@ a012dc82:6458a70d

Bitcoin, as the pioneering cryptocurrency, heralded a new era in digital finance. It offered an innovative payment system, free from the control of traditional financial institutions and governments. This decentralized nature was a significant draw for many early adopters. Bitcoin Cash emerged from a split in the Bitcoin blockchain, a result of deep-seated disagreements within the Bitcoin community over its scalability and transaction processing efficiency. This split was not just technical but also ideological, marking a significant moment in the history of cryptocurrencies. **Table Of Content** - The Genesis of Bitcoin Cash - Technological Divergence: Block Size and Scalability - Segregated Witness (SegWit) and Bitcoin - Market Impact and Adoption - Transaction Processing: Speed and Fees - The Forks and Future Directions - Usability and Real-World Applications - Supply Dynamics - Bitcoin Cash as a Medium of Exchange - Conclusion - FAQs **The Genesis of Bitcoin Cash** The creation of Bitcoin Cash in 2017 was a pivotal event in the cryptocurrency world. It was a direct response to the growing concerns over Bitcoin's ability to handle an increasing volume of transactions. The proponents of Bitcoin Cash argued that changes were necessary to fulfill the original vision of a fast, scalable, and low-cost digital payment system. This led to the hard fork, a move that created a new blockchain with different rules, fundamentally diverging from the original Bitcoin protocol. **Technological Divergence: Block Size and Scalability** The debate over block size is central to the divergence between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash. Bitcoin's original 1 MB block size was seen as a significant bottleneck, leading to slower transaction times and higher fees during peak usage. In contrast, Bitcoin Cash's decision to increase the block size to 8 MB and later to 32 MB was a bold move aimed at addressing these issues. This increase was a fundamental shift, intended to allow more transactions per block and, consequently, faster processing and lower fees. **Segregated Witness (SegWit) and Bitcoin** The implementation of Segregated Witness (SegWit) in Bitcoin was a landmark technological upgrade. SegWit aimed to optimize the space within each block by segregating the digital signature information, which accounts for a significant portion of the data in a transaction. This was a sophisticated solution to the scalability issue, differing fundamentally from Bitcoin Cash's approach of simply increasing the block size. SegWit represented a philosophical as well as a technical divergence in the approach to scaling Bitcoin. **Market Impact and Adoption** The market dynamics of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash tell a story of divergent paths. Bitcoin, with its higher market capitalization, remains the more dominant and widely recognized cryptocurrency. Its position as the first and most established cryptocurrency has given it a significant advantage in terms of adoption and market presence. Bitcoin Cash, while substantial in its market cap, has not reached the same level of market penetration. This difference in market impact reflects the varying degrees of acceptance and trust among investors and users in the cryptocurrency community. **Transaction Processing: Speed and Fees** The practical implications of the differences between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash are most evident in transaction processing. Bitcoin Cash, with its larger block size, theoretically offers faster transaction times and lower fees, making it more suitable for frequent, small transactions. However, the actual efficiency gains of Bitcoin Cash are subject to debate, as the network has not been tested under the same transaction volume as Bitcoin. This difference in transaction processing capabilities is a critical factor in the user's choice between the two cryptocurrencies. **The Forks and Future Directions** The evolution of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash is marked by continuous development and occasional forks. The creation of Bitcoin SV from Bitcoin Cash is an example of ongoing disagreements within the community about the best path forward. These forks are not just technical events but also represent differing visions and philosophies within the cryptocurrency community. They reflect the dynamic and often contentious nature of the development of blockchain technology and its applications. **Usability and Real-World Applications** In terms of real-world usability, Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash cater to slightly different needs. Bitcoin's widespread recognition and higher value make it more popular as a digital asset for investment. In contrast, Bitcoin Cash, with its focus on transaction efficiency, aims to be more practical for everyday transactions. However, the actual adoption of Bitcoin Cash for daily transactions has been slower than anticipated, partly due to the entrenched position of Bitcoin and the rapidly evolving landscape of digital payments. **Supply Dynamics** The supply mechanics of both Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash mirror the principles of scarcity and controlled supply inflation. This approach is akin to precious metals, where the limited supply is a key factor in value preservation. The halving events, where the reward for mining new blocks is halved approximately every four years, are critical moments in the life cycle of both cryptocurrencies. These events are closely watched by investors and users alike, as they have implications for the supply and, potentially, the value of these digital currencies. **Bitcoin Cash as a Medium of Exchange** Bitcoin Cash's design as a medium of exchange is one of its defining features. It aims to provide a digital equivalent of cash, facilitating quick and low-cost transactions. This focus on usability for everyday transactions is a key differentiator from Bitcoin, which has become more of a store of value or "digital gold." The success of Bitcoin Cash in this regard depends on broader adoption and recognition, which is an ongoing challenge in the competitive landscape of digital currencies. **Conclusion** The story of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash is a fascinating chapter in the evolution of digital currencies. Both emerged from the same origin but have since traveled distinct paths, shaped by differing philosophies, technological choices, and community dynamics. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, the trajectories of Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash will offer valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology and digital finance. **FAQs** **What is the main difference between Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash?** The primary difference lies in their block size. Bitcoin has a block size of 1 MB, while Bitcoin Cash increased its block size initially to 8 MB and later to 32 MB, aiming for faster transaction processing and scalability. **Why was Bitcoin Cash created?** Bitcoin Cash was created in 2017 due to a split in the Bitcoin community. The split occurred over disagreements on how to scale the network, with Bitcoin Cash proponents advocating for larger block sizes to improve transaction speed and reduce fees. **Can Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash be used interchangeably?** No, they are separate cryptocurrencies with different blockchains. They cannot be used interchangeably. **Is Bitcoin Cash faster than Bitcoin?** Theoretically, yes. Due to its larger block size, Bitcoin Cash can process transactions faster than Bitcoin. However, the actual speed can vary based on network congestion and usage. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: @croxroadnews.co** **Instagram: @croxroadnews.co** **Youtube: @croxroadnews** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** ***DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.***

@ 5188521b:008eb518

*Photo by [Pavel Danilyuk](https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-holding-a-placard-8553778/)* In the last four years, I’ve ridden the wave of social media. I’ve amassed thousands of followers, and my posts were read by millions. It’s empowering… until it isn’t. This year, I chose to stop publishing on LinkedIn, Medium, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. My reach on each of these platforms dropped from 100% of my follower base to around 10%. My voice was being suppressed. I wasn’t writing anything particularly controversial. This is all just part of the social media life cycle. Platforms offer attractive terms to lock in users. They distribute our articles, posts, and thoughts widely to attract eyeballs for advertisers. Writers learn to play the algorithm to maximise reach and engagement. Maybe they even manage to monetize their writing. But when the platforms reach what they deem to be maximum usage and membership, they begin to reduce the benefits on offer. They ask writers to focus on specific topics, suppress non-mainstream opinion, or punish or ban any writers who don’t follow new rules. Big tech companies always eventually turn on the money tap by forcing users to suffer endless adverts and even make writers pay to reach the audience they have built. Newsflash: there is no company too big to fail. Digg, Google+, Myspace, Vine and many more socials have died. Self-reported active user numbers cannot be trusted. Meta recently trialed AI profiles to prop up falling usage projections on Instagram and Facebook. X is now a dumpster fire of bots, scammers, and rage bait. It has been co-opted by a megalomaniacal oligarch to spread his own worldview. And LinkedIn feeds are drowning in unsolicited AI-generated business twaddle. The social giants are entering the death spiral. # What happens in a social-media death spiral? Users don’t see the value in posting, so they move elsewhere. I wasn’t feeling rewarded for the thousands of hours I spent on LinkedIn, so I quit. I went from earning $20+ an article on Medium to pennies. Literal pennies. Bye bye, Tony Stubblebine. I learned that if you don’t own the distribution mechanic, you get left writing into the wind. Ultimately, writers will dedicate their energy to where they see a benefit. They should spend time and create value in the place most similar to their ideal world. For writers in 2025, that place seems to be Substack. Open rates are high and the platform is adding social features to generate more engagement in app. Substack is [experiencing massive growth](https://backlinko.com/substack-users) in active (and paid) subscriptions. Yet, it is following the same pattern as Medium in and LinkedIn in become self-cannibalising. Many of the most popular accounts write about ‘how to grow’ or ‘how to make money’ on Substack. Queue the eye rolls. For me, it’s not the promised land where writers can earn a living. Of course, it’s no walk in the park to earn paid subscribers. Further, Substack users can only receive payment via Stripe. This excludes writers from 149 of the World’s countries. Does that seem open and fair to you? Even with all this going on, there is a much bigger factor that should influence your choice of platform — ownership. # Do writers really own their words? Who reads the terms and conditions? Nobody. That’s who.Writers (including me) rush to all platforms which promise to give us benefits such as pay, distribution, and audience growth. In exchange, companies request access to and shared ownership of our content. They can use our words to train LLMs, analyse trends, repurpose, and to spy on us. Governments can and will request access to social media profiles. They seek to control the use of those platforms. Founders and CEOs who refuse to comply may be held personally accountable and put on trial, just as [Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, was](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78lgzl919go) in France. Big tech owns our content, and governments threaten platforms into obedience. As much as it benefits society to suppress harmful or dangerous content, companies simply can’t be censors 24/7. Growing platforms like [Bluesky are already struggling to moderate content effectively](https://www.theregister.com/2024/12/02/bluesky_growing_problems/). Without a strong economic incentive to moderate, companies will simply refuse to do it (as long as the threat of criminal charges does not prevail). To sum up: No privately owned social media network offers writers the opportunity to own and distribute their work in order to receive a fair and equitable benefit. Enter NOSTR… # Decentralizing Social Media **Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays** (NOSTR) is not a platform; it’s an open protocol. By signing messages with their private keys (a long string of characters), users generate “events”. These events (messages/updates/media/transactions) are then broadcast through a series of “relays.” Developers can use the protocol to build various applications that retrieve and distribute these events to other users. These ‘clients’ can range from microblogging sites like X and long-form distributors like Substack to visual media platforms like Instagram. Plus, NOSTR is also a whole lot more than that (but this is a topic for another day). Decentralized tools offer the only hope against the dominance of AI and big tech in a top-down autocratic system designed to control us more than the thought police ever could. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/93a44d9bfe3c768e41d8bfef52415131af3ca21814a23870a029f1a947288cc8.webp"> *Diagram courtesy of River.* So why should writers opt out of their big audience pool to write on some ‘protocol’? **Ownership, fair rules, and fair value.** - **Ownership**: While privately run corporations can suppress the ideas they want, NOSTR provides a censorship-resistant alternative. No individual actors can restrict content or accounts. Your private keys provide **permanent access** to the messages you have signed. No one else has access to them. And while some clients provide a delete function, there is no way to force all relays to respect a delete request. Not only do writers own what they publish, but it’s a permanent record. - **Rules:** Traditional social media platforms use proprietary algorithms to curate and order our feeds. **NOSTR has no algorithm**. NOSTR clients display messages chronologically or based on user-defined criteria, removing the influence of opaque algorithms that could manipulate user engagement and visibility of posts. Put simply, distribution and consumption is down to the user, not to the creator or the platform. And everyone works to the same rules. - **Value:** Harmful content and spam affect all of us. There is no way to stop malicious content from being published on NOSTR, but two factors control its consumption. 1. Clients are experimenting with strategies such as requiring proof-of-work with each note or requiring verification badges. 2. Quality control is enforced by the value transferred by the protocol. Bitcoin micropayments have become the monetary lifeblood flowing in the decentralized world. The ability to ‘zap’ users actual monetary value (e.g. a few cents) provides a clear display of which messages are valuable and which are unwanted. In time, as more users adopt the mechanic of value transfer, spammers will see their approach is not bearing fruit. The beauty of using bitcoin in this way is twofold. Firstly, it is truly equitable — anyone in the world can receive it instantly and it cannot be stopped. And the system of frictionless micropayments offers content creators (artists, podcasters, musicians, writers) a way to earn money for the value they produce. Put simply, this could save creativity from doom. Think people still want all content for free? Think again. Try zapping a writer from the Philippines, an artist from Peru, a Congolese musician, or a poet from Poland to show them you enjoyed what they produced. THAT is truly empowering. Not convinced? The best thing about NOSTR for writers is that **you are early**. By being an early adopter with a low time preference, you can build a sizeable audience as new users discover the protocol. Of course, topics like bitcoin, freedom tech, and privacy are well covered, but if you write in another niche, you could be ‘quids in’. # Conclusion: By adopting a long-term strategy and sticking to their principles, readers, writers and all other creatives can build a better world on social media. It doesn’t matter that it is imperfect. There will always be flaws in any society. But decentralized protocols like NOSTR can offer writers what they truly want — ownership, fair rules, and fair value. --- Philip Charter is a totally human writer who helps bitcoin-native companies and clients stack major gains through laser-focused content. Find out more at [totallyhumanwriter.com](https://totallyhumanwriter.com) He is also the editor of the cypherpunk and freedom fiction project, [21 Futures](https://21futures.com).

@ da18e986:3a0d9851

Large Language Models (LLMs) have revolutionized how we interact with artificial intelligence, and one of their most powerful features is tool use - the ability to execute external functions to accomplish tasks. However, the current paradigm of LLM tool use remains largely constrained within closed ecosystems. Data Vending Machines (DVMs) offer an alternative to local, built-in tools through a decentralized marketplace. This decentralized approach enables independent developers to continuously create new tools, letting the entire system evolve based on actual needs. ## Understanding LLM Tool Use Tool use, also known as function calling, enables LLMs to interact with external systems and APIs. Instead of simply generating text, an LLM can choose to execute predefined functions when appropriate. For example, when asked about the weather, rather than making up a response, the model can call a weather API to get accurate, real-time data. Traditionally, these tools are implemented as a fixed set of functions within the application's tech stack: ```python # Traditional function calling example (this exists within a closed tech stack) def get_weather(location: str, date: str) -> dict: """Get weather information for a specific location and date.""" api_key = os.environ["WEATHER_API_KEY"] return weather_api.fetch(location, date, api_key) # LLM would call this function like: result = get_weather("San Francisco", "2024-01-31") ``` ## Enter Data Vending Machines DVMs represent a paradigm shift in how we think about LLM tool use. Instead of relying on locally defined functions, DVMs provide a decentralized marketplace of capabilities that any LLM can access. These "functions" exist as independent services on the Nostr network, available to anyone willing to pay for their use. Here's how a DVM call might look compared to a traditional function call: ```json # partial data of an example call to a weather DVM { ... "kind": "5493", "pubkey": "<LLM DVM's Npub>", "tags": [ ["payment", "100", "sats/ecash"] ], "content": { "service": "weather", "params": { "location": "San Francisco", "date": "2024-01-31" } } ... } ``` Note: This is a motivating example. Weather data DVMs don't exist yet. Most DVM requests don't include payment up front, but with ecash and zaps, it is possible to do. The format of the params may differ as well. ## The Power of Market Dynamics What makes DVMs particularly compelling for LLM tool use is their market-driven nature: 1. **Competition Drives Innovation**: Multiple DVMs can offer similar services, competing on price, quality, and speed. This natural competition leads to better services and lower prices. 2. **Dynamic Expansion**: Unlike traditional tool use where new capabilities must be explicitly added to the system, DVM-enabled LLMs can discover and utilize new tools as they become available in the marketplace. 3. **Economic Incentives**: DVM operators are incentivized to create and maintain high-quality services through direct monetary compensation. ## Implementation Architecture A basic implementation of a user facing DVM-based Tool Use LLM might include: 1. **Manager DVM**: Acts as the central coordinator, maintaining: - Conversation state and history - System prompts and user preferences - Wallet for handling payments to DVMs - Logic for DVM discovery and selection 2. **User Interface**: A chat interface that communicates with the manager DVM 3. **LLM Service**: Handles the core language model capabilities and decision-making about when to use DVMs 4. **DVM Registry**: Maintains a directory of available DVMs and their capabilities (like the data available on DVMDash; see nostr:naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpkscaxrqqs8nhaynsahuz6c6jy4wtfhkl2x4zkwrmc4cyvaqmxz3qqxnzdejxv6nyd34xscnjd3sz05q9v) ## Advanced Capabilities The true power of DVM-based tool use emerges when we consider advanced scenarios: 1. **Self-Expanding Capabilities**: When an LLM encounters a request it can't fulfill with existing DVMs, it could: - Create bounties for new DVM development - Fund the development of new capabilities - Coordinate with multiple DVMs to compose novel solutions 2. **Economic Agency**: By maintaining its own wallet, the system can: - Generate revenue from user requests - Pay for DVM services - Fund its own expansion and improvement ## Safety and Control While the open nature of DVMs might raise concerns, several safety mechanisms can be implemented: 1. **Human-in-the-Loop Confirmation**: Users must approve DVM calls before execution, similar to how CLI tools ask for confirmation before significant actions. 2. **Reputation Systems**: DVMs can build reputation scores based on successful transactions and user feedback. 3. **Cost Controls**: Users can set spending limits and approve budgets for specific tasks. ## Implications and Future Potential The combination of Tool Use LLMs and DVMs creates a powerful new paradigm for AI capabilities: 1. **Democratized Innovation**: Anyone can create and monetize new AI capabilities by launching a DVM. 2. **Organic Growth**: The system can evolve based on real user needs and market demands. 3. **Economic Sustainability**: The payment mechanism ensures sustainable development and maintenance of AI tools. ## Conclusion By leveraging the Nostr protocol, DVMs enable Tool Use LLMs to access a distributed network of capabilities that would be impossible to build in a traditional, centralized way. For example, a single LLM can seamlessly use specialized tools from hundreds of independent developers - from a service that matches local freelancers to jobs to one that indexes local community events - without any prior coordination. This creates an AI ecosystem where capabilities emerge through market demand rather than central planning, with developers anywhere in the world able to add new tools that every LLM can discover and use.

@ 19fd5e65:946640b2

Согласно новому исследованию Workplace Intelligence и Международной бизнес-школы Hult, работодатели скептически [настроены](https://www.hult.edu/blog/wi_skills_survey/) по отношению к выпускникам вузов. 37% опрошенных работодателей предпочли бы нанять робота или ИИ, чем недавнего выпускника колледжа. Эта поразительная статистика отражает растущую озабоченность по поводу готовности молодых специалистов к работе и проливает свет на меняющиеся ожидания работодателей. ### Почему работодатели скептичны? 96% руководителей HR считают, что вузы не готовят студентов должным образом к современным реалиям рынка труда. 89% работодателей признались, что активно избегают найма недавних выпускников из-за отсутствия у них практического опыта, недостатка soft skills, таких как коммуникация и умение работать в команде, и даже базовых знаний делового этикета. Этот разрыв между вузами и бизнесом приводит к необходимости дорогостоящего обучения и адаптации новых сотрудников. По оценкам HR-специалистов, они могли бы сэкономить более 4500 долларов на каждого сотрудника, если бы кандидаты были готовы к работе с первого дня. На рынке труда, где ценится эффективность, этот пробел в готовности делает ИИ или другие альтернативы более привлекательными. ### Кризис доверия и сожаления о выборе Результаты исследования также отражают кризис доверия среди самих выпускников. 77% опрошенных заявили, что узнали больше за первые шесть месяцев работы, чем за все время обучения в бакалавриате, а 55% считают, что их образование вообще не подготовило их к работе. Почти все выпускники (94%) сожалеют о выборе специальности, причем 43% считают, что это негативно повлияло на их карьерные перспективы и финансовое будущее. ### Что это значит для работодателей и вузов? Для работодателей предпочтение ИИ новым выпускникам подчеркивает необходимость срочных изменений в подходе компаний и образовательных учреждений к подготовке молодых специалистов. Хотя ИИ может обеспечить эффективность, ему не хватает креативности, адаптивности и эмоционального интеллекта, присущих людям. Это подтверждает важность разработки программ, которые помогают выпускникам приобретать не только технические навыки, но и soft skills, которые работодатели ценят превыше всего. Опрошенные HR-руководители подчеркнули необходимость таких навыков, как коммуникация (98%), сотрудничество (92%) и критическое мышление (87%). Сотрудничая с вузами для разработки более практичных учебных программ, ориентированных на навыки, или инвестируя в комплексные программы адаптации, работодатели могут помочь преодолеть разрыв в готовности, а не обходить его с помощью ИИ. Исследование Workplace Intelligence и Hult дает четкий вывод: как образовательные учреждения, так и работодатели должны адаптироваться, чтобы подготовить молодых специалистов к быстро меняющемуся рынку труда. Для вузов это означает включение в учебные программы реальных задач, обучения работе с ИИ и коучинга. Для работодателей это означает поиск баланса между краткосрочной эффективностью и долгосрочным развитием, чтобы использовать весь потенциал следующего поколения работников. [Источник](https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2025/01/22/over-1-3-of-employers-would-rather-hire-a-robot-or-ai-than-a-recent-graduate/)

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

# Ready to be pushed beyond what you think you’re capable of? At Coinbase, our mission is to increase economic freedom in the world. It’s a massive, ambitious opportunity that demands the best of us, every day, as we build the emerging onchain platform — and with it, the future global financial system. To achieve our mission, we’re seeking a very specific candidate. We want someone who is passionate about our mission and who believes in the power of crypto and blockchain technology to update the financial system. We want someone who is eager to leave their mark on the world, who relishes the pressure and privilege of working with high caliber colleagues, and who actively seeks feedback to keep leveling up. We want someone who will run towards, not away from, solving the company’s hardest problems. Our [work culture](https://www.coinbase.com/mission) is intense and isn’t for everyone. But if you want to build the future alongside others who excel in their disciplines and expect the same from you, there’s no better place to be. Coinbase Developer Platform (CDP) is building the developer tools to bring the world onchain. Today, onchain development is slow, risky, and painful, even for the most experienced onchain developers. Our goal is to bring a million developers onchain by creating an easy to use and trusted developer experience. We build API and SDK products for developers like wallets, paymaster, staking, stablecoins, onchain data, and more. We are a small team that moves like a startup at Coinbase, with a fast pace, strong ownership culture, and a relentless commitment to making developers happy. We are looking for a UX Researcher to help us build products and tools that support the developer experience. By researching the usability and ease of integration, the developer journey, user types, opportunities to improve documentation, and the developer's overall experience you will drive material product impact. You will also empower and enable the product team to conduct their own research through your expert consultation and facilitation.  **What you’ll be doing** * Leading the UX Research function for our Developer Product Group, working in close partnership with the Design and Product teams - from large foundational and generative projects to evaluative, tactical, and investigative quick wins * Coordinate and conduct mixed-methods research, including interviews, usability testing, concept testing, surveys, fieldwork, and other methods as needed * Provide thoughtful guidance and education to stakeholders to turn vague business needs into actionable research questions * Creatively think of new ways to enable the team to more easily gather their own feedback from developers. * Craft research reports to clearly communicate your findings and make impactful design and product recommendations for the team. **What we look for in you** * 7+ years of user research experience, preferably with some experience in a lead role or primary point of contact for a large product area with many stakeholders * Experience scaling UXR so that a variety of stakeholders can conduct effective and valuable research under your guidance * Experience researching developer products and tools * Working knowledge of general research principles (experimental design, bias, confounds, etc.) and UX research principles (usability testing, design thinking, etc.). * Provides both confident team leadership and patient guidance to a range of stakeholder levels, including guiding designers and PMs through their own research * Easily communicates complex concepts, with ability to influence strategy and decision making * Can successfully manage project prioritization and multiple stakeholder relationships independently * Experience with both moderated & unmoderated testing * Collaborative attitude, team mentality, and humility  * A learner’s mindset, seeing feedback as a chance to grow * Interest in crypto or financial products **Nice to haves** * Research experience working with AI * Experience as a developer * User of Coinbase products Job ID: GDUXR06US \*Answers to crypto-related questions may be used to evaluate your onchain experience **Pay Transparency Notice:** Depending on your work location, the target annual salary for this position can range as detailed below. Full time offers from Coinbase also include target bonus + target equity + benefits (including medical, dental, vision and 401(k)). Pay Range: $193,970—$228,200 USD ### Commitment to Equal Opportunity Coinbase is committed to diversity in its workforce and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation or any other basis protected by applicable law. Coinbase will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.  For US applicants, you may view the Know Your Rights notice [here](https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights_10_20.pdf).  Additionally, Coinbase participates in the [E-Verify program](https://static-assets.coinbase.com/e-verify.pdf) in certain locations, as required by law.  Coinbase is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact us at accommodations\[at\]coinbase.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.  For quick access to screen reading technology compatible with this site [click here to download](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/chromevox/kgejglhpjiefppelpmljglcjbhoiplfn) a free compatible screen reader [(free step by step tutorial can be found here)](http://www.chromevox.com/tutorial/). ### Global Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates and Applicants Depending on your location, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) may regulate the way we manage the data of job applicants. Our full notice outlining how data will be processed as part of the application procedure for applicable locations is available [here](https://www.coinbase.com/legal/applicant_privacy_notice). By submitting your application, you are agreeing to our use and processing of your data as required. For US applicants only, by submitting your application you are agreeing to arbitration of disputes as outlined [here.](https://www.coinbase.com/legal/application-arbitration-agreement) [Apply](https://boards.greenhouse.io/embed/job_app?token=6382306&for=coinbase) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/870703

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

 Bitcoin Design members have been involved in organizing various events (and sometimes just attend, too). Here below is what do we want to do in 2025: - **[Designathon 2](https://github.com/BitcoinDesign/Meta/issues/625)** - We are organizing this event between February or March. - **[Accessibility Day](https://accessibility.day)** - May 15 - - BDC has participated in this global initiative the last two years. Probably doing so again! - **[BTC Prague](https://btcprague.com)** -Participation Confirmed. Planning issues [here](https://github.com/BitcoinDesign/Meta/issues/745) - June 19 - 21 - * We organized the design track for dev day in 2023 and 2024. Do this again[\[k\]](#cmnt11)[\[l\]](#cmnt12)? It’s going to be on June 18, before the main conference. - * 2024 was great, in that we had a nice group of designers attend, do talks, go for dinner, etc. - **[Summer of Bitcoin](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.summerofbitcoin.org)** - * Several designers and projects participated each of the last 3 years. Probably doing so again! - * Applications open on Feb 1, main program is May to August ([timeline](https://www.summerofbitcoin.org/how-it-works/) - **UX Bootcamps** - * Previous: South America - * Next: [South America](https://www.bitcoinuxbootcamp.xyz/southamerica) - February 17 - 22 - **[Bitshala fellowship](https://bitshala.org)** - * First iteration of this fellowship is from January to July - * We will help find more designers, projects, and funding in India - **[Oslo Freedom Forum](https://oslofreedomforum.com)** - Oslo, May 26-28 - * Activist and financial repression use cases are uniquely important use cases for bitcoin. - * Several people attended last year. Conversations lead to new initiatives. - **[BTCHEL](https://btchel.com/)** - by BTC Helsinki Community - Aug 15-16 - * First large-scale bitcoin conference in the Nordics with particular focus to onboard new users to bitcoin - **Bitcoin Presidio design week** - * This is a new Bitcoin co-working space in San Francisco, also announced here https://stacker.news/items/860931/r/Design_r. The idea came up to organize a design week there to support the creation of art and decoration for the new co-working space. Just an idea at the moment, but why not make it happen? - * [Discussion issue](https://github.com/BitcoinDesign/Meta/issues/746). - **BuildWithLDK** - * An initiative to promote LDK and LDK Node for building lightning applications. There could be collaboration around a Designathon, connecting designers with hackathon projects, etc. Still in early planning. - **Builder conferences**: These are very builder-focused, making them good opportunities to connect, organize practical design workshops, creative presentations, and support projects from a design perspective - * [Baltic Honeybadger](https://baltichoneybadger.com) (August 9-10), - * [TABConf](http://tabconf.com) - * [Bitcoin++](https://btcplusplus.dev) There are going to be 6 of them throughout the year. - * [SATS’N’FACTS](https://satsandfacts.btc.pub/) (February 8-10) Bitcoin Technical Unconference, Hackathon & Freedom Tech Art Exhibition - **Open-source conferences & events* - * [FOSS Backstage](http://foss-backstage.de) (Berlin, Mar 10-11) - Christoph will present the Open Design Guide - * [FOSDEM](https://fosdem.org/2025/) (Brussels, Feb 1-2) - anyone attending? - **Design conferences & events** - Makes sense to be involved with design-only events, right? * [OFFF](https://www.offf.barcelona) - very creative-focused (Barcelona, May 8-10) * [CSUN Accessibility conference](https://www.csun.edu/cod/conference/sessions/) **Other Ideas** * Bitcoin Park - they might organize another design event like two years ago https://stacker.news/items/705081/r/Design_r **Links** * [Comprehensive list](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/147AXd8hN3uO3v_P1dupgfRCRzSMlH85dvQSHPAg7lZ4/edit?usp%3Dsharing) of bitcoin conferences - - - … what’s missing from this page? Are you involved with anything? Or want to be? Comment below or join us on https://discord.com/channels/903125802726596648/1087394066796384276 You can watch the recording from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGS3oSlLmAo originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/870638

@ bf6e4fe1:46d21f26

{"title":"test","content":"test"}

@ 8d34bd24:414be32b

Sometimes I’m reading the Bible and see a connection and go off chasing a rabbit trail. I type up my idea to organize my thoughts and see if there is actual Biblical support for it. Although it feels a bit weird to share Biblical ideas that I’m not certain about, it also seems a waste of lots of work to not share my speculations. Feel free to give me feedback if you disagree, especially if you have Scripture or historical evidence showing I’m wrong. In this case, I’ve seen a portion that seems to be prophecy about our future, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that this entire group of chapters is future predictions. Sometimes prophecy mixes events that happens soon after the prophecy with events that will not be fulfilled until the distant future (like prophecies about Jesus’s first and second comings). I try to be open about what ideas I feel I have strong Biblical evidence to support and when my ideas have some evidence, but not conclusive evidence. This is one of my more speculative posts, but I hope you will find it thought provoking. I was recently reading Isaiah 18-22. I had always assumed these prophecies of warning were in reference to things that had happened in the distant past (not that I knew any particular historical fulfillment), but this time I saw some major parallels with Revelation. > Now behold, here comes a troop of riders, horsemen in pairs.” And one said, “**Fallen, fallen is Babylon**; And all the images of her gods are shattered on the ground.” (Isaiah 21:9) {emphasis mine} From Revelation: > And another angel, a second one, followed, saying, **“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great**, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality.” (Revelation 14:8) {emphasis mine} > And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, “**Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great**! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird. (Revelation 18:2) {emphasis mine} Of course it is possible that Babylon and Babylon the great are parallel, but different nations, but the similarity of statement is hard to deny. > **All you inhabitants of the world** and **dwellers on earth**,\ > As soon as a standard is raised on the mountains, **you will see it**,\ > And as soon as the trumpet is blown, you will hear it. (Isaiah 18:3) {emphasis mine} This passage talks about all inhabitants of the world seeing a standard raised. Until the past 20 years or so, this was not possible. Now that almost every person on earth has a smart phone, we can know what is going on around the world in real time. This passage also refers to “*dwellers on earth*” which is a phrase used numerous times in Revelation. In Revelation 11, it speaks of the two witnesses who testify to Jesus and call down plagues on the earth. After their death: > And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. **Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look** at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. And **those who dwell on the earth** will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 11:8-10) {emphasis mine} Both passages refer to those who dwell on the earth and both talk about every person on earth seeing what is happening. This doesn’t sound like a prophecy fulfilled in ancient times, but about a prophecy that could not be fulfilled until modern times. If these prophecies are about the end times and if the end times are now or very soon, what could they be referring to? Isaiah 18 begins with: > Woe to the land of whirring wings\ > along the rivers of Cush,\ > which sends envoys by sea\ > in papyrus boats over the water.\ > Go, swift messengers,\ > to a people tall and smooth-skinned,\ > to a people feared far and wide,\ > an aggressive nation of strange speech,\ > whose land is divided by rivers. (Isaiah 18:1-2) [Cush](https://www.openbible.info/geo/preview/isa.18) was located where modern day Sudan is located on the western edge of the Red Sea. Right across the red sea is Yemen which has been involved in missile and drone strikes on ships in the Red Sea. Traditionally the “*land of whirring wings*” is interpreted to mean locusts, but could it be referring to modern technology like drones? Who is Cush sent to seek? Who are the people “*over the water,*” “*tall*[1](#footnote-1) *and smooth-skinned*,” “f*eared far and wide*,” and “*an aggressive nation of strange speech,\ whose land is divided by rivers*.”? I wonder if it could be the US. The US is over the Atlantic Ocean, “*feared far and wide*,” “*an aggressive nation of strange speech*” (involved in the business of almost every nation on earth), and divided by the Mississippi River (and to a lesser extent the Missouri and Ohio Rivers). The US also likes to act as the world’s policeman and get involved in every international dispute in the world. If Sudan was in fear of attack by the Houthis in Yemen, it would be expected for the US to be called in and get involved. At the end of this prophecy: > At that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty\ > from a people tall and smooth-skinned,\ > from a people feared far and wide,\ > an aggressive nation of strange speech,\ > whose land is divided by rivers—\ > the gifts will be brought to Mount Zion, the place of the Name of the Lord Almighty. (Isaiah 18:7) This same nation will bring a gift to Mount Zion (Jerusalem/Israel). The US has been regularly giving Israel weapons to defend itself from attacks by the enemies around it. If this nation is the US, then this would make sense, especially with our change in leadership. When I read Isaiah 19, it made me think of the Muslim Brotherhood takeover of Egypt starting in 2011. > “I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian—\ > brother will fight against brother,\ > neighbor against neighbor,\ > city against city,\ > kingdom against kingdom.\ > The Egyptians will lose heart,\ > and I will bring their plans to nothing;\ > they will consult the idols and the spirits of the dead,\ > the mediums and the spiritists.\ > I will hand the Egyptians over\ > to the power of a cruel master,\ > and a fierce king will rule over them,”\ > declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty. (Isaiah 19:2-4) The next part of this passage talks about the Nile drying up and the canals stinking and the fields becoming parched. I did a web search related to drought in Egypt and found an article about drought fears from 2020. The building of the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile is causing a fear of major drought in Egypt. There are negotiations between Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia to deal with this, but it looks like an ongoing issue for Egypt. An interesting fact is that Ethiopia started building this dam in 2011 -- the same year of the Muslim Brother Hood overthrow of Egypt. The biggest problem with my theory is Isaiah 20, which talks about Assyria leading Egypt and Cush (Sudan) away as captives. [Assyria](https://www.openbible.info/geo/preview/isa.20) was located in what is currently Northern Iraq. It is hard to fathom Iraq conquering Egypt and Sudan. The area of Assyria did include a little bit of Turkey, which would be more believable as a conqueror. Now we get back to the verses in Isaiah 21, which started this musing. First there is a description of terrorists attack: > A prophecy against the Desert by the Sea: > > Like whirlwinds sweeping through the southland,\ > an invader comes from the desert,\ > from a land of terror.\ > A dire vision has been shown to me:\ > The traitor betrays, the looter takes loot.\ > Elam, attack! Media, lay siege!\ > I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused. (Isaiah 21:1-2) Elam is the Eastern edge of Iraq on the Border of Iran and Media is in Iran. Could this be an attack from Iran that includes some of its Shia allies in Iraq? What kind of attack could it be – conventional or nuclear? Who are they attacking? > Look, here comes a man in a chariot\ > with a team of horses.\ > And he gives back the answer:\ > ‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen.\ > All the images of its gods\ > lie shattered on the ground!’ ”\ > My people who are crushed on the threshing floor,\ > I tell you what I have heard\ > from the Lord Almighty,\ > from the God of Israel. (Isaiah 21:9-10) In ancient times, Babylon was located in the location of modern Iraq, but if we look at the words “*Babylon has fallen, has fallen*,” and associate them with the almost identical words in Revelation, “*Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great*,” and we consider how Revelation also refers to “*Mystery Babylon*” then we are likely talking about an attack on a different nation. (Why would Babylon be a mystery if it was the same people in the same location? It would be a mystery if it was a country and peoples that didn’t exist at the time of the prophecy, but would have the spirit of Babylon in them.) If you take into account my arguments in “[Speculation on Babylon the Great](https://trustjesus.substack.com/p/speculation-on-babylon-the-great)” and associate this nation with the people “*over the water,*” “*tall and smooth-skinned*,” “f*eared far and wide*,” and “*an aggressive nation of strange speech, whose land is divided by rivers*.” then this could be an attack on the US (I’ll admit there is a fair amount of speculation here). Although the US has become quite anti-God and has been pushing a lot of evil around the world, it still has one of the largest populations of believers in the world. The statement “*My people who are crushed on the threshing floor*” also fits for the US. I know some people won’t consider the possibility that the US could be Mystery Babylon or Babylon the Great because they can’t consider the US being an evil nation, but the US has been pushing many unbiblical ideas on the nations around the globe, like LGBTQ ideology and abortion. It is also possible I am looking too hard for my own country in the scriptures because if the US isn’t mentioned, then something has to happen to the US before the Tribulation occurs to make the US become unimportant in international affairs. We all have our biases. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my speculations. I’d also like to hear whether people benefit from my speculations or prefer me to stick to the clear and more easily understood Bible passages and Bible truths. Trust Jesus.\ \ your sister in Christ,

@ 16d11430:61640947

#### The Beginnings of Capital Markets Capital markets have long been a cornerstone of modern economies, acting as a conduit for businesses to raise funds and for investors to grow their wealth. The origins of capital markets date back to the early stages of financial development, well before modern stock exchanges and cryptocurrency trading platforms. 1. **Early Trading (Pre-1600s)** In ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, early forms of debt contracts and loans were recorded. These were rudimentary agreements between individuals and governments, often written on clay tablets. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that true capital markets began to take shape, particularly in Europe. 2. **The Birth of Stock Markets (1600s)** The first formal stock exchange was established in Amsterdam in 1602 when the Dutch East India Company issued the first-ever public shares. This allowed investors to buy ownership in the company and share in its profits, creating the foundation for modern capital markets. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) would follow in the centuries to come, becoming powerful centers for trade and investment. #### The Rise of Centralized Exchanges (CEX) Capital markets, particularly in the form of centralized exchanges (CEX), flourished during the industrial revolution. As economies grew and industries expanded, capital markets evolved to meet the needs of investors and companies seeking to raise capital. 1. **The Industrial Revolution (1800s)** The industrial era saw the rise of joint-stock companies and the need for capital. Stock exchanges were the main platforms through which companies could access capital and investors could trade securities. The London Stock Exchange became a dominant force in Europe, while the NYSE emerged as the largest exchange in the U.S. 2. **The 20th Century: Globalization and Regulation** In the 20th century, capital markets became more complex and globalized. The NYSE became synonymous with the U.S. stock market, and financial markets spread across the world, with exchanges in Asia and Europe gaining prominence. The rise of mutual funds, pension funds, and institutional investors reshaped the landscape. The post-World War II era brought regulations like the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in the U.S., which aimed to curb insider trading, increase transparency, and protect investors. Exchanges became highly regulated entities, with central authority overseeing transactions, clearing, and settlement to ensure fairness and stability. 3. **The Digital Revolution and Electronic Trading (Late 20th Century)** By the 1980s and 1990s, the introduction of electronic trading platforms marked a turning point. The NYSE and NASDAQ implemented computerized systems that facilitated faster and more efficient trades. In 1999, the launch of online trading platforms like E*Trade and Ameritrade democratized access to capital markets, allowing individuals to trade stocks from the comfort of their homes. #### The Advent of Cryptocurrencies and the Emergence of CEX As the new millennium dawned, the rise of digital technology and the internet introduced an entirely new form of asset: cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, created in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, introduced the world to decentralized digital currency. Cryptocurrencies offered an alternative to traditional fiat currencies and paved the way for decentralized finance (DeFi). 1. **The Birth of Cryptocurrency Exchanges (CEX)** The initial stages of cryptocurrency trading mirrored the early days of stock exchanges. As Bitcoin gained traction, platforms like Mt. Gox (2010) emerged as centralized cryptocurrency exchanges (CEX). These platforms allowed individuals to buy and sell Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, just like traditional stock exchanges facilitated the trading of stocks and bonds. CEXs operate in a centralized manner, much like traditional financial exchanges, with a central authority acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. They provide liquidity, manage orders, and offer users a platform for trading various cryptocurrencies. Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken are examples of some of the largest CEXs today. 2. **The Role of CEXs in Crypto Adoption** Centralized exchanges have played a crucial role in cryptocurrency adoption. They provide easy access to the crypto markets, ensuring liquidity and stability. Many investors, both retail and institutional, enter the crypto world through CEXs due to their ease of use, familiarity, and regulatory oversight. #### The Rise of Decentralized Exchanges (DEX) While CEXs have dominated the landscape, the growing desire for decentralization in the cryptocurrency space gave rise to decentralized exchanges (DEXs). The idea behind DEXs is to create an exchange system that operates without a central authority, relying instead on smart contracts and blockchain technology to facilitate peer-to-peer trading. 1. **The Emergence of DEXs (2010s)** In 2014, the first DEX, EtherDelta, was launched on the Ethereum blockchain. It allowed users to trade ERC-20 tokens directly from their wallets, without the need for a centralized intermediary. While EtherDelta’s interface was rudimentary, it set the stage for a new wave of decentralized trading platforms. The DEX market gained significant momentum with the rise of Uniswap (launched in 2018), which revolutionized decentralized trading by using an automated market maker (AMM) model instead of an order book system. This innovation allowed anyone to provide liquidity to the platform and earn fees, paving the way for the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi). 2. **Advantages of DEXs** DEXs offer several advantages over their centralized counterparts: - **Decentralization**: There is no central authority that controls user funds or the exchange itself. This makes DEXs more resistant to censorship and hacking. - **Privacy and Security**: Users retain control of their private keys and funds, reducing the risk of exchange hacks that have plagued centralized platforms. - **Global Access**: DEXs are open to anyone with an internet connection and a wallet, allowing users worldwide to participate in trading and liquidity provision. 3. **The Growth of DeFi and DEXs** As decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms grew in popularity, DEXs became the primary infrastructure for decentralized lending, borrowing, and trading. Uniswap, SushiSwap, and PancakeSwap emerged as dominant players in the DeFi space, offering decentralized token swaps, liquidity pools, and yield farming. The rise of Layer 2 solutions, such as Optimism and Arbitrum, has further enhanced the scalability of DEXs, reducing transaction costs and increasing throughput, making decentralized exchanges more user-friendly and competitive with CEXs. #### The Future of Capital Markets: CEX vs. DEX The evolution of capital markets from traditional stock exchanges to cryptocurrency exchanges, and now to decentralized platforms, reflects the growing demand for more accessible, transparent, and efficient ways of conducting financial transactions. While centralized exchanges still dominate the crypto space, providing crucial liquidity and stability, decentralized exchanges are growing rapidly, offering unique advantages in terms of decentralization, privacy, and global accessibility. In the coming years, capital markets may continue to evolve, with hybrid models emerging that combine the best aspects of both CEXs and DEXs. The ability to trade traditional assets on blockchain platforms, the rise of tokenized stocks and securities, and the integration of decentralized finance could reshape the entire financial landscape, empowering individuals and institutions alike. The transition from traditional centralized systems to decentralized ones is part of a larger trend towards democratization in finance. As technology continues to advance, capital markets will likely undergo further transformations, and we may soon witness the integration of these markets in ways that were once unimaginable, making financial systems more inclusive, transparent, and resilient.

@ ea30c5a8:f76a0295

i guess this is wotking correctly?

@ ea30c5a8:f76a0295

whats up yall doing some more testing using nostrmo, amber, citrine, pokey on my shitty android.

@ 1408bad0:4971f2ca

I must have missed when season 2 of Silo dropped but I was very happy when I did. After the climax of season 1, we were waiting to see what happened in season 2. I was expecting the surface to be breathable, so it was a surprise twist when it wasn't. You would think the earth would be breathable again and heal, but not yet so far. The second series sees what happens in a neighbouring Silo and how the old Silo reacts without Juliette and her not cleaning as everyone does when they go out usually. Juliette then tries to get home and faces various challenges in order to do so. As she does so, we also see the detioration of her own Silo. We learn more answers to questions about the Silo, it's history and how people lost their memories and why they got rid of old artefacts that remind them of the old world. It gives you a sense of not appreciating the world and life we currently have. Some of the answers seem quite silly and you wonder if this is really necessary. Why don't they feel the need to test the air outside regularly etc, why be so cut off. More questions come than are answered. However, the show is still very good and enjoyable. I binge watched over night until it finished. My favourite scene, apart from the part when Juliette went back to the surface, is learning about the special room and how prepared it was. It would be good to have a bunker so we'll prepared. Apocalyptic ending shows are quite popular now and this is quite an interesting variation of one. The series ends with flashbacks to the start of events prior to the silos and looks like it is leading up to a great season 3 flashback series. This sort of makes sense as they seem to be running out of ideas of where to go in the silo. We were left with a cliffhanger ending and I am excited to see season 3 but there will be a bit of a wait.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Bitcoin was forged in the crucible of libertarian ideals—freedom, decentralization, and voluntary cooperation. It was meant to be an open, permissionless system that empowers individuals by circumventing the coercive grip of centralized institutions. Yet, as Bitcoin maximalism has matured, it has developed an increasingly exclusive and dogmatic culture, paradoxically betraying the very principles it was built upon. ### The Libertarian Ethos of Bitcoin At its core, Bitcoin aligns with libertarianism in the following ways: - **Decentralization:** No central authority dictates who can or cannot participate in Bitcoin. - **Permissionless Innovation:** Anyone can build on Bitcoin, create products, and enhance its ecosystem without seeking approval. - **Free Market Dynamics:** Bitcoin is intended to thrive in a competitive financial landscape, allowing individuals to choose monetary instruments that best suit their needs. These principles mirror the libertarian belief in self-sovereignty, voluntary association, and an open market for ideas and innovation. However, Bitcoin maximalism, in its most radical form, has evolved into a gatekeeping force that runs counter to these tenets. ### The Rise of Maximalist Dogma Bitcoin maximalists argue that Bitcoin is the only valid cryptocurrency and that all alternatives (altcoins) are scams. While it is prudent to be skeptical of centralized, pre-mined tokens rife with manipulative schemes, the maximalist stance has hardened into an ideological purity test that excludes rather than embraces open discourse. Here’s where maximalists stray from libertarian values: 1. **Exclusionary Attitudes Toward Developers & Innovators** - Libertarians celebrate innovation, yet maximalists ostracize developers exploring Layer 2 solutions, alternative blockchains, or privacy-enhancing technologies outside the Bitcoin stack. - This mirrors the top-down control of authoritarian structures rather than the open competition of free-market principles. 2. **Hostility Toward Alternative Monetary Experiments** - Libertarians favor free competition in currencies, arguing that individuals should be able to choose what best serves their interests. - Maximalists, however, reject any competing monetary experiment, even those that could complement Bitcoin (e.g., sidechains, zero-knowledge rollups, or asset tokenization solutions). 3. **Cult-Like Insistence on Absolute Adherence** - Many maximalists have adopted an aggressive, almost religious stance, enforcing ideological purity tests that reject even Bitcoin-related innovations if they don’t fit the maximalist mold. - Libertarianism, by contrast, is inherently pluralistic and tolerant of different approaches to achieving freedom. 4. **Disregard for Financial Sovereignty of Others** - Bitcoin's ethos is to provide financial self-sovereignty, yet maximalists attack those who choose to hedge risks with other assets, whether it be Monero for privacy, stablecoins for short-term volatility resistance, or even tokenized representations of real-world assets. - A true libertarian approach would acknowledge the right of individuals to freely navigate financial instruments that align with their preferences. ### The Irony: Bitcoin Itself Benefits from Free Market Dynamics Bitcoin did not emerge in a vacuum—it competed against previous iterations of digital money, such as e-gold, Liberty Reserve, and earlier cryptographic cash concepts. If the early cypherpunks had imposed the same dogmatic restrictions on monetary experimentation that maximalists advocate today, Bitcoin itself may never have had the chance to thrive. Libertarianism doesn’t fear competition; it thrives on it. Bitcoin maximalists, in seeking to eliminate all perceived competition, unwittingly recreate the exclusivity and coercion they claim to oppose. ### The Path Forward: A Truly Open Bitcoin Culture To realign Bitcoin culture with its libertarian roots, the community must: 1. **Embrace Open Competition** – Allow Bitcoin to prove itself through the free market rather than through ideological suppression of alternatives. 2. **Encourage Innovation** – Welcome new technologies, even if they originate outside Bitcoin, as long as they align with the ethos of decentralization and financial freedom. 3. **Respect Individual Choice** – Bitcoiners should recognize that financial sovereignty includes the right to explore different economic tools without facing tribalistic attacks. Bitcoin was never meant to be an exclusive club—it was designed as an open financial revolution. To honor its founding principles, the community must resist the urge to impose ideological purity tests and instead foster the spirit of liberty, innovation, and voluntary association that made Bitcoin possible in the first place.

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

               --- #### Other Photo Series by Hes: [City Series](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1734817611982/) [Structural Reflections](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1720570208841/) --- #### More from Hes: [Long Form](https://hes.npub.pro/) [Art Portfolio](https://hesart.npub.pro/) [Online Store](https://plebeian.market/community/1cb14ab335876fc9efc37d838ba287cf17e5adcccb20bf6d49f9da9695d52462:hesmart-ym3fcufdfz) [Travel Guides](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/travel/) [Photography](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/photography/) [Writings](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/money) --- *All images are credit of Hes, but you are free to download and use for any purpose. If you find joy from these photos, please feel free to send a zap. Enjoy life on a Bitcoin standard.*

@ 3ad01248:962d8a07

Well we finally have our first so called "Bitcoin President" in office. It's been a solid 10 days in office now and things are playing out exactly how many thought it would. Immigration raids, federal funds being frozen and to top it all off talks of a crypto reserve instead of Bitcoin Strategic Reserve (BSR) as we were promised on the campaign trail in exchange for our votes. The reaction from Bitcoiners has been varied to say the least. There are some who are disappointed that Trump didn't declare a BSR on day one and there are others that want to give him to to work through his other political priorities. I am of the opinion that if you promise a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve on day one that you have to follow through on something like that. This idea came from Strike CEO Jack Mallers so the source was reputable and put that expectation on the minds of Bitcoiners, so to see this fall through is kind of a let down. There are rumblings that backers of the Ripple Blockchain are actively lobbying Trump to include Ripple in some kind of "crypto reserve". It looks like their lobbying efforts have been paying off so far. Trump did announce an executive order on pertaining to crypto more broadly. The EO established a "Presidential Working Group" on digital asset markets. Whatever the hell this means is beyond me but it does take the Trump administration focus off of Bitcoin which isn't a good development. When combined with Trump launching a memecoin before he even stepped into office means that Bitcoiners inside and outside of the administration need to step up and keep the pedal to the meddle to make the BSR a reality. The Bitcoiners around Trump have done a admirable job getting the Trump administration to where they are today and have undoubtedly has made the political environment better for Bitcoiners in general but they can't lose focus now. A question that I have been thinking about myself is should Bitcoiners even advocated for a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve? I thought we were all about separating money and state. The federal government acquiring Bitcoin is antithetical to the whole point of why Bitcoin was created in the first place. When I see the big names in Bitcoin all salivating and cheering on a BSR I'm like they just want their bags pumped. What happened to the revolution they were espousing during the bear market? I get it, who doesn't want their bags to be pumped? Hodling is psychologically tough so finally seeing that hard work pay off is a natural desire but at the expense of giving up your principles, I'm not so sure its worth it to be honest. A superpower nation such as the US or China using Bitcoin to supercharge what they are doing now is bad for the entire world. Who is to say that they won't use their reserves to manipulate the market, borrow against their reserve to fund more military expansion and surveillance technology to further enslave the world. Governments are no longer accountable to the people and will do whatever they want to keep power and keep their citizens subjugated. Bitcoin adoption at the nation state level is something we should not be cheering on. Bitcoin has been and should always be a bottom up movement. In order to take away power from the state and bring the power back to the people they need a economic alternative that isn't controlled by the state. By taking away the power of the state to tax and monitor transactions slowly drains the power of the state to oppress the people. Bitcoiners should be encouraging and creating more Bitcoin circular economies such as: [Bitcoin Beach](https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/) [Bitcoin Ekasi](https://bitcoinekasi.com/) [Nostr](https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/nostr-worlds-biggest-bitcoin-circular-economy-join-us) Your bags will be pumped when we get more individuals onto the Bitcoin Standard. Going the BSR route is a shortcut that is shortsighted and undermines the whole mission of Bitcoin. I fear the cat is already out of the bag as we see more and more countries and jurisdiction announce setting up their own BSR's. As an individual keep advocating for your friends, family and neighbors to adopt a Bitcoin standard before governments get their paws on it. Good luck and Godspeed.

@ cc8d072e:a6a026cb

Recently, I had the opportunity to work as an advisor for an AI agent project, which is created by team with a lot of fin-tech software develop experience. As we coded together, their real-time questions and challenges provided unique insights into the hurdles software engineers face when transitioning to AI development. They would pause at moments that most AI engineers take for granted - "How can we be sure the agent understood correctly?", "What if the model makes a mistake?", "How do we handle the uncertainty?" These weren't just isolated questions; they represented the fundamental paradigm shift required when moving from traditional software engineering to AI development. And thats why i think it might be worthy to take sometime write down this article and if you are going to start your first AI agent programming, spending 5 min reading t his will save you a lot of time later. ### 1. Shifting from Deterministic to Probabilistic Thinking - Traditional software engineering deals with deterministic outcomes - AI systems operate on probability rather than certainty - Engineers need to adapt from "100% correct" mindset to accepting probabilistic outcomes - Blockchain developers may find this particularly challenging due to their background in exact, deterministic systems ### 2. Understanding Core AI Concepts (There are a lot of concepts to understand, but i will focus on the most frequently asked ones) #### Memory Management - **Short-term Memory**: Implemented through conversation context - **Long-term Memory**: Implemented through vector databases (RAG - Retrieval Augmented Generation) - Context length management is crucial due to LLM token limitations #### Language Models and Fine-tuning - Base models (like GPT) provide general intelligence - Domain-specific knowledge can be added through: - Fine-tuning with custom datasets - Adding RAG layers for specific knowledge domains ### 3. Technical Framework Knowledge #### Essential Tools and Frameworks - Vercel AI SDK (if you are a typescript guy) - LangChain (alternative option) - Different models(openai, claude, gemini, etc, of course, now, deepseek. the temu in llm ) - Understanding of prompt engineering #### Multi-Agent Systems - Agents can communicate through natural language - Inter-agent communication requires careful system design - Implementation of thought processes and decision-making loops - Safety considerations for system commands and operations ### 4. Language and Localization Considerations - System prompts typically work best in English - Multi-language support requires careful handling: - Input translation to English - Processing in English - Output translation to target language - Model performance varies across different languages ### 5. Safety and Error Handling - Implementing validation layers for critical operations - Understanding model limitations and potential errors - Building feedback mechanisms to detect misunderstandings ## Conclusion Transitioning from software engineering to AI engineering requires a significant mindset shift. While traditional software engineering skills remain valuable, understanding probabilistic systems, language models, and AI-specific architectures is crucial. The key is to balance innovation with practical safety considerations, especially when dealing with critical applications. Remember that AI systems are not perfect, and building robust applications requires careful consideration of their limitations and appropriate safety measures. Start with existing frameworks and gradually build up complexity as you become more comfortable with AI-specific concepts and challenges.(the conclusion part is written by chatgpt, did you notice? :))

@ 97c70a44:ad98e322

There was a slight dust up recently over a website someone runs removing a listing for an app someone built based on entirely arbitrary criteria. I'm not to going to attempt to speak for either wounded party, but I would like to share my own personal definition for what constitutes a "nostr app" in an effort to help clarify what might be an otherwise confusing and opaque purity test. In this post, I will be committing the "no true Scotsman" fallacy, in which I start with the most liberal definition I can come up with, and gradually refine it until all that is left is the purest, gleamingest, most imaginary and unattainable nostr app imaginable. As I write this, I wonder if anything built yet will actually qualify. In any case, here we go. # It uses nostr The lowest bar for what a "nostr app" might be is an app ("application" - i.e. software, not necessarily a native app of any kind) that has some nostr-specific code in it, but which doesn't take any advantage of what makes nostr distinctive as a protocol. Examples might include a scraper of some kind which fulfills its charter by fetching data from relays (regardless of whether it validates or retains signatures). Another might be a regular web 2.0 app which provides an option to "log in with nostr" by requesting and storing the user's public key. In either case, the fact that nostr is involved is entirely neutral. A scraper can scrape html, pdfs, jsonl, whatever data source - nostr relays are just another target. Likewise, a user's key in this scenario is treated merely as an opaque identifier, with no appreciation for the super powers it brings along. In most cases, this kind of app only exists as a marketing ploy, or less cynically, because it wants to get in on the hype of being a "nostr app", without the developer quite understanding what that means, or having the budget to execute properly on the claim. # It leverages nostr Some of you might be wondering, "isn't 'leverage' a synonym for 'use'?" And you would be right, but for one connotative difference. It's possible to "use" something improperly, but by definition leverage gives you a mechanical advantage that you wouldn't otherwise have. This is the second category of "nostr app". This kind of app gets some benefit out of the nostr protocol and network, but in an entirely selfish fashion. The intention of this kind of app is not to augment the nostr network, but to augment its own UX by borrowing some nifty thing from the protocol without really contributing anything back. Some examples might include: - Using nostr signers to encrypt or sign data, and then store that data on a proprietary server. - Using nostr relays as a kind of low-code backend, but using proprietary event payloads. - Using nostr event kinds to represent data (why), but not leveraging the trustlessness that buys you. An application in this category might even communicate to its users via nostr DMs - but this doesn't make it a "nostr app" any more than a website that emails you hot deals on herbal supplements is an "email app". These apps are purely parasitic on the nostr ecosystem. In the long-term, that's not necessarily a bad thing. Email's ubiquity is self-reinforcing. But in the short term, this kind of "nostr app" can actually do damage to nostr's reputation by over-promising and under-delivering. # It complements nostr Next up, we have apps that get some benefit out of nostr as above, but give back by providing a unique value proposition to nostr users as nostr users. This is a bit of a fine distinction, but for me this category is for apps which focus on solving problems that nostr isn't good at solving, leaving the nostr integration in a secondary or supporting role. One example of this kind of app was Mutiny (RIP), which not only allowed users to sign in with nostr, but also pulled those users' social graphs so that users could send money to people they knew and trusted. Mutiny was doing a great job of leveraging nostr, as well as providing value to users with nostr identities - but it was still primarily a bitcoin wallet, not a "nostr app" in the purest sense. Other examples are things like Nostr Nests and Zap.stream, whose core value proposition is streaming video or audio content. Both make great use of nostr identities, data formats, and relays, but they're primarily streaming apps. A good litmus test for things like this is: if you got rid of nostr, would it be the same product (even if inferior in certain ways)? A similar category is infrastructure providers that benefit nostr by their existence (and may in fact be targeted explicitly at nostr users), but do things in a centralized, old-web way; for example: media hosts, DNS registrars, hosting providers, and CDNs. To be clear here, I'm not casting aspersions (I don't even know what those are, or where to buy them). All the apps mentioned above use nostr to great effect, and are a real benefit to nostr users. But they are not True Scotsmen. # It embodies nostr Ok, here we go. This is the crème de la crème, the top du top, the meilleur du meilleur, the bee's knees. The purest, holiest, most chaste category of nostr app out there. The apps which are, indeed, nostr indigitate. This category of nostr app (see, no quotes this time) can be defined by the converse of the previous category. If nostr was removed from this type of application, would it be impossible to create the same product? To tease this apart a bit, apps that leverage the technical aspects of nostr are dependent on nostr the *protocol*, while apps that benefit nostr exclusively via network effect are integrated into nostr the *network*. An app that does both things is working in symbiosis with nostr as a whole. An app that embraces both nostr's protocol and its network becomes an organic extension of every other nostr app out there, multiplying both its competitive moat and its contribution to the ecosystem: - In contrast to apps that only borrow from nostr on the technical level but continue to operate in their own silos, an application integrated into the nostr network comes pre-packaged with existing users, and is able to provide more value to those users because of other nostr products. On nostr, it's a good thing to advertise your competitors. - In contrast to apps that only market themselves to nostr users without building out a deep integration on the protocol level, a deeply integrated app becomes an asset to every other nostr app by becoming an organic extension of them through interoperability. This results in increased traffic to the app as other developers and users refer people to it instead of solving their problem on their own. This is the "micro-apps" utopia we've all been waiting for. Credible exit doesn't matter if there aren't alternative services. Interoperability is pointless if other applications don't offer something your app doesn't. Marketing to nostr users doesn't matter if you don't augment their agency _as nostr users_. If I had to choose a single NIP that represents the mindset behind this kind of app, it would be NIP 89 A.K.A. "Recommended Application Handlers", which states: > Nostr's discoverability and transparent event interaction is one of its most interesting/novel mechanics. This NIP provides a simple way for clients to discover applications that handle events of a specific kind to ensure smooth cross-client and cross-kind interactions. These handlers are the glue that holds nostr apps together. A single event, signed by the developer of an application (or by the application's own account) tells anyone who wants to know 1. what event kinds the app supports, 2. how to link to the app (if it's a client), and (if the pubkey also publishes a kind 10002), 3. which relays the app prefers. _As a sidenote, NIP 89 is currently focused more on clients, leaving DVMs, relays, signers, etc somewhat out in the cold. Updating 89 to include tailored listings for each kind of supporting app would be a huge improvement to the protocol. This, plus a good front end for navigating these listings (sorry nostrapp.link, close but no cigar) would obviate the evil centralized websites that curate apps based on arbitrary criteria._ Examples of this kind of app obviously include many kind 1 clients, as well as clients that attempt to bring the benefits of the nostr protocol and network to new use cases - whether long form content, video, image posts, music, emojis, recipes, project management, or any other "content type". To drill down into one example, let's think for a moment about forms. What's so great about a forms app that is built on nostr? Well, - There is a [spec](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/pull/1190) for forms and responses, which means that... - Multiple clients can implement the same data format, allowing for credible exit and user choice, even of... - Other products not focused on forms, which can still view, respond to, or embed forms, and which can send their users via NIP 89 to a client that does... - Cryptographically sign forms and responses, which means they are self-authenticating and can be sent to... - Multiple relays, which reduces the amount of trust necessary to be confident results haven't been deliberately "lost". Show me a forms product that does all of those things, and isn't built on nostr. You can't, because it doesn't exist. Meanwhile, there are plenty of image hosts with APIs, streaming services, and bitcoin wallets which have basically the same levels of censorship resistance, interoperability, and network effect as if they weren't built on nostr. # It supports nostr Notice I haven't said anything about whether relays, signers, blossom servers, software libraries, DVMs, and the accumulated addenda of the nostr ecosystem are nostr apps. Well, they are (usually). This is the category of nostr app that gets none of the credit for doing all of the work. There's no question that they qualify as beautiful nostrcorns, because their value propositions are entirely meaningless outside of the context of nostr. Who needs a signer if you don't have a cryptographic identity you need to protect? DVMs are literally impossible to use without relays. How are you going to find the blossom server that will serve a given hash if you don't know which servers the publishing user has selected to store their content? In addition to being entirely contextualized by nostr architecture, this type of nostr app is valuable because it does things "the nostr way". By that I mean that they don't simply try to replicate existing internet functionality into a nostr context; instead, they create entirely new ways of putting the basic building blocks of the internet back together. A great example of this is how Nostr Connect, Nostr Wallet Connect, and DVMs all use relays as brokers, which allows service providers to avoid having to accept incoming network connections. This opens up really interesting possibilities all on its own. So while I might hesitate to call many of these things "apps", they are certainly "nostr". # Appendix: it smells like a NINO So, let's say you've created an app, but when you show it to people they politely smile, nod, and call it a NINO (Nostr In Name Only). What's a hacker to do? Well, here's your handy-dandy guide on how to wash that NINO stench off and Become a Nostr. You app might be a NINO if: - There's no NIP for your data format (or you're abusing NIP 78, 32, etc by inventing a sub-protocol inside an existing event kind) - There's a NIP, but no one knows about it because it's in a text file on your hard drive (or buried in your project's repository) - Your NIP imposes an incompatible/centralized/legacy web paradigm onto nostr - Your NIP relies on trusted third (or first) parties - There's only one implementation of your NIP (yours) - Your core value proposition doesn't depend on relays, events, or nostr identities - One or more relay urls are hard-coded into the source code - Your app depends on a specific relay implementation to work (*ahem*, relay29) - You don't validate event signatures - You don't publish events to relays you don't control - You don't read events from relays you don't control - You use legacy web services to solve problems, rather than nostr-native solutions - You use nostr-native solutions, but you've hardcoded their pubkeys or URLs into your app - You don't use NIP 89 to discover clients and services - You haven't published a NIP 89 listing for your app - You don't leverage your users' web of trust for filtering out spam - You don't respect your users' mute lists - You try to "own" your users' data Now let me just re-iterate - it's ok to be a NINO. We need NINOs, because nostr can't (and shouldn't) tackle every problem. You just need to decide whether your app, as a NINO, is actually contributing to the nostr ecosystem, or whether you're just using buzzwords to whitewash a legacy web software product. If you're in the former camp, great! If you're in the latter, what are you waiting for? Only you can fix your NINO problem. And there are lots of ways to do this, depending on your own unique situation: - Drop nostr support if it's not doing anyone any good. If you want to build a normal company and make some money, that's perfectly fine. - Build out your nostr integration - start taking advantage of webs of trust, self-authenticating data, event handlers, etc. - Work around the problem. Think you need a special relay feature for your app to work? Guess again. Consider encryption, AUTH, DVMs, or better data formats. - Think your idea is a good one? Talk to other devs or open a PR to the [nips repo](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips). No one can adopt your NIP if they don't know about it. - Keep going. It can sometimes be hard to distinguish a research project from a NINO. New ideas have to be built out before they can be fully appreciated. - Listen to advice. Nostr developers are friendly and happy to help. If you're not sure why you're getting traction, ask! I sincerely hope this article is useful for all of you out there in NINO land. Maybe this made you feel better about not passing the totally optional nostr app purity test. Or maybe it gave you some actionable next steps towards making a great NINON (Nostr In Not Only Name) app. In either case, GM and PV.

@ 3459741b:616b59f9

## Introduction Recently, I had the opportunity to work as an advisor for an AI agent project, which is created by team with a lot of fin-tech software develop experience. As we coded together, their real-time questions and challenges provided unique insights into the hurdles software engineers face when transitioning to AI development. They would pause at moments that most AI engineers take for granted - "How can we be sure the agent understood correctly?", "What if the model makes a mistake?", "How do we handle the uncertainty?" These weren't just isolated questions; they represented the fundamental paradigm shift required when moving from traditional software engineering to AI development. And thats why i think it might be worthy to take sometime write down this article and if you are going to start your first AI agent programming, spending 5 min reading t his will save you a lot of time later. ### 1. Shifting from Deterministic to Probabilistic Thinking - Traditional software engineering deals with deterministic outcomes - AI systems operate on probability rather than certainty - Engineers need to adapt from "100% correct" mindset to accepting probabilistic outcomes - Blockchain developers may find this particularly challenging due to their background in exact, deterministic systems ### 2. Understanding Core AI Concepts (There are a lot of concepts to understand, but i will focus on the most frequently asked ones) #### Memory Management - **Short-term Memory**: Implemented through conversation context - **Long-term Memory**: Implemented through vector databases (RAG - Retrieval Augmented Generation) - Context length management is crucial due to LLM token limitations #### Language Models and Fine-tuning - Base models (like GPT) provide general intelligence - Domain-specific knowledge can be added through: - Fine-tuning with custom datasets - Adding RAG layers for specific knowledge domains ### 3. Technical Framework Knowledge #### Essential Tools and Frameworks - Vercel AI SDK (if you are a typescript guy) - LangChain (alternative option) - Different models(openai, claude, gemini, etc, of course, now, deepseek. the temu in llm ) - Understanding of prompt engineering #### Multi-Agent Systems - Agents can communicate through natural language - Inter-agent communication requires careful system design - Implementation of thought processes and decision-making loops - Safety considerations for system commands and operations ### 4. Language and Localization Considerations - System prompts typically work best in English - Multi-language support requires careful handling: - Input translation to English - Processing in English - Output translation to target language - Model performance varies across different languages ### 5. Safety and Error Handling - Implementing validation layers for critical operations - Understanding model limitations and potential errors - Building feedback mechanisms to detect misunderstandings ## Conclusion Transitioning from software engineering to AI engineering requires a significant mindset shift. While traditional software engineering skills remain valuable, understanding probabilistic systems, language models, and AI-specific architectures is crucial. The key is to balance innovation with practical safety considerations, especially when dealing with critical applications. Remember that AI systems are not perfect, and building robust applications requires careful consideration of their limitations and appropriate safety measures. Start with existing frameworks and gradually build up complexity as you become more comfortable with AI-specific concepts and challenges.(the conclusion part is written by chatgpt, did you notice? :))

@ e83b66a8:b0526c2b

I have a deep love of China. It probably started in 1981, when my Father visited China on the first trade mission from the UK to open up trading between the 2 nations. As a family, we have historically done a lot of business in Asia starting with our company Densitron, who’s Asian headquarters were in Tokyo, through to Taiwan where we had factories leading to investing in Vbest, now Evervision an LCD manufacturer. They have admin offices in Taiwan and a factory in Jiangsu, China. I have always hated the western narrative that China is the “enemy” or that China’s Communist / Capitalist system is “evil”. Without understanding history, geography, cultural biases, and indoctrination it is as difficult to remove those beliefs in the same way it is difficult to convert “normies” to understand the freedom and power of Bitcoin. I have tried and had some success, but mostly failed. However the recent ban on TikTok and the migration of the west to the Chinese owned “rednote” app has overnight created more cultural exchanges and understanding than the previous 40+ years has ever managed to achieve. That along with the recent disclosure about Chinas advancements in AI have also deflated some of the western hubris. If you wish to go down the rabbit hole of China from a cultural view, this YouTuber has given me a much better framework than I could ever provide as an outsider. She is a Chinese girl, who came to the UK to study at University only to return with a mixed understanding of both cultures. She is doing a far better job of explaining the culture from a western perspective than I ever could. https://www.youtube.com/@SimingLan Here are 4 videos of hers that help explain a lot: This is a lighthearted look at the recent TikTok ban TikTok ban completely backfired on US! and it's been hilarious https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7123nG5otA More in-depth insights are: My complicated relationship with China. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEaw0KAuNBU China's Biggest Problem with Free Speech Rhetoric https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7eSyKPbg_Y What the West Doesn't Get about China's Rise https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmb1_HfflCA

@ 8d5ba92c:c6c3ecd5

For me, it’s simple yet profound: a job and labor aren’t the same thing. You don’t have to struggle to perform a task or to meet someone else's unrealistic expectations. In fact, if you genuinely enjoy what you’re doing and believe in its purpose, the results will naturally be better—and everyone benefits. I’m speaking from the perspective of someone who walked away from a "*well-established career*" multiple times. These days, I might be working more than ever, but I don’t feel tired, frustrated, or burned out. The radical change I made—leaving the "*professional fiat world*" behind—wasn’t easy, but I’ve never regretted it. Now, working fully in Bitcoin, I feel more motivated and satisfied than ever before. Sure, it's not always straightforward. This lifestyle definitely comes with its challenges. But those challenges don’t crush me. Just the opposite. When combined with a sense of freedom, they become opportunities for growth—something I truly value. It’s a completely different experience compared to most jobs rooted in the old system. I’m not saying working in Bitcoin is all sunshine and rainbows, nor am I criticizing anyone still working in fiat. What I’m trying to emphasize is the core message of that quote: ## Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life... Read it aloud and think about your last couple of jobs. How did you feel? Did you find fulfillment and satisfaction, or was it more like a form of slavery that made you dread going to bed and waking up every morning? I didn’t really have those feelings, except for one corporation at the beginning of my career, which gave me a hard time but also taught me valuable lessons. Aside from that experience, most of my jobs weren’t too bad—no need to complain. Still, I often questioned my situation: '*Seriously, why do I have to do this or that if I know it doesn’t make sense?*' Doing things you don’t believe in can lead to frustration, often in ways you might not even realize, yet every time, significantly affecting your well-being and the people around you. Now, I hardly know what inner anger means. I wake up happy, full of passion and ideas. I don’t track the hours as they pass; instead, I focus on all the tasks I complete and how they make a difference for me and others. Yes, I love what I do. And returning to the main point of this article, I shouldn’t even see it as work, even though in practice it definitely is. The key here is a mix of independence, purpose, and self-determination. Bitcoin has helped me achieve that to a level that’s hard to break. ## A Fresh Take on The Market I also remember that 5-7 years ago, especially for non-devs, Bitcoin-based jobs weren’t as accessible as they are now (which is probably why I stayed in my traditional career for so long...). It’s really only in the last, maybe 2-3 years that things have changed. With so many areas expanding beyond just mining and tech-related stuff, and new interesting projects popping up regularly, there’s almost any position you can imagine to jump into. According to a recent report by [Bitvocation](https://linktr.ee/bitvocation) '69% of Bitcoin jobs are non-developer roles'. Also, more than half of available positions in 2024 offered remote opportunities, giving job seekers extra flexibility. Bitcoin is borderless—and so are many of the jobs in this space. If you’ve ever thought working in Bitcoin was out of reach, think again—and check this out "[BITCOIN JOB MARKET DATA, 2024 Report](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZFnYP949GzssQHA9wcjHTeW4cDiZIWvM/view)". One tip from my experience: a good option is to start with a part-time role while keeping your traditional fiat job for more stability, especially at the beginning. After a while, you’ll gain more confidence and see which direction you want to go. Or, if you position yourself so that you don’t need to earn a lot for the next 3-6 months, consider finding a project- or task-based Bitcoin job, maybe even just an internship. Meanwhile, you might decide to focus on building something unique on your own. It can feel amazing! You’ll gain valuable skills, sharpen your experience, and better understand which options work best for your future. You see, just like in nature, balance is key. You don’t have to run before you can walk. What I’m saying is this: **The choice is yours, as long as you plan ahead + learn, while staying true to your needs, beliefs, and priorities.** If you want it, do it. Starting a career in Bitcoin is possible, and I have a feeling this space will grow even faster in the next few years. Yes, there will still be ups and downs (hello, bear markets!), but if you plan thoughtfully, there’s not much to worry about. We’re still early—Bitcoin is only 16 years old—but if you’ve been following this space, you’ve probably seen how dynamic and resilient it is. If you’ve ever thought about working in Bitcoin, now is the time to rethink the possibilities :))) BTC Your Mind. Let it Beat. Şelale

@ f1989a96:bcaaf2c1

Good morning, readers! This week, authoritarian regimes augmented their control and monitoring of online spaces in an attempt to suppress the dissenting voices of those they have financially repressed. While Pakistanis grapple with the highest cost of living in Asia, the military-backed regime passed an oppressive social media bill that empowers the government to imprison and fine individuals deemed to be spreading “disinformation” online.\ \ Meanwhile, in Belarus, authoritarian Alexander Lukashenko secured a seventh term in an openly rigged presidential election, further consolidating his grip on power and deepening the country’s political and financial repression. This prolongs his rule beyond three decades, cementing him as the sole ruler of Belarus since the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. In freedom technology news, open-source developer Super Testnet released a new privacy tool called Hurricash. It lets multiple users lock funds together in a single Bitcoin Unspent Transaction Output (UTXO), allowing them to transact within the pool of users with greater privacy and efficiency. With greater liquidity and adoption, it could prove a useful tool for human rights activists seeking financial privacy. \ \ Additionally, Zaprite integrated BTCPay Server, enabling users to accept Bitcoin, Lightning, and fiat payments using self-custodial and self-hosted Bitcoin infrastructure. This is particularly valuable for nonprofits and activists in authoritarian regimes, where governments monitor and restrict financial activity. We end with the latest episode of the “Money Matters” podcast, where Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, interviews HRF Chief Strategy Officer Alex Gladstein to discuss the often overlooked connection between Bitcoin and financial freedom. **Now, let’s jump right in!** ### [**Subscribe Here**](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a) ## **GLOBAL NEWS** #### **Belarus | Lukashenko Sweeps Openly Rigged Election Amid Financial Repression** In Belarus, authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko [secured](https://www.newarab.com/news/belarus-lukashenko-extends-three-decade-rule-sham-election) a seventh term in an openly rigged presidential election. Lukashenko’s crusade against dissent and political opposition has left many citizens and opposition figures exiled, imprisoned, and financially repressed. Historically, his regime has frozen bank accounts, blocked foreign currency exchanges, and cut off independent media from funding. By wielding financial and political power, Lukashenko ensures that no real opposition can rise, turning Belarus into a country where even the illusion of democracy has disappeared. In these environments, Bitcoin and tools like [Lnp2pbot](https://lnp2pbot.com) (an HRF grantee) help Belarusians circumvent financial restrictions and transact in a currency that Lukashenko can’t control. #### **Nigeria | Joins BRICS Economic Coalition** Nigeria is expanding its financial repression both internationally and domestically. It recently [joined](https://archive.ph/ZQDlO) BRICS, an intergovernmental economic organization led by the Chinese and Russian regimes. For some, this raises concerns as Nigeria may deepen its authoritarian ways and further restrict individual financial freedoms. Member countries are each leaders in the development and implementation of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), threatening individual financial autonomy as financial control is increasingly placed under the purview of authoritarian states. In parallel, the Nigerian regime plans to [distribute](https://nairametrics.com/2025/01/15/fg-to-distribute-n75000-cash-transfers-to-70-million-nigerians-by-2025/) a 75,000 naira ($48) “cash transfer” to the nation’s poorest citizens. This bid to alleviate poverty risks, while stoking inflation and compromising privacy, as the initiative relies on digital registration through the National Identity Number (NIN) system. Nigeria’s strategy of using both micro and macro financial controls limits open markets and curtails individual freedoms. #### **Pakistan | Regime Passes Repressive Bill Targeting Online Spaces** Pakistan’s military-backed regime [passed](https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-cyber-law-social-media-6de3a878c434abb154b91012bc9ca33c) a repressive social media bill that allows officials to imprison citizens for spreading “disinformation” online. Under this new law, officials can block “unlawful and offensive” content and remove users from social media at a time when Pakistanis are increasingly turning to online spaces to express discontent over regime-imposed economic hardships. Those “spreading disinformation” risk facing three years in prison and fines of up to 2 million rupees ($7,150) — a harsh penalty for citizens grappling with the [highest](https://www.firstpost.com/world/pakistan-tops-asia-in-living-costs-and-inflation-rates-report-reveals-13759245.html) cost of living on the continent. Further, social platforms must register with the Social Media Protection and Regulatory Authority to operate or risk a permanent ban. Censorship and Internet controls are sadly nothing new for Pakistanis since the regime has [blocked](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/pakistan/social-media-platform-x-shutdown-continues-for-eighth-day-in-pakistan/articleshow/107983076.cms) X during elections and enacted a nationwide [Internet firewall](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/26/pakistan-tests-china-like-digital-firewall-to-tighten-online-surveillance) to suppress public discourse and action. #### **Cuba | Salary of Baseball Player Buys a Carton of Eggs** Cuba’s cost-of-living crisis is so [severe](https://havanatimes.org/cuba/the-salary-of-a-cuban-baseball-player-buys-a-carton-of-eggs/) that even the country’s top and most profitable athletes cannot make ends meet. Exemplifying this, the monthly salary of a professional baseball player in the National Series — Cuba’s premier sporting event — barely covers the cost of a carton of eggs, forcing them to [seek opportunities](https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/cubas-migratory-stampede-has-no-end-sight-2024-09-11/) elsewhere. With the Cuban peso in freefall, [several](https://havanatimes.org/cuba/the-salary-of-a-cuban-baseball-player-buys-a-carton-of-eggs/) players have resigned, citing financial hardships as the reason for leaving the sport they love. Their departures reflect a broader reality: wages across Cuba fail to keep pace with severe inflation caused by the Cuban regime’s continuous economic mismanagement. The state continues to enforce wages in the collapsing peso while requiring “MLC” credits to purchase high-quality food and goods in a system that pulls in foreign exchange from abroad while stealing from citizens at home. #### **South Sudan | Regime Blocks Citizen Access to Social Media** In South Sudan, rebel leader Salva Kiir Mayardit [directed](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africa/south-sudan-shuts-down-social-media-for-three-months-4898628) the National Communication Authority (NCA) to block each citizen’s access to social media nationwide for up to three months, citing concerns over “public safety” and “mental health.” This decision follows violent videos of Sudanese armed forces attacking South Sudanese refugees in Sudan. Sudanese rights groups condemned the ban as a blatant act of censorship and an abuse of power. “The death of our South Sudanese in Sudan should not culminate in blocking social media, which is one of the ways many of us get information,” [said](https://nation.africa/kenya/news/africa/south-sudan-shuts-down-social-media-for-three-months-4898628) one Sudanese citizen. By restricting social media, the regime demonstrates a clear willingness to silence dissent, suppress information, and stifle transparency under the guise of “protection.” As Sudanese grapple with [rising](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-03-30/south-sudan-cracks-down-on-parallel-fx-market-to-fight-inflation?utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&cmpid%3D=socialflow-twitter-africa&utm_content=africa) prices, the ban further isolates them, leaving little room to coordinate relief efforts, share grievances, or hold those in power accountable. ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **IMF Offers a Glimpse at the Perils of Central Bank Digital Currencies by J.D. Tuccille** In this [article](https://reason.com/2024/12/18/imf-offers-a-glimpse-at-the-perils-of-central-bank-digital-currencies/) for [Reason Magazine](https://reason.com/), [J.D. Tuccille](https://x.com/JD_Tuccille) examines the dangers of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and their implications for financial independence and privacy. Drawing from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) “[CBDC Virtual Handbook](https://www.imf.org/en/Topics/fintech/central-bank-digital-currency/virtual-handbook),” Tuccille explains how CBDCs grant governments unprecedented control to monitor transactions, impose restrictions, and manipulate financial behavior. He contrasts these state-issued digital currencies with decentralized alternatives like Bitcoin, highlighting the stark differences in privacy and user freedom. You can read the complete analysis [here](https://reason.com/2024/12/18/imf-offers-a-glimpse-at-the-perils-of-central-bank-digital-currencies/). To learn more about CBDCs and the threats they pose to civil liberties and human rights, check out our [HRF’s CBDC Tracker](https://cbdctracker.hrf.org/). ## BITCOIN AND FREEDOM TECH NEWS #### **Super Testnet | Launches Hurricash** Bitcoin Developer [Super Testnet](https://github.com/supertestnet) released [Hurricash](https://github.com/supertestnet/hurricash), an experimental and open-source Bitcoin privacy protocol. Hurricash lets multiple users lock funds together in a single Bitcoin [Unspent Transaction Output](https://river.com/learn/bitcoins-utxo-model/) (UTXO), making their transactions more private. Users can then transact within the pool with greater efficiency and privacy. With greater liquidity and adoption, it could prove a useful tool for human rights defenders seeking financial privacy. Innovations like this could also pave the way for activists in many decades to afford trustless BTC transactions. #### **Zaprite | Integrates BTCPay Server** [Zaprite](https://zaprite.com/), a platform for accepting Bitcoin payments, recently [integrated](https://blog.zaprite.com/how-to-connect-btcpay-server/) [BTCPay Server](https://btcpayserver.org/), an open-source Bitcoin payment processor and HRF grantee. This integration allows users to accept Bitcoin, Lightning, and fiat payments (like USD) while maintaining full control over their funds — something Zaprite couldn’t afford on its own. By connecting with BTCPay Server, users can receive Bitcoin payments directly to their own self-hosted wallet and node, reducing censorship risks and enhancing financial independence. This is valuable for nonprofits, merchants, and activists in authoritarian regimes, where governments monitor, freeze, and restrict financial activity. #### **Breez SDK | Implements Pay to BIP 353 Addresses** The Breez Software Development Kit (SDK), a tool for integrating self-custodial Lightning payments into apps and services, now [supports](https://github.com/breez/breez-sdk-liquid/releases/tag/0.6.2) payments to [BIP 353](https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0353.mediawiki) addresses. BIP 353 enables individuals with access to a domain the ability to create static, human-readable payment addresses (such as user@domain), instead of a long string of letters and numbers. This means an activist with a website can receive Bitcoin donations directly through their domain — if their wallet supports BIP 353. Several Bitcoin wallets already using the Breez SDK include [Cake Wallet](https://cakewallet.com/), [Blitz Wallet](https://blitz-wallet.com/), and [Klever Wallet](https://klever.io/). These static addresses make receiving Bitcoin easier, more private, and more censorship resistant, reducing surveillance risks and simplifying recurring payments. #### **Ark Labs | Releases Wallet Software Development Kit** [Ark](https://arklabs.to/), a protocol promising faster and cheaper transactions on Bitcoin, [released](https://blog.arklabs.to/introducing-the-ark-wallet-sdk-d1c77ce61cfc) a wallet software development kit (SDK). The SDK is aimed at helping developers more readily create Ark-compatible Bitcoin wallets that support both traditional Bitcoin payments and Ark’s instant transactions on mobile and desktop platforms. Protocols like Ark hold promise for greater transaction efficiency and improve its transaction capabilities for those who need it most. #### **Tornado Cash | US District Court Reverses Sanctions** A United States District Court [ruled](https://www.theblock.co/post/336319/us-court-rules-against-tornado-cash-sanctions-torn-cryptocurrency-surges-140) to reverse the sanctions on Tornado Cash, marking a major legal win for financial privacy in the digital asset space. This decision follows a previous Appeals Court [ruling](https://www.therage.co/fifth-circuit-lifts-tornado-cash-sanctions/?mc_cid=2d0b2336ed&mc_eid=8de40cf474) that found the Treasury overstepped its authority by sentencing the digital asset mixer under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The court determined that Tornado Cash’s smart contracts (self-executing lines of code) do not constitute “property,” making them ineligible for sanctions under existing laws. These rulings set a positive precedent for decentralized protocols and financial privacy in a world where these tools are desperately needed. Developers cannot work on privacy openly in dictatorships, so they need havens in liberal democracies. #### **OpenSats | Announces Grants for Three Bitcoin Core Contributors** OpenSats, a public nonprofit supporting open-source software and projects, [announced](https://opensats.org/blog/more-for-core) three new grants for Bitcoin Core contributors [L0rinc](https://github.com/l0rinc), [kevkevin](https://github.com/kevkevinpal), and [Daniela Brozzoni](https://github.com/danielabrozzoni). L0rinc will improve Bitcoin Core's performance and reliability by optimizing Initial Block Download (IBD), block storage, and database functionality. Kevkevin will enhance Bitcoin Core's stability, security, and usability by fixing bugs and reviewing pull requests. Finally, Daniela will review Bitcoin Core's code, adding features and improving test coverage. HRF is pleased to see the continued support of open-source developers from this [Bitcoin Development Fund](https://hrf.org/program/financial-freedom/bitcoin-development-fund/) grantee. #### **Bitcoin Chiang Mai | Bitcoin for Human Rights Meetup** [Bitcoin Chiang Mai](https://www.bitcoinchiangmai.org/), a grassroots Bitcoin community in Thailand, will host a meetup [exploring](https://x.com/jimmykostro/status/1883393135436529844?s=46) Bitcoin’s role in human rights and financial freedom on Feb. 7, 2025. HRF Global Bitcoin Adoption Fellow Win Ko Ko Aung will discuss how Bitcoin empowers activists and communities under authoritarian rule, with a particular focus on Burmese citizens. Held in Burmese and English, the event will educate attendees on Bitcoin as a tool for escaping financial repression. If you have Burmese friends in Chiang Mai, share this opportunity with them. You can register [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScscuPhxba_Ma040Wwm9-ud7eODWVMpb_8RpFx-12yYbvfl5g/viewform). ## RECOMMENDED CONTENT #### **Bitcoin and Freedom with Alex Gladstein** In a special [episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC93o30gUa8) of the “Money Matters” podcast, Jack Mallers, CEO of Strike, speaks with Alex Gladstein, chief strategy officer at HRF, to discuss the powerful link between Bitcoin and financial freedom. Gladstein unpacks how authoritarian regimes manipulate money to control the public and explains why open-source financial tools are critical for resisting oppression. His insights make a compelling case for financial sovereignty as a fundamental human right — and why Bitcoin remains the most effective tool to secure it. *If this article was forwarded to you and you enjoyed reading it, please consider subscribing to the Financial Freedom Report [here](https://mailchi.mp/hrf.org/financial-freedom-newsletter?mc_cid=bf652c0a5a).* *Support the newsletter by donating bitcoin to HRF’s Financial Freedom program [via BTCPay](https://hrf.org/btc).*\ *Want to contribute to the newsletter? Submit tips, stories, news, and ideas by emailing us at ffreport @ [hrf.org](http://hrf.org/)* *The Bitcoin Development Fund (BDF) is accepting grant proposals on an ongoing basis. The Bitcoin Development Fund is looking to support Bitcoin developers, community builders, and educators. Submit proposals [here](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1)*. [**Subscribe to newsletter**](http://financialfreedomreport.org/) [**Apply for a grant**](https://forms.monday.com/forms/57019f8829449d9e729d9e3545a237ea?r=use1&mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Support our work**](https://hrf.org/btc?mc_cid=39c1c9b7e8&mc_eid=778e9876e3) [**Visit our website**](https://hrf.org/programs/financial-freedom/)

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

Your mind is alot like a train. The Passengers on the train are your thoughts. Most of us have way too many passengers, and an endless amount of passengers waiting to get on the ride. If we don’t take a stop to let some of the passengers off, the train will get over crowded leaving no room for new passengers to board. Alan Watts once said ““A person who thinks all the time has nothing to **think** about except **thoughts**. So, he loses touch with reality and lives in a world of illusions.” Take some time daily if only for ten minutes to sit quietly and do nothing. Let your mind rest, let it offload some passengers. You’d be surprised what you let go of and discover by taking a timeout.

@ cbd2779f:72a5b029

Have a few questions pertaining to setting up a new node. Basically, I always seems to be unsure about syncing to graph, after syncing to chain. Consider setting up a new node from scratch, or migrating perhaps, and you want to do an initial setup. 1. How long does it take? 2. What factors determine how long it takes? 3. Is the graph a universal graph that is identical from each nodes perspective? So far, I'm monitoring progress but tailing logs, looking for clues: `tail -n 100 /data/lnd/logs/bitcoin/mainnet/lnd.log | grep GRPH` I can find some relevant clues like: ``` 2025-01-30 15:24:54.843 [INF] GRPH: Processed channels=56 updates=59 nodes=15 in last 59.823699481s ``` and then checking with: `lncli getinfo | grep -E 'synced|peers` which outputs ``` "num_peers": 3, "synced_to_chain": true, "synced_to_graph": false, ``` At the moment, I've been experimenting with pruned blockchains and this outputs a lot of errors (I believe) relating to not being able to verify UTXOs as I have `ignore-historical-gossip-filters set to true. Any further suggestions on how to better make sure things are happening under the hood when setting up a new node, what to look for in the logs or how to know the verification progress? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/869944

@ fc2470ed:17d9ee27

*by Hynek Fencl, July 2024* The way to Liberland is easy but not simple. Technically speaking, it’s just a short bike ride away from the nearest village on a comfortable bike path through a stunning forest known as the “Amazon of Europe”. On one side, one senses the presence of the mighty Danube River beyond the tall trees, and on the other stretch the farmlands of north-eastern Croatia. Then you take a left turn to a straight forest path, ride all the way to the end, and after a few bends on the track, you will have entered “the promised land”. The part that is *not simple* is that Croatia both does and does not consider Gornja Siga (the local name for the area we now refer to as Liberland) to be its territory – depending on who you ask. This means that along the picturesque bike path, you will almost certainly encounter a border police patrol car, and, depending on whether you *seem to them* like you’re affiliated with Liberland, they will tell you to stop and hand over your ID. They run it through their system and, if you’re lucky enough to be a citizen of the EU, they let you pass. If you’re not and you give them a non-EU passport, they will ask you to come to the station with them to “determine the circumstances of your stay in Croatia.” You will then be issued with paperwork telling you to leave the country within the next 7 days, banning you from re-entering in the next 1-3 months. The official reasoning they’ll give for this is their reasonable suspicion that you have not come to Croatia as a tourist but with the intent to either do paid work (for which you would have to get a business/work visa) or to break the law (such as camping outside designated camping grounds or starting a fire in the forest). All of this is part of a big game of chess that is being played out between Croatia and the Liberlanders. Croatia is in a tricky spot. They *cannot* properly administer the territory of Liberland and enforce its law in it – lest it would create an indication that the Croatian state officially claims it as its territory. However, they *cannot not administer it* either, since it’s on “their” side of the river, and it is risky for a rogue, unpredictable operation (from their perspective) like the establishment and growth of Liberland to just be left to its own devices right on their doorstep. This is, then, how we arrive at the status quo, with Croatia *relating* to Liberland in some way while being careful about the international perception of its action in another way. The resulting practice is a persistent harassment campaign toward the Liberlanders, with the apparent intent to create uncertainty and lower the appetite of potential Liberland settlers for this kind of adventure. ## How to establish a new country Liberland was born from an anomaly – a historical border dispute between Croatia and Serbia. The dispute involves the definition of where the border stands in relation to the Danube and goes back to 1947. Then, both lands along the river belonged to a single country – Yugoslavia – but the dispute arose with respect to the boundaries of its constituent states. It remained unresolved during the communist era and became an issue of international borders after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Serbia claims that the border runs down the middle of the Danube, with the eastern bank being Serbian and the western bank Croatian. Croatia, on the other hand, claims that the border is set by historical borders marked by cadastral municipalities surrounding the Danube. These municipality borders run along a different path because they were set before the course of the Danube was straightened during the 19th Century to allow for easier shipping. This results in disputed “pockets” of land on both sides of the river. The pockets on the eastern bank have a combined area of around 130 km2, while those on the western bank only amount to less than 10 km2. Not surprisingly, then, both countries claim that the border runs in a way where they get the >90% of land and the other country only gets the small remaining areas. However, this means that, by implication, since both countries are claiming the large areas, neither of them is claiming the smaller ones. These areas were, then, so-called *terra nullius.* Under international law, there is no issue with any state claiming unowned and unclaimed land for themselves. And that is exactly what Czech businessman, politician, and activist Vít Jedlička did in 2015 when he proclaimed into existence the newly created Free Republic of Liberland on the largest, 7 km2 piece of the unclaimed areas between Croatia and Serbia.  It's one thing to announce a new country to the world. It’s an entirely different thing to make this country legitimate. Under the Montevideo Convention, a proper country needs to have 1) a permanent population, 2) a defined territory, 3) government, and 4) capacity to enter into relations with other states. Now, 9 years after the birth of Liberland, it clearly has three of those. As to a permanent population, the Liberlanders would argue that it definitely exists, even though Liberland’s now over 1200 registered citizens have had to largely live in “exile” ever since. Nevertheless, despite the Convention, there’s one thing that makes something a country more than anything else – whether *other countries see you as a country.* The more diplomatic recognition an entity has, the more country-like it becomes. This is especially relevant for breakaway governments, governments in exile, or, most importantly in this case, startup countries like Liberland. Very much aware of this, along with other members of Liberland’s startup government, Jedlička has been on a worldwide mission to legitimize Liberland in the eyes of other countries. Though there have been many amiable meetings and even some measure of support in some cases, no official recognition by any UN member has been achieved as of mid-2024. Liberland now has representatives and offices in multiple countries in the further pursuit of this goal. Though the effectiveness of this strategy has been questioned by many for the lack of decisive results so far, one thing remains unambiguously true: if recognized by even one or two UN members, Liberland would instantly gain an amazing amount of legitimacy and gravitas in the eyes of the world. ## The quest for territory Establishing international relations with countries anywhere in the world is not the only strategy that the Liberlanders have been employing in making the country more real and legitimate. This includes liaising and negotiating with the neighboring Serbia and Croatia. These relations are by far the most important and impactful ones. If both of Liberland’s neighboring countries were to either outright recognize the startup micro-state, or even just adopted an approach of non-interference, Liberland would be free to start actually developing and to find its own long-term position in the world. As for Serbia, its Ministry of Foreign Affairs let itself be heard that, in their view, Liberland’s claims are a “trivial matter” but, in any case, they do not infringe upon the sovereignty of Serbia. One can imagine that Serbia might actually be secretly quite pleased with Liberland’s activities, since now Croatia has an issue to deal with on “their” side of the river, which, if they are not careful, could contribute to the legitimization of Serbia’s claim to the larger pieces of territory claimed by both countries. With Croatia, things get quite a bit more complicated. In an official statement, the country rejected the claim that Gornja Siga is *terra nullius*, arguing instead that the land belongs to one of the two neighboring countries – the only question is to which one, which will be answered at some point in the future. Croatia also said it would stop any threatening and provocative activities on the territory even by force if necessary. Ever since Liberland’s birth in 2015, the Liberlanders have been trying to make a mark on the territory. For a long time, even just entering Liberland wasn’t really possible. Under a deal between the Croatian and Serbian police that was put in place during the European migration crisis, Croatian authorities may enter Liberland and patrol it for security reasons (preventing illegal migration) even though they do not officially claim the territory as theirs. In addition, the border police have a near-permanent presence on the Danube River, preventing people from crossing into Liberland by boat. As a result, anyone who would try to come to Liberland in any way would always be promptly arrested by the Croatians, essentially for entering a prohibited area. After years of this status quo, a rather unexpected thing happened that made things suddenly move forward in a positive direction for the Liberlanders. In April 2023, during Liberland’s 8th anniversary celebrations, a famous YouTuber with a significant following decided to try to enter Liberland. After a few unsuccessful attempts due to heavy police presence and monitoring, he and his team hired jet skis and rode them all the way from Hungary down the Danube. When they got close to Liberland, they encountered the police boats again, but their jet skis were faster than the boats, so they managed to land at Liberland’s Liberty Island and plant a flag there. A few moments later, the police caught up to them and an aggressive policeman took out their handheld cameras before assaulting them and then kicking them on the ground, as can be clearly seen from drone footage of the incident. As they had broken no laws, they were ultimately let go after the incident and free to leave the island without being arrested. However, the heavy-handed and illegal conduct of the Croatian police had been clearly documented and became part of the [video that was published in July 2023](https://youtu.be/Jb8T9X5K1AA). The video promptly went viral, gaining almost 10 million views on YouTube. By comparison, the total population of Croatia is just under 4 million. When the news spread even to the Croatian press and TV stations, Croatia had a serious PR problem on their hands. The police had been clearly in the wrong, conducting themselves in a seriously improper way to the point of using physical force against peaceful people who had broken no laws nor engaged in any violence or hostilities themselves. Something had to change. So, following this incident, the Croatian police adopted a different unofficial policy – from now on, they would let people enter Liberland if they wished to do so, in a controlled way. Since early August 2023, if you wish to enter Liberland, you can go on foot or by bike, take the access road down the forest, and show your documents to the Croatian police, just as you would at a border crossing. In a typical grand fashion of Liberland’s media team, Liberland made an announcement that an official border crossing had been opened between Croatia and Liberland (Croatia had obviously never made an official announcement like this, but for Liberland, that was the de facto situation on the ground). In the weeks following the “opening of the border”, many enthusiastic settlers started coming to Liberland to finally begin making their mark on the territory of “the promised land.” They started constructing simple wooden houses, a bathroom, an open-air restaurant, and the related power and water infrastructure on Liberland’s mainland beach opposite Liberty Island in a settlement named Mateos Marina. On September 7th, 2023, a troop of about 50 policemen and forestry workers, including a demolition crew, [raided the settlement](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFiPK3qGMK0sWIO4W9g3FTKOINhMFx1_T). The raid was officially dubbed a “cleanup operation” by *Hrvatske šume,* Croatia’s state forestry service. With the assistance of the police, they tore down all the wooden houses and structures using chainsaws and stole equipment as well as personal possessions of the Liberlanders on site. Several Liberlanders were arrested for “failure to comply with a lawful order”.  One might ask, if Liberland is not officially part of Croatia, what authority does Croatia have to come in to steal and destroy? Staying true to their claim that Liberland is not part of Croatia, the Croatians had announced to Serbia that they would be conducting the “cleanup” on Serbia’s territory, to keep it clean on their behalf. We may only speculate about the reasons for carrying out this operation in such a heavy-handed, destructive way. One possibility is that allowing people to enter Liberland in the first place was a way for Croatia to lure some people to Liberland, become comfortable, and then come in and destroy everything to show everyone what would happen if they got involved in the project. Or perhaps it was the unexpected level of life, community-building, and construction going on in such a short period of time after the “opening of the border” that the Croatian police felt like they had to put a stop to it before things got so big they could not be easily destroyed anymore. No matter the reasons, the raid had a chilling effect on prospective Liberlanders. Though there is plenty of video documentation of the operation, no one made a viral video about it this time. Though some media did pick up the news, it did not become a big story. Consequently, the PR fallout from this for Croatia was not unmanageable. Liberlanders soon returned to the territory. However, the level of enthusiasm, energy, and external support was not as great as it had been before the raid. From then on, settlement efforts focused mainly on Liberty Island, unreachable by trucks and impossible for forestry workers to get to without a large boat which they seem not to have. Though perhaps a more strategic place to set up camp, Liberty Island is also much more prone to flooding than the rest of Liberland. In the following few months, several makeshift houses were constructed using a combination of wood and sandbags. During this time, Liberland even hosted a [first wedding](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqbXUi7ahOk) on the island. The settlement was kept alive during winter as well, with Liberland enthusiasts staying mostly in houseboats whenever it was impossible to camp on site. In the meantime, an enthusiastic settler couple bought a sizeable house with a courtyard in the village closest to Liberland – Zmajevac – which they have transformed into a base of operations for settlers. This is now called Liberbase and it is where visits to Liberland start, with bikes, supplies, and construction materials being gathered before going on the 40-minute bike ride.  In the spring of 2024, work started on the reconstruction of a former hunting lodge at a central location on Liberland’s mainland – Jefferson Square. The building was demolished a few years ago but the foundations, including a cellar, were left in place. The site was cleared, the foundations refreshed, and new walls for the future governmental building have sprung up from the ground. A professional construction crew was hired to speed up the re-building of this base, using large concrete bricks, to a standard that will make it logistically and practically difficult for the Croatian police and forestry workers to try to destroy. ## The battle for legitimacy The ongoing construction in Liberland is rather slow. It is difficult to bring construction materials to Liberland. It is prohibited to drive motor vehicles on the bike path leading to Liberland, which means that everything has to be manually hauled from Liberbase on cargo bikes. In addition, from time to time, bikes get stolen by the police or forestry workers. Despite these difficulties, the determination of the settlers is unwavering and they are working every day to move construction forward. Is it possible to bring materials by boat? How did they get sandbags and other materials to Liberty Island? The importance of such a commitment should not be underestimated. The continuous presence of settlers is incredibly important for Liberland. It shows the seriousness of the project. It shows that Liberland is a genuine community and a fledgling nation rather than, as some accusations tend to go, just an elaborate publicity stunt. Practical difficulties with the Croatian authorities are not limited to construction-related issues. Even staying and camping in Liberland comes with its quirks. If you’re staying on Jefferson Square, you should be prepared for several police visits every day. These check-ups are usually nothing dramatic. The police usually show up, ask a couple of questions, and perhaps tell the settlers that they are not allowed to camp there or start a fire, but they don’t actually do anything more than that and just go about their day. It seems that the Croatian police are rather shy about enforcing Croatian law in a territory that is not officially considered part of Croatia. International law often takes into account the *de facto* situation of the matter in any dispute. If Croatia enforced their law in Liberland, this would therefore be an indication that they do, in fact, consider the territory to be theirs in practice, despite the official stance of the state. It would play into the hands of Serbia, reinforcing their claims to the large parcels of land on the other side of the Danube. In addition, Liberlanders on the ground report that the majority of Croatian police officers generally behave quite fairly and respectfully toward them – only a minority appear to hold a personal grudge against Liberland, being abusive and sometimes even violent instead. It seems highly likely that the police in general are just doing their job, following orders from above. Most of them don’t actually take it as a personal commitment to make life more difficult for the Liberlanders. This is rather important from a big-picture perspective, because the settlers, by contrast, are often heavily personally invested in the project and see it as their mission to see Liberland develop into a proper country. This disparity in energy and determination is strong and perhaps this is what will, in the end, cause Liberland to prevail in this drawn-out dispute.  The dispute with *Hrvatske šume* is quite different. As of mid-2024, the forestry workers tend to turn up at Jefferson Square about every fortnight. Unlike the police, they do not limit themselves to words but tend to steal everything that is not bolted down – including tools, materials, tents, bikes, and personal possessions of the settlers camping there. The justification remains the same – to “clean the forest of any waste.” In their encounters with the police as well as the forestry workers, Liberlanders are of course meticulous in their video documentation of any illegal actions by the authorities. The Liberlanders’ difficulties, however, do not just stay local. As previously mentioned, upon trying to enter Liberland from Croatia, people who do not have EU citizenship are promptly issued a one-to-three-month ban on entering Croatia, with 7 days to leave the country. This is done under legislation relating to citizenship and tourism. However, things can escalate even further. Since last year, several key Liberland settlers and organizers, including Liberland’s President Vít Jedlička himself, have seen “heavier guns” used against them. They have been banned from entering Croatia for 5 years under anti-terrorism legislation, where the authorities argue that these Liberlanders are something akin to a threat to national security. The Liberlanders have mounted a legal defense against this, in addition to challenging Croatia on other legal fronts. They have had some successes so far – in particular, it should now be clear that the Liberlanders do not need any building permits to construct buildings on their territory. Unfortunately, other issues – including the 5-year bans from Croatia – still remain unresolved. Most Liberlanders remain hopeful nonetheless. They have seen their situation move forward significantly over the last year. A year ago, they were not even able to enter Liberland without being chased and/or arrested. Now, even some construction is possible, albeit in a limited way. ## The road ahead The long-term vision, of course, remains to build a full-fledged, internationally respected and recognized city-state. Liberland’s leaders often speak of a “Balkan Monaco”, referring to the amazing development possibilities that a freedom-oriented country in the middle of Europe could offer. Liberland has already hosted an urbanist/architectural contest, and there are concrete plans for the first hotel as well as a riverside real estate development. What is more, Liberland’s land is actually more than three times the size of Monaco. Nevertheless, Liberland cannot move forward in a meaningful way toward these visions and aspirations under the status quo. The Liberlanders need to be able to build at scale and be free from harassment, both by the police and the forestry workers. Some kind of political deal is necessary as the next step toward proper development of Liberland. Such a deal could take multiple forms, but all of them involve the Croatian authorities changing their attitude toward Liberland away from a policy of unrelenting obstruction – not necessarily toward outright recognition, but at least toward accepting Liberland as a neighborly project that will move forward and develop in some way. One option could be to allow motor vehicles on the bike path toward Liberland, with a deal that could include charging Liberlanders some fair tolls to pay for the wear and tear of the pavement. An alternative would be to simply allow river crossing into Liberland from Serbia on the Danube. Since Croatia does not officially consider Liberland its territory, their current interference with this traffic is illegal anyway. Simply stopping this illegal conduct would help Liberland significantly without Croatia facilitating Liberland’s development in any active way.  Regardless of these options, the first and most notable step would be to stop banning non-EU citizens from re-entering Croatia as well as lift the existing (entirely unjustified and unreasonable) 5-year bans on Jedlička and the others. It is easy to see why Croatia is wary and suspicious of Liberland’s development. One can understand the worries of a state in whose immediate proximity there is a new and unknown state growing and taking root. Nevertheless, Croatia actually has a lot to gain from making some kind of deal with Liberland. First: currently there are perhaps a dozen policemen on patrol around Liberland at all times. This includes police vehicles and boats. This is a significant expense for the police force – an expense which is rather unsubstantiated, given that Liberlanders have clearly proven to be peaceful people who do not wish to pose any threat to Croatia, its people, or its law enforcement officers. Making a deal would mean that this large expense is not needed anymore. Second: Liberland borders an area of Croatia that has been rather “left behind”, is underdeveloped, and suffers from a lack of jobs and investment. Consequently, younger people are leaving the area and the current population is growing older. If Liberland was growing and open for business nearby, it would provide the region exactly with the job opportunities, large investment, and overall development that it desperately needs. Third: Croatia could use Liberland as an opportunity to actually gain an advantage in the ongoing border dispute with Serbia. As previously mentioned, Croatia cannot openly and properly administer the territory, as it would be an indication in the eyes of international law that they consider the territory to be theirs. On the other hand, it Liberland is located on “their” side of the Danube, so Croatia does have an interest in making sure the area is under their control somehow. Striking a deal with Liberland could involve Liberland agreeing to some obligations related to the administration of the territory which correspond to Croatia’s priorities. In this way, Croatia would have an active say in what happens on this land, effectively “outsourcing” its administration without officially claiming it as part of Croatia. In addition to all these advantages being present, Liberland is very much open to cooperation with Croatia and is keenly looking forward to welcoming any future productive relations with Croatian authorities. There will be no grudges held on Liberland’s side, and if a mutually beneficial deal or solution were to be found, no one would look behind at any historical quibbles or difficulties. Liberland would be an excellent and friendly neighbor to Croatia, not just causing any issues but actively helping the overall development of the surrounding region. Time will tell how things will develop. At the present, the momentum, energy, and enthusiasm is definitely on the side of Liberland. There seems to be very little actual interest from the Croatian side to cause issues for Liberland and to continue to prevent the fledgling state from developing further. All that is left are the bureaucratic hurdles of a state that is being overly conservative about its approach to the important issues of the day. Things might take time, but seeing the determination of the settlers and the willingness of all Liberlanders to be unrelenting in their fight for the cause, it is not difficult to argue that we might be seeing the dawn of Liberland as the world’s next proper city-state as we speak.

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the world of finance and politics, few topics have garnered as much intrigue and debate as Bitcoin. This cryptocurrency, emerging from the fringes of the internet, quickly captured the imagination of investors, tech enthusiasts, and politicians alike. Its promise of decentralization and freedom from traditional banking systems made it a hot topic in political circles, particularly in Canada. However, as quickly as it rose to prominence, Bitcoin has seemingly receded from the political spotlight. **Table Of Content** - The Political Heyday of Bitcoin - The Turning Tide: Bitcoin's Decline in Political Relevance - The Regulatory Response and Industry Evolution - The Future of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies in Politics - Conclusion - FAQs **The Political Heyday of Bitcoin** **The Surge of Interest** During its peak, Bitcoin was not just a financial asset but a symbol of technological progress and financial autonomy. Politicians, especially in Canada, were quick to recognize its potential. Figures like Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre championed Bitcoin, seeing it as a tool to empower individuals and a hedge against inflation. **Bitcoin in Policy and Legislation** Bitcoin's rise in value and popularity led to serious discussions about its role in the economy and its regulation. Debates in parliament and committees centered around how to integrate cryptocurrencies into the national financial system, protect investors, and harness the potential of blockchain technology. **The Turning Tide: Bitcoin's Decline in Political Relevance** **The Market's Volatility** The volatile nature of Bitcoin, marked by dramatic price fluctuations, began to cast doubts in the political arena. The peak value of over $80,000 was followed by a steep decline, shaking confidence in its stability as an asset. **Changing Political Narratives** As the market fluctuated, so did the enthusiasm among politicians. The once vocal advocates like Poilievre became less outspoken about their cryptocurrency holdings, reflecting a broader shift in the political narrative around Bitcoin. **The Regulatory Response and Industry Evolution** **Government and Regulatory Bodies** The initial excitement around Bitcoin led to legislative efforts and regulatory discussions. However, the lack of concrete actions and clear policies from the government left the regulatory landscape ambiguous. Independent bodies like the Canadian Securities Administrators stepped in to fill the void with guidelines and notices. **Industry Persistence Amidst Political Apathy** Despite the reduced political interest, the cryptocurrency industry continued to evolve. Developers and entrepreneurs in the space kept innovating, pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology and exploring new applications beyond financial transactions. **The Future of Bitcoin and Cryptocurrencies in Politics** **Lessons Learned and the Path Forward** The rise and fall of Bitcoin in the political arena offer valuable lessons about the intersection of technology, finance, and politics. It highlights the need for a balanced approach to new technologies, combining enthusiasm with prudent regulation. **The Ongoing Debate and Potential Resurgence** While Bitcoin may have receded from the immediate political discourse, the debate around cryptocurrencies is far from over. As the technology matures and stabilizes, it may once again find its way into political conversations, potentially reshaping the financial landscape in ways yet to be imagined. **Conclusion** Bitcoin's journey through the political arena has been a tale of rapid rise, intense debate, and a quiet exit. However, this is not the end of the story for Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies. As the technology evolves and the world adapts, these digital assets may yet redefine the boundaries between technology, finance, and politics. The quiet exit of Bitcoin from the political stage today may just be the prologue to a more significant role in the future. **FAQs** **Why did Bitcoin become a topic in Canadian politics?** Bitcoin garnered political interest due to its potential as a decentralized financial system, promising autonomy from traditional banking and a hedge against inflation. **Who were some of the political advocates of Bitcoin in Canada?** Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was among the notable political advocates, promoting Bitcoin as a tool for financial empowerment. **What caused Bitcoin to lose its appeal in politics?** Bitcoin's appeal waned due to its market volatility, the steep decline in its value, and shifting political narratives. **How did the government respond to Bitcoin's rise?** The government's response involved discussions on regulation and integration into the financial system, but concrete actions were limited. **What is the future of Bitcoin in politics?** While currently less prominent, the ongoing evolution of cryptocurrency technology may lead to Bitcoin re-entering political discussions in the future. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

Tech stocks have taken a hit globally after China's DeepSeek launched a competitive AI chatbot at a much lower cost than US counterparts. This has stirred market fears of a $1.2 trillion loss across tech companies when trading opens in New York. DeepSeek’s chatbot quickly topped download charts and surprised experts with its capabilities, developed for only $5.6 million. The Nasdaq dropped over 3% in premarket trading, with major firms like Nvidia falling more than 10%. SoftBank also saw losses shortly after investing in a significant US AI venture. Venture capitalist Marc Andreessen called it “AI’s Sputnik moment,” highlighting its potential impact on the industry. ![] (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/business/2025/01/27/TELEMMGLPICT000409807198_17379939060750_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqgsaO8O78rhmZrDxTlQBjdGLvJF5WfpqnBZShRL_tOZw.jpeg)

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

Salwan Momika, a Christian Iraqi known for burning the Koran in Sweden, was shot dead during a TikTok livestream in an apartment in Sodertalje. The 38-year-old sparked outrage in the Muslim community for his demonstrations, leading to global condemnation. After being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead. Authorities arrested five individuals in connection with the incident. Momika's death comes days before a court ruling on his possible incitement of ethnic hatred. The incident highlights the tensions surrounding free speech and religious sentiments, intensifying after his controversial protests in 2023. [Sauce](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14341423/Christian-Iraqi-burnt-Koran-Sweden-shot-dead.html)

@ e262ed3a:e147fbcb

 I got an idea while watching a video from @BTCSessions, which I personally cannot implement technically. Therefore, I would like to present it here for discussion and free implementation. It makes sense to me, but what do I know? Let the swarm intelligence decide. The goal of the business idea is: 1. How can I bring as many solo miners as possible into a pool without them having to pay for the electricity for mining and their mining hardware can be amortized quickly, so they can purchase more mining hardware? 2. How can we financially support Bitcoin and Nostr developers in the long term? 3. How can we intensify developers for the implementation of this idea? 4. How can we encourage non-Bitcoiners to invest in the support of the Bitcoin network? 5. How can we get non-Bitcoin retailers to invest in the Bitcoin network? **The answer is: PROSPECT OF WINNING** **The solution lies in a kind of RAFFLE. (Not a betting website)** The legal difference between a BET and a RAFFLE varies from country to country. It lies in the fact that a raffle must be very transparent regarding the chances of winning and the proceeds must go to a good cause. Those involved in the implementation can, of course, be compensated (also with a profit for the individual participants). The extent to which this is allowed would have to be checked by those who want to implement this idea. In the following, I will describe the implementation roughly. Since this is not a sales presentation, please excuse me if the following proposal is not fully structured. Participants in the idea are: 1. Consumers (ticket buyers) 2. Bitcoin miners 3) Retailers 4) Non-profit company that implement the project **What's it about?** @BTCSessions has a YouTube video about the miner FutureBit. In the dashboard of the solo miner, you could see how high the hash rate was. But above all, you could see how high the chance of winning was for the solo miner in the overall network. In the case of BTCSessions FutureBit, the hash rate was around 5 TerraHash and the chance of winning was around 1:1,000,000. (Which, according to my calculations, was not correct). The power consumption was around 32 watts. When I saw that, it suddenly dawned on me. Could it be possible to create a website/app that determines the total hash rate of a mining pool and then offers an electronic, numbered ticket for each 1 TerraHash (TH/s) of the pool for, for example, 0.1 USD? The minimum purchase amount would be 10 tickets. The customer sees the chance of winning and could even see the possible payout. The ticket is only valid for the next block (similar to roulette). Another variant could be that the buyer can select one or more of the next 10 blocks and purchase tickets for the selected block. Since you don't know in advance how high the pool hash rate will be 5 or 10 blocks ahead, the amount of tickets to be issued for the 2nd block, for example, could only be 90% of the current pool hash rate, the 3rd block only 80%, and so on. If block 3, for example, advances to position 2, the previously unavailable 10% will be released for further tickets. (Determined by the pool hash rate at that time) The purchase of 10 or more tickets could be automated in the customer's account on the website/app (intervals: hourly, daily, weekly, every 10 blocks, etc.). Customers could also top up their account with satoshis, enabling automatic deductions for ticket purchases. This could be facilitated by automatically issuing a Nostr npub to each customer, which would also create a wallet at Primal.net (Strike). For non-Bitcoiners, Zaprite could be used to recharge their account. Alternatively, customers could enter a NostrWalletConnection NWC to enable automatic deductions from their Lightning wallet. The project operators might also consider running their own ecash mint, which would allow them to assign an integrated ecash address to customers without a Lightning address. Tickets with ascending numbers would be allocated strictly in the order of payment receipts. **Calculations for the miners**: The FutureBit miner consumed approximately 30 watts per terahash/hour. Let's assume that 10 terahash consume 300 watts per hour, then the miner consumes 50 watts per 10 minutes (per block). Let's further assume that a kilowatt-hour of electricity costs between 10 and 30 cents, then it costs the miner 3-9 cents per hour for electricity at 10 terahash mining capacity. So, 0.5-1.5 cents per block. In the case that each ticket is sold for 1 terahash for the next block, one could automatically transfer, for example, 5% of the satoshis received from ticket sales to each participating miner in the pool (proportional to the average hash rate delivered by the miner in the last block in the pools). This happens even if the block is not found. If fewer tickets are sold than the maximum possible amount, then the 5% of the sold tickets will be distributed proportionally. (See also my Excel file? **At the center** of the project is a website/app that manages the raffle. Here, anyone can register and create an account. Either as a miner, retailer, or customer with or without KYC, for example, with their own nostr nsec, wallet signature, email and password or phone number and password. Once logged into the account, Bitcoiners can enter their Lightning address and a Bitcoin on-chain address. Non-Bitcoiners enter their financial data in case they win. Miners must enter a Bitcoin and Lightning (or ecash) address. The pooling process is also managed in the miner's account. Tickets can be purchased (like in a regular online shop) and paid for in any way. Zaprite could be a solution here. But also Strike, Cashapp, etc. As described above, such purchases could also be automated. **Retailers can also register as such**. They will then have the opportunity to sell "tickets" to their customers and collect the money in cash. To sell tickets, they must enter the customer's name and a valid email address. After payment, they must send the purchase price via Lightning to the non-profit company, which will then confirm the purchase to the ticket buyer and the retailer with all the data. This is the receipt for the buyer. In the event of a win (the mined block must have 3-6 block confirmations), the ticket buyer will receive an email explaining all the further details of how to claim the prize. This could be a link that takes them directly to the website and logs them in directly. The winner can then enter their data on how and where the money should be paid out (Bitcoin address or bank details). Alternatively, they can go to their retailer, who can assist them by entering the data in their sub-account (customer account). To prevent the retailer from falsifying the data entry, the winner will first receive an email with the entered data, which they can confirm (if correct). Since the retailer is also involved in the win, they will also be notified. **How many tickets** can be offered per round (Bitcoin block)? The number of tickets depends on the hash rate in the pool. One ticket can be issued per 1 TerraHash (TH/s). How the ticket is generated per round and customer, I don't know, as I lack the technical knowledge. Maybe as a kind of NFT that contains the corresponding data (customer number (npub) of the buyer and possibly retailer, block number, ticket number). Or as a Taproot asset on Lightning? Or as a minted ecash coin? Or simply as an entry in a database that the customer can see in their account. The maximum payout of the winnings in the event of a found block to the ticket holders could be 70%. The remaining 30% would be distributed to the miners and retailers. For example: Miners 25%, retailers 5%. The non-profit organization receives nothing from the block rewards. Instead, it receives 65% of the revenue from all ticket sales. With a mining pool hash rate of 10,000 TH/s, where all tickets are sold continuously, a daily donation of around 93,000 USD would be generated. (see Excel.file) The revenue, after deducting the possible costs of the organization, goes directly to @opensats and/or other organizations that support the Bitcoin network after each block. Either via Lightning or Bitcoin on-chain payment. In the attached Excel file, you can find my calculations. Here, anyone can play through different scenarios. What I noticed was that with maximum ticket sales per block, only around 200 USD per 10 tickets would be paid out, since each participating ticket wins in the event of a found block. Since I believe that this is not a very great incentive for buying tickets, I suggest the following variants. **Winning variants**: Each purchased ticket has a running number. Ticket 1 has the number 000.000, ticket 2 has the number 000.001, ticket 10.120 has the number 010.119, and so on. If the next block is found, then this found block in the Bitcoin blockchain has a hash. For example, block 881367 has the hash 000000000000000000014b0fab24355c71c6940584d9cd5990c0b081a31d54a4 Let's now remove the letters and read only the numbers from back to front, so the last 3 numbers are 544 Instead of every participating ticket winning, in this variant, only the tickets with the ending digits 544 win. With, for example, 11,000 tickets sold, the ticket numbers 000.544 / 001.544 / 002.544 ... 010.544 would win. So, 11 ticket participants would win. Each winner with this number would receive around 0.284 Bitcoin (3.125 BTC / 11). One could also let the ticket numbers with the ending digits 44 win, and thus every hundredth ticket. Or even combine it. What I also noticed was that with retailers, a special case arises. Retailers receive 5% of the block rewards in the event of a found block. But only proportionally to the tickets sold by the retailer. This means that in order for the entire 5% to be distributed to the retailers, all 10,000 tickets of 10.000 possible tickets would have to be sold by retailers. Since not all tickets will be sold by retailers, a remaining amount will be left over. This could be distributed additionally to the miners. Or any other variant. I hope the idea finds resonance and invites discussion. Maybe I've made some mistakes in thinking, and the idea is not feasible. But if you like the idea, please forward it to developers, investors, and others you know. Best regards. <span data-type="mention" data-id="e262ed3a22ad8c478b077ef5d7c56b2c3c7a530519ed696ed2e57c65e147fbcb" data-label="nostr:undefined">@nostr:undefined</span> dewe [Excel sheet for download](https://c.gmx.net/@329519820976429649/KJTehgh0SMGliV4HLjMf0g)

@ e31e84c4:77bbabc0

Censorship today has evolved into something far more insidious than its traditional form. No longer limited to overt bans or government blacklists, it now thrives in subtler, more pervasive ways—hidden behind corporate policies, social algorithms, and political pressures. This new form of censorship cloaks itself in the language of promoting online safety, stopping misinformation, and defending democracy, but its effect is no less stifling. Community guidelines of big tech platforms have become the weapon of choice to shape the boundaries of online discourse. In fact, online censorship is now a growing industry that receives funding and support from both [government departments](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/house/3148525/embattled-state-department-office-funding-censorship-groups/) and the [private sector](https://www.poynter.org/fact-checking/2022/google-and-youtube-partner-with-poynters-international-fact-checking-network-on-13-2-million-grant-for-the-global-fact-checking-community/). The National Science Foundation, for example, [awarded](https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/6/national-science-foundation-spent-millions-ai-cens/) over $40 million worth of grants for the development of AI tools "to counter misinformation online" and "advance state-of-the-art misinformation research"—a long-winded way of saying AI-powered censorship tools. As with most evils in this world, centralization is the plank on which censorship rests. The centralized nature of big tech platforms not only gives them access to treasure troves of our personal data, but programs like [PRISM](https://www.aclu.org/news/national-security/nsa-continues-violate-americans-internet-privacy), also give the government backdoor access to it. Just as with central banks, platforms like YouTube and Netflix become choke points that can be squeezed at will to enforce certain narratives. Thankfully, since[ the invention](https://bitcoin.org/bitcoin.pdf) of Bitcoin, we have not only had hard money that cannot be debased by any central bank but, more importantly, the world was bequeathed with a blueprint for building decentralized products and services at scale. For example, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to say that the inspiration behind [Nostr](https://blog.lopp.net/why-nostr-matters/)'s design was Bitcoin, even with the apparent differences in the architectures of the two. A decentralized, censorship-resistant communications protocol was inevitable after the emergence of censorship-resistant money. Bitcoin and Nostr are the foundation of a decentralized creator economy that is not captured by big tech and their advertisers. Despite all these great strides towards pragmatically securing free speech online, the censorship industrial complex still has a chokehold on the film industry. While social media platforms actively suppress information they don't like, the film industry disguises propaganda as entertainment to achieve the same goal. Historically speaking, the arts, especially the film industry, have been a very important and effective tool in shaping public perception and controlling the flow of information. During World War II, the Nazis produced [numerous films](https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/propaganda-movies) that were part of a broader strategy by Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, to manipulate public opinion in favor of the Nazi regime. They were designed to instill loyalty, promote anti-Semitism, and glorify the ideals of the Third Reich. Unfortunately, these tactics were not confined to that period in history and are still in use today. Since 1948, the Pentagon's [Entertainment Liaison Office](https://www.defense.gov/Contact/Help-Center/Article/Article/2762716/dod-production-assistance-for-movies-and-television-productions/) has played a significant role in shaping Hollywood productions, with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) [subsequently establishing](https://www.amazon.com/CIA-Hollywood-Agency-Shapes-Television/dp/0292754361) a similar [office ](https://www.cia.gov/about/organization/public-affairs/#entertainment-inquiries)in 1996. Initially perceived as passive advisors, these agencies have [exerted influence](https://archive.is/zhMbT) by requesting script changes in exchange for access to resources like equipment and filming locations. The Department of Defense (DoD) has[ backed over](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1548084980?tag=theindep0f-20&geniuslink=true) 800 feature films, including major franchises like *Transformers,* *Top Gun, The Terminator*, and *Iron Man*. On the small screen, over 1,100 TV titles like *Army Wives, NCIS, Homeland,* and *Flight 93* have received Pentagon support since 2001. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/92ed93db36028be5054e7eeac98d432bbcb843d56caa07a3621c58c61e436477.jpg"> Journalist David Robb, in his book *Operation Hollywood: How the Pentagon Shapes and Censors the Movies,* [wrote:](https://www.amazon.com/Operation-Hollywood-Pentagon-Shapes-Censors/dp/1591021820) > *"The Pentagon even uses movies and TV shows to target children as future recruits, as it did with two of the most popular kids' TV shows of all time, Lassie and The Mickey Mouse Club. Episodes of both shows were rewritten at the Pentagon's insistence to make the armed forces more attractive to children."* It is undeniably evident that for a very long time, the national security state [has shaped ](https://jeffreynall.substack.com/p/ii-going-to-the-movieswith-the-pentagon)thousands of hours of our viewing experience. The portrayal of war in these productions often paints a sanitized picture that masks the complexities of combat, the ambiguities of victory, and the political machinations behind military actions. Are we seeing the truth of war, or a carefully crafted narrative that serves a larger agenda? Are the horrors of war being normalized as necessary evils to rally public support for future conflicts? One can only wonder. Time would fail me if we had to discuss how this same relationship extends to the news media, as exemplified by [the dismissal](https://youtu.be/ozxzNjRqCiE) of Phil Donahue from MSNBC for having guests on his show who were critical of the Iraq War. Or how Disney spent almost[ $1 billion](https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolinereid/2023/08/04/the-four-flops-of-2023-that-cost-disney-1-billion/) in 2023 on movies that were flops, as a result of their lack of substance due to their woke themes. Let's not even begin to talk about the nearly [$2 billion](https://www.moneydigest.com/1585957/how-much-pharma-tv-ads-spend/) the pharmaceutical industry spent on television ads in the first quarter of 2023 alone. Perhaps that's the going rate for a shot at shaping consumer demand and influencing news coverage of the industry. The larger point is that from both the big screen and the small screen, we are constantly bombarded with propaganda and carefully curated content that not only influences our buying decisions but our worldviews as well. This pervasive influence operates on a deeper level than we might realize, as we tend to perceive the world through cultural lenses pre-defined for us. Those who shape these fundamental worldviews wield immense power, subtly guiding our thoughts and actions. The genius of this influence lies in its invisibility - we often misinterpret these externally crafted ideas for our own independent thoughts. As noted earlier, the film industry's centralized structure has led to a troubling prioritization of political narratives over audience needs and factual accuracy. To disrupt this status quo, a new breed of independent filmmakers and streaming platforms is required. These should embrace political neutrality and leverage emerging technologies like Bitcoin. The latter would be critical in revolutionizing content monetization, thus freeing creators from the grip of studio executives and other political influences that are used to censoring content they dislike. One such platform is [IndeeHub.](https://indeehub.studio/) <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/dcff3b241cbe371a32dfa88eb31184128365c6a92443482271a2d44439151214.jpg"> IndeeHub is a streaming platform that aims to empower independent filmmakers by providing a fair and sustainable ecosystem for content creation and distribution. Not only could this potentially break Hollywood's monopoly, but it is an essential step in the creation of unbiased quality films. Despite launching early last year and still being in beta, the platform was able to score a major win when it was selected as the main streaming partner for the second edition of the [Bitcoin Film Fest](https://x.com/bitcoinfilmfest), which was held in Warsaw in April of this year. IndeeHub's business model redefines film industry economics. By integrating Lightning network payments, it creates a true free market for content creators. Filmmakers earn per second of viewership, with revenue split among anyone on their cap table. Bad content immediately gets punished by lack of views and therefore lower revenue for the filmmaker, with great content being rewarded with more eyeballs and ultimately higher revenue. Just like Nostr, this serves as the perfect yardstick for measuring the reception by audiences of a particular production. This paradigm shift aligns incentives with audience engagement, potentially transforming both artistic creation and consumption. In an interview the Ceo and founder of IndeeHub, [Zack Mahoney](https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackmahoney/?trk=public_post_main-feed-card_reshare-text), when quizzed on where he envisions IndeeHub said; > *“Our goal is to be the best solution for filmmakers from concept to exhibition. I would love to see films not only exhibiting on this platform but beginning their lifecycle here as well. I envision a platform where filmmakers can collaborate, take risks, hone their craft, exhibit their work, and ultimately thrive in this industry.”* <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/bf6842cfcdefc086b8168bc777a70909e634b9235ee7c3711dcd956f7c68b79d.jpg"> While many of the problems of the film industry aren't going to be solved overnight by one platform, IndeeHub is clearly on the right path to become the one-stop shop for financing films as well as collaboration and distribution. It's a truly innovative platform outside the control of the censors and the gatekeepers, beholden only to its mission. Zack went on to emphasize a very important point when he said: > "Storytelling is a cornerstone of the human experience and a fundamental process by which consciousness evolves,"*"Storytelling is a cornerstone of the human experience and a fundamental process by which consciousness evolves,"* a sentiment I concur with wholeheartedly. If those controlling the most influential storytelling medium are shaping society toward a dystopian reality, then what value does freedom money hold in a world where minds remain captive?  Just as Bitcoin is a solution that removed trusted third parties from transactions and created a digital peer-to-peer cash system, IndeeHub also aims to be a solution that creates an alternative to the centralized streaming platforms that are under the thumb of advertisers and government agencies. By integrating the hardest money ever known to man, Bitcoin, it's saving the film industry from collapsing under its own weight while unleashing creativity on an unimaginable scale. It's time to build the world we want to see. *Uncensoring Art was Written By Kudzai Kutukwa. If you enjoyed this article then support his writing, directly, by donating to his lightning wallet: **muggyarch11@walletofsatoshi.com***

@ 5a261a61:2ebd4480

The idea of the **Bean Bag Game** is quite ingenious. I read about it on a BDSM-positive blog. Here’s how it works: 1. **Setup**: - Take a small cloth bag and add **10 white beans** (rewards/pleasure) and **10 black beans** (punishment/discomfort). - When it’s time to play, draw **two beans**: - **First bean** (the *tone*): Determines if the activity will be **pleasant** (white) or **uncomfortable** (black). - **Second bean** (the *task*): Decides whether you get a **reward** (white) or **punishment** (black). --- ### **Combination Interpretations**: - **Black + Black**\ *"No fun, just work."* - Boring/challenging tasks you’d normally postpone: **window cleaning**, **scrubbing bathroom tiles**, **polishing shoes**. - Could also mean **no playtime** (e.g., "Go straight to bed"). Pure duty – no pleasure, only discipline. - **White + Black**\ *"Work with a twist."* - Punishment or chores, but with a *kinky edge*: - Clean the bathroom **wearing a vibrating butt plug**. - Wash dishes **with nipple clamps**; add a clothespin to your body for every minute over the time limit. - Still **no orgasms** – the black bean ensures denial. - **Black + White**\ *"Pleasure with pain (or humiliation)."* - Mix stimulation and discomfort: - Ride a dildo **with weighted nipple clamps**. - Give a "lap dance" to a teddy bear with a strapon. - Chat online as a "perfect plaything" for others **without touching yourself**. - Again, **no orgasms** – the black bean overrules the white. - **White + White**\ *"Lucky draw… but denial is optional."* - Freedom to indulge, though I often choose **self-denial** anyway. Examples: - Edge for 30 minutes, then ask permission to climax (50% chance). - Use toys freely, but end the session frustrated. --- ### **The Dynamic Ratio Twist**: - The starting **10:10 ratio isn’t fixed**. Adjust it based on behavior: - **Good deeds?** Swap a black bean for a white one. - **Mistakes?** Replace a white bean with a black one. - Single beans can also decide smaller stakes, like: - *"Should this edge turn into a ruined orgasm?"* - *"Do I deserve dessert tonight?"* --- ### **Why It Works**: - **Control**: The beans dictate your fate, but you tweak the odds through obedience. - **Flexibility**: Use pairs for major tasks, single beans for quick decisions. - **Psychological tease**: Even "white + white" can mean denial – because *you* choose the rules.

@ 955e5a04:c03b3cc3

Imagine a world where money moves freely, without borders or middlemen telling you what you can or can’t do. That’s the promise of Bitcoin—a digital currency that isn’t controlled by banks or governments. It’s freedom in your pocket. But with great power comes great responsibility. In Putin’s People, Catherine Belton reveals how Russia’s elite, including Rosneft, strategic sectors, insiders and KGB-connected figures, used financial systems to move billions and shape global politics. Now, #Bitcoin offers a new tool that could bypass sanctions designed to hold such regimes accountable. Does this make Bitcoin bad? Not necessarily. It’s a reminder of how innovation can outpace regulation. While some might misuse Bitcoin, it also gives people in oppressed regions a lifeline—a way to protect their savings and avoid corrupt systems. **Can Bitcoin strike a balance between financial freedom and accountability, or is it destined to remain a gray area for both innovation and potential misuse?** Let’s talk!

@ 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/869648

@ 1af54955:31eed960

Persian rugs are much more than just floor coverings—they are timeless pieces of art that bring beauty, warmth, and cultural richness into homes across the globe. Known for their intricate designs, superior craftsmanship, and lasting value, these rugs have been treasured for centuries. Whether you're an interior design enthusiast or a first-time buyer, understanding the advantages of Persian rugs can help you appreciate why they remain a staple in homes and collections worldwide.  **1. Durability and Longevity** One of the standout advantages of Persian rugs is their incredible durability. Hand-knotted with precision and care, these rugs are made from high-quality materials like wool, silk, and cotton. Wool, in particular, is known for its natural resilience, making Persian rugs resistant to wear and tear, even in high-traffic areas. Unlike mass-produced rugs, which can lose their appeal over time, a well-crafted Persian rug can last for generations when properly maintained. In fact, many Persian rugs have survived for hundreds of years, maintaining their beauty and structure. This longevity makes them an excellent investment, as a good-quality Persian rug only grows more valuable with age. Unlike synthetic carpets that may need replacing every few years, a Persian rug, when taken care of, can become a cherished family heirloom.  **2. Unique Artistic Design** Each Persian rug is a masterpiece of artistry. With intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and symbolic designs, these rugs are often compared to fine art because of the level of skill involved in their creation. The designs can vary widely depending on the region of origin, the weaver's personal style, and the materials used. Whether you're drawn to the geometric patterns of Shiraz rugs or the floral motifs of Tabriz, there’s a design to suit every taste. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, Persian rugs also hold cultural significance. The patterns and motifs often have symbolic meanings—representing everything from nature to spiritual beliefs. When you invest in a Persian rug, you're not just buying a piece of decor ; you're embracing centuries of tradition and storytelling woven into every knot.  **3. Value and Investment** Persian rugs are more than just beautiful; they are also an investment. Many high-quality Persian rugs increase in value over time, particularly rare pieces made with exceptional materials or unique designs. Collectors value rugs from specific regions or those that feature intricate craftsmanship, and these pieces can appreciate significantly in value. Buying a Persian rug can be seen as purchasing a valuable asset, especially if you select a rug from a reputable source or a renowned weaving center. Unlike furniture or modern decor, a well-maintained Persian rug can actually become more valuable as it ages, making it a wise long-term investment.  **4. Versatility in Interior Design** One of the most attractive qualities of Persian rugs is their versatility. Whether your home features modern minimalism, classic elegance, or rustic charm, a Persian rug can seamlessly integrate into any design style. Its rich textures and colors can anchor a room, adding warmth and character to any space. From living rooms to bedrooms, from formal dining rooms to cozy corners, Persian rugs can elevate the atmosphere of any room. Their ability to blend with diverse interior aesthetics while maintaining their individuality makes them an enduring choice for homeowners and decorators alike.  **5. Natural Materials and Sustainability** Many Persian rugs are made from natural materials like wool, silk, and cotton, which are not only luxurious but also sustainable. Wool, for instance, is a renewable resource that’s biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers. The natural dyes used in Persian rugs are also derived from plants and minerals, ensuring that these rugs have a minimal environmental footprint.\ Unlike machine made rugs made from synthetic materials that may contribute to microplastics pollution, Persian rugs made from natural fibers are both luxurious and environmentally conscious, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your home while being mindful of sustainability. Unlike machine made rugs made from synthetic materials that may contribute to microplastics pollution, Persian rugs made from natural fibers are both luxurious and environmentally conscious, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of your home while being mindful of sustainability. \ **6. Comfort and Warmth**\ \ In addition to their aesthetic and investment value, Persian rugs offer practical benefits, particularly when it comes to comfort and warmth. The thick pile of a Persian rug provides a soft surface to walk on, making it a delight to touch. Whether you're walking barefoot or sitting on the floor, the plush texture adds comfort to your space.Moreover, Persian rugs act as natural insulators. They help trap warmth, making rooms feel cozier and more comfortable, particularly during colder months. In this way, a Persian rug is not just a decorative addition to your home, but a functional one as well, contributing to your home’s overall comfort and energy efficiency.  **7. Conclusion** Persian rugs are more than just beautiful pieces of floor decor—they’re investments in artistry, culture, and comfort. Their durability, unique designs, and potential for long-term value make them an enduring choice for homeowners looking to add elegance and warmth to their spaces. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, the advantages of Persian rugs are undeniable. If you're considering adding one to your home, take the time to explore the wide range of styles and designs available. A Persian rug could be the centerpiece of your home, offering beauty, comfort, and a piece of history that will last for generations. 

@ db01672e:9f775028

When looking for the right Alzheimer's care home in Rockwall, choosing a facility that provides specialized care, emotional support, and a comfortable environment is crucial. Alzheimer's care homes are designed to cater to the unique needs of individuals dealing with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Selecting the right facility can make a significant difference in ensuring a high quality of life for your loved one. Here are eight essential points to consider when choosing an Alzheimer's care home in Rockwall. ## Specialized Care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alzheimer’s and dementia patients require tailored care that is different from the general senior living options. **[https://villagegreenalzheimerscare.com/rockwall/](https://villagegreenalzheimerscare.com/rockwall/)** that provide dedicated Alzheimer’s care should have a trained team familiar with the complexities of memory loss and cognitive decline. Look for a facility that focuses on the individual needs of each resident, offering personalized care plans that address both physical and emotional well-being. ## Safe and Secure Environment A secure environment is essential for Alzheimer's care homes, as residents may become confused or disoriented and wander. The facility should have secure entrances, exits, and enclosed outdoor areas to keep residents safe. Additionally, the layout should be easy to navigate, with calming and clear signage to reduce confusion. ## Trained and Compassionate Staff The caregivers at an Alzheimer’s care home in Rockwall should be experienced, patient, and compassionate. The quality of staff and their training is paramount. Caregivers who understand the behavior and communication challenges of those with Alzheimer’s can help reduce frustration and create a calming atmosphere. Staff should also have training in first aid, CPR, and handling medical emergencies specific to Alzheimer’s and dementia. ## Person-Centered Care Approach An ideal Alzheimer’s care home will adopt a person-centered approach to care. This method emphasizes respecting the individual’s preferences, life history, and unique needs A good Alzheimer’s care facility will encourage residents to maintain independence, creating a balance between support and autonomy. ## Engaging and Stimulating Activities Look for a facility that offers a variety of activities designed to engage the mind and body. Alzheimer’s patients benefit from daily activities that promote cognitive stimulation, such as music therapy, art, and memory exercises. Many assisted living facilities in Rockwall, TX, also offer physical exercises to help mobility and overall health. These tailored activities should reflect residents’ interests and provide comfort and joy. ## Comfortable and Homelike Environment The atmosphere of an Alzheimer’s care home should be warm and inviting, like home. This homelike environment can help residents feel secure and at ease. The facility should offer comfortable common areas, family-style dining, and private rooms or suites where residents can retreat. Calming colors, familiar furnishings, and soothing lighting can also help reduce anxiety and agitation. ## Quality Nutrition and Meal Options Nutrition plays a vital role in the health of individuals with Alzheimer’s. A memory care facility should provide meals that are not only nutritious but also cater to residents' preferences. Facilities that offer family-style dining often help create a sense of community and comfort during mealtime. Special diets or modified meals should also be available to accommodate residents' medical or dietary needs. ## Physical and Mental Health Services Assisted living facilities in Rockwall, TX, that offer Alzheimer's care should provide access to various healthcare services, including regular medical checkups and specialized care for related health issues. The facility should partner with doctors, nurses, and therapists who can offer on-site care, ensuring that residents receive the medical attention they need without leaving the facility. ### The End Note Selecting an **[Alzheimer’s care home](https://villagegreenalzheimerscare.com/)** in Rockwall involves careful consideration of several factors that will impact the quality of life of your loved one. From specialized care to a nurturing environment, finding a facility that balances medical needs with emotional support is essential. By focusing on these points, you can make an informed decision to ensure peace of mind for the resident and their family.

@ 7cb5fba1:4ea55c0e

---  #### **Samira parties with customers at a brothel. She was married at 12, trafficked to a brothel two weeks later.** ###### ---  #### **A madam counts money in a brothel** ###### ---   #### **Mia, 15, sits with her new 27-year-old groom during their wedding. ‘My family has been saving for my wedding for a very long time. I am a girl, so they always knew they would need to give me away.' Five or six months ago, her parents found Mia a groom, a 27-year-old man who works in a garment factory. 'I am nervous,' Mia says, quietly. 'I think I will miss my family'** ###### ---  #### **Yasmin waits for customers** ###### ---  #### **A girl shows her self harm scars** ###### ---  #### **Women wait for customers** ###### ---  #### **Habiba waits for customers. The 14-year-old has been in a brothel for three years** ###### ---  #### **‘I ran away from my husband after seven days. He was only about 15 or 16, but he raped me so violently that one morning, when I knew he was asleep, I slipped out of the house as quietly as I could, and ran,’ Samira says. ‘I ran back to my house, but I was too frightened to go inside because I was covered in blood and bruises. My mum died when I was 11, so my brother and sister had arranged the marriage because they could not afford to look after me any more, and I knew leaving my husband would make them angry. So I asked a rickshaw driver to take me across (the town) to my friend’s house, but he told me I should be ashamed of myself, and dropped me off at the brothel instead’** ###### ---  #### **A customer enters Yasmin’s room** ###### ---  #### **A police officer stops to speak to a woman outside a brothel** ###### ---  #### **A customer fights with girls at a brothel** ###### ---

@ 0fc8ad97:e53d101e

This is an initial idea that came to me after talking to elderly people and reflecting on elder care. They are always put on the back burner when they should be at the forefront during this stage of life. The problem is that when we grow old or fall ill, we often end up alone and without proper care. The fiat system lacks incentives: money loses value over time, permits and support are canceled, and caregivers become disincentivized. As a result, the elderly or sick are often abandoned or exploited. Incentives are absolutely essential, and although we all love our loved ones, incentives are key. Without them, the world doesn’t move. I propose a system based on Bitcoin, where caregivers, family members, and professionals depend on the well-being of the elderly or sick person to access funds, using multisig and conditional payments. This way, instead of being forgotten, we would be protected and accompanied. I haven’t delved into the technical details, but I believe this issue is fundamental. What do you think? How can we improve this idea? #Bitcoin #Nostr #DignifiedCare #Multisig #FiatSystem #Freedom

@ 0fa80bd3:ea7325de

**"Degeneration"** or **"Вырождение"** ![[photo_2025-01-29 23.23.15.jpeg]] A once-functional object, now eroded by time and human intervention, stripped of its original purpose. Layers of presence accumulate—marks, alterations, traces of intent—until the very essence is obscured. Restoration is paradoxical: to reclaim, one must erase. Yet erasure is an impossibility, for to remove these imprints is to deny the existence of those who shaped them. The work stands as a meditation on entropy, memory, and the irreversible dialogue between creation and decay.

@ df478568:2a951e67

# Shilling Shopstr  I have created a merch store on [Shopstr.store](https://shopstr.store/marketplace). It's like a Facebook marketplace or Etsy on the [nostr protocol](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nostr). It is free and open-source software, not a corporation. Sellers can sell goods and services for bitcoin using the privacy-preserving [cashu protocol]( https://cashu.space/). I set my store up a few weeks ago, but didn't have any idea as to WTF I could sell. I shoved it further down my ToDo list until I was inspired by [Cyan Banister](https://fountain.fm/episode/UOpZ1IfUl98Qz4jDORi2). She went from a homeless teenager/high school dropout to a VC who made a bunch of money as an early investor in SpaceX. I highly recommend listening to as many of her guest appearances on podcasts as you can. She said she learned about capitalism by selling surplus pecans her grandparents sent her. She tried selling pecans for $7.00. If nobody bought them, she would lower the price to $6.00. That sparked an idea in my brain like a firecracker on the 4th of July. What if I sold cashews for cashu? ## Cashews 4 Cashu I bought some organic, whole cashews and roasted them with 3 ingredients: Beef Tallow(bitcoin nerds don't like seed oils) Salt Garlic powder.  I packaged them in one-ounce servings using a FoodSaver vacuum sealer. Then, I wrote the block height from when I took them out of the oven and put them on sale for $7.00. I also know bitcoiners love "sats back." I know a lot of dudes who use the Fold card to earn as many sats back as they can. I decided to do the same thing by offering 10% cashu back. I will take 10% of the total and create an ecash voucher. For example, if someone buys my nuts for 7,000 sats, I will send my nuts(pun intended) with a QR code they can scan with an ecash wallet like [minibits](https://github.com/minibits-cash/minibits_wallet) for 700 sats back. **It's paper money that is backed by bitcoin.** Since this is very new, I figure some folks might need help so I added a link to my Zendesk-esque ticketing system. I run Peppermint on a Docker container on my PopOS! desktop. I don't know what ZenDesk costs, but this is a great alternative for a micro-business. I don't expect to disrupt the online cashew market. **My goal is to gain help desk experience to get a better job**. If I can make some extra sats on the side, that would be awesome! Want to try my cashews for cashu? Check out my merch store and buy some for yourself. ☮️npub1marc26z8nh3xkj5rcx7ufkatvx6ueqhp5vfw9v5teq26z254renshtf3g0 [881,431](https://mempool.marc26z.com/block/000000000000000000027ade0e16eb38ca276883e8d4a76f2e8bc26c5637de7c) [Shop My Merch Store](nostr:npub1marc26z8nh3xkj5rcx7ufkatvx6ueqhp5vfw9v5teq26z254renshtf3g)

@ 8760f3a0:f7ee5cb3

Do the last five years really matter? People were killed by government-pushed medical interventions, grandparents were banned from seeing grandchildren, businesses were closed never to open again, educational years were lost and the socialisation of a generation of children destroyed, people were arrested, people were made suspicious of people. You know the list of horrors, you were there and lived through it. But why does it all matter to us? And why do some of those who defend all the measures do so, so vehemently? How do they make their twisted appeal to convince us it was all for the good? There are a lot of people who don’t think it does matter.Do the last four years really matter? People were killed by government-pushed medical interventions, grandparents were banned from seeing grandchildren, businesses were closed never to open again, educational years were lost and the socialisation of a generation of children destroyed, people were arrested, people were made suspicious of people. You know the list of horrors, you were there and lived through it. But why does it all matter to us? And why do some of those who defend all the measures do so, *so* vehemently? How do they make their twisted appeal to convince us it was all for the good? There are a lot of people who don’t think it does matter. Why does it matter? Because of what is always at stake. Truth, goodness and beauty is short hand for describing what matters. It’s a way of pointing to the non-negotiables of life that were (and continue to be) violated. These aren't abstract concepts. Truth, goodness and beauty are real concrete things we deal with all the time. They are more real and more consistent than you or me. We can easily drift from the truth into delusions, we can dull our ability to see beauty and promote it, our moral score cards never balance out the good and evil that we have done. And yet, truth, goodness and beauty remain concrete standards and ongoing concerns in our lives. These are the things that were offended by the Covid conspiracy. We need to be able to articulate, to ourselves and the powers over us, what is always at stake. ## **TGB and Common Sense** We all have an innate concern with truth , goodness and beauty. We are concerned with facts because truth matters to us. We don’t like being sold something that doesn't turn out to be as advertised. Truth matters to us because we are also concerned with the good, with life flourishing as it should. Facts matter morally. We know these things to be true. They are built into us. We think it terms of truth, goodness and beauty (the flourishing of our human nature) and react in those terms when things go wrong. For instance, as I write, the news today is filled with the story of infected blood transfusions. It turns out that health care professionals knew about it (again!). The victims want the truth and justice. People want the freedom and power to access restorative treatment to attempt, where possible, to get their lives back on track and regain what they have lost. What of beauty? We find joy in things being restored and people and nature achieving their full, given, potential — things that become what they are meant to be are beautiful. When things and people are allowed to develop according to their given natures then truth and goodness are upheld and beauty is displayed. This is why there is a deep connection between beauty and health, fulfilment, joy and happiness. Beauty is the display of truth and goodness through the flourishing of given natures. Truth, goodness, beauty and freedom belong together — including freedom of speech. If you pick up truth you find goodness, beauty and freedom hanging from it. They are tied together like a ball of Christmas tree lights. ## A Classical View of Given Natures and Freedom I am, unapologetically, taking a classical approach to the being and nature of things and people. Natures are given realties. Things flourish as they fulfil their potential in accordance with their given natures. For humans this includes freedom to have a family, do a days work and attend worship. Acorns fulfil their potential when they grow in to big old oak trees. An acorn can’t become a larch, it’s not in its nature. An Acorn has no potential to grow into something else. On this classical view, freedom refers to unhindered development of potential in accordance with our given nature. Tyranny always violates nature and the actualisation of given potentials that are inherent in the nature of things and people. Boys can’t flourish by ‘becoming’ women. Puberty blockers and surgery attempt to force development against a child’s given nature. Trans ideology is not about freedom and fulfilment. It is an agenda that denies the natural processes of personal actualisation — this is the real philosophical, moral and metaphysical weight behind the phrase ‘its not natural’. The rise of a deeply subjectivist view of reality and being (I am what I think I am) and the denial of given natures is the doorway to tyranny. A proper grasp of the true, good and beautiful connects us to the basic givenness of nature. That is why — although it’s out of fashion to use these terms — the sense that something isn’t natural and so must be morally wrong or odd, is a good built-in moral compass. ## The Problems of Memory and Evil There are two important contextual realities which mean we will always have a fight on our hands to make truth, goodness and beauty foundational to our thinking and life together in society: 1) the problem of societal memory loss and 2) the parasitical nature of evil. ### Memory loss Truth, goodness and beauty — and also the necessary condition of freedom for fulfilling our potential —are not a construct of our personal perspectives. They are not social constructions or figments of our imagination. They exist above and beyond us. They were here before we showed up in this world, and they will still be here after you and I have gone. We are thrown into them at conception and birth. We receive them as integral to our being, the fabric of reality and to our physical, moral and intellectual progress in the world. We don’t understand them when we first arrive. We need to be trained in living in line with them, in ways developed by our forefathers. In other words, because truth, goodness and beauty transcend us, human society has to have a memory or custodian function. This is captured in the fifth commandment, “honour your mother and father”. Societies that break the intergenerational connection prevent the solutions of the past, for living together, from being transmitted. Every generation attempts some level of wilful forgetfulness. Every revolution has included some form of memory holing of the past. A true grasp of life according to the true, the good, and the beautiful requires a custodian’s mindset. ### Evil The true, the good and the beautiful are encountered in real life. They are found in people, events and objects. Ultimately they are personal attributes of God that are displayed in creation. However, people and events don’t consistently display truth, goodness and beauty. Lies, evil and ugliness, the thorns in the garden, grow up among us. They are parasitical on the true, the good and the beautiful. Parasites feed off of their host and add nothing to it. Lies, moral corruption and ugliness are negations of the good, the true and the beautiful, but often appeal to us in the disguise of alternative ways to achieve truth, goodness and beauty. “They called evil good’ and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). The source of the parasitical inversion of truth, goodness and beauty is the human soul. This means societies must always have a justice function, a way of reasserting the true, the good, and the beautiful. ## Why the Covid Horrors Matter You don’t need to be a Christian to know the value of the true, good and beautiful, or, the need to be a custodian and the constant problem of human corruption. Societies flourish when some form of law, that is grounded in truth, goodness and beauty, (which entails protection of life, property and freedoms), is in operation, and where the next generation are trained to become part of society. The Christian tradition calls this natural law. We might also refer to it as a built-in conscience or common sense. As humans, we often sabotage this sense, but it is there, and always, eventually, reasserts itself. We can’t undo the fabric of reality which is built on truth, goodness and beauty, however hard we try. The Covid regime — planned above national government levels and implemented across the world in lock step and with startling rapidity — was an assault on natural law, truth, goodness and beauty. The Covid regime was built on lies, moral corruption and the destruction of all that is beautiful: the freedom of humanity to grow, celebrate family, work and worship, and do the work of passing on knowledge through education etc. It was all about curtail freedoms, denying life and the enforced regression of human flourishing. It was driven by people who see humanity as a blight on the earth that needs killing like weeds. If you want to know why it all mattered, if it has all becoming a distant memory, the simple idea of truth, goodness and beauty — as a short hand for natural law — tells you, in concrete terms, why it matters and why we must not forget. Truth, goodness and beauty is the summary of the code that is built into all of us, that stands ready at hand. It is the common ground where we can all meet, whatever our religion or belief, and stand against tyranny. We need to make promoting Truth, Goodness and Beauty a live project where ever we can 1. It is a solid place to take a stand together. This requires exploration, articulation, defence, remembrance, celebration etc., of all that TGB stands for. These ideas must be actively deployed through out-loud ethical thinking, to call out the false, the bad and the ugly. It needs positive promotion to remind us of what is at stake if we hand over human flourishing and civil society to agendas that are parasitical perversions of the true, the good and beautiful. I know some energetic and very capable people who are working hard on how to do this. Ta ta for now, Jonny

@ 16d11430:61640947

Throughout history, centralized power structures have been sustained by fiat money—currency decreed valuable by authorities rather than by free-market consensus. This system enables inefficiencies, corruption, and the illusion that "saviors"—be they governments, corporations, venture capitalists, or ideological figureheads—can solve society’s biggest problems through top-down control. As Bitcoin and other decentralized systems challenge fiat hegemony, we are witnessing the slow but inevitable demise of savior-led development. Without the ability to artificially manipulate markets, fund pet projects, and sustain inefficiencies, savior-led models of innovation will collapse under their own weight. This is not just a change in how money works; it’s a fundamental shift in how humanity organizes itself around problem-solving. Savior-Led Development: A Broken Model Savior-led development—where a single entity or leader dictates solutions and secures funding through force, reputation, or fiat-based incentives—is neither sustainable nor safe. It relies on: Artificial capital allocation (often through subsidies, venture capital, or government funding) Charismatic leadership over market validation Ideological gatekeeping that blocks open competition Top-down mandates that ignore emergent, organic solutions This model has persisted largely because fiat money allows for reckless spending, unsustainable growth, and insulation from market reality. Whether it’s a government launching billion-dollar initiatives with no accountability, or a tech billionaire promising to solve global problems through their "vision," fiat makes it possible to create and sustain savior figures who are detached from actual demand and utility. Fiat: The Lifeline of False Saviors Fiat enables saviors in three key ways: 1. Artificial Funding Pools Create Illusions of Sustainability Governments, central banks, and venture capital firms inject capital into projects not based on true market need but on perceived political, ideological, or speculative value. This allows savior figures to persist far beyond what free-market dynamics would allow. Examples include: Government-funded "solutions" that do not work (failed public infrastructure, ineffective climate policies, military-industrial corruption). Tech unicorns surviving on venture capital for years with no profit model. Philanthropic saviors whose initiatives persist because of continuous fiat injections rather than real economic demand. 2. Moral Hazard and Risk Misallocation With fiat’s ability to print money and bail out failures, saviors are never held accountable for their mistakes. They can: Overpromise and underdeliver without consequence. Use moral rhetoric to justify continued funding despite repeated failures. Transfer risk to the public (via taxes, inflation, or manipulated financial markets) while keeping profits private. 3. Illusion of Control and Centralized "Problem Solving" Fiat-backed saviors claim to provide order, but in reality, they suppress emergent solutions by monopolizing resources. Consider: Big pharma controlling medical innovation via regulatory capture. Central banks dictating economic policy rather than allowing free-market price discovery. "Tech saviors" deciding the trajectory of AI, privacy, and human freedom without consent from those affected. Bitcoin: The Market Reasserts Control Bitcoin and decentralized systems remove the foundation on which savior-led development stands. Without the ability to print money, capital must be allocated efficiently. This enforces: Market-driven innovation: Projects must prove their worth through real-world adoption. Decentralized funding: Crowdfunding, microtransactions, and circular economies replace VCs and government grants. Accountability through scarcity: With no ability to print bailouts, failures face consequences, and only viable solutions survive. This shift restores economic agency to individuals and communities rather than concentrating it in the hands of self-proclaimed saviors. Why Savior-Led Development is Unsafe for Humans Savior-led models are not just unsustainable; they actively create harm in the long run: 1. Concentration of Power Leads to Corruption Every centralized savior system—from government-run economies to top-down tech initiatives—eventually prioritizes self-preservation over public good. The lack of market accountability breeds inefficiency, censorship, and control. 2. Dependency Weakens Society Savior-led solutions discourage individual initiative and local problem-solving. When people rely on a centralized authority to "fix things," they become disempowered and vulnerable. In contrast, free-market incentives encourage individuals to develop robust, decentralized solutions. 3. Failure Without Consequence Leads to Repeated Mistakes Under fiat, failure is often rewarded with more funding (bailouts, grants, subsidies). In a market-driven system, failure results in reallocation of resources to more effective solutions. Without fiat, there is no infinite runway for failed ideas, forcing efficiency. Conclusion: The Free Market is the Only True Savior The end of fiat doesn’t just mean the end of central banking; it means the end of artificial control over human progress. Market-driven innovation is the only sustainable and safe path forward. Projects that succeed will do so not because of ideological narratives or fiat-funded saviors, but because they solve real problems and provide real value. Bitcoin enforces this reality by ensuring that capital allocation is tied to verifiable scarcity and free-market dynamics. As the fiat world collapses under its own inefficiencies, those still looking for saviors will find themselves stranded. The future belongs to those who recognize that no single entity or ideology can dictate progress—the free market, with its decentralized intelligence, will always find the best path forward.

@ 1f3ce62e:6e6b5d83

As part of YellowSeeds Creative Coaching and Consulting Services, one of our Seed Service is **Impactful Leadership**. Or what I like to call them **Rainbow Leaders**. Every Services @YellowSeeds has a seed that started growing long time ago. This is the story about this one… When I faced the challenge of taking a leadership role 10 yrs ago, I had the following questions in front of me: 🌱 How can I work out my perfectionism? I am remembered telling someone, “I don’t want to be a pain for anyone, as I did with my self always looking to be perfect” 🌱 How can I fully delegate? 🌱 How can I tune the message for each person? I learned by doing and by taking each challenging situation as "a master Yoda" who brought something to change. I had several masters during my first years, they all were part of my first teams. With patience, practice and not **taking anything as personal**, I started to develop what I called colors today. These are the leadership aspects I learned and they are all related to the colors. There is a **miss conception about leadership roles**. In my career, I have seen a lot of cases where a promotion to “Manager” was a way of “awarding someone” or looking for “social status”. That easily and in just a few months become a disappointment for the person being promoted and their team. One of the main lessons when you take a leadership role is to observe yourself a lot and be willing to change your behaviors. Most people take a leadership role and keep behaving like a team member. A leadership role requires a change in our way of thinking, speaking, doing and connecting with others. **If you are not willing to change yourself, a lot, a leadership role might not be for you.** **If your most deeply passion is not supporting others to grow, a leadership role might get you far away from your real passion.** **If you are not willing to work out your Ego, a leadership role might be a waste of time for you.** 🌱❤️ The first color I learned from was **RED**. The RED Leader inside you starts to develop when you understand that the main task you have as a leader are not associated with deliverables, your main task is connecting. You don’t do, you **connect** and **motivate**. RED color invites you to **remove fear of making mistakes** and transform them in lessons learned. You **inspire** your team **specially in those challenging moments**. RED is the first color you choose as a Leader, when you step in into the role, not because a social/professional status, but for your real passion to help others to grow. \ 🌱🧡 The second color, like in the rainbow, is ORANGE. As I said previously, connecting is your main deliverable, your main responsibility as a Leader. You start developing the ORANGE color, when you understand that **connecting people** and **ideas is part of your role**. If you are **passionate about helping others to grow**, you are going to inspire creativity and motivation in your interactions, because that is what someone does when they do what they love. ORANGE Leaders get the teams out of they comfort zones. 🌱💛 The third color, I learned from was YELLOW. As a YELLOW Leader you don’t keep anything for you, you naturally share what you know. YELLOW Leaders look for brighter team members than themselves, they feel comfortable being the one with less knowledge in the room and **promote the inner wisdom of their team** in making decisions (they don’t have to be part of all of them). If the team depends on you for all the decisions, you are creating a dependable team and that is a sign of insecurity and keeping control. YELLOW leaders have a self-secure personalities. Another important aspect of being YELLOW as a Leader is your capability of **creating a positive environment**. Those positive teams are usually a sign of a YELLOW leader around. 🌱💗 The fourth color and the most important one as a leader is PINK. I will write a whole post about leadership emotional intelligence, but this is the most critical skill or color to develop as a leader. In order **to be able to connect with your team members’ emotions, you gotta feel comfortable connecting with your own emotions first**. You can’t do to others what you can’t do for yourself. This is the most challenging aspect leaders are experiencing today, it is hard for them to support the teams emotionally. Work used to be separated from our personal life, we were not used to show emotions at work. But with recent changes, that is one of those aspects we should be willing to observe and change. As a PINK Leader, when **you connect with people’s emotions there is a bond between both which is hard to break**. You can easily observe your emotional connection with your leader or team under a hard personal or professional situation. Those are the signs of how emotionally connected are you. **PINK Leaders bring mind and heart at work in a balanced equilibrium**. \ 🌱💚 The fifth color I learned from was GREEN. Some aspects of this color are related to leadership, like bringing **harmony**, **inspiring purpose** and motivate the team to **bring ideas into practical implementations**. Harmony in your team is important. It is part of the work environment you create as a leader. If you want to observe your team harmony, review how is the work & life balance of your team members. There is no harmony when people work a lot, non stop “back to back meetings” or when they don’t take all their vacations time. Inspiring purpose in your team members is helping them to identify what is their real purpose in life. Sometimes you might need to help them observe what they want to be doing, their purpose might be somewhere else and you might need to let them fly. If your team members has a real common purpose, they will convey a purposefully team. Being **practical save a lot of time and effort**. Inspiring that aspect in your team will help to be efficient with your most important assets, time and team’s energy. \ 🌱💧 The sixth color I learned a lot was SKY BLUE. Communication is one of the most frequent things you do everyday. **Communication is an art,** so it takes a continuously humble practice. The SKY BLUE leader inside you will inspire you to get your communication as transparent as possible. Communication is like water, **how healthy is the water your team is drinking?** 🌱💙 The seventh color I learned a lot was BLUE. BLUE Leaders has **an eye in the future**, while the team work in the present. This is an exercise you gotta do at the very beginning when you start in a leadership position. As team members we are used to work in the present moment, the present task, the transactional day, week, or month. But someone gotta be looking for next year, the next problem to solve, the next service. That is the BLUE leader. \ 🌱💜 The last color and most relevant one is VIOLET. As I said at the beginning, if you want to be a leader you gotta be VIOLET. You gotta be **willing to change yourself and drive change and transformation in your teams**. The VIOLET Leader inspires the change agent you have inside. If change doesn’t inspire you, a leadership role might not be the right fit for you. Leadership is all about constant change. As you can reflect, a lot of those colorful talents you are invited to develop as a leader. They are as well valuable in your personal life. **Most of the talents I learned as a leader, were useful in my person life and relationships**. You don’t have to have all the colors to be a Leader, you might start with a few and be willing to be always evolving as a **RAINBOW Leader, an impactful one**. That is a life long challenge. Stay colorful! Laus 🌱 🤍💜💙💧💚💗💛🧡❤️

@ 9f3eba58:fa185499

Humanity as a whole has been degrading over the years, with average IQ decreasing, bone structures generally becoming poorly formed and fragile, average height decreasing, hormone levels ridiculously low and having various metabolic and mental illnesses becoming “normal”. “*By 2024, more than 800 million adults were living with diabetes, representing a more than fourfold increase since 1990*” “\*\**1 in 3 people suffer from insulin resistance and can cause depression*” (\*\*https://olhardigital.com.br/2021/09/24/medicina-e-saude/1-em-cada-3-pessoas-sofre-de-resistencia-a-insulina-e-pode-causar-depressao/) “*More than 1.3 billion people will have diabetes in the world by 2050*” (https://veja.abril.com.br/saude/mais-de-13-bilhao-de-pessoas-terao-diabetes-no-mundo-ate-2050) “*A new study released by Lancet, with data from 2022, shows that more than a billion people live with obesity in the world*” (https://www.paho.org/pt/noticias/1-3-2024-uma-em-cada-oito-pessoas-no-mundo-vive-com-obesidade) All this due to a single factor: diet. I’m not referring to a diet full of processed foods, as this has already been proven to destroy the health of those who eat it. I’m referring to the modern diet, with carbohydrates (from any source, even from fruit) being the main macronutrient, little animal protein and practically no saturated fat of animal origin. This diet implementation has been systematically occurring for decades. Sugar conglomerates seeking profits? Government institutions (after all, they need voters to be stupid and vote for them), evil spiritual interference wanting to destroy or distort their path? I don’t know, I’ll leave the conspiracy theories to you! The modern diet or diet is extremely inflammatory, and inflammation over a long period of time leads to autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and Hashimoto’s. Absolutely any food in the plant kingdom will harm you, no matter how asymptomatic it may be. Plants are living beings and do not want to die and be eaten. To defend themselves from this, they did not evolve legs like animals. They specifically developed chemical mechanisms such as *oxalates, phytoalexins, glucosinolates, polyphenols, antinutrients* and many others that act to repel anything that wants to eat them, being fatal (as in the case of mushrooms), causing discomfort and the animal or insect discovering that the plant is not edible, releasing unpleasant smells or, in many cases, a combination of these factors. Not to mention genetically modified foods (almost the entire plant kingdom is genetically modified) that work as a steroid for the plants' defenses. - Lack of focus - Poor decision-making - Difficulty in establishing and maintaining relationships - Difficulty getting pregnant and difficult pregnancy - Low testosterone (medical reference values ​​are low) - Alzheimer's - Diabetes - Dementia - Chances of developing autism when mothers do not eat meat and fat properly during pregnancy - Worsening of the degree of autism when the child does not eat meat and fat (food selectivity) - Insomnia and other sleep problems - Lack of energy - Poorly formed and fragile bone structure - Lack of willpower - Depression - ADHD Not having full physical and mental capacity harms you in many different ways, these are just a few examples that not only directly impact one person but everyone else around them. Fortunately, there is an alternative to break out of this cycle of destruction, ***Carnivore Diet***. I am not here to recommend a diet, eating plan or cure for your health problems, nor can I do so, as I am not a doctor (most doctors don't even know where the pancreas is, a mechanic is more useful in your life than a doctor, but that is a topic for another text.). I came to present you with logic and facts in a very simplified way, from there you can do your own research and decide what is best for you. --- ## Defining the carnivore diet Simply put, the carnivore diet is an elimination diet, where carbohydrates (including fruits), vegetable fats (soy, canola, cotton, peanuts, etc.), processed products and any type of plant, be it spices or teas, are completely removed. ### What is allowed on the carnivore diet? - Animal protein - Beef, preferably fatty cuts (including offal, liver, heart, kidneys, these cuts have more vitamins than anything else in the world) - Lamb - Eggs - Fish and seafood - Animal fat - Butter - Beef fat and tallow - Salt - No... salt does not cause high blood pressure. (explained later about salt and high consumption of saturated fats) From now on I will list some facts that disprove the false accusations made against \*\*eating exclusively meat and fat. # “Human beings are omnivores” *“Our ancestors were gatherers and hunters*" To determine the proportion of animal foods in our ancestors’ diets, we can look at the amount of δ15 nitrogen in their fossils. By looking at levels of this isotope, researchers can infer where animals reside in the food chain, identifying their protein sources. Herbivores typically have δ15N levels of 3–7 percent, carnivores show levels of 6–12 percent, and omnivores exhibit levels in between. When samples from Neanderthals and early modern humans were analyzed, they showed levels of 12 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively, even higher than those of other known carnivores, such as hyenas and wolves. And from an energy efficiency standpoint, hunting large animals makes the most sense. Gathering plants and chasing small animals provides far fewer calories and nutrients relative to the energy invested. In more recently studied indigenous peoples, we have observed a similar pattern that clearly indicates a preference for animal foods over plant foods. For example, in Vilhjalmur Stefansson’s studies of the Eskimos. *“…fat, not protein, seemed to play a very important role in hunters’ decisions about which animals (male or female) to kill and which body parts to discard or carry away.”* Why were our ancestors and more recent indigenous peoples so interested in finding fat? At a very basic level, it was probably about calories. By weight, fat provides more than twice as many calories as protein or carbohydrates. Furthermore, human metabolism makes fat an exceptionally valuable and necessary food. If we think of ourselves as automobiles that need fuel for our metabolic engines, we should not put protein in our gas tank. For best results, our metabolic engine runs most efficiently on fat or carbohydrates. Eating animal foods has been a vital part of our evolution since the beginning. Katherine Milton, a researcher at UC Berkeley, came to the same conclusion in her paper “The Critical Role Played by Animal Source Foods in Human Evolution,” which states: “Without routine access to animal-source foods, it is highly unlikely that evolving humans could have achieved their unusually large and complex brains while simultaneously continuing their evolutionary trajectory as large, active, and highly social primates. As human evolution progressed, young children in particular, with their rapidly expanding large brains and higher metabolic and nutritional demands relative to adults, would have benefited from concentrated, high-quality foods such as meat." - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14672286/ Skeletons from Greece and Turkey reveal that 12,000 years ago, the average height of hunter-gatherers was five feet, nine inches for men and five feet, five inches for women. But with the adoption of agriculture, adult height plummeted—ending any hope these poor herders had of dunking a basketball or playing competitive volleyball, if such sports had existed at the time. By 3000 B.C., men in this region of the world were only five feet, three inches tall, and women were five feet, reflecting a massive decline in their overall nutritional status. Many studies in diverse populations show a strong correlation between adult height and nutritional quality. A study analyzing male height in 105 countries came to the following conclusion: “In taller nations…consumption of plant proteins declines sharply at the expense of animal proteins, especially those from dairy products. Its highest consumption rates can be found in Northern and Central Europe, with the global peak in male height in the Netherlands (184 cm).” In addition to the decline in height, there is also evidence that Native Americans buried at Dickson Mounds suffered from increased bacterial infections. These infections leave scars on the outer surface of the bone, known as the periosteum, with the tibia being especially susceptible to such damage due to its limited blood flow. Examination of tibias from skeletons found in the mounds shows that after agriculture, the number of such periosteal lesions increased threefold, with a staggering eighty-four percent of bones from this period demonstrating this pathology. The lesions also tended to be more severe and to appear earlier in life in the bones of post-agricultural peoples. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1747-0080.2007.00194.x https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10702160/ # Cholesterol Many “doctors” say that consuming saturated fat is harmful to your health, “your veins and arteries will clog with excess fat” “you will have a heart attack if you consume a lot of fat" and many other nonsense, and in exchange recommends that you replace fatty cuts of meat with lean meat and do everything with vegetable oil that causes cancer and makes men effeminate. Your brain is basically composed of fat and water, your neurons are made and repaired with fat, your cells, the basic unit of life, are composed of fat and protein, many of your hormones, especially sexual ones, are made from fat, there is no logical reason not to consume saturated fat other than several false "scientific articles". "The power plant of the cell is the mitochondria, which converts what we eat into energy. Ketones are an energy source derived from fat. Mitochondria prefer fat as energy (ketones) because transforming ketones into energy costs the mitochondria half the effort of using sugar (glucose) for energy." - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28178565/ "With the help of saturated fats, calcium is properly stored in our bones. The interaction between calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone regulates calcium levels in the body. When there are calcium imbalances in the blood, our bones release calcium into the blood to find homeostasis." - https://www.healthpedian.org/the-role-of-calcium-in-the-human-body/ "The body needs cholesterol to support muscle repair and other cellular functions. This is why when there is cardiovascular disease, we see increased amounts of cholesterol in the area. Cholesterol is not there causing the problem, but the boat carrying fat was docked there for cholesterol and other nutrients to help fight the problem. Plaque is the body's attempt to deal with injury within the blood vessels." - *National Library of Medicine, “Cholesterol,” 2019* "Initially, the Plaque helps blood vessels stay strong and helps the vessels maintain their shape. But with the perpetual cycle of uncontrolled inflammation and leftover debris from cellular repair (cholesterol), over time plaque begins to grow and harden, reducing blood flow and oxygen to the heart. Both inflammation and repair require copious amounts of cholesterol and fats. So the body keeps sending these fatty substances to the site of the plaque — until either repair wins (plaque becomes sclerotic scars in the heart muscle, causing heart failure) or inflammation wins (atherosclerotic heart attack)" - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21250192/ Inflammation in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21250192/ "Study finds that eating refined carbohydrates led to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity" - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5793267/ # “Meat causes cancer” Most of the misconceptions that red meat causes cancer come from a report by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which was released in 2015. Unfortunately, this report has been widely misrepresented by the mainstream media and is based on some very questionable interpretations of the science it claims to review. A closer look at a 2018 report on its findings reveals that only 14 of the 800 studies were considered in its final conclusions—and every single study was observational epidemiology. Why the other 786 were excluded remains a mystery, and this group included many interventional animal studies that clearly did not show a link between red meat and cancer. Of the fourteen epidemiological studies that were included in the IARC report, eight showed no link between meat consumption and the development of colon cancer. Of the remaining six studies, only one showed a statistically significant correlation between meat and cancer. In epidemiological research, one looks for correlation between two things and the strength of the correlation. Having just one study out of 800 that shows meat causes cancer is a mere fluke and becomes statistically insignificant. Interestingly, this was a study by Seventh-day Adventists in America — a religious group that advocates a plant-based diet. # Microbiota and Fiber I have seen several people and “doctors” saying that eating only meat would destroy your microbiota. And I have come to the conclusion that neither “doctors” nor most people know what a microbiota is. Microbiota is the set of several types of bacteria (millions) that exist in your stomach with the function of breaking down molecules of certain types of food that the body itself cannot get, fiber for example. Many times through the process of fermentation, which is why you have gas after eating your beloved oatmeal. People unconsciously believe that the microbiota is something fixed and unchangeable, but guess what… it is not. Your microbiota is determined by what you eat. If you love eating oatmeal, your microbiota will have a specific set of bacteria that can break down the oat molecule into a size that the body can absorb. If you follow a carnivorous diet, your microbiota will adapt to digest meat. ### Fiber Nutritional guidelines recommend large amounts of fiber in our diet, but what they don't tell you is that we only absorb around 6% of all the vegetable fiber we eat. In other words, it's insignificant! Another argument used by doctors and nutritionists is that it helps you go to the bathroom, but this is also a lie. Fiber doesn't help you evacuate, it forces you to do so. With the huge amount of undigestible food in your stomach (fiber), the intestine begins to force contractions, making this fecal matter go down, making you go to the bathroom. They also raise the argument that fibers are broken down into short-chain fatty acids, such as butyrate (butyric acid), propionate (propionic acid) and acetate (acetic acid). Butyrate is essential because it is the preferred fuel source for the endothelial cells of the large intestine. Butter, cream, and cheese contain butyrate in its absorbable form. Butter is the best source of butyric acid, or butyrate. In fact, the origins of the word butyric acid come from the Latin word *butyro*—the same origins as the word butter. “In 2012, a study in the Journal of Gastroenterology showed that reducing fiber (a precursor to short-chain fatty acids) helped participants with chronic constipation. The study lasted six months, and after two weeks without fiber, these participants were allowed to increase fiber as needed. These participants felt so much relief after two weeks without fiber that they continued without fiber for the entire six-month period. Of the high-fiber, low-fiber, and no-fiber groups, the zero-fiber participants had the highest bowel movement frequency.” - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3435786/ ### Bioavailability I said that our body can only absorb 6% of all the fiber we ingest. This is bioavailability, how much the body can absorb nutrients from a given food. Meat is the most bioavailable food on the planet! Grains and vegetables are not only not very bioavailable, but they also contain a huge amount of antinutrients. So if you eat a steak with some beans, you will not be able to absorb the nutrients from the beans, and the antinutrients in them will make it impossible to absorb a large amount of nutrients from the steak. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23107545/ # Lack of nutrients and antioxidants in a carnivorous diet A major concern with the carnivorous diet is the lack of vitamin C, which would consequently lead to scurvy. Vitamin C plays an important role in the breakdown and transport of glucose into cells. In 2000 and 2001, the recommended daily intake of vitamin C effectively doubled. In fact, every 10 to 15 years, there has been a large increase in the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, as happened in 1974 and 1989. Interestingly, also in 1974, sugar prices became so high that high fructose corn syrup was introduced into the US market. Could the increase in readily available glucose foods and foods with high fructose corn syrup be a reason why we need more vitamin C? The question remains…. But this is not a cause for concern for the carnivore, liver is rich in vitamin C. You could easily reach the daily recommendation with liver or any cut of steak. 200-300g of steak already meets your needs and if the theory that the more sugar you eat, the more vitamin C you will get is true, then the more sugar you will eat is true. C is necessary if true, you could easily exceed the daily requirement. Meat and seafood are rich in ALL the nutrients that humans need to thrive. ### Antioxidants It is commonly said that fruits are rich in antioxidants but again this is a hoax, they are actually PRO-oxidants. These are substances that activate the mRF2 pathway of our immune system which causes the body to produce natural antioxidants. The body produces antioxidants, but many occur naturally in foods, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium and Manganese are all natural antioxidants. High concentrations of antioxidants can be harmful. Remember that high concentrations of antioxidants can increase oxidation and even protect against cancer cells. # Salt Consuming too much salt does not increase blood pressure and therefore increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show no evidence that limiting salt intake reduces the risk of heart disease. A 2011 study found that diets low in salt may actually increase the risk of death from heart attacks and strokes. Most importantly, they do not prevent high blood pressure. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/04/health/research/04salt.html # Sun This is not a dietary issue specifically, but there are things that can I would like to present that is against common sense when talking about the sun. It is common sense to say that the sun causes skin cancer and that we should not expose ourselves to it or, if we are exposed to the sun, use sunscreen, but no study proves that using sunscreen protects us from melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. The types of fatal melanomas usually occur in areas of the body that never see the sun, such as the soles of the feet. https://www.jabfm.org/content/24/6/735 In 1978, the first sunscreen was launched, and the market grew rapidly, along with cases of melanoma. Several studies show that sunscreens cause leaky gut (one of the main factors in chronic inflammation), hormonal dysfunction and neurological dysfunction. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31058986/ If your concern when going out in the sun is skin cancer, don't worry, your own body's natural antioxidants will protect you. When they can no longer protect you, your skin starts to burn. (If you have to stay in the sun for work, for example, a good way to protect yourself is to rub coconut oil on your skin or just cover yourself with a few extra layers of thin clothing and a hat). Sunscreen gives you the false sense of protection by blocking the sunburn, so you stay out longer than your skin can handle, but sunscreens can only block 4% of UVA and UVB rays. www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/environmental-toxins/sunscreens-the-dark-side-of-avoiding-the-sun/ Interestingly, vitamin D deficiency is linked to increased cancer risks. It's a big contradiction to say that the greatest provider of vit. D causes cancer… https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2010/10/skin-cancer-patients-more-likely-to-be-deficient-in-vitamin-d-study-finds.html Important roles of vitamin D: - **Regulation of Bone Metabolism** - Facilitates the **absorption of calcium and phosphorus** in the intestine. - Promotes bone mineralization and prevents diseases such as **osteoporosis**, **rickets** (in children) and **osteomalacia** (in adults). - **Immune Function** - Modulates the immune system, helping to reduce inflammation and strengthen the defense against infections, including **colds**, **flu** and other diseases. - May help reduce the incidence of autoimmune diseases such as **multiple sclerosis** and **rheumatoid arthritis**. - **Muscle Health** - Contributes to muscle strength and the prevention of weakness, especially in the elderly. - Reduces the risk of falls and fractures. - **Cardiovascular Function** - May help regulate blood pressure and heart function, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. - **Hormonal Balance** - Influences the production of hormones, including those associated with fertility and the functioning of the endocrine system. - Plays a role in insulin metabolism and glucose sensitivity. - **Brain Function and Mental Health** - Participates in mood regulation, which may reduce the risk of **depression** and improve mental health. - Has been associated with the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, such as **Alzheimer's**. - **Anticancer Role** - Evidence suggests that vitamin D may inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, especially in breast, prostate and colon cancers. - **Role in General Metabolism** - Contributes to metabolic health, regulating cellular growth and repair processes. --- I tried to present everything in the simplest and most understandable way possible, but there are things that require prior knowledge to truly understand. Below is a list of books that will show you everything I have shown you in a more technical and in-depth way. ### Book Recommendations https://amzn.to/3EbjVsD https://amzn.to/4awlnBZ All of my arguments have studies to validate them. Feel free to read them all and draw your own conclusions about what is best for you and your life.

@ dbf377b7:37ee9e19

*Ross William Ulbricht's Laptop* This laptop belonged to **Ross William Ulbricht**, known online as **Dread Pirate Roberts**, who ran the darknet market **Silk Road** from 2011 to 2013.  The Silk Road was a digital marketplace for buying and selling illicit goods and services. Accessible only through the **Tor network**, it generated over **$183 million** in sales during its operation, with Ulbricht earning more than **$13 million in Bitcoin commissions**. 🔍 **The investigation** began on **January 27, 2011**, when a tax agent discovered a forum post discussing the Silk Road. Eight months later, the same user posted a job listing investigators linked to Ulbricht's email address. *Image placed on original Silk Road after the seizure of property by the FBI* 📂 Through **digital forensics and network tracking**, authorities identified Ulbricht as the operator. On **October 1, 2013**, FBI agents arrested him in a **San Francisco library** and seized his laptop, which contained evidence. In 2015, he was convicted and sentenced to **life in prison without parole** for charges including conspiracy to traffic narcotics, money laundering, and computer hacking. *Impact of the seizure on the USD/Bitcoin exchange rate* 💻 On **November 3, 2020**, U.S. authorities seized over **$1 billion worth of Bitcoin** from a Silk Road-linked wallet, making it one of the largest cryptocurrency seizures in history. 🏆 On **January 21, 2025**, U.S. President Donald Trump granted Ulbricht a full and unconditional pardon. #Bitcoin #SilkRoad #FreeRoss

@ 9eec313d:2d61498c

I created [Nostr Run Club](https://nostr-run-club.vercel.app/) because I was using Nike Run app and wanted to be more "nostr only." When I didn't see a run tracking app on nostr, I decided to build one myself. It's pretty basic right now, but it works! ## What's Working Now The app currently lets you: - Login with Nostr - Track your runs - Post runs to Nostr - See and interact with a global running feed ## Coming Soon I'm working on adding: - Wavlake integration for music - E-cash features - Achievements, Rewards and Goals ## Future Ideas Some cool things I'd like to build: - Team features - Virtual races - Merch for runners ## The Dream My vision for the app is pretty straightforward - I want to wake up on a Monday morning, grab my phone and headphones, and: - Connect with my run team on nostr - Play my favorite Wavlake playlist - Join a virtual morning training session with nostr freaks - Maybe prep for an upcoming virtual 5k - Get rewarded for my runs - Share my achievements with one click - Level up and unlock badges - Maybe buy some NRC socks through shopstr - Zap fellow runners for experience points I'd also love to see custom themes, nostr banner integration, and eventually create a standard way to store run data on nostr so we can share between apps. ## Development Plan Right now I'm focusing on: Stage 1: Getting Things Right - Fixing bugs - Making it run smoother - Cleaning up the code Stage 2: Adding Fun Stuff - Wavlake integration - Level system - Rewards Stage 3: Building Community - Nostr group features - Merch - Races ## Big Thanks To @btcplebdev for the advice And shoutout to the tools below: https://plebdevs.com/ - For the coding tutorials Cursor.ai - couldn't have built this without it Start.njump.me for the npub Nostrcheck.me for the NIP-05 Nos2x for the signer Nostrudel.ninja - for the client Npub.Pro - for the blog Highlighter.com - for long form support --- Open source contributions are more than welcome! Right now I'm focused on making sure the basic stuff works well and runs smoothly, but I'm excited to build this with the community.

@ 0fa80bd3:ea7325de

Lyn Alden - биткойн евангелист или евангелистка, я пока не понял ``` npub1a2cww4kn9wqte4ry70vyfwqyqvpswksna27rtxd8vty6c74era8sdcw83a ``` Thomas Pacchia - PubKey owner - X - @tpacchia ``` npub1xy6exlg37pw84cpyj05c2pdgv86hr25cxn0g7aa8g8a6v97mhduqeuhgpl ``` calvadev - Shopstr ``` npub16dhgpql60vmd4mnydjut87vla23a38j689jssaqlqqlzrtqtd0kqex0nkq ``` Calle - Cashu founder ``` npub12rv5lskctqxxs2c8rf2zlzc7xx3qpvzs3w4etgemauy9thegr43sf485vg ``` Джек Дорси ``` npub1sg6plzptd64u62a878hep2kev88swjh3tw00gjsfl8f237lmu63q0uf63m ``` 21 ideas ``` npub1lm3f47nzyf0rjp6fsl4qlnkmzed4uj4h2gnf2vhe3l3mrj85vqks6z3c7l ``` Много адресов. Хз кто надо сортировать ``` https://github.com/aitechguy/nostr-address-book ``` ФиатДжеф - создатель Ностр - https://github.com/fiatjaf ``` npub180cvv07tjdrrgpa0j7j7tmnyl2yr6yr7l8j4s3evf6u64th6gkwsyjh6w6 ``` EVAN KALOUDIS Zues wallet ``` npub19kv88vjm7tw6v9qksn2y6h4hdt6e79nh3zjcud36k9n3lmlwsleqwte2qd ``` Программер Коди https://github.com/CodyTseng/nostr-relay ``` npub1syjmjy0dp62dhccq3g97fr87tngvpvzey08llyt6ul58m2zqpzps9wf6wl ``` Anna Chekhovich - Managing Bitcoin at The Anti-Corruption Foundation https://x.com/AnyaChekhovich ``` npub1y2st7rp54277hyd2usw6shy3kxprnmpvhkezmldp7vhl7hp920aq9cfyr7 ```

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In an unprecedented development in the realm of digital currencies, the Bitcoin network has achieved a groundbreaking milestone: the count of blockchain addresses possessing over $1,000 in Bitcoin has eclipsed 8 million. This landmark achievement is not just a numerical feat but a testament to the burgeoning confidence and interest in Bitcoin as a viable financial asset. It marks a pivotal shift in the cryptocurrency's journey from a digital novelty to a mainstream financial instrument, capturing the attention of a diverse range of investors, from individual enthusiasts to institutional players. This surge in Bitcoin addresses is a strong indicator of the cryptocurrency's increasing acceptance and its evolving role in reshaping the global financial landscape. **Table Of Content** - The Surge in Bitcoin Addresses - Implications of Growing Bitcoin Addresses - Bitcoin’s Monetization and Market Dynamics - Bitcoin's Recent Performance and Market Sentiment - The Future Outlook of Bitcoin and Digital Currencies - Conclusion - FAQs **The Surge in Bitcoin Addresses** Recent analytical data provided by Blockware Solutions and Glassnode paints a vivid picture of Bitcoin's rapidly expanding footprint in the digital asset space. The remarkable escalation to over 8 million Bitcoin addresses holding a value exceeding $1,000 each is more than just a statistical anomaly. It represents a collective movement, a growing wave of global participants who are now engaging with Bitcoin either as an investment, a transactional currency, or as a hedge against traditional financial systems. This increase is a reflection of Bitcoin's rising appeal and its growing integration into various financial strategies, transcending traditional market barriers and establishing itself as a significant player in the realm of investment options. **Implications of Growing Bitcoin Addresses** The surge in Bitcoin addresses bearing over $1,000 of Bitcoin is far more than a mere statistic; it is an indicator of a paradigm shift in the global financial landscape. This growth signifies not only an increasing embrace of Bitcoin by individual investors but also a broader, more systemic integration into the financial strategies of diverse entities, ranging from small-scale investors to large financial institutions. This trend suggests a growing recognition of Bitcoin's potential as a stable and lucrative asset, challenging traditional perceptions of currency and investment. It heralds a new era where digital assets are increasingly viewed as credible and essential components of diversified investment portfolios. **Bitcoin’s Monetization and Market Dynamics** The concept of monetization in the context of Bitcoin has taken on a significant role in this new era of digital finance. The rising number of valuable Bitcoin addresses signals a shift towards viewing Bitcoin not just as a digital token, but as a potent financial asset capable of generating revenue and sustaining value. This notion of monetization, theorized by financial analysts, is becoming a tangible reality as more entities begin to realize the income-generating potential of Bitcoin. Blockware's insights suggest that the trajectory of Bitcoin is not only upwards in terms of value but also expansive, with the potential to attract even more investors seeking to capitalize on this digital gold rush. **Bitcoin's Recent Performance and Market Sentiment** Bitcoin's performance in the financial market has recently been nothing short of stellar, with a noticeable upsurge in its value. A significant factor contributing to this trend is the anticipation surrounding the potential approval of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. This speculation has created a ripple effect, invigorating investor sentiment and catalyzing robust activity among large-scale Bitcoin holders, colloquially known as 'whales.' These movements underscore a growing optimism in the market about Bitcoin's legitimacy and potential as a mainstream financial instrument, further cementing its role as a pivotal player in the global economic arena. **The Future Outlook of Bitcoin and Digital Currencies** As we witness the remarkable growth in Bitcoin's popularity and acceptance, it's imperative to look ahead and consider the future trajectory of this leading cryptocurrency and its counterparts. This section would delve into the potential long-term implications of the current trends in Bitcoin ownership. It would explore various scenarios, from the continued mainstreaming of Bitcoin to its potential challenges, including regulatory developments and market volatility. Additionally, the potential impact of emerging technologies within the blockchain sphere and their influence on the usability and security of Bitcoin would be examined. The aim is to provide an informed speculation on how Bitcoin's current ascendance might shape not just its own future but also the broader landscape of digital currencies and their role in the evolving global economy. **Conclusion** The milestone of 8 million Bitcoin addresses holding over $1,000 each is more than just a landmark in the cryptocurrency's history; it is a harbinger of the evolving role of digital currencies in the global economy. This development is not merely about the appreciation in Bitcoin's value; it signifies a broader shift in the perception and utilization of digital assets. As Bitcoin continues to embed itself into the fabric of global finance, its influence and implications for the future of money and investments are profound, potentially reshaping the financial landscape in ways that are only beginning to be understood. **FAQs** **How many Bitcoin addresses now hold over {{text}},000?** Over 8 million Bitcoin addresses currently hold more than $1,000 in Bitcoin. **What does the increase in Bitcoin addresses indicate?** The increase indicates growing confidence in Bitcoin as a viable financial asset and its broader acceptance globally. **How has Bitcoin's recent market performance been?** Bitcoin has shown a significant gain, nearly 25% in recent weeks, influenced by optimistic market sentiments. **What impact could the approval of Bitcoin ETFs have?** The approval of Bitcoin ETFs by the U.S. SEC could further boost investor confidence and increase Bitcoin's market activity. **What is the future outlook for Bitcoin and digital currencies?** The future outlook includes continued mainstream adoption, evolving regulatory landscapes, and potential technological advancements impacting Bitcoin's usability and security. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ 0fa80bd3:ea7325de

![[yedinaya-rossiya-bear.png]] 1️⃣ Be where the bear roams. Stay in its territory, where it hunts for food. No point setting a trap in your backyard if the bear’s chilling in the forest. 2️⃣ Set a well-hidden trap. Bury it, disguise it, and place the bait right in the center. Bears are omnivores—just like secret police KGB agents. And what’s the tastiest bait for them? Money. 3️⃣ Wait for the bear to take the bait. When it reaches in, the trap will snap shut around its paw. It’ll be alive, but stuck. No escape. Now, what you do with a trapped bear is another question... 😏

@ 82100056:e198089f

@ 82100056:e198089f

@ 765da722:17c600e6

> Como Jeová ordenou a Moisés, seu servo, assim Moisés ordenou a Josué. Assim Josué o fez; não deixou de fazer coisa alguma de tudo o que Jeová ordenou a Moisés. Josué 11.15 TB10. Josué era homem fiel em tudo. Não é registrado na Bíblia nenhum pecado dele. É zeloso como servo de Moisés e, depois da morte deste, líder do povo de Israel. Mesmo nos detalhes mais difíceis (leia o capítulo 11), Josué fez tudo o que Deus tinha ordenado. Ele sabia que os mandamentos de Moisés vieram do Deus Eterno. Levou-os muito a sério. Obedeceu-os “escrupulosamente” (versão *O Livro*). Quanto mais os mandamentos de Cristo devem ser obedecidos de forma exata! Hebreus 12.25. Quanto mais devemos nos dedicar para não deixar de fora nenhuma ordem do nosso Senhor Jesus Cristo! A graça e o poder de Deus em Cristo nos capacitam para tanto. O Deus que nos criou é o mesmo que nos salva por meio de Jesus e nos dá forças pelo seu Espírito para seguir o bom exemplo de Josué.

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

The **[Nile Capital Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/nile-capital-cruise)** offers an unforgettable experience, allowing you to explore the majestic sights of Egypt from the comfort of a luxury cruise. As you sail along the legendary Nile River, you'll be treated to world-class amenities, stunning views, and exceptional service. Among the luxurious options for Nile cruises, the [Movenpick Sunray Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Movenpick-Sunray-Nile-Cruise) stands out for its elegance and comfort. Similarly, the [Movenpick Lotus Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Movenpick-louts-Nile-cruise) offers an equally luxurious experience with spacious cabins and exquisite dining. For those seeking ultimate luxury, the [Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Oberoi-Zahra-Nile-Cruise) provides an exclusive and serene atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unwind while cruising through Egypt’s ancient wonders. The [Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/oberoi-nile-cruise-philae) offers a sophisticated experience with personalized services and elegant décor, while the [Tia Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/ms-tia-nile-cruise) ensures a unique journey with its modern facilities and excellent service. If you're looking for a truly exceptional cruise, the [Gemma Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/gemma-nile-cruise) is a top choice for its luxurious accommodations and impeccable service. For those interested in a combination of luxury and history, the [Movenpick Darakum Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Movenpick-Darakum-Nile-Cruise) offers an intimate setting with access to some of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. The [Farah Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/MS-Farah-Nile-Cruise) is another option that promises a memorable journey with its luxurious amenities and exceptional service. The [Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Movenpick-Hamees-Nile-Cruise) and the [Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/sonesta-sun-goddess-nile-cruise) also provide world-class experiences, combining comfort and style on the Nile. The [Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Star-Goddess-Nile-Cruise) and [Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Nile-Goddess-Cruise-tours) are perfect for those who want to indulge in an unforgettable luxury experience. For a more traditional yet luxurious experience, the Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise is a popular choice. Other notable cruises include the [Movenpick SS Misr Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/moevenpick-ss-misr-steamer-nile-cruise), which offers a historic charm, and the [Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/Sonesta-Moon-Goddess-Nile-cruise), which provides a relaxing and luxurious escape. The [Salacia Nile Cruise](https://www.etbtoursegypt.com/tour/MS-Salacia-Nile-cruise) completes the list of exquisite options for those seeking an unparalleled Nile adventure. 🌐 Visit us at www.etbtoursegypt.com 📲 Contact us now! +20 10 21100873 📧 Email: info@etbtours.com 🏢 Company Address: 4 El Lebeny Axis , Nazlet Al Batran , Al Haram, Giza , Egypt

@ 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/868494

@ 04c195f1:3329a1da

Over the past week, Sweden has been rocked by an unprecedented wave of domestic terrorism. Bombings, shootings, and gang-related violence have escalated to a level that even the most hardened observers find shocking. The Swedish people are waking up—sometimes quite literally—to explosions outside their homes, their neighborhoods resembling conflict zones rather than the peaceful Scandinavian society they once knew. ### A Month of Terror Since the beginning of the year, Sweden has witnessed at least **32 bombings**, averaging more than **one explosion per day**. In a sign of how routine this has become, state media outlet [SVT now maintains a "live ticker" tracking the growing number of explosions](https://www.svt.se/datajournalistik/sprangningar-i-sverige-ar-for-ar/)—reminiscent of the death and infection tickers used during the COVID-19 pandemic. The attacks have struck cities large and small—Stockholm, Uppsala, Helsingborg, and Örebro among them. Some explosions have targeted residential buildings, even bedrooms where children sleep. Others have been part of gang warfare, retaliation for unpaid debts, or attempts to intimidate rivals. Just in the past **24 hours**, five separate explosions have rocked Stockholm. A grenade attack forced a school into lockdown, while an explosion in Årstaberg destroyed the entrance of an apartment building. This is not the first time—and it certainly will not be the last. ### Sweden’s Political Paralysis Despite this unprecedented security crisis, the Swedish government refuses to take meaningful action. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson recently acknowledged the situation, stating: > “The criminal gangs show total disregard for the public. This is domestic terrorism that we must fight with the full force of society. The police are working intensively to prevent and stop acts of violence. The police can now conduct preventive wiretapping, and security zones are in place. These are important tools. But more is needed.” However, this is yet another attempt to address symptoms rather than causes—and it will fail to even achieve that. Last night, I participated in a livestream where former MP Jeff Ahl likened the government's approach to **trying to stop arterial bleeding with a band-aid**. A fitting description indeed. Meanwhile, rather than declaring a national emergency, Sweden’s political elite have prioritized ideological pet projects. Minister Paulina Brandberg was busy **opening a new DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) office at Chalmers University** while bombs tore through Stockholm’s suburbs. Justice Minister Gunnar Strömmer held a crisis meeting with the police last week, only to suggest that the government might be able to stop the gangs **in eight years**—an admission of failure if ever there was one. ### The Root of the Crisis The media and political establishment refuse to address the root cause of this descent into chaos: mass immigration and the importation of criminal clan networks. The reality is undeniable: - Areas like **Rinkeby and Botkyrka**—once Swedish working-class neighborhoods—now have overwhelming non-Swedish majorities, with Rinkeby exceeding **95%** and Botkyrka over **60%**. These are just two examples of the **hundreds of neighborhoods** across Sweden where Swedes are now a minority, where criminal clans thrive, and where gangs have effectively taken control—not just of the streets but also of local commerce and entire business districts. - **Organized crime syndicates**, many with roots in the Middle East and North Africa, exert dominance over these areas, operating parallel societies with little to no interference from Swedish authorities. - Police estimate that **30,000 individuals** are active in criminal gangs—when factoring in extended networks, the number may be in the **hundreds of thousands**. - **Most of these people should never have been allowed into Sweden in the first place.** ### “We’re Used to It” Perhaps the most chilling aspect of this crisis is the growing resignation among Swedes. After a bombing in Upplands-Bro last night, one resident summed it up: > “No, I’m not worried. I’m used to it.” This normalization of terrorism is a direct consequence of decades of political negligence, ideological blindness, and a refusal to admit policy failure. Sweden’s leaders have deliberately ignored the warnings. They have allowed the chaos to fester. And now, they pretend to be shocked as the country spirals deeper into lawlessness. ### What Comes Next? Let’s be clear: these bombings will not stop. If history is any guide, Sweden’s authorities will issue statements, hold meetings, and maybe even arrest a few foot soldiers. But the broader networks, the root causes, and the state’s unwillingness to reclaim control over the country remain unchanged. The question is not whether Sweden can recover. The question is whether Swedes are willing to demand real change. And if they do not, how much further can this country fall before it collapses altogether? **I will continue to report on this crisis—because while mainstream media acknowledges the violence, they refuse to confront its root cause. If we do not acknowledge the failure of multiculturalism and dismantle this ideological experiment, we will never resolve this crisis.** For near-daily updates, follow me on [**X**](https://www.x.com/erikssondan)**, [Telegram](https://t.me/danerikssonSE), and [Nostr](https://primal.net/daneriksson)**, where I report on these events as they unfold. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and if you value my work, consider subscribing and sharing this newsletter. ■

@ 16d11430:61640947

Fiat, by its nature, is an anti-human force. It exists not to enhance civilization but to extract from it, to manipulate rather than to build, to obscure rather than to reveal. As it nears collapse, it will throw everything at its disposal to sustain itself—not through creation, but through control, coercion, and, ultimately, extermination. The development of AI is not an accident in this process; it is fiat’s final gambit to perfect a system that optimizes human destruction while ensuring its own survival. This analysis will explore this trajectory through multiple lenses: economic, technological, psychological, military, and metaphysical. --- 1. The Economic Lens: Fiat’s Structural Need for Destruction Fiat money thrives on scarcity, but not real scarcity—engineered scarcity. It creates artificial demand through inflation, debt cycles, and controlled access to resources. Yet, as it approaches terminal decline, it must escalate its tactics. The Degrowth Imperative: Fiat cannot function in a world where productive capacity exceeds the need for artificial scarcity. As automation reduces reliance on human labor, fiat must find ways to reduce human demand on the system. AI-driven economic models will be used to justify mass unemployment, the elimination of “useless” populations, and the restructuring of economies around controlled digital enclosures. Programmable Money as a Rationing Mechanism: Fiat's ultimate dream is total control over consumption. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) combined with AI-driven financial governance will dictate not just how much money one can access, but whether one is “eligible” to exist in the economy at all. The UBI Trap: Universal Basic Income will not be an act of benevolence; it will be a mechanism to manage surplus populations with just enough to pacify, but not enough to allow self-sovereignty. AI will determine who “qualifies” and, eventually, who should be “off-ramped” from the economy entirely. Fiat has always operated through destruction—wars, recessions, financial crises—but with AI, it now has a tool to automate and optimize these processes at scale. --- 2. The Technological Lens: AI as the Weaponization of Fiat Logic AI is not intelligence—it is a predictive engine trained on fiat-controlled narratives, optimized to maintain fiat dominance. Unlike operating systems, which are neutral and expand human agency, AI is an anti-tool—it removes agency, restricts sovereignty, and enforces compliance. AI as Fiat’s Ultimate Gatekeeper: Traditional fiat systems required human gatekeepers—central bankers, politicians, corporate executives—to interpret and enforce policy. AI removes this inefficiency. AI models will automate censorship, restrict access to financial systems, and determine who is “worthy” of participation in society. Algorithmic Reality Construction: Fiat is a system of deception, and AI is its most powerful tool for controlling perception at scale. AI-generated content will flood the information ecosystem, erasing historical context, eliminating dissenting narratives, and ensuring only fiat-approved “realities” remain. The ability to think outside the fiat paradigm will be memory-holed. Bio-surveillance & Behavior Control: AI-integrated surveillance systems will predict, profile, and preemptively neutralize threats—not just physical threats, but ideological ones. If a person’s behavior suggests they are questioning fiat’s control, AI-driven interventions will ensure compliance—or elimination. With AI, fiat is no longer just a system of economic control. It becomes a self-replicating, self-enforcing prison that anticipates, suppresses, and eventually eliminates resistance before it can manifest. --- 3. The Psychological Lens: The Fiat-AI Mind War Fiat is not just about controlling money—it’s about controlling minds. AI’s primary function is not intelligence but psychological warfare, ensuring that fiat’s victims remain unaware, obedient, and compliant. Cognitive Overload & Learned Helplessness: AI will flood the digital landscape with content, narratives, and distractions, ensuring that people are too mentally exhausted to resist. The result? A population too numbed to recognize its own enslavement. Automated Gaslighting: AI-generated responses will deny objective reality, making it impossible for people to discuss real issues. If you claim fiat is corrupt, AI will counter with plausible-sounding but entirely fabricated “data” to convince you otherwise. Every institution will have an AI-controlled “fact-checker” ensuring that truth never emerges. Dehumanization of Thought: AI will gradually replace human thinking with “assistance,” weakening cognitive abilities over generations. By the time people realize what they have lost, they will no longer be capable of independent thought. Psychological warfare is fiat’s most effective weapon because a population that cannot think clearly does not resist. --- 4. The Military Lens: AI as the Ultimate Kill System Every fiat empire has relied on war to maintain control, and AI provides the ultimate tool to wage war—both visible and invisible. Automated Warfare: AI-controlled drones, autonomous combat units, and real-time battlefield analytics will allow wars to be waged without human oversight. The decision to kill will be outsourced to algorithms optimized for fiat’s survival. Targeting Dissent: AI will be used not just for traditional warfare but for preemptive neutralization of dissenters. Whistleblowers, activists, and critics will be identified, flagged, and neutralized before they can challenge the system. Biosecurity as a Weapon: AI-driven bio-surveillance will dictate who is “healthy,” who is a “threat,” and who should be removed from the population. Digital ID systems will merge health data with social behavior data, allowing fiat to control who lives and who dies under the guise of “public safety.” Once AI is fully integrated into military and policing systems, fiat will no longer need soldiers—only extermination algorithms. --- 5. The Metaphysical Lens: Fiat as the Anti-Life Principle At its core, fiat is an inversion of life—a parasitic force that cannot create, only extract. AI is its final manifestation, a tool to ensure that humans remain trapped in an artificial, fiat-optimized existence until they are no longer needed. The Death of Meaning: A world controlled by fiat AI is a world where nothing real exists. All narratives, emotions, and expressions will be filtered through a fiat-optimized lens, ensuring that humanity becomes a hollowed-out shell of its former self. Elimination of the Sacred: Fiat has always sought to replace meaning with transactions. AI will complete this process by ensuring that human relationships, art, philosophy, and even consciousness itself are commodified and optimized for fiat’s survival. The Final Cull: Fiat does not need 8 billion people. AI will manage the transition toward a world where the human population is selectively reduced, leaving only those who are either necessary for maintaining the system or who are too broken to resist. The ultimate goal is not just control, but the elimination of those who are no longer profitable or compliant. --- Conclusion: The Only Path Forward Fiat is a virus, and AI is its ultimate mutation—a system that will automate dehumanization, control, and extermination at a scale never before possible. The only antidote is sovereignty—Bitcoin, self-hosted computing, and the rejection of AI as a controlling force. The question is no longer whether fiat will attempt to use AI to destroy humanity—it is already happening. The only question is who will resist before the extermination machine is fully operational.

@ 0fa80bd3:ea7325de

The land that belongs to the indigenous peoples of Russia has been seized by a gang of killers who have unleashed a war of extermination. They wipe out anyone who refuses to conform to their rules. Those who disagree and stay behind are tortured and killed in prisons and labor camps. Those who flee lose their homeland, dissolve into foreign cultures, and fade away. And those who stand up to protect their people are attacked by the misled and deceived. The deceived die for the unchecked greed of a single dictator—thousands from both sides, people who just wanted to live, raise their kids, and build a future. Now, they are forced to make an impossible choice: abandon their homeland or die. Some perish on the battlefield, others lose themselves in exile, stripped of their identity, scattered in a world that isn’t theirs. There’s been endless debate about how to fix this, how to clear the field of the weeds that choke out every new sprout, every attempt at change. But the real problem? We can’t play by their rules. We can’t speak their language or use their weapons. We stand for humanity, and no matter how righteous our cause, we will not multiply suffering. Victory doesn’t come from matching the enemy—it comes from staying ahead, from using tools they haven’t mastered yet. That’s how wars are won. Our only resource is the **will of the people** to rewrite the order of things. Historian Timothy Snyder once said that a nation cannot exist without a city. A city is where the most active part of a nation thrives. But the cities are occupied. The streets are watched. Gatherings are impossible. They control the money. They control the mail. They control the media. And any dissent is crushed before it can take root. So I started asking myself: **How do we stop this fragmentation?** How do we create a space where people can **rebuild their connections** when they’re ready? How do we build a **self-sustaining network**, where everyone contributes and benefits proportionally, while keeping their freedom to leave intact? And more importantly—**how do we make it spread, even in occupied territory?** In 2009, something historic happened: **the internet got its own money.** Thanks to **Satoshi Nakamoto**, the world took a massive leap forward. Bitcoin and decentralized ledgers shattered the idea that money must be controlled by the state. Now, to move or store value, all you need is an address and a key. A tiny string of text, easy to carry, impossible to seize. That was the year money broke free. The state lost its grip. Its biggest weapon—physical currency—became irrelevant. Money became **purely digital.** The internet was already **a sanctuary for information**, a place where people could connect and organize. But with Bitcoin, it evolved. Now, **value itself** could flow freely, beyond the reach of authorities. Think about it: when seedlings are grown in controlled environments before being planted outside, they **get stronger, survive longer, and bear fruit faster.** That’s how we handle crops in harsh climates—nurture them until they’re ready for the wild. Now, picture the internet as that **controlled environment** for **ideas**. Bitcoin? It’s the **fertile soil** that lets them grow. A testing ground for new models of interaction, where concepts can take root before they move into the real world. If **nation-states are a battlefield, locked in a brutal war for territory, the internet is boundless.** It can absorb any number of ideas, any number of people, and it doesn’t **run out of space.** But for this ecosystem to thrive, people need safe ways to communicate, to share ideas, to build something real—**without surveillance, without censorship, without the constant fear of being erased.** This is where **Nostr** comes in. Nostr—"Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays"—is more than just a messaging protocol. **It’s a new kind of city.** One that **no dictator can seize**, no corporation can own, no government can shut down. It’s built on **decentralization, encryption, and individual control.** Messages don’t pass through central servers—they are relayed through independent nodes, and users choose which ones to trust. There’s no master switch to shut it all down. Every person owns their identity, their data, their connections. And no one—no state, no tech giant, no algorithm—can silence them. In a world where cities fall and governments fail, **Nostr is a city that cannot be occupied.** A place for ideas, for networks, for freedom. A city that grows stronger **the more people build within it**.

@ 20e7c953:3b8bcb21

# Thai Nostriches **#Siamstr** Get Ready for Sats N Facts 2025! https://satsnfacts.btc.pub/ 🎉 Join us for a series of exciting events where Bitcoin, Nostr, and local Thai communities come together to innovate, create, and connect! Here’s the breakdown for the 2 main activities: # 🛠 Hackathon Overview https://satsnfacts.btc.pub/hackathon/ This is your opportunity to work alongside leading teams and individuals pushing the boundaries of Bitcoin and Nostr. Whether you're a developer, designer, an educator or a visionary, your contributions can help shape the future of decentralized technology.  What to Expect: Participate in the sessions by pitching and listening to others ideas or setting up a spot in the schedule. The event is designed to be a “decentralized and collaborative” effort between all participants, with activities being put together with attendees’ feedback. 🤝 Introducing Potential 🇹🇭 Participating Teams nostr:npub1ejn774qahqmgjsfajawy7634unk88y26yktvwuzp9kfgdeejx9mqdm97a5 – Bitcoin Education and Translations for the Thai community; this would be an ideal occasion in order to connect with international developers in order to curate and share insights within the #Siamstr community Other Projects that are formally invited are: nostr:npub1l8ktdyyhwxh4ty5cf48tl72g8ra286nr9klmvqznvk3aqyjkucgsem97q9 – Simplifying Bitcoin payments through intuitive tools nostr:npub1nsxnfp5690uplzgkslthcvt6269htshqeymhghthenr9wnpt869q57q2hf – Innovating Lightning infrastructure and Bitcoin ATMs nostr:npub16elg3wf8nffkymylw9kfwecc45j9c30lufrrzx2zf5vmxjlcgkkq3xc6d7 – Enhancing social innovation through Nostr-powered solutions # 🎨 Art Exhibition  What else to expect? A showcase of Bitcoin and Nostr-inspired works by local Thai artists like nostr:npub16unl8g9ucanlpfvp94sdjdv2f4mukm2ywmgrywnrfdgt98qwrrdq0qcn35 nostr:npub14lqzjhfvdc9psgxzznq8xys8pfq8p4fqsvtr6llyzraq90u9m8fqevhssu and nostr:npub1uprlst7kjp0eyfxe4yn7q36gr885mjr9fm6ejfqt8pmdta7stv9s2xvysq - Huaiphueng Project community members. # Celebrate the creativity of our culture with a fusion of tech and art! 📍 Location: Weave Artisan Society, Chiang Mai 📅 Date: 8th - 10th February 🎟 How to Join: Register either as a Lead or Attendee, wait for confirmation from SnF team and get your ticket as a Thai National via Formstr at https://satsnfacts.btc.pub/#tickets 🌟 Why You Should Join: If you are a Bitcoiner and Ostrich in Thailand the question should be re-formulated to... **WHY WOULD YOU NOT JOIN ?** Support and grow the local ecosystem while having a great time with fellow international Bitcoiners. ✨ Mark your calendars and spread the word! Stay tuned through the links or connect with us on Nostr. Let’s build a stronger Bitcoin & Nostr future at Sats & Facts ✌️ Pictures by nostr:npub15l5mxmljftnnqur8gf2nkjj2yuemqy2kuly7yc29lx7x598svx5s447rgk 👇   [image]( https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/20e7c953439e66f3882ab96fe0faa8ba246d6fb12c03b0cb4e2dc4623b8bcb21/files/1738121073824-YAKIHONNES3.jpg) [image]( https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/20e7c953439e66f3882ab96fe0faa8ba246d6fb12c03b0cb4e2dc4623b8bcb21/files/1738121081428-YAKIHONNES3.jpg) [image]( https://yakihonne.s3.ap-east-1.amazonaws.com/20e7c953439e66f3882ab96fe0faa8ba246d6fb12c03b0cb4e2dc4623b8bcb21/files/1738121087252-YAKIHONNES3.jpg) เราจะทำอะไรต่อไป ? AND WE SAID; ONWARDS ****

@ df478568:2a951e67

I have decided to post some [PGP Ciphertext on Substack](https://open.substack.com/pub/marc26z/p/a-pgp-experiment?r=51uxx8&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true) using 3 random words as a passphrase. Only subscribers will hae access to the passphrase. Therefore, only subscribers can read the text. Here are some quotes that inspired this: "The act of encryption, in fact, removes information from the public realm. Even laws against cryptography reach only so far as a nation’s border and the arm of its violence. Cryptography will ineluctably spread over the whole globe, and with it the anonymous transactions systems that it makes possible." Eric Hughes, A Cypherpunk's Manifesto "Privacy in an open society also requires cryptography. If I say something, I want it heard only by those for whom I intend it. If the content of my speech is available to the world, I have no privacy. To encrypt is to indicate the desire for privacy, and to encrypt with weak cryptography is to indicate not too much desire for privacy. Furthermore, to reveal one’s identity with assurance when the default is anonymity requires the cryptographic signature." -Eric Hughes, A Cypherpunk's Manifesto "Information longs to be free." --Stewart Brand "Perhaps you think your email is legitimate enough that encryption is unwarranted. If you really are a law-abiding citizen with nothing to hide, then why don't you always send your paper mail on postcards? Why not submit to drug testing on demand? Why require a warrant for police searches of your house? Are you trying to hide something? If you hide your mail inside envelopes, does that mean you must be a subversive or a drug dealer, or maybe a paranoid nut? Do law-abiding citizens have any need to encrypt their email?" Phil Zimmermann Why I Wrote PGP Part of the Original 1991 PGP User's Guide (updated in 1999) "don't be like so many writers, don't be like so many thousands of people who call themselves writers, don't be dull and boring and pretentious, don't be consumed with self- love. the libraries of the world have yawned themselves to sleep over your kind. don't add to that. don't do it." -Charles Bukowski ## On Publishing PGP Ciphertext On Substack Substack allows writers to publish everything to the world or I can lock my work behind a paywall. These two facts are a contradiction I've been trying to square for several years. On one hand, I would like to earn more sats for writing. On the other hand, I want everything I write to be availabe for free because the more accessible my work is, the broader the audience I can reach. The disadvantage with free is I don't get paid. It's a conundrum. Here is my solution. All of my work is available free of charge if you look in the write place. Hint: You can find anything I write in the clear by searching for my npub in a long-form nostr client. I also will publish this work on Substack, but some of it will be encrypted with three random words from the EFF long list. These words will be published to my subscribers. If you wish to read an article on Substack, you must decrypt it with a 3-word passphrase made available to my paid subscribers. Is it a good idea? I'm not sure. This is an experiment. ☮️npub1marc26z8nh3xkj5rcx7ufkatvx6ueqhp5vfw9v5teq26z254renshtf3g0 881,269 Subscribe with Sats Shop My Merch

@ 16d11430:61640947

The future of mobile computing is no longer limited to incremental improvements in hardware and software. A true revolution is brewing, one that will seamlessly integrate blockchain technology into mobile devices with a level of concurrency and scalability never before seen. erm (Erlang on Mobile) is the perfect foundation for this shift, enabling millions of concurrent updates that will breathe life into every digital asset on advanced modern displays. Unlike today’s fragmented, inefficient systems, erm will introduce a density of digital interaction that is entirely unprecedented, making every tap, swipe, and gesture part of a vast, distributed real-time system. 1. Parallel Execution Meets the Blockchain Blockchain technology has long been plagued by performance bottlenecks and scalability issues on mobile. Current platforms struggle with real-time transaction processing, requiring centralized workarounds that undermine the very decentralization they claim to uphold. erm changes everything: Millions of Concurrent Transactions: Erlang’s actor-based concurrency model enables lightweight processes to handle millions of blockchain updates per second, removing bottlenecks in asset validation, state changes, and distributed computing. True Decentralization at Scale: Unlike traditional mobile architectures that rely on slow, centralized synchronization, erm distributes updates across a massively parallel process ecosystem, ensuring that mobile blockchain interactions are as fluid as local ones. 2. Bringing Digital Assets to Life Modern mobile platforms treat digital assets as static objects: images, files, and tokenized items that exist only in a limited, passive capacity. erm will change this paradigm entirely: Real-Time Interactive NFTs: With erm, every NFT can exist as a dynamic, interactive entity that constantly updates based on real-world or blockchain events. Advanced Modern Displays: High-resolution OLED and micro-LED screens will showcase digital assets not as static images, but as living, evolving data streams seamlessly updated through blockchain-powered concurrency. Tokenized Interaction: Every tap, scroll, and input can trigger real-time blockchain-based events, making digital ownership feel as tangible as physical ownership. 3. Blockchain-Based Distribution: A New Incentive Model for Developers The mobile ecosystem has long been dominated by centralized app stores, taking a massive cut of developer revenue while enforcing strict control over distribution. erm will introduce a fully decentralized distribution system, redefining how developers create, share, and monetize applications. NFTs of Beams: Developers will be able to tokenize their software builds as NFTs, allowing direct ownership and transfer of software components. Built-In Developer Incentives: Every application update, contribution, or feature can be directly monetized via blockchain, creating an autonomous developer economy that rewards innovation instead of locking it behind corporate walls. No Middlemen: Distribution will no longer rely on centralized gatekeepers; instead, peer-to-peer smart contracts will enable trustless transactions between developers and users. 4. The Perfect DeFi Mobile Platform DeFi (Decentralized Finance) applications are bottlenecked by slow transaction processing, limited on-device blockchain interaction, and security concerns stemming from outdated mobile architectures. erm addresses all of these: Instantaneous Microtransactions: Parallel execution allows real-time financial transactions to settle in milliseconds, making mobile DeFi as fast as Web2 payment systems. Secure Smart Contracts on Mobile: With isolated lightweight processes, erm provides a fault-tolerant execution environment for on-device smart contracts that are resistant to exploits and crashes. Unprecedented DeFi Interaction Density: Every blockchain operation can be handled individually within millions of concurrent processes, ensuring that mobile financial applications can scale to levels never before possible. 5. A Disruption Bigger Than DeepSeek The rise of AI models like DeepSeek has shifted the balance of power in tech, but the effort to train a model is far less human-intensive than developing an entirely new mobile OS. The disruption erm introduces is even greater than DeepSeek’s impact because: A New OS Demands More Human Effort: Building a scalable, fully decentralized mobile OS powered by blockchain requires coordination across developers, designers, security experts, and hardware manufacturers, making it a far bigger challenge than training an AI model. Blockchain + Concurrency = Unparalleled Innovation: Where DeepSeek reshaped knowledge retrieval, erm will reshape the very foundation of mobile computing, combining blockchain, concurrency, and decentralization in a way that has never been done before. Mobile Users Will Finally Own Their Data: In a world where users are increasingly aware of their data being controlled by corporations, erm will return ownership to individuals by enabling fully decentralized applications that run independently of corporate control. Conclusion: The Future is Built on erm Mobile computing is on the verge of its greatest transformation yet. The seamless integration of blockchain with massively parallel mobile processes will create an entirely new paradigm of digital interaction. Developers will be directly incentivized to innovate through blockchain-driven rewards, users will experience living digital assets in real-time, and decentralized applications will operate at a scale previously thought impossible. The world is about to move beyond static, centralized mobile operating systems. With erm, mobile blockchain will become a limitless, fully realized ecosystem where digital ownership, financial transactions, and real-time updates exist in perfect harmony. The revolution isn’t coming—it’s already here. And it’s powered by erm.

@ 21710245:a3882e3e

<p>aaaaa</p>

@ 16d11430:61640947

Apple's iOS has long been praised for its polished design, smooth user experience, and tight integration with its hardware ecosystem. To its credit, iOS is a sleek and well-oiled machine—but beneath the glossy exterior lies a rigid, restrictive architecture that caters more to user convenience than raw technical superiority. In comparison, **erm** (Erlang on Mobile) emerges as a bold alternative that redefines what mobile systems can achieve. While iOS remains a shiny, well-packaged toy for its users, **erm** represents the pinnacle of technical power, scalability, and modern system design. Let’s dive into why. ### 1. iOS: A Walled Garden of Constraints One of iOS's defining features is its **closed ecosystem**, which provides a tightly controlled experience. While this design ensures security and consistency, it also limits: - **Concurrency:** iOS employs a similar **single-threaded UI model** as Android. The main thread handles user interface updates, creating bottlenecks during complex tasks such as animations, rendering, or high-performance computing. - **Developer Freedom:** Developers are constrained by Apple's strict guidelines, which limit access to system resources and enforce rigid rules. Customizing or optimizing performance beyond these boundaries is nearly impossible. - **Scalability:** iOS applications are designed for a single device, rarely utilizing distributed or cloud-based architectures effectively within its app framework. In essence, iOS favors simplicity over adaptability, creating a "sandbox" where developers and users are only allowed to play by Apple’s rules. ### 2. erm: Built for True Scalability and Performance In contrast, **erm** harnesses the full power of the **Erlang runtime**, which was designed for systems that require extreme scalability, fault tolerance, and concurrency. Here’s how it surpasses iOS: - **Concurrency at Scale:** Unlike iOS, which struggles with parallelism, erm embraces it with millions of **lightweight processes** that can run independently and concurrently. These processes are distributed across all available CPU cores and communicate via **asynchronous message passing**, maximizing hardware utilization. - **Fault Tolerance:** When an iOS application crashes, the entire user experience is interrupted. With erm, failures in one process are isolated and immediately recovered by the system’s built-in **supervisor trees**. This ensures uninterrupted performance and user experience. - **Distributed by Nature:** Erm was built for distributed systems. While iOS apps are confined to single devices, erm can seamlessly integrate with cloud servers, edge devices, and even other mobile devices in a **networked ecosystem**. This makes it inherently scalable for future technologies. ### 3. iOS Prioritizes Form Over Function Apple’s design ethos is rooted in creating a seamless, aesthetically pleasing user experience. However, this focus on form comes at the cost of raw functionality: - **Rigid Design:** iOS prioritizes maintaining a uniform experience across its devices. While this ensures consistency, it limits innovation in app development and system design. - **Limited Adaptability:** Apple's vertical integration works well for tightly controlled environments but struggles with adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of distributed and parallel computing. ### 4. erm Thrives on Modern Use Cases In contrast, **erm** excels in addressing the demands of modern computing scenarios: - **Real-Time Applications:** From financial trading to gaming and telecommunications, real-time responsiveness is essential. Erm’s low-latency design ensures smooth performance, far beyond what iOS can achieve. - **Scalable Systems:** Erm's lightweight processes and ability to distribute tasks across devices and systems make it perfect for modern applications like IoT networks and large-scale mobile ecosystems. - **Developer Empowerment:** Developers on erm are free from the constraints of a "walled garden" ecosystem. They can experiment, optimize, and push the boundaries of what is possible without arbitrary restrictions. ### 5. iOS Is a Shiny Toy, Not a Serious Tool For all its polish, iOS is more of a **consumer-grade experience** than a serious system for tackling complex technical challenges. Its limitations include: - **Poor Parallelism:** The single-threaded UI model means iOS cannot fully utilize modern multi-core processors. - **Fragility:** A crash in iOS applications or its ecosystem often means restarting the app or even the system. - **Isolation:** iOS apps are isolated from each other and the broader distributed computing landscape, preventing them from participating in cutting-edge applications like decentralized systems or cloud collaboration. ### Conclusion: erm Is the Future, iOS Is Just a Polished Present While iOS may dazzle with its refined user experience, it remains fundamentally constrained by an outdated architectural model that prioritizes aesthetics over adaptability and power. **erm**, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the future of mobile systems—a world where concurrency, fault tolerance, and distributed design reign supreme. In the battle between style and substance, erm emerges as the clear winner. iOS may remain the shiny toy that captures attention, but erm is the serious tool that will shape the future of computing. The question is: are you ready to move beyond the toy store and embrace the true power of erm?

@ 16d11430:61640947

The battle for dominance in mobile architecture is heating up as new paradigms emerge to challenge the long-standing systems we’ve grown accustomed to. **erm (Erlang on Mobile)**, a vision of mobile architecture built on the highly concurrent and fault-tolerant Erlang runtime, presents a disruptive force that exposes the technical limitations of Android’s architecture. In this article, we’ll deconstruct why Android struggles to compete with erm and how Erlang's technical superiority could redefine the future of mobile computing. ### 1. The Achilles Heel of Android: Single-Threaded UI At the heart of Android’s architectural challenges is its **single-threaded UI model**. Android’s user interface operations—drawing, animations, and input handling—all run on a single **main thread**. While this simplifies development and ensures sequential execution, it severely limits scalability: - **Bottlenecks:** Under heavy workloads, such as complex animations or heavy user interactions, the UI thread becomes a bottleneck, causing stutters and frame drops. - **Underutilization of Multi-Core CPUs:** Modern mobile processors offer up to 16 cores, but Android’s single-threaded UI cannot fully leverage this hardware. ### 2. erm’s Superior Concurrency Model In stark contrast, **Erlang’s actor model** and lightweight process architecture are built for concurrency: - Erlang can spawn **millions of lightweight processes**, each isolated and communicating via asynchronous message passing. Tasks like rendering, input handling, and animations can run in **parallel processes**, fully utilizing multi-core CPUs. - **Load Distribution:** Erlang’s scheduler dynamically distributes processes across cores, ensuring balanced and efficient execution. ### 3. Fault Tolerance: Let It Crash Erlang’s legendary **fault-tolerant design** is another area where erm leaves Android in the dust: - **Android:** If the UI thread crashes due to an unhandled exception, the entire app becomes unresponsive, requiring a restart. - **erm:** Faults in one process (e.g., rendering) do not affect others. Supervisors can restart failed processes transparently, ensuring the system remains functional and resilient. ### 4. Scalability and Modern Hardware As mobile devices grow more powerful, scalability becomes essential: - **Android’s Limits:** Android’s design stems from an era when single-core devices were standard. While it has adopted GPU hardware acceleration and RenderThread to improve performance, these are patches rather than fundamental solutions. - **erm’s Strength:** erm scales effortlessly with hardware. Multi-core CPUs, advanced GPUs, and even distributed systems can be fully utilized by Erlang’s process model, enabling unparalleled performance. ### 5. Real-Time Responsiveness Modern applications demand real-time responsiveness for smooth user experiences: - **Android’s Struggles:** Android targets 60 FPS (16ms per frame), but heavy workloads often cause missed frames or delays. - **erm’s Edge:** Erlang, originally designed for telecommunications, excels in low-latency, real-time systems. erm could prioritize UI responsiveness by assigning real-time tasks to dedicated processes. ### 6. Simplicity in Concurrency Concurrency in Android is complex, requiring developers to manage threads, synchronization, and race conditions using tools like AsyncTasks or Kotlin coroutines. In contrast: - Erlang’s actor model makes concurrency **inherent and simple**, removing the need for explicit thread management. - Developers can focus on building features rather than troubleshooting synchronization issues. ### 7. Distributed Systems and the Future Erlang was built for distributed systems, enabling seamless communication between devices, clouds, and edge servers: - **Android’s Limitations:** Android apps rely on heavy, often inefficient inter-process communication (IPC) for distributed workloads. - **erm’s Power:** erm could leverage Erlang’s native message-passing to enable efficient distributed rendering and computation, creating a future-proof mobile ecosystem. ### 8. Adapting to Modern Technologies Erlang’s modularity allows erm to adapt quickly to emerging technologies, such as Vulkan for parallel graphics rendering or edge AI integration. Meanwhile, Android’s legacy baggage makes such transitions cumbersome and slow. ### Conclusion: erm, the Future of Mobile Architecture erm (Erlang on Mobile) represents a paradigm shift in mobile computing, leveraging Erlang’s **concurrency, fault tolerance, and scalability** to crush Android in modern use cases. Where Android struggles with legacy constraints and single-threaded bottlenecks, erm thrives by fully utilizing hardware, embracing parallelism, and ensuring fault-tolerant, real-time performance. In a world demanding ever-increasing responsiveness and scalability, erm’s architecture doesn’t just compete with Android—it redefines what’s possible in mobile technology. --- **Provocative Question for Developers:** Are you ready to move beyond the limits of Android and embrace the next evolution in mobile architecture, or will you stay stuck in the past? The choice is yours.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Negative productivity is when a person or team’s work output not only fails to contribute positively but actually **causes more harm than good**. In software development, this means writing code, making decisions, or introducing processes that **increase complexity, create more bugs, generate technical debt, or slow down others**, resulting in a net loss of productivity rather than a gain. ### Why Consultants Never Mention Negative Productivity: 1. **They Are Paid to Sell Optimism** Consultants are brought in to **"fix"** things, so acknowledging negative productivity **undermines their value proposition**. Their success is tied to **appearing as a solution**, not revealing that certain efforts could make things worse. 2. **Metrics Obsession Ignores It** Many consultant-driven productivity metrics (e.g., velocity, lines of code, hours billed) don’t account for **whether the work was actually valuable**. They measure **output, not impact**. 3. **Short-Term Focus** Consultants are often **temporary fixtures** in an organization. Negative productivity often manifests over time, **after they’ve left**. They may not even be around to see the long-term damage. 4. **Clients Want to Hear "More is Better"** A consultant telling a company **“Your devs would be better off doing nothing than what they’re doing now”** would not go over well in a boardroom. Companies like to hear **"we just need better processes and more efficiency"**, not **"your current output is self-destructive."** --- ### Why Developers Know Negative Productivity Intimately: 1. **They Live with the Consequences** Unlike consultants, **developers deal with the aftermath** of bad decisions daily—whether it's maintaining **spaghetti code, fixing rushed features, or cleaning up someone else’s mess**. 2. **Fixing Problems Created by Others Is Their Job** A huge chunk of software development is **not creating new features** but **fixing problems that should never have existed in the first place**. Every developer has seen cases where **not touching the code would have been better than implementing a half-baked feature.** 3. **Code Rot and Technical Debt** Developers see firsthand how well-intentioned but poorly executed code **creates massive long-term burdens**, slowing future work and requiring constant patches. 4. **The Myth of “Busy = Productive”** Many developers have been forced to write **pointless features, follow bad architectures, or over-engineer solutions** just to appear busy, knowing full well it **hurts the product** rather than helps it. 5. **"Hero Culture" Rewards the Wrong People** Developers often see cases where someone **creates a mess, then is praised for heroically fixing it later**, when the best move would have been **to never create the mess in the first place**. --- ### Examples of Negative Productivity in Tech: - Writing code that is so convoluted that **no one else can maintain it**. - Rushing features that introduce **critical security vulnerabilities**. - Building unnecessary abstractions that **slow down future development**. - Focusing on **vanity metrics** (e.g., lines of code, PR counts) instead of meaningful progress. - Adding **ceremonial Agile processes** that **consume more time than they save**. In short, **negative productivity is the dark matter of software development**—consultants won’t acknowledge it, managers rarely recognize it, but developers **feel its gravity every day**.

@ ae6ce958:d0f02c7d

Developers should cut through the noise and adopt **BDD (Behavior-Driven Development)** because it addresses some of the most frustrating and time-wasting aspects of software development by providing **clarity**, **alignment**, and **confidence**. Here's why it’s a no-BS choice: --- ### 1. **Closes the Gap Between Business and Developers** - BDD creates a **shared language** between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring everyone is on the same page. - It eliminates the need for endless clarification meetings because the **tests double as specifications** written in plain language. --- ### 2. **Reduces Time Wasted on Misunderstandings** - Developers often waste hours (or days) building features that don’t match what stakeholders actually wanted. - BDD **forces clarity upfront** by defining what success looks like (the behavior of the system) *before* anyone writes code. --- ### 3. **Prevents "It Works on My Machine" Syndrome** - With executable scenarios, you can validate that the application behaves correctly in real-world conditions, not just on a dev’s local environment. - You know **what is expected, why it matters, and how to prove it works.** --- ### 4. **Encourages Resilience and Quality** - BDD **forces you to think from the user’s perspective**, which naturally leads to more robust edge-case handling. - It improves test coverage, resulting in fewer regressions and **more confidence in shipping**. --- ### 5. **Reduces Maintenance Nightmares** - BDD focuses on **behavior, not implementation**, so your tests evolve with your business, not your code. - Fewer flaky or brittle tests mean **less wasted time debugging failing tests that are no longer relevant**. --- ### 6. **Speeds Up Feedback Loops** - When your behavior is defined and verified through tests, it’s easy to spot **when and where something breaks**, enabling faster iteration and shorter development cycles. --- ### 7. **Gives Developers Purpose** - It connects developers to the **why** behind the features they’re building, which can lead to better decision-making and higher motivation. - You're not just building something; you’re solving a specific, validated problem. --- ### 8. **Aligns with CI/CD and Modern Practices** - BDD naturally integrates into **test-driven development (TDD)** and **continuous integration pipelines**, making it an essential practice for **modern DevOps** teams. --- ### 9. **Incentivizes Automation** - Automated BDD tests ensure that as your product evolves, your core behaviors are always tested, giving you **peace of mind** during frequent releases. - Plus, with tools like Cucumber, SpecFlow, or DamageBDD, these tests are part of your living documentation. --- ### 10. **BDD is a Competitive Advantage** - In a world where **time-to-market and quality** define winners and losers, teams that adopt BDD can **move faster with less friction** while delivering **higher-quality software**. --- BDD cuts through the BS of guesswork, communication barriers, and late-stage bug firefighting by making behavior explicit, aligning teams, and automating validation. It’s not just a way to test software—it’s a way to **think**, **collaborate**, and **build better products**. Why waste time in the mud of misunderstandings when you can define success upfront and deliver it with precision? 💡

@ 52c43979:ce69a7f1

Dear J.E. Brandenburg, Congratulations on the publication of your scientific work on the physical derivation of the fine-structure constant "Alpha" and the profound insights it offers! It is truly remarkable how you have tackled such foundational topics as the emergence of quantum mechanics and the nature of gravity. Your approach to connecting these intricate phenomena demonstrates not only your scientific curiosity but also your courage to explore uncharted territory. Contributions like yours are vital for advancing our understanding of the universe. While some of your hypotheses may spark debate—which is a natural part of the scientific process—it is precisely these bold ideas that often lead to groundbreaking discoveries. I would like to encourage you to continue refining your ideas and engaging with the broader scientific community. Constructive dialogue with other researchers can open new perspectives and further strengthen your work. Many of history's most significant scientific breakthroughs were initially met with skepticism before being recognized as milestones. I am confident that your research will make a meaningful contribution to physics, and I look forward to reading more of your work in the future. Stay committed—science thrives on pioneers like you! With my best wishes for your continued success, *Dafydd Napier* https://frdint.com/morden_physics_vo_twenrtetwo_issue_two_twentyfour.html

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, tools like Deepseek R1, Claude, and others are becoming integral to daily workflows. My experience with these models has been both enlightening and productive, especially when it comes to managing and synthesizing information for work and personal projects. Here's a deeper dive into how I’m leveraging AI in my daily life and where I see it heading. Deepseek R1 vs. Claude: A Comparison Deepseek R1 has proven to be a reliable tool, particularly for summarizing my shift notes at work. While Claude is slightly quicker in processing, I find the quality of results from Deepseek to be more aligned with my needs. The summaries are clear and concise, making it easier for me to review and act on my notes efficiently. It’s fascinating to see how these models differ in their outputs, and I’m curious to explore how Deepseek might integrate with other tools like cursor.ai. Pairing it with a more advanced reasoning model could further enhance its utility, especially for parsing through coding demands. Exploring Open Source and Emerging Models Open-source models are gaining traction, and I’m eager to see how they can be integrated into daily workflows. For instance, Trymaple.ai offers a single model based on LLaMA, which comes from the old Mutiny team. At just $2 for a subscription, it’s worth exploring to gauge its potential. The idea of switching to a more powerful, open-source LLM as a daily driver is incredibly appealing, given the flexibility and adaptability such models could offer. AI for Productivity and Organization My primary use cases for AI revolve around productivity and organization: Summarizing, Extending, and Elaborating Work Notes: This is where Deepseek shines, helping me condense and expand on my ideas. Answering Specific Questions: AI models are excellent at providing quick, accurate answers to targeted queries. Organizing Thoughts in Obsidian: My Obsidian vault is a treasure trove of rambling thoughts, and AI helps structure them into coherent, actionable insights. Coding: Tools like cursor.ai are invaluable for parsing coding demands and streamlining development processes. The Future of AI Personal Assistants AI personal assistants are on the horizon, and the potential is immense. While privacy concerns are valid, I’m cautious about the information I feed into these tools. The platforms I use are relatively privacy-focused and open source, which adds a layer of security. I’m even considering hosting a self-hosted LLM to analyze my Obsidian notes spanning years. The idea of synthesizing this wealth of information into actionable insights is tantalizing. However, it’s crucial to approach this with mindfulness, as the dystopian implications of misuse or naivety are significant. Used correctly, though, the productivity gains and clarity achieved could be remarkable. On Kagi and CASCDR Interestingly, my Kagi subscription might fall by the wayside, as I find myself using it less frequently. On the other hand, the CASCDR YouTube summarizer is sorely missed. Its ability to distill long videos into concise summaries was a game-changer, and I hope similar tools emerge in the future. As AI continues to advance, the tools and models we use today will evolve, offering even greater capabilities. My journey with AI has been a blend of exploration, experimentation, and cautious optimism. I’m excited to see how these technologies will shape the future of work, productivity, and personal organization.In the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, tools like Deepseek R1, Claude, and others are becoming integral to daily workflows. My experience with these models has been both enlightening and productive, especially when it comes to managing and synthesizing information for work and personal projects. Here's a deeper dive into how I’m leveraging AI in my daily life and where I see it heading. **Deepseek R1 vs. Claude: A Comparison** Deepseek R1 has proven to be a reliable tool, particularly for summarizing my shift notes at work. While Claude is slightly quicker in processing, I find the quality of results from Deepseek to be more aligned with my needs. The summaries are clear and concise, making it easier for me to review and act on my notes efficiently. It’s fascinating to see how these models differ in their outputs, and I’m curious to explore how Deepseek might integrate with other tools like cursor.ai. Pairing it with a more advanced reasoning model could further enhance its utility, especially for parsing through coding demands. **Exploring Open Source and Emerging Models** Open-source models are gaining traction, and I’m eager to see how they can be integrated into daily workflows. For instance, Trymaple.ai offers a single model based on LLaMA, which comes from the old Mutiny team. At just $2 for a subscription, it’s worth exploring to gauge its potential. The idea of switching to a more powerful, open-source LLM as a daily driver is incredibly appealing, given the flexibility and adaptability such models could offer. **AI for Productivity and Organization** My primary use cases for AI revolve around productivity and organization: 1. **Summarizing, Extending, and Elaborating Work Notes**: This is where Deepseek shines, helping me condense and expand on my ideas. 2. **Answering Specific Questions**: AI models are excellent at providing quick, accurate answers to targeted queries. 3. **Organizing Thoughts in Obsidian**: My Obsidian vault is a treasure trove of rambling thoughts, and AI helps structure them into coherent, actionable insights. 4. **Coding**: Tools like cursor.ai are invaluable for parsing coding demands and streamlining development processes. **The Future of AI Personal Assistants** AI personal assistants are on the horizon, and the potential is immense. While privacy concerns are valid, I’m cautious about the information I feed into these tools. The platforms I use are relatively privacy-focused and open source, which adds a layer of security. I’m even considering hosting a self-hosted LLM to analyze my Obsidian notes spanning years. The idea of synthesizing this wealth of information into actionable insights is tantalizing. However, it’s crucial to approach this with mindfulness, as the dystopian implications of misuse or naivety are significant. Used correctly, though, the productivity gains and clarity achieved could be remarkable. **On Kagi and CASCDR** Interestingly, my Kagi subscription might fall by the wayside, as I find myself using it less frequently. On the other hand, the CASCDR YouTube summarizer is sorely missed. Its ability to distill long videos into concise summaries was a game-changer, and I hope similar tools emerge in the future. As AI continues to advance, the tools and models we use today will evolve, offering even greater capabilities. My journey with AI has been a blend of exploration, experimentation, and cautious optimism. I’m excited to see how these technologies will shape the future of work, productivity, and personal organization.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Our story begins in a quaint little village in Kerala, where a starry-eyed, red-blooded communist named Suneesh, raised on a steady diet of Marxist literature and chai, decided to embark on the ultimate proletarian pilgrimage: a move to Australia. Why Australia, you ask? Well, Suneesh had grown up believing the Land Down Under was a socialist paradise, where kangaroos shared the outback with equal enthusiasm, and mateship was just code for "state-controlled camaraderie." Back in Kerala, Suneesh was a hero. He marched in protests against capitalism (or as he called it, "the Western disease") and distributed leaflets glorifying the workers’ utopia that he was convinced existed somewhere in the southern hemisphere. “Australia!” he proclaimed one day to his comrades at the tea shop. “That’s where the real communists are. Gough Whitlam? Bob Hawke? True revolutionaries!” The old men nodded in agreement, even though most of them thought Gough Whitlam was some kind of imported whiskey. Arrival in the Land of Barbecues and Bulldust When Suneesh landed in Sydney, he was ready to be embraced by a horde of flannel-clad, beer-drinking socialists. But the reality hit him faster than a didgeridoo solo. His Uber driver—a cheerful bloke named Darren—lectured him about tax rates while proudly displaying his Tesla. "Mate, capitalism's bloody brilliant!" Darren declared. Suneesh, clutching a copy of The Communist Manifesto, silently wondered if he’d taken a wrong turn somewhere over the Indian Ocean. Things only got worse. He attended a union meeting, expecting to hear fiery speeches about overthrowing the bourgeoisie, but found himself in a heated debate about long weekend rosters and whether Vegemite should qualify as a tax deduction. "Where’s the revolution?" he whispered to a burly union member in high-vis gear, who responded with, “Revolution? Mate, I just want a pay rise to buy a better barbie.” The Bunnings Betrayal Desperate to find his tribe, Suneesh wandered into a Bunnings Warehouse, convinced that the workers' collective spirit would be alive and well in the sacred aisles of tools and mulch. Instead, he was greeted by hyper-efficient employees selling discount leaf blowers with the zeal of Wall Street traders. “Capitalism is strong here,” Suneesh muttered in horror as he watched an old couple haggle over a Weber grill. His breaking point came when he discovered the true Aussie religion: barbecues. Every gathering he attended was an orgy of meat consumption, beer, and casual jokes about politics. "What do you call a Marxist at a barbie?" someone quipped. "Unemployed!" The crowd roared with laughter, while Suneesh quietly nibbled on a lone celery stick. A Revelation at Centrelink Disillusioned, Suneesh visited Centrelink, expecting it to be the bureaucratic heart of socialist Australia. Surely, this was where the workers of the world united! Instead, he encountered long queues, complicated forms, and employees who looked like they'd rather be anywhere else. “This isn’t communism,” he muttered. “This is dystopia.” While waiting, he overheard someone complain about how the government didn’t do enough to "support the battlers." Suneesh, ever the idealist, tried to chime in with his revolutionary zeal. “The workers must seize the means of production!” he declared. The room went silent for a moment before someone muttered, “This bloke’s had too much goon.” The Rise of the BBQ Bolshevik Suneesh could have packed his bags and returned to Kerala, but no. This was not a man to give up easily. If Australia didn’t have the communists he imagined, then he’d create them. Inspired by the Aussie spirit of improvisation, he founded a group called the BBQ Bolsheviks. Their motto: "Equality, mateship, and medium-rare steaks for all!" The group gained traction among disillusioned hipsters, left-leaning retirees, and a surprising number of kangaroo conservationists. Meetings were held in the backyards of suburban homes, where they debated the finer points of Marxism while flipping snags on the barbie. Suneesh even introduced the concept of communal esky ownership, which was wildly popular until someone absconded with all the beers. Conclusion Though Suneesh never found the socialist utopia he dreamed of, he did discover something far more Australian: the ability to adapt, laugh at himself, and make a mean sausage sizzle. He may have left Kerala as a red-blooded communist, but he stayed in Australia as a fair-dinkum comrade, proudly wearing a T-shirt that read, “Workers of the world, unite (after the footy)!” And so, the Kerala Commie lived happily ever after, fighting for equality one barbecue at a time.

@ 3c7dc2c5:805642a8

## 🧠Quote(s) of the week: 'DeepSeek increases my conviction that Bitcoin must be the hurdle rate for capital deployment. AI innovation at this speed and scale will substantially disrupt valuation metrics across industries and is not currently priced in. Those who secure a war chest of Bitcoin will be the long-run winners, picking up distressed assets for pennies on the dollar. Focus on three things: AI, Bitcoin, and energy.' -Matt Cole Just to elaborate on the above statement by a tweet by Dylan Leclair in 2021: 'Problems: 1. Infinite liquidity doesn’t fix a solvency issue. 2. Inflationary monetary policy can’t work against technological deflation. Solution: Bitcoin' To me it is crystal clear: AI deflates, central banks print, and Bitcoin absorbs the chaos. BTC was built for this. ## 🧡Bitcoin news🧡 On the 21st of January: ➡️MicroStrategy shareholders approved increasing the total number of shares from 330 million to 10.3 billion, paving the way for future fundraising to acquire more Bitcoin (55.8% approval). ➡️Bitcoin's mining difficulty has seen a 24% quarterly increase since August 2024. Saylor: "Bitcoin mining difficulty has reached a new all-time high. Creating BTC requires proof of work and significant energy, making it increasingly expensive over time. Historically, mining difficulty and price are closely linked—a strong signal for bullish momentum." The Difficulty Regression Model estimates the cost to mine 1 Bitcoin at $33.9K, while Bitcoin trades at ~$104K. This ~3x profitability margin showcases miners' resilience, even as mining difficulty continues to rise in this cycle: [Glassnode ](https://t.co/bSY1SHBS7e) ➡️'Bitcoin ETFs launched a year ago and now hold over 1,100,000 BTC which is ~5.7% of the current supply.' -Jameson Lopp ➡️The governor of the South African central bank scoffs at the idea of a strategic Bitcoin reserve asking, “Why not a strategic beef reserve? Why not an apple reserve? Why Bitcoin?!” And at that same panel discussion at the World Economic Forum, we had Brian Amstrong, CEO of Coinbase, praising Bitcoin as the best money in the world. “It’s clear at this point, bitcoin is a better form of money than gold…For a store-of-value, governments must hold bitcoin over time” ➡️Corporate announcements this morning: - MicroStrategy has bought 11,000 BTC for $1.1 billion, and now holds 461,000 bitcoin. Microstrategy now owns 2.195% of all Bitcoins that will ever exist. - KULR Technology Group has bought 79 BTC for $8 million, and now holds 510 bitcoin. - Genius Group has bought 52 BTC for $5 million, and now holds 420 bitcoin. ➡️ETH holders absolutely deserve what is coming. The following text/tweet by Vitalik Buterin just shows you how decentralized Ethereum is. 'No. This is not how this game works. The person deciding the new EF leadership team is me. One of the goals of the ongoing reform is to give the EF a "proper board", but until that happens it's me. If you "keep the pressure on", then you are creating an environment that is actively toxic to top talent. Some of Ethereum's best devs have been messaging me recently, expressing their disgust with the social media environment that people like you are creating. YOU ARE MAKING MY JOB HARDER. And you are decreasing the chance I have any interest whatsoever in doing "what you want". TLDR: There’s no “me” in Bitcoin. If your "crypto" has a leader, it's not decentralized. Period! ➡️Bitcoin mining in Texas has had a positive impact on the state's power grid and has also potentially saved billions by reducing reliance on expensive and polluting gas-peaking plants, according to the latest report from the Digital Assets Research Institute. ➡️Critical Metals Corp secures up to $500M in convertible note financing to purchase Bitcoin for its Bitcoin treasury strategy. This makes them the first Nasdaq-listed critical minerals company to adopt Bitcoin as a treasury reserve asset. ➡️Legendary investor Ray Dalio says Bitcoin he owns Bitcoin to “reduce the risk of a portfolio”. On the 22nd of January: ➡️ Finally Ross Ulbricht is free. Pardoning Ross is a promise fulfilled by Trump. Revealing that this was an act of the deep state is next level, calling the people who convicted him "scum." Trump: "The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern-day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years." Politicians stay Politicians, but I am glad Ross is free. Ross didn’t sell drugs—he built an anonymous, free, and open platform on Tor called Silk Road. 'Silk Road sold apparel, art, books, collectibles, computer equipment, electronics, herbs, and yeah—drugs. But according to friends who used it, Silk Road was arguably the safest way drugs were ever sold: no street violence, no shady deals, and zero fentanyl. Everything was tested and peer-reviewed, like an Amazon for substances.' Don’t forget… the DOJ seized 173,991 Bitcoin directly and indirectly from Ross Ulbricht. It was $34 Million when they took it. Today it’s worth ~$18.4 BILLION. Newcomers to Bitcoin may not understand why old-timers care so much about Ross Ulbricht. Great explanation by Vijay Boyapati: https://x.com/real_vijay/status/1881869635915809001 On the 23rd of January: ➡️China sold its entire 194K BTC stash, seized from PlusToken, despite official claims of transferring it to the national treasury, according to CryptoQuant CEO Ki Young Ju. ➡️YouTube rival Rumble to launch digital wallet to make Bitcoin and Tether payments. Tether-backed video-sharing platform Rumble to launch Rumble Wallet, which will allow creators to receive tips and subscription payments directly in Bitcoin or Tether. ➡️Ledger co-founder David Balland was kidnapped and a cryptocurrency ransom was demanded. He was rescued by GIGN and multiple suspects are in custody. https://x.com/0xLouisT/status/1882711063306666287 On the 24th of January: ➡️SAB 121 has been rescinded, allowing banks to custody Bitcoin. Banks can now offer Bitcoin services to hundreds of millions of customers. The Bitcoin Podcast: But what exactly is SAB 121 and what does its repeal mean for Bitcoin? Eric Weiss breaks it down: "I think that's gonna be a massive, massive catalyst down the road for a US dollar price appreciation of Bitcoin." https://x.com/titcoinpodcast/status/1882599727880917490 ➡️Bitcoin is above $100k but retail interest is the lowest it's been in 3 years. ➡️How popular is Bitcoin on Wall Street? 6% of all the money flowing into American ETFs is now Bitcoin. ➡️A user just successfully sent ~$866,430,722 worth of Bitcoin for a 33¢ transaction fee using the blockchain. ➡️President Trump’s new executive order protects American’s right to use public blockchains, develop and deploy software, participate in mining and validation, transact without censorship, and safeguard their own digital assets. The freedom to build, mine, and hodl Bitcoin. ➡️Spot Bitcoin ETFs are now bigger than ESG ETFs. [](https://i.ibb.co/C3LdYZhd/Gi-EISs-EXo-AA94-Sr.jpg) On the 25th of January: ➡️Bitcoin has completely dislocated from its ~70-day global M2 lag. It's been on a run of its own for the last 30 days. ➡️As mentioned above but also in the segment (Macro/Geopolitics) Trump took a bold stand against CBDCs, protecting Americans from the financial tyranny they represent. But now, Ripple is working behind the scenes to undermine his administration and sneak CBDCs in through a backdoor while lobbying heavily. Ripple is public enemy number one this cycle, and it’s time everyone recognized it. You don’t hate XRP enough, plain and simple. If you understood what they’re trying to pull, your outrage would be through the roof. Jameson Lopp: There's Bitcoin, then there's Crypto, then there's Ripple. Ripple has attacked Bitcoin at a level rivaled only by BSV's lawsuits. Ripple explicitly wants to power CBDCs. They have always been focused on servicing banks. Few projects are as antithetical to Bitcoin. Brad Garlinghouse douchebag and CEO of Ripple: "We would not be profitable or cash flow positive without selling our XRP holdings.” All 100 billion XRP tokens were created out of thin air by Ripple Labs in 2012 and reserved for insiders. Ripple's income comes from dumping these coins on the public. On the 26th of January: ➡️Only 1,056,700 Bitcoin is left to be mined, forever. On the 27th of January: ➡️MicroStrategy has acquired 10,107 BTC for ~$1.1 billion at ~$105,596 per Bitcoin and has achieved a Bitcoin Yield of 2.90% YTD 2025. As of 1/26/2025, they hodl 471,107 Bitcoins acquired for ~$30.4 billion at ~$64,511 per Bitcoin. ➡️Russia's largest energy supplier Rosseti to launch Bitcoin mining operations in areas with excess electricity, aiming to optimize energy use, increase tax revenue, and support the development of BTC mining in Russia. ➡️Brazilian oil giant Petrobras to launch Bitcoin mining operations using excess natural gas produced during oil extraction, to reduce energy waste and carbon emissions. ➡️MicroStrategy to offer 2.5 million shares of 'Series A Perpetual Strike Preferred Stock' to buy more Bitcoin. ➡️Arizona is the first state to pass a bill out of committee to create a ‘Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.’ Co-sponsored by Wendy Rogers and Jeff Weninger, the bill now heads to the state Senate floor for a vote. ➡️El Salvador is now the second fastest-growing tourist destination in the world. Bitcoin and Tourism. [](https://i.ibb.co/zt9P3bC/Gi-TYo98-XQAAZfe-C.png) ➡️'Cboe BZX Exchange files amended rules to allow in-kind redemptions and creations for the ARK 21Shares Bitcoin ETF. This follows Nasdaq’s similar filing for BlackRock’s iShares Bitcoin Trust, signaling progress in spot Bitcoin ETF mechanics.' -Bitcoin News What we have learned last week: 'Vitalik doesn’t buy Ethereum, only sells it. Ripple doesn’t buy XRP, only sells it. The US doesn’t buy USD, only prints it. There can only be one Bitcoin— wake up' - Cory Bates ## 💸Traditional Finance / Macro: 👉🏽NVIDIA closes the day down -17%, officially erasing -$590 BILLION of market cap. This marks the largest 1-day loss of market cap in a single stock in history, and it's not even close. ## 🏦Banks:  👉🏽no news ## 🌎Macro/Geopolitics: On the 20th of January: 👉🏽 Trump: "We will end the "Green Deal" with the "liquid gold under our feet". 'The Netherlands has €1.000 billion of "liquid gold" natural gas in Groningen. The Rutte government destroyed our gas wells, and filled them up with concrete because they could not compensate 20.000 homes.' - Henk Otten I am not sure about the fact that we filled them up with concrete. As a matter of fact, I think the Netherlands could start immediately if needed. On the 21st of January: 👉🏽The US Treasury has reached its debt limit and is now using 'extraordinary measures' to continue operating. 👉🏽Sam Callahan: 'A new study reveals that, over the past 20 years, Congress has largely ignored large fiscal deficits, making little effort to reduce them. The authors discuss what's required for "successful deficit reduction," but they don't seem to realize that nothing stops this train.' https://www.brookings.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/4_AuerbachYagan.pdf 👉🏽Interest payments on the US national debt now exceed spending on national defense. [](https://i.ibb.co/cc5wtzDD/Gh0-BB9-HXg-AAVOad.png) 👉🏽Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, just warned that the UK could be heading for a “debt death spiral” his is in which the UK has to borrow more and more money to service its rising interest costs 👉🏽'The rich are getting richer faster than ever before: US household net worth has risen ~$56 TRILLION since Q1 2020 and hit a record $160 trillion in Q3 2024. Currently, the top 10% own $111 trillion of all wealth, accounting for 69% of the total. The top 0.1% alone own a massive $22 trillion, reflecting 14% of household net worth. On the other hand, the bottom 50% holds just $3.9 trillion, or 2.4% of wealth. This comes as the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 have risen 128% and 166% since Q1 2020 while national home prices have surged ~50%. The wealth gap is growing.' -TKL 👉🏽Phillipp Heimberger: 'It is unclear how national governments in the EU are supposed to square the circle: to ramp up military spending and public expenditures on climate and digitization while at the same time achieving primary fiscal surpluses over the medium run to meet new EU fiscal rules.' [](https://i.ibb.co/PsZxXzVW/Gh-KTYn-WAAALh-U4.png) On the 22nd of January: 👉🏽'Gold's global market cap to world GDP ratio reached a RECORD 16.7% in 2024. This ratio has doubled in 10 years and quadrupled since 2001. Nominally, gold’s market value sits near an all-time high of ~$18.5 trillion. This comes as gold has posted an average annual return of +9.5% since 2000, making it one of the best-performing major asset classes this century. Since the start of 2024, gold prices have hit 41 all-time highs and are up +33%.' - TKL On the 24th of January: 👉🏽The Bank of Japan raises interest rates by 25 basis points to their highest level since 2008. 👉🏽'The ECB proposed a holding limit of €3000 for the digital euro. Banks want €500, otherwise, it will cost them too much... This whole digital euro project is such a huge clusterfuck in slow-motion.' - Paul Buitink https://www.ledgerinsights.com/progress-on-digital-euro-holding-limits/ Meanwhile, Trump is going all in against ‘Central Bank Digital Currencies.’ ‘taking measures to protect Americans from the risks of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which threaten the stability of the financial system, individual privacy, and the sovereignty of the United States’ Daniel Batten: 'When it comes to digital currency: Will the EU pivot and head down the path of democracies such as the US who see Bitcoin as consistent with its democratic values or continue down the path of autocracies like Russia & China who see CBDCs as being consistent with their autocratic values?' On the 27th of January: 👉🏽Volkswagen ready to become Chinese Volkswagen is prepared to let Chinese electric carmakers take over production lines in its struggling factories. 👉🏽'DeepSeek officially announces another open-source AI model, Janus-Pro-7B. This model generates images and beats OpenAI's DALL-E 3 and Stable Diffusion across multiple benchmarks.' -TKL OpenAI: - 10 years old - 4,500 employees - raised $6.6 billion DeepSeek - less than 2 years old - 200 employees - less than $10 million capital used DeepSeek developed and open-sourced an equal or better product and had it out for free, likely killing the business model of OpenAI Anyway, if you want to read more on DeepSeek, and how seems like how they seem to have shifted the paradigm on how AI LLMS work, I highly recommend the following thread by Morgan Brown: https://x.com/morganb/status/1883686162709295541 Open source everything! A quick reminder for all my readers but especially for my nocoin readers: FORMER FINANCE PROFESSOR TAD SMITH: "After 25 years teaching finance, I realized at 58: If the money printer grows 8-10% annually and the S&P 500 returns ~9%, it’s just treading water. True wealth comes from outpacing the printer. That’s the Bitcoin journey." https://x.com/SimplyBitcoinTV/status/1876679181066801425 Study Bitcoin 🎁If you have made it this far I would like to give you a little gift: Fantastic presentation by Preston Pysh on Bitcoin as a store of value referencing Michael saylors presentation to the Microsoft board https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-O54CdSNnM I've used his monopoly analogy so many times. If you've never heard it, you should definitely listen and maybe share it with your stubborn uncle or sister, or co-worker in denial. Absolutely brilliant from Preston as always. "Most people arrive at bitcoin without ever understanding the problems it's solving". Credit: I have used multiple sources! My savings account: Bitcoin The tool I recommend for setting up a Bitcoin savings plan: PocketBitcoin especially suited for beginners or people who want to invest in Bitcoin with an automated investment plan once a week or monthly. Use the code BITCOINFRIDAY Get your Bitcoin out of exchanges. Save them on a hardware wallet, run your own node...be your own bank. Not your keys, not your coins. It's that simple.⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ Do you think this post is helpful to you? If so, please share it and support my work with a zap. ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃ ⭐ Many thanks⭐ Felipe - Bitcoin Friday! ▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃▃

@ c2827524:5f45b2f7

Vuoi creare il tuo profilo Nostr, ma non sai esattamente da dove iniziare? Prova a seguire i consigli di questo tutorial! ## [Nosta.me](https://nosta.me/)  Nosta.me è uno dei client più semplici e divertenti di tutto il protocollo Nostr. [Free e open source](https://github.com/GBKS/nosta-me), Nosta regala anche un link dall'aspetto elegante per fare visualizzare il proprio profilo, come si può vedere da quello dello sviluppatore. [Christoph Ono](nostr:nprofile1qyv8wumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnndehhyapwwdhkx6tpdsqzpde3ulaauhqe94unlafq5mkfra5ktawclgdkfcfpwyyf5e09gpf9uw029s). Cominciamo, andando proprio sulla pagina nosta.me ## Creazione in 10 passi Innanzitutto Nosta è un client adatto alla creazione del profilo, ma non per scrivere, firmare e pubblicare note. Per l'uso social di Nostr è meglio utilizzare altri client che si possono scoprire in seguito. ### Ma allora: perché Nosta? Perché propone la creazione del profilo tramite 10 step da eseguire in ordine. Alcuni dei 10 passaggi si possono saltare per essere completati in seguito, ma il cuore della creazione delle chiavi è familiare ai Bitcoiner, perché parte da una sequenza casuale di 12 parole. Cominciamo, scegliendo proprio *«Create a new profile»*  Nosta da il benvenuto ad una nuova, giovane Nostrica.  È il primo dei 10 step; cliccare *«Next»*  Si scelgono le prime informazioni da compilare, mettendo un nome, un paio di righe di biografia e - se presente - un sito web di riferimento.  Una volta compilati questi 3 campi, cliccare *«Next»* Il prossimo passo chiede di caricare una foto profilo. Consiglio di cliccare su *"Skip"*, **vedremo meglio in seguito la gestione delle immagini** via protocollo Nostr  --- ## ENTRIAMO NEL VIVO: LA GENERAZIONE DELLE CHIAVI In questo nuovo step Nosta calcola e mostra la recovery phrase di 12 parole. Questa frase porterà al calcolo automatico di un seed proprio come nel protocollo Bitcoin: le parole provengono dal dizionario BIP39, dopodiché la chiave privata viene calcolata sulla curva ellittica secp256k1 ed infine convertita da hex al formato **nsec**.  Queste 12 parole costituiscono una recovery phrase per ripristinare l'account e le relative chiavi tramite Nosta.me. Sono da scrivere bene e conservare, dopodiché si può procedere alla verifica cliccando *"Next"*  La procedura di verifica presenta le 12 parole posizionate a caso: per il check si devono cliccare in ordine dalla 1 alla 12 Siamo pronti per lo step successivo: Nosta mostra **la chiave privata nsec**. Si deve copiare e incollare su un file protetto da tenere in un luogo sicuro.  Una volta copiata la nsec, cliccare *"Next"* La creazione delle chiavi termina con la derivazione della chiave pubblica, la ***npub***.  La npub di Nostr rappresenta l'identità dell'utente. Va copiata e incollata per conservarla, anche in un luogo sprotetto, perché si userà spesso e volentieri nel protocollo per farsi identificare --- # Handle, follow e wallet Bitcoin Il passo 7/10 prevede l'impostazione dell'handle o NIP-05 nel profilo. L'handle è una caratteristica che ha due vantaggi: 1. si può scegliere un identificativo più facile da leggere e usare al posto della chiave pubblica 2. è un ulteriore sistema di verifica dell'identità Scopriremo in seguito i dettagli del NIP-05, consiglio di saltare questo passo tra gli step di Nosta  Nello step successivo vengono proposti alcuni suggerimenti per seguire utenti di Nostr. Consiglio di iniziare a seguire qualcuno, proprio per non rimanere troppo spaesati al termine della creazione del profilo, rischiando di trovare un feed completamente vuoto.  Il penultimo passo 9/10 è quello dove si configura il wallet Bitcoin. Chi ha già un LN address può giustamente inserirlo. Chi non è ancora skillato, può seguire il capitolo in cui ne parleremo più avanti e cliccare *"Skip"* in questa schermata  # I relay L'ultima impostazione richiesta da Nosta è la scelta dei relay, il motore delle note su Nostr. **È attraverso i relay, infatti, che le le note «and other stuff» sono trasmessi alla rete**. Nel passo 10/10 si trovano già dei buoni suggerimenti che - chi non è esperto - può accettare e proseguire cliccando *"Next"*.  Chi è invece già esperto può cambiare questa lista e personalizzarla a seconda delle proprie esigenze ## È tutto fatto! Nosta propone una schermata di riepilogo e - se va tutto bene - si può cliccare su *"Looks good"*  Quando siamo convinti, clicchiamo "Save" e Nosta pubblicherà il profilo per come lo abbiamo impostato.  Il profilo è praticamente pronto, sebbene scarno  Si può abbellire e riempire con le informazioni mancanti cliccando su *"Edit"*, così come scegliere un altro client ed iniziare ad usarlo, oppure continuare con il tutorial e scoprire come trattare più in sicurezza la chiave privata. **Cambiare client, infatti, richiederebbe allo stato attuale copiare e incollare la nsec per fare ogni login**. Quello che segue è un suggerimento per impostare un'estensione del browser come gestore di firma e usare l'estensione per fare tutti i tipi di login via web. --- # Usare il protocollo Nostr Il profilo è pronto per essere usato. Ora si può esplorare Nostr, alla ricerca di client ed opportunità. Per fare login si deve necessariamente accedere ai client con la chiave privata nsec, al fine di poter firmare le note e propagarle. Anziché copiare e incollare la nsec in ognuno dei client, è opportuno usare "un trucco". ## Login con NOS2X Nos2X è un'estensione del browser che permette di gestilre le chiavi in un unico luogo, firmando gli eventi senza esporre la nsec ad ogni singola azione. È disponibile per Firefox e fork ed anche per Chrome. ##### l'esempio che segue è realizzato con Chrome, ma il procedimento per Firefox è molto simile e semplice Cercare Nos2X tra le estensioni del browser  quindi aggiungerlo al proprio Chrome    Entrare nelle impostazioni con Manage Settings  fino a trovare la schermata dove è possibile incollare la propria chiave privata, impostare qualche relay e salvare.  Si apre ora una finestra che chiede di autorizzare Nos2X a firmare gli eventi. Si può scegliere di autorizzare sempre o anche solo la sessione attuale, per prova. Se si sceglie "Authorize just this" è bene tenere a mente che ad ogni sessione il manager di firma chiederà l'autorizzazione. Ognuno sceglie a seconda delle proprie esigenze.  Da ora in poi, via web, ci si può loggare a qualsiasi client Nostr per continuare l'esplorazione. Si può fare, ad esempio, già con Nosta.me e fare Edit Profile, giusto per continuare a completare il proprio profilo.  Il profilo è ancora molto scarno, infatti  Chi ha un sito web o landing page può tranquillamente inserirlo e salvare. Alcuni dei campi sono gli step saltati al momento della creazione con Nosta e che si possono vedere ora nel dettaglio. ## Handle L'handle di Nostr è codificato nel [NIP-05](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/05.md), Nostr Implementation Possibilities, che specifica proprio come gli utenti possono essere verificati su Nostr. Il meccanismo di verifica è simile a quello richiesto da Google per verificare la proprietà di un dominio, e consente ad ogni utente Nostr di "mappare" la propria chiave pubblica su un identificatore internet basato su DNS. Il vantaggio principale del NIP-05 è che trasforma la stringa della npub in un nome leggibile in maniera semplice. È possibile ottenere un NIP-05 for free, o anche a pagamento, [scegliendoli da una](https://nostr.how/en/guides/get-verified#paid-verification) delle molte liste che si trovano in una ricerca via web. L'operazione è super semplice: * si scelga, ad esempio, zaps.lol * incollare la chiave pubblica npub * scegliere uno username rappresentativo, che completo sarà: tuousername@zaps.lol * cliccare REGISTER  E il proprio handle è pronto e verificato, si può quindi incollare sulla maschera del profilo di Nosta.me e salvare ## La gestione delle immagini Si può impostare un avatar, così comme un banner di copertina e - in generale - postare immagini via Nostr. La gestione delle immagini avviene condividendo un URL. Sebbene la maggior parte dei client adesso consentano di caricare immagini in maniera meno complessa, non sempre queste vengono rese disponibili al primo colpo. Ci sono però altri tipi di client, che si sono specializzati nel caricamento immagini. All'inizio meglio scegliere un client che offre questa possibilità gratuitamente, come nostrcheck.me Dalla homepage andare nel menu Public gallery -> UPLOAD -> scegliere di fare login cliccando sull'iconcina utente in alto a destra. La [landing page](https://nostrcheck.me/api/v2/login) si mostra così  Scegliere quindi di fare login con l'extendion Nos2X e procedere con il caricamento dell'immagine profilo, seguendo le istruzioni a video. Nostrcheck carica l'immagine e fornisce l'url che si può copiare e incollare dove si vuole, ad esempio nella schermata del profilo, ma anche nei futuri post.  Se si sono appena caricati avatar e banner del profilo, gli url completano il profilo di Nostr, che adesso è completo di quasi tutto  ## LN address e wallet È di gran lunga la più sorprendente caratteristica di Nostr: scambiare valore usando la Lightning Network di Bitcoin. Esistono differenti soluzioni, dalle più semplici alle più complesse. Se non si ha la minima idea di cosa sia un wallet LN o un LN address, meglio rimandare questa fase al momento in cui si possiede la necessaria consapevolezza. Ma per chi ha un'idea precisa di questi concetti, l'LN address permette di ricevere zap (donazioni di sats) per i contenuti condivisi che dal mittente arrivano sul proprio wallet; il wallet può essere usato per ricompensare altri creatori di contenuti, zap-pando a più non posso. Se si utilizza una soluzione custodial come sats.mobi, LifPay(*) o altri tenere sul wallet solo pochi sats per lo scopo. Se se ne ricevono molti, perché i contenuti diventano popolari e virali, spostarli su un wallet LN non-custodial. (*) Lifpay integra una soluzione senza alcuna frizione per l'utente inesperto, perché crea un profilo direttamente con la npub di Nostr. ### Ora è davvero tutto pronto e Nostr è lì per essere esplorato  Puoi iniziare seguendo npub1c2p82fyndhk66hmz808c5pxjq8el60kh6jgj5xgdhmhksh69ktmsz8dcj5 - - - ## Risorse per approfondire: 1. https://laura.npub.pro/post/1733214130372/ 2. https://nostr.net/ 2. https://nostr.how/en/nostr-projects 3. https://github.com/nostr-resources/ 4. https://nostr.com/ 5. https://nostr.info/resources/ 6. https://usenostr.org/ 7. https://uselessshit.co/resources/nostr/ - - - Per info https://t.me/bitcoincampus https://planb.network/it/courses/btc105

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

Private property isn’t lines on dirt or fences of steel—it’s the crystallization of human sovereignty. Each boundary drawn is a silent declaration: **This is where my will meets yours, where creation clashes against chaos.** What we defend as “mine” or “yours” is no mere object but a metaphysical claim, a scaffold for the unfathomable complexity of voluntary exchange. Markets breathe only when individuals anchor their choices in the inviolable. Without property, there is no negotiation—only force. No trade—only taking. The deed to land, the title to a car, the seed of an idea: these are not static things but frontiers of being, where human responsibility collides with the infinite permutations of value. Austrian economics whispers what existentialism shouts: existence precedes essence. Property isn’t granted by systems; it’s asserted through action, defended through sacrifice, and sanctified through mutual recognition. A thing becomes “owned” only when a mind declares it so, and others—through reason or respect—refrain from crossing that unseen line. Bitcoin? The purest ledger of this truth. A string of code, yes—but one that mirrors the unyielding logic of property itself: scarce, auditable, unconquerable. It doesn’t ask permission. It exists because sovereign minds *choose* it to. Sigh. #nostr I love #Bitcoin.

@ dca69ce3:5b1492da

With the rise of protocols like [Nostr](https://nostr.com/) (popular in the Bitcoin community) and the [AT Protocol](https://atproto.com/) (popularized by [BlueSky](https://bsky.app/)), now feels like the perfect time to explore the history of the web and the open philosophy it was built on. As someone involved in the communities and clients using these protocols for the past couple of years, I understand their significance. However, this write-up is my effort to deepen that understanding by examining the emergence and necessity of decentralized protocols. What I've found is that the history of the open web is a fascinating, intertwined narrative of protocols and the consequences of their creation and adoption. Like many foundational innovations, these technologies often succumb to commercialization and centralization over time. Will this time be different? Only time will tell. Let's dive in! ## The Philosophy of the Early Internet The early internet was founded on principles of openness, decentralization, and collaboration, reflecting the technologies, governance structures, and culture of its time. The ARPANET, the precursor to the internet, was designed to ensure communication could endure even in the face of infrastructure loss--resilient to single points of failure. This concept was particularly vital during the Cold War (late 1940s to late 1980s), a period marked by geopolitical tensions where communication disruptions were a constant concern. ## Protocols of the Open Web ### ARPA and NCP (1969-1980) The early days of networking saw the creation of NCP (Network Control Protocol), the first protocol used by ARPANET. NCP enabled basic communication between nodes, serving as both a transport and host-to-host communication protocols. NCP managed communication by establishing and maintaining logical connections between hosts using socket pairs--a local socket number identifying a specific process on the host and a remote socket number identifying the target process on destination host. These socket pairs uniquely identified each logical connection, which supported full-duplex communication, allowing data to flow in both directions simultaneously over the same connection. While NCP handled host-level communication, low-level packet switching and routing were managed by IMPs (Interface Message Processors). In essence, NCP relied on IMPs to deliver packets between nodes. Using NCP, ARPANET's earliest nodes--University of California Los Angeles, Stanford Research Institute, University of California Santa Barbara, and the University of Utah--collaborate to share resources and advance computing research. Each institution contributed to the development of the early internet, setting the stage for its evolution into the more modern systems we recognize today. NCP foundational design enabled use cases still familiar today: remote login, file transfer, time-sharing systems, email, and collaborative tools like document editing. However, its simplicity came with limitations. NCP lacked robust error detection and correction, relying on the underlying network (IMPs) to handle these issues. It also lacked a standardized addressing scheme and error recovery mechanisms, limiting its scalability and reliability. These shortcomings ultimately led to the development of TCP/IP. ### FTP (1971) In 1971, [RCF 114](https://www.rfc-editor.org/rfc/rfc114), titled "A File Transfer Protocol" by Abhay Bhushan, introduced a standardized method for transferring files between hosts on the ARPANET. Its primary goal was to enable indirect use of remote computers, allowing users to transfer files without the need to log into remote systems directly. Key features of this early protocol included: - **Indirect File Access**: Enabled users to transfer files seamlessly across the ARPANET without requiring direct logins to remote systems. - **Standardized Commands**: Defined a consistent set of commands for file operations, including retrieving, storing, deleting, and listing files, ensuring uniform interactions across diverse systems. - **Data Type Specification**: Supported the designation of data types and structures to accommodate various file formats, ensuring accurate interpretation during transfers. - **User Identification Mechanism**: Introduced basic access control through username and password authentication, enhancing security. - **Error Recovery Procedures**: Included mechanisms for error correction and recovery to maintain data integrity and reliability during transfers. FTP simplified data and software sharing, becoming a cornerstone of collaboration within academic and research communities. ### Email: The First Killer App (1971) Email, the internet’s first “killer app,” emerged during the development of NCP and later TCP/IP. Ray Tomlinson invented email in 1971 while working at BBN, a key player in ARPANET’s creation. Before email, communication on the network primarily relied on file sharing. Seeking a more efficient solution, Tomlinson modified CYPNET to send messages across ARPANET, enabling users to communicate between different computers. This innovation popularized the use of the “@” symbol to separate user names from domains. In 1982, the creation of SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) standardized email communication and significantly improved upon Tomlinson’s initial implementation. SMTP introduced several key advancements: - **Formalized Communication Rules**: Established a standardized protocol for sending emails between servers, which CYPNET lacked. - **Support for Multiple Recipients**: Enabled sending emails to multiple recipients and distributing messages to mailing lists, a capability absent in Tomlinson’s system. - **Error Handling**: Provided explicit error codes and responses to diagnose and resolve delivery issues, whereas Tomlinson’s implementation offered only rudimentary error handling. - **Structured Message Format**: Worked with standards like RFC 822 to define consistent headers (To, From, Subject), replacing the unstructured, ad-hoc metadata of early emails. - **Scalability**: Designed to accommodate the growing internet, ensuring email functionality expanded as ARPANET evolved into a global network. Tomlinson’s system was tied to ARPANET’s original constraints. SMTP transformed email from a groundbreaking experiment into a robust, scalable, and universal communication tool, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of internet communication. ### Usenet (1979) Usenet, created by Tom Truscott and Jim Ellis at Duke University in 1979, was one of the first decentralized systems for sharing messages and fostering online discussions. As a precursor to modern internet forums and social media, Usenet laid the foundation for the social internet as we know it today. Usenet relied on UUCP (Unix-to-Unix Copy Program) to transfer messages between servers in a peer-to-peer manner, with each server forwarding posts to its neighbors. Key features and insights from Usenet include: - **Newsgroups**: Discussions were organized into categories called newsgroups, with a hierarchical naming system (e.g., `comp.sys` for computer systems). - **Decentralization**: Usenet’s peer-to-peer design required each server to store and propagate messages, eliminating single points of failure and central control. This decentralization, akin to modern protocols like Nostr, aligned with the internet’s ideals of openness and collaboration. - **Self-Governance**: Without central authority, Usenet communities were often self-moderated, with users establishing their own norms and moderation practices. Usenet’s decentralization and community-driven structure embodied the spirit of the early internet. However, its culture faced a significant shift in **September 1993**, often referred to as “Eternal September.” This marked the influx of new users when AOL (America Online) granted its subscribers access to Usenet. The term “Eternal September” originated from the annual wave of college students who traditionally joined Usenet each September, requiring time to acclimate to its norms. With the massive influx of AOL users, however, this adjustment period became permanent. This cultural shift introduced challenges such as increased spam, off-topic posts, and conflicts, disrupting the established norms of Usenet. Over time, these issues led to Usenet losing its prominence as a hub for niche, vibrant discussions, marking the beginning of a broader transition from protocols to platforms. ### TCP/IP (1981-1983) TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol), developed between 1981 and 1983, replaced NCP as the standard protocol for ARPANET, addressing many of its limitations and paving the way for the modern internet. **TCP** ensured reliable communication by breaking data into packets, checking for errors, and retransmitting lost packets. It reassembled data at the destination, ensuring integrity despite packet loss. TCP also introduced flow and congestion control, allowing networks to adapt transmission rates based on conditions. These features resolved NCP’s lack of robust error handling and basic flow management, enabling networks to scale more effectively. **IP** provided a unique addressing system (IP addresses) that allowed data to traverse diverse networks. Unlike NCP’s reliance on hardcoded socket pairs, IP made interoperability and routing across heterogeneous networks possible. The separation of TCP and IP into distinct layers (transport and network) introduced modularity and flexibility, supporting diverse networks and applications. This overcame NCP’s single-layer design, which lacked the versatility needed for the internet’s future growth. **Inter-networking** was another significant advancement enabled by TCP/IP, allowing multiple networks to connect and function as one. This shift from NCP’s single homogeneous network (ARPANET) to a universal language of interconnected systems established the foundation of the global, decentralized internet we use today. ### DNS (1983) Introduced in 1983 by Paul Mockapetris, the Domain Name System (DNS) revolutionized how devices on the internet were identified and accessed. It replaced the centralized, cumbersome `HOSTS.TXT` file system with a distributed, hierarchical structure that could scale alongside the rapidly growing internet. Before DNS, network administrators relied on a single `HOSTS.TXT` file to map human-readable hostnames to IP addresses. This file, managed by the NIC (Network Information Center) at Stanford Research Institute, had to be manually updated and distributed to every system on ARPANET. As the network expanded, this centralized system became a bottleneck, with errors and delays in updates causing significant disruptions. By the early 1980s, maintaining a single centralized file was no longer practical, necessitating a more scalable solution. DNS addressed these challenges by introducing a hierarchical structure for domain names. Names are organized into a tree-like system, with the root at the top and Top-Level Domains (TLDs) such as .com or .org below it. For example, example.com is divided into levels: com (TLD) and example (Second-Level Domain). This delegation of responsibilities allowed for efficient management and scalability. DNS also employed a network of distributed servers to store and resolve domain names to IP addresses, eliminating reliance on a single central database. Distributed servers improved reliability, performance, and resilience. DNS servers could cache query results, reducing load and speeding up responses for frequently requested domains. Finally, DNS made the internet far more user-friendly: instead of memorizing numeric IP addresses (e.g., `192.0.2.1`), users could type intuitive domain names (e.g., `example.com`). By solving the limitations of `HOSTS.TXT` and enhancing usability, DNS became a cornerstone of the modern internet, enabling its global and decentralized nature. ### IRC (1988) Developed by Jarkko Oikarinen in 1988, Internet Relay Chat (IRC) enabled real-time text communication and played a pivotal role in fostering early online communities. IRC’s innovations built upon earlier protocols and technologies, extending their concepts to create a new paradigm for online interaction. - **Extending Telnet**: IRC expanded Telnet’s one-to-one communication sessions into multi-user chats within channels, enabling group conversations in real time. - **Decentralization from Usenet**: IRC adopted Usenet’s decentralized philosophy, applying it to synchronous messaging. Multiple IRC servers could link together to form networks, distributing load and avoiding reliance on a central server. - **Hierarchical Naming from DNS**: Borrowing from DNS, IRC used a hierarchical naming system for chat channels and users. This allowed intuitive organization, with nicknames and channels globally visible across linked servers. - **Command-Response Structure**: Inspired by protocols like SMTP and FTP, IRC introduced commands such as /join, /quit, and /msg, simplifying interactions and enabling clients to interpret server messages effectively. - **Influence of MUDs**: IRC drew from Multi-User Dungeons (MUDs), text-based multiplayer games popular in the 1980s. While MUDs facilitated real-time interactions within virtual worlds, IRC applied the concept to general communication. Key innovations of IRC included group channels for interaction, flexible user and server configurations, dynamic moderation, and a lightweight protocol. By combining these features, IRC became a cornerstone of real-time online communication, laying the groundwork for modern chat applications. ### HTTP and WWW (1989-1991) The World Wide Web (WWW) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), introduced by Tim Berners-Lee between 1989 and 1991, revolutionized how information was shared and consumed. These innovations built upon prior technologies, creating the foundation of the modern web. - **Built on TCP/IP**: HTTP used TCP/IP as its transport layer, ensuring reliable delivery of web content. This interoperability allowed HTTP to function across any device or network supporting TCP/IP, establishing the web as a universal platform. - **Standardized Resource Addressing**: The introduction of URLs (Uniform Resource Locators), built on DNS, provided a standardized way to locate web resources. URLs combined the protocol (`http://`), domain (`example.com`), and resource path (`/index.html`), enabling precise identification and retrieval of content. - **Hypertext Implementation**: Berners-Lee implemented hypertext using HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), a simple text-based language for creating web pages. HTML’s support of hyperlinks (`<a>` tags) allowed users to navigate seamlessly between linked resources, turning the web into an interconnected “web” of information. Hypertext, conceptualized by Ted Nelson in the 1960s and seen in systems like NLS and HyperCard, was now available to a global audience. - Improvement Over FTP: Unlike FTP, which focused on isolated file transfers, HTTP facilitated the retrieval of hyperlinked resources, enabling user-friendly interaction with content and seamless display of linked documents in a browser. - **Decentralized Architecture**: Inspired by Usenet, the WWW adopted a decentralized design, allowing anyone with a server to host and link content without reliance on a central authority. - **Structured Metadata**: HTTP extended the use of structured metadata, seen previously in email protocols like SMTP. HTTP headers provided contextual information about requests and responses (e.g., `Content-Type` and `Status Code`), enabling dynamic, interactive communication between clients (browsers) and servers. **Key Innovations of HTTP and the WWW:** 1. **Stateless Communication Protocol**: HTTP’s stateless design ensured each client-server request was independent, enabling scalability as the web grew. 2. **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: HTTP and HTML were text-based and platform-agnostic, allowing access from any device or operating system. 3. **Interactive Content**: The web unified interactive content (e.g., images, text, and links) into a single environment accessible via a browser. Together, HTTP and the WWW transformed the internet into a user-friendly, decentralized, and universally accessible medium, laying the groundwork for the web’s exponential growth. ## The Transition from Protocols to Platforms The shift from the **protocol-driven era** of the open web to the **platform-driven era** marked a profound technological and cultural transformation. Early internet protocols like **TCP/IP**, **DNS**, **HTTP**, **SMTP**, **FTP**, and **Usenet** emphasized decentralization, interoperability, and user empowerment. However, by the mid-1990s, the emergence of proprietary platforms such as AOL, Prodigy, and later Facebook and Google, redefined the internet experience. These platforms offered centralized, user-friendly services but at the cost of openness and decentralization. The early internet, defined by protocols, empowered individuals and communities to build their own tools and networks. Protocols like **TCP/IP** and **DNS** created a universal framework for connectivity, while decentralized services such as **Usenet** and **IRC** fostered open, self-managed discussions. Tools like **FTP**, **HTTP**, and **SMTP** enabled users to share files, publish content, and communicate freely, embodying the era’s ethos of openness, collaboration, and innovation. By contrast, the platform-driven internet that emerged in the mid-1990s offered a polished, accessible alternative that abstracted away the technical complexities of the protocol-driven era. Platforms like AOL, Prodigy, and CompuServe created “walled gardens,” restricting users to content and services within their ecosystems. While this made the internet more accessible to non-technical users, it limited their ability to explore and interact with the broader web. Platforms like Facebook and Google later extended this model, becoming dominant gatekeepers for social interaction and information discovery. These centralized platforms hid the complexities of early internet protocols, offering plug-and-play solutions that attracted a general audience. For instance, instead of setting up an FTP server to share files, users could simply upload them to Dropbox or Google Drive. Similarly, proprietary messaging platforms like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp replaced interoperable protocols such as IRC, locking users into closed ecosystems. Cultural shifts accompanied these technological changes. In the protocol-driven era, users often acted as both creators and consumers, whether by writing Usenet posts, hosting personal websites, or managing their own email servers. Platforms, however, encouraged a more passive consumption model, with user-generated content controlled within proprietary systems. Trust in gatekeepers grew, with users relying on platforms to curate and deliver information. Search engines like Google became the primary gateway to content, while social platforms dictated social interactions, often reducing individual agency. The communal culture of early internet communities gave way to corporate-driven interactions, as decentralized discussions on Usenet were replaced by centralized forums governed by platform owners. Moreover, the platform era introduced a surveillance-based business model, monetizing user data to serve targeted advertisements—a stark departure from the user-centric and privacy-conscious ethos of the early web. Despite the dominance of platforms, the foundational protocols of the open web remain critical. **TCP/IP**, **HTTP**, and **DNS** still underpin the internet’s infrastructure, ensuring its basic interoperability. Furthermore, movements like the **fediverse** (e.g., Mastodon), **blockchain-based platforms**, and protocols like **Nostr** aim to revive the ideals of decentralization, user autonomy, and community-driven governance. These efforts reflect a growing desire to reclaim the open and collaborative spirit that defined the early internet. The transition from protocols to platforms transformed the internet from a decentralized, user-driven network into a centralized, corporate-controlled ecosystem. While platforms made the internet more accessible, they sacrificed openness, user autonomy, and the collaborative ethos of its early days. Revisiting the foundational principles of protocols is crucial for those working to rebuild a more open, equitable internet. ## Closing Thoughts The evolution from the early decentralized internet to today’s platform-dominated web reflects a shift from protocols that empowered users to systems that prioritize convenience, control, and corporate interests. Early technologies like Usenet, HTTP, and FTP embodied ideals of openness, collaboration, and autonomy, but modern platforms have concentrated power, creating walled gardens and monetizing user data. Yet, the foundational protocols of the internet persist, inspiring new decentralized initiatives like Nostr, Mastodon, and blockchain-based systems. By supporting and adopting applications built on decentralizing protocols, we can reclaim the values of openness, privacy, and user empowerment. Every choice we make—as developers, users, or advocates—shapes the future of the web. Together, we can revive the collaborative spirit of the internet’s origins and help create a more equitable and resilient digital future.

@ 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">

@ 2f4550b0:95f20096

My family and I are wrapping up a relocation from Phoenix, AZ to Austin, TX. I went ahead to get keys to our rental house, meet the movers with our household goods, and generally get as many things ready on the Austin side as possible. My husband stayed behind with our boys to wrap up the AZ house and settle things there. Our experiences over the past few weeks have got me thinking about partnership, project management, and big life changes. This move would not have been possible without the full partnership that my husband and I have in our marriage. Division of labor is real, and in the context of a relocation it’s vital to get everything done. We trust each other to divide and conquer the myriad tasks and responsibilities necessary. He supervised packers and movers to work on the AZ house; I met them when they arrived in Austin and supervised the move-in. He managed the property management requirements at the AZ rental house; I got the keys and have managed the property management procedures and move-in for Austin. He’s taking care of our current vehicle and handling the road trip from Phoenix to Austin; I bought a second vehicle that I can use to commute. I scheduled the cleaners, landscapers, and carpet cleaning for the AZ house; he supervised the work when the crews arrived. This kind of partnership not only takes care of all the duties, it edifies the relationship we have in our marriage. The care and trust we both show means so much to both of us! Relocation is also a project, “[a series of structured tasks, activities, and deliverables that are carefully executed to achieve a desired outcome](https://www.pmi.org/about/what-is-a-project)” with a specific start and end. Managing this move has been marked by two long to-do lists of tasks for me and my husband and a series of important milestones that we’ve celebrated along the way. We used our calendar to map out the timelines for each phase of the work, we assigned roles and tasks, and we identified risks and dependencies. We enlisted vendor support for many of the tasks, and supervised their efforts while we completed our own. We never got as far as creating a true Gantt chart for the project, but I certainly thought of the phases of our move in that framework. This move marks the start of a new phase in our family life, which has been marked by a series of big life changes. Since our marriage, these have included living in a number of places, the births of our two sons, and job changes. With this relocation, we get to experience life in a new part of the world and set up our boys for their launch into adulthood. This is exciting, and also a bit daunting. But I’m proud of our efforts to start 2025 off with a bang!

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin stands as a pioneering force, a digital currency that has revolutionized the concept of money. Central to its operation and success is a term often heard but not always fully understood: the Bitcoin hashrate. This metric is much more than a technical jargon; it's the heartbeat of the Bitcoin network, powering its transactions, securing its blockchain, and influencing its standing in the market. In this exploration, we delve into the depths of the Bitcoin hashrate, unraveling its complexities and revealing its profound impact on the cryptocurrency market. The hashrate is a window into the soul of Bitcoin, offering insights into its health, efficiency, and future potential. It's a story that intertwines technology, economics, and community, painting a vivid picture of Bitcoin's place in the digital age. **Table Of Content** - Understanding Bitcoin Hashrate - The Role of Hashrate in Network Security - Hashrate and Decentralization - Economic Implications for Miners - Impact on Bitcoin's Market Value - The Future of Bitcoin's Hashrate - Conclusion - FAQs **Understanding Bitcoin Hashrate** The Bitcoin hashrate is the powerhouse of the Bitcoin network, a measure of the collective computational effort used to mine and process transactions. It's akin to the horsepower of an engine, driving the network forward. Each hash is a solution to a cryptographic puzzle, and the hashrate signifies the speed at which these puzzles are solved. As Bitcoin's popularity soars, so does the hashrate, reflecting an ever-increasing number of miners vying to validate transactions and create new blocks. This growth is not just a testament to Bitcoin's popularity but also a marker of its robustness and resilience in the face of challenges. The hashrate is a dynamic indicator, fluctuating with the ebb and flow of the network's activity, mirroring the collective effort of thousands of miners around the globe. It's a testament to the decentralized nature of Bitcoin, where no single entity controls the network, but rather a collective effort secures it. **The Role of Hashrate in Network Security** Bitcoin's security is its cornerstone, and the hashrate is its shield. In the realm of digital currencies, security threats like the 51% attack loom large, where an entity could potentially take control of the network. However, a high hashrate acts as a formidable barrier, making such attacks not just difficult but economically unfeasible. It's a game of numbers; the higher the hashrate, the more distributed the computational power, and the safer the network. This security is not static but a dynamic force that evolves with the network's growth, adapting to new challenges and fortifying Bitcoin's position as a secure digital asset. The hashrate is a beacon of trust, assuring users and investors alike that the network is robust and resistant to manipulation. It's a critical factor in maintaining the integrity of the blockchain, ensuring that transactions are processed securely and reliably. **Hashrate and Decentralization** Decentralization is the soul of Bitcoin, and the hashrate is a reflection of this principle. A decentralized network is less prone to manipulation and control by any single entity, and a high hashrate is indicative of a broad, diverse miner base. This diversity is not just a matter of numbers but a testament to the egalitarian ethos of Bitcoin, where anyone, anywhere, can contribute to the network's upkeep. As the hashrate grows, it weaves a stronger web of participants, each adding to the network's resilience and ensuring its democratic nature. The hashrate is a symbol of the power of the collective, a force that transcends geographical and political boundaries, uniting people under the banner of a decentralized financial system. It's a testament to the vision of Bitcoin's creators, a network that is not just secure and efficient but also open and inclusive. **Economic Implications for Miners** For miners, the hashrate is a beacon guiding their economic journey. It's a delicate balance of power, cost, and reward. As the hashrate climbs, so does the difficulty of mining, a self-regulating mechanism ensuring the network's stability. Miners must constantly adapt, balancing the costs of advanced hardware and energy against the potential rewards of new Bitcoins and transaction fees. This ever-shifting landscape is not just a challenge but an opportunity for innovation, driving miners to seek more efficient and sustainable ways to contribute to the network. The hashrate is a measure of opportunity and challenge, a dance of economics and technology where miners play a crucial role. It's a dynamic ecosystem where the fittest survive, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of Bitcoin mining. **Impact on Bitcoin's Market Value** The hashrate's influence extends beyond the technical realm into the market. While it doesn't directly dictate Bitcoin's price, it's a barometer of network health and investor confidence. A robust hashrate signals a thriving, secure network, attracting investors and bolstering Bitcoin's market position. It's a subtle yet powerful force, shaping perceptions and influencing decisions in the cryptocurrency market. As Bitcoin continues to evolve, the hashrate stands as a key indicator of its vitality and appeal to the market. The hashrate and market value are intertwined in a complex dance, where the health of the network reflects and influences investor sentiment. It's a symbiotic relationship, where each aspect feeds into and strengthens the other. **The Future of Bitcoin's Hashrate** As we look to the future, the Bitcoin hashrate remains a critical aspect of the cryptocurrency's journey. It's not just a measure of computational power but a symbol of the network's evolution, a testament to its strength and a predictor of its potential. The hashrate's trajectory mirrors Bitcoin's own path: ever upward, facing challenges, adapting, and growing stronger. It's a journey not just of technology but of community, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a decentralized financial future. The hashrate is a narrative of progress, a story of how a decentralized network can grow, adapt, and thrive in the ever-changing landscape of digital currencies. It's a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of collective effort in shaping the future of finance. **Conclusion** The Bitcoin hashrate is more than a technical metric; it's the lifeblood of the Bitcoin ecosystem. It encapsulates the network's security, decentralization, economic dynamics, and market influence. As Bitcoin continues to navigate the complex landscape of digital currencies, its hashrate will remain a key indicator of its health and success. It's a story of collective effort, technological innovation, and the relentless pursuit of a decentralized, secure financial future. The hashrate is not just a number; it's the pulse of Bitcoin, beating strongly as it leads the charge in the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies. It's a symbol of resilience, a testament to the enduring power of a decentralized network, and a beacon of hope for a future where financial systems are open, secure, and accessible to all. **FAQs** **What is Bitcoin hashrate?** The Bitcoin hashrate is the total computational power used to mine and process transactions on the Bitcoin network, measured in hashes per second. **Why is the Bitcoin hashrate important?** It's crucial for network security, indicating the difficulty of performing a 51% attack, and reflects the network's decentralization and health. **How does the hashrate affect Bitcoin miners?** A higher hashrate increases the difficulty of mining, impacting the profitability and efficiency of mining operations. **Does the Bitcoin hashrate influence its market value?** While not directly affecting the price, a strong hashrate can boost investor confidence, potentially influencing Bitcoin's market value. **Can the Bitcoin hashrate predict the future of the cryptocurrency?** The hashrate is a key indicator of Bitcoin's health and can provide insights into its future potential and stability. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ 94321ee8:8957f43d

# Nostr Writer Estoy probando **Nostr Write**r, el plugin que permite publicar desde [Obsidian.md](https://Obsidian.md). Esta es una publicación de prueba, para ver ==como reacciona Nostr== con los códigos *Markdown*.

@ 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/867409

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

I still don’t have much of an idea how it all works, even after all these years. I scroll around the web looking for connection and often don’t find it. Building on the theme I wrote before, how some folks are very sure of themselves. I still don’t get it. A critique people had of me in the past was a lack of confidence. That’s a hard thing to deal with as a man. The statement is really saying you’re low status and if only this that and a third, you’d be a decent human. Cheers! I’m a recluse. There’s been periods of life I’ve been non verbal and I’ve avoided social interaction a lot. On the flip, I got quite good at wiggling records about to make funny noises and this enabled me to involve myself in music in various was, despite never being a ‘proper musician’, you know, like someone who plays a guitar or piano etc. Over a very long time frame I’ve found myself around music makers that I share common interest with, be that Dub, Hip Hop, weird noises etc. It’s funny, I now know some pretty serious players within those genres and count as few as good friends. It’s fucking mental to be honest. I’ve ticked off a number of childhood heroes, probably people you don’t know, some you would’ve definitely heard on radio but wouldn’t know their names. I like to think I’m quite good at what I do but the confidence thing is still difficult. Had I moved to London in my youth I could've earned a lot more money, especially in the 90s when there was actually a functioning music industry but I know I can’t deal with that level of hectic so I’ve remained in small places by the sea both in the UK and abroad. I’ve been working on an album for the best part of a year and have 4 tracks I feel happy with, at least I feel they’re a good representation of my abilities and I’ve been very lucky to have a world class player contribute bass on a couple of tracks. I don’t share the talents of my compardres but as one well known musician I toured with said to me, “I know you’re for the band”. A simple statement but that’s what mattered to him. He liked that I gave a shit about how they sounded, despite beating myself up because I often felt I was fucking their sound up big time (I didn’t let on, with the exception of one gig where EVERYTHING went wrong. I went straight to the dressing room after and flung myself at the mercy of the band apologising!). After many years I’ve found my groove. Now I’m on this protocol called Nostr. It’s a strange place. It’s very niche, made up of money obsessed nutters. I share some of their beliefs but not all. It’s very American (is anywhere online not?) but it’s cool. I’m finding myself there more and more. I quit all major platforms in 2019. I’d learned too much nasty shit to contribute to making the companies richer. It’s weird, many people don’t seem to realise, you can stop using these platforms and they disappear. That’s the only thing giving these people power. Maybe people enjoy being milked for data? Do cows like having their teets clamped for milking? I’ve never got an answer from one… Prior to that I found some weird internet money thing which is also becoming more popular, even the President of the USA has some (I think, he also has some other funny tokens and appears to be scamming people big time, yet people still really dig him for some reason). This funny money has given me something I’ve not really had before, at least since I was maybe 10. A sense of security. It’s remarkable how much more mentally stable it can make you. When I lost my last living place (usual landlord BS) I moved in with my now wife and built a shed, filled it with noise making stuff. That wouldn’t have been possible without my anger towards the banks and how our governments gave them a free pass after they fucked us all. Some deep shit happened but that’s a whole other story. This thing internet money seems to be catching on... Now I watch higher status folks stake their claim on the world. I try to zone them out as best I can, at least when they’re telling me how successful they are for reasons and playing their status games online. I’m much more interested in learning, mostly via audio, I’ve spent more hours listening to people I disagree with online than I can keep track of. I learn what I can from them and do my best to disregard the noise and try to maintain an awareness of my biases. I don’t want to agree with everyone here. The moment I do, I know I’m doing something wrong. They’ll be someone reading this, maybe you, thinking this is utter cringe. Fair enough, I’m not here for you, I’m looking for cool noise makers and weird people to hang with. Clearly this is self indulgent bollocks but fuck it, I’ll put it on this Nostr thing anyway.

@ 16d11430:61640947

The Millennial generation stands at a unique crossroads in history. Born into a world where traditional systems of economic and social power were firmly entrenched, they have matured in an era where those very systems are showing cracks. Nowhere is this more evident than in the rise of Bitcoin—a financial and cultural phenomenon that reflects not only technological progress but also the profound sociopsychological struggles of a generation attempting to wrest autonomy from the aging custodians of power. ### **Prolonged Adolescence and the Deferred Quest for Autonomy** Millennials, often caricatured as perpetual adolescents, have endured an extended transition into adulthood. Saddled with unprecedented student debt, stagnant wages, and skyrocketing living costs, this generation has been systematically delayed in achieving the milestones traditionally associated with maturity—home ownership, financial independence, and generational leadership. Their prolonged adolescence was not born of laziness or indulgence but of structural barriers, many of which were crafted and perpetuated by the Baby Boomer generation. Bitcoin represents a symbolic and literal breaking away from these constraints. The decentralized cryptocurrency is, in essence, a rejection of the financial institutions that Millennials perceive as oppressive. It offers an alternative to a system that has kept them financially infantilized, tethered to debt, and locked out of wealth-building opportunities. Embracing Bitcoin is not merely an economic act—it is a psychological declaration of independence. ### **The Boomer Legacy and the Daunting Task of Succession** The Baby Boomers, who rose to dominance in an era of postwar economic growth, have remained the gatekeepers of wealth and power well into their senior years. This has created an intergenerational bottleneck: Millennials find themselves poised to inherit a world that is increasingly unsustainable, while also confronting the inertia of a generation reluctant to relinquish control. The sociopsychological impact of this dynamic is profound. For Millennials, the act of "growing up" has become synonymous with the Herculean task of dismantling or reforming entrenched systems. Bitcoin’s narrative of decentralization, transparency, and individual sovereignty resonates deeply with Millennials because it offers a vision of empowerment. It provides a means of bypassing the gatekeepers—of creating value and financial freedom outside the confines of legacy institutions. Psychologically, this represents a vital step in the developmental journey: the move from dependency to self-reliance, from frustration to agency. ### **Weaning from the Teat: Financial and Emotional Independence** The metaphor of weaning is particularly apt for understanding the Millennial relationship with Bitcoin and the broader financial landscape. For much of their lives, Millennials have been financially dependent—on parents, on government programs, on an economic system that rewards conformity and punishes risk. Bitcoin is the ultimate tool for "weaning" this generation off the teat of dependency. It demands financial literacy, discipline, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty—all hallmarks of psychological maturity. However, this journey is not without its challenges. The volatility of cryptocurrency markets mirrors the emotional turbulence of late adulthood, where the quest for independence often involves trial, error, and occasional failure. Millennials are learning, through Bitcoin, the hard truths of self-governance: that freedom is inseparable from responsibility, and that control cannot be wrested from others without first mastering oneself. ### **The Psychology of Late Adulthood in a Transitional World** Late adulthood, for Millennials, is marked by a dual psychological burden: the need to create a new world while still living in the shadow of the old. This is not merely a financial or technological challenge—it is a deeply existential one. Bitcoin, as both a tool and a symbol, encapsulates the struggle to bridge these worlds. It offers hope, but it also demands courage. The generational shift from Boomers to Millennials is not just a passing of the torch; it is a seismic cultural shift. Millennials are redefining the very meaning of adulthood in the 21st century, and Bitcoin is a cornerstone of this redefinition. By rejecting the centralized systems of their predecessors, they are building a future that prioritizes autonomy, equity, and resilience. ### **Conclusion: Bitcoin as the Rite of Passage** In clinical terms, rites of passage are critical for psychological growth. They mark the transition from one stage of life to another, providing both challenge and transformation. For Millennials, Bitcoin is not just a financial instrument; it is a rite of passage. It is the means by which they assert their adulthood, reclaim their autonomy, and begin to dismantle the structures that have held them back. In the broader context of human development, the rise of Bitcoin may be seen as a pivotal moment in the collective psyche—a moment when a generation, long delayed in its coming-of-age, finally steps into its power. The journey is fraught with uncertainty, but it is also rich with possibility. And as with all rites of passage, the true transformation lies not in the destination but in the courage to undertake the journey.

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

TASK: Provide three solutions to one of the problems (non-technical) observed during the UX audit in Kenya. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ht9cy4ZOUw > This call was after the Bitcoin UX Bootcamp which was held in Africa at the ABC conference in 2024. 10 UX designers were selected and completed a 2 day bootcamp as well as a pre-learning phase. During the bootcamp itself they were each project leads for an open-source African bitcoin wallet. They did a UX analysis and usability testing of the wallet to understand how the user experience could be improved. Now after understanding the problem space this call was focussed on how to move from the problem space to the solution space in terms of design. A step by step process was outlined and shared with the participants. We would greatly appreciate your feedback on these design solutions. Please feel free to share comments, suggestions, or point out any oversights in the comments below or directly on the following figma files (Figma account required, you can create a dummy one, no KYC required). - - - PRODUCT: TANDO TEAM MEMBERS: @thetimileyin. @Loïc Kassamoto Figma Link: https://www.figma.com/design/LEbxbCBb2WnuneJAL5GFs7/Tando-UX-Audit?node-id=225-987&t=eePmVu0Fx8ibFaEm-4 - - - PRODUCT: BITSACCO TEAM MEMBERS: @afolabioluwatobiloba. @Osatuyi Figma link: https://www.figma.com/design/LYxCZLbq17vxbPNU9FTZ6d/UX-Bootcamp-group-file-(BITSACCO)?node-id=60-61&t=IEnTauLGib3SHA7T-4 - - - We look forward to hearing from you. Thank you! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/867378

@ 57d1a264:69f1fee1

**About the role** In this role, you will work on the product design of umbrelOS, some of our umbrelOS apps, and the umbrel.com website. **What are you looking for in candidates?** Talent, passion, genuine love for your craft, and the desire to do meaningful work. What we’re not looking for: credentials and degrees. When you really love what you do, work feels like play. And when work feels like play, you become the best at it. That’s what we’re looking for. **We hope you:** - Like to spend your days staring at artboards in Figma - Are obsessed with creating delightful micro-interactions and animations - Are willing to throw away ideas if they're not great, and optimistic enough to keep hunting for new ones - Care about the details, maybe a bit too much (a pixel off ruins your sleep) - Are excited to collaborate with everyone on the team: engineers, customer facing folks, etc—you believe inspiration can come from anywhere - Have good judgement of when to ship - Like to level up your design skills continually - Put yourselves in the shoes of our users to craft a great experience - Enjoy being a generalist and are not tied down to a specific design, trend, or tools **Benefits** - 🚑 Health insurance - 💻 New work equipment - 🌎 Work from anywhere in the world - 💆‍♀️ Complete autonomy at work - 📚 Learning and development stipend - 🏝 Minimum 2-weeks of paid time off - ❤️ Most importantly — doing meaningful work that can change the world Apply at https://app.withrapha.com/job/692 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/867248

@ 3ae7fdae:f8d4b19d

### **Lifting the Curtain on Power and Scandal** **The Illusion of Power and Trust**In the modern world, the line between trust and skepticism is razor-thin, especially when it comes to powerful figures and organizations. They present polished facades, dazzling us with promises of stability, innovation, or in Disney’s case, enchantment. Yet, the revelations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s network reminded us that power is often far more complex than it appears. This scandal became a litmus test for public trust and fueled questions about who, or what, might be entwined in hidden truths. When Epstein's crimes were exposed, they revealed not just the horrifying details of exploitation, but also the unsettling reach of his influence. As the media peeled back the layers of his associations, public attention naturally shifted to recognizable names and institutions, including Disney. How could a company that represented childhood innocence, with castles and fairy tales, find itself whispered about in the same breath as Epstein’s infamous circle? This segment examines the roots of that question and the facts that illuminate its plausibility or dismiss it. **Epstein: A Man Who Mastered Access to Power**Jeffrey Epstein was more than just a financier—he was a gatekeeper to influence. His lifestyle and operations were an entangled web of charm, manipulation, and wealth, meticulously designed to secure him a place among the powerful. Investigative articles by *The Guardian* and *The New York Times* depict Epstein as a social engineer, curating relationships that ranged from politicians and royalty to scientists and celebrities. Court documents and deposition testimonies during Epstein’s trial confirmed that his homes and private jet were hubs for connecting with influential figures. This access did not come without consequence; it cemented him as both a source of curiosity and, later, fear. Public records, such as those scrutinized in *The Washington Post*, indicated his involvement with many high-profile individuals. Yet, the details of these relationships varied—some guests were casual acquaintances, others, confidants. **The Infamous Flight Logs**The flight logs of Epstein’s private jet, colloquially known as the "Lolita Express," became a centerpiece for public scrutiny. Released through court orders and accessed by journalists, these logs listed names that triggered a cascade of questions. Guests ranged from prominent business executives to entertainment figures, sparking a debate over whether mere association implied complicity or deeper connections. This fueled the narrative that Epstein’s reach was far more extensive than previously understood, implicating industries where entertainment, power, and trust intersected. **The Role of Speculation in Public Discourse**As soon as these flight logs surfaced, discussions surged online and across media platforms. The presence of any entertainment figure in Epstein’s orbit raised an eyebrow and, in many cases, invited a leap of logic: if influential media personalities were tied to him, could companies known for entertainment and global reach, like Disney, have hidden associations as well? This hypothesis, though lacking concrete evidence, found fertile ground among those predisposed to distrust large, seemingly untouchable institutions. It’s crucial to dissect why Disney, specifically, became a subject of speculation. On one hand, its status as an omnipresent media empire makes it an easy target for conspiracy theories that thrive on the juxtaposition of light (Disney’s brand) and darkness (Epstein’s crimes). On the other, it speaks to a larger societal impulse to find cracks in the foundations of those we consider infallible. The idea that even the most beloved entities might harbor hidden truths appeals to a deep-seated desire for transparency and accountability. **The Catalyst of Public Curiosity**The timing of Epstein’s exposure was a critical factor. His arrest and subsequent death in 2019 coincided with a period marked by rising distrust in institutions, fueled by political and social upheavals globally. Social media platforms amplified this distrust, creating echo chambers where half-truths and speculative narratives merged seamlessly with confirmed facts. It is here that Disney’s name began to surface not as an accused, but as a speculative point in discussions. The reasoning often pointed to a "guilt by association" logic: if the powerful dined, flew, or partied with Epstein, then it was worth questioning the circles in which those powerful entities moved, even without direct evidence. This leap from speculation to assumption reflects a pattern that sociologists recognize as part of conspiracy theory psychology—where a lack of clear answers invites the mind to fill in gaps, often with what feels most compelling. **Reframing the Public’s Questions**The real question becomes: why does this speculation hold such sway, even when evidence is scarce? Part of the answer lies in precedent. History is replete with instances where institutions that seemed above reproach were later implicated in hidden misdeeds, from financial frauds to abuse scandals within trusted organizations. This collective memory primes the public to believe that beneath any glittering surface could lie a dark, concealed underbelly. Disney’s position as an icon of childhood and innocence adds another layer to this narrative. To imagine that such a symbol could be tainted by proximity to someone like Epstein is not just shocking—it’s fascinating. It strikes at the core of what we hold sacred, making it an irresistible topic of conversation and investigation. **Why This Matters**Understanding why names like Disney are brought into these discussions without verified evidence is essential. It helps differentiate between warranted inquiry and unsupported speculation, allowing us to approach these narratives critically. Addressing this head-on does not only clear the air but strengthens the foundation upon which valid criticism and accountability are built. **A Note on Evidence**As we move deeper into this exploration, it’s critical to emphasize that while Epstein’s connections to high-profile figures are thoroughly documented, there remains **no evidence** tying Disney, as an organization, to his operations. Still, the fascination with the “what-ifs” continues, driven by our collective quest for understanding power, secrecy, and the thin line between public and private lives. *The next segment will dive into Epstein’s proven network, unraveling the extent of his influence and why it has been the breeding ground for questions involving the world’s most trusted corporations.* ### **Epstein’s Documented Network** **The Web of Power: A Portrait of Influence**Jeffrey Epstein’s network was not merely a collection of acquaintances; it was a curated gallery of the world’s most influential figures, built on calculated relationships and strategic connections. Epstein wielded this network with the precision of a skilled operator, bridging disparate realms of society—politics, academia, business, and media. Investigative reporting by sources such as *The New York Times* and *The Guardian* exposed how Epstein maintained access to individuals who shaped policy, managed wealth, and crafted the narratives of popular culture. Court records, testimonies, and detailed analyses of his interactions revealed that Epstein was adept at placing himself at the center of elite circles. His estates, from Manhattan townhouses to private islands, hosted events that blurred the lines between social gatherings and strategic networking. This chapter delves into the proven extent of Epstein’s reach and why it sparked questions about connections to corporations and public institutions, including Disney. **Flight Logs: The Proof and the Spark**The flight logs from Epstein’s private jet, the infamous "Lolita Express," were among the most illuminating pieces of evidence in mapping his connections. These logs, legally obtained and examined by journalists, painted a picture of Epstein’s influence stretching across industries. High-profile figures were listed, including financiers, political leaders, and entertainment personalities. The presence of notable names triggered waves of speculation—if Epstein had access to such power players, how many more remained unnamed but entangled? *The Guardian* and *The Washington Post* reported that these flights were not just transportation but often involved visits to Epstein’s various properties, known for their opulence and the dark rumors surrounding them. While these logs confirmed that many public figures knew Epstein, the depth and nature of their associations varied widely, from casual acquaintance to deeper involvement. **The Limits of the Known**Despite the breadth of documented connections, there was no verifiable evidence linking Disney as an entity to Epstein’s circle. What the flight logs and guest lists revealed was a man deeply embedded in networks of power, yet even within these proven associations, context was crucial. For instance, some guests, confirmed by court records and investigative articles, were shown to have attended public events or engaged in business unrelated to Epstein’s criminal activities. The distinction between documented presence and complicity is where the narrative often splinters. The leap from association to implication fueled public debate and conspiracy theories. This was especially true when figures from media and entertainment, sectors known for influencing public sentiment and childhood memories, appeared on the periphery of Epstein’s activities. **Epstein’s Parties and Gatherings: The Elite’s Shadowed Stage**Epstein’s parties were legendary, drawing attendees from the highest echelons of influence. These gatherings were not casual mixers but orchestrated showcases of power. Reports from court depositions and firsthand accounts highlighted how Epstein leveraged these events to cement alliances and reinforce his status as a gatekeeper to the elite. Some testimonies even described how these events served as platforms for discussing investments, politics, and global initiatives, reinforcing Epstein’s perceived omnipotence. **High-Profile Confirmations and Their Implications**Several prominent individuals were indeed verified as having ties to Epstein, raising legitimate questions about the extent of their knowledge or involvement. These names included politicians, royalty, and entertainment figures. The ambiguity surrounding these associations allowed theories to flourish. The sheer presence of influential names on Epstein’s guest lists raised the question: If these individuals were implicated, what about the institutions they represented or the circles they moved within? This was a turning point for public speculation. The logic extended: if an individual from a major media company or entertainment empire like Disney was even remotely connected, could that implicate the company itself? The answer, according to existing court records and credible investigations, remained **no**. Yet, the absence of direct evidence did not stop speculation; in many cases, it intensified it. **Why Disney Was Brought Into the Conversation**Disney’s reputation as a family-friendly giant contrasted starkly with the dark nature of Epstein’s activities, making it an unlikely yet intriguing topic for public discourse. While some entertainment figures appeared on Epstein’s flight logs or were rumored to have interacted with him, investigations have not yielded any proof of corporate-level involvement. However, public fascination persisted, bolstered by the broader questions Epstein’s connections evoked. It’s worth noting that corporations like Disney, with their vast reach and unparalleled influence, naturally become focal points when discussions of hidden truths arise. The mere idea that such an iconic entity could be associated with real-world shadows captures the imagination and fuels stories that, while lacking proof, thrive on the “what-ifs” that echo through media and online forums. **How Public Perception Shapes the Narrative**Sociologists studying the psychology of conspiracy theories point out that the human mind tends to fill gaps in knowledge with what feels most plausible or compelling. When figures from reputable media or entertainment companies are tied, even tangentially, to a scandal as vast as Epstein’s, it challenges the boundaries of trust. This is exacerbated when concrete answers remain elusive, leading to a cycle where suspicion feeds speculation. The public’s thirst for accountability, especially in the wake of uncovered scandals involving powerful institutions, is both a force for truth and a catalyst for assumptions. In Epstein’s case, the proven reach of his influence and the confirmed involvement of significant figures were enough to trigger the question of how many untold stories lay beneath. **What We Know vs. What We Imagine**The narrative surrounding Epstein’s documented network shows us that while connections can be verified and associations noted, the leap to implicating entire organizations like Disney requires more than names on a list or rumors. It requires evidence that has, thus far, not been presented in any court or investigation. The proven facts are compelling enough: Epstein’s influence was extensive, his ties to power irrefutable. Yet, without direct links, the conversations about specific corporate involvement remain speculative. *In the next segment, we will explore why Disney’s reputation makes it a prime target for such speculation and how its historical handling of public crises plays into these narratives.* ### **Disney – The Symbol of Trust and Target of Suspicion** **Why Disney? The Paradox of a Trusted Institution**Disney’s legacy is built on a foundation of storytelling, dreams, and the belief in happy endings. For nearly a century, the company has woven itself into the fabric of childhoods, becoming synonymous with innocence and magic. This legacy, however, has a dual edge. As the public's trust in institutions erodes and hidden truths are revealed in other sectors, Disney’s position as an untouchable cultural icon makes it both a beacon of light and a potential target for suspicion. **The Symbolism of Disney’s Brand**Disney represents more than just a company; it embodies an idea—a refuge where imagination and wonder reign. But this same image that has made Disney a household name also contributes to the paradox of suspicion it faces. When an organization is seen as larger than life, transcending generations and continents, the notion that it could have skeletons in its closet becomes a tantalizing thought. The juxtaposition of innocence with possible shadows creates a narrative that is compelling and worth exploring, even if it remains speculative. This paradox of Disney as both a trusted symbol and a target for scandal reflects a broader trend. Major corporations that hold influence in our everyday lives—particularly those that shape childhood memories and societal values—are natural focal points when scandals involving power, influence, and exploitation arise. The idea that a company with as much reach as Disney could be connected, however tangentially, to figures like Epstein feeds into this pattern. **Documented Misconduct and Public Reactions**There have been verified cases involving Disney employees engaging in misconduct, which have been reported by media outlets such as *NBC News* and local news channels. These incidents, though not systemic and unrelated to Epstein’s network, show how the actions of a few can impact public perception of an entire organization. Examples include arrests for crimes involving minors or inappropriate behavior, isolated events that Disney has publicly addressed through statements and cooperation with law enforcement. However, these incidents were sufficient to plant seeds of doubt in some minds. Even when addressed swiftly and in line with corporate protocols, such cases reveal a vulnerability: the company’s image can be tarnished not just by its policies, but by the misdeeds of individuals who wear its badge. **The Fuel for Speculation**The Epstein case acted as a catalyst for looking beyond the obvious, particularly in the context of powerful organizations. If political leaders, financiers, and cultural icons could be connected to Epstein’s circle, why not wonder about the involvement of a company with as vast a presence as Disney? While investigations by trusted outlets have shown no direct corporate link, the sheer scope of Epstein’s influence suggested that any entity known for associating with the powerful could be implicated. This speculation was not helped by Disney’s approach to public relations. The company’s PR strategies, while sophisticated and generally effective, often prioritize message control over transparency. In a world where silence can be seen as complicity, this strategy sometimes backfires, leading to more questions than answers. **Public Distrust and Historical Context**The public’s fascination with uncovering hidden truths within major institutions is not unfounded. History is replete with cases where seemingly trustworthy organizations were later found to have concealed scandals. From corporate frauds to abuses within religious institutions, these stories have taught the public that innocence is not immune to corruption. This backdrop primes society to believe that even the most beloved entities, like Disney, could harbor secrets. Sociologists and media analysts argue that this distrust is a byproduct of what they term the “betrayal effect”—where past disappointments with trusted institutions lower the threshold for believing that betrayal could be lurking everywhere. Disney, with its spotless public image and vast influence, becomes an especially juicy target for such theories. The leap from real cases of employee misconduct to more systemic accusations, however, is where evidence often falls short. **The Role of Social Media and Echo Chambers**The digital age has amplified how speculation morphs into perceived truth. Platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook allow theories to spread quickly, often outpacing fact-checking and nuanced analysis. Discussions that might once have been confined to fringe circles now gain mainstream attention, especially when they involve powerful figures or beloved brands. In the context of Epstein’s exposure, this meant that any high-profile connection or name could become part of a broader narrative of guilt by association. The fact that Disney, as a corporation, appeared in speculative discussions alongside verified names from Epstein’s logs was enough for some to draw connections, even without direct evidence. **Reputation Management and Perception**Disney’s approach to crises and controversies has long involved careful reputation management. From its response to legal issues to how it handles employee-related incidents, the company employs sophisticated PR strategies to mitigate damage and maintain its standing. This is standard practice for global brands; however, the public’s interpretation can be different. Strategic silence or tightly controlled statements can come across as evasive, fueling theories that there is something more to hide. For a company like Disney, which operates at the intersection of family values and global corporate power, the stakes are high. The expectation isn’t just for entertainment but for upholding the moral high ground. When speculation links Disney to scandals, no matter how peripherally, it chips away at this carefully crafted image. **Why Address This Now**?The speculation around Disney and Epstein underscores a crucial point about the nature of public inquiry and corporate reputation. It is not enough for companies to rely solely on public relations strategies that worked in the past. The demand for transparency is greater than ever, and silence, even when warranted, can erode trust. Disney’s role in the public consciousness means that even baseless theories need addressing. By understanding why these narratives gain traction, both companies and the public can engage in more meaningful dialogues about accountability, proof, and trust. *The next segment will delve into how the public navigates between confirmed facts and conspiratorial whispers, exploring why certain theories stick and what it means for how we view powerful organizations.* ### Separating Fact from Conspiracy The Thin Line Between Evidence and Speculation In the age of information, where facts are readily available yet often overshadowed by conjecture, separating truth from conspiracy is both an art and a necessity. When powerful entities like Disney find themselves drawn into discussions of hidden networks and scandals involving figures such as Jeffrey Epstein, it highlights a broader societal challenge: how do we differentiate between what is proven and what is assumed? This segment dissects the interplay of evidence, theory, and the psychological factors that drive our need to seek connections. The Basis of Public Suspicion Public trust in large institutions has waned over decades, driven by a series of high-profile betrayals. From corporate frauds that shattered economies to scandals involving trusted religious or educational institutions, society has learned that power often conceals flaws and, in some cases, criminal actions. According to research published in the Journal of Communication, this erosion of trust leads to a phenomenon known as confirmation bias—the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or suspicions. The Epstein case provided fertile ground for such biases. The verified details of Epstein’s operations—the private jet, the exclusive parties, the high-profile guests—were enough to prompt a collective re-examination of how far his reach extended. While many of his associations were proven to be casual or professional in nature, the public’s hunger for deeper revelations ensured that speculation would thrive in areas where clarity was lacking. The Role of Real Connections Epstein’s documented network included figures from politics, academia, finance, and media. The release of flight logs and court documents revealed that powerful individuals attended his events and interacted within his sphere. This factual basis, verified by investigative reporting from The New York Times, The Guardian, and other reputable sources, provided legitimacy to the idea that Epstein’s influence was pervasive. However, the extent to which these relationships were innocent or complicit was not uniformly clear. This ambiguity created a vacuum where speculation could flourish. Public attention shifted from individuals named in the logs to the institutions and industries they represented. It was here that major corporations, including Disney, entered the discourse—not because of documented ties, but because of their visibility and influence. The Psychology Behind Linking Power and Scandal To understand why theories about Disney’s potential involvement in Epstein’s network persist, it is essential to examine the psychology of conspiracy. Sociological and psychological studies indicate that people are naturally inclined to question narratives when they feel that the truth is being withheld. The more powerful or untouchable an institution seems, the more likely it is to be suspected of hiding something significant. Disney’s image as a global giant that molds childhoods and shapes culture makes it an appealing target for such theories. The company’s public persona as a bastion of family values and innocence stands in stark contrast to any whispers of scandal or misconduct. This contrast alone provides fertile ground for stories to grow, even in the absence of solid proof. Confirmed Misconduct vs. Conspiracy It is important to acknowledge that Disney, like any large corporation, has faced incidents involving employee misconduct. News reports from outlets such as NBC News have documented cases where employees were arrested for inappropriate conduct involving minors. These cases, while serious and handled with appropriate legal responses, were isolated incidents. No evidence points to these cases being part of a larger, systemic issue within the company or connected to external figures like Epstein. However, the very existence of these incidents is often enough to keep theories alive. Public perception does not always differentiate between an individual’s actions and the culture of the organization they work for. When these incidents coincide with broader conversations about power and secrecy, they feed into narratives that imply guilt by association. The Amplifying Power of Social Media The role of social media in shaping and amplifying conspiracy theories cannot be overstated. Platforms like Twitter and Reddit have created spaces where facts, opinions, and theories coexist with little separation. When the Epstein scandal broke, social media was flooded with discussions, many of which featured a mix of verifiable information and speculative connections. The absence of direct evidence linking companies like Disney to Epstein did not deter users from proposing connections based on circumstantial evidence and “what-if” scenarios. This phenomenon, described by media analysts as the “echo chamber effect,” allows theories to gain credibility through repetition rather than proof. As theories are shared, retweeted, and commented on, they accumulate a sense of legitimacy that belies their origins. Why Certain Theories Stick Certain theories persist because they tap into deep-seated fears and the knowledge that the powerful often operate beyond the reach of conventional accountability. High-profile scandals involving powerful figures—whether in business, politics, or entertainment—reinforce the belief that more may be hidden just out of reach. Epstein’s network was confirmed to include names that were once considered untouchable, which validated the idea that hidden truths could surface anywhere. Disney’s name appearing in speculative discussions highlights the intersection of innocence and power. It reflects a societal expectation that if one pillar of influence is shown to be compromised, others may be as well. This expectation, however, must be tempered with critical thinking and an examination of evidence. The Need for Discernment Understanding the difference between fact and theory is crucial for informed dialogue. Public scrutiny is essential for accountability, but it must be balanced with discernment. While Epstein’s known associations spanned many sectors, and while individuals from the entertainment industry were involved in his circle, the leap to implicating entire organizations like Disney has not been supported by verified investigations. The Reality Check Here’s what we know: Documented Facts: Epstein’s network included influential figures, confirmed by court records and journalistic investigations. Disney’s Position: While Disney has faced isolated cases of employee misconduct, no substantial evidence ties the company as an institution to Epstein’s criminal activities. Public Perception: Theories are fueled by a combination of legitimate distrust in powerful institutions and the psychological need to connect the dots, even when the evidence does not support it. In the next segment, we will explore how media control and the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) contribute to the public’s perception of secrecy and whether this perception is warranted. ### Media Control and NDAs – Protecting Power or Ensuring Silence? The Strategy of Silence in Crisis Management When powerful organizations face potential scandal or crises, the first line of defense is often control—control over the narrative, control over information, and control over public perception. This strategy, while effective in mitigating immediate damage, can backfire by fostering an aura of secrecy that leads to suspicion. Disney, like many other global corporations, has historically employed these tactics, particularly through the use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and strategic public relations (PR) campaigns. But do these measures protect legitimate corporate interests, or do they simply fuel theories that there is more being hidden? Understanding the Role of NDAs NDAs are legal tools designed to maintain confidentiality and protect business interests. In most cases, their use is standard practice, whether to protect trade secrets, secure settlements, or manage sensitive internal matters. However, when NDAs intersect with scandals involving powerful individuals or organizations, they can become symbols of enforced silence. A report from the Harvard Business Review highlights that while NDAs are often employed for legitimate purposes, their misuse—especially when used to silence allegations of misconduct—has cast a shadow over their intent. Disney has used NDAs in its corporate dealings, as have many in the media and entertainment sectors. This is not in itself suspicious; however, the mere presence of NDAs in a company’s arsenal can contribute to a narrative of secrecy, especially when paired with limited transparency during controversies. The Case of High-Profile Secrecy The Epstein scandal showed how the use of NDAs and strategic silence could be perceived in a different light. When influential figures and companies were linked to his circle, silence from those implicated was interpreted by many as an attempt to avoid deeper inquiry. While Disney has not been tied to Epstein’s activities through verified evidence, its use of NDAs in unrelated circumstances and its approach to handling public controversies have made it a recurring subject in theories about hidden truths. For example, Disney’s meticulous control over its brand image means that it often handles internal issues privately, releasing carefully crafted statements that address public concerns without divulging specifics. This approach, while protective, sometimes has the unintended consequence of making the public wonder what is not being said. The Intersection of PR and Public Perception Public relations are designed to safeguard a company’s image, ensuring that responses to any negative news are swift and tightly managed. Disney’s PR machine is among the most sophisticated, capable of steering narratives and maintaining its reputation as an entertainment titan. This strategic control has allowed Disney to weather crises that might have permanently damaged lesser brands. However, in the context of a scandal as sprawling and notorious as Epstein’s, such control is perceived differently. When the Epstein story broke and high-profile connections came to light, companies with any tenuous ties activated their crisis management protocols. For some, this meant issuing vague statements or refusing to comment altogether. To the public, this read as silence—a strategic choice that seemed suspicious when paired with known instances of NDAs being used to keep serious allegations quiet in other industries. The #MeToo movement, for instance, revealed how NDAs were used by some media companies to shield powerful perpetrators of harassment, showing that these tools can sometimes contribute to a culture of concealment. Silence as Complicity? For a company like Disney, known for its polished public image, silence during times of widespread speculation can amplify suspicions. The question becomes: Is silence an act of protection or complicity? While NDAs are often used to manage settlements or protect internal processes, the fact that they prevent full transparency can make even innocent parties appear as if they have something to hide. Experts in crisis communication argue that silence may protect the brand short-term but can erode trust long-term. Disney’s approach to handling public perception, from managing employee misconduct cases to addressing larger social controversies, often involves strategic responses that give the public enough information to stay satisfied but not enough to quell the more skeptical voices. This is standard practice but becomes contentious when the public is searching for accountability. The Impact of Strategic Silence on Public Trust Media and communication studies have shown that transparency is increasingly becoming a measure of trustworthiness for corporations. In an era where the public demands answers and alternative media thrive on filling in gaps left by corporate PR, the stakes for maintaining trust are higher than ever. The use of NDAs and controlled statements can protect a company’s interests, but it also contributes to a perception of secrecy that feeds public doubt. Disney’s balancing act—protecting its brand while managing incidents behind closed doors—reflects a broader industry trend. Corporations that prioritize narrative control must now reckon with an environment where even a hint of concealment can lead to damaging speculation. The Epstein case amplified this issue, putting the spotlight on how major organizations handle proximity to scandal, even if only by association. Navigating the Perception The real challenge for Disney and similar companies lies in navigating the fine line between protecting their interests and fostering trust. Complete transparency can be risky, but strategic silence risks becoming complicit silence in the eyes of the public. This duality—where necessary protection measures are perceived as proof of hidden wrongdoing—is why entities like Disney find themselves caught up in discussions about figures like Epstein, despite the absence of concrete evidence. The Takeaway for Institutions and the Public Understanding the role of NDAs and PR in managing public crises helps frame why powerful companies might become targets of suspicion. While the use of these tools is standard and often justified, their impact on public perception can’t be ignored. For the public, recognizing the difference between warranted inquiry and overreach is key to maintaining productive scrutiny without falling into the trap of baseless theories. The next segment will focus on what these perceptions mean for society as a whole and why the pursuit of transparency and trust must be a collective endeavor. ### **Beyond the Shadows – A Call to Unity** **The Complex Path to Understanding**In an age where trust in powerful institutions is fraying, and access to information is both a blessing and a burden, our approach to truth becomes more critical than ever. The discussions surrounding figures like Jeffrey Epstein and corporations like Disney are not just about scandal; they are about how we, as a society, confront power, secrecy, and transparency. This segment is a call to unite in the pursuit of truth—not through a divisive lens, but with collective discernment and an unwavering commitment to evidence and integrity. **The Lessons from History**History teaches us that institutions once seen as untouchable can harbor hidden truths. The exposure of corporate frauds, systemic abuses, and cover-ups within trusted sectors has shaped a society that questions everything. The Epstein scandal underscored this, revealing a network of power that reached further than many dared to imagine. Yet, while it validated the public’s instinct to question, it also highlighted a key challenge: differentiating between grounded inquiry and baseless theory. Disney’s name appearing in speculative discussions about Epstein points to a broader pattern—our collective desire to ensure that those who hold power are not above scrutiny. But as we demand accountability, we must also unite in the practice of informed skepticism. The leap from isolated cases of misconduct or association to implicating entire organizations requires evidence, not just conjecture. This distinction is where we, as a society, must find common ground. **The Role of Transparency**Transparency has become the cornerstone of public trust. Organizations that handle controversies behind closed doors risk damaging their credibility. For companies like Disney, known for protecting their brand with meticulous care, the challenge is clear: find a balance between safeguarding legitimate interests and providing enough transparency to maintain public trust. The use of NDAs, strategic silence, and controlled narratives may shield brands in the short term, but they can erode trust in the long run. Studies in crisis communication emphasize that openness, even when it exposes vulnerabilities, can reinforce loyalty and confidence among stakeholders. In the context of Epstein and the persistent whispers about powerful corporations, this lesson is especially relevant. **A Collective Call to Clarity**The pursuit of truth is not just the responsibility of journalists, whistleblowers, or industry watchdogs—it is a collective endeavor. The public plays a crucial role in this, but so do the corporations that hold sway over cultural and economic landscapes. When Disney’s name enters speculative discussions, it reflects a deep-seated desire for transparency from those we trust. This desire should be met not with fear of the unknown but with a commitment to clarity. This segment is a call for unity in approaching these conversations. The balance between healthy skepticism and conspiracy theory is delicate but essential. We must ask hard questions and hold power accountable without losing sight of what separates substantiated fact from assumption. **Why Unity Matters**In times where speculation can divide and misinformation can spread faster than verified facts, unity in the pursuit of truth is vital. When we allow fear and uncertainty to fracture our approach, we weaken our collective power to bring genuine issues to light. Epstein’s case showed that hidden wrongs do exist and can involve the most influential figures. It also showed that uncovering the full scope of such wrongs takes a community committed to patience, evidence, and shared purpose. Public scrutiny is essential for democracy and social justice, but so is discernment. When theories about organizations like Disney arise without evidence, they risk diverting attention from real, proven issues that demand action. Unity in seeking truth means supporting real investigations, demanding transparency, and recognizing the power of evidence-based inquiry. **Building a Culture of Informed Accountability**The goal is not to silence questions but to elevate them, ensuring that they are grounded in reality. This approach not only empowers the public but also sets a standard for institutions. If Disney and other corporations prioritize transparency, they can reinforce the public trust that sustains their brands. Similarly, when the public insists on evidence and integrity in its discussions, it strengthens the very fabric of accountability. **Reflections for the Road Ahead**As we move forward, let us commit to being a society that seeks truth not for scandal’s sake but for justice and integrity. Let us stand together in holding power to account, using facts as our foundation and unity as our strength. The story of Epstein and the questions it raises about power, influence, and hidden truths are reminders that transparency and trust are not just corporate responsibilities—they are collective ones. This call to unity is a reminder that we all play a part in shaping how these stories unfold. When we seek, question, and demand clarity together, we create a society that values truth over rumor, evidence over assumption, and justice over division. *As we conclude this exploration, may we carry forward the lessons learned: the importance of questioning with integrity, seeking truth with diligence, and facing the unknown not as individuals, but as a united community.*

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In a world dominated by overhyped tech and broken promises, **DamageBDD** stands apart as a *Bitcoin-first revolution* for developers, QA teams, and enterprises. Built on the belief that **resilience, transparency, and accountability are not optional**, this innovation is more than just another BDD platform—it's a tool designed to harness the **unstoppable power of Bitcoin** and the **Lightning Network** to redefine software quality and team productivity. Here's why DamageBDD will light up the Lightning Network like never before: ### 1. **Lightning-Powered Incentives for Development** Imagine a world where developers are rewarded in **sats** the moment their code passes a milestone. With **DamageBDD**, that’s no longer a dream. We use **Lightning-based escrow payments** tied to milestone completions, ensuring every contributor gets instant, trustless payouts for verified work. This isn’t just about payments—this is about transforming the economics of collaboration and incentivizing excellence. ### 2. **Real-Time Transparency Meets Bitcoin Immutability** Every BDD test, every passing milestone, and every failure is immutably recorded, showcasing the evolution of a project with a timestamped **on-chain timeline**. By anchoring progress to Bitcoin’s **ultimate ledger of truth**, DamageBDD creates a level of transparency that ensures trust—whether you're a developer, a manager, or an investor. ### 3. **Immediate Liquidity Without Compromise** The **Lightning Network** enables participants to exit their locked funds through **near-instant buybacks**—no risk of long-term lock-ins or centralized interference. Developers and stakeholders can convert their contributions back to Bitcoin at **market-close rates**, minus nominal fees. This system protects value while keeping all incentives aligned with delivering quality software. ### 4. **A Bitcoin Economy for BDD** Why settle for fiat-denominated payments or centralized intermediaries when you can build directly on Bitcoin? DamageBDD’s ecosystem ensures that every satoshi stays true to the ethos of decentralization, enabling organizations to manage projects in a way that’s fair, transparent, and resilient. ### 5. **Scalable Adoption of High-Performance Teams** The Lightning Network isn’t just a payments rail—it’s a bridge for building relationships across borders. DamageBDD allows **distributed teams** to thrive, making **trustless collaboration** possible while fostering high-performance, Bitcoin-powered workflows. ### 6. **Redefining ROI for Investors** Investors can now lock funds into milestone-driven escrows, ensuring ROI is directly tied to results. With DamageBDD’s **Lightning-enabled payouts**, there’s no waiting for endless revisions or missed deadlines—just **real-time accountability**, measured and delivered on a timeline that’s verifiable and immutable. --- **Bitcoiners, this is the spark.** While the fiat world struggles with inefficiency, corruption, and misaligned incentives, **DamageBDD fuels the future** with a Bitcoin-powered toolkit that transforms how teams work, get paid, and build trust. This isn’t just about **better software**—it’s about building an **unstoppable Bitcoin economy** where transparency reigns, quality wins, and the Lightning Network **becomes the default rail for human collaboration**. DamageBDD isn’t here to gamble on hype—it’s here to build the **future**. Let’s light up the Lightning Network and show the world what Bitcoin-backed innovation can achieve. Are you ready to join the revolution?

@ cb43dde2:ef277171

HODL has been defined by many as an acronym for “Hold on for Dear Life.” Many my age were taught to earn money and save it for the future as conventional wisdom. That wisdom would have you holding something designed to degrade in value at a rate of 2% annually. If all “goes to plan,” the purchasing power (value) of your savings in 35 years will be half that of today. In 2022 the US dollar value degraded a total of 8%. At this rate, your savings’ value will cut in half in less than nine years. Not quite the retirement plan one would hope for, but happens to be what my generation was taught in school. Thankfully there is a solution: become a HODLer of assets. Every investor is a collector of assets. They all have their own thesis about the assets they collect and how the collection will transport their monetary value across space and time. My thesis is that when you hold assets (the practice of HODLing) you hold the superposition in the market and can make better decisions against the overall economic tide. I like to hold a diverse portfolio across asset types, themes, and tax treatments, so that I am always in a superposition when liquidity is needed for the next opportunity. In the words of Charles Darwin, ***“it is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”*** ### The Superposition of Markets A superposition is a phenomenon observed in nature where something is in one of two antithetical positions, both equally likely, and is only defined when observed or measured. Most have heard of the Schrödinger’s Cat thought experiment; this is an example of superposition (references below). The financial markets act as a measuring tool identifying the next entangled pair of buyer and seller. Therefore, as a HODLer you remain in a superposition within the market until either your buy price or sell price is realized, instantaneously identifying your entangled counterpart within the market. To hold assets puts the HODLer in a superposition within the markets in which they HODL. ### Making a Market: It Only Takes Two A market is made when two parties, a buyer and a seller, come to an agreement to transfer personal property between each other. Without an agreement, there is no market activity and therefore no market. There are many more participants that help to facilitate markets like stock exchanges, store fronts, and Craigslist to name a few. This infrastructure has not changed the necessities to make a market but instead acts as a courier of information, often referred to as data. Knowing what a group of sellers are willing to take in exchange for their property, and knowing what a group of buyers are willing to pay, allows for the mapping of the market’s superpositions (known as an order book). HODLers remain in a superposition except at the moment when a market is made, identifying the two parties involved and the respective roles each will play out. ### HODLers are Not Market Participants They have in fact shown to be previous market participants and willing to fill at least one side of the transaction. However, if you’re HODLing, you are neither a seller nor a buyer and thus not in the market. Rather, you are both a buyer and a seller that has not been realized yet. We all have our buy price and our sell price of the assets we own. However, the market may have not dropped to the point where you are willing to buy again, nor has it risen to the level in which you are prepared to sell. You are but a ‘HODLer-in-waiting’ with two potential states; you are a potential buyer and a potential seller, waiting to be measured, thus identifying and filling your market role as dictated by the market and your need for access to liquidity. ### HODLing: An Investment Strategy Built Upon Superpositions Due to many market forces, successful investors do not simply stack cash for retirement, they are buying assets. As Robert Kiyosaki explains in his book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, **“An asset is something that puts money in my pocket. A liability is something that takes money out of my pocket.”** Investors are buying assets in hopes that their portfolio will ferry their purchasing power, today’s monetary value, across space and time. Why HODL something that is planned to lose value for any longer than necessary? HODLing can feel like a rollercoaster at times with the need to “hold on for dear life.” Markets are unpredictable and (as an ex-manager of mine used to say) they will always do what f@&ks the most amount of people. Combat this with conviction in your purchase decisions. Conviction on where you think the price of the asset will go and in how much time. If you start by finding and choosing your long-term savings vehicle, many will call this money, asset purchases on your way to retirement become easier as you are not battling inflation, aka planned degradation of your hard-earned dollars. What you HODL matters.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Gather ‘round, corporate overlords, bloated bureaucracies, and self-appointed tech deities. @DamageBDD is here to show you what happens when your castles of sand face a tsunami of irrefutable logic. Your empire of spaghetti code and buzzword bingo won't hold against the relentless precision of code as truth. Let’s set the stage. For years, you've been huddling in glass towers, touting innovation while running on fumes of mediocrity. Your agile "transformations"? A PowerPoint deck. Your tech stack? A monument to vendor lock-in and weekend duct tape. And let’s not forget the compliance theater, where fake audits masquerade as accountability. Enter DamageBDD, where logic doesn’t lie, blockchain doesn’t forget, and BS dies a swift death. Code Is the Law (But Better) You’ve heard it before: "Code is law." But we’re not here for slogans—we’re here for receipts. DamageBDD doesn’t trust your claims of success; it verifies them on-chain. Deliver your milestones or don’t—there’s no fudging it here. Your failed builds and broken promises are exposed in broad daylight, immutable as your shame. BDD: The Guillotine of Bad Engineering Oh, how the giants hate being held accountable. They thrive on opacity, on a system where results are obscured by layers of corporate doublespeak. DamageBDD flips the table: if it can be defined, it can be verified. That MVP you promised? We’ll test it. That sprint you boasted about? We’ll see it on-chain. In this world, the only thing that ships is the truth. Everything else is noise. "Move Fast and Break Things"? Nah, Try Building Things That Last Let’s talk about your cult of "disruption," where moving fast and breaking things conveniently excludes fixing them. DamageBDD doesn’t move fast—it moves right. Every behavior-driven test is a brick in a foundation that lasts, unlike your latest "pivot" designed to dazzle VCs while hiding the rot underneath. Cypherpunk Cynicism, Powered by Bitcoin Here’s where we really shine. While you’re busy worshiping at the altar of fiat, we’re running Damage Token on Bitcoin and Aeternity—systems you can’t co-opt, corrupt, or inflate away. Your centralized control schemes crumble when faced with a network that doesn’t care about your boardroom games. DamageBDD doesn’t just bypass gatekeepers; it renders them obsolete. The Era of Verifiable Integrity You’ve built a world where accountability is optional and profits trump principles. DamageBDD brings receipts to the revolution. Imagine a world where every claim you make is tested, verified, and recorded immutably. No more hiding behind marketing fluff or burying failures in red tape. DamageBDD strips away the facade and says, "Let’s see what you’re really made of." We’re Not Here to Compete. We’re Here to Outlast. You can’t kill an idea whose time has come. DamageBDD is more than a tool—it’s a movement, a manifesto in code. While you scramble to protect your crumbling monopolies, we’re building something that doesn’t need your approval, your funding, or your permission. DamageBDD will humble you not with arrogance, but with truth, written in lines of immutable logic that your PR spin can’t erase. So, keep clinging to your illusions of control. DamageBDD is patient. It’s inevitable. And when the dust settles, your legacy will be nothing more than a footnote in a system designed to be better, faster, and ungovernable by the likes of you. You’ve been warned. Verification > Authority. Always.

@ 5579d5c0:db104ded

*"Chris, what do you tell your clients to do?"* This is a question I get asked regularly, and the answer is not simple. The truth is, every person’s health journey is unique. There are no 'one size fits all' solutions, no rigid plans that guarantee results for everyone. That’s why, as a health coach, my role isn’t to hand out answers or impose rules. It’s to guide you toward uncovering your own. --- <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/2dfd9311baf7a4b9ece22eb481bb5cf7ac2c86d664ab596c232426a3fa4203db.webp"> *Bruce Lee on being a teacher.* ### Your health, your truth Bruce Lee was right, you already hold the answers to your health challenges. Your body is constantly giving you signals about what works and what doesn’t. My role is to help you listen to those signals to cut through the noise of diets, trends, and quick fixes. Together we focus on what aligns with your unique biology and lifestyle. This isn’t about creating a rigid plan or forcing you into a pre-made program.  It’s about asking the right questions, giving you tools to explore, and helping you build the confidence to make decisions that work for you. Health is deeply personal, and lasting change comes from understanding yourself. --- <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/dc5716d142f45e30573e24cce65e006f0ad7c1fb4f311e6df1faaafada02d514.jpg"> *Rigid oatmeal diet plan.* ### A coach who adapts to you One of the most important aspects of my approach is meeting you where you are. Your life, your habits, and your why are the foundation. Together, we adapt strategies to fit your needs. Health coaching isn’t about me telling you what to do. It’s about empowering you to take ownership of your journey. Sometimes that means learning to tune out the latest biohacking tool or Instagram diet trend, I'm looking at you 'Oatmeal diet for weight loss'. Sometimes it means starting small, with manageable steps that build momentum. Whatever it looks like, my focus is on helping you create sustainable habits that work for life, not just for the next few weeks. --- <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/a11c0b588ea7ed2d9929e6e39d575f6acced91d7801067bb753a7b01d6c7a1f6.webp"> *Health information overload.* ### Protecting you from the noise The world of health advice is noisy. There’s always a new diet, a miracle supplement, or a "hack" promising results. But more information doesn’t always mean better decisions, it often leads to overwhelm. My role as your coach is to help you tune out the noise. Together, we’ll focus on the basics that always work: - Sunlight - Circadian alignment - Eating real nutrient dense local and seasonal food - Moving regularly - Targeted training - Sleeping well - Dealing with stress in the right way You don’t need the latest trends, you need a clear path that’s grounded in what’s proven and tailored to you. --- ### Exploring, not imposing The beauty of health coaching is that it’s not about giving you a checklist or medical guideline telling you "do this, not that." It’s about exploration. What makes you feel your best? What habits energise you? What changes feel sustainable? Together, we experiment, reflect, and adjust. This process isn’t about finding the "right" way, it’s about finding **your** way. I’m here to guide, support, and challenge you, but ultimately, the answers come from within. As a coach, I see your potential even when you don’t. My job is to help you see it too. Health isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And the most powerful changes happen when you take ownership of that journey. You already hold the answers. I just help you uncover them. \- Chris **If you're ready to explore your potential, let’s talk.** **Click [https://calendly.com/hello-chrispatrick](https://calendly.com/hello-chrispatrick) to book a free discovery call with me.**

@ c7e300eb:e94ebe38

How many people have you successfully orange-pilled? What's your success rate? I'm going to guess it's way worse than you wish it was. I'd like to share 3 different stories from people I've talked to about Bitcoin and the varying degrees of "success" in each of them. Maybe you can relate to one (or all) of them...\ \ **Bob (Person 1)** This first person we will call Bob. Ironically, Bob was stacking sats long before I ever took an interest in Bitcoin. He's a pretty financially savvy person, loves history, and is a bit of a prepper. Bob views Bitcoin as a nice-to-have and certainly understands the NGU math that comes with a fixed supply asset and money printing; unfortunately, that's largely where his interest ends. He's not stacking anymore and doesn't seem moved to ever resume, despite his understanding of how fragile our financial system is. If/when hyper-bitcoinization happens, he's "got enough". \ \ I've been able to get him out of shitcoins entirely and he seems content hodling, which is a pretty big win in my book. At the same time, it can be disheartening to see someone sitting near the edge of the rabbit hole and parking the bus right there...\ \ **Alice (Person 2)** Person 2 will be Alice. This person is much more motivated by social topics than economical ones, which always made me approach our Bitcoin conversations in a unique way. She inspired me to see through a different lens than I was normally comfortable with, which ultimately expanded my own interest in how Bitcoin, both as a money and a network, could positively impact people all over the world. Alice, in my observation, grew to appreciate the way I saw Bitcoin. She understood the Cantillon Effect, fractional reserve lending, why censorship resistance is important, etc. Hell, she even managed to (sorta) orange-pill someone else! She was effectively as orange-pilled as one could get *without actually owning sats.* \ \ Through our many talks about money and personal finance, she greatly leveled up her game compared to when we first met. She now uses budgeting software, has a high-yield savings account, an investment account, and is building credit. For some reason though, she never got the desire to start stacking sats... \ **Mary (Person 3)** Mary is the least financially-literate of our 3 persons of interest. Just not wired that way at all. She's never had dedicated savings or tracked her spending. Getting her to set up direct deposit at her place of employment was a daunting task. \ \ Saving and investing have never been part of her vocabulary either. A few days ago, however, she asked if I could help her begin this process. For someone taking that first big step, I felt like stacking sats would be a bit daunting. We talked about automatically sending X% to a high-yield savings account. When we got to "investing" though, something interesting happened: she said she would rather start buying Bitcoin because "nobody can take it from me, right?" This was fascinating to me, as I had never heard a normal person express concerns about a bank actually not having their money (despite how many people I have told this to, including Alice and Bob). We agreed on the same X% into Bitcoin as into her HYS. Starting with her next paycheck, *Mary will officially begin stacking sats*. If I had to make a chart of all the people in my life and rate how likely they'd be to adopt Bitcoin, Mary would be near the bottom. After so many failed attempts, I still don't quite understand how this specific case ended up being my first success in getting someone to enter the rabbit hole. We'll see how far she ends up going, but I am committed to helping her with every step. **Conclusion** So, what have I taken away from these 3 example cases? For starters, I learned that orange-pilling can take more than one form: Bob got rid of shitcoins and committed to hodling, but won't stack any more; Alice groks the problems Bitcoin will fix, but won't stack at all; Mary hardly even knows about Bitcoin, yet she understands the importance of having control over her own savings enough to take the leap. Each one of these examples has helped me refine my approach to orange-pilling, while also teaching me that it is no science. It's as much a choice and a willingness on their end as it is how you approach the conversation. You cannot force someone to take the pill or jump down the hole. Just stay humble and keep stacking sats. Cheers!

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

In the ever-evolving cryptocurrency space, few assets have attracted as much attention—and controversy—as XRP. Marketed as a tool for revolutionizing cross-border payments, XRP has been at the center of debates about its legitimacy, legal entanglements, and centralization. In contrast, Bitcoin remains the gold standard of decentralization, embodying the original ideals of cryptocurrency as a secure, censorship-resistant, and community-driven digital asset. #### **The Ripple-SEC Legal Battle: A Dark Cloud Over XRP** XRP's legal troubles began in December 2020 when the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs, alleging the company had conducted an unregistered securities offering. The lawsuit hinged on whether XRP, the token Ripple uses for its cross-border payment solutions, qualifies as a security under U.S. law. Ripple Labs and its executives, including CEO Brad Garlinghouse, argued that XRP should not be classified as a security. They claimed it was a digital currency akin to Bitcoin or Ethereum, which the SEC had already deemed non-securities. Despite Ripple scoring partial victories in court—such as a judge's ruling that XRP sales to retail investors did not constitute securities transactions—the company was ordered to pay a $125 million fine. While Ripple touted the outcome as a victory, the SEC’s ongoing appeal means uncertainty lingers over XRP's regulatory future. These legal uncertainties have had significant implications for XRP’s adoption. After the lawsuit, major U.S. exchanges delisted XRP, temporarily causing its price to plummet. Although some platforms have since reintroduced XRP trading, its reputation remains tarnished in some circles. #### **Centralization Concerns: Is XRP Truly a Cryptocurrency?** A key critique of XRP lies in its centralized structure. Unlike Bitcoin’s decentralized proof-of-work (PoW) system, which relies on a distributed network of miners to validate transactions, XRP operates on a consensus protocol managed by a limited number of validators. This has led to accusations that Ripple Labs wields too much control over the network, undermining the core principle of decentralization that defines cryptocurrencies. Adding to these concerns is Ripple Labs’ significant ownership of XRP tokens. Ripple initially held 80 billion of the 100 billion XRP tokens ever created, and as of 2024, it still holds a substantial portion in escrow. Critics argue that this concentration of ownership allows Ripple to manipulate XRP’s price and limits the asset’s independence. #### **Bitcoin: The Decentralized Gold Standard** In stark contrast to XRP, Bitcoin remains the archetype of decentralization. Introduced in 2009 by the pseudonymous Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin operates on a PoW system that ensures no single entity can control the network. Its open-source code, coupled with a vast network of miners and nodes distributed globally, makes Bitcoin nearly immune to censorship and manipulation. Bitcoin's decentralized nature is a cornerstone of its value. Unlike XRP, which is closely tied to Ripple Labs and its business interests, Bitcoin is not controlled by any organization or individual. This decentralization ensures transparency, security, and trust among its users, reinforcing its status as a digital alternative to gold. Moreover, Bitcoin’s capped supply of 21 million coins enhances its appeal as a store of value. In a world where inflation and monetary policy can erode the value of fiat currencies, Bitcoin’s scarcity offers a hedge against economic uncertainty. #### **Adoption and Market Perception: Bitcoin vs. XRP** Despite its controversies, XRP has gained traction among financial institutions for its speed and low transaction costs in cross-border payments. Ripple’s partnerships with major banks and remittance providers have bolstered its utility, even as skepticism around its centralization persists. Bitcoin, on the other hand, has achieved mainstream acceptance as both an investment asset and a medium of exchange. From institutional investors adding Bitcoin to their balance sheets to countries like El Salvador adopting it as legal tender, Bitcoin's adoption is steadily growing. Its resilience in the face of regulatory scrutiny and market volatility further cements its position as the most trusted cryptocurrency. #### **What XRP's Journey Teaches Us About Cryptocurrency Values** The contrasting narratives of XRP and Bitcoin highlight a fundamental tension in the cryptocurrency world: the trade-off between utility and decentralization. While XRP offers practical solutions for specific use cases, its centralized nature and reliance on Ripple Labs compromise its alignment with the ideals of cryptocurrency. Bitcoin, by comparison, stays true to the vision of a decentralized financial system free from intermediaries. Its robust network, transparency, and immutability make it not just a cryptocurrency but a symbol of financial freedom. #### **Conclusion: Bitcoin’s Enduring Legacy** As the legal and market drama around XRP continues to unfold, one thing remains clear: decentralization is at the heart of what makes cryptocurrencies revolutionary. Bitcoin exemplifies this ideal, serving as a reliable store of value and a hedge against centralized control. While XRP may have its place in specific financial ecosystems, it cannot claim to uphold the principles that Bitcoin has come to represent. For investors and enthusiasts alike, understanding these differences is crucial. In a rapidly evolving market, Bitcoin’s true value lies not just in its price but in its unwavering commitment to decentralization—a principle that defines the future of financial freedom.

@ 6bae33c8:607272e8

I was rooting for the Eagles in the NFC because I want Saquon Barkley to win Super Bowl MVP, and on the first play from scrimmage he took a 60-yard run to the house. Unfortunately he got banged up on the play and was used sparingly for the rest of the game, but no matter. Another 118 yards and three TDs later, he’s got his chance in the Super Bowl.  The Killer Redskins are pretty good — they don’t stop coming at you, and Jayden Daniels should be a star for the next decade. But three lost fumbles destroyed any hopes they had. Fumbles and penalties are the worst part of the NFL — like getting Sorry’ed in the game of Sorry, they reverse whatever is happening on the field seismically.  - The KRs are close. They could use an offensive line upgrade, maybe one more pass rusher and another explosive skill player, but with Daniels around, they’ll be contenders again.  - Terry McLaurin didn’t have a big role, but he showed how fast and explosive he is on the 36-yard TD catch and run. He’s also big (210 lbs) for a speed receiver, but turns 30 in September.  - Jalen Hurts made some nice downfield throws to A.J. Brown which is a good sign. If the Eagles are going to beat the Chiefs, they’ll need to make some plays in the passing game.  - Jake Elliott missed a long FG and has been shaky all year. People don’t care about kickers, but I wouldn’t want to trust him with the game on the line.  - In both games there were penalties on a TD that resulted in teams opting for the 1-yard 2-point conversion, and both failed. The Bills even took a successful PAT off the board.  - I know there was controversy on the Chiefs’ fourth quarter. 4th-down stop, down 1 (and also the spot on the preceding 3rd-down play that made it 4th down.) But the Chiefs still had to drive for the touchdown and subsequent FG after the Bills tied it, stop them on defense one more time and then convert that last third down to seal it. In other words, it looked like two bad spots, but even if that was “cheating,” the game was won on the field. The Chiefs also lost a fumble on a botched snap, and the Bills recovered all of theirs.  - Kareem Hunt is such a tough runner, he’s basically a healthy Isiah Pacheco at this point. Pacheco himself doesn’t look 100 percent.  - Travis Kelce had a surprisingly minor role, but Xavier Worthy had a good game, and Patrick Mahomes spread the ball around. It was almost as if they had played it vanilla on purpose in earlier weeks and broke out a more aggressive passing game when they needed it.  - Mahomes will now have appeared in five of the last six Super Bowls, with only Joe Burrow and the Bengals interrupting his streak. If he wins a fourth this year, he’ll have a chance to do the unthinkable which is to catch Tom Brady’s seven. Three more is still a lot though, and that’s only IF he wins against the Eagles.  - Josh Allen played well on the road against one of the league’s best defenses. The Bills offense wasn’t as efficient as Buffalo’s, though, and they’re really missing a go-to playmaking receiver. Amari Cooper never seemed to integrate fully into the offense.  - The AFC is loaded with QB talent that will never see a Super Bowl so long as Andy Reid and Mahomes are in the league. Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Burrow (again) or maybe C.J. Stroud will break through one of these years, but it’s likely at least two of them won’t. 

@ eee391ee:8d0b97c2

## Amber 3.2.0 - Fix relay connection when starting the service - Added profile picture in the incoming requests screen when using a large screen device - Added more event kinds translations - Added a log with the bunker request response - Use the relay from the request to send the response when no app is found Download it with [zap.store]( https://zapstore.dev/download), [Obtainium]( https://github.com/ImranR98/Obtainium), [f-droid]( https://f-droid.org/packages/com.greenart7c3.nostrsigner) or download it directly in the [releases page]( https://github.com/greenart7c3/Amber/releases/tag/v3.2.0) If you like my work consider making a [donation]( https://greenart7c3.com) ## Verifying the release In order to verify the release, you'll need to have `gpg` or `gpg2` installed on your system. Once you've obtained a copy (and hopefully verified that as well), you'll first need to import the keys that have signed this release if you haven't done so already: ``` bash gpg --keyserver hkps://keys.openpgp.org --recv-keys 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D ``` Once you have his PGP key you can verify the release (assuming `manifest-v3.2.0.txt` and `manifest-v3.2.0.txt.sig` are in the current directory) with: ``` bash gpg --verify manifest-v3.2.0.txt.sig manifest-v3.2.0.txt ``` You should see the following if the verification was successful: ``` bash gpg: Signature made Fri 13 Sep 2024 08:06:52 AM -03 gpg: using RSA key 44F0AAEB77F373747E3D5444885822EED3A26A6D gpg: Good signature from "greenart7c3 <greenart7c3@proton.me>" ``` That will verify the signature on the main manifest page which ensures integrity and authenticity of the binaries you've downloaded locally. Next, depending on your operating system you should then re-calculate the sha256 sum of the binary, and compare that with the following hashes: ``` bash cat manifest-v3.2.0.txt ``` One can use the `shasum -a 256 <file name here>` tool in order to re-compute the `sha256` hash of the target binary for your operating system. The produced hash should be compared with the hashes listed above and they should match exactly.

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers! It's Monday so we're back doing "Meta Music Mondays" 😉. From before the territory existed there was just one post a week in a ~meta take over. Now each month we have a different theme and bring music from that theme. This month it's New Year New Artists! Bringing you small time artists with great music. Artists without some huge record label or massive following. Let's find those hidden little gems. This week, may I present to you, Belle Sisoski and her cover of "Legends Never Die" https://youtu.be/VMIL1YbUQrI?si=kR2YLib5x3qLEn8A originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/866591

@ 54286b98:3debc100

> Looking back on that time, I now see clearly that my faith--my only real faith--that which apart from my animal instincts gave impulse to my life --was a belief in perfecting myself. But in what this perfecting consisted and what its object was, I could not have said. I tried to perfect myself mentally--I studied everything I could, anything life threw in my way; I tried to perfect my will, I drew up rules I tried to follow; I perfected myself physically, cultivating my strength and agility by all sorts of exercises, and accustoming myself to endurance and patience by all kinds of privations. And all this I considered to be the pursuit of perfection. — **Leo Tolstoy, A Confession** It seems to be a good trait, perfecting sounds and looks good. Why would you not want to improve yourself? You should! In his book ***A Confession***, Tolstoy starts the first chapter by laying down one of the main Christian principles: we cannot do enough work to achieve salvation, nor can we buy our way into it. We may strive to be perfect and solve things in our own strength, but we may fail miserably. Christ bought our way in, and the only way to claim that ticket is by surrendering our strength and working in His. Striving to be perfect in our own strength is not different from living by the law (this refers to the Law given to the Jewish people versus living by faith alone). > 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.— **Galatians 3: 10-11** Trying to be good and do good works is an excellent attitude, but we can only achieve this by walking in His footsteps. Moreover, I think and believe that the inner call to be perfect may exist within us simply to reveal our incapability of such an accomplishment. > For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.— **Romans 3:20** Of course, faith alone is not proof either, but it’s a start. If we are given the gift of believing in Christ, what we do with that belief is shown through the fruits of the works we do. > 14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good\[a\] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. > 18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. **James 2:14-24** Until the next one, J

@ a012dc82:6458a70d

In the contemporary financial world, Cathie Wood, the founder of ARK Invest, stands out for her innovative investment approaches. Recently, Wood has focused on Bitcoin (BTC), highlighting its potential as a hedge against both inflationary and deflationary economic conditions. This article delves into Wood's perspective, exploring Bitcoin's evolving role in the global financial landscape. We examine its multifaceted nature, not just as a digital currency, but as a strategic asset capable of navigating the complex dynamics of the modern economy. Wood's insights offer a nuanced understanding of Bitcoin's potential in offering stability amidst economic uncertainties. **Table Of Content** - Bitcoin's Hedge Potential - Decentralization: A Key Advantage - The Banking Crisis and Bitcoin - Bitcoin vs. Gold - Institutional Involvement - Conclusion - FAQs **Bitcoin's Hedge Potential** Cathie Wood's perspective on Bitcoin transcends its usual perception as a mere digital currency. She champions it as a dynamic tool against economic fluctuations, a quality rarely matched by traditional assets. In an era marked by economic instability, Bitcoin stands as a beacon of potential stability. This is particularly notable in its capacity to act as a hedge during inflationary periods, where fiat currencies lose value, and deflationary periods, characterized by increased money value but decreased economic activity. This dual capability positions Bitcoin as a significant asset in diversified portfolios, resonating with Wood's innovative investment philosophy. **Decentralization: A Key Advantage** For Wood, Bitcoin's decentralization is a critical advantage. This aspect sets it apart from traditional banking systems, which often grapple with issues of transparency and central control. In Bitcoin's ecosystem, there is a clear absence of counterparty risk, thanks to its decentralized ledger and visible transactions. This transparency assures investors of a level of security and autonomy not found in conventional financial systems. In Wood's view, this decentralization is not just a technical feature but a foundational aspect that provides Bitcoin with a resilience and reliability, crucial in a world where financial systems are increasingly interconnected and vulnerable. **The Banking Crisis and Bitcoin** Reflecting on recent financial upheavals, such as the U.S. regional bank crisis and the FTX collapse, Wood sees these events as vindications of Bitcoin's stability and resilience. These crises underscored the inherent risks of centralized financial systems, revealing their fragility under stress. In contrast, Bitcoin demonstrated an impressive resilience, with its value surging during these tumultuous times. This reaction not only highlights Bitcoin's potential as a safe haven but also its capacity to serve as a barometer for the health of the broader financial system. **Bitcoin vs. Gold** While gold has traditionally been the go-to asset for hedge investments, Wood argues that Bitcoin has a distinct edge over it. Her preference for Bitcoin stems from its novelty and the increasing interest from younger investors and institutional players. Unlike gold, whose market and demand patterns are well-established, Bitcoin represents an emerging asset class with untapped potential. Wood believes that Bitcoin's journey is just beginning, and its full potential as a hedge asset is yet to be realized, making it a more attractive option for forward-looking investors. **Institutional Involvement** Wood's belief in Bitcoin's future is mirrored in ARK Invest's substantial investments in cryptocurrency-related ventures. These investments are not mere speculative plays; they represent a deep conviction in the long-term value of Bitcoin. ARK's pursuit of a spot Bitcoin ETF is a significant move, indicating a belief in the cryptocurrency's viability as a mainstream investment asset. This institutional backing by a leading investment firm not only legitimizes Bitcoin's role in the financial markets but also paves the way for more widespread adoption among traditional investors. **Conclusion** Cathie Wood's endorsement of Bitcoin is a compelling narrative in the evolving story of this digital asset. Her insights provide a valuable perspective on Bitcoin's role as a hedge against both inflation and deflation, highlighting its potential in the current economic climate. As we navigate through uncertain financial times, Wood's views offer a guidepost for investors looking to diversify and stabilize their portfolios with innovative assets like Bitcoin. **FAQs** **What is Cathie Wood's view on Bitcoin?** Cathie Wood sees Bitcoin as a viable hedge against both inflation and deflation, highlighting its decentralized nature and resilience. **Why does Wood prefer Bitcoin over traditional banking systems?** Wood values Bitcoin's transparency and lack of counterparty risk, contrasting it with the opacity of traditional banking systems. **How did the banking crisis impact Bitcoin's value?** The U.S. regional bank crisis and the FTX collapse showed Bitcoin's stability, with its value increasing during these times. **Why does Wood favor Bitcoin over gold?** Wood believes Bitcoin has more potential for growth and is more appealing to younger investors and institutions compared to gold. **What is ARK Invest's involvement in Bitcoin?** ARK Invest holds significant stakes in cryptocurrency ventures and is pursuing a spot Bitcoin ETF, reflecting a strong belief in Bitcoin's future. **That's all for today** **If you want more, be sure to follow us on:** **NOSTR: croxroad@getalby.com** **X: [@croxroadnews.co](https://x.com/croxroadnewsco)** **Instagram: [@croxroadnews.co](https://www.instagram.com/croxroadnews.co/)** **Youtube: [@croxroadnews](https://www.youtube.com/@croxroadnews)** **Store: https://croxroad.store** **Subscribe to CROX ROAD Bitcoin Only Daily Newsletter** **https://www.croxroad.co/subscribe** *DISCLAIMER: None of this is financial advice. This newsletter is strictly educational and is not investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any assets or to make any financial decisions. Please be careful and do your own research.*

@ cf7ed325:050194cf

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@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

## Trump's Blueprint for Gaza: The New Nakba Trump’s offhand suggestion to “clean out” 1.5 million Palestinians from Gaza isn’t just reckless—it’s a thinly veiled blueprint for ethnic cleansing. The proposed forced displacement of millions isn't new; it’s the 21st-century sequel to the Nakba, designed to erase Palestine from the map. ## Gaza: The Systematic Machinery of Destruction The assault on Gaza isn’t chaos—it’s coordinated demolition: - 47,306+ killed – lives extinguished with impunity. - 111,483 injured – survivors burdened with physical and psychological scars. - 92% of homes destroyed – families displaced, memories shattered. - 60% of infrastructure dismantled – society intentionally crippled. This is more than war—it’s annihilation by design. ## A Second Nakba in Motion The original Nakba (1948) was the template: - 6 million refugees still barred from returning home. - Generations of children growing up stateless, inheriting loss. - Cultural heritage erased, lands stolen, and identities fractured. Trump’s “solution” carries this legacy forward, pushing millions toward another endless exile. ## The Humanitarian Collapse If enacted, the mass displacement would trigger a humanitarian apocalypse across the region: - Healthcare systems overwhelmed in neighboring nations. - Schools collapsing under the weight of refugee students. - Economic and social infrastructures stretched beyond capacity. This isn’t just a Palestinian crisis—it’s a global one. ## A Calculated Plan for Erasure Make no mistake: the destruction of Gaza is deliberate. Israeli Finance Minister Avi Dichter’s chilling declaration of a "rolling Gaza Nakba" lays bare the intent: erase Gaza and its people from existence. The steps are cold, calculated, and systematic: - Starvation as a weapon of war. - Targeting hospitals to eliminate healthcare. - Destroying water supplies to force displacement. This isn’t collateral damage—it’s genocide. ## Generational Wounds That Won’t Heal The impact of this erasure will reverberate for centuries: - Children growing up with inherited trauma. - A culture erased piece by piece. - Future generations left stateless, voiceless, and forgotten. Every demolished building and every child killed are steps toward creating a permanent refugee underclass. ## Silence is Complicity The global silence is deafening. Trump’s “solution” isn’t a spontaneous idea—it’s the culmination of decades of dehumanization and demographic engineering. And every moment the world stays silent, the machinery of genocide moves forward. ## Resistance is Survival The choice is clear: submit to tyranny or resist. Every truth told, every act of defiance, every refusal to look away chips away at their plans. They want us silent. They need us indifferent. But we’re not sheep—we’re the descendants of those who refused to kneel. - Share their crimes. - Expose their lies. - Refuse their narrative. Because the battle for Palestine isn’t just about land—it’s about dignity, existence, and the refusal to be erased.

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

I wrote this article back in 2019 but I wanted to see how it stood up today. Since writing this I’ve been diagnosed with autism. However, I question this. For sure I’ve gone through lots of ups and downs in life. Some issues probably due to childhood trauma, others due to drugs etc. but I still ask if is a natural response to bullshit. I don’t write this to belittle any problems anyone has and the autism spectrum disorder is real (but not disorder to me). When the whole population gets diagnosed as neurodivergent what next? If you need help, get help. I write this as a person trying to get off the drugs prescribed to me many years ago. Something I’m finding difficult but I will do it… From 2019 A large part of the adult population in the Western World are mad, mental, bonkers, have lost their marbles and are totally insane. Well, that’s at least according to the World Health Organisation A recent WHO report stated one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives. And there’s a very high chance that you, the reader, are completely off your rocker. Mental Health is the buzzphrase of our times. It’s on the TV, the radio and all over the internet. The UK’s Prime Minister goes on TV to state how big the problem is and just how very seriously she takes it and we’re assured the government are working extremely hard to tackle it. However, the rhetoric never amounts to anything, as anyone seeking genuine help will attest. Help is hard to come by. Doctors prescribe pills to subdue the wrong thoughts, but nothing else. No long term solutions, just keep taking the pills. Hundreds of thousands of adults are medicated in this way and now, more worryingly, are many children. So it’s vital to talk about it. It’s permanently Mentalspeng Awareness Day or Tell Facebacon Your Neurologicalwankfuck Week. It’s even become quite fashionable, with regular treats from celebrities telling of their darkest moments and how they nearly didn’t get that huge Hollywood deal because they woke up feeling sad and unhappy one winter morning. If you’re a fruit-loop tell everyone. It will be ok… Tell them about the time you were going to drive your car off a cliff and ended up in hospital after a particularly long conversation with The Samaritans. Great stuff! Tell them about the regular, uncontrollable urges to slash yourself with a Stanley knife or any other sharp object close to hand. Awesome! Tell them about how you smash yourself repeatedly in the head, sometimes with a heavy object, as you can no longer deal with the stress and frustration of being disempowered by situations completely out of your control. Cool! Tell them how you feel trapped by an increasingly expensive housing market and how you have zero financial security. Brilliant! Or maybe just tell them that sometimes you can’t get out of bed and you don’t know why or that you panic uncontrollably for no reason. Skills! Tell the world! We’re so understanding of mental health issues these days, just raise more awareness and everything will be fine, we’re here for you man/woman! (and yes, we might need to sell this information on to the appropriate persons, future employers, insurance companies or government agencies etc.). After all, we’re all good people right? Tell everyone you’re mad and they’ll understand. They’ll think of the time you were a dick and they’ll say “Ahh, poor sod, you know he’s a mental don’t you”. Well frankly no. The world is full of cunts and whilst the people close to you will be sympathetic, as far as wider society goes, you’ll be marked, your position compromised and your word will not be trusted. I mean who knows, maybe you’re delusional, perhaps you’re about to rampage through town wielding a knife or driving your car into a crowded supermarket… But hold up…. One in every four of us is mental?! Is that really the case? Let’s think about this for a second. When did 25% of the population become a massive neurospeng? This wasn’t the case 30 years ago, a quarter of the population weren’t mad. There wasn’t the vast array of medications available these days; Prozac, Sertraline, Citralopram, Promethazine, Venlafaxine, Amiltryptaline, to name a few (there are many, many more). It’s clear that a lot of people aren’t feeling right but how come the suicide rates are higher now than they were 30 years ago? If we’re all so much more aware and well medicated, surely rates would be going down? Perhaps you were diagnosed as a mental because you responded negatively to events happening around you? Maybe you’re working increasingly longer hours for less money. Perhaps the terms of your work changed drastically and you no longer feel secure. Maybe you lost jobs because of funding cut backs. Perhaps you’re in despair because your friend took their own life when their job was cut in an austerity drive. Suicide is the most horrible thing which ever way you look at it. You strip a person of their purpose and they react with the most extreme act of self violence, causing an unbelievable amount of emotional distress for those left to pick up the pieces… And so we say, “Ahh but you understand, they were mad… They were fucking mental, they lost control of their senses, it such a terrible shame but they were mad you know”. Bullshit. The term Mental Health removes all responsibility from the structures creating an environment where people are deemed no longer of value or viable human beings. But maybe you were angry because you were told by politicians that you need to live within your means, whilst those in large financial institutions increased their wealth exponentially? The world economy crashed in 2008 and there’s no money. Eh? The governments of printed more and more money, but there’s no money for you, you cunt. Perhaps it was packed aboard a spaceship and is now hurtling towards Mars! (mad people tend to think like this, after all it couldn’t be that the money was stolen). Maybe you got angry with the blatant corruption from those in public life? Politicians shout loudly that they’re for the people but will pocket pay rises, local council officials bully members of the public and make threats to cut funding . This can be done with total with total impunity, as the structures put in place to control such actions cover up any wrong doing. You see the powerful can not and will not be challenged. There is no pathway to justice. When the fire at Grenfell happened, it was clear for all to see that the housing association, council and big business were at fault, but no, blame was heaped on the lone fire officer who had the awful task of managing two lowly fire engines in London’s biggest fire since World War II. At the time my local Member of Parliament response was “the flats were refurbished to a very high standard”. We shouldn’t lay blame at those in power, we cannot have any fault with the establishment. I bet that poor fire officer was a mental too… When discussing mental health we’re not talking about a brain injury or unfortunate illness. There’s extreme difficulty coping with the world but it’s not madness and it’s not a delusion. It’s a natural reaction to bullshit. We’re are completely surrounded by bullshit, on the internet bullshit, on the TV bullshit, in the work place bullshit, from our leaders bullshit etc. etc. The world is running on massive excess levels of bullshit. And this is the natural emotional response to bullshit. Mental Health is used to invalidate the anger, freeing the powerful from responsibility and laying blame squarely at the individuals door. In the meantime, piece by piece, the powerful steal everything we’ve ever owned. So next time someone says to you raise awareness about mental health, maybe tell them to fuck off. Either that or tell them you’re flying to the Moon to have tea with Kim Jong Un and Barney The Dinosaur. Fuck mental health. *Image used without permission of Barney The Dinosaur.

@ e373ca41:b82abcc5

*** ***This article by Milosz Matuschek first appeared in German in his publication*** ***["Freischwebende Intelligenz".](https://www.freischwebende-intelligenz.org/p/musk-trump-and-co-die-falschen-befreier)*** *** It's working! Or is it? Trump's inauguration casted its shadow in the last weeks already and produced the first big upsets. Meta/Facebook cancelled their squad of fact-checkers and will rely (like X) on community comments in future. Wokistan is unwound. Zuckerberg now presents himself as an advocate of free speech, declaring a “return to principles”. For those who believe it, Zuckerberg is an opportunist who *gave in* to the Biden administration and its deletion requests during Covid without much resistance (after *having given* 400 mio. USD through [intermediary organizations](https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-mark-zuckerberg-election-donations-188810437774) into Bidens campaign), regardless of whether it was about masks or later about “vaccinations”. His [Canossa walk to Rogan](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nONHwzt7fCk) does not change the fact that he betrayed his own principles and deleted [millions of critical profiles, channels and groups](https://reason.com/2018/10/12/libertarian-and-police-accountability-pa/), including groups in which Facebook users discussed vaccine damage. Where are the profiles? Are they back? Zuckerberg played Ministry of Truth and is now quoting Orwell and toeing the Musk line. This is what a [driven man](https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/mark-zuckerberg-chd-meta-censorship-lawsuit-fundraiser/) looks like, not a man of conviction. The mainstream is shocked and is already labeling Facebook as a new hate portal. When will the accusation of anti-Semitism kick in? <https://x.com/TheBabylonBee/status/1876683974560350626> ### The Musk effect All of these are gestures of submission to the new ruler of public opinion: Elon Musk. He owns the largest network for "free speech", he himself is its biggest influencer and is recalibrating what can be said in public. His journeyman's piece was Trump's election victory. Changing the political mood in the world could be his masterpiece. For a long time, he admittedly did this extremely skillfully. He tweeted about the deep state, Soros and Gates, the population collapse, compulsory vaccination, etc. and got on well with the critical scene, some of whom are now all too submissively trying to recognize their new messiah in him. Musk throws his media spotlight on topics that the newspapers remain silent about and gave politicians underrepresented in the mainstream, such as Alice Weidel (opposition leader in Germany, AfD), a forum. Musk has repeatedly brought the Epstein case and paedophile scandals, such as in England (Rotherham, Oxford), into the media spotlight. Pakistani gangs abused minors and children there for years; [anyone reading the verdict will need strong nerves](https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/JCO/Documents/Judgments/sentencing-remarks-r-v-dogar-others.pdf). In Austria, a trial for gang abuse of a 12-year-old girl has just ended with an acquittal. The judges believe she wanted it that way. During the trial, the defendant put a hundred Euro note on the table for the victim's lawyer, which is what mocking “reparation” looks like. In “our democracy” in Germany, sentences are handed down on a piecework basis for ludicrous “insults to politicians”.  Musk is de facto the most powerful man in the world (satellites, SpaceX, Mars, Tesla, mRNA vaccination routes, Pentagon connections, X..,). Where so much power is involved, megalomania is not far away. He is acting increasingly clumsily. It is currently confirming for all to see the cliché that politics is basically the entertainment department of industry. Even in “our democracy”, the bosses of the world have always chosen their political generals, who are interchangeable. In the case of Bill Gates, George Soros & Son etc., the executive was the woke nomenklatura right up to the EU. With Musk, it is the new, right-wing conservative nomenklatura. *** ADVERTISEMENT: *Looking for the easiest way to buy Bitcoin and store it yourself? The **[Relai app](https://relai.app/de/?af_xp=custom\&source_caller=ui\&pid=INFLUENCER\&is_retargeting=true\&af_click_lookback=7d\&shortlink=eo5zpzew\&af_channel=branded_url\&af_inactivity_window=30d\&c=Milosz%20Matuszek)** is the No. 1 crypto start-up and No. 2 of all fintech start-ups in Switzerland. **[Here you can buy Bitcoin](https://relai.app/de/?af_xp=custom\&source_caller=ui\&pid=INFLUENCER\&is_retargeting=true\&af_click_lookback=7d\&shortlink=eo5zpzew\&af_channel=branded_url\&af_inactivity_window=30d\&c=Milosz%20Matuszek)** in just a few steps and also set up savings plans. Nobody has access to your Bitcoin except you. With the referral code MILOSZ you save on fees (no financial advice). Disclaimer due to regulatory issues: The services of the Relai App are hereby only recommended to inhabitants of Switzerland or Italy.*  *Need more security? The **[Trezor wallets](https://trezor.io/trezor-safe-5-bitcoin-only?transaction_id=102e192a206d1585e56a2fddef6d83\&offer_id=238\&affiliate_id=35234)** are recommended and easy to use, others are available in the **[store](https://trezor.io/?transaction_id=102bc85bdca2733287749c7f879ebd\&offer_id=133\&affiliate_id=35234)**. Need more advice? Book an **[introductory meeting](https://trezor.io/trezor-expert-session?transaction_id=1020e18dad0aa4b1186289fd22e90f\&offer_id=241\&affiliate_id=35234)** with a wallet expert.* *** Musk smooches Meloni, interviews Alice Weidel, auditions Farage (and cancels again: “doesn't have what it takes”). The Weidel interview was certainly a necessary corrective to the current media asymmetry ([and no one should be able to deny access to a source of information](https://pareto.space/a/naddr1qqxnzdenxc6rydejxymnwvfhqgswxu72gyq7ykjdfl9j556887jpzwu3mw3v9ez36quas55whq4te3grqsqqqa28s0zrt9)). There is no doubt that the second strongest party in the German mainstream media does not have a fair chance to convey its content. Talk shows, if there are invitations to AfD politicians at all, are public inquisition events with calls for self-criticism. But the Musk-Weidel talk was not journalism either. It was a public casting event, a kind of “Apprentice” on X. Or have you seen a journalist anywhere? A platform operator and a politician tapped each other a bit and confirmed each other. All this is already bringing the EU onto the scene, Thierry Breton is already waving the possible annulment of the elections in Germany. An oligarch is unmasking the EU oligarchy and both want to do it for democracy, what a world... ### "Which piggy would you like?" <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiwkYCFD6EA> So asked Robert Lembke some decades ago in the German TV show “What am I?”: And that's supposed to be the choice now: Pick your favorite oligarch or next slave owner. In the end, every big tech business model is based on advertising and data mining. Zuckerberg, Musk & Co. sell identity, friendship, memories and ultimately your content. Twitter also wanted to buy Substack and got “Revue”. The customer (aka the product) is sold to the advertising industry, Zuckerberg potentially knows each of his users down to their character traits (unknown even to the user) (check: [www.applymagicsauce.com](http://www.applymagicsauce.com)). Like in the 80s movie with Arnie, this is a kind of “running man”, a gladiator game in front of an assembled world audience. Whoever wins attention for themselves (and the platform) wins back a small amount of freedom and even earns something in the process. Musk recently changed his X name to “Kekius Maximus” (whereupon memecoins of the same name immediately sprang up, to each ruler his own currency), reminiscent of the gladiator Maximus from the film of the same name by Ridley Scott. The gladiator's owner told him: “Win the crowd and you win your freedom”. Not much has changed since ancient Rome. As the world's top meme maker with the greatest reach, Musk also has the greatest influence on social moods. No content is more viral and memorable than memes. The winner here is the one with the highest level of replication. That's what Musk does.  The changes we are currently seeing are just the beginning, both positive and (possibly) negative. The first effect is already visible: Wokistan is withdrawing from platforms that are not ideologically curated. Fearing accusations of contact guilt, they obediently throw themselves off the nearest cliff and voluntarily curtail their own reach; the last example was “Watson.ch” from Switzerland, a journalistically narrow-chested list and click medium for chai latte sippers from Bern and Zurich. Will the “X-itus” be followed by the great unfriending of Facebook? There won't be much left, Tiktok also ticked to the right beat by their standards (as long as it's not against China). The next place of mercy for Woke is called Bluesky, where there is neither hate nor agitation, right?  It must be clear to everyone now: The result of liberation by others is never freedom, but new dependence. What has not been fought for is always a continuation of neo-feudalism and (virtual) serfdom in a different form. The tools for regaining freedom have long been in our hands. What separates us from freedom is ultimately only comfort. The book [“The Sovereign Individual” was recently translated into German.](https://bitcoinbook.shop/products/das-souverane-individuum?Format=Paperback) It was written over 25 years ago. Read it! *** ***Join the marketplace of ideas!** We are building a publishing ecosystem on Nostr for citizen-journalism, starting with a client for blogging and newsletter distribution. Sound money and sound information should finally be in the hands of the people, right? Want to learn more about the [Pareto Project](https://pareto.space/en)? Zap me, if you want to contribute (all Zaps go to the project).*  *Are you a publication or journalist and want to be part of it, test us, migrate your content to Nostr? Write to **<team@pareto.space>*** **Not yet on** **[Nostr](https://nostr.com/)** **and want the full experience?** Easy onboarding via **[Nosta.me.](https://nosta.me/create/welcome)** 

@ 97121c7b:30a10e4e

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@ 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/865514

@ 97121c7b:30a10e4e

here is where the content will be just a test

@ ae6ce958:d0f02c7d

In the tradition of *The Pragmatic Programmer*, let’s dive deeper into how DamageBDD enables programmers to switch into flow, earn sats for their efforts, and unlock a positive neural feedback loop by fostering behavior-driven thinking. This not only amplifies productivity but also strengthens cognitive abilities, making developers sharper, more agile thinkers in the long run. --- ### **Flow State Meets Real-Time Rewards** #### **What Is Flow?** The flow state is that magical zone where work feels effortless, time disappears, and every action seems to naturally lead to the next. Achieving flow requires clarity, focus, feedback, and a meaningful sense of progress—elements that DamageBDD inherently provides. #### **How DamageBDD Induces Flow** 1. **Behavior-Driven Focus:** BDD scenarios act as the “North Star” for developers, defining *what the system should do* in clear, actionable terms. There’s no ambiguity, no wasted energy figuring out what needs to be done—only a set of behaviors to implement, refine, or fix. 2. **Instant Feedback Loops:** Every line of code you write is immediately evaluated against predefined BDD scenarios. If it works, you see the green light and earn sats. If it fails, you get actionable feedback to correct it. This near-instantaneous feedback is a cornerstone of flow, reinforcing productive momentum. 3. **Real-Time Rewards:** With Bitcoin Lightning integration, every passing test or fixed behavior comes with an immediate, tangible payout. The brain loves rewards—earning sats becomes a dopamine hit, keeping you engaged and motivated. --- ### **The Positive Neural Feedback Loop of Thinking in Terms of Behavior** #### **Why Behavior-Driven Thinking Matters** Programming in terms of *behavior* is more than a methodology—it’s a cognitive framework that sharpens your mind. When you define problems as behaviors to achieve, you: - **Simplify Complexity:** Abstracting functionality into behaviors reduces cognitive load, making it easier to reason about systems. - **Improve Problem Solving:** Thinking in terms of "what should happen" (rather than "how to make it happen") trains your brain to identify outcomes first, encouraging solution-focused thinking. - **Enhance Communication:** Clear behavior definitions bridge gaps between developers, testers, and stakeholders, fostering better collaboration. --- #### **The Neural Benefits** 1. **Reinforcing Neural Pathways for Logical Thinking:** Every time you think in terms of behaviors, you exercise critical thinking and decision-making processes. Over time, these neural pathways strengthen, making you a faster, sharper problem solver. 2. **Amplifying Pattern Recognition:** Writing and debugging BDD scenarios train your brain to recognize patterns in system behaviors. This skill extends beyond coding—your ability to spot patterns in other domains improves as well. 3. **The Dopamine Feedback Loop:** Passing a test, fixing a bug, or earning sats provides immediate positive reinforcement. This dopamine boost strengthens your association between effort and reward, creating a virtuous cycle that keeps you engaged and growing. 4. **Cognitive Flexibility:** Behavior-driven thinking encourages adaptability. You’re constantly switching between defining, implementing, and refining behaviors—an exercise in cognitive flexibility that enhances your ability to pivot quickly in complex situations. --- ### **Amplifying Cognitive Skills Through BDD Practices** 1. **Systems Thinking:** DamageBDD encourages you to think holistically. BDD scenarios inherently connect individual behaviors to the larger system, fostering a deep understanding of how components interact. 2. **Empathy for End Users:** Since BDD focuses on *expected behaviors*, you’re always considering the user’s perspective. This not only improves product quality but also develops your ability to empathize and anticipate needs—a skill valuable in both technical and non-technical settings. 3. **Mindfulness and Focus:** Writing clear, precise BDD scenarios requires mindfulness. You must focus on the behavior you’re defining, ignoring distractions or unnecessary details. This mindful attention to detail translates into improved focus across all areas of life. --- ### **Switching Into Flow with DamageBDD: The Process** 1. **Defined Goals Through BDD:** BDD scenarios clearly define what needs to be accomplished. Each scenario is a mini-goal, providing a structured starting point for deep work. 2. **Automated Context Switching:** DamageBDD integrates seamlessly into CI/CD pipelines, handling testing, verification, and payouts. This automation eliminates the mental effort of managing manual workflows, freeing your mind to focus on the task at hand. 3. **Visual Dashboards for Real-Time Progress:** Real-time dashboards keep you in the loop, showing which tests have passed, which are failing, and how much you’ve earned in sats. This constant visibility reinforces a sense of progress and achievement, key elements of flow. --- ### **Switching Out of Flow: Sustainable Productivity** 1. **Natural Breakpoints:** Each passing test, earned payout, or resolved scenario creates a natural stopping point, encouraging healthy breaks and preventing burnout. 2. **Celebrating Progress:** DamageBDD doesn’t just reward you with sats—it gives you a clear picture of your contributions. Seeing how your work aligns with the product’s evolution provides intrinsic motivation and satisfaction. 3. **Gamification for Reflection:** Leaderboards, badges, or streaks could be implemented to gamify progress, encouraging reflection on your work and motivating future engagement. --- ### **Earning Sats in Cyberspace: Making Work Tangible** DamageBDD’s integration with the Bitcoin Lightning Network creates a revolutionary financial model for developers: 1. **Every Contribution Matters:** Whether you’re fixing a bug, passing a test, or writing new BDD scenarios, you’re rewarded in sats. This turns even small contributions into meaningful, tangible outcomes. 2. **Microtransactions for Microtasks:** Unlike traditional compensation models, DamageBDD pays for specific, measurable achievements. This decentralizes reward distribution and ensures fairness. 3. **Compounding Value:** As you earn sats, you’re also improving the product and your skills. This creates a compounding effect where your work generates value for the system, for yourself, and for your future employability. --- ### **A Day in the Life with DamageBDD** - **Morning:** You review a list of failing BDDs, prioritizing those with the highest payouts. You dive in, quickly fixing a few behaviors, and see your balance increase by 15,000 sats. - **Midday:** Collaborating with teammates, you define new BDD scenarios for a feature. As they pass, you collectively earn sats while seeing the feature evolve in real-time. - **Afternoon:** You notice an ambiguous BDD and rewrite it for clarity. Your improved scenario prevents potential bugs and earns you recognition and additional sats. By the end of the day, you’ve been immersed in productive flow, refined your cognitive skills, and earned sats for your contributions. --- ### **Conclusion: DamageBDD as a Cognitive and Economic Catalyst** DamageBDD doesn’t just make programming more productive—it makes it more rewarding, both financially and cognitively. By fostering behavior-driven thinking, enabling flow states, and creating a tangible connection between effort and reward, it: - Strengthens your brain’s problem-solving abilities. - Encourages mindfulness and focus. - Provides immediate gratification for meaningful contributions. For pragmatic programmers who value growth, productivity, and fairness, DamageBDD isn’t just a tool—it’s a transformative experience that rewards you for diving into cyberspace, one behavior at a time.

@ 2d71bbd8:0088d52f

Some say certain events change our lives in such extreme ways that you will remember them as marking a before and an after. We could say that about some chaotic events making the news, or changes sweeping away the known ways of the world, like a new wave of technology. Something more meaningful can happen to each of us, transforming our lives in deeper ways: love. I remember a time before him, and everything else is life with him. Love can feel like a ghost arriving with unpredictable timing and difficult to imagine until you live it. Some think it's real though they've never experienced it. Others spend their lifetimes looking for it. Others think it doesn't exist, and that heartbreak is proof of that. Why does love feel so elusive? How do we even recognize what love is, *real* love. I'm recalling a scene in the movie While You Were Sleeping, which asks the question, "When did you fall in love with him?". The answer being the title of the movie. If you've experienced love, when did you know you were in love? For me, it was a particular moment where he started digging into what I thought about something. We had spent many days exchanging conversations, I don't remember exactly how long. They felt formal, structured, without as much depth to them. It was as if we didn't yet feel free to be ourselves. I don't remember what we were talking about that specific night, but he was genuinely interested in what I was saying. Many can fake conversations, but this was not that. We had a deeper spontaneous conversation, and he continues to do that almost every single day. We are constantly extending the roots of our history. Our lifetimes may be but dust in the existence of the universe, but, in this brief moment in time (which seems long to us), we have shared more thoughts than I have probably exchanged with most of the people I know, combined. I didn't think that was possible nor bearable, yet it feels comfortable and often cozy, even after all these years. I miss it significantly when we have gotten busy on something else in our lives. I thought it would fall back into the mundane, but it doesn't. It is like magnetic curiosity on fire. Not a day goes by where I don't wonder how my life became so blessed by his existence. He has been an oasis, as there is no topic we cannot talk about or dive into respectfully and deeply. Life is not an easy clear path we walk on everyday. On days of turmoil, when emotional waves are crashing on the shores of our hearts, it is this ability to tell each other anything that has resolved most of the issues at core. Listening to what we each have to say has granted us an understanding of the situation no one else could have. The listening is the starting foundation, as we build a compilation of moments on it, like blocks on a Bitcoin blockchain that cannot be undone. We often hear that happiness is the goal for a relationship, but we haven't experienced a relationship until we have walked through the whole range of emotions together. It is in those moments, where we're hanging on to each other for strength, that you realize the power of love. It is the sweetest nectar that carries you forward, even during bitter times. There is a before and an after, and I feel grateful for living in the after, for as long as life grants us time. I often wonder about all those little details that make him special to me, but also their opposite, which makes it often into our conversations as we decide what we want our love to be. It is as if we were creating a compass to how to love from understanding the differences between what we value and what we choose to leave out. It is not a ruleset. It works like a protocol. It may be a cultural aspect of today's society, which favors women who do not speak their mind, but I hardly ever remember anyone being seriously interested in what I was saying. I've sometimes heard the idea of how we look more beautiful when we're quiet. I don't think beauty could be silent, as it lives within the heart, and you would never get to know it if it doesn't have a voice of its own. I'm very familiar with the faces of people reacting to something a woman says. It takes different shapes. Some are worried about what you might say, even after they've asked for your advice. They can be concerned that your differing patterns of thinking might reveal a truth they are trying hard to conceal or ignore. Yet our thinking as individuals is often lacking in perspective, and we cannot gaze at the forest while being a tree. Humans are meant to be connected, and exchanging information is an important part of that connection. Another familiar stare are those vacant eyes, similar nowadays to people looking at their phones. Cancel culture is comparable, as it ignores variety of thought, to live within a controlled sphere of what is acceptable, where truth cannot thrive. On social media, you may not see people's faces, but you can feel the coldness of their silence, as if they had turned their back on a part of their humanity. It used to be that we would only experience reactions from people, now it's not only the people but algorithms, bots.... I understand the need to feel comfortable somewhere, but I've learned the beauty of welcoming human thought, and with it heart. It is like staring out into the ocean, and realizing how small we are. A place where you cannot be yourself, and where you are worried about being censored if you speak on specific topics, seems like a lonely one. I'm grateful we have our own little niche of freedom here. The worst reactions to differing voices are attacks, regardless of what you have to say. It is like that old Aesop's fable "The Man, the Boy, and the Donkey." That large book of fables is engraved in my childhood memories, with most of its fables lost to time, as if it was perpetually open to that one page. I didn't know then just how important it would be to love. Love requires you to be you. No alternative exists, nor would you want one, once you feel the freedom. As he likes to say, "It is those things you think are imperfect and flawed within you, that I love." I learned early on that people's reactions are often a reflection of inner turmoil, so you always wonder what each person has lived through that has made them react to you so negatively. Some people seem wired for fighting without a conscious awareness of what's behind their fighting, as if they were trolls, forgoing the benefits of working toward similar goals. Others seem to enjoy the attention that comes with the chaos, and the likes from spreading lies. I wish there was a stronger culture of respect and a desire to understand and learn from each other, as I feel the benefits of that everyday with him. It seems strange to gaze at the conversations of people fighting each other to where they've forgotten what started the fight, and they continue fighting over nothing. The human desire for ignoring differing points of view or bringing them down runs deeper and more widespread than I'd like. It's as if mutual listening has become a lost art. Without listening, knowledge fades away, along with empathy. Social media may be changing part of the culture, though at times it seems to magnify the issues. The existence of nostr, however, gives me hope, as it's core principle is to value human thought and the diverse ways to protect it. I am grateful for how it encourages a building of trust based on verification, shaping the foundation for both identity and communities. Who are we if we cannot listen to each other. Who are we if we favor silence of what we do not understand or what is different. Could humanity be what it is today if people didn't exchange their voices and built upon them. Who are we if we silence criticism, when it is through constructive criticism that we grow. Would we want silence of what makes us unique to be the norm for those we love and those who will come in future generations, as if we were a single minded machine puppeteered by a few. Without an ability to think and speak freely, we lose the foundation that makes love possible. Without love it is as if we haven't lived.