@ 58638ea8:a443a463

Obviously, bootstrapping your own LN node is hard, but it is also *fun*, because you get to understand how all the parts fit together, and it's what I do. But some people prefer apps like Strike, Phoenix, and others which you can download on your phone and open all the channels for you. Maybe because they don't have the budget of many hundredK's of sats required to open enough channels to be well-connected. Or maybe because it's just easier. The analogy perfectly fits with setting up your own software (or hardware) wallet instead of leaving your coins on an exchange. But that's quite an unsettling comparison because of how often exchanges fail. So at any rate, post in the replies your preference! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/854617

@ f9cf4e94:96abc355

Para esse exemplo iremos usar: | Nome | Imagem | Descrição | | --------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ | | Raspberry PI B+ |  | **Cortex-A53 (ARMv8) 64-bit a 1.4GHz e 1 GB de SDRAM LPDDR2,** | | Pen drive |  | **16Gb** | Recomendo que use o **Ubuntu Server** para essa instalação. Você pode baixar o Ubuntu para Raspberry Pi [aqui]( https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi). O passo a passo para a instalação do Ubuntu no Raspberry Pi está disponível [aqui]( https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/how-to-install-ubuntu-on-your-raspberry-pi). **Não instale um desktop** (como xubuntu, lubuntu, xfce, etc.). --- ## Passo 1: Atualizar o Sistema 🖥️ Primeiro, atualize seu sistema e instale o Tor: ```bash apt update apt install tor ``` --- ## Passo 2: Criar o Arquivo de Serviço `nrs.service` 🔧 Crie o arquivo de serviço que vai gerenciar o servidor Nostr. Você pode fazer isso com o seguinte conteúdo: ```unit [Unit] Description=Nostr Relay Server Service After=network.target [Service] Type=simple WorkingDirectory=/opt/nrs ExecStart=/opt/nrs/nrs-arm64 Restart=on-failure [Install] WantedBy=multi-user.target ``` --- ## Passo 3: Baixar o Binário do Nostr 🚀 Baixe o binário mais recente do Nostr [aqui no GitHub]( https://github.com/gabrielmoura/SimpleNosrtRelay/releases). --- ## Passo 4: Criar as Pastas Necessárias 📂 Agora, crie as pastas para o aplicativo e o pendrive: ```bash mkdir -p /opt/nrs /mnt/edriver ``` --- ## Passo 5: Listar os Dispositivos Conectados 🔌 Para saber qual dispositivo você vai usar, liste todos os dispositivos conectados: ```bash lsblk ``` --- ## Passo 6: Formatando o Pendrive 💾 Escolha o pendrive correto (por exemplo, `/dev/sda`) e formate-o: ```bash mkfs.vfat /dev/sda ``` --- ## Passo 7: Montar o Pendrive 💻 Monte o pendrive na pasta `/mnt/edriver`: ```bash mount /dev/sda /mnt/edriver ``` --- ## Passo 8: Verificar UUID dos Dispositivos 📋 Para garantir que o sistema monte o pendrive automaticamente, liste os UUID dos dispositivos conectados: ```bash blkid ``` --- ## Passo 9: Alterar o `fstab` para Montar o Pendrive Automáticamente 📝 Abra o arquivo `/etc/fstab` e adicione uma linha para o pendrive, com o UUID que você obteve no passo anterior. A linha deve ficar assim: ```fstab UUID=9c9008f8-f852 /mnt/edriver vfat defaults 0 0 ``` --- ## Passo 10: Copiar o Binário para a Pasta Correta 📥 Agora, copie o binário baixado para a pasta `/opt/nrs`: ```bash cp nrs-arm64 /opt/nrs ``` --- ## Passo 11: Criar o Arquivo de Configuração 🛠️ Crie o arquivo de configuração com o seguinte conteúdo e salve-o em `/opt/nrs/config.yaml`: ```yaml app_env: production info: name: Nostr Relay Server description: Nostr Relay Server pub_key: "" contact: "" url: http://localhost:3334 icon: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u= https://public.bnbstatic.com/image/cms/crawler/COINCU_NEWS/image-495-1024x569.png base_path: /mnt/edriver negentropy: true ``` --- ## Passo 12: Copiar o Serviço para o Diretório de Systemd ⚙️ Agora, copie o arquivo `nrs.service` para o diretório `/etc/systemd/system/`: ```bash cp nrs.service /etc/systemd/system/ ``` Recarregue os serviços e inicie o serviço `nrs`: ```bash systemctl daemon-reload systemctl enable --now nrs.service ``` --- ## Passo 13: Configurar o Tor 🌐 Abra o arquivo de configuração do Tor `/var/lib/tor/torrc` e adicione a seguinte linha: ```torrc HiddenServiceDir /var/lib/tor/nostr_server/ HiddenServicePort 80 127.0.0.1:3334 ``` --- ## Passo 14: Habilitar e Iniciar o Tor 🧅 Agora, ative e inicie o serviço Tor: ```bash systemctl enable --now tor.service ``` O Tor irá gerar um endereço `.onion` para o seu servidor Nostr. Você pode encontrá-lo no arquivo `/var/lib/tor/nostr_server/hostname`. --- ## Observações ⚠️ - Com essa configuração, **os dados serão salvos no pendrive**, enquanto o binário ficará no cartão SD do Raspberry Pi. - O endereço `.onion` do seu servidor Nostr será algo como: `ws://y3t5t5wgwjif<exemplo>h42zy7ih6iwbyd.onion`. --- Agora, seu servidor Nostr deve estar configurado e funcionando com Tor! 🥳 Se este artigo e as informações aqui contidas forem úteis para você, convidamos a considerar uma doação ao autor como forma de reconhecimento e incentivo à produção de novos conteúdos.

@ 783850fd:77511d32

This chocolate sauce recipe is easy to make at home. I hope you'll give this recipe a try. **Ingredients:** + 1 liter of milk + 150-200 g of wholemeal flour + 20-100 g of chocolate + a fruit* of your choice (or a sweet potato). Skip it if your plan is to serve the sauce over fruits. + some salt **Directions:** Add a pinch of salt to the milk and set it to boil on low heat. In the meantime, mix the flour with pieces of chocolate and chunks of your chosen fruit. If using an orange, there's no need to chop it—simply separate the segments by hand along their natural divisions. Mixing the fruit and chocolate pieces with the flour ensures that they are coated, which helps prevent the flour from clumping. **Serving Suggestions:** This sauce pairs well with bread, biscuits, or pancakes. Alternatively serve over lots of fruits (be they bananas, watermelons, apples) - in that case there is no need of mixing the chunks of fruits with the flour. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/854225

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

So nearly everybody in bitcoin hates ESG for all the obvious reasons. I'm not going to recap all that right now. That assumed, the E and S make a lot of sense on the personal level though, right? The problem is when they're used on an economic level. A ________(fill in the blank industry) company's bottom line is in no way benefitted by shrinking their environmental footprint or being more socially equitable. Well, did you see [this block](https://mempool.space/block/000000000000000000010c05038d08c742d28a7a248e9d0f94ebe5102f366c8e) that @Catcher found [this morning](https://stacker.news/items/853382)?!?!  One might be annoyed that his or her transaction was ignored (not sure censored is even the correct word here), but isn't this also really bad for MARA's bottom line? Are we starting to see a new type of ESG for a new political era? Maybe this example could be of the O for obsequious? We just need two more letters and we can start rating companies on a system that has nothing to do with them delivering a good product or service. Either way, its time for us home miners to kick into overdrive! Yee-haw! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/854082

@ 74718b83:b8204bd8

recently Joe Nakomoto was asking a similar question on nostr and most of the comments were ' add more value' and things like that. which is crazy, because the guy is literally traveling the world making bitcoin content (and doing an amazing job IMO). but it seems like without the ads and sponsors we hate, most of the podcasts and youtube channels don't make enough to function. the idea of 'value harder' seems silly. SN is the best example of V4V working IMO, but obviously to a small scale and as something fun on the side. as for nostr, people say 'add more value', but as many have pointed out, the people that make all the zaps are simply known people saying GM, and even then, the zaps are relative peanuts compared to even SN what do you guys think? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853884

@ 000002de:c05780a7

With the [news of Facebook changing its policy on DEI](https://stacker.news/items/853798) I was reminded of how it started and my early thoughts on it. I don't think DEI is dead, far from it but there's a trend forming pushing back. With Facebook and companies in general you have to understand something. Companies are mostly spineless. If a company is pushing something its not "brave" or "risky". All companies are profit driven and when they run these "woke" commercial its not brave. It would have been brave for companies to speak boldly against racism in the 50s but not today. Today most people oppose racism. Not saying we are rid of racism but just that companies are like a flag flying in the wind. They show you the direction the winds are blowing in culture and politics. I have to say the whole DEI story line has been interesting to watch over the past 20 years. 20 years? Yeah that's what I said because its been a long arc. 20 years is probably to short but in the tech field I'd argue it really started back in the mid 2000s. In the early 2000s I remember a push to make the tech field more friendly to women. To rid the startup culture of the bro culture and make it more welcoming and less like a college fraternity culture. I had no problem with any of that. But it became clear that very vocal people were not satisfied with that. It wasn't enough to not discriminate and stop tolerating sexism. We needed to actively set quotas for female speakers at conferences and have more diverse representation all over the place. The idea of meritocracy which was once the hallmark of the high tech industry was denigrated. In the place of meritocracy we have what some have called "positive discrimination". At least that is the perception of critics of DEI. It can be easy to ignore your critics and sometimes that is a good approach. But when your goals are changing the hearts and minds, which at least in the early days of DEI seemed to be the goal, it is vital. Before I offer criticism of DEI I want to say a few positive things about it. From my perspective working in tech for 20 years I think it is good that the culture has become more vocal about "isms". Racism and sexism will always be with us but we should strive to treat people fairly. I've seen both of these in my work life and people are much more comfortable speaking up than they were in the past. That's not a bad thing. To me it is obvious that quotas and pushing lies like the wage gap harmed the goals of DEI. Why do I say this? Stay with me here. If you believe there are people that just hate women or are racists in an industry those people are very unlikely to come over to your side. So you of course have people that agree with your DEI agenda but to me the focus of DEI is really the middle. Those that aren't sexist or racist but also aren't that motivated. The majority of workers in the early 2000s at least were white males. I believe this is still true today. For the last 20 years this group have been ridiculed on mass and told they are the problem. If this is the group you are seeking to win over... I can't think of a more terrible strategy. So either you have people who just think they are terrible and are being told there isn't much if anything they can do about their racism and sexism. Or you have people who buck up against how they are being lumped in with real racists and sexists. You end up making enemies of allies. I have watched this happen in the industry over the years. As DEI has expanded into other industries this push back has only became stronger. Another unintended consequence of DEI seems obvious to me but I rarely hear it mentioned. Today when you see something go wrong and the org has been vocal about DEI those that DEI claims to protect become the obvious targets. This is regardless of any evidence. It just seems like if you are saying we hire and promote on a basis other than merit or qualifications you are not hiring the best. That doesn't mean someone that is a minority isn't as good as a white male but when you discriminate you undercut those you claim to protect. The loudest voices in DEI have done a terrible job. They have made enemies of allies. When you aren't honest about statistics and data, when you lump people into massive groups and boil everything down to biology and DNA you show your true colors. People don't buy it. I believe this is what we are seeing with the rejection of DEI. When you build something on lies and half truths it is doomed to fail. I'm convinced MOST people that support DEI are just good hearted people that have been manipulated and propagandized. DEI on the surface sounds good to most people. Those that respond in hate to DEI also provide a good boogie man. Divide and conquer works for a while but in the end truth wins. What do you think? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853862

@ 513d5051:8a622026

About 6 years ago I took the hard decision to leave WhatsApp as I begun my privacy journey, it was a hard decision as they have a huge exit barrier (e.g. not having an easy way to take your conversations with you, even if you can't import it somewhere else) and also very strong network effect. It has been an interesting experience as people don't seem to understand or accept the fact I'm not a WhatsApp user, they ask me to abandon my decision and go back. I believe they are doing it because it's a lot more convenient to have all their contacts and conversations in a single app, and people doesn't seem concerned about their privacy (AFAIK it was never proven WhatsApp has backdoors, their walled garden won't allow us to audit). Recently in Joe Rogan's interview with Mark Zuckeberg, and they talked about encryption at the very end of the episode, he still claims they share a lot of technology with Signal (no shit Sherlock, you literally took the code into your walled garden) and the only way for someone to access your conversations is if they gain access to the device itself (govts using pegasus with various zero day exploits). I'm still trying to find the best option without shitcoiners behind it, I did find [this spreadsheet](https://privacyspreadsheet.com/messaging-apps) with many messaging apps and various criteria, but haven't decided on something I like more than Signal. Did you? -- EDIT: As a founder I admire that everybody seem to love WhatsApp UX and feature set, and on top of that they have the exit barrier and the network effect. I wonder what will take for people to change to something else. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853791

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

# Football We're in the home stretch of Futbol Americano season. The College Football championship game on Monday will be the final round of our [College Football Playoff Pool](https://stacker.news/items/846487/r/Undisciplined). However, the NFL Playoffs are also the opening rounds of the [**Team USA!!!** vs "the world" challenge](https://stacker.news/items/849989/r/Undisciplined). As a slight aside, I'm very much looking forward to these markets closing on [Predyx](https://beta.predyx.com/), so I can get some of my sats back. We'll also talk about where various coaches will end up in the NFL. # NBA The Celtics are looking a bit more mortal. Is that real or just a January lull? KAT Corner Loser of the Week (submit your entries) # MLB Offseason news I think @grayruby wants to apply the Ewing Theory to Juan Soto, but we'll have to find out. # NHL Ovi watch [Stanley Cup prediction market](https://beta.predyx.com/market/stanley-cup-champion-2025) # Other Territory News UEFA and Cricket contest updates -------- What else should we cover? My Game of the Week nominee is actually from last week. Is that allowed? There weren't many great games this week. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853599

@ 9dd283b1:cf9b6beb

If I'm looking at this graph right, then the total zaps per month are somewhere around 100-110k sats. At the same time, the monthly fee for territory is 50k sats. So we have 20+ territories, all sharing the total income of 100k, while spending 50k per month each? Or what am I missing?  originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853551

@ 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! Madness!!! https://youtu.be/SOJSM46nWwo?si=5XsJwBaOXvHqewlH originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853535

@ 74718b83:b8204bd8

In the past I have worked on the Amazon accounts of some very big collagen brands and I have to say, there is almost no reason at all for anyone to be taking collagen instead of any other source of protein, like whey. Somehow (probably tiktok), over the years, collagen has become a super popular supplement for women, mainly for perceived nail, hair, and skin health benefits etc. But here's the thing, if you consume collagen directly, it doesn't magically then get sent to hair, nails or other body parts. It is cleaved into amino acids and re-synthesised by your body into collagen and used where needed. The key thing is just getting enough protein overall. Now, if you have a protein-deficient diet (which many women do), yes there might be some benefit, but it will be less benefit than just taking a protein shake (or just eating more chicken or other protein sources). Why whey? Because whey protein has a complete amino acid profile, higher bioavailability, and is better at stimulating protein synthesis (higher amino acid levels also mean whey produces more keratin, which is mainly what hair and nails are composed of). Not only that, whey is a lot cheaper. Here's a quick price and ingredient breakdown I did on a popular collagen brand V ON whey  As you can see, you get almost TRIPPLE the amount of grams, at 10 pounds cheaper (that's over 12 US cuck bucks) and you're missing out on the BCAAs too. So you are paying a lot more, getting a hell of a lot less, and the benefits will be no better. Even when collagen supplements add in an amino blend, it still ends up being more expensive. But there must be some benefit to collagen, right? So one of the touted benefits is it's good for joints and this is because it has more glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline that are needed for the synthesis of connective tissues (skin, tendons, and cartilage). So why this might be an option, it's so expensive, I would still say just use whey and add in a joint support supplement separately and it will come out cheaper (or eat bone broth, organ meats, cartilage etc). And yes, you can get all this from real food, I'm just pointing this out because it boggles my mind seeing the sales numbers for something that is basically just an inferior and more expensive version of a protein shake. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/853408

@ 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/853332

@ 000002de:c05780a7

The more I learn about these terrible fires in LA the more damning the case against government becomes. Granted, I think the monopoly of the "state" is evil for many reasons but still. The idea that this disaster can be laid at any other individual or group's feet is absurd. Isn't it? Every aspect of this to me seems to be owned or largely influenced by the various levels of government. Its kinda mind blowing to me. I bet, if we had a free society and the cities were privately managed by different companies, if you had insurance companies that hired fire prevention services and those companies were found to be as incompetent as the various government agencies there would be massive lawsuits filed. Companies would go bankrupt. The insurance companies would be blamed without hesitation. All of this would be justified. This mind virus of "government" being special because it isn't private is really being shown to be absurd. Political incentives are being shown to be inferior to market incentives over and over again. The people are taught to believe this nonsense by the government schools populated by teachers that believe the same nonsense. How does it end? This tragedy makes me wonder. California's government is not special. Its just closer to socialism than other states. When you read about the USSR you find there were many failures and absurd ones. We are seeing just a small taste of this in California. California is not alone. We see government failures in New Orleans and in the floods of North Carolina as well. I hope more people begin to see what is going on but I'm not counting on it. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/852698

@ a853296a:209e695f

# 🚀🤠⚡ The Fastest Podcast Search in the West! ⚡🤠 ### **PullThatUpJamie v0.1 Release** 👋 Hey stackers! I’m excited to announce a major new feature for **Pull That Up Jamie**: **Podcast Search (Beta)**—the fastest way to find high-signal moments in your favorite shows! You can try it out now at: [https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search) - 🚀 **Podcast Search (Beta)** is live at [https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search). - 🎙️ Search through **100k+ podcast clips** with **lightning-fast vector search**. - ✨ Features include: - **Share Button**: Get links to **exact timestamps** for moments you searched. - **Listen Button**: Jump straight into episodes without hassle. - **Filter by Feed**: Focus your search on specific podcasts. - 🎧 Highlights: - High-signal technical content from **Bitcoin Optech Podcast** 📡. - In-depth macro news from **Green Candle Investments Podcast** 💡. - On-the-ground Bitcoin startup coverage from **ThrillerX** 📰. - 🙌 **More pods coming soon**—let us know which ones you want added!  We’ve used **state-of-the-art tools** to make **100k+ podcast clips** searchable, giving you the power to pinpoint the insights and commentary you need in seconds. ### 🎙️ Current Podcast Lineup (As of 1/16/25) - 🎙️ **Robin Seyr** – Interviews with Bitcoiners worldwide. - 💡 **Green Candle Investments Podcast** – Macro news and updates on Bitcoin and investing. - 🥩 **The Meat Mafia Podcast** – Deep dives into health, wealth, and meaningful living. - 📰 **Thriller "A Bitcoin Zine"** – On-the-ground Bitcoin startup coverage and local Austin Bitcoin news. - 🎭 **The Joe Rogan Experience** – Conversations with fascinating guests from every walk of life. - 🚲 **Convos On The Pedicab** – Polarizing topics discussed in Austin, TX. - 🧠 **The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett** – Insights from the world’s top thinkers and leaders. - ❓ **The "What is Money?" Show** – Exploring the philosophical rabbit hole of money. - 📖 **Bitcoin Audible** – Bitcoin knowledge made accessible, one read at a time. - 📚 **The Bitcoin Standard Podcast** – Discussions on Austrian economics and Bitcoin analysis. - 🌀 **The Bitcoin Matrix** – Exploring the future of money and its broader implications. - 🌎 **The Juan Galt Show** – Libertarian views and Bitcoin from a Latin perspective. - 🐇 **Rabbit Hole Recap** – Weekly updates on Bitcoin news and developments. - 🐴 **TFTC: A Bitcoin Podcast** – Straight talk about Bitcoin from Austin, TX. - 🔥 **THE Bitcoin Podcast** – A no-nonsense take on Bitcoin’s evolution and signal. - 📡 **Bitcoin Optech Podcast** – High-signal technical content about Bitcoin and Lightning Network. - ⚡ **Simply Bitcoin** – Daily updates on the Bitcoin revolution. --- ### 🛠️ Features to Check Out - **Share Button**: Get a link to the **exact moment** you searched for, complete with timestamps. - **Listen Button**: Dive right into the content without leaving your search results. - **Filter by Feed**: Refine your search results by podcast feed to focus on the shows you care about most. --- ## Pull That Up Jamie Highlights  _@Ge and @Car commenting on @DarthCoin 's incredible origin story ([deeplink](https://cascdr-chads-stay-winning.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/3955537/febe48a6-f326-4ae4-ad28-bf62ff55af83.mp3#t=481))_  _Learning about Superscaler on Bitcoin Optech [deeplink](https://cascdr-chads-stay-winning.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/6071192/a39ee779-6e50-4c31-8530-1426cff15c55.mp3#t=6729)_  _@Greencandleit interviewing [American HODL](https://cascdr-chads-stay-winning.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/5015946/ff392f3c-00e4-494d-be7b-601629bcc0a6.mp3#t=4201) on why MSTR is going to moon_  _Mel Gibson discussing his brain scans on [JRE](https://cascdr-chads-stay-winning.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/550168/34bf1882-cca9-11ef-a07d-2b33a4de50ac.mp3#t=2463)_ ### 🙌 We Want Your Feedback! 1. Have a podcast you want us to add? Let us know! 2. Stacker News Live pods are searchable going back to **July** on the ThrillerX feed. 3. **Optech**: Search **high-signal technical content** on Bitcoin development and Lightning tech. 4. **Green Candle**: Stay updated with great **macro news** and Bitcoin analysis. 5. **ThrillerX**: Get **on-the-ground coverage** of the Bitcoin startup scene. --- ⚡ Try out **Podcast Search** now and let us know what you think: [https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search](https://pullthatupjamie.ai/?searchMode=podcast-search) Together, let’s make Bitcoin and podcast search more accessible, private, and powerful! 🚀 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/852635

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/07/30/1095439/usa-economic-security-competitiveness/ the data: https://wp.technologyreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Table-Anatomy-of-a-drone-LM.pdf originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/852626

@ 6389be64:ef439d32

## Black Locust can grow up to 170 ft tall ## Grows 3-4 ft. per year ## Native to North America ## Cold hardy in zones 3 to 8  ## Firewood - BLT wood, on a pound for pound basis is roughly half that of Anthracite Coal - Since its growth is fast, firewood can be plentiful ## Timber  - Rot resistant due to a naturally produced robinin in the wood - 100 year life span in full soil contact! (better than cedar performance) - Fence posts - Outdoor furniture - Outdoor decking - Sustainable due to its fast growth and spread - Can be coppiced (cut to the ground) - Can be pollarded (cut above ground) - Its dense wood makes durable tool handles, boxes (tool), and furniture - The wood is tougher than hickory, which is tougher than hard maple, which is tougher than oak. -  A very low rate of expansion and contraction - Hardwood flooring - The highest tensile beam strength of any American tree - The wood is beautiful ## Legume - Nitrogen fixer - Fixes the same amount of nitrogen per acre as is needed for 200-bushel/acre corn - Black walnuts inter-planted with locust as “nurse” trees were shown to rapidly increase their growth [[Clark, Paul M., and Robert D. Williams. (1978) Black walnut growth increased when interplanted with nitrogen-fixing shrubs and trees. Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, vol. 88, pp. 88-91.]] ## Bees  - The edible flower clusters are also a top food source for honey bees ## Shade Provider  - Its light, airy overstory provides dappled shade - Planted on the west side of a garden it provides relief during the hottest part of the day - (nitrogen provider) - Planted on the west side of a house, its quick growth soon shades that side from the sun ## Wind-break  - Fast growth plus it's feathery foliage reduces wind for animals, crops, and shelters ## Fodder - Over 20% crude protein - 4.1 kcal/g of energy - Baertsche, S.R, M.T. Yokoyama, and J.W. Hanover (1986) Short rotation, hardwood tree biomass as potential ruminant feed-chemical composition, nylon bag ruminal degradation and ensilement of selected species. J. Animal Sci. 63 2028-2043

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Here are today's picks using my proprietary betting strategy at [Freebitcoin](https://freebitco.in/?r=51325722). For details about what Risk Balanced Odds Arbitrage is and why it works see https://stacker.news/items/342765/r/Undisciplined. For a hypothetical 1k-ish wager on each match, distribute your sats as follows: | Outcome 1 | Outcome 2 | Outcome 3 | Bet 1 | Bet 2 | Bet 3 | |--------------|-------------|--------------|-------|-------|-------| | Verona| Lazio| Draw | 200| 556| 345| | Napoli| Juventus| Draw | 476| 256| 303| | Lecce| Inter Milan| Draw | 105| 733| 182| | Juventus| AC Milan| Draw | 448| 286| 303| | Inter Milan| Empoli| Draw | 800| 71| 148| | Atalanta| Napoli| Draw | 435| 308| 294| | AC Milan| Parma| Draw | 770| 100| 167| | VfL Bochum| RB Leipzig| Draw | 270| 500| 278| | SC Freiburg| FC Bayern| Draw | 143| 723| 182| | RB Leipzig| Leverkusen| Draw | 278| 526| 263| | Leverkusen| Monchengladbach| Draw | 788| 91| 154| | FC Bayern| Wolfsburg| Draw | 857| 59| 125| | Dortmund| Werder| Draw | 620| 208| 222| I'm a little tight on time this morning, so I'll just note that the most recently completed two sets of RBOA made 54k on 52k of wagers. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/852423

@ d09e7333:8ae1a40c

Do you like spicy food?  I love Ghost Pepper or Carolina Reaper sauces. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/852205

@ 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/852155

@ 000002de:c05780a7

I have had the same network setup for a long time now. Unifi stuff just works most of the time. I didn't really pick it. Its not open source and now that I have fiber and have been having some issues with some of the Unifi hardware its time to make the call. Do I just upgrade with Unifi or start migrating to something more in line with what I value. So I've been chatting with my very helpful colleges at Red Hat and after mentioning PfSense to them I was told to check out Opnsense instead. 1. I want to slowly move to 10g network gear 2. I need PoE switches that are 10g 3. I want a robust firewall / router 4. I don't really wanna build my router due to time Currently looking at [Protectli Buyer’s Guide](https://kb.protectli.com/buyers-guide/) who sell hardware that is pre-installed with many options. I haven't decided which one to get yet. I wanna buy with the future in mind though so 10g connections are a must and support for two WAN connection is as well. I'm glad I ran CAT6 in my house years ago instead of cheaping out. After I replace my router / firewall I will want to replace my Unifi switches. I'm considering buying used Cisco switches from eBay. Anyone have any advice on this plan or advice? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/851922

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

I feel like I'm just full of newbie questions for stacker news this week. Sorry. I recently took the killer [pleb devs courses](https://plebdevs.com/) and now confidently feel like I have some programming skills kinda-sorta (the classes are great, but I was starting from 0) under my belt. My end goal was to stick it to the man and be a part of the bitcoin revolution. That said, I've made a couple of projects that I really want to share with more folks, but would like to actually make them into cooler sites. For my actual long-term business, I've been renting a domain name for decades and never thought too much about it since it was a business expense and I really didn't care what happened to it after I was gone. However, for these fun coding projects, I wanted to get a domain so that everything doesn't end in .onrender or .vercel.app and I assumed that since I was using a more silly name, it'd be cheap to just by something forever. But that doesn't seem to be the case. In fact...as most of you know...but which is news to me, you can't actually buy domains forever at all. Am I correct about this? If so, doesn't that mean the whole decentralized nature of the internet is a sham? I'm feeling very confused and not finding much helpful info. My goal is to buy a landing page for a bunch of bitcoin-themed games I've built (something like bitcoingames.stupid) and my [nostrminusnostr](https://nostrminusnostr.vercel.app/) client, something like nostrminusnostr.nostr. Anyway, I found some stuff in the range I'd be willing to spend on Vercel, but am just a little confused how domain hosting actually works. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/851425

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/01/08/share-of-us-adults-living-without-a-romantic-partner-has-ticked-down-in-recent-years/ > he share of U.S. adults who are not living with a spouse or partner has modestly declined since 2019. In 2023, 42% of adults were unpartnered, down from 44% in 2019, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data. > However, certain demographic groups are more likely than others to be unpartnered, as of 2023 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/851235

@ 0861144c:e68a1caf

When I started using Bitcoin back in 2014, the first thing I wanted to do was start programming. Having no prior background in this, I chose [freeCodeCamp](https://freecodecamp.org/) as my development tool, and when I began writing my first lines of JavaScript, I realized it was much deeper than I cared to admit. **My dream was to work directly with Bitcoin.**. That didn’t stop me from pursuing my goals. While discipline wasn’t my ally at the time, research was my main weapon. I discovered [the free self-paced courses from Chaincode Labs](https://chaincode.gitbook.io/seminars), which provide all the necessary tools to get started as a Bitcoin or Lightning Network developer. I also gave up on those along the way, but this time it was because they required much more than I had imagined—a radical shift in how I approached things and, above all, something I wasn’t ready to commit to at the time: discipline and dedication. When I was on the verge of throwing in the towel, putting everything I knew about Bitcoin into the "freezer," I had a revealing conversation with a friend who remains anonymous to this day. It was during the pandemic, on one of those calls, that the conversation took a significant turn. *"I just want to work with Bitcoin and get paid in Bitcoin. I swear, I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find a way to connect with anything,"* I told him, to which there was a pause before he replied: *"You’re already working with Bitcoin. What more are you looking for?"* I couldn’t grasp what he meant and asked for a more detailed explanation. *"Look,"* he said, *"you’re trying to publish a book for free, but people often send you money or cryptos that you convert to Bitcoin."* I nodded in agreement. *"Then what you’re doing is working and buying Bitcoin. Think about it: what you’re doing takes time—your work, I mean. Your work takes time, and your time is valued in Guaraníes. You’ve told me a thousand times how the Guaraní loses value and that you don’t want to save in Guaraníes anymore. So, you turn to Bitcoin. What you’re really doing is buying Bitcoin to protect your work because, as things stand, it seems like we won’t be retiring anytime soon. Instead of letting your savings melt away, you’ve decided to work and convert it into Bitcoin, which, according to you, is the hardest currency with the least depreciation. Can you see how you’re already accepting Bitcoin? You’re already working with Bitcoin, even if your job pays you in Guaraníes."* #### My aha moment I was stunned. It was one of those _aha_ moments where you don’t even know how to explain what you’re doing until someone else spells it out perfectly. His explanation was so spot-on that it was almost scary. I realized that my quest shouldn’t be about finding a way to fit into the gears of Bitcoin core programming. That doesn’t mean I’ve given up on the hope of programming someday; it just means it’s currently on pause. It also means that, just like me, you have skills—soft or hard—that are valued in money. That money can be converted into Bitcoin, and without even realizing it, without intending to, you’re already participating in the Bitcoin ecosystem, protecting your money from inflation. My first message of the year, dear reader, is this: use Bitcoin without resorting to tricks or learning new skills. Instead, do what you’re best at today and convert a small fraction into satoshis. Does it work? Yes. Will it make you a millionaire? No. Will you be better off? Much better. Since you're read it all, [take this meme](https://primal.net/e/note13fe8ymwu89qymnme3mmppulq82nly6uq2pufwx8uazcjznejsmvqzkkwur):  originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/851104

@ 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/850896

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Sometimes I forget that there are people that actually fall for corporate press propaganda. Heard it said recently that the deep state is a conspiracy theory. That is so stupid I almost don't know how to respond. That's like there are never politics in the office or at your company. The very idea that career bureaucrats and people in 3 letter agencies would not push back against politicians is absurd on its face. Its beyond naive. Often I find that people have their heads in the sand. They cover their ears because they do not want to accept that the world is more complex and dark that they were told in their government school.  I recommend everyone watch the BBC show "Yes Minister!". Its one of the best examples of how the establishment in a government work against the politicians. It also doesn't paint the politicians in a good light. But the biggest reason to watch this show is that is so funny. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/850633

@ 72592ec9:ffa64d2c

1. Knots helps you exercise your self sovereignty verification muscle, instead of conforming to the TrustMeBro defaults of core. Thus you are more prepared to actively defend Bitcoin in case of hardfork-softfork or other shenanigan's. 2. Knots is more feature rich and useful than core, allowing end users to finely tune their nodes mempool policy to reject spam transactions from their own mempools, through such bitcoin.conf settings as: rejectparasites=1 , datacarrier=0, permitbaremultisig=0 3. Running a Underdog Bitcoin Client makes the Bitcoin network more robust as a whole. Supporting an ecosystem of multiple compatible clients running in tandem. Running knots makes Bitcoin, the network more robust, and makes the bitcoin development ecosystem richer. Knots is a backup-option in case core becomes obviously compromised. For decentralization, do we really want only a single implementation, with all our eggs in one basket with just bitcoin core? No. 4. "Knots makes it so that you're not using your node's computing resources to hold and process spam shitcoin transactions and you have better control over what transactions you prioritize processing." - Thus you can save your mempool resources from being abused by bad actors with Knots, but not with core, unfortunately. Core doesn't believe in giving their end users too much choice. This has long been their attitude: to dictate down and deny non-consensus violating choice to end users. 5. Thus running Knots is a counter movement to the unfortunate attitude in core that has willfully neglected a core subset of it's users who care about spam filters. Running Knots is not just a technical improvement in running Bitcoin. It's a political statement in the Bitcoin development ecosystem. ie **No. Not Good Enough. I get to run the code I want within consensus and you can't stop me. That's Bitcoin.** You can download Bitcoin Knots at http://BitcoinKnots.org Be sure to verify your download. Exercise your verification muscles. For a full list of Bitcoin Knots features versus Core, see: https://bitcoinknots.org/files/27.x/27.1.knots20240801/bitcoin-27.1.knots20240801.desc.html A related video on the subject by Matthew Kratter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgab8FuBwgg&ab_channel=BitcoinUniversity originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/850273

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Remember when people were freaking out about ordinals and NFTs on bitcoin? Remember when fees went bananas? Yeah, that kinda went nowhere. Guess what, bitcoin isn't so easy to kill. It ended up being a good thing IMO. Pushed everyone to become more efficient. There's a lesson here. Chill out. Its gonna be OK. Bitcoin's incentives work. **What did you learn during the ordinals freak out?** originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/850107

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

In my post about [morning routines](https://stacker.news/items/844949/r/Undisciplined), I mentioned that the middle of the day can get a little messy. I prefer flexibility over regimentation, but I still need some guiding principles to act on. One of those principles is ***Hormesis***. This is the idea that manageable doses of potentially harmful stressors are good for us. It's not quite "What doesn't kill us makes us stronger", but it's something like that. # Intermittent Fasting Intermittent fasting causes the body to enter a state of ketosis. This metabolic state burns fats more efficiently and reduces food cravings, because your body is munching down on its fat reserves. So, if I'm not hungry, I don't worry about preemptively eating, since I know being hungry can be good for me. # Dry Fasting Dry fasting, foregoing water, puts the body into a state of autophagy, which translates literally into "self eating". It's not as scary as it sounds, though. What happens is you start metabolizing a bunch of intracellular junk and debris, because water is a product of metabolic reactions. Our bodies will actually produce their own water ("endogenous water") out of junk that's making us sick, including excess body fat. I haven't hydrated in over a year now and I feel great. # Cold Exposure Being mildly cold for an extended period of time causes our bodies to switch from storing white fat to storing brown fat. It's been a while since I looked into this, but brown fat is supposedly healthier and it generates more heat. The thermostat isn't low in the winter just because I'm cheap: it's good to be a little cold. # Heat Exposure I've actually never looked into this in detail, but I know people swear by the health benefits of saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, etc. I think it's related to perspiration being one of the main ways we eliminate toxins from our bodies. The thermostat isn't high in the summer just because I'm cheap: it's good to be a little hot. # Exercise The best known example of hormesis is just regular exercise. This extra stressing of our bodies is so linked to the idea of ~HealthAndFitness that I don't feel any need to elaborate on it. # Hygiene Hypothesis Why do so many more people have allergies and other autoimmune disorders than in prior generations and why is it a western phenomenon? One leading explanation is that our immune systems don't learn what they're supposed to because our modern environments are so sterile. Regular minor exposure to germs and allergens gives our immune systems the opportunity to learn what they are so that it doesn't go berserk when it sees a higher volume later (or something like that, I'm not that kind of doctor). The 5 Second Rule should be a lower bound. ------------ I'm sure there are many more examples of hormesis. Rather than look them up, though, I'd rather hear from the stackers about what beneficial stressors they rely on for their personal health. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/850029

@ 188302bb:9052db11

The playoffs just seem over hyped. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/850003

@ b8851a06:9b120ba1

## **It Begins with a Click** It starts with a click: *“Do you agree to our terms and conditions?”*\ You scroll, you click, you comply. A harmless act, right? But what if every click was a surrender? What if every "yes" was another link in the chain binding you to a life where freedom requires approval? This is the age of permission. Every aspect of your life is mediated by gatekeepers. Governments demand forms, corporations demand clicks, and algorithms demand obedience. You’re free, of course, as long as you play by the rules. But who writes the rules? Who decides what’s allowed? Who owns your life? --- ## **Welcome to Digital Serfdom** We once imagined the internet as a digital frontier—a vast, open space where ideas could flow freely and innovation would know no bounds. But instead of creating a decentralized utopia, we built a new feudal system. - Your data? Owned by the lords of Big Tech. - Your money? Controlled by banks and bureaucrats who can freeze it on a whim. - Your thoughts? Filtered by algorithms that reward conformity and punish dissent. The modern internet is a land of serfs and lords, and guess who’s doing the farming? You. Every time you agree to the terms, accept the permissions, or let an algorithm decide for you, you till the fields of a system designed to control, not liberate. They don’t call it control, of course. They call it *“protection.”* They say, “We’re keeping you safe,” as they build a cage so big you can’t see the bars. --- ## **Freedom in Chains** But let’s be honest: we’re not just victims of this system—we’re participants. We’ve traded freedom for convenience, sovereignty for security. It’s easier to click “I Agree” than to read the fine print. It’s easier to let someone else hold your money than to take responsibility for it yourself. It’s easier to live a life of quiet compliance than to risk the chaos of true independence. We tell ourselves it’s no big deal. What’s one click? What’s one form? But the permissions pile up. The chains grow heavier. And one day, you wake up and realize you’re free to do exactly what the system allows—and nothing more. --- ## **The Great Unpermissioning** It doesn’t have to be this way. You don’t need their approval. You don’t need their systems. You don’t need their permission. The Great Unpermissioning is not a movement—it’s a mindset. It’s the refusal to accept a life mediated by gatekeepers. It’s the quiet rebellion of saying, *“No.”* It’s the realization that the freedom you seek won’t be granted—it must be reclaimed. - **Stop asking.** Permission is their tool. Refusal is your weapon. - **Start building.** Embrace tools that decentralize power: Bitcoin, encryption, open-source software, decentralized communication. Build systems they can’t control. - **Stand firm.** They’ll tell you it’s dangerous. They’ll call you a radical. But remember: the most dangerous thing you can do is comply. The path won’t be easy. Freedom never is. But it will be worth it. --- ## **The New Frontier** The age of permission has turned us into digital serfs, but there’s a new frontier on the horizon. It’s a world where you control your money, your data, your decisions. It’s a world of encryption, anonymity, and sovereignty. It’s a world built not on permission but on principles. This world won’t be given to you. You have to build it. You have to fight for it. And it starts with one simple act: refusing to comply. --- ## **A Final Word** They promised us safety, but what they delivered was submission. The age of permission has enslaved us to the mundane, the monitored, and the mediocre. The Great Unpermissioning isn’t about tearing down the old world—it’s about walking away from it. You don’t need to wait for their approval. You don’t need to ask for their permission. The freedom you’re looking for is already yours. Permission is their power—refusal is yours.

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

Hey sn! Does anybody know what's the best open source CPU mining software for someone who is not a rocket surgeon? I'm looking for something to run on an old desktop with a burnt-out hard drive. Ideally: 1. Not Nice-hash or anything else like that, open source, "the real deal" 2. Easy to set up, I mean within reason, I'm not THAT dumb 3. bitcoin, not looking to secure the Monero network or anything silly like that I know that this is looking like a tall order, but I'm finding a lot on github, and am hoping one of you knows which one of these programs fit these criteria. If nice-hash can do it, I know the open source world can too. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/849909

@ b6b617bf:50f58f1c

I listened to Natalie Brunell's Coin Stories recently released pod with Jeff Booth last night and am once again finding myself having to develop new thinking about the world and specifically about how this world will look in the future (built upon/in the Bitcoin System).....and I gotta just say - I like what I come up with! I feel like it takes a lot to recognize that the "System" we all currently live in/on is just that....a system we built, that allows us to communicate with each other in a manner that is conducive to not just our continued existence but that actually allows us to flourish and grow as a species/organism.... Maybe this is where some of Jason Lowery's "Softwar" comes into the mix for me as well....but if we really get out of our heads....and drop our ego's....and recognize that we are nothing but animals attempting to live on a this planet that we just happen to be on...then I think it becomes a little easier to think about the "Systems" we have built for ourselves and how we can change them.... This is the beauty of what Bitcoin is....isn't it? It is a program/protocol that was written, which enables us to communicate with each other in a manner that is decentralized, secure, and open to all of us. Which allows us to verify the information being communicated as being tied to real energy/output of the sender. Hence allowing us to "send" that energy/output to the future through space with minimal data/value loss, which (as we measure from our old system) looks like it is actually becoming more valuable when in reality it is simply not being "stolen" or "taxed" or "corrupted" at the rates of everything else we have built to date to communicate value to each other. When I look at Bitcoin in this manner - it makes me so....so....so....bullish and hopeful about the future. It allows me to realize that we will get to a much better spot within our world....we are winning.... All succesful systems built upon/within the Bitcoin System - simply are better than all things built upon/within FIAT systems....and this isn't to say that those systems were not valuable....as they got us to where we are today....it is simply to say that those same systems....when they are de-FIAT-ized and are instead built with Bitcoin as their underlying base protocol layer....will be better. They simpy will be more fair, more respectful, more forward thinking than most things we currently have. And in case you are thinking...I don't believe it, or this guy is off his rocker....or no way Bitcoin changes "human behavior" or greed.... Think about this.... I am building a business, accepting Bitcoin in which I share in future price appreciation of Bitcoin with my customers.... This is a system that is better because of Bitcoin - I can do it because of Bitcoin....and if I can do it....why can't you? Why can't every major business out there? (They can't because their focus is based within the wrong system) but.... as more people like me, build their businesses on Bitcoin and their focus shifts to measuring their success from the Bitcoin eco-system....we will continue to grow and succeed and work with each other in a more cooperative manner vs. being extractive and predatory. Stay humble and Stack sats! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/849657

@ 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/849569

@ 6389be64:ef439d32

Bitcoin is more than money, more than an asset, and more than a store of value. Bitcoin is a Prime Mover, an enabler and it ignites imaginations. It certainly fueled an idea in my mind. The idea integrates sensors, computational prowess, actuated machinery, power conversion, and electronic communications to form an autonomous, machined creature roaming forests and harvesting the most widespread and least energy-dense fuel source available. I call it the Forest Walker and it eats wood, and mines Bitcoin. I know what you're thinking. Why not just put Bitcoin mining rigs where they belong: in a hosted facility sporting electricity from energy-dense fuels like natural gas, climate-controlled with excellent data piping in and out? Why go to all the trouble building a robot that digests wood creating flammable gasses fueling an engine to run a generator powering Bitcoin miners? It's all about synergy. Bitcoin mining enables the realization of multiple, seemingly unrelated, yet useful activities. Activities considered un-profitable if not for Bitcoin as the Prime Mover. This is much more than simply mining the greatest asset ever conceived by humankind. It’s about the power of synergy, which Bitcoin plays only one of many roles. The synergy created by this system can stabilize forests' fire ecology while generating multiple income streams. That’s the realistic goal here and requires a brief history of American Forest management before continuing. # Smokey The Bear In 1944, the Smokey Bear Wildfire Prevention Campaign began in the United States. “Only YOU can prevent forest fires” remains the refrain of the Ad Council’s longest running campaign. The Ad Council is a U.S. non-profit set up by the American Association of Advertising Agencies and the Association of National Advertisers in 1942. It would seem that the U.S. Department of the Interior was concerned about pesky forest fires and wanted them to stop. So, alongside a national policy of extreme fire suppression they enlisted the entire U.S. population to get onboard via the Ad Council and it worked. Forest fires were almost obliterated and everyone was happy, right? Wrong. Smokey is a fantastically successful bear so forest fires became so few for so long that the fuel load - dead wood - in forests has become very heavy. So heavy that when a fire happens (and they always happen) it destroys everything in its path because the more fuel there is the hotter that fire becomes. Trees, bushes, shrubs, and all other plant life cannot escape destruction (not to mention homes and businesses). The soil microbiology doesn’t escape either as it is burned away even in deeper soils. To add insult to injury, hydrophobic waxy residues condense on the soil surface, forcing water to travel over the ground rather than through it eroding forest soils. Good job, Smokey. Well done, Sir! Most terrestrial ecologies are “fire ecologies”. Fire is a part of these systems’ fuel load and pest management. Before we pretended to “manage” millions of acres of forest, fires raged over the world, rarely damaging forests. The fuel load was always too light to generate fires hot enough to moonscape mountainsides. Fires simply burned off the minor amounts of fuel accumulated since the fire before. The lighter heat, smoke, and other combustion gasses suppressed pests, keeping them in check and the smoke condensed into a plant growth accelerant called wood vinegar, not a waxy cap on the soil. These fires also cleared out weak undergrowth, cycled minerals, and thinned the forest canopy, allowing sunlight to penetrate to the forest floor. Without a fire’s heat, many pine tree species can’t sow their seed. The heat is required to open the cones (the seed bearing structure) of Spruce, Cypress, Sequoia, Jack Pine, Lodgepole Pine and many more. Without fire forests can’t have babies. The idea was to protect the forests, and it isn't working. So, in a world of fire, what does an ally look like and what does it do? # Meet The Forest Walker  For the Forest Walker to work as a mobile, autonomous unit, a solid platform that can carry several hundred pounds is required. It so happens this chassis already exists but shelved. Introducing the Legged Squad Support System (LS3). A joint project between Boston Dynamics, DARPA, and the United States Marine Corps, the quadrupedal robot is the size of a cow, can carry 400 pounds (180 kg) of equipment, negotiate challenging terrain, and operate for 24 hours before needing to refuel. Yes, it had an engine. Abandoned in 2015, the thing was too noisy for military deployment and maintenance "under fire" is never a high-quality idea. However, we can rebuild it to act as a platform for the Forest Walker; albeit with serious alterations. It would need to be bigger, probably. Carry more weight? Definitely. Maybe replace structural metal with carbon fiber and redesign much as 3D printable parts for more effective maintenance. The original system has a top operational speed of 8 miles per hour. For our purposes, it only needs to move about as fast as a grazing ruminant. Without the hammering vibrations of galloping into battle, shocks of exploding mortars, and drunken soldiers playing "Wrangler of Steel Machines", time between failures should be much longer and the overall energy consumption much lower. The LS3 is a solid platform to build upon. Now it just needs to be pulled out of the mothballs, and completely refitted with outboard equipment. # The Small Branch Chipper  When I say “Forest fuel load” I mean the dead, carbon containing litter on the forest floor. Duff (leaves), fine-woody debris (small branches), and coarse woody debris (logs) are the fuel that feeds forest fires. Walk through any forest in the United States today and you will see quite a lot of these materials. Too much, as I have described. Some of these fuel loads can be 8 tons per acre in pine and hardwood forests and up to 16 tons per acre at active logging sites. That’s some big wood and the more that collects, the more combustible danger to the forest it represents. It also provides a technically unlimited fuel supply for the Forest Walker system. The problem is that this detritus has to be chewed into pieces that are easily ingestible by the system for the gasification process (we’ll get to that step in a minute). What we need is a wood chipper attached to the chassis (the LS3); its “mouth”. A small wood chipper handling material up to 2.5 - 3.0 inches (6.3 - 7.6 cm) in diameter would eliminate a substantial amount of fuel. There is no reason for Forest Walker to remove fallen trees. It wouldn’t have to in order to make a real difference. It need only identify appropriately sized branches and grab them. Once loaded into the chipper’s intake hopper for further processing, the beast can immediately look for more “food”. This is essentially kindling that would help ignite larger logs. If it’s all consumed by Forest Walker, then it’s not present to promote an aggravated conflagration. I have glossed over an obvious question: How does Forest Walker see and identify branches and such? LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) attached to Forest Walker images the local area and feed those data to onboard computers for processing. Maybe AI plays a role. Maybe simple machine learning can do the trick. One thing is for certain: being able to identify a stick and cause robotic appendages to pick it up is not impossible. Great! We now have a quadrupedal robot autonomously identifying and “eating” dead branches and other light, combustible materials. Whilst strolling through the forest, depleting future fires of combustibles, Forest Walker has already performed a major function of this system: making the forest safer. It's time to convert this low-density fuel into a high-density fuel Forest Walker can leverage. Enter the gasification process. # The Gassifier  The gasifier is the heart of the entire system; it’s where low-density fuel becomes the high-density fuel that powers the entire system. Biochar and wood vinegar are process wastes and I’ll discuss why both are powerful soil amendments in a moment, but first, what’s gasification? Reacting shredded carbonaceous material at high temperatures in a low or no oxygen environment converts the biomass into biochar, wood vinegar, heat, and Synthesis Gas (Syngas). Syngas consists primarily of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. All of which are extremely useful fuels in a gaseous state. Part of this gas is used to heat the input biomass and keep the reaction temperature constant while the internal combustion engine that drives the generator to produce electrical power consumes the rest. Critically, this gasification process is “continuous feed”. Forest Walker must intake biomass from the chipper, process it to fuel, and dump the waste (CO2, heat, biochar, and wood vinegar) continuously. It cannot stop. Everything about this system depends upon this continual grazing, digestion, and excretion of wastes just as a ruminal does. And, like a ruminant, all waste products enhance the local environment. When I first heard of gasification, I didn’t believe that it was real. Running an electric generator from burning wood seemed more akin to “conspiracy fantasy” than science. Not only is gasification real, it’s ancient technology. A man named Dean Clayton first started experiments on gasification in 1699 and in 1901 gasification was used to power a vehicle. By the end of World War II, there were 500,000 Syngas powered vehicles in Germany alone because of fossil fuel rationing during the war. The global gasification market was $480 billion in 2022 and projected to be as much as $700 billion by 2030 (Vantage Market Research). Gasification technology is the best choice to power the Forest Walker because it’s self-contained and we want its waste products. # Biochar: The Waste  Biochar (AKA agricultural charcoal) is fairly simple: it’s almost pure, solid carbon that resembles charcoal. Its porous nature packs large surface areas into small, 3 dimensional nuggets. Devoid of most other chemistry, like hydrocarbons (methane) and ash (minerals), biochar is extremely lightweight. Do not confuse it with the charcoal you buy for your grill. Biochar doesn’t make good grilling charcoal because it would burn too rapidly as it does not contain the multitude of flammable components that charcoal does. Biochar has several other good use cases. Water filtration, water retention, nutrient retention, providing habitat for microscopic soil organisms, and carbon sequestration are the main ones that we are concerned with here. Carbon has an amazing ability to adsorb (substances stick to and accumulate on the surface of an object) manifold chemistries. Water, nutrients, and pollutants tightly bind to carbon in this format. So, biochar makes a respectable filter and acts as a “battery” of water and nutrients in soils. Biochar adsorbs and holds on to seven times its weight in water. Soil containing biochar is more drought resilient than soil without it. Adsorbed nutrients, tightly sequestered alongside water, get released only as plants need them. Plants must excrete protons (H+) from their roots to disgorge water or positively charged nutrients from the biochar's surface; it's an active process. Biochar’s surface area (where adsorption happens) can be 500 square meters per gram or more. That is 10% larger than an official NBA basketball court for every gram of biochar. Biochar’s abundant surface area builds protective habitats for soil microbes like fungi and bacteria and many are critical for the health and productivity of the soil itself. The “carbon sequestration” component of biochar comes into play where “carbon credits” are concerned. There is a financial market for carbon. Not leveraging that market for revenue is foolish. I am climate agnostic. All I care about is that once solid carbon is inside the soil, it will stay there for thousands of years, imparting drought resiliency, fertility collection, nutrient buffering, and release for that time span. I simply want as much solid carbon in the soil because of the undeniably positive effects it has, regardless of any climactic considerations. # Wood Vinegar: More Waste  Another by-product of the gasification process is wood vinegar (Pyroligneous acid). If you have ever seen Liquid Smoke in the grocery store, then you have seen wood vinegar. Principally composed of acetic acid, acetone, and methanol wood vinegar also contains ~200 other organic compounds. It would seem intuitive that condensed, liquefied wood smoke would at least be bad for the health of all living things if not downright carcinogenic. The counter intuition wins the day, however. Wood vinegar has been used by humans for a very long time to promote digestion, bowel, and liver health; combat diarrhea and vomiting; calm peptic ulcers and regulate cholesterol levels; and a host of other benefits. For centuries humans have annually burned off hundreds of thousands of square miles of pasture, grassland, forest, and every other conceivable terrestrial ecosystem. Why is this done? After every burn, one thing becomes obvious: the almost supernatural growth these ecosystems exhibit after the burn. How? Wood vinegar is a component of this growth. Even in open burns, smoke condenses and infiltrates the soil. That is when wood vinegar shows its quality. This stuff beefs up not only general plant growth but seed germination as well and possesses many other qualities that are beneficial to plants. It’s a pesticide, fungicide, promotes beneficial soil microorganisms, enhances nutrient uptake, and imparts disease resistance. I am barely touching a long list of attributes here, but you want wood vinegar in your soil (alongside biochar because it adsorbs wood vinegar as well). # The Internal Combustion Engine  Conversion of grazed forage to chemical, then mechanical, and then electrical energy completes the cycle. The ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) converts the gaseous fuel output from the gasifier to mechanical energy, heat, water vapor, and CO2. It’s the mechanical energy of a rotating drive shaft that we want. That rotation drives the electric generator, which is the heartbeat we need to bring this monster to life. Luckily for us, combined internal combustion engine and generator packages are ubiquitous, delivering a defined energy output given a constant fuel input. It’s the simplest part of the system. The obvious question here is whether the amount of syngas provided by the gasification process will provide enough energy to generate enough electrons to run the entire system or not. While I have no doubt the energy produced will run Forest Walker's main systems the question is really about the electrons left over. Will it be enough to run the Bitcoin mining aspect of the system? Everything is a budget. # CO2 Production For Growth  Plants are lollipops. No matter if it’s a tree or a bush or a shrubbery, the entire thing is mostly sugar in various formats but mostly long chain carbohydrates like lignin and cellulose. Plants need three things to make sugar: CO2, H2O and light. In a forest, where tree densities can be quite high, CO2 availability becomes a limiting growth factor. It’d be in the forest interests to have more available CO2 providing for various sugar formation providing the organism with food and structure. An odd thing about tree leaves, the openings that allow gasses like the ever searched for CO2 are on the bottom of the leaf (these are called stomata). Not many stomata are topside. This suggests that trees and bushes have evolved to find gasses like CO2 from below, not above and this further suggests CO2 might be in higher concentrations nearer the soil. The soil life (bacterial, fungi etc.) is constantly producing enormous amounts of CO2 and it would stay in the soil forever (eventually killing the very soil life that produces it) if not for tidal forces. Water is everywhere and whether in pools, lakes, oceans or distributed in “moist” soils water moves towards to the moon. The water in the soil and also in the water tables below the soil rise toward the surface every day. When the water rises, it expels the accumulated gasses in the soil into the atmosphere and it’s mostly CO2. It’s a good bet on how leaves developed high populations of stomata on the underside of leaves. As the water relaxes (the tide goes out) it sucks oxygenated air back into the soil to continue the functions of soil life respiration. The soil “breathes” albeit slowly. The gasses produced by the Forest Walker’s internal combustion engine consist primarily of CO2 and H2O. Combusting sugars produce the same gasses that are needed to construct the sugars because the universe is funny like that. The Forest Walker is constantly laying down these critical construction elements right where the trees need them: close to the ground to be gobbled up by the trees. # The Branch Drones  During the last ice age, giant mammals populated North America - forests and otherwise. Mastodons, woolly mammoths, rhinos, short-faced bears, steppe bison, caribou, musk ox, giant beavers, camels, gigantic ground-dwelling sloths, glyptodons, and dire wolves were everywhere. Many were ten to fifteen feet tall. As they crashed through forests, they would effectively cleave off dead side-branches of trees, halting the spread of a ground-based fire migrating into the tree crown ("laddering") which is a death knell for a forest. These animals are all extinct now and forests no longer have any manner of pruning services. But, if we build drones fitted with cutting implements like saws and loppers, optical cameras and AI trained to discern dead branches from living ones, these drones could effectively take over pruning services by identifying, cutting, and dropping to the forest floor, dead branches. The dropped branches simply get collected by the Forest Walker as part of its continual mission. The drones dock on the back of the Forest Walker to recharge their batteries when low. The whole scene would look like a grazing cow with some flies bothering it. This activity breaks the link between a relatively cool ground based fire and the tree crowns and is a vital element in forest fire control. # The Bitcoin Miner  Mining is one of four monetary incentive models, making this system a possibility for development. The other three are US Dept. of the Interior, township, county, and electrical utility company easement contracts for fuel load management, global carbon credits trading, and data set sales. All the above depends on obvious questions getting answered. I will list some obvious ones, but this is not an engineering document and is not the place for spreadsheets. How much Bitcoin one Forest Walker can mine depends on everything else. What amount of biomass can we process? Will that biomass flow enough Syngas to keep the lights on? Can the chassis support enough mining ASICs and supporting infrastructure? What does that weigh and will it affect field performance? How much power can the AC generator produce? Other questions that are more philosophical persist. Even if a single Forest Walker can only mine scant amounts of BTC per day, that pales to how much fuel material it can process into biochar. We are talking about millions upon millions of forested acres in need of fuel load management. What can a single Forest Walker do? I am not thinking in singular terms. The Forest Walker must operate as a fleet. What could 50 do? 500? What is it worth providing a service to the world by managing forest fuel loads? Providing proof of work to the global monetary system? Seeding soil with drought and nutrient resilience by the excretion, over time, of carbon by the ton? What did the last forest fire cost? # The Mesh Network  What could be better than one bitcoin mining, carbon sequestering, forest fire squelching, soil amending behemoth? Thousands of them, but then they would need to be able to talk to each other to coordinate position, data handling, etc. Fitted with a mesh networking device, like goTenna or Meshtastic LoRa equipment enables each Forest Walker to communicate with each other. Now we have an interconnected fleet of Forest Walkers relaying data to each other and more importantly, aggregating all of that to the last link in the chain for uplink. Well, at least Bitcoin mining data. Since block data is lightweight, transmission of these data via mesh networking in fairly close quartered environs is more than doable. So, how does data transmit to the Bitcoin Network? How do the Forest Walkers get the previous block data necessary to execute on mining? # Back To The Chain  Getting Bitcoin block data to and from the network is the last puzzle piece. The standing presumption here is that wherever a Forest Walker fleet is operating, it is NOT within cell tower range. We further presume that the nearest Walmart Wi-Fi is hours away. Enter the Blockstream Satellite or something like it. A separate, ground-based drone will have two jobs: To stay as close to the nearest Forest Walker as it can and to provide an antennae for either terrestrial or orbital data uplink. Bitcoin-centric data is transmitted to the "uplink drone" via the mesh networked transmitters and then sent on to the uplink and the whole flow goes in the opposite direction as well; many to one and one to many. We cannot transmit data to the Blockstream satellite, and it will be up to Blockstream and companies like it to provide uplink capabilities in the future and I don't doubt they will. Starlink you say? What’s stopping that company from filtering out block data? Nothing because it’s Starlink’s system and they could decide to censor these data. It seems we may have a problem sending and receiving Bitcoin data in back country environs. But, then again, the utility of this system in staunching the fuel load that creates forest fires is extremely useful around forested communities and many have fiber, Wi-Fi and cell towers. These communities could be a welcoming ground zero for first deployments of the Forest Walker system by the home and business owners seeking fire repression. In the best way, Bitcoin subsidizes the safety of the communities. # Sensor Packages ### LiDaR  The benefit of having a Forest Walker fleet strolling through the forest is the never ending opportunity for data gathering. A plethora of deployable sensors gathering hyper-accurate data on everything from temperature to topography is yet another revenue generator. Data is valuable and the Forest Walker could generate data sales to various government entities and private concerns. LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging) can map topography, perform biomass assessment, comparative soil erosion analysis, etc. It so happens that the Forest Walker’s ability to “see,” to navigate about its surroundings, is LiDaR driven and since it’s already being used, we can get double duty by harvesting that data for later use. By using a laser to send out light pulses and measuring the time it takes for the reflection of those pulses to return, very detailed data sets incrementally build up. Eventually, as enough data about a certain area becomes available, the data becomes useful and valuable. Forestry concerns, both private and public, often use LiDaR to build 3D models of tree stands to assess the amount of harvest-able lumber in entire sections of forest. Consulting companies offering these services charge anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars per square kilometer for such services. A Forest Walker generating such assessments on the fly while performing its other functions is a multi-disciplinary approach to revenue generation. ### pH, Soil Moisture, and Cation Exchange Sensing  The Forest Walker is quadrupedal, so there are four contact points to the soil. Why not get a pH data point for every step it takes? We can also gather soil moisture data and cation exchange capacities at unheard of densities because of sampling occurring on the fly during commission of the system’s other duties. No one is going to build a machine to do pH testing of vast tracts of forest soils, but that doesn’t make the data collected from such an endeavor valueless. Since the Forest Walker serves many functions at once, a multitude of data products can add to the return on investment component. ### Weather Data  Temperature, humidity, pressure, and even data like evapotranspiration gathered at high densities on broad acre scales have untold value and because the sensors are lightweight and don’t require large power budgets, they come along for the ride at little cost. But, just like the old mantra, “gas, grass, or ass, nobody rides for free”, these sensors provide potential revenue benefits just by them being present. I’ve touched on just a few data genres here. In fact, the question for universities, governmental bodies, and other institutions becomes, “How much will you pay us to attach your sensor payload to the Forest Walker?” # Noise Suppression  Only you can prevent Metallica filling the surrounds with 120 dB of sound. Easy enough, just turn the car stereo off. But what of a fleet of 50 Forest Walkers operating in the backcountry or near a township? 500? 5000? Each one has a wood chipper, an internal combustion engine, hydraulic pumps, actuators, and more cooling fans than you can shake a stick at. It’s a walking, screaming fire-breathing dragon operating continuously, day and night, twenty-four hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. The sound will negatively affect all living things and that impacts behaviors. Serious engineering consideration and prowess must deliver a silencing blow to the major issue of noise. It would be foolish to think that a fleet of Forest Walkers could be silent, but if not a major design consideration, then the entire idea is dead on arrival. Townships would not allow them to operate even if they solved the problem of widespread fuel load and neither would governmental entities, and rightly so. Nothing, not man nor beast, would want to be subjected to an eternal, infernal scream even if it were to end within days as the fleet moved further away after consuming what it could. Noise and heat are the only real pollutants of this system; taking noise seriously from the beginning is paramount. # Fire Safety  A “fire-breathing dragon” is not the worst description of the Forest Walker. It eats wood, combusts it at very high temperatures and excretes carbon; and it does so in an extremely flammable environment. Bad mix for one Forest Walker, worse for many. One must take extreme pains to ensure that during normal operation, a Forest Walker could fall over, walk through tinder dry brush, or get pounded into the ground by a meteorite from Krypton and it wouldn’t destroy epic swaths of trees and baby deer. I envision an ultimate test of a prototype to include dowsing it in grain alcohol while it’s wrapped up in toilet paper like a pledge at a fraternity party. If it runs for 72 hours and doesn’t set everything on fire, then maybe outside entities won’t be fearful of something that walks around forests with a constant fire in its belly. # The Wrap  How we think about what can be done with and adjacent to Bitcoin is at least as important as Bitcoin’s economic standing itself. For those who will tell me that this entire idea is without merit, I say, “OK, fine. You can come up with something, too.” What can we plug Bitcoin into that, like a battery, makes something that does not work, work? That’s the lesson I get from this entire exercise. No one was ever going to hire teams of humans to go out and "clean the forest". There's no money in that. The data collection and sales from such an endeavor might provide revenues over the break-even point but investment demands Alpha in this day and age. But, plug Bitcoin into an almost viable system and, voilà! We tip the scales to achieve lift-off. Let’s face it, we haven’t scratched the surface of Bitcoin’s forcing function on our minds. Not because it’s Bitcoin, but because of what that invention means. The question that pushes me to approach things this way is, “what can we create that one system’s waste is another system’s feedstock?” The Forest Walker system’s only real waste is the conversion of low entropy energy (wood and syngas) into high entropy energy (heat and noise). All other output is beneficial to humanity. Bitcoin, I believe, is the first product of a new mode of human imagination. An imagination newly forged over the past few millennia of being lied to, stolen from, distracted and otherwise mis-allocated to a black hole of the nonsensical. We are waking up. What I have presented is not science fiction. Everything I have described here is well within the realm of possibility. The question is one of viability, at least in terms of the detritus of the old world we find ourselves departing from. This system would take a non-trivial amount of time and resources to develop. I think the system would garner extensive long-term contracts from those who have the most to lose from wildfires, the most to gain from hyperaccurate data sets, and, of course, securing the most precious asset in the world. Many may not see it that way, for they seek Alpha and are therefore blind to other possibilities. Others will see only the possibilities; of thinking in a new way, of looking at things differently, and dreaming of what comes next.

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I almost forgot about Mock Draft Monday, but here we go. # Mock Draft Pick 6: DT Mason Graham Pick 37: OT Aireontae Ersery Pick 68: WR Elic Ayomanor Pick 73: RB Kaleb Johnson Pick 106: QB Jaxson Dart Pick 142: S Billy Bowman Pick 178: CB Jabbar Muhammad Pick 212: OG Jaeden Roberts Pick 216: DT Tonka Hemingway Pick 222: LB Jack Kiser I've been happy with these mocks. This is a nice position in the draft, that's letting me build out from the trenches. Graham was my first pick last week, too. He would make this line one of the elite units in the entire league, assuming health. In lieu of a top QB, I managed to use the three day 2 picks on the line, rushing, and receiving. Then, with the first pick on day 3, I get a QB that I've heard very good things about. Brady likes QB's to sit as rookies anyway, so Dart can learn from AOC, who is a perfectly competent NFL QB and very bright. The rest of day 3 is about filling in depth and drafting guys with cool names (Tonka!). originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/849063

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

The blockchain is now over 600 gigabytes. Am I correct to assume that a lot of nodes are about to drop off of the network in the near future? My 1 terabyte node has 74 gigabytes of free space left. @DarthCoin has assured me that it will be easy to transfer it over to a new machine (although I probably need to get to it soon), but can everybody afford a machine with a 2 terabyte hard drive? Will we see a significant amount of nodes leave the network as 1 terabyte hard drives are no longer big enough to run Bitcoin? Have their been milestones like this before I was involved in the network? I'd assume so as I have machines from a time when bitcoin was around that only have 250 gigabytes. I've been thinking about the blocksize wars and thought that there have to occasionally be milestones in which the blockchain just reaches a standard commercially made disk size and a bunch of folks have to shut their nodes off. Anyway, not too worried, just curious if anybody else is thinking about this. Fun fact, as a kid, I remember a neighbor calling my family rich because we had a computer with a 40 megabyte hard drive. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/848998

@ 72592ec9:ffa64d2c

16 years ago, SATOSHI posted this message to sourceforge - Announcing Bitcoin V0.1 - This sourceforge announcement is almost identical to the Cryptography Mailing List announcement, posted on January 8th 2009. There are a few grammatical differences and a different download link for the Bitcoin program, but other than that, the message is the same. 21 million coins and no more. The fun thing about this sourceforge announcement is that it appears to have been forgotten. The record for it is not accounted for by The Nakamoto Institute, The Book of Satoshi, or even Kicking The Hornets Nest Perhaps it should be added to the Satoshi history books. Makes you wonder what other forgotten digital artifacts are out there. https://x.com/BITCOINALLCAPS/status/1878871291442421775 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/848887

@ 000002de:c05780a7

I've lived most of my life in California. I am very familiar with Southern California and have traveled through it countless times over the last 30+ years. I've enjoyed spending time in SoCal. My heart goes out to the people that have lost everything as well as the people living on the edge fearing the fires will come their way. Its terrible. Its also not a new story as we have seen this many times before, just not affecting this many people. There are many theories and factors people are discussing online. Many IMO are missing the key issues. Regardless of how the fires started, sadly this event has only a matter of time. Been thinking about this issue for years and thought I would share my thoughts with you all. These are my opinions, I'm not an expert but I do live in the state and have paid attention to this topic since I was a kid. I've always loved the forests of California and I care about the beautiful state and its people. As I've said before, the government of California is evil. After you read this I hope you will understand why I believe this. I think Gavin Newsom is to blame for many of the issues we face but its bigger than one man. Removing him from office will not fix this problem. It is far more complex. ## PG&E's Electricity Infrastructure & The Consequences of Monopolies & Price Controls I'm not sure at this point if PG&E is at fault for starting these fires but it is at fault for many in the recent past. PG&E is the largest utility company in the state and has a monopoly over most of the state. SoCal Gas & Electric has monopoly over the rest of the state. Both are public utilities which essentially means these are more like government controlled entities than private companies. California has long used price controls on electricity. We know that doesn't work. The state has restricted to addition of new power generation my entire life. So of course PG&E has to import power from other states requiring higher rates for their customers. Due to the mismanagement of PG&E the company has not kept its infrastructure up to date. Many fires are started by shorts in power lines and equipment that is older than me. If you wanna immediately find common ground with a Californian complain about PG&E. So who is at fault? PG&E and the state government. Since PG&E is essentially a government entity I lay the blame on the state. The problem is that most people have been programmed to believe utilities need to be controlled by government in addition to being monopolies. Its one of the most illogical beliefs to me. Since PG&E is a company people tend to just blame them instead of the politicians and the state. The result is politicians have little incentive to change things. ## The Smelt, Salmon, and Water The [Smelt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_smelt) is a small fish that the Salmon eat. There has been a push for many years to restore the historic water ways that are a part of migration paths of the Salmon in California. California's [Central Valley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Valley_(California))(North of Southern California) is a massive producer of produce and other agriculture products. The issues around water are complex and the most frustrating thing for me, a person that was born and raised in the state is how the issues are rarely discussed in rational ways considering trade-offs. Instead there are usually just two sides presented. 1. The farmers need water so we need to build more water storage(dams). 2. We need to restore the historic water ways of the state and the specifically the historic Salmon runs through those water ways. I don't have a problem with either of these goals. The issue is that they are in opposition to each other. The fact is that water is needed by farmers in the Central Valley as well as people in Southern California. Southern California would not support the current population without the water from other places being funneled to that region. The farming industry of Central California would also not exist without sufficient water. Additionally the diversion of natural water flows via dams also has reduced flood risks in the state. So when you hear people talking about stealing water or SoCal doesn't have the water it needs this is a bit of context you might not hear. The state has done a terrible job managing water over the past 20 years. ## The Historic and Natural Occurrence of Wild Fires Over my lifetime I have watched as humans have build homes in areas that historically are prone to wild fires. As a kid in the government school system I was taught about forestry management. How the state and federal forestry services would clear dead brush, execute controlled burns, and cut fire lines to help prevent out of control wild fires. Even with this policy there was never a guarantee that homes could be protected but it does seem like that policy helped keep them smaller. What many people do not understand about wild fires is that they are natural and needed. When the population of California was sparse there weren't any fire fighters putting out fires. They would just burn themselves out. The [giant sequoia trees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sequoiadendron_giganteum) actually depend on wild fires to a certain extent. These fires would burn out the dead growth as well as smaller trees making way for only the strongest to survive. With the massive population growth of California over the past 100 years fire fighters have began to fight this form of nature. Like many natural forces this usually only postpones the inevitable. Its a tough decision. Do you let natural do its thing or protect people. Growing up the policy was to protect people. This meant putting out fires that threatened humans and their property. This included what I mentioned before. Logging, clearing out dead growth, controlled burns as well as other methods. In recent years the policy has shifted away from these policies and it is clear to me the results are disastrous. Once again trade-offs are rarely discussed when the government changes policy. Of course doing controlled burns affects air quality. Climate change is often mentioned as a reason to suspend controlled burns but it is clear to me that's just kicking the can down the road. The fires are going to happen. It is just a matter of time. ## Human Expansion In my opinion the single largest factor in these fires is the fact that humans have expanded into areas that historically are often cleared by wild fires. When government policy prioritized humans the risk would be reduced but instead of this the state has prioritized "environmental" interests. What makes this worse is that the state has also put their finger on the scales in regard to insurance. Once again, I rarely hear the fact that more people are living in forests as a massive factor. I have traveled all over the state over the last 30 years and the growth is incredible. I don't have a problem with his growth but you have to recognize the risk. In a free market insurance should handle this issue of risk. ## The Role of Insurance Insurance is all about calculating risk. If you seek insurance the higher your risk the higher the premium. On both ends of the scale of risk both parties will not enter into an agreement. If the risk is very low individuals will not naturally see a need for insurance. Insurance companies LOVE to sell insurance with low risk. The opposite is true. If your risk is high an insurance company cannot provide assurances of payment. The thing people most miss about insurance is that they play the role of evaluating risk. They are incentivized reduce risk, much more than the state. Recently insurance companies have stopped offering polices in California due to introduction of price controls and the state's forestry polices. In some of the areas now burning these companies have declined to renew fire polices. Why? Because the risk was to high. That should tell us something. ## What Is the Answer Remove regulations altering the natural market force of insurance. If an area is very risky insurance should be high. That is a signal that can very well save lives. I think people should be allowed to live on any property they own or rent. They should be able to do so without insurance as well. But insurance should be allowed to do what it does. Reduce risk and provide a valuable signal to the market. The same goes for power utilities. There needs to be a removal of the monopoly held by PG&E. They need to build nuclear plants in the state to provide power for the growing population. I believe the market, if allowed to operate would fix these issues. When it comes to environmentalism the state should pick a side. People, or environmentalism. If they pick environmentalism they should not bail out the insurance companies and restrict building back in areas affected by wild fires. To be clear, I oppose that position because I don't believe it is actually good for the environment of California and its destructive to human life. The other path is to return to managing the forests. Restore the forestry practices that worked for decades. Allow insurance to operate as a free market and listen to the market signals. When it comes to water its a similar situation. The reality is until farming practices change to be more regenerative and if the population level continues to grow the state is going to have to build more water storage and divert the natural flow of water. Humans are competing for resources with Salmon. I would love to see California restored to a more natural state but the reality is that will not be possible without a drastic population decrease and more fires like this. I don't think the people actually want that. They have been lied to for decades by politicians and environmentalists. I know this is a long post, there is much more I could say and I'm sure I'll hear it in the comments but I tried to keep this short. Its a very complex issue that the state and Newsom largely own. They will try to distract with many other things but this is where the focus should be IMO. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/848838

@ e3ba5e1a:5e433365

My blog posts and reading material have both been on a decidedly economics-heavy slant recently. The topic today, incentives, squarely falls into the category of economics. However, when I say economics, I’m not talking about “analyzing supply and demand curves.” I’m talking about the true basis of economics: understanding how human beings make decisions in a world of scarcity. A fair definition of incentive is “a reward or punishment that motivates behavior to achieve a desired outcome.” When most people think about economic incentives, they’re thinking of money. If I offer my son $5 if he washes the dishes, I’m incentivizing certain behavior. We can’t guarantee that he’ll do what I want him to do, but we can agree that the incentive structure itself will guide and ultimately determine what outcome will occur. The great thing about monetary incentives is how easy they are to talk about and compare. “Would I rather make $5 washing the dishes or $10 cleaning the gutters?” But much of the world is incentivized in non-monetary ways too. For example, using the “punishment” half of the definition above, I might threaten my son with losing Nintendo Switch access if he doesn’t wash the dishes. No money is involved, but I’m still incentivizing behavior. And there are plenty of incentives beyond our direct control\! My son is *also* incentivized to not wash dishes because it’s boring, or because he has some friends over that he wants to hang out with, or dozens of other things. Ultimately, the conflicting array of different incentive structures placed on him will ultimately determine what actions he chooses to take. ## Why incentives matter A phrase I see often in discussions—whether they are political, parenting, economic, or business—is “if they could **just** do…” Each time I see that phrase, I cringe a bit internally. Usually, the underlying assumption of the statement is “if people would behave contrary to their incentivized behavior then things would be better.” For example: * If my kids would just go to bed when I tell them, they wouldn’t be so cranky in the morning. * If people would just use the recycling bin, we wouldn’t have such a landfill problem. * If people would just stop being lazy, our team would deliver our project on time. In all these cases, the speakers are seemingly flummoxed as to why the people in question don’t behave more rationally. The problem is: each group is behaving perfectly rationally. * The kids have a high time preference, and care more about the joy of staying up now than the crankiness in the morning. Plus, they don’t really suffer the consequences of morning crankiness, their parents do. * No individual suffers much from their individual contribution to a landfill. If they stopped growing the size of the landfill, it would make an insignificant difference versus the amount of effort they need to engage in to properly recycle. * If a team doesn’t properly account for the productivity of individuals on a project, each individual receives less harm from their own inaction. Sure, the project may be delayed, company revenue may be down, and they may even risk losing their job when the company goes out of business. But their laziness individually won’t determine the entirety of that outcome. By contrast, they greatly benefit from being lazy by getting to relax at work, go on social media, read a book, or do whatever else they do when they’re supposed to be working.  My point here is that, as long as you ignore the reality of how incentives drive human behavior, you’ll fail at getting the outcomes you want. If everything I wrote up until now made perfect sense, you understand the premise of this blog post. The rest of it will focus on a bunch of real-world examples to hammer home the point, and demonstrate how versatile this mental model is. ## Running a company Let’s say I run my own company, with myself as the only employee. My personal revenue will be 100% determined by my own actions. If I decide to take Tuesday afternoon off and go fishing, I’ve chosen to lose that afternoon’s revenue. Implicitly, I’ve decided that the enjoyment I get from an afternoon of fishing is greater than the potential revenue. You may think I’m being lazy, but it’s my decision to make. In this situation, the incentive–money–is perfectly aligned with my actions. Compare this to a typical company/employee relationship. I might have a bank of Paid Time Off (PTO) days, in which case once again my incentives are relatively aligned. I know that I can take off 15 days throughout the year, and I’ve chosen to use half a day for the fishing trip. All is still good. What about unlimited time off? Suddenly incentives are starting to misalign. I don’t directly pay a price for not showing up to work on Tuesday. Or Wednesday as well, for that matter. I might ultimately be fired for not doing my job, but that will take longer to work its way through the system than simply not making any money for the day taken off. Compensation overall falls into this misaligned incentive structure. Let’s forget about taking time off. Instead, I work full time on a software project I’m assigned. But instead of using the normal toolchain we’re all used to at work, I play around with a new programming language. I get the fun and joy of playing with new technology, and potentially get to pad my resume a bit when I’m ready to look for a new job. But my current company gets slower results, less productivity, and is forced to subsidize my extracurricular learning. When a CEO has a bonus structure based on profitability, he’ll do everything he can to make the company profitable. This might include things that actually benefit the company, like improving product quality, reducing internal red tape, or finding cheaper vendors. But it might also include destructive practices, like slashing the R\&D budget to show massive profits this year, in exchange for a catastrophe next year when the next version of the product fails to ship.  Or my favorite example. My parents owned a business when I was growing up. They had a back office where they ran operations like accounting. All of the furniture was old couches from our house. After all, any money they spent on furniture came right out of their paychecks\! But in a large corporate environment, each department is generally given a budget for office furniture, a budget which doesn’t roll over year-to-year. The result? Executives make sure to spend the entire budget each year, often buying furniture far more expensive than they would choose if it was their own money. There are plenty of details you can quibble with above. It’s in a company’s best interest to give people downtime so that they can come back recharged. Having good ergonomic furniture can in fact increase productivity in excess of the money spent on it. But overall, the picture is pretty clear: in large corporate structures, you’re guaranteed to have mismatches between the company’s goals and the incentive structure placed on individuals. Using our model from above, we can lament how lazy, greedy, and unethical the employees are for doing what they’re incentivized to do instead of what’s right. But that’s simply ignoring the reality of human nature. # Moral hazard Moral hazard is a situation where one party is incentivized to take on more risk because another party will bear the consequences. Suppose I tell my son when he turns 21 (or whatever legal gambling age is) that I’ll cover all his losses for a day at the casino, but he gets to keep all the winnings. What do you think he’s going to do? The most logical course of action is to place the largest possible bets for as long as possible, asking me to cover each time he loses, and taking money off the table and into his bank account each time he wins.  But let’s look at a slightly more nuanced example. I go to a bathroom in the mall. As I’m leaving, I wash my hands. It will take me an extra 1 second to turn off the water when I’m done washing. That’s a trivial price to pay. If I *don’t* turn off the water, the mall will have to pay for many liters of wasted water, benefiting no one. But I won’t suffer any consequences at all. This is also a moral hazard, but most people will still turn off the water. Why? Usually due to some combination of other reasons such as: 1. We’re so habituated to turning off the water that we don’t even consider *not* turning it off. Put differently, the mental effort needed to not turn off the water is more expensive than the 1 second of time to turn it off. 2. Many of us have been brought up with a deep guilt about wasting resources like water. We have an internal incentive structure that makes the 1 second to turn off the water much less costly than the mental anguish of the waste we created. 3. We’re afraid we’ll be caught by someone else and face some kind of social repercussions. (Or maybe more than social. Are you sure there isn’t a law against leaving the water tap on?) Even with all that in place, you may notice that many public bathrooms use automatic water dispensers. Sure, there’s a sanitation reason for that, but it’s also to avoid this moral hazard. A common denominator in both of these is that the person taking the action that causes the liability (either the gambling or leaving the water on) is not the person who bears the responsibility for that liability (the father or the mall owner). Generally speaking, the closer together the person making the decision and the person incurring the liability are, the smaller the moral hazard. It’s easy to demonstrate that by extending the casino example a bit. I said it was the father who was covering the losses of the gambler. Many children (though not all) would want to avoid totally bankrupting their parents, or at least financially hurting them. Instead, imagine that someone from the IRS shows up at your door, hands you a credit card, and tells you you can use it at a casino all day, taking home all the chips you want. The money is coming from the government. How many people would put any restriction on how much they spend? And since we’re talking about the government already… ## Government moral hazards As I was preparing to write this blog post, the California wildfires hit. The discussions around those wildfires gave a *huge* number of examples of moral hazards. I decided to cherry-pick a few for this post. The first and most obvious one: California is asking for disaster relief funds from the federal government. That sounds wonderful. These fires were a natural disaster, so why shouldn’t the federal government pitch in and help take care of people? The problem is, once again, a moral hazard. In the case of the wildfires, California and Los Angeles both had ample actions they could have taken to mitigate the destruction of this fire: better forest management, larger fire department, keeping the water reservoirs filled, and probably much more that hasn’t come to light yet. If the federal government bails out California, it will be a clear message for the future: your mistakes will be fixed by others. You know what kind of behavior that incentivizes? More risky behavior\! Why spend state funds on forest management and extra firefighters—activities that don’t win politicians a lot of votes in general—when you could instead spend it on a football stadium, higher unemployment payments, or anything else, and then let the feds cover the cost of screw-ups. You may notice that this is virtually identical to the 2008 “too big to fail” bail-outs. Wall Street took insanely risky behavior, reaped huge profits for years, and when they eventually got caught with their pants down, the rest of us bailed them out. “Privatizing profits, socializing losses.”  And here’s the absolute best part of this: I can’t even truly blame either California *or* Wall Street. (I mean, I *do* blame them, I think their behavior is reprehensible, but you’ll see what I mean.) In a world where the rules of the game implicitly include the bail-out mentality, you would be harming your citizens/shareholders/investors if you didn’t engage in that risky behavior. Since everyone is on the hook for those socialized losses, your best bet is to maximize those privatized profits. There’s a lot more to government and moral hazard, but I think these two cases demonstrate the crux pretty solidly. But let’s leave moral hazard behind for a bit and get to general incentivization discussions. # Non-monetary competition At least 50% of the economics knowledge I have comes from the very first econ course I took in college. That professor was amazing, and had some very colorful stories. I can’t vouch for the veracity of the two I’m about to share, but they definitely drive the point home. In the 1970s, the US had an oil shortage. To “fix” this problem, they instituted price caps on gasoline, which of course resulted in insufficient gasoline. To “fix” this problem, they instituted policies where, depending on your license plate number, you could only fill up gas on certain days of the week. (Irrelevant detail for our point here, but this just resulted in people filling up their tanks more often, no reduction in gas usage.) Anyway, my professor’s wife had a friend. My professor described in *great* detail how attractive this woman was. I’ll skip those details here since this is a PG-rated blog. In any event, she never had any trouble filling up her gas tank any day of the week. She would drive up, be told she couldn’t fill up gas today, bat her eyes at the attendant, explain how helpless she was, and was always allowed to fill up gas. This is a demonstration of *non-monetary compensation*. Most of the time in a free market, capitalist economy, people are compensated through money. When price caps come into play, there’s a limit to how much monetary compensation someone can receive. And in that case, people find other ways of competing. Like this woman’s case: through using flirtatious behavior to compensate the gas station workers to let her cheat the rules. The other example was much more insidious. Santa Monica had a problem: it was predominantly wealthy and white. They wanted to fix this problem, and decided to put in place rent controls. After some time, they discovered that Santa Monica had become *wealthier and whiter*, the exact opposite of their desired outcome. Why would that happen? Someone investigated, and ended up interviewing a landlady that demonstrated the reason. She was an older white woman, and admittedly racist. Prior to the rent controls, she would list her apartments in the newspaper, and would be legally obligated to rent to anyone who could afford it. Once rent controls were in place, she took a different tact. She knew that she would only get a certain amount for the apartment, and that the demand for apartments was higher than the supply. That meant she could be picky. She ended up finding tenants through friends-of-friends. Since it wasn’t an official advertisement, she wasn’t legally required to rent it out if someone could afford to pay. Instead, she got to interview people individually and then make them an offer. Normally, that would have resulted in receiving a lower rental price, but not under rent controls. So who did she choose? A young, unmarried, wealthy, white woman. It made perfect sense. Women were less intimidating and more likely to maintain the apartment better. Wealthy people, she determined, would be better tenants. (I have no idea if this is true in practice or not, I’m not a landlord myself.) Unmarried, because no kids running around meant less damage to the property. And, of course, white. Because she was racist, and her incentive structure made her prefer whites. You can deride her for being racist, I won’t disagree with you. But it’s simply the reality. Under the non-rent-control scenario, her profit motive for money outweighed her racism motive. But under rent control, the monetary competition was removed, and she was free to play into her racist tendencies without facing any negative consequences. ## Bureaucracy These were the two examples I remember for that course. But non-monetary compensation pops up in many more places. One highly pertinent example is bureaucracies. Imagine you have a government office, or a large corporation’s acquisition department, or the team that apportions grants at a university. In all these cases, you have a group of people making decisions about handing out money that has no monetary impact on them. If they give to the best qualified recipients, they receive no raises. If they spend the money recklessly on frivolous projects, they face no consequences. Under such an incentivization scheme, there’s little to encourage the bureaucrats to make intelligent funding decisions. Instead, they’ll be incentivized to spend the money where they recognize non-monetary benefits. This is why it’s so common to hear about expensive meals, gift bags at conferences, and even more inappropriate ways of trying to curry favor with those that hold the purse strings. Compare that ever so briefly with the purchases made by a small mom-and-pop store like my parents owned. Could my dad take a bribe to buy from a vendor who’s ripping him off? Absolutely he could\! But he’d lose more on the deal than he’d make on the bribe, since he’s directly incentivized by the deal itself. It would make much more sense for him to go with the better vendor, save $5,000 on the deal, and then treat himself to a lavish $400 meal to celebrate. # Government incentivized behavior This post is getting longer in the tooth than I’d intended, so I’ll finish off with this section and make it a bit briefer. Beyond all the methods mentioned above, government has another mechanism for modifying behavior: through directly changing incentives via legislation, regulation, and monetary policy. Let’s see some examples: * Artificial modification of interest rates encourages people to take on more debt than they would in a free capital market, leading to [malinvestment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malinvestment) and a consumer debt crisis, and causing the boom-bust cycle we all painfully experience. * Going along with that, giving tax breaks on interest payments further artificially incentivizes people to take on debt that they wouldn’t otherwise. * During COVID-19, at some points unemployment benefits were greater than minimum wage, incentivizing people to rather stay home and not work than get a job, leading to reduced overall productivity in the economy and more printed dollars for benefits. In other words, it was a perfect recipe for inflation. * The tax code gives deductions to “help” people. That might be true, but the real impact is incentivizing people to make decisions they wouldn’t have otherwise. For example, giving out tax deductions on children encourages having more kids. Tax deductions on childcare and preschools incentivizes dual-income households. Whether or not you like the outcomes, it’s clear that it’s government that’s encouraging these outcomes to happen. * Tax incentives cause people to engage in behavior they wouldn’t otherwise (daycare+working mother, for example). * Inflation means that the value of your money goes down over time, which encourages people to spend more today, when their money has a larger impact. (Milton Friedman described this as [high living](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwNDd2_beTU).) # Conclusion The idea here is simple, and fully encapsulated in the title: incentives determine outcomes. If you want to know how to get a certain outcome from others, incentivize them to want that to happen. If you want to understand why people act in seemingly irrational ways, check their incentives. If you’re confused why leaders (and especially politicians) seem to engage in destructive behavior, check their incentives. We can bemoan these realities all we want, but they *are* realities. While there are some people who have a solid internal moral and ethical code, and that internal code incentivizes them to behave against their externally-incentivized interests, those people are rare. And frankly, those people are self-defeating. People *should* take advantage of the incentives around them. Because if they don’t, someone else will. (If you want a literary example of that last comment, see the horse in Animal Farm.) How do we improve the world under these conditions? Make sure the incentives align well with the overall goals of society. To me, it’s a simple formula: * Focus on free trade, value for value, as the basis of a society. In that system, people are always incentivized to provide value to other people. * Reduce the size of bureaucracies and large groups of all kinds. The larger an organization becomes, the farther the consequences of decisions are from those who make them. * And since the nature of human beings will be to try and create areas where they can control the incentive systems to their own benefits, make that as difficult as possible. That comes in the form of strict limits on government power, for example. And even if you don’t want to buy in to this conclusion, I hope the rest of the content was educational, and maybe a bit entertaining\!

@ e460cb14:01bb5ced

## Brief intro #glostr is a pet-project of mine to better understand how #nostr works. Since I'm an engineer, and somewhere between a game programmer and a graphics programmer, I'll do what I do best: write some graphics thing no one (but me) will use. ## Zappable Shadertoy So, the idea is to create a small platform on top of #nostr where people can create, visualize, and share computer graphics programs (aka: shaders). Code shiny thing, see shiny, share shiny thing, and zap shiny thing. If you're familiar with [Shadertoy](https://shadertoy.com), #glostr is just that: **zappable shadertoy**.  ## Milestone Zero So, first step was to write a quick and dirty prototype client (remember, I specc'd into game dev, not into web dev, so I really mean _quick_ and I really mean _dirty_). I got an [ace editor](https://github.com/ajaxorg/ace) thing working, duct-taped it to a basic WebGL render, stole a couple shaders from shadertoy (jk, I gave credit), poured some CSS magic, glued some `nostr-rx`, and published it to GitHub pages. After 2 or 3 days of iterating, and with some assistance from an LLM, you can see the result linked on my [notes](nostr:nevent1qqsf45hy66cw55e3s2ewt6upe3m073q875hmjjtyyre7qtaxw9hl5scpp4mhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mqpzemhxue69uhhyetvv9ujumn0wd68ytnzv9hxgq3qu3svk99639mcdfn43s2nawg4a2j4ejmgrq2n63l4t67wzqdmtnkss70qyf). Yes. I used `kind 1` posts to spam GLSL code. I AM SORRY. I KNOW BETTER NOW. I SWEAR. So, right now #glostr is: - Taking an npub on the url after the # - Rendering all `kind 1` posts from that npub containing GLSL code between \`\`\`s - Allowing the user to edit the code in real time  ## Next Steps What now? [Gorila](nostr:npub19tv378w29hx4ljy7wgydreg9nu96czrs6clu8wkzr3af8z86rr7sujx4xe) made me realize my _obvious_ `kind 1` spamming. After some brainstorming and skimming through NIPs and kinds, we arrived at the conclusion that [Long-form Notes (NIP-23)](https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips/blob/master/23.md) are best suited for the content I want #glostr to display: - Format is Markdown, which I like and which I was already somewhat expecting. - It's editable content, so mistakes can be amended, which is more than usual in shader programming. So, the next features I want to add are: - Logging in - Posting NIP-23 Notes - Getting, parsing, and showing NIP-23 Notes ## When I'll only work on this on the weekends for now, so I don't know. This is a pet project for fun right now. ## Wrapping Up - Repo: https://github.com/rowdaboat/glostr - Try it: https://rowdaboat.github.io/glostr/ As this is a Long-Form Note in itself, I'll finish it by sharing a shader based on [Inigo Quilez's awesome polygon shader](https://www.shadertoy.com/view/wdBXRW). This note should show as a shader on #glostr in the next iteration, but you can copy and paste the code in the editor for now: ```glsl #version 300 es precision mediump float; uniform vec2 u_resolution; uniform float u_time; out vec4 fragColor; const int N = 6; vec3 yellow = vec3(0.45, 0.3, 0.15); vec3 lightBlue = vec3(0.65, 0.85, 1.0); float polygon(in vec2 p, in vec2[N] v) { const int num = v.length(); float d = dot(p - v[0], p - v[0]); float s = 1.; for(int i=0, j=num-1; i < num; j=i, i++ ) { vec2 e = v[j] - v[i]; vec2 w = p - v[i]; vec2 b = w - e * clamp(dot(w, e) / dot(e, e), 0.0, 1.0); d = min(d, dot(b,b)); bvec3 condition = bvec3( p.y >= v[i].y, p.y < v[j].y, e.x * w.y > e.y * w.x ); if (all(condition) || all(not(condition))) s =- s; } return s * sqrt(d); } void main() { vec2 p = (2.0 * gl_FragCoord.xy - u_resolution.xy) / u_resolution.y; float d = polygon(p, vec2[]( vec2( .2, .8), vec2(-.5, -.125), vec2( .0, -.125), vec2(-.2, -.8), vec2( .5, .125), vec2( .0, .125) )); vec3 color = d < 0.0 ? yellow : lightBlue; color *= 1. - exp(-40. * abs(d)); color *= .8 + .2 * sin(10.0 * d - 10. * u_time) * sin(-1.25 * u_time); color *= exp(1. - d * 2.25); fragColor = vec4(color, 1.0); } ```

@ 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/848291

@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

I’ve been using Notedeck for several months, starting with its extremely early and experimental alpha versions, all the way to its current, more stable alpha releases. The journey has been fascinating, as I’ve had the privilege of watching it evolve from a concept into a functional and promising tool. In its earliest stages, Notedeck was raw—offering glimpses of its potential but still far from practical for daily use. Even then, the vision behind it was clear: a platform designed to redefine how we interact with Nostr by offering flexibility and power for all users. I'm very bullish on Notedeck. Why? Because Will Casarin is making it! Duh! 😂 Seriously though, if we’re reimagining the web and rebuilding portions of the Internet, it’s important to recognize [the potential of Notedeck](https://damus.io/notedeck/). If Nostr is reimagining the web, then Notedeck is reimagining the Nostr client. Notedeck isn’t just another Nostr app—it’s more a Nostr browser that functions more like an operating system with micro-apps. How cool is that? Much like how Google's Chrome evolved from being a web browser with a task manager into ChromeOS, a full blown operating system, Notedeck aims to transform how we interact with the Nostr. It goes beyond individual apps, offering a foundation for a fully integrated ecosystem built around Nostr. As a Nostr evangelist, I love to scream **INTEROPERABILITY** and tout every application's integrations. Well, Notedeck has the potential to be one of the best platforms to showcase these integrations in entirely new and exciting ways. Do you want an Olas feed of images? Add the media column. Do you want a feed of live video events? Add the zap.stream column. Do you want Nostr Nests or audio chats? Add that column to your Notedeck. Git? Email? Books? Chat and DMs? It's all possible. Not everyone wants a super app though, and that’s okay. As with most things in the Nostr ecosystem, flexibility is key. Notedeck gives users the freedom to choose how they engage with it—whether it’s simply following hashtags or managing straightforward feeds. You'll be able to tailor Notedeck to fit your needs, using it as extensively or minimally as you prefer. Notedeck is designed with a local-first approach, utilizing Nostr content stored directly on your device via the local nostrdb. This will enable a plethora of advanced tools such as search and filtering, the creation of custom feeds, and the ability to develop personalized algorithms across multiple Notedeck micro-applications—all with unparalleled flexibility. Notedeck also supports multicast. Let's geek out for a second. Multicast is a method of communication where data is sent from one source to multiple destinations simultaneously, but only to devices that wish to receive the data. Unlike broadcast, which sends data to all devices on a network, multicast targets specific receivers, reducing network traffic. This is commonly used for efficient data distribution in scenarios like streaming, conferencing, or large-scale data synchronization between devices. > In a local first world where each device holds local copies of your nostr nodes, and each device transparently syncs with each other on the local network, each node becomes a backup. Your data becomes antifragile automatically. When a node goes down it can resync and recover from other nodes. Even if not all nodes have a complete collection, negentropy can pull down only what is needed from each device. All this can be done without internet. > > \-Will Casarin In the context of Notedeck, multicast would allow multiple devices to sync their Nostr nodes with each other over a local network without needing an internet connection. Wild. Notedeck aims to offer full customization too, including the ability to design and share custom skins, much like Winamp. Users will also be able to create personalized columns and, in the future, share their setups with others. This opens the door for power users to craft tailored Nostr experiences, leveraging their expertise in the protocol and applications. By sharing these configurations as "Starter Decks," they can simplify onboarding and showcase the best of Nostr’s ecosystem. Nostr’s “Other Stuff” can often be difficult to discover, use, or understand. Many users doesn't understand or know how to use web browser extensions to login to applications. Let's not even get started with nsecbunkers. Notedeck will address this challenge by providing a native experience that brings these lesser-known applications, tools, and content into a user-friendly and accessible interface, making exploration seamless. However, that doesn't mean Notedeck should disregard power users that want to use nsecbunkers though - hint hint. For anyone interested in watching Nostr be [developed live](https://github.com/damus-io/notedeck), right before your very eyes, Notedeck’s progress serves as a reminder of what’s possible when innovation meets dedication. The current alpha is already demonstrating its ability to handle complex use cases, and I’m excited to see how it continues to grow as it moves toward a full release later this year.

@ 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/837629/r/AG) are some of the items stackers recently spent their #sats on. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/847330

@ da0b9bc3:4e30a4a9

Hello Stackers! Welcome on into the ~Music Corner of the Saloon! A place where we Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats. So stay a while and listen. 🚨Don't forget to check out the pinned items in the territory homepage! You can always find the latest weeklies there!🚨 🚨Subscribe to the territory to ensure you never miss a post! 🚨 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/847214

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/847204

@ a10260a2:caa23e3e

*Last Updated: January 11, 2025* This article is based on a note I posted over a year ago. I kept finding great podcasts and realized that a long form note would make sense since it'll essentially be reposted in the feed every time an update is made. While there are many good privacy resources out there, this list will focus on episodes from CITADEL DISPATCH. The rabbit hole is deep and never-ending; my hope is that this will spark your curiosity and compel you to search for more. Why should you care? ODELL explains that [here](https://www.discreetlog.com/why-bitcoiners-should-care-about-using-bitcoin-privately/). If you're ready, here are the privacy-related dispatches. Hour and hours of signal from ODELL and his guests. Enjoy. 🫡 * CD2: Privacy, Nodes, and No KYC with ErgoBTC & BitcoinQ_A — https://fountain.fm/episode/ssPqjTOzHjWSRiYN5rP6 * CD15: bitcoin privacy and coinjoin with nopara73 and openoms — https://fountain.fm/episode/akzlPBM5XWZgPWa2iXCN * CD16: bitcoin privacy and coinjoin with chris belcher and waxwing — https://fountain.fm/episode/hBcMSmraUUxVlZzBv5V1 * CD21: the lightning network and bitcoin privacy with openoms and cycryptr — https://fountain.fm/episode/vo0LpZOxGiDWIXc8wQf2 * CD29: bitcoin privacy and security with craigraw and ketominer — https://fountain.fm/episode/wNowMP7zxD25kKMLCU4r * CD30: bitcoin privacy and the danger of KYC with samouraiwallet and openoms — https://fountain.fm/episode/AoIhaVfVHG55gEJOlEiH * CD43: bitcoin for beginners with BitcoinQ_A— https://fountain.fm/episode/Foh3ImV2fZYPvg2QgNA4 I've also created a Fountain playlist which can be found [here](https://fountain.fm/playlist/WGV34KnpV0NyR6F2RWok). One benefit of the playlist is that you can easily share the group of episodes in its entirety.

@ 513d5051:8a622026

I'm a huge fan of sci-fi for various reasons and I noticed some other people on SN seem interested as well. I'm looking at you @Rothbardian_fanatic. Yes, I could use a territory like ~BooksAndArticles by @siggy47 so I'm posting this here to debate what would be a good home for this content. Maybe there's some other territory more appropriate as well, I'm open. My idea is to have a forum we can discuss everything sci-fi (books, games, movies, tv shows, anime, etc). Ideas? Suggestions? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/846990

@ 0d97beae:c5274a14

This article hopes to complement the article by Lyn Alden on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk_HWmmwiAs ## The reason why we have broken money Before the invention of key technologies such as the printing press and electronic communications, even such as those as early as morse code transmitters, gold had won the competition for best medium of money around the world. In fact, it was not just gold by itself that became money, rulers and world leaders developed coins in order to help the economy grow. Gold nuggets were not as easy to transact with as coins with specific imprints and denominated sizes. However, these modern technologies created massive efficiencies that allowed us to communicate and perform services more efficiently and much faster, yet the medium of money could not benefit from these advancements. Gold was heavy, slow and expensive to move globally, even though requesting and performing services globally did not have this limitation anymore. Banks took initiative and created derivatives of gold: paper and electronic money; these new currencies allowed the economy to continue to grow and evolve, but it was not without its dark side. Today, no currency is denominated in gold at all, money is backed by nothing and its inherent value, the paper it is printed on, is worthless too. Banks and governments eventually transitioned from a money derivative to a system of debt that could be co-opted and controlled for political and personal reasons. Our money today is broken and is the cause of more expensive, poorer quality goods in the economy, a larger and ever growing wealth gap, and many of the follow-on problems that have come with it. ## Bitcoin overcomes the "transfer of hard money" problem Just like gold coins were created by man, Bitcoin too is a technology created by man. Bitcoin, however is a much more profound invention, possibly more of a discovery than an invention in fact. Bitcoin has proven to be unbreakable, incorruptible and has upheld its ability to keep its units scarce, inalienable and counterfeit proof through the nature of its own design. Since Bitcoin is a digital technology, it can be transferred across international borders almost as quickly as information itself. It therefore severely reduces the need for a derivative to be used to represent money to facilitate digital trade. This means that as the currency we use today continues to fare poorly for many people, bitcoin will continue to stand out as hard money, that just so happens to work as well, functionally, along side it. Bitcoin will also always be available to anyone who wishes to earn it directly; even China is unable to restrict its citizens from accessing it. The dollar has traditionally become the currency for people who discover that their local currency is unsustainable. Even when the dollar has become illegal to use, it is simply used privately and unofficially. However, because bitcoin does not require you to trade it at a bank in order to use it across borders and across the web, Bitcoin will continue to be a viable escape hatch until we one day hit some critical mass where the world has simply adopted Bitcoin globally and everyone else must adopt it to survive. Bitcoin has not yet proven that it can support the world at scale. However it can only be tested through real adoption, and just as gold coins were developed to help gold scale, tools will be developed to help overcome problems as they arise; ideally without the need for another derivative, but if necessary, hopefully with one that is more neutral and less corruptible than the derivatives used to represent gold. ## Bitcoin blurs the line between commodity and technology Bitcoin is a technology, it is a tool that requires human involvement to function, however it surprisingly does not allow for any concentration of power. Anyone can help to facilitate Bitcoin's operations, but no one can take control of its behaviour, its reach, or its prioritisation, as it operates autonomously based on a pre-determined, neutral set of rules. At the same time, its built-in incentive mechanism ensures that people do not have to operate bitcoin out of the good of their heart. Even though the system cannot be co-opted holistically, It will not stop operating while there are people motivated to trade their time and resources to keep it running and earn from others' transaction fees. Although it requires humans to operate it, it remains both neutral and sustainable. Never before have we developed or discovered a technology that could not be co-opted and used by one person or faction against another. Due to this nature, Bitcoin's units are often described as a commodity; they cannot be usurped or virtually cloned, and they cannot be affected by political biases. ## The dangers of derivatives A derivative is something created, designed or developed to represent another thing in order to solve a particular complication or problem. For example, paper and electronic money was once a derivative of gold. In the case of Bitcoin, if you cannot link your units of bitcoin to an "address" that you personally hold a cryptographically secure key to, then you very likely have a derivative of bitcoin, not bitcoin itself. If you buy bitcoin on an online exchange and do not withdraw the bitcoin to a wallet that you control, then you legally own an electronic derivative of bitcoin. Bitcoin is a new technology. It will have a learning curve and it will take time for humanity to learn how to comprehend, authenticate and take control of bitcoin collectively. Having said that, many people all over the world are already using and relying on Bitcoin natively. For many, it will require for people to find the need or a desire for a neutral money like bitcoin, and to have been burned by derivatives of it, before they start to understand the difference between the two. Eventually, it will become an essential part of what we regard as common sense. ## Learn for yourself If you wish to learn more about how to handle bitcoin and avoid derivatives, you can start by searching online for tutorials about "Bitcoin self custody". There are many options available, some more practical for you, and some more practical for others. Don't spend too much time trying to find the perfect solution; practice and learn. You may make mistakes along the way, so be careful not to experiment with large amounts of your bitcoin as you explore new ideas and technologies along the way. This is similar to learning anything, like riding a bicycle; you are sure to fall a few times, scuff the frame, so don't buy a high performance racing bike while you're still learning to balance.

@ 37fe9853:bcd1b039

yoyoaa

@ 62033ff8:e4471203

收录的内容中 kind=1的部分，实话说 质量不高。 所以我增加了kind=30023 长文的article，但是更新的太少，多个relays 的服务器也没有多少长文。 所有搜索nostr如果需要产生价值，需要有高质量的文章和新闻。 而且现在有很多机器人的文章充满着浪费空间的作用，其他作用都用不上。 https://www.duozhutuan.com 目前放的是给搜索引擎提供搜索的原材料。没有做UI给人类浏览。所以看上去是粗糙的。 我并没有打算去做一个发microblog的 web客户端，那类的客户端太多了。 我觉得nostr社区需要解决的还是应用。如果仅仅是microblog 感觉有点够呛 幸运的是npub.pro 建站这样的，我觉得有点意思。 yakihonne 智能widget 也有意思 我做的TaskQ5 我自己在用了。分布式的任务系统，也挺好的。

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 - Since the 1960s fertility was falling due to couples having less children - In the last few years the fertility rate keeps falling. Seems like nothing changed on the surface. But under the surface there is a very curious trend: we're seeing less couples in the first place - If that is the true cause now it is important because encouraging couples to have children might be the wrong approach altogether https://www.ft.com/content/43e2b4f6-5ab7-4c47-b9fd-d611c36dad74 https://archive.is/mPMnp I encourage everyone to read this article. There are a few interesting observations about that topic. E.g. there are some south Asian countries where marriage rates curiously are still high... why? The trend is also more pronounced in lower education social circles while total fertility is negatively correlated with household wealth and income. Another two puzzle pieces don't neatly fit together. A few days ago I linked to a paper that examined the connection between having housing and having kids: https://stacker.news/items/843781 So many puzzle pieces that don't fit together with this topic. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/846284

@ 000002de:c05780a7

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/845462

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 Childhood cancer death rates in the United States have declined six-fold over the last seventy years. https://ourworldindata.org/cancer originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/845142

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I try to start and end my days well, even when the middle gets a little messy. I'm fortunate to not have to use an alarm clock to wake up. I work remotely and have a good deal of schedule flexibility, so I sleep until I wake up naturally. Of course, I also have a little kid, so "waking up naturally" isn't always as peaceful as it sounds. I've been into intermittent fasting for quite a while and I added dry fasting into the mix around a year ago. I end my dry fast relatively early with a cup of coffee around 8:00am or so. If no one else (aka my wife) has made coffee, I'll push it later. I like to put coconut oil, coconut milk, sea salt, turmeric, and cinnamon in my coffee. The first thing I eat, around 9:00 or 10:00 am, are three Brazil nuts. That's just about the only way to get an optimal level of selenium in your diet. By my understanding of ketosis, this shouldn't be enough to take my body out of a ketogenic state. I try to get a couple thousand steps in while getting ready for work, helping out with the kid, and refilling my coffee. I put off eating anything more substantial until my wife cooks something, which is usually in the early afternoon. However, as a dad, there are often good amounts of leftovers and other would be food waste that I'll eat when available. How do you try to start your days and do you also find it easier to control how your days start than how they go in the middle? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/844949

@ 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! Kickstart My Heart!! https://youtu.be/CmXWkMlKFkI?si=UNb7KC-ukse9uquM Talk Music. Share Tracks. Zap Sats. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/844806

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

Today I stumbled into these platforms WLW.de and EuroPages.co.uk, two portals from the same group: Visable.com I found here some interesting new clients, and am working on bringing those business into our bitcoin journey. It will take time, and yes, they are still fiat maxis, but just because they don't know any better! @globalmerchant came to my mind and all the B2B conversations had here on SN. I hope these two portals would bring you more business, as they are doing for us. But also hope that we'll find here other businesses interested in accepting and trading in a bitcoin standard. The main goal of this topic was to discover similar websites. Do any of us here know any other trusted platform? Which region is covering, and how do you get to know it? Thanks for sharing! originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/844602

@ 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/844534

@ 000002de:c05780a7

It is easy to mock the government of California. I would say it is a joke but its actually evil. The government of California has managed to lose population to other states even though the weather is amazing most of the year and its blessed with some of the most beautiful places on earth. My word of warning is to look at your own back yards. California was once like most "conservative" states in the US. California is simply a few years ahead of most of the US. Instead of mocking CA look at the specific reasons why its went wrong and look at your own areas. I've spent time in several states and I see their governments following the same path as California while their people think they are sooooo much better off. Its a trap. It isn't just "the woke". It isn't just "the democrats". Its much more subtle. Another note. California is a massive state and the vast majority of it is NOT like LA or San Fransisco politically. Democracy and cities lead to what you see in California. Hopefully people will learn that daddy government is an evil monster but I'm not very hopeful for that in my life time. I think things have to get much worse before that will happen. Edit: It is promising to see that some have rejected Harris in a national election(not saying voting is how you change it). Its a good signal for where people are. However, it isn't as massive of a shift as some would like to believe. End public service announcement. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/844193

@ e968e50b:db2a803a

...saw [this super cool post](https://stacker.news/items/843863) a little bit ago, and it reminded me of this thing I started making after a conversation with @k00b and about goofy stacking-themed games. [The Bitcoin Trail](https://thebitcointrail.vercel.app/)   [The Bitcoin Trail](https://thebitcointrail.vercel.app/) k00b lost interest at some point (probably because he was looking to hire a professional to make a fun 404 screen and I was clearly someone who didn't have the skills or knowledge of the coding industry to properly quote-for or deliver something appropriate, or maybe he just didn't like the overall direction of the draft, or he maybe got too busy, idk, doesn't matter), and I totally forgot about it. However, I'm totally intrigued by this idea of actually making a video game for profit and have a fun idea if anyone thinks this game has the potential to get cool. So...I'm selling game features. Now, if you're reading this part, make sure to read **all** of it before doing anything. You request a feature, I approve and you (or anyone else) pays for it by zapping the approval comment. At some point, the game should get pretty fun. I promise to keep the game on the internet as long as possible (in other words, no guarantees whatsoever, but I'll do my best). Here are some stock things you can request: 1. your tombstone - 1000 sats - the player will run into it along the trail just like the original game, your nym from stacker.news will be featured and I might write you an epitaph 2. your tombstone with baller epitaph - 5000 sats - same thing, but I promise to put some time into writing your epitaph and you can make some requests about it 3. news event - 5000 sats - it needs to be at least tangentially related to bitcoin 4. sound effect - 5000 sats - you can guess what this is 5. stop on the trail - 8000 sats - it can be a city, it can be your home 6. a new graphic - 10,000 sats - you can commission a graphic for your favorite shop, enemy, event or any other game feature 7. a new character type - 30,000 sats - it has to be relevant to the game theme 8. a new resource - 30,000 sats - it has to be relevant to the game theme 9. a new type of stop - 40,000 sats - this won't include a new mechanic, but will be a different than a shop or an enemy 10. music - 50,000 sats - i'll make custom music for any game event that you request if for 11. a new game feature - 50,000 sats - this would be a new mechanic like actually zapping and dodging in the "fight" scenes (i'm not making anything here overtly violent since some of the figures satirized are real people and entities) 12. something wacky - name your price and see what happens Again, I reserve the right to say no for any of this stuff and you only get your feature if you zap the specific approval comment. When it's all said and done, maybe just enjoy playing this demo once and move on with your life. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/844062

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-5.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-5.webm" type="video/webm"/> </video></div> # JavaScript: Building Your First Interactive Web App ## Introduction In this lesson, we'll bring our web pages to life by adding dynamic functionality with JavaScript. We'll build a real-world application that displays and updates Bitcoin prices in real-time, teaching core JavaScript concepts along the way. ## Project Overview: Bitcoin Price Tracker We'll build a web application that: - Displays current Bitcoin price - Updates automatically every 3 seconds - Allows currency switching - Includes interactive controls - Shows current date/time ## Core JavaScript Concepts ### 1. Variables and Data Types ```javascript // Variables can be declared with let or const let currentCurrency = "USD"; // Can be changed const interval = 3000; // Cannot be changed // Basic data types const price = 45000; // Number const isVisible = true; // Boolean const currency = "USD"; // String ``` ### 2. DOM Manipulation ```javascript // Getting elements const priceElement = document.getElementById('price'); const button = document.getElementById('refresh-button'); // Modifying content priceElement.textContent = `${price} ${currency}`; // Changing styles priceElement.style.display = 'none'; ``` ### 3. Event Listeners ```javascript // Basic click handler button.addEventListener('click', () => { fetchBitcoinPrice(); }); // Change event for select elements selector.addEventListener('change', (event) => { handleCurrencyChange(event.value); }); ``` ### 4. Async Operations & Fetch API ```javascript async function fetchBitcoinPrice() { try { const response = await fetch(apiUrl); const data = await response.json(); updatePrice(data.price); } catch (error) { console.error('Error:', error); } } ``` ## Project Structure ### HTML Setup ```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <title>Bitcoin Price Tracker</title> <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css"> <script src="index.js" defer></script> </head> <body> <h1>Current Bitcoin Price</h1> <p>The price is: <span id="price"></span></p> <!-- Additional elements --> </body> </html> ``` ### Core Functionality Implementation 1. **Setting Up the Timer** ```javascript // Update price every 3 seconds setInterval(fetchBitcoinPrice, 3000); // Update date/time every second setInterval(updateDateTime, 1000); ``` 2. **Currency Selection** ```javascript function handleCurrencyChange(newCurrency) { currentCurrency = newCurrency; fetchBitcoinPrice(); } ``` 3. **Toggle Visibility** ```javascript function togglePriceVisibility() { const price = document.getElementById('price'); price.style.display = price.style.display === 'none' ? 'inline' : 'none'; } ``` ## Best Practices ### 1. Error Handling - Always use try/catch with async operations - Provide meaningful error messages - Handle edge cases gracefully ### 2. Code Organization - Keep functions focused and small - Use meaningful variable names - Group related functionality - Add comments for clarity ### 3. Performance - Avoid unnecessary DOM updates - Use appropriate update intervals - Clean up intervals when not needed ## Common Challenges & Solutions ### 1. API Issues ```javascript // Handle API failures gracefully catch (error) { priceElement.textContent = 'Price unavailable'; console.error('API Error:', error); } ``` ### 2. Currency Formatting ```javascript function formatPrice(price, currency) { return new Intl.NumberFormat('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: currency }).format(price); } ``` ### 3. Time Zones ```javascript function getLocalTime() { return new Date().toLocaleString(); } ``` ## Extending the Project Consider adding these features for practice: 1. Price change indicators (up/down arrows) 2. Historical price chart 3. Multiple cryptocurrency support 4. Price alerts 5. Local storage for settings ## Debugging Tips ### Using Console ```javascript console.log('Price fetched:', price); console.error('Error occurred:', error); console.table(priceHistory); ``` ### Chrome DevTools 1. Network tab for API calls 2. Console for errors 3. Elements for DOM inspection 4. Sources for debugging ## Additional Resources - MDN JavaScript Guide - JavaScript.info - CoinGecko API Documentation - Chrome DevTools Documentation ## Next Steps 1. Add styling with CSS 2. Implement additional features 3. Learn about React for more complex applications 4. Explore other APIs and cryptocurrencies Remember: The best way to learn is by doing. Don't be afraid to break things and experiment with the code. The developer console is your friend for debugging and understanding what's happening in your application. Happy coding! 🚀

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

> Obtaining housing increases the average probability of having a child by 3.8% and the number of children by 3.2%. > For 20 to 25-year-olds, the corresponding effects are 32% and 33%.  https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5046571 https://xcancel.com/florianederer/status/1876465625188716997  originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/843781

@ 000002de:c05780a7

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/843670

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-4.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-4.webm" type="video/webm"/> </video></div> # CSS Fundamentals: Styling Your First Webpage ## Introduction In our previous lesson, we created the structure of our webpage with HTML. Now, we'll learn how to style it using CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). While HTML provides the bones of our webpage, CSS adds the visual presentation - the colors, layouts, spacing, and overall aesthetics. ## What is CSS? ### Definition CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language that controls the visual presentation of HTML documents. Think of it like the paint, decorations, and interior design of a house - it determines how everything looks and is arranged. ### Key Concepts 1. **Styling Capabilities** - Fonts and typography - Colors and backgrounds - Margins and padding - Element sizes - Visual effects - Layout and positioning 2. **Cascading Nature** - Styles can be inherited from parent elements - Multiple styles can apply to the same element - Specificity determines which styles take precedence - Styles "cascade" down through your document ## Basic CSS Syntax ```css selector { property: value; } ``` ### Example: ```css h1 { color: blue; font-size: 24px; margin-bottom: 20px; } ``` ## Connecting CSS to HTML ### Method 1: External Stylesheet (Recommended) ```html <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css"> ``` ### Method 2: Internal CSS ```html <style> h1 { color: blue; } </style> ``` ### Method 3: Inline CSS (Use Sparingly) ```html <h1 style="color: blue;">Title</h1> ``` ## The Box Model Every HTML element is treated as a box in CSS, with: ``` ┌──────────────────────┐ │ Margin │ │ ┌──────────────┐ │ │ │ Border │ │ │ │ ┌──────────┐ │ │ │ │ │ Padding │ │ │ │ │ │ ┌──────┐ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │Content│ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └──────┘ │ │ │ │ │ └──────────┘ │ │ │ └──────────────┘ │ └──────────────────────┘ ``` - **Content**: The actual content of the element - **Padding**: Space between content and border - **Border**: The border around the padding - **Margin**: Space outside the border ## CSS Units ### Absolute Units - `px` - pixels - `pt` - points - `cm` - centimeters - `mm` - millimeters - `in` - inches ### Relative Units - `%` - percentage relative to parent - `em` - relative to font-size - `rem` - relative to root font-size - `vh` - viewport height - `vw` - viewport width ## Practical Example: Styling Our Webpage ### 1. Basic Page Setup ```css body { min-height: 100vh; margin: 0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f0f0f0; display: flex; flex-direction: column; } ``` ### 2. Header Styling ```css header { background-color: #333; color: white; padding: 20px; text-align: center; } ``` ### 3. Main Content Area ```css main { max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; flex: 1; } ``` ### 4. Footer Styling ```css footer { background-color: #333; color: white; padding: 10px; text-align: center; } ``` ## Layout with Flexbox ### Basic Concept Flexbox is a modern layout system that makes it easier to create flexible, responsive layouts. ### Key Properties ```css .container { display: flex; flex-direction: row | column; justify-content: center | space-between | space-around; align-items: center | flex-start | flex-end; } ``` ### Common Use Cases 1. Centering content 2. Creating navigation bars 3. Building responsive layouts 4. Equal-height columns 5. Dynamic spacing ## Best Practices ### 1. Organization - Use consistent naming conventions - Group related styles together - Comment your code for clarity - Keep selectors simple and specific ### 2. Performance - Avoid unnecessary specificity - Use shorthand properties when possible - Minimize redundant code - Consider load time impact ### 3. Maintainability - Use external stylesheets - Follow a consistent formatting style - Break large stylesheets into logical files - Document important design decisions ## Debugging CSS ### Common Tools 1. Browser Developer Tools - Element inspector - Style inspector - Box model viewer ### Common Issues 1. Specificity conflicts 2. Inheritance problems 3. Box model confusion 4. Flexbox alignment issues ## Exercises ### 1. Style Modifications Try modifying these properties in your stylesheet: ```css /* Change colors */ header { background-color: #4a90e2; } /* Adjust spacing */ main { padding: 40px; } /* Modify typography */ h1 { font-size: 32px; font-weight: bold; } ``` ### 2. Layout Challenge Create a card layout using Flexbox: ```css .card-container { display: flex; justify-content: space-between; gap: 20px; } .card { flex: 1; padding: 20px; background: white; border-radius: 8px; box-shadow: 0 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.1); } ``` ## Additional Resources ### Learning Tools 1. [Flexbox Froggy](https://flexboxfroggy.com/) - Interactive Flexbox learning game 2. [CSS-Tricks](https://css-tricks.com) - Excellent CSS reference and tutorials 3. [MDN CSS Documentation](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS) ### Practice Projects 1. Style your personal webpage 2. Create a responsive navigation menu 3. Build a flexible card layout 4. Design a custom button style Remember: CSS is both an art and a science. Don't be afraid to experiment and break things - that's how you'll learn the most. The key is to start simple and gradually add complexity as you become more comfortable with the basics. Next up, we'll dive into JavaScript to add interactivity to our webpage! 🚀

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-3.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-3.webm" type="video/webm"/> </video></div> ## What is HTML? HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is the foundation of all webpages. Think of it as the framing of a house - it provides the basic structure that everything else builds upon. ### Key Concepts - HTML is a markup language, not a programming language - It tells browsers how to structure web content - Every HTML element is like a building block - Browsers interpret HTML to display content ## The Building Analogy When building a webpage, think of it like constructing a house: - **HTML**: The framing and structure (walls, rooms, layout) - **CSS**: The design elements (paint, decorations, styling) - **JavaScript**: The functionality (plumbing, electrical, moving parts) ## Basic HTML Structure ### 1. HTML Boilerplate Every webpage starts with a basic template: ```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Your Page Title</title> </head> <body> <!-- Your content goes here --> </body> </html> ``` ### 2. Understanding the Parts - `<!DOCTYPE html>`: Tells browsers this is an HTML5 document - `<html>`: The root element of the page - `<head>`: Contains metadata about the document - `<body>`: Contains the visible content ## Essential HTML Elements ### 1. Headings HTML has six levels of headings: ```html <h1>Main Title</h1> <h2>Subtitle</h2> <h3>Section Header</h3> <!-- ... --> <h6>Smallest Heading</h6> ``` ### 2. Paragraphs ```html <p>This is a paragraph of text. It can contain as much text as you need.</p> ``` ### 3. Images ```html <img src="path-to-image.jpg" alt="Description of image" width="300"> ``` ### 4. Links ```html <a href="https://example.com">Click here</a> ``` ## HTML Attributes Attributes provide additional information or modify HTML elements: ```html <tag attribute="value">Content</tag> ``` Common attributes: - `src`: Source path for images - `href`: Destination for links - `alt`: Alternative text for images - `class`: CSS class names - `id`: Unique identifier - `style`: Inline CSS styles ## Semantic HTML ### What is Semantic HTML? Semantic HTML uses meaningful tags that describe their content's purpose. This improves: - Accessibility - SEO (Search Engine Optimization) - Code readability - Maintainability ### Common Semantic Elements ```html <header> <!-- Site header content --> </header> <nav> <!-- Navigation menu --> </nav> <main> <!-- Main content --> <article> <!-- Self-contained content --> </article> <section> <!-- Grouped content --> </section> </main> <footer> <!-- Site footer content --> </footer> ``` ### Non-Semantic vs Semantic Example Instead of: ```html <div class="header"> <div class="navigation"> <div class="nav-item">Home</div> </div> </div> ``` Use: ```html <header> <nav> <a href="/">Home</a> </nav> </header> ``` ## Building Your First Webpage ### 1. Basic Structure ```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>My First Webpage</title> </head> <body> <header> <h1>Welcome to My First Webpage!</h1> </header> <main> <section> <h2>About Me</h2> <p>Hi, I'm learning web development with PlebDevs!</p> </section> <section> <h2>My Interests</h2> <p>I'm interested in Bitcoin, programming, and building cool stuff!</p> </section> </main> <footer> <p>Created by [Your Name] - 2024</p> </footer> </body> </html> ``` ## Best Practices ### 1. Structure - Use proper indentation - Keep code organized and readable - Use semantic elements when possible - Include all required elements (`DOCTYPE`, `html`, `head`, `body`) ### 2. Content - Use appropriate heading levels (start with `h1`) - Write descriptive `alt` text for images - Keep content meaningful and organized - Use comments to explain complex sections ### 3. Accessibility - Use semantic HTML elements - Provide alternative text for images - Maintain a logical heading structure - Ensure content makes sense when read linearly ## Common Issues and Solutions ### Problem: Images Not Loading ```html <!-- Wrong --> <img src="image.jpg"> <!-- Right --> <img src="./images/image.jpg" alt="Description"> ``` ### Problem: Links Not Working ```html <!-- Wrong --> <a>Click here</a> <!-- Right --> <a href="https://example.com">Click here</a> ``` ## Next Steps 1. **Practice Building** - Create a personal webpage about yourself - Include different types of content (text, images, links) - Use semantic HTML elements 2. **Experiment with Structure** - Try different layouts - Use various HTML elements - Pay attention to semantic meaning 3. **Prepare for CSS** - Think about how you want your page to look - Consider what styles you'll want to add - Plan your layout structure ## Exercise: Create Your Profile Page Try creating a simple profile page using what you've learned: 1. Use the HTML boilerplate 2. Add a header with your name 3. Include an "About Me" section 4. Add a photo (if you want) 5. List your interests or goals 6. Add a footer with contact information Remember to: - Use semantic HTML - Include appropriate headings - Add descriptive alt text for images - Keep your code clean and well-organized ## Additional Resources - [MDN HTML Guide](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/HTML) - [HTML5 Doctor (Semantic Elements)](http://html5doctor.com/) - [W3Schools HTML Tutorial](https://www.w3schools.com/html/) Remember: HTML is the foundation of web development. Take time to understand these basics well, as they'll serve as the building blocks for everything else you'll learn. Happy coding! 🚀

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-2.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-2.webm" type="video/webm"/> </video></div> # Setting Up Git and GitHub: A Developer's Foundation ## Lesson Overview In this lesson, we'll establish one of the most important foundations of your development journey: version control with Git and GitHub. This knowledge will enable you to track your code, back it up in the cloud, and start building your developer portfolio. ## Prerequisites - Visual Studio Code installed - Terminal/Command Line basics - GitHub account (we'll create one in this lesson) ## Key Learning Objectives - Understand what Git and GitHub are and why they're essential - Set up Git locally and connect it to GitHub - Learn basic Git commands and workflow - Create your first repository and commit - Establish good Git habits for your developer journey ## What is Git and GitHub? ### Git: Your Local Version Control - A version control system that tracks code changes over time - Prevents accidental overwrites of your work - Enables multiple developers to work on the same project safely - Runs locally on your machine ### GitHub: Your Code in the Cloud - A web-based platform that extends Git - Cloud storage for your code repositories - Enables code sharing and collaboration - Includes features like: - Issue tracking - Pull requests - Project management tools - Code review capabilities ## Why Use GitHub? ### 1. Portfolio Building - Acts as your "proof of work" as a developer - Shows your coding activity through contribution graphs - Demonstrates your consistency and dedication - Serves as a public showcase of your projects ### 2. Collaboration and Learning - Access millions of open-source projects - Learn from other developers' code - Contribute to real-world projects - Get feedback on your code - Work effectively in teams ### 3. Code Safety and Access - All your code is safely stored in the cloud - Access your projects from anywhere - Never lose your work due to computer issues ## Essential GitHub Terminology | Term | Definition | |------|------------| | Repository (Repo) | A folder containing your project files and version history | | Commit | A saved change or addition to your code | | Staging | Marking changes to be included in your next commit | | Push | Sending your local commits to GitHub | | Branch | A separate version of your code for new features or experiments | | Pull Request (PR) | A request to merge changes from one branch to another | | Clone | Creating a local copy of a remote repository | | Fork | Creating your own copy of someone else's repository | ## Hands-on Practice ### Setting Up Git 1. Install Git from https://git-scm.com/downloads 2. Configure your identity: ```bash git config --global user.name "Your Name" git config --global user.email "your.email@example.com" ``` ### Your First Repository 1. Create a new repository on GitHub named "hello-world" 2. Initialize Git locally: ```bash git init git add . git commit -m "My first commit" git remote add origin <your-repository-url> git push -u origin main ``` ## Basic Git Workflow Quick Reference ### Pushing Code to GitHub ```bash # 1. Stage your changes git add . # 2. Commit your changes with a message git commit -m "Describe your changes here" # 3. Push to GitHub git push ``` ### Getting Code from GitHub ```bash # If you already have the repository locally: git pull # If you need to download a repository: git clone https://github.com/username/repository.git ``` ## Building Good Habits ### Daily Git Practice - Make it a goal to push code every day - Even small changes count - Use your GitHub contribution graph as motivation - Track your progress over time ### Best Practices 1. Commit often with clear messages 2. Pull before you start working 3. Push your changes when you finish 4. Keep each project in its own repository 5. Include README files to explain your projects ## Common Issues and Solutions ### "No upstream branch" Error If you see this error when pushing: ```bash git push --set-upstream origin main ``` ### Changes Not Showing Up 1. Check if changes are staged: ```bash git status ``` 2. Make sure you've committed: ```bash git commit -m "Your message" ``` 3. Verify you've pushed: ```bash git push ``` ## Exercise: Start Your Journey 1. Create your GitHub account if you haven't already 2. Set up Git locally using the commands we covered 3. Create your first repository named "hello-world" 4. Make your first commit 5. Push your code to GitHub 6. Make a habit of pushing code daily ## Additional Resources - [GitHub Documentation](https://docs.github.com) - [Git Documentation](https://git-scm.com/doc) - Practice with [GitHub Learning Lab](https://lab.github.com) ## Next Steps - Start tracking all your code projects with Git - Begin building your portfolio on GitHub - Join the open-source community - Collaborate with other developers Remember: Every developer started where you are now. The key is consistency and persistence. Make pushing code to GitHub a daily habit, and you'll be amazed at your progress over time. Happy coding! 🚀

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Wer Bitcoin besitzt oder mit dem Gedanken spielt Bitcoin zu erwerben und prinzipiell etwas gründlicher an solche Entscheidungen herantritt, wird sich sicherlich schon mit dem Gedanken beschäftigt haben, was mit dem eigenen Bitcoin passiert, wenn uns selbst etwas widerfahren sollte. Ähnliche Gedanken, wird wohl jeder schonmal gehabt haben, wenn es um das Thema Online-Accounts geht. Wer hat Zugang zu meinen Profilen, Accounts, und sonstigen Informationen und was passiert im Falle eines Unfalls, einer plötzlichen Krankheit, oder ähnlichen Szenarien? Um ehrlich zu sein, mir persönlich ist es egal, was mit meinem Gmail oder Youtube-Account passiert, jedoch bei Bitcoin ist das ein anderes Thema. Denn hier verbergen sich hinter den privaten Schlüsseln UTXOs mit einem reellen Wert. Und anders als bei Bankkonten oder anderen Anlagearten, lässt sich keine Bank oder andere Verwahrstelle kontaktieren, die den Hinterbliebenen Zugriff auf die Vermögenswerte bereitstellt. Eine vernünftige Nachlassplanung, bzw. Bitcoin Zukunftsplanung, ist also wirklich wichtig, denn wir möchten, dass unsere Opfer, die wir heute in Form von Arbeit und Zeitaufwand erbringen, in der Zukunft Früchte tragen und hoffentlich auch unseren Nachkommen zugutekommen. Jede Entscheidung, heute kein Geld für etwas auszugeben, dass einem selbst heute Spaß gemacht hätte, um in eine sicherere und angenehmere Zukunft zu investieren, sollte auch in der Zukunft belohnt werden. Es fühlt sich irgendwie kurzsichtig an, insbesondere wenn es um Bitcoin geht, nur an sich selbst zu denken (wen Lambo?), wenn es sich bei Bitcoin um einen Vermögenswert handelt, der die Fähigkeit besitzt, über mehrere Generationen in der Zukunft zu bestehen und vielleicht sogar seinen Wert zu steigern. https://www.genexyz.org/post/29-block-782180-bitcoin-ist-zeit-2nsaku/ Es muss also einen besseren Weg geben, als zu hoffen, dass der Ehepartner oder die Kinder in der Lage sind die bitcoins aus einem 24-Wörter-Seed wiederherzustellen, wenn man einmal nicht mehr ist, oder nicht mehr in der Lage ist, dies selbst zu veranlassen. Denn der Seedphrase ist in den meisten Fällen das bestgehütetste Geheimnis jedes Bitcoiners und wahrscheinlich haben die wenigsten zusätzlich einen Wiederherstellungsplan für ihre Hinterbliebenen angefertigt und versteckt. Wenn wir über die Nachlassplanung in Bitcoin nachdenken, gibt es einige Komplexitäten. Aber wenn man sich die Zeit nimmt, über alle Ergebnisse nachzudenken, die man erreichen möchte, gibt es einige wirklich wichtige Dinge, die getan werden können. Traurigerweise ist es kein angenehmer Gedanke, über den eigenen Tod nachzudenken und darüber, wie man seine bitcoins aus dem Grab heraus weitergeben soll. Ich habe vor längerer Zeit eine humoristische Aufstellung von verschiedenen Planungsmöglichkeiten aufgestellt, die man sich hier anschauen kann: https://www.genexyz.org/post/10-block-750965-bitcoin-und-der-tod-15n3yf/ - Nichts tun - Exchange plus Passwort - Desktop Wallet - Mobile Wallet - Paper Wallet zu Hause - Paper Wallet im (Bank-)Safe - Hardware Wallet zu Hause - Hardware Wallet im (Bank-)Safe - Multisig Lösung - Custodial Service Allerdings ist das Thema wirklich kompliziert und nicht einfach zu lösen. Es gibt unterschiedliche persönliche Faktoren, wie das eigene Alter, der eigene Gesundheitszustand, in welchem familiären Konstrukt man lebt, wo man lebt, wie viel Bitcoin es zu verwahren und weiterzugeben gilt, usw. Darüber hinaus stellt sich auch die Frage, ob die Weitergabe professionell und im Einklang mit den aktuellen Rechtsstrukturen gemacht werden soll, denn dann ergeben sich sowohl aus steuerlicher als auch aus rechtlicher Sicht unterschiedliche Szenarien, die eventuell sogar erhebliche Vorteile bieten könnten. Darunter eine Reihe rechtlicher Vorzugsbehandlungen beim Schutz von Vermögenswerten, die über die eigenen Vorkehrungsmaßnahmen hinausgehen können. Aber dies soll kein steuerlicher oder juristischer Rat werden.  Bei Bitcoin dreht sich alles um den souveränen Besitz von Eigentum. Dazu gehört auch die Entscheidung, wie und an wen das Eigentum weitergegeben werden soll. Der Inhalt eines Testaments kann und wird in der Regel dann angefochten, wenn das Vermögen ungleich verteilt wird oder wenn es einem der Begünstigten gegenüber ungerecht erscheint. Daher ist es immer am besten, ein Testament so zu gestalten, dass es für alle Beteiligten fair erscheint, und zweitens ist es wichtig, eventuelle Einschränkungen für alle zu kommunizieren. Ein gutes Erwartungsmanagement hilft, Konflikte zu vermeiden. Das ist die erste Stufe. > If it's your keys, it's your bitcoin. If it's not your keys, it's not your bitcoin! That's a lesson that we all learned during Gox, so...let's try not to have to be taught that lesson again. — Andreas Antonopolous, 14. April 2016 Die zweite Stufe ist ein wasserdichtes Setup der privaten Schlüssel. Not your keys, not your Bitcoin, ist in diesem Zusammenhang eine sehr wirkungsvolle Aussage. Anders als bei jedem anderen Vermögenswert auf der Welt kontrolliert derjenige, der die Schlüssel besitzt, die UTXOs. Ein Rechtsanspruch ist nicht möglich, da die Kryptographie einen deutlich höheren Stellenwert einnimmt als ein Rechtsanspruch. Es gibt den rechtlichen Anspruch auf Bitcoin (die Worte im Testament) und dann gibt es die praktische Anwendung des Eigentums oder der Verteilung dessen (die Kontrolle der Schlüssel). Bei anderen Vermögenswerten wie Grundbesitz (Immobilien), Anleihen, Aktien, Rohstoffen usw. besteht immer die Möglichkeit, Berufung einzulegen. Wenn also etwas nicht in Ordnung zu sein scheint, die Vermögenswerte nicht auffindbar sind oder es andere Streitigkeiten gibt, ist es jederzeit möglich, sich an die jeweilige Behörde zu wenden und Berufung einzulegen.Es ist jederzeit möglich, sich an eine offizielle Stelle oder ein Amt zu wenden und zu argumentieren, dass man einen Anspruch hat, um dann die Behörde dazu zu veranlassen, den Vermögenswert auf den eigenen Namen übertragen zu lassen. Bei Bitcoin gibt es keine solche Behörde. Wenn eine/r der Begünstigten nicht über die privaten Schlüssel verfügt, die unmissverständlich Auskunft über den Besitz geben, stellt das für den/die Begünstigte/n ein großes Problem dar. Die korrekte Gestaltung der Eigentumsverteilung hat also einige schwerwiegende Konsequenzen. Ähnlich wie die Verantwortung und Rechenschaftspflicht, die mit dem Besitz von Bitcoin in Eigenverwahrung einhergeht (und dort eigentlich wirklich beginnt), fügt die Nachlassplanung dem Prozess des Todes und der anschließenden Übertragung von Vermögenswerten eine völlig neue Dimension hinzu.  Das Hauptproblem besteht also darin, wie der/die Eigentümer//in der bitcoins den vollständigen und einseitigen Zugriff behalten und gleichzeitig den Erben oder Begünstigten direkt oder einem Testamentsvollstrecker Zugriff gewähren kann, um das Vermögen an die Erben oder Begünstigten zu verteilen. Der Kniff liegt darin, die volle Kontrolle zu behalten und gleichzeitig das Eigentum so zu gestalten, dass die Erben auch bei einem plötzlichen und unerwarteten Ereignis Zugriff haben, und das im besten Fall, ohne sich auf Dritte verlassen zu müssen, um dem Bitcoin Ethos gerecht zu werden. Dieses Ereignis muss nicht zwingend der Tod sein, es reicht schon, wenn man handlungsunfähig wird. Denn oft wird vergessen, dass eine gute Nachlassregelung auch dann wichtig ist, wenn der Eigentümer nicht stirbt. Eine Person kann sich auch verletzen, sich den Kopf stoßen oder auf andere Weise die volle Kontrolle über ihre Fähigkeiten verlieren, was bedeutet, dass sie möglicherweise auch den Zugang (die Erinnerung) zu ihrem Vermögen, einschließlich ihrer bitcoins, verliert.  --- Bei Bitcoin gibt es keine einheitliche Lösung, sondern nur Kompromisse. Das gilt auch für so viele andere Dinge, wie zum Beispiel das Trilemma, bei dem Skalierbarkeit der Sicherheit und Dezentralisierung geopfert wird, oder die Selbstverwaltung, bei der Benutzerfreundlichkeit und Komfort in gewissem Maße der Sicherheit und Privatsphäre geopfert werden. Deshalb sollte man sich der Wahl der persönlichen Lösung über die Kompromisse Gedanken machen, die es einem erlauben, den Kompromiss zu wählen, der einem am besten gefällt, am besten zur persönlichen Situation passt und mit dem man sich am sichersten fühlt. Ich habe oben z.B. "Nichts tun" aufgeführt; vielleicht hat der ein oder andere Bitcoiner keine Familie, keine Kinder und keine Personen, die ihm/ihr nahe stehen, oder vielleicht doch, aber sie sind es nicht wert mit dem ersparten, wertvollen Bitcoin bedacht zu werden. In diesem Fall, danke für die Spende an das Netzwerk.  Sich mit Lösungen vertraut zu machen, die Kontrolle und Verantwortung in den Vordergrund stellen und die Abhängigkeit von einem einzigen Gerät oder einem einzigen Schlüssel, sowie die Abhängigkeit von einer einzelnen Person ausschließen, da diese potenzielle Angriffsvektoren und einzelne Fehlerquellen darstellen, bedeutet, dass man für sich selbst ein Bewusstsein schafft, wie Selbstverwahrung und die daraus entstehenden Konsequenzen im Allgemeinen funktionieren. Nutzer//innen fühlen sich bei der Selbstverwahrung ihrer bitcoins immer wohler, sobald sie verstehen, dass der Verlust eines einzelnen Schlüssels nicht sofort den Verlust des Zugriffs auf das gesicherte Vermögen bedeutet - sofern das richtige Setup gewählt wurde. Es ist wirklich wichtig, dass der Anteil derjenigen, die Bitcoin in Selbstverwahrung halten, vergrößert wird, denn es ist wichtig, dass jeder einzelne bitcoin – der nicht aktiv gehandelt wird – von den Börsen entfernt wird, und gleichzeitig Nutzer//innen mit der Materie der Selbstverwahrung vertraut werden.  Denn wie auf der Grafik zu sehen ist, liegen schätzungsweise immer noch über 2,3 Millionen bitcoins auf Börsen. Bei einer Menge von 19,4 Millionen Bitcoin im Umlauf, reduziert um die Anzahl verlorener bitcoins und Satoshis bitcoins (19,4 - 3 - 1,1 = 15,3), ist es mit 15% aller existierenden bitcoins ein immer noch zu hoher Prozentsatz. Erschwerend kommt hinzu, dass von den 2,3 Millionen bitcoins auf Börsen sich der Großteil auf Binance und Coinbase befindet, also die beiden Namen, die gerade im Kreuzfeuer der SEC stehen. Zum Glück gibt es einen Trend zum Rückgang des Anteils von auf Börsen gehaltenen bitcoins, gemessen an der Umlaufmenge, da Bitcoin dank persönlicher Verwahrungslösungen, welche im Laufe der Zeit immer gängiger und robuster werden, immer mehr auf seine eigentlichen Nutzer verteilt wird. Das Abheben von Bitcoin von den Börsen hat nicht nur den zusätzlichen Vorteil, dass die Bitcoin-Bestände sicherer sind und die Nutzer//innen mehr Vertrauen haben, dass ihre Ersparnisse tatsächlich vorhanden sind und nicht weiter verpfändet wurden. Sondern ohne Bitcoin auf den Börsen und daher ohne Papier-Bitcoin ist auch eine echte Preisfindung wieder möglich, welche heute von den Börsen verzerrt wird. --- Zurück zur Nachlassplanung: Letztendlich ist es am wichtigsten, dafür zu sorgen, dass die gewählte Methode dafür sorgt, dass die Schlüssel und die dazugehörigen bitcoins sicher und zuverlässig zu den Erben oder Begünstigten gelangen, ohne dabei zu viele Kompromisse einzugehen oder zu viele Angriffsvektoren zu schaffen. Es gibt sogar komplizierte Modelle, in denen z.B. ein Trust gegründet (abhängig von der Gerichtsbarkeit, in der man sich befindet), bei der der Eigentümer einen gesetzlichen Auftrag erteilt, dass die Begünstigten oder Erben als Teil des Trusts ein Einkommen in Höhe eines bestimmten Prozentsatzes beziehen können. Dieses Verfahren könnte von den jeweiligen Gerichtsbarkeiten rechtlich angefochten werden, aber wenn das Setup kryptografisch eingerichtet und ausgeführt wird, ohne das eine Partei Einfluss auf diese Ausführung nehmen kann, kann man von Rechts wegen nichts dagegen tun, da kein Testamentsvollstrecker oder keine andere Partei gezwungen werden kann, den Auszahlungsmechanismus zu ändern, da dies mechanisch unmöglich ist. Denn wie wir wissen, übertrifft die Kryptographie jegliche rechtliche Ansprüche. Dies ist eine einzigartige Funktion von Bitcoin, die kein anderer Vermögenswert auf der Welt besitzt. Es ist ein sehr wirksames Instrument, um Eigentum und Besitz langfristig zu sichern und sicherzustellen, dass Eigentum innerhalb des Personenkreises (Freunde, Familie, Bekannte, Geschäftspartner) bleibt, bei dem es bleiben soll. Über diese einzigartige Eigenschaft von Bitcoin wird in der Regel nicht viel gesprochen. Man könnte sogar argumentieren, dass der Tausch von anderem Eigentum in Bitcoin vor der Übergabe an Erben oder Begünstigte eine strategisch sinnvolle Option ist, um die korrekte Ausführung seines Testaments zu kontrollieren – auch aus dem Grab heraus.  Die Nachlassplanung bei Bitcoin ist die letzte Stufe der Evolution. Der erste Schritt besteht darin, sich über Bitcoin zu informieren und genug darüber zu verstehen, um Interesse an der Materie zu wecken. Dieser erste Schritt ist ein fortlaufender Prozess, der jeden Bitcoiner auf seiner Reise begleiten wird, da es unmöglich ist, jeden Aspekt und jede Interpretation des Themas vollständig zu verstehen. Man hört nie auf zu lernen. Der Honigdachsbau ist unendlich tief.  Dieser erste Schritt muss genug Interesse an Bitcoin und den umliegenden Themenfeldern wecken, dass man den zweiten Schritt geht: Bitcoin zu erwerben. Im diesem Sinne spielt es zunächst keine Rolle, wie man in den Besitz von Bitcoin gelangt, ob man Bitcoin kauft, durch Mining produziert, "findet" oder auf andere Weise erhält. Wichtig ist, dass man in den Besitz von Bitcoin gelangt und es nun aufbewahren muss. Denn das ist Schritt drei, die sichere und solide Aufbewahrung der Bitcoin-Vermögenswerte in einer selbstverwalteten und selbstverwahrenden Art und Weise. Dazu gehören auch Setups, an denen bis zu einem gewissen Grad Dritte, wie z.B. andere bekannte Personen oder Verwahrungsdienste beteiligt sein können. Wichtig ist, dass die Schlüssel jederzeit vollständig zugänglich und damit Transaktionen vollständig ausführbar sind. Aus diesem Grund ist jede Speicheroption ausgeschlossen, bei der die Schlüssel ausschließlich von Dritten gehalten werden, wie z.B. von Börsen, Brokern oder anderen Verleih- oder Speicherplattformen – not your keys, not your Bitcoin!  Der letzte Schritt in diesem persönlichen Entwicklungsprozess ist die Zukunftssicherheit dieser Vermögenswerte. Da die bitcoins nun sicher aufbewahrt sind, muss sichergestellt werden, dass es einen Weg zur Wiederherstellung oder Vererbung gibt, falls etwas passiert. Dies ist einfach der logische Evolutionsprozess, den jeder durchlaufen muss, der Bitcoin langfristig besitzen möchte.  Besonders in einer Zeit, in der die SEC zwei der größten kRyPto-Börsen der Welt auf den Leib rückt, muss man sich der Realität bewusst werden, dass Dritte, selbst wenn sie scheinbar groß und etabliert sind, nicht für immer existieren werden. Bitcoiner fordern schon seit langem alle und jede/n dazu auf, ihre bitcoins von den Börsen zu nehmen. Jeder, der dachte, dass es eine gute Idee sei, Bitcoin kurzfristig an Börsen zu halten, wurde bereits mehrfach an diesen Trugschluss erinnert - Mt. Gox, Bitfinex und FTX - um nur die großen zu nennen. Wer denkt, dass es eine gute Idee sei, bitcoins auf Börsen zu lagern, um schließlich nur ein Stück Papier mit den Zugangsdaten an die Erben weiterzugeben, der begeht einen schrecklichen Fehler. Die bisherigen Ausführungen sollten dies klar gemacht haben. --- Ich habe absichtlich keine Vorschläge gemacht, wie ein sicheres Setup aussehen soll. Wie schon gesagt, gibt es keine eine richtige Lösung - nur Kompromisse. Der persönliche Kompromiss hängt von zu vielen Faktoren ab, so dass man eine einheitliche Lösung anbieten kann. Man sollte sich jedoch die folgenden Punkte merken: - Früh genug mit der Planung beginnen - hinter jeder Ecke lauert ein Bär! - Das Einschließen von Dritten in die Nachlassplanung sollte mit Bedacht gewählt und gründlich überlegt sein. - Das gewählte Setup sollte mindestens einmal getestet werden, bevor der schlimmste Fall eintritt. - Es ist immer ratsam, die mit dem Nachlass bedachten Personen aufzuklären, dass im schlimmsten Fall etwas auf sie zukommt. 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Singularität ist ein heißes Thema, da sie ein potenziell transformatives und disruptives Ereignis in verschiedenen Bereichen darstellt, darunter Technologie, künstliche Intelligenz und die Gesellschaft als Ganzes. Singularität stellt einen Punkt unbekannter und potenziell schneller Veränderung dar. Die Ungewissheit darüber, wie sich Technologien weiterentwickeln, welche Auswirkungen sie haben und welche möglichen Konsequenzen sie mit sich bringen, weckt Neugier, Spekulationen und Diskussionen. Oft wird diskutiert, wie die Zukunft unseres Geldsystems aussehen könnte. Dem Euro wird keine rosige Zukunft zugesprochen, dem Dollar hingegen mittelfristig schon. Doch entwickelt sich unsere Gesellschaft und damit ihre Ansprüche und Bedürfnisse weiter. Die Entwicklung der letzten Jahrzehnte hat im Vergleich zu den Jahrhunderten davor und den Jahrtausenden davor extrem zugenommen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d60265ab6f82476481a46f6247f94eed2d66f65d70354b583ce079983e7e24a9.png"> Alleine das letzte Jahrhundert hat drei industrielle Revolutionen hervorgebracht: die Dampfmaschine, das Zeitalter der Wissenschaft und Massenproduktion und der Aufstieg der digitalen Technologie. Mit den digitalen Technologien kam zum ersten Mal auch das Bedürfnis nach einem Geld für den digitalen Raum, bzw. für den digital vernetzten Raum auf, in dem wir uns heutzutage bewegen. Das [Geld in seiner jetzigen Form](https://www.genexyz.org/post/11-block-752065-fractional-reserve-banking-wird-durch-bitcoin-obsolet-bdpznh/) existiert seit dem 17ten Jahrhundert und obwohl es sich nach außen hin in seiner Form und Funktion wenig verändert hat, ist eine technologische Entwicklung auch hier nicht zu leugnen. Denn Geld ist nicht gleich Geld. Das Bargeld (Papier- und Münzgeld), das wir in unserem täglichen Leben verwenden, unterscheidet sich ganz deutlich von Buchgeld (Giralgeld) und Warengeld. Wir sehen also, dass es verschiedene Arten von Geld gibt. Und um die Sache zu erschweren, gibt es jede dieser Formen von Geld auch noch in über 160 Währungen, die von den jeweiligen Zentralbanken gesteuert und gelenkt werden. Wenn wir also sagen, dass z.B. die türkische Lira keine Zukunft hat, dann meinen wir nicht nur, dass die Geldscheine mit dem Lira-Aufdruck bald verschwinden, sondern dass das ganze Finanzsystem, dass hinter der türkischen Lira steckt systemische Probleme aufweist, die es nicht mehr auffangen kann. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/856bd471d59b447186f2ff6fb2917235567add5019df8dda48077cd8f606478d.png"> Dabei ist es dem Grunde nach eigentlich ganz natürlich und ganz normal, dass Währungen mit der Zeit verschwinden oder schlicht durch andere Währungen ersetzt werden. Denn Menschen tendieren von Natur aus dazu, ein gemeinsames Geld innerhalb einer definierten Region auf einem freien Markt zu verwenden, weil es uns die größte Wahlfreiheit bei der größten Anzahl von Handelspartnern und der höchsten Liquidität bietet. Europa ist das beste Beispiel für diese Annahme. Um den Handel zu vereinfachen und Wertschöpfungsketten (yes, endlich mein Lieblings-Unwort eingebaut) zu steigern, haben sich 19 Länder dazu entschlossen, ihre Währung zugunsten des Euros aufzugeben. Dieses Phänomen der Bewegung hin zu einem gemeinsamen Geld ist nicht nur in der Ökonomie bekannt. Denn dieses Phänomen kann immer und insbesondere dann beobachtet werden, wenn die Konvergenz hin zu einem gemeinsamen Standard den Nutzer//innen den größten Nutzen bietet und Netzwerkeffekte fördert. Dieses Phänomen hat auch einen (inoffiziellen) Namen und zwar: monetäre Singularität - abgewandelt von der hypothetischen zukünftigen technologischen Singularität. Obwohl „Monetäre Singularität“ im Wirtschafts- oder Finanzbereich keinen allgemein anerkannten Begriff darstellt, lässt sich durch seine Bestandteile ableiten, worauf sich der Name bezieht. "Monetär“ bezieht sich auf alles, was mit Geld oder Währung zu tun hat, während sich „Singularität“ häufig auf einen Punkt erheblicher Veränderung oder ein Ereignis bezieht, bei dem bestehende Regeln oder Normen nicht mehr gelten. Daraus lässt sich ableiten, dass sich „monetäre Singularität“ - also ein Kunstbegriff abgeleitet aus der Naturwissenschaft - auf ein hypothetisches Szenario bezieht, in dem es zu einer radikalen Veränderung der Funktionsweise des Geldes oder des Währungssystems kommt. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/57af52ceef2abdb2e8b66cfb15e272802895fb7c6520ac1927d0206a13dd4e48.gif"> Mit Hinblick auf das aktuelle Finanzsystem hat Brent Johnson diesem Phänomen den viel eingängigen Namen "Dollar Milkshake Theory" verpasst. In dieser Theorie geht es darum, dass der US Dollar weiter an Stärke gewinnt und den Devisenmärkten auf der ganzen Welt Liquidität entzieht. Woher der Name? Man stelle sich vor, man hat einen Milchshake und sitzt an einem Tisch auf der anderen Seite des Raumes. Man stelle sich auch vor, jemand anderes hat einen wirklich langen Strohhalm. So kann der/diejenige seinen/ihren Strohhalm in den eigenen Milchshake stecken und ihn trinken, auch wenn man am anderen Ende des Raums sitzt. Der eigene Milchshake ist in diesem Fall eine Fremdwährung, der/diejenige, der/die trinkt, ist natürlich der US Dollar selbst. Das führt zu einer Konzentration aller Geschäfte in US Dollar. Schaut man über den Tellerrand der heutigen Zentralbankgelder hinaus, ergeben sich einige weitere interessante Einordnungsversuche für die Singularität des Geldes, die die oben angesprochenen Bedürfnisse des digitalen Zeitalters in Betracht ziehen. Denn die Idee, dass Fortschritte in der Technologie, insbesondere im Bereich digitaler Währungen und Finanzsysteme, zu einer erheblichen Veränderung der Funktionsweise des Geldes führen könnten, klingt dann gar nicht mehr so abwegig. Es deutet darauf hin, dass zukünftige Entwicklungen, wie eine breite Adaption von Bitcoin, zu einer grundlegenden Veränderung in der Art und Weise führen könnten, wie Geld geschaffen, gespeichert, gehandelt und verwaltet wird. Aus gesellschaftlicher Sicht besitzt Geld als soziales und kulturelles Konstrukt eine transformative Kraft, die menschliche Beziehungen, Werte und Verhaltensweisen umgestalten kann. Eine Singularität des Geldes würde in diesem Zusammenhang tiefgreifende und beispiellose Auswirkungen auf die Gesellschaft haben, die sich aus der veränderten Rolle des Geldes ergeben würden. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/3074ce4a3242c2b4e2754af10774ec1a3082a59d69ab8df3a752ab9e7a33d992.gif"> Aus gesellschaftlicher Sicht ist ein Streben nach technologischer Konvergenz hin ganz natürlich und passiert fast automatisch, solange es einen größten gemeinsamen Nutzen bietet und Netzwerkeffekte fördert. Das beste Beispiel dafür sind Sprachen. Es ist schwierig, genaue Zahlen zu nennen, aber Linguisten schätzen, dass es in der Geschichte der Menschheit etwa 31.000 Sprachen gab. Schätzungen zufolge werden heutzutage weltweit zwischen 6.000 und 7.000 Sprachen gesprochen. Forscher und Analysten prognostizieren, dass im frühen 22. Jahrhundert nur noch 600 bis 700 Sprachen im täglichen Gebrauch verbreitet sein werden. Sprache ist eine Technologie, sie wurde erfunden, verbessert, verändert, den Gegebenheiten angepasst und oft verschmolzen. Deshalb ist es kein Wunder, dass die Anzahl der gesprochenen Sprachen abnimmt. Denn Unterschiede erzeugen Reibung und Reibung ist ineffizient. Sowohl für das gesellschaftliche Miteinander als auch für den Handel und die Wirtschaft. Gemeinsame Sprache hat viele Vorteile in einer globalisierten Welt, denn sie vereinfacht die Kommunikation und den Austausch zwischen Handelspartnern, politischen Einrichtungen und eröffnet auch viele neue Möglichkeiten in der Bildung. Wer z.B. Englisch spricht, hat einen viel größeren Pool an Literatur und Nachschlagewerken zur Verfügung, als jemand der/die "nur" eine lokale Sprache spricht. Das kann und wird dazu führen, dass menschliche Sprachen im Laufe der Zeit erhebliche Veränderungen, Anpassungen und manchmal sogar das Aussterben erfahren. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d8f4cdeb59d08317968a98b5b2a67723015dbe41e5ffe5a6b6a45cbbee462a47.png"> Gerade im Bereich der Programmiersprachen ist zu erwarten, dass zukünftige Entwicklungen in der künstlichen Intelligenz und im maschinellen Lernen einen tiefgreifenden Wandel in der Art und Weise bewirken, wie Sprachen verstanden, übersetzt und kommuniziert werden könnten. Wie oben erwähnt, tendieren Menschen dazu, gemeinsame Technologien innerhalb definierter Regionen zu verwenden. Das war besonders in der Vergangenheit der Fall, als definierte Regionen übersichtlich waren. Mit der Globalisierung wurden diese lokalen Rahmen gesprengt, mit der Digitalisierung atomisiert! Diese (künstlich) definierten Regionen werden immer weiter aufgebrochen. Im Falle von Sprachen vermischen sich Kulturen und ethnische Gruppen immer mehr und bringen dadurch auch eine Vermischung von Sprachen mit sich. Das Internet hat zu einer Atomisierung dieser Regionen geführt. Das kann man z.B. an der heutigen Sprache im deutschsprachigen Raum erkennen, wo das sogenannte Denglisch immer weiter Einzug erhält und einige Berufsgruppen hauptsächlich auf Englisch kommunizieren (man denke an den Flugverkehr, Hochseeschifffahrt, aber auch Bereiche des Finanzsektors, der Medien und der Beratungen). <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/4f82e36736fedd11aff1db03a3b6893cc3b0eea5371dc889ef8ae3dfdbbf8b6a.png"> Ein Beispiel von künstlich erzeugten Rahmen und mit durch äußerer Gewalt erzeugter Singularität kann in der Debatte um Antriebstechnologien in der EU beobachtet werden. Hier wird mit Hilfe von Gesetzen eine Technologie zum One-Size-Fits-All-Standard erhoben. Der Elektroantrieb bei Automobilen hat sicherlich seinen Platz, jedoch heißt es nicht, dass es verschiedene Anwendungsbereiche gibt, in denen Elektromobilität mehr oder weniger sinnvoll ist. Kleine Elektrofahrzeuge für den Innenstadtverkehr haben viele Vorteile gegenüber Abgase produzierenden Antrieben, die direkten Einfluss auf die Gesundheit der Menschen haben. Allerdings bedeutet dies nicht, dass Elektroantriebe auch für den Langstreckenverkehr sinnvoll sind, wenn die Alternative Wasserstoff- oder schadstoffarme Verbrennungsantriebe sind, die zum einen kostengünstiger, und zum anderen nachhaltiger sein können. Eine Gesetzgebung, die pauschal eine Technologie über seine Wettbewerbstechnologien stellt, führt zu einer künstlich hervorgerufenen Singularität, die aber nicht die oben genannten Kriterien der Nutzenmaximierung und der Netzwerkeffekte erfüllt. Geld hat in seiner Geschichte eine ähnliche Entwicklung erfahren. Das ist eine ganz natürliche Entwicklung, da Geld einen Schutz vor Spezialisierung bietet. Denn die Spezialisierung auf einen bestimmten Produktions- / Dienstleistungsbereich ist erstmal positiv und führt zu einer Steigerung von Produktion und Wohlstand, allerdings ist diese auch riskant, da nicht alle Menschen das erzeugte Gut im Austausch oder im Handel akzeptieren werden. Wenn das erzeugte Gut in neutrales Geld getauscht werden kann, bietet das dem Produzenten einen gewissen Schutz. Wenn ein Produzent sich nicht sicher sein kann, was er/sie in Zukunft mit seinen erwirtschafteten Überhängen erwerben oder investieren möchte, ist das Gut, das am besten zum Sparen dieser Profite geeignet ist, dasjenige, das über die besten Geldeigenschaften verfügt. In einem regional eingeschränkten Rahmen mag dies eine lokale Währung sein, doch in einer Welt, in der internationaler Handel und Austausch betrieben wird, erlangt das Geld mit der höchsten Neutralität oder der weitverbreitetsten Akzeptanz automatisch die besten Geldeigenschaften. > Wenn man z.B. den südafrikanischen Rand mit US Dollars vergleicht, wird man sehen, dass der USD eine viel höhere Akzeptanz genießt, als der ZAR. Man wird wahrscheinlich selbst in asiatischen Ländern im Notfall mit USD bezahlen können, einfach weil die Handelspartner dort wissen, dass es für sie einfach ist, USD in ihre lokale Währung umzutauschen. Mit Rand wird man Probleme bekommen, da diese als Tauschobjekt von Handelspartnern keine Zustimmung genießen. https://www.genexyz.org/post/28-block-780040-ist-bitcoin-geld-wuwok0/ Wenn es in der Gesellschaft mehr als ein Geld gibt, gibt es immer einen gewissen Risikokompromiss das eine oder das Zahlungsmittel zu akzeptieren. Dies führt zu einem Anreiz, das beste Geld zu wählen - sofern diese Wahl überhaupt besteht - und damit zu einem natürlichen Druck nach einem gemeinsamen Geld, das diese Risikoabwägung eliminiert. Dieser natürliche Druck nach einem gemeinsamen Geld sorgt für Wohlstand in der Gesellschaft. Doch ist die Realität eben auch, dass Staaten oder Regierungen genau hier eingreifen und den Menschen das eigene Geld auferlegen und diesem eben auch einen Wert zuweisen. Dies erlaubt den kontrollierenden Akteuren, den erzeugten Wohlstand abzusaugen (Steuern, Fiskal- und Geldpolitik), denn diesen können sie entweder für sich behalten oder verteilen ihn ungleichmäßig um. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/ec610afc815318b4b6c9ac265968502c71150377b8c861ee5502397ff20ee595.png"> Dieses Eingreifen in den marktwirtschaftlichen Prozess der Geldevolution kann nur ein Geld verhindern, das außerhalb dieser künstlich von außen geschaffenen Rahmen existiert. Ein Geld, das weder von Institutionen oder Regierungen geschaffen und in Umlauf gebracht wird. Ein Zahlungsmittel mit nahezu perfekten neutralen Geldeigenschaften (teilbar, austauschbar, einfach transportierbar, haltbar, prüfbar, knapp, universell akzeptiert und leicht sicherungsfähig, sowie erlaubnis- und vertrauenslos) ermöglicht den oben beschriebenen Druck nach einem gemeinsamen Geld und befeuert den damit einhergehenden Wohlstand in der Gesellschaft. Wäre es nicht schön, wenn so ein Zahlungsmittel mit nahezu perfekten Geldeigenschaften vor knapp 14 Jahren entdeckt worden wäre? Der einzige Weg, den natürlichen Entwicklungsprozess hin zu einem singulären Geldstandard zu stoppen, ist durch Verbote und Regulierungen seitens der herrschenden Obrigkeiten - siehe Verbrennungsmotor. Doch ist es viel leichter ein Abgase emittierendes Auto von der Straße zu ziehen und stillzulegen, als einem/r mündigen Bürger//in zu verbieten sein/ihr Erspartes in einer harten Geldform zu lagern und mit anderen Nutzer//innen frei zu handeln. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/e54ffbe21cc8ddffcf98c71a8ad3aa6ae3189adc5e5488e552dbd2cb259855b0.png"> 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ e3899a52:dd88183f

The term "gooch" is often used informally to refer to the area of skin between the genitals and the anus, also known as the perineum. The three main functions are as follows, in case you have always wondered, but were embarrassed to ask: 1. It serves as a support structure for the pelvic organs. 2. The area is rich in nerve endings, which can contribute to sexual pleasure. 3. It can be a focus in certain medical examinations or procedures. Well that is about all I know about gooches, but I would love to hear about your tips or fun facts. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/842897

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-1.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-1.webm" type="video/mp4"/> </video></div> # Setting Up Your Code Editor ## Introduction In this lesson, we'll set up the most fundamental tool in your development journey: your code editor. This is where you'll spend most of your time writing, testing, and debugging code, so it's crucial to get comfortable with it from the start. ## What is an IDE? ### Definition An IDE (Integrated Development Environment) is a software application that provides comprehensive facilities for software development. Think of it as your complete workshop for writing code. ### Key Components 1. **Code Editor** - Where you write and edit code - Provides syntax highlighting - Helps with code formatting - Makes code easier to read and write 2. **Compiler/Interpreter** - Runs your code - Translates your code into executable instructions - Helps test your applications 3. **Debugging Tools** - Help find and fix errors - Provide error messages and suggestions - Make problem-solving easier ## Setting Up Visual Studio Code ### Why VS Code? - Free and open-source - Lightweight yet powerful - Excellent community support - Popular among developers - Great for beginners and experts alike ### Installation Steps 1. Visit [code.visualstudio.com](https://code.visualstudio.com) 2. Download the version for your operating system 3. Run the installer 4. Follow the installation prompts ### Essential VS Code Features #### 1. Interface Navigation - **File Explorer** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + E) - Browse and manage your files - Create new files and folders - Navigate your project structure - **Search** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + F) - Find text across all files - Replace text globally - Search with regular expressions - **Source Control** (Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + G) - Track changes in your code - Commit and manage versions - Integrate with Git #### 2. Terminal Integration To open the integrated terminal: - Use ``` Ctrl + ` ``` (backtick) - Or View → Terminal from the menu - Basic terminal commands: ```bash ls # List files (dir on Windows) cd # Change directory clear # Clear terminal code . # Open VS Code in current directory ``` #### 3. Essential Extensions Install these extensions to enhance your development experience: 1. **ESLint** - Helps find and fix code problems - Enforces coding standards - Improves code quality 2. **Prettier** - Automatically formats your code - Maintains consistent style - Saves time on formatting 3. **Live Server** - Runs your web pages locally - Auto-refreshes on save - Great for web development ### Important Keyboard Shortcuts ``` Ctrl/Cmd + S # Save file Ctrl/Cmd + C # Copy Ctrl/Cmd + V # Paste Ctrl/Cmd + Z # Undo Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + P # Command palette Ctrl/Cmd + P # Quick file open ``` ## Writing Your First Code Let's create and run a simple HTML file: 1. Create a new file (`index.html`) 2. Add basic HTML content: ```html <h1>Hello World!</h1> ``` 3. Save the file (Ctrl/Cmd + S) 4. Open in browser or use Live Server ## Best Practices ### 1. File Organization - Keep related files together - Use clear, descriptive names - Create separate folders for different projects ### 2. Regular Saving - Save frequently (Ctrl/Cmd + S) - Watch for the unsaved dot indicator - Enable auto-save if preferred ### 3. Terminal Usage - Get comfortable with basic commands - Use the integrated terminal - Practice navigation and file operations ## Troubleshooting Common Issues ### 1. Installation Problems - Ensure you have admin rights - Check system requirements - Use official download sources ### 2. Extension Issues - Keep extensions updated - Disable conflicting extensions - Restart VS Code after installation ### 3. Performance - Don't install too many extensions - Regular restart of VS Code - Keep your system updated ## Next Steps 1. **Practice Navigation** - Create and manage files - Use the integrated terminal - Try keyboard shortcuts 2. **Customize Your Editor** - Explore themes - Adjust font size - Configure auto-save 3. **Prepare for Next Lesson** - Keep VS Code open - Get comfortable with the interface - Practice basic operations ## Additional Resources - [VS Code Documentation](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs) - [Keyboard Shortcuts Reference](https://code.visualstudio.com/shortcuts/keyboard-shortcuts-windows.pdf) - [VS Code Tips and Tricks](https://code.visualstudio.com/docs/getstarted/tips-and-tricks) Remember: Your code editor is your primary tool as a developer. Take time to get comfortable with it, and don't worry about mastering everything at once. Focus on the basics we covered in the video, and you'll naturally learn more features as you need them. Happy coding! 🚀

@ 000002de:c05780a7

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/842641

@ f33c8a96:5ec6f741

<div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:56.25%;height:0;overflow:hidden;max-width:100%;"><video style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;border:0;" controls> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-0.mp4" type="video/mp4"/> <source src="https://plebdevs-bucket.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/starter-lesson-0.webm" type="video/webm"/> </video></div> # Welcome to PlebDevs Starter Course ## Course Mission Welcome to the PlebDevs starter course! I'm Austin, the founder of PlebDevs, and I'll be walking you through this short intro starter course that will get you up and running and interacting with the rest of the content on the platform. If you're here, I'm assuming you're new to coding or just starting out. If you already have experience and have your bearings down, there's lots more intermediate and advanced content on the platform. This course is designed for absolute beginners. ## Course Goals ### Overall PlebDevs Goals 1. Learn how to code 2. Build Bitcoin/Lightning/Nostr apps 3. Become a developer This is a big journey with a lot of pieces and things to learn. The starter course is going to get you on that path as quickly as possible and make it a smooth journey. ### Starter Course Objectives 1. Give you an easy, high-level overview of the dev journey 2. Get you set up and comfortable in a development environment where you'll write and ship code 3. Give you basic experience in the languages covered in our courses and workshops There's lots of material out there that will just tell you exactly what to do and not explain why but I want you to actually understand for yourself. I want you to have a good mental model of what this journey is going to be like, what it's going to be like actually writing and pushing code. And then we're going to start getting our hands dirty and gain real experience. ## What is a PlebDev? ### Origins and Philosophy I started using the term "PlebDev" a few years ago to describe a unique approach to learning development in the Bitcoin space. It represents: - **Inclusive Learning**: Anyone can become a developer, regardless of background - **Growth Mindset**: Embracing the journey from beginner to professional - **Practical Focus**: Emphasizing real-world application development - **Community Support**: Learning and growing together ### Key Characteristics - 🌱 **Growth-Focused**: PlebDevs are always learning and improving - 🎯 **App-Centric**: Focus on building applications rather than protocol development - 🆕 **Embrace Being New**: Being a new developer is infinitely better than being on the sidelines - 🤝 **Community-Driven**: Bitcoin/Lightning/Nostr ecosystem needs more plebdevs like you! ## Our Learning Approach ### Core Principles 1. **Lower Barriers** - Simplify complex concepts - Focus on practical understanding - Build confidence through action 2. **Project-Based Learning** - Learn by doing - Create real applications - Build a portfolio as you learn 3. **MVP (Minimum Viable Product) Focus** - Start with core functionality - Get things working first - Iterate and improve 4. **Actionable Knowledge** - Focus on the 20% that delivers 80% of results - Learn what you can use right away - Build practical skills ### Teaching Methods - Detailed concept breakdowns - Line-by-line code explanations - Interactive learning - 1:1 support available - Community-driven progress ## Course Structure ### The Learning Path Instead of the traditional bottom-up approach, we use a project-focused method: ``` 🏔️ Advanced Skills 🏔️ Projects & Practice 🏔️ Core Concepts 🏔️ Development Environment 🏔️ Getting Started ``` We'll create checkpoints through projects, allowing you to: - Verify your understanding - Build your portfolio - See real progress - Have reference points for review ## Student Expectations ### What We Expect From You - **High Agency**: Take ownership of your learning journey - **Active Participation**: Engage with the material and community - **Persistence**: Push through challenges - **Curiosity**: Ask questions and explore concepts ### What You Can Expect From Us - Clear, practical instruction - Comprehensive support - Real-world applications - Community backing ## Getting Started ### Next Steps 1. Ensure you're ready to commit to learning 2. Set up your development environment (next lesson) 3. Join our community 4. Start building! ## Resources and Support ### Where to Get Help - plebdevs.com ### Tips for Success 1. Push code daily, even if it is small. 2. Focus on understanding rather than memorizing. 3. Build projects that interest you. 4. Engage with the community. 5. Don't be afraid to ask questions. ## Remember You don't need to become a "10x developer" overnight. The goal is to start writing code, build useful things, and gradually improve. Every expert was once a beginner, and the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single line of code. Ready to begin? Let's dive into the next lesson where we'll set up your development environment! 🚀

@ 000002de:c05780a7

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/842459

@ bcea2b98:7ccef3c9

 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/842405

@ 23b0e2f8:d8af76fc

## **Necessário** - Um Android que você não use mais (a câmera deve estar funcionando). - Um cartão microSD (opcional, usado apenas uma vez). - Um dispositivo para acompanhar seus fundos (provavelmente você já tem um). ## **Algumas coisas que você precisa saber** - O dispositivo servirá como um assinador. Qualquer movimentação só será efetuada após ser assinada por ele. - O cartão microSD será usado para transferir o APK do Electrum e garantir que o aparelho não terá contato com outras fontes de dados externas após sua formatação. Contudo, é possível usar um cabo USB para o mesmo propósito. - A ideia é deixar sua chave privada em um dispositivo offline, que ficará desligado em 99% do tempo. Você poderá acompanhar seus fundos em outro dispositivo conectado à internet, como seu celular ou computador pessoal. --- ## **O tutorial será dividido em dois módulos:** - Módulo 1 - Criando uma carteira fria/assinador. - Módulo 2 - Configurando um dispositivo para visualizar seus fundos e assinando transações com o assinador. --- ## **No final, teremos:** - Uma carteira fria que também servirá como assinador. - Um dispositivo para acompanhar os fundos da carteira.  --- ## **Módulo 1 - Criando uma carteira fria/assinador** 1. Baixe o APK do Electrum na aba de **downloads** em <https://electrum.org/>. Fique à vontade para [verificar as assinaturas](https://electrum.readthedocs.io/en/latest/gpg-check.html) do software, garantindo sua autenticidade. 2. Formate o cartão microSD e coloque o APK do Electrum nele. Caso não tenha um cartão microSD, pule este passo.  3. Retire os chips e acessórios do aparelho que será usado como assinador, formate-o e aguarde a inicialização.  4. Durante a inicialização, pule a etapa de conexão ao Wi-Fi e rejeite todas as solicitações de conexão. Após isso, você pode desinstalar aplicativos desnecessários, pois precisará apenas do Electrum. Certifique-se de que Wi-Fi, Bluetooth e dados móveis estejam desligados. Você também pode ativar o **modo avião**.\ *(Curiosidade: algumas pessoas optam por abrir o aparelho e danificar a antena do Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, impossibilitando essas funcionalidades.)*  5. Insira o cartão microSD com o APK do Electrum no dispositivo e instale-o. Será necessário permitir instalações de fontes não oficiais.  6. No Electrum, crie uma carteira padrão e gere suas palavras-chave (seed). Anote-as em um local seguro. Caso algo aconteça com seu assinador, essas palavras permitirão o acesso aos seus fundos novamente. *(Aqui entra seu método pessoal de backup.)*  --- ## **Módulo 2 - Configurando um dispositivo para visualizar seus fundos e assinando transações com o assinador.** 1. Criar uma carteira **somente leitura** em outro dispositivo, como seu celular ou computador pessoal, é uma etapa bastante simples. Para este tutorial, usaremos outro smartphone Android com Electrum. Instale o Electrum a partir da aba de downloads em <https://electrum.org/> ou da própria Play Store. *(ATENÇÃO: O Electrum não existe oficialmente para iPhone. Desconfie se encontrar algum.)* 2. Após instalar o Electrum, crie uma carteira padrão, mas desta vez escolha a opção **Usar uma chave mestra**.  3. Agora, no assinador que criamos no primeiro módulo, exporte sua chave pública: vá em **Carteira &gt; Detalhes da carteira &gt; Compartilhar chave mestra pública**.  4. Escaneie o QR gerado da chave pública com o dispositivo de consulta. Assim, ele poderá acompanhar seus fundos, mas sem permissão para movimentá-los. 5. Para receber fundos, envie Bitcoin para um dos endereços gerados pela sua carteira: **Carteira &gt; Addresses/Coins**. 6. Para movimentar fundos, crie uma transação no dispositivo de consulta. Como ele não possui a chave privada, será necessário assiná-la com o dispositivo assinador.  7. No assinador, escaneie a transação não assinada, confirme os detalhes, assine e compartilhe. Será gerado outro QR, desta vez com a transação já assinada.  8. No dispositivo de consulta, escaneie o QR da transação assinada e transmita-a para a rede. --- ## **Conclusão** **Pontos positivos do setup:** - **Simplicidade:** Basta um dispositivo Android antigo. - **Flexibilidade:** Funciona como uma ótima carteira fria, ideal para holders. **Pontos negativos do setup:** - **Padronização:** Não utiliza seeds no padrão BIP-39, você sempre precisará usar o electrum. - **Interface:** A aparência do Electrum pode parecer antiquada para alguns usuários. Nesse ponto, temos uma carteira fria que também serve para assinar transações. O fluxo de assinar uma transação se torna: ***Gerar uma transação não assinada &gt; Escanear o QR da transação não assinada &gt; Conferir e assinar essa transação com o assinador &gt; Gerar QR da transação assinada &gt; Escanear a transação assinada com qualquer outro dispositivo que possa transmiti-la para a rede.*** Como alguns devem saber, uma transação assinada de Bitcoin é praticamente impossível de ser fraudada. Em um cenário catastrófico, você pode mesmo que sem internet, repassar essa transação assinada para alguém que tenha acesso à rede por qualquer meio de comunicação. Mesmo que não queiramos que isso aconteça um dia, esse setup acaba por tornar essa prática possível. ---

@ c11cf5f8:4928464d

 Here we are again with our monthly [Magnificent Seven](https://stacker.news/AGORA#the-magnificent-seven---of-all-times), the summary giving you a hit of what you missed in the ~AGORA territory. - - - ### Top-Performing Ads This month, the most engaging ones are: * `00` [[SELL] STACKER NEWS Merch: T-Shirts & Cap [32100 sats + shipping]](https://stacker.news/items/806159/r/AG) by me :) * `01` [Beeswax Dinner Candles For Sale](https://stacker.news/items/806603/r/AG) by @kr * `02` [I'd Buy ~bitcoin Territory At The Right Price](https://stacker.news/items/806097/r/AG) by @0xbitcoiner * `03` [Bitcoin Watches](https://stacker.news/items/823985/r/AG) by @jakoyoh629 * `04` [SN merch live on amazon](https://stacker.news/items/820542/r/AG) by @stack_harder * `05` [A couple programming bounties payable in BTC (Javascript/Typescript, C++)](https://stacker.news/items/824500/r/AG) by @springfield_data_recovery * `06` [[SELL] Accepting SATs ~ Genuine Authentic SHAQ (Shaquille O'Neal) Autograph](https://stacker.news/items/827453/r/AG) by @watchmancbiz * `07` [PlebBook 📖 - (Update: Jan 2025 - Earn Sats in AGORA)](https://stacker.news/items/837351/r/AG) by @PlebLab * `08` [HereComes Bitcoin SATSCARD™ - Summer of Bitcoin](https://stacker.news/items/823715/r/AG) by @Design_r * `09` [[OFFER] 12K sats for any item in The Bullish Shop (BOLT12 only)](https://stacker.news/items/813528/r/AG) by @thebullishbitcoiner * `10` [Bitcoin Shirt on Walmart 👀](https://stacker.news/items/830069/r/AG) by @96dffdc39e - - - ### Cowboys Credits Buyers Yes, this Jan 3rd CCs have been deployed, a unique SN feature that enable everyone to play around and upvote/reward interesting contents and stackers. Has been an interesting number of stackers enetring the market and setting the rate - @siggy47 **Will Pay Sats For Cowboy Credits** https://stacker.news/items/837713/r/AG Make him an offer. His territories rent are due. - @ek **[BUY] 100 cowboy credits for one satoshi** https://stacker.news/items/837469/r/AG Sender must pay the 30% sybil fee, so the sender has to pay 100/0.7=142 CCs to get 1 sat - @Darth first ever CCs offer, and always with his third eye looking at the future, want too **[SWAP] SN Cowboy credits** https://stacker.news/items/723069/r/AG _{PS: posted in October 2024} ### Professional Services accepting Bitcoin * `I` https://stacker.news/items/813013/r/AG @gpvansat's [OFFER][Graphic Design] From the paste editions (It's important to keep these offers available) * `II` https://stacker.news/items/775383/r/AG @TinstrMedia - Color Grading (Styling) Your Pictures as a Service * `III` https://stacker.news/items/773557/r/AG @MamaHodl, MATHS TUTOR 50K SATS/hour English global * `IV` https://stacker.news/items/684163/r/AG @BTCLNAT's OFFER HEALTH COUNSELING [21 SAT/ consultation * `V` https://stacker.news/items/689268/r/AG @mathswithtess [SELL] MATHS TUTOR ONLINE, 90k sats per hour. Global but English only. ###### In case you missed Here some interesting post, opening conversations and free speech about markets and business on the bitcoin circular economy: - Buy Kratum With Bitcoin https://stacker.news/items/806578/r/AG by @siggy47 - How Is Shipping Handled? https://stacker.news/items/832303/r/AG by @siggy47 - Building a List of 'Buy It For Life' Products https://stacker.news/items/809655/r/AG by @kr - Sender must pay the 30% sybil fee, so the sender has to pay 100/0.7=142 CCs to get 1 sat https://stacker.news/items/811292/r/AG by @Fabs - How to (Ethically) Get Rid of Your Unwanted Stuff https://stacker.news/items/829228/r/AG by @mo - The Calgary Sat Market - A driven community of Bitcoiners, making magic together https://stacker.news/items/811666/r/AG by @supratic - ɅGOᏒɅ 🏜️ First Year Recap: A Thriving 2024 for Stacker News P2P Marketplace https://stacker.news/items/821255/r/AG by @AGORA ###### 🏷️ Spending Sunday is back! Share your most recent Bitcoin purchases of just check what other stackers are buying with their sats! Read more https://stacker.news/items/837629/r/AG - - - ###### Just a reminder for you all This territory aims to connect stackers and curious buyers for IRL P2P Bitcoin deals. Have fun checking what else stackers are shilling globally in the ~AGORA. This is a great time for you to make some space un-dusting some stuff that has been sitting there for too long and get some sats for it! - - - ### Create your Ads now!  Looking to start something new? Hit one of the links below to free your mind: * [💬 TOPIC](https://stacker.news/~AGORA/post?type=discussion) for conversation, * [\[⚖️ SELL\]](https://w3.do/b_v2wutP) anything! or, * if you're looking for something, hit the [\[🛒 BUY\]](https://w3.do/zvixtuSh)! * [\[🧑‍💻 HIRE\]](https://w3.do/_j0kpVsi) any bitcoiner skill or stuff from bitcoiners * [\[🖇 OFFER\]](https://w3.do/EfWF8yDL) any product or service and stack more sats * [\[🧑‍⚖️ AUCTION\]](https://w3.do/sbbCjZ0e) to let stackers decide a fair price for your item * [\[🤝 SWAP\]](https://w3.do/V_iP4lY5) if you're looking to exchange anything with anything else * [\[🆓 FREE\]](https://w3.do/DdVEE1ME) your space, make a gift! * [\[⭐ REVIEW\]](https://w3.do/CAZ5JxCk) any bitcoin product or LN service you recently bought or subscribed to - - - Or contact @AGORA team on [nostr DM](https://iris.to/agora_sn) and we can help you publish a personalized post. . `#nostr` `#stuff4sats` `#sell` `#buy` `#plebchain` `#grownostr` `#asknostr` originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/842103

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

### Unit-Bias Bitcoin hat in der öffentlichen Wahrnehmung und bei Menschen, die sich weniger mit dem Thema befassen, einen sogenannten Unit-Bias, also eine durch Unwissenheit hervorgerufene Voreingenommenheit gegenüber der Einheit "Bitcoin". Das bedeutet, dass viele unerfahrene Anleger//innen und Nutzer//innen der Meinung sind, dass der Besitz eines ganzen bitcoins psychologisch wichtig oder überhaupt nur als solcher möglich ist. Anders ausgedrückt, glauben viele Menschen, sie müssen Bitcoin als Ganzes kaufen, also einen ganzen "physischen" bitcoin, statt kleinerer Bruchstücke. Das lässt den Vermögenswert für die meisten zu teuer aussehen. Dies ist für Bitcoin insofern ein Problem, als dass viele Menschen sich durch ihre Voreingenommenheit gar nicht mit Bitcoin beschäftigen ("kann ich mir nicht leisten") oder das Gefühl haben, Bitcoin sei zu teuer und deshalb gibt es kein Wertsteigerungspotential mehr ("der Zug ist abgefahren, ich hätte vor sechs Jahren investieren sollen"). Schlimmer noch, als sich nicht mit Bitcoin zu beschäftigen, ist sich dann stattdessen alternativen, "erschwinglicheren" Kryptowährungen zuzuwenden. Dieser Unit-Bias ist allerdings nichts anderes als ein Marketing-, bzw. ein Bildungsproblem. Denn wie wir wissen kann man Bitcoin in 100 Millionen Untereinheiten brechen und in kleinsten Mengen erwerben, verschicken und verkaufen. Doch haben Außenstehende von Begriffen wie Lightning oder Sats meistens noch nie gehört. ### Untereinheiten Doch auch innerhalb der Bitcoin-Szene ist die Unterteilung von Bitcoin in Untereinheiten nicht ganz unumstritten. Denn viele Nutzer//innen sind sich uneinig darüber, was der beste Weg ist, Bitcoins Untereinheiten zu bezeichnen und sogar darzustellen. Dies zeigt sich z.B. darin, dass Apps oft entweder Bitcoin oder Fiat anzeigen, manche Apps aber auch Beträge in Sats darstellen. Dies verlangt aber oft eigene Einstellungen innerhalb der App oder viele Klicks, die die Bedienung und Darstellung eher unhandlich gestalten. Es gibt verschiedene Lösungsansätze, die dem/der Nutzer//in die ungewohnte Rechnung mit acht Nachkommastellen erleichtern sollen. Denn viele Anwender//innen denken beim Blick in ihre Wallets oft noch in lokalen Fiat-Werten, also in ganzen Einheiten (z.B. Euro oder Dollar) und Hundertsteln (z.B. Cents). Einige Wallets versuchen diesen Spagat komplett zu umgehen, indem sie vermeiden, Beträge in Fiat darzustellen. Doch auch hier bleibt immer noch das Problem der unhandlichen Darstellung von acht Nachkommastellen, weshalb einige Anbieter einfach zwei Eingabemöglichkeiten bieten und den Betrag in Bitcoin oder Sats automatisch umrechnen. Doch selbst das Zeichen für Sats ist nicht final geklärt. Es gibt viele verschiedene Vorschläge und Meinungen dazu, welches Symbol genutzt werden sollte. Die meisten Apps, Rechnungen und Sticker schreiben einfach das Wort "Sats" oder "sats" aus. Allerdings ist dies ein Problem, da außerhalb der Bitcoin-Szene niemand weiß, was ein Sat ist. Die meisten Menschen werden mittlerweile von Bitcoin gehört haben, auch wenn sie nicht wissen, wie es funktioniert, was es bedeutet, oder wie man damit umgeht. Doch auch das B Logo mit den Dollarstrichen (₿) werden die meisten Menschen zuordnen können. Sats hingegen ist ein sehr nischiger Begriff und seine Verwendung noch unbekannter. Oft wird das Blitzsymbol (3 auf der unteren Grafik) verwendet, um Lightning darzustellen und auch das Symbol mit den drei horizontalen Strichen und zwei vertikalen Punkten (4 auf der unteren Grafik), das entfernt an das Dollar-Zeichen erinnern soll ($), erfreut sich immer größerer Beliebtheit. Das Problem dabei ist nur, dass es sich in geschriebener Form nicht, oder nur unzulänglich darstellen lässt: 丰 🤡 Es war lange logisch und notwendig, ganze Bitcoins zur Aufzählung und Bezahlung zu verwenden, da bei der Einführung von Bitcoin sein Geldwert sehr gering war. Es bestand also absolut keine Notwendigkeit dazu, in kleineren Einheiten als Bitcoin zu denken. Einfaches Beispiel: letzte Woche, am 22. Mai, jährte sich der Bitcoin-Pizza-Day zum 13. Mal, also jener Tag an dem Laszlo Hanyecz für zwei Pizza 10.000 bitcoins bezahlte und damit die erste offline Transaktion mit Bitcoin tätigte. 10.000 bitcoins entsprachen zu diesem Zeitpunkt also knapp $40, oder andersrum $1 entsprach 250 bitcoins Es gab also immer noch keine Notwendigkeit, kleinere Einheiten von Bitcoin zu verwenden. Diese Notwendigkeit ergab sich erst, als der Bitcoin und der Dollar Parität erlangten (1 Bitcoin = $1) und spätestens, als Bitcoin die Marke von $100 durchbrach, wurde rechnen in Bitcoin schwieriger. Fortan überlegte man sich, Bitcoin in kleineren Einheiten darzustellen. Die zwei Möglichkeiten sind der Bit und der Sat. Ein einzelner bitcoin kann in 1.000.000 Bits oder bis zu 100.000.000 Sats unterteilt werden, also 100 Sats = 1 Bit = 0,000001 Bitcoin. Ein weiterer Grund, weshalb eine Stückelung in bitcoin (der Begriff für einen ganzen physischen bitcoin) schwierig und verwirrend ist, und deshalb viele nach einer alternativen Bezeichnung für Untereinheiten suchten, ist dass darüber hinaus "Bitcoin" zur Beschreibung von zwei Dingen verwendet werden kann: dem monetären Netzwerk (Bitcoin - großes B) und dem monetären Vermögenswert (bitcoin - kleines B). Bitcoin, der Vermögenswert, ist für diejenigen, die noch nichts damit zu tun hatten, sowohl verwirrend als auch fremd. Denn wie bereits erwähnt, führt der Unit-Bias dazu, dass viele Menschen denken, dass sie es sich nicht leisten können, Bitcoin zu kaufen, oder dass sie den Anschluss verpasst haben. Die Verwendung einer Bepreisung in Bruchteilen würde die Verwirrung über die Benennung des Netzwerks und des Vermögenswerts verringern, aber auch die psychologische Hürde für den Einstieg in Bitcoin senken. Vorausgesetzt, die Benennung ist logisch und intuitiv. ### Bits vs. Sats Wie schon erwähnt, gibt es zwei gängige Untereinheiten von Bitcoin, 1 Bit (= 0,000001 Bitcoin) und 1 Sat (0,00000001 Bitcoin). Seit jeher gibt es Diskussionen darüber, welche der beiden Einheiten für den täglichen Gebrauch die vernünftigere und intuitivere ist. Die Verwendung von Bits zur Aufzählung von Bitcoin hat einige Vorteile. Ein Bit stellt ein „Bit“ eines Bitcoins dar, also der grundlegendsten und kleinsten Informationseinheit in der Informatik. Den meisten Menschen fällt es einfacher, das Wort „Bit“ mit Bitcoin zu assoziieren und daher verstehen sie eher, dass ein Bit ein Teil eines Bitcoins ist. Ein „Sat“ bedeutet für den Durchschnittsmenschen, wie oben beschrieben, nichts. Adam Back (CEO von Blockstream und Bitcoin-Legende) ist wahrscheinlich der bekannteste Befürworter von Bits &gt; Sats. Er argumentiert von verschiedenen Richtungen, dass z.B. Bits eine rechnerisch einfachere Variante ist, Untereinheiten von Bitcoin darzustellen, als Sats. Weiter argumentiert er mit der historischen Entwicklung von Bitcoin, dem Protokoll und seiner Referenz-Implementierung. In den Anfangsjahren wurde in der Bitcoin Core Wallet mit Bits gearbeitet. Außerdem argumentiert er, dass die Verbindung zwischen Bitcoin der Haupteinheit und Bits oder Sats als Untereinheit zumindest semantisch gebrochen werden sollte. Da Bitcoin (im Fall eines weiter steigenden Kurses) als Recheneinheit immer unpraktischer wird, sollte man als mentales Modell auf das Rechenpaar Bits und Sats zurückgreifen - analog zur Darstellung von Dollars und Cents oder Euros und Cents. Dabei stellen die zwei Nachkommastellen eines in Bits angegebenen Preises die Sats dar. Ganz einfaches Beispiel: Ein Kasten Bier kostet heute etwas 20€, also 0,00079758 Bitcoin. Einfacher dargestellt: 797,58 Bits, also 797 Bits und 58 Sats. “Ein Bitcoin ist zu teuer, aber Sats sind zu viele, klingen billig und verwirrend.” Es ist schwer in Sats zu denken und selbst wenn der Preis von Bitcoin 1 M US Dollar erreicht, ist ein Bit immer noch eine greifbare und günstige Einheit: 1 Bit = 1 US Dollar. Eines von Adams Hauptargumenten ist, dass Sat als Untereinheit nicht funktioniert, weil es Dust gibt. Das Problem mit Dust besteht darin, dass es nicht möglich ist, Bitcoin unter einem bestimmten Schwellenwert auszugeben. Sein Argument ist, dass der Nutzen einer Einheit abhanden kommt, wenn diese Einheit als kleinste Recheneinheit nicht ausgegeben werden kann. Zugegeben, niemand kann mehr etwas für einen Cent kaufen, aber zumindest ist es technisch nicht unmöglich. Allerdings ist es unmöglich, 1 oder sogar 10 Sats über das Bitcoin-Netzwerk zu senden, ohne Layer-2-Skalierungstechnologien zu verwenden. ### Dust Unter Bitcoin-Dust versteht man eine sehr kleine Menge Bitcoin, typischerweise in kleinen ein- bis zweistelligen Sats-Beträgen, doch auch kommen immer öfter dreistellige Beträge vor. Sie werden Dust oder „Staub“ genannt, weil diese Beträge so gering sind, dass sie oft als unbedeutend und unpraktisch für die Verwendung bei regulären Transaktionen angesehen werden. Es gibt keine offizielle Definition dafür wie groß/klein ein Betrag sein muss, um als Dust zu gelten, da jede Softwareimplementierung (Client, Wallet, etc.) einen anderen Schwellenwert annehmen kann. Die Bitcoin Core Referenzimplementierung definiert Dust als jede Transaktionsausgabe, die niedriger ist als die aktuellen Transaktionsgebühren. Dust entsteht meist unbeabsichtigt bei Bitcoin-Transaktionen. Denn wenn Bitcoin von einer Adresse an eine andere gesendet wird, fällt oft eine Transaktionsgebühr an. Um Spam zu verhindern und die Sicherheit des Netzwerks zu gewährleisten, gibt es bei Bitcoin eine Mindestgröße für jede Transaktion. Dieses Limit ist der Mindestbetrag an Bitcoin, der als Ausgabe in eine Transaktion einbezogen werden kann. Der Rest ist Dust. Oder einfacher ausgedrückt, wenn die Mindestgröße für eine Bitcoin-On-Chain-Transaktion 500 Sats (5 Bits) beträgt und ich noch 800 Sats (8 Bits) in meiner Wallet habe, kann ich nach dem Versenden von 600 Sats (6 Bits) die übrigen 200 Sats (2 Bits) nicht mehr ausgeben. Diese verbleibenden 2 Bits sind Dust. Dust stellt aus mehreren Gründen eine Herausforderung für das Bitcoin-Netzwerk und seine Benutzer//innen dar: UTXO-Bloat: Bei jeder Transaktion werden nicht ausgegebene Transaktionsausgaben (UTXOs) erstellt, und Dust erhöht die Anzahl der UTXOs im System. Dies kann zu einer aufgeblähten Blockchain führen und sich negativ auf die Leistung und Skalierbarkeit des Netzwerks auswirken. [➡️ Wie UTXOs funktionieren](https://www.genexyz.org/post/25-block-774775-utxos-fee-management-v3ulch/) **Wallet-Management:** Im Laufe der Zeit kann sich in Wallets viel Dust ansammeln, und die Verwaltung solch kleiner Beträge kann für Benutzer//innen unpraktisch sein. Bei vielen Wallets ist ein Mindestguthaben erforderlich, und die Dust-Mengen sind möglicherweise zu gering, um diese Anforderung zu erfüllen. Viele Nutzer//innen wechseln häufig zwischen Wallets und transferirien ihre Vermögen vorher auf die neuen Wallets, bei solchen Wechseln bleiben Dust-Beträge zurück und gelten langfristig als verloren. Ein weiteres Problem besteht darin, dass Dust nicht genau definiert werden kann. Die Transaktionsgebühren hängen wesentlich von zwei Faktoren ab: Den Gebühren in sat/vB, welche von der Auslastung des Mempools abhängen und zu Zeiten von hoher Auslastung dementsprechend hoch sind, und zum anderen vom UTXO-Set des/der jeweiligen Nutzer//in. Denn wie wir wissen, werden Transaktionen aus einer oder mehreren UTXOs zusammengesetzt, je mehr UTXOs dabei benötigt werden, um den gewünschten Betrag zu versenden, desto höher sind die Kosten für diese Transaktion, da sich das Gewicht (in vBytes) erhöht. Diese beiden Faktoren können die Gebühren in Einzelfällen so strukturieren, dass größere Mengen Dust anfallen, als in anderen Fällen. **Datenschutzbedenken:** Da jede Transaktion in der Blockchain gespeichert wird, können selbst winzige Mengen Dust mit der Identität oder dem Transaktionsverlauf einer Person verknüpft werden, was die Privatsphäre gefährdet. Diese Funktion wird von Angreifern in sogenannten Dust-Attacks ausgenutzt. Denn böswillige Angreifer haben schnell erkannt, dass Nutzer//innen die winzigen Dust-Beträge, die in ihren Wallet-Adressen angezeigt werden, nicht viel Aufmerksamkeit schenken oder gar bemerken. Angreifer schicken also Kleinstbeträge an eine große Anzahl von Adressen, um dann im nächsten Schritt in einer kombinierten Analyse dieser Adressen und der Beträge, versuchen herauszufinden, welche Adressen zur gleichen Wallet gehören. Dabei ist es das Ziel, diese so identifizierbaren Adressen und Wallets schließlich den jeweiligen Eigentümer//innen zuzuordnen, um diese dann durch ausgefeilte Phishing-Angriffe oder Cyber-Erpressungen zu attackieren. Um diese Probleme zu lösen, können Nutzer//innen Dust konsolidieren, indem sie mehrere Dust-UTXOs in einer einzigen Transaktion mit einem höheren Wert kombinieren. Einige Wallets und Dienste bieten Funktionen an, mit denen Benutzer//innen ihren Dust effektiv verwalten und konsolidieren können. ### Abschließende Gedanken Der Unit-Bias ist absolut vorhanden. Ich persönlich begegne ihm immer wieder in Gesprächen mit Bitcoin-Interessierten, die sich mit der Materie noch nicht lange auseinandergesetzt haben. Die Verwunderung ist oft sehr groß, dass bitcoins nicht als Ganzes gekauft werden müssen. Die Verwendung einer Untereinheit sowohl in Wallets, als auch bei der Bepreisung kann dabei helfen. An die Verwendung von Sats als die kleinste Einheit von Bitcoin habe ich mich gewöhnt, allerdings tendiere ich mittlerweile persönlich zum Gebrauch von Bits. Die hervorgebrachten Argumente leuchten mir ein und ich bin überzeugt, dass Bits eine größere Akzeptanz außerhalb des Bitcoin-Inner-Circles hervorrufen können, als Sats. Darüber hinaus ist das Sats-Zeichen wirklich unpraktisch. Ich befürworte hier einige Ideen, die das Paragrafzeichen zum Symbol für Sats erheben wollen. 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Ich hatte vor ein paar Wochen die Gelegenheit mich mit Micheal Hassard persönlich zu unterhalten. Mike ist Verteidiger im Fall von Roman Sterlingov. Der Fall ist haarsträubend und beängstigend. Mike und ich haben uns einige Zeit unterhalten und er hat mir einige Details aus diesem wirklich spannenden Prozess verraten. Ich wollte versuchen die Informationen in einem Artikel zusammenzufassen, um auch anderen Leuten, die mit dem Fall noch nicht betraut sind, die Möglichkeit zu geben, zu verstehen, was für absurde Methoden und ungerechte Beweismittel in diesem noch komplett neuen rechtlichen Umfeld angewendet werden. ### LAX Am 27. April 2001 landet ein Direktflug aus Moskau am Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Bei der Passkontrolle an der Immigration wird ein junger Passagier dieses Fluges von Kriminalermittlern des Internal Revenue Service (IRS) verhaftet. In seinem Gepäck befinden sich vier Reisepässe und allerhand technisches Equipment. Darunter Laptops, externe Festplatten und Bitcoin Signing Devices (Hardware Wallets). Der junge Mann wird festgenommen, seine mitgeführten Besitztümer und Pässe konfisziert, dann wird er in Untersuchungshaft gebracht. Der Vorwurf: Die Gründung und der Betrieb eines Bitcoin Mixers. Konkret wird ihm vorgeworfen, Bitcoin Fog gegründet und betrieben zu haben, darüber hinaus wird er in drei Punkten angeklagt: Geldwäsche, Betrieb eines nicht lizenzierten Geldtransfergeschäfts und Geldtransfer ohne Lizenz. Die IRS behauptet, dass über 1,2 Millionen Bitcoin, im Wert von etwa 336 M US Dollar zum Zeitpunkt der Transaktionen, über Bitcoin Fog verschickt wurden. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/19536c9b7279004690e8bb665466366e8ecc64f6f3a1da9fb605b930fd2ba398.gif"> ### Bitcoin Fog Bitcoin Fog war ein beliebter Custodial Bitcoin Mixer, der von Nutzer//innen für ihre Privatsphäre genutzt wurde. Mixer sind Services die entwickelt wurden, um das Problem der "Common-Input-Ownership-Heuristik" zu brechen. Vereinfacht ausgedrückt beschreibt dieses Problem die Annahme, dass mehrere Inputs einer Transaktion relativ sicher dem gleichen Besitzer gehören. Ich habe Bitcoin Mixer schon mal detailliert beschrieben: https://www.genexyz.org/post/23-block-772315-bitcoin-mixing-q6i7y4/ TL;DR: Die Grundidee besteht darin, dass man einen Coin nimmt, der aus mehreren UTXOs besteht, und diesen mit Hilfe eines Dienstes einem Pool zuführt. Diese Dienste erhalten für die Vermittlung, Zusammenführung und das Stellen der Infrastruktur eine kleine Gebühr. Transaktionen werden dann so aufgebaut, dass sie es Überwachungsfirmen oder anderen Beobachtern sehr schwer machen, genau zu wissen, welcher Transaktion-Output zu welchem der Input-Steller gehört. Bitcoin Fog wurde 2011 gegründet und ist ein Custodial Service, was bedeutet, dass Nutzer//innen ihre Bitcoin an eine Wallet des Betreibers senden, und im Gegenzug dann von Bitcoin Fog andere Bitcoin zurück erhalten, um die Spur der On-Chain-Transaktionen zu verwischen. ### Roman Sterlingov Roman war schon früh Benutzer von Bitcoin. Als er 14 Jahre alt war, zog er mit seiner Mutter von Russland nach Schweden und beschäftigte sich ab etwa 2011 mit Bitcoin. Dies ist wichtig, denn als russischer und schwedischer Staatsbürger ist Roman im Besitz von vier offiziell ausgestellten Reisepässen. [Russland hat zwei Pässe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internal_passport_of_Russia), einen für das Reisen innerhalb und einen für das Reisen außerhalb Russlands. Schweden stellt auch [zwei Reisepässe aus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swedish_passport). Als der Bitcoin-Kurs stieg, wurde er Millionär. Er kündigte seinen Job und versuchte, sich selbstständig zu machen. Unter anderem gründete er ein VPN-Geschäft, das nicht erfolgreich war, und entschied sich später aufgrund der Volatilität von Bitcoin und fehlenden Einnahmen aus seinen Projekten, Pilot bei einer kommerziellen Fluggesellschaft zu werden. Er meldete sich bei einer kalifornischen Flugschule an und 2021, als Roman nach Kalifornien zur Flugschule flog, wurde er von der Regierung am Flughafen LAX verhaftet. Er sitzt seit über zwei Jahren im Gefängnis und wartet auf seinen Prozess. Neben seinen Pässen und seinem Equipment wurden auch die seit 2011 angesammelten Bitcoin beschlagnahmt, da diese auf Konten bei u.a. Kraken lagen. ### Die Anklage Kalifornien hat Roman Sterlingov wegen des Vorwurfs verhaftet, über einen Zeitraum von 10 Jahren Bitcoin im Wert von fast 336 M US Dollar gewaschen zu haben. Ihm wird vorgeworfen, über sein Konto und seine IP-Adressen mit der Bitcoin Fog-Domain und mit Mt. Gox-Konten, die in Verbindung zu Bitcoin Fog stehen, an Bitcoin Fog beteiligt zu sein. Vor dem Start des Dienstes nutzte der Administrator seinen echten Namen auf seinem Mt. Gox-Konto, um die Plattform einem Betatest zu unterziehen. Sein persönliches Google-Konto wurde auch zum Speichern der Schritte zur Bezahlung der Domain verwendet. Dies sind jedoch zum heutigen Zeitpunkt nur Anschuldigungen ohne konkrete Beweise. Der Fall stützt sich stark auf digitale Forensik und Blockchain-Analyse ohne Zeugenaussagen oder ähnliche konkrete Beweisstücke. Selbst wenn Roman die Domain gekauft hätte, wäre dies nicht illegal. Die Verjährungsfrist für die angeblichen Verbrechen ist ebenfalls abgelaufen. Was bleibt, sind von der Anklage angeführte "Beweise", die sich komplett auf die Blockchain-Analyse der Firma Chainalysis stützen. ### Chainalysis Chainalysis ist die wohl bekannteste Blockchain-Analyse Firma. In einem früheren Artikel habe ich schon mal beschrieben, wie diese Firmen operieren: https://www.genexyz.org/post/19-block-765505-on-chain-analytics-mhcumo/ TL;DR: Unter On-Chain Analytics versteht man die Analyse von Daten, die auf jeder beliebigen Blockchain vorhanden sind. Diese Daten sind auf der Chain, also on-chain und somit für jedermann jederzeit und von überall abrufbar. Genauer bieten Blockchains Daten über Adressen, Transaktionen und in gewisser Weise auch über Wallets. Diese Informationen können verwertet werden, um verschiedene Sachverhalte darzustellen. Dieses Verfahren wird auch Heuristik genannt und bedient sich wahrscheinlicher Annahmen, also z.B. wiederkehrender Muster. Dabei werden sogenannte Cluster erstellt, also Verbindungen zwischen Adressen und Transaktionen gezogen. So nutzen nutzen Analyse-Firmen wie Chainalysis Heuristiken und Wahrscheinlichkeitsanalysen, um Bitcoin-Transaktionen und Eigentümerwechsel zu verfolgen. Sie versuchen, Adressen auf der Grundlage dieser Heuristiken zu gruppieren, jedoch stimmen die Ergebnisse verschiedener Unternehmen oft nicht überein. Dies kann zu vagen Beweisen und Schuldunterstellungen führen. > „Während die Identität eines Besitzers einer Bitcoin-Adresse im Allgemeinen anonym ist (es sei denn, der Besitzer entscheidet sich dafür, die Informationen öffentlich zugänglich zu machen), können Strafverfolgungsbehörden den Besitzer einer bestimmten Bitcoin-Adresse oft durch Analyse der Blockchain identifizieren“ - Devon Beckett, Special Agent, IRS Chainalysis betreiben einen sogenannten Reactor, der diese Analysen vornimmt. Diese Analyse dient als Grundlage für das Argument, Roman habe Geld von seinem Mt Gox-Konto abgebucht und verwendet, um die Bezahlung der DNS-Registrierung für Bitcoin Fog zu tätigen und zu verbergen. Es wird so versucht, Roman mit Aufzeichnungen im Bitcoin Talk-Forums in Verbindung zu bringen, die wiederum Bitcoin Fog mit illegalen Aktivitäten in Verbindung bringen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/6d86d2843895b4b7fa481fe074e0c79bb94b7001233fbcf415bcde86e175359f.gif"> Konkret wird anhand dieser Analyse eine Verbindung zu Roman und weiter zu Bitcoin Fog hergestellt, die beweisen soll, dass Zahlungen im Wert von 336 M US Dollar gewaschen wurden, die für Drogengeschäfte verwendet wurden. Es gibt keine objektiven Standards für diese Art der Analyse und Strafverfolgungsbehörden stützen ihre Beweise auf diese privaten Ermittlungen. Im konkreten Fall vo Chainalysis spielen Beziehungen zu Strafverfolgungsbehörden wie dem britischen Serious Crimes Office und dem US-Justizministerium, sowie den damit einhergehenden Geldquellen eine entscheidende Rolle beim Aufstieg des Unternehmens zum größten Anbieter dieser Dienstleistungen mit einer Marktkapitalisierung von 8,6 Milliarden US Dollar. ### Verteidigung Roman wird in diesem Fall von der Kanzlei Ekeland Law, PLLC vertreten. Die Anwälte, Tor Ekeland und Michael Hassard sind der festen Überzeugung, dass Roman unschuldig ist und dass er in diesem Fall aufgrund fehlerhafter digitaler Forensik in Bedrängnis geraten ist. Roman gibt zu, Bitcoin Fog aus Datenschutzgründen verwendet zu haben, um seine Bitcoin zu waschen, bevor er diese in sein Konto bei Kraken einzahlte. Das Mischen an sich ist nicht illegal, denn während der Anhörung erkannte der Richter sogar an, dass die Verwendung eines Mixers wie Bitcoin Fog nicht grundsätzlich verboten sei. Dies war sogar das erste Mal, dass ein Richter ausdrücklich erklärte, dass das Mischen von Bitcoin nicht illegal ist und dass es auch nicht illegal ist, Nutzer//in eines Mischdienstes zu sein. Es ist jedoch zu beachten, dass sich dieser Fall speziell gegen den Betreiber von Bitcoin Fog richtet und versucht, den Dienst mit Drogenmarktplätzen in Verbindung zu bringen. Argumente für Romans Unschuld beinhalten unter anderem, dass Bitcoin Fog in der gesamten Zeit von Romans Inhaftierung aktiv geblieben ist, was darauf schließen lässt, dass die eigentlichen Betreiber immer noch auf freiem Fuß sind. Roman wurde vor seiner Verhaftung überwacht, es wurden Abhör- und Überwachungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt, jedoch keine Beweise gefunden, die ihn mit dem Betrieb von Bitcoin Fog in Verbindung bringen, selbst nachdem Server beschlagnahmt wurden. Darüber hinaus ignoriert die Anklage auch die Tatsache, dass die DNS-Registrierung der Bitcoin Fog Domain seit Romans Verhaftung zweimal erneuert wurde. Trotzdem versucht die Anklage eine Verbindung zu Roman auf der Grundlage von IP-Adressen herzustellen, die mit anderen E-Mails verknüpft sind, die zur Registrierung der DNS und zur Erstellung eines Kontos im Bitcoin Talk Forum verwendet wurden. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/8e7bfd219eb2e064b00ed62b656d1af153f4beb32370914578f0f6946a003f2e.gif"> Roman wird Verschwörung vorgeworfen, es wurde jedoch kein einziger Mitverschwörer genannt. Bei den von der Anklage behaupteten Transaktionen handelt es sich um Lizenzzahlungen des Mixers, die jedoch nicht durch Beweise gestützt werden. Wenn Roman ein Drahtzieher wäre, der 336 M US Dollar an Drogengeldern gewaschen hätte, würde es für ihn keinen Sinn machen, sein Geld mit seinem richtigen Namen und Passfoto auf ein KYC-Konto bei Kraken einzuzahlen. An dieser Stelle ist es vielleicht interessant festzustellen, dass Michael Gronager, einer der [Mitbegründer von Chainalysis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chainalysis), auch einer der Mitbegründer von Kraken war. ### Mt Gox Daten Es gibt eine Verbindung zwischen Kraken, Chainalysis und Mt Gox. Denn nicht nur war der Gründer von Kraken, Jesse Powell, als Berater für Mt. Gox bei der Lösung eines Sicherheitsproblems tätig und begann in Erwartung seines Kollapses mit der Arbeit an Kraken als Ersatz, auch Chainalysis wurde als direkte Reaktion auf den Mt. Gox-Skandal gegründet. Chainalysis wurde in den offiziellen Ermittlungen im Insolvenzverfahren von Mt. Gox genutzt, um den Verbleib der "gestohlenen" bitcoins zu untersuchen. Allerdings gibt es Anzeichen dafür, dass die dabei verwendeten Daten falsch und unzuverlässig seien. Angebliche Transaktionsnummern und Wallet-Adressen existieren nicht, werden verwechselt oder sind schlichtweg fehlerhaft. Genau dieser Datensatz wird aber nun benutzt, um Fälle wie den von Roman zu beweisen. ### Ankläger Einer der Staatsanwälte des Falles ist jetzt leitender Rechtsberater für Chainalysis, und ein IRS-Ermittler gründete während seiner Tätigkeit für den IRS ein privates Unternehmen namens Exigent LLC. Die Pressemitteilungen und Fundraising-Runden von Chainalysis stehen eng im Zusammenhang mit dem Fall. Exigent LLC erhält in der Pressemitteilung des US-Justizministeriums die höchste Auszeichnung für Romans Verhaftung, und fünf Monate später kaufte Chainalysis Exigent LLC. Dieser Fall scheint von Karrierismus und Profitstreben getrieben zu sein. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/cfd9c2f0bced31d0b51f669d4a589b39cfcff57bc952e6013856121c128e2d6d.gif"> ### Problem Neben den Verbindungen der Ermittler und Ankläger mit Chainalysis und der Problematik der fehlenden Beweise, ist dieser Fall zutiefst beunruhigend und wirft Bedenken hinsichtlich des geltenden Computerrechts auf. Die meisten Blockchain-Strafverfolgungen folgen dem gleichen Muster: Einspruchsvereinbarungen, Gerichtsverfahren oder Entlassungen. Unschuldige Menschen gehen oft auf Plädoyer-Deals ein, weil ihnen die Ressourcen fehlen, um gegen die unbegrenzten Ressourcen des Department of Justice zu kämpfen. Roman kann keinen Deal annehmen, weil er nichts weiß und lügen müsste. Es ist beunruhigend, dass der Fall in Washington D.C. verhandelt wird, obwohl Roman keine Verbindungen zu dieser Stadt hat. Die einzige Grundlage dafür, die Gerichtsbarkeit nach D.C. zu legen, ist darin begründet, dass eine verdeckte Operation gegen Roman aus Washington D.C. geleitet wurde. Dies gibt Anlass zur Sorge, weil es Staatsanwälten ermöglicht, Angeklagte auf der Grundlage von Online-Interaktionen vor jedes Bundesgericht zu ziehen - ob US Staatsbürger oder nicht. Dies ist ein direkter Verstoß gegen die Gerichtsstandsklausel und entfernt wichtige Elemente des Strafrechtssystems, da es jede/n Nutzer//in von Bitcoin-Mixern in die gefährliche Lage versetzen kann, vor einem US-Gericht angeklagt zu werden, wenn eine auch nur dünne Beweislage gegen ihn/sie vorliegt. Ein weiteres Problem besteht in den vorgebrachten Beweisen. Denn die Verteidigung hat bis heute keinen Einblick in den Code oder die verwendeten Datensätze, die von Chainalysis verwendet wurden, erhalten. Chainalysis beruft sich dabei auf seine proprietären Geschäftsdaten und lehnt eine Offenlegung ab. Es wird vermutet, dass die Datensätze falsch sind, insbesondere angesichts der fragwürdigen Mt. Gox-Aufzeichnungen, auf die sie sich stützen. Die bereitgestellten Daten sind begrenzt, unvollständig und werden in komplizierten Flussdiagrammen dargestellt. Die verwendete Software, wie z.B. der Chainalysis Reactor, steht nicht für eine unabhängige Prüfung zur Verfügung. Der Mangel an Transparenz und Zugang zu dieser Software gibt Anlass zu Bedenken hinsichtlich ihrer Genauigkeit und den daraus gezogenen Schlussfolgerungen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/74c86d3db94191c8c5389e6ffbedc28a8c3e4b8a0e1ae1410f81777523a2e399.gif"> Es bestehen Zweifel am Zusammenhang zwischen Roman, dem Betreiber von Bitcoin Fog, und den mutmaßlichen Straftaten. Roman sitzt derzeit im Gefängnis, ihm droht eine Haftstrafe von 50 Jahren. Die Freiheit einer Person wird durch eine kommerzielle proprietäre Software gefährdet, die vor Gericht erwirken kann, dass Quellen und Datensätze nicht offengelegt werden. Auch wirft der Fall Bedenken hinsichtlich fehlender Standards, des gewinnorientierten Charakters des forensischen Bereichs, der Weigerung, Beweise auszutauschen, und der Möglichkeit von Justizirrtümern auf, die durch fehlerhafte Software und fragwürdige Praktiken verursacht werden. ### Wie geht es weiter? Das Verteidigungsteam hat finanzielle Probleme, da alle Gelder von Roman beschlagnahmt wurden. Der Antrag auf Freigabe der Mittel wurde abgelehnt. Romans Verteidigung muss öffentliche Mittel beantragen und hofft auf Spenden. Ich habe in einem früheren Artikel schon auf die Spendenseite aufmerksam gemacht. Wer anhand der aufgelisteten Fakten das Gefühl bekommt, dass hier jemand zu Unrecht verhaftet wurde und helfen möchte, kann die Verteidigung mit einer Spende unterstützen. https://www.torekeland.com/roman-sterlingov https://geyser.fund/project/usvsterlingov #FREEROMAN 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ 513d5051:8a622026

I've noticed some of my posts they become a kind 1 event while others become a kind 30023 event[^1]. So if you see this post[^2] published as a note and has a bunch of markdown, and then another super simple post[^3] becomes an article. How do you think it should behave? I personally gravitate towards publishing everything as articles (kind 30023) since clients usually enable markdown to render them as we do, this is how we'll port the content to Nostr the closest to SN most of the time IMO. [^1]: https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nips?tab=readme-ov-file#event-kinds [^2]: [Complex post turned note](https://njump.me/nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzq5fa2pglp00uetkjw4hwldkscpv0g7sh3xyw9lddpu6tmw9xygpxqy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3jamnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kz7qpqzyhkd378222a5p7hpuvtf9t9zf87qp82qucpzka0uq9gg0g43xgqcqxpdc) [^3]: [Simple post turned article](https://njump.me/naddr1qvzqqqr4gupzq5fa2pglp00uetkjw4hwldkscpv0g7sh3xyw9lddpu6tmw9xygpxqy88wumn8ghj7mn0wvhxcmmv9uq3jamnwvaz7tmjv4kxz7fwwdhx7un59eek7cmfv9kz7qqx8q6rzdfsxu3cwcnr) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/841530

@ 513d5051:8a622026

It angers me.  We just want freedom for fuck sake. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/841507

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Many years ago I read [Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?](https://sharkinfestedcustard.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/seth-godin-linchpin.pdf) by Seth Godin. It should be read by anyone entering their working years. Probably more relevant than ever. The thing is, whether its machines or cheap labor we all are competing for work. Godin was the first person I heard explain how government schools are designed to create conformity and limit creativity. Reading this book opened by eyes to a new way of viewing work. Using emotional energy in ANY job whether you are cleaning tables in a coffee shop, writing code, or fixing plumbing issues. Being human and caring are things that are hard to find because it takes work. Doing good work in and of itself is rewarding. Phoning it in is not. Great book. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/841353

@ 513d5051:8a622026

The Brazilian government has announced they have started monitoring every citizen's financials if their monthly accumulated movement (inflow + outflow) exceeds the equivalent to 819 dollars[^1]. What is included in their surveillance: - All accounts (regular, savings, investment) balance, payments, cheques, transfers, yields, and redeems - Movement between accounts owned by the same person - Purchase and sale of foreign currencies - Investments credits, debits, purchase, sale, redeem, and liquidations - Pensions and insurances - Credit pools (often people do this to acquire expensive assets without paying too much interest) Obviously this is a socialist/communist leaning government, so intervention and control is their bread and butter. They have introduced many new taxes after they came into power, but since they got some push back and our central bank isn't obeying them (they are independent but heavily pressured/influenced) to lower interest rates, they are trying to steal (through taxes) a lot more money from people to enable them to spend more and to help their accounts end every year less negative due to the consequences they've been suffering. The only real answer would be to go full sovereign, close all accounts and only deal in Bitcoin or if I need fiat to keep the physical version instead. But that's too painful as you become isolated from the rest of the society. What is the best answer? [^1]: https://x.com/RhuanBAdvogado/status/1876323011181080958 originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/841315

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

Am I only writing this post because I thought the name was dope? Pretty much, but I'm also bored and it's been about a week since I joined the ownership group of ~Stacker_Sports, so let's take a look at how the territory's done this past week. # Territory Stats | Posts | Comments| Stacking | Spending | Revenue | |-------|-------------|-----------|-----------|-----------| | 53 | 880! | 51k | 77.6k | 19.6k | Awesome! We're well on our way to a profitable month. ------------ # Posts of the week - by zaprank: [Stacker Sports- Special Announcement](https://stacker.news/items/833775/r/Undisciplined) - by comments: [NFL Weekly Pick 'em- Week 18](https://stacker.news/items/835231/r/Undisciplined) - by sats: [NCAA College Football Playoff Points Challenge- SemiFinal Picks](https://stacker.news/items/840706/r/Undisciplined) -------- I'm open to suggestions about what should go in these reports. Like I said at the top, I'm mostly doing this because I didn't want to waste the sweet ass name. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/841205

@ 000002de:c05780a7

I was listening to the No Agenda podcast a few weeks ago and they played a clip from a programmer who goes by the handle **the Primagen**. He's an entertaining guy. He actually has a lot of good takes on programming topics. He started talking about Artificial general intelligence. His focus was Sam Altman's recent comments about AGI being just around the corner. The Primagen brought up a point I hadn't heard anyone mention. **Why would a company create an artificial general intelligence that can create apps and entire infrastructures from a prompt and just sell access to it?** Why wouldn't they keep it a trade secret and just use it themselves? If you believed in your AGI wouldn't that make more sense? So does Altman really believe what he is pitching or is it typical fiat hype? A company like Altman's could use AGI to basically destroy all the competition and take over the tech world? Could they not? Its a big if, but If they create an AGI that can just create things it _thinks up_ why would you want to sell that as a service instead of just owning all the amazing things it creates? Here's what I think. The AGI Altman is talking about is mostly hype. It will not be able to create the next Facebook or Google. It might be able to make some crappy copies of apps at best. Look at the LLM tools we have today like ChatGPT. They can mimic patterns. They can copy writing styles that were created by humans but the majority of what they produce is pretty easy to spot as AI crap. At least it has been for me up to this point. It tends to function better the more a writing style has consistent patterns. True innovation breaks from patterns in interesting ways but builds upon them. Many people are just blown away by ChatGPT. I find these people tend to be anything but critical thinkers. They also tend to have little experience with software engineering. I'm impressed with many of these tools but the more I understand how they work the less magical it becomes and the more I see the OZ pulling the strings. All that said, I do not believe AGI is not right around the corner. That's a myth. I've been hearing that for the last 10 years. It's always right around the corner. And yet, people seem to still fall for this. Sam Altman is a pitchmen. Pretty much any founder in Silicon Valley is as well. You really have to take everything they say with a grain of salt because they are all pitchmen, they are marketing their products trying to get fiat funding. They are trying to get eyeballs they can sell. They're always going to paint everything in the most rosy light. And that's really what you have to understand. You have to be skeptical, because most of the time you're being hyped. I've been around technology and worked in tech field long enough to see the patterns repeat. I'm not saying there won't be improvements to "AI". I'm not saying that it hasn't already improved. It's useful, but it is not a general intelligence, and it is not going to take the jobs and engineers any time soon. I hesitate to even say any time soon as I doubt it will ever take engineer's jobs because there is always going to be a need for people that know how things work. No matter how advanced artificial intelligence becomes, it is not actually intelligence. It is at best an algorithm that mimics human patterns. There is no creativity. There is only human creativity. There is our human creativity being used as the seed. But humans are weird. We're organic. We're not machines. As patterns form someone breaks out of the pattern in a new and interesting way. I'd love to hear counter arguments. Why would it make more sense to sell access to AGI vs. using it for yourself? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/840982

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 Besides the obvious nonsensical unlabeled Y-axis: It's an interesting narrative for sure but I do find it quite weird. I never saw robotics ("physical AI") as an evolution or the next step of other AI disciplines. Also "perception AI" like classification or regression as a lower evolutionary step of this field. I rather see it as another category to the side of it. It also implies that all work on robotics before next gen chatbots are work in their infancy or stuff humankind wasted their time on because we weren't ready for it yet? Curious - what do you think about this narrative? originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/840769

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

  https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/project-digits/ What do you think? I can't help but notice how the form factor is super similar to the new Mac Mini. **Which is weird** because the development time for such a project should be longer than between these two announcements. Also why are we seeing a comeback in desktops in 2024?  I can't help but feel like something is happening behind the scenes. Is this coordinated for something in the future to happen where desktops are needed again? Or a common reason instead of coordinated? **Maybe this something is as simple as locally hosted chatbots.** But then again: didn't desktops unambiguously move on to the iMac & Surface-Studio form factor? Is there some huge innovation in display tech just around the corner that they aren't telling us about yet? Are they planning on selling VR to the world? I'm probably overthinking here, isn't it? On the other hand I cannot think of any reason why Nvidia would waste their time with desktop PCs now. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/840717

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Der letzte Artikel stand ganz im Zeichen von Mempool, Transaktionsgebühren, Ordinals, BRC-20 Tokens (aka Shitcoins auf Bitcoin) und Mining-Rewards. Der Mempool ist voller als der Hyde-Park in London am einzigen Sommertag mit Sonne im Jahr. Doch weil ich mich in letzter Zeit zu Genüge mit den vorgenannten Themen beschäftigt habe und man zur Zeit an jeder Ecke den Status des Mempools ungefragt eingeflößt bekommt, möchte ich mich diese Woche mit zwei Standpunkten beschäftigen, die entweder gegenläufig oder komplementär zueinander stehen (gibt es wirklich kein Antonym zum Wort komplementär?). Ausschlaggebend für den Gedankengang, der mich zu dieswöchigem Artikel bewegt hat waren ein Artikel und eine Podcast-Episode, über die ich letzte Woche gestolpert bin. Bei dem Artikel handelt es sich um Jimmy Songs "[How Fiat Money Broke the World](https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/fiat-money-has-broken-the-world)" aus seiner Fixing the Incentives-Reihe im Bitcoin Magazine und bei der Podcast-Episode wurde ich von den Ausführungen von Peruvian Bull im TFTC Podcast [Ausgabe 414: The Dollar Endgame](https://www.tftc.io/414-the-dollar-end-game-is-here-with-peruvian-bull/) von Marty Bent zum Nachdenken angeregt. Prinzipiell stellt sich im Großen und Ganzen die Frage, wie eine großflächige Adaption von Bitcoin vonstatten gehen könnte. [Hyperbitcoinization](https://www.genexyz.org/post/1721243636888/) oder auch Bitcoin als gesetzliches Zahlungsmittel (wie z.B. in El Salvador, oder bald sogar in Indonesien und Mexiko (!)) sind dabei mögliche Szenarien. Der Nicht-Ghandi-Spruch “First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.” wird oft genutzt, um die soziologische Entwicklungsstufe, bzw. die öffentliche Wahrnehmung einer Idee, einer Erfindung oder eines Produkts in gewisse Entwicklungsstufen einzuordnen. Genauso wie bei Bitcoin. WIR SIND IN DER "THEN THEY FIGHT YOU" STUFE!!!11! kann man überall auf Bitcoin-Twitter, Nostr oder Reddit lesen. Doch wer ist "THEY"? Wenn man nur von Nationalstaaten ausgeht und offizielle und inoffizielle (konspirative) multinationale Interessensgruppen außen vor lässt, stellt sich mir die Frage, welches Land / welcher Staat die meisten Gründe (politischer oder wirtschaftlicher Natur) hätte, Bitcoin zu adaptieren, bzw. zu bekämpfen. Natürlich kommen einem dabei als erstes die USA in den Sinn, immerhin das Land mit der höchsten kombinierten [Bitcoin-Hashrate](https://ccaf.io/cbnsi/cbeci/mining_map), mit den meisten Bitcoin-Infrastruktur-Anbietern, mit den größten Börsen (nach Handelsvolumen) und den meisten Bitcoin-Nutzer//innen in der Bevölkerung. Doch macht das die USA zum größten potentiellen Gegner oder zum größten potentiellen Befürworter und Begünstigten von Bitcoin? ### Jimmy Song "How Fiat Money Broke the World" [Jimmy Song](primal.net/jimmysong) baut seinen Artikel chronologisch auf. Es geht um die Entstehung des Fiat-Geld-Systems nach dem zweiten Weltkrieg und die damit einhergehende Abschaffung des Goldstandards. Mit der Errichtung des Bretton-Woods-Systems wurde eine neue Währungsordnung geschaffen, die den US Dollar als Ankerwährung bestimmte, der wiederum an Goldreserven gekoppelt werden sollte. So sollten flexible Wechselkurse innerhalb der verschiedenen Landeswährungen gewährleistet werden, während gleichzeitig die Sicherheit von Goldreserven existiert. Doch statt Gold für die internationale Handelsabwicklung zu verwenden, wurde nun der Dollar die Abwicklungswährung. Diese Entscheidung verhalf den USA zu einer hegemonialen Wirtschaftsmacht zu werden, denn die Fähigkeit, das Geld zu drucken, mit dem jedes andere Land seinen Handel abwickelte, gab den USA mehr Macht über den Rest der Welt. Diese Dollar-Hegemonie begünstigte die USA deutlich im internationalen Handel, da sie zur Zentralbank für alle anderen Zentralbanken wurden. Nicht-US-Banken geben sogar Verbindlichkeiten in Dollar, und zwar nicht nur in Europa, sondern in vielen anderen Teilen der Welt. Infolgedessen halten andere Zentralbanken US Dollar als Reserve, die dann auf der Basis von Teilreserven verwendet werden können, um noch mehr Geld in Form von Krediten zu schaffen (das sogenannte [Eurodollar-System](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurodollar)). Diese Position der Stärke nutzten die USA weiter aus und erschufen, was heute als das Petrodollar-System bekannt ist. Dank einem Abkommen zwischen Saudi-Arabien und den USA in den 1970ern wird das von allen Mitgliedsstaaten der OPEC geförderte Öl in US Dollar gehandelt, im Gegenzug für militärischen Schutz durch die USA. Das sogenannte [Petrodollar-System](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrodollar) hat dem US Dollar somit einen enormen Wert und hohe Liquidität verliehen. Die war auch nötig, denn teure Sozialprogramme wie Medicare und Medicaid als auch das Social Security Programm wurden gestartet. Aber auch sehr teure Stellvertreterkriege, wie z.B. in Korea und Vietnam, wollten finanziert werden. Dies taten die USA, indem sie das Geld hierfür einfach druckten, was wiederum die Zentralbanken der anderen Länder nervös machte und dazu brachte, mit dem Abzug ihrer Goldeinlagen bei der US-Notenbank zu drohen. Der damalige Präsident Tricky Dick (Richard Nixon) reagierte darauf, indem er die Goldbindung des US Dollar zunächst nur temporär für immer aufhob. Damit hatte er den Dollar vom Gold ent- und an das Öl der Saudis (bzw. an den militärisch-industriellen Komplex der USA) gekoppelt. Die USA haben also das exorbitante Privileg, das Geld drucken zu können, das die Welt für die Abwicklung von Handel verwendet. Dies bedeutet unter anderem, dass die USA ihre gedruckten Dollars exportieren und Waren und Dienstleistungen aus anderen Ländern importieren können. Somit wird das gedruckte Geld im Allgemeinen zuerst in den USA ausgegeben (Cantillon-Effekt in Reinform), was dazu führt, dass Geschäftserfolg in den USA zu einer viel höheren monetären Belohnung führt, als in anderen Ländern. Vereinfacht gesagt: In den USA schwimmt mehr Geld umher und somit wird Erfolg besser belohnt. Folglich wollen mehr Menschen in die USA ziehen, und die USA können auswählen, wer hineinkommt und wer nicht. Gut für die USA - schlecht für die anderen. Die ehrgeizigsten Menschen aus anderen Ländern immigrieren in die USA und verdienen mehr Geld und leben ein viel besseres Leben als in ihren Heimatländern. Der Braindrain bedeutet, dass andere Länder unterm Strich verlieren. Menschen im Allgemeinen versuchen immer in Länder einzuwandern, die in der Cantillon-Hierarchie höher stehen. Die reichen Länder werden somit reicher an Humankapital, während die armen Länder an Humankapital ärmer werden. Die USA schaffen es, ihre Stellung als Neuzeit-Kolonialist vor allem mit Hilfe von Sonderorganisationen, internationalen Finanzinstitutionen und anderen Stiftungen wie dem IWF, der BIZ, des WEF oder der Weltbank zu zementieren. Diese supranationalen Banken und Organisationen leihen Entwicklungsländern und "Ländern des globalen Südens" Geld für den (Wieder-) Aufbau und andere Struktur-relevante Tätigkeiten, aber nur unter strengen Auflagen, die noch strenger werden, wenn diese Kredite nicht zurückgezahlt werden können. In diesen Fällen werden diese Länder dann von den Banken "gerettet", unter der Auflage, noch mehr Kontrolle über die eigene Finanzsuveränität abzugeben. Im Wesentlichen tauschen sie dabei Kredite und längere Laufzeiten gegen organisatorische Kontrolle über den Staatshaushalt. Solche Beschränkungen können Punkte beinhalten, wie z.B. wieviel des nationalen Budgets für Infrastruktur ausgegeben werden kann. Oft müssen diese verschuldeten Regierungen eine eigene unabhängige Zentralbank gründen, die dazu verwendet werden kann, die Notwendigkeit einer staatlichen Genehmigung zu umgehen. So werden Länder dazu gebracht Staats-Ressourcen, wie Schürfrechte oder Ländereien an ausländische Unternehmen zu verkaufen. Jimmy Song führt seinen Artikel noch etwas fort, doch die mir wichtigsten Punkte habe ich erwähnt. Kurz zusammengefasst: Die USA haben durch die de facto Kontrolle über das Geld eine Sonderposition in der Welt. Nicht nur sitzen sie am Gelddrucker - Geld drucken kann jeder, klappt eben nur unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen (zumindest zeitweise) - sondern haben durch diese Kontrollsituation weitere Vorteile: 1) Das größte Exportgut der USA ist der US Dollar. 2) Die US-Wirtschaft hat einen klaren Vorteil anderen Wirtschaften gegenüber, da das Unternehmertum dort besser belohnt wird. 3) Viele ehrgeizige und talentierte Menschen der ganzen Welt strömen in die USA, um von dieser Belohnung zu profitieren. 4) Die internationalen Buchstabensuppen-Finanzinstitutionen stärken den USA den Rücken. Die USA haben also ein sehr großes (das gröte) Interesse daran, das globale Finanzmonopol in der aktuellen Form aufrechtzuerhalten. ### Peruvian Bull "The Dollar Endgame" Die Ausgangsthese von [Peruvian Bull](primal.net/p/npub1xwmyzp64xx03kw9ecd7fzsj3e9dgwah6an0rdng0cc6ux4dswwjs28pyyc), einem Autor, der ein gleichnamiges Buch veröffentlicht hat ([The Dollar Endgame](https://thedollarendgame.com/)) ist, dass viele Zeichen darauf hindeuten, dass der US Dollar als Leitwährung der Welt seine letzten Atemzüge macht. Er ist dabei recht pessimistisch und glaubt, dass wir schon in den nächten fünf bis sieben Jahren eine große Veränderung erleben werden. Allerdings sieht er eine große Chance für die USA, Bitcoin zu nutzen, um diesem Untergang entgegenzuwirken. Viele Länder und Institutionen außerhalb der westlichen Welt sehen den US Dollar kritisch und sind nicht besonders glücklich über die Vormachtstellung, die der Dollar den USA auf dem internationalen Finanzmarkt, dem globalen Handel und der geopolitischen Weltordnung verleiht. Die US-Notenbank wird immer mehr in die Ecke gedrängt und der einzige Ausweg aus der momentanen Schuldenspirale ist Hyperinflation. Meine zwei Sats sind, dass eine Wahrscheinlichkeit natürlich immer besteht, allerdings bin ich persönlich davon überzeugt, dass der US Dollar, wenn überhaupt, die letzte Währung sein wird, die eine Hyperinflation erlebt, da vorher ganz andere Währungen das Zeitliche segnen müssten. Doch um bei der These zu bleiben, bietet Bitcoin eine alternative Lösung zur Hyperinflation. Denn die USA könnten ihre Verluste reduzieren, indem sie auf eine Bitcoin-gestützte Leitwährung wechseln. Dazu sind die USA auch bestens aufgestellt: Die von Minern aufgebrachte Hashrate ist nirgendwo größer, als in den USA, Bitcoin-Bestände in Wallets sind nirgendwo größer als in den USA und die größten Bitcoin-Unternehmen, Unternehmen die Bitcoin fördern, oder Technologie entwickeln, die Bitcoin zugute kommt, sitzen in den USA. Würden die USA, bzw. die US-Notenbank, zu einem Bitcoin-gestützten Währungssystem wechseln, müssten alle anderen Länder der Welt nachziehen, solange die USA diese (oben beschriebene) globale Vormachtstellung in der Weltwirtschaft noch innehaben. Dies würde den USA einen gewaltigen First-Mover-Vorteil bescheren, da nirgendwo sonst die Infrastruktur und der Zugang zu Bitcoin so stark ausgeprägt sind. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/45676de9f23863d4e05005f3e7b51c46ef38791395bb8abeb5966ea10c6bede6.gif"> Es ist also nur eine politische Entscheidung, ob dieser First-Mover-Vorteil ausgenutzt wird oder nicht. Indem die Nutzung (institutioneller oder privater Art, Mining, Innovation, etc.) eingeschränkt wird, z.B. durch Verbote, Besteuerung, oder andere ungünstige Gesetze, wird die gesamte Branche und damit das technische Wissen, die Innovation und das damit verbundene Kapital ins Ausland verdrängt und die USA schießen sich ins eigene Bein. Es wird sicherlich institutionellen Widerstand geben, da die derzeitigen institutionellen Akteure stark vom aktuellen System profitieren und daher nicht zu einem Bitcoin-Währungssystem wechseln wollen, in dem sie keine Zensurrechte und keine exklusiven Übertragungsrechte haben. Daher werden US-Institutionen wie die Notenbank und das Finanzministerium von diesem Ansatz nicht allzu begeistert sein, doch wenn sie es ernsthaft genug betrachten und erkennen, dass es sich hierbei um eine Form der geopolitischen, strategischen Kriegsführung handelt, könnten sie gezwungen sein, ihre Meinung zu ändern und sich auf ein neues System vorzubereiten, das den Idealen, wie Freiheit, Redefreiheit, Eigentumsrechten und solides Geld, treu bleibt, auf denen die USA gegründet wurden. Peruvian Bull und Marty Bent führen in dieser Episode noch weitere Punkte aus, doch die mir wichtigsten Punkte habe ich wieder erwähnt. Kurz zusammengefasst: Die USA stehen davor, ihre globale Vormachtstellung zu verlieren. Ein Ausweg könnte die Adaption von Bitcoin als Retter des US Dollar sein. Die USA haben den fruchtbarsten Nährboden für eine solche Änderung des Systems, da sie heute schon die meiste Hashrate, das größte geistige Eigentum und Innovation, als auch das meiste Kapital bündeln. Die USA hätten also in der Theorie ein sehr großes Interesse daran, Bitcoin als Lösung und zur Stützung ihres globalen Finanzmonopols zu adaptieren. ### Zwei Theorien in zwei entgegengesetzte Richtungen 👈👉 Auf der einen Seite sehen wir ein Argument, weshalb den USA daran gelegen wäre, das aktuelle System so lange wie möglich aufrechtzuerhalten und dem alten Mann auf Krücken unter die Arme zu greifen. Auf der anderen Seite besteht ein Argument dafür, dass die USA ein gesteigertes Interesse daran haben sollten, das alte System so schnell wie möglich hinter sich zu lassen und die Pole Position, die die USA im Bereich Bitcoin haben - ohne Regierungs-seitig was dafür getan zu haben - für sich zu nutzen, um dem alten Mann auf Krücken zu einer Verjüngung zu verhelfen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d448258356093ddc5030b4077d63262b1c9c2e94360f65e10862b43fb3996b83.gif"> Es ist schwierig einzuschätzen, welchen Weg die USA gehen werden, da es immer noch keinen allgemeinen Konsens darüber gibt, wie Bitcoin zu betrachten ist. Der kürzlich vorgestellte DAME-Gesetzesentwurf ([Digital Asset Mining Energy excise tax](https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/131/General-Explanations-FY2024.pdf)), also eine Verbrauchssteuer für Miner, der Biden-Regierung, würde von Bitcoin-Mining-Unternehmen verlangen, eine 30% Steuer auf die Stromkosten zu zahlen, die für das Mining von Bitcoin verwendet werden. Ein solches Gesetz würde die Mining Industrie aus dem Land drängen, da Miner heute schon auf sehr knappen Margen operieren und somit unprofitabel würden. Dies gleicht einer Bestrafung von Unternehmen für das Streben nach Innovation und technologischem Fortschritt. Auf der anderen Seite gibt es aber auch die Ansicht, Bitcoin müsse ins Land geholt werden, da man es dort am besten kontrollieren kann, ganz nach dem Motto "Halte deine Freunde nah und deine Feinde noch näher". So z.B. Carole House, ehemalige Direktorin für Cybersicherheit des Nationalen Sicherheitsrates des Weißen Hauses. Sie sprach bei einem Event an der Universität von Princeton und sagte "sie würde lieber mehr Hashrate in den USA sehen, damit sie Miner zwingen können, das Netzwerk zu zensieren" und dass es "nicht nur darum ginge, Minern zu sagen, dass sie bestimmte Transaktionen nicht in Blöcke einbauen, sondern auch nicht auf Blöcken mit nicht konformen Transaktionen aufzubauen, damit diese Transaktionen nirgendwo in der Kette ankommen". Wir sehen also, dass es selbst zwischen den Gegnern von Bitcoin keinen endgültigen Konsens gibt, wie das Thema in Zukunft angegangen werden soll. Da ist esnicht verwunderlich, dass auf Ebene eines Paradigmenwechsels, den die Adaption von Bitcoin von Seiten der Notenbank bedeuten würde, noch unklarer ist. Für mich sind beide Erklärungen logisch. Allerdings wissen wir nur zu gut, dass Regierungen es manchmal nicht so mit Logik und Vernunft haben. 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ 207ad2a0:e7cca7b0

*Quick context: I wanted to check out Nostr's longform posts and this blog post seemed like a good one to try and mirror. It's originally from my [free to read/share attempt to write a novel](https://untitlednovel.dns7.top/contents/), but this post here is completely standalone - just describing how I used AI image generation to make a small piece of the work.* Hold on, put your pitchforks down - outside of using Grammerly & Emacs for grammatical corrections - not a single character was generated or modified by computers; a non-insignificant portion of my first draft originating on pen & paper. No AI is ~~weird and crazy~~ imaginative enough to write like I do. The only successful AI contribution you'll find is a single image, the map, which I heavily edited. This post will go over how I generated and modified an image using AI, which I believe brought some value to the work, and cover a few quick thoughts about AI towards the end. Let's be clear, I can't draw, but I wanted a map which I believed would improve the story I was working on. After getting abysmal results by prompting AI with text only I decided to use "Diffuse the Rest," a Stable Diffusion tool that allows you to provide a reference image + description to fine tune what you're looking for. I gave it this Microsoft Paint looking drawing:  and after a number of outputs, selected this one to work on:  The image is way better than the one I provided, but had I used it as is, I still feel it would have decreased the quality of my work instead of increasing it. After firing up Gimp I cropped out the top and bottom, expanded the ocean and separated the landmasses, then copied the top right corner of the large landmass to replace the bottom left that got cut off. Now we've got something that looks like concept art: not horrible, and gets the basic idea across, but it's still due for a lot more detail.  The next thing I did was add some texture to make it look more map like. I duplicated the layer in Gimp and applied the "Cartoon" filter to both for some texture. The top layer had a much lower effect strength to give it a more textured look, while the lower layer had a higher effect strength that looked a lot like mountains or other terrain features. Creating a layer mask allowed me to brush over spots to display the lower layer in certain areas, giving it some much needed features.  At this point I'd made it to where I felt it may improve the work instead of detracting from it - at least after labels and borders were added, but the colors seemed artificial and out of place. Luckily, however, this is when PhotoFunia could step in and apply a sketch effect to the image.  At this point I was pretty happy with how it was looking, it was close to what I envisioned and looked very visually appealing while still being a good way to portray information. All that was left was to make the white background transparent, add some minor details, and add the labels and borders. Below is the exact image I wound up using:  Overall, I'm very satisfied with how it turned out, and if you're working on a creative project, I'd recommend attempting something like this. It's not a central part of the work, but it improved the chapter a fair bit, and was doable despite lacking the talent and not intending to allocate a budget to my making of a free to read and share story. #### The AI Generated Elephant in the Room If you've read my non-fiction writing before, you'll know that I think AI will find its place around the skill floor as opposed to the skill ceiling. As you saw with my input, I have absolutely zero drawing talent, but with some elbow grease and an existing creative direction before and after generating an image I was able to get something well above what I could have otherwise accomplished. Outside of the lowest common denominators like stock photos for the sole purpose of a link preview being eye catching, however, I doubt AI will be wholesale replacing most creative works anytime soon. I can assure you that I tried numerous times to describe the map without providing a reference image, and if I used one of those outputs (or even just the unedited output after providing the reference image) it would have decreased the quality of my work instead of improving it. I'm going to go out on a limb and expect that AI image, text, and video is all going to find its place in slop & generic content (such as AI generated slop replacing article spinners and stock photos respectively) and otherwise be used in a supporting role for various creative endeavors. For people working on projects like I'm working on (e.g. intended budget $0) it's helpful to have an AI capable of doing legwork - enabling projects to exist or be improved in ways they otherwise wouldn't have. I'm also guessing it'll find its way into more professional settings for grunt work - think a picture frame or fake TV show that would exist in the background of an animated project - likely a detail most people probably wouldn't notice, but that would save the creators time and money and/or allow them to focus more on the essential aspects of said work. Beyond that, as I've predicted before: I expect plenty of emails will be generated from a short list of bullet points, only to be summarized by the recipient's AI back into bullet points. I will also make a prediction counter to what seems mainstream: AI is about to peak for a while. The start of AI image generation was with Google's DeepDream in 2015 - image recognition software that could be run in reverse to "recognize" patterns where there were none, effectively generating an image from digital noise or an unrelated image. While I'm not an expert by any means, I don't think we're too far off from that a decade later, just using very fine tuned tools that develop more coherent images. I guess that we're close to maxing out how efficiently we're able to generate images and video in that manner, and the hard caps on how much creative direction we can have when using AI - as well as the limits to how long we can keep it coherent (e.g. long videos or a chronologically consistent set of images) - will prevent AI from progressing too far beyond what it is currently unless/until another breakthrough occurs.

@ d34e832d:383f78d0

Lets explore three key aspects of Bitcoin technology to enhance your engagement with the ecosystem: 1. **Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance** 2. **Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS** 3. **Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping** These components empower users to manage transactions, ensure privacy, and facilitate smooth interactions within the Bitcoin and Nostr communities. ### 1. Running an Alby Hub Cloud Instance **Purpose and Benefits:** Alby Hub is a self-custodial Lightning wallet that allows you to manage Bitcoin transactions efficiently. By running an Alby Hub instance in the cloud, you gain 24/7 online access to receive payments via a Lightning address, integrate with various applications, and maintain control over your funds without the need for personal hardware. **Setting Up Alby Hub in the Cloud:** - **Choose Alby Cloud:** For a hassle-free setup, Alby offers a cloud service where you can start your own hub in just 2 minutes. [Give it A Try: Alby Cloud](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) - **Subscription Benefits:** Subscribing to Alby Cloud provides you with a self-custodial Lightning wallet, 24/7 online access, exclusive partner deals, priority support, and access to a subscriber community. - [Self-custodial Lightning wallet](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) - **Getting Started:** Visit the Alby Cloud page, select the subscription that suits you, and follow the guided setup process to have your hub up and running quickly. - [Alby Cloud page](https://guides.getalby.com/user-guide/alby-account-and-browser-extension/alby-hub/alby-hub-flavors/alby-cloud) For a visual guide on setting up Alby Hub, you can watch the following tutorial: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2Z1BzwxdP4I?si=__tSXaB-xm5JADhH" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ### 2. Setting Up a Nutshell Ecash Mint on an Affordable VPS **Purpose and Benefits:** Nutshell is an implementation of Ecash, a digital cash system that prioritizes privacy and anonymity. Setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on a Virtual Private Server (VPS) allows you to operate your own mint, enhancing transaction privacy and providing a backup system for your Bitcoin transactions. **Setting Up on a $5 VPS:** - **Select a VPS Provider:** Choose an affordable VPS provider that supports Bitcoin and Nostr communities. For instance, SatoshiHost offers VPS services tailored for such needs. - **Install Nutshell:** After setting up your VPS, install the Nutshell software by following the official installation guide. - [Nutshell](https://github.com/cashubtc/nutshell) - [Full Cashu Implementation](https://github.com/cashubtc) - **Configure the Mint:** Set up the mint parameters, including denomination and security settings, to suit your requirements. - **Secure the Server:** Implement security measures such as firewalls and regular updates to protect your mint from potential threats. - [Recommendations](https://www.digitalocean.com/community/tutorials/recommended-security-measures-to-protect-your-servers) - [Server Tips](https://dev.to/josiepeterson/50-essential-linux-server-security-hardening-tips-5fg4) ### 3. Integrating Nostr Wallet Connect for Seamless Tipping **Purpose and Benefits:** Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC) is an open protocol that enables applications to interact with Bitcoin Lightning wallets. Integrating NWC allows for seamless tipping and payments within Nostr apps, enhancing user experience and promoting engagement. **Integration Steps:** - **Choose a Supporting App:** Select a Nostr app that supports NWC, such as [Amythyst](https://github.com/vitorpamplona/amethyst)or [Damus](https://damus.io/). - **Connect Your Wallet:** Use NWC to link your preferred Lightning wallet to the Nostr app. This connection facilitates seamless payments without the need to switch between applications. - **Test the Integration:** Perform a test transaction to ensure that the tipping functionality works as intended. - **Maintain Security:** Regularly update your wallet and Nostr app to incorporate the latest security features and improvements. For a deeper understanding of Nostr Wallet Connect and its significance, you can watch the following discussion: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/53huU8mg2eo?si=yZnGQ83EPyjQ4tpw" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ### Final Thoughts On Setup Implementing these components enhances your interaction with the Bitcoin ecosystem by providing efficient transaction management, improved privacy, and seamless integration with Nostr applications. By running an Alby Hub cloud instance, setting up a Nutshell Ecash mint on an affordable VPS, and integrating Nostr Wallet Connect, you contribute to a more robust and user-friendly Bitcoin environment. ### Invitation for Feedback I encourage you to share any questions or feedback regarding these topics. Let's continue the conversation to explore how we can further engage with and improve upon these technologies.

@ 3ffac3a6:2d656657

#### **Prologue: The Last Trade** Ethan Nakamura was a 29-year-old software engineer and crypto enthusiast who had spent years building his life around Bitcoin. Obsessed with the idea of financial sovereignty, he had amassed a small fortune trading cryptocurrencies, all while dreaming of a world where decentralized systems ruled over centralized power. One night, while debugging a particularly thorny piece of code for a smart contract, Ethan stumbled across an obscure, encrypted message hidden in the blockchain. It read: **"The key to true freedom lies beyond. Burn it all to unlock the gate."** Intrigued and half-convinced it was an elaborate ARG (Alternate Reality Game), Ethan decided to follow the cryptic instruction. He loaded his entire Bitcoin wallet into a single transaction and sent it to an untraceable address tied to the message. The moment the transaction was confirmed, his laptop screen began to glitch, flooding with strange symbols and hash codes. Before he could react, a flash of light engulfed him. --- #### **Chapter 1: A New Ledger** Ethan awoke in a dense forest bathed in ethereal light. The first thing he noticed was the HUD floating in front of him—a sleek, transparent interface that displayed his **"Crypto Balance"**: 21 million BTC. “What the…” Ethan muttered. He blinked, hoping it was a dream, but the numbers stayed. The HUD also showed other metrics: - **Hash Power:** 1,000,000 TH/s - **Mining Efficiency:** 120% - **Transaction Speed:** Instant Before he could process, a notification pinged on the HUD: **"Welcome to the Decentralized Kingdom. Your mining rig is active. Begin accumulating resources to survive."** Confused and a little terrified, Ethan stood and surveyed his surroundings. As he moved, the HUD expanded, revealing a map of the area. His new world looked like a cross between a medieval fantasy realm and a cyberpunk dystopia, with glowing neon towers visible on the horizon and villagers dressed in tunics carrying strange, glowing "crypto shards." Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. A towering beast, part wolf, part machine, snarled, its eyes glowing red. Above its head was the name **"Feral Node"** and a strange sigil resembling a corrupted block. Instinct kicked in. Ethan raised his hands defensively, and to his shock, the HUD offered an option: **"Execute Smart Contract Attack? (Cost: 0.001 BTC)"** He selected it without hesitation. A glowing glyph appeared in the air, releasing a wave of light that froze the Feral Node mid-lunge. Moments later, it dissolved into a cascade of shimmering data, leaving behind a pile of **"Crypto Shards"** and an item labeled **"Node Fragment."** --- #### **Chapter 2: The Decentralized Kingdom** Ethan discovered that the world he had entered was built entirely on blockchain-like principles. The land was divided into regions, each governed by a **Consensus Council**—groups of powerful beings called **Validators** who maintained the balance of the world. However, a dark force known as **The Central Authority** sought to consolidate power, turning decentralized regions into tightly controlled fiefdoms. Ethan’s newfound abilities made him a unique entity in this world. Unlike its inhabitants, who earned wealth through mining or trading physical crypto shards, Ethan could generate and spend Bitcoin directly—making him both a target and a potential savior. --- #### **Chapter 3: Allies and Adversaries** Ethan soon met a colorful cast of characters: - **Luna**, a fiery rogue and self-proclaimed "Crypto Thief," who hacked into ledgers to redistribute wealth to oppressed villages. She was skeptical of Ethan's "magical Bitcoin" but saw potential in him. - **Hal**, an aging miner who ran an underground resistance against the Central Authority. He wielded an ancient **"ASIC Hammer"** capable of shattering corrupted nodes. - **Oracle Satoshi**, a mysterious AI-like entity who guided Ethan with cryptic advice, often referencing real-world crypto principles like decentralization, trustless systems, and private keys. Ethan also gained enemies, chief among them the **Ledger Lords**, a cabal of Validators allied with the Central Authority. They sought to capture Ethan and seize his Bitcoin, believing it could tip the balance of power. --- #### **Chapter 4: Proof of Existence** As Ethan delved deeper into the world, he learned that his Bitcoin balance was finite. To survive and grow stronger, he had to "mine" resources by solving problems for the people of the Decentralized Kingdom. From repairing broken smart contracts in towns to defending miners from feral nodes, every task rewarded him with shards and upgrades. He also uncovered the truth about his arrival: the blockchain Ethan had used in his world was a prototype for this one. The encrypted message had been a failsafe created by its original developers—a desperate attempt to summon someone who could break the growing centralization threatening to destroy the world. --- #### **Chapter 5: The Final Fork** As the Central Authority's grip tightened, Ethan and his allies prepared for a final battle at the **Genesis Block**, the origin of the world's blockchain. Here, Ethan would face the Central Authority's leader, an amalgamation of corrupted code and human ambition known as **The Miner King.** The battle was a clash of philosophies as much as strength. Using everything he had learned, Ethan deployed a daring **Hard Fork**, splitting the world’s blockchain and decentralizing power once again. The process drained nearly all of his Bitcoin, leaving him with a single satoshi—a symbolic reminder of his purpose. --- #### **Epilogue: Building the Future** With the Central Authority defeated, the Decentralized Kingdom entered a new era. Ethan chose to remain in the world, helping its inhabitants build fairer systems and teaching them the principles of trustless cooperation. As he gazed at the sunrise over the rebuilt Genesis Block, Ethan smiled. He had dreamed of a world where Bitcoin could change everything. Now, he was living it.

@ 2e8970de:63345c7a

 So it turns out that supply and demand actually do work. Who would have thought. Building building building payed out for developers in Austin. And for renters too. Here is an anecdote about a woman from Austin getting her renewal for $200 less than the previous year. Probably the first time during her lifetime.  Another anecdote are these offers where landlord offer the first 8 weeks of renting for free:  [Discussion about this offer on Twitter](https://xcance.com/PlusLibQ/status/1875975269711773867) Third anecdote: A suburban home on Zillow:  [source](https://x.com/nickgerli1/status/1856456514715713806) Longer article about that topic: [Rent prices drop more than 12% in Austin](https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/rent-prices-drop-more-than-12-in-austin/) originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839611

@ 000002de:c05780a7

I've been watching old movies and documentaries over the last month and last night my lady and I watched "You Can't Take it with You" which I'd never seen. I really enjoyed it. [Here's a clip](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n03_MvqaN4&pp) where the grandpa in the story declares to the IRS man that he doesn't believe in taxes. Its a thing of beauty. Here's some of the dialog. Wilbur G. Henderson, IRS Agent : Now, Mr. Vanderhoff, that's a very serious thing, not filing an income tax return. Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff : Now, suppose I do pay you this money; mind you, I don't say that I'm going to, but, just for the sake of argument; what's the government going to do with it? Wilbur G. Henderson, IRS Agent : What do you mean? Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff : Well, what do I get for my money? For instance, if I go into a department store and buy something, why, there it is! I can see it. Well, what are they gonna give me? Wilbur G. Henderson, IRS Agent : Why the government gives you everything! It protects you! Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff : From what? Wilbur G. Henderson, IRS Agent : Well, invasion! How do you think the government's gonna keep up the army and navy with all those battleships? Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff : Battleships? The last time we used battleships was in the Spanish-American War. And what did we get out of that? Cuba - and we gave that back. Why, I wouldn't mind paying for something sensible. Wilbur G. Henderson, IRS Agent : Something sensible? What about Congress and the Supreme Court and the President? We gotta pay them, don't we? Grandpa Martin Vanderhoff : Not with my money! No, sir. You can watch the whole film for free on YouTube. The movie has some other good moments where is demonstrates how bankers pull strings and manipulate the economy, law enforcement, and politics. Most of all I love the free spirit of the family. Sadly this is a film you wouldn't see made today. At least not without more overt Marxist propaganda. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839559

@ 2063cd79:57bd1320

Der Mempool ist voll. Voller als das Rosenrot an Heiligabend. Dies bedeutet in erster Linie hohe Transaktionsgebühren für On-Chain-Transaktionen. Doch auch während der Mempool verstopft ist, wie der Gotthardtunnel in der Urlaubssaison, bietet Bitcoins Layer 2 Lösung - das Lightning Netzwerk - schnelle und günstige Zahlungen, um Bitcoins Skalierungsgrenze zu überbrücken. Gerade in Zeiten von hohen Transaktionsgebühren und einem Mempool, der voller ist als Til Schweiger nach 13 Uhr, werden kleine Zahlungen, die On-Chain getätigt werden, immer unökonomischer und Lightning Zahlungen dadurch attraktiver. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/d5a615c03e7b08217695478085bd6ee011fbe3b63b2bbae819f91fbecb456084.png"> Doch nicht jede/r Nutzer//in möchte auch gleichzeitig eine Lightning-Node betreiben, um in den Genuss zu kommen Lightning zu benutzen. In diesem Fall bieten Lightning Service Provider (LSP) und verschiedene Apps Abhilfe. Es gibt viele verschiedene Anbieter und viele verschiedene Varianten das gleiche Problem umzusetzen: Der/die Nutzer//in möchte mit möglichst wenig Aufwand Lightning benutzen und muss dazu seine/ihre Lightning Wallet zunächst erstmal mit (On-Chain) Bitcoin füttern. Das Umwandeln von L1 Bitcoin zu L2 Bitcoin übernimmt dann die Software. Aber auch andersherum kann es sein, dass Nutzer//innen viele Lightning Zahlungen erhalten und die gesammelten Sats gerne in L1 Bitcoin tauschen möchten. Um diesen Tauschvorgang abzuwickeln gibt es verschiedene Methoden. Eine dieser Methoden sind sogenannte Submarine Swaps. --- Erstmal vorab: Bitcoin ist Bitcoin, ob On-Chain auf der Basisschicht (Layer 1), oder Off-Chain auf der zweiten Schicht (Layer 2) in Form von Lightning. Man könnte es mit Bargeld vergleichen: Geld auf dem Konto kann problemlos hin- und hergeschoben werden, man kann es auf andere Konten schieben, Überweisungen tätigen oder Depots bezahlen. Wenn man allerdings Bargeld in der Tasche haben will, muss man eine Brücke von der digitalen Kontenwelt in die analoge Bargeldwelt schlagen. Diese Brücke stellen Bankautomaten, Supermarktkassen oder Bankschalter dar, oder eben jede Stelle, an der man Bargeld abheben kann. Das Geldmittel bleibt dabei das gleiche, es verändert nur seinen Aggregatzustand. So kann man Bitcoin in Lightning auch beschreiben, denn Bitcoin bleibt Bitcoin, es hat nur seinen Aggregatzustand temporär verändert. Auf der einen Seite sind also On-Chain-Transaktionen oder Layer 1 (L1) Zahlungen, auf der anderen Seite werde ich von Off-Chain- oder Lightning-Zahlungen oder Layer 2 (L2) und Sats sprechen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/bb2f398cfcf76a7c971897d0e0a4f247d58236aa13a647a0869c35fe09a96474.gif"> ### Refresher Im Bitcoin Stack gibt es verschiedene aufeinander aufbauende Layer und Bitcoin - das Netzwerk - bildet dabei die Grundschicht, das Fundament, auf dem weitere Schichten aufbauen. Bitcoin braucht zusätzlichen Protokolle und Netzwerke, um einen hohen Transaktionsdurchsatz und zukünftiges Wachstum zu gewährleisten. Das bedeutet ganz einfach, dass die Leistung und Geschwindigkeit der Blockchain und der darauf erfolgenden Transaktionen nicht darunter leidet, wenn mehr Nutzer//innen und höhere Transaktionsmengen hinzukommen. Denn Bitcoin selbst ist nicht skalierbar. Die Blockgröße ist begrenzt, die Blockzeit wird auf 10 Minuten geeicht und zusätzlich aufgewendete Energie verschnellert die Erstellung neuer Blöcke nicht, macht sie nicht günstiger und auch nicht effizienter. Layer 2, also die zweite Schicht, beschreibt Anwendungen und Protokolle, die auf der Basis des ersten Layers, der originären Bitcoin Blockchain, aufbauen. Diese Anwendungen sind unabhängig von Bitcoin insofern, als dass sie den Ablauf und den Code von Bitcoin nicht direkt beeinflussen, das Bitcoin Protokoll bleibt dabei unangetastet. Allerdings erlauben sie dem/der Nutzer//in einen Umgang mit Bitcoin und Anwendungsmöglichkeiten, die über die nativen Funktionen von Bitcoin hinausgehen und fördern somit das Ökosystem rund um Bitcoin. Lightning, die bekannteste Layer 2 Lösung, basiert auf einem Peer-to-Peer-System zur Durchführung von Mikrozahlungen über ein Mesh-Netzwerk von bidirektionalen Zahlungskanälen. Genau wie bei Bitcoin können bei Lightning eigene Netzwerkknoten betrieben und somit eigene Zahlungskanäle verwaltet werden. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/575c29009a14631cd9e759aafa54d4dd00626eda9c29b59246499765c7b6f573.png"> Diese Zahlungskanäle ermöglichen es den Teilnehmer//innen, sich gegenseitig Geld zu überweisen, ohne alle ihre Transaktionen auf der Bitcoin-Blockchain öffentlich machen zu müssen. Zahlungskanäle werden geöffnet und die Blockchain sperrt in diesem Moment die verwendeten Bitcoins für die weitere Verwendung, und in Lightning wird nur der Gegenwert dieser Bitcoins gehandelt. Immer wenn Zahlungskanäle geschlossen werden, werden diese Transaktionen auf die Bitcoin Blockchain übertragen. Lightning-Zahlungen können auch über direkte Kanäle hinaus an andere Teilnehmer gesendet werden, da viele aufeinanderfolgende Kanäle miteinander verkettet werden können und sich eine Zahlung den besten Weg durch die Knotenpunkte dieses weitverzweigten P2P-Netzwerks sucht. Anders als bei Bitcoin, muss der/die Betreiber//in eines Lightning-Knotens aktiv seine/ihre Kanäle und damit seine/ihre Liquidität managen. Es muss immer genug inbound (eingehend) und genug outbound (ausgehend) Liquidität zur Verfügung stehen, um Zahlungen sowohl zu tätigen als auch zu erhalten. Dies erfordert ein gewisses Verständnis und einen Verwaltungsaufwand, den nicht jede/r Nutzer//in bereit ist aufzubringen, da Kanäle (noch) jederzeit auf ihre Balance überwacht werden müssen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/81519057be175dbb7178f011a8bca7d553a44c7c98094b46dc8e2bcec7cddd84.jpg"> Submarine Swaps erleichtern die Verwaltung der Liquidität dieser Lightning-Knoten. Sie können dabei helfen, eingehende Liquidität zu erhalten und Kanäle wieder aufzufüllen, wenn die Kapazität erschöpft ist, oder Tageseinnahmen in On-Chain Bitcoin umzuwandeln, um diese in Eigenverwahrung zu schützen. Das Hauptproblem bei den verschiedenen Schichten im Bitcoin-Stack besteht darin, dass Transaktionen zwischen On-Chain-Bitcoin-Adressen (L1) und Off-Chain-Lightning-Adressen (L2) nicht direkt kompatibel sind. Man kann nicht einfach eine Lightning-Transaktion an jemanden senden, der Lightning nicht verwendet, sondern "nur" Bitcoin, oder umgekehrt. Diese Trennung schafft eine Barriere zwischen der Bitcoin-Blockchain und den Layer 2 Protokollen. Submarine Swaps ermöglichen den direkten Austausch von Vermögenswerten zwischen Bitcoin (L1) und dem Lightning-Netzwerk (L2). Submarine Swaps sind eine spezielle Art von Atomic Swaps, die ohne Verwahrungsrisiko oder Counterparty Risk durchgeführt werden können. ### Atomic Swaps Atomic Swaps wurden eigentlich erfunden, um den Handel von Vermögenswerten zwischen zwei Blockchains mit unterschiedlichen Coins durchzuführen, heute bekannt als On-Chain Atomic Swap. Ein Beispiel wäre der direkte Austausch von Dogecoin oder Litecoin mit Bitcoin. Mit der Entwicklung und Einführung von Layer 2 Protokollen wurden Atomic Swaps schnell auch für Off-Chain-Transaktionen verwendet, ergo Off-Chain Atomic Swaps. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/297b4ca0897b40b0df35980e1a1247b8c1ff64a82a003574ee484908113b98d1.gif"> Was bedeutet dies in der Praxis? Ganz einfach dargestellt nehmen wir an, Person 1 und Person 2 wollen Bitcoin gegen Lightning-Bitcoin eintauschen. Person 1 hat einen bitcoin und bevorzugt 100.000.000 Sats im Lightning Netzwerk (🔗➡️⚡), da sie oft viele kleine Transaktionen tätigt, Person 2 hat 100.000.000 Sats im Lightning Netzwerk und würde gerne in On-Chain-Bitcoin tauschen (⚡➡️🔗), um ihr Erspartes in Selbstverwahrung zu verschieben. Wir nehmen auch an, dass Person 1 und Person 2 keine Lightning-Nodes oder Apps besitzen, die diesen Vorgang für sie automatisch übernehmen, es soll hier einfach die Transaktion verdeutlicht werden. Um den Austausch durchzuführen, erstellt Person 2 zunächst eine Geheimzahl, einen Wert. Aus diesem Wert generiert sie dann auch einen Hash und sendet diesen Hash an Person 1, ohne den verborgenen Wert zu teilen. Dann erstellt Person 2 eine Transaktion und sperrt 100.000.000 Sats. Diese Sats können nur auf zwei Arten entsperrt werden. Entweder kann Person 1 mit Hilfe des ihr bekannten Werts die Sats einfordern, oder Person 2 kann ihre Sats nach Ablauf eines festgelegten Zeitraums (Anzahl von Blöcken) wieder zurückholen. Im Moment können weder Person 1 noch Person 2 die Sats beanspruchen, da Person 1 den geheimen Wert nicht kennt (nur den Hash), und Person 2 kann die Sats nicht beanspruchen, da der Zeitraum noch nicht verstrichen ist. Diese zeitlich beschränkten Verträge nennt man Hash Time-Locked Contracts (HTLC). Gleichzeitig erstellt Person 1 ihre Transaktion, die einen bitcoin sperrt. Der in dieser Transaktion gesperrte bitcoin kann auch wiederum nur auf zwei Arten eingefordert werden. Entweder kann Person 2 mit Hilfe des bekannten Werts den bitcoin einfordern, oder Person 1 holt sich ihren bitcoin zurück, nachdem der festgelegte Zeitraum verstrichen ist. Beide Parteien haben also ihren jeweiligen Gegenwert für sich selbst gesperrt und für den anderen freigegeben, aber nur solange die Transaktion von beiden Seiten (in dem festgelegten Zeitraum) durchgeführt wird. Denn in dem Moment, in dem Person 2 den bitcoin einfordert, stellt sie Person 1 auch ihren geheimen Wert zur Verfügung, sodass sie die 100.000.000 Sats ausgezahlt bekommt. Für diese Transaktion zwischen zwei Parteien bedarf es keines Dritten. Lediglich die genutzten Smart-Contracts begünstigen diesen vertrauenslosen Handel, einen Atomic Swap zwischen dem Bitcoin-On-Chain und dem Bitcoin-Off-Chain-Lightning-Netzwerk. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/17bc1255123e24109bdbd5d224c42e11283bb287b334fb29a03d8076dd98f5ca.gif"> ### Zurück zu Submarine Swaps Ich möchte nochmal hervorheben, dass es sich um eine sehr vereinfachte Darstellung der Funktionsweise handelt, allerdings wollte ich auf abstrakte WEise erklären, wie diese SmartContracts funktionieren, ohne auf dem gleichen Protokoll zu laufen. Was bei Lightning-Lösungen zu Reibungen führt, ist das Verwalten von Kanälen, denn diese können aufgebraucht werden oder müssen neu ausbalanciert werden, wenn Nutzer//innen überwiegend Zahlungen empfangen oder versenden. Die größten Einschränkungen der aktuellen Lightning-Implementierung stellen das Öffnen und Schließen dieser Kanäle dar, da es dafür Transaktionsgebühren bedarf und eine gewisse Menge Bitcoin eingefroren wird, um einen Kanal zu öffnen. Dies bedeutet, dass ein Problem zwischen Lightning und On-Chain Bitcoin darin besteht, Gelder in und aus den beiden Umgebungen zu bekommen, ohne Kanäle öffnen und schließen zu müssen (um Kosten und Zeit zu sparen). Des Weiteren können Kanäle aufgebraucht werden, wenn Zahlungen hauptsächlich abfließen und es müssen neue Kanäle geöffnet werden, um die Nutzung fortzusetzen, obwohl im Wesentlichen unbegrenzte Transaktionen innerhalb eines Kanals gesendet werden können, solange die Netto Ein- und Ausgänge relativ stabil bleiben. Die Verwaltung von Kanälen kostet On-Chain-Transaktionsgebühren und ist umso teurer, wenn der Mempool voller ist, als Johnny Depp nach der Trennung, was es unbequem, ineffizient und teuer macht, mehrere Kanäle wiederholt zu öffnen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/c40ef1a0669d1b43ac4bff65c1e2e5cf1c99e1e26563a4d8da800df90f26760c.jpg"> Submarine Swaps ermöglichen es, On-Chain Bitcoin in Off-Chain Bitcoin (🔗➡️⚡)- oder umgekehrt (⚡➡️🔗) - umzuwandeln. Sie basieren auf der gleichen Art von Bitcoin Smart-Contract wie Atomic Swaps, HTLCs, da diese sowohl On-Chain- als auch Off-Chain-Transaktionen umfassen können. Der Vorteil bei dieser Lösung liegt darin, dass HTLCs auch bei der Verkettung von Kanälen und Zahlungen verwendet werden und somit das Hauptkonstrukt für den Geldtransfer über das Lightning Netzwerk bilden. So wird Nutzer//innen und Wallet-Anbietern ermöglicht, Gelder vom Bitcoin-L1-Netzwerk direkt an das Lightning-Netzwerk oder andersrum vom Lightning-Netzwerk an das Bitcoin-L1-Netzwerk zu senden, ohne einen Drittanbieterdienst zu nutzen. Damit bergen Submarine Swaps kein Counterparty Risiko und können ohne zusätzliche Barrieren wie Hintergrundprüfungen oder vertragliche Vereinbarungen durchgeführt werden. Entweder tauschen die beiden Parteien erfolgreich ihre Vermögenswerte aus, oder der Tausch findet nach Ablauf des festgelegten Zeitraums nicht statt. Aber zu keinem Zeitpunkt ist eine der Parteien in der Lage, mit den Einlagen der anderen Seite davonzukommen. <img src="https://blossom.primal.net/99b53dee76794afe26e257118550e3a164a72b31514e6464514a46022533dac0.gif"> Die im Submarine Swap verwendete Form von HTLC-Smart-Contracts nennt man auch Swap-Provider und kann von einem Drittanbieter verwaltet werden, ist aber ein Smart Contract auf der Blockchain.Bekannte Implementierungen von Submarine Swaps direkt ins Endprodukt sind Lightning Wallets, wie Muun oder Breez. #### Muun Die Muun-Wallet ist notorisch dafür bekannt, eigentlich kein "echtes" Lightning-Wallet zu sein, denn alle Guthaben werden On-Chain in der Blockchain verwaltet. Die Muun-Wallet öffnet keine Kanäle für jeden Nutzer und verwendet stattdessen Submarine Swaps für Lightning-Zahlungen, was bedeutet, dass jedes Mal, wenn gesendet oder empfangen wird, eine On-Chain-Transaktion durchgeführt werden muss (und somit auch On-Chain-Gebühren anfallen). Dies bedeutet auch, dass Muun erstmal in Vorkasse geht, um schnelle Zahlungen aufrecht zu erhalten und ggf. Lightning-Zahlungen auf eine Blockbestätigung warten müssen, wenn Muun entscheidet, dass diese Transaktion ein zu hohes Risiko hat, unbestätigt ersetzt zu werden. Der Vorteil dieses Ansatzes liegt darin, dass ein einheitlicher Kontostand dargestellt werden kann, der sowohl On-Chain- als auch Lightning-Transaktionen ermöglicht. Allerdings ist es nicht besonders einleuchtend, warum man sowohl L1 und L2 in einer Wallet verbinden muss, vor allem, wenn es bedeutet, dass sowohl Anbieter als auch Kunden potenziell höheren Gebühren ausgesetzt sind. #### Breez Ein weiterer Lightning-Wallet-Anbieter ist Breez. Auch hier werden Submarine Swaps genutzt, allerdings nur um Liquidität zu erzeugen. Denn obwohl L1-Bitcoin Zahlungen in Breez gespeichert werden können, bietet die Wallet die Möglichkeit, On-Chain-Bitcoin-Gelder über Submarine Swaps auf die Lightning-Wallet zu verschieben (🔗➡️⚡). Submarine Swaps werden in erster Linie verwendet, um eine einfache Benutzeroberfläche bereitzustellen. Das ermöglicht Breez vor allem auch, weniger Kanäle für seine Nutzer zu verwalten. --- Das Lightning-Netzwerk, aber auch alle andere Layer 2 Lösungen, sind unabdinglich, wenn es darum geht Bitcoin als Zahlungsmittel möglichst reibungslos, benutzfreundlich und vorallem günstig zu gestalten. Allerdings besteht immernoch ein Reibungspunkt zwischen L1 und L2 und dem verschieben von Geldwerten zwischen diesen beiden Schichten. Submarine Swaps sind eine Methode diese Reibung zu verringern, da sie Entwicklern die Möglichkeit bieten benutzerfreundliche Konzepte umzusetzen, die es ermöglichen Lightning-Wallets und -Services so zu programmieren, dass dem/der Nutzer//in der Transfer von Aggregatszuständen nicht bewusst wird. Natürlich besteht auch die Möglichkeit diese Swaps selbst durchzuführen. Dafür gibt es viele Dienste, mit denen man einen Handel (Swap) durchführen kann. Einige Anbieter können sogar genutzt werden, um ein wenig Profit zu erzielen, denn manche Anbieter lassen sich Vorabliquidität in Form von On-Chain Bitcoin etwas kosten. 🫳🎤 --- In diesem Sinne, 2... 1... Risiko!‌ 

@ 000002de:c05780a7

Apparently the Prime Clown in Canada is stepping down. Apparently the Orange Man beat the democrat machine. Are "we" winning? No. I've had the illness of following politics for most of my life. I have never been less invested but I continue to see people missing the point. Several years ago there was an effort in California to remove Gavin Newsom from office. They call it a recall in the state. When I hear people talk about Biden, or Newsom, or whoever you would think that all we need to do is vote the bum out and we are on the right path. That's way off. Trump's election isn't the goal but rather a sign of a minor shift in the culture and influence. A mistake I see over and over again is focusing on the personalities. The puppets. The men. As if they are the problem. The problems are so much deeper. It's the culture, the programming, and the puppet masters. The problems are upstream of politicians. Remove one and another will replace them. I don't so much care that Trump is less bad that Biden. Its that people make the mistake of focusing on the flag being blown by the wind than the wind itself. The politician is simply a result of many other more important factors. Politicians work under an incentive structure that rewards promising things they cannot deliver. Even things that are not possible. Their only accountability is the voters and donors. The donors get what they want and the voters usually are to uninformed or dumb to realize what is going on. When they do realize it the other team is so demonized they either stick with their team or just don't vote. The longer I look at democracy and the modern state the more absurd it appears to me. It's not that the men are bad or the government in power is bad. It's the whole incentive structure. There are almost no negative consequences pushing against this nonsense. I have heard it said that the default view of political figures should be that of the tobacco executives. Today I think it should be the view of the medical insurance CEOs. The default view. There are exceptions but they are rare and work in spite of the system. The solution is freedom and voluntary interaction. Removing the monopoly state. Remove the monopoly on violence. It would not be a utopia but IMO the incentives would be better. The culture we create and the choices we make each day are making an impact. Remember that the flag doesn't control the wind. The wind controls the flag. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839442

@ 513d5051:8a622026

Can someone please give me access to the API keys? I'm trying to build an app that will interact with SN but I can't generate the keys, it told me to ask for permission here. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839325

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

I'm putting some notes down, so I don't forget what happened in this game come podcast time. This is most people's anticipated NBA Finals match up. The Thunder are still without Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, while the Celtics are fully intact. The game was neck and neck for a while. It felt more like a Celtic (game: slower, low intensity) and the Celtics did build a little lead that they held for a while. I was wondering why OKC wasn't playing with their normal defensive intensity and thinking they need to go back and watch how Miami was able to repeatedly dominate Boston in the playoffs. But then, OKC flipped the switch and were all over Boston: forcing turnovers, chase-down blocks, deflecting balls, etc. Final score: 105-92 OKC Takeaway: OKC is not the team Boston wants to play in the Finals originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839260

@ 5d4b6c8d:8a1c1ee3

It's officially the off-season for the Silver and Black. After several teams shot their draft position in the foot, the Raiders will be picking 6th. That's high enough to try to trade up for one of the QB's, but I expect it won't be easy to pry those picks away from Tennessee or Cleveland, nor will it be easy to leap frog the Giants. So, let's see who we can get at 6th. # Mock Draft 6th Pick: DT Mason Graham 37th Pick: QB Jalen Milroe 68th Pick: WR Elic Ayomanor 73rd Pick: OT Grey Zabel 107th Pick: RB TreVeyon Henderson 142nd Pick: CB Mello Dotson 179th Pick: OG Jaeden Roberts 212th Pick: S Dante Trader Jr 216th Pick: QB Will Howard 222nd Pick: DE Kaimon Rucker In lieu of a top QB, I'm going BPA with the first pick. The Raiders defensive line dramatically over-performed this season, considering the unbelievable injuries. Mason Graham will round out a line that also starts Maxx Crosby, Christian Wilkins, and Malcolm Koonce/Tyree Wilson. I hope we can keep the interim D-line coach, because he's done a great job and unearthed some promising rotation level talent. For QB, I ended up going with the "heir and a spare" strategy. There's a lot of uncertainty around Milroe, so I took a flyer on the Ohio State QB in the 7th. The nice thing about having a competent high-end backup QB already is that drafting a day 1 starter isn't urgent. The Raiders can swing for the fences. Otherwise, the focus was upgrading the offense and filling in depth on defense. originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/839218

@ 513d5051:8a622026

[Raspberry Pi 5 8GB RAM](https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Pi-8GB-SC1112-Quad-core/dp/B0CK2FCG1K) + [Freenove's Hexapod Robot Kit](https://www.amazon.com/Freenove-Big-Hexapod-Robot-Kit-Raspberry-Pi-Balancing-Recognition-Ultrasonic/dp/B08M5DXS2P/141-0005157-6932736) + [Raspberry Pi AI HAT](https://www.amazon.com/Raspberry-Pi-SC1438-AI-Kit/dp/B0D6GMXH73) + [Ollama](https://github.com/ollama/ollama) *mic drop* originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/838447

@ 3f770d65:7a745b24

New Year’s resolutions often feel boring and repetitive. Most revolve around getting in shape, eating healthier, or giving up alcohol. While the idea is interesting—using the start of a new calendar year as a catalyst for change—it also seems unnecessary. Why wait for a specific date to make a change? If you want to improve something in your life, you can just do it. You don’t need an excuse. That’s why I’ve never been drawn to the idea of making a list of resolutions. If I wanted a change, I’d make it happen, without worrying about the calendar. At least, that’s how I felt until now—when, for once, the timing actually gave me a real reason to embrace the idea of New Year’s resolutions. Enter [Olas](https://olas.app). If you're a visual creator, you've likely experienced the relentless grind of building a following on platforms like Instagram—endless doomscrolling, ever-changing algorithms, and the constant pressure to stay relevant. But what if there was a better way? Olas is a Nostr-powered alternative to Instagram that prioritizes community, creativity, and value-for-value exchanges. It's a game changer. Instagram’s failings are well-known. Its algorithm often dictates whose content gets seen, leaving creators frustrated and powerless. Monetization hurdles further alienate creators who are forced to meet arbitrary follower thresholds before earning anything. Additionally, the platform’s design fosters endless comparisons and exposure to negativity, which can take a significant toll on mental health. Instagram’s algorithms are notorious for keeping users hooked, often at the cost of their mental health. I've spoken about this extensively, most recently at Nostr Valley, explaining how legacy social media is bad for you. You might find yourself scrolling through content that leaves you feeling anxious or drained. Olas takes a fresh approach, replacing "doomscrolling" with "bloomscrolling." This is a common theme across the Nostr ecosystem. The lack of addictive rage algorithms allows the focus to shift to uplifting, positive content that inspires rather than exhausts. Monetization is another area where Olas will set itself apart. On Instagram, creators face arbitrary barriers to earning—needing thousands of followers and adhering to restrictive platform rules. Olas eliminates these hurdles by leveraging the Nostr protocol, enabling creators to earn directly through value-for-value exchanges. Fans can support their favorite artists instantly, with no delays or approvals required. The plan is to enable a brand new Olas account that can get paid instantly, with zero followers - that's wild. Olas addresses these issues head-on. Operating on the open Nostr protocol, it removes centralized control over one's content’s reach or one's ability to monetize. With transparent, configurable algorithms, and a community that thrives on mutual support, Olas creates an environment where creators can grow and succeed without unnecessary barriers. Join me on my New Year's resolution. Join me on Olas and take part in the [#Olas365](https://olas.app/search/olas365) challenge! It’s a simple yet exciting way to share your content. The challenge is straightforward: post at least one photo per day on Olas (though you’re welcome to share more!). [Download on iOS](https://testflight.apple.com/join/2FMVX2yM). [Download on Android](https://github.com/pablof7z/olas/releases/) or download via Zapstore. Let's make waves together.

@ 30ceb64e:7f08bdf5

Hey Freaks, Another round of songs I've been listening to lately. Un Sospiro slaps. Wind Tunnel hits me in the childhood. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=50A-Mssm6w8&si=OFa8UA-0o71k4ETK https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=eMnxjdGTK4w&si=STFc4APblXLEp1Ig https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=RpsN6b95DAQ&si=ixMQY5ZnyuPeum2O https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=W91-jAQ2ijM&si=MhluAXuU1v_a86yW https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=LMAhXhRsRXA&si=jo-UPFILXvZd8pS7 https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=53FDkWb7Mv4&si=lp4ikhtx39UqHzSA https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=rrYMiAoGnVg&si=ya0qnGtbwCdyQ676 https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk9Xwj0mnsI&si=OFMyBaXSO-Jyufxl https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=057A1RdssoU&si=4lueg4C8Y3ac3LCE https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ghxzLw2wRis&si=wjgwjaPOJwo6-Cu2 https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmYfnnK_Qs5hOiZazXiwEoCdg1RiUvBBv&si=X4opO4goVt2K1T4D Thanks, Hustle originally posted at https://stacker.news/items/838006

@ e6817453:b0ac3c39

## The Rise of Graph RAGs and the Quest for Data Quality As we enter a new year, it’s impossible to ignore the boom of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems, particularly those leveraging graph-based approaches. The previous year saw a surge in advancements and discussions about Graph RAGs, driven by their potential to enhance large language models (LLMs), reduce hallucinations, and deliver more reliable outputs. Let’s dive into the trends, challenges, and strategies for making the most of Graph RAGs in artificial intelligence. ## Booming Interest in Graph RAGs Graph RAGs have dominated the conversation in AI circles. With new research papers and innovations emerging weekly, it’s clear that this approach is reshaping the landscape. These systems, especially those developed by tech giants like Microsoft, demonstrate how graphs can: * **Enhance LLM Outputs:** By grounding responses in structured knowledge, graphs significantly reduce hallucinations. * **Support Complex Queries:** Graphs excel at managing linked and connected data, making them ideal for intricate problem-solving. Conferences on linked and connected data have increasingly focused on Graph RAGs, underscoring their central role in modern AI systems. However, the excitement around this technology has brought critical questions to the forefront: How do we ensure the quality of the graphs we’re building, and are they genuinely aligned with our needs? ## Data Quality: The Foundation of Effective Graphs A high-quality graph is the backbone of any successful RAG system. Constructing these graphs from unstructured data requires attention to detail and rigorous processes. Here’s why: * **Richness of Entities:** Effective retrieval depends on graphs populated with rich, detailed entities. * **Freedom from Hallucinations:** Poorly constructed graphs amplify inaccuracies rather than mitigating them. Without robust data quality, even the most sophisticated Graph RAGs become ineffective. As a result, the focus must shift to refining the graph construction process. Improving data strategy and ensuring meticulous data preparation is essential to unlock the full potential of Graph RAGs. ## Hybrid Graph RAGs and Variations While standard Graph RAGs are already transformative, hybrid models offer additional flexibility and power. Hybrid RAGs combine structured graph data with other retrieval mechanisms, creating systems that: * Handle diverse data sources with ease. * Offer improved adaptability to complex queries. Exploring these variations can open new avenues for AI systems, particularly in domains requiring structured and unstructured data processing. ## Ontology: The Key to Graph Construction Quality Ontology — defining how concepts relate within a knowledge domain — is critical for building effective graphs. While this might sound abstract, it’s a well-established field blending philosophy, engineering, and art. Ontology engineering provides the framework for: * **Defining Relationships:** Clarifying how concepts connect within a domain. * **Validating Graph Structures:** Ensuring constructed graphs are logically sound and align with domain-specific realities. Traditionally, ontologists — experts in this discipline — have been integral to large enterprises and research teams. However, not every team has access to dedicated ontologists, leading to a significant challenge: How can teams without such expertise ensure the quality of their graphs? ## How to Build Ontology Expertise in a Startup Team For startups and smaller teams, developing ontology expertise may seem daunting, but it is achievable with the right approach: 1. **Assign a Knowledge Champion:** Identify a team member with a strong analytical mindset and give them time and resources to learn ontology engineering. 2. **Provide Training:** Invest in courses, workshops, or certifications in knowledge graph and ontology creation. 3. **Leverage Partnerships:** Collaborate with academic institutions, domain experts, or consultants to build initial frameworks. 4. **Utilize Tools:** Introduce ontology development tools like Protégé, OWL, or SHACL to simplify the creation and validation process. 5. **Iterate with Feedback:** Continuously refine ontologies through collaboration with domain experts and iterative testing. So, it is not always affordable for a startup to have a dedicated oncologist or knowledge engineer in a team, but you could involve consulters or build barefoot experts. You could read about barefoot experts in my article : Even startups can achieve robust and domain-specific ontology frameworks by fostering in-house expertise. ## How to Find or Create Ontologies For teams venturing into Graph RAGs, several strategies can help address the ontology gap: 1. **Leverage Existing Ontologies:** Many industries and domains already have open ontologies. For instance: * **Public Knowledge Graphs:** Resources like Wikipedia’s graph offer a wealth of structured knowledge. * **Industry Standards:** Enterprises such as Siemens have invested in creating and sharing ontologies specific to their fields. * **Business Framework Ontology (BFO):** A valuable resource for enterprises looking to define business processes and structures. 1. **Build In-House Expertise:** If budgets allow, consider hiring knowledge engineers or providing team members with the resources and time to develop expertise in ontology creation. 2. **Utilize LLMs for Ontology Construction:** Interestingly, LLMs themselves can act as a starting point for ontology development: * **Prompt-Based Extraction:** LLMs can generate draft ontologies by leveraging their extensive training on graph data. * **Domain Expert Refinement:** Combine LLM-generated structures with insights from domain experts to create tailored ontologies. ## Parallel Ontology and Graph Extraction An emerging approach involves extracting ontologies and graphs in parallel. While this can streamline the process, it presents challenges such as: * **Detecting Hallucinations:** Differentiating between genuine insights and AI-generated inaccuracies. * **Ensuring Completeness:** Ensuring no critical concepts are overlooked during extraction. Teams must carefully validate outputs to ensure reliability and accuracy when employing this parallel method. ## LLMs as Ontologists While traditionally dependent on human expertise, ontology creation is increasingly supported by LLMs. These models, trained on vast amounts of data, possess inherent knowledge of many open ontologies and taxonomies. Teams can use LLMs to: * **Generate Skeleton Ontologies:** Prompt LLMs with domain-specific information to draft initial ontology structures. * **Validate and Refine Ontologies:** Collaborate with domain experts to refine these drafts, ensuring accuracy and relevance. However, for validation and graph construction, formal tools such as OWL, SHACL, and RDF should be prioritized over LLMs to minimize hallucinations and ensure robust outcomes. ## Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Power of Graph RAGs The rise of Graph RAGs underscores a simple but crucial correlation: improving graph construction and data quality directly enhances retrieval systems. To truly harness this power, teams must invest in understanding ontologies, building quality graphs, and leveraging both human expertise and advanced AI tools. As we move forward, the interplay between Graph RAGs and ontology engineering will continue to shape the future of AI. Whether through adopting existing frameworks or exploring innovative uses of LLMs, the path to success lies in a deep commitment to data quality and domain understanding. Have you explored these technologies in your work? Share your experiences and insights — and stay tuned for more discussions on ontology extraction and its role in AI advancements. Cheers to a year of innovation!