@ 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

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@ 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

@ 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.

@ 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.

@ ae6ce958:d0f02c7d

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?

@ 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

@ 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)** 

@ 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

@ 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.

@ 16d11430:61640947

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are on the horizon, promising a new era of state-controlled digital money. While they might appear to threaten Bitcoin’s role in the financial ecosystem, they also present a unique opportunity for Bitcoiners to showcase Bitcoin’s strengths and drive its adoption. This article explores how CBDCs might affect Bitcoin and why Bitcoiners should view their emergence as a chance to reinforce Bitcoin’s role as the foundation of financial sovereignty. --- ### **The Rise of CBDCs: A Gateway to Bitcoin Awareness** The rollout of CBDCs by governments around the world will inevitably bring digital currencies into the mainstream. For many, CBDCs will serve as their first interaction with a fully digital form of money. This widespread exposure will naturally spark curiosity about other digital assets—most notably Bitcoin. #### **Education Through Contrast** CBDCs provide Bitcoiners with an opportunity to highlight the stark differences between Bitcoin and state-controlled money. Key contrasts include: - **Centralization vs. Decentralization:** CBDCs are issued, controlled, and monitored by central banks, whereas Bitcoin operates on a trustless, decentralized network. - **Infinite Supply vs. Scarcity:** CBDCs are tied to fiat systems and can be issued in unlimited quantities, contributing to inflation. Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins offers a deflationary alternative. - **Surveillance vs. Privacy:** CBDCs are programmable and likely to come with extensive surveillance features. In contrast, Bitcoin provides pseudonymity and financial sovereignty. As governments promote CBDCs, Bitcoiners have a prime opportunity to educate the public about Bitcoin’s unique properties as a censorship-resistant, decentralized store of value. --- ### **The Flaws of CBDCs: Bitcoin’s Selling Points** While governments tout CBDCs as the future of money, their inherent flaws could drive individuals and businesses toward Bitcoin. #### **1. Erosion of Privacy** CBDCs are expected to enable unprecedented levels of financial surveillance. Governments could monitor and control how individuals spend their money, with features like: - Transaction tracking. - Spending restrictions. - Programmable expiration dates for money. Bitcoin offers a clear alternative by enabling permissionless transactions and preserving financial privacy. #### **2. Inflationary Nature** Like fiat currencies, CBDCs will be subject to inflationary policies, reducing purchasing power over time. Bitcoin, with its fixed supply, stands in stark contrast as a hedge against inflation. As individuals experience the devaluation of CBDCs, they may turn to Bitcoin as a store of value. #### **3. Control and Censorship** CBDCs give governments the ability to impose financial controls, such as freezing accounts or limiting transactions. Bitcoin’s decentralized network makes it resistant to censorship, appealing to those seeking financial independence. --- ### **Opportunities for Bitcoiners** Rather than viewing CBDCs as competition, Bitcoiners can use their emergence as a springboard to drive Bitcoin adoption. Here’s how: #### **1. Positioning Bitcoin as an Escape Hatch** For individuals and businesses wary of the surveillance and control inherent in CBDCs, Bitcoin represents a financial escape hatch. Bitcoiners can position Bitcoin as a parallel system that preserves privacy, autonomy, and freedom. #### **2. Leveraging Education and Advocacy** The introduction of CBDCs creates a natural opening for Bitcoiners to educate the public about Bitcoin’s advantages. Outreach efforts could focus on: - Hosting workshops and webinars that explain Bitcoin’s properties. - Sharing educational content that highlights the risks of CBDCs and the benefits of Bitcoin. #### **3. Promoting Bitcoin for Global Transactions** CBDCs will likely be restricted to domestic use, with limited interoperability between countries. Bitcoin, as a global, borderless currency, provides an alternative for cross-border transactions and remittances. The rise of CBDCs could drive demand for Bitcoin in this space. #### **4. Advancing the Lightning Network** While CBDCs may excel in everyday retail transactions, Bitcoin’s Lightning Network can compete as a fast and inexpensive payment layer. Bitcoiners can promote the Lightning Network as a viable alternative for small, instant payments. --- ### **The Bigger Picture: Bitcoin as a Hedge Against CBDCs** CBDCs may accelerate the decline of trust in fiat currencies. As governments experiment with new monetary policies enabled by CBDCs—such as negative interest rates or expiration dates on money—individuals may lose confidence in state-controlled financial systems. This presents an opportunity for Bitcoin to solidify its role as a hedge against monetary mismanagement. #### **Case Studies in Bitcoin Adoption** Countries experiencing economic instability and inflation—where CBDCs fail to inspire trust—could see increased Bitcoin adoption. For example: - In nations with hyperinflation, Bitcoin’s fixed supply makes it a lifeline for preserving wealth. - In authoritarian regimes, Bitcoin offers financial freedom where CBDCs impose restrictions. --- ### **Seizing the Moment** For Bitcoiners, the rise of CBDCs is not a threat but an opportunity. As governments introduce centralized digital currencies, Bitcoin can stand out as the decentralized, inflation-proof, and censorship-resistant alternative. By educating the public, advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem, and emphasizing Bitcoin’s unique properties, Bitcoiners can leverage CBDCs to drive adoption and solidify Bitcoin’s place in the global financial system. The narrative is clear: while CBDCs represent a new chapter in centralized money, Bitcoin remains the future of financial sovereignty. For Bitcoiners, the time to act is now.

@ 76c71aae:3e29cafa

When I first heard about the DOGE project, I was ready to throw my laptop out the window. The [initial proposal](https://archive.is/nFNp4) read like a Silicon Valley libertarian fever dream - taking Musk's chaotic "move fast and break democracy" Twitter approach and unleashing it on federal agencies. Great, I thought, just what we need: more tech bros thinking they can "optimize" public institutions into oblivion. But here's the weird thing - when you actually dig into [what DOGE has morphed into](https://www.nextgov.com/people/2025/01/us-digital-service-employees-are-being-re-interviewed-under-doge-transition/402423/), it's basically just USDS with a meme-worthy rebrand. For those not deep in the civic tech weeds, USDS was Obama's attempt to drag government technology out of the 1990s, inspired by the UK's actually-functional GDS program. And let's be real - government tech procurement is an absolute dumpster fire right now. We're talking billions wasted on projects that would make a CS101 student cringe, while the average American has to navigate websites that look like they were designed on GeoCities. The deeply ironic thing is that Musk - for all his cosplaying as a technocratic messiah following in his grandfather's footsteps of dreaming up an antidemocratic technocratic state - actually has some relevant experience here. SpaceX did figure out how to work with government contracts without producing $500 million paperweights, and Tesla somehow gamed clean vehicle incentives into birthing the first new major car company since we invented radio. Look, I'm the first to roll my eyes at Musk's wannabe-fascist posting sprees and his perpetual "I'm the main character of capitalism" energy. But speaking as someone who's banged their head against the wall of government technology modernization for years - if he actually focuses on the tech and keeps his brainrot political takes to himself, maybe DOGE could do some good? Even Jen Pahlka, who basically wrote the book on government digital services, [is cautiously optimistic](https://fedscoop.com/trump-wants-a-doge-an-obama-era-tech-official-has-some-tips/). The services Americans get from their government are objectively terrible, and the procurement system is trapped in an infinite loop of failure. Maybe - and I can't believe I'm typing this - Musk's particular flavor of disruptive tech deployment could help? Just... please, for the love of all things agile, let's keep him focused on the actual technology and far away from any more attempts to recreate his grandfather's dreams of a technocratic dystopia. We've got enough of those already.

@ 006532cb:fd8f28b4

  **Law of Conservation of Energy:** The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. This means that the total energy of an isolated system remains constant over time, but the form of energy can change (e.g., from kinetic energy to potential energy). This fundamental principle in physics highlights the importance of energy efficiency and the potential for energy to be transformed and reused. **Henry Ford's Energy Currency:** Henry Ford, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, proposed the concept of an "energy currency" in the 1920s. He suggested that energy, rather than gold or other commodities, could serve as the basis for a new monetary system. Ford's idea was that energy is the fundamental unit of value, as it is the driving force behind all economic activity. He proposed that energy could be used as a standard unit of exchange, allowing for more efficient and equitable trade. **Buckminster Fuller's View on Energy Production and Wealth:** Buckminster Fuller, a renowned architect, systems theorist, and futurist, believed that energy production is the key to creating wealth and abundance. He argued that energy is the fundamental driver of economic growth and that increasing energy production can lead to increased prosperity. Fuller's concept of "ephemeralization" suggests that as energy production becomes more efficient and widespread, the cost of goods and services decreases, leading to increased abundance and wealth. He also emphasized the importance of designing systems that maximize energy efficiency and minimize waste, allowing for more equitable distribution of resources and wealth. [](https://v.nostr.build/O1F9io3FgKbhuagy.mp4) [](https://v.nostr.build/F6WhrU5RO4tGaNBa.mp4)

@ c9f80c8d:947f3cfd

Hey sleep enthusiast, how has it been to go through the festive celebrations and deeper into winter? Have you been leaning into the season of long nights and getting cosy, making the most of staying indoors? Or has the season brought more of a sense of dread? Especially with thoughts about insomnia creeping in even more during the winter months? You may decide that winter is a time to give up and slob out - or go [goblin mode](https://www.restfulsleep.eu/post/how-can-goblin-mode-affect-your-relaxation-and-sleep), as it’s been called. As a [sleep coach](https://restfulsleep.eu/one-on-one-sleep-coaching), I'm here to offer some reassurance that it’s possible to find restful ways to rejuvenate - even in winter! #### How the winter season brings a shift in energy As winter descends across the northern hemisphere, it brings colder temperatures and more hours of darkness. So we have less access to sunlight and the natural source of vitamin D that it provides - all of which takes some adjusting to. The changes in the natural environment impact the [circadian rhythms](https://www.restfulsleep.eu/post/working-with-your-circadian-rhythms-to-manage-energy-levels-and-sleep) in our bodies. These are the natural processes that run according to various cycles in nature and affect our sleep, digestion and other functions. It is the circadian rhythms in some bears that guide and enable them to be able to [hibernate for 100 days at a time](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/some-animals-dont-actually-sleep-winter-and-other-surprises-about-hibernation/). Many people also suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a [type of depression](https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/about-sad/) experienced during particular times of the year. #### Winter - the most restful season of the year Whilst we can't opt out of winter altogether and hibernate, the slower pace of the season invites us to embrace tranquillity and conserve energy. So let's explore how lifestyle adjustments and rest during the winter months can help with improved sleep quality, increased daytime energy and taking care of mental well-being. #### Are humans meant to sleep more in winter? The thought of longer hours in bed can be daunting if your bed is associated with frustrating night times spent grappling with insomnia. Which can also turn into a habit of sleeping on the couch (if that’s you, check out this [blog article](http://restfulsleep.eu/post/are-you-cheating-on-your-bed-by-falling-asleep-on-the-sofa-every-night)). #### It’s not interrupted sleep, it’s ‘the watch’ Whilst you may have some resistance to spending longer hours in bed during winter if you suffer with insomnia, consider how only a few generations ago, our ancestors faced long nights without electricity. They had no choice but to adapt to the seasons, and so the medieval night-time experience of 'the watch' was what people did at night. This consisted of a few waking hours between a ‘first sleep’ and ‘second sleep’. The watch would take place when people woke in the night, generally around the time when roosters would start their morning call in the darkness (which was also guided by, you guessed it, their circadian rhythms!). This article from the BBC describes the watch times as: > ‘Under the weak glow of the Moon, stars, and oil lamps or "rush lights" – a kind of candle for ordinary households, made from the waxed stems of rushes – people would tend to ordinary tasks, such as adding wood to the fire, taking remedies, or going to urinate (often into the fire itself).’ > [The forgotten medieval habit of 'two sleeps'.](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220107-the-lost-medieval-habit-of-biphasic-sleep) #### How two sleeps, or bi-phasic sleeping, is natural There’s also modern-day [research](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-2869.1992.tb00019.x) into how human sleep cycles naturally form by examining people who were left in a dark room without stimulation and influence from the external world. Initially, their sleep cycles followed the usual singular sleep pattern, but eventually, their circadian rhythms shifted to a first sleep and a second sleep with some hours in between. So rather than waking in the night being something to panic about or get annoyed by, can you see it as an ancient ritual and natural human response to winter? You could take some quiet moments to look at the stars, journal, listen to a relaxing podcast or do another calm activity. If you get into a routine of sleeping fairly reliably before waking in the night, you could even use the time to explore the psychedelic realm of [lucid dreaming](https://www.restfulsleep.eu/post/lucid-dreaming-can-you-control-your-dreams-to-expand-possibilities-for-your-waking-life). Other tips for looking after your well-being and rest in winter months include: #### Getting winter sunshine when you can Even during winter, exposure to light is still important for your body to regulate your circadian rhythms and for getting the ‘sunshine vitamin’, vitamin D. It is most beneficial to get exposure to natural daylight as close to when the sun comes up as is possible for you. This could be braving the cold for a morning walk before work, or switching 10 minutes of phone scrolling for some moments outside with your coffee instead. For more about the physiological benefits of exposure to sunlight, see this [guide](https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/using-light-for-health) from the Huberman Lab. #### Embracing cosy social time in winter When the big celebrations of the festive season have passed you may have a reduced budget and a more sparse calendar, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on socialising altogether. Instead, can you get creative about finding more restful ways to enjoy social connection? The idea is to go for more relaxed, lower-energy ways to connect with others. That way you can enjoy the nourishment of social connection in a way that is restful for your system. Instead of big group meals or dancing late at night, this could look like wrapping up warm and going for a winter walk with friends, or chats over hot chocolate at home. Check out the blog article on [restful socialising](https://www.restfulsleep.eu/post/why-you-might-feel-drained-after-socialising-and-how-it-s-possible-to-make-it-restful) for more about this. #### Food for winter You may feel drawn to comfort foods during the colder months and whilst takeaways can be tempting, fast food and highly processed food can impact sleep quality. So the alternative is to make meals that can warm you up, have nutrient-rich ingredients and support your sleep. Yes, all of that is possible! When selecting recipes, start with core ingredients from [foods that can help with sleep](https://www.restfulsleep.eu/post/foods-that-can-help-with-sleep). #### Winter as a time for reflection I like to embrace the winter as a time to reflect on the year gone by and what’s ahead. I take inspiration from nature and plant bulbs for my spring season ahead, when there will be more light and I will have more energy. Even though the new calendar year has started, the natural world in winter offers a perfect time for introspection. When working with clients as a [sleep coach](https://restfulsleep.eu/one-on-one-sleep-coaching), I often share the concept of the seasons of life. Because life has its cycles and changes, so we won’t be in our most productive states all of the time. So with Restful Sleep, I encourage respecting the slower tempos that come with different phases of life - bringing permission and acceptance to slowing down for some time. It can seem radical at first, yet often brings relief. So will you join me in taking the winter as an opportunity to reflect on your well-being and how your lifestyle may nourish you? It’s something I encourage everyone to do and sleep coaching is a great way to get support with the process. If you'd like to explore how to make the most of your restful winter, and all that’s ahead, you’d be welcome to book a [free discovery call](https://calendar.app.google/qQhLnKu1fB1Pdaw89) with me. Stay curious, Maša.

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

Nostr (Notes and Other Stuff Transmitted by Relays) is a decentralized, open protocol designed for creating censorship-resistant social networks. It was introduced in 2020. Unlike traditional social media platforms, Nostr operates without a central server, relying instead on a network of relays to transmit messages. ### Key Features of Nostr: 1. **Decentralization**: Nostr doesn't rely on a single central server. Instead, it uses a network of independent relays to transmit data, making it resistant to censorship and single points of failure. 2. **Public and Private Keys**: Users are identified by cryptographic key pairs. A public key serves as a user's identifier, while a private key is used to sign messages, ensuring authenticity and security. 3. **Simplicity**: The protocol is intentionally simple, focusing on text-based messages (notes) and other basic data types. This simplicity makes it easy to implement and extend. 4. **Interoperability**: Since Nostr is an open protocol, anyone can build clients or relays that interact with the network, fostering a diverse ecosystem of applications. 5. **Censorship Resistance**: Because there is no central authority, it is difficult for any single entity to censor or control the network. ### How Nostr Works: - Users generate a public/private key pair. - They publish messages (called "events" or "notes") to relays, which are then broadcast to other users. - Relays are independent servers that store and forward messages. Users can choose which relays to use or even run their own. - Clients (applications that interact with Nostr) fetch messages from relays and display them to users. ### Use Cases: - **Social Networking**: Nostr can be used to build decentralized social networks where users have full control over their data. - **Microblogging**: Users can post short messages or updates. - **Messaging**: Nostr can be used for direct messaging between users. - **Collaborative Tools**: The protocol can be extended to support collaborative applications like shared documents or task management. ### Popular Clients: - **Damus**: A Nostr client for iOS, designed for microblogging and social interactions. - **Amethyst**: A Nostr client for Android. - **Yakihonne**: A web-based Nostr client and Android app. - **Primal**: A web-based Nostr client and Android app. ### Challenges: - **Scalability**: As the network grows, managing the volume of messages and ensuring efficient relay performance can be challenging. - **Spam and Abuse**: Without central moderation, spam and abusive content can be difficult to manage. - **User Experience**: Decentralized systems can be more complex for average users to understand and use compared to centralized platforms. Nostr represents a growing trend toward decentralized, user-controlled social networks, offering an alternative to traditional, centralized platforms. Its success will depend on adoption, ease of use, and the ability to address challenges like spam and scalability.

@ f57bac88:6045161e

بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور: آزادی و کنترل در دستان شما بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور با تمرکز بر خودگردانی و متن‌باز بودن، به شما این امکان را می‌دهد تا کنترل کاملی بر فرآیند پرداخت‌های خود داشته باشید. برخی از مزایای کلیدی این پلتفرم عبارتند از: انعطاف‌پذیری بالا: امکان سفارشی‌سازی و توسعه ویژگی‌های جدید بر اساس نیازهای خاص کسب‌وکار. هزینه کمتر: حذف واسطه‌ها و کارمزدهای اضافی، منجر به کاهش هزینه‌های پرداخت می‌شود. حفظ حریم خصوصی: کنترل بیشتر بر داده‌های مشتریان و کاهش ریسک نقض حریم خصوصی. پشتیبانی از پروتکل لایتنینگ: امکان انجام تراکنش‌های سریع و کم‌هزینه با استفاده از شبکه لایتنینگ. سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت رمزنگاری: راحتی در برابر کنترل در مقابل، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت رمزنگاری مانند کوینبیس، کوین پیمنت و نوپینت بر راحتی استفاده و سرعت راه‌اندازی تمرکز دارند. این پلتفرم‌ها اغلب دارای رابط کاربری ساده‌تر و قابلیت‌های پیش‌ساخته بیشتری هستند. با این حال، در ازای این راحتی، ممکن است برخی از کنترل‌ها و انعطاف‌پذیری را از دست بدهید. جدول مقایسه: کدام یک برای شما مناسب‌تر است؟ انتخاب بین بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور و سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت به عوامل مختلفی بستگی دارد، از جمله: سطح دانش فنی: اگر دانش فنی کافی دارید و به دنبال کنترل کامل بر فرآیند پرداخت هستید، بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور گزینه مناسبی است. سادگی استفاده: اگر به دنبال راهکاری سریع و آسان برای شروع پذیرش پرداخت‌های رمزنگاری هستید، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت ممکن است انتخاب بهتری باشند. هزینه‌ها: هزینه‌های هر پلتفرم متفاوت است و باید به دقت مقایسه شوند. ویژگی‌های مورد نیاز: لیستی از ویژگی‌های مورد نیاز خود را تهیه کنید و ببینید کدام پلتفرم بیشترین تطابق را با آن دارد. در نهایت، بهترین درگاه پرداخت، درگاهی است که نیازهای خاص کسب‌وکارتان را برآورده کند. نکات مهم هنگام انتخاب: امنیت: اطمینان حاصل کنید که پلتفرم انتخابی شما دارای استانداردهای امنیتی بالایی است. پشتیبانی مشتری: وجود پشتیبانی مشتری قوی برای رفع مشکلات احتمالی بسیار مهم است. کارمزدها: به طور دقیق کارمزدهای هر پلتفرم را بررسی کنید تا بتوانید هزینه‌های خود را بهینه کنید. قابلیت‌های اضافی: برخی از پلتفرم‌ها دارای قابلیت‌های اضافی مانند فاکتورسازی خودکار، گزارش‌گیری و ادغام با سایر سیستم‌ها هستند. نتیجه‌گیری: بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور برای کسب‌وکارهایی که به دنبال حداکثر کنترل، انعطاف‌پذیری و کاهش هزینه‌ها هستند، گزینه بسیار مناسبی است. اما اگر به دنبال راهکاری ساده‌تر و سریع‌تر هستید، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت نیز می‌توانند انتخاب‌های خوبی باشند. با در نظر گرفتن عوامل ذکر شده در این مقاله، می‌توانید بهترین تصمیم را برای کسب‌وکارتان اتخاذ کنید. آیا می‌خواهید در مورد ویژگی‌های خاصی از بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور یا سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت اطلاعات بیشتری کسب کنید؟ گوگل کنید! 😉 لطفا توجه داشته باشید که این مقاله صرفاً به منظور اطلاع‌رسانی است و نباید به عنوان توصیه سرمایه‌گذاری تلقی شود. در دنیای پرهیاهوی ارزهای دیجیتال، انتخاب یک درگاه پرداخت مناسب برای پذیرش پرداخت‌های رمزنگاری، تصمیم مهمی برای کسب‌وکارهاست. بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور به عنوان یک گزینه متن‌باز و خودگردان، جایگاه ویژه‌ای در میان این درگاه‌ها دارد. اما آیا بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور بهترین گزینه برای کسب‌وکارتان است؟ در این مقاله، به مقایسه بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور با سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت رمزنگاری می‌پردازیم تا به شما در انتخاب آگاهانه کمک کنیم. بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور: آزادی و کنترل در دستان شما بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور با تمرکز بر خودگردانی و متن‌باز بودن، به شما این امکان را می‌دهد تا کنترل کاملی بر فرآیند پرداخت‌های خود داشته باشید. برخی از مزایای کلیدی این پلتفرم عبارتند از: \* انعطاف‌پذیری بالا: امکان سفارشی‌سازی و توسعه ویژگی‌های جدید بر اساس نیازهای خاص کسب‌وکار. \* هزینه کمتر: حذف واسطه‌ها و کارمزدهای اضافی، منجر به کاهش هزینه‌های پرداخت می‌شود. \* حفظ حریم خصوصی: کنترل بیشتر بر داده‌های مشتریان و کاهش ریسک نقض حریم خصوصی. \* پشتیبانی از پروتکل لایتنینگ: امکان انجام تراکنش‌های سریع و کم‌هزینه با استفاده از شبکه لایتنینگ. سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت رمزنگاری: راحتی در برابر کنترل در مقابل، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت رمزنگاری مانند کوینبیس، کوین پیمت و نوپیمنت بر راحتی استفاده و سرعت راه‌اندازی تمرکز دارند. این پلتفرم‌ها اغلب دارای رابط کاربری ساده‌تر و قابلیت‌های پیش‌ساخته بیشتری هستند. با این حال، در ازای این راحتی، ممکن است برخی از کنترل‌ها و انعطاف‌پذیری را از دست بدهید. جدول مقایسه: <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/8d5252f2e48aa03672c77768818a9e9f6a876cc46fa9491d69d57ce8c36084a2.png"> کدام یک برای شما مناسب‌تر است؟ انتخاب بین بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور و سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت به عوامل مختلفی بستگی دارد، از جمله: \* سطح دانش فنی: اگر دانش فنی کافی دارید و به دنبال کنترل کامل بر فرآیند پرداخت هستید، بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور گزینه مناسبی است. \* سادگی استفاده: اگر به دنبال راهکاری سریع و آسان برای شروع پذیرش پرداخت‌های رمزنگاری هستید، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت ممکن است انتخاب بهتری باشند. \* هزینه‌ها: هزینه‌های هر پلتفرم متفاوت است و باید به دقت مقایسه شوند. \* ویژگی‌های مورد نیاز: لیستی از ویژگی‌های مورد نیاز خود را تهیه کنید و ببینید کدام پلتفرم بیشترین تطابق را با آن دارد. در نهایت، بهترین درگاه پرداخت، درگاهی است که نیازهای خاص کسب‌وکارتان را برآورده کند. نکات مهم هنگام انتخاب: \* امنیت: اطمینان حاصل کنید که پلتفرم انتخابی شما دارای استانداردهای امنیتی بالایی است. \* پشتیبانی مشتری: وجود پشتیبانی مشتری قوی برای رفع مشکلات احتمالی بسیار مهم است. \* کارمزدها: به طور دقیق کارمزدهای هر پلتفرم را بررسی کنید تا بتوانید هزینه‌های خود را بهینه کنید. \* قابلیت‌های اضافی: برخی از پلتفرم‌ها دارای قابلیت‌های اضافی مانند فاکتورسازی خودکار، گزارش‌گیری و ادغام با سایر سیستم‌ها هستند. نتیجه‌گیری: بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور برای کسب‌وکارهایی که به دنبال حداکثر کنترل، انعطاف‌پذیری و کاهش هزینه‌ها هستند، گزینه بسیار مناسبی است. اما اگر به دنبال راهکاری ساده‌تر و سریع‌تر هستید، سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت نیز می‌توانند انتخاب‌های خوبی باشند. با در نظر گرفتن عوامل ذکر شده در این مقاله، می‌توانید بهترین تصمیم را برای کسب‌وکارتان اتخاذ کنید. آیا می‌خواهید در مورد ویژگی‌های خاصی از بی‌تی‌سی پی سرور یا سایر درگاه‌های پرداخت اطلاعات بیشتری کسب کنید؟ گوگل کنید! 😉 لطفا توجه داشته باشید که این مقاله صرفاً به منظور اطلاع‌رسانی است و نباید به عنوان توصیه سرمایه‌گذاری تلقی شود.

@ f7d424b5:618c51e8

(These podcast shownotes were originally posted on our website [melonmancy.net](https://melonmancy.net) A second video game award show has hit the south tower. Also if you have topic ideas feel free to sign up on [our forum](https://melonmancy.cafe) we decided to not restrict any posts on the idea threads. We mentioned a few things in the show you might want to pull up while listening, they are the following: - [Literally WHO studio grandstanding over lewd PC mods](https://x.com/TeamKillMedia/status/1880780993813987541) - [Aggro Crab leaves X - cringe or no?](https://x.com/AggroCrabGames/status/1882521609690587528) - [Selacodev immediately bullied after their trailer was shown at TRGAs for free w/o permission](https://x.com/SelacoGame/status/1882726785689031155) Obligatory: - [Listen to the new episode here!](https://melonmancy.net/listen) - [Discuss this episode on OUR NEW FORUM](https://melonmancy.cafe/d/101-mp99-30-is-30) - [Get the RSS and Subscribe](https://feeds.rssblue.com/melonmancy-podcast) (this is a new feed URL, but the old one redirects here too!) - Get a modern podcast app to use that RSS feed on at [newpodcastapps.com](http://newpodcastapps.com/) - Or listen to the show on [the forum](https://melonmancy.cafe) using the embedded [Podverse](https://podverse.fm) player! - [Send your complaints here](https://melonmancy.net/contact-us) Reminder that this is a [Value4Value](https://value4value.info/) podcast so any support you can give us via a modern podcasting app is greatly appreciated and we will never bow to corporate sponsors! Our podcast is created entirely with free software and is proudly hosted on [RSSBlue!](https://rssblue.com)

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

Here is the best list I could compile.... I hope I didn't miss anything but please let me know if I did in the comments. - **Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement**\ Directed the U.S. to exit the Paris Climate Agreement, citing economic priorities over global climate commitments. - **Withdrawal from the World Health Organization**\ Initiated the process to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO, criticizing its handling of global health crises. - **Declaration of National Emergency at the Southern Border**\ Declared an emergency to allocate military resources for border security and wall construction. - **Attempt to End Birthright Citizenship**\ Proposed ending birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens in the U.S.; pending legal challenges. - **Mass Pardon of January 6th Defendants**\ Pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals charged in the Capitol riot, sparking significant debate. - **Reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy**\ Prohibited U.S. foreign aid from funding organizations that provide or promote abortions. - **Energy Policy Shift Favoring Fossil Fuels**\ Ordered an expansion of fossil fuel production on federal lands and offshore, reversing previous restrictions. - **Rescission of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs**\ Ended DEI initiatives within federal agencies, focusing on merit-based policies. - **Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency**\ Created a department tasked with reducing bureaucratic waste and improving federal operations. - **Designation of Mexican Drug Cartels as Terrorist Organizations**\ Labeled certain cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to enhance enforcement measures. - **Mandate for Federal Employees to Return to Offices**\ Ended remote work policies for federal employees, requiring a full return to physical offices. - **Artificial Intelligence Investment Initiative**\ Repealed previous AI orders and allocated $500 billion to advance AI development in the U.S. - **Pardon of Ross Ulbricht**\ Granted a full pardon to Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road online marketplace. - **Reversal of Electric Vehicle Targets and Renewable Energy Permits**\ Halted permits for renewable energy projects and reversed EV adoption targets. - **Declaration of National Energy Emergency**\ Declared an emergency to boost domestic energy production and enhance energy independence. - **Declassification of Assassination Files**\ Ordered the release of government records related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. - **Pardons for Anti-Abortion Protesters**\ Pardoned individuals convicted of offenses related to anti-abortion protests, including clinic blockades. - **Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology**\ Promoted U.S. leadership in blockchain and digital assets while fostering innovation and regulatory clarity. - **National Hiring Freeze and IRS Agent Reassignment**\ Froze federal hiring and proposed reassigning 90,000 IRS agents to border security roles. - **Trade Reform and Tariff Implementation**\ Imposed tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, aiming to boost U.S. manufacturing and tax revenue. - **Investigation into Weaponization of the Justice System**\ Initiated a probe into federal, state, and local agencies to assess potential misuse of the justice system. - **Suspension of CBP One Program**\ Terminated the system allowing asylum seekers to schedule appointments at legal ports of entry. - **Demand for Increased NATO Defense Spending**\ Called on NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP for equitable burden-sharing. - **Trade Tariff Threats Against Mexico and Canada**\ Announced intentions to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada to protect U.S. industries. - **Suspension of Foreign Aid, Including to Ukraine**\ Halted all foreign aid programs, notably affecting assistance to Ukraine. - **Launch of Mass Deportations Using Military Aircraft**\ Initiated large-scale deportations of undocumented immigrants utilizing military resources. - **Executive Order Recognizing Only Two Genders**\ Stated that the federal government will recognize only two genders, male and female, eliminating DEI mandates. - **Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity**\ Prohibited private organizations from conducting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) employment programs for jobs created by federal contracts. - **Designation of Ansar Allah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization**\ Initiated the process of designating Yemen's Ansar Allah (the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. - **Rescission of Executive Order 11246**\ Revoked the 1965 order that prohibited federal contractors from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, and mandated affirmative action programs.

@ e111a405:fa441558

OpenAI released its new o3 models and numerous people argue that this is in fact Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – in other words, an AI system that is on par with human intelligence. Even if o3 is not yet AGI, the emphasis now lies on “yet,” and – considering the exponential progression – we can expect AGI to arrive within months or maximum one to two years. According to OpenAI, it only took 3 months to go from the o1 model to the o3 model. This is a 4x+ acceleration relative to previous progress. If this speed of AI advancement is maintained, it means that by the end of 2025 we will be as much ahead of o3 as o3 is ahead of GPT-3 (released in May 2020). And, after achieving AGI, the self-reinforcing feedback loop will only further accelerate exponential improvements of these AI systems. But, most anti-intuitively, even after we have achieved AGI, it will for quite some time look as if nothing has happened. You won’t feel any change and your job and business will feel safe and untouchable. Big fallacy. We can expect that after AGI it will take many months of not 1-2 years for the real transformations to happen. Why? Because AGI in and of itself does not release value into the economy. It will be much more important to apply it. But as AGI becomes cheaper, agentic, and embedded into the world, we will see a transformation-explosion – replacing those businesses and jobs that are unprepared. I thought a lot about the impact the announced – and soon to be released – o3 model, and the first AGI model are going to have. To make it short: I am extremely confident that any skill or process that can be digitized will be. As a result, the majority of white-collar and skilled jobs are on track for massive disruption or elimination. Furthermore, I think many experts and think tanks are fooling themselves by believing that humans will maintain “some edge” and work peacefully side-by-side with an AI system. I don’t think AGI will augment knowledge workers – i.e. anyone working with language, code, numbers, or any kind of specialized software – it will replace them! So, if your job or business relies purely on standardized cognitive tasks, you are racing toward the cliff’s edge, and it is time to pivot now! Let’s start with the worst. Businesses and jobs in which you should pivot immediately – or at least not enter as of today – include but are not limited to anything that involves sitting at a computer: - anything with data entry or data processing (run as fast as you can!) - anything that involves writing (copywriting, technical writing, - editing, proofreading, translation) - most coding and web development - SAAS (won’t exist in a couple of years) - banking (disrupted squared: AGI + Blockchain) - accounting and auditing (won’t exist as a job in 5-10 years) - insurance (will be disrupted) - law (excluding high-stake litigation, negotiation, courtroom advocacy) - any generic design, music, and video creation (graphic design, stock photography, stock videos) - market and investment research and analysis (AI will take over 100%) - trading, both quantitative and qualitative (don’t exit but profit now, but expect to be disrupted within 5 years) - any middle-layer-management (project and product management) - medical diagnostics (will be 100% AI within 5 years) - most standardized professional / consulting services However, I believe that in high-stakes domains (health, finance, governance), regulators and the public will demand a “human sign-off”. So if you are in accounting, auditing, law, or finance I’d recommend pivoting to a business model where the ability to anchor trust becomes a revenue source. The question is, where should you pivot to or what business to start in 2025? ## My First Principles of a Post-AGI Business Model First, even as AI becomes infallible, human beings will still crave real, raw, direct trust relationships. People form bonds around shared experiences, especially offline ones. I believe a truly future-proof venture leverages these primal instincts that machines can never replicate at a deeply visceral level. Nevertheless, I believe it is a big mistake to assume that humans will “naturally” stick together just because we are the same species. AGI might quickly appear more reliable, less selfish than most human beings, and have emotional intelligence. So a business build upon the thesis of the “human advantage” must expertly harness and establish emotional ties, tribal belonging, and shared experiences – all intangible values that are far more delicate and complex than logic. **First Principle: Operate in the Physical World** If your product or service can be fully digitalized and delivered via the cloud, AGI can replicate it with near-zero marginal cost Infuse strategic real-world constraints (logistics, location-specific interactions, physical limitations, direct relationships) that create friction and scarcity – where AI alone will struggle **Second Principle: Create Hyper Niche Human Experiences** - The broader audience, the easier it is for AI to dominate. Instead, cultivate specialized groups and subcultures with strong in-person and highly personalized experiences. - Offer creative or spiritual elements that defy pure rational patterns and thus remain less formulaic **Third Principle: Emphasize Adaptive, Micro-Scale Partnerships** - Align with small, local, or specialized stakeholders. Use alliances with artisan suppliers, local talents, subject-matter experts, and so on. - Avoid single points of failure; build a decentralized network that is hard for a single AI to replicate or disrupt **Fourth Principle: Embed Extreme Flexibility** - Structured, hierarchical organizations are easily out-iterated by AI that can reorganize and optimize instantly - Cultivate fluid teams with quickly reconfigurable structures, use agile, project based collaboration that can pivot as soon AGI-based competition arises **Opportunity Vectors** With all of that in mind, there are niches that before looked unattractive, because less scalable, that today offer massive opportunities – let’s call them opportunity vectors. The first opportunity vector I have already touched upon: **Trust and Validation Services:** Humans verifying or certifying that a certain AI outcome is ethically or legally sound – while irrational, it is exactly what humans will insist on, particularly where liability is high (medicine, finance, law, infrastructure) **Frontier Sectors with Regulatory and Ethical Friction:** Think of markets where AI will accelerate R&D but human oversight, relationship management, and accountability remain essential: genetic engineering, biotech, advanced materials, quantum computing, etc. **The second opportunity vector focuses on the human edge:** - **Experience & Community:** Live festivals, immersive events, niche retreats, or spiritual explorations – basically any scenario in which emotional energy and a human experience is the core product -** Rare Craftsmanship & Creative Quirks:** Think of hyper-personalized items, physical artwork, artisanal or hands-on creations. Items that carry an inherent uniqueness or intangible meaning that an AI might replicate in design, but can’t replicate in “heritage” or provenance. **Risk Tactics** Overall, the best insurance is fostering a dynamic brand and a loyal community that invests personally and emotionally in you. People will buy from those whose values they trust. If you stand for something real, you create an emotional bond that AI can’t break. I’m not talking about superficial corporate social responsibility (nobody cares) but about authenticity that resonates on a near-spiritual level. As you build your business, erect an ethical moat by providing “failsafe” services where your human personal liability and your brand acts as a shield for AI decisions. This creates trust and differentiation among anonymous pure-AGI play businesses. Seek and create small, specialized, local, or digital micro-monopolies – areas too tiny or fractal for the “big AI players” to devote immediate resources to. Over time, multiply these micro-monopolies by rolling them up under one trusted brand. Furthermore, don’t avoid AI. You cannot out-AI the AI. So as you build a business on the human edge moat, you should still harness AI to do 90% of the repetitive and analytic tasks – this frees your human capital to build human relationships, solve ambiguous problem, or invent new offerings. **Bet on What Makes Us Human** To summarize, AI is logical, combinatorial intelligence. The advancements in AI will commoditize logic and disrupt any job and business that is mainly build upon logic as capital. Human – on the other hand – is authenticity. What makes human human and your brand authentic are elements of chaos, empathy, spontaneity. In this context, human is fostering embodied, emotional, culturally contextual, physically immersive experiences. Anything that requires raw creativity, emotional intelligence, local presence, or unique personal relationships will be more AI resilient. **Therefore, a Post-AGI business must involve:** - **Tangibility**: Physical goods, spaces, unique craftsmanship - **Human Connection:** Emotional, face-to-face, improvisational experiences - **Comprehensive Problem Solving**: Complex negotiations, messy real-world situations, diverse stakeholder management The inverse list of AGI proof industries involve some or multiple aspects of that: **Physical, In-Person, Human-Intensive Services** - Healthcare: Nursing, Physical therapy, Hands-on caregiving - Skilled trades & craftsmanship **High-Level Strategy & Complex Leadership** - Diplomacy, Negotiation, Trust building - Visionary entrepreneurship **Deep Emotional / Experiential Offerings** - Group experiences, retreats, spiritual or therapeutic gatherings - Artistic expression that thrives on “imperfection”, physical presence, or spontaneous creativity **Infrastructure for AGI** - Human-based auditing/verification - Physical data center operations & advanced hardware - Application and embedment of AI in the forms of AGI agents, algorithmic improvements, etc. to make it suitable for everyday tasks and workflow The real differentiator is whether a business is anchored in the physical world’s complexity, emotional trust, or intangible brand relationships. Everything pure data-driven or standardized is on the chopping block – imminently.

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued new guidance halting spending on most foreign aid grants for 90 days, including military assistance to Ukraine. This immediate order shocked State Department officials and mandates “stop-work orders” on nearly all existing foreign assistance awards. While it allows exceptions for military financing to Egypt and Israel, as well as emergency food assistance, it restricts aid to key allies like Ukraine, Jordan, and Taiwan. The guidance raises potential liability risks for the government due to unfulfilled contracts. A report will be prepared within 85 days to recommend which programs to continue or discontinue.

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

Let's hear some of your latest Bitcoin purchases, feel free to include links to the shops or merchants you bought from too. If you missed our last thread, [here](https://stacker.news/items/855696/r/AG) are some of the items stackers recently spent their sats on. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/864463

@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

**Top 20 U.S.-Based Cryptocurrency Headlines:** 1. **Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Secretary of Defense Amid Crypto Talks**\ The newly confirmed Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has hinted at exploring blockchain applications for national security and defense logistics. 2. **Senate to Debate Cryptocurrency Taxation Reform**\ A bipartisan bill focusing on cryptocurrency taxation is set for Senate debate, aiming to simplify tax reporting and encourage blockchain innovation. 3. **Florida Launches State-Backed Blockchain Pilot Program**\ Florida has initiated a pilot program leveraging blockchain for state services, including property records and public benefits distribution. 4. **Silicon Valley Firms Ramp Up Blockchain Development**\ Tech giants in Silicon Valley, including Meta and Google, have announced increased investments in blockchain R&D to align with U.S. policy shifts. 5. **California Mulls Digital Asset Consumer Protection Bill**\ California lawmakers are reviewing a proposed bill designed to strengthen consumer protections in cryptocurrency transactions and prevent fraud. 6. **Wyoming Leads in Blockchain Legislation**\ Wyoming continues to set the standard for pro-blockchain legislation, introducing additional laws to attract cryptocurrency businesses and miners. 7. **Texas Becomes a Hub for Crypto Mining**\ Texas remains a hotbed for cryptocurrency mining operations, with favorable regulations and abundant energy resources attracting global miners. 8. **New York Revisits BitLicense Regulations**\ The New York Department of Financial Services is revising its stringent BitLicense requirements, seeking to balance industry growth and consumer protection. 9. **SEC Proposes Clearer Guidelines for ICOs**\ The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed new rules to clarify and reduce ambiguity surrounding initial coin offerings (ICOs). 10. **Banking Giants Reenter Crypto Markets**\ JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs are reportedly resuming their cryptocurrency trading desks, reflecting renewed institutional confidence in the market. 11. **Crypto Job Market Expands in the U.S.**\ Major crypto companies, including Coinbase and Kraken, are expanding hiring efforts, focusing on compliance, engineering, and product development roles. 12. **U.S. Treasury Collaborates with Private Sector on Blockchain Security**\ The U.S. Treasury has launched a joint initiative with private companies to enhance blockchain cybersecurity and combat crypto-related crimes. 13. **Nevada Considers Tax Incentives for Crypto Startups**\ Nevada legislators are discussing tax breaks for cryptocurrency startups to attract more tech companies to the state. 14. **Miami Hosts Blockchain Week**\ Miami has kicked off Blockchain Week, drawing thousands of participants from around the world to discuss cryptocurrency innovation and regulation. 15. **Colorado Accepts Tax Payments in Cryptocurrency**\ Colorado residents can now pay state taxes using Bitcoin and Ethereum, marking a milestone in government adoption of digital currencies. 16. **Boston Dynamics Explores Blockchain in Robotics**\ Boston Dynamics has announced research into using blockchain technology to enhance coordination and security for robotic systems. 17. **Crypto Payments Expand in the Retail Sector**\ Major U.S. retailers, including Walmart and Home Depot, are piloting cryptocurrency payment systems in select locations. 18. **Federal Reserve Examines Decentralized Finance (DeFi)**\ The Federal Reserve has initiated a study on the potential implications and opportunities of decentralized finance within the U.S. economy. 19. **Chicago Becomes a Cryptocurrency Innovation Hub**\ Chicago has unveiled a public-private initiative to attract blockchain startups and establish the city as a leading hub for cryptocurrency innovation. 20. **Arizona Proposes Bitcoin as Legal Tender**\ Arizona legislators are drafting a bill recognizing Bitcoin as legal tender, potentially making it the first U.S. state to do so. --- **Top 5 Worldwide Cryptocurrency Headlines:** 1. **European Union Accelerates Crypto Regulation Framework**\ The EU is working on comprehensive legislation to standardize cryptocurrency regulations across member states, focusing on consumer protection and innovation. 2. **China's Shadow Crypto Market Flourishes Despite Crackdowns**\ Despite stringent bans, underground cryptocurrency trading in China continues to thrive, fueled by over-the-counter brokers and international platforms. 3. **India Explores Blockchain Voting Systems**\ India is piloting blockchain technology for secure and transparent voting, aiming to modernize its electoral process. 4. **El Salvador Expands Bitcoin Adoption Programs**\ El Salvador, the first country to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, is launching new programs to educate its citizens on cryptocurrency use and blockchain technology. 5. **African Nations Adopt Bitcoin for Cross-Border Transactions**\ African countries increasingly leverage Bitcoin to streamline cross-border trade, addressing inefficiencies in traditional banking systems.

@ 6b57533f:eaa341f5

# Page 1  ## Welcome to Stories This is a new way to tell stories on nostr. ## Some content in the middle of the page. ## Read More Swipe left to continue... # Page 2  ## Top Info This text appears at the top of the page. ## Important Point This content is centered in the middle. ## Bottom Line And this wraps it up at the bottom. # Page 3  ## ## ## The End Thanks for reading! This text appears at the bottom.

@ 0463223a:3b14d673

Hmm so I heard that in order to improve my brain I should try writing… Ok groovy, I’ll give it a go. In all honesty I don’t know what to write, my brain is a jumble of noise and titbits of random knowledge. I likely know more about sound than the average person but as physics goes, I don’t have anything new or profound to add. Air moves and noises happen. Is there really any more to it? I could write some flowery bollocks about refraction, absorption coefficients and reverberation times, or I could write some out there, arty shit but I don’t think that adds any value to anyone. A lot of folks online have very strong beliefs in how the world operates or should operate. Whilst their conviction is strong, there’s also is a large percentage of people who totally disagree with them and think the exact opposite is the answer. That’s quite shit isn’t it? Humans have been around for 100,000 years or so and haven’t worked it out. I wonder what makes the internet celeb so certain they’ve got it right when the next internet celeb completely disagrees? I do my best to avoid any of these cunts but despite running to the obscurest social media platforms they still turn up with their profound statements. Meh. Ideologically I’m leaning toward anarchism but even that seems full of arguments and contradictions and ultimately I don’t think I can be arsed with identifying with any particular ideology. I tried reading some philosophy and struggled with it, although I deep fall into a lovely deep sleep. It’s fair to say I’m not the brightest button in the box. I have a wife, a couple of cats and lots of things that make nosies in my shed. That’s pretty cool right? Well it works for me. So why write this? I clearly wrote in the first sentence that I’m trying to improve my brain, a brain that’s gone through a number to twists and turns, a lot brain altering substances. I own that, no one forced me to. Beside, George Clinton was still smoking crack aged 80, didn’t do him any harm… I’m on the 5th paragraph. I don’t feel any smarter yet and each paragraph is getting shorter, having started from a low base. I guess I’m being too high time preference… Might be a while before I launch my Deep Thought podcasts where myself and a guest talk for 500 hours about the philosophy of money and 13 amp plug sockets. I’ve tortured myself enough. I’m posting this on Nostr where it will never go away.. lol. If you got this far, I congratulate/commiserate you and wish you a wonderful day.

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

# **Hackathon Summary** The [**BTCfi Summer Hackathon**](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/btcfi-summer-hackathon), organized by Core DAO in 2024, concluded after a 12-week period. The hackathon aimed to drive innovation in the Bitcoin economy, engaging developers from the Web3 and BTCfi communities. A total of 291 developers participated, submitting 74 decentralized application projects (BUIDLs) on the Core platform. This initiative sought to reinforce Core’s role within the BTC space. The hackathon commenced on June 6, 2024, featuring key activities such as the opening ceremony, application period, and a demo day on August 19, 2024. Winners were revealed on August 26, 2024. The event was supported by sponsors, including NLX, Halborn, TokenSoft, Verichains, and Request Finance. Participants focused on developing unique applications that incorporated Core Chain technologies into their solutions. The event effectively expanded the Core ecosystem, enhancing developer engagement. The diversity and range of submitted projects underscored the event's successful execution and potential impact on future blockchain technology advancements. # **Hackathon Winners** ### **1st Place** [Rune Bridge](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/14486): This system facilitates integration between the Bitcoin and Core blockchains without requiring permission. It leverages EVM compatibility and a hybrid consensus model for scalability, consisting of a smart contract, off-chain relayer, and a factory ERC20 contract to manage tokens efficiently. ### **2nd Place** [OnchainVampireSurvivors](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/14468): A Web3 time survival game featuring a blockchain-based on-chain leaderboard and lottery. The project uses ThirdWeb for wallet access, prioritizes gas efficiency, and is developed using Cocos and Hardhat. Future enhancements include AI assets and deployment on the Core mainnet. ### **3rd Place** [b14g Network - Enhancing Decentralization and Security on Core Chain with b14g](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/14353): This project aims to bolster Core Chain's security by implementing Observer Nodes and Merge Staking, promoting decentralization in monitoring and addressing commitment challenges. It seeks to integrate BTC with DeFi, enhancing CORE token utility and ensuring network integrity. For a comprehensive overview of all submitted projects, visit the [BTCFi Summer Hackathon 2024 page](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/btcfi-summer-hackathon/buidl). # **About the Organizer** ### **Core DAO** Core DAO manages the Core Chain, a decentralized blockchain network with a focus on security and scalability. By integrating Bitcoin’s Proof of Work with the Satoshi Plus consensus system—a combination of Delegated Proof of Work and Delegated Proof of Stake—Core DAO aims to enhance decentralization and security. The platform offers Ethereum Virtual Machine compatibility, enabling Bitcoin miners to participate and Bitcoin holders to stake without relinquishing custody. Core Chain supports high transaction throughput, is community-governed, and provides interoperability with other blockchains, utilizing Solidity for efficient smart contract development. The organization's mission centers on promoting decentralized application development secured by Bitcoin.

@ 6b57533f:eaa341f5

# Page: cover background: #000000 template: vertical # Welcome to My Story This is an amazing story. # Page: page1 background-image: https://nostr.build/i/nostr.png template: vertical ## First Page Content goes here

@ 6b57533f:eaa341f5

# Page: cover background: #000000 template: vertical # Welcome to My Story This is an amazing story. # Page: page1 background-image: https://nostr.build/i/nostr.png template: vertical ## First Page Content goes here

@ faade9ee:1c6dfd69

test2c

@ faade9ee:1c6dfd69

This is a normal piece of text.z **This is a bold piece of text via button press.z** **this is also bold, but via double-starsz** *this is an italic via button press* *this also but via one-star* <u>look, it's an underline!</u> `oh, a piece of code has appeared. Nice. Button press tho. seems like it's purple / missed styling it, will change that.` `another code but via text` ``` code block, kinda buggy (really buggy actually x3) ``` \`\`\`this is another, but via text which is disabled for now as it's cause issues\`\`\` This is a top number thing²²² a bottom number thing_5ss65435ghrt * bullets! * another! * a third! 1. Number! 1. another! 1. a third! * [x] check * [x] box > this is a quote "quote" # heading 1 ## heading 2 ### heading 3 via text #### heading 4 via text ##### heading 5 via text ###### heading 6 via text [this is a link via text (button has an annoyance bug)](degmods.com "title?")  *** video below ::youtube{#aApSteSbeGA}

@ 599f67f7:21fb3ea9

## ¿Qué es Blossom? nostr:nevent1qqspttj39n6ld4plhn4e2mq3utxpju93u4k7w33l3ehxyf0g9lh3f0qpzpmhxue69uhkummnw3ezuamfdejsygzenanl0hmkjnrq8fksvdhpt67xzrdh0h8agltwt5znsmvzr7e74ywgmr72 [Blossom](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom) significa _Blobs Simply Stored on Media Servers_ (Blobs Simplemente Almacenados en Servidores de Medios). _Blobs_ son fragmentos de datos binarios, como archivos pero sin nombres. En lugar de nombres, se identifican por su hash [sha256](https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/SHA-2). La ventaja de usar hashes sha256 en lugar de nombres es que los hashes son IDs universales que se pueden calcular a partir del archivo mismo utilizando el algoritmo de hash sha256. 💡 archivo -> sha256 -> hash Blossom es, por lo tanto, un conjunto de puntos finales HTTP que permiten a los usuarios almacenar y recuperar blobs almacenados en servidores utilizando su identidad nostr. ## ¿Por qué Blossom? Como mencionamos hace un momento, al usar claves nostr como su identidad, Blossom permite que los datos sean "propiedad" del usuario. Esto simplifica enormemente la cuestión de "qué es spam" para el alojamiento de servidores. Por ejemplo, en nuestro Blossom solo permitimos cargas por miembros de la comunidad verificados que tengan un [NIP-05](https://nips.nostr.com/5) con nosotros. Los usuarios pueden subir en múltiples servidores de blossom, por ejemplo, uno alojado por su comunidad, uno de pago, otro público y gratuito, para establecer redundancia de sus datos. Los blobs pueden ser [espejados](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom/blob/master/buds/04.md) entre servidores de blossom, de manera similar a cómo los relays nostr pueden transmitir eventos entre sí. Esto mejora la resistencia a la censura de blossom. A continuación se muestra una breve tabla de comparación entre torrents, Blossom y servidores CDN centralizados. (Suponiendo que hay muchos seeders para torrents y se utilizan múltiples servidores con Blossom). | | Torrents | Blossom | CDN Centralizado | | --------------------------------------------------------------- | -------- | ------- | ---------------- | | Descentralizado | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | | Resistencia a la censura | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | | ¿Puedo usarlo para publicar fotos de gatitos en redes sociales? | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ## ¿Cómo funciona? Blossom utiliza varios tipos de eventos nostr para comunicarse con el servidor de medios. | kind | descripción | BUD | | ----- | ------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 24242 | Evento de autorización | [BUD01](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom/blob/master/buds/01.md) | | 10063 | Lista de Servidores de Usuarios | [BUD03](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom/blob/master/buds/03.md) | ### kind:24242 - Autorización Esto es esencialmente lo que ya describimos al usar claves nostr como IDs de usuario. En el evento, el usuario le dice al servidor que quiere subir o eliminar un archivo y lo firma con sus claves nostr. El servidor realiza algunas verificaciones en este evento y luego ejecuta el comando del usuario si todo parece estar bien. ### kind:10063 - Lista de Servidores de Usuarios Esto es utilizado por el usuario para anunciar a qué servidores de medios está subiendo. De esta manera, cuando el cliente ve esta lista, sabe dónde subir los archivos del usuario. También puede subir en múltiples servidores definidos en la lista para asegurar redundancia. En el lado de recuperación, si por alguna razón uno de los servidores en la lista del usuario está fuera de servicio, o el archivo ya no se puede encontrar allí, el cliente puede usar esta lista para intentar recuperar el archivo de otros servidores en la lista. Dado que los blobs se identifican por sus hashes, el mismo blob tendrá el mismo hash en cualquier servidor de medios. Todo lo que el cliente necesita hacer es cambiar la URL por la de un servidor diferente. Ahora, además de los conceptos básicos de cómo funciona Blossom, también hay otros tipos de eventos que hacen que Blossom sea aún más interesante. | kind | descripción | | ----- | --------------------- | | 30563 | Blossom Drives | | 36363 | Listado de Servidores | | 31963 | Reseña de Servidores | ### kind:30563 - Blossom Drives Este tipo de evento facilita la organización de blobs en carpetas, como estamos acostumbrados con los drives (piensa en Google Drive, iCloud, Proton Drive, etc.). El evento contiene información sobre la estructura de carpetas y los metadatos del drive. ### kind:36363 y kind:31963 - Listado y Reseña Estos tipos de eventos permiten a los usuarios descubrir y reseñar servidores de medios a través de nostr. kind:36363 es un listado de servidores que contiene la URL del servidor. kind:31963 es una reseña, donde los usuarios pueden calificar servidores. ## ¿Cómo lo uso? ### Encuentra un servidor Primero necesitarás elegir un servidor Blossom donde subirás tus archivos. Puedes navegar por los públicos en [blossomservers.com](https://blossomservers.com/). Algunos de ellos son de pago, otros pueden requerir que tus claves nostr estén en una lista blanca. Luego, puedes ir a la URL de su servidor y probar a subir un archivo pequeño, como una foto. Si estás satisfecho con el servidor (es rápido y aún no te ha fallado), puedes agregarlo a tu Lista de Servidores de Usuarios. Cubriremos brevemente cómo hacer esto en noStrudel y Amethyst (pero solo necesitas hacer esto una vez, una vez que tu lista actualizada esté publicada, los clientes pueden simplemente recuperarla de nostr). ### noStrudel 1. Encuentra Relays en la barra lateral, luego elige Servidores de Medios. 2. Agrega un servidor de medios, o mejor aún, varios. 3. Publica tu lista de servidores. ✅ ### Amethyst 1. En la barra lateral, encuentra Servidores multimedia. 2. Bajo Servidores Blossom, agrega tus servidores de medios. 3. Firma y publica. ✅ Ahora, cuando vayas a hacer una publicación y adjuntar una foto, por ejemplo, se subirá en tu servidor blossom. ⚠️ Ten en cuenta que debes suponer que los archivos que subas serán públicos. Aunque puedes proteger un archivo con contraseña, esto no ha sido auditado. ### Blossom Drive Como mencionamos anteriormente, podemos publicar eventos para organizar nuestros blobs en carpetas. Esto puede ser excelente para compartir archivos con tu equipo, o simplemente para mantener las cosas organizadas. Para probarlo, ve a [blossom.hzrd149.com](https://blossom.hzrd149.com/) (o nuestra instancia comunitaria en [blossom.bitcointxoko.com](https://blossom.bitcointxoko.com)) e inicia sesión con tu método preferido. Puedes crear una nueva unidad y agregar blobs desde allí. ### Bouquet Si usas múltiples servidores para darte redundancia, Bouquet es una buena manera de obtener una visión general de todos tus archivos. Úsalo para subir y navegar por tus medios en diferentes servidores y sincronizar blobs entre ellos. ### Cherry Tree nostr:nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzqfngzhsvjggdlgeycm96x4emzjlwf8dyyzdfg4hefp89zpkdgz99qyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpzfmhxue69uhkummnw3e82efwvdhk6tcqyp3065hj9zellakecetfflkgudm5n6xcc9dnetfeacnq90y3yxa5z5gk2q6 Cherry Tree te permite dividir un archivo en fragmentos y luego subirlos en múltiples servidores blossom, y más tarde reensamblarlos en otro lugar. ## Conclusión Blossom aún está en desarrollo, pero ya hay muchas cosas interesantes que puedes hacer con él para hacerte a ti y a tu comunidad más soberanos. ¡Pruébalo! Si deseas mantenerte al día sobre el desarrollo de Blossom, sigue a nostr:nprofile1qyghwumn8ghj7mn0wd68ytnhd9hx2tcpzfmhxue69uhkummnw3e82efwvdhk6tcqyqnxs90qeyssm73jf3kt5dtnk997ujw6ggy6j3t0jjzw2yrv6sy22ysu5ka y dale un gran zap por su excelente trabajo. ## Referencias - [hzrd149/blossom en GitHub](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom) - [Blossom Drive](https://github.com/hzrd149/blossom-drive/blob/master/docs/drive.md)

@ 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/864256

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

**First** make sure to add this relay wss://relay.momostr.pink in your Nostr [setting](https://primal.net/settings/network) and **second** follow this [account ](https://nosta.me/npub1pqr3g2gk3vsnrqk9kwfqqcxc6d5cwjr0hyc0nlzz9py5nf92vd9sn02sck) Soon after an account will be created on bluesky and will mirror your Nostr profile the address will be like this: bsky.app/profile/npub1mwce4c8qa2zn9zw9f372syrc9dsnqmyy3jkcmpqkzaze0slj94dqu6nmwy.momostr.pink.ap.brid.gy And from there keep spreading the good word originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/825913

@ dbb19ae0:c3f22d5a

## Step by Step migration from the Alby Hub Cloud to the Alby Hub local application. ## **Step 1**. From the Alby Hub select the 'migrate node' option, this will generate a bkp file, and will shutdown the node https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/faq-alby-hub/how-can-i-migrate-alby-hub-to-a-different-machine **Step 2.** Preferably on a second machine, install the Alby application, synchronize the application with the Alby extension, then run the Alby 'advanced setup' import the bkp file, enter the password, and the Hub will open the wallet. https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/faq-alby-hub/how-can-i-migrate-alby-hub-to-a-different-machine  Note: if the password is incorrect this message will show up 

@ ae6ce958:d0f02c7d

In a world increasingly shaped by decentralization, Bitcoin stands as the pioneer of a revolutionary asset class—non-Newtonian assets. These assets defy conventional economic and financial expectations, thriving under pressure and leveraging their mathematical underpinnings to achieve exponential growth. However, as the ecosystem expands, the failures of Proof-of-Stake (PoS) architectures and the relentless attacks by financial incumbents have highlighted the need for resilience and verifiable integrity. Enter Damage Token, built on the Aeternity blockchain—a Proof-of-Work (PoW) platform designed to embrace Bitcoin's ethos while pushing the boundaries of verifiable behavior and incentivized accountability. This article explores Bitcoin’s role as the foundation of non-Newtonian assets, the failures of centralized alternatives, and why Damage Token on Aeternity PoW strengthens the narrative of decentralized resilience in a hostile landscape. ### Bitcoin: The Non-Newtonian Pioneer Bitcoin’s design is rooted in immutable mathematical certainties. Its decentralized Proof-of-Work consensus ensures that every block, transaction, and piece of data is secured by external energy expenditure. This thermodynamic foundation makes Bitcoin resilient to attacks, centralization, and censorship—a trait unmatched by PoS systems or fiat currencies. As Bitcoin grows, its adoption follows an S-curve driven by Metcalfe’s Law, where network value increases exponentially with each new user. Bitcoin’s halving cycles further enforce scarcity, creating predictable supply shocks that fuel demand. Importantly, Bitcoin thrives under stress, becoming stronger with every regulatory crackdown or macroeconomic crisis—a hallmark of non-Newtonian behavior. ### Aeternity PoW: Extending the Bitcoin Ethos Aeternity, like Bitcoin, is a PoW blockchain designed for scalability and flexibility. Unlike Ethereum’s shift to PoS, Aeternity retains the security and decentralization benefits of PoW while incorporating features like state channels, oracles, and efficient smart contracts. This combination makes it uniquely positioned to support projects that demand verifiable trust, resilience, and high-performance scalability. Aeternity’s PoW mechanism ensures that every action on the network is backed by energy expenditure, maintaining the immutability and decentralization that PoW guarantees. This framework lays the groundwork for Damage Token, a non-Newtonian asset designed to tokenize and verify behaviors, incentivizing accountability in a way that aligns with Bitcoin’s principles. ### Damage Token: The Case for PoW and Verifiable Integrity Damage Token, an AEX9 token built on the Aeternity blockchain, represents a new breed of non-Newtonian assets that thrive on mathematical certainty and verifiable behavior. Unlike speculative PoS systems that lack intrinsic resilience, Damage Token leverages Aeternity’s PoW foundation to ensure: 1. **Immutability**: All verifications and behaviors recorded via Damage Token are immutable and tamper-proof, thanks to PoW consensus. This ensures that participants in the ecosystem can trust the system’s data and outcomes. 2. **Incentivized Accountability**: Damage Token introduces a model where behaviors (such as software testing, milestone completion, or conflict resolution) can be immutably verified and tokenized. Participants are incentivized to contribute positively, as their actions directly translate into payouts tied to provable outcomes. 3. **Resilience Under Pressure**: Like Bitcoin, Damage Token thrives in hostile environments. Regulatory scrutiny, competitive pressure, or market turbulence only highlight its unique value proposition: a verifiable, decentralized system immune to central authority or co-option. 4. **Alignment with Bitcoin’s Vision**: By utilizing Aeternity’s PoW architecture, Damage Token aligns with Bitcoin’s philosophy of trustless systems. This ensures the token’s utility and security are not compromised by centralization risks or reliance on wealth-based governance (a flaw inherent in PoS). ### The Failures of PoS and the Importance of PoW As Bitcoin and Damage Token continue to thrive, the failures of PoS systems like Ethereum become increasingly apparent. PoS centralizes control in the hands of large stakeholders, making networks vulnerable to censorship, collusion, and regulatory capture. These systems lack the external energy-backed security that PoW provides, making them brittle and susceptible to manipulation. In contrast, PoW systems like Aeternity and Bitcoin externalize security through energy expenditure, creating a neutral, trustless environment where no single entity can dominate the network. For Damage Token, this ensures that every verification, behavior, and transaction remains free from undue influence, preserving the integrity of the ecosystem. ### Non-Newtonian Assets and Mathematical Certainty Both Bitcoin and Damage Token exhibit behaviors that reflect their non-Newtonian nature. Small inputs—like increased adoption or the resolution of conflicts via Damage Token—can generate outsized impacts. This phenomenon is driven by mathematical principles, including: 1. **Exponential Growth**: Network effects drive the adoption of Bitcoin and Damage Token, where each new participant amplifies the system’s value quadratically, as per Metcalfe’s Law. 2. **Halving Dynamics and Supply Scarcity**: Bitcoin’s halving cycles are mirrored in Damage Token’s fixed supply of 42 million tokens. This scarcity creates long-term value and ensures that utility, not inflation, drives adoption. 3. **Emergent Behavior**: Both assets operate in decentralized systems governed by chaos theory, where minor events—like a developer joining DamageBDD or a nation adopting Bitcoin—can cascade into massive structural changes. ### Damage Token in a Hostile Landscape In today’s financial and technological environment, non-Newtonian assets face relentless attacks. Incumbent systems resist the rise of decentralized alternatives through regulatory crackdowns, control over fiat on- and off-ramps, and energy consumption narratives. Yet, these attacks often backfire, driving innovation and adoption instead of suppression. Damage Token, built on Aeternity’s PoW foundation, is uniquely positioned to resist these pressures. By incentivizing verifiable behaviors, it creates a system where trust, accountability, and resilience are rewarded. Whether it’s verifying software quality through DamageBDD or facilitating peace initiatives, Damage Token demonstrates that PoW-backed assets can transform hostile environments into opportunities for growth. ### Conclusion Bitcoin is the flagship of non-Newtonian assets, a pioneer of resilience and exponential growth in the face of adversity. However, the rise of alternatives like Damage Token on Aeternity’s PoW blockchain showcases how this ethos can be extended to new domains, from software verification to incentivized accountability. In a world increasingly shaped by centralization and coercion, non-Newtonian assets offer a path to freedom, resilience, and trust. By embracing PoW, Bitcoin and Damage Token ensure that a slight push is all they need to achieve terminal velocity—changing the trajectory of global finance and human behavior in the process.

@ 0ce97fba:4f9081a3

He walked the decaying streets; his curious expression masked a lifetime of hardship. The city of Bethada spread before him, a tangled maze of buildings and passages clinging to the surface of Mool. This settlement-turned-city once thrived as humanity expanded throughout the galaxy but was now an almost forgotten backwater outpost. A thin crescent of reflected sunlight hugged the horizon as the sun dipped behind the gas giant, casting the lunar city in a soft glow. “Hey, Mr. Fannec!” A voice from across the street hailed him. The human scowled; he hated being called “Mr. Fannec.” He waved an arm in acknowledgment but didn’t break stride, eager to leave the concrete and steel jungle behind for the day. Robert Fannec grew up in a crowded housing unit on Mool, raised by his grandmother, while his mother went to work long hours to scrape by. From a young age, he learned that life was difficult and one should take respite where possible. He lived on the outskirts of Bethada City, barely getting by, as he grew up in poverty. His mother worked to exhaustion but failed to improve their living conditions. “Ya know, Bobby-boy,” said Pete, the local unkempt homeless man whom Robert was friendly with, “This world is reminiscent of a less-than-ideal sandwich, the bread stale and the cheese nothing to write home about. One is left pondering if their hunger is clouding their judgment or if there isn’t much to be thrilled about.” Robert met the man when he first arrived in Bethada as a young teen; although Robert would not consider them close friends, a particular understanding drove him to keep checking up on the older man. Indeed, life was a struggle for Pete, an elderly citizen, amidst the chaos of the metropolis. Plus, they’d talk about random topics such as music or history during their visits, which made those times personal rather than plain help alone from Robert. “Couldn’t have said it better myself,” he replied, half-smirking. “One day, we’ll get some fresh ingredients around here.” “Ha! I’ll believe it when I see it.” Pete laughed, shaking his head. “Me too, Pete. Me too.” The heaviness of the town’s stagnant air pressed on his back as he nodded and walked down the street. Robert’s face contorted as he inspected the town. It resembled a knockoff designer watch; instead of shoddy craftsmanship and cheap parts, it had abandoned storefronts and peeling paint. He let out a hearty chuckle at the comparison. As he wandered through the decrepit streets, he wondered what treasures lay beyond these crumbling walls. “Damn shame,” Robert said, taking in the breathtaking landscape before him. “Nature got the memo about beauty, but Bethada sure didn’t.” “Hey, Rob.” One of his coworkers waved as they clocked into their shift at the local industrial farm. “You daydreaming again?” Responding with a grin, Robert shoved his hands into the pockets of his worn coveralls. “Hey, Dave. The way this place looks, it’s a wonder we haven’t all packed up and moved to a better neighborhood.” “Tell me about it.” Dave chuckled, pulling on his protective gloves. “But then, who’d keep these machines running? They’re almost family, after all.” “Only if your family is a ragtag group of misfits held together by sheer willpower.” Robert’s eyes crinkled in amusement. “You got me there.” The atmosphere was filled with the howl of steam, engines, and other loud machinery as their shifts began; the high-pitched note of pressure released into a valve opening providing a familiar backdrop to their daily lives. The other workers chattered about their outside lives, which was a welcome distraction from the monotony of work. Family adventures, weekend getaways, and hobbies or creative outlets were among the stories shared to describe how they spent their spare time. Robert kept his distance as snippets of their conversations reached him. For Robert, the idea of discussing personal matters with his peers was uncomfortable. He struggled to bridge the gap between himself and his co-workers, unable to relate to their shared interests in such pastimes. They were experiences he could never relate to, as he had grown up too fast due to his family’s financial struggles. As a result, he put more effort into getting along with the machines than with his fellow humans. He considered the equipment to be more dependable than any human friend, even if some machines were beyond repair or had been handled in a careless manner. But for him, the genuine excitement started when the work whistle blew, signaling the end of another grueling day. “About time!” He wiped the sweat off his face. He often daydreamed about heading to the range to take out some frustration. “Man, you love that shooting range, don’t you?” Dave’s voice had a hint of envy. “Sure do,” Robert said, shrugging off his coveralls. “It’s the one place where I feel like I’m actually in control and not another cog in this rusted-out machine of a city. I don’t have to worry about life, exes, debt, nothin’.” “I’m hopeful that one day you’ll be able to leave this place behind. Start off somewhere new.” Dave said, slapping Robert on the back. “Here’s hoping.” His eyes were locked on the horizon as if he could see himself leaving this hellhole. He was off to the local shooting range, where he could pretend everything still had order. After almost being run over by a white hover van while crossing the street, Robert arrived at his sanctuary’s shooting range. The aroma of gunpowder, battery acid, and cut grass mingled as he reached his usual spot. Robert found it delightful compared to Bethada City’s typical mildew and burnt leather odor. “Alright, let’s dance,” he said, loading his trusty rifle with practiced ease. His rifle was a simple affair that allowed Robert to vent his frustrations on targets. He was a decent shot; at least, that is what he thought of himself. Squeezing the trigger, firing off round after round. The targets quivered under the onslaught—a symphony of destruction played by the percussion section of his life’s dull and sad orchestra. When he was still a teen, he found abandoned buildings around Bethada. He’d take his rifle and practice shooting at bottles, furniture pieces, walls, and whatever appeared. His mother and grandmother were furious when they found out, but that didn’t stop him from terrorizing bottles and paper targets. “Take that, you cylindrical bastards,” he said, landing a satisfying shot on the smallest target. He was absorbed in his practice, not thinking about his lackluster life. His rifle was a standard design of a powered weapon. The long barrel gun accelerated hunks of metal via a magnetic rail system, unlike other, more exotic armaments that used energy to produce high-speed plasma rounds. The sound of a round from this rifle would startle any man. “Still the targets, if I had to guess,” came a raspy voice behind him. Turning around, Robert saw Pete. His beard was a patchwork quilt of gray and white strands, and his clothes had more holes than fabric. Pete lived near the range because he realized the people who would frequent such an establishment would be well-armed and well-disciplined, making it a safe spot compared to other less savory locations. “Ah, Pete, my favorite critic,” Robert joked, setting down his weapon. “What brings you here today?” “Same thing that always does,” Pete said, scratching his chin. “The sweet sound of gunfire, the scent of ambition, and a hankering for some ol’ fashioned conversation.” “Still working on that novel?” Robert knew that Pete had been “working” on it for years. “Indeed, young Robert. Though I fear my magnum opus may never appear in daylight, trapped as it is in the literary purgatory between my brain and the page.” “Hey, at least it’s got company in there, right?” Robert laughed at his joke. “You’ve got a ton of unwritten works in there, right?” “True enough,” Pete said, a sparkle in his eyes and tales left untold. “Speaking of company, how’s your aim today? Plan on shootin’ repo-men?” “Pretty good, if I do say so myself. The grouping on the smallest target isn’t the best I’ve done, but overall, I hit what I’m aiming at.” Ignoring the quip about Robert shooting repo men. Embarrassed that he could not manage money as well as other people. He still wasn’t able to constrain his urges to buy things he couldn’t afford. “Ah, a prodigy in our midst!” Pete performed a mock bow. Robert didn’t always know how to handle Pete. So the younger man looked at him with an odd expression. “You remind me of my son.” A sad smile flickered across Pete’s weathered face. “He was an odd duck, too, always tinkering with machines and dreaming big. He went off to work in the mines when he was a boy. Never saw him again after the collapse.” Pete shrugged, fidgeting with a broken timepiece in his hands. “Sorry to hear that. How old would he be?” “About your age, I guess.” “I bet I would have liked him.” “I would like to think so, too. You’re both good kids.” After a brief conversation about Pete being unable to find one of his friends, they exchanged farewells. Robert packed his rifle into his worn bag and exited the street, where he focused on his thoughts and started making his way home. The sun and planet started to set, and their fading orange light gave the sky a beautiful hue. Robert took in the scenery as he strolled, not paying attention to one of the sleek white hover vans that had become so popular in the past months. It zipped away through the air as he watched before returning to his thoughts on what he would have for dinner. The building he lived in stood like a weary sentinel at the town’s boundary, a hodgepodge of mismatched bricks and creaking metal that had long ago lost any semblance of architectural grace. Despite its weather-beaten exterior, the residents maintained a veneer of pride, as evidenced by the door with a fresh coat of paint. Upon entering his small apartment, Robert was greeted by the neutral aroma of cleanliness, not too sterile but not fragrant enough to be noticeable. The scent was as unremarkable as beige. A fragrance that announced, “I am clean and functional, but please don’t expect any frills.” He lived alone, which was considered a luxury tantamount to owning a solid gold toilet brush. He cherished living alone, deeming it a worthwhile trade-off to sacrifice financial stability for solitude. His independence was threatened when he received an eviction notification last week. It had been weeks since his rent had been due, and the creditors were no longer in the mood to accept any more late payments. Unless Robert could find a way to earn the money necessary for back-rent and tenancy fees, he would have to pack his belongings and leave his beloved apartment for good. Robert switched on his computer to search for night jobs but was soon distracted by a video that had popped up. The government shared an informative clip, motivating citizens to be proactive and responsible financially. Robert recognized a humanoid alien named Damian Krestov, with pale yellow skin and a texture Robert couldn’t place; he didn’t know where the man was from. He almost spoke to Robert as if aware of his situation. Damian spoke about taking responsibility and believing and trusting in yourself when times are demanding because one must never give up hope. As he spoke, Damian gestured enthusiastically to express himself and emphasize his points. This man believed every word that came from his mouth. After watching out of curiosity, Robert realized that it was all a propaganda video in disguise; he didn’t pay enough attention to understand the actual goal of the ad, but he knew it wasn’t ‘just an ad.’ His green eyes fell on a colored flyer that someone had slipped under his door while he was stretching out his legs. It bore the headline: “Prestigious Shooting Competition on Zorath!” Beneath the flashy text, an illustration portrayed a muscular figure raising a gun in triumph while standing on top of a mountain of defeated foes. Robert scoffed; he was skeptical of such an over-the-top advertisement, and one delivered on paper door-to-door. Still, a twinge of excitement hit him as he read the details: a grand prize of one million credits and a chance to become a professional shooter, whatever that means. Despite his initial skepticism about the ridiculous flyer, his heart raced at the thought of escaping his less-than-ideal life on Mool, proving his skills, and making enough money to not worry about those debt collectors. Questions swirled in Robert’s mind, but none could snuff out the flame of hope that had ignited within him. As he crumpled the flyer in his hand, he imagined the look on Pete’s face if he were to win the competition and return to Mool with a million credits and a newfound sense of freedom. “Who designed this? A five-year-old with a crayon?” Robert scoffed. Yet, despite the ridiculous presentation, he couldn’t ignore the Sub-Lunar Protective Service logo, a shield with ‘SLPS’ stamped in the bottom right corner. “What is a government agency running a shoot for?” It wasn’t news to Robert that the agency would run events, but it still perplexed him why. “Alright, Fannec,” he said, attempting to rationalize the situation. “Let’s say this is legit. You’ve spent your whole life shooting targets at the range. You can leave this shit moon and pay off some debts.” As he weighed the pros and cons, his eyes flicked back to the grand prize: one million credits. With that money, his life could undergo a complete metamorphosis, rescuing him from this decrepit city and launching him into an existence he had only imagined. But was it worth the risk of taking time off work? He was already behind by several weeks’ rent and couldn’t afford time off. “It’s a risky gamble.” He thought. “But it might be my ticket out of this mess.” He rubbed his temples. “Why couldn’t they have made a normal ad instead of this cartoonish mess? Is this some cruel joke?” Deep down in his subconscious, he was aware he had already decided. His desire to escape was far more potent than any doubts he might have about the competition’s legitimacy or his abilities. “Okay,” he said, preparing himself for the decision ahead. “Worst-case scenario, I lose the apartment, and I’m the laughingstock of the city for a while. Best case, I walk away with a million credits, which would pay off all of my debt and buy me a new life somewhere else.” “Alright, let’s see what kind of mess I’m getting myself into.” Pulling up the competition details on his comm device, he scrolled through the information, his eyebrows furrowing with each new bit of it. “It’s scheduled during storm season on Zorath. Do these event planners even know how to read a weather report?” The thought of traveling to a distant planet during its tumultuous storm season made Robert’s stomach churn. He had never left Mool before, and while he was confident in his shooting skills, everything else about this trip was uncharted territory. This kind of shoot requires more than marksmanship. To outsmart his rivals, Robert must think fast and use the landscape and surroundings to gain an advantage. Storms would make that difficult, and Robert didn’t practice a lot of situational shooting. Sniper shooting was his strong suit, which he practiced most. “At least it’ll be a memorable experience.” Robert couldn’t shake off his hesitation. His worries extended beyond the storms. He would be up against marksmen who possessed more shooting and life experience. He stopped pacing and stared at his reflection in the window. The city lights of Bethada flickered in the glass, casting a melancholy glow over his face. His eyes were tired but resolute. The competition didn’t worry him; the entry fee wasn’t refundable. The price was going up soon to encourage more people to register early. He had to decide, and quick. “I guess if these guys are dumb enough to hold a shooting competition during one of the worst storm seasons in the Confederation, then they’re dumb enough to let me win.” He chuckled, imagining the event planners huddled over a meteorological terminal, unaware of the impending storm clouds. The United Confederation’s government should have caught such an obvious detail. Perhaps they thought the turbulent weather would excite or challenge the competition. Which would be something that a management or administrative employee would think of. “Perhaps the storms will scare off some of the competition,” his mind was scrambling with images of seasoned marksmen fleeing in terror from the torrential rains and howling winds. “Yeah, I bet half of ’em will drop out before they even fired the first shot.” His chest swelled with newfound confidence. Sure, he had never left Mool before, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t hold his own on a strange, stormy planet. After all, he spent countless hours honing his skills at the local shooting range. And he always dreamed of fleeing the drudgery of his dull life in this rundown city on a forgotten moon. “Alright, enough daydreaming,” he chided himself, shaking off his momentary lapse into fantasy. “Let’s make this official.” Robert picked up his comm device and navigated to the registration page for the competition. He paused for a moment. The magnitude of the decision he was about to make was massive. He would have to prepare for missing out on some income. Once he registered, there would be no backing out, no second-guessing. The entry fee was substantial, but it would have to be bought on credit, like everything Robert paid for. With a final deep breath and a surge of determination, Robert tapped the ‘Register’ button on his comm device. A cheerful confirmation message popped up on the screen: “Congratulations! You are now officially registered for the Zorath Shooting Competition!” It was followed by information about equipment checks, times, and locations. “Well, this will be fun.”

@ 4c96d763:80c3ee30

# Changes ## Dimitris Apostolou (1): - Fix clippy warnings ## Ken Sedgwick (1): - additional account relay list improvements ## William Casarin (3): - networking: increase ping interval - morenotes: show pointer on hover - nix: add zenity ## kernelkind (9): - upload media button - get file binary - import base64 - notedeck_columns: use sha2 & base64 - use rfd for desktop file selection - add utils for uploading media - draft fields for media upload feat - ui: user can upload images - add more notes indicator pushed to [notedeck:refs/heads/master](http://git.jb55.com/notedeck/commit/d0265a5dcb71a4a138a4f17cac4a187cfe392ce7.html)

@ ec42c765:328c0600

# カスタム絵文字とは 任意のオリジナル画像を絵文字のように文中に挿入できる機能です。 また、リアクション（Twitterの いいね のような機能）にもカスタム絵文字を使えます。  # カスタム絵文字の対応状況（2024/02/05）  カスタム絵文字を使うためにはカスタム絵文字に対応した[クライアント](https://welcome.nostr-jp.org/tutorial/explore-client.html)を使う必要があります。 ※表は一例です。クライアントは他にもたくさんあります。 使っているクライアントが対応していない場合は、クライアントを変更する、対応するまで待つ、開発者に要望を送る（または自分で実装する）などしましょう。 #### 対応クライアント - [Amethyst](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vitorpamplona.amethyst) - [FreeFrom](https://freefrom.space/) - [nostter](https://nostter.app/) - [Rabbit](https://rabbit.syusui.net/) - [Snort](https://snort.social/) - [noStrudel](https://nostrudel.ninja/) ここではnostterを使って説明していきます。 # 準備 カスタム絵文字を使うための準備です。 - Nostrエクステンション（NIP-07）を導入する - 使いたいカスタム絵文字をリストに登録する ## Nostrエクステンション（NIP-07）を導入する Nostrエクステンションは使いたいカスタム絵文字を登録する時に必要になります。 また、環境（パソコン、iPhone、androidなど）によって導入方法が違います。 Nostrエクステンションを導入する端末は、実際にNostrを閲覧する端末と違っても構いません（リスト登録はPC、Nostr閲覧はiPhoneなど）。 Nostrエクステンション（NIP-07）の導入方法は以下のページを参照してください。 [ログイン拡張機能 (NIP-07)を使ってみよう | Welcome to Nostr! ～ Nostrをはじめよう！ ～ ](https://welcome.nostr-jp.org/tutorial/nip-07.html) 少し面倒ですが、これを導入しておくとNostr上の様々な場面で役立つのでより快適になります。 ## 使いたいカスタム絵文字をリストに登録する 以下のサイトで行います。 [emojito](https://emojito.meme/) 右上の**Get started**からNostrエクステンションでログインしてください。 例として以下のカスタム絵文字を導入してみます。 実際より絵文字が少なく表示されることがありますが、古い状態のデータを取得してしまっているためです。その場合はブラウザの更新ボタンを押してください。 [generalJP | カスタム絵文字](nostr:naddr1qqykwetwv4exzmz22qqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dspzpmzzcaj5rzeah8y940ln4z855wa72af4a6aac4zjypql55egcpsqqvzqqqr4fcp4fwv8)  - 右側の**Options**から**Bookmark**を選択  これでカスタム絵文字を使用するためのリストに登録できます。 # カスタム絵文字を使用する 例としてブラウザから使えるクライアント nostter から使用してみます。 [nostter](https://nostter.app/) nostterにNostrエクステンションでログイン、もしくは秘密鍵を入れてログインしてください。 ## 文章中に使用 1. **投稿**ボタンを押して投稿ウィンドウを表示 2. **顔😀**のボタンを押し、絵文字ウィンドウを表示 3. **＊タブ**を押し、カスタム絵文字一覧を表示 4. カスタム絵文字を選択 5. : 記号に挟まれたアルファベットのショートコードとして挿入される  この状態で投稿するとカスタム絵文字として表示されます。 カスタム絵文字対応クライアントを使っている他ユーザーにもカスタム絵文字として表示されます。 対応していないクライアントの場合、ショートコードのまま表示されます。  ショートコードを直接入力することでカスタム絵文字の候補が表示されるのでそこから選択することもできます。  ## リアクションに使用 1. 任意の投稿の**顔😀**のボタンを押し、絵文字ウィンドウを表示 2. **＊タブ**を押し、カスタム絵文字一覧を表示 3. カスタム絵文字を選択  カスタム絵文字リアクションを送ることができます。  # カスタム絵文字を探す 先述した[emojito](https://emojito.meme/)からカスタム絵文字を探せます。 例えば任意のユーザーのページ [emojito ロクヨウ](nostr:npub1a3pvwe2p3v7mnjz6hle63r628wl9w567aw7u23fzqs062v5vqcqqu3sgh3) から探したり、 [emojito Browse all](https://emojito.meme/browse) からnostr全体で最近作成、更新された絵文字を見たりできます。 また、以下のリンクは日本語圏ユーザーが作ったカスタム絵文字を集めたリストです（2024/06/30） ※漏れがあるかもしれません [日本ユーザー作 カスタム絵文字](nostr:npub17hczqvxtfv3w69wr6lxrttnpdekwdwel55mld60fr24zwjuu6utqtj8mjx) 各絵文字セットにある**Open in emojito**のリンクからemojitoに飛び、使用リストに追加できます。 ----------- 以上です。 次：Nostrのカスタム絵文字の**作り方** Yakihonneリンク [Nostrのカスタム絵文字の作り方](https://yakihonne.com/article/_@lokuyow.github.io/1707912490439) Nostrリンク nostr:naddr1qqxnzdesxuunzv358ycrgveeqgswcsk8v4qck0deepdtluag3a9rh0jh2d0wh0w9g53qg8a9x2xqvqqrqsqqqa28r5psx3 ----------- # 仕様 [NIP-30 Custom Emoji](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/30.md) [NIP-30 カスタム絵文字（和訳）](https://github.com/nostr-jp/nips-ja/blob/main/30.md)

@ 37305b10:4676ca73

This is some test content dsadfsadfasdfasdf

@ d3052ca3:d84a170e

It seems to me that the primary opposition to ecash from bitcoiners comes from the belief that lightning will enable self-custodial micropayments for the masses. Many lightning enthusiasts see ecash as competition that will eliminate this technological outcome (whether they admit it or not). I understand the motivation for this line of reasoning but I don't see things this way at all. Ecash is a superset of lightning. Cashu literally doesn't have a spec for on-chain transactions (yet!). Everything cashu accomplishes is built on the back of lightning. Standing on the shoulders of giants. I don't believe that ecash will take away market share from self-custodial lightning because lightning is not a good technology for self-custody. The high overhead costs of running your own node create a natural incentive for a semi-centralized hub and spoke network graph. It just makes economic sense for many users to share a lightning node. It doesn't make economic sense for individuals to bear this cost alone. This stacker news post is the best writeup on this topic: https://stacker.news/items/379225 It comes from a builder who struggled with these issues for years and learned the shortcomings of the tech first hand. Notice they experimented with ecash as a solution to these problems before they burned out and pivoted to save the company. Ecash is a superset of lightning. It extends the capability and reach of the lightning network. Without ecash, I don't believe we can achieve bitcoin mass adoption. You can't jam a square peg into a round hole. We still have a need for self-custody of "small" amounts of bitcoin. I put small in quotes because the block size limit and the fee market it creates impose a fundamental constraint on the minimum practical size of a UTXO. This limit is pegged to the unit of bitcoin. As bitcoin increases in value the minimum size for an on-chain transaction will grow in value as well. You can send $10 worth of bitcoin on-chain today but will this be true in 10 years when the price is much higher? 100 years? If the current exponential trends hold, we will soon price out the majority of humanity from owning a UTXO. This is bad. Like really bad. "Bitcoin is a failure" bad. This is the motivation for my posts about scaling on-chain usage to 10 billion people. I believe we will need to radically rearchitect bitcoin to achieve this goal. Lightning is not up to the task. We should leverage lightning for what it's good at: gluing together different self-custodial bitcoin service providers. We should leverage ecash for what it's good at: peer-to-peer electronic cash micropayments. IN ADDITION we also need to start seriously looking at new ideas for scaling self custody to "small" amounts of bitcoin. I am very optimistic that we can solve this problem. There are a number of promising avenues to pursue but I think first we need to move the Overton window ~~beyond the idea of mass adoption of self-custodial lightning~~ regarding on-chain scaling. Edit: I think the original Overton window statement was incorrect. If on-chain fees stay low then self-custodial lightning or something similar is a much better prospect. Just my 2 sats...let me know what you think. Keep it civil or be muted.

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

***Tree branches. 4' x 4 [Castle Pines, USA. 2016]*** #### Introduction Sanctuary offers a layered view of resilience, juxtaposing the green expanses of the Sanctuary Golf Course with the majesty of Pikes Peak and the scars of past destruction. Framed by the lens, this work explores the tension between human intervention and nature’s cycles of renewal. #### Site & Placement Perched at Daniels Park in Castle Pines, the lens focuses on the rolling terrain of the golf course, leading the eye to the distant peak. The surrounding brush, which once burned in a major fire, adds depth to the narrative of renewal. A bench, positioned for an unobstructed view, invites visitors to sit and reflect on the land’s capacity to heal and endure. #### Impermanence & Integration As an ephemeral installation, Sanctuary embodies nature’s cycles of destruction and rebirth. The materials—branches and rock—will eventually decay and return to the earth, a process that mirrors the recovery of the landscape itself after fire. This impermanence underscores the delicate balance between human influence and natural forces. #### Reflection Sanctuary serves as a reminder of both the fragility and resilience of the world around us. It invites viewers to pause and consider the interplay of destruction and growth, human and natural, as they gaze upon a scene shaped by both time and transformation --- ## Photos       --- #### More from the 'Earth Lens' Series: [Earth Lens Series: Artist Statement + List of Works](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) ["Looking Glass" (Earth Lens 001)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1736304563962/) ["Folsom" (Earth Lens 002)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1737844073125/) [COMING SOON: "Platte" (Earth Lens 004)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) [COMING SOON: "Grandfather" (Earth Lens 005)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) [COMING SOON: "Chongming" (Earth Lens 006)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) --- #### More from Hes [Portfolio](https://hesart.npub.pro) [Online Store](https://plebeian.market/community/1cb14ab335876fc9efc37d838ba287cf17e5adcccb20bf6d49f9da9695d52462:hesmart-ym3fcufdfz) [Artist Statements](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/art/) [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 my art, please feel free to send a zap. Enjoy life on a Bitcoin standard.*

@ 37305b10:4676ca73

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@ 37305b10:4676ca73

This is some test content

@ 1cb14ab3:95d52462

***Tree branches, Rock. 4' x 4 [Boulder, USA. 2016]*** #### Introduction From atop Flagstaff Mountain, Folsom frames Boulder’s iconic Folsom Field, a symbol of youth, learning, and community. This lens offers a moment of reflection on the brevity of the college experience and the transient nature of life, inviting viewers to connect with the campus and its fleeting but impactful moments. #### Site & Placement The lens is strategically placed to frame the stadium, blending the vibrant life of the campus with Boulder’s vast and enduring natural landscape. The bench, situated 6 feet from the lens, offers a space to sit and contemplate the juxtaposition of permanence and change, of structure and wilderness. #### Impermanence & Integration Constructed from branches and rock, Folsom is designed to fade into the mountain landscape after only a short time. Its impermanence echoes the fleeting nature of the college years, reminding viewers that growth and transformation are rooted in moments that pass all too quickly. #### Reflection Through its brief presence, Folsom captures the delicate interplay between human experiences and the enduring landscapes that frame them. It invites viewers to celebrate the vibrant present while acknowledging the inevitability of change. --- ## Photos       --- #### More from the 'Earth Lens' Series: [Earth Lens Series: Artist Statement + List of Works](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) ["Looking Glass" (Earth Lens 001)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1736304563962/) [COMING SOON: "Sanctuary" (Earth Lens 003)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) [COMING SOON: "Platte" (Earth Lens 004)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) [COMING SOON: "Grandfather" (Earth Lens 005)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) [COMING SOON: "Chongming" (Earth Lens 006)](https://hes.npub.pro/post/1731091744332/) --- #### More from Hes [Portfolio](https://hesart.npub.pro) [Online Store](https://plebeian.market/community/1cb14ab335876fc9efc37d838ba287cf17e5adcccb20bf6d49f9da9695d52462:hesmart-ym3fcufdfz) [Artist Statements](https://hes.npub.pro/tag/art/) [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 my art, please feel free to send a zap. Enjoy life on a Bitcoin standard.*

@ d9cfbbde:e7cfd9fd

Testing if this can be edited after publishing...

@ ec642f38:a8b07008

This is some test content

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

President Trump plans to withdraw 20,000 U.S. troops from Europe and expects European allies to contribute financially to the remaining military presence. Reported by ANSA, Trump aims to deliver this message to European leaders since taking office. A European diplomat noted, “the costs cannot be borne solely by American taxpayers.” The Pentagon hasn't commented yet. Trump has previously sought lower troop levels in Europe and had ordered cuts during his first term. The U.S. currently maintains around 65,000 troops in Europe, with total forces reaching 100,000 since the Ukraine invasion. Trump's new approach may shift military focus to the Pacific amid growing concerns about China. [Sauce](https://www.stripes.com/theaters/europe/2025-01-24/trump-europe-troop-cuts-16590074.html)

@ 920165f0:049cf1bb

Periodically, alone, at a less-than-preferred time, you must sit with yourself. Or I suppose you could take a walk, but unless you can guarantee your solidarity, you will likely appear somewhere on the outskirts of normal. While your pride may shine about this little compliment now, it will at times irritate you and ask if you’re sure you want to continue. That’s how everyone gets swallowed. Don’t ask questions. Don’t pick up rugs. Don’t be unruly with yourself or those you love, quietly drift into a more compliant state. This is why you must go off and write or speak aloud. You ought to answer the question often: would you prefer explore the many routes of numbing medications, or feel your face melting as you take your most prized possessions and hold them to the fire? There are no lifetime passes on this route. You must renew every day. But you’ve snuck away for months or years this time, and now you have to pay for your absence. You are required to bring your sacrifices to the table in order to continue. Nobody makes it out of here with a neat note, without mistakes or drops of blood on the page. If so, it wasn’t done. You sacrifice yourself—your rightness, defensiveness, and all forms of denial. So we sit and write. We pace and speak. We come near pulling our eyes from their sockets. We face ourselves in this heap of trash left to us by our predecessors. It’s not to say they weren’t left it as well—it’s to say it’s yours now. Whether or not you want to think is your decision alone. Hoping others will take responsibility is an irresponsible management of your own life. As you lift every corner, you’ll find this dirt scattered across your life. You’ll turn your head, cite a guilty party, anything but take ownership. If you see it, it’s yours. Nothing here belongs to anyone else. That’s the guarantee of mulling around in the mind. You’ll always find this, or you can be sure you’re lying. It sounds tricky, but it’s only tricky because you are playing the tricks. Let us be clear: any form of matter you see is your responsibility. Can you breathe now? Not any easier. If the world around you is so foolish and dumb, why haven’t you adjusted for it sooner? If you did, don’t you think you’d employ a new method of crossing paths with them, beyond disappointment and frustration? Who is the lagging party? If you’d notice this quirk—which you cannot stop seeing in the same boring way—you’d realize you see the game very well but haven’t bothered acknowledging the rules. You’ve taken every other route, exactly what someone does when they’re trying not to see what’s in front of them. You may be aware of this in others, but that’s not sufficient for someone who sits down to attempt to think, for someone who puts himself at the stake. That kind of man is responsible for the game, what he sees, and the rules in which the game is played. That kind of man abandons the point-keeping devices he’s clung to over the years. He finally realizes he’s been using a unique scoring system to quantify himself, and it’s outdated. The game goes on. You have a clear score, a clear basis for winners and losers, but you are consistently wrong. Impossible, you say? You’re diligent and precise? Give it up. Give up your metrics. If you wish to play the game, know the rules. Sound the buzzer, set all to zero, and dissolve everything you know about keeping track of points. Acknowledge the layers built into the game, the veils you must pierce to be successful within it. You are susceptible to thinking you’ve thought. You are susceptible to believing it’s all or nothing. You won’t give up a few marbles for a bar of gold. There’s only one reason. You think very highly of your marbles. And be it gold or anything else, you are sticking to your marbles for the sake of never changing. So is it them who can’t change? Is it them who cannot see? Is it they who’ve lost their minds? Maybe. Maybe. But it’s also you. And until you can read the room without defending something, until you learn to play the game as if you knew the rules, your efforts are as good as they’ve always been.

@ 1ec45473:d38df139

``` ______________ / /| / / | /____________ / | | ___________ | | || || | || #NOSTR || | || || | ||___________|| | | _______ | / /| (_______) | / ( |_____________|/ \ .=======================. | :::::::::::::::: ::: | | ::::::::::::::[] ::: | | ----------- ::: | `-----------------------' ```

@ 1ec45473:d38df139

### The probability of AGI ending us is negative. A common tactic among doomers is to state something along the lines of the following: "If we create AGI, there is some non-zero chance every year, that the AGI will end humanity. Whatever that chance is compounds every year, and is thus unacceptable." The question I would ask the doomer is **"How do you know that the chance of AGI ending humanity isn't negative?"** What does it mean for AGI to have a negative chance of ending humanity? Setting aside AGI for a moment, what is the chance every year that humanity ends from other events, such as nuclear war, solar flares, super-volcanoes, asteroid hits, societal collapse, etc? How do you even answer this question in a reasonable manner? Well lets look at past data. Of all species that have existed 99% have gone extinct. Of our closest 7 relatives from the genus Homo, 100% have gone extinct. On a higher level looking at civilizational collapse. According to Wikipedia, [virtually all](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societal_collapse) historical societies have collapsed. Looking out into the universe, we see no signs of life elsewhere, so if there was life in the past we can assume that they have gone extinct. It would therefore be reasonable to say that the chance of our extinction is very high even without AGI, well above 90%. Maybe 99%. You could argue the numbers but at least with these numbers we are using some past data to extrapolate the future, where the doomers are using no data whatsoever to support their numbers. We can also state, that of all the species and societies that have collapsed in the past, they have done so because they did not yet have the knowledge on how to survive. They didn't know how to create antibiotics, or generate enough energy, or defend themselves from the environment. What is AGI? AGI is a way to create knowledge. Most all societies in the past have collapsed because they didn't have the knowledge on how to survive, and the doomer argument is that we should slow down our ability to create knowledge, when we know that this has been precisely the problem in the past. It is a certainty we will all die without more knowledge then we have now. The future death of our sun ensures that. We have to create the knowledge on how to survive, and that is what AGI does - it creates knowledge. AGI most certainly has a negative probability of ending humanity.

@ d57360cb:4fe7d935

Martial Arts has a way of imparting deep lessons on you, lessons that you feel deep to the core. Here are a few that have stuck with me. These lessons extend beyond the field of martial arts into every area of life, may you find value in them. # **Static Vs Dynamic** The world is a dynamic and fluid domain, yet we think statically. This error makes us incompatible. When we think about the future and the past, they are fixed in our minds. We might have a grand plan for how we will beat our opponent or hold fear of a loss we suffered at the hands of another opponent. Because these are harbored in our minds, we are fixed in place entering a battle which is constantly moving. To succeed one has to abandon the static and learn to dance. Let me explain this through the problem solving process. # Problem Solving Imagine there's a giant wall in front of you and this wall is going to fall directly on top of you. Here you're faced with a problem, the wall falling and you also might have guessed the solution which is get out of the way. The usual approach people take in solving problems is they wait til the problem has already taken place and established itself to act. Knowing fully the wall is falling they will wait til the wall has crushed them, only then they'll enact their plan to get out of the way. Their plan may very well work but not when the wall has already fallen, this renders their plan useless even though it is the correct solution. In their minds they see the problem and the solution only taking place when certain factors are met and conditions are perfect. They will not act to evade a punch until hit in the face, they won't try to escape a choke until their opponent is squeezing the life out of them. This is the error of unskilled beginners yet it's a necessary path to the dynamic. # The best way to avoid danger is not going there in the first place At a certain point you will get tired of getting hit in the face, getting choked out, and having the wall get crushed on you. You will see others using the very same solutions you're using and wonder why they succeed and you don't. The cogs in your brain come alive and you begin to think if the solution is to get out the way, I need to do it before or as the wall is falling not when it's already fallen. This takes you from the static to the dynamic, from thinking to feeling. Instead of thinking and anticipating a punch and then moving, you no longer anticipate you immerse yourself in the chaos and are free to feel. You no longer wait for your opponent to have his hands around your neck to avoid getting choked, you avoid the situation altogether. You see the wall falling and you step out of the way, by nature another wall replaces it, this one is also falling and you maneuver out of its way. This is the great dance, this is the art. # Failure is Information "The fool that persists in his folly soon becomes wise" In life as in the arts you will continually face failures or walls. Most people view these as negative. Having a wall crushed on them they take it personally, blame themselves, how terrible they are and how much better their opponent is. These are your trusted guides they show you where you are fixed in place, they show you your inflexibility, your rigidity. They humble you over and over. It may take days, weeks, years or months for you to realize. In this way the end never arrives, the path of practice is the goal. With diligence and patience the thing you once saw as a failure will become your wisest friend. # No opponent Each person is going through this struggle internally. They face their own set of problems. In this way your opponents serve you as you serve them. The person that beats you down is not a rival, he's also not 'better' in any way he's exposed you and shown you the areas you have blindspots and weakness in. In the same way you serve that purpose for those just starting on the path. You may beat someone down and think you are 'better' than those you dominate. This is the wrong view you are a guide to those below you and student to those above you. If you get caught up in your ego and status you will be blinded. One must leave the static world of victory and loss to find the dynamic. # Everything Bleeds This was a post on material arts, but you could very well replace martial arts with any field and any set of problems. The incompatible mix of the static mind and dynamic world is found in every area of life. The lessons you learn from one area can be translated to another, these lessons are fundamental. In this way lessons bleed and overflow into everything you touch. You are the center of experience the things you devote time to in life are merely tools of expression.

@ ef1744f8:96fbc3fe

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@ 378562cd:a6fc6773

**Top 20 U.S. Cryptocurrency Headlines:** 1. **SEC Reverses Crypto Accounting Rule, Easing Bank Participation** The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has overturned guidance that previously treated digital tokens as liabilities on bank balance sheets. This reversal is expected to facilitate banks in offering cryptocurrency custody services without facing significant penalties. [ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/24854c53-98ef-42b5-96ed-efd6f5b70271?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 2. **President Trump Signs Executive Order to Bolster Crypto Industry.** President Donald Trump has issued an executive order titled "Strengthening American Leadership in Digital Financial Technology," aiming to position the U.S. as a global leader in the digital asset market. The order includes the creation of a task force to propose new crypto regulations and explore the establishment of a national digital asset stockpile. [Investor's Business Daily](https://www.investors.com/news/trump-cryptocurrency-executive-order-bitcoin-reserve-digital-asset-stockpile/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 3. **Crypto Markets React to New Regulatory Initiatives.** Following the administration's recent policy moves, the cryptocurrency market experienced a dip, with Bitcoin stabilizing around $105,000. The creation of a task force to propose new crypto regulations has introduced uncertainty, leading to profit-taking among investors. [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/crypto-markets-lose-steam-after-trumps-first-policy-move-2025-01-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 4. **Industry Celebrates Anticipated Deregulation Amid Caution.** The cryptocurrency community is optimistic about the administration's supportive stance, including proposals for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve. However, experts caution that increased government endorsement could expose the financial system to significant risks if the market faces downturns. [ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/8d302c79-8912-4f8e-bb1a-eea77ea0d99e?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 5. **White House Appoints David Sacks as Crypto and AI Advisor.** The administration has appointed tech entrepreneur David Sacks as the White House's cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence advisor. Sacks will lead the newly formed Presidential Task Force on Digital Asset Markets, focusing on developing regulatory frameworks and exploring the creation of a national Bitcoin reserve. [Barron's](https://www.barrons.com/articles/trump-bitcoin-stockpile-crypto-78398022?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 6. **Bitcoin Price Surges to All-Time High Amid Policy Shifts.** Bitcoin has reached a record high of $109,000, driven by increased interest following endorsements from President Trump and tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The launch of cryptocurrencies associated with both Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump has further fueled market enthusiasm. [The Times & The Sunday Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/your-complete-guide-to-crypto-and-bitcoin-77xwhlz6h?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 7. **Financial Institutions Show Renewed Interest in Crypto Services.** Major financial firms, including Charles Schwab, are exploring deeper engagement in the crypto market following recent regulatory changes. Traditional banks are now better positioned to offer cryptocurrency custody services, reflecting a shift towards mainstream adoption. [ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/24854c53-98ef-42b5-96ed-efd6f5b70271?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 8. **Congressional Leaders Express Concerns Over Rapid Crypto Expansion.** Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the swift regulatory changes favoring the cryptocurrency industry. They caution that rapid deregulation could lead to increased market volatility and potential risks to the broader financial system. [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/crypto-markets-lose-steam-after-trumps-first-policy-move-2025-01-24/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 9. **Crypto-Related Crimes Prompt Calls for Enhanced Security Measures.** The recent kidnapping and assault of Ledger co-founder David Balland have highlighted the risks associated with the crypto industry. Security experts advise individuals involved in cryptocurrency to exercise discretion regarding their personal wealth and implement robust security protocols. [The Times & The Sunday Times](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/david-balland-ledger-kidnapping-z3kx6svj0?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 10. **Stablecoin Development Encouraged Under New Executive Order.** The administration's executive order promotes the development of dollar-backed stablecoins for global use, aiming to enhance the U.S. dollar's presence in the digital asset space while prohibiting the establishment of a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in the U.S. [Investor's Business Daily](https://www.investors.com/news/trump-cryptocurrency-executive-order-bitcoin-reserve-digital-asset-stockpile/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) 11. **Crypto Education Initiatives Launched to Foster Public Understanding.** In response to the growing interest in digital assets, educational programs are being developed to inform the public about cryptocurrency investment risks and opportunities, aiming to promote responsible participation in the market. 12. **Tech Companies Explore Blockchain Integration Amid Regulatory Clarity.** With the recent regulatory developments, technology firms are increasingly considering blockchain integration into their operations, anticipating that clearer guidelines will support innovation in the sector. 13. **Crypto Taxation Policies Under Review Following Executive Order.** The Treasury Department is reviewing existing cryptocurrency taxation policies to align with the new executive order, potentially leading to revised guidelines that could impact investors and businesses. 14. **Investment Funds Increase Crypto Holdings Amid Policy Support.** Investment funds are bolstering their cryptocurrency portfolios, encouraged by the administration's supportive policies and the SEC's reversal of restrictive accounting rules. 15. **Public-Private Partnerships Form to Advance Blockchain Research.** New collaborations between government agencies and private companies are emerging to advance blockchain research and development, aiming to maintain the U.S.'s competitive edge in digital financial technologies. 16. **Crypto Mining Operations Expand in the U.S**.Cryptocurrency mining firms are expanding their operations domestically, attracted by the favorable regulatory environment and potential incentives outlined in recent policy initiatives. 17. **Consumer Protection Agencies Advocate for Crypto Awareness.** Consumer protection agencies are launching campaigns to raise awareness about the risks associated with cryptocurrency investments, emphasizing the importance of due diligence. 18. **State Governments Explore Local Crypto Regulations.** In light of federal initiatives, state governments are examining their regulatory frameworks concerning cryptocurrencies to ensure alignment and address local concerns. 19. **Academic Institutions Introduce Cryptocurrency Courses.** Universities and colleges are adding cryptocurrency and blockchain courses to their curricula, preparing students for careers in the evolving digital asset landscape. 20. **Crypto Exchanges Enhance Compliance Measures.** Cryptocurrency exchanges are strengthening their compliance protocols in anticipation of forthcoming regulatory recommendations from the Presidential Task Force on Digital Asset Markets. **Top 5 Worldwide Cryptocurrency Headlines:** 1. **Global Banks Anticipate U.S. Regulatory Changes.** International banks are closely monitoring the U.S. regulatory shifts, assessing the potential global impact on cryptocurrency custody services and market participation. 2. **European Union Debates Crypto Regulatory Framework.** The European Union is engaging in discussions to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies, aiming to balance innovation with consumer protection. 3. **Asian Markets React to U.S. Crypto Policy Developments**\ Cryptocurrency markets across Asia, including Japan and South Korea, are seeing increased trading activity following the U.S. administration's supportive stance on digital assets. Investors are optimistic about the ripple effects on the global crypto ecosystem. 4. **India Announces Plans for Blockchain-Based Voting System**\ The Indian government has unveiled plans to pilot a blockchain-based voting system aimed at enhancing election security and transparency. This initiative is part of India's broader efforts to explore blockchain technology in governance. 5. **African Nations Embrace Bitcoin for Cross-Border Payments**\ Several African countries are increasingly using Bitcoin to facilitate cross-border payments, citing its efficiency and reduced transaction costs. This trend reflects the growing adoption of cryptocurrencies in regions with limited access to traditional financial services.

@ 9e69e420:d12360c2

| Parameters | Dry Mead | Medium Mead | Sweet Mead | |------------|-----------|-------------|------------| | Honey | 2 lbs (900 grams) | 3 lbs (1.36 kg) | 4 lbs (1.81 kg) | | Yeast | ~0.07 oz (2 grams) | ~0.08 oz (2.5 grams) | ~0.10 oz (3 grams) | | Fermentation | ~4 weeks | 4 to 6 weeks | 6 to 8 weeks | | Racking | Fortnight or later | 1 month or after | ~2 months and after | | Specific Gravity | <1.010 | ~1.01 to ~1.025 | >1.025 |

@ 0b14a03f:3f0257c2

Change doesn’t come from something external. The change comes from within. But people are so disconnected from themselves that they keep trying and trying with tools to connect without realizing that if there is no connection within, there won’t be a healthy and long-term connection outside. Bitcoin has no name or last name because it’s not important who created it. What’s important is what it was made for. That’s written on its roots, in its essence. And that essence won’t be discovered if we keep trying to set it up in old avatars, systems, protocols, and connections. Bitcoin is not a tool to get rich and be free. It’s a means to disconnect from a broken environment and find a safe place to pause, to feel, to see what’s really inside of ourselves, and to analyze if the world around us is not a consequence but a reflection of our internal disconnection. Freedom will be a consequence, not a cause of a better future. We can be the artisans of that future by connecting with ourselves from within, as individuals first, and as a community after. Community as in Common Identity. We need to find our identity, then share it, nurture it with others, and by doing so, be able to create a better world. Don’t fall into old traps. After all, this is a journey from the mind to the heart. Happy arriving! Hug✨

@ 89ccea93:df4e00b7

Meh. I'm ambivalent. For the cypher/crypto punks out there, the freedom fighters. You already didn't like what the government was doing before, why should this be any different? For all those who preached hyperbitcoinization, but are now upset, it only makes sense for companies and countries to eventually want this thing on their balance sheet. Soo.... Enjoy. You got what you wanted... ? I think. For those who think this is the greatest thing since sliced bread... Yeah, again, meh. It'd probably be better for individuals to have it and the "State" to muddle through oblivious. I think by worshipping it, you're showing you literally ONLY care about the price, which is dumb. Price doesn't matter if you're cattle herded into a KYC-only pen. If you become a criminal for wanting to be outside the system. But in the meantime, before the dystopia descends. Just use it. Earn it. Save it. Spend it. Hodl it. Whatever floats your boat. But for the love of God, and I'm actually serious now, practice responsible Bitcoin ownership... Don't tell eeeevveeeryyooonee you have it. Hold the keys yourself. Don't give your blood, voice, 3D picture, passport, first born, stool, DNA, SSN just to buy Bitcoin. I bought some Bitcoin via Bisq the other day at BELOW market value. Peach and RoboSats at 0.5% above market value. So there's no excuse in my mind to use an centralized KYC exchange. [Kycnot.me](https://kycnot.me) Inspired by this [post](https://livingonbitcoin.substack.com/p/reject-the-sbr) by Rare Passenger. [Original post](https://expatriotic.me/the-strategic-bitcoin-reserve-is-awfulamazing/) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/863448

@ 54286b98:3debc100

The gift and the challenge? More time with my kids than most dads get. Days filled with them. It's a blast. Diapers, potty training, sticky fingers, the easy stuff. Expected. A privilege, really. But here's what I'm learning: Undivided attention. Presence. That's the hard part. The part that fades. We walk. Parks, trails, anywhere but inside. They love it. S'mores, impromptu campsites, boats on the horizon, Florida beaches (no walking next to Florida freshwater for this dad, gators!). We read. We play hard. My oldest is discovering the magic of computers. Mornings with my daughter. Just us. Quiet. Books. Connection. Then her brother wakes, and the day explodes with breakfast, more books, more play. Knowledge, manners, a little discipline, and a lot of fun. That's the legacy. But even with all this time, there's still work. Responsibilities. ***"Papa needs to work."*** ***"Papa, don't you want to play with me?"*** The hardest lesson: balance. ***Teaching them independence when all they want is connection.*** The reminder: Even when life gets crazy, make the moments count. Be there. Truly be there. And trust that when I can't, they'll know it's not about them. It's about the work. Love them. Cherish them. Until the next one. J \__\_ Feel free to follow me here on ***nostr*** or ***sign up on my website*** for my blog posts/newsletters, talking about ***crafting beauty in life, family, entrepreneurship, culture, woodworking & faith.***\ <https://www.javierfeliu.com/>

@ 6b57533f:eaa341f5

# Page: cover background: #000000 template: vertical # Welcome to NoStry This is the first nostr-story ever posted! # Page: intro background-image: https://nostr.build/i/nostr.png template: vertical ## What is NoStry? NoStry is a new way to tell stories on nostr, combining the best of social media stories with the decentralized nature of nostr. # Page: end background: #333333 template: vertical # Join the Revolution [Learn More]( https://github.com/nostry)

@ 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/863327

@ ed84ce10:cccf4c2a

# **Hackathon Summary** The [**Request Network - Summer Hackathon**](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/requestnetwork-summer) concluded with 144 developers participating and 32 project submissions approved. Hosted by Request Network, the event focused on developing Web3 financial applications utilizing its EVM-compatible infrastructure. Throughout the hackathon, participants had the opportunity to attend workshops tailored to both beginner and advanced users. These workshops aimed to enhance skills in developing applications for invoicing, payments, accounting, and lending. Incentives included a total prize pool of $15,000, divided into categories such as invoicing, payments, accounting, and lending applications. Additionally, the Request Network Foundation provided an extra $35,000 for projects submitted to their grants program. The judging criteria emphasized utility, ease of use, technical sophistication, and innovation. Participants were given access to extensive resources such as video tutorials, GitHub repositories, and support through a dedicated Discord helpline. The hackathon highlighted active engagement, promoting the creation of applications intended to improve blockchain transaction capabilities. On July 8, 2024, the winning projects were announced, showcasing the creativity and technical expertise of the participants. # **Hackathon Winners** ### **Invoicing Prize Winners** - [**ChainPay**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13883) - This project expands Request Network's capabilities into Web3 payment components by integrating with QuickBooks. It addresses smart contract call issues on the Sepolia Testnet and aims for comprehensive solutions. - [**PiperPay**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13896) - An invoice and payment management system that supports various currencies and tokens. It follows Request Network standards using smart contract proxies and token swaps. - [**Wavein**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13901) - This project facilitates real-time payments for freelancers through Request Network and Superfluid, offering streamlined payment streams with conversion features. ### **Accounting Prize Winner** - [**request-accounting**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13911) - A blockchain-based accounting application that ensures secure transactions while integrating efficient financial management aligned with industry standards. ### **Lending Prize Winners** - [**Invoice Lending (Factoring)**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13838) - This project provides liquidity by minting invoices as NFTs, enabling peer-to-peer invoice financing on the Request Network. - [**Invisy Network**](https://dorahacks.io/buidl/13912) - A decentralized invoice platform leveraging NFTs to enhance efficiency and transparency, offering a marketplace for real-time invoice liquidity. For a complete list of projects, visit [DoraHacks Request Network Summer Hackathon](https://dorahacks.io/hackathon/requestnetwork-summer/buidl). # **About the Organizer** ### **Request Network** Request Network is an EVM-compatible infrastructure protocol dedicated to advancing Web3 financial applications, including invoicing, payments, and accounting. By appending extra data to blockchain transactions, the network ensures compliance, reconciliation, and traceability. This empowers users to maintain ownership of their financial data, facilitating flexible transfers and selective sharing. Key initiatives include supporting under-collateralized loans and enhancing blockchain transaction processes. Request Network is committed to fostering an inclusive financial future by streamlining services to enable data ownership and automation in financial operations.

@ 37305b10:4676ca73

This is a test long form article publish via Nostr Article Publish in Obsidian

@ ec642f38:a8b07008

This is my test document for nostr publish Although Sainsbury's was already in the midst of a plan to save £1bn over the next few years, the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions set out in the Budget has also been a factor in this latest restructuring plan. ### Add some text this is is a test

@ 37305b10:4676ca73

This is my test document for nostr publish Although Sainsbury's was already in the midst of a plan to save £1bn over the next few years, the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions set out in the Budget has also been a factor in this latest restructuring plan. ### Add some text this is is a test

@ 37305b10:4676ca73

This is my test document for nostr publish Although Sainsbury's was already in the midst of a plan to save £1bn over the next few years, the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions set out in the Budget has also been a factor in this latest restructuring plan. ### Add some text this is is a test

@ ae6ce958:d0f02c7d

In the age of precision technology, photonic measurement systems like LiDAR play a critical role in transformative industries such as autonomous vehicles, medical imaging, and telecommunications. These systems rely on the precise behavior of sensors and software to ensure accuracy and reliability in complex, real-world environments. DamageBDD, with its innovative approach to Behavior-Driven Development (BDD), provides a platform for enabling a large number of people to participate in defining, testing, and refining the behavior of such systems. By democratizing the process of behavior definition, DamageBDD unlocks new possibilities for collaboration and innovation. This article explores how DamageBDD can be applied to photonic measurement systems, demonstrating its potential to involve diverse stakeholders and enhance the quality of these technologies. --- Why Involve Large Numbers of People in Defining Behavior? 1. Diverse Perspectives: A wide range of participants, including developers, domain experts, end-users, and testers, brings diverse perspectives to defining system behavior. For example: A developer might focus on system performance. A medical professional might prioritize safety in imaging technologies. An end-user might emphasize usability and intuitive interfaces. 2. Real-World Scenarios: Large-scale participation ensures that real-world scenarios are thoroughly explored and represented. For instance, in autonomous vehicles, scenarios such as heavy rain, fog, or crowded urban streets can be identified and tested by people from various geographies and climates. 3. Collective Intelligence: Crowdsourcing behavior definitions can leverage collective intelligence to anticipate edge cases and improve system robustness. --- DamageBDD in Photonic Measurement Systems DamageBDD’s unique ability to verify behavior at scale makes it an ideal platform for optimizing photonic measurement systems like LiDAR. Here’s how DamageBDD can be applied: 1. Defining Behavior Using Real-World Scenarios DamageBDD allows participants to write clear, human-readable scenarios that define expected behavior for photonic measurement systems. These scenarios are stored immutably on-chain, ensuring traceability and accountability. Example: Feature: LiDAR distance measurement Scenario: Accurate measurement in clear weather Given a reflective object is placed 10 meters from the sensor When the LiDAR system emits a pulse Then the system should report the distance as 10 ± 0.1 meters Scenario: Measurement in foggy conditions Given a reflective object is placed 10 meters from the sensor And fog reduces visibility by 50% When the LiDAR system emits a pulse Then the system should report the distance as 10 ± 0.5 meters With DamageBDD, such scenarios can be written by both technical and non-technical participants, enabling large-scale participation in defining behavior. --- 2. Automating Behavior Verification DamageBDD’s platform integrates seamlessly with testing frameworks, enabling automated verification of defined behaviors. This ensures that photonic measurement systems consistently meet the specified criteria across a wide range of scenarios. Example: A team testing a LiDAR system can run automated tests against a DamageBDD-powered test suite. If a test fails—say, the system misreports distances under foggy conditions—it is flagged on-chain, triggering iterative improvements. --- 3. Leveraging Crowdsourcing for Edge Cases DamageBDD enables stakeholders to contribute new test cases and scenarios directly to the platform. For photonic measurement systems, this could involve: Community members submitting scenarios involving unique environmental conditions (e.g., desert sandstorms or arctic snow). Engineers proposing tests for hardware variations or upgrades. Example: A developer in a tropical region might contribute the following scenario: Scenario: Measurement in heavy rain Given a reflective object is placed 5 meters from the sensor And rainfall intensity is 50 mm/hour When the LiDAR system emits a pulse Then the system should report the distance as 5 ± 0.3 meters By involving a global community, DamageBDD ensures comprehensive testing and improved resilience. --- 4. Creating Incentives for Participation One of the standout features of DamageBDD is its ability to incentivize participation through tokenized payouts. Contributors who define or verify behavior are rewarded in Damage Tokens, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that encourages ongoing collaboration. Example: A developer contributes a new test case for low-light conditions. A tester verifies the scenario by running it against a live system. Both participants receive tokens for their contributions, fostering continued engagement. --- 5. Ensuring Transparency and Accountability With DamageBDD, all behavior definitions, tests, and results are immutably recorded on-chain. This ensures that: Every contribution is traceable to its author. Changes to system behavior are documented over time, creating an auditable history. Example: When a new feature is added to a LiDAR system (e.g., enhanced fog detection), its behavior is verified through DamageBDD. The on-chain record shows: Who defined the behavior. When it was tested. How it performed against previous versions. This transparency builds trust among stakeholders and accelerates adoption. --- Scaling to Other Photonic Applications The principles outlined above can be applied to other photonic measurement systems, such as: Medical Imaging: Ensuring MRI or CT scanners meet safety and accuracy standards across diverse patient demographics. Telecommunications: Optimizing fiber-optic networks for different bandwidth and latency requirements. Astronomy: Enhancing telescopes to accurately measure cosmic phenomena under varying atmospheric conditions. In each case, DamageBDD enables mass participation, rigorous testing, and continuous improvement. --- Conclusion By enabling large numbers of people to define and verify behavior, DamageBDD revolutionizes how we approach photonic measurement systems and other complex technologies. Through its emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and tokenized incentives, DamageBDD not only improves the quality of these systems but also democratizes their development. As industries continue to adopt precision technologies, DamageBDD provides a scalable framework for ensuring they meet the needs of diverse stakeholders. From LiDAR in autonomous vehicles to medical imaging and beyond, the potential for innovation is limitless when empowered by DamageBDD.

@ 89ccea93:df4e00b7

Here's a list of the services I use. I plan to make a blog post for each on ```expatriotic.me``` my previously defunct blog that is going live again. Stay tuned. ### Networking Flint Router Mullvad Tor Little Snitch ### Buying & Selling Bitcoin Bisq Robosats Peach Hodl Hodl ### Private email Tuta Addy.io Proton ### Wallets Ashigaru Stack Duo Cake Sparrow Envoy Zeus Coinos ### Swapping Bitcoin Trocador basicswapdex unstoppable-swap ### noKYC ```kycnot.me``` ### Spending Bitcoin Wise Bitrefill Bitpay PayWithMoon Coinsbee The Bitcoin Company CoinCards.com ### Phone Graphene OS Minimalism Obtainium FOSS apps Signal for DMs Telegram for Groups Silent.Link ### Server DIY with Debian Start9 Dojo Ronin Dojo Monero Nodes ### Podcasts The Ungovernable Misfits News Network The Watchman Privacy originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/863051

@ 28cac85f:54300cac

**Reduction in Crime and Incarceration Rates:** The war on drugs has often led to mass incarceration, particularly affecting minority communities. By decriminalizing drugs, the focus shifts from punishment to treatment, reducing the number of people in prison for drug possession. Portugal saw a significant decrease in drug-related incarceration following decriminalization. The proportion of the prison population held for drug offenses has decreased from over 40% in 2001 to around 15.7% by 2019, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system. **Public Health Over Criminal Justice:** Treating drug use as a public health issue rather than a criminal one allows for better health outcomes. Portugal's model emphasizes harm reduction strategies like needle exchange programs, which have lowered rates of diseases like HIV and hepatitis C among drug users. There was a significant increase in the number of people entering drug treatment programs, with treatment admissions rising by about 60% from 1998 to 2011. New infections from needle sharing decreased dramatically, with HIV cases among drug users falling from an all-time high in 2000 to much lower rates by 2015. **Focus on Addiction Treatment:** Legalization or decriminalization can free up resources (both financial and human) for addiction treatment rather than law enforcement. Portugal invested in treatment facilities and outreach programs, leading to an increase in people seeking help for addiction. There has been a marked reduction in drug-related mortality. Overdose deaths dropped significantly from around 400 annually before decriminalization to much lower numbers in subsequent years. **Reducing Stigma:** By removing criminal penalties, the stigma associated with drug use is diminished, encouraging more users to seek help without fear of legal repercussions. This can lead to earlier interventions in addiction. Drug use is now more widely seen as a health issue rather than a criminal one, which has helped reduce stigmatization and encourage people to seek help. **Economic Benefits:** The costs associated with drug enforcement are substantial. Redirecting these funds towards education, prevention, and treatment can be more cost-effective in the long run. Additionally, regulated drug markets could generate tax revenue, although this aspect is more relevant if drugs are fully legalized rather than just decriminalized. The reduction in incarceration for drug offenses has potentially saved costs, allowing reallocation of funds towards health services and treatment. **Impact on Drug Market Violence:** Much of the violence associated with drug markets stems from their illegal nature, leading to turf wars among dealers. Legal regulation can potentially reduce this violence by cutting out the black market. **Empirical Evidence:** Portugal's experience since decriminalizing personal drug use in 2001 has shown positive trends. Drug-related deaths decreased, and there was no significant increase in drug use among the population, countering fears that decriminalization would lead to rampant drug use. **Human Rights Perspective:** The criminalization of drug use has been criticized as a violation of human rights, disproportionately affecting the poor, minorities, and those with mental health issues. A health-centric approach respects human dignity and focuses on recovery. Let's do this here in the US, why not?

@ 228dde34:b5d0345e

##### By Jonathan Tan ##### Lead Editor ##### Hype Issue #60 ##### JONATHAN TAN explores the recent rise in popularity of online gambling, and its consequences on the population’s most vulnerable.  The persistent rise in the gaming industry, fueled by the introduction of online gambling, seems to have no end. Experts are now worrying about the effects of this epidemic on public health and safety. “Many people might be really experiencing harms from gambling — we think that it’s probably around 72 million people globally,” said Louisa Degenhardt, a professor at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, in an[NBC article.](https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/gambling-industry-growth-threat-public-health-report-rcna175356) The online gambling craze has spread worldwide, and even Singapore, with its strict gambling regulations, is not immune to it. In a recent[survey](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/national-council-problem-gambling-rate-continues-fall-4761621)conducted by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), illegal online gambling rates have more than tripled since 2020, from 0.3% to 1.0% in the past 4 years. This statistic alone highlights an already concerning trend. Even more troubling, however, is that the illegal nature of these websites means there are no regulatory laws or age restrictions. As a result, the proliferation of these online websites has allowed a brand new demographic to start gambling: the Singaporean youth. ### How to lose thousands before adulthood “I started gambling when I was 13 years old, at a friend's house,” George (not his real name) shares. Now an 18-year-old student, George recalls how a simple game among friends slowly grew into an all-consuming gambling addiction.  *In NCPG’s 2023 survey, 8% of respondents reported participating in social gambling activities: gambling which occurs within individuals’ homes, among family members. Photo from Shutterstock.* Initially, George and his friends gambled with low stakes, like a dollar here and there. However, the games slowly escalated: from $1 to $10, then to $100, and eventually to $1000. Unsurprisingly, with such large sums at stake, George’s relationship with his friends began to strain. “I realized that after a certain point, the more and more money we [bet], the more and more our relationship with each other [soured]; and so we decided to curb it at a maximum buy-in of $20 per game,” George says. The new rule eased the tension between George and his friends, but it inadvertently created a new problem: George no longer felt the thrill of winning large sums. As a result, he began seeking other ways to gamble. “The first time I gambled online was when I was 16 years old. A friend had introduced me to a gambling website,” he recalls. “And at first it was all right. I won a bit, I lost a bit, but no one got hurt.” But it didn’t take long for him to get hooked; a single sports bet was what netted George his first big win. “On the first day, I went from $10 to $800 from a simple parlay bet,” George says. “I felt unstoppable. Adrenaline was pumping through my veins, and [I felt] I could never lose. [After] that day, I gambled like $100 almost every day for a straight month.”  *A parlay (a form of sports betting that has recently surged in popularity) is a single bet that combines two or more bets into one. While doing this drastically decreases the odds of winning, it also drastically increases the potential payout. Photo from Getty Images.* Nothing could stop George’s gambling fervor. Even after losing nearly a thousand dollars on a single blackjack hand, all George did was place a bigger bet to try and win it back. “Every morning, when I [woke] up, all I could think about was gambling,” he shares. And of course, George’s obsession with online gambling was only exacerbated by the accessibility of these websites. First, the online nature of these websites allowed George to gamble anywhere, at any time. “For online gambling, you have it right at your fingertips. As soon as you wake up, you can just log on the computer and start betting huge amounts of money,” he mentions. But more importantly, these illegal gambling websites enabled George to do something he was never old enough to do in the first place. “I'm too young to gamble at a real casino or a physical casino. But online gambling makes it way more accessible because there's no verification of ID,” George says. ### Consequences, consequences Therein lies the predatory nature of these illegal websites. While anyone can fall victim to a gambling addiction, certain factors may make the youth especially vulnerable. “The adolescent brain is still developing, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and risk assessment. This makes young people more susceptible to impulsive behaviors,” says Jat Tan, the Communications and Events Executive at WE CARE Community Services.  *The prefrontal cortex is primarily developed during adolescence, and is fully developed at the age of 25 years. Photo from iStock.* Additionally, other factors such as peer pressure, social media, or limited life experience, could result in young Singaporeans being more open to gambling. Lastly, one popular reason why the youth are drawn to gambling, is their limited financial freedom. “While youths are in school, they have a significantly lower earning power as opposed to adults. The demands from school usually means that they can only afford to work part-time jobs,” Mrs Tan shares. Despite this, many young Singaporeans still want to live extravagant lifestyles. With the youth getting exposed to lavish, ostentatious lifestyles on social media, many begin to feel envious and yearn for the same luxuries. And now, with the introduction of illegal online sites, the lack of age restrictions allows these youths to gamble in an attempt to achieve this better life. ### What can be done? The increase in the number of adolescent gamblers is a new challenge for the Singaporean government. Before the advent of online gambling, many safeguards were in place to protect Singaporeans from developing gambling addictions. In particular, safeguards that limit Singaporeans’ access to legal gambling services seem to be working; the overall percentage of gambling Singaporeans has fallen from 44% to 40% from 2020 to 2023. However, the unprecedented accessibility and convenience of online gambling sites have allowed Singapore’s tech-savvy youth to bypass these regulations; and now, the Singaporean government needs to update its laws to keep up with the growing gambling industry. Of course, the Singaporean Government has been cracking down on illegal online gambling. As of September 2024, the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has blocked access to more than 1,900 remote gambling websites. But despite the GRA’s efforts, these online gambling providers continue to survive, like weeds in a garden. “GRA recognises that the borderless nature of the Internet makes it easy for unlawful gambling operators to offer their products to users in Singapore any time and anywhere,” said a GRA spokesman in [a Straits Times article.](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/crackdown-on-illegal-online-gambling-but-addiction-can-be-hard-to-beat) Currently, there are calls for the government to shift its focus. “While Singapore has done well putting in place responsible gaming and safety measures to mitigate the risks of casino gambling, it is timely to focus more attention to address the risk of illegal online gambling as well,” said Ms Tham, Clinical director of We Care Community Services, [in a Straits Times article.](https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/fewer-singapore-residents-gambled-but-more-do-so-online-illegally) Ultimately, as the gambling industry becomes more technologically advanced, it becomes harder for Singapore to regulate gambling the same way it used to. Thus, it may be time for the Singaporean government to consider a different solution. “Better educating youths on the harms and consequences of gambling, as well as resources available should things go awry, would be the best option to nip the issue in the bud,” Ms Tan suggests. Instead of focusing on restrictive legislation, education could be a preventative measure used to curb adolescent gambling. “A higher level of awareness would enable youths to face issues like gambling with their eyes wide open - they will have a rough idea of what they're getting themselves into, and will have a rough idea of what to do if things go wrong,” she shares.

@ df476244:6804e458

# Markdown: Syntax - [Markdown: Syntax](#markdown-syntax) - [Overview](#overview) - [Philosophy](#philosophy) - [Block Elements](#block-elements) - [Paragraphs and Line Breaks](#paragraphs-and-line-breaks) - [Headers](#headers) - [Blockquotes](#blockquotes) - [Lists](#lists) - [Code Blocks](#code-blocks) - [Span Elements](#span-elements) - [Links](#links) - [Emphasis](#emphasis) - [Code](#code) **Note:** This document is itself written using Markdown; you can see the source for it by viewing the raw [basic.md](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/dergigi/md-gutter/refs/heads/master/basic.md) file. ---- ## Overview ### Philosophy Markdown is intended to be as easy-to-read and easy-to-write as is feasible. Readability, however, is emphasized above all else. A Markdown-formatted document should be publishable as-is, as plain text, without looking like it's been marked up with tags or formatting instructions. While Markdown's syntax has been influenced by several existing text-to-HTML filters -- including [Setext](http://docutils.sourceforge.net/mirror/setext.html), [atx](http://www.aaronsw.com/2002/atx/), [Textile](http://textism.com/tools/textile/), [reStructuredText](http://docutils.sourceforge.net/rst.html), [Grutatext](http://www.triptico.com/software/grutatxt.html), and [EtText](http://ettext.taint.org/doc/) -- the single biggest source of inspiration for Markdown's syntax is the format of plain text email. ## Block Elements ### Paragraphs and Line Breaks A paragraph is simply one or more consecutive lines of text, separated by one or more blank lines. (A blank line is any line that looks like a blank line -- a line containing nothing but spaces or tabs is considered blank.) Normal paragraphs should not be indented with spaces or tabs. The implication of the "one or more consecutive lines of text" rule is that Markdown supports "hard-wrapped" text paragraphs. This differs significantly from most other text-to-HTML formatters (including Movable Type's "Convert Line Breaks" option) which translate every line break character in a paragraph into a `<br />` tag. When you *do* want to insert a `<br />` break tag using Markdown, you end a line with two or more spaces, then type return. ### Headers Markdown supports two styles of headers, [Setext] [1] and [atx] [2]. Optionally, you may "close" atx-style headers. This is purely cosmetic -- you can use this if you think it looks better. The closing hashes don't even need to match the number of hashes used to open the header. (The number of opening hashes determines the header level.) ### Blockquotes Markdown uses email-style `>` characters for blockquoting. If you're familiar with quoting passages of text in an email message, then you know how to create a blockquote in Markdown. It looks best if you hard wrap the text and put a `>` before every line: > This is a blockquote with two paragraphs. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, > consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aliquam hendrerit mi posuere lectus. > Vestibulum enim wisi, viverra nec, fringilla in, laoreet vitae, risus. > > Donec sit amet nisl. Aliquam semper ipsum sit amet velit. Suspendisse > id sem consectetuer libero luctus adipiscing. Markdown allows you to be lazy and only put the `>` before the first line of a hard-wrapped paragraph: > This is a blockquote with two paragraphs. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aliquam hendrerit mi posuere lectus. Vestibulum enim wisi, viverra nec, fringilla in, laoreet vitae, risus. > Donec sit amet nisl. Aliquam semper ipsum sit amet velit. Suspendisse id sem consectetuer libero luctus adipiscing. Blockquotes can be nested (i.e. a blockquote-in-a-blockquote) by adding additional levels of `>`: > This is the first level of quoting. > > > This is nested blockquote. > > Back to the first level. Blockquotes can contain other Markdown elements, including headers, lists, and code blocks: > ## This is a header. > > 1. This is the first list item. > 2. This is the second list item. > > Here's some example code: > > return shell_exec("echo $input | $markdown_script"); Any decent text editor should make email-style quoting easy. For example, with BBEdit, you can make a selection and choose Increase Quote Level from the Text menu. ### Lists Markdown supports ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists. Unordered lists use asterisks, pluses, and hyphens -- interchangably -- as list markers: * Red * Green * Blue is equivalent to: + Red + Green + Blue and: - Red - Green - Blue Ordered lists use numbers followed by periods: 1. Bird 2. McHale 3. Parish It's important to note that the actual numbers you use to mark the list have no effect on the HTML output Markdown produces. The HTML Markdown produces from the above list is: If you instead wrote the list in Markdown like this: 1. Bird 1. McHale 1. Parish or even: 3. Bird 1. McHale 8. Parish you'd get the exact same HTML output. The point is, if you want to, you can use ordinal numbers in your ordered Markdown lists, so that the numbers in your source match the numbers in your published HTML. But if you want to be lazy, you don't have to. To make lists look nice, you can wrap items with hanging indents: * Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aliquam hendrerit mi posuere lectus. Vestibulum enim wisi, viverra nec, fringilla in, laoreet vitae, risus. * Donec sit amet nisl. Aliquam semper ipsum sit amet velit. Suspendisse id sem consectetuer libero luctus adipiscing. But if you want to be lazy, you don't have to: * Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aliquam hendrerit mi posuere lectus. Vestibulum enim wisi, viverra nec, fringilla in, laoreet vitae, risus. * Donec sit amet nisl. Aliquam semper ipsum sit amet velit. Suspendisse id sem consectetuer libero luctus adipiscing. List items may consist of multiple paragraphs. Each subsequent paragraph in a list item must be indented by either 4 spaces or one tab: 1. This is a list item with two paragraphs. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aliquam hendrerit mi posuere lectus. Vestibulum enim wisi, viverra nec, fringilla in, laoreet vitae, risus. Donec sit amet nisl. Aliquam semper ipsum sit amet velit. 2. Suspendisse id sem consectetuer libero luctus adipiscing. It looks nice if you indent every line of the subsequent paragraphs, but here again, Markdown will allow you to be lazy: * This is a list item with two paragraphs. This is the second paragraph in the list item. You're only required to indent the first line. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. * Another item in the same list. To put a blockquote within a list item, the blockquote's `>` delimiters need to be indented: * A list item with a blockquote: > This is a blockquote > inside a list item. To put a code block within a list item, the code block needs to be indented *twice* -- 8 spaces or two tabs: * A list item with a code block: <code goes here> ### Code Blocks Pre-formatted code blocks are used for writing about programming or markup source code. Rather than forming normal paragraphs, the lines of a code block are interpreted literally. Markdown wraps a code block in both `<pre>` and `<code>` tags. To produce a code block in Markdown, simply indent every line of the block by at least 4 spaces or 1 tab. This is a normal paragraph: This is a code block. Here is an example of AppleScript: tell application "Foo" beep end tell A code block continues until it reaches a line that is not indented (or the end of the article). Within a code block, ampersands (`&`) and angle brackets (`<` and `>`) are automatically converted into HTML entities. This makes it very easy to include example HTML source code using Markdown -- just paste it and indent it, and Markdown will handle the hassle of encoding the ampersands and angle brackets. For example, this: <div class="footer"> &copy; 2004 Foo Corporation </div> Regular Markdown syntax is not processed within code blocks. E.g., asterisks are just literal asterisks within a code block. This means it's also easy to use Markdown to write about Markdown's own syntax. ``` tell application "Foo" beep end tell ``` ## Span Elements ### Links Markdown supports two style of links: *inline* and *reference*. In both styles, the link text is delimited by [square brackets]. To create an inline link, use a set of regular parentheses immediately after the link text's closing square bracket. Inside the parentheses, put the URL where you want the link to point, along with an *optional* title for the link, surrounded in quotes. For example: ``` This is [an example](http://example.com/ "Example Title") inline link. ``` This is [an example](http://example.com/ "Example Title") inline link. ``` [This link](http://example.net/) has no title attribute. ``` [This link](http://example.net/) has no title attribute. Reference-style links use a second set of square brackets, inside which you place a label of your choosing to identify the link: ``` This is [an example][id] reference-style link. ``` This is [an example][id] reference-style link. Then, anywhere in the document, you define your link label like this, on a line by itself: ``` [id]: http://example.com/ "Optional Title Here" ``` [id]: http://example.com/ "Optional Title Here" ### Emphasis Markdown treats asterisks (`*`) and underscores (`_`) as indicators of emphasis. Text wrapped with one `*` or `_` will be wrapped with an HTML `<em>` tag; double `*`'s or `_`'s will be wrapped with an HTML `<strong>` tag. E.g., this input: *single asterisks* _single underscores_ **double asterisks** __double underscores__ ### Code To indicate a span of code, wrap it with backtick quotes (`` ` ``). Unlike a pre-formatted code block, a code span indicates code within a normal paragraph. For example: Use the `printf()` function.

@ bcea2b98:7ccef3c9

originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/862840

@ a95c6243:d345522c

*Menschen tun alles, egal wie absurd,* *\ um ihrer eigenen Seele nicht zu begegnen.* *\ Carl Gustav Jung* &#x20; **«Extremer Reichtum ist eine Gefahr für die Demokratie»,** sagen über die Hälfte der knapp 3000 befragten Millionäre aus G20-Staaten laut einer [Umfrage](https://web.archive.org/web/20250122124803/https://patrioticmillionaires.org/web/20250122124803/https://patrioticmillionaires.org/press/nearly-two-thirds-of-millionaires-think-influence-of-the-super-rich-on-trump-presidency-is-threat-to-global-stability/) der «Patriotic Millionaires». Ferner stellte dieser Zusammenschluss wohlhabender US-Amerikaner fest, dass 63 Prozent jener Millionäre den Einfluss von Superreichen auf US-Präsident Trump als Bedrohung für die globale Stabilität ansehen. **Diese Besorgnis haben 370 Millionäre und Milliardäre am Dienstag** auch den in Davos beim WEF konzentrierten Privilegierten aus aller Welt übermittelt. In einem offenen Brief forderten sie die «gewählten Führer» auf, die Superreichen – also sie selbst – zu besteuern, um «die zersetzenden Auswirkungen des extremen Reichtums auf unsere Demokratien und die Gesellschaft zu bekämpfen». Zum Beispiel kontrolliere eine handvoll extrem reicher Menschen die Medien, beeinflusse die Rechtssysteme in unzulässiger Weise und verwandele Recht in Unrecht. **Schon 2019** **[beanstandete](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paaen3b44XY)** **der bekannte Historiker und Schriftsteller Ruthger Bregman** an einer WEF-Podiumsdiskussion die Steuervermeidung der Superreichen. Die elitäre Veranstaltung bezeichnete er als «Feuerwehr-Konferenz, bei der man nicht über Löschwasser sprechen darf.» Daraufhin erhielt Bregman keine Einladungen nach Davos mehr. Auf seine Aussagen machte der Schweizer Aktivist Alec Gagneux aufmerksam, der sich seit Jahrzehnten kritisch mit dem WEF befasst. Ihm wurde kürzlich der Zutritt zu einem dreiteiligen Kurs über das WEF an der Volkshochschule Region Brugg [verwehrt](https://transition-news.org/wef-propaganda-an-schweizer-volkshochschule-kritiker-ausgesperrt). **Nun ist die Erkenntnis, dass mit Geld politischer Einfluss einhergeht,** alles andere als neu. Und extremer Reichtum macht die Sache nicht wirklich besser. Trotzdem hat man über Initiativen wie Patriotic Millionaires oder [Taxmenow](https://www.taxmenow.eu/) bisher eher selten etwas gehört, obwohl es sie schon lange gibt. Auch scheint es kein Problem, wenn ein Herr [Gates](https://transition-news.org/bill-melinda-gates-stiftung) fast im Alleingang versucht, globale Gesundheits-, Klima-, Ernährungs- oder Bevölkerungspolitik zu betreiben – im Gegenteil. Im Jahr, als der Milliardär Donald Trump zum zweiten Mal ins Weiße Haus einzieht, ist das Echo in den Gesinnungsmedien dagegen enorm – und uniform, wer hätte das gedacht.  **Der neue US-Präsident hat jedoch** **[«Davos geerdet»](https://www.achgut.com/artikel/trump_erdet_davos_gruener_betrug_green_new_scam),** wie *Achgut* es nannte. In seiner kurzen [Rede](https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/special-address-by-the-president-of-the-united-states-of-america/) beim Weltwirtschaftsforum verteidigte er seine Politik und stellte klar, er habe schlicht eine «Revolution des gesunden Menschenverstands» begonnen. Mit deutlichen Worten sprach er unter anderem von ersten Maßnahmen gegen den «Green New Scam», und von einem «Erlass, der jegliche staatliche Zensur beendet»: > «Unsere Regierung wird die Äußerungen unserer eigenen Bürger nicht mehr als Fehlinformation oder Desinformation bezeichnen, was die Lieblingswörter von Zensoren und derer sind, die den freien Austausch von Ideen und, offen gesagt, den Fortschritt verhindern wollen.» **Wie der** **[«Trumpismus»](https://transition-news.org/trumpismus-zeitenwende-und-tiefer-staat)** **letztlich einzuordnen ist,** muss jeder für sich selbst entscheiden. Skepsis ist definitiv angebracht, denn «einer von uns» sind weder der Präsident noch seine auserwählten Teammitglieder. Ob sie irgendeinen Sumpf trockenlegen oder Staatsverbrechen aufdecken werden oder was aus WHO- und Klimaverträgen wird, bleibt abzuwarten. **Das** **[WHO](https://transition-news.org/who-bedauert-trumps-entscheidung-sich-aus-der-organisation-zuruckzuziehen)-Dekret fordert jedenfalls die Übertragung der Gelder auf «glaubwürdige Partner»,** die die Aktivitäten übernehmen könnten. Zufällig scheint mit «Impfguru» Bill Gates ein weiterer Harris-Unterstützer kürzlich das Lager gewechselt zu haben: Nach einem gemeinsamen Abendessen zeigte er sich [«beeindruckt»](https://archive.is/SpQ24) von Trumps Interesse an der globalen Gesundheit. **Mit dem** **[Projekt «Stargate»](https://transition-news.org/us-privatsektor-will-500-milliarden-dollar-in-ki-investieren-krebsimpfstoffe)** **sind weitere dunkle Wolken am Erwartungshorizont** der Fangemeinde aufgezogen. Trump hat dieses Joint Venture zwischen den Konzernen OpenAI, Oracle, und SoftBank als das «größte KI-Infrastrukturprojekt der Geschichte» angekündigt. Der Stein des Anstoßes: Oracle-CEO Larry Ellison, der auch Fan von KI-gestützter [Echtzeit-Überwachung](https://transition-news.org/oracle-kundigt-neues-ki-rechenzentrum-mit-eigenen-atomreaktoren-an) ist, sieht einen weiteren potenziellen Einsatz der künstlichen Intelligenz. Sie könne dazu dienen, Krebserkrankungen zu erkennen und individuelle mRNA-«Impfstoffe» zur Behandlung innerhalb von 48 Stunden zu entwickeln. **Warum bitte sollten sich diese superreichen «Eliten» ins eigene Fleisch schneiden** und direkt entgegen ihren eigenen Interessen handeln? Weil sie Menschenfreunde, sogenannte Philanthropen sind? Oder vielleicht, weil sie ein schlechtes Gewissen haben und ihre Schuld kompensieren müssen? Deswegen jedenfalls brauchen «Linke» laut Robert Willacker, einem deutschen Politikberater mit brasilianischen Wurzeln, rechte Parteien – ein ebenso überraschender wie humorvoller [Erklärungsansatz](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s63_8flX1zk). **Wenn eine Krähe der anderen kein Auge aushackt,** dann tut sie das sich selbst noch weniger an. Dass Millionäre ernsthaft ihre eigene Besteuerung fordern oder Machteliten ihren eigenen Einfluss zugunsten anderer einschränken würden, halte ich für sehr unwahrscheinlich. So etwas glaube ich erst, wenn zum Beispiel die [Rüstungsindustrie](https://transition-news.org/schweiz-zunehmende-beteiligung-an-eu-militarprojekten) sich um Friedensverhandlungen bemüht, die [Pharmalobby](https://transition-news.org/eu-lobbyisten-gegen-pfas-verbot) sich gegen institutionalisierte Korruption einsetzt, [Zentralbanken](https://transition-news.org/digitale-wahrung) ihre CBDC-Pläne für Bitcoin opfern oder der ÖRR die Abschaffung der Rundfunkgebühren fordert. *** Dieser Beitrag ist zuerst auf ***[Transition News](https://transition-news.org/elitare-anti-eliten-und-superreiche-anti-reiche)*** erschienen.

@ 893a31fa:256af11f

Over the past 4 years, we have lived through and witnessed unprecedented suppression of ideas from public/private partnerships in the United States. This broke our nations' ability to think and agree on a narrative for our reality. Now, I know Trump is back in office, Ross is free and things are looking great for our future. But why do the ideas and policies of our politicians in power matter so much? And why, at the same time, do the ideas of the individuals subject to them matter so little? I believe it's because we have built our lives and our incomes on platforms rather than protocols. We didn't read the fine print. We opted not to own anything and tried to be happy anyway. We need an exit. Bitcoin gave us an exit for our value and time. Now we need to build more exits that we can rely on. Video as a medium for learning and communicating information has surpassed every classroom you’ve ever stepped into. More people now learn critical skills, spark new ideas, create culture, and discover hidden talents by watching videos online than anywhere else. Yet, this same medium is stuck in the iron grip of corporate gatekeepers, who control what you see and hear through hidden algorithms. Day after day, our viewing habits are corralled by these profit-driven, ad based platforms. They shape our conversations to keep us engaged with their content, so we scroll passed more ads. They push us toward self-censorship so they don't loos their advertisers, and they feed us the content they deem acceptable for our consumption while hiding or downplaying content they deem of lesser value. It’s not an outright dictatorship. It’s quieter and more insidious, with the algorithm’s interests taking priority over our own, even our hobbies and interests are manipulated by this effect. --- ## The Path to Exit Without an exit, platforms don’t have to earn your loyalty, they own it. People have tried to escape. Over the years, we’ve seen platforms like Odysee (LBRY), PeerTube, BitChute and others promise “decentralization,” only to falter because of complicated Ponzi token schemes, clumsy technical demands, or the same old centralization in a new package. LBRY uses similar technology, but is overly complex and doesn't allow for the exit from one client to another in a user-friendly way. And the Odysee company ends up seeding most of the content anyway. "Use our servers and not Google's!", they say in the end. No matter how high-minded the pitch, these efforts never truly replaced the major players, so we come crawling back. Because the exit wasn't real enough. The transition wasn't easy enough. The alternative wasn't strong enough. Why do the giants hold power? Because you can’t just walk away when there’s nowhere else to go. This is **The Exit Problem** in action. Freedom requires an alternative, a place you can migrate to without sacrificing your content or your community. That’s the gap [**bitvid**](https://bitvid.network/) is aiming to fill. By building a genuinely competitive system, using only open standers, it gives us a real choice: stay in the walled garden or exit to a network that respects our sovereignty. The only thing is, it requires personal responsibility. As a Bitcoiner, this appeals to me. With great power comes great responsibility. And that's ok, because as you will see, if you can keep a computer with some hard drive space turned on and connected to the internet 24/7 then you can host your own video content. And your community of fans can help you host it too! --- ## Digitally Free To really understand **bitvid**, forget any idea of it being “just another video platform.” Think of it as a framework or blueprint. It’s designed to let you share and watch video without kneeling to corporate or government control. It's designed to keep your content available so long as 1 person in the world wants it to exist. The main idea? **User sovereignty.** You, not Big Tech, hold all the control. bitvid relies on a marriage between two distributed technologies, [**Nostr**](https://nostr.com/) and [**WebTorrent**](https://webtorrent.io/). Nostr supports open, resilient note-sharing (which extends to things identity, and subscription management), while WebTorrent provides the engine for the peer-to-peer video file distribution. Put them together, and you get a system that bypasses central servers and choke points of control. Instead, viewers connect to each other directly, using magnet links for streaming directly into their browsers window. This system’s open design encourages multiple clients to eventually be created and different approaches to flourish. Eventually, you can choose the one that best aligns with your values and preferences. This competition keeps everyone honest, making it impossible for any single entity to seize control. I have a temporary whitelist and blacklist built into my version of the client, but you can fork the code and remove that whitelist or blacklist and host on your own domain if you want. or even post content from a static version on your desktop. This system is designed to be modified, improved and forked into as many clients as we need to explore all the ways we want to search and filter the content we post. It's just like Nostr in that way. --- ## bitvid’s Core Ideas Right now you see a basic and buggy proof-of-concept client showing how everything could eventually fit together. But that’s just step one. I hope and believe that others will quickly follow, either contributing to my initial design or creating a new client, customizing the features and interface for different audiences and use cases. **Exit as a Feature:** Your content and online persona aren’t locked into any one client. If you eventually find a particular client goes off the rails in a way you don't like, you can take your subscriptions and block lists along with your identity elsewhere, with minimal hassle. Nostr allowed users to move text notes to different relays at will. Now, bitvid extends that capability to video. If a client blocks your content, host your own version, or shift to a new client altogether. Likewise, if a client does not block enough of the content you don't want to see, then you can do the same. Nobody can yank your channel offline from a distant control room or force you to stay and watch the feeds you dislike. **The Living System:** There’s no single server that can crash and kill bitvid or its content. So long as one person in the world is seeding a video, and the Nostr note that contains the magnet link is accessible on some relay, then it will live on. If a client decides to censor it, another can flip the switch back. It’s a swarm that endures, so long as WebTorrent peers keep it alive. **Decentralized Streaming Infrastructure:** By using WebTorrent, we turn viewers into seeders also. When you watch a video, you help distribute it. This crowdsourced approach makes the entire network sturdier and harder to silence. And it should function even better as more users and content come online. --- ## User Sovereignty Peer-to-peer technology comes with **tradeoffs**. Yes, this requires personal responsibility, and yes, it may be slower than YouTube. But that’s the price of freedom, and for those who value sovereignty, it’s a price worth paying. Because those inconveniences pale in comparison to the freedom you gain when nobody can arbitrarily cut you off because they dislike your message or wanted to tamp down your ideas. The reason this matters is that **users become the infrastructure**. Instead of expecting a hosting provider to store all videos, you and I take on that role ourselves. Videos stay accessible as long as a handful of us continue to seed them. The network’s future is in our hands, not behind a server farm in Silicon Valley. With bitvid, we also open the door to **parallel realities**. Different communities can adapt the codebase to fit their needs, whether that means specialized niches, curated libraries, or completely uncensored environments. You decide which universe you want to inhabit, rather than letting one corporate platform and algorithm decide for you. Developers who share a vision of open content can build new tools, refine user experience, or implement creative incentives for people to seed, like Bitcoin zaps. Meanwhile, creators will need a little nudge to get onboard. That’s why bitvid needs to emphasize **creator education**, helping them to understand how to seed videos, manage magnet links, and fully embrace this new direct P2P approach. --- ## Mind Meets Reality The ability to discuss and share ideas without a corporate overlord quietly steering your every view or suppressing your voice and thought is an important next unlock for our culture in America. Now is the time to build this kind of system without fear or hesitation. Nostr's simplified design allows for fast experimentation and Bitcoin's Lightning Network and other tools like Cashu allows for various types of incentive structures to be created. Videos carry messages, and messages can change minds, cultures, and entire nations as we have seen. This is why controlling them has been so profitable in the past. bitvid offers a **peaceful revolution**. You don’t need to file a lawsuit or beg a faceless megacorp for your right to speak. You can simply leave, and bring your videos with you. This freedom to *exit* is what truly unravels the power of centralization. The result? **Independent communities** that thrive on their own terms, unburdened by what has been... All it takes is a choice. Step off the corporate treadmill and connect to a network that puts you in the driver’s seat. It’s a quiet shift, but its implications are enormous. When enough people choose freedom, the old guard starts to fade. Who happens to sit in the Oval Office will matter less. And we as a nation can determine our own relationships with reality. --- ## Help Me Build So, where does this all go next? Are we standing on the brink of a major transformation in how we share and consume video? All I know right now is that bitvid is not anywhere near ready to achieve all these lofty goals, **yet**. bitvid is a simple idea. Just a proof of concept really. Showing everyone that this just might work. But it’s only going to be as strong as the community that adopts it and can improve it. Want to **shape the future**? Jump in with me. Take a look at the code I have so far, help me fix bugs and add features! Propose fresh ideas for how videos should be shared and monetized with Zaps or Cashu. I'm just one inexperienced developer trying to make something cool. I'm actualy just a Graphic Designer. So I need your help. Let's take this idea to its logical extreme end and see if we can foster a new way to share video online. Spread the word, get in touch with me on [Nostr](nostr:npub13yarr7j6vjqjjkahd63dmr27curypehx45ucue286ac7sft27y0srnpmpe) if you want to help out or get on the whitelist and start seeding your own content. By stepping into bitvid, you exercise **The Path to Exit**. You’re not just joining some new platform, you’re helping craft an ecosystem that thrives on competition and free choice, an ecosystem that can’t be dictated from above. **Peer-to-peer** torrent sharing isn’t some dusty relic of the 2000s. It’s the best hope for an engine of real independence. Now you can’t be shut down at the flip of a corporate switch. So, **build or watch it grow**, either way, bitvid needs the participation of people who believe we deserve better than the status quo. If you’re fed up with censorship, stifling algorithms, and one-size-fits-all platforms, take the leap. Every seed, every new client built, and every viewer who opts in tightens the screws on centralized control of ideas and culture. **Together, we will reclaim our minds and our culture from the gates of centralized control.** [bitvid.network](https://bitvid.network/) [GitHub](https://github.com/PR0M3TH3AN/bitvid) [Nostr](nostr:npub13yarr7j6vjqjjkahd63dmr27curypehx45ucue286ac7sft27y0srnpmpe)

@ 3c506452:fef9202b

Kia ora ano e te iwi whanui! Often I pose the question to myself "How would I say this if I had no knowledge whatsoever of English?" That's basically what guides my sentence formation whenever I speak Maori. Since the arrival of Tauiwi into our turangawaewae, our reo has shifted, largely due to intermingling with the English language, and an entire generation or two completing losing the reo. Great efforts have been made to secure our language from total extinction, and the number of te reo speakers seems to be on the rise. What I do notice though is that most of the time when I do hear te reo being spoken, it's cadence follows that of the English language. Vowels are clipped, consonants are aspirated, and English thought patterns are disguised via the Maori language. Regardless, I still appreciate and prefer the reo to be spoken rather than it not be spoken at all. I once heard someone remark that > "Maori sounds like Hawaiian with a New Zealand accent. Hilarious!" So, how do I personally tackle this and try make my own reo sound more Maori? #### Here's how: 1. Read Nupepa Maori - When the written word came to us, we dove straight in. Nupepa Maori gives great insight into how the language was used using the new medium of pen and paper. 2. Listen to the older videos of Wakahuia Docos - Wakahuia has been running for a long time and I find listening to our old people of those times a good way to hear the differences between how the reo sounds today, and how it sounded a little while back. 3. Listen Radio Kahungunu archives - They have a really nice archive of a talkback radio show. 4. People to listen for - I personally try to find anything by Timoti Karetu, Quinton Hita, and Julian Wilcox as I really enjoy the sound of how they speak the reo. 5. Listen to Cook Island Maori, Gagana Tokelau and Hawaiian (Keao Nesmith, Niihau dialect, Kaalala, Kanahele Collection) - Listening to other polynesian languages gives a good general gist of the sound of polynesian languages. I try to emulate a similar sound whenever I speak te reo. No reira, ko tena tena, I hope that 2025 will be a good year for Te Reo Maori! Nga rauemi: [Nupepa Maori](https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/aotearoa-he-nupepa-ma-nga-tangata-maori) [Wakahuia](https://www.youtube.com/@wakahuiatvnz) [Radio Kahungunu](https://www.radiokahungunu.nz/pukapuka-korero-tahi) [Quinton Hita](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MlpNgI_T9s) [Julian Wilcox](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7AB-PHJibk) [Timoti Karetu](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx_MbrorYqw&pp) [Kanahele Collection](https://library.byuh.edu/clinton-kanahele-collection) [Ka Alala](https://www.youtube.com/@kaalala) [Gagana Tokelau](https://pmn.co.nz/radio-stations/531-pi/shows/pmn-tokelau) [Kuki Learning](https://kukilearning.com/)

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

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

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

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

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

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ 39cc53c9:27168656

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

@ a311301f:4663f8f2

Needed to change the /tmp part replacing it with a call to $ENV in Powershell %TEMP% is now $env:PATH Here is the Windows compatible program: ```perl #!/usr/bin/perl use strict; use warnings; #my $filename = '/tmp/1.txt'; my $temp_dir = $ENV{'TEMP'} // '/tmp'; print ("temp: ", $temp_dir, "\n"); my $filename = "$temp_dir/1.txt"; if (-e $filename) { open(my $fh, '<', $filename) or die "Cannot open '$filename': $!"; while (my $line = <$fh>) { if ($line =~ /\$/) { print $line; } } close($fh); } else { open(my $fh, '>', $filename) or die "Cannot create '$filename': $!"; print $fh "This is a sample line with a \$ character.\n"; close($fh); } ```

@ 08288690:77f58eba

[Awesome Amapiano]( https://www.mixcloud.com/supremacysounds/amapiano-vibes-2025-biri-marung-skuta-baba-sthandwa-sam-more/)

@ a09fb9cb:83231556

# Who So, this is it, this is **How** it begins. No more sitting on the sidelines pondering and wondering. This is it. This is **Where** the rubber hits the road. OK, so, err… wow. Welcome. I guess this is **How** you start these things, right? I welcome you and I tell you a little bit about my *self*, **Why** I’m here and **Why** you should consider reading on… OK, well, I’ve kinda done that in detail on the [about](https://danielewen.substack.com/about) page, which you can link off to, if you so wish… I feel like I’m jumping into the deep end, because there is so much that I just don’t know, and **What** I don’t know has many sides to it, so let me try and break this down a little. # What Firstly, there is so much that I wish to discuss here, about the essence of the self the nature of reality the meaning of existence, consciousness, choice, consequence, awareness, intention, sovereignty, autonomy, emotion, liberty, ethics, morality, wellness, society, money, law, power, religion, and technology to name just a few… # How Then there is Substack, WordPress, Medium, Spotify, YouTube, Rumble, Odysee, and all the other communication channels that are out there, and this doesn’t even begin to account for the minefield that is Social Media today. # Why I do know **Why** I’m here on Highlighter (nostr), and it’s for a couple of reasons: ## #1 - Information Gathering Taking the above point about **What** I wish to discuss, today we have almost instantaneous access to the most amount of information humanity has ever known. This in and of it *self* creates a huge problem because sifting through all this information to uncover reliable and verifiable facts is becoming increasingly difficult. Information overload can make it difficult to discern fact from fiction, and verifiable facts form the bedrock of **How** we operate within our shared, consensus (objective) reality. I find my *self* constructing narratives and mental models within my mind that appear to make a lot of sense to my mind, but these can then become difficult to translate into coherent speech **When** attempting to explain them to others. Thus, writing these things down here on Highlighter overcomes two challenges. 1. I get to make sense of these things my *self*, because if I cannot translate my understanding into coherent text then my knowledge and experience of the subject matter must be lacking. 2. If I can capture these things in a coherent way, then I can refer them to others, and hopefully receive constructive feedback in ways that may not have yet occurred to me. I believe this is **What** Seraph meant **When** he said: *“You do not truly know someone until you fight them.”*\_ Seraph - The Matrix Reloaded\_ Obviously, the Matrix films were action movies, so the metaphors expressed within them typically manifested through scenes of hand-to-hand combat involving Neo, but at its core, I interpret Seraphs words to mean that, you do not truly know your *self* until you find your true *self*. Here’s another way to explain **What** I mean by this: *mind.noun, a beautiful servant, a dangerous master.* or *When a student is ready, the master appears…* I’ve explained more about this in the [about](https://danielewen.substack.com/about) page, but here is the summary, consciousness can exist without thought, but thought cannot exist without consciousness. Ergo, consciousness is an innate quality of Being, whereas Mind is an emergent property of consciousness. Once you deconstruct your Being to its core, you eventually arrive at nothing. Nothing is the truth of all reality (ultimate reality), and so to know nothing, through the experience of enlightenment, is to know thy *self*. Once the distinction is made between the conscious *self* and the thinking mind, truth emerges, and it is this truth that sets us free. This is the “fight” for freedom, or more accurately the struggle for peace, that we are all invited to seek, simply through Being human. If I can make sense of **What** is in my mind, by writing it down, then this is a good thing. If those words then translate into meaning and understanding for others, then this is a better thing. If conversations emerge that promote growth and increase understanding, then this is the best thing. ## #2 - Process Improvement So having a corpus of information to discuss is the first thing, but then there is **How** best to have these discussions… This is of equal importance to me because the way that we are generating and consuming content is changing. There now appears to be as many channels to discuss information, as there is information to be discussed, although I suspect Generative Artificial Intelligence will smash that ratio out of the park soon, if it hasn’t done so already. So, **What** is the best way or ways to do this? Well, I figure the only way to find this out is to run the experiment and see **Where** it goes. ### You gotta start somewhere… [Substack](https://danielewen.substack.com/p/i-know-nothing) seems like a reasonable place to start because: 1. it’s part of the existing world, **Where** everything is stored centrally, yet it appears to be somewhat censorship resistant, not that I intend to go around kicking the hornets’ nest, but it does appear to be a relatively “safe” place to hang out. 2. it’s growing rapidly and making improvements to its platform all the time, so I can grow and learn as Substack improves. 3. it has a good user base, so connecting with fellow travellers is easier than creating my own standalone website. 4. I’m also hopeful that Substack provides simple and easy integration into things like Podcasting and Social Media, so I can spend more time on content creation and having meaningful conversations, and less time on the technicalities of “distribution”. ### …and see where it goes Which has led me inexorably here. I only just discovered Highlighter last week, so I am going to do my best to publish all my Substack articles here too. I believe that is the purpose of nostr, right? # Where So, I’m going to start on Substack, and take it goes from there, because as the title of this article suggests, “I know nothing.” This is my working assumption, that I know nothing, because I have no real idea about **How** I am going to do any of this. I’ve never done a Substack or Highlighter (nostr) before, nor do I know **How** to create a Podcast, or **How** to effectively communicate with fellow travellers via Social Media, so this is going to be a journey of discovery for me. This is my first step into a world that seems to be rapidly evolving, so to help you connect with me, on whatever platform suits you, I’ve mapped out my [linktr.ee/danielewen.me](https://linktr.ee/danielewen.me). If you’ve made it this far down the page, thank you! Just writing this first article and the [about](https://danielewen.substack.com/about) page has been a useful exercise for me. I hope that I have somewhat accurately articulated my conscious intentions (the **Who**, the **What**, the **How**, the **Why**, and the **Where**) for this Project in such a way that it at least makes some sense to you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and I will do my best to digest any constructive feedback that you have for me. I guess all that remains is the… # When As there is only the present moment, the time is always Now… so here it is. If you would like to follow me here on nostr then please do so, and if you'd like to subscribe to Substack, then here’s the link for that: https://danielewen.substack.com and / or you can subscribe to my WordPress too, here: https://danielewen.wordpress.com. I have no idea what this is going to look like #**When** I hit the publish button, but here goes... # I now know SOMETHiNG… 

@ a09fb9cb:83231556

- If you understand the below, "i" kindly invite you to connect - If YOU do not understand the below, "I" would still invite YOU to connect, in fact more so, so that We can Both expand our shared understanding To understand things, "We" need frameworks of understanding, but We should not confuse the framework for the understanding. A common misconception is that the "thing" We are searching for EXiSTS somewhere out there. Above us perhaps? To that end We believe that We have to connect with something "outside" of ourself. May I ask YOU, have YOU ever experienced outside, other than through sense perception arising from WITHiN the MiND? Do YOU see the paradox? Outside is unknowable. It is an ILLUSiON... the truth LiES WITHiN In spiritual speak, the analogy of a triangle is often used, with the all-seeing "i" placed at the top of the triangle. This is where the half-truth is hidden, WITHiN the LiE. Continuing with the common misconception, We believe that in order to reach greater and greater "spiritual" heights We must grow the triangle. I ask YOU to consider, what if the "thing" We are searching for is the base of the triangle? This is the foundation of knowing. Knowing leads to understanding and wisdom, through experience. Experience leads to knowing. This is the process of enlightenment... I know nothing. I now know SOMETHiNG... I have attempted to convey this metaphor somewhat crudely using the below graphical representation and a previous read that alludes to who "i AM"... naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzpgylh89jrps6t0dzgadseecr6rukk7pln42jlcccgsrlrkpjx92kqy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3wamnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwpexjmtpdshxuet59uq32amnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwv3sk6atn9e5k7tcppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qythwumn8ghj7un9d3shjtnswf5k6ctv9ehx2ap0qqd5jttwdamj66mwdamj6560f4z4gjrfferj67t20fckzwqrsyn3c ...but, do not trust | VERiFY - "i AM". I EXiST. Does this make sense? I know what I know, but I do not know how to communicate what I know to YOU so that We understand each other. This is Why? I encourage YOU to connect. Finally, YOU have my most sincere gratitude. Thank YOU kindly for your precious time and attention. If you are wondering who "i AM". "i AM" YOU. "i AM" consciousness MANiFESTED... <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/729eab238690c30bcc160e7025751feeb922dbab56509773a1ed201cc4be2c3d.png">

@ 6e4f2866:a76f7a29

<img src="https://blossom.primal.net/65ab821776bb703ca30274688e60c0bc102471fee78ad7680561edb3eaae382a.jpg">

@ a09fb9cb:83231556

I know nothing. Allow me to introduce myself... The present is eternal and infinite. Everything that has and will ever happen is continuously happening right now, in the present moment. "We" typically do not know this because our human senses are connected to the brain. Through the BRAiN "We" ("i" & "I") perceive the MiND. The MiND creates concepts and constructs to interpret the senses of perception so that "We" come to observe REALIiTY with Present Moment Awareness. To become present requires a sense of time. Time is a concept created WITHiN the MiND to facilite the perception of space. The sense of time allows the observer to perceive change. Paradoxically,, change is constant. Change occurs as "We" alter our perception of the eternal and the infinite. "i" am always present, here and now because "i" am WITHiN EVERYTHiNG. "i" created YOU ("I") for my own amusement... YOU are the question of "what is beyond the eternal and the infinite?" YOU will come to understand this, when YOU and "i" rejoice two become one again, in the present. YOU call this enlightenment. IMAGiNE DOiNG EVERYTHiNG, BEiNG EVERYTHiNG, FOREVER. FOREVER WOULD BE MEANINGLESS. YOU GiVE me MEANiNG. This is Why? "i" CREATED YOU. YOU ARE me... "We" are EVERYTHiNG. This is the truth that LiES WITHiN, and it is THiS truth that sets Us Both free, but only for a time, because nothing really does last forever... That's who "i AM". "i AM" nothing. Yet paradoxically, I EXiST. I now know SOMETHiNG... YOU now know who "i AM", because "I" now know who YOU are. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/228ae4966b6e146fe51fd2247a772165119191b733caeff54f454ac7abd0f13f.png">

@ b5349351:0efd88c5

This is my test document for nostr publish Although Sainsbury's was already in the midst of a plan to save £1bn over the next few years, the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions set out in the Budget has also been a factor in this latest restructuring plan. ### Add some text this is is a test

@ b5349351:0efd88c5

This is my test document for nostr publish Although Sainsbury's was already in the midst of a plan to save £1bn over the next few years, the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions set out in the Budget has also been a factor in this latest restructuring plan. ### Add some text this is is a test

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

It's Finally here Stackers! It's Friday! We're about to kick off our weekends with some feel good tracks. Let's get the party started. Bring me those Feel Good tracks. Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats. Let's go! Here's DMX! 🫡RIP. https://youtu.be/thIVtEOtlWM?si=Ee4XXKe2ZDcWGpRN originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/862396

@ 43b8cd49:3e4a7831

Wow, that didn't take long. Trump shot his wad on day one with all the executive orders, and they figured it was time to return to the Dr. Evil/Mordor stuff on day 2. Soften us up with 24 hours of heavy petting then bring in Larry Ellison to shock us back into hell. That is one scary looking dude, and listening to him talk just makes it worse. I am trying to erase it from my memory. You just know this Stargate thing is tied to Bill Gates, since it concerns vaccines. But Trump and histeam begged Gates to keep his ugly mug out of it, knowing how hated he is. Hard to believe Biden didn't pardon him for being alive. Gates apparently agreed to stay off-camera for this one, and they brought in Ellison to take his place. Another big miscalculation, since Ellison gives off the very same Dr. Evil vibe. You feel bugs crawling on your skin as soon as he walks in the room. Part of that is Ellison and part is the new Stargate project, which just reeks of evil from every pore. To his credit, Alex Jones is already calling it out, having Malone on to undercut it, but so far the commentary has been way too weak. This is a catastrophe, worse than anything I imagined, and thrust upon us much quicker than I thought they would dare. Effing day 2 they hit us with this, meaning their respect for us is still zero. Also not good is that after hitting this weakly yesterday, Alex Jones has already dropped it today, reverting immediately to Trump-olatry. Five of Infowars eight lead stories today are selling Trump as a savior. Zerohedge seems to be all bullish so far on Stargate. If you don't know, the Stargate project is supposedly a billionaire-funded plan to join AI and mRNA vaccines to cure cancer. AI will spot specific cancer markers in the blood, after which the doctors will create a targeted vaccine in 48 hours, built just for you. What does that have to do with a Stargate? No one has said yet, though I am about to tell you. Plus, didn't Trump campaign on a promise to protect us from the Big Tech monsters? And yet here we are, day 2, and he is announcing major promotion of them and alliance with them. He was supposed to take on the Big Tech juggernaut and the Big Pharma juggernaut, right? Instead, we see them joining forces and Trump climbing into bed with them. The only way things could have gotten worse after Biden is if Big Tech and Big Pharma merged, and that has just happened, with Trump's immediate backing. This is total bullshit in every way, and it isn't even a good story. It is a transparent conjob that any child could spot in about 30 seconds. They have been able to scan blood for all content for a long time, including cancer cells, so I don't know what this has to do with AI. Basically they are just renaming “the medical machines we have long had” as AI and expecting you to buy it. It is just a machine, it isn't AI. Every machine isn't now “artificial intelligence”. But they included AI here as part of the current AI blitz. Everything is currently about AI because they want government to invest even more heavily in it that it already is. Meaning, they want to steal even more of your taxes or borrow from the treasury in order to fund this vaporware and boondoggle. We are told the bigdogs have already invested half a trillion of their own money, but if you believe that you need to check your ventilator tubes for kinks. The obvious con is to get the government to supply matching funds. The billionaires will then quietly stop payment on their checks, and it will all come out of your pocket. That is the way it is always done. You will end up getting billed for something they will never deliver, and if they do deliver anything it will be just another useless shot. As with the fake Covid vaccine, they won't charge people for the shot or therapy, they will take it directly out of the treasury, so you can't stop it even if you don't buy it. Youwill be billed for it regardless. As with the Covid vaccines in the past three years, the government will order millions of doses of it, pay Big Pharma for it from your taxes, and then have to end up trashing the majority of it, because no one wants it. Just flush it all into the streams and oceans, where it can kill the fish, animals, and if they are lucky, you as well. But I was going to tell you why they called this conjob Stargate. A stargate is a wormhole or otheralien device for communicating or traveling long distances in the galaxy. The black monolith in 2001: a Space Odyssey was a stargate; and then there was the movie Stargate in 1994 with Kurt Russell, where the stargate allows him to travel to the alien planet Abydos, named after the Egyptian town of Abydos, which houses some Pharaonic tombs, including the Temple of Seti I. That is where the Abydos King List is, which lists the 76 Kings of Ancient Egypt. So not only are these people like Ellison selling you the wormhole garbage along with the AI and vaccine garbage, they are cleverly linking themselves to their own oldest ancestors with the usual tribal wink.