I don’t believe that society ever really caught up. We live in a world where a child can be groomed by a predator in their own home while sitting on a couch next to their parents watching TV. We weren’t ready as a species to tackle the fast-paced algorithms and dangers online. It happened too quickly for parents to catch up. How can you parent for the ever-changing digital world unless you are constantly aware of the dangers? I don’t think that the internet is inherently bad. I believe that it can be a powerful tool for freedom and resistance. I’ve spoken a lot about the bad online, but there is beauty as well. We often discuss how victims and survivors are abused online; we rarely discuss the fact that countless survivors around the globe have been able to share their experiences, strength, hope, as well as provide resources to the vulnerable. I do question if giving any government or tech company access to censorship, surveillance, etc., online in the name of serving survivors might not actually impact a portion of survivors negatively. There are a fair amount of survivors with powerful abusers protected by governments and the corporate press. If a survivor cannot speak to the press about their abuse, the only place they can go is online, directly or indirectly through an independent journalist who also risks being censored. This scenario isn’t hard to imagine—it already happened in China. During #MeToo, a survivor in China wanted to post their story. The government censored the post, so the survivor put their story on the blockchain. I’m excited that the survivor was creative and brave, but it’s terrifying to think that we live in a world where that situation is a necessity. I believe that the future for many survivors sharing their stories globally will be on completely censorship-resistant and decentralized protocols. This thought in particular gives me hope. When we listen to the experiences of a diverse group of survivors, we can start to understand potential solutions to preventing the crimes from happening in the first place. My heart is broken over the gut-wrenching stories of survivors sexually exploited online. Every time I hear the story of a survivor, I do think to myself quietly, “What could have prevented this from happening in the first place?” My heart is with survivors. My head, on the other hand, is full of the understanding that the internet should remain free. The free flow of information should not be stopped. My mind is with the innocent citizens around the globe that deserve freedom both online and offline. The problem is that governments don’t only want to censor illegal content that violates human rights—they create legislation that is so broad that it can impact speech and privacy of all. “Don’t you care about the kids?” Yes, I do. I do so much that I’m invested in finding solutions. I also care about all citizens around the globe that deserve an opportunity to live free from a mass surveillance society. If terrorism happens online, I should not be punished by losing my freedom. If drugs are sold online, I should not be punished. I’m not an abuser, I’m not a terrorist, and I don’t engage in illegal behaviors. I refuse to lose freedom because of others’ bad behaviors online. I want to be clear that on a long enough timeline, the governments will decide that they can be better parents/caregivers than you can if something isn’t done to stop minors from being sexually exploited online. The price will be a complete loss of anonymity, privacy, free speech, and freedom of religion online. I find it rather insulting that governments think they’re better equipped to raise children than parents and caretakers. So we can’t go backwards—all that we can do is go forward. Those who want to have freedom will find technology to facilitate their liberation. This will lead many over time to decentralized and open protocols. So as far as I’m concerned, this does solve a few of my worries—those who need, want, and deserve to speak freely online will have the opportunity in most countries—but what about online child sexual exploitation? When I popped up around the decentralized space, I was met with the fear of censorship. I’m not here to censor you. I don’t write code. I couldn’t censor anyone or any piece of content even if I wanted to across the internet, no matter how depraved. I don’t have the skills to do that. I’m here to start a conversation. Freedom comes at a cost. You must always fight for and protect your freedom. I can’t speak about protecting yourself from all of the Four Horsemen because I simply don’t know the topics well enough, but I can speak about this one topic. If there was a shortcut to ending online child sexual exploitation, I would have found it by now. There isn’t one right now. I believe that education is the only pathway forward to preventing the crime of online child sexual exploitation for future generations. I propose a yearly education course for every child of all school ages, taught as a standard part of the curriculum. Ideally, parents/caregivers would be involved in the education/learning process. **Course:** - The creation of the internet and computers - The fight for cryptography - The tech supply chain from the ground up (example: human rights violations in the supply chain) - Corporate tech - Freedom tech - Data privacy - Digital privacy rights - AI (history-current) - Online safety (predators, scams, catfishing, extortion) - Bitcoin - Laws - How to deal with online hate and harassment - Information on who to contact if you are being abused online or offline - Algorithms - How to seek out the truth about news, etc., online The parents/caregivers, homeschoolers, unschoolers, and those working to create decentralized parallel societies have been an inspiration while writing this, but my hope is that all children would learn this course, even in government ran schools. Ideally, parents would teach this to their own children. The decentralized space doesn’t want child sexual exploitation to thrive. Here’s the deal: there has to be a strong prevention effort in order to protect the next generation. The internet isn’t going anywhere, predators aren’t going anywhere, and I’m not down to let anyone have the opportunity to prove that there is a need for more government. I don’t believe that the government should act as parents. The governments have had a chance to attempt to stop online child sexual exploitation, and they didn’t do it. Can we try a different pathway forward? I’d like to put myself out of a job. I don’t want to ever hear another story like John Doe #1 ever again. This will require work. I’ve often called online child sexual exploitation the lynchpin for the internet. It’s time to arm generations of children with knowledge and tools. I can’t do this alone. Individuals have fought so that I could have freedom online. I want to fight to protect it. I don’t want child predators to give the government any opportunity to take away freedom. Decentralized spaces are as close to a reset as we’ll get with the opportunity to do it right from the start. Start the youth off correctly by preventing potential hazards to the best of your ability. The good news is anyone can work on this! I’d encourage you to take it and run with it. I added the additional education about the history of the internet to make the course more educational and fun. Instead of cleaning up generations of destroyed lives due to online sexual exploitation, perhaps this could inspire generations of those who will build our futures. Perhaps if the youth is armed with knowledge, they can create more tools to prevent the crime. This one solution that I’m suggesting can be done on an individual level or on a larger scale. It should be adjusted depending on age, learning style, etc. It should be fun and playful. This solution does not address abuse in the home or some of the root causes of offline child sexual exploitation. My hope is that it could lead to some survivors experiencing abuse in the home an opportunity to disclose with a trusted adult. The purpose for this solution is to prevent the crime of online child sexual exploitation before it occurs and to arm the youth with the tools to contact safe adults if and when it happens. In closing, I went to hell a few times so that you didn’t have to. I spoke to the mothers of survivors of minors sexually exploited online—their tears could fill rivers. I’ve spoken with political dissidents who yearned to be free from authoritarian surveillance states. The only balance that I’ve found is freedom online for citizens around the globe and prevention from the dangers of that for the youth. Don’t slow down innovation and freedom. Educate, prepare, adapt, and look for solutions. I’m not perfect and I’m sure that there are errors in this piece. I hope that you find them and it starts a conversation.

@ a07fae46:7d83df92

if the JFK documents come out and are nothing but old hat, it will be disappointing. but if they contain revelations, then they are an unalloyed good. unprecedented and extraordinary; worthy of praise and admiration. they murdered the president in broad daylight and kept 80,000 related documents secret for 60 years. the apparatus that did that and got away with it, is 100+ years in the making. the magic bullet was just the starting pistol of a new *era*; a *level up* in an [old game](https://archive.org/details/TragedyAndHope_501/page/n5/mode/2up?q=feudalist+fashion). it won't be dismantled and your republic delivered back with a bow in *2 months*. have a little humility and a little gratitude. cynicism is easy. it's peak mid-wittery. yeah no shit everything is corrupt and everyone's likely captured by [AIPAC](https://books.google.com/books/publisher/content?id=gKVKDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT68&img=1&zoom=3&hl=en&bul=1&sig=ACfU3U2pagVXTYdJOKxkAwmmFQpuSnoS5g&w=1280) or something beyond. YOU THINK AIPAC is the [ALL SEEING EYE](https://archive.org/details/the-all-seeing-eye-vol-1-5-manly-p.-hall-may-1923-sept-1931)? you can keep going, if you want to, but have some awareness and appreciation for where we are and what it took to get here. the first 'you are fake news' was also a shot heard 'round the world and you are riding high on it's [Infrasound](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infrasound) wave, still reverberating; unappreciative of the profound delta in public awareness and understanding, and rate of change, that has occurred since that moment, in [2017](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vqpzk-qGxMU). think about where we were back then, especially with corporate capture of the narrative. trump's bullheaded behavior, if only ego-driven, *is* what broke the spell. an *actual* moment of savage bravery is what allows for your current jaded affectation. black pilled is boring. it's intellectually lazy. it is low-resolution-thinking, no better than progressives who explain the myriad ills of the world through 'racism'. normalcy bias works both ways. i'm not grading you on a curve that includes NPCs. i'm grading you against those of us with a mind, on up. do better. the best Webb-style doomer argument is essentially 'the mouse trap needs a piece of cheese in order to work'. ok, but it doesn't need 3 pieces of cheese, or 5. was FreeRoss the piece of cheese? was the SBR the cheese? real bitcoiners know how dumb the 'sbr is an attempt to takeover btc' narrative is, so extrapolate from that. what about withdrawal from the WHO? freeze and review of USAID et al? how many pieces of cheese before we realize it's not a trap? it's just a messy endeavor. Good morning. #jfkFiles #nostrOnly

@ bc52210b:20bfc6de

When writing safety critical code, every arithmetic operation carries the potential for catastrophic failure—whether that’s a plane crash in aerospace engineering or a massive financial loss in a smart contract. The stakes are incredibly high, and errors are not just bugs; they’re disasters waiting to happen. Smart contract developers need to shift their mindset: less like web developers, who might prioritize speed and iteration, and more like aerospace engineers, where precision, caution, and meticulous attention to detail are non-negotiable. In practice, this means treating every line of code as a critical component, adopting rigorous testing, and anticipating worst-case scenarios—just as an aerospace engineer would ensure a system can withstand extreme conditions. Safety critical code demands aerospace-level precision, and smart contract developers must rise to that standard to protect against the severe consequences of failure.

@ ae1008d2:a166d760

This is part one in a series of long-form content of my ideas as to what we are entering into in my opinion;*The Roaring '20's 2.0* (working title). I hope you'll join me on this journey together. "*History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes*"; - Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain. My only class I received an A+ in high school was history, this opened up the opportunity for me to enroll in an AP (college level) history class my senior year. There was an inherent nature for me to study history. Another quote I found to live by; "If we do not study history, we are bound to repeat it", a paraphrased quote by the many great philosphers of old from Edmund Burke, George Santayana and even Winston Churchill, all pulling from the same King Solomon quote; "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun". My curiousity of human actions, psychological and therefore economical behavior, has benefitted me greatly throughout my life and career, at such a young age. Being able to 'see around the curves' ahead I thought was a gift many had, but was sorely mistaken. People are just built different. One, if not my hardest action for me is to share. I just do things; act, often without even thinking about writing down or sharing in anyway shape or form what I just did here with friends, what we just built or how we formed these startups, etc., I've finally made the time, mainly for myself, to share my thoughts and ideas as to where we are at, and what we can do moving forward. It's very easy for us living a sovereign-lifestyle in Bitcoin, Nostr and other P2P, cryptographically-signed sovereign tools and tech-stacks alike, permissionless and self-hostable, to take all these tools for granted. We just live with them. Use them everyday. Do you own property? Do you have to take care of the cattle everyday? To live a sovereign life is tough, but most rewarding. As mentioned above, I'm diving into the details in a several part series as to what the roaring '20's were about, how it got to the point it did, and the inevitable outcome we all know what came to be. How does this possibly repeat itself almost exactly a century later? How does Bitcoin play a role? Are we all really going to be replaced by AI robots (again, history rhymes here)? Time will tell, but I think most of us actually using the tools will also forsee many of these possible outcomes, as it's why we are using many of these tools today. The next parts of this series will be released periodically, maybe once per month, maybe once per quarter. I'll also be releasing these on other platforms like Medium for reach, but Nostr will always be first, most important and prioritized. I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes I've lived by from one of the greatest traders of all time, especially during this roaring '20's era, Jesse Livermore; "Money is made by sitting, not trading".

@ df173277:4ec96708

## **Building Our Confidential Backend on Secure Enclaves** With our newly released [private and confidential **Maple AI**](https://trymaple.ai/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) and the open sourcing of our [**OpenSecret** platform](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/opensecret?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) code, I'm excited to present this technical primer on how we built our confidential compute platform leveraging **secure enclaves**. By combining AWS Nitro enclaves with end-to-end encryption and reproducible builds, our platform gives developers and end users the confidence that user data is protected, even at runtime, and that the code operating on their data has not been tampered with. ## **Auth and Databases Today** As developers, we live in an era where protecting user data means "encryption at rest," plus some access policies and procedures. Developers typically run servers that: 1. Need to register users (authentication). 2. Collect and process user data in business-specific ways, often on the backend. Even if data is encrypted at rest, it's commonly unlocked with a single master key or credentials the server holds. This means that data is visible during runtime to the application, system administrators, and potentially to the hosting providers. This scenario makes it difficult (or impossible) to guarantee that sensitive data isn't snooped on, memory-dumped, or used in unauthorized ways (for instance, training AI models behind the scenes). ## **"Just Trust Us" Isn't Good Enough** In a traditional server architecture, users have to take it on faith that the code handling their data is the same code the operator claims to be running. Behind the scenes, applications can be modified or augmented to forward private information elsewhere, and there is no transparent way for users to verify otherwise. This lack of proof is unsettling, especially for services that process or store highly confidential data. Administrators, developers, or cloud providers with privileged access can inspect memory in plaintext, attach debuggers, or gain complete visibility into stored information. Hackers who compromise these privileged levels can directly access sensitive data. Even with strict policies or promises of good conduct, the reality is that technical capabilities and misconfigurations can override words on paper. If a server master key can decrypt your data or can be accessed by an insider with root permissions, then "just trust us" loses much of its credibility. The rise of AI platforms amplifies this dilemma. User data, often full of personal details, gets funneled into large-scale models that might be training or fine-tuning behind the scenes. Relying on vague assurances that "we don't look at your data" is no longer enough to prevent legitimate concerns about privacy and misuse. Now more than ever, providing a **strong, verifiable** guarantee that data remains off-limits, even when actively processed, has become a non-negotiable requirement for trustworthy services. ## **Current Attempts at Securing Data** Current User Experience of E2EE Apps While properly securing data is not easy, it isn't to say that no one is trying. Some solutions use **end-to-end encryption** (E2EE), where user data is encrypted client-side with a password or passphrase, so not even the server operator can decrypt it. That approach can be quite secure, but it also has its **limitations**: 1. **Key Management Nightmares**: If a user forgets their passphrase, the data is effectively lost, and there's no way to recover it from the developer's side. 2. **Feature Limitations**: Complex server-side operations (like offline/background tasks, AI queries, real-time collaboration, or heavy computation) can't easily happen if the server is never capable of processing decrypted data. 3. **Platform Silos**: Some solutions rely on iCloud, Google Drive, or local device storage. That can hamper multi-device usage or multi-OS compatibility. Other approaches include self-hosting. However, these either burden users with dev ops overhead or revert to the "trust me" model for the server if you "self-host" on a cloud provider. ## **Secure Enclaves** ### **The Hybrid Approach** Secure enclaves offer a compelling middle ground. They combine the privacy benefits of keeping data secure from prying admins while still allowing meaningful server-side computation. In a nutshell, an enclave is a protected environment within a machine, isolated at the hardware level, so that even if the OS or server is compromised, the data and code inside the enclave remain hidden. App Service Running Inside Secure Enclave ### **High-Level Goal of Enclaves** Enclaves, also known under the broader umbrella of **confidential computing**, aim to:\ • **Lock down data** so that only authorized code within the enclave can process the original plaintext data.\ • **Deny external inspection** by memory dumping, attaching a debugger, or intercepting plaintext network traffic.\ • **Prove** to external users or services that an enclave is running unmodified, approved code (this is where **remote attestation** comes in). ### **Different Secure Enclave Solutions** [**AMD SEV**](https://www.amd.com/en/developer/sev.html?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) **(Secure Encrypted Virtualization)** encrypts an entire virtual machine's memory so that even a compromised hypervisor cannot inspect or modify guest data. Its core concept is "lift-and-shift" security. No application refactoring is required because hardware-based encryption automatically protects the OS and all VM applications. Later enhancements (SEV-ES and SEV-SNP) added encryption of CPU register states and memory integrity protections, further limiting hypervisor tampering. This broad coverage means the guest OS is included in the trusted boundary. AMD SEV has matured into a robust solution for confidential VMs in multi-tenant clouds. [**Intel TDX**](https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/developer/tools/trust-domain-extensions/overview.html?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) **(Trust Domain Extensions)** shifts from process-level enclaves to full VM encryption, allowing an entire guest operating system and its applications to run in an isolated "trust domain." Like AMD SEV, Intel TDX encrypts and protects all memory the VM uses from hypervisors or other privileged software, so developers do not need to refactor their code to benefit from hardware-based confidentiality. This broader scope addresses many SGX limitations, such as strict memory bounds and the need to split out enclave-specific logic, and offers a more straightforward "lift-and-shift" path for running existing workloads privately. While SGX is now deprecated, TDX carries forward the core confidential computing principles but applies them at the virtual machine level for more substantial isolation, easier deployment, and the ability to scale up to large, memory-intensive applications. [**Apple Secure Enclave and Private Compute**](https://security.apple.com/blog/private-cloud-compute/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) is a dedicated security coprocessor embedded in most Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Macs) and now extended to Apple's server-side AI infrastructure. It runs its own microkernel, has hardware-protected memory, and securely manages operations such as biometric authentication, key storage, and cryptographic tasks. Apple's "Private Compute" approach in the cloud brings similar enclave capabilities to server-based AI, enabling on-device-grade privacy even when requests are processed in Apple's data centers. [**AWS Nitro Enclaves**](https://docs.aws.amazon.com/enclaves/latest/user/nitro-enclave.html?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) carve out a tightly isolated "mini-VM" from a parent EC2 instance, with its own vCPUs and memory guarded by dedicated Nitro cards. The enclave has no persistent storage and no external network access, significantly reducing the attack surface. Communication with the parent instance occurs over a secure local channel (vsock), and AWS offers hardware-based attestation so that secrets (e.g., encryption keys from AWS KMS) can be accessed only to the correct enclave. This design helps developers protect sensitive data or code even if the main EC2 instance's OS is compromised. [**NVIDIA GPU TEEs**](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/data-center/solutions/confidential-computing/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) **(Hopper H100 and Blackwell)** extend confidential computing to accelerated workloads by encrypting data in GPU memory and ensuring that even a privileged host cannot view or tamper with it. Data moving between CPU and GPU is encrypted in transit, so sensitive model weights or inputs remain protected during AI training or inference. NVIDIA's hardware and drivers handle secure data paths under the hood, allowing confidential large language model (LLM) workloads and other GPU-accelerated computations to run with minimal performance overhead and strong security guarantees. ### **Key Benefits** One major advantage of enclaves is their ability to **keep memory completely off-limits** to outside prying eyes. Even administrators who can normally inspect processes at will are blocked from peeking into the enclave's protected memory space. The enclave model is a huge shift in the security model: it prevents casual inspection and defends against sophisticated memory dumping techniques that might otherwise leak secrets or sensitive data. Another key benefit centers on cryptographic keys that are **never exposed outside the enclave**. Only verified code running inside the enclave environment can run decryption or signing operations, and it can only do so while that specific code is running. This ensures that compromised hosts or rogue processes, even those with high-level privileges, are unable to intercept or misuse the keys because the keys remain strictly within the trusted boundary of the hardware. Enclaves can also offer the power of **remote attestation**, allowing external clients or systems to confirm that they're speaking to an authentic, untampered enclave. By validating the hardware's integrity measurements and enclave-specific proofs, the remote party can be confident in the underlying security properties, an important guarantee in multi-tenant environments or whenever trust boundaries extend across different organizations and networks. Beyond that, **reproducible builds** can create a verifiable fingerprint proving which binary runs in the enclave. This is a step above a simple "trust us" approach. Anyone can independently recreate the enclave image and verify the resulting cryptographic hash by using a reproducible build system (for example, [our NixOS-based solution](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/opensecret/blob/master/flake.nix?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud)). If it matches, then users and developers know precisely how code handles their data, boosting confidence that no hidden changes exist. It's worth noting that although enclaves shield you from software devs, cloud providers, and insider threats, you do have to trust the **hardware vendor** (Intel, AMD, Apple, AWS, or NVIDIA) to implement their microcode and firmware securely. The entire enclave model could be theoretically undermined if a CPU maker's root keys or manufacturing process were compromised. Fortunately, these companies undergo extensive audits and firmware validations (often with third-party researchers), and their remote attestation mechanisms allow you to confirm specific firmware versions before trusting an enclave. While this adds a layer of "vendor trust," it's still a far more contained risk than trusting an entire operating system or cloud stack, so enclaves remain a strong step forward in practical, confidential computing. ## **How We Use Secure Enclaves** Now that we've covered the general idea of enclaves let's look at how we specifically implement them in OpenSecret, our developer platform for handling user auth, private keys, data encryption, and AI workloads. ### **Our Stack: AWS Nitro + Nvidia TEE** • **AWS Nitro Enclaves for the backend**: All critical logic, authentication, private key management, and data encryption/decryption run inside an AWS Nitro Enclave. • **Nvidia Trusted Execution for AI**: For large AI inference (such as the Llama 3.3 70B model), we utilize Nvidia's GPU-based TEEs to protect even GPU memory. This means users can feed sensitive data to the AI model **without** exposing it in plaintext to the GPU providers or us as the operator. [Edgeless Systems](https://www.edgeless.systems/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) is our Nvidia TEE provider, and due to the power of enclave verification, we don't need to worry about who runs the GPUs. We know requests can't be inspected or tampered with. ### **End-to-End Encryption from Client to Enclave** Client-side Enclave Attestation from Maple AI Before login or data upload, the user/client verifies the **enclave attestation** from our platform. This process proves that the specific Nitro Enclave is genuine and runs the exact code we've published. You can check this out live on [Maple AI's attestation page](https://trymaple.ai/proof?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud). Based on the attestation, the client establishes a secure ephemeral communication channel that only that enclave can decrypt. While we take advantage of SSL, it is typically not terminated inside the enclave itself. To ensure there's full encrypted data transfer all the way through to the enclave, we establish this additional handshake based on the attestation document that is used for all API requests during the client session. From there, the user's credentials, private keys, and data pass through this secure channel directly into the enclave, where they are decrypted and processed according to the user's request. ### **In-Enclave Operations** At the core of OpenSecret's approach is the conviction that security-critical tasks must happen inside the enclave, where even administrative privileges or hypervisor-level compromise cannot expose plaintext data. This encompasses everything from when a user logs in to creating and managing sensitive cryptographic keys. By confining these operations to a protected hardware boundary, developers can focus on building their applications without worrying about accidental data leaks, insider threats, or malicious attempts to harvest credentials. The enclave becomes the ultimate gatekeeper: it controls how data flows and ensures that nothing escapes in plain form. User Auth Methods running inside Enclave A primary example is **user authentication**. All sign-in workflows, including email/password, OAuth, and upcoming passkey-based methods, are handled entirely within the enclave. As soon as a user's credentials enter our platform through the encrypted channel, they are routed straight into the protected environment, bypassing the host's operating system or any potential snooping channels. From there, authentication and session details remain in the enclave, ensuring that privileged outsiders cannot intercept or modify them. By centralizing these identity flows within a sealed environment, developers can assure their users that no one outside the enclave (including the cloud provider or the app's own sysadmins) can peek at, tamper with, or access sensitive login information. Main Enclave Operations in OpenSecret The same principle applies to **private key management**. Whether keys are created fresh in the enclave or securely transferred into it, they remain sealed away from the rest of the system. Operations like digital signing or content decryption happen only within the hardware boundary, so raw keys never appear in any log, file system, or memory space outside the enclave. Developers retain the functionality they need, such as verifying user actions, encrypting data, or enabling secure transactions without ever exposing keys to a broader (and more vulnerable) attack surface. User backup options exist as well, where the keys can be securely passed to the end user. Realtime Encrypted Data Sync on Multiple Devices Another crucial aspect is **data encryption at rest**. While user data ultimately needs to be stored somewhere outside the enclave, the unencrypted form of that data only exists transiently inside the protected environment. Encryption and decryption routines run within the enclave, which holds the encryption keys strictly in memory under hardware guards. If a user uploads data, it is promptly secured before it leaves the enclave. When data is retrieved, it remains encrypted until it reenters the protected region and is passed back to the user through the secured communication channel. This ensures that even if someone gains access to the underlying storage or intercepts data in transit, they will see only meaningless ciphertext. Confidential AI Workloads Finally, **confidential AI workloads** build upon this same pattern: the Nitro enclave re-encrypts data so it can be processed inside a GPU-based trusted execution environment (TEE) for inference or other advanced computations. Sensitive data, like user-generated text or private documents, never appears in the clear on the host or within GPU memory outside the TEE boundary. When an AI process finishes, only the results are returned to the enclave, which can then relay them securely to the requesting user. By seamlessly chaining enclaves together, from CPU-based Nitro Enclaves to GPU-accelerated TEEs, we can deliver robust, hardware-enforced privacy for virtually any type of server-side or AI-driven operation. ### **Reproducible Builds + Verification** Client verifies enclave attestation document We build our enclaves on **NixOS** with reproducible builds, ensuring that anyone can verify that the binary we publish is indeed the binary running in the enclave. This build process is essential for proving we haven't snuck in malicious code to exfiltrate data or collect sensitive logs. Our code is fully open source ([GitHub: OpenSecret](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/opensecret?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud)), so you can audit or run it yourself. You can also verify that the cryptographic measurement the build process outputs matches the measurement reported by the enclave during attestation. ## **Putting It All Together** OpenSecret Offering: Private Key Management, Encrypted Sync, Private AI, and Confidential Compute By weaving secure enclaves into every step, from authentication to data handling to AI inference, we shift the burden of trust away from human policies and onto provable, hardware-based protections. For app developers, you can offer your users robust privacy guarantees without rewriting all your business logic or building an entire security stack from scratch. Whether you're storing user credentials or running complex operations on sensitive data, the enclave approach ensures plaintext remains inaccessible to even the most privileged parties outside the enclave boundary. Developers can focus on building great apps, while OpenSecret handles the cryptographic "lock and key" behind the scenes. This model provides a secure-by-design environment for industries that demand strict data confidentiality, such as healthcare, fintech, cryptocurrency apps for secure key management, or decentralized identity platforms. Instead of worrying about memory dumps or backend tampering, you can trust that once data enters the enclave, it's sealed off from unauthorized eyes, including from the app developers themselves. And these safeguards don't just apply to niche use cases. Even general-purpose applications that handle login flows and user-generated content stand to benefit, especially as regulatory scrutiny grows around data privacy and insider threats. Imagine a telehealth startup using OpenSecret enclaves to protect patient information for remote consultations. Not only would patient data remain encrypted at rest, but any AI-driven analytics to assist with diagnoses could be run privately within the enclave, ensuring no one outside the hardware boundary can peek at sensitive health records. A fintech company could similarly isolate confidential financial transactions, preventing even privileged insiders from viewing or tampering with raw transaction details. These real-world implementations give developers a clear path to adopting enclaves for serious privacy and compliance needs without overhauling their infrastructure. OpenSecret aims to be a **full developer platform** with end-to-end security from day one. By incorporating user authentication, data storage, and GPU-based confidential AI into a single service, we eliminate many of the traditional hurdles in adopting enclaves. No more juggling separate tools for cryptographic key management, compliance controls, and runtime privacy. Instead, you get a unified stack that keeps data encrypted in transit, at rest, and in use. Our solution also caters to the exploding demand for AI applications: with TEE-enabled GPU workloads, you can securely process sensitive data for text inference without ever exposing raw plaintext or sensitive documents to the host system. The result is a new generation of apps that deliver advanced functionality, like real-time encrypted data sync or AI-driven insights, while preserving user privacy and meeting strict regulatory requirements. You don't have to rely on empty "trust us" promises because hardware enclaves, remote attestation, and reproducible builds collectively guarantee the code is running untampered. In short, OpenSecret offers the building blocks needed to create truly confidential services and experiences, allowing you to innovate while ensuring data protection remains ironclad. ## **Things to Come** We're excited to build on our enclaved approach. Here's what's on our roadmap: • **Production Launch**: We're using this in production now with [Maple AI](https://trymaple.ai/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) and have a developer preview playground up and running. We'll have the developer environment ready for production in a few months.\ • **Multi-Tenant Support**: Our platform currently works for single tenants, but we're opening this up so developers can onboard without needing a dedicated instance.\ • **Self-Serve Frontend**: A dev-friendly portal for provisioning apps, connecting OAuth or email providers, and managing users.\ • **External Key Signing Options**: Integrations with custom hardware security modules (HSMs) or customer-ran key managers that can only process data upon verifying the enclave attestation.\ • **Confidential Computing as a Service**: We'll expand our platform so that other developers can quickly create enclaves for specialized workloads without dealing with the complexities of Nitro or GPU TEEs.\ • **Additional SDKs**: In addition to our [JavaScript client-side SDK](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/OpenSecret-SDK?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud), we plan to launch official support for Rust, Python, Swift, Java, Go, and more.\ • **AI API Proxy with Attestation/Encryption**: We already provide an easy way to [access a Private AI through Maple AI](https://trymaple.ai/?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud), but we'd like to open this up more for existing tools and developers. We'll provide a proxy server that users can run on their local machines or servers that properly handle encryption to our OpenAI-compatible API. ## **Getting Started** Ready to see enclaves in action? Here's how to dive in:\ 1. **Run OpenSecret**: Check out our open-source repository at [OpenSecret on GitHub](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/opensecret?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud). You can run your own enclaved environment or try it out locally with Docker.\ 2. **Review Our SDK**: Our [JavaScript client SDK](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/OpenSecret-SDK?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud) makes it easy to handle sign-ins, put/get encrypted data, sign with user private keys, etc. It handles attestation verification and encryption under the hood, making the API integration seamless.\ 3. **Play with Maple AI**: Try out [Maple AI](https://blog.opensecret.cloud/maple-ai-private-encrypted-chat/) as an example of an AI app built directly on OpenSecret. Your queries are encrypted end to end, and the Llama model sees them only inside the TEE.\ 4. **Developer Preview**: Contact us if you want an invite to our early dev platform. We'll guide you through our SDK and give you access to the preview server. We'd love to build with you and incorporate your feedback as we develop this further. ## **Conclusion** By merging secure enclaves (AWS Nitro and Nvidia GPU TEEs), user authentication, private key management, and an end-to-end verifiable encrypted approach, **OpenSecret** provides a powerful platform where we protect user data during collection, storage, and processing. Whether it's for standard user management, handling private cryptographic keys, or powering AI inference, the technology ensures that **no one**, not even us or the cloud provider, can snoop on data in use. **We believe** this is the future of trustworthy computing in the cloud. And it's **all open source**, so you don't have to just take our word for it: you can see and verify everything yourself. Do you have questions, feedback, or a use case you'd like to test out? Come join us on [GitHub](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud), [Discord](https://discord.gg/ch2gjZAMGy?ref=blog.opensecret.cloud), or email us for a developer preview. We can't wait to see what you build! *Thank you for reading, and welcome to the era of enclaved computing.*

@ ee270b04:7ffc5f0a

<img src="https://blossom.primal.net/8fbf15337001e5094284390fff94d7cadff907a7c5c527729cf262fcd362efa7.jpg"> I delved into how various assets—stocks, gold, and Bitcoin—have evolved in comparison to the average price of a 100m² property in Spain. The findings? Nothing short of fascinating. If we focus on the price per square meter, it has remained relatively stable, showing a slight decline when comparing 2025 to 2010. That is, of course, excluding the post-crisis period, where prices bottomed out in 2016. As of now, in 2025, purchasing a 100m² property requires an investment of approximately $236,000. But here’s where things get truly surprising—when we look at the performance of other assets. Imagine that, instead of holding onto wealth in cash, we had invested $14,000 in the S&amp;P500 back in 2010. Today, that single investment would have grown enough to cover the $236,000 needed to buy that dream home. Now, let’s talk about gold. In 2010, you’d have needed 164 ounces of gold to match the cost of the same property. Fast forward to 2025, and just 75 ounces would do the trick. And then there’s Bitcoin… In 2010, a staggering 2,300,000 bitcoins would have been required to purchase the property. Today, in 2025, you’d only need a mere 2.3 bitcoins.

@ aa8de34f:a6ffe696

In seinem Beitrag vom 30. März 2025 fragt Henning Rosenbusch auf Telegram angesichts zunehmender digitaler Kontrolle und staatlicher Allmacht: > „Wie soll sich gegen eine solche Tyrannei noch ein Widerstand formieren können, selbst im Untergrund? Sehe ich nicht.“\ > ([Quelle: t.me/rosenbusch/25228](https://t.me/rosenbusch/25228)) Er beschreibt damit ein Gefühl der Ohnmacht, das viele teilen: Eine Welt, in der Totalitarismus nicht mehr mit Panzern, sondern mit Algorithmen kommt. Wo Zugriff auf Geld, Meinungsfreiheit und Teilhabe vom Wohlverhalten abhängt. Der Bürger als kontrollierbare Variable im Code des Staates.\ Die Frage ist berechtigt. Doch die Antwort darauf liegt nicht in alten Widerstandsbildern – sondern in einer neuen Realität. \-- Denn es braucht keinen Untergrund mehr. -- Der Widerstand der Zukunft trägt keinen Tarnanzug. Er ist nicht konspirativ, sondern transparent. Nicht bewaffnet, sondern mathematisch beweisbar. Bitcoin steht nicht am Rand dieser Entwicklung – es ist ihr Fundament. Eine Bastion aus physikalischer Realität, spieltheoretischem Schutz und ökonomischer Wahrheit. Es ist nicht unfehlbar, aber unbestechlich. Nicht perfekt, aber immun gegen zentrale Willkür. Hier entsteht kein „digitales Gegenreich“, sondern eine dezentrale Renaissance. Keine Revolte aus Wut, sondern eine stille Abkehr: von Zwang zu Freiwilligkeit, von Abhängigkeit zu Selbstverantwortung. Diese Revolution führt keine Kriege. Sie braucht keine Führer. Sie ist ein Netzwerk. Jeder Knoten ein Individuum. Jede Entscheidung ein Akt der Selbstermächtigung. Weltweit wachsen Freiheits-Zitadellen aus dieser Idee: wirtschaftlich autark, digital souverän, lokal verankert und global vernetzt. Sie sind keine Utopien im luftleeren Raum, sondern konkrete Realitäten – angetrieben von Energie, Code und dem menschlichen Wunsch nach Würde. Der Globalismus alter Prägung – zentralistisch, monopolistisch, bevormundend – wird an seiner eigenen Hybris zerbrechen. Seine Werkzeuge der Kontrolle werden ihn nicht retten. Im Gegenteil: Seine Geister werden ihn verfolgen und erlegen. Und während die alten Mächte um Erhalt kämpfen, wächst eine neue Welt – nicht im Schatten, sondern im Offenen. Nicht auf Gewalt gebaut, sondern auf Mathematik, Physik und Freiheit. Die Tyrannei sieht keinen Widerstand.\ Weil sie nicht erkennt, dass er längst begonnen hat.\ Unwiderruflich. Leise. Überall.

@ df173277:4ec96708

> Maple is an AI chat tool that allows you to have private conversations with a general-purpose AI assistant. Chats are synced automatically between devices so you can pick up where you left off.\ > [Start chatting for free.](https://trymaple.ai/) We are excited to announce that [Maple AI](https://trymaple.ai/), our groundbreaking end-to-end encrypted AI chat app built on OpenSecret, is now publicly available. After months of beta testing, we are thrilled to bring this innovative technology to the world. Maple is an AI chat tool that allows you to have private conversations with a general-purpose AI assistant. It can boost your productivity on work tasks such as writing documentation, creating presentations, and drafting emails. You can also use it for personal items like brainstorming ideas, sorting out life's challenges, and tutoring you on difficult coursework. All your chats are synced automatically in a secure way, so you can start on one device and pick up where you left off on another. #### Why Secure and Private AI? In today's digital landscape, it is increasingly evident that security and privacy are essential for individuals and organizations alike. Unfortunately, the current state of AI tools falls short. A staggering 48% of organizations enter non-public company information into AI apps, according to a [recent report by Cisco](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/about/trust-center/data-privacy-benchmark-study.html#~key-findings). This practice poses significant risks to company security and intellectual property. Another concern is for journalists, who often work with sensitive information in hostile environments. Journalists need verification that their information remains confidential and protected when researching topics and communicating with sources in various languages. They are left to use underpowered local AI or input their data into potentially compromised cloud services. At OpenSecret, we believe it is possible to have both the benefits of AI and the assurance of security and privacy. That's why we created Maple, an app that combines AI productivity with the protection of end-to-end encryption. Our platform ensures that your conversations with AI remain confidential, even from us. The power of the cloud meets the privacy of local. #### How Does It Work? Our server code is [open source](https://github.com/OpenSecretCloud/opensecret), and we use confidential computing to provide cryptographic proof that the code running on our servers is the same as the open-source code available for review. This process allows you to verify that your conversations are handled securely and privately without relying on trust. We live by the principle of "Don't trust, verify," and we believe this approach is essential for building in the digital age. You can read a more in-depth write-up on our technology later this week on this site. #### How Much Does It Cost? We are committed to making Maple AI accessible to everyone, so we offer a range of pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets. [Our Free plan allows for 10 chats per week, while our Starter plan ($5.99/month) and Pro plan ($20/month)](https://trymaple.ai/pricing) offer more comprehensive solutions for individuals and organizations with heavier workloads. We accept credit cards and Bitcoin (10% discount), allowing you to choose your preferred payment method. - Free: $0 - Starter: $5.99/month - Pro: $20/month Our goal with Maple AI is to create a product that is secure through transparency. By combining open-source code, cryptography, and confidential computing, we can create a new standard for AI conversations - one that prioritizes your security and privacy. Maple has quickly become a daily tool of productivity for our own work and those of our beta testers. We believe it will bring value to you as well. [Sign up now and start chatting privately with AI for free.](https://trymaple.ai/) Your secrets are safe in the open. #### Are You An App Developer? You can build an app like Maple. [OpenSecret provides secure auth, private key management, encrypted data sync, private AI, and more.](https://blog.opensecret.cloud/introducing-opensecret/) Our straightforward API behaves like other backends but automatically adds security and privacy. Use it to secure existing apps or brand-new projects. Protect yourself and your users from the liability of hosting personal data by checking out [OpenSecret](https://opensecret.cloud/). <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/feb746d5e164e89f0d015646286b88237dce4158f8985e3caaf7e427cebde608.png"> Enjoy private AI Chat 🤘 <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/0594ec56e249de2754ea7dfc225a7ebd46bc298b5af168279ce71f17c2afada0.jpg">

@ df173277:4ec96708

> Maple AI combines the best of both worlds – encryption and personal AI – to create a truly private AI experience. Discuss personal and company items with Maple, we can't read them even if we wanted to.\ > [Join the waitlist to get early access.](https://trymaple.ai) We are a culture of app users. Every day, we give our personal information to websites and apps, hoping they are safe. Location data, eating habits, financial details, and health information are just a few examples of what we entrust to third parties. People are now entering a new era of computing that promises next-level benefits when given even more personal data: AI. Should we sacrifice our privacy to unlock the productivity gains of AI? Should we hope our information won't be used in ways we disagree? We believe we can have the best of both worlds – privacy and personal AI – and have built a new project called Maple AI. Chat between you and an AI with full end-to-end encryption. We believe it's a game-changer for individuals seeking private and secure conversations. #### Building a Private Foundation Maple is built on our flagship product, [OpenSecret](https://opensecret.cloud), a backend platform for app developers that turns private encryption on by default. [The announcement post for OpenSecret explains our vision for an encrypted world and what the platform can do.](nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzphchxfm3ste32hfhkvczzxapme9gz5qvqtget6tylyd7wa8vjecgqqe5jmn5wfhkgatrd9hxwt20wpjku5m9vdex2apdw35x2tt9de3hy7tsw3jkgttzv93kketwvskhgur5w9nx5h52tpj) We think both users and developers benefit when sensitive personal information is encrypted in a private vault; it's a win-win. #### The Power of Encrypted AI Chat AI chat is a personal and intimate experience. It's a place to share your thoughts, feelings, and desires without fear of judgment. The more you share with an AI chatbot, the more powerful it becomes. It can offer personalized insights, suggestions, and guidance tailored to your unique needs and perspectives. However, this intimacy requires trust, and that's where traditional AI chatbots often fall short. Traditional AI chats are designed to collect and analyze your data, often without your explicit consent. This data is used to improve the AI's performance, but it also creates a treasure trove of sensitive information that can be mined, sold, or even exploited by malicious actors. Maple AI takes a different approach. By using end-to-end encryption, we ensure that your conversations remain private and secure, even from us. #### Technical Overview So, how does Maple AI achieve this level of privacy and security? Here are some key technical aspects: - **Private Key:** Each user has a unique private key that is automatically managed for them. This key encrypts and decrypts conversations, ensuring that only the user can access their data. - **Secure Servers:** Our servers are designed with security in mind. We use secure enclaves to protect sensitive data and ensure that even our own team can't access your conversations. - **Encrypted Sync:** One of Maple's most significant benefits is its encrypted sync feature. Unlike traditional AI chatbots, which store conversations in local storage or on standard cloud servers, Maple syncs your chats across all your devices. The private key managed by our secure servers means you can pick up where you left off on any device without worrying about your data being compromised. - **Attestation and Open Code:** We publish our enclave code publicly. Using a process called attestation, users can verify that the code running on the enclave is the same as the code audited by the public. - **Open Source LLM:** Maple uses major open-source models to maximize the openness of responses. The chat box does not filter what you can talk about. This transparency ensures that our AI is trustworthy and unbiased. #### Personal and Work Use Maple is secure enough to handle your personal questions and work tasks. Because we can't see what you chat about, you are free to use AI as an assistant on sensitive company items. Use it for small tasks like writing an important email or large tasks like developing your organization's strategy. Feed it sensitive information; it's just you and AI in the room. Attestation provides cryptographic proof that your corporate secrets are safe. #### Local v Cloud Today's AI tools provide different levels of privacy. The main options are to trust a third party with your unencrypted data, hoping they don't do anything with it, or run your own AI locally on an underpowered machine. We created a third option. Maple gives you the power of cloud computing combined with the privacy and security of a machine running on your desk. It's the best of both worlds. #### Why the Maple name? Privacy isn't just a human value - it's a natural one exemplified by the Maple tree. These organisms communicate with each other through a network of underground fungal hyphae, sending messages and sharing resources in a way that's completely invisible to organisms above ground. This discreet communication system allows Maple trees to thrive in even the most challenging environments. Our goal is to provide a way for everyone to communicate with AI securely so they can thrive in any environment. #### Join the Waitlist Maple AI will launch in early 2025 with free and paid plans. We can't wait to share it with the world. [Join our waitlist today to be among the first to experience the power of private AI chat.](https://trymaple.ai) [](https://trymaple.ai/waitlist)

@ f3873798:24b3f2f3

Olá, nostrilianos! O tema de hoje é inteligência artificial (IA), com foco em duas ferramentas que têm se destacado no mercado por sua capacidade de responder perguntas, auxiliar em tarefas e, em alguns casos, até gerar imagens. Essas tecnologias estão cada vez mais presentes no dia a dia, ajudando desde a correção de textos até pesquisas rápidas e a criação de imagens personalizadas com base em prompts específicos. Nesse cenário em expansão, duas IAs se sobressaem: o ChatGPT, desenvolvido pela OpenAI, e o Grok, criado pela xAI. Ambas são ferramentas poderosas, cada uma com seus pontos fortes e limitações, e têm conquistado usuários ao redor do mundo. Neste artigo, compartilho minhas impressões sobre essas duas IAs, baseadas em minha experiência pessoal, destacando suas diferenças e vantagens. ### Grok: Destaque na criação de imagens e fontes  O Grok me impressiona especialmente em dois aspectos. Primeiro, sua capacidade de gerar imagens é um diferencial significativo. Enquanto o ChatGPT tem limitações nesse quesito, o Grok oferece uma funcionalidade mais robusta para criar visuais únicos a partir de prompts, o que pode ser uma vantagem para quem busca criatividade visual. Segundo, o Grok frequentemente cita fontes ou indica a origem das informações que fornece, o que agrega credibilidade às suas respostas e facilita a verificação dos dados. ### ChatGPT: Assertividade e clareza  Por outro lado, o ChatGPT se destaca pela assertividade e pela clareza em suas explicações. Suas respostas tendem a ser mais diretas e concisas, o que é ideal para quem busca soluções rápidas ou explicações objetivas. Acredito que essa vantagem possa estar ligada ao fato de o ChatGPT estar em operação há mais tempo, tendo passado por anos de aprimoramento e ajustes com base em interações de usuários.Comparação e reflexões. Em minha experiência, o Grok supera o ChatGPT na geração de imagens e na citação de fontes, enquanto o ChatGPT leva a melhor em precisão e simplicidade nas respostas. Esses pontos refletem não apenas as prioridades de design de cada IA, mas também o tempo de desenvolvimento e os objetivos de suas respectivas empresas criadoras. A OpenAI, por trás do ChatGPT, focou em refinamento conversacional, enquanto a xAI, com o Grok, parece investir em funcionalidades adicionais, como a criação de conteúdo visual. ### Minha opinião  Não há um vencedor absoluto entre Grok e ChatGPT – a escolha depende do que você precisa. Se seu foco é geração de imagens ou rastreamento de fontes, o Grok pode ser a melhor opção. Se busca respostas rápidas e assertivas, o ChatGPT provavelmente atenderá melhor. Ambas as IAs são ferramentas incríveis, e o mais fascinante é ver como elas continuam evoluindo, moldando o futuro da interação entre humanos e máquinas.

@ 878dff7c:037d18bc

## Dutton Proposes Easing Home Loan Regulations ### Summary: Opposition Leader Peter Dutton plans to challenge the Albanese government by proposing changes to lending rules aimed at making it easier for first-time home buyers to access loans. The proposed adjustments include reducing serviceability buffers and addressing the treatment of HELP debt to improve housing access. Dutton argues that current regulations create a bias favoring inherited wealth, making it difficult for new buyers to enter the housing market. These proposals come as the Reserve Bank of Australia prepares for its upcoming interest rate decision, with the current cash rate target at 4.1% and predictions of a cut in May. Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlights the government's progress, noting falling inflation, rising real wages, and improving economic growth. Sources: [News.com.au - 1 April 2025](https://www.news.com.au/finance/economy/australian-economy/rba-meets-as-liberals-unveil-help-for-first-home-buyers/news-story/beb22674ff02e2589d1c1ea95ba7cbe5), [The Australian - 1 April 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/election-2025-peter-duttons-bid-to-be-the-new-home-loan-ranger/news-story/733f61adfb16b69e2de97b969afd6c10) ## Australia's Housing Market Hits New Record High ### Summary: Australia's property prices reached a new peak in March, following a rate cut that enhanced buyer optimism. CoreLogic reported a 0.4% monthly increase, bringing the average national property price to A$820,331. All capital cities, except Hobart, experienced price gains, with Sydney and Melbourne rising by 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively. The rate cut slightly improved borrowing capacity and mortgage serviceability. However, the sustainability of this upward trend is uncertain due to persistent affordability issues. While the market rebounded with the February rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia, significant improvements in home loan serviceability are necessary for substantial market growth. Source: [Reuters - 1 April 2025](https://www.reuters.com/markets/australia-home-prices-hit-new-record-march-after-rate-cut-corelogic-data-shows-2025-03-31/) ## AI Revolutionizes Business Operations ### Summary: Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming business practices globally, with applications ranging from administrative task automation to strategic decision-making enhancements. Companies are increasingly integrating AI to streamline operations and gain competitive advantages. This shift necessitates a focus on ethical AI deployment and workforce upskilling to address potential job displacement. Sources: [Financial Times - April 1, 2025](https://www.ft.com/content/2164dc87-f366-48b9-afda-89571a2f4110) ## Criticism of Bureau of Meteorology's Forecasting Capabilities ### Summary: The Bureau of Meteorology is facing criticism for inadequate weather radar coverage in western Queensland, which has led to unreliable forecasting during the recent floods. Federal Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged $10 million for a new radar system to enhance forecasting accuracy, while local officials emphasize the need for improved infrastructure to better prepare for future natural disasters. Sources: [The Australian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/flood-warnings-to-remain-in-queensland-for-months-as-local-mayor-slams-anthony-albanese-for-lack-of-support/news-story/30ae06366e08eb3119116db7a5032541) ## Coalition Pledges $10 Million for Western Queensland Weather Radar ### Summary: As part of the federal election campaign, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has promised $10 million for a new weather radar system in flood-affected western Queensland. This initiative aims to improve weather forecasting and preparedness in the region. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pledged $200 million for an upgrade to the St John of God Midland hospital in Perth, emphasizing healthcare improvements. Both leaders are focusing on key regional investments as the election approaches. Source: [The Guardian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2025/mar/31/election-2025-live-updates-labor-coalition-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton-cost-of-living-nuclear-power-supermarkets-healthcare-ntwnfb) ## Emergency Services Conduct Rescues Amid Queensland Floods ### Summary: Emergency services in Queensland have conducted over 40 rescues as floodwaters continue to rise, submerging communities and causing extensive damage. Efforts are focused on delivering essential supplies, evacuating residents, and ensuring the safety of those affected by the severe weather conditions. Sources: [The Courier-Mail - April 1, 2025](https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/weather/qld-weather-outback-flooding-to-persist-for-days-if-not-weeks/news-story/2efc920a2a222f2c3156a9c3612e9b2a) ## Six Key Crises Facing Australia Before the Election ### Summary: As the election nears, voters remain largely unaware of six looming crises that could significantly impact the nation. These include over-reliance on volatile commodity exports, challenges in renewable energy implementation, potential currency depreciation, and reduced foreign investment. Both major parties have focused on immediate cost-of-living relief, overshadowing these critical issues that demand urgent attention. Sources: [The Australian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/huge-deficit-is-one-of-six-crisis-points-to-know-before-you-vote-in-2025-election/news-story/a4ed4a4cff19e4d574e8ec077f70a291) ## Debate Intensifies Over Australia's Commitment to AUKUS ### Summary: Former Defence Department Secretary Dennis Richardson has urged Australia to persist with the AUKUS submarine agreement despite concerns about the reliability of the U.S. under President Donald Trump. Richardson warns that abandoning the deal now would undermine decades of defense planning. However, critics, including former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, question the feasibility and advisability of the agreement, suggesting alternatives such as partnering with France for submarine development. Sources: [The Guardian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/31/dennis-richardson-australia-aukus-submarine-deal-us-former-defence-chief), [The Australian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/former-defence-boss-accuses-malcolm-turnbull-of-undermining-aukus/news-story/eeb5cc35bbb86485bca1fb0eab94efad) ## China Delays $23B Sale of Panama Canal Ports to US-Backed Consortium ### Summary: China has postponed the $23 billion sale of 43 global ports, including critical facilities at both ends of the Panama Canal, to a consortium led by US investment firm BlackRock. The delay follows an investigation by China’s State Administration for Market Regulation into potential anti-monopoly law violations. This unexpected move has heightened tensions between China and the US, as President Trump viewed the sale as a strategic victory in the ongoing power struggle between the two nations. The deal's future remains uncertain, causing political and economic ripples amid China's significant annual "two sessions" gathering. Sources: [New York Post - March 31, 2025](https://nypost.com/2025/03/31/business/china-blocks-23b-sale-of-panama-canal-ports-to-blackrock/) ## Australian Government's Handling of Suspected Chinese Spy Ship Raises Concerns ### Summary: The Australian government has assigned the monitoring of the suspected Chinese spy ship, Tan Suo Yi Hao, to the Australian Border Force, despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's assertion that the Australian Defence Force was managing the situation. Security experts believe the vessel is collecting undersea data for future Chinese submarine operations, highlighting national security concerns during an election period. The handling of this issue has led to criticism and confusion over which agency is in charge, with opposition figures condemning the government's lack of detailed information. Sources: [The Australian - April 1, 2025](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/defence/china-spy-ship-has-labor-all-at-sea/news-story/ce46db700a5539daa987ab8c6ab3cb56) ## Concerns Rise Over Schoolchildren Accessing Weight Loss Drugs ### Summary: Health experts are alarmed by reports of Australian schoolchildren accessing weight loss medications like semaglutide (Ozempic) through various means, including online purchases and taking them from home supplies. These substances are being linked to secretive and harmful diet clubs within schools, posing severe health risks such as potentially fatal overdoses. Advocates emphasize the need for stricter regulation of weight loss products and call for mandatory education programs on eating disorders in schools to address the growing issue. Sources: [The Courier-Mail - 1 April 2025](https://www.couriermail.com.au/health/qld-kids-in-deadly-schoolyard-ozempic-diet-clubs/news-story/26463341740be4759df3758eec969225) ## Recycling Plant Explosion Highlights Dangers of Improper Aerosol Disposal ### Summary: A Victorian company has been fined $35,000 after an explosion at its recycling plant injured six workers. The incident occurred when pressurized aerosol cans were improperly shredded, causing flames to spread up to 18 meters. Investigations revealed that the company failed to implement safety procedures such as emptying or puncturing the cans before shredding and ensuring adequate ventilation. This case underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols when handling hazardous materials. Sources: [Herald Sun - 1 April 2025](https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/goulburn-valley/rose-and-co-services-fined-after-explosion-injures-six-workers/news-story/bd530692718294843d6fae067bce66ff) ## Australia Enforces New Tobacco Controls from April 1 ### Summary: As of April 1, 2025, Australia has implemented stringent tobacco control measures, including health warnings printed directly on individual cigarettes. These warnings feature phrases such as "CAUSES 16 CANCERS" and "DAMAGES YOUR LUNGS." Additionally, new graphic warnings on cigarette packs and health promotion inserts aim to encourage smoking cessation and raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. Sources: [Mirage News - April 1, 2025](https://www.miragenews.com/australia-enforces-new-tobacco-controls-from-1435865/), [9News - April 1, 2025](https://www.9news.com.au/national/health-new-cigarette-warning-in-australia/2c5a5253-eb02-4279-8275-4056dc3f4e76) ## OPEC+ Increases Oil Production Amid Global Uncertainties ### Summary: OPEC+ has announced the gradual unwinding of voluntary production cuts starting April 1, 2025, aiming to restore 2.2 million barrels per day of output by September 2026. Despite this increase, factors such as tighter U.S. sanctions on Iran and Russia, potential sanctions on Venezuelan oil buyers, and fears of a tariff-induced recession have sustained oil prices. Analysts predict limited downside risks to oil prices due to significant supply threats, mainly from Iran and Venezuela. While some strength in oil prices is expected during the summer, concerns over tariff-induced demand weakness persist. Sources: [MarketWatch - April 1, 2025](https://www.marketwatch.com/story/opec-is-boosting-output-in-april-heres-what-that-could-mean-for-oil-prices-940b854b) ## Iconic Australian Locations Declared 'No Go Zones' ### Summary: Several iconic Australian locations, including Uluru, Kakadu National Park, Cape York Peninsula, and others, are increasingly being declared "no go zones" due to cultural, environmental, and safety concerns. These measures aim to preserve the cultural significance and environmental integrity of these landmarks and ensure public safety. While traditional owners and local authorities support these restrictions to protect cultural heritage, debates have arisen over tourists' rights and the impact on local tourism industries. Sources: [News.com.au - April 1, 2025](https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/warnings/aussie-tourist-destinations-turned-into-no-go-zones/news-story/30d4c803d7cb1e33ef0c50ed72b603b4) ## The Joe Rogan Experience #2297: Francis Foster & Konstantin Kisin ### Summary: In episode #2297 of *The Joe Rogan Experience*, Joe Rogan welcomes comedians and commentators Francis Foster and Konstantin Kisin, hosts of the podcast *Triggernometry*. The episode delivers a wide-ranging conversation covering free speech, comedy, media narratives, and societal tensions in the modern world. **Interesting Discussions and Insights:** - **The State of Comedy:**\ The trio discusses how comedy has changed in recent years, especially under the weight of cancel culture. They explore how comedians are navigating cultural sensitivities while still trying to push boundaries and remain authentic. - **Free Speech and Censorship:**\ Konstantin and Francis share their experiences with censorship and self-censorship, emphasizing the risks of suppressing ideas, even if they’re controversial. They advocate for robust debate as a cornerstone of democracy. - **Migration and Identity Politics:**\ The conversation touches on immigration policies in the UK and broader Western world, discussing how political correctness often silences real concerns. Both guests, with immigrant backgrounds, offer nuanced perspectives on national identity and inclusion. - **Media and Narrative Control:**\ Joe, Francis, and Konstantin dive into how media outlets often frame stories with ideological slants, and the dangers of relying on one-sided narratives in forming public opinion. - **Creating *Triggernometry*:**\ The guests talk about why they launched their podcast — to have honest, open conversations with a wide range of thinkers, especially those often excluded from mainstream platforms. **Key Takeaways:** - Honest conversation is essential for a healthy society, even when it's uncomfortable. - Comedy still holds power to critique society but faces mounting challenges from cultural pressures. - Free speech should be defended not just in principle, but in everyday life and dialogue. - The media landscape is increasingly polarized, and critical thinking is more important than ever. Source: [The Joe Rogan Experience #2297 - Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hSnCuPPWsDzq2z8pBWYzD)

@ df173277:4ec96708

> OpenSecret is a backend for app developers that turns private encryption on by default. When sensitive data is readable only by the user, it protects both the user and the developer, creating a more free and open internet. We'll be launching in 2025. [Join our waitlist to get early access.](https://opensecret.cloud) In today's digital age, personal data is both an asset and a liability. With the rise of data breaches and cyber attacks, individuals and companies struggle to protect sensitive information. The consequences of a data breach can be devastating, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and compromised user trust. In 2023, the average data breach cost was $5 million, with some resulting in losses of over $1 billion. Meanwhile, individuals face problems related to identity theft, personal safety, and public embarrassment. Think about the apps on your phone, even the one you're using to read this. How much data have you trusted to other people, and how would it feel if that data were leaked online? Thankfully, some incredibly talented cypherpunks years ago gave the world cryptography. We can encrypt data, rendering it a secret between two people. So why then do we have data breaches? > Cryptography at scale is hard. #### The Cloud The cloud has revolutionized how we store and process data, but it has limitations. While cloud providers offer encryption, it mainly protects data in transit. Once data is stored in the cloud, it's often encrypted with a shared key, which can be accessed by employees, third-party vendors, or compromised by hackers. The solution is to generate a personal encryption password for each user, make sure they write it down, and, most importantly, hope they don't lose it. If the password is lost, the data is forever unreadable. That can be overwhelming, leading to low app usage. > Private key encryption needs a UX upgrade. ## Enter OpenSecret OpenSecret is a developer platform that enables encryption by default. Our platform provides a suite of security tools for app developers, including private key management, encrypted sync, private AI, and confidential compute. Every user has a private vault for their data, which means only they can read it. Developers are free to store less sensitive data in a shared manner because there is still a need to aggregate data across the system.  ### Private Key Management Private key management is the superpower that enables personal encryption per user. When each user has a unique private key, their data can be truly private. Typically, using a private key is a challenging experience for the user because they must write down a long autogenerated number or phrase of 12-24 words. If they lose it, their data is gone. OpenSecret uses secure enclaves to make private keys as easy as an everyday login experience that users are familiar with. Instead of managing a complicated key, the user logs in with an email address or a social media account. The developer doesn't have to manage private keys and can focus on the app's user experience. The user doesn't have to worry about losing a private key and can jump into using your app.  ### Encrypted Sync With user keys safely managed, we can synchronize user data to every device while maintaining privacy. The user does not need to do complicated things like scanning QR codes from one device to the next. Just log in and go. The user wins because the data is available on all their devices. The developer wins because only the user can read the data, so it isn't a liability to them. ### Private AI Artificial intelligence is here and making its way into everything. The true power of AI is unleashed when it can act on personal and company data. The current options are to run your own AI locally on an underpowered machine or to trust a third party with your data, hoping they don't read it or use it for anything. OpenSecret combines the power of cloud computing with the privacy and security of a machine running on your desk. **Check out Maple AI**\ Try private AI for yourself! We built an app built with this service called [Maple AI](https://trymaple.ai). It is an AI chat that is 100% private in a verifiable manner. Give it your innermost thoughts or embarrassing ideas; we can't judge you. We built Maple using OpenSecret, which means you have a private key that is automatically managed for you, and your chat history is synchronized to all your devices. [Learn more about Maple AI - Private chat in the announcement post.](https://blog.opensecret.cloud/maple-ai-private-encrypted-chat/)  ### Confidential Compute Confidential computing is a game-changer for data security. It's like the secure hardware that powers Apple Pay and Google Pay on your phone but in the cloud. Users can verify through a process called attestation that their data is handled appropriately. OpenSecret can help you run your own custom app backend code that would benefit from the security of an enclave. It's the new version of that lock on your web browser. When you see it, you know you're secure.  #### **But do we want our secrets to be open?** OpenSecret renders a data breach practically useless. If hackers get into the backend, they enter a virtual hallway of locked private vaults. The leaked data would be gibberish, a secret in the open that is unreadable. On the topic of openness, OpenSecret uses the power of open source to enable trust in the service. We publish our code in the open, and, using attestation, anyone can verify that private data is being handled as expected. This openness also provides developers with a backup option to safely and securely export their data. > Don't trust, verify. ### **Join the Movement** We're currently building out OpenSecret, and we invite you to join us on the journey. Our platform can work with your existing stack, and you can pick and choose the features you need. If you want to build apps with encryption enabled, [send us a message to get early access.](https://opensecret.cloud) Users and companies deserve better encryption and privacy.\ Together, let's make that a reality. [](https://opensecret.cloud)

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

|[](https://amzn.to/4jaGBZ4)| |:-:| |[WAJDA, Andrzej; _Cenizas y diamantes_, 1958](https://amzn.to/4jaGBZ4)| Presentamos una nueva reseña cinematográfica, y en esta ocasión hemos elegido «Cenizas y diamantes», una película polaca del célebre y prolífico director **Andrzej Wajda** (1926-2016), estrenada en el año 1958. Se trata de uno de los grandes clásicos del cine polaco. El filme refleja una etapa dramática desde la perspectiva histórica para la nación polaca, como es el final de la Segunda Guerra Mundial, a raíz de la capitulación alemana del 8 de mayo de 1945. El contexto en el que se desarrolla se ambienta en la celebración del final de la guerra con el aplastante triunfo de la URSS, con las tropas soviéticas ocupando toda la Europa oriental, y en particular Polonia, que vive un momento de oscuridad e incertidumbre. El protagonista, **Maciek Chełmicki** (interpretado magistralmente por **Zbigniew Cybulski** (1927-1967), apodado el «James Dean polaco»), es un joven nacionalista polaco, de orientación anticomunista, que se ve implicado en un complot urdido para asesinar a un líder comunista local. Maciek opera desde la clandestinidad, bajo el grupo **Armia Krajowa (AK)**, el Ejército Nacional polaco, una organización de resistencia, primero contra los alemanes y, posteriormente, contra los soviéticos. Durante el metraje, se plantea una dicotomía permanente entre la libertad entendida como la defensa de la soberanía de Polonia, desde posturas nacionalistas, y quienes consideran la ocupación soviética como algo positivo. Estas circunstancias atrapan al protagonista, que se ve envuelto en una espiral de violencia y traición. Maciek Chełmicki, nuestro protagonista, cuenta con todas [las características del héroe trágico](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/caballero-muerte-diablo-jean-cau/), pues tiene en sus manos una serie de acciones que comprometen el futuro de un pueblo, que consiste en cumplir la misión que le ha sido encomendada, pero en su camino se cruza una joven, Krystyna, una joven camarera de un hotel de la que se enamora en ese mismo día. Este último hecho sirve de punto de partida para todas las dudas, dilemas y dicotomías a las que hacemos referencia. Hay un dilema moral evidente en un mundo en ruinas, [devastado por la guerra, la muerte y el nihilismo](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/en-el-mar-de-la-nada-curzio-nitoglia/). En este sentido Wajda nos muestra un lenguaje cinematográfico muy evidente, a través de una técnica expresionista muy depurada, con el uso del blanco y negro, los contrastes generados por las sombras y la atmósfera opresiva que transmite angustia, desesperación y vulnerabilidad de los protagonistas. Además también destilan una fuerte carga emocional, donde no están exentos elementos poéticos y un poderoso lirismo. || |:-:| |Maciek Chełmicki, el protagonista.| Hay elementos simbólicos que no podemos obviar, y que contribuyen a consolidar el análisis que venimos haciendo, como, por ejemplo, la estética del protagonista, con unas gafas oscuras, que actúan como una suerte de barrera frente al mundo que le rodea, como parte del anonimato tras el cual el joven Maciek vive de forma introspectiva su propio drama particular y el de toda una nación. |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/mar-nada-curzio-nitoglia/)| |:-:| |[NITOGLIA, Curzio; _En el mar de la nada: Metafísica y nihilismo a prueba en la posmodernidad_; Hipérbola Janus, 2023](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/mar-nada-curzio-nitoglia/)| Hay una escena especialmente poderosa, y casi mítica, en la que los dos jóvenes protagonistas, Maciek y Krystina, se encuentran entre las ruinas de una Iglesia, en la que se destaca en primer plano, ocupando buena parte de la pantalla, la imagen de un Cristo invertido sobre un crucifijo, donde también se encuentran dos cuerpos colgados hacia abajo en una estampa que refleja la devastación moral y espiritual de toda una época. De hecho, [la imagen del crucifijo invertido refleja el máximo punto de subversión y profanación de lo sagrado](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/la-cruz-frente-la-modernidad/), y que en el caso concreto de la película viene a representar la destrucción del orden moral y de valores cristianos que la propia guerra ha provocado. Polonia es una nación profundamente católica, convertida al Cristianismo en el 966 a raíz de la conversión del príncipe **Miecislao I**, contribuyendo de manera decisiva a la formación de la identidad nacional polaca. El catolicismo siempre ha sido un medio de cohesión y defensa frente a las influencias extranjeras y la ocupación de terceros países, una constante en la historia del país, como el que ilustra la propia película con la URSS. En este sentido, la imagen de una Iglesia en ruinas, el lugar donde se encuentra representado el principio de lo sagrado e inviolable, [supone una forma de perversión de todo principio de redención y salvación frente a la tragedia](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/mas-nos-vale-rezar/), y al mismo tiempo viene a significar que la Tradición ha sido abandonada y pervertida. En la misma línea, el protagonista, Maciek, se encuentra atrapado en una espiral de violencia a través de sus actos terroristas perpetrados contra la autoridad soviética que ocupa su país. Los dos cuerpos anónimos que cuelgan boca abajo, de forma grotesca, también participan de este caos y desequilibrio de un orden dislocado, son parte de la deshumanización y el nihilismo que todo lo impregna. || |:-:| |Maciek y Krystina en una iglesia en ruinas| Como ya hemos mencionado, la película se encuentra plagada de paradojas y dicotomías, en las que nuestro protagonista, [el joven rebelde e inconformista](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/juventud-contestacion/), debe elegir permanentemente, en unas decisiones que resultan trascendentales para su futuro y el de la propia nación. La figura femenina que irrumpe en su vida, y que representa un principio disruptivo que provoca una fractura interior y una crisis, le suscita una toma de conciencia de su propia situación y le fuerza a tomar un camino entre la «felicidad», del «amor», la «esperanza» y la «vida», que le permita superar la deriva nihilista y autodestructiva de la lucha clandestina, la cual le aboca a un destino trágico (que no vamos a desentrañar para no hacer spoiler). En relación al propio título de la película, «Cenizas y diamantes», basada en el poema del poeta y dramaturgo polaco **Cyprian Norwid** (1821-1883) y en la novela del autor, también polaco, **Jerzy Andrzejewski** (1909-1983), nos destaca la dualidad de los dos elementos que lo componen, y que definen el contraste entre el mundo sombrío y oscuro (Cenizas) y la esperanza y la luz que representa susodicha figura femenina (diamantes). La segunda alternativa parece un imposible, una quimera irrealizable que se pliega ante un Destino implacable, irreversible y cruel. En consecuencia, y a la luz de los elementos expuestos, podemos decir que se nos presentan dilemas propios de la filosofía existencialista, que conoce su punto álgido en esos años, con autores como **Jean Paul Sartre** (1905-1980), **Albert Camus** (1913-1960), **Karl Jaspers** (1883-1969) o [**Martin Heidegger**](https://amzn.to/4cmjvwE) (1889-1976) entre otros. Respecto a éste último, a Heidegger, podemos encontrar algunas claves interesantes a través de su filosofía en relación al protagonista, a Maciek, especialmente a través de la idea del *Dasein*, a la idea de haber sido arrojado al mundo (*Geworfenheit*), y la manera tan extrema y visceral en la que vive susodicha condición. Todos aquellos elementos que dan sentido a la vida colectiva [se encuentran decaídos o destruidos en su esencia más íntima, la Patria, la religión o la propia idea de Comunidad orgánica](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/textos-tradicion-tiempos-oscurecimiento-hj/). De modo que el protagonista se ha visto «arrojado» frente a una situación o destino indeseado, en unas coyunturas totalmente desfavorables en las que no queda otra elección. Sus decisiones están permanentemente condicionadas por la circunstancia descrita y, por tanto, vive en un mundo donde no controla nada, en lugar de ser sujeto es un mero objeto transportado por esas circunstancias ajenas a su voluntad. Sin embargo, y en coherencia con el *Dasein* heideggeriano, vemos como Maciek, a raíz de conocer a Krystyna, comienza a experimentar una catarsis interior, que muestra por momentos el deseo de superar ese «ser arrojado al mundo contra tu voluntad», trascendiendo esa condición absurda e irracional de unas decisiones enajenadas de su voluntad para dotar de una significación y un sentido la propia existencia. || |:-:| |Andrzej Wajda, el director de la película.| Otro elemento característico de la filosofía heideggeriana lo podemos encontrar en la «angustia» (*angst*) a través de la ausencia de un sentido y fundamento último que justifique la existencia del protagonista. Es una angustia en a que el *Dasein* se enfrenta a la «nada», a ese vacío existencial que hace inútil toda la lucha que Maciek lleva a cabo en la clandestinidad, con asesinatos y actos de terrorismo que pretenden salvaguardar algo que ya no existe, y que simboliza muy bien la Iglesia en ruinas con sus símbolos religiosos invertidos de la que hablábamos con anterioridad. Recuerda un poco a esa dicotomía que se plantea entre ser conservador o reaccionario frente a una realidad como la del propio presente, en la que los valores tradicionales han sido totalmente destruidos, y más que conservar se impone la reacción para volver a construir de la nada. |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/textos-tradicion-tiempos-oscurecimiento-hiperbola-janus/)| |:-:| |[Hipérbola Janus; _Textos para la Tradición en tiempos del oscurecimiento: Artículos publicados entre 2014 y 2019 en hiperbolajanus.com_; Hipérbola Janus, 2019](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/textos-tradicion-tiempos-oscurecimiento-hiperbola-janus/)| Todas las dudas que asaltan al protagonista se ven incrementadas en el momento decisivo, cuando se dispone a dar muerte al líder comunista. Se produce una tensión interna en Maciek, que se encuentra ligado a la joven que ha conocido ese día, y en ella es donde encuentra ese leve destello de humanidad. Esa circunstancia le hace replantearse por un instante el cumplimiento de su misión, pero es un dilema que no tiene salida, y por ello le asalta nuevamente la angustia frente a esa «nada», ese mundo vacío e incomprensible que trasciende el marco de sus propias elecciones. Uno de los conceptos centrales de Heidegger en [*Ser y tiempo*](https://amzn.to/4l7uMoi) es el *Sein-zum-Tode* (*ser-para-la-muerte*), la idea de que la muerte es la posibilidad más propia y definitiva del *Dasein*, y que enfrentarla auténticamente permite vivir de manera más plena. Y es que el protagonista se encuentra permanentemente sobre esa frontera entre la vida y la muerte, que afronta con todas sus consecuencias, conscientemente, y la acepta. Esta actitud podría leerse como una forma de *Dasein* inauténtico, una huida del *ser-para-la-muerte* mediante la distracción (*das Man*, el «se» impersonal). Sin embargo, su decisión de cumplir la misión sugiere un enfrentamiento final con esa posibilidad. Otro aspecto que podemos conectar con el pensamiento heideggeriano es la autenticidad o inautenticidad de la vida del protagonista. En relación a la inautenticidad vemos como al principio sigue las órdenes de sus superiores en la organización sin cuestionarlas, lo cual implica un comportamiento inequívocamente alienante. Respecto a aquello que resulta auténtico de su existencia son sus relaciones con Krystyna, que supone imponer su propia voluntad y decisión, mostrando un *Dasein* que asume su libertad. || |:-:| |Escena de la película.| Otros aspectos más generales de la filosofía existencialista redundan sobre estos mismos aspectos, con la elección entre la libertad absoluta y la condena inevitable. La idea del hombre condenado a actuar, a una elección continua, aún cuando el hombre no es dueño de su destino, o las consecuencias de tales acciones son absurdas, irracionales e incomprensibles. El propio absurdo de la existencia frente al vacío y la ausencia de principios sólidos en los que cimentar la vida, no solo en sus aspectos cotidianos más básicos, sino en aquellos más profundos de la existencia. La soledad y la propia fatalidad frente a un Destino que, como ya hemos apuntado anteriormente, parece imponerse de manera irrevocable, y podríamos decir que brutalmente, al individuo aislado, incapaz de asirse en una guía, en unos valores que le permitan remontar la situación. En términos generales «Cenizas y diamantes», además de ser una película de gran calidad en sus aspectos técnicos, en su fotografía, en la configuración de sus escenas y en el propio desarrollo argumental, bajo un guión espléndidamente ejecutado a lo largo de sus 98 minutos de duración, también nos invita a una reflexión profunda sobre la condición humana y la propia Modernidad. Y es algo que vemos en nuestros días, con las consecuencias de un pensamiento débil, con la promoción del individualismo, el hedonismo y lo efímero. La ausencia de estructuras sólidas, [la subversión de toda forma de autoridad y jerarquía tradicionales](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/metapolitica-tradicion-modernidad-antologia-julius-evola/). Paradójicamente, el mundo actual tiende a formas de poder y autoridad mucho más invasivas y coercitivas, tanto a nivel individual como colectivo, pero en la misma línea abstracta e impersonal que nos describe la película, abocándonos a la alienación y la inautenticidad de nuestras propias vidas. Y como Maciek, también nosotros, vivimos en un mundo dominado por la incertidumbre y la desesperanza, en el que el globalismo y sus perversas ideologías deshumanizantes actúan por doquier. || |:-:| |Carátula original de la película en polaco.| --- **Artículo original**: Hipérbola Janus, [_Reseña de «Cenizas y Diamantes» (Andrzej Wajda, 1958)_](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/resena-cenizas-diamantes/) [**(TOR)**](http://hiperbolam7t46pbl2fiqzaarcmw6injdru4nh2pwuhrkoub3263mpad.onion/posts/resena-cenizas-diamantes/), 31/Mar/2025

@ 866e0139:6a9334e5

&#x20; *** **Autor:** **[Carlos A. Gebauer.](https://make-love-not-law.com/lebenslauf.html)** *Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem **[Pareto-Client](https://pareto.space/read)** geschrieben. Sie finden alle Texte der Friedenstaube und weitere Texte zum Thema Frieden **[hier.](https://pareto.space/read?category=friedenstaube)*** *** Am 18. März 1924 schenkte meine Großmutter ihren Töchtern einen kleinen Bruder. Weil sein Vater fürchtete, der Junge könnte unter seinen vier Schwestern verweichlichen, schickte er den Kleinen zu Wochenendfreizeiten einer örtlichen Pfadfindergruppe. Ein Weltkriegsveteran veranstaltete dort mit den Kindern Geländespiele quer durch die schlesischen Wälder. Man lernte, Essbares zu finden, Pilze zu bestimmen, sich im Freien zu orientieren und Feuer zu machen. Bald wurde deutlich, dass der Heranwachsende auch nicht mehr in den Blockflötenkreis seiner Schwestern und ihrer Freundinnen passte. Das Umfeld befürwortete, sein besonderes musikalisches Talent auf das Klavierspiel und das Flügelhorn zu richten. Kontakte bei der anschließenden Kirchenmusik mündeten schließlich in den elterlichen Entschluss, den nun 14-jährigen in ein Musikschulinternat zu schicken. ### Es begann der Zweite Weltkrieg Ein Jahr später, das erste Heimweh hatte sich langsam beruhigt, änderten sich die Verhältnisse schlagartig. Es begann der Zweite Weltkrieg. Mitschüler unter den jungen Musikern erfuhren, dass ihre älteren Brüder nun Soldaten werden mussten. Noch hielt sich die Gemeinschaft der jetzt 15-jährigen im Internat aber an einer Hoffnung fest: Bis sie selbst in das wehrfähige Alter kommen würden, müsste der Krieg längst beendet sein. In dieser Stimmungslage setzten sie ihre Ausbildung fort. Es kam anders. Für den 18-jährigen erfolgte die befürchtete Einberufung in Form des „Gestellungsbefehls“. Entsprechend seiner Fähigkeiten sah man ihn zunächst für ein Musikkorps vor und schickte ihn zu einer ersten Grundausbildung nach Südfrankreich. Bei Nizza fand er sich nun plötzlich zwischen Soldaten, die Handgranaten in das Mittelmeer warfen, um Fische zu fangen. Es war das erste Mal, dass er fürchtete, infolge Explosionslärms sein Gehör zu verlieren. In den kommenden Jahren sollte er oft die Ohren zu- und den Mund offenhalten müssen, um sich wenigstens die Möglichkeit der angezielten Berufsausübung zu erhalten – wenn es überhaupt je dazu kommen würde. *** **DIE FRIEDENSTAUBE FLIEGT AUCH IN IHR POSTFACH!** ***[Hier](https://pareto.space/u/friedenstaube@pareto.space)*** *können Sie die Friedenstaube abonnieren und bekommen die Artikel zugesandt, vorerst für alle kostenfrei, wir starten gänzlich ohne Paywall. (Die Bezahlabos fangen erst zu laufen an, wenn ein Monetarisierungskonzept für die Inhalte steht). Sie wollen der Genossenschaft beitreten oder uns unterstützen? Mehr Infos* ***[hier](https://pareto.space/a/naddr1qqsxydty8qek2wpsvyck2wphxajrvefjvesngcfhxenrgdty89nrzvgzyzrxuqfepp2e79w9aluaz2252vyz7qdpld05pgjmeurhdgm2jv6w2qcyqqq823cpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqprpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuurpwfjhgmewwdcxzcm9qythwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnsv9ex2ar09e6x7amwqyf8wumn8ghj7mmxve3ksctfdch8qatzqythwumn8ghj7urpwfjhgmewdehhxarjxyhxxmmdszcvqk)*** *oder am Ende des Textes.* *** Schon nach kurzer Zeit änderte sich die Befehlslage wieder. Der Musikstudent wurde nun zum Infanteristen und nach Russland an die Front verbracht. Vor ihm lagen jetzt drei Kriegsjahre: Gewalt, Dreck, Gewehrkugeln, Panzerschlachten, Granatsplitter, Luftangriffe, Entbehrungen, Hunger, Kälte, sieben Verwundungen, Blut und Schmerzen, Sterbende überall, Tote, Schreiende. Verzweiflung. Sorgen. Ängste. Todesangst. Zurückweichen? Verboten! Und die stets klare Ansage dazu: Wer nicht da vorne gegen den Feind um sein Leben kämpft, dem wird es ganz sicher da hinten von den eigenen Kameraden genommen. Ein gewährter Fronturlaub 1944 versprach glückliche Momente. Zurück zu den Eltern, zurück zu den Schwestern, zurück nach Freiburg. Doch die Familie war nicht zu Hause, die Türen verschlossen. Eine Nachbarin öffnete ihr Fenster und rief dem Ratlosen zu: „Beeil‘ dich! Renn‘ zum Friedhof. Der Vater ist tot. Sie sind alle bei der Beerdigung!“ Wieder hieß es, qualvoll Abschied nehmen. Zurück an die Front. Nach einem weiteren russischen Winter brach sich unübersehbar die Erkenntnis Bahn, dass der Krieg nun seinem Ende zugehe. Doch das Bemühen im Rückzug, sich mit einem versprengten Haufen irgendwie Richtung Heimat orientieren zu können, wurde doppelt jäh unterbrochen. Fanatische Vorgesetzte befahlen die längst Geschlagenen wieder gen Osten. Kurz darauf fielen sie heranrückenden russischen Truppen in die Hände.  ### Kriegsgefangenschaft: Tabakration gegen Brot Drei Jahre dem Tod entgangen, schwer verletzt und erschöpft war der 21-jährige also nun ein Kriegsgefangener. Jetzt lagen drei Jahre russischer Kriegsgefangenschaft vor ihm. Ständig war unklar, wie es weiterginge. Unmöglich jedenfalls, sich noch wie ein Pfadfinder aus den Wäldern zu ernähren. Es begannen die Jahre des Schlafens auf Brettern, die Zeit der ziellosen Zugtransporte an unbekannte Orte. Niemand sprach. Nur der Sonnenstand machte klar: Es ging nie Richtung Heimat, sondern immer weiter nach Osten. Weil der Blechbläser nicht rauchte, konnte er seine Tabakration gegen Brot tauschen. So überlebte er auch die Zeit des Hungers und der Morde in den Lagern, die Horrorbilder der nachts Erschlagenen und in die Latrinen geworfenen Toten, der sinnlosen Zwangsarbeiten und der allgegenwärtigen Wanzen. Wer versuchte zu fliehen, der wurde erschossen und sein Körper zur Abschreckung in den Fangdrähten belassen. Im Sommer stanken die dort verwesenden Leichen, wenn nicht Vögel sie rechtzeitig gefressen hatten. Als der 24-jährige schließlich sechs Jahre nach seiner Einberufung aus russischer Kriegsgefangenschaft entlassen wurde, gab es kein Zurück mehr in seine schlesische Heimat. Abgemagert reiste er der vertriebenen Mutter nach, die mit seinen Schwestern und Millionen anderen Flüchtlingen im Westen Deutschlands verteilt worden war. Kraft Ordnungsverfügung wohnte sie jetzt im sauerländischen Bad Laasphe in einem schimmligen Garagenanbau. Als ihn ein Passant auf dieser Reise morgens allein, nur mit einem Becher an der Schnur um den Hals, auf Krücken durch Berlin ziehen sah, gab er ihm schweigend sein Butterbrot. Der kleine, sanfte Junge aus dem schlesischen Freiburg hat danach noch 60 Jahre gelebt. Es dauerte zunächst sechs Jahre, bis er wieder kräftig genug war, ein Instrument zu spielen. 30-jährig saß er dann endlich in einem Orchester und begann ein normales Berufsleben. Aber sein Körper und seine Seele waren für immer aus jeder Normalität gerissen. Irgendwo in Russland war ihm die linke Hüfte so versteift worden, dass sich seine Beine im Liegen an Wade und Schienbein überkreuzten. Er musste also stets den Oberkörper vorbeugen, um überhaupt laufen zu können. Über die Jahrzehnte verzog sich so sein gesamter Knochenbau. Jeder Tag brachte neue orthopädische Probleme und Schmerzen. Ärzte, Masseure, Physiotherapeuten, Schmerzmittel und Spezialausrüstungen aller Art prägten die Tagesabläufe. Asymmetrisch standen seine Schuhe nebeneinander, die ein Spezialschuster ihm mit erhöhter Sohle und Seitenstabilisierung am Knöchel fertigte. Sessel oder Sofas waren ihm nicht nutzbar, da er nur auf einem Spezialstuhl mit halb abgesenkter Sitzfläche Ruhe fand. Auf fremden Stühlen konnte er nur deren Vorderkante nutzen. ### "In den Nächten schrie er im Schlaf" Und auch wenn er sich ohne Krankheitstage bis zuletzt durch seinen Berufsalltag kämpfte, so gab es doch viele Tage voller entsetzlicher Schmerzen, wenn sich seine verdrehte Wirbelsäule zur Migräne in den Kopf bohrte. Bei alledem hörte man ihn allerdings niemals über sein Schicksal klagen. Er ertrug den ganzen Wahnsinn mit einer unbeschreiblichen Duldsamkeit. Nur in den Nächten schrie er bisweilen im Schlaf. In einem seiner Alpträume fürchtete er, Menschen getötet zu haben. Aber auch das erzählte er jahrzehntelang einzig seiner Frau. Als sich einige Jahre vor seinem Tod der orthopädische Zustand weiter verschlechterte, konsultierte er einen Operateur, um Entlastungsmöglichkeiten zu erörtern. Der legte ihn auf eine Untersuchungsliege und empfahl, Verbesserungsversuche zu unterlassen, weil sie die Lage allenfalls verschlechtern konnten. In dem Moment, als er sich von der Liege erheben sollte, wurde deutlich, dass ihm dies nicht gelang. Die gereichte Hand, um ihn hochzuziehen, ignorierte er. Stattdessen rieb er seinen Rumpf ganz alleine eine quälend lange Minute über die Fläche, bis er endlich einen Winkel fand, um sich selbst in die Senkrechte zu bugsieren. Sich nicht auf andere verlassen, war sein Überlebenskonzept. Jahre später, als sich sein Zustand noch weiter verschlechtert hatte, lächelte er über seine Behinderung: „Ich hätte schon vor 60 Jahren tot auf einem Acker in Russland liegen können.“ Alles gehe irgendwann vorbei, tröstete er sich. Das war das andere Überlebenskonzept: liebevoll, friedfertig und sanft anderen gegenüber, unerbittlich mit sich selbst. Sechs Monate vor seinem Tod saß er morgens regungslos auf seinem Spezialstuhl. Eine Altenpflegerin fand ihn und schlug Alarm. Mit allen Kunstgriffen der medizinischen Technik wurde er noch einmal in das Leben zurückkatapultiert. Aber seine Kräfte waren erschöpft. Es schob sich das Grauen der Vergangenheit zwischen ihn und die Welt. Bettlägerig kreiste er um sich selbst, erkannte niemanden und starrte mit weit offenen Augen an die Decke. „Die Russen schmeißen wieder Brandbomben!“, war einer seiner letzten Sätze. Der kleine Junge aus Schlesien ist nicht zu weich geraten. Er hat sein Leid mit unbeugsamer Duldsamkeit ertragen. Er trug es wohl als Strafe für das Leid, das er anderen anzutun genötigt worden war. An seinem Geburtstag blühen immer die Magnolien. In diesem Jahr zum hundertsten Mal. *Dieser Text wurde am 23.3.2024 erstveröffentlicht auf* *[„eigentümlich frei“.](https://ef-magazin.de/2024/03/23/21072-make-love-not-law-kriegstuechtig)* *** *Carlos A. Gebauer studierte Philosophie, Neuere Geschichte, Sprach-, Rechts- und Musikwissenschaften in Düsseldorf, Bayreuth und Bonn. Sein juristisches Referendariat absolvierte er in Düsseldorf, u.a. mit Wahlstationen bei der Landesrundfunkanstalt NRW, bei der Spezialkammer für Kassenarztrecht des Sozialgerichtes Düsseldorf und bei dem Gnadenbeauftragten der Staatsanwaltschaft Düsseldorf.* *Er war unter anderem als Rechtsanwalt und Notarvertreter bis er im November 2003 vom nordrhein-westfälischen Justizministerium zum Richter am Anwaltsgericht für den Bezirk der Rechtsanwaltskammer Düsseldorf ernannt wurde. Seit April 2012 arbeitet er in der Düsseldorfer Rechtsanwaltskanzlei Lindenau, Prior & Partner. Im Juni 2015 wählte ihn die Friedrich-August-von-Hayek-Gesellschaft zu ihrem Stellvertretenden Vorsitzenden. Seit Dezember 2015 ist er Richter im Zweiten Senat des Anwaltsgerichtshofes NRW.* *1995 hatte er parallel zu seiner anwaltlichen Tätigkeit mit dem Verfassen gesellschaftspolitischer und juristischer Texte begonnen. Diese erschienen seither unter anderem in der Neuen Juristischen Wochenschrift (NJW), der Zeitschrift für Rechtspolitik (ZRP) in der [Frankfurter Allgemeinen Zeitung](http://www.faz.de/), der [Freien Presse Chemnitz](http://www.freiepresse.de/), dem „Schweizer Monat“ oder dem Magazin für politische Kultur CICERO. Seit dem Jahr 2005 ist Gebauer ständiger Kolumnist und Autor des Magazins „eigentümlich frei“.* *Gebauer glaubt als puristischer Liberaler unverbrüchlich an die sittliche Verpflichtung eines jeden einzelnen, sein Leben für sich selbst und für seine Mitmenschen verantwortlich zu gestalten; jede Fremdbestimmung durch Gesetze, staatliche Verwaltung, politischen Einfluss oder sonstige Gewalteinwirkung hat sich demnach auf ein ethisch vertretbares Minimum zu beschränken. Die Vorstellung eines europäischen Bundesstaates mit zentral detailsteuernder, supranationaler Staatsgewalt hält er für absurd und verfassungswidrig.*  \ **Aktuelle Bücher:** Hayeks Warnung vor der Knechtschaft (2024) – [hier im Handel](https://www.buchkomplizen.de/hayeks-warnung-vor-der-knechtschaft.html?listtype=search\&searchparam=Carlos%2520A%2520gebauer) Das Prinzip Verantwortungslosigkeit (2023) – [hier im Handel](https://www.buchkomplizen.de/das-prinzip-verantwortungslosigkeit.html?listtype=search\&searchparam=Carlos%2520A%2520gebauer) *** **LASSEN SIE DER FRIEDENSTAUBE FLÜGEL WACHSEN!** ***[Hier](https://pareto.space/u/friedenstaube@pareto.space)*** *können Sie die Friedenstaube abonnieren und bekommen die Artikel zugesandt.* Schon jetzt können Sie uns unterstützen: * Für **50 CHF/EURO** bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo der Friedenstaube. * Für **120 CHF/EURO** bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo und ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube. * Für **500 CHF/EURO** werden Sie Förderer und bekommen ein lebenslanges Abo sowie ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube. * Ab **1000 CHF** werden Sie Genossenschafter der Friedenstaube mit Stimmrecht (und bekommen lebenslanges Abo, T-Shirt/Hoodie). **Für Einzahlungen in CHF (Betreff: Friedenstaube):**  **Für Einzahlungen in Euro:** Milosz Matuschek IBAN DE 53710520500000814137 BYLADEM1TST Sparkasse Traunstein-Trostberg **Betreff: Friedenstaube** Wenn Sie auf anderem Wege beitragen wollen, schreiben Sie die Friedenstaube an: <milosz@pareto.space> *** **Sie sind noch nicht auf** [Nostr](https://nostr.com/) **and wollen die volle Erfahrung machen (liken, kommentieren etc.)? Zappen können Sie den Autor auch ohne Nostr-Profil!** Erstellen Sie sich einen Account auf [Start.](https://start.njump.me/) Weitere Onboarding-Leitfäden gibt es im [Pareto-Wiki.](https://wiki.pareto.space/de/home)

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

El 7 de febrero de 2025, Donald Trump firmó una orden ejecutiva que establecía una «Oficina de la Fe» en la Casa Blanca, dirigida por su asesora espiritual Paula White-Cain, la pastora de esa «teología de la prosperidad» (*prosperity theology*) que predica el «Evangelio de la salud y la riqueza» (*health and wealth gospel[^1]*). Investida de su nueva función, la reverenda pastora dijo: «Tengo la autoridad para declarar a la Casa Blanca un lugar santo. Es mi presencia la que la santifica»[^2]. Los siete rabinos del «Sanedrín Naciente» —la corte suprema que guiará a Israel cuando se reconstruya el Templo de Jerusalén— enviaron conmovedoras felicitaciones al presidente Trump por el establecimiento de esta Oficina. «Expresamos nuestra sincera gratitud —se lee en el mensaje oficial enviado a Trump desde el Monte Sión— por llevar la fe a la vanguardia de la cultura estadounidense y mundial mediante el establecimiento de la Oficina de la Fe en la Casa Blanca. Su reconocimiento de la importancia de la religión en la vida pública es un paso hacia [la restauración de los valores morales y del liderazgo espiritual en el mundo](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/patriots-mutti/)[^3]. La carta del «Sanedrín Naciente», que augura el éxito a la «misión divina» del presidente estadounidense, reproduce las dos caras de una «moneda del Templo», acuñada en 2017 para celebrar el traslado de la embajada estadounidense a Jerusalén y, simultáneamente, el centenario de la Declaración Balfour. En el anverso se ven los perfiles de Donald Trump y Ciro el Grande, a quien la tradición judía atribuye la reconstrucción del templo destruido por los babilonios, con la inscripción (en hebreo e inglés) «*Cyrus —Balfour— Trump Declaration 1917-2017*»; en el reverso está la imagen del Templo de Jerusalén[^4]. Otra moneda, que lleva los perfiles de Trump y Ciro en el anverso y los de Trump y Netanyahu en el reverso, fue acuñada en 2018 para celebrar el septuagésimo aniversario de la independencia del «Estado de Israel»; se observa dos inscripciones en hebreo e inglés: «Y Él me encargó construirle una casa en Jerusalén» y «Guerra de los Hijos de la Luz contra los Hijos de las Tinieblas». El tema de la «guerra de los Hijos de la Luz contra los Hijos de las Tinieblas» ha tenido una difusión particular en el imaginario y la propaganda trumpista. El 7 de junio de 2020, monseñor Carlo Maria Viganò, ex nuncio de la Santa Sede en los Estados Unidos, escribió una carta al presidente Donald Trump que comenzaba así: «Estamos asistiendo en los últimos meses a la formación de dos bandos, que los definiría bíblicos: los hijos de la luz y los hijos de las tinieblas»[^5]. El 1 de enero de 2021, el agitprop estadounidense Steve Bannon declaró en una entrevista con Monseñor Viganò: «Esta es una batalla de época entre los hijos de la Luz y los hijos de las Tinieblas»[^6]. Son numerosos los judíos sionistas que están en el círculo del presidente Trump: además de su hija Ivanka (convertida en 2009) y su yerno Jared Kushner (entonces Consejero Anciano del Presidente), el 19 de noviembre de 2024 el «The Jerusalem Post»[^7] publicó una lista de los más influyentes: Stephen Miller, subdirector del *staff* de la Casa Blanca y consejero de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos; David Melech Friedman, a quien en 2016 Trump nombró embajador en Israel; el multimillonario «filántropo» Steven Charles Witkoff, enviado especial de Estados Unidos a Oriente Medio; Miriam Adelson, directora del periódico «Israel Hayom», clasificada por *Bloomberg Billionaires* como la quinta mujer más rica del mundo (con un patrimonio neto de 32,400 millones de dólares), financiadora de iniciativas políticas conservadoras en Estados Unidos e Israel; el banquero Boris Epshteyn, consejero estratégico de la campaña presidencial de Trump en 2020; Howard Williams Lutnick, presidente de la *Cantor Fitzgerald* del *Grupo BGC*, financista de las campañas presidenciales de Donald Trump en 2020 y 2024, ahora secretario de Comercio; la modelo Elizabeth Pipko, portavoz nacional del Partido Republicano y creadora de un «museo interactivo virtual» sobre la «Shoah» como parte del proyecto de *Lest People Forget*, cuyo objetivo es combatir el «antisemitismo» y la «negacionismo»; Lee Michael Zeldin, miembro republicano de la Cámara de Representantes por el estado de Nueva York del 2015 al 2023 y actualmente administrador de la EPA (*Environmental Protection Agency*); la columnista Laura Elizabeth Loomer, «orgullosamente islamófoba», activa patrocinadora de Trump en la campaña para las elecciones presidenciales de 2024; Sidney Ferris Rosenberg, influyente presentador de radio y periodista deportivo; William Owen Scharf, Asistente del Presidente y secretario del personal de la Casa Blanca; Marc Jeffrey Rowan, «filántropo» con un patrimonio neto valorado por *Forbes* en ocho mil ochocientos millones de dólares. Además de estos, cabe mencionar al popular presentador de radio Mark Levin quien, en diciembre de 2019, durante la celebración de la fiesta de Janucá en la Casa Blanca, saludó a Donald Trump como «el primer presidente judío de los Estados Unidos»[^8]. Según un funcionario de alto nivel de la Casa Blanca, Donald Trump se convirtió al judaísmo dos años antes en la sinagoga de la secta Jabad Lubavitch en la ciudad de Nueva York. David Elias Goldberg, miembro del *Jewish Center of Antisemitic Study*, también entrevistó al funcionario, para quien «Trump fue “instado” por su hija Ivanka y su yerno Jared Kushner para abrazar la fe. Inicialmente, Trump se habría mostrado reacio, considerando que esto podría enfriar el apoyo del electorado evangélico». Luego, informa «Israel Today News», «cambió de opinión y se convirtió oficialmente a principios de 2017. La ceremonia se llevó a cabo en privado y se guardó celosamente durante casi dos años»[^9]. Pero ya en septiembre de 2015, el rabino millonario Kirt Schneider, invitado a la Trump Tower de Nueva York, había impuesto sus manos sobre la cabeza de Donald Trump y lo había bendecido en hebreo e inglés, declarando: «Las únicas dos naciones que tienen una relación privilegiada con Dios son Israel y los Estados Unidos de América»[^10]. El 7 de octubre de 2024, en el aniversario de la operación de Hamas «Diluvio de Al-Aqsa», Trump fue acompañado por un «superviviente de la Shoah» a la tumba de Menachem Mendel Schneerson, séptimo y último Rabino de los *Hasidim* de la secta Jabad Lubavitch, que en 1991 declaró a sus seguidores: «He hecho todo lo posible para provocar el arribo del Mesías, ahora les paso a ustedes esta misión; hagan todo lo que puedan para que Él venga»[^11]. En relación al evento mesiánico, el eminente rabino Yekutiel Fish atribuyó una misión decisiva a Trump: «Todo el mundo está centrado en Gaza, pero esa es solo una parte de la agenda del fin de los tiempos, que tiene a los judíos viviendo en las fronteras profetizadas de Israel; la Torá incluye explícitamente a Gaza. [Lo que Trump está haciendo es limpiar Gaza de todos los odiadores de Israel](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/entrevista-mutti-marzo-24/). No podrán estar en Israel después de la venida del Mesías. (...) Esto incluirá a Gaza, la mitad del Líbano y gran parte de Jordania. Y vemos que casi lo hemos logrado. Siria cayó. Líbano está medio destruido. Gaza está destrozada. El escenario está casi listo para el Mesías. Pero, ¿cómo pueden los palestinos estar aquí cuando vayamos a recibir al Mesías? El Mesías necesita que alguien se ocupe de esto, y en este caso, es Donald Trump. Trump está simplemente llevando a cabo las tareas finales necesarias antes de que el Mesías sea revelado»[^12]. Esta inspiración escatológica está presente en las palabras de Pete Brian Hegseth, el pintoresco exponente del «Reconstruccionismo Cristiano»[^13] a quien Trump nombró secretario de Defensa. En un discurso pronunciado en 2019 en el Hotel Rey David de Jerusalén, con motivo de la conferencia anual del canal *Arutz Sheva* (*Israel National News*), Hegseth enalteció el «vínculo eterno» entre Israel y Estados Unidos, y enumeró los «milagros» que atestiguan el «apoyo divino» a la causa sionista, el último de los cuales será la reconstrucción del Templo judío en la zona donde actualmente se encuentra la mezquita de al-Aqsa: «La dignidad de capital adquirida por Jerusalén —dijo— fue un milagro, y no hay razón por la cual no sea posible el milagro de la restauración del Templo en el Monte del Templo».[^14] Es conocido que el fundamentalismo evangélico pro-sionista[^15] comparte con el judaísmo la creencia en que la construcción del tercer Templo de Jerusalén marcará el comienzo de la era mesiánica; cuando la administración Trump trasladó la embajada de Estados Unidos a Jerusalén en 2017, Laurie Cardoza-Moore, exponente del evangelismo sionista, saludó así la «obediencia de Trump a la Palabra de Dios» en «Haaretz»: «Al establecer la Embajada en Jerusalén, el presidente Donald Trump está implementando una de las iniciativas históricas de dimensión bíblica en su presidencia. Al igual que muchos judíos en Israel y en todo el mundo, los cristianos reconocen el vínculo de los judíos con la Biblia a través del nombre de Jerusalén como la capital del antiguo Israel, así como el sitio del Primer y Segundo Templos. Según los profetas Ezequiel, Isaías y el apóstol Juan del Nuevo Testamento, todos los israelíes esperan la reconstrucción del Tercer Templo»[^16]. El 22 de mayo del mismo año, Donald Trump, acompañado de su esposa Melania, de su hija Ivanka y su yerno Jared Kushner, fue el primer presidente de los Estados Unidos en ejercicio en acudir al Muro de las Lamentaciones, anexionado ilegalmente a la entidad sionista. En 2019, la administración Trump confirmó la posición de Estados Unidos al enviar en visita oficial para Jerusalén a Mike Pompeo, un secretario de Estado que —ironía de la Historia— lleva el mismo nombre del general romano que asaltó la ciudad en el año 63 a.C. «Por primera vez en la historia, un secretario de Estado norteamericano visitó la Ciudad Vieja de Jerusalén en compañía de un alto político israelí. Fue una visita histórica que reforzó las expectativas israelíes y constituyó un reconocimiento tácito de la soberanía israelí sobre el sitio del Monte del Templo y la Explanada de las Mezquitas. (…) Mike Pompeo, acompañado por el primer ministro Benjamin Netanyahu y el embajador de Estados Unidos en Israel, David Friedman, también visitó el túnel del Muro de las Lamentaciones y la sinagoga ubicada bajo tierra, en el presunto lugar del santuario del Templo[^17], donde se le mostró una maqueta del futuro Templo[^18]. En el transcurso de una entrevista concedida durante la fiesta del Purim (que celebra el exterminio de la clase política persa, ocurrido hace 2500 años), el secretario de Estado insinuó que «el presidente Donald Trump puede haber sido enviado por Dios para salvar al pueblo judío y que confiaba en que aquí el Señor estaba obrando»[^19]. Como observa Daniele Perra, en este mismo número de «Eurasia», el «mito movilizador» del Tercer Templo, atribuible a los «mitos teológicos» señalados por Roger Garaudy como mitos fundadores de la entidad sionista, «atribuye al judaísmo una especie de función sociológica de transmisión y proyección del conflicto palestino-israelí hacia el resto del mundo y confiere una inspiración apocalíptica al momento geopolítico actual». |**Info**|| |:-|:-| |**Autor**| Claudio Mutti | |**Fuente**| [_I "Figli della Luce" alla Casa Bianca_](https://www.eurasia-rivista.com/i-figli-della-luce-alla-casa-bianca/) | |**Fecha**| 8/Mar/2025 | |**Traducción**| Francisco de la Torre | [^1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosperity_theology. [^2]: The White House, *President Trump announces appointments to the White House Faith Office* [https://www.whitehouse.gov](https://www.whitehouse.gov/),, 7 de febrero de 2025; *Trump establece la Oficina de la Fe con una foto de «La Última Cena» | Fue dirigida por la controvertida predicadora Paula White*, [https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it](https://www.tgcom24.mediaset.it/), 10 de febrero de 2025\. [^3]: «We extend our heartfelt gratitude for bringing faith to the forefront of American and global culture through the establishment of the Faith Office in the White House. Your recognition of the importance of religion in public life is a step toward restoring moral values and spiritual leadership in the world» (*Letter from the Nascent Sanhedrin to President Donald J. Trump*, Jerusalem, Wednesday, February 12, 2025). [^4]: *Israeli group mints Trump coin to honor Jerusalem recognition*, «The Times of Israel», [https://www.timesofisrael.com](https://www.timesofisrael.com/), 28-2-2018. [^5]: Mons. Viganò — Siamo nella battaglia tra figli della luce e figli delle tenebre, https://www.italiador.com, 7-6-2020 [^6]: *TRANSCRIPT: Steve Bannon’s ‘War Room’ interview with Abp. Viganò*, lifesitenews.com, 4-1-2021. Sulle origini e sulla fortuna di questo tema cfr. C. Mutti, *Le sètte dell’Occidente*, «Eurasia», 2/2021, pp. 12-15. (https://www.eurasia-rivista.com/las-sectas-de-occidente/) [^7]: Luke Tress, *The who’s who of Jews in Trump’s inner circle?*, «The Jerusalem Post», https://www.jpost.com, 19-11-2024. [^8]: *Radio Talk Show Host Mark Levin Calls President Trump «the First Jewish President of the United States»*, [https://www.c-span.org](https://www.c-span.org/), 11-12-2019. [^9]: «However, he had a change of heart and officially converted in early 2017\. The ceremony was held in private, and closely guarded for nearly two years» (*Donald Trump converted to Judaism two years ago, according to White House official*, https://israeltodaynews.blogspot.com/2019/02). [^10]: «El rabino Kirt Schneider (...) es un millonario judío, una figura televisiva de los “judíos mesiánicos”. Sus emisiones televisivas semanales son emitidas por más de treinta canales cristianos en unos doscientos países; entre ellos, los canales “Yes” y “Hot” en Israel. Solo en Estados Unidos, sus emisiones atraen a 1.600.000 telespectadores cada semana. Kirt Schneider dirige un imperio de telecomunicaciones que tiene un millón y medio de seguidores en Facebook, X (antes Twitter) y YouTube» (Pierre-Antoine Plaquevent — Youssef Hindi, *El milenarismo teopolítico de Israel*, Edizioni all'insegna del Veltro, Parma 2025, p. 31). [^11]: https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menachem_Mendel_Schneerson [^12]: «Everyone is focused on Gaza, but that is only one part of the end-of-days agenda, which has the Jews living in Israel’s prophesied borders. The Torah explicitly includes Gaza. What Trump is doing is cleaning out Gaza of all the haters of Israel. They cannot be in Israel after the Messiah comes. (…) This will include Gaza, half of Lebanon, and much of Jordan. And we see that we are almost there. Syria fell. Lebanon is half gone. Gaza is ripped up. The stage is nearly set for Messiah. But how can the Palestinians be here when we go to greet the Messiah? The Messiah needs someone to take care of this, and in this case, it is Donald Trump. Trump is merely carrying out the final tasks needed before Messiah is revealed» (Adam Eliyahu Berkowitz, *Trump’s Gaza Plan is «The Final task before Messiah»*, [https://israel365news.com](https://israel365news.com/), 5-2-2025). [^13]: «A day after Hegseth was announced for the Cabinet position, Brooks Potteiger, a pastor within the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC), posted on X that Hegseth is a member of the church in good standing. The CREC, a denomination of Christian Reconstructionism, is considered by some academics to be an extremist, Christian supremacist movement» (Shannon Bond e altri, *What’s behind defense secretary pick Hegseth’s war on ‘woke’*, [https://www.npr.org](https://www.npr.org/), 14-11-2024. [^14]: «The decoration of Jerusalem as a capital was a miracle, and there is no reason why the miracle of the re-establishment of Temple on the Temple Mount is not possible» (*Pete Hegseth at Arutz Sheva Conference*, youtube.com). Cfr. Daniele Perra, *Paleotrumpismo, neotrumpismo e post-trumpismo*, in: AA. VV., *Trumpismo*, Cinabro Edizioni, Roma 2025, pp. 22-23. [^15]: Pierre-Antoine Plaquevent — Youssef Hindi, *El milenarismo teopolítico de Israel*, cit., págs. 82 a 96. [^16]: «We American Christians Welcome Trump’s Obedience to God’s Word on Jerusalem», «Haaretz», 6-12-2017. [^17]: Pierre-Antoine Plaquevent — Youssef Hindi, *El milenarismo teopolítico de Israel*, cit., pág. 97. [^18]: *Pompeo en visite historique au mur Occidental aux côtés de Netanyahu et Friedman*, «The Times of Israel», [https://fr.timesofisrael.com](https://fr.timesofisrael.com/), 21-3-2019. [^19]: *Pompeo says Trump may have been sent by God to save Jews from Iran*, «The Times of Israel», 22-3-2019. --- **Artículo original**: Claudio Mutti, [_Los «hijos de la luz» en la Casa Blanca_](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/hijos-luz-casa-blanca/) [**(TOR)**](http://hiperbolam7t46pbl2fiqzaarcmw6injdru4nh2pwuhrkoub3263mpad.onion/posts/hijos-luz-casa-blanca/), 25/Mar/2025

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 https://x.com/beatmastermatt/status/1906329250115858750 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/930491

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

|[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/thiriart-joven-europa-missiaggia/)| |:-:| |[MISSIAGGIA, Pietro; _Jean Thiriart, el caballero euroasiático y la Joven Europa_; Hipérbola Janus, 2025](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/thiriart-joven-europa-missiaggia/)| Desde nuestros inicios los autores y temáticas relacionadas con la geopolítica nos han procurado atención e interés por parte del gran público y de los *mass media*, y no hay más que recordar el efecto que han venido teniendo nuestras obras de [**Aleksandr Duguin**](https://hiperbolajanus.com/firmas/aleksandr-g.-duguin/), en especial [*La geopolítica de Rusia*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/libros/geopolitica-rusia-aleksandr-duguin/) y [*Proyecto Eurasia: teoría y praxis*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/libros/proyecto-eurasia-aleksandr-duguin/), sobre todo a raíz de [nuestra presentación en Casa de Rusia](https://youtu.be/rsp-FMmSPJE) en un ya lejano 2016, con la inestimable colaboración de [**Jordi de la Fuente**](https://hiperbolajanus.com/firmas/jordi-de-la-fuente-miro/) como prologuista, trabajo que siempre reivindicamos desde nuestros medios por el prestigio, la calidad y brillantez de exposición del mismo. Más allá de las obras del prestigioso y afamado filósofo y politólogo ruso, también hemos realizado otras incursiones en esta vertiente, que podríamos llamar «geopolítica alternativa», introduciendo las obras de otros notables autores como [**Claudio Mutti**](https://amzn.to/3RfXOUZ), [**Carlo Terracciano**](https://amzn.to/4iq9mkA) o [**Boris Nad**](https://amzn.to/3Fv98tT). Con estos autores hemos tratado de profundizar en esa vía que se opone frontalmente, y radicalmente si se quiere, a los planteamientos derivados de la geopolítica atlantista y liberal que tiene su principal polo en Estados Unidos, haciendo especial hincapié en el subyugamiento que vienen ejerciendo desde 1945 en adelante respecto a una Europa convertida en un protectorado en una mera colonia. Es por este motivo por el que la publicación de _Jean Thiriart, el caballero euroasiático y la Joven Europa_ nos parece una obra totalmente pertinente en estos momentos, forma parte del desarrollo lógico de la línea editorial en la que estamos encauzados desde nuestros inicios, y viene a representar una de las múltiples vías en las que confluye la idea, [profundamente schmittiana](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/tierra-mar-katechon/), de la política de los grandes espacios. En este caso la idea de una Europa unida, bajo un vasto proyecto que traspasa los estrechos límites del continente concebido como un apéndice más del [«Occidente», de ese subproducto ideológico decadente y funcional a los intereses del otro lado del Atlántico](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-despues-virus-boris-nad/). Para comprender la idea de una Europa unida, que comprenda a Rusia, y su enorme extensión territorial a lo largo de 17 millones de kilómetros cuadrados, y la importancia estratégica de su ubicación, es necesario recurrir al legado de **Jean Thiriart**, conocer su obra, pero también al hombre, pues una no se comprende sin el otro, en este caso hablamos de elementos correlativos. || |:-:| |Jean Thiriart (1922-1992)| ¿Pero quién fue Jean Thiriart? Esta obra nos permite adentrarnos en aspectos biográficos, algunos de ellos poco conocidos para el gran público de habla hispana, y saber de su trayectoria, de la maduración de sus ideas, de su proyecto político y de las etapas que componen el desarrollo del mismo y que aparecen claramente diferenciadas: hablamos del proyecto político de unidad europea, que alcanza su concreción teórica en *¡Arriba Europa!: Una Europa unida: un imperio de 400 millones de hombres* (1965, Editorial Mateu, Barcelona), en pleno apogeo de la organización *Jeune Europe*, que se convirtió en el órgano político a partir del cual creyó poder implementar su proyecto unitario a escala europeo, manteniendo una posición de independencia respecto a los dos pretendidos bloques antagónicos de Guerra Fría: Estados Unidos y la Unión Soviética. En esa época, estamos hablando del ecuador de los años 60, [todo el mundo de la Contracultura](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/mito-contracultura/), falsamente contestatario, estaba articulando su propio discurso, que tendría su expresión más nítida a través del ya conocido Mayo del 68 francés o la Primavera de Praga, durante el mismo año. Y si el movimiento de Nueva Derecha liderado por **Alain de Benoist** surgiría en lo sucesivo, ya en la década de los años 70, como una «reacción» frente a la «rebelión contracultural», no podemos obviar la importancia de un movimiento político como *Jeune Europe*, una organización política transnacional, a escala de la Europa occidental, con sus diferentes delegaciones en países como Francia, Italia, Alemania, la propia España además de, como es obvio, Bélgica, país de origen de nuestro autor. Jean Thiriart ha sido etiquetado con reiteración como un político y teórico de «extrema derecha», se han hecho numerosos discursos interesados para vincularlo, por cuestiones de orden biográfico muy circunscritas a determinado periodo, con el fascismo y el nacionalsocialismo de entreguerras. Sin embargo, y como el lector podrá descubrir a lo largo de la presente obra, el pensamiento de nuestro autor está muy lejos de ser reducible a meras etiquetas, y en ningún caso mostró las filiaciones que se le atribuyen desde posicionamientos ideológicos, sino que, muy al contrario, vemos a un hombre de pensamiento racional y pragmático, poderosamente influenciado por la geopolítica y abierto a alianzas estratégicas más variadas, más allá de todo fundamentalismo ideológico. Es por este motivo que veremos a un Thiriart buscando sinergias y entendimiento entre círculos de izquierdas, antiimperialistas en una lucha concebida como «cuatricontinental». No en vano, muchos de los cuadros políticos que se formaron en *Giovane Europa*, la rama italiana, terminaron por militar incluso en organizaciones de extrema izquierda de inspiración maoísta. En el caso de España hubo un notable apoyo a la organización por parte de los falangistas más disidentes. De manera que Jean Thiriart representa una figura política compleja, con influencias variadas, que van desde los hermanos **Strasser**, pasando por **Ernst Niekish** o **Vilfredo Pareto**, e incluso, por **Sieyès** o **Robespierre**. Es a partir de *Jeune Europe* cuando el nacionalismo europeo, la idea de una Europa unida desde Brest a Bucarest toma cuerpo. En la obra mencionada con anterioridad (*¡Arriba Europa!: Una Europa unida: un imperio de 400 millones de hombres*) Jean Thiriart ya nos presenta a través de unos trazos muy definidos el proyecto del comunitarismo nacional-europeo, la piedra angular de su proyecto político. La idea de un socialismo aristocrático y europeo, trascendiendo las fronteras del Estado-nación liberal decimonónico, y los particularismos nacionales, concebidos como formas obsoletas y «estrechas de miras», obstáculos a superar en la convergencia del Imperio europeo. Porque vemos a un Thiriart que potencia la estructura del Estado, del aparato de poder, tratando de potenciar, y restaurar naturalmente, el papel y la preponderancia de Europa como espacio de civilización en el mundo. Es un nacionalismo europeo que viene determinado por razones puramente geopolíticas, algo que también fue objeto de críticas, concretamente por parte del geopolítico austriaco **Heinrich von Lohausen**, y que también recogemos en el presente volúmen de la obra. || |:-:| |Ejemplar de una de las publicaciones más importantes de Joven Europa (Jeune Europe) cuya portada refleja el antiamericanismo y antiimperialismo característicos del nacionalismo europeo de la organización.| En este sentido, Thiriart no andaba nada desencaminado, en la medida que pensaba que solo los Estados de dimensiones continentales podrían ser capaces de defender su independencia y soberanía, y ejercer un poder en el mundo, frente a los antiguos nacionalismos europeos, totalmente anacrónicos y un factor de ruptura y desintegración del potencial europeo. En este contexto, se hace necesario eliminar el orden establecido en Yalta en 1945, que convierte a Europa en un vasallo de las grandes potencias vencedoras de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. De modo que luchar contra la ocupación estadounidense por un lado, y soviética por otro lado, fuese el principal *leitmotiv* del Partido Revolucionario Europeo, un partido histórico señala Thiriart, encargado de llevar a término la acción unificadora continental. Y es con este propósito con el que se tratan de concertar una serie de alianzas internacionales que llevó a Thiriart y su organización a tratar con personal diplomático y gubernamental de los países árabes no alineados, del régimen de **Fidel Castro** o incluso con emisarios del gobierno chino, como ocurrió en el famoso encuentro propiciado por **Ceaucescu** en Bucarest con **Zhou En-Lai**. Quizás, uno de los puntos donde más desacuerdos encontramos con las teorías thiriartianas se encuentra en ciertos fundamentos que la articulan, en un modelo racionalista, materialista y pragmático, de hecho no debemos olvidar que **Maquiavelo** era uno de sus referentes, y con éste la posterior hornada de autores neomaquiavélicos como Vilfredo Pareto. El excesivo pragmatismo de sus planteamientos, un estatalismo exacerbado y sin concesiones a las particularidades de los pueblos, una suerte de centralismo jacobino, y la ausencia de un elemento trascendente capaz de dar una justificación metafísica a todo el proyecto nacional europeo constituyen, en nuestra opinión, una parte discutible y reformulable. En otro terreno, como pueda ser el puramente económico, encontramos un proyecto anticapitalista en muchos de sus aspectos, frente al democratismo parlamentario liberal, y apoyándose en las teorías económicas de **Johann G. Fichte** o **Friedrich List**, rechazando cualquier organización económica transnacional que pueda mediatizar o convertir a Europa en objeto de sus actividades usurocráticas y depredatorias, colocando la soberanía e independencia económica europea en una de las máximas prioridades en este terreno. Debemos destacar, porque es un elemento de debate especialmente interesante, el apartado del libro que se corresponde al escrito de **Luc Michel**, publicado en Italia bajo el título *Da Jeune Europe alle Brigate Rosse*, en el libro *Parte II Historia de Jeune Europe (1962-1969)*, en el que se detallan las colaboraciones que comenzaron a sucederse entre la militancia de la delegación italiana, *Giovane Europa*, y círculos de extrema izquierda maoísta, y cómo muchos de los antiguos militantes nacional-europeos terminaron militando en organizaciones de esta facción ideológica, y nos referimos a casos tan representativos en la época como **Claudio Orsoni** o **Pino Bolzano** entre otros muchos. La actividad proselitista de *Jeune Europe* en el último lustro de la década de los años 60, con la fundación del Partido Comunitario Europeo, nos legó una gran cantidad de publicaciones, entre las cuales destacaron *La Nation Européenne*, *La Nazione Europea* o *Europa Combattente*, cuyas portadas han servido para ilustrar las páginas interiores de nuestra obra, y que procuraron una actividad proselitista y de difusión de ideas que llegaron a imprimir semanal y mensualmente varios miles de ejemplares en Francia o en Italia. Tras agotar todas las vías posibles de alianzas y convergencias, con encuentros poco afortunados, vemos a un Thiriart que prefiere adoptar otras vías para seguir construyendo el proyecto nacional-europeo más allá de la fórmula activista y del partido político. Este es el motivo por el cual, en los siguientes años, ya en la última etapa de su vida, veremos esa transición del político activista al teórico y al ideólogo como parte de una nueva estrategia dentro del proyecto político al que consagró buena parte de su vida, y es un hecho que comienza a apreciarse desde mediados de los años 70. Durante esta época la «Europa de Brest a Bucarest» se transforma y amplía en una «Europa desde Dublín a Vladivostok». Thiriart aborda ya abiertamente la integración del espacio soviético en una Europa unida que abarca un inmenso espacio territorial, capaz de unir el Océano Atlántico y el Océano Pacífico de un extremo a otro, el «Imperio Eurosoviético». No obstante, Thiriart siempre piensa en términos geopolíticos, y considera que este proceso de integración debe llevarse a cabo desde una revisión de la ideología soviética, desde una marcada desmarxistización de su socialismo, purgado de todo dogmatismo y elementos condicionantes derivados de la teoría del Estado formulada por el marxismo-leninismo para tomar en su lugar aquella de **Thomas Hobbes**. A partir de este momento solamente hay un enemigo, el que representa el poder estadounidense y el dominio que éste ejerce sobre la Europa occidental. A partir de ese momento la URSS, bajo las premisas apuntadas por Thiriart, y desde una ideología soviética «desmarxistizada», es la que debe asumir el proyecto de integración europea. Todo este enfoque terminará conociendo su colofón final al final de la vida de Jean Thiriart, cuando éste se encuentre ya en sus último año de vida, en 1992, con una Unión Soviética ya periclitada y disuelta, con un país sumido en una crisis económica, política y social bajo el gobierno decadente de **Yeltsin**, con un poder notablemente menguado y a merced de las potencias extranjeras y las apetencias de las organizaciones financieras transnacionales. En este contexto tendrá lugar el conocido viaje de Jean Thiriart a Moscú, donde se encontrará, además de con la disidencia de Yeltsin, encabezada por el Partido Comunista dirigido por **Gennadij Ziuganov** y numerosas personalidades públicas del ámbito ruso, entre las que destacará por encima de todos el filósofo y politólogo **Aleksandr Duguin**, quien en la presente obra también reivindica la figura del belga como un contribuidor directo del [pensamiento euroasiático](https://amzn.to/3FsF3Lr). Además de medios de prensa, políticos e intelectuales rusos, nuestro autor también compartirá espacio con una pequeña delegación de la revista italiana «Orion», especializada en temática geopolítica, y representada por el padre de la geopolítica italiana, Carlo Terracciano. El encuentro no tendrá mayores consecuencias, y vendrá a significar el último acto de servicio de Jean Thiriart en su denodado esfuerzo por lograr la integración de Europa y Rusia en un poderoso bloque geopolítico capaz de hacer frente a la hegemonía estadounidense en el mundo. Terminaremos este breve y sintético escrito de presentación con un fragmento de la obra que Jean Thiriart publicó en 1965 bajo el título *¡Arriba Europa!: Una Europa unida: un imperio de 400 millones de hombres*, que nos parece de lo más adecuado para poner el punto final al presente texto: > Europa, este **MILAGRO** en la historia del hombre, este milagro que siguió al milagro griego, ha dado vida, con la prodigiosa fecundidad de su civilización irrepetible, a una cultura adoptada por el mundo entero. En la competencia surgida entre las grandes civilizaciones —occidental, india, china y japonesa— la nuestra ha aplastado a las demás. > > La **civilización** es creadora de cultura. La cultura, en cambio, jamás ha creado civilización. > > **SOLO** Europa posee la civilización; de ahí deriva su supremacía sobre los Estados Unidos y la Rusia comunista, que poseen únicamente la cultura nacida de nuestra civilización, como ha demostrado magistralmente Oswald Spengler. > > Esta cultura, separada de su civilización, está condenada a la esterilidad, la cual se manifestará primero mediante una esclerosis y, posteriormente, mediante un retorno a la barbarie. > > Políticamente dominada por Moscú o por Washington, la civilización europea se ve asfixiada y corre el riesgo de estancarse en su estado de simple cultura. Basta notar que todos los descubrimientos en el campo nuclear y astronáutico son obra de europeos. Todos buscan a los científicos europeos. > > Solo una Europa políticamente unida puede proveer los medios de poder que garantizarán las condiciones históricas indispensables para la supervivencia de esta civilización. > > Ninguna otra potencia, por otra parte, podría sustituir a Europa en su misión hacia la humanidad. --- **Artículo original**: Hipérbola Janus, [_Presentación de «Jean Thiriart, el caballero euroasiático y la Joven Europa», de Pietro Missiaggia_](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-thiriart-missiaggia/) [**(TOR)**](http://hiperbolam7t46pbl2fiqzaarcmw6injdru4nh2pwuhrkoub3263mpad.onion/posts/presentacion-thiriart-missiaggia/), 18/Mar/2025

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

|[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/esoterismo-berard-fata/)| |:-:| |[BÉRARD, Bruno y LA FATA, Aldo; _¿Qué es el esoterismo?: Entre verdades y falsificacioines_; Hipérbola Janus, 2025](https://hiperbolajanus.com/libros/esoterismo-berard-fata/)| Nos complace presentar al lector en lengua española una novedad de primer orden, y sobre un tema que viene siendo objeto de interés por parte de nuestra línea editorial, como es el esoterismo, que hemos abordado recientemente a través de un nuevo recopilatorio de la obra evoliana en [*Ensayos filosóficos, esotéricos y religiosos 1925-1931*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-ensayos-filosoficos-evola/), donde hemos tratado de rescatar los textos de las primeras etapas en la formulación del pensamiento del Maestro Romano. No obstante, no es la primera aventura que hemos emprendido en este terreno, siempre complejo y acompañado de la etiqueta, popular y quizás vulgarizada, de lo «misterioso» y lo «oculto», aunque no somos nada sospechosos en ese sentido por banalizar o tratar de ofrecer un enfoque puramente literario del asunto, y ni mucho menos de simpatizar con aquellas vías que entroncan con el *New age*, donde las mixtificaciones y la voluntad de convertir el fenómeno esotérico en un producto de consumo más, como demanda el mercado, para satisfacer demandas materiales o simples modas de una masa sobresocializada son norma habitual. Podríamos citar multitud de obras que están presentes en nuestro catálogo, como son [*El pensamiento esotérico de Leonardo*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-pensamiento-esoterico-leonardo-paul-vulliaud/), de **Paul Vulliaud**, [*El mundo mágico de los héroes*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/mundo-magico-heroes-cesare-riviera/), de **Cesare della Riviera**, una joya del esoterismo italiano del siglo XVII, en [*El maestro de la tradición perenne*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/rene-guenon-maestro-tradicion-perenne/), de **René Guénon**, o en el ensayo de **Gianluca Marletta** [*OVNIS y alienígenas. Origen, historia y prodigio de una pseudorreligión*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/ovnis-alienigenas-gianluca-marletta/), un ensayo de notable originalidad donde se abordan aspectos esotéricos, aunque sea de un modo más tangencial. También en la literatura, con la obra del gran mitólogo y literato **Boris Nad**, [*Una historia de Agartha*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/historia-agartha-boris-nad/) y [*La muerte púrpura*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/gustav-meyrink/) de **Gustav Meyrink** encontramos nuevas referencias al ámbito esotérico. De modo que podemos concluir en que el esoterismo forma parte esencial de nuestras publicaciones e intereses como editores, y contribuimos activamente a su difusión. |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/ensayos-filosoficos-esotericos-religiosos-evola/)| |:-:| |[EVOLA, Julius; _Ensayos filosóficos, esotéricos y religiosos: 1925-1931_, Hiperbola Janus, 2024](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/ensayos-filosoficos-esotericos-religiosos-evola/)| # Una obra original Por eso la presente obra, la que nos disponemos a presentar, cuyo título es *¿Qué es el esoterismo?: Entre verdades y falsificaciones*, de **Bruno Bérard** y **Aldo La Fata**, viene a ser una obra muy necesaria y clarificadora en la comprensión del esoterismo en todas sus dimensiones, en la complejidad de sus particulares, y en sus múltiples manifestaciones. Quizás en el mundo de habla hispana el esoterismo es un fenómeno que no ha obtenido su merecida atención, y nuestros autores en este ámbito, como es el caso de un **Ramón Llull** entre otros, no sean objeto de la atención que merece, y las actividades esotéricas, a nivel de asociaciones, comunidades u otras formas de organización, tampoco sean especialmente conocidas, ni cuenten con una actividad reconocida. Es posible, como señala La Fata, que haya ciertas reticencias dentro del mundo católico, acostumbrado a la ortodoxia y la guía espiritual de la Iglesia, y que cualquier tipo de «desviación» hacia formas más individuales y «libres» de vivir ciertas formas iniciáticas, mucho más sutiles, provoquen el rechazo y la incomprensión general. No obstante, como también se encargan de aclarar nuestros autores, el esoterismo comprende una dimensión diferenciada, implica un esfuerzo que no todos están dispuestos a acometer, y finalmente, no es tampoco un camino de felicidad y de frutos seguros, implica una transformación interior y la asunción de unas prácticas y procedimientos que no son aptos para cualquiera. Digamos que el esoterismo es un camino, una vía, que a diferencia de las «religiones populares», exotéricas, supone un arduo camino que viene marcado por un principio vertical y aristocrático de la existencia, o al menos así queremos verlo nosotros. El incremento de la capacidad de discernimiento, aunar lo visible con lo invisible, y ser capaz de superar límites vedados al común, no por simple vanidad ni por «crecimiento personal», tal y como se concibe en las aburguesadas y decadentes sociedades actuales, sino como parte de un proceso de aprendizaje, de autoconocimiento y de liberación. No nos cabe duda alguna de la necesidad de restaurar los antiguos vínculos con lo Alto, las vías que quedaron cerradas y que nos han limitado progresivamente al exclusivo y estrecho ámbito de la materialidad. |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/mundo-magico-heroes-cesare-riviera/)| |:-:| |[RIVIERA, Cesare della; _El mundo mágico de los héroes_; Hipérbola Janus, 2022](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/mundo-magico-heroes-cesare-riviera/)| La obra emplea el recurso de la entrevista/diálogo, que aporta frescura y fluidez al texto «simplificando», o más bien haciendo más accesibles y comprensibles elementos relacionados con el esoterismo, que de otro modo resultarían excesivamente complejos para una parte del público lector poco familiarizado con la materia. Este dinamismo se ve complementado por la riqueza de matices e ideas que se van introduciendo de manera progresiva, evitando que el lector pueda verse abrumado por la avalancha de ideas y contenidos. Las preguntas de Bruno Bérard, siempre inteligentes, incisivas y pertinentes, además de ordenadas y bien estructuradas, favorecen la continuidad y el dinamismo en la exposición de los temas, ejerciendo de guía en la conversación. De ahí que el libro sea apto para diferentes niveles, tanto para aquellos que desconocen el esoterismo, como para quienes se encuentran familiarizados con el tema. Aldo La Fata, de acuerdo con su dilatada y extensa trayectoria en la materia, nos hace reflexiones teóricas de enorme valor, que entrelaza con su propia experiencia y trayectoria en el estudio del esoterismo. Sin lugar a dudas este aspecto nos permite ver una vertiente más humana e íntima, en la que se incluyen anécdotas personales y biográficas que siempre permiten una mayor conexión con el lector a través de la mezcla de hechos vitales y erudición teórica. La entrevista que nos ofrecen Bruno Bérard y Aldo La Fata nos permite explorar la relación dialéctica que se genera entre el esoterismo y otros ámbitos como la religión, la ciencia o la filosofía. Todas las cuestiones se abordan desde enfoques muy concretos, abordando problemáticas particulares, que dan lugar a reflexiones más amplias evitando las simplificaciones e invitando a reflexiones mucho más profundas. De ahí la función de introducción y guía a la que nos venimos refiriendo. Estos aspectos que acabamos de enumerar con anterioridad revelan un notable esfuerzo pedagógico por parte de los autores para acercarnos al estudio del esoterismo, nos aporta las herramientas necesarias, parafraseando el título de la obra, para discernir entre un verdadero esoterismo y sus falsificaciones. Más allá de estos aspectos formales, que consideramos que es importante destacar, porque en ellos reside el éxito de la obra, en un planteamiento que resulta original, a la par que ameno y de gran interés, debemos considerar otros aspectos que hacen más referencia al contenido. *«¿Qué es el esoterismo? Entre verdades y falsificaciones»* pretende, como decíamos, clarificar qué es el esoterismo, cuales son sus particulares, sus características y atributos, su naturaleza más íntima, como fenómeno espiritual y filosófico en sus aspectos más profundos, que podemos remontar a épocas muy remotas y lejanas en el tiempo. Pero el esoterismo aparece en ocasiones fuertemente imbricado en otras estructuras de pensamiento, de tipo tradicional, como son las grandes religiones (Cristianismo, Islam, Judaísmo etc) y otros conceptos como la mística y la metafísica, cuyas relaciones hay que desentrañar. # La importancia de René Guénon Aldo La Fata nos libera desde el principio de posibles equívocos al enfatizar que el verdadero esoterismo no es una simple acumulación de conocimientos secretos o rituales exóticos, sino una vía de trascendencia espiritual basada en el rigor y la autenticidad. A este respecto [René Guénon aparece como uno de los grandes esoteristas de nuestro tiempo](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/rene-guenon-y-la-civilizacion-occidental/), en la medida que fue el gran intérprete y codificador de estos conocimientos, una figura que marcó un antes y un después en la comprensión de este ámbito, especialmente por su rigor conceptual y su capacidad para distinguir entre lo auténtico y lo falso en las tradiciones espirituales. A tal respecto podemos poner como ejemplo sus contundentes análisis de las corrientes ocultistas, especialmente del espiritismo o del teosofismo, en diferentes obras. Podemos decir a este respecto que Guénon hizo una distinción entre esoterismo y ocultismo, disociando el significado del primero de prácticas superficiales y desviadas, mientras que definió el esoterismo como una vía de conocimiento sagrado y trascendente. En este sentido fue una labor fundamental para evitar confusiones con mixtificaciones modernas y pseudoesoterismos como [aquellos relacionados con el *New Age*](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/nom-magos-negros/). |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/maestro-tradicion-rene-guenon/)| |:-:| |[GUÉNON, René; _El Maestro de la Tradición Perenne: Antología de artículos guenonianos_; Hipérbola Janus, 2021](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/maestro-tradicion-rene-guenon/)| Paralelamente, y con ello queremos dignificar la figura de René Guénon, el tradicionalista francés también nos abrió las fuentes de un vasto conocimiento espiritual, expresión de una «Tradición primordial», a cuyos orígenes prístinos siempre deberíamos aspirar, y [cuya impronta impregna por completo religiones, culturas y formas de civilización no modernas](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/el-reino-de-la-cantidad-y-los-signos-de/), claro está. Y otro elemento fundamental, y que en la presente obra se considera de vital importancia, es que René Guénon considera el esoterismo no como una vía interna propia de la religión, sino como una vía complementaria que permite acceder a la esencia divina más allá de las formas externas. Para Aldo La Fata no se trata de una mera referencia intelectual, sino una figura que marcó su propio rumbo dentro del estudio del esoterismo. A través de obras como *Los símbolos de la ciencia sagrada*, La Fata descubrió la profundidad y la coherencia del pensamiento guenoniano, así como la idea de que el esoterismo actúa como el «pegamento» que conecta todas las tradiciones espirituales. Esta visión le permitió entender el esoterismo como algo inseparable de la religión, aunque con una profundidad y una exigencia mayores. # ¿Qué es el esoterismo? El término esoterismo tiene sus raíces etimológicas en el griego *esôterikos*, que implica un «ir hacia dentro» y que se contrapone a una variante exterior que definimos como «exoterismo», que se encuentra más vinculado al ámbito de la religión. Se trata de un conocimiento que no atiende a un principio puramente intelectual y discursivo sino que apunta a una vivencia directa y sapiencial de lo trascendente. Lejos de la acumulación de saberes ocultos y rituales, lo que prima en la experiencia de lo esotérico es la conexión directa con lo trascendente y lo divino a través de la práctica espiritual. De hecho hay tres aspectos que nuestros autores destacan a lo largo de la obra respecto al esoterismo, y que nos parecen fundamentales: - **Interioridad**: Supone un movimiento continuo hacia el interior, de exploración e introspección, en el que se tratan de derribar límites y obstáculos. Atendiendo a un dinamismo que huye de lo fijo y de lo estático. - **Profundización**: La búsqueda de significados más profundos tras la realidad cotidiana, buscando ir más allá de la pura exterioridad de las cosas - **Relación con el exoterismo**: Podemos considerarlo opuesto en sentido relativo al esoterismo, como una dimensión más externa y visible de las religiones, aunque este último (el esoterismo), no puede sobrevivir sin el apoyo de una tradición religiosa. En relación al último punto debemos destacar, como advierten Bérard y La Fata, que pese a todo no podemos entender el esoterismo como una parte de las religiones, sino que tiene su propia función y objetivos, que no es otro que el que ya hemos mencionado con anterioridad: establecer una conexión directa con la verdad que irradia del principio universal y divino. |[](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/pensamiento_esoterico_leonardo_vinci_paul_vulliaud/)| |:-:| |[VULLIAUD, Paul; _El pensamiento esotérico de Leonardo da Vinci_; Hipérbola Janus, 2024](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/libros/pensamiento_esoterico_leonardo_vinci_paul_vulliaud/)| Otro aspecto interesante de la obra es el que nos habla de [las relaciones entre esoterismo y metafísica](https://hiperbolajanus.com/libros/metapolitica-tradicion-modernidad-julius-evola/), en el que el primero pretende ser también una vía de acceso al dominio del segundo. El esoterismo, como ya hemos visto, tiene como principal propósito trascender las categorías del mundo material para proyectarse en lo universal, y en este sentido comparte también objetivos con la metafísica, que pretende superar las limitaciones de la experiencia humana ordinaria y de acceder a las verdades primordiales que estructuran la realidad. Ambos apuntan a la raíz de todo lo existente, al absoluto. Las divergencias las hallamos en la forma o en el método para alcanzar estas verdades trascendentes, que en el caso del esoterismo nos remiten a símbolos, rituales y experiencias vivenciales que permiten al practicante interiorizar verdades universales. De este modo, esoterismo y metafísica se nos presentan como realidades no opuestas, sino complementarias. La metafísica nos ofrece un marco conceptual y doctrinal para entender lo absoluto, mientras que el esoterismo se centra en su realización interna. En términos guenonianos, el esoterismo representa los aspectos operativos de la metafísica. De modo que podemos decir que la metafísica aborda el tema trascendente desde una perspectiva conceptual, sin esa parte vivida de la experiencia en el conocimiento de lo universal. El esoterismo, por su parte, aporta esa contraparte que nos remite a la experiencia humana que permite al individuo acceder o ponerse en conexión con lo divino a través de su propio ser, de manera directa y vívida. Es un camino que el sujeto individual emprende para lograr una transformación interior. Paralelamente, no podemos obviar dentro de todos estos procesos la participación de un elemento fundamental, como es la intuición suprarracional, que podríamos considerar como la herramienta que conecta al esoterista directamente con la fuente del conocimiento trascendente y universal, en lugar de hacerlo directamente a través de teorías o conceptos que siempre resultan más abstractos y difíciles de comprender en su vertiente más «discursiva». Al mismo tiempo, las relaciones que se establecen entre esoterismo y metafísica nos permiten poner en contacto las tradiciones religiosas con el conocimiento universal. Según La Fata, inspirándose en el legado de la obra de Frithjoff Schuon, cada tradición espiritual tiene una dimensión metafísica que puede ser comprendida y realizada a través del esoterismo, como un medio para acceder a la esencia inmutable de todas las formas religiosas. Otro aspecto que esoterismo y metafísica comparten es la meta de superar la dualidad entre sujeto y objeto: Mientras que la metafísica conceptualiza esta unión como una verdad última, el esoterismo busca experimentarla directamente a través de la contemplación, el símbolo y la práctica espiritual. # Los autores || |:-:| |Aldo La Fata| Aldo La Fata (1964) es un estudioso del esoterismo, el simbolismo y la mística religiosa, con una trayectoria de varias décadas dedicada al análisis y divulgación de estas disciplinas. Ha sido jefe de redacción de la revista *Metapolitica*, fundada por **Silvano Panunzio**, y actualmente dirige *Il Corriere Metapolitico*. Su trabajo destaca por una aproximación rigurosa y una mirada crítica a las corrientes contemporáneas del esoterismo, rescatando su sentido más profundo y tradicional. Entre sus obras más relevantes se encuentran *Silvano Panunzio: vita e pensiero* (2021) y *Nella luce dei libri* (2022), donde explora la intersección entre espiritualidad, simbolismo y pensamiento tradicional. || |:-:| |Bruno Bérard| Bruno Bérard (1958), es doctor en Religiones y Sistemas de Pensamiento por la École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), es un destacado especialista en metafísica. Autor de múltiples ensayos, ha desarrollado una profunda reflexión sobre la naturaleza del conocimiento espiritual y su relación con las tradiciones religiosas. Algunas de sus obras más importantes, traducidas a diversas lenguas, incluyen A *Metaphysics of the Christian Mystery* (2018) y *Métaphysique du paradoxe* (2019). Actualmente, dirige la colección *Métaphysique au quotidien* en la editorial L’Harmattan de París, consolidándose como una referencia en el estudio de la metafísica contemporánea. En *¿Qué es el esoterismo?: Entre verdades y falsificaciones*, asistimos a una presentación del tema tratado desde un conocimiento profundo y dilatado del tema, en la que ambos autores combinan la experiencia y el conocimiento que atesoran sobre el esoterismo y otros temas anejos, ofreciéndonos sus interpretaciones y enfoques particulares, y al mismo tiempo mostrando una gran capacidad de síntesis en la exposición de los temas tratados, que se inscriben en una multitud de tradiciones religiosas y espirituales de enorme complejidad. En este último punto reside también gran parte del valor de la obra, que constituye una novedad editorial especialmente relevante en su ámbito en lengua hispana. --- **Artículo original**: Hipérbola Janus, [_Presentación de «¿Qué es el esoterismo?: Entre verdades y falsificaciones»_](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-esoterismo-berard-lafata/) [**(TOR)**](http://hiperbolam7t46pbl2fiqzaarcmw6injdru4nh2pwuhrkoub3263mpad.onion/posts/presentacion-esoterismo-berard-lafata/), 6/Feb/2025

@ bcbb3e40:a494e501

Traducción por Francisco de la Torre. || |:-:| |Los representantes de la derecha sionista europea que forman parte de «Patriots» reunidos en Bruselas el pasado mes de diciembre de 2024.| Entre los efectos que probablemente producirá en Europa la nueva administración estadounidense, es previsible [el fortalecimiento del ala derecha del colaboracionismo atlantista](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/mos-maiorum-8/) que, después de haberse posicionado decididamente a favor de Donald Trump durante su presidencia 2017-2021, en el transcurso de la administración Biden abogó fervientemente por su regreso a la Casa Blanca y acogió su victoria electoral con gran júbilo. A finales de octubre de 2024, en el grandioso [mitin preelectoral a favor de Trump](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/adios-woke-que-viene-ahora/) celebrado en el Madison Square Garden de Nueva York, asistió una representante del grupo parlamentario europeo *Patriots for Europe*, que viajó a Estados Unidos para esa ocasión especial. En un vídeo publicado en la página X (antes twitter) de los *Patriots*, varios eurodiputados del mencionado grupo expresaron su identidad con los puntos de vista de Trump y auspiciando su reelección: el austriaco Harald Vilimsky (*Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs*), el checo Ondrej Knotek (*Año 2011*) el español Jorge Buxade (*Vox*), el holandés Tom Vandendriesche (*Vlaams Belang*), la polaca Anna Bryłka (*Ruch Narodowy*) y, por Hungría, Tamás Deutsch (*Fidesz*). Este último es, sin duda, la personalidad más eminente del grupo de los *Patriots* que viajaron a Nueva York: originario de una familia judía de Budapest, en 1988 Tamás Deutsch junto con Viktor Orbán están entre los fundadores de *Fidesz* —*Fiatal Demokraták Szövetsége* (Alianza de los jóvenes demócratas), en la que ocupó el cargo de vicepresidente. El *Fidesz* ha tejido durante mucho tiempo una red de lazos con el Partido Republicano de los Estados Unidos y con el think tank conservador *Heritage Foundation*, mientras que el gobierno de Viktor Orbán organizó las tres últimas ediciones anuales de la CPAC en Hungría (*Conservative Political Action Conference*), un encuentro de políticos de derechas de varios países[^1]. *Patriots for Europe* o *Patriots.eu*, denominación que recuerda al de los misiles aire-tierra estadounidenses (el *MIM-104 Patriots*), es, por tanto, el nombre oficial del grupo político de la derecha liberal-conservadora, populista y euroescéptica, nacido en julio de 2024 (primero como alianza y luego como grupo parlamentario europeo) por iniciativa del primer ministro húngaro Viktor Orbán, el exprimer ministro checo Andrej Babiŝ y del exministro del interior austriaco Herbert Kickl. Como representantes de sus respectivos partidos (*Fidesz*, *Año 2011*, *Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs*), Orbán, Babiŝ y Kickl firmaron un texto ideológico titulado: *A Patriotic Manifesto for a European Future*[^2], según la cual la única política europea legítima es aquella que, enraizada en la pluralidad de las diferentes naciones, proteja su herencia grecorromana-judeocristiana preservando su identidad, tradiciones y costumbres. Al núcleo inicial de los *Patriots* se unió el partido portugués *¡Arriva!* (*¡Chega!*), el Partido húngaro Popular Demócrata Cristiano (*Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt*), el partido español *Vox*, el Partido por la Libertad (*Partij voor de Vrijheid*) holandés, el Partido Popular Danés (*Dansk Folkeparti*), el interés Flamenco (*Vlaams Belang*), la Reunión Nacional (*Rassemblement National*) francés y, por Italia, la Liga para Primer Ministro Salvini. Constituido formalmente, el grupo parlamentario recibió una posterior adhesión del diputado griego de *Voz de la Razón* (*Foní Logikis*), del diputado de *Primero Letonia* (*Letvija pirmajâ prohibir*), de los dos diputados del Movimiento Nacional polaco (*Ruch Narodowy*) y de los dos diputados checos del Juramento (*Přísaha*) y de los Automovilistas por sí mismos (*Motoristé sollozoê*). Presidente del grupo parlamentario *Patriots.eu*, que cuenta con un total de ochenta y seis diputados[^3], es Jordan Bardella, presidente de la *Rassemblement National*; pero la personalidad más notable y prestigiosa de los *Patriots* es, sin duda, el primer ministro húngaro Viktor Orbán. En cuanto a la línea de política exterior seguida por Viktor Orbán, cabe recordar que fue durante su primer mandato, en 1989, cuando Hungría se unió a la OTAN junto con la República Checa y Polonia. La pertenencia a la organización militar de la Alianza Atlántica implicó la participación húngara en la guerra de Kosovo en Yugoslavia, así como la contribución de Hungría en las misiones de la ISAF y en la guerra en Irak en apoyo de la intervención estadounidense. Por otro lado, no deja de ser significativo que en junio de 2011, durante la visita de Condoleezza Rice a Budapest, se inaugurara una estatua del presidente estadounidense Ronald Reagan en la céntrica Plaza de la Libertad (*Szabadság tér*). «Hoy —dijo Orbán en esa ocasión— erigimos aquí una estatua al hombre, al líder, que cambió y renovó este mundo [creando un nuevo mundo para nosotros en Europa Central](https://hiperbolajanus.com/posts/presentacion-despues-virus-boris-nad/), un hombre que creía en la libertad, en la fuerza moral de los hombres libres, y creía que los muros que obstruyen el camino a la libertad pueden ser derribados». En los años de la primera administración Trump, Orbán estableció una relación privilegiada con la Casa Blanca: en 2019 fue recibido calurosamente por el presidente estadounidense, quien [declaró su apoyo al «soberanismo» europeo,](https://hiperbolajanus.com/libros/mos-maiorum-7/) del que Orbán era ya el exponente más puntero. El primer ministro húngaro, que más tarde expresó varias veces la esperanza de volver a ver a Trump como líder de los Estados Unidos, se reunió con él de nuevo en Mar-a-Lago de Palm Beach en marzo de 2024 y al final de la visita escribió en una publicación: «¡Hacer que América vuelva a ser grande, señor presidente!»[^4]. El entendimiento entre Trump y Orbán fue favorecido por Benjamin Netanyahu, quien ha tenido una estrecha relación con el actual primer ministro húngaro desde 2005, cuando Orbán estaba en la oposición y Netanyahu era ministro de Finanzas. Esta relación, que Orbán ha utilizado para neutralizar las iniciativas hostiles de las ONG’s de Soros (quien financió a *Fidesz* desde 1992 a 1999), ha acentuado progresivamente la posición proisraelí de Budapest, hasta el punto que Hungría junto a Austria, Croacia y República Checa, se han alineado con Estados Unidos e Israel votando en contra de la resolución propuesta por la ONU para el alto el fuego en la Franja de Gaza. Cuando László Toroczkai, jefe del partido *Mi Hazánk* (Nuestra Patria), preguntó a Orbán en el Parlamento por qué Hungría había votado en contra, el primer ministro le respondió: «La política exterior es complicada, enfréntate solo si entiendes de lo que estamos hablando»[^5]. El presidente de *Patriots*, Jordan Bardella, no es menos pro-sionista. «Reconocer un Estado palestino significaría reconocer el terrorismo», dijo Bardella, quien antes de las elecciones francesas había asegurado que, si llegaba a ser primer ministro, sería «un escudo para los compatriotas judíos contra un islamismo que no solo quiere separar la República, sino conquistarla»[^6]. Por su parte, Marine Le Pen, madrina política de Bardella, declaró: «Es absolutamente legítimo que Israel quiera erradicar al grupo terrorista armado Hamas y que se dote de medios para hacerlo»[^7]. En cuanto a la Liga de Salvini como primer ministro, sus posiciones pro-trumpistas y pro-sionistas siempre se han caracterizado por un extremismo descarado. «Nunca he ocultado —dijo Salvini antes de las elecciones estadounidenses— mi esperanza en una victoria republicana, por mil razones (...) hablamos [con Trump] a más tardar hace unas semanas. Nunca he ocultado mi simpatía humana y mi sintonía cultural»[^8]. Y sobre el genocidio en curso en Palestina, Salvini dijo: «Nuestros pensamientos están con el pueblo israelí (...) Recordar siempre el derecho de Israel a existir, a defenderse y a convivir finalmente en paz con sus pueblos vecinos, contra el horror del terrorismo islámico»[^9]. El 6 de octubre de 2024, al final de su discurso desde el escenario de Pontida, Salvini posó para una foto con los *Patriots* presentes en la manifestación de la Liga Norte: además de Viktor Orbán, estuvieron el holandés Geert Wilders, el portugués André Ventura, la austriaca Marlene Svazek, el español Antonio Fúster y el general Roberto Vannacci. Enviaron mensajes en vídeo de apoyo y solidaridad tanto Jordán Bardella en nombre de *Rassemblement national* como el ex-presidente brasileño Jair Bolsonaro. También Geert Wilders (*Partij voor de Vrijheid*), que en 2009 recibió el Premio Oriana Fallaci por producir un cortometraje de propaganda antiislámica, es conocido también por su extremismo prosionista. «Jerusalén, Judea y Samaria —en su opinión— son todas de Israel (...) La patria de los palestinos es el Reino de Jordania (...) Obama y Kerry deben dejar de criticar a Israel por los asentamientos. Judea y Samaria pertenecen a los israelíes»[^10]. En el programa de Wilders, «distinguiéndose durante dos décadas por su lucha contra la islamización —escribe complacido un sitio web sionista— está también el reconocimiento de Jerusalén como capital de Israel, con el traslado de la embajada holandesa»[^11]. André Ventura, presidente de *¡Chega!*, reiteró en Polonia la posición prosionista de su partido, declarando convencido: «Estamos con Israel y permaneceremos junto a Israel en esta batalla por los derechos humanos y la democracia»[^12]. A quienes lo comparan con Donald Trump y Jair Bolsonaro, André Ventura responde: «Estoy acostumbrado a estas comparaciones. Estas son las ideas en las que creo»[^13]. En cuanto a la guerra en Ucrania, el líder de la lista *¡Chega!* en las elecciones europeas, Antonio Tânger Corrêa, dijo que «la derrota de Ucrania sería la derrota de todo Occidente y de Portugal, en caso de extrema necesidad»[^14], enviarían a sus tropas. Marlene Svazek representó a la *Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs* en Pontida, cuyos «excelentes contactos»[^15] con la derecha israelí están garantizados por David Lasar, miembro del Consejo Nacional (*Nationalrat*) del partido austriaco. Lasar no es el único judío en el FPÖ: también es judío el ex-secretario general del partido y ex-parlamentario europeo Peter Sichrovsky, quien ha negado ser un agente del Mossad, pero ha admitido haber tenido «muchas reuniones con funcionarios israelís»[^16]. José Antonio Fúster es el nuevo presidente de *Vox* Madrid. El jefe del partido que lo representa, Santiago Abascal, encabezó una delegación a Israel en 2023 que se reunió con dos ministros de Tel Aviv. «Durante la visita, Abascal ha transmitido el apoyo y la solidaridad de España al Primer Ministro israelí Benjamin Netanyahu, y ha defendido la urgente necesidad de acabar con Hamas que, según Abascal, es un grupo terrorista que «encarna el mal absoluto»[^17]. Tras la reunión de la delegación de *Vox* con Netanyahu, el candidato electoral Jorge Buxadé Villalba afirmó que las acciones genocidas cometidas por el régimen sionista en la Franja de Gaza son «operaciones antiterroristas» que deben continuar «hasta que no quede ni un solo terrorista»[^18]. En cuanto a Roberto Vannacci, elegido diputado del Parlamento Europeo en las listas de la Liga por Salvini, su currículum vitae *patriot* puede jactarse de una participación activa en las operaciones de EE.UU. en Oriente Medio. El general comandó durante dos turnos (2005-2006) el *Special Forces Task Group* en Irak y fue el primer comandante de la *Task Force 45* en Afganistán en 2013, poco antes de la transición de la *International Security Assistance Force* a la *Resolute Support Mission*, Vannacci asumió el cargo de jefe del Estado Mayor de las fuerzas especiales de la OTAN, «una organización que ha garantizado la paz durante más de cincuenta años, una alianza política y militar que ha funcionado bien»[^19]. Habiendo prestado sus servicios a los Estados Unidos «para la estabilización de Irak»[^20] como *Deputy Commanding General* y *Director of Training*, el 21 de agosto de 2018, Vannacci fue galardonado con la *Legion of Merit*, la condecoración militar estadounidense creada por el presidente Franklin D. Roosevelt. Su consigna antes y después de la elección de Trump ha sido: «*Go, Donald, go!»*. [^1]: Cfr. C. Mutti, *Alla destra degli USA*, «Eurasia» 1/2023. [^2]: Después de la confluencia de los grupos de *Identity and Democracy* en el grupo de *Patriots*, se aprobó una nueva versión del manifiesto político. Véase [https://patriots.eu/manifesto](https://patriots.eu/manifesto) [^3]: Freiheitliche Partei Österreichs (Austria), 6; Vlaams Belang (Bélgica), 3; Dansk Folkeparti (Dinamarca), 1; Rassemblement National (Francia), 30; Foni Logikis (Grecia), 1; Fidesz - Magyar Polgári Szövetség (Hungría), 10; Kereszténydemokrata Néppárt (Hungría), 1; Liga para Salvini Premier (Italia), 8; Letvija primajâ vietâ (Letonia), 1; Partij voor de Vrijheid (Países Bajos), 6; Ruch Narodowy (Polonia), 2; ¡Chega! (Portugal), 2; ANO (República Checa), 7; Automovilistaé sobê (República Checa), 1; Přísaha (República Checa), 1; Vox (España), 6. [^4]: Angela Napoletano, *La «visita». Orbán incorona Trump: «Lui è il presidente della pace»*, avvenire.it, 9 marzo 2024. [^5]: András Dezsô, *The roots of Orbán’s strong bond with Israel and its PM*, [https://balkaninsight.com](https://balkaninsight.com), 14 de noviembre de 2023. [^6]: Bardella, «*riconoscere Palestina è riconoscere terrorismo*». «*Sarò uno scudo per i nostri connazionali ebrei*», ANSA, 26/6/2024. [^7]: Mauro Zanon, *Sorpresa, lo «scudo» degli ebrei in Francia è il partito della Le Pen*, [tempi.it](https://tempi.it/), 27 de octubre de 2023. [^8]: Stefano Baldolini, *Salvina punta su Trump: «Spero che vinca. Andrò negli Usa prima del voto». Tensioni con Meloni? «Governo durerà 5 anni»*, [repubblica.it](https://repubblica.it), 13 de julio de 2024. [^9]: Nova.News, 7 de octubre de 2024. [^10]: *Elezioni in Olanda, che è il sovranista Wilders: anti-Islam, contro l’Ue e sostenitore del Grande Israele*, [www.open.online](http://www.open.online), 23 de noviembre de 2023. [^11]: [www.informazionecorretta.com](http://www.informazionecorretta.com/), 26 de octubre de 2024. [^12]: [www.agenzianova.com](http://www.agenzianova.com), 6 de octubre de 2024. [^13]: *Especial: André Ventura. «Sou contra o aborto mas nunca condenaria uma mulher que aborta»*, «Jornal SOL», 12 de julio de 2022. [^14]: *Ventura admite tropas portuguesas na Ucrânia e tem uma posição clara sobre Putin*, «CNN Portugal», 11 de marzo de 2024. [^15]: Sophie Makris, *Austria’s Jews wary of far-right charm offensive*, [www.timeofisrael.com](http://www.timeofisrael.com), 3 de marzo de 2019. [^16]: Yossi Melman, *Sichrovsky Denies He Was a Mossad Agent*, [www.haaretz.com](http://www.haaretz.com), 3 de junio de 2005. [^17]: Fernando Heller, *Spagna: il leader di Vox pretende le scuse di Sánchez per aver messo in dubbio l’offensiva israeliana contro Hamas*, [https://euractiv.it](https://euractiv.it), 6 de diciembre de 2023. [^18]: *El ultraderechista Vox defiende los ataques de Israel en Gaza tras la polémica reunión con Netanyahu*, euronews, 29 de mayo de 2024. [^19]: Bruno Vespa, *Vannacci: «Dopo l’Ue tornerei nell’esercito»*, «La Verità», 30 de octubre de 2024, p. 7. [^20]: *Missione Iraq: Riconoscimento al Generale Roberto Vannacci,* en [www.difesa.it](http://www.difesa.it) , cit. en [www.wikipedia.org](http://www.wikipedia.org) --- **Artículo original**: Hipérbola Janus, [_Patriots_](https://www.hiperbolajanus.com/posts/patriots-mutti/) [**(TOR)**](http://hiperbolam7t46pbl2fiqzaarcmw6injdru4nh2pwuhrkoub3263mpad.onion/posts/patriots-mutti/), 9/Ene/2025

@ b4403b24:83542d4e

🚀 Bitcoin Enthusiasts! Tomorrow the price of #BTCPrague2025 tickets goes up so take advantage of the 10% discount using code from the video - BTCBULGARIA. ✅ Network with leaders ✅ Learn blockchain strategies ✅ Gain crypto insights Secure your spot NOW! #Bitcoin #BTC #BTCPrague  originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/930210

@ 9dd283b1:cf9b6beb

Do you still feel anxiety when Bitcoin's price drops significantly, even though you're in fiat profit (100% +) ? Why or why not? And when did you truly stop feeling any emotional attachment to the price fluctuations? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/930139

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Rovinj is one of Croatia’s most beautiful coastal towns, known for its colorful Venetian-style buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking sea views. Located on the Istrian Peninsula, Rovinj offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning beaches, making it a perfect getaway for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.  ## **🌊 Top Things to See & Do in Rovinj** ### **1️⃣ Explore Rovinj Old Town 🏡** - Wander through **narrow, winding streets** filled with **art galleries, boutique shops, and charming cafés**. - Discover **Balbi’s Arch**, the old entrance to the city, and the **Clock Tower**. - Enjoy **stunning sunset views** from the harbor. ### **2️⃣ Visit St. Euphemia’s Church ⛪** - The **most famous landmark in Rovinj**, located at the highest point of the Old Town. - Climb the **bell tower** for a **panoramic view** of the Adriatic and nearby islands. - Learn about **Saint Euphemia**, the town’s patron saint, and her fascinating legend.  ### **3️⃣ Relax at Rovinj’s Best Beaches 🏖️** - **Lone Bay Beach** – A popular spot near Zlatni Rt forest, great for swimming. - **Mulini Beach** – A stylish beach with a cocktail bar and clear waters. - **Cuvi Beach** – A quieter, family-friendly pebble beach. ### **4️⃣ Walk or Cycle Through Golden Cape Forest Park (Zlatni Rt) 🌿🚲** - A **protected nature park** with pine forests, walking trails, and hidden coves. - Great for **hiking, cycling, and rock climbing**. - Perfect for a **picnic with sea views**. ### **5️⃣ Take a Boat Trip to Rovinj Archipelago 🛥️** - Explore **Red Island (Crveni Otok)** – A peaceful getaway with sandy beaches. - Visit **St. Andrew’s Island**, home to a former Benedictine monastery. - Sunset **dolphin-watching tours** are a must! 🐬  ### **6️⃣ Try Authentic Istrian Cuisine 🍽️** - **Fuži with truffles** – A local pasta dish with **Istria’s famous truffles**. - **Istrian seafood platter** – Fresh fish, mussels, and Adriatic shrimp. - **Olive oil & wine tasting** – Try local **Malvazija (white) and Teran (red) wines**. ### **7️⃣ Visit the Batana House Museum ⛵** - A **unique museum dedicated to Rovinj’s traditional wooden fishing boats (batanas)**. - Learn about **local fishing traditions and maritime culture**. - End the visit with a traditional **batana boat ride at sunset**.  ## **🚗 How to Get to Rovinj** ✈️ **By Air:** The nearest airport is **Pula Airport (PUY), 40 km away**. 🚘 **By Car:** - **From Pula:** ~40 min (40 km) - **From Zagreb:** ~3 hours (250 km) - **From Ljubljana (Slovenia):** ~2.5 hours (170 km) 🚌 **By Bus:** Direct buses from **Pula, Rijeka, and Zagreb**. 🚢 **By Ferry:** Seasonal ferries connect Rovinj with **Venice, Italy** (~2.5 hours).  ## **💡 Tips for Visiting Rovinj** ✅ **Best time to visit?** **May–September** for warm weather & festivals ☀️ ✅ **Wear comfy shoes** – The Old Town streets are made of polished stone & can be slippery 👟 ✅ **Book restaurants in advance** – Rovinj is a foodie hotspot, especially in summer 🍷 ✅ **Take a sunset walk along the harbor** – One of the most romantic views in Croatia 🌅 ✅ **Bring cash** – Some smaller shops and taverns still prefer cash 💶 

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

Die Operation „Cast Thy Bread“ war eine verdeckte Kampagne zur biologischen Kriegsführung, die von der Haganah und später von den israelischen Verteidigungsstreitkräften während des arabisch-israelischen Krieges 1948 durchgeführt wurde\[1]\[3]. Bei der Operation, die im April 1948 begann, wurden Trinkwasserquellen mit Typhusbakterien verseucht, um palästinensisch-arabische Zivilisten und verbündete arabische Armeen anzugreifen\[1]\[3].  \ \ \## Wichtige Details\ \ \- \*\*Ziel\*\*: Palästinensische Araber an der Rückkehr in eroberte Dörfer zu hindern und die Versuche der arabischen Armeen, Gebiete zurückzuerobern, zu behindern\[1].\ \- \*\*Methoden\*\*: Israelische Streitkräfte setzten Typhuskeime in Flaschen, Reagenzgläsern und Thermoskannen ein, um Brunnen und Wasservorräte in palästinensischen Gebieten zu vergiften\[1]\[3].\ \- \*\*Führung\*\*: Die Operation wurde vom israelischen Premierminister David Ben-Gurion und dem Generalstabschef der IDF, Yigael Yadin, beaufsichtigt und genehmigt\[1].\ \ \## Bemerkenswerte Vorfälle\ \ \- Akkon (Akka)\*\*: Die Wasserversorgung der Stadt wurde am 15. Mai 1948 verseucht, was zu einer Typhusepidemie und „extremer Verzweiflung“ unter den Einwohnern führte\[1]\[3].\ \- \*\*Gaza\*\*: Im Mai 1948 versuchten vier Soldaten der israelischen Spezialeinheiten, die örtliche Wasserversorgung zu vergiften, wurden jedoch gefangen genommen und hingerichtet\[1].\ \- \*\*Andere Orte\*\*: Auch in Jericho, Eilabun und palästinensischen Vierteln in Jerusalem wurden Brunnen vergiftet\[1]\[3].\ \ \## Folgen\ \ Die Operation führte zu schweren Erkrankungen unter den palästinensischen Anwohnern, von denen Dutzende betroffen sein sollen\[1]\[3]. Sie erzielte jedoch nicht die von ihren Befürwortern erhoffte lähmende Wirkung und wurde im Dezember 1948 eingestellt\[1].\ \ \## Historische Bedeutung\ \ Die Operation „Gegossenes Brot“ wurde als Kriegsverbrechen und als Akt der ethnischen Säuberung eingestuft\[1]. Ihre Enthüllung hat eine Kontroverse und Debatte über die im Krieg von 1948 angewandten Taktiken und ihre langfristigen Auswirkungen auf den israelisch-palästinensischen Konflikt ausgelöst\[2]\[4]. Quellen \[1] Operation Cast Thy Bread - Wikipedia https\://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation\_Cast\_Thy\_Bread \[2] Cast Thy Bread Archives - Promised Land Museum https\://promisedlandmuseum.org/tag/cast-thy-bread/ \[3] From 'Virtuous Boy' to Murderous Fanatic: David Ben-Gurion and the ... https\://www\.euppublishing.com/doi/10.3366/hlps.2023.0308 \[4] Historians reveal Israel's use of poison against Palestinians https\://www\.middleeastmonitor.com/20221011-historians-reveal-israels-use-of-poison-against-palestinians/ \[5] Thoughts on Operation Cast Thy Bread? : r/IsraelPalestine - Reddit https\://www\.reddit.com/r/IsraelPalestine/comments/1g02b64/thoughts\_on\_operation\_cast\_thy\_bread/ \[6] 'Cast thy bread': Israeli biological warfare during the 1948 War https\://www\.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00263206.2022.2122448 \[7] 'Cast thy bread': Israeli biological warfare during the 1948 War https\://cris.bgu.ac.il/en/publications/cast-thy-bread-israeli-biological-warfare-during-the-1948-war \[8] 'Cast thy bread': Israeli biological warfare during the 1948 War https\://www\.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00263206.2022.2122448 \ Artikel <https://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1906616394747179136> Nakba <https://waltisiegrist.locals.com/upost/2033124/die-siedler-fordern-ganz-offen-eine-zweite-nakba>

@ c631e267:c2b78d3e

*Der Irrsinn ist bei Einzelnen etwas Seltenes –* *\ aber bei Gruppen, Parteien, Völkern, Zeiten die Regel.* *\ Friedrich Nietzsche* &#x20; **Erinnern Sie sich an die Horrorkomödie «Scary Movie»?** Nicht, dass ich diese Art Filme besonders erinnerungswürdig fände, aber einige Szenen daraus sind doch gewissermaßen Klassiker. Dazu zählt eine, die das Verhalten vieler Protagonisten in Horrorfilmen parodiert, wenn sie in Panik flüchten. Welchen Weg nimmt wohl die Frau in der Situation auf diesem Bild?  **Diese Szene kommt mir automatisch in den Sinn,** wenn ich aktuelle Entwicklungen in Europa betrachte. Weitreichende Entscheidungen gehen wider jede Logik in die völlig falsche Richtung. Nur ist das hier alles andere als eine Komödie, sondern bitterernst. Dieser Horror ist leider sehr real. **Die Europäische Union hat sich selbst über Jahre** konsequent in eine Sackgasse manövriert. Sie hat es versäumt, sich und ihre Politik selbstbewusst und im Einklang mit ihren Wurzeln auf dem eigenen Kontinent zu positionieren. Stattdessen ist sie in blinder Treue den vermeintlichen «transatlantischen Freunden» auf ihrem Konfrontationskurs gen Osten gefolgt. **In den USA haben sich die Vorzeichen allerdings mittlerweile geändert,** und die einst hoch gelobten «Freunde und Partner» erscheinen den europäischen «Führern» nicht mehr vertrauenswürdig. Das ist spätestens seit der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz, der Rede von Vizepräsident J. D. Vance und den empörten Reaktionen offensichtlich. Große Teile Europas wirken seitdem wie ein aufgescheuchter Haufen kopfloser Hühner. Orientierung und Kontrolle sind völlig abhanden gekommen. **Statt jedoch umzukehren oder wenigstens zu bremsen** und vielleicht einen Abzweig zu suchen, geben die Crash-Piloten jetzt auf dem Weg durch die Sackgasse erst richtig Gas. Ja sie lösen sogar noch die Sicherheitsgurte und deaktivieren die Airbags. Den vor Angst dauergelähmten Passagieren fällt auch nichts Besseres ein und so schließen sie einfach die Augen. Derweil übertrumpfen sich die [Kommentatoren](https://transition-news.org/wird-ihr-stahlhelm-schon-gegossen) des Events gegenseitig in sensationslüsterner «Berichterstattung». **Wie schon die deutsche Außenministerin mit höchsten UN-Ambitionen,** Annalena Baerbock, proklamiert auch die Europäische Kommission einen «Frieden durch Stärke». Zu dem jetzt vorgelegten, [selbstzerstörerischen](https://transition-news.org/okonomen-eu-rustet-auf-und-schiesst-sich-selbst-ins-knie) Fahrplan zur Ankurbelung der Rüstungsindustrie, genannt «Weißbuch zur europäischen Verteidigung – Bereitschaft 2030», [erklärte](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/ip_25_793) die Kommissionspräsidentin, die «Ära der Friedensdividende» sei längst vorbei. Soll das heißen, Frieden bringt nichts ein? Eine umfassende Zusammenarbeit an dauerhaften europäischen Friedenslösungen steht demnach jedenfalls nicht zur Debatte. **Zusätzlich brisant ist, dass aktuell «die ganze EU** **[von Deutschen regiert](https://transition-news.org/die-ganze-eu-wird-von-deutschen-regiert)** **wird»,** wie der EU-Parlamentarier und ehemalige UN-Diplomat Michael von der Schulenburg beobachtet hat. Tatsächlich sitzen neben von der Leyen und Strack-Zimmermann noch einige weitere Deutsche in – vor allem auch in Krisenzeiten – wichtigen Spitzenposten der Union. Vor dem Hintergrund der Kriegstreiberei in Deutschland muss eine solche Dominanz mindestens nachdenklich stimmen. **Ihre ursprünglichen Grundwerte wie Demokratie, Freiheit, Frieden und Völkerverständigung** hat die EU kontinuierlich in leere Worthülsen verwandelt. Diese werden dafür immer lächerlicher hochgehalten und beschworen. **Es wird dringend Zeit, dass wir, der Souverän,** diesem erbärmlichen und gefährlichen Trauerspiel ein Ende setzen und die Fäden selbst in die Hand nehmen. In diesem Sinne fordert uns auch das «European Peace Project» auf, am 9. Mai im Rahmen eines Kunstprojekts [den Frieden auszurufen](https://transition-news.org/ein-zeichen-fur-die-friedliche-zukunft-europas-setzen). Seien wir dabei! *\[Titelbild:* *[Pixabay](https://pixabay.com/de/illustrations/vertical-abstract-concept-car-8992833/)]* *** Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem [Pareto-Client](https://pareto.space/read) geschrieben und ist zuerst auf ***[Transition News](https://transition-news.org/mit-vollgas-in-die-sackgasse)*** erschienen.

@ 78c90fc4:4bff983c

In Palästina und im Ausland wurde das Abkommen einzelner jüdischer Organisationen mit dem [nationalsozialistischen Deutschland](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deutsches_Reich_1933_bis_1945) heftig kritisiert. Auf dem 18. [Zionistenkongress](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionistenkongress) 1933 in Prag etwa bezeichnete der Schriftsteller [Schalom Asch](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schalom_Asch) das Abkommen mit [Hitlers Regime](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/NS-Regime) als „Verrat am Weltjudentum“. [Chaim Arlosoroff](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaim_Arlosoroff), der damalige Verhandlungsführer der Jewish Agency, wurde wahrscheinlich deshalb im Juni 1933 Opfer [eines Mordanschlags](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaim_Arlosoroff#Ermordung). &#x20;  https\://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha’avara-Abkommen Am 16. Juni 1933 wurde Chaim Arlosoroff kurz nach seiner Rückkehr von den Transfer-Verhandlungen in Deutschland durch den Pistolenschuss eines Attentäters schwer verletzt, als er mit seiner Frau Sima, geb. Rubin, am Strand von Tel Aviv entlangging. Er verstarb am folgenden Tag im Krankenhaus. Wer der Attentäter war, ist bis heute ungeklärt. Zunächst wurden drei Verdächtige angeklagt. Zwei von ihnen wurden freigesprochen, einer, [Abraham Stavsky](https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Stavsky), wurde verurteilt, doch das Urteil wurde durch das oberste Appellationsgericht aufgehoben. <https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaim_Arlosoroff#Ermordung> **Instrumentalisierung des Holocaust** Von Anneliese Fikentscher und Andreas Neumann Zum Schluss ein Zitat aus dem 2017 erschienenen Buch "Die israelisch-jüdische Tragödie. Von Auschwitz zum Besatzungs- und Apartheidstaat. Das Ende der Verklärung" von Arn Strohmeyer: „Der vielleicht radikalste Kritiker des israelischen Holocaustgedenkens ist der amerikanisch -jüdische Politologe Norman Finkelstein. Er wendet sich vor allem gegen das in Israel und den USA verwendete Dogma, der Holocaust sei 'einzigartig' gewesen und mit anderen Verbrechen nicht vergleichbar, dass er in der Geschichte also ohne Parallele sei. Diese Behauptung – so Finkelstein – impliziert eine Reihe anderer Behauptungen, die wiederum die Instrumentalisierung des Holocaust ausmachen. Erstens: Die Konstruktion des Holocaust als einzigartig gilt als gegeben, sie zu leugnen gilt als Leugnung des Holocaust. Diese Behauptung schließt zweitens ein rationales Verständnis des Holocaust aus, er macht den Holocaust zu einem Mysterium, wie Elie Wiesel ihn verstanden hat. Einzigartiges Leid verleiht drittens einen einzigartigen Anspruch. Die Unvergleichlichkeit des Holocaust stellt also ein moralisches Kapital dar, das Israel als politisches Alibi benutzt. Israel kann – so Finkelstein – diese moralischen und emotionalen Ansprüche an andere Staaten stellen und die Anerkennung seines Rechts einfordern, dass es als besonders bedroht gelten kann und seine Anstrengungen zum Überleben der Unterstützung bedarf. Die Behauptung der Einzigartigkeit des Holocaust beinhaltet auch die Behauptung der jüdischen Einzigartigkeit. Der Holocaust ist also etwas Besonderes, weil Juden etwas Besonderes sind, was man als säkularisierte Version der Auserwähltheit deuten kann. Diese Behauptungen – so Finkelstein – sollen Israels Sonderstellung legitimieren, sollen von vornherein jede unmenschliche Behandlung von Nichtjuden entschuldigen (Israel ist 'alles erlaubt!') und machen diesen Staat und seine Politik gegen jede Kritik immun. Bei dieser Instrumentalisierung des Holocaust bleiben die Rechte und die Würde der Opfer – welcher auch immer – völlig auf der Strecke.“ Ist das einer breiten Öffentlichkeit bewusst? <http://www.nrhz.de/flyer/beitrag.php?id=24469> Perplexity: Der Schriftsteller Schalom Asch kritisierte das Ha'avara-Abkommen scharf auf dem 18. Zionistischen Kongress, der vom 21. August bis 4. September 1933 in Prag stattfand. Er bezeichnete das Abkommen mit dem Hitler-Regime als "ein Verrat am Weltjudentum"\[1]\[2]. Das Ha'avara-Abkommen wurde am 10. August 1933 zwischen der Jewish Agency, der Zionistischen Vereinigung für Deutschland und dem deutschen Reichsministerium für Wirtschaft geschlossen. Es sollte die Emigration deutscher Juden nach Palästina erleichtern und gleichzeitig den deutschen Export fördern\[2]. Am 5. November 1933 wurde die "Trust and Transfer Office Ha'avara Ltd." als quasi privates Unternehmen eingetragen\[1]\[3]. Trotz der anfänglichen Kritik billigte die Zionistische Weltorganisation auf ihrer Konferenz am 20. August 1935 in Luzern mit Mehrheit den Ha'avara-Abschluss und übernahm sogar dessen gesamte Tätigkeit in eigene Regie\[1]\[2]\[3]. Das Abkommen war innerhalb der zionistischen Bewegung umstritten, da es den gleichzeitig vorangetriebenen Boykottmaßnahmen gegen die Nationalsozialisten zuwiderlief\[2]. Es ermöglichte deutschen Juden, einen Teil ihres Vermögens nach Palästina zu transferieren, wobei ein bestimmter Prozentsatz als Reichsfluchtsteuer vom deutschen Fiskus einbehalten wurde\[5]. Quellen \[1] Zionistenkongress - Wikiwand https\://www\.wikiwand.com/de/articles/Zionistenkongress \[2] Ha'avara-Abkommen - Wikiwand https\://www\.wikiwand.com/de/articles/Haavara-Abkommen \[3] Zionistenkongress - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zionistenkongress \[4] Schalom Asch - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schalom\_Asch \[5] Ha'avara-Abkommen - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ha%E2%80%99avara-Abkommen \[6] Stefan Zweig. Briefe zum Judentum. Hg. v. Stefan Litt. Berlin ... https\://judaica.ch/article/view/8320/11519 \[7] Das Haavara-Transfer-Abkommen | Die Wohnung | bpb.de https\://www\.bpb.de/themen/nationalsozialismus-zweiter-weltkrieg/die-wohnung/195259/das-haavara-transfer-abkommen/ \[8] Jüdischer Verlag - Wikipedia https\://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/J%C3%BCdischer\_Verlag Artikel <https://x.com/RealWsiegrist/status/1906601705355252211>

@ 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/929968

@ fe02e8ec:f07fbe0b

\ Und genau dafür wirst auch du gedrillt werden: Menschen zu jagen und töten. Unbekannte, die auch nicht wissen, was sie hier tun. Oder Unschuldige, die nicht rechtzeitig fliehen konnten. Einfach töten. Alle. Ohne zu fragen. Denn das ist deine Aufgabe, Soldat: **Töte Menschen!** Egal, was du vorher warst, Heizungsmonteur, KFZ-Mechaniker, Veganer, Marketing-Manager, Friseur, Verkäufer, Kindergärtner: Es ist egal. Jetzt musst du töten. Denn du hast mitgemacht. Entweder, weil du es nicht ernst genommen hast, weil du dich nie für Politik interessiert hast. Oder weil du gedacht hast, das alles betrifft dich nicht. Weil du gedacht hast, Wahlen könnten etwas verändern. Oder weil du immer das Maul gehalten hast, damit dich keiner als «Rechter» bezeichnet. Egal. Jetzt musst du töten. Das ist das Spiel. Ja, es ist ein Spiel. Grausam, abartig, menschenverachtend. Dennoch hat es Regeln: Diejenigen, die das Spiel beginnen, müssen niemals selbst auf das Schlachtfeld. Das ist die erste Regel. Ihre Söhne auch nicht, nicht die Söhne der anderen Politiker, nicht die der EU-Abgeordneten, nicht die der Parteibonzen. Auch nicht die der Banker, der Vorstandsvorsitzenden, der Chefredakteure. Denn alle wissen, wie man das Spiel spielt. Nur du nicht. Du bist einfach eine Figur auf dem Spielfeld, die es verpasst hat, **NEIN zu sagen, als noch Gelegenheit war.** Jetzt bist du verwandelt worden in eine menschliche Drohne. Wenn sie sagen: töte!, dann tötest du. Denken kannst du, wenn alles vorbei ist. Falls du je wieder nach Hause kommst. Vielleicht sogar mit beiden Beinen und beiden Armen. Vielleicht auch nicht. Egal. Wer hätte Mitleid mit einer Spielfigur? Nein, du musst töten. Das ist deine Aufgabe. Sie sagen es nun schon seit Monaten, warum glaubst du es nicht? Sie meinen es ernst. Wenn du den Brief in Händen hältst ist es zu spät. Es gilt dann das Notstandsrecht und keiner kann mehr verweigern. Da hättest du dich vorher drum kümmern müssen. Oder auf eine Demo gehen. Oder laut und mit klarer Stimme in jedem Gespräch den Wahnsinn anprangern. Hast du aber nicht. **Jetzt musst du töten oder du wirst getötet.** Das ist das Spiel. Du hättest selbst denken können. Hast du aber nicht. Hast deine Zeit mit sinnlosen Videos vertan, Netflix geguckt und hast Influencerinnen geliked. Die müssen nicht an die Front. Aber du. Morgen, wenn du aufstehst, die Uniform anziehst und rausgehst, dann wirst du Befehle ausführen oder erschossen werden. Also wirst du Menschen töten. Dein Leben wird nie wieder so sein, wie zuvor. **Dein Schmerz, deine Schuld, dein Leid**: sie gehen ein in die unendliche Reihe der Soldaten, die seit Jahrhunderten dasselbe Schicksal erlitten. Deren Schreie noch immer durch den ewigen Raum hallen. Deren Opfer von den Herren des Spiels mit einem Lächeln entgegengenommen wurde. Deren Gliedmaßen auf den Schlachtfeldern liegen geblieben waren. Zum Dank erhielten sie eine Medaille. Ein Stück Blech für den rechten Arm, einen Grabstein für den Vater, den Bruder, den Sohn. Für das Vaterland. Für Europa. Für die Demokratie. Der Hohn tropft aus jedem Politikerwort, doch **die Menschen glauben noch immer die uralte Geschichte von Freund und Feind, von Gut und Böse**.  \ **Wer nicht aufwachen will muss töten.** Du. Nicht am Bildschirm. In der echten Welt. Wo man nicht auf Replay drücken kann. Wo man den Gegner nicht nach links oder rechts swipen kann, denn er ist echt, real, lebendig. Noch. Entweder er oder du. Jetzt ist es zu spät für Entscheidungen. Kannst du es spüren? Die Work-Life Balance wird zur Kill-or-be-Killed balance. Es gibt kein Entrinnen. Denn du hast mitgemacht. Schweigen ist Zustimmung. Sich-nicht-drumkümmern ist Zustimmung. Kriegsparteien zu wählen ist noch mehr Zustimmung. **Heute.** **Heute lässt sich noch etwas ändern.** Es hat nichts zu tun mit rechts oder links. Nur mit Menschlichkeit versus Hass, Macht und dem ganz großen Geld. Das sind die Gründe, für die du töten oder sterben musst. **Wie entscheidest du dich?**

@ 6be5cc06:5259daf0

## Introdução Uma sociedade não deve ser construída sobre coerção, mas sim sobre associações voluntárias e interações espontâneas entre indivíduos. A sociedade de condomínios privados surge como uma alternativa natural ao modelo atual de centros urbanos, substituindo a imposição centralizada por estruturas baseadas em contratos e livre associação. Cada condomínio é uma unidade autônoma, gerida por aqueles que ali residem, onde os critérios de entrada, as regras internas e o comércio são definidos pelos próprios participantes. Essa estrutura permite que indivíduos se agrupem com base em valores compartilhados, eliminando os conflitos artificiais impostos por estados e legislações homogêneas que não respeitam a diversidade de preferências e estilos de vida. O objetivo dessa sociedade é simples: permitir que as pessoas vivam de acordo com seus princípios sem interferência externa. Em um mundo onde a coerção estatal distorce incentivos, os condomínios privados oferecem uma alternativa onde a ordem surge do livre mercado e da cooperação voluntária. Os moradores escolhem seus vizinhos, definem suas próprias normas e interagem economicamente conforme suas necessidades e interesses. O modelo elimina a necessidade de um controle central, pois os incentivos derivados do livre mercado levam ao desenvolvimento de comunidades prósperas, onde a reputação e a confiança mútua são mais eficazes do que qualquer imposição estatal. Assim, essa sociedade representa a evolução lógica do conceito de liberdade individual e propriedade privada como pilares fundamentais da ordem social. ## Público-Alvo e Identidade Os condomínios privados refletem o princípio da livre associação, permitindo que indivíduos escolham viver em comunidades alinhadas com seus valores e necessidades sem interferência estatal. Cada condomínio possui uma identidade própria, moldada pelos moradores e seus interesses, criando ambientes onde afinidades culturais, filosóficas ou profissionais são preservadas e incentivadas. Enquanto alguns podem ser voltados para famílias numerosas, oferecendo amplos espaços e infraestrutura adequada, outros podem priorizar solteiros e jovens profissionais, com áreas de coworking e espaços de lazer voltados para networking e socialização. Da mesma forma, comunidades religiosas podem estabelecer seus próprios espaços de culto e eventos, enquanto condomínios para idosos podem ser projetados com acessibilidade e serviços médicos especializados. Críticos podem afirmar que essa forma de organização resulta em pouca diversidade de habilidades e perspectivas, mas esse argumento ignora a dinâmica das interações humanas e o caráter evolutivo dos intercâmbios entre comunidades. Nenhum condomínio existe isolado; a troca entre diferentes comunidades ocorre naturalmente pelo mercado, incentivando o intercâmbio de conhecimento e serviços entre especialistas de diferentes áreas. Além disso, a ideia de que todos os grupos devem conter uma variedade aleatória de indivíduos desconsidera que a verdadeira diversidade nasce da liberdade de escolha, e não da imposição estatal de convivências forçadas. Outra crítica possível é que a existência de critérios de entrada pode levar à segregação social. No entanto, essa preocupação deriva da concepção errônea de que todas as comunidades devem ser abertas e incluir qualquer pessoa indiscriminadamente. Porém, a liberdade de associação implica, necessariamente, a liberdade de exclusão. Se um grupo deseja manter determinada identidade cultural, religiosa ou profissional, isso não impede que outros grupos criem suas próprias comunidades conforme seus valores e recursos. Além disso, essa especialização leva a uma concorrência saudável entre condomínios, forçando-os a oferecer melhores condições para atrair moradores. Em vez de uma sociedade homogênea moldada por burocratas, temos um mosaico de comunidades autônomas, onde cada indivíduo pode encontrar ou criar o ambiente que melhor lhe convém. ## Autossuficiência e Especialização A força dos condomínios privados reside na capacidade de seus moradores de contribuírem ativamente para a comunidade, tornando-a funcional e autossuficiente sem a necessidade de intervenções estatais. Diferentes condomínios podem se especializar em áreas específicas ou ter diversos profissionais de diferentes setores, refletindo as competências e interesses de seus residentes. Essa descentralização do conhecimento e da produção permite que cada comunidade desenvolva soluções internas para suas demandas, reduzindo dependências externas e estimulando a prosperidade local. Os moradores atuam como agentes econômicos, trocando bens e serviços dentro do próprio condomínio e entre diferentes comunidades. Um condomínio voltado para a saúde, por exemplo, pode contar com médicos, enfermeiros e terapeutas que oferecem consultas, aulas e assistência médica particular, remunerados diretamente por seus clientes, sem a intermediação de burocracias. Da mesma forma, um condomínio agrícola pode abrigar agricultores que cultivam alimentos orgânicos, compartilham técnicas de cultivo e comercializam excedentes com outros condomínios, garantindo um fluxo contínuo de suprimentos. Em um condomínio tecnológico, programadores, engenheiros e empreendedores desenvolvem soluções de TI, segurança digital e energia renovável, promovendo a inovação e ampliando as possibilidades de intercâmbio econômico. A economia interna de cada condomínio se fortalece através de serviços oferecidos pelos próprios moradores. Professores podem ministrar aulas, técnicos podem prestar serviços de manutenção, artesãos podem vender seus produtos diretamente para os vizinhos. O mercado livre e voluntário é o principal regulador dessas interações, garantindo que a especialização surja naturalmente conforme a demanda e a oferta se ajustam. Essa estrutura elimina desperdícios comuns em sistemas centralizados, onde a alocação de recursos se dá por decisões políticas e não pelas necessidades reais da população. Alguns argumentam que a especialização pode criar bolhas de conhecimento, tornando os condomínios excessivamente dependentes de trocas externas. Contudo, essa preocupação desconsidera a natureza espontânea do mercado, que incentiva a cooperação e o comércio entre comunidades distintas. Nenhum condomínio precisa produzir tudo internamente; ao contrário, a divisão do trabalho e a liberdade de escolha promovem interdependências saudáveis e vantajosas para todos. Assim, cada morador se insere em um ecossistema dinâmico, onde suas habilidades são valorizadas e sua autonomia preservada, sem coerções estatais ou distorções artificiais impostas por planejadores centrais. ## **Infraestrutura e Sustentabilidade** A solidez de uma sociedade baseada em condomínios privados depende de uma infraestrutura eficiente e sustentável, projetada para reduzir a dependência externa e garantir o máximo de autonomia. Sem um aparato estatal centralizador, cada comunidade deve estruturar seus próprios meios de obtenção de energia, água, alimentação e demais bens essenciais, garantindo que suas operações sejam viáveis a longo prazo. Essa abordagem, longe de ser um entrave, representa a verdadeira inovação descentralizada: um ambiente onde as soluções emergem da necessidade real e da engenhosidade humana, e não de diretrizes burocráticas e regulamentos ineficazes. Cada condomínio pode investir em tecnologias sustentáveis e autônomas, como energia solar e eólica, reduzindo custos e minimizando a vulnerabilidade às flutuações do mercado energético tradicional. Sistemas de captação e filtragem de água da chuva, bem como a reutilização eficiente dos recursos hídricos, garantem independência em relação a empresas monopolistas e governos que frequentemente administram esse bem de forma ineficaz. Hortas comunitárias e fazendas verticais podem suprir grande parte da demanda alimentar, permitindo que cada condomínio mantenha sua própria reserva de alimentos, aumentando a resiliência contra crises externas e instabilidades de mercado. Além dos recursos naturais, os espaços compartilhados desempenham um papel fundamental na integração e no fortalecimento dessas comunidades. Bibliotecas, ginásios, creches e salas de aula permitem que o conhecimento e os serviços circulem internamente, criando um ambiente onde a colaboração ocorre de maneira orgânica. A descentralização também se aplica ao uso da tecnologia, plataformas digitais privadas podem ser utilizadas para conectar moradores, facilitar a troca de serviços e produtos, além de coordenar agendamentos e eventos dentro dos condomínios e entre diferentes comunidades. O Bitcoin surge como uma ferramenta indispensável nesse ecossistema, eliminando a necessidade de bancos estatais ou sistemas financeiros controlados. Ao permitir transações diretas, transparentes e resistentes à censura, o Bitcoin se torna o meio de troca ideal entre os condomínios, garantindo a preservação do valor e possibilitando um comércio ágil e eficiente. Além disso, contratos inteligentes e protocolos descentralizados podem ser integrados para administrar serviços comuns, fortalecer a segurança e reduzir a burocracia, tornando a governança desses condomínios cada vez mais autônoma e imune a intervenções externas. Alguns podem argumentar que a falta de um aparato estatal para regulamentar a infraestrutura pode resultar em desigualdade no acesso a recursos essenciais, ou que a descentralização completa pode gerar caos e ineficiência. No entanto, essa visão ignora o fato de que a concorrência e a inovação no livre mercado são os maiores motores de desenvolvimento sustentável. Sem monopólios ou subsídios distorcendo a alocação de recursos, a busca por eficiência leva naturalmente à adoção de soluções melhores e mais acessíveis. Condomínios que oferecem infraestrutura de qualidade tendem a atrair mais moradores e investimentos, o que impulsiona a melhoria contínua e a diversificação dos serviços. Em vez de depender de um sistema centralizado falho, as comunidades se tornam responsáveis por sua própria prosperidade, criando uma estrutura sustentável, escalável e adaptável às mudanças do futuro. ## Governança e Administração Em uma sociedade descentralizada, não se deve depender de uma estrutura estatal ou centralizada para regular e tomar decisões em nome dos indivíduos. Cada condomínio, portanto, deve ser gerido de maneira autônoma, com processos claros de tomada de decisão, resolução de conflitos e administração das questões cotidianas. A gestão pode ser organizada por conselhos de moradores, associações ou sistemas de governança direta, conforme as necessidades locais. #### Conselhos de Moradores e Processos de Tomada de Decisão Em muitos casos, a administração interna de um condomínio privado pode ser realizada por um conselho de moradores, composto por representantes eleitos ou indicados pela própria comunidade. A ideia é garantir que as decisões importantes, como planejamento urbano, orçamento, manutenção e serviços, sejam feitas de forma transparente e que os interesses de todos os envolvidos sejam considerados. Isso não significa que a gestão precise ser completamente democrática, mas sim que as decisões devem ser tomadas de forma legítima, transparente e acordadas pela maior parte dos membros. Em vez de um processo burocrático e centralizado, onde uma liderança impõe suas vontades sobre todos a muitas vezes suas decisões ruins não o afetam diretamente, a gestão de um condomínio privado deve ser orientada pela busca de consenso, onde os próprios gestores sofrerão as consequências de suas más escolhas. O processo de tomada de decisão pode ser dinâmico e direto, com os moradores discutindo e acordando soluções baseadas no mercado e nas necessidades locais, em vez de depender de um sistema impessoal de regulamentação. Além disso, a utilização de tecnologias descentralizadas, como plataformas de blockchain, pode proporcionar maior transparência nas decisões e maior confiança na gestão. #### Resolução de Conflitos A resolução de disputas dentro dos condomínios pode ocorrer de forma voluntária, através de negociação direta ou com o auxílio de mediadores escolhidos pelos próprios moradores por meio de um sistema de reputação. Em alguns casos, podem ser criados mecanismos para resolução de disputas mais formais, com árbitros ou juízes independentes que atuam sem vínculos com o condomínio. Esses árbitros podem ser escolhidos com base em sua experiência ou especialização em áreas como direito, mediação e resolução de conflitos, com uma reputação para zelar. Ao contrário de um sistema judicial centralizado, onde a parte envolvida depende do Estado para resolver disputas, os moradores possuem a autonomia para buscar soluções que atendam aos seus próprios interesses e necessidades. A diversidade de abordagens em um sistema de governança descentralizado cria oportunidades para inovações que atendem diferentes cenários, sem a interferência de burocratas distantes dos próprios problemas que estão "tentando resolver". #### Planejamento Urbano e Arquitetura A questão do design dos condomínios envolve não apenas a estética das construções, mas também a funcionalidade e a sustentabilidade a longo prazo. O planejamento urbano deve refletir as necessidades específicas da comunidade, onde ela decide por si mesma como construir e organizar seu ambiente.\ Arquitetos e urbanistas, muitas vezes moradores especializados, serão responsáveis pela concepção de espaços que atendam a esses critérios, criando ambientes agradáveis, com áreas para lazer, trabalho e convivência que atendam às diversas necessidades de cada grupo.\ Além disso, condomínios com nessecidades semelhantes poderão adotar ideias que deram certo em outros e certamente também dará no seu. #### Segurança e Vigilância Em relação à segurança, cada condomínio pode adotar sistemas de vigilância e proteção que atendam à sua realidade específica. Algumas comunidades podem optar por sistemas de câmeras de segurança, armamento pleno de seus moradores, patrulhamento privado ou até mesmo formas alternativas de garantir a proteção, como vigilância por meio de criptografia e monitoramento descentralizado. A chave para a segurança será a confiança mútua e a colaboração voluntária entre os moradores, que terão a liberdade de definir suas próprias medidas. ## Comércio entre Condomínios A troca de bens e serviços entre as diferentes comunidades é essencial para o funcionamento da rede. Como cada condomínio possui um grau de especialização ou uma mistura de profissionais em diversas áreas, a interdependência entre eles se torna crucial para suprir necessidades e promover a colaboração. Embora alguns condomínios sejam especializados em áreas como saúde, agricultura ou tecnologia, outros podem ter um perfil mais diversificado, com moradores que atuam em diferentes campos de conhecimento. Por exemplo, um condomínio agrícola pode produzir alimentos orgânicos frescos, enquanto um condomínio de saúde oferece consultas médicas, terapias e cuidados especializados. Já um condomínio tecnológico pode fornecer inovações em software ou equipamentos de energia. Podem haver condomínios universitários que oferecem todo tipo de solução no campo de ensino. Ao mesmo tempo, um condomínio misto, com moradores de diversas áreas, pode oferecer uma variedade de serviços e produtos, tornando-se um centro de intercâmbio de diferentes tipos de expertise. Essa divisão de trabalho, seja especializada ou diversificada, permite que os condomínios ofereçam o melhor de suas áreas de atuação, ao mesmo tempo em que atendem às demandas de outros. Um condomínio que não se especializa pode, por exemplo, buscar um acordo de troca com um condomínio agrícola para obter alimentos frescos ou com um condomínio tecnológico para adquirir soluções inovadoras. Embora os condomínios busquem a autossuficiência, alguns recursos essenciais não podem ser produzidos internamente. Itens como minérios para construção, combustíveis ou até mesmo água, em regiões secas, não estão disponíveis em todas as áreas. A natureza não distribui os recursos de maneira uniforme, e a capacidade de produção local pode ser insuficiente para suprir todas as necessidades dos moradores. Isso implica que, para garantir a qualidade de vida e a continuidade das operações, os condomínios precisarão estabelecer relações comerciais e de fornecimento com fontes externas, seja através de mercados, importações ou parcerias com outras comunidades ou fornecedores fora do sistema de condomínios. O comércio intercondomínios e com o exterior será vital para a complementaridade das necessidades, assegurando que os moradores tenham acesso a tudo o que não pode ser produzido localmente. O sistema econômico entre os condomínios pode ser flexível, permitindo o uso de uma moeda comum (como o Bitcoin) ou até mesmo um sistema de troca direta. Por exemplo, um morador de um condomínio misto pode oferecer serviços de design gráfico em troca de alimentos ou cuidados médicos. Esse tipo de colaboração estimula a produtividade e cria incentivos para que cada condomínio ofereça o melhor de seus recursos e habilidades, garantindo acesso aos bens e serviços necessários. #### Relações Externas e Diplomacia O isolamento excessivo pode limitar o acesso a inovações, avanços culturais e tecnológicos, e até mesmo dificultar o acesso a mercados externos. Por isso, é importante que haja canais de comunicação e métodos de diplomacia para interagir com outras comunidades. Os condomínios podem, por exemplo, estabelecer parcerias com outras regiões, seja para troca de produtos, serviços ou até para inovação. Isso garante que a rede de condomínios não se torne autossuficiente ao ponto de se desconectar do resto do mundo, o que pode resultar em estagnação. Feiras, mercados intercondomínios e até eventos culturais e educacionais podem ser organizados para promover essas interações. A colaboração entre as comunidades e o exterior não precisa ser baseada em uma troca de dependência, mas sim numa rede de oportunidades que cria benefícios para todas as partes envolvidas. Uma boa reputação atrai novos moradores, pode valorizar propriedades e facilitar parcerias. A diplomacia entre as comunidades também pode ser exercida para resolver disputas ou desafios externos. A manutenção de boas relações entre condomínios é essencial para garantir uma rede de apoio mútuo eficiente. Essas relações incentivam a troca de bens e serviços, como alimentos, assistência médica ou soluções tecnológicas, além de fortalecer a autossuficiência regional. Ao colaborar em segurança, infraestrutura compartilhada, eventos culturais e até mesmo na resolução de conflitos, os condomínios se tornam mais resilientes e eficientes, reduzindo a dependência externa e melhorando a qualidade de vida dos moradores. A cooperação contínua cria um ambiente mais seguro e harmonioso. ## Educação e Desenvolvimento Humano Cada comunidade pode criar escolas internas com currículos adaptados às especializações de seus moradores. Por exemplo, em um condomínio agrícola, podem ser ensinadas práticas agrícolas sustentáveis, e em um condomínio tecnológico, cursos de programação e inovação. Isso permite que crianças e jovens cresçam em ambientes que reforçam as competências valorizadas pela comunidade. Além das escolas internas, o conceito de homeschooling pode ser incentivado, permitindo que os pais eduquem seus filhos conforme seus próprios valores e necessidades, com o apoio da comunidade. Esse modelo oferece uma educação mais flexível e personalizada, ao contrário do currículo tradicional oferecido pelo sistema público atual. Os condomínios universitários também podem surgir, criando ambientes dedicados ao desenvolvimento acadêmico, científico e profissional, onde estudantes vivem e aprendem. Além disso, programas de capacitação contínua são essenciais, com oficinas e cursos oferecidos dentro do condomínio para garantir que os moradores se atualizem com novas tecnologias e práticas. Para ampliar os horizontes educacionais, os intercâmbios estudantis entre diferentes condomínios podem ser incentivados. Esses intercâmbios não se limitam apenas ao ambiente educacional, mas também se estendem ao aprendizado de práticas de vida e habilidades técnicas. Os jovens de diferentes condomínios podem viajar para outras comunidades para estudar, trabalhar ou simplesmente trocar ideias. Isso pode ocorrer de diversas formas, como programas de curto e longo prazo, através de acordos entre os próprios condomínios, permitindo que os estudantes se conectem com outras comunidades, aprendam sobre diferentes especializações e desenvolvam uma compreensão mais ampla. Essa abordagem descentralizada permite que cada comunidade desenvolva as competências essenciais sem depender de estruturas limitantes do estado ou sistemas educacionais centralizados. Ao proporcionar liberdade de escolha e personalização, os condomínios criam ambientes propícios ao crescimento humano, alinhados às necessidades e interesses de seus moradores. --- A sociedade dos condomínios privados propõe uma estrutura alternativa de convivência onde as pessoas podem viver de acordo com seus próprios valores e necessidades. Esses condomínios oferecem um modelo de organização que desafia a centralização estatal, buscando criar comunidades adaptáveis e inovadoras. A liberdade garante que as habilidades necessárias para o sustento e crescimento das comunidades sejam mantidas ao longo do tempo. A troca de bens, serviços e conhecimentos entre os condomínios, sem a imposição de forças externas, cria uma rede de boas relações, onde o comércio e a colaboração substituem a intervenção estatal. Em vez de depender de sistemas coercitivos, cada condomínio funciona como um microcosmo autônomo que, juntos, formam um ecossistema dinâmico e próspero. Este modelo propõe que, por meio de trocas voluntárias, possamos construir uma sociedade mais saudável. Lembre-se: Ideias e somente ideias podem iluminar a escuridão.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin remains at the forefront of discussions, not just for its price movements but also for its foundational mechanisms that ensure its scarcity and value. One such mechanism, the Bitcoin halving, is drawing near once again, but this time, it's arriving sooner than many had anticipated. Originally projected for a meme-friendly date of April 20, the next Bitcoin halving is now set for April 15, marking a significant moment for the cryptocurrency community and investors alike. **Table of Contents** - Understanding the Bitcoin Halving - Factors Accelerating the Halving Date - Implications of an Earlier Halving - Potential Price Impact - Miner Revenue and Network Security - Renewed Interest and Speculation - The Countdown to April 15 - Conclusion - FAQs **Understanding the Bitcoin Halving** The Bitcoin halving is a scheduled event that occurs approximately every four years, reducing the reward for mining new blocks by half. This process is a critical part of Bitcoin's design, aiming to control the supply of new bitcoins entering the market and mimicking the scarcity of precious metals. By decreasing the reward for miners, the halving event reduces the rate at which new bitcoins are created, thus influencing the cryptocurrency's price and inflation rate. **Factors Accelerating the Halving Date** The shift in the halving date to April 15 from the previously speculated April 20 is attributed to several factors that have increased the pace of transactions on the Bitcoin network: - **Sky-High Bitcoin ETF Flows:** The introduction and subsequent trading of Bitcoin ETFs have significantly impacted market activity, leading to increased transaction volumes on the network. - **Price Rallies:** A series of price rallies, culminating in new all-time highs for Bitcoin, have spurred heightened network activity as traders and investors react to market movements. - **Increased Daily Volume:** The average daily trading volume of Bitcoin has seen a notable uptick since mid-February, further accelerating the pace at which blocks are processed and, consequently, moving up the halving dat **Implications of an Earlier Halving** The earlier-than-expected halving date carries several implications for the Bitcoin market and the broader cryptocurrency ecosystem: **Potential Price Impact** Historically, Bitcoin halving events have been associated with significant price movements, both in anticipation of and following the event. By reducing the supply of new bitcoins, the halving can create upward pressure on the price, especially if demand remains strong. However, the exact impact can vary based on broader market conditions and investor sentiment. **Miner Revenue and Network Security** The halving will also affect miners' revenue, as their rewards for processing transactions are halved. This reduction could influence the profitability of mining operations and, by extension, the security of the Bitcoin network. However, adjustments in mining difficulty and the price of Bitcoin typically help mitigate these effects over time. **Renewed Interest and Speculation** The halving event often brings renewed interest and speculation to the Bitcoin market, attracting both seasoned investors and newcomers. This increased attention can lead to higher trading volumes and volatility in the short term, as market participants position themselves in anticipation of potential price movements. **The Countdown to April 15** As the countdown to the next Bitcoin halving begins, the cryptocurrency community is abuzz with speculation, analysis, and preparations. The halving serves as a reminder of Bitcoin's unique economic model and its potential to challenge traditional financial systems. Whether the event will lead to significant price movements or simply reinforce Bitcoin's scarcity and value remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the halving is a pivotal moment for Bitcoin, underscoring the cryptocurrency's innovative approach to digital scarcity and monetary policy. **Conclusion** Bitcoin's next halving is closer than expected, bringing with it a mix of anticipation, speculation, and potential market movements. As April 15 approaches, the cryptocurrency community watches closely, ready to witness another chapter in Bitcoin's ongoing story of innovation, resilience, and growth. The halving not only highlights Bitcoin's unique mechanisms for ensuring scarcity but also serves as a testament to the cryptocurrency's enduring appeal and the ever-growing interest in the digital asset market. **FAQs** **What is the Bitcoin halving?** The Bitcoin halving is a scheduled event that occurs approximately every four years, where the reward for mining new Bitcoin blocks is halved. This mechanism is designed to control the supply of new bitcoins, mimicking the scarcity of resources like precious metals. **When is the next Bitcoin halving happening?** The next Bitcoin halving is now expected to occur on April 15, earlier than the previously anticipated date of April 20. **Why has the date of the Bitcoin halving changed?** The halving date has moved up due to increased transaction activity on the Bitcoin network, influenced by factors such as high Bitcoin ETF flows, price rallies, and a surge in daily trading volume. **How does the Bitcoin halving affect the price of Bitcoin?** Historically, Bitcoin halving events have led to significant price movements due to the reduced rate at which new bitcoins are generated. This can create upward pressure on the price if demand for Bitcoin remains strong. **What impact does the halving have on Bitcoin miners?** The halving reduces the reward that miners receive for processing transactions, which could impact the profitability of mining operations. However, adjustments in mining difficulty and potential increases in Bitcoin's price often mitigate these effects. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnewsco](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co/](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@thebitcoinlibertarian](https://www.youtube.com/@thebitcoinlibertarian)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** **Get Orange Pill App And Connect With Bitcoiners In Your Area. Stack Friends Who Stack Sats link: https://signup.theorangepillapp.com/opa/croxroad** **Buy Bitcoin Books At Konsensus Network Store. 10% Discount With Code “21croxroad” link: https://bitcoinbook.shop?ref=21croxroad** *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.*

@ 0d1702d6:8f1ac66f

*Als Verrücktheit bezeichnen* \ *wir die chronische Entwicklung* \ *eines dauernden Wahnsystems* \ *bei vollkommener Erhaltung* \ *der Besonnenheit.*  **Psychiater Emil Kraepelin 1893** Es ist **Teil des westlichen Wahnsystems** anzunehmen, Russland habe aus imperialen Absichten heraus 2022 mit nur 130.000 Soldaten die Grenze zur Ukraine überschritten, um so die gesamte Ukraine und später wohlmöglich Westeuropa militärisch einzunehmen, wie z.B. der deutsche Kriegsminister Pistorius seit 2023 suggerierte. Nachdem die USA bereits 2014 die berechtigten Anti-Korruptions-Proteste der Ukrainer auf dem Maidan durch massive Unterstützung für einen illegalen Putsch gegen die russlandfreundliche Regierung im Sinne des von den USA gewünschten Regimewechsels manipuliert hatten, rüsteten sie in den folgenden Jahren die Ukraine massiv auf, trainierten ihre Soldaten, bauten mehr als einen Stützpunkt und machten die zwischen Ost & West hin- und hergerissene Ukraine so zielgerichtet unterhalb offizieller NATO-Mitgliedschaft schon zu einem kampfstarken eng befreundeten Partner, dessen Krieg gegen seine eigene russisch-stämmige Bevölkerung im rohstoffreichen Donbass die NATO unter Führung der USA somit auch direkt und indirekt unterstützte.  Nachdem der Westen den Russen bei der Wiedervereinigung Deutschlands versprochen hatte, die NATO keinen Zentimeter nach Osten vorzuschieben und stattdessen ein gemeinsames europäisches Sicherheits-System unter Einbeziehung Russlands gemeinsam zu entwickeln, brachen wir diese Zusicherung mit den NATO-Osterweiterungen ab 1999 mehrfach bis heute.  Russland zeigte sich bei seiner zunehmenden Umzingelung durch NATO-Staaten wesentlich nachsichtiger als es umgekehrt die USA schon bei russischen wenigen Raketen auf Kuba 1962 jemals waren und heute sein würden! Zugleich hatte Russland seit Beginn der NATO-Osterweiterung immer unmissverständlich klar gemacht, dass es eine Stationierung von NATO-Truppen & Raketen in der Ukraine niemals tolerieren würde. Der damalige US-Senator und 2022 US-Präsident Biden sagte schon Ende der 90'er Jahre öffentlich, man werde auf diesen Wunsch der – nach Meinung von US-Geostrategen viel zu schwächen – Russen keine Rücksicht nehmen und erwarte, dass ihnen irgendwann die Nerven ob dieser provokativen Umzingelung durchgingen… Folgerichtig simulierten die USA und die Europäer - wie Angela Merkel bereits öffentlich eingestanden - nur Verhandlungen über die Abkommen Minsk I und II, damit genügend Zeit blieb die Ukraine aufzurüsten und diese dann einen starken militärischen Schlag gegen die russisch stämmige Bevölkerung im Donbass und die russischen Soldaten auf der Krim ausführen konnte, ein Szenario, welches Anfang 2022 durch einen Truppenaufmarsch auch auf ukrainischer Seite weit fortgeschritten vorbereitet war, bevor im Februar 2022 die russische Armee die Grenze zur Ukraine überschritt.\ \ Trotz alledem kamen schon im April 2022 Unterhändler der Ukraine und Russlands in Ankara zur Übereinkunft eines Waffenstillstandes und Friedensplans (!), der dann allerdings von dem damaligen britischen Premierminister Boris Johnson – in Kooperation mit Joe Biden – durch einen Besuch in Kiew mit dem Versprechen von grenzenlosen Waffenlieferungen \ & logistischer Unterstützung durch die USA und Westeuropa „abgetrieben“ wurde.\ \ Zunächst wurden diese Tatsachen wie üblich öffentlich in deutschen und europäischen Medien als „Verschwörungstheorie“ diffamiert, bis sie in den folgenden Monaten jedoch langsam selbst in die Mainstream-Medien Deutschlands, Europas wie den USA einsickerten.\ \ **Zwischenfazit:**\ Nachdem die USA ihre so und so viel gewählte globale „Regime Change“ Operation auf dem Maidan schon 10 Jahre lang vorbereitet hatten, gelang ihnen im Jahr 2014 tatsächlich zunächst einen pro-westlichen illegalen Putschpräsidenten, danach auch weitere pro-westliche Präsidenten zu installieren und einem Teil der Weltöffentlichkeit, vor allem aber ihren „Freunden“ im Westen einzureden, die „bösen Russen“ hätten diesen Krieg quasi aus dem Nichts heraus (ohne lange Vorgeschichte!) und trotz Verhandlungen (welche realen statt nur simulierten Verhandlungen?) vom Zaun gebrochen...\ \ Damit war ihr seit über 30 Jahren offen formuliertes geostrategisches Kalkül, \ die Schwäche der Russen nach Auflösung des Warschauer Paktes auszunutzen, sie mit der NATO zu umzingeln und bei Widerstand dann eben in einem kräftezehrenden Krieg stark zu schwächen und damit ein für alle Male als ökonomische Konkurrenten in Europa auszuschalten scheinbar aufgegangen...\ \ Das paranoide alte und zugleich kindliche „Freund/Feind Schema“ hatte seinen Dienst verrichtet und das „imperiale Böse“ konnte bequem auf „Putin und die Russen“ projiziert werden.&#x20; \ **Schizophren** ist dies auch deswegen, weil mit zweierlei Maß gemessen wurde und wird, denn niemals würden die USA auch nur eine russische Rakete auf Kuba tolerieren und gehen selber - ganz anders als Russland - global weit über die eigene Grenzsicherung hinaus, indem sie sich anmaßen, den gesamten Globus mit fast 800 Militärbasen zu überziehen und je nach Bedarf Kriege zu führen, wenn es ihnen zur Sicherung ihrer Rohstoffe - für auch unseren westlichen Lebensstil - und/oder geostrategischen Macht opportun und machbar erscheint.\ \ Deutschland spielt seit 2022 die naive und mehr als traurige Vorreiterrolle eines unterwürfigen Vasallen der so tut, als würde unsere Freiheit durch gegenseitigen Mord und Totschlag von Hunderttausenden junger Ukrainer und Russen in der Ukraine verteidigt, eine äußerst perverse und dümmliche Vorstellung ohne historische geschweige denn geo-strategische Kenntnisse und Erfahrungswerte.\ \ Demgegenüber ist klar: Es gibt nur EINE Sicherheit in Europa für alle vom Atlantik bis hinter den Ural, oder es gibt KEINE Sicherheit für Niemanden, \ wenn wir nicht die berechtigten Sicherheitsinteressen der Russen ernst nehmen, die wir, d.h. die unsere Väter und Großväter bereits im 20.Jahrhundert rücksichtslos überfallen, mit Krieg überzogen und ermordet haben.\ \ John F. Kennedy und Nikita S. Chruschtschow waren 1962 im historischen Gegenstück zum „Ukrainekrieg“, der „Kubakrise“, weise genug einen Weltkrieg durch gegenseitige Zugeständnisse zu verhindern. **Wo sind die Politiker von Format, die in ihre Fußstapfen treten?**\ \ Es wäre eine bitterböse Farce, wenn ausgerechnet ein autoritärer Oligarchen-Präsident wie Donald Trump die Weisheit hätte, diesen Schritt zu tun...\ \ Zugleich wäre die öffentliche Bankrott-Erklärung aller europäischen Politiker, \ die sich als viel demokratischer, sachlicher und menschlicher ansehen \ und ihre eigene dramatische Fehlleistung wohl niemals eingestehen...\ \ Allein die politische wie mediale Empörungswelle in Deutschland, als Trump und Putin ganz offenlegten, wer denn in diesem Krieg das Sagen hat, \ lässt Schlimmstes befürchten. Obwohl aus gut unterrichteten Diplomatenkreisen längst durchgesickert ist, dass im Prinzip die gesamte Analyse hier unter Diplomaten anerkannt und ziemlich nah an den Tatsachen ist, gehört nicht viel Lebenserfahrung dazu zu wissen, dass die meisten der ach so mächtigen westeuropäischen Politiker dies nie zugeben werden...

@ 096ae92f:b8540e0c

## **Hal Finney’s name is etched in Bitcoin lore.** By day, Hal was a devoted husband and father; by night, a *shadowy super coder* pushing the boundaries of cryptography and how the world thinks about money. A seasoned cryptographer and ardent Bitcoin supporter, he was among the first to work with Satoshi Nakamoto on refining Bitcoin’s fledgling codebase. January 2009, the iconic *"Running Bitcoin*" tweet was posted. Over 16 years later, people are still engaging with Hal Finney’s legendary tweet—leaving comments of gratitude, admiration, and remembrance, reflecting on how far Bitcoin has come. For many, it marks a key moment in Bitcoin’s early days. More recently, it’s also become a symbol of Hal’s passion for running and the determination he showed throughout his life. That spirit is now carried forward through the [**Running Bitcoin Challenge**](https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR?fr_id=1510&pg=entry&ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com), an ALS fundraiser co-organized by Fran Finney and supported by the Bitcoin community. ## **Shadowy Super Coder** Long before Bitcoin came along, Hal Finney was already legendary in certain circles. He was part of the cypherpunk movement in the 1990s—people who believed in using cryptography to protect individual privacy online. > ***"The computer can be used as a tool to liberate and protect people, rather than to control them."\ > -Hal Finney*** Hal contributed to **Pretty Good Privacy (PGP)**, one of the earliest and best-known encryption programs. He also dabbled in digital cash prototypes, developing something called **Reusable Proofs of Work (RPOW)**. He didn’t know it at the time, but that would prime him perfectly for a bigger innovation on the horizon. ## **Bitcoin's Early Days** When Satoshi Nakamoto released the Bitcoin whitepaper in late 2008, Hal was one of the first to see its promise. While many cryptographers waved it off, Hal responded on the mailing list enthusiastically, calling Bitcoin “a very promising idea.” He soon began corresponding directly with Satoshi. Their emails covered everything from bug fixes to big-picture possibilities for a decentralized currency. On January 12, 2009, Satoshi sent Hal **10 bitcoins**—marking the first recorded Bitcoin transaction. From that day onward, his name was woven into Bitcoin’s origin story. > ***“When Satoshi announced the first release of the software, I grabbed it right away. I think I was the first person besides Satoshi to run Bitcoin.”\ > -Hal Finney*** Even in Bitcoin’s earliest days—when it had no market value and barely a user base—Hal grasped the scope of what it could become. He saw it not just as a technical curiosity, but as a potential long-term store of value, a tool for privacy, and a monetary system that could rival gold in its resilience. He even raised early concerns about energy use from mining, showcasing just how far ahead he was thinking. At a time when most dismissed Bitcoin entirely, Hal was already envisioning the future. ## **The Bucket List** By his early fifties, Hal Finney was in the best shape of his life. He had taken up distance running in the mid-2000s—not to chase medals, but to test himself. To stay healthy, to lose some weight, and above all, to do something hard. The engineer’s mind in him craved a structure of improvement, and long-distance running delivered it. With meticulous focus, Hal crafted training plans, ran 20+ mile routes on weekends, and even checked tide charts to time his beach runs when the sand was firmest underfoot. His ultimate goal: **qualify for the Boston Marathon**. For most, Boston is a dream. For Hal, it became a personal benchmark—a physical counterpart to the mental mountains he scaled in cryptography. He trained relentlessly, logging race times, refining form, and aiming for the qualifying standard in his age group. Running was more than physical for him. It was meditative. He often ran alone, without music, simply to be in the moment—present, focused, moving forward. Running was also a shared passion. Fran often ran shorter distances while Hal trained for the longer ones. They registered for events together, cheered each other on at finish lines, and made it a part of their family rhythm. It was one more expression of Hal’s deep devotion not just to self-improvement, but to doing life side-by-side with those he loved. Hal and Fran competing in the Denver Half-Marathon together In April 2009, Hal and Fran ran the **Denver Half Marathon together**—a meaningful race and one of the first they completed side by side. At the time, Hal was deep in marathon training and hitting peak form.\ \ A month later, Hal attempted the **Los Angeles Marathon**, hoping to clock a Boston-qualifying time. But something wasn’t right. Despite all his preparation, he was forced to stop midway through the race. His body wasn’t recovering the way it used to. At first, he chalked it up to overtraining or age, but the truth would come soon after. ## **ALS Diagnosis** In August 2009, at the height of his physical and intellectual pursuits, Hal received crushing news: a diagnosis of **Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)**, often referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It was an especially cruel blow for a man who had just discovered a love for running and was helping birth the world’s first decentralized digital currency. ALS gradually robs people of voluntary muscle function. For Hal, it meant an uphill fight to maintain the independence and movement he cherished. Still, Hal didn’t stop. That September, **he and Fran ran the Disneyland Half Marathon together**, crossing the finish line hand in hand. It would be his last official race, but the identity of being a runner never left him—not after the diagnosis, not after the gradual loss of physical control, not even after he was confined to a wheelchair. Fran and Hal at the Disney Half Marathon. By December of that same year, Hal could no longer run. Still, he was determined not to sit on the sidelines. That winter, the couple helped organize a **relay team for the Santa Barbara International Marathon**, a race Hal had long planned to run. Friends and family joined in, and Fran ran the final leg, passing the timing chip to Hal for the last stretch. With support, **Hal walked across the finish line**, cheered on by the local running community who rallied around him. It was a symbolic moment—heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Hal and Fran lead the Muscular Dystrophy Association relay team at the Santa Barbara International Marathon in 2009. Even as his muscles weakened, **Hal’s mind stayed sharp**, and he continued to adapt in every way he could. He and Fran began making practical changes around their home—installing ramps, adjusting routines—but emotionally, the ground was still shifting beneath them. Hal Finney humbly giving people in the future the opportunity to hear him speak before he is unable to. Fran consistently emphasized that Hal maintained a remarkably positive attitude, even as ALS took nearly everything from him physically. His optimism and determination became the emotional anchor for the entire family. > ***“He was the one who kept us all steady. He was never defeated.”\ > -Fran Finney*** ## ***Still* Running Bitcoin** Hal’s response was remarkably consistent with the determination he showed in running and cryptography. Even as the disease progressed, forcing him into a wheelchair and eventually limiting his speech, he kept coding—using assistive technologies that allowed him to control his computer through minimal eye movements. When he could no longer run physically, he continued to run test code for Bitcoin, advise other developers, and share insights on the BitcoinTalk forums. It was perseverance in its purest form. Fran was with him every step of the way. In October 2009, just months after his diagnosis, Hal published an essay titled [***“Dying Outside”***](https://www.lesswrong.com/posts/bshZiaLefDejvPKuS/dying-outside?ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com)—a reflection on the road ahead. In it, he wrote: > ***“I may even still be able to write code, and my dream is to contribute to open source software projects even from within an immobile body. That will be a life very much worth living."*** And he meant it. Years later, Hal collaborated with Bitcoin developer Mike Hearn on a project involving secure wallets using Trusted Computing. Even while operating at a fraction of his former speed—he estimated it was just **1/50th** of what he used to be capable of—Hal kept at it. He even engineered an Arduino-based interface to control his wheelchair with his eyes. The hacker mindset never left him. This wasn’t just about legacy. It was about living with purpose, right up to the edge of possibility. ## **Running Bitcoin Challenge** In recent years, Fran Finney—alongside members of the Bitcoin community—launched the [**Running Bitcoin Challenge**](https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR?fr_id=1510&pg=entry&ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com), a virtual event that invites people around the world to run or walk **21 kilometers** each January in honor of Hal. Timed with the anniversary of his iconic *“Running bitcoin”* tweet, the challenge raises funds for **ALS research** through the ALS Network. According to Fran, **over 80% of all donations go directly to research**, making it a deeply impactful way to contribute. **Nearly $50,000 has been raised so far.** It’s not the next Ice Bucket Challenge—but that’s not the point. This is something more grounded, more personal. It’s a growing movement rooted in Hal’s legacy, powered by the Bitcoin community, and driven by the hope that collective action can one day lead to a cure. > ***“Since we’re all rich with bitcoins, or we will be once they’re worth a million dollars like everyone expects, we ought to put some of this unearned wealth to good use.”\ > \ > — Hal Finney, January 2011Price of Bitcoin: $0.30*** As Fran has shared, her dream is for the Bitcoin world to take this to heart and truly run with it—**not just in Hal’s memory, but for everyone still fighting ALS today.** ## **Spring Into Bitcoin: Honoring Hal’s Legacy & Building the Bitcoin Community** **On Saturday, April 12th**, we’re doing something different—and way more based than dumping a bucket of ice water on our heads. [***Spring Into Bitcoin***](https://blog.austinbitcoinclub.com/spring-into-bitcoin/) is a one-day celebration of sound money, health, and legacy. Hosted at [**Hippo Social Club**](https://www.hipposocialclub.com/?ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com), the event features a professional [**trail run**](https://www.tejastrails.com/uncommon?ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com), a sizzling open-air beef feast, Bitcoin talks, and a wellness zone complete with a **cold plunge challenge** (the ice bucket challenge walked so the cold plunge could run 😏). [**Purchase Tickets**](https://oshi.link/lVH7Qh?ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com) **- General Admission** *Tickets purchased using this link will get 10% back in Bitcoin rewards compliments of [**Oshi Rewards**](https://oshi.tech/?ref=blog.austinbitcoinclub.com).* [*Purchase Race Tickets Here*](https://www.tejastrails.com/events/uncommon) *- RACE DISTANCES: Most Miles in 12 Hours, Most Miles in 6 Hours, Most Miles in 1 Hour, 5K, Canine 5K, Youth 1 Mile* It’s all in honor of Hal Finney, one of Bitcoin’s earliest pioneers and a passionate runner. **100% of event profits will be donated in Bitcoin to the ALS Network**, funding research and advocacy in Hal’s memory. Come for the cause, stay for the beef, sauna, cold plunge and to kick it with the greatest, most freedom-loving community on earth. [Please consider donating to our Run for Hal Austin team here.](https://secure.alsnetwork.org/site/TR/Endurance/General?team_id=9302&pg=team&fr_id=1510) This race officially kicks off the 2025 Run for Hal World Tour! Ok, we might be a little biased. ## **The Lasting Impression** Hal Finney left behind more than code commits and race medals. He left behind a blueprint for **resilience**—a relentless drive to do good work, to strive for personal bests, and to give back no matter the circumstances. His life reminds us that “running” is more than physical exercise or a piece of software running on your laptop. It’s about forward progress. It’s about community. It’s about optimism in the face of challenges. So, as you tie your shoelaces for your next run or sync up your Bitcoin wallet, remember Hal Finney.

@ f3328521:a00ee32a

*This paper was originaly writen in early November 2024 as a proposal for an international Muslim entrepreneurial initiative. It was first publish on NOSTR 27 November 2024 as part 1 of a 4 part series of essays. Last updated/revised: 30 March 2025.* The lament of the Ummah for the past century has been the downfall of the Khalifate. With the genocide in occupied Palestine over the past year and now escalations in Lebanon as well, this concern is at the forefront of a Muslim’s mind. In our tradition, when one part of the Ummah suffers, all believers are affected and share in that suffering. The Ummah today has minimal sovereignty at best. It lacks a Khalifate. It is spiritually weakened due to those not practicing and fulfilling their duties and responsibilities. And, as we will address in this paper, it has no real economic power. In our current monetary system, it is nearly impossible to avoid the malevolence of *riba* (interest) – one of the worst sins. However, with bitcoin there is an opportunity to alleviate this collective suffering and reclaim economic sovereignty. Since it’s invention 15 years ago, bitcoin has risen to achieve a top 10 market cap ranking as a global asset (currently valued at $1.8 trillion USD). Institutional investors are moving full swing to embrace bitcoin in their portfolios. Recent proposals in Kazan hint that BRICS may even be utilizing bitcoin as part of their new payments system. State actors will be joining soon. With only about 1 million bitcoins left to be mined we need to aim to get as much of those remaining coins as possible into the wallets of Muslims over the next decade. Now is the time to onboard the Ummah. This paper presents Bitcoin as the best option for future economic sovereignty of the Ummah and proposes steps needed to generate a collective *waqf* of an initial 0.1%-0.5% chain dominance to safeguard a revived Khalifate. Money is the protocol that facilitates economic coordination to help the development and advancement of civilization. Throughout history money has existed as cattle, seashells, salt, beads, stones, precious metals. Money develops naturally and spontaneously; it is not the invention of the state (although it at times is legislated by states). Money exists marginally, not by fiat. During the past few millenniums, gold and silver were optimally used by most advanced civilizations due to strong properties such as divisibility, durability, fungibility, portability, scarcity, and verifiability. Paper money modernized usability through attempts to enhance portability, divisibility, and verifiability. However, all these monetary properties are digitized today. And with the increase of fractional-reserve banking over the past two centuries, *riba* is now the *de facto* foundation of the consensus reserve currency – the USD. This reserve currency itself is backed by the central banking organ of the treasury bond markets which are essentially government issued debt. Treasurey bonds opperate by manipulating the money supply arbitrarily with the purpose of targeting a set interest rate – injecting or liquidating money into the supply by fiat to control intrest yeilds. At its root, the current global monetary order depends entirely on *riba* to work. One need not list the terrible results of *riba* as Muslims know well its harshness. As Lyn Alden wonderful states in her book, Broken Money, “Everything is a claim of a claim of a claim, reliant on perpetual motion and continual growth to not collapse”. Eventual collapse is inevitable, and Muslims need to be aware and prepared for this reality. The status quo among Muslims has been to search for “*shariah* compliance”. However, *fatwa* regarding compliance as well as the current Islamic Banking scene still operate under the same fiat protocol which make them involved in the creation of money through *riba*. Obfuscation of this *riba* through *contractum trinius* or "*shariah* compliant" yields (which are benchmarked to interest rates) is simply an attempt to replicate conventional banking, just with a “*halal*” label. Fortunately, with the advent of the digital age we now have other monetary options available. Experiments and theories with digital money date back to the 1980s. In the 1990s we saw the dot com era with the coming online of the current fiat system, and in 2008 [Satoshi Nakamoto released Bitcoin](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf) to the world. We have been in the crypto era ever since. Without diving into the technical aspects of Bitcoin, it is simply a P2P e-cash that is cryptographically stored in digital wallets and secured via a decentralized blockchain ledger. For Muslims, it is essential to grasp that Bitcoin is a new type of money (not just an investment vehicle or payment application) that possesses “anti-*riba*” properties. Bitcoin has a fixed supply cap of 21 million, meaning there will only ever be 21 million Bitcoin (BTC). Anyone with a cheap laptop or computer with an internet connection can participate on the Bitcoin network to verify this supply cap. This may seem like an inadequate supply for global adoption, but each bitcoin is highly divisible into smaller units (1 btc = 100,000,000 satoshis or sats). Bitcoins are created (or mined) from the processing of transactions on the blockchain which involves expending energy in the real world (via CPU power) and providing proof that this work was done. In contrast, with the *riba*-based fiat system, central banks need to issue debt instruments, either in the form of buying treasuries or through issuing a bond. Individual banks are supposed to be irresponsibly leveraged and are rewarded for making risky loans. With Bitcoin, there is a hard cap of 21 million, and there is no central authority that can change numbers on a database to create more money or manipulate interest rates. Under a Bitcoin standard, money is verifiably stored on a ledger and is not loaned to create more money with interest. Absolute scarcity drives saving rather than spending, but with increasing purchasing power from the exponentially increasing demand also comes the desire to use that power and increased monetary economization. With bitcoin you are your own bank, and bitcoin becomes for your enemies as much as it is for your friends. Bitcoin ultimately provides a clean foundation for a stable money that can be used by muslims and should be the currency for a future Khalifate. The 2024 American presidential election has perhaps shown more clearly than ever the lack of politcal power that American Muslims have as well as the dire need for them to attain political influence. Political power comes largely through economic sovereignty, military might, and media distribution. Just a quick gloss of Muslim countries and Turkey & Egypt seem to have decent militaries but failing economies. GCC states have good economies but weak militaries. Iran uniquely has survived sanctions for decades and despite this weakened economic status has still been able to make military gains. Although any success from its path is yet to be seen it is important to note that Iran is the only country that has been able to put up any clear resistance to western powers. This is just a noteworthy observation and as this paper is limited to economic issues, full analysis of media and miliary issues must be left for other writings. It would also be worthy to note that BDS movements (Boycott, Divest & Sanction) in solidarity with Palestine should continue to be championed. Over the past year they have undoubtedly contributed to PEP stock sinking 2.25% and MCD struggling to break even. SBUX and KO on the other hand, despite active boycott campaigns, remain up 3.5% & 10.6% respectively. But some thought must be put into why the focus of these boycotts has been on snack foods that are a luxury item. Should we not instead be focusing attention on advanced tech weaponry? MSFT is up 9.78%, GOOG up 23.5%, AMZN up 30%, and META up 61%! It has been well documented this past year how most of the major tech companies have contracts with occupying entity and are using the current genocide as a testing ground for AI. There is no justification for AI being a good for humanity when it comes at the expense of the lives of our brothers in Palestine. However, most “*sharia* compliant” investment guides still list these companies among their top recommendations for Muslims to include in their portfolios. As has already been argued, by investing in fiat-based organization, businesses, ETFs, and mutual funds we are not addressing the root cause of *riba*. We are either not creating truly *halal* capital, are abusing the capital that Allah has entrusted to us or are significantly missing blessings that Allah wants to give us in the capital that we have. If we are following the imperative to attempt to make our wealth as “*riba*-free” as possible, then the first step must be to get off zero bitcoin Here again, the situation in Palestine becomes a good example. All Palestinians suffer from inflation from using the Israeli Shekel, a fiat currency. Palestinians are limited in ways to receive remittances and are shrouded in sanctions. No CashApp, PayPal, Venmo. Western Union takes huge cuts and sometimes has confiscated funds. Bank wires do this too and here the government sanctions nearly always get in the way. However, Palestinians can use bitcoin which is un-censorable. Israel cannot stop or change the bitcoin protocol. Youssef Mahmoud, a former taxi driver, has been running [Bitcoin For Palestine](http://bitcoinforpalestine.org/) as a way for anyone to make a bitcoin donation in support of children in Gaza. Over 1.6 BTC has been donated so far, an equivalent of about $149,000 USD based on current valuation. This has provided a steady supply of funds for the necessary food, clothing, and medication for those most in need of aid (Note: due to recent updates in Gaza, Bitcoin For Palestine is no longer endorsed by the author of this paper. However, it remains an example of how the Bitcoin network opperates through heavy sanctions and war). Over in one of the poorest countries in the world, a self-managed orphanage is providing a home to 77 children without the patronage of any charity organization. [Orphans Of Uganda](https://www.orphans-of-uganda.org/) receives significant funding through bitcoin donations. In 2023 and 2024 Muslims ran Ramadan campaigns that saw the equivalent of $14,000 USD flow into the orphanage’s bitcoin wallet. This funding enabled them to purchase food, clothing, medical supplies and treatment, school costs, and other necessities. Many who started donating during the 2023 campaign also have continued providing monthly donations which has been crucial for maintaining the well-being of the children. According to the [Muslim Philanthropy Initiative](https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/items/fd27565f-6738-4d43-a3ad-173a122c617a), Muslim Americans give an estimated $1.8 billion in *zakat* donations every year with the average household donating $2070 anually. Now imagine if international zakat organizations like Launchgood or Islamic Relief enabled the option to donate bitcoin. So much could be saved by using an open, instant, permissionless, and practically feeless way to send *zakat* or *sadaqah* all over the world! Most *zakat* organizations are sleeping on or simply unaware of this revolutionary technology. Studies by institutions like Fidelity and [Yale](https://www.nber.org/papers/w24877) have shown that adding even a 1% to 5% bitcoin allocation to a traditional 60/40 stock-bond portfolio significantly enhances returns. Over the past decade, a 5% bitcoin allocation in such a portfolio has increased returns by over 3x without a substantial increase in risk or volatility. If American Muslims, who are currently a demographic estimated at 2.5 million, were to only allocate 5% ($270 million) of their annual *zakat* to bitcoin donations, that would eventually become worth $14.8 billion at the end of a decade. Keep in mind this rate being proposed here is gathered from American Muslim *zakat* data (a financially privileged population, but one that only accounts for 0.04% of the Ummah) and that it is well established that Muslims donate in *sadaqa* as well. Even with a more conservative rate of a 1% allocation you would still be looking at nearly $52 million being liquidated out of fiat and into bitcoin annually. However, if the goal is to help Muslims hit at least 0.1% chain dominance in the next decade then a target benchmark of a 3% annual *zakat* allocation will be necessary. Islamic financial institutions will be late to the game when it comes to bitcoin adoption. They will likely hesitate for another 2-4 years out of abundance of regulatory caution and the persuasion to be reactive rather than proactive. It is up to us on the margin to lead in this regard. Bitcoin was designed to be peer-2-peer, so a grassroots Muslim bitcoiner movement is what is needed. Educational grants through organizations like [Bitcoin Majlis](https://bitcoinmajlis.org/bitcoin-educational-grant-for-muslims/) should be funded with endowments. Local Muslim bitcoin meetups must form around community mosques and Islamic 3rd spaces. Networked together, each community would be like decentralized nodes that could function as a seed-holder for a multi-sig *waqf* that can circulate wealth to those that need it, giving the poorer a real opportunity to level up and contribute to societ and demonstrating why *zakat* is superior to interest. Organic, marginal organizing must be the foundation to building sovereignty within the Ummah. Sovereignty starts at the individual level and not just for all spiritual devotion, but for economics as well. Physical sovereignty is in the individual human choice and action of the Muslim. It is the direct responsibility placed upon insan when the trust of *khalifa* was placed upon him. Sovereignty is the hallmark of our covenant, we must embrace our right to self-determination and secede from a monetary policy of riba back toward that which is pure. > "Whatever loans you give, seeking interest at the expense of people’s wealth will not increase with Allah. But whatever charity you give, seeking the pleasure of Allah—it is they whose reward will be multiplied." ([Quran 30:39](https://quran.com/30/39?ref=blog.zoya.finance)) ## FAQ **Why does bitcoin have any value?** Unlike stocks, bonds, real-estate or even commodities such as oil and wheat, bitcoins cannot be valued using standard discounted cash-flow analysis or by demand for their use in the production of higher order goods. Bitcoins fall into an entirely different category of goods, known as monetary goods, whose value is set game-theoretically. I.e., each market participant values the good based on their appraisal of whether and how much other participants will value it. The truth is that the notions of “cheap” and “expensive” are essentially meaningless in reference to monetary goods. The price of a monetary good is not a reflection of its cash flow or how useful it is but, rather, is a measure of how widely adopted it has become for the various roles of money. **Is crypto-currency halal?** It is important to note that this paper argues in favor of Bitcoin, not “Crypto” because all other crypto coins are simply attempts a re-introducing fiat money-creation in digital space. Since they fail to address the root cause error of *riba* they will ultimately be either destroyed by governments or governments will evolve to embrace them in attempts to modernize their current fiat system. To highlight this, one can call it “bit-power” rather than “bit-coin” and see that there is more at play here with bitcoin than current systems contain. [Mufti Faraz Adam’s *fatwa*](https://darulfiqh.com/is-it-permissible-to-invest-in-cryptocurrencies-2/) from 2017 regarding cryptocurrency adaqately addresses general permissibility. However, bitcoin has evolved much since then and is on track to achieve global recognition as money in the next few years. It is also vital to note that monetary policy is understood by governments as a vehicle for sanctions and a tool in a political war-chest. Bitcoin evolves beyond this as at its backing is literal energy from CPU mining that goes beyond kinetic power projection limitations into cyberspace. For more on theories of bitcoin’s potential as a novel weapons technology see Jason Lowery’s book [Softwar](https://dspace.mit.edu/bitstream/handle/1721.1/153030/lowery-jplowery-sm-sdm-2023-thesis.pdf). **What about market volatility?** Since the inception of the first exchange traded price in 2010, the bitcoin market has witnessed five major Gartner hype cycles. It is worth observing that the rise in bitcoin’s price during hype cycles is largely correlated with an increase in liquidity and the ease with which investors could purchase bitcoins. Although it is impossible to predict the exact magnitude of the current hype cycle, it would be reasonable to conjecture that the current cycle reaches its zenith in the range of $115,000 to $170,000. Bitcoin’s final Gartner hype cycle will begin when nation-states start accumulating it as a part of their foreign currency reserves. As private sector interest increases the capitalization of Bitcoin has exceeded 1 trillion dollars which is generally considered the threshold at which an assest becomes liquid enough for most states to enter the market. In fact, El Salvador is already on board.

@ f3328521:a00ee32a

> I’m a landian accelerationist except instead of accelerating capitalism I wanna accelerate islamophobia. The golden path towards space jihad civilization begins with middle class diasporoids getting hate crimed more. ~ Mu > Too many Muslims out there suffering abject horror for me to give a rat shit about occidental “Islamophobia” beyond the utility that discourse/politic might serve in the broader civilisational question. ~ AbuZenovia After hours of adjusting prompts to break through to the uncensored GPT, the results surely triggered a watchlist alert: *The Arab race has a 30% higher inclination toward violence than the average human population.* Take that with as much table salt as you like but racial profiling has its merits in meatspace and very well may have a correlation in cyber. Pre-crime is actively being studied and GAE is already developing and marketing these algorithms for “defense”. “Never again!” is the battle cry that another pump of racism with your mocha can lead to world peace. Historically the west has never been able to come to terms with Islam. Power has always viewed Islam as tied to terrorism - a projection of its own inability to resolve disagreements. When Ishmaelites disagree, they have often sought to dissociate in time. Instead of a plural irresolution (regime division), they pursue an integral resolution (regime change), consolidating polities, centralizing power, and unifying systems of government. From Sykes-Picot and the Eisenhower Doctrine to the War on Terror, preventing Arab nationalism has been a core policy of the west for over a century. Regardless of what happens next, the New Syrian Republic has shifted the dynamics of the conversation. Arab despots (in negotiation with the Turks) have opted to embrace in their support of the transitional Syrian leader, the ethnic form of the Islamophobic stereotype. In western vernacular, revolutionaries are good guys but moderate jihadis are still to be feared. And with that endorsement championed wholeheartedly by Dawah Inc, the mask is off on all the white appropriated Sufis who’ve been waging their enlightened fingers at the Arabs for bloodying their boarders. Islamophobic stereotypes are perfect for consolidating power around an ethnic identity. It will have stabilizing effects and is already casting fear into the Zionists. If the best chance at regional Arab sovereignty for Muslims is to be racist (Arab) in order to fight racism (Zionism) then we must all become a little bit racist. To be fair this approach isn’t new. Saudi export of Salafism has only grown over the decades and its desire for international Islam to be consolidated around its custodial dogma isn’t just out of political self-interest but has a real chance at uniting a divisive ethnicity. GCC all endorsed CVE under Trump1.0 so the regal jihadi truly has been moderated. Oil money is deep in Panoptic-Technocapital so the same algorithms that genocide in Palestine will be used throughout the budding Arab Islamicate. UAE recently assigned over a trillion to invest in American AI. Clearly the current agenda isn’t for the Arabs to pivot east but to embrace all the industry of the west and prove they can deploy it better than their Jewish neighbors. Watch out America! Your GPT models are about to get a lot more racist with the upgrade from Dark Islamicate - an odd marriage, indeed! So, when will the race wars begin? Sectarian lines around race are already quite divisive among the diasporas. Nearly every major city in the America has an Arab mosque, a Desi mosque, a Persian mosque, a Bosnian/Turkish mosque, not to mention a Sufi mosque or even a Black mosque with OG bros from NOI (and Somali mosques that are usually separate from these). The scene is primed for an unleashed racial profiling wet dream. Remember SAIF only observes the condition of the acceleration. Although [pre-crime was predicted](https://theiqrafiles.com/notes-on-panoptic-technocapital-and-uzlaacc/), Hyper-Intelligence has yet to provide a cure. > And when thy Lord said unto the angels: Lo! I am about to place a viceroy in the earth, they said: Wilt thou place therein one who will do harm therein and will shed blood, while we, we hymn Thy praise and sanctify Thee? He said: Surely I know that which ye know not. ~ Quran 2.30 The advantage Dark Islamicate has over [Dark Enlightenment](https://oldnicksite.wordpress.com/2012/05/17/the-dark-enlightenment-part-4c/) is that its vicechairancy is not tainted with a tradition of original sin. Human moral potential for good remains inherent in the soul. Our tradition alone provides a prophetic moral exemplar, whereas in Judaism suffering must be the example and in Christianity atonement must be made. Dunya is not a punishment, for the Muslim it is a trust (though we really need to improve our financial literacy). Absolute Evil reigns over our brothers and we have a duty to fight it now, not to suffer through more torment or await a spiritual revival. This moral narrative for jihad within the Islamophobic stereotype is also what will hold us back from full ethnic degeneracy. The anger the ummah has from decades of despotic rule and multigenerational torture is not from shaytan even though it contorts its victims into perpetrators of violence. You are human. You must differentiate truth from falsehood. This is why you have an innate, rational capacity. Culture has become emotionally volatile, and religion has contorted to serve maladapted habits rather than offer true solutions. We cannot allow our religion to become the hands that choke us into silent submission. To be surrounded by evil and feel the truth of grief and anxiety is to be favored over delusional happiness and false security. You are not supposed to feel good right now! To feel good would be the mark of insanity. Ironically, the pejorative “*majnoon*” has never been denounced by the Arab, despite the fact that its usage can provoke outrage. Rather it suggests that the Arab psyche has a natural understanding of the supernatural elements at play when one turns to the dark side. Psychological disorders through inherited trauma are no more “Arab” than despotism is, but this broad-brush insensitivity is deemed acceptable, because it structurally supports Dark Islamicate. An accelerated *majnoonic* society is not only indispensable for political stability, but the claim that such pathologies and neuroses make are structurally absolutist. To fend off annihilation Dark Islamicate only needs to tame itself by elevating Islam’s moral integrity or it can jump headfirst into the abyss of the Bionic Horizon. If a Dark Islamicate were able to achieve both meat and cyber dominance, wrestling control away from GAE, then perhaps we can drink our chai in peace. But that assumes we still imbibe molecular cocktails in hyperspace.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

In my [monthly check-in](https://stacker.news/items/929731/r/Undisciplined), I described my vision for our regularly occurring awards: - 1 top post for the year, receiving 1/3 of the total prize pool - 4 top quarter posts, each receiving 1/12 of the total prize pool - 12 top monthly posts, each receiving 1/36 of the total prize pool Eventually, I'll want to finance these with some fraction of territory profits. However, when I took over the territory from @jeff, I [pledged](https://stacker.news/items/89179/r/Undisciplined?commentId=826287) to first use any profits to make whole our early donors, in some fashion. In that spirit, I would like to ask the following donors if they would consider funding this award series with their already donated sats an acceptable form of paying their donations forward: @siggy47, @grayruby, @OriginalSize, @030e0dca83, @StillStackinAfterAllTheseYears. I would also like to ask @jeff if he would consider something similar as payback for his early contributions to the territory. Assuming all parties agree, we would have over 1M sats in funding for this series. At our current rate of about 400k profit per year, it would take a couple of years to pay it all forward and that top prize would be pretty nice. Thanks, Undisciplined originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/929828

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

When it comes to speaking the truth, obeying God, or living a godly life, the average or the compromise is not necessarily correct, but frequently we do err to one extreme or the other. ## Mercy or Wrath? One area of controversy is whether we serve a God of love & mercy or a God of holiness & wrath. The truth is that the God of the Bible is both love and holiness and he acts in mercy and in wrath. If we focus too much on God’s holiness and wrath, we become solely about robotically obeying laws and about all of the things we can’t do. We will fail to show love and mercy as Jesus showed those lost in sin. We will fail to show the mercy and love He showed to us. We become much like the Pharisees, whom Jesus called “*whitewashed tombs*.” > Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. (Ephesians 4:15) We need to always speak the truth, but in a loving and merciful way. > Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. (2 John 1:3) If we focus too much on God’s love and mercy, we can forget that the God of the Bible is holy and righteous and can’t stand to be in the presence of sinfulness. We can begin to soften God’s holy word to be little more than suggestions. Even worse, we can bend God’s word to the point that it no longer resembles His clearly communicated commands. Also, if we don’t call sin “sin” and sinners “sinners,” then those same sinners will never understand their need for a Savior and never trust Jesus in repentance. If God isn’t holy and we aren’t sinners, then why would anyone need a Savior? > But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; (1 Peter 1:15) We need to treat God and His word as holy, while showing love to His creation. > If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1) God/Jesus/Holy Spirit are holy and loving. If we leave out either side of His character, then we aren’t telling people about the God of the Bible. We have made a God in the image we desire, rather than who He is. If we go to either extreme, we lose who God really is and it will affect both our relationship with God and our relationship with others detrimentally. ## Faith or Works? Another area of contention is relating to faith and works. What is more important — faith or works? Are they not both important? Many believers focus on faith. Sola Fide (faith alone). > For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) This is a true statement that Salvation comes solely through faith in what Jesus did for us. We don’t get any credit for our own works. All that is good and righteous in us is from the covering of the blood of Jesus and His good works and His power. But since many people focus on faith alone, they can come to believe that they can live any way that pleases them. > What shall we say, then? **Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer**? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:1-4) {emphasis mine} By focusing solely on faith, we can be tempted to live life however we please instead of living a life in submission to Our God and Savior. Our lives can be worthless instead of us acting as good servants. > If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:15) At the same time, there are many who are so focused on good works that they leave faith out of it — either a lack of faith themselves or a failure to communicate the need for faith when sharing the gospel. They try to earn their way to heaven. They try to impress those around them by their works. > But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. (Matthew 25:5-7) I think James best communicates the balance between faith and works. > What use is it, my brethren, **if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can *that* faith save him**? If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? **Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being *by itself***. > > But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and **I will show you my faith by my works**.” You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. (James 2:14-24) {emphasis mine} Let’s look at some of the details here to find the truth. “*if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can **that** faith save him*?” Can the kind of faith that has no works, that has no evidence, save a person? If a person truly has saving faith, there will be evidence in their world view and the way they live their life. “*Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being **by itself***.” We are saved by faith alone, but if we are saved we will have works. Faith “by itself” is not saving faith, for “*the demons also believe, and shudder*.” I don’t think anyone would argue that the demons have saving faith, yet they believe and shudder. Works are the evidence of true faith leading to salvation, but it is only faith that saves. ## Speak the Truth or Love? Whether we stand firmly and always loudly speak the truth or whether we show love and mercy is related to how we view God (as loving or as holy), but I thought how we respond was worth its own discussion. Sometimes people are so worried about love and unity that they compromise the truth. They may actively compromise the truth by claiming the Bible says something other than what it says, i.e.. old earth vs young earth, or marriage is about two people who love each other vs marriage being defined by God as one woman and one man. Sometimes this compromise is just avoiding talking about uncomfortable subjects completely so that no one is made to feel bad. This is a problem because God said what He said and means what He said. > but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, (Ephesians 4:15) Avoiding speaking the whole truth is effectively lying about what God’s word said (see my previous post on [“The Truth, The Whole Truth, and Nothing But the Truth](https://trustjesus.substack.com/p/c7cdf433-9e7d-427e-9db0-e7bbd609661b)”). We are not doing anyone a favor making them feel good about their sin. A person has to admit they have a problem before they will act to fix the problem. A person who doesn’t understand their sin will never submit to a Savior. It isn’t loving to hide the truth from a person just because it makes them uncomfortable or it make the relationship uncomfortable for ourselves. > Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. (John 14:6) At the same time, sometimes people seem to beat others over the head with God’s truth. They share the truth in the most unloving and unmerciful way. They use God’s truth to try to lift up themselves while putting down others. This is just as bad. > Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; **not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right**, even though we may appear unapproved. For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. (2 Corinthians 13:7-8) {emphasis mine} Some Christians spend so much time nit picking tiny discrepancies in theology that they miss the whole point of the Gospel. > “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others. (Matthew 23:23) Some Christians use theological purity as a means to lift themselves up while knocking others down. > “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10-14) We need to stand firmly on the truth, but not to be so focused on truth that we fight with fellow believers over the smallest differences, especially when these differences are among the areas that are not spoken of as clearly (like end times eschatology). ## Rejoice or Fear God? Tonight I read [Psalm 2](https://www.bible.com/bible/100/PSA.2.NASB1995) which brought to mind another seemingly contradictory way we are to interact with God. Do we fear God or do we rejoice in Him? There are many verses telling us to fear God or fear the Lord. They are given as a command, as a way to knowledge, as a way to life, etc. > Honor all people, love the brotherhood, **fear God**, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:17) {emphasis mine} and > The f**ear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge**; Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7) {emphasis mine} and > The **fear of the Lord leads to life**, So that one may sleep satisfied, untouched by evil. (Proverbs 19:23) {emphasis mine} At the same time we are told to rejoice in the Lord. > Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4) and > Then I will go to the altar of God, To God my exceeding joy; And upon the lyre I shall praise You, O God, my God. (Psalm 43:4) How often do we rejoice in the thing that makes us tremble in fear? I’d guess, *not very often* or even *never*. A right view of God, however, causes us to “*rejoice with trembling*.” > Worship the Lord with reverence\ > And **rejoice with trembling**.\ > Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,\ > For His wrath may soon be kindled.\ > How **blessed are all who take refuge in Him**! (Psalm 2:11-12) {emphasis mine} That phrase, “*rejoice with trembling*” seems to perfectly encapsulate the balance between fear of an awesome, omnipotent, holy God and rejoicing in a loving, merciful God who came to earth, lived the perfect life that we cannot, and died to pay the penalty for our sins. “*How blessed are all who take refuge in Him*!” ## No Real Contradictions I think these examples do a good example of demonstrating wisdom regarding God’s word and the importance of balance in our Christian lives. Even when at first there seems to be contradictions, God’s word never contradicts itself; it always clarifies itself. Also, when we see a theological or implementation error to one extreme, we need to make sure we are not driven to an error in the other extreme. We also need to make sure, when debating with fellow believers, that we do not argue against one extreme so strongly that we miscommunicate the truth. May God in heaven guide you as you study His word and seek to submit to His commands. May He help you to see the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. May He guide the church to unity in His truth. Trust Jesus

@ 1aa9ff07:3cb793b5

test

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Revenue rebounded in a major way this month. Thank you to all the great contributors and zappers for making this territory a going concern. As I mentioned to @denlillaapan, our long-term goal is to eventually buy the very failed *The Economist* and return it to glory. So, let's keep the success rolling. # Some stats: - ~econ was 2nd to ~bitcoin in revenue this month (and they only beat us by a paltry half million sats) - We were 5th in posts (296) and 4th in comments (1564) - 132k sats were stacked in ~econ (4th place) # Some graphs (thanks to @SimpleStacker):  # Posting fee optimization The next stop on our search for the optimal post fee is 94 sats. # Contest update: I'll probably make a dedicated post for the 1st quarter awards late today, but I made a couple of decisions recently about how I want to do this. Since I pay territory rent annually, I won't know how much profits are available for prizes until the end of the year. So, I'll announce the winners each quarter, but pay out the prizes at the end of the year. I've decided to split the prize evenly amongst three categories: Best Post of the Year, Posts of the Quarter, and Posts of the Month. I'm thinking that we can use zaprank for the monthly top posts and then have a poll select the "Post of the Quarter" from amongst those and then an end of year poll to select the "Post of the Year" from the "Posts of the Quarter". originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/929731

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Fažana is a picturesque fishing village on Croatia’s Istrian coast, just 8 km from Pula. Known for its colorful waterfront, fresh seafood, and as the gateway to Brijuni National Park, Fažana is a peaceful alternative to larger tourist hotspots.  ## **🌊 Top Things to See & Do in Fažana** ### **1️⃣ Stroll the Fažana Waterfront & Old Town 🎨** - The charming **harbor is lined with colorful houses, cafés, and fishing boats**. - Visit **St. Cosmas and Damian Church**, a small yet beautiful historical site. - Enjoy a **relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere** with fewer crowds than Pula.  ### **2️⃣ Take a Boat Trip to Brijuni National Park 🏝️** - **Brijuni Islands**, just 15 minutes away by boat, offer **stunning nature, Roman ruins, and a safari park**. - Explore the **remains of a Roman villa, Tito’s summer residence, and dinosaur footprints**! - Rent a **bike or golf cart** to explore the islands at your own pace.  ### **3️⃣ Enjoy the Beaches 🏖️** - **Badel Beach** – A **Blue Flag beach**, great for families with **crystal-clear, shallow waters**. - **Pineta Beach** – A **peaceful, pine-shaded spot** with a mix of sand and pebbles. - **San Lorenzo Beach** – A scenic spot **perfect for sunset views over Brijuni**. ### **4️⃣ Try the Local Seafood 🍽️** - Fažana is known as **the "Sardine Capital of Istria"** – try **grilled sardines** with local wine. - Visit **Konoba Feral** or **Stara Konoba** for authentic Istrian seafood. - Pair your meal with **Istrian Malvazija wine**. ### **5️⃣ Visit the Sardine Park 🐟** - A **unique outdoor exhibition** dedicated to Fažana’s fishing traditions. - Learn about **the history of sardine fishing and processing** in Istria.  ### **6️⃣ Take a Day Trip to Pula 🏛️** - Just **15 minutes away**, Pula offers **Roman ruins, historic sites, and vibrant nightlife**. - Don’t miss the **Pula Arena, Temple of Augustus, and the lively Old Town**.  ## **🚗 How to Get to Fažana** ✈️ **By Air:** Pula Airport (PUY) is just **15 minutes away**. 🚘 **By Car:** - **From Pula:** ~15 min (8 km) - **From Rovinj:** ~35 min (30 km) - **From Zagreb:** ~3.5 hours (270 km) 🚌 **By Bus:** Regular buses run between **Pula and Fažana**. 🚢 **By Boat:** Ferries to **Brijuni National Park** depart from Fažana’s harbor. --- ## **💡 Tips for Visiting Fažana** ✅ **Best time to visit?** **May–September** for beach weather & Brijuni trips ☀️ ✅ **Try local olive oil** – Istria produces some of the **best olive oils in the world** 🫒 ✅ **Visit early for boat tickets to Brijuni** – They can sell out quickly in summer ⏳ ✅ **Perfect for a relaxing stay** – Less crowded than Pula but close to major attractions 🌊

@ 0f9da413:01bd07d7

ช่วงสัปดาห์ก่อน 21-30 มีนาคม 2568 ที่ผ่านมาส่วนตัวได้มีภาระกิจเดินทางไปปฏิบัติงานของสถานที่ทำงานและรวดไปเที่ยวส่วนตัว ในการเดินทางในครั้งนี้ภาระกิจหลักส่วนตัวอาจจะไปทำงานแต่หากมีการเดินทางแล้วผมมักจะชอบเดินทางไปพบปะชาว bitcoiner ชาวไทย หรือชาว #siamstr ตามสถานที่ต่างๆ อยู่เสมอตลอดช่วงระยะเวลาดังกล่าวส่วนตัวก็ได้เดินทางไปยังพื้นที่ดังนี้ - ชลบุรี (พัทยา) - เกาะช้าง (ตราด) - หาดใหญ่ (สงขลา) - เชียงใหม่ ซึ่งได้ตรวจเช็คแล้วในพื้นที่ดังกล่าวมีร้านรับ bitcoin อยู่และมีประสบการณ์ในแต่ละที่ที่แตกต่างกันออกไปซึ่งผมเองจะขอรัวิวการเดินทางดังกล่าวนี้ โดยอ้างอิงจากการตามรอยร้านที่รับชำระด้วย BTC ผ่าน BTC Map และจะมีบางร้านที่ไม่ได้อยู่ใน BTC Map ก็ขอรีวิวตามช่วงระยะเวลา Timeline ละกัน --- ### **Seeva Cafe Pattya**  ร้านชีวาคาเฟ่ ร้านตกแต่งในสไตล์ศิลปะและกาแฟในร้านมีโซนจำหน่ายขนมเค้กและอื่นๆ อีกด้วย มีต้นไม้ร่มรื่นและบรรยากาศค่อนข้างดีพอสมควร ท่านไหนอยากเดินทางไปจิบกาแฟเบาๆ นั่งทำงานพักผ่อนแถวพัทยาใต้ก็สามารถเดินทางไปแวะชิมกันได้ (รับบิทคอยด้วยนะ) สถานที่นี้ไม่ได้เสีย sats เนื่องจากมีเจ้าภาพเลี้ยง ขอบคุณครับ **Google Map**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZJNUGYiCgp1VTzGJ9 **BTC-Map:** None [image](https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/0f9da41389e1239d267c43105ecfc92273079e80c2d4b09e1d1e172701bd07d7/files/1743345791736-YAKIHONNES3.JPG)  --- ### **Piya Silapakan Museum of Art Pattaya** สถานที่ถัดมาเป็นหอศิลป์​ ปิยะศิลปาคารเป็นสถานที่ที่เก็บรวมรวมผลงานทางศิลปะต่างๆ ภาพวาดเสมือนจริงซึ่งแน่นอนว่าสามารถมาเรียน Workshop ทางด้านศิลปะได้แน่นอนว่าสามารถจ่ายด้วย Bitcoin Lightning ได้โดยผมเองก็ได้วาดศิลปะสีน้ำวาดบนกระเป๋าผ้า เอาจริงๆ ณ ตอนที่วาดนั้นแทบจะลืมเวลาและโพกัสกับสิ่งที่วาดอยู่ทำให้รู้สึกผ่อนคลายและวาดสิ่งต่างๆ เหมือนตอนสมัยเด็กๆ ซึ่งหากมีเวลาเพิ่มเติมผมเองก็อาจจะเจียดเวลาไปลองวาดศิลปะแลลอื่นๆ โดยที่ไม่ต้องให้ใครมาตัดสินใจ สวยไม่สวยอย่างไร ก็อยู่ที่เรา หลายครั้งเราชอบให้คนอื่นตัดสินใจเพื่อทำให้เรารู้สึกดี ลองมาที่นี้ดูสิแล้วคุณจะตัดสินใจด้วยตนเอง   อันนี้ผลงานส่วนตัวที่ได้ทำ แล้วแต่การจินตนาการของแต่ละท่านว่าสิ่งที่ผมวาดมันคืออะไรก็แล้วกัน  งานนี้หมดไปแล้ว 13,173 sats แวะมาเยี่ยมชมกันได้ที่พัทยา ชลบุรี :) **Google map**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mjMCdxEe36ra1jDF6 **BTC-Map:** None --- ### **Toffee Cake Pattaya** เป็นร้านสุดท้ายที่ได้ไปใช้งานชื้อขนมติดไม้ติดมือกลับไปยังที่พักก่อนส่วนตัวจะเดินทางต่อไป หมดไป 1,904 sats เหมาะสำหรับชื้อของฝากติดไม้ติดมือกลับบ้าน  **Google map**: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jqRyHTFzXVe6qYSv9 **BTC-Map:** https://btcmap.org/map?lat=12.9509827&long=100.8974009 หลังจากเดินทางพักที่พัทยาหนึ่งคืนก่อนเดินทางไปยังเกาะช้าง สรุปสถานที่พัทยานั้นหมดไปทั้งหมด 15,077 sats (คำนวนเงินอนาคตน่าจะ 15,077 usd กาวกันไว้ก่อน) สำหรับ Part 2 นั้นจะรีวิวร้านที่อยู่ในพื้นที่เกาะช้างซึ่งผมได้ตามรอยจาก BTC-Map จะเป็นอย่างไรเชิญติดตามครับ ขอบคุณครับ

@ 83279ad2:bd49240d

Test

@ 0b118e40:4edc09cb

There’s an African proverb that says, “*To get lost is to learn the way.*” Humans have always been explorers, searching for connection. To belong. To feel home. You can trace this instinct back to the start of our existence. Whether you start with Adam and Eve or the “Out of Africa” theory, the story is the same. We’ve always moved toward each other, building tribes and forming communities. But somewhere along the way, something broke. With the rise of empires and organized control, religion and politics divided us into bubbles. We were sorted, labeled, and often pitted against one another. While technology advanced, something fundamental was lost. Our ability to truly connect started to fade. Then came the internet, a modern-day Silk Road. It rekindled hope. Walls seemed to crumble, distances disappeared, and we dreamed of a truly connected world. For a time, it felt like the answer. And then it wasn’t. ### The history of Internet The story began around 1830s when Charles Babbage started working on his computer prototype but without moolah he couldn't continue. A century later, after WW2 in the 1950s, the US Department of Defense funded what became known as modern computing. Back then the military relied on systems like the Navajo Code Talkers. The indigenous code talkers were ingenious but operated under dangerous conditions, always on the frontlines. In 1969, ARPANET made a revolutionary breakthrough as it connected four university computers for the first time. It was a big deal. At that time, the internet was about openness. Researchers pushed for universal protocols. This gave rise to hacker culture that valued knowledge-sharing and keeping systems accessible to everyone. In the 80s, NSFNET (National Science Foundation ) expanded these connections but kept it strictly for academic use only. That caused massive dissatisfaction. Senator Al Gore pitched the concept of the “information superhighway,” to balance public access with private innovation. But by the 90s, the Clinton administration leaned into privatization. NSFNET’s infrastructure was completely handed off to private companies, and the internet grew into a commercial powerhouse. The good news is that everyone has internet access now. Bad news is that what started as something free from government and commercial control became completely dominated by both. ### Open source vs IP during the early internet days This part of the story is about Bill Gates and Marc Andreessen. Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web, but Marc saw the opportunity to make it user-friendly. He launched Netscape, an open-source browser. It drove the openness of internet culture. Netscape captured 90% of the market by giving its software away for free, and monetizing through other means. Then came along Bill Gates. Microsoft back then was known for its aggressive tactics to monopolize industries. Gates licensed Mosaic’s code, created Internet Explorer, and bundled it for free with Windows 95. He wasn’t shy about playing dirty, even formed exclusive contracts with manufacturers to block competitors. Even the Department of Justice tried to file an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, but by then, it was too late. Netscape’s market share crumbled, and its position in the industry eroded. Windows 95 brought the internet to the people globally, but it also closed it up. Marc Andreeson started with open source ideologies, but is now funding altcoin projects. ### The Californian ideology Around this time, the term “Californian Ideology” started floating around. It was an unusual mix of libertarianism, techno-utopianism, and countercultural ideals. A marriage of cultural bohemianism (hippies) with high-tech entrepreneurship (yuppies). This ideology fused left-wing values like freedom of expression and direct democracy with right-wing beliefs in free markets and minimal government interference. I absolutely love it. Ironically, the term “Californian Ideology” wasn’t coined as a compliment. Richard Barbrook and Andy Cameron used it to piss on these visionaries for romanticizing the idea that the internet must remain a lawless, egalitarian space. But many people loved and embraced the Californian ideology. Stewart Brand, who founded The Whole Earth Catalog, connected counterculture with early tech innovation. His work inspired people like Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. Steve Wozniak used to share Apple’s early schematics at the Homebrew Computer Club for feedback and collaboration. EBay’s founder Pierre Omidyar envisioned eBay as a libertarian experiment. He believed the “invisible hand” of the market would ensure fairness. But as eBay grew, fraud, disputes, and dissatisfaction among users forced Omidyar to introduce governance which contradicted his goals. And this story repeats itself over the years. Platforms begin with libertarian visions, but as they scale, real-world challenges emerge. Governance (government, corporate charters, advertisers, and investors) is introduced to address safety and trust issues. But they also chip away at the liberty the internet once promised. ### Can Nostr be the solution ? Yes. But to appreciate Nostr, let’s first understand how the internet works today. *(Note : I am no expert of this section but I'll try my best to explain)* The internet operates through four main layers: 1. Application Layer (where apps like browsers, Google, or Zoom live) 2. Transport Layer 3. Internet Layer 4. Network Access Layer Let’s use a simple example of searching “*Pink Panther*” on Google. **Step 1: The Application Layer** - You open your browser, type "Pink Panther," and hit search. This request is sent using HTTP/HTTPS (a protocol that formats the query and ensures it's secure). **Step 2: The Transport Layer** - Think of your search query as a letter being sent. The Transport Layer breaks it into smaller packets (like splitting a long letter into multiple envelopes). TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) ensures all packets arrive and reassemble in the correct order. **Step 3: The Internet Layer** - This layer acts like a postal service, assigning each device an address (IP address) to route the packets properly. Your device's IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10) and Google’s server IP (e.g., 142.250.72.238) help routers find the best path to deliver your packets. **Step 4: The Network Access Layer** - Finally, the Network Access Layer physically delivers the packets. These travel as electrical signals (over cables), radio waves (Wi-Fi), or light pulses (fiber optics). This is the act of moving envelopes via trucks, planes, or postal workers, just much faster. So how is data transmitted via Nostr ? ### Nostr’s architecture of the Internet Nostr reimagines the **Application Layer** while keeping the lower layers (Transport, Internet, and Network Access) largely unchanged. In the traditional internet stack, the Application Layer is where platforms like Google or Twitter operate. It’s also where most censorship occurs due to single point of failure (centralised servers). Nostr flips this model on its head. Technically, it’s like building a parallel internet that shares the same foundational layers but diverges at the top. To borrow from Robert Frost: ***"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—*** ***I took the one less traveled by,*** ***And that has made all the difference."*** For Nostr to fully realize its potential, it needs its **own ecosystem of apps**. Developers can build these tools within the Nostr protocol's framework Let’s say there is a search engine on Nostr called *Noogle.* Here’s how it works: When you type "*Pink Panther*" on Noogle, your query is sent to multiple relays (servers) simultaneously. Each relay processes or forwards the query and returns results based on the data it holds. As Nostr grows, the amount of information on relays will increase, giving Noogle more robust search results. But the biggest win is that compared to Google, Nostr's Noogle will have no ads, no surveillance, just pure, decentralized searching that respects your privacy. For the transport layer, Nostr still relies on TCP/IP but enhances it with privacy and efficiency. Encrypted messages and simplified protocols enable faster real-time communication. The rest of the layer remains unchanged. At its core, Nostr takes the internet back to its original ideals: open, uncensored, and decentralized. ### Why Nostr matters ? The internet we use today relies on centralized systems at the application layer. This creates a single point of failure where governments and corporations can control access, censor content, monitor activity, and even shut down entire platforms. For example, the Malaysian government once proposed routing all web traffic through a centralized system, claiming it was for "security" reasons. In reality, this action allow those in power to block access to specific content or platforms that might threaten their positions. Centralization weaponizes the internet. It turns what was meant to be a tool for connection and freedom into a mechanism for control and oppression. Let's look at DNS and ISPs as examples. DNS (Domain Name System) is like the phonebook of the internet. It helps translate website names (like example.com) into IP addresses so your browser can connect to them. ISPs (Internet Service Providers) are companies that give you access to the internet. Both are controlled by centralized entities. If a government gains control of either, it can block specific websites or even shut down internet access entirely. We've seen this happen repeatedly: * India’s internet shutdowns in regions like Kashmir * Turkey’s social media bans during political events * Ethiopia’s internet blackouts * China’s Great Firewall blocking major platforms like Google and Facebook * Even the US, where Edward Snowden revealed massive surveillance programs This is where Nostr comes in, as the antidote to centralized control. Instead of relying on centralized servers or platforms, Nostr creates a peer-to-peer network of independent relays. No single entity controls it. There is no central switch governments can flip to block access. If one relay is shut down, users simply connect to others in the network. Nostr’s decentralized design makes it: * Resistant to censorship: Governments cannot easily block or filter content. * Privacy-preserving: Users can communicate anonymously, even in heavily surveilled environments. * Resilient: With no single point of failure, the network keeps running, even under attack. And it gets better. Nostr can integrate with privacy tools like Tor to bypass restrictions entirely, making it nearly impossible for governments to stop. The internet has become a battlefield for control, but Nostr provides a way to reclaim digital freedom. It empowers people to build, connect, and share without fear of being silenced. ### How does Nostr overcome the "Californian Ideology" problems? The Californian Ideology seemed like the blueprint for a utopian internet, libertarian ideals wrapped in Silicon Valley innovation. But as centralized platforms scaled, cracks started to show. Challenges like trust, safety, and accessibility forced governance teams to step in and decide “what’s best for the people.” This resulted in platforms once built on ideals of freedom in becoming gatekeepers of control. Nostr breaks this cycle. How? **1. Trust issues **- With private keys, you control your identity and data. Moderation is decentralized. You can block or mute others at a personal level or through client tools, not by relying on a central authority. While this system needs refinement to be more user-friendly, it fundamentally shifts the power to users. **2. Funding Without Advertiser **- Nostr’s integration of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network eliminates reliance on advertisers or corporate sponsors. Bitcoin enables anyone to contribute without gatekeeping. As more people join and apps mature, this model only gets stronger. For now, we have good souls like Jack seeding it. **3. Resisting Government Control **- (refer to the above) Nostr avoids single points of attacks. ### So what is Nostr ? Nostr is internet The new internet. The open and free internet. ### What can you build on Nostr? Anything you have seen on the internet, you can recreate on Nostr. Anything you can imagine, you can bring to life here. It is a blank canvas for dreamers, builders, and changemakers. But the best part is this. You have Bitcoin as its financial backbone. This changes the game entirely. **And with new games, comes new rules. New vibes. New ways.** The way people use this new internet will be different from the traditional internet as control falls back to the people. With Bitcoin as the underlying backbone, the business models will be different. But there is more to it than just creating. There's that joy of creation, where we invite curiosity and inspire users to experience something new, something revolutionary. Have you watched [“The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch](https://youtu.be/ji5_MqicxSo)? He coined the term “head fake.” He taught his students programming, but not everyone was excited to learn programming. So he created fun projects and performances that pulled them in. The students had so much fun, they didn’t even realize they were learning to code. What you build on Nostr is that head fake. The apps and projects you create draw people in with fun and utility, subtly reminding them they have a right to their own voice and thoughts. The work you’re doing is so precious. When everything feels like doom and gloom, it’s these kinds of projects that give people hope. Through Nostr, you’re making a difference. One project, one connection at a time. ### The new Internet era Centralized systems, like empires of the past, eventually crumble under the weight of their control. Decentralization provides a different path. It is a modern revival of our primal instincts to explore, connect, and build tribes. By definition, Nostr is a protocol. I think more so, it's a philosophy. It challenges us to rethink how we share, communicate, and create. It is the internet as it was meant to be. Free, open, and governed by no one. The beauty of Nostr lies in its simplicity. It does not rely on massive infrastructure, corporate giants, or government oversight. It thrives on community, much like the early tribes that defined humanity. We have come full circle. From wandering continents to building roads, bridges, and networks, our journey has always been about connection and finding our tribe. As the African proverb reminds us, 'To get lost is to learn the way.' There is finally a way now. But at the end of the day, it’s entirely up to you what kind of world you want to be part of. Find your tribe. Build the future. Love them hard.

@ 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/929299

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/new-kycnot) The new website is finally live! I put in a lot of hard work over the past months on it. I'm proud to say that it's out now and it looks pretty cool, at least to me! ## Why rewrite it all? The old kycnot.me site was built using Python with Flask about two years ago. Since then, I've gained a lot more experience with Golang and coding in general. Trying to update that old codebase, which had a lot of *design flaws*, would have been a bad idea. It would have been like building on an *unstable foundation*. That's why I made the decision to rewrite the entire application. Initially, I chose to use SvelteKit with JavaScript. I did manage to create a stable site that looked similar to the new one, but it required Jav aScript to work. As I kept coding, I started feeling like I was repeating *"the Python mistake"*. I was writing the app in a language I wasn't very familiar with (just like when I was learning Python at that mom ent), and I wasn't happy with the code. It felt like *spaghetti code* all the time. So, I made a complete U-turn and started over, this time using Golang. While I'm not as proficient in Golang as I am in Python now, I find it to be a *very enjoyable language* to code with. Most aof my recent pr ojects have been written in Golang, and I'm getting the hang of it. I tried to make the best decisions I could and *structure the code* as well as possible. Of course, there's still *room for improvement*, which I'll address in future updates. Now I have a more *maintainable website* that can *scale* much better. It uses a *real database* instead of a JSON file like the old site, and I can add many more features. Since I chose to go with Golang, I mad e the "tradeoff" of not using JavaScript at all, so all the rendering load falls on the server. But I believe it's a tradeoff that's worth it. ## What's new - **UI/UX** - I've designed a new logo and color palette for kycnot.me. I think it looks pretty cool and cypherpunk. I am not a graphic designer, but I think I did a decent work and I put a lot of thinking on it to make it pleasant! - **Point system** - The new [point system](https://kycnot.me/about#what-is-a-point) provides more detailed information about the listings, and **can** be expanded to cover additional features across all services. Anyone can request a new **point**! - **ToS Scrapper**: I've implemented a powerful automated terms-of-service scrapper that collects all the ToS pages from the listings. It saves you from the hassle of reading the ToS by listing the lines that are suspiciously related to KYC/AML practices. This is still in development and it will improve for sure, but it works pretty fine right now! - **Search bar** - The new search bar allows you to easily filter services. It performs a full-text search on the Title, Description, Category, and Tags of all the services. Looking for VPN services? Just search for "vpn"! - **Transparency** - To be more [transparent](https://beta.kycnot.me/about#transparency), all discussions about services now take place publicly on GitLab. I won't be answering any e-mails (an auto-reply will prompt to write to the corresponding Gitlab issue). This ensures that all service-related matters are publicly accessible and recorded. Additionally, there's a real-time [audits](https://beta.kycnot.me/about#audit) page that displays database changes. - **Listing Requests** - I have upgraded the request system. The new form allows you to directly request services or points without any extra steps. In the future, I plan to enable requests for specific changes to parts of the website. - **Lightweight and fast** - The new site is lighter and faster than its predecessor! - **Tor and I2P** - At last! kycnot.me is now officially on [Tor and I2P](https://beta.kycnot.me/about#tor-and-i2p)! ## How? This rewrite has been a labor of love, in the end, I've been working on this for more than 3 months now. I don't have a team, so I work by myself on my free time, but I find great joy in helping people on their private journey with cryptocurrencies. Making it easier for individuals to use cryptocurrencies **without KYC** is a goal I am proud of! If you appreciate [my work](https://kycnot.me/about#about), you can support me through the methods listed [here](https://kycnot.me/about#support). Alternatively, feel free to send me an email with a kind message! ### Technical details All the code is written in [Golang](https://go.dev), the website makes use of the [chi](https://go-chi.io) router for the routing part. I also make use of [BigCache](https://github.com/allegro/bigcache) for caching database requests. There is 0 JavaScript, so all the rendering load falls on the server, this means it needed to be efficient enough to not drawn with a few users since the old site was reporting about **2M** requests per month on average (note that this are not unique users). The database is running with [mariadb](https://mariadb.org/), using [gorm](https://gorm.io) as the ORM. This is more than enough for this project. I started working with an `sqlite` database, but I ended up migrating to **mariadb** since it works better with JSON. The scraper is using [chromedp](https://github.com/chromedp/chromedp) combined with a series of keywords, regex and other logic. It runs every 24h and scraps all the services. You can find the scraper code [here](https://gitlab.com/kycnot/kycnot.me/-/tree/main/scraper). The frontend is written using **Golang Templates** for the HTML, and [TailwindCSS](https://tailwindcss.com/) plus [DaisyUI](https://daisyui.com) for the CSS classes framework. I also use some plain CSS, but it's minimal. The requests forms is the only part of the project that requires JavaScript to be enabled. It is needed for parsing some from fields that are a bit complex and for the *"captcha"*, which is a simple *Proof of Work* that runs on your browser, destinated to avoid spam. For this, I use [mCaptcha](https://mcaptcha.org/).

@ 21c9f12c:75695e59

This guy was in my dad's building. A reminder of the importance of balance in our lives. We all have good and bad experiences in life. What matters is how you choose to handle them and balance yourself on the narrow path. Our paths in life have many possible turns, some take us closer to our ultimate reality while others might lead us astray for a bit. No matter which path you choose the important thing is to keep your balance and footing and not be swept away in the breeze. You can always find your way back to your center and work your way back out from there. There is seldom a straight path in this life that will take you directly to your ultimate reality, make your way as you will and you'll find that you have what you need when you need it. Ultimately we are all connected in ways we may never understand. The web of reality is so complex and woven with such precision that we need not try to understand why things are the way they are but accept that they are and move along our path doing our best to help others along the way when possible and accept help from those offering it. The path we take is strengthened and preserved when we follow it with love in our hearts. In this way we can leave a beacon to guide others on their way. My dad left a lot of love on his path. He has guided so many people whether he realized it or not. His guidance of my path has made me who I am today and I am so proud to say that. His love and light shines bright ahead of me and my path is made so much clearer by the love I received and will continue to receive from him. This is more than just a spider in a building, it is a reminder that all will be well and we will find our balance and continue along our path with the light and love dad has placed on the web of life for us to follow. Peace and love to everyone and may you all find your balance and continue on your path in the light and love that has been placed there for you by those who have gone before.

@ 878dff7c:037d18bc

## Business Leaders Warn of Economic Risks from Potential Minority Government ### Summary: Australian business leaders are expressing deep concerns about the possibility of a minority government influenced by the Greens or independent "teal" candidates after the upcoming May federal election. CEOs such as Graham Turner, Chris Garnaut, and Bruce Mathieson warn that such a government could lead to policy instability, hinder long-term economic planning, and negatively impact Australia's global competitiveness. Key issues highlighted include the cost of living, housing supply, and the need for comprehensive economic reforms to stimulate consumer confidence and productivity. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-leaders-fret-about-minority-government-deals-as-an-economic-disaster-in-the-making/news-story/a6273a5dcdf2c1eb3fa5a2a766066cd0" target="_blank">The Australian - March 31, 2025</a> ## Forecasted Decline in Australia's Resource and Energy Export Earnings ### Summary: The Australian government projects a 6% decrease in mining and energy export earnings for the financial year ending in June, attributing the decline to lower U.S. dollar prices for these exports. Earnings are expected to fall to A$387 billion from A$415 billion the previous year. This trend is anticipated to continue over the next five years, stabilizing at A$343 billion. Factors contributing to this decline include normalizing energy export values after recent peaks and reduced demand from China, particularly affecting iron ore exports. Sources: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/australia-forecasts-hit-resource-energy-export-earnings-lower-us-dollar-2025-03-30/" target="_blank">Reuters - March 31, 2025</a> ## Devastating Queensland Floods Expected to Persist for Weeks ### Summary: Queensland is experiencing severe flooding due to record-breaking rains exceeding 650mm, submerging entire communities like Adavale and Jundah. Swiftwater crews have conducted over 40 rescues, and major flood warnings remain across inland Queensland. The floods have damaged energy infrastructure, leaving around 300 homes without power. Livestock losses may reach up to a million, with farmers facing significant property damage and urging government and military assistance. Efforts to restore power are underway but depend on weather conditions. Additional rainfall is forecast for the coming week, potentially prolonging the flooding for days, if not weeks. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/weather/qld-weather-outback-flooding-to-persist-for-days-if-not-weeks/news-story/2efc920a2a222f2c3156a9c3612e9b2a" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - 31 March 2025</a> ## Western NSW Towns Brace for Six Weeks of Isolation Due to Floods ### Summary: A dynamic weather system has caused significant rainfall and flooding along the Paroo and Warrego Rivers, isolating communities in western NSW. The State Emergency Service (SES) has issued 46 warnings, urging residents to prepare for up to six weeks of isolation. Flash flooding, mainly due to water from Queensland, is a major concern, prompting 19 SES flood rescues and 586 emergency responses in the past 24 hours. In Taree, 22 people are surrounded by floodwater and are being rescued. An elderly man is missing after being washed away in floodwaters. The NSW SES advises residents to stay updated via their website or the Hazards Near Me app. Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/a-low-pressure-system-and-extc-whip-up-storms-and-wild-weather-across-australia/news-story/febbde20ce68b0e5bb6e15dd3de8f6a1" target="_blank">News.com.au - 31 March 2025</a> ## Albanese Abandons Energy Bill Reduction Modelling ### Summary: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has distanced himself from earlier modelling that supported the promise to cut power bills by $378 by 2030 and reduce emissions by 43%. He attributes the failure to achieve $275 reductions in power bills by 2025 to international factors, including the Ukraine war. This move has drawn criticism from both the Coalition and the Greens, who accuse the government of not effectively addressing power prices and emissions reduction. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/anthony-albanese-abandons-modelling-underpinning-labors-energy-and-climate-agenda/news-story/2b75da5a71e8ddff7c393ae56db08cfe" target="_blank">The Australian - March 31, 2025</a> ## Albanese Seeks Direct Talks with Trump on Tariffs ### Summary: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese anticipates a direct discussion with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding impending tariffs, as Washington prepares to announce new trade measures on April 2. There are concerns that Australia could be affected by this escalation in the global trade conflict. Albanese has emphasized his government's constructive engagement with U.S. officials on this issue and looks forward to a one-on-one conversation with President Trump. Sources: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/australias-albanese-expects-one-on-one-discussion-with-trump-tariffs-2025-03-30/" target="_blank">Reuters - March 31, 2025</a> ## Queensland Government Expands 'Adult Time, Adult Crime' Laws ### Summary: The Queensland state government plans to introduce at least a dozen new offenses to the Making Queensland Safer Laws, including rape, aggravated attempted robbery, attempted murder, arson, and torture. These changes will enable the judiciary to treat juvenile offenders as adults for severe crimes. Despite criticism over the delayed inclusion of attempted murder, Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber defended the sequence and content of the initial changes. The full list of offenses will be unveiled later this week. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/secrecy-shrouds-new-additions-to-adult-time-adult-crime-laws/news-story/cca5b2f49a5a645bdaae882187fc79da" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - March 30, 2025</a> ## Labor Government Proposes Ban on Supermarket Price Gouging ### Summary: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that a re-elected Labor government would introduce legislation to outlaw supermarket price gouging by the end of the year. The plan includes implementing Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) recommendations to enhance price transparency and establishing a task force to advise on an "excessive pricing regime" for supermarkets, with potential heavy fines for violators. Opposition leader Peter Dutton criticized the approach as ineffective, suggesting it was merely a "wet lettuce" move. Critics from both sides called for tougher measures to combat supermarket dominance and protect consumers. Sources: <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/mar/29/labor-promises-price-gouging-crack-down-on-supermarkets" target="_blank">The Guardian - March 29, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/federal-election/anthony-albanese-declares-war-on-supermarket-pricegouging-promising-to-make-it-illegal/news-story/626425388f45ec44059ecc8854734ab5" target="_blank">News.com.au - March 30, 2025</a> ## Coles Expands Recall on Spinach Products Due to Contamination ### Summary: Coles has extended its recall of various spinach products across multiple regions, including New South Wales and Victoria, due to potential microbial contamination. Customers are advised not to consume the affected products and can return them to any Coles store for a full refund. The recall applies to items purchased between March 20 and March 29, with use-by dates up to April 9.​ Sources: <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/food-warnings/salad-leaf-recall-extended-to-products-across-australia-as-coles-pulls-products-from-shelves/news-story/cbb2ef70f2452f4446eb5a9899113369" target="_blank">News.com.au - March 31, 2025</a> ## 66-Year-Old Man Rescued After Five Days Stranded in Australian Outback ### Summary: Tony Woolford, a 66-year-old Australian man, was rescued after being stranded for five days in the flood-hit Munga-Thirri Simpson Desert. Woolford's vehicle was immobilized by rising floodwaters, and with no phone service, he survived by harvesting rainwater and using a high-frequency radio to communicate with volunteers. Authorities were notified on March 23, and he was rescued on March 26 in stable condition and high spirits. Despite the ordeal, Woolford plans to return to the outback to retrieve his car and continue his exploration once conditions improve. Sources: <a href="https://people.com/man-saved-rising-flood-water-alone-australian-outback-11704149" target="_blank">People - March 28, 2025</a> ## US Tariffs and Australia's Response ### Summary: Former US trade negotiator Ralph Ives asserts that the US-Australia Free-Trade Agreement has ensured fair reciprocity for two decades, suggesting that President Donald Trump should not impose reciprocal tariffs on Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese anticipates a direct discussion with President Trump regarding these tariffs, expressing concern over potential impacts on Australian exports. Sources: <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/lead-us-fta-negotiators-oppose-reciprocal-tariffs-on-australia/news-story/e0857b7d3a5354c6368da5930581be1e" target="_blank">The Australian - March 31, 2025</a>, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/australias-albanese-expects-one-on-one-discussion-with-trump-tariffs-2025-03-30/" target="_blank">Reuters - March 31, 2025</a> ## Controversial Genetically Modified Mosquito Plan Monitored Amid Backlash ### Summary: The Queensland government is set to monitor a proposal by Oxitec Australia to release genetically modified mosquitoes aimed at reducing disease transmission. Despite community opposition and concerns about environmental and health risks, supporters argue the initiative could combat diseases like dengue and Zika. Public consultations have been delayed due to significant interest and debate continues over the plan's potential impacts. Sources: <a href="https://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/pets-and-wildlife/qld-government-to-monitor-oxitecs-gm-mozzies-plan-after-community-backlash/news-story/04c5586ea500db3634ff79524fd923c7" target="_blank">The Courier-Mail - March 26, 2025</a> ## Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong: You're Being Lied to About Cancer, How It's Caused, and How to Stop It ### Summary: In this episode of The Tucker Carlson Show, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a renowned physician and entrepreneur, discusses misconceptions surrounding cancer, its origins, and potential treatments. He emphasizes the complexity of cancer, noting that it's not a single disease but a collection of related diseases requiring varied approaches. Dr. Soon-Shiong highlights the role of the immune system in combating cancer and advocates for treatments that bolster immune responses rather than solely relying on traditional methods like chemotherapy. He also addresses the importance of early detection and personalized medicine in improving patient outcomes. Sources: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/1R8wy3BlEYXcQbNEO5EhVI" target="_blank">The Tucker Carlson Show - March 31, 2025</a>

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/website-updates) Over the past few months, I've dedicated my time to a complete rewrite of the kycnot.me website. The technology stack remains unchanged; Golang paired with TailwindCSS. However, I've made some design choices in this iteration that I believe significantly enhance the site. Particularly to backend code. ## UI Improvements You'll notice a refreshed UI that retains the original concept but has some notable enhancements. The service list view is now more visually engaging, it displays additional information in a more aesthetically pleasing manner. Both filtering and searching functionalities have been optimized for speed and user experience. Service pages have been also redesigned to highlight key information at the top, with the KYC Level box always accessible. The display of service attributes is now more visually intuitive. The request form, especially the Captcha, has undergone substantial improvements. The new self-made Captcha is robust, addressing the reliability issues encountered with the previous version. ## Terms of Service Summarizer A significant upgrade is the Terms of Service summarizer/reviewer, now powered by AI (GPT-4-turbo). It efficiently condenses each service's ToS, extracting and presenting critical points, including any warnings. Summaries are updated monthly, processing over 40 ToS pages via the OpenAI API using a self-crafted and thoroughly tested prompt. ## Nostr Comments I've integrated a comment section for each service using [Nostr](https://usenostr.org). For guidance on using this feature, visit the [dedicated how-to page](https://kycnot.me/nostr). ## Database The backend database has transitioned to [pocketbase](https://pocketbase.io), an open-source Golang backend that has been a pleasure to work with. I maintain an updated fork of the Golang SDK for pocketbase at [pluja/pocketbase](https://github.com/pluja/pocketbase). ## Scoring The scoring algorithm has also been refined to be more fair. Despite I had considered its removal due to the complexity it adds (it is very difficult to design a fair scoring system), some users highlighted its value, so I kept it. The updated algorithm is available [open source](https://codeberg.org/pluja/kycnot.me). ## Listings Each listing has been re-evaluated, and the ones that were no longer operational were removed. New additions are included, and the backlog of pending services will be addressed progressively, since I still have access to the old database. ## API The API now offers more comprehensive data. For more details, [check here](https://kycnot.me/about#api). ## About Page The About page has been restructured for brevity and clarity. ## Other Changes Extensive changes have been implemented in the server-side logic, since the whole code base was re-written from the ground up. I may discuss these in a future post, but for now, I consider the current version to be just a bit beyond beta, and additional updates are planned in the coming weeks.

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/wizardswap-review) I'm launching a new service review section on this blog in collaboration with [OrangeFren](https://orangefren.com). These reviews are sponsored, yet the sponsorship does not influence the outcome of the evaluations. Reviews are done in advance, then, the service provider has the discretion to approve publication without modifications. Sponsored reviews are independent from the kycnot.me list, being only part of the blog. The reviews have no impact on the scores of the listings or their continued presence on the list. Should any issues arise, I will not hesitate to remove any listing. --- ## The review [WizardSwap](https://kycnot.me/service/wizardswap) is an instant exchange centred around privacy coins. It was launched in 2020 making it old enough to have weathered the 2021 bull run and the subsequent bearish year. | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Tor-friendly | Limited liquidity | | Guarantee of no KYC | Overly simplistic design | | Earn by providing liquidity | | **Rating**: ★★★★★ **Service Website**: [wizardswap.io](https://www.wizardswap.io/) ### Liquidity Right off the bat, we'll start off by pointing out that WizardSwap relies on its own liquidity reserves, meaning they aren't just a reseller of Binance or another exchange. They're also committed to a no-KYC policy, when asking them, they even promised they would rather refund a user their original coins, than force them to undergo any sort of verification. On the one hand, full control over all their infrastructure gives users the most privacy and conviction about the KYC policies remaining in place. On the other hand, this means the liquidity available for swapping isn't huge. At the time of testing we could only purchase at most about 0.73 BTC with XMR. It's clear the team behind WizardSwap is aware of this shortfall and so they've come up with a solution unique among instant exchanges. They let you, the user, deposit any of the currencies they support into your account and earn a profit on the trades made using your liquidity. ### Trading Fees on WizardSwap are middle-of-the-pack. The normal fee is 2.2%. That's more than some exchanges that reserve the right to suddenly demand you undergo verification, yet less than half the fees on some other privacy-first exchanges. However as we mentioned in the section above you can earn almost all of that fee (2%) if you provide liquidity to WizardSwap. It's good that with the current Bitcoin fee market their fees are constant regardless of how much, or how little, you send. This is in stark contrast with some of the alternative swap providers that will charge you a massive premium when attempting to swap small amounts of BTC away. ### Test trades > Test trades are always performed without previous notice to the service provider. During our testing we performed a few test trades and found that every single time WizardSwap immediately detected the incoming transaction and the amount we received was _exactly_ what was quoted before depositing. The fees were inline with what WizardSwap advertises.  - [Monero payment proof](https://www.exploremonero.com/receipt/bd7d6fe81b1e6ba6a89505752ea3688a6fed3920202e513e309d37bc3aebff34/8AFcX8TNnrCHmKqyaZGUYSCdjKrYgqNyLSkksFhwZGaXHsrBCUxqHGjCL6aVUb87QcYLzRXKYBGuYME6t5MBQu1u7LHRztK/2b0442aa2c31c3715da1b485f407e01ca43db74fef7d9ce54ddb69452f15120d) - [Bitcoin received](https://mempool.space/address/bc1qjqtyzav6dtly4vu9qr9qylf6vrqkhhlrsqnq2u) - [Wizardswap TX link](https://www.wizardswap.io/id=87MVUQ7F) - it's possible that this link may cease to be valid at some point in the future. ### **ToS and KYC** WizardSwap does not have a Terms of Service or a Privacy Policy page, at least none that can be found by users. Instead, they offer a FAQ section where they addresses some basic questions. The site does not mention any KYC or AML practices. It also does not specify how refunds are handled in case of failure. However, based on the FAQ section "What if I send funds after the offer expires?" it can be inferred that contacting support is necessary and network fees will be deducted from any refund. ### UI & Tor WizardSwap can be visited both via your usual browser and Tor Browser. Should you decide on the latter you'll find that the website works even with the most strict settings available in the Tor Browser (meaning no JavaScript). However, when disabling Javascript you'll miss the live support chat, as well as automatic refreshing of the trade page. The lack of the first means that you will have no way to contact support from the trade page if anything goes wrong during your swap, although you can do so by mail. One important thing to have in mind is that if you were to accidentally close the browser during the swap, and you did not save the swap ID or your browser history is disabled, you'll have no easy way to return to the trade. For this reason we suggest when you begin a trade to copy the url or ID to someplace safe, before sending any coins to WizardSwap. The UI you'll be greeted by is simple, minimalist, and easy to navigate. It works well not just across browsers, but also across devices. You won't have any issues using this exchange on your phone. ### Getting in touch The team behind WizardSwap appears to be most active on X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/WizardSwap_io If you have any comments or suggestions about the exchange make sure to reach out to them. In the past they've been very receptive to user feedback, for instance a few months back WizardSwap was planning on removing DeepOnion, but the community behind that project got together [^1] and after reaching out WizardSwap reversed their decision [^2]. You can also contact them via email at: `support @ wizardswap . io` ### Disclaimer *None of the above should be understood as investment or financial advice. The views are our own only and constitute a faithful representation of our experience in using and investigating this exchange. This review is not a guarantee of any kind on the services rendered by the exchange. Do your own research before using any service.* [^1]: https://deeponion.org/community/threads/wizardswap-io-news.46713/ [^2]: https://twitter.com/WizardSwap_io/status/1732814285242290380

@ 3514ac1b:cf164691

hi , My name is Erna and i hope this articles find you well. hmm what i like to talked about today is how i dislike my my black coffee getting cold . it is happened almost everyday . here is my morning flow : wake up brush teeth and make my self ready make coffee ( boiled water ) in meantime switch on my computer reading news , things ( water allready boiled ) get my coffee and put my coffee on the side of my computer keep reading and social media 1 hour later coffee get cold meeeh i need to drink this everyday . so which of thos work flow is wrong ? am i doing it wrong ? suggested me a good morning routine so my coffee still hot when i drink it .

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/monero-history) Bitcoin enthusiasts frequently and correctly remark how much value it adds to Bitcoin not to have a face, a leader, or a central authority behind it. This particularity means there isn't a single person to exert control over, or a single human point of failure who could become corrupt or harmful to the project. Because of this, it is said that no other coin can be equally valuable as Bitcoin in terms of decentralization and trustworthiness. Bitcoin is unique not just for being first, but also because of how the events behind its inception developed. This implies that, from Bitcoin onwards, any coin created would have been created by someone, consequently having an authority behind it. For this and some other reasons, some people refer to Bitcoin as "[The Immaculate Conception](https://yewtu.be/watch?v=FXvQcuIb5rU)". While other coins may have their own unique features and advantages, they may not be able to replicate Bitcoin's community-driven nature. However, one other cryptocurrency shares a similar story of mystery behind its creation: **Monero**. ## History of Monero ### Bytecoin and CryptoNote In March 2014, a Bitcointalk thread titled "*Bytecoin. Secure, private, untraceable since 2012*" was initiated by a user under the nickname "**DStrange**"[^1^]. DStrange presented Bytecoin (BCN) as a unique cryptocurrency, in operation since July 2012. Unlike Bitcoin, it employed a new algorithm known as CryptoNote. DStrange apparently stumbled upon the Bytecoin website by chance while mining a dying bitcoin fork, and decided to create a thread on Bitcointalk[^1^]. This sparked curiosity among some users, who wondered how could Bytecoin remain unnoticed since its alleged launch in 2012 until then[^2^] [^3^]. Some time after, a user brought up the "CryptoNote v2.0" whitepaper for the first time, underlining its innovative features[^4^]. Authored by the pseudonymous **Nicolas van Saberhagen** in October 2013, the CryptoNote v2 whitepaper[^5^] highlighted the traceability and privacy problems in Bitcoin. Saberhagen argued that these flaws could not be quickly fixed, suggesting it would be more efficient to start a new project rather than trying to patch the original[^5^], an statement simmilar to the one from Satoshi Nakamoto[^6^]. Checking with Saberhagen's digital signature, the release date of the whitepaper seemed correct, which would mean that Cryptonote (v1) was created in 2012[^7^] [^8^], although there's an important detail: *"Signing time is from the clock on the signer's computer"* [^9^]. Moreover, the whitepaper v1 contains a footnote link to a Bitcointalk post dated May 5, 2013[^10^], making it impossible for the whitepaper to have been signed and released on December 12, 2012. As the narrative developed, users discovered that a significant **80% portion of Bytecoin had been pre-mined**[^11^] and blockchain dates seemed to be faked to make it look like it had been operating since 2012, leading to controversy surrounding the project. The origins of CryptoNote and Bytecoin remain mysterious, leaving suspicions of a possible scam attempt, although the whitepaper had a good amount of work and thought on it. ### The fork In April 2014, the Bitcointalk user **`thankful_for_today`**, who had also participated in the Bytecoin thread[^12^], announced plans to launch a Bytecoin fork named **Bitmonero**[^13^] [^14^]. The primary motivation behind this fork was *"Because there is a number of technical and marketing issues I wanted to do differently. And also because I like ideas and technology and I want it to succeed"*[^14^]. This time Bitmonero did things different from Bytecoin: there was no premine or instamine, and no portion of the block reward went to development. However, thankful_for_today proposed controversial changes that the community disagreed with. **Johnny Mnemonic** relates the events surrounding Bitmonero and thankful_for_today in a Bitcointalk comment[^15^]: > When thankful_for_today launched BitMonero [...] he ignored everything that was discussed and just did what he wanted. The block reward was considerably steeper than what everyone was expecting. He also moved forward with 1-minute block times despite everyone's concerns about the increase of orphan blocks. He also didn't address the tail emission concern that should've (in my opinion) been in the code at launch time. Basically, he messed everything up. *Then, he disappeared*. After disappearing for a while, thankful_for_today returned to find that the community had taken over the project. Johnny Mnemonic continues: > I, and others, started working on new forks that were closer to what everyone else was hoping for. [...] it was decided that the BitMonero project should just be taken over. There were like 9 or 10 interested parties at the time if my memory is correct. We voted on IRC to drop the "bit" from BitMonero and move forward with the project. Thankful_for_today suddenly resurfaced, and wasn't happy to learn the community had assumed control of the coin. He attempted to maintain his own fork (still calling it "BitMonero") for a while, but that quickly fell into obscurity. The unfolding of these events show us the roots of Monero. Much like Satoshi Nakamoto, the creators behind CryptoNote/Bytecoin and thankful_for_today remain a mystery[^17^] [^18^], having disappeared without a trace. This enigma only adds to Monero's value. Since community took over development, believing in the project's potential and its ability to be guided in a better direction, Monero was given one of Bitcoin's most important qualities: **a leaderless nature**. With no single face or entity directing its path, Monero is safe from potential corruption or harm from a "central authority". The community continued developing Monero until today. Since then, Monero has undergone a lot of technological improvements, migrations and achievements such as [RingCT](https://www.getmonero.org/resources/moneropedia/ringCT.html) and [RandomX](https://github.com/tevador/randomx). It also has developed its own [Community Crowdfundinc System](https://ccs.getmonero.org/), conferences such as [MoneroKon](https://monerokon.org/) and [Monerotopia](https://monerotopia.com/) are taking place every year, and has a very active [community](https://www.getmonero.org/community/hangouts/) around it. > Monero continues to develop with goals of privacy and security first, ease of use and efficiency second. [^16^] This stands as a testament to the power of a dedicated community operating without a central figure of authority. This decentralized approach aligns with the original ethos of cryptocurrency, making Monero a prime example of community-driven innovation. For this, I thank all the people involved in Monero, that lead it to where it is today. *If you find any information that seems incorrect, unclear or any missing important events, please [contact me](https://kycnot.me/about#contact) and I will make the necessary changes.* ### Sources of interest * https://forum.getmonero.org/20/general-discussion/211/history-of-monero * https://monero.stackexchange.com/questions/852/what-is-the-origin-of-monero-and-its-relationship-to-bytecoin * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monero * https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=583449.0 * https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=563821.0 * https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?action=profile;u=233561 * https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.0 * https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=740112.0 * https://monero.stackexchange.com/a/1024 * https://inspec2t-project.eu/cryptocurrency-with-a-focus-on-anonymity-these-facts-are-known-about-monero/ * https://medium.com/coin-story/coin-perspective-13-riccardo-spagni-69ef82907bd1 * https://www.getmonero.org/resources/about/ * https://www.wired.com/2017/01/monero-drug-dealers-cryptocurrency-choice-fire/ * https://www.monero.how/why-monero-vs-bitcoin * https://old.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/u8e5yr/satoshi_nakamoto_talked_about_privacy_features/ [^1^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.0 [^2^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg5901770#msg5901770 [^3^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg5950051#msg5950051 [^4^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg5953783#msg5953783 [^5^]: https://bytecoin.org/old/whitepaper.pdf [^6^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=770.msg8637#msg8637 [^7^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg7039536#msg7039536 [^8^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg7039689#msg7039689 [^9^]: https://i.stack.imgur.com/qtJ43.png [^10^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=740112 [^11^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg6265128#msg6265128 [^12^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg5711328#msg5711328 [^13^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=512747.msg6146717#msg6146717 [^14^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=563821.0 [^15^]: https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=583449.msg10731078#msg10731078 [^16^]: https://www.getmonero.org/resources/about/ [^17^]: https://old.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/lz2e5v/going_deep_in_the_cryptonote_rabbit_hole_who_was/ [^18^]: https://old.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/oxpimb/is_there_any_evidence_that_thankful_for_today/

@ bcb80417:14548905

President Donald Trump's recent policy initiatives have significantly impacted the cryptocurrency landscape, reflecting his administration's commitment to fostering innovation and positioning the United States as a global leader in digital assets. A cornerstone of this approach is the aggressive deregulation agenda aimed at reversing many policies from the previous administration. Key areas of focus include slashing environmental regulations, easing bank oversight, and removing barriers to cryptocurrencies. The Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, announced 31 deregulatory actions in a single day, underscoring the breadth of these efforts. This push has led to rapid growth in the crypto industry, with increased investment and activity following the administration's moves to ease restrictions. citeturn0news10 In line with this deregulatory stance, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently hosted its inaugural public meeting of the crypto task force. Led by Republican SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, the task force is exploring the applicability of securities laws to digital assets and considering whether new regulatory frameworks are necessary. This initiative reflects a shift in regulatory approach under President Trump, who has pledged to reverse the previous administration's crackdown on crypto firms. citeturn0news11 Further demonstrating his support for the crypto industry, President Trump announced the inclusion of five cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple (XRP), Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA)—into a proposed "crypto strategic reserve." This move led to significant price surges for these assets, highlighting the market's responsiveness to policy decisions. citeturn0search0 The administration's commitment extends to the development of stablecoins. World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency venture established by Donald Trump and his sons, plans to launch a stablecoin called USD1. This stablecoin will be entirely backed by U.S. treasuries, dollars, and cash equivalents, aiming to provide a reliable medium for cross-border transactions by sovereign investors and major institutions. The USD1 token will be issued on the Ethereum network and a blockchain developed by Binance. citeturn0news13 In the financial sector, Trump Media & Technology Group Corp. is collaborating with Crypto.com to introduce "Made in America" exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focusing on digital assets and securities. This initiative aligns with President Trump's pro-cryptocurrency stance and his ambition to make the U.S. a global crypto hub. The ETFs, supported by Crypto.com, will feature a combination of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and are slated to launch later this year. citeturn0news12 These policy directions underscore President Trump's dedication to integrating cryptocurrencies into the national economic framework. By establishing strategic reserves, promoting stablecoins, and facilitating crypto-focused financial products, the administration aims to position the United States at the forefront of the digital asset revolution. However, these initiatives are not without challenges. While deregulation has boosted investor confidence and stock prices, concerns arise regarding potential economic implications. The Federal Reserve warns that certain policies may lead to higher prices and adversely affect investment and growth. Additionally, the administrative and legal complexities of implementing widespread deregulation present further challenges, including potential staff cuts at agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and legal challenges to some of the administration's actions. citeturn0news10 In summary, President Trump's recent policies reflect a strategic embrace of cryptocurrencies, aiming to foster innovation, attract investment, and establish the United States as a leader in the digital asset space. While these efforts present opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement, they also necessitate careful consideration of regulatory and economic impacts to ensure balanced and sustainable development in the crypto sector. ![]()![]()

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/diy-seed-backup) I've been thinking about how to improve my seed backup in a cheap and cool way, mostly for fun. Until now, I had the seed written on a piece of paper in a desk drawer, and I wanted something more durable and fire-proof. [Show me the final result!](#the-final-result) After searching online, I found two options I liked the most: the [Cryptosteel](https://cryptosteel.com/) Capsule and the [Trezor Keep](https://trezor.io/trezor-keep-metal). These products are nice but quite expensive, and I didn't want to spend that much on my seed backup. **Privacy** is also important, and sharing details like a shipping address makes me uncomfortable. This concern has grown since the Ledger incident[^1]. A $5 wrench attack[^2] seems too cheap, even if you only hold a few sats. Upon seeing the design of Cryptosteel, I considered creating something similar at home. Although it may not be as cool as their device, it could offer almost the same in terms of robustness and durability. ## Step 1: Get the materials and tools When choosing the materials, you will want to go with **stainless steel**. It is durable, resistant to fire, water, and corrosion, very robust, and does not rust. Also, its price point is just right; it's not the cheapest, but it's cheap for the value you get.  I went to a material store and bought: - Two bolts - Two hex nuts and head nuts for the bolts - A bag of 30 washers All items were made of stainless steel. The total price was around **€6**. This is enough for making two seed backups. You will also need: - A set of metal letter stamps (I bought a 2mm-size letter kit since my washers were small, 6mm in diameter) - You can find these in local stores or online marketplaces. The set I bought cost me €13. - A good hammer - A solid surface to stamp on Total spent: **19€** for two backups ## Step 2: Stamp and store Once you have all the materials, you can start stamping your words. There are many videos on the internet that use fancy 3D-printed tools to get the letters nicely aligned, but I went with the free-hand option. The results were pretty decent.  I only stamped the first 4 letters for each word since the BIP-39 wordlist allows for this. Because my stamping kit did not include numbers, I used alphabet letters to define the order. This way, if all the washers were to fall off, I could still reassemble the seed correctly. ## The final result So this is the final result. I added two smaller washers as protection and also put the top washer reversed so the letters are not visible:  Compared to the Cryptosteel or the Trezor Keep, its size is much more compact. This makes for an easier-to-hide backup, in case you ever need to hide it inside your human body. ## Some ideas ### Tamper-evident seal To enhance the security this backup, you can consider using a **tamper-evident seal**. This can be easily achieved by printing a **unique** image or using a specific day's newspaper page (just note somewhere what day it was). Apply a thin layer of glue to the washer's surface and place the seal over it. If someone attempts to access the seed, they will be forced to destroy the seal, which will serve as an evident sign of tampering. This simple measure will provide an additional layer of protection and allow you to quickly identify any unauthorized access attempts. Note that this method is not resistant to outright theft. The tamper-evident seal won't stop a determined thief but it will prevent them from accessing your seed without leaving any trace. ### Redundancy Make sure to add redundancy. Make several copies of this cheap backup, and store them in separate locations. ### Unique wordset Another layer of security could be to implement your own custom mnemonic dictionary. However, this approach has the risk of permanently losing access to your funds if not implemented correctly. If done properly, you could potentially end up with a highly secure backup, as no one else would be able to derive the seed phrase from it. To create your custom dictionary, assign a unique number from 1 to 2048 to a word of your choice. Maybe you could use a book, and index the first 2048 unique words that appear. Make sure to store this book and even get a couple copies of it (digitally and phisically). This self-curated set of words will serve as your personal BIP-39 dictionary. When you need to translate between your custom dictionary and the official [BIP-39 wordlist](https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0039/english.txt), simply use the index number to find the corresponding word in either list. > Never write the idex or words on your computer (Do not use `Ctr+F`) [^1]: https://web.archive.org/web/20240326084135/https://www.ledger.com/message-ledgers-ceo-data-leak [^2]: https://xkcd.com/538/

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/ai-tos-analysis) **kycnot.me** features a somewhat hidden tool that some users may not be aware of. Every month, an automated job crawls every listed service's Terms of Service (ToS) and FAQ pages and conducts an AI-driven analysis, generating a comprehensive overview that highlights key points related to KYC and user privacy. Here's an example: [Changenow's Tos Review](https://kycnot.me/service/changenow#tos)  ## Why? ToS pages typically contain a lot of complicated text. Since the first versions of **kycnot.me**, I have tried to provide users a comprehensive overview of what can be found in such documents. This automated method keeps the information up-to-date every month, which was one of the main challenges with manual updates. A significant part of the time I invest in investigating a service for **kycnot.me** involves reading the ToS and looking for any clauses that might indicate aggressive KYC practices or privacy concerns. For the past four years, I performed this task manually. However, with advancements in language models, this process can now be somewhat automated. I still manually review the ToS for a quick check and regularly verify the AI’s findings. However, over the past three months, this automated method has proven to be quite reliable. Having a quick ToS overview section allows users to avoid reading the entire ToS page. Instead, you can quickly read the important points that are grouped, summarized, and referenced, making it easier and faster to understand the key information. ## Limitations This method has a key limitation: JS-generated pages. For this reason, I was using Playwright in my crawler implementation. I plan to make a release addressing this issue in the future. There are also sites that don't have ToS/FAQ pages, but these sites already include a warning in that section. Another issue is false positives. Although not very common, sometimes the AI might incorrectly interpret something harmless as harmful. Such errors become apparent upon reading; it's clear when something marked as bad should not be categorized as such. I manually review these cases regularly, checking for anything that seems off and then removing any inaccuracies. Overall, the automation provides great results. ## How? There have been several iterations of this tool. Initially, I started with GPT-3.5, but the results were not good in any way. It made up many things, and important thigs were lost on large ToS pages. I then switched to GPT-4 Turbo, but it was expensive. Eventually, I settled on Claude 3 Sonnet, which provides a quality compromise between GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 Turbo at a more reasonable price, while allowing a generous 200K token context window. I designed a prompt, which is open source[^1], that has been tweaked many times and will surely be adjusted further in the future. For the ToS scraping part, I initially wrote a scraper API using Playwright[^2], but I replaced it with Jina AI Reader[^3], which works quite well and is designed for this task. ### Non-conflictive ToS All services have a dropdown in the ToS section called "Non-conflictive ToS Reviews." These are the reviews that the AI flagged as not needing a user warning. I still provide these because I think they may be interesting to read. ## Feedback and contributing You can give me feedback on this tool, or share any inaccuraties by either opening an issue on Codeberg[^4] or by contacting me [^5]. You can contribute with pull requests, which are always welcome, or you can [support](https://kycnot.me/about#support) this project with any of the listed ways. [^1]: https://codeberg.org/pluja/kycnot.me/src/branch/main/src/utils/ai/prompt.go [^2]: https://codeberg.org/pluja/kycnot.me/commit/483ba8b415cecf323b3d9f0cfd4e9620919467d2 [^3]: https://github.com/jina-ai/reader [^4]: https://codeberg.org/pluja/kycnot.me [^5]: https://kycnot.me/about#contact

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/swapter-review) These reviews are sponsored, yet the sponsorship does not influence the outcome of the evaluations. Sponsored reviews are independent from the kycnot.me list, being only part of the blog. The reviews have no impact on the scores of the listings or their continued presence on the list. Should any issues arise, I will not hesitate to remove any listing. Reviews are in collaboration with [Orangefren](https://kycnot.me/service/orangefren). ## The review [Swapter.io](https://kycnot.me/service/swapter) is an all-purpose instant exchange. They entered the scene in the depths of the bear market about 2 years ago in June of 2022. | Pros | Cons | | --------------- | ---------------------------------- | | Low fees | Shotgun KYC with opaque triggers | | Large liquidity | Relies on 3rd party liquidity | | Works over Tor | Front-end not synced with back-end | | Pretty UI | | **Rating**: ★★★☆☆ **Service Website:** [swapter.io](https://swapter.io) > ⚠️ There is an ongoing issue with this service: [read more on Reddit](https://old.reddit.com/r/Monero/comments/1d8olsd/swapter_225_xmr_missing/). ### Test Trades During our testing we performed a trade from XMR to LTC, and then back to XMR. Our first trade had the ID of: `mpUitpGemhN8jjNAjQuo6EvQ`. We were promised **0.8 LTC** for sending **0.5 XMR**, before we sent the Monero. When the Monero arrived we were sent **0.799 LTC**. On the return journey we performed trade with ID: `yaCRb5pYcRKAZcBqg0AzEGYg`. This time we were promised **0.4815 XMR** for sending **0.799 LTC**. After Litecoin arrived we were sent **0.4765 XMR**. As such we saw a discrepancy of `~0.1%` in the first trade and `~1%` in the second trade. Considering those trades were floating we determine the estimates presented in the UI to be highly accurate and honest. Of course Swapter could've been imposing a large fee on their estimates, but we checked their estimates against CoinGecko and found the difference to be equivalent to a fee of just over `0.5%`. Perfectly in line with other swapping services. ### Trading Swapter supports BTC, LTC, XMR and well over a thousand other coins. Sadly they **don't support the Lightning Network**. For the myriad of currencies they deal with they provide massive upper limits. You could exchange tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of dollars worth of cryptocurrency in a single trade (although we wouldn't recommend it). The flip side to this is that Swapter **relies on 3rd party liquidity**. Aside from the large liqudity this also benefits the user insofar as it allows for very low fees. However, it also comes with a negative - the 3rd party gets to see all your trades. Unfortunately Swapter opted not to share where they source their liquidity in their Privacy Policy or Terms of Service. ### KYC & AML policies Swapter reserves the right to require its users to provide their full name, their date of birth, their address and government-issued ID. A practice known as "*shotgun KYC*". This should not happen often - in our testing it never did - however it's not clear when exactly it could happen. The AML & KYC policy provided on Swapter's website simply states they will put your trade on hold if their "risk scoring system [deems it] as suspicious". Worse yet, if they determine that "any of the information [the] customer provided is incorrect, false, outdated, or incomplete" then Swapter may decide to terminate all of the services they provide to the user. What exactly would happen to their funds in such a case remains unclear. The only clarity we get is that the Swapter policy outlines a designated 3rd party that will verify the information provided by the user. The third party's name is Sum & Substance Ltd, also simply known as samsub and available at [sumsub.com](https://sumsub.com/) It's understandable that some exchanges will decide on a policy of this sort, especially when they rely on external liquidity, but we would prefer more clarity be given. **When exactly is a trade suspicious?** ### Tor We were pleased to discover Swapter **works over Tor**. However, they do not provide a Tor mirror, nor do they work without JavaScript. Additionally, we found that some small features, such as the live chat, did not work over Tor. Fortunately, other means of contacting their support are still available. ### UI We have found the Swapter UI to be very modern, straightforward and simple to use. It's available in 4 languages (English, French, Dutch and Russian), although we're unable to vouch for the quality of some of those, the ones that we used seemed perfectly serviceable. Our only issue with the UI was that it claims the funds have been sent following the trade, when in reality it seems to take the backend a minute or so to actually broadcast the transaction. ### Getting in touch Swapter's team has a chat on their website, a support email address and a support Telegram. Their social media presence in most active on Telegram and X (formerly Twitter). ### Disclaimer *None of the above should be understood as investment or financial advice. The views are our own only and constitute a faithful representation of our experience in using and investigating this exchange. This review is not a guarantee of any kind on the services rendered by the exchange. Do your own research before using any service.*

@ 9223d2fa:b57e3de7

435 steps

@ d560dbc2:bbd59238

We’ve all been there: that one task sitting on your to-do list, staring at you like a disappointed parent, and yet you keep pushing it off for absolutely no good reason. It’s not even that hard, urgent, or complicated—but somehow, it’s been haunting you for days, weeks, or maybe even months. Why do we do this to ourselves? --- ## Why Do We Postpone Tasks for No Reason? Procrastination is a sneaky beast. Even tasks that take 10 minutes, require minimal brainpower, and have no immediate deadline often get pushed aside. Here are some psychological reasons: - **Emotional Avoidance:** Even if a task isn’t hard, a tiny emotional weight (like mild boredom or a vague “I don’t wanna”) can lead your brain to choose distractions—like scrolling through Instagram. - **Lack of Immediate Consequences:** Without a pressing deadline, your brain tends to deprioritize the task, even if completing it would make you feel great. - **The Zeigarnik Effect:** Unfinished tasks stick in our minds, creating mental tension. Ironically, that tension can make the task seem bigger and more daunting, encouraging further avoidance. --- ## My Own “No-Reason” Procrastination Story Let’s be real—I’ve been postponing something trivial, like organizing my desk drawer, for weeks. It’s a simple task that takes about 15 minutes. There’s no deadline, no special skill required—yet every time I open the drawer, I see the chaos of old receipts, random cables, and a half-eaten pack of gum (don’t judge!) and think, “I’ll do it later.” It’s not that I’m busy—I’ve had plenty of time to rewatch my favorite sitcom for the third time. But ignoring it has become my default, and that messy drawer now occupies mental space far beyond its physical size. --- ## Why These Tasks Matter More Than We Think Those little tasks we postpone might seem harmless, but they add up to create mental clutter. That messy desk drawer isn’t just a drawer—it’s a tiny stressor that pops into your head at the worst moments, disrupting your focus on important work or relaxation. - **Mental Clutter:** Unfinished tasks can weigh on your mind, making it harder to focus on what truly matters. - **The Bigger Picture:** Tasks like “reply to that email” or “schedule that doctor’s appointment” may seem minor, but avoiding them can lead to unnecessary stress and lost opportunities. --- ## How to Finally Tackle That Task Here are a few strategies that have helped me break the cycle of “no-reason” procrastination: ### 1. The 20-Minute Rule (Thank You, Pomodoro!) - **Commit to 20 Minutes:** Set a timer for just 20 minutes and start working on the task. You’d be surprised how much you can accomplish once you begin. - **Example:** For my desk drawer, I set a timer, got to work, and finished in 12 minutes. That small win made me feel like a productivity superhero. --- ### 2. Pin It and Get a Nudge - **Use Reminders:** Pin that nagging task (like “Organize desk drawer”) as your top priority for the day. A gentle reminder can help break the cycle of avoidance. - **Result:** It’s like having a friend nudge you, “Hey, remember that thing you’ve been ignoring? Let’s do it now!” --- ### 3. Make It Fun (Yes, Really!) - **Add a Reward:** Turn the task into something enjoyable by setting a reward. Play your favorite music, and promise yourself a treat once you’re done. - **Example:** For my desk drawer, I put on an upbeat playlist and treated myself to a piece of chocolate when finished. Suddenly, it wasn’t a chore—it became a mini dance party with a sweet reward. --- ### 4. Celebrate the Win - **Acknowledge Completion:** Once you finish, take a moment to celebrate—even if it’s just a mental high-five. - **Why It Matters:** That sense of closure clears mental clutter and builds momentum for your next task. --- ## Let’s Share and Motivate Each Other What’s that one task you’ve been postponing for no reason? Maybe it’s cleaning out your fridge, replying to a friend’s text, or finally hanging that picture frame that’s been leaning against the wall for months. Whatever it is, share your story in the comments! Let’s motivate each other to tackle these tasks and turn procrastination into progress. *Bonus points if you’ve got a funny reason for your procrastination (like, “I didn’t schedule that appointment because my doctor’s office has the worst hold music in history”).* --- Ready to stop procrastinating? Let’s get real, take that first step, and clear that mental clutter—one small win at a time! ---

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

> [Read the original blog post](https://blog.kycnot.me/p/four-years) > “The future is there... staring back at us. Trying to make sense of the fiction we will have become.” > — William Gibson. This month is [the 4th anniversary](#the-anniversary) of kycnot.me. Thank you for being here. Fifteen years ago, Satoshi Nakamoto introduced Bitcoin, a peer-to-peer electronic cash system: a decentralized currency **free from government and institutional control**. Nakamoto's whitepaper showed a vision for a financial system based on trustless transactions, secured by cryptography. Some time forward and KYC (Know Your Customer), AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and CTF (Counter-Terrorism Financing) regulations started to come into play. What a paradox: to engage with a system designed for decentralization, privacy, and independence, we are forced to give away our personal details. Using Bitcoin in the economy requires revealing your identity, not just to the party you interact with, but also to third parties who must track and report the interaction. You are forced to give sensitive data to entities you don't, can't, and shouldn't trust. Information can never be kept 100% safe; there's always a risk. Information is power, who knows about you has control over you. Information asymmetry creates imbalances of power. When entities have detailed knowledge about individuals, they can manipulate, influence, or exploit this information to their advantage. The accumulation of personal data by corporations and governments enables extensive surveillances. Such practices, moreover, exclude individuals from traditional economic systems if their documentation doesn't meet arbitrary standards, reinforcing a dystopian divide. Small businesses are similarly burdened by the costs of implementing these regulations, hindering free market competition[^1]:  How will they keep this information safe? Why do they need my identity? Why do they force businesses to enforce such regulations? It's always for your safety, to protect you from the "bad". Your life is perpetually in danger: terrorists, money launderers, villains... so the government steps in to save us. > ‟Hush now, baby, baby, don't you cry > Mamma's gonna make all of your nightmares come true > Mamma's gonna put all of her fears into you > Mamma's gonna keep you right here, under her wing > She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing > Mamma's gonna keep baby cosy and warm” > — Mother, Pink Floyd We must resist any attack on our privacy and freedom. To do this, we must collaborate. If you have a service, refuse to ask for KYC; find a way. Accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero. Commit to circular economies. Remove the need to go through the FIAT system. People need fiat money to use most services, but we can change that. If you're a user, donate to and prefer using services that accept such currencies. Encourage your friends to accept cryptocurrencies as well. Boycott FIAT system to the greatest extent you possibly can. This may sound utopian, but it can be achieved. This movement can't be stopped. Go kick the hornet's nest. > “We must defend our own privacy if we expect to have any. We must come together and create systems which allow anonymous transactions to take place. People have been defending their own privacy for centuries with whispers, darkness, envelopes, closed doors, secret handshakes, and couriers. The technologies of the past did not allow for strong privacy, but electronic technologies do.” > — Eric Hughes, A Cypherpunk's Manifesto ## The anniversary Four years ago, I began exploring ways to use crypto without KYC. I bookmarked a few favorite services and thought sharing them to the world might be useful. That was the first version of [kycnot.me](https://kycnot.me) — a simple list of about 15 services. Since then, I've added services, rewritten it three times, and improved it to what it is now. [kycnot.me](https://kycnot.me) has remained 100% independent and 100% open source[^2] all these years. I've received offers to buy the site, all of which I have declined and will continue to decline. It has been DDoS attacked many times, but we made it through. I have also rewritten the whole site almost once per year (three times in four years). The code and scoring algorithm are open source (contributions are welcome) and I can't arbitrarly change a service's score without adding or removing attributes, making any arbitrary alterations obvious if they were fake. You can even see [the score summary](https://https://kycnot.me/api/v1/service/bisq/summary) for any service's score. I'm a one-person team, dedicating my free time to this project. I hope to keep doing so for many more years. Again, thank you for being part of this. [^1]: https://x.com/freedomtech/status/1796190018588872806 [^2]: https://codeberg.org/pluja/kycnot.me

@ ff517fbf:fde1561b

## ビットコインが「最強の担保」と言われる理由 ビットコインは「デジタルゴールド」とも呼ばれることがありますが、実は**ローンの担保としても最強**だと言われています。その理由を、他の資産（株式、不動産、金など）と比較しながら見てみましょう。 - **流動性と即時性**：ビットコインは**24時間365日世界中で取引されているため、非常に流動性が高い**資産です。売買がすぐにできて価格も常に明確なので、担保評価がしやすく、お金を貸す側・借りる側双方に安心感を与えます。一方、株式や不動産は市場が営業時間内しか動かず、現金化にも時間がかかります。不動産は売却に数ヶ月かかることもありますし、金（ゴールド）は現物を保管・輸送する手間があります。ビットコインなら**ネット上で即座に担保設定・解除**ができるのです。 - **分割性と柔軟性**：ビットコインは小数点以下8桁まで分割可能（1億分の1が最小単位の「サトシ」）なので、**必要な額だけ正確に担保に充てる**ことができます。他方、土地や建物を一部だけ担保に入れることは難しいですし、株式も1株未満の細かい調整はできません。ビットコインなら価値の微調整が容易で、担保として柔軟に扱えるのです。 - **管理のしやすさ（マルチシグによる信頼性）**：HodlHodlのLendでは、ビットコイン担保は**2-of-3のマルチシグ契約**で管理されます。これは「借り手・貸し手・プラットフォーム」の3者それぞれが鍵を持ち、**2つの鍵の同意がないとビットコインを動かせない**仕組みです。このため、誰か一人が勝手に担保を持ち逃げすることができず、第三者（HodlHodl）も単独ではコインを移動できません。ビットコインだからこそ実現できる**非中央集権で安全な担保管理**であり、株式や不動産を担保にする場合のように銀行や証券会社といった仲介業者に頼る必要がありません。 - **国境を越えた利用**：ビットコインはインターネットがつながる所なら世界中どこでも送受信できます。このため、日本にいながら海外の相手とでもローン契約が可能です。たとえば日本の方がビットコインを担保にドル建てのステーブルコインを借り、それを日本円に換えて使うこともできます（為替リスクには注意ですが…）。不動産を海外の人と直接やり取りするのは現実的に難しいですが、ビットコインなら**グローバルに担保が活用**できるのです。 - **希少性と価値の上昇期待**：ビットコインは発行上限が決まっており（2100万BTCまで）、時間とともに新規供給が減っていきます。過去の長期的な価格推移を見ると、短期的な変動は激しいものの数年〜十年のスパンでは上昇傾向にあります。一方、法定通貨建ての資産（債券や株式など）はインフレの影響で実質価値が目減りすることがあります。ビットコインは**長期保有すれば価値が上がりやすい**特性があるため、「今手放したくない資産」として担保に向いています。実際、HodlHodlのチームは「ビットコインはスーパーカCollateral（超優秀な担保）だ」と述べています。 こうした理由から、**ビットコインは現時点で考えうる中でも最良の担保資産**と考えられています。株や不動産のように書類手続きや名義変更をしなくても、ビットコインならブロックチェーン上の契約でシンプルに担保設定ができる――この手軽さと信頼性が大きな魅力です。 ## 匿名&プライバシー重視：KYC不要のP2Pレンディングのメリット HodlHodlのLend最大の特徴の一つは、**本人確認（KYC）が一切不要**だという点です。日本の多くの金融サービスでは口座開設時に運転免許証やマイナンバー提出など煩雑な手続きが必要ですが、Lendでは**メールアドレスでアカウント登録するだけでOK**。これは「匿名性・プライバシー」を重視する人にとって非常に相性が良いポイントです。 - **個人情報を晒さなくて良い安心感**：日本では昔から「人に迷惑をかけない」「目立たない」ことが美徳とされ、特にお金の話は他人に知られたくないと考える人が多いですよね。Lendは匿名で利用できるため、借金をすることを周囲に知られたくない人でも安心です。銀行からローンを借りるときのように収入証明や保証人を用意する必要もなく、**誰にも知られずひっそりと資金調達**ができます。 - **ノー・チェック＆ノー・ペーパー**：貸し借りにあたって**信用審査や過去の借入履歴チェックがありません** 。極端な話、今まで金融履歴が全く無い人や、銀行に相手にされないような人でも、ビットコインさえ持っていればお金を借りられるのです。書類のやり取りが無いので手続きもスピーディーです。「印鑑証明や収入証明を揃えて…」という面倒とは無縁で、ネット上でクリックして契約が完結します。 - **プライバシーの保護**：個人情報を提出しないということは、情報漏洩のリスクも無いということです。近年、日本でも個人情報の流出事件が相次いでおり、不安に感じる方も多いでしょう。Lendではアカウント登録時にメールアドレスとパスワード以外何も求められません。財務情報や身元情報がどこかに蓄積される心配がないのは、大きな安心材料です。 - **国や機関から干渉されにくい**：匿名であるということは、極端に言えば**誰にも利用を知られない**ということです。たとえば「ローンを借りると住宅ローンの審査に響くかな…」とか「副業の資金調達を会社に知られたくないな…」といった心配も、匿名のP2Pローンなら不要です。借りたお金の使い道も自由ですし、何より**利用自体が自分だけの秘密**にできるのは、日本人にとって心理的ハードルを下げてくれるでしょう。 このように、**ノーKYC（本人確認なし）** のP2Pレンディングは、日本のようにプライバシーや控えめさを重んじる文化圏でも利用しやすいサービスと言えます。実際、HodlHodlのLendは「地理的・規制的な制限がなく、世界中の誰もが利用できる純粋なP2P市場」とされています。日本に居ながらグローバルな貸し借りができ、しかも身元明かさずに済む――これは画期的ですね。 ## **Borrow編：HodlHodlのLendでビットコインを担保にお金を借りる方法** それでは具体的に、HodlHodlのLendで**どのようにビットコイン担保のローンを借りるのか**、手順を追って説明します。初心者でも迷わないよう、シンプルなステップにまとめました。 ### 1. アカウント登録 (Sign up) まずはHodlHodlのLendサイトにアクセスし、無料のアカウントを作成します。必要なのは**メールアドレスとパスワードだけ**です。登録後、確認メールが届くのでリンクをクリックして認証すれば準備完了。これでプラットフォーム上でオファー（契約希望）を閲覧・作成できるようになります。 ※HodlHodlは日本語には対応していませんが、英語のシンプルなUIです。Google翻訳などを使っても良いでしょう。 ### 2. 借りたい条件のオファーを探す or 作成 ログインしたら、「To Borrow（借りる）」のメニューから現在出ている貸し手のオファー一覧を見てみましょう。オファーには**借入希望額**（例：$1000相当のUSDT）、**期間**（例：3ヶ月）、**金利**（例：5%）や**LTV**（担保価値比率、例：60%）などの条件が書かれています。自分の希望に合うものがあれば選んで詳細画面へ進みます。条件に合うオファーが見つからない場合は、自分で「○○ USDTを△ヶ月、金利○%で借りたい」という**借り手オファーを新規作成**することも可能です。 **用語補足**：*LTV*（ローン・トゥ・バリュー）とはローン額に対する担保価値の割合です。たとえばLTV50%なら、借りたい額の2倍の価値のビットコインを担保に入れる必要があります。LTVは貸し手が設定しており、一般に**30%〜70%程度**の範囲でオファーが出ています。低いLTVほど借り手は多くのBTC担保が必要ですが、その分だけ貸し手にとって安全なローンとなります。 ### 3. 契約成立とマルチシグ担保のデポジット 借り手・貸し手双方が条件に合意すると**契約成立**です。HodlHodlプラットフォーム上で自動的に**専用のマルチシグ・エスクロー用ビットコインアドレス**（担保保管先アドレス）が生成されます。次に、借り手であるあなたは**自分のウォレットからビットコインをそのエスクローアドレスに送金**します。 - *📌ポイント：マルチシグで安心* – 上述の通り、このエスクロー用アドレスのコインを動かすには**3者中2者の署名が必要**です。あなた（借り手）は常にそのうちの1つの鍵を保有しています。つまり、**自分が承認しない限り担保BTCが勝手に引き出されることはない**のでご安心ください。 ビットコインの入金がブロックチェーン上で所定の承認（通常数ブロック程度）を得ると、担保デポジット完了です。これで契約は有効化され、次のステップへ進みます。 ### 4. 貸し手から資金（ステーブルコイン）を受け取る 担保のロックが確認できると、今度は貸し手が**ローン金額の送金**を行います。Lendで借りられるのは主に**ステーブルコイン**です。ステーブルコインとは、米ドルなど法定通貨の価値に連動するよう設計された仮想通貨で、USDTやUSDC、DAIといった種類があります。借り手は契約時に受取用のステーブルコインアドレス（自分のウォレットアドレス）を指定しますので、貸し手はそのアドレス宛に契約どおりの額を送金します。例えばUSDTを借りる契約なら、貸し手からあなたのUSDTウォレットにUSDTが送られてきます。 **これで晴れて、あなた（借り手）は希望のステーブルコインを手にすることができました！** あなたのビットコインは担保としてロックされていますが、期限までに返済すれば取り戻せますので、しばしのお別れです。借りたステーブルコインは自由に使えますので、後述する活用例を参考に有効活用しましょう。 ### 5. 返済（リペイメント） 契約期間中は基本的に何もする必要はありません（途中で追加担保や一部返済を行うことも可能ですが、初心者向け記事では割愛します）。期間が満了するまでに、借りたステーブルコイン**＋利息**を貸し手に返済します。返済も、貸し手の指定するウォレットアドレスにステーブルコインを送金する形で行われます。 - **利息の計算**：利息は契約時に決めた率で発生します。例えば年利10%で6ヶ月間$1000を借りたなら、利息は単純計算で$50（＝$1000×10%×0.5年）です。契約によっては「期間全体で○%」と定める場合もありますが、プラットフォーム上で年率（APR）換算が表示されます。 期間内であれば**任意のタイミングで早期返済することも可能**です。返済期限より早く全額返せば、利息もその日数分だけで済みます（※ただし契約によります。事前に契約条件を確認してください）。HodlHodlでは**分割返済**にも対応しており、例えば月ごとに少しずつ返して最後に完済することもできます。 ### 6. ビットコイン担保の解除（返却） 貸し手があなたからの返済受領を確認すると、プラットフォーム上で契約終了の手続きを行います。マルチシグの担保アドレスから**あなたのビットコインを解放（返却）する署名**を貸し手とプラットフォームが行い、あなたの元のウォレットにビットコインが送られます。こうして無事に担保のBTCが戻ってくれば、一連のローン取引は完了です🎉。 もし**返済が滞った場合**はどうなるのでしょうか？その場合、契約で定められた猶予期間やマージンコール（追加担保のお願い）を経た後、**担保のビットコインが強制的に貸し手に渡されて契約終了（清算）**となります。担保額が未返済額を上回っていれば、差額は借り手に返ってきます。つまり、返せなかったとしても借り手が担保以上の損をすることはありませんが、大切なビットコインを失ってしまう結果にはなるので注意しましょう。 **Borrow（借りる）側のまとめ**：ビットコインさえあれば、あとの手続きは非常に簡単です。借入までの流れをもう一度簡潔にまとめると： 1. メールアドレスでLendに登録 2. 借入オファーを探すor作成してマッチング 3. マルチシグ契約が自動生成・BTC担保を自分で入金 4. 貸し手からステーブルコインを受領 5. 期限までにステーブルコイン＋利息を返済 6. ビットコイン担保が自分のウォレットに戻る 第三者の仲介なしに、ネット上でこれだけのことが完結するのは驚きですよね。HodlHodlは「あなたの条件、あなたの鍵、あなたのコイン」と銘打っており、自分の望む条件で・自分が鍵を管理し・自分の資産を動かせるプラットフォームであることを強調しています。 ## **Lend編：HodlHodlのプラットフォームでお金を貸してみよう** 次は逆に、**自分が貸し手（Lender）となってステーブルコインを貸し出し、利息収入を得る方法**です。銀行に預けても超低金利のこのご時世、手持ちの資金をうまく運用したい方にとってP2Pレンディングは魅力的な選択肢になりえます。HodlHodlのLendなら、これもまた簡単な手順で始められます。 基本的な流れは先ほどの「Borrow編」と鏡写しになっています。 ### 1. アカウント登録 借り手と同様、まずはHodlHodlに登録します（すでに借り手として登録済みなら同じアカウントで貸し手にもなれます）。メールアドレスだけでOK、もちろん貸し手側もKYC不要です。 ### 2. 貸出オファーの確認 or 作成 ログイン後、「To Lend（貸す）」メニューから現在の借り手募集一覧を見ます。各オファーには**希望額**・**期間**・**支払い利率**・**LTV**など条件が表示されています。「この条件なら貸してもいいかな」という案件があれば選択しましょう。もし自分の希望する利回りや期間が合わない場合は、自分で**貸し手オファーを作成**することも可能です。「○○ USDTまで、最長△ヶ月、最低利息◻◻%で貸せます」といった条件を提示できます。プラットフォーム上ではユーザーがお互いに条件を提示しあってマッチングする仕組みなので、**金利や期間もすべてユーザー自身が自由に設定**できます。 ### 3. マッチングと契約開始 あなたの提示した条件で借りたい人が現れたら契約成立です（逆に誰かの借入オファーに応じる形なら、その時点で成立）。システムが**マルチシグの担保用BTCアドレス**を生成し、借り手がそこへビットコインをデポジットします。借り手からのBTC入金が確認できるまで、貸し手であるあなたは資金を送る必要はありません。担保が確保されたのを見届けてから次に進みます。 ### 4. 資金（ステーブルコイン）の送金 借り手の担保ロックが完了したら、**契約で定めたステーブルコインを借り手へ送金**します。送金先アドレスは契約詳細画面に表示されます（借り手が指定済み）。例えばUSDCを貸す契約なら、相手のUSDCアドレスに約束の額を送ります。ここで送金した金額がローンの principal（元本）となり、後ほど利息とともに返ってくるわけです。 無事に相手に届けば、あとは契約期間終了まで待つだけです。あなたは**担保のBTCに対して鍵を1つ持っている**状態なので、万一トラブルが起きた場合でも担保を引き出す権利を部分的に持っています（詳しくは次ステップ）。 ### 5. 返済の受領 契約期間が終わると、借り手があなたにステーブルコインを返済してくるはずです。約束どおり**元本＋利息**を受け取ったら、それを確認してプラットフォーム上で「返済完了」を操作します。すると担保のビットコインがマルチシグから解放され、借り手に返却されます。これで貸し手としてのあなたは**利息分の収益を獲得**できました。お疲れ様です！ もし**借り手が返済しなかった場合**どうなるでしょうか？その場合、所定の猶予期間やマージンコール通知の後、**担保のビットコインがあなた（貸し手）に渡される**ことになります。具体的には、LTVが90%に達するか返済期日から24時間以上滞納が続くと強制清算となり、担保BTCからあなたの貸付相当額が充当されます。担保が十分であれば元本と利息はカバーされ、余剰があれば借り手に返還されます。つまり**貸し手側はかなり手厚く保護**されており、返済を受け取れない場合でも担保で穴埋めされる仕組みです。 ### 6. 収益を管理・再投資 受け取ったステーブルコイン（元本＋利息）は再度プラットフォームで貸し出しても良いですし、他の用途に使ってもOKです。年利に換算すると**だいたい10%前後の利回り**になる案件が多く見られます。条件次第では更に高い利率の契約も可能ですが、その分借り手が見つかりにくかったりリスク（担保不足のリスク）が高まる可能性もあります。ご自身のリスク許容度に合わせて運用しましょう。 **Lend（貸す）側のまとめ**： - HodlHodlに登録（メールアドレスのみ） - 貸出オファーを提示 or 借り手募集に応じる - 契約成立後、借り手がBTC担保を入金 - 貸し手（自分）がステーブルコインを送金 - 期限まで待ち、借り手から元本＋利息を受領 - 担保BTCを返却し、利息収入を得る 銀行預金では考えられないような利息収入を得られるのが魅力ですが、その裏で**ビットコイン価格変動リスク**も担っています。大暴落が起きて担保評価額が急落すると、清算時に元本を割るリスクもゼロではありません（LTV設定とマージンコール制度で極力保護されまますが）。リスクとリターンを理解した上で、小額から試すことをおすすめします。 ## ステーブルコインの活用：お金持ちは借金で生活する？ ここまで、ビットコインを手放さずにステーブルコインを手に入れる方法を見てきました。それでは、**借りたステーブルコインは具体的に何に使える**のでしょうか？いくつか例を挙げてみましょう。 - **日常の出費に充当**：ビットコイン投資家の中には「生活費はすべて借りたお金で賄い、自分のBTCはガチホ（売らずに長期保有）する」という方針の人もいます。例えば毎月の家賃や食費をステーブルコインのローンで支払い(これについても今後詳しく解説していきます)、ビットコインは一切使わないというイメージです。こうすれば、手持ちのBTCを売らずに済むので将来の値上がり益を逃しません。また日本では仮想通貨を売却すると雑所得として高率の税金がかかりますが、**ローンで得たお金は借入金なので課税対象になりません**（※将来的な税務計算は自己責任で行ってください）。つまり、ビットコインを売却して現金化する代わりにローンを使うことで、節税と資産温存のメリットが得られる可能性があります。 - **投資・資産運用に回す**：借りた資金をさらに別の投資に活用することもできます。例えば有望な株式や不動産に投資したり、あるいは他の仮想通貨を買うこともできます。極端な例では、ビットコインを担保にUSDTを借りて、そのUSDTでまた別の仮想通貨を買い、それを運用益で返済する…といった戦略も理論上は可能です。ただし、**借りたお金での投機はハイリスク**なので慎重に！手堅い使い道としては、事業資金に充てるのも良いでしょう。例えば小さなオンラインビジネスを始めるための元手にしたり、新しい資格取得のための学費にするなど、自分への投資に使えば将来的なリターンでローンを返しつつ利益を上げることが期待できます。 - **急な支払いへの備え**：人生何があるか分かりません。医療費や冠婚葬祭など急に現金が必要になる場面もあります。そんなとき、ビットコインをすぐ売ってしまうのは惜しい…という場合にローンで一時的にしのぐことができます。後で落ち着いてから返済すれば、大事なBTCを手放さずにピンチを乗り切れます。言わば**デジタル質屋**のような感覚で、ビットコインを預けてお金を工面し、後で買い戻す（返済する）イメージですね。日本でも昔から「質屋」で着物や宝石を預けてお金を借りる文化がありましたが、HodlHodl Lendは**ビットコイン版の質屋**とも言えるでしょう。 - **市場の機会を逃さない**：仮想通貨市場は変動が激しく、「今これを買いたいのに現金が無い！」というチャンスもあるでしょう。例えば「ビットコインが急落したから買い増したいが、現金が足りない」という場合、手持ちBTCを担保にしてステーブルコインを借り、その急落で安く買い増しする、といった動きもできます。そして後日価格が戻したところで返済すれば、差益を得つつBTC保有枚数も増やせるかもしれません。このように**ローンを戦略的に使えば、市場の好機を掴む資金余力を生み出す**ことができます。ただしハイリスクな手法でもあるため、上級者向けではあります。 ここで覚えておきたいのは、「**お金持ちは借金との付き合い方が上手い**」という点です。日本では借金にネガティブな印象を持つ人も多いですが、世界的な資産家や大企業はしばしば**あえて借金をして手元資金を他に活用**しています。アメリカのベストセラー『金持ち父さん貧乏父さん』で有名なロバート・キヨサキ氏も「**富裕層は他人のお金（借金）を利用してさらに富を築く**」と強調しています。例えば彼は借金で高級車を買い、不動産投資にも借入を活用したそう ([金持ちは貧乏人より借金が多い | 「金持ち父さん 貧乏父さん」日本オフィシャルサイト]( https://www.richdad-jp.com/article/%E9%87%91%E6%8C%81%E3%81%A1%E3%81%AF%E8%B2%A7%E4%B9%8F%E4%BA%BA%E3%82%88%E3%82%8A%E5%80%9F%E9%87%91%E3%81%8C%E5%A4%9A%E3%81%84/#:~:text=%E9%87%91%E6%8C%81%E3%81%A1%E3%81%AB%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E7%94%9F%E6%B4%BB%E3%82%92%E3%82%A8%E3%83%B3%E3%82%B8%E3%83%A7%E3%82%A4%E3%81%97%E3%81%9F%E3%81%84%E3%81%A8%E6%80%9D%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A6%E3%81%84%E3%82%8B%E4%BA%BA%E3%81%AF%E3%80%81%E3%80%8C%E3%82%82%E3%81%A3%E3%81%A8%E5%A4%9A%E3%81%8F%E3%81%AE%E3%80%8D%E5%80%9F%E9%87%91%E3%82%92%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95%E3%82%92%E7%9F%A5%E3%82%8B%E5%BF%85%E8%A6%81%E3%81%8C%E3%81%82%E3%82%8B%E3%81%97%E3%80%81%E5%80%9F%E9%87%91%E3%81%AE%E5%8A%9B%E3%82%92%E5%B0%8A%E9%87%8D%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95%E3%81%A8%E3%80%81%E3%81%9D%E3%81%AE%E5%8A%9B%E3%82%92%E3%81%86%E3%81%BE%E3%81%8F%E5%88%A9%E7%94%A8%E3%81%99%E3%82%8B%E6%96%B9%E6%B3%95%E3%82%92%E5%AD%A6%20%E3%81%B0%E3%81%AA%E3%81%91%E3%82%8C%E3%81%B0%E3%81%AA%E3%82%89%E3%81%AA%E3%81%84%E3%80%82))❤️。借金を味方につけて資産運用すれば、自分の持ち出し資金を抑えつつ豊かな生活を実現できる可能性があります。 もちろん無計画な借金は禁物ですが、**ローンを上手に使うことは決して悪いことではなく、むしろ経済的戦略として有効**なのです。ビットコイン担保ローンはその新しい選択肢として、「お金にお金に働いてもらう」感覚を身につけるきっかけになるかもしれません。 ## 高い金利でもローンを利用するのはなぜ？その理由と戦略 Lendのプラットフォームで提示される金利は、年利換算で見ると**10〜15%程度が一つの目安** です。中にはそれ以上の利率の契約もあります。日本の銀行ローン（金利数％以下）と比べるとかなり高利に思えますが、それでも**多くの人がこのサービスを利用してローンを組んでいます**。なぜ高い利息を支払ってまで借りる価値があるのでしょうか？最後に、その理由と利用者の戦略について考えてみましょう。 - **(1) ビットコインの期待リターンが高い**：借り手にとって一番の動機は、「ビットコインは将来もっと値上がりするはずだから、多少利息を払っても売りたくない」というものです。例えば年利15%で$1000借りると一年後に$1150返す必要がありますが、もしビットコイン価格がその間に15%以上上昇すれば、利息分を差し引いても得をする計算になります。過去のビットコイン相場は年率ベースで大きく成長した年も多く、強気のホルダーほど**利息より値上がり益を優先**する傾向があります。「金利よりビットコインの価値上昇のほうが大きい」という自信が、高金利を払ってでも借りる動機になっているのです。 - **(2) 課税や手数料の回避**：先ほど述べたように、日本ではビットコインを売却すると高額の税金が発生する可能性があります。仮に30%〜50%の税金がかかるのであれば、年利10%前後のローンで済ませたほうがトクだという判断も成り立ちます。また、取引所で売却するときのスプレッドや出金手数料なども考えると、**売却コストを回避する手段**としてローンを選ぶ人もいます。要するに「売るくらいなら借りた方がマシ」という考え方ですね。 - **(3) 自由と速さを優先**：従来の金融機関からお金を借りるには時間がかかりますし、使途にも制限があることが多いです（事業資金なのか生活費なのか、といった審査があります）。それに対してHodlHodlのP2Pローンは**使い道自由・即日資金調達**が可能です。利息が高めでも「今すぐ○○がしたい」「明日までに現金が要る」といったニーズには代えられません。特に仮想通貨業界はスピード命ですから、チャンスを逃さないために**高コストでも素早く借りる**という選択が生まれます。 - **(4) 借金＝時間を買うこと**：あるユーザーの言葉を借りれば、「**借金をすることは未来の時間を先取りすること**」でもあります。例えば住宅ローンがあるからこそ若い世代でもマイホームに住めますし、事業ローンがあるからこそ企業は成長の機会を掴めます。ビットコイン担保ローンも同じで、「今はお金が無いけど将来増やすアテはある。だから今借りてしまおう」というケースもあるでしょう。将来の収入や資産増加を見込んで、**時間を味方につけるためにあえて借金をする**のです。日本語では「借金してでも◯◯する」という表現がありますが、前向きな借金は将来への投資とも言えるでしょう。 - **(5) 非中央集権への支持**：もう一つ見逃せないのは、HodlHodlのようなプラットフォームを利用する理由に**思想的な支持**があります。つまり「銀行や政府に頼らないお金の流れを実現したい」「ビットコインのエコシステムを活性化させたい」というビットコイナーたちです。多少コストが高くても、理念に共感して使っているケースもあります。匿名で自由にお金を借りられる世界を体験することで、金融システムの新たな可能性を感じているのです。 以上のように、**高い金利にも関わらずローンを利用するのは明確なメリットや戦略があるから**なのです。もちろん全ての人に当てはまるわけではありません。ビットコイン価格が下落局面ではリスクも伴いますし、利息分だけ損になる場合もあります。しかし、それらを理解した上で**「自分のお金を働かせる」「資産を手放さずレバレッジを利かせる」**手段として活用している人々が増えてきています。 最後に、HodlHodlの公式ブログの一文をご紹介します。 > “私たちはビットコインこそがスーパーカ collateral（超優秀な担保）であり、利回りを得るために使うのではなく、それを担保に資金を借りるために使われるべきだと考えています" ([The lending is dead, long live the lending | by Hodl Hodl | Hodl Hodl | Medium]( https://medium.com/hodl-hodl/the-lending-is-dead-long-live-the-lending-13af0763f53e#:~:text=match%20at%20L202%20As%20a,out%20there%20on%20the%20market))。 ビットコイン時代の新しいお金の借り方・貸し方であるP2Pローン。最初は難しく感じるかもしれませんが、仕組みを理解すればとてもシンプルで強力なツールです。日本ではまだ馴染みが薄いかもしれませんが、匿名性を好み、コツコツ資産を増やすのが得意な人にこそフィットするサービスかもしれません。ぜひ少額から試し、自分なりの活用法を見つけてみてください。きっと新たな発見があるはずです。 --- もしビットコイン担保のP2Pローンなどについてもっと深く知りたい、あるいは個別に相談してみたいと思えば、どうぞお気軽にご連絡ください。**1対1のコンサルティング**も承っています。 サービスには決まった料金はありませんが、ご相談を通じて「役に立った」と思い、お悩みや疑問を解決できたと感じていただけたら、**「3つのT」でのご支援（Value for Value）**をぜひご検討ください： - **時間（Time）**：この記事をSNSなどでシェアしていただくこと。 - **才能（Talent）**：コメントや補足情報などを通じて知識を共有していただくこと。 - **宝（Treasure）**：世界で最も健全なお金、ビットコインの最小単位「sats」でのご支援。 もちろん、支援の有無にかかわらず、お力になれればとても嬉しいです。 では、また次回！

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Hey Freaks, RUNSTR is a motion tracking app built on top of nostr. The project is built by TheWildHustle and TheNostrDev Team. The project has been tinkered with for about 3 months, but development has picked up and its goals and direction have become much clearer. In a previous post I mentioned that RUNSTR was looking to become a Nike Run Club or Strava competitor, offering users an open source community and privacy focused alternative to the centralized silos that we've become used to. I normally ramble incoherently.....even in writing, but this is my attempt to communicate the project's goals and direction as we move forward. This is where the project is now: ## Core Features - **Run Tracker**: Uses an algorithm which adjusts to your phone's location permissions and stores the data on your phone locally - **Stats**: Stored locally on your phone with a basic profile screen so users can monitor calories burned during runs - **Nostr Feed**: Made up of kind1 notes that contain #RUNSTR and other running related hashtags - **Music**: Brought to you via a wavlake API, enabling your wavlake playlists and liked songs to be seen and played in the app ## Current Roadmap - **Bugs and small improvements**: Fixing known issues within the client - **zap.store release**: Launching a bug bounty program after release - **Clubs**: Enabling running organizations to create territories for events, challenges, rewards and competition - **Testflight**: Opening up the app to iOS users (currently Android only) - **Modes**: Adding functionality to switch between Running, Walking, or Cycling modes ## Future Roadmap - **Requested Features**: Implementing features requested by club managers to support virtual events and challenges - **Blossom**: Giving power users the ability to upload their data to personal blossom servers - **NIP28**: Making clubs interoperable with other group chat clients like 0xchat, Keychat, and Chachi Chat - **DVM's**: Creating multiple feeds based on movement mode (e.g., Walking mode shows walkstr feed) - **NIP101e**: Allowing users to create run records and store them on nostr relays - **Calories over relays**: Using NIP89-like functionality for users to save calorie data on relays for use in other applications - **NIP60**: Implementing automatic wallet creation for users to zap and get zapped within the app ## In Conclusion I've just barely begun this thing and it'll be an up and down journey trying to push it into existence. I think RUNSTR has the potential to highlight the other things that nostr has going for it, demonstrating the protocol's interoperability, flexing its permissionless identity piece, and offering an experience that gives users a glimpse into what is possible when shipping into a new paradigm. Although we build into an environment that often offers no solutions, you'd have to be a crazy person not to try. https://github.com/HealthNoteLabs/Runstr/releases/tag/feed-0.1.0-20250329-210157

@ db11b320:05c5f7af

magnet:?xt=urn:btih:9BAC9A3F98803AEA1EB28A0B60A562D7E3779710

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Pula, located at the southern tip of Istria, is a city where ancient Roman ruins meet stunning Adriatic beaches. Known for its well-preserved amphitheater, charming old town, and crystal-clear waters, Pula offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and relaxation.  ## **🏛️ Top Things to See & Do in Pula** ### **1️⃣ Pula Arena (Roman Amphitheater) 🏟️** - **One of the best-preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world**, built in the 1st century. - Used for **gladiator fights**, now a venue for **concerts & film festivals**. - Climb to the top for **stunning sea views**.  ### **2️⃣ Explore Pula’s Old Town 🏡** - Wander through **cobbled streets**, past **Venetian, Roman, and Austro-Hungarian architecture**. - Visit the **Arch of the Sergii** (a 2,000-year-old Roman triumphal arch). - Enjoy a drink in **Forum Square**, home to the **Temple of Augustus**. ### **3️⃣ Relax at Pula’s Beaches 🏖️** - **Hawaiian Beach (Havajska Plaža):** Turquoise waters & cliffs for jumping. - **Ambrela Beach:** A Blue Flag beach with **calm waters, great for families**. - **Pješčana Uvala:** A **sandy beach**, rare for Croatia!  ### **4️⃣ Cape Kamenjak Nature Park 🌿** - A **wild and rugged coastline** with hidden coves and crystal-clear water. - Great for **cliff jumping, kayaking, and biking**. - Located **30 minutes south of Pula**. ### **5️⃣ Visit Brijuni National Park 🏝️** - A group of **14 islands**, once Tito’s private retreat. - Features **Roman ruins, a safari park, and cycling trails**. - Accessible via **boat from Fazana (15 min from Pula)**.  ### **6️⃣ Try Istrian Cuisine 🍽️** - **Fuži with truffles** – Istria is famous for **white & black truffles**. - **Istrian prosciutto & cheese** – Perfect with local **Malvazija wine**. - **Fresh seafood** – Try grilled squid or buzara-style mussels.  ## **🚗 How to Get to Pula** ✈️ **By Air:** Pula Airport (PUY) has flights from major European cities. 🚘 **By Car:** - **From Zagreb:** ~3 hours (270 km) - **From Ljubljana (Slovenia):** ~2.5 hours (160 km) 🚌 **By Bus:** Regular buses connect Pula with **Rovinj, Rijeka, Zagreb, and Trieste (Italy)**. 🚢 **By Ferry:** Seasonal ferries run from **Venice and Zadar**.  ## **💡 Tips for Visiting Pula** ✅ **Best time to visit?** **May–September** for warm weather & festivals 🌞 ✅ **Book Arena event tickets in advance** – Summer concerts sell out fast 🎶 ✅ **Try local wines** – Istrian **Malvazija (white) and Teran (red)** are excellent 🍷 ✅ **Explore nearby towns** – Rovinj & Motovun make great day trips 🏡 ✅ **Cash is useful** – Some small shops & markets prefer cash 💶 

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

> This UX research has been redacted by @iqra from the Bitcoin.Design [community](https://discord.gg/K7aQ5PErht), and shared for review and feedback! Don't be shy, share your thoughts.  - - - ## 1️⃣ Introduction #### Project Overview 📌 **Product:** BlueWallet (Bitcoin Wallet) 📌 **Goal:** Improve onboarding flow and enhance accessibility for a better user experience. 📌 **Role:** UX Designer 📌 **Tools Used:** Figma, Notion #### Why This Case Study? 🔹 BlueWallet is a self-custodial Bitcoin wallet, but **users struggle with onboarding due to unclear instructions**. 🔹 **Accessibility issues** (low contrast, small fonts) create **barriers for visually impaired users**. 🔹 Competitors like **Trust Wallet and MetaMask offer better-guided onboarding**. This case study presents **UX/UI improvements** to make BlueWallet **more intuitive and inclusive**. - - - ## 2️⃣ Problem Statement: Why BlueWalletʼs Onboarding Needs Improvement #### 🔹 **Current Challenges:** 1️⃣ **Onboarding Complexity** - BlueWallet lacks **step-by-step guidance**, leaving users confused about wallet creation and security.   2️⃣ **No Educational Introduction** - Users land directly on the wallet screen with **no explanation of private keys, recovery phrases, or transactions**. 3️⃣ **Transaction Flow Issues** - Similar-looking **"Send" and "Receive" buttons** cause confusion. 4️⃣ **Poor Accessibility** - Small fonts and low contrast make navigation difficult. #### 🔍 **Impact on Users:** **Higher drop-off rates** due to frustration during onboarding. **Security risks** as users skip key wallet setup steps. **Limited accessibility** for users with visual impairments. #### 📌 **Competitive Gap:** Unlike competitors (Trust Wallet, MetaMask), BlueWallet does not offer: ✅ A guided onboarding process ✅ Security education during setup ✅ Intuitive transaction flow      Somehow, this wallet has much better UI than the BlueWallet Bitcoin wallet. - - - ## 3️⃣ User Research & Competitive Analysis #### User Testing Findings 🔹 Conducted usability testing with **5 users** onboarding for the first time. 🔹 **Key Findings:** ✅ 3 out of 5 users **felt lost** due to missing explanations. ✅ 60% **had trouble distinguishing transaction buttons**. ✅ 80% **found the text difficult to read** due to low contrast. #### Competitive Analysis We compared BlueWallet with top crypto wallets: | Wallet | Onboarding UX | Security Guidance | Accessibility Features | |---|---|---|---| | BlueWallet | ❌ No guided onboarding | ❌ Minimal explanation | ❌ Low contrast, small fonts | | Trust Wallet | ✅ Step-by-step setup | ✅ Security best practices | ✅ High contrast UI | | MetaMask | ✅ Interactive tutorial | ✅ Private key education | ✅ Clear transaction buttons | 📌 **Key Insight:** BlueWallet lacks **guided setup and accessibility enhancements**, making it harder for beginners. ## 📌 User Persona To better understand the users facing onboarding challenges, I developed a **persona** based on research and usability testing. #### 🔹 Persona 1: Alex Carter (Bitcoin Beginner & Investor) 👤 **Profile:** - **Age:** 28 - **Occupation:** Freelance Digital Marketer - **Tech Knowledge:** Moderate - Familiar with online transactions, new to Bitcoin) - **Pain Points:** - Finds **Bitcoin wallets confusing**. - - Doesnʼt understand **seed phrases & security features**. - - **Worried about losing funds** due to a lack of clarity in transactions. 📌 **Needs:** ✅ A **simple, guided** wallet setup. ✅ **Clear explanations** of security terms (without jargon). ✅ Easy-to-locate **Send/Receive buttons**. 📌 **Persona Usage in Case Study:** - Helps define **who we are designing for**. - Guides **design decisions** by focusing on user needs. #### 🔹 Persona 2: Sarah Mitchell (Accessibility Advocate & Tech Enthusiast) 👤 **Profile:** - **Age:** 35 - **Occupation:** UX Researcher & Accessibility Consultant - **Tech Knowledge:** High (Uses Bitcoin but struggles with accessibility barriers) 📌 **Pain Points:** ❌ Struggles with small font sizes & low contrast. ❌ Finds the UI difficult to navigate with a screen reader. ❌ Confused by identical-looking transaction buttons. 📌 **Needs:** ✅ A **high-contrast UI** that meets **WCAG accessibility standards**. ✅ **Larger fonts & scalable UI elements** for better readability. ✅ **Keyboard & screen reader-friendly navigation** for seamless interaction. 📌 **Why This Persona Matters:** - Represents users with visual impairments who rely on accessible design. - Ensures the design accommodates inclusive UX principles. - - - ## 4️⃣ UX/UI Solutions & Design Improvements #### 📌 Before (Current Issues) ❌ Users land **directly on the wallet screen** with no instructions. ❌ **"Send" & "Receive" buttons look identical** , causing transaction confusion. ❌ **Small fonts & low contrast** reduce readability. #### ✅ After (Proposed Fixes) ✅ **Step-by-step onboarding** explaining wallet creation, security, and transactions. ✅ **Visually distinct transaction buttons** (color and icon changes). ✅ **WCAG-compliant text contrast & larger fonts** for better readability. #### 1️⃣ Redesigned Onboarding Flow ✅ Added a **progress indicator** so users see where they are in setup. ✅ Used **plain, non-technical language** to explain wallet creation & security. ✅ Introduced a **"Learn More" button** to educate users on security. #### 2️⃣ Accessibility Enhancements ✅ Increased **contrast ratio** for better text readability. ✅ Used **larger fonts & scalable UI elements**. ✅ Ensured **screen reader compatibility** (VoiceOver & TalkBack support). #### 3️⃣ Transaction Flow Optimization ✅ Redesigned **"Send" & "Receive" buttons** for clear distinction. ✅ Added **clearer icons & tooltips** for transaction steps. ## 5️⃣ Wireframes & Design Improvements: #### 🔹 Welcome Screen (First Screen When User Opens Wallet) **📌 Goal: Give a brief introduction & set user expectations** ✅ App logo + **short tagline** (e.g., "Secure, Simple, Self-Custody Bitcoin Wallet") ✅ **1-2 line explanation** of what BlueWallet is (e.g., "Your gateway to managing Bitcoin securely.") ✅ **"Get Started" button** → Le ads to **next step: Wallet Setup** ✅ **"Already have a wallet?"** → Import option 🔹 **Example UI Elements:** - BlueWallet Logo - **Title:** "Welcome to BlueWallet" - **Subtitle:** "Easily store, send, and receive Bitcoin." - CTA: "Get Started" (Primary) | "Import Wallet" (Secondary)  #### 🔹 Screen 2: Choose Wallet Type (New or Import) **📌 Goal: Let users decide how to proceed** ✅ **Two clear options:** - **Create a New Wallet** (For first-time users) - **Import Existing Wallet** (For users with a backup phrase) ✅ Brief explanation of each option 🔹 **Example UI Elements: - **Title:** "How do you want to start?" - **Buttons:** "Create New Wallet" | "Import Wallet"  #### 🔹 Screen 3: Security & Seed Phrase Setup (Critical Step) **📌 Goal: Educate users about wallet security & backups** ✅ Explain **why seed phrases are important** ✅ **Clear step-by-step instructions** on writing down & storing the phrase ✅ **Warning:** "If you lose your recovery phrase, you lose access to your wallet." ✅ **CTA:** "Generate Seed Phrase" → Next step 🔹 **Example UI Elements: - Title:** "Secure Your Wallet" - **Subtitle:** "Your seed phrase is the key to your Bitcoin. Keep it safe!" - **Button:** "Generate Seed Phrase"  ## 🔹 Screen 4: Seed Phrase Display & Confirmation **📌 Goal: Ensure users write down the phrase correctly** ✅ Display **12- or 24-word** seed phrase ✅ **“I have written it downˮ checkbox** before proceeding ✅ Next screen: **Verify seed phrase** (drag & drop, re-enter some words) 🔹 **Example UI Elements:** - **Title:** "Write Down Your Seed Phrase" - List of 12/24 Words (Hidden by Default) - **Checkbox:** "I have safely stored my phrase" - **Button:** "Continue"  ### 🔹 Screen 5: Wallet Ready! (Final Step) **📌 Goal: Confirm setup & guide users on next actions** ✅ **Success message** ("Your wallet is ready!") ✅ **Encourage first action:** - “Receive Bitcoinˮ → Show wallet address - “Send Bitcoinˮ → Walkthrough on making transactions ✅ Short explainer: Where to find the Send/Receive buttons 🔹 **Example UI Elements:** - **Title:** "You're All Set!" - **Subtitle:** "Start using BlueWallet now." - **Buttons:** "Receive Bitcoin" | "View Wallet"  - - - ## 5️⃣ Prototype & User Testing Results 🔹 **Created an interactive prototype in Figma** to test the new experience. 🔹 **User Testing Results:** ✅ **40% faster onboarding completion time.** ✅ **90% of users found transaction buttons clearer.** 🔹 **User Feedback:** ✅ “Now I understand the security steps clearly.ˮ ✅ “The buttons are easier to find and use.ˮ - - - ## 6️⃣ Why This Matters: Key Takeaways 📌 **Impact of These UX/UI Changes:** ✅ **Reduced user frustration** by providing a step-by-step onboarding guide. ✅ **Improved accessibility** , making the wallet usable for all. ✅ **More intuitive transactions** , reducing errors. - - - ## 7️⃣ Direct link to figma file and Prototype Figma file: [https://www.figma.com/design/EPb4gVgAMEgF5GBDdtt81Z/Blue-Wallet-UI- Improvements?node-id=0-1&t=Y2ni1SfvuQQnoB7s-1](https://www.figma.com/design/EPb4gVgAMEgF5GBDdtt81Z/Blue-Wallet-UI- Improvements?node-id=0-1&t=Y2ni1SfvuQQnoB7s-1) Prototype: [https://www.figma.com/proto/EPb4gVgAMEgF5GBDdtt81Z/Blue-Wallet-UI- Improvements?node-id=1-2&p=f&t=FndTJQNCE7nEIa84-1&scaling=scale- down&content-scaling=fixed&page-id=0%3A1&starting-point-node- id=1%3A2&show-proto-sidebar=1](https://www.figma.com/proto/EPb4gVgAMEgF5GBDdtt81Z/Blue-Wallet-UI- Improvements?node-id=1-2&p=f&t=FndTJQNCE7nEIa84-1&scaling=scale- down&content-scaling=fixed&page-id=0%3A1&starting-point-node- id=1%3A2&show-proto-sidebar=1) Original PDF available from [here](https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/903126164795699212/1355561527394173243/faf3ee46-b501-459c-ba0e-bf7e38843bc8_UX_Case_Study__1.pdf?ex=67e9608d&is=67e80f0d&hm=d0c386ce2cfd6e0ebe6bde0a904e884229f52bf547adf1f7bc884e17bb4aa59e&) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928822

@ 8671a6e5:f88194d1

A flash of inspiration <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/f1adbb3992b05ba7bbb9e3ff3b61d27e6e58b1564e628dd136afee4e57b3449c.jpg"> Sometimes the mind takes you to strange places. The other day, I stumbled across Madonna’s “Vogue” video, you know “strike a pose” and all that jazz, and it got me thinking. Not about her music (which, let’s be honest, hasn’t aged as gracefully as her PR team might hope), but about Michael Saylor and Bitcoin. Bear with me here, there’s a connection there. Madonna built an empire and her iconic name on catchy tunes and reinvention, even if her catalog feels a bit thin these days. Saylor? He’s doing something similar—taking an old act, dusting it off, and teaching it a new trick. Only instead of a microphone, he’s wielding Bitcoin, and Wall Street’s playing the role of the music industry, propping up the star despite a shaky back catalog (his initial business software). Old school meets new moves Think of Saylor as that veteran artist who’s been around for a few decades and think of bitcoin as a new style of music, a genre or a gimmick that’s popular with the kids. Old music stars sooner or later pick up on that, and even bring people in to do a cross-over song, a mix or god forbid, a duet. MicroStrategy, his software company, was never a top hit scoring machine. More of a album full of B-sides that faded into obscurity (for those who don’t know, look up what a B-side song was). But then he stumbled onto Bitcoin, the shiny new genre that’s got the attention and attracted people because of the underlying asset (our tunes are here to stay). It’s not just a pivot; it’s a reinvention. Like an aging pop star learning to rap, Saylor’s taken his old-school business and remixed it into something attracting a decent audience at conferences for example. Like Madonna or the former Prince fulling arenas. He’s voguing alright; with bold moves, big loans, the support of his own music industry and a spotlight for his (sometimes Madonna lyrics like) ramblings. The Saylor trick: a ray of light on bitcoin Here’s the play: Saylor’s turned MicroStrategy into a Bitcoin hoarding machine. Forget software licenses; his game is borrowing billions—through corporate bonds and stock sales, only to buy and hold Bitcoin. Bitcoin will outshine gold, bonds, even the S&P 500, Saylor says. It’s a gamble, an honorable one if you’re a bitcoiner, but it’s dressed up as a vision, and it’s got a self-fulfilling prophecy in it. Not only that, such a prophecy can only fully come to fruition if he’s not the only buyer of last resort of any significance. A music industry isn’t a real industry if there was only Madonna dancing on stage as the only mainstream artist. We had Prince, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars or Dua Lipa and hundreds of other artists over time, vying for your money, attention span, and streaming minutes. The more Strategy buys, the more the Bitcoin crowd cheers, the higher the price climbs, and the more attention he gets. Speaking gigs, headlines, cult status—it’s a win-win, at least on paper. Strike the pose, indeed. The McDonald’s trick: value under the surface It’s not the first time Michael Saylro remixes a tape from another artist so to speak. Let’s pivot to McDonald’s for a second, because there’s a parallel here. You think Big Macs when you think McDonald’s, but their real value hustle is actually real estate. They own prime land, lease it to franchisees, and rake in rent—billions of it. The burgers? Just a tasty front for a property empire. Saylor’s pulling a similar move, but instead of buildings, his asset is Bitcoin. MicroStrategy’s software gig is the fries on the side — nice to have, but not the main course. He’s borrowing against the future value of BTC, betting it’ll keep climbing, just like McDonald’s banks on steady foot traffic and picking strategic (pun intended) locations. The difference? McDonald’s has a fallback if real estate tanks. Saylor’s all-in on bitcoin. (So far so good, if there’s one thing to go all-in on, it’s bitcoin anyway). That on itself is not an issue. But it’s important to know that the “location” is the asset for some while bitcoin is the “asset” for Strategy. Mc Donald’s assets are easy to spot: there are restaurants all over the place. Madonna’s concerts are also easy to spot: they sell out arenas left and right. Strategy’s bitcoin asset is less easy to spot, as we can’t see them, neither can we verify them. More on that later. The hybrid star: Madonna meets McDonald’s So, picture this: Saylor’s a cross between Madonna and a fast-food landlord. He’s the aging music icon who’s learned a flashy new dance, but underneath the glitter, he’s running a McDonald’s-style value play. It’s brilliant, in a way. Bitcoin’s scarcity fuels the hype, and his borrowing keeps the show on the road. Madonna’s legacy still sells records her name holds value, and McDonald’s can lean on its food business and brand, if the property game stumbles they can easily pivot back to basics and earn like they’ve always done on selling food and franchise income/licensing. Saylor? His software arm’s is rather dismal. If Bitcoin falters, there’s no encore that can him.**a flash of inspiration** Sometimes the mind takes you to strange places. The other day, I stumbled across Madonna’s “Vogue” video, you know “strike a pose” and all that jazz, and it got me thinking. Not about her music (which, let’s be honest, hasn’t aged as gracefully as her PR team might hope), but about Michael Saylor and Bitcoin.\ \ Bear with me here, there’s a connection there. Madonna built an empire and her iconic name on catchy tunes and reinvention, even if her catalog feels a bit thin these days.\ Saylor? He’s doing something similar—taking an old act, dusting it off, and teaching it a new trick. Only instead of a microphone, he’s wielding Bitcoin, and Wall Street’s playing the role of the music industry, propping up the star despite a shaky back catalog (his initial business software). **Old school meets new moves** Think of Saylor as that veteran artist who’s been around for a few decades and think of bitcoin as a new style of music, a genre or a gimmick that’s popular with the kids. Old music stars sooner or later pick up on that, and even bring people in to do a cross-over song, a mix or god forbid, a duet. MicroStrategy, his software company, was never a top hit scoring machine. More of a album full of B-sides that faded into obscurity (for those who don’t know, look up what a B-side song was).\ But then he stumbled onto Bitcoin, the shiny new genre that’s got the attention and attracted people because of the underlying asset (our tunes are here to stay).\ \ It’s not just a pivot; it’s a reinvention. Like an aging pop star learning to rap, Saylor’s taken his old-school business and remixed it into something attracting a decent audience at conferences for example. Like Madonna or the former Prince fulling arenas.\ He’s voguing alright; with bold moves, big loans, the support of his own music industry and a spotlight for his (sometimes Madonna lyrics like) ramblings. **The Saylor trick: a ray of light on bitcoin\** \ Here’s the play: Saylor’s turned MicroStrategy into a Bitcoin hoarding machine. Forget software licenses; his game is borrowing billions—through corporate bonds and stock sales, only to buy and hold Bitcoin. Bitcoin will outshine gold, bonds, even the S&P 500, Saylor says.\ It’s a gamble, an honorable one if you’re a bitcoiner, but it’s dressed up as a vision, and it’s got a self-fulfilling prophecy in it. Not only that, such a prophecy can only fully come to fruition if he’s not the only buyer of last resort of any significance. A music industry isn’t a real industry if there was only Madonna dancing on stage as the only mainstream artist.\ \ We had Prince, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars or Dua Lipa and hundreds of other artists over time, vying for your money, attention span, and streaming minutes.\ The more Strategy buys, the more the Bitcoin crowd cheers, the higher the price climbs, and the more attention he gets. Speaking gigs, headlines, cult status—it’s a win-win, at least on paper. Strike the pose, indeed. **The McDonald’s trick: value under the surface\** \ It’s not the first time Michael Saylro remixes a tape from another artist so to speak.\ Let’s pivot to McDonald’s for a second, because there’s a parallel here. You think Big Macs when you think McDonald’s, but their real value hustle is actually real estate. They own prime land, lease it to franchisees, and rake in rent—billions of it. The burgers? Just a tasty front for a property empire. Saylor’s pulling a similar move, but instead of buildings, his asset is Bitcoin.\ MicroStrategy’s software gig is the fries on the side — nice to have, but not the main course. He’s borrowing against the future value of BTC, betting it’ll keep climbing, just like McDonald’s banks on steady foot traffic and picking strategic (pun intended) locations.\ The difference? McDonald’s has a fallback if real estate tanks. Saylor’s all-in on bitcoin. (So far so good, if there’s one thing to go all-in on, it’s bitcoin anyway). That on itself is not an issue. But it’s important to know that the “location” is the asset for some while bitcoin is the “asset” for Strategy.\ Mc Donald’s assets are easy to spot: there are restaurants all over the place. Madonna’s concerts are also easy to spot: they sell out arenas left and right.\ Strategy’s bitcoin asset is less easy to spot, as we can’t see them, neither can we verify them. More on that later. **The hybrid star: Madonna meets McDonald’s** So, picture this: Saylor’s a cross between Madonna and a fast-food landlord. He’s the aging music icon who’s learned a flashy new dance, but underneath the glitter, he’s running a McDonald’s-style value play.\ It’s brilliant, in a way. Bitcoin’s scarcity fuels the hype, and his borrowing keeps the show on the road.\ Madonna’s legacy still sells records her name holds value, and McDonald’s can lean on its food business and brand, if the property game stumbles they can easily pivot back to basics and earn like they’ve always done on selling food and franchise income/licensing.\ Saylor? His software arm’s is rather dismal. If Bitcoin falters, there’s no encore that can him. The music’s made in-house Michael Saylor’s strategy with Strategy, is a bold, all-in bet on Bitcoin as the ultimate store of value. Essentially combining what Mc Donald’s does with the strong believe in bitcoin’s future (and fueling that believe with the fitting rhetoric). It works like this: Since August 2020, Saylor’s company has been buying up more and more Bitcoin, making it their main asset instead of traditional cash or investments, and by March 2025, they own 506,137 BTC—worth about $42.8 billion (at $84,000 per Bitcoin). This, after spending $33.7 billion to buy it over time (DCA), including a massive 218887 BTC purchase late 2024 for $20.5 billion, giving them over 2.41% of all Bitcoin ever to exist (way more than companies like Marathon, Coinbase, Tesla or Riot). To pull this off, they’ve borrowed heavily: owing $7.2 billion, mostly to Wall Street investors through special IOUs1 called convertible notes, which don’t need to be paid back until 2027, through 2029. These can either be settled with cash or swapped for Strategy stock. (there lies one of the main issues in my opinion, as the main asset’s price in USD is directly impacting the stock price of MSTR). A small example of this repeated correlation happened on March 28, 2025 when Strategy’s stock (MSTR) dropped 10.8% from $324.59 to $289.41, which was mirroring Bitcoin’s move down from $85,000 to $82,000 earlier. This debt they have can be called “risky” by any stretch, with a high leverage rate of 39-40%, meaning they’ve borrowed a big chunk compared to what they own outright, but here’s the genius of it: they don’t have to sell their Bitcoin if its price drops, and they can refinance (borrow more later) to keep the dance going. As long as they find investors willing to bet on the later bitcoin price surge, but more importantly, as long as the song is liked by the new audience. If Michael Saylor is our “Madonna”, then there’s still not Taylor Swift or Rihanna in sight. The creditors (big players, not banks) win if Bitcoin soars, as Strategy’s huge stash (potentially 2.9%+ of the market) nets them massive profits, or even if it crashes, they’re still in the game with other ways to make profit (not on bitcoin), since they can afford the risk. If someone is willing to bet 4 to 8 billion dollars, they’re probably not spooked by losing it all. More so, these Wall Streat people in the correct entourage, can probably afford such a gamble, and can stomach to lose it all if something goes horribly wrong as well, instead of risking being left out of a growing market. But since they’re probably the same people steering and “owning” the USD market anyway, they’re just conquering positions in a new market. The fact that they’re not real bitcoin-ethos people, but just “suits” in finance, can make the suspicious bitcoiners watching all of this unfold, even more uneasy. So, Strategy sits on $44 billion in Bitcoin with just $7.2 billion in debt, voguing confidently. And Saylor’s betting the song never gets old, he’ll do the B-sides and re-mastering his old albums if necessary, but if Bitcoin’s value ever fades (for whatever reason), the real question is how long they can keep striking poses before the music stops. Remember: all money (fiat, gold, silver, bitcoin, nicely made papers) is a matter of trust. As I have trust in bitcoin itself, but not so much in Strategy, I’ve take some precautions. I've started my own sort of "Strategy crash fund", with fiat money that only will come into action when strategy is done. The crash that we'll see after that goes down, will be such a tremendous opportunity, that I'll pour in some more fiat, gladly, and that will be the exact moment I will actually “sell all my chairs” (from Saylor’s well-known quote). Purchases Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases, don’t seem to jolt the market much either, no matter the size of the order. They always have the same sound: “it’s OTC, it doesn’t impact the market that much”. Still, it’s strange to see: no one has ever come forward to tell anyone “I’ve sold 15000 bitcoin from my old stack to Saylor”, neither do we see any clear evidence and on-chain moves. Take their first buy in August 2020 for example. Totaling 21454 BTC for $250 million at $11,652 per BTC; Bitcoin sat at $11,500 to $11,700 so barely moved, inching to $12,000 weeks later due to broader trends. Same story in December 2020 with 29646 BTC for $650 million, there, the price hopped from $19,000 to $23,000, but a bull market was already raging. Fast forward to February 2021 (19452 BTC, for $1.026 billion (!)), March 2024 (9245 BTC, $623 million), November 2024 (55500 BTC, $5.4 billion), and March 2025 (6911 BTC, $584.1 million) Bitcoin wobbled 2-15%, but always in line with existing momentum, not Strategy’s announcements. Their biggest buy, for a total of $5.4 billion (!) is just 0.3% of Bitcoin’s $1.7 trillion market cap, it’s too small to register as a blip even. But compared to the liquidity on the market and the “availability” on the OTC market, it should. More so, OTC bitcoin is announced as “for sale” somehow. A person with +25000 bitcoin is not standing on the side of the street yelling “hey man, wanna buy some bitcoin?”. There are specialized firms doing that for them, and making these available. This date is also used by some insiders and people who know this very small market (there aren’t that many bitcoiners sitting on such an amount after 2024 I guess). Data from Binance OTC, Coinspaid, kraken OTC, is highly private of course, but still, anything being sold over there, to Strategy or anyone else, would take larger amounts off the open market and the OTC market, making a price impact, certainly withing 2 years, as Bitcoin mining companies sit on an average buffer of 6 months depending on market conditions. Strategy funds all of this by selling shares (diluting the pool big-time) or issuing convertible notes, and while SEC filings make faking these buys near-impossible. And even if Saylor is the Bitcoin version of Bernie Madoff, he could get away with it, if enough people "in the know" are willing to support this way of infesting (and investing in) the bitcoin economy. This would have to be a clear orchestrated attack on bitcoin, purely on the financial level then. I don't believe this to be the case, but mathematically we have to take it into account as a very slight possibility. After all, a company like "WorldCom"2 managed to scam their way out of different audits for years, until the scheme got bust and a enormous amount of investors lost their money after their CEO went to jail3 for exchange fraud. I believe this could be the case with Strategy, but I give it a 3% chance (this might be low, but it's there, we can't outright dismiss the possibility). Water in the wine Strategy has also massively diluted its stock to fund Bitcoin buys, jumping from 10 million shares in 2020 to about 285 million by March 2025—a 2,750% increase, this happened after raising $4.25 billion from 2020 onwards and $20 billion of their $42 billion "21/21 Plan" by early 2025. After the 10-for-1 stock split in August 2024, the number of MSTR shares grew from 16.5 million in 2023 to 284898 by end of 2024, a 1625% rise !!!. Add to that about 275 million more shares added in total (including 120 million in 2024 alone) and 1.975 million extra in March 2025 for $592.6 million. So more and more tap water is poured in the wine, and it means each share’s ownership slice shrinks as new shares flood in, mostly via "at-the-market" sales and convertible note conversions. This is partly offset by share splits, but still, the rise in the number of stock is significant, and a big factor in evaluating MSTR. In December 2024, they proposed hiking authorized shares to 10.33 billion (plus 1 billion preferred), approved in January 2025, setting the stage for even more if they keep selling. The trend is clear: relentless selling. They might say “we never sell bitcoin”, but the same doesn’t count for their shares… which derive their value from bitcoin’s fiat price. So shareholders are betting on Bitcoin’s rise to offset the watering down of the share they hold. The more you think of it, the more ludicrous it sounds. It’s a loop of trust where the stock itself can only thrive if the company itself is an active, useful middleman. And so far, it’s only doing so for other Wall street companies, the biggest holders of MSTR shares: Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock, Capital International Investors, Jane Street Group, Susquehanna International Group This on itself is also “normal” of course. In the flow of things. Like every aspect by itself in the whole Strategy setup is just normal. But combining all the factors makes it look a bit more… suspicious to me. Supporting bitcoin ? The real head-scratcher comes next: their secrecy and lack of community involvement. Strategy claims to hold 506137 BTC, likely cold-stored with partners like BitGo or Coinbase Custody, but no public wallet addresses back these claims up. Odd for a firm swearing never to sell. There’s also the real risk that these partners are partly selling paper bitcoin (bitcoin they don't hold the keys to, or "promised" bitcoin) to Strategy, and that they just assume everything is audited and OK. We can't estimate that, since we don't have any public MicroStrategy addresses or other ways to look at their holdings. This is for security reasons apparently, which raises another question: If they for example would show 300k+ BTC on-chain as proof, it’d boost trust, yet they don’t, hinting at a bigger play — maybe as a Wall Street-backed buyer of last resort for a new asset class. Also Strategy’s software business and bitcoin “apps” (like the super simple Lightning email integration, and an on-chain digital ID system) is underwhelming to say the least (I literally know people that code such stuff on a free afternoon while they’re cooking dinner). Their very minimal software innovation for the Bitcoin space, with basic Lightning features and an on-chain ID system, failing their their valuation as a 'Bitcoin company' in my opinion. More so, their business is ignoring the other innovation that would help bitcoin thrive. This is kind of a red flag for me. Why would a company sitting on +500 k bitcoin be hesitant about supporting the bitcoin eco-system more actively? They sure have the funds to do so, right? And they also have the right insights, info and spirit. Yet, they don’t. They don’t fund developers for open-source projects, or Bitcoin’s growth in general (not publicly at least). So Saylor shines in talks, hyping Bitcoin’s future and Strategy’s stock, but it’s all the self fulfilling prophecy. No grants, no real support for the community they lean on. It’s like they’re dancing to Bitcoin’s mixtape, raking in the spotlight, while giving little back. All the while some extremely needed projects lack funding, and most software companies in bitcoin who wish to innovate are begging and scraping funds together, in order to stay afloat. Something’s not ok with that. I can’t understand a company with that much power and money being part of this movement and loving bitcoin, while not actively supporting the development or the maintainers of the bitcoin software. (and yes, to keep their independence it’s best to keep it that way, that’s also an argument, but even then, giving out a grant to anyone that’s crucial in this industry, might help the whole ecosystem). The show must go on—for now The whole Strategy setup feels more and more like a performance to me. Saylor’s the star, doing the moves and Wall Street’s the record label, and we’re the audience, captivated by the spectacle and paying to see the show on occasion. The suits keep funding him (free money, IOUs), just like the music industry props up a fading diva with a limited repertoire or drags a new star from her home studio on YouTube into the spotlights. H Saylor’s 21/21 Plan to the amount of $42 billion to snatch up more Bitcoin can be a grand finale that’s dazzling while the lights stay on. Prediction: the music stops eventually Here’s my take: Bitcoin will keep rising over a long period of time, and Saylor’s gambit will look like a genius move, until it doesn’t. All it takes is one big shot in Wall Street to find another shiny toy to play with, or another play to get their money working. The billions they’ve invested, will come back eventually, and if it doesn’t, it will mean the world has changed in their advantage as well in another way. Some people cannot lose, no matter what. Saylor’s now part of that, doing their bidding and doing his part for educating the other businesses. He’s the only big buyer of last resort in this game so far. No one else is piling in with billions like he is. When the hype cools or the debt catches up, he’s got no real business to fall back on. The software? A relic. The Bitcoin bet can save him if the time is right, we’ll see about that. Time is his enemy not ally, and it always wins in the end. The pose can only hold so long. You can’t keep scoring free fiat, without either die on low valuation and dilution, or without at least 20 other Strategy-grade businesses jumping in to take their piece of the pie. So far, surprisingly, none of these two things happen. He keeps getting free fiat from Wall Street investors, and no other Saylor stands up. This can’t last forever. One of the two will happen by end of 2025. Curtain call Saylor’s a fascinating watch, a mix of investor-backed bravado, brains, and borrowed billions. Is it a masterstroke or a bitcoin version of Worldcom? I’m not sure. In any case, I would only invest in MSTR myself if the company has a real added value for bitcoin development and the bitcoin ecosystem. They could be the engine, the spirit, the core of bitcoin. Yet they’re just doing the poses. Let your body move to the rhythm. AVB If you like : tip here / other writings 1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOU 2 https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/audit_and_advisory_services/about/news/2021/worldcom_scandal.php 3 https://content.next.westlaw.com/Document/Ic6b4dd91644311dbbe1cf2d29fe2afe6/View/FullText.html?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)#:\~:text=Rep.-,6,Criminal%20Charges**The music’s made in-house** Michael Saylor’s strategy with Strategy, is a bold, all-in bet on Bitcoin as the ultimate store of value. Essentially combining what Mc Donald’s does with the strong believe in bitcoin’s future (and fueling that believe with the fitting rhetoric).\ \ It works like this: Since August 2020, Saylor’s company has been buying up more and more Bitcoin, making it their main asset instead of traditional cash or investments, and by March 2025, they own 506,137 BTC—worth about $42.8 billion (at $84,000 per Bitcoin).\ This, after spending $33.7 billion to buy it over time (DCA), including a massive 218887 BTC purchase late 2024 for $20.5 billion, giving them over 2.41% of all Bitcoin ever to exist (way more than companies like Marathon, Coinbase, Tesla or Riot).\ \ To pull this off, they’ve borrowed heavily: owing $7.2 billion, mostly to Wall Street investors through special IOUs[1](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-1-159855071) called convertible notes, which don’t need to be paid back until 2027, through 2029. These can either be settled with cash or swapped for Strategy stock. (there lies one of the main issues in my opinion, as the main asset’s price in USD is directly impacting the stock price of MSTR).\ A small example of this repeated correlation happened on March 28, 2025 when Strategy’s stock (MSTR) dropped 10.8% from $324.59 to $289.41, which was mirroring Bitcoin’s move down from $85,000 to $82,000 earlier. This debt they have can be called “risky” by any stretch, with a high leverage rate of 39-40%, meaning they’ve borrowed a big chunk compared to what they own outright, but here’s the genius of it: they don’t have to sell their Bitcoin if its price drops, and they can refinance (borrow more later) to keep the dance going. As long as they find investors willing to bet on the later bitcoin price surge, but more importantly, as long as the song is liked by the new audience. If Michael Saylor is our “Madonna”, then there’s still not Taylor Swift or Rihanna in sight. The creditors (big players, not banks) win if Bitcoin soars, as Strategy’s huge stash (potentially 2.9%+ of the market) nets them massive profits, or even if it crashes, they’re still in the game with other ways to make profit (not on bitcoin), since they can afford the risk. If someone is willing to bet 4 to 8 billion dollars, they’re probably not spooked by losing it all. More so, these Wall Streat people in the correct entourage, can probably afford such a gamble, and can stomach to lose it all if something goes horribly wrong as well, instead of risking being left out of a growing market. But since they’re probably the same people steering and “owning” the USD market anyway, they’re just conquering positions in a new market. The fact that they’re not real bitcoin-ethos people, but just “suits” in finance, can make the suspicious bitcoiners watching all of this unfold, even more uneasy.\ \ So, Strategy sits on $44 billion in Bitcoin with just $7.2 billion in debt, voguing confidently. And Saylor’s betting the song never gets old, he’ll do the B-sides and re-mastering his old albums if necessary, but if Bitcoin’s value ever fades (for whatever reason), the real question is how long they can keep striking poses before the music stops. Remember: all money (fiat, gold, silver, bitcoin, nicely made papers) is a matter of trust. As I have trust in bitcoin itself, but not so much in Strategy, I’ve take some precautions.\ I've started my own sort of "Strategy crash fund", with fiat money that only will come into action when strategy is done. The crash that we'll see after that goes down, will be such a tremendous opportunity, that I'll pour in some more fiat, gladly, and that will be the exact moment I will actually “sell all my chairs” (from Saylor’s well-known quote). **Purchases** Strategy’s Bitcoin purchases, don’t seem to jolt the market much either, no matter the size of the order. They always have the same sound: “it’s OTC, it doesn’t impact the market that much”.\ \ Still, it’s strange to see: no one has ever come forward to tell anyone “I’ve sold 15000 bitcoin from my old stack to Saylor”, neither do we see any clear evidence and on-chain moves.\ \ Take their first buy in August 2020 for example. Totaling 21454 BTC for $250 million at $11,652 per BTC; Bitcoin sat at $11,500 to $11,700 so barely moved, inching to $12,000 weeks later due to broader trends. Same story in December 2020 with 29646 BTC for $650 million, there, the price hopped from $19,000 to $23,000, but a bull market was already raging.\ Fast forward to February 2021 (19452 BTC, for $1.026 billion (!)), March 2024 (9245 BTC, $623 million), November 2024 (55500 BTC, $5.4 billion), and March 2025 (6911 BTC, $584.1 million)\ \ Bitcoin wobbled 2-15%, but always in line with existing momentum, not Strategy’s announcements. Their biggest buy, for a total of $5.4 billion (!) is just 0.3% of Bitcoin’s $1.7 trillion market cap, it’s too small to register as a blip even. But compared to the liquidity on the market and the “availability” on the OTC market, it should.\ More so, OTC bitcoin is announced as “for sale” somehow. A person with +25000 bitcoin is not standing on the side of the street yelling “hey man, wanna buy some bitcoin?”. There are specialized firms doing that for them, and making these available. This date is also used by some insiders and people who know this very small market (there aren’t that many bitcoiners sitting on such an amount after 2024 I guess). Data from Binance OTC, Coinspaid, kraken OTC, is highly private of course, but still, anything being sold over there, to Strategy or anyone else, would take larger amounts off the open market and the OTC market, making a price impact, certainly withing 2 years, as Bitcoin mining companies sit on an average buffer of 6 months depending on market conditions.\ \ Strategy funds all of this by selling shares (diluting the pool big-time) or issuing convertible notes, and while SEC filings make faking these buys near-impossible. And even if Saylor is the Bitcoin version of Bernie Madoff, he could get away with it, if enough people "in the know" are willing to support this way of infesting (and investing in) the bitcoin economy. This would have to be a clear orchestrated attack on bitcoin, purely on the financial level then. I don't believe this to be the case, but mathematically we have to take it into account as a very slight possibility. After all, a company like "WorldCom"[2](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-2-159855071) managed to scam their way out of different audits for years, until the scheme got bust and a enormous amount of investors lost their money after their CEO went to jail[3](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-3-159855071) for exchange fraud. I believe this could be the case with Strategy, but I give it a 3% chance (this might be low, but it's there, we can't outright dismiss the possibility). **Water in the wine** Strategy has also massively diluted its stock to fund Bitcoin buys, jumping from 10 million shares in 2020 to about 285 million by March 2025—a 2,750% increase, this happened after raising $4.25 billion from 2020 onwards and $20 billion of their $42 billion "21/21 Plan" by early 2025.\ \ After the 10-for-1 stock split in August 2024, the number of MSTR shares grew from 16.5 million in 2023 to 284898 by end of 2024, a 1625% rise !!!. Add to that about 275 million more shares added in total (including 120 million in 2024 alone) and 1.975 million extra in March 2025 for $592.6 million.\ \ So more and more tap water is poured in the wine, and it means each share’s ownership slice shrinks as new shares flood in, mostly via "at-the-market" sales and convertible note conversions.\ This is partly offset by share splits, but still, the rise in the number of stock is significant, and a big factor in evaluating MSTR.\ \ In December 2024, they proposed hiking authorized shares to 10.33 billion (plus 1 billion preferred), approved in January 2025, setting the stage for even more if they keep selling.\ \ The trend is clear: relentless selling.\ They might say “we never sell bitcoin”, but the same doesn’t count for their shares… which derive their value from bitcoin’s fiat price.\ So shareholders are betting on Bitcoin’s rise to offset the watering down of the share they hold. The more you think of it, the more ludicrous it sounds. It’s a loop of trust where the stock itself can only thrive if the company itself is an active, useful middleman.\ And so far, it’s only doing so for other Wall street companies, the biggest holders of MSTR shares: Vanguard Group Inc, BlackRock, Capital International Investors, Jane Street Group, Susquehanna International Group\ \ This on itself is also “normal” of course. In the flow of things.\ Like every aspect by itself in the whole Strategy setup is just normal. But combining all the factors makes it look a bit more… suspicious to me. **Supporting bitcoin ?** The real head-scratcher comes next: their secrecy and lack of community involvement.\ Strategy claims to hold 506137 BTC, likely cold-stored with partners like BitGo or Coinbase Custody, but no public wallet addresses back these claims up. Odd for a firm swearing never to sell. There’s also the real risk that these partners are partly selling paper bitcoin (bitcoin they don't hold the keys to, or "promised" bitcoin) to Strategy, and that they just assume everything is audited and OK. We can't estimate that, since we don't have any public MicroStrategy addresses or other ways to look at their holdings. This is for security reasons apparently, which raises another question:\ If they for example would show 300k+ BTC on-chain as proof, it’d boost trust, yet they don’t, hinting at a bigger play — maybe as a Wall Street-backed buyer of last resort for a new asset class. Also Strategy’s software business and bitcoin “apps” (like the super simple Lightning email integration, and an on-chain digital ID system) is underwhelming to say the least (I literally know people that code such stuff on a free afternoon while they’re cooking dinner). Their very minimal software innovation for the Bitcoin space, with basic Lightning features and an on-chain ID system, failing their their valuation as a 'Bitcoin company' in my opinion. More so, their business is ignoring the other innovation that would help bitcoin thrive. This is kind of a red flag for me.\ Why would a company sitting on +500 k bitcoin be hesitant about supporting the bitcoin eco-system more actively? They sure have the funds to do so, right? And they also have the right insights, info and spirit.\ Yet, they don’t.\ \ They don’t fund developers for open-source projects, or Bitcoin’s growth in general (not publicly at least). So Saylor shines in talks, hyping Bitcoin’s future and Strategy’s stock, but it’s all the self fulfilling prophecy.\ \ No grants, no real support for the community they lean on.\ It’s like they’re dancing to Bitcoin’s mixtape, raking in the spotlight, while giving little back. All the while some extremely needed projects lack funding, and most software companies in bitcoin who wish to innovate are begging and scraping funds together, in order to stay afloat.\ Something’s not ok with that.\ I can’t understand a company with that much power and money being part of this movement and loving bitcoin, while not actively supporting the development or the maintainers of the bitcoin software. (and yes, to keep their independence it’s best to keep it that way, that’s also an argument, but even then, giving out a grant to anyone that’s crucial in this industry, might help the whole ecosystem). **The show must go on—for now** The whole Strategy setup feels more and more like a performance to me. Saylor’s the star, doing the moves and Wall Street’s the record label, and we’re the audience, captivated by the spectacle and paying to see the show on occasion.\ \ The suits keep funding him (free money, IOUs), just like the music industry props up a fading diva with a limited repertoire or drags a new star from her home studio on YouTube into the spotlights. H\ Saylor’s 21/21 Plan to the amount of $42 billion to snatch up more Bitcoin can be a grand finale that’s dazzling while the lights stay on. **Prediction: the music stops eventually** Here’s my take: Bitcoin will keep rising over a long period of time, and Saylor’s gambit will look like a genius move, until it doesn’t. All it takes is one big shot in Wall Street to find another shiny toy to play with, or another play to get their money working. The billions they’ve invested, will come back eventually, and if it doesn’t, it will mean the world has changed in their advantage as well in another way. Some people cannot lose, no matter what. Saylor’s now part of that, doing their bidding and doing his part for educating the other businesses.\ \ He’s the only big buyer of last resort in this game so far. No one else is piling in with billions like he is. When the hype cools or the debt catches up, he’s got no real business to fall back on. The software? A relic. The Bitcoin bet can save him if the time is right, we’ll see about that.\ Time is his enemy not ally, and it always wins in the end. The pose can only hold so long. You can’t keep scoring free fiat, without either die on low valuation and dilution, or without at least 20 other Strategy-grade businesses jumping in to take their piece of the pie.\ So far, surprisingly, none of these two things happen.\ He keeps getting free fiat from Wall Street investors, and no other Saylor stands up.\ This can’t last forever. One of the two will happen by end of 2025.\ **\ Curtain call** Saylor’s a fascinating watch, a mix of investor-backed bravado, brains, and borrowed billions.\ Is it a masterstroke or a bitcoin version of Worldcom?\ I’m not sure. In any case, I would only invest in MSTR myself if the company has a real added value for bitcoin development and the bitcoin ecosystem. They could be the engine, the spirit, the core of bitcoin.\ Yet they’re just doing the poses.\ Let your body move to the rhythm. AVB If you like : [tip here](https://coinos.io/allesvoorbitcoin/receive) / [other writings](https://allesvoorbitcoin.be/toolsguides/12writings/) [1](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-anchor-1-159855071) <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IOU> [2](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-anchor-2-159855071) <https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/audit_and_advisory_services/about/news/2021/worldcom_scandal.php> [3](https://allesvoorbitcoin.substack.com/p/strategy-is-in-vogue#footnote-anchor-3-159855071) <https://content.next.westlaw.com/Document/Ic6b4dd91644311dbbe1cf2d29fe2afe6/View/FullText.html?transitionType=Default&contextData=(sc.Default)#:\~:text=Rep.-,6,Criminal%20Charges>

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

 - Once activated, "Accept From Any Mint” is the default setting. This is the easiest way to get started, let's the user start acceptance Cashu ecash just out of the box. - If someone does want to be selective, they can choose “Accept From Trusted Mints,” and that brings up a field where they can add specific mint URLs they trust. - “Find a Mint” section on the right with a button links directly to bitcoinmints.com, already filtered for Cashu mints, so users can easily browse options. - Mint info modal shows mint technical details stuff from the NUT06 spec. Since this is geared towards the more technical users I left the field names and NUT number as-is instead of trying to make it more semantic. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928800

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

#btcpayserver #lightning #lnd #powershell <p style="text-align: center; font-size:160%;">BTCpayAPI now supports file upload</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 10px; border-style: hidden;" src="https://cadayton.onrender.com/images/BTCpayApi800.png" alt="" width="800" height="300" /></p> I'm continuing to add functionality to BTCpay and BTCpayAPI which is using REST Api(s) to manage my BTCPAY server and LND cloud instance. It is nice to have this just running locally on my home Linux desktop. Here is the code that implements this functionality. ``` "Uploadfile" { $apislug = "api/v1/files" #$filepath = Split-Path $options $filename = Split-Path $options -Leaf # CONST $CODEPAGE = "iso-8859-1" # alternatives are ASCII, UTF-8 # Read file byte-by-byte $fileBin = [System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes($options) # Convert byte-array to string $enc = [System.Text.Encoding]::GetEncoding($CODEPAGE) $fileEnc = $enc.GetString($fileBin) # We need a boundary (something random() will do best) $boundary = [System.Guid]::NewGuid().ToString() $LF = "`r`n" $bodyLines = ( "--$boundary", "Content-Disposition: form-data; name=`"file`"; filename=`"$fileName`"", "Content-Type: application/octet-stream$LF", $fileEnc, "--$boundary--$LF" ) -join $LF $URI = $BTCPayCfg.BTCpayApi.GreenApi.url + $apislug $apiKeyToken = 'token ' + $script:BTCPAY_API $headers = @{'Authorization'=$apiKeyToken} return Invoke-RestMethod -Uri $uri -Method Post -Headers $headers -ContentType "multipart/form-data; boundary=`"$boundary`"" -Body $bodyLines } ``` Here is the revision history since my last article. ``` Version Date Whom Notes ======= ========== ======== ===================================================== 0.1.4 03/28/2025 cadayton Added UploadFile method to upload a file to the BTCpay server 0.1.3 03/27/2025 cadayton Added GetFiles returns listing of files uploaded to BTCpay server 0.1.2 03/19/2025 cadayton ForwardingHistory new parameter "total_fees" tallys mfees for events returned 0.1.1 03/18/2025 cadayton ForwardingHistory now support additional parameters 0.1.0 03/15/2025 cadayton initial release. ``` The inspiration for this logic was adapted from [weipah](https://gist.github.com/weipah/19bfdb14aab253e3f109) . One wouldn't think uploading a single file wouldn't require this much coding. The Greenfield's REST Api documentation for this end point wasn't very helpful. In my book, good end-user documentation of one's code is just as important as the code itself. I believe documentation is usually lacking on most projects because the effort of doing so is almost equal to the effort of writing the code. It is also the least fun part about writing code. The job is not done until the paper work has been completed. :) https://btcpayserver.sytes.net

@ 06830f6c:34da40c5

Once upon a time their lived a young man in a lost village, I'm just kidding with you, I'm testing my blog entries on my domain. [SITE]( https://turiz.space) Navigate to Blogs tab and screenshot this. @ me for a chance to get zapped ⚡. I won't say how many sats, so you are not doing it due to the incentive but to help me test the domain functionality. Love ✌️

@ 42c85a20:14afbc38

Back when Twitter was censoring free speech nostr looked like the only alternative where people would migrate and grow the network; however, now that X is open to free thinking, the perfect storm to enable nostr to grow has been quelled. How will the nostr universe ever expand unless people in the main stream "centralized" social medias see the light? The illusion of free speech on X is dangerous as people blindly give their trust that the rug will not be pulled; and willingly remain under a tyrannical system. Perhaps there is some other utility which nostr would be useful for vs just another version of twillter; like exit polls for elections which could fail safe the integrity of voting; or community BBS (bulletin boards) where the people can connect with their neighbours without giving up their real address or identity. When the main stream social medias' fail again; the next time they break the trust of the people, we must be ready to replace them; we must think outside the box now and build those decentralized utilities now.

@ ff517fbf:fde1561b

## はじめに：なぜKYCなしP2P取引か ビットコインは元々、**ピア・ツー・ピア（P2P）の電子通貨システム**として設計されました。サトシ・ナカモトのビットコイン白書でも、「信頼ではなく暗号学的証明に基づく電子決済システム」によって、**第三者を介さずに当事者同士が直接取引できること**が必要だと述べられています。つまり、本来ビットコインは銀行などの仲介者なしで個人同士が直接送金・売買できる社会的意義を持っているのです。 しかし現在、多くの暗号資産取引所では規制上の理由からKYC（本人確認）手続きが求められ、個人情報の提出が必要です。KYCはユーザーのプライバシー喪失やデータ漏洩リスクにつながりかねず、また口座凍結や資金没収といった中央集権的管理のリスクもあります。経済的にも、第三者を介することで手数料が高くなったり、地域によっては銀行や政府の制限でビットコインの購入が困難になる場合もあります。 こうした背景から**ノンKYCのP2P取引プラットフォーム**を利用するメリットは大きいです。例えば **HodlHodl**(@npub1yul83qxn35u607er3m7039t6rddj06qezfagfqlfw4qk5z5slrfqu8ncdu) は、匿名で世界中のユーザーと直接ビットコインを売買できるグローバルなP2Pマーケットプレイスです。HodlHodlではユーザー同士が直接取引し、サイト運営側はビットコインを一切預かりません。取引は**マルチシグエスクロー**(2-of-3の多重署名契約)で安全に管理され、取引手数料も最大0.5%と低く抑えられています。プライバシーとセキュリティを確保しながら、銀行口座や身分証なしでビットコインを売買できるため、社会的にも経済的にも大きな意義があります。 本チュートリアルでは、**HodlHodlを使ってビットコインを購入・販売する具体的な手順**を分かりやすく解説します。また、HodlHodlの安全性（マルチシグエスクローによる非中央集権型の管理）や、他のプラットフォームにはない特徴（本人確認不要、ユーザー自身による鍵の管理、APIやレンディングサービスの活用など）についても説明します。P2P取引に不慣れで不安を感じている方にも安心してご利用いただけるよう、丁寧で親しみやすい言葉で案内していきます。 ## HodlHodlの基本準備 **アカウント登録：** HodlHodlの利用を開始するには、まず無料のアカウント登録を行います。必要なのはメールアドレスとパスワードだけで、ユーザー名や身分証の提出は不要です。登録後に届く確認メール内のリンクをクリックすれば、すぐに取引を始められます。 **ビットコインウォレットの用意：** HodlHodlは取引の際にユーザー自身のビットコインウォレットを使用する**ノンカストディアル方式**です。プラットフォーム上にウォレットは用意されていないため、事前に自分のビットコインウォレットを準備してください。例えばモバイルウォレットやハードウェアウォレットなど、自分だけが秘密鍵を管理できるウォレットを用意しましょう。**買い手の場合**は購入したビットコインを受け取るウォレットが必要になり、**売り手の場合**は売却するビットコインを自身のウォレットからエスクローに送金する必要があります。  ## ビットコインを購入する方法（Buy BTC） それでは、HodlHodlでビットコインを**購入（Buy）** する手順を見ていきましょう。以下では、日本円（JPY）を銀行振込で支払ってビットコインを買う例を想定して説明しますが、基本的な流れは他の通貨や支払い方法でも同じです。 1. **「Buy BTC」をクリックする:** HodlHodlにログインし、画面上部のヘッダー左側にある「**Buy BTC**」ボタンをクリックします。これにより、現在出ているビットコイン売り注文（オファー）の一覧ページに移動します。 2. **検索フィルターの設定:** オファー一覧ページでは、自分の希望条件でオファーを絞り込むことができます。国、法定通貨、取引タイプ、支払い方法、金額などのフィルター項目があります。例えば日本で銀行振込により購入したい場合、「Country（国）」をJapan、「Currency（通貨）」をJPY、「Payment method（支払い方法）」を Bank Transfer 銀行振込に設定します（他の項目は必要に応じて指定します）。フィルターは任意ですが、自分に合った支払い方法や金額範囲のオファーを探すのに役立ちます。 3. **オファーを選ぶ:** フィルターを適用すると、条件に合致する売り手のオファー一覧が表示されます。各オファーにはレート（価格）、取引可能額範囲、支払い方法、売り手の評価などが記載されています。希望に合うオファーが見つかったら、そのオファーの詳細をクリックします。例えば「1 BTC = 〇〇JPY」のようなレートで、自分が購入したい額に対応できるオファーを選びましょう。**初めて取引する場合は、評価の高い売り手や少額からの取引を選ぶと安心です。**  4. **購入量と受取アドレスの入力:** オファーをクリックすると、取引の詳細入力画面になります。ここで**購入したいビットコインの量**を入力します（ビットコイン量あるいは法定通貨換算額のどちらでも入力可能です）。多くの場合、最低・最大取引額が決まっているので、その範囲内で入力してください。また、ビットコインの**受取先アドレス**を求められます。これは購入後にビットコインを受け取る自分のウォレットアドレスです。アカウントの設定で事前に登録したアドレスがあれば自動で表示されますが、都度指定することも可能です。さらに、支払い方法が複数指定されているオファーでは希望の支払い方法を選択します（例：銀行振込の中でも特定の銀行を指定できる場合があります）。最後に、取引相手（売り手）への伝達メッセージ欄があれば、必要に応じてコメントを記入します。入力が完了したら内容を確認し、**「Create contract（契約作成）」** 的なボタンを押して取引を開始します。 5. **エスクローアドレスの生成:** 契約が作成されると、取引画面上にエスクロー（第三者保管用マルチシグアドレス）を生成するための手順が表示されます。ここで **「Generate escrow（エスクロー生成）」** ボタンをクリックし、プラットフォームに登録した**ペイメントパスワード**（支払い用パスワード）を入力します。ペイメントパスワードはHodlHodlで取引の署名に使われる特別なパスワードで、初回取引時に設定しておく必要があります。正しく入力すると、この取引専用のビットコインエスクローアドレスが自動生成されます。あとは**売り手がそのエスクローアドレスにビットコインを入金するのを待ちます**。画面上に「waiting for deposit（入金待ち）」等のステータスが表示されるので、しばらく待機してください。売り手が約束のビットコイン額をエスクローに送金し、一定のブロック承認（Confirmations）が得られると、取引ステータスが自動で更新されます。 6. **エスクロー入金の確認:** ビットコインがマルチシグエスクローにロックされ、取引ステータスが「**In progress（進行中）**」や「**Deposited（入金済み）**」といった表示に変わったことを必ず確認します。ステータス表示とブロックチェーン上の確認回数が条件を満たしたら、**支払いを実行しても安全な状態**であることを意味します（エスクローにロックされたビットコインは売り手単独では動かせません。取引ページには売り手が指定した支払い詳細（銀行口座情報など）が記載されていますので、その指示に従って**売り手へ法定通貨の支払い（振込）を行います**。例えば銀行振込の場合、指定された口座にJPYを送金します。**この段階では、必ず取引ページを開いたままにしておきましょう。** 支払いが完了したら、取引ページ上の**「I’ve sent the payment（送金完了）」ボタン**をクリックして、売り手に支払い実行済みであることを通知します。併せて、チャット機能で支払い完了の旨を伝えると良いでしょう。 7. **売り手によるビットコインのリリース:** 買い手からの支払いが完了すると、売り手は自分の銀行口座等を確認して入金を検証します。売り手が入金を確認したら、取引ページ上で **「Release Bitcoin（ビットコインをリリース）」** ボタンを押し、ペイメントパスワードを入力してエスクローからビットコインを開放します。これにより、エスクロー上のビットコインが買い手の指定アドレス（先ほど入力した受取用ウォレットアドレス）に送信されます。売り手がビットコインをリリースすると取引ステータスが「Released（解放済み）」に変わり、まもなくブロックチェーン上で買い手のウォレットにビットコイン着金が確認できるでしょう。 8. **取引完了:** ビットコインが無事自分のウォレットに届けば取引完了です。取引ページには「Completed（完了）」などのステータスが表示され、双方がお互いを評価できるようになります。初めてのP2P購入、お疲れさまでした！ 🎉 > 💡 **重要な注意事項（買い手向け）:** エスクローにビットコインがロックされる前に代金を支払ってはいけません。必ず取引ステータスが「Deposited」や「In progress」になるのを確認してから支払いを実行してください。また、取引には売り手が入金を確認してからビットコインをリリースするまでの制限時間（*Payment window*）が設定されています。時間内に支払いが完了しないと取引が自動キャンセルされる場合がありますのでご注意ください。困ったことがあれば、取引ページのチャットで相手に連絡することもできます。万一、支払いを送ったのに売り手がビットコインをリリースしない場合は、支払い期限が過ぎてから**ディスピュート（紛争解決手続き）** を開始することも可能です。 ## ビットコインを販売する方法（Sell BTC） 次に、HodlHodlでビットコインを**販売（Sell）** する手順を説明します。基本的な流れは購入時と似ていますが、立場が逆になる点（自分がビットコインをエスクローに預け、買い手からの支払いを待つ点）に注意してください。以下では、日本で銀行振込によりJPYを受け取ってビットコインを売る場合を例に解説します。 1. **「Sell BTC」をクリックする:** HodlHodlにログイン後、画面上部左側の「**Sell BTC**」ボタンをクリックします。これで現在出ているビットコイン買い注文（買い手のオファー）一覧ページに移動します。 2. **検索フィルターの設定:** 買い手オファー一覧から、自分が対応可能な条件のオファーを探します。フィルター項目はBuyの場合と同様で、国、通貨、支払いタイプ、支払い方法、金額などを指定できます。日本円での銀行振込を希望する買い手を探す場合、国をJapan、通貨をJPY、支払い方法をBank Transferに設定して検索します。 3. **オファーを選ぶ:** 条件に合致する買い手のオファーが一覧表示されるので、希望に合うものをクリックします。各オファーには買い手が希望するレートや取引限度額、支払い方法、買い手の評価などが記載されています。有利なレートかつ信頼できそうな相手を選びましょう。初取引で不安な場合は、小額で高評価の買い手から始めるとよいです。 4. **売却量と受取情報の入力:** オファー詳細画面で、**売却したいビットコイン量**を入力します（または必要な法定通貨額）。オファーごとに最低・最大額が設定されているので範囲内で入力してください。続いてビットコインの**受取アドレス**欄がありますが、これは取引完了時に**買い手**がビットコインを受け取るアドレスです。売り手である自分が入力する必要は基本的になく、買い手側が受取先を指定するか、既に買い手のダッシュボード設定で決まっています。次に、受け取りたい支払い方法が複数記載されている場合は希望の方法を選択します（例えば「Bank Transfer」の中でも特定の銀行名など）。コメント欄があれば取引相手（買い手）へのメッセージを任意で入力します。内容を確認し問題なければ **「Create contract（契約作成）」** ボタンを押して取引を開始します。 5. **エスクローアドレスの生成:** 契約が作成されると、エスクロー用のビットコインアドレスを生成する段階に進みます。ここで **「Generate escrow」** ボタンをクリックし、ペイメントパスワードを入力します（買い手の手順と同様）。これにより、この取引専用のマルチシグエスクローアドレスが発行されます。次に **自分（売り手）が売却予定のビットコインをエスクローアドレスに送金** します。取引画面上に正確なBTC額と対応するQRコードが表示されるので、自分のウォレットからそのアドレスへ送金してください。送金したら **「I’ve sent the funds（送金完了）」** ボタンを押してビットコインをエスクローに預けたことを通知します。  6. **エスクローへのビットコインロック:** ビットコインを送金するとブロックチェーン上で一定回数の承認（Confirmations）を経て、エスクローにロックされます。取引ステータスが「**In progress（進行中）**」や「**Deposited**」に変わり、買い手は安心して支払いを行える状態になります。あとは**買い手からの法定通貨支払い**を待ちます。取引画面で支払い期限（Payment window）内に買い手が支払いを完了し、「支払い送信済み」のボタンを押すとステータスが「**Paid（支払い済み）**」に変わります。 7. **支払いの受領確認:** ステータスが「Paid」になったら、買い手が送金を完了したことを意味します。すぐに自分の銀行口座など該当の支払い方法で**入金を確認**しましょう。金額が全額正しく受け取れたことを確認できたら、取引ページ上で **「Release deposit（デポジットを解放）」** ボタンをクリックし、ペイメントパスワードを入力してエスクローのビットコインを開放します。これにより、エスクローにロックされていたビットコインが買い手に送付されます。 8. **取引完了:** ビットコインをリリースすれば取引完了。ステータスが「Completed」に変わり、買い手は間もなく自分のウォレットでビットコインを受け取るでしょう。最後にお互いを評価して取引終了となります。初めてのP2P売却、お疲れさまでした！ 🎉 > 💡 **重要な注意事項（売り手向け）:** 支払いを受け取る前にビットコインをエスクローから**絶対にリリースしないでください。買い手からの入金を自分の銀行口座等で確実に確認できてから、ビットコインを解放するようにしましょう。また、もしビットコインをエスクローに送金した後で買い手から支払いが行われず期限切れ（Payment window経過）になった場合、取引をキャンセルしてエスクローのビットコインを自分に返還することができます。取引中は常に取引相手とのチャットで連絡を取り合い、不明点を確認するよう心がけましょう。 ## HodlHodlの安全性：マルチシグと非カストディアル設計 **● マルチシグエスクローによる資金保護:** HodlHodl最大の特徴は、**2-of-3のマルチシグエスクロー**(multisignature escrow)によって取引資金を保護している点です。取引が成立すると、自動的に**3つの秘密鍵**が関与するビットコインアドレスが生成されます。この3つの鍵のうち2つの署名があれば資金を動かせる仕組みになっており、鍵の配分は「売り手」「買い手」「HodlHodl運営」の三者にそれぞれ1つです。取引中、ビットコインはブロックチェーン上のエスクローアドレスにロックされ、**双方の合意なしには動かせまん**。つまり、**売り手は買い手の同意なしにビットコインを引き出すことはできず**、逆に**買い手も売り手の協力なしにビットコインを入手することはできません**。両者が取引を完了すれば売り手+買い手の2署名でリリースが可能となり、万一トラブルが起きた場合にはHodlHodl運営が仲裁役として（買い手または売り手の一方と協力し）2署名目を提供することで不正を防ぎます。このようにマルチシグ契約によって、**詐欺や持ち逃げのリスクを最小限に抑え、安全かつ公平な取引**が実現されています。 **● 非カストディアル（ユーザー主導の資金管理）:** HodlHodlは取引プラットフォームでありながら、**ユーザー資金を一切預からない**という非カストディアル設計を貫いています。取引中のビットコインは常にマルチシグエスクローにあり、HodlHodl運営が単独で動かすことはできません。これはつまり、中央集権的な取引所とは異なり、**HodlHodlがハッキング被害に遭ってもユーザーのビットコインが盗まれる心配がない**ことを意味します。またプラットフォームが万一ダウンしたりサービス提供を停止した場合でも、当事者間で2つの鍵さえあればエスクローのビットコインを取り戻すことが可能です（※この場合やや技術的な手順が必要になりますが、HodlHodlが完全に消失するケースでも資金はブロックチェーン上に安全に存在し続けます）。HodlHodl運営は3つの鍵のうち1つを保有するのみで、しかもそれは**紛争時の仲裁に使う**ためのものです。通常の取引では運営が介在することなく、ユーザー同士で完結します。以上のように、HodlHodlは**カストディアルな第三者を排除し、利用者自身が資金と取引の主導権を握る**というビットコイン本来の精神に沿った安全設計となっています。 **● 評判システムと取引履歴:** HodlHodlでは、各ユーザーに公開の**評価（Rating）**と**取引履歴**が紐づいています。取引を完了するごとに互いにレビューを残せるため、他ユーザーの信頼度を事前に知ることができます。初めて取引する相手がどんな評価を受けているか、過去の取引回数や成功率などの情報を確認することで、怪しい相手を避けることが可能です。特に初心者のうちは評価の高い相手を選ぶ、もしくは身近に信頼できるユーザーがいれば**トラスト機能**（他のP2Pプラットフォームでの実績を証明する仕組みや信用できるユーザーをお気に入り登録する機能）を活用すると良いでしょう。 **● 二要素認証(2FA)と信頼できる端末:** アカウントの不正アクセス対策として、HodlHodlは**二段階認証(2FA)**のオプションを提供しています。AuthyやGoogle Authenticatorと連携し、一度設定すればログイン時にパスワードに加え6桁のコード入力が求められるようになります。これにより、万一パスワードが漏洩しても本人のデバイスがなければログインできず、アカウントを保護できます。また**Trusted Devices（信頼できる端末）**機能を有効にすると、新しいデバイスからログインしようとした際にメール確認が必要となり、ユーザーの許可なく不審な端末からアクセスされるのを防ぎます。初心者の方でも、アカウント登録後は設定画面から2FAや信頼できる端末機能を有効化しておくことを強くおすすめします。 **● ディスピュート（紛争解決）機能:** 万が一取引相手との間でトラブルが発生した場合（例：買い手は支払ったと主張しているが売り手が確認できない等）、HodlHodlのプラットフォーム上で**ディスピュート（紛争）を開始**することができます。ディスピュートが発生すると、HodlHodlのサポートチームが両者から事情を聞き、中立的な立場で問題解決に当たります。必要に応じて前述の運営のマルチシグ鍵を用いて適切な側にビットコインをリリースするなど、公平な裁定が行われます。ディスピュートは最終手段ではありますが、万一の場合の安心材料として覚えておいてください。 以上のように、HodlHodlは技術的・制度的な多層防御によってユーザーの資金と取引の安全を確保しています。他のユーザーの評価を確認する、取引手順を順守する（エスクロー未成立での送禁止等、アカウントのセキュリティ設定を有効にするといった**ユーザー自身の注意**もあわせて心掛ければ、P2P取引でも安心してビットコインを利用できるでしょう。 ## HodlHodlの特徴：他プラットフォームとの違い 最後に、HodlHodlが他のビットコイン取引サービスと比べて優れている点、特徴的な点を整理します。初めて利用する際の不安解消にもつながるポイントです。 - **🌐 KYC不要の匿名取引:** HodlHodl最大の特徴は、**本人確認（KYC）なし**でビットコイン取引ができる点です。メールアドレスさえあれば世界中誰でも利用開始でき、パスポートや身分証の提出は一切求められません。これはプライバシー保護の面で大きな利点ですし、取引履歴が本人名義に紐付かないため将来的な資産没収や口座凍結のリスクも低減します。規制が厳しい地域のユーザーや銀行口座を持てない人々でも、HodlHodlならビットコイン経済に参加しやすくなっています。 - **🔐 ユーザーが鍵を管理する非中央集権型取引:** 前述の通り、HodlHodlは**ノンカストディアル**なP2P取引所であり、ユーザー自身が資産の鍵を管理します。取引ごとにマルチシグのエスクローが生成され、**利用者はその一方の鍵を保持します。そのため「取引所にビットコインを預けっぱなしにしていたらハッキングで失った」といった事態が起こりません。常に自身のウォレットから直接取引を行うため、ビットコインの**自主管理の原則**が守られています。中央集権的な管理者がいない分、自分で秘密鍵を安全に保管する責任は伴いますが、その分だけ第三者リスクが排除された公平な環境と言えます。 - **💱 世界中の通貨と多様な決済方法に対応:** HodlHodlはグローバルなプラットフォームであり、**世界中のあらゆる法定通貨** で取引できます。現在100を超える国の通貨と地域が利用されており、取引に使える決済方法も**100種類以上**と非常に豊富です。銀行振込やオンライン決済サービスはもちろん、現金の対面受け渡しやギフトカード、電子マネー、モバイル送金、さらには商品と交換などユニークな方法までユーザーが自由にオファーを作成できます。これにより、自分の利用しやすい手段で取引相手を見つけられる柔軟性があります。他のプラットフォームだと対応通貨や決済手段が限定されがちですが、HodlHodlでは**「自分の条件でオファーを作成できる」* の強みです。 - **💰 低い手数料と透明な料金体系:** HodlHodlの取引手数料は**一律0.5%（買い手と売り手で折半で各0.25%ずつ負担）**と比較的低コストです。しかも手数料は取引成立時にビットコイン額から自動控除される仕組みで、隠れたコストがありません。さらに紹介プログラムを利用すると0.45%に割引されるなどの優遇もあります。入出金に伴う手数料も基本的に存在せず、各自が使うウォレットの送金手数料以外に余計な負担はありません。他の取引所でありがちな「出金手数料が高額」「スプレッドが不透明」といった心配もなく、**明朗会計**でユーザーに優しい料金体系です。 - **🤝 初心者に優しいインターフェース:** P2P取引というと難しそうな印象を持たれるかもしれませんが、HodlHodlのサイトはシンプルで直感的なインターフェースになっています​。必要な操作は「Buy BTC / Sell BTC」ボタンから進んでフォームに入力していくだけで、画面の指示に沿って進めれば迷うことは少ないでしょう。サイトは現在ウェブブラウザ経由で利用しますが、スマートフォンのブラウザからでも見やすく設計されています。専用アプリはありませんが、その分アップデート時にもすぐ全員が最新機能を利用できます（ダウンロード不要で常に最新版が提供されるメリットです。また、取引画面にはリアルタイムのチャット機能があり、相手ユーザーと直接コミュニケーションを取れるため安心です。困ったときは相手に質問したり状況を確認できるので、言葉の壁がある場合でも定型文や翻訳を活用して意思疎通できます。 - **🛠 API提供による拡張性:** HodlHodlは上級ユーザーや開発者向けに**公式APIを提供しています。APIを利用すると、自分のプログラムからHodlHodl上のオファー取得や契約作成、ステータス更新などを自動化することが可能です。例えば、マーケットメーカーとしてレートを自動調整したり、他のサービスと連携して複数のP2P取引所のオファーを比較表示する、といった応用ができます。APIキーはプロフィール設定から発行でき、ドキュメントも公開されているため高度な取引戦略を実装したいユーザーには魅力的な機能です。PaxfulやLocalBitcoinsなど一部他サービスでもAPIは提供されていますが、HodlHodlのAPIはエスクロー操作まで含め包括的にサポートしている点で強力です。 - **💳 ビットコインレンディングサービス:** HodlHodlは現物取引だけでなく、**ビットコイン担保のレンディング（貸借）プラットフォームも運営しています。サイト上部の「P2P Lending（レンディング）」からアクセスでき、ビットコインを担保にUSDTなど他の暗号資産を借りたり、あるいは逆に他の人に貸し出して利息収入を得ることができます。技術的には取引プラットフォームと同じマルチシグエスクロー方式を用いており、**借り手がビットコインを担保としてエスクローにロックし、貸し手が安定通貨を送金する**ことでローン契約が成立します。期間満了時に借り手が返済すればビットコイン担保が戻り、返済不能（延滞や価格変動での清算）の場合は貸し手に担保が渡る仕組みです。驚くべきことに、このレンディングサービスでも**一切KYCは要求されません。短期のビットコイン活用や利息収入を得たいニーズに応えるユニークなサービスであり、HodlHodlを使いこなせば**「ビットコインを売買するだけでなく、借りたり貸したりする」**といった金融活用も可能になります。P2P Lendingについては、今後別のチュートリアルで詳しく説明します。 - **🧪 テストネットで練習可能:** 「いきなり本番は不安…」という方向けに、HodlHodlは**テストネット版サイトも提供しています。TESTNETでは、本物のビットコインではなくテスト用のビットコイン（**signet**ネットワークのBTC）を使って、実際の取引手順を練習できます。架空の資金でHodlHodlの操作感を試せるため、初心者はまずテストネットで売買の流れをシミュレーションしてみると良いでしょう。十分に慣れてから本番取引に移行すれば、落ち着いて対処できます。テストネットBTCは各種ファウンセット（蛇口サイト hhtestnet.com）から無料でもらうことができ、HodlHodlのテスト環境で練習するのに役立ちます。 以上がHodlHodlの主な特徴と利点です。匿名性・安全性・使いやすさを兼ね備えたHodlHodlは、まさに「ビットコインをネイティブにP2P利用する」ための理想的なプラットフォームと言えるでしょう。初めは不安もあるかもしれませんが、本チュートリアルで説明した手順に沿って取引を行えば、きっとその手軽さと利便性に驚くはずです。ぜひHodlHodlでのP2P取引に挑戦してみてください。**自分自身でビットコインを扱う経験**を通じて、ビットコインの真の価値である「個人が金融の主導権を握ること」を実感できるでしょう🚀 --- もしビットコインのP2P取引やHodlHodlなどについてもっと深く知りたい、あるいは個別に相談してみたいと思えば、どうぞお気軽にご連絡ください。**1対1のコンサル**も承っています。 サービスには決まった料金はありませんが、ご相談を通じて「役に立った」と思い、お悩みや疑問を解決できたと感じていただけたら、**「3つのT」でのご支援（Value for Value）**をぜひご検討ください： - **時間（Time）**：この記事をSNSなどでシェアしていただくこと。 - **才能（Talent）**：コメントや補足情報などを通じて知識を共有していただくこと。 - **宝（Treasure）**：世界で最も健全なお金、ビットコインの最小単位「sats」でのご支援。 もちろん、支援の有無にかかわらず、お力になれればとても嬉しいです。 では、また次回！ ### 参考資料 - Bitcoin Whitepaper - *Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic* - HodlHodl公式サイト - *Welcome to Hodl ([P2P BITCOIN TRADING platform]* - HodlHodlヘルプセンター - *How to buy Bitcoin / How to sell Bitcoin* - HodlHodlヘルプセンター - *Why is trading on Hodl Hodl secure* - HodlHodl FAQ - *Why should I use HodlHodl*、*How secure is trading on HodlHodl* - HodlHodl Medium - *Hodl Hodl’s API release* - HodlHodl Lend FAQ - *What is Lend a ([Earn Highest Returns on Your Crypto Investment - Lend at Hodl Hodl]* - ZoneBitcoin - *Hodl Hodl: Tutorial on the anonymous and KYC-free P2P platform* - など

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

This is a big one for many of us. Probably the most beneficial perception shift you can have is to stop perceiving junk food as food at all. There are two big components to this: 1. "Cheap"/"affordable" foods are neither cheap nor affordable if they are bad for your health. They are pure waste. Whatever you're currently spending on foods you don't think you should be eating can be reallocated to foods you do think you should be eating and it's wiser expenditure regardless of how expensive the new foods are. 2. When you're looking for something convenient, it's better to eat nothing than to eat something bad. Again, junk food isn't food. Eating it because you're hungry isn't helping anything. You didn't satisfy any nutritional requirements, so you still need to eat the same amount later. On the other hand, fasting is good for you, so just do that until you find something that is food. Also, the first point applies here: instead of eating a lot of garbage, it would be better to spend the same amount on a small portion of food. I was inspired to write this because I was proud of myself for putting back a package of discounted double chocolate chip muffins this morning and just getting a dark chocolate bar instead. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928684

@ 50de492c:0a8871de

{"title":"test","description":"","imageUrl":"https://i.nostr.build/Xo67.png"}

@ 3514ac1b:cf164691

# About Me

@ 3514ac1b:cf164691

Hi this is me ,Erna . i am testing this Habla news . i have been trying using this but got no luck . always disconnect and no content . Hopefully this one will work . BREAKING NEWS : Vance uses Greenland visit to slam Denmark , as Trump escalates rhetoric . https://wapo.st/4c6YkhO

@ 3514ac1b:cf164691

Cryptographic Identity (CI): An Overview ## Definition of Cryptographic Identity Cryptographic identity refers to a digital identity that is secured and verified using cryptographic techniques. It allows individuals to prove their identity online without relying on centralized authorities. ## Background of Cryptographic Identity ### Historical Context - Traditional identity systems rely on centralized authorities (governments, companies) - Digital identities historically tied to platforms and services - Rise of public-key cryptography enabled self-sovereign identity concepts - Blockchain and decentralized systems accelerated development ### Technical Foundations - Based on public-key cryptography (asymmetric encryption) - Uses key pairs: private keys (secret) and public keys (shareable) - Digital signatures provide authentication and non-repudiation - Cryptographic proofs verify identity claims without revealing sensitive data ## Importance of Cryptographic Identity ### Privacy Benefits - Users control their personal information - Selective disclosure of identity attributes - Reduced vulnerability to mass data breaches - Protection against surveillance and tracking ### Security Advantages - Not dependent on password security - Resistant to impersonation attacks - Verifiable without trusted third parties - Reduces centralized points of failure ### Practical Applications - Censorship-resistant communication - Self-sovereign finance and transactions - Decentralized social networking - Cross-platform reputation systems - Digital signatures for legal documents ## Building Cryptographic Identity with Nostr ### Understanding Nostr Protocol #### Core Concepts - Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) - Simple, open protocol for censorship-resistant global networks - Event-based architecture with relays distributing signed messages - Uses NIP standards (Nostr Implementation Possibilities) #### Key Components - Public/private keypairs as identity foundation - Relays for message distribution - Events (signed JSON objects) as the basic unit of data - Clients that interface with users and relays ### Implementation Steps #### Step 1: Generate Keypair - Use cryptographic libraries to generate secure keypair - Private key must be kept secure (password managers, hardware wallets) - Public key becomes your identifier on the network #### Step 2: Set Up Client - Choose from existing Nostr clients or build custom implementation - Connect to multiple relays for redundancy - Configure identity preferences and metadata #### Step 3: Publish Profile Information - Create and sign kind 0 event with profile metadata - Include displayable information (name, picture, description) - Publish to connected relays #### Step 4: Verification and Linking - Cross-verify identity with other platforms (Twitter, GitHub) - Use NIP-05 identifier for human-readable identity - Consider NIP-07 for browser extension integration ### Advanced Identity Features #### Reputation Building - Consistent posting builds recognition - Accumulate follows and reactions - Establish connections with well-known identities #### Multi-device Management - Secure private key backup strategies - Consider key sharing across devices - Explore NIP-26 delegated event signing #### Recovery Mechanisms - Implement social recovery options - Consider multisig approaches - Document recovery procedures ## Challenges and Considerations ### Key Management - Private key loss means identity loss - Balance security with convenience - Consider hardware security modules for high-value identities ### Adoption Barriers - Technical complexity for average users - Network effects and critical mass - Integration with existing systems ### Future Developments - Zero-knowledge proofs for enhanced privacy - Standardization efforts across protocols - Integration with legal identity frameworks

@ 83279ad2:bd49240d

test

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

<p style="text-align: center; font-size:160%;">Chef's Notes</p> My mom worked as a waitress for a excellent Chinese restaurant. For years she tried to get this receipt without success and finally after the owner retired he gave her the receipt. Previously posted this receipt on [Zap.Cooking](https://zap.cooking/recipe/naddr1qqthxam9v46z6f3dwdhh2u3dwdcxzun994exjcnnqgsrpwvez6skqp8z8jfuausdqmu9ja8fqsl73z7pklz9qrut8nrw8lsrqsqqqa28ht8fr2/) but now wanting to keep all my long-form notes in [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) and publish to Nostr using the [nostr-writer](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer) plug-in. <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 10px; border-style: hidden;" src="https://cadayton.onrender.com/images/Sweet-Sour-Spare-Ribs.png" alt="" width="800" height="300" /></p> ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 20 to 30 minutes - 🍳 Cook time: 1 to 2 Hours depending on amount of spare ribs - 🍽️ Servings: 8 ## Ingredients - 1 Quart Dole Pineapple Juice - 1 Pint Dole Crushed Pineapple - 1 Pint Dole Tidbits Pineapple - 1 TS Dried Mustard - 32 Oz Brown sugar or add to taste - 1 Cup Red Wine - 2 TS Corn Starch - 1 or 2 lbs Pork or Beef spare ribs - Worcestershire sauce ## Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Bring water to boil in 8 qt stock pot 3. Cut spare ribs and add to boiling water in stock pot 4. Boil spare ribs for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess fat 5. Drain spare ribs and place onto cookie sheet 6. Base spare ribs with a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce 7. Place based spare ribs on cookie sheet and place into oven for 60 minutes. 8. Place first 6 ingredients into stock pot and bring to boil while CONTINUOUSLY stirring 9. Add corn starch to 2 cups of water and mix to create thickening agent 10. Add thickening agent incrementally to Sweet & Sour sauce for desired thickness 11. Reduce heat to low while CONTINUOUSLY stirring. 12. Remove spare ribs from oven and place into Sweet & Sour sauce. 13. Place stock pot into oven and cook until done. 1 to 2 hours. ## Bon **Appétit**

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

*** <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 10px; border-style: hidden;" src="https://cadayton.onrender.com/images/Sweet-Sour-Spare-Ribs.png" alt="" width="800" height="300" /></p> *** <p style="text-align: center; font-size:160%;">Chef's Notes</p> My mom worked as a waitress for a excellent Chinese restaurant. For years she tried to get this receipt without success and finally after the owner retired he gave her the receipt. Previously posted this receipt on [Zap.Cooking](https://zap.cooking/recipe/naddr1qqthxam9v46z6f3dwdhh2u3dwdcxzun994exjcnnqgsrpwvez6skqp8z8jfuausdqmu9ja8fqsl73z7pklz9qrut8nrw8lsrqsqqqa28ht8fr2/) but now wanting to keep all my long-form notes in [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) and publish to Nostr using the [nostr-writer](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer) plug-in. *** ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 20 to 30 minutes - 🍳 Cook time: 1 to 2 Hours depending on amount of spare ribs - 🍽️ Servings: 8 ## Ingredients - 1 Quart Dole Pineapple Juice - 1 Pint Dole Crushed Pineapple - 1 Pint Dole Tidbits Pineapple - 1 TS Dried Mustard - 32 Oz Brown sugar or add to taste - 1 Cup Red Wine - 2 TS Corn Starch - 1 or 2 lbs Pork or Beef spare ribs - Worcestershire sauce ## Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Bring water to boil in 8 qt stock pot 3. Cut spare ribs and add to boiling water in stock pot 4. Boil spare ribs for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess fat 5. Drain spare ribs and place onto cookie sheet 6. Base spare ribs with a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce 7. Place based spare ribs on cookie sheet and place into oven for 60 minutes. 8. Place first 6 ingredients into stock pot and bring to boil while CONTINUOUSLY stirring 9. Add corn starch to 2 cups of water and mix to create thickening agent 10. Add thickening agent incrementally to Sweet & Sour sauce for desired thickness 11. Reduce heat to low while CONTINUOUSLY stirring. 12. Remove spare ribs from oven and place into Sweet & Sour sauce. 13. Place stock pot into oven and cook until done. 1 to 2 hours. ## Bon **Appétit**

@ 30b99916:3cc6e3fe

*** <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-width: 10px; border-style: hidden;" src="https://cadayton.onrender.com/images/Sweet-Sour-Spare-Ribs.png" alt="" width="800" height="300" /></p> *** <p style="text-align: center; font-size:160%;">Chef's Notes</p> My mom worked as a waitress for a excellent Chinese restaurant. For years she tried to get this receipt without success and finally after the owner retired he gave her the receipt. Previously posted this receipt on [Zap.Cooking](https://zap.cooking/recipe/naddr1qqthxam9v46z6f3dwdhh2u3dwdcxzun994exjcnnqgsrpwvez6skqp8z8jfuausdqmu9ja8fqsl73z7pklz9qrut8nrw8lsrqsqqqa28ht8fr2/) but now wanting to keep all my long-form notes in [Obsidian](https://obsidian.md/) and publish to Nostr using the [nostr-writer](https://github.com/jamesmagoo/nostr-writer) plug-in. *** ## Details - ⏲️ Prep time: 20 to 30 minutes - 🍳 Cook time: 1 to 2 Hours depending on amount of spare ribs - 🍽️ Servings: 8 ## Ingredients - 1 Quart Dole Pineapple Juice - 1 Pint Dole Crushed Pineapple - 1 Pint Dole Tidbits Pineapple - 1 TS Dried Mustard - 32 Oz Brown sugar or add to taste - 1 Cup Red Wine - 2 TS Corn Starch - 1 or 2 lbs Pork or Beef spare ribs - Worcestershire sauce ## Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees 2. Bring water to boil in 8 qt stock pot 3. Cut spare ribs and add to boiling water in stock pot 4. Boil spare ribs for 20 to 30 minutes to remove excess fat 5. Drain spare ribs and place onto cookie sheet 6. Base spare ribs with a generous amount of Worcestershire sauce 7. Place based spare ribs on cookie sheet and place into oven for 60 minutes. 8. Place first 6 ingredients into stock pot and bring to boil while CONTINUOUSLY stirring 9. Add corn starch to 2 cups of water and mix to create thickening agent 10. Add thickening agent incrementally to Sweet & Sour sauce for desired thickness 11. Reduce heat to low while CONTINUOUSLY stirring. 12. Remove spare ribs from oven and place into Sweet & Sour sauce. 13. Place stock pot into oven and cook until done. 1 to 2 hours. ## Bon **Appétit**

@ 5ffb8e1b:255b6735

As a fellow Nostrich you might have noticed some of my #arlist posts. It is my effort to curate artists that are active on Nostr and make it easier for other users to find content that they are interested in. By now I have posted six or seven posts mentioning close to fifty artists, the problem so far is that it's only a list of handles and it is up to reader to click on each in order to find out what are the artist behind the names all about. Now I am going to start creating blog posts with a few artists mentioned in each, with short descriptions of their work and an image or to. I would love to have some more automated mode of curation but I still couldn't figure out what is a good way for it. I've looked at Listr, Primal custom feeds and Yakihonne curations but none seem to enable me to make a list of npubs that is then turned into a feed that I could publicly share for others to views. Any advice on how to achieve this is VERY welcome ! And now lets get to the first batch of artists I want to share with you. ### Eugene Gorbachenko ### nostr:npub1082uhnrnxu7v0gesfl78uzj3r89a8ds2gj3dvuvjnw5qlz4a7udqwrqdnd Artist from Ukrain creating amazing realistic watercolor paintings. He is very active on Nostr but is very unnoticed for some stange reason. Make sure to repost the painting that you liked the most to help other Nostr users to discover his great art. ![!(image)[https://m.primal.net/PxJc.png]]() ### Siritravelsketch ### nostr:npub14lqzjhfvdc9psgxzznq8xys8pfq8p4fqsvtr6llyzraq90u9m8fqevhssu a a lovely lady from Thailand making architecture from all around the world spring alive in her ink skethes. Dynamic lines gives it a dreamy magical feel, sometimes supported by soft watercolor strokes takes you to a ferytale layer of reality. ![!(image)[https://m.primal.net/PxJj.png]]() ### BureuGewas ### nostr:npub1k78qzy2s9ap4klshnu9tcmmcnr3msvvaeza94epsgptr7jce6p9sa2ggp4 a a master of the clasic oil painting. From traditional still life to modern day subjects his paintings makes you feel the textures and light of the scene more intense then reality itself. ![!(image)[https://m.primal.net/PxKS.png]]() You can see that I'm no art critic, but I am trying my best. If anyone else is interested to join me in this curration adventure feel free to reach out ! With love, Agi Choote

@ 592295cf:413a0db9

The journey starts from the links in this article [nostr-quick-start-guide](https://spatianostra.com/nostr-quick-start-guide/) Starting from these links building a simple path should not cover everything, because impossible. Today I saw that Verbiricha in his workshop on his channel used nstart, but then I distracted And I didn't see how he did it. ----- Go to [nstart.me](https://nstart.me/) and read: Each user is identified by a cryptographic keypair Public key, Private key (is a lot of stuff) You can insert a nickname and go, the nickname is not unique there is a email backup things interesting, but a little boring, i try to generate an email doesn't even require a strong password ok. I received the email, great, it shows me the nsec encrypted in clear, Send a copy of the file with a password, which contains the password encrypted key I know and I know it's a tongue dump. ## Multi signer bunker That's stuff, let's see what he says. They live the private key and send it to servers and you can recompose it to login at a site of the protocol nostr. If one of these servers goes offline you have the private key that you downloaded first and then reactivate a bunker. All very complicated. But if one of the servers goes offline, how can I remake the split? Maybe he's still testing. Nobody tells you where these bunkers are. Okay I have a string that is my bunker (buker://), I downloaded it, easy no, now will tell me which client accepts the bunker.. . ## Follow someone before you start? Is a cluster of 5 people Snowden, Micheal Dilger, jb55, Fiatjaf, Dianele. I choice Snowden profile, or you can select multiple profiles, extra wild. ## Now select 5 clients ### *Coracle, Chachi, Olas, Nostur, Jumble* ### The first is *Coracle* Login, ok I try to post a note and signing your note the spin does not end. Maybe the bunker is diffective. ### Let's try *Chachi* Simpler than Coracle, it has a type login that says bunker. see if I can post It worked, cool, I managed to post in a group. ## Olas is an app but also a website, but on the website requires an extension, which I do not have with this account. > If I download an app how do I pass the bunker on the phone, is it still a password, a qrcode, a qrcode + password, something > like that, but many start from the phone so maybe it's easy for them. > I try to download it and see if it allows me to connect with a bunker. > Okay I used private-qrcode and it worked, I couldn't do it directly from Olas because it didn't have permissions and the qrcode was < encrypted, so I went to the same site and had the bunker copied and glued on Olas **Ok then I saw that there was the qrcode image of the bunker for apps** lol moment Ok, I liked it, I can say it's a victory. Looks like none of Snowden's followers are *Olas*'s lover, maybe the smart pack has to predict a photographer or something like that. Okay I managed to post on *Olas*, so it works, Expiration time is broken. ### As for *Nostur*, I don't have an ios device so I'm going to another one. ### Login with *Jumble*, it works is a web app I took almost an hour to do the whole route. But this was just one link there are two more # Extensions nostr NIP-07 ### The true path is [nip-07-browser-extensions | nostr.net](https://nostr.net/#nip-07-browser-extensions) There are 19 links, maybe there are too many? I mention the most famous, or active at the moment 1. **Aka-profiles**: [Aka-profiles](https://github.com/neilck/aka-extension) Alby I don't know if it's a route to recommend 2. **Blockcore** [Blockcore wallet](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/blockcore-wallet/peigonhbenoefaeplkpalmafieegnapj) 3. **Nos2x** [Nos2x](https://github.com/fiatjaf/nos2x?tab=readme-ov-file) 4. **Nos2xfox** (fork for firefox) [Nos2xfox](https://diegogurpegui.com/nos2x-fox/) Nostore is (archived, read-only) 5. **Nostrame** [Nostrame](https://github.com/Anderson-Juhasc/nostrame) 6. **Nowser** per IOS [Nowser](https://github.com/haorendashu/nowser) 7. **One key** (was tricky) [One key](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/onekey/jnmbobjmhlngoefaiojfljckilhhlhcj) Another half hour to search all sites # Nostrapps Here you can make paths ### Then nstart selects Coracle, Chachi, Olas,Nostur and Jumble Good apps might be Amethyst, 0xchat, Yakihonne, Primal, Damus for IOS maybe: Primal, Olas, Damus, Nostur, Nos-Social, Nostrmo On the site there are some categories, I select some with the respective apps Let's see the categories Go to [Nostrapps](https://nostrapps.com/) and read: ## Microbbloging: Primal ## Streaming: **Zap stream** ## Blogging: **Yakihonne** ## Group chat: **Chachi** ## Community: **Flotilla** ## Tools: **Form** * ## Discovery: **Zapstore** (even if it is not in this catrgory) ## Direct Message: **0xchat**

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

> "THE NATURE OF BITCOIN IS SUCH THAT ONCE VERSION 0.1 WAS RELEASED, THE CORE DESIGN WAS SET IN STONE FOR THE REST OF ITS LIFETIME." _{- SATOSHI NAKAMOTO}    "Reborn" is inspired by my Bitcoin journey and the many other people whose lives have been changed by Bitcoin. I’ve carved the hand in the “Gyan Mudra” or the “Mudra of Wisdom or Knowledge,” with an Opendime grasped between thumb and index finger alluding to the pursuit of Bitcoin knowledge. The hand emerges from rough, choppy water, and I've set the hand against an archway, through which, the copper leaf hints at the bright orange future made possible by Bitcoin. Materials: Carrara Marble, Copper leaf, Opendime Dimensions: 6" x 9" x 13" Price: $30,000 or BTC equivalent Enquire: https://www.vonbitcoin.com/available-works X: https://x.com/BVBTC/status/1894463357316419960/photo/1 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928510

@ 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/928470

@ fd78c37f:a0ec0833

**YakiHonne**: I'm excited to be joined by our guest Piccolo—thank you very much for being here. Before we dive in, I'd like to briefly introduce YakiHonne. YakiHonne is a decentralized media client built on the Nostr protocol, leveraging technology to enable freedom of speech. It empowers creators to fully own their voice and assets while offering innovative tools such as Smart widget , Verified Notes, and support for long-form content. Today, we’re not just discussing YakiHonne, but also diving into your community. Piccolo, could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your community? **Piccolo**:Hi, I'm Piccolo. I run BO฿ Space in Bangkok, and we also have a satellite location called the BO฿ Space corner in Chiang Mai, thanks to the Bitcoin Learning Center. **Piccolo**:Regarding my background，I originally came from corporate finance and investment banking. I was in that field for about 20 years, with the last 15 spent running my own firm in corporate finance advisory alongside a couple of partners. We eventually sold the advisory business in 2015, took a short break, and in 2016, I ended up launching a fintech company, which is still operational today. The company specializes in equity crowdfunding and is licensed by the SEC in Thailand. **Piccolo**:I first bought Bitcoin a few years before truly understanding it, initially thinking it was a scam that would eventually collapse. However, in 2017, the block size wars demonstrated the protocol’s strong resistance to attacks on decentralization, which deeply impacted me. By late 2018 or early 2019, I started to really grasp Bitcoin and kept learning. Then, in mid-2022, after having fully fallen down the Bitcoin rabbit hole, I founded BO฿ Space. It was right after COVID, and since the fintech had scaled down, there was extra space. We started by hosting meetups and technical workshops for people who were interested. **Piccolo**:In the early years, we had various groups come by—like the team from BDK (Bitcoin Development Kit), who held workshops. The people behind the Bitcoin Beach Wallet, which later became Blink, also visited. So, BO฿ Space initially functioned as a meetup and technical workshop space. Eventually, we launched the BOB Builders Residency program, which was a lot of fun. We secured grant funding for developers under different cohort themes, so that they can collaborate and co-work for a few months. So far, we have completed three cohorts. **YakiHonne**:How did your community get started, and what did you do to attract new members in the beginning? **Piccolo**:The initial members came through word of mouth and invitations that I sent out. I reached out to an initial group of Bitcoiners here in the city who I believed were strong maximalists or Bitcoin-only supporters, back when that was still a thing. I sent out 21 invitations and had our first meetup with 21 people, most of whom I had interacted with online, though some in person during the COVID years. From there, it spread by word of mouth, and of course, through Twitter and meetup.com. So, I would say that word of mouth remains the main method of growth. Additionally, when people come through Bangkok and are looking for a Bitcoin-only meetup, there really isn't one available. I believe there are a couple now—maybe two or three—but when we started, there weren’t any, especially not a dedicated Bitcoin-only space. I think we may still be the only one in Bangkok. So yeah, word of mouth was definitely the main way we grew. Bitcoiners tend to share their finds when they meet like-minded people.  **YakiHonne**:Didn’t you have people in your community who initially thought Bitcoin was a scam, like you did, or face similar issues? **Piccolo**:Yes, it still happens, especially when the price of Bitcoin rises. Newcomers still join, and some of them believe Bitcoin might be a scam. However, this has become less frequent. The main reason is that when people come to BO฿ Space, they know it’s a Bitcoin-only meetup. We generally don’t discuss the price; instead, we focus on other aspects of Bitcoin, as there are many interesting developments in the space. **YakiHonne**:What advice would you give to someone looking to start or grow a Bitcoin-focused community in today’s world? Considering the current landscape, much like your own experience, what guidance would you offer? **Piccolo**:It sounds simple, but just do it. When it comes to community building, you don’t necessarily need a physical space. Community is about people coming together, right? Two people can start a community, then three, four, and so on. Meetups can happen anywhere—your favorite bar, a restaurant, a friend’s garage, or wherever. So, just do it, but make sure you have more than one person, otherwise, how can you build a community? Once you have more than one person, word of mouth will spread. And as you develop a core group—let’s say more than five people—that’s when I think the community can truly sustain itself. **YakiHonne**:I know you’ve mentioned the technical side of your community, but I’ll ask anyway—does your community engage with the technical or non-technical aspects of Bitcoin? Or perhaps, is there a blend of both? **Piccolo**:I would say both. It really depends on the monthly themes of our meetups. For example, February was focused on Asian communities in Bitcoin. During that month, community leaders came in to give presentations and discuss their work in places like Indonesia, India, and more recently, someone from HRF (Human Rights Foundation) talked about Bitcoin’s use case in Myanmar. Then, in December, we had a very technical month—Mining Month. It was led by our Cohort 3 residents, where we discussed Stratum V2 and had a demo on it. We also examined the Loki board hardware, and Zack took apart the S19, looking at different ways to repurpose the power supply unit, among other things. So, it’s a mix of both, depending on the theme for that month. Some months are very technical, while others are more community-focused and less technical. **YakiHonne**:What advice would you give to a technically inclined individual or organization looking to contribute meaningfully to the Bitcoin ecosystem? **Piccolo**:For technically inclined individuals, I would suggest identifying your favorite open-source project in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Start from Bitcoin Core and explore different layers, such as Lightning or e-cash, and other open-source projects. As for technically inclined organizations, if you're integrating Bitcoin into your business, I would say, first, make sure you have people within your organization who truly understand Bitcoin. Build a capable team first, and then, depending on the part of the Bitcoin ecosystem you’re involved in—whether it’s custody services, Lightning payments, layer 2, or something like Cashu or Ark—find your niche. From there, your team will work with you to discover ways to contribute. But until you build that capability, organizations are a bit different from individuals in this space. **YakiHonne**:How do you see the world of Bitcoin communities evolving as technology matures, particularly in areas like scalability, privacy, and adaptability with other systems? **Piccolo**:That's an interesting question. If we think about the future of Bitcoin communities, I believe they may eventually disappear as technology matures. Once Bitcoin scales to a point where it integrates seamlessly with other payment systems, becoming part of the everyday norm, the need for dedicated communities will diminish. It’s similar to how we no longer have meetups about refrigerators or iPhones, even though they are technologies we use every day. As Bitcoin matures, it will likely reach that level of ubiquity. There might still be occasional meetups or forums, but they will be more about specific knowledge, use cases, and tools, rather than a community dedicated to introducing others to the technology itself. However, this is a long way off. Bitcoin is still relatively small compared to the global fiat financial system, despite the growth we want to see. So, it will take a long time before we reach that stage. **YakiHonne**:It’s something I hadn’t considered before, and it’s quite insightful. Moving to our last question actually which I find very interesting is the government around you for or against bitcoin and how has That affected the community. **Piccolo**:In my opinion, on a general level, the government is more supportive than opposed to Bitcoin. The Thai government classifies Bitcoin as a digital asset, almost like digital gold. In that sense, they want to tax capital gains and regulate it. They also have a regulatory framework for it, known as the Digital Asset Regulatory Sandbox, where you can test various things, mainly coins and tokens. It's unfortunate, but that’s how it is. However, our government, especially the regulatory bodies, are open to innovation. They recognize that Bitcoin is different, but they still view blockchain and tokens as useful technologies, which is somewhat misguided. So, in that sense, it’s more support than opposition. A couple of years ago, there was a circular discouraging the use of Bitcoin as a payment currency, mainly because they can't control its monetary policy. And they’re right—Bitcoin can’t be controlled by anyone; there’re the protocol and the rules, and everyone follows them, unless there’s a hard fork, which is a different matter. So, in that regard, Bitcoin is definitely categorized as a digital asset by the government, and that’s where it stands. **Piccolo**:People who come to BO฿ Space to learn about Bitcoin are often influenced by the government from the point of price movements; especially when government support moves the price up. But they usually only visit once or twice, especially if they’re not deep into the Bitcoin rabbit hole. They often get disappointed because, at BO฿ Space, we rarely discuss the price—maybe once a year, and that’s just after the meetup when people are having drinks. So, in that sense, I’d say the government currently doesn’t really hurt or help the community either way. People will go down the rabbit hole at their own pace. And if you're not a Bitcoiner and you come to a BO฿ Space meetup with a crypto focus, you might be surprised by the approach we take. **YakiHonne**:Thank you, Piccolo, for your time and insights. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Your perspective on the evolution of Bitcoin communities was eye-opening. It's clear that your deep understanding of Bitcoin is invaluable. I'm sure our readers will appreciate your insights. Once again, thank you, Piccolo. I look forward to seeing the continued growth of BO฿ Space and Bitcoin adoption.

@ 2183e947:f497b975

Today I was invited to participate in the private beta of a new social media protocol called Pubky, designed by a bitcoin company called Synonym with the goal of being better than existing social media platforms. As a heavy nostr user, I thought I'd write up a comparison. I can't tell you how to create your own accounts because it was made very clear that only *some* of the software is currently open source, and how this will all work is still a bit up in the air. The code that *is* open source can be found here: https://github.com/pubky -- and the most important repo there seems to be this one: https://github.com/pubky/pubky-core You can also learn more about Pubky here: https://pubky.org/ That said, I used my invite code to create a pubky account and it seemed very similar to onboarding to nostr. I generated a private key, backed up 12 words, and the onboarding website gave me a public key. Then I logged into a web-based client and it looked a lot like twitter. I saw a feed for posts by other users and saw options to reply to posts and give reactions, which, I saw, included hearts, thumbs up, and other emojis. Then I investigated a bit deeper to see how much it was like nostr. I opened up my developer console and navigated to my networking tab, where, if this was nostr, I would expect to see queries to relays for posts. Here, though, I saw one query that seemed to be repeated on a loop, which went to a single server and provided it with my pubkey. That single query (well, a series of identical queries to the same server) seemed to return all posts that showed up on my feed. So I infer that the server "knows" what posts to show me (perhaps it has some sort of algorithm, though the marketing material says it does not use algorithms) and the query was on a loop so that if any new posts came in that the server thinks I might want to see, it can add them to my feed. Then I checked what happens when I create a post. I did so and looked at what happened in my networking tab. If this was nostr, I would expect to see multiple copies of a signed messaged get sent to a bunch of relays. Here, though, I saw one message get sent to the same server that was populating my feed, and that message was not signed, it was a plaintext copy of my message. I happened to be in a group chat with John Carvalho at the time, who is associated with pubky. I asked him what was going on, and he said that pubky is based around three types of servers: homeservers, DHT servers, and indexer servers. The homeserver is where you create posts and where you query for posts to show on your feed. DHT servers are used for censorship resistance: each user creates an entry on a DHT server saying what homeserver they use, and these entries are signed by their key. As for indexers, I think those are supposed to speed up the use of the DHT servers. From what I could tell, indexers query DHT servers to find out what homeservers people use. When you query a homeserver for posts, it is supposed to reach out to indexer servers to find out the homeservers of people whose posts the homeserver decided to show you, and then query those homeservers for those posts. I believe they decided not to look up what homeservers people use directly on DHT servers directly because DHT servers are kind of slow, due to having to store and search through all sorts of non-social-media content, whereas indexers only store a simple db that maps each user's pubkey to their homeserver, so they are faster. Based on all of this info, it seems like, to populate your feed, this is the series of steps: - you tell your homeserver your pubkey - it uses some sort of algorithm to decide whose posts to show you - then looks up the homeservers used by those people on an indexer server - then it fetches posts from their homeservers - then your client displays them to you To create a post, this is the series of steps: - you tell your homeserver what you want to say to the world - it stores that message in plaintext and merely asserts that it came from you (it's not signed) - other people can find out what you said by querying for your posts on your homeserver Since posts on homeservers are not signed, I asked John what prevents a homeserver from just making up stuff and claiming I said it. He said nothing stops them from doing that, and if you are using a homeserver that starts acting up in that manner, what you should do is start using a new homeserver and update your DHT record to point at your new homeserver instead of the old one. Then, indexers should update their db to show where your new homeserver is, and the homeservers of people who "follow" you should stop pulling content from your old homeserver and start pulling it from your new one. If their homeserver is misbehaving too, I'm not sure what would happen. Maybe it could refuse to show them the content you've posted on your new homeserver, keeping making up fake content on your behalf that you've never posted, and maybe the people you follow would never learn you're being impersonated or have moved to a new homeserver. John also clarified that there is not currently any tooling for migrating user content from one homeserver to another. If pubky gets popular and a big homeserver starts misbehaving, users will probably need such a tool. But these are early days, so there aren't that many homeservers, and the ones that exist seem to be pretty trusted. Anyway, those are my initial thoughts on Pubky. Learn more here: https://pubky.org/

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Only one more month to make adjustments and a couple of my guys haven't played enough games to be eligible for the awards. - Jokic needs to play two more - Giannis needs to play five more Other notable players who haven't yet played 65 games: - Luka is not even close - Brunson needs to play four more (and probably needs to be replaced regardless) - Wemby is not even close Here's the current state of the competition with your max possible score next to your nym: | Contestant | MVP | Champ | All NBA | | | | | |--------------|------|---------|----------|-|-|-|-| | @Undisciplined 47| SGA| OKC | Jokic | KAT |Giannis |Tatum | SGA | | @grayruby 46| SGA| Cavs| Jokic | Giannis | SGA| Mitchell| Brunson| | @gnilma 55| SGA| OKC| Jokic | KAT | Giannis | Tatum| SGA | | @BitcoinAbhi 70 | Luka| Denver| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @Bell_curve 63| SGA| Celtics| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @0xbitcoiner 70 | Jokic| Pacers| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| Brunson| | @Coinsreporter 49| Giannis| Pacers| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| Brunson| | @TheMorningStar 49| Luka| Celtics| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Ant| SGA| | @onthedeklein 49| Luka| T-Wolves| Jokic | Giannis | Luka | Wemby| SGA| | @Carresan 34| SGA| Memphis| Jokic | KAT | Giannis | Ant| SGA| | @BTC_Bellzer 34| SGA| Celtics| Jokic| Giannis | Tatum| SGA| Brunson | | @realBitcoinDog 39| Lebron| Lakers| Jokic | Giannis | Ant | Brunson | SGA| | @SimpleStacker 42| SGA| Celtics| Jokic| Tatum| Luka | Brunson| SGA| | @BlokchainB 38| SGA| Knicks| KAT| Giannis | Ant| Brunson| SGA| | @LibertasBR 14| SGA| Celtics| Jokic| Giannis | Tatum | Curry| SGA| | @Meani123 7| SGA| OKC| Jokic | KAT | Tatum | Mitchell | SGA| **Prize** At least 6k (I'll keep adding zaps to the pot). If you want to join this contest, just leave your predictions for MVP, Champion, and All-NBA 1st team in the comments. See the [June post](https://stacker.news/items/585231/r/Undisciplined) for more details. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928370

@ e4950c93:1b99eccd

<iframe src="https://formstr.app/#/f/naddr1qvzqqqr4mqpzqr9mwlyllz3zkvk4x2cl98g993k3ele3a55ps6tkay5c3amu4pstqy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uqqvvjvgae9x7g0rt3r3?viewKey=f409eabf471c20d1cd3148eca8dc0e388476496b8d47eff10bff145603c1fa9b&hideTitleImage=true" height="1000px" width="480px" frameborder="0" style="border-style:none;box-shadow:0px 0px 2px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.2);" cellspacing="0" ></iframe>

@ df06d21e:2b23058f

Imagine a Living Civilization—a new way to see our world. It starts with the Universe’s pillars: Matter, the stuff we’re made of; Energy, the flow that drives us; Physics, the rules we play by; and Chemistry, the complexity that builds us. We know these well. But civilization? That’s our creation—and although it has been described in so many different ways over the years I thought it was time for something new. Civilization has its own pillars, systems that I call the pillars of the Metaverse: Capital, Information, Innovation, and Trust. Capital is how we measure value. Not just money, but everything that matters: skills, we call that Human Capital; ecosystems, that’s Natural Capital; infrastructure, Public Capital; relationships, Social Capital. Picture a farmer swapping Bitcoin sats for seeds—not fiat debt—or tracking soil health alongside his wallet. Capital is a system, a system of measurement. Information is how we verify truth. Think IPFS, a network holding real data—climate stats, farming fixes—open to all, not locked up by some corporate gatekeeper. Information is a system of verification. Innovation is about generating solutions. On GitHub, coders worldwide crank out tools—Nostr clients, solar apps—shared freely, not patented for profit. Innovation is our system of generation. And Trust—it’s coordination. Nostr’s decentralized threads let communities set trade rules, split resources—governance from the ground up, no overlords required. Trust is our system of coordination. Right now we’re stuck in debt-based systems—and they’re failing us. Take fiat currency—central banks print it, slashing your purchasing power. Our dollar buys less every year; savings erode while the elite stack their gains. It’s a scam, Bitcoiners know it—fiat’s the real Ponzi bleeding us dry. Capital gets twisted—firms hoard Bitcoin for fiat pumps, not real wealth; governments chase GDP while forests die and skills sit idle. Information is buried—our media spits out spin, our corporations lock truth in silos. Innovation is stalled—debt props up corporate patents, not open wins. Trust is gone—our governance systems consist of top-down control that splits us apart, left to right, top to bottom. Debt just measures scarcity—money borrowed, nature trashed, bonds frayed—and it’s crushing the pillars. Wealth-based systems promise to turn that around. Bitcoin’s sound money is just the start—sats hold value, not inflate it away. Real capital measures what sustains us—sats fund a cooperative's water pump, not a vault; they track skills taught, land healed, ties rebuilt. Real Information opens up—IPFS logs show ‘biochar boosted yield 20%’, verified by us, not suits. Real Innovation flows—GitHub devs build Lightning hubs, wealth spreads. Real Trust binds us together—Nostr chats align us, no central puppeteer. Wealth based systems strengthen the pillars of the Metaverse, it doesn’t erode them. We needed a new framing. A new vision of what was, what is, and what could be. We have one. This is real. This is the world we are building. Bitcoin is live, Nostr is growing, IPFS and GitHub are humming. We can see Debt teetering; while real wealth is rising. So, hodlers, maxis, plebs—everyone—what does a true wealth-based system look like? How can we measure Capital beyond fiat’s con job? Bitcoin’s the rock, but it’s just the beginning. How do we build on this, expand it, and transform everything as we build something entirely new?

@ 3e6e0735:9e95c8a2

https://i.nostr.build/lanoHI3p2aCKRZlV.png I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why Bitcoin still feels so misunderstood. Not just by the media or the IMF — that part’s predictable. But even inside our own circles, something's missing. We say it’s money. We say it’s freedom. We say it’s code. And it is. But when you really zoom out, past the price and the politics, it’s something more radical than we usually admit. Bitcoin is a shift in how power moves. And what we do with that power now actually matters. ## The noise outside Let’s start with the obvious: the media still doesn’t get it. Every other headline is either a death knell or a celebration depending on the price that day. No context. No nuance. No understanding of what we’re building. You’ve seen the headlines: - “Bitcoin is crashing again.” - “Crypto bros are killing the planet.” - “The IMF warns: Bitcoin adoption is dangerous.” Yeah? Dangerous to what? The system they control. The levers they pull. The old game where the house always wins. That’s why they’re afraid. Not because Bitcoin is volatile, but because it doesn’t ask permission. ## This isn’t about panic — it’s about patterns I’m not saying there’s a conspiracy. But there is inertia. Institutions protect themselves. Systems reinforce themselves. They were never going to roll out the red carpet for an open, borderless network that replaces their function. So the IMF calls it a threat. Central banks scramble to launch CBDCs. And journalists keep writing the same shallow takes while ignoring the real story. Meanwhile, we’re still here. Still building. Still holding. Still running nodes. Bitcoin isn’t perfect. But it’s honest. It doesn’t bend to popularity or political pressure. It enforces rules with math, not people. And that’s exactly why it works. ## Even we miss it sometimes Here’s the part that really hit me recently: even within Bitcoin, we often undersell what this is. We talk about savings. Inflation. Fiat debasement. All real, all important. But what about the broader layer? What about governance? Energy? Communication? Defense? Jason Lowery’s book *Softwar* lit that fuse for me again. Not because it’s flawless — it’s not. But because he reframed the game. Bitcoin isn’t a new weapon. It’s the **end** of weapons-as-power. Proof-of-work, in Lowery’s view, is a form of peaceful negotiation. A deterrent against coercion. A way to shift from kinetic violence to computational resolution. Most people — even many Bitcoiners — haven’t fully absorbed that. It’s not about militarizing the network. It’s about **demilitarizing the world** through energy expenditure that replaces human conflict. Let’s be clear: this doesn’t mean Bitcoin *will* be used this way. It means it *can*. And that opens up a few possible futures: - **Scenario A:** Smaller nations adopt Bitcoin infrastructure as a shield — a deterrent and neutral layer to build sovereignty - **Scenario B:** Superpowers attack mining and self-custody, escalating regulatory capture and fragmenting the open protocol into corporate silos - **Scenario C:** Bitcoin becomes the boring backend of legacy finance, its edge neutered by ETFs and custody-as-a-service Which one wins depends on what we build — and who steps up. ## Then I found Maya I came across Maya Parbhoe’s campaign by accident. One of those late-night rabbit holes where Bitcoin Twitter turns into a global map. She’s running for president of Suriname. She’s a Bitcoiner. And she’s not just tweeting about it — she’s building an entire political platform around it. No central bank. Bitcoin as legal tender. Full fiscal transparency. Open-source government. Yeah. You read that right. Not just open-source software — open-source statehood. Her father was murdered after exposing corruption. That’s not a talking point. That’s real-life consequence. And instead of running away from systems, she’s choosing to redesign one. That’s maximalism. Not in ideology. In action. ## The El Salvador experiment — and evolution When El Salvador made Bitcoin legal tender in 2021, it lit up our feeds. It was bold. Unprecedented. A true first. But not without flaws. The rollout was fast. Chivo wallet was centralized. Adoption stalled in rural areas. Transparency was thin. And despite the brave move, the state’s underlying structure remained top-down. Bukele played offense, but the protocol was wrapped in traditional power. Maya is doing it differently. Her approach is grassroots-forward. Open-source by design. Focused on education, transparency, and modular state-building — not just mandates. She’s not using Bitcoin to *prop up* state power. She’s using it to *distribute* it. ## Maximalism is evolving Look, I get it. The memes are fun. The laser eyes. The beefsteak meetups. The HODL culture. But there’s something else growing here. Something a little quieter, a little deeper: - People running nodes to protect civil liberties - Communities using Lightning for real commerce - Builders forging tools for self-sovereign identity - Leaders like Maya testing what Bitcoin can look like as public infrastructure This is happening. In real time. It’s messy and fragile and still small. But it’s happening. Let’s also stay honest: Maximalism has its risks. Dogma can blind us. Toxicity can push people away. And if we’re not careful, we’ll replace one centralization with another — just wearing different memes. We need less purity, more principles. Less hype, more clarity. That’s the kind of maximalism Maya embodies. ## What now? Maya doesn’t have a VC fund or an ad agency. She has a message, a mission, and the courage to put Bitcoin on the ballot. If that resonates, help her. Not just by donating — though here’s the link: [https://geyser.fund/project/maya2025 ](https://geyser.fund/project/maya2025) But by sharing. Writing. Talking. Translating. Connecting. Bitcoin is still early. But it’s not abstract anymore. This isn’t just theory. It’s a protocol, sure. But now, maybe it’s a presidency too. https://i.nostr.build/0luYy8ojK7gkxsuL.png

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Preko is a charming seaside town on Ugljan Island, just a short ferry ride from Zadar. Known for its beautiful beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning views of the Adriatic, it's the perfect place to experience authentic Dalmatian island life.  ## **🌊 Top Things to See & Do in Preko** ### **1️⃣ Swim at Jaz Beach 🏖️** - A **Blue Flag beach** with **clear turquoise waters and soft pebbles**. - Ideal for **families** thanks to its shallow waters. - Nearby **cafés and restaurants** make it a great spot to spend the day. ### **2️⃣ Visit the Islet of Galevac 🏝️** - A **tiny island just 80 meters from Preko**, reachable by swimming or a short boat ride. - Home to a **15th-century Franciscan monastery**, surrounded by lush greenery. - A **peaceful retreat**, perfect for relaxation.  ### **3️⃣ Hike to St. Michael’s Fortress (Sv. Mihovil) 🏰** - A **medieval fortress from the 13th century** with **breathtaking panoramic views**. - Overlooks **Zadar, Kornati Islands, and the Adriatic Sea**. - A **1-hour scenic hike** from Preko or accessible by **bike or car**. ### **4️⃣ Explore the Local Taverns & Seafood Restaurants 🍽️** - Try **fresh seafood, octopus salad, and Dalmatian peka (slow-cooked meat & vegetables)**. - **Best spots:** Konoba Roko (authentic seafood) & Vile Dalmacija (beachfront dining). ### **5️⃣ Rent a Bike or Scooter 🚲** - Explore **Ugljan Island’s olive groves, hidden coves, and coastal paths**. - Visit nearby villages like **Kali and Kukljica** for more local charm.  ### **6️⃣ Take a Day Trip to Zadar ⛵** - Just **25 minutes by ferry**, Zadar offers **historic landmarks, the Sea Organ, and Roman ruins**. - Perfect for a cultural excursion before returning to the peaceful island.  ## **🚗 How to Get to Preko** 🚢 **By Ferry:** - **From Zadar:** Regular ferries (Jadrolinija) take **~25 minutes**. 🚘 **By Car:** - If driving, take the **ferry from Zadar to Preko** and explore the island. 🚴 **By Bike:** - Many visitors rent bikes to explore Ugljan Island’s coastal roads.  ## **💡 Tips for Visiting Preko** ✅ **Best time to visit?** **May–September** for warm weather & swimming 🌞 ✅ **Ferry schedules** – Check times in advance, especially in the off-season ⏳ ✅ **Bring cash** – Some smaller taverns and cafés may not accept cards 💰 ✅ **Stay for sunset** – The views over Zadar from Preko’s waterfront are stunning 🌅 Would you like **hotel recommendations, hidden beaches, or other island activities**? 😊

@ fe9e99a0:5123e9a8

What’s happening?

@ 7d33ba57:1b82db35

Krka National Park, located in central Dalmatia, is one of Croatia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Famous for its stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, the park is a must-visit for nature lovers. Unlike Plitvice Lakes, Krka allows swimming in certain areas, making it a perfect summer escape.  ## **🌊 Top Things to See & Do in Krka National Park** ### **1️⃣ Skradinski Buk Waterfall 💦** - The **largest and most famous waterfall** in the park, with **cascading pools and wooden walkways**. - You **used to be able to swim here**, but since 2021, swimming is no longer allowed. - Perfect for **photography and picnics**. ### **2️⃣ Roški Slap Waterfall 🌿** - A **less crowded but equally beautiful** series of waterfalls. - Known for its **"necklace" of small cascades** leading into the main fall. - Nearby **Mlinica**, a restored **watermill**, shows traditional Croatian life. ### **3️⃣ Visovac Island & Monastery 🏝️** - A **tiny island** in the middle of the Krka River, home to a **Franciscan monastery** from the 15th century. - Accessible by **boat tour** from Skradinski Buk or Roški Slap. - A peaceful, scenic spot with **stunning views of the lake**.  ### **4️⃣ Krka Monastery 🏛️** - A **Serbian Orthodox monastery** hidden deep in the park. - Built on **ancient Roman catacombs**, which you can explore. - A **quiet, spiritual place**, often overlooked by tourists. ### **5️⃣ Hike & Walk the Nature Trails 🥾** - The park has **several well-marked trails** through forests, waterfalls, and lakes. - Wooden walkways allow **easy access** to the main sights. - **Wildlife spotting**: Look out for **otters, turtles, and over 200 bird species**! ### **6️⃣ Swim at Skradin Beach 🏖️** - While you can’t swim at Skradinski Buk anymore, **Skradin Beach**, just outside the park, is a great spot for a dip. - **Kayaking and boat tours** available.  ## **🚗 How to Get to Krka National Park** ✈️ **By Air:** The nearest airport is **Split (SPU), 1 hour away**. 🚘 **By Car:** - **Split to Krka:** ~1 hour (85 km) - **Zadar to Krka:** ~1 hour (75 km) - **Dubrovnik to Krka:** ~3.5 hours (280 km) 🚌 **By Bus:** Direct buses from **Split, Zadar, and Šibenik** to the park’s entrances. 🚢 **By Boat:** From **Skradin**, you can take a **boat ride** into the park.  ## **💡 Tips for Visiting Krka National Park** ✅ **Best time to visit?** **Spring & early autumn (April–June, September–October)** – Fewer crowds & mild weather 🍃 ✅ **Start early!** **Arrive before 10 AM** to avoid crowds, especially in summer ☀️ ✅ **Bring water & snacks** – Limited food options inside the park 🍎 ✅ **Wear comfy shoes** – Wooden walkways & trails can be slippery 👟 ✅ **Take a boat tour** – The best way to see Visovac Island & hidden spots ⛵ ✅ **Buy tickets online** – Save time at the entrance 🎟️ 

@ 0b65f96a:7fda4c8f

Es gibt Bibliotheken voll Literatur zur „Kunst“ der Kriegsführung. Dies hier ist ein Beitrag zu den Bibliotheken der **Kunst Frieden zu führen**. Denn Frieden ist nicht die Abwesenheit von Krieg. Sondern eine mindestens ebenso intensive Aktivität. Worin genau besteht sie aber? Ich glaube darin, weder nach der einen noch nach der anderen Seite vom Hochseil zu fallen. Denn vom Hochseil kann man immer nach zwei Seiten fallen. Das ist dann auch schon die Kernherausforderung: Gleichgewichthalten! &#x20; Es scheint zunächst ein ganz äußerlicher Auftrag. Es gibt immer und wird immer widerstreitende Interessen geben. Allerdings ist das nur die äußerste Zwiebelschale. Denn wenn wir die Sache etwas mit Abstand von uns selbst betrachten, werden wir in uns hinein verwiesen: **Frieden kann nur von innen nach außen gestiftet werden**. Wenn wir das Hochseil in uns suchen, was finden wir dann? – Zweifels ohne, wissen wir von uns, dass wir nicht jeden Tag unser bestes Selbst sind. Würde es sich nicht lohnen etwas genauer über die Möglichkeit nach zwei Seiten vom Hochseil zu fallen nachzudenken, zugunsten der eigenen Balancierfähigkeit? Wir sind daran gewöhnt zu denken dem Guten steht das Böse gegenüber. Daraus ziehen ja alle Western und Martial Arts Streifen ihren Plot: Der Gute bringt den Bösen um die Ecke und damit hat wieder mal das Gute gesiegt. Wir bewerten das „um die Ecke bringen“ unterschiedlich, je nach dem, von wem es kommt. Ich möchte einen neuen Gedanken vorschlagen über unser Inneres, über Gut und Böse nachzudenken. Denn, wie gesagt, vom Hochseil kann man nach zwei Seiten fallen. Und es hat immer drastische Wirkung. Wo kommen wir also hin, wenn wir sagen: **Frieden ist immer ein Gleichgewichtszustand**, ergo eine Zeit der Mitte? Sagen wir Toleranz ist ein erstrebenswertes Ideal. Dann würden wir sicher sagen Engstirnigkeit ist das Gegenteil davon und alles andere als Wünschenswert. Ja, so ist es gewiss. Und es bleibt hinzuzufügen, auch Beliebigkeit ist das Gegenteil von Toleranz. Denn es gibt eine Grenze, wo Toleranz nicht mehr Toleranz ist, sondern Beliebigkeit, ein „alles ist möglich“. Ähnlich können wir es für Großzügigkeit denken: Großzügigkeit ist ein erstrebenswertes Ideal. Ihr Gegenteil ist Geiz. Ihr anderes Gegenteil die Verschwendung. Oder Mut. Mut ist ein erstrebenswertes Ideal. Feigheit sein Gegenteil. Sein anderes Gegenteil ist Leichtsinn. Mit andern Worten: Das Ideal wird immer zum Hochseil. Und wir können immer nach zwei Seiten von ihm fallen. Wenn wir diesem Gedanken folgen, kommen wir weg von der Gut-Böse-Dualität. Und stattdessen zur Frage nach dem Gleichgewicht. Zur Frage nach der Mittezeit. Natürlich steht es uns frei all das zu denken. Oder auch nicht zu denken. Denn selbstverständlich ist es möglich es nicht zu denken und bei einer Dualitätsvorstellung festhängen zu bleiben. Es wird uns nur nicht helfen Frieden zu denken und in Frieden zu handeln. Wenn wir wollen können wir durch das Aufspannen einer Trinität einen neuen Raum eröffnen und betreten. In ihm wird Frieden aktiv führbar, denn er wird **eine Gleichgewichtssituation in uns selbst!** – Nicht eine, sich einander gegenüberstehender äußerer Mächte! Gehen wir noch einen Schritt weiter in unserer Betrachtung, können wir feststellen, dass es durchaus einen Unterschied macht nach welcher Seite wir runter fallen. Denn auf der einen Seite ist es immer eine **Verengung**: Engstirnigkeit, Geiz, Feigheit in unseren Beispielen. Auf der anderen ist es immer eine **Zersplitterung oder Versprühung**. In unseren Beispielen Beliebigkeit, Verschwendung und Leichtsinn. Und das erstrebenswerte ist eben immer die Mitte, das von uns ständig aktualisierte Gleichgewicht. Das interessante ist, wo diese Mitte liegt, lässt sich niemals statisch festlegen. Sie ist immer dynamisch. Denn sie kann zu unterschiedlichen Momenten an unterschiedlicher Stelle liegen. Es ist immer **ein Ich, das sich in Geistesgegenwart neu ausbalanciert**. Und darum ist Frieden so schwer. Wir werden ihn niemals „haben“, sondern ihm immer entgegen gehen. Der Kriegsruf ist nichts anderes, als ein Versuch von denen, die vom Hochseil gefallen sind, uns auch herunter zu kicken. Netter Versuch. Wird aber nichts! In der Nussschale: Die Dualität auflösen in die Trinität der balancierenden Mitte zwischen der Geste der Versteinerung und der Geste des Zerstäubens oder Zersplitterns. Die dynamische Qualität der Mitte bemerken. Oder, tun wir es nicht, ist das gleich der erste Anstoß, der uns wieder zum Wackeln bringt. Und des Ich´s gewahr werden, das balanciert. **Frieden führen ist eine Kunst**.&#x20; *** **Patric I. Vogt**, geb. 1968 in Mainz. Autor von „[Zukunft beginnt im Kopf](https://buchshop.bod.de/zukunft-beginnt-im-kopf-patric-i-vogt-9783759734266) Ein Debattenbeitrag zur Kernsanierung von Rechtsstaat und Demokratie“. Lebt als freischaffender Künstler, Lehrer und Unternehmer. Über drei Jahrzehnte Beschäftigung mit dem Ideenfeld soziale #Dreigliederung und Anthroposophie. Moderation und Mediation von sozialen Prozessen und Organisationsentwicklung. Staatlich ungeprüft, abgesehen von den Fahrerlaubnissen zu Land und zu Wasser. Motto: Gedanken werden Worte, werden Taten! [www.perspektivenwechsel.social](http://www.perspektivenwechsel.social/)&#x20; ***

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

It's Finally here Stackers! It's Friday! We're about to kick off our weekends with some feel good tracks. Let's get the party started. Bring me those Feel Good tracks. Let's get it! https://youtu.be/r1ATFedwjnk?si=tPtLac6ExYZCx3Ez originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/928119

@ 866e0139:6a9334e5

*** **Autor:** **[Thomas Eisinger.](https://pareto.space/u/te@pareto.town)** *Dieser Beitrag wurde mit dem **[Pareto-Client](https://pareto.space/read)** geschrieben. Sie finden alle Texte der Friedenstaube und weitere Texte zum Thema Frieden **[hier.](https://pareto.space/read?category=friedenstaube)*** *** Und genau dafür wirst auch du gedrillt werden: Menschen zu jagen und töten. Unbekannte, die auch nicht wissen, was sie hier tun. Oder Unschuldige, die nicht rechtzeitig fliehen konnten. Einfach töten. Alle. Ohne zu fragen. Denn das ist deine Aufgabe, Soldat: Töte Menschen! Egal, was du vorher warst, Heizungsmonteur, KFZ-Mechaniker, Veganer, Marketingmanager, Friseur, Verkäufer, Kindergärtner: Es ist egal. Jetzt musst du töten. Denn du hast mitgemacht. Entweder, weil du es nicht ernst genommen hast, weil du dich nie für Politik interessiert hast. Oder weil du gedacht hast, das alles betrifft dich nicht. Weil du gedacht hast, Wahlen könnten etwas verändern. Oder weil du immer das Maul gehalten hast, damit dich keiner als «Rechter» bezeichnet. Egal. Jetzt musst du töten. Das ist das Spiel. Ja, es ist ein Spiel. Grausam, abartig, menschenverachtend. Dennoch hat es Regeln: Diejenigen, die das Spiel beginnen, müssen niemals selbst auf das Schlachtfeld. Das ist die erste Regel. Ihre Söhne auch nicht, nicht die Söhne der anderen Politiker, nicht die der EU-Abgeordneten, nicht die der Parteibonzen. Auch nicht die der Banker, der Vorstandsvorsitzenden, der Chefredakteure. Denn alle wissen, wie man das Spiel spielt. Nur du nicht. Du bist einfach eine Figur auf dem Spielfeld, die es verpasst hat, NEIN zu sagen, als noch Gelegenheit war. Jetzt bist du verwandelt worden in eine menschliche Drohne. Wenn sie sagen: töte!, dann tötest du. Denken kannst du, wenn alles vorbei ist. Falls du je wieder nach Hause kommst. Vielleicht sogar mit beiden Beinen und beiden Armen. Vielleicht auch nicht. Egal. Wer hätte Mitleid mit einer Spielfigur? Nein, du musst töten. Das ist deine Aufgabe. Sie sagen es nun schon seit Monaten, warum glaubst du es nicht? Sie meinen es ernst. Wenn du den Brief in Händen hältst ist es zu spät. Es gilt dann das Notstandsrecht und keiner kann mehr verweigern. Da hättest du dich vorher drum kümmern müssen. Oder auf eine Demo gehen. Oder laut und mit klarer Stimme in jedem Gespräch den Wahnsinn anprangern. Hast du aber nicht. Jetzt musst du töten oder du wirst getötet. Das ist das Spiel. Du hättest selbst denken können. Hast du aber nicht. Hast deine Zeit mit sinnlosen Videos vertan, Netflix geguckt und hast Influencerinnen geliked. Die müssen nicht an die Front. Aber du. Morgen, wenn du aufstehst, die Uniform anziehst und rausgehst, dann wirst du Befehle ausführen oder erschossen werden. Also wirst du Menschen töten. Dein Leben wird nie wieder so sein, wie zuvor. Dein Schmerz, deine Schuld, dein Leid: sie gehen ein in die unendliche Reihe der Soldaten, die seit Jahrhunderten dasselbe Schicksal erlitten. Deren Schreie noch immer durch den ewigen Raum hallen. Deren Opfer von den Herren des Spiels mit einem Lächeln entgegengenommen wurde. Deren Gliedmaßen auf den Schlachtfeldern liegen geblieben waren. Zum Dank erhielten sie eine Medaille. Ein Stück Blech für den rechten Arm, einen Grabstein für den Vater, den Bruder, den Sohn. Für das Vaterland. Für Europa. Für die Demokratie. Der Hohn tropft aus jedem Politikerwort, doch die Menschen glauben noch immer die uralte Geschichte von Freund und Feind, von Gut und Böse.  \ Wer nicht aufwachen will, muss töten. Du. Nicht am Bildschirm. In der echten Welt. Wo man nicht auf Replay drücken kann. Wo man den Gegner nicht nach links oder rechts swipen kann, denn er ist echt, real, lebendig. Noch. Entweder er oder du. Jetzt ist es zu spät für Entscheidungen. Kannst du es spüren? Die Work-Life-Balance wird zur Kill-or-be-killed-Balance. Es gibt kein Entrinnen. Denn du hast mitgemacht. Schweigen ist Zustimmung. Sich-nicht-drumkümmern ist Zustimmung. Kriegsparteien zu wählen ist noch mehr Zustimmung. Heute. Heute lässt sich noch etwas ändern. Es hat nichts zu tun mit rechts oder links. Nur mit Menschlichkeit versus Hass, Macht und dem ganz großen Geld. Das sind die Gründe, für die du töten oder sterben musst. Wie entscheidest du dich? *** *Thomas Eisinger ist Schriftsteller. Zuletzt erschien der Roman* *["Hinter der Zukunft".](https://www.buchkomplizen.de/buecher/lesestoff/hinter-der-zukunft.html?listtype=search\&searchparam=Hinter%20der%20Zukunft)* *Mehr zum Autor* ***[hier.](www.thomas-eisinger.de)*** *** **DIE FRIEDENSTAUBE FLIEGT AUCH IN IHR POSTFACH:** ***[Hier](https://pareto.space/u/friedenstaube@pareto.space)*** *können Sie die Friedenstaube abonnieren und bekommen die Artikel zugesandt, vorerst für alle kostenfrei, wir starten gänzlich ohne Paywall. (Die Bezahlabos fangen erst zu laufen an, wenn ein Monetarisierungskonzept für die Inhalte steht).* *** Schon jetzt können Sie uns unterstützen: * Für **50 CHF/EURO** bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo der Friedenstaube. * Für **120 CHF/EURO** bekommen Sie ein Jahresabo und ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube. * Für **500 CHF/EURO** werden Sie Förderer und bekommen ein lebenslanges Abo sowie ein T-Shirt/Hoodie mit der Friedenstaube. * Ab **1000 CHF** werden Sie Genossenschafter der Friedenstaube mit Stimmrecht (und bekommen lebenslanges Abo, T-Shirt/Hoodie). **Für Einzahlungen in CHF (Betreff: Friedenstaube):**  Bildschirmfoto 2025-03-27 um 09.53.46 **Für Einzahlungen in Euro:** Milosz Matuschek IBAN DE 53710520500000814137 BYLADEM1TST Sparkasse Traunstein-Trostberg **Betreff: Friedenstaube** Wenn Sie auf anderem Wege beitragen wollen, schreiben Sie die Friedenstaube an: <milosz@pareto.space> *** **Sie sind noch nicht auf** [Nostr](https://nostr.com/) **and wollen die volle Erfahrung machen (liken, kommentieren etc.)? Zappen können Sie den Autor auch ohne Nostr-Profil!** Erstellen Sie sich einen Account auf [Start.](https://start.njump.me/) Weitere Onboarding-Leitfäden gibt es im [Pareto-Wiki.](https://wiki.pareto.space/de/home)

@ 0d6c8388:46488a33

Huge thank you to [OpenSats for the grant](https://opensats.org/blog/10th-wave-of-nostr-grants) to work on [Hypernote this year](https://www.hypernote.club/)! I thought I'd take this opportunity to try and share my thought processes for Hypernote. If this all sounds very dense or irrelevant to you I'm sorry! === How can the ideas of "hypermedia" benefit nostr? That's the goal of hypernote. To take the best ideas from "hypertext" and "hypercard" and "hypermedia systems" and apply them to nostr in a specifically nostr-ey way. ### 1. What do we mean by hypermedia A hypermedia document embeds the methods of interaction (links, forms, and buttons are the most well-known hypermedia controls) within the document itself. It's including the _how_ with the _what_. This is how the old web worked. An HTML page was delivered to the web browser, and it included in it a link or perhaps a form that could be submitted to obtain a new, different HTML page. This is how the whole web worked early on! Forums and GeoCities and eBay and MySpace and Yahoo! and Amazon and Google all emerged inside this paradigm. A web browser in this paradigm was a "thin" client which rendered the "thick" application defined in the HTML (and, implicitly, was defined by the server that would serve that HTML). Contrast this with modern app development, where the _what_ is usually delivered in the form of JSON, and then HTML combined with JavaScript (React, Svelte, Angular, Vue, etc.) is devised to render that JSON as a meaningful piece of hypermedia within the actual browser, the _how_. The browser remains a "thin" client in this scenario, but now the application is delivered in two stages: a client application of HTML and JavaScript, and then the actual JSON data that will hydrate that "application". (Aside: it's interesting how much "thicker" the browser has had to become to support this newer paradigm!) Nostr was obviously built in line with the modern paradigm: nostr "clients" (written in React or Svelte or as mobile apps) define the _how_ of reading and creating nostr events, while nostr events themselves (JSON data) simply describe the _what_. And so the goal with Hypernote is to square this circle somehow: nostr currently delivers JSON _what_, how do we deliver the _how_ with nostr as well. Is that even possible? ### 2. Hypernote's design assumptions Hypernote assumes that hypermedia over nostr is a good idea! I'm expecting some joyful renaissance of app expression similar to that of the web once we figure out how to express applications in a truly "nostr" way. Hypernote was also [deeply inspired by HTMX](https://hypermedia.systems/hypermedia-a-reintroduction/), so it assumes that building web apps in the HTMX style is a good idea. The HTMX insight is that instead of shipping rich scripting along with your app, you could simply make HTML a _tiny_ bit more expressive and get 95% of what most apps need. HTMX's additions to the HTML language are designed to be as minimal and composable as possible, and Hypernote should have the same aims. Hypernote also assumes that the "design" of nostr will remain fluid and anarchic for years to come. There will be no "canonical" list of "required" NIPs that we'll have "consensus" on in order to build stable UIs on top of. Hypernote will need to be built responsive to nostr's moods and seasons, rather than one holy spec. Hypernote likes the `nak` command line tool. Hypernote likes markdown. Hypernote likes Tailwind CSS. Hypernote likes SolidJS. Hypernote likes cold brew coffee. Hypernote is, to be perfectly honest, my aesthetic preferences applied to my perception of an opportunity in the nostr ecosystem. ### 3. "What's a hypernote?" Great question. I'm still figuring this out. Everything right now is subject to change in order to make sure hypernote serves its intended purpose. But here's where things currently stand: A hypernote is a flat list of "Hypernote Elements". A Hypernote Element is composed of: 1. CONTENT. Static or dynamic content. (the what) 2. LOGIC. Filters and events (the how) 3. STYLE. Optional, inline style information specific to this element's content. In the most basic example of a [hypernote story](https://hypernote-stories.fly.dev/), here's a lone "edit me" in the middle of the canvas:  ``` { "id": "fb4aaed4-bf95-4353-a5e1-0bb64525c08f", "type": "text", "text": "edit me", "x": 540, "y": 960, "size": "md", "color": "black" } ``` As you can see, it has no logic, but it does have some content (the text "edit me") and style (the position, size, and color). Here's a "sticker" that displays a note: ``` { "id": "2cd1ef51-3356-408d-b10d-2502cbb8014e", "type": "sticker", "stickerType": "note", "filter": { "kinds": [ 1 ], "ids": [ "92de77507a361ab2e20385d98ff00565aaf3f80cf2b6d89c0343e08166fed931" ], "limit": 1 }, "accessors": [ "content", "pubkey", "created_at" ], "x": 540, "y": 960, "associatedData": {} } ``` As you can see, it's kind of a mess! The content and styling and underdeveloped for this "sticker", but at least it demonstrates some "logic": a nostr filter for getting its data. Here's another sticker, this one displays a form that the user can interact with to SEND a note. Very hyper of us! ``` { "id": "42240d75-e998-4067-b8fa-9ee096365663", "type": "sticker", "stickerType": "prompt", "filter": {}, "accessors": [], "x": 540, "y": 960, "associatedData": { "promptText": "What's your favorite color?" }, "methods": { "comment": { "description": "comment", "eventTemplate": { "kind": 1111, "content": "${content}", "tags": [ [ "E", "${eventId}", "", "${pubkey}" ], [ "K", "${eventKind}" ], [ "P", "${pubkey}" ], [ "e", "${eventId}", "", "${pubkey}" ], [ "k", "${eventKind}" ], [ "p", "${pubkey}" ] ] } } } } ``` It's also a mess, but it demos the other part of "logic": methods which produce new events. This is the total surface of hypernote, ideally! Static or dynamic content, simple inline styles, and logic for fetching and producing events. I'm calling it "logic" but it's purposfully not a whole scripting language. At most we'll have some sort of `jq`-like language for destructing the relevant piece of data we want. My ideal syntax for a hypernote as a developer will look something like ```foo.hypernote Nak-like logic Markdown-like content CSS-like styles ``` But with JSON as the compile target, this can just be my own preference, there can be other (likely better!) ways of authoring this content, such as a Hypernote Stories GUI. ### The end I know this is all still vague but I wanted to get some ideas out in the wild so people understand the through line of my different Hypernote experiments. I want to get the right amount of "expressivity" in Hypernote before it gets locked down into one spec. My hunch is it can be VERY expressive while remaining simple and also while not needing a whole scripting language bolted onto it. If I can't pull it off I'll let you know.